#semi-public broadening

[mrsjellymunson]

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Pairing: Eddie Munson x fem!reader

Summary: Eddie helps you generate a new D&D character, but that’s not the only thing that gets started that day

WC: ~2.5k

C/W: 18+, MDNI! NSFW? Physical flirting and teasing, heavy petting, sort of in public (nobody notices). Smut-adjacent? Thigh riding. Swearing. Nothing overly explicit, but it does get heated. Eddie and reader are both over 18. Trope: oh no, there aren’t enough seats, where will you sit? No y/n, one pet name. No physical descriptions of reader other than she wears a skirt (of unspecified appearance).

A/N: Should I be working on parts for my outstanding series? Yes. Would this not leave me alone until I wrote it down? Also yes. I had fun creating a new character in a different RPG and I have no idea whether this is how D&D works, so if it’s not, let’s just pretend, okay? 😆 Text dividers by @strangergraphics Dice dividers by me 🫣☺️

I have a general taglist now, let me know if you’d like to be on it 🖤

My masterlist

Eddie can’t believe his luck. You’re pretty (gorgeous, actually), insanely intelligent and have, for some as yet indecipherable reason, decided that you want to play D&D. With a load of nerdy teens. And him.

You’ve joined in with a couple of short campaigns at school, seeming to enjoy them immensely and fitting in well with the group, bantering with the boys and bonding with Erica over your shared ‘take no shit’ attitudes. At first Eddie wasn't sure how that dynamic would work, but you slipped easily into letting the younger girl show you the ropes, and Erica is clearly enjoying having more female energy around.

Eddie knows that creating a new character is one of your favourite things to do. He’d never admit it, but it’s one of his favourite things to watch, too. He adores the sparkle in your eyes, your creative brain and how excited and animated you get when you come up with new ideas. Sometimes they’re sketchy, or even impossible, which he finds hugely endearing. He also loves how you’ll always check in with him, asking his advice and respecting his opinion.

This weekend he’s running a oneshot at his trailer for the younger members and you. New characters, novel plot, the works. The plan is to create new characters in the morning, and play the game in the afternoon.

This’ll be the first time you’ve been to his home, or seen him anywhere outside of school, and Eddie’s nervous as all fuck.

He couched it as ‘a good opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the game’, but he definitely has an ulterior motive for inviting you here.

So far, he’s taken every opportunity he can to make you laugh, sit near you, even touch you. Creating scenarios where a subtle hug, or even a playful tickle is somehow appropriate. He covers it quickly by immediately doing it to someone else, hoping you won’t spot the bulge in his pants and the fact that he can’t stop looking at you.

He’s not sure for how long he can keep it up. He wants so much more, and it won’t be long before he either loses it, takes it too far, or, worst case scenario, you notice he’s being a total creep and ditch the group because of it.

He’s been trying to muster the balls to ask you out for weeks, practicing lines and imagining scenarios, but he’s found it more difficult to plan than even the most complex of his campaigns.

And although it’s unlikely given the crowd of nerds that’ll be around, he couldn’t miss an opportunity to be in your company. He thought that maybe, just maybe, he’d manage to get you somewhat alone and do it today.

He’s tidied up the trailer as subtly as he can, doing all the dishes and straightening Wayne’s caps, hoping the others won’t notice and ask him awkward questions. But he’s jittery and anxious, terrified that you’ll take one look at where and how he lives and decide you want nothing more to do with him…

Eddie has no idea that you’re just as nervous as he is.

You’ve enjoyed the Hellfire campaigns so far, but haven’t really managed to get all that close to the Dungeon Master, much to your chagrin. Sure, the game is enormous fun and you love all the members and how welcoming they’ve been. But the DM? Holy hell, he’s hot as sin, and being able to spend time around the larger-than-life metal-lover only adds to your enjoyment of the sessions. But you can’t imagine it’ll ever go any further than that. You doubt that a geeky D&D novice who he’s hardly spoken to is his idea of the perfect girlfriend…

But god, the physical touches? Christ. It’s as much as you can do to hold it together. You’ve shared a few celebratory hugs, and he’s even tickled you a couple of times, all of which you’ve enjoyed far more than you’d let on, and filed away in your memory for retrieval when you’re alone at night in your bed. But you know that he’s like this with everyone, and are under no illusions that you’re special. So you relish each and every contact, wishing there could be more.

What if he looks at you for too long with those gorgeous, huge, chocolate-brown eyes? And what if you forget how to speak? It’s already happened an embarrassing amount of times, but you’ve managed to pass it off as being stumped because you’re a beginner. You don’t know for how much longer that excuse is gonna fly.

And, if all that wasn’t already enough to send your anxiety levels skyrocketing, you’re also acutely aware that you haven't spent time with any of the group outside of school as yet. You’re worried that you’re going to ruin their social dynamic, or mess up the game. Or embarrass yourself with no easy way to exit, having to wallow in your shame until the mums come back later to pick you all up. Your spiralling makes you realise that although it was really kind of Mrs Wheeler to offer you a lift, you’re now really wishing you’d brought your own car…

All kinds of anxious thoughts are running through your mind, from what if your ideas are stupid, to what if everyone (okay, specifically Eddie) dislikes the cookies you’ve baked??

Neither of you should’ve worried.

As you enter his trailer, Eddie seems a little flustered, running a ringed hand through his gorgeous chestnut waves and unnecessarily straightening a pile of magazines on the coffee table. He smooths down his (new) black tee (that he totally didn’t buy especially for this occasion), and you pay it no mind, assuming he’s just always like this with visitors, and is excited for the campaign.

You barely glance around Eddie’s home, smiling softly at the trinkets you spot, and offering to help plate up the snacks in the kitchen area. You don’t look uncomfortable, and you certainly don’t pass judgment. Eddie eyes you as indirectly as he can, noticing the unusual skirt you’ve got on (that you totally totally didn’t choose specifically for today). He likes it.

Just like at school, you slot easily into the melee of pencils, paper, dice and snacks. Everyone loves your home baked cookies, including Eddie, and Erica even badgers you for the recipe.

Eddie thinks you couldn’t be any more perfect.

You think this isn’t so bad after all, and relax a little.

The morning’s character building is going well, the fact that it’s a oneshot not diminishing anyone’s efforts or attention to detail.

You still haven’t quite got the hang of the dice and numbers parts, always asking for Eddie’s help with that. His help, not any of the others, he muses with a certain amount of pride and delight. (Selfishly, part of him secretly hopes you never get the hang of it, and will always need to seek his input.)

With you now added to the group, there aren’t enough seats at Eddie’s modest dining table. Nobody notices. Initially Dustin and Will are deep in a discussion on Eddie’s battered sofa, and Mike and Lucas are rifling through the fridge, both at that ‘hollow legs’ stage of teen development and constantly ravenous.

Your character’s almost done, and you just want to clarify a few things, so you ask across the table,

“Eddie? Can I bring this over for you to check please?”

He waves you over, putting on a fake English accent and saying,

“Of course you may, my dear. You know I’m always happy to assist my flock.”

You chuckle lightly at his endearing foolishness as you get up from your place next to Erica, taking your character sheet over to Eddie for his perusal. Behind you, the younger players all convene at the table to share their progress, and all the seats become filled.

With no free spots near him, and assuming you won’t be here for long, Eddie pats his leg absentmindedly and says, “Sit here, lemme see.”

You end up on his lap, facing sideways at ninety degrees.

You initially turn towards him and bring your sheet between you, but there’s not enough room for him to properly examine it, so you turn the other way and lay it on the table in front of him, turning so your back is to him, your legs straddling one of his knees. He leans forward and begins to check it over, confirming some details and asking for more particulars on others.

Eddie’s been admiring your enthusiasm and level of engagement all morning, and he’s impressed by the depth of information you’ve already managed to accumulate.

You’re absorbed with your new character, getting excited and gesticulating wildly. Ideas bounce easily between you and Eddie, his face smiling softly and his dimples popping as he gets to see you like this.

It doesn’t escape him, however, that you’re also bouncing on… him. He flushes a little, and hopes you don’t perceive it.

As you gesture at a particularly thorny issue on your paper, it dawns on Eddie exactly what parts of you are in contact with him, albeit through multiple layers of fabric. The softness of your thighs and the heat from your core against his leg fully absorb him for a moment, and he has to ask you to repeat yourself. You don’t seem to mind, assuming it was the general clamour in the room that meant he couldn’t hear you. That same clamour covers the sound of him awkwardly clearing his throat and gulping loudly.

It occurs to him that he’s never experienced anything… like this. Occasional hookups in the woods or after gigs at The Hideout are great and everything, but he’s never before felt like he has a literal, real-life angel sitting on his lap.

And you? You are slowly realising how nice Eddie’s lap feels beneath you. It’s warm and solid, and the denim of his dark jeans feels pleasantly rough on the skin of your legs where your skirt’s ridden up. There’s a pressure against your most intimate areas that’s generating a warm feeling of pleasure in your core. You’re trying to concentrate, but it’s not easy.

It takes a few more moments for you to catch up to where Eddie is, and you register that you’re essentially riding Eddie’s thigh each time you move.

Your lips roll inwards and you swallow deeply, closing your eyes for a moment, trying to compose yourself. It doesn’t help, and only serves to focus your attention even more fully on the delicious sensations beneath your legs. This is the closest you’ve ever been to your Dungeon Master, and for the longest time. And you can’t help how flustered it’s making you.

Embarrassed, you cough and go to stand, but quickly see that there’s nowhere for you to go. Eddie scans the room and notices your predicament, and, in a broken voice that’s almost unbearably soft, tells you, “It’s okay, Princess. You can stay here.”

Fuck. A pet name? You enjoyed that, perhaps a little too much. If you were being rational you could put it down to Eddie referencing your new character, who happens to be an aristocratic mage. But right now? Right now, you’re not feeling particularly rational.

You slowly sit back down, but as you do so Eddie shifts his position, causing you to spread your knees a bit wider than they were and land further up his leg, giving you even more contact with his thigh. You hope he didn’t hear the broken little hum that escaped you.

Eddie leans forward and in a voice that’s far too quiet, and far too close to your ear, he asks, “Are you… okay?”

You can barely breathe, and all you can manage in response is a tiny, squeaked, “Mhm.”

Behind you, Eddie takes a stuttering breath in, letting it out slowly before he resumes discussions with everyone else at the table.

You each become more unfettered as the morning progresses. Further not-so-accidental encounters only serve to increase the tension between you both.

At one point, you lean forwards over the table to get one of the manuals, lifting your butt from his leg. For a moment you hope there won’t be a visible wet patch on your skirt, or on his jeans. But then you wonder whether it would actually be so terrible if there was, and whether it would actually be so terrible if Eddie saw…

Eddie saw. He hums slightly, but it sounds more like a whimper, and he attempts to cover it by clearing his throat for the umpteenth time today.

He wonders whether you’re doing this on purpose, whether you have any idea what you’re doing to him.

As you settle back onto his thigh, one of Eddie’s hands travels to your hip, holding it lightly, just resting it there. A fire travels up that entire side of your body.

You wonder whether he’s doing this on purpose, whether he has any idea what he’s doing to you.

He leans forward to reach for something on the table, and this time brushes his chest against your back for far longer than is necessary. You feel his breathing against your neck speeding up, hot gasps coming from between his lips instead of controlled outbreaths through his nose.

You reach for a die, and as you sit back you half-intentionally push your core down onto Eddie’s leg just a little bit harder. God, he feels so good. And so what if you’ve moved backwards slightly, so your thigh is even further between his legs, and your butt nudges his crotch?

You definitely feel something hard pressing against your ass. The grip on your hip tightens, and Eddie dips his head forward to hide his face and stifle a moan. Christ.

You think you hear him mumble a quiet and stilted, “Sh-it.”

Eddie can barely contain himself, this morning not going at all how he could’ve even dreamed. He had no idea whether you even liked him, and was planning to sound you out and maybe manage to ask if you wanted to do something cheesy like grab milkshakes sometime.

Having you hot and wet on his lap wasn’t even on the edges of the outside of the periphery of his radar. He’s really trying to keep it together, but he’s barely maintaining a grip on his actions.

Attempting to focus, he leans forward again to explain a character point. You turn your head and look into his eyes attentively, whilst simultaneously rocking your hips ever so subtly and chewing on the inside of your bottom lip.

All at once, something shifts. Something big.

Eddie holds your gaze for way too long. Or maybe you hold his.

Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore, as you both silently acknowledge that there’s way more going on here than simple D&D advice.

Simultaneously, you both come to realise that your affections are most definitely reciprocated.

Shit, he likes me.

Fuck, she likes me back.

And then, as your eyes are locked and he sees your pupils blow wide, Eddie loses that tenuous grip.

Suddenly, both of his hands come to your hips, and he presses his forehead against one of your shoulder blades. He grips you tightly and moves you back and forth against him, squeezing, pulling, pushing, dragging. He’s keeping his movements as tiny as possible so as not to rouse the attention of the group, but what he lacks in expansiveness he more than makes up for with strength and intensity.

You think this might genuinely be the most erotic thing you’ve ever done with your clothes on. You’re hot and wet, and you barely care that you’re in a room full of people, supposedly playing a nerdy game.

Eddie keeps moving you. One exquisite movement spreads your sopping folds in your underwear, and your mouth drops open in a gasp, hand gripping the edge of the rickety table. You try to disguise your movements by shoving the end of a pencil into your mouth and hunching over your paperwork.

Eddie totally notices, and stills you. His warm palms continue to press against your hips, his strong fingertips digging into your flesh. Instead of continuing the back and forth movements, he pulls you down as hard as he can onto his lap whilst outwardly retaining his composure, turning the garbled sounds coming from his throat into encouraging noises for the group.

The two of you can barely focus anymore. Eddie hasn’t let his hands travel anywhere above the tabletop, lest his actions be seen by the others, but if your expression is even half as flustered as Eddie’s is red, somebody is going to notice something. And soon.

You take a couple of deep, steadying breaths.

You’ve already completed your character, so you decide to do a faux check in with Eddie, asking, not entirely innocently,

“Eddie? Is there anything else you’d want me to… take off?”

Turning, you add, even less subtly,

“What should I do now, Master?”

Eddie’s face screws up and his jaw clenches, and you feel the rock of his hips as he bucks his hips up underneath you, pressing his hardness into your flesh and muffling a grunt into your shoulder.

His head snaps back up suddenly and his voice becomes clear and piercing, as he inhales quickly and declares to the room, waving a hand,

“Okay, lunchtime! Everybody out!! You guys need some fresh air and I need a break. I don’t wanna see you for at least an hour, and you’d better come back with pizza! Goddit?”

The teens comply, bustling out the door, a few of them eye-rolling and grumbling something about how this is almost like being at home with their parents.

They’re still leaving as Eddie moves his face so close to you that you can feel his breath in your hairline, and his soft, pink lips tickle the edge of your ear.

In a low, velvety voice, he murmurs, in a tone that’s somehow both challenging and pleading,

“Please Princess, turn around and say that to my face...”

You smirk, and reach behind you to pick up a D12.

With all the sultriness you can muster, you raise your eyebrows and indicate for him to take it. He opens his hand, and you place it down, the tips of your fingers lightly skimming the hot, damp skin of his palm.

Looking into his eyes again, you’re relieved to discover that your power of speech remains entirely intact, as you murmur, with more confidence than you thought you possessed,

“Okay, Master. How about this? You roll, and the result is how many kisses you have to give me...”

Eddie swallows and almost chokes, sitting up straight and gently lobbing the die across the mess of paper and writing implements. His chocolate eyes don’t leave yours as it rolls and comes to a stop in the centre crease of one of his manuals. He struggles with the internal conflict of never wanting to break your gaze and a deep desire to check the number.

He has no idea where the rest of today, let alone this, is going, and he’s grateful he has at least the next hour in which to find out. But he does know one thing:

He’s never been so desperate to roll a 12 in his entire fucking life.

Thanks so much for reading!

(This might become part of an anthology of D&D-related adventures - let me know if you’d like to see more!)

Please comment and reblog if you enjoyed this, it’s honestly like throwing breadcrumbs and roses for your writers 😃🥰

My masterlist

I have a general taglist now, let me know if you’d like to be on it 😃

Tags: @joejoequinnquinn @jamdoughnutmagician @curlyjoequinn @madaboutmunson @airen256 @sunshinepeachx @the-unforgivenn @skrzydlak @comeonatmebruh @jamiecb66 @80s-addict @abellmunsonmovie @definitionwanderlust @wonderlanddreamer

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ᴀᴏ ᴅʀɪᴠᴇ ɪꜱꜱᴀ ᴠēᴅʀᴏꜱ (you drive me mad)

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: jacaerys velaryon x targ!reader ⭑.ᐟ

౨ৎ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 — the prince is busy studying his high valyrian, you help him with his pronunciation.

౨ৎ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 — nsfw, p in v smut, cunnilingus, hair pulling, semi-public sex, slight dom!jace, switch!reader, use of nicknames, possesive behavior, established relationship, reader is Daemon's first born daughter.

Prince Jacaerys is immersed in his studies at the Painted Table chamber in Dragonstone, his gaze fixed on the book in front of him. Papers were scattered to one side of the large desk, the room being lit by candles, casting a golden honey glow onto Jace's face.

