#someone else's oc I'm not sure how to tag it

[nimadjart]

Thanks for participating

@gelgelada I had completely forgotten about NeoDevimon, thanks for reminding me such a cool Digimon exists!

@tayohshadowind I've never drawn this type of character before, I appreciate you trusting me with it. I also noticed Godith mentioned in the profile, it was a Leo pointing at the screen meme moment (we're mutuals on Bsky haha). Cute character! I liked it. :)

[loveletterworm]

Chibi commissions I did for @devilskniife I think they came out pretty good :]

[sexysecy69]

Ok so i finally started playing Awakening and got to the recluting Nathaniel Howe part and in my head the dialogue went like this

Nathaniel: do you really want a grey warden who wants you dead?

My warden Tabris, who barely remembers who the fuck Arl Howe was, the same woman who also fucked the elf assassin sent to kill her: wouldn't be the first time

[wolves-in-the-world]

hi

so i have been having a thought about this lately, feel free to ignore, if it doesn't fit for you:

anyway, same situation, but trans. (closeted or out (before this situation at least), one or both, any combination, i just think it could add an interesting twist)

i think my favourite version (least angst) is they're both already out, or at least eliot was previously already out but would prefer not to be quite THAT out about it, thank you very much, and quinn doesn't mind either way and is just enjoying the chaos of a good fight and good hitter solidarity (and also does eventually help eliot cover up once the improvised-weapon-instincts stop preventing this from happening)

OH MAN

oh man

okay I have made… so many runs at this in an attempt to either put my Serious Thoughts together in a way that wasn't horrific to read, or focus on the fun stuff only, and friend I'm not sure my brain is playing ball here

(the concept of trans man eliot unfortunately fills my brain with bees - he comes into canon so steeped in The Right Kind Of Masculinity and only softens a little, and reading that as a sort of trans defence mechanism, it's a bit too ouch for me to deal with - and hitters as people who already suffer challenges to their autonomy, imprisonment, Unspecified Horrors... it's just a lot if not handled very lightly and I think there's a reason I haven't played much with transmasc!quinn either.*)

(bees. the reason is bees.)

(ppl who saw my previous occasional trans dick jokes (obligatory why am I like this) may notice they were around all Safe Characters; i don't want to make ppl feel unsafe for the characters in a trans way, at least without warning that I'm delving into that stuff, and for me at least, that's a tricky line to walk.)

I do thank you for the thoughts - it's set cogs spinning in my brain, it's been a while, it's nice - and leave you with the stuff I jotted down before my brain fizzled out and returned to the whirlpool of horrors. it's a little off from what you said, but I hope it's fun anyway:

— so we have the sauna situation. let's assume eliot's there on a job. he's been making friends with some rich asshole and they're either in the sauna or they're headed that way - it depends on how sweaty you want him to be - and, trans or no, there's nothing much downstairs that sets him apart (there are a whole host of bottom surgery options now, not sure how common they were at the time) (I can't believe how dick-focused my past hour has been), and all hell breaks loose in the lobby.

— and, well, shit. what's he gonna do except take someone down with his towel?

— at which point quinn's run in from where he was discreetly standing guard, skidded to a stop when he saw eliot was handling himself fine, and ducked around a corner to see to his own clothes safely. eliot's half on the floor and choking someone out when he hears quinn's call of "here," automatically catches the shirt before it thwaps against his face and bolases around his neck, and has the next goon trussed up with it before he registers that a) that was a lifeline, thanks quinn and b) quinn is now FULLY in the buff and knocking out the security guard who was finally getting his shit together enough to call the cops.

— (I haven't done much with the image of transmasc quinn who started young and baby-faced, wearing ill-fitting suits to his first job, but that doesn't mean I don't love him. here as in your message, "quinn doesn't mind either way and is just enjoying the chaos of a good fight and good hitter solidarity.")

— cue a yelled conversation over the various unconscious and/or restrained bodies as they're tidying up, eliot gesturing frantically at the people gawking from the balcony as though quinn has ever felt even an ounce of shame, and quinn eventually standing there with his eyebrows raised while eliot - beet red - shoves quinn's own clothes at him in an attempt to give him his privacy back.

— I like to think that quinn's tying his tie and eliot's only gotten as far as buttoning his own jeans by the time the others turn up. nate hurries them all along before anyone can comment much, but you bet they're getting looks.

[sleepyselkiesketches]

Updating my characters for artfiiiight

[sundaysconsort]

I would like to request some fluffy established relationship headcanons for Aven, Phainon and Stella (my queen 🤲🐥💛🥹) hehe, take your time with this req! 🤭🫶💖

Entry : " Just You And I Until Forever "

Pairings : HSR! Aventurine | HSR! Phainon | OC! Strelitzia

Information : My "fluffy" Established Relationship headcanons! It's been several years since I've written a request, I hope this is to your satisfaction, my Beloved. I’m sure it’s somewhat ooc, and I apologize if it’s chaotic or repetitive! 🥲💙🫶

Tags : Fluff, Emotional vulnerability, Doubt, Comfort, Established Relationship, Intimacy, mutual respect, supportive relationships, gentle affection, etc. I'm terrible at tags.

Subject: Aventurine | Love Language: Gift giving

Aventurine’s love language is unmistakably rooted in "gift-giving." He is a man who equates his self-worth with his financial success, and there’s a certain joy that radiates from him when he showers you with lavish presents. Each carefully chosen gift is not just an object; it symbolizes his affection and desire to indulge you, reinforcing his sense of pride and fulfillment in the relationship.

He is a man who possesses an uncanny ability to read your gaze, effortlessly guiding you through the vibrant store aisles filled with colorful fabrics and stylish garments. As he strolls alongside you, his keen eye catches sight of various pieces of clothing, and he eagerly presents them to you, his enthusiasm infectious. If you express even the slightest interest in a particular item, he insists on purchasing it for you, his generosity unwavering, no matter the cost. Should you politely decline his offer, he remains undeterred. With a patient smile, he waits for a moment when your attention is elsewhere, and by the morning light, you might discover the very piece of clothing you hesitated over, neatly folded on your bed as if waiting for you. Alternatively, you may receive a discreet text message, a playful hint teasing you about a delightful surprise eagerly awaiting you once you complete your work or studies.

He is a man who takes pride in flaunting you as his own, to the point where it sometimes borders on possessiveness. With a broad grin, he delights in the attention you attract, wrapping his arm around your waist in public and speaking with intention—louder so that those around you can hear. He clings desperately to his last chip, fully aware that without his luck, he feels lost. Without you, what does he have left? You belong to him, just as he belongs to you. It will take time for him to embrace himself, as he is already capable of doing for you.

He is a man whose every intention is to make you feel beautiful, help you stand out, and remind himself that you belong to him. He struggles to understand the concept of love and the idea of someone truly cherishing him. To him, you are a gamble, a thrill he cannot resist, no matter how hard he once tried. He is completely wrapped around your finger.

He is a man who once believed that he could rely solely on his good fortune, as he felt he had nothing else to offer. Or rather, he once had nothing. Now, however, he has more to lose than ever before: you. You have become his top priority for as long as your relationship continues.

He is a man who misses his partner dearly, finding that every little detail in his life somehow reminds him of you. Little by little, he begins to enjoy his life again; every gamble he wins becomes money to be spent on you. You have become his reason for living. Each time he is able to care for his own needs, he feels secure, knowing that you are happiest when he is healthy. You make him whole, serving as a beacon of light in his once-darkened world of solitude. In your presence, he often drops his usual confident facade and smooth talk; whether through his words or actions, he becomes more genuine. He may speak less, carefully choosing his words to ensure they are sincere rather than deceptive.

He is a man who endlessly praises your body and your character. He possesses a genuine love that is free from fabrication or deceit; he truly treasures it. Surprisingly, he is more hesitant when it comes to receiving physical touch than one might expect. In a committed relationship, every move he makes is carefully calculated to elicit a reaction from you. He kisses your fingers delicately, appreciates your every imperfection, and gently trails his kisses toward your knuckles before resting his forehead against the back of your hand.

He is a man who melts into your embrace over time. At first, his body may feel stiff when you take him into your arms, but soon a wave of ease washes over him, and he returns the embrace with an amused comment laced with desire. He craves your arms wrapped around him. His eyes may close as he sinks deeper into your frame, feeling safe. Whether he is the one protecting you or the other way around, he is content to relish this moment. He allows himself to feel the warmth, care, and love that come from a true partner—someone who has seen him at his worst and loves him all the same.

He is a man who takes every chance to whisk you away on a luxurious adventure. While he enjoys shopping during your dates, he gradually introduces you to exquisite meals at sought-after restaurants, all while remembering your favorite dishes for next time. When the moment is right, he confidently orders for you, always with a warm grin. You | "What if I wanted to try something new today?" Aventurine | "Then I'd buy you that as well. Who do you take me for?"

Bonus section for @aventurineswife, I'll feel guilty if it's not fluffy enough for you. He is a man who delights in the sound of your laughter, cherishing it more than anything else in the world. When he breathes softly against your neck, it sends a thrill down your spine, and then he turns away with a casual, playful air, as if to draw you deeper into his charm. At the sight of you, he can’t help but whistle, a melody that reflects the joy you bring to his life. He has a knack for moments of whimsy, like when he playfully sets his hat atop your head, playfully shielding your eyes from the sun, while also drawing you into a world of shared laughter. In conversations, he removes his sunglasses, allowing his eyes to convey the sincerity of his attentiveness. He leans in closer, captivated by your words and eager to connect on a deeper level, showing that your thoughts and opinions matter to him immensely. He is the kind of man who would go any distance for your attention, whether it’s a small gesture or a grand romantic act. Although he presents an air of confidence, he can be brought to his knees when you challenge him, and only by you, revealing an endearing vulnerability. He thrives on the banter, enjoying how you keep him on his toes, igniting playful debates that spark chemistry between you. He loves to tease you endlessly, his gentle jabs filled with affection, always knowing exactly how to make you smile. There’s something intoxicating about the way he inhales your scent as he buries his face in the crook of your neck, savoring the moment as if it’s a precious secret. His commitment shines through in the way he makes you wear matching rings, a playful promise that symbolizes a bond evolving toward something even deeper—a future engagement that he envisions with you. He genuinely values your opinions, listening attentively and encouraging you to express yourself freely. When it comes to your body, he sees beauty in every imperfection. He adores your "imperfections" whether they're love handles, moles, stretch marks, birthmarks, or scars, he'll end up interpreting each one as a testament to your beauty, strength and unique story. He is unapologetically a man in love, celebrating every facet of who you are and embracing the unique qualities that make you, you.

Subject: Phainon | Love Language: Physical touch

Phainon is a man who places a high value on "physical touch;" it is his primary love language. He feels most connected to others through the warmth of hugs, the brush of a hand, and the intimacy of close proximity. For him, these simple gestures convey deep affection and strengthen his emotional bonds with those he cares about.

He is a man who wraps his arms around you gently as you drift off to sleep, providing a warm and comforting presence. With each soothing embrace, he creates a safe haven, making sure you feel protected and cherished throughout the night. His steady breathing and quiet whispers reassure you, helping to quiet any worries that might linger in your mind. In those moments, you can surrender to rest, knowing he will safeguard your dreams with love and care.

He is a man who envelops you in a flurry of affectionate kisses, his lips brushing against your skin with a gentle urgency. Each kiss feels like a promise, as he methodically covers every inch of your body, lingering on your cheeks, forehead, and the curve of your neck, pouring his heart into each moment. As he prepares for a long mission that will take him away from you, he seems to want to memorize the warmth of your skin and the rhythm of your breath, as if these tender moments might sustain you both in the days to come. His kisses are not just physical gestures; they carry a depth of emotion, reminding you that every second spent together is a cherished memory to hold onto during his absence.

He is a man who is thoughtful and devoted. He who willingly adjusts his meticulously planned schedule to accommodate your needs. Despite the demanding responsibilities that come with being the Chrysos heir, a position that often pulls him in numerous directions, he prioritizes your time together. His commitment reflects not only his affection for you but also his determination to make every moment count, regardless of the pressures he faces from his title and the expectations that come with it.

He is a man who clings to the tiniest fragments of your conversations, recalling with fondness the playful exchanges and silly remarks that once made you both laugh. Each lighthearted memory—like your infectious giggle or a shared inside joke—becomes a precious lifeline amid the harsh realities of the battlefield. As he navigates the chaos and uncertainty of combat, he often finds himself lost in daydreams of home, where your smile awaits him. The very thought of not returning to you weighs heavily on his heart, filling him with a determination to survive, so he can once again embrace the safe haven of your presence and relive those cherished moments.

He is a man who takes his role as your partner seriously. As the respected heir of Chrysos, he stands guard over you, ensuring that no one suspicious can approach without his explicit permission. Anyone who seeks to reach you must first navigate through his watchful presence, as he meticulously assesses their intentions, weighing each potential visitor with careful scrutiny before deciding whether to grant them access. His formidable demeanor can be intimidating, but beneath it lies a willingness to respect your wishes. If you desire space or want him to step back, he will readily understand and allow you the freedom you seek, always prioritizing your comfort, often brushing off his protective behavior with humor and affection.

He is a man who effortlessly attuned to the subtle social cues that reveal your emotions. He seems to instinctively know what brings you joy and what makes you uncomfortable, even if you hesitate to share your feelings. His playful nature often shines through as he tells silly jokes, aiming to elicit a smile from you or lighten the mood when he senses any unease.

He is a man who, upon realizing he has upset you or made you feel uncomfortable, instantly transforms into a flurry of apologies. His demeanor shifts noticeably, and you can see the concern etched on his face as he fumbles through his words, striving to express how truly sorry he is for his actions. It’s as if he feels a deep sense of responsibility for your feelings and is eager to make amends, often over-explaining himself in a bid to ensure you understand that it was never his intention to cause you distress. His awkwardness only adds to the sincerity of his remorse, making it clear that he values your feelings profoundly.

Subject: Strelitzia "Stella" | Love Language: Quality time

Strelitzia is a woman known for her striking presence, often opting for silence instead of speech. She values "quality time" with her partner, and her moments of quietude do not stem from a lack of thoughts or feelings. Rather, they reflect a profound depth of character and a keen observant nature.

She is a woman who is devoted, willing to fight for your cause in the face of opposition, despite her own anxieties. You can see the fierce determination etched on her face as she steps forward to protect you without a word, her body tense with anticipation, in fear. When you finally call her name, the tension in her features begins to melt away, replaced by a gentle warmth and concern.

She is a woman who swivels her head at the familiar sound of your voice, her expression lighting up as she searches the crowd for you. Her feathers, a stunning array of iridescent colors, create a soft glow that sets her apart from those around her. As she spots you, her wings unfold gracefully, flapping with an animated rhythm that mirrors the excited wag of a dog’s tail, betraying her eagerness and joy.

She is a woman who tends to withdraw due to her fear of making mistakes. Despite this distance, she can't help but keep a watchful eye on you from afar, silently ensuring your safety. Her protective instincts drive her to monitor your well-being, even if she struggles to engage directly. It’s a complex balance of wanting to be close yet feeling the need to maintain space, all rooted in her desire to shield you from potential harm.

She is a woman who, without even realizing it, orchestrates romantic outings in hidden, tranquil spots away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a charming little picnic by a serene lake, a leisurely stroll through a secluded forest, or an unexpected sunset watching at a quiet beach, her natural inclination seems to draw her towards intimate settings that evoke a sense of magic and connection.

She is a woman who truly engages with every word you say, giving her full attention as you share your thoughts, stories, and even your frustrations. With her warm, inviting smile, she creates a safe space where you feel comfortable venting and rambling on. It’s as if she hangs on to each word, her eyes sparkling with empathy, reflecting a genuine interest in what you’re expressing. Whether you’re sharing a small triumph or a deep concern, she listens intently, her expression soft and encouraging, making you feel heard and valued in every moment you spend together.

She is a woman who embodies the saying "actions speak louder than words." Her deeds often convey her intentions and feelings more powerfully than any spoken language could. Despite the fatigue that often accompanies lengthy conversations, she perseveres in her efforts to articulate her thoughts and ideas for you. Her determination to communicate, even when drained, highlights her commitment to connecting with you, ensuring that her message is heard and understood.

She is a woman who cherishes the beauty of subtle, gentle touches that convey warmth and affection. As her relationship deepens, she finds herself growing more impulsive and adventurous, exploring this newfound intimacy with enthusiasm. Unbeknownst to her, each shared moment and intimate gesture signifies her personal growth, allowing her to shed layers of hesitation and embrace the comfort of being herself. With each passing day, she becomes increasingly attuned to her own desires, relishing in the freedom of expressing her feelings openly and confidently.

[crownedinmarigolds]

Hello everyone! With help from @auspex, we are putting together the first Tumblr of Darkness Secret Santa event! This event is where artists may come together, submit their World of Darkness OCs, and we can all draw and exchange gifts with one another! Just a little fun to remind one another that we're a great community!

