#she’s making it really hard to (possibly) leave this place in the not too distant future

[liyazaki]

my boss showed me a physical folder she keeps in her office called- I shit you not- “The Mor Standard” (not really; she uses my legal name).

it’s filled with her personal favorites of the many promotional materials, infographics, manuals, etc. I’ve designed over the years. she likes to compare it to the marketing she sees in other departments & remind herself of “how good I have it.” 😭

[girlrotterr]

So glad you’re back, missed your amazing writing a lot!

Would it be possible to make something about maybe the reader getting bit and infected , but Ellie instead of killing them just kind of ..keeps them?

Like she refuses to lose anyone else , too many people she knew lost themselves to the infected and she just can’t shoot them, and despite their pleas for Ellie to just put them down, yknow before they’re fully infected, Ellie just can’t do it

It’s selfish and she knows that but she just can’t lose R . And maybe when R is like, fully infected, they’re way less aggressive with Ellie- like even with the fungus controlling their brain, those foggy eyes still recognize Ellie just a little bit, like they’re still there

Or maybe that’s what Ellie believes and she’s just majorly delusional! It’s not like she could get infected if we bit them anyway 😁

(P.S I’m glad you’re back but don’t feel any pressure to do anything you don’t want to! It’s always nice to keep balance and take breaks and all that. really love what you do!)

This literally made my day! tsym for this request, it was gut-wrenching to write...I definitely need to write more angst 😭

The air in the room felt stifling, thick with tension and the lingering smell of antiseptic. You knelt beside Ellie, carefully cleaning the dirt and dried blood from her arm, your hands steady despite the unease crawling up your spine. Her skin was cold to the touch, and you could feel the thinness of her frame—she hadn’t been eating. Her face was hollow, eyes glassy as she stared blankly at the peeling wallpaper, as if the world beyond had ceased to matter.

"You need food," you said quietly, dabbing at the worst of her wounds. "If you don’t, you’ll collapse before you even make it out of this place."

Your voice barely stirred the silence. Ellie’s jaw tightened, but she gave no other sign that she heard you. You reached for the bandages to wrap the gash along her arm, but just as your fingers brushed the edge of her sleeve, she pulled back, standing abruptly. The bed creaked as she rose, putting space between you, her body tense like a spring ready to snap.

She moved to the window, staring out into the rain-soaked streets, her reflection barely visible in the glass. One hand rose to her forehead, pressing hard as if she could push away the weight bearing down on her. "I’m leaving tonight," she murmured, her voice flat but filled with quiet finality.

You rose slowly, watching her closely. "Ellie…" you began, but the words felt heavy, caught in your throat. "You can’t go alone. I’m coming with you."

The sound of your words seemed to break something loose in her, and she let out a dry, humorless laugh. It was bitter, the kind of laugh that had nothing to do with amusement. "No, you’re not," she said, turning halfway to glance at you. Her eyes flickered with something cold and distant. "This isn’t about you. You stay here. I don’t need you following me."

Her words cut through the air like a blade, sharp and unrelenting. You wanted to reach out, to close the gap, but her posture warned you to keep your distance. She ran a hand through her hair, the strands falling messily around her face, the exhaustion clear in the way her body sagged, but she kept standing. Kept moving. Kept fighting.

Finally, she turned fully, her eyes locking onto yours with a steely resolve. The warmth that had once been there—the fire, the connection—was gone. Replaced by something hollow, something hardened by too much loss. The person you were staring at was Ellie, but at the same time, it wasn’t her. Her expression was almost unreadable, the kind of cold determination that refused to be questioned.

"You don’t know what this is," she said, her voice low, barely above a whisper, but carrying the weight of everything unsaid. "You don’t want any part of it." Her gaze was icy, her eyes daring you to argue. Daring you to stop her.

And in that moment, you realized the Ellie standing before you was not the same girl who once trusted you with her secrets, her fears. She had become something else, someone chasing after something that only she could see.

The rain outside drummed softly against the cracked windowpane, its steady rhythm the only sound filling the suffocating quiet between you and Ellie. She had turned away from you again, facing the door now, hands shoved deep into her jacket pockets like they were holding her together. But you weren’t going to let her leave. Not like this.

"I am coming with you, Ellie," you said, your voice firmer this time. "You can’t do this alone."

She stiffened, her shoulders hunching slightly, like the weight of your words was too much to bear. For a moment, she didn’t move, didn’t say anything, the tension between you thickening with every passing second. The space between you felt like a chasm, widening with each breath.

"I told you to stay," she muttered through clenched teeth, her voice low but trembling at the edges. Her hands gripped the fabric of her jacket inside the pockets, knuckles white, though you couldn’t see it. "This isn’t your fight."

"You think I care about that?" you shot back, stepping closer, trying to catch her eye. "You think I’m going to stand by and let you run off into God knows what? You’ll get yourself killed out there."

She let out another bitter laugh, but this time it was shakier, less certain, like she was using it as a shield. "I’ll be fine," she said, though the words felt hollow, more for her benefit than yours. She shifted slightly, her back still to you, and you could see her hands twitch inside her pockets. Her whole body was rigid, but there was a tremor running through her, something she was desperately trying to hide.

You stepped forward, your voice softening but still determined. "No, you won’t. You haven’t slept, haven’t eaten. You’re barely holding on, Ellie." The words hung in the air between you, and you could feel the weight of them sinking in.

"Stop it," she snapped suddenly, her voice cracking at the edges as she turned halfway, but still not fully meeting your eyes. Her hands were shaking now, slight but noticeable, and she shoved them deeper into her pockets, as if that would make the tremors disappear. "You don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Then tell me," you pressed, not backing down. "Tell me why you won’t let me come with you. Why you keep pushing me away."

Her gaze darted to the floor, her lips pressed into a thin line. She was breathing faster now, the tremble in her voice more pronounced, and her whole frame seemed to sag under the weight of your words. But still, she didn’t look at you. She couldn’t.

"Because…" she started, her voice barely above a whisper, but then she swallowed hard, shaking her head, as if trying to force the words back down. She ran a hand through her hair again, her fingers trembling as they got caught in the messy strands, her breath shallow.

She took a step toward the door, her movements almost frantic, her back still turned. "You don’t get it," she muttered, her voice fragile. "If you come with me…"

Her voice broke completely, and she clenched her fists so hard inside her pockets that you could see her arms tense up. She couldn’t finish the sentence, couldn’t even face you, her entire body vibrating with barely contained emotion. You could feel the distance between you growing, and yet, you knew she was right there—right on the edge of something she didn’t want to admit.

"Ellie," you said gently, stepping closer until you were just behind her. "You don’t have to do this alone. You can’t keep shutting people out."

She took a deep breath, as if trying to steel herself, but it wasn’t working. The more she tried to keep her voice steady, the more it trembled, betraying her. "I have to," she whispered, her voice so small, so fragile that it barely sounded like her. "I can’t… I can’t lose anyone else."

The confession hung in the air like a fragile thread, one tug away from snapping, and your heart clenched. She still wouldn’t look at you, her eyes glued to the door, as if staring at it would keep her from unraveling. Her hands slipped from her pockets, fingers twitching at her sides now, shaking uncontrollably.

"Ellie…" you whispered, taking a step closer, but she flinched, turning away sharply, like she couldn’t bear your presence. Her breathing had quickened, shallow and uneven, and her eyes darted around the room as if searching for an escape. 

"I can’t… I can’t lose you too," she choked out finally, the words spilling out like they had been forced from somewhere deep inside her, where she had buried them. She bit her lip, hard, as if punishing herself for saying it out loud, as if the very act of speaking it made it real.

Her hands balled into fists again, trembling as she pressed them against her sides. She was shaking now, her entire body vibrating with the fear she couldn’t voice, the grief she refused to let surface. But it was there, seeping out through every crack, every tremor. And she couldn’t hide it anymore.

She wouldn’t look at you—couldn’t—but you could see the tears welling up in her eyes, and the way she blinked rapidly to hold them back. Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke again, raw and broken. "If you come with me… something will happen. I know it. I’ll lose you too." 

There it was. The truth she had been too terrified to say, the fear she had been carrying with her all this time. The fear that had kept her running, kept her distant, kept her cold. She wasn’t just afraid of losing more people—she was afraid of losing you.

You stood there, your heart aching for her, wanting to reach out and tell her it was okay—that you understood. But you knew that right now, she couldn’t handle that. Not when she was so close to breaking.

She turned away again, her shoulders hunched, her body trembling as she fought to keep herself together. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Just… stay. Don’t make me say goodbye to you too."

The silence that followed was suffocating, and you knew in that moment, she wasn’t just asking you to stay behind. She was asking you to save her from the heartbreak she feared was inevitable. To stop her from speaking her worst fears into existence. 

The morning was overcast, the kind of gray that settled over everything, turning the world dull and lifeless. You and Ellie walked side by side through the empty town, your footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet streets. The rain had stopped hours ago, but the dampness still lingered in the air, making everything feel heavy and cold. Your breath came out in short, visible puffs, mingling with the mist that clung to the abandoned buildings around you.

Ellie was quiet, her gaze fixed ahead as she led the way, rifle slung over her shoulder. The tension from the night before still lingered between you, a quiet undercurrent that neither of you had fully addressed. But for now, there were more immediate concerns—supplies, food, anything that could keep you both going for another few days. The last town had been picked clean, and this one didn’t look much better.

You passed by boarded-up storefronts, windows cracked and shattered, their interiors dark and hollow. The signs above them had long faded, the paint chipped and peeling, a reminder of a life long abandoned. Ellie didn’t say a word, but her movements were sharp, purposeful, her eyes scanning every alley, every shadow. She was on edge, though she tried to hide it. 

As you walked, the distant sound of creaking metal caught your attention. A rusted-out sign swung lazily in the wind above an old convenience store. The windows were grimy, impossible to see through, but it didn’t look like it had been touched in a while. 

"Let’s check in there," you suggested, nodding toward the building. Ellie gave a curt nod in response, her lips pressed tightly together, and without a word, she moved toward the door, her boots scuffing against the wet pavement. She reached for the handle, testing it cautiously, and the door creaked open with a low groan, the hinges rusted from neglect.

Inside, the air was musty, thick with the scent of mold and decay. Shelves lined the walls, though most were bare, their contents either stolen or long expired. Sunlight barely filtered through the grime-covered windows, casting everything in a muted, grayish light. Ellie stepped in first, her hand already hovering near her pistol, her eyes sharp and scanning the dim interior. You followed close behind, your heartbeat quickening slightly in the eerie stillness of the place.

You moved toward the back of the store, eyes scanning the shelves for anything useful—canned food, medical supplies, anything that might help. Ellie moved along the opposite side, her footsteps deliberate, her focus entirely on the task at hand.

The quiet between you both was almost oppressive, but you could sense her tension with every move she made, like she was barely holding herself together. Her fingers twitched as they traced the edge of a dusty shelf, her breathing shallow but controlled. The rawness from last night was still fresh, unspoken, hanging heavy in the air, but neither of you knew how to address it.

Your gaze drifted toward her as she rifled through a half-empty bin, her face partially hidden under the hood of her jacket. There was something about the way she moved now—faster, more determined, as if keeping herself busy could drown out whatever thoughts were haunting her. But the slight tremor in her hands as she reached for a tin can gave her away.

"Ellie," you said softly, breaking the silence between you.

She froze for just a second, her shoulders tensing before she forced herself to keep moving, pretending she hadn’t heard you. "We need to focus," she muttered, her voice tight, strained.

"I am focusing," you replied, stepping closer. "But we’re not going to find much if you burn yourself out."

Her jaw clenched, and she finally looked at you, her green eyes flickering with something sharp—anger, maybe frustration, but beneath it, fear. She didn’t respond immediately, instead stuffing the can she’d found into her backpack with more force than necessary.

"We don’t have time to slow down," she said, her voice low, clipped. "Not now. We have to keep moving, keep finding what we can. It’s how we survive." 

Her words had a harsh edge, but you could see the exhaustion pulling at her features, the way her body sagged slightly as she spoke. She hadn’t fully recovered from everything—physically or mentally—but she was pushing herself harder than ever, trying to keep the walls up, to keep that distance between you.

You sighed, glancing around the room. "Look, I get it. I do. But if you don’t rest, if you don’t take a second to breathe… you’re not going to make it to the next town. Neither of us will."

Ellie shot you a look, a mix of frustration and something you couldn’t quite place, before shaking her head. She opened her mouth to respond, but just as she did, the soft sound of glass crunching underfoot echoed from the far side of the store. Both of you froze instantly, the air thickening as your heart rate spiked. 

Ellie’s hand was on her pistol in a flash, her body low and tense, her eyes darting toward the source of the sound. You reached for your own weapon, your grip tight, the adrenaline flooding your veins as you both moved silently toward the back corner of the store. There, behind a display shelf, something shifted—small, fast. A figure darted past the aisle in the dim light.

Ellie glanced at you, her eyes wide but focused, her hand steady on her pistol despite the fear lurking beneath the surface. The moment stretched on, filled with quiet breaths and pounding heartbeats as you both prepared for whatever came next. 

But this was no longer just about finding supplies. Now, survival had become the immediate goal.

The sound came before you saw them—a low, guttural growl echoing through the silence of the store, followed by the unmistakable shuffle of heavy footsteps. At first, it was just one. But then, more followed. A chorus of inhuman snarls and groans rising up from the aisles.

Ellie’s eyes darted toward the door as the noise grew louder, her posture stiffening with the realization. "Shit," she muttered under her breath, her grip tightening around the handle of her pistol. She didn’t need to say anything—you knew exactly what was coming.

Before you could react, a figure lurched into view, stumbling into the store from the far side, its limbs jerking with that unnatural, erratic movement you knew too well. The infected creature let out a high-pitched screech, its head snapping in your direction, milky eyes locked onto you. It wasn’t alone. Behind it, more shadows shifted, crowding the entrance as the herd began to pour in, a flood of bodies pushing against the broken doorframe.

"Go!" Ellie barked, her voice sharp and urgent. Without hesitation, she grabbed your arm and yanked you toward the back of the store, her eyes wide with fear but her movements quick, determined. The infected were swarming now, their snarls filling the air as they tore through the aisles, knocking over shelves and scattering debris in their path.

You ran, the sound of the horde behind you growing louder with every second, the ground trembling under their relentless charge. Ellie was in front, her boots pounding against the worn tile, her breathing fast but controlled as she weaved between shelves, looking for an exit. You could hear her muttering curses under her breath, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

But then you heard it—the stumble, the faint hitch in her step. You glanced at Ellie, and immediately you saw the change. She was slowing down, her movements less fluid, more labored. Her breathing had turned ragged, and her face was pale, her brow glistening with sweat.

"Ellie!" you shouted, grabbing her arm as she stumbled again, barely keeping herself upright. Her legs were shaking now, her footsteps faltering as though her body was finally giving out.

"I’m fine," she snapped, pulling away from you, though the strain in her voice was impossible to miss. She tried to push forward, but her legs buckled again, this time more severely. Her frustration was palpable, a flare of anger that lit up her expression as she fought to keep moving.

Behind you, the infected were closing in, their growls growing louder, more aggressive. You could hear the scrape of their claws against the floor, the sickening sounds of their bodies slamming into shelves, knocking them aside in their frenzy to reach you.

Ellie tried to pick up the pace, but it was clear something was wrong. Her face twisted in pain and frustration as she pushed herself harder, but her body wasn’t cooperating. She was weakening—fast. Days without food, without proper rest, were finally catching up to her. And it showed.

"Damn it!" she hissed, her voice thick with anger—at herself, at the situation. Her fists clenched, her legs trembling with every step. She was trying, but her body was betraying her, and you could see the panic beginning to set in, masked beneath her frustration.

"Ellie, stop," you called out, your voice rising over the cacophony of snarls and shuffling feet behind you. "You’re going to get yourself killed if you don’t—"

"I’m fine!" she barked again, her voice strained as she forced herself forward. But it was clear she wasn’t. Her breath was coming in shallow gasps now, her legs nearly giving out beneath her as she stumbled again, catching herself on a shelf. She paused for a split second, clutching her side, her face contorted with frustration and pain.

You could see it in her—the fear, the anger. The way she was cursing herself for being weak, for slowing down. The look in her eyes was one of desperation, her teeth clenched as she fought to stay on her feet, her body visibly trembling from the effort.

But the infected were too close now. There wasn’t time.

"They’re almost on us!" you yelled, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her forward, practically dragging her as you both pushed toward the back of the store. You could hear the footsteps of the infected right behind you, their growls echoing in your ears, growing louder, more frantic.

Ellie’s legs were barely holding her up at this point, and she stumbled again, letting out a frustrated growl of her own. "I can’t…" she muttered, her voice cracking as she nearly collapsed, her knees buckling beneath her. "I can’t fucking—"

"Keep going!" you urged, your heart pounding as you tugged her forward, the infected right behind you. "You have to keep moving, Ellie!"

She gritted her teeth, her breath coming in harsh gasps. "I’m trying!" she snapped, but her voice broke, revealing the exhaustion and fear underneath. Her legs were giving up, her body shaking violently now with the effort to keep going. But there was no time to stop, no time to rest.

With a final, desperate push, you managed to drag her to the back of the store, where a door hung slightly ajar, leading into an alleyway. You kicked it open with your foot, the door slamming against the wall as you shoved Ellie through, both of you stumbling into the narrow passage outside.

The moment you were out, you slammed the door shut behind you, leaning heavily against it as you heard the infected slam into the other side, their snarls muffled but still terrifyingly close. Your chest heaved, your heart pounding in your ears, but you had made it. Barely.

Ellie collapsed against the brick wall of the alley, her legs finally giving out. She was breathing hard, her hands trembling as she gripped the wall for support, her eyes squeezed shut. Her frustration was palpable, mixed with the fear she refused to admit.

"I can’t…" she muttered, her voice weak, trembling. "I can’t… keep doing this."

You knelt beside her, your own breath ragged as you watched her struggle, her body shaking from the exhaustion, her face pale and drawn. She was angry—angry at herself for slowing down, for not being able to keep up. But beneath that anger, you saw the fear—the fear of losing, of failing, of being weak.

"It’s not your fault," you said quietly, your voice steady despite the chaos. "You’re exhausted. You need rest."

But Ellie just shook her head, her jaw clenched as she fought to catch her breath, her hands still trembling as she wiped sweat from her brow. "I can’t afford to be weak," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Not now. Not ever."

You stole a glance at her, noticing the way she picked at the dirt beneath her fingers, brow furrowed in concentration. She looked lost, wrestling with turmoil inside. The vulnerability in her posture struck you, and you reached out instinctively, your hand brushing against her cheek. The moment your skin made contact, her gaze snapped up to meet yours, a flicker of surprise dancing in her green eyes.

Your fingers grazed her face, gently caressing her skin, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like time stood still, the chaos outside fading into the background. But then her eyes fell to your hand, and your heart sank as you followed her gaze.

Your wrist was marked by a fresh bite, angry and raw, the skin around it bruised and mottled. You hadn’t even realized it—maybe it was the adrenaline that masked the pain. But now, as the truth washed over you, a cold dread seeped into your bones.

“No…” Ellie breathed, her voice breaking the stillness. Her eyes widened with panic, the color draining from her face as the realization hit her. The flicker of fear transformed into a tempest of emotions within her—anger, despair, disbelief.

In an instant, she was on her feet, her movements frantic as she began to throw things around the alley. Old crates, discarded bottles, and scraps of metal flew through the air, clattering against the brick walls. “No! No! No!” she shouted, her voice rising in a frantic pitch, echoing off the walls like a scream in the dark.

