#one other group member finally graced me with a response but it was just to say:

[non-un-topo]

This school year just wants to break me so badly and it's only October

[utilitycaster]

Voting sticker was sent via DMs because it's shaped like the state I live in lmao. Also, if someone reading this is in Fly Free or Die by some minuscule chance, please look away now; there be spoilers ahead.

The character I'll tell you about is RH-1/Istra Gryffis/Cassiopeia Wulfren/Stellasa Drith, a Human Replica Droid in an SW5e campaign. Originally an Imperial Agent, she was sniffed out by the scientist she was monitoring on her very first assignment, subdued by him, had her programming jailbroken and a teleportation device installed in her chest, and was then just turned loose on the galaxy to make her own way.

She still believed herself a tool of the Empire, but a broken one, who failed in her mission, and couldn't bring herself to go back to her handler/creator/mentor so spent a few years just roaming the galaxy aimlessly doing small time security work.

Eventually, a smuggler she was contracting with (one of her party members) got into a Situation with a crime syndicate, and the pair had to run off into corporate bureaucratic hell to escape their eyes--or rather, the smuggler did; she suggested that specific approach because the last she knew the scientist who jailbroke her had been planning to go work for that corporation. With danger pushing her toward decisive action for the first time in years, she took that as a sign to go and hunt him down to bring him back to the Empire and get back in its good graces. And, perhaps, demand to know why he shoved a unique piece of tech into her chassis then just left her to do what she wanted with no guidance whatsoever.

Regardless, working for this corporation put her and her smuggler buddy into the party, working shipping as contractors for a major corporation. The details of our current, first arc are, while interesting, also mostly unimportant to what I want to talk about regarding party dynamics/info.

Essentially, the party (who don't know she's a droid) includes her, the smuggler (always getting himself into situations), a clone (hates droids), two droid-specialist engineers (one who just unreservedly loves droids and the other who isn't exactly pro droid rights but wants to rehabilitate their image), and a (secret) Jedi. Various dynamics:

The smuggler is someone Cassioepia's decided she's responsible for the well-being of, because she develops strong loyalties very quickly (great trait for a spy).

Thus far, there have been multiple arguments over droids and how much they matter (she comes down on the side of "just tools, and unreliable ones" like the clone does, if less adamantly).

The clone appears to be coordinating at least a few small rebel groups, and is very anti-Empire, as well as looking to her as essentially his second-in-command.

The clone and one of the engineers are on opposite sides of idealism-cynicism, and she's had to mediate a couple times now.

Finally, in the most recent session, the Jedi used Sense Force (equivalent to Detect Magic) on her. Said Jedi sensed nothing from her since she's a droid, EXCEPT the teleportation device in her chest, which sucked the Jedi's perception in, knocked her out, gave Cassiopeia a heart attack essentially, and knocked her out (also granting her, a droid, Sense Force as well) and that's where Cassiopeia left off.

Word count (after the 1st paragraph since that's unrelated): 518

(Quick note: if you're reading this, yes, DM-ing me the sticker/proof is an option if the sticker reveals more about your location than you wish to share (whether it's that you don't want to share your state, or whether you have a county or city-specific sticker, or what); I will not tell people where you live.

so I do NOT know a ton about SW5e (I saw Starstruck Odyssey and I have seen. the original trilogy and like. 4 other Star Wars movies, none comprising a full other trilogy?) but I love when a character has complicated and conflicting loyalties and a strong sense of duty, which she clearly has, and that is a GREAT cliffhanger that seems primed to absolutely blow your party's collective mind and reveal a whole lot of messy truths, and that's really the best possible thing you can hope for in a TTRPG!

[tsukkismoonlight]

For You, Anything || NakedToaster x Reader

Authors note: I meant to put this in when i posted it hut work got in the way smh but !! This was my piece for the Teahouse collab, which you can find the other entries here !

Warnings: general warnings around breakups, thoughts/anxiety related to self image/self worth

Summary: You've sworn off love. After the way your last ex treated you, after all of the heartbreak, and all of the nights you lost to someone who didn't care, you have had enough. Or, that's what the plan had been. You wouldn't have guessed that a tiny fan server with less than ten members hid someone who made everything feel like all of that pain was worth it. And you, they'd do just about anything.

WC: 1.5k

You can tell that the little server is starting to wake for the night, by the sound of your notifications going off at a rapid pace. A smile crosses your face as you head over to your computer, double clicking on its icon that you had previously pinned to the taskbar.

One by one the messages loaded before your eyes, not that you had much time to read them before everyone was welcoming you back.

Nightowl was the first, as he quickly sent 'Hey hey hey! My fellow insomniac is here!'

'You two seriously need to fix your sleep schedules.' Was Onion's way of saying hi to you today.

'Hello to you too, Onion. I swear i'm trying my hardest' you type in response, before pausing and sending another message, 'Nightowl on the other hand…he's beyond saving.'

This earned an appearance from Quest, who came in to defend Nightowl on the low, 'Lets not gang up on the kid,'

'Thanks Quest, at least someone believes in me T-T'

You hummed to yourself, as another message made its way into the server. Though, this time it wasn't directed at you.

'Well if it isn't the ever so elusive Toaster.' Xyx's odd profile picture graced the chat room as he noted that Nakedtoaster was now active in the server.

'Wakey wakey Toast and shakey~' came Nightowl, quick to reference a story that Salo had told the group some few days ago.

'That again? How many times are you going to greet me with that, Owl?' You could practically hear the half-hearted exasperation through Toaster's message as if he was sitting right next to you.

'Is it better than Xyx always following up with "what's shakin bacon?" ' owl asked next, knowing full and well that Toaster really didn't mind either of the terms.

You took the slight lapse in the conversation to greet him yourself, 'good evening Toasty,'

'yeah yeah evening' he sends, then a short pause before another message from him loads, 'specifically good evening to you though.'

Another smile settles onto your features, as you reread his message.

From there the server seemed to find a good tempo in a happy conversation, talking about some bloomic fan-theory that June happened to come across just a few days prior.

You pull your attention away from the monitor for a moment to check your phone, swiping away the notifications displayed at the top of its screen. Outside of the server, you didn't have very many people to talk to. Sure, you had a few friends from work, and maybe one or two acquaintances that you made when you were still in school, but as life seemed to drag on, the less you heard from them. There was a point in time where you had a previous partner, and you had spent most of your free time with him.

And while things had started off nicely, they didn't end that way. He was controlling, you had to dress a certain way, speak a certain way, you had to take interest in the things he liked. The conversations were never about you. He would constantly criticize you, from the way you looked, to the way you'd write your As. By the time you finally managed to escape the guy, he had stripped you of who you were, or who you had been.

Your eyes glance to the date in the corner of your monitor. It had been nearly a year and a half since then. A year and a half of trying to fit cut up puzzle pieces together, in hopes that you'd get to see yourself again. Eighteen months of pushing yourself past your limits just to pick your hobbies and interests back up. Eighteen months of wondering if you could even go back to who you were before the guy.

A quiet ping from your computer broke you from your thoughts, and you looked to see a message from Toasty in the juicy gamers channel, one that only held Xyx, Toaster and yourself. Its purpose was supposed to be for Toaster and Xyx to talk about ffxiv, but by now it was just another chat room within the bloomic server.

As you clicked on the channel, you saw that it had been Nakedtoaster who pinged you, asking if you were alright, since you had gone quiet in the general chat.

'I'm alright! I was just thinking about something a little serious, I guess I got lost in my train of thought for a bit.'

You watched as it showed him typing, then a pause, then that he was typing again. Finally, he sent his message, 'wanna talk in the voice channel? You can share your thoughts with me if you'd like'

You pause for a moment. That would mean telling them about your ex. Not that you weren't ever open about your past with the server before. But, this was different. After breaking things off with your ex, you had promised yourself to do one thing; to swear off love, at least until you were ready to try again. You didn't want to rush into another relationship, only to doubt yourself again. You couldn't get stuck in another situation like that, especially if you weren't ready to put yourself first. And if you were being honest with yourself, you hardly had the words to explain that to someone else.

Yet, you found yourself joining Toaster's call, easily falling into the pattern that the two of you had made in your time in the server.

"You /still/ take forever to join calls," he smiles into his camera, slightly leaned forwards as they spoke into their mic.

You playfully roll your eyes at the comment, sighing as you did, "Not my fault /someone/ is so impatient,"

"Only because it's you,"

Your breath seems to hitch in your throat. Toaster said it so casually, that you almost missed how they actually meant it. You always seemed to misinterpret their words, everything he said always felt like it held more weight. And despite your vow to stay far away from relationships, you could never shake off the ever growing mix of anxiety and something that you didn't want to name that resided within your mind.

"Hey, you alright? I've called your name a few times now," Toasty is leaned back in his chair again, a worried look clear as day on his face.

You blink a few times, fighting off an awkward smile, mind racing to think of any excuse. When you couldn't form the words, Toaster let out a slow chuckle, as if he had understood your train of thought.

"I meant that as in…well." He paused, a heavy blush spreading across his face, "As in, I really enjoy talking with you and I'm impatient."

"But, only me?"

"Yeah. I wanted to say something earlier, but, I think I might have developed..uh..feelings for you."

The feeling was back. A confusing amount of dread, and content, like oil and water, refusing to mix but making themselves known aggressively.

"Toaster I-" you start, feeling your hands begin to shake, "I'm not…well…I don't want to outright say no or anything but..I'm not sure I'm ready for..well for that."

To your surprise, they let out another gentle laugh, nodding their head as they leaned back towards their mic, "I know,"

"Huh?"

"Well, I remembered awhile back that you mentioned a shitty ex, so I figured that this might be the case if I did confess…which is why I prepared myself." You watch as he fidgets with the short microphone stand, his eyes straying to something on his desk as he continued, "I'm not going to rush you. And I'm not going to make you tell me anything about your past relationship. I wanted to tell you that I like you, so that you know that I'm here, if you'll have me, whenever that may be."

You were stunned. Despite spending so much time with the Blooming Panic server, getting to know everyone, and letting them get to know this new, healing version of yourself, you had never stopped to think that any of them would actually take a deeper interest in you. Especially when you seemed to feel so lost in your own self worth and image, like looking into a mirror that was hastily glued back together. And yet they had. Nakedtoaster had looked at the same mirror, and decided that he wanted you.

You hardly notice a small stream of tears that fall from your face, as you speak, "You'd do that for me? You'd really wait?"

They lean back in their chair again, looking towards their camera with half lidded eyes, "I like you for who you are, and I know that. So, as long as I know that I want you, I'm okay with waiting."

He lets you sit for a moment, not commenting on your tears, or on the way you couldn't believe his words. Toasty was true to their words, they'd be okay with you taking your time, in this moment, and in the next. Something told you that you could trust him with that. Slowly, you let a smile make its way onto your face as you wipe away the uncertainty that had come from your eyes. Then, when you bring your attention back to them, they say one more thing.

"So, of course. For you, I'd do anything."

[yeeehwa]

Turbulence (Part Two)

pairing: ot8 ateez x fem reader

genre: smut. fluff. angst.

warnings: n/a

word count: 1,586

summary: finally some information

a/n: sorry this chapter is so short. next one will be extra long and the plot will start coming into play more then! Please enjoy! also it wouldn't let me tag some people. not sure why, but i'll try to have it figured out by next update.

Turbulence has been put on permanent hiatus

tag list: @layzfeelit @marsattacks @dream-in-progress @mingkilovur @jenseok17 @camzpetite

previous | next

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

It’s been a week and you haven’t heard anything back from Mina, or KQ. You sighed and slammed your laptop shut, the constant refreshing of your emails just making your headache worse. You had expected to hear from someone by now. The only light came from the small desk lamp that sat in the corner of your desk, illuminating the disappointment on your face.

You ran your hand through your hair and pushed your laptop to the side. You picked your phone up and reread the last text that Mina had sent you. Not that you need to. You’ve basically memorized it by this point. 

Leaving for Korea. Will get you more information soon ❤️

Your response was left unopened, and a frustrated groan left you. You can’t believe you were more anxious for this than you were just waiting for an answer about the job.

You laid your head in your crossed your arms and closed your eyes. 1…2…3… you counted as you utilized your breathing exercise. 

A ding rung through the silence of your apartment and your head snapped up. You quickly reached for your phone, only to sigh again in disappointment. You had hoped it was more information about your travels and stuff, but it was just a notification from YouTube. You had followed KQ Entertainment on all social media platforms. Just so you could watch the content and start learning more about the people you’ll be working for and with. 

KQ Fellaz 2 had posted another video. You blinked, not realizing it was already 3am, but your infamous insomnia kept you up. You needed a distraction anyway, and opened the newest KQ Fellaz 2 video. 

You smiled at the antics of the group of boys, and some creative spark came to you. You smiled, loving when you’re hit with inspiration. Nighttime was where your creativity flowed best anyway. 

You reached down beside you and grabbed your sketchbook out of your bag, and paused on one of the members on screen. A huge smile spread across his face and eyes shining in laughter. You didn’t know his name yet, but you were almost positive it was Hunter.

Pulling the pencil out of the spiral that held your book together, you flipped to a blank page and got to work. 

You started with a close up of his face, deciding to do the exact expression that was on your screen. A wide smile, eyes scrunched, you were able to almost match him and you were proud of yourself. Faces and expressions were never your strong suit. You added a small gold chain that ran across his face, over the bridge of his nose, with golden yellow sapphires hanging down. 

Next to it, on the empty side of the page, you wrote detailed descriptions about each individual item. The chain links, the jewels, and why you chose the particular colors. 

The gold on Hunter's naturally tan skin matched beautifully. The golden yellow sapphire is the national gem of Thailand, where Hunter is from, displaying his roots. The yellow sapphire represents divine grace, something that is required when dancing and portraying emotion through dance. 

You sighed, resting your head on your arm as you wrote. Each piece to you has to have some sort of meaning or way of complimenting each other. It’s why you believe you’re so good with styling, and how you’ve gotten a few jobs on music video sets when artists were in New York for filming. 

Gold compliments the yellow sapphire-

You yawned, your eyes slowly drifting shut as you finally let sleep take you.

***

Your phone started ringing, jerking you out of your slumber. You yawned, before fully processing that it was your phone that was ringing. Majors grumpy whines finally made you sigh and look for your phone.

You slowly grabbed at your phone, eyes still half closed, and saw that you were getting a video call from Mina. 

“What?” You grumbled to her as you answered her call. The brightness of your phone hurt your eyes and you hissed, burrowing back into your arm. 

“Well, that’s a nice greeting.” She sasses to you. She stared at your dark screen. “What time is it?”

You groaned out at her in response. Slowly lifting your head to peek at the brightness. “5:47 in the morning. Go to bed.” Your head fell back into your arm. 

“I thought you’d be happy to hear from me. Considering I have info about when you start.” Mina set her phone down on her desk while unbuttoning her suit jacket and ungracefully plopped herself into her chair. 

You heard her huff out and paper shuffling and your head perked up a bit at the thought of finally getting some information. “Oh yeah?”

Mina smirked, not looking at the phone. “There she is.” She organized a few of her papers, picked them up and straightened them by tapping the edges on the desk. “They want you here next week. So the sooner we can get you over here and acclimated to the time change, the better.”

You groaned and fully sat up now, trying your best to stretch out your stiff back and neck, with no luck. You quickly jerked your neck to the left, then right, cracking it and releasing some tension. 

“Okay ew. Stop.” Mina cringed at the cracking of your neck. “You know I hate that.”

You sleepily blinked at her. “And you know that I hate having the little sleep I get interrupted, yet here we are.” You rolled your eyes at her. “I need coffee before anything else.”

Mina huffed in response and you laughed at her. “Don’t blame me. I’d still be happily asleep if you didn’t call me.”

“Girl. I-“

“Nu-uh.” You interrupted her. “Coffee first.” She crossed her arms and sat back in her chair, but let you go.

After trudging into your little kitchenette and making a decent cup of coffee, you sat back down in your desk chair and looked expectantly at Mina, more awake and able to focus.

She sat up in her chair and pushed some of her long hair into ut of her face. “As I was saying,” she started figiting with the papers again. “They want you here and starting next week. I’ll look into flights for you and Major. I can probably get you guys on a plane in 2 days. Is that enough time for you to pack? I’ll have Mark-“ she stopped at the look you gave her. “No not that Mark. I’m not an idiot. My brother Mark.” She rolled her eyes and made a sound of disgust. “I’ll have Mark and some of his friends come by and move your furniture to a storage unit. You can ship stuff that you’ll need as well.”

“I’m assuming we’re going back to our college days and we’ll be living together?”

“Yep!” She chirped. “I have an extra room I can clean out and more than enough space for Major in my apartment.”

“Is there room for my-“ 

Mina waved her hand at you, looking tired. “Yes Yee. There’s room for your sewing machine. And a little area where you can put your crafty stuff. Look. The main thing I need to tell you is that they want you here next week. You’ll be on a plane in two days, and when you get here, you’ll meet KQ Fellaz 2. They’re who you’re going to be starting with.” A voice off screen took her attention for a moment, before she looked back at you, then back at the voice. 

“Hongjoong should still be in the dance studio. Do you need me to go babysit again?” She rolled her eyes and sent you a wink, sticking her tongue out a little bit.

You couldn’t hear what the voice was saying, but it was stern, with a slightly playful undertone. Mina nodded. “Let me finish up with our new stylists and I’ll go get them. Yeah yeah. So home Eden! Go be with your wife!” She giggled as she playfully shooed him away.

She turned back to you, a warm smile on her face. “I have to go play hide and seek with my boys. It’s never fun. But, before I go, make sure you pack warm right now. Box up summer things and ship them. It’s cold here. And don’t forget your paperwork!” She shrugged her jacket back on. “Oh. And before I forget. I plan on having you move up very soon. I know you have a lot going on in that brain, and I know you’ve already been looking into Ateez and KQ Fellaz 2. You already have plenty of stuff sketched out, and knowing you, half of it is made or in the process of being made.” She sent a wink and she picked up her phone. “You’ll do fine. Don’t overthink. I’ll send you an email with your flight information soon. I love you!” She gave you a cute finger heart and hung up the call. 

You blinked, absorbing all the information she just threw at you. You smiled, finally having at least some idea of what’s going on. And you’ll be leaving soon. Your eyes widened. You’ll be leaving soon!

You decided to down your coffee and get to work. You needed to make a list of what you needed to take with you and what could wait and get shipped over. Major was grumpy as you made so much noise as you started to pack.

[darkstar225]

Twice's 10th member is attached to her Mina unnie

A/N: Heyyy, I'm coming back strong lol! Sry for taking so long to post but finally the semester ended :D I hope that my dear friend i__love__ramen that gave me this idea on Wattpad likes it! :)

The request: Also I was wondering if you could do one where we are like specifically attached to one member or like different versions of it, whatever member you want but like we're super clingy and baby with them. I don't think even have a bias I just love them so much, but let's go with hmmm Mina that cutie ❤️

PS: Tysm for everyone that reads what I write, I hope I can bring a smile to your faces every time I post! I'd like to thank whoever sent me this idea 'cause I loved to write it <3

__________________________________________________________

Y/N gazed at the bustling scene before her. It was a whirlwind of activity as the members of TWICE prepared for their latest comeback. As the youngest member of the group, she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Y/N had always admired her fellow members, but there was one person who held a special place in her heart, her fabulous Mina unnie. Mina was the embodiment of grace and elegance. From her enchanting smile to her fluid dance moves, she captivated the maknae from the moment they first met. The girl saw Mina as the older sister she never had, and she cherished every moment spent with her, a voice always laced with eagerness to be a reliable person for Mina.

Y/N - Mina unnie, can I help you with anything?

Mina turned towards her, her eyes sparkling with affection. 

Mina - Of course, sugar! I would love your help.

A broad grin spread across TWICE's honey's face as she followed Mina to the practice room. The two of them spent hours perfecting their choreography, with Mina patiently guiding the youngest through each step. Y/N couldn't help but feel a surge of pride whenever Mina praised her progress. As the days went by, the kid's attachment to Mina grew stronger. She would cling to Mina's side like a koala, always seeking her comforting presence. Whether it was during rehearsals, photoshoots, or even meals, Mina's lovebug, as the members started calling Y/N, would find a way to be close to Mina. Mina found her sunshine's clinginess endearing. She had always wanted to be an older sister, and Y/N's adoration filled a void she never knew existed. Mina reciprocated the girl's affection, always making sure to give her the attention she craved. However, there were moments when Mina had to attend to other responsibilities. The maknae would pout and sulk whenever Mina had to leave her side. She would whine to the other members about how much she missed Mina, earning amused smiles and gentle teasing such as ruffling her hair.

Jihyo - Sweetie, you're so cute, you really do act like Mina's little sister.

Y/N would blush, but deep down, she loved being called Mina's little sister. It made her feel special like she had found a place where she truly belonged. One evening, as the members gathered in their dorm, the maknae's eyes widened with excitement when she spotted Mina entering the room. She immediately jumped up from her seat and rushed towards her, arms outstretched to wrap her favourite unnie in a tight hug.

Y/N - Mina unnie! You're back! 

Mina chuckled, her arms encircling Y/N. 

Mina - I missed you too, darling. How was your day?

Y/N launched into a detailed ramble of her day, sharing every little detail with Mina. The other members watched with amusement, enjoying the bond between the two. As the night wore on, Y/N's eyelids grew heavy. Mina noticed her struggling to keep her eyes open and gently brushed her fingers through her sugar's hair while whispering.

Mina - Why don't you go to bed, honeybee? I'll be here when you wake up. 

Y/N yawned, her eyelids growing heavy as she bid Mina goodnight. However, as Mina turned to leave, a playful thought entered the girl's mind. She didn't want to be apart from her beloved unnie just yet, so with a voice tinged with sleepiness she called for her.

Y/N - Wait, Mina unnie...

Mina turned around, a curious smile playing on her lips. 

Mina - What is it, love?

Y/N hesitated for a moment before speaking up. 

Y/N - Um... Can I... sleep with you tonight?

