#t: their waters were mingled together

[vgtrackbracket]

Video Game Track Bracket Round 1

Walking the Wood from Cultist Simulator

vs.

Their Waters Were Mingled Together from ABZÛ

No propaganda was submitted for either track.

If you want your propaganda reblogged and added to future polls, please tag it as propaganda or otherwise indicate this!

[yourmomsawh0r3]

Could you do a benedict bridgerton x wife reader where she's having a bath when benedict interrupts and joins her

Steamy

Benedict Bridgerton x wife fem reader

Benedict arrived home later than usual that evening, the weight of the day’s engagements still lingering on his shoulders. As he walked through the grand hallways of Bridgerton House, the flickering candlelight cast playful shadows on the walls, creating a soothing atmosphere that promised respite from the bustling world outside.

His thoughts drifted to his wife, Y/N. Her laughter, her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she was excited all these memories brought a gentle smile to his lips. He couldn’t wait to see her, to hold her in his arms and let the world fade away.

Benedict made his way upstairs, his footsteps soft on the polished wood floors. As he approached their private quarters, he noticed a faint, melodic sound. It was the gentle splash of water, accompanied by a soft hum. He pushed the door open quietly and stepped inside.

There she was, Y/N, sitting in the clawfoot bathtub, her eyes closed and a serene expression on her face. The room was warm, the air filled with the delicate scent of lavender and rose petals that floated on the water’s surface. Candles placed strategically around the room bathed everything in a golden glow, making the scene almost ethereal.

Benedict’s breath caught in his throat. He stood there for a moment, just watching her, entranced by her beauty and the tranquility of the scene. Y/N opened her eyes and smiled when she saw him, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Good evening, my love,” she said softly.

Benedict’s smile widened as he walked over to the tub. “Good evening, darling,” he replied, his voice low and filled with affection.

Without another word, he began to undress, his eyes never leaving hers. Y/N’s gaze followed his movements, a mix of curiosity and desire in her eyes. As he removed the last of his clothing, he stepped into the tub, the warm water enveloping him.

He settled behind her, pulling her close so that her back rested against his chest. She sighed contentedly, leaning into him as his arms wrapped around her. They sat like that for a moment, enjoying the closeness, the feel of each other.

“Benedict,” Y/N murmured, her voice a mere whisper.

“Yes, my love?” he replied, his lips brushing against her ear.

She turned her head slightly to look at him, her eyes dark with desire. “I’ve missed you.”

Benedict’s heart swelled with love and longing. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb caressing her cheek. “I’ve missed you too, more than words can say.”

Their lips met in a gentle kiss, a slow exploration that quickly turned passionate. Benedict’s hands roamed over her body, caressing her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Y/N’s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.

The steam from the bath began to fog up the windows, creating an intimate cocoon that shut out the world. The heat of the water and their rising passion mingled, making the air thick and charged with electricity.

Benedict’s lips trailed down her neck, eliciting soft moans from Y/N. He could feel her heartbeat quicken, matching his own. Their hands moved with increasing urgency, exploring, teasing, igniting a fire that consumed them both.

Y/N turned in his arms, straddling his lap, her eyes locked onto his. There was a moment of stillness, a shared breath, before they came together in a fervent embrace. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, a dance of love and desire.

The water sloshed around them, spilling over the edge of the tub, but they paid no mind. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other. The windows were now completely fogged up, the room filled with the sounds of their passion.

Time seemed to stand still as they reached the peak of their desire, their cries of pleasure echoing softly in the steamy room. They clung to each other, their bodies trembling with the intensity of their release.

As the waves of pleasure subsided, they remained entwined, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating as one. Benedict pressed a tender kiss to Y/N’s forehead, his fingers gently stroking her back.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

“I love you too, Benedict,” she replied, her eyes shining with tears of happiness.

Eventually, they reluctantly left the tub, the chill of the air sending a small shiver through Y/N. Benedict, ever attentive, quickly wrapped a plush towel around her, his hands moving gently as he dried her off.

“Let’s get you comfortable,” he said softly, guiding her to the bed.

He retrieved her nightgown, a soft, silky garment that felt like a caress against the skin. Benedict helped her into it, his fingers brushing against her bare skin, sending shivers of a different kind down her spine. His touch was tender and filled with love, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Once she was dressed, Benedict guided her to lie down on the bed, her muscles already beginning to relax. He straddled her hips, his strong hands starting to knead the tension from her shoulders. His thumbs worked into the knots with practiced ease, eliciting a deep sigh of contentment from Y/N.

“You’re so good to me,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering closed as she let the sensation of his hands work their magic.

“You deserve nothing less,” Benedict replied, his voice low and soothing.

His hands moved down her back, working out every bit of tension, every stress of the day. The warmth of his touch seeped into her muscles, relaxing her completely. Y/N felt as though she was melting under his ministrations, her body becoming languid and heavy with contentment.

As he finished, Benedict leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her neck. “How do you feel, my love?”

“Wonderful,” she whispered, turning her head to capture his lips in a soft kiss.

He smiled against her lips, his hand cupping her cheek. “Good. Now, let’s get some rest.”

He lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms. They fit together perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle, their bodies molding to each other as if they were made to be together. As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, Benedict couldn’t help but feel grateful for the life they had built together.

And with that comforting thought, he drifted off to sleep, holding the woman he loved more than anything in the world.

[girlkisser13]

clara bow

"you look like percy jackson" "in this light, we're loving it" "you've got edge he never did" "the future's bright, dazzling"

pairings: percy jackson x fem!reader

warnings/tags: none. purely fluff. dad percy.

summary: your daughter looks just like her father.

the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sandy shores of montauk beach. percy jackson, now in his mid-twenties, stretched out on a towel, enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves crashing against the shore. you lay beside him, watching your four-year-old daughter as she ran along the water's edge, her laughter mingling with the sea breeze.

"she's got your energy," you remarked with a smile, glancing at percy. his dark hair, tousled by the wind, and his sea-green eyes were mirrored in your daughter. her curls bounced as she chased after the foam, her excitement palpable.

"yeah," percy replied, his voice filled with pride. "and your curiosity. look at her go. she's like a little explorer."

you watched your daughter with a mix of amusement and nostalgia. the way she fearlessly dove into the waves, her little feet leaving imprints in the wet sand, reminded you so much of percy when the two of you first met. he had the same fearless nature, the same insatiable curiosity about the world around him.

"do you remember the first time we came here together?" you asked, your voice softening as you looked at percy. "you were so determined to show me how to surf, even though the waves were huge."

he chuckled, recalling the memory. "i remember. you wiped out spectacularly, but you got right back up. that’s one of the things i love about you, y/n. you're as stubborn as i am."

you laughed, leaning your head against percy's shoulder. "and now our daughter has inherited that stubbornness. but you know, she has something else, too."

he raised an eyebrow, curious. "oh? what's that?"

"an edge," you said, your eyes twinkling. "she's got this… determination, this drive, that goes beyond what either of us had at her age. she's not just fearless; she's fearless and focused. it’s like she knows exactly what she wants and won't stop until she gets it."

percy watched as his daughter stood on a small sand dune, her eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for something only she could see. "yeah, i see it too," he admitted. "she's got this fire in her. It's amazing."

you smiled, feeling a swell of pride. "that's your influence, percy. but she also has my patience, my ability to think things through. she’s a perfect blend of us both, with her own unique spark."

he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close. "we make a pretty great team, don’t we?"

you nodded, resting your head on his chest. "we do. and we’re raising an incredible daughter. she's going to do amazing things."

as the two of you watched your daughter build a sandcastle with unwavering determination, you felt a deep sense of contentment. your journey together had been filled with challenges and triumphs, and now, watching your daughter thrive, you knew that every moment had been worth it.