The moon light filters through a window wide open, the breeze brushing in slightly. "Aegon iksos nykeā mittys" Jace reads under his breath.

"Your pronunciation is wrong" you say teasingly at him standing in the door frame. You make your way over to him and wrap your arms around his neck from the back, kissing the side of his cheek softly.

A smile tugged at the corners of Jace's lips, he leaned into the soothing presence of your embrace. He chuckled softly, putting the book down on the table and twisting his body slightly to make eye contact with you.

"Oh, is it, my love? Care to enlighten me then?" he asks feigning ignorance with a playful shrug. His hand reached up to intertwine with yours, his thumb caressing the back of your hand softly.

You giggle at him grabbing the book behind him and hoping onto the top of the desk in one swift motion. You make yourself comfortable before reading the words in the book. "Aegon iksos nykeā mittys" you read to him, your pronunciation perfect.

Jace couldn't help but be impressed by your flawless pronunciation. He raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips as he looked up at you sitting on the desk. "Impressive," he complimented, his hand resting on your thigh. "Your High Valyrian is impeccable. You've been studying diligently, haven't you?"

You look down at him nodding your head teasingly. "I truly am a scholar" you joke with him moving your hands down to play with the rings around his fingers. "Aegon is and idiot?" you say teasingly referring to the words that were spoken in valyrian, raising an eyebrow at Jacaerys smirking.

A small laugh escaped Jace's lips at your jest, his gaze following your fingers as they toyed with his rings. He shrugged slightly, a sly smile playing on his face. "Aegon is indeed...unique," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "Let's just say he's not exactly known for his intellect." You laugh at this, listening to him intently.

"But what he lacks in wits, he makes up for in...other areas." he raises and eyebrow suggestively. You let out a small laugh, deciding that you want to tease him, you fain innocence. "And what might that be?"

Jace's smile broadened as his hands slid up your thigh, giving it a light squeeze. He tilted his head, his voice lowering to a playful murmur. "Oh, you know," he said, leaning in closer to you. "He excels in other...physical pursuits." His expression turned more suggestive, the implication clear in his tone and touch.

Enjoying the rise you are creating from him, you continue your act of being oblivous. You reach down for his hand on your thigh. "Is that so?" you breathe cocking your head to the side slightly. "And what do you know of these physical pursuits, my prince" you say teasingly hoping the title would have some effect on him.

The way he was looking at you with deep brown eyes filled with lust. He's barley touched you and you already need him badly. Jacaerys chuckled lowly, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on your thigh. Your breath hitches in your throat. You keep your gaze fixed on him, hypnotized.

"More than you might think, my love," he replied, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper. His free hand reached up to graze your hip, pulling you closer to him. "I'm well aware of Ageon's...physical exploits." He smirked, his eyes locking with yours, a mixture of playful mischief and desire in his gaze.

"Really," you breathe, "enlighten me then" you say smirking down at him. He pulls you closer to the edge of the table by your legs and your hands instinctively cup around his face looking at him with a burning gaze, waiting for his next move.

Jacaerys grins at your words. He then gently starts pushing your legs apart for him slowly, moving closer. His hands move to your thighs again, pushing up your dress. His fingers trace delicate patterns on your skin that has you worked up. He leans in closer to you, his voice a soft, seductive murmur.

With his lips almost touching yours, he asks, "Enlighten you, hmm?" He smiles and gestures to the room you were in, asking, "Should I enlighten you right here?" Even though it wasn't your chambers, you were still somewhat alone. And at this moment, you couldn't even be bothered to consider that someone might hear you. He approaches you with his hands inching closer, but he stops just short of grazing you.

"Careful Jacaerys," you whisper breathlessly, a false warning to make him do whatever he pleases, as long as he touches you. You place your hands onto his arms gripping softly onto him. Jace grins, his arms wrapping around your waist as he holds onto your back. He leans up to press a soft kiss againts your neck, his lips tracing a path along your skin. Your breath hitches in your throat, arching yourself towards him.

His hands move over your body, his touch gentle yet possessive. "Careful, hmm?" he whispers against your ear, his voice dripping with desire. "Don't worry, my love. I promise to be gentle...and very thorough."

You whimper against his touch, moving your face to kiss the side of his jaw. You lull your head back again breathing deeply in frustration. As you lean your head back, Jace takes the opportunity to plant a trails of kisses on your neck, his mouth working gently over your skin. Dropping to his knees in front of you, he looks up at you with a sly smile, his hands massaging your thighs.

"Jace," you whimper leaning back on your hands spreading your legs a little further apart. You look at him with half lidded eyes filled with desire for him. "More please," you breathe out sultry closing your eyes for a second.

"Oh, I've just started my love, patience." he murmurs his voice filled with a mix of desire and promise. His hands slide up your legs, his thumbs rubbing slow, tantalizing circles over your skin. You whine loudly at his words tangling your fingers into his soft curls. You push your legs further apart, "Jace..."

Jacaerys lets out a soft groan at the sound of his name leaving your lips and at the feel of your fingers in his hair. He looks up at you again, his eyes dark with lust, you could loose yourself completely in them. "My love," he whispers, his voice low and husky. His rough hands move to your hips, his fingers digging into the flesh as he looks up at you. "You're so eager...I like that."

You huff out a breathy laugh trying to calm yourself. "You're the one in between my legs" you say back to him. Jacaerys chuckles at your retort, his hands sliding down your thighs gripping them tighter. Your breath hitches once again at the contact, you can't ever get enough of him. You can feel your wetness starting to pool between your legs.

He looks up at you with a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief and desire. "That I am," he replies. his voice dripping with passion. "Can you blame me for being so? I've got my face in between the legs of the most beautiful woman in Westeros...how could I resist?"

Your heart leaps into your throat at his words. Your pulse quickened and you swear your skin felt like it was on fire. "Jace," you whine again, bucking your hips up slightly searching for some sort of friction. "Please touch me." Jacaerys lets out a low growl at your plea, his hands gripping your thighs even tighter, sure to leave bruises later, but you couldn't care.

"Don't worry my love," he assures you, his voice low, hand rubbing up and down your thigh slowly. "I'll take care of you. In due time." You let out a groan of frustration. "Please Jace, don't tease my love," you say lulling your head back.

Jace can't help but grin as he watches you plead for him, your fingers tugging at his hair . He lets out a soft groan at the sight of you, his eyes moving all over your dress, trying to map out your curves. He couldn't help but tease you, it drove him wild. Seeing you tinted a shade of red, breathing heavily, half lidded eyes, and most importantly; the beautiful sounds you make.

"Tease you, my love?" he asks, his hands moving between your thighs spreading them further as he moves closer to you. He leans his head on your right thigh looking up at you with puppy dog eyes. "Oh, you know me too well. But I promise," he says, his voice low and husky trailing kisses closer to where you needed him. "it'll be worth the wait."

You whine at his words, shivering under his touch, his kisses soft and warm. Jace smiles against your thigh, his lips moving closer to your cunt. He can feel the tremor that runs through your body, and it only serves to stroke the fire burning inside him. "Shhh, my darling Y/N," he whispers, his breath hot against your skin.

You try to compose yourself hearing your name slip off his tongue so sweetly. "Patience, I won't keep you waiting for much longer." Your heart clenches at the softness of his words. Jace then moves to push your dress up, bunching it around your hips, your pussy on full display before him.

He lets out a low groan lulling his head back slightly. He moves his hand down trailing a finger along your folds, gathering your slick. You breathe shakily at his touch, your eyes on his movements, never wavering. He brings his finger to his mouth and sucks on his finger. He groans at your taste. His hand runs up your leg again, he leans back admiring you.

"Gods, look at you. My beautiful girl, all wet and eager for me," he moves back in again going to plant a kiss right on your cunt. You throw your head back in a low moan as his nose nudges your throbbing bud. "Fuck, I can't get enough of you," he swipes his tongue over your slit.

A loud gasp and moan escapes your mouth into the quite room. Your hands move to his hair again, pulling on them slightly. "Jacaerys." He shivers at the sound of his name leaving your lips, his tongue starting to explore your folds slowly, teasingly. Your legs start to shiver. He moves his hands over the top of your thighs and holds you down so that you can sit still.

"You taste divine my love," he whispers against you, his lips wrapping around your clit sucking lightly. "Shit," you groan out, "Jace please...need more." Your mind is a fog, your words coming out as a babble. He wastes no time giving into what you want, his composure and need to tease you falling away as he hears your sweet voice. His body is boiling with desire, making it his purpose to have you come on his tongue.

Your hands grip onto the edge of the tale, desperate to keep some of your composure. When he'd lock his eyes with you, you could feel the coil in your stomach tightening with each suck and lick. "Feels so good Jace, please don't stop."

He moves to kiss your thighs again to catch his breathe. "I could stay here, my face buried in your cunt, and die the happiest man." he says, his voice breathy and barley above a whisper. His gaze flicking all over your frame and face. He moves back in, his movements vigorous.

You're a moaning mess under his touch, his name falling from your lips like a prayer. 'If anyone could hear you now', you think your face turning bright red, arousal growing at the thought of being caught in such a position. As Jace continues to eat you out like a starved man, he palms himself trying to relieve some of the tension in his pants.

He feels you clench around his tongue, you're close, he always knowns when you're close. He pulls away for a brief moment, "I need you to come on my tongue." You barley have time to respond as he dives back in lapping at you with such skill. You shake and moan, the room feeling impossibly hot.

It doesn't take long after his words before your coming with a high pitched moan squeezing your legs around his head. He holds your legs apart to ride you through your orgasm. You whimper at the overstimulation, panting. You move your hand down to pull on his hair after his sucks don't relent.

He looks beautiful when your eyes lock. Pupils blown out wide, your juices all over his chin and lips. He has a cheeky flushed out grin on his face. "Quite impressive," you breathe out shakily. Jacaerys chuckles lowly at your cheeky grin, a hint of pride and satisfaction in his expression. "Impressive, you say?" he replies, arching an eyebrow at you playfully, standing up to be face to face with you.

His lips capture yours in a deep kiss, trying to pour all the love he has for you into the kiss. You moan at the taste of yourself on his tongue, already feeling wet for him again. His tongue meets yours, fighting for dominance. He cups your face, deepening the kiss, his breathing ragged with desire. The kiss is messy and clumsy.

You feel his erection poking at your thigh as he presses his body closer to yours. Your hand trails down to palm him with a gentle yet firm touch. Jace groans pushing his face into your neck trailing sloppy kisses along your burning skin. He reaches down to stop your hands movements. "If you keep touching me like that I won't last," he whispers sultry in your ear. You tilt your head a little to place a sweet kiss on his cheek.

"Have me then," you say barley above a whisper. Your hands move to wrap around his neck, your legs finding home around his hips. "ᴀᴏ ᴅʀɪᴠᴇ ɪꜱꜱᴀ ᴠēᴅʀᴏꜱ," he exhales, tapping your hip in a command. "Up," he says.

You get up off the desk waiting for his next words, his hands roam over your body as he kisses your neck and jaw softly. He grips you firm by the hips and spins you around, bending you over the desk slowly. He bunches your dress up again. He groans loudly at the sight of you before him.

"Jace," you gasp not being able to think because of his actions, you wait in anticipation. He looks down at your frame hypnotized. His grip at your hips possessive. "Look at you," he whispers lowly his hands trailing up behind your thighs. His touch ends shivers running through your body. "My pretty girl, all of this just for me?" He traces his hand over your arse, gripping at the flesh.

"Just for you Jace," you moan, your voice coming out desperate. "Gods, my sweet girl. Your so beautiful." He leans down to place a kiss below your ear, pressing his clothed cock against your dripping folds. He pulls back and his hand lands on your arse with a slap. The stinging has you moaning and it immediately turns into pleasure. "All mine," he breathes softly.

In one swift motion he removes his pants. He runs his cock over your folds, his mouth falling open in a silent gasp as the sight of your slick on his tip. "Are you ready Y/N/N?" he asks you gently, the nickname makes you overworked with desire for him. You nod your head vigorously, pleas falling from your mouth for him.

He then starts line himself up with your entrance, he slips in easily, bottoming out in you. He lets out a low groan at the feeling of your walls wrapping around him. "Gods," he swallows, adams apple bobbing. He wastes no time in moving himself out of you and slamming his hips back into you. Pleasure consumes you in a rush, your mouth hung open in loud moans and choked screams.

The sound of skin slapping against skin and wet noise fill the room, the smell of sex hung in the air thickly. Jacaerys throws his head back moaning loudly, his movements in a fast rhythm hitting spots inside you that make you see stars. "Fuck, you're perfect...taking me so well," his voice a whine behind you. You clench around him and he slumps forward withering in pleasure.

Jace;s hands move to your hair, wrapping his hand around it and pulling you back to whisper in your ear. You grip at the desk your knuckles white. "I love you so much," he whispers against your skin kissing you softly. You can't think straight, not with him moving inside you so delicously.

He let's go of your hair and his hand moves down your back, holding you to pound in faster and deeper within you. "Gonna fill you up, put a child in you," he chokes on a moan at the thought of having a family with you, his heart pounds against his chest. "Everyone will know who you belong to, how does that sound my love?"

"Yes, gods. please Jace, wanna give you a baby," you bite down on your lip, the knot in your stomach tightening again. "Fuck, there's my girl." He slams into you, your body bouncing on the desk. Jace can't hold on any longer, the feeling of you clenching around him makes his mouth water. "Need you to come with me," he breathes heavily as his hand moves down to play with your sensitive clit.

You scream at the shock of pleasure, your legs shaking. The knot in your stomach snaps and you come on Jace's cock clenching around him. The pleasure is blinding, the aftershock making you see stars. Jace stops his movements as he feels you come around him, he spills into you with a loud moan, hissing. "That's my good girl, that's my good fucking girl." He tries to catch his breathing.

He pulls out of you and you whine at the emptiness. He turns you around to face him, his expression fucked out. You're grateful he's holding you up with how your legs are shaking.

"And how is my knowledge on these physical pursuits?" he asks smirking at you. You chuckle at his words clicking your tongue. You lean your forehead against his, he closes his eyes as his skin touches yours. "Mm very good, I was wondering if you could show me more?"

[ihavemanyhusbands]

I Found My Love in Portofino

Duncan Vizla x Assassin!FemReader

Also on AO3

Summary: Despite your promise to stay away, the lure of Portofino -- and who you might find there -- is too irresistible. Part 2 to The Black Kaiser's Nightmare

WC: 5.3k words

Warnings: SMUT! (18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI), enemies to lovers speedrun into the bed, semi-public sex, mentions of violence, play fighting, breaking shit all over the place, abundant cursing, rough sex (unprotected, don't do it at home!), angst (but there’s a happy ending dw), I think that's it but lmk if I missed anything!

You are responsible for your own media consumption!

------

Sunshine, a gorgeous view, and the fragrant smell of the sea. What more could you possibly need? 

Some dignity, perhaps.

But maybe you’d lost all of it on the other side of the world almost a year ago, buried under many layers of snow. Along with one too many promises you weren’t certain you could keep.

Then again, you’d desperately wanted a vacation somewhere warm, hadn’t you? And Portofino was beautiful that time of year, undeniably so. It was nearly impossible to resist its allure. 

All you had to do was keep to yourself and not let your eyes wander in search of a familiar silhouette. Eat some amazing food, drink some great wine, and maybe brush up on your Italian. Nothing else. How hard could it be, really?

A few days had already passed with no issues, but at all times, there was the slightest prickle of awareness at the back of your neck. But still, you didn’t search.

At least you were slowly building a nice tan, which was long overdue. You’d spent most of your days at the beach, alternating between dips in the ocean and sprawling out on a towel to air dry. It was as close as you’d gotten to true peace in a long time.

Sometimes, when the waves rolled over you, they felt like a lover’s embrace. Powerful and all-consuming, right on the verge of being agonizing. The familiarity of this feeling and these sudden romantic notions were irritating, but you were always a creature of incandescent want. A fatal flaw, most likely.

When the sun began to set, hunger was the only thing that could pull you away. You’d found a place that you liked, which was perhaps a little too pricey, but the view was unbeatable and the food was definitely worth coming back for. On top of that, you felt like you deserved to spoil yourself at least a little bit.

You sat at your usual table, a salty breeze tussling your hair. A passing waiter smiled and nodded at you, already knowing your order. You smiled back, pushing your sunglasses atop your head. 

The world was awash in golden light, the waves glittering like a dream in which swimmers basked. For a moment, as you stared off into the middle distance, your mind was blissfully blank. Not a worry to ruin things.

But then suddenly…

“Your champagne, signorina,” a voice said as an empty flute was set on the table. “And may I just add… you look ravishing when you are so relaxed. It really does suit you.”

You whipped around immediately, eyes widening and heart thumping like a war drum.

“You!” You hissed through clenched teeth, gripping your dinner knife.

Duncan, disguised as a waiter, smiled at you impishly as he poured the champagne. He was the picture of calm, unbothered by the real threat of another stab from you.

“I know you must’ve missed me terribly, but let’s not make a scene now,” he said easily. “I suppose your busy schedule had an opening after all?”

“I happen to like Italy, if you have to know,” you huffed, grabbing the flute and taking a sip. “I told you I wasn’t going to look for you, and I didn’t. You found me.”

“You made it rather easy, but I let you have a few days.”

You gestured at his attire. “And this is how you chose to approach. Real sneaky of you.”