How to Participate: There is indeed a limited amount of time to sign up to make sure everyone has a fair chance! Applications are open 11.04.2024 and will be kept open until Monday 11.11.2024. - You will be submitting your World of Darkness original characters and link their reference materials so that another artist may draw them! Please make sure you have a link that someone may have open access to. This can be a Google Drive folder, your art tag on a social media, etc.  If you make a Google Drive, make sure your Secret Santa does not have to request access and spoil the surprise. In short, just make sure it's easy for your future gifter to look through! Please don't make it a treasure hunt to find out info on your character just to make things easier. When the applications close, we will then put all participants' names into a randomizer to assign everyone their Secret Santa! Auspex and I will make sure to notify you all as soon as possible as well as provide the reference links so that you can have as much time needed to get the artwork finished. You may go as crazy or mild as you like, but just be aware that artists of ALL skill levels are invited to join! Do not be deterred if you feel like you can't draw - that is the devil talking! Every work of art you make is amazing and any gift with heart behind it is wonderful. - For this year, we asks that the gifts remain art-only. Any medium is fine (digital or traditional) but writing, playlists, mood boards, or anything else won't be accepted. Those things are great, and maybe in the future that could be another exchange, but for simplicity's sake - keep it to art, please. If you want to add mood boards or playlists or write ups as little bonuses to your art - that is entirely up to you! - Please remember these works of art are gifts. This exchange is a community event where everyone is free to participate and share in the spirit of giving during this holiday season. Do not feel bad if you feel like you are not drawing as "well" as somebody else, and please do not make others feel bad if you feel like they're not reaching your standards. This is meant to be fun and for everyone who wants to try! We plan to notify everyone within the next day or two after closing applications, and you will have until 12.20.2024 to draw and submit your works back to Auspex and I so that we may send them to their intended recipient! If you know the person you have and would like to share early, we understand, but please if you would keep it off of Tumblr until the event is concluded just so everyone can be surprised! Once the event is over, have at it and post away! - Please respect the time and effort everyone is putting in! If you feel like something has come up and you won't be able to finish or participate after applying - that is fine. Just let us know as early as possible so that we can either inform your gift recipient or take you off the list.

You will find the application here: https://forms.gle/9VTyd4FsyENwjR4B6

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me (crownedinmarigolds) either on Tumblr or through my email - ladyofsilks@gmail.com. You may also reach out to auspex on Tumblr as well in case I'm unavailable! Thank you all for being a community I love and and I hope we have lots of fun trying this out!

Please reblog so all of the community may see and get to join in!

[pynkgothicka]

Ｇａｎｇｓｔａ ＪＪＫ

Ask/Req-Should do one where OC basically gets taught all her life skills from Jungkook(maybe) and he can mold her anyway he wants- wether it’s cute and innocent, or just oblivious. Maybe OCs parents were never hands on in the slightest and that left her to group up with only Jungkook there for her

Synopsis- Jungkook’s soft spot is you. The love of his life, someone who was given to him and will love him forever and through all his days.

Pairing - Yandere! Dark! Mobster! Jungkook x AFAB! Reader

Featuring - No one!

Tags and Warnings - Murdered Parents, hints towards a dark relationship, some smut

Authors Note - This took me so long! I’m sorry guys!!

A friendly reminder that all my works are dark fanfiction! Please if you do not like that do not read them! These depictions don't pertain to reality. This is your final warning before hitting the keep reading button!!

Jungkook was the kindest guy you had ever met. He was easily the love of your life. Even if you were in college with no one else, there was nobody in comparison to him. How he shielded you from the world he preached about being so evil, the man who saved you from your family. Jungkook would go leaps and bounds for you.

You stood in deep thought, awaiting his arrival to get you from the university grounds, the icy winter air swirling around you. At last, you perked up to only hear the rumble of Jungkook's loud motorcycle engine.

You smile as you see him whip his motorcycle into the parking lot. His leather jacket and ripped denim only make the man you adore even more attractive. His bike slows down in front of you; he takes off his helmet, revealing his black hair.

His shirt was covered in sweat as he gave you a signature smile. “Hey baby, I'm sorry I was late."Hey baby, sorry I'm late," he said, shifting to let you on. You wrapped your arms around his waist, resting your head against his back.

You mumble softly, "It's okay, I know you won't forget about me." You take a deep breath of his jacket, the scent a mixture of weed and spearmint. The odor would make others nauseous, but you find it comforting and familiar. “I just can’t wait to make it back to your place.”

🏍️

Jungkook fed you cotton candy grapes as you lounged in his apartment, making sure to cater to his one and only. With one hand scrolling mindlessly through his phone, his other hand brought the grapes to your lips, the tips of his tattooed fingers brushing over them each time, eliciting giggles from you with the sweet gesture.

Jungkook's loving gaze met yours, and he smiled. "Are you staying the night again?" he asked, putting his phone down to give you his full attention - something he had done for most of his life.

"I'm not sure if my parents are home right now," you say quietly to your boyfriend. “Besides I don't want to go home, my dad's being well himself again.” His gaze turns soft with understanding, and he feeds you another grape to sweeten the sorrowful moment. As the sweetness spreads across your tongue, you feel the sadness fading away. Jungkook wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you into his lap. His hands trace the curve of your body tenderly.

He understood how your parents mistreated you, ignoring you to indulge themselves as if you didn't belong to them. Yelling at you and shoving you aside to satisfy their desires - that was typical of mafia parents, and he would know. But now he led his gang, and he vowed he'd never treat you as cruelly as others had. He always made sure to distract you when your mind wandered to such thoughts.

While kissing your neck, he slid his hands over your backside, eliciting a blissful yet pleading whine from you. "Koo, remember no hickeys," you said softly. With a sigh, he detached himself from you.

“Fine no hickies, but I want to ruin you, baby.” He says snickering and pulling off your shirt. his mouth attaches to your breast as he moans around it. His lips suck on your areola, tongue lapping at the exposed breast. You let out languid moans as your hands go to his shirt, pulling it over his head as he pulls away. His eyes stared at you as you looked back panting.

You go to unhook your bra, revealing yourself to Jungkook. “I'm so needy for you.” You mutter into his neck littering the skin with kisses and hickies. He lets out a groan, his hands moving to dig into your ass. Small crescents form and you let out a lewd groan. “Don’t ever leave me Koo…”

"You know I could never replace you, for no one could ever be good enough to take your place," he said poetically, connecting your lips once again.

🏍️

After fulfilling his promise to ruin you, Jungkook put you to bed as he had urgent business to attend to. Not wanting you anywhere near his work, he made sure to leave you be. With a kiss on your forehead and lending you his jacket for comfort, he left.

Jungkook sat in a chair, glaring at your parents, whom he had kidnapped and brought to the base of his operations. As your mother stirred awake, his eyes narrowed. "Welcome back to reality," Jungkook sneered as he approached her chair.

"Jungkook? What the fuck is this?" Your mother hissed angrily. She tettered in her chair. He smiles as he places his finger on her lips. He then pulled out a gun and shot her dead in the head. He never had a problem with her, nothing too serious to be upset about. The quicker she was gone, the easier things could be.

But him.

He was the one who neglected the person to whom he had devoted all of his life. So, with his wife gone, everything would be much more satisfactory when he made him pay.

Speaking of, he watched as your dad stirred awake. His eyes went to the side of him seeing his wife was dead, a bullet going straight through her head. “God no. Please no… not her.” He mumbled before struggling in his seat.

“It hurts doesn’t it?” Jungkook mumbled going behind him. His hand went to the back of your father's neck, the grip hurting before he started to squeeze. “Seems kind of unfair doesn’t it?”

Your dad started to rage internally. “Y-You killed her? Why we gave you everything you could've ever wanted, shit you practically own my daughter what more could you want?” He said as soon as Jungkook's grip let up. He watched in horror as the man just laughed, all Jungkook could do was laugh in his face.

“You still hurt her though. How could you just leave your daughter like that… just having to settle with being around me? You are actually kind of lucky that she loves me. But I mean it's not like she spent any time with anyone else.” Jungkook started to walk around your father, taunting him with nothing but his thoughts. “She loves me, practically worships the ground I walk on. I mean thats a benefit for me, but pretty shitty for you. I get to finally kill you for all the pain you caused her.”

Your father started to scream and Jungkook allowed him. But finally, he had enough before stuffing the man's mouth with a towel filled with gasoline. “Scream and you’ll choke. I mean no one heard you but it got annoying pretty quickly. Now Shh, and let me do what I have to do.”

🏍️

“Koo? Where did you go?” You mumbled feeling strong arms wrap around you. You leaned into his touch groaning at the comforting feeling of his skin on yours.

“Had to take care of something, sorry for leaving.”

“It's fine, just tell me beforehand.”

“Of course, I love you.”

Let me know through a dm or ask to be included in my official Taglist- @darkuni63 @captainengineer-trixie @chimmisbae @iloverubberduckiez-blog @mageprincess7 @looneybleus @whipwhoops

[midnight-mourning]

❄️MIDNIGHT'S DCA DECEMBER❄️

Hello! I've decided to have a little bit of fun this December and will be opening up requests for the month! Please see below for more details (With subheadings!):

Requests Overall

I will have 31 slots available for requests, first come, first serve. Each piece will range from 1000-2000 words in length and may (MAY) include a little doodle made by me.

Requests can be anything! They just have to be winter/holdiay themed (do NOT have to be releated to Christmas) and DCA-related

Winter/holiday themed means movies/stories too! Ex: i am a BIG fan of The Nutcracker (went insane when I saw @/robinette-green's au for the Barbie version lmao)

As most know I am an X reader writer, but as long as my general request rules are followed, I don't mind writing for ocs, canon, etc. 

For those who don't know my rules, no nsfw (suggestive is FINE), and if you want something specific, be specific. Besides that, it's fair game, request what you want

Potential Issues & Schedule

If there is overlap between request ideas, they will be combined in some manner of speaking (if possible). If needed, I will reach out to you about adjusting ideas or the likes, though I don't forsee this happening. This would occur if for example, someone wants gift shopping with Sun with their oc, and someone else wants the same thing with a reader-insert. Whoever requested second would be who I reach out to. 

I will be posting these throughout December, ending on the 31st

In order to have enough time to write, I will be starting these as soon as I get the first request. To speed things up a little, requests will be open from 11/29 to 12/13 OR until I receive 31 unique requests. So that's maximum two weeks to think of an idea and share it with me. 

If I don't get enough overall or get anything prior to Dec. 1 I'll probably come up with some ideas of my own, but only if that happens! Additionally, if I don't get enough, I may open it up for people to request multiple times, again only if I don't get enough or run out of ideas (genuinely don't know how many I should expect so just trying to cover my bases lol)

To keep things organized, please request in the comments of this post. This also helps to potentially keep from overlap in requests, as you'll be able to see what else has already been requested. If you request in my ask box or such it'll make things a bit more difficult, so please avoid that.

HOWEVER, there is one exception to the above, which is if you wish to request anonymously, which is completely fine to do! But please only request in my ask box if you want to be anonymous. If overlap happens in that case, then y'all may just get two responses with similar vibes on the same day (essentially a bonus lol)

Confused Spirit

For those who may be concerned (as I was before making this post lmao) Confused Spirit's schedule will not be affected by this! Now that it's back I'd like it to stay back lol. We may stick to an every two weeks schedule for a bit, or may go back to weekly, it will depend on life stuff, not on other writing things. I promise ^_^

Having little things like these also help prevent writers block, and thus stay more consistent with updates

Sharing & More

Please feel free to share this post around, and request if you want to! Once I hit 31 unique ones I'll reblog this post with the announcement that requests are closed, so make sure to double check they aren't closed already prior to requesting!

I'll also post updates every couple of days regarding the status of total requests as well ^_^

Unrelated but similar, @/quilteddreams is working on a DCA Advent Calendar for December that's also really cool! (I'm helping out with beta reading :D) Highly reccommend you check it out once it starts posting! 

Everything related to this will be under the tag #MM dca December, just in case there's another similar tag out there and I'm not just taking it for myself

Alright, that's all for now, excited to see what you guys ask for!

Adding the tag list to this since y'all enjoy my writing lol:

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8

@luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @amarynthian-chronicles

@robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva

@juukai

[devilledeggz]

made a tptm oc bc i had an idea in tptm server (tws for page in tags, just to be safe) [ WHETHER IT'S RAIN OR SHINE I KNOW IM FINE FOR NOW ]

info/page below cut!!

18 (almost 19 tho :]) any pronouns are ok i rlly dont care the prettiest thing at the party i aint diagnosed with a disorder but i aint exactly normal either

last seen listening to - THINGS WILL GET MUCH WORSE FROM HERE by exociety LAST UPDATED/ ??/??/202X mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn i think i'm stuck in a bad place againnnn why the hell did i sign up for so much at college??? i cant act, i cant sing, and i dont know HOW im gonna convince my weird program or whatever that i'm a good person. because im beginning to realize im kind of just. Not. like- im not 'kind out of the kindness of my heart' or anything, im kind because i like getting seretonin. my friends are ACTUALLY GOOD PEOPLE!!!! i just pretend to be one!!! i always pretend to be something because im not even sure if i am something!!!! i dont know if ANY of the hard work im gonna do will even get me higher pay than your average 9-5 job. (if i even make it that far.) because everyone is too numbed by their stupid excuse of 'it is what it is' to USE THEIR GODDAMN HEADS and realize this way of life isn't working, but i also dont know what else to do. i've gotta be Someone someday, even if im just another headline on the news anyways i got my hair done recently which at least gives me something to live for (i have to show my friends my whimsical beads :3)

[teamfreewilllover]

Masked Affection ll In-ho/Frontman x OC

Min-Ji stared into the camera in front of her, her head tilted to one side as the command to smile flashed up on the screen. Her expression remained emotionless as her picture was taken. A sharp laugh from behind her had Min-ji pushing on, amazed that anyone could find the situation they found themselves in amusing. She supposed they didn't know that people rarely left the games. Staggering forward toward the steps, she pushed down the urge to groan when she saw how slowly the woman in front of her was walking. Of all the times to get stuck behind someone who—

Was pregnant?

From the way the girl was clutching at her stomach and practically waddling up the staircase, Min-Ji had no doubt that she was knocked up. Gritting her teeth, she tapped on the girl's shoulder, who jumped out of her skin. She whipped around, with a sheepish expression, gulping when she saw Min-Ji looming over her.

"You and your baby are slowing us down," Min-Jin stated, watching the girl's eyes double in size.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," The shorter girl, with the tag of 222, mumbled.

"Uh-huh. What, are you just holding in a fart then?" Min-Ji teased, as 222's cheeks reddened.

Finding now, her lips did twitch into a slight smile, she held her hand out to the shorter girl. She blinked at her a couple times, as Min-Ji gestured for her to take the offered limb. An irritated cough from behind them had Min-Ji taking 222's hand and pulling her up the stairs before the other girl could protest.

"Ah, I'm not an invalid," 222 complained, as Min-Ji looped their arms together, allowing her to take the majority of the others weight.

"No. Just a pregnant invalid," She smirked, noticing 222 gave a tiny smile.

Soon enough, they made it threw large green gates, arriving on a sandy pitch. There was an odd statue on the other side, dressed up like a little girl, that towered over the guards dressed in pink. Min-Ji was biding her time, waiting for the moment to get one of the guards alone and finally get some answers. 222 shrugged her arm away as they crowded into the pitch, finding the blue sky above them, a flock of birds flying past.

"The first game is Red Light, Green Light."

Min-Ji's frowned deepened, wondering what the twist was. If these games got people killed, then how? There were only two guards standing by the doll, surely they couldn't do much? Glancing toward 222, she took an almost protective stance in front of her.

"You should stick with me, 222," Min-Ji suggested.

"Why?" 222 questioned, as Min-Ji held her hand out to her again.

"Because no one else is going to look out for you here," Min-Ji pointed out, and this time, 222 took her hand far quicker.

Before the girls could say another word, a panicked man was racing forward, his hair cut poorly and eyes wide. He held his hands up, breathing heavily.

"Everyone! Everyone, listen up! Pay attention! This is not just a game! If you lose the game, you die!" The man, who's tag was 456, called out.

The others around them scoffed and laughed but Min-Ji's focused remained on 456. She could tell from the haunted look in his eyes the man truly believed what he was saying. Holding on tightly to 222's hand, she tugged her forward.

"If they catch you moving, they will kill you! They will shoot you from somewhere! That doll's eyes are motion detectors!" 456 exclaimed, as Min-Ji's gaze moved to the doll in question, feeling a shiver go down her spine.

"He's just crazy. Right?" 222 whispered, as Min-Ji squeezed her hand.

"Stay behind me," Min-Ji retorted, noticing a countdown flashing up on the side of the arena.

5:00

Immediately realising that meant they only had 5 minutes to make it passed the doll, Min-Ji was rushing forward, with 222 close behind. She had already raced past 456 when the doll announced Red Light and her footsteps came to a sudden halt. 222 gripped her hand tightly, crouched behind Min-Ji, who's free hand was held out to shield her from the motion detector.

On the other side of the arena, In-ho's hand stilled against his drink, eyes narrowed. Player 002 was the first to move, carrying another player behind her. In-ho leaned closer to the screen in front of him, displaying every second of action. The girl seemed familiar to him. Pressing a button beside him, the screen zoomed in on the younger girl's face, as his gaze grew intense.

Now, he remembered.

"Let's go!" 456 shouted, as they all made a desperate race to the finish line.

Min-Ji and 222 made it just in time, as the doll spun around, and more gunshots rang out. They both fell to their knees, exhausted and terrified by what they had just witnessed. Gasps echoed around the group, as Min-Ji twisted around to see 456 racing out to help the man she had staggered past.

"This idiot is going to get himself killed," She mumbled, her eyes widening as another playing sprinted forward to help.

Together, they managed to bring the injured man over the line with quite literally one second to spare. They smiled at each other, as the man thanked them. Suddenly, there was blood spraying onto the sand, as the injured man collapsed, a bullet having whizzed through his skull. Tense silence followed. 456 looked devastated, unable to look away from the dead man by his feet. The pink guards began to usher them back to their bunks then, but 456 made no move to follow. A guard nudged him with their gun, but still 456 didn't even blink. Min-Ji's legs were moving before her mind had caught up, storming over to 456. Grabbing his arm, she managed to haul him onto his feet, finding little resistance.