"hey, y/d/n!" percy called out. "come show us your castle!"

she turned, her face lighting up with a bright smile. she ran towards the both of you, her small hands covered in sand. "look, mommy! daddy! it's a castle for the mermaids!"

as your daughter continued to describe the intricate details of her mermaid castle, you and percy exchanged a tender glance, your hearts swelling with love and pride. the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the beach and turning the waves into sparkling gems.

percy, still holding you close, leaned in and whispered, "so, what do you think? want to make another one?"

you looked up at him, your eyes wide with surprise and amusement. "another castle?" you teased, knowing full well what he meant.

percy laughed, shaking his head. "you know what i mean. another little jackson running around, making sandcastles and chasing waves."

you pretended to ponder the idea, tapping your chin thoughtfully. "hmm, well, y/d/n is pretty amazing... maybe another one wouldn’t be so bad."

percy grinned, leaning down to plant a soft kiss to your lips. "i think we’d make another pretty great team project."

you swatted him lightly on the shoulder, "you did not just call our daughter a project!"

you both laughed as your daughter came running back to the two of you, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "what’s so funny?"

"nothing, sweetheart," you said, scooping her up into your arms. "just talking about how much we love you."

she giggled, wrapping her arms around your neck. "i love you too, mommy. and you, daddy."

as the three of you made your way back to your beach blanket, the sun setting behind you, you and percy knew that whatever the future held, the both of you would face it together, your hearts forever intertwined by the love of your little family.

"maybe one day," percy murmured to you as you watched your daughter settle down with her favorite blanket, the waves lulling her to sleep.

"maybe," you agreed, squeezing his hand. "but for now, this is perfect."

and with that, the two of you sat together, watching the stars emerge in the night sky, your hearts full of love and gratitude for the life you had built together.

[updownlately]

how could i ever (treat my baby that way)

| leah williamson x reader | angst | 4.7k | inspo: never keeping secrets by babyface | a/n: got this ask a long ass time ago and it's finally gone somewhere. this is part one to a two part fic! (read part ii here)

~~~

You’d think that between the chilly air coming out of the air conditioning in the room and the freezing cold drink in your hand that you’d be comfortably cool, body not overheating despite being in a slightly crowded bar. 

You hoped that would be the case, just like it had been many times before. Yet, the way your body was burning right now contrasted your prayers, unusual for you, yet not surprising given the circumstances.

You knew you were pissed, could nearly feel the steam coming out of your own ears before your emotions could even make themselves known. It sucked, having to accept your fate, letting yourself get more and more agitated at the sight in front of you, hand tightening on your glass, fingertips white. But that’s all you could do, invisible rope holding you back, keeping your hands tied, the artist no other than the one you loved.

Letting your eyes drift over to the blonde, your blonde, in the middle of the dance floor, your jaw tightened. 

You knew she was yours, the two of you having been together for over a year now. You knew she was yours, your apartment being the one she resided in the most. You knew she was yours, ‘I love you’s’ whispered in the mingled breathes you shared late into the night. You knew she was yours. So why didn’t it feel like it?

Your unwavering gaze, almost like two laser beams, focused on your girlfriend, mentally begging her to look your way, to see the hurt in your eyes.

Taking a deep breath to try (and fail) to calm yourself down, you quickly downed the rest of your drink, thankful to have gone the sober route tonight. You didn’t know what drunk you would’ve done in all this hurt, and you surely didn’t want to find out.

Contemplating whether you should swim your way through the sea of people to the bar, you waited. You waited, and waited, and waited, pleading to the universe that she would meet your eyes.

She didn’t look. 

Not a single glance was sent your way.

She didn’t care. 

Shaking your head, anger quickly turning into disappointment, then sadness, you stepped out of where you were in the corner, having preferred to stay back by the booth as the rest of the girls enjoyed their night. 

Making your way over to the bar, you ordered yourself a water, hoping it would soothe the ache in your chest. 

Downing half of it as soon as the bartender passed it to you, you turned, eyes once again finding purchase on your girlfriend subconsciously.

You watched as she danced with the Chelsea player unashamedly, almost proudly, as if she didn’t have a girlfriend to go home to at the end of the night.

Naive and infatuated, you had never bothered to consider the difference between private and secret back when the idea was suggested to you. Now? Now you utterly resented the distinction between the two words.

Feeling the hair on the back on your neck rising however, you blinked out of your thoughts, quickly zoning back into real life, scanning the room for the cause before ocean eyes met yours. 

Leah.

The blonde was finally looking right at you, the girl in front of her continuing to dance in close proximity, her eyes closed- too gone with the music, to notice her distracted partner.

Raising an eyebrow in silent question, you waited.

You waited for a reaction, an apologetic smile, a mouthed sorry. Something to show she realized how her actions were hurting you. Anything. 

You waited a second, then another, and then another. 

Instead you got nothing, a continued blank look shot your way as she continued looking at you, head tilted.

You were well aware you didn’t have to say much, nearly a year of being in a relationship, a little over two of living together meant she knew you- quite well too, if you had an opinion on the matter. 

In this moment though, it felt like not enough. 

All the memorized takeout orders, her awareness on how you liked your coffee, what your moods were and how to best comfort you in your lows- her knowing all of that didn’t matter if she couldn’t understand how absolutely heartbroken you felt right now, watching her keep away from you, dance with another body that wasn’t yours, marking a win that you both shared, but only one of you were celebrating.

It didn’t matter if she didn’t realize she was hurting you. 

Bringing your drink towards your chest, you ducked your forehead down, letting the cool glass bring you some reprieve to your growing headache, no doubt caused by heartache. 

Wanting nothing more than to leave, teammates be damned- this night was over for you long ago- you placed the glass back on the bar top, thanking the woman behind it once again before heading over to the team’s table.

Quickly grabbing your coat, confident that Leah could find her way home- not out of malice but with the staggering number of your shared friends, teammates, and rival players in the club- you bid adieu to Steph and Kim, the only two by the table, citing a tired body as your excuse. 

Exiting the stifling atmosphere and slipping into the cool air, you took a deep breath in, forcing your shoulders to relax in an attempt to convince yourself you were okay. 

Well aware that Leah’s eyes had followed you out, you committed the sound of only your footfalls in the late night into memory, eyes stinging, shaky breaths escaping you. 

Beginning the trek home, your apartment not too far, you let yourself get lost in your thoughts. 

~~~

It’s much, much, later when you hear the unmistakable jingle of Leah’s keys by your front door- three forty-three am to be exact. 

You weren’t surprised to hear her here. It was very much expected in fact, the blonde spending nearly all her days and nights here since quarantine started, not bothering to move out once you had made things official. 

Sighing at the fact that you hadn’t slept a wink since you had reached home, not for a lack of trying but for having to console your dejected heart, you internally groaned at the thought of dealing with a drunk Leah. 

Putting your grief aside for the time being and rising out of bed, you rubbed the tiredness out of your eyes and padded over to the kitchen just as Leah stumbled into the entry hallway in front of you. 

Taking in the sight before you, you sighed warily. 

The blonde looked absolutely disheveled- hair matted to her forehead but sticking out everywhere, heels in her hand, and exhaustion pouring out of her eyes.