His grin only broadened. “What can I say? I wanted to serve you.”

Annoyance flared to life inside of you, but it was paired with a familiar feeling that made you tightly cross your legs. You pursed your lips for a moment, but you didn’t really want to give him the satisfaction of seeing he was getting to you. 

Instead, you leaned back in your chair with an equally sly grin and said, “So do it, then. You can only keep me waiting for so long…”

He nodded once, straightening up. “Right away. I’ll be back in a moment.”

As he walked away, your body relaxed and you let out a long exhale. Running a hand down your face in frustration, you chastised yourself again for not steeling your will more in the time you were apart. You glanced over your shoulder to make sure he wasn’t watching you and slumped in your chair. 

A few restless minutes passed as you waited, but still he didn’t return. You drummed your fingers on the table as your impatience grew into frustration. Then you figured, this was probably his plan, right? To try and get under your skin as much as possible, make up for lost time. It definitely seemed to be his favorite activity. Or one of them, at least. 

Fuck it. Who said you couldn’t retaliate just a little bit? 

You downed the champagne in one go, perhaps for courage, perhaps just because you needed a reason to justify your recklessness. Standing, you made your way inside under the pretense of going to the restroom. You hadn’t really planned what you were going to do, but still you wandered by the kitchen.

From what you could see, he wasn’t there, which made you frown in confusion. It wasn’t a big establishment, so there weren’t many places where he could be. Half-dejected, you walked into the single-stall bathroom… and immediately the door slammed shut behind you, lock clicking into place. 

Before you could process anything, strong arms enveloped you, pulling you against a solid chest. Duncan put a finger to his lips in a motion for silence, right before he threw himself on you, claiming your mouth. You practically melted against him, any sort of animosity you held forgotten for a moment.

But then, when the shock passed, you kissed him back roughly. You tugged at his hair and bit his bottom lip, letting him retaliate by pressing you against the wall, as if punishing both him and yourself for caving so easily to your desires.

“Already breaking promises, huh?” he said between kisses, chuckling as your hands briskly tried to undo his pants.

“Shut up,” you grumbled. “Or I’m gonna put your mouth to better use this time.”

“That reminds me…”

Abruptly, he gathered you in his arms and set you on the edge of the sink. He kneeled in front of you, reaching past the edge of your sundress and tugging loose the strings of your bikini bottom.

“I did say I would serve you,” he grinned, scooting closer and placing your legs on his shoulders. “Let’s see if you’ll be able to keep quiet now.”

You couldn’t keep your chest from heaving as he fully removed the fabric, tossing it to one side. He kissed his way up your inner thigh, his scruff lightly tickling the sensitive flesh. You suppressed a small shudder, readjusting your position. 

As his tongue dipped directly into the source of your ache — the best way to properly savor you — you held onto his head with one hand and gripped the edge of the sink with the other. He groaned, breath hot against you, and trailed his tongue up to your clit.

He guided himself by your reactions — the small spasms of your muscles, your hitching breaths and the subtle hums of your concealed moans. He barely came up for air, content with the possibility of asphyxiation if it meant he’d never get the taste of you out of his mouth.

The precise, relentless way in which he pleased you nearly drove you to madness. His tongue circled around your clit slowly, almost teasingly, but whenever you were about to voice his frustration, he did the complete opposite to keep you on the edge. You looked down and met his gaze for a moment, fire burning in his eyes. The intensity of it made your pussy clench around his fingers, which he’d just added into the mix.

Your back arched, head resting against the mirror behind you. Your eyes were closed in bliss, knees drawing together around his head as you felt the beginning of an orgasm forming.

“Yes…” you sighed. “Yes! Right there!”

And that was all he needed to hear to ramp up the intensity further. Your body trembled, sweat-slick hand almost slipping off the porcelain. Your spine arched further, as if possessed, and a ragged moan escaped you as you came undone. Pleasure felt electric as it swept over you, and he moaned along with you as he helped you ride it out all the way.

As you were left panting heavily, limbs still shaky, he pulled back to look at you and licked his lips. You brought your legs off his shoulders and he stood in order to undo his pants, the hard imprint of his cock straining against the fabric almost painfully. Once it was free, he spat in his hand and stroked himself to spread the saliva. 

“Get inside me,” you pleaded quietly, urging him closer, eyes still shiny with want. “Please, fuck, I need you inside me.”

You wrapped your legs around his waist this time and he guided himself into you slowly. He muttered your name under his breath as he bottomed out, leaning down to touch his forehead to yours.

You would be lying if you said you didn’t miss the way he seemed to fully envelop you. The heat emanating from him, his smell flooding your nostrils, and even the stretch of him inside you was divine… But you weren’t able to dwell on these thoughts as he began to move. 

His large hands held you up by your hips as he pounded into you, no longer holding back. It seemed he had missed you just as much, and all he could do was make up for lost time. 

He leaned down once more to kiss you as it became harder for you to contain your noises. More of your weight, combined with his, was leaning on the sink by then. As he hit that spot inside you that made your body jerk, you heard a crack.

You tried to ignore it for a moment as his movements turned erratic, grip tightening on your skin. He grunted with each thrust, snapping his hips roughly as you clawed at his shoulders. 

Then his whole body tensed, and he pressed all the way into you in one final thrust. The sound that left him was nearly animalistic as he spilled his release inside of you… and it was at that moment that the sink gave out completely.

The porcelain loudly shattered against the linoleum floor as it broke off the wall. The newly exposed pipe gushed water, the puddle quickly spreading. Duncan caught you in his arms before you could fall as well, stumbling a little as he adjusted his position.

“Shit, that was my bad…” he panted. “I got a little carried away.”

The two of you dissolved into a fit of nervous laughter as the reality of the situation really settled in. Reflexively, you had wrapped your arms around his neck, your faces close together.

You could feel his pulse was just as hurried as yours, both of you still coming down from your highs. You avoided prolonged eye contact as you drew away with an amused grin, smacking his arm.

“Real smooth, breaking shit on your first day on the job,” you said.

He started to laugh, but suddenly, there was loud knocking on the door.  A voice called in Italian to ask if everything was okay, the doorknob jiggling to no avail. You and Duncan looked at each other in a millisecond of panic before hastily starting to re-dress.

“Fuck, we have to get out of here,” you hissed as he helped you onto your feet, holding you for a moment as your legs wobbled. “Can’t we have a reunion where we don’t wreak havoc for once?”

“No,” he said, shaking his head as he buttoned up his pants. “I don’t think it’s possible.”

You rolled your eyes but said nothing, intent on assessing your options. The banging at the door didn’t stop, and you figured soon enough they’d get a key to open it. There was a window that seemed large enough for you to fit through, but you weren’t sure Duncan’s large frame would make the cut.

“One moment please! Everything’s fine!” You yelled back before turning to Duncan and lowering your voice. “I just realized I forgot my stuff out there.”

“I’ll go get it,” he said, ushering you towards the window and handing you your bikini bottoms. “I’ll meet you outside.”

You nodded, appreciative and just slightly flustered at the idea of having to sneak out commando while you were still holding in his… Well, that was probably the least of your worries at that very moment. One thing at a time.

“Try to leave them some money, too. We’ve done enough damage.”

He snorted. “Just wait ‘til we get to the hotel.”

You bit back your retort and instead focused on climbing out of the window without leaving a snail trail. Glancing around to make sure you were alone, you made your way to the front of the restaurant surreptitiously. Twice you had to stop and hide as you neared passerby, still jittery with adrenaline. 

It was a thrill that felt both agonizing and yet somehow very arousing. You waited in a side alley, clamping your thighs together as you leaned against the wall. You just hoped Duncan wouldn’t get himself in deeper shit and take more drastic measures. He wasn’t charming enough to get out of trouble with just words, as you were well aware. 

Finally, he emerged from the restaurant after what seemed like forever, dressed in casual clothes. You lifted your arm so he could see where you were, and he hurried over.

“How did you—” you began to ask, but you were interrupted by him clasping your wrist and dragging you away.

“Don’t ask,” he said. “But just so you know, I did get a couple of high-fives on my way out.”

—————————-

As it turned out, Duncan had been staying at the hotel next to yours. You had to stop to get his luggage first since he’d checked out of his room that morning, already having assumed he’d be staying with you. 

You’d raised your eyebrows and scoffed at his overconfidence. Of course, you should’ve expected something like that to happen, but you’d been too caught up on whether you’d actually run into him or not.

The casualness between you felt strange, particularly given your history. He was definitely more at ease than he’d been a year ago, but uneasiness was like second nature to you. Sure, you were enjoying this new dynamic with him so far, but you weren’t sure how far was too far. 

Fucking was one thing, but being on vacation together… You shook your spiraling thoughts out of your head as you led him through your hotel and up to your room. One thing at a time.

“And what would you have done if I decided not to give you the time of day?” You asked as you swiped the keycard to your room. “Sleep on a bench somewhere?”

“Oh please, haven’t I proven to be irresistible?” He said, tilting his head to the side as he smiled slyly.

“Yeah, well, I’m not covering the hotel costs for both of us, just so you know.”

He scoffed, but you could tell he wasn’t actually offended. “I can pay you with my body, that should be more than enough.”

You bit down an amused grin and said nothing, instead turning on the lights and showing him where he could put his stuff. He set it all down without real care as you began undressing, making him freeze on the spot. 

But you weren’t trying to seduce him, at least not then, for there was only one thing on your mind. Your skin felt sticky with sea salt and sweat, your hair was all tangled by the wind, and there was still that little problem between your legs to take care of. 

“Care to rinse off, then? I know I need to,” you said, casually stepping into the bathroom. “Shower’s got room for two.”

You got in before hearing his response, starting by washing your hair under the stream of hot water. As you were rinsing off the shampoo, eyes closed, you heard him get in. Your other senses were all too aware of his nearness, making you jump a little at an unexpected touch on your hand. 

When you were able to open your eyes again, you saw he was washing himself. The way the soap suds slid down his muscles made you swallow hard, and he was smiling deviously when you moved to let him rinse off. He sighed with contentment at the water’s warmth, slicking his hair back, and you couldn’t help but keep ogling him. 

Maybe he wasn’t so wrong about being irresistible… He really was beautiful.

When he turned around, you quickly averted your gaze and reached for the bar of soap, but he shook his head. “Allow me.”

He lathered some soap between his hands, taking it upon himself to wash your body. He kept eye contact as he started with your shoulders and arms, moving slowly but purposefully. Your limbs were loose as you let him keep going, adjusting you this way and that so he didn’t miss a spot.

Even as he reached more sensitive areas, his touch was tender rather than lascivious. Looking at the scars on each other was like a trip down memory lane, but it wasn’t a bitter remembrance. In fact, you felt yourself softening, almost vulnerable. So much stubbornness, so much time wasted, but it all had somehow led to such an intimate moment.

When he was done, you rewarded him with a soft kiss, more chaste than anything you’d had so far. You shut off the water and both of you got out to dry off quietly. It felt like talking might burst the bubble of… whatever feeling the two of you were so precariously sharing at that moment.

An idea struck you then, and you discarded your towel somewhere along the way. He watched as you opened the sliding doors to the private balcony, the faint light silhouetting you. 

Up there, the faint roar of the ocean could still be heard. It was moonlight’s turn to glitter in the dark waves, but you put your back to the view as you gave him an inviting look. 

Truth be told, you wanted to indulge in him as much as you could. A sense of urgency accompanied your arousal, like the opportunity might not come around again. Was it a sign? Could it be fate’s way of making you say goodbye? 

The thought scared you more than you were willing to admit, so you decided to be mindless once again. You let the sea breeze envelop you once again, but soon after his arms took place, drawing you into his warmth. He searched your face for something, but you averted your gaze as you ran your hands up and down his chest.

“You’re quiet,” he noted. “You haven’t even threatened to kill me at least once since we got here.”

You shrugged, going on your tiptoes to wrap your arms around his neck. “Does it matter?”

“Well, you know the violence is what gets me going…” he said with a smirk, but you could still see some concern in his eyes. 

You kissed his bottom lip enticingly, returning the smirk. “Let’s tear each other apart, then. For good this time.”

And so he cupped the back of your head and crushed his lips against yours. The kiss was sloppy and desperate, tongues dragging against each other. You reached between your bodies to touch him, fingers grazing the velvety underside of his hardening cock.

For a moment he lost himself to your touch, mindlessly chasing your lips as you withdrew, teasing him. You stroked the head with the tips of your fingers, and his hips bucked in search of more friction.

“Not gonna be so easy now,” you chastised playfully. “Gotta earn your stay.”

He gripped your hair, pulling your head back to expose your neck. His free hand roamed up your chest, splaying over your sternum and feeling your quickening heartbeat. He bent down to kiss your neck and collarbones, humming in fiendish delight as he heard your soft moan.

“You little devil,” he murmured. “You should know I won’t make it easy for you either.”

And so commenced a battle for dominance, in which the two of you did not play fair. You practically tackled him back onto the sunbed, frantically trying to pin his arms down. Your thighs pressed against his sides tightly, holding him in place. 

He had a great view of you from that angle, so he got easily distracted, his struggles weakening. But just when you thought you had him, he suddenly grabbed your wrists and managed to flip you under him. You blinked up at him in momentary surprise, but then scoffed.

Your legs and arms wrapped around him as you tried to crush him in a bear hug. You felt his erection pressed against your abdomen, and he grunted with the effort of trying to wriggle from your grasp.

Despite the exertion from wrestling each other, you found yourself smiling, genuinely having a good time. Your cheeks were flushed and you were panting heavily. He kissed all over your face, perhaps in an attempt to distract you, but you gave in amiably for the time being.

“Where’s your knife now?” He murmured against your skin, taunting, his breath close to your ear.

But instead of responding, you pulled his head back by the hair and brought your lips to his. Your other hand rested on his throat, like a silent threat, but it was just a little too tender to actually be one.

The stars wheeled across the sky unnoticed, as the two of you were too wrapped up in a frenzy of desire, all restraints loosened. Eager hands and eager mouths, the violent delicacy of your bodies curled around each other like snakes. Everything else truly ceased to exist.

Not much of the hotel room was spared either, lamps knocked over, framed artwork half shattered on the floor, and different things haphazardly strewn about. At last, the bed became the lion’s den, where the last of the raging fire simmered out, leading into a sated slumber.

You awoke before him, too restless from an influx of dreams you couldn’t make heads or tails of. The early morning had a melancholic blue tint to it, barely illuminating the room. You watched him for a moment, trying to burn him into memory as you followed the steady rise and fall of his chest. 

Keeping your thoughts at bay was becoming harder by the minute, especially wrapped up in his warmth and his smell. Suddenly, you couldn’t bear being in the bed anymore. You left a featherlight kiss on his shoulder before sliding out as quietly as you could. A certain bitterness slid down the back of your throat as you gathered clothes, padding over to the bathroom and dressing mechanically. 

Any sort of logic or reasoning seemed to have left you as well, since you were prepared to flee with just what you were wearing. In that moment, you believed perhaps you could outrun the consequences, and yourself in the process.

But just as you opened the bathroom door and took one step out, you heard the clicking drag of metal and felt the coolness of it closing in around your wrist. You looked down to find yourself handcuffed to Duncan, who was only partially dressed. He looked at you intensely, knowingly even, pinning you in place. Your heart leaped to your throat, stopping any words you might want to say. 

“I told you I wouldn’t make it easy either,” he said, his voice devoid of any humor.

He reached out with his free hand, but you weaved away from it like a skittish stray dog that’d been kicked too many times in its life. Your immediate response was a punch that he took in stride. In fact, he let you try and shove him, although the handcuffs would take you along with him. Your frustration only grew, and this time fighting him was different, more desperate – like a cornered animal.

“When are you going to stop fighting your desires?” He asked firmly, seizing your other wrist. “You can’t just run away this time. You owe me that much.”

“Duncan, please,” you said softly, looking down.

“Please, what?” He pressed.

“Why are we kidding ourselves?” You sighed. “We’re just horny and really fucking lonely…and I guess it helps that we understand each other. But we both know it can’t go beyond that.”

“Why not?”

“We don’t exactly have a profession that allows commitment…” you said, but he only stared, forcing you to continue. “What if they decided to assign us to kill each other?”

“I would gladly fake my death for you.”

You pursed your lips, forcing down the tears that once again crawled up your throat. Damn him and the way he made butterflies flutter around your stomach! 

“But I won’t let it come to that,” he added. “I’ve already decided to retire early.”

You looked up at him in disbelief, eyes wide. “Really? Just like that?”

“Well I’ve wanted out for some time, but you kind of… helped me make up my mind,” he said, searching your eyes to try and solve the riddle of your feelings. 

“And you thought, what? That I would quit too?”

He shook his head. “No. What you do is up to you. All I want is a quiet life, and to settle in one place so you’ll always know where I am.”

“Okay, and what if I have to be gone for a long time? Won’t you get lonely?” You asked, a painful spasm in your chest as you thought about it further. “What if you meet someone else? I mean, hell, I don’t even really know what it is you want with me…”

He frowned, truly unable to fathom your stubbornness. “Are you fucking serious right now? We’re handcuffed together. Do I have to spell it out further?”

Again, you sighed in frustration, closing your eyes for a moment. You hadn’t felt such a strong connection with someone in a long time, especially since you believed you were better off alone. Those you were close to could invariably become collateral, and that was one thing you simply couldn’t stomach.