Mina's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. She understood Y/N's attachment and knew how much she craved her presence. So she replied softly, extending her hand towards the youngest member.

Mina - Of course, bae. Come with me.

Y/N's face lit up, and she eagerly took Mina's hand. They made their way to Mina's room, their footsteps silent in the quiet dorm. As they entered, Y/N's heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Mina settled onto her bed, propping herself up with pillows against the headboard. Y/N climbed onto the bed beside her, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. With a contented sigh, she snuggled closer to Mina's side. Mina's arms instinctively wrapped around her babygirl, creating a warm and comforting cocoon. The youngest rested her head on Mina's chest, her eyes closing as she listened to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. But before she could fall asleep she mumbled drowsily, her voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N - I love you, Onee-chan. 

Mina's heart swelled with emotion as she heard Y/N's words. She gently ran her fingers through her kiddo's hair, a soft smile on her lips while she replied, her voice filled with tenderness for the girl in her arms.

Mina - I love you too, sweet girl. 

Y/N's grip tightened around Mina as if she never wanted to let go. At that moment, she felt safe and loved, wrapped in the warmth of Mina's embrace. Her eyelids grew heavier, and sleep finally claimed her. The night passed peacefully, with TWICE's baby sleeping soundly against Mina's chest. Mina stayed awake a little longer, cherishing the precious bond they shared. She brushed her lips against her sister's forehead and whispered before giving her a kiss there.

Mina - Sweet dreams, my dear dongsang.

As the sun began to rise, Y/N stirred from her slumber. She blinked her eyes open and found herself still nestled against Mina. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she remembered the events of the previous night, but her voice as she spoke betrayed her and showed how she felt, a clear mix of embarrassment and happiness.

Y/N - Mina unnie, did I really fall asleep on you? 

Mina chuckled softly while nodding.

Mina - Yes, you did. But it's okay, baby. I loved having you close.

Y/N's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't contain her joy. She hugged Mina tightly, her heart overflowing with love as she answered. 

Y/N - Thank you, Onee-chan. I love you so much.

Mina returned the embrace, her arms encircling Y/N protectively.

Mina - I love you too. You will always be the little sister I've never had, hon.

In the world of TWICE, their sisterly love continued to shine, a show of warmth and affection amidst the mess of their idol lives. From that night forward, Mina's lovebug and said girl's late-night cuddles became a cherished ritual, a comforting embrace that symbolized their unbreakable bond. Through the highs and lows, Y/N always found solace in Mina's presence, and Mina found joy in being the older sister the maknae had always longed for. As time passed, the youngest blossomed into a confident and talented young woman, all while carrying the love and support of her TWICE sisters. And in her heart, she knew that Mina would forever be her guiding light and beloved onee-chan. And that made the unnies that we're seeing all these changes, especially Mina, have only one thought: 

We are proud of our dear maknae.

A/N: I apologise for any errors, English is not my first language. Pls, let me know if there's something wrong, ty for reading <3

[wheneclipsefalls]

Forever My Babygirl pt.2

Part 1 Part 3

Pairing: Tuktirey (aged up to 16) x Metkayina Male OC

Summary: Romance begins to blossom between Tuk and Teeysal depsite Jake’s dissaproval. 

Warnings: signs of PTSD, nightmares

A/N: Due to popular request on Ao3, I decided to make this into a little series. Let me know what you think:)

Two weeks stuck close to home, only allowed out to fulfill her chores and responsibilities. Tuktirey was positively restless. Her only source of real entertainment was her siblings coming to visit. On a lucky day Tuk got to witness Neteyam and Lo’ak having one of their customary arguments. Although never a supporter of contention, Tuk found herself aching for any type of mental stimulation. 

Neytiri often took pity on the girl and tried to find little tasks for her to complete in the marui but it never properly supplemented the exciting ocean activities Tuk looked forward to every day. Stuck inside with nothing better to do, she found herself thinking about the Metkayina boy over and over. Her heart rate would pick up as she thought about what her father said about Teeysall trying to court her. Tuk had never thought about romance with the boy before but once the idea was put into her head, she found it impossible to dismiss. Her thoughts would become affixed on the concept. 

Sometimes Tuk would find her cheeks heating up as she thought about the tender way Teeysal held her on the island. A little smile would grace her face while cutting vegetables for dinner as she remembered all the small gifts he had gone out of his way to give her. These new thoughts would plague her brain to the point of provoking small giggles out of her mouth as she worked on her projects. When asked what she was laughing at, Tuk would try to hide her blushing cheeks and recount some funny memory as the source.  

Finally free from grounding, Tuktirey ran along the pathways dodging other clan members as she raced by. She needed to be quick before Neteyam made it to the marui to pick her up. A giddy excitement crept over her as she spotted Teeysal and some other Metkayina warriors pulling in nets of fish. Her toes anxiously wiggled in the sand as she watched the group from afar. 

With only two weeks apart, Tuk could not tell if it was her imagination or if the boy had really  grown taller since she last saw him. His hair had changed into simple tight braids that led into a messy bun at the back of his head. The boy was enraptured in what appeared to be a story one of the other Metkayina warriors told. 

As the boys made their way up the beach, Tuk made sure to keep her body hidden behind the tree so that she would not be spotted. Teeysal bid the group goodbye and began walking towards the small path that stretched parallel to the group of trees Tuk hid in. She waited till both of their figures were out of sight from the beach before jumping in front of the boy. 

 Teeysal let out a cry of surprise already halfway into a pouncing crouch before he recognized the girl before him. 

“Tuk! By Eywa…” The words drifted off as he laid a hand over his heart as if to slow the thumping heartbeat down. 

“I’m sorry! Did I scare you?”

“No no, just startled me-” Loose strands of hair framed his face as he urgently looked around their surroundings for witnesses. Gently placing a hand on each of her biceps, he maneuvered both of them into the clove of trees and away from prying eyes. “What are you doing here? I heard you got in trouble-”

“Yeah I was grounded but it’s over now.” The words toppled out without thought as Tuk began to feel nerves flutter in her stomach. Her mind began to question whether or not coming out here was a good idea after all. What if the boy wanted nothing to do with her after the way her father yelled at him? 

“Well that’s good I was worried about you.” Her heart skipped a beat at the words. Looking back up at the ocean blue eyes, Tuk found the boy smiling back at her. A new type of nerves coiled in her stomach at the sight. 

“I came to apologize.” The words came out barely above a whisper as she gripped the object behind her back. Instantly Teeysal was shaking his head. “It was my fault we were out there and…I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.” Feeling another wave of guilt wash over, Tuk forced herself to keep eye contact. 

“No Tuk, you don’t need to apologize. I should have known better. Your father was right, I should have taken you home. I’m older and I should have acted like it.” 

“My dad was very…” Tuk trailed off, searching for the right words.

“Intense.” He finished for her. She looked up to find him giving her a reassuring smile. Tuk couldn’t help but think how backwards the situation was. She was supposed to be comforting him, not the other way around. 

“Yes. I promise he is not so bad once he gets to know you, it’s just that…” Words failed her once more and Tuk found herself getting more and more frustrated with her lack of articulation. Usually Tuk had more to say than what she knew what to do with. 

“You are his daughter. It is normal for fathers to be cautious of who their daughters hang around with. I did not do a good job of presenting myself in an honorable manner.”

“He didn’t have to be so mean, though.” She weakly laughed, but Teeysal just shrugged his shoulders showing it was not big deal. Tuk couldn’t understand how the male could handle that harsh retribution. Her father hardly ever truly yelled at Tuk and the few times he did, she spent at least an hour crying about it. The last time it happened, Tuk had felt so guilty she spent hours weaving together an anklet for Jake. All was forgiven quickly and the na’vi male hadn’t taken it off since. The memory made her grip the necklace still hidden behind her back. 

“This is for you.” She thrust the woven material into the boy’s hands. Recovering from the slight shock, he took it in his hands and started to examine it. 

“What’s this?” Twirling it in his fingers he recognized the material as a thick choker woven tightly in an intricate design. Interspersed between the woven material were tiny beads, a dark blue shade. What really caught the Metkayina’s boy attention however were the hanging small green and yellow feathers around the base evenly spaced. He had never seen such materials on the island before. 

“An apology.” Tuk bit her bottom lip, observing the boy’s reaction closely. His turquoise fingers kept gently running over the feathers. “I know it’s kind of different. It’s a traditional Omatikaya necklace. I learned how to make them a long time ago.”

“You made this?” His large blue orbs finally strayed from the necklace, mouth parted in awe. 

“Yeah just with some of the materials I had lying around. The feathers are from an old top I used to wear as a kid but it was all I had. Grounding isn’t the most convenient for scavenging materials but then again I did have a lot of time on my hands. It’s ok if you don’t like it. I know it’s really different.” Tuk abruptly closed her mouth to stop from rambling more. 

“No no, Tuk, I love it!”

“Really?” Teeysal felt like his heart was going to burst free from his rib cage watching a small smile form on Tuk’s face. The Matkayina male felt a sense of relief slowly seeing Tuk’s usual attitude come forth again. 

"Of course, I can't believe you did all this for me." Teeysal's smile widened as he noticed the light blush dusting her cheeks. He had never seen Tuk so bashful before. "Help me put it on?" Her smile widened till it was ear to ear before rushing to help the male. Teeysal quickly took off the shell necklace he wore without a care. 

Due to the height difference, Tuk struggled on her tiptoes to reach the male's head to slip it over. Trying not to coo at the little jump and hops she was now attempting in order to reach, he ducked down to make it easier. Once the necklace was over his head and tightened around his neck snugly, she stepped back to admire it. 

"How do I look?" 

"Pretty." Her eyes widened comically shocked at her own words. Teeysal only found her embarrassment that much more entertaining as a laugh made it through his chest. "I me-mean heroic uh like a… mighty warrior. Yes, like a mighty warrior." 

Teeysal refrained himself from scooping the girl up right then and there and kissing her. There were few things more rare and cute than seeing Tuktirey lost for words. To know that he was the one that caused it sent a wave of pride through him. 

"Thank you, Tuk." She simply sent a shy smile back, looking up through her lashes. Suddenly that smile faltered and eyes widened. 

"I almost forgot, I need to get back before Neteyam gets home." Not ready for the girl to leave, Teeysal followed her frantic movements as she went to weave back through the trees. 

"Tuk wait!" They both looked down at his hand resting gently around her wrist. Coughing awkwardly, he let the girl go. "Am I going to see you again?"

"Do you still want to?" Sensing the hesitation in the question he was quick to reassure her.

"Yes of course, I missed you Tuk." Golden eyes shot up towards his and the blush darkened exponentially but there was no sign of embarrassment this time as she smiled so wide her eyes crinkled. 

"I missed you too!" He laughed as she practically shouted the words. Her giggles followed as she realized how loud she was being. 

"But are you sure you still want to hang out after my dad threatened you?" 

"Are you ok with it considering you got grounded for it last time?"

"Well yes."

"Then don't stop on my account, Tuk. I'm a big boy, I can handle it." Truth be told he was terrified of Jake but not enough to go without Tuk again. The last two weeks had been so dull without her vibrant energy and laugh. 

"Only if you're sure."

"Tuk!" Her brother's voice echoed from the beach. 

"I have to go!" She was bounding down the pathway before he could respond but his nerves settled as she quickly called out "see you later" before rounding the corner. 

Teeysal wore the necklace with pride in everything that he did. During moments of stall with the hunting part or meals with his family, his fingers would find themselves fiddling the soft feathers adorning the ends. A warm affection would stir in his soul as he thought of the giver of the necklace. The small girl with a fire and zest for life he was sure no one else could emulate.

It was difficult to find ways to be in the girl’s presence as she always had her brothers and father acting as shadows. Regardless, Teeysal was patient. He was careful to not disturb the Sully family and always kept a respectful manner about him whenever Jake Sully was anywhere in the vicinity. Despite these efforts, Teeysal always noticed the sharpness in Jake’s gaze when it would rest upon him.

On lucky days, Tuk would be completing duties on shore by the time he returned with the hunting party. His playful looks towards her would be returned with small smiles and a shake in her shoulders that told the male she was giggling. Although brief, those fleeting interactions would be fire that ignited his motivation to get through the day. Hope would blossom as he returned to the shore at the end of the day, eyes flicking across the beach in search of the golden-eyed girl.

The biggest trial of the day had recently been the presence of Lo’ak during their hunts. The experienced warrior had been chosen to help lead the younger party in their pursuits. A familia relaxed mood was established around the other young warriors and Lo’ak but never with him. Some days his punishment would be cold silent treatment. So persistent in pretending he didn’t exist, Teeysal wondered if his drowning would even stir the male. Other days, Teeysal was watched like a hawk by Lo’ak. Every misstep, hesitation, and shortcoming was pointed out and hissed at. His form was never good enough, breathing always too fast, and kills too predictable.

Teeysal kept a tight lid on his temper, sure that any act of defiance would put his already shaky relationship with Tuk into the ground. 

“Lo’ak no!” The female voice rang faintly across the island. Teeysal snapped his eyes up from deboning the fish to recognize Tsireya being lifted over Lo’ak’s shoulder as Tuk watched. She tried to aid the girl but it was useless as he threw his mate off the rock and into the water. 

Playfully in a crouching stance he swung around dramatically to reset his focus onto Tuk. She instantly hissed back but made a beeline the other way when her older brothers lunged forward. Screams and laughter could be heard even from a great distance as Lo’ak easily grabbed her around the middle and hoisted her up. Teeysal could just barely make out the girls giggled pleas before she was easily chucked through the air and into the ocean water. 

The corners of his lips tugged upwards at the display before him. Tuk and Tsireya were quick to team up and act out their revenge on the man. It took both to wrestle him into the water and when Lo’ak did fall he took the other girls down with him. 

“You really like to swim in dangerous waters bro.” Teeysal was snapped back into reality by his friend Ayte. Amused disapproval swam in his eyes as he shook his head. 

“What do you mean?”

“Going after the Sully girl. I thought the whole escapade a couple weeks ago would have knocked some sense into you.” Teeysal scoffed at his friend's assumptions, returning to the fish at hand.

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” A deadpan expression painted itself across Ayte’s face at the denial. 

“I’m not a skxawng like you. I see the way you look for her every time we return. A complete fool stumbling over his own feet.” Teeysal hissed playfully, shoving his friend’s shoulder, but even he knew there was no denying it. 

“And what if I do? What’s wrong with that?” 

“Nothing,” Ayte smirked back up at him, “If you’re aching to meet Eywa sooner than later.” 

Teeysal’s rolled his eyes at the insinuation.

“It’s not that bad, it will just take some time to get him to warm up to me.” The look Ayte sent showed he did not believe his friend in the slightest. 

“It’s amazing how a pretty face can get a man to believe such delusions.” He feigned a sad sigh, fake sympathy in his pout. Teeysal was used to his friend’s antiques. He always had a knack for being a tad dramatic. It didn’t matter what Ayte said. It would be ingenuine to himself to deny his feelings for Tuk out of fear. He had been raised to follow his instincts and find the path that Eywa had laid for him and in his heart Teeysal knew Tuk was part of that journey. 

Tuk held her breath as she slowly moved from her place in the hammock and across the marui. Her eyes never left Kiri’s silent sleeping figure as she continued to tip toe. It was not unusual for the girl to get up before the rest in order to fulfill her duties of feeding some of the ilus, but never before the sun had peaked out. 

Once she had changed clothes and made it out of the family home without a stir, Tuk jogged her way through the village. Nervous excitement began to bubble in her stomach again at the idea of finally spending time with Teeysal. The two had decided the only times they could possibly be with one another would have to be before the rest of the village woke up. They would leave before the sun came out and make it back in time for Tuk to feed the ilu and none would be the wiser. Or at least that was their theory. 

Teeysal shifted his weight between feet as he anxiously awaited for Tuk’s arrival, spear gun resting against his knee and an ilu on each side. He tried to hold the chuckle in as he spotted the girl bounding around the corner, fast enough to stumble over her feet once before closing the distance. The slight stumble did nothing to contain her enthusiasm. 

“Good morning!” She whispered.

“Good morning, Tuk. You ready to head out?” He went to place the spear gun out of the way but was stopped.

“Wait, maybe you could take that with?” He raised an eyebrow at the girl. “Ayte says that you are a really good hunter so I thought maybe you could teach me a little bit.” Teeysal was taken aback from the mention of his friend's name. When had Ayte been talking to Tuk about him? More importantly, what had the rascal said? 

“You want me to teach you?”

“Is that a problem?” Tuk nervously bit her bottom lip staring back at him.

“No, of course not. I just thought that maybe you would want one of your older brothers to show you. They have a good amount of years up on me when it comes to hunting.” Tuk’s shoulders sagged in relief before she gave a playful eye roll.

“They never show me any of that stuff. My parents would rather I stay close to the island and carry out duties there instead. Just like I told you, Neteyam hasn’t kept to his promise of teaching me jumps. If I ask, they will only find some excuse not to.” Teeysal could tell Tuk was patient with her family by the light tone she carried. There was always a fond playfulness to the words even if their actions truly limited her freedom. Perhaps it was this thought that had Teeysal picking up the spear gun and leading them out towards good hunting grounds. 

Tuk was a quick and eager learner. She inhaled every instruction and advice he gave and within no time she had speared her first fish. Dragging the fish back to the water’s surface, Tuk went to triumphantly raise it above her head. Consequently this pushed her head underwater and prompted Teeysal to quickly take the large fish off her hands. Loud laughter echoed across into the horizon when she surfaced once more with a huge smile. 

“He’s huge!” She squealed in delight.

“Yeah so big you can barely carry it.” He laughed back from his ilu while securing the fish. Tuk playfully stuck her tongue back at him before a devious expression overtook her face. Confused by the look, Teeysal was surprised to turn around from doing the knot to find Tuk nowhere in sight but ilu left behind. 

With a gasp Teeysal went to detach the hand swinging his leg over his head from the side, but it was too late. A mouthful of saltwater awaited him as he clumsily fell off the ilu and into the water. Eyes opening underwater, he spotted Tuk smiling gleefully back at him, eyes dancing with amusement. 

Always up for a challenge he started to swim towards the girl and plot his revenge. He was too late however, as Tuk bonded and jetted off with the ilu in one quick motion. Teeysal followed suit. 

‘Catch me if you can’ She signed, grinning over one shoulder. 

The two swerved through the clear water as the sun began to rise. Teeysal had the upper hand as he perfected his form in order to reduce drag in the water. Spotting a coral tunnel, Teeysal veered for it as Tuk swam over. The girl had no chance as he jetted out of the tunnel and straight up at them. She went to turn sharply to the left by Teeysal was quick to swim circles around them, effectively trapping them. 

Tuk’s nose scrunched as she shook her head at the boy. A cocky grin stretched across his face at the look. Feeling impulsive from the adrenaline rush, his arm swiped out to drag the girl off the ilu and plant her hand on his shoulder before they shot straight up. 

The water crashed and rippled around them as they broke the waterline into an arching jump. Tuk found a better grip repositioning one arm to wrap under his and cling up at the shoulder. Midair, there was a split second where the two could admire the sunrise painting the clouds before the pressure and blow of water broke the trance. On instinct Teeysal’s hand reached back to grab Tuk’s knee and keep her from being swept away by the impact. 

Once in the open air again, Tuk paid no mind to their closeness as she continued to babble on excitedly. 

“You cheater, Teeysal!” Her laughter broke up the feigned angry words as she pushed his shoulder again. 

“Oh did I? I don’t think attacking from behind is quite fair either.” Looking over his shoulder he watched as the girl’s shoulders shook with laughter. The same beautiful laugh he could recognize a mile away.  

“I can’t be held responsible for what I do once provoked.” The orange glow of the sunrise cascaded over the Tuk’s dark blue skin, bathed in sunlight. His train of thought was interrupted by the girl diving into the water in order to swim to the abandoned ilu. 

“Race you back!” The words barely carried across the wind before Tuk was gone underneath the water. Huffing out a laugh, the male shook his head fondly before shooting out after the girl. 

Thus began their daily ritual. Both Na’vi waking up before the crack of dawn to hunt, practice jumps, or talk about nothing and everything on the closest island they could find. Tuk would rub the sleep out of her eyes every morning before sneakily creeping through the village, terrified of being caught. However, these worries would be a distant memory every time she saw the handsome male smiling back at her, waiting for another couple hours of adventure. 

It was by far the most rebellious thing Tuk had ever done but the idea of never seeing Teeysal again was unbearable. At the end of the day she found this heartbreak outweighed her fear of her father’s wrath.  

Teeysal twitched under his mother’s fingers as she continued to paint intricate lines along his rips in preparation for the festival. She lightly swatted the back of his head for squirming once again. For the festival he was required to wear traditional Metkayina attire so the Omatikayan necklace was put to the side for the night. The boy was slightly startled to see how uneasy he felt without the necklace in place. He had become accustomed to the heavy weight against his neck and the lovely reminder it was of Tuk. 

Strong black lines of detailed symbols and patterns traveled up his sides and rib cage till dispersing along his collarbone and shoulders. Tuk was quick to notice the imagery along Teeysal’s turquoise skin as she peeked into the gigantic marui set for the festival. The male looked so decadent and strong standing there in his traditional wear and it made Tuk’s body jitter with nerves. 

The marui was bustling with Na’vi, each adorned with carefully crafted clothing from jewelry to headpieces. Tuk herself was wearing a top of light purple shells and pearls that had so many straps it took the help of her sister to figure out how to get it on. Her arms felt heavy with attached cascading nets of feathers meant to represent wings for their dance. Neytiri had pulled her hair into swerving tight braids against her head that eventually gave way to long waves that freely flowed down her back. What excited Tuk the most though were the beautiful small flowers painted along her skin, scattering along her jaw to belly button. 

The Sully family had been requested to perform a traditional Omatikayan dance as a way of celebrating the differences in clan cultures and how they had come together in harmony. Jake and Neteyam were less thrilled about the dance than the rest of the family. The two had never been agile dancers and neither were ready to share that fact with the rest of the clan. Lo’ak on the other hand had a tendency to find too much amusement in the dance, resulting in the male goofing off till it had created Na’vi dominos. Needless to say, it had taken the family weeks to get the number together. Regardless of these struggles, Neytiri felt very passionate about representing her culture so the subject was not up for debate, not even for her father who had gently tried to talk her out of it several times. 