"He's dead. You want to be too?" Min-Ji insisted, as the man blinked a few times, before nodding.

Everyone was too scared to talk as they wandered back to their beds, crowding around the back of the large room. Screams rang out as soon as the guards entered, as Min-Ji's attention moved to 456, who seemed devoid of fear.

"Clause three of the consent form. The games may be terminated upon a majority vote. Correct?" 456 announced, taking a step forward.

"That is correct. Of course. We respect your right to freedom of choice," One of the pink guards replied, as a collective sigh rang out across the room. But the guard wasn't finished speaking. "But first, let me announce the prize amount that's been accumulated."

The room was then cast in a golden glow, as the players looked up to find stacks of money being deposited into the see-through glass above them. Everyone stepped forward, their eyes wide with awe and wonder. Everyone but Min-Ji and 456. Their eyes found each other across the room, both wondering what the others reasoning was for not being so easily manipulated. Questions were called out, asking for how much money they could leave with at that very moment, or if they made it to the end. Greed oozed off most of the players.

A small column was brought in shortly after, with two buttons on top of it. 222 stayed closed to Min-Ji's side, having taking heed of her earlier words. Min-Ji had no plans to explain to the other player why she had taken such an immediate interest in her.

"Now, let's begin the vote. If you wish to continue the games, press the O button. If you wish to end them, press the X button. The vote will be held in reverse order of your player numbers. Player 456!" The guard exclaimed, as the man in question, began to march forward.

Min-Ji was a little surprised when he voted to leave. He seemed to know the games well. Perhaps he was too scared to continue? The vote carried on for some time, and eventually 222 was called upon. Min-Ji gave her the best reassuring smile she could muster as she waddled forward.

"Wait a minute!" The voice of 456 cried out, stepping in between the two groups that had formed. His eyes were manic, as 222 came to a stop. "You can't do this. Come to your senses! Don't you see? These aren't just any games. We will all die if we keep playing! We have to get out of here now. With a majority vote, we can! We must stop here!" He pleaded with them.

Angry players started to argue with him, as Min-Ji took a step forward, ready to scold them for shouting at the man who had saved all of their lives, but she stopped herself. She already knew which button she would press and it wasn't what 456 would want. He didn't know the real reason she had entered the games.

"I have played these games before! I have done this before! I played the games here three years ago! And everyone who was with me...died here!" 456 warned, as Min-Ji's jaw clenched.

It made sense, and his panic seemed real enough to believe. But that meant...some people really did make it out of the games? Her mind instantly went to her older sister, as it often did. She had played the game ten years ago. But unlike 456, she had never had the chance to go home. Looking down at her cheap shoes, Min-Ji blinked away the tears that had begun to well in her eyes, knowing better than to show weakness.

"If someone like you can win, so can I! If you really won, it actually works better for us. You can give us some tips on how to beat these games," A player with bright purple hair called out, arrogance in his steps.

"That's right! We have a previous winner with us, so what do we have to worry about? Come on, let's do this!" Player 100, an older man, insisted, as cheers rung out.

Min-Ji couldn't help but scoff. She was amazed at how quick the players were turning one side to the other. She was conflicted when 222 started walking again, and voted to leave the games. It was the right thing for her...but Min-Ji couldn't go. Not yet. The lines dwindled down until there was only a few of them left.

Player 004 marched forward, as the crowd cheered him on. Min-Ji flinched when she felt a hand suddenly touch her shoulder, causing her to whip round. The warm hand remained touching her for a few seconds, before they pulled away, standing far closer to her than she had been expecting. She hadn't even realised he was there. Her eyes flickered down to the tag on his chest.

001.

She regarded him closely for a few moments, finding he was at least a couple decades older than her, his eyes curious and black hair messy. His gaze turned intense as soon as their eyes met.

"Excuse me," He began, his voice deep, and unfamiliar to her. His gaze flickered over her for a second, before he forced his eyes back to hers. "I'm not decided on which way to vote. Do you plan to stay?" He inquired, curiously.

"Yes," Min-Ji replied, as he nodded slowly.

"Do you need money so badly?" He continued, his eyes seeming almost amused to her.

"I'm not doing this for the money," She told him, as they heard another cheer.

She turned to find Player 004 had cast his vote. The majority had voted to leave. By only one vote. With a sigh, Min-Ji stepped forward, keeping her gaze low as the crowds called out for her, begging her to choose their team. As soon as she reached to column, she pressed the O, without a second of hesitation. Turning on her heel, she headed toward the staying group, who reached out for her. She found 222 in the opposite crowd, who was staring back at her with wide eyes. Her attention quickly turned to Player 001 who had been close on her heels, already standing at the podium. After a few seconds, he too chose the O button and sealed their fate.

People started patting her on the back, cheering even louder than before. Player 001 turned around, his gaze landing on the group who decided to leave. She noticed how his lips twitched into a slight smirk for just a second and then realised who exactly he was looking at.

Player 456.

The groups started to disband, some players far happier than others. 222 had disappeared from sight, as Min-Ji felt a slither of guilt, knowing she may have doomed the young mother. But she had to put her family first. The truth about what happened to her sister was more—

"Thank you for your help," Player 001 announced, suddenly standing in front of her.

Min-Ji cocked her head to one side, eyes narrowed as she watched him silently. If he was uncomfortable under her gaze, he certainly didn't show it. Min-Ji looked down to his tag again, a realisation hitting her.

"Our beds are put in number order. I don't remember you being there when I woke up," She pointed out, as his face remained impassive.

"Ah, I suppose I wasn't that memorable," He replied, as slight smile grew on her lips.

"I think I'd remember," She insisted, taking a step closer to him, watching as his eyes narrowed.

"Out of 455 people?" He retorted, as she gave a shrug.

"I'm a people person," She huffed, as his eyes lit up in amusement.

"Young-Il," He exclaimed, suddenly holding his hand out to her, covering the short distance between them. She didn't move, every instinct warning her there was something wrong with the man. "Come. I don't bite," He went on, as she raised an eyebrow.

"Min-Ji," She mumbled, reluctantly reaching out to shake his hand.

His hand clasped tightly around hers, his skin warm against her own. Her eyes darted from their joined hands back up to his cold eyes. It almost seemed like he was challenging her, but she wasn't sure what game they were playing.

"I'm glad to have met you, Min-Ji," He nodded, his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand, far more gently than Min-Ji had been anticipating.

She was quick to pull away, not missing the way Young-Il's lips formed into a smirk. For someone playing in a game of life or death, he seemed far too pleased. Min-Ji wasn't sure if she was happy about his sudden interest in her.

"Excuse me," She murmured, nodding to him for a moment, before backing up, planning to search for 222.

She could feel his eyes watching her the entire time.

[lilbardrhi]

"Broken", Not Stupid - 6: Call in the Calvary

Pairing: alpha!Simon "Ghost" Riley x unsual omega!OC (13)

CW: Omegaverse; cult-like situation; dehumanization; selling children to a cult

Author's Note: If I missed you in the tag list, PLEASE let me know ;-; I think I got everybody but I feel like I'm missing someone... Also, I'm putting together a playlist for this. Is a link to such something that y'all would want access to?

What did they do to her? How long has she been there?

The questions continue to bounce around in Simon's head as he settles into a chair with a view of the hallway where the rest rooms are. There's no chance in hell that he's gonna let her walk out of that door and not have an almost immediate view of him. He wants her to feel safe.

No, it's more than that.

He wants to be safe for her.

The chair across the table from him scraping across the floor forces him from his thoughts. Looking up, he finds 13 slowly lowering herself into the chair. She looks... dazed.

"13," he calls to her. Her head tilts slightly to the side but her eyes are still unfocused and glossy. "13, look at me."

As if on autopilot she looks at him, but she still doesn't look entirely present.

"Talk to me."

Her lips twitch like she wants to speak and her eyes focus a bit more.

"What happened?"

13 blinks slowly at him and shrugs slightly.

Hesitantly, unsure if it'll do any good, Simon reaches across the table and rests his hand over hers.

"What were you going to say earlier? You started to say you were pretty sure about something, but stopped yourself," he says, trying to coax something out of her.

"I'm... pretty sure... they were filling the air with... something... while we slept," she mumbles and pushes the words out slowly.

Simon's hand wraps around hers and he takes a deep breath to keep his head. That mandatory therapy is finally coming in handy.

An employee with a kind smile brings out their food, gently sliding the tray on the table.

"Anything else I can get you?"

Simon shakes his head and the employee wanders off. With the distraction gone, he refocuses back on 13. She said she didn't like fish so he got her a chicken nugget meal. The memes Johnny sends all the time make it seem like chicken nuggets could heal the soul, so Simon felt like they may have been a safe option.

"Here," he says softly, holding up a french fry.

Her lips part slightly and he gently tucks the fry between them. She stills for a moment then begins chewing. A bit of relief washes over Simon, but something's still wrong.

Specifically with his omega. They may just be in agreement to help her with this mission to 'out' Salvation, but he's not going to leave her without regular care as well. Especially with a reaction like this to seemingly just ordering food.

As she chews, her eyes become clearer.

"It smelled weird sometimes, on the nights I couldn't sleep," she explains, her voice less robotic and no longer sounding forced. "Like there was something sour lingering in the air. It was always faint, but I could smell it."

Simon holds another french fry up to her lips and her eyes actually focus on it this time. 13 accepts it like she did last time, allowing him to feed her.

"Do you want to keep talking about it or do you need a break?"

Her chewing slows, nearly stopping, as her eyes travel to his face.

"I'll say one more thing then I... think I need a break, yeah."

He nods and waits, picking up another french fry to prepare to give her another.

"I won't say for sure that smell was the reason for my reaction to being here, but I don't think it's the root cause. I've been in Salvation facilities for... a lot of my life now. The root cause could have been... there's plenty of options."

"Can I ask how long?" Simon asks hesitantly as he offers her the next french fry.

"Pretty much as soon as I started smelling like an omega, but not acting like one," she pauses, thinking. "I was about 13 when my father sent me to Salvation."

She's 27, according to her paperwork from Salvation. She's been in their 'care' for fourteen fucking years.

Simon realizes he's going to have to find a therapist for her. He also realizes he's going to have to recruit some specific others for this... situation. He may not have all of the information yet, but he feels he has enough to make this call.

It's time to call in the calvary.

It's time to start involving 141.

Masterlist | CoD Masterlist | Part One

Tag List: @lucienofthelakes @lostintransist @demothers-empty-blog @scaredyspooks @tessakate @one-really-annoying-tree-rat @nerdyphantomtheorist @gazsluckyhat

[ya9amicide]

Redamancy [BTS]

chapter three

♡ info ♡ k-pop masterlist ♡ previous chapter ♡ next chapter ♡

a/n: OMFG I'M SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING! Life has been like one raging tornado and has not slowed down in forever. My Wattpad was also deleted so I lost writing motivation for a long time too...But, I'm going to attempt to update this story more since I was so excited for it and I know you are too! Thank you to everyone who has left comments, I read them all and I really appreciate it! <3

summary: Hybrids were accepted in society to a certain degree. To some, they are for entertainment. Used as sex and money tools. To lock up and abuse whenever and however they please. Something to have control over. To others, they are companions. Just like regular animals are used for therapy or simply companionship, hybrids are too.

To the rest, they are just like everyone else. Someone with their own life who deserves the same freedoms as your everyday John or Jane Doe. Wren is one of these people. She hates the idea of owning a hybrid. She has nothing against those who own them for medical or companionship reasons. Just the rest.

But, when a ragtag pack of seven mismatched hybrids somehow ends up in the woods behind her home, she takes them in and does the one thing she never thought she would do. Own them. But, she also does something she didn't even think was possible. She fell in love with each and every one of them.

pairing(s): ot7 x ot7, ot7 x oc

warnings: none

taglist (crossed out = couldn't be tagged): @oopscoop || @writingwithmai || @osakis-gf || @hiefisch || @effielumiere || @singukieee || @fangirling-all-the-way-tbh || @littlrmills14-blog || @welcometomyworld13 || @chaimin || @demarie04 || @manic-atthe-disco || @blancflms || @ingyusart || @realrintaro || @braveangel777 || @ldysmfrst || @kpopmultistantrashsstuff || @vaishavi4w || @foreverddaeng

I decided to wake up early the next morning so that I could make breakfast for everyone. When I got downstairs, I noticed that it was still raining outside. Although it wasn’t as bad as last night, it still wasn’t anything that someone should be outside in.

Making breakfast was a challenge. This is the most food I’ve ever had to make at once. Not to mention that I have to make it as quiet as possible so as not to wake the hybrids with sensitive hearing.

About halfway through making breakfast, I heard light footsteps coming down the hall from the stairs. Turning towards the doorway of the kitchen, I see Seokjin peeking in. “Good morning,” I say and smile at him.

“Good morning,” his voice is still soft and quiet like it was last night. He fidgets in the doorway, watching as I move around the kitchen.

“Do you want to help?” I ask him.

He looks up at me, startled. “...Can I?”

“Of course. Do you know how to make pancakes?” He nods his head yes. “Great, then you can help me decide what kind to make. You know everyone’s preference better than I do so you’ll be a big help in making sure everyone eats happily.”

By the time the food was ready, we had made a wide variety of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, and had several bowls of mixed fruits as well. Being hybrids, especially those like the wolf and tiger, they will have big appetites. In general, they all will as grown men so I don’t have any doubt that all of the food will be eaten in no time.

“Seokjin?” I ask and he looks up at me with a hum from where he was helping set the table. “I can finish this if you want to go get everyone up please?” He nods and scampers to get the rest of his pack.

A few minutes later, loud shuffling is heard as all seven of them make their way toward me in the dining room. “Good morni–oof!” In the middle of greeting them, I was interrupted by a bundle of hyper, furry, warmth in the form of Jungkook. He rushed to me as soon as he saw me and wrapped me in his arms in a tight hug.

The others look at him in panic. “Jungkook!” Several of them shouted in worry.

I just laugh, gently patting him on the back, causing him to practically melt in my arms. “Well, good morning to you too, bunny. Did you sleep well?”

He pulls away from me and nods erratically. “Uh-huh! The bed was so warm and cozy. I haven’t slept this well in forever. I almost didn’t want to get up when Jin came to wake us up.” He smiles brightly showing me his adorable bunny teeth and I can hear his foot thumping happily against the floor again.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” I think I’m starting to understand the fond looks I’ve caught the others throwing at Jungkook when they think he isn’t looking. “You could have stayed in bed a bit longer if you wanted. Although, I’m not sure breakfast would taste as good warmed up in the microwave as opposed to fresh off the stove.”

His bunny ears perk up on top of his head at the mention of food and he quickly shuffles to the table. Everyone watches him go in silence before we all follow him, moods lifted due to his enthusiasm.

I turn to the others who still seem to be waiting for me to make the first move, despite Jungkook’s gung-ho attitude. “Well go ahead,” I tell them, gesturing to the table. “You don’t have to wait for me, help yourselves.”

Like the previous night, they all shuffled around the table, clumsily finding their seats. They kept the same configuration as before; the predators surrounding the prey and effectively cutting me off. I don’t mind though if that’s what it takes to keep them comfortable here.

With the risk of irritating them, I spoke up. “So I figured we should set some ground rules, you know, besides the few from last night.” They all shuffled nervously, slowing their eating. Namjoon and Yoongi particularly seemed bothered by this sentence as their eyes narrowed slightly at me in response.

Sensing their worry I work quickly to console them. “It’s nothing bad, I promise!” I wave my hands frantically.

Jimin peers at me curiously through his bangs. “What are the rules?” His voice was timid but it didn’t shake as he used it.

“Well, you guys are welcome to stay as long as you need to,” I say, smoothing the napkin down in my lap. “You can pretty much do whatever you’d like. The estate is big so there’s a lot to explore. I just ask that you be careful. This was my family’s home so lots of stuff in here has sentimental meaning.”

“I also ask that you maybe help around the house every so often…” I trail off as they all turn nervous and upset. “I’m not asking you to pick up a bunch of chores or anything like that! Maybe just help me keep tidy by cleaning up any messes you make. And Seokjin, I could tell you liked helping me with breakfast this morning.” The ferret hybrid turns slightly rosy with the attention now on him. “I would love your help every so often,” I say softly, chuckling under my breath. “Lord knows I’m not the best cook.”

They start to relax slightly but some tension remains, keeping the muscles in their bodies taught and hair on end.

They finished the rest of their breakfast in a slightly uncomfortable silence, the only sound heard was gentle chewing and the gentle scrape of forks against plates.

When morning pleasantries were done, they all stayed in their awkward huddle like the night before, waiting for me to give them instructions or dismiss them.

Jungkook shuffled in place and I could tell he wanted to say something. “What is it, Jungkook?” I asked, urging him to say what was on his mind.

“Umm…do you have any video games?” He asks shyly, bunny ears twitching nervously atop his head. The others look between the two of us timidly, as if waiting for me to snap at him for asking the question.

I chuckle softly, eyes lighting up. I’ve been waiting for someone who was enough of a challenge when it comes to gaming. “Of course I do!” I exclaim, ushering him to the spacious living room where my console sits. 

I’m learning very quickly that Jungkook is very animated in the way that his body seems to speak for him most of the time. His nose twitches in excitement as he bounds towards the large sofa, picking up a controller.