And when you’d said that you understood each other, that had been the truth. Not many – if anyone at all – that weren’t in the business could understand your lifestyle. The guilt that came in waves, threatening to pull you under. The sleepless nights, the mastery of clinical detachment, the constant need to hide and stay vigilant. It was certainly not easy, but you’d simply gotten used to it over time.

But that didn’t mean you weren’t tired of living that way. Still, you hesitated, feeling yourself toe closer to the edge of the cliff. 

“What if it’s just the excitement?” You asked, opening your eyes once more.

“It’s been years now… if it had died out, so would we,” he sighed, seeming a little aggrieved. “Or what? You don’t believe love and violence intersect?”

“Love!” You gasped, all pretenses shattered now that one of you had finally said that word. “That’s…”

“Is that what scares you most?”

After a moment’s hesitation, where you fidgeted uncomfortably, you shook your head. “I’m barely evenly acquainted with it, but it’s enough for me to know it doesn’t prevent someone from leaving.”

He nodded once in understanding, not having an argument for that. “And you think I’m an expert on it?”

You shrugged, not entirely sure of his romantic history. Still, you could at least tell that it had not been kind to him either. He pulled you closer, lacing his fingers through yours as if the cuffs weren’t enough to keep you.

“Despite it all, haven’t we inevitably found a way back to each other? Sure, the flame that kept drawing us at first might have been hatred, but pettiness could only take us so far…” He straightened so you could appraise him better, gesturing to himself. “I proudly wear the scars you have given me, and I would welcome many more.”

Your vision became blurry all of a sudden, though you couldn’t understand why. At least not until you felt a tear streaming down your cheek, which you wiped away defiantly. He rested his chin atop your head as you leaned against his arm, not looking at him.

“And if you think I will break your heart, what guarantee do I have you won’t break mine first?”

“You don’t,” you admitted honestly, which maybe was the whole point.

“And yet, it is still yours to break.”

You chuckled, but it sounded more like a choked sob. “You’re killing me, old man. What am I to do with so much?”

“You don’t have to carry it all on your own,” he said, bringing his free hand to your chin and tilting your face up to meet his gaze. 

His expression was fully unguarded, like an open book for you to read. There was a vast depth there that seemed to invite you to uncover it, should you actually take the chance. 

And beneath it all, a most desperate hope. One you could recognize, for you had seen it in your own eyes before. It struck you like an arrow, knocking the breath out of you.

One of the deadliest men on Earth utterly undone by one of the most common afflictions — that of the heart. Love.

It was a gift, a real promise beyond what words could express. 

And so, you decided to let yourself fall.

The words left you before you could stop them. “I’m going to retire, too.”

He blinked in surprise, but you barreled on. “It’s not a life I want to keep living. It’s not life at all, really. I was just never really sure if there was anything else for me. But now, nothing is waiting for me out there anymore… I have all I want standing right here next to me.”

Oh, how his eyes brightened at your words. Like the sun rising over the horizon, bringing a new dawn. He wiped your damp cheeks, even if a smile had already spread across your face. Your heart fluttered wildly in your chest like a caged bird as he kissed you. It was sweet and unhurried, the culmination of all the yearning and long-repressed desire.

“And what happens now?” You asked softly.

“Anything we want. The world is our oyster,” he said, giving you a pointed look. “You know, there are lots of beautiful chapels around here.”

You scoffed. “Be serious right now!”

“I am being serious.”

You smacked his arm and rolled your eyes, but still felt a swell of giddiness in your chest. “Don’t push your luck, old geezer”

“Can you please come back to bed now? We really should get more sleep,” he said, tugging you along with him.

“Can you at least uncuff us first?”

“No.”

----

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

hello!!!! i love your writing style so much, and your characterization of the M6 is fantastic!!! i was wondering about a headcanon for an MC that plays an instrument?

The Arcana HCs: When MC plays a musical instrument

~ honestly I don't know why I haven't done this one already. thank you for the appreciation anon, it's always good to know I'm on track! enjoy - brainrot ~

Julian

He thinks it's the most romantic thing, which regularly sends him into a "I'm too attracted to MC to function" spiral

He plays the vielle himself, and is determined to perform a beautiful duet with you regardless of how well they pair with each other

If you have the kind of instrument naturally suited to his vielle, wonderful!

If you don't, never fear. He's never composed a musical piece before, but he'll take a crack at it with varied success

He can also sing along if that doesn't work out

Heaps you with compliments whenever you play and always encourages you to pursue your skills as far as you want to

More than ready to gather the entire South End to listen to you play if you so much as mention a semi-public performance

You're hesitant to do this because you've known him to get worked up from watching you perform and the roguish grin he gave you when he promised to behave doesn't convince you at all

Malak, being a crow, can and will imitate your music. This annoys Julian immensely

Asra

Loves it when you play. Wherever and whenever it happens, they'll pause whatever they're doing and watch you with the most adoring, enchanted gaze

Canonically the best dancer of the M6, if you get him in the right mood he might dance along

This is very rare because it means they have to get up from their pillow pile, but it's possible because they like feeling your eyes on them

One time, he danced while his parents were over. Salim joined him and it became the funkiest performance you've ever seen

Very curious about what kind of magic you could do with this

Summoning? Enhancing? Hypnotizing?

More than willing to be your test subject, even for the less advisable ideas. Sometimes you think they might have a little too much faith in your abilities

Will take you to concerts if you're traveling together to broaden your horizons

If they're by themself, they'll keep any eye out for any unusual music written for your instrument and bring it home

Faust likes to bop, wriggle, and blep along

Nadia

Is very content to sit and watch you play during her down time

She loves studying the way your music affects you - how your facial expressions shift with the tone of the music, the subtle changes in posture, your nimble hands

Jumps at any opportunity to play her organ along with you

If it's an uncommon pairing she will interview any traveling musicians for well-written duets

If you prefer to keep music as a hobby, she will respect that

But if you want to develop your skills, she'll have a list of tutors for you to choose from on her desk. You have talent! It's good to pursue that!

In a similar vein, she'll never pressure you to practice, but she'll bring it up frequently

It's really a covert way of requesting that you play for her

It goes without saying that any and all of your musical needs will be met. New sheet music? Cleaning supplies? A whole new instrument? Say the word and it's yours

Chandra has been known to subtly perch nearby to listen in

Muriel

He's not used to this much noise in the woods

Why is there so much noise in the woods

Oh, it's you. This is kind of ... nice, actually. Maybe he can get used to some extra noise in the woods

He eventually finds that work goes more smoothly when there's something to listen to

He might bring it up once or twice that he doesn't mind you practicing in the same clearing as him while he chops wood, or clears part of a path, or works on a charm

If he doesn't have that excuse he'll just pull your instrument and music out and leave it somewhere visible in case you feel prompted to play it

Listening to you play will remind him of some of the sounds he has vague memories of hearing from his early childhood. He'll start trying to collect information on Kokhuri instruments and music

Very willing to involve you in that project, but only if you're interested

You don't know how, you don't know why, but regardless of the instrument you play, it always puts Inanna to sleep

Portia

She thinks it's fantastic

Being an ambassador means lots of time on the boat between countries. This is a great way to pass it

She doesn't play an instrument herself, but she can and will sing along as loudly as she has to to be heard

Which means that, between learning pieces that work with a human voice, and being on a ship, you learn to play for a lot of sea shanties and ballads

You're quite popular with the sailors for the free entertainment as well (whether that's your talent, or Portia's squeaky high notes)

Some of them play as well, and will pick out tunes with you by ear so you can play the same piece together

Anytime Portia hears a new style of music on your travels, she'll ask if you can play it too with the utmost confidence in your abilities

She also invites you to play at formal gatherings. She doesn't necessarily expect you to say yes every time, she just thinks anyone would be lucky to hear it

It always gives Pepi the most intense zoomies

Lucio

At this point, your musical skills are just another item on the list of why you are The Best

Hearing music of any kind is a little bittersweet for him. Where he grew up, it was a frivolous past time when you could be hunting something instead

As Count, he always had music playing, but it was grand, complex pieces with massive orchestras and opera singers

Now the music he hears you play is just one instrument, because you want to, and because it makes you happy

Will request at least one song from you every single night

Especially enjoys it on the nights you spend by a campfire under the stars, after you've finished a job. It's like a reward

He tried singing along, once, but it didn't really work because he's canonically tone deaf and it threw you off

The first few times you played he nearly threw a fit because Mercedes and Melchior kept trying to howl along

They shut up when they're eating, so now he keeps an eye out on the road for a deer or rabbit carcass to distract them with later

[landboundstar-writing]

Chills

An original story

Nightwing and Zach are on a rooftop patrol. What could happen? SFW - but careful, content warnings.

CW: Dick Grayson (Nightwing)/ Zach Zatara, making out, heart to heart talk, pole dancing, semi-public makeout, discussion of potential self-harm.

If you like, tip. (Anything helps)

If you can't, reblog.

Nightwing blew on his hands as they stood out in the cold.

“Here.” 

A piping hot cup of coffee was pushed at him.

He looked over at Zachary Zatarra, who sipped his own coffee.

“Do you think they'll get systems up and running any time soon?”

Zach laughed. 

Nightwing turned.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“Yes.” Clearly unrepentant, Zach smiled and took another sip. “You grew up fighting a guy who freezes things, you know, when you were doing rooftop patrols. And you are complaining about drawing the short straw for rooftop threat patrol while the systems are down?”

“Yes. You work with your hands. I should not need to explain that cold fingers aren't the most flexible or dexterous. Not to mention that it can reach stakeout levels of boredom. Probably not tonight for that, but have had some rooftop threat patrols like that. ”

“Ooh. Dexterous. Borrowing Jason's books again?”

“Bite me. I don't like swinging around on fingercicles, okay?”

He did not miss the eyebrow that Zach raised as he took another sip of coffee. Which, okay, was still steaming hot and warming his hands as he held on to the cup.

“Seriously. Hate cold hands. Do you know what it feels like to have your hands cracked or throw a punch when it’s freezing?”

“It sucks. Picking locks with cold hands is worse. Especially underwater. Do you need a refill?”

Nightwing shook his head. “No. I'm good. Sorry, but which one of your cousin's enemies stuck you in a box, locked up underwater?”

Zach's smile broadened, the cheerful grin making his face light up. “Me. It's part of my show.”

“Of course it is.” Nightwing rolled his eyes, but he was smiling too. He raised his binoculars to do a scan, but everything was still clear. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” Zach sounded relaxed, but Nightwing wasn't fooled. The stiffness in his shoulders that hadn't been there before gave it away more than the smile that no longer touched his eyes. “What did you want to ask about?”

“Why do you split time with Titans and Young Justice. You're listed for both teams.”

“Over half of us are on multiple teams. Young Justice and Titans. Young Justice and full Justice League. Whatever Jason is with the Outlaws, Titans, and whichever other group he added.” Zach looked at the water pipe in the middle of the roof, made of sturdy enough metal to survive attacks as it ran the backup water supply in from a rooftop tank. Then, he took a step back and jumped, pulling himself into a human flag with surprisingly little effort. “And if I was better, I might do that. But I like both teams, and I'm not good enough to be full Young Justice let alone Justice League yet.”

“Not good enough? Want to explain that to someone who can't cast magic missile?”

“I told you before, that was a spell deflection, not a magic missile. And it’s simple. Really.” Zach hopped down, circling the pipe in what Nightwing was pretty sure was an imitation of Gene Kelly's Singing In The Rain dance. Zach, Nightwing had to admit had moves. And for a second he was distracted, imagining the two of them dancing together. 

“I can cast spells.” Zach continued, seemingly unaware of Nightwing’s thoughts “But not as well as Zatanna, or Uncle Gio. Or John. Not in the same category as Dr. Fate. Pretty sure even Raven is better than I am at casting, at least with shielding and defensive stuff. So probably not good enough to be full Young Justice, since they are getting ready to be full Justice League. Especially since I'm not as high of a circle as they are.”

“Like, not as high of a skill rank? Like magic belts with karate?”

Zach fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable with the question. “Not exactly. Like, I know why they object to my crossing circles. But I feel John Constantine does not get to lecture me about circle crossing when he has possessed himself with a demon to survive a gunshot wound.”

Nightwing put his hand on top of Zach's, stopping his spinning. “Is it something I could help with?”

There was a snort from the magician. “No.”

“You don't know if you don't ask.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Try me.”

Zach looked at Nightwing “You would help me have a near death experience? Like not breathing, heart skips a few beats, near death experience?”

“No!” 

The idea of Zach not being there hurt. Nightwing hadn’t known that it would hurt that badly until Zach said it, but even the thought was too much.

Zach shrugged. “Told you I knew the answer.” He went to start spinning again, but Nightwing kept his hand on top, gripping onto Zach's hand.

“Sorry for not wanting you to die, Zach. And your power doesn't matter as much as you think. I mean, I can't do what you do. And I'd pick you over Clarion any day, no matter how powerful he is.”

“Wow, thanks.” Zach sounded irritated and took a small step forward. It should have had Nightwing back up a step, should have made him let go of Zach's hands to give him space.

But Nightwing wasn't backing away. They stood, inches apart, with Zach's hand covered by his, still gripping the water pipe.

And standing there, Zach wasn't worried about the cold. Hell, his hands were sweating as new thoughts went through his head, scattering any arguments he might have given. 

Nightwing bumped Zach's hip with his own. “Stop hogging the pipe. I want a turn.”

Zach felt weirdly boneless, his stomach flipping as his grip loosened on the pipe. He stepped back, hoping to feel normal once he backed up. Once his stomach stopped flip-flopping . Once his palms stopped sweating. Once his heart stopped beating so fast.

When Nightwing let go of his hand, he almost felt normal. Almost.

Except for the fact that Zach kind of wanted to feel Nightwing grab his hand again. To keep touching him.

He watched as his fellow Titan climbed up the pipe and hooked a leg around it before flipping himself so that he hung upside-down clinging to the pipe by gripping it with his knees.

“Should I applaud?” Zach asked. 

“If you'd like”. Nightwing answered, grinning up at Zach.

“Is hanging upside-down a bat thing or does your family know you like to play on poles?”

For a moment or two, no one spoke while Nightwing swung back and forth, his hips and abs tensing under his uniform in a way that Zach was having a hard time looking away from. Then, he just let go. He somersaulted forward and Zach stepped back instinctively so he didn't get rolled into.

As soon as he stopped rolling, Zach wryly realized that maybe he hadn't backed up enough because Nightwing came up standing right in front of him. If he stepped forward, even an inch, Nightwing would be standing on Zach's feet. 

But for some reason, he couldn't move back another step. He could not move at all.

“It isn’t just you.”

“What? But N-”

“No, not Nightwing. I mean, yes, I am Nightwing. But that is not my name.”

“But -”

“Say it, Zach.”

“What? Richard? Grayson? Dick? What do you want me to call you?”

“Any of them. All of them. I don’t care. Who do you see when you look at me?”

“N-”

A gloved hand touched Zach’s lips before he lowered his hand to his side again. “Let me take the mask off and try it again.”

Zach knew that the weird sound he made as he gulped had to be audible but he couldn’t help it. Just as he could not stop what he said next as he watched his friend take his mask off.

“Dick, whatever I did, you don’t have to do this.”

“I was wondering what it would take to make you say my name.” He still hadn’t moved away, staying so ridiculously close. “And you’re Zach. Zachary Zatarra. You.”

N - no, Dick took a step forward and there was no space at all.

“You’re making it sound so easy. Even if it was not a big deal when you play with magic. Names matter.”

“Yeah, I get that. I would get that even if I didn’t know Zee and John. And so is being yourself and not someone else.”

Dick wanted to reassure his friend, help him feel better. But he wasn’t immune to the tension rising between him. He wanted to hold Zach, but with how worked up the other Titan was he wasn’t sure how he would react. 

It turned out he didn’t need to wait long at all.

For just a second, listening to Dick, Zach saw red. He felt his temper flare, hot and dangerous and he put his hands against Dick's chest and pushed him.

“Don’t, Don't pretend you get it.”

Dick didn't budge an inch. Instead, his stance shifted so his feet were planted on either side of Zach's and grabbed his hands.

“Don’t pretend I get what, Zach? Comparing myself? I grew up in a performing family. My Dad, my cousin Boston, my mom - they were all better because they had been practicing longer. But, no, I couldn't keep up with them. And then they died and Bruce adopted me. Do you think I didn't compare myself to him, especially once I was Robin? Do you think I don't compare myself to everyone who has abilities? Do you think I haven't been where you are? Comparing myself, afraid to be myself? Afraid to let others see or feel?”

“And would you say that if you knew I didn't want to hit you but instead I wanted to-,” Zach couldn't finish what he wanted to say. His mouth was suddenly dry. He had gone from shouting to whispering, and he didn't know when he had grabbed Dick's hands back. When all distance had disappeared so he just had to move his head and -

They were kissing. Dick was always aware of where his body was, and he had Zach in a fight often enough to know the same was true of him. But there was a shift of heads and their lips brushed each other. And that was enough to set off all the feelings between them. Because that brush of lips was not enough.Soon, they were kissing, hands grabbing at hips while their tongues while their tongues warred.

It wasn’t until they came up for air that Zach noticed the back of his shirt was untucked. And the frigid air on his back brought him back to where they were.

