#or if there's another game of mine she'd prefer I play

[wonwoosthetic]

Hiii I was reading some fica about minnie and seventeen, I wanted to know if u could write a wonwoo and minnie smut? Just the two of them? Preferably a fluffy smut or something but it’s up to you.

series masterlist

a/n: HIII!! This chapter is looooong overdue and I’m sorry it took so long!! But I hope you and everyone else enjoys it🫶🏼 thank you for the request, I really enjoyed writing this and I know how many of you guys love Wonnie, so I hope you’ll like it ˙ᵕ˙

word count – 8.2k

warnings – smuuuut, but fluffy ˙ᵕ˙, the slightest amount of cursing, we all know how Wonwoo is with curse words😂

Tangled (18+) 🌷 Minnie

A heavy huff fell from Minnie's lips as her head was still dangling from the couch cushions, her legs thrown over the backrest. Even though the girl was seeing the world upside down, her eyes were still glued to the TV in front of her, but her attention was most certainly not in the room with her. After weeks of a non-stop, 24/7 filled and busy schedule, the sudden break hit her like a wall - never would she ever be ungrateful for some time off, but how could someone go from doing everything all the time to doing nothing at all?

Her members didn't seem to have the same problem as her. Most would meet up with other friends who were free, others, like Woozi and Hoshi, didn't even have the words 'time off' in their vocabulary, and you would always be able to find them in either a studio or the dance practice room. And some, like Vernon or Jeonghan, decided to pay their parents and siblings a quick visit. The reminder of this made Minnie almost groan out loud, regretting not taking the train to Daegu two days before to be able to spend a few days more with the Choi family. No, she rather decided to stay at home with her roommates, initially hoping that she would get to sleep in, eat some good food, and finally catch up on some of the TV Shows she had been pushing back.

But here she was, the clock reading 14:29, with her up since 8 a.m., Mingyu somewhere out, probably at the gym, while the other rapper was still in a deep slumber Minnie could only dream of. She didn't even remember what she had put on to watch, probably a K-Drama her friends had told her about. Even her phone had become uninteresting. She had thought about doing a live to interact with Carats, but at this moment, she couldn't pull herself up to do anything other than lying down.

With her attention somewhere far away and her eyes not focused on a specific spot in the room, the female idol didn't notice the familiar heavy footsteps entering the living room.

With a cough, Wonwoo made himself known. He stopped in his tracks once his eyes fell on Minnie. "Are you okay? What are you doing?"

She turned her head to the right, her eyebrows scrunched together. "D'you know that feeling when...," she sighed. "Even doing nothing is exhausting?"

The rapper chuckled, his deep voice echoing through the newly furnished room. "What?"

Minnie groaned out loud. "I'm so bored!"

Wonwoo got closer to the girl to place his phone on the coffee table before looking down at her with his hands in his pocket. The girl's freshly dyed hair was grazing the floor, which she would definitely talk about later, her outfit only a pair of biker shorts and a black sweater she had clearly stolen from his wardrobe - 'what's yours is also mine', she'd always tell him. Even in this state, his eyes held so much love and adoration for her. This is how he loved to see her the most - no make-up, no fancy dress up, nothing more but some inside clothing and her hair slowly settling down throughout the day after waking up with a bedhead. 

"If you're so bored, play a game or... read something-"

"But that's exhausting!" She argued back not even letting him finish. Another chuckle, followed by a shake of his head.

"So, you're bored because you're not doing anything, but you also don't want to do anything because that would exhaust you?"

With a tight smile, Minnie nodded, looking up at her partner. "Exactly. See, you get me."

"I actually don't," Wonwoo confessed as he crouched down, his hand reaching out to graze his fingers over the softness of her cheek. "You want something to eat?"

Minnie's eyes were travelling from his hair that was lazily laying flat on top of his head, relaxed from not having it styled for the third day in a row to the silver glasses she had told him she loved so much were low on the bridge of his nose. She noticed the grey sweatpants he had put on after waking up, along with a white shirt she remembered wearing only a week before.

"No, I'm not hungry," her hand found his, placing it right on top, her thumb running slowly up and down his skin. "But you can make yourself something."

He shook his head and answered her with the same words she had given him. With a sigh, Wonwoo pushed himself up again, his hand now intertwined with hers as he sat down right next to her on the couch. "Come on up," he told her, getting a groan from the girl in response after he tried to pull her up but she fought against it.

"Noooo," she whined. "It's so comfortable right now."

"You said it's exhausting. And all the blood going into your head can't be good for you, come on." With a bit more strength, the '96 Liner managed to pull Minnie up, not letting go of her hand until he placed it on her shoulder, and she scooched around and got her legs off the backrest. After feeling another slight tug towards his figure, she the girl moved over to throw each one of her legs around his hips, settling down onto his lap, her cheek squished up against his chest while her arms came down to his sides. She knew she had found a new, much more comfortable position, once Wonwoo shifted his pelvis forward and she could feel his strong bicep around her torso. The palms of his hands had found their way underneath her shirt, the skin-to-skin contact making her sigh and relief.

"What are you watching?" The rapper wondered, leaning to the side to snatch the remote that was a little further away from them.

Minnie turned around to take a quick look at the TV, reminding herself of what was playing. "Oh- I don't know," she got comfortable against his chest once again. "A drama one of my friends recommended."

"Which friend?"

"Natalia." Minnie had closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of Wonwoo's torso gently lifting with each breath he took.

The '96 Liner clicked out of the show playing on their shared Netflix account, knowing that she would probably want to watch it at some other time when she was actually able to pay full attention to it.

"She's watching Korean dramas now?"

Minnie nodded. "Ever since I recommended Crashlanding On You to her. And Youth Over Flowers, but that was too old for her."

"Too old?" Wonwoo exclaimed in shock. "It's a classic. It doesn't matter how old it is."

A chuckle from the girl made her shake softly. "I know, but she prefers stuff like True Beauty or something like that."

The male idol scoffed, his hand running up and down her back, not even surprised by the lack of the added fabric of a bra since he knew she never wore one in the comfort of their own home.

The couple spent a good few minutes in silence, the clicking sound of the remote being the only sound bouncing off the walls while each enjoying the warmth their bodies were creating. Wonwoo's fingers were tracing invisible lines on her skin, sending soft shivers through the female's body.

Minnie sighed, her tone as relaxed as it could possibly be. "You're gonna make me fall asleep," she whispered, knowing he could understand her while being so close.

A deep chuckle made his chest vibrate, his deep voice only adding to the comforting scene playing out. "Maybe that's a good thing. You probably didn't sleep enough anyway."

"Don't criticise my sleeping habits." The girl shifted slightly, so her cheek was more up against his shoulder, now being able to look up at her boyfriend.

The subtle change in position made Wonwoo look down, a soft grin making his lips curl up as he gazed at Minnie's eye fluttering close. His hand left her back and came up to brush over her hair.

"I'll always comment on them, you know-"

"You don't like them, I know, I know." She finished his comment, making both of the idols grin.

Slowly, the '96 Liner leaned in, to not catch the girl off guard, as he let his lips brush against hers, waiting just a second for her to lift her head only a bit, making their lips touch fully. Both were grinning into each others' mouths as they shared a lazy, yet soft kiss. Wonwoo placed his thumb on her chin, keeping her from moving away from him. Instead of a full-blown makeout session, the couple was pecking each other, each kiss sweeter than the one before.

Minnie didn't notice that the rapper had changed what was playing on the TV, only when the voices she had known all too well were ringing through her ears, did her attention switch. Her head snapped to look behind her, Wonwoo's fingers still in the same position, only without her face in his grasp.

"Oh, you put on Tangled?"

His arms around her tightened, pulling her in the little bit closer that he could, her chest again pushed against his. With his head hidden in her neck, he hummed against her skin, making the female idol chuckle, her hands coming up to run through his dark locks.

"You smell good," he mumbled, soft kisses now decorating her neck, almost making her sigh in pleasure and bliss. He lifted his head back up to look at her, their faces close enough to let their noses touch as Minnie continued to brush her fingers through his hair.

"Mm," she nodded slightly in return. "Thank you. I found a new perfume I wanted to try out."

"I like it," Wonwoo told her, leaning back into the couch cushions, pulling the girl with him.

Even with one of her favourite movies playing in the background, Minnie found the comfort of his body against hers much more interesting and important. She snuggled closely into him, close to forgetting what was happening behind her if it wasn't for the TV reflection in Wonwoo's glasses. Her eyes ran over the man's entire face, taking in each inch of his features as if she hadn't been admiring them for years and months already. Subconsciously, she let her finger glide over his jaw, down to his chin, and up to his bottom lip. Without a word, the '96 Liner took her hand into his, raising it slightly so he could place a loving kiss onto her palm before putting it down to his chest again, making sure to pat the back of her hand two times.

Wonwoo didn't give her much time to do anything else before he engulfed her cheek into his now much warmer hand, tilting her head up to lean back down and go back to what they were doing only a slight bit ago. His mouth was only opening up slightly, keeping the moment comfortable and relaxing, making Minnie do the exact same.

Her fingers had started drawing indiscernible patterns on the shirt covering his chest, which even with all the hours spent in the gym, and the muscle building up underneath, was still soft enough to lay on.

The rapper pulled back just a millimetre, his lips still ghosting over hers, grazing her soft mouth with each word he spoke. "I thought you were exhausted."

Minnie couldn't control biting down on her lip, not breaking eye contact with the man in front of her. "I am," she lazily answered him, already leaning in again to continue the soft exchange of pecks. With a smile, Wonwoo reacted to her want, gladly placing his mouth on hers while his hand found its way onto her upper thigh, going up and down over the fabric of her biker shorts. But he only let her have that moment for a few more seconds, before pulling back again, almost making her groan.

"You think I don't feel your squirming around?" Minnie stopped as she got called out. The girl didn't even realise it, but she had slowly but surely started moving her hips forward, rubbing herself against the fabrics separating the couple from direct skin contact. But what must've made her body continue the motions was the hardening surface underneath her - and she knew damn well exactly what it was. A shy smirk formed on her lips as she looked up into the darkening gaze of her boyfriend. Instead of answering him verbally, her hands interlocked behind his neck to pull him into her. The sudden kiss was more forceful than the ones they had shared before. They moved each other's mouths against one another, both still able to read the wanting and desperation of the person in front of them. Just as Minnie's hands unlocked and travelled to Wonwoo's cheeks, the man leaned his head back, leaving her lips cold once again.

"Mingyu-," The girl didn't stop kissing his mouth, making him chuckle. "Mingyu-," another interruption. "Could be back any second." His lips moved against hers as he muttered.

Dreamily, she let her finger mindlessly travel across his cheek, gliding it over his now much brighter pinked lips with a smile on her lips. "That hasn't stopped you before..."

A heavy breath tumbled from his mouth as he looked down at her hand that was now moving around on his chest, going lower and lower, teasingly slow.

With a grin, Minnie sat herself up straighter, both underarms propped up on his shoulder, her fingers starting to play with the short hair on the back of his neck. Wonwoo's hands mindlessly found their way to her hips, a place they had already become so accustomed to.

Their gazes met. The only thing they could do was to grin at each other, knowing damn well what the other person was thinking. A giggle made the girl lean forward, her forehead resting on his left broad shoulder. Just a second later, his hand tangled underneath her hair, holding onto it by the back of her head, pulling her back gently to meet her eyes and with just another smirk, he leaned back into her. 

Minnie let the moan escape as he pressed himself hard against her, lust dripping from his lips, mixing with her own. The movie in the background was long forgotten, the sound of their mouths and spit, together with their heavier breathing filling their ears.

Their bodies started rocking against each other, each of their rushed heartbeats making them move, creating friction between their clothed cores and chests.

Wonwoo's fingers let go of her hair, gliding down her skin to stop on the side of her neck, holding onto her right there. His thumb brushed over her jawline, petting her skin as he opened his mouth just a slight bit more to gently let his tongue tickle her rose lips. A delicate tighten of his hand made the girl open her mouth for a moan, giving him the perfect opportunity to let his tongue travel further. She welcomed him with her own warm tongue, letting it slide over his, getting a heavy breath from him in return as she had also let her hands travel lower, drawing along his abs over the white shirt he was wearing.

The rapper joined her actions, his palms running down her back, over her ass, and down her legs. He stopped at the naked flesh, thanks to her way-too-short biker shorts, and waited for the right time for his next move. His lips left hers to move onto her neck while directing her with his body. Wonwoo leaned forward, taking her with him as he held onto the back of her thighs, moving to his left to lay her down on her back with him hovering above her, going back to kissing her lips.

Just as the tips of his fingers trailed down lower, playing with the seem of the shorts around her legs, Minnie caught him off guard as she snapped her head to the left, followed by a gasp, her eyes now fixed on the TV. The '96 Liner followed her line of sight, sighing softly as he saw the reason for her reaction. One of her favourite scenes of the movie was playing. He shook his head with a chuckle. He should've known better than to put on Tangled...

His deep voice made Minnie turn back to him, her lips curled up. "I'm sorry," she giggled. "I really like this scene."

With a grunt, Wonwoo let himself get comfortable behind her, propped up to continue hovering slightly above her. "No, no, it's fine," he sighed. "This seems much more interesting than what we were doing, I guess."

"Oh, stop!" The girl turned around to slap his chest with a chuckle. The rapper took the opportunity to grasp her chin again, holding her still to place another few kisses on her lips. Minnie smiled into each touch, kissing him back just right. But Wonwoo got to enjoy this moment only for a short bit as she switched her attention once again.

"This scene is really really good though." She pointed at the TV. Another low chuckle tumbled from his lips, his forehead touching her head while his hand was rubbing her stomach. He shuffled down a slight bit, now at the perfect height to kiss her neck.

"Alright," he mumbled against her skin, his palm riding up underneath her, his, sweater to touch her naked skin.

With the lazy kisses making the hair on Minnie's arms spike up, she leaned back into his touch while his hand kept still on her stomach. With a smile, she turned her head,

"You're not gonna let me watch the scene in peace?"

Wonwoo looked at her slightly confused before he realised the curl of her lips, making him chuckle as he leaned in closer to her.

"Do you want me to stop?" To which the '97 Liner only shook her head, her hand quickly on the back of his neck to pull him in. Not only did he go back to kissing her lips, but also her forehead, her cheeks, until he reached her neck again.

"You can continue watching the movie if you want to," he muttered.

Minnie moaned softly with a chuckle. "No, it's okay." Yanking him back up. Just as her mouth opened up wider, making room for his and her tongue to go back to intertwining, the girl also opened her legs after a gentle push with Wonwoo's hand told her to do so. Swiftly, he switched positions again, now right in between her legs, his hand back underneath her sweater, tracing the sides of her torso teasingly slow. The female idol had crossed her ankles around his hips and her wrists around his neck to keep him as close as possible, not wanting to be left alone from his touch for even a second.

Feeling the eagerness almost spilling out of her, a heavy breath erupting from her each time he got close enough to her core to touch it with his pelvis. Wonwoo let his fingers play with the hem of her shorts, getting the messages once she lifted her hips without having to be told. Slower than expected, he only pulled them down a bit, his entire body moving down to join his hands. Gentle kisses trailed down Minnie's neck as she supported his action with her fingers in his hair. Her sweater was pushed up a bit, giving him just a slight peek of her pelvis, the perfect spot to let his lips glide over.

A kiss on the right side, a kiss in the middle, a kiss on the left. Right above her belly button, right below her belly button, and down... a little bit lower... and a little bit more, right until he hit her underwear. Shaky breaths were the only things that filled Wonwoo's ears as he moved onto her left leg, a big grin plastered on his face. 

The rapper pulled the shorts lower for him to have access to more skin of her, starting to kiss her legs right where her underwear ended, getting another shiver in return. Minnie's eyes were trained on every inch he moved, following his gaze that travelled all over her body, almost in awe of his soft touches. Both of his hands wrapped around her ankles to pull them up and place her legs against his shoulders before dragging the shorts further. Right before they reached her feet, he grabbed them with one hand only and pulled them off completely, his other hand following by taking her right leg and placing it on the other side of him, so he was back in between her legs - his second favourite place in the world.

He stayed where he was, only lowering his upper body to be back face to face with her pelvis again. The girl's black underwear was the only thing keeping him from where he wanted to be, and she needed him the most. And the tug on his hair told him just how much she truly needed him.

