#not to mention how easy it is to have wild just for fun aus with aa

[anonymous-chicken-was-taken]

I think Franziska would make an awesome pirate. She just gives those vibes. Franziska von Karma the pirate queen. That would be awesome. Edgeworth would make a cool pirate. All the prosecutors would make cool pirates. So would the defense attorneys. Everyone would make a cool pirate.

I should make an Ace Attorney pirate au. Like can you imagine Edgeworth and Phoenix having a sword fight??? It's the perfect opportunity to have Phoenix show is gremlin side, too. This is a goldmine of content that this fandom has not capitalized on.

[taeyongdoyoung]

daddy's home

summary: boyfriendless, jobless and hopeless, you rush to take the first opportunity you find, which is a nanny position. but the kids are not the only ones you grow fond of... pairing: seungcheol x reader genre: fluff, smut, single dad x nanny AU warnings: kids (triggering, i know), age gap (unspecified), mentions of past cheating, abandonment issues, potential therapy, male masturbation, confessions, blowjob, kissing, eating out, protected sex (unbelievable), dirty talk, size kink, pet names (sweetheart, angel, darling, little girl), sir+daddy kink, unprotected sex (with baby-making goal), breeding kink, creampie, more kids (sorry im ovulating) author's note: this is loosely based on the sitcom the nanny in that there's a single dad with three kids but minus the dead wife trope cuz that's too depressing for my tastes word count: 4.3k

You are desperate. Your shitty boyfriend cheated on you, broke up with you and you also lost your job. So it’s been a couple of terrible weeks. Now, you would take pretty much any kind of job as long as it pays enough for you to afford food and the bills. ASAP.

Single dad looks for a live-in nanny for his three kids. Full-time with Sundays off. Contact this number for more details.

Okay, truth be told, you’ve never considered yourself as someone who is good with kids. But how hard can it be? Have you mentioned you’re desperate?

“Listen, Miss L/N,” Mr. Choi, your potential future employer starts. “I appreciate your enthusiasm but I’m not just going to hire you. I’m looking for someone with experience.”

“Well, I have a bunch of nephews, if they turned out alright under my care, then I guess that counts for something,” you chuckle.

“That’s very nice but I’m talking about professional experience. Have you been a nanny before?”

“Technically, no, but how can I get experience if you won’t hire me?”

“Touché,” Mr. Choi laughs.

“How about a trial period? Let me spend some time with your kids under your supervision and prove myself capable.”

Mr. Choi nods reluctantly.

“Well, you’re in luck since my little goblins have driven away five nannies in the past month.”

Oh, dear. Five nannies…And here you were thinking this could be an easy job.

“So, what’s one more?” you chuckle nervously and Mr. Choi shakes your hand, agreeing to give you a chance.

You are excited when meeting his kids. The eldest daughter - Chaerry is 15, very elegant and polite. You think that you’ll have no problems with her and you’ll have lots to talk about. The middle child and only son - Dino is 10, extremely mischievous and loud. You’ll definitely have problems. Finally, the youngest daughter, Elsie, is 5, she’s such a cutie but leaves a mess of her toys everywhere she goes. It’s easy to trip if you’re not careful, but nothing you can’t handle.

The trial period goes by in a flash. Dino attempts to get on your nerves by pulling pranks like hiding fake spiders in your bag and spraying your outfit with ketchup, but you accept all that with an easygoing laugh. Elsie constantly asks you to play with her toys and you need an unlimited source of ideas to keep up with her wild imagination, but it feels more like fun than a job. Chaerry is quiet and doesn’t share much at the beginning but eventually tells you about this boy at school she has a crush on. So, you count that as a success.

“I must admit, Miss L/N, I had some worries at first but seeing how quickly my kids accepted you is remarkable,” Mr. Choi shares his observations with you at the end of the trial period.

“So, am I hired, then?” you beam with excitement.

“Absolutely, yes. The kids have taken a liking to you and changing nannies so often is probably not great for them, either.”

“So true. Kids need stability and I would be happy to stick around for as long as you’ll have me, Mr. Choi,” you are thrilled not only because you will have a bed to sleep, food to eat and money to spend, but because you are genuinely looking forward to spending more time with these little munchkins.

And spend time with them you do. You're not sure what exactly it is that makes the kids warm up to you, but whatever the reason, it's working.

With Chaerry, you talk about boys and high school drama and make-up. On one occasion, she tells you something that sincerely touches you.

“Thank you for being my best friend, Y/N. I know I shouldn't keep stuff from my dad, but he can be so overprotective sometimes it's difficult to talk about...well, going on dates with boys, mostly.”

“Aww, Chae, you can tell me anything. It'll be our little secret,” you give her a wink, followed by a hug.

You're not exactly sure what the correct response here is. But you'll make sure to maintain some kind of balance - both look after her safety so that Mr. Choi sleeps peacefully at night and not betray Chaerry's trust in you.

With Dino, after the initial phase of silly pranks passes, you notice that he's become more honest and calm.

“You won't leave us like our mom and all the other nannies did, will you?” he asks you one afternoon as you're watching TV together.

You haven't asked Mr. Choi what exactly happened with these kids' mother because frankly, it's none of your business, but something is telling you they're a lot more hurt than they let on.

“I'm not going anywhere, Dino,” you promise, though really, it's up to Mr. Choi to decide that.

“Good. It would really suck if you left.”

That's a lot, coming from the kid who damaged like half of your wardrobe with all kinds of sauces.

With Elsie, another strange situation takes place due to the fact that the kid has no filter.

“Let's play family!”

“Um, okay,” you agree without thinking much.

“This will be daddy,” Elsie points at a stuffed lion plushie and then grabs a tiger plushie, “And this is you, mommy!”

“Oh, honey. I'm not your mommy,” you try to explain as gently as possible.

“But can you be? Daddy says our mommy left and has a new family somewhere else.”

Okay, that's a lot to unpack here. Though you don't think it is your place, you'll need to have a conversation with Mr. Choi, because the kids obviously have some kind of unresolved trauma...

One evening, after the kids have gone to sleep, instead of going to your room, you wait in the living room for your employer to come back from work, so you can approach the subject as delicately as you can.

“Good evening, Miss L/N. Kids go to bed?” he greets you as he takes off his coat.

“Evening, Mr. Choi. Yes, they did. I was wondering if we can have a chat. It can be a sensitive topic, I'm sure, but for the sake of the kids, I think it's important.”

Mr. Choi nods and takes a seat next to you on the couch.

“About their mother...”

“I was wondering how long it'd take you to bring that up,” he chuckles bitterly. “Other nannies wanted me to spill the tea on day one.”

“Wow, seriously?”

“It's not like it's this big secret, I just prefer not to talk about it unless absolutely necessary. My ex-wife...cheated on me and got pregnant by another man, so we had a divorce and I kept the kids, because she said she wants to start anew with this other guy, and...well, the kids said this is their home and that they won't move. So, I suppose the judge took that under consideration.”

“My God. I had no idea.”

“You couldn't have known, considering I just said I don't enjoy revisiting those painful memories.”

“Yes, of course, I only meant that...I guess it explains some things. Forgive me for saying this, but I think the kids have some kind of abandonment issues. Elsie and Dino, in particular, they seem to have a fear that I'll leave just like...well, their mom and the other nannies.”

“And are you? Leaving, I mean.”

“Not if I can help it. Mr. Choi, your kids are very vibrant and precious to me. I genuinely love my job. But I'm worried that what happened with your ex-wife affected them more than they show. Maybe you should look into therapy?”

“I will definitely take that into consideration. Thank you for your candour, Miss L/N.”

“You're most welcome.”

“What about Chaerry?”

“What about her?”

“You said that Elsie and Dino express these abandonment issues. Does Chaerry not have them?”

“She probably does, but at the moment she's too busy thinking about boys.”

“Boys? At her tender age? I don't think so,” Mr. Choi immediately goes into ultra alpha protective dad mode and you honestly find it kind of funny. And hot.

“Oh, relax, Mr. Choi. It's just typical high school drama. There's nothing to be worried about.”

He shakes his head disapprovingly.

“I'm counting on you. Does it ever occur to you how quickly they grow up?”

“I suppose it's more difficult for you. I've only known them for a few months but I think I get what you mean.”

“Yeah...How strange, it feels like you've been part of this family forever.”

You try not to think too deeply about it. He...considers you part of this family. Elsie called you mommy. Dino doesn't want you to leave. And Chaerry talks to you about boys. A topic, which girls usually discuss with their mothers. Oh, sweet heavens. Maybe, this nanny gig is becoming more than a job...

One Monday Mr. Choi texts you not to come to work this Saturday, as the kids will be spending some time with their grandparents (aka Mr. Choi's parents). However, the moment you receive the text, you're too busy trying to escape from Dino who is chasing you with a water gun in the garden. So, you somehow forget to put it down in your calendar.

Saturday arrives and poor Mr. Choi thinks you'd be in your own apartment. Finally, some peace and quiet. His parents picked up the kids early in the morning to go to the park with them so he's all alone and free to do as he pleases.

But alas, you go down the stairs of Mr. Choi's enormous house and make your way to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for the kids. However, it's too quiet. Hm, how strange. Maybe, they're not awake yet? You shrug as you pour some milk and cereal in a bowl.

Oh, you hear some noise from the living room. Is that the TV? Your curiosity gets the better of you and you enter it only to find Mr. Choi in a very compromising position. He is touching himself, watching very obscene things on the big screen!

You are on the verge of chastising your boss for doing something like that in the living room, where the kids could walk in any minute, when you remember. The kids...They're with their grandparents today. Which means that...Fuck, you're not supposed to be here. You should be at your own apartment instead of being witness to...your very sexy and very single employer taking care of his needs.

You are going to sneak back into the kitchen and wait for a more appropriate time to leave the house when you hear it. At first you think you're hallucinating but then you hear it twice. Your name.

“Y/N...please, let me-” Mr. Choi moans, his eyes closed, he is unaware of your presence.

However, he doesn't get to finish his sentence because you are so shocked that you drop the bowl of cereal, which shatters on the ground with a loud noise.

“Fuck, I'm so so sorry,” you murmur nervously as your boss finally notices you watching him.

His cheeks flushed, his lips pouting, he is the most adorable you've ever seen him. He hurries to tuck his cock back into his pants and turn off the TV.

“N-no, I'm sorry...Miss L/N, what are you doing here?”

Oh, so you're Miss L/N now...Very well, then.

“I apologize. It must have slipped my mind that the kids are with their grandparents today.”

“It must have,” Mr. Choi repeats coldly, obviously embarrassed by this situation.

You wonder if you should tell him what you heard. Would that be unprofessional? But then again, he is the one who said your name, so...what is professional anyway?

“Do you want me to leave?”

He sighs deeply.

“What's the point? You already saw me...fuck, I feel so humiliated.”

“Why would you feel humiliated? Am I so undesirable that my presence immediately turned you off?” you ask bluntly.

“That's not the case and you know it.”

“I'm not sure I know anything anymore,” you admit. “You...said my name. How is that supposed to make me feel?”

“You were never meant to hear that,” Mr. Choi hides his face behind his hands, the redness refusing to leave his complexion.

“But I did. So, what now?”

“Please, don't quit. I realize that what I did is unforgivable but...the kids care about you so much, it would devastate them to lose you.”

“I wasn't even thinking of quitting. But...are the kids the only ones who care about me?” you need to know.

“No...As it so happens, I care about you.”

“So, stop hiding from me,” you don't know where that boldness comes from as you grab his wrists and remove his hands, so you can look at his face. Fuck, he's so pretty.

“You're not...grossed out by me?” Mr. Choi blinks at you in surprise.

“Kinda flattered, actually,” you confess. “But I'd like it much better if you let me take care of your frustrations.”

“You would?” he is unable to believe his luck when you drop on your knees in front of him and take him out of his pants again, engulfing his cock with your pretty mouth. “Y/N...”

The way he says your name is enough to make you even more enthusiastic, sucking him deeper and bobbing your head to the best of your abilities. He grips your hair tightly and you make sure not a drop is spilled as you swallow his cum down your throat. You wipe off your lips and sit down next to him, unsure of what to do next.

“Mr. Choi...”

“Call me Cheol, please.”

“Cheol...may I kiss you?”

Seungcheol doesn't respond and instead kisses you passionately, grabbing your face with his hands. His tongue is exploring your mouth in ways you'd never imagined could bring so much pleasure and you can't resist the urge to sit in his lap. Somehow, against all reason, he's hard again, as you grind against him. Fuck. He's so hot and sweet and amazing you just want to make him happy. How anyone could cheat on this fine man is beyond you.

“Um...not to assume or anything, but do you have a condom?” you ask sheepishly.

“I do, yes,” Seungcheol goes to his coat and brings a package.

“I mean, don't get me wrong, I love kids, but I think we should be responsible considering this is our first time together and you already have three of your own,” you're probably talking too much but oh well. Better safe than sorry.

“No, I understand. You're totally right.”

“Will you fuck me?” you inquire.

“Here? On the couch?” Seungcheol is in disbelief.

“Well...you were touching yourself here, but I guess it's whatever. Your home, after all.”

He chuckles, suddenly embarrassed again.

“Come on, let's go to my room.”

Seungcheol offers you his hand and you follow him upstairs excitedly. Is this really happening? Are you seriously going to do this with your boss?

He lifts your chin up because he notices you're not meeting his eyes out of nervousness.

“Look at me,” he commands you easily and you're on the verge of falling apart and he hasn't even undressed you yet. The power this man holds over you... “We don't have to do this if you're not ready.”

“It's not that. I do want this. It's just...I don't remember if I told you but I was also cheated on. A little before I came to work here. And like, I haven't been intimate for a while, so I'm nervous. What if I mess something up?”

“Okay, first of all, give me that asshole's address, I just wanna talk. And second of all...darling, I haven't been intimate since way before my divorce took place. Trust me, I'm a lot more nervous than you right now.”

You shake your head.

“Whatever you do, I'm sure I'll find it like super hot.”

Seungcheol laughs and tilts his head, kissing you again.

“You're so cute,” he whispers against your mouth. “I can't wait to ruin you.”

And just like that, it's as if a switch is flipped. He pushes you onto the bed and leans above you menacingly, a devilish smirk painting his pretty face. Seungcheol pushes your dress up hurriedly, touching you all over.

“You really thought you could get away with it, huh? Walking around my house in those dresses of yours looking so sexy? Tempting me?”

“N-no, s-sir,” you murmur, not knowing where the title is coming from.

“God, I'm such a cliché. An old man unable to resist the gorgeous young nanny...”

“You're not old, sir,” you try to reassure him. You're not sure if he's just engaging in dirty talk or is actually having some insecurities. He's still young in your eyes. Whatever the case, you're there for him.

“Don't lie to me, sweetheart. I'm too old for ya...I have three kids. What do you have, hm?” Seungcheol speaks while caressing your pussy through your panties.

“I have you, sir,” you smile and palm his dick teasingly.

He sighs wistfully and buries his head between your folds, licking and teasing until you're a soaking mess for him.

“S-sir, p-please...C-cheol, don't stop,” you cry out helplessly.

It feels so good, too good. He holds you down, hands gripping your thighs as you cum against his tongue. He barely gives you any time to recover as he rolls up a condom on his cock. You stare at him hungrily, impatient to have him inside of you.

Seungcheol is like the drug everyone warned you about. Once you have him, you won't be able to quit.

“Are you ready?” he asks softly in sharp contrast with his previous behaviour.

“Please take me, Cheol,” you would beg if you had to.

And take you he does, entering you deeply with his big cock.

“Fuck, you're so tight, barely fitting me in,” he speaks, stroking your clit in circular motions with his thumb, while he fucks you harshly.

“It's okay, I won't break, sir,” you try to convince him.

“What if I want you to break, little girl?” Seungcheol inquires, his voice half-joking, half-serious, as he.

“Then, I'd be happy to serve you, daddy,” the word slips from your lips before you could think twice about it.

“Daddy, huh? You need daddy to make you cum?” you are grateful he plays along instead of making fun of you in this very vulnerable moment.

“Yes, daddy, please, I'll do anything for you,” you promise in a daze.

“Cum for me, sweet girl, let daddy take care of you,” his deep voice is enough to bring you to the edge.

“Fuuuck, daddy...Cheol,” you mumble repeatedly, as white appears before your eyes.

You're shaking in his arms but it feels like flying.

“I've got you, angel, daddy's right here,” Seungcheol comforts you, as he rides out his own high, spilling inside the condom. Then, taking it off and throwing it in the garbage bin, he hurries back to you.

You make grabby hands at him and he envelops you in a hug.

“I'm here, sweetheart,” he kisses your forehead gently and you melt against his chest.

“Cheol...I think you just murdered me a little,” you laugh.

“Well, then, I better make sure I revive you, because I can't imagine my life without you.”

“Good. You ain't getting rid of me.”

“That sounds perfect because me and the kids would like you to stick around.”

“Oh God, the kids! What time are they coming back?”

“We've got time, don't worry, they should-”

“Daaaad, we're home!” you hear Dino's loud voice from downstairs.

“Fuck,” Cheol curses under his breath and the two of you hurry to make yourselves look somewhat presentable.

Once dressed and back in the living room, you can only hope that you're not too obvious about what went down. However, you can't stop yourself from glancing at Seungcheol and he's just as flustered as you.

“Oh, hi, Y/N,” Dino greets you as if it's completely normal for you to be there. As if you belong.

“How was your time with your grandparents?” you ask, trying to act casual.

“We had so much ice cream!” Elsie squeals excitedly.

“Grandma and Grandpa took us to the park,” Chaerry starts telling you about everything they did in great detail and you are glad that the shy girl you first met is becoming a confident young woman.

Elsie is asking for more ice cream but Seungcheol is explaining that it's lunch time. Dino is painting the table with mustard and honestly, that's so on brand for him...

It is funny where desperation brought you. You realize this is the happiest you've been in a while.

Later, when Seungcheol catches you alone after spending the afternoon with the kids, he asks:

“I know we kinda messed up the proper order of things, but...would you like to go on a date with me?”

“Oh! I'd love that, Cheol. Is it okay to still call you that?”

“Yeah, it's alright.”

“What about in front of the kids? I'm not sure to what point you'd like to mix professional with...personal life.”

“In front of the kids is okay, too,” he laughs, scratching the back of his head. “Actually, do you know what Elsie keeps asking me?”

“What?”

“When will you make Y/N my new mommy?”

“Yeah, that definitely sounds like something Elsie would say.”

“So, um, no pressure. But I think you're more than the nanny to me.”

“Well, I would certainly hope so. I didn't raise you, mister!”

Seungcheol can't miss the opportunity for a joke. He takes hold of your hand and places it on top of his...very hard dick.

“You raised him, though,” he whispers.

“Mr. Choi!” you hiss, scandalized. “I mean...Cheol.”

“Did you mean daddy?” Seungcheol teases you relentlessly.

“Stop it, you deviant!” you shake your head. “Fuck, you'll never let me live this down, will ya?”

“Do you kiss your boss with that mouth?” he smirks.

“Don't mind if I do,” you reply and bring your lips to his.

A year passes by quickly. You love every day of your life. Whether it'll be spending time with the kids, or going on fun dates with your boss turned boyfriend, or having mind-blowing sex with said specimen, you are truly happy with how things turned out for the best.

With one tiny thing missing.

“Cheol, can I ask you something?” you mumble one evening, as you are playing with his soft, fluffy hair.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Seungcheol turns towards you, giving you his fullest attention.

“Have you ever thought about having more kids?”

“Hmm, it hasn't crossed my mind. I already have three kids. But it depends. Is that something you're interested in?”

“Not till now. But if it's with you, I'd love to have a kid,” you confess shyly.

“Well, then, let's make you a mommy,” Seungcheol quickly makes it his mission and for the first time, doesn't use a condom.

“Yes, please, daddy, give me your cum,” you moan wantonly, as he fucks you deep.

“Take it like the good girl you are, I'll give you all I've got, fuck a baby in ya,” he grunts in your ear, sounding even more excited than you are.

“I love it, feel so full,” you whimper and can't stop kissing him. You can't believe this beautiful man is yours and wants to give you another present.

“That's right, sweetheart, I'll stuff you full of it,” he moans and releases himself inside you. Your walls clench around him, pulling him deeper, as you reach your high.

Seungcheol gently pushes the cum that's spilling out of your pussy back inside and lifts your legs up.

“Do you think it'll stick?” you ask doubtfully.

“Can't hurt to try again until it does,” he shrugs, determined to succeed.

Nine months later, as you welcome the twins into the family, you realize you've never expected to achieve so much happiness.

“You really had to outdo yourself and give me not one but two babies,” you playfully push Seungcheol's shoulder.

“Is it too late now to say sorry?” he grins nervously.

“Don't be. I'm more than satisfied. But you'll have to give me a raise!”

“I'll give you something better than that,” Seungcheol promises and pulls a diamond ring out of his pocket.

“Oh my God,” you are in shock.

“Y/N...you've given me more than I could ever hope to deserve. You started off as a nanny but you became my three kids' best friend and now, the mother of two more angels. You became my closest person, my source of joy, my sweetheart. Knowing that I can come home to you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Will you do me the absolute honour of becoming my wife?”

“Yes, of course, yes!” you say through your tears and kiss him, as he slides the ring on your finger.

“Can I call you mommy now?” Elsie peeks her adorable head behind the door, followed by Dino and Chaerry, who are all excited by the good news.

“Congratulations, Y/N!” Chaerry greets you with a hug and whispers: “Thanks for taking one for the team and making our lonely old man. happy.”

“Hey, I heard that!” Seungcheol complains loudly.

Dino jumps on the back of his dad with a loud squeal.

“You better treat her right, Dad!” the boy warns. “Or I'll ketchup your room!”

“Why do I feel like I'm the one being welcomed into the family?” Seungcheol bemoans his fate but he's never smiled wider.

“You'll get used to it,” you joke. “Come on, guys, meet your new brother and sister.”

“Hii, babies!” Elsie and Dino jump excitedly around the twins.

“Oh, they're so cute! Aren't they so cute, Dad?” Chaerry coos at the babies.

“They are, but it's too early for you to think about how cute babies are. Look at me...I already have five. Isn't it tragic?” Seungcheol keeps messing around.

“It could have been twelve or something,” you play along.

“I can't imagine,” Seungcheol cries out indignantly. But deep down, maybe he can.

The End

[alistairsmonstercafe]

Hi! Just incase you do requests, could we please have some wraith-ghost x werewolf!reader? I saw the fanart and couldn’t stop thinking about Ghost being absolutely dwarfed by their partner especially in their shift.

(And in case of nsfw, imagine ghost helping his partner through rut and getting absolutely railed by his bf half-shifted. The size difference is going crazy!)

NSFW Guiding A Shadow

NOTICE Male Werewolf TOP/DOM reader

CHARACTER BOTTOM/SUB Wraith Ghost

CW Scent Kink, monster fucking, size kink, werewolf rut, slight blood (just mentions of you scratching him accidentally with claws), mentions of poly relationship with 141 (so no cheating they all bang each other like horny rabbits)

ADDITIONAL I don't mind Fem/Fem aligned readers reading but don't feel insulted/complain that I strictly don't do Fem reader, not my cuppa tea mate.

INSPIRATION @/Bluegiragi Monster AU on Twt and Tumblr

NOTE Sorry for my sudden absence a while ago... Cough.. I think in my little adhd brain I had a fit of hyperfixation and just burnt out as easy as I came.

When you had first arrived in the helicopter, the moment Ghost had caught even a whiff of a tail, he groaned. Another werewolf? Albeit larger. But after Soap was just as recent? He prayed you weren't like him.

Well. Hoped.

He looked at you what could only be assumed from under his balaclava was a scowl. Eyes looking you up and down with a harsh crease in his eyebrows. Furrowed and judging as you walked off the plane.

Training would never be fun with a werewolf, that was for sure with their size, and with you? Many dwarfed in comparison. You were not as bulky as Soap, persay, but damn, you were built. Decently thick legs and a height that towered over many, even Ghost. Fur upon different parts of your body and decently groomed might one say.

And after hitting it off with Soap (as he wished wasn't expected,) he was yet then assigned with the task of watching over you. The likes of you, of which, while quiet, seemed to be influenced by Soap that he, Ghost, was not as scary as he turned to be. No matter how many growls or warnings of what he could do to you, you never seemed to be phased. And just as Soap had wiggled into Ghost's heart, who said it could only hold one?

You had seemed to wedge your way into that dark depth he called a heart. (As how he always described it, but nobody ever believed him.) And he seemed to accept you more. React less to your energy and simply nod. The best you could ever get you supposed. But who could complain? Not you, thats for sure.

The real kicker had been training day. It was you, Gaz, Ghost, Soap, and Price gearing up for what was meant to be a casual spar. Soap seemed ecstatic at a new man who could keep up to his size, and even challenge him. Price and Gaz could only agree to see how this would play out.

But Ghost? His eyes never left you. Narrowed and watching. What would your werewolf form look like? Were you smaller, or bigger then Johnny? Did you go just as wild as Johnny did on a full moon, more or less?

There were many unexplained questions, many both answered and many forgotten in a series of minutes as he saw your form.

That shouldn't have explained the sudden tent in his pants when he saw your wolf ish form panting over Johnny's, teeth playfully bared and a paw like hand keeping Johnny firmly planted into the floor as he surrendered.

That shouldn't have explained the sudden burning arousal in his core.

That shouldn't-

But it did.

And all Ghost could do was excuse himself for the restroom. Undoing his belt with whisps of smoke practically fighting to not let lose on his forearms. Muttered curses of mild frustration as he groaned and let out his cock, freeing it from his boxers as he bit his glove hard and stroked it. He couldn't let anyone know how much this affected him.

His mind foggy and desperate in both a want of release and mild curiosity, Ghost wondered how you'd feel. Hell, he was aware he'd only been interested a few times in his life, few one night stands, few casualties here in there in the squad.. But there was something about giving the control to someone who didn't always have a human form for the night made him curious.

Apparently curious enough to cum on his hand, breathing heavily as he was pulled from his high with a knock on the bathroom door.

"Hurry it up Lt, lads eh waitin' for ye." Soap grumbled, the sound of him walking in and turning on the tap was quiet.