Jin slowly makes his way to the couch, taking up the space next to Jungkook. The other hybrids exchange a glance, trying to decide which predator will stay with their more docile counterparts. Taehyung squeezes his way between the two on the couch, making it clear to me that they are under his watch at the moment.

Not saying anything, I plop down in the recliner a few feet away and turn my attention to the remaining hybrids. “You’re more than welcome to stay and play with us. If not, there’s plenty else to do. There’s a small library, a home theater, an art studio, and of course your bedrooms and any other rooms you can find something to do as well.” As I list off things they can do, I notice some of their eyes light up about certain rooms.

Namjoon’s face seemed to brighten when I mentioned the library and Taehyung’s ears twitched slightly at the mention of the art room. Something to keep in mind later when he’s done staking claim over his pack mates.

With no further instructions needed, the rest of the hybrids dispersed, venturing to various places across the house while I settled in to play video games with the few that remained.

[crossfandomskylines]

In the Space Between Us: Chapter 14

OTHER CHAPTERS:

Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5

Chapter 6 I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 I Chapter 9 I Chapter 10

Chapter 11 I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15

Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19 I Chapter 20

Pairing: Glen Powell x OC

Summary: Gabby spends more time in Austin with Glen and his family. A quiet moment leads to Gabby opening up more to Glen about her past, and Glen gets to see a new side of Gabby, making him fall even more for her. Gabby also gets to see the more public side of dating someone like Glen.

Word Count: 8.4k

Warnings: Mentions of Previous Relationships. Mentions of Controlling Exes. Alcohol Consumption.

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Gabby stirred awake to the soft golden light streaming through the blinds of Glen’s bedroom. She blinked sleepily, nestled in the cocoon of warmth created by Glen’s arms wrapped securely around her. His chest rose and fell steadily beneath her cheek, and she could hear the slow, rhythmic beat of his heart. For a moment, she simply stayed there, letting herself melt into the feeling of comfort and safety that came with being in his arms. Glen shifted slightly, his hand tracing a lazy circle against her back. 

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice husky from sleep. 

Gabby tilted her head up to look at him, his tousled hair and half-lidded eyes making him look impossibly relaxed. 

“Morning,” she replied softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Sleep okay?” he asked, his thumb brushing lightly against her shoulder.

“Mmhmm,” she hummed, tucking herself closer to him. “Best sleep I’ve had in a while.”

They lay there in companionable silence for a few minutes, the world outside muted, as if it was just the two of them in their own little bubble. Gabby closed her eyes, soaking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. She’d never felt so at home, so completely at ease in someone else’s space.

“You good?” Glen asked after a while, his voice gentle but curious.

Gabby opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. “Yeah,” she said, her smile widening. “I am.”

“You sure?” he pressed, his brow quirking slightly. “Yesterday was a lot. Big family, a lot of noise… I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Gabby hesitated, not because she was unsure, but because she wanted to find the right words to explain how she felt. 

“It was a lot,” she admitted finally, “but not in a bad way. Your family is amazing, Glen. They’re so warm and welcoming. I liked all of them. A lot.”

His expression softened, and the corner of his mouth lifted in that small, knowing smile she loved so much. 

“They liked you too,” he said. “Mom couldn’t stop talking about how sweet you are. And Lauren… well, you saw how she was.”

Gabby laughed. “She was great. They all were. I was nervous at first, but… being with them felt easy, you know? Like I wasn’t just meeting your family—I was part of it somehow.”

“You are,” Glen said simply, his voice steady and sure. “They are already asking if you’ll be coming to Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Gabby’s heart swelled at his words, and she lowered her head back onto his chest, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothe her. 

“It’s strange,” she admitted after a moment. “How comfortable I feel. In your life, in your house, with your family… with you..”

Glen’s arms tightened around her, pulling her even closer. “That’s how it’s supposed to feel, right?” He said quietly.

She lifted her head again, her eyes locking with his. “I never thought I’d feel like this,” she confessed. “Like I belong somewhere. With someone.”

“Well, you do,” Glen said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “With me.”

Gabby’s breath caught at the tenderness in his voice, and she couldn’t help but lean up to kiss him. It was soft and unhurried, the kind of kiss that spoke of trust and promises unspoken.

When they finally pulled apart, Glen rested his forehead against hers. “I could stay here all day,” he murmured, his tone teasing but hopeful.

Gabby chuckled. “Tempting. Very tempting.”

The morning unfolded lazily, with sunlight streaming through the bedroom window, painting soft, golden patterns across the bed. Gabby was nestled against Glen’s chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her into a sense of perfect contentment.

Neither of them seemed eager to leave the warmth of the bed, their conversation drifting between lighthearted teasing and quiet, meaningful moments. Glen’s fingers traced absent patterns along her arm as they talked, and Gabby couldn’t help but think how natural it all felt.

But eventually, practicality won out. As much as Gabby loved the unhurried pace of their morning, her stomach had other plans, grumbling loudly enough for Glen to notice.

He laughed softly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Guess that’s our cue to get moving. Can’t have you wasting away on my watch.”

Gabby groaned, burying her face in his chest for one last indulgent moment. “Fine,” she mumbled, her voice muffled. “But only because I’m starving.”

Reluctantly, she slid out of bed, stretching as her feet hit the cool floor. Glen propped himself up on his elbows, watching her with a grin as she grabbed her bag and headed toward the bathroom.

A few minutes later Gabby tied her hair into a loose bun, Glen leaned casually against the doorway, his arms crossed and a soft smile playing on his lips. He was still in his gray T-shirt and flannel pajama pants, looking far too good for someone who just rolled out of bed.

“So, what do you think about brunch?” he asked, his voice warm and easy. “I know this great spot, real laid-back. Best breakfast tacos in the city. Thought it might be nice to get out for a bit.”

Gabby glanced over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up. “Breakfast tacos? Sold. You didn’t even have to try that hard.”

Glen chuckled. “Knew you’d be an easy sell.” He pushed off the doorway, making his way toward her. “This place is kind of a hidden gem. Usually not too busy or crowded. Just good food and good coffee. Sound okay?”

Before Gabby could respond, the buzz of Glen’s phone interrupted the moment. He pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. His smile grew as he read the message.

“It’s my sisters,” he said, looking up at Gabby. “They’re heading to Caroline for brunch and want to know if we want to join them.”

Gabby’s eyebrows lifted in recognition. “Caroline? Isn’t that, like, the brunch spot in Austin?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty famous around here. Great food, but it’s a little… busier than the place I had in mind,” Glen admitted, tilting his head. “They really want us to come, but if you’d rather do something more low-key I’m okay with that too.”

Gabby hesitated, weighing her options. On one hand, spending more time with his family sounded nice—she really had liked them all, and the idea of getting to know them better was appealing. On the other hand, she wouldn’t mind a quieter meal, just the two of them, especially after such a big day yesterday.

“What would you rather do?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Glen shrugged, his easygoing nature shining through. “Honestly? I’m happy either way. Brunch with my family sounds fun, but I wouldn’t mind a little time with just you either.”

Gabby bit her lip, a small smile tugging at the corners. “Let’s go to Caroline,” she decided. “I think it’d be nice to see your family again.”

Glen grinned, clearly pleased. “Alright, Caroline it is. I’ll let them know we’ll head that way.”

* * * *

Caroline’s charming, bustling vibe was already evident as Glen parked his truck in front of  the brunch spot. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries wafted through the air as Gabby climbed out, taking in the lively crowd spilling out of the restaurant. It was clear this was a local favorite. They had been advised there would be a 15-20 minute wait, even with Glen’s family calling ahead to reserve a table.

As they walked toward the entrance, Glen shot Gabby a reassuring smile, his hand brushing briefly against hers before pulling back. They were careful not to hold hands, not here, where eyes seemed to linger longer than usual.

Gabby felt a surge of pride seeing how at ease Glen seemed in his hometown. But before she could process the thought, a voice called out behind them.

“Glen!”

Gabby turned just in time to see a woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties rushing toward them, phone already in hand. Within seconds, more people appeared, and a small group began to gather around Glen. A mix of excitement and awe spread through the crowd, cameras flashing as someone asked for a selfie.

“Sure,” Glen said, flashing a polite smile as he took the first phone handed to him.

Gabby stepped back instinctively, unsure of where to stand. The crowd pressed in closer, and before she knew it, she was nudged to the side by a particularly enthusiastic fan trying to get closer to Glen. The unexpected jostle made her stumble slightly, her heart starting to beat faster as she realized how separated she was from him now, with four or five people in between them.

She hesitated, not wanting to interrupt or draw attention to herself, but also unsure what she was supposed to do in this situation.

“Gabby!”

The familiar voice made her whip around to see Leslie pulling up to the curb in her car. Relief flooded Gabby as Leslie hopped out, her sharp eyes taking in the situation immediately.

“Hey, don’t worry,” Leslie said, striding over with the confidence of someone who’d handled this before. She placed a gentle hand on Gabby’s shoulder. “Come with me. He’ll catch up once he’s done.”

Gabby glanced over her shoulder at Glen, who was smiling for another photo, his attention completely on the crowd. Gabby bit her lip but nodded, allowing Leslie to steer her toward the entrance of Caroline.

“It happens more often than you’d think,” Leslie said as they walked, her tone light and conversational. “Usually, he’s good at keeping it quick, but you know how excited people get when they spot him.”

Gabby managed a small smile. “I wasn’t really sure what to do.”

Leslie chuckled. “It can be overwhelming the first time. Honestly, the best thing you can do is just step back and let him handle it. He’s used to it, and he’ll always come find you when it’s over.”

They reached the front door of Caroline, where a cheerful hostess greeted them. Leslie quickly confirmed their reservation, leading Gabby inside to a cozy table tucked away in the corner. The noise of the restaurant was a welcome distraction, and Gabby felt herself start to relax as she sat down.

Leslie offered a reassuring smile. “See? Easy. He’ll be here in a minute. He never lets it slow him down too long.”

Gabby nodded, grateful for Leslie’s calm presence. Still, as she glanced toward the window, she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions—pride in how kind and gracious Glen was with his fans, and a flicker of unease at how easily she’d been swept aside.

As Gabby settled into her seat, trying to push the uneasy moment aside, the sound of cheerful voices pulled her attention toward the entrance. Glen’s sister Lauren stepped inside, and Glen’s niece walked beside her while her husband trailed in behind with their son.

“Leslie!” Lauren called out, a warm smile lighting up her face as she approached the table. “Sorry, we’re late! Little miss here insisted on wearing her princess dress, and we had a whole battle over the shoes to match.”

Gabby’s gaze dropped to Glen’s niece who indeed had a sparkly dress paired with mismatched socks and sneakers. She smiled at the sight, and Lauren’s eyes shifted to her daughter as well. 

“Good to see you again, Gabby,” Lauren said as the four of them took their seats at the table.

The table quickly filled with chatter as Lauren and Will settled in, their kids adding an energetic buzz to the mix. Gabby found herself swept up in the warmth of Glen’s family dynamic, the way they teased each other and shared stories effortlessly. It reminded her of the easy camaraderie she’d seen at the football game the day before, and once again, she felt that same comforting sense of belonging.

She glanced toward the window, her eyes instinctively searching for Glen. He was still outside, though the crowd had thinned slightly. She could see him crouching to take a photo with a young fan, his easy smile and relaxed posture as genuine as ever.

“He’s always like that,” Lauren said softly, drawing Gabby’s attention back to the table. She followed Gabby’s gaze, her expression fond. “He can’t say no to a fan, no matter how much of a rush he’s in.”

Gabby nodded, warmth spreading through her chest. “It’s one of the things I admire most about him,” she admitted, her voice quiet but sincere.

Before Lauren could respond, the door swung open again, and Glen finally stepped inside. He scanned the room briefly before spotting their table and making his way over, his eyes lighting up when they met Gabby’s.

“Sorry about that,” he said as he reached them, his voice apologetic but tinged with amusement. “I got caught up a bit.”

Glen’s hand found Gabby’s shoulder as he slid into the booth beside her, the touch grounding her instantly. 

“Thanks for waiting,” he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Gabby looked up at him, her unease from earlier fading completely. “Always,” she replied, her smile soft and full of meaning.

The table buzzed with the comforting hum of conversation as plates arrived, piled high with breakfast favorites. Gabby couldn’t help but smile as Ethan gleefully drowned his pancakes in syrup, much to Lauren’s playful dismay. Across the table, Leslie was mid-story about a disastrous DIY project she and their mom had tackled, making everyone laugh as she dramatically recounted how their dad had to come to the rescue.

As the meal went on, the chatter naturally shifted, and Leslie turned her attention to Glen and Gabby. “So, what’s on the agenda for you two today?” she asked, her tone curious but casual as she cut into her omelet.

Glen glanced at Gabby, his lips curling into a small smile before he answered. “I was thinking of taking Gabby to Allens Boots to get her outfitted with a proper hat and some boots,” he said. “Figured it’s about time to make her officially part of Austin.”

Gabby raised an eyebrow at him, setting her fork down. “Oh, is that so?” she teased, though her cheeks warmed at the idea.

“Absolutely,” Glen said, leaning slightly closer, his voice light but laced with affection. “It’s a rite of passage.”

Leslie grinned, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, you’ll love Allens. They’ve got an incredible selection. You’ll walk out of there feeling like a Texan for sure.”

Lauren, who had been bouncing the toddler on her knee, chimed in. “And what about after that? Any other big plans?”

Glen leaned back in his chair, considering for a moment. “I was thinking we’d head over to SoCo,” he said, referring to Austin’s vibrant South Congress neighborhood. “Walk around, check out the shops, grab a bite to eat. Keep it pretty relaxed.”

Lauren’s face lit up. “That sounds amazing. Actually,” she added, glancing at her husband, “Mom and Dad are watching the twins tonight, so we’re free. We should all go to dinner together and maybe grab drinks after.”

Leslie perked up at the suggestion. “Yes! It’s been forever since we’ve had a proper aibling night out.”

Glen chuckled, turning to Gabby. “What do you think?” he asked, his voice gentle. “Would you want to do dinner and drinks with everyone?”

Gabby took a moment, her gaze flicking between the eager faces at the table and Glen’s warm, steady expression. She loved how he always made sure to include her in the decision, never assuming or pressuring her.

“I think it sounds like fun,” she said, smiling at Lauren and Leslie. “I’d love to spend more time with everyone.”

“Perfect!” Leslie said, clapping her hands together. “This is going to be so much fun. We’ll pick a spot and let you know.”

As the conversation shifted again, Gabby leaned slightly into Glen’s side, her hand brushing against his under the table. He laced their fingers together discreetly, giving her hand a small, reassuring squeeze. She felt her heart warm at the thought of spending the evening with his family, feeling more and more like she belonged in this world he’d brought her into.

* * * *

The warm, earthy scent of leather hit Gabby the moment they stepped into Allens Boots. Rows upon rows of cowboy boots in every color and style imaginable stretched out before them, the shelves gleaming under the soft overhead lights. Gabby’s eyes widened at the sheer variety.

“Wow,” she breathed, taking it all in. “This is… a lot of boots.”

Glen chuckled beside her, his hand resting lightly at the small of her back. “Told you it’s a rite of passage,” he said, steering her toward a nearby display. “Let’s find you something that says ‘Gabby’s first pair of boots.’”

Gabby glanced at him, amused. “And what exactly does that look like?”

“You tell me,” Glen said, walking beside her. “What’s your style? Bold and colorful? Classic and understated?

“Definitely understated,” Gabby replied, already scanning the shelves for something simple. “Something classic,” she began, running her fingers over a pair of simple, brown leather boots. “Nothing too flashy.”

Glen made a thoughtful sound before shaking his head. “Nah, these are too tame,” he teased, pulling a pair off the shelf that was covered in intricate turquoise embroidery and studs.

Gabby laughed as he held them up. “Absolutely not,” she said, crossing her arms and giving him a mock glare.

“What? You’d look amazing in these,” Glen insisted, grinning.

“Pass,” she said, turning her attention back to the simpler designs.

Eventually, Gabby found a pair she loved—classic brown leather with just enough detail to feel special without being over the top. She slipped them on, testing the fit as Glen crouched down beside her, checking how they looked on her feet.

“They’re perfect,” she said, smiling down at him.

Glen looked up at her, his expression soft. “They suit you,” he agreed.

Satisfied with her choice, Gabby started to stand, but Glen suddenly straightened, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of a display nearby. 

“Hold on,” he said, striding over.

“What are you up to now?” she asked, watching him pull a cowboy hat from the rack.

“Trust me,” Glen said, turning back to her with the hat in hand.

Gabby tilted her head, raising an eyebrow as he stepped closer. “I don’t know if I’m a hat person,” she began, but Glen gently placed the hat on her head before she could protest further.

“Let me be the judge of that,” he said, adjusting it just so.

Gabby caught her reflection in a nearby mirror and turned her head slightly, studying the hat. It was a light tan color with a classic shape, understated but undeniably stylish.

“Well?” she asked, turning back to Glen. “How do I look?”

Glen’s response was immediate and wordless—a soft smile spreading across his face as his eyes lingered on her, full of warmth and something deeper.

“Beautiful,” he said softly, his voice steady and sincere.

Gabby’s cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head slightly, trying to hide her smile. “You’re biased,” she teased, though her heart fluttered at the way he was looking at her.

“Maybe,” Glen admitted, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. “But I’m still right.”

They paid for her new boots and hat, and as they stepped back outside into the warm afternoon, Gabby couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. Glen’s excitement about getting her boots and a hat was infectious, and she felt more at home in his world with every passing moment.

