#now that I finished playing a SQ

[reginrokkr]

Eventually I cheated and opted for playing one SQ first, namely Wriothesley's (shame on me for not having it played sooner tbh) and I have to say that it was sublime.

✦ As always I adore Wrio's brilliant mind and his no chill attitude despite being actually cautious most of the time to set an example for the others in the Fortress. Sadly I don't have much more to say about this but it's self-explanatory enough and I reaffirm what I said some time ago that he's hands down one of my favorite characters of the entire cast of Genshin thus far.

✧ I love that each time the script of the stories is getting darker and that it masks better this Traveler harem syndrome that I abhor. Putting the latter aside, I loved the level of detail of how sickeningly manipulative Dougier is and how everything played out keeping me on my toes at all times.

✦ As it is customary to this blog, that black stone caught my attention and so did the thorn method and the Aqua Doloris. I might write a more thorough addendum or headcanon about this in the future once I have ruminated more on this concept. What I'm going to say is that I have no doubts that its substance stems from the Abyss as it is well-established by now that it heightens negative feelings and fear is one such feeling. The fact that it actually awakens bad memories give me some food for thinking, but it also makes me wonder something: if someone were to have a certain degree of expertise to isolate whatever negative feeling and the means to reach to it into a substance and be able to implant it into other people's brains, it could be other things that aren't solely fear. And things that aren't entirely negative in the eyes of others. If you haven't guessed where I'm going with this yet, I'll give you a small hint: Khaenri'ah.

✧ Lastly (but not least), what I've been awaiting for the whole quest to learn as I have already read bits and pieces about this before and been talked to about this: children trading in black market and Wriothesley's experience as both a victim and executioner of two despicable adults partaking into this. In a way it is nothing new to me as I still remember that the webtoon, placed just a few years before the beginning of Genshin's story (further back in time too if we count the flashbacks, but that isn't relevant to this), already mentioned that the Fatui are actively seeking kids to take to Snezhnaya and most likely be dumped into the House of Hearth and pretty much cultivate them to become Fatui.

I particularly like the placement of this shred of light about his own personal story, as going through everything else that was happening in the Fortress only to culminate into learning about that gives more sense to what exactly drove Wriothesley to take the actions he took and to act the way he did with Dougier (the mfer deserved even more, but it's a good thing that Wrio has plans and freedom to make the most of his punishments).

Now, as a more portrayal-oriented thing and how Dain would view this... it is very rare to find characters that in one way or another he can see himself reflected on to some degree, but I can say positively that Wriothesley just joined the small gang. As for what Dain would see himself reflected exactly, that is Wrio's drive to fight for others' freedom. Just as he did for his "family" back then, and just as he did for the Fortress of Meropide in his particular SQ and will continue to do in order to ensure that his new family has a chance for rebirth. Dain would find great respect in this, as someone who is on the same boat himself no matter if in a greater scale, in his pursuit for humanity's freedom from the looming danger the Abyss Order will suppose for them as part of their revenge and obsessions, but also freedom from the ugly schemes of the higher gods above the Archons that still remain unknown, but looking into the Vision's workings alone there is something highly suspicious to me that I can't shake off.

[enden-k]

haha...um....kavehs hangout is not supposed to make my throat go tight 🥹

[tariah23]

*Shaking*

[kooahae]

AFTER LAST NIGHT

Summary: After catching your current boyfriend cheating on you. You do what you always do- run to your childhood best friend Jeon Jungkook to ask him about a way to confront your partner, What you don’t know is that Jungkook has been thinking about something( someone)  a bit more than usual and this couldn’t have been better news for him, for both of you. MINORS DNI

Pairing:best friend to lovers, Jungkook X female reader

Warnings:cursing, arguing, cheating (not JK), a little angst, fluff, some self-reflection, toxic partner, Oc, and Jk are very raw and honest with each other. SMUT Oral ( f. Receiving) Unprotected sex (pls don’t this, just don’t.)  F*ngering, praising, big d!ck JK, overstim, tummy bulging mentioned, he finishes inside, sq***ting…tbh you’ve been warned it’s pretty smutty but it’s super sweet. 

word count:9,656

Read the next part/drabble here

“Hey, honey I will be home late tonight after work, Don’t wait up!”

Seojun yelled from outside your bedroom, which means yet another morning waking up alone in bed. It’s always like this. Seojun and you have been together for a year and a half but he feels more like a stranger than ever. 

How? 

Time changes things. There were just way too many problems and it felt like all of them came from him. You know you played your part, but it never amounted to the same weight of issues he caused. He never tried to meet you halfway. You simply compromise, or you both argue until someone decides to take the couch. Again, it wasn’t always like this. He used to take you on dates, take photos of you, and invite you to his company dinners. He was really a good guy at first. 

The two of you started dating towards the fall semester of your junior year in college. He was a year older, so he was always showing you around in your prior academic years before you started dating. Your mutual friend Namjoon, helped the two of you grow close. Interesting that now it feels like the most distant you’ve been with anyone in your life, and that says a lot because you’re not the most extroverted person. Somehow, you let him in. You thought you had so much in common and it turns out you were wrong. Everyone around you could see how stressful and draining being with him was for you as time progressed, yet you always defended it. 

So, as you readjusted the pillow and looked up at the ceiling, you thought about how living here was becoming one of the worst things you’ve ever decided to do. The ugly truth? it was second to being in this relationship. This is not for the weak, especially when the person you love, isn’t the person you lay next to every night, and that’s if he’s even home. It’s not that Seojun is a bad person, he just isn’t him.

Your childhood best friend, Jeon Jungkook. Bless him and those sparkly eyes. He has always been a sweet soul. Simply put, He was your everything. If you had it your way -and didn’t feel like it would jeopardize your relationship as friends- you would’ve acted on it a long time ago. It’s not that you didn’t love Seojun; quite the contrary you loved him, but you weren’t in love with him anymore. You started thinking about the first time you knew you’d rather be with Jungkook. Yes, you always liked him but this was different. Last year’s beach trip with your friends, Seojun made the BIGGEST FUCKING SCENE. It was all over you having a drink-no you weren’t drunk - Yes, he’s controlling. He ended up leaving early because Jungkook stepped in. It was nice to have someone defend you like that, he always has. That’s when you realized you were falling out of love with Seojun, and that your heart still longed for Jungkook. You tried everything in your power to spice up your relationship but it just kept declining and now..here you are.

As you got up to brush your teeth and wash your face, you felt a little bitter. You lived with Jungkook up until you moved in with your boyfriend, You used to love walking into the kitchen, breakfast being cooked, and Bam waiting for you. You even liked the mornings when it was you who had to do the cooking, just to see that smile of his.

You walked into your kitchen with no Bam or Jungkook in sight- but you knew what you gave up when you moved here. You just didn’t know how much you would miss it.

As you take a look into the fridge you notice he apparently forgot it was his turn to go grocery shopping. Go figure. you decide cereal for breakfast it is. You scoffed grabbing the cereal first. You can’t believe Seojun is a milk-first person, like Seriously? What do you even have in common with him at this point? 

Your phone’s ringtone ripped you out of the ‘Seojun and I: pros and cons’ battle you have found yourself doing in the morning. You flipped your phone over to see who it was and happily answered the incoming phone call. 

“There she is!” 

“Jiminie, why are you always this excited in the morning?”

“ I’m not, you and I both know this. I happen to like my bestie though. Go shopping with me and Hobi!”  Your older brother, and best friend in one person... He’s being annoying but it’s honestly Jimin, there was no harm done here. Your older brother always cared for you too, which is why you’re so close to him. He is and has always been one of your comfort places, along with Jungkook.

“I don’t have anything else better to do, What time?”

 Jimin pursed his lips as he contemplated what time he should pick you up. “The next hour, so be ready!”

“Okay. Is Jungkook coming?” You said trying not to sound too defeated. 

“No, he thinks you hate him because you haven’t texted him back these last two weeks. I’ve talked to your best friend more than you. I know Kook is a family friend, but speaking to him this much about you in particular is killing me.” Now this one- again, no harm done here. A little bitter feeling from your side, but only because you knew he was right. 

Damn, that might be a new record for you. You’ve only ignored Jungkook four days straight before- and at that time you were in the eighth grade. He still apologizes to this day for breaking your snow globe. Even buys you one for Christmas every year now because he felt so bad. Have you really not said anything to him in two weeks?

‘Seojun could never be better than JK, you would not have to choose’ Jimin had once said.  Again, he was right. 

You eventually freed yourself from your thoughts. 

“Jimin, you and I both know, I do not hate him.” You said to your brother. 

“Then text him back.” And with that, he hung up. 

You decided to get dressed in a basic crop tee, some baggy jeans, and your favorite pair of sneakers. You made sure to put your hair into a half up, half down with your claw clip. Grabbed your purse and then pulled it across your body. Checking for touch-ups and spraying your favorite perfume- the one Jungkook bought you seven of because it’s just ‘soooo hard’ for you to find. Another pinging sound ripped you from your thoughts. The doorbell chime going off nonstop. why are Jimin and Hobi so extra?!

“Hi. I heard the doorbell the first time” You said as you pulled the door open to be greeted by two bright smiles. 

“These are for you,” Jimin said, as he handed you flowers.

“Tiger lilies, Really?” The confusion on your face lasted for all of three seconds. You could guess what they were for. Still, you asked. “You know it’s not my birth flower, What are these for?”

“Duh. Jungkook made us bring them, he said ‘Please stop ignoring me’ or some shit like that.” Hobi stated. Jimin nodded his head to agree. 

As your finger traced a petal you spoke “He is Mr. Please love me.  Fitting” 

Looking at the flowers reminded you of something his mom used to say to you ‘Never underestimate Jungkook’s ability to make you feel special, Never underestimate his ability to make sure you think about him either. That’s the type of person my son is.’  You miss her too. You Should ask when you can grab lunch soon. Once you stop ignoring her son, the person who you love more than anyone else. Yanno…your best friend. 

 “I’m gonna go put these in some water and we can go.” You said as you tried to calm down your heartbeat. 

How can he make you blush and he isn’t even here? Why can’t Seojun make you feel like this anymore?

You walked back out to your brother and hobi. Trying to

act as normal as possible. You’re really missing him right now. You know you do and apparently so does everyone around you. 

“You’re incredibly down bad for each other. Losers.” Hobi just had to be the first to say something about it. 

“Aren’t they hyung? It’s so cute.” -and apparently Jimin just had to follow up.

Annoying. 

“Ooh that one, Jungkook would like that one! Wouldn’t he Chim Chim?” You asked. Your eyes bright as ever, as you looked at the light projector. 

“____ he already has how many of these?” His eyebrow raised at you. 

“But does he have this one?! I don’t think so. Hobi you agree right?”

“You know what happened last time we brought Jungkook on a shopping trip? He wouldn’t stop running his mouth about you either. Which is why,  you have to stop before we no longer invite you.” Hobi said as he teased you. 

“Whatever,  you guys are being haters. I’m gonna buy it!” You said flashing a smile, as you made your way to the purchasing counter. 

Once you were all checked out and got it gift-wrapped for him you smiled proudly to yourself. “I’m the greatest friend ever.” You said rejoining them

“You are but…you’re also a simp, just a cute one.” Your older brother grinned, patting your head.

“Anyway, we should go to the food court! I want some sprite.” Hobi said and you agreed- mostly because that bowl of cereal just didn’t do it for you this morning.  

As you sat with them at the food table, you noticed them both staring at you. 

“Can I help you?” You asked raising your eyebrows 

“How’s your relationship?” Hobi asks you out of nowhere. 

-and that’s the question you always hate... Not because it’s going well but because your response is always a lie when you say 

 “Going good.” 

Jimin rolled his eyes and scoffed. “You’re lying and we know… because we know you. What’s going on? And yes I know something is up.”

“Well, it’s just that, when it started I thought it was great but now…”

“Now?” Hobi said as he leaned in more to pay attention as much as he could. 

“Now I feel like I’m just sleeping with a shell. We don’t hate each other or anything. We just don’t go on dates or cuddle and it’s because he’s busy.  I don’t want to be a brat about it. So… I’m just trying to be supportive.” As you stare at the people listening to you, you know you have to make it sound as good as possible. “But SeoJun will be back to normal I’m sure of I-“

“No. No. No��What do you mean you don’t go on dates? Isn’t he off every weekend?  just like you.” Jimin did not look happy as the words poured from his mouth. You get it. You’re Jimin’s younger sister so for him, this is personal. 

“Exactly, Who doesn’t take a hot girl like you on a date whenever they can?” Hobi asked as he chomped down on his fries in front of him. Jimin would have said something to his friend, but he’s been dealing with having a baby sister everyone likes forever. Plus, it’s Hobi. He’s what Jungkook is to you, to Jimin- minus the whole ‘madly in love with each other’ thing. Really good childhood friends. 

“Guys, he is just really busy. That’s why.” You don’t even know why you’re defending him but again, it’s routine at this point. 

“Busy doing what?” Hobi questioned. 

“I don’t know. Work or something. He just says don’t wait up. And I don’t. No hard feelings, yanno?” As you went to reach for your drink. You noticed Jimin had already pulled it away from you. 

“When’s the last time you slept on a couch ?” Jimin asked angrily. Jimin just like Jungkook, sometimes didn’t hold back. Today was one of those days. 

“Jimin!” You raised your voice slightly and snatched your drink back. 

“The fucking couch??!” Hobi just gave you that look he always gives Jungkook when he is being ..well when Jungkook is being himself, but you know when you get that look-He’s shaming you. 

“Hobi,  it’s not me who usually takes the couch, I don’t take it all the time. I took the couch like 4 times.” You couldn’t even make eye contact with them. It’s probably been double but you’re the type to remove yourself if he won’t. You hate yelling. It isn’t effective communication, but neither is the couch so you’re not sure why you just scaled it down like that. You just don’t want to worry your brother and Hobi. 

“Shouldn’t be dating a dumbass who would have you there instead of himself.” Jimin just wouldn’t let up.  You knew it came from a good place, so you redirected the conversation. 

“Guys, let’s just continue shopping okay..” you asked but somewhat told them so that they backed off. Seems they both got the hint. 

“Thanks again for inviting me guys. I needed some outside time, oh and I’ll drive next time!” You say as Hobi gives you a thumbs up. 

“I’m walking you to the door, Come on.” Jimin must want to talk. You loathe when he does this. A Jimin lecture for you is worse than him yelling at you because this means he’s absolutely right about something and he knows that you know it too. 

Once you have arrived at your door, you feel Jimin staring into the back of your skull. In his defense-You’re a big part of his heart. A sister and a best friend. One who always cares about people, and expects nothing in return. You’re pure that way.  So watching you be okay with this just isn’t, and hasn’t been sitting well with him. He’s tried not to get involved because he understands his baby sister, isn’t a baby. But this is getting out of hand. 

“Listen, I didn’t mean to out your business ____ but you have got to stop letting him treat you like this. Even if some people don’t know. I do, Hobi knows, hell even Yoongi asks if you’re still together and why. You know he doesn’t like to pry. That should say something on it owns. You know who else knows? that person you keep dodging. Maybe texting him would do you some good. You know Jungkook has wanted nothing more than you happy his whole life. ” Jimin said, his face extremely serious. Why is he acting like you don’t know this already?

“Jimin, SeoJun is trying. I promise.” You exhaled and put your hand on his shoulder. Youre not doing good with your attempt at reassuring him. You can tell. 

“No, he isn’t.  If he was explain to me why today- a Saturday- he couldn’t spend time with you. Does he usually work Saturdays? Because this seems new to me. You know Namjoon works at the same office as him? No one is there today but magically he is. I know you may not want to be with Jungkook anymore or gave up on your crush. We know it sucks, and life takes us in different directions - but at least find someone who treats you closely to how he does. You deserve it. I love you.” He said as he planted a kiss on your forehead. 

You nod and hug him and as he makes his way back down the stairs he makes sure he yells “Text him!”

“Love you too chim.” You sighed as you unlocked your apartment door. 

Maybe you should go check on Seojun, he could be under a lot of stress and you’re sure with the way you two have been bickering it’s not helping. Maybe you play a bigger role in this than you think you do. 

You decided on bringing him some food, checking the time to see that it was 2:45. If you start now you could have his food to him by 4:00, which is still a good time. 

As you pack the Tupperware with all the food you’ve made, you end up taking time to check social media before heading out. 

Jungkook posted a picture of his video game screen. That was it. You check in every time you get a chance. Just to see that he is well. Maybe Jimin and Hobi are right, Just text him, he didn’t even do anything wrong. Your boyfriend is just insecure about you and Jungkook’s friendship, but surely he didn’t deserve to be ghosted. Especially when you would rather be with him anyway. You would have told your brother and friend this earlier while out, but you just couldn’t. 

You grabbed your keys and headed to your car. The drive to his workplace felt unfamiliar. Has it really been that long? The question Jimin asked earlier still burning in your mind. When would he make time for you? Why is he working on a Saturday? You had way too many thoughts about him at this moment- all of them unsettling. 

Finally, you arrived at your destination -SeoJun’s office. you can’t help but smile seeing more than one car. Maybe Jimin was wrong. He could really just need to catch up on work. 

You approached the door, entered your boyfriend’s entry code, and walked towards the elevator. with each ting of the elevator, you felt a bit more excitement. Seojun hopefully would be happy to see you too. That would motivate you to try to do this more often, you thought to yourself. That would motivate you to put more into falling in love with him again. 

The elevator finally stops on his floor, and your feet lead you closer to his office space.  From where you’re standing, The door looks cracked which is different for him. He’s always been the type to need absolute silence and space, but then again there’s just one other person here. 

Wait a minute… Is that moaning? 

He does say he works with interesing people, but porn at work is just absurd. There’s no way anyone could be that bold. Insanity… 

exhaling deeply, calming yourself, and continuing walking. Just to see your worst fear once you approached the door.

“Right there… seojun!”

Is that his assistant ?? 

The same one he allegedly fired MONTHS AGO. The same one who you told him was mean and wouldn’t allow you entry before saying “Seojun wouldn’t be with anyone like you.”  The reason you had even been given the entry code incase she gave you attitude   It all made sense. The late nights at work were simply not late nights at work. They were late-nights spent cheating. All the times you waited up, because you were trying to save your relationship. How the fuck could he do this to you? He even wore the blazer you purchased for him when he first got employed to work this morning. What about you? What were you doing wrong? Matterfact, Why the fuck are you blaming yourself?

You dropped the food in your hand as your tears began to well up. So much for Saturday’s at work, So much for trying on your end. Scratch what you said earlier, Seojun is a bad person. You needed to get out of here and so you turned kicking the food as you did, hearing your partner’s mistake speak once last time while you hurried and moved from his sight line. 

“Is someone in the office Seojun?” Her voice irritating the life out of you. 

“It’s probably just the janitor and it’ll make him think twice before looking at my girl if he see’s me fucking her. Won’t it?” you could hear the chuckle underneath his voice. 

HIS GIRL?!! Where is she when he doesn’t feel good and starts acting like a damn toddler? She doesn’t wake up early on Mondays to iron his clothes and prep his food like you do. Has she met his mother and had to deal with her bullshit? That woman is a drag. Staying with him is a drag. All the things you’ve endured..for this. For nothing. 

His girl…that’s the last thing you heard, and It fucking sucked that everyone was right about him. 

As you stepped into the elevator your tears just wouldn’t stop flowing down. Maybe it’s because you know you’ve been playing happy for no reason.  To be betrayed. He didn’t have one bit of decency about it either. He could have broken up with you by now…how could he continue to watch you try and make you feel like you weren’t good enough just to do this to you?

You need a hug.

You need Jungkook. 

You made your way back to your car, unlocked it, and put your phone on hands-free to dial Jungkook’s number. Except he didn’t answer. You have done it this time. Ignoring the one person who cares about you for what? Seojun?

You finally reached your house and put your keys on the kitchen counter.  You walked further inside to wash your tear-stained cheeks, and that’s when you heard a specific ringtone come through. 