You remained seated, shock holding you in place as you watched her unravel. It was as if she was trying to physically push the reality away, to fight against the fate that loomed over you both. “This can’t be happening!” she yelled, her hands shaking violently as she grabbed a rusted pipe and hurled it against the wall, the sound of metal clanging against stone reverberating through the air.

“Ellie, stop!” you tried to say, but the words wouldn’t come out. The weight of your own fate held you down, anchoring you in place. You could only watch as she spiraled deeper into panic, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes darting everywhere as if searching for an escape that didn’t exist.

“I can’t lose you! Not like this!” she cried, the desperation in her voice slicing through the air like a knife. She kicked over an old barrel, its contents spilling out onto the ground, littering the alley with debris. Each movement she made was frantic, unhinged, her anger directed at everything around her, but it was clear where the true target lay—at the helplessness of the situation, at you.

Her voice cracked with emotion as she faced you, rage and anguish contorting her features. “You can’t just—get bitten! You know what that means!” Her fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms as if they could ground her in this moment of chaos. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, mixing with the fire of her anger, creating a whirlwind of emotions that threatened to explode.

“Damn it!” she shouted, pacing the narrow confines of the alley, her energy raw and electric. “You were supposed to be careful! We were supposed to stick together! I can’t do this again!” With each word, she hurled another object, her fury radiating like heat waves. A glass bottle shattered against the wall, fragments scattering as they hit the ground like shards of her resolve.

You attempted to rise, to reach out to her, but the weight of your own fate held you down, anchoring you in place. The world outside the alley faded into insignificance as the reality of the bite settled in your mind, its implications crashing over you like a tidal wave. Ellie’s face crumpled, and you could see the moment the fight drained from her.

“I can’t do this again!” she shouted, her voice cracking, finally collapsing onto her knees in front of you. Tears shimmered in her eyes, glistening like tiny stars as they caught the dim light filtering through the alley. She was shaking now, her body trembling from the weight of the moment.

You reached out, brushing your fingers against her shoulder, but she flinched away from your touch, her eyes wide and wild, the anger and fear swirling in them. “You’re not… you can’t be bitten! Not again! Not after everything!” The words tumbled out of her, each one a plea, a denial of the truth that was crashing down around you.

“Ellie,” you finally managed to say, your voice low and strained, but she cut you off.

“No! Don’t say it!” She shot to her feet again, her fists clenched, the glass glinting dangerously in the dim light 

You wanted to reassure her, to tell her it would be okay, but the words caught in your throat, the reality weighing down your heart. You could feel the tears prickling at the corners of your eyes, but you refused to let them fall. 

“Ellie…” you managed to say, your voice strained and raw. “You have to put me down. Before it’s too late.” You could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she fought against the impending reality, her heart grappling with the instinct to protect and the stark truth of your situation.

 “You can’t let me turn,” you pleaded, your tone urgent as you reached out to touch her knee, seeking any connection that might ground her in this moment.

But she recoiled slightly, shaking her head vehemently. “I can’t. I won’t!” Her voice cracked with emotion, the glass shard trembling in her grasp as she wrestled with the weight of the decision before her. “You’re not going to die. Not like this! Not at my hands!”

“Ellie, please,” you urged, your own heart pounding in your chest as you saw the resolve in her face begin to crack. “You know it’s the only way. You have to be strong.”

She squeezed her eyes shut, and when they opened again, the hurt etched into her features made your heart ache. “No! I can’t lose you! I can’t!” The glass fell from her fingers, clattering against the pavement, shattering the silence that enveloped you. Her shoulders trembled as her breath hitched, and you could see the tears beginning to spill over, tracing paths down her cheeks.

“It’s selfish, I know,” she said, her voice a choked whisper, filled with anguish. “But I just can’t… I can’t let you go. I can’t do it again.” Her body shook as she spoke, the weight of her grief pulling her under. The memory of everyone she had lost flooded back, and the fear of losing you felt like a tidal wave crashing against her, threatening to drown her in despair.

You watched her struggle, your heart aching for the pain she carried. “Ellie,” you said softly, trying to reach her through the turmoil. 

“No!” she cried, and it was a raw, primal sound, one that echoed with the deep, crushing fear that had taken root within her. She dropped her head into her hands, fingers tangled in her hair as if trying to pull herself together. “I won’t let you go,” she repeated, her voice muffled, but resolute.

“Ellie, listen to me,” you urged, desperation creeping into your voice. “I don’t want to become one of them. I can’t do that to you. You have to make the hard choice. You’re stronger than this.”

Time slipped away in a haze of disorientation and muffled sounds. The world outside your awareness had transformed into a distant murmur, punctuated by the gnashing of teeth and the haunting cries of the infected. As the days passed, the infection took hold, an insidious creeping through your body, weaving its way into your mind, pulling you deeper into a fog that blurred the line between your old self and the new, grotesque reality. 

Yet, even as the fungus spread, there were fleeting moments of clarity—glimmers of recognition amid the haze. It was as if the remnants of your consciousness flickered like a dying light, occasionally illuminating the shadowy corners of your mind. And somehow, through it all, Ellie remained a constant presence, a beacon that anchored you to the fragments of your former self.

The small, makeshift shelter you shared was dim, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the remnants of previous meals. Ellie moved around the space with a quiet intensity, her every action laced with a palpable mix of determination and despair. She had become the lifeline, foraging and hunting in the barren landscape outside, all while trying to preserve what remained of the person you used to be. 

Today, she returned with a small game—a rabbit, its body limp in her hands, the fur matted with dirt from the struggle. As she set to work preparing it, you watched from your corner of the room, your movements sluggish and uncoordinated, remnants of the old you trying to claw their way to the surface.

She moved with a practiced ease, though her eyes reflected the weight of her heart. The sun cast a soft light through the cracks in the shelter, illuminating her face, the tension in her jaw, and the shadows beneath her eyes. Ellie hummed a tune, a faint echo of the songs you used to sing together, but the melody was laced with sorrow. 

“Hey,” she murmured, her voice wavering as she chopped the rabbit into pieces. “Just hold on a bit longer, okay? I’ll make us something good.” 

You stared at her, trying to focus, your mind a swirling mess of thoughts and emotions. You wanted to respond, to assure her that you were still there, still part of this fragile moment. Your fingers twitched, and for a heartbeat, you felt a flicker of the warmth and love that had once defined your connection.

Ellie set the small pot over the meager flame and watched it carefully, as if the rhythm of the boiling water might soothe the chaos within her. “I wish you could help me with this,” she said softly, glancing over her shoulder at you, the ghost of a smile trying to break through the pain. “You always knew how to cook better than I did.”

You shifted your gaze toward her, the fog thickening around your thoughts, yet something within you stirred. You wanted to tell her that you remembered, that you could still see her, that you were still there. But the words lay heavy on your tongue, trapped in the murky depths of the infection’s grip.

As the scent of cooking meat filled the air, Ellie moved to the small stash of supplies, pulling out a bowl and some utensils. She served the food into two bowls, carefully portioning it out, her hands steady despite the tremor in her heart. The moment felt almost normal, a slice of life amid the horror that surrounded you. 

Yet, as she sat down across from you, her hands cradling the bowl, the weight of it all crashed down on her. She brought the food to her lips, but just as it reached her mouth, her resolve faltered. The sight of you—sitting there, half-formed and shifting between the shadows of your former self and the infected being you had become—made her heart ache. Tears streamed down her face, hot and relentless, splashing onto the bowl, mixing with the meal.

“I can’t do this,” she sobbed, dropping the bowl back into her lap. “I can’t eat. Not like this.” Her voice broke, cracking under the strain of the moment, each word laced with the weight of grief and hopelessness. 

Your foggy gaze remained fixed on her, struggling to understand the depth of her sorrow. Something in your chest tightened as you watched her, the recognition of her pain filtering through the haze. There was still a flicker of connection—some thread of recognition that made you feel like you were still there, still a part of her life. 

“I’m sorry…” she whispered, her voice shaking, trembling with the raw honesty of her emotions. “I thought we could be okay, that you could still… still come back to me.” Her tears fell freely, each drop a testament to the battle raging within her—love, loss, and the desperate longing for the past.

In that moment, something deep within you stirred, a yearning to reach out to her, to tell her that despite the infection, you could still feel her presence, still recognize her. You shifted slightly, the movement barely noticeable, but it was enough to capture her attention. 

“Ellie…” you rasped, the sound barely escaping your lips, but it felt like an eternity as you fought against the fog, wrestling with the remnants of your thoughts. It was a plea, a cry buried deep within, resonating with all the unspoken words that hung between you.

She looked up, her eyes wide, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to pause. “You’re still in there, aren’t you?” she breathed, her voice laced with disbelief and hope. “You can hear me?”

There was a flicker of clarity, a connection that pulsed between you—a heartbeat against the chaos that surrounded. You focused on her, trying to push through the fog, to let her know that you were still here, still fighting against the darkness that threatened to consume you both.

But even as the realization flickered within her, the truth hung heavily in the air—the infection was taking hold, and there was only so much time left. The thought sent her spiraling back into despair, the tears falling more freely as she gripped the bowl tightly, her knuckles whitening.

“I can’t lose you,” she whispered, her voice breaking once more, a raw wound laid bare for you to witness. “I just can’t.”

And in that moment, as the warmth of her tears pooled on your skin, you understood the weight of her love and the crushing reality of your situation. You were still there, a flicker in the darkness, but it wasn’t enough to shield her from the pain that lay ahead. The bond between you remained, even as the world began to fade, and all you could do was hold on to that sliver of connection, even as everything else slipped away.

[iichfilwypj]

HII how are youu? I was just wondering if you could maybe write a part 2 of the "love at first sight" fic you just wrote! Its soo good but honestly it's fine if you cant :)

remember to drink water 💙

love at first sight? ² | percy jackson

part 1 ღ percy jackson x daughter of aphrodite! reader ღ warnings: a lot of tension!!! it gets a bit sexual but not that much i promise! no smut or anything,, ღ wc: 1.137 hii! i'm so late, but i hope you like it! sorry if you were expecting something else, i really didn't know how this could end except like this! i love u!

While waiting, Percy’s mind raced with possibilities. 

He pictured her stepping through the branches, as stunning as before, offering her name, and maybe even a kiss. 

Although, maybe the kiss was too much; a simple hand shake would suffice.

But then, doubts crept in—she might ghost him, turn out to be some monster trying to kill him, or show up with someone else.

The distant rustle of leaves drew his attention, one hand going to his pocket—for his new sword—and the other messing with his hair—to make sure it looked decent; you know, just in case.

Riptide remained untouched. A slender hand appeared, pushing them aside with ease to reveal what he had been waiting for. 

And she looked even more breathtaking than before. 

Her hair wasn’t all down anymore; half of it was tied up, a pink bow in it. Her cheeks were still adorned with the same soft pink flush, that shade that never seemed to fade. Her long lashes framed her eyes, and her lips—God, there was no doubt that some makeup had made them look perfect, so kissable.

Percy couldn’t help but swallow hard, his breath hitching.

“Hi, Percy,” She drew closer, stopping directly in front of him and simply gazing at him.

His heart hammered in his chest. He was intimidated—he had no clue what to do. He’d never been in this situation with such a beautiful girl.

But at that moment, a thought struck him. 

Who cares? I’m a God’s son; things can’t possibly go that wrong.

So his serious expression melted away, and he grinned—sideways and confident. His gaze sharpened with a renewed sense of purpose.

“Hey,” He answered, voice taking on a teasing edge as he took a step forward. The air around him seemed to shift as her perfume surrounded him. 

Gently, he brought his hand up to her shoulder, his fingers almost trembling as they touched the fabric of her shirt, and, with the same softness, he swept a lock of hair away.

His smile grew just a little more as he felt the delicate flutter of her response, a tiny shift in her posture at his touch.

“Are you going to tell me your name, or are we keeping up the mystery?” Percy asked, his grin playful.

Hell, she was taken aback.

Just a few hours ago, he had seemed so lost, confused about what was happening, and clearly intimidated by her. She was used to that, but now, things felt completely different.

He was gorgeous, his dark hair casual and his face something straight out of a movie. His green eyes held her attention, captivating in a way that was hard to ignore.

The shift in his confidence left her more than a little intrigued.

And she was always prepared for any challenge that might come.

Her name slipped from her lips, and Percy felt a sense of awe. It was the most beautiful name he’d ever heard, and somehow, he knew he wouldn’t forget it anytime soon.

“So, Percy, where’d you go? I didn’t see you at dinner,” She asked, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the bracelet on her wrist.

“Oh, a lot; camp’s a total blast.” Percy said with a grin, enjoying the irony.

“Really? You didn’t seem bored with me,” she raised an eyebrow.

“I said camp was boring, not you.” 

Her head tilted playfully. “You're cute, Percy,” She laughed.

And just like that, Percy spotted it: a faint, subtle kiss mark resting on her high cheekbone.

With that, it all fell into place; her way of speaking, each of her movements filled with allure, and the undeniable aura that surrounded her—making it obvious that anyone who got to gaze at her had already won the greatest reward.

And that would likely be the only privilege they’d ever have.

She had to be a daughter of Aphrodite.

“D'you figure something out, pretty boy?” Her voice snapped him back to the moment.

“Maybe,” He replied, leaning in slightly. “But I’m still figuring you out.”

The air in that hidden space became incredibly heavy, holding the intense tension that hung between them. 

She had no intention of taking the first move. Her eyes were fixed on his, looking for that sign of desperation she needed to find. Her hands trembled with anticipation, picturing what could come next as she noticed a trace of lust in his green eyes.

Percy quickly grasped the situation. If he wanted anything to happen, he had to be the one to start. He had fallen into her game, but he had gone too far to turn back now.

Too far to lose it.

“Something's telling me I shouldn’t be here, that I should walk away,” He murmured, his hand lifting to gently trace the line of her jaw. “But I think I’m willing to find out.”

“Oh, you sound brave,” She whispered, her hands exploring his chest, testing the waters. “Or maybe you are just reckless,”

“I guess that depends on what comes next.” Percy replied, his eyes glinting with determination.

His hands moved to her neck, holding it tenderly and never breaking eye contact. It was like a contest—each of them daring the other to break first.

“And what do you want to happen next, Percy?” She shivered slightly under his touch, but didn’t pull away. 

“I want to see if you're as fearless as you act.”

As he whispered the words in her ear, her lips parted for just a second; the faintest invitation. Percy couldn’t resist it, closing the distance between them in one swift motion.

As soon as their lips met, their bodies took over, deciding for them. His hands moved to her hair, hers to his biceps. Her nails scratched the skin and he could only push her against the large trunk of the tree, the wood scraping softly her skin as he lifted her.

Percy’s fingers skimmed the edges of her orange t-shirt, feeling the heat of her skin beneath his fingertips. His pulse raced as he felt her legs squeeze his waist and pulled her even closer, feeling the tremble of her chest against his own, the weight of her closeness making his head spin.

She was the first to pull back, lips brushing his lightly before she tilted her head back to rest against the wood. He couldn't stop, pressing soft kisses everywhere he could.

“Wait,” She said, making him tilt his head, slowing down his movements to listen. “Nobody is gonna get jealous, right?”

Last thing she wanted was to kiss a taken guy; there are some limits, y'know.

He smiled, amused. “Don’t make me laugh,”

Her fingers, light as a whisper, traced the line of his jaw, and in that moment, time seemed to stretch. He could feel himself losing control. Her proximity was both a dream and a nightmare.

But her laughter was like music to his ears, and Percy found himself smiling more than he expected. 

“You even have a pretty laugh,” He remarked, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

She raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised by his words. She’d expected something more physical, something a little more bold, but this caught her off guard. She liked it, it was just weird.

“Do you know what you’re getting into?” Her challenge hung in the air, daring him to prove that he was more than just a guy caught up in the moment. “Do you want to?”

But for him it wasn't a challenge, it was what he wanted. Percy held her gaze, something in him shifting, the tone in her voice mixing with a vulnerability he hadn't expected.

His chest tightened as he realized how much he wished to take that step—to cross that line, to get lost in her world.

In any way he could, in any way she’d let him.

He not only wanted to worship her, but to love her.

“Yes, I want to,” Percy said, pecking her cheekbone, right over the kiss mark. “It was love at first sight, I’m not letting you go anywhere now,”

LOVE I'M SO SORRY! this request has been in my inbox for A MONTH! i hope you like it! <3

[icarusredwings]

Thinking about Wade coming home to find Logan taking a nap with all of his adopted daughters who are most certianly whole grown ups by now, Like Yukio, Laura, Rouge, and Jubilee as well as Mary Puppins.

And you know what? It's the happiest nap he's ever had but also highly stressed out when they leave. Wolverine fathers usually don't stay with their kits, but obviously, he's an exception, individually snuggling them all only to instantly sit up, claws drawn the second the door opens and he gets a knife to the head.

"Hey do you guys-... OUCH...Rude."

And Yukio is like, "oopsies." But Logan just gives her an approving nod and a "good one, kid."

"Well, fine. No burritos for you then. Jeez."

Between sparing with them and hearing, "You haven't changed a bit, huh?" 4 different times, him giving Laura a scratch on the scalp in which she almost cries because that's the exact spot her dad used to do it, Yukio telling him stories about Wade and Negasonic, and Jubilee and Rouge talking in their own slangs while hugging him (and yet... somehow, he can understand them. It's weird. Like he just autoamtically gets their accents and odd words.) Everything is almost perfect. About as perfect as you can be with 6 different mutants in one tiny appartment.

Al isn't really sure what's happening this entire day, but enjoys the company and knows for a fact that these girls have Logan absolutely trained, correcting his manners and his language, telling stories from way back when, stories about their current lives, makes him eat real food not just liquor. Etc.

But when they leave, She can hear him pacing the apparent like a stressed-out tiger, back and forth, back and forth.

"Why did you lie?" She asks, and he stops and is like,"What? I didn't - " She smiles and goes. "You told them you'd be fine, and now you're making a new path in my floors."

"I dont know okay!?" But he does know. Oh he knows so much but he doesn't know how to describe it on an emotional level. He misses them already, he misses having something to protect, what if they get hurt without him? What if- but Puppins comes over and yips at him. Its time for her walk.

This is when Logan realizes that the others are strong enough to take care of themsleves, that hes trained them too. Well.. or at least a different version of him did. But puppins didn't. Puppins needs him. And will forever. This idea alone brings him great comfort, but he still invites his daughters over as much as possible and visibly gets upset if they say they're too busy. It was hard enough getting them together in the first place. Everybody say thank you, Wade, for making those calls since Mr. Manly man was too emotionally distant and embarrassed to do it.

Welcome to dad life, Logan. It's a hell of a ride.

[ideasnstuff]

Dazai's second bi-panic.

For people immersed in immense darkness like Dazai, days were years.

By the age of fifteen he had a considerable body count, much more than other assassins.

The boy didn't get along with anyone. The only people he talked to were Mori, Hirotsu, and maybe the strange child.

And of the three, Hirotsu was the most bearable and pleasant to be around.

Therefore, Dazai Osamu thought every day whether joining the Port Mafia had really been worth it.

Why was he still alive anyway?

Ah, yes, because a creature decided to make him live.

Said creature named Nakahara Chuuya.

And speaking of him... Dazai hadn't seen Chuuya in weeks. The last time they saw each other was when the two went to the arcade as a result of a bet.

Other than that, he had never seen him again. The boy had disappeared beneath Kouyou's protective wings.

The woman had dressed him in ridiculous clothes and an equally ridiculous hat.

Dazai remembered the ridiculous appearance, even more ridiculous than his Sheep clothes.

Ew.