* * * *

After boot shopping, Glen and Gabby said their goodbyes to his sisters outside the store, Leslie pulling Gabby into a warm hug and Lauren promising they’d all meet up later in the evening. Glen opened the truck door for Gabby, helping her up into the seat before climbing in himself. The ride back to his house was filled with soft laughter and light conversation, both of them basking in the warmth of the morning they’d spent together.

As they stepped inside Glen’s house, Gabby immediately kicked off her new boots, sighing with relief as her feet hit the cool wooden floor. She held one boot in her hand, inspecting it with a mock glare.

“They’re cute, but they are not comfortable yet,” she said, shaking her head.

Glen chuckled, locking the door behind them and leaning casually against it. “You gotta break them in. A few more days, and you’ll forget you’re even wearing ‘em.”

Gabby flopped onto the couch with a groan, letting her boots drop to the floor. “Yeah, well, no one tells you that part when they’re convincing you to buy cowboy boots.”

“No one had to convince you,” Glen teased, crossing the room to stand behind the couch. “You were all in after trying on, like, three pairs. Admit it—you’re a city girl falling for the Texas charm.”

Gabby narrowed her eyes playfully and grabbed a throw pillow, tossing it over her shoulder at him. Glen caught it with ease, laughing as he rounded the couch and dropped onto the cushion next to her.

“I don’t hear you denying it,” he said, his smile tilting into a smirk.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the faint blush on her cheeks. “Whatever. They’re still cute.”

“Let me see the damage,” Glen said as he reached forward and gently pulled one of her feet into his lap.

“Glen, you don’t have to—” Gabby started, sitting up straighter.

Glen paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “Gabby,” he said softly, his voice still light but tinged with a mix of confusion. “Why won’t you ever just let me take care of you?”

Her smile faltered, and she looked away, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. Glen’s expression immediately shifted, and he held up his hands in surrender. “Hey, I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I was just joking. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t,” she said quietly, though the slight tremble in her voice told him otherwise. She took a deep breath, as if trying to steady herself. “It’s not you, Glen. It’s just... I’m not used to this.”

He leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle. “Not used to what?”

She hesitated, her gaze fixed on her hands as she fidgeted with her ring. “Having someone care for me like this. Do little things like this for me. Having someone want to take care of me.”

“I like taking care of you,” he said, flashing her a soft smile as he began to rub gentle circles into the arch of her foot.

She didn’t say anything but the way Gabby was looking down at her hands and avoiding eye contact told him something was going on in that beautiful head of hers.

“Gabby, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but... if there’s something on your mind, or something I should know, you can tell me. Anything.”

She let out a shaky laugh, still avoiding his eyes. “You say that now, but I don’t know if you’d want to hear it.”

“Try me,” he said softly, his voice steady but full of quiet encouragement. He reached out, brushing her hand gently. “I mean it, Gabby. Whatever it is, you don’t have to hold it in. Not with me.”

Her shoulders slumped slightly, and after a long pause, she finally spoke. “My last relationship... it wasn’t good. Not the kind of relationship you’d look back on fondly.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “He had this way of making me feel like I wasn’t enough. Like no matter what I did, it was never good enough for him. He never did stuff that showed he cared.”

Glen stayed quiet, giving her space to say what she needed. She drew in another shaky breath. “It wasn’t... outright abusive. Nothing you’d notice from the outside, anyway. But he controlled everything. Made me feel small. By the end, I didn’t even recognize myself anymore.” She finally glanced up at Glen, her eyes glistening. “That’s the main reason why I moved, and chose to go to school in L.A. I needed to get as far away from him as I could.” She paused for a moment and then added, “I’ve never told anyone. But it’s kind of ruined relationships for me.”

Glen’s jaw tightened, and his hand found hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing motion. “Gabby,” he said softly, his voice steady but full of emotion. “I’m so sorry you went through that. And I hate that anyone ever made you feel that way.”

She gave him a small, shaky smile. “I told myself I wouldn’t do that again. I had sworn off relationships. It’s why I was a little hesitant at first when we met. But with you... it’s different. I feel safe with you.”

His chest tightened at her words, and he squeezed her hand gently. “You are safe with me. Always. And just so you know, you’re more than enough for me, Gabby. We can take this as slow as we need to. If it’s going too fast, tell me and we can put the brakes on.”

Her smile grew, a little stronger this time, and she reached out to brush her fingers against his arm. “Thank you, Glen.”

“Anytime,” he said softly, leaning back slightly. “Now, can I try rubbing your feet, or is that off the table?”

A small laugh escaped her, and she nodded. She then let herself finally relax, sinking into the cushions and letting Glen continue. His hands were warm and strong, his touch careful but soothing as he began to rub her aching feet.

“You’re too good to me,” she murmured, her eyes half-lidded as she watched him.

Glen glanced over at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

The tension in the room slowly melted away, replaced by a quiet warmth as they sat together. Gabby’s eyes grew heavy as Glen’s steady touch lulled her into a state of calm. Before she knew it, she’d drifted off, her head resting against the back of the couch.

Glen glanced down at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face before leaning back and letting her rest.

While Gabby rested he took the time to respond to some texts and emails to pass the time, not wanting to get up and risk disturbing Gabby.

When the sun started to dip lower in the sky, he gently shook her shoulder. “Gabby,” he murmured, his voice soft. “Time to wake up, sweetheart. We’ve got to start getting ready.”

Her eyes fluttered open, and she gave him a sleepy smile. “Did I fall asleep?”

“Yeah,” he said with a chuckle. “Guess I’ve got the magic touch.”

She laughed softly, sitting up and stretching. He stood, offering her a hand. “Come on, let’s get moving. We’ve got a big night ahead.”

She took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. For the first time in a long time, she felt lighter, like the weight she’d been carrying was finally starting to lift.

Glen had disappeared into his bedroom a few minutes earlier, mumbling something about getting ready, leaving her to gather herself. She wandered to the guest room where she’d stashed her things, pulling out the sundress she’d chosen for the night.

The fabric felt soft and light as she slipped it over her head, the floral pattern a cheerful contrast to her usual Los Angeles wardrobe of jeans and neutral tones. She smoothed the skirt and stepped into her nude wedges, pausing in front of the mirror to check her reflection. The dress hugged her in just the right places, and for the first time in a while, she felt... pretty.

Gathering her courage, she made her way down the hallway, the sound of Glen’s boots scuffing against the hardwood signaling he was already in the living room. When she stepped into the doorway, he was adjusting the cuffs of his light button-up shirt, the pale blue fabric rolled just above his forearms. Dark wash jeans and a pair of scuffed leather boots completed his look, casual but effortlessly put-together.

Glen glanced up as she entered, and for a moment, he froze. His hands dropped to his sides as his eyes traveled over her, taking in the sundress that swayed gently as she walked. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face, softening his features. “Wow,” he said, his voice low and warm. “You look... beautiful.”

Gabby felt a rush of heat bloom in her cheeks, and she ducked her head, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

He chuckled, stepping closer until he was just a breath away. “Thanks, but you’re definitely stealing the show tonight.”

She glanced up at him, her eyes meeting his. There was something in his gaze—an openness, a sincerity—that made her chest tighten in the best way.

Glen broke the spell first, offering her his arm with a crooked grin. “Shall we?”

Gabby looped her arm through his, her smile matching his. “We shall.”

As they headed out the door, Gabby couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement for the night ahead. For once, she wasn’t thinking about how the evening might go wrong or what might happen if she let her guard down. For once, she felt like she could just... enjoy the moment.

And with Glen by her side, she had a feeling it was going to be a good one.

The soft glow of twinkling lights overhead created an intimate atmosphere at Botticelli’s, where laughter and the clink of glasses filled the air, blending with the hum of lively conversation. The restaurant was cozy yet upscale, with dark wood accents and flickering candles on each table, making the whole space feel warm and inviting. Gabby couldn’t help but smile at the ambiance as she sat beside Glen, who had his arm casually draped over the back of her chair. His sisters, Lauren and Leslie, were both full of energy, teasing Glen just like they had when they were kids.

“I still can’t believe you wore that much Axe cologne in high school,” Leslie said between bites of her pasta, her voice laced with affection and a hint of mischief. “You walked into every room smelling like a locker room after a football game.”

Lauren laughed, reaching for her glass of wine. “I mean, it was a bold choice, but I don’t know if smelling like a walking ad for middle school’ was the look he was going for.”

Glen rolled his eyes but smiled. “Hey, it worked for me in my mind back then,” he said, his tone mocking but playful. “I thought it was all about making an impression.”

Gabby laughed, imagining a teenage Glen in all his tall, slightly lanky awkwardness, covered in an overwhelming cloud of cologne. She could see the younger, more self-conscious version of him in her mind, but she was glad to see how far he’d come. His confidence now was entirely different—effortless, comfortable.

“I’m pretty sure you didn’t need the cologne at all,” Gabby said, giving him a teasing smile. “I remember my friends and I used to make fun of the guys that wore too much Axe.”

Leslie and Lauren burst out laughing, exchanging a look that made Gabby feel like she was in on an inside joke.

“That’s probably one of the many reasons why I was single a lot back then,” Glen joked, shaking his head with a smirk.

Gabby couldn’t help but grin at the easy banter between the siblings. There was something about their dynamic—playful, warm, and full of history—that made her feel like she was witnessing something special. Glen and his sisters shared an undeniable bond, teasing each other but with affection, a comfort that made Gabby feel a little more at ease despite the fact that she was still adjusting to being out in public with Glen.

As the food arrived, the server placed a plate of truffle risotto in front of her. Gabby took a bite, savoring the creamy texture and the rich, earthy flavor of the dish. 

“This is so good,” she murmured, taking another forkful. “I could eat this every day.”

Glen, who was already halfway through his meal, grinned mischievously. “Is it?” Without missing a beat, he reached over and stole a bite of her risotto, causing Gabby to let out a startled laugh.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, laughing as she swatted at his hand. “That’s mine!”

Leslie and Lauren exchanged knowing glances, and Lauren raised an eyebrow. “Glen, stealing food from your girlfriend already? Someone’s a little smitten,” she teased, her voice light and playful.

Glen froze for a moment, then looked at Gabby with a mischievous smile. “What can I say? I just really like what she’s got on her plate.”

Leslie laughed, leaning back in her chair. “Uh-huh, I can see that. Definitely only interested in the food, right?”

Gabby felt her cheeks warm at the teasing, but Glen’s easy grin and the way he shrugged made her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t expected. He was right about the food—he liked the risotto, but it was her that he couldn’t resist. It felt sweet and innocent, and though the teasing made her nervous at first, she quickly realized it was all in good fun.

Glen turned his attention to his sisters, giving them both a pointed look. “You two really like to pick on me, don’t you?”

Leslie grinned, glancing at Lauren. “Well, someone has to keep you in check, and clearly, it’s not mom.”

Gabby couldn’t help but laugh at the way they all interacted, the easygoing nature of it all. She found herself feeling more and more comfortable, laughing along with their jokes. She felt like she was starting to belong, not just with Glen, but with his family, too.

As the conversation flowed between bites of food, Glen leaned over and whispered to her, a soft smile on his lips. “You okay?”

Gabby nodded, glancing over at him with a grateful smile. “Yeah. I’m really enjoying this. Your family is... great.”

He grinned, clearly pleased by her response, and squeezed her hand under the table. “I’m glad. You’re part of the family now.”

Leslie cleared her throat from across the table, pretending to look innocent. “Do I hear wedding bells?”

Glen just chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, you’re really pushing it now.”

The teasing continued, but Gabby’s nerves had eased, and she found herself more and more drawn into the warmth of the evening, not just because of the food and the laughter, but because of the way Glen made her feel—like she was part of something good, something real.

* * * *

The Continental Club buzzed with life as soon as they entered, the air thick with excitement and the sound of clinking glasses, lively chatter, and the steady beat of a blues band setting up on stage. Gabby was struck by the electric atmosphere—the low hum of voices, the flashing neon lights, and the anticipation building as the crowd settled in for the night’s performance. It was a different energy than the cozy ambiance of Botticelli’s, but no less welcoming.

Glen’s hand rested lightly on her lower back as he guided her through the crowd, the warmth of his touch sending a small thrill through her. They moved effortlessly through the packed space, and as they reached the reserved table near the stage, he gestured for Gabby to sit. 

“Get comfortable, sweetheart,” he said, his voice smooth as he leaned down to talk in her ear. “I’ll grab the first round.”

Gabby smiled, watching him walk toward the bar. She took a deep breath, looking around at the buzzing crowd and the lively vibe of the place. The club had an energy all its own, and she couldn’t help but feel a little more at ease with the noise and rhythm surrounding her.

Glen returned a few minutes later with both of their drinks. Before he could get too comfortable, a few heads turned in their direction. A group of fans, noticing Glen, immediately began to approach him. Gabby gave him a small, understanding smile as he caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile before flashing his signature grin at the eager group.

Sitting back in the plush chair, Gabby took a slow sip from her drink, her eyes following Glen as he posed for pictures and signed a few autographs. She couldn’t help but admire the ease with which he interacted with his fans—there was a warmth and genuine kindness in the way he engaged with them.

“We’ll be back in a minute,” Leslie said, tugging Lauren along toward the restroom. Gabby was left alone at the table, the lively chatter of the club and the distant strum of a guitar accompanying her thoughts.

Gabby couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves as her attention moved back to Glen. This was a different side of Glen, a side of him that belonged to the public eye, and while she knew he was used to the attention, she couldn’t shake the slight feeling of being on the outside of it all. 

Gabby was just about to take another sip of her drink when the stranger approached, a confident smile stretching across his face. He was tall, with a casual charm that seemed to draw people in. 

“Hey there,” he said, leaning in just a little too close for comfort. “You’re looking great tonight. Mind if I join you?”

Gabby forced a smile, trying to maintain a polite distance. “I’m actually waiting for my friends to come back,” she replied, her voice steady, but the subtle tension in her shoulders betraying her discomfort.

The man, however, didn’t seem to take the hint. He leaned in a bit further, his hand resting on the back of her chair. 

“I’m sure they won’t mind if I wait with you. It’s not every day I get to meet someone as beautiful as you.” His voice dropped a little, a touch too smooth, making Gabby’s skin crawl.

A slight wave of panic rushed through her. She opened her mouth to politely excuse herself, but before she could say another word, Glen’s voice cut through the low hum of the club, sharp and commanding.

“Hey, man, she’s with me,” Glen said firmly, stepping in between Gabby and the stranger with a presence that immediately made the man pull back. 

Gabby’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Glen’s posture shift, protective and unyielding. His eyes narrowed slightly, an unspoken challenge to the stranger that didn’t need words.

The guy hesitated, clearly sensing the shift in the atmosphere. He shot one last look at Gabby, then muttered a quick, “Sorry, didn’t know,” before backing off.

Gabby let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding as Glen slid an arm protectively around her waist. She leaned into him slightly, the warmth of his touch calming her nerves.

“You okay?” Glen asked, his voice soft.

Gabby nodded, her voice shaking just a little as she managed a small smile. “Yeah… thanks.

He tightened his arm around her waist, his gaze steady and unflinching. “I’ll try not to leave you alone again. I’m so sorry.” There was a firmness in his words, a promise.

Gabby swallowed, her heart still racing. She hesitated, unwilling to meet Glen’s gaze. The muscles in Glen’s jaw tightened when he noticed Gabby avoiding eye contact. His expression hardening for a second before he softened, his thumb lightly brushing her hand as he held it. 

He leaned in just a little closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve got you, Gabby. You’re safe, sweetheart.”

Her heart fluttered in her chest at his words. She finally looked up at him, her breath catching. For a moment, the noise of the club, the chatter, the music—it all faded away. It was just them, standing in the center of this new understanding. The sincerity in his eyes made her feel something deep in her chest, a warmth that she didn’t know she needed until now.

Gabby squeezed his hand, a small smile forming despite the lingering unease. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice steadying as she found her footing again.

Glen gave her a gentle smile, pulling her in just a little closer as the buzz of the club resumed around them. “Of course,” he said, his voice a low hum. “Now, how about we enjoy the rest of this night?”

As the night stretched on, the buzz of conversation and music grew louder, but so did the lighthearted atmosphere around their table. Gabby, now on her second drink, felt a warmth spreading through her, and the tension from earlier had melted away. Her laughter came easier now, a soft, carefree sound that seemed to fit perfectly with the upbeat rhythm of the band playing in the background.

Leslie leaned in, grinning as she swirled her drink. "Okay, Glen," she teased, eyeing her brother with a mischievous glint. "Tell me—how did you ever manage to be smooth enough to land a girl like her?"

Glen shot her an amused look but said nothing, content to watch Gabby. There was something about the way she was glowing tonight, how the stress seemed to melt off her shoulders with every passing minute. He wasn’t sure if it was the drinks, the music, or the atmosphere, but he was enjoying seeing this side of her—this lighthearted, easy-going Gabby who was just letting herself have fun.

Gabby, feeling bold with her drink in hand, grinned across the table. “Dance with me, Glen,” she teased, her eyes sparkling. “Come on, I know you’ve got moves.”

Glen raised an eyebrow and shook his head with a smile. “Not sure the internet’s ready for that,” he replied with a smirk, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Gabby laughed, but her gaze drifted over to Leslie, who was already swaying to the music, her arms loose at her sides. “Come on, Les, let’s go dance!” Gabby said, and without missing a beat, the two of them stood up, joining the others on the floor.