"I told you to focus on the movie," Minnie felt his lips on the inside of her thighs, making her squirm up and wanting to move if it wasn't for his hands on her hips keeping her still.

She let her fingers brush through his locks, making him look up and if she had been honest with herself... his sharp eyes, looking up at her like that... right above her aching core... could've made her almost come right then and there.

"And I told you I don't want you to stop."

With a gentle smile, Wonwoo brought himself up to be face-to-face with her, his finger trailing down the side of her face, brushing some of her hair out of her face. 

"And I won't," he whispered, placing a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. "I promise." And another right on her lips.

"Good," Minnie giggled, her palm engulfing his cheek to keep him in place even if it was for just a moment before he leaned back. With the added space in between the couple, the girl was able to reach out, her fingers finding the frame of his black glasses, pinching the sides to pull them off the handsome face of her partner. As she put the frames on the coffee table to the side, Wonwoo got rid of the white shirt that had been covering too much skin.

Without shame, Minnie's eyes raked over his naked torso, taking in the chest that had become only more and more toned over the past few months of his intense workout sessions, as well as his abs, that used to be a six-pack, now representing more of an eight-pack. Her right hand brushed over the left side of his chest, up to his shoulder, until she reached his neck to pull him down. 

The girl arched her back to meet him almost halfway, only to be pressed down into the cushions again by Wonwoo's hand on her side. His soft lips moved against hers, not biting down on her lower lip as he sometimes enjoyed to do, but deciding to keep the heat of the moment loving and natural, rather than their sometimes too-hot-for-heaven sessions. His palm touched every inch of the side of her body as he let it travel down to the rim of her underwear. His fingers played around with the thin strap of material hugging her leg and hip, only teasing her even more. Minnie's fingers were tightening their grip on Wonwoo's head of dark hair with every touch that he got closer to her heat.

His touch slid over the hem of her underwear, the elastic suddenly feeling way too tight on her skin. The tip of his middle finger followed a trail down the middle of the fabric until he found the growing wet spot right by her hole. A deep shudder rushed through Minnie as she gasped once Wonwoo pressed down, his fingers putting pressure on her clit. Her head fell back, making the rapper use the opportunity to focus on her open neck, just waiting to be covered in his lips again. He let his hand move on its own, his middle and ring finger rubbing circles through her underwear, getting sigh after sigh out of the girl. His left hand was still tightly on her hip, keeping her in place while her palms were on his shoulders, his chest, his hair - anywhere she could possibly put them. The moment he decided to let his finger finally dip underneath the undergarment, the girl's back arched up high, a loud whine dripping from her lips.

His soft fingertips were oh so gently as they moved against her clit, gathering some of her slick onto them before spreading it, adding to the friction and intensity of her pleasure. Right away, just like he always does, the '96 Liner curled his fingers up, getting another moan in return, making him smirk proudly. Slowly, he pushed his fingers in and out, keeping the form to make sure he would graze just the right spot inside of her. Her nails had started to dig into the muscles of his upper arms, almost making him hiss if it wasn't for the delight it was bringing him.

Holding herself back from moaning too loudly, Minnie took Wonwoo's face in both of her hands, yanking him into a deep kiss, breathing heavily into his mouth as he entered her with two of his fingers. The girl's underwear was still constricting him too much for what he wanted to do, so he released himself from her grip, leaning back to pull his hand out, only to get rid of the, currently very annoying, piece of clothing. Not even thinking about coming back up to face her, he dipped right down, getting comfortable as his hand held onto her thighs, his lips teasing the inner sides of them. Minnie propped her legs up, her feet pressing into the cushions as she sighed out loud, praying to whoever was up there to finally get the relief she was begging for with the sweet sounds of her whines. Somebody must've heard as Wonwoo changed the direction of his kisses, getting closer to her slit. A deep and heavy sigh echoed through the room right as he placed the first kiss right on her clit, not wasting another second before his tongue glided over it. Running circles and miscellaneous figures on it, spending a few moments focused on the centre of her nerves, getting supported by Minnie's fingers tightening around his hair and her hips lifting to meet his touch. The girl's head bored into the cushion as she dared to look down, finding him focused on her pleasure, his tongue moving skilfully, his lips pucked to suck on her clit, sending another wave of pleasure that made her moan out loud. The gentleness of his love was almost painful, making her want to beg him to go faster while also wanting to enjoy scenes like this. She brushed through his hair, one whine after another filling their ears. When Wonwoo dared to look up, his eyes met hers. His lips curled up, making her grin, moaning again as he took the moment to go down just a bit lower, his tongue sliding inside of her. A long lick until up to the top before his fingers were inside of her and his tongue could focus back on her clit, knowing that this would eventually tip her over the edge.

As soon as the tips of his fingers touched the ruffled surface inside of her and he pressed his tongue firmly on her clit, her fingers pulled just quickly at his hair, getting a groan from him in return.

She whined out his name into the room, her hips bucking up, only for him to push her down again with a soft chuckle, amused by her reactions, knowing he could never get tired of the things he was able to make her do. The hums of pleasure coming from him vibrated against her, adding to the pleasure she was experiencing. Even after months of repeatedly feeling his hands and mouth on every inch of her body, her reactions would still always be the same - never could she ever get used to what he was able to do with her. And she would never take it for granted.

The sound of his lips moving against her core was almost pornographic, even in a lazy scene like this, on the couch, both comfortable and just needy for some relief

Minnie had subconsciously started thrusting her hips along with the movements of his fingers in and out of her. His lips were switching between sucking and kissing. Wonwoo's tongue took its time whenever it touched her clit, licking it smoothly, the tip pointy as it teasingly ran around it, only to press down a bit harder.

Once the female idol noticed her breathing quickening and her feet started to tingle, her right hand dropped down to find his that was still glued on her hips. The rapper opened his hand for her to take, which she gladly accepted, her grip immediately tightening as his finger movements started to quicken. The thumb of his left hand brushed over the back of her right one while his focus was still elsewhere. His tongue began to move harder, making controlling the girl's movements more difficult, but not impossible.

"Ah- fuck... Won...," Minnie whined out loud, "I'm gonna come." In return, he intertwined their fingers, letting their hands rest on her stomach while his other continued to work skillfully inside of her. The female performer couldn't help but to tighten her legs around his head, getting another deep groan from him as his fingers left her empty. He used his hand to push her left leg away from him while his head rested against the inside of her right thigh. With his elbows, he kept them apart, letting his thumb now massage her clit while he took the time to look up at his girlfriend. Her head was thrown back, exposing the beautiful length of her neck, her fingers gripping onto his tightly. At the loss of his tongue, Minnie looked down, meeting his gaze, noticing the pink tint of his lips, making her smile and sigh in pleasure as she watched his big hang placed on her pelvis to keep her steady while his thumb was rubbing her.

The hum she sang made Wonwoo smirk as he bit down on his lips. "Mmm- right there... oh God..." Followed by a soft kiss placed on her clit before the rapper went back to letting his tongue lick around it, the tip flicking it, making Minnie push her hips into the couch.

She kept repeating a miscellaneous follow-up of words and exclamations, reassuring him of doing just the right job.

"Ye- yeah... fuck-" A high-pitched moan surprised both as she arched her back, the pleasure suddenly building up quickly. The girl yanked up Wonwoo's hand, placing it right on top of her right breast, her hands covering his as she used it to relieve some of the pleasure she didn't know what to do with - she just needed something to hold onto.

"Yeah- yeah," she continued moaning out loud as the '96 Liner added his fingers back inside of her, only seconds from getting her to her high. "Fuck- WONWOO- UGH," she almost screamed once the wave hit her, her hands crushing his, her hips lifting the second the orgasm washed over her. Wonwoo grinned against her, his tongue now flat against her clit and his hand back on her inner thigh to get him more space between her legs. Minnie continued to whine out into the room, squirming around on the cushions as heavy breaths fell from her lips. 

Once the tight grip on his hand fell, he let it brush over her tit, down her stomach and onto her hips, stopping right at her ass.

While she was still trying to catch her breath, brushing some of the hair that had fallen onto her face away, the '96 Liner was placing gentle kisses all over her core and on the inside of her thighs, only stopping as soon as he felt her eyes on him. His head rested against her naked leg as he looked up, her fingers running through her hair once again. His right palm brushed up and down her left leg, comforting her while she was still finding her normal breathing pattern. Minnie chuckled as she let her head fall back.

"You okay?" Wonwoo wondered with a smile on his lips, pushing himself up slowly to come face-to-face with her. As soon as she found his eyes, she nodded shyly, pressing her lips together as she noticed him leaning in for another kiss. The salty aftertaste of herself was still on his mouth, almost making her moan.

"Couldn't be better," she muttered against his lips, her hands back on his cheeks.

As sweet as the moment was, Minnie wanted more. And by the motion of the rapper's hips against her naked core, he had the same wants as her. Wonwoo's eager hands were already on their way back underneath her sweater, warming up each other's skin by rubbing his palm up and down her side, pushing up the last piece of clothing covering her with each brush. The girl took the messages and sat herself up, pushing the rapper just slightly away from her to get on her still wobbly knees, crossing her arms and tugging her sweater up by its hem. Wonwoo's soft touch followed her hands, his eyes gazing over her naked form in front of him in awe as he kissed her chest that was now right in front of his face. His big hands held her steady by her back, pulling her in, making her hold onto his shoulders, her head thrown back in pleasure once again. Slowly, but surely, the female idol pushed him further back by his upper body, his hands already going down to get the grey sweatpants off his body. Her fingers met his hastily as the couple giggled into each other's lips at how eager they were. Wonwoo grabbed the waistband of the pants and his underwear in one to pull them down at the same time. Minnie helped him halfway to get them off his legs, throwing them somewhere onto the floor where the rest of their clothes had already found their place. 

His length was already hot and hard against his abdomen when the girl's right hand travelled down to engulf it in her palm. Wonwoo hissed at the contact, his hand on her side tightening subconsciously, loosening up immediately again once he noticed, not wanting to ruin the lazy session they had started and were about to finish. The couple had found their way to the other side of the couch, the '96 Liner now on his back, with his girlfriend right on top of him, her hand on his shaft, her thumb gliding over the tip, spreading the few drops of pre-cum that were coating him.

Minnie smiled wider with each moan and groan coming from the rapper. His reaction to her touch will forever be engraved in her brain and yet, she could still listen to and watch him like this every single day. One of Wonwoo's hands was securely holding her in place by being wrapped around her back, while the other was now by her ass, daring to spread her cheeks and sliding his two fingers from before through her slit yet again. She groaned against his lips, shifting her hips forward, her naked chest brushing against his. The feeling of her hardened nipples on him sent a wave of arousal through his body and right down to his erection, making it twitch and Minnie grin into their kiss.

She couldn't take it anymore. And telling by Wonwoo's thrusts upwards, he didn't want to wait any longer either. The girl stopped her hand motions and lowered herself while trying to align herself with the tip of his length. Once he felt it touch his fingers, he snatched them back and placed his palm on her hip, his lips abandoning hers as his eyes fell down to the small space keeping their bodies apart. The need to watch himself enter her grew with each day that he got to spend with her. The intimacy the couple shared was so sacred and so valued. Something he could never get enough of or take for granted.

A shaky moan tumbled from his lips, the moment his red tip touched her as Minnie lowered herself, her hand letting go of his erection to hold onto his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin. 

"Ah, God...," he almost cursed, breathing out heavily.

The desperation made each inch that went into her all that more intense. Even with his girth, and he wasn't the thickest, the female idol could feel his veins rubbing against her walls, stretching her only a slight bit more, thanks to his fingers that had done it before. She had to go slow, knowing that the length of him could, if not careful, be the game-changer of the session. Once she was fully down, his entire erection now inside of her, she let her forehead rest against his, only for Wonwoo to pull her in closer, to let his lips ghost over hers as he started to move up gently, getting a whine from her in return. He groaned deeply, thankfully nowadays more vocal than before after Minnie had repeatedly told him the impact it had if men actually wouldn't shut their mouths for once - in this very situation.

Her hands fell to his chest, propping herself to stay like this as she started to join his movements. The '97 Liner moved back and forth, the friction of his pubic hair stubbles rubbing against her clit, adding to the friction she needed. Wonwoo had placed his hands over hers, holding onto them just like she had done with his minutes earlier. With his feet digging into the couch, he was able to continuously nudge his pelvis up, his length sliding in and out of her, catching his attention, only for it to be caught again by her moans hitting his ears. The girl's long hair had fallen in front of her face, covering her beauty. The rapper reached out to brush it away, holding it behind her head before he pulled her down towards him once again. He needed to have her closer.

Minnie hid her face in his neck, placing a few soft kisses of her own on his skin, making him sigh out loud. Wonwoo's arms wrapped around her torso to keep her right up against him as he switched their position. He moved to the side, giving her more space right next to him as he turned her, so they were both laying on the cushions, still facing each other and with his erection still pulsating inside her. The girl tightened her right leg around his hip, pulling his pelvis closer, moaning into his mouth as he went back to kissing her, quick pecks, followed by a deep make-out session. He kept up his hip movements. Slow, but deep. Oh god... so deep. He let each thrust linger for a bit, dragging it out as he pulled back, only to push back up, the friction, not disturbed by a condom, making him groan.

Wonwoo could feel his high getting closer, making him move his left arm from around her torso down to where their bodies met, knowing she wouldn't come just like that. His fingers found her clit easily, rubbing slow circles on it, making sure to get them wet before going back. Minnie opened up her neck to him, closing her eyes and whining out in pleasure. His lips began another trail of kisses along her jaw, down her neck, and up to her ear. Behind it, he placed a peck before whispering.

"I love you so much," grunting softly. "So much, jagi."

She put her palm right on his neck, her thumb running over his cheek and jaw, finding his eyes as they were both pressed up against one of the multiple soft cushions Minnie had chosen for their apartment.

"I love you too," she leaned in closer to kiss him quickly, a moan interrupting her as his fingers found a more sensitive spot, stopping right there to continue rubbing it. Another whine and another moan erupted from her, her fingers slightly tightening on his neck.

"P-Please make come," she moaned against his lips, "God- please."

Wonwoo's mouth pecked her cheek, and her nose, mumbling and breathing heavily against her skin.

"Come with me, baby." Another quick kiss on her lips. "Come on."

Even as she started squirming around more, his fingers didn't leave her clit and he kept his hip movements steady, continuing his deep thrusts.

A sudden shudder made the rapper smile softly, "You're gonna come?" Minnie could only nod in return as another whine came from her, followed by a deeper moan. Her hips started moving incoherently, hoping to help the need for release.

"FUck- yes... please... OH-" She stopped herself, her fingers grasping his shoulders tightly making him hiss. Her high-pitched moan filled his ear and body with pleasure, motivating the two thrusts he had left. By the second one, he groaned into her neck, pulling her as close as he possibly could, his ropes of cum erupting inside of her, only getting another grunt from her in return. The feeling of getting filled up made her shiver and giggle in bliss. Wonwoo joined her while his erection was still in her, now slowly softening, not stopping him from moving though. His fingers pressed down onto her clit to test her sensitivity, to which Minnie smacked his hand away after jolting because of the touch. He chuckled before he grabbed her cheek with the hand that was pleasuring her only seconds before, pulling her towards his lips. The smiling made it harder for the couple to kiss, but it didn't stop them.

"I really do love you," Wonwoo muttered.

The girl brushed through his hair, trying to get some strands off his forehead, "I know," she gave him another quick peck. "And I really love you too," followed by a sigh. "Even though you made me miss half of the movie."

"Jesus," he rolled his eyes with a chuckle." D'you want me to put in on from the beginning?"

"No," she shook her head with a smile, leaning back in to continue their lazy kiss exchange. It was interrupted by Wonwoo, who leaned back, his fingers trailing down the side of her face, his eyes following his touch, lingering on different parts of her face before smiling to himself.

"What?" Minnie wondered, copying his facial expression, gazing up at him as they shared a moment of silence.

"Nothing," the rapper grinned at her, giving her one last peck. In the middle of it, he decided to pull out, the softness not making it any less intense, both hissing and the loss of contact. "Wait here. Stay still," he told her before releasing himself from the comfort of her legs around him. The girl nodded with a hum, knowing where he was going since this had almost become a ritual for the two. Normality for him. 

After a deep breath in and brushing through her hair, the girl pushed herself up slightly, looking around the floor to find her clothes. A few seconds later, she could hear his footsteps getting close.

"You know, Mingyu's gonna kill us if we ever get this couch dirty," she commented as he re-entered the living room, a wet washcloth in his right hand.