He knew that the boy had finished his basic training with Kouyou and would now be with a group of strangers.

The flags.

Dazai didn't like them, like he didn't like half the people.

He just didn't care about them. Simple as that.

But Dazai's days were filled with solitude, and admittedly, he missed the boy.

He felt too isolated from the world, as if he were a patch on a long cloth of another color.

It had no place there.

But with Chuuya, Dazai felt he could leave behind his unattainable facade. And because of that, he missed the outings they had.

He was so alone that he'd the feeling that seeing him again would make him want to live again.

The dark, cold and pungent life would be bright and soft.

...

Dazai was surprised by the unexpected turn his thoughts had taken.

What nonsense.

If there was any reason for Dazai to want to see him, it was to annoy him.

Yes, that's all.

And it wasn't necessarily Chuuya - anyone could do.

Unless they were so annoying that Dazai was forced to ignore them.

...

So all he had left was... Chuuya.

Sitting in the office chair, Dazai groaned in disgust.

It wasn't that he didn't know where Chuuya had gone - he knew everything about Chuuya.

But, going to him would... imply that Dazai wanted to see Chuuya. And that, he didn't want to be known.

So, he simply smiled sweetly at Kouyou until she gave him the address - which he already knew and went to the bar.

He did it in a way that didn't seem that he intended to find Chuuya there.

Dazai also knew Chuuya's schedule by heart, so he knew exactly when he would show up.

A long, shiny car stopped in front of the bar.

From there came the small, rebellious boy, wearing baggy, ridiculous clothes.

Disheveled hair and a annoyed expression.

"Thanks." the familiar voice echoed. It sounded like a distant melody that Dazai had long forgotten.

The car door closed, causing Dazai to wake up from his reverie. His gaze, which had been absently fixed on the ground, rose.

And.

Wait. Wait.

Wait-

Where... where are the ridiculous, long clothes?

And the disheveled hair?

And... and the angry face?

Why did Nakahara Chuuya, in front of Dazai, seem... different?

He looked away, feeling something strange, making the existence of feelings known.

"Perhaps it's not him..." he muttered almost unconsciously.

"Chuuyaaa!"

Dazai breathed out and prepared to turn on his heels. He needed to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Now.

"Oi!"

Chuuya's voice made Dazai freeze, his back already turned. He swallowed hard.

Light, elegant footsteps echoed, along with a noise that seemed to come from his pants pocket.

Oh...

He sighed, gaining, gathering strength

No, no, no, no.

Dazai wouldn't run away from the guy he called his dog.

It's Chuuya, it's okay it's okayitsokayitsokayitsokay-

"Oi. Dazai." Chuuya had snapped his gloved fingers in front of his face.

Perfume. Dazai could smell the scent of Chuuya's clothes.

Could it really be Chuuya?

Maybe it's another person-

"What are you doing here?" he asked, hands in his pockets, posture... elegant, and eyes that seemed more fascinating than before "Dazai?"

And Dazai wanted to talk, he really did. But he couldn't even make eye contact with Chuuya.

In the first ten seconds, he felt the need to run away.

But... he didn't. He just... diverged his gaze.

Chuuya's eyes narrowed and oh. Dazai noticed he had a ponytail and longer hair and-

Dazai put on the blankest face he could, even though his heart was beating at a crazy pace and his hands were warm.

"Chuuya." he said "Chuuya hasn't grown an inch"

The other lowered his eyebrows in threat.

"Go to hell." he said, rolling his beaut- just normal eyes, totally not special.

Nope, just a regular boy-

"So..." the glasses that were on his head, they fell forward and oh- it did suit him "... How have you been" he removed his sunglasses from his face with such an arrogant expression that- Dazai continued with his most empty expression.

He tried to stare at Chuuya, but his cheeks felt hot. He looked away.

"It's whatever." he showed fake disinterest.

Chuuya arched an eyebrow, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.

And Dazai noticed that he was wearing a black suit that... fit him... too well.

The shoes... everything looked good on him. Had him always been like this?

He swallowed discreetly.

"Not everything is about Chuuya. I... " Chuuya looked flatly at him.

Dazai slightly widened the collar of his shirt with his index finger, feeling a cold wind. He stretched his neck uncomfortably. "I happen to have a job here. That's all."

He hoped that it would work.

The boy looked at him with suspicion in his eyes for a few moments, but then sighed, waving his hand slightly in the air.

"Good luck then, I suppose..."

Ah, finally Chuuya was showing signs of embarrassment. But it was probably because of the awkwardness.

The two hadn't seen each other for weeks and it was really strange to see someone who was out of sight on a daily basis.

His eyes softened a little, and Dazai returned the gaze. He swore he saw the corner of Chuuya's mouth twitch, threatening a small smile.

A smile that never came to appear.

Chuuya did indeed look much more mature and his appearance- didn't made him justice.

He was older. He seemed someone Dazai could respect-

What the hell was he thinking?

Gloss? Did he wear gloss? Or was Dazai's imagination running wild- again?

Chuuya took a step forward, getting closer to Dazai.

And when he did, he seemed to have sucked all the breathable oxygen out of him.

Calmdowncalm- it's Chuuya, he's disgusting and Dazai definitely isn't thinking about caressing his hair-

No. He isn't. He isn't thinking at ALL.

Chuuya closed his eyes and opened them in immediate sequence.

Something that might be called blinking eyes in clear, distinct confusion.

Something typical of someone who is confused, which would probably apply to the boy's case.

Dazai didn't understand why his chest felt like it was being squeezed tightly, as if his lungs were being crushed by the overwhelming - not at all significant - proximity.

But... thinking about it better... maybe it was the consequences of spending so much time alone.

Seeing Nakahara Chuuya in front of him dressed in emotions and light made him writhe with embarrassment.

The embarrassment of thinking, once, of ruining such singularity and uniqueness.

Chuuya wasn't that close to him. He couldn't even feel the air he was breathing, warm and soft.

But, his eyes seemed to corner him against an invisible wall.

And worst of all, Chuuya would definitely not be aware of his vigorous presence.

Dazai then realized that he had been deprived of human emotions, stripped naked and been abandoned by them.

So seeing Nakahara Chuuya was like a blessing for his one eye.

And even the eye covered in bandages, moved with life.

He felt, even if for a moment, less empty.

And... admittedly Chuuya was... different. In a way that caused a peculiar tremor in his legs and sweaty fingertips.

Dazai really missed him.

He could admit it silently and he was capable of it.

But never chant it.

Suddenly, the looming heat radiating from his cheeks had become less uncomfortable and embarrassing.

He had become almost pleasant and he almost considered smiling at him as a thank you.

But...

The vowels, consonants, syllables, the words they formed and the sentences - had become stuck in his throat.

Even when, almost unconsciously, he parted his lips, all that came out was a very small, shrill sound.

Chuuya didn't seem to care much. The boy had looked away.

And in part, Dazai was grateful for that space.

Chuuya's eyes had always been very penetrating, sharp as shining knives. Eyes that were endowed with an intelligence imperceptible to the eyes of the superficial ones.

Well, Dazai thought, their loss.

A little smile painted his lips, when Chuuya wasn't looking at him. Face turned to the side and fiery red hair fluttering like light strips of velvet.

He was a true vision.

Dazai nearly lost his breath, just like he had lost his words.

He pressed his lips together in a thoughtful line.

Chuuya looked at him again, with that hard but open gaze.

And for a moment, he didn't speak.

And time stood still.

And time stopped.

The wind embraced both bodies like an encouraging caress.

Chuuya's expression was imperceptible.

A stone expression that was not rough, but maybe smooth like marble.

He unexpectedly noticed the choker around his thin and white neck. He sucked a breath.

He really didn't have the courage or mentality to direct a comment to him.

But then, Chuuya parted his lips slowly-

"Chuuyaaa!" a voice that Dazai had never heard before echoed.

And then, quick, excited footsteps that seemed to be approaching at great speed.

Chuuya's expression seemed to tremble a little as another figure clung to his shoulders, perching on him like a bird.

"Heeeey! Chuuya!" the other said "C'mon! We are all waiting for you!"

Dazai maintained his blank, dead expression. Chuuya, in turn, let out a frustrated and somewhat annoyed sigh.

"Get off of me!" he said, but he had made no effort to pull away from the other. It was just an annoyed, irritated tone. "Oi!" he smacked him on the arm.

"Hmm? You are not busy!" he exclaimed "You are not-" at last, the annoying person seemed to finally notice Dazai's existence.

Chuuya seemed to stiffen a little, looking down like a misbehaving cat.

The guy, who was wearing sunglasses, pressed his lips together and said:

"Oh."

The boy pushed him away from him and Dazai kept his blank expression.

The other stared at Dazai for a few seconds and then moved closer to Chuuya's ear, leaning his torso.

"Isn't him that kid everyone talks about?" he whispered to him as if Dazai couldn't hear him. Then he glanced at Dazai and turned to Chuuya who looked deeply uncomfortable "Dazai Osamu, righ-"

An exaggeratedly loud sigh echoed. Coming from Dazai of course.

"I see my reputation precedes me," he commented very indifferently, causing Chuuya to grimace in disgust.

Dazai smiled emotionlessly.

"Yes, it's me. " he paused, carefully and then added flatly "I am Dazai Osamu." he paused. Again.

Faced with Dazai's coldness, Chuuya just sighed in frustration.

Then, he pushed the other away with a chilled expression. And with some force, considering that the guy with glasses almost hit the glass door.

"Chuuya!"

But Chuuya just ignored him, casually putting his hands in his pockets.

The expression of arrogance and petulance did something strange in Dazai's stomach.

"I'll meet you inside." and as he spoke, he kept looking to Dazai who returned the gaze with the same intensity. A provocative smile appeared on Chuuya's lips and Dazai felt the same thing as seconds ago. "Go now, Albatross."

Albatross, as he was called, mumbled something under his breath regarding the push Chuuya had given him.

And, then, entered the bar.

The sound of the door closing caused Chuuya to sigh in relief, closing his eyes.

Dazai didn't tell him anything.

Seconds later, Chuuya fixed his gaze that seemed to crush Dazai - not that it was a problem, Dazai would let him-

No.

Nope.

He shouldn't go there.

He swallowed and Chuuya He flashed a smug, cat-like smile that didn't seem as irritating as it had before.

It seemed to him... how could he say it... captivating.

Crushmecrushmecrushme.

He should crush Dazai like he did when they first met-

"I am so going to beat you, watch me." he said, his tone drawling and threatening - he should have crushed Dazai - "I am going to become executive, first." confidently, he lifted his head, stretching his neck, showing how the choker hugged his skin. "Watch me."

He looked completely serious, challenging Dazai to... a bet? That he would lose... again?

Because Dazai knew very well that Mori would never make him an executive in the first place.

It was clearly Dazai's win, but...

Suddenly, Chuuya's confidence and arrogance didn't seem as irritating to him as it used to.

It seemed... attractive... somehow...

He could rule the world.

That little man- who cared if he was short, not Dazai could rule the world.

For the record, he could smash Dazai with his feet and he'd die happy.

Being short didn't stop Chuuya from being the greatest person he had ever laid his eyes on.

Power suited him. Chuuya was made to shine.

Oh Dazai really didn't mind not being an executive. He could lose to see Chuuya confident again.

It was refreshing.

He-

" 'have something to say just do it!" he snapped, annoyed that Dazai hadn't... answered him... ah...

The truth is, Chuuya or not, Dazai didn't want to be an executive.

But seeing Chuuya all excited and dedicated to defeating someone damaged like Dazai...

And Dazai wining against him.. gave him a certain satisfaction.

Chuuya could do anything with the dedication he had between his fingers.

And those eyes... that could crush him, strangle him, reduce him to dust...

And yet, Dazai would never understand why Chuuya wanted to defeat him.

He, someone broken and failed, who wanted to die.

And Nakahara Chuuya, fascination personified, wanted to defeat him.

Chuuya didn't know it, but he had long since won Dazai over.

Since he had become the storm, the tempest of the void that was Dazai's life.

But, Dazai was a fair person.

If Chuuya wanted to fight him, then Dazai would give that competition.

While he didn't mind being defeated by Chuuya, seeing Chuuya being defeated by him was equally fascinating.

That's why...

"Eh?" his blank expression had faded "But I thought Chuuya had already lost in the arcade!" Chuuya seemed to contain his irritation with a sigh. Dazai smiled at him almost victoriously "Chuuya did become my dog."

Chuuya stared at him for seconds, eyes that seemed to emit rays of light.

They could turn Dazai into dust.

"I. Did. Not." he hissed. Then he sighed and shrugged, "But anyway, I guess I'll see you around, bastard."

Shrugging his shoulders indifferently and disdainfully, he turned on his heels, leaving a trail of perfume that invaded Dazai's nose.

Dazai realized that his hair had been tied into a charming low ponytail.

He looked away, his cheeks felt hot again.

Chuuya raised a gloved hand, waving it nimbly in the air, showing off his slender wrists and long fingers -

What was wrong with Dazai today?

He swallowed hard, getting rid of the red in his cheeks and, just so he don't look like a complete idiot-

"See you never!"

Chuuya's grumbling could still be heard.

The bar door closed and Dazai released the air he had suppressed.

It felt like pounds had been lifted off his shoulders.

Feeling more in control, he sighed more serenely.

Chuuya was already a winner.

Dazai knew, ever since the first time he met him that he'd be trouble.

He knew, if there was anyone capable of defeating him, it would be Nakahara Chuuya.

Not someone like Mori Ougai or someone Dazai, himself.

None of these people.

Dazai had no interest in defeating anyone, knowing their every move beforehand.

Boring and useless, a waste of time.

But, he did wanted to defeat Chuuya.

He was the first person he'd ever wanted to bring to the knees.

Seeing someone so powerful, a victor, at your mercy was incredibly pleasurable.

And even if Chuuya's motives were different, Dazai's sole motive was just that.

It was much more interesting to defeat someone who had already defeated him, even without knowing it.

After all, defeating Chuuya would be the only reason Dazai would work to become an executive.

There was something different about defeating someone that made him feel... strange.

Dazai considered it as retaliation.

Just like Chuuya's presence, just his existence , crushed Dazai...

Dazai also wanted Chuuya to feel equally crushed by Dazai.

And the only way he had was to defeat him.

The effect Chuuya had on him was unfair, he had to return the overwhelming feeling.

And in these thoughts, Dazai smiled a little, putting his hands in his pockets.

He felt less alone now that he knew Chuuya was thinking about him.

Even if his sole purpose for that was to crush Dazai.

At this point, Dazai'd take anything from him.

Hate, friendship, rivalry.

Because, he knew.

He knew that anything Chuuya'd give him would make him feel less empty.

He'd make him feel more alive.

It honestly felt nice, when Chuuya hated him, was friendly with him, tried to defeat him, protected him...

Because for the first time ever.

For once.

And even if temporary, Dazai could feel less inhuman.

More like a human.

(He would burn the world, he'd kill and lie, just to keep that emotion a little longer.

He'd do anything to keep that feeling Chuuya caused him.)

[sunny44]

Chapter 2 (Love is in Mallorca)

Pairing: Carlos Sainz x Fem!Reader

Warning: none

Summary: Y/n goes to Mallorca intending to leave her life behind, at least for a while. Then she meets a mysterious guy who makes this trip, to say the least, unforgettable.

Previous chapter

The next day, I woke up to the soft sunlight streaming into the hotel room. It was almost noon.

There was something calming about being in a new place, far from any obligations, where the only sounds I heard were those of seagulls and the distant murmur of the sea. But the truth was, even surrounded by beauty, I couldn’t stop thinking about the previous night.

I didn’t know anything about the man I met at the bar. He was just a casual encounter, someone who helped me when I needed it most, showing me a rare kindness. What intrigued me was the feeling that he knew exactly how to make me feel comfortable, as if he had experience dealing with awkward situations. But for some reason, he chose not to say much about himself.

I got up slowly, the memory of walking through the streets of Mallorca still fresh in my mind. I had promised myself not to get my hopes up, but part of me was eager to see him again. I took a quick shower, slipped into a light summer dress, and decided to explore more of the city before our possible reunion.

The streets of Mallorca were busier during the day. The outdoor markets were full of colors, smells, and sounds that filled all my senses. I passed stalls of fruit, hanging peppers, and local crafts, appreciating the vibrant simplicity of the place. I decided to get lost in the narrow streets, without any particular destination, just letting my feet guide me.

After a while, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. It was a message.

“Hey, want to take a walk on the beach?”

My heart skipped a little when I saw it was him. He hadn’t forgotten. I replied quickly, saying I’d be ready in a few minutes. I was excited, but there was also a small sense of nervousness growing inside me. A walk on the beach? That seemed a bit more intimate than a simple night exploring the city.

When I arrived at the meeting point, he was already there, wearing sunglasses and looking relaxed, as if life here was always slow, unhurried.

“Punctual,” he commented with a small smile when he saw me.

“I tried not to be late.” I smiled back, trying to hide how curious I was about him.

The beach wasn’t crowded, which was a pleasant surprise. We walked barefoot on the sand, while the sea gently lapped at our feet. The warm breeze played with my hair, and the salty smell of the water brought a peace I didn’t know I needed until I was there, with him, without having to worry about anything.

“How did you find this place?” I asked, looking around. The beach was more secluded than the tourist areas.

He shrugged, seeming amused by my curiosity.

“I have my secrets. I like to come here when I want some peace, away from the crowds.” He paused, looking at me. “I think you needed that too.”

“Yes, I did. Thank you for last night… and for today, you’ve really made this trip much better.”

“No need to thank me. You’re also making my time here much more enjoyable,” he replied with a genuine smile. “I needed the company too.”

We continued walking in silence for a while, until he suddenly stopped and looked out at the horizon.

“What brought you to Mallorca?” he asked, this time with genuine curiosity, as if he was finally ready to know more about me.

I hesitated. It wasn’t a hard question, but the answer made me feel vulnerable.

“I guess I needed to escape. Escape from a routine that didn’t feel like mine, from a cycle of relationships that never ended well, and come to a place where I don’t have to be myself… And you?”

He looked at me for a moment, as if deciding how much of an answer he could give.

“Something similar, maybe. Life can be... a bit intense sometimes. I needed a break too, something far from what I know. A chance to just be normal.”

That vague answer only made me more curious. Who was he? And why did I feel like there was so much more behind that casual smile and relaxed demeanor? Something about him made me feel comfortable, but at the same time, I knew he was hiding behind a wall.

“I saw you at the bar last night, and you looked… lost,” he continued, breaking the silence. “I kept wondering what made you be there alone, trying to order a drink without much luck.”

“Oh, that…” I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “I think I was just frustrated that no matter how hard I try, Spanish always seems to slip away from me.”

He laughed too, that light laugh that seemed so natural.

“It takes time. But I think you did well, all things considered.”

The conversation flowed with surprising ease. With each new exchange, I felt more comfortable with him. Still, there was a part of me that knew something was being left out. Maybe it was just my imagination, but the way he spoke about his own life, without many details, made it seem like he had something to hide.

After a while, we reached a part of the beach where there were rocks and a small cove. He sat on one of the rocks, looking out at the sea, and I sat next to him, the sun shining above us.

“I really like it here,” he said after a long silence.

“So do I,” I agreed, feeling a strange connection to the place. “It feels like time passes differently here.”

“Maybe because you don’t have to be who people expect you to be here.”

His words hit me with an unexpected truth. I didn’t know who he was, but for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone.

The sun began to slowly set on the horizon, and we sat there in silence, watching the natural spectacle. His closeness beside me, the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore, all of it made me feel a peace I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

When we finally got up to leave, he offered me a ride back to the hotel. I accepted, knowing that the day had been special, but still wondering who he really was.