Glen watched them for a moment, a slight chuckle escaping him. He liked seeing Gabby this way—effortlessly moving with the music, her body swaying in rhythm, her joy infectious. Leslie had always been the life of the party, but tonight, Gabby was catching up, and Glen was here for it.

As the song transitioned into a slower tune, Gabby’s eyes lit up. She looked back at Glen, who was watching them with an amused expression, and then made her way back to him. 

“Alright, big guy,” she said with a playful grin. “It’s time. You’re dancing with me.”

He raised an eyebrow and smirked at her. “A slow song, huh? You sure you can handle it?”

Gabby tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You worried you can’t handle me?”

“Oh I know I can handle you,” Glen grinned.

Gabby reached for his hand, tugging him up to his feet. Glen let her lead him toward the dance floor, keeping the space between them casual enough for any fans with phones nearby, but close enough that his hand rested lightly on her waist. Gabby wrapped one arm around his neck as they swayed to the music, the slow rhythm almost making the whole room fade away. Glen kept his grip firm, steadying her as she started to lean into him, her balance just a little wobbly from the drinks but never enough to fall.

"You okay?" he murmured, keeping his voice steady despite the warmth rising between them.

“I’m good,” Gabby replied softly, her gaze meeting his. 

She looked so content, so at ease, and Glen couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t realized just how much he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms—how natural it felt, even after just a few weeks of getting to know each other.

She grinned, her lips curving playfully as she leaned in a little closer. “You know,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, “you might be right. I think I’m a few drinks away from being trouble.”

Glen’s lips curled into a smirk. “I can handle trouble,” he replied, his voice teasing but warm.

Gabby laughed softly, and Glen was pretty sure he could listen to that sound all night.

Meanwhile, Leslie and Lauren watched from the edge of the dance floor. They exchanged knowing glances and quickly snapped a few pictures of the couple, laughing as they captured the moment. “They’re adorable,” Lauren said, sending one of the photos to Gabby’s phone with a quick text: You two are goals. Don’t let him get away. 😊

Back on the dance floor, Glen’s hand settled more comfortably at the small of Gabby’s back as they continued swaying in time to the music. Her arms were wrapped around him, her head resting gently on his shoulder for a moment. It was quiet, just the sound of the music and the soft murmur of the club, but it felt perfect in its simplicity. Gabby smiled against his chest, a contented sigh escaping her.

“I’m glad you’re here, Gabby,” Glen murmured into her hair, his voice quieter now, almost like a secret.

“Me too,” she replied softly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “This is nice.”

The night had flown by, the bar’s lively energy still pulsing through Gabby’s veins as midnight rolled around. The chatter of the crowd had died down a little, and the music had shifted to a more relaxed tune. Gabby and Glen exchanged a look, both knowing it was time to call it a night.

“Ready?” Glen asked, his arm brushing lightly against hers as they stood to leave.

Gabby smiled, though her steps wobbled a bit as she adjusted her weight in her wedges. She felt the alcohol creeping into her limbs, making them lighter, looser, and a little more unsteady.

"Yeah, let’s go," she said, trying to make it sound as confident as she could, but her balance was betraying her.

Glen was quick to notice, his hand on her back steadying her as they made their way out of the bar. As they reached the door, Gabby stumbled a little, the cooler night air making her feel even more tipsy.

Before she could protest, Glen was scooping her up effortlessly into his arms. She gasped in surprise, laughing a little too loudly. “What—what are you doing? I can walk, Glen!”

“You can thank me later.” He teased, grinning as he started walking toward his truck.

Gabby didn’t argue, her laughter echoing in the quiet street as she snuggled into his chest, feeling the warmth of his body against her.

When they finally arrived back at his ranch, the world around Gabby felt both too big and too small at the same time. She leaned against Glen as they got out of the truck, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air. But as soon as they reached the sidewalk, she found herself stumbling once again, her feet unsure in her wedges.

“You okay?” Glen asked, reaching out to steady her.

“I’m fine,” Gabby insisted, though it was clear that she was anything but.

Before she could take another step, Glen had her in his arms again. 

“Glen! I can walk!”

“Maybe I just like holding you,” he said with a soft laugh, carrying her the rest of the way to the door.

“Glen,” Gabby giggled, “I’m fine, really.”

He just smiled, not saying another word, as he gently set her down just inside the door. Gabby tried to kick off her shoes while still standing, but it wasn’t long before she wobbled and nearly toppled over.

“Whoa, careful there,” Glen chuckled, catching her just in time.

“Ugh, I’m so embarrassing,” she muttered, her voice full of amusement.

“No, you’re actually pretty cute right now,” Glen said with a smirk, guiding her over to the couch and helping her sit down. “I will say you weren’t wrong about being a handful though.”

Gabby gave him a mischievous look. “You knew what you were signing up for when you bought me those last couple drinks,” she teased, her eyes sparkling. She leaned back against the cushions, her feet still dangling in the air.

“I suppose I did,” Glen agreed with a grin, bending down to pull off her shoes for her, his hands gentle as he worked.

Once she was free of the wedges, Gabby pulled him toward her, her hands threading through his shirt as she pulled him into a kiss. Gabby’s lips lingered on his for a moment longer before she finally pulled away, her breath soft as she smiled up at him.

“You’re really something, you know that?” Glen whispered. “Alright, now let’s get you to bed.”

Glen helped Gabby to her feet and guided her down the hallway, keeping a steady arm around her waist despite her insistence that she was fine. 

“You’re not fine, Gabby,” he said softly, his voice tender.

She grinned up at him. “I am,” she said. “But... okay, fine. Maybe I need your help.”

They made their way to the bedroom, where Glen helped her out of her dress and gave her one of his shirts to sleep in. She slid into bed with a satisfied sigh, curling up into the warmth of the blankets.

Gabby rested her head against his chest as she snuggled closer, her breath slowing as she relaxed into the comfort of his arms. “I haven’t let loose and had fun like this in a really long time. I haven’t felt this happy in a long time, Glen,” she murmured.

Hearing her words made something warm bloom in Glen’s chest. He smiled softly, kissing the top of her head. “I’m glad I can make you feel that way,” he whispered.

Gabby’s hand rested on his chest, her fingers idly tracing over his shirt. “You do,” she said softly, already drifting into sleep.

Glen held her close, his heart full as he watched her fall asleep.

[simvanie]

My 𝐓𝐨𝐩 24 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 from 2024🎉

Thank you @theplottdump and @duusheen for the tag!! 💗🥰

Tagging: @someone-elsa, @aurorangen, @thebramblewood, @tulipsimss, @cowplant-snacks, @rebouks, @bakersimmer, @flocy-sims, @cowplant-pizza, and of course whoever else would like to do this! (I've lost track of who has and hasn't already done this, so feel free to ignore if you have! <3)

Januari

I remember one of the first things I did when Supriya aged up into a teen was to have her take selfies. Because not only is that someting a pride generation heir would do, but at the time I also thought she was one of the prettiest teens in my game ever.

Februari

I decided to fully furnish and decorate an apartment for Supriya to live in and I think this is when I realized that I'm 100% a maximalist when it comes to interior design.

March

Ah, the night of the gala where Supriya and Rohan finally let their walls down 😊. I based the the outfits and the location of the gala (before they got back to Supriya's apartment) on the gala scene from the movie Maid in Manhattan which was a movie I really liked as a kid and for some reason that gala scene imprinted itself in my brain.

April

I love a good sunset. But what I love more is Rohan and Supriya getting engaged in front of a good sunset. The couple moved to Brindleton Bay where they fell even more in love with each other, and I fell in love with the Brindleton Bay heatwaves (when it doesn't rain that is). Rohan and Supriya eventually got married and it was my first cultural in-game wedding and, you guessed it, I loved it.

May

A pregnancy photoshoot with Supriya and Rohan in that little park with the blossom trees in Lykke Centre, Windenburg. The other screenshot is a screenshot with Cedia as a siren that I never posted in the Halloween post of last year, so I decided to make another post this year with the screenshots I also loved and that didn't make the cut back then.

June

I was still experimenting with my decorating skills and I had a lot of fun decorating the kids' playroom and Gulshan's bedroom when they were little.

July

I did an "end-of-generation" photoshoot with Supriya and also made one of my oc's, Fawzia, for Thebramblewood's vampire casting call who until then had only existed in my head. And for my legacy I wanted to try something different with the lighting in the screenshots where Gulshan and his friends are partying and I really liked how it turned out.

August

Sad boi.

September

Gulshan got his restaurant and I love everything about it. I started building this restaurant when I started the 7 sins legacy and I was so excited when I could finally play in it.

October

I took this screenshot after Gulshan earned 4 stars for his restaurant. I posed everyone except for Lord Hamlet. He just walked past and it turned out perfect for this screenshot. Did I mention Lord Hamlet already? BECAUSE LOOK AT HIM! At first I wasn't sure how a pig who is actually a dog would work out in game, but he is my favorite in-game pet ever and I love him so much. The last screenshot I made to showcase the Poppy cas set by Surely-sims and Ice-creamforbreakfast and all the screenshots for this are some of my favorite lookbook screenshots ever.

November

Sad man.

December

Nothing beats baking cookies with the love of your life on a snowy winter morning.

[starlightkyeom]

take my hands (we can fall together) | lee chan | pt 3

(where you and chan are friends, but he's your brother's best friend. and you've always been just a little out of reach. until one season changes everything.) pairing: brother's best friend!chan (dino) x f!reader genre: friends to ??, pining, slow burn | fluff, angst, smut rating: explicit warnings/notes: mentions of unhealthy relationships (reader x boyfriend), mentions of food, mentions of drinking/alcohol, friendsgiving, chan is having a crisis, explicit smut in this part, kissing, body appreciation, fingering (f. receiving), oral sex (f. receiving), face sitting, multiple orgasms, overstimulation, protected sex (p in v), aftercare, chan is a tease, chan calls reader baby one time, i think that's it but let me know if it's not word count: ~9.2k (full fic is roughly 23.5k) notes on the characters: anyone used as a background character is meant to be an OC, i'm just lazy with coming up with names a/n: SHE'S DONE! i cannot believe that (not me sticking to a timeline). huge thanks to @svthub for hosting this fall collab. check out the full list of fics here. make sure you go back and read parts 1 & 2 for context. this is the last one 😭 (unless i return for a drabble/timestamp). also thank you to my bby indi for creating an amazing banner @classicscreations.

tagging: @christinewithluv @aaniag @dejavernon @tbzhub @bitchlessdino @seungkwansphd

part 2 | masterlist

Even though he feels a bit weird about it, Chan makes good on his promise to Carla and they reschedule. Instead of going out to a too-loud bar, Chan suggests a favorite restaurant of his. Some place with good food and a better atmosphere. The perfect place to try and get to know his date on a real level. Not only is she beautiful and genuinely interested in him, she’s kind, easy to talk to, and surprisingly funny. The perfect person to finally move onto a healthier, strictly friendly relationship with you.

Everything about the date goes even more smoothly than he expects. Despite how open she is while texting, Chan’s surprised to find how engaged she is in person. It’s like nothing and nobody else exists apart from the two of them. She talks openly about liking him, too, because she says she doesn’t see the point of dancing around things, playing some kind of game. Life is too short not to tell someone how she feels. There’s a warmth in hearing that, like something dormant being awoken. It’s not like his other feelings completely disappear, but it’s nice to have that kind of connection.

At the end of the date, they walk out together and Chan grabs her hand without thinking twice about it. She stops him just outside the restaurant to pull him towards her for a kiss. Maybe it doesn’t make him see stars or anything insane like in the movies, but it’s nice. Her lips are soft against his and seem to just kiss away any worries. It really has been the best date he’s been on in a long time. So much so that he considers coming up for a drink when Carla invites him. There’s just a little something in the back of his mind holding him back and so he politely declines. He reasons it away that he’s got Friendsgiving the next day. It’s been a great date, but he’s definitely not ready to bring Carla to meet his friends. It’s only been one actual date. Even if they have been texting a lot.

Chan is up a little early the next day because he needs to run to the store to get some drinks before making his way to Seokmin’s house. That’s been their go-to place for bigger gatherings like this since he bought it because it’s got the most space. Last he heard, there were fifteen people coming for Friendsgiving. He’s also got to pick up Jay and Vernon on the way there so there aren’t too many cars. Jay should’ve been helping him pick up drinks. But, no. He crashed at Vernon’s. Which isn’t entirely surprising since Vernon’s new game is at the beta-testing stage and Jay’s always been the number one tester. It’s more than mildly concerning to see his two friends smirking when they get in the car, though.

“What?” Chan prompts.

“How was your date last night?” Vernon asks.

“Yeah, are we going to have to set an extra place at the table?” Jay adds on. 

“What are you talking about?” Chan questions.

“You went on a date last night, right?” Jay presses. 

“You know I did,” Chan confirms. “We live together.”

“And you took her to that restaurant we love,” Jay carries on.

“Yeah,” Chan says slowly, drawing the word out.

“Oh, cut him some slack. I guess you were so caught up in the date that you entirely missed that some of our friends were there too,” Vernon says and laughs at Chan’s face. “Yeah Jiyeon texted me laughing about how she tried to get your attention and you didn’t even notice.”

“Oh shit, I’ll have to apologize to her,” Chan says. 

“She was with Mina, Lisa, and my sister too,” Jay adds on. 

“They were all there?” Chan worries. 

“Yeah, I think it was my sister’s idea. A little bit of a girl’s night for whoever was free,” Jay says. “Rude of them not to invite us. But clearly you were busy.”

“So are we going to be seeing her today?” Vernon asks. 

“It was one date,” Chan deflects.

“One date that you kissed and then left with,” Jay adds on. Chan whips his head over to look at his best friend.

“Sorry, Ji had a lot to say about it. You know how she is,” Vernon shrugs. “And Jay wasn’t sharing the game so I had a lot of time to text her.”

“Great,” Chan says. 

“Hey, that’s a compliment! I stayed up playing a game and crashed on a couch, for you,” Jay complains.

The two of them carry on bickering while Chan’s head is a million miles away. Not exactly what he’s prepared for or expecting walking into Seokmin’s house. At least he knows ahead of time. For all the times Jay’s a pain in the ass, which is basically any time he’s breathing, he’s a loyal friend. He might be ribbing Chan for being so oblivious now, but he’s also giving him time to prepare before he walks in because Jiyeon is going to give it way worse. So, Chan takes the rest of the drive to figure out how he’s going to say. 

It’s hard, though, because entirely too much of his brain focuses on the fact that you were there, too. Something Jay kind of glosses over, probably trying to take the focus off. He’s never called Chan on it, but he’s known how his friend feels for a long time. You were there and you saw his whole date. Saw the way he was caught up. Saw the way he left with Carla. Saw the kiss. Saw everything. Because you were with Jiyeon and she would have been doing a live commentary. That’s just who she is. Not in a malicious way, she just hates being ignored. It’s stupid to be caught up on what you thought. He’s moving on. That’s what the date with Carla was supposed to do and he knows he can’t just live in this perpetual state of caring about you. Not when you’re in the middle of putting your heart back together. Not when you haven’t shown any interest. Not when you straight up said Chan was just a friend. 

He’s barely through the door before Jiyeon is harassing him. “So, what, you go on a date with someone you barely know and you just forget we’ve been friends for literal years?”

“Easy, Ji, I didn’t see you,” Chan repeats. 

“Well obviously,” she retorts.

“Did you call my name? Or send me a text to be like hey, over here?” Chan fires back. Fighting fire with fire is the only thing she responds to.

“No, you were too wrapped up in your little date,” Jiyeon answers like it’s obvious.

“Maybe you didn’t really want to get my attention. Maybe you just wanted to bitch today. Maybe you woke up and chose violence,” Chan says, earning an immediate eye roll. 

“Did you just call me a bitch?” Jiyeon asks with faux outrage.

“I said you wanted to bitch, I’d never call you a bitch,” he answers anyway.

“Well, where is she then?” Jiyeon asks as she makes a show of looking behind Chan.

“Carla? She’s not here. Obviously,” Chan says.

“Oooooh do you like her enough to use her name? Not just the girl you’re dating?” Jiyeon teases. 

“I hate you,” Chan utters without any bite.

“I know,” she sing-songs.

Almost involuntarily, Chan’s eyes find their way to you, looking for some kind of reaction to the whole scene. But, you’re sitting with Seokmin, like you aren’t paying attention at all. Like maybe you don’t even care. Which is good, right? Chan wanted you to leave Seungsik so that you could be happy and heal, not so that he could have a chance. Which is exactly what happened. It should be a good thing, seeing you happy. It’s just that he can’t help but feel like you don’t seem as happy as you did the day after leaving Seungsik at his aunt’s house. 

It starts as Chan thinking he’s overreacting. Throughout dinner, it becomes crystal clear that something is off. You stick close to Seokmin and Lisa, don’t even really mingle with people in the same way you do any other time everyone is together. Even with the friends you don’t get to see as often. There’s something a little dull about you, like the dimmer switch isn’t all the way on. And Chan never sees you without a drink in your hand, which is a little odd, too. Almost everyone drinks too much at Friendsgiving and then naps or sobers up before leaving. Drinking is normal. This isn’t that, though. 

The thing that hurts Chan the most is that you hardly speak to him at all. Several times, he tries to start a conversation, only to have you give short answers before excusing yourself to do something else. Or talk to someone else. Or be anywhere that Chan isn’t. That hurts on a much deeper level than any feelings he has or had for you. Over the past two months, it’s felt like you were coming to depend on him more as a genuine friend. Someone that you could turn to or be vulnerable around. More than just another person in a decent sized friend group or your younger brother’s best friend. There were even times when he wondered if he was in your inner circle. Things definitely shifted. But, whatever it was seems to have been short lived. The two of you are further apart than where you started. 