Although originally ecstatic to perform the dance, Tuk now felt on the edge of nauseous thinking about performing in front of Teeysal. The act felt incredibly vulnerable, especially with her meddlesome brothers bound to screw it up. Her stomach twisted into knots at the thought of reinacting the domino disaster with her family in front of Teeysal. 

“You alright?” Kiri placed a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder, studying the worried expression carefully. 

“Kiri, I don’t think I can do this. Dad was right, we should have said no.” Kiri could feel the anxiety coming from Tuk in waves. So unusual for a girl that usually ran around without a care in the world. 

“No he wasn’t Tuk. The men in our family are just dramatic cry babies, that’s all.” Kiri was surprised to find not even a giggle come out of Tuk’s mouth at the comment. 

“Everyone is going to be watching, it’s too much pressure!” Tuk’s head looked behind once more at the crowds through the gap at the entrance and this time Kiri’s gaze followed. Realization struck when she noticed what, or rather who, her little sister was looking at. She tried to keep a coo in at the thought of Tuk’s little crush, her baby sister interested in romance. Regardless of what her brothers and father thought, Kiri was always an advocate of personal choice so she paid no mind to the suspicious events that had occurred between the two. 

“Who are you and what have you done with my little sister?” Kiri’s hands rested on her hips, raising an eyebrow down at the shorter girl.

“What?”

“The Tuk I know would never care about what others think of her, especially when it comes to dancing.” A small smile crept twitched at the corner of Tuk’s lips. Kiri bent her knees slightly in order to be eye level with the younger girl. “You are the most beautiful dancer I know. If the others can not see that obvious fact then they are blind skxawngs that do not deserve the pleasure of watching you dance.” Their eyes connected in a soft gaze full of mutual adoration and love for one another. A sisterly bond that had been grown and nurtured throughout the years with care. 

“Thank Kiri.” Tuk’s quiet voice whispered before embracing her older sister tightly. Kiri immediately returned the affection with a fond smile, taking one more glance at the young male her sister had been so enraptured with.

“Anytime.” She could feel her younger sister sigh into the embrace as her muscles started to relax. “Besides,” Kiri continued while pulling away to face Tuk, “When Neteyam falls over his two left feet, everyone will be staring at him, not you.” 

Tuk laughed at that, ears already perking back up into a happier state. From around the corner the rest of the Sully family came to gather and prepare for the performance. She tried not to giggle as she noticed the boys picking uncomfortably at the excessive jewelry and paint covering their bodies. Her dad in particular looked like he was about to topple over with the giant bird beak head piece atop his hair. She smiled at Aonung giving Neteyam one last good luck kiss before disappearing into the marui with the rest of the clan.

“Please say this is the only time we are doing this.” Neteyam sighed, never the type to show off in front of a crowd. Neytiri rolled her eyes at her grown son before ignoring his comment and getting everyone into their places. 

Teeysal’s ears perked up in interest as he heard the Olo’eyktan announce the Sully’s dance number. Tuk had never mentioned it before but he shoved the thought away, instead focusing on the fact that he would get to see her tonight after all. The fire crackled loudly as the clan members took their seats on the ground around, bunched together.

The loud drums began to play in earnest, effectively sending vibrations through the ground. As the Sully’s emerged in formation, his eyes strained till they could spot the small girl. There was great contrast in their movements both on an individual and group scale. The girls were graceful and smooth in their movement, imitating the soaring of a bird. The men moved more abruptly and with greater force and sharper jabs. It was obvious to Teeysal that Jake and Neteyam were not as coordinated. Neteyam’s lips could be seen quietly keeping count while Jake’s head would occasionally move from side to side to see what the others were doing and continue to imitate them. Lo’ak on the other hand completely embraced his role with a cocky smile and boisterous movements. 

His eyes did not stay with them for long as he took in the sight of Tuk. Her decadent outfit matched her colorful personality as the bright feathers weaved with each swing of her arms. Teeysal was instantly captivated by her smooth movements, balancing on only the balls of her feet. His awe only increased as she would incrementally give grand leaps into the air. She moved with a weightlessness that Teeysal had only ever experienced in the water.

As the pace picked up the clan members began to clap along quickly. At certain points Tuk would end up in the front to perform quick movements with her feet that transitioned into leaps and bends that made his own spine hurt watching it. He was fixated on the beaming smile that never strayed from her face. It was the same expression she wore when gliding through the water among the fishes, completely free without a care. 

The crowd became more excited as the family began to move in unison. Yips and yells rang through the room encouragingly. Lo’ak moved to the front for his moment and practically threw his shoulder out trying to perform an intricate flip. From the look on Neytiri’s face, he could tell that was not part of the choreography, but the male was unfazed. The hooting and hollering from other men in the village fed the older brother as he continued to yip and yell, courageously putting his entire being into the dance. The crowd let out loud calls and cheers as the family finally ended in formation, breathing heavily. 

Tuk’s grin was from ear to ear as her eyes switched back and forth among the crowd. For a second they landed on Teeysal. He let out his own encouraging cry in response, jesting the crowd to continue cheering. That eye crinkling smile returned to her face, the one Teeysal loved so much. 

Other groups replaced the family on stage as the crowd began to eat the large seafood feast. The Sully family sat on the other side of the Marui but Teeysal was still able to exchange glances with Tuk from behind her father’s back. After several male groups performed with thundering voices and stomping feet, Tuk sneakily signed a question to the boy across the room.

‘Aren’t you going to dance?’ Teeysal’s face scrunched up in distaste, quickly shaking his head from side to side. 

‘It’s best for everyone that I don’t.’ 

Tuk rolled her eyes at the response before signing back, ‘You are no fun.’ Teeysal tried to suppress a laugh at that but nothing could stop the grin that spread across his face. 

When the feast was done the floor opened up for all clan members to dance. The marui was bustling with life as Na’vi of every age and size participated, whether through dance or song. The drums and cries were loud enough to be felt in one’s chest. Tuk found that even Neteyam was pulled to the dance floor by Aonung. Looking around she saw that all of her other family members had split off into pairs or groups, leaving her alone on the sidelines. 

Teeysal caught sight of the girl acting as a wallflower and his heart sank slightly. With no dancing capabilities whatsoever and an ominous threat around pursuing the girl, Teeysal still found his feet carrying him across the room towards Tuk. Logic was out the window as his heart spoke for him, claiming there was no way he could possibly leave her alone and outside of the festivities. 

“I thought you said you don’t dance.” 

“Well, you look like you need a partner and who am I to leave a damsel in distress.” Tuk smiled back at the cheeky grin, completely forgetting about the others around as she took his hand. 

It quickly became clear what little dance experience Teeysal had but regardless the boy did everything he could to engage with Tuk in the ways he knew how. Her laughter at his stumbling steps and moves made the embarrassment all worth it. She flitted around the male, light as air before pulling him by the arm closer. She tried to guide him through different simple steps but only succeeded in making the pair laugh uncontrollably as his forced movements almost took them both down to the ground. 

“If you needed a partner, Tuk, all you had to do was ask.” Neteyam’s voice from behind slightly startled the girl as she whipped around to see him glaring at Teeysal. The two dropped hands immediately. Looking past Neteyam, she could also see Lo’ak looking their way with a curious frown. 

“That’s ok, Nete. You are already dancing with Aonung. Teeysal was nice enough to keep me company. I’m fine.” She put on her most convincing smile, hoping that playing it off would somehow magically get her brother to forget their father’s distaste for Teeysal. 

“I really don’t mind.” Teeysal jumped in but the narrowing of Neteyam’s eyes at the boy showed the pair that the comment was not well received. 

“Yeah of course you don’t.” Tuk found herself grateful for her oldest brother’s calmer attitude as he forgoed making a huge scene and instead ended things by dragging her to go dance with Aonung and him. Tuk, however, didn’t miss the strange look that her father sent Neteyam’s way.

“Still with us kiddo?” Jake’s concerned voice broke through Tuk’s consciousness, stirring her back awake. Blink abruptly her mind finally came back into focus to remind her of the surroundings. A knife was still in her hand against the wooden cutting board. 

“Sorry, dozed off a little.” Her eyes watered as she held in another yawn.

“You’ve been really tired the past few days, babygirl. Are you feeling alright?” Tuk tried to shy away from her father’s hand placed against her forehead but it was no use. 

“It’s nothing, dad. I’ve just been having a little too much fun I guess. Kiri took me outside the reef today so I’m a little tired.” Jake nodded but Tuk could tell from his expression that he was not convinced. 

“Well you should get to bed earlier tonight.” He concluded, as usual leaving no room for argument. Tuk smiled with a nod but felt a knot twisting in her stomach, knowing that the real reason she was so exhausted was from waking up before dawn to be with Teeysal. She knew that one wrong move could expose them both. 

That night, Tuk thrashed against the light woven blanket that had been tossed on her. Vivid images swirled through her head at a terrorizing pace. Flashes of blood, water, and gunsmoke all seemed too familiar as her dreams pulled from direct memories. Or rather, one memory in particular. 

A sweat broke out along her striped skin as she desperately tried tugging at those weird handcuffs still attached to the ship railing. Kiri was held just around the corner by the strange looking Avatar and nothing was stopping the ship from sinking to the bottom of the ocean. Metal creaked with an eeriness and everything inside the girl screamed to run, fight, swim. Blood began to run along her wrists as she yanked with all her strength. 

Her family was in trouble. Kiri was in danger. There was no telling what the scary man would do to her only sister and Tuk knew that someone needed to do something fast. Gunshots echoed throughout the ship along with cries of pain from who, Tuk didn’t know. Where was her father? Her mother? 

Harder and harder she tugged.

Must get out.

Must help them. 

Have to fight, need to fight.

The plastic dug in but she became numb to the pain. 

Anxiety skyrocketed to a new level and all of a sudden there was no air left. Only dense water pressed against her from all sides as she was encased in the metal ship. She was trapped. No way in. No way out. No more air left to breathe. 

“TUKTIREY!” Tuk jolted forward at the shout, air leaving her lungs in anxious pants. Her father sat above her, hands holding her biceps to shake the girl out of the nightmare. Instantly, tears gushed down her cheeks.

“Hey shhhh shhh babygirl, it’s alright.” Jake quickly gathered the small girl in his arms, cradling her as he did when Tuk was only a small child. Sob wracked through her throat, making it hard to breathe. “Don’t cry baby, I’ve got you. Daddy’s here.” 

“I-I can’t b-bre..”

“Calm down, try to breathe. Take deep breaths with me. In….and out. In…and out. There you go. Keep breathing.” Her ear was pressed fondly to Jake’s heart and Tuk found comfort in the mighty heartbeat that drumbed on consistently. Her breathing became tied to that steady beating until it slowed to a normal pace. Gentle fingers stroked through her loose hair as he rocked them back and forth. 

A comforting silence fell over the pair, only interrupted by the occasional shushing from Jake as the tears continued to wet her cheeks and small hiccups escaped from her mouth. Tuk tried to focus on the warmth she felt from her father’s loving embrace instead of the images from her nightmare. 

“I-I had a dream a-about that d-day.” The words struggled to come out through the little hiccups, but Jake understood. This was not the first time Tuk had experienced these nightmares after that battle. Jake himself had his own nightmares surrounding that day, but he was used to waking up in sweats after all that he went through in the war. 

“I know baby, I know.” His large palm laid against her forehead to feel for a temperature. He silently cursed as he felt the heat radiating from the spot. “You are alright now, I’ve got you.” Jake reminded the girl. 

“I know.” She sniffled pathetically. 

It tore Jake apart to see how that close call had affected his youngest daughter. His whole family had suffered from the experience. The fear that they had felt at almost losing each other to the Sky People. Poor Tuk had expressed several times guilt for not being able to help. She had gone back for Kiri, only to be tied up again on a sinking ship. Jake couldn’t understand how the girl could feel so awful when she had courageously upheld their family motto in the face of danger. Sullys stick together. 

“You know I would never let anything hurt you, right?” Tuk nodded against his chest, still sniffling. “I’m always going to be here for you. I will always protect you.” Tuk snuggled closer to her father as her heart rate slowed. 

When Neytiri popped her head into the room, Jake informed her quietly of the girl’s state. Tuk was back asleep in the man’s arms as the two parents discussed what to do about her fever. After carefully applying some healing ointment to her wrists and forehead, the two laid their youngest daughter between them to sleep. Their golden eyes met one another and Jake placed a loving kiss along Neytiri’s hand, thanking Eywa they were still here together after all their trials. 

[6rookie-writer0110]

It took a while but I finally finished

A Story request: miles morales meeting black lightning & his family/team, basically played out like in the super girl episode 18 world’s finest. Miles goes through the dimensional portal wormhole with the spider gang Gwen, Ham, Noir, Peni, Peter B., Hobie Brown, Margot Kess going after the Spot; where Spot sends Miles to another earth and Miles falls out of the portal into the arrow-verse prime earth portal:

From there on, he saves Jennifer Pierce (while she’s patrolling as Lightning) when she got hit by fighting with a meta-villain and swings her to safety on the rooftop of a building. Both, skeptical at first however, both unmasked & introduced themselves; as soon as then miles mentioned he’s Spider Man, Jen doesn’t recognize that name; leading to miles asking more questions (if she knows the other marvel heroes like iron man, Thor, hulk, star-lord, falcon, black panther, dr strange) with Jen also not recognizing any of those names and then Miles realizes he’s in a different Earth and he needs Jen’s help.

Miles and Jennifer then go to the Anissa & Grace’s apartment, miles quickly searches on the computer for anything: like for SHIELD, Avengers Tower, or Stark Industries or his friends & family with no success. Then Jefferson, Lynn, Anissa, Gambi, Khalil, Grace, Brandon marshall, Erica moran, and TC enter the apartment to see if Jen’s alright from her fight and then they see Miles and asking Jen who he is, then Miles introduces himself to the group.

Then Jennifer talks about Miles being from another Earth. Everybody is surprised about that, especially Gambi & TC, being fascinated with the multiverse. Miles talks about the multiverse being real. Jefferson can agree with that since he experience being different earths as well meeting Team Flash. Miles then talks about his SpiderGang, the Avengers, GOTG. He also talks about being Spider-Man:

Lynn: Sorry a what-Man?

(Miles shows off his powers by jump up and crawls all over the ceiling which impresses and creeps some of the group members)

TC: okay that is so cool.

Anissa: (sarcasm) yeah and not totally creepy at all.

Miles gets down from the ceiling, speaks on his other powers: camouflage, electricity, and his spider-sense. Even showing his wrist web shooters when asked if he shoots webs from his “rear” side. Everybody, in return, shows off their powers and origins to Miles.

Khalil: I know 23 martial arts.

Miles: oh that’s dope

Khalil: but I got brainwashed by ASA and I have the poison touch.

Miles: okay less dope.

After getting to know each other. The team agree to help get miles home (since his dimensional goober watch [created by Hobie] is broken from hitting a wall from swinging in saving Jen) and will get the watch fixed. Meanwhile they need miles help in fighting against Tobias Whale, Gravedigger, and Odell’s ASA army.

Miles and Jen developed a friendship even Jen taking Miles out to get burgers while Khalil gets slightly jealous. Later on, Miles and Khalil have a friendly sparring session:

Miles - so who am I sparring with you or Painkiller.

Khalil: you better hope, it’s me

Khalil wins the match & miles learns from him on how to fight better. Miles tells Khalil that he & Jen are just friends / and that miles has his own “Jennifer” - Gwen. Because of this, Miles and Khalil became friends.

Throughout the story, Miles gets into a personal talks with Khalil & the Pierce family: talking about superhero responsibilities (miles taking over spider-man after his Peter Parker died); the villains they previously or currently face (ie Looker, Dr Jace, Tobias \ Kingpin, Thanos, & green goblin, the Spot). Talking about family (Miles’s parents, him being Afro Latino). Miles, Khalil, The Pierces talk about dealing with loved ones’ death. For Miles: it was his uncle Aaron, For Khalil: it was his mother & his older brother, For Jefferson: it was his father. Miles also talks about Gwen and his Spider-Gang, also talking about the events that happened in across the spider verse. While he forgave them, he’s still mad at them and has a hard time trusting them mainly Peter B. Peni And Gwen.

While superpatrolling w/ Khalil & Jen; all three face off Tobias’s meta human Masters of Disaster: Shakedown, Coldsnap, and New Wave. Which fails as the trio gets minor injures & Miles get captured by the goons.

At the markovian base: Odell, Tobias, & G.D. try to interrogate Miles (who’s tied up and locked in a cell) and trying to take a blood test in gaining/studying his powers. With Tobias trying to unmask him but miles shocks him. Odell seems fascinated with Miles, especially figuring out he’s from another Earth, & intends to experiment on him for his Spider DNA. Before the blood test could start, B.L. & his team attack the base and free Miles from his cell.

With the rest of the team taking on Odell, the ASA, & Tobias; Miles, Jennifer, Brandon, and Khalil tag-team in taking on Gravedigger. Gravedigger manages to secretly escape the chaos while Tobias, Odell, ASA are all defeated & arrested.

Gambi fixes the goober-watch and Miles says goodbye to everyone while going inside the portal to where he meets up with the SpiderGang in his own universe where he talks about his journey and then continues with his mission in stopping Spot.

also cameos from the flash, supergirl, batwoman (Ryan); where Jefferson talks about the markovian events and about Miles.

I like it. This time i will make sure it won't be deleted 😅

Fan-Cast for MCU Miles Morales? Or just miles from the spider verse

[drjameslongjr]

“Counseling through the Word” Devotional: I am a Member of Christ's Body

“Counseling through the Word” Devotional: I am a Member of Christ's Body

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV) - "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." As believers in Christ, we are not isolated individuals walking our faith journey alone. Instead, we are part of something much greater—we are members of the body of Christ. This means that each of us has a unique role and function within the church, and together we form a unified whole that reflects Christ to the world.

Devotional Thought

In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul emphasizes that we are all part of Christ’s body, each with a distinct role to play. Just as the human body has many parts, each with its own purpose, so too does the body of Christ. Some parts may seem more prominent, while others might be less visible, but all are essential. This means that you, as a member of Christ’s body, are important and have a unique contribution to make. Being a member of Christ’s body also comes with a responsibility to care for one another. When one member suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice (v. 26). This mutual care and concern reflect the love of Christ, who unites us and empowers us to live out our faith in community. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others or feel inadequate in our role within the church. But remember that God has designed you with specific gifts and a unique purpose. Your contribution, no matter how big or small it may seem, is valuable and necessary for the health and growth of the body of Christ.

Bringing it Home: Applying What We Learned

- Embrace Your Role: Reflect on the gifts God has given you and how you can use them to serve the body of Christ. Your contribution matters. - Support Others: Look for ways to care for and support other members of your church community. When one member struggles, we all have a role in helping them. - Celebrate Unity: Rejoice in the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing that together we reflect the fullness of who Christ is.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for making me a member of Your body. Help me to embrace my role and use my gifts to serve others. May I always be mindful of the needs of those around me, and may our unity as Your body bring glory to You. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

- What specific gifts has God given me, and how can I use them to serve the body of Christ? - How can I support and care for other members of my church community this week? - In what ways can I celebrate and appreciate the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ?

Take the Next Step on Your Journey

Thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, https://jameslongjr.org/. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel. Finally, would you consider joining our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our online group coaching, where you’ll find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community, and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation? Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God’s grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope, an Read the full article

[acidxshark]

Trusting in What You Can't See

Spoilers for the end of 4.0.

There's nothing in this world or any other that can stand against the unstoppable force of Aigead Siorc and her sense of dramatic flair.

The liberation of Ala Mhigo had begun.

After a brief moment of concern over the enemy’s control of the air was abated by the timely arrival of Lord Hien and members of the Doman resistance, the men and women of Tarocchi Hierophanti passed through the gate and into the city streets where they fought for every ilm of progress they could. At the head of the pack and bearing the brunt of Garlemald’s countermeasures against his shield was Dromarch Byakko, a large Hrothgar decked out in full paladin armor. To his left, the Lalafell Gyome Fillome handed out graceful swordstrokes with ease using techniques learned from the samurai of the far east. Similarly, Eleanorne Hierohane flanked Dromarch on the other side, employing ninja arts with a level of skill that seemed almost effortless.

And bringing up the rear was the Miqo’te white mage Maya Capra, who wasn’t currently on speaking terms with any of them.

Even amidst the chaos of the battle, the fact that Maya had not said a word the entire time made the lot of them incredibly ill at ease. “Look, she’s going to be fine,” Gyome finally said, breaking the silence. “But we’re not going to be if we’re not at least trying to communicate here.”

Maya had no response to share to this.

“Gyome’s right, you know,” Eleanorne added.

Maya glanced over. “Enemy behind.”

The Elezen made a blind throw behind her, knocking the advancing Garlean soldier to the ground. “She’s been in stickier situations before, this isn’t that much different.”

“I’m not having this conversation right now,” Maya replied, crossing her arms.

“Well we need to have some kind of conversation or else this whole assault is going to fall apart!” Gyome pressed.

Dromarch suddenly called out, rushing over to the group and pressing them all closer together beneath his shield as a rain of arrows fell all around them. “Perhaps, my friends, we could discuss this at a better time…?”

“You sent her in with no plan and no backup!” Maya snapped. “If this assault falls apart it’s going to be because one of us got the Warrior of Light killed!”

“I’ve known her just as long as you have!” Gyome fired back. “And if there’s one thing I’ve learned–”

“Oh, don’t give me that!” Maya interrupted. “It’s bad enough she defended your half-baked logic, but if you think I’m going to stand by and let another one of my friends rush to their death…!”

The white mage did not get a chance to finish her thought as the very ground beneath them began to shake, as if the city had been struck by a massive earthquake. “Oh, wonderful,” Eleanorne said, almost nonchalantly. “What fresh devilry could have caused that, some enemy superweapon?”