As he dropped me off at the entrance of the hotel, he smiled again, that smile that held secrets.

“Maybe tomorrow I can show you an even more special place.”

I smiled back, curious and intrigued.

“Maybe.”

He waved and drove off, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the certainty that something about him remained a mystery.

Bonus scene!

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“Beach day”

Next chapter

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[kingofpopmj]

you could do a story with Michael Jackson where he is married to Y/N just to please the media and he doesn't really love her that much. However, he respects her even though he gives her a few arrows with nasty words, making her disappointed. Also, if possible, at some point in the bedroom while Y/N is sleeping, Michael appears slightly nervous and when he sees her, he starts kissing her because he misses her touches.... and... maybe a passionate ending smut????please…. thank u😩😙💓

~This is my first smut imagine, so don’t be too hard on me.🙈 I hope you enjoy it! Michael is spicy in this one so read at your own risk. Thank you to the hunni that requested this!

I'll Change The Rules For You

*Michael’s POV*

The heaviness in my heart grew unbearable as I unlocked the front door. The shine of my wedding ring ever so bright as I slowly pushed the door open. I quietly entered the house. It was spotless. The house filled with the smell of a homemade meal. My favorite meal. The distant sound of Y/N humming made me feel everything and nothing all at once. She was- she’s fine. I’m fine. We’re fine.

I stood in the doorway unable to shut the door behind me just yet. I wanted to be home. It’s just home doesn’t feel much like home lately. I let out a deep sigh before closing the door. There’s no running. I can’t run away. Making my way to the kitchen with small steps I’m greeted with Y/N’s backside. She was bent over putting something in the oven. A normal husband would happily announce his arrival or greet his wife with a kiss, but me- I have no idea what to do.

“Oh my goodness!” Y/N jumped when she finally turned around. “You scared me.”

“I do live here.” I scoffed.

“Of course you live here. I just wasn’t sure what time you’d be home.” She smiled hopefully. “I’m happy to see you.” She moved towards me wrapping her arms around me. When I didn’t reciprocate the gesture her arms fell to her sides. The look of defeat plastered across her face.

“I’m gonna go take care of some things.”

“Wait.” She gently held my arm stopping my abrupt exit. “I made dinner. I thought we could eat together. Maybe have a movie night?” Again, she smiled. It was full of love and optimism. I couldn’t stand the feeling in my chest, but still I held my ground.

“I’ll pass.”

“I don’t understand why you’re being this way.” It came out as a whisper, but I heard it. I heard her sadness. I felt her despair.

“You don’t understand a lot.” I snapped.

“We used to be friends.” She looked up at me with watery eyes and in that moment I hated myself.

“We are what we are. That’s it.”

“What are we?”

“We are legally bound to one another.” I said with a shrug. I didn’t look at her. I couldn’t.

“You make it sound so-“

“I make it sound like what it is!” Y/N jumped back at my sudden outburst. She looked terrified- terrified of me.

“Why do you have to be so mean?” Her voice laced with pain. “You asked me to do this for you and I did because you promised me nothing would change.”

“I’m not being mean! It’s not my fault you’re a dimwit that can’t understand simple concepts! You keep acting like this perfect little housewife. It’s too much! You are too much! We did this to get the world off my back, yet somehow you’ve managed to screw that up! It’s exhausting being your husband- your fake husband!”

“I gave up my whole life because my friend asked me- no begged me to help him. I couldn’t be anything else but Michael Jackson’s wife. You knew that. I had to abandon my family, my friends, my job. Everything. I know this isn’t real, I know we aren’t real, but I still thought you were worth it. I tried to make this strange situation as comfortable as possible, but you are determined to hurt me. To break me.”

“Y/N-” I stopped when she put her hand up shaking her head slowly. She untied the apron from around her waist placing it on the counter.

“Dinner is on the table. I made the cake you like. It’s in the oven- just take it out when the timer goes off.” She spoke softly before leaving the kitchen forcing me to watch her walk away- walk away from me. It seemed inevitable.

She doesn’t deserve this.

I don’t deserve her.

I took my seat at the table unable to eat anything. After how I treated Y/N, I deserved the loss of appetite and more. I stared at the spread in front of me, which only made me feel worse. She did so much for me. She does so much for me. The kitchen timer went off reminding me of the cake in the oven. I walked over to take it out. She really did all of this for me. She’s the best person in my life. The only one I can truly trust and I’m going to lose her.

Two hours have gone by since Y/N left. I knew she fell apart after how I spoke to her. She felt safe in our bedroom, so I knew that were she was. I desperately wanted to see her- hold her- be with her. I knew the shame would become insufferable the moment I looked into her eyes. Even with that understanding, I couldn’t stay away from her. The effect she has on me is something I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend.

Another forty-five minutes went by before I mustered up the courage to leave the kitchen. I found myself struggling to proceed when I reached the bottom of the staircase. I need to make this right. I need to fix this. I need Y/N.

As I reached to top of the staircase I see the bedroom door is closed, but as I twisted the knob I was thankful it wasn’t locked. My eyes scanned the room unable to find Y/N. The bed was made without a crease in sight. The only source of light illuminating from the bathroom. I rushed over hoping to find her braiding her hair in front of the mirror or massaging her face with that lotion she loved so much. It smelled like peonies, her favorite flower. The more time that passed without any trace of Y/N the more empty I felt. I was starting to feel worried, but mostly confused.

The closet was the last place to check. Nothing could prepare me for how broken I’d feel once I pushed that door open. The hangers were empty on Y/N’s side of the closet. Her suitcases littered the floor half full of her belongings. She was curled up into a ball on the tiny couch I got her for our first anniversary. It’s from France. She fell in love with the soft velvet fabric and I knew I had to surprise her with it. I still remember the smile on her face. She was so touched. She was so happy. Ironic, how easily- how quickly I tarnished that happiness. When I realized she was asleep I moved closer. Her tear stained cheeks broke my heart further. The pain in my chest growing by the second.

“I’m so sorry.” I whispered kneeling down to leave a gentle kiss on her forehead. Unable to take my eyes off of her I gently took her hand in mine- her left hand. I admired the ring on her finger remembering the proposal, the smile on her face, the joy that filled my heart and the love between us. “I’m so sorry.” I whispered again leaving kisses on her hand.

“Y/N?” I said softly trying to wake her up without scaring her. Her eyes remained shut as she instinctively snuggled into my hand that rested against her cheek. I couldn’t help myself. I cupped her face in my hands as I left tender kisses all over face.

“Michael?” Y/N sat up looking at me bewildered.

“I’m so sorry.” She avoided looking into my eyes. “Please don’t leave me. I’m so sorry.”

“You act like you hate me.” She murmured staring down at our entangled hands.

“I don’t.” I began kissing her hand slowly traveling up her arm, shoulder and neck.

“Michael.” Y/N pulled away finally meeting my eyes. “You can’t bombard me with kisses and think that erases all the bad.”

“I know. I know. Y/N, I love you.”

“You can’t just say that and not mean it or act like it.”

“When I asked you to marry me as a favor I didn’t necessarily think it through.”

“What do you mean?”

“We loved each other as friends. I thought it would stay that way. It didn’t. Not for me. You promised me five years of marriage. On our third anniversary, I asked you for an extra five more and you obliged. You agreed to ten whole years as my wife.”

“I knew it would help you, so of course I said yes.”

“We’re just about to hit the five year mark and the thought of eventually having to let you go terrifies me. I asked for five more years because I don’t want to be without you.” I leaned in before she could respond and kissed her. I kissed her like I meant it. I kissed her like how I’ve been desperately wanting to for so long. Desperately, I pulled her to sit on top of me guiding her hips as I brought her down to my lap.

“What about the rules? No sex.”

“Those were impossible rules to follow. An idiot created those rules.” I say brushing her hair behind her shoulder and sinking my face into her neck. Her perfume filled my nostrils and I mentally kicked myself for denying myself of this pleasure sooner.

“Calling yourself an idiot there rule maker?” She questioned rolling her eyes and giggling. Oh, that sound. I love that sound.

“I think I deserve it, don’t you?” She shrugged in response. I pulled her closer, so close her body moulded to mine. “You’re my wife. I want to do this the right way. I want to do it all with you. I want this to be real.”

“Real?”

“I don’t want to push you away anymore. I want to bury myself in you.” I whispered in her ear as she took a deep breath. “Let me bury myself inside of you.” I purred against her sweet lips. My hands slowly traveled from her hips to her waist taking in every curve. I dragged my fingers just below her breasts to unbutton her shirt. I slid it down her arms leaving trails of goosebumps on her skin. I knew by the uneven rise and fall of her beautiful chest she wanted me just as badly.

“Please.” She said breathlessly tearing my shirt off and throwing it across the room.

Y/N’s head fell back as I kissed her neck, sucking down on the sensitive skin. Her fingers laced in between the strands of my hair as she kept me close. She rolled her hips against mine painfully slow as she met my gaze. The look in her eyes was more than enough to send me over the edge. She continued and I was could feel myself lose control. Y/N stopped without warning sensing my predicament. I held her hips with such force I’m certain she’d be covered with bruises. I want her. I need her to move- to move faster, but she refused to give me what I wanted. She was going to make me beg- and I would- I will. A seductive smirk covered her face. She enjoyed teasing me.

“I need you.” I panted trying to compose myself.

“I know.” She whispered in my ear unaware of just how much I worshipped her. She left wet kisses down my neck and chest as she pushed me until my back met the rug. I gawked at her unable to form any words. Unable to do anything but follow her every move.

She made me so weak.

I watched as she unzipped my pants sliding them down my legs.

She looked deep into my eyes as she removed my boxers.

I was so lost in her eyes that being completely naked in front of her didn’t register. The only thing on my mind was her.

The immense feeling of emptiness took over me as Y/N stood letting her panties fall to the ground.

I extended my arms folding them behind my head as I admired the view. She smiled bashfully before returning to her place- on top of me. Oh how I loved this view.

I reached out touching her anywhere-everywhere. I never thought anything would feel so good. Look so good. Taste so good.

Y/N let out a shaky breath, holding onto my shoulders lowering herself onto me.

I could feel everything.

I love the way she feels. I never want to go without her again. I’m hooked.

Her warmth tightened around me as she took me in deeper. Her eyes squeezed shut adjusting to me. The sound of my name falling from her lips only fueled my neediness.

My eyes rolling back at the sensation of her. I’ve missed out on this for too long. I glanced down at our connected bodies before quickly flipping us over. I settled in between her legs. I needed to be on top of her. I needed more. My hand traveled up her outer thighs and I took the opportunity to wrap her legs around me.

“You feel so- so good.” I lowered myself to meet her lips once again as I began to thrust into her. She interlocked her ankles behind my back pulling me in deeper each time.

“Faster!” Her voice was full of lust and it drove me wild. “Michael! Please!”

“Y/N!”

The room filled with the overwhelming sound of us satisfying one another. She brought something out in me I couldn’t explain. I licked and sucked on every part of her glorious body. Each moment better than the last.

She kissed me like I’ve never been kissed before. Her lips so soft. Her tongue so sweet. Kissing her came natural to me. Kissing her made me feel alive. Kissing her was like breathing. I needed it to live. I needed her to live.

“I’m going to-“ I felt myself release inside of her. The sting of Y/N’s fingernails dragging down the length of my back adding to my pleasure. We were both panting, but insistent on staying connected. Insistent on burying myself inside of her over and over again.

“Please!” Her lustful cries echoed off the walls as she clenched around me. Watching her come undone made me want to do this- do her all night- every night.

“Michael!” I collapsed on top of her resting my head on her voluminous chest.

“I love you.”

“I love you.” She began laughing uncontrollably. I looked up at her seeing a genuine smile gracing her face.

“What is it?”

“I can’t believe we just did that.” She sheepishly covered her face and I immediately pulled her hands into mine. Forcing her to look at me.

“I wish we had done it sooner.” I smiled kissing her deeply.

“The floor was fun.. Can we maybe try a couch or a mattress next time?”

“Next time?” I moved sliding my arms under her neck and legs lifting her up and walking out of the closet into our bedroom. I laid her on the bed gently spreading her legs with the tips of my fingers. “Who said I was done with you?” I chuckled leaning down kissing her inner thighs.

“Michael! Oh my-”

“Relax, I’ve got you baby.”

[dreamyelectronicmusic]

🎄 Hallmark Christmas Movie AU Part 4 - The End 🎄

(part 1) ❄️(part 2) ❄️(part 3)

Boris and Göran were looking forward to teasing Wille about not spending the night in his own bed, but when Wille gets back with red-rimmed eyes, they know this isn’t a time for jokes. Wille doesn’t even want to go see the play in the evening, but eventually they convince him to go since he worked so hard on the flats. Wille thinks it’s probably his last chance to hear Simon sing, so he agrees.

The play is a smashing success. Everyone loves Wille’s work and especially the changes he made. He’s very proud but it’s marred by how sad he is about Simon. He would hate for their last interaction ever to have been a fight, so he finds him after the show.

“I’m really sorry, Simon. I never meant to hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have snapped.”

“I just want you to know you’re the furthest possible thing from inconsequential. I’ll never forget you.”

Simon watches him with sad eyes. “I hope you have a nice Christmas.”

Wille won’t, but that’s beside the point.

“Thank you, Simon. You too.”

And that’s it. A sad ending to the best days of Wille’s life and it’s all his fault, but what can he do? A car is waiting to take him back to Stockholm. He has to go back to his real life.

Only the staff are there to welcome him when he gets back to the palace. His parents and brother are at some function that Wille was allowed to get out of, but that ends now. Official royal engagements are all his life is going to be. The hope of escape is too distant to be of any comfort. It’s almost worse than before, now that he knows how nice life can be. He can’t sleep, tossing and turning in bed. He thinks of Boris and Göran’s quiet domesticity, his conversations with Boris, the way he feels when he’s painting. And Simon. Simon, Simon, Simon.

He dreams of him, too. When he wakes up, he can’t believe he let his chance at happiness go without a fight. It suddenly seems obvious what he has to do if he ever wants to be happy and that he has to do it now, not at some indeterminate, uncertain point in the future that may never come.

He goes to see his mother.

“Why aren’t you getting ready?” she scolds.

“Because I’m not going,” Wille says firmly. He’s not going to the gala, he’s going back to Bjärstad. He’s finally learned what it feels like to be alive and he’s not letting that feeling go. He’s going to withdraw from royal work and relinquish his titles. Yes, he’s serious, and there’s nothing she can say that could sway him. They can discuss the details after the holidays, but his decision won’t change.

Then he walks out of her rooms, grabs his coat and goes to the garage to get his own car. He doesn’t drive often, not since Erik was in an accident that could have ended very badly, but the Queen could stop the royal drivers from taking him, and more importantly, he doesn’t want to arrive like a prince.

The roads are busy and it’s snowing heavily, so the journey takes twice as long as it normally would. It’s dark by the time he gets to Simon’s house, and Simon isn’t home. He must be at his mother’s place already. Wille doesn’t know where Linda lives and has to ask locals for directions. It’s a full-on snowstorm by then and the streets of Bjärstad haven’t been ploughed, so Wille leaves his car where it is and makes his way to the other side of the town on foot.

Linda’s living room is softly lit and full of Christmas decorations and plates of cookies. Simon and Sara are there, as well as Linda’s new husband and his children and Boris and Göran, who are there for end-of-movie reasons. The atmosphere is warm and cosy. The only one who isn’t joining in the fun is Simon, who’s struggling to take part in the conversation. When the doorbell rings, he welcomes the opportunity to get away for a minute and goes to open the door.

He doesn’t know what he expected, but it definitely wasn’t Wille, shivering and nearly covered in snow.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came back. I changed my mind.”

“What about the gala?”

“I’m not going. I’m not doing any of it anymore, Simon. I’m done. I just told my mum.”

Simon is stunned. “What did she say?”

Wille shrugs. “She’ll come around. I hope. But it doesn’t change anything if she doesn’t. I’m done.”

“Did… did you do it because of me? Because I didn’t mean to ask that of you, I don’t want to be the reason why you –”

But Wille is shaking his head vehemently. “No. I did it for my own sake. You were right. I don’t want to do this to myself anymore. I want to have a life I actually like. And I… I’d like you to be part of it. If you’ll have me.”

Simon’s heart is beating so hard he thinks Wille must be able to hear it. “What the hell do you think?”

Wille honestly has no idea, but he’s saved from any doubts by Simon throwing himself in his arms and crushing their mouths together. They kiss in the swirling snow, relieved and happy and so in love they barely feel the icy wind.

“Why are you letting the cold in?” Sara calls from the doorway. “You can do this inside!”

And so they do.

[ghoulfuckersincorporated]

Can you give us a hint on the dead dove fic?! So curious what it could be. Maybe even a line from it🙈

I'm happy to provide a little blurb if that's what y'all want! 👀 Here's a 300-word sneak peek of what's likely to be the next long-form one-shot:

As A Dog

Pairing: Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x Female Reader

Warnings: smut (18+), DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT, Jealous!Cooper, canon-typical violence, pet play-ish activity, hard drug use, forced intoxication, slightly fucked-up conceptions of love and loyalty, slapping, boot licking, oral sex (male receiving), face fucking, rough sex, riding, orgasm denial (female), creampie.

Things were quiet between them as she fidgeted in her spot, the tension of an inescapable conversation in the air, but the desert's constant score, the hiss of sand across corroded asphalt, the soft rattle of the wind in the rocky hills, played on. His muddled ears played tricks on him, making him hear murmurs and distant gunshots and the echoing crack of his rifle butt into that farmhand's face, but he tuned them out, focusing on her steadying, but increasingly heavy breathing, his eyes unable to leave her mouth. He let himself drink in the fact that she really was there, sat on her knees in the dirt before him and already begging him for his forgiveness, for his acceptance; corporeal, flesh and blood and her sweet smell and that wet, warm place between her legs. Only in his drug-induced private fantasies had he felt it, but he knew he wanted to bury himself there, as deep as possible, and never let her pull away. She looked up at him so dreamily through those thick lashes, though whether it was real affection in her eyes or simply the haze from all the Jet he'd forced down into her lungs, he couldn't tell. "I really am sorry, Coop." she whispered, those big, round eyes brimming with big, wet tears. It wasn't difficult to see her sincerity, even as he struggled to focus. But that hot coal of bitter anger still smoldered in his gut, not replaced by the lust he felt, but fed by it. Slowly, his own movements labored under the weight of too many substances, he reached out and ran the thumb of his sullied glove along her smooth, smooth cheek. Smearing the trail of wetness there until he was tracing the outline of those pouty lips, he pushed it into her mouth. "Prove it."

[mysteriousbp]

We saw alot about kanako as an amalgamate but we have not seen anything about half-amalgamate kanako (first post kanako in a panic attack) and im really curious about that.

Does she have amalgamate powers (shapeshifting and possibly ignoring the laws of physics) or does she just turn a bit goopy is this something kanako and possibly clover control or is it more subconscious (i like the idea that instead of a hurt sprite she she will start to melt like zenith martlet) im a huge fan of the concept of kanako being back to normal but under certain circumstances she goes back to being an amalgamate só i really want to know what your take is

Bonus questions

Does kanako have a fear of neddles

Does she consider the other amalgamates as family, visits them and possibly tries to find a cure for them using her father's research in her teen years

And finally I DEMAND WHOLESOME ART OF GOOPY KANAKO AND CEROBA, SHE HAS SUFFERED FROM WAY TO MUCH ANGST LET US COMPENSATE WITH HAVING WHOLESOME ART OF MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BONDING

(Hope this doesn't give you to much trouble i have been watching your contente since the first post of this au and i love it i hope to see more of your contente and i hope you make more of this au)

Kanako half-amalgamate form is something subconscious that happens when whoever is in control has a panic attack or is really stressed out. 