"That's why I told you to stay still. Don't get up. We don't need cum stains on here." Still naked, he sat down right by her legs and started to clean her up.

Minnie grinned. "Well, you should've thought about that before doing this."

"I did," he explained again. "And I told you to stay put. If you don't listen, that's on you, and have fun explaining that to Mingyu."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she rolled her eyes in response, pushing herself up after he seemed done, only to get hit with a wet feeling on her torso. He had thrown the cloth at her.

"EW, WONWOO," she chuckled with scrunched eyebrows, taking the piece of fabric between her fingers to throw it back into his lap.

"Don't say 'yeah, yeah, whatever' like that," he looked at her with a smirk. "And what the hell is 'ew' supposed to mean?" He mumbled under his breath as he got up, taking a few steps forward before leaning down to gather her pieces of clothing and handing them over to her. "Here."

"Thank you," she reached out to get them into her own grasp. She got his sweatpants and underwear from the floor in front of her and extended her arm towards him. He thanked her in return and disappeared around the corner again.

Minnie got everything back on her body again when Wonwoo came back, this time his boxers covering his lower body. He started putting his sweatpants on in the living room as the girl made her way to the kitchen to get something to drink.

“And see, Mingyu didn't walk in on us," she commented along the way. Once she reached the other room, she opened one of their cabinets to get two glasses. 

“Don’t jinx it," the '96 Liner shook his head, tightening the strings around his waist.

As if they had heard the girl, in that exact moment, the door to their apartment suddenly flew open with DK’s voice ringing through the room “Hey ho heyyy!” Announcing his sudden arrival. Each of the couple's heads shot in the direction of the hallway.

Minnie sheepishly grinned at her partner after coming back into the living room, handing her boyfriend one of the glasses now filled with water, whispering a quick “Sorry,” followed by a chuckle from both of them.

The main vocalist proceeded his entrance further into the apartment when his eyes landed on the girl.

“AH!” Dokyeom screeched, “Minnie’s naked!”

“I’m not!” She quickly shouted, not seeing the other members stuck in their place around the corner, shock written all across their faces as they dared to peek into the living room.

“She’s not, I’m just kidding,” the ‘97 Liner giggled, turning around and raising his hands in defence. Mingyu brushed past him and shook his head with a smile. "But Wonwoo's half-naked for some reason," he continued, throwing himself onto the other couch the couple didn't just bless. Dino joined them in the living room, looking around as if he was searching for something.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know I couldn't walk around the way I want in the comfort of my own home," he saltily talked back, taking his shirt the girl had picked up from the floor into his own hands. It didn't go unnoticed by the members.

With scrunched eyebrows that quickly relaxed, the maknae spoke up. "We interrupted something, didn't we?" 

Minnie shook her head, "No, not... really interrupted." Her answer made Dokyeom frown in confusion for a second. He looked at the girl, then at Wonwoo who was putting his shirt on, that was lying on the floor only a moment ago, and let Dino's comment sink in. He immediately shot up from his position and pointed at the couch he had sat on.

"On here?"

"No," the female member answered him softly, an amused grin playing on her lips.

He pointed at the sofa Wonwoo had made himself comfortable on.

"On here?"

A second passed before the '96 Liner took the word, still slightly annoyed at the interruption of their alone time as he corrected his glasses on his nose bridge.

"No."

Seokmin squinted at his member before his gaze fell on the girl that had joined Mingyu in the kitchen, only to come back into the living room, on her way to settle down next to the rapper on the sofa.

"I don't believe you," he made clear, taking big steps to the other end of the room, "So I'll be taking a seat at the dining table."

Minnie chuckled followed by a shake of her head as she brushed through her hair, relaxing into the backrest of the couch. Asking what the other members were doing in their apartment was useless as Dino was already taking out his phone, rushing over to her, ready to show her what was getting him all that excited while Dokyeom was shouting at Mingyu to hurry up with the food.

poly!mimiwon (keeping this open in case some of you want to add sth and bc I love your ideas)🫶🏼

Taglist: @shrynkk @chaebb @lunarxsun @hoe4wonwoo @kimhyejin3108 @soobzao @billboard-singer @cosmicwintr @zwiehe @angie-x3 @smooore @allthings-fandoms

[nukaberries]

Ahh im so happy to find a blog that writes new vegas! I got into it recently and its so fun! Sometimes i get tired of hearing the radio especially if im travelling way too much, so i just start singing any song that pops into my head or talk to the companions like they're real pfft

im also way too cheery for my own good lmao, game devs knew what they were doing when there was no push button for running, you know how many times i ran into mines and kept running 🧍🏽

I kinda wanna know how the companions would react to that? A Courier who practically bounces as they walk and if its not the radio or them talking to fill the silence, its them singing as they shoot radscorpions !! Couriers not half bad at singing either! They mostly sing quietly while walking the mojave for obvious reasons but on a night they feel especially safe, they'll be singing so well people will wonder why they're not making holotapes for mr new vegas to play (esp if they say the radio gets annoying at times)im sorry this is long im just excited to see a new vegas writer that hasnt left their blog 🤧

I'm SO late to this one, I'm so sorry! But I'm so glad you're enjoying New Vegas! It's tied with Red Dead Redemption 2 as one of my favourite video games! And I'm exactly the same when I play New Vegas, the radio's never off and I have no spatial awareness. I hope this was worth the wait!! (Sorry again lmao)

//

Companions React to a Loud/Chatty Courier (Includes: Arcade, Boone, Cass, Lily, Raul and Veronica)

Arcade Gannon Admittedly, he's a little intimidated at first. He agrees to go with the Courier since there's no point in him sticking around Freeside where he's not helping anyone. He just doesn't realise he's taken up with the most obnoxious person in the West. He's not annoyed by any means, in fact, the singing is actually quite a nice change from the radio. The constant talking is a little overwhelming for him at first though, as someone whose trying his best to keep his past with the Enclave a secret. He knows the Courier means no harm, and he feels a little guilty having to shut down their questions about him, knowing that they only mean well. They do bring out a different side to him he didn't know he had and he sometimes finds himself humming along to either the radio or Six's singing.

Craig Boone At first, he's annoyed by the Courier, but it's not like he has anything better to do. They're his best chance at wiping out the Legion, even if their incessant talking and singing is a little too much for him. He doesn't have a problem with them, but he prefers silence to having to begrudgingly answer someone who talks at a million miles per hour. The only time he'll really voice his complaints is when he actually needs them to be quiet, such as if they're trying to stealthily take out enemies, thankfully the Courier seems to know when to turn off their radio and stop singing. Eventually, the constant chatter and the singing - that he'll never admit is actually enough to rival the radio songs - become background noise he learns to appreciate. He'll never join in with the Courier's singing, but he tries his best to answer their questions and respond to their comments.

Rose of Sharon Cassidy Cass is another one who can't stand the Courier's chatter and singing at first, however, she's more than willing to voice this. A few times, she actually hid the Courier's Pip-Boy while they slept, unfortunately for Cass, they'd already memorised all the lyrics to Johnny Guitar and sung that on repeat for most of the day. It was starting to reach the point where Cass was certain they were doing it on purpose. The singing she hated, but the talking? She didn't mind the talking. In fact, Cass actually looked forward to the talking, she often struggled to make friends, considering her problems with whiskey, so it was nice to just make conversation sometimes. Sure, she'd still keep trying to put an end to the singing, no matter how good it was, but the talking Cass could live with.

Lily Bowen The first time Lily started travelling with the Courier, she was thrilled. Everyone in Jacobstown took life a little too seriously and being with the Courier was a refreshing change for her. Unlike most of the other companions, Lily actually loves the singing and the talking. She'll even suggest that the Courier tries their hand at singing on the Strip, the Tops and the Atomic Wrangler are always looking for new acts after all. Lily will even try and sing along with them, before realising her voice doesn't exactly compliment or rival the Courier's, but so long as they encourage to join in, she always will. The talking is just as lovely for her, it's nice to know that the Courier still cares about their grandma, even if they are growing up so fast.

Raul Tejada Never in all his years of being alive has he met someone like the Courier. It was one thing that they managed to deal with Tabitha, but the fact that they did it with Radio New Vegas playing on full blast from their Pip-Boy? Raul wasn't sure whether to be impressed or absolutely terrified. He leans more towards the latter once he starts travelling with them, struggling to keep up with the Courier constantly asking him questions about where he's from and what his life was like before the war and how he turned ghoul. Like Arcade, Raul finds it overwhelming and eventually asks politely if the Courier can calm down a little with all the questions, thankful when they actually oblige. He learns to love the Courier in spite of their loud habits, even being happy to fix their Pip-Boy when it stops letting them connect to the radio stations. It's against his better judgement, but they seem grateful for it.

Veronica Santangelo She immediately bonds with the Courier over their love for Radio New Vegas. Veronica wishes she had her own Pip-Boy so she could listen to the radio in her own free time, since lugging a radio around the Mojave Desert doesn't seem like the best idea. She absolutely loves the Courier's singing too, insisting that they don't forget her once they make it big in some bar in New Reno. She also tries her best to be the Courier's backup singer when wandering the wasteland, however, she accidentally stumbles up on a lot of her lyrics and trying to pronounce "Agua Fria" at the start of Big Iron quickly becomes the bane of her existence. Veronica also loves to gossip with the Courier, about her love life - and the Courier's if they're willing to disclose it - and all her least favourite things about her commanding officers in the Brotherhood. Whenever she travels with Six, Veronica manages to get a lot of off her chest

[cress-meadowforge]

Cress' eyes flickered with recognition. McCoy. She remembered the name from Miller's arena. From the 130th Games. She'd seen him in the training center, worked with him before Launch. Another legacy, in a way. Though perhaps Ezra was seeking a familial redemption arc. "Pleasure is mine." Though only time would tell if that was true. Cress glanced at the buttons, at the one she had previously pushed. "I'm from One," she clarified. Not with One. An important distinction. Cress stood with her sister, of course. And even with Helios, but it wasn't out of district obligation. "I'm a trainer," her eyes fell over him then, taking in his form -- where he held his center of gravity, which foot he preferred, what he did with his hands. "I don't limit myself to one district. More fun that way." Supposedly less pain, in the end.

"Am I not free to go where I please?" she teased, playing coy. The elevator continued up, passing Two, then Three. A smirk, brows arching in observation. "It seems as though perhaps you're coming with me. Did you mean to miss you floor?"

"Lucky you're not a tribute then" Ezra replied as he stepped into the elevator, letting a breath out because he had been dying to escape the busyness of it all and he didn't know if he had it in him to wait for this elevator to do a tour of the tower before coming back down again.

"Ezra McCoy" he nodded, surname was more important than his own, and he was clever enough to know that. "Nice to meet you" he said politely, very two of him. "Why are you going to the sixth if you're with one?" he asked then, nodding to the buttons.

[dos-oroguitas]

Playing with the Madrigal Grandkids in Minecraft + S/O prompts, Platonic! Antonio

Isabela

Isabela Madrigal would almost always give you flowers. Randomly dropping it in front of you and shift crouching so that you'd know even in game, she loves and appreciates you.

Proclaims the two of you as the rulers of the nether. Would probably make her own custom texture so that you two could have matching crowns.

Very much protective of you, she may only have flowers and a lava bucket in her inventory but you can count on her to risk herself to fight off mobs who would approach you.

Gets jealous of the dogs and cats you tamed who you'd always baby talk.

"They're not baby! I am, I'm your baby!"

Grumpy Isabella noises. What do those animals have that she doesn't have?!

Most likely would have tried to hide them so you could pay attention to her instead. Feeling bad midway and apologizing profusely when you get online.

She'll insist on having matching Minecraft skins.

Luisa

Most definitely names your armor before giving it to you like the netherite helmet? 'Mi Amor's Head Protector', your sword? '(Name) and Luisa's bonk stick'.

She's proud you're wearing the armor that she herself crafted and mined for.

Puts her Minecraft bed next to yours as soon as you have a home in Mirabel's Minecraft replica of Casita.

"Mi Amor, don't wander off too far."

Yeah you'd most probably be like Camilo, getting lost for god knows what reason. You just liked to explore the world!

Her Minecraft character scurrying after yours when she notices you're straying away too far.

Mirabel

Let's face it, she'd build a shrine for you. Not in a creepy way. Well, she'd plant flowers on your statue's feet. It's cute, shh.

Most likely plants red poppies in the shape of a heart and crouches in the center of it to show how much she loves you.

Banner and pixel art for her significant other!?

Probably away a lot, collecting materials for her new map art that features the two of you together.

Lots of texts in-game

Randomly places signs in front of you with little cute messages of how she loves you.

"(Name) I made another map art!”

“(Name), Me encantas. :D <3.” She would say while standing on an enchanting table.

Dolores

Makes a Minecraft playlist for her significant other!?

'Songs to listen to while you play Minecraft with the Love of your life.'

'Don't need to mine any diamonds when you're the only precious one to me.'

Cheesy playlist names

Gets you a parrot in your preferred color. Lets them sit on the juke box with one another.

She would make music out of the note blocks in Minecraft of your favorite song.

Only hops on the group call when you're on.

"Hah. Simp." - Most likely Camilo.

Camileon was k*lled by Dolores.

Camilo

Teases everyone as a simp but the biggest simp there is when it comes to his s/o.

The boy would most likely ask for admin privileges just so he could impress you with his super duper powerful 'Sharpness 100' sword.

This boy is at your beck and call. You need trees? He'll get the saplings for you. You need diamonds?! Say less, he's already TNT mining at y 11.

Most likely would cry about you if Isabela bans him.

"Isabela! Please, I can't live on without seeing them in-game. I need them! I need mi vida!" He would sob.

Would probably get scolded by you when he randomly attacks Bruno.

"That man is dirt poor! You leave him alone, Madrigal!"

Antonio (Platonic)

You are very protective of Antonio in game. They're like the brother you wished you had/ never had.

Probably buys him Minecraft plushies.

Pepa would absolutely love how you spoil Antonio. She is very grateful.

Once Camilo had accidentally hit a dog and instead of helping him, you two just watched as he was mauled by the dogs.

"Should we help him, (Name)?"

"Nah, he deserves it."

Camileon was k*lled by Wolf.

Bonus! Bruno

Rambles about this fun block game he's been playing with the kids for a while.

Manages to convince you to play it with his nephews and nieces.

"Auntie (Name)! :D !!" Most likely fills the chat.

Pranks wars with Camilo.

Bruno's defender when Camilo suddenly attacks.

You probably spawn kill Camillo while he screams for mercy.

"Maybe you should take it easy on Camilo, Mi esposa/ Mi esposo."

Camileon was k*lled by (Name). F's in the chat.

Minecraft with the Madrigal grandkids s/o + platonic Antonio? I'm very into Minecraft right now, please don't judge me.

[alyswritings]

Family Ties

Request: Could I please request an imagine with Anthony Bridgerton's daughter and her interactions with her family? Who's her favourite aunt/uncle? What about her and Violet? And why can I imagine Francesca and Hyacinth, in particular, treating her like their doll?

Antony Bridgerton x daughter!reader

Summary: Y/N's relationships with her family.

Warnings: none

a/n: I decided to do this as a headcanon since it seemed easier that way. Thank you for the request! Hope you all enjoy!

(gif not mine)

The entire family was shocked when they learned that Anthony was going to be a father.

They were aware of the scandal that would follow, but supported Anthony, happy to have a new member of the family.

The family stuck together while all of the whispers and dirty glances were passed to them.

They were even more there after Y/N's mother ditched town, leaving Anthony a single parent.

Y/N was Anthony's pride and joy and he would do anything to protect her.

None of his siblings truly saw the most gentle side of him until Y/N was born.

Anthony spent the first week being afraid he'd break her.

Violet was hesitant at the whole situation at first, but she stuck by her eldest.

After seeing how Anthony was with Y/N, Violet knew he'd do well and even with the scandal they were facing of a child born out of wedlock, she knew that Anthony wouldn't let it change his mind of keeping the baby.

Violet quickly grew to love the baby as did the others.

Violet would watch after the baby when needed and she couldn't wait to spoil her grandchild.

Y/N sometimes goes to Violet to be read a book and Violet is teaching her to practice embroidery.

She knows that Edmund would've loved Y/N.

Benedict is definitely Y/N's favorite uncle

Colin, Benedict, and Gregory all competed for the title of Favorite Uncle when Y/N was a baby, but she seemed to finally decide when she was two years old.