"Out in a minute." Ghost could only reply, pulling up his boxers and zipping up his pants. He wiped down everything and pushed the stall door open to see Soap leaning against the sink with a raised brow, looking a little bruised.

"Look a little bruised there, Johnny."

Soap scoffs and shrugs.

"Tha' lad did aye number on me. Accidently broke the lads phone, but for a wolf of tha' size, I'd guess his family wasn't small either."

Size. Back to the size, practically forgetting about the fact your phone broke and Ghost was reminded when his mind briefly drifted back to your size, large and imposing an-

"Ghost to earth. Ye there or did ye ascend to high heaven to meet the queen?"

"I'm here, I'm here. Just had a thought."

"About a certain little wolf?"

"Shut your trap." Ghost had looked away as he was snapped from his thoughts once more, brushing past Soap as he reached for the door.

"You can do that a later day." Soap hummed. Watching Ghost leave with a cheeky grin.

Later that day, in the mess hall you were seen chatting idly with the squad, complaining on the cafeterias shitty meat options as everyone could only ever agree.

"I'm tellin' you guys, how can you even eat this shit? Tastes worse then a dog's ass." You groan, poking at the slice of supposed ham.

"An' how do you know what a dog's ass tastes like mate?" Gaz teases quietly, before getting a firm smack on the head by Soap.

"Look at us mate. We ain' exactly the people you wanna ask when knowing that of all things."

Gaz shrugs and gives a laugh. But you seem to pay no mind to their conversation, your eyes scanning around for Ghost. It had been a while since he was supposed to meet with the rest of you for dinner.

"I think I'm full, I'm gonna go look for Ghost, alright?" You mention quietly, and the rest nod, but Price seems to have an idea and shrugs, looking to the side.

Walking through the halls you pass by a calander, January 24. January 24? Why did that seem so familiar? It wasn't a birthday or a meeting, so you shrugged it off. A broken phone wouldn't serve you any good either. And you didn't feel too off aside from a few aches from today's spar.

But when you knocked on Ghost's door, a scent hit your nose like a truck. And a few soft groans was enough to let you know what was happening.

"Ghost?" You called out quietly, unsure to knock again.

"Can I come in?" You ask, even while fully aware of what's happening, leaving your tail wagging and your mouth almost salvating, you hold respect as you grip the door knob.

But when a strained voice of "come in", is spoken, you almost quickly push open the door. Seeing as Ghost lays on his back, two fingers stuffed into his hole as he looks up at you with a dazed expression.

"Interested in helpin' your superior out?" He groans, head falling back a little as his fingers press near a spot inside him.

And you can easily feel the strings of your restraint tear, the scent of him so aroused, so wet, so perfectly presented for you makes your instincts practical drool. A perfect position for a mate, and a perfect way to start the spring season.

You quickly find yourself on top of him, face buried in his neck as you lap at the scent, tongue licking where it can while your hand finds its way to his mouth. Shoving it in whilst he gives a muffled whine on them. But you know it's hard to restrict yourself in the confindes of a more human then wolf body. And it's almost like a silent plead to be allowed to switch as you look up at Ghost and whine, rutting your cock against his thigh.

"Fuckin' hell.. You have my permission. Go wild." Ghost whispers as he tugs you in close by the collar. And that enough is able to grow you around 4x in size. Clothes easily removes and teared off as your cock lays heavy against his thigh, as you continue to rut, and your fingers have long replaced his in his hole as you pump in and out, stretching him on your thick fingers as your long tongue finds its way up and down his body.

"F-fuck that tongue..!" Ghost moans out, back arching into your touch as the thickness of your fingers, your tongue, and heavy cock all feel like so much on him, and he loves it. Craves it even. And it's when you remove your fingers, in that brief moment he knows he's going to not be able to move for quite a bit after that.

And the stretch is even better. The thickness of your cock at the tip pushes in and burns delightfully, filling him up as you drag it down until it reaches near the base. But not entirely to leave room for the knot soon later. A slow paced easily turned into Jackhammering as you snapped your hips quickly into place after bottoming out in him, your claws digging into his thighs and hips causing mild drips of blood that Ghost couldn't care more about and flipping him over onto his stomach to reach deeper positions, and seeing a small tummy buldge hidden beneath as you place your free hand under it, making his whispy shadows go rampant on his body, his shadows shakily wrapping around the fluff of your neck to pull you in, mumbling praises. "G-good fuckin' boy- Oh fuck! So-.. So good fuckin' your lieutenant like a good pup-!"

It makes your tail wag faster and your mind run rampant on breeding the man below you, as you feel your knot built up.

All the sensations make Ghost jolt, moan, squirm, and whine. But the size and stretch is so worth it, and he wouldn't have werewolf cock any other way.

[padawansuggest]

Okay so I want to make an arranged marriage AU for Obi-Wan/Jango. But like. Instead of it being all ‘neither of us want this’ it’s a contract that they both willingly signed and honestly it was obsession at first sight.

Lemme explain.

See, Stewjon (ruled by King Yoda and his mess of adopted kids, so adoption is very common on the planet and they don’t even mind that Prince Jango already has kids) is a peaceful little world that cares about arts, parties, and farming. It’s a mixture of fun and practical. Most Mandalorians think it’s kinda shallow, but fun for party weekends to run off to. A lot of New Mandalorians that still hate the republic send their kids off to school there.

Obi-Wan is 25 minutes late to the meeting and Jango is all ‘you know what, I can handle not having to entertain him, clearly he’s got better things to do Lmao, this marriage will be easy’ and then the next minute someone flings open the meeting room doors, and you can just SEE Prince Qui-Gon’s face fall. He’s been toting the qualities of his baby son for the whole time they’ve been there, talking about the art degrees the kid has (Obi likes painting and sculpting in canon okay) and Jango is all ‘that’s great, he can paint his own wedding armor I’m sure it’ll be lovely’ and about how Obi-Wan is great with kids and loves to read ‘that’s great, he can entertain my father AND son at the same time’

And then the door slams open, and in comes a wild looking Xanatos, physically dragging a snarling young man who’s trying to bite through Xanatos’s wrist.

‘DAD HES TRYING TO REMOVE MY HAND’

‘Oh my. He’s not normally so… violent.’

‘THATS A FUCKING LIE AND YOU KNOW IT’

Anyways, Obi-Wan is eventually soothed into submission when Jango, who can’t stop laughing, asks if Obi-Wan really finds him so distasteful, cause he can just leave if so. Obi-Wan, after pulling his slightly bloody mouth off his brother’s arm with an air of dainty sweetness, just licks his chops and mentions Xanatos told him the Mandalorians would take away his pet Varactyl because they wouldn’t want Boga running around the city.

Jango just laughs even harder and tells him he can have whatever big dangerous pets he wants to. Obi-Wan gets up to go meet his new future husband and inform him that he would like a nexu. Jango says yes but also gifts him a new virodagger that makes Obi-Wan squeal about how pretty it is.

Jaster expected them to leave the planet with a very tenacious plan for breaking off the marriage but instead Jango is sighing lovingly and telling his new beloved that they shan’t be parted for much longer. Lovesick strill pups at first sight.

[distant--shadow]

The witch and the widow chapters 1-4 author’s notes

Ok, so first off I feel I gotta preface this by saying I am absolutely not a history buff. Kinda the opposite of one really. I was one of less than 10% of the kids in my year of 300 or so that didn’t take history at GCSEs, mostly caus a subject taught and based around names and dates etc is the definition of something not suited for my type of brain, also I hugely lost interest in it caus we moved past the fun trebuchet eras and all that real fast and it became of slog of me falling asleep in lessons caus I had a teacher whose method was putting on movies and shutting the blinds (I’d always fall asleep and he was later jailed for being a p*edophile, so that’s a thing.) Anyway, all that to say I’m not good at this shit, but as ive gotten older I have taken a bigger interest in queer history in particular, and that often if not always links into other areas such as fashion, women’s rights, religion,the arts, class, and race etc. (I’m still not good at names and dates though!)

They are outfitted and arsenalled - the stones of the wall - in a manner to rival any army; tapestries of red and gold perhaps once brandished on battlefield as banners promenading around death now retired and indoor-still-air-still as taxidermy giving colour between all of the shades of metal, burnished and polished and in some cases rusting, some still purposefully left blood-stained, swords and pikes and maces arranged in wallpaper patterns as though flowers or fans, sword-sheath beams spreading from chest-plate armour suns.

Let’s start with something easy and recent. The Baron’s armoury was inspired by a few castles I’ve visited, these rooms are always so bizarre to me. I don’t know if this is at all of the time/how they were decorated or a more recent thing, but either way it’s pretty wild but I do love the visual and metaphor of it. In this one castle I found out from talking about the carpentry to an attendant that the decorative ceiling work around the chandelier above the dining room table actually hid a trapdoor - and there was other hidden doorways for passages and to secret rooms in this castle, that’s not that unusual - but this particular trapdoor was to allow for the chandeliers to be switched out. Why? Caus they had them in multiple colours of glass, and the lady of the castle liked the chandelier to co-ordinate with her dress if they were having guests round. Aint that such a flex? Definitely some food for future thought.

Aight. Clothing. So anyone that chats fic/au to me or is in my server has probably heard me yell to go watch Kaz Rowe’s videos many times. As I’ve said this fic aint meant to be historically accurate but it does kinda straddle histories, one of which being our own; so women wearing trousers and the like at this time would still be a crime, and draw a lot of attention . Imogen in men’s clothing genuinely isn’t meant to be much of a gender thing but a thing of practicality, and she has mostly lived in the countryside or in the outskirts, so she does not get into the trouble she would should she go into the towns and cities (another reason to keep away past the potential noise, but this Imogen will happily don a dress or skirts if she needs to, she’s just usually working – and maybe it’s a bonus that dressing as a man acts as a sort of flagging for any women who might be interested lol.)

I guess here I should mention how I think this version of Imogen's powers and how they’ve manifested (along with everyone else being unaware of them) will have somewhat changed her disposition and personality, it is a lot more aligned with later campaign Imogen who has more confidence and empowerment, she hasn’t been ostracised for her abilities or particularly bombarded by them, think more like when she has her circlet on, she chooses to listen in (mostly), although of course she has still heard many terrible things (and her life has still been pretty brutal but that’s to be written still).

(it’ll be really fun in this regard getting to explore and explain this version of Laudna, but early days for giving much away on that yet!)

Her skirts are full and structured and plumed by many layers of petticoats that hide the movement of her feet across the wildflower lawn, causing her to appear to be drifting like the bees do from petal to petal, pollen dusting her pleats though ghostly her skin in contrast to the fine fabrics that she dresses for the part, black in mourning, still, bodice tight and sleeve leg of mutton, an ornate decorative layer of black lace laying over each yard of textured textile like spider webs on porcelain patterns, her husband's tableware collecting dust in the kitchen cupboard.

real impractical for how tending towards practical the Lady dares to be, hands on, too busy for errant hairs in piano key ivory and ebony windswept and loose from the high bun she pins in place with a cameo broach, a memento mori engraved in silver and inlayed with ruby eyes and tied with red ribbons. Her skin also proudly displays the age and perhaps trauma that her hair does, lines from laughter and furrowed brows and the feet of the crows that cry from the top of the chimney pots

A little note as to say that Laudna’s appearance is heavily influenced by Victorian mourning wear, with some of the clothes cuts altered to be a little bit more regency and earlier in places. (her  attire is a little outdated, further suggesting her distancing from society and fashion)

A couple of days ago Imogen happened upon a bird with an injured wing, crying helplessly and rolling in circles, feathers taking flight away from the bird that could not, settling around it as it panicked itself bald-

The bird could not live without the use of its wing, and it didn’t, whether that was by Prosciutto or a fox, only its feathers were left in a pile.

Imogen had gathered them into an empty burlap sack; taken them to one of the maids downstairs to clean, repurpose them for filling pillows.

Here’s a silly little easter egg for my p(r)oof reader. Last time he visited we was enjoying a cinnamon roll from the local bakery by the city river (as you do) and a cyclist hit a seagull. It was real distressing, the seagull was distressed too. A handfull of middle aged women stood around it not wanting or knowing how to intervene as its wing was twisted at a crazy angle and it flapped about in a pile of its own feathers, there’s still bird flu about so it is wise to not touch wild birds, and as bleak as it is I was saying to freshy that a wild bird who’s wings broken like that is gonna die, and probably slowly and painfully. Some man came along and lifted up the bird to take the bird off the path and laid it to rest behind an old bridge building, I think he must have mercy killed it too as the bird was already dead when we walked past 10 or so minutes later after finishing our cinnamon roll and giving a cautious glance. So there’s a nice happy memory thrown in there for him.

what appears to be driftwood breaches the surface, then another point, then another

the water belches

Ceviche scares, whinnying as he rears onto his back legs, the Lady leaning forward and clinging to his harness. Imogen stands in her stirrups, leaning across the gap over to the black stallion, grasping his reins and cooing

“All good, boy, all good-”

What had appeared to be driftwood lands on the surface with a slap, looking like the carcass of an old boat left to rot in the muddy bed of a dock, timber ribcaged and leathered skin cladding.

A femur surfaces, followed by a jaw.

Second easter egg for the p(r)oof is a quick one (I’m such a considerate writer, I know.) On a train ride to a loch we went to for a day out there is a stop that is on another lake/body of water, and right by the train tracks (which are at water height) there are 4 or 5 old ships stuck in the mud, most of them just the frames/structures of the old boats, mostly wood and some bits of metal, but they’re pretty big boats! It really looks like whale carcasses. I’ve always wanted to get of there and check it out, and we were gonna stop by on the way back but my health being what it is was giving me some grief that day so we missed 2 trains and then soon the daylight, so hopefully next time buddy.

There’s alotta meat and gore talk and Imogen being a vegetarian without the label for such is just another way of me playing round with all of her complex feelings about what the Lady might be doing, her feelings towards Angharad butchering and nourishing the women with these communal stews and all of that. I’ve been vegetarian myself for 20 years now, and it was all triggered by an existential crisis in my mid teens (still a huge fan of leather and blood though) – Imogen greatly cares about animals, struggles with the thought of anything being slaughtered, she is in some ways more empathetic than most because she knows those she does on so much more of a personal level, really feels how someone is reacting to a situation they are in, but also because of this she knows humans are often corrupt and vile and she is spared such thoughts from animals, only knows their instincts and the love and comfort and service they bring – and yet she will obsess over the Lady’s (potential) tooling on that saddlework leather that’s really fucking brutal if she thinks about it one way and beautiful if she thinks about it another hmmm what if everything’s not black and white.

Oh, and the stew is a homage to @picturesofthegoneworlds’ pre-campaign fic Intertwined which I am lucky enough to co-parent and her writing is hugely influential on mine.

There’s a few things being bread crumb trailed here that I can’t explain in the author notes yet, but I’m looking forward to when I can. One small detail I will give away is just a silly thing about the chapter headings. They are something of significance from within the chapter, given in its ‘proper’ name – maybe someone gets access to some books to do research at some point?

anyways, thanks @astoriacolumnstaircase for enabling me. will do another post like this for future chapters if folks find it interesting.

[fandomfablesunleashed]

Unexpected arrangement

Ace x reader (she/her)

Chapter 1 of And they were roommates - Modern AU series

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

As the music was blasting through the room, people were letting loose and having a good time. The lights were dim, and the mood just right for a night of fun. In the corner of the room, Luffy was chatting animatedly, a smile plastered on his face.

“Hey,” he called out over the music. “I have a question for you.”

Curiosity piqued, you turned your attention towards him, raising an eyebrow. You weren't sure what he was going to ask, but knowing your friend, it was bound to be surprising or downright ridiculous. “Yeah, what's up?” you asked, leaning closer to hear him over the music.

“Remember how you were looking for a new roommate?” Luffy asked casually. “Any luck finding one yet?”

“Oh, that…” you trailed off, a small sigh escaping you. You hadn't had much luck finding someone who fit your criteria. “No, not yet. I'm still trying to find someone, but it's been a bit of a challenge.” you admitted, glancing around the room as if inspiration would strike from the lively crowd.

“Oh, that’s too bad.” His grin widened, and your suspicion immediately spiked. That grin was never a good sign. “But hey, I think I found the perfect candidate for you!”

Your gaze immediately turned suspicious. This was Luffy, after all. You knew him well enough to know that whatever he had in mind was probably outrageous. “Who is it?” you asked cautiously.

Before you could protest or prepare for whatever wild idea he had cooked up, he cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed, “Ace!”

The name echoed through the room, momentarily cutting through the music and laughter, drawing a few curious glances your way. You felt your pulse quicken at the mention of Ace. Across the room, Ace was engaged in a deep conversation with a few partygoers, their animated gestures punctuating the air. He was leaning casually against the wall, his relaxed demeanor exuding confidence

However, at the sound of his brother's voice, his attention was drawn towards you both. With an easy charm, Ace excused himself from the group and walked over, his eyes locked on the boy, then shifting towards you.

“You called?” he asked, a casual smile spreading across his face. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to get to the point. 

“I just found you a place to live!” Luffy exclaimed, his tone full of enthusiasm.

Ace's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's awesome! Where?”

Luffy looked over at you, a cheeky grin still on his face. “She's looking for a roommate, and you need a place to stay, right? It's a perfect match!”

Ace's eyes widened in shock as he took in what he was implying. He looked at you, realization dawning on him. You, on the other hand, were frozen in place, your mind racing with the unexpected proposal.

“Well, what do you think?” Luffy asked, his eyes moving back and forth between you two.

“Well… um,” Ace began, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly not wanting to put you on the spot. “It’s totally up to her.”

You felt your heart beating faster. The idea of living together with Ace was both exciting and terrifying. You had been harboring a crush on him for a while now, and the thought of sharing a space with him was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. You glanced over at Ace, trying to gauge his reaction.

Ace's heart was racing as well, and his mind was working overtime. He had always found you attractive; you were kind, smart, and beautiful. The thought of seeing you every day, having casual conversations, and sharing meals. It was tempting.

Seeing as neither of you spoke up, Luffy took the opportunity to push a bit further, his energy seemingly boundless. “C'mon, guys, it'll be great! You will get along just fine. Ace is a real chill dude, I swear.” He declared, his voice filled with an almost childlike enthusiasm. “And you said it yourself that you don't really want to live with some stranger.”

You took a deep breath, your mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, you knew that Luffy was right. It made sense in theory. You trusted Ace far more than you would a random stranger from the internet, and sharing a place with him was a safer option. But on the other hand, Ace wasn’t just anyone. He was the guy you had secretly crushed on for what felt like forever. Could you really handle living together with him without embarrassing yourself or making things awkward between you two?

The silence stretched between the three of you, filled only by the pulsing music and muffled laughter from the crowd around you. Both boys were watching you intently, their eyes silently pressuring you to make a decision. The weight of their gazes made you even more aware of your unease. You knew you couldn't explain your true reason for hesitating without revealing your secret crush, so you took a deep breath and gave in.

You forced a small smile onto your face, trying to look more confident than you felt. “Yeah, sure,” you managed to say, your voice surprisingly steady despite the anxious flutter in your stomach.

Luffy's face lit up with glee. “Really? That's great!” He clapped Ace on the shoulder with enough force to almost knock him off balance. “Dude, you're all set then!”

Ace looked relieved, but also a bit surprised. He didn't expect you to agree so easily, but he wasn't going to question it. “Thanks,” he said, his voice sincere. There was something in the way he looked at you—a soft gratitude that sent an unintentional shiver down your spine.

You smiled weakly, trying to mask the inner chaos you were feeling. “No problem,” you replied  trying to keep your voice steady. “I'm just glad to help out. And it's better than trusting some stranger not to murder me in my sleep,” you joke to ease your nerves.

Luffy laughed at your comment. “See, everything worked out!”

Ace gave a small chuckle, still trying to process the situation. “Yeah, I guess it did.” he muttered, almost to himself, as if trying to convince his own mind that this wasn’t a dream.

You tried your best to keep a casual demeanor, but your heart was still racing. The reality of having Ace as a roommate began to sink in, sending your thoughts spiraling in a dozen directions at once. What had you just agreed to?

As Luffy rambled on about all the fun you were going to have, your thoughts drifted elsewhere. You were still trying to process your new reality. Living with Ace. You couldn’t help but imagine all the moments you’d inevitably share with Ace now—bumping into each other in the kitchen late at night, laughing at some shared joke, or worse, awkward silences when your feelings got the better of you. How were you supposed to keep your feelings secret now?

You risked a glance at Ace, who was only half-listening to Luffy’s overexcited plans. Would he notice the way you looked at him? Would he sense how your heart raced every time he was around? With him so close all the time, it would be impossible to keep your feelings hidden for long.

But then again, you couldn't back out now. Everyone was excited, and what reason would you give to cancel the arrangement? You had to go through with it, no matter how challenging it would be for you emotionally.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to push aside your doubts and focus on the positive side of things. You were helping a friend find a place to stay, and it would also give you a chance to get closer to him. As long as you kept your feelings under control and didn't do anything too obvious, it would be fine. Right?

As the party raged on, Ace eventually found himself alone with you. He casually leaned against the wall next to you, his usual playful demeanor replaced by an unusual seriousness that immediately caught your attention. You straightened up slightly, your pulse quickening as you turned to face him.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual, almost as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear.

You felt a small jolt of anticipation, your heart skipping a beat. “Yeah, sure,” you replied, doing your best to sound casual. “What’s up?”

Ace looked at you sincerely, his gaze unflinching. “Are you really okay with all this? I don't want you to feel pressured or anything. Luffy can be quite persuasive,” he said, a slight smile on his face.

Your defenses slowly lowered as you saw the earnestness in his eyes. “I… I'm okay with it,” you said, your voice quieter than before. “I was the one looking for a roommate in the first place, remember?”

Ace nodded, seeming a little relieved. “I know, I just wanted to make sure. It's a big decision, and I don't want to intrude on your space if you're not comfortable,” he replied gently. “You seemed a bit hesitant there for a moment”

You sighed, your guard finally dropping. “I was just surprised, that's all,” you admitted, avoiding his eyes. “I wasn't expecting Luffy to just spring it up on me like that.”

Ace snorted. “Yeah, that's Luffy for you,” he said, a fond expression on his face. “He means well, but he's not always the best at considering others' feelings in the heat of the moment.”

You couldn't help but cheer up a bit as well. “You could say that again,” you said, your heart feeling slightly lighter. “But… I am okay with it. Really. I just needed a moment to process it, that's all. I've never really lived with a guy before.”

Ace’s eyes softened with understanding. “Yeah, I get it. But I promise, I'll be the good roommate. I don't complain, and I can reach the top shelf without a stool,” He grinned, the playful spark returning to his eyes.

You laughed at his jest. “Well, I guess that's a benefit,” you said, your smile widening. “I've always had to climb on the counter to reach the top.”

There was a comfortable pause as you shared a moment of laughter. Then, Ace's expression grew serious once more. “But seriously, if there's ever any issue or if you feel uncomfortable, just let me know, okay?”

Your heart softened even more. You hadn't expected such genuine concern from him. “I will,” you assured him, your voice softer than before. “And the same goes for you. I want you to feel comfortable as well.”

Ace nodded appreciatively. “Thanks,” he said, his eyes holding your gaze for a moment longer before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “So… when can I move in?”

You smiled, the tension that surrounded them was broken by his playful tone. “Whenever you're ready,” you replied. “The room is already empty”

Ace's face lit up in excitement. “Seriously? I'm ready as soon as possible,” he said, grinning. “I think I stayed on Luffy's couch long enough”

You chuckled at his eagerness. “Alright then, it's settled. As soon as you're packed up and ready to go, you can move in,” you said, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. “You have my number, so just let me know, I can even help drag your stuff up”

“Awesome!” Ace exclaimed a little too loudly, earning a few glances from other partygoers. He quickly toned down his enthusiasm, lowering his voice. “Thanks. I appreciate it,” he added, genuine gratitude in his tone. “And I'll definitely take you up on the offer to help with my stuff. Moving is a pain in the ass.”

 “No problem,” you said, hoping your voice sounded steady. “It's the least I can do after you saved me from living with a creepy stranger.”

“Yeah, I saved you from a horror movie scenario,” he teased lightly. “Consider it my roommate duty to keep you safe from serial killers and other shady characters”

You rolled your eyes good-naturedly. “Oh, my hero,” you replied sarcastically, unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips.

Ace gave you a mock bow, playing along. “At your service,” he said, a cheeky grin on his face.

Your mind still raced with questions, but one thing was certain—life was about to get a lot more interesting.

Next chapter

[restlessmaknae]

get it right [c.y.j.]

Choi Yeonjun, the cute barista at your local café, just can't seem to get your name right. It's not until Christmas that he lets you know why.

➳ Characters: barista!Yeonjun x female!reader/you

➳ Genre: fluff, romance, uni au, café au

➳ Words: 1.8k

➳ Warning: mentions of food (let me know if there are more)

➳ A/N: This idea has been in the back of my mind for so long, but it wasn’t supposed to be Christmas-themed. I hope you enjoy it nevertheless! ❤️

Choi Yeonjun was a menace. An annoyingly handsome and a blushingly flirty menace. He was also the cute barista at the local café you frequented, and he just couldn't seem to get your name right whenever you ordered coffee to go. Sometimes your name was missing a few letters or the letters were switched, but there were times when the name scribbled down on the plastic paper wasn't even close to your name.

There was no way Yeonjun couldn't remember your name because you were a frequent customer, and because he actually initiated conversations with you while he was making your drink. Since you usually got yourself a coffee in the morning before you headed to uni to study at the library (because there was no way you could study in the dorms, your roommates weren’t exactly a fan of you studying so early in the morning), there weren't a lot of people coming into the café at such an early hour, but Yeonjun was always there. Since it wasn't peak time, he was the one who got and made your order, but in the afternoon, when there were a lot of visitors buzzing around, one barista received your order and another one made your drink.

You were in luck, it seemed, that you did have some time to speak to him while waiting for your drink because he was a fun company. Maybe a bit too flirty for his own good, but you guessed that he was like that with everyone else, too. Not until your best friend, Yoojung, actually went to your favourite café for the first time, did you dare to think otherwise.

"There's no way he's like that with everyone. You see, there were some girls in front of me outright telling him how handsome he is, and he didn't flirt back! Also, I got only a smiley beside my name on the cup," she reasoned as she held up her own cup of coffee, proving her point. "And you say that you have hearts beside your name. I don't think that's a coincidence," she pointed out with a mischievous smile as she smacked your side.