And no, she doesn't have amalgamate powers. She just becomes goopy. (Even then, Amalgamates being able to shapeshift is kind of dumb. If they can shapeshift, why don't they just shapeshift into a more normal-looking form???)

Anyway. You said that you guys haven't seen anything about half-amalgamate Kanako? THEN HAVE THIS :D

A thing that I mentioned before that I haven't gone deep into is that my AU version of Kanako has Cleithrophobia. And that's the fear of being trapped. Which she gained after being trapped for almost 2 years in the true lab. It just felt right to give her that fear. And she gets the worst cases of panic attacks when she gets trapped inside an elevator or in a place where the only way to leave is an elevator and it's not working. She's just a little kid who was in a place she couldn't leave after losing a family member and not being able to see or hear from her mother. That would affect a child's mind really badly.

(If someone is wondering why Clover is only on one panel, it's because Kanako's brain subconsciously blocks everything around her when in a panic attack. Even Clover. So Clover has a hard time snapping Kanako out of her panic attack. And also, we only see Kanako's pov to see what's going through her head when she's panicking. Everything else, it's Sadie and GK pov.)

Bonus questions

"Does kanako have a fear of neddles"

Yes. She also developed Trypanophobia after the accident. Clover, it's the one in control of the body when they go get a vaccination or something else... After Kanako burned a doctor's office after using a fireball out of panic.

"Does she consider the other amalgamates as family, visits them and possibly tries to find a cure for them using her father's research in her teen years"

Kanako does consider the other Amalgamates to have distant families, and she does visit them from time to time.

And no, she doesn't try to cure them. Her father died from a soul experiment; she almost died too, and the other fallen monsters needed to melt together to stay alive. She knows that soul experiments are dangerous. She doesn't want to change, making things worse. It's already a miracle that the fallen monsters are still alive. Why risk killing them with a research that has already caused so much pain?

"And finally I DEMAND WHOLESOME ART OF GOOPY KANAKO AND CEROBA, SHE HAS SUFFERED FROM WAY TO MUCH ANGST LET US COMPENSATE WITH HAVING WHOLESOME ART OF MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BONDING"

Okay.

Have Ceroba comforting Kanako after she had a panic attack from a nightmare she had.

(Creatures notes: I don't know why... But Kanako with half-amalgamated hair looks great to me...)

[aceofstars16]

Next chapter is up!

It...took a while cause...creating anything has been hard but...here you go! I want to finish this by the end of the year but we'll see if that happens...And I want to make a cover too but...*gestures to feeling really burnout and unmotivated*

And as always, the chapter is below the cut as well.

Complications arise in the aftermath of the dragon attack.

“That’s not good.” Dipper muttered to himself. He had been on watch for a few hours now, and he could hear the sound of foot traffic outside the store room they had found shelter in. Thankfully, no one had tried to come in yet, but that was the least of his worries right now. As time ticked on, his arm had started aching more and more, as if the salve he’d used on it had stopped working. That shouldn’t be possible, every time he’d used it before, it had healed the wound after a single use. But as he unrolled the bandage on his arm, he grimaced. He had stopped bleeding, but the teeth marks were still prevalent, and his skin felt warm to the touch. Something about the dragon’s teeth - or maybe what had been in its teeth – obviously was too strong for even the salve from dimension 326 to solve.

At least I’m used to this sort of thing. Dipper thought to himself as he grabbed a new bandage and loosely wrapped it around his arm, there was no point in using salve unless he knew it was going to work. Biting the bandage with his teeth, he managed to tighten it enough. It had been easier last night. Mabel had helped bandage him up after he had taken a look at her leg.

Mabel! Dipper quickly looked at the younger version of his sister. Her wound had been much worse than his, and as soon as he saw her, he froze. She was pale, and seemed to be shivering. A chill went through his own body at the sight, though part of that must’ve been the fever from his own infection.

Quickly glancing at Stan, Dipper was relieved to see that he was still asleep. He didn’t want his nephew to worry. Then he looked at Ford, who Mabel seemed to have curled up against in her sleep. For a moment, Dipper debated what to do. He obviously needed to get help, for himself and Mabel. He could just leave, after all, the room had been secure until now. But he knew how quickly a safe place could become compromised.

Standing up as quietly as he could, Dipper carefully made his way over to Ford and tapped him gently. For a moment, it seemed as if Ford was still asleep, but then his eyes opened slightly and he seemed to scan the room before looking at Dipper.

“Something wrong?” He asked in barely a whisper.

Dipper bit his lip and nodded to Mabel, who was still sound asleep despite Ford’s movements.

When Ford glanced down at Mabel, he froze, his body growing rigid.

“I’m going to look for something to help.” Dipper said quietly and pointed to his arm. “I have a pretty good idea of what she’s feeling right now.”

“Are you strong enough to be up and about?” Ford asked, frowning slightly.

Dipper nodded. “I’ve been through worse.”

Understanding flicked across Ford’s face and he nodded. “Hurry.”

“I will.” Dipper glanced at Stan then Mabel again. “I shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

Standing up, Dipper carefully made his way to the door and slid the barrel out of the way. Then he slipped out into the alley. 

-----

The ground grew distant as Stan let go of the shutdown switch. He was weightless. The whole room was vibrating as the machine turned on. Then something started pulling at him. He aimed a punch at it but it wasn’t anything tangible. It was the portal, pulling him in.

“Grantie Mabel! Ford! Help!” He screamed, trying to reach out for something, anything to stop the pull.

“Stan!”

Ford cried out as he tried to swim towards Stan in the air, but he wasn’t making any progress and the pull was growing stronger.

“Stanford!”

“Stanley! Hold o-”

Ford’s voice died away as Stan was pulled into the portal. For split second, he could still see the basement of the shack. Then it was gone, and he was alone.

“Ford!”

Jolting upright, Stan looked around frantically, only to be met with an unfamiliar room instead of the vast space that the portal had left him in. His heart was racing and a heaviness grew on his chest as reality slammed into him once again.

“Stanley? Are you okay?”

Stan glanced towards the voice and saw old Ford looking at him, brow furrowed. Mabel was curled up next to his almost-brother, asleep.

“I…” Stan took a breath and nodded, trying to calm himself. When Dipper had first found him, Stan had nightmares every night. They’d gotten better but Dipper had always…

“Where’s Dipper???” The realization that his grunkle wasn’t in the room brought Stan’s anxiety back full force.

“He left to find some medicine.” Ford said, frowning in concern at Stan. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Swallowing, Stan nodded, but he must not have been very convincing because Ford raised an eyebrow.

“Dipper should be back soon. You…you can sit here if you want.” Ford patted the ground next to him, on the opposite side of where Mabel was curled up.

For a moment, Stan just looked at Ford. In one sense, it was comforting to know that there still was a Ford he could talk to, but it wasn’t his Ford and...he still couldn’t shake the feeling that this Ford didn’t like him very much. But the memories of that night still clung to him, and being close to anyone sounded good right about now.

Getting up, he made his way over to Ford and sat down, not quite touching his brother. As he did so, he noticed how pale Mabel looked and a different worry sparked in his chest.

“Is Mabel okay?”

Frowning, Ford glanced at Mabel before giving Stan a very forced smile.

“She will be once Dipper gets back with the medicine.”

Stan frowned a little, not even realizing he was matching Ford’s expression. “Are you sure?”

Silence. Stan looked up and saw Ford staring at the door, and in his gut, Stan knew he was worried but trying not to show it. Which didn’t exactly make him feel any better.

Then Ford returned his attention back to Stan and he sighed. “Mabel is strong, I…she‘ll be okay.”

“Yeah…she fought off a pumpkin monster one time.” Stan said quietly.

Ford quirked an eyebrow and Stan was pretty sure that meant he wanted to hear more.

“We were exploring the woods…kind of when we weren’t supposed to. But you wanted to find a-oh I mean…my Ford wanted to follow some instructions he found in Dipper’s journal so…we snuck off.” As he spoke, a weight grew on Stan’s chest again and he looked at the ground, trying to fight back the overwhelming sadness. He wished he could go back to that day, when the scariest thing was a stupid monster and Mabel was fine and Ford was…

“You miss him.”

Stan quickly looked up but old Ford wasn’t looking at him, he was staring at the wall.

“Of course I do…” Stan said quietly, then he couldn’t stop himself from asking the same. “Do you miss your Stan?”

Ford straightened at that, a frown replacing the thoughtful look on his face.

“I…it’s complicated.”

“…oh…” Stan mumbled, the weight on his chest growing as he tried to keep tears at bay. Apparently something could come between him and Ford. And if it happened in one universe…would it happen in his? Or would he even see his Ford again?

Another question came to Stan’s mind, one he had been too scared to ask, and maybe he shouldn’t voice it. He was already feeling awful but…might as well get it over with, right?

“Do you hate him?”

----

“That sure is a nasty bite.”

Dipper grimaced as he saw exactly what the doctor saw. His arm definitely wasn’t looking too great, and he felt a lot warmer and weaker than he had when he’d left the sanctuary of the store room. Thankfully, he had managed to find a doctor pretty quickly. If he already felt this bad, he didn’t even want to think about how Mabel was doing. The faster the doctor figured out what to give him, the sooner he could get the same medicine to Mabel.

“What did you say did this?” One of the eyes of the doctor looked up, while the other three continued to examine his arm – she reminded him a bit of a snail in that way, but she was much bigger and didn’t have slime or a shell from what he could see. Maybe a crab was more in line with what she looked like. Whatever, she wasn’t the weirdest creature he’d seen in the multiverse and apparently she was the best doctor in town. At least according to the store owner that he’d talked to.

“I didn’t say.” Dipper responded to her question. Sure, he could mention the dragon creature, but something in his gut told him that it was something to keep discreet. He had overheard some aliens talking about “The Shadow Death” in a way that sounded almost…spiritual, as if it was some sort of evil.

The doctor hummed – though it sounded more like a gurgle – then turned to her pack of medicines and rummaged through them.

A moment later, she pulled out a syringe and before Dipper could react, she had stuck him with the needle. Out of instinct, he tried to pull back before she could inject him, but she moved a lot faster than he expected. Man, was he really losing his touch?

“Don’t squirm. This will get rid of the infection. As for the bite…” The doctor pulled out a spray bottle and rag and sprayed his arm.

Gritting his teeth, Dipper tried not to show how much the spray hurt, but apparently he wasn’t the best at that because the doctor just chuckled.

“It hurts but it helps.” She said before wiping his arm – removing the foam that had arisen from the spray. Before quickly wrapping his arm again.

“There. All done.”

She started ushering him up, apparently she didn’t want him lingering around. Maybe she just had a lot of patients, or maybe she suspected what bit him and didn’t want him around longer than necessary.

“Wait!” Dipper said, planting his feet to keep from being pushed out the door.

“What? The medicine works. You already feel better.”

She was right. Strangely enough, he felt like his fever was already gone, but he couldn’t leave without getting medicine for Mabel too.

“Someone else got bit. A girl, my-my sister. She needs the same medicine…maybe more. She wasn’t looking very good when I left…” Just that thought sent a wave of anxiety rushing through Dipper’s body, but he tried his best to shove it down. He just had to hurry, that was all.

The doctor frowned for a moment, then grunted. “How big?”

Dipper stared at her for a moment, then realized she was asking about Mabel. “About…” Dipper used his hand to measure about how tall Mabel was. “Still a kid.”

For a moment, the doctor just narrowed her eyes at his hand, then she hurried back to her supplies. She rummaged around then came back with her arms full of different bottles and rags.

“Inject this first.” She handed him a prepared syringe with a strange orange liquid in it – different than the one she had used on him.

“Then this.” She gave him another syringe, this one looked like the one she’d given him.

“Clean the wound with this,” she handed him a bottle, “And this,” a spray bottle. “Then have her drink this.”

The last bottle was placed in his arms and Dipper frowned. “This is a lot more than you gave me.”

“A kid needs more, and different. Now go, I have more work to do.”

This time, Dipper let himself be ushered outside, and he could only hope that the different medicines would help Mabel as much as they helped him. He was tempted to use only the things that had helped him but…the doctor didn’t seem to have any ill will and she had helped him. So, he pocketed the medicines she had given him and stepped out of the medical building.

Quickly making his way through the crowd of people that had gotten much larger than when he’d arrived, Dipper did his best to avoid bumping into anyone. However, as he shuffled through the crowd, something seemed…off. Glancing over his shoulder, he tried to pinpoint what it was. Everything looked fine. The aliens were acting normal, so what-?

Dipper stumbled over his feet and barely stopped himself from falling. Moving as fast as he could, he made his way to an alley and immediately hid behind the wall of the building.

As carefully as he could, he glanced around the corner to search the crowd again. And there his fears were confirmed.

Freglo, the bounty hunter. Dipper had some experience with him in the past. He was ruthless and Dipper had only escaped by jumping into a wormhole as it was closing. If he was here…

Ducking back behind the wall, Dipper closed his eyes and tried gathering his thoughts. He wasn’t sure if Freglo had seen him, he didn’t think so. But it was only a matter of time before he tracked Dipper down, and Stan and…Mabel.

Letting out a curse under his breath, Dipper started making his way down the alley. Mabel didn’t have time for him to figure out a plan. His best bet was to get her the medicine and then figure out what to do about the bounty hunter.

Making his way carefully back to the storage room, Dipper did his best to make his trail confusing while still being quick. Freglo used scent to track, so if he could mix it up some, maybe he could confuse the hunter. Or at least give him enough time to help Mabel before facing the beast.

-----

“Do you hate him?”

A weight grew in Ford’s chest as the question lingered in the air. Stan was looking at the ground, his arms wrapped around his legs. The first thought that came to Ford’s mind was, yes. After all, Stan was the reason he was here, the reason Mabel was here. But even as that justification grew in his mind, his heart seemed to balk at the word. Hate. Did he really hate Stan?

“Never mind. I…forget I said anything.”

Stan’s voice was quiet and fearful, as if he was scared of Ford’s response. For a moment, Ford was taken back to Glass Shard Beach, after Pa had said some degrading things about Stan – like he always did. And now here he was, years later…treating Stan the same way. And yes, Stan made a lot of mistakes, and Ford would be lying if he said he wasn’t angry with his brother but…

“No…I don’t hate him.”

“You don’t?” Stan straightened up quickly, looking at Ford in shock.

Trying to squash down the pain that came from the surprise on Stan’s face, Ford let out a sigh and shook his head. “No…I…I might be a little frustrated with him at the moment but…that’s not for you to worry about. I…I don’t know if I could ever truly hate him…”

“Or me?”

For a moment, Ford just stared at the younger version of Stan in shock. “Of course I don’t hate you. I…you remind me of times I…haven’t thought about in a long time…but they were good times.”

“Like what?”

The ghost of a smile grew on Ford’s mouth. “A lot of things, but mostly summers on the beach, fixing up the Stan O’ War.”

Stan straightened up. “You had the Stan O’ War too?”

A small chuckle escaped Ford’s mouth. “Of course, in fact…” Taking a breath, Ford carefully put a hand inside his inner coat pocket, wanting to make sure he didn’t damage his treasure more than it already had been. Grabbing it, he pulled it out and looked at it for a moment before showing it to Stan.

A faded picture of Stan and Ford as kids, standing in front of the Stan O’ War.

“Is that…how…how old is that?” Stan stared wide-eyed at the picture, reaching out to take hold of it.

For a split-second Ford felt a familiar pull at the thought of letting go of the photograph. He had kept it for forty years, through countless dimensions, and he’d never let anyone else handle it. But he let Stan take it. After all, it was Stan, and if he was going to share it with anyone, it would be Stan – young or old.

Stan held the photo carefully, his eyes locked on it. And only after a moment did Ford realize he could see tears prickling in his eyes. A heaviness grew on his chest and he carefully rested a hand on Stan’s back.

Looking up quickly, Stan quickly wiped at his eyes. “Will I ever see him again?”

The question brought an unexpected sadness upon Ford. Not just for this Stan, but…for himself as well. When he’d first been pushed into the portal, he never imagined seeing Stan again, and now it seemed more impossible. But Stan had managed to turn on the portal once, and knowing his brother, he wouldn’t stop until it was back on again.

“I don’t know, Stanley…but…” Ford sighed and glanced at the picture. “Why don’t you keep that? I think you need it more than me.” Maybe that wasn’t true. The thought of not having the picture scared Ford. As if he was admitting that those two kids would never be that way again, would never be as close as they once had, and might never actually see each other again. But if he could help Stan, even an alternate version, keep up the hope that he had lost, well…he’d survive.

“Really?” Stan asked quickly, his fingers gripping the picture tighter.

“Really.”

For a second, their eyes met and an understanding passed between them. The tension that had been lining Stan’s body ever since he had first run into Ford disappeared, and the frustration that Ford felt at his brother’s recklessness eased. They were okay now.

A door flying open broke the moment, and Ford quickly grabbed for his gun, only to relax as he saw Dipper, who quickly closed the door behind him.

“What’s wrong?” Ford asked, immediately sensing Dipper’s stress.

“It’s…” Dipper’s eyes flickered to Mabel and he shook his head. “First things first.”

Ford tried to calm his nerves as he watched Dipper treat Mabel with a variety of medicines. He knew Dipper wouldn’t hurt Mabel, just like he wouldn’t hurt Stan. But still, he didn’t know what Dipper had gotten to treat her and with his hurried entrance and treatment, Ford knew something was wrong.

A few times, Mabel muttered in her sleep as Dipper treated her, especially when he injected her with one of the medicines, but she didn’t wake up. However, the pale tone of her skin seemed to lessen as Dipper applied an ointment to her leg.

“There.” Dipper pulled back from pouring a medicine down Mabel’s throat. His arms were shaking and Ford felt a similar tension in his own body.

“What happened out there?”

Dipper frowned and glanced at the door. “Bounty hunter.” He said quietly, seeming to want to keep Stan from hearing, but the kid had sharp ears and he sat up straight.

Dread pooled in Ford’s stomach as he looked at Mabel. “Did he spot you?”

Dipper’s eyes flicked to the door again. “I’m not sure, but…if he did…”

“We need to move.” Even as Ford said it, he knew that was impossible. Mabel was still recovering and moving her could make her worse.

Looking at Dipper, Ford saw the same concern in his eyes. For a moment, no one moved, then Dipper broke eye contact and looked at Stan.

“Get your stuff, Stan.”

“What?” Stan looked at Mabel and Ford, then at Dipper.

“We need to leave.”

“Now???” Stan glanced at Mabel again.

“Yes.” Even as he spoke, Dipper hastily packed the few items that had been scattered around the room – which wasn’t much. It seemed he traveled as lightly as Ford did.

Stan followed suit, only to stop as he realized Ford wasn’t moving. “Why aren’t you packing?”

Ford exchanged a glance with Dipper. “I’m staying here with Mabel.”

“What!?” Stan blurted out. “What…you can’t…we’re supposed to stick together, right? We-we just found each other and-”

Ford reached out and place a hand on Stan’s shoulder. “Stanley, you have to go. I…I’m not your Ford. We can’t-”

“You lied!” Stan snapped, tears growing in his eyes as he pulled away from Ford.

“No, Stan. I didn’t-”

“L-let’s go, D-Dipper,” Stan stuttered, grabbing at Dipper’s hand and pulling him towards the door.

“Stanley, wait!”

But Stan had already pulled a stunned Dipper out the door. He was gone and Ford felt just as horrible as he had the first time Stan had stormed away all those years ago. Only this time, he couldn’t make it right. Because he’d never see the kid again. He would always think that Ford didn’t want him around, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Grunkle Ford?”