My #1 🥳🩶 : Did you really call? Did you like the flowers? Do you still hate me? For whatever reason you hate me? Without explaining? Were you calling to curse me out and finally tell me why? because I’m not ready for that. You’re kind of scary when you’re angry. I love you tho. I miss you. Im sorry for whatever i did

You hadn’t replied in over two weeks, you deserved however many questions he asked at this point

You couldn’t help but smile as you felt tears welling up, yet again. He is your superhero, you know you shouldn’t have ignored him. 

Then your phone began to ring. “No, I don’t hate you. No you didn’t do anything !” You yelled as fast as you could. Jungkook needed to know he wasn’t the problem. You made sure you told people when things weren’t their fault. Unlike someone you know you don’t mind letting people know things aren’t their fault . 

“Good, that’s literally the one thing in life that would destroy me!” Jungkook’s smile and calmness can be felt through a phone. That’s also something you love so much about him.

“What? Someone hating you?”

“No- you hating me. I couldn’t live with myself like that.”

“I’ll never hate you, and I never hated you. Can I come over? I know I owe you an apology”

“Of course, you used to live here. You used to pop up randomly too. You don’t have to ask.” His sweet soothing voice spoke through the phone. 

“I never know if you could have company or anything and I-“

“I’d make them leave even if I did…” He said cutting you off. “You’re more important to me.”

There goes your heart doing somersaults.

“I’m sorry kookie, I shouldn’t have just ignored you for two weeks.”

“You drove me insane, I’ll admit it but I’m just really fucking happy to hear your voice. Bring a bathing suit. Let’s have food, watch some bad documentaries, and swim in the hot tub. Like we used to.”

Another thing about Jungkook that’s so special. That sheer excitement to be bored with you as opposed to being bored alone. 

“Can I stay the night?” You ask, not knowing you have just made Jungkook’s heart flutter 10X the speed it does on a normal day

“Yes of course ___ ! Bam is gonna be so excited! We will see you when you get here, yeah?”

“Yeah.” You say back and then you hear the line disconnect.

Once you’re done packing your stuff, you make sure to grab the gift you bought him earlier and head to Jungkook’s for the night. You contemplate texting Seojun but decide not to. He just shouldn’t be in the way. He shouldn’t be in your way any longer.

The drive felt like forever as you tried to keep your composure but every red light felt like more time to think about what you saw, and with that comes realizing although the cheating hurts and feels like hell- nothing feels worse than the fact for the last two weeks, 14 whole days you put Jungkook on the back burner. All because Seojun asked you to.  You listened to everything he said without considering yourself- just to walk in on him fucking someone else. You also start thinking about how you fell in love with the idea of him. You have been denying your happiness for someone who was pretending to be the hardest worker of the year. Probably presented himself as single to his coworkers besides Namjoon, who would have told your brother. Sneaking behind your back for that relationship with his little personal assistant Emma the whole fucking time. -Personal assistant my foot! 

You finally reach Jungkook’s place and walk to the door of the penthouse, entering the passcode- it’s still your birthday for the code. Jungkook always said he chooses things he likes as passcodes, no matter how silly you told him it was. 

The door opens and you hear barking, meaning you need to get a treat for someone else you’ve been neglecting. Bam immediately found you as soon as you reached for one but instead of trying to get to the treat he just whined at your feet.  You’ve been a bad friend to him too. 

“Hey hey, I’m sorry boy! I didn’t think about how this would be for you. How is my favorite dog!?” You said squatting down to pet his head and behind his ears. 

“Geez and here I thought you came over for me…What the hell are your eyes so red for?” Jungkook said tilting his head.

You swallowed and shook your head no. So, he held out his arms. “Come here princess, what happened?” He asked once more. 

“He’s a fucking cheater, and the worst part is- I didn’t confront him.” You said as you let Jungkook wrap his arms around you. You’ve missed his warmth not just physically but his aura. He’s your sunlight in a sense. 

“Fuck, that’s rough. I’m sorry. I’ll do my best to cheer you up today. Today you’re the only person who matters, not him, not whoever he was cheating with. You want to talk about it?”

You nodded your head yes “Let me change first, You said we were getting in the hot tub?”

He nodded once more and kissed your forehead. Why does it always feel so good when he does that?

Once you’ve finished changing, You pet Bam one more time and make your way outside.  Jungkook is shirtless in front of the grill cooking what smells like the most delicious meat ever. You realize you’ve missed coming here after a long day of work and watching movies with him. You’ve missed someone even taking the time out of their day to do something for you.  

“Steak, Ramyun, veggies, and Highballs!” He says grinning at you. 

“You are the cutest person alive.” You mumble.  Not knowing Jungkook heard that too and he hurriedly turned around so you didn’t see him blush. 

He closes the top of the grill as the meat cooks climbs onto the bench surrounding the hot tub, and looks directly into your eyes. 

“You wanted to talk, and Therapist JK is here to listen!” He says

As you start to recap the events of your day with Jungkook, He feels absolutely horrible. How could he have not been there to protect you? What person cheats on you anyway? Seojun is a fucking dumbass. 

“..And the worst part is too, I tried even when I Knew I was falling out of love with him because I just couldn’t see myself giving up on him. I’m such a dummy.”

“You’re not dumb for trying to see the good in someone, maybe the act of looking for something that doesn’t exist in him was dumb- seeing it in him of all people. You know I never liked him - but you’re not dumb.” He says and takes a sip of his drink and you do the same.

“Why are you being such a good friend to me?” You ask. 

“Because I always want to be good to you. Even if you ignore me,” then gets up to check on the meat he prepared.

You and Jungkook have been outside for hours just talking and watching the sun go down til he decided you should actually get in the hot tub. 

“The water feels so nice. Relaxing. Why would I ever have moved away when you got this damn hot tub?” You ask and look at him through your half-lidded eyes. The highballs slightly affecting you

“The hot tub should be the last reason you want to stay here..”

Jungkook pulled you by your arm closer to him and you wrapped your arms around his neck due to the speed in which he did. This wasn’t unusual just because Jungkook has always been touchy with you, but there’s so much tension. 

“Oh yeah, Bam should be reason number one. You’re right.” You giggle and Jungkook just smiles. He loves the sound of your laugh. He always knew how to get one out of you too. That made him feel really good about himself, Every time he hears it, he swears he wants to reach into his chest and hand you his heart, that still wouldn’t stop it from beating for you. 

“Say I’m reason number one.” He says looking at you and you shake your head no and try to move away but he repeats himself. This time slower. 

“_____…Say, I’m reason number one.” He is piercing through your soul with that gaze of his. So you do what he asks and tell him the truth. 

“You’re number one.” Which causes his frown to turn into the prettiest smile you’ve ever seen. The little bit of light that has decided to shine hits his lip piercing. Who made him so pretty? Why the hell are you staring so hard at him? You know why but usually you would be able to look away, and right now it feels like you can’t. He isn’t holding onto you anymore but you feel stuck. He’s so…cute. 

“Let’s drink some more!” You say and he nods. 

“A little more but not too much more, The last time we got drunk bam probably wished he was human to tell us to stop laughing so loud.” He smiles at you, a slight little nose scrunch. God, you really wish he would stop doing that.

“Hey since you’re my number 1 reason, can you play some music for us?” You ask and he nods

“As long as I’m your number one, you can have whatever you like.” You can’t help but chuckle. Only if Jungkook knew what he was doing when he said stuff like this. 

“You look like you’re foaming at the mouth,” he says to you as he sits across from you on the outside furniture. You’re now wearing his t-shirt over your bathing suit since the air is a little chillier. Jungkook cuts up extra meat since he’s taken notice of how hungry you look.

“Hobi ate most of the fries earlier.” You say

You should see yourself, a little tipsy, in his tee, face a little puffy and reddened because you’ve been drinking. 

Jungkook thinks you’re cute.

“Eat as much as you want, I was just playing anyway.” He pushess a plate to you. 

You smile and continue to make small talk until you ask him a question he didn’t see coming.

“Kook? How do I confront him ?”

Jungkook isn’t a violent guy, he swears! He tries his best not to resort to physical violence, but when you ask him this and he thinks about how red your eyes were when you walked in…the love of his life crying her eyes out, he simply states…

“You let me beat the fuck out of him.” As stone cold as can be. 

You giggle “That is so mean! Seriously Kookie, help me?”

He raises an eyebrow “I’m not fucking joking.” His tone is more stern and serious than before, making you stop the slurping of your food and look at him.

“Kook..I’m not worth you fighting someone.” You try and argue. 

“You’re right, you’re worth more than that. Which Is why you should let me beat the fuck out of him.” You don’t know why but it’s kinda hot watching Jungkook feel the need to protect you like this. Always has been. 

For some reason, your mouth closes and you have nothing else to say. you try and think of a way to break the silence but nothing comes out.

“Can I ask you something that’s been weighing on me?” He asks looking at you from his side of the table.

“Sure. Anything. “ you say and reach for the highball.. but yet again today, someone has snatched your drink before you can even bring it to your mouth.seriously? Whats with everyone today?

 “Didn’t you think that bam and I missed you? I know I’ve seen and heard from you, but you used to live here, why don’t you visit as much? And why did you ghost me for two weeks? You drove me insane. I know I said I was over it but it just…it just didn’t feel good.”

You swallow and it feels like the tension in the air has reached an all-time high. 

“He doesn’t like the idea of me being here for too long. I don’t know …he was complaining and I thought I was fixing it.”  You say looking down at your lap. 

Jungkook is trying to remain cool but that just struck a nerve. He’s been here through everything. How could you do something like that? Instead, he asks another question. 

“Do you miss living here____? You should move back” Your eyes meet his and you chuckle. 

“He wouldn’t like that either, plus I haven’t even confronted -.”

“Stop,” he says and you drop your utensils onto your plate and look at him. He looks serious…Jungkook is pissed. You know it. You know that face anywhere. 

“Stop what?” 

“Defending or redirecting when we all mention him. It’s annoying as fuck actually. You caught him cheating on you today. Stop defending him and just …just answer my damn question.”

Ouch. 

“Jungkook please don’t..”

“Don’t what?” He questions you as he sits back folding his arms. Then he decides to continue. “ If he is cheating on someone as beautiful as you, He’s the biggest fucking idiot in the world. I’d never do anything that dumb.”

Maybe he has had too many highballs. 

“Duh Kookie! You’re not an idiot.” You say as you try to play it off.

“Stop playing dumb and Move back in.” He states and you can tell he wants you to but…

“Kook I can’t. That wouldn’t be something he would like. I told you already.”

“What do you like?”  He’s really catching an attitude with you right now.  You thought this night was going to be confrontation-free besides your apology, but you also know Jungkook hates being ignored. You did this to yourself. 

He starts biting his inner cheek waiting for you to answer. So you decide to look up and question him instead.“Damn Jungkook, Why does this feel like an interview?” 

You know that wasn’t fair, but Jungkook won’t let you escape. He’s made it clear he is the one asking the questions and getting answers tonight. 

“Just because he suggested it doesn’t mean you have to do everything he fucking says. I miss when you were okay with being yourself. You’re prettier that way.” Jungkook sighed as he sipped the highball in his right hand. He still isn’t raising his voice either. He just won’t budge. 

“I am okay with being myself!” You retorted.

Why is he so ballsy tonight?

“Nope. Lately…you aren’t. I haven’t seen you act on a single thing in that damn brain of yours in like 6 months. Especially if that dumbass of yours has a say.”

“Jeon Jungkook…you’re pushing it.”

“What? Mad someone is honest with you? I used to be able to do that.” He inched closer into your space and started to read your face. You knew he was right. So did he.

“How the fuck would you know what I’m thinking anyway?”

“I’ve known you your whole life. Why the fuck wouldn’t I know? You’ve also been eye-fucking me this whole time, In case you’re wondering what else I know. If it makes you feel better I wanna fuck you too. Really. Fucking. Bad. ” he said, taking another sip of his drink, raising his eyebrow and smirking.

What. The. Actual. Fuck.

“Stop choosing someone else when we both can choose each other. “ he continues. 

“Jungkook I’m sorry but I don’t want to fight with you. I’ll just go. At least the fights at home, I know what I’m expecting.” Your breathing eratic because of how bold he is being. You stand to get up but Jungkook rushes to block the door that leads back inside the condo. 

“You are home. ”

“Jungkook…” you say as you search his eyes. 

“I’ll let you leave if that’s what you really want, I am not, however letting you leave this late, this dark, into the arms of a fucking cheater when I’ve been right here this whole fucking time!” He snaps some more at you looking into your eyes. 

“You’re so..” You can’t even figure out where to begin. You know he is right…wait he’s been here the whole time. He is right. 

“Fuck this.” He says and leans his head back. You watch his Adam’s apple bob and then when he looks back down at you, his tongue poking his cheek. 

“Jungkook I’m sorry.” You reach to grab his face but he just uses his right arm to pin your arm above your head still holding you against the door.

“Nuh-uh. Tell me what you want.” He presses on and you damn near melt when he licks his lips and tilts his head while waiting on your response.

“You..” You finally say. Your eyes are glossy as you search hiss and since he hasn’t said anything, even though it’s only been a few seconds since you revealed the truth, You continue. 

“I will never want anyone as much as you and I shouldn’t have even left. You’re right! You’re right! I’m so fucking sorry-“

Before you can even finish your apology, Jungkook lets your arm drop that he has been holding and places his hand on your neck bringing you closer to him and his lips envelope yours. So soft. So gentle but needy. Why do you feel like you’re on fire right now? As his tongue begs for entrance and you oblige, he pulls away just to say one thing to you.

“Thank you for apologizing. Now, let me show you how much I love you. ”  

Jungkook never imagined your lips would be this soft.  He’s thought about it, but this was better than any analogy his brain has come up with. This is better than any kiss he has had his whole life, it’s the same for you.  This is what it’s like when it’s the right person. 

All your moans and hums into his mouth that he desperately swallows. You’re perfect for each other. You feel it throughout his kisses. 

“Jump.” He says

So you do. Wrapping your legs around his waist as he leads you into his condo. 

“Say you’re coming home, and say you want me.” He won’t take no for an answer and you’ve confessed so you’re not really in a position to lie to him. 

“I’m coming home, and I want you kook. Really. Fucking. Bad.” 

He chuckles and kisses you some more. “ You definitely didn’t deny the eye fucking.” He says and you pull away.

“Take me to your room , and actually do it.” You whisper against his ear. 

Soon you feel Jungkook placing you on his bed. The way he looks at you makes your heart stop, but you like it as much as you like him.  You’re really in love with him. 

Jungkook joins you. Climbing his way up to you. Watching your chest rise and fall,  as you both stare into each other’s eyes. He wouldn’t want anyone more than you. He never has. You open your mouth slightly and Jungkook tilts his head in concern. 

“I want you.” Your voice, barely a whimper. 

He smiles slightly before saying  “Took you long enough, I’d make you beg…but I want you too.” The way he has been so confident all night has been leaving you soaked. He resumes his assault on your lips, then makes his way down to your neck, finding your sweet spot.

“Fuck, that feels so good.” You moan out and he slides his hands up the borrowed tee that you have on. He makes a mental note to give you whatever it is of his you want, the shirt, him, he likes the way they both look on you. 

You sit up slightly to help him remove it. He looks at you one more time asking for permission. “Touch me.” You say and that  drives him mad. The way you sound for him- so needy. 

Jungkook is quick to start kissing your collarbone and undoing your bathing suit top at the same time.

You’re not sure why you feel so nervous and vulnerable, but maybe it’s because his touch has you completely drenched and you’re trying not to make it obvious. 

He grabs one of your breasts in his hand and brings his mouth to it, sucking and licking it over and over. His teeth lightly grazing every now and then just before he lets them go with a pop. You could cum from this alone, you’re sure especially when he looks up at you the way he is right now. 

“By the time I’m done with you, you would have been convinced to stay anyway.” He says kissing your lower belly. You moan out and suddenly feel his fingers at your hips. He places kisses on each side as he begins to slide your bottoms down your legs, and sits on his knees to make sure they come off completely. 

You can barely breathe at a normal rate. Everything he is doing is so effortlessly sexy. You feel a little shy just because it’s something you’ve always dreamed of.  it’s been a while since you’ve been intimate with anyone. Your relationship eventually deprived you of that too, due to you both barely sleeping in the same room. You try to close your legs, but he is holding your ankle. He takes his time kissing his way from there up to your thigh.

“Don’t hide from me. I won’t hurt you, I’m here with you. Okay?” He says and you nod, smiling at him. 

Jungkook is thorough in making sure not a space on your skin feels neglected, your moans and breathy exhales indicate that you’re enjoying this and getting worked up. 

His fingers gently work up toward the area that craves him most and he parts your folds, then licks his lips, turning you on even more. 

“Fucking hell___, Your pussy is so pretty.” He moans and gently starts rubbing circular motions on your clit. 

“Kook, do something. I’m so wet.” You speak honestly and he has to stop himself from fucking the life out of you right there. He removes his hand and brings the finger that was circling your clit  to your lips. 

“Suck.”

You wrap your lips around his fingers and make sure to look in his eye as he is now slightly hovering over you, between your legs. 

Jungkook’s mouth has fallen into an O shape and you hear him moan for the first time besides your kisses. The way you suck his fingers, He’ll be sure to have your lips wrap around something else, not today though. He wants to make sure you feel what he means when he says “I love you.” 

He removes his finger and bites his lip then brings it back down to your clit and resumes his circular motions. 

“Kook please do something. You’re teasing me.”

“Enjoying my view, that’s all. Trust me…I’m going to fuck the shit out of you.”

He slides a finger in and you moan as he bends down to kiss you. 

“Can you take another?” He asks in between kisses.

You nod and pull away from his lips as the other one is inserted. “I can take whatever you give me, whenever you give it to me.”

You’re driving him insane. Voice so sweet but eyes gazing at him with lust. 

“I want you to look at me the entire time.” He says as he removes his lips from yours and hears you moan out.

You don’t answer so he pushes his fingers deeply inside. “Yes. Fuck!” You moan out and he chuckles as he crawls lower onto his stomach, lifting your legs on each of his shoulders. Still managing to pump into you. 

. Jungkook removes his fingers, replacing them with his tongue to taste your juices, then flattens his tongue while his eyes roll back. He looks so pornographic and then he makes eye contact with you. His eyes are sexy and smoldering. 

“Jungkook! Oh my god!” You moan out. He loves the way his name sounds coming from you. He loves that he’s making you feel good. He loves everything about you. 

He begins flicking his tongue up and down your clit, open mouth kissing you in between. He takes his time fucking his tongue into you, watching you grasp at the bed sheets as you try to keep your focus on him. The way your eyes roll back when he rubs his face in it as he eats you out looks so good to him. He feels drunk off of you. You briefly close your eyes as you moan, but that’s when he inserts two fingers again and you both moan. Him because of how you taste and how you are doing so well for him. You, because of how full you feel, How amazing this feels for you. You know you’re close and Jungkook seems to know too. He curls his fingers and rubs you right in the spot that’ll have you coming undone, then he starts spelling his name with this tongue on your clit as your prop up on your elbows still looking at him, like he said. The pleasure becoming so much. 

“Such a good fucking girl.” He says and you feel your breath hitch. 

“Oh fuck! Jungkook I’m gonna cum!” You moan out and your head falls back, causing Jungkook to pinch at your waist with his other hand, to get you to look at him. 

“Cum for me then.”

And you do, making a mess all over his hands. You’re so fucking pretty to him, that he doesn’t stop there. He keeps going enjoying the way look so fucked out. You sound sweet too. He wants to see you like this for him, only him, as long as he can. He’ll make sure it’s forever by the time he’s done. 

Jungkook continues eating you out and watching your legs shake and quiver. Your mouth is slack and you’re saying things, but they all are pretty incoherent due to all the moaning you’re doing in between. This is exactly what you’ve wanted, better than you’ve imagined. 