Watching her stagger blindly towards the island, you quickly put an arm around her waist, leading her to sit on a barstool as you silently grabbed her some water.

Placing the glass in front of her, you turned, planning to head into your shared bedroom to get a set of clothes for the midfielder to change into when her groggy voice interrupted your actions, derailing your thoughts.

“You left early…”

The accusatory tone wasn’t lost on you, your defences immediately going up. 

Baffled at how it was your behaviour being questioned, you shook your head in shock. 

“I did,” you state matter-of-factly, turning to face her. 

You paused for a second, waiting to see what the blonde would say next, already on edge from the rollercoaster of emotions from today.

“Why?”

The question put you in a state of incredulity, your anger and hurt resurfacing.

“Why? You’re really asking me why?” Your voice came out louder than you would’ve liked, given the time, but you didn’t pay much mind. 

“Leah, you spent the whole night getting cozy with another girl. The whole night! While I was there! And you’re asking me why I left early?”

“We were just dancing…it’s not like I was making out with her in the middle of the dance floor.” The slurred words combined with the eye-roll from the defender had you shaking your head. “It was completely platonic.”

You couldn’t believe this.

“You’re joking right? Or did you get a concussion mid-game that I don’t know about?” 

“Relax... just because you can’t go a few hours without me doesn’t mean I have to do the same.” 

The slurred words coupled with the nonchalant tone with which Leah expressed herself caused you to lose your breath for a second, mind baffled.

“Did you-,” collecting yourself for a second, you asked her, “…did you just call me clingy?”

Swallowing hard in the silence that followed, you felt your stomach sink.

“You’re really calling me clingy?” The shakiness in your voice made itself known, disbelief becoming apparent.

“It was friendly.” You watched as Leah turned her body away from you, choosing to rest her head on the cool countertop in order to find some relief from her probable headache.

“Was it? You want me to go fucking drape myself all over Millie the next we go out with the United team? Let me know if you feel ‘clingy’ then?” Voice rising more than quiet words once more, you took a step back, trying to put space between you and the other girl. 

“Oh come on it wasn’t that big of a deal…” 

You would have agreed it this hadn’t happened so often, so many times in the past- tonight being your tipping point.

There had already been multiple team events where the blonde stayed the furthest away from you, never bothering to celebrate your goals with you, avoiding any physical contact, almost as if it burned her to be near you. Hiding away any photos you took together, platonic or romantic, in her phone, them never once leaving her library. 

You didn’t know how much more of this you could take, really. 

Ignoring that she couldn’t see you, you shook your head at Leah. Clenching your jaw, you decided to forego taking care of the blonde like you had planned.

“Great, then neither will be you going to bed alone tonight,” you scoffed. 

You saw the midfielder immediately shoot up into a sitting position from her slumped state, eyes wide, body tense.

“We haven’t slept apart since the pandemic, you know that,” her timid voice echoed in the dark apartment.

It was true. You’d both had gotten lucky since and had even been paired up for the handful of times the team had stayed in a hotel, the only time spent apart being during international breaks.

“Well I feel like I was too clingy earlier so I wanna give you space now, since you so clearly crave that.”

“Babe…” 

Well aware that you were too upset to think rationally, you continued ignored Leah’s pleas. Turning on your heel, you started to make your way to grab your pillow and head to the guest room, choosing to kick yourself out rather than disturb the midfielder.

Hearing footfalls behind you, you shook your head as you continued on your path.

“Leah, go to bed. I’m sleeping alone and that’s final.” Your voice came out cold, almost stoic.

The blonde reached for your hand, fingertips barely skimming yours as you harshly pulled your arm to your chest, cradling it.

“Leah I fucking mean it.”

Shoulders dropping, the blonde dejectedly agreed, too out of it to protest again.

Hearing a lack of footsteps behind your own as you made your way across the hall, you shuddered as your heart sank deeper, the weight in your chest settling torturously.

Why did love hurt?

~~~

You didn’t know it but Leah’s miserable the next few days without you. She’s well aware she’d put her foot in her mouth far enough, dug her own grave, but she misses you terribly anyways. 

She misses your hugs in the morning and how you’d let her cuddle you as you cooked breakfast. She misses your kisses and the way you’d randomly just come sit with her during your free time. She misses you being around her, you always hyper, your energy infectious, always brightening her moods. She especially missed your mere presence, you now never spending more time than needed in the same room as her now, instead electing to leave for practice much earlier than needed, picking up takeout and eating in your room, doing anything and everything to ensure you both would never cross paths for longer than a handful of seconds. 

The distance between you had been so noticeable that it didn’t take the team long to catch on, the way you didn’t gravitate to Leah at every given chance during training a stark contrast to your regular shenanigans. 

It had gotten to the point where the team had even been too scared to ask you directly, your frustration clear enough on the pitch with how hard you trained, interactions with the rest of your teammates minimizing as well.

It’s why Beth and Lia had quietly confronted Leah, both uneasy at what had changed between you both. 

“You two okay? She keeps avoiding you at practice, and to be honest, it’s slightly worrisome…” Lia’s voice trailed off as her, Beth, and Leah made it back towards the locker rooms post-practice.

Taking a quick look over her shoulder, not finding you trailing behind, Leah faced the Swiss captain, voice dropping lower. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine. She’s just going through some personal stuff. She’ll be okay…”

The ‘I hope so’ went unsaid, but the way Leah’s pitch rose at the end of the statement had the two other player’s eyebrows raising in silent question, thoughts they both chose not to voice on the tip of their tongues.

Nodding in response, the trio continued their walk in silence, no one wanting to push too hard.

Unsaid or not, all three knew that nothing was fine, Leah more so than the others, and it scared her immensely. 

~~~

Stress clear on her face, Leah sprinted off the pitch after the game against Chelsea, chasing you down the tunnel before the rest of the team had even left the field. 

Catching up to your tired body, she grabbed your hand and pulled you in the opposite direction to a more secluded spot, uncaring of how drained you absolutely were.

Too tired from the past few days to refute, you let yourself be pulled.

When the blonde figured you two had made it far enough down the tunnel to talk without being heard, she quickly turned on her heel, stopping and looking at you, face screwed in displeasure. 

“What the fuck was that on the field today? Why were you so aggressive?! You got carded for fuck’s sake- you don’t get carded…ever!”

Sighing, barely scrounging up the energy for the conversation, you closed your eyes, pulling your arm away from her hold.

“I played the game. That’s what I did. Fouls are part of the game,” Your voice was rigid, no fight in you, not after how horribly you’d been sleeping as of late, the argument from nights ago not only affecting the blonde. 

“You played dangerously, that’s what you did! You were irresponsible, careless, and…and reckless! Not to mention selfish! Do you know how much of a difficult situation it would’ve been had you got a red? And with the way that referee was calling fouls, it’s a miracle you didn’t!” 

You could’ve gotten hurt. The words go unsaid.

By now the blonde was nearly yelling, face red from frustration.

Please just let me go.

Biting the inside of your cheek to stay calm, you sighed again.

“Game’s over either way. I didn’t get a red and we won…I don’t see a problem here.” Your voice curt, you made a move to step past the midfielder.

You didn’t get far however, the other girl’s hand coming to grasp your wrist to prevent you from stepping away any further. 

Stopping briefly in your tracks, you didn’t turn. You couldn’t. You couldn’t because if you did, she’d see the tears that were threatening to fall, heart exhausted. 