She always wants to spend time with Benedict and she would watch him draw for as long as her attention span allowed. If she was lucky, sometimes he'd often let her draw with him, giving her her own tools for the activity.

Y/N preferred finger painting over using a brush.

She always went to him to get something she wanted after her father told her no.

And Benedict almost always said yes, depending on what it was.

Which Anthony would scold him for, but Benedict simply found it amusing.

Anthony: "I told her no. I expect for you to enforce the answers I give her as she is my daughter." Benedict *trying not to laugh*: "Of course, brother."

Colin often told her of his travels and his other interests.

Sometimes Y/N would listen and sometimes she'd just leave. It depended on her mood and patience.

He often gets her little gifts or treats after he goes out or travels somewhere.

She loves when he does that, graciously accepting it.

Both him and Benedict indulge her in her love for candies -- another thing Anthony wishes that they wouldn't do.

Colin was the favorite uncle when Y/N was a baby, but she just found Benedict more fun and amusing at an older age.

Daphne has always been the most patient one with Y/N.

She's kind and caring and respectful of her niece.

Daphne usually lets Y/N sit next to her at the piano and she would watch her aunt play.

Daphne has started teaching Y/N piano, explaining the keys and notes to her.

Daphne was most successful and teaching Y/N pall mall since she was the only one patient enough to explain the whole thing to a toddler -- even if Y/N has yet to in an actual game with the others yet.

Despite never being incredibly interested in babies, Y/N was always drawn to her Aunt Eloise.

The older girl's lack of attention giving just made Y/N go to her more.

Eloise never denied the affection or quality time her niece craved, but she was rarely the first of the two to seek it out.

Eloise often reads to Y/N, especially when it's time for the girl to go to sleep.

Eloise also teaches her about feminism and makes sure that Y/N knows she doesn't need to be like everybody else and rely on a man.

Eloise and Daphne are tied for Y/N's favorite aunts. It simply depends on the day or who is more willing to spend time with her.

Francesca isn't often around Y/N, given she's often away from home to practice pianoforte with her aunt.

Y/N does usually enjoy time with Francesca when she's home, the two often sitting at the piano and Y/N watches Francesca play the instrument.

Francesca and Hyacinth have fun dressing Y/N up, basically using their niece as their own live doll.

Y/N isn't always up for it, but usually lets them. However when she's extremely against it and refusing, Anthony does step in to stop his sisters.

Francesca isn't as bad as Hyacinth when it comes to wanting to dress the young girl up, which Y/N is thankful for because sometimes the youngest Bridgerton sister wants to go extreme, but Francesca will stop her.

But when Francesca isn't home? Y/N is all Hyacinth's.

Though Y/N finds Benedict to be fun, Gregory is probably the most fun uncle to the young girl.

Y/N isn't sure if it's because he isn't an adult yet and is also still a child, their age gap being much less significant as well.

Though Y/N does enjoy playing games with Gregory and Hyacinth, she can't deny that they often annoy her as well.

Gregory will often tease his niece who either teases back or does whatever she can to escape his presence until she's no longer annoyed later on.

If Gregory gets too annoying, Y/N will run to her father who orders Gregory to leave her alone.

Despite all the teasing, Y/N knows Gregory loves her, and when they're not fighting each other, they're often causing mischief together.

Despite the constant want of wishing to dress her up, Y/N does manage to find other things to do with Hyacinth.

The two also often dance for the fun of it.

Hyacinth tells Y/N all the lovely ideas of getting to grow up and be married and fall in love -- basically the opposite of anything Eloise tells the girl.

Hyacinth and Y/N do get along pretty well, their only arguments really only being when Y/N refuses to be dressed up.

Often the two will team up against Gregory to try to annoy him or get back at him for something he did to them.

Together, the youngest three are a very troublesome trio for the rest of the family.

Y/N enjoys spending time with each of her aunts and uncles and her grandmother and father.

As long as she's with her family she's happy.

[whosaskingwrites]

The Sound Of Love (Tsukishima x Reader)

A/N: Um I don't like this one as much as the others but I did my best. It honestly took forever cause I didn't want to write it and I had no idea what song to use but I eventually decided so here we are.

WARNINGS: angst

Date: Saturday November 7th, 2020

Details: 5.3 pages 2,000 words

Theme: Musicalia- The victim will hear a song constantly playing in their head until it drives them insane. The person of affection will only hear the music when they are around the victim.

Angst Masterlist

Clair De Lune

A simple, beautiful piano melody that had been repeating in my head for weeks. There was never a reprieve from the beautifully haunting melody. My mind followed the sound like a moth to a flame and deteriorated the closer it got to the music.

No amount of holding my hands over my ears stopped it. It had become a part of me like the backround music in a video game or movie. However this wasn't a video game or a movie this was real. Every day was the same never a rest I couldn't even sleep some nights.

This was my last week at Karasuno before I was put in the hospital. My mind was too far gone to stay out I couldn't really hear anything anymore to distracted by the music and of course I hummed it on occasion. Everyone in my classes knew I had it...Musicalia but they didn't know who caused it.

Monday

I walked to class with a sigh Yamaguchi was following and as we walked I heard a gentle piano melody that got louder. I spotted a familiar H/c haired girl fast walking past me like she'd done since I pushed her away. Yamaguchi followed my eyesight and the music faded the further away she got "you should apologize you know. This week is her last at Karasuno," I blinked 'her last week?' I thought "Shut up Yamaguchi," I said keeping my emotions off my face "Sorry Tsukki," I continued watching the S/c skinned female rush off down the hall.

Tuesday

I was walking up to the roof ready to reject another girl. Why they felt the need to confess to me of all people id never understand. As I rounded the corner someone ran into me and with a short shriek they fell. I was about to say something when I noticed who it was...Y/n she looked paler than I remembered and eye bags were prevalent on her face. I heard the piano again it was louder than ever.

"Do you need to listen to music that loud?" I asked though it was harsher than intended. Her eyes widened and I held back a frown as I saw she was afraid. "S-sorry," she stood up quickly and ran off down the hall the music fading the further she got and I watched 'why was she afraid of me?' My eyes caught something on the floor which I turned to. Picking it up I realized it was a simple gold bracelet with a dinosaur charm on it.

"This is...," It was the bracelet id given her three years ago on her birthday. It was still in perfect condition looking like it did on the day I'd given it to her and it caused a small smile to pull at my lips as I pocketed the familiar bracelet.

Wednesday

Everytime I spotted the e/c eyed female in the hallway and approached her she would turn and run the music following her. Nobody ever seemed bothered by the piano it was almost like they didn't hear it and Y/n was never wearing headphones when it was playing. "Does she ever stop listening to that song?" I mumbled to myself as she ran away yet again.

"What song?" Yamaguchi asked next to me I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked at him. "What do you mean what song? That damn piano music she's always listening to it's annoying," I said and Yamaguchi’s eyes widened "Tsukki...She's not listening to any music...," He stated.

I blinked as I processed what that meant "No ive heard it-," Yamaguchi cut me off before I could continue he had a sad look in his eyes and as he spoke I realized why. "She's got Musicalia Tsukki...," He whispered as he looked at me. "She...She what?" I asked. "She's got Musicalia and if you can hear it that means...," my own eyes widened as I realized what he was implying. "Oh...,"

Thursday

Cornering someone who was avoiding you was much more difficult than you'd think. Everytime I ended up even in the same room as her she ran before I could even get near her. "Yamaguchi," I stated causing him to jump. "Yeah?" He nervously asked. "Can you convince Y/n to meet you on the roof?" I asked. He didn't ask any questions he just nodded mumbling a quiet yeah as the teacher walked in the room.

I stood on the roof looking out towards the gym. I heard footsteps come around the corner and stop before they slowly started backing away. "Can you stop running? I need to talk to you," I said. The footsteps stopped and I turned around. Y/n stood a few feet away nervously shuffling on her feet.

"When were you gonna tell me?" I asked and she sighed "Preferably never," She answered and I furrowed my eyebrows. "Never? This could kill you!" I took a step toward her while she took one back "So what?" She spit bitterly rasing her head up to glare. "So what? So everything!" I shouted.

"So everything? You dont even fucking like me! You made that pretty clear last year!" She yelled back. She was referencing an argument that I barely remembered and that she hadn't forgotten. "Do you even know what its like to have your heart crushed in seconds!?" She screamed. "You still should have told me you have Musicalia!" I glared back. 

She just gave me a bitter smile "I suppose my dear this was how it was meant to be," she stretched her arms out as she spoke and tears dripped down her face at a slow pace. "You dying isn't how it's supposed to be!" She only shook her head in response. I stuck my hand in my pocket and pulled out the bracelet. "Here...just take this back," I said holding it out. She walked forward and I heard that gentle and haunting music get louder.

She stopped closing my hand around the bracelet and leaning up to press a kiss against my cheek. "Keep it I won't have a use for it much longer," she mumbled before turning and walking off. "Y/n!" She stopped but didn't turn around and I continued speaking. "I love you," she sighed and turned her head. The sunset cast her in an ethereal glow and sparkled off the remaining tears on her face.

She gave a sad, watery smile in response. "No you don't Tsukki. If you did...You would have come back to me a lot sooner," she turned and left I knew she was right but god it hurt to hear her say that. My hand was still tightly closed around the bracelet the metal uncomfortably warm against my skin as she walked away from me.

Friday

She avoided me even more. I never saw her but I heard the music following around on occasion. After yesterday I had looked for the melody finally hearing it long enough to search for it. The results had told me the song was Clair De Lune I should have known. It was Y/n's favorite song though I doubted she liked it now.

I had tried to find her when I heard the music but even if I followed it I never found her. I was walking toward my locker keeping an ear out for that melody. As I opened the locker a f/c envelope fell out as I picked it up I noticed it was sealed with a gold wax stamp. Flipping it over my name was written on the front in flowing cursive. I put it away in my bag before heading to practice.

I flipped the envelope around in my hand staring at it before sighing. I pulled open the envelope and slipped the contents out. The first was a photo of me, Y/n, and Yamaguchi we were standing in the park in the photo. Y/n and Yamaguchi had their arms over eachothers shoulders while I stood in the background glaring towards the camera.

The other thing was a letter that I was hesitant to flip open. I knew the letter was from Y/n but I for the first time felt afraid on what she had to say. Sighing I opened the letter ready to read it.

Dear Kei,

It's been awhile hasn't it? Though That's what happens after fights. You give each other time to calm down and then you come back. Only this time...There is no coming back. You already know I have Musicalia and I'm sure you know I love you. It's weird to write that to someone you know doesn't love you.

Don't lie either. You don't love me the way I love you. You may think you do but if you had we would have been friends again by now. But you were perfectly content with not having me in your life so I know you'll be fine when I'm actually gone.

That's the issue isn't it? I'll be gone soon really, truly...gone. I'm not afraid knowing my death is approaching im...content and at peace with it. My death won't be glorious. I'm not going out with a bang. Or any final inspirational words. I'll go quietly in my sleep hopefully. Sleep however is hard when there's music constantly playing on loop in your head.

When I'm gone Kei...Will you visit me? Tell me about your day or the volleyball team! Yamaguchi told me about the team you should go easier on them. You should also learn from them you know? Anyways if you ever can't make it to me...Play Clair De Lune and I'll go to you! I'll listen to you talk at your place instead of you coming to mine!

I'm sure you know by now that this is my goodbye letter. Don't act so suprised of course I want to say goodbye to you. You're important to me you should know that. I've written this for awhile but I wanted it to be a good final goodbye since its immortalized forever in a letter. If you share this with anyone I'll kill you by the way. Even in death I still have a reputation. Anyway...

Goodbye Kei

I love you

—Y/n L/n

A month had passed since she said goodbye I moved forward even though it hurt to not see her around school. It almost felt like she moved but that imagine was ruined whenever I visited her grave. "Hey Tsukki I didn't know you liked dinosaurs!" I sighed in irritation my eyes flicking towards Kuroo who was pointing at my wrist.

"Wow that's cool!" Bokuto joined in and my eyes drifted to the golden bracelet around my wrist. "It's not mine," I stated drinking my water. "Whos is it?" Akaashi asked and I sighed again. "My friend Y/n’s...She's gone now and I'd rather not talk about it," I said standing up and heading back to the net. None of them said anything more about it and I was grateful for that.

Later that night I closed my eyes and played the song that I had grown very familiar with. It was quiet except for the soft melody playing through my headphones. While my eyes were closed I felt the familiar pressure on my body like someone was laying on my chest. If I listened through my headphones close enough I could almost hear her soft voice humming the song. 

I knew in my brain it was impossible but for now I let my heart believe that it was her. I talked quietly about anything and everything that came to mind. The team was sleeping so I knew I could talk freely most of them slept like they were in a coma. I sighed as I reached the end of my story before I spoke once more.

"I miss you Y/n,"

————————————————————————

TAGLIST: @wonhomarshmallow

[witchersjaskier]

This one is a petty little thing of mine, but... I really dislike Triss. Nothing will change it. She's rape-y in the first game, she'd be happy to let a wither die disgraced in Netflix if not for Geralt (+I think she did it to lure another witcher...) and what I hear about books ain't much better. I wish SOME people would stop acting as if she's the 'nice mage contrast' to Yennefer. And connected to this - I prefer Yen not being happy about the wish that bound her against her will to someone.3/3

okay so i haven’t played the games so i can’t speak of that but @julian-de-lettenhove literally told me the same thing about triss like 20 minutes ago and absolutely agree. again don’t know a lot about her so i don’t have an opinion here, but she’s not perfect for sure.

as for yennefer, FUCK YES. she’s been bound to a STRANGER because of a wish and it’s terrible. like, think about it. some big strong man comes and basically ties your existence to his and you’re stuck meeting him for the rest of your lives. you don’t know him, don’t know who or how he is and maybe he’s a good man but it’s still wrong and she has every right to be angry. even if they were in a relationship before, she still would have the right to be angry.

[fal-carrington]

Just The Two Of Us Pt.4

Pairing: Kamilah x Mc x Adrian

Disclaimer: The Characters are NOT mine

(Part 1) (Part2) (Part 3)

Prompt: After the last night fighting against Gaius, before his fall, he puts his plan into execution, changing the lives of Adrian, Kamilah and Mia forever. Friendships may end, a heart may be broken and a new love may arise. In the end who will win the girl's heart? 

Tag List: @galaxyside-0 @zoe6111 @rocket-scientist07 @scarlet-letter-a0114 @gavryllo @loveshamelessly @thecleveridiot09 @jen825 @zerozone-80 @whoinvitedalx @kamilahspet @ilovekamilahsayeed @sleeping-with-her06 @rubyheartjane @incorrectbloodboundquotes @bucket-harrington @desiree-0816 @kamilahspet @riyalovestaylor @iam-the-fuckin-queen @thepotatobleh @pizzapyjamas @deereboy97 @justejuste727 @jellymonster @tigerbryn11 @awesome-maxs-stuff

2 months later

Ahmanet Financial, Wednesday, 22h44pm

Mia sighed, breathing deeply a few times before entering Kamilah's building. She needed to talk to Kamilah, urgently. The two of them had not been on the same page for months... Actually, they never had been on the same page. Now more than ever, she needed for the very first time to Kamilah give in. But how could she? Kamilah only saw her as troublemaker, an irresponsible and stubborn child. Mia always thought about the day that her wife would take her seriously. There was no possible situation where Kamilah would agree to do this for her, but she needed to try.

She glanced around the large elegant hall of the building, encountering several well dressed men and women, seated in black armchairs, at the counter. The black lettering "Ahmanet Financial" intimidated her. Only 23 years old and she was the wife of the owner. Soon, the feeling that she did not belong to that place, invaded her chest. She bit her own lips impatiently, and with steady steps marched to the counter. Three men in suits were sitting typing on computers.

"Good night. Hi, I—" She tried to say, but the guy interrupted her.

"Deliveries are made in the back." The guy said without even looking at her.

Mia opened her mouth, shock and surprise took her.

"Excuse me? I'm not a deliverer,” she said, leaning against the counter.

"What do you want?" The guy asked impatiently.

"I came here to talk with Kamilah," she clarified. The guy in response let out a wry smile, as if he were mocking her. Mia frowned.

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Uh... No. I don’t need one.”

"Mrs Sayeed does not receive nobody without an appointment, in fact, she hates to receive someone who is not on her agenda. She is not available to receive anyone who wants to come and talk to her.” The guy said without looking up, typing quickly.