“Kook.. I’m gonna cum again. You have to stop. I want you to feel good too.” You say between your moans. 

“I’m worried about you baby. You just need to let me worry about you.” He responds.

The pet name sending you over the edge as you feel a ton of pressure in your pit, you can feel your release coming. 

“Oh, my J-Jungkook!” You have to stop moaning his name like that. He’s been trying his best not to split you open and take his time with you. He remains as patient as he can as he feels how close he has you again.  He pumps the fingers he has in you just a little faster, as you squirt all over him. You can’t believe how turned on it makes him. His lips slightly opening 

“Damn, thats so fucking sexy.” He says as he makes sure to pull his fingers out and slide his fingers into his mouth. 

“You taste. So. Fucking. Good. “ he says as he moans while cleaning your juices off his hand. Looking at you before his brows furrow and his eye roll again. He knows exactly what he’s doing. 

“Kookie. Lay down. It’s my turn.” You try but He shakes his head no as he props himself on his knees.

“Help me with my shorts, then lay your ass back down. I’m not in the mood for you to be defiant about it either. I keep telling you it’s about you.”

Oh. He’s that type in bed. You’ve hit the jackpot. 

You follow the instructions given to you and help undo the strings on his shorts, then you lay back down. What you don’t expect is for him to be that big. You easily could tell he was a nice size but not this big.

“Holy fuck.” You say and he chuckles. he strokes himself in his hand. He was easily the biggest you’ve seen. Both in length and thickness. The tip of him, so red, swollen, and plump. His Head falls back just a little before he shoots his eyes back at yours.

“But you can take it, right baby? You said you can take whatever I give you.” He says as spreads the pre cum around his head. 

You nod your head, yes and he smirks. 

“Good.” He spits on your pussy and then decides to reach toward his drawer but you catch his hand. 

“I trust you. I want to feel you. All of you.” You look up at him through your lashes as you say and he nods. 

He kisses you and whispers against your lips. “If it’s too much say something.”

You shake your head no. “No, I told you I could take it all.”

He lines himself up with your entrance and slowly pushes in. You both moan at the contact.

“You’re so fucking tight. Jesus baby.” He says as he bites his lip, inching further into you. 

“Jungkook, more. ” You moan out and you both make eye contact. He kisses your forehead and then you lean up a little for a kiss. He obliges and slides further into you. He’s finally in. You fit so snugly around him, you’re so wet and warm too. 

Jungkook cups your face and looks into your eyes as he starts bottoming out of you. Missionary was a great choice he thinks to himself. You’re so beautiful underneath him. You love the way he looks at you. He moves some hair out of your face and whispers. 

“I choose you. I chose you so long ago,” As he pumps into you. Jungkook looks slightly down and can also see himself. Your tummy bulging as he pumps into you. You can’t believe it either. He’s so thick and long. Reaching places you’ve never been touched before. 

“Look at how well this pussy is taking me.” He says eyes blown out and piercing between his teeth as he bites on his lip. 

You’re a moaning mess underneath him, but you look into his eyes and pull his face to yours for a kiss. He feels so good inside you. Your walls contract whenever he slides out slightly. He loves every part of you and you love every part of him. 

“Kook you make me feel so good.” You say moaning more into the kisses you’ve both been stealing. 

“Good, that’s what I want, for you to feel good.” He continues pumping in and out but he leans up from the kiss and pushes your knees to your shoulders as he continues to pump into you. 

“Just. Like. that.” You say as your arms reach for his bicep. He loves how well you take him. You love how deep and passionate each thrust is. 

Jungkook watches as you cream all over him, he knows he won’t last long with the way you’ve been moaning his name. He needs to make you cum again first, it’s easily the sexiest thing he’s ever seen. 

You motion him back down to you and he smirks. “Can’t stop kissing me?” 

You nod your head no. “I can’t. Your right…Oh fuck! Please don’t stop.” You moan the last part out. 

“I won’t, not until this pretty pussy cums for me again.” He makes sure you understand and kisses you, just like you want. 

You start to feel that familiar buildup in your stomach and moan his name some more, you’ve damn near been chanting it now. 

“You’re close.” He says and you nod. 

“Then be a good girl, and make a mess on this dick. It’s yours anyway.” The statement has you whimpering and Jungkook starts circling his thumb on your clit as he pumps in and out of you. 

That’s when you break and he watches everything ooze out of you onto him. You have cum three times. That’s a record you think to yourself -and he still has to cum.

“You think you can be a good girl one last time and cum with me ?” He asks. 

Jungkook is going to be the death of you, but you nod yes. You just want to make him feel good too. He’s been praising you and giving you ownership this whole time. Of course, you can be a good girl for him. 

Jungkook starts going a little harder with each roll of his hips. It’s still slow and sensual, just deeper-you’re not sure how he’s even managing to do that. 

“ Yes, oh my god.  Jungkook.”

He chuckles. You’re so cute. Taking him like he’s always wanted. 

Your cum slicked walls are tight and clenching him perfectly. just about send him over the edge. He leans into your ear and whispers “Ready?” You shake your head fast. 

“Yes baby, I’m ready.” You say. Jungkook just heard you return the pet name he’s been calling you. You’re in absolute heaven, creaming his dick, slightly running down his thighs. 

“Who does this pussy belong to?” He asks and you moan out your answer. 

“You!! Kook please… cum with me.” You moan out every single word. 

That’s when you feel both your orgasms collide and kiss some more. Jungkook makes sure to watch you as he pumps more, you both ride out your highs. 

Then he collapses beside you pulling you into his chest.

“That was so good, that’s the best sex I’ve ever had.”you say and he smirks. 

“Yeah, it was. Let me get you cleaned up and get new sheets.” He says kissing your lips one more time

You spent the rest of the night asleep on his chest, but when you wake up Jungkook is missing-that’s when you smell breakfast. Just like you remember. You go brush your teeth and wash your face seeing the gift you were supposed to hand to him in your bag. You make a mental note to give it to him this morning. once you’re finished, you then walk out to a shirtless Jungkook flipping pancakes and smiling at you.

“HI.” He says and you see Bam walking over to you.

“Good morning to you both!” You say patting Bam on the head and walking over to the person preparing breakfast. 

“I got you a gift.” You say and he raises an eyebrow. You slide it across the counter and he immediately smiles when he unwraps it. 

His smile says enough. He loves it. You know he does.

“You have perfect timing, I think I broke the one I’m currently using! Thank you, princess.”

“You’re so welcome, I’m really sorry about how I treated you. Plus this reminded me of you,” you reply and then you get up to stand with him. 

He winks at you. It’s nice to know he was on your mind. You promise to tell him every time he is now. He’s a priority and you want him to know that. 

“Listen, we should talk so just listen to me.” He says as he watches you wrap your arms around him from behind, but he turns around facing you. 

“I think Jimin, Joon, and Hobi can go get your stuff from your apartment but I want to tell you the truth. After last night, I can’t keep being your friend. I want you to know I meant every word about loving you and no- you don’t have to say it back but let me prove it to you ____ because you deserve more than your getting at h-“

You realize, It’s now your turn to cut him off and you hurry and put your lips on his to kiss him. 

“Jeon Jungkook, I love you too. After last night, I don’t want to be your friend either.”

“So...Can I be your boyfriend?” He asks you and you nod your head yes so fast earning a laugh, as he leans down to kiss you. 

He smiles at you and wraps his mouth around yours. Your arms around his neck as he explores your mouth.

“ Breakfast in bed?” You question and he immediately picks up on what you mean. 

Jungkook pulls you closer, then whispers on your lips “After last night...

Anything you want."

Author's Note: This definitely went in a different direction than planned, but I just want to say thank you so much for reading, all feedback is welcome! I may start a Drabble series for this couple, so stay tuned.

Taglist:@kimber-koo @taesungx @jennafromhome @diorh0seokie @joyfulwobblerhoagiee

[eddies-whoreee]

Bite-able

Summary: Your best friend is irresistible.

CW: best friend!Eddie, best friend!reader, perv!reader, kinda sub!Eddie, allusions to sex, and lots of sexual and strong language.

A/N: This was so short I’m sorry I’ve been trying to write but I’ve had writers block. I’ve been trying to work on ideas ppl send me but I just never can finish it. The endings are hard to come up with but please keep sending your ideas I’ll try to turn them into more than just blurbs.

It was hottter than hell inside Eddie’s trailer and it was even hotter outside. You two opted for the coolest room which was his, not that you two had much to pick from the 1,000 sq ft. that you have. He had a old air conditioner that needed the filter to be changed. And a white 15 dollar box fan. “Holy shit it’s hotter than satan’s balls in here” Eddie exclaims as he sits up from his bed where he’s been working on a campaign for hours. “Duh, it’s July and Indiana it’s gonna get worse the next couple of days” you reply look up from your book, to him. You sat down on the floor on his beanbag. “Heat rises, that’s why I’m sitting on the floor” you peep directing your gaze back to the book. You hear him huff a small laugh before standing up. He stood there by his night stand rummaging through his drawer. You decide to get up and check out his campaign since you’re his favorite hellfire member you’re allowed a sneak-peak. As you approach the bed you see the various creatures he has drawn out. Just then you plop down on the bed your knees folded under you as you face Eddie. “Do you have a hair tie? At this point Im willing to chop all of this shit off” he huffs dramatically. You roll your eyes playfully before handing him the tie. “You say that every summer” you declare as you watch him go to tie his hair up. You watch the sliver of skin appear as his shirt rides up his slinky waist. Your feel your mouth hang open. You felt goosebumps cover your body making you slightly shiver. Eddie was talking about something as he collected all of his hair in one hand using the other to pull the hair tie over the hair and pull it through. His shirt playing a game with you as it covers his v-line then exposes it again. His waist looks so soft, smooth, and

Bite-able.

“Ow! What the- did you just bite me” he yelps jumping back a little arms flying to your shoulders not pushing you away just sitting there. He looked down shocked. You looked up at him then back to what you were doing. Your hands were placed on either side of his waist and your face was inches from his skin. “Well-yeah you, looked… bite-able” you stuttered to find an answer. He lets out a pant, a sigh of approval. “W-Jesus, you can’t be doing that, you could give someone a heart attack” he tries to joke how flustered he is right now. “Or in your case a boner?” You ask with an all but innocent smirk. His eyes widen as he tries to explain. You chuckle as your hands move up his shirt to drag your nails lightly across his chest making him let out a small whine. “Eddie?” You ask now inches from his neck as you teased him. He wanted so badly to feel your lips on his skin. “You want to fuck me?” You ask teasingly as you kissed up his neck while your hands groped his hard-on. “Yes please” he whimpered, becoming completely goop at your touch. “Then lock the door” you say as if it were common knowledge (which it is). He nods and waste no time in getting to the door and fumbling around with the lock. You giggle at his eagerness. As he got back to you he gripped your waist pulling you on top of him to straddle his lap. He plopped down on the bed as he pulled you into a heated kiss. You grind down on his boner making him buck into you. “Less. Clothes.” He manages through the kiss that none of you wanted to pull away from. With that you two started throwing various items of clothing off. “Y/n?” He ask panting heavily. “Yes?” You ask taking off your bra. “Bite me more”

[erithdrafts]

(Spoilers ig? Wriothesley)

Just finished playing Wriothesley's Story Quest and boi do I have a lot of thoughts about him. In my opinion, Hoyoverse has succeeded in showing us who Wriothesley is, even all the way back when we first met him in the archon quest. Actually, they succeed a lot in telling the stories of their Fontaine characters in general.

It's just that his SQ, it really wrapped his character as a whole. He's witty, observant, and calculative. But the star of his SQ is that he knows how to people, you get me? It's almost scary how much grasp he has on human psychology, people in general and knows when to use that advantage when needed. He understands how complex an individual is and from time to time, he explains to us why some people act the way they are.

And we are proven again that despite these convicted are "sinners", he's willing to put in the effort and protect those who wanted "redemption" meanwhile he doesn't hesitate to put down his foot with those who are arrogant. He cares, only for those who deserve his compassion.

"No matter what it is, it will no longer be able to hurt you. I swear this on my name and honour as Duke"

"Those who use fear to lead others astray must pay for that crime"

"Just as people are free to give in to the darkness within their heart, they're also free to seek redemption and a new beginning."

"Wriothesley spends much time with each member, comforting them and extending his personal apologies" I cried at this line, he's so genuinely kind..

He went through a lot as a child, he even told us his past on the surface level as if it's just a fact in his life. Because it is just a fact, it's just a part of him. He kept improving himself, "redeeming" himself. Literally, he is not letting the past define him. It's just a catalyst to shape into who we have met right now.

He even confided that he still has a hard time trusting people and sometimes wishes to have a happier childhood.. For him to admit that vulnerability, shows he's such a strong person to come into terms with his past even if it still hurts him sometimes. He embraced his imperfections.

Wriothesley is not a Saint trying to fix everyone. He's just Humane, doing in his power to support who needs it.

P.S imo!! genuinely Wriothesley is one of the characters that has the most depth among the cast in genshin.

[kenkaodoll]

Kamiya Dojo Monogatari Tale 76 (JUMP SQ 24/05)

About Kamiya Dojo Monogatari:

Tales of Kamiya dojo is written by Kaoru Kurosaki and published along with the “Rurouni Kenshin Hokkaido” arc in JUMPSQ. The tale involves the Rurouni Kenshin character in daily life that takes time between Kenshin and Kaoru marriage until the epilogue chapter in the original manga before the Hokkaido Arc. Until this month (April 2024) there are a total 76 chapters in Tales of Kamiya dojo. This is an unofficial translation. 

Previous Story: https://www.tumblr.com/kenkaodoll/745210446270889984/kamiya-dojo-monogatari-tale-75-jump-sq-2404 

The night passed.

Finally the day had arrived. It was the first day of the opening of the Rabbit Cafe. Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame, all dressed as waitresses in bluish-gray, wide-brimmed dresses and frilly white aprons, they had finished their preparations before the opening and were all gathered around, looking somewhat restless and uneasy.

“I'm kind of nervous about opening a rabbit café for the first time,” Kaoru told Misao.

”Shall I teach you a method to relieve the tension that has been passed down through the Oniwabanshu?”

“It sounds like it might work. Please let me know.”

“Write the character for "person", *hito (人) in the palm of your hand…”

Before Misao could finish, Megumi immediately interrupted.

“Everyone does it, not just the Oniwabanshu.”

“Eh! Really?” Misao was surprised.

“You write the hito (人) character in your palm three times then put it in your mouth and act like you swallow it, right?”

“Bingo! So this wasn’t a special method handed down to the Oniwabanshu,” Misao was disappointed at Megumi’s words.

“Yes, I know that too,” Kaoru followed up.

“Damn, Jiiya has played me for a sucker!”

“I know that old men would do such pranks. He didn’t tell you immediately, but eventually you will find out that everyone knew about it, even if they weren't the Oniwabanshu. Then when you realized it for the first time, you were already tricked by him.” The lie was like a time bomb.

“I've been tricked!” Misao was very frustrated.

He is a funny old man, isn't he?” Tsubame said, and Yahiko, who had been listening from the back room, came out and shrugged his shoulders.

“Yes, he can be too funny sometimes.”

Since today was the first day, Yahiko and Mikio's wife, Shino, were waiting behind the room, just in case they needed help.

Yahiko and Shino were not dressed in Western-style clothing because they were waiting in a place where customers couldn’t see them. They were dressed normally.

The plan was that while everyone was working in the cafe, if a customer came in and wanted to buy rabbit, whoever was available would take care of it. However, if there were too many customers who wanted to buy rabbits, the situation would be very hectic. The cafe had a fixed number of seats, so there was a limit to how busy it could get.

However, since it was completely unknown what would happen, it was decided that Yahiko and Shino would wait and see to respond in case of an emergency.

However they had their own reasons. Yahiko wanted to see the usual face of his friends, and Shino wanted to see Mikio in his high spirit.  

“Today, the members of the Rabbit Club, which Usagawa-san represents, will be here, so we will definitely be busy,” Mikio spoke at the morning briefing before the store opened.

“The first impression you make on the first day is very important! I look forward to working with you today.”

“Eh! What he just said? I didn't know he could say such an auspicious thing,” Yahiko was so surprised that he unintentionally whispered to Tsubame.

“Well, um…” Tsubame lost a word.

“He’s going to be a parent now, he'd better be able to say something like that, or else we'll be in trouble,” Shino patted her big belly and spoke to Yahiko in a whisper.

“Ah... Mikio-sama's…”Tsubame bowed his head.

She had wanted to greet Shino ever since she arrived at the store, but she had somehow missed it.

“You must be Tsubame-chan. I heard about you from him,” Shino looked at Tsubame and smiled.

“Eh?” Tsubame was very curious about what was said, but she didn’t have the courage to ask her about it. 

“Hey, there!” Mikio looked at Yahiko, Tsubame, and Shino and shouted.

“The manager is giving you a very important briefing, so you should not chit-chat casually.”

“Hey, hey!”

“I.. I'm sorry, sir.”

“My bad.”

Yahiko, Tsubame, and Shino each apologize to Mikio.

“All right, everybody, take your positions! We're about to open!”

 Mikio cheerfully urged everyone to get ready, like he was commanding a battle.

The waitresses line up in front of the entrance door, while their helpers, Yahiko and Shino, wait in the back room.

Mikio glanced out the window and saw a few customers waiting for the store to open. Are they members of the Rabbit Club, or are they just a fan of new things?

“All right, everyone. I'm going to open this door. Once we open this door, there's no going back.”

“Yosh!”

 Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame all pumped their fists in the air and shouted with all their might. From the room behind Yahiko and Shino’s voice also could be heard.

・

And then the store opens!

“Welcome!”

Mikio opened the door, and Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Tsubame greeted the customers in cheerful voices.

The first guest to come in was....

It was Kenshin.

He entered with a smiling face, carrying Kenji on his back.

Mikio opened the door and saw an unexpected person, letting out a strange voice.

“Ooooh! Oh, you!”

For a moment, he almost ran away. He had reflexively turned away, remembering once he stared at him with scary eyes. But this time Mikio was not just a thug. He was the manager of the Rabbit Café.

“…”

Mikio took one deep breath to prepare himself.

”Why did you come here?” He sounded intimidating.

This was a completely wrong response for a manager, but it was better than running away.

“Mikio-sama,” Tsubame helped him out in a whisper.

“This is the time when you say 'irasshaimase' (welcome).”

Mikio gasped hearing her voice

“Irasshaimase!”

 He greeted Kenshin with a stiff smile.

“Today, I came to see my wife in her finest clothes,” Kenshin told Mikio.

“Oh no, Kenshin,” Kaoru broke into a smile.

“Does it look good?” She picks up the hem of her waitress dress and spins around.

“For me, my favorite is your regular training clothes, but the Western clothes suit you as well, that you do.”

Kenji who’s carried by Kenshin, was also cackling happily.

“What are you guys doing? Cut the crap and get to work.”

“Then let's have some tea,” Kenshin replied to Mikio's request with a serious expression.

“Please come to our seat over here,” Kaoru led Kenshin to a table.

“Tsk… our first guest is her family. How long has he been waiting in line with his child?” Mikio grumbled and invited the next guest in.

“Irasshaimase!”

The second guest was a member of the Rabbit Club.

The third and fourth guests were also members of the rabbit club.

 “Usagawa-san told me I could see cute rabbits while sipping a cup of delicious tea.”

 The men in the group look fondly at the rabbits.

 “Can I take a good look at that rabbit over there with the nice fur?”

“Please let me see that little rabbit with the brown ears.”

“I'd like to see that little rabbit over there!”

“I want to give the rabbits some *komatsuna. Eh, it’s sold separately? How much?”

The members of the rabbit club seemed very satisfied with this breakthrough opportunity to interact with the rabbits.

Then it got out of hand, not only for Kaoru and the waitresses, but also for Yahiko and Shino, who were also really busy helping out.

“It can't be helped…” Mikio looked at the rabbits and growled at Kenshin, who was slowly sipping his tea.