“No, look…!”

It was Dromarch who spotted it first, his eyes fixated on the sky. A massive plume of smoke had erupted from elsewhere in the city, hundreds of fulms high. Maya gasped, fearing the worst.

“And look!” the Hrothgar continued, pointing towards the edge of a row of buildings. “Is that…?”

Gyome gasped. “Gods, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

—

“…and that’s where our free company friends are going to come in,” finished Pipin Tarupin, ceding the floor to Gyome Fillome. The Vice Marshall of the Immortal Flames had just concluded his breakdown of the main fighting force’s plans to break through the defenses of Ala Mhigo. The ever-attentive Aigead Siorc mostly followed, but as she understood it she was going to fall under the direction of Gyome, the leader of her free company.

“Thank you, Vice Marshall.” Gyome took his fellow Lalafell’s place at the war table. “Once the gate is open, I will be leading a small force with the goal of quickly moving through the streets to retake the palace. With everything else that will be going on, we’re hoping our intention remains relatively concealed until the moment we’re on the enemy’s front steps.”

Aigead wondered what role she would fill as a part of this squad. She’d been practicing her skill with a gunblade pretty constantly while she’d been overseas with Maya Capra to help with liberating Doma. Her connection to the abyss as a dark knight was strong as ever as well. She was also sure she could do some serious damage, of course; her monk and red mage abilities were nothing to sneeze at. The only thing she wasn’t as confident at was healing, but she was sure they’d have Maya along for that.

“Our party will consist of Dromarch Byakko, present in his capacity as a paladin. Supporting us will be the white mage, Maya Capra.”

Alright, so she wouldn’t be there in the capacity of a gunbreaker or dark knight in all likelihood, if Dromarch’s already gonna be there as a paladin at least. But that would still leave–

“Eleanorne Hierohane will be joining us in her capacity as a ninja.”

Oh? If Eleanorne was going to be there and Aigead was going to go as either a monk or a red mage, possibly for backup healing capacity, then how was Gyome going to…?

“Finally, I will be present as the final member, using my skills as a samurai.”

Okay, hold up.

Aigead raised her hand. “Uh, Gyome? It was my understanding that I was going to also be involved in this operation?”

Gyome smirked a knowing smirk, as if he had anticipated that Aigead would ask this exact question. “That’s right, Aigead. Your job is of utmost importance.” The Lalafell grabbed a nearby pointer and used it to indicate a particular spot on the map in front of him. “We believe that this area of the mercantile district by the north wall is where the enemy is currently keeping their ordinance. While the rest of us go in through the east gate, you will make your way here and take out their storehouse.”

“Oh, okay!” Aigead said, excited to have been given what sounded like an incredibly important responsibility. She took another look at the map again. Based on what she could see, the east gate was really the only way in. “So, um… how am I going to do that?”

Gyome Fillome, the tactician of Tarocchi Hierophanti who had been studying these plans for weeks and knew the ins and outs of every part of the palace and every possible weakness, looked Aigead dead in the eye. “You’re going to wing it.”

A sudden murmur arose from the crowd.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Maya Capra said, her voice cutting through the subtle din. “Just what do you mean by…?”

“That will be all,” Gyome concluded. “Dismissed!”

“Gyome Fillome, you stop and speak to me this instant or I’m going to hoist you by the scruff of your neck and make you!”

Maya had followed Gyome for some ways into the hall outside the war room, calling after him again and again, but it seemed like this time she’d sounded serious enough to get him to stop. “Yes, Maya, how can I help you?”

“‘Wing it!?’ That’s it? No direction, no instruction, no way to conceivably get her in and out?”

“Maya…”

“I know the two of you haven’t gotten on in the past, but you do realize how insane this sounds, right!? You’re liable to get her killed!”

“Maya.”

“I know she’s the Warrior of Light, but even she has limits! You remember what happened the first time she fought against Zenos, how many people we lost that day? Wait, is this what that’s about!? Do you resent her for–”

“Maya!”

His raised voice managed to cut through the fog of panic rising in Maya’s mind, stopping her scolding just long enough for Gyome to get a word in edgewise.

“In all my time traveling and fighting alongside Aigead, I’ve witnessed her snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when all other plans seem to have failed and everything seems hopeless. It hasn’t been without its casualties, but… if it had happened once or twice I’d chalk it up to luck. But it keeps happening. Aigead seems to have an almost unparalleled ability to think on her feet and come up with plans that, while at times unorthodox, prove to be almost incredulously effective.” He began to turn away from Maya, intent on continuing his path down the hall. “If there’s one thing that I am entirely confident will secure our victory, it’s Aigead Siorc doing whatever she thinks is best.”

Maya didn’t like it. With every step Gyome took away from her, she liked it even less. Taking an about-face herself, she made her way back to the war room where she found Aigead continuing to study the map of the royal palace and the district that surrounded it.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Maya said as she entered the room. “I’m going to talk to Pipin, or maybe Aymeric. See if one of them can bring you into the city with their own troops.”

“Mm, nah, I think I’ll be okay.”

The casual dismissal of Maya’s concern caught the white mage off guard. “I’m sorry, you ‘think’ you’ll be ‘okay?’ Do you want to elaborate on that?”

Aigead turned to her and smiled a wild, scheming smile. “I have a cunning plan.”

It wasn’t any of the Garlean conscript’s business what was going on at the east gate. He was, after all, given strict orders under pain of death to remain at his post no matter what and keep an eye out for anything particularly suspicious.

Which isn’t to say his curiosity didn’t burn hearing all the commotion so far from his post. He wasn’t any sort of master tactician or anything, but what was the point in guarding the north wall if it seemed like the enemy had pretty clear intentions on how they wanted to get in?

And yet, somehow, between the echoes of distant shouts and commands, the conscript suddenly heard a sudden scraping noise followed by the sort of under-the-breath cursing one uses when they’re trying not to be heard. Strangely, it sounded like it had come from…

The conscript peered below through one of the windows lining the top of the walls. Below, but not so far below he couldn’t make the figure out, was what appeared to be someone clad in a Garlean uniform scaling the wall. It almost seemed like… was that a XIVth legion uniform?

“You down there!” he called out, unsure of what else to do. “Identify yourself!”

The figure looked up, allowing the conscript to get a good look at their large ears sticking out of their helmet. A Viera, then? He wasn’t aware there were any Viera conscripts this far from Dalmasca. “What are you, stupid!?” the figure called back.

He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. It certainly wasn’t what he’d expected to hear.

“God, nevermind, just… just give me a second here.”

The conscript was so befuddled by the whole situation that he did nothing to stop the climber’s ascent. As they finally reached the window and climbed through, he managed to gather his wits at long last. “Alright, listen soldier, I don’t know who you are or why you thought it was a good idea to…”

“You wanna run that by me again!?” the climber asked. “‘Soldier?’ You will address me as ‘lieutenant’ or ‘ma’am,’ are we understood?”

The conscript stammered. “I… I don’t–”

“And on that note, you wanna tell me how a member of the great army of Garlemald doesn’t notice someone scaling the walls of a stronghold for so godsdamned long!?” She was getting up in his face now, and he could see that the holes in the helmet her ears poked through seemed to have been hastily cut and not standard issue. “What would you have done if I’d been an enemy combatant? Well?”

“…we–”

There was a sudden chirp from the window. The two of them turned to see a firedrake working its way through the opening and down to the floor, eyeing the conscript. Outside, a lone blue chocobo was flapping hard to keep itself hovering level with the window.

“Oh, well that’s just great,” the self-described lieutenant said before turning back to the conscript. “And what do you intend to do about that?”

The conscript stammered again, but managed to finally collect his thoughts. “We don’t… we don’t use the rank of lieutenant in our military.”

There was a pause. The firedrake and chocobo seemed to turn to the climber, waiting for her answer.

“…well, fuck.”

With the amount of provisions and gear she’d brought along for this mission, Aigead almost didn’t have room in her chocobo’s saddlebag to put away her old Garlean disguise. “Sorry you gotta carry all this around, Hazel,” she said, finally succeeding in her struggle to button the pouch closed. The blue chocobo let out an indignant chirp in response.

A rustling noise caught Aigead’s attention and she turned to find her firedrake tugging at the leg of the conscript, still unconscious from the haymaker she’d given him moments earlier. “Vince! No, you spit that out!” she shouted, tapping the drake on the nose. Vince made a frustrated grumbling sound but dropped the man’s boot all the same.

The sound of the commotion at the east gate was getting more intense. Aigead watched as a number of flying warmachina made their way out from the royal palace in the direction of the Eorzean forces. “Alright you two, we’ve got a job to do.” She pulled her gunblade from its spot on her back and thrust it in the direction of their destination. “Let’s give it our all!”

Silence from her companions. She looked at her gunblade and, unsure of why she actually pulled it out to begin with, sheepishly placed it on her back once more. “You guys are a terrible audience.”

She hopped onto Vince’s back, not wanting to further burden Hazel, and the three of them leapt onto the roofs of the mercantile district below.

“So let me get this straight: You two just found this here.”

Aigead had managed to find a high window in the ordinance storehouse to sneak into. The place was stacked so high with boxes that she had a pretty stable foothold even as far up as she was. Far below, a trio of Garlean soldiers were investigating a large, two-wheeled vehicle covered in a thick layer of dust. With one of Hazel’s saddlebags slung over her shoulder, she took care to step quietly so as not to be noticed.

“Yes sir, it’s an honest-to-goodness SDS Fenrir. Don’t know how long it’s been here, it was buried under a good number of crates full of ceruleum tanks. Probably never would’ve been found if it hadn’t been for this damned assault,” one of the soldiers explained.

Aigead could feel her attention being pulled against her will towards the beast of a machine. It was, quite possibly, one of the most gorgeous things she’d ever seen; the curves of its exterior, its massive engine, the thick treads of its wheels– wait, was she salivating?

“Maybe we ought to take it and get out of here,” one of the other soldiers who’d found the bike suggested. “It’s not like anyone knew it was here to begin with, right? So no one’s gonna miss it.”

“I know I’m not hearing you suggest we abandon our post. You have any idea what they’d do to a deserter?” their superior replied.

Aigead very carefully lowered herself down to a lower layer of boxes, taking care not to make any errant noises lest she be discovered.

“Can’t be any worse than what’ll happen if we actually join the battle. Haven’t you heard? They say the Warrior of Light is among the enemy’s number.”

She froze. They’re… talking about her?

“The warrior of what?” the superior replied.

“You know, the eikon-slayer!” one of the soldiers replied. “You’ve heard the stories, haven’t you? About how she single-handedly ended the Dragonsong War? They call her the Gathering Storm, that any army that stands before her is wiped clean from the face of the star, like they never existed!”

A smile began to creep across Aigead’s face.

“That ain’t nothing compared to what I’ve heard,” the other soldier said. “They say the very moon and stars themselves bend to her whim!”

The superior scoffed. “What does that even mean?”

“I’m talking about destiny, man! Destiny itself conspires with her! No matter what you bring to a fight, she bests it! It’s like fate itself is her plaything!”

Okay, Aigead thought. I can’t help myself.

Leaping from her perch, the thud of Aigead’s landing caught the attention of the bickering guards. “What the–!? You there! Who are you? How did you get in here?”

Aigead chuckled. “Who am I?” she repeated back to them “Who am I?”

The guards brought their weapons to bear, unsure of what to expect. Aigead thought not to keep them waiting.

“I am she who answers when the wind cries out for justice!”

She popped the button on the saddlebag slung over her shoulder.

“She whose fate is divined by the moon and stars!”

Reaching in, she produced a large, round object, a fuse sticking out of the top.

“She who is the Gathering Storm, favored by destiny herself!”

And another. Specially made for the occasion, using Nashu’s very own recipe.

“I am the raging wildfire here to burn away the dead brush of your imperial dreams!”

The soldiers took a step back. Surely, their faces seem to say, surely she wouldn’t dare to…?

“THE GENTLEWOMAN ADVENTURER!” Aigead shouted, her voice booming. “THE WARRIOR OF LIGHT!”

She bit down on one of the fuses and pulled it back out through her teeth like a ripcord, sparking brightly as it began to burn down.

“AIGEAD SIORC!”

She tossed the bomb behind her, landing it amongst the boxes.

“Alright, you can run now. But leave the bike.”

—

Racing along the edge of the rooftops, away from the explosion and flanked by a blue chocobo and a firedrake, Maya could just make out the form of Aigead Siorce atop an absolutely beastly-looking machine. She watched the Viera scan the streets below before spying the party and taking a flying leap atop the massive bike off the side of the roof, landing ahead of them on their current path.

Vince and Hazel followed suit, landing beside her and breathing hard from the exertion. As the party approached, Aigead turned to her companions. “Great job, you two. Y’all can go have some fun now, I’ve got this from here.” As the two of them ran off to cause whatever havoc they could, Aigead turned back to the group. “So! What’d I miss?”

Maya and Gyome looked at each other. The Miqo’te furrowed her brow. “I’m still mad at you.”

[writingwithcolor]

Being an Agender, 1st-Gen Indian-American

I’m a first-generation immigrant, with both my parents being Indian immigrants. My mom immigrated to Canada before she came to America (when she was in her late twenties), and is a Canadian citizen. She was born and raised in Ahmedabad, a city in Gujarat. My dad moved to India when he was in his early twenties. He moved from Ahmedabad to Mumbai in his fifth standard, and moved from a Gujarati-medium school to an English-medium one. 

My dad is more fluent in English than my mom, though they both are fluent and speak mostly without an accent. I speak Gujarati more-or-less fluently, since that’s what we spoke at home, but I can barely even write my name. I’m Hindu, as is my family, and a strict vegetarian. I’m agender, but I use she/her and they/them pronouns. 

Beauty Standards

One of the biggest issues in the Indian-American community is the issue of body hair. I’m AFAB, so I was expected to have smooth, hairless legs and arms. The reality was rather different. Since the age of ten, I had more body hair than the boys in my class. I was mocked and called by the name of a TV animal character, whose name was a mispronunciation of my own. No one ever did anything about it. I was eight. My mother, though she meant well, pushed me into waxing and threading and other forms of hair removal since the day I turned eleven. Even now, as a fully-grown adult with my own apartment and my own life, I can’t bring myself to wear shorts or capris without having spent hours making sure my legs are smooth. Body hair is a huge issue that needs to be addressed more, and not just as a few wisps of blonde hair in the armpit region.

Food

It’s complicated. Growing up, we had thaalis (with roti, rice, sweet dal, and shaak [which is a mix of vegetables and spices]) for dinner almost every night. When we didn’t, it was supplemented with foods like pasta, veggie burgers, and khichdi. We made different types of khichdi each time, based off of different familial recipes that were all named after the family member who introduced them. My mom had to make milder food for my sister, and while my sister loves spicy foods now, I’m still not a big fan. A side effect of growing up in a non-white, vegetarian family is that no one in my family has any idea of what white non-vegetarians eat. Like, at all. It’s kind of funny, to be honest. 

Holidays/Religion

My mom is a Vaishnav, and my dad is a Brahmin, so the way they both worship is very different. My dad’s family places a huge emphasis on chanting and prayer, as well as meditation. They mostly pray to capital-G G-d, as the metaphysical embodiment of Grace. My mom’s family, however, places emphasis on– I don’t want to say “idol worship" because of the negative connotations that has– but they worship to murtis, statues that represent our gods. My mom’s favored god to pray to is Krishna, and we have murtis in our home that she performs sevato every day.

We celebrate Janmashtmi, Holi, Diwali, Ganesha Puja, Lakshmi Puja– too many to count, really. We don’t always go all-out, especially on most of the smaller celebrations, but we do try and attend the temple lectures on those days, or host our own. We also celebrate Christmas and Easter secularly. I didn’t even know Christmas was a Christian holiday until I was in elementary school, and Easter until I was in high school.

Micro-Aggressions

Whooo, boy. Where do I start?

When my sister was in first grade, she had a friend. I’ll call her Mary. Mary, upon learning that my sister was not, in fact, Christian, brought an entire Bible to school and forced my sister to read it during recess, saying that otherwise, she wouldn’t be her friend anymore. Mary kept telling my sister that she would go to hell if she didn’t repent, and that our entire family was a group of “ugly sinners.” When my sister came to me for advice, I told her that Mary wasn’t her friend, that Mary wasn’t being nice, and that my sister wasn’t going to go to hell, and that we don’t even believe in hell. When my sister finally stood up to Mary and told her that she wasn’t going to listen to her anymore, Mary got angry and dumped a mini-carton of chocolate milk on her and told her that “now she looks like what she is– a dirty [the Roma slur term].” Not only was that inaccurate, it was extremely racist, and Mary was only reprimanded for the milk-spilling, not the racist remark that came with it. 

On top of that, since I have long hair, I’m always getting asked if so-and-so can touch it, or what I do to get it so long, or why I allow myself to be “shaped by such backwards ideals of women.” My name is never pronounced correctly, and I’ve been asked to give people my “American name” to be called by instead of my actual name. I’ve been called a terrorist, asked why I wasn’t wearing a hijab (by white people btw), and mocked for my food. I’ve been told that I wasn’t “really Indian” because I didn’t have a dot on my forehead. I’ve been told I wasn’t “really Hindu” because I had milk on my plate, by a white boy whose mom was a leader of a local choir.

I grew up in a town where only 4-5% of the population was South Asian, and there were a total of five South Asians in my grade level. The school administration consistently and intentionally placed us in different classes, and I never made a friend that was South Asian until 7th grade. When I came to the school, I was placed in ESOL without even being tested, while also being in the Advanced Readers class. The school didn’t even care to look at my school records before placing me into ESOL based on the color of my skin. 

Things I’d Like to See Less/More Of

I’d like to see less of the “nerd” stereotype, of the “weak, nonathletic” stereotype. I’d like to see less of the “prude” stereotype, of the “I hate my culture/feel I don’t belong” stereotype. I’d like to see less of the “rebellion” stereotype, of the “my parents are so strict and I hate them” stereotype. I never want to see the “unwanted arranged marriage” trope. Ever.

I want to see bulky, tall Indian characters. I’d like to see Indian characters confident in their sexuality, whether that’s not having sex (for LEGITIMATE reasons like risk of STDs, general awkwardness before and after The Deed, and wanting to wait, not “oh my parents said so and also I’m sheltered and innocent”), or having a new sexual partner every night.

I want Indian characters (especially children/teens!!!) proud of their culture and their heritage and their religion, whether that’s Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, or anything else. I want to see supportive Indian parents, I want to see more than chiding Indian grandmothers and strict Indian fathers. I want to see healthy arranged marriages, or healthy mixed-marriages. I want to see mixed Indian-POC couples, I want to see queer Indian couples.

I want to see body hair on female-presenting characters, I want to see more of India that isn’t “bustling market with the scent of spices in the air” and “poor slums rampant with disease” and “Taj Mahal”. I want to see casual mentions of prayer and Hinduism and Indian culture (a short “My mom’s at the temple, she can’t come pick us up” or a “what is it? i’m in the middle of a holi fight! eep! ugh, gulaab in my mouth” over a phone call, or a “she won’t answer until 12– she’s in her Bharatnatyam class/Gurukul class/doing seva/at the temple” would suffice). I want to see more Indian languages represented than just Hindi. There’s Tamil, Gujarati, Marathi, Nepali, and Kashmiri, just off the top of my head. The language your character speaks depends on the place they come from in India, and they might not even speak Hindi! (I don’t!)

I hate that Indian culture is reduced to “oppressive, strict, and prudish” when it's so much more than that. I hate that Indians are stereotyped to the point where it is a norm, and the companies reinforcing these stereotypes don’t take responsibility for their actions and don’t change. I hate the appropriation of Indian culture (like yoga, pronounced “yogh”, not “yo-gaaa” fyi, the Om symbol, meditation, and Shri Ganapathidada) and how normalized it is in Western society. 

This ended up a lot longer than I had expected, but I hope it helps! Good luck with your writing :)

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[suchalonelysunflower]

Take Your Feelings, Put Them Into a Song (A.I)

Pairing: Ashton Irwin x Wallows! Fem! Reader

Requested: yes!

Summary: Y/N Sixx, bassist from the famous band Wallows, is helping 5SOS write their latest album CALM. If only she could keep her crush on the drummer under control…

Warnings: Fluff. Language. Some grammatical errors (English is not my first language, I’m sorry)

Word Count: 4.6 k

Author’s Note: IM BACK! Remember that Reblogs, Likes, Comments and Feedback are very important! You have no idea how much they help 💕 Hope you like it and Happy Reading 🦋🌻✨

My materialist // wanna be part of my tag list?

anon: Can you do a one-shot where the reader was born on 1996 and she’s the daughter of Nikki Sixx and Brandi Brandt and it’s the bassist and songwriter of Wallows (…) and she helps 5sos write songs for the album CALM and starts dating Ashton and the fans go nuts (in a good way) with shipping? There’s no drama like it was in EUH

It was another boring day in the studio and you would literally prefer to do anything else than to listen to Cole talk about the last date he had instead of working on your new song. But inspiration was lacking between you and your bandmates and you really had no other choice since you already took that time on the studio’s schedule.

One would believe that you would be used to dull times in the studio, having spent a lot of time on them while growing up with your parents, but boredom was a cruel crime inside your head and today your patience was running thin.

“Hey, peanut!” Dylan called your attention “Everything good there?”

You were laying on the sofa, looking at the ceiling for some kind of saving grace, but Dylan’s voice brought you back to your reality.

“Are we going to get something done today?” You asked with a sigh, with your eyes still glued to the ceiling “Cause we are really just wasting time by now and I don’t think Cole’s last fling will bring any kind of inspo into our little group”

“Hey!” Cole protested, earning a chuckle from Braeden.

“Whatever,” You said, already getting up from your spot “I’m going to take a walk”

You took a deep breath once you closed the door to your private room. You loved the guys, you really do, but sometimes people can be too much, especially people who you spend every single day and hour with.