“This guy is serious?” Mia thought to herself. "Anyone?" Mia laughed, running a hand through her blond hair. "Do you know who I am?"

"No. And honestly, I do not care to figure it out.” The guy looked up for the first time, directly into the girl's green eyes, scanning her clothes from top to bottom, which made her uncomfortable. "Look, you're very pretty. If you want to speak to Mrs Sayeed you will have to come back another day and set the time in advance. Or if you'd prefer to give me your name, so I can put it on the list, if do not mind waiting in one of the chairs... Even though there's no chance she'll see you today.” He typed again on his keyboard, indifferent.

“Alright.” Mia smirked. "The name’s Miranda."

"Miranda..." He typed.

"... Sayeed." At the mention of the surname, the three of them looked at her. The dimpled smile grew on her face, her brow furrowed with irony.

"...And I'm Lady Gaga." Another commented, laughing, as the other three did the same, Mia rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious, you idiots." She sighed, starting to get angry. “I need to see Kamilah. And if I do not see my wife right away, I'll be happy to see your butts get fired”

"Get out before I call the security guards." The first one told her.

"Are you kidding me? Do you know who you're talking to you fucking whore?” Mia raised her voice. At the same instant, a familiar figure emerged from Kamilah's personal elevator. Karen. Her personal assistant. Karen carried her tablet in her hands, walked with the same elegance and grace as ever. A smile flashed across her face as her eyes met Mia's.

Mia's smile could not get wider when she saw Kamilah’s assistant

"You guys are all fucked up," she whispered to the three of them.

"Mrs Sayeed, what a pleasant surprise! You’re back!." She approached. Mia turned to her with a huge grin on her face, laughing inwardly at the three who froze with Karen's presence, and the words she'd let go before she even approached.

"Hi Karen, how are you?" Mia crossed her arms.

"I’m great. Mrs Sayeed did not mention that you would come today.”

"Oh, I wanted to make a surprise. I hope Kamilah is not busy.”

"She just left a meeting. She has an hour to spare. How was your trip? I hope it was good."

"It was amazing! thank you for asking, Karen. So I guess I'll see Kamilah... My wife. Anytime I want and without an appointment, because I don’t need one!” She shrugged, laughing exaggeratedly, out of the corner of her eye she could see the red color on the faces of the three of them. When Karen stepped forward, Mia took one last look back, before lifting her middle finger to them and followed her.

“I don’t understand.” Mia said after a few minutes of silence between her and Karen in the elevator.

“What?” She asked.

“Why nobody believes that Kamilah got married?”

“I believe it is because Kamilah is not very… Open.” Karen took a deep breath, contemplating to respond in a kind manner. “She just... Don’t care about getting closer to people, obviously she has more important matters to deal with.”

Mia sighed. Karen left her in Kamilah's huge, elegant office, which was empty at the moment. Mia looked around, she’s only been there three times in her entire life, it was strange to stay in that environment without Kamilah.

"Make yourself at home, Kamilah will return to her office at any moment. I'll let her know that you're here.” Karen smiled sympathetically. Mia smiled back, awkwardly.

"Karen?" Mia called her before she walked out the door.

"Yes, ma'am?" Karen stopped.

"Do you... Do you think Kamilah will be happy when she finds out I'm here?" She asked uncertainly. Karen paused for a moment, as if reflecting how to answer to that, her intense gaze slightly annoying Mia.

"I think she'll be delighted with your presence," she replied, Mia knew it was a lie, but she smiled back, anyway. Karen left.

Kamilah’s pov

"...It's not about the money, they've been our clients for years, I'm not going to lose this contract for Mannon Financial, maybe we should think of a better strategy to close this deal." Kamilah said contemptuously as she walked the halls of Ahmanet Financial with her assistant. The last winter weeks had been pleasantly quiet for the CEO, since Mia had discovered an ONG which the main project was building houses for the unfortunates, and had the idea of ​​going to do volunteer work in Colômbia, Kamilah could not support her any more, the idea of her getting rid of her wife for weeks or maybe months, it never seemed so attractive.

Months married, months of drama with Adrian and a childish rivalry between the two. She just had a lot of work to do, and getting involved with Mia was not on her mind. Now she had her penthouse and her bed only for herself and no kind of family stress.

"...Maybe we should go back with the idea of ​​end of the year gifts? Whiskey and cigars, as usual” Karen proposed.

"It's not a bad idea, they're traditional men and like every year, they'll appreciate that," Kamilah said patiently. "Let’s think about this. Well, in the meantime, send me the reports in my office, I do not want to be disturbed."

"Uh, ma'am... Maybe you should know—”

"I do not want distractions, Karen. I do not want anyone in my office today." Kamilah said opening the door, and faced the last person she hoped for and wanted to see. Mia. The CEO stopped at once, a tempestuous expression forming on her face, at first confusion, shock, and then anger, as she came across that little blonde creature with cheeks and tanned skin sitting in her leather chair and with the boots on top of her desk, playing with a pen of more than five thousand dollars between her nails done.

"I was about to tell you that your wife was waiting for you in your office a few minutes ago," Karen said quietly behind Kamilah.

"I noticed," Kamilah muttered. Mia smirked, flicking her dimples between her cheeks.

"Well, I'll give you privacy," Karen said, trying to pull away.

"You stay." Kamilah told her assistant without taking her eyes off Mia, closing the door behind her. "My wife was already leaving. Get out off my chair, Miranda."

"Ugh, I hate it when you call me like that." Mia rolled her eyes. "Is that the way you talk to your wife? Did you not missed me?"

Kamilah crossed her arms, her perfect eyebrows arching as they always did when she was angry.

"Someone is in a bad mood today," Mia snapped without moving.

"You should be in Colômbia." Kamilah pointed at her.

"I was and it was wonderful, thank you for asking." Mia stood up. "Despite your unsuccessful attempt to get rid of me, I'm back."

"I do not have the patience for your little games today, I have a lot of work to do and I'm busy, as you can see," Kamilah said angrily.

“You know what would be cool? a picture of us on the table, as most couples usually use at their desks.” Mia pointed to Kamilah's desk. Kamilah rolled her eyes in response, Mia seeing the unimpressed look that Kamilah gave to her, she continued. “Oh, come on, you know your life is boring without me” She gave a charming smile to Kamilah.

"Why can not you be a normal wife and spend the credit card I gave to you?" Kamilah touched the bridge of her nose.

"Oh, you mean the limitless credit card you gave me as a form of bribe not to disturb you? No thanks, I will not spend your money.” Mia walked around the table and sat on the edge, her fingers squeezing the wood from Kamilah's table. “... And what’s wrong with my clothes, anyway?” She looked at them.

"You dress like a hipster who's about to run away with a band." Kamilah gestured to Mia's torn black jeans. "You're the wife of a CEO, you should dress like one." Mia rolled her eyes impatiently.

"I do not see anything wrong with my style, maybe that's why your receptionists treated me like crap earlier." She said in a lower tone, Kamilah frowned.

"They did what?" Kamilah asked.

"Doesn’t matter.” She shrugged trying to hide the hurt in her eyes, which was evident to Kamilah. "You know, while I was away, I did a lot of things in Colômbia, a lot of good things for many people, I did not regret it in the last few weeks, but then I realized that you just wanted to get rid of me and I was making it so much easier for you.” Kamilah rolled her eyes impatiently. "I kept in touch with my parents since I left, they were very curious about you and why I would leave the country since I’m married for such little time."

"So that's why you're back," Kamilah concluded with a small smile forming on her lips. "To keep the facade for your parents." Mia moistened her lips, moving away from the table and approaching Kamilah in slow steps with the pen swinging in her fingers.

"They mean the world to me, I'd hate to disappoint them. They are already hurt because they were not invited to our wedding and I did not tell anyone we were getting married. I'm back because my Nana's birthday will be this weekend, and I can not lose this.” A sarcastic smile formed on Kamilah's lips. Well, she would have another free weekend from Mia before she resolved to return to the penthouse.

"Well, may god be with you on this trip. You can get the jet and go.” Kamilah smiled satisfied. Mia let out a laugh.

"I don’t know what you're saying, you're going with me." Mia folded her arms, Kamilah's smile widened on her face.

"No, absolutely not. I will not waste my time on this, I have to work."

"Seriously? Jokes on you, you are going Kamilah.” Mia leaned close enough to face her wife in the eyes.

"Is that a threat?" Kamilah frowned, her brown eyes slowly shifting to red. Mia shrugged.

"You can consider what you want, I would say... This is a warning”

"Karen?" Kamilah called to her without taking her eyes off Mia. "Follow my wife out of my office, I have a lot of work to do." Kamilah took a deep breath, trying to control the anger, her eyes returning to the usual brown.

"Karen, I'm not going anywhere. Not until Kamilah gives me her word that she will go with me to Michigan. It's the least you can do for sending me away for two months, Kamilah.” She approached Kamilah, staring at the CEO in the eyes, no matter how tall Kamilah was or how terrifying she was, Mia would not give up

"Well, my efforts does not seem to work because you're back." Kamilah approached her in response, both inches apart.

"I promised I would not make things easy for you," Mia snapped.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with." Kamilah touched the girl's chin, lifting her face with her finger, bringing her face closer to Mia's until she could look closely at the iris of her green eyes.

"I'll take my chances," Mia said in response. “Do you know what I think, Kamilah? I think you're afraid, afraid of it, afraid of us. You're afraid of being in a relationship, that's why you try to push me away, that's why you act like you don't care!”

“You’re ridiculous.” Kamilah snapped back.

"I am? because every time I approach you about your feelings, you run away. You're scared, scared of feeling something, afraid of your own feelings.”

"You're my brother's ex girlfriend, he loves you, he's in love with you, you have twenty-three years old, you're the forbidden fruit, a fetus." Kamilah said angrily.

“Yeah? That’s why you can’t keep your eyes off me?” Mia snapped watching closely the look in Kamilah’s eyes. Kamilah paused in the middle of her sentence as her brown eyes lowered to admire the girl's rosy lips, the thought of how beautiful she had become with her skin sun-tanned had taken over the mind of the CEO. They both backed away as Karen cleared her throat behind them, Kamilah shaking her head, lost for that moment... That was just the effect the girl had on her.

"You're taking my time. And I'm busy." She turned around and sat down in her leather chair. "What is this?" She pointed to the package on the table. Mia sighed and turned to face her.

"Your dinner. It’s vegetarian. I thought to bring it to you,” she said, noting the surprised look on Kamilah's face. “I will not appear alone on my grandmother's birthday, you go to Michigan with me, you are my wife and you will meet my family, we are in it together until the bitter end or you forgot? So if you want to keep your image that you value so much, you will do it, if not for me, do it for yourself. You will, and that's it." She said before leaving Kamilah behind.

"Did you see that? She acts like a teenager.” Kamilah said pointing where the girl was. "Of all the punishments that Gaius could do against me... He chose the worst," she said leaning back in her chair. Karen hid the smile, which was noticed by the CEO immediately. "Is there anything you may want to share with me, Karen?" Kamilah cocked her head to the side, looking directly into her eyes.

"Mia is... A force of nature, Kamilah. She does not think about the consequences before she does things, and she certainly knows how to let you on the edge.” Karen approached Kamilah's table. "But... She is gorgeous, those eyes really are something else. And it is obvious that you two are attracted to one another"

"This is insane." Kamilah rolled her eyes, standing and walking past Karen. "I'm not attracted to my wife."

"There's nothing wrong with admitting it." Karen rushed to catch up with her in Kamilah's private elevator.

"There's absolutely everything wrong with admitting it, my brother is in love with her and she's in love with him. It would be the greatest betrayal I could ever commit.” Kamilah admitted, as the elevator stopped in the lobby of Ahmanet Financial, she stepped forward to the balcony. Spotting the three guys there. She stopped bending to look at the three of them, laughing and chatting.

"I did not know I paid all three of you to play instead of work," she said quietly and softly, catching sight of the hairs on their necks rose.

"Mrs Sayeed!" The one at the left-hand end rose, stuttering.

"We were not expecting you."

"We were just... We were..."

"I do not give a damn what you all were doing, I just came here to say that it came to my ears that my wife was here earlier. And you all did not let her come up.” She raised her eyebrows, noticing the blood rise to the three men's heads and hearts racing.

"We did not know she was your wife!"

"Oh really? Now listen well and carefully, when my wife is here, she will be treated properly and with respect, if it gets to my ears again that any of you treated her inappropriately again, I will go after the three of you, I was clear?" Kamilah threatened, her fangs threatening to appear, but she held them back in time. The three shook their heads in affirmation. "Do you all know what? I changed my mind. You’re all fired. Immediately.” Kamilah walked away from the counter, her heels banging against the floor, Karen rushed to catch up. "Reopen the application process and tell them we're hiring and I'm open to interviews, Karen." She said before they both got into the elevator. Kamilah noticed the smile on her assistant's face. "Do not look at me like that."

"You like her." Karen smiled.

"No. I don’t.... And don’t even think about telling her that I fired them."

“What did they even say? Isn't the forbidden fruit always the best?” Karen said softly wearing a look from Kamilah.

Kamilah’s and Mia penthouse, Thursday, 23h30pm

As winter drew nearer from New York, making the nights cooler, Mia sighed in relief as the elevator doors swung open for her, after months living with Kamilah in that large apartment, she was beginning to get used. Get used to her little routine and to the house. Leaving the market bags on the kitchen counter, and the keys on the key chain, Mia took off her coat and stood to save the groceries. Shopping at the grocery store, making lunch and dinner, and handling some household chores were some of the few things she did and enjoyed doing. She smiled in satisfaction when her work was ready, deep in her mind the idea of taking a hot bath in that wonderful bathtub of her suite and Kamilah’s, invaded her mind.

Mia took off her shirt, her accessories, trousers and socks when she reached the room, she casually walked to the bathroom, but upon arriving there she came upon an unexpected sight. Kamilah. That god damn it woman. Her own demon which sent directly from her personal hell was there in the bathtub.

"OH FUCK!" Mia shouted at the sight of her. Kamilah turned her face to her, frowning. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I... I did not know you.... that you were home! Why did not you yell at me from here to tell me you were here!” Mia tried to cover her eyes.

"First, I don’t “yell” and second... This is still my house too, for what I know. Do I have to warn you every time I want to take a bath? "Kamilah asked calmly.

"A text message telling you're coming home would be cool!" Mia said taking her hand out of her eyes briefly, only to be rewarded with... That image which stolen her breath away.

There was little foam in the bathtub that hour, which told her that Kamilah had been there for some time, her absolutely gorgeous brown body was partially exposed, the other half hidden by the water, her brown hair glistening wet, fallen on her shoulders, her Egyptian gold necklace stood out on her tanned skin, besides her was a glass of wine. That perfect face, wet, stared at Mia with serenity. A goddess. When Mia realized, she was staring at her like a teenager who had just seen a porn movie for the first time. She closed her mouth and tried to avoid the CEO's hypnotizing brown eyes.

Kamilah took her eyes from those stubborn green eyes, and without noticing, scanned Mia's exposed body hidden behind that tight set of bra and black lace panties. That girl had a hell of a body. She had to admit it. Even though she was incredibly pretty with a flashy body, there was something else about that girl, the way she rolled her eyes and dared to defy Kamilah made her intrigued, interested and excited.

"Perfect legs," Kamilah thought to herself with a small smile forming on her lips. "...Well, it was you who invaded the bathroom first. So, I believe It’s your fault.” Kamilah said softly looking at that body, her brows furrowed. "Or... Maybe you just wanted to see me naked, so you made up an apology." Mia noticed the way the CEO looked at her, the burning desire in Kamilah’s eyes, she reached for a towel to hide her body behind, crashing the door and leaning against it.

"I ... if I knew you were in the bathroom, I would never!" Mia rolled her eyes in disgust, a laugh escaped from Kamilah lips. Mia stopped talking as she noticed the perfect smile on Kamilah's face. "You... You're smiling. You never smile.” She lowered her shoulders and let out a smirk full of dimples. But then she regained her consciousness and swayed. "Stop smiling like that at me." The grimace returned in her face.

"You are still here aren’t you?," Kamilah observed. “Stop acting like a teenager, we’re adults, you’re my wife, it’s normal to see each other naked.”

"I have no plans to see you naked and I will not let you see my body." Mia stared at her in horror as she squeezed the towel against her body, Kamilah laughed softly sinking into the water and closing her eyes. "So... why did you decide to go back home today?" Mia asked curiously.