"No, how can it be? He can't even spell my name right," you shook your head, but you had to admit that you were less sure about being just an ordinary customer for the boy. Could it be that he liked you? No, no way. He was just so cool, friendly, easy-going and still caring, he must have liked similarly cool girls. Not that you had low self-esteem, it's just that you were more on the introverted side, you were sometimes searching for the right words to say, and you were blushing so hard whenever he complimented you, it was wild to imagine that he might like someone like you.

"Well, maybe he's doing it on purpose," Yoojung mused out loud, resting her head on her arms propped up on a pile of books. With her, a study session never stayed just a study session, and ever since you dared to bring up Yeonjun in your conversations, she was always waiting for the updates.

"What purpose?"

"I don't know. I don't get boys."

"But you have a boyfriend," you pointed out, and Yoojung couldn't help but laugh. Him and Hendery getting together was one of the surprises of last semester, but it's not like you couldn't see the sparks. It's just that your best friend was in denial about her feelings towards him, and she couldn't take the boy seriously either.

"Hendery is a different species," she rolled her eyes yet it was in an affectionate way, and there was a certain degree of gentleness in her tone.

"Anyways, let's get back to game theory," you suggested as you flipped a page in your textbook. Your best friend grunted in response.

"Aaah, your cute barista is waaaaay more interesting than game theory."

The next time you went to the café, you tried to see if something was different in the way Yeonjun acted with others and with you. However, due to the early hour, there was only a businessman in his 50s in front of you in the queue, and he didn't flirt with the man.

"Hey there, my favourite customer!" He greeted you gleefully though, and already got a plastic cup ready.

"Whose name you still can't spell right," you teased, but there was a smile in the corner of your lips. Yeonjun faked being hurt by your words and theatrically placed a hand over his heart.

"You're still my favourite customer though."

"Alright. I guess that counts."

"It does. Not even my friends can have this title," he explained with a mischievous smile as he leaned forward, lowering his voice as if it was a secret. Though you knew all too well that some of his friends didn't even drink coffee, there were some who attended universities far away from his workplace and the others didn't frequent the café as much as you did.

"Anyways, I'll take the usual," you let him know, trying to shush Yoojung's voice in your head.

"Cool. We have a buy one, get one free discount today, so you can have two. Will you take the same for the second?"

"Well, what's your favourite drink here?" You inquired, genuinely curious. It was no surprise that he already knew your order by heart because you ordered the same pretty much every single time you came here (even on days it wasn't his shift in the morning, but the other baristas didn't know your favourite order like he did). So you were actually interested in his preference.

"Hmm I like iced lattes, but it's getting colder these days, so I usually go for a caramel frappuccino with lots of whipped cream," he explained in his usual enthusiastic voice, and the simple joy of talking about his favourite drink (or rather, you asking about it) made you smile widely.

"Then, make me one of your recent favourite drinks," you decided, and he giddily got started on it while asking about your tests coming up. Winter break was only a few weeks away, so you had a lot of studying to do for your exams, but by waking up early and going to the library to study, you were already working on it.

When you got your order, both of the cups had your name misspelled, but both of the cups had little hearts on them, too. You cracked a smile before taking your usual order and pointing at the other one:

"It's for you. Hope you have a great day!" You wished with a wide smile, and before Yeonjun could protest, you were already outside of the café. Through the windows though, you could see the boy's face lighting up as he reached for the drink and took a sip from it, content.

Well, he always made your days, so it was time to pay him back.

Yoojung, as expected, faked gagging at your gesture towards the boy, but it seemed so right in the moment. Not to mention that your best friend was even more sure by now that the boy liked you, but you weren't that sure, and it would be awkward if you misread the signs because you were such a frequent visitor at the café.

However, as you neared winter break, and you talked about going home for the holidays, you couldn't help but notice Yeonjun's lips curling downwards. You asked if he was working during the winter break since you knew that he was from around here, and he said that he was off for one whole week, but he would get back to work afterwards.

"I might be meeting friends here in early January, so I might come by," you blurted out, and it seemed like such an unnecessary piece of information that you almost told him to forget about it. However, seeing the boy's bright eyes and insanely wide smile, you didn't mind doing so.

"Really? That's cool. I'll be here anyway, you know," he tried to shrug it off coolly, but he was fighting contentment painting his lips. He looked so happy, your heart did little somersaults at the sight.

"Can't let your favourite customer miss out on coming by for weeks," you joked around, and he joined you.

"Can't let you not have your daily dose of Choi Yeonjun," he winked at you before he turned around to reach for the milk bag, but as he was pouring it into your cup, he looked up, suddenly alarmed. "Wait, is this your last day before going home then?"

"Yeah, actually, it is," you nodded, and suddenly, you realised that you didn't know what to say or do. It's not a goodbye after all, is it? However, you were coming here almost every single day for the past few months, and Yeonjun had become such a solid part of your days that you had a feeling that you would miss this, that you would miss him.

"Oh, I see," Yeonjun mumbled, uncharacteristically solemn. You got a message on your phone at this time, so you looked at it, writing back to one of your group project partners, telling her that you would be at the library in 15 minutes.

When you put your phone back into your coat's pocket and you reached for your drink, you automatically took a sip of it. You let out a content hum and Yeonjun smiled affectionately.

"Merry Christmas! Don't miss me too much," he winked at you, dissolving the earlier serious atmosphere, and you smiled back at him, thankful and a bit bashful, too.

"Merry Christmas, Yeonjun!" You wished, albeit a bit bittersweet, and there was an odd feeling taking over you as you made your way outside of the café.

As you lifted the cup to your mouth, you noticed more words than just your name on the side of the cup, and you halted in your steps to get a full view of it.

"It's my number in case you miss me too much, y/n!

P.S.: I know your name, I just wanted to have a reason at all times to talk to you"

Smiling, you immediately typed the number into your phone, sending Yeonjun a message. He replied almost instantly, teasing you if you already missed him. To which, you said that maybe you did.

After that, there was nothing that could put an end to your texts, and soon enough, you found yourself on a date with him in January because Yoojung was right; Yeonjun truly did misspelled your name on purpose.

A/N: Merry Christmas, everyone! Even if you don’t celebrate it or don’t enjoy this time of the year for whatever reason, I hope this story could bring you some joy.  ❤️

If you’re interested in more of my stories, consider signing up for my taglist HERE.

Thank you so much for reading this story of mine! It means a lot to me. ❤️

[mochiimac]

About Love 3

My head gets messy when I try to hide

The things I love about you in my mind

Pairing: Hybrid!BTS x Fem!Reader

Summary: Becoming a best selling thriller author? Part of the plan. Living in the city and isolating yourself from everyone? Part of the plan. Inheriting your late uncles home in the woods, his sassy assistant and fortune after he died mysteriously? Not part of the plan. Oh, and he failed to mention the 7 'surprises' he left you as well.  And come to think of it... was his death an accident? Or is your imagination going wild again?

Genre: Hybrid!AU

Warnings (if bolded then this chapter contains these elements) : Fluff, Hurt, Comfort, Angst, Death, Abuse, Smut, Violence, Dom/Sub, Dom/Sub Elements, Non-Con Elements, Slow Burn, Trauma,

Rating: M 18+

WC: ~6k

Tag List: CLOSED- Tumblr doesn't like my list, I'll most likely have to do the list on a separate post... I'll figure it out lol

Notes: I'm so happy to be writing again! Thank you to everyone who waited and to those who have just started to read <3

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After being thrown into a brick wall, drowned in scolding black liquid, ran over twice, and bent to the point of snapping in half did sweet mercy come to relieve the pains of the world. It just so happened to be in the shape of a large metal box. And smell like every health violation known to man and hybrid kind.

Clunk!

Y/n’s damaged phone hit the bottom of the dumpster, the loud noise nearly being lost in the dark alleyway thanks to the busy traffic of the city. The device was now gone and irreparable (which may or may not have been extremely fun to do- perhaps he has some pent up rage he should work on...) meaning it could no longer be tracked. He was oh so careful about it.

He was careful when arriving in the city, taking detours and making random stops before settling on a random alleyway with a dumpster. Despite knowing he was alone Jackson remained careful though, double checking his surroundings before exiting the dumpster and heading back into his car. It might have seemed too extreme to someone looking in, but if the knew the Spades family. Knew what they were capable of...

Closing the door with a little too much force, he leaned back in his seat and let out a long sigh. Jackson closed his eyes, feeling the freshly fallen snow slowly melt and dampen his jet black hair. His lips were pulled into a thin line, nearly sucking his teeth, as the events from the day played back in his mind. 

The day was supposed to be an easy one. Get the new heiress into the new home, help unpack, question her mini library and the knickknacks he had noticed from prior visits, then head home. Simple. Done. Takoda made this all sound extremely easy in the will. But that man could make lassoing the moon look as easy as riding a bike. He was the kind of man who accomplished what he put his mind to and didn’t hesitate. Jackson admired him for it, looking up at him as a mentor ever since he was first hired. Even now the young man wanted to strive to be like his late boss.

He really wished the old man was right there with him, to help shed light on what Takoda was up to. And what Jackson should do with the chaotic mess he was in. 

Not only does Jackson now have to worry about the Spades family but now hybrids. He never held any ill thoughts towards the beings and honestly viewed them just as he viewed humans: there were good and bad hybrids just like there were good and bad humans. Of course he found it odd that even now, so long later, they weren't given basic human rights. Hell, many places still want to keep them on leashes. He just couldn't see how they could be treated that way.

Well... maybe for one hybrid he could. Jackson scowled at the fresh memory of the shaggy brown haired hybrid that held him in that death grip. He would enjoy that one being in a doghouse, more for the sake of his injured ego than for the hybrids actions. A large part of him wanted to stay and ensure Y/n was in good hands. But judging at how they reacted to him was enough to let Jackson know she was going to be safe. His ass still hurt from the youngest canine tackling him to the ground.

‘Little shit.’

Bzz! Bzz!

His cell phone vibrated in his pocket, breaking the warm and calm atmosphere of the car. At first he was prepared to see a new number, knowing Y/n would be calling to give him her new cell phone information. However he was surprised at the name that appeared, his eyes narrowing for a moment. He really didn’t want to take this call…

But he had no other choice.

“Hello?... Hold on, what? … No, that’s not possible. I just… He what?...” He paused as he heard the new information being told to him. “... Of course he did… Alright.” The line went dead and he tossed the phone into the passenger seat. For a brief moment he stared straight ahead, allowing the new information to sink in.

He blinked. 

Sighed.

BEEEEEP!

And banged his head into the car horn.

People walking about on the sidewalk jumped and stared at the parked vehicle who’s car horn was going off for a long period of time. But Jackson didn’t care. No, at that moment only one thing was on his mind: what the hell was Takoda up to. 

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The entire drive was rather relaxing. Namjoon kept a keen eye on the road while also engaging in conversation here and there. Jungkook and Jin decided to ask you a million questions, the duo's eyes were shining the entire time. It were as though you were telling them the greatest story to ever be written, even if it was just tidbits of your life. You did try to ask them questions about their own lives as well but they would get shy and nearly clam up.

It was shocking compared to how flirty and outgoing they were most of the time. You wondered if it had to do with their files... Those manilla envelopes might be holding their history and maybe some secrets they are afraid of speaking. It was hard to ignore when Namjoon would tense up beside you; Jungkook would let his hair fall in his face and glance down; Jin's smile would freeze before he stuttered a question of his own.

Did they really think you would kick them out from what those files stated? You heart clenched at the mere idea of it. Judging with how they acted you knew they were kind, too kind for the world they were created for.

And it made you nervous thinking of all that could have happened to them while being alive.

"You have arrived!" The GPS announced as the car slowed down. You were too busy with the pack that you failed to realize how fast time had gone by. "Welcome to Unova Mall!"

There was a time where shopping centers were dying out. Online shopping had grown and become popular with how easy it was to merely pick up your device, press a few buttons, and you’d see the item within the week. It wasn’t until hybrids came to be that mall’s began a resurgence. As more and more people began to adopt they soon realized that they had no where to showcase their new adoptions; restaurants were hardly allowing hybrids in due to them being seen as animals and highly dangerous (especially the first generation of hybrids), and parks were working on regulations on whether they needed leashes or not.

 As the world shifted with the new profound creations certain businesses picked up on this opportunity; mall’s were revamped to accommodate hybrids, allowing specialty stores of all types to gather together. For some it was convenient to shop for themselves and hybrids in one go. For others it marked a great place to allow their hybrids to be seen by the world; from owning the latest generation to the rarest of breeds it was the place to go.

Personally you never shopped in malls before, never had a reason to. You preferred to get what you needed online or by running to whatever market you stumbled upon. However you knew there was no better place to complete your shopping list than the mall. Even if it made you cringe on the inside. The mere idea of being mistaken for someone who uses hybrids for clout... It left a rotten taste in your mouth.

Pulling up you could see the appeal of walking around in the large shopping center. The stores appeared to be outside but upon closer inspection you could see a glass ceiling covering all the stores, protecting shoppers from the elements. There were large and tall metal pillars placed throughout the area; units designed to heat or use AC depending on the weather. While there was a parking lot for people to park, the stores had large paved areas for everyone to walk around freely without worrying about traffic. 

“I’ve never been to a place this large before.” Jungkook whispered, gold eyes large as he watched everything from his window. The car parked itself close to the front of the main entrance.

You were taken back once more to those files, wondering what their histories were like. Even now, stepping out of the car, that logical part of your brain was alerting you that you didn’t truly know these males. And, of course, that small voice in the back of your mind was reluctant to think of them as anything less than perfect. Nearly purring at the idea of them being the best men out there.

You really hated your brain sometimes.

“Alright beautiful, where do you want to go first?” Seokjin stood next to you. He kept close, his body acting as a shield to the wind and most of the snow.

“Furniture first, it’ll be easier to get that out of the way.” You responded. You stuffed your hands in your pockets, trying to keep the cold away.

Despite being mainly outdoors, the main entrance to the shopping center could easily be noticed by the large LED 'Welcome!' screen, models posing with hybrids wearing big smiles. The screen would shift and list attractions and new sales that the stores located all around would have. The stone pathway began right where the large welcome screen was, a directory stationed right beside it to assist in finding certain stores faster.

Namjoon walked beside you with Jin and Jungkook following close behind. “Do you know what you need exactly?”

“A bit, yes. I have a mental list of everything.” You beamed at him, your eyes meeting his amber ones. “It really shouldn’t take too long. Hardly any time at all.”

“Are we going to buy things for the arcade room?” Jungkook asked with a hint of hope in his voice. It did have you grinning but you shook your head at him.

“No, at least not today. We’re going to focus on the basics today.”

"There's still hope." He whispered, Namjoon rolling his eyes as the youngest grinned at the mere idea of having an entire game room to themselves.

The minute you stepped foot on the stone pathway entrance you felt warmth engulf you. The entire area felt warm and cozy, and even smelled good: you could smell hints of something sweet in the air almost like a bakery. A nice place such as this would provide air scents to boost appeal from the customers and create a relaxing atmosphere. Even Namjoon looked calmer though he was looking around and familiarizing himself with the place. His eyes were alert on the few people walking around, body shuffling closer to you.

‘What a good alpha.’ The pesky little voice in your head swooned. You mentally stomped on it with a boot and shook your head. With a quick glance you spotted the store with ease. “The store is right over there! Hopefully they have expedited shipping.”

“Are you in a rush for a coffee table or something?” Jin quirked an eyebrow, bright blue eyes looking confused for a moment. 

“Not that, but I need a place to sleep.” You laughed as you all walked into the store. It was brightly lit and held displays for various rooms a household could have. It went far beyond what you could see from where you were standing. Glancing around you saw the bedroom area and quickly went towards it. “You guys got the bedroom since there are three of you in your pack. I’ll take another room and make it my own.” 

 You could feel a small amount of tension and turned to see the three hybrids staring at you, stone still at the entrance of the store, with mixed emotions; Jungkook looked hurt, Jin looked confused, and Namjoon appeared to be troubled. There was no telling what was going on inside their minds as you stopped mid-walk and blinked at them.

“What’s wrong?”

“That’s what we want to know? Was it the nest?” Jungkook quickly walked up to you, eyes searching yours for something that you didn’t know. “I can do better. Make it better.” Your face heated up as he knelt to your level, hands on your shoulders creating warmth and security that you hated to admit that you loved. “What did we do?”

“I- you guys did nothing,” You stammered over your words, noticing the rest of the pack gathering around you as well. A million questions rocketed in your mind, not knowing where this behavior came from. You really needed to do your own research or communicating would be nearly impossible. You could ask but you couldn't find the nerve to; you were already viewing yourself as a terrible owner for leaving them alone for months. Asking questions on basic information made you even worst in your own eyes. Stressing them out, not knowing enough about their species... you needed to do better and give them some hope in you and your abilities.

“You guys are a pack and would want to stay together, so you guys can take the master room. Since I’m not a pack member I really shouldn’t intrude.”

You could tell Jungkook was ready to argue, however a deeper voice was faster. “We understand Y/n. Thank you for thinking of us.” Namjoon gave you a soft smile, though it was a small one. His eyes seemed to be swimming through emotions that you couldn’t decode no matter how hard you tried. There was a pang in your heart at the thought of hurting them though you had no idea what you even did. If anything you were trying todo what was best for them.

As if sensing your doubts he gently took your arm and began to lead the way to the other showcases. Jin followed and offered you a soft smile as well, but just like the pack alpha’s it was small and didn’t reach his eyes. You pushed  your questions to the back of your mind as the bedroom displays came into view. Instead you focused on what you needed and went straight to the mattresses first, needing to test them out and see which one would be comfy for you. 

Namjoon and Jin did help you, making good points. Jungkook, however, not so much. He decided to full on pout and whine, hands tugging on your jacket as he tried to sway you with pitiful words. Small attempts at pointing out minor flaws (“It’s an ugly color!”) didn’t help him either. Sitting on the seventh bed, you felt like it was made from a cloud. And no pouts from the youngest hybrid could sway you.

“It feels like I’m on a cloud, I really like this one.” You sighed and leaned back, closing your eyes. “I think I’m taking this one. Scratch that, I know I’m taking this one.” Since entering the store you could feel yourself feel less tense and stressed, boy molding into the soft material. You were ready to take a nap right there and then. The mattress shifted and you cracked your eyes open to be met with a pair of gold eyes boring into your very soul. You heart nearly stopped in shock at the canines presence. You didn't even notice him near you.

“But why not just stay with us?”

Jungkook saved the puppy dog eyes for last. Large doe eyes were staring right into your soul, lower lip jutted out in a pout that could shake even the iciest of hearts. There was determination behind the adorable stunt that you could see; the sharpness in his eyes as he waited for the perfect moment to try and persuade you once again. And what better way than when you had your guard down? He was hovering over you, hands on either side of your head, knees placed on either side of your waist though not a single ounce of his weight touched you. He was holding his own weight easily, without so much as a second thought. Your cheeks heated up as you realized the position you were in and blinked rapidly up at him, trying to collect your scrambled thoughts.

Your heart hammered in your chest, nearly jumping up your throat. You willed it to be steady for your own sake. “Jungkook, we talked about this. You guys need space as a pack.” Your words were met with a frown tugging on his pout, eyes searching yours once more. But you had no idea what he was looking for. So you changed tactics instead. “Besides, I’m the worst to sleep near. I’m certain I snore a lot.” 

“I doubt that. Prove me wrong, spend the night with us. If we don’t mind then you stay.” His tone was firm, almost a command. Having him be this persistent should have made you roll your eyes and be snippy with the hybrid. But instead of feeling annoyed or even angry you felt yourself sag a little. Almost as if you were going to follow his orders, your eyes dilating ever so slightly as you stared up at him. Some type of trance seemed to take place over you, as if you were in your own little bubble with Jungkook where he was in control over everything. And somehow you were perfectly fine with that, hell you found yourself relaxing even more.

You couldn’t explain what your body was doing, you just felt the need to let go and let him take control. Maybe he was right… “Trust me, it’s best if you don’t. I-I also toss and turn all night.” You sounded weak, words spoken in a hush that not even you would have believed. 

The pout had disappeared moments ago, the moment you relaxed under him. Jungkook was now gazing at you with a small smirk and hooded eyes, the gold shining brilliantly against his dark lashes. He seemed to be in a trance himself as he slowly lowered himself closer to you. His body was a hair's width away from you now, if you so much as took a deep breath you would be pressed against him. You could feel his warmth radiate off of him, his voice dropping several octaves, almost a growl, as he spoke. “We can keep you in place. Namjoon-ah especially.” 

The next second happened too fast for you to grasp. The smallest of whimpers slid past your lips just as Jungkook yelped and disappeared from your view. It was as though the trance you were in shattered entirely and you sat up quickly, face ablaze as you looked around. Namjoon was gripping Jungkook by the back of his neck, the youngest looking almost ashamed with his head bent. Jin was reaching to slowly pull you up with sigh. There was no one else around (thankfully for you) and you nearly forgot where you were.

“Sorry about the brat, beautiful. He can be very persistent. We looked away for one moment and this happened.” His tone sounded remorseful, hands carefully pulling you up from the mattress. Those blue eyes carefully watched your face for a moment, as if waiting for something to happen. For you to do something or act out.

What even was that? You didn’t know what came over you or how it happened. Truth is you honestly didn’t want to know. Not yet at least. For now you were blaming it on your lack of intimacy. It has been quite some time since you were with someone…

Shaking your head you sighed. “It’s alright, he tried though. But I want this mattress.”

Taking note of which one you wanted, you continued down your list and got the rest of the things you needed. Namjoon kept Jungkook a bit away from you, the leader sending cool glares when he got too close. Jin was the one who did most of the talking with you, assisting you in certain items and his thoughts. An hour later and you were heading outside the store with your new belongings expected to be delivered that evening. While Jin was walking with you, Namjoon and Jungkook were following behind. The youngest was sulking while the leader was giving him a side eye. Whatever happened definitely wasn't approved by Namjoon.

'It's probably best if to keep my distance.' You thought, trying to keep some space between you and Jin. The husky sent you a questionable look that you ignored completely. You needed to get everything done before something else happens.

Next on the list was the hybrids themselves and getting them whatever they wanted or needed. You didn’t want them to feel rushed to shop, hence why you grabbed the furniture first. This ensured that they had plenty of time to browse and take a look around at whatever they needed. The store you had seen was not too far away; a mere few stores down was the famous store known for hybrids: Brand New Day.

BND was a large store that was filled to the brim with supplies for any type of Hybrid. It was a staple store in the community, being known for their amazing customer service and embracing acceptance towards all Hybrids. The four of you walked through the glass doors and towards the softer glow of lights that gave the store a warm appearance. The entire place felt like a giant hug; from the soft color scheme to the classic wooden floors. Displays scattered all around the store showcased all sorts of items, you felt lost looking around for a moment- where to even begin?

“Hi, I’m Lisa! Is there anything I can assist you with today?” A young woman approached your group, her hair glossy and as black as night. Her smile was kind, eyes meeting each person in your group. She wore an all black outfit with a beige apron, the BND logo embroidered on the front. Lisa looked relaxed and eager to help, eyes mainly trained on you since you were the owner of the trio.

You smiled back at her. “Hi, yes we need help. You see, I recently adopted my hybrids and…” You trailed off, obviously not knowing where to start. You feared you were going to look like an idiot and maybe even laughed at but the smile never once faltered. Lisa seemed to understand your predicament and give you a reassuring smile.

“I totally understand, it can be overwhelming. Especially if this is your first time.” Sliding her hand into her apron pocket she pulled out a small stack of pamphlets of various colors. “Now, what breed are each of your hybrids?”

You told her their names and their breed and she handed each one a pamphlet of different color. Jungkook had her faltering for a second, eyebrows knitting as she looked at the pamphlets. The wolfdog shifted his feet, gold eyes cast down as the seconds ticked by. Jungkook seemed uncomfortable as Lisa flipped through more pamphlets. You frowned, opening your mouth to ask what was wrong but Lisa was quick to perk up and smile at the two of you.

“Ah, here’s one for general canines and one for wolves! A crossbreed such as his is rare and while these are a good guide to buy the products you need, but Jungkook can absolutely browse and make his own selections. They all can really. These just help answer any questions you may have.” She explained, smiling gently at your group. 

It wasn’t hard to tell that Jungkook looked almost embarrassed about the whole thing. And to make matters worse he seemed to be watching your reactions, gauging how you reacted to it. Sending him a soft smile you nodded.

"Thank you for your help!" You truly meant it too; Lisa provided a warm presence and reassurance. The fear of being laughed at or frowned upon for your lack of knowledge was slowly melting away. There was something about her presence that made you feel better.

"It is not a problem, if any of you have any questions don't hesitate to ask! I'll be on the floor if you need to find me." One last cheerful smile and a small bow she made her way back to her associate duties.

The pack was looking around with wide eyes, glancing in every direction. BND certainly had a wide variety of items, which was incredible for those who had owners of different breeds, and easier to find what you were looking for. You were about to ask where they wanted to go to first but held back as you remembered how Namjoon behaved earlier; his iciness when Jungkook behaved in the furniture store was hard to ignore.

'It'll be best if I let them get their own items. Give them space.' You didn't want to cause another incident and have an angry wolf on your hands. Instead you gave each of them a small smile, ignoring the uneasiness you felt of your choice.

"Why don't you guys go and gather what you need? I'll have Lisa open a register for you to place your items as you go." Your voice was light and positive, watching their facial expressions, especially Namjoon's.

Those amber eyes met yours, the corners of his mouth turned ever so slightly down. "Actually-"

"Sounds like a lovely idea, beautiful." Jin smiled at you, grabbing his pack mates arms. "We'll gather what we need. Is there a limit on what you wish to spend?"

"No, gather what you need or want. If it can fit in the car it can be purchased. Have fun!" You quickly turned on your heel, looking for Lisa. You didn't want Jungkook or Namjoon to try to persuade you to linger. Besides you assured yourself that they would love the space to shop freely without you hovering.

Spotting the raven haired woman, you explained your plan to her: leaving the trio inside the store to shop while you ran out to get a new phone. You were vague, explaining that your previous one was damaged from being left on top of the car. Whether she believed your or not did not matter and she only smiled and promised to keep an eye on the trio while you were out.