Instead, you shake your head, tugging your arm out of her grasp and bringing it to cautiously wipe away the few tears that had escaped. 

Watching your figure walk away, Leah’s face fell at your lack of care. 

Dejectedly, she followed you, a fair distance away. Making her own way to the change rooms with a flurry of thoughts in her head and an ache in her chest, she swallowed the lump in her throat.

She couldn’t even blame anyone but herself. 

~~~

Entering the locker room, Leah took a quick look around, the rest of the team nearly showered and changed out of their kits, save for you. 

Ignoring Lia and Katie’s questioning, the blonde walked over to her locker and began to get ready to shower.

Lucky that this was a home game, Leah knew she could take her time.

Taking a quick shower, she tried to casually wait for you to finish up- well aware that you were trying to drag out your own shower, hoping that you wouldn’t cross paths with your girlfriend (ex?- you didn’t really know.) 

The Gunner relented however, making up a lame excuse at Beth’s plea for her to join her on the walk out.

Patiently sitting, nearly alone in the locker room as she watched the rest of the girls file out, she waited. 

She waited as the patter of water ran longer than usual. 

She waited as she slowly heard it come to a stop, an eerie silence consuming the room.

She waited as you finally stepped out minutes later, wet hair tied in a messy but, club gear resting comfortably on your frame. 

She waited as you realized she was still here, eyes widening as a quiet fuck escaped your lips. 

Patience wearing thin now, she stood up, her own bag forgotten as she made her way to you. 

“Listen-“

You didn’t even let her finish though, instead cutting her off before another word could be said, your hand held between you to keep a distance. 

“Honestly? Save it.”

“No, but-“

Shaking your head, you slipped past her, beginning to quickly throw your dirty kit and toiletries into your kit bag.

Silence covered the room for a moment, only the noises of you angrily packing your kit bag to be heard. 

It didn’t last long however, timid words cutting through the tense atmosphere. 

“I’m sorry.”

You froze in your spot at your words, your sweaty jersey just barely dangling in your hands as you inhaled sharply.

Collecting yourself, you shook your head, Leah’s words meaning nothing to you. 

“Okay.”

The blunt, one word reply of yours hit Leah harder than she anticipated, this not at all how she was expecting this conversation to go.

Swallowing hard, she stepped around you, coming to a stop a short ways away, standing between the door and you. 

Wringing her hands nervously, Leah’s voice came out meek, eyes nearly downcast and heart pounding.

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

Laughing darkly at the other girl’s words, you stopped your movement again, turning around with your hands resting on your hips, a cold look in your eyes.

“What else do you want me to say?” Clenching your jaw, you gave Leah a blank look. 

“I-…”

Raising her eyes to meet you, the skipper straightened her back out, nerves rising as she took note of how rigid your posture was- how distant you were from her despite only being a few feet apart.

As you realized she wasn’t going to say anything, you decided to confront her on what had been on your mind throughout the second half of the game.

“You wanna explain what I heard at half-time? Because I’d really love to hear how you plan to spin this one on me this time…”

The deer-in-headlights look you got in return let you know she knew exactly what you were talking about.

At half time, just as the players were headed back in, a young fan had nearly begged Leah to sign her jersey. 

Never one to say no to a supporter of women’s soccer, much less of Arsenal and a young teen, Leah had quickly veered off, making small talk with the girl as she signed and posed for a photo.

Everything had been smooth sailing really, in fact, you watched the whole interaction with a smile on your face as you approached the tunnel.

Too bad good things never lasted.

Just as Leah had been ready to walk away from the stands, the young girl had innocently asked the question that had changed your whole mood.

The high pitched voice asking whether you and Leah were dating had easily carried over to you, repeating in your head since, a broken tape recorder you just couldn’t turn off.

What stuck with you however, was the Gunner’s response- the immediate scoff, zero hesitation or regret on her face as the words ‘absolutely not…she’s not my type’ escaped her. Words that were followed by a shrug and a cheeky grin that haunted you for the second half. 

You always had a feeling you weren’t good enough for her, your insecurity a topic of conversation for many nights in the past- nights where the blonde spent countless hours convincing and proving otherwise. 

Now though? Now it all felt like a lie- recollections of all those middle-of-the-night cuddles and hushed conversations making your heart heavy with the way her denial of your relationship came so quickly, so easily. 

Maybe this wasn’t meant to be, not as much you had wished it was.

Since the start of your relationship, when going out, whether it was with the team or just the two of you, Leah would distance herself from you, never sitting beside you even though she claimed you two were the bestest of friends. Choosing to be anybody else’s partner during media days. Hell, even going as far as standing on the opposite side to you during pre-match photos. And you’d be lying if you said it didn’t twist the knife in your chest just a little bit more each time that it happened.

If you were honest, you didn’t know how much bigger you could let the gaping wound get, unsure of whether your heart could handle another twist.

It’s why your next words physically hurt you to say, your voice quiet, its echo ringing in your ears.

“if you’re really that embarrassed of me, maybe we shouldn’t even be together…”

A shiver runs through your spine as you continue to look at Leah.

The admission feels heavy, the bright lights of the room unable to lift the somber mood in the slightest.

You can see a shuddering breath wrack her body at your words, and you can feel the distance between you two growing, mere feet feeling like hundreds of metres, goosebumps rising as the room grows significantly colder.

The reply comes slow, but the intensity, the anger, the defence in her voice at the words nearly knocks you back.

“It’s not like that…” 

The words are emotion laced, Leah’s head tilted to the side as her eyes search your face for any indication of what’s on your mind.

“Really? Then what’s it like? Is it just going to be you denying our relationship till the end? Is it just going to be you getting cozy with another girl and calling me clingy and overreactive? Is it just going to be you claiming you’ve done nothing wrong? Telling Lia that I’m going through something?” 

Shaking your head, a wry smile crossed your face. “Don’t be surprised- at least Wally cared enough to make sure I was doing okay, y’know? Something you haven’t asked me once.

“I didn’t know if you wanted me near you…” The timid admission had you shaking your head, displeased with her response.

Pinching the bridge of your nose, eyes closing as you tried to hold back your frustration, you spoke.

“Thats the issue Leah….you just don’t fucking know. You don’t know what you want. You don’t know how this relationship is going to work. You don’t know when you want to tell everyone we’re together. You don’t see how much it hurts me every time you deny that we are anything more than teammates, even friends! You just so happen to not know you’re breaking my heart each and every goddamn day!”

Chest heaving in frustration, you swallowed hard, you ears heating up in embarrassment of your outburst, eyes going everywhere but to the girl in front of you.

 It’s as you contemplate your next words that the blonde sees your anger turn to sadness, eyes dropping, shoulders sinking.

“You know what? I think- I think we’re done Leah.” 

Your voice was a whisper, the words strained, almost as if it cut you to say them.

“I can’t do this. I really can’t…”

“Wait no…”

You shook your head, barely any energy left in you. 

“How many times Leah? How many times are we gonna go back and forth like this? How long do I have to wait for you to get on the same page? It’s nearly been a year for fuck’s sake.”

Taking a deep breath, you grab your bag, your eyes firmly trained on the floor as you side step Leah and take off to your car, not once looking back.

If you had though, you would’ve seen the broken way the taller woman stood at the exit, eyes damp, body rigid in shock, fists clenched at her sides as she struggled to process what had just happened. 

Being snapped out of her daze at the slam of the door shutting by its own weight, the blonde came back to reality, the weight of your words finally sinking in. 