Memories from the past year started to fill your mind and you smiled when thinking about how much your little band has grown. Wallows was now everywhere, you created a name for yourself without using your parent’s influence and you were so damn proud of that, yet when moments like these come around - the moments where you just need to breathe to escape the reality for just a while - you start to reflect on every choice you made and if they were the right ones.

It’s the overthinking that got you to write those first lyrics in the first place, the ones that were put into songs and now were, somehow, all over TikTok with thousands of people relating to them. So maybe, overthinking now might not be such a bad idea after all.

“It’s a terrible idea if you think about it for more than one minute, mate”

You stopped in your tracks when you heard that voice, thinking that maybe you were finally going crazy or someone could’ve read your mind. But it wasn’t until you heard someone else answer that you realized it was a conversation.

“Well, I don’t know what to do with it anymore!”

You turned your head to the left and smiled when you saw the little sign that said “5SOS now in session. DO NOT DISTURB” And realized that your other favorite boys were back in town.

Of course you ignored the sign and knocked on the door a couple of times before opening it shamelessly.

“Well, well, well…” You said with a teasing smile as you leaned over the door frame “If it isn’t my second favorite Aussie band”

The faces of two of the members of said band light up once they realize it was you, quickly getting up to wrap you in a hug.

“Mini Sixx!” Calum said, ruffling his hand through your hair “About time you came to visit us”

You pushed him and Luke away from you “And you should’ve told me you’re back from your break! I could’ve escaped Dylan and the other minions earlier”

“Rough session?” Luke asked, seating down and patting the place next to him for you to sit on.

“Oh, you have no idea”

You loved the 5sos guys, it was impossible not to. Ever since you met them at a label party in 2015 when you were introduced to them because you were the same age as half of the group, you knew that they were made to be on the stage.

It was easy to become their friend, given their welcoming attitude and easy-going smiles even before they found out who your parents were. It was nice for a change not to be Y/N Sixx, daughter of the famous bassist of Mötley Crüe and famous Playboy doll Brandi Brandt, for a moment and just be Y/N, a bassist that had a lot to give to the world. And with the boys you didn’t even have to try to be someone you were not, with them everything was just so… real.

Just like now, where you were allowed to complain about your lovely bandmates to them and they would complain just as well, with no judgment nor responsibilities, just three friends letting out some steam due to the stress of your careers.

“-And basically we don’t know what else to do with the song” Luke finished his rant on the missing piece of their new song for their next album.

“And you have the lyrics ready?”

“Yeah, me and my girl wrote it a few weeks ago but the melody is just…”

“It’s missing something” Calum finished for him with a sigh.

You hummed “Can I see it?”

The two Australians got to work, playing the song with the piano and the guitar and you came to the conclusion that they were right: there was something big missing.

“So it’s a ballad,” You said, thinking of ways to fix it.

“Technically yes, but when you play it like that it sounds incomplete and the lyrics won’t work with another type of rhythm” Luke sighed “We’ve been at it for days now.”

You stayed quiet for a while, reviewing the lyrics and melody more carefully now, analyzing the situation with different approaches but without getting anywhere. It was a beautiful song, it truly was, but it needed something else, something that could create a “boom” sensation for whoever was listening.

Something like…

“Hey guys, have you finished with the- Oh, Hey, Y/N/N!” Ashton said, opening the door and finding you with his bandmates in deep concentration.

Bingo.

“Uh, why are you smiling at me like that?” Ashton asked you with a chuckle, but you didn’t even address him as you turned to Luke and Calum.

“It needs drums”

“What?” The three men said in unison. You rolled your eyes and snatched the notes from Calum’s lap and started to sing the melody.

“Here!” You pointed out “In this part, before finishing the first chorus: I already made, already made that…” And then you started to make drum noises and movements with your arms for them to get the idea.

In a matter of seconds, Luke got up from his seat and walked towards you, taking the notes from you and reviewing them with new eyes, smiling as he got the idea.

“Ha!” He laughed loudly, “You’re a fucking genius!”

“Thank you,” You said with a smug smile as you, Calum and Luke started to discuss the arrangements.

“Wait, hold up” Ashton interrupted the chatter “Y/N, I appreciate you trying to help and no offense and all but I think this isn’t your place to just decide something like that,” He said, pointing to the three of you.

You rolled your eyes. You’ve dealt with stubborn people before, but Ashton did take a spot on your top three and you knew just how to handle him.

“Wow,” You said sarcastically with a teasing smile “One would think that by being half of the rhythm section you would have more… I don’t know, rhythm?”

Ashton crooked an eyebrow and you and you knew you had him in the bag “I just don’t think-”

“You don’t think?” You said, getting up from your chair and walking up to him to be almost chest to chest. You looked up to his eyes and challenged him “Or you just can’t handle the fact that I might’ve had a better idea than you”

You could see by the sparkle in his eyes that he has taken the challenge to heart. He took a step closer to you, almost pressing his body completely against yours, and smirked.

“Want me to prove you wrong, princess?” He teased but you didn’t back up.

“I’d like to see you try, darling”

Ashton’s smirk widened as he took a step back, turning his head towards Luke and Calum who were watching the scene with intrigued eyes and knowing smiles “Get your asses back in the recording booth”

He followed them as they walked into the big recording space they had, but not before sending you a wink seconds after he closed the door.

You were thankful he didn’t see you blush.

Once they were all set with their instruments - Calum on the keys, Luke on the guitar, and Ashton behind his drum set - You pressed the buttons of the console that would make it possible for you to hear them at the other side of the mirrored glass.

“Okay boys, show me what you got”

*

You became an official 5SOS songwriter after that day and even Ashton had to admit that you were adding so much more to the band lyrics and melodies since you started to work with them.

Every day you would find yourself walking towards their studio after your band’s session and you start to work wherever they left off. It was a simple dynamic that worked wonders for everyone and after every session, you would get even more inspired to write your own music for Wallows, so it was a win-win situation, not to mention, spending time with your new co-workers; especially a particular drummer that grew closer to you that you would’ve ever imagined.

When you first met the band you hit it off pretty quickly with Luke and Calum, them being the same age as you and having pretty much the same interests; then came Michael that shared a similar sense of humor with you and with whom you discussed videogames with. But Ashton was always the one that you consciously tried to not get too close to.

In all honesty, he intimidated you but not in a bad way. He was smart, talented, and super funny, not to mention also ridiculously handsome. But he was also stubborn, a little bit egotistical, and the only one that could keep up with you in a battle of wits, teasing, and sarcasm. And you knew that if you mixed that all together it might mean trouble, especially when he smiled at you like that.

Of course you had a crush on him, who wouldn’t? But the fact is that you know what it is like to date in the industry and having feelings for a member of another pretty famous band might bring some tension to the table, so it was safer to play the crushing card and just stay friends. Or at least that’s what you tell yourself every day since you started to see him regularly and spend more time with him than with any other of the two bands.

Speaking of…

“Earth to Y/N?” Called Braeden waving a hand in front of your face “Is anybody there?”

You blinked a few times before pushing his hand away with a scoff “Very funny, B. What’s up?”

“You spaced out again” Cole added, fidgeting with his drumsticks “Just when we were going to start complimenting you on that bass line you wrote the other day…”

You smiled as you threw a pillow at him that he was able to easily dodge “Sorry, I was just-”

“Thinking about a particular drummer again?” Dylan teased, to which Cole added.

“I knew it wouldn’t take long for you to fall in love with me”

You searched for other pillows and started to throw them at your band members, giggling as they started to throw them back at you and starting an improvised pillow fight in the middle of the recording booth.

“Hey, Y/N/N! I was wondering if you-” Ashton’s sentence was cut short as he opened the door and took in the scene that was in front of him.

You were so busy chasing Breaden with a pillow on each hand and a devilish smile that you didn’t even notice when the door opened or that Ashton was standing there, smiling at you with his arms crossed as you aimed at your bandmate's head.

“Oh look, peanut!” Dylan said teasingly “You knight in shiny armor is here to-” But before he could say anything more embarrassing, you threw a pillow directly at his face to shut him out.

You quickly turned your head to Ashton who was fairly amused by your battle skills and smiled at him.

“Hey!” You said breathlessly after chasing down the others.

“Hi,” He smiled back “Am I interrupting something or?”

“Nah, you’re good,” You said, throwing one last pillow at your three friends that stood in a corner blowing teasing kisses and puppy eyes at the two of you “These assholes and I are done for the day” You commented before said assholes started to pout and complain, but you were already out the door before they could say something embarrassing again.

“So…” Ashton trailed off, starting to walk alongside you with his hands in his front pockets.

“So,” You said, drifting your eyes from him and praying to the universe that he didn’t hear anything or else it would make the blush on your face even pinker “You needed me for something?”

You wanted to get the topic of work right there in the open as soon as possible, not wanting him to notice how nervous you got when you were alone with him. At least when you were talking about work you leveled the ground in some parts.

“Actually, I’m going home early today” He smiled softly “Luke and the guys are working on a love song that’s just way too happy and butterflies - in - your -stomach like and I didn’t think they needed me there if I can’t bring nothing to the table”

“You’re not a lovey-dovey feeling kinda guy?” You teased by bumping your arm with his, earning a “hey” from him “I actually get it, I’m not that kind of person either”

“It’s not like I don’t like it, it’s just that-”

“You process your emotions differently, and it’s easier to write those when you think of love in other stages and/or mixed with other complex emotions because-”

“Love is not just one-sided! Yes!” Ashton celebrated, amazed that you could understand what he was saying “I knew you would get it”

That comment made your cheeks heat up as you looked at him, all dimpled smiles and light chuckled as he looked at you with sparkly hazel eyes. Oh no…

“Well,” You said, breaking that little moment “If they are going to work on that all day then I guess I would head home, too. I don’t think I’ll be able to provide anything else either”

“Actually,” Ashton said as he stopped in the middle of the hall leading to the exit, making you stop as well and turn to him “I was wondering if you would want to get some coffee with me now that we are both free. Of course, if you really are free and have nothing else to do and want to actually drink coffee or tea… or maybe not and you’re not that type of person and-”

“Are you asking me out?”

Ashton stopped his rambling and looked at you with an incredulous smile and lightly blushed cheeks.

“I- well, yeah,” He said shyly “Yeah, I am”

You smiled and softly chuckled “Look at the famous drummer all nervous” You teasingly took a step closer to him, not knowing where this confidence was coming from, and he did the same “It’s just me, you know?”

“And that’s exactly the reason why”

“Do I make you nervous, darling?”

“Let’s say that if it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have rambled like that, princess”

You pressed your lips in a thin line and smiled as you looked away from him, blushing like a teenager on her first date.

“So…” You trailed off.

“So?”

“Lead the way”

*

From that moment both of your routines changed once again. Now you took time off the studio at least two times a week to go with Ashton on those small friendly dates as he took you out for coffee or just simple but meaningful talks.

Soon enough you lost all the doubts that made you nervous around him, seeing how easy it was to talk to him and how much you had in common in more aspects than just music. You became more comfortable around him and your level of teasing and playing grew alongside your relationship, not to mention the level of teasing and playing you received from your band members and the other 3 Aussies who joined in on all the fun.

You were used to blushing and dismissing comments about your - undeniable - crush on the drummer, but Ashton didn’t seem to be affected by them at all. On the contrary, Ashton played along and even seemed like he was enjoying it. Like in one particular occasion where you were working on a song together and Michael said:

“Oh my god, date her already!”

Ashton didn’t blink an eye before responding “I’m trying! But she just wants to focus on the harmonies”

And you’d be lying if you said that didn’t put a smile on your face.

Yet, you kept it all professional while being in the studio; no need to mix your personal lives with whatever was going on down there, that’s why those coffee runs were your favorites.

It was an unspoken rule between the two of you that “work-talk” was forever banned from those outings.

“So what are we going to talk about?” You asked him the first time you went into his favorite coffee shop.

“Us” He simply answered, unaware of the butterflies he just set in your stomach.

“Us?”

“Yeah, I want to get to know you better, princess. Who is Y/N Sixx?”

“Who is Ashton Irwin?”

“I asked first”

“I asked second” You countered

Ashton smiled widely “You think you’re clever…”

“It doesn’t matter what I think” You answered, casually sipping on your coffee “I know I’m clever just like I know you like me that way”

You were testing the waters back then, hiding the shaking of your knees under the table as you longed to know how he felt about it. But the way he smiled and how he blushed a little bit made all your fears go away.

“Yeah, that I do”

Your cheeks turned red whenever you reminisced about that moment - or any moment that you spent with Ashton for that matter - which gave you the perfect idea for a song.

“I don’t want to kill my time with somebody else…” You hummed to yourself as you wrote down what you think is the chorus to a new song.

You told Ashton that you were not the type to write silly love songs or very uplifting songs; but there was something in that memory, something in that feeling that you couldn't ignore or just let it be without doing something about it. So, you started to write it.

You couldn't separate the feeling from the art, after all, feelings were what led you to dedicate your life to music. People would say it was because of your parent’s influence but they had little to nothing to do with your decision. This was you, the authentical you writing whatever came to mind and then sharing it with the world and only a few people will get it in its entirety. And surely Ashton was one of them.

“Dadadada something, want you all to myself”

“Wacha doing there, princess?”

Speaking of the devil.

Ashton smiled at you as he hunched over the table you were working on, trying to peek at what you were writing. You lifted the notebook and pressed it against your chest faking offense as he giggled.

“Didn’t your mother taught you not to sneak up on people, darling?” You asked as he walked around your workspace and sat himself down on the chair next to you “Besides, you’re late. You were supposed to meet me here like half an hour ago!”

“Aww, sorry Sixx” Ashton pouted “But there were no chocolate chip cookies left in the shop so I had to go around town to get you some” He then put a bag of freshly made cookies on top of the table with a cup filled with coffee.

“You didn’t have to do that, you know?”

“Of course I did! You always only eat chocolate chips cookies in the afternoon”

He started to giggle again, ignoring the way you were looking at him “How did you know that?”

“C’mon, Y/N/N, every time we go for coffee you order two, one for the coffee and another one for the road. And every time we cater something you never touch anything but those cookies”

“I never knew you were so observant”

Ashton shrugged “I just pay attention if I like what I see,” He said nonchalantly with a wink, making you blush instantly, but you covered it up with an eye roll.

“God, you’re terrible” You scoffed.

“I’m honest!” You shook your head and went back to writing, but Ashton was not going to let that go so easily. “Look, how else could I know that you always put an extra bag of sugar in your coffee?”

“‘Cause I always drink the same thing,” You said without looking up from your notebook.

“Yeah, a mocha latte with extra chocolate drizzle and no foam. Honestly, how can you handle that much sugar?” You were about to answer but he caught you off. “But that’s not all you drink, whenever you have a bad day you always order a cup of mango and ginger tea because that’s your mother’s favorite drink and it helps you calm down. You also don’t want anyone to know that you’re having a bad day but the minute someone looks away your smile starts to flatter until you’re back in the conversation”

You stopped the writing completely as you turned to him, suddenly feeling how your heart started to jump all over your chest as he kept talking, eyes never leaving yours as he gave you a soft smile, almost as if he was remembering all those moments with you.

“You draw flowers on the corner of your notebooks whenever you feel bored. You love the sad songs on the radio and you know every single word to Lorde’s Melodrama, yet every time you have to choose a playlist you put 2000’s pop and R&B songs because it hypes you up. You hate awkward silences unless you are the one being quiet. You help Dylan dye his hair every time he asks you to because you would trust each other with your lives, you give Cole relationship advice because you care about him and he always appreciates your advice more than anyone’s and Braeden is your best friend because you always say that he is one of the few people that could make you laugh in a bad day and you have no idea how much I want to be included in that list”

“Ashton-”

“You write better with dim light, it helps you concentrate on your work. You say you don’t believe in astrology yet you check your horoscope every day. You want to make sure that everyone has a good time and feels included, that’s why you always make conversations with Micahel about games you never even heard before or let Luke braid your hair when he’s bored or how you switched topics when you noticed that Calum was not engaging as much in a conversation. You literally take care of everyone but you never let anyone take care of you, and when we do you get all shy and you blush as you say thank you and you have no idea how fucking adorable you look”

You sat there speechless as he spoke. You felt the back of your throat dry as you tried to find the right words to answer all of that.

It was too much. The fact that he knew all of that and how he said it like he was just talking about his favorite things in the world, it was just too much but at the same time, you want to hear him say that again.

A weird sense of joy and shyness came over you as he set his hazel eyes on yours. You gave him a small smile as you averted your gaze to the floor.

“Wow, I-” You started “I never thought someone noticed all that”

“How could I not?” You heard him say “You’re all I can think about and to say that I don’t notice you is like saying I don’t notice the sun in the sky or the stars at night. You’re the brightest light out there, Y/N, you shine everywhere you go”

You noticed how he pulled his chair closer to you and suddenly you felt how your chair started to slowly turn his way until you were face to face.

Ashton carefully placed his fingers under your chin and tilted your head until you were finally looking into his eyes again.

“There she is!” He smiled when he noticed your blushing cheeks and gleaming eyes.

“What do you mean when you say I’m all you think about?” You asked expectantly, curling your fingers nervously on top of your thighs.

Ashton chuckled. “Well, if you didn’t notice, I really fucking like you, Y/N”

You looked up at him, smiling with hopeful eyes and feeling as if a weight was lifted off your chest thanks to the joy you were experiencing while hearing those words.

“You do?”

“Unless you don’t like me back and I just spilled my feelings for nothing-” You smacked him playfully in the arm “Ouch! I’m kidding! Of course I like you! Fuck, Y/N I’ve been falling for years now and I thought I was being pretty obvious”

You laughed “I thought you were just playing!”

In an instant, Ashton pulled your chair closer and grabbed you by the hip, lifting you up and making you sit on his lap as he hugged you by the waist and you placed your arms around his neck.

“I’ve never been more serious in my life,” He said, “I’ll do anything to prove it”

“Well,” You said, pressing a kiss to his cheek and knocking your forehead to his “How about you help me finish this song and then you take me on a date? Cause I’ve been falling for you, too and I don’t want to waste any more time”

Ashton hummed as he nuzzled his nose against your cheek, kissing it softly as he murmured “Will I get to kiss my princess at midnight?”

“Maybe… or you can take your chances now if you’d like”

He smiled.

“I like those odds”

And just before you know it, he softly pressed his lips against yours; finally creating a happy beginning for the two of you.

Instagram Posts

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tags: @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @mystic-232 @talksoprettyjjx @theshyspy @hoodhoran @flaneurcth @notinthesameguey @bubblegum18 @irwin-fletcher-ash @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @1980holland @wiiildflowerrr @hoplessromantic727 @fivesecondsofonedirection @another-lonely-heart @aabc5sauce @dudethisiswhyyoudonthavefriends @major5sosstan @5sos-imagine @SunflowerAngel2123 @perfectnouis @in-superbloom @lukeisstillapenguin @sadcupofcoffee @superstarmarvel @personalmuyverypersonal @ashtonsunflower @nicebasscalum @calumspupils @secretsicanthideanymore @the-ghost-of-luke @alltimesos @girlwhosimps @wontlastimokwiththat @ttinahood @lukespitinmymouth @perfectnouis

[skeezsbbygirl]

dive + bang chan

hello lovelies! \ (•◡•) / im sorry it took so long for me to post another scenario since i had to deal with school stuff :/ this is for anon who requested for a crush!chan, i hope you enjoy!!

REQUEST BOX IS CLOSED. 

"-and that's why I'm never skipping training."

You could faintly hear Felix's rant in the background -- something about having to train harder and longer during the week in payment of skipping three days worth of swim practice. But your mind was too preoccupied with the sight you were met with as soon as you entered the university's swim center, and no, you weren't gawking at the intricate details -- which probably cost a fortune -- that embellished the swimming grounds, it was more of a someone who caught your attention.

"They're here!" Jisung cheered from the farther edge of the olympic-size pool. "Lix!" Chris called out for the boy beside you, who was still cursing the older male under his breath and possibly in his head too, as you could just imagine him mentally listing off ways to push the black-haired male into the pool, judging by the look on your best friend's face.

"He can swim, you idiot," you deadpanned which caused Felix to stop in his tracks, staring at you in shock. "How did you even?" he asked, voice softening as his eyebrows contorted in confusion. Instead of giving him an answer, you lightly smacked his right arm, earning a yelp from the male. "Don't even think about it," you playfully scolded him.

"Today was arm day," he complained as he rubbed the spot where your hand met his flesh a few seconds ago. "I'm sorry, but you knew you had that one coming," you replied. "Are you psychic or something?" Felix questioned, his attention still on you with his hand still rubbing the same spot.

You just rolled your eyes at him as you neared Felix's teammates, sitting beside Jeongin and Seungmin, who immediately made room for you the moment Jisung acknowledged -- well practically announced -- your presence as you stepped foot inside the swim center. You were met with a chorus of various greetings, to which you smiled and waved in return. "Hey, you haven't been visiting us for a while," Seungmin noted and the other boys agreed. And in that moment, you quickly tried to rack your brain with a plausible excuse. "I'm a med student and finals are coming up, what do you expect?" you joked.

"I think Chan-hyung can help. He has a lot of spare time nowadays," Hyunjin offered, shooting a knowing look towards your direction. You almost choked on your saliva, but you managed to regain your composure and shrug off Hyunjin's attempt to embarass you infront of the whole team, especially infront a certain someone.

"Yeah, (y/n). I took some of the courses that you have now," Chris agreed, totally oblivious to what the younger male was hinting at, which made you breathe a sigh of relief. "I might have to take your offer," you paused as you shifted your gaze towards Felix and his run away accomplices, "But it seems like you have your hands full."

Everybody, except for Chris, Minho, and Seungmin, groaned in annoyance. "You didn't have to remind him," Changbin whined.

Chris chuckled at the younger one's response. "They got an earful from coach this morning. He’ll be supervising them during training, which means I have some time to kill."

"I'll let you know," you flashed him a small smile, biting the insides of your cheek in your attempt to suppress a full grin.

At this point, Hyunjin could've just blurted out that you had been catching feelings for their team's captain.