Mabel’s voice shook Ford out of pain that was threatening to overwhelm him.

“I’m here.”

“How long have I…?” Mabel’s voice trailed off and as she scanned the room frantically. “Where are Dipper and Stan?!?”

[animeniacss]

So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 19 - What Have I Done?

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 6.8k words

Chapter 19 - What Have I Done?

Mina’s desperate attempt to say your name one more time fell on deaf ears, because you simply repeated your comment: “Don’t. Talk. To. Me.”

“Please, I just have to...”

         “What? What else do you need to take from me?!” You asked. “That’s it! We are done here! You wormed your way into our lives and took everything from us. What else do you want?!” You motioned to the two men on either side of you. “Them?!”

“Woah, wait.” Jeonghan said quickly under his breath.

“My friends?! My college degree?!””

         “No, please.” Mina gulped. 

         “No, you don’t get to say please to me for anything! I cannot believe I let myself get fooled by you! The minute you told me you came here to be Mingyu’s wife i should have know not to trust you! But I’m an idiot, I will admit. The really thought you and I could be friends. But I was wrong. So now you have everything you came here for and you still ask me for more!? Give me a break!” 

         “Hey…” Joshua gripped your shoulder. “Take it easy.” You sniffled, feeling all of the tears you were holding back in the hallway with Mingyu finally begin to spill. 

         “I’m sorry.”

         “No you’re not!” You snapped. By now, the entire room had gone silent, staring at you. Mr. Kim and Mr. Miyou were stunned to silence, watching in shock. “How can you possibly be sorry? I can’t accept your apology!”

         “You need to listen, I-.”

         “I’m done listening! Listening to you got me here in the first place!” You sniffled. “It’s okay if you never liked me, but you claim to love Mingyu and yet you make him suffer like this! I just can’t understand!” Mina finally fell silent, unable to stop you long enough to utter a full sentence. “And you invited me for what? To suffer? It’s cruel after all I did to befriend you and try to see you beyond our feelings. And yet despite all of this, for some reason, I came because I wanted to see if he was truly happy. I just want him to be happy.”

         Mina pursed her lips together. She heard her father approaching, along with hotel security. Joshua and Jeonghan immediately took your arms.

         “We got her.” Joshua said quickly.

         “No need to make a bigger scene.” Jeonghan added. You turned to Jeonghan, who motioned to the door. “Let’s go, okay?” You nodded, before your eyes finally fell to Mingyu, who was standing just behind Mina, his father standing at his side and keeping him from getting closer. You shook your head. 

“Don’t invite me to the wedding.” You said simply. Mingyu’s mouth immediately closed as he watched you walk out, Joshua and Jeonghan on either side of you. The hotel security followed behind, seemingly making sure the three of you actually did end up leaving. When the door closed behind him, Mingyu ran a hand through his hair.

     “Ohhhh God. I fucked up, I fucked up so hard.” He gasped to himself. All he could see was your teary eyes and red face, a sight he would never unsee for as long as he lived. 

              “Don’t let that girl get you down.” His father said, a supportive pat too his shoulder. “Seems she’s crazier than we thought.” Mingyu couldn’t look at his father as he walked away with Mina’s. It took a few seconds for the rest of the party to devolve into its previous chatter, the music slowly replaying upon his father’s request. He watched as Mina immediately turned on her heel, heading down to the other side. Her friends from home immediately got up from their spots and swarmed her, comforting her from that ‘scary encounter’. Mingyu turned to the rest of his friends, and his expression only got more pained when he saw their looks of disapproval. “What do I do?” he choked out. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” 

                “End your engagement.” Seungkwan said simply.

               “But.”

               “End the engagement.” Hoshi repeated.

               “My father will-.”

            “Don’t end it.” A voice behind them alerted all of their attention. Jihoon stood there, hands in his pockets.

            “Pardon?” Minnie asked.

          “Whos side are you on again?” Seungkwan asked. Mingyu watched Jihoon approach him, patting his arm since he couldn’t reach his shoulder. His lips tightened at the realization of the height difference, the one thing that could bring Mingyu any slight bit of amusement in this moment.

        “Don’t dig yourself into any holes. It’ll work out just fine. Just give it some more time. For now.” He pointed to Mingyu’s eyes, which Mingyu only realized now were red and wet with tears. “Keep that expression.”

        “What?” Mingyu tried to turn back to Jihoon for more information, but he too strolled out of the party room, the doors once again closing behind him. He sighed, chewing the inside of his cheek when he heard his name called one final time. He turned his head, seeing Mina reapproaching him. He gasped for a breath of air, shaking his hair.

      “Yes?” he asked. Mina rubbed her eyes, sniffling. Mingyu kept his hands at his sides, despite the natural instinct to offer her a tissue. “Are you alright?”

         “I am. I think I deserved some of that…” she said softly. After a second of scanning the area, her eyes finally landed on his, and widened when she saw how upset he was. “You’re crying?” she asked softly.

         “Can you blame me?” he asked, finally raising a finger to rub his eyes. 

         Mina sighed. “I want to go home.” she said. “I’m exhausted.” Mingyu turned to his friends, who simply turned back to the table, forcing themselves out of the conversation. He looked to the door you strolled out of a few minutes ago. Sighing, he nodded.

         “So do I.” he said softly. He knew, however, the car he was going to get into would not take him home, but to the buidling he shared with Mina. He felt as though he deserved it. 

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Mina sat on the bed in her room. She could hear Mingyu getting ready for bed himself in the other room, as he always did. She sat for a minute, listening to distant rustlings down the hall before rising up and heading down there herself. The hallway felt longer than it usually did tonight. She walked towards the door, reaching out and knocking on it once. Twice. Three times. When there was still no answer, Mina called out. “Mingyu?”

     After an eternity of silence, the door propped open. Mingyu rested himself on the door frame, and Mina felt herself take a second to take all of him in. He was in a loose tee shirt and sweatpants, his hair still a bit damp after a shower. This would be the part of the fairytale where he would smile down at her with his infectious grin, pulling her close to him and whispering sweet nothings about how amazing the night was.

     But as Mina recalled earlier in the evening, this was no fairytale. Mingyu’s smile was long since erased from the pages of her mind, and no matter how hard she tried, only blurry memories came to her now. Mingyu crossed his arms, resting his side against the door frame. Instead, he greeted her with puffy cheeks, and bags of exhaustion under his eyes that weighed his entire face down. “Yes?” He finally asked.

   “Uh.” Mina was suddenly at a loss for words. All she could picture was Mingyu staring you down in the hotel hallway. His eyes prickling with tears as he tried everything he could think of in the moment to suppress them. She knew what she wanted to say to him, she had been practicing it for weeks specifically for tonight. Why don’t you join me? We are engaged, after all. The words seemed so easy to say, but why were they stuck in the back of her throat? She opened her mouth one more time, and saw Mingyu patiently waiting for her to speak. I can’t. She thought, already anticipating the answer she feared most. She shook her head. “Never mind.” She finally said. “I’m sorry. Goodnight.”

        Mingyu nodded as Mina made her way back to her room. She heard him close his door only after she closed her own. Resting against the back of the door, she felt her legs give out all of the energy she had been trying her best to maintain through the day. Her feet were still throbbing from her heels, unable to support her anymore as she sank to the floor. Pulling her legs to her chest, she buried her head in her knees.

         When Mingyu’s smile did form clearly in her mind, you were at his side. Fighting over photos during the fireworks, playing chicken in the ocean, nestled close during breakfast the last morning as he tried to steal some of your bacon. 

         It’s okay if you never liked me, but you claim to love Mingyu and yet you make him suffer like this! I just can’t understand!

It was a cruel irony, but it was one Mina felt she deserved after what she has done. The pain in your voice sat like a dagger in her chest, and she curled up into herself in hopes to push that feeling away. 

   “What have I done?” she muttered to herself. “I’ve ruined everything. I’ll never see him smile again…”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

         Only son of Kim Law Firm celebrates new engagement – Christmas wedding in the works!

        You scoffed at the news title that was plastered on the front of the newspaper that morning and every morning since, tossing it into the garbage so you no longer had to look at the photos of the two together. It made you sick.

     It had been a month since the engagement party, and school already back into the swing for the new fall term. Mingyu had yet to show up on campus, and once again the rumors as to why began to spread. Only this time, they were backed up by evidence. Where they even rumors in that case?

     “I bet his new wife doesn’t want him on campus with some other girls…”

      “I thought the same thing! I wouldn’t let my husband anywhere near his first love. He’s probably taking all online classes.”

      “That’s so sad. He made my Korean law class just a bit more bearable, even if it was just the back of his head I saw…”

    “Why is this happening again?” you sighed, resting your head on the table of the library. You and your friends had agreed to meet up in the library that afternoon after the lunch rush came to an end. The rumors continued to follow you, latching onto you and sucking the life from your veins like vicious and toxic mosquitos on a hot summer day.

   “Don’t listen to them. They have no idea what they’re talking about.” Minnie assured, patting your shoulder.

  “Yeah.” Hoshi said. You finally lifted your head up when you heard footsteps approaching. Looking over, you saw Joshua and Jeonghan taking their seats beside you. They hadn’t mentioned Mingyu since you three left the engagement party, nor had they checked their symbols on your hands. You knew better than to ask, though each day you were itching to know even more. Maybe it was those pesky mosquitos leaving bites.

    “Please tell Jeonghan he’s in charge of dinner tonight.” Joshua said, his light-hearted comment causing you to look at him.

      “I cooked last night. You need to start pulling your weight.” Jeonghan sneered, poking Joshua’s head as he snickered in amusement.

       “I did breakfast.” He reminded. You rolled your eyes, closing your textbook. The duo was still playfully bickering until you quickly motioned your book in their direction. They flinched a bit, eyes wide as you simply set the book down and reopened to your page. “Hey!” He pouted. 

      “I’m not in the mood. You both want to keep staying at my house, you figure out the cooking.” You could practically hear the duo whine, and it only made you smirk as you flipped through the pages. 

    “You’re not a very nice tenant.” Joshua teased, but immediately looked away when you shot daggers in his direction.

Despite what had happened, and the duos hesitance to talk about it, you three had found a pretty comfortable routine in your apartment. One cooks breakfast, the other cooks dinner, and you always have a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day. At first the duo did it to help you as you got over your emotions. However, it remained this way even a month later. None of you complained. Well, until now. “I think we should get something to eat tonight, anyway.” You said. 

      Hoshi gasped, leaning forward. “Dinner party at your house?” he asked.

    “What?” Despite the shock of the question, a grin formed on your face.

  Minnie’s eyes widened. “I’ll bring the drinks.” Minnie cheered.

  “I’ll grab snacks.” Seungkwan said, and Hoshi agreed to help.

  “ Chicken .” Joshua and Jeonghan beamed. You laughed a bit.

        “Uh, okay then. We can study, then.” Closing your textbook seemed to seal the deal. The idea of having plans tonight made you feel pretty good for the night ahead. You scanned the table as everyone seemed to chat with one another about the night ahead, seemingly more excited the more options were thrown onto the table. However, for some reason, you pictured the night ahead, a thought creeped into your head. One thought that you assumed had long since abandoned you. 

              I wonder what Mingyu’s doing tonight….

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

       “We’ll be right back!” Joshua called, both him and Jeonghan already out the door. You waved them off, taking the time alone to set up some snacks for your friends when they arrived. The group chat was buzzing with everyone sending texts about their arrival. Hoshi kept spamming the chat with photos, and you smiled at each one came into view.

          Prawn-flavored chips.

          Ice cream.

         Seungkwan’s face.

         A blurry picture of Seungkwan’s face.

         Hoshi giving a piece sign.

           Jihoonie would totally love that last one. You snorted at Minnie’s text as it flashed onto the chat. Both Hoshi and Jihoon frantically began telling her through text that she needed to mind her business, and it only made you laugh harder. As you finished setting up the last of the snacks in bowls, you sat on the couch. Immediately after sitting, your eyes came face to face with the dust-collecting snowglobe on your book shelf. You exhaled. “I’ve been meaning to put those away.” you mumbled to yourself in hopes it would finally give you the motivation to do so. It didn’t. Instead, you were brought back to when Mingyu first gave that to you. 

         “Wow, how cute!” Mingyu smiled as you took it into your hands, examining it. “Is this the Statue of Liberty inside?”

         “Yeah.” he said happily. “It’s much bigger up close.” You laughed a bit, shaking the globe and watching as the fake snow danced around it. “I hope you like it.”

         “I love it!” You gasped. “I feel like I’m really there just by looking.” Mingyu smiled a bit as you shook it once again, continuing to circulate the little snow particles inside. “It’s so cute…” you breathed again in excitement. 

         “Yeah…” Mingyu breathed, looking at your expression brighten the more you shook the globe. He coughed into his hand. “Hey, uhm…I wanted to tell you something.” He said. Your eyes shot up to him, sparkling in excitement as you waited to hear what else he had to say. “Ah.” Mingyu laughed nervously to himself. “I-.”

        ��“Hm?” You cocked an eyebrow. 

         “...Want to see pictures of Time Square? It’s huge.” When he held up his phone, you gasped, nodding in excitement. Mingyu scooted closer to you, holding out his phone as he began scrolling through the pictures.

         A small smile formed on your lips as you remembered the excitement you had as he showed you pictures of New York, telling you stories of him time seeing all of the major buildings in the area. It was fascinating. “He must have wanted to tell me how he felt then, too…” you mumbled to yourself, chuckling a bit at the realization that was just a little bit to late. Eyes fell to the windchime above your balcony entrance, and the same thing: Mingyu gave it to you, tried to confess, yet got cold feet and simply told you about his trip. Again, the smile forming on your face was widening, and you chuckled.

         “...I really need to take this stuff down.” you said again, biting your lip. Before you could do last minute spring cleaning, you heard a knock at the door. Thinking it was Minnie or Seungkwan, you hopped up. “Coming!” you called. You picked up your phone, taking a minute to scan through the constant flow of messages to see if one of them said they had already arrived. None did. “Huh.” You pursed your lips, heading to the door anyway. Another knock, and you picked up the pace. “Sorry. Coming!” you called once again.

           Reaching forward, your hand gripped the doorknob, turning it and pulling the door towards you. As it swung open, you looked ahead to see a familiar head of long, black hair. A familiar porcelain face and a familiar set of moles decorating that face. Déjà vu raced through your brain, a marathon being ran in a matter of seconds. “Mina?” you finally managed to gasp out.

       “Hey.” She smiled softly. “Bad time?”

You stared at Mina in awe for a few seconds. “What…” you felt your breath catch in your throat. “What are you doing here?” You asked. Mina seemed to think of her answer for a second.

        “I wanted to talk to you.” She finally chose to say. “Is this a bad time?”

        “Uh, yeah.” You said. “My friends are coming over and-.”

        “I’ll be quick. I’m sorry. I know I always drop by at the worst time and leave a mess behind.” You felt the sadness in her voice as she said that despite her forcing out a laugh. That only made it more obvious. “Please.” She said.

        “…Okay.” You finally said, motioning her inside. Mina nodded, taking her shoes off before padding into the apartment. You motioned her to the couch, where she sat herself down. “Do you want something to drink?”

        “Oh, no. It’s okay.” She said. You watched as she looked around from her spot on the couch. Her eyes fell on every Knick-knack and souvenir she could find. “I think this is the first time I’ve actually been in your apartment for as long as I’ve known you.”

        “Yeah…” you sat down on the chair, looking at her. “Now, what did you want to talk about?” Mina seemed shocked when you didn’t continue to entertain her with some small talk, but it made her smile.

        “Right. I didn’t expect to come in and be treated like a friend after everything.” You watched Mina open up her purse, pulling out a small white envelope and handing it to you. She saw you hesitate, but it only made her push it closer. “It’s not what you think.” She finally said. You took the envelope into your hands, pressing the paper just a bit to see if it would provide a clue as to its contents. “Promise you won’t open it right now.” She said.

        “Why?” you asked.

        “Just my request...” She said simply. You arched an eyebrow.

        “Well, when will I be able to?” you asked. Mina laughed a bit.

        “When I leave, if you want.” You scoffed a bit at the vagueness of the response, setting the envelope in your lap. You looked up at Mina again, wondering if that was the end of the conversation. You could hear your phone buzzing on the table. It was only a matter of time before your friends arrived, and you were hoping Mina would be long gone before then. “I want to say one more thing before I go.”

        “Okay.” You said simply.

        “I’m sorry. Truly.” You had to suppress a laugh, looking away for a minute to collect yourself. “I’m serious. I’m sorry.”

        “You had to come all the way here for that? It could have been a text. You said that when this whole thing started. You said it at the party. Yet, you don’t seem that sorry considering you’ve continued forcing Mingyu to live a lie.” Mina nodded.

        “I know.” She said. “I’ve tried making the best of our situation. I thought once Mingyu started classes again, and interning with his father at the firm, he would start to feel better about the entire thing. I thought it would take his mind off of…” when she trailed off, you had to chew your bottom lip. Mina sighed before continuing. “But it didn’t work. It only made things worse. I’ve spent this entire two months trying to make everything feel as normal as possible. At every corner, I’ve failed.” She sighed. “But I think I’ve failed from the very beginning. I joined the game midway through and thought I could win. I told myself I wouldn’t cheat, but I snuck myself to the finish line at the very end. And now I feel dirty.”

        “You should.” You covered your mouth when those words escaped your lips. Mina looked shocked only for a second, eyes darting up at you. “That wasn’t-.”

        “No.” she said quickly. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be proud of how I acted. I told myself I would win Mingyu’s heart fairly. I didn’t want him to be with me for selfish reasons. But when I saw you and him so happy in Jeju, watching him put all of his efforts into you, and knowing that I foolishly chose to help you win, jealousy hit me out of nowhere. I acted brashly and I’m sorry.”

        “…It’s nice to know that you’re just as ashamed of your actions as the rest of us were.” You said. “I really thought we were going to be good friends like you promised.”

        “I know. I burned that bridge on my own. I’m sorry.”

        “But there’s nothing apologizing will do now.” You said. “You did what you did and now you’ve won. Mingyu is yours. He’s chosen you.” Mina chuckled a bit to herself, the comment seeming to hurt her more than you would think. “...Am I wrong?” you asked curiously. 

Mina glanced at you. “I…I can’t say.” Mina said simply. “I can only say that my methods weren’t…what I wanted them to be.” 

        A snort. “If he thinks any of that was true after everything we’ve been through, then he might not have really loved me at all.”

        Mina smiled. “You’re all he talks about.” She said. “Even now. Every story I manage to get out of him, or hear him talk about to someone else, is a story that has some connection to you.” Hearing that made you finally go quiet. “I’d be jealous if it wasn’t the only time he smiled recently.”

        You leaned back in your seat, finding the right words before you allowed yourself to speak. Was she trying to make amends? Or was she trying to gloat? You felt a weird tingle of guilt course through your veins. “Mina.” You finally said, and she looked over. “I need you to promise me something if you intend to see this marriage through to the end.” Mina watched you get up, walking over to the little snow globe collecting dust on your bookshelf, picking it up and brushing it with your hands. “Promise you’ll be good to him. He’s a good man who doesn’t want people to get hurt. He only gets mad when it’s for those same people that he really cares about.” Mina watched as you passed her the little snow globe. “As you know, he always buys gifts. After a while, when time passed and wounds heal, he’ll probably start buying you gifts. You should act surprised every time, it makes him happy.”

        Mina brushed her fingers along the globe as well, a few extra dust particles fluttering down onto the floor as she did so. “You did something selfish but I don’t think you’re inherently bad. He’ll come around one day.”