Swallowing hard as the alarm bells went off in her head, she turned on her heel, yanking the door open and running to follow you.

You are nowhere to be found though, she makes her way to the carpark, just to notice you pull out of your spot, not an ounce of hesitation in your actions. 

Hearing a pair of footsteps beside her though, ones that were most definitely not yours, Leah tensed at the thought of another person’s presence where you should be standing.

Glancing over to see Lia, the English captain tightened her jaw, closing her eyes in an unsuccessful attempt to hide just how broken she felt right now. 

“She told me to give this to you- said something about having an issue to attend to…” The words came out quiet from Lia, your set of keys for Leah’s home in her hold, dangling in the space between the two national captains, nearly mockingly.

Voice dropping an octave, Lia decided she had enough of the wait, eyes growing in concern at her counterpart’s disheveled look.

“Leah what’s going on between you two? She seemed pretty upset leaving…”

Swallowing, the Gunner knew she had her chance to come clean, to finally admit to herself that she hurt you, more than she ever thought she would.

Instead though, she didn’t- the idea of saying out loud that you left her too unbearably painful to speak into existence.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged instead, schooling her own expression into a somewhat relaxed one, “we didn’t talk much in the locker room, she seemed pretty stressed in there.”

Raising her eyebrows, Lia didn’t seem to buy it but she didn’t push and Leah didn’t know whether to feel relieved or not.

Grabbing the keys firmly from the Swiss’ hold, Leah turned towards the locker rooms once more, this time not bothering to wipe her tears as they fell, glad for the lack of footsteps behind her. 

With no idea as to where you went or when you would be back, she had no option but to wait and hope it would be soon- soon enough that she could rectify her mistakes and make you hers again- the best thing she ever had, gone, just like that.

~

(read part ii here)

[delirious-donna]

Hiromi stood by the window; his jacket and tie were discarded by the couch, and his white shirt wrinkled and creased from the stresses of the day. It made you pause in the doorway, your steps lightening so as not to alert him to your presence.

There was no noise except for the continuous pitter-patter of the rain. It drummed against the slate roof overhead, tinkled against the windows and formed ever-growing puddles in the divets of the street below. Your umbrella had saved you from the worst of it. Head down and focused on your footsteps, you hadn’t taken any enjoyment in navigating the pools of water that were not taken care of by the drains along the road, yet right now… it felt different.

Hiromi was framed by the open window in your living room, leaning against the sill with the sleeves of his shirt rolled back to his elbows and a cigarette dangerously close to being extinguished by the droplets falling steadily to the ground. The tobacco mingled with the petrichor, muted by the earthy aroma to a more pleasant level that had you inhaling deeply as you stepped closer. Your lungs filled with the magic of nature despite being deep in suburban Tokyo, but what drew you in was him.

A white haze surrounded him, one that called out to you and spun playful tendrils around your wrists to pull you close. Perhaps it was a manifestation of what you had fallen for all those years earlier, or maybe it was simply in your head. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was the way your heart sped up and your body instinctively reached out for the solace that only he could provide. Hiromi was your haven, your nirvana. This may be your home but that home was truly wherever he was and you didn’t think he knew that—somehow that only made it all the more true.

Your arms encircled his waist, the cooler air brushing against your skin like a lover’s caress, and your head rested on his shoulder. Tension leaked out, his muscles relaxing and shifting until his breathing evened, and he placed a sturdy hand atop your own. For a while you both stood there; unspeaking yet baring your souls, unmoving but travelling together. The embers from his cigarette flared one last time before flickering out, spent.

“How long have you been standing here?” You asked, at last, breaking the spell of silence and hurtling you both back into the here and now.

“Hm… long enough.” His tone was light, jovial even, and you squeezed around his waist until he gave a small wriggle of protest.

“Long enough to watch your umbrella bob past. I wasn’t sure why you didn’t say something when you got home, but this is nice,” he conceded.

“I was admiring you, Hiro. Hardly a crime for a woman to admire her husband, is it?”

Hiromi snorted and turned slowly to envelop you against his chest. You could hear the steady beat of his heart, smell the fading scent of his cologne and you rubbed your nose into the stiff fabric covering his chest.

“Not one that I think would stand up in court,” he teased, his nose buried deep in your hair.

“That’s never stopped you before.”

“True, but I’ll admit that I’d much rather have you here, in my arms, where you belong… than in a courtroom. They can be awfully stuffy.”

“Sounds like you.”

“Oh ho! I’m stuffy now, am I? Well then, I guess I’ll see you in court you—you… husband ogler.”

At that, laughter bubbled up and out. Frothing and eager to fill the room with your humour. You could feel Hiromi’s body judder with the want to join in, only subdued by the bite of his lip. His warm brown eyes fixed upon you as you lifted a hand to cup his jaw and teased your fingertips over the scrape of stubble adorning his cheeks and chin.

“I’m home,” you sighed wistfully.

Hiromi smiled, leaning back to feel stray raindrops land amongst the peppering of greys in his thick black head of hair. The petrichor intensified as if heralded by your declaration, the setting sun breaking through the grey clouds to dapple your bodies in an amber glow. All was right in the world and he felt lucky to be able to say that with conviction.

“Welcome home, my love.”

an: I saw this beautiful piece of art by @kanashiki79 and they were kind enough to allow me to draw inspiration from it for the above. I guess I was in a bit of a sappy mood for Hiro today, but who could blame me?

[kinascum]

I'LL RACE YA! - C. STURNIOLO

SUMMARY: At a backyard pool party, Christopher's playful challenge leads to a moment of intimacy with Y/N, transforming their five-year friendship into a newfound romantic connection.

CONTENTS: best friends to lovers trope, smut, unprotected piv (think twice!), pool sex, semi-public sex, idk what else

WORDS: 1.2k

"You're going to chicken out again, aren't you?" Christopher teased, tossing a beach ball into the air. Y/N rolled her eyes. "Maybe." She adjusted her sunglasses, leaning back on the pool chair.

The sun blazed overhead, casting a warm glow over the backyard pool party. Y/N and Christopher had been playing this game of 'will they, won't they' for what felt like forever. Five years of friendship, five years of unspoken feelings, and five years of never making a move. It was as predictable as the sunset that painted the sky with streaks of pink and orange.

The party was in full swing, with laughter and splashes echoing through the night. The twinkle lights strung around the pool flickered like distant stars, and the smell of BBQ wafted from the grill. Y/N's heart skipped a beat as she watched Christopher's muscles ripple under his t-shirt as he playfully threw the ball to his brothers.

As the last guest said their goodbyes, Christopher's triplet brothers finally took the hint and disappeared inside, leaving the two of them alone by the water. The silence was deafening, the kind that makes you aware of every breath you take. Y/N felt the heat of the day slowly give way to the cool evening breeze, sending shivers down her spine.

Christopher turned to her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Race you to the deep end?"

Y/N nodded, her stomach doing somersaults. This was it. The moment she had been both dreading and hoping for. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was about to happen.

They both dove into the water, the cool liquid enveloping them as they raced through the shimmering pool. The sound of their strokes echoed in the quiet night, the only competition the occasional frog croaking in the nearby bushes. Y/N felt her heart pound in her chest, not just from the exertion, but from the electricity that seemed to be building between them.

As they reached the deep end, Christopher's hand brushed against hers. Instead of pulling away, he latched onto it, their eyes meeting under the water's surface. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken words and desires. The tension grew, a silent dance of curiosity and attraction that neither could ignore.