Chris, better known as Chan to his teammates, was the swim team's captain. He was quite popular alongside his teammates as he broke records, did well in his academic endeavors, and practically looks like a living embodiment of a god -- so needless to say, he attracts a lot of attention.

A year ago, you didn't think that you'd actually have a chance at being in the same circle of friends, but with Felix being your best friend and making it on the team, you were immediately welcomed into their group. You got to know more about them, way past those senseless rumors thrown around the campus. A few months into hanging out with them, you guys looked out for each other like family, but you saw Chris in a different light. He might have dropped hints here and there, but you weren't really sure if he was being playful or serious.

Sure, he'd ask you to hang out with him once in a while and he treats you sweetly. But, maybe he was being friendly? Or worse, maybe he just saw you like a little sister?

However, the both of you had gotten even closer over the past few weeks, since Chris has been teaching you how to swim. You took up his offer in order to skip your swimming classes next semester, but this would only be possible if a member from the team taught you the course and gave you a pass. It was a win-win situation, you lessen your load next semester and you get to spend more time with Chris.

"Alright boys, let's do some laps," Chris commanded, making his teammates sigh in defeat, following his orders nonetheless. "You sure you're okay here, (y/n)?" Chris asked you as he got up from his seat. You nodded, "Yeah, don't worry."

Two hours passed and the boys were finally done, all showered and ready to head home. "Bub, let's go. I'll walk you to your dorm," Felix spoke as he approached you, grabbing your bag for you and helping you up from your seat with his free hand. "I'll see you guys tomorrow," Felix turned towards his teammates. "Bye guys," you smiled and waved, the guys happily returned your gesture and told you to head home safely.

"I'll let you know," Felix mocked you in his best impression of your voice as soon as you guys exited the building, referring to your interaction with Chris a couple of hours ago. "I do not sound like that," you gasped, faking an offended expression. Felix laughed and continued his comical representation of you. "But seriously, ask him out already, " he said, assertion evident in his tone. "If it were that easy, we'd be dating for three months now," you argued. "It is that easy. I'm pretty sure hyung likes you back," Felix insisted, still set on convincing you to confess.

"Alright, I'll think about it, okay?"

[Two days later...]

The library was less congested during the early hours and considering that it was a Sunday, most students are out cold -- either passed out in their bed due to lack of sleep within the whole week or passed out due to a hangover. You settled for a seat at the second floor, near the computer section, making it easier for you to access the printers in case you needed to print out reviewers that you missed. Once you got your stuff laid out, you started your task.

A few hours into your self-proclaimed study session, a hand gently placed a drink on your desk, causing you to look up at the owner.

"Chris."

You greeted him with a smile as you gestured for him to take a seat beside you. "I figured you'd be here," he said, a light chuckle erupting from his lips. He carefully slid the takeout coffee cup closer to you. "Chai tea, it's good for you," he claimed. You muttered a 'thank you' and sipped the warm drink, which instantly spread throughout your body, allowing you to relax and ease some of the tension that was collectively gathering on your shoulders.

"Training?" you asked as you noted Chris' attire, the team's signature sweater, black shorts, and black vans. "Yeah, I'm heading out in twenty minutes," he replied and you nodded. "But I decided to stop by and check to see if you were here, and maybe ask you to hang out later," he added and quickly averted your gaze as a sheepish smile formed on his lips.

“Yeah, I’m down,” you agreed, taking another sip of the drink that was in your possession, suddenly finding the cup interesting -- your attempt to conceal the blush that dusted your cheeks. 

Chris cleared his throat and stood up. “Cool, well I should get going before the boys accuse me of being late,” he said. A soft laugh escaped your lips, knowing full well that the boys would try anything to evade their punishment and pin it on their captain. “I’ll see you later,” you replied, flashing him a smile as he did the same and went on his way.

A couple of hours later, you decided to conclude your study session and head back to your dorm. As soon as you stepped out from the building, a message notification from your phone stopped you in your tracks.

[Chris]: 7 pm at the swim center, bring a change of clothes

[You]: another swimming lesson??

[Chris]: you’ll see ;) i’ll pick you up, beautiful.

[You]: alright, see you later :)

[Chris]: later, bub

You smiled at your phone. This is what you mean by Chris’ actions hinting at something that crossed the line of being a good friend. Sure, Felix -- even Hyunjin and Jisung -- calls you a nickname every once in a while, but with Chris, it comes off different, it feels different. You feel butterflies in your stomach every time he graces you with a sweet gesture. 

But you try to push those feelings and fantasies away, not wanting to expect anything from him and end up getting disappointed, or maybe end up hating him for not reciprocating your feelings. After all, Chris is a nice guy, you’re pretty sure he’s just looking out for you as a friend, plus he probably just wanted to get your swimming course done and over with.

The time he had set for you both to meet quickly rolled by as you were now walking alongside Chris, your bag hung from his shoulders as he insisted on carrying it for you when he came and picked you up from your dorm.

“Go change, I’ll wait here,” Chris said, handing you your things and walking off towards the bleachers where his gym bag was settled. 

Soon, Chris was leading you towards the pool, taking off his shirt before jumping into the water. He extended a hand for you to take and you easily complied, feeling his grip tighten as you sit at the edge of the pool, carefully easing yourself into the water.

As you landed, you came face to face with Chris. You averted your gaze from him and cleared your throat.

“Today’s the last day of your course, by the way,” Chris spoke, your hand still within his hold. “Really? Already?” you exclaimed, looking up at him. “Yeah, so do your best,” he answered.

You nodded earnestly, wanting to make him proud in a way and of course, getting to get a free pass for your swimming class next semester. 

Chris went over the whole course that night, asking you every now and then if you had anything that you wanted to clarify. He showed you various techniques and tips on how to swim better in order to prevent yourself from getting injured. 

“Your posture on that last lap was better,” Chris complimented as you demonstrated the last pointer he gave you. “Thank you, captain,” you teased, which earned you a laugh from the male. 

You eased yourself up on the side of the pool, with your legs still in contact with the water. “Chris, thank you for doing this,” you beamed and as you spoke, Chris approached you, his hands coming up to your knees as he settled himself between your legs. Your eyes widened at his sudden movement, not sure where your hands should go so you opted to place them at your sides.

“Anything for my favorite girl,” Chris answered.

You stared at him wide-eyed, unsure of how to respond. What was he up to?

“Chris, stop joking around,” you replied as you lightly hit his arm in a joking manner. And as you did, Chris caught your hand and placed it on his shoulder, repeating the same motion on your other hand. He moved closer, his face now inches away from yours.

“I’m serious, (y/n),” Chris stated as he snaked his arms around your waist. “You know I didn’t just sign up for this in order to help you. I did this because I wanted to get to know you better, I wanted to be close to you, I wanted your attention,” he added, his brown orbs staring intently at yours -- desperately trying to convince you that he was dead serious. He wouldn’t play with your feelings like that, no way.

“You had my attention since day one, dummy,” you breathed out. “I like you a lot, Chris.”

Upon hearing your confession, Chris broke into a cheesy grin. The tip of his ears turning red as he giggled from embarrassment. “I like you a lot too, (y/n),” he responded, leaning an inch closer to rest his forehead on yours. He stared down at your lips, making your breath hitch.

“Can I?”

You nodded and he then closed the gap between the two of you. You could feel your senses going into overdrive as he kissed you, softly at first, and then with a shift of intensity that evoked new sensations you never thought existed or at least, those that you never thought you would be capable of feeling.

You pulled away first. Chris’ eyes were hazy, his facial expression mirroring yours as you looked at him with such affection.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he planted a peck on your forehead. “Well, you’re ethereal,” you replied, making Chris chuckle. He leaned in for another kiss, but you turned away, making him kiss your cheek instead. Chris looked at you in confusion.

“I would really like to kiss you again, but I’m getting cold,” you giggled. “Right, of course,” Chris agreed as he pulled away from your embrace, easing himself out of the pool and coming to your aid as he stood you up.

After an hour or so, the both of you finally exited the center with your hands in his. You shuddered as the night breeze grazed your skin. Chris noticed and stopped you in your tracks. He gently dropped your bags on the ground as he pulled a black hoodie from his bag.

“Arms up, babygirl,” he ordered, sliding the said article of clothing over your head and letting it fall onto your frame. “Better?” he asked while he fixed your hair, tugging some of the strands that were caught within the fabric. “Yeah, thanks,” you replied, giving him a quick kiss on the lips.

“So, do I get a pass on the course?” you questioned as the both of you continued your walk towards your dorm. Chris hummed in thought, “Under one condition.”

“And that is?” you asked, raising one eyebrow at him. “You say yes to being my girlfriend,” he answered, making you blush. “I thought the answer was already obvious,” you stated. “I wanted to hear it from you, though,” Chris insisted.

“Yes, Chris. I’ll be your girlfriend.”

“What was that?”

“I said yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

“I can’t hear you, (y/n).”

You playfully rolled your eyes at him and walked ahead, leaving him a few feet behind you. 

“Babyyyy,” Chris called for you, kissing your cheek as he caught up with your pace. “I was just kidding,” he cooed. “And since you’re my girl, you have to be present in all of my swim meets from now on,” he added. “First row seat?” you asked to which Chris nodded in response. “Finally!” you cheered as Chris beamed at your reaction.

“You excited to see me up close?” he asked, a cocky grin forming on his lips, certain that you would agree, but you decided otherwise.

“No. I’ve always wanted to see Hyunjin up close,” you deadpanned and Chris’ grin fell, only to be replaced with a small pout. You bit your bottom lip in order to suppress the smile that was tugging on your lips. You eventually gave in when you heard Chris’ reply.

“It’s the way he throws his hair back, huh?”

You let out a laugh. “You see right through me,” you gasped, placing a hand on your chest as you faked a shocked expression. Chris gave you a look which halted your comical antics. “Alright, I’ll stop,” you said.

“My eyes will only be on you, I promise,” you assured, tugging at Chris’ sleeve in order to make him lean down, grabbing the opportunity to plant a kiss on his lips as he complied with your gesture. “It better be,” he replied and pulled you closer to him.

[The next day...]

“Nice hoodie, (y/n),” Jisung noted as you approached their table at the cafeteria with Chris by your side, who was holding two trays of food. The boys immediately looked up and cheered upon hearing Jisung’s teasing. “Fucking finally,” Felix exclaimed, “I thought I’d have to lock you guys up and force you to confess to each other,” he added dramatically which earned him a chorus of laughter from the others.

“Shut up, Lix,” you whined, but you couldn’t resist a smile as you saw their reactions.

As you and Chris sat down, he gently pushed one of the trays towards you, asking you if you needed anything else. You shook your head and muttered a small ‘thank you’.

“Hyung, I need more water,” Changbin fake whined, batting his eyelashes at the older male. “Go get your own,” Chris replied, not even sparing the younger lad a glance. The boys laughed hysterically, dragging out their amusement for as long as they could. 

Soon enough, the laughter died down as you guys engaged in conversation, only to be interrupted by Seungmin who reminded everyone of the time.

“I’ll see you later, then?” Chris asked as the others took care of clearing the table. You nodded and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You missed, baby,” Chris joked, earning him a light slap on his arm. He faked a hurt expression, hissing in pain to add into his dramatic act.

“Now, I’m injured. Looks like I have to skip training,” Chris lifted his shoulders in a half shrug, intertwining his arm with yours and pulling you towards the opposite direction where his members were headed. You halted his playful attempt as you pulled away from his grip.

“Chris, no,” you giggled at his actions. “I’ll meet you as soon as my classes are done, okay baby?” you assured as you gave him a kiss on his lips. 

“Fine,” Chris sighed in defeat. 

“Hyung, hurry up!”

“Save your smooching for later and somewhere private!”

The both of you chuckled upon hearing the boys’ hollers. “One more for good luck,” Chris requested as he leaned in and gave you a peck. “Now, go,” you said, pushing him away and watching him jog towards the boys.

[soyeahitsmiddleearth]

hello! i was wondering if you could write the following request; you are a member of the Brotherhood, the most dangerous assassins league of Middle Earth. To say that the Company of Thorin Oakenshield is both impressed and intimidated is an understatement.

The Company/Reader: Killer Good Looks pt.1

Trigger Warnings: Referenced assault and child abuse, murder

----

To say you're an excellent fighter would be a gross understatement.

You're the very definition of a rogue; you like shiny things, you're stealthy, cunning, persuasive, what are we missing...? Oh! And you're also an infamous deadly assassin for hire, and you get hired alright.

You're wanted (in more ways than one), for people are always looking for someone to fulfill their dirty deeds for them.

Almost everything is on the table with you; you'll steal things for people (and yourself), kill if the price is right, infiltrate and lie, and many other things, however, there are some things off limits.

For example, you won't kill kids. You never have and you never will, you flat out refuse; you also don't sell yourself to others for pleasure or other things of inappropriate nature; and, most importantly of all, you don't kill those whom you have a relationship with (meaning you don't kill friends, though those are few and far between).

When you were but a child your parents sold you off to put bread on their table, and you knew nothing but torment from that moment on.

For months the lady's husband would sneak into your rooms at night, and she would always pretend not to notice; she took to releasing her frustrations out on you under the false pretense that you were an issue, beating you, berating you, yelling, abusing; they were horrible people taking advantage of a 10 year old child in every way imaginable.

You felt no remorse when you finally gathered the courage to slit their throats one night, and to this day you still don't.

The news of your deeds spread quickly, for they proved to be quite shocking and a wonderful topic for conversation.

A mere child servant manages to kill their masters unseen and unheard, escaping into the night never to be seen again? That would catch anyones attention. And it certainly caught the attention of The Brotherhood.

They found you, took you in, and honed your sloppy skills to make you into the perfect, lethal weapon.

You've killed more people than you can count, stolen more than even the richest man has, and lied to everyone you've ever met at least once.

It's safe to say that you're not exactly a stand up citizen.

Your name, as well as the name of the organization who taught you all you know, is well known throughout Middle Earth which is why you were, ultimately, employed to assist and protect the line of Durin in their journey to reclaim Erebor...

Except, unbeknownst to them, you have ulterior orders from The Brotherhood regarding the operation.

Once the dragon is either confirmed dead or slain and the mountain is reclaimed, you are to kill the Durin's (and anyone else who stands in your way) and claim the mountain for The Brotherhood.

When you were first given this assignment you had no qualms with it.

Yes, dwarfs are strong, brave, and resilient, but you are fast, intelligent, and one of the best fighters in the organization because of your early start and ability to disconnect yourself from almost every situation. Also, you don't know them, any of them, and you've never had trouble killing royal, powerful people before.

It was supposed to be easy.

You joined the group in a cute little place called The Shire in a hobbit hole belonging to one Bilbo Baggins, and when you met everyone you figured that killing them would be easy, but as time went on you began to forget about your mission.

Everything started out simple. You didn't talk much and they stayed away from you for the most part; partially out of intimidation, but also from reservations on disturbing you.

You're a private person, and they'd hate to make you dislike them by being nosy or prying.

Gandalf is the only one who knows of your past, but even knowing who you truly are, he never for a second suspected what your true purpose was.

It's around the time you all leave Rivendell and return to the road when things start to change.

Thorin wanted to keep a schedule and reach the Misty Mountains before the end of the 4th week, and halfway into the 4th, you're already there are the entrance to the mountain pass.

Because the group makes such excellent time Thorin chooses to reward the group with a day and night full of rest to spend restocking supplies, regrouping, and relaxing, which is something that benefits you all greatly.

By this point, you've worked up enough 'trust' to actually sleep in short bursts around them, and you take full advantage of this day of rest to regain your strength.

At some point during the night you manage to fall asleep, and hen you wake you find that you managed to pass out for a good 4 hours.

The very first thing you notice is Dwalin sitting not far from you, and the blanket draped over your resting form.

To say you're taken off guard would be an understatement, for you never expected to be treated with such tenderness (or at least, tenderness by your definition considering the life you've lead).

"Dwalin...?" You call after a time of looking ahead, wanting to find out his motivations.

His gaze snaps over to you and a small, greeting smile falls upon his lips, "Good evening. It is mid-night, I'm sure you'd like to know."

You glance briefly up at the sky and observe the position of the moon and stars and find that he's correct, then your gaze returns to his face. "I see. What are you doing over here, though?"

The balding dwarf looks a tad more sheepish when you ask your question, and his voice contains slight embarrassment, "Well, we know you don't much like sleeping around us, or in general, so I thought that keeping watch here may help you feel even a bit safer."

Those words shock you to your very core.

"You'll always be safe with us, you should know. You protect us in waking, so the least we can do is return the favor in sleeping."

Any and all responses that come to your mind in this moment seem inadequate in comparison to his declaration, so you're left sitting there looking at him with a blank, yet dumbfounded stare.

"You needn't say anything in response. I just thought you should know." Another smile graces upon his lips, and then his attention turns back out towards the darkened tree line surrounding the mini camp in a half circle. "Sleep more if the desire is to suddenly strike you."

And, for some odd reason, you do.

---

For the first time in what has to be years, you sleep through the night and do not wake again until the sun beckons you to do so.

When the first light shines through the trees and makes the forest sparkle with morning magic, you arise and find that a new dwarf, Ori, has taken the place of Dwalin.

A feeling, one that you can't identify, rises within you, and you find yourself unable to handle it.

"Ori." You greet curtly, "I am going to depart for a time. Expect me back in 20 minutes."

The young dwarf looks up at you and nods shallowly, not even entertaining the thought that you would need an escort. "Alright. Get back safely."

His words linger with you after you leave, for the act of being cared for is alien to you.

When was the last time someone genuinely cared for your well-being and not just what they would lose if you were to perish? When was the last time someone thought of you as a person who could be harmed instead of a weapon that maybe tarnished every-so-often?

These thoughts plague your mind as you go to search the game traps you lay around the camp the morning before, and you find that the prize is well worth the early journey.

3 rabbits, 2 squirrels, and a wild hog around 2 feet long and a foot wide. The hog you caught along the way, actually. It had been sniffing around one of the game traps you sent (the trap wouldn't have been strong enough to hold it anyways), and you wasted no time in throwing a dagger straight into its' head.

You string up the rabbits into a line of rope and carry the hog over your shoulders (it's really heavy, so you made sure to evenly distribute the weight), and then you head straight for the group with your prizes in hand.

When you enter the clearing you're noticed immediately, for the game hanging from your body draw a lot of attention.

"Odin's beard!" Gloin exclaims, jumping up from his spot once his eyes fall upon you, "Look at all of that!"

All eyes are on you as soon as the red-haired dwarf alerts them to your presence, but you maintain a mask of nothing even despite your discomfort with being the center of attention.

"Where did you get all that?" Fili calls, getting up and approaching you to help carry the load.

You shrug off the line of rabbits and squirrels to him when he begins to tug on it and bring the hog to the middle of the camp, dropping it down heavily.

Bombur looks up at you with a grand smile and praises you in his low, baritone voice, "Well will you look at that! Now that's a hog."

You dip your head in acknowledgement of his compliments and offer right after, "Do you want me to skin them?"

"Oh, no, no! You have done more enough for us, we can manage that at the very least." The older dwarf assures you, patting the fat belly of the swine, "Thank you, lass. We haven't had a commendable meal in months, so this will be a real treat."

You received so many compliments and acclimations that you almost began to blush, but that's an unconscious ability that had left you a long time ago.

Everyone traveled with full bellies that afternoon, and there was plenty of leftovers to last everyone well into the next day as well.

Things like this are seldom the topic of talk or praise in the organization you work for, and you can never rely on anyone. You're all thieves, after all. Liars, tricksters, murderers... how could you trust someone like that to have your back? But... somehow, they trust you to protect them and their precious royal friends.

You: the liar, trickster, and murderer.

They sleep in your presence as if you hadn't stolen millions in treasure, product, and money; as if you hadn't killed a quarter of the people you've met in your lifetime. They trust you, the real you (or at least the realest version of you that there is), and it's a truly foreign feeling.

Of course, even though these good feelings long since lost to you have returned for a time, you keep yourself in check with the thoughts of what they would do to you if they found about your true intentions.

The images of their betrayed, angry faces, the disgust that would shine in their eyes when they realize what you're truly capable of... you're always sure to not lose sight of your end goal; the Mountain of Erebor and its' lost treasure. If you're to fail, you're certain that you'll be killed (either by the dwarfs or The Brotherhood), so you don't even entertain the thought of abandoning your mission.

---

Later in the day, during the trek up those horrible, treacherous mountains, you're approached by Bofur, the hat wearing dwarf with a smile more contagious than any sickness.

"Hello." You greet curtly when he falls into step beside you, eyeing him in your peripherals. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, no." He shakes his head no and reaches up to straighten his fur hat, "You just looked a little lonely, is all."

Lonely, huh?

You don't reply right away and look ahead with your usual blank expression and dull eyes, though you do feel an uncomfortable, appreciative feeling swell inside of you. "I am not lonely." You inform him matter-of-factly, though when you glance down at his face you see that your words have slightly hurt his feelings.

Your heart twists slightly painfully when you see his saddened countenance, and before you can even think about it you're blurting out, "But I welcome the company regardless."

His frown is immediately replaced with a brilliant smile and his eyes positively shine with enthusiasm; you never thought your acceptance would garner such a reaction from him (much less anyone for that matter).

The dwarf practically talks your ear off while the 15 of you travel up the Misty Mountains, telling you everything he possibly can about his homeland, family, and feelings regarding the journey (as well as other things), and while all this incessant blathering would normally irk you, you actually find that you quite like it.

Bofur's excited speech does eventually die down when it starts to rain, though, for he and yourself both think it safer to concentrate on the hike as its level of danger grows.

It isn't long before night falls, and once it does the rain becomes a much more dangerous obstacle.

There is lower visibility and the rocks become horribly slippery, though neither of these things could ever hope to top the giant stone beasts that begin to battle right in front of you all.

The stone giants don't seem notice any of you, and if they do then they simply don't care, and you all barely escape with your lives. They throw huge boulders bigger than any building you've ever seen, and their hand-to-hand combat leaves you all shaking against the mountainside, fearful of falling to your deaths as you sway every which way.