        Mina didn’t believe those words you said for a second, but you didn’t think you believed them either. You just wanted to end the conversation before the lingering feelings began creeping up on you once again. Feelings you long since tried to forget. Déjà vu was a vicious beast, it seemed. Mina finally rose from her spot on the couch, handing you back the snow globe. She watched how delicately you took it into your hands again, smiling down at it briefly before setting it away once more. “I should get going. I’ve held you up long enough. Thank you for talking to me.”

        “Sure.” You said softly, walking Mina to the door. You opened it once more, watching as she walked out. She turned to you once more.

        “Bye.” She said. You only waved, nodding your head as Mina finally made her way to the elevator. You only watched her depart for a second, before closing the door. Silence reentered the apartment, only the sound of your feet padding against the floor as you picked up the white envelope. You shook your head, opening the side table drawer and sticking it beside the TV remote, slamming it closed. “Yeah, right.” You muttered to yourself. When you felt your eyes begin to water, you walked back over to the snow globe, holding it in your hands. You shook it a few quick times, watching as the snowflakes fluttered around the plastic Statue of Liberty. The memory again flooded your mind and you smiled to yourself. 

         A loud bang from behind you startled you, your hands jolting up in shock. A scream of shock erupted from your lips and you watched as the snowglobe fell to the floor, the glass shattering around your feet. 

         “Hey! We are here!” Hoshi called, foot extended outward. He and Jihoon’s hands were filled with bags of snacks, hence his extended foot to open the unlocked door. The duo walked in just as you knelt to the floor. “Hm? Sorry, did I scare you?” Hoshi laughed sheepishly. You did not respond however, your hands frantically picking up the Statue of Liberty. In your rescue attempt, your finger nicked one of the glass shard, and you cursed under your breath. 

         Jihoon set his bags on the table, walking around the couch to you. “Hey. Are you - oh.” He watched as you looked up, smiling a bit.

         “Heh. Sorry.” you said, feeling your eyes water. “You guys scared me.” Jihoon and Hoshi shared an expression, one of pity you couldn’t see behind your watery eyes. However, you did see Hoshi come to you side, resting his head on your shoulder and rubbing your arm as Jihoon knelt down and began picking up all of the glass shards. 

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

        “Try it.”

        “No, Jihoon.” Jeonghan said for what felt like the billionth time. He motioned a can to Joshua.

        “Jisoo-Hyung?”               

        Joshua cocked an eyebrow as he looked down at the fallen angel before him. He was holding a beer out in their direction. Jihoon’s smile only got wider as he motioned it closer.

        “Absolutely not.” Jihoon scoffed, leaning back in his seat as he cracked the beer open himself. He pouted a bit, putting the drink to his lips and taking a sip.

        “I’m going to need eternal drinking buddies! Come on. It’s not that bad.”

        “No.” The duo said again. When Jihoon tried to encourage them again, they both responded by sticking pizza into their mouths to avoid the conversation. It made you laugh a bit.

        “You have plenty of drinking buddies right here.” You said, patting Hoshi on the shoulder. He set his beer down, already red in the face as he looked up at you. “Right, Hoshi?”

        “Aaah, yeah.” He smiled, completely unaware of what you were even talking about. Jihoon immediately leaned forward, handing him a water. “Aaaah, for me? Awwwww, Wooziiiiiii.” He giggled, and Jihoon couldn’t hold back his amused smirk.

        “Take it, dummy.” He said. It took a second, but Hoshi popped open the bottle and took a long sip, which you saw finally relaxed Jihoon. The night had been pretty eventual so far, the group eating and drinking the night away as they chatted about anything and everything. Studying, the reason for the late-night visit in the first place, was put on the back burner for loud laughter and snacking. It was much better this way. The current event was watching a very drunk Hoshi and an almost as drunk Seungkwan encourage the entire group to play a game of ‘Hongsam’.

        “Not when you’re that drunk.” Minnie said, grinning behind the head of her bottle. Hoshi shot up.             

        “Yes Hongsam.” He sang, wiggling his hips.

        “Everybody Hongsam.” Seungkwan stood up and did the same thing, hoping it would encourage the group to join in. However, when he noticed he was the only one doing it, he blinked. “Hey now….” And the room erupted into laughter.

        “Absolutely not.” You said behind laughter, sipping your beer.

        “It kind of looks like fun.” Joshua said.

        “Then you play.” You grinned. Joshua smiled at you as you took another sip, letting out a deep sigh. “Man, it’s hot in here. I’m going to get some fresh air.”

        The idea of you leaving the area perked Joshua’s ears to that instead, forgetting the game even existed. “I’ll come too.” Joshua said quickly, following you out the door. Jeonghan’s eyes, which were amused watching the drunk duo goof off, shot to Joshua as he watched his friend follow behind you, opening the door to the balcony and allowing you to step out first. He didn’t even look back, instead just closing the door behind the both of you.

“It’s about time.” Minnie said, making Jeonghan look over.

“What?”

“With Mingyu out of the picture, I was waiting for the moment Joshua would finally grow a pair and confess. Seungkwan owes me ten dollars!”

“I do not! I do not bet with the likes of you.” Jeonghan bit his lip as the room continued to fill with playful banter, his eyes locked on the balcony. He could only see the both of you a bit, the curtain blocking most of his view. Jihoon noticed the angel’s sudden change in demeanor.

        “You sure you don’t want that drink?” he asked only more time, but only got an annoyed glance in response. “Okay…”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

        “I thought you were going to play Hongsam.” You said, looking to Joshua as he joined you outside. He rested his elbows against the balcony.

        “I’m not going to be the only one entertaining those two.” He joked, and you had to laugh a bit. You looked down at the world below from your balcony, before taking another swig of your drink. “Besides, it’s nicer out here.” Joshua glanced to your hand which Hoshi and Jihoon had bandaged after your cut. “Are you okay?”

“Hm?” you looked down at your bandage, a bit of dried blood poking through. “Oh, yeah.” You assured. Maybe it was the drinks, but guilt began bubbling deep into your chest as you spoke up once more. “Joshua. I’m sorry I messed everything up.”  

        “What?” Joshua looked over at you.

        “I couldn’t get you guys back into heaven. Now, you’re both stuck here until I get with Mingyu. That’ll never happen now.” You let out a dry laugh, and Joshua frowned.

        “We’re the ones that knew the risk from the beginning. Don’t blame yourself. We could have done more, too.” He sighed. “I could have.” 

        “But still-.”

        “I said don’t blame yourself. Jeonghan wouldn’t want you to, either.”

        “Okay.” You sighed, defeated. Joshua watched as you finished your beer, setting it down on the floor of the balcony. Your elbows loosened, allowing your hands to dangle a bit over the balcony, eyes staring straight ahead. “Are you guys going to live here forever?”

        “Do you want us to?” he grinned a bit when he heard you laugh.

        “It definitely is less lonely with you two here. But we’ll have to actually invest in nicer beds and maybe more space.” Joshua was now that one to laugh. “Let’s go house hunting.”

        “That means we’ll need jobs.” Joshua sighed. “I never thought an angel like me would be sending out job applications on earth.” You smiled as Joshua playfully dropped his head loose on his neck. “Oh, how the mighty fall.”

        “For someone who calls Jeonghan dramatic, you’re really dramatic.” Both of you shared a laugh in the cool night air. Joshua glanced over at you one more time. He bit his lip for a second, before finding himself unable to hold back as he asked you a very important question.

        “Can I hold your hand?” Confused and stunned expressions led him to clarify. “I want to see my symbol…”

        “Oh.” You laughed nervously, turning to him. Joshua watched you extend your hand to him, which he gently took into his own. He stared at it for a minute, as if he was thinking. It made you smile. “Did you forget how to do it?” you asked playfully.

        “Heh. No.” He assured. His thumb rubbed over the back of your hand for a second, before he finally closed his eyes. He felt what little angel power he had in his body to summon the contract seal. Is it even there? He thought to himself. If it’s not, there is absolutely no going back. One of his eyes popped open, studying your expression. You were looking back out at the skyline as you waited. The moonlight sparkled along your features, your eyes dancing along to the stars in the sky, studying each one. He felt himself grip your hand a bit tighter when you smiled, seemingly catching a constellation in your sights. I won’t be able to go back. If it’s not there, if it’s red, I’ll use this as a chance to tell her-.

        “Uh…Joshua…” the nervousness in your voice made Joshua’s eyes pop open, his cheeks flushed as he tried to pull himself from his thoughts. So much for his chance, he was to flustered now. He followed your gaze, your wide and curious eyes now staring directly at your hand. His eyes followed, and immediately, he saw the little check floating above your hand. “It’s….”

        “It’s white.” He breathed out, a mix of relief and shock. Immediately, the both of you looked up at each other, eyes wide. Joshua gripped your hand, looking down at it once again. “It’s white! It’s white again!”

        “What does that mean?!” You shouted.

        Both of you went silent, turning back to the living room. Joshua wasted no time fling the balcony door open, the loud thud of the large door crashing against its hold startling the entire crew.

        “JEONGHAN!” You both shouted, making him immediately hop out of his seat.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

        “I’m home.” The sound of the sink running in the kitchen signals for Mina to make her way down the hall. She heads that way after taking her shoes off. When she pokes her head in, Mingyu only looks in her direction. “Hey.” She smiled sweetly.

        “Hey.” He points to the fridge. “I saved some of my lunch, if you’re hungry.”

        “Ah.” Mina smiled a bit. “Thank you. That’s thoughtful.” Mingyu nodded, turning back to the sink to finish with some of the dishes he had started with. Mina rested against the door frame, watching his back silently. “Mingyu.” She said, but he only hummed. “Remember when we went to the cherry blossom festival in the spring?”

        Mingyu nodded his head, not once looking up from the bowl he was scrubbing. “With my friends? Yes.” He said. Mina nodded.

        “Would you want to go again next spring?” Mingyu shrugged at the question.

        “Maybe.” He said. Mina nodded. Mingyu then stopped the dishes, finally looking back in her direction. She instinctively stood up straight. “Oh.” He motioned to the kitchen table in the corner by their bay window. “I took the liberty of skimming through some of these when I got the mail. I was curious.” He picked one up, flipping through it casually before turning the page in her direction. Her eyes followed his finger as he tapped on a set of beautiful Christmas flowers. “These are nice.”

        Mina felt her heart speed up, eyes sparkling. He’ll come around. “You think so?!” She asked. Mingyu nodded, and Mina looked at the burgundy red flowers nestled in beautiful green leaves. The wintery background of the picture only enhanced the Christmassy vibes of the flowers. Mingyu turned the page back to him, smiling a bit to himself as he nodded.

        “I’ve really fallen in love with this color in the past year…” he said. Mina’s smile dropped as Mingyu set the magazine down on the table, making his way back over to the counters. Mina watched him grab a sponge and start to wipe some of the counters down. She looked over at the flowers once more, trying to recall where she had seen that color before. The more she thought about it, the more images flashed into her brain.

        “She does look so pretty in that dress.” Mina whispered to herself.

        “What?” Mingyu looked over, eyebrows furrowed together as he tried to figure out what she was whispering about. He saw Mina closed the magazine and set it back down, an obvious look of discomfort on her face. “Hm? Are you okay?” Mina walked over to Mingyu without an answer, taking his hands tightly. He dropped the sponge that was in his hands, glancing down at it for a second. “Hey.”

        “Let’s go on a trip.” She said quickly. Mingyu arched an eyebrow, but Mina was already dragging Mingyu out the door, slipping on the fastest pair of shoes they could as they made their way to his car in the garage.

        The drive was quiet, but not in a way Mingyu had found himself used to in the past. Mina looked out the window the entire trip, hands in her lap as she gripped her pocket book. Mingyu sighed, running a hand through his hair as he turned the next corner. 

         “She really did think she was talking to you.” Mina said, the sudden sound of her voice causing Mingyu to look over at her. She turned to him. “At the beach house.”

         “Ah….” he nodded. Mina sighed.

         “I was right on the balcony. I saw it all. Jeonghan came to get her, and she said goodbye to Mingyu.” Mingyu gripped the wheel.

         “Why are you telling me now?” he asked curiously.

         “I thought you should know.” she said simply. “I know it really hurt you, and her. Not only that, but it hurt Joshua. He didn’t do anything wrong. I was jealous.” Mingyu nodded his head.

         “Thank you.” he said. Mina smiled a bit, looking down at her pocketbook. She admired the cherry blossom keychain that jingled with every bump Mingyu hit on the drive, and she took it gently into her hands. 

        “How cute! Thank you Mingyu!”

        “I figured you’d like it since you seemed to enjoy the festival.”

        “I didn’t buy you a gift.”

        “Don’t worry. It’s from friend to friend. Thank you for being so cool with everything at breakfast.”

        “No problem…”

        “I’m hoping next year I’ll be able to take my friend to the festival. We can go together. She’s been telling me how badly she’d love to see them in person.”

        As Mingyu pulled up in the driveway of his father’s home, Mina was relieved to see her father’s car also there. Mingyu slowed the car in the driveway, and when it came to a stop, Mina was already out of the car. He watched her speed walk up the driveway, bag gripped tightly in her hands. Mingyu slipped out of the car as well, beeping it to ensure it was locked before following after her. “Mina!” He called, but there was no answer.

        Mina walked past every single worker in the house as they greeted her, Mingyu quickly following behind and saying his own greeting to them followed by a frantic slew of ‘sorry’. “Mina.” He called again. “What are you doing?” He was horribly confused to what had her locked and loaded right as they pulled into the driveway. However, when he saw Mina turn down a very familiar corridor with a very familiar set of doors at the end of the hall, Mingyu felt dread in his stomach. “Mina.” He called again, but it was too late.

        Mina swung the doors of the office open, alerting both her father and his own. Mingyu hurried behind her, finally alerting her attention to him for a second. “What are you doing?” he asked. She only offered him a smile, before turning to her and Mingyu’s fathers.

        “What’s the problem, honey?” her father asked, standing up from his spot.

        “Father.” She took a deep breath. “I’d like to end my engagement.”

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[mayasaurusss]

Day seven: bonfire with friends.

(no romantic pairings)

A/N: I fucking hate when Tumblr glitches and makes me write a post more than four times.

This takes place in an hypotetical 3rd season timeline.

When the crash happened, it felt like every crumble of life the group had had been sucked away from them.

There was nothing to look forward to. Nothing to make the dread go away. Nothing at all other than hunger and death.

You'd spend the nights inside the cabin, trying to warm up against one another. No one would speak, no one would say anything.

Happy moments usually happened randomly. Someone would say that they wished to do, like playing in the leaves, and the others would follow.

You sigh, looking at the soil you sits on. The cabin has burnt down last winter,and now that the cold is approaching once more, the situation seems more dire than usual. If they don't miracously get rescued, they will all die out here.

Everyone around the camp is busy preparing for winter: someone is cutting wood, other are building makeshift houses, others are gathering all possible herbs and Natalie has gone hunting. You are taking Mari's place as the cook today, since she so graciously decided to leave her position to do God knows what. At least she gave it to you and not Misty. You hope your cooking won't make the group hear voices from the trees.

You look at the pot of dubious lookign food you are stirring, chunks of meat and herbs bubbling up on the surface. This moment, with everyone working around the campfire, make you remeber when you went camping with your family when you were a child.

"Fuck, I wish we had something like s'mores instead of..." the red coloured water makes a loud pop, before returning dormant once more, "...this".

"Well, we don't have them. So" Shauna has been very, very tired. You can see it in her eyes how a part of her died when Jackie, her baby and Javi died. She was the one tha suffered the most out here.

"Well, yeah, we don't have 'em" your reflection moves on the surface of the water. "But we can still have a party. You know, like-" Shauna stops chopping down the meat abruptly, likely thinking of slicing your throath with the knife. You can almost feel the blade at your throath, "Like...we did once".

She hums and continues to chop away. "Hmh, we could do something" Misty says, "anything really, for that matter".

"Right?! Like. I dunno...dancing?"

"If Natalie somehow comes back with something, we will have a party" Shauna says, chopping so hard that her finger almost flies off. Too bad, could have been a nice snack.

"We got something" Nat and Travis come back from the woods, dragging a deer carcass behind them.

You and Misty both gasp and look at eachother, your one shaired braincell automatically acting up. Shauna's only answer is "Oh you got to be shitting me!".

Cuts to the whole lot of you hanging around the campfire, dressed with warm clothes and crowns made of fern and whitering flowers.

Natalie is silent near Travis; she seems annoyed or bothered, but the truth is that she's listening to the sound you all make. She won't ever tell you, but since the crash, it has become her favourite sound. She knows you are all alive and alright.

Lottie seems distant, like she has been for the past year, ever since her pills had finished. Who knows what's going on in her head.

Mari, Gen and Melissa are haninging out togheter, probably gossping about someone or something from back home. Alikah just exists near them.

Taissa and Van are nowhere to be seen. They are probably doing something togheter in the woods.

Misty has sat next to you and is rambling about some phylosophers. She has the incredible capacity to jump from one topic to the other, and before you cna realize, she's talking about medical stuff and how to reinsert a bone in it's structure.

Shauna is alone. Her eyes bore into the fire's blinding light. Despite begin the closest to it, she has never felt so lonley and cold. Her friend isn't here. Her baby isn't here.

You excuse yourself from Misty's grasp for a moment and sat next to Shauna. She barley aknowledges your presence and continues to watch the fire.

"Hey..." you don't even bother asking her if she's fine. You already know she's not. No one here is fine.

"Hey" Shauna says, not making an effort into having a conversation with you.

You humm, hoping that she'd get the hint and tell you what's wrong, but alas, that does not happen.

"You...want to talk about it?" you facepalm yourself from how stupid the question sounds. Of course she doesn't want to talk about it.

"No" her answer is quick, blunt. But as she says it, something breaks in Shauna's heart. She's tired. She's tired of not taking about it, she's tired of repressing her emotions, she is tired of begin alone.

"But...can you stay here, please?" the question comes out strained, threatening to make her spill tears.

Her body reacts faster than her mind can, and she rests her head on your thighs. The position is awkward, she had mayasaurusss

to position her body sideways, and everyone is looking at her, but she doesn't care.

"Can you tell me a story?" it's like she's a kid again, asking for mother to tell her just one last story before bed time.

You take the first thing that comes to mind and begin to tell.

As if moths drawn to a flame, everyone starts to gather around you, hanging onto every word of your story, until sooner or later, they fall asleep near you.

The night has become dark and cold, but here near the fire, you can't feel it bite at your skin.

Your eyelids feel heavy, and before long, your dreams bring you far from here, to home.

Under the starry night, with your friends by your side and the fire crackling, it feels like you can do anything. Maybe you will be okay.

[r-ex-mor3]

💌Love Letters💌

Feat. Weather Forecast, Anasui, Jolyne, Ermes (separate)

Synopsis: It’s been hard for you as your lover was in jail. It’s been hard for you but you decide to send love letters..

Warnings: Possible bad grammar, not proofread, this may suck 💔 (readers gender isn’t specified)

Genre: Fluff

Weather Forecast

Hearing a bang on the closed jail cell, Weather looked up to see an officer holding what seemed to be mail..

“Hey, You have mail that was delivered to you.”

The officer double checked before passing it to the male.

“Thank you.”

The officer just nodded and walked away to give others their mail. Weather looked down at the cutely decorated envelope. Turning it over, it seemed to be from you..

As quick as he got it, he unwrapped it looking at the letter.

‘Dear Weather,

I’ve missed you dearly.. It’s been too long and I wish I could see you! But, due to what happened a while back at the prison, they won’t be taking visitors for a while. At least I’m still able to send mail, right?