“Stop.”

Without hesitation, Dick backed up. “Sorry, you just looked.”

Zach shook his head, panting out words as he tried to catch his breath.. “That. Later Definitely. More. That. Patrol. Roof. Cold.”

It sounded like caveman nonsense to him, but Dick clearly understood and grinned at Zach.

“Yeah. More later.” He picked up the binoculars. “Got any more coffee?”

They picked patrol up again with electricity sizzling between them while they waited for the power to come back on.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Otter Day

Every year, on the last Wednesday of May, the world comes together to celebrate a unique and playful creature – the otter. World Otter Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. It’s a day to learn, share, and contribute to the conservation of otters, a species that brings joy to many and plays a crucial role in our ecosystem.

History of World Otter Day

The roots of World Otter Day can be traced back to 2009 with the inception of Otterly Mad Week, a week-long event filled with education, fun, and a focus on otters. This initiative was the first of its kind, aiming to shed light on otters and their importance in the ecosystem. It was a week filled with activities, information sessions, and community engagement, all centered around otters.

In 2014, the event evolved into International Otter Awareness Day, broadening its reach and impact. The day was dedicated to educating the public about the 13 species of otters and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It was a day where conservationists, educators, and otter enthusiasts came together to share knowledge, raise awareness, and promote the protection of these incredible creatures.

The event took another significant leap in 2016 when it transformed into the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) World Otter Day. This day, as we know and love it today, is a global celebration and a call to action to protect and conserve otters around the world. The IOSF plays a pivotal role in this event, leading efforts to raise awareness and educate people on how to protect otter habitats. The IOSF’s dedication and commitment to otter conservation have been instrumental in the success and impact of World Otter Day.

How to Celebrate World Otter Day

Celebrating World Otter Day can be as simple or as involved as you’d like it to be. Here are some suggestions:

Educate Yourself and Others

Use this day to learn more about otters – their habits, their habitats, and the threats they face. There are numerous resources available online and in libraries that provide in-depth information about these fascinating creatures. Share this knowledge with others, especially children, to foster a love and respect for these creatures and the environment. Education is a powerful tool in conservation efforts.

Support Otter Conservation Efforts

Many organizations, like the IOSF, work tirelessly to protect otters and their habitats. These organizations conduct research, run conservation programs, and work on policy changes to ensure the survival of otters. Consider making a donation or participating in fundraising events. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Visit a Local Wetland or Zoo

If it’s safe and permissible in your area, visit a local wetland or zoo to see otters in action. Observing otters in their natural or semi-natural habitat can be a thrilling experience. Remember to respect their space and observe from a distance.

Spread the Word

Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about World Otter Day. Share facts about otters, their importance, and what can be done to protect them. The more people know about otters and the challenges they face, the more support there will be for their conservation.

Get Creative

Draw, paint, or write about otters. This can be a fun activity for both children and adults, and it’s a great way to express your appreciation for these animals. You could also create a short video or animation about otters and share it on social media. Creativity is a wonderful way to engage with the subject and spread awareness in a unique and personal way.

Participate in Local Events

Many communities and organizations host events on World Otter Day. These could include educational workshops, clean-up drives, fundraising events, or even otter-themed parties. Participating in these events can be a great way to contribute to the cause and meet like-minded individuals.

Adopt an Otter

Some wildlife organizations offer otter adoption programs. By adopting an otter, you contribute to the care and protection of these animals. You often receive updates about your adopted otter and learn about their progress and life.

World Otter Day is more than just a celebration of otters; it’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect and conserve our environment and the creatures that inhabit it. By participating in this day, we can all play a part in ensuring the survival and prosperity of otters for generations to come.

Otters are an integral part of our ecosystem. They are known as “keystone” species, meaning their well-being is often an indicator of the health of their entire habitat. By protecting otters, we’re also protecting our rivers, our wetlands, and numerous other species that share their habitat.

Source

[gmqazi19739]

Sajjad Ali: Top 30 Best Pakistani Music Download

In this useful article, I guide you about Sajjad Ali Pakistani Music Artist, he is a very popular singer, and his latest music skills are advanced in Pakistani pop Music. Even if an excellent part of the music that presented in the document, diagrams are considered widespread songs, and the category is known from the defined song. Within Pakistani music, there are a couple of luminaries who've now not simply left an indelible mark but have additionally woven threads in their melodies into the very material of the country's cultural identification. One such musical master is Sajjad Ali, a reputation that resonates with generations of music fanatics, transcending time and limits. With a profession spanning several Sajjad Ali Songs are now very popular and still his music is the most listening in the Pakistani Music Industry. Best Sajjad Ali Premium Pakistani Songs Download  Sajjad Ali Biography and Musical Performance Sajjad Ali was born on August 24, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan, Sajjad Ali used to be destined for a lifestyle in music. He got training in music from the relatives of musicians and singers, his father, Shafqat Hussain. He used to be a famous classical musician, and he grew up surrounded by the enthralling melodies of classical and recent music. This early publicity laid the basis for his outstanding adventure into the arena of songs and he was referred to as the easiest singer Pakistani. The Sajjad Ali pop music profession started in 1980 when he launched his debut album, "Master Sajjad Ali Sings Memorable Classics." The album used to be a fast hit, showcasing his prowess. In adapting classical compositions with contemporary contact. This successful debut used to be adopted through a sequence of albums that showcased his unique style. 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Conclusion Sajjad Ali's musical adventure is a testament to the ability of hobby, willpower, and creativity. His effort to custom with innovation seizes the essence of feelings in his songs. His music style contacting hearts throughout borders is an unprecedented reward. As we proceed to experience his music and ongoing contributions to the arena of artwork and tradition, Sajjad Ali remains an everlasting melody within the symphony of Pakistani Music, reminding us that true musical work is aware of no limitations. He has constantly included classical and folk components into his compositions, making sure that those wealthy cultural expressions stay related in recent occasions. His willpower to song training is clear in his beef up for establishments that intend to domesticate a deeper figuring out and appreciation of Pakistan's musical heritage amongst younger artists. Through his collaborations and contributions, Sajjad Ali has now not simply solidified his legacy as a flexible artist but in addition as a mentor and suggest for the musical arts. Read the full article

[fhvsydney]

hc hr licence

 Unleashing Opportunities: Exploring HC and HR License Advancements

The acquisition of Heavy Combination (HC) and Heavy Rigid (HR) licenses represents a significant advancement in one's driving career, unlocking doors to diverse employment opportunities within the transport and logistics industry. These licenses authorize individuals to operate large and powerful vehicles, enhancing their professional capabilities and contributing to the efficiency of freight and transportation services.

1. Heavy Rigid (HR) License: An HR license is a stepping stone to operating heavy rigid vehicles, typically rigid trucks and buses. This license is ideal for individuals looking to pursue careers in sectors such as public transport, delivery services, or industries requiring the transportation of goods in substantial quantities. HR license holders are trained to handle vehicles with three or more axles, ensuring they are equipped to manage the demands of large and heavy loads.

2. Heavy Combination (HC) License: The Heavy Combination (HC) license takes the driving profession to a higher level by allowing individuals to operate combination vehicles. This includes articulated trucks, commonly seen in road transport and freight industries. HC license holders have the authority to drive prime movers coupled with semi-trailers, expanding their capacity to transport more extensive and heavier loads.

3. Comprehensive Training Programs: Obtaining an HC or HR license involves enrolling in comprehensive training programs provided by accredited training organizations. These programs typically cover both theoretical and practical aspects, ensuring that license holders possess the necessary knowledge and skills to operate these specialized vehicles safely and efficiently.

4. Enhanced Career Opportunities: The acquisition of HC and HR licenses significantly broadens career prospects within the transport and logistics sector. Individuals with these licenses are well-positioned for roles such as long-haul truck drivers, delivery drivers, bus operators, and more. The expanded scope allows license holders to explore diverse employment opportunities tailored to their preferences and career goals.

5. Adherence to Safety Standards: HC and HR license training programs emphasize safety protocols, ensuring that license holders are well-versed in safe driving practices and emergency procedures. This commitment to safety aligns with industry standards and contributes to the overall well-being of road users and communities.

6. Professional Development and Recognition: Acquiring an HC or HR license is a testament to an individual's commitment to professional development and excellence in the field of commercial driving. These licenses are recognized as a mark of proficiency and responsibility, earning license holders respect within the industry.

7. Contribution to Industry Efficiency: HC and HR license holders play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of the transport and logistics industry. Their ability to operate larger and more complex vehicles facilitates the smooth flow of goods and services, contributing to the overall productivity of the supply chain.

In conclusion, obtaining an HC or HR license is a transformative step in a driver's career, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding their capacity to contribute to the thriving transport and logistics industry. These licenses not only empower individuals with specialized skills but also position them as valuable assets in the dynamic and essential field of heavy vehicle operation.

[sikshapedia]

Top 10 Medical Colleges in West Bengal

West Bengal, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities, is also home to a robust healthcare and education system. For aspiring medical professionals, the state offers a plethora of options, ranging from government and private medical colleges to top-notch hospitals. In this blog, we will delve into the landscape of medical education in West Bengal, exploring the best medical colleges, government hospitals, and other essential aspects.

Government Medical Colleges in West Bengal:

West Bengal boasts several esteemed government medical colleges that have been instrumental in shaping the healthcare landscape. Among the top 10 government medical colleges in the state, institutions like Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, and Medical College, Barasat, are prominent contributors to medical education.

Private Medical Colleges in West Bengal:

In addition to government institutions, there are also private medical colleges in West Bengal that provide high-quality education. These institutions play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Exploring the list of private medical colleges and understanding their unique features is essential for prospective medical students.

Semi-Government Medical Colleges:

Semi-government medical colleges, blending elements of both public and private institutions, are gaining popularity. These colleges often offer a balance of affordability and modern facilities, making them attractive options for students seeking a middle ground.

Top 10 Medical Colleges in West Bengal:

Aiming for excellence, students often aspire to join the top medical colleges in West Bengal. Beyond government and private distinctions, factors such as faculty expertise, infrastructure, and research opportunities contribute to a college's ranking. Exploring the list of top 10 medical colleges can guide aspiring doctors toward the best educational experiences.

Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Colleges:

The Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a coveted degree for those entering the medical field. Understanding the offerings of different MBBS colleges in West Bengal, their curriculum, and clinical exposure is crucial for making informed decisions about one's medical education journey.

Government Hospitals in Kolkata:

Complementing medical education, government hospitals in Kolkata are vital for practical training and experience. The top 10 government hospitals in Kolkata, including prestigious institutions like SSKM Hospital and RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, serve as crucial hubs for healthcare services and medical education.

Private Hospitals and Healthcare Infrastructure:

West Bengal is also home to some of the top private hospitals, contributing significantly to the state's healthcare infrastructure. Understanding the dynamics between government and private healthcare facilities is essential for medical students and practitioners alike.

Barasat Government College Subject Combinations:

For those specifically interested in Barasat Government College, understanding the subject combinations available is crucial. This information can help prospective students tailor their education to align with their career goals.

Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Other Cities:

Beyond Kolkata, other cities in West Bengal also host reputable medical colleges and hospitals. Exploring the healthcare landscape in cities like Malda and ranking the medical colleges can broaden the scope for aspiring medical professionals.

Conclusion:

Navigating the medical education landscape in West Bengal involves considering a multitude of factors, from the type of institution to available subject combinations. Whether aspiring to attend a government medical college in Kolkata or exploring private medical colleges in Malda, this comprehensive guide aims to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their medical education journey in West Bengal.

[dailyoriginalcharacter]

Kooky

Inside the world of Terra, there lies a mystical item that grants its user the ability to broaden the horizons of their imagination! In the right hands, this very item could give anyone power beyond their wildest of dreams. There's only one critical flaw that stands in the way between them and righteous might, however.

Kooky is the one guarding it.

--

Her Toyhouse

As the mascot of ✩~UNITY! and mystical guardian of the item current user Virgo J. Capri dubs as "The Posi-Satch", Kooky is a mysterious being with varying power that can contort and shape her body to fit her needs. Although not exactly known by the public, she's inadvertently feared by those researching the Posi-Satch due to tales and fables crafted at the hands of bystanders and disgruntled goons who previously tried to hoard the power for themselves.

Kooky doesn't limit or soften her words not just because she doesn't feel the need to, but because she just generally doesn't care. To say she's difficult to live with is an understatement, as she's a terrifyingly annoying combination of rude, bossy, greedy, and just downright mean-spirited. However, she's also looking out for her own hide. Which is why (at first *Wink) when push comes to shove and he really needs it, she discreetly helps Virgo out of select trials and tribulations.

Kooky is full of herself and semi-involved in her role as the satch's mystical guardian, but she's actually unaware of how she even came to be so. This goes further into where exactly she came from or just what exactly she is as well. But she can't remember a time where she ever cared, and so long as her job doesn't get complicated, she doesn't really plan to start.

-- "And,,,you are--"

"Aries. His big sister. I'm glad he made a little friend! I still remember the ol' days where he just sat in his room and picked and licked the lint from the carpets~" "STOP TELLING PEOPLE THAT!

When during a sudden hiccup in Virgo's plans or social obstruction he needs to get through due to his age, Kooky often takes on her human form and poses as his big biological sister in order to make up lies ("Temporary Truths" Virgo would put it), pose as a guardian or chaperone for events, or if the situation is really desperate, perform some damage control that could get in the way of whatever current predicament our hero finds himself in.

King Rambling Time: Kooky is very mean to Virgo, but its okay because she's funny about it and soon it'll be the "Only I'm mean to you" mean instead of just the normal Kooky mean. She's very stretchy and malleable and she actually shares a similarity with my boy in which they both have really expressive body languages when they talk. Except she just shifts around chaotically and takes on weird forms and stuff. Virgo is actually supposed to be keeping her secret because in his world, there are a lot of laws that keep people from going crazy with their magic/gadgetry, and Virgo is breaking a lot of them even when one of the most famous people in the region says its okay. In a way, its just another similarity to where both just kinda raise hell just from existing. Its great,

[itscomhes]

Importance of Digital Marketing Compared to Old-Time Newspaper Marketing

There is no denying that the Internet, coupled with technological advancements, has revolutionized the face of marketing. Earlier, the best and the most effective way to promote a business was to get display ads printed in newspapers. But times have changed. Today’s generation is more hooked to the digital world than printed media. Consequently, there is a growing need to shift focus on digital marketing. There is no exception for the healthcare industry as well.

What is Healthcare Digital Marketing?

In healthcare, digital marketing refers to using digital platforms such as social media and websites as tools for marketing communication. The “sponsored ads” that pop up on your social feed and the emails you get from healthcare companies are all a part of digital marketing.

Trends in Healthcare Digital Marketing in India

The past few years have been witness to India emerging as one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally. The period between 2014 and 2017 saw the digital adoption index growing by 90%. Regarding revenue, the Indian digital healthcare market stood at a valuation of $ 116.61 billion in 2018. The numbers will expectedly hit INR 485.43 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of around 27.41% during the years 2019–2024. (Source.)

Why Are the Downsides of Traditional Marketing?

The traditional marketing mode is a conventional method to reach out to a semi-targeted audience through various offline advertising methods. It usually comes in prints, broadcasts, direct mail, telephone, and outdoor advertising like billboards. However, conventional marketing has the following drawbacks:

Very costly

Almost no direct interaction with the audience

Making updates is not easy in a static newspaper ad or an already aired TV commercial.

No room for customizations to target a specific audience

Measuring ROI becomes tough.

The rate of leads converting into paying customers is meager.

Receiving feedback is not easy.

Why Go Digital with Healthcare Marketing?

As per ClickZ, the global population has 57% internet users with an average online activity of 6 hours 42 minutes each day. (Source) With different channels like social media, websites, content marketing, pay-per-click, and more, there can be no better time to tap the digital platform’s potential. While traditional newspaper marketing is still useful, technology makes it easier to broaden your outreach, especially when offering something essential, like healthcare services. So here are the top benefits of adopting digital marketing:

Better audience profiling

Direct interaction with the target audience.

Better prediction of customer behavior

Easier to get feedbacks on your service or brand

Tracking your marketing progress is easy.

Cost-effective compared to traditional advertising.

Enough scope for customizing and updating marketing communication

Conclusion

With progressive government policies, India’s robust digital footprint has played a vital role in nurturing the country’s digital healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare providers are turning to digital media to grow their business while offering their services to the public. Digital marketing has promising prospects for the future, far outweighing the limitations posed by traditional marketing.

There is no denying that the Internet, coupled with technological advancements, has revolutionized the face of marketing. Earlier, the best and the most effective way to promote a business was to get display ads printed in newspapers. But times have changed. Today’s generation is more hooked to the digital world than printed media. Consequently, there is a growing need to shift focus on digital marketing. There is no exception for the healthcare industry as well.

What is Healthcare Digital Marketing?

In healthcare, digital marketing refers to using digital platforms such as social media and websites as tools for marketing communication. The “sponsored ads” that pop up on your social feed and the emails you get from healthcare companies are all a part of digital marketing.

Trends in Healthcare Digital Marketing in India

The past few years have been witness to India emerging as one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally. The period between 2014 and 2017 saw the digital adoption index growing by 90%. Regarding revenue, the Indian digital healthcare market stood at a valuation of $ 116.61 billion in 2018. The numbers will expectedly hit INR 485.43 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of around 27.41% during the years 2019–2024. (Source.)