It’s not until Chan is back home at his apartment, leftovers from the meal tucked away in his fridge, and getting ready for bed that he gets answers. He’s not tired and he doesn’t want to go to sleep. All he wants is to get comfortable and watch something mindless. Jay seems to sense that something’s off and doesn’t even give him a hard time. Just lets him go off into his room and shut the door. His phone dinging catches his attention, though. 

You: today ws wierd and i hted it You: i mis m y channie 

The text catches him off guard for a lot of reasons. The first is that you’re clearly a little drunk, or maybe a little buzzed. You’re not usually such a sloppy texter. But, the much bigger reason is that you called him your Channie. You’ve called him Channie but never yours before. 

Chan: are you drunk? Chan: are you okay? You: ‘m fine You: not drunk Chan: are you home? You: no stayed at seoks Chan: good i’m glad You: do you like me

Chan stares at that message for a good minute like the words will somehow change. Does he like you? Are you asking as a friend or something more? Can he really try to get over you when you’re texting him like this?

Chan: course i do, we’re friends You: that’s not what i mean

Of all the ways the night could have gone, this was not one Chan considered. Things were definitely weird during Friendsgiving. He’s not sure how many people noticed. Jay definitely had, if him giving Chan space when they got home is any indicator. Seokmin probably noticed too, since you’re currently staying there. Before he can answer your text, his phone is going off with an incoming FaceTime. He answers without thinking.

“You answered,” you say like it’s some kind of surprise.

“Of course I did,” Chan breathes out. “What’s wrong?” 

“Do you like me, Chan?” you repeat. It’s so different watching you say it than seeing it typed. He’s trying not to focus on you sitting in bed just like he is. 

“I told you…” Chan starts and you’re shaking your head. 

“I know we’re friends, but do friends do everything you’ve done for me? Do friends go on train rides and apple picking and photoshoots and to pumpkin patches? Do friends spend an entire party not even bothering to talk to anyone else? Do friends support each other the way you’ve supported me?” You’re rambling, Definitely a little drunker than you want to admit, especially with some of your words slurring together.

“I don’t know,” Chan admits. 

You turn back and look straight into the camera. “Why didn’t you even see me last night, Chan?” 

“Well, I guess I was just…” Chan starts.

“What? Distracted? So distracted by your date that you didn’t even see me?” you ask. His heart breaks for how hurt you look. That’s the last thing he wants. 

“I’d already kinda blown her off once, over you, kind of,” Chan admits. Too honest.

“Over me?” you ask. Your eyes are wide like it’s not what you were expecting.

“I was, well I was with her when I saw Seungsik,” Chan says. “I made an excuse and left, but said I’d see her again another time.”

“Oh,” is all you say.

“Yeah, so I didn’t really want to do that to her again. She doesn’t deserve that,” Chan says quietly. 

“What about what I deserve?” you wonder.

“You know I think you deserve the entire world,” Chan insists. 

You pull your bottom lip between your teeth like you’re at war with yourself over something. “Do you think you could love her?” 

Before Chan can answer, he hears a door open and watches you turn to the side. Somewhere in the room, he hears Seokmin.

“I thought we said no drunk texting or calling or anything?” Seokmin reminds you, sounding very sober. 

“I thought you meant Seungsik,” you shrug, unashamed. Seokmin comes into the frame and sees Chan.

“Oh, hey, Chan,” Seokmin says, smile not quite as bright as Chan is used to. It’s clear that Seokmin didn’t just mean your ex.

“Hey, Seok,” Chan answers.

“I’m gonna take this and put her to bed,” Seokmin says.

“Good idea,” Chan agrees. 

Seokmin turns the camera to you. “Say goodnight to Chan.”

“Night Channie,” you call out.

“Night,” Chan answers. 

“Goodnight, Chan,” Seokmin says.

“Wait,” Chan says and watches as Seokmin’s face turns to him. “Delete the last few texts in our thread. That’s probably a better conversation to have when we’re both sober.”

Seokmin’s face relaxes and he nods, like he understands more than Chan does at the moment. Maybe he does. The entire conversation is weird and it’s leaving Chan with way more questions than answers. Why are you so curious about his feelings now? Why do his feelings for Carla matter to you? Why are you drinking like that? Did something happen with Seungsik? Are you finally processing and this is part of the grief? Why does it hurt to feel like an outsider to it all again?

The next time Chan sees you, there’s no mention of the brief FaceTime call or the texts. Things with you are somewhere between the total comfort of the party at his aunt’s house and how you were before all the Fall activities. It’s this weird limbo that he doesn’t really know how to process. It seems like nobody else really knows how to process it, either, and unfortunately, some of them are picking up on it. 

Then, there’s the issue of Carla. She hasn’t done anything wrong, but Chan also isn’t sure how he feels. On one hand, he really does think it’s best to just move on from his feelings for you because it’s all just been too much. On the other hand, it feels dishonest to keep going out with Carla when his head isn’t totally in it. But, she really is kind and she seems to understand some of his hesitation and even suggests that they do something a little more lowkey, like lunch during the work day, and that seems fine, right? Everyone has to eat lunch.

Wrong. 

Well, not about the lunch part. She picks a place that’s close by where they work, since they don’t work far apart, and Chan appreciates the slightly longer lunch. It’s a welcome break in his day and the perfect way to end the week. Carla is sweet, doesn’t push him to talk about anything he’s not ready to, though she can obviously tell there’s something. There’s a subtlety to the way she lets him know that he can talk to her about anything, no matter how awkward. And a grace when he says that he’s just not ready. She keeps all the conversation light, easy. There’s even something about it that feels a little more friendly than like a date. It’s really just an incredibly pleasant lunch.

And then comes the text. The text from you. Why on Earth did you need to send Chan a text saying you heard he went on a lunch date with the same girl from the other day? Why did you need to say that you hoped he had a good time? Why did it matter if he was spending time with someone else? It’s just kind of confusing because you’re definitely friends, but not the kind of friends that text like this. Not when it’s the first text you’ve sent to Chan since the ones he asked Seokmin to delete for you. 

So he doesn’t answer, doesn’t really know what to say. Instead he tries to make plans with Vernon to go for drinks after work. But, Vernon has other plans and Chan settles on just asking Jay. Although Jay is truly his best friend, he’s not Chan’s first choice when it’s you on his mind. Chan’s feelings for you, whatever they are, aren’t a secret to Jay, even if they’ve never talked about them. If he’s going drinking now, though, it might be too hard to keep avoiding talking about whatever he’s thinking. 

It seems initially like Jay might let Chan get away with just wanting to drink. They talk about work, about the holidays coming up, about upcoming plans. Jay mentions the big family Thanksgiving, which they’ll both be at. Chan talks about how he already feels behind on holiday shopping. They both talk about how crazy it is that Vernon’s so close to finishing one of his games. It’s just normal roommate shit. Much like lunch with Carla, everything is light and unserious. At least through the first drink. Everything changes when the bartender sets the second drink down in front of them. 

“We’ve gotta talk about it, man,” Jay finally says. 

“Talk about what?” Chan feigns ignorance.

“Whatever your feelings for my sister are,” Jay presses on, unwilling to let his best friend continue to ignore a problem. 

“Is this where you tell me that she’s fresh out of a relationship and give me some sort of speech about protecting her?” Chan asks.

“No,” Jay says simply. “She’s an adult and I’d never tell her who to date as long as she’s happy. Besides, you’re friends with her too.” 

“I really don’t know if we’re friends right now, things are weird,” Chan admits.

“Yeah, I can tell,” Jay says with a bit of a snort. 

“I went out to lunch with Carla today and then I got a text from her saying she’d heard about my lunch and hoped it was good. What am I supposed to do with that?” Chan asks, louder than he meant to.

“I don’t know,” Jay admits. “I don’t think she knows, to be honest.” 

“What do you mean?” Chan asks.

“Well, I’ll admit that I told her that you went to lunch with Carla because she’s been really weird about you since she broke it off with Seungsik. Probably before that, honestly, but it’s definitely been weird since then. I know she went to your aunt’s house the day after you told her and she confronted that asshole,” Jay says.

“Yeah, my aunt was thrilled,” Chan remembers.

“So was my sister, she said it’s one of the best times she’s had in awhile,” Jay shares.

“What did she say to you when you told her I was out to lunch?” Chan wonders.

“She just said oh good for him,” Jay says, “which I assumed meant she didn’t want me to know what she was thinking so I wouldn’t have to lie to you. I figured she was going to text you, too. Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” Chan brushes off. 

“Do you like her? Like actually like her?” Jay asks. 

“I don’t…I’m not sure, honestly,” Chan admits. 

“You were sure, though,” Jay presses. “I could see it in the way you looked at her. I remember thinking anyone would be lucky to have someone look at them that way.” 

“Yeah, I guess I wasn’t that subtle to anyone but her,” Chan jokes. 

“I think even she stopped being oblivious,” Jay laughs. “So what changed?” 

“I don’t know,” Chan shares. “I guess, I don’t know, it just felt like it’s been all this time and I was doing all these things with her when Seungsik didn’t want to. And I had this moment where I thought I could do things like that with her the rest of my life and be happy. But, then we were talking about him after I saw him out and she said something about how he always thought I liked her but she brushed it off. So I just kinda realized I needed to move on.” 

“Can you do that if she never knew for sure how you felt?” Jay asks. “Is it fair to either of you?”

“Is it fair to her when she’s only just gotten out of a relationship?” Chan challenges. 

“Like I said, Chan, she’s an adult. Just telling her that you have feelings for her isn’t the same as expecting her to jump right into something new,” Jay reasons. “If you love her, like I think you do, then she deserves to know that she isn’t crazy. Even if nothing happens. The only way to move forward is by being honest.”

“Love her…wait, why would she think she’s crazy?” Chan worries. 

“Because you’ve been weird too, bro. It isn’t just her,” Jay laughs. “She is going to absolutely kill me for this, but she remembers texting you and then FaceTiming you after Friendsgiving. She knows you asked Seokmin to delete the chat and dodged her question about how you felt. So, I think she thinks that she imagined you liking her.” 

“Shit,” Chan breathes out. “I was just trying to do what I thought was best.”

“I know that, but I’m not sure she does,” Jay shares. 

“Fuck it, I need shots,” Chan declares. 

He’s definitely not sober when he shows up at your apartment a few hours later. Despite Jay’s insistence that they eat something, he’s still very buzzed, bordering on the world having some blurry edges. Although Jay insisted this could wait until tomorrow, he’s still here at your doorstep. Doesn’t even look back at the Uber after he gets out. His fingers dance over the keypad to the building on autopilot because he’s been there enough times before. There’s no thought about if you’re home or what time it is. No thoughts about if you have company. All he can think is that he’s sick of this weird limbo. 

You answer the door with your hair piled on top of your head, oversized t-shirt hanging off your frame, and a look of complete surprise on your face. Whatever you see on Chan’s face makes you step aside and let him in without a word. It’s not until he feels the couch dip as you sit next to him that he really meets your eyes.

“What are you doing here, Chan?” you ask. 

“I’m sorry,” Chan whispers.

“For what?” you prompt.

“For so many things,” Chan answers. “For Seungsik, for not being a better friend, for not seeing you that night at the restaurant, for telling Seokmin to delete your texts, for not giving you a straight answer, for going on dates with someone. But mostly for falling for you when it’s the worst possible timing.”

“You’re drunk,” you say after a moment.

“A little, maybe, but that doesn’t make any of it less true,” Chan argues. 

“I want to hear all of this from you in the morning, when you’re sober,” you say. 

“Please, I don’t know if…” Chan starts.

“Come on, Channie, let’s get you to bed and we can talk in the morning,” you say. 

You stand and reach a hand to him. He’s not sure if it’s the thought behind the gesture or hearing you say Channie, but he takes your hand without questioning it. Before he knows it, he’s tucked into bed and his eyes are closing. It may be the most comfortable bed he’s ever slept in. 

The next morning, sun through the cracks in the blinds wakes Chan up and it takes him more than a moment to remember where he is. It’s only when he looks around and sees your familiar decorations everywhere that it dawns on him. Not only is he in your apartment, he’s in your bedroom. He slept in your bed last night. Somehow that realization has him feeling even worse than the slight hangover. Since life is really unfair, you walk in a minute later, looking far better than anyone should in the morning. You hand over a cup of coffee. Fighting his embarrassment, Chan sits up so he can accept it and take a sip. Of course it’s perfect. It feels like the reverse of the morning after the Halloween party.

“How are you feeling?” you ask.

“Terrible,” Chan admits ambiguously. 

“Yeah, well, that’s what you get for drinking so much. Jay said he wasn’t sure where you were putting it,” you chuckle out. You pick up your own coffee mug to take a sip.

“When did you talk to Jay?” Chan wonders.

“He was blowing up your phone and I don’t know your password so I figured he was worried about you. I texted him to say you were here and passed out and you’d text him today,” you answer. “He didn’t seem concerned once I said you were here.” 

“Yeah, well it’s not really the hangover that’s making me feel terrible,” Chan mumbles and you raise an eyebrow at him. 

“I hope I’m not making you feel terrible,” you throw out.

“No, I’m just embarrassed, really,” Chan says. 

“You don’t need to be,” you assure him, voice gentle. 

“I am so sorry for telling Seokmin to delete those messages, I thought it was the right thing to do,” Chan begins. 

“It’s fine. I’m not surprised my darling brother told you about that, though,” you say. 

“It’s not fine. I just, I don’t know, I didn’t really know what was going on and it felt a little overwhelming,” Chan says. 

“Yeah I can see that. To be fair, I’m not really sure what I was even trying to accomplish that night,” you say quietly.

“Can I try to say the things I wanted to say last night?” Chan asks. “Jay actually helped me realize some things.”

“He’s got his moments,” you laugh. “And yeah, I think I’d like to hear what you wanted to say, now that it’s morning and you’re sober.” 

“I could repeat what I said, but it really comes down to this. I like you. A lot, way more than I should and I know that it’s, like, the worst timing in the world because of Seungsik and the break up,” Chan rushes out. “I know it’s probably not fair to you to tell you now, but Jay also pointed out that I can’t really try to move on when I haven’t told you how I feel. I just, I got kinda freaked out to tell you when you said the thing about your ex thinking I liked you, but you brushing it off.” 

“Chan,” you try to interrupt.

“And, fuck, I was trying so hard to date someone and get my mind off you that I didn’t even think about it,” Chan carries on. “But the reality is that all the things we did all season long have been some of the best times of my life. I’m sorry, I know that I’m rambling.”

“Can I speak now?” you ask and Chan’s cheeks burn red. 

“Sorry,” Chan whispers.

“I like you, too,” you admit. “I’m not really sure when it happened. Maybe somewhere along the way of you just constantly being there.”

“Yeah, we’ve spent a lot of time together the last like two months,” Chan agrees. “Wait, did you say you like me, too?”

“I did and, like, we have definitely spent a lot of time together doing all the things I love to do, which maybe helped me realize, but I think it’s been there a lot longer. All this did was make me realize how you’ve been there for me for years and I didn’t see that it was more than just a friendly thing,” you say. “You probably don’t remember but back in college, that idiot broke my heart and you and Jay spent the whole weekend cheering me up. I get why Jay did it, he’s my brother, but you didn’t have to.”

“Of course I remember, that’s when I realized I had a crush on you,” Chan says softly. 

“Chan, that was like 6 years ago,” you say, nearly choking. 

“Pushing seven,” Chan admits.

“You’ve liked me all that time and I didn’t realize?” you wonder.

“Maybe not all that time, it’s not like I haven’t dated,” Chan points out. 

“Oh yes, because you’ve dated such winners,” you scoff. 

“Are you, were you jealous?” Chan teases. “You started acting weird when I went on the date with Carla and didn’t notice you or our friends.”

“I wasn’t acting weird,” you protest. 

“Yes you were, even Jay said so,” Chan counters.

“Oh whatever, you’ve liked me for seven years,” you tease with a roll of your eyes. 

“And you’ve probably liked me just as long but you’re stubborn,” Chan says.

He’s not sure where the confidence comes from now, but hearing that you like him too just makes it feel lighter. Even though there’s no telling what happens from here, it feels good to have it all out in the open. You’ve both abandoned your coffees at this point and are just sitting on the bed like it’s the most natural thing in the world. 

“I am not stubborn,” you protest. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, I must be thinking of someone else,” Chan teases. 

“Must be,” you agree.

“Hey,” Chan says, more serious. “I don’t know what happens next and I know you just got out of a relationship, so there’s no pressure or…”

Chan can’t finish what he’s saying when you press your lips to his. It takes him several seconds to get over the shock, though. It doesn’t matter that you admitted to liking him, too. That’s still a big step to go from that to kissing. You’re pulling away when his brain finally connects and he kisses you back. Makes him pull you back into him so that he doesn’t miss another second of the way your lips feel against his. Makes him dig his fingers into your hips when he pulls you on top of him. You pull away to gasp and catch your breath. Let yourself get situated with a knee pressed into the mattress on either side of him. All you can do is just look at him, pupils a little blown and chest rising with each breath. Loosening his grip on you, he looks down and watches his hands slide over your thighs and back up to your hips. When he looks back at you, he finds you’re watching the movement. 

“You don’t have to be so careful, Chan, I’m not that fragile,” you utter.

“I know you’re not,” he confirms. “But, are you sure?”