Enough of that but, how has it been? I missed you more than you can imagine. I miss seeing you walk through the door, sleeping beside me and everything.. I’m happy that you’re safe as it’s been more gloomy now that you’re not around. How have you been? If you’re able to write back, I’d love to hear all about your time to see if you okay!

~ Love, S/O!’

A little drawing of a heart and a cloud resembling you and him at the bottom right of the page. His heart seemed to swell and so, he looked up from the letter before putting it away for safe keeping awaiting for the gates to open later for him to make a letter to you.

Anasui

Anasui was pretty shocked to hear that he had mail directed to him. He never really had anyone as people always feared him for his actions except for you..

It was early in the afternoon. He was sitting in the courtyard before an officer walked up to him and passed him a package.

“This is for you.”

They then walked away. He looked at the neatly packaged envelope. A drawn on heart and a cute little drawing of himself beside it. He scoffed with a smirk.

Opening it, he sees a cutely decorated container. Taking it out and taking off the top to reveal your lipstick that he said was his favorite color. It was a gorgeous soft, light pink rose color.

He looked in the envelope once more to see a note. Opening it, it read:

‘Hello my dear,

I hope you’re doing okay and that you’re safe. It’s hard to know we’re distant. I remember when we first met when we were younger. Oh how time flys, am I right?

I wish to see you but due to my family moving away, I won’t be able to. Oh, how I wish to hug you right now!

Hopefully you got the lipstick, I know how much you love the color and you seeing it on me from my past letters. If you got it, I was able to have you initials written on the side of it! Just know I’ll love you no matter the distance!

-💋, S/O’

A beautiful kiss mark was gorgeously placed. Anasui brought the letter to his lips and gave a small kiss to it wanting to cherish it forever as long as he lives.

Jolyne

Jolyne was slouched beside Ermes talking a little about their past. Before Jolyne could say anything really, an officer walked up and placed a envelope on the table.

“For you.”

And they walked away leaving Jolyne confused. She picked it up spectating it to see it was a familiar name. Opening with swiftness, she smiled.

“Hey, who’s it from?”

Jolyne chuckled, “My S/O sent me a letter.”

She saw a little doodle of herself beside you and her smile hurt her cheeks but she couldn’t help it! Opening it more to read the contents inside, Ermes peaking over her shoulder to look and read with her too:

‘My dear Jolyne,

I heard from your mom that you were in jail. I don’t know what to say as I heard of what happened all through your mom. I told you Jules, he wouldn’t be good for you. I’m just sighing, writing this.

I love you Jolyne. Not just as friends but more than it. I wish to tell you face to face but I can’t because of travel complications. I hope everything goes okay.

I wish I could at least hug you one more time. Love you &lt;3

~Love, S/O

Ermes awed as Jolyne placed her hand on her cheek at her words. Oh, how Jolyne fell for your love so quickly.

(Ermes ended up teasing her the whole day)

Ermes

F.F tossed a ball to Ermes, catching it, she passed it to Jolyne as they talked about different things and a little bit about Whitesnake. Before it got passed again, an officer walked up.

“Ermes Costello?”

The young, bubbly officer looked at the woman before passing the envelope with a smile.

“Have a good day Miss Costello!”

The officer walked away as Jolyne and F.F were kinda shocked at how sweet they were. The two walked over to Ermes looking over at it.

“So, what is it?”

F.F questioned. Ermes turned it around to see her name and a recognizable name. She sat down on the ground F.F and Jolyne following in suit.

“Hm? It’s a letter from someone I know, they used to always go to my fathers restaurant to work there..”

Jolyne tilted her head slightly with a goofy little smirk.

“Well, open it!”

Ermes opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

‘Hello Ermes!

We haven’t really gotten to talk for a while now.. you probably even forgot who I was! Heh. It’s all good if you did! I never had the chance to say sorry for your loss. I know how hard it can be and sorry for bringing it up.

I liked to just say I love you! I wish to say it to your face but I can’t, it’s hard to face you in times like this especially with what I’m going through at the moment. I heard there are phones there. If there’s a chance, can you call me and we could talk for a bit and catch up on everything we missed.

I’d love to hear your voice again!

Number- (xxxx-xxx-xxx)

-Sincerely, S/O &lt;;3’

F.F and Jolyne awed at the sight of it as Ermes read it out for Jolyne and F.F to hear.

“It seems like you have a little love bug in your hands there Ermes~”

Jolyne teased, poking at her side as F.F giggled before taking a sip out of the cup of water.

“Enough Jolyne!”

Ermes replied with a giggle, swatting her hand away.

“I’ll call them soon..”

-Don’t copy/steal any of my work, thank you!-

[sunny44]

Chapter 9 (Love is in Mallorca)

Pairing: Carlos Sainz x Fem!reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Y/n goes to Mallorca intending to leave her life behind, at least for a while. Then she meets a mysterious guy who makes this trip, to say the least, unforgettable.

Previous chapter

The darkness of the Mallorca night was dotted with bright stars, like tiny distant beacons, but the clear and calm sky was a complete contrast to the storm raging inside me. Carlos drove the motorcycle along the winding road, the sound of the engine echoing through the surrounding mountains. The wind blew hard against my face, and despite the lingering warmth of the day in the air, I felt a chill that didn’t come from the environment. It was the kind of chill that arises when you know something is about to change.

I tried to focus on the moment—the smell of the sea rising from the cliffs and the adrenaline that always accompanied these fast rides—but my mind was elsewhere. Carlos’ words echoed in my head like a refrain repeated too many times: “I’m a Formula 1 driver.”

Even though I had reasonably accepted his truth the night before, now, with reality settling in, I couldn’t stop wondering what this would mean for us. We were from such different worlds. Me, the girl lost in Mallorca, seeking some kind of adventure or escape from monotony, and him, someone accustomed to the glamour and pressure of the racing world. How could this possibly work?

Suddenly, the motorcycle slowed, and I saw Carlos pulling over on a deserted road leading to a panoramic view of the island. He always knew where to find these places—isolated and full of an almost surreal beauty. The moon hung high, illuminating the sea with a silvery glow that made everything seem even more mysterious.

“I had to bring you here,” he said, taking off his helmet and shaking out his wind-messed hair. “This is one of my favorite places, especially at night.”

I climbed off the bike and looked around. It was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful views I’d ever seen. The distant city lights twinkled, but it was the vast sea that stole the scene, with the horizon blending into the sky in an indistinct line.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, still distracted by my thoughts.

Carlos, sensing my distant tone, stepped closer and gently touched my shoulder.

“What’s going on?” he asked, concern clear in his voice. “You seem… far away.”

I sighed and looked at him. It was hard to put into words the confusion I felt. As much as he had been honest with me, there was a part of me still struggling to reconcile the man I had met with the man he truly was.

“I just…” I began, trying to organize my thoughts. “I think I’m still trying to process all of this. Last night, it felt like I had accepted the truth, but now that the euphoria of the evening has passed, I’m wondering if I can handle your life. The life you haven’t really shown me until now.”

Carlos watched me closely, his gaze steady, but there was something vulnerable in his posture, as if he knew exactly what I was feeling.

“I understand,” he said after a brief silence. “I won’t lie to you, Y/n. My life is complicated. The races, the media, the pressure… it’s all part of who I am, and I never wanted to hide that from you. I just wanted you to see me differently first, before seeing me for what I do.”

I took a deep breath, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to stay calm. There was something about Carlos that made me feel like I could trust him, but at the same time, the magnitude of what he was asking was overwhelming.

“Carlos,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “What do you want me to do? Pretend all of this is normal? That you’re just the guy who took me around Mallorca? Because now I know you’re not just that. You’re someone with the whole world watching your every move. How can I fit into that?”

Carlos frowned, his hands hanging by his sides. He seemed to struggle with his words, as if he knew I was right but didn’t want to admit it.

“I’m not asking you to pretend,” he said, with a sincerity that disarmed me a little. “I just… I want you to see beyond that. I didn’t choose to be famous, but it’s part of my life. But you make me feel like I can be more than that. Like I am more than that. And that’s what matters to me.”

I looked at him, my thoughts racing. He was asking me to accept the whole package—the man behind the fame and the driver whose life was watched by millions. At the same time, he wanted me to feel safe in a place where I could never truly be anonymous. It was too much for anyone to process all at once.

“I like you,” I said, feeling my voice waver as I spoke. “A lot. But I don’t know if I can live in the world you live in. I don’t know if I’m made for this.”

Carlos stepped forward, taking my hands in his. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it also reminded me of the intensity of what he was asking.

“You don’t have to decide now,” he said, his voice low and serious. “I don’t want to pressure you. I just want you to know that, whatever you decide, I’m here. And I’ll understand.”

My eyes filled with tears, not from sadness but from the enormity of what he was offering—a path that could be beautiful but also terrifying. I looked at the sea, at the vastness stretching beyond what I could see, and felt it was a perfect metaphor for what Carlos and I could be: something beautiful but uncertain, full of challenges only time could reveal.

“I don’t know what to do,” I admitted, finally looking at him. “But I know that, as confused as I am right now, I don’t want this to end like this. I don’t want to walk away without trying.”

Carlos smiled—a small smile, but one full of hope.

“That’s all I needed to hear,” he said, before pulling me into a hug.

I stayed there, nestled in his arms, feeling the night wind blow against us but also feeling, for the first time, safe in a place of uncertainty. The future was still unknown, but at least, in that moment, we were together on the edge of the abyss, ready to find out what came next.

Tag list: @lieslostinsilence @iloveallmyboys @r4zberrygirl @hoya122 @sid-is-gr8 @marvel-ous-miss-maisie @barcelonaloverf1life @dark-night-sky-99 @willowsnook @thegirlamongthestars

Next chapter

[aphrodisiac-siren]

Home~ Neteyam x Metkayina!reader

Summary: Leaving behind everything he knew was hard for Neteyam and then adapting to the ways of the new clan was even harder. He'd push himself, overwork and exhaust himself even, to live upto his family's expectations; never really giving his own wants a second thought. That's why Y/N was the prefect companion for him, someone who kept things in his life balanced, who made sure to let him know that what he wanted was just as important, perhaps even more so, than what everyone else wanted of him.

//slow burn, time skip//

masterlist, Part 7

Part 6

🫧

-Flashback-

Time had seemingly frozen for Neteyam in that moment.

The words 'I've been shot' left him feeling like a bullet had gone right through him as well.

He did his very best to keep Y/N afloat, feeling helpless as she continued to bleed from being shot.

"Lo'ak help me" he desperately asked, clicking his tongue at the ilu next to them to swim closer.

They'd managed to get off the sky people's ship, with Spider too and yet Neteyam felt that all his efforts had been in vain. Their escape wasn’t planned out but he thought he could’ve been better at what he always felt was his job: protecting.

He held Y/N close to him, his chin resting atop her head.

With every passing second, his heart only began to pick up pace and a strange feeling engulfed him; like a stone twice his weight was placed on his chest.

He couldn’t bare the idea of losing her so he pushed those thoughts away the best he could yet the dread of the possibility of said instance occurring, lingered.

Lo'ak's voice seemed so distant when he called out to their dad despite him being right behind him.

Y/N coughed and winced in pain as she was carried from the ilu to a rock, clenching her teeth to keep herself from letting all of that antagonising pain emerge in the form of a scream.

Tsirerya was already crying, Lo'ak also just moments from doing the same as they encircled Y/N while Jake examined her briefly.

Neteyam refused to take his eyes off her, his hand holding her's as she occasionally squeezed when the pain got too much.

'Do not take her' he inwardly prayed to Ewa, borderline begging.

He felt as though he had been entrapped in a bad dream and he wanted nothing more than to just wake up to find all of this wasn’t really happening.

"No exit wound" He breathed out, making Neteyam's ears shoot up.

Despite being wounded pretty bad, there was still a slim chance to save her.

Whilst his parents along with Spider went back for his sisters, Neteyam made haste for the village with Y/N.

There was a flame of hope set ablaze at the mention of a possibility that she could be saved and Neteyam would fight almost anyone or anything who would stand in his way of saving her.

"Neteyam" she weakly called out, using up whatever strength she had just to call out his name

'You’re going to be okay' he immediately cut her off before she had a chance to say anything else that would suggest she was giving up 'stay with me, you’re going to be okay'

-End of flashback-

Neteyam and Y/N had, to everyone's surprise, grown distant over the past six years.

Or more like, had been making every effort to stay away from each other as much as possible.

They were like the same poles of a magnet, repelling away from the other.

They both refused to talk about it when questioned and just brushed it off but being part of the same friend circle meant there were some occasions in which they just couldn’t avoid each other and just had to put on a fake front and deal with each other's existence; not to mention the awkward atmosphere they created and the tension that everyone in their group sensed and had to deal with.

"Bro you can’t keep me in the dark about this" Lo'ak groaned, pestering his brother as they sat by the trees at the beach, making arrows as per the instruction of Ronal "I'm your brother, tell me what happened"

"For the last time baby bro, nothing happened" Neteyam rolled his eyes, wrapping the twine around the head of the arrow "sometimes people grow apart"

"Not you two" Lo'ak gave him a look that was a mixture of suspicion and confusion "you guys going from inseparable to absolute strangers is so weird"

"Lo'ak-"

"And anytime you do have any conversations" Lo'ak continued "that include more words than just 'hi' or 'hey' it's you two arguing over something stupid"

"Just shut up and do your work" Neteyam playfully smacked the back of his head, not really responding to his statements. Mostly because what his brother was saying was true.

He and Y/N seemed to bicker more than having an actual conversation; those silly banters seemed to be the only time they actually interacted with each other for more than five seconds and even though Neteyam would never admit it, he did not mind.

If that was the only way they would communicate, so be it; as long as it meant he would still be in contact with her.

He found it pathetic but their relationship at this point had sort of narrowed down to only awkward greetings and immature arguments which were never taken to heart but never really playful either.

He did not like the arguments but it came almost naturally and Neteyam had to admit it was both comical and cute when Y/N pouted and puffed anytime she got frustrated enough at him.

Once they were done crafting the arrows, they headed toward Tonowari’s pod to drop them off, or more like Neteyam having to deliver them all by himself while Lo'ak dumped his share of arrows with him and ran off.

When he arrived at the pod Aonung was there to tell him where to put the arrows before he took his leave for his hunting lessons.

Not wanting to dawdle too long in someone else’s home, he made his way toward the designated place for where the arrows were stored along with a few spears which was located right at the end of the pod near the back door that overlooked the blue sea that flowed beneath most of the village.

The tranquil sound of the breeze blowing in harmony with the waves was accompanied by a soft and irregular humming which captured Neteyam’s attention.

He peaked outside the archway of the back door to look at where the humming was coming from.

There was a hammock that was set up right above the waters, in which Y/N seemed to be peacefully asleep. She looked just as ethereal as she did when he first saw her and he wondered how she managed to do it so effortlessly even while being asleep.

He was fully aware that it was weird to gawk so shamelessly at someone when they’re sleeping but that didn’t seem to stop him from inching closer to get a better look at her.

Not a second too soon and he knew he shouldn’t have made the stupid decision of moving toward Y/N because as soon as he did, he stepped on either a small rock or a shell, either of which were sharp enough to send a surge of pain up his foot that caused him to wince in pain- making him drop all of the arrows.

The sound of the arrows falling onto the wooden porch along with his painful wincing awoke the girl and immediately her eyes locked with his.

A mix of both dread and embarrassment washed over Neteyam like a tidal wave and he wanted nothing more than to just dissolve into the waters beneath him and erase himself from this situation.

Just like how anyone would react to waking up and seeing that you were being watched while you slept, Y/N screamed with both fright and confusion. She jolted upright, the sudden and quick movement causing the hammock to rock violently.

Neteyam tried to help her before she fell, moving toward her with his arm stretched out to hold on to either her hand or the hammock, whichever he managed to catch first.

But things only seemed to be going downhill for him and he stepped onto one of the many arrows pooled around him, the pointy side jabbing at the same foot he’d hurt only a few seconds ago and he yelped in agony, the second surge of pain causing him to lose his balance and topple into the hammock; sending the boy crashing into the waters and Y/N along with him.

“You skxawng!” Y/N snapped at him as she rubbed the water out of her eyes “what is wrong with you?”

“I was trying to help you” Neteyam snapped right back, not too happy about falling and then being yelled at over it. He hauled himself over the narrow porch, outstretching his arm for Y/N to take so that he could pull her up, which she took.

“Help me? You threw me over” she huffed.

“Oh no, you were doing just fine falling off by yourself” he immediately shot back.

“Who-who lurks around and stares at someone when they’re sleeping? Creep, that’s why I fell for you” She briefly paused to correct her slip-of-tongue “I fell because of you”

Neteyam wanted to drop it, he really did but he couldn’t fight back the grin that etched its way to his face.

“Fell for me?” He repeated with a shit eating smirk that he knew would earn him a slap from Y/N “aw shit Y/N, didn’t know being a creep was all it took to get you to fall for me”

“So you admit being a creep?” There was absolutely no amusement in her tone whatsoever and Neteyam could tell he was getting under her skin.

“Wait till I tell all the boys about this” he knew he was pushing it. Y/N did sometimes get so hot-headed that she’d fumble over her words but this time she’d just dropped a pot of gold at his feet and Neteyam was going to bask in this moment for as long as he could “I'll tell them they can drop all their extravagant acts of bravado, just staring at Y/N while she sleeps will have her swooning at you in no time”

“Get out you annoying jungle frog” she smacked his arm, running out of patience and the sound of laughter that escaped Neteyam’s lips only seemed to further infuriate her.

“Okay okay my love, I’m out” he raised his hands in surrender as he got to his feet “you’re cranky when you just wake up anyway”

“My love?” Y/N confusingly repeated, her English accent just as heavy as Neteyam’s “what’s that?”

Neteyam didn’t know why he said that, it just sorta slipped out. He didn’t mean anything by it but he knew explaining what the word meant would only make things weird.

With his back still faced toward her, he bent down to pick up the mess of arrows he’d made and neatly put them away in a corner all while an awkward silence surrounded him.

He wasn’t sure if the prolonged pause was because she was awaiting a translation or if she’d just dropped the conversation but he decided to respond with a ‘it’s nothing’ before he made himself scarce.

___

Over the last six years, Y/N’s spirit of competition only seemed to grow stronger. It had reached a point where even Aonung didn’t try to challenge her much, it was just too exhausting.

So when her recent little encounter with Neteyam ended not only with her absolutely butchering the words that came out of her mouth but with him teasing her for it, proceeding to say something in English which was indefinitely an insult and then refusing to translate it for her, it only left Y/N feeling more annoyed at him.

That was something Neteyam had been doing a lot over the years: being absolutely insufferable and annoying.

She didn’t know what brought it upon him, one moment he was an absolute sweetheart and then all of a sudden he just couldn’t stand to be around her. Ever since that entire fiasco with Quaritch and the sky people, things had become so different.

Neteyam initially used to stay away from her, as if she were a deadly sickness he was afraid of catching. Anytime he’d see her, he’d just turn and go the other way.

And then eventually overtime it turned into silently glancing at each other and then quickly looking away as soon as their eyes met.

From there it evolved into forced smiles anytime they hung out with their friends, occasionally bringing themselves to say a greeting or a goodbye when they dispersed.

Which then became this mess of silly insults and childish banter.

And for some reason, it just stuck that way; never once did they ever come even remotely close to having a normal, sweet conversation like how they used to haven when the Sullys first arrived.

The war between the Na’vi and the sky people had ended but the one between Neteyam and Y/N seemed nowhere near finished.