Why Are the Downsides of Traditional Marketing?

The traditional marketing mode is a conventional method to reach out to a semi-targeted audience through various offline advertising methods. It usually comes in prints, broadcasts, direct mail, telephone, and outdoor advertising like billboards. However, conventional marketing has the following drawbacks:

Very costly

Almost no direct interaction with the audience

Making updates is not easy in a static newspaper ad or an already aired TV commercial.

No room for customizations to target a specific audience

Measuring ROI becomes tough.

The rate of leads converting into paying customers is meager.

Receiving feedback is not easy.

Why Go Digital with Healthcare Marketing?

As per ClickZ, the global population has 57% internet users with an average online activity of 6 hours 42 minutes each day. (Source) With different channels like social media, websites, content marketing, pay-per-click, and more, there can be no better time to tap the digital platform’s potential. While traditional newspaper marketing is still useful, technology makes it easier to broaden your outreach, especially when offering something essential, like healthcare services. So here are the top benefits of adopting digital marketing:

Better audience profiling

Direct interaction with the target audience.

Better prediction of customer behavior

Easier to get feedbacks on your service or brand

Tracking your marketing progress is easy.

Cost-effective compared to traditional advertising.

Enough scope for customizing and updating marketing communication

Conclusion

With progressive government policies, India’s robust digital footprint has played a vital role in nurturing the country’s digital healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare providers are turning to digital media to grow their business while offering their services to the public. Healthcare Digital marketing has promising prospects for the future, far outweighing the limitations posed by traditional marketing.

Source: https://comhes.com/

[louisianaprelawland-blog]

Indonesia Passes A New Criminal Code That Bans Sex Before Marriage

By Yvonne Kalpakis, Loyola University New Orleans Class of 2023

December 11, 2022

Indonesia's legislature unanimously approved a comprehensive new criminal code that criminalizes sex outside of marriage as part of a series of reforms that critics claim will jeopardize the human rights and freedoms in the Southeast Asian nation[1].

Cohabitation before marriage and apostasy are prohibited by the new code, which also applies to international residents and visitors[1]. It also imposes penalties for criticizing the president or making statements that are conflicting with the dominant ideology[1]. The code won't go into place for three years to give time to create implementing regulations[2].

The legislative commission in charge of updating the colonial-era code was led by MP Bambang Wuryanto. “All have agreed to ratify the proposed amendments into law,”  he said[1]. The old code is of Dutch ancestry and is no longer applicable[1].

The new regulation was “completely counter-productive,” according to Maulana Yusran, deputy head of Indonesia's tourism industry board, at a time when the economy and tourism were just beginning to recover from the pandemic[2]. He added, “we regret the government's blindness terribly. We've previously voiced our worries to the tourist ministry about how detrimental this law is” [2].

Indonesia has experienced an increase in religious conservatism recently and in some areas of the country, such as the semi-autonomous Aceh province where alcohol and gambling are prohibited, strict Islamic regulations are already in effect[1].

Not only have the revisions to the penal code disturbed proponents of human rights who feared that they could strangle individual freedoms, but also representatives of the travel sector who were concerned about how they might affect tourism[1].

Yasonna Laoly, the minister of law and human rights, said during a news conference on Tuesday that creating a criminal code that “accommodates all interests” was difficult in a multicultural and multiethnic nation[1].

He expressed the expectation that Indonesians would recognize that parliamentarians had made every effort to meet “public aspiration” and asked those who were not satisfied to request a judicial review from the constitutional court.

Prior to the voting on Tuesday, rights organizations and detractors warned that the new code will “disproportionately damage women” and severely restrict freedoms and human rights in the nation of over 270 million people[1].

Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, commented “What we’re witnessing is a huge setback to Indonesia’s hard-won progress in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms after the 1998 revolution. This criminal code should have never been passed in the first place”[1].

The code broadens current laws and penalties in addition to adding new offenses[1]. According to a draft paper, blasphemy rules have risen from “one to six clauses” and can now result in a maximum five-year prison sentence[1].

Laws prohibiting defaming the nation's leaders and organizing unofficial protests, according to Hamid, will have a damaging effect on free expression[1]. In his words, “The reinstatement of provisions banning insults to the president and vice president, the sitting government as well as state institutions would further create a palpable chilling effect on freedom of speech and criminalize legitimate criticisms”[1].

Andreas Harsono, a researcher for Human Rights Watch in Indonesia, called the legislation “a setback for already diminishing religious freedom in Indonesia” and cautioned that they might be abused to target particular people[1]. The risk of oppressive laws, according to him, is not that they would be enforced broadly but rather that they will open up opportunities for selective enforcement[1].

The restrictions are anticipated to cause issues for the business community, especially for those that frequently host and provide for visitors and foreign nationals[1]. Bali, for instance, is strongly reliant on tourist spending and is still recovering from the pandemic downturn that kept visitors away[1]. He claimed that if the regulations were actually put into effect, tourists might end up in jail, which would be bad for the industry[1].

The new laws governing morals, according to Albert Aries, a spokesman for Indonesia's justice ministry, were restricted by who may report them, such as a parent, spouse, or child of potential law violators[2]. “The aim is to protect the institution of marriage and Indonesian values, while at the same time being able to protect the privacy of the community and also negate the rights of the public or other third parties to report this matter or 'playing judge' on behalf of morality”[2].

These rules are among a number of legal modifications that critics claim erode civil freedoms in the third-largest democracy in the world[2].

______________________________________________________________

Yvonne Kalpakis is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Loyola University New Orleans studying to earn a degree in Criminology and Justice with a minor in Forensic Science. She hopes to pursue a career in CSI work after graduation.

______________________________________________________________

[1]https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/05/asia/indonesia-new-code-passed-sex-cohabitation-intl-hnk/index.html

[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesias-parliament-passes-controversial-new-criminal-code-2022-12-06/

[dvmons-a]

his smirk only broadens in response. you know what you do to me, damon is music to his ears. " so why fight it ? and don't say her name, that's over. ancient history. who even cares anymore ? we're all adults here. the things i want to do to you feel pretty adult, anyway. " leans in all the further, until their noses brush, until she's forced to feel his breath on her lips. " you want to forget about us. i never agreed. i'm having too much fun. " settles his hands on her hips, pulls her body closer to his — semi-public setting be damned. " would it tempt you if i admitted that i missed you ? hypothetically. "

“Oh perhaps your right- maybe she needs someone bad” she chuckled at her words. She tried to distract herself from what was going on but it was pretty hard.”this is true you never make anything easy.. especially for me.” She spoke her eyes not leaving his for a moment. She could deny nothing between them no matter how much she wanted to but she wasn’t sure how she was to explain it to everyone else. She thought about so much for a second and took a breath not sure how to go from here. “You make it hard from me even if you mean it or you don’t.. you know what you do to me Damon I’m just trying to fight it and it’s not working.” A sigh left her lips. She knew she wouldn’t be able to fight it much longer. She was drawn to him to matter what. Her eyes couldn’t leave his no matter what he did she was just drawn to them” what happened to forgetting us?”

[dimepdf]

𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍𝐍𝐘𝐒 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋. + 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍 '𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓' 𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐘

masterlist. / taglist. / any request?

synopsis. since the moment that Ghost laid eyes on you, he has sworn to be smitten. too bad you are Soap's girl.

pairing. simon “ghost” riley x reader , johnny “soap” mactavish x reader

genre and warnings. +18 nsfw under the cut. minors dni, pwp, porn with plot, smut, hard pinning, semi public sex, sub!ghost, power kink, degradation kink, mommy issues, voice kink, humiliation, i know nothing about COD just here for my masked meow meow | — feedback is always welcomed & don't forget to reblog 🤍

Simon was no saint: sure, he credited himself for being a morally "sometimes" correct person with pretty decent values. 

That alone should have been enough to build a platform on top of the truly irrational thoughts that would swirl in his thick skull and had only gotten worse since the day he joined the forces. 

He had blamed his rough upbringing for a lot of things since the day he was born, but being as touched deprived as he was now was definitely one of the things he could check at the top of his list as the cause of his crippling mommy issues, and boy was your appearance only adding fuel to the fire.

Being deployed was something he had just gotten used to, the feeling of never really settling down and always being on guard, and being used to having eyes at the back of his head.

But there was one thing Simon could never quite figure out, something that seemed to come naturally to his charming pal Johnny, and that was women.

When Soap had first hinted to Ghost about him being in a two-year relationship so suddenly out of the blue a few months before you even managed to show your face. It was like playing a perplexing game of Where's Waldo to piece together the mystery woman about whom his partner was making risque jokes in their conversations.

At first, Simon just wanted to throw in the towel and was entirely convinced that you were just a figment of the soldier's imagination, not that he would blame him.

Simon understood that the battlefield is a pretty lonely place and wouldn't judge his friend for losing a couple of marbles along the way, but if Johnny was losing some of his rockers, he wouldn’t prefer the delusion to continue on for too long.

Before he could step in and pull the plug, your official appearance had almost knocked the wind from his chest like a brick straight to the heart. 

Throughout the period that you were just a pieced-together image from the shitty descriptive words Johnny had used to describe you, Simon almost stumbled the moment he had laid eyes on you. 

Perhaps it was because he hadn't had the opportunity to fully look at a woman in the way he was able to look at you, but words couldn't describe how your features had him struggling to tear his gaze away.

Luckily, his broadening and usually quiet demeanor were enough to cover up his pure awkwardness during your first introduction. 

Struggling to form a normal question or even his name, Johnny introduces him with a dismissive pat on the shoulder before moving on and rounding up the rest of the team.

Since this, your appearance has been like a plague to him, like an infection burning under his skin, blurring the line between what is wrong and what is right.

If anything, you seemed to want to spread the infection even further from the way you would always try to joke with him, how you were always the only one to get handsy with him when talking, how you would always stand up for him when Soap would do his usual teasing, how your voice would always turn soft when you spoke to him, and despite all of that, you had still been in a loving relationship with Johnny, and yet Simon just couldn't shake you from his head.

You had him so smitten, like a stray puppy just looking for some sort of attention, and your mere existence was the bone of his dreams (literally and figuratively). 

You had him staying up late at night with his makeshift mattress and a bundle of blankets to form the most comfortable cot he could build out in the middle of some country he had forgotten the name of.

Night had fallen, and the team decided it would be best to set up camp not far from the target's resting place in a nearby cleared-out lot. 

Most people would have been thrilled to get a few extra hours of sleep to unwind after all the violence, but for Simon, those quiet moments were the fucking worst, and his erection, straining against his pants, begging for any ounce of attention as it pulsed against his briefs, only proved his point later on. 

As everyone parted ways, not too far but not too close, Simon thought that he had spread out just enough away from everyone, alone in an empty room, to spread out and attempt to find his comfort against the rough hardwood flooring, but the moment he had heard the shuffle next door, his body was as still as a board.

Apparently, Simon wasn’t the only one looking for some alone time for the night.

The noises coming from the other side of the room that you and Johnny had occupied left Simon feeling like he was standing right there next to you as you two went at it.

He could only guess that you were pressed against the wall and being lifted into some sort of position that had you whimpering out Johnny's name and moaning out how big he felt inside of you and whimpering about how good he felt.

Simon would remember how he sat against the wall, listening to every moan and plea of pleasure that came from your mouth. 

Simon knew that he was in dangerous territory the moment his fingers crept past the waistband of his pants and dipped into his underwear to relieve the growing problem tenting in his pants.

It was wrong to imagine fucking your best friend's fucking hot girlfriend, but in his defense, you just sounded so sweet, begging for dick. 

Simon was just convinced it was like you wanted him to hear those sweet little whines.

His hips bucked in at the brush of his cold fingers wrapping around his hilt. 

The sensation, paired with the sound of your hiccuping moans, sent a jolt of pleasure through his senses. 

All he could hear was you as his hand fell in the humiliating action of jerking himself off.

His breath caught in his throat as his head slouched against the wall with a small thump, his heart skipping a beat at the noise but quickly ignored it as your sounds didn't seem to stop, reminding him that you were probably too busy getting your brains fucked out to listen to every little sound. 

If anything, just the sheer realization sparked Simon to want to be louder—the thought of wanting to push that bar as far as he possibly could to the point where you would catch him in the act of pleasuring himself from the sound of your voice alone.

The thought of you punishing him for doing something so wrong—for touching himself without your permission—is terrifyingly arousing.

At the image, he let out a gasp, his mouth open, his eyes squeezed shut, and his hand quickened as he fisted his hands tighter at the scenarios of you controlling him, leaving him strung onto every command. 

As your pleas became less and less audible, the bliss grew stronger and stronger.

Simon wanted to get familiar with the sound, with the noise of your orgasm creeping just around the corner.

As he could only make do with his hand, he imagined the feeling of being inside of you, the warmth of your walls, and as he brought himself closer to his own edge, the thick ribbons of cum shot from him with a grunt that followed just after yours.

The post-nut clarity left him catching his breath, yanking his mess-covered hand out of the front of his pants, and staring at everything that had unfolded with a hard, annoyed grunt.

God how he wished that he could have you.

🔖 comment or check link below to be added...

tap here to be added to taglist.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Otter Day

Every year, on the last Wednesday of May, the world comes together to celebrate a unique and playful creature – the otter. World Otter Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. It’s a day to learn, share, and contribute to the conservation of otters, a species that brings joy to many and plays a crucial role in our ecosystem.

History of World Otter Day

The roots of World Otter Day can be traced back to 2009 with the inception of Otterly Mad Week, a week-long event filled with education, fun, and a focus on otters. This initiative was the first of its kind, aiming to shed light on otters and their importance in the ecosystem. It was a week filled with activities, information sessions, and community engagement, all centered around otters.

In 2014, the event evolved into International Otter Awareness Day, broadening its reach and impact. The day was dedicated to educating the public about the 13 species of otters and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It was a day where conservationists, educators, and otter enthusiasts came together to share knowledge, raise awareness, and promote the protection of these incredible creatures.

The event took another significant leap in 2016 when it transformed into the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) World Otter Day. This day, as we know and love it today, is a global celebration and a call to action to protect and conserve otters around the world. The IOSF plays a pivotal role in this event, leading efforts to raise awareness and educate people on how to protect otter habitats. The IOSF’s dedication and commitment to otter conservation have been instrumental in the success and impact of World Otter Day.

How to Celebrate World Otter Day

Celebrating World Otter Day can be as simple or as involved as you’d like it to be. Here are some suggestions:

Educate Yourself and Others

Use this day to learn more about otters – their habits, their habitats, and the threats they face. There are numerous resources available online and in libraries that provide in-depth information about these fascinating creatures. Share this knowledge with others, especially children, to foster a love and respect for these creatures and the environment. Education is a powerful tool in conservation efforts.

Support Otter Conservation Efforts

Many organizations, like the IOSF, work tirelessly to protect otters and their habitats. These organizations conduct research, run conservation programs, and work on policy changes to ensure the survival of otters. Consider making a donation or participating in fundraising events. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Visit a Local Wetland or Zoo

If it’s safe and permissible in your area, visit a local wetland or zoo to see otters in action. Observing otters in their natural or semi-natural habitat can be a thrilling experience. Remember to respect their space and observe from a distance.

Spread the Word

Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about World Otter Day. Share facts about otters, their importance, and what can be done to protect them. The more people know about otters and the challenges they face, the more support there will be for their conservation.

Get Creative

Draw, paint, or write about otters. This can be a fun activity for both children and adults, and it’s a great way to express your appreciation for these animals. You could also create a short video or animation about otters and share it on social media. Creativity is a wonderful way to engage with the subject and spread awareness in a unique and personal way.

Participate in Local Events

Many communities and organizations host events on World Otter Day. These could include educational workshops, clean-up drives, fundraising events, or even otter-themed parties. Participating in these events can be a great way to contribute to the cause and meet like-minded individuals.

Adopt an Otter

Some wildlife organizations offer otter adoption programs. By adopting an otter, you contribute to the care and protection of these animals. You often receive updates about your adopted otter and learn about their progress and life.

World Otter Day is more than just a celebration of otters; it’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect and conserve our environment and the creatures that inhabit it. By participating in this day, we can all play a part in ensuring the survival and prosperity of otters for generations to come.

Otters are an integral part of our ecosystem. They are known as “keystone” species, meaning their well-being is often an indicator of the health of their entire habitat. By protecting otters, we’re also protecting our rivers, our wetlands, and numerous other species that share their habitat.