Exiting the store you nearly jogged to the phone store located several stores down. Not too far to cause worry and only a few minutes to walk to. Once inside you got down to business, determined to finish everything up as soon as possible.

Which happened to take over an hour.

You had to close your old account and open a new one with a whole new number (you claimed you had a stalker named Jackson) and decided to add three more lines to your account. What took you the longest was picking out which color phone to give to which hybrid. It was so slow in the store that several phone service representatives began to vote for colors for each hybrid (you did have fun with that though) and settled on three new colors along with one for you.

Once they were set up, you were handed a bag and free to dash back to Brand New Day, mentally praying that nothing bad had happened. However opening the glass door you stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene.

Jungkook was alone and curling in on himself, tail tucked between his legs, merle ears so low you could hardly see them from his fluffy hair. Soft whines poured from his hunched figure, back starting to shake. Lisa was next to him, her words soft as she tired to calm the canine down. She didn't touch him however; she was attempting at keeping his personal space for his own sake. But her words were falling on deaf ears.

Your heart splintered at the site of the hybrid shaking and turning his head to the side and away from Lisa and the door. A single tear rolled down his cheek, lips trembled as another whine came through. He sounded almost as if he was going to start howling. A wave of worry finally got you rushing forward, sliding towards your hybrid.

“Jungook?” Your voice was high pitched, the worry leaking out into the open. Your own eyes were wide with worry as you tried to make your way towards the hybrid.

Hearing your voice he snapped his head to you, his ears perked up and twitched at the sound of your voice. Gold eyes brimming with tears. It only took a millisecond before you were nearly tackled. Strong arms encased you close and tightly as though you’d disappear if he loosened his grip. His nose was pressed into the crook of your neck, breathing in deeply before he sighed. “Couldn’t find you. I kept looking. Thought you left.” Although his words were muffled in your skin, you could hear them perfectly clear.

‘Was he left behind before?’ You had to wonder if this was something he had experienced, given that it was the first thing he thought of when he couldn’t see you. The mere thought had you holding him just as tight, a hand running through his locks. “I’m sorry, I had to grab something. Besides I can’t leave, not without my hybrids.” 

Your eyes met Lisa and you mouthed a thank you to her, and she smiled back and nodded to the register where you spotted a confused looking Jin setting some clothes down and heading over to the two of you. "Jungkook? Y/n? What happened?" The concern in his voice had you feeling a little safer; knowing he was worried about you was almost reassuring in a way you couldn't explain.

"I had to run an errand, Jungkook couldn't find me and thought I left you guys..." You trialed off, feeling guilt eat at you now. You honestly didn't think it was going to take that long to get everything done, thankfully he only just realized that you were gone.

Jungkook peeked up from your neck and looked at Jin, the two staring at one another for a few moments before Jin sighed. "I'm glad to see your okay, Y/n." His lips curled down however, eyebrows knitting as his bright blue eyes pierced into yours. "However, you need to tell us next time. What if something were to happen? We wouldn't know where you were or went to."

His tone wasn't condescending, but there was authority behind it. An order of sorts. It had you looking down, feeling small and weak for a moment. "I told Lisa, I wanted you guys to have some shopping and fun without me breathing down your necks."

Hearing this had the pair of hybrids looking at you with confusion, Jungkook pulling away from you. His lips parted and whether he had a questions or statement you wouldn't find out; Namjoon's voice broke the three of you out of the quiet stare down you guys had going on.

"I think we got everything we need." The ashy haired wolf approached the group, eyes lingering on everyone with an eyebrow raised. Seeing the questionable look you jumped away from Jungkook, creating some distance from yourself and the others.

"If you guys got what you needed we can pay and head out." Ducking your head, you headed towards the register where Lisa stood with a smile. Everything was rung up and ready to go, two shopping carts filled with items the hybrids had picked out. With a quick good day your group left; Jungkook and Jin pushing the carts towards the car while you gripped the single shopping bag from earlier.

"Y/n?" Namjoon was standing right behind you, his deep voice making you freeze on the spot. Slowly you turned and looked at him with eyes slightly large.

You managed to squeak out a 'yes?' and stare at the wolf, wondering what he was going to do. Was he going to go off on your for what happened in the furniture store? Or for leaving and making Jungkook upset? You were on the verge of fidgeting the longer he looked at you. Those eyes scanning over your every feature making your heart beat faster. It was soft, barely heart but you know you did: Namjoon let out a soft whine in the back of his throat, his hand quickly reaching out for one of yours.

"What's wrong?" He sounded concerned, his voice coming out in a hush. His thumb was brushing slow circles on the back of your hand, the gentle action helping quiet your hammering heart. "Did something happen?"

"I... I just thought you guys would want space as a pack." You wanted to kick yourself for sounding so weak and quiet. It seemed to be happening a lot as of late and it bothered you a bit. Closing your eyes you decided to be honest and not dance around the bush. "After all that happened today, I thought it was what you wanted. You seemed upset at the furniture store-"

"Oh angel." Namjoon cut you off with a sigh, his hand pulling you closer. Your eyes snapped open, meeting his gaze head on. The new nickname had your cheeks turning rosy. "I'm not upset. At least, not with you. Jungkook... he did something that I disapproved of." Reading your confused expression he only brought your hand up to his mouth, pressing his lips to the back of it, breathing your scent in deeply. "I'll explain once you read our files, angel."

When you only nodded he raised an eyebrow at you, not pleased with no verbal response. He raised his eyebrow for a second before his teeth nipped at your knuckles playfully, making you leap back and scowl. "Fine, yes!" He laughed at your response, gently pulling you towards the car.

"Let's get the groceries and head home." He laughed again, and looking up you spotted dimples with his wide smile. Grinning back at him you nodded in agreement with only one thought on your mind: You really liked how he said 'home'.

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It was eerily quiet in the large vehicle. The soft sound of the heater flowing through the vents from the front seat would have created a beautiful little bubble in the car. If it weren’t for the two passengers sitting in the back seats, shivering in their thin jackets. They learned quickly that the vents were either broken or the driver simply refused to turn the back vents on. The teasing of the heat that barely reached them would have created a sour mood.  But not today. 

No, today was indeed a perfect day in their eyes. And no amount of cold could dampen the light that their eyes held as they watched the large city come into view. Towering skyscrapers twinkling in the late afternoon, their lights illuminating the grays and whites from all around. The lights seemed to glow brighter as if sensing their hopeful hearts. He pressed his head against the glass, ignoring the biting chill of the surface and watched with wide eyes as the world around them zoomed by. What would they look like? For months he had envisioned what their savior would look like. He wondered what their hobbies were, their favorites, he wanted to know it all. 

The daydream came to an abrupt halt much like the car that screeched to a stop on the side of the road, right outside of an apartment complex. It towered and loomed over the pair as they stared with mouths slightly agape. Was this the place? Was this where they were meant to go? The company gave them zero information on the matter with the exception of one name.

“Get out.” 

The driver’s voice was as cold as the winter winds. Beady, dark eyes glaring at the two from the rearview mirror. One hand was gripping the wheel and the other was on the gear shift. He wanted them out as soon as possible. Obviously he wasn’t a fan of hybrids. It was a common occurrence but still the hate in his eyes had the pair tensing up. 

“B-but which one do we-” The eldest tried to speak up, the cool glare already rattling his nerves. Even his sensitive ears he could hear the insecurity and softness in his words. He wanted to sound brave for his pack but it was hard when his own heartbeat betrayed him. He could have spoken up, perhaps sound stronger but those words died on his lips as the man in front of them laughed. It was scratchy and deep, full of mockery. 

“Like I care. I was told to deliver you two here, nothing more, nothing less. So get out. Now.” He tapped the gas pedal once, cackling as the vehicle bucked forward sending the pair forward into the front seats.

Anger brewed inside but he knew arguing with the older man would only cause problems. Gripping his younger brother's hand he gently pulled him out the doors and into the cold winter air. The lightweight jackets they wore were no match for the icy winds and snowflakes that whipped around them. The moment the door was closed the car screeched off and out of sight. 

“H-hyung, what now?” Arms crossed over his chest, the youngest leaned into the eldest to try and get warm. Pointed ears flattened against his head and bushy tail wrapping around himself as protection. “Sh-sh-should we kn-knock?” 

They both knew that wouldn't work. At least not for them; two hybrids knocking on every door would only have Hybrid Protective Services called. And going back was not an option, at least not for them. Being homeless and living on the street would have been better than returning. Anything would have been better than returning to their company.

Today was supposed to be the start of a new life for them. A new chapter with possibilities and hope for a better future. A fresh start. Was this all a joke? Fear began to creep in as the thought of this all being one large prank grew; giving the two of them one last bit of hope only to have it ripped from them. It was very possible, knowing their company, and the thought had the eldest almost spiraling when a soft voice broke the chain of thoughts.

“Are you two from Faux Inc?” 

A young woman stood behind them, shocking the pair for a moment. Dark hair was glittered in snow flakes, with equally dark eyes watching the two with curiosity and, from what they could tell, hope. She wore a professional pantsuit with a thick outer coat to help protect against the harsh weather. The air she had was calm and collected, though not cool- she was someone who felt dependable, a safe place to land. 

The youngest perked up, tail wagging at the young woman. “Are you Mr. Takoda?” There was a hint of desperation in his voice, fingers gripping his hyung’s jacket. 

She smiled and swallowed the giggle that tried to escape and shook her head. “I’m afraid not. My name is Soojin Seo, I was one of his three assistants. I was informed by your late owner to provide you with a home for a while, letting his niece get settled in before escorting you both to the home.”

“Late owner? Mr. Takoda has passed?” The eldest blinked in surprise, turning to the other. This was not something that they were told. 

“That is correct. However do not worry; his niece will be your new owner. She is slowly adjusting with the changes.” Soojin smiled at the two softly, knowing this was a confusing situation. She could only do her best to help the pair while under her temporary care. Takoda was a well planned out man; she had her instructions and would follow them perfectly. “While she is getting settled, you two will be with me for a bit.”  As she spoke she walked towards a large white SUV, gracing them with a reassuring smile. “I can answer all your questions to the best of my ability on the way back to my home. I’ll do my best to ensure your safety and happiness.”

The two shared a look with the same thought bouncing between the two of them: they had nothing left to lose anyway. Perhaps it was blind trust and the cold, or maybe it was the desperation of wanting a home. Regardless the pair climbed into the warm car, their hands clasped together as questions crept to the tip of their tongues. 

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[rrxnjun]

how to self-sabotage: a bulletproof guide by zhong chenle

pairing: rival! zhong chenle x fem! reader genre: college au | humor, fluff wc: 10.8k warnings: swearing, a mention of alcohol and weed, this is written like a bad disney channel sitcom. i really channeled my inner business graduate with this fic i am so sorry a/n: this is a repost from yesterday bc tumblr was shitty and turned my text black!! playlist: self-sabotage - waterparks ; are you gonna be my girl - jet ; countdown (1, 2, 3) - nct dream ; teenager in love - neon trees ; maniac - conan gray ; drama - txt

one would say it's ungraceful to turn a charity fundraiser into a competition, but you and zhong chenle have no boundaries when it comes to beating each other in a fight. crashing each other's plans, making irresponsible decisions, all just for the sake of winning a competiton you two made yourself; zhong chenle finds a turn of events when the whole thing turns into a self-sabotage.

❥ hello! this is y/n and welcome to my new youtube video! to celebrate my 600 followers milestone, I prepared something special: let's look at all the boys I've ever had a crush on and interrogate them with a fun questionare! for today's part, we have the boy that tried to sabotage me, but ended up doing quite the opposite: zhong chenle himself! ❥

this fic is a part of my collab! find the rest of the works from the dream chronicles collab here! [tba]

Sitting at the table, fingers drumming against the light wood, you stare into the unknown and make your dear friend Jisung a little afraid of what’s about to come. Being your best friend is always a challenging fact, considering your over-the-top ideas and drive that makes your clueless friend a little taken aback, but with the premise of a challenge– the charity event that’s going to take place at your university, he already knows he’s up for something wild.

Maybe taking a step back from your master plan would be a better idea. Jisung would save his sanity and also, most likely, a lot of trouble; but that’s not who Park Jisung is. If anything, he’s a loyal friend. No one will take that title away from him. And that’s exactly why he’s sitting opposite of you right now, listening to the hum of the cafeteria, waiting for what you have to say.

“How many people are joining?” you ask, voice stone cold and focused. You don’t meet Jisung’s eye, focusing on the people flowing in and out of the cafeteria instead, the gears in your brain turning faster than on your midterms.

“I don’t know exactly, but I’d say around ten teams of people, each one consisting of at least two to three people, so… at least 30..?” Jisung hums, quickly calculating the numbers in his brain.

“30…. so that means we have at least a 20% chance of winning,” you mutter, chewing on your bottom lip and furrowing your brows, seemingly lost in thought.

“That- that’s not adding up, Y/N…” Jisung mumbles, running the numbers through his brain once again, trying to see if he’s made a mistake or if it was you. See, Jisung is not a straight A student– that’s what you’re here for, after all– but when it comes to Maths, he’s pretty confident. He’s not quite sure why it’s the only subject he’s good at, considering it might be the hardest of the course, but for some reason, logical things are easy for him to grasp.

“I ruled out the freshmen girls, they’re absolutely not winning this. Also, Renjun and Jeno are out as well, because they will underestimate everything and not try hard enough. That leaves us with Yangyang and Hyuck, since I know damn well that each and every girl that’s ever hooked up with either of them will hop on their dicks and buy anything they’re selling,” Jisung chuckles at the seriousness of your voice as you talk, finding the fact that you’re taking this whole thing as your main mission of the semester amusing, “and then… Him. He’s the professor’s favorite. And he’s super good at persuading people. And I know damn well he’s gonna try hard, so actually, the chances of winning are split into three teams, so we have an approximately 30% chance of winning the prize.”

Jisung blinks at you a few times, trying to clear his head. Right now, you look like you’ve been programmed– a robot with no emotions, only set on the task it’s been told to do. You’re not even blinking, he notes and immediately gets freaked out– because what if they switched his best friend for a robot while he was sleeping? What if this is some sick experiment? What if he’s in the Truman show? You may never know these days…

“Y/N, that’s not-”

“It’s 50/50, actually,” you cut him off, nodding.

“How can it be-”

“Simple. It’s me or him. And I will do anything in my power to win, Jisung, so be prepared for a fight,” you order, taking a sip of your water, still not meeting eyes with your companion. Jisung’s kind of glad for that, though– what if you turned into a siren and eye contact with you will turn him into stone? He really doesn’t need that, he hasn’t even had his first girlfriend yet. He’s too young to die!

“It’s for charity, for fuck’s sake, don’t be so competitive…” Jisung sighs, taking another bite of his sandwich that he forgot he was eating for a second as you started with your business meeting, shaking his head in disbelief at your antics. Is anyone even taking this whole thing so seriously?

The business department at your university is having a charity event the upcoming month. The goal is to sell things and raise the most money you can– it’s all for a good cause, of course. The only thing is that your university already realized that your generation, although it loves to help people in need, won’t do anything without having enough motivation. And so, the head of the business department– professor Lee– promised that the team that raises the most money for charity (or the winning team, as you like to call it), will get an iPad pro for their efforts.

Jisung would understand if you were doing it for the iPad. Hell, even he wants one. But the reality is completely different– you just really, really need to be the best at everything. It’s your main purpose in life and when you fail, you fall into weeks long depression, mourning every single aspect that made you fail at your task and getting angry at every person in your sight. That is even scarier than your weird transe that you’re in right now, Jisung admits, and so he usually does his best to help you with your efforts, because he doesn’t like to get screamed at for multiple weeks if you come second.

That, and he also really doesn’t like to see you sad.

“Yeah, so I’m having the right intentions, aren’t I, Jisung?” you finally meet eyes with Jisung, your devoted business partner, as you smile with that kind of curve to your lips that doesn’t really meet your eye.

A shiver runs down the poor boy’s spine at that, pupils widening with terror. Standing up from your position at the table, completely ignoring Jisung’s half-eaten sandwich left at the red tray on the table, you move towards the exit of the cafeteria, expecting him to follow along. “Let’s go, Jisung. We have work to do.”

“I’m so so surprised at everyone’s interest in the charity event! Thank you so much for coming here today to discuss the details,” Ms Lee chirps from her spot at the top of the table, swinging her arms around like a Disney princess when she sings to all the animals that gathered around her in the backyard of her palace.

Your eyes scan the figures gathered around the room. You’re sitting at one of the big, rounded tables settled in the middle of the conference room, two of the same, mahogany ones to your left and right side, all filled with business students. Some of the faces are familiar to you– like your classmate’s Renjun and Jeno’s, but some of the other ones are foreign to your eyes. You doubt you’ve ever seen those people in your whole, entire life, and you were in the student council last semester, so you were pretty much friends with everyone back then. Maybe it’s the freshmen, you think, as you look at your overly-excited professor and try to listen to what she has to say.

“Only if she knew that half of these people are here for the iPad,” Jisung murmurs into your ear, making you chuckle. He’s right– almost everyone’s here for that. But not you– you could never make your interest in charity so surface-level like everyone else does. You care about much more than getting an iPad, your interests are deeper than that. You don’t need the iPad– although you wouldn’t hesitate to take it if you win, you’re not stupid, after all– you need to win and beat your longest academic rival.

You need to win against Zhong Chenle himself, the top of the business class– he owns the title mainly because his parents own one and he’s had enough time to learn about all the wonders of the business world long before the rest of the people in your class– because you need the satisfaction of being the absolute best. See, you were used to that your whole life. In high school, you were the model student. The one that was set as an example. The best student, the most praised one, the most talented one, the gifted one, even.

You may already know why all of this was more damaging to you than it was good. Getting into university– into the sea of people that were told just that while growing up– was a feeling that made you fall down from the tallest heights of talent to the very middle of it all. The shift from being the best to being mediocre was perhaps the most painful experience of your whole life, but after you managed to get your shit together– and studied your ass off, because it won’t work any other way anymore, it seems– you set your mind on being the best one again, because in your whole childhood, you didn’t know any better. And if you were raised to be the picture perfect child, it’s hard to outgrow these habits.

So if Zhong Chenle was the top of the class in most of your courses, you had to be better than him eventually. The charity event is just another part of the whole process.

“I know this is all for a good thing, but I feel like we still need to set some rules for this whole thing. The main thing is to sell something– anything you want, really– and raise the most money you can for charity. I think everyone already got that, since you’re all sitting here, but I know that the vision of the iPad can blind some of you and get you to be a little too competitive, and while I encourage you to try hard, I also want all of you to play fair. So, here’s the thing,” your professor announces, making you shift a little in your chair and whisper to Jisung to get his notepad out so he can scribble the important info down, preventing you from forgetting it.

“Rule number one. No bad mouthing the others, no anti-campagne. I want all of you to be nice to each other and play it fair, got it?”

A few of you nod, humming in agreement, when a disappointed sigh comes from somewhere behind you, a low mumble reaching your ears and making you chuckle. “I had so much dirt on Donghyuck…”

“Rule number two. I don’t want you selling alcohol, cigarettes, or pretty much anything that’s against the university rules. God forbid if you bring drugs. I won’t hesitate to call the police on you if you do,” your professor continues, earning herself another set of bored hums and nods, cut off only by a pair of your classmates sitting right next to you at the big, rounded table.

A disappointed sigh leaves Yangyang’s mouth at this one, shaking his head in disapproval. You won’t say anything, because you don’t really want your classmate to get in trouble, but the last time you were on a party where Liu Yangyang was present, you couldn’t shake off the smell of weed for weeks, so you’re pretty sure his plan was to sneak in a little something to get more money for the charity. His friend and business partner in one– Lee Donghyuck from your Economy class– grins as his hand shoots up into the air, waiting to be called to ask a question.

“Yes, Donghyuck?”

“Are condoms allowed?” he asks, the innocent grin on his face making the freshmen girls in the back of the room chuckle and hide their face behind their hands.

“Why are you asking that?”

“No reason,” he shrugs, the innocent smile not leaving his face for a second as his childish friend only giggles at the encounter.

“Please don’t sell condoms at the charity event, Donghyuck,” professor Lee pleads, her eyes already full of misery as she realizes just what she’s gotten herself into when agreeing to lead the whole event.

Another disappointed sigh leaves his lips at that, shaking his head. “That’s our whole business plan gone, then…”

Taking exactly three seconds to calm herself down, your professor takes a deep breath in as she runs her hand through her long black hair and then clasps her palms together at her waist, regaining her composure. “Back to what I was saying, we have one more rule you have to follow. You can’t lie about your product. No false advertisement, no made-up stuff to make what you’re selling be more interesting than it already is. We want this to be a serious event, so please, take all of these rules to heart and try your hardest to follow them. Got it?”

Scanning the room, waiting for each and every single one of you to nod, the gathering falls silent. “If none of you have any questions, I consider this meeting to be over.”

The room is instantly filled with the shrieking of chairs on the linoleum ground, making your hair stand up as you arch like an angry cat, hating the sound. Waiting for everyone to get out of the room, you find a pair of men sitting still opposite of you, a cocky smirk plastered on the face of your moral enemy, his friend Jaemin sitting next to him with a well rehearsed poker face. They already look like they run a company, you realize, the thought making your blood boil just at the thought of Zhong Chenle looking more professional than you do– in your baggy sweatpants and a cropped top you grabbed from the top of the pile of half-dirty clothes in your room this morning.

“Ready to get your ass kicked?” Chenle asks, grinning to himself as your eyebrows furrow and you reveal an annoyed face to him. It makes him happy to see you like this– it gives him more satisfaction than anything in his life, to be exact.

“The game’s on, Zhong.”

Walking towards your table in the cafeteria, a pair of young boys looking very engaged in their conversation lands in your rear point of vision. Eyes squinting, as if it was supposed to make you see better, you watch your best friend Jisung walk side by side with the accomplice of your moral enemy, Na Jaemin. One of them looks cool, dressed in all black, flashing a charming smile, and the other one is truly bubbly– jumping up and down, almost, as he giggles like a boy and adjusts the straps of his backpack. I won’t tell you which one’s which. Figure it out by yourself.

“We have a visitor today?” you ask as the two of them sit down at your usual table in the cafeteria, both of them smiling to themselves like two teenagers in love. The sight is an unusual one, to say the least, and you don’t know what it is about it that makes shivers down your spine. You just know that you kind of despise it.

“Yeah, Jaemin will be sitting with us today, if that’s okay,” Jisung smiles, looking at you with wide eyes full of excitement.

“Great, great,” you mumble, eyeing the boy with suspicion. Is this how he chose to execute your plan? You did tell him to be nice to Na Jaemin– you did even tell him to try to befriend him, if that was what he needed to do to get under his skin– but at the same time, you didn’t think that sitting together at lunch exactly two days after you told him to try to get some information from Jaemin was the right way to go around this.

See, you’d call it intuition. You know something’s wrong, you just don’t know what it is yet.

“So, what’s up, Jaemin?” you ask, poking the food on your table around with your fork, avoiding eye contact. You despise even sitting at the same table with one of Chenle’s friends– you feel like you’re suddenly in his circle, and that makes you gag a little into your mouth. While you need to be better at everything than this young businessman, you also need to stay away from everything that includes him– and yes, that means his friend circle as well. Who knows, Na Jaemin might even be a nice guy. You just don’t care enough to find out.

“Oh, a lot of exciting things are happening! Aren’t they, Jisung?” he smiles, kicking the clueless boy into his shin under the table in excitement, “the charity event, for example! We are preparing a lot of stuff with Chenle, and I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun. What about you two?”

Humming, you try to take the opportunity by its reached-out hands, smiling a little on the inside. “You’re doing a lot of things? What things exactly, may I ask?” you lock eyes with Jaemin, seeing his cunning smile.

“That’s a surprise, dear Y/N,” Jaemin mutters, the combination of his low voice and glimmering eyes making your stomach twist in anger and frustration. Of course he’s not that stupid– he won’t reveal what him and Chenle have planned for the event. He knows who you are. He knows how far you’re willing to go to completely destroy whatever the two of them have planned, just so you could win. And he won’t even dare to give you a single hint on his plans, because he’s intelligent and cunning.

“Is it…” you mutter under your breath, matching his competitive energy.

“Yeah,” he nods, turning to Jisung, “but maybe if you tell me first, I can share. Maybe we can brainstorm together, you know, that would be so much fun. Wouldn’t it, Jisung?” he asks your best friend, smiling sweetly at him.

You know damn well about the effect Na Jaemin has on people. He’s charming and sweet, magically alluring. He pulls everyone towards him, and he does it oh so easily. You’ve heard enough about how this man worked his magic spells on the girls in your grade, getting them on dates and then deciding he’s bored of them a few weeks later.

Now, you didn’t know that your best friend Park Jisung wasn’t immune to this effect. He was, in fact, very much not immune to it– he was just like every other girl in your class, just like all the poor freshmen girls that giggle at his stupid jokes in the cafeteria.

It was a saddening fact and an even more devastating sight to see your best friend fold under the eyes of the local charmer. You should’ve expected it, though– maybe this was the intuition you were supposed to listen to the very moment Na Jaemin showed up at your table in the cafeteria.

“I mean, I think that’s a good idea, maybe we can work together on it as well,” Jisung hums, eyes big never leaving the man as he nods to his manipulation tactics.

“See? Amazing! That’s exactly what I love to hear. So, what are you two planning?”

“Me and Y/N wanted to-”

“Jisung, shut up,” you coldly say, taking a hold of the situation and trying to save the day. Your poor best friend looks at you all lost, the furrow in his brows breaking your heart as you had to be rude to him for no reason at all– well, there is one, he just doesn’t know it yet.

“Why-”

“Why are you shutting your friend down like that? That’s not really nice of you, Y/N,” Jaemin says, locking eyes with you. The look in his orbs is knowing, your wavelength matching as he knows that you finally see right through his plan, that you know exactly what he’s trying to do– because you and Zhong Chenle are more alike than you both think, it seems. At least with your business tactics, after all.

“How about we work on our stuff alone, Na Jaemin? I don’t need Chenle’s help with anything,” you snap back, watching as the boy grins to himself and takes the red tray into his hands as he stands up from his place at your cafeteria table.