Suddenly, Christopher pulled her closer, their bodies colliding under the water. The touch was unexpected, sending a jolt through Y/N's body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and they surfaced together, gasping for air. The world around them faded away as their eyes searched each other's for answers to questions they had been too afraid to ask.

Their faces were just inches apart, the warmth of their breaths mingling in the cool night air. The air was charged with anticipation, and without another word, Christopher leaned in and kissed her. It was soft and tentative at first, as if he was afraid she would pull away, but when she didn't, he deepened the kiss, his arms tightening around her.

Y/N felt like she was floating, the sensation of his lips against hers making her head spin. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, but the reality was so much more intense than she could have ever imagined. The water around them seemed to bubble with excitement, their bodies moving together in a silent ballet of passion.

Christopher broke the kiss, his eyes searching hers. "I've wanted to do that for so long," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion.

Y/N's heart raced. "Yeah," she whispered back, her voice barely audible.

They shared a knowing smile, the kind that says more than any words could. The air between them crackled with a newfound intimacy, and as they sank back into the water, their bodies entwined, they knew that this night would change everything.

Christopher's hands slid down Y/N's back, caressing the curve of her waist before settling on her hips. He gently pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together like two puzzle pieces finally finding their match. The water lapped at their skin as they kissed again, deeper and more urgent than before. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them in their own little universe.

With a silent understanding, they moved to the edge of the pool, the cool concrete a stark contrast to the warmth of their entangled limbs. Y/N's legs wrapped around Christopher's waist as he lifted her onto the side, the water glistening on their skin like diamonds in the moonlight. He kissed her neck, his breath hot against her ear as his hands explored the softness of her breasts.

Her eyes closed, she moaned softly, the sensation of his touch sending waves of pleasure through her body. She felt his hands move to the back of her bikini top, deftly untying the knots. It slipped away, revealing her to him for the first time. He took a moment to drink her in, his eyes dark with desire before he claimed her mouth again.

Their kisses grew more heated, their breaths coming in gasps as they fumbled with the strings of their swimsuits. The fabric fell away, leaving them bare and vulnerable to each other's gazes. The water was a warm embrace around them as they slowly, tenderly, made love. The sounds of their passion melded with the nocturnal symphony of the backyard, a secret melody that only they could hear.

Christopher's strong hands held her steady as they moved together, the water caressing their bodies in a rhythm that was as old as time. Y/N's fingers dug into his shoulders, her nails leaving half-moons in his skin as she arched her back, her eyes never leaving his.

The tension grew, each stroke bringing them closer to the precipice of something unspoken. The stars above seemed to pulse with the same rhythm as their hearts, and for a brief moment, they were the only two people in the world.

And when the dam finally broke, it was with a sigh of relief and a cry of pleasure that echoed through the night. They clung to each other, their bodies trembling with the aftershocks of their union. The water around them stilled, as if even it knew that something profound had just occurred between them.

They didn't speak, didn't need to. The silence was a testament to the intensity of their connection. They simply held each other, the warmth of their bodies mingling with the coolness of the night air. As they floated in the pool, the world outside forgotten, they knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

Their friendship had evolved into something more, something that neither of them had dared to dream of. And as they kissed beneath the moonlit sky, the future stretched out before them, filled with possibility and the promise of a love that had been five years in the making.

an: ignore the shit quality of the thingy and how bad this is </3

taglist! @sturnstvs @gxldenlush @immattsslut @slut4chriss @stasiesturn @jetaimevous @solarsturniolo @watercolorsky @thedarkqueenofavalon @meowira @secretagentspydetectiveninja @shadowthesim

[xodarling]

Lady of the moon. Lady of the sea. - xodarling

includes: dom!jingliu, goddess of the moon!jingliu, goddess of the sea!reader, oral, fingering, lowercase writing, usage of y/n, ex relationships mentioned, reader can sing, pet names (dear, darling, my dearest, my lady, more prolly), established relationship, nipple play, squirting

a/n: someone play gods by newjeans

“hm.”

jingliu hums as she watches you sway from above the dark clouds in the sky. the goddess of the moon, her gaze stays on you, the goddess of the purest bodies of water; the goddess of the sea. jingliu prefers solitude, not wanting to mingle with lovers, especially not after what happened with anatole, the goddess of the sun, her past lover.

jingliu swears she can still feel the flames of her own skin heat hers up. centuries, those two were together, but they split only a few decades ago, the reason why night and day are never one. however, her preference for solitude makes an exception for you, the way your body moves like the waves of your water has her mesmerized, she could watch for hours.

she yearns to dance with you like that, if she wasn’t so awful at dancing. your siren voice snaps her out her trance, “my lady of the moon. do you not grow tired of admiring me?” the moon and sea are a lifetime apart, yet you two have grown close, have grown into lovers. you pause your dance and turn to the direction of the moon, you can’t see her but you know she’s there.

“of course not.” her deeper voice responds. your feet graze the water and manipulate the water until there’s a hill high enough for jingliu to come down. “my dearest jingliu. i beg you, come down and kiss me once more.” you stare at the moon with an expression of longing, a dark mist forms and descends down to your level, the clouds form into your lover.

“y/n.” she states, cupping your cheeks with her hands, the wetness of your skin wetting hers too, “you call, and i come.” your hands wrap around her waist and dig into her dress, “my moon, it has been too long since we last met.” you say with a tone of longing and desire, the waves below you two grows rougher and less tame as the need for her lips grows.

these days, the more times that passes where you don’t see jingliu you grow agitated, the reason why the ocean is calm at night. “i am begging you, my lady of the moon. kiss me. i need your kisses like humans need food and water, kiss me.” your desperate, wet fingers digging into her dress as the loud waves ring in your ears.

jingliu takes her time in admiring your face, she hasn’t seen you in so long because of her rest. after a moment, she gently pulls your faces together and presses her lips on yours. the aggressive waves still when you feel her lips, a hum leaving your throat out of habit, unfortunately, you both pull away from the kiss and admire each other.

“i am eternally grateful you fell for me, my dearest jingliu.” you murmur, “i love you, dearly.” you pull her body closer which makes her hum. of course you’d be grateful she chose you, especially after her former lover, what a mess of a break up, shocking that she can love again.

jingliu enjoys the feeling your damp skin on hers, she closes her eyes for a beat and then opens them and smiles when she sees your face once more. “i love you too, dear.” she murmurs, taking in your features that she slowly became obsessed with, “there’s nothing i want more than to be by your side and to call you my lover.”

the tall waved slowly descends down by your desire and flattens down with the rest of your waters. “my dearest, please, allow me to sing for you.” every time jingliu awoke once more and the moon arose, you take her to this rock in the middle of the water. flat, and perfect for her to rest her head on your lap.

“of course, my dear.” she murmurs. you take her long, elegant hand and slowly walk with her to your spot. both of you take slow and soft steps against the water, enjoying the comforting silence of the ocean and each others company. when you two make it, you gracefully sit down on your knees, looking up at her while patting your lap, “rest your head on my lap, my lady.”