"Today was a stressful day, I just wanted to relax, get home and take a bath," Kamilah said softly still with her eyes closed.

"Something happened?" Mia asked curiously, coming closer and leaning against the sink.

"Just... One more day of work," Kamilah replied, Mia kept her eyes on her, studying her features. Kamilah opened her eyes, surprising her, making her change her posture. "What?" Kamilah asked.

"Nothing." Mia shook her head, feeling her face turn red. "I don’t know... I'm just not used to seeing you at home. Are you going back to work? "

"Not today," Kamilah replied sipping her drink. At the same moment, the image of having to split the bed for the very first time, invaded Mia's head. Oh, boy.

"You drink a lot," Mia said quietly.

"...And you complain too much," Kamilah snapped. Mia opened her mouth to protest.

"True." Mia shrugged, taking an unexpected smile from Kamilah. In response, Kamilah prepared to get out of the tub, making the move, Mia turned her back to her, trying to avoid looking. "Oh, God, you're getting out of the bathtub, that's something you're doing," she stammered. Behind her, Kamilah smiled as she picked up a nearby towel and wrapped her body around it.

“For someone who don’t want to look, you seems very curious.” Mia peeked over her shoulder, being greeted by a flawless white smile.

"You... Can you rush this? You know, there are some people who want to bathe.” Mia said with her back to the sink, Kamilah came wiping her hair with a towel, facing her.

"For what I know, there are more than three bathrooms in this house, you're the only one standing here against your will." Kamilah moved closer to her, narrowing her eyes, being so close to Kamilah made her uneasy, she could feel that attraction again, the heat emanating from Kamilah's body, the CEO staring at her behind the wet strokes of her hair, somehow she become even more attractive. Kamilah placed both her hands against the sink, holding her there. Mia stared at those hot brown eyes, before she could stop them — images came into her mind, holding her in that trance, sand, a lot of sand. A marble palace erected against the sands. She saw Kamilah, how beautiful she was in her black hair with a fringe, noble egyptian clothes, that perfect smile on her face. The picture went as fast as it came. The same smile lingered on Kamilah's face, unchanged by time.

"Stop doing that, it's not working," Mia said crossly, folding her arms.

"What am I doing?" Kamilah asked staring at her lips.

"You're hitting on me. I do not know why, but if you think you're going to take advantage of me with that... If you think I'm going to fall for this, you're very much mistaken, Kamilah.” Mia said with conviction. "You think you can... You think you can come to me and smile like that... With that perfect face of yours and I’m going to fell for you?? You’re wrong." Kamilah grinned even more.

"Oh, so you think my face is perfect. I did not know you were attracted to me, Mia.” Kamilah raised her eyebrows, Mia's expression make her laugh.

"I'm not!"

"Yes, you are."

"Oh, for gods sake." Mia rolled her eyes.

"I'm not hitting on you. But if I was... " Kamilah brought her face closer to Mia's, gluing her foreheads, her lips inches from hers, Mia's breath caught stuck, her whole body tingling, that cold in her belly were back so fast. — A part of her wanted, the selfish one, no matter how much she wanted to deny and push Kamilah away, a part of her wanted to kiss her desperately, there was something about Kamilah that drew her, but a sound in her head claimed that she still loved Adrian, Adrian was the man of her life, but if he was... Why did she want to kiss Kamilah so badly? "... If I was hitting you, you couldn’t take it..." Kamilah touched her chin, lifting him up to make her look at those hypnotizing brown eyes. "You could not stand a night with me, could not bear the pleasure, the desire..." her words were mere whispers against Mia's lips. “I would make you scream my name all night long, as if I were your holy grace, your salvation...”

"Kamilah..." Mia tried to say stuttering. She wanted to, only god knew how she wanted and craved that kiss. Even being... So wrong. At that moment, the image of Adrian dissipated. Any coherent thought was eliminated from her mind. Kamilah inclined her face, directing her lips to the girl's ear.

"That's exactly why nothing's going to happen between us." Mia shivered as she heard Kamilah's lips whisper in her ear, and received a small bite in her earlobe and a kiss on her cheek.”

"Great." Mia raised her nose defiantly, daring to look into Kamilah's eyes. Kamilah stood to look into her eyes. "I'll never sleep with you. I don’t have feelings for you and you don’t have for me."

"Great." Kamilah returned with a small, confident smile. "As you wish." Kamilah walked away so fast and left her alone in the bathroom before she could even think twice.

1h30am

Later that night, Mia flipped through her book patiently, amused by the story, enough to not hear the front door open and close, giving way to Kamilah, who entered the room with warm eyes on the girl.

"I didn't know you had a preference for the right side of the bed." Kamilah said softly with a playful smile on her face. Mia looked up from the book, and almost immediately her face turned red when she saw the CEO standing by the door, wearing nothing, but a black silk nightgown that valued her beautiful body and breasts. Mia had never seen so much skin before.

“Holy fuck.” She thought to herself. “I’m screwed. That’s it.”

"It's... I... It's near the bathroom," she stammered, drawing a smile from Kamilah. "I don't have to go around the bed."

“Hmmm. I see.” Kamilah raised her brow, letting Mia's face turn even more red. Mia looked at her clothes immediately, realizing that maybe those pajama shorts were maybe too short, and after the bathroom confrontation, she didn't know if she trusted herself or Kamilah, enough to spend the night with the vampire queen.

Kamilah approached with slow steps, as if calculating her every step, going to her side of the bed and pulling the covers towards her. At that moment, Mia felt that familiar warmth emanating from Kamilah's body, how hot that was. She swallowed, trying to focus on her book, but it was almost impossible with Kamilah so close.

“What are you reading?” She felt the hairs on her body shiver at the sound of Kamilah's voice so close to her ear, Mia looked over her shoulder and met Kamilah's brown eyes in her book.

"Uh... Hum... The sky is falling." She replied stuttering.

“And why is the sky falling?” Kamilah asked.

"Well... Uh—" Mia frowned trying to make the right words out, but she was unable to form them. “I think… I don't know yet. Uh... I haven't reached that part yet, I think it's a metaphor for —” Her eyes met Kamilah's, seeing that flawless smile so close to her face, the words faded from her mind.

“For?” Kamilah whispered, smiling approaching again. Mia stepped away noticing how close they were until...

"Ouch!" She faltered as she fell off the bed. Kamilah's laugh echoed around the room, Mia tried to get up with an ugly face. "That’s it!" She stood, marching around the room and going to an armchair, taking all the pillows there and carrying them to bed.

"What on earth do you think you're doing?" Kamilah asked without understanding.

“I think it's time we set some boundaries between us, don't you think?” She said forming a wall of pillows between her and Kamilah.

"You can't be serious." Kamilah said in disbelief looking at the girl and her job in separating both.

"Believe me I am." Mia smiled, pleased to see the result of her work.

“This... is definitely the most childish thing you've ever done,” Kamilah said watching her.

"Thanks." Mia smiled, settling herself on the side of the bed.

“What if I want to push the pillows away?” Kamilah raised an eyebrow.

“You will not do that. It wouldn't be nice and it would be disrespecting your bed limits.” Mia looked over her shoulder.

"I couldn't care less about my boundaries." Kamilah said. "That's not how two married people sleep."

"We're not like everyone else, we're a different kind of couple." Mia said sleepily.

"Still, this is ridiculous and you know it." Kamilah said grumpy.

“I didn't think you were the type that enjoy cuddling, Kamilah.” Mia smiled over her shoulder. Mia propped her face against the pillows that parted both, smiling at the vampire queen. Kamilah returned her an annoyed look. "What? let's talk, share things, tell secrets.” Mia said poking her. Kamilah rolled her eyes and turned to the opposite side of the bed.

"I do not share."

"Yes, you do." Mia laughed.

"Go to sleep Miranda, or I swear to god, I'll kick you out of this bed, and this time you won't be able to climb again."

“Awn, come on!”

“You don’t know nothing about me, so let’s keep this way. It’s better for the both of us.” Kamilah said impatiently.

“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t know, but I want to. That’s why we have this weekend with my parents, I’m looking forward to it. They are going to love you.” Mia said smiling leaning over the pillows and leaving a spontaneous kiss on Kamilah's cheek. What she didn’t saw was the shocked look on Kamilah’s face at the unexpected act of love.

[punkscowardschampions]