“Okay then,” he mutters, “have a nice day, you two.”

With his departure comes a loud whine from Park Jisung himself, earning himself a kick into the shin as you start your scolding session.

“What was that? Why were you so rude to him all of a sudden?”

“Jisung,” you coldly stare at him, making him silence, “I told you to befriend Na Jaemin to get out some information from him. I didn’t tell you to do the exact opposite and get exploited of all our plans instead!” you finish your little rant, breathing heavily as you notice the boy’s face clearing into understatement, smiling to himself a little in shame.

“Oh. I didn’t notice that…”

Park Jisung’s good at Math. Social interaction? Not so much… Maybe you should take things into your own hands and get some information yourself, instead of sending your most gullible friend on a mission that requires interaction with Na Jaemin…

“I still don’t understand what we are doing here. I thought you didn’t like parties!” Jisung mourns as you two step your feet inside of a big mansion (or at least that’s how the house looks in your eyes), the loud music of the event that’s going on inside making your eardrums bubble along with the beat.

“Jisung,  you have so much to learn about this world…” you sigh, smiling at some of the girls you encounter on your way to the big kitchen, aiming straight for one of the red cups waiting for you on the kitchen island, all filled to the brim with various alcohol.

Turning around in your spot, two solo red cups in the palms of your hands, you offer one to your companion and grin at him. “Here, have this,” you smile, “I know you’re not a fan of vodka, but they don’t have anything else… Try not to die while I’m gone,” you note, earning yourself a confused look from the tall boy standing in front of you, listening to your commands.

“And where are you going? What’s going on-”

Sighing, you take the boy by his hand and drag him into the half-empty hall, the dim lightning making the whole encounter feel more secretive than it already was.

“Jisung, this is Zhong Chenle’s party,” you say, the sentence alone enough for the boy to instantly widen his eyes and part his lips agape in understatement, nodding at you. There’s a slight glint in his eyes that’s telling you that he doesn’t like where this is going, but you don’t really care about what he has to say right now. Your mind is set on one thing– winning, and that’s why you’re not afraid to do even the most desperate things of them all.

“Try to enjoy yourself,” you say, “but please don’t talk to Na Jaemin while we’re here, okay?”

“But Jaemin is nice-”

“Okay then, just don’t talk to him about the event, alright? They’ll use it against us if they know anything,” you mumble, downing the entirety of the red cup, scowling at the taste of your most hated alcohol. It’s like Zhong Chenle knew you were gonna appear– it’s like he wants to kill you. You wouldn’t even have to drink the poison that vodka is, but having some liquid courage in you could be useful in the crime you’re about to do right now.

“Try not to die,” Jisung resonates with the same words you’ve said to him just a few minutes prior, making you smile at him with a tense smile, hugging him goodbye before you go. Who knows, if Zhong Chenle catches you, you might not even make it out alive and see Jisung ever again. You might as well embrace your best friend for the last time.

Taking a deep breath in and out, you march up the stairs. The second floor of the house is not as crowded as the first one– the stairs are too steep to walk up if you’ve had too much to drink already, so it’s quite understandable. Looking around like a spy, you try hard to stay as natural as possible, not wanting to make anyone suspect you. Walking casually through the halls, you figure this is the best way to make everyone believe that you’re supposed to be here, that you were invited, and that you’re not just about to do a very, very bad thing.

Opening the first door to one of the rooms, you notice a king’s bed and flowery wallpaper. Closing it again, deciding that this isn’t the room you’re looking for, you continue your search on the second floor– opening the room to one of the bathrooms, and then what you presume is a guest room occupied with someone moaning loudly on the bed, making you shut the door behind you with disturbance.

Finally finding the right one– you assume so by the obnoxious Gucci hoodie sprawled on the chair right opposite of the door– you silently walk inside and close the door after you, making sure you’re alone and not watched by anyone. Trying the hardest to not make any sound, you walk through Zhong Chenle’s room and let your eyes roam across the furniture, looking for the thing you broke into his room for in the first place.

When you don’t find what you’re looking for anywhere at sight, you choose to walk over to his desk and open the first drawer. It’s full of textbooks and other notebooks, making you sigh and close it in disappointment, moving over to the one under it that surprises you with a stash of snacks and a single sock laying on the very top. Disgusted by the state of everything, you result in looking through the last drawer, wanting nothing more than to find the materials you saw Chenle write on the last meeting your charity event group had.

You needed to know what he had planned, so you could plan something bigger, better.

A stash of white paper appears in your eyes, the handwriting of none other than the owner of this house recognizable to you for various reasons (no, you never look at his exam papers over his shoulder just to make sure you did better than him. Never…), the title “charity” in a wobbly, light blue pen making your eyes light up. Bingo.

Excitement flowing through your veins, you scan over the paper and try to find any clues about the boy’s plan. The handwriting is a little hard to read, though, and so you squint your eyes, slowing down your breathing as you try to focus all of your attention to decoding the content in front of you–

–when the paper is swiftly pulled away from your grasp, making you gasp in shock and surprise. Turning your head around, you see the owner of the handwriting looking at you with a glare, making your body instinctively shoot to your feet and taking a step back.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, although he knows damn well what your previous actions were already.

“I’m- I was- I-” you stutter, your brain not allowing you to form coherent sentences.

He takes one step towards you, which leads in you taking another one back, repeating enough times for you to be pressed against the wall, shivers running down your spine either at the contact of the cold against your shoulders, or the look that Chenle gives you as he towers over you both physically and mentally, scoffing.

“Are you really that low? That desperate?” he spits, making your blood boil. You feel red in your face as the hint of his cologne makes its way up your nose, feeling both embarrassed and flustered by the whole encounter.

“I- I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you peep, seeing the boy shake his head in disbelief, putting his hand up against the wall, close to where your head is resting.

“So what were you doing with this, then, huh?” he asks, showing you the paper in his other hand, waiting for you to answer, but not stepping away from you.

The truth is, you have no words in you to defend yourself. Suddenly, you’re left unarmed, empty and humiliated– but what’s worse, you’re left with no new information about the charity event, which means you’ve done all of this for absolutely nothing.

Seeing that you’re making no effort in answering the boy, he leans even closer to you, which makes your whole body tingle with what you presume is uncomfort, biting at your lower lip as your eyes lock with his mouth as he speaks to you. “Play fair, Y/N.”

Focusing on his plump, pink lips, you wonder if he uses a lip scrub or a lip balm– because there’s no way his lips are this luscious and beautiful, and so inviting…

“Get out of my room,” he orders, making your body unfreeze, feeling sweat drip down your back as you run out of the place, suddenly not having enough oxygen.

Maybe this wasn’t your best idea.

“Jisung, we gotta do something,” you mourn, head in your hands as you sit at the table in your room, papers scattered all around you and a half-made banner laying on the carpet in the middle of the floor.

“We are doing something right now, Y/N,” Jisung mumbles with the paintbrush in his hand, leaning over the white sheet of paper, trying his hardest to not go over the lines you’ve scribbled onto the banner just a few minutes prior, ordering him to paint in the bubble letters of your banner.

Grunting, you turn around in your office chair, looking at the boy. He doesn’t seem as stressed as you feel right now– it’s only a week until the charity event is supposed to take place and you really, really don’t want to be thinking about how badly it will go if you don’t think of something big at this exact moment. You feel defenseless. You have zero information about what Chenle’s about to do, so you can’t get prepared to do something better. Jisung didn’t manage to get any information out of Jaemin, and while you were able to find Chenle’s plans in his room, he took the paper out of your hands and cornered you against the wall before you even managed to read a single sentence.

You’re selling cupcakes. Jisung said his mum will help and chip in more baked goods, since she’s a good cook, but you doubt that cookies and pastry will help you win the first place. This sounds like something Renjun and Jeno would do– and you hate to put yourself onto their level, because they’re not the greatest when it comes to business. You doubt you’ll beat Hyuck and Yangyang’s condom stand either. There’s a lot of guys at your university that will rather go for a condom than a cupcake.

“No, Jisung, you don’t understand. Cupcakes won’t win. We won’t win. Zhong Chenle and his big head will win, and that will be absolutely fucking infuriating. I won’t let that happen,” you exclaim, huffing.

“But you don’t even know what they’re going to sell! What if it’s really bad? We still have a chance to win,” Jisung smiles at you, trying to encourage you.

Bless him. Even when seeing you so annoyed and having to deal with your snappy attitude every day, since the nerves always get the worst of you, he still tries to be your rock and help you through it all. His words might not help you win and they for sure do not help you calm down, but he’s trying– and that’s the important part.

“Chenle’s the son of the wealthiest business man in this country, Jisung. He has winning in his fucking genes,” you roll your eyes, “and that’s why I need to think of something right now or else I’ll physically combust.”

Jisung just sighs at you, not really knowing how else to help you. He’s trying his hardest– and you appreciate it, despite the fact that your actions suggest otherwise– and this is not even his battle. He’s okay with being mediocre– he’s just cursed with the burden of his friend always trying their hardest to be an overachiever. It’s not healthy, but he doesn’t feel like he can do anything about it, really.

“Maybe I can… Maybe I can tell everyone that if I win, I’ll do a giveaway with the iPad. I’m sure that will lure some people in,” you mumble, fixing your eyes onto the poster of Ross Lynch stuck on your bedroom door, lost in thought.

Jisung looks at you with squinted eyes, trying to decipher what’s going on inside of that brain of yours. The scheming look on your face doesn’t look the nicest, but he won’t tell you that in fear of being beaten up on the ground.

“That’s…”

“An amazing idea? I know, right?” you grin, looking at your friend with euphoria running through your veins.

“Y/N, I don’t think-”

“Bingo!” you yelp, eyes glimmering with joy and excitement, “We are about to give everyone who buys two cupcakes a lottery ticket and then, if we win, we randomly pick someone and give them the iPad! This is a brilliant idea!!”

No amount of effort can make you stop now. Jisung won’t even try anymore.

“I’m going to work on it right now. This is perfect!” you grin.

Jisung sighs.

He kind of wanted that iPad…

Sitting in the library, your laptop open as you try hard to focus on studying after the frantic preparations for the charity event, your eyes are stuck to the screen, starting to hurt a little from how hard you’re concentrating. The world around you is a mere blur, the background noises being no distraction to your brain as you type away on your keyboard from time to time, taking notes.

You like to study alone. You never really got the magic of studying in groups, since every time you tried it with Jisung, you two just grew distracted and didn’t know how to focus on your studies, too busy gossiping and talking about anything and everything. So to go here like this, in the evening, the university library has become your safe haven.

When suddenly, there are footsteps landing into your ear, the noise making you lose your focus for a moment when the owner of them decides to sit in the space next to you, making you swiftly look around and see who dared to pay you a visit when you’re studying.

Met with the gaze of none other than Zhong Chenle himself, you suddenly shrink in size and bashfully look away from the male. You’re not used to the feeling of embarrassment in your veins, not used to how you feel pathetic in his eyes and how you really want to disappear from the face of the earth every time you notice him registering your existence. It’s all your fault anyway, for snooping around in his room and being caught, but you’re not ready to admit that to yourself just yet, even though the reality is slowly catching up on you.

“Hi,” he greets, making you furrow your eyebrows in confusion. A conversation between you and Chenle is a rare sight– you just like to jab at each other and scream curses each other’s way– and starting one with a greeting is even more unusual for the two of you. It’s like both of you lose all sense of formality whenever you’re around each other– only the hatred remains.

“Hello,” you mutter, nervously scratching your forearm. Not daring to meet his eyes, you suddenly feel like he has something above you– the reality of catching you red handed, the very moment at his party. You won’t admit it out loud, but it’s the most defeating thing you’ve ever felt in your whole entire life, and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to recover from it. Never in a thousand years did you expect to be met with the fact that Zhong Chenle is above you in something, but it came down to it, and you don’t know what to do with this information.

Your posture screams hesitance. Not knowing how to act around him, you refrain from acting at all– you don’t think you’re in the position to be rude to him anymore, for it would make you seem even more petty. His presence makes you nervous, the tingling sensation in your whole body and the heat you feel rising to your cheeks making you the most uncomfortable you’ve felt ever since you were cornered up against the wall of Chenle’s room last weekend.

“What’s up?” he asks, the casual tone of his voice confusing you even further. Taking one short look at him, you try to scan his features and somehow find out his true intentions. The boy has an inviting smile on his face– making your heartbeat quicken with a detail you choose not to pay any attention to– and his eyes are soft, opposed to the stone cold look he usually has reserved for you.

“Um… not much, ‘m just studying, I guess…” you mumble, too confused to pay attention to just how lost and puppy-like you must look right in this moment. Kicking your foot up and down under the table, a nervous fixation to ground yourself, you await his next steps.

The boy hums in acknowledgement. If he noticed your state, at least he didn’t mention it– a fact you were grateful for. Cracking your knuckles in the silence of the library, you forget how to keep up a conversation– or you just never learned how to keep up a conversation with Zhong Chenle, of all people. He doesn’t seem to mind, though, when he just takes out his stuff from his backpack and starts working on his homework.

Watching him for a while, you clear your throat and just decide to get it over with. You don’t like the quiet tension in the air, wanting it to disappear, so you just face it with a confident face (well, the most confident you can master up right now). “What are you doing here?”

Your rival looks up at you from his textbook with furrowed brows, shrugging. “Studying.”

“Yeah,” you blink, “but… why are you studying next to me?”

“Is this spot not free?” he asks, obviously teasing you with how the very well-known shiteating grin slowly starts to appear on his face.

“I- I mean it- it’s free, but-”

“Then I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t study here,” he shrugs, momentarily pointing his look back to his textbook, driving you absolutely insane. Did he lose his mind? Was he having a fever?

“Chenle-”

“Look,” he says, looking up from the textbook again, turning to you with his full body– while also bumping into your knee with his for a second, making you jolt in a weird sense of electricity, “I know we’re not really on the best terms, but I think I’m done with being petty and acting like a child. Seeing that we’re kind of similar, in a way, I think we could even make good friends, so that’s what I’m trying to do here,” he says, smiling at you with that friendly expression he only reserves for his closest friends, making you feel light-headed. Are you having a fever?

“I- I don’t think I understand,” you mutter out, your expression lost. What was going on? Why did your rival suddenly want to be friends with you? After you searched through his room at one of his parties? You felt like you were having a weird dream.

“Let’s just… focus on our own projects for the charity event and forget about the rivalry. What do you say?” he asks, the glint in his eyes taking you off-guard.

What does one even say to that? You’ve spent your whole university years hating this boy, all for being too good at things you always wanted to be exceptional at. The rivalry made you so crazy you didn’t even recognise yourself anymore in the actions you were taking, and while it all felt worth it at the time, to see Chenle himself not even taking it that seriously made you feel even more embarrassed. Was this all just a one-sided battle?

Blinking a few times, you notice the boy out-stretching his hand for you to grip, the handshake a silent seal of the war between the two of you ending. “Friends?”

Gasping for air, you hesitantly reach for his hand, too lost in your own brain and thought spirals to even register what was going on around you. The contact of his skin on your burned, but you shook it nonetheless. “I- I wouldn’t say friends, exactly…”

“Acquaintances on good terms, then, got it,” he grins, seeing your empty eyes and the mess in your brain at the very moment. Suddenly, you feel a hand ruffle your hair, making you jump up in shock. “I’m sure you’ll do great, Y/N,” he grins, making you turn back to your homework and– although to no use– try to focus on the assignment again.

Feeling heat rising to your cheeks and your hands shake with nerves, the rest of the afternoon comes by like a blur.

Mixing the batter in one of the big bowls Jisung’s mum provided you with in their spacious kitchen, you are too lost in thought to even sing along to your favorite baking playlist your best friend put on to make the atmosphere lighter, despite the tension of the upcoming charity event rising. This doesn’t go unnoticed by the boy, when he cautiously approaches the matter.

“What’s gotten you so weird?” he asks, opening the oven and taking out the cupcake tray that’s been sitting in there, prepared for your baking session, since yesterday evening.

“I’m not weird,” you mumble, but don’t even meet his eyes. That’s an instant hint.

“Y/N, you’re not even singing along to One Direction right now, of course something’s up,” he says to prove his point, seeing you sigh and look up to the ceiling for a moment, seemingly debating on finally talking about what’s bugging you the most these days.

“Chenle approached me the other day… to make amends? I guess?” you mumble, shrugging.

Your best friend takes the information in, analyzing what you just uttered out of your lips. Are you sure you weren't dreaming? He wants to ask you if you’re sure it wasn’t all an image of your imagination, but he choses against it as he steps closer to you, scanning your face for any signs of mania.

“He did that after catching you looking through his stuff?” he clarifies, seeing you nod.

“That’s strange.”

“Isn’t it?” you ask, still not believing what you saw at the library the other day.

Jisung hums, furrowing his eyebrows to get his brain cells to work better, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “Well, maybe he was sincere, however strange it might sound… He realized the little war you two have is childish and wanted both of you to have fun,” he shrugs, mirroring the exact words Chenle said at the library. Is this really so easy? Is this the final conclusion? The end of everything? You couldn’t just believe that.

“I don’t know…” you hum, moving to drape the cupcake batter into the tray, ready to bake it for tomorrow's event. Jisung helps you with the cleaning-up process, not wanting the burnt batter stuck on the tray to make the whole house smell like forest fire, wiping the excess away with tissues. After you’re done, he plops the tray into the oven and sets a timer for 15 minutes, resting his tall figure against the kitchen counter.

“Maybe you can… quit with the iPad giveaway thing? I mean, now that you don’t have to win, you can forget about that part. I think it’s kind of against the rules as well, since it’s a hint of false advertising? You’re supposed to win by selling the goods, and not by bribing them with an iPad, so I don’t think professor Lee will like that,” he mutters hesitantly, seeing your mouth open agape, shaking your head in disapproval.

“Absolutely not. Just because Zhong Chenle hit his head or something, I won’t back away from this fight,” you sternly say.

“Y/N, I promise you it’s not a good idea. You’re just going to get in trouble-”

“I’m not! It’s totally legal, and if I really win, I’m ready to give the iPad away, if that’s what I’m gonna have to do, Jisung.”

A heavy sigh escapes his lips at this, shaking his head. Yeah, maybe he is petty– maybe he just wants the iPad for himself, but at the same time, what he said was right. This wasn’t a fair game and he doesn’t think it will get approved by your business professor, no matter how hard you try to back it up.

“Life would be so much easier if you constantly didn’t try to impress Zhong Chenle,” Jisung mutters, making blood boil in you, anger felt at the tips of your fingertips.

“Take that back. I am not trying to impress him,” you coldly say, snapping.

“Yeah, sure,” Jisung rolls his eyes, “every single time, it’s all I have to be better than Chenle, I have to win against Chenle, I have to beat him in this and this and that… to me, it just seems like you want him to be impressed with your abilities, because you like him.”

Gasping, you catch the edge of the kitchen counter to steady yourself. “I do not like him. I absolutely despise him, that is,” you grit your teeth, trying to convince your best friend…. and maybe yourself as well.

Jisung just hums, mocking you. The look on your face is enough of a confirmation to him, he doesn’t have to fight you anymore. Besides, the looks you give the boy are surely not you trying to get his business strategy. Not in the gym class, when your rival is a little sweaty and overly-enthusiastic about basketball, at least.

“I still think you should stop with the iPad thing, though,” he says, crouching down to the oven to check up on the cupcakes.

Angrily stomping, you reach towards your backpack on the ground, taking out your papers for the charity event so you can quickly calculate how many batches of the batter you’re going to have to make to fill your goal. Looking through the stack of papers, seeing worksheets from English class and old exam papers that you should’ve thrown out long ago, you disagree with your partner. “Absolutely not, I think-” you stop in your tracks, looking through the papers, still not finding the ones you’re looking for.

Leaning back towards your bag, you stumble through it, still not finding your charity event plans and documents. Stress rising inside of you, knowing too well that you always have the papers with you and there’s no way you left it at home, the reality dawns on you, making you scream in despair. Of course Zhong Chenle’s sudden amends were a little weird.

“That motherfucker stole my charity event plans while I was too busy freaking out over his charming smile!” you yelp out.

Jisung snickers at the state of you. He called it.

When you’re 6 years old, you go to school for the first time. You manage to make every single teacher in your elementary school gasp in amazement as you tell them that you already know how to read and that you don’t need help with signing your textbooks– you know how to write your name as well. As you grow, you only get more intellectual; being put into special level classes, being told you were the best pupil out of the whole school, being constantly praised and made to believe that you are, simply put, much better than everyone else your age.

When you’re 19 years old, you get to university. The gifted child in you starts slowly dying out with the pressure of assignments and the realization that maybe, your whole life, you’ve been lied to and you’re not as extraordinary as everyone told you you were. At 19, you meet Zhong Chenle– the model student, the social butterfly, the teacher’s pet– and suddenly, he’s your enemy. You promise yourself to always be better than him. That itself was your only goal.

When you’re almost 20, standing in the enormous gym of your university, looking over at Zhong Chenle’s stand with fast food and the giveaway tickets for a brand new iPad being given with every purchase above 5 dollars, the flood of people gladly giving money to the man dressed in a neat black suit, looking like the businessman he, at heart, truly is, you finally admit that you’re losing.

The cupcakes stay abandoned at the trays, no one paying attention to all the effort you and Jisung gave into the charity event. If you really think about it, it’s kind of unfair– you did play fair, despite your previous antics, and you did everything in your power to raise as much money as you could. Looking at the lonely pastries, you feel defeated.

“Want one?” you ask Jisung, pointing towards the ones covered with pink icing– the exact ones he wanted to eat yesterday evening instead of dinner, after several hours of baking– seeing the boy furrow his brows in confusion.

“I thought I wasn’t allowed to eat them until the event ends,” he says, watching over your dull look.

“Yeah, well,” you shrug, “it’s over for us anyways, so I don’t really care anymore,” you proclaim as you take a bite of the cupcake, not even paying attention to the icing smearing all over your face.

The boy next to you only pouts at your argument, not used to seeing you so discouraged. He can’t say you’re not right– hell, he does have eyes and common sense, he can see the row of people waiting for Zhong Chenle’s fries from McDonald’s and pizza from Papa John’s– but still, he expected more determination from your ambitious persona.

“Y/N,” he whines, “it’s okay. Maybe we can still win,” he lies through his teeth, trying to cheer you up.

“Jisung, look at Chenle’s stand.”

“I am looking.”

“Do you still think we can win?”

“No,” he says, “but I thought my white lies could make you feel better.”

“Well, they can’t.”

“Okay, just eat your cupcake, will you?” he mutters, sighing at the state of you. Some freshmen girls come by to buy a cute little cupcake, but the few dollars in your basket right now won’t make any difference to the money moves your moral enemy is making.

“I tried so hard, Jisung,” you mourn with a full mouth, letting your emotions run free, “I tried so hard, and I still got nothing. This is so embarrassing, you can’t even imagine. I was supposed to be the winner, I was supposed to have the masterplan,” you complain, seeing Jisung sympathetically, although a little absent-mindedly, nod at all your points and arguments.

“It’s okay, Y/N, you can’t win all the time. It’s not embarrassing,” he encourages you, slyly taking a cupcake off the tray and biting into it, still acting cautious in case you decide to change your mind and revoke your approval to eat your goods.

“It is! You can’t imagine how defeating this feels.”

“I can see it on your face, sweetheart. Maybe if you stop frowning…?” Jisung mumbles, making you glare at him momentarily, his insides loosening up a little from the image of taking your mind off the issue at hand for just a few seconds.

“We have the last few minutes until the charity event is over!” you hear the voice of professor Lee through a megaphone she borrowed from the drama club, making you grunt. “Everyone, the sale is over at 2pm! Count your money after and bring it to me.”

Sighing, you don’t even try to sell any last-minute cupcakes anymore, opting to gather the money you’ve raised today. Quickly counting it and finding a scrap of paper to scribble down the amount (which is a sad, poor 20 dollars, if any of you were interested), you put the money into a zip-lock back and walk over to your professor, handing it in.

“Why did you rush it? Maybe someone would want-”

“Jisung, just… leave it. I’m over this already,” you say, sitting back next to your best friend, seeing him pout– mirroring your saddened expression– suddenly making you feel bad for impacting the mood of your business partner so much. “But hey, we had fun, didn’t we?”

Jisung looks at you in disbelief, breaking out into a grin at your poor attempt at easing the mood. “I guess we did, yeah,” he notes, “I know I did, although my stomach kind of still hurts from eating all the left-over icing from yesterday.”

“I told you there were raw eggs in that, what if you get salmonella, for fuck’s sake?” you sigh, shaking your head at him.

“It’s not salmonella! I just don’t handle sugar well-”

Your conversation is ended soon with a noise of a gong, signaling that the charity fundraiser was now over and every single stand should stop selling their goods. Looking around, you see the gym slowly empty out, leaving behind only the business majors that participated in the event, all counting up their raised money.

“Dude, I think we got around 150,” you hear Yangyang gasp from the stand next to yours, making you sigh with the information that even the condom stand raised more money than your cupcakes that were baked with care and love (and maybe a little bit of spite for Zhong Chenle. You can’t see it on them, though, so you guess it’s fine).

The next events come by in a whim– everyone hands in the money they raised at the fundraiser, one by one, gossipping about how much they’ve earned and how good they’re doing. Throughout the whole process, your eyes are glued to one person in particular– the one you were competing with in the first place.

Zhong Chenle moves through the place like he owns it, like it’s his own prestigious branch of his successful business, dressed formally, now shrugging off the suit jacket, leaving him only in a stylish white button-down and black pants, leaving you gasping for air. Grinning to his companion, Na Jaemin– although dressed similarly, but not leaving the same impact– you can only imagine how much he’s shit talking you right now, laughing maniacally at the fact that he stole your plan and won with it, taking all the credit and being the best yet again. It makes your stomach turn and twist in angry knots, feeling stupid each time your eyes flash down to his toned forearms when he moves away the things from the little stand, cleaning it up; for if you would’ve paid less attention to the man with the name Zhong Chenle, you wouldn’t feel half as defeated as you do right now.

“Stop ogling him,” Jisung teases, making you grunt.

“I’m trying to kill him with my glare.”

“I think you confused it with heart-eyes, sweetie-”

“If you don’t shut the fuck up right now, I’ll choke you with your favorite pink cupcakes,” you smile at him innocently, making the boy shut up instantly, fearing for his own life.