“You know, it's so crowded, can you think about it a little.”

Hearing that, Tsubame hurriedly apologized.

“I am terribly sorry!”

She then chided Mikio.

“Mikio-sama, you shouldn't talk to customers like that.”

“You’re so annoying. I don't like to treat him like a customer.”

“But you said it's important to make a good impression on the first day.”

Kenshin smiled at Tsubame.

“I don't mind. The rabbit café was so interesting that the manager had a hard time. I'll go home soon.”

“No, I didn't ask you to leave the store. It's the other way around.”

“What do you mean by ‘the other way around’?”

“I need your help. Your wife and her students are helping. As a house head you should help out too,” Mikio threw the apron at Kenshin.

“Oro~?”

・

Although the first day had only just begun, this rabbit café seemed to have a promising future.

They served tea and sweets, sold live rabbits, and had a lot of customers! Sales are also going well!

It was a wide difference from last year, when Mikio was selling rabbits by himself.

Will there really be customers for such an unprecedented new-age business as a rabbit café, or will anyone buy rabbits there? Mikio was a bit skeptical about Usagawa's plan for this rabbit café. But even if this did not work out, it was Usagawa’s money, not Mikio. His pocket would remain unschated. On the contrary, he would be paid as a hired manager, so it could only be a good thing whether it sold well or not. He thought it would be convenient no matter which way it went.

When he actually saw customers coming in and being pleased with the product, he was glad I could sell it. A sense of fulfillment that he had never felt before welled up from the bottom of his heart.

・

Mikio was in a good mood.

The door of the store opened.

“Irasshaima-…”

“Hey”

Suwa appeared at the store.

 “I've come to pick up... The clay.”

Suwa's smile brought down Mikio’s mood.

Notes:

*Hito(人): Kanji character for man/ person

*Jiiya: grandpa

*Irasshaimase: welcome

*komatsuna: Japanese mustard spinach, a leafy vegetable.

.…..to be continued in chapter 77……  https://www.tumblr.com/kenkaodoll/750191530648748032/kamiya-dojo-monogatari-tale-77-jump-sq-2406

TLnote(1): translating Japanese is so hard because the sentence structure is very different compared with English. Also the style of writing is different, plus there’s a lot of figurative, poetic language and things that don't make sense if it’s directly translated into english. So forgive me if this is very weird to read, and please tell me if you want to give corrections. 

TLnote(2) I will provide the original Japanese text for correction if any of you who read have better knowledge of the Japanese language. Just dm and I’ll send the file.

TLnote(3) Dtninja had translated some earlier chapters on his website. You can go and check on there

Read the rest of the story here:

https://www.tumblr.com/kenkaodoll/686193523858538496/rurouni-kenshin-tales-of-kamiya-dojo

[dedicatednotobsessed]

firstly, that ewan x reader fic was SOOO good and so sweet, loved their dynamic!

could I request an ewan x fem!reader where she and ewan are already in an established relationship, she's an actress as well but is also a streamer. she'll chat with fans during some of her streams, maybe watch some videos live or even play a couple games. the first half could maybe be her having her big premiere for her upcoming film, ewan joins her and everybody freaks out and loves them. then maybe afterwards, she does a little stream for her fans and ewan pops up in the background saying a quick hi and, once again, everybody just loves it and all that. then her and ewan cuddle the rest of night and just embrace eachother.

please?

I’m glad you enjoyed the first Ewan story! If you’d like anymore requests of HOTD characters/actors, don’t be afraid to ask! 😌💚

Love of my Life [Ewan Mitchell x Fem!Reader Oneshot]

Other HOTD stories [requests open]

Summary: Being a fairly popular actress, you have grown quite a following between your work and doing various kinds of streams on different platforms. Your fans especially love the relationship you have with your long time boyfriend, another actor by the name of Ewan Mitchell. They are beyond excited to see the two of you attending a premiere together, but that is not the only time they get to see you and Ewan together that night….

“Do you really need to put on makeup?”

“Yes, Ewan,” You replied, looking in the mirror as you put on your lipstick, a shade of red to match your dress.

Ewan chuckled and shook his head as he walked into the bathroom. He lightly wrapped his arms around your waist and pulling you close, your back against his chest. “You don’t need makeup though, love,” He said leaning down and kissed your cheek with a wide smile on his lips.

You looked up at your boyfriend, smiling lovingly and giggled when he kissed your lips. The two of you had been in a relationship for about three and a half years now, having grown up together. Your parents often teased that you were husband and wife at the young age of ten.

“But I do to feel pretty,” You stated with a pout and smiled getting out of his grasp so you could finish getting ready.

You were attending the premiere of your latest project and you were so thankful for Ewan to be attending with you. He was your biggest supporter through everything whether it be your movies or streaming to your adoring fans.

“Are you ready yet, love?” Ewan called with a slight whine to his tone of voice.

You turned to him with a giggle and nodded, walking over to him. “You are so damn impatient,” You teased with a small smirk.

“Well, I just want to be on time for the premiere,” He replied returning your smirk.

You rolled your eyes, the smile still on your lips as you leaned up kissing him softly on the lips. You released the kiss and giggled, wiping away at his lips where you stained them with your lipstick.

You walked past him to grab your heels and purse. “Okay, Mister Pushy. Let’s go,” You teased with a small smirk.

Ewan chuckled, holding his arm out for you to the rental car that the two of you were going to take to the premiere. You sat next to him in the car, pulling out your phone. You leaned your head against your boyfriend’s with a wide smile on your face and laughed as he kissed your cheek for another selfie.

“I don’t think I have told you how beautiful you look,” Ewan said after a moment.

You looked up at him, smiling at the way he was looking at you. He always seemed to look at you with a love and adoration in his blue eyes. You smiled more when he took your hand and he kissed the back of your hand lightly.

“You always say I’m beautiful,” You said giggling.

“It’s not a lie,” Ewan replied smiling more as he leaned down kissing the side of your head and pulled you close to him.

You could tell you were close to the premiere with the bright and flashing lights. You took a deep breath holding tight onto Ewan’s hand and smiled lightly when he squeezed it.

“You got this, love,” He whispered in your ear kissing the side of your head.

You nodded slowly as the car came to a stop. You took a deep breath and looked over when the door was opened, smiling at the valet. You slowly got out and waved, laughing at how the fans cheered for you before Ewan climbed out, their cheers only seeming to get louder.

You smiled up at Ewan as some girls cheered out his name. “I think they’re here for you, who’s not even in the movie,” You whispered to him with a small smirk.

Ewan snickered as he waved, keeping an arm around your waist tight holding you close. He kissed your cheek only causing the fans to cheer even more. You smiled lightly while making your way down the red carpet, holding tight onto Ewan’s hand so the two of you don’t accidentally separate from each other.

You smiled wide for the cameras, Ewan’s arm wrapped around you, his smile just as wide. He always looked proud to show you off to everyone. It made your stomach do somersaults every time, the way Ewan treated you. He treated you as though you were a queen and he was your king. Some days you truly thought you did not deserve him.

You hooked your pinkie with his as you continued down the carpet, laughing a bit as fans called to you. You walked over, smiling at a young teenage girl as she started to tear up. You began to sign some posters and pictures, Ewan standing beside you.

“I just have to say,” The same teenage girl began. “You and Ewan are so cute. Can I actually take a picture with the two of you?”

You smiled brightly and nodded. “Of course!”

You pulled Ewan close to you as you smiled with the girl for her phone before hugging her and heading back down the carpet with your boyfriend after a few more autographs. You always loved when the fans were so accepting of your relationship, it warmed your heart.

Ewan pulled you close and kissed your cheek with a soft smile on his lips. “Come on, it’s time to go inside soon.”

Your face was makeup free and you were wearing one of Ewan’s shirts and a pair of sweats. The premiere was a success and everyone seemed to enjoy the film. You could already see how excited the fans would be when the premiere pictures come out tomorrow.

“Are you really streaming this late?” Ewan asked in a teasing voice as he came from the bathroom with a toothbrush in his mouth watching you set up your phone for an Instagram live.

“Only for a little bit.” You waved at your boyfriend a bit with a wide smile.

“Aren’t you tired?” Ewan asked, laughing.

“You know I am always high on life, darling.”

“You’re high on something,” He mumbled walking into the bathroom with a chuckle.

You shook your head and smiled, relaxing on your bed as you set up the Insta Live, pressing the button. “Hi guys!” You greeted waving at the camera. “So, as you all knew tonight was the big premiere of my movie in London. It turned out well and I was so happy to meet as many of you as possible!”

You smiled more while you rambled onto your fans about the night. “Was Ewan with you?” You read a comment and you nodded with a soft smile. “He’s always with me! I honestly don’t think I can do this whole journey without him,” You admitted with a laugh.

You sat up a bit, moving your phone so you could have a better position of your face. “Ewan has been talking about how he has this big project coming up. He won’t even tell me what it is. I don’t remember him going into any auditions.” You furrowed your brows a bit. “He’s so secretive about it and I don’t like it.”

“And it’s going to stay a secret, love,” Ewan said coming into frame while kissing the side of your head. “When we have to leave, I will finally reveal it!”

You smiled up at your boyfriend and looked back at your phone, giggling as the comments blew up. “It’s like Ewan is a popular actor or something,” You said teasingly. “Do you want to tell the fans hi.”

Ewan looked at your phone and smiled waving as heart emojis kept flying on the side of your screen. “Hi fans,” He greeted while chuckling.

“Alright,” You began while sitting up, Ewan getting back out of frame. “Mister Old Man here….”

“I’m only seven months older than you!”

“As I said! Mister Old Man here is getting tired so we are going to head to bed, goodnight all you lovelies!” You waved at the camera while blowing kisses. “And don’t forget to check out my movie when it hits theaters plus eventually find out Ewan’s secret role! Stay tuned!”

“Mister Old Man,” Ewan repeated as you plugged your phone in to charge.

You yelped when he suddenly grabbed you by the waist and you fell back, him hovering over you. “What’s your secret role?”

Ewan smirked. “It’s not very much of a secret if I tell you, now is it?” He teased and leaned down kissing you gently on the lips.

You giggled while returning his kiss. “But the tension is killing me!” You whined before pouting as you looked into his blue eyes. “And you don’t want to kill me now, do you?”

Ewan hummed as though he was in thought and laughed when you hit him in the chest. He laid beside you and moved so the two of you were on the pillows. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close, nuzzling lightly into your hair.

You pulled the blankets up around you, content in his arms as he rubbed your arms up and down. You always enjoyed nights like these, where you had nothing to worry about. You always felt safe in his arms.

“You know I love you so much, Ewan,” You said looking up at him with a loving smile.

He returned your smile and leaned down kissing you gently on the lips. “I love you even more, Y/N,” He whispered before laying his head on top of yours.

You closed your eyes, your head on his chest as you listened to his heartbeat. Some days were more difficult than others, but you knew you could always go back to the love of your life.

[not-your-damsel]

Our Number 1 Hero

© not-your-damsel - Not to be read or posted anywhere else. Rb’s are MUCH appreciated though to help a fellow writer out ♥️🪶

Who :: Hawks/Keigo Takami x Fem!Reader

AN :: While I’m recovering, have a queued up/scheduled cute & smutty moment I finished a few days ago with you in an established marriage/already mated with papa Keigs ♥️ Was inspired after seeing an adorable bit of fanart of Keigo with his baby chirping up at him ����🥹🫠

⚠️ :: Oral (Fem!receiving), sq¡irt¡ng, some feather play. MDN¡, ageless, porn & blank blogs will be sniped on sight. Pew pew!

Word Count :: 4,179

Photo :: A Pinterest find. If anyone knows the artist, please let me know so I can give proper credit.

⚠️Note :: There’s an issue going on with the mobile version of the app with the display of this oneshot, especially when adding more ppl to tag. Just a heads up, I’ll remove this when it gets fixed on their end as I’ve done all I can on mine. On desktop it looks absolutely normal. Go figure 🙄

There’s a feeling you can’t quite describe whenever you watch as Keigo plays and bonds with your 10 month old baby boy and girl. Never in your life did you think twins would be in the cards for you, yet, here you were with two fuzzy, crimson winged beauties who were currently laughing that undeniably happy laughter that only babies can manage as he holds them just under their bellies to float them around like planes. In fact, their laughter is so hearty that you find both Keigo and yourself having a good chuckle along with them as you listen from where you are.

As you’re sitting in the living room, working on altering and hemming your babies’ clothing to accommodate their wings, you hear your husband gasp out and it has you dropping everything to make sure nothing’s wrong. You reach the doorway to the babies’ room where they were playing with Keigo, expecting to see some sort of accident, only to see each baby gathered in either of his capable arms as they chirp up at him eagerly.

Hinadori, your chubby cheeked daughter, was clinging to Keigo’s shirt as her large eyes -your eyes- looked up at her dad, almost as though she revered him. Her little mouth would open and a flurry of chirps and peeps would come rushing out to his ears, making him crack a smile.

“Is that so, Hina-chan? Well then, -chirps and peeps- hm? Can you promise not to do that to Tobu-chan’s wings? It isn’t nice. -chirps lowly-”

Hinadori looked over at Tobu in Keigo’s other arm thoughtfully, her eye markings making her look angelic, almost cherub-like. Her chubby little arm slowly reached over to Tobu’s plush little wing, occasionally looking up to Keigo as though asking permission. He’d nod, chirp and watch on.

“Gentle, Hina-chan, yasashi…”

She slowed for a moment as he spoke before a chirp met her ears, telling her to continue. Her little dimpled hand met Tobu’s little wing where she gently pet it, looking back to Keigo for approval. He nodded, a kind and loving smile graced his lips as she let out a gleeful chirp. Keigo whistled out from somewhere deep in his throat and she laughed.

“That’s my good girl, that’s daddy’s good girl!”

You grinned from the doorway, arms crossing over your chest as you watched them together. Tobu now looked up at Keigo, his eyes a startling shade of gold and despite the hue being slightly different from Keigo’s, when you looked at him with those avian markings, he looked just like his daddy. Tobu had your hair but, like Keigo’s, it stuck every which way. Even more so after horsing around. His cheeks were tinged pink from all the laughter no doubt.

“Your big sister did well, right my little feather?”

Keigo asked as Tobu chirped up at him. His little arms began to work as he tugged Keigo’s shirt, his legs working together in a crawling motion as though he were trying to climb up to Keigo’s shoulder.

“Hey now -chirps and whistles- where are you going, little fea-”

Tobu’s little wings began to flutter, some deep instinct triggering a knowing need to flap. Keigo’s eyes nearly turned to saucers as he watched on, measuring how hard the little wing beats were.

“Keigs, watch hi-”

“He’s trying, baby, he’s trying!”

Keigo was far too excited about this, assuring you as he held Tobu fast as he worked his way to Keigo’s neck with his wings working all the while. Once he reached Keigo’s neck, he realized he had nowhere else to go so he settled for making a fuss with impatient chirps and tiny whistles leaving his throat.

“Ok, ok. One second, Tobu-chan. Baby? Can you take Hina-chan for a moment, please?”

You nodded, walking over to them and scooping Hinadori in your arms, kissing the top of her straw colored locks as you cradled her head close to your chest.

“Look, Hina-chan! Look at daddy and Tobu-chan…”

Keigo was now holding Tobu high above his head, chuckling as he watched his little legs and arms splay out instinctively. Suddenly and without warning, Keigo let go of Tobu, dropping his arms lower in a position ready to catch him on his inevitable way down.

“Kei!!”

You felt your heart drop along with your son who landed safely in your husband’s hands. A squeal met your ears as Tobu felt the drop in his little body, his wings fluttering wildly on the way down.

“Again, Tobu-chan, slower. -peeps-”

Whatever Keigo had said to Tobu, it was clearly important as he gently patted your son’s wings. Taking position once more, Keigo raised Tobu above his head and dropped him again. This time you watched as Tobu’s little wings fluttered a little slower than the first time… and he was floating for about two seconds before once again falling into Keigo’s hands.

“Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about, sweetheart!!!!”

Keigo yelled into the room startling both you and Hinadori, the both of you jolting in unison before hearing a commotion of chirps, peeps, whistles and squeaks fill the kid’s room. Keigo was so happy, his own wings spread wide as they shook with excitement and pride before looking at you with determination.

“Tobu’s ready! We can go out tomorrow morning and we ca-”

“Wait, wait, wait! Kei, I know you’re happy and I know you’re excited, I am too! But…”

You trailed off, absentmindedly bouncing Hinadori on your hip. Keigo could sense your apprehension, could smell the cortisol coming off you as you silently stressed.

“Baby bird… you know I’d never let anything happen to our brood, right?”

You swore you’d never get used to the whole “familial bird” talk. You nodded, you knew he’d lay his life down without hesitation or question for you and the babies. Keigo put Tobu on the hip opposite yours with Hinadori and leaned into you, his nose trailing from your own to your jaw and then gliding down to a faded bite mark on the smooth skin of your neck. He inhaled deeply before planting a kiss against the silvered mark, followed by a soft nip and a final kiss once more. Standing upright to meet your gaze again, Keigo noted you were calm once more and he grinned, lopsided and beautiful all the same. You grinned back, free hand coming up to stroke his scarred cheek as you looked lovingly at him.

“I know you’d never let anything happen to them, but, how do you know it’s time?”

Keigo nodded, he figured it was fair you’d ask how he knew. But, he didn’t know either.

“Truth is, kid, I don’t even know how it is I know. I just do. And I know that’s not what you want to hear but, it’s the truth and it’s all I can give you right now. I just… I feel it in my bones. It’s time for Tobu to practice taking flight.”

He said, holding your gaze lovingly. You nodded, Keigo could tell it was a reluctant one, but you nodded with a sigh. You looked at Hinadori and felt your eyes brim with tears.

“Talk to me, baby bird. What’re you thinking?”

Keigo grabbed hold of your chin to look at him again, seeing your eyes reddened and glossier than a moment ago.

“Oh no, baby I-”

“I just… I’m so proud of you, Keigo,”

You nuzzled into his palm against your cheek.

“You went from not wanting us to have kids because you were terrified you’d be the worst father to grace this planet, to us having not one but two, to being the best father I’ve ever seen. Not that I never had faith in you, you just blew all my expectations away.”

Keigo’s neck was starting to pink to his ears at your words.

“And I get so touched when I see you with them, see you playing and bonding and becoming the mochi of their eyes. Part of me is a little jealous of you three, to be honest.”

“Wait, what?! Us?! I don’t understand, love…”

You shook your head,

“Not in a malicious way, I just wish I knew what you guys say to one another when you start chirping and whistling at each other and now, Tobu-chan’s ready to start flying practice and I can’t be there for that. I can’t be in the sky with you to see him experience this life changing moment and I want to be there for all of it. Our line of work doesn’t guarantee us seeing tomorrow and I want to see everything they get to experience and I-”

You didn’t even realize you were crying until Hinadori reached to touch your wet cheek. You looked down at her where she chirped to you and you had no idea how to even answer her. It made you feel a little worse, like you couldn’t provide vocal comfort or feedback to your own babies.

“Whistle.”

Keigo said, wiping your eyes and then your nose.

“K-Keigs, gross!”

“Our brood has pissed on me, puked on me, I even been shat on by them, your snot is nothing by now, dove. Now, whistle. Nothing major, just a single, double note sound.”

You shook your head but gave it a try anyway, letting a single little high-low whistle escape your lips as you looked at Hinadori. Her features lit up as she released more of her own chirps and peeps at you. You giggled, more tears forming in your eyes at her response to you.

“B-but, I don’t know what I’ve said to her or what she’s saying to me.”

Keigo grinned.

“It doesn’t rightly matter at this point, they’re not saying much of anything right now. I only understand bits and pieces of what they mean. It’ll get better over time as they form their avian speech more. And you, baby bird, don’t have to worry one bit. I’m here, aren’t I? I can always translate.”

You smiled at him, pulling him in for a deep, heated kiss.

“What was that for?”

“For being our number 1 hero. Come now, let’s get these little chicks to bed.”