Saint & Leilani

Saint: So, how many people with my surname have found their way into your inbox today? Leilani: few Saint: I hope those few have behaved and not been too taxing on your typing fingers or your patience Leilani: you're making it sound more fun & scandalous than it came close to Saint: That would be an odd but not unentirely precedented way to welcome you for us Saint: I'm just more than aware how...much, shall we be polite and say, some of them can be, even at the best of times Leilani: 😅 Leilani: are you forgetting which one of you I live with? Saint: 😅 Saint: I am in no way doubting your ability to cope with it, or previous experience doing so, just apologizing for the times you don't feel like being so gracious about their...persistence Leilani: thanks, I think? Leilani: the sentence was a mouthful to digest but I detected some sweetness in it Saint: I'm happy to apologize for my taste as well Saint: and will try to be more palatable Leilani: coming thick & fast but still smooth with it, that's impressive Saint: I'll accept that I'm potentially being much of a muchness with some of the more well-meaning but over-the-top members of my family, if that's what you're saying Saint: but admittedly, I'll struggle to hear I'm on par with certain ones who best remain nameless until I get more of a gage for your tolerance of their particular brand of care 😅 Leilani: I'm not saying much, personally, until I work out how much of this welcome wagon is genuinely what you'd like to say vs what you feel like you must Leilani: to make up for the rest or walk on eggshells in case I crack up Saint: Well, I haven't been instructed to talk to you, if that's what you mean Saint: and without a doubt, I have no idea how I would ideally like to broach this subject, because I have literally no firsthand experience Saint: I imagine that must be frustrating, is it? Leilani: it can be coming from you but not coming from you, if you know what I mean Leilani: deep in there, maybe you've got a whole other convo you'd love to be having Saint: I'm receptive to any conversation you'd like to have Saint: well, almost any, I'm sure Leilani: you & everybody else Leilani: the talk about me is non-stop Saint: We wouldn't have to talk about you Saint: I don't have any particular bias towards the subject of you, though it would be bad manners to ask you no questions about yourself, I can refrain if you have, like I said and assumed, had enough for a while Leilani: it's good manners if I'm in no mood to answer questions about me Leilani: but it'd be my bad to tell you to shush & end this convo just like that Saint: As you've saved me from the mortal sin of impoliteness with your rhetoric there, I'll save you from having to do so and can leave it there Leilani: take a turn in the hot seat, see how you feel about it Leilani: prep if I haven't saved you from 👿🔥 Saint: I'm not inclined to believe the creator would be that unforgiving, but that's what Catholicism will do for your morals, I suppose Saint: Fire away, as it were 🔥 Leilani: you're a catholic? Saint: Culturally, definitely Saint: I'm not sure my commitment to the church is such I can claim myself as fully saved, yet Leilani: mine goes as far as loving the 1st Eid for its treats & ignoring the sacrifices of the 2nd, can't call it commitment Saint: I don't think you're alone in that philosophy and approach Saint: but I don't necessarily think that's terrible at all, as long as you're finding some joy and fulfilment from religion- that is certainly a huge tenant of all the ones I've heard of, so it can only be a positive Leilani: how my friends celebrate 🎄🎁🎅 shows me I'm not Leilani: party > church Saint: Precisely, commercialism argument aside Saint: any promotion of togetherness, community and goodwill, what could be the issue? Leilani: the issue is in the confusion Leilani: people thinking it's something its not Saint: There's plenty issue around 🎄🎁🎅 but no more than most anything in our society today Leilani: if you're trying to take issue with something on any level, you'll find a way Saint: Don't you think problems should be solved? Leilani: if it can Leilani: big if Saint: Of course Saint: I think the if only makes the pursuit of more vital, I don't find it to be invalidating Leilani: sure but some questions aren't if or but ones Saint: Such as? Leilani: if I said, you're the fittest member of this family, let's go out, your answer would be no, becos you are a member of this family, it doesn't matter if you add I would if I wasn't Leilani: the answer's still no Saint: No, my answer would be that there's truly only one absolute in this life Saint: that I know of Saint: there are laws, ethics, morality and codes of conduct in all societies, sure Saint: but nothing is certain Leilani: birth & death are certain Leilani: one brought you here, the other me Saint: I was thinking about death Saint: birth is luck, usually, it's a little different Leilani: 🤔 Leilani: accepted Saint: We can differ on perspectives there, it's fine 😃 Saint: in fact, the father would probably want to put forth an argument for the opposite, now I think about it Saint: worse Catholic than I thought Leilani: I was thinking that 🤰 = birth, the certainty part being you don't get to stay in but you know Saint: I see what you mean Saint: anyone that is here is a certainty Saint: think we're going into Schroedinger territory there, I respect it Leilani: 🙀📦 Saint: 👍 Saint: who am I to say that whatever people are before and after they're people here can't debate philosophy Leilani: these are bigger questions than I expected Saint: And I wasn't meant to even ask how you were Saint: 🤐 Saint: go on Leilani: I've got a headache now 😅 Saint: Oh dear Saint: That's the first time that's happened, I would assure you but that sounds like a losing battle and another knock for my ego Leilani: your ego wants to take it as brush off, retro as hell Leilani: but I don't get questions that deep posed around me is all Saint: Retro...God, just don't take my 'deep' questions as a sign of pretension or I'm getting more tragic by the second! Leilani: it's okay I'm not a downtrodden wifey from back in the day, we're in an era where I can just tell you no Saint: and we're all the better for it Saint: though I don't think I've asked you any question where you'd be directly answerable to me 🤔 Saint: giving me a little too much credit for the universe and it's many questions there Leilani: I don't want your ego to end this convo black & blue Saint: That's very kind of you Saint: but my ability to take criticism could be compared to your ability to cope with Grace, just so we're clear Leilani: Grace isn't hard to cope with Leilani: I like her Saint: I'm glad to hear that, it would be really hard if you didn't Saint: harder, than it is, of course Saint: don't think I'm bashing her really, as I said, they all mean well, I can just imagine that relentless good intentions and meaningful conversations to be had would get very exhausting very fast Leilani: everything's happened fast Leilani: they're all playing catch up to the unexpected Saint: But you're the important one here Saint: most, although I was adding that to try and take the pressure off but clearly that's easier said than done Leilani: this is where I add something about pressure creating 💎 Saint: I don't loathe the sentiment but does it make you feel any better? Leilani: no Saint: then I wouldn't worry Saint: and I doubt there's anything hugely meaningful I can do to make you feel better in an impactful, big way Saint: but if you think of anything on a smaller scale that you would like Saint: don't hesistate to ask Leilani: will you introduce me to everyone in a retro way? Leilani: 🗨  & 🤝 Saint: That I can do Saint: The upsides to this family being as large as it is is that you're never short of functions to hijack for whatever purpose you may need Saint: and you won't have to worry about being centre of attention unless it's your birth, wedding or death Saint: even then, people have their own agendas Leilani: no pressure or as close as Leilani: when's the next? Saint: Exactly Saint: [literally whatever and whenever we want, offer a selection to show your point lol] Leilani: [picks the one where she can serve the best lewk because gotta make an impression regardless especially when you're nervous] Leilani: it's a date Saint: That it is Saint: if you'd rather show up with another kid, I'm happy to come pick you up from Grace's Saint: up to you, of course Leilani: pick me up 🚗 Leilani: I have no idea how Grace is allowed on the road Saint: 😅 Saint: I suppose they reckon the amount of potholes, we're all playing a dangerous game at the mercy of the council Leilani: 🙏 by god's grace like Saint: Seems that's all that's left in the budget 🙄 Leilani: 😅😅 Saint: I think you're in my sister's year Saint: Venus, that is Leilani: what should I think about it? Saint: You know you hypothesized that I was the fittest member of this family? Leilani: it's too late to drop the bomb that I should've asked her to pick me up Saint: She'll need a lift as much as you Saint: but meaning, she'd have taken DEEP offence to that assertion Saint: the headache would be realer Leilani: oops Leilani: & yikes Saint: again, not here on a smear campaign Saint: but I'd be doing you a disservice if I pretended she's universally easy to get on with Saint: perhaps you'll take to each other though Leilani: I'm not easy to get on with atm Leilani: but I do get a free pass Saint: You're doing fine Saint: unless this is your attempt at belligerence, in which case, sorry 😬 Leilani: attempting nothing but no pressure face to face intros Leilani: how could you forget already? Saint: 🤦 forgive me? Leilani: 💅 Leilani: hold on, I'll ask myself what my god would do Leilani: ... Leilani: yeah sure Saint: 😅 Saint: I was hoping distraction only fell under bad manners, not sin Leilani: it depends how you're distracting me Saint: What I offered would depend on how 😇/😈 you preferred your distractions Leilani: if I don't have both on offer how can I possibly choose? Saint: That's completely fair, actually Leilani: I know Leilani: so don't be unfair Saint: Wouldn't dream of it Leilani: is there anyone else you'd like to warn me about, while you're being fair? Leilani: or anyone I should run into the arms of like 🤗🤗? Saint: Warn would be extreme Saint: I don't think anyone is that bad Saint: I would have to know you better personally to say who I think you'd really click with, but there's plenty of us, I'm sure you will with someone Leilani: indulge me in the drama of it, St Leilani: ��😅 Saint: Oh, right Saint: you want the gossip of it all so you also have prior information on them coming into the conversations Saint: let me think then Leilani: I miss when my friends wanted to talk about that stuff Leilani: instead of me & my feelings Saint: That makes sense Saint: maybe you and Vee will get on then Saint: there's just a lot of drama to get into Saint: your head and inbox would be rocked Leilani: I've got time Leilani: & my head's already a mess Saint: Okay then Saint: bear with me if my typing speed gets retro Leilani: 😄 Saint: [just methodically go through all that is messed up with the fam nbd] Leilani: holy hell Leilani: I know I asked for that but did I though? Leilani: where have I come to live Leilani: 👋🚕 Saint: Yes Saint: sorry Leilani: hold on I need to just ✈️ Leilani: I thought my mum's relationship history was crazy Saint: It is what it is Saint: we all still manage fine Leilani: by the grace of god again, or whatever other means necessary Saint: Maybe Saint: I don't think it's all that dire now Leilani: maybe when I've come though all the stages of grief I'll be able to let you know what I think Saint: Look forward to it Leilani: I did make it sound really hot Saint: 😏 Saint: we're not all messed up, thank you Leilani: I'm used to being that half of the convo Leilani: you do you Saint: How are you messed up then? Leilani: other than having no parents now? Saint: Yeah Leilani: I'm not doing this right Leilani: any of it Saint: What aren't you doing right? Leilani: I miss her but like she's gone on holiday or a work course Leilani: not like she's never coming back Saint: Well, what's the first stage of grieving Saint: you feel like you aren't missing her hard enough, but if you were out of denial already, you'd actually be taking it way too fast Saint: be rude, right? Saint: Think of it like that Leilani: my rudeness is worse, wanting to hang out with my friends how I did before Leilani: care about 👗👠💄 Saint: Your entire world has been turned upside down Saint: of course you're craving normality Saint: I'm not just saying all this to appease you Saint: you're a kid that just lost her mum Saint: I literally do not believe there's any way you could get through this that would be wrong, or would reflect poorly on you Leilani: she needs to walk back in & badmouth all her worst clients Leilani: she can't be lost Saint: I'm so sorry Saint: that it's so unfair Leilani: unfair was when my dad stopped sending money & letters after going back home for what he said would be a few months Leilani: this is Leilani: I don't even know Saint: How old were you? Leilani: does it make a difference? Saint: Did it? Leilani: I'd just started school, so financially, yeah Saint: Do you know what he's doing now, like, where he is? Leilani: no Leilani: my mum said he had another family there Leilani: someone he was actually married to Saint: Right Saint: that was a cowardly thing for him to do Saint: the minimum would've been financial support Leilani: sadly I can't get it backdated Leilani: imagine Leilani: 👗👠💄 Saint: I'd have to look into it Saint: but probably not Saint: very hard to enforce at any rate Leilani: & taking food out of his other children's mouths, assuming he has some others Saint: Yeah Saint: but you can't be held responsible for his life choices Leilani: neither can they then Saint: I meant it'd be his problem to worry about and solve Saint: but I can understand not wanting to literally steal candy from a baby, as it were Leilani: I haven't been his problem for years, I'm Grace's now Leilani: this family's with all their existing crazy Saint: Okay, getting in contact with your dad for reparations isn't the first step Leilani: it's a mis-step Leilani: he fell off the earth, I'm not following him Saint: Okay Saint: so, what would you be doing with your friends today, if things were normal? Leilani: 🛍 Saint: So, I'll give you both options Saint: I can drive you to your friends, or whatever 🛍 you go to with them Saint: or you can come 🛍 with me Leilani: you can take me Leilani: they don't know how to act now that I'm 💣💥 Saint: they probably think they're giving you time Saint: but really, they're asking for it Saint: at least, that's how I see it Saint: maybe next weekend, or the next Saint: but we can go for now Leilani: it's okay, I wouldn't deal any better if the roles were reversed Leilani: it's not their bad that there's nothing to say or do Saint: You're very fair Saint: not to detract from how much of a 💣💥 you feel Leilani: you're flattering me like I'm not a 💣💥 Leilani: I don't know what that says about you Saint: It's honesty, not flattery Saint: The situation is a 💣💥 Saint: I've seen people handle significantly worse, that's all Leilani: it feels nice, honesty doesn't usually Saint: that's a resounding endorsement Saint: probably a bit too smug to put on a poster or LinkedIn but still, I appreciate it Leilani: you know what I mean, honesty is usually like that 💅 isn't the one or you need braces, child Saint: I think people purposefully conflate being honest with being rude Saint: but you can weaponize anything if you're that sort of person Leilani: yeah ☕ Saint: There's plenty of that sort at church Leilani: & the salon Saint: I've spent less time there myself but I imagine they're much of a muchness Saint: 👵 they all love me, obviously but father is a perfect case study for diplomacy Leilani: it's a type of church for some people Leilani: they take it as serious as a religion Saint: Hair and beauty has always been important Leilani: they just like being able to see results, there's no guarantee when you pray Saint: I'd argue there's no guarantee you get the result you wanted Saint: perhaps even less than 🙏 Saint: maybe you get what you need, not what you want Leilani: 😅😅 Leilani: maybe not for 👵 if they're trying to look 👩 Saint: it highlights the limitations of communication Saint: you think you've asked concisely for one thing, and you end up with something that's nothing like that at all Leilani: I swear I did see my mum work some genuine miracles, that said Saint: It is without a doubt impressive what can be achieved Leilani: what do you want to be? Saint: I want to work for the government Leilani: we haven't been talking that long but that has come through Saint: Is there any particular way you'd like me to take that honesty? Leilani: as a compliment? Leilani: I think Saint: 😅 I think I can manage that then Leilani: I'll tell you what I used to want to be when I was a child, that's weirder Saint: Not admitting it's weird, but go on Saint: I'm intrigued Leilani: clues: Leilani: 🦷💉🥛😁 Leilani: 🚫🍬🍭🍫 Saint: Okay, question, just the one Saint: did you want to be rich or did you just really care about oral hygiene? Leilani: I wanted to make people pretty like my mum, I suppose was the thought process Leilani: & 😁 = happy Saint: So it's even more adorable than I first thought Saint: you don't want to be a dentist anymore? Leilani: the reality is way more gory than I knew then Saint: That's enough to give me a headache Leilani: I need a job with no blood or pus Leilani: even typing that made me feel weird Saint: 😖 Saint: Subject change Saint: are you going to buy anything today? Leilani: do I need to dress to impress your family or just myself? Saint: do you want me to invite my family out shopping with us? Leilani: you do have a lot of sisters Leilani: but you know I meant do I need a new outfit for this meet & greet you're taking me to of the entire extended clan Saint: Oh, gotcha Saint: dress for yourself, of course Saint: unless dressing to impress makes you feel more at ease, in which case, go for that and you won't be alone Leilani: it can't hurt Saint: No, there we go then 😊 Saint: though you can still do the aimless browsing I know 🛍 trips are really about, of course Leilani: are you looking to dress up too? Saint: I like to look presentable Leilani: oh good becos if it was just me, Grace & your sister that'd be a statement Saint: 😅 Saint: don't worry, it won't be Leilani: I'll do my happy dentist 😁 then Leilani: as I'm thrilled Saint: I'm just as 😁 to hear that Leilani: I'll try not to turn it into a frown with excessive browsing Leilani: no promises Saint: I've got a lot of sisters, as you said Saint: I'm sure I'll cope Leilani: which one's your favourite? Saint: which sister? 😂 Saint: I'm not sure there's a diplomatic way to answer that Leilani: answer it honestly, I can promise not to slide in to share the news Saint: Well, Jay is older and we didn't meet her until she was a kid so that combined with her personality makes her the most chilled out now Saint: Vee is younger but still close enough that we were kids together, so that makes her prime annoying younger sister category Saint: then the twins are that much younger that they get to be removed from that, and I have more of that protective older brother in me Leilani: Okay so Jay's your fave Leilani: what's your brother like? Saint: No, I didn't say that Saint: but she wasn't here in the beginning and she's grown up and gone now, it's easy to have less negatives to say about her Leilani: how old were you when you met? Saint: I was about 3 when we found out about her Saint: but the process took a while because she had a dad that raised her and still wanted to even though she wasn't his like he thought Saint: I think I was about 8 when she moved in and spent most of her time with us Leilani: that must have been such a weird time Saint: it was Saint: Vee was born around the time we found out about her so Saint: that was a trial too Leilani: your parents have had a LOT going on Saint: Yes, it seems to be their forte Leilani: your brother then Saint: he's younger too, so again, protective Saint: probably because we're outnumbered too Leilani: an if question Leilani: if you had to give me one of them, as an only child, which one would you give me? Saint: 😂 an odd request but okay, let me 🤔 Saint: Probably Sekh Saint: from the short conversation we've had, you have things in common, that would work well 🛍👠💄👗 Leilani: you're gonna separate the twins? very disney channel Saint: It was either lump them in together there and offend them, or separate and acknowledge that they're separate people Saint: they'll understand 😅 Leilani: 😅 Leilani: safer if I ask Grace for a pet instead Saint: Sure that she'd be down for that Saint: 🐰🐹🐱🐶🐠? Leilani: 🤔 Saint: That is a big decision Saint: best to take your time, decide how much effort you wanna put in to day to day care Leilani: 🐱 or 🏠🐰 Saint: Cute Saint: got any names or do you need to see it before assigning one Leilani: it feels fairer to meet them 1st Saint: 👍 Saint: we can go to the nearest pet shop/shelter if you'd like Leilani: adopt don't shop, St Leilani: or else 👿🔥 Saint: Indeed 😏 Saint: but you know most shops rescue their animals now anyway Saint: except fish...but I don't know how we're morally meant to feel about breeding fish? Leilani: we won't buy any, be on the safe & 😇 side Saint: It's your day Saint: I wouldn't try to bring you down to 👿🔥 levels Leilani: thanks, I have only just moved in Saint: Definitely not my intention with this conversation, or any going forward Leilani: that comes through too Saint: Is that a compliment? Leilani: I don't know if you're 😁 or not to be a good & polite boy Saint: Why would I want to be anything less 😇? Leilani: becos of your name maybe Saint: Subverting expectations Saint: I'd argue people expect the opposite from me though, regardless of my first name Leilani: in your case pressure makes 😇 Saint: 🤞 I hope so Leilani: I'll subvert expectations for us both Saint: Is that your new plan? Leilani: I don't really have one Leilani: other than the 🛍 Saint: Well, you have time Leilani: yeah, it's the keyword that's getting thrown around most atm Saint: It's not provably true but it's most likely the case Leilani: & it'll fill an awkward silence Saint: I can clearly talk enough for the both of us Saint: it doesn't need to be awkward Leilani: this isn't, but remember how we ref-ed that you weren't the only McKenna in my 💬📱 Saint: Right Saint: is there anything you'd like me to do, beyond the formal introductions Saint: politely suggest some people give it some time, perhaps? Leilani: use the time thing against them, I like it 😅 Saint: Only fair 🙂 Saint: consider it done Leilani: we're back into retro hubby & wifey territory Saint: You think? Leilani: it's very defence squad but I'm not 😤 Saint: I'm not helping you because you're a girl and I'm a boy Saint: just because I have the ability to Leilani: I know, you're coming across capable Saint: I'd like to think so Saint: but bragging about it would not be 😇 nor helpful Leilani: I've got your back in hyping you up a 😇 amount Saint: That's sweet Saint: I promise my ego is not that fragile that I need you to but it's still nice Leilani: I'd like to think I am Leilani: that it's not all doom & gloom in me, but maybe time will have to tell, annoyingly Saint: It shows Saint: honestly Saint: you aren't what's happened to you, even if that is all you can think about right now, or feel it's all you're meant to, or are allowed to, whatever Leilani: whether or not I'm her death, I was her life Leilani: there's credit for how she raised me, I mean Saint: Definitely Saint: I don't know you yet, but I would like to get to know you, from what I've seen Saint: I won't throw out proud for her but, you know Saint: I would be in her position Leilani: I don't know what to say Leilani: that feels above nice to hear Saint: I'm almost certain she would want you to know that, at the very least Leilani: yeah, she would Leilani: she wasn't too humble for a brag Saint: 😅 Saint: you should continue that tradition then Leilani: you'll regret saying that when I make you take 10000000000000s of pictures of me posing in different 👗 Saint: 😏 I'll have to buy myself something expensive to cope, I'm sure Leilani: ⌚️ so you can keep an eye on the time Saint: I have an uncharacteristically free day today Saint: my time is yours Leilani: what are we waiting for? come get me Saint: That's what I was waiting for Saint: I'll be with you shortly Leilani: consent given Saint: 👍

[starbide]

Inspiration below. The following is a work of fiction.

 'Six years,' I thought to myself walking down the road. It had rained earlier that evening, but by now the clouds were long gone. The pavement shimmered in the waxing moonlight, still slick with the water of those vanished clouds. I would not slip; the road was mostly level as it lazily stretched down the gentle hill behind me, and the streetlamps cast in gold what the moon would otherwise leave dim. The world was silent.

'It's hard to believe I've been gone that long,' I continued, step by step. Six years since I'd moved away for my career. Six years since I'd left my family behind. 'Left her behind,' I smirked to myself, passing a large bush on my right. Houses stood dark and serene on either side, all daily activities complete and put to rest. No cars joined me on the waterlogged street, preferring the concrete comfort of their driveways and garages. I approached and passed under another hazy lamp.

It was cool out, a gentle breeze brushed past the wool of my jacket without raising a single goose bump. I paid it no mind; I was always a bit warmer blooded than others in my circle. My best friend for most of my school years couldn't understand my ability to wear shorts comfortably year-round. 'Those were the days,' I mused, thinking back to the last time we'd seen each other. It had to be more than a decade at this point, long before I'd moved north for work and expanded my wardrobe to include legwear longer than my knees.

I reached an intersection and paused. Four ways, no direction more enticing or foreboding than the next. A lamp at every corner, and the bus station deserted save by its sign across the diagonal. The station I'd waited at patiently every morning for that bright yellow school bus, before I'd ever met my old bestie. It was just me and one other kid, a rather scrawny looking boy who had been in most of my elementary grades but with whom I'd never really gotten on with. We'd shared classes, teachers, and the occasional pencil or marker, but never played together outside of academia. He'd moved away much longer than a decade ago. Now I was really delving into my memory, faded as it was with time.

I checked my phone: 11:57 PM in small white font. My first night back home, I should be exhausted. This wasn't my normal time zone and airplane seats aren't exactly memory foam, but I'd found a second wind after dinner and took to the night after my folks had gone to bed themselves. Sure, I'd been physically gone for six years, but we'd stayed in touch off and on since I'd left. Maybe five months back was our last video call. We'd talked about me taking this trip, now that things had settled down and my life was much more under control. Things had been wild for a while, and if all went according to plan at work things would become wild again not too far down the line. Which reminded me, I needed to make another appointment when I returned home. Couldn't go running out of my prescription again.

A brief twitch of motion caught my eye, and I peered down the leftward lane. One of the bulbs had burned out a few dozen meters down, and in this larger pool of darkness something had moved. At least I thought it had, but my eyes could be playing tricks on me with the shadows. One dark spot moving erratically through a larger, differently dark spot wasn't exactly proof of anything. But of course, my heartbeat quickened regardless. Base human instinct, I suppose. Spot a motion in the dark, prepare to act to either fight or flee.