To your, and everyone else's luck and great joy, a little cave in the mountainside appears before you all (after a horrible death scare with half of the company), and it becomes your resting spot for the night.

You, like usual, choose a spot closest to the cave entrance with rock that covers both your back and left side and fall asleep effortlessly. You plan on only resting for four or so hours, hopefully until the rain passes, and then you can resume watch so the others may regain their strength (they're heavier and bigger than you, so they need more rest and food).

Those 4 hours (and an extra half!) pass by without issue and your internal clock eventually wakes you up.

One of the first things you see when your eyes flutter open is the stone ceiling of the cave hovering above you, and the next is Bofur who sits in the little watch spot right across from your sleeping area.

You sit up as soon as your sleep addled mind clears and your blurry eyes gain focus and call softly, "Bofur, go ahead and take a rest. I can resume your watch."

The dwarf jumps slightly when your soft voice breaks through the silence and reaches out to him, but he doesn't move to get up. Instead, a small smile upturns the corners of his lips and he whispers back, "No, you do a watch of your own every night and refuse to wake anyone else up often enough. Please, go back to sleep."

He noticed that?

You can't even keep the surprise from your face, for your eyes widen almost imperceptibly and your lips part slightly. "I..." You've been shocked speechless, something that you thought impossible.

"We have all noticed, in case you're wondering. Now, go ahead and resume sleep. I've still got another 30 minutes of watch."

And, for some reason, you don't protest.

Sleep calls to you and tugs at your eyelids, making them heavy and causing your eyes to burn. What spell have they put you under to make you tired again under a simple command, you wonder?

You fall back asleep despite yourself, but it doesn't last long, for within 20 minutes after Bilbo tries to leave and the storm begins to quiet, the floor opens beneath you all and swallows everyone whole.

[delimeful]

to taste your beating heart (4)

warnings: nightmares, flashbacks, mind control/thrall mention, mental breakdown, blood mention, impalement/staking, upsetting thoughts, panic, ptsd responses

-

A plastic-sounding click, like someone pressing a button.

Anx took a breath, staring intently at the person bustling around across from him.

Patton was making tea like someone vying for a professional butler position: setting saucers and cups in front of each of them, managing the teapot with a steady hand, motions smooth and automatic.

“Sorry, I’m just so used to setting up refreshments for guests,” he chuckled nervously. “My sister always insists on tea when she comes by, so—“

Logan shifted next to him, impatient and more than a little irritated after every one of his inquiries had been deflected or outright ignored. Patton had invited them in, though, and he was currently their best lead on one of the most vicious cases they’d ever dealt with.

Even if he seemed utterly incapable of answering any of their actual questions.

That wasn't saying he wasn't willing to talk at all. Roman was chattering with him, their most sociable member easily drawn into discussion and more than willing to natter on in the hopes that Patton would let some vital information slip.

Anx wasn’t the only one who noted the way their host set an extra saucer and cup out, but when he met Logan’s gaze, the hunter only rolled his eyes, more than content to dismiss it as another element of the stranger’s apparent airheaded personality.

Patton was still speaking, discussing the many alleged merits of ignoring allergies for the sake of fulfilling experiences. Roman, who was lactose intolerant, was nodding along wholeheartedly. Logan, who was the one to deal with Roman’s post-dairy consumption whining, looked a lot less agreeable.

His own attention remained pinned on Patton’s movements rather than his words. There was a pattern there, a careful turn of the cup so the handle was facing the right side, lift the teapot from the warmer, and pour. One by one, he went around the table.

Anx was the only one watching when the man finally fumbled. After pouring each of their cups with surprising grace, he reached that final, fifth teacup. He twisted the handle so it was right-aligned, lifted the teapot, poured— and then reached for what looked like a cream pitcher.

A beat late, Patton’s hands suddenly swerved to the side, and he pulled them back as though he’d been burned. His voice didn’t even falter.

Anx reached across the table lightning-quick and seized the pitcher, knocking a few of the porcelain jars over and effectively cutting through the conversion as he did. Roman was asking something, but Patton only stared at him, something both fearful and grateful in his gaze.

Anx pulled the lid off, and the thick smell of blood hit him, like iron and rust.

“Your sister, you said?” Logan asked, and Patton bit his lip hard enough to bleed.

Click.

He was in a different room of the same tiny apartment, though it took him a moment to recognize the interior.

Put bluntly, it looked as though a miniature hurricane had torn through it.

The wallpaper was shredded and splattered. The cute decorative furniture had been thrown askew at best, smashed to bits at worst. Everything was in disarray, the valuable and mundane targeted indiscriminately. An entire life torn to pieces.

In the eye of the storm, Patton stood, hands fisted in his hair and eyes bloodshot.

They’d known the backlash of the bond breaking would be hard on Patton, but they hadn’t been prepared for this. It was entirely possible that they had never run into a thrall this strong, one maintained for so long, in their entire hunting career.

Most aggressive thralls would attack relentlessly to defend their master from harm. Seeing as they’d been the ones to kill his “sister”, if Patton was going to vent his ire on anyone, it would be them. Roman stepped forwards carefully regardless, knowing that they owed it to him to at least try to help him recover. “Patton?”

“I should have helped her,” he replied tonelessly, voice half-ruined from screaming. He picked up a broken chunk of a table leg, and they all went tense, but all he did was slam it against the wall.

“I should have saved her!” he cried, punctuating every word with a swing. “Where is she, where is she, what did I do to her?”

“A better question would be: what did she do to you?” Logan asked, ignoring the sharp look Anx sent his way. They’d all been unsettled at the way the vamp had talked about Patton, like someone possessive over a favored plaything, but that didn’t mean they should be bringing it up now.

They’d finally gotten Patton’s full attention, as he turned to them with angry tears in his eyes. “She did everything for me! And I— I gave her away, I betrayed her…”

“She was hurting people,” Anx cut in, voice firm but not unkind. For all that he’d been through, Patton didn’t deserve unkind.

“I could have fixed it, I thought I was— I was getting through to her,” he pleaded, his voice unsteady and unconvincing even to himself. He dropped the wood, pressing bleeding knuckles against his face to stem the tears.

“It’s not your fault, Patton, okay?” Roman tried, stepping closer until he could reach out and set his hand on a trembling shoulder. Patton only seemed to bow further with the weight of his grief.

“Giving her up was supposed to kill me,” he said softly, the frenzy gone from him. “How am I supposed to live without her?”

“The same way everyone else does,” Roman pulled him in for a hug, his own eyes wetter than they’d been before. “One day at a time.”

Click.

The living room of the house— their house.

Perhaps more importantly, the smell of something burning.

Anx had always been twitchy about things like this-- a thousand potential disasters in mind for every little inconvenience-- so he bolted off the arm of the couch the moment the scent registered.

When he got to the kitchen, he heard the rattle of an active microwave, saw Patton standing and staring blankly at the display as the inside of the microwave clouded up with smoke.

Cringing at the thought of the smoke alarm going off, he turned on the overhead fan and pulled the window up before finally yanking the microwave door open.

A plastic takeout container was halfway to a melted puddle, mixing with whatever leftovers had formerly resided there. He slid on a pair of duck-themed oven mitts and grabbed the most solid-looking parts, quickly lifting and carrying the mess to the balcony where it could cool down without making their house smell like burnt plastic.

When he returned, Patton was still in that same spot, frowning slightly as though just realizing that something might be a little off. Like someone had pressed pause while the world fast-forwarded around him, Patton had described it once.

Anx flitted about for a moment, putting the mitts back and cleaning the leftover residue, and then finally faced his friend with a wry half-smile. Patton’s eyes snapped to him, as though just realizing he was there.

“Hey, Pat.” He reached out and set his hand against Patton’s back, watching as the touch helped ground him slightly. “Can you go sit at the table? I’ll bring us both something to eat.”

Without a word, Patton turned and walked to their little dining table.

Cooking was admittedly harder when he ducked away to check on the other room every few moments, but he managed alright, only singeing the eggs slightly where Roman would have incinerated them.

He set the table for them both, and sat across from Patton, who was motionless and quiet in his chair.

“Can we eat together?” Anx asked, offering Patton a fork so there was a physical prompt as well as a verbal one.

It took a moment, but Patton gripped the fork easily and started to work through the motions of eating, mirroring Anx. Whenever he faltered or seemed to forget what he was in the middle of, Anx would nudge his attention back on track.

Once they were finished, he gathered up his dishes and asked Patton to grab his, carrying them back to the kitchen together.

Patton paused for a moment at the sink, mouth twitching into a frown as he stared at his glass and the lingering layer of orange juice at the bottom.

“Does anyone want tea?” he asked suddenly, a well-practiced line in a cheery tone. “I’m very good at tea service, you know.”

Anx swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’m good, Pat,” he declined instead of pointing out that they didn’t have any tea in the house.

Patton seemed to get a little hazier, his face going sad and then quickly lax again. Anx took the glass from him and offered him a hand to hold instead, squeezing his palm comfortingly when he accepted.

“I need help out in the garden today. Do you think you could lend a hand or two?”

He dipped his head in a nod, and as they made their way to the back door, Anx shot a text off to the group chat.

> nightmare on edge street: out in the garden with pat. bad day protocol, stat

When they came back in hours later, dirt under their nail beds and probably a little sunburned, Roman and Logan had already combined their talents to set up an elaborately decorated but still structurally sound blanket fort spanning the entirety of the living room.

Patton’s face twitched into a tremulous little smile as the others waved them over, and Anx felt him squeeze their joined hands gratefully.

Click.

The sequence rewound, restarted. Ran him through it over and over, the same scenes-- the same memories. Patton pouring tea with a determined, terrified glint to his eye. Patton’s mind struggling under the stress of the snapped bond. Patton working through a difficult day with the help of friends.

The scenery grew brighter and brighter with every repetition, like saturation turned all the way up on a screen, until they were as painful as sunlight on his bare skin. He tried to close his eyes, to move away, to change something, anything, but his body wasn’t his own.

Look at him, it seemed to demand, keeping him frozen in a sensory hell. Pay attention. Look what you did. Understand how you hurt him.

Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

Clunk.

Silence. The memories vanished, leaving him floating in an impossible, endless black space. Between one blink and the next, he was eye-to-eye with a mirror image, something about it just slightly off.

He didn’t notice the stake in its hand until it was too late.

---

Anx jerked upright, hands jumping to his chest as the phantom sensation of wood between his ribs faded. His breath stuttered painfully, as though he expected to feel ichor welling up in his mouth any minute.

Staking a vampire was an archaic hunter method. It was difficult to manage, it was messy, and it was the slowest and most painful way possible to kill a vampire. He knew this, though he wasn’t sure which life was providing the facts.

Regardless of memories, he couldn’t know how it felt to actually be staked. He’d been injured before, with a coven as temperamental as his, but nothing like that. Nothing even close to that. It was just a bad dream, an imagined pain.

There was a subtle shifting nearby, and his head snapped up, eyes bright and teeth bared. If those assholes thought he was in the mood to have his space invaded--

“Easy, Count Chocula.” Across the room, the sword-wielder-- Roman, that was his name-- settled back into the armchair by the door, watching him with narrowed eyes. “I was simply noticing your… abrupt awakening?”

Right. Because he wasn’t settled into one of the tiny, dark rooms reserved for the newly-turned and those who couldn’t shake off the urge to sleep. He was captured by weird hunters, who trapped him in their weird house, and asked weird invasive leading questions about his weird night terrors.

He was also tucked into a bed, for some reason.

The comforter had already slipped down halfway due to his sudden jolt into wakefulness, and he wasted no time in kicking free of the sheets. The room was surprisingly dark in both theme and lighting, with deep purple walls and heavy spiderweb-patterned curtains blocking out any potential sunlight.

There was also a warding circle of ash carefully smudged in a perimeter around the bed, the burning containment runes strong enough to make him want to sneeze even from this distance. The diameter of the circle was wide enough that he could theoretically keep away from any stabbings if he pissed Roman off enough, but add even one more hunter to the mix and it would take virtually no effort to pincer him.

Nothing he could do about the new cage for now, with the hunter staring at him expectantly from his sentry position. He sent a poisonous glare back and hissed, still crouched on the bed like an exceptionally angry gargoyle.

Roman pressed an offended hand to his chest, but was cut off by an inordinately cheerful knock at the door. His expression flickered to a sort of bitter resignation, and he shot Anx a much more serious warning look before unlocking and cracking the door open.

“Hey, Pat! I thought you were taking a nap?” he asked with impressively feigned lightness to his voice.

“I was, I just— Is he awake?” Another too-familiar voice replied, sounded distracted. “I felt…”

“Yeah, Padre,” Roman admitted after a strained pause. “He’s up. You remember your key?”

“Of course!” Patton said, and neither of them elaborated on what the hell that was supposed to mean. Roman stepped aside, and Patton beelined to the bed like a compass needle to true north.

He stopped just short of the circle, like a determined enough— or cornered enough— vamp couldn’t reach out and drag him in. “Anx! I’ve been so worried about you! You took quite a tumble, are you feeling alright?”

Anx stared at him. The words were bright, but there was a thread of something fervent and barely-controlled in them, something frenetic in the way he shifted from foot to foot. It sent a pervasive feeling of wrongness down his spine, like looking at an old photograph and realizing that something you remembered from it was entirely absent.

Anx didn’t— couldn’t know enough about Patton to recognize when he was acting off, but every piece slotted neatly into place anyways, dragging him to a conclusion he didn’t intend to realize; Patton was pretending, ignoring the parts of him that felt bad to reassure the rest of them. After everything he'd already gone through, he was bearing the stress of being thralled without a word.

He could feel the thrall tether pulled taut between them, already mentally frayed from both the time passed since feeding and the pain that had ricocheted through him at his last order. Looking at Patton like this, it was bizarrely easy to loosen his grip and let that last thread connecting them fall apart.

Patton’s shoulders eased, all of him sagging slightly like a puppet with strings cut. And wasn’t that just an uncomfortably accurate metaphor.

In the next moment, the hunter was stepping neatly over the line of ash and into the circle, arms lifted. Roman shouted something, but his alarmed words were meaningless noise against the roar of anticipatory fear that overcame Anx.

Get away, his instincts screamed, but his body remained stuck, stalled by a resentful whisper in the back of his mind: Doesn’t he deserve to get a few hits in though? Look at what you did to him.

A sudden touch made him curl in on himself, but the arms that folded around him were careful, even gentle. His head jerked up, and sure enough, Patton was hugging him. He froze, struck dumb.

Over Patton’s shoulder, Roman was stopped a few feet away, hand outstretched as though he’d planned to yank Patton back out of the danger zone. Anx met his stare, eyes round as quarters.

“I did not tell him to do this,” he blurted, and Patton’s chest vibrated with a little sniffly chuckle. The human was so warm.

At the door, Logan appeared, glasses slightly askew. “Patton? I heard—“

He paused, taking in the room. His expression grew more and more unimpressed. “... I see. Exactly what happened while I was away?”

[minachuuu]

When The Lights Go Out

❣When The Lights Go Out❣

❤ Pairing: Gahyeon x Fem!Reader

❤ Genre: Suggestive & Fluff

❤ Word Count: 5.1k

❤ Song Suggestions: Daybreak by DreamCatcher & Squeeze by Fifth Harmony

“Hey Y/n!” The door swung open, forcing you and Gahyeon to jerk apart your hovering lips. Yoohyeon, followed by the rest of the DreamCatcher girls entered the green room from the venue of the show both your group and your girlfriend’s were going to perform at. “Long time no see!”

It’s not like the rest of her group don’t know that you two are dating, you never tried keeping it a secret. And even if you wanted, it was almost impossible to keep something hidden from them. 

DreamCatcher was one of the closest groups you have ever met, they dropped and picked up Gahyeon from all your dates even before you two were official. It was also important for her that you met all of them beforehand. 

You remember that day pretty vividly. It was a little nerve racking, the thought of meeting all these powerful girls that were her older sisters, of course they’re watching over her. You do the same with the maknae of your group, so you understand where that came from. But luckily for you, they all loved you. Putting aside all the joking threats, or at least you hope they were jokes, of taking care of Gahyeon, you actually became pretty close with all of them.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with that. But you would be lying if you said that sometimes you wish they weren’t around all the time.

“Hey Yoohyeon!” You waved with your free hand as you wrapped the other around your girlfriend, she sheepishly cuddling into your shoulder. “Hi girls!”

“Did we interrupt something?” Handong chuckled as her gentle eyes laid over you both. 

“No, not really,” You responded while shaking your head, bringing Gahyeon closer to you with your arm as she chuckled in your neck. “We were just talking-”

“Really? Wow, how boring.” SuA scoffed at us, sitting besides me as she took out her phone. “If I were you and I hadn’t seen my girlfriend in so long I would just ea-”

“Unnie!” Gahyeon reached and jokingly punched SuA away. 

“What?! I’m just saying the truth!” She defended herself, trapping you in between of a bickering battle. “We’ve all been busy with comebacks and don’t pretend you weren’t all ‘Aw, I miss my Y/N!’ every single day for you two to be all ‘We’re only talking’ Gahyeon-ah! Especially when Y/n is dressed like that!”

Red rushed up to your cheeks as your eyes scanned your body from head to toe. Thanks to your comeback, you embarked on your usual ‘tour’ around music shows. With all the glamour, of course the extravagant outfits were included, and this time, you fancied a two piece costume that highlighted all your best, exalted all your movements and most importantly, could make everyone fall at your feet at any given time. All combining with your newest concept, a classy version of the already known girl crush concept. You had asked to be the first in the dressing room and the makeup chair, so you could be able to visit your girlfriend in her green room as soon as possible. 

Gahyeon wasn’t complaining about it either, since your comeback overlapped with the promotions of her group’s comeback. They were already on their last week of promotions whereas this was your first one, giving you both an opportunity to spend a little time together, even if it just meant stealing kisses in between stages, curtains and dressing rooms.

“So...! You really missed me that much?” Your hand raised your girlfriend's chin to meet her eyes with yours. 

“Of course I did, you pabo.” Gahyeon poked your nose with hers as you giggled together. 

It’s not like you weren’t that lovey-dovey, but you preferred not going overboard with the public demonstrations of affection that much, it just didn’t feel comfortable enough. Especially with both of you being idols, you never knew what pair of eyes could be around.

But right now, you were only surrounded by her members and staff, who already knew you and your relationship pretty well, so maybe sneaking a kiss wasn’t so bad-

A knock on the door made you turn your head away from your girlfriend, especially when the voice coming from the opening entrance was the one from your group leader.

“Hello Dreamcatcher sunbaenim!” Her head peaked in, scanning around for you as she bowed to all the girls and staff in the room. Her eyes finally landed over you, a relieved gasp coming out of her mouth as she signed you to follow her. “It’s five minutes until they call us to stage Y/n!”

You sighed, nodding at your leader in response. Gahyeon patted your chest letting you know it was okay for her since, after all, this was work for both of you, and you couldn’t neglect it just for a relationship. You stole a quick peck from her lips and stood up from the couch.

“Will I see you later?” Gahyeon asked, playing lightly with your hair.

“I’ll try my best jagi.” You winked back at her.

Maybe it was the outfit with a combination of a makeup that perfectly highlighted everything she already loved about you, or maybe all this accumulated time without seeing each other, but Gahyeon couldn’t resist pulling your hand and you with it in for a more lively kiss. 

Of course you didn’t reject the offer, softly brushing your lips against hers, before going for a more daring approach. She wrapped the edges of your top around your neck, pulling you closer. Recognizing the flavor of her favorite lip balm, you never got tired of tasting her lips over yours. 

“Sooo… ” Your leader cleared her throat as she rested against the door frame, waiting for you to stop saying goodbye to your girlfriend. Her voice hesitated as she tried to make the moment a little bit less awkward for the spectators. “Congrats on the song unnies! It’s pretty good!”

“Thank you!” JiU chuckled back to her, following the thread of awkwardness. You started noticing the clumsy pace of the conversation, laughing against each others’ lips in the process. “Your album is pretty good too! Gahyeon invited us to listen to it and we really liked it.”

You heard your leader giggling and halting her words, and just then is when you felt the entire room turning their eyes over at you both. You placed a last peck on her lips and pulled away, unhurriedly releasing her hand in the process. Gahyeon sent a flying kiss your way and winked back at you, causing your cheeks to flare up.

“You guys know we love you both but you don’t have to rub it all on our faces.” Siyeon sneered, making you turn to her. Her happy eyes relieved you, knowing she was just messing with you as she often liked to “You know? Some of us feel a little lonely and you don’t help.”

“I’m so sorry Unnie,” You chuckled at her as you bowed in respect, moving towards the exit door. “Good luck today everyone!”

“Thank you!” All the girls waved back at you, in a chorus of happy and excited voices. 

“And good luck to you too,” Your girlfriend planted a kiss on your cheek as she accompanied to the door. “Give your all Y/n, promise?”

“It’s not going to be hard with you on my mind.” You returned the kiss as you stood under the door frame. Getting lost in her perfect eyes once again, a calling force that didn’t let you say goodbye to her completely.

“Let’s go, I told the girls we would meet them behind the stage.” You leader pulled your hand, calling you back to reality. 

“Oh, true.” You shook your head to ground you back, taking in a deep sigh. You allowed yourself one last word to your girlfriend as you started walking away from Dreamcatcher’s dressing room. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She was quick to respond as she waved to you.

You started walking backwards unable to take apart your eyes from her. It was your leader who rolled her eyes at both your puppy-eyed faces and turned you around by the waist, playfully slapping your shoulder to bring you back once again.

“You’re feeling lonely Siyeon-ah?” You heard SuA’s loud voice coming from the inside. “Let me fix that for you!”

“Unnie, what are you doing?” Siyeon responded in a fairly confused tone. “Unnie!?”

You chuckled at the last words you could hear coming from that dressing room before your girlfriend closed the door behind her. You had enough time to get to the stage by then, so it wasn’t necessary to run towards your destination. 

“Should I remind you?” Your leader broke the silence as you walked together. “They haven’t even raised our dating ban, if someone-”

“...Someone catches us like that I could get into big trouble.” You finished your leader’s words as you sighed. “We’re both adults, we know what we’re doing.”