Source

[tenderlyrenjun]

The One with the Halloween Party

summary: your best friend has a halloween party but all you want to do is make out with your secret fuck buddy

↛ ↛ ↛ best friend’s younger brother!Yanyang x older reader

↛ ↛ female reader, college au, mentions of alcohol, suggestive, halloween party, sneaky relationship, secret make out sessions in a closet, inspired by Monica and Chandler from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (the one where phoebe hates pbs), the next part is going to be spicier (smut)

↛ word count: 7,6k; previously titled: “The One with the Best [Sex] I’ve Ever Had”

preview > part one > part two

It becomes exceedingly apparent that Ten never replaced the strike plate – the gold one, in the closet door by the front entrance of his apartment. He has been living here for two years and still has not replaced the locking mechanism. And you only really take notice because you feel it. The door opens way too easily. You are not even sure why you turn the handle, since the door opens so easily, so goddamn easily. Then, on top of that, the strike plate scratches your nose when you peek out the coatroom. You have to send prayers, begging for no one to hear you creak open the door or hear the squeak from your throat. And the spotlight effect theory, that Yangyang rambled on last week before his social psych midterm, comforts you somewhat, reminding you that all those cliché Halloween costumes in the living room are probably not attune to your indecency as you think they are. Maybe a quickie during Ten’s overcrowded Halloween party (although it was not this packed last year) was not the best decision. Especially, since your own cheerleading skirt, equally cliché, slips down your waist for the first time tonight, rather than riding up like it did minutes before. And you tiptoe back into the closet again, half-bent over to stop your outfit from completely falling off while pressing a hand to close the door as silently as possible. The thought of accidentally exposing yourself in front of all your friends is so embarrassing that your face heats up nearly enough to brighten the room, like a candle or 80s built house.

Right into Yangyang’s bare chest.

“Ow,” you mutter, palm protectively flying to your forehead. It did not hurt – bumping into him, but hopefully, covering some parts of your face understate the extent of this mortifying rendezvous. You take a baby step backward, then knock into the door and the tongue rattles, making you stiffen, making you freeze for a second. Yangyang puts his hands on your upper arms, rubbing them warm, as you look over your shoulder to verify that the door is still, in fact, closed. Both you and Yangyang are honestly incredibly lucky that no one caught you two, so when you confirm the locked door, your arms droop and you lull closer to Yangyang. Your eyes open after a second, and you jolt up again, realizing just how naked he is and how naked he is going to stay. You drag your nails down his pecs and ball your fingers into loose fists before completely breaking off him.

“Back up,” you whisper-shout, as if this command is part of some grand scheme.

Yangyang smirks, his smile curling wider. “I’m not the one touching someone’s rock hard abs.”

You want your glare to push him back, like your command, between all the jackets and superhero capes, but you get provoked by his cockiness. He was so much quieter and pliable when you first met. Now, you are the quiet, pliable one, or at least you are in this situation. Yet you bite at him – with your words, not your lips like his evil grin implies that he wants. “You wish.”

“That’s not what you said last night.” Yangyang approaches you, gauging your reaction until his breath ghosts over yours. And not seeing any actual restraint, he kisses the corner of your mouth teasingly, like it could start another round. Then he lowers his lips to your ear and whispers, “Or five minutes ago.” You wonder if he can feel your eye roll because he tries to change it from annoyed to turned on, sucking on the vein behind your ear.

And for that reason, you put a hand on his chest again, this time lower, on his stomach, specifically on his abs. His smirk broadens and his lips part again, aggravatingly making that clicking sound with his tongue, so you push on him. “Just –“ You pull your hand back to your face again, noticing the lack of change in warmth between his stomach and your face; maybe he is as embarrassed as you are, or turned on all over again. The latter is worse, probably, hopefully, not really. He looks really good and you just want to … You shake your head. “Wait a minute after I leave so this –“ You gesture between yourselves, touching his stomach again, then jerking away again. “- doesn’t look suspicious.”

Yangyang grabs your waist, sympathetically, although not entirely agreeing with your request. He tugs your bottoms over you ass and you expect him to retract immediately after, including the baby step that you asked for, but he only stops you from moving, keeping you locked in place – in place next to him. You roll your eyes again, unhooking his hands. Before you can completely detach, he interlocks your fingers and pushes you against the door, kissing you warmly.

Your head knocks into the door, loudly you think, and you stiffen again. Until his left hand travels behind your knee, up your thighs, and his lips open over yours, his tongue sliding next to yours. You stand on your toes, back curving into his embrace, off the extremely wiggly door, your arms hugging him closer as he pulls you up, pulls your clothes up. His right hand slides down your spine, thumbing at your waistband. This entire embrace is another persuasion, you note, and it usually works, like those mornings before AB Psych, but you two are in a closet, at a party, barely blocked by an unfastened doors that you are actually not sure is soundproof. So, you come down onto your heels and bring your hands to his chest again.

“Mmm mmm.” You shake your head off him. He trails you forward but you end the embrace, tightening your hands over the lapels, to close it, to close off his dumb attractive abs this time. “We have to get back.”

Yangyang pokes your personal bubble again, sliding his chest onto yours, and your arms stretch behind his neck, the closeness giving you some pressure on your boobs. He looks at you for a second, pupils scanning your eyes before he bends his neck on your, opening his mouth during an open mouth kiss.

“We’ve only been gone for a minute,” he seduces you, simultaneously sliding his tongue between your lips to prod at yours.

You slide your hands onto his face, comfortably holding his jaw in place as you look into his eyes, reinforcing your reasoning. “Try twenty.” You sigh, letting go of him. “I feel like such a bad guest. I haven’t even greeted the host yet.”

“Ten will be fine,” Yangyang reassures you, pushing past your fingertips to kiss you again. “Meanwhile –“ He kisses you deeply and you exhale, basically melting all over again. If he did not support you, you might have fallen onto the ground. God, he has some effect on you, and you cannot entirely describe it. “- I am not fine. You could greet me a little more enthusiastically.”

“I’m pretty sure you finished being so enthusiastic, a minute ago,” you scold. You square your hands over his shoulders and gently lean him off you, successfully separating him in the process, then reach for the doorknob. “We’re playing a risky game here, with the door unlocked.”

Yangyang slants forward, fusing you with the door. Your arm bends behind you, at your side, as he envelopes you, so he relaxes you again, taking down your elbow. You look at him with wide, pouting eyes, like that iPhone emoji. He can keep persuading you, effectively, and you will stay with him, but …

“Mmm mm,” you protest, pulling away. You hit your head on the door, hoping that it was not loud enough for someone to hear. “We – I really have to get going.”

Yangyang sighs, ceding, “Alright, fine.”

He beckons you out, looking away, flicking his wrist. And you wonder if he is actually complying. You look from him to the door, stuttering back to him. This would be the time for him to persuade you into staying again, and his gaze is devastating enough to convince you, but you really have to enter the party. As you grip the doorknob again, Yangyang hugs your back, clasping his hands like a belt over your skirt, and you can feel him pout into your shoulder, chin descending further into your skin. You placate him with a brief kiss to his knuckles – something chaste and fleeting, nothing like the fluttering in your heart. And since you cannot see his expression, you wonder if he actually enjoys these small acts of intimacy, of if he cringes; if he does cringe, then he is really good at hiding it, because you cannot perceive anything from him. Although, the moments in bed, in the most intimate hours, when the pads of his thumbs press into your lower back, you think that he feels it too.

Unfortunately, he cannot do that right now. And you head out the door first, straightening your direction over to the bar like a new arrival, or like someone who did not come to their best friend’s party just to make out with said best friend’s younger brother, or closest thing to a younger brother as he can get.

It only takes a few seconds for Yangyang to consider your goodbye, before completely rejecting it, then he groans into the empty closet, throwing his gaze at the ceiling. After, he pokes his head out the door, looking left and right like crossing the street, until the coast is clear for him to leave. When he rejoins the party, he instinctively searches for you among the cliques of cliché Halloween costumes. And he finds you, easily if he might add, at the bar, chatting with Jacob, probably about your matching basketball uniforms. Well, you wear a Trailblazer’s outfit and him a Jazz one – natural rivals but neither of you take it serious enough to start an argument in a semi-public setting.

Yangyang waits for you to leave the bar and meet up with Ten, interrupting his conversation to say hello. He nicks a capri sun from the fridge, then joins you right after with a bright smile on his face, middle fingers pressing into your lower back like a greeting wave. The act might have been offensive, had you been in a club and he a stranger, but he knows you, he likes you. And he smiles even wider when you relax into his hand. Nevertheless, Ten stands three feet away, putting the two of you on edge, and your spine straightens in the most attentive way possible, like you are a military subordinate or something, even though you are dressed as a basketball cheerleader from the U.S. state where you spent a winter semester abroad during freshman year, before Yangyang joined your university. So, to make the conversation more natural, Yangyang high-fives Ten, while you take his juice box away and open it for him. He stares at you, smile faltering, suddenly feeling smaller as you take care of him and Ten resumes whatever the hell you two had been talking about until he entered the conversation.

“Oh, come on,” Ten whines, hitting your arm after you hand Yangyang the capri sun. You glare at him sharply, then make sure Yangyang is okay, rubbing his arm comfortingly. He wants it to mean more, because he does not know what you want from him, but now is not the time, not when you are trying to keep everything on the DL. “I want to meet the guy who is the best sex you’ve ever had.”

Yangyang mimics your body language, though peppier as he smirks. “Really?” he asks Ten. “That’s what you heard?” He turns to you, tilting his head teasingly. “That’s really what you said?”

You baby-step out of the trio, slightly further from Yangyang specifically until you knock into Winwin behind. Your conversation partners giggle at you as you throw a small apology over your shoulder, then you glare at them upon returning to the group. You exhale slowly, giving yourself time to think before speaking, and redirect your annoyance at Yangyang more than Ten. “I might have.”

“Why didn’t you invite him to the party, huh?” Ten asks, bumping shoulders, wiggling suggestively. He raises his eyebrows, glancing at Yangyang to rope him into the teasing too and he falls into it because your mystery boyfriend is already here. Yangyang stops dancing when Ten’s expression changes, softens and reminisces. “I get the whole ‘respecting his privacy thing, but, like, I really want to meet the guy who helped you get over Renjun.”

The name drop causes Yangyang to shoot his eyebrows to the moon. His neck snaps at you faster than Kun’s when he jokingly accepted a marriage proposal. He watches you widen your eyes at Ten and smack him loudly. Maybe not everyone knew that, he thinks; he certainly did not know that, and he has known Renjun longer than you or Ten have. While you and Ten stare each other off, irritated and shocked, respectfully, Yangyang loudly slurps the last of his capri sun.

Yangyang tries to break the tension by pointing to the wall adjacent from you all, at Renjun. “He’s taking five shots of Smirnoff with Jeno right now, while Jaemin holds lemons at the ready.”

“Big deal,” Ten waves him off while keeping eye contact with you. Yangyang stares at his face, looking him up and down, then decides to take a baby step in front of your leg, almost protectively. He cannot gauge where Ten stands, where the conversation is going, but he knows that he will be there for you, just in case. “I did that when I was 17.”

You smack Ten, with the arm opposite of Yangyang, using the other one to pull Yangyang back into an equilateral triangle. “Don’t normalize underage drinking.” Yangyang almost rolls his eyes at that; who are you even saying that too?

“Hey!” Ten counters. “No one is underage at my party.” He holds your hand and pulls you into his side, into a scalene triangle, while covering your mouth. “Shhh, you can’t say that out loud. I invited Mr. I’m-A-Lawyer-Now, and besides, -“ You pull out of his arms and stand slightly in front of Yangyang. “-I just happened to invite the babies, too. Like Yangyang.” Ten turns to the devil in disguise and pinches his cheeks. “Baby.”

Yangyang single-handedly unbuttons his shirt again, like an act of defiance. “I am not a baby!”

Ten drops his head to the side, quirking an eyebrow. “You respond to baby,” he retorts, “And you’re drinking a juice box.”

“I had a bottle of soju earlier!”

“Oh? Just one?”

Yangyang folds the aluminum capri sun into his pocket, hopefully discreetly, and scrunches his nose at Ten. He feels you gently draw him back at your side, via his wrist, and expects you to defend him, but you just tease him further:

“Pics or it didn’t happen.”

Yangyang straightens up, his jaw dropping, then he crinkles his nose and sticks his tongue out at you. He accepts it though, not changing the topic, because he sees the way your posture shifts when everyone moves away from the romantic department.

Although, he might want to talk to you about it sometime.

Ten grounds him back to the conversation, patting his hair – the same spot you place kisses when the two of you cuddle and he is the small spoon, so Yangyang ducks away, slapping Ten’s hand out of the air. The whole hair touching thing reminds him that you are never really vulnerable enough with him, to let him hold you like baby. He wants to try it, especially since Ten keeps babying him in front of you, but he is not sure if you even like it.

“Yeah,” you agree, your voice low. You poke Yangyang’s side then cross your arms over your cropped jersey. “You’re so cute.”

Yangyang circles his neck towards you, smiling reassuringly, or at least he thinks so. His gaze wanders from your eyes to your fingers, which are coiled around your upper arm, so he starts taking off his jacket, pulling off the cuffs behind his back. But he stops after feeling your hand on his bicep. He glances at your hand, then stares at your eyes before pouting:

“I don’t want to be cute.”

He stops stripping but still decides to keep you warm, with another back hug, this time enveloping you into his jacket while he rests his chin on your head, even tiptoeing just to commit to the hug. When you squirm, shaking your shoulders to hit his pecs, he just hangs on slightly tighter until you stop. And after you relax, resuming natural conversation with Ten about anything other than your former crush, he smiles, coming back down to his heels and leaning on your shoulder. The new position tempts him to kiss your neck, and he almost does, but then he feels Ten’s eyes look at him, so he cannot even press a small peck at your jugular like he does sometimes when he catches you at the café by the physics building – the one that only Jaemin goes to, out of all his friends; the one where neither of you get spotted by your friends so it seems like a date, not that either of you have ever called it that. Nope. He avoids kissing your neck and just brushes his nose along your skin. It does not come off as platonic, he recognizes, but Ten does not ask any questions and Yangyang slowly phases out of the conversation to meet up with Hendery who walked through the front door as a pink bunny rabbit.

Yangyang slipping out of the trio feels so sudden, you think after feeling his hands unbuckle around your waist.

Maybe he does not feel important in the conversation anymore. So, you lock your elbows into your sides, clasping your own hands over your stomach to make him stay put. You knock your head onto his collarbone, prompting him to say something, but he does not, only resting his chin on your shoulder. Hopefully, he is smiling; you like his smile. His cheek pokes you at your neck, similar to how he almost kissed you in front of Ten just minutes ago. Then, he pushes his hand in front of you, to wave at Hendery, opposite the room, and your smile quirks down, somewhat embarrassed, as you trace his direction to the pink, fluffy ears bopping along to last year’s Travis Scott song. Ten copies you, twisting hesitantly behind himself. Meanwhile, Yangyang grows a little bolder, hunching forward onto his tiptoes to kiss your cheek silently, before dashing off with his friends.

Too stunned, eyes wide, mouth smaller, you miss the way Ten turns around, his smile wide with a teasing remark on the tip of his tongue. It goes away though, when he sees your face, so after making eye contact, you are met with an ominous stare. It is also curious, but the ominousness throws you for a loop. Then he raises his brow slightly, and you smack him, simultaneously asking what he wants.

“Nothing, nothing,” he laughs, crossing his arms over his pilot costume. He relaxes once you show no intent to hit him again, then he locks his hands behind his back, leaning toward your face mischievously. And when his nose almost pokes your eye out, you jump back into WInwin again, glare prompting him to ask stupid questions. “I simply want to know what all that was about.”

“What?” you bite at him, annoyed, following your second apology of the night to Winwin. And instead of meeting his eye (to give yourself more time to think of an excuse, no matter how flimsy), you flatten down the bottom of your top, where a iron-on patch of Dillard’s number disrupts the obnoxious Portland ‘P’ – you wonder if anyone connects your costume and Yangyang’s favorite basketball team, because no one says anything. Except, Ten is saying something right now, continuing the silent taunting into your personal bubble, getting almost as close as Yangyang was just a minute ago. So, you poke him away, on his forehead. “You want to know why I keep running into Winwin?” Ten rolls his eyes. Your voice does not feign innocence as well as you want.

“That was all you,” he deflects, eye contact maintained but he points at your vodka party drink, implying that you might have had a bit too much tonight. You swallow the alcohol faster, defiantly, and hold your breath, exhaling longer while you pause, holding the empty cup still above your dry tongue. “No, yeah, but, uh, no, that whole thing with Yangyang.” Ten bumps your arm with his elbow, coming to your side so that both of you can watch the man in question from across the room. “Huh?” he teases lightly. “Are you entertaining him? [Because] You two seem really … close.”

“I’m close with you,” you retort, touching his shoulder, into the crook of his neck, with your head. Then you stand back up, reflexively smiling when Yangyang laughs at a new TikTok dance that Hendery shows him. He even looks back at you, waving once your eyes meet. You throw him a thumbs up, and you swear that his smile gets brighter. It probably was not because of you though, because he starts giggling louder and dancing alongside Hendery right after. “We’re all –“ You turn to Ten, smile still blanketed under your nose, then you frown. “- friends; what’s that look for?”

“Nothing!” He imitates innocence better than you do, baring his palms for dramatic effect. You face him frontally, examining his devilishly handsome face for a crack. And he gives it to you: “It’s just that we’ve known each other for eight years and you never let me cuddle you like that.” He pokes your hip, where Yangyang was attached. “You’re closer with someone you just met.”

“You introduced us. In March!”

Ten waves a hand lazily. “Minor details. Besides –“ He blocks Yangyang from your view, not that it really mattered because you are trying to have a conversation with Ten. But it helps you maintain eye contact. “- you seem really comfortable with him being naked on you.”

You open and close your mouth in one short breath, swirling the empty red solo cup at your side, nervously. He has a point; you know he has a point – you are very comfortable with Yangyang being naked on top of you. Wait, he said on you. Either way, Ten is right. You do not want to admit it because that implies feelings, something that you are definitely not willing to talk about at the moment, especially this moment, but he is right. The question is if he needs to know.