Keigo beamed before frowning.

“I need to see if my Hina-chan is ready, too!”

“You can check tomorrow, I promise.”

Giggling at his pout, you handed Hinadori to him so he could get them ready for bed as you tidied up the living room of all the little clothing and sewing items you had scattered around along with whatever toys were left on the floor of their play mats.

It had taken almost an hour to get the chicks down and off to sleep. Little twitching wings remained active while they were fast asleep as you and Keigo kissed their heads before leaving a feather of his own wrapped around their ankles. You closed their door, leaving a crack open before you went to your shared bedroom to change into your pajamas.

Walking in, you see Keigo already in his boxers while laying in bed, golden eyes scanning his tablet screen most likely adjusting your patrolling schedules for the coming week. You made your way to the walk-in closet to put your pajamas on, throwing your clothes for the day in the hamper in the process. As you bent to pull your silk sleep shorts up, you felt a feather skimming up your back before making quick work of your bra, feeling it slip off your shoulders, falling to the hardwood floor.

Keigo could feel the vibration of your slight giggles, making him smirk in turn. He then felt you wave the feather off as you moved to slip your silk tank on and as you threw your arms up to help it slide over your head, large, warm, calloused hands reached around to cup and grope your soft breasts. You yelped, always getting thrown off by how stealthy Keigo was when he really wanted to be.

Warm lips met the nape of your neck accompanied by the sharp scrape of his stubble as he kissed you, his chest meeting your back as he pressed into you. It was then you felt a hard bulge firmly against your lower back, a slight grind into you as Keigo’s thumbs slid down to your nipples to roll between them and his forefingers. Your back was instinctively arching against him, your ass pushing into his hard cock as your chest pushed out into his rough hands.

“Fffuck, baby, that get your pretty pussy twitching for me?”

He panted behind your ear, his nose inhaling the scent of your hair as you rocked your ass up and down his clothed length. With your nipples now hard and pebbled for him, he pulled, a hiss escaping your lips at the feeling as your arms reached behind you to sink your fingers into silky straw colored strands, tugging enticingly as he sucked along your shoulder with a groan.

“Kei, t-the bed…”

You felt another feather make its way to your shorts, tugging them down along with your panties to pool at your feet.

“Here’s just fine, baby bird.”

With one swift movement, Keigo had you bent over your vanity, some of your makeup items clattering to the floor with the act.

“The babies, Keigs!”

“They’re still asleep, hero’s promise.”

Still bent in your position, you were already reaching behind you to tug down his boxers and boxer briefs, wanting to feel him inside you already.

“So needy aren’t we? I got you, kid.”

His feathers were already pulling his bottoms down and you heard his cock slap against his lower abdomen.

“Kei, I need it, I need you, please!”

You breathed. With his heightened senses, he could already smell you dripping for him, taste it in the air and it had his golden eyes rolling back. His hands found your hips and adjusted them so that it looked as though you were presenting yourself to him.

“Lemme see, baby, let me fuckin’ see what it is I do to you.”

You gave a pathetic whine as his hands spread your cheeks apart, watching as your cunt fluttered for him, your slick oozing from your tight little hole. Avian pupils dialated at the sight and before he could even register what he was doing, Keigo dropped to his knees and licked from your clit to your hole before delving in to penetrate it.

Squealing, you slammed your hands down on the table of your vanity as he ate you out like a starved man. Slurping, sucking your clit before flicking his tongue over it again and again had your eyes rolling back as well.

“Keigo, fuck, p-please, I-!”

His hands squeezed your ass cheeks roughly, grunting and moaning every time your slick gushed into his mouth.

“You better cum in my mouth. I don’t care how long it takes, I want you squirting in this mouth, d’you hear me?”

A harsh slap met one of your ass cheeks and you moaned out loud as his whole mouth covered your cunt, his tongue stroking you even closer to the edge of bliss. Keigo abruptly pulled away, and as you went to protest, you felt a feather start vibrating against your clit before two thick fingers slipped inside you pumping against your sweet spot over and over again. The feeling had your hips swiveling, bucking up and down as tears pricked your eyes.

“You know how beautiful you look, what you’re doing to me right now? You keep this up, you’ll end up making me knock you up with another addition to the brood,”

At that, your hips rocked harder into his pumping fingers.

“What a little slut, fuuuck!”

“R-right there, right there, Keigo don’t stop,”

This was arguably the second best part, the immediate climb to the jump off, the way the taut string inside your belly was fraying in preparation for the snap.

Keigo felt it, the way your cunt was sucking his thick fingers in, fluttering all around them. It was like he was in a trance, chasing that sweet moment you’d come undone and bless him with the sweetest nectar that was only ever for him.

“Keigo, it’s coming, I’m cumming, I-! G-gonna squ-“

Keigo removed his fingers but kept his feather working you, flipping you over again to latch his mouth against your cunt just in time as a gush of fluid came out of you and right into his mouth where he drank, golden eyes shifting between pinpoints and full blown as he let out the most porn worthy moan along with your own.

Pulling away, his chin was soaked and as he lifted his head up it began to drip and roll down his neck. But, he couldn’t be bothered to care. Your squirming told him to stop with his feather, already pawing at you to suddenly hoist over his shoulder to bring you to the bed.

“K-Keigo! There’s a mess on the floor!”

“Feathers’ll get it,”

Once in the bedroom, Keigo plopped you on the bed, climbing up over you and caging you in with his own body.

“C’mere, you pretty bird.”

He dipped down and kissed you passionately, and it wasn’t until he slipped his tongue in your mouth that you realized he never wiped your release off of his face. Your arms instinctively wrapped around his neck bringing him closer to you. As you both made out on the bed, his hand slipped between the both of you to give his cock a few pumps before swiping his tip along your slippery entrance to gather some slick.

He groaned deeply in your mouth.

“Fuck, kid, fuuuck,”

You slid your legs up some and opened them wider for him as he grinned down at you.

“Have I told you that I love you today?”

You’re grinning back now, shaking your head.

“No. I don’t think you have and I’m upset about it.”

You faux pouted. The two of you knew he’d already told both you and the chicks he loves you a couple times since he’d gotten home and it was reciprocated each time. With you both working the profession you do, it tends to do that. You’ve made it a constant habit since you two had gotten together. It was a little bit of work on his part since saying it outright when the mood strikes isn’t much within Japanese culture but, when a near death experience came late one morning you drove it home to him why it was so important to you to say it and have it said in return. Keigo’s never skipped saying it ever since that day. He was incredibly good like that.

“How could I? I made a promise, didn’t I?”

You nodded, pure love and contentment on your face. Gods, he adored the ever loving hell out of you.

“Then, let me make it up to you, baby bird.”

Guiding his length into your warmth with a flex of his jaw and ab muscles, Keigo stops to look up at you.

“Oh, I should prep you mo-oh!!”

Without warning, you dug your heels into each of his ass cheeks and pulled him into you the rest of the way.

“Fuck, fuck!”

He gasped while you took a sharp breath in as he lurched forward and caught himself just in time with hands on either side of your head. Giving you a moment to adjust, he lowered himself onto his elbows, leaning down to kiss you sweetly as he backed out, the tip of his cock remaining behind before thrusting back into you hard enough to knock the air out of your lungs. Your arms slipped under his to grip at his shoulders for stability as he began a slow but rough pace. Each drag out of your slick and gummy walls had you slowly clenching around him, the sounds of your arousal already sounding out in the room.

“M-more, Keigs, more,”

Keigo’s hand came to gently wipe your hair out of your face, his own so close to yours that you were both breathing the same air, sharing it intimately in and out through your mouths. His pace picked up some, the feeling making you hike tour legs up higher over his hips now as his gentle pace turned into the feverish hunger you knew he was fighting. Keigo roughly grasped a breast in his hand, squeezing to bring your nipple into his mouth as his hips continued to roll into you faster.

“Yeah, like that! Just like that, Kei!”

His mouth unlatched from you with a ‘pop!’, thinly rimmed golden eyes meeting yours as he took in your debauched state with a lick of his cherry kissed lips.

“Shhh, shhhh. I got you, baby,”

However, the second he felt your nails gently scrape against the patch of skin between his wings, they fluffed out from behind him and the torrent of want and need he’d held back this whole time snapped.

“But, fuck, I need more!”

Pushing off of his arms after giving you a quick kiss, he planted his large hands against the backs of your thighs, pushing them up to your chest as he snapped his hips brutally into you. The slapping of his balls against you, the sounds of your combined slick and his pre was all too much. The moment his fingers met your clit with a few perfectly pressured strokes, it had you careening towards your release as it snuck up on you and tore at the core of your lower stomach. Clenching around his length, it had Keigo looking down, a sheen of sweat all over his body as he watched with dilated pupils a creamy ring forming at the base of his cock.

“Fuckin’ beautiful, honey, goddamn it,”

You didn’t even think he caught what he’d said before his face twisted in pleasure, golden eyes rolling to the back of his head as you felt his cock throb a few times inside you.

“I’m gonna cum, ba-baby bird, I’m gonna fuckin’ cu-”

His voice choked off to let out a sinful moan as rope after rope of his cum shot into you with each throb of his cock. Keigo’s hands loosened their grip on either of your thighs, helping you put them back down gently as you both panted for breath. As he looked to you, your arms were already open to him and waiting for his inevitable collapse into you. And he did just that with a goofy smile to his lips.

“Oof! Keigs, my tits!”

He wasn’t listening, already nuzzling into your neck with kisses as his stubble scraped nicely at your skin there. Your fingers were already threading through his straw colored curls to stroke and tug just to hear him groan in delight at the feeling as you kissed the top of his head before taking a deep breath of his scent through them to ground you.

“I love you, Keigo.”

“I love you, too, my baby bird.”

You both lay there in silence, cockwarming him with your legs wrapped around him as you held one another. Keigo propped his head up, chin resting in the valley of your breasts.

“You know, about me taking the chicks with me up in the air, you can be there, y’know?”

You gave him a skeptical look, an eyebrow cocked at him.

“You can’t bring us all up there!! How’ll you do that?!”

“Feathers, silly.”

You thought about it for a moment, your attention being caught as you saw your clothes being brought back out from the walk-in closet before being rested gently back on the bed.

Well, he has saved many people with them and you knew from fighting alongside him that they were plenty strong. Hell, he’s saved even you a few times with them so you knew they were more than capable of carrying and holding you safely. Keigo would rather die than let anything bad happen to you, let alone with his own feathers. You really could be there for each occasion in the air with the chicks.

As Keigo studied you weighing your options, he decided to break the silence.

“You scared I’d drop yo-”

“Never.”

You said it with such finality and without hesitation, it had his cheeks pinking, feathers fluttering behind him with pride.

“Good. ‘Cause I’d never let you fall, kid.”

“I know. You’re my number one hero, too. Thank you, honey. It means so much to me that I’ll get to be there with you all during that. I want more glimpses into the little world you’ve built with them, too.”

He felt himself go all gooey and soft for you all over again at the shy and bashful face you made at the admission.

“You’re the center of our universe, baby. Of course we want you there.”

And just as you were gonna grin at him, showing your complete trust in him, Keigo’s lips were smothering your own with all the love he could muster. When you find yourselves pulling away for air, he says it for one last time that evening.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, Keigs.”

Key ~

Hinadori :: Baby Bird 🐣

Tobu :: Fly 🦅

Yasashi :: Gentle 🫳🏽

🏷️ Tags :: @pervysenpaix @touyasdollmain @touyasdoll (more to come if this would fkn cooperate)

[imminent-danger-came]

i am so glad theres someone else who also thinks lmk executes its ideas and themes much better than toh. rip belos you will never be lady bone demon

TOH wasn't that strong in the themeing department in general (though I'm not well-versed in that show). I remember finishing the finale and being like....damn. What was the overall message of this show? ("Weirdos stick together" maybe?) Does toh have any consistent motifs or symbolism? If memory serves, not really?

Like, you rewatch episode 1x01 of LMK and MK goes "Well...I am invincible. *sigh* Anytime I try to do anything, I just gunk everything up!", and you're like. Woah. The Sun Wukong parallels are that strong from episode 1x01? Invincibility/Immortality and hurting the people you care about? No matter what you do, it leading to pain? Holy shit.

Contrast that with TOH where it's like, in episode 1x02 Luz learns she's not "the chosen one" and that the boiling isles are very different from the magical realms she imagined...which is kinda undone by the reveal that the Titan chose to show Luz the Glyphs. And while Titan Luz is very fun, it's not thematically sound—which is just kinda that whole show, you know? If you're not thinking about it that deep, then it's like "holy shit cool concept!" (which is totally valid of people), but if you do it's pretty empty. (Hi Hunter getting flapjack-based teleportation powers. What was the point of this.)

Which, I think this becomes super apparent with the Luz and Belos foil. Luz and Belos had a lot of interesting parallels (both of them being humans in the isles, each coming there wanting to fulfill a certain "role", for Luz being the "Great Witch Azura" and for Belos/Philip being a "Witch Hunter General", the whole "protecting the things you love" deal). And then, where does this all go?

It leads to Luz being told "no. You're the good guy and Belos is the bad guy! You could never be the same! Belos is motivated by his own 'need to be the hero'" (which was definitely what Luz was motivated by over the course of the show, even if it was more innocent, but whatever), and riding off of tdp s4's "In the name of love, you will do things so dangerous and vile—you will never be able to forgive yourself" and the lmk s3's "to pain" scene, it fell really flat for me—like it's not bad, it's just really mid.

(Post where I go on a rant about Luz's s3 arc being kinda lame)

And then, you have the LBD & MK foil. You have MK's s4 arc. The "to pain" scene is such a unique "you and I are not so different" moment—but it's also relevant to the whole show. And LBD is right, doing what you think is right does lead to pain. Like, even looking at MK's journey over the seasons, every action has had it's consequences.

Saving Pigsy and Tang in 1x04? Spider Queen snagged MK's hair and that let her dominate the city later. Stopping DBK in 1x10? That freed LBD. Stopping SQ in ROTSQ? That gave LBD access to the trigram furnace. MK trying to gain more power in s2? Well, "Now do you understand? From the start you never had what it took to defeat me. All your power could do was make me stronger." SWK leaving in s2? "You're the one always running off, trying to get more power or more sources of immortality." Trying to get the Samadhi fire in s3? Opps, now Mei has this uncontrollable flame within her. Monkey King running off to fight LBD alone so MK doesn't have to? He get's possessed. Freeing SWK from possession? Now LBD has the power to fulfill destiny. Attempting to free your friends from the scroll? Now Peng and Azure are also free. Trying to get SWK back? His scroll piece has been split in half. Stopping Azure from destroying all of reality? Now the Jade Emperor's power is without a host, flower fruit mountain is destroyed, and you can't help but feel they played into the puppet master's hands.

It's thematically consistent and banging. Like....anytime they try to do anything, they just gunk everything up. Like....sometimes you hurt the people who care about you the most. Like....whether you want to help people or not, everything you do can just make things worse.

AND MAYBE. Just maybe, you can also leave the world a little better than you found it. The pain that's been caused doesn't undo the good that's been done. And I guess I think that's more interesting that just like..."no! you're intent was good and theirs was bad!", you know?

[wordsmithwhumpsandfluff]

Just a lil bit of fluff to tide y'all over till the Spirit fic is done. Sry it's taking so long!!

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

Felix’s hands moved skillfully as he sketched color onto a fire-colored mermaid gown, laying on his stomach on Atticus’s bed. His boyfriend was doing his own schoolwork at his dining table, playing background fall cafe music that was relaxing enough that it made Felix feel pleasantly sleepy, but he decided he’d finish his design first before taking a nap.

About half an hour earlier, Atticus had tried working in the bedroom as well, but much to his frustration, he couldn’t focus without actually sitting at a table. Not to mention how badly he wanted to cuddle instead of studying.

Felix yawned, thinking about final touches for the design, grabbing his white gel pen to make some sparkle pattern on the side. He was focused on making the little details on the page when he heard a computer shut outside the bedroom, and Atticus came back in the bedroom just a few moments later.

“I wanna go on a date tonight,” Atticus stated, going to his closet and grabbing a hoodie.

Felix smiled a little. “Where do you want to go? Movies?”

“Yeah,” he sighed, pulling on the hoodie before flopping on the bed, sideways so his head rested on Felix’s lower back. “They’re showing some old movies tonight. ‘You’ve Got Mail‘ is one of them.”

Felix smiled wider at that. “Okay. When’s it showing?”

Atticus pulled his phone out of his pants pocket, tapping the screen before saying, “It’s at seven. We have two hours before that.”

Felix nodded. “Okay. I’ll finish this design and nap before then.”

“We can get snacks at the theater, but do you wanna order some dinner before we go?”

“Sure.”

“Are you almost done?”

“Almost.”

“Can we cuddle and nap together when you’re done?”

Felix’s smile became amused. He could feel Atticus’s eyes on the back of his head and could sense his boyfriend’s desire for attention. He decided to be a bit cheeky. “Hmmm. . . nope.”

He could imagine the look of surprise on Atticus’s face. “Whyyyy?” Atticus asked, a pout evident in his voice.

Chuckling, Felix looked over his shoulder, seeing his boyfriend’s pouty face. “I’m just joking, Atti. Of course we can cuddle.”

Atticus continued to pout, eyes narrowing. “You’re mean. Not funny.” He turned his head away, but stayed laying on Felix’s lower back, so his cheek rested on Felix’s ass and the blonde chuckled at his boyfriend’s attempt at seeming upset while still being clingy.

Still smiling, Felix continued to work on his design. His white gel pen smeared a little bit, so he spent a bit of time fixing the design, so focused that he didn’t hear his boyfriend ask him something. It wasn’t until Atticus literally bit his ass that Felix’s attention was broken and he let out a yelp, his red pencil flying out of his hand. “What the—”

“Pasta or subs for dinner?” Atticus asked casually, like he hadn’t just literally bit Felix’s ass.

“You just—”

“You weren’t listening to me,” Atticus stated, pouting again. “Pasta or subs?”

Felix’s face burned as he sighed, looking at his design and deciding he could add final touches later. Clearly, he had other things to take care of—more specifically, a needy and adorable boyfriend—so he shut his sketchbook and set it aside along with all his art supplies. “Pasta,” he said, turning onto his side and forcing Atticus to sit up on his elbows. “I want alfredo. And we can cuddle now.”

Atticus couldn’t help but smile, pout instantly vanishing, and quickly placing a DoorDash order on his phone before putting his phone down and moving so he could hug Felix’s waist and burry his face in the shorter man’s chest.

Felix kissed the top of Atticus’s head, fingers lazily running through Atticus’s hair. “You’re such a clingy baby, lovely,” he chuckled.

Simply shrugging, Atticus hugged Felix tighter. Voice slightly muffled my Felix’s shirt, Atticus suddenly stated, “For someone so flat, your ass is surprisingly squishy.”

The comment took a second to register in Felix’s slightly sleepy mind. When it did, he was quite literally speechless. “I-” he sputtered, somehow feeling both offended and flustered.

Atticus giggled at the reaction his comment got, snuggling closer and planting a kiss on Felix’s chest. “I love you,” he said, happy to be getting cuddled.

Deciding to let go of the comment—for now—Felix smiled softly again and closed his eyes, lips pressed to Atticus’s head. “I love you too. But if I have a bite mark on my arse, you’re getting one to match.”

[mvshortcut]

Everyone go wish a very happy birthday to the amazing @sqenthusiast!!! Enjoy some SQ fluff for your special day <333 (ao3)

SQ had known, in theory, that his father had sheltered him from a great deal of the world’s ugliness. The tumult of the climb to the top rather than the cool, serene, all-encompassing control his father had maintained; the people that would offer you a warm smile and then stab you in the back without a second thought; the barbaric conquests for honor, for pride, for glory—SQ was out in the big bad world now, and he found himself quite smack dab in the center of it all.

“Uno,” said Constance Contraire.

The sitting room once again exploded in a cacophony of sound. 