jingliu follows your command, she always does, she is head over heels only for you. she lets out a sigh when her cranium hits your thighs, allowing herself to be held in the warmth of your soothing and gentle embrace. your voice vocalizing fills the silence, like a siren luring a sailor to his demise, a sound that jingliu adores.

“how long have we been apart?” she murmurs, opening her eyes to look up at you, you reciprocate her gaze with an equally as loving look. “since last night.” you giggle softly at the irony, “far too long if you ask me.” jingliu hums in agreement, “too long..” her eyes close as you being to hum and sing once more.

your fingers softly comb through her long, white hair, humming and admiring her elegant and fierce features. a few minutes of your voice and silence, jingliu swears she can rest right now and make anatole rise sooner than she wants, but your angelic voice wakes up her just a little.

“will you hold me in your heart forever?” you softly ask, looking down at her with doe eyes. jingliu opens her eyes, exposing her blood red irises and chuckles softly, cooing almost. “i will love you even if death overtakes both of us. even when we no longer exist.” she sighs and reaches her hand up to cup your cheek, “you will forever be in my heart.”

“show me.” you murmur, jingliu raises an eyebrow, “show me how much you love me, please.” your voice is brittle, shaky and weak. jingliu sits up from your lap and sits next to you, “my love,” jingliu hums, cupping your cheek with her gloved hand, “i’ll worship you like no mortal has before..” your eyes roll back and siren hum leaves your throat when she leans and gives you a passionate kiss.

it was all just a haze, your tongues dancing around each other and your hands clumsily taking off each other’s clothing. you find yourself bare to the cold night and your back laying on the flat rock, jingliu hums and ogles at your figure, one that she fell in love with instantly.

her hands run down your body, taking in every mole, scar, and the perfection that she sees. she leans down and softly wraps her lips around your nipple, and then whine you let out made jingliu feel like a sailor being hypnotized by a siren. her tongue flicks your bud around, softly sucking in between a few flicks.

“my jingliu.” you sigh, moist fingers finding home in her cloud-like hair. her eyelids close as she treats your nipple as the most precious thing her mouth has ever encountered, her tongue circling your areola and flicking the nip of it. jingliu’s rough hands remain at your waist, relaxing with the sound of the ocean and your addicting voice.

“i love you.” she whispers, releasing the nub and pressing kisses lower and lower, going down to your nether region and coming face to face with your damping vagina. “gorgeous.” she whispers, pressing a kiss onto your clit, “ethereal.” she speaks again, running a finger up and down your slit. “my dear, i beg you, don’t tease.” you pant, looking at her with eyes filled with admiration.

a husky chuckle leaves her throat, finding you’re so desperate for her adorable. “apologies, darling.” she hums, sticking her tongue out and licking your flower gently and humming at your tangy taste. the taste of your nectar was something not even the finest of meals could match, the way your taste melts onto her tongue has her yearning for more.

just by savoring the taste of your slick jingliu can already feel her core heat up and her eyes roll back to her head, “exquisite..” she mutters, “thank you for the meal, my love.” she laughs, making you pout and squirm just a bit. jingliu decides enough with the teasing, her muscle finds itself right in front of your moist slit and pushes in.

no matter how many times the two of you do this jingliu always has you seeing stars, a melodious sigh leaving your throat, and your fingers tightly take hold of her locks once more. her tongue rubs and prods at your walls while she groans at the salty but sweet flavor, your wetness grew with each move, your slick now staining her chin and lips.

“oh, my lady- my darling..” you sigh with your eyebrows tightly knit and eyelids shut. if she could, jingliu would spend millenniums in between your legs, just tasting your delicious honey; it’s hard to know if she’s doing this for you or herself. her mouth explores each inch of you despite the countless times it has, soon enough, she finds that special spot right there.

you let out a note that sends jingliu farther into trance, the tip of her tongue touching your G-spot continuously just to hear that beautiful voice that she loves. “i will never tire of this taste.” she takes her tongue out of your walls and stares at your slit with admiration, “so perfect.” she whispers.

her fingers spread your folds, blowing on your exposed genitalia and chuckling when you whine. she decides enough with the teasing, and pushes her slim digits into your desperate canal. with the many times she’s done this, her fingertips find your spot with ease, her arm beginning to flex as she presses that spot rougher each time. her eyes, however, remain on your hard clit.

your face scrunches in pleasure with your head thrown back, a beautiful angle from jingliu’s sights. the moon’s tongue flicks at your bud before encasing the thing around her lips. her eyes switch between rolling back to staring intently at your face, “i.. love youu..” you vocalize, your hands going on the back of your knees to spread legs more.

your notes grow in pitch as her movements become desperate. if jingliu was able to hear a sound for the rest of her life it would be your voice, each whimper and moan makes her heart soar and core dampen. the suction on your clitoris and the aggressive pumping of fingers in you was causing you to see stars, and not the ones already in the sky.

her digits move in ways that if a mortal sailor would cruise in on their boat, they’d flee immediately due to fear of those deadly sirens, except, sirens don’t scream the name of another god. your drenched lower body twitches in anticipation of your release, your walls clenching around her like you were trying to milk her.

jingliu is an intelligent goddess, guessing from the way your voice got louder and how the waves around you started to aggressively crash were signs that you were close. that filled the luna with even more determination, her jaw and bicep beginning to lock but her efforts do not pause.

your whines were like prayers to the lady of the moon herself, begging the goddess and your lover to give you your sweet end. but, the moon controls the sea and it is only up to her if you get that relief. in a delirious action, after you roll your eyes back, you look down at jingliu only to see her staring directly at you.

jingliu chuckles and her voice made vibrations touch your bud, which made you sing louder. after spending years bounded together, she can feel your desperation and lucky for you, jingliu wants nothing more than to see the elegant lady of the sea become a mess only for her.

she detaches her mouth and then leans up, the pace of her digits not once slowing down or even stopping. her wet lips graze your earlobe in a sensual manner and whispers with her husky and desperate voice, “sing for me, my lady.”

those words don’t even linger for a nanosecond before you erupt, the waves becoming aggressive as your shrill but hypnotizing sounds hits jingliu’s ears. her digits don’t relent as you buck and spray your sweet liquid all over jingliu’s arm and clothing, your head thrown back and your mouth stuck in an ‘O’ shape.

funny enough, your orgasm comes in waves, each tide stronger than the other and it remains that way until a few moments go by when her hands stopped because of exhaustion. your body tenses only last time before completely relaxing, alongside the waves of sea water surrounding you two. as you recompose yourself, she licks up your tangy liquid that you showered everywhere.

she chuckles and leans down to give you a peck on your head, “that was an amazing performance, my darling.” she murmurs, admiring your perfect face. you whine and teasingly smack her arm, she continues her fit of laughter and lays down next to you on the cold, hard rock. “you really deserve your title as the best performer of us all.”

“shush now.” you pout, rolling to your side and resting on top of her body. your ear resting on one of her breasts which causes you to sigh in relief. the two of you take a moment to relax in each other’s embrace, the slight sounds of water and your breathing serving as background noise. after a pause, you murmur, “do you truly love me..?”

jingliu looks down and hums, “i do. i love you.” she softly reassures, combing her fingers through her hair, “dearly?” you softly question, looking back up at her,

“dearly.”

[writing-wh0re]

“You fucked up and I’m glad you did.”

♥ pairing: Eddie Munson x reader (platonic), Steve Harrington x reader (friends to lovers)