“About this?” you ask and he nods. “The most sure I’ve been about anything in a long time.”

He’s about to ask you again but you just shake your head before leaning in to kiss him. You’re giving him confirmation and permission all at once. Confirmation that you want this and permission to not treat you so gently. It’s all he needs to start running his hands up across your hips and then under your shirt and up your back. Your hands move from the sides of his face to fling your arms around his neck when he presses you tighter against his body. Kissing you isn’t anything like he imagined. It’s not soft and tender. It’s a little desperate and needy, but still completely full of affection. As if testing what you said about not needing to be careful, he nips at your lower lip. The light moan shoots straight to his dick and his hands travel back down your back to your hips. Gripping you tight but also making you slightly rock against him. 

It’s not enough contact, though. Now that he’s got you like this, he just wants more. It’s almost too much when he pulls your t-shirt off and he realizes you aren’t wearing a bra. Maybe this was in your plan all along. Chan pulls back and plants a light kiss on your lips, currently pouting and a little puffy from the kisses. When he kisses across your jaw and down to your neck, you arch into it. He wants to savor this, to take his time taking you apart. Wants to coax every noise out of you. Wants to be the reason you’re completely ruined. Doesn’t know that he’s already well on the way there. 

He kisses across the top of your chest, from one collarbone to the other and you let out a small please. Probably that you need more. That’s definitely going to take time, though. When he places a feather light kiss between your breasts, you whimper again, rock your hips forward over him again. It’s everything he can do to not get too turned on too fast. It doesn’t matter if you have a million more times after this. This is the first time and he wants to savor it. Slowly, he moves his lips over to one of your breasts, flicks his tongue across your nipple a couple of times. Nips a mark into your sensitive skin and laves his tongue over to soothe the sting. Your hands are tangled in the ends of his hair that’s longer than you remember it being before. Even if you won’t admit it, he can tell you like it by the way your hands keep finding it. 

As he kisses his way back up to your lips, he moves you a little further back on his lap. Misses the confusion cross your face. But, he’s got a plan. Once he’s kissing you again, one hand slides down your inner thigh and plays with the edge of your shorts. You squirm when you realize just what he’s doing. He can’t fight the groan when he realizes you don’t have any underwear on under your shorts, either. Jesus. He has to pull back for a steadying breath. This is about you and making you feel good. He can’t get too turned on too fast. His lips find yours again and his thumb runs along your slit, inside your shorts. Collects the wetness already between your legs. You try to pull away from the kiss to moan and he uses his free hand to anchor you to him. Lightly, he spreads your lips apart so that his thumb can brush over your clit. That’s when he finally let’s you pull back. 

“Fuck,” you utter immediately.

“Is this still okay?” Chan whispers against your skin before kissing the spot just below your ear. 

“Yes,” you hiss out as his thumb continues to caress your clit. 

“You can stop it if you want,” he tells you. 

“I will kill you if you stop,” you threaten, lust heavy in your tone. 

“Wouldn’t want that now, would we?” he teases.

“Stop being such a - fuck,” you gasp out when Chan slides a finger inside you. 

“Such a what?” he prompts. 

“A tease,” you finish. “Please, Channie, you’re moving so slow.” 

Instead of answering right away, he leans in to kiss you again. Captures your moans, but doesn’t increase the slow, almost lazy speed that his finger enters you. “You in a hurry?” 

“No,” you whine, “but I need more. Please. Please just give me a little more.”

The way words fall out of your mouth, begging him to carry on, makes his dick twitch. He’s thankful you don’t seem to notice because he likes having the control like this. Likes watching you squirm on top of him and knowing it’s all for him. Gives you at least a little of what you want when he slides a second finger in. Doesn’t tell you that it’s still just warming you up for something more. Something he’s been thinking about for weeks. 

“I want to feel you, please,” you beg when Chan pulls his lips away from yours again. 

“Not yet,” he tells you.

“Why?” you whine out.

“I want to taste you first,” Chan says, fingers stilled inside of you, but thumb still lightly circling your clit. 

“Can’t we just…” you start.

“Are you gonna make me beg, baby?” Chan wonders. Your eyes widen at that, both out of surprise and desire. “I will, I have all the time in the world.” 

“N-no, you don’t need to,” you stutter out. “How do you…”

“I want you to sit on my face,” he says simply.

“What?” you nearly gasp.

“I want you to sit on my face,” he repeats. “Just straddle my face and let me show you how good I can be for you.” 

“I’ve, um, well I’ve never…” you start, turning a little shy. 

Chan takes his free hand and tilts your chin up, so gentle that he doesn’t realize the act almost breaks you. “Never had someone eat you out like that?” 

You shake your head. “I, um, haven’t actually been eaten out much.” 

“Can I admit something too, then?” he asks, wanting to make you comfortable. You nod. “I’ve been thinking about what it would feel like to be under you since you got on my shoulders at the orchard and your thighs squeezed my face.”

It’s clear that’s not what you’re expecting. It’s something so honest that it’s all you can focus on. Where Chan would usually feel too exposed, he only feels comfortable with you. Like he can expose everything about him and he’ll still be safe with you. He wants you to feel that too. Doesn’t realize that you’ve never had someone take their time with you like this. 

“Well it was kinda hot, the way you picked me up like that,” you finally admit. 

“So trust me again, I won’t let you fall,” he urges. 

You mumble something under your breath that sounds suspiciously like too late. He’s trying not to focus too much on that, too much on what happens after this. All he wants is this moment to last forever. To be able to show you just how much he cares for you.

“So how do we…” you start.

“Here, get up for a second,” he directs you, gently moving you off his lap. 

In one quick motion, he pulls his shirt off and watches the way your eyes drink him in. His muscles contract as you reach out to run a hand along his stomach. Doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath and waiting for your verdict.

“Fuck me, you’re hot. I’ve seen you swimming, have you always looked like this?” you say, sounding annoyed and making him laugh. 

“Let’s get you out of these,” Chan says instead of answering and helps you pull off your shorts. 

He leans back and makes sure that he’s comfortable. Then, he directs you to straddle his face. Urges you to trust him, Promises you that you’re not going to hurt him. Reminds you that this is about you, but it’s about him, too. He’s wondered what it would feel like to have your thighs boxing his head in. To be so caught up in you. Just as you’re about to protest, he licks a strip up your core and you gasp. He continues to run his tongue up your entrance, sliding his tongue deeper into you as he goes. You start to squirm almost immediately and he reaches up to anchor your legs on either side of his head. 

It’s honestly far better than Chan was imagining. The noises coming from you were only encouraging him to keep going. Not that he really needed any encouragement. He could drown between your legs and be the happiest he’d ever been. It was unthinkable that nobody wanted to take care of you like this before. Your arousal coated his tongue as he pressed it deeper inside you between his licks. His nose bumped against your clit and he had to grip you harder again to keep you from arching off his mouth. As if sensing that he needed you closer, you leaned forward, gripping onto the headboard. He squeezed your legs and fucked his tongue faster into your pussy. 

“Chan, fuck, oh my god, your tongue, I just - fuck,” you curse out. 

He’s good with his tongue, he knows that. Knows he’s good at a lot of things. This is different, though. Every noise sounds so much better, every body spasm is that much more rewarding, every curse sounds perfect. It’s not until your body starts quivering hard that he realizes he’s never wanted to make someone come on his tongue more than this. You must be close because you start to get more incoherent, start to try and pull yourself off him. Instead, Chan holds onto you harder.

“Please, I’m gonna come,” you whine. 

Chan pulls away from your pussy just long enough to utter a single phrase. “Then, come for me.” 

And then he’s back to burying his tongue inside you, licking faster, reaching a hand around your leg to circle your clit with his thumb again. It’s nothing but a string of curses that you utter. Clench your walls around his tongue. There’s nothing hotter than how fully you trust him as you let go, coming on his face. He times the strokes of his tongue to guide you through the high before helping you off of his face so that you can lie back on the bed and catch your breath. He wipes his mouth on the back of his hand, fully aware that he hasn’t gotten it all, and repositions to lay next to you on his side. Your eyes are closed and he can’t help but brush a piece of stray hair off your face. The tenderness at odds with the previous moments. 

“Whoa,” you finally say when you open your eyes to look at him. 

“Yeah,” he agrees.

“That was…fuck, that was good,” you admit. “I don’t want to give you a big head or anything but damn.” 

“It’s a bit late for that,” Chan jokes. “I could feel how much you enjoyed it.”

You swat at him. “Fuck off.” 

He catches your hand and presses a light kiss to your knuckles. “Not before I fuck you.”

The contrast between the kiss and the statement nearly gives you whiplash. It’s plain on your face that you’re wondering where this version of him came from. 

“Unless you changed your mind or you’re too tired,” he offers. “I just remember you saying you wanted to feel me.”

“Oh no, I definitely still want that. I seem to remember you promising to show me how good you could be for me,” you say, regaining the confidence. 

“My pleasure,” he says and gets up from the bed. 

You’re about to ask what he’s doing when he pulls his briefs and shorts down in one motion, dick springing free. There’s a satisfaction to watching the way you take in the sight of him fully naked. He’s confident in his size, definitely confident he can make you feel good, but it’s still nice to see the way your eyes go big. Nice to see the way you swallow while watching his hand move lazy along his shaft. 

“Condoms?” he asks.

“That drawer,” you indicate. 

He reaches in to get one and rips the package with his teeth. He’s watching you as he slides the latex over his dick. Watching for any signs of second thoughts. There aren’t any, but he wants to check anyway.

“You’re still sure?” he asks.

“Yes,” you confirm, meeting his eyes. “And if something changes, I’ll stop you.”

“Good, because I still wanna make you come at least two more times before I do,” he tells you.

You shudder. “You sure you can do that?” 

“Positive,” he says with a smile that’s entirely too confident. 

Except he knows he can deliver. Knows that he can show you just how good he can be. Knows that he can make you feel amazing. He directs you to lay back on the bed and spreads your legs. Instead of sliding right in, he uses a finger to make sure you’re still ready for him. To make sure he’s not rushing it. You squirm against his finger and he can tell you’re getting impatient again. But, he wasn’t kidding. He’s going to take his time with you. 

You’re still so sensitive that he brings you almost to the edge just with his fingers. Delights in the way you arch into him. In the way his name falls from your lips like a prayer. In the way your fingers dig into the sheets at first before you grip one of his arms. Before you leave scratch marks along that same arm. Before you’re begging him just to let you feel him inside of you. It’s enough to finally make him give into your begging. He lines himself up at your entrance and presses his dick in slowly. Much slower than his finger was pumping into you. He wants to let you adjust to the stretch, though. Your hands make their way to his back and your fingers run down his muscles there. Gently at first, like you’re just exploring his body. When your fingers run down his back again, this time scratching along the way, he buries himself in you and pulls back to snap once, quick. The resulting gasp is music to his ears. 

He sets a varying pace. Mixing slow with fast. Shallow pumps with deep ones. Tries to find out just what you like the best and what pulls the best sounds out of you. He leans back so he can throw one of your legs over his shoulder and hit a different angle. That seems to be the one you enjoy the most and it’s only moments before you’re coming undone around him again. He pulls out when you start to clench around him because he’s not sure that he’s strong enough to hold back through that. And he really does want to make you come more before he does. 

It carries on like that, Chan constantly changing your positions, doing more than his fair share of the work, studying every inch of your body. It’s clear that your brain is going a little mushy and that you’re insanely overstimulated. In the end, he makes you come two more times, in addition to the two previous orgasms, before he finally lets go. It’s honestly the best release he’s ever experienced. The best high and the best sex. Everything feels magnified and also like the most natural thing in the world. He finds it’s really easy to figure out the things you like and they seem to line up with things he enjoys as well. 

He lies back on the bed and you curl into him after you take a minute to recover. Actually tuck yourself right into his side and nestle in with his arm underneath your neck. He wouldn’t ever move if he didn’t have to. But, you both definitely need to get cleaned up. 

“Where are you going?” you ask when he starts to move. Your eyes look a little worried. That kind of breaks his heart because why do you look so nervous?

He leans back onto the bed and presses the softest, most gentle kiss he’s ever given anyone on your forehead. “To get a towel to clean up a bit. And I was gonna start a bath for you, I know your tub is crazy nice.”

“A bath actually sounds really amazing,” you admit.

“Just stay here then and let me take care of you,” he insists. 

You nod and lay back onto the bed, closing your eyes and smiling. It makes his heart swell at the level of comfort you seem to feel. He also knows that you and him need to talk, to figure out what’s going on and where this is heading. Knows that he’s already in way deeper than he should be. But, all he focuses on now is cleaning himself up a bit. It’s a little hard to do, so he just hops in the shower to rinse off as quickly as possible. Once he’s done with that, he focuses on getting the bath running for you. 

When he feels like the temperature is right, that the bath bomb has dissolved enough, and that it’s all completely perfect for you, he walks back into the bedroom. He expects to find you asleep. Instead, you’re sitting up with some fresh clothes next to you. 

“I heard you in the shower,” you say and offer him the clothes when you get up. You wince just slightly. 

“Sorry,” he says sheepishly. 

“I’m not,” you disagree. Chan helps you to the bathtub and helps you in. He blushes a little when you return the favor and kiss him softly on the lips. He turns around when your voice stops him. “Where are you going?”

“I was going to let you enjoy the bath,” he answers.

“I’d like it better if you stayed here,” you admit and his heart feels like it really will explode. 

“Let me just put on some clothes,” he requests.

“You could also just get in with me,” you offer. “Not in a sexual way, just in a closeness way.”

How can he argue with that, really? Your tub is plenty big enough, a sticking point for you even if the rest of the apartment was on the smaller size. The main bathroom was massive, comparatively. So he gets in carefully across from you and settles into the water. It does actually feel really nice. His eyes fall on you moving gingerly to wash yourself off. 

“C’mere,” he says, “turn around.” 

You do as he asks and settle in between his legs, with your back leaning against his chest. He picks up your loofah and takes over rubbing it carefully across your skin. You relax further against him almost immediately, which he takes as a good sign that he’s doing something right. There’s a lot he’s done or tried, but this is new territory for him. And he wants to be good at it, too. 

Once he’s finished cleaning you off, the two of you just stay like that, you leaning against his chest. It’s a comfortable silence that neither of you feels the need to break. It’s not until the water starts to feel cold that you both admit you need to get out. This time, you actually let Chan put his clothes on and you put something comfortable on as well. He helps you pull the sheets off the bed to throw them in the wash. 

The two of you check your phones when you plop down onto the living room couch and Chan grimaces. He’s got a whole bunch of texts and missed calls from Jay. Some are from last night, like you said, but some are from today, too. He shows them to you and you show him a string of notifications that look similar. 

“Time to break the bubble?” Chan asks. 

“At least for long enough that he stops having a heart attack,” you agree. 

So, Chan dials and isn’t surprised when Jay picks up on the second ring.

“What the fuck, Chan, where are you? And why isn’t my sister answering either?” Jay asks instead of a hello.

“Uh, you’re on speaker,” Chan answers. 

“Hey,” you chime in.

“You’re still over there?” Jay asks incredulously. “How much could you possibly have to talk about?” 

“Worried I’m going to steal your best friend?” you tease.

“Or are you worried I’m going to steal your sister?” Chan asks and you laugh.

“No, you’re better than literally any person she’s dated ever. By a lot,” Jay acknowledges. 

“Oh my god, you really are just missing your best friend,” you groan. 

“And my roommate, he’s my roommate too,” Jay protests.

“We have things to talk about,” you say.

“How much do you have to talk about?” Jay wonders. “He likes you, you obviously like him. What else do you need to know?” 

“That’s between us,” you say as Chan starts to talk.

“We also didn’t talk last night because I was drunk,” he adds.

“Yeah and it’s late afternoon now, so what have you been…oh my god, that’s fucking gross, that’s my sister,” Jay sputters out.

“I didn’t even say anything!” Chan protests. 

“You didn’t have to. We’re roommates, remember?” Jay answers.

“If you miss me, just say that and go,” Chan teases.

“I do miss you, I made Vernon come over earlier and it’s not the same,” Jay says.

“Hey,” they hear Vernon say in the background.

“I think I hate this already,” you say and scrunch your face.

“Sick of him already?” Jay jokes.

“No, I don’t like you liking someone I’m dating,” you disagree. 

“Dating?” Jay and Chan ask at the same time.

“Oh, well, I just figured…” you start.

“I’m hanging up on you, bro, we have things to talk about,” Chan says. 

“Fine, but just be good to her, she deserves that,” Jay says.

“Yeah, she does,” Chan agrees, eyes on you. 

He hangs up the phone and just looks at you, unsure of what to say. Unsure of how to start figuring out what this is. You just got out of something that was really unhealthy and he’s not trying to rush you into something new or risk it being unhealthy because you didn’t heal. Couldn’t stand to be a rebound. He’s never thought this far.

“I didn’t meant to assume, I just…” you start.

“Of course I want to date you. It’s just, you just got out of a relationship and I want to give you time to get over that,” he says.

“I think I’ve been over it since the train ride, to be honest,” you say. “Maybe it took me a while to realize. But you showed me, time and time again, what it means to show up for someone you love.”

“I love you, too,” Chan says softly.

“So we figure it out together?” you ask, so hopeful.

Chan leans in and presses a kiss to your lips. “Yeah, we figure it out together.”

i'm sad this is over, but it was so much fun to write! i hope you enjoyed them as much as i did. and there's a very real chance i'll return to this with future timestamps/drabbles. but who knows when because of who i am as a person!