Professor Lee triumphally stands in the middle of the gym, looking around at everyone. The proud smile on her face tells you that the other stands most likely made more money than yours did, earning the charity a solid amount of money that your university doesn’t have to be ashamed of. The only thing is that you are ashamed– of yourself, though. You thought you’d do better than you did, but you guess you have to come to terms with the fact that you can’t always be the winner.

“Everyone,” the professor starts her speech, “I am really grateful for every single one of you standing here right now. I want to thank you all for your effort, and I also will be grading everyone with an A for this event, because I can see that all of you truly worked your hardest. Now, though, is the time to announce the team that earned the most money, and therefore, won the little competition I made to motivate you.”

Looking around at everyone, you suddenly feel like you’re watching Eurovision, waiting for the points to be added up until 2am, slowly losing your motivation to keep watching further. Professor Lee smiles before she turns to the stand expected to win, making everyone’s suspicions correct.

“The team that made the most money, ladies and gentlemen, is Zhong Chenle and Na Jaemin,” she proclaims, making the boys scream in joy, jumping up and down in their places as they rush into a hug. They look like their hard work has paid off after 20 years of effort, however, the only work they did was steal your plan and buy some fast food… pathetic, really. Seeing the wide grin on Chenle’s face, you find yourself rolling your eyes, especially when your make eye contact with him and quickly force yourself to look away. “However,” the professor continues, making the boy’s faces fall.

“I was met with the information that you two violated the rules,” she says, making Chenle furrow his brows in confusion.

“H-how-”

“You worked with false advertisement, which, as I already said, was against the rules of the whole event.”

“How was this false advertisement?” he asks, getting all defensive. Something inside of you lights up at the sight of him all frustrated, but you wouldn’t say it out loud, for you think Jisung would accuse you of being a sadist.

“What you were supposed to be selling was the food, although I don’t agree with it being store-bought either, but I’m willing to ignore that fact,” she explains, “but what you did instead was sell tickets to your iPad giveaway, which was not in the business plan you’ve given me a few days ago.”

“But professor Lee, it’s not like that-”

“Therefore, you will not get the iPad, and the price goes to the second place, which is Lee Yangyang and Lee Donghyuck. Congratulations, boys.”

The duo on your right fist bumps and screams at the top of their lungs, making everyone in the university gym scowl with the sharp pain in their ears. Now, this wasn’t exactly the outcome you were expecting… you can’t say you hate it, though. Turning to Jisung, ignoring the yells of despair uttered out of the mouth of Zhong Chenle, complaining that condoms weren’t technically allowed as the product for sale, you hug your best friend with stars in your eyes, tugging him closer. He was right with his previous arguments, after all. Not that you'd admit it to him, since you're still super petty, but you're glad you didn't proceed with your innitial plan nonetheless.

“Woah, there,” Jisung gasps as he hugs you back, “we didn’t win, Y/N, though…”

“I know,” you hum into his chest, satisfied.

“So…”

“I’m just happy Zhong Chenle isn’t the winner,” you grin, pulling away from the boy, ready to celebrate the win of the two dumbasses in your business class. You never thought you’d see the day when Chenle is beaten by a duo that rarely attends the class, but you’re more happy than ever to let them indulge in the joy right now.

Hearing someone clear their throat behind you, you turn around. Surprised to see Chenle there, your smile freezes at your face, making you look like you’ve just been paralysed, earning yourself a kick into your shin from Park Jisung sitting at the chair next to you before he excuses himself and leaves for a bathroom break.

“Hi,” you greet as you see Chenle sheepishly look at you, his hands in the pockets of his pants.

“You got me there, Y/N,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief, “I didn’t take you for such a mastermind,” he adds, making you confused.

“What?”

“The plan in your bag… you had it there because you knew I’d take it, didn’t you? You were trying to make me lose all along,” Chenle adds, finally bringing clarity into your brain. He’s not right– you were just too stupid to realise the consequences of your future actions in that moment, but now you’re glad the universe worked in your favor and you were too gullible to trust your moral enemy in the moment. You may have been weak back then, but now, you’re the winner out of the two of you– and you can’t say it doesn’t make your ego rise to enormous heights.

“Y-yeah…” you hum, not realizing your expression gives it away almost immediately, bringing Chenle the last hint of confidence he needs before he takes his next step towards you. The knowledge that you didn’t plan to sabotage him, and that this was self-sabotage all along, makes the boy content– you may hate him, but not as much.  The fact that you were so out of your mind to let him take your plans right under your nose must be a hint of something.

“So…” he mumbles, scratching the back of his neck, “what I said back then in the library still stands, though,” he says, chuckling. “I know I kind of lied back then, but now I mean it. I don’t… I don’t really want us to fight anymore, and I actually think the two of us would make a great pair- I mean, friends, so…”

Blinking at him a few times, feeling heat rising to your cheeks, you feel like you’re having another fever dream. There’s no competition right now, no business strategies, no exams to be taken. So… the intentions behind his words must be truthful, right?

“Um, I…” you start, but end up gasping like fish on sand, at a loss for words. Flickering your eyes from his to your feet and back to his shy smile, you feel like your brain is overheating. Curse hormones, really… it can’t be anything other than that. There’s no other reason why your brain keeps contemplating if this is him asking you out, and no reason why you so desperately want that accusation to be true.

“We can hang out after this, if you want,” Chenle suggests, rocking a little in his place, “with- with Jaemin and Jisung as well, since they seemed to get along…” he adds, the hint of blush creeping onto his cheeks making you want to scream into your pillow with overwhelmingness.

“That would be great,” you say, seeing the boy nod at your words, relief visibly flashing behind his eyes.

“Okay, great,” he smiles, “I’ll just get my things and I’ll find you later?”

“Sounds good,” you nod, your brain turning into a foggy mess.

Watching him turn on his heels and walk towards Jaemin standing on the other side of the gym, grinning at his friend with a suggestive wiggle to his eyebrows, you zone out. Is this your reality? Did you shift into another universe where the two of you don’t want to kill each other? How did you even move on from those emotions?

“You okay?” Jisung suddenly emerges from behind you, feeling shocked at the sight of you completely unfocused and still in your movements.

“Mhmm,” you peep, taking deep breaths.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” you nod, turning to your friend. “Do you wanna hang out with Jaemin later?”

You meet Zhong Chenle at 19, hating everything about him with burning passion, despising the way he always made you feel challenged and on your toes. He shakes with your word, turning you into a competitive mess, always trying your best to be better than him at everything, just so you could see the defeated look on his face and get acknowledgement.

When you’re almost 20, you realize that a hint of what you always wanted was acknowledgement from Zhong Chenle.

It might not solve all your problems, but maybe turning less competitive is a start.

[dual-domination]

🔁 A fic you’ve re-read several times

🛳️ A fic that brought you aboard a new ship

Easy. HELLO ARJUN, I know I've been delaying the reply to this ask for several months, but today I'm glad to share it

A fic I reread several times - Just one??? No, I'm sharing my top 4 (They're all Guardian/Weilan, 3 of the authors below are among my ⭐favorites⭐ EVER so let me be talkative abt them):

To wild uncharted waters by @the-marron ⭐- Nothing new to see here, everyone knows I'm obsessed with this fic, but this is not the first and won't be the last time Marron's fics do THINGS to my heart. Her stories are inspiration.

The Charm Of Chastity by PaddlesPetwixtPuddles - no idea if the author is on tumblr. Sad fact: this is the ONLY Guardian fic they posted. It's perfect.

Kunlun's Godly Seed, Shen Wei's Ghostly Body by @lacommunarde ⭐- Idk how many times I reread this one tbh, but around 5-6 for sure (as some others from the same author, one day I'll comment in all of them jksjkskj HELLO I LOVE YOUR FICS)

Young Love by @thosch3i ⭐- Read all the Guardian fics this author posted too. Also sad fact, they're not active in this fandom anymore, but I hope they're having fun wherever they are now :D

A fic that brought you aboard a new ship

All the ships I actively interact with (read/write/art) were brought to my life by Marron, she put me in the Weilan Derivatives hell jksksj. As for my DMBJ ships, the adaptations did the trick, so there's no fic to mention (but Marron also mentioned Heihua and I was OH 👀?)

My favorite of all, OTP so dear to my heart 2Luo, in 3 steps: But a bitter kiss will bring him to his knees , A Kiss is Still a Kiss and That fatal kiss is all we need

Across the Stars (Qi Heng/Xun Xu - this ship is SO SWEET) - Star Wars AU, but it's Weilan Derivs (I need to finish reading the fics of this ship)

and THE FIC - it's so good I better not start to talk abt this fic I'm a gremlin abt this fic and YOU KNOW THIS FIC bc I think the whole team read it, Vince said it's better than books so yk what it means: The Thousand Flowers Manor (Hua Wuxie/Pei Wende - and we also have Qi Heng/Xun Xu there!) It's Pride and Prejudice in Wuxia times, how could that go wrong in Marron's hands? I'd recommend it a million times, watch some youtube to see the characters if you don't want to watch the shows/movies and go read this fic, you'll laugh, cry, be angry, hunt demons in Ancient China and have lots of dramatic relatives messing things up. It's a true delight. Happy Ending :D

~~About rereading, if a fic is in my ao3 bookmarks, there's a high chance that I reread that fic at least once, but I decided to share the ones that are Fav Fic + Fav Author ~~About ships and new stuff, I'm still waiting for the Godzilla AU with actual godzillas in it, ship is Godzilla/ruined cities under his feet.

[raindropren]

I've had a really hard time putting "Real life" into my canon without it being, weird?

It's hard to put the events, mechanics, and scenes into something that fits into the canon of my AU. Not to mention I can't put my Headcanon of life games being in a longer time frame than the actual episodes were since it was only one episode, I'd debated about making it completely non-canon to my AU, but that felt, bbbaadddd,,,

my first actual idea was to straight up make it some sort of VR thing in canon, that way, the way they acted made more sense... but the other stuff didn't, so while I liked the visuals I was thinking of, it felt off, and kinda stupid when I thought about it more :/

the entire thing has been bouncing around in my head since I decided to bite into "Real Life" and actually watch the videos(I hadn't before, probably a week ago lol)

I thought about it more, and it being a collective dream, might work well. Dreams are short, shorter then you normally realize, and they are kinda funky feeling? You have a reason for it only being an episode worth of canon and the reason everyone's acting sick and uneasy with movement despite it still being a Minecraft-based world.

In my AU, the Watchers are the reason the life games are happening, they control what's there and the mechanics that we see. They can't control what the players do, but they can manipulate the players, they change certain emotions to be easy to come and hard to go, they can't change everything but they can twist it to be more to their liking. This has become my canon's reason for why everyones so hostile, paranoid, and angry during the games, but outside of it, they're all still friends, and would never actually want to hurt the others.

so in my AU, how i've started thinking about it, is that, "Real Life" was a quick, "we haven't really done anything in awhile" type move, They were stuck on what Wild Life would be and decided to do something easy, because they couldn't possibly just,,, leave these critters alone for once, no no, never! So they put them in a collective weird dream that had the same mechanics as the first, but because Dreams are funky feeling, it made them uneasy with movement, and some, sick feeling.

I'm now toying with the idea that everyone that had the dream thinks that they just had a really really weird dream that so happened to have everyone's personalities as pretty damn realistic. That nobody else had the dream and it was just them!! it wasn't! lol

It very well could be the explanation for why when talking about "The last series that happened" they talk about Secret life instead of RL or just never mention that "Real life" was a thing or that Cleo won it,, I haven't watched all pov's of Wild Life's first episode's so if someone does mention it, I could explain it with, they realized it wasn't just a random dream. that'd be fun i think,,

either way, I'm having so much fun with this, i love thinking about how things connect in a minecraft based world. this is so fun.

it's hell sometimes but i like it so likkeeee,,, :p :3

[captain-ozone]

MY VERY SPOILERY THOUGHTS ON THE LITTLE MERMAID

I’m going absolutely feral after seeing The Little Mermaid. My inner child has been FED, and I HAVE NO ONE TO TALK TO ABOUT IT YET so here I am to spew my thoughts. Spoilers below:

1. Halle was perfect. I will accept no criticism on this point. The only thing I cared about when this live-action movie was announced was that our new Ariel would have a voice to match Jodi Benson’s, and Halle did more than deliver. She epitomized the spirit of Ariel in every way. She was playful, she was inquisitive, she was joyful and bright and fun, she was so good at tugging the heartstrings (even without dialogue!!!) and appealing to our innate wanderlust and desire to discover and experience,  and she was so so EARNEST in her portrayal I can’t even. 

2. THE DEPTH THEY ADDED TO PRINCE ERIC’S CHARACTER OKAY!?!?! LIKE?!?!?! Okay, I will NOT GET OVER THIS. It was SO CLEVER of them to mirror Ariel’s journey with his desire to break free of his position’s restrictions. It worked incredibly well and did not once detract from our heroine’s spotlight. Rather, it ENHANCED their connection and sold me on their three-day love story in a deeper and more meaningful way than the original did (more on that below). ALSO ALSO ALSO SO COOL of them not to kill off his ADOPTIVE mother. ADOPTIVE. Marvelous choice! Truly. His mother’s fear of the sea gods offered a parallel to Triton’s fear of the surface world, and *CHEFS KISS*

3. Melissa McCarthy’s Pour Unfortunate Souls was a FUN TIME. 

4. Awkwafina as Scuttle? Inspired. 

5. MAX WAS ADORABLE AND THE STAR OF THE SHOW EVERY TIME HE WAS ON SCREEN. BEST BOY.

6. Wherever they filmed? The castle? Fucking gorgeous.

7. JODI BENSON CAMEOOOOOOO 

8. Grimsby is the GOAT. Enough said.

9. NEW SONGS

I may get some hate for this, but I’m not the biggest fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Idk how to put this. He has an insane amount of talent, but for...untraditional musicals. I wouldn’t say he’d be my first choice to write new songs that fit the more traditional Broadway-like musical vibes that characterized so much of the Disney Renaissance. 

That being said, The Scuttlebutt was the strongest of the bunch, I think. It was very much a Miranda song, and in most instances, I’d be a little irritated by how they included a song that has a style so different from the rest of the lyrical music we know and love from the original animated movie. But it worked here, likely because it was delivered by Awkwafina’s Scuttle and FIT the character.

Honorable mention to Wild Uncharted Waters, only because WOW Jonah Hauer-King went OFF on that performance. This boy said “I get one musical number and I’m going to KILL IT” and he did.

Also very much liked the Part of Your World (Reprise II)! It tied everything together really nicely.

10. THE OTHER NOTABLE CHANGES I NEED TO SCREAM ABOUT

I LOVE THAT ARIEL HESITATED BEFORE CHOOSING TO GO THROUGH WITH THE SPELL.

I LOVE THAT ARIEL WAS FORCED TO FORGET SHE NEEDED A KISS FROM ERIC. --> THIS. THIS IS FREAKING AMAZING. I can’t even express how much more I felt for Ariel and Eric’s love story. How much more real it felt. How much more believable and true. I don’t buy in to one-day (or few-day) love stories very easily, especially when physical intimacy/attraction is a driving force. My little aroace ass dug the fact that kissing Eric literally was the last thing on Ariel’s mind. She got to be herself, explore this new world, AND do it with someone who appreciated her curiosity and found joy in how much joy she was experiencing, who could have just as much fun as she could. God. Goals. 

I LOVE THAT ERIC KNEW SOMETHING WASN’T RIGHT WITH VANESSA, EVEN IF HE COULDN’T PUT HIS FINGER ON IT. Very reminiscent of Prince of Song and Sea by Linsey Miller (a YA AU retelling told from Prince Eric’s POV. It’s a fun, easy read, if you’re curious).

I LOVE THAT ARIEL ACTIVELY TACKLED VANESSA AND BROKE THE SHELL NECKLACE HERSELF.

I LOVE THAT ARIEL WAS THE ONE TO STAB URSULA. I LOVE THAT SO MUCH. WE LOVE A BADASS HEROINE WHO DON’T NEED NO MAN TO SAVE HER.

All of these changes were important and mean a lot to me. I think it challenges a lot of the issues people have with the original animated movie, in that, here in the 2023 version, no one can argue that Ariel made her choices because she was lusting after a man. Or that she’s a damsel in distress. Very good stuff there.

11. My critiques

Some of the cinematography was weird. The transition between acting scenes and singing scenes didn’t always flow right. They felt abrupt and awkward. I definitely worried a bit about the CGI too, and it wasn’t too terrible imo. 

And my biggest complaint: idk what it was about the ending, but it didn’t *quite* hit right. In the original animated movie, one of the last bits of dialogue comes from Triton, when he says, “...how much I’m going to miss her.” The finale of the animated movie is then a spectacle of swelling music and a heartfelt case of “show” rather than “tell.” The hug between Ariel and Triton on the wedding barge is perfect. The way in which the mer-people come to witness the wedding and send off Eric and Ariel is perfect. 

The live-action ending felt...a little too somber. It became too much about Triton letting go and not enough about Ariel and Eric setting off on adventure together or about their worlds colliding in peace. I wouldn’t say that the last conversation between Triton and Ariel in the 2023 movie cheapens the line “...how much I’m going to miss her” and the bittersweetness with which he gifts her back her human legs, but it came close. I would have MUCH rather had a little more from Eric and Ariel than from Triton. LIKE HELLO??? WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT RING GRIMSBY KICKED AWAY!??? THERE WAS SOMETHING THEY COULD HAVE USED RIGHT THERE. Or better yet: if they wanted to do something super touching, they could have had Eric’s mother and Triton do a short aside by themselves, or perhaps even have a sort of moment where they acknowledge each other with respect/compassion/understanding before we all refocused on Ariel and Eric for the grand finale. But nah, they did what they did, and I’ll be a bit salty about it forever.

But anyway. Overall, I was very pleased. My disappointment with the lack of emotional impact from the ending does not supersede my enjoyment of everything else.

If you made it this far, please share your thoughts! I’m eager to talk to people, because all my friends aren’t like me and didn’t go see it opening night, lol.

[hunterxreaderoneshots]

A Small, Frail, Thread - Hunter x Non-binary/GN! Reader (Soulmate AU - Red Thread) - Part 2

Requested by Grape67 (AO3)

Word Count: 9.7 K (9,734)

Request: i keep asking people for soulmate aus but they never finish them red string of fate perhaps??? angst?????????

TW: Angst, crying, shouting

Spoilers for Hollow Mind and kinda Labyrinth Runners

Part 1 Here

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Hunter awoke each morning anxious to see the small thread around his finger. He was curious to where it led, to what it connected him. He’d play with it, and watching it stretch and loom over his hand and tangle between his fingers.

It was the morning of his next mission. He felt his heart beat nervously as he planned how to manage his time. In his last few missions, he hadn’t had the chance to leave and follow the thread as he had hoped, and when he had, he never found where the other end was. The male scanned through the day in his mind, wondering what task he would be given. Hunter knew he would have to go see Belos in the throne room for his mission first. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered the blue glow that had drowned him when he mentioned the thread. Belos had seemed so bothered by it, and then his mood shifted to violently that Hunter couldn’t help but wonder why. 

The young male laid in his bed as the rising sun came over him once more. Every morning his first thought was the thread; he had become obsessed with it. In the weeks that passed, he attempted to research it, to discover more of what it was and what it meant. He had very little luck, however. He knew everything within the castle was limited and heavily filtered. Everything Hunter read reflected the Emperor’s goals, his train of thought, or his disgust of wild magic. He began to wonder if the thread had something to do with the forbidden magic after all.

The small palisman bounced onto his chest and chirped lightly. Hunter shifted to look at the little bird and smiled. “Flapjack! I didn’t think you be up, too,” He said surprised. The small bird chirped and bounced closer. He cuddled his owner sweetly, and Hunter couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “I love you too, Flap,” He whispered to him. Hunter knew he was made of wild magic, but he couldn’t make himself believe that something so small and sweet was evil and dangerous.

Hunter sighed, remembering what waited for him. “C’mon, I need to go to Belos. You can stop hiding once I’ve gone outside the castle,” He explained to the small bird. Flapjack replied happily and sang to him. Hunter smiled and pet the bird gently. “Yeah! I’m gonna find out where this thread leads- it’ll be fun!” Flapjack chirped excitedly and flapped his wings. Hunter laughed again as he watched his palisman burst to life. 

“Okay, let’s go.” 

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“And, Hunter,” The Emperor turned to him once more, his blue pupils drowning Hunter. “I’m beginning to suspect that you…hmm…” The Emperor turned away thoughtfully, lulling the Golden Guard into the quiet that followed. “I’m beginning to suspect you are not following the Titan’s wish, Hunter. Your last missions have been followed lousily, especially with your new interest in this… thread…” 

The Golden Guard resisted flinching in utter fear that any movement would provoke his curse. “Emperor Belos, I apologize. I was only curious about the thread and what it led to. If you would just explain it to me a bit more-”

The male flinched as the Emperor snapped to face him. It had been one of the few times he only turned rather than attacked. And if he did attack, Hunter would be lucky to miss it. 

“Hunter, I already told you enough,” The Emperor muttered. “The Titan’s will is not so easy to decipher. If you keep this up, he might even consider replacing you.” A trembling breath escaped Hunter. “Isn’t it enough to know he sees you are valuable enough to connect to him?” 

Hunter froze, for a moment, fearing what “replacing” meant. The Golden Guard suddenly jolted as he realized he’d upset the Emperor with his silence. “Yes!” He bowed his head down, “You are right, Emperor Belos.” He didn’t know if he really believed him or himself. “I apologize. I should know better than to doubt you or the Titan and his will.”

The Emperor turned back to him, smiling behind the horned mask. “Your obedience makes the Titan very happy, Hunter,” The Emperor stepped down from his throne and stood infront of the Golden Guard. “Remember, please the Titan and you will have his approval.” The young male infront of him smiled, “Now, for your mission.” The Emperor turned back around. “I have heard rumors of an attempt to invade my mind with wild magic…”

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“If you happen to find the witch that is on the other end of that thread…” Belos looked up at the shadow, examining the childish figure carefully. “I want to know who they are and where they are. We won’t have much of a choice except to kill them to keep them out of our way and Hunter in line.” 

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The young witch wandered around the Night Market carefully. They were aware that being out at such an hour was risky, especially with the sketchy trades and witches. They walked through the path of the market, passing stall after stall, shop after shop.

(Y/N) circled around several of the stands. They admired some of the products they had found. They were examining some clothing when their eyes were drawn to the small, red thread tied to their pinky.

Their heart melted into a million anxieties as they realized the thread had shrunken drastically. They backed away hastily from the stand of clothes. What? Are they here? They began to look around the market desperately. There was a small crowd of people in all directions. They examined a few witches back away from Eda the Owl Lady. They smiled to themselves, admiring the woman for a moment. (Y/N) was a wild witch themself; they refused to be bound by the sigils of the Emperor. They laughed lightly at the other witches backing away.

After a moment they looked back to the thread. It seemed rather taught, unlike the other weeks they had seen it. They took in a deep breath, anxious for what awaited them, and made their way through the marketplace, following the thead.

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The Golden Guard marched through the night market. He had been approached by a demon attempting to trade his teeth. Gross… no wonder that’s illegal… 

The masked male continued down the market, looking around carefully for any sign of suspicious activity. Hah… everyone here is suspicious. I’m saying that as if someone didn’t just try to take my teeth… ewwww… He shivered for a moment, groaning before continuing through his mission. 

As the Golden Guard made his way, he passed a witch that seemed… familiar. He glanced at them for a moment. They were too distracted to notice him, it was almost as if they were looking for someone. The Golden Guard laughed lightly seeing how tense the witch was. He continued on his way and approached a stand of clothing. Before he could even look at the clothing, Hunter froze. The thread.

 The thread.

They’re here! They’re here!

The Golden Guard snapped around and began to search anxiously. After a few moments, he paused and collected himself. No, Belos said it connected me to the Titan. My next mission was to stop the invasion… He went over his plan for a moment, maybe it’ll lead me to the witches attempting it! The male perked up with excitement and began to follow the thread. 

As he made his way through the market, he realized how it suddenly stretched or became taught. Weird… I thought this would be easier. The male glanced down at his pinky often, following the tangled thread through the market. 

He circled around the same few stands when he suddenly saw three hooded figures. Two of the figures were tall and the third was a much smaller cloaked figure. As he examined them, he searched for a thread linking them to him. After a few moments, The Golden Guard realized that the thread didn’t connect to them. His heart sank with disappointment. Oh… He watched them as they crept through the market carefully and approached an alley, scanning the area behind them, careful no one was to follow. The Golden Guard hesitated in following them. No, no, why would the thread lead me here if it’s not them? As he watched, he realized just how careful they were. No, they’re too suspicious NOT to be up to something. 

As the Golden Guard juggled his options, a witch began to make their way through the market. They glanced from their pinky to an invisible trail that any other being would be unable to see. They followed it carefully, retracing their steps to a stand they had been to not long before. From the corner of their eye, they watched a white figure move further away, one that had been circling the market just as much as they had. 

The witch shook off the thought, watching the thread tangle and twist before them. As they walked farther and farther from the stand, they suddenly realized that the thread looped and led a trail opposite of the direction they were going in. The witch approached the loop and froze. They’re behind me, somewhere in this market. They’re close!

The witch snapped around, desperately scanning the marketplace before them. They looked over each witch, each demon, each stand in the market, hoping to see the soft glimmer of the red thread. As they watched over the market, their eyes darted to a cloaked figure in white, his back facing the young witch. They froze, denying that it did lead to him.

“No-” They stumbled back, “No no no no,” They shook their head aggressively as they watched the cloaked figure loom over the corner of a stand and look into an alleyway. Tears began to sting their eyes like boiling rain. “The Golden Guard?! My soulmate is that stuck-up brat?!!” They exclaimed furiously. As much as they wished, they couldn’t deny it: The red thread of fate was tied around the Golden Guard’s pinky, and the other end was tied to (Y/N)’s. They turned hastily, stumbling through the marketplace, and began to run, to flee from the guard. Soulmate or not, I’m not going to be dragged away to Belos for a red thread. 

The Golden Guard turned suddenly and searched behind him, weird, I thought I was called. As he examined the area behind him, he watched the thread stretch out and away from him, untangling and leading a new trail. His heart sank as he watched it.