“She’s cheating!” Kate shrieked, flinging her cards down and leaping to her feet on top of the chair. “She’s a dirty little—she’s using her mind powers to look at everyone’s cards—”

“I find that an insensitive accusation, Kate, given that you’ve been peeking at Rhonda’s cards in the window reflection for the past half hour,” Constance sniffed.

SQ’s father had attempted to teach him some other, more sophisticated card games (after he’d finished delivering a gently critical lecture with card tricks for emphasis, of course). Their games were an exercise in thinking two steps ahead, in always remaining in control of the room, in maintaining an impassive front until you’d laid down the winning hand.

There was nothing particularly impassive in Number Two’s expression as she leapt over the back of the couch and began to beat Rhonda about the ears with a pillow.

After a most impressive duel, after Mr. Benedict was roused from his mirth-induced nap, and after Reynie had bleated his final “Guys—you guys, can we get back to the game now—,” the fast group of misfit friends—whom SQ had privately begun to think of as his group of misfit friends—resettled themselves on various couches, chairs, and floor pillows scattered about the sitting room. Mr. Benedict tugged the curtains closed and raised an eyebrow at Constance, mouth twitching (she smiled sweetly up at him).

Then the game resumed.

The trick to Uno, SQ soon learned, was that there was no trick. You were dealt the cards you were dealt, and sometimes you were dealt all greens, which resulted in you drawing card after card from the deck hoping for blue while your onlooking friends cackled and murmured sympathetically. But you’d reshuffle, and admire your neat hand of cards arranged by color and number, and just when you’d think you were winning the tiny girl next to you would grin a shark’s grin and slam down a draw four wild card.

The competition was fierce. And yet SQ’s shoulders had never felt quite so loose. 

The deck ran out, was reshuffled, then shuffled yet again. At some point Ms. Perumal had lit a cedar candle—the smell made SQ homesick, but in a way that didn’t ache quite as much as he’d expected. Now the flame was flickering, wax pooling in the basin of the glass.

His uncle sent him an indulgent smile when he saw that SQ’s blinks had grown rather lethargic. “Would you like to rest your eyes for a few rounds, dear boy?”

The candle was nearly gone, and now it was easy for SQ to say, “Y’know, I think I might, actually.”

“I’ll watch your cards, SQ,” Reynie chirped. “Sticky and I can play your turn for you while you rest for a bit.”

Sticky nodded along. “While it’s not strictly allowed under the rules of Uno, the practice can be traced back to several martial exploits where compulsory service could be avoided by hiring someone else to serve in your stead—”

“—I’m changing the color to yellow,” said Number Two.

“Do you even have any yellow cards?” Rhonda asked.

“The color,” hissed Number Two, “is yellow.” She whipped out a banana and took a bite without bothering to remove the peel.

SQ’s socks were warm. They were knitted of the softest yarn—Rhonda had made one, and Mr. Benedict the other. So in the end the sock on his left foot was a bit lumpier than the right one, but that was alright. It helped SQ keep track of which sock went on which foot.

He curled his feet up now, tucked them under himself and snuggled into the arm of the chair like a dozing cat. The exclamations of the others did not quiet, exactly, but they smoothed into dull murmur laid over SQ like a cozy blanket. See, you’re here with us now, it seemed to say. See, you’re safe. You’re home.

SQ didn’t mean to fall asleep. Truly, he hadn’t even realized he had until his eyes fluttered open, revealing Ms. Perumal darting around collecting empty dishes and plates, revealing Rhonda herding a yawning Constance up to bed. 

“He missed the pie,” Number Two muttered, sounding deeply distressed.

“It will keep,” Mr. Benedict sighed. “Cut him a slice of the pumpkin and set it aside in the fridge. And he’ll want to try the pecan too—I saw him eyeing it curiously earlier.”

“The crust won’t retain the optimal flaky texture,” Number Two retorted. There came the unmistakable sound of someone unsheathing a saw from the kitchen.

“He looks so peaceful.” A cool hand smoothed his bangs from his forehead. “I know my Reynie was chattering on about having a sleepover in his room, but I’d hate to disturb him … do you think we should let him be?”

All of SQ’s muscles protested at the mere thought of movement. But he’d been just as excited by the prospect of a sleepover as Reynie had been. He attempted to bully his eyelids into sliding open—

“Leave it to me,” intoned another voice.

Strong hands curled around his legs, supported the back of his neck, and lifted him effortlessly off the couch. A blanket he hadn’t realized he’d been wearing trailed off his torso onto the ground below. Milligan’s warm pine scent enveloped him as he tucked SQ’s head against his shoulder and set off for the stairs in smooth, sure strides.

SQ let his eyelids relax once more. He could keep up the pretense of sleep a little longer.

[feuqueerfire]

The Worst of Evil Live Blogging

Finished A Shop for Killers and was supposed to start My Stand-In so that I can be caught up for ep 10 but I have a Very Important Thing next week and idk I feel like My Stand-In might take up too much brain space and I also wanna savour it and spend time on it so... I'm starting this instead even though it's not like short or not intense lmfao. Good luck to me

I don't know much about this except 1) Wi Hajoon (he was literally the reason I started actually getting into dramas after Squid Game because usually I'd just watch a show every 6-12 months and not watch anything until the next show a year later lol but I watched a bunch of things for him and now here I am), 2) police drama? they're cops I think, 3) one of them has a wife, and 4) I saw an author who wrote a couple fanfics of them on AO3 but idk if it's like a bromance or if it's like just a ship the writer liked.

I'm excited to Wi Hajoon again after a long while, I haven't watched anything of his since Squid Game, all of it was stuff before Squid Game because I started watching it around the time SQ was released. I'm also curious about his current noona romance Midnight Romance in Hagwon but I'll give this one a try first.

I keep debating between this and My Stand-In because it feels like I'm kinda in the mood for something dark or heavy but I might also be in the mood for BL/romance/relationship stuff, so idk. we'll see how this one goes.

Ep 1 (June 21)

bloody fight to start with. the butcher knives make it more visceral, though not as intriguing as the Shop For Killers beginning violence

2 years ago, 1994

ah, the wife is an elite officer and so her brother is begging the husband because he's a "lowly detective" or smth

Wi Hajoon is a DJ? Girl I thought he was a cop. maybe he's undercover? anyway, this outfit reminds me of the serial killer fucker he played in Midnight

Wi Hajoon: Gicheul

oh, Gichul is actually being recruited by... some shady guy? he's the opposite of a cop lol

1 year later, 1995

ohh Gicheul is treated like shit and feels slighted so is making plans to wipe out the current top guys + their thugs at this hotel in the middle of the woods and just taking over Gangnam?

is this cool? I guess I'm supposed to think this sneak attack and planning to overthrow is cool? they mostly seem like posers other than the knife guy

oof, stupid dude Taeho

so they've killed the secondary boss guy who's their boss

Busan

Ah, okay, I was wondering how killing these people was just give them Gangnam, esp cuz they also worked for somebody but I guess Gicheul wants Gangnam from the big boss

So that's how the cop and Gicheul end up meeting. The detective is gonna infiltrate the gang to try to find who is selling meth to the Japanese gangs. also, when Gicheul was securing the hotel, he gave the guy in the car a little baggie with white stuff... I'm guessing that's what they're looking for?

Ah, his father is a drug user, that's why all that tension

damn, this fucker explicitly says he nor anybody higher-up would give a promotion to a drug addict's son

Gicheul's group (?) is known Gangnam Union and the 4 guys knew each other since high school (thus the hyung/donsaeng close relationship) and there are 3 of them now that Taeho's dead but the knife guy joined ig so it's 4 again. they appear like a social club but they've taken over nearly every club in Gangnam

fake identity: Taeho's non-existent cousin named Seungho

ooh, he wants to meet Gicheul his own way. If I was pretending to be Seungho but wanted to make sure I get close to Gicheul without raising suspicion... maybe I'd first start off antagonistic actually? Like oh you fuckers killed Taeho, how dare you, etc. etc. or make it seem like I was planning on doing something for revenge. because then they'd think I actually knew Taeho + am who I say I am + wouldn't be obvious that I'm clearly trying to get close to Gicheul

they don't translate the ssibals that Seungho (I can't remember his real name rip) keeps dropping every sentence smh

okay, Seungho went in a slightly similar route to me in that he made a scene and went in antagonistically but his plan was obviously more fleshed out and more fun/cool. I love a first meeting like this, with secrets and planning. The watch was a nice touch, is it a similar watch to which Taeho stole from that Sergeant Jang guy or what?

Fave scene: I love love love a first meeting or the initial scenes in a story where one party has secrets and the other party doesn't know. I'll also be very excited to see how Gicheul finds out Seungho's real identity and how he reacts.

I didn't know this was the synopsis of this show lmfao I feel like I didn't know anything for at the beginning for both this show and A Shop for Killers even though the things were in the synopsis lol it's fun this way though. I like an undercover story

Yo, I'm irritated, I thought the synopsis would probably have stuff just from this ep but from skimming it, I found out Seungho's wife is also gonna be undercover for this operation, wish I had found that out on my own.

Ep 2 (June 21)

okay, the father was also told by the cops Seungho's backstory and he's playing along

this was interesting because the guy literally told most of the other gangsters to not fight, it'll be like 1 v 7, not 1 v 30 lol so it makes why they're just standing around

okay but Taeho's killer is just the Sergeant Jang who they also killed, right? like Gicheul knifed that man

oh? one of Gicheul's friends (Heesung) who neither him nor the other old friend take seriously wants to team up with one of the guys they slashed back then (I'm guessing) to take down Gicheul? is this the thing that will have Gicheul and Seungho on the same side? i feel like that's too soon for Gicheul to fall from grace. or is this like... a trick?

Gicheul notices something about Heesung

not Heesung saying they're my friends and brothers so don't let anything bad happen and don't hurt them to much?? girl, what do you think is gonna happen exactly?

ohhh so it was indeed a trap

what must it feel like for the cop dude who's outside the building lmfao must feel like a trap for Seungho but indeed it's for the other guys who filed in. mans being like fuckkk do i call 112 or nah

oh brutal fucking torture wtf girl anyway if I was Seungho I'd be scared af of getting found out (maybe that's also why they're putting on a show of what happens when you betray Gicheul)

damn, why was the big boss looking at all those weapons? anyway, Gicheul isn't gonna send him money anymore apparently

but that's angering the boss and he wants Gicheul dead but the Japan guy the boss works with really likes Gicheul

right, okay, Seungho wasn't supposed to know that Srgt Jang was dead, so Gicheul finally tells him after kinda testing him + opening the place for Taeho

heh Seungho now being the maknae of the gang. i love the bureaucracy or mundaneness of gangster life, like some jokes about jobs and money in A Shop for Killers too

the cop also keeps patrolling and looking out for Seungho ig

Yongdae's so cute, our other maknae

a love triangle?

scary af too the gang know she's a cop and are like... you were meeting a cop. whelp

he's saying that his father is held at the police station for drugs... can they somehow check that Taeho's uncle is indeed there or whatever?

matching necklaces and first loves good god

If they were brave, we'd get a proper triangle lmfao bring Gicheul as a third into the marriage! but also i'm thinking, is Gicheul gonna die or be in prison or something by the end?

Also, I've heard Ji Chang Wook's name often but haven't watched anything he's in. He's doing really well as Junmo/Seungho so far. omg some people on the r/kdrama said the FL often dies in similar kdramas, esp with 2 main male leads and... no. she can't. This reminded me of The Devil Judge and Jinyoung's character's love interest dying and simply, no. if they kill the woman I'll be annoyed

Ep 3 (June 21)

oh Euijung bought the couple necklace for Gicheul, damn

I think Euijung started wearing it again since she just brought it home again recently but Gicheul always wears it still ig

what happened, Gicheul's parent was arrested or what?

omg okay Gicheul's asking his contact in the cops about Kwan Seungho's father's criminal record (to check that he's in jail from drugs or whatever Seungho said) + also checking for Euijung's cop husband

they faked Seungho's father's records so they must be able to give a photo of a different man for Euijung's husband

okay whew, can't blow cover in ep 3

they both call her noona ahhh

did the cops send in the thugs to Gicheol and have Seungho save him or whatever? but um what if some of these people die?

lol they all just left at once, a gunshot wasn't even fired, how choreographed, how suspicious imo

damn, Gicheol heard Seungho's "I'm Gicheul" to "trick" the people and now trusts him fully

oh, so they were literally cops, not even hired thugs omg and they're not being told that Gicheol had a literal gun (and they don't know that Seungho/Junmo is one of them because he's from a random village/town station, not Seoul ig)

Junmo-Seungho getting pissed as Gicheol talks about Euijung and also insults her husband lmfao

oof, Seungho managed to get away with not going to see Euijung's mother at the hospital with Gicheol bc she would def just be like oh, my police son-in-law Junmo, hello

damn, so the Japan guy also wants Gicheol gone? girl

lol Gicheol tryna get in Euijung's mother's good graces

oh wait, he wasn't the Japan guy that loves Gicheol. The Kanemoto guy who loves Gicheol making money for him killed the other guy ig. idk what's happening there lol

oh, that was Song Donghyuk. and Kanemoto or whoever is who Gicheol calls Father/Abeoji

There are cameras here but do they work when the electricity's out?

lmfaooo Gicheol used Euijung's birthday as the passcode for the most important door. Seungho mad as hell in the middle of his investigation

so that kid got Gangnam Crystal from one of the stores that the Gangnam Union runs right? hm, seems like he was selling something else before but now is selling this?

omg not the cops pretending to be thugs dropping a flashlight that day and now Gicheol and the top people know...

okay, yeah, the important Gangnam Union quartet + Seungho gathered to take down the other druglord guy

Gicheol quite scary as he's yelling at Seungho to kill the man to establish trust omg

Ep 4 (June 21)

I was supposed to have watched 3 eps the whole day, not 3 episodes before 3 pm and onto the 4th... I have things to do bruh. I should pause in the middle of the ep instead of waiting for the end bc they end on cliffhangers

so he couldn't kill the guy this time

i don't think i liked that transition into the title card lol

Heesung really doesn't trust Seungho and for good reason. i wonder at which point Gicheol will find out for certain and whether he'll tell everybody or how he'll react. i guess by the time the opening credit happens, he still doesn't know because Euijung's with him while Seungho's at the other side? or something

okay at least the other cop said they're not asking Junmo's wife for help, they're asking the talented and capable Inspector Euijung because agh it's so annoying somehow that Junmo gets to infiltrate the gang and show off his fighting skills and such while Euijung is supposed to like... flirt with Gicheol to get close to him. in a different show where this is the premise it'd be different but it feels unfair somehow that the men get to do cool and dangerous things while she's like a trophy they want to possess and there's anger and jealousy over her like agh

she's pretending she's had a divorce. fewer questions about her husband + Gicheol's gonna think he has a chance

okay I'll try to not be mad about how they're inserting her and how i think it's unfair and instead focus on the interesting and emotionally-charged dynamics between the 3 of them

interesting how Gicheol's the one in the dark while a literal police couple are the only other 2 people in the car

Won't Gicheol notice how Seungho keeps avoiding meeting Euijung's family or people who should know him?

but damn sucks that Junmo can't appear at his mother-in-law's funeral + Euijung's gonna have to field questions from her family about where tf her husband is

awwww the scene where Seungho peeks in and she sees and her lips start trembling and eyes watering but obviously they can't interact or comfort each other is so sad

omg this child calling Seungho 이모부, meaning maternal aunt's husband (not even just like oh regular old uncle who may not be related to me) in front of Gicheol but the other cop guy (the one whose working with them + is keeping an eye on everybody) whose photo is being used as Euijung's husband also showed up right then, whew

this fucking quartet lmfaoooooooo first we have Euijung, everybody knows her real identity and occupation. Then we have Gicheol, the guy who has been obsessed with Euijung since high school and still loves and is clearly aiming to date her. Witnessing all this is Junmo as Gicheol, Euijung's real husband but pretending to be just a friend who only kind of knows her and is Gicheol's minion but he's seething in jealousy and anger at all their interactions. Finally joins the cop who's in on the plan + is mascarading as Euijung's husband Junmo loll he can show some of the resentment the real Junmo feels but has to masquerade as a loser husband or rather ex-husband because they're pretend divorced as well

funny dynamic but also we've got a dick-measuring contest now while Euijung is mostly passive like alright

omg this is so sad, Junmo not being able to say goodbye to his MIL and her being pretty much the only person from Euijung's family who is actually good to him + also said she likes him more than her actual 2 sons that's crazy. reminds me a bit of 18 Again because we don't see MIL-son-in-law dynamics much but that one really gutted me

ah, okay, Gicheol's mother killed his father after the fucker came to find them after they ran away from his abusive ass. that's why she was both bloody and in cuffs in the flashback

hah. Gicheol wants Seungho's help to win over Euijung

I don't fully get everything and what gangs etc but ig another 2 gangs wanna pair up to take down Gicheol

oh and they're tryna recruit people from Gicheol's gang Gangnam Union or whatever

who is that face with the towel that they showed... i'm so fucking bad at facial recognition bruh. was it one of the top 3 people? honestly wouldn't be surprised if it's the knife guy because he seemed dissatisfied when speaking to Seungho

is the guy who pulled out of fishing really preoccupied or is he planning something? what with all these people tryna take down Gicheol. was he the one under the towel?

ah, they're taking Seungho fishing instead of the Seo knife guy. and Chief Seo and Seungho had also talked a bit about alliances kinda/sticking together

Heeseung or whoever long-haired also scheming?

how can they cliffhanger end on Seungho possibly shooting somebody to kill two eps in a row lmfaoo

Fave Scene: when Junmo and Euijung's eyes first meet at the funeral and it's so tragic that they can't meet. then when Junmo breaks down and bows while thinking about his MIL being kind to him.

Ep 5 (June 21)

um hm so last ep I did not stop halfway through the ep and now it's 4:30pm but I must do it this ep... around 5pm i should stop and do some work...

he really did start shooting people this time, even if not fatally

ah, towel guy was knife Seo

but he said he wouldn't betray them and also came in to help. took his sweet time to intervene though lmao

damn, I'm invested in Junmo/Euijung and also sometimes am into Seungho/Gicheol... why can't this be a fucking triangle bruh

why did those 2 guys (not the top two) who knew about them going fishing tell Seungho to be worried about himself... I know the long-haired Heesung was a rat, maybe Jeongdae is a rat, are these two also rats? Were they the people who met at the billiards thing idek can't remember the faces rip

Youngdae better not be a spy and he better not die, he's such a cutie. he legit thinks the world's gonna end in 4 years what the hell

Youngdae saw the cop getting out of the van after speaking to Seungho...

so is it not Heeseung fr? but he saw those vans following their car?

oh Seongho really does not want people die, especially not at his hands or because of him

oof, Gicheol's really letting him live... how can you be at the top of the gang if you just beat up the rat who almost got you and somebody else killed and also has caused problems with your drug trade with the Japanese lmfao now other people are gonna be like well even if i sell em out, i won't die

also I've been saying the wrong names!!!! long haired guy is Jeongbae, short haired guy is Heesung. i know once somebody else called long-haired as Jeongbae but I'd already thought he was Heeseong so I was like... I will ignore this

oh yeah, what was up with the old professor? she was mentioned at the very start but never again until this glimpse now... is the the one who makes or gives instructions on how to make the drugs? was she a prof of chemistry or smth i can't rmr

oh lol she's Yoon Wongil and she'd previously been caught for cooking meth, i see

okay wtf actually why is Gicheol fucking ditching the Chinese meeting (that's happening because of the ambush and them not being able to deliver their fucking drugs) to hang out with Euijung... be so serious right now. the day after he lets the rat live no less. are you cut out to be the leader like this wtf

right, we already know that long-hair Jeongbae (not Heeseung, wrong name) was in kahoots with the other gang

...did Seo knife guy do something at all? They showed him saying no etc but he was quite late in saving the 2 of them. but he's questioning now how they found Gicheol that night, so maybe he didn't tell them

Seo's killing the guy who attacked Gicheol... we know he followed them from Seoul but not in his own car... possibly in Seo's car?

okay, so Gicheol had said to take care of Kang Geon. and Heeseung and Jeongbae are clean. Jeongbae really had his kid we know that at least

Gicheol so fucking obvious, Jeongbae's like it's because of Euijeong right?