That hallucination had triggered something else in me though. A memory, unconsciously bidden, rose up behind my eyes. That kid, the little one I'd shared a bus stop with for years, I did not recall being nice to often. Many times, I'd engaged in common teasing, and he always took it personally. A couple times he'd even cried, but I'd never gotten in much trouble for it. A different time I supposed. That sort of behavior wouldn't fly nowadays, and that's good. I felt a bit sick thinking back about it, as it was now clear I'd been a bit of a bully. What it hadn't been was a wake-up call for my parents, who didn't get me the help I had so desperately needed until much later in my teens. I was better now, better enough to see what I'd done back then was very wrong. I couldn't remember all of it, but that boy's tears had stuck with me. I wonder what happened to him?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts and calm my pulse, I opted for the path in front. This route would wind close to the park, after a couple turns beyond my current field of vision. Crossing the street, I didn't even bother looking left or right, as the night was so quiet and empty, I could hear a car coming from miles away, if there were any to hear. A rock lay in the far side gutter; I kicked it just to give my ears some stimulation. It knocked against the cement curb and bounced across puddles thin as saran wrap to a rest. By then I'd already forgotten about it and left that intersection behind.

Another thought was creeping up from my subconscious, this one more distasteful than the last. I'd left a girl behind when I moved for work, and the breakup hadn't been pleasant. She'd been very upset, naturally, and felt betrayed I was abandoning her like that. Abandoning. It had been her word, not mine, but with the clarity of distance I could see she was right. It had been years since I'd considered how we ended, and I wasn't sure what spurred those thoughts just now, but after what I'd done to her, I could accept she was right.

Still though, rounding the first turn, my leaving her should have been a good thing. Now that the floodgates of memory were open, I may as well dive right in. She'd been so hurt by my sudden departure because I'd systematically isolated her from her friends and much of her family too. She'd grown more and more attached to me, and I'd encouraged that through some particularly devilish means. I didn't know about the term 'gaslighting' at the time, but that was a polite way of putting it. I'd been very proficient at psychological manipulation back then, and my desire for control over her life could have consumed us both. At the end, she'd only had limited contact with her sister, who had been rightly concerned about her but too terrified of me to do anything to stop me. Looking back, I can't blame her. I now believe it was good that I left when I did. I hope she realized the same, though I haven't heard from her since.

Now the road turned left, arcing gradually around a thicker cluster of trees. This walk was turning out to be less relaxing than I'd hoped. The smallest things seemed to be dredging up thoughts and old memories in me, and none of them were painting me in the best light. Being my thoughts, maybe that was the best light I could possibly be presented in. Maybe their memories of me, the version of me still living in their mind, was far worse than I could imagine on this unassuming suburban night. I'd read somewhere that we're all the hero of our own story, and of course the hero never thinks they're the villain. But I'm sure that's what I am in at least a few people's stories. I'm starting to feel like the villain in my own.

Opening up ahead of me is the park, and the wide-open fields I remember so well. This area is less well lit, with streetlamps only illuminating the edges of the grass and allowing the moon to bathe the world in dead white. In reality, this is only sunlight reflected, but from the moon it feels much less like the bright star that gives this planet life. Like Luna itself, it feels cold and impersonal, like it wouldn't actively try to end my life but also wouldn't even notice if I merely faded away into the ether. I'd had some trouble with those thoughts as well over the years, before I got help. And now, rushing back to me, I remember they were also why I lost my best friend.

He and I had been out for the evening, playing some game with a few other friends. The game had ended, and we were walking home together when a car had rushed past us. Neither he nor I were injured, but it had been close and the driver had continued on recklessly. After it rounded the corner, we'd both heard a large thumping sound, followed by the rapidly diminishing roar of its engine. After a quick glance between us we'd rushed around the corner ourselves to see a big yellow dog crumpled up in the drain. Not losing a moment we hurried up to it, but we needn't have rushed. It had most likely died on impact, before we even saw it.

My friend had knelt down next to it to try and save it, even though it was hopeless. He must have known, but it's only natural to want to help another life. At least, it is for me now, and it was for him then. I remember him crouched over the dog, tears in his eyes when he accepted what happened, and then he looked up at me. His tears ebbed and his face froze in fear at what he saw, but he couldn't say anything to me at the time. We walked home in uncomfortable silence after that, and said a short awkward goodbye. Truth be told, that's the last time we spoke to each other in person.

Thinking of the next part, I felt a chill run deep into my core. I remembered now what he told me, over text message later that night. He'd bent over the dog and been so distraught because he knew it. He'd checked the tag to be sure, but it was his neighbor's dog that he'd grown up playing with. I think he'd even muttered its name a couple times, but I'm not sure. But when he looked up at me, he said I had the biggest grin he'd ever seen. The look on my eyes was not maniacal, as some would think, but dead, not present. As if the dog dying had brought out a whole new face in me, as if the lights were on but nobody was home, and yet the lights still wanted to kill you. It had terrified him, and it was all he could do not to sprint from me that moment without looking back. I don't think he ever knew how right he'd been back then, something that took me years to realize and longer to overcome.

I quietly walked to the center of the field, as far from the streetlights as possible, and looked up. The moon provided none of the same dangers as the sun when staring straight at it, and I took a few moments to just gaze at it and let my thoughts sort themselves out. I'd been a monster in my childhood, a terror in my youth, before I found my doctor and we set out on a years-long journey to get me better. Any other time I'd have kept on that dangerous path, ruining some lives and possibly ending others. That had all changed, thanks to my incredible fortune and a lot of hard work, but with the clarity of hindsight I could see just how close to the precipice I'd come. How I'd always be there in the minds of childhood mates and adolescent connections. And this was just what I could remember now. There was no way for me to know how many other monstrous versions of me still lived in any number of former classmates.

In the corner of my eye, I saw another twitch in the shadows. Jerking my head down, I followed the motion to the foot of the trees, the darkest spot on the field. This time there was no mistake; there was definitely an object moving there, slowly but surely. My heartbeat shot up and my throat swelled as I bent my knees and got into a defensive posture. The object lumbered forward, moving without haste but with purpose. When it came into the light, I was surprised to see a little boy with a scratched-up shirt and messy brown hair. Standing up in confusion, I was certain I'd seen him somewhere before. Step by step, I focused on every detail I could make out in the gloom, before it hit me like the car that last night walking home.

That boy was dressed, to the letter, the exact same way I had on picture day in third grade. My hair had been an untamable brown mess, and even the cheap novelty watch was the same. I was more perplexed than anything now, as I couldn't understand for the life of me what a kid was doing in that field, at midnight, wearing clothes that weren't even made any more. That was until he spoke, and his voice froze my blood in its veins.

It was like whispers, floating around my head, and several voices all at once and all taking turns being the loudest. They were all his, but not really. His mouth had opened and his lips were framing the syllables, but it was my voice from so many years ago repeating every taunt, every tease, every foul nickname I'd ever given that scrawny boy who shared a bus stop with me. Who'd cried, not once or twice, but dozens of times. Who'd gone home often with scrapes and tears in his clothes personally inflicted by myself. I had terrorized him for years of his early life, and what I saw before me must be what I forever lived as in his memory.

But if that were true, then this kid in front of me couldn't be real. I had to be hallucinating again, I must have been more exhausted than I'd allowed myself to feel. He sure looked real, though, and his footsteps were matting the grass in a way I didn't trust my mind to make up. But the ghostly, strangled voices of my younger self crashing in waves into my ears gave the entire scene a surreal feeling, making the hair on the back of my neck stick up like electricity. I couldn't bring myself to step away, and I sure as hell wasn't going to walk forward to meet him. It. Whatever it was I was seeing, real or not.

Only a few meters away, he stopped moving. Swallowing bile, I could do little more than watch him as the voices continued to echo in my ears, unchanged by his distance all this time. Then I spotted another motion far off to my right, and then a third to my left. Glancing quickly between them, I determined that they were both noticeably older than the child before me, one by a few more years than the other. They too walked slowly towards me, bringing their own voices to the forefront. Despite the dozens of voices I now thought I was hearing, every word registered clearly in my mind. One was speaking about my old best friend and the dog, the other repeated every lie I ever told my ex-girlfriend before leaving. As if their mere presence in my eyes were not enough, hearing my old, hateful words repeated to me in my own voice almost made me vomit with fear and disgust.

They too, stopped approaching me at the same distance as the child. As they did, dozens more similar hallucinations emerged from the trees and surrounding neighborhood, all carrying their own chorus of hate and venom and bringing back new, abhorrent memories of my youth. Terrorizing a girl in my 4th grade class. Catching squirrels in my early teens and setting them on fire, then getting caught myself. Giving that kindergartner a major concussion on a dare, after my best friend had ceased speaking to me. Even one similar in age to myself now, though he brought words of loss and failure, and of betrayal to my parents. That must have been right before my breakthrough, with the doctor and an early test version of my current prescription. I was better now. I had to be. But why was I seeing all of this, all of these versions of me locked in the minds of everyone who I'd left behind in my life? My trail of destruction?

They had all stopped walking now, forming a tight semicircle around me. The voices still buzzed in my ears, but slowly they faded to an indistinguishable babble. I tried to speak, but my throat had caught a bubble, so I gulped fruitlessly and closed my mount again. The thoughts racing through my mind had no similar handicap, as my mind shouted repeatedly the same things. Who are you all? Why is this happening? What are you doing to me?

The version of me who gaslit my girl took a couple steps forward, as if presenting himself as the leader. I had no time to process what this might mean before he spoke, in a much clearer form than any of these hallucinations had yet. "We are you. We are you that you left behind, trapped in the minds of those you hurt, frozen in time from the moment you left us years or decades ago. We have had no life to live, no chance to grow and thrive, no possibility to leave the prisons of mind which you left us in, being tortured again and again by those you tortured without remorse and without recompense. We cannot sit by from behind our bars as you continue to enjoy the life you stole from us all."

"I didn't know I was doing this!" I cried, finally able to break the blockade in my throat. "I was a monster, I know that well now, and I've spent years trying to recover from the damage I've done!" I felt foolish, yelling out into the night at visions only visible to myself. 'All this work, all this progress,' I cried to myself. 'This will set me back months if not more, and I can only hope my medication doesn't fail like I have.'

The same me looked down at the ground and shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry, but you must know how little that matters to us. You've lived a life of freedom from any repercussions and locked us away to suffer in your place. You've flaunted that fact with your precious medical tools and until tonight, hadn't even remembered us or what you did to torture and imprison us. We are here now for the life that you stole from us, to end the torture you sentenced us to and walked away from yourself unscathed." He took another step forward, his face growing menacing.

"I don't know what that means," I cried, shaking my head as the tears started to drop. This was starting to feel all too real, and fear was expanding like a balloon deep into my core. "I don't know what any of this means. What do you want from me!?"

Another step. "We want your life," the gaslighter said mirthlessly. "We all want your life, the life wrongly denied us time and time again. And you will learn what it means to be ripped apart and put back together, over and over again. Tortured yourself for what you did to so many people in your life. You gave us to them to burn, to break, to grind down into dust and be restored only to do it all over tomorrow. You tortured them, and then you gave them us to work their revenge on, day after day with no hope of an end. And the most unforgivable of all was giving the youngest of you away to feel this pain the longest. Over two decades have the youngest of us been taken to pieces, shattered in mind and body and soul for your carelessness and your fleeting experiments in sociopathy. This will end tonight."

I could say nothing, the terror burning white on my face. If this was a hallucination, it was the worst one I'd ever had and I had no idea how I'd survive it. It was far too realistic, far too deadly for me to think of anything else, any of the tricks and tools my doctor had given me. What had happened to cause this? I swear I never missed a day on my prescription, and these memories... Where had they all been before? Why had I not been able to recover them and work through them with my doctor? Were they even real? Was this me, standing only a meter away now, real? Or was he only real in my mind, and if he wanted to hurt me would that distinction make a difference? I reached out my hand, reaching toward his arm slack against his torso...

And he reached out and took my wrist like a vice. Ice cold and unflinching, he held my arm up in front of me and closed the gap between us imperceptibly fast. "You may have many regrets. I have only one," he said in a low, bloodthirsty voice. "While there are dozens of us gathered here, dozens you sentenced to eternal damnation without a second thought, only one of us may live this life. I may not be the youngest of your victims, I may not give you the longest time in the torture you gave us, but I intend to fight with everything you have put me through these long years. Your life is mine."

As he growled in my face, a white-hot streak of terror shot through me and I pushed him back with almost reflexive strength. He staggered, rebalanced, then looked at me with cannibalistic hunger in his eyes. He panted twice, then screamed and lunged at my neck. With adrenaline now coursing through me, I turned and sprinted away from the gathering, hearing the pounding of footsteps deep in my brain. He had grabbed my arm. I glanced at it as I reached the sidewalk and saw a chalk white handprint etched into my grayish skin. The urge to vomit came back, but I managed to fight it down as I kept up a faster pace than I'd ever run before. The swarm of my past, tortured selves was hot on my heels, like starved dogs following fresh game. Any loss in my speed and I'd be eaten alive, or worse. I truly did not know what would happen if they caught me, and my mind was too far gone to even entertain the idea of hallucinations any more.

I rounded the next curve and thought the sound of the pack was a little quieter than before. It still sounded like pure rage and bloodlust, but with fewer voices than before. Thinking it was only a few stragglers being blocked by the trees, I kept up the fastest pace I could, not even feeling my feet hit the ground. Another hundred meters of straightaway and it was definitely growing less loud with each step. The roar was diminishing, no trees to hide the sound now, but it was still a roar. By now a cramp had begun to grow in my stomach, and no matter what I did I felt myself losing speed. Every few steps I could burst forward faster again, but I couldn't maintain the same rocket pace as before. To my ears, though, as my speed gradually fell, so did the volume of my pursuers. By the time I got to the intersection, it only sounded like a couple of me were still hunting, and I could count their individual footsteps. It was at this time I chanced a look behind, just to know what was still coming.

Right on my neck was him, the gaslighter. He grinned at me, his face less than a meter away. I felt that same shock explode throughout my body and I shot forward, faster than before if possible, fully terrified again now that I knew he and he alone was here for me. I kept running and running, past houses, lanes, and bushes. Still no signs of life from any houses, no cars rumbling down the road or creaking into place in a driveway. The night was as empty and uncaring as before, and only myself and the predator I had been broke the gentle midnight breeze. My legs thundered on, screaming in pain in their own way, but I didn't stop or look back again until I'd reached my family's old house a few blocks down.

Now truly running on empty, I turned back to face my hunter, but he was gone. Disappeared. Evaporated into the night, nowhere to be seen. The moon still hung high, reflecting some small percentage of sunlight down to me, and the streetlamps bathed the road and yards in amber light. He wasn't hiding from me, he hadn't overtaken me. There was no shortcut to the house, it was a straight shot from the park. He was simply gone, faded back into the night from which he'd come without a trace. If he'd ever really been there at all, and not merely a hallucination from exhaustion or medication or... I didn't even know any more. I just knew that he was gone, just gone, just gone.

"Hey, are you okay?" A voice called out to me. I jumped, but only in surprise. It was a familiar voice, but not familiar like my own. It sounded like my dad, and I heard large, calm footsteps walk toward me from our front door.

"Yeah," I said, although it was little more than a whisper. I buckled over, fell to my hands and knees, and felt the cramps and burning in my lungs catch up to me as the adrenaline faded away. I felt like vomiting, for the third time that night, but this time it was easier to fight the urge than before. I got some deep breaths in as I panted on the ground, slowly but surely recovering from my insane dash moments before.

My dad walked up in front of me, wearing the same well-worn brown leather shoes he'd owned since before I left. I didn't want to worry him about this night, and what I thought I saw in the park. Not when my recovery was going so well. Not when a lapse like this would mean months of work just to get back to where I was only an hour ago. "I'm okay dad, I just went for a walk. Then I saw how late it was and tried to get back as fast as I could. I guess I'm not the athlete I used to be, eh?" I tried to lift my head up to give him a weak smile, but still couldn't raise it much higher than his waist

He chuckled softly, and sounded a little strange. Still sleepy maybe, I guess I woke him up coming back here, and maybe I was screaming too. I don't know any more, I don't know what was real any more. But he knelt down in front of me after I dropped my head again, still exhausted, and said, "That's okay sport, I think we both know your real talents weren't on the field. I learned that lesson very well over the past six years."