 Oh…. 

His grip tightened around the pole he supported himself with. Had the villains gotten away? Or had he let someone far more important leave without a trace? The young male clung to the post and watched the thread. He sighed, his head hanging down for a moment before he swiftly turned and followed the three figures into the alley.

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

They huddled in their bed furiously, tears burning their eyes. (Y/N) stared at the thread on their pinky with disgust. “You really couldn’t do any better, could you?!” They muttered through gritted teeth. “UGH! Of all things- of all the witches and demons on these damned isles- it just HAD to be THE GOLDEN GUARD?!” They collapsed onto their bed in frustration. They scoffed angrily, tears soaking their soft sheets. (Y/N) laughed half-heartedly, “Lemme guess,” they muttered to the thread, “He’s gonna ask me out to join the Emperor’s Coven- OH! OH! ‘Hey, I have FRONT ROW SEATS to a PETRIFICATION ceremony- wanna be my date?!” 

Why did I even think I stood a chance with anyone?

“Augh!” (Y/N) cried out in disgust as they turned onto their stomach, hiding away their face in a drenched pillow. They looked to the thread once more, thinking back to the cloaked figure in white. The young witch collapsed deeper into their bed, “Why did it have to be you?” They murmured quietly. “Why did it have to be him?” Their arms squeezed the pillow beneath them. “Am I really this hopeless?” They fidgeted with the frail thread on their pinky and sighed. “Even if he wasn’t so snobby… he’s the Golden Guard. He wouldn’t look at me twice if I begged.”

(Y/N) sighed, “In the end, I’m just another wild witch he’d carry off to a petrification ceremony, whether he’d like it or not…” They laughed lightly. “Even if he did give me a chance, if we had a chance at all, there’s no way the Emperor would just let him walk out with me like that.” (Y/N) shuffled again, resting their face onto a pillow warm with tears. Drops of burning acid still leaked from their eyes, gently, slowly, and continuously. 

They had accepted being alone, they had accepted being meant for no one but themself. Now, however, they struggled to accept that someone was out there, someone they were meant for. And that someone was the highest ranking witch in all of the isles after the Emperor. The one person that was meant for them was nearly impossible to even imagine being with. Every odd possible was against them. From the snarkiness of the Golden Guard to the forbidden wild magic (Y/N) loved and practiced. Every bit of the two conflicted drastically with the other. It was simply impossible for the two to be together.

(Y/N) glanced at the thread for a moment and smiled, “I bet he doesn’t even know what a soulmate is…”

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Weeks had gone by since the night of (Y/N)’s discovery. They walked through Bonesburrough and began to make their way to the marketplace. They kept their head low, not caring much about what went on around them. Finding out that the Golden Guard was their soulmate had been the biggest disappointment of their life yet. 

They decided to go to the market place to distract themselves rather than actually buy anything. They didn’t have the need for something and simply wished to get their mind off of their troubles. 

Across the market place and awkward blonde shuffled around people and dodged incoming witches. He looked around anxiously, wondering if he had even made a good choice coming to such a crowded place. Someone might recognize me- I shouldn’t have come… He knew, however, he had the need to come to the marketplace. He was down on supplies and didn’t know how much longer he’d make it without them.

He had run away weeks ago when after he realized what the Emperor’s true intentions were. Every day he would glance back at the thread around his finger and question what it was, wondering if it possibly led a trail the Emperor would follow. He shuddered, hoping it wouldn’t connect him to Belos.

“(Y/N)! You’re under arrest for the practice of wild magic!” A sudden shouting broke through the crowd.

 Hunter turned in panic, feeling the name was slightly familiar, but knowing for certain that it was the voice of the Captain. He scanned the marketplace in the direction he heard the shouting from, stumbling back.

(Y/N) turned to see a swarm of scouts led by their Captain. “Oh, nooooo,” They groaned. They made a large circle and pushed it forward, casting a quick but powerful spell. They watched the scouts topple back, covering themselves with their arms for protection.

The young witch scoffed at them, turning around swiftly and running down the marketplace. Witches jumped back at the sight of the fleeing witch, hurling themselves back against the stands. (Y/N) charged down the street, seeing a blonde male frozen in place, in utter terror. He wasn’t staring at them, but at what was chasing them. They turned for a moment to see the scouts gaining on them, casting different spells attempting to halt (Y/N).

“Stop! I command you to stop! You are under arrest!” The Captain shouted desperately. 

(Y/N) turned back and kept running. The blonde stepped back slightly but he couldn’t seem to move as (Y/N) approached him.

In a split second, they grabbed his arm and tugged him with them, “C’mon! We need to get out of here!” They shouted, running towards the woods. (Y/N) turned again for a moment and cast an illusion with their free hand, causing the scouts to turn and follow the illusion away. (Y/N) turned to face forward again as they dragged the male with them.

“Where are we going?!” He cried out in panic, barely keeping up with the witch.

“We’ll be okay! Just hold on!” They gripped his hand as they trampled red grass and jumped over fallen trees. 

They slowed as they approached a small clearing. The witch stopped at a tree and let go of the male, peaking back at the direction they had come from.  

“Okay, I think we lost them,” They breathed heavily for a moment, trying to catch their breath. “Sorry to drag you with me, I thought you wanted to get away from them, too,” They explained. 

The blonde had collapsed on the ground, panting as he tried to catch his breath. “No- no… it’s….” He wheezed slightly, closing his eyes as he tried to breathe. “It’s cool…” His chest rose heavily as he inhaled. “Thanks for getting me out of there…” 

(Y/N) panted as they leaned against a tree, “Yeah… of course… no problem…” They began to breathe steadily, “They should be gone in a while… we’ll be fine.”

The young witch slumped against the tree and slid down to the ground, crossing their legs as they sat. They watched the male splayed out before them and laughed lightly. 

(Y/N) smiled to themselves for a moment and began to play with their hands. They watched a small thread loom across their fingers and over their lap, seeming slightly tighter than usual. They furrowed their brow thoughtfully, wondering why it had shrunken. That doesn’t make any sense, he’s the only one with me right now…

They looked over at the male.

 They froze. 

“Wait-” They took his hand and stared at the thread tied to his finger, “You- You have the thread!” 

“Huh?” He replied, opening his eyes and looking at them.

(Y/N) stared at the male in shock. They had seen him. No- they had met him. He was the Golden Guard, Belos’ right hand, the teen prodigy. The thread had tied them to the highest ranking scout, to the Golden Guard they detested so much.

Yet they met him as a scruffy boy on the streets. Exhausted, hungry, afraid, and alone. They had offered him everything he lacked and his eyes had gleamed with tears at their offer. They never saw him after that night, yet the next morning a red thread was wrapped around their finger like a present.

Their heart melted as they stared at the male before them. This wasn’t the same stuck-up brat they thought he was. This was a sweet and starved boy. (Y/N) continued to examine his hand and the male, looking over and realizing they remembered each detail. His hair was as golden as the sun and his mask. He was covered in nicks and scars from head to toe. One scar from his cheek was rather larger. A piece from his left ear almost seemed to have chipped off. (Y/N) watched him and blushed lightly realizing he had a rather handsome face. His eyes were a deep magenta, the same magenta they had fallen for the night they met.

“Hunter-” They called his name.

The male rose up in surprise, ignoring his name. His eyes were fixed on the thread around his finger that looped around the witch. “Finally! Someone who can see it!” He exclaimed excitedly, “Y’know, I was starting to think I was crazy! No one could see the thread- and I couldn’t even find a book about it, or a scroll or anything really-” He went on, waving his hands excitedly.

“Hunter-”

“And every time I asked someone they looked at me funny. No one seemed to know what I was talking about. And Belos just said ‘The Titan has BIG plans for you!’ OoOooOh” He mimicked mockingly, wiggling his fingers exaggeratedly.

“Hunter-”

“And you know what? I went around and around the isles chasing this thread! I had no idea what it would even lead to- I still haven’t figured out what it is, or what it’s for-”

“Hunter! Look!” They held out their hand to the male, their palm open. He looked at them with slight confusion before looking down. As he examined it, he realized that the thread was tying him to the witch. Both of their pinkies were connected by the red thread.

Hunter stared at the thread and flinched back hastily, “W-wait! I…” He huddled away from (Y/N). He stared at them with confusion and tears began to gleam in his eyes. “I want to know what this is- what this… really is…” He looked back to the thread unsure of everything. “I want to know the truth.” 

Hunter looked back to the thread worriedly, “I heard…” He sighed, “I was told by Belos that this thread didn’t lead anywhere. He said it connected me to The Titan and that it was just a reminder… my connection to him and his plans for me…” He set his head on his knees and looked over to them. “I don’t know what it is… what it… really is. All I know is that it’s here now and it’s connecting me to you,” He murmured softly. Hunter sighed and looked up at them, “I want to know what this is and why it’s connecting us.”

(Y/N) looked at him awkwardly. They were confused but as they kept examining him, they began to realize what was wrong, why he was confused. They had met him both in and out of uniform. This was the same male they had met and the same Golden Guard they had fled from. (Y/N) began to piece together his understanding as they watched him. Hunter had been lied to and manipulated his entire life: he didn’t know what a life was, what life was at all, and what laws the world was bound by. All he had ever learned were Belos commands and expectations, and the punishments that followed if they weren’t obeyed. 

(Y/N) blushed awkwardly as they watched him, feeling a sudden nervousness overcome them. “S-sure…. Sure, yeah…” Should I even tell him? He doesn’t even remember me…

They hesitated, unsure of how or what to say. What if Hunter took it badly and believed he was really bound to an unchangeable fate, that he could never choose the life he wanted? And what if he decided that he didn’t want to be with (Y/N)? What would happen then?

“Here, give me your hand…” They held out their hand and invited Hunter to place his over theirs. He stared at the witch before him and skeptically placed his hand on theirs. Hunter gasped as he watched the thread glow slightly and shrink. 

“What- what is this?” He asked in bewilderment.

(Y/N) sighed, “This… is the red thread of fate. This thread is meant to unite soulmates to each other. The thread links to both beings, tying around the pinky of each person. The thread is meant to be a sort of… path so that you can… always find your partner…” 

Hunter stared at them. “And… what exactly is a soulmate?” He asked, looking back up to them. “If heard of it be described but… vaguely.”

(Y/N) felt even more worry wash over them. He doesn’t even know… He doesn’t understand any of it.

“It’s…” They sighed nervously. “It’s… soulmates are two people who are meant for each other. They’re meant to be each other’s life partners. They…” (Y/N) tried to think of a way to explain it to him. “Soulmates are kinda just two people who are meant to be together- it’s kinda complicated-”.

Hunter’s eyes began to tear up with the relief of knowing Belos had lied. “I… I would have never expected to…” Hunter’s voice cracked as he tried to explain. He laughed half-heartedly. “I had heard of so many different things… Someone mentioned the soulmate thing but- I didn’t think it was true!” He took his hand away from (Y/N)’s and placed it on his lap. 

“Well, why not?” (Y/N) asked nervously, watching the red glow fade away.

Hunter thought for a moment, “I was made by Belos. I was forced to be here. I’m not a witch and I’m not a human. I’m a Grimwalker,” He admitted quietly. “I’m just… here.” Hunter looked back to his hand and then to (Y/N)’s. “I would have never expected that fate would have let me have a soulmate…” He glanced over at the thread tied to (Y/N)’s pinky.

They felt their heartbreak at Hunter’s words. They didn’t know how he felt about the truth, or if he was okay with being (Y/N)’s soulmate.

(Y/N) reached for Hunter’s hand and placed theirs over his gently. “Hunter… look. It doesn’t matter how you came to be. We’re… we’re all here and we’re all alive.” Hunter looked back up at them as tears trickled down his cheek.

“How can you be so sure? How- how do you know we’re really leading to each other for… this?” He blushed fiercely as he motioned to (Y/N)’s hand. Hunter slumped back onto the ground, confusion and frustration muddling in his mind. He placed his hands over his eyes as he thought. “Why… why are you so sure? Why…” He opened his eyes as doubt suddenly flooded him, doubt he would have never dared to expressed in the castle. “…Why are you fighting for me?” He asked, looking back at (Y/N) with pleading eyes.

(Y/N) blushed again at Hunter’s question. They hadn’t even realized how hard they were pushing to keep him, to make him understand what the thread was, to make him see past it. 

“I-I…” They searched for an answer in their mind but couldn’t find one. If they said they loved him, would he believe it? He didn’t even recognize them. If they said it was for the string, would he become frustrated by fate's boundaries? That even outside of the castle life was limited? If they said they didn’t know…would he give up on himself completely? 

“Tell me,” Hunter said, getting onto his elbows and looking at them. “I want to know: Why are you fighting for me? You don’t even know me and you’re already trying to keep me with you!” (Y/N) was petrified. Their hands trembled violently as their mind flooded. Hunter was unsure of how they had gotten his name, but he recalled the witch’s name from the market. “(Y/N), tell me.” The young male was becoming desperate for an answer. His eyes began to well up with tears again. “(Y/N)!” Hunter demanded as he sat up, frustration overwhelming him completely.

“I-...” They remained silent, unsure of what to say. 

“(Y/N)!! TELL ME!!” Hunter barked his demand as his tears spilled. He gritted his teeth furiously at himself. (Y/N) closed their eyes and covered their mouth with their hand. How could they lie to him after everything he had gone through? Another lie and Hunter could possibly waste away.

Hunter began to whimper lightly, seeing that they wouldn’t answer. “(Y/N)-....” He cried, looking away briefly. “(Y/N), please, it’s killing me- please…” Hunter gripped the red grass below his hand. “Why are you fighting for me, (Y/N)? Hunter begged them for an answer. He could feel his heart tearing apart with each moment of silence. “If anything you should be trying to get away from me! Don’t you know I’m the Golden Guard?! I’ve worked with Belos my whole life- doesn’t that upset you?!” He shouted, flicking his hand at them. “Why would you even WANT To be with ME?!” 

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“I-I-...” (Y/N) mumbled behind their hands but they couldn’t form a true answer. What could they possibly say when they knew they had nothing to tell him? And even if they did have something to tell him, he didn’t recognize them. He didn’t remember (Y/N).

Heartbreak escaped Hunter with a light, pathetic sob. His brows furrowed as he watched (Y/N) curl into an empty ball. “(Y-)... (Y/n)...” Tears burned his face like boiling rain. His eyes widened in despair. “You don’t know, do you?” He muttered lightly.

(Y/N) snapped around to look at Hunter, “NO! NO- I- I- of course I know!” They protested desperately. (Y/N) looked to their hands and then at Hunter’s. “Of course I know! I just- I- I don’t know how to tell you!” Tears trickled down their face. 

“(Y/N), THEN TELL ME!” Hunter pleaded again, the pain of his voice flooding the entire forest.  

The witch grunted with frustration and pulled their hands from their face. “BECAUSE I’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU!” (Y/N) yelled at him. The male flinched back at their response, tears trickling down his cheek and falling on the ground below. “B-because-.... Because-” (Y/N) clawed at their face again before tearing their hands away. “Because I’ve been searching for you!” They cried helplessly. They turned away hastily as Hunter watched with wide eyes. “I-I…” (Y/N) aggressively rubbed their tears from their face. “I didn’t even know if you were out there…” The witch hugged themself as they confessed years of pain. “I didn’t even know if you were really out there. I had gone all over these Isles and not once did I ever see a damn thread leading me to anyone!" They cried in disgust.

Hunter watched them as tears dripped away from his own face. His lips had parted slightly but just enough to where the small gap between his teeth was visible. 

“I didn’t even care anymore! This damn thing was there for everyone except me- so I gave up and I moved on…”  They hunched over their knees, more tears trickling down their face.

 “But then,” Their tone shifted, becoming slightly lighter, “But then I saw you at the market,” (Y/N) turned to look at Hunter and laughed lightly. “You looked so helpless, how I could I have possibly refused to help you?” A visible confusion spread across Hunter’s face as he processed what they said.

He blushed suddenly, remembering the night of a mission gone wrong. 

                                                            …

Hunter walked through the streets of Bonesburrough, hoping to waste enough time to where he wouldn’t have to see the Emperor until morning. Unless he’s eager to see me, then I’m screwed. Hunter swallowed hard, already imagining the furious blue light emitting from the Emperor's eyes. He picked up his pace and began marching his way into the Night Market, hoping he could set his mind to some ease.

Hunter wasn’t wearing his uniform. His mask was off and he could feel the gentle breeze against his face. Flapjack popped onto his shoulder and chirped to him. “Flapjack! Hey buddy,” He reached for his shoulder and pet the bird gently on the head. “I’m just… walking around. I’m not ready to go back… not empty-handed.” The red cardinal chirped worriedly. “I know. I WILL go back but… not yet,” He replied quietly. The palisman chirped again, hoping to make him feel better. 

The young witch had become so distracted by his palisman, he didn’t even realize where he was going. As Hunter continued to speak to Flapjack, he rammed into a witch walking past. 

“Oof!” He cried as he fell back. Flapjack cried out for his companion and glided down to his side. 

“Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you alright?!” A young witch kneeled to his side, scanning over the blonde male. 

“I’m so sorry!” Hunter cried out. “I didn’t see where I was going! I-” Hunter stopped as he looked to the witch before him. He sat up slowly without looking away from them. They had bright (e/c) eyes that stood out on their (s/c) face. A few strands of (h/c) hair decorated their face and swayed gently with the breeze of the night.

“I umm…” Hunter hesitated for a moment as he watched them hold out their hand. He glanced down at it with disbelief, tears beginning to prickle his eyes. Very rarely someone offered to help him. He took the witch’s hand and they helped him up. “Thank you,” He murmured gently.

(Y/N) stared at the male before them. He was about their age but seemed… somehow older or more mature. As they examined him, they realized why: he was exhausted and overworked. The male had dark bags under his eyes, his face was covered in small scratches and nicks, and there was a large scar that started at his cheek and ended at his chin. (Y/N) stared in disbelief at the child soldier before them. His hair was a beautiful golden color that faded into a murky grey as it neared his ears and neck. Although beautiful, his hair was horribly messy. (Y/N) continued to look at him, realizing just how hurt he was.

“Hey, are you okay? You look exhausted!” They looked over the male before them. 

A small, red, bird palisman hopped onto his shoulder and began to chirp. He glanced at the bird, “Huh?” He murmured, incredibly disoriented. “Oh! Uh… yes, I’m fine, it’s just been a long day and I thought I would spend some time in the…” He looked around for the banner and squinted, “Niiiight  Maarkeet…?”

(Y/N) glanced at the banner and then back to him. “You’re sure you should be out here? Look, you don’t look well enough to even be standing-  and someone might try to hurt you.”

He blushed in embarrassment, flinching back slightly at their words. “Yes, I just… wanted to get some fresh air,” He turned around and crossed his arms. The exhaustion in his body seeped out in his words.

The young witch sighed, “Well, at least lemme help you. You look like you could use someone’s help.” The male snapped around and stared at the witch. If he were to walk through the castle in the state he was in, all he would get would be a handful of snickers and comments. No one would bat an eye or offer to help him.

But they were… trying to help him.

“What?” He asked in confusion.

“Here, just,” They took his hand and began to lead him through the market. Their first stop was at a food stand where he excitedly picked out a meal he recognized, knowing exactly how he wanted it prepared. (Y/N) laughed and continued by ordering their own food, and paying for both. The duo ate and chatted for a while, passing by stands and snickering about sketchy products. They walked down the streets, looping around a few times while (Y/N) finished their food. As they barely finished with their tray, (Y/N) noticed just how quickly the male had finished his meal. They thought for a moment and assumed he must have been really hungry to order so eagerly and finish so quickly.

(Y/N) then led the male to another food stand that they liked. The male glanced at it and realized with much embarrassment just how famished he was. The young witched urged for him to get another meal, to which he bashfully accepted. 

“Oh, I’ll get something, too, don’t worry about it,” (Y/N) insisted. The male blushed lightly and nodded, proceeding to follow them into the line. Once their turn came, (Y/N) watched the male order another whole tray of food, while they grabbed a light snack. After they waited for a bit, the two received their food and went off to a corner where they ate together.

They sat at the edge of the street and watched the crowd of witches and demons. They were surprised to see him dig in just as eagerly while they thoughtfully ate their food. (Y/N) studied the male as he watched the crowd… cautiously. He almost seemed to flinch at each stranger that passed, and then he’d bend his ears back as if in shame. 

“Hey, man, are you… alright? You look… uneasy.”

“Yes! I’m fine I just…”

He dropped his food back onto the tray as he stared forward in utter terror, his ears bending back like a cowarding dog. (Y/N) watched him for a moment before turning and scanning the direction he was looking at.

“Oh- noooo!” They groaned, their shoulder’s slumping in annoyance. They stood up quickly, “C’mon, get your food- we need to hide for a bit.” The male continued staring forward until he snapped back to look at them. He grabbed his tray and (Y/N) helped him up. 

The scouts from the Emperor’s coven began to make their way through the night market, identifying random witches and scanning over stands. (Y/N) carefully led the male through a small walkway behind stands and toward an alley. “Stay, quiet, and don’t draw any attention to yourself,” They murmured quietly, leading him through the dimly lit streets. They finally arrived at the alley they were heading to. (Y/N) gently pushed the male further into the alley and out of sight. The young witch then peaked out of the corner and watched the scouts. “Oh, damnit… They brought the warden this time…” They grumbled. 

“The warden?” Hunter squeaked nervously. His palisman flew onto his shoulder and chirped nervously. The male looked at him, “Shh! Please! If I get caught, I at least want you to stay safe! Don’t let them see you!” He cried out to his companion.

The young witch turned and laughed lightly. “Ah! A wild witch too, eh? No wonder you freaked out when you saw them…” They smiled at him. They turned back around to set their hands onto the wall and watch from the safety of the corner.

The Golden Guard blushed madly… Wait… too??

“Wait! You’re a-” He stared at them in shock and terror. He had let a wild witch lead him to safety. 

“What?” They asked, “I thought surely you’d be a wild witch. I mean, you have a palisman- do you even know how hard it is to get one of those these days?” They walked back toward him and motioned to the cardinal on his shoulder. “Besides, you were just as scared of those scouts as I was.” 

“I… I was…” He admitted nervously, crumpling the paper tray in his hand. 

“Hey,” They put a hand on his shoulder, “They should be gone in about fifteen minutes, we’ll be okay.” 

The male attempted to smile but an awkward, “Eeee…” was all he managed to reply with. The young witched laughed again as they passed him and sat in the corner of the alley. The male stood in place for a moment before proceeding to follow them. 

He approached the young witch nervously, unsure whether he was safer out there or with them. 

Do I really have much of a choice?

He reluctantly sat beside them: not too close and not too far. The young witch watched him, noticing his discomfort, and sighed. “Listen, for whatever reason you have to wanna hide from them- don’t worry about it. You’ll be safe with me… even in this… gross… dingy alley…” They murmured, motioning to their surroundings. The male watched them for a moment and laughed, relaxing again.

 He glanced back at his food, feeling his appetite return. He picked up what he had dropped and proceeded to eat. “Thank you, ummm…”

“Oh, me? I’m (Y/N),” they replied. He watched them for a moment. Of course they seemed familiar, they were one of the wild witches on the posters.

“Oh, well… thank you, (Y/N),” He said softly, continuing to finish his second meal of the night. He didn’t realize how hungry he had been. The male hesitated for a moment, wondering if what he wanted to do was right. “My name… is Hunter…” He murmured softly, continuing to eat. 

“Well, Hunter, it was a pleasure to spend the night with you- and run away from those scouts.” Hunter laughed lightly at their reply. He looked at (Y/N)’s wrists and then at his. The leather gloves on his hands were the only thing keeping his sigil out of sight.

 “Well, thank you, (Y/N)... for everything…” He set his empty tray to the side and rested his hands on his crossed lap. 

(Y/N) looked back at the anxious male. “Hey, don’t worry about it,” They assured. He looked back to the young witch, “You still look really tired though- if you need a place to stay… you can come with me,” They offered. “You can rest for a while and get away from those jerks,” The two looked back at the scouts who seemed to be leaving. “You can crash my place for as long as you’d like, I wouldn’t mind the extra company.”

He stared at the witch in disbelief, tears beginning to prick his eyes. “I-... Thank you, but, I have a home to return to.” If he spent any more time out, he was sure Belos would become furious. But it was late enough to where he could go straight to his room. “Thank you, really,” He felt his heart break slightly as he thought of the offer. No one ever offered to help him, not even the scouts would offer to let him spend time with them. Not even his Uncle would dare to let him spend so much time with him. “Thank you, but I need to go, really.”

(Y/N) watched as he rose and they stood up with him. “You’re welcome, Hunter,” The male looked at them at the sound of his name. “I’m happy we met.”

The male blushed slightly. Usually when people met him, it seemed to be the pinnacle of their misery. But… they were happy? 

“Oh… well…” He fidgeted for a moment, “I’m… glad, too.” He began to step away from them and toward the edge of the alley. (Y/N) followed Hunter as they crept out into the open.

The two watched the crowd, making sure no scouts remained in the market. Hunter hesitated for a moment again and sighed. “Thank you, (Y/N),” He murmured. 

“Hey, I already said: don’t worry about it,” It was strange how much he had thanked them. “I’m sure I’ll see you here again someday. I’m usually here, causing trouble.” Hunter smiled and laughed again. 

“Then, I guess I will see you again.” He smiled to them one more before backing out into the open. “Goodbye, (Y/N),” He murmured softly.

They smiled and waved gently, “Goodbye, Hunter.” 

And with that, the male disappeared back into the market, back into the swarm of customers and out of sight.

                                                              …

Hunter blushed and his ears bent back again. He looked away uneasily, unsure of what to do or what to say.

“I didn’t know it was you then,” (Y/N) murmured as they collected themself. “I just saw you and… I wanted to help you… I didn’t even think this would happen,” They motioned to the thread tying the two together.

“You…” He whispered. “(Y/N) it was… it was you that night…”

They sighed and looked over at him. He had finally remembered. They played with their fingers again, “And then I saw you with the thread for the first time- I ran away.” (Y/N) fidgeted awkwardly, “You were in uniform and I-... I was angry it was you. I didn’t know it was you, Hunter. I just- I saw the Golden Guard and… I ran…” They rubbed a few more tears away from their face.