Jeongbae and Gicheol trusting each other and speaking... Euijeong and Junmo also meeting up alone after So Long at home... T.T

always makes me nervous when Junmo meets the cops

so these last 2 people were also part of the Chinese people who were coming right?

Euijung worries about her husband and gets mad at the lack of precautions and wants to help more to ensure he's safe/finishes the missions asap. I think that's a reasonable reaction where it respects his autonomy while also expressing her own feelings, I think it'd be fair if she has an even worse reaction considering he could die at any moment, even if he's done nothing to give anything away, because people wanna kill Gicheol.

Junmo on the other hand is so proprietary over Euijung like she is indeed also a cop, she's an inspector, she's ranked higher than you. And she's not even in as much of a danger, just that Gicheol likes her and doesn't like her husband and it's not like Euijung's gonna fucking get with Gicheol. it's not unreasonable for him to be jealous but the way he's so... yeah idk what else to say except proprietary and as if he can dictate her actions like stfu idk i'm so fucking picky in my het romances and how the man treats/views the woman. But I also get him because he feels that he's not good enough for her, everybody says so from his wife's family to fuckass Gicheol, so to have her flirt with somebody rich and perhaps more successful in the eyes of others will rub him the wrong way.

A lot of people on the on-air think Dohyung (the undercover cop guy) is actually working for the bad guys and tipping them off after communicating with Seungho. I didn't even think of that tbh lol

Ep 6 (June 21)

marriage?! Gicheol's been wanting to marry Euijung since high school, girl meet a different lover!

ah, the people at the end last ep were Japanese, not from the Chinese branch

this hotel meeting is filled with cops because of the Kr-Jpn-Chn meeting and also the Gangnam cops who are trailing them for murdering that Cho drug dealer

this meeting is just near heart attack one after the other

wants him to pretend nd stand so that he can see if he's being watched

lol do they just wanna talk alone

lmao yeah. so he aint even watching?

Jeongbae sees the undercover cops too

okay i was having dinner so barely wrote anything but lots of stuff happened

It's important that 1) Jeongbae has seen the undercover cop Dohyung but unrelated to Seungho 2) Yeongdae saw the cop coming out of/near the van when Seungho was in it

the Chinese woman keeps noting how Seungho's going far and risking his life for Gicheol lol

Talking about how Seungho fully trusts Gicheol. both Gicheol and the Chinese woman noting it

It's actually interesting that she's taking Such A Note of Seungho, like more than Gicheol, she's taking Seungho more into account regarding whether she'll continue business with them

also Junmo's so good at this lmfao he's fooling everybody about his identity and loyalties

bruh, Miss Lee likes Seungho

please, these cops

hah, Seungho being like yeah lemme turn myself into the police, I'll take the fall no worries, just let me in on the drug trade next time plsplspls

I love Miss Lee, loveeee her. the way she speaks and watches, ah. also her "your Japanese is acting like a kiiing" @ 50:45 is great. I hope she appears again later

Ep 7 (June 21)

I was supposed to watch 3 episodes today, how am I about to start ep 7, it's 8:30pm I've done nothing today except watch this show...

Damn, the clueless angry gangnam cop really beat the shit out of Seungho. I've never really considered whether he'd turn to the "bad" side tbh cuz he seems invested in his cop life and is averse to killing and he def wouldn't be worthy of his wife as a criminal but this sort of cop abuse of authority should at least make him consider wtf cops are lol

Jeongbae's intuitions crazy good + his suspicions all correct and yet they all keep brushing him off to protect Seungho lmfao fools

Ah, Gicheol feels inferior against the Chinese and Japanese reps and how they treat him

Is the Chinese assistant scouting out a new seller or anything

Miss Lee, I love you

pls not her basically dragging Seungho around on a date kinda

the way Seungho's speaking sounds like he's in love with Gicheol

damn, Gicheol's been stashing away some of the meth and selling here? or has that been Jeongbae (the Yankee kid was getting it from Jeongbae)

cringe "you can spend more time with me" i don't wanna watch omg, you think she gives a fuck about spending more time with you ohhhh men.

at least she barely laughed lol I was ready for a raucous laughter

ahh, they fucking got Jeongbae's ass and letting him go free made it even worse in Gicheol's eyes.

omg not their friendship falling the fuck apart because of lying etc

Jeongbae is literally correct that Gicheol needs him because Gicheol can't see Seungho's suspicious actions nor can he think because of Euijung

omg Jeongbae literally having an angry outburst but he's only yelling things that are true, this is wild

"One day you'll realize you were blinded. I guarantee it." oh Jeongbae, I hope you live to see it and that you're not collateral damage who dies or smth

their entire floor must be just cigarette butts and the burnt stuff

why the hell is Seo now fighting Jeongbae. I like Jeongbae, can we not do this right now... I need him to live and cackle when he finally hears down the grape vine that Seungho was indeed an undercover cop and Gicheol was a dumbass

omg... Gicheol did a very nice thing for Euijeong but he overheard one of the ladies and has figured out that Euijeong didn't use to live in the same city as Seungho...

ahhhh the corrupt cop fell off the roof in a fight with Seungho...

but Seungho's more relieved to see he got the papers that would've blown his cover

he's leaving the man like this and taking the documents + phone that would've ruined his gig

why the hell are Gicheol and Euijeong's dates and hangouts so fucking boring. I didn't care about their past flashbacks but that's not surprising but even their current scenes together are so... freaking mellow and feel kinda useless because it's not like Euijeong's really helping the case progress, it's so boring when they're together. i'd expected more mind games at least!

I started and ended this episode being like hm... Seungho going to the dark side possibly? I don't think he'd actually abandon it, but he's probably gonna become more and more ambiguous as time goes on, especially with how we ended this ep. Also interesting that both the start and end of this ep began with corrupt cops

okay hear me out so Gicheol is completely blind when it comes to Euijeong right, like she's a fucking cop but he's just hagnigng around her and plans to marry her lol and similarly... he is blinded by Seungho, he trusts him deeply and worries for him and wants him by his side. This means that Gicheol also likes/loves/has romantic feelings for Seungho. yes.

Ep 8 (June 21)

It's nearly 11pm, I want to say this will be my last episode for the day but who knows. What an addictive, exciting show

Miss Lee is too kind not killing these sexist fuckers

ah, Seungho being haunted by that guy's death. expected

woah, all 4 of them at one place. you know i was like let's have a 3some with euijeong/seungho/gicheol but now it's like 4some with Miss Lee let's go

but it's funny how Miss Lee immediately clocked Euijeong and Gicheol lmfao, she did Not like the way they looked at each other

I wanna know Yongdae's little mission so bad, what a cutie. I'll be mad as fuck if he dies frrrr

not Euijeong and Gicheol both looking at their guns...

and Euijeong and Seungho's dates both being like .hm. at them calling/their phone ringing

I... think Seungho and Miss Lee should kiss. actually i think it happens bc in the ep 6-7 on-air somebody mentioned an edit where they were kissing apparently

I'm so proud of Yongdae for all the intel and research yay

lmfao Gicheol has Yongdae pretending to be a cop

i'm so excited, they keep reaching for their guns and also I want to know exactly what and how much Yongdae said and Gicheol knows. like probably that Euijeong's father never worked at Wonju but did Yongdae say that the photo of Junmu is literally Seungho?

is he choosing between gun vs necklace?

the handheld cameras shakiness is throwing me off, I don't like it

aghhhh they keep covering their trails too well, now they've got Euijeong's dad working at Wonju smh and probably replaced the Junmu photo too

I want Gicheol to find out soon so fucking bad but I don't think he will in these 2 eps because I accidentally had clicked on the 8-9 on-air and the first comment was about how Seungho was doing so much and going so far for this mission or whatever. so we'll find out in the last quarter. i just want it not in the last 30 minutes or whatever man

Yongdae has now seen Dohyung the cop coming from the van/near the van where Seungho was + now at the police room + also... would he recognize him from Junmo's photo?

omg, the Gangnam cops found Seungho/Junmo's lighter at the PI death scene

poor Gicheol getting confessed to and Literally Crying over it but it's all A Lie. at least Euijeong's now taking the leap and getting even closer to Gicheol fr now

stay away from Gicheol at all costs tonight...???

Gicheol on a fucking date with a cop while the Japanese folks are talking to another gang lmfao what the hell man. he's so smart in some scenarios (keeps digging and cross-checking everything) but whenever he trusts Euijung, every rational thought goes out the window

I like Miss Lee and Seungho and I also know why Seungho's not expressing much outward interest toward her but I want better for her... after she compliments a man she's on a date with, he should also say what he likes about her, no? or show any sort of initiative or attraction

Gicheol wants to become a good person...? is he gonna push back on Seungho's drug deal and be like no i am to become a reformed person? lol

ahhhh I love Miss Lee/Seungho even though Seungho's uh... not really having a good time/into it. it started out kinda hot but got sadder as time went on. sorry that i was into it at first despite you experiencing workplace sexual harassment junmo. also i'm nervous he's gonna say Euijeong's name...

ah... China and Japan are teaming up with Jageon group and gonna attack Gicheol... will we Finally get the intro scene please?

ahh exciting

Ep 9 (June 21)

If we figure out the identities this ep, I'll be so happy. Also glad we're finally getting the intro scene cuz everything for me was like this isn't the intro scene yet, so they don't know this or that won't happen, etc

aw no, the flashback to their wedding and the father interruption

both Seungho and Gicheol noticing Euijung in a chokehold... and Gicheol having to save her... it's not that I don't get it but I'm just frustrated

just disgusting and violent and brutal... and Euijung witness Junmo-Seungho that way...

Miss Lee and Seungho on one side of the gladd, Euijeong and Gicheol on the other...

brutal... Seungho like this truly reminds me of Strangers From Hell last episode

Heeseung noticed how Gicheol didn't help him even as he nearly died (but was focused on the cop woman I think)

ah, both of them are reminiscing about the start of the relationship... also Euijeong clenched her fist when Gicheol kissed her both in the past and last episode but she kissed Junmo first and doesn't do that

clean office the next day lol

oof, almost got Seungho with the lighter thing

but he does know/have a very big hunch that Seungho killed the PI and he's correct

Seungho wants this trade to happen more than Gicheol does

and he’s willing to do anything wtf is this finger thing is Gicheol missing a finger at all

ah, betrayal in the Japanese yakuza

ah, Gicheol knew about the betrayal. that’s why he was disrespectful to the old man and fucking things up bc he knew he’ll do business with new guy

Euijung's actress is from True Beauty - the cool older sister

just insane. I’m really liking this show. only 3 more eps left, hope it doesn’t let me down ahh. I Need it to stick the landing

Ep 10 (June 22)

mad that i got woken up at 5:30am, esp bc i’ve got less than 5 hours of sleep or smth but uh, i wanna watch next ep…

lmfao Gicheol wants to hand over this thing to Seungho and walk away and be a normal man bc of Euijeong… girl both your right hand Seungho and your girl Euijeong want you in jail!!!

either Junmo nor Gicheol feeling worthy of Euijeong and wanting to be

i just feel like so far, despite doing too much and going too far, Seungho hasn’t shown interest in actually becoming the boss or staying in this lifestyle

no like this Mingoo cop is so bothersome like if he was like Jaengdo it’d be fine bc he’d be correct and it’d be ironic how they’re ignoring him but he’s also constantly abusing his power and it’s annoying. why the hell don’t the cops control him more

lol double date and it’ll be fun to see Euijung jealous

Miss Lee is funny as hell i love her

I just Neeeed to know whether Miss Lee can see the intense eye contact and emotion that Euijeong and Seungho share

i am ILL why do I like Miss Lee/Seungho so fucking much. like in the end i still want the real married couple in love to end up together and overcome this but I really like these two and their cute little dates (workplace sexual harassment not withstanding…). and also Seungho has been giving Miss Lee little smiles tonight, ah how cute

pls the way Miss Lee is like do you even have feelings for me? she’s so spoiled that she doesn’t care if he does or doesn’t, he wants him just bc she likes him.

Knife Seo pissed me the fuck off with brutalizing Jeongbae just as he was leaving but if he kills Mingoo i will be less mad

Junmo’s father?!?! Meth Park?

they’re trying to set up Knife Seo for Manager Cho’s death - which isn’t untrue but there’s a reason for the fake witness setup ig

stop suspecting Jeongnbae, you dumbass

ah, they gave up Knife Seo kinda to distract Mingoo ig…

Dohyung telling Junmo to not overdo it and that he’s a cop who needs to return to that life

Everybody going to the port while Euijeong sitting worried at home, agh this show

Jeonbae at the office… and saying he told Gicheol the cop bitch would screw him over…

Ep 11 (June 22)

Two episodes left, pleaseeee stick the landing

2 Days Earlier oof

It’s annoying because Mingoo is kinda good at his job in some aspects and so keeps catching onto things lmfao

i get more mad as they show Euijeong helpless to stop the deal from going through and is just upset and worried at home

Gicheol sees himself in Seungho

not this random ass car crash with Dodgers. is this Mingoo’s doing wtf

omg the car blowing up?!

oh that was Kyungjin (the previous rat), not Dodgers oops. So Jeongbae did this? omg

1 week to get the stolen drugs back oof, will they meander a lot? also when will Gicheol find out about the identities?

fucking he’ll, Mingoo’s at Junmo’s old station where people actually know him

what is Changchun to Seungho or maybe Junmo rather…

oh he’s just excited that he knows that the gang is based in Changchun

Dohyung playing as Park Junmo at Gangnam station with Mingoo but Knife Seo and Yongdae (guy who has seen Dohyung multiple times now including the piece of paper like 2 secs ago that Seo saw) also caught a glimpse from the outside

Gicheol having by to tell Seungho to not cross the line after he suggests fucking up Jeongbae’s family members omg

guess Jeongbae stole all the money and everything oof stupid, how can y’all leave everything unmanned?

fucks sake I’m so over Euijeong playing worried, useless wife. and Dohyung is annoying too like obviously Seungho’s fucked up. obviously he is. what the hell you want him to do

and Knife Seo + Yongdae know that the man (Dohyung cosplaying Junmo) is a narcotics division cop who swapped pages for an investigation

also they don’t fucking tell Seungho that his father was taken in for questioning at Gangnam. he may not realize at once that he’s Meth Park but some prep, some foresight could happen

omg Knife Seo brutalizing Dohyung and finding out he’s not Junmo and also not trusting Seungho and wanting him to stab Dohyung

Ep 12 (June 22)

one hour left… be good please. I’ll watch it at 1x speed

damn Seo killed Dohyung

Dohyung still telling Seungho that he’s a cop and to never forget

wonder what Yongdae’s gonna make of this and if he’ll inform Gicheol

I need Gicheol to find out the identities and soooon and have enough time for the realization and heartbreak and anger that comes with it

“If I’m gonna die anyway, I might as well be killed by hyung” Jeongbae to Gicheol omg… should’ve been shipping these two this whole time they make me so fucking sad

I need to kill Mingoo like actually. annoying ass fucker

Jeongbae and Heesung teaming up and going to Mingoo with the drugs… crazy but also funny in ways because the cops of this case Don’t Want That, they wanna catch em red-handed along w China and Japan branches

like Mingoo wants to catch Gicheol or whatever but that’s not what the investigation wants, they want whole drug ring and how it’s being passed around

Heeseung and Jeongbae really betrayed him like this. Can’t say I’m surprised

parallels of Gicheol getting taken away in the cop car

2nd purposeful car crash in two consecutive episodes lol

does Euijung actually do anything except stand and worry/cry?

no but what’s the plan lol like we have Gicheol but the drug trade ain’t gonna happen without the drugs

Dohyung died ig but they aren’t telling Seungho

okay, one more plan for handoff to Japan, everybody involved and knows what’s happening (though not everybody knows who else knows lol)

30 minutes left

I keep thinking Miss Lee’s guard mans is gonna interfere somehow

Mingoo if you don’t fucking stop brih

how did Mingoo and his lackey find out about Seungho being Junmo and the wedding photo before all of them im dead

okay god bless, Seungho was at least like how about you stay somewhere far away, so Miss Lee is still a lovesick fool (her and Gicheol similarities….) and I assume didn’t betray him even though she knows who he is

she’s stabbed Mingoo, thank you. hated that fucker

Think I could’ve also shipped Miss Lee with her guard, similar to History 3: Trapped

good luck Miss Lee, thank you for being here for these last few episodes because I couldn’t have taken it if fucking Euijung was out only female characters

Seungho betraying Gicheol but not revealing who he is but also keeping the key in the ignition of the car where he handcuffed Gicheol…

the arrest somehow anticlimactic but wrapping up well. need moreeee from Gicheol

ah okay Gicheol here in their apartment and knows things now

oof

damn, Junmo shot for the fucking heart, I thought he’d shoot Gicheol’s arm so that he can’t kill himself or whatever

the fact that he killed Gicheol like that is crazy like actually fr

what ring did Junmo leave… wedding ring??? w a cigarette. and Euijeong had left her cross matching necklace

I wonder why Jungmo killed Gicheol and what it accomplished. The only thing I can think of is that getting murdered is better than committing suicide, afterlife punishment wise, so in a twisted, romantic way you can think of it as Junmo saving Gicheol’s soul from eternal damnation or whatever due to suicide by surrendering his own soul to it instead since he committed murder. Some people said maybe he did it because then Euijeong didn't lead to her friend's suicide (even if she didn't love him like he wanted, she seemingly cared for Gicheol to a certain extent), but idk would her husband being a murderer be better?

Overall:

Surprised even myself by binging this in 24 hours (10am-10am June 21-22) when I was planning on watching ~3eps/day for 4 days. Intense, interesting, engaging, exciting, thrilling. How fun. Been a while since I couldn't stop watching a show from beginning to end because even when I'd be excited and binge a few eps, I'd usually lose interest or be disappointed or just falter after a couple episodes.

Last time I binged like this might've been Alice In Borderland last year, April 2023, S1 8 eps in ~14 hours. I did watch Good Bad Mother 14 episodes in ~50 hours this April 2024 though.

This was exciting because it made me feel like when I had just started watching k-dramas or thrillers, and everything was exciting and I'd just watch it for hours on end. Also helped because I straight up knew nothing about this except Wi Hajoon is in this (the guy who really had me getting into watching shows and dramas) + cop story; I literally thought they were a pair of cops lmfao not infiltration.

For A Shop for Killers, I started watching at 1.25x halfway through because it was slow and I wanted it to get a move on/finish certain parts quicker. This one I started with 1.25x from the very first episode and it goes very well with the fast-paced nature of this show.

The 90s timeline was a nice touch, it let us go farther with the "nobody in this city far away from where he lives/works knows what Junmo (a random cop in a random station) looks like"

I wasn't on anybody's side - I knew/suspected the cops and Seungho would win because that's just the kind of story but I wanted more and better from each side, I wanted them to be clever and to outsmart each other. When Gicheol did something clever, I was excited and when Seungho did something clever, I was equally excited.

It was also just a unique experience to have Jeongbae literally telling Gicheol about the suspicious people and being right on the money while Gicheol brushes him off. That one at least I enjoyed because I liked to see the group fracture and lose trust but I hated the Mingoo fucker so bad. It would've been one thing if he was actually just doing it all sneakily but ethically (as much as you can be as a cop lmfao) because he wanted to help or whatever, it would've been ironic how I still wouldn't want him to have much progress because I'd want the main investigation to go well, but this dirty cop motherfucker who also plays with these gangs but wants to arrest Gicheol for the police fame and notoriety too? Miss Lee you are a real and true winner for killing that motherfucker.