“Did you hear about Yangyang and the anatomy student from Renjun’s class? They’re also close.”

You deadpan. As it turns out, he does not need to know. You are not dating, anyways, so …

“It’s my business, because…?”

“It’s not,” Ten agrees, shrugging. He looks off, turning his head toward Johnny, dressed as the Kellogg Tiger, before looking at you again. “Just thought you’d like to know.” He shrugs again. “If you didn’t already.”

“Uhh, okay,” you confirm, as nonchalantly as possible. You mirror his body language, standing straighter. Ten says nothing, not noticing the way your body stiffens, or at least, you hope so. “So you’re telling to what?” Get you jealous? “Give him advice?”

“Nah, we both know that he’s fully capable on his own.”

“Please,” you scoff. “He’s a baby who lives in a frat apartment with seven other dudes and buys food at the café by the physics department to avoid washing a knife.” Well, he charmed you, so how can you criticize his flirting abilities? You shrug – maybe, he was just that horny. He has always been a typical teenage boy. Although, he turned 20 a couple weeks ago.

“Huh.”

“What?” You come down from the high that somewhat roasted your sex partner … fuck buddy? friend with benefits? He is something to you - a little more than a friend but you do not think he would willingly be your boyfriend. Your voice sounds less excited now, and you run your hand through your hair, pulling slightly harder at the ends.

“Nothing,” Ten shrugs again. He twitches at you, briefly spinning his hips. “It’s just that Yangyang mentioned you go to that café too.”

“Yeah,” you drawl, like it is obvious. Ten smirks, knowingly, you think, so you crush him, “Jaemin, too.” You lift your eyes to the ceiling for a second, like it would give you an out. “And Kun on Tuesdays after 5.”

Ten scrunches his face, now facing you again. “Oh, we both know that Kun goes to the kiosk in the chemistry building for the cute barista with a good taste in music.”

You mockingly smile at him, squinting above your nose. He does not get the satisfaction of an equally annoyed laugh – probably because you might crack, your voice might crack and accidentally give something away. It’s not that you don’t want anyone to know that you are sleeping with Yangyang – you don’t, but not because it is embarrassing. You just do not particularly want to hear the two cents everyone seemingly needs to donate, like a commercial tax, especially with their baby Yangyang.

“Why did Hendery even dress up as a bunny? A pink bunny. Is he puling a Chandler?”

“No,” Ten shakes his head. This is the third conversation change you have made, and surely, he caught on by now. “Only Jisung and Winwin are watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. with Chenle; I think that Hendery just like the costume.” Ten points at Johnny, flashing a wave, then glances at you. “I’m gonna head over there. I haven’t seen Johnny since he left for a Paris project.”

“Yeah, no,” you gesticulate, nodding, “go ahead. I’ll meet you later, or something.”

“We’ll catch coffee on Monday.” Ten’s voice shrinks as he moves away. “After office hours!” He turns around one more time, emphasizing his words louder, “At the physics café!”

Yangyang, along with a couple other people, snaps his neck at Ten walking away from you, especially after hearing the bit about the physics café because, no offence to Ten, but that is his place. With you. The café on 17th is his rendezvous point with you. He likes the whole secret aspect of your relationship – it is so sexy; you are so sexy. It is just … the face that everything is secret prevents him from explicitly opposing Ten’s suggestion. And before he knows it, Yangyang makes his way toward you, waving goodbye to his psych friends.

He already knows where you are, because sometimes he would glance over at you when someone made a joke, just to see you laugh, to laugh with you. Occasionally, you would be smiling brightly, at whatever Ten said, and look to him. So, all he has to do is turn right and find his annoyed cheerleader, to annoy you even more.

The music is louder by the kitchen exit, where you are, curled against the wall with an empty red solo cup, blue light from your phone glowing across your face. Yangyang takes the opportunity to scare you, hiding behind a couple groups until he reaches you, creeping slowly. Then he strikes, poking your obliques.

“Boo!”

“Ah!”

You jump against the wall, clutching all your belongings closer while he laughs at you.

“Aw, did I scare you?”

Yangyang envelopes you into a hug, ignoring the way you glare at him. And he relaxes, when you do, feeling you squeeze his waist and sigh. You will never admit it, but the two of you know that this is how your dynamic works – he annoys you, then you cuddle him. And he has so many ways to annoy you. Like, next, he pulls a 180 – both coming behind you and switching up the mood to grind under your hips.

“What are you doing?” he whispers in your ear, fast, grabbing your waist to guide you over his pelvis. He gets dangerously near your cheek, excusing it as a way for you to hear him better, since you two stand adjacent to the speakers, where the music is above talking decibel. His eye catches onto Lucas’s, and he winks, hands tightening above your skirt, because, despite all the teasing, this is not actually how he wants your entanglement to get out. “Wanna head upstairs? I just found a new TIkTok challenge you can practice on me, like the WAP one.”

“What are you doing?” you retort, laying your fingers on his bare chest – he likes that you keep touching him, not so much when you push him away. He wonders if you know that. Like, he chose his outfit for tonight because, well, he looks good, but also because he figured that you would think he looks good, too. It seems like you do, considering that your hand always finds ways back to his abs. So, he grows more confident, nipping at your ear while you push him against the wall, further away. Your eyes flutter, lashes blinking rapidly as he holds you closer, left hand toying with the hem of your shirt. He has this trick that you always react to, and he wants to do it now, while no one pays attention to either of you (larger parties afford far more privacy than smaller ones). You lean your head on his warm shoulder, then he presses his palm into your spine until you are chest to chest with him, impossible to get closer. Your breath sounds louder, as the music transitions to Goodbye feat. Lyse [slow version], and he wonders if he can elicit a moan from you, in the same frequency as the song’s growl. His right hand travels between your thighs, until you stop him, slapping his hand and holding him still. “We’re in public.”

Yangyang spins you around, showing off his own point of view as a counter argument: no one is paying attention. The whole thing bumps your connected hips into the wall, and his arm belts over your lower waist, driving you to essentially demi plie over his thigh that sneaks through your legs. At the sudden movement, you gasp, death gripping over his arm. He does not mind very much, only the red solo cup tapping rhythmically between the wall and his elbow. You barely get time to relax completely before he drops lower, just enough for him to look up at you. And he takes note of the sexual tension essentially radiating off the two of you, so he alleviates it, giving the illusion that there is only dancing going on right now. Though, you baby-step forward, to give him more space. His smile falters, twitching down, and he is thankful that you seem oblivious to it, because you comply with his action, letting your skirt flower spread over his leg and the smile return to his face. Yangyang guides your swaying left and right, grazing over his abs.

“I’m offering to go upstairs,” he answers definitively, still whispering in your ear. “More privacy.” His hands travel up again, skin getting lightly scratched by your top’s texture. Your nails might do a better job, if he remembers correctly. God, he wants you to take up his offer. “You didn’t have a problem with it an hour ago,” he points out, while dropping his gaze to your neck, once again tempted to mark you. He pulls away some of the baby strands that fell out of your hairdo, then locks eyes as he traces your ear shape. “Do you have a problem with it now?”

“No,” you answer him quickly, shaking your head for even more emphasis. You turn around fully and scan his eyes before shaking your head again. “I don’t have a problem.”

Yangyang smiles wider, instinctively bowing forward. Your ambiguous answer tells him more than he asked. He almost reveals something in return: that he enjoys kissing you, because he would totally do it right now, but you keep stopping him. He is all for consent, honestly; it just gets really confusing with you. Even now, he initiates a small, intimate touch while this moment afford you two some privacy, breathing open mouthed kisses onto the vein behind your neck, slightly illusioned in the dark lights as just talking to you. All the boundaries do no really define what he can, or cannot, do in public. Like, apparently, you two can have sex in a closet right before his best friend’s party – a best friend shared between you two, but there are rules about how close he can stand next to you. Both situations still involve secrecy. Although, one is far more sexier than the other. But he wants the whole damn thing – to hold you in public, and private, to kiss the part of your trapezius muscle that he likes so much, to be able to say that he knows places too, like the physics café where he doesn’t want Ten to take you because he takes you on dates there!

Then, you sigh.

Why are you sighing? It feels like that should be his response.

You clasp your hands behind his neck, evidently hesitating to reveal something – he knows because you fiddle with his collar a few times before moving onto the ends of his hair.

“It’s just …” You pause, so he tries to make his gaze unwavering, to hold you securely. “It’s just that a certain classmate might have a problem.” He furrows his eyebrows, bending onto his knees to ask for clarification. “You know … a certain classmate.”

Yangyang narrows his eyes, lost in translation. He slides up the wall and squeezes your waist, thinking, trying to figure you out.

“Oh!” he catches on. “Oh, I don’t think Hyunjin would have a problem with us.” He moves his hand to your shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly. “I don’t really see how anyone in any of our classes would have a problem with us, much less, like, know about us.” He cocks his head to the side sympathetically, lips brushing along your cheek to ear. “I don’t have a problem with us.” He drapes his arms around your sides. “Just FYI.”

“Me neither.”

He smiles wider. You two are on the same page about something. He almost kisses you right then and there, but settles for brushing his nose on yours, simultaneously taking a step backward, closer to the wall so that no one sees the obnoxiously domestic display of affection. Actually, it might be weird for Hendery, Xiaojun, or one of his psych friends to see him act so … boyfriend-like, so romantic. He doesn’t think that anyone would anticipate that kind of behavior from him, and he is honestly too sure if you see him like that. He would try it though, you know, because he is curious and he would like to be your boyfriend.

“Did Ten tell you about Hyunjin?” Yangyang asks, prodding slowly.

You nod, equally slow, eyes falling down. “He didn’t mention any names, -“ Yangyang feels something in his chest drop. He put a name to the idea, and now he watches your eyelashes flutter and the lump in your throat shake, as you try not to say the name. “- but yeah.” He hugs you, bending your arms around his stomach so that he jackets you in his empty shirt. You have said that he has a natural body warmth, and hopefully it is comforting right now, because …

“It’s not really his business who I talk to.”

Yangyang almost apologizes for creating an environment that fosters mistrust or makes room for insecurities. Except, (1) that sounds like a note he would write in his case study’s conclusion for class, and (2) how the hell is he even supposed to say that? He tries to show that this – whatever it is – is exclusive. Like, now, he just holds you tightly, during a Halloween party, only slightly out of view from his friends. He almost apologizes, and it is on the tip of his tongue, but he holds back, pursing his lips as you open your mouth.

“It’s not my business either,” you reason, stepping back. His embrace slackens, like rock climbing because he catches you, not letting you fall off him, even though you wiggle out a little bit, pushing him back into the wall. “Because we’re not dating.”

“No,” Yangyang partially agrees, standing straighter, supported by the wood. “We’re not, but we’re …” He wants to tell you about the exclusivity, that he considers the two of you to be exclusive. Some part of him thinks that you hold the same thought. And he cocks his head to the side, rolling his tongue behind his teeth. “We’re good friends. And, you know, we’re like, yeah. So, it’s your business too.” He rubs your shoulder again. “Wanna go upstairs and talk about it?”

Yangyang smacks your ass for attention, trying to make the situation fluffier, simultaneously gesturing to the second floor with his hair. This is not really the time nor place to dissect your relationship, and he would totally put it under the microscope. Just, maybe, at another time. You seem to agree, walking away first, holding his hand to guide him up the secretive stairs.

And despite this being his idea, Yangyang stops before the first step, waiting for you to march a couple feet taller than him. His eyes linger at the lowest hem of your skirt, until you plant one foot in front of the other, on two separate levels. You look over your shoulder and roll your eyes. He expected it, quickly meeting your gaze innocently. Then he smacks you ass again, as if he were not just looking up your skirt a second ago. You glare at him, but he slaps your ass again and races upstairs.

“You’re so annoying,” you comment after him, still running to meet him at the top.

Yangyang smiles. Yeah, but you love him. He opens the nearest bedroom door, beelining to the bed where he manspreads across the full-sized mattress. You walk into the room quickly after him, turning around to close the door. Your skirt swings chastely around your thighs, and he cannot take his eyes away from it, wishing for you to swing them around his hips.

“Wanna be annoying with me?”

You roll your head, clicking your tongue, after finding him sitting relaxed on the comforter with suggestive eyebrows. “Yeah, I guess.”

Yangyang lifts his arms to catch you when you dive between his shirt, the lower part of your body thrusting on top his as you prowl beside his torso. He leans back, hands anchoring himself to your face. You push him deeper into the mattress, and he feels your nails airily redraw each indent on his carefully contoured abdomen. He smirks, asking if you like what you feel, and tilts his chin up to give you better access to his mouth. You tell him to shut up by biting his lower lip, though you match his expression, shaking your head as you decline into him. Yangyang cannot maintain his position any longer, almost breaking a sweat when you unbuckle his very thin belt and tap into the metal button barely holding his pants together. He whines, briefly breaking the kiss, then he flips you over, bending one of your legs up to fit his in between.

“I don’t want you to just guess,” Yangyang whispers. He slowly retreats his palm from under your shirt to the spot on your stomach where your shirt lifted up; he wants your verbal consent before doing anything else, and he waits for it. The kiss gets longer as you sigh into it, lazily hooking an arm around his neck. So, he stops. And then brushes your hair behind your ear, just hovering over you with tender eyes. “I don’t want you to just guess.”

“I’m not guessing,” you reassure him. You play with his hair, the way he likes, toying the strands on the top of his head then combing through the rest until reaching his neck. He looks at you innocently again, in case you crack. But you don’t. He restarts the kiss, sliding his hand under all the layers covering your torso.

Yangyang helps you out of your shirt, watching the way your chest bounces without support, so he gives you more, adding his lips like a low-set suction. “You’re so pretty,” he confesses, kissing into your sternum after you arch it up at him. And he wants to know your reaction, so as he presses an open mouth kiss into the side of your boob, he looks up at you, your lips parted by a silent moan. “You are so, so pretty like this.”

Unlike you, Yangyang moans audibly.

He feels you curl your fingers into his waistband, touching his tip outside his underwear. With his eyes closed, he drops on his back and feels you move around his lower thighs, teetering above them lightly. You meet him between the velvety sheets, giggling with him as your hair tickles his face. He opens his eyes, combing the loose strands behind your face again, finishing the act of endearment with his knuckles stroking your cheek. Sometimes he lets himself fall into these more romantic displays of affections.

Yangyang grips your ass, under your cheerleading skirt. When he remembers that you have his favorite player’s jersey patched onto your crop top, he pulls his chin up, nipping at your bottom lip. You draw him in further, towering over him until he drags you down with him, mixing between the sheets, laughing again. He really loves hearing your voice, and he loves it even more that he can make you have a fun time, make you grin so vocally during the moments that matter. So, he tries it again, slipping under your underwear too, massaging your skin.

“Mmm,” you moan.

Yangyang feels you slither his shirt off his shoulders, your nails grazing around his biceps as he tilts up to kiss you over and over again. Then, abruptly, you sit back, on your knees, around his hips, alert at attention. The new position allows him to mark your neck, one hand sliding through your waist band, over your ass, to have you grind down on him. His lips nibble at your collarbone, tongue breezing along as he waits for your reaction.

“Wait, wait.”

He stops, looking at you from under his eyelashes. A minute passes, and you don’t give any more restraints, so he resumes taking off your underwear. He keeps the same consistent eye contact because you remain alert above him, but you close your eyes and lean your head closer to him. He pulls his arm completely out of his sleeve so that he can hug you firmly against his body. Your chest grazes his, and he moans.

“Shh,” you silence him, kissing him quiet, hands still on his shoulder, “Do you hear that?”

“No, mm.” Yangyang breaks the kiss. “What are you –“

“Shh!”

You move your hands onto his pectoral muscles, his shirt near completely off his body, as you turn your head at the door. His head stutters in the same direction, stopping every half millisecond to return back to your face and make sure that you are okay. Then, he hears it: Xiaojun stumbling into the walls, jiggling the doorknob.

Yangyang stiffens. “Did you lock the door?”

A bit of light from the hallway cracks into the room, along with intoxicated hushing and giggling.

“Shit, no,” you answer, obviously, then start to pick your clothes off the bed and stand up. After a moment of hesitation, Yangyang follows you, buttoning up the middle of his shirt and meeting you in the center of the room, shielding your exposed chest as you clip on your bra.

Yangyang looks at the door when it creaks louder, eyes caught by a headlight. Before he knows it, you shove him into a closet. Neither of you are getting the opportunity to be annoying together because Xiaojun drunkenly stumbles into your space, moaning after his own date. Yangyang rolls his eyes and feels you slide into his shirt with him, scratching his back with your spangled top. He knows that there is no other option, since you two do not want to expose your relationship, especially like this, but he would rather not ruin his relationship with one of his best friends due to indecency – either of theirs. Thankfully, he gets an out, after Xiaojun hides under the blanket.

When you two make it downstairs, Yangyang bursts into laughter, yours following too until he gives you a long chaste kiss, screening you behind the wall to maintain that secrecy he did not want Xiaojun to break.

Although, Yangyang pulls away, brushing your hair behind your ear again, hand holding your waist to prevent you from leaving. You stare at him, at the domestic moment of tenderness, then fall into his chest again. And that is when he realizes it: he doesn’t really want to be a secret.