“I don’t doubt that, but you’re still in a rookie group.” She shoved her shoulder against yours, shaking her head. “Don’t forget that Y/n.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” You giggled as you shoved her back.

You both arrived at the stage just when your group was being called in to pre-record your performance, all your group got into their positions as you greeted the team and the staff. Usually it takes about three to five takes of the same choreography, with different camera angles and closeups so that they can be stitched together and edited to get the final cut that will air later. 

Your group breezed through the first three easily and quickly, but by the third pass, a new fire rose inside of you when with a glimpse you spotted Gahyeon on the stage wings, her eyes not leaving your moving silhouette as you graced the stage with your daring choreography. 

By the fourth and fifth take, you noticed how cameras focused a bit longer on you. BUt what they didn’t know is that you only made it for the girl living inside your heart, and standing a few feet away from you.

What you couldn’t notice until you finally finished your pre-recordings, was that your girlfriend already fashioned her comeback attire and her killing makeup, the sight punching you straight in the stomach, leaving you breathless. All happened behind you as your group thanked the show’s staff for their hard work and started moving out of the stage. Not until one of your members jumped and surrounded you with her shoulders, happy with the smooth shoot.

You shook your head back to reality, walking alongside your members. And just as you were exiting the stage, it was DreamCatcher’s turn to record their performance. Remembering to hide your relationship from unknown eyes, Gahyeon brushed by your side just politely bowing to all your group, and her eyes maybe lingered an extra second over yours. Only then you were able to catch a closer glimpse of her outfit. 

DreamCatcher always had this super badass concept attached to them, and their styling was no joke either. Rolling with this new biker concept, Gahyeon fashioned some shorts that kept her thighs uncovered, a leather jacket loose enough to drape off her shoulders and high black leather biker boots. Her hair was let down, styled to look as if the wind tapered just enough against it. Her members fashioned similar outfits, some with pants or vests, but it was your girlfriend who you couldn’t take your eyes away from.

“Hey guys,” You called your group as you kept your eyes firmly over Gahyeon. “Do you mind if I stay over here for a while? I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Your leader chuckled at your obviously flustered expression. “Just don’t get caught on camera drooling over Gahyeon.”

You instantly raised your hand to your mouth, cleaning over a fictitious drool that your leader made you thought was already hanging from your mouth. Your groupmates chuckled at that, as you furrowed your eyes towards them, as they headed back to their green room.

DreamCatcher’s comeback music started resonating over the entire venue, turning you around to pay attention. Making sure you were well within the shadows and out of the cameras’ reach, you leaned over a wall, making yourself comfortable to watch your girlfriend give it all on her performances.

You never got tired of watching her in her element, you could see the passion seeping through her in every movement she nailed and every verse that she sang. All combined only prompted you to fall more and more for her, wondering whatever you did to deserve such an amazing girlfriend in your life.

Lost in your trance, you never noticed how they only needed three takes to get everything perfectly, and they were already on the finishing pose of the last one. Maybe it was one of the advantages of being in a more experienced group. 

“This has been DreamCatcher!” JiU and the girls acknowledged the staff’s hard work as they bowed, making you remind in embarrassment how you were all hypnotized to forget that. “Thank you so much for your hard work and caring for u-”

Abruptly, the lights of the entire venue shut completely off, leaving everyone in the dark. Mumbles of confusion were heard all around as people started using the lanterns on their cellphones to light up the rooms around. 

You straightened up the wall, ready to run to your girl if necessary until your urgency was relieved when her group was instantly surrounded by all their managers and their cellphone lights. And really it was you who was going to need a little more help to find your way around, since your phone was with your managers, all the way back at your dressing room.

“Attention!” One of the high ranked staff called the entire stage area. “There has been a problem with our power plant! All artists must be moved to the dressing room area until we can get the backup power back on!”

People started moving around you, and you decided that it was better to stay exactly where you were, hoping somebody could help you. To your great luck, one of DreamCatchers managers who already knew you well enough, saw you and invited you into their lighted brigade. 

You greeted the girls in the formal way that you were expected to when there were other people around, bowing down them as they politely greeted you as if you hadn’t been kissing one of their members an hour ago.

“Really good performance out there DreamCatcher sunbaenims!” You congratulated them, walking besides them to their green room. 

The girls giggled at your comment, partly because they were not used to talking so formally with you by now, but they all thanked you genuinely anyways. A light brush against your hand made you slowly turn your head towards it’s direction, only to find your girlfriend staring to the front, but walking right beside you.

You understood her message perfectly, taking her hand in yours and intertwining your fingers. After all, the darkness wouldn’t let anybody see what was going on down there.

You entered their dressing room behind them, only to end up once again at the same couch you were with before being called by your leader. 

“The heaters are off too, it shouldn’t be too cold but we can give you this in case you’d like to cover yourselves.” One of the show’s staff approached behind you, handing out blankets to everyone. “We’re so sorry for the inconveniences.”

“Thank you!” All the people inside the room chorused as they exited the room, heading to the next one with another batch of blankets.

Gahyeon grabbed one from the stack over the table, and draped it over both your bodies, using it as a perfect excuse to cuddle back into you. 

“You were amazing out there.” You whispered to your girlfriend as the air started filling itself with other conversations to kill time. “I was really thinking ‘Wow, that’s my girlfriend!”

“Y/n! Stop, you’re making me blush!” She whined back to you. Her hands roamed under your laced shirt, resting over your core. The whole gesture caused a chill to bolt down your spine, as you surrounded her shoulders with your arms. “You’re not bad yourself Jagi!”

“You really liked it?” 

“Of course I did!” She playfully slapped your arm, a little offended by your questioning. “And I’m so excited to see everything you guys can do, especially you.”

“Oh, can think of one thing that I would love to do…” You added, chuckling to yourself.

“Really? What is it?” Gahyeon excitedly jumped in her place, her bright eyes still shining in the obscure room, full of curiosity.

“Eh-” Caught off guard, you cleared your throat as you avoided her eyes. “I can’t tell you now-”

“Y/n-yah! That’s not fair!” She complained, puckering her lips. “You can’t go saying that and then just not tell me!”

“Yes I can.” You answered dryly.

“Please tell me?” She begged in the cutest voice she could, trying to get you to fall for her. 

“No.”

“Then I’ll make you!” She returned with a confidence that flustered your brain.

“No, Gahyeon. What are you-” You halted when you saw Gahyeon’s smile grow up, as you felt her hands roaming to your exposed ribs from under the blanket. “Oh no, don’t you dare.”

But it was too late, she started tickling you mercilessly making you contort over your own body, trying to fight back the laughter that urged to come blasting out of your mouth. The blanket ended up falling on the floor from all the movement, as you fighted against your girlfriend’s playful hands. 

Your stomach was starting to hurt from trying to contain the laughter and all the shifting out of your body, as she couldn’t stop cooing at you, taunting you to say exactly what she wanted to hear.

You somehow managed to stand up from the couch and away from your girlfriend’s hold. And it was your turn for vengeance. Gahyeon could see it coming from the wicked smile growing on your lips, and didn’t waste a second standing up and running away from you, out of your reach and quickly enough, out of the room you were sharing with her group.

Bolting behind her, you weren’t sure if you heard the voices of your members or DreamCatcher call both your names or you had just hallucinated them. But it was a worry that lasted just one second, enough for your eyes to catch the silhouette of your girlfriend running away from you across the dark halls of the venue. 

Gahyeon’s cute taunting giggles helped you go behind her as this game of cops and robbers started for both of you. She ran in between the different dressing rooms and up and down the stairs, sometimes barely avoiding your hand as she turned out to be faster than you imagined.

She just knew that once your hands were on top of her, there’s no way you were taking them off. Which, right now, wasn’t such a bad idea for her. 

She cut the corner and quickly entered an empty dressing room behind her, covering her mouth from the giggles and heavy breaths that tried to escape and give away her location. But it didn’t work out too well after all, because even in the dim light that the entire building was buried on, her platinum, purple-ish hair was bright enough, and you knew exactly where she was hiding.

Gahyeon’s breathing calmed down but she stopped hearing your steps. She waited for a few seconds, but curiosity won over her, and to her own demise, she peaked her head out of the dressing room’s door to try and find you. That’s when you jumped in surprise against her, surrounding her with both your arms to avoid another escape attempt.

“Finally! My vengeance will fall upon thee!” You thickened your voice as your hands fought against your girlfriend to find her tickly spots. 

“I promise I won’t do it again!” She giggled, looking at your eyes for forgiveness. “Only if you tell me what you wanted to say downstairs!”

“Ah…” You abruptly stopped trying to reach her, trying to remember what you actually wanted to say. You placed your hands around Gahyeon’s waist, pulling her close to you. “Wait- I don’t remember what that was.”

“Want me to remind you?” You felt her hands sneaking back to your ribs once again, a cheeky smile growing on her perfect lips as she giggled.

“You’re in a very compromised position right now.” You raised your eyebrows this time, softly moving your hands up and down her waist to remind her that you could attack first. “Would you really-”

The new sudden tickle attack caught you off guard, making you accidentally kick the door to the dressing room close behind you. But at least you weren’t defenceless now, as you started tickling her back in response. 

Drowning in between your smiles and giggles, you didn’t realize there was a couch sitting exactly behind you. And just one more step back was enough to tumble both of you back over it, with Gahyeon falling on top of you.

“Fine! Fine. I give up!” You breathed out as you took in the impact and laid down the couch comfortably, Gahyeon snuggling against you as you both calmed down your breath. 

“So you’re going to tell me what you wanted to say before?” She looked up at you, and there was no way you could say no to the brightest eyes in your life.

“I can’t remember it exactly,” You started, gaining a sigh out of her. You took her chin in your hand and raised her close to your lips. “But I think it would be better to show you.”

Her head tilted in curiosity, with her eyes narrowing full of desire to know and a light nod from her head were enough of an answer for you.

Your hand traveled back to her neck as you pulled her closer to you, crashing your lips together with an accumulated craving from both sides. Letting your fingers play with her hair as you soaked your senses in each other's fragrances. 

“Is this what you wanted?” Gahyeon’s voice resembled that of her morning voice, as she tried to keep her tone and volume low. Just exclusive for the moment.

“For longer that I can remember,” You whispered back against her lips, sneaking words between each gentle brush of your lips. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the girls. But we don’t get much time together… Alone.”

“And you couldn’t wait a bit longer?” She giggled, raising her eyebrows but clearly not against everything that was happening. 

“You tell me about it,” You scoffed back. “You’re the one who couldn’t keep her hands off me down in the dressing room.”

“Look,” She moved her hair to the side, shaking her head as she seductively leaned her lips against your ear.  “I’ll just say that whoever put you in that outfit deserves a raise.”

“I’ll make sure to pass down that message to the stylist then.” You teased back as you turned your head, capturing her lips with yours once again. 

Time seemed to stop for both of you as your lips coordinated their delicate choreography. It didn’t matter how used to each other they were, they would never have enough of the velvet like sensations and flavors, those whose combination sparked fireworks up in your hearts and entire melodies in your bellies.

Her hand made it up to your cheek, gently caressing it as you couldn’t have enough of each other. You raised your hand to meet hers, interlacing your fingers together and pulling your hands apart of your face. A smile growing against your lips prompted you to sit up, directing Gahyeon up with you. Her unoccupied hand shooting up at your collar as she pulled you up herself, not breaking your lips apart at any moment.

Only a lack of air in both your lungs prompted you to halt, but your hands clutching to each other gave up how far from the end this was it. Gahyeon took advantage of the break to move on top of you, straddling your hips. The dim light of the room was enough to catch a glimpse of her hooded eyes and cheeky smile, just as she snaked her arms around your shoulders and up your neck, lacing her hands with your hair. 

You let your hands roam to her hips, pulling her as close to you as possible. The smirk growing on your lips caused a big smile on your girlfriend’s face. You shook your head, incredulous of the entire situation, begging that no one woke you up if you were dreaming. 

Only Gahyeon was able to bring you back, as she used her hands behind your head to bring you closer to her. Benefiting from that, you placed her lips right on the edge of her jaw, charming your way around her skin. Your hands roamed to her thighs, gently holding at them as you slowly kissed lower each time, eventually arriving at her exposed neck. Little gasps escaped your girlfriend’s mouth as you dangerously kissed closer to her collarbones, but her private whispered whines only kept you wanting more.

“Y/n?” She gasped your name, immediately making you pull apart. 

“What happened Jagi?” Your hand gently put her hair behind her ear, resting over her blushing cheeks. “Anything wrong?”

“No, just...” She sheepishly whispered, locking her eyes with yours. A glance full of love in its purest form only made you question why you hadn’t crossed each other’s life earlier. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Not hesitating a second you smiled back at her, gently pulling her head closer to yours. 

Connecting your lips once again, lingering with each other a bit more aggressively this time around. Your leather and lace outfits smoothly grinded against each other as you desperately enjoyed each other as much as you could, feeling your heart burn itself with a sweet warmth that you knew only by Gahyeon’s side. 

Your tongue brushed against her lips, asking for permission to go further. She let you in with a mild whine as your tongues played against each other for dominance, unleashing brief moans from both of you, as her hands pulled your hair roughly and your fingers dove harsher against the skin on her hips.

Between the clicking of your mouths and the creaking of your complex and expensive costumes, you didn’t notice the door creaking open, and a hand clicking the light over the room.

“Here you are, they’re calling us back to the st-” Dami’s voice abruptly stopped as her eyes laid upon the sight in the room. Her cheeks heavily blushing, her eyes growing in circumference as the words she planned to say completely left her mind.

Both of you jumped apart, looking back at Dami startled. For what seemed like minutes, none of you three dared to move as to try and hide from your own existence, each of you asking for the earth to swallow you whole.

“Oh, look at that,” You cleared your throat as you quickly took your hands off your girlfriend’s hips, hiding them behind your hair. “The light is back…”

“That’s… That’s good!” Gahyeon janked her hands away from your shoulders, standing up from your thighs and fixing back her clothes. “Yes, that’s definitely good.”

Dami could do nothing but stand there just, staring back at forth at the both of you. And you both dared to do anything but stand up and try to fix your clothes as much as you could. A crushing silence engulfed the room as you three just… stood there in awkward quietness.

“Hey, did you find them Unnie?” Your leader’s voice approaching from the hall made you shut your eyes and furrow your eyebrows, shrinking in your place.

“I haven’t but I think I heard Dami over here.” JiU’s voice answering back marked Gahyeon’s turn to hide behind her hands, pulling them up to her face as both’s steps kept moving closer to the room. “There she is!”

“Hey Dami, did you find somethi-” Your leader’s voice now at the door halted when her eyes laid upon yours, as you apologetically smiled back, your cheeks growing in redness.

Both your leaders crossed their arms at the sight in front of them, bearing the disapproving grin all over their faces, it was kind of clear for everyone what had happened in that empty room, and if it wasn’t for poor Dami, who might have to carry that image in her mind for the rest of her life, who knows how far you and Gahyeon could have taken it. 

“Do we want to ask about it or...?” JiU called off as a grin grew on her face. 

Both of you just shook your head, walking towards the door to go back to work. Your leaders followed you close behind as you walked the halls of the now lighted venue all together. You turned your head towards your girlfriend to catch her already looking back at you with a faint smile on her perfect lips. You returned the smile adding a wink to the mix, to what you both giggled at the ridiculousness of the entire ordeal.

“Oh hey! There you are- WOAH.” SuA stopped her steps as she came closer to both of you. But contrary to the other girls before her, she released a loud chuckle to the air. “Oh Gahyeon-ah. I knew you would take my advice.”

“SuA!” JiU told her off but there was no turning down her loud laughter as that called the rest of the girls around you.

“Yeah…” Siyeon tried to contain back her laughter as she scanned both of you from head to toe. “There’s no way you both are going back into the stage like that, hurry to hair and makeup quickly for a retouch.”

“Yes unnie.” Gahyeon and you chorused as you took a quick peek at each other. 

Your disheveled hair-dos matched your lipsticks, that now lied beyond the borders of both your lips. Not mentioning the ran eyeliner, but you could swear that was from the tickling and not the making out part. But neither of you bothered explaining, you both knew you were gonna get nagged about this for a long time, and preferred ot giving them more weapons to do so.

“Dami, are you okay?” Yoohyeon’s sudden change of tone to one more concerned called everyone’s attention to both of them. “You look like you had seen a ghost.”

Gahyeon and you couldn’t contain the cackle that the comment caused, JiU and your leader following with you. Soon everyone but Dami was giggling as they understood the real reason of her appalled expression, as she sighed lowering her head, trying to get the image out of her head.

“Yeah, don’t mention it.”

[blu-joons]

“February 18th Is My Day” ~ Jung Hoseok

A smile graced your face as you walked back into the living room after inviting Hobi into your home, glancing across the birthday cards that still sat on your unit from a few days ago. You carried on walking through into the living room, noticing that Hobi had stopped.

His eyes looked over the cards too, noticing the occasion that they were sent for. One by one he began to pick them up and read through them, humming in response to each of the messages that he read through. You remained silent until he was finished, looking across to you as soon as he placed the final card back down on the unit.

Your eyebrows furrowed at the sceptical look in his eyes, unsure of exactly what he was trying to either say to you or figure out for himself.

“When was your birthday?” He questioned, walking through to join you in the living room. “And more to the point, why didn’t you tell me that it was your birthday whenever it was.”

“It was on Wednesday,” you began to speak, quickly stopping when you saw Hobi’s eyes widen back at you in response.

He slowly leant forwards on the sofa, pulling his phone out and flicking through his calendar, feeling the need to double check his dates to make sure that they were right.

Once he was convinced, his eyes looked back to you with a shake of the head. “Your birthday can’t have been on Wednesday, are you sure it wasn’t on Tuesday or Thursday?”

You continued to glance over at Hobi in confusion, surprised by his frantic state. As you thought back, you remembered clearly that your birthday was most definitely on Wednesday, with several friends taking the day off from work especially to spend time with you.

“I’m definitely sure that my birthday was on Wednesday.”

You were unsure of what the significance of the day was to Hobi, whether he felt guilty that he’d missed it or perhaps missed a call to let him know that it was your birthday. Either way it was your fault for not letting him know sooner.

That, however, was the last thing on Hobi’s mind as he recalled how he spent his Wednesday too, figuring out just how similar your days would have been.

“Wednesday was my birthday, you can’t have had your birthday then too,” he frowned.

You shot forwards on the sofa too, giggling to yourself. Whilst Hobi almost looked annoyed, the coincidence was one that brought a wide smile to your face.

“So, it looks like we have to share birthdays too?”

“No, February the eighteenth is my day, my birthday.”

Your shoulders shrugged back at him, with little you could do about things, it seemed he had no choice but to get used to spending his special day with you as well.

“Don’t you think it’s cool that we share a birthday? We can do joint parties and all sorts Hobi.”

“But my birthday is supposed to be about me.”

Your eyes rolled as you moved across the sofa to sit a little bit closer to him, nudging into his side when he didn’t react. You were lucky that you could tell that he was messing around with you, even if a small part of him was annoyed about not being able to have his day all to himself.

His eyes slowly looked across to you, “why did you have to be born on that one specific day?”

“Ask my parents, how am I supposed to know?”

Although he could see the benefits of sharing a birthday with you, the ease of organising, less socialising for two events, Hobi still wanted the attention for his birthday just on him.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me it was your birthday soon either!”

His head shook, raising his finger and tapping it to the tip of your nose. “Don’t try and change the subject, we’ve got to figure out a way to change your birthday to suit me.”

Your eyes rolled once again at Hobi’s dramatics, knowing that he was never going to be able to find a solution, or one that would suit him anyway. The way his expression shifted let you know he was thinking hard, bringing a smile to your face.

“Maybe we could just celebrate our birthdays over two days a year,” you tried to suggest, “each year we alternate who celebrates on the eighteenth and who celebrates the day after?”

“Or we spend up until lunch time celebrating you, and then after lunch time celebrating me,” Hobi offered as an alternative.

“People sleep through the morning,” you pointed out to him.

His shoulders shrugged back at you with a wide smile on his face, letting you know he knew exactly what he was doing by suggesting such a ridiculous idea.

“That’s unfair, so we’d get four, five hours of the morning to celebrate me once we wake up, and then probably a whole twelve hours in the afternoon and evening celebrating you?” You questioned, trying to figure out exactly what Hobi was implying.

“Good idea, right?” He teased, “at least it is for me anyway.”

Your hand reached across to push against his chest, letting him know exactly what you thought of his idea. “There’s no way I’m doing that, at least split the day so that it’s even so my birthday isn’t spent with the world asleep.”

The corners of Hobi’s mouth continued to turn up into a smile, “I think it’s a good compromise so that our birthday is spent together.”

“You better be joking, or I think we might break up before we even have the chance to spend a birthday together,” you warned him.

“That’s a good idea too, maybe we’ll note that one down,” he continued to push, running your patience shorter and shorter with every passing second.

Your eyes shot him a glare, pointing across to your front door. “How about rather than noting it down you put it into practice?”

“Never,” he chuckled, pressing his hands into your sides to tickle against your frame. “I’m only messing around with you anywhere, as much as I love attention, there’s no one I’d want to share that attention with more than you.”

Your head continued to shake as Hobi collapsed you down onto the sofa, hovering his body over yours. Your hands pressed against his chest to keep him in position as he kept his eyes firmly on you.

“Did you have a good birthday at least?” He then asked, taking you slightly by surprise. “You must be pretty popular with all those cards that you got.”

“I had a great birthday, thank you. Did you have a great birthday too?”

Hobi’s head nodded, smiling to himself softly as he recalled the day he had spent with the other members of the group. “I did, but I think I’m looking forward to next year too when I get the chance to spend my birthday with you.”

“I still can’t believe we never found out each other’s birthdays,” you laughed, “and yet we know the stupidest things about each other, but not the important things.”

“Maybe we should use this as a chance to get to find out those important things, so this doesn’t happen again.”

“That’s a good idea.”

---

Masterlist