I pity Gicheol, he really had Seungho and Euijeong left at the end but they both were conspiring against him. But Seungho was right that Gicheol didn't need to do all this, it's an excuse, he just wanted to be powerful and at the top and rich. It's not surprising that others turned their back on him (didn't he himself kill the previous leader to take over + by the end he was only worried about himself and not really his friends or the guys under him) and it's not surprising how he turned out. He was also making such stupid decisions because of his love for Euijeong. he was not portrayed in a heinous light despite his criminal and cruel behaviour. Sometimes he would yell (ex. when he was yelling at Seungho to shoot Cho) and it felt like I could see more of his ruthless side

Seungho-Junmo's character was interesting too, enjoyed him constantly pushing farther and doing too much just to keep his cover and have the investigation continue. I don't think I ever really thought that Junmo would go to the dark side or really team up with Gicheol or anything, it seemed clear that he was doing this for the investigation and to keep his wife's involvement as low as possible + to prove himself as well. I haven't watched Ji Changwook in anything before this but he was impressive with the acting.

I liked the main romance at the beginning, it was so heartbreaking how Junmo couldn't be at his MIL's funeral and the scene when he and Euijeong made eye contact secretly was tragic and touching. The scenarios where they had to pretend to not be together and either going on dates with Gicheol or on that double date were also interesting. But after a while, it got boring and repetitive because they weren't giving Euijeong any new material. It makes sense that they divorced or stopped being together after that mission, Gicheol was a changed man, a more ruthless and cold man who is not doing alright and Euijeong saw him kill Gicheol in front of her. They had asked before the last scene if they could go back to normal like before and the answer is simply no.

I don't think she was romantically interested in Gicheol at all by the way.

I didn't think of The Devil Judge while watching this show but as I was thinking about it afterwards, I kind of started noticing similarities a bit, so I'll write some of my thoughts in comparison. SPOILERS ALSO FOR DEVIL JUDGE IF ANYBODY OTHER THAN ME IS READING THIS:

Taeho-Seungho and Yohan's brother-Gaon: the former was somebody close to Gicheol-Yohan who died and reminded him of him. Gaon was much more directly and often referred to as similar to Yohan's brother but Seungho had bits of Taeho as his cousin (though Seungho reminded Gicheol more of himself tbh)

Euijeong and Soohyun (I think that's her): our main characters Seungho and Gaon had female love interests who were also both cops but were underutilized, underwritten, and ultimately not very useful. I fucking wish Euijeong was more involved, did more cool things, not just wait around and be worried about Junmo (and Gicheol) and have extremely boring dates with Gicheol. at least she didn't die i guess...

Miss Lee Haeryeong and Seonah: ahhh my interesting, antagonist women who I was obsessed with. The were given more personality and dimension than the first love interests I'd mentioned but it could never work out with them because they were too dangerous or not on the right side and the one she likes does not like her back. I think Miss Lee was especially important here because Devil Judge at least had other female characters who got screentime (younger sister Elijah was a semi-prominent character and the Minister was a badass) but here she was the only one other than Euijeong and I've already expressed my dissatisfaction with how they used that character. Miss Lee Haeryeong was a lovesick fool truly, but I give it a pass because we have an even bigger lovesick fool in this cast (oh, Gicheol), so it wasn't just like a sexist stereotype. I had loved how unhinged Seonah and Yohan were like truly unpredictable and dangerous and this show wasn't that (well Haeryeong did sexually assault/coerce Seungho that one time yikes) but her dynamic with Seungho still brought some fun into it all. She was kinder in letting Seungho's plan go through though instead of Seonah backstabbing Yohan, but Seungho was also kinder to her by telling her to leave the countries than Yohan was so Seonah.

Gicheol and Yohan: the actors were very good choices for their roles because they are not good people but they are very charming and make you want to root for them even as they do bad things or commit crimes. Yohan was overall "better" while Gicheol was literally a criminal and drug dealer and murderer who owned businesses. I didn't think of Gicheol as the antagonist because despite him definitely being that and I think it's mostly due to the way he was portrayed in the show but also about how Wi Hajoon specifically idk

homoeroticism? I think it's Much more pronounced in The Devil Judge but here, I was like... we can get a threesome going with Euijeong involved. Seungho was never on Gicheol's side here unlike with Gaon and Yohan being allies/friends/whatever in Devil Judge and the scriptwriters also didn't frame it as a possible ship ever whereas it definitely seemed like something they were alluding to in DJ. But it's a fun thought, maybe if I rewatch it and am not just so focused on the plot, I can try looking at it in that way.

The Ending: ...sad. Gaon and Junmo are changed people. Gicheol's dead, which is not surprising to me, though the way it happened wasn't what I was expecting. Junmo is not doing well, his marriage is falling apart, he's killed people, Dohyung's death has taken a toll on him, he's a more jaded person, he resents the fact that he had to do this mission. It was a fitting ending after all this.

Anyway, not super similar plot-wise but certain threads are maybe just common tropes.

The Devil Judge started off with 7.5 stars but lost its 0.5 to become 7 because I can't actually remember much about the show's plot and hold no affection for the characters. I hope my feelings for this show ages better.

I'm especially curious how I'll feel because my 3 favourite k-dramas are Squid Game, Beyond Evil, and Squid Game and I felt so deeply for the characters there. However, for the Devil Judge, I didn't feel attached to the characters after watching and so I do not think about that show at all. While watching The Worst of Evil, I wasn't against anybody nor was I on anybody's side and I didn't form attachments to the characters, like I don't love the 2 main leads and their bond or anything. So I thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling ride for the first time but to make me rewatch or think about the show weeks and months from now, usually a strong character arc or character relationship is necessary and this show doesn't really have that. So we'll see how I feel about it later on. I wrote a whole lot omg

Rating: 7.5/10

[giggly-squiggily]

Hi I don't have a title for this nor do I have a reason for making it besides today being a tough day mentally and I just needed some plot-less Kunigiri fluff.

(No spoilers; just mindless fluff and comfort)

~~~

Chigiri was having what Kunigami dubbed as a “Numb-Day.”

It wasn’t often he had them; while the redhead preferred his space and solitude throughout his daily routine, sometimes the days leading up to them were filled with relentless socializing and busy life that when the first real day off comes around he just…shuts down. Not with tears or anger; just…numbness.

For the most part, Kunigami let him be today. He’d learned that was the best method with Chigiri going through it- prodding for answers made his moodiness worse and attempts at socializing when he needed to recharge made him short and irritated. He focused on his own thing while the redhead sat curled up on the couch, book in hand as he made himself as small as possible. Occasionally he’d leave little things between passes; a cup of tea for him that usually ended up finishing by the hour, a favorite snack when he thought Chigiri forgot to eat, a bottle of water; etc. These little gifts always earned him a small smile of thanks, sometimes with a hand coming out to gently squeeze the ginger’s hand in appreciation before returning to his novel.

It made Kunigami’s heart happy; his love language was acts of service.

But now; it was his favorite part of days like this; the “reunion”.

As late afternoon rolled around; Kunigami returned to the room- no little gifts in hand but rather a mission. He watched Chigiri’s eyes scan the last few pages of his book, so absorbed he hadn’t heard or felt his boyfriend sit down. His eyes were glittering, taking in a soft breath as the story concluded. It was rather sweet; how invested he got into the characters across the pages. When Chigiri closed the book, sitting back with a soft sigh, that’s when he made his move.

“Whoa!” The redhead yelped as hands came around his waist, pulling him into Kunigami’s chest. He smelled like strawberries and brown sugar and old paperbacks and just- Chigiri. The hero couldn’t help but breathe it all in as he gently squeezed the smaller man against him. “Clingy, aren’t you?” Despite the question, Chigiri sounded a tad breathless; cheeks warming.

“How are you?” Kunigami asked against his hair, the thumb closest to his hip pushing past the fabric of his shirt to trace small circles against his skin. He felt the redhead shiver, but he made no moves to leave. If anything, he seemed to relax further into him.

“Better. Thanks for letting me have a day.” Chigiri mumbled against his chest, squirming into a more comfortable position. Once there, he played with the strings of his hoodie, twirling them around his finger. “I need to get you a new hoodie. This one’s starting to fall apart.”

“What? No way- I love this one.” Kunigami stretched his free arm out to take in the fading design. “This was the hoodie you gave me for Christmas.”

“I did?” Chigiri blinked, taking it in. Kunigami watched the memory play in his expression.

~~~

A room full of their friends, laughter and snacks all around. Even Ego and Anki were there; the former less enthusiastic to be a part of the social event while his companion charmed everyone around her.

A door shifted open; Chigiri’s warm hand around Kunigami’s wrist as he pulled him into the hall. “It’s early; I know we’re not supposed to buy gifts but…” The redhead held out the bag in hand. It was dim in the hall, but Kunigami could see the flush on his cheeks- how he nervously bit at the inside of his cheek. “I saw it and thought of you.”

“Whoa, really?” Kunigami took the bag, eyes wide. Guilt started eating at him. “But I didn’t get you anything.” Yet- he made the promise to himself.

Chigiri waved him off impatiently, cheeks still hot. “Nevermind that- just; open it!” It was adorable- seeing him so flustered. Kunigami made a big show of slowly opening the bag just to watch the other squirm.

“What’s…” He paused, pulling out the hoodie. It was warm and incredibly soft; the design all too familiar. “No way!”

“You like it?” Chigiri sounded scared, but also hopeful. He watched Kunigami unfold the hoodie, taking in the design. “I figured since you always say you’re gonna be a superhero, you’d like to dress like your guy.”

“This is- holy crap this is-” Kunigami couldn’t even form words. An All Might Hoodie- even the hood had his little antenna. He quickly pulled off the standard Blue Lock sweatshirt they were provided, pulling the new hoodie over his head. It was a tad big- the sleeves were marginally too long- but it was roomy and soft and felt like gold. The best part- he could still smell Chigiri on it. “I love it. I love this so, so much. Thank you, Hyoma.”

Chigiri yelped at the use of his first name, face flushing nearly as red as his hair. Before he could say anything, Kunigami had his arms around him, squeezing him tight. “Y-Your welcome; I’m glad you liked it.” He sounded muffled, but Kunigami could hear the pride in his voice, the way he stood a little taller in his arms, satisfied at his gift-picking. “I can’t take all the credit; Isagi told me about the show. I’ve never seen it before.”

“When we get out of here; I’m making you binge it with me.” Kungami declared, earning a soft laugh from the other.

“Sounds good.”

~~~

“That feels so far away, even though it was only two Christmases ago.” Chigiri mused softly, eyes warm as he returned his head against Kunigami’s chest. “Did we ever go through with that? Watching My Hero Academia, I mean?”

“Can’t remember. Given how much we had going on then, probably not.” Kunigami turned to the TV, raising a brow. “Wanna watch it?”

Chigiri considered, then he nodded, reaching out and finding the remote. “Sure. But don’t get jealous if I fall in love with someone.”

“Pfft, I’m not worried about it. Hawks doesn’t appear until around season 4.”

“Who’s that?” Chigiri perked up, clearly intrigued.

“You’ll have to watch and find out.” Kunigami grinned, turning on the first episode. The familiar opening played, and he felt Chigiri get comfy.

They spent the rest of the afternoon together like that; comfy and relaxed.

Thanks for reading!

[taintedmantis]

2023 Wrap Up! What I Achieved (and What I Didn't) Plus 2024 Goals

We're at that time of the year again! What a blast this year has been for me as a Gaming Content Creator to look back on. For this, I'll be referring to these Tumblr blog entries:

1. 2023: Reevaluating My Content and Developer Goals For This Year

2. End of 2023 Content Creator and Developer Goals (Updated as at August)

Let's start with what I didn't manage to achieve this year.

Indie Game Dev:

Achievements

The hobby dev team I'm in managed to recruit a graphic artist, and we were able to create something out of a game jam back in April. As mentioned in the August blog entry, the game still needs polishing and honoring the team's agreement to not showcase it yet until it's ready, it was still a fun dating sim project that involves mycelium! However, we're at the point where we aren't quite able to do this on a more regular basis due to new job schedules for a few of our team members. So...looks like my time as a game developer is currently on hold for a while.

Having gotten that out of the way, let's continue with what I did manage to achieve and where I'm headed in 2024.

YouTube:

Achievements

As at now (December 31, 2023), I'm sitting at 690 subscribers, just 10 subs shy of hitting 700 at time of writing. It doesn't sound like a big number, but at this time last year, I was only over 300 subscribers, with me hitting close to 400 on January 18 this year.

Specific tweet here.

This means almost doubling the number of subscribers on my channel, which I am grateful for, and already a fabulous achievement for a small creator like me. ❤️

Targets for 2024

Will the upcoming year be the year I'll finally hit 1000 subs? I'm absolutely positive it will be! With the trend of my best videos being the Get Better At Mahjong series that constantly receive views daily, I can see it coming. Despite only producing possibly 1 mahjong video annually at this point, it's the tabletop game that will always be in demand no matter what, especially during the Lunar New Year period when the entire community that celebrates the festival plays this game to entertain the rest of the family. The better question is exactly when this will happen! Let's see if this will happen by the Year of the Dragon!🐉

Content Creation:

Achievements

1. Festivals and Why You Should Play series: Having covered several Steam festivals, ranging from Next Fest to LudoNarraCon, I have come across many games that would have otherwise flown under my radar. With so many amazing games released in 2023 in particular, I had to start a new series that goes a little more in-depth on individual games. This is when I decided to start the Why You Should Play series. The playlist is still a little too short to have it appear on the landing page, but I hope I'm able to give the games a little more justice and attention to some of the details that I wasn't able to cover in the more generic festival videos that usually only offer demo coverage. There are still many games that I have planned videos for, but with my ability as a one-man-band doing everything while also honoring other commitments, many of these have to be on hold. Hopefully less so in 2024, but let's see!🤣

2. Let's Plays: Noticeably, I have done a lot less Let's Play style videos in the past year. This is not to say I don't want to keep doing them, but due to lack of views and my inability to be amusing enough to be entertaining, I've decreased the frequency of this video style in favor of more structured videos. It also means putting more effort into increasing the production value for the other videos, which means my video releases are less frequent compared to 2021 days. However, seeing the improved quality of videos I've released in 2023 is a great reason to continue that trend. I will see if I can finish off some of the Let's Play titles that are in progress at a later time, but with upcoming new schedules, I cannot make any promises on that. I will try to squeeze something interesting in once in a while where possible (such as the Two Point Campus Christmas Challenge video).

3. Convention series: As Covid-19 started to ease off in January and Hong Kong finally opening up to the world after nearly 3 years of being in constant lockdown, I began to consider heading back out there and put gaming travel as part of my channel branding as it was my original plan pre-Covid to start travel vlogging. It was one of the best decisions I've made this year with meeting many gaming industry peers at conventions, plus putting faces to Twitter mutuals. This is where I decided to begin some form of gaming related travel series, though I admit I am a little slow in the turnover as the time commitment to editing has been quite challenging on my end. I only have 2 videos related to conventions so far, but more videos are coming!

Targets for 2024

With dates set and churning out travel plans in advance, my convention attendance and coverage will overall increase as with continuing coverage for Steam festivals (Next Fest in particular). The only thing I'm afraid of right now is creator burn out, but by far I'm managing this reasonably well, despite may sometimes requiring me to take a week or two off from video editing on occasions due to sudden mandatory commitments. As long as this trend continues, we're good to go!

Last Words for 2023

Best year yet! Thank you everybody who has been supportive of my journey and am absolutely grateful for the opportunities presented to meet new (and finally non-virtual) faces from the gaming industry. I'll leave a photo of my cosplay of FFVII's Tifa (that I wore to gamescom asia 2023) as a reminder of this year's achievements as I continue my Gaming Content Creator journey through to 2024. Here's to a fabulous 2024!🎉

[serial-serializednovelreader]

A Beginning at the End...

I made a post the other day about MBS getting cancelled and honestly that was just a quick vent post and didn't have much of my actual thoughts and feelings about what why I was so upset. So I want to tell a story about my history with the book and later adaptation, just so I can give it a bit of a sendoff and celebrate my love for the series as a whole.

To begin, I believe I'm neurodivergent in some way (undiagnosed for reasons I won't get into), so you can imagine that I wasn't very welcomed by many of my classmates. While it was a small class and I was close with them, I didn't feel that they really understood me. I often felt alone and found my home in books, as cliche as that sounds.

On a Friday in elementary school, a book on my teacher's shelf called The Mysterious Benedict Society caught my eye. I pulled it out and asked her if I could borrow it. She hesitated a bit before saying yes, as long as I promised to take care of it as it was a very special book to her. I, of course, agreed, not knowing how special it would become to me too.

I immediately began reading and fell in love with the world of the novel, finishing it within a weekend. I loved how clever Reynie was at solving the puzzles he was given, how Sticky rattled off facts like a machine, Kate's positivity and agility (I wanted to be her sooooo badly), and Constance's stubborn nature. And of course, the world-building, themes, and overall plot were superb.

But most of all, it was the kid characters I loved, because I felt they were like me in some way (the neurodivergent coding makes a lot of sense now!!), that if I knew them in real life they would be friends with me. And this only increased when I read the rest of the series. The only unfortunate part is that almost everyone I knew had never heard of these books, let alone read them. The few who actually did I didn't get to stay in touch with due to outside circumstances.

Over the years, I've reread the series several times and I still can't get over just how GOOD this book series is. First off, they're funny. There are so many good moments where I STILL laugh, no matter how many times I've read them. The characters are well-thought out and the main four kids are dynamic characters; they each have a realistic and clear arc over the course of each book (which I hope to make a post about someday!). Book Curtain is a bit of a cartoon villain I'll admit, but his funny moments add to the charm and is still a credible threat as a villain. The themes are interesting, and understandable for kids while being even more hard-hitting for adults. The plot structures are fun and while a bit predictable definitely keep you on your toes.

So in 2019, when I found out that the fourth book, The Riddle of Ages, was releasing I was SO excited and of course bought a copy as soon as I could. It was really emotional for me, as it showed the characters aged up and coming to terms with growing up and what that could mean for their friendship. I needed it, especially with the transitional period I was going through at the time.

Around that time, another bombshell dropped: it was actually getting a TV show adaptation (on Hulu at the time)!!! This was a dream come true for me, who had imagined it so many times (and had actually wanted to play Kate lol). I was a bit wary of what they would do with the characters, but honestly I was just happy it was getting an adaptation at all. That at least some people knew about it and wanted to see it come to life.

When it finally came out on Disney Plus, I watched it every week like clockwork. I loved both seasons and how much detail they put into it. While the show changed a lot of things from the book series, I actually loved what they did with it. Kate's arc of not wanting to be a team player is even more prominent from the beginning, Show Curtain, SQ being Curtain's adopted son, I could go on, but those are just *chef's kiss* 👌👌. More than that I could just feel the LOVE that went into the show from the actors, writers...just everyone!! Even the choices I didn't like still worked for me just because I could tell how much care was put into the series. The community on here shared the love even more through posts, fanfiction, art, etc. Finally I felt like I had validation for the series I loved so much and that people were seeing how great it was!

Then I found out it wasn't being renewed for a third season... and it hurt a lot. I felt (and still feel) that it's just another example of a streaming site looking over the quality of the show for pure numbers. What has helped is the MBS blogs I follow/lurk around (shoutout to y'all <3 I know I need to engage more) and the actors of the kid characters, who have all spoken out about how they're sad it's ended but also enjoyed the journey and love the time they had with getting to play the characters, which cheered me up a lot.

So in the end, I'm still upset the show was cancelled. And I'm still holding out hope that maybe it'll get renewed somehow, or picked up by another studio. But no matter what, it'll never take away the love I have for the book and TV series and the community surrounding it, so I'm glad I'll always be able to celebrate that.

TL:DR: I have a lot of history with the original book series and while I'm still sad about the show ending, the love I have for the MBS series as a whole and the community surrounding it won't go away. I'm happy there was an adaptation that got so much love from everyone involved and that people got to enjoy it.