Hunter scoffed, “Hey, I would have run from the Golden Guard, too, if I were you.” (Y/N) looked over at him and laughed lightly. He smiled and looked into their eyes, “I mean, we ran from the Warden and his scouts, why not the Golden Guard too?” He slumped back against the tree as he motioned with his hands.

(Y/N) sighed and looked away again. “And I didn’t know it was you either, now, when we were running from the scouts… again… You were in my way and you looked scared so… I dragged you down with me.” They plucked some of the blades of red grass from the ground.

(Y/N) sniffled, “Hunter, I… I didn’t… I didn’t know it was you- I didn’t even see the thread then- I didn’t see it until after that night!” They exclaimed worriedly. 

He turned to them, tears in his eyes. “It was you… all this time…” Hunter stared at them with wide eyes, slowly processing everything. He looked away with sudden disgust, “He lied to me-” He muttered through gritted teeth, “All this time… he was lying…” His eyes shifted wildly as he stared off in thought. “He was… trying to keep me away from you…”

“Hunter, I don’t care that this… thread is what’s tying us together. I… I know it’s confusing but… I’m… I’m just glad I found you again,” (Y/N) hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out to Hunter, holding their arms out for him. The young male shifted slowly and looked over at the witch before him. His eyes continued to gleam with tears, glimmering in the soft rays of the setting sun. He looked from (Y/N)’s arms to their eyes. (Y/N) flexed their fingers slightly, inviting him into the safety of their embrace.

 A cry of helplessness broke out deep within the male and his shoulders jerked. He reached slowly for them, creeping slowly, closer to the warmth he never knew. He coiled back suddenly, wondering if any of it was right, if it was true at all.

He didn’t know how many paths he could take, he was unsure of everything, and from the look of (Y/N)’s eyes, he could tell they were just as unsure. He understood if he went back to the castle, whether by choice or by force, the only thing waiting for him was an empty portrait in Belos' mind waiting for him to fill it: a tangle of roots dragging his mask into the ground and his last moments of life forever engraved into the Emperor’s mind. If he ran from (Y/N), then what waited for him? A thread calling to him evermore, begging for him to return? The constant reminder he had a chance, a true purpose with someone? And what if he chose to follow the thread? 

It’s not a choice, is it? I’ve never had a choice, have I?

The boy coiled back further, his arms pulling into his chest. 

I’ll never get to choose who I am, will I?

The witch coiled back.

No, what am I?

It coiled back. A million unknown emotions running over it. It wasn’t a witch, and it wasn’t human. It wasn’t even a demon. It was a creation of unknown origin, an inexplicable abomination. It had been used for years to carry out a job that had come to it as the false promise of purpose, of true meaning. It knew now that none of that was true.

Then what was it before him? The illusion of free will and choice?

No.

“How are you so sure you want this? To be with me? Not even I understand what I am.” The Grimwalker muttered gently. 

The witch rested their arms on their knees. They had become sore from the offer of their embrace.

“I… told you already…” They murmured, looking away from the male. “I don’t care what you are or how you got here. Hunter, please, listen.” They held their hand out but the male refused and look away. (Y/N) sighed, “Look, I know this is difficult for you to take in. It is for me, too. I don’t know what you’ve gone through, and I can’t even imagine how much pain you must be in right now.”

It flinched with the burning memories of failure and endless punishments; Of demands upon demands with no gratitude or acknowledgment to follow; Of the discovery that its life was not more than the greed and need of a wicked being.

“Hunter?” It perked slightly. 

No. I am someone. 

He turned to the sound of the name he had been given. The name he carried as a burden for the entirety of his life. In that moment it was no longer a burden or a harsh reprimanding but an invitation. A warm, kind invitation to a life he had always longed for.

“Hunter I know this must be difficult to take in. I-...” (Y/N) trailed off again. “It’s been hard for me, too. I mean, I didn’t even know I would have a soulmate and you didn’t even know what a soulmate would be. You didn’t know this was how… fate…” They fidgeted with their hands, watching the male.

“Look what I just want to say- what I want you to understand is…” They breathed out anxiously again, wondering if he would accept them. “You don’t have to be with me. But if you want, we can start a new life, together.”

Hunter’s eyes widened as he turned to (Y/N). He relived the moment they had offered their help to him in that instant. 

“What?” He asked gently, tears beginning to stream steadily.

“Hunter, you don’t have to do any of this if you don’t want to. I know this whole ‘soulmate’ concept must be new to you, but you don’t have to abide by it.”

I do have a choice. 

His whole life he had been lied to. He had lived a lie full of suffering and neglect. He didn’t have a choice in that life, and he knew that far too well. But if this was the life that really waited for him, one of truth and kindness, shouldn’t he accept it?

If this is what I was meant for, shouldn’t I be happy? 

The male leaned back, “I… I don’t know… I want to do what I’m supposed to do-” He thought for a moment. “I just want to know who I should be…” Tears flowed gently from his face to the red grass below him. His only wish, his only dream fluttered back into his mind. 

(Y/N) watched the male for a moment. “We can find out- together…?” Hunter looked up and into (Y/N)’s warm pools of (e/c). Tears of their own trickled down their face as they held their arms out to him again.

The male hesitated again, unsure of what path to choose, unsure if he had any at all. He stared at the witch before him. 

No- they’re not doing this for the thread…

(Y/N)’s doing this for me- even from that first night at the market… They did it… for me.

 In a moment of desperation Hunter launched himself into their arms, weeping as he felt kindness for the first time. The two awkwardly reached around the other, shuffling their hands around each other. Tears of joy burst from (Y/N)’s eyes as Hunter dug himself deeper into them. They pulled him in close, lulling him into the warmth and safety he never knew he longed for. 

(Y/N) pulled him in closer, pulling his head into them as he cried. A smile began to creep along Hunter’s face. His sobs began to mix with half-hearted laughter of relief. 

“It’s okay now, I swear. You’ll be safe with me Hunter, I promise you.” They nuzzled his neck lightly, their fingers wrapping around the crying male. They kissed his head sweetly, cupping his cheeks as they did so.

“I just can’t believe it’s really you-” He cried, digging his fingers into them. “I can’t believe fate really let me have a soulmate- to let me have you-” Hunter choked on his words as he cried.

“I know! I know…” They squeezed Hunter in their arms. “I’m so happy I found you again…”

The two cried in each other’s arms for a while. Hunter forgot about everything while he was in (Y/N)’s arms. He didn’t care about the castle or his position or even bout Belos. He didn’t mind anymore that the thread was gift of fate.

Hunter finally pulled away and laughed lightly. “All right, tell me again. What does this thread do?” He sniffled quietly as he wiped some tears away.

“Well,” They pulled him in again. “If you want to ignore the soulmate half for a bit, it’ll always lead back to one another. No matter where we are, we’ll always be able to find each other.”

“And tell me again, what does it mean to be soulmates?” He laughed lightly, letting the warmth of his tears trickle down his face. 

“It means we’ll always have each other, Hunter. I guess it technically means we were made for each other, we were destined to be together. It’s complicated but… it kinda just…” They paused, realizing how much trouble they could have saved.

(Y/N) pulled away from Hunter and looked at him dead in the eyes, “It’s like the connection between Palisman and their owners! Oh my Titan! Hunter, how did I not think of this before?!” Hunter gasped with realization as understanding flooded over him.

“OH! Oh! It’s like that unbreakable bond! The one uh… umm…” He snapped his fingers, textbooks worth of information scanning through his mind. “The connection between a palisman and their owner! The lifelong bond that can never be broken! Palisman and their owners bond through emotion- when they bond their lives and consciousness become intertwined indefinitely!”

(Y/N) nodded excitedly, “Yes! Yes! It’s similar to that…” They looked down at the thread. “Strange though. Usually, the thread would appear within a very young age and… and neither of us had it until we met…” They watched the thread loom over their hands and around Hunter’s lap.

Does that mean-

“Did I… get to choose my soulmate?” Hunter murmured. “Do you think that’s what happened? Because I’m a Grimwalker?” 

(Y/N) looked up to Hunter, a light blush spreading across their face. I’ve never heard of witches being able to choose but… maybe?” They shrugged, causing Hunter to laugh. “Or maybe fate just… delayed you for a bit- for the better.”

“Well, even if I didn’t get to choose, I’m happy it’s you.” Hunter reached around them. “This has been the best thing that has happened to me since I ditched the Emperor’s Coven.”

(Y/N) smiled and pulled him back in. “Wait, hold on… you abandoned it??” They pulled away from Hunter and smiled. “Oh heck yeah! Now we’re both literally partners in crime!” 

They stood up, giving Hunter their hand and helping him up. “Just imagine! We’re gonna be on wanted posters! Together- you and me! How cool is that! I have one of Eda the Owl Lady and Luz the Human-” Hunter laughed at his partner’s enthusiasm. “This is so cool! The two of us!”

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Hunter had been welcomed into (Y/N)’s home. It was then that he realized they lived on their own in a cottage out in the woods. The two began to attend Hexside together, not long after (Y/N) found out multi-tracks were introduced. There, everyone was amazed by the story of the two witches, especially Hunter’s new friends: Gus and Willow.

Hunter rested his head on (Y/N)’s shoulder, closing his eyes. 

“Tired?” (Y/N) asked gently. Hunter hummed and nodded his head gently, feeling the warmth of (Y/N)’s body. 

Over a number of weeks, Hunter had slowly accepted the purpose of the red thread. To (Y/N)’s surprise, he had taken it rather well. Hunter found it incredibly comforting, with time, that the thread was what lead him to his soulmate: (Y/N).  He also developed a habit of reaching for their hand or holding it simply for “the purpose of seeing the thread glow”, but (Y/N) knew he just liked holding hands.

They were also lucky enough to find an old document by a human man with the initials C.W. explaining the thread and a few theories about it. (Y/N) and Hunter was thrilled to find a concept of “delayed appearance” and “confirmed compatibility”. The theory stated that in some cases, it was possible that the thread wouldn’t appear until later in life or when “fate deemed that the couple was an absolute match for one another”. It also stated in another section the findings of the thread holding up through different dimensions, realms, and worlds, in the man’s words: “personal experiences lived by my own flesh and blood, and my soulmate’s”.

Hunter nuzzled (Y/N), feeling a warm blush grow across his face. (Y/N) laughed lightly, pulling him closer to them.

He thought for a moment, the blush growing. “Umm… (Y/N)?” He asked nervously. Hunter shut his eyes tightly as he waited for a response.

“Yeah?” (Y/N) asked as they pulled him closer. The two were sitting on (Y/N)’s bed as they were studying. 

“I…” He fidgeted with his finger for a moment. “I love you, (Y/N)...” He held his breath for a moment as he waited for them to respond.

(Y/N) laughed lightly, “Hunter! You’ve said it a thousand times, there’s no need for you to be nervous!” They planted a passionate kiss on his lips, causing the male to blush and become fully awake. “I love you too, Hunter,” They rested their forehead on his and smiled sweetly.

Hunter smiled, “I love you,” He whispered back, feeling their hand hold his. He shut his eyes ad leaned on (Y/N), quietly thanking fate for giving him a chance; for letting a small, frail thread connect him to his soulmate, to (Y/N).

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

I am genuinely so sorry for having this take so long to come out. I was not expecting it to be so difficult for me to make this one lol. I feel like the story might not make sense in some parts but lemme explain. I wanted to set this in a world where Hunter has no idea what the thread is so he has to learn, adapt, and accept it. In case you didn’t get it… C.W. is our one and only Caleb lol. I’d really love to expand on his story if you’re interested. 

The only reason I was able to finish today was because I had to stay home. I have covid at the moment lol.

But thank you so much for requesting! And thanks to everyone who reads these! I have a part 3 more or less planned for this (if ya’ll want it) and a new FULL story coming out. It’ll be on all my other accounts soon. It’s a Hunter x Reader ToH x Gravity Falls requested AU thing.  

But thanks again to all of you who read these and enjoy them! Your support means so much! I’ll catch up with requests (slowly but surely). Requests are open as always, and thanks for reading!

                                                   ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

-Deathlight Gato

Alternate Part 3 Bonus

“I believe you have been… retaining some information you promised to tell,” The gentle, mature voice filled a dark room full of wires and tubes. The figure stood before a broken door with a large eye in the center.

“Hmmmmm…” The child thought for a moment. “Ugh. I can’t do EVERYTHING as long as I’m trapped here!” The shadow chimed back. It smirked mischievously. “Although…” It thought for a moment, giggling as a plan unfoiled. “I think I know how to find where our playmates might be!”

“A witch gone wild, magic untamed!

A walker, Of grim, hidden, ashamed!

Playing together, two outlaws unite

Finding our pals, oh… what a delight!”

The Emperor smiled, “If it’s a game you’d like to play, Collector, I suppose we can find you a playmate or two to keep you company.”

Part 1 Here

[bubble-popping]

I Forgot About Punz :( sorry punz

some more questions :) - when does punz realize that something is going on? is it like, right after dream breaks out and they don't meet up, or a little later? - how canon divergent is this au? like techno's personality is different, but does ranboo die in the prison escape? (wait no techno isn't as close to ranboo in this au?) - does techno make dream wear/do anything? or does he just kinda keep dream in the trophy room always - how exactly does techno teach dream to "listen to everything he says"?

sorry for asking so many questions...i've just been thinking about this au constantly

Pls don't be sorry! I'm having fun answering :D it's still kind of a wild concept to me that other ppl like my silly thoughts but I'm more than happy to indulge :))

And don't worry, c!Techno forgot about c!Punz at first too :)

Punz would realize something is up pretty much instantly. He and Dream agreed to meet right after the prison break in that snowy area, so when Dream doesn't show up, they're concerned. Then, he doesn't show up the next day, or the day after that, or the day after that, and then Punz is REALLY concerned. He saw Dream at the break-out and that is not a man who's equipped to handle himself in the Arctic wilderness alone for several days. They only waited so long because, well, they really didn't know what else to do. Dream specifically told him to meet there at that time, and following Dream's direction is what they do best. He'd have to keep up the appearance of looking for Dream anyway so as to not rouse suspicion. They'd pay Techno a visit, after Sam and Quackity had already been there, so Dream obviously isn't there but they can smell that something's off. (pushing the wolf hybrid!Punz agenda) Techno gives nothing away, but Punz knows Dream, and they know his scent (especially when it's all over the cabin and all over Techno and it's driving them crazy), and they know he wouldn't not follow through with a plan unless something uncontrollable got in the way. So, they do what a mercenary does best and starts tracking Techno.

The au itself isn't too divergent when it comes to major events, so all the canon stuff happens up until the obvious point after prison break. Ranboo would still die, but Techno wouldn't be as broken up about it. One less Syndicate member is unfortunate, though.

Dream is very rarely let outside. (only a few times has Dream's begging swayed him and he was allowed to roam the forest outside, with the caveat of staying on a 'leash' Techno made from enchanted rope to ensure he stays close) Techno much prefers to keep him in the trophy room, well-groomed and quiet. Something pretty to look at. The scars from all the torture aren't his favorite (least of all the hideous smile carved into his back), but he also thinks they're beautiful in their own way. If he had to say, his favorite would be when Dream wears nothing at all ;)

Techno found that Dream was alarmingly easy to control with some minor indulgence. He's positively starved for affection and comfort, not to mention in this au Dream did always have a crush on Techno which really showed during their shared time in the prison. He listens to everything Techno says for two main reasons: the prison had already done much of the hard work of removing any of Dream's autonomy or ability to think for himself and as long as Techno is able to spin the story that this is for Dream's safety, he's happy :)

[thelavendercatalogue]

LJS Important Canon events: Train Accident and the aftermath: Jigens Timeline

It should come as no surprise to anyone at this point that I am absolutely in love with the Koike Films and The Woman Called Fujiko Mine.As someone who enjoys a more "adult" tone to certain media's once in a while, the Koike films and TV show just hit a little different to me when it comes to the Lupin series, edging towards the more dark tone of the manga, without ever actually pushing completely into territory that made the first editions of the Manga so infamous.

As a result of my love for the series as a whole, it should also come as no surprise that me being me would find some way to combine certain Lupin media into my own "timeline" to work off.

Enter my favorite and most greatest achievement in the fandom thus far:

me somehow merging the Lupin Zero's timeline with the TWCFM's timeline.

Now granted it wasn't easy. But one of the things I truly appreciate about this fandom, besides the fun characters, is that it helps with it being nearly 60 years old at this point, with it having a lot of focal points to jump off at.

For me the timeline starts not with Lupin Zero itself, but what comes after. But instead basing it off of what came before Zero.

The Train accident is one of the most “legendary” albeit-not-really-explained-or-even-mentioned-much-if-not-at-all-idea, to come out of the Lupin fandom next to the Is Lupin even human idea. This incident is the one that famously yet “supposedly” scarred up Lupin’s face and ultimately killed his dad.

We often get "hints" of this incident but never fully do we ever get concrete evidence of it. Not even the infamous "Mask Scene" of Pt5 seems to directly hint to it.

In my AU however, this is actually a really important event. Basically the highlight of the entire AU so to speak. With this incident, a lot of important events transpire that open up to other media forms canon to the AU. The most important one being TWCFM, as well as the Tomoe Arc.

How? Well, you see, despite Lupin’s attempts at acting like everything is OK shortly after the train accident, both Issei, but now also Jigen as this idea incorporates Lupin Zero, begin to notice that the boy isn’t as “ok” as he lets on.

A while after he heals, he begins to show the classic symptoms of severe depression: he’s often times lethargic, sleeping all day, he’s losing weight to a point where it becomes noticeable, is often times irritable, but one of the major things that entails the possibility of something being severely wrong is that he begins to lose interest or at least the pleasure in engaging in certain activities.

He no longer comes up with wild hair brain schemes, he no longer builds fancy gadgets, he no longer does anything that he is known for. And while Jigen likes the slow pace in the beginning, as it goes on for longer then he anticipates, he ends up bringing up his concerns with Lupin’s grandpa who also notes the same changes in his grandson that Jigen has noticed as well.

As the days go on and Lupin gets worse and worse to the point he’s practically a shell of his former self, Issei ultimately makes a choice. Something has to be done before he loses his grandson to his spiraling.

But what?

In the end we all know what happens. 

With no other options that have worked including therapy and worried deeply for the safety of his grandson’s mental and physical health, Issei brings little Lupin to meet a lady who teaches not far from where they live in Japan, who has agreed halfheartedly to help bring the boy some peace.

This woman is named Tomoe. 

Well. . .we all know what happened with that.

Following Lupin's disappearance and supposed death, Jigen and him are separated for many years.

Which opens up to Jigens TWCFM Arc.

While I don't know what precisely goes on with Lupin during the time-frame of their separation, Jigens timeline merges both manga and show elements as well as Koike Elements.

Some time after returning home following the loss of his friend, as he is unable to cope without him, Jigen returns to the old bump-grind life he had before he met Lupin. He goes back to work for the mafia and his father as a mercenary once again, rising up in the ranks as a remarkable hitman. But it’s a large tragic occurrence, with every bad thing that can happen to him happening to him, his life falling apart without Lupin to be by his side.

Some of the major turning points include:

The kidnapping of his youngest sister, and the death of his brother in the same event when he was in his late teens. Following the death of Joey Dunn, Jigen is pushed harder by his father to "carry on the family business. However this is a tumultuous event as it leads him to proceed with an attempt at a full mercenary career. Because of his background, he becomes a mercenary who went to South America and befriended Gallanco, whom he admired. They both went to Dolminea to fight in a war; the image of Gallanco becoming a hero left a deep impression on Jigen. At some point, he returned home, but due to events unknown to outsiders, he ends up relocating to Europe and joined the Italian mob; although the reason is unknown, it is thought to be at the behest of his father, who still attempts at using his only living son as a way to carry on with the name and all that, thoroughly abandoning the thought of his youngest being at any means useful thus casting her aside.

The Death of his Father can't come quickly enough. But when it does, it throws Jigen for a loop. He fully expects with his fathers death to leave the mafia for good and go home. But with the life now embedded deep in his bones no thanks to his old man, he finds himself unable to do so. Believing himself to be no good at anything else other than mafia/mercenary life, he lives in self-exile from the family, cutting off contact with his mother and sister for a few years.

However, this turns out to be a terrible idea, as while in the Italian mob, he grows close to his boss's wife Cicciolina. His boss eventually catches wind of this, and tries to kill Jigen, but is accidentally killed by Cicciolina instead when she tries to stop him. Following a series of event's later, including his first interaction with one, Fujiko Mine, Jigen becomes a unwilling participant of Cicciolina assisted suicide. Fed up with everything, he decides once more to become a thief for all times sake.

Which leads to the most important part of Jigens TWCFM arc: The Reunion between him and Lupin.

The reunion between Jigen and Lupin happens in Episode 05 of The Woman Called Fujiko Mine: Blood-Soaked Triangle. Following the same premise of the original episode: Fujiko and Lupin, and later Jigen, go in search of a jewel peacock at the bottom of a booby-trapped pyramid in Egypt. In LJS, Jigen, with his life going absolutely nowhere fast, decides to attempt a life once again of thieving, desperate to find some direction or traction in his life. Halfway through traversing this gruesome pit of horrors, he comes across a familiar sight.

Now up until this point, Lupin spent much of his time actually trying to track Jigen down. But because of his change in lifestyle, Jigen basically dropped off the grid. So when Lupin is discovered to still be alive some many years later, Issei sadly had no way of telling him about the potential whereabouts of his childhood friend. It would only be by chance that he would run into his old friend nearly a hundred plus more feet underground.

After playing a few Lupin tricks on his buddy, as he’s always gotta play some game with people Especially when he notices it’s his best friend who he hasn’t seen in a long while:

Lupin eventually reveals himself to Jigen However, Jigen, whose sanity up until this point had been holding on by a measly thread, assumed that Lupin was an illusion, more so a ghost. And because Jigen is scared of Ghosts, his first instinct when scared was shoot. However in typical Lupin fashion, Jigen missed and Lupin is more insulted then appalled.

"Why'd you shoot at me?!" "Cos' you scared the shit outta me! I thought you were a friggin' ghost, man!" "YOU CAN'T EVEN SHOOT GHOSTS!! The bullets would go right through!!" "Oh, yeah."

Upon realizing just who exactly he is talking too, the pair embrace like old friends. And in typical Lupin Media fashion, there is nothing like a classic, ridiculous, goofy-ass tomb-robbing scenario to jump start reigniting your relationship.

Especially when you guys nearly kill each other the first time.

Following the events in the Pyramid, Jigen attempts not to leave his old friends' side, fully intent on figuring out just Where in the hell Lupin had been this whole damn time. It's around this point however, that Jigen begins to notice that despite his wacky goofy nature still going strong, that Lupin does not appear to be himself anymore. He's more tight, serious, an odd personality he doesn't remember his old friend ever having.

As the day's go on, Jigen begins to also realize that while life doesn’t go back to the way it was when the boys were younger, and that it never would probably.

It does get somewhat better

In the beginning, things do end up being weird between the both of them because it had been so long and both of them don’t know how to talk or interact with each other cause both still don’t know how this could be happening after so many years.

However after small heists together, things begin to fall into place. Before the dramatic climax of TWCFM's final episodes, Lupin attempts to ease Jigen back into the partnership with small heists. The most important being when Lupin asks for Jigens help on a project, because it’s a big big job and he’s still hard of seeing because he has no sight in his one eye, which by now he basically gotten rid of and replaced with a glass eye, and his other eye is only as good as his contact lens. He needs Jigens help and it ends up being their first true series of heists the pair do together.

Jigen soon finds out that this project is a new, functioning prosthetic eye, that Lupin has built with the tools and items Jigen has helped him pilfer over the last few weeks. It’s top notch, highly sophisticated and it fits perfectly in Lupin’s eye socket.

Following the end of TWCFM's storyline, the pair are not far from each others side.

Then Gravestone happens. Gravestone is canon in my Ljs series because it's premise is suppose to stick as the final trust exercise between Jigen and Lupin after their reunion in the Pyramid to cement their partnership to the highest form it could be. The final nail in the coffin so to speak, solidifying their old and new partnership so to speak. Putting each others life and trust in one another where uncertainty grows.

The rest was simply history

[liamthemailman]

yuo have 4 hoc characters right. ,,,..... what if joker card (probably would be the side characters of side characters)

when i first read this the image of a tactical jester appeared in my mind and im. kinda not liking it

okay but like. this? the joker card in HoC? i saw this ask come in and i keep thinking about it... i hope you don't mind if i ramble

i can't really think of an OC based on the Joker because i already wrote Jack's character to be a wild card, i.e. being chaotic in personality, unpredictable, little to no regard for rules. he fits the role if you think about it

that and i based the characters off the suitmarks first before assigning them what face they got, rather than the alternative. and i know the joker card doesnt have a suitmark but i also dont really wanna draw a jester emblem when the others are so easy lol

then i left it out because i had no idea how to fit in a comedy character into the House of Cards yk? i'm already not funny and i'm not about to add the Joker into the AU and the callsign Joker seems really mean considering there's a callsign that's like 'King'

and i don't know how to write like, a side character well (i struggled writing Price as just a passing figure(i struggle writing in general))

back when House of Cards were in it's first drafts, all the way back when i even considered drawing out a comic for it (Act 1 alone would have taken me half a year to produce), i wanted to put in a background character that would appear just before a catastrophe happens. sort of like an omen

hell, i wanted to put my sona in the background to act as an omen/easter egg/4th wall break or whatever but thought against it since i think it would immediately take away all the seriousness in the scene (and its lowkey cringe lets be fr)

i soon settled to just fics and the idea of adding said background character was tossed aside

i suppose the joker card position remains unfilled? we'll see how things go but i'm curious how a joker character would fit in

a more rowdy and chaotic version of Jack? a funny guy who cracks jokes over comms to alleviate tensions? or maybe just a passing person who disrupts the storyline like a butterfly effect? a random person for any of the existing HoC characters to interact with like a confidant? or maybe a friend for Jack, someone young and fun like him who she can relate to.

maybe it doesn't have to be just the one joker too. maybe it's how Queen views useless soldiers or King referring to FNGs that make fools out of themselves. people in the background with no real value to even be worth mentioning.. not a lot of positive connotations with jokers really,,

i'd like to hear your ideas too anon. ramble with me.