♥ summary: “Based on this ask - Reader likes Eddie Munson on the low but then he starts dating Chrissy. So the reader starts dating Steve because he comforts her after the heartbreak. Eddie realizes how stupid he was to not see the reader as their lover”

♥ warnings: smoking, slight angst, fluff ending, crying, pet name: sweet girl, language. A/N: I don't typically write for steve or angst so I hope you like it @b00kw0rmsworld xx

♥ wc: 1,712

♥ masterlist

♥ Taglist

You watched Eddie enter the party, something that was a rare sight but since you had made the cheer squad, it was a sight you enjoyed. Butterflies filled your stomach, ignoring the girl in front of you and slipping away from the conversation to greet him.

You hadn’t seen Eddie for a few weeks, both of you having scheduling issues now that you’re on the team and he’s completing more regular D&D nights with the others.

“Y/n.” His face lights up as he embraces you, the smell of his collagen and the smoothness of the leather jacket envelopes you. You hold him tight against you, probably for longer than normal but you’ve missed him, missed his embrace.

“I’m surprised to see you here, I didn’t think you would show.”

Eddie smiles at you, quickly looking behind him as a few hoops and hollers fill the air as Chrissy slips into the home.

Chrissy. She was everything, gorgeous, smart, kind and why the fuck is she holding Eddies hand.

Your eyes flick from their fingers laced together, watching as Chrissy wraps herself around Eddie's arm, smiling at the people around you.

“Oh.” The sound slips past your lips before you can catch it. You heartbeat picks up and you swallow the lump in your throat.

Chrissy’s eyes light up at your presence, quickly wrapping her arms around your neck and pulling you into an embrace.

She smells like him.

“It’s so good to see you.”

You clear your throat, pulling away from Chrissy and faking a smile.

“Likewise.”

“There you are, I’ve been looking for you.” Steve places his arm over your shoulders, pulling you into the side of him, relief washes over you in the presence of your neighbour and friend.

Eddie looks over your embrace with Steve, you could have sworn his jaw clenched.

“Eddie was telling me that you and him play that D&D game, maybe the three of us could play sometime?” You smile at Chrissy, her effort at trying to mingle with you while you process what is occurring in front of you.

“Woah Munson, I didn’t know you and Chrissy were an item?”

Thank god for Steve.

“Um yeah, we’ve kept it on the down low for a few weeks.”

“Uh, weeks, more like two months.” Chrissy states placing her hand over his hellfire t-shirt.

“Two months, that’s pretty solid.” Steve speaks for you, his hand rubbing the top of your shoulder.

“If you both wouldn’t mind, I owe y/n a game of beer pong.” Steve nods his head at the pair, slipping his arm from around your shoulders and lacing your fingers together. You smile at Eddie and Chrissy, following behind Steve as he guides you outside of the house. He walks past the beer pong table and towards the tall tree out the back, a blanket of darkness falling over the two of you.

“C’mere.” Steve whispers, pulling you to his chest as you sob, tears falling from your eyes, water staining his shirt. Steve rests his head on the top of yours, flicking his eyes to the house as the music thumps through the air. He gently sways you to the music soothing you.

“Ho-how did you know?” Your sobs break up your sentence, your eyes looking up into Steves. He smiles weakly, using his thumb to brush a tear away from your cheek.

“I could tell that look from anywhere, I had the same one with Nancy and Jonathan.”

You giggle, tilting your head back to attempt to keep the tears at bay, “I rescued you during that one.”

“That you did.” Steve smiles, pulling you back into his chest, “Thought it was time to return the favour.”

“Thank you.” You whisper against his shirt, you pull away, your eyes scanning his outfit as you start fanning his chest, attempting to dry your tears. Steve chuckles, patting his denim jacket, pulling out a cigarette before tilting the packet towards you. You simply nod, taking a stick and leaning towards his lighter, you take a slow deep drag, holding the smoke before letting it slip past your lips, the small cloud dispersing into the night sky.

Steve keeps his eyes on you, he’d be lying if he said you didn’t look gorgeous right now. Your red lipstick staining the cigarette, the way your lips parted to release the smoke, your perfectly manicured fingers softly rolling the stick between them.

“How long have you liked Eddie?”

The butterflies flutter around inside of you, the same lump appearing in your throat at the thought of him with Chrissy.

“A while, a little over a year.”

“And you didn’t make a move?”

You sigh, watching as Steve panics, coughing on the smoke slightly.

“You don’t have to answer that.”

“I honestly don’t know, the timing never felt right.” You take another drag, your head becoming floaty as you drop the cigarette to the grass, stepping on it and placing it in the empty solo cup.

Steve simply nods, noticing the tears reappearing in your eyes.

“Want me to drive you home?”

“Haven’t you been drinking?”

“I haven’t even had one.”

“Well, aren't you boring.” You smirk, causing Steve to roll his eyes, tongue in cheek. He takes one last drag before following you lead and discarding the bud.

“I’d appreciate that Steve.”

Steve smiles, holding his hand out to you which you gladly accept. A warmth fills your body at his touch, feeling secure beside him. Steve leads you out of the party, your eyes searching the numerous bodies before the land on Eddie, his arm around Chrissy’s waist as she talks to her friends. His eyes meet yours briefly, a flicker of hurt at your tear stained cheeks. You squeeze Steve’s hand unknowingly causing him to pull you closer to him before walking out of the door.

You slide into the passenger seat, resting your head against the window, sniffling as Steve grabs your hands. A small knowing smile is shared between you both before he starts the drive to your house.

| | |

It had been six months since the house party. Your relationship with Eddie unfortunately became non-existent, other than small conversations at school about school work. However your relationship with Steve had blossomed into something so incredible, you had felt like an idiot for never considering him to be more than a friend but after both hanging out more, your feelings grew.

You were lounging on the couch with Steve, flicking through the channels, trying to find something to enjoy when there’s a knock on your front door. You look at him quizzingly, a pang of anxiety hits you, worrying something has happened to your parents who are out of town.

“Relax sweet girl, I’ll get it.”

You smile at Steve, loving that he can read you like a book.

Muffled voices fill the air, your curiosity grows as you slip off the couch, tiptoeing towards the front door before stopping in your tracks.

Eddie.

“Man, just let me see her.”

“Do you not realise how much of an idiot you are for letting her slip through your fingers?”

You hear Eddie sigh, you heartbeat picking up at Steve’s words.

“I know, I saw it on her face that night.”

Steve sighs, you lean against the wall keeping yourself hidden as you eavesdrop.

“You fucked up and I’m glad you did.” Steve whispers, “Because if you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have realised how amazing y/n truly is and I wouldn’t have been able to experience a love like this.”

Blush fills your cheeks, a smile dancing across your lips at his words.

“Steve, who is it?” You call before rounding the corner.

Steve leans on the door, opening it more to show Eddie, his face flushed and eyes glassy.

“Hey.” He whispers weakly.

“You okay?” You want to reach out to him and hold him close but you refrain.

“Uh yeah, no I will be, I uh.” Eddie takes a deep breath, looking over you. You hair is thrown up into a bun, Steve's shirt baggy on your figure and your small running shorts hugging your thighs. “I was just coming by to say hi, we, um haven’t spoken in a while.”

You smile weakly at the boy in front of you, his nerves consuming him as he fidgets with his rings.

“It has been a few weeks, it’s a little late, we were actually heading to bed shortly.” You gesture to Steve who smiles at you, his hand resting on your waist.

“Oh, shit, sorry for interrupting.”

“No, uh, dont be.” You smile, “Why don’t Steve and I join you for a game? Still hosting on Thursdays?”

Eddie chuckles, wiping his nose as he sniffles, his eyes glossy. “Yeah, still on Thursday’s, still the same campaign.”

“Well surely my character can be reintroduced, maybe I went on a side quest and found Steve’s character?” You suggest, feeling excited at being able to explore the D&D world again. Both with Steve and Eddie, although your feelings for him have fizzled down to platonic love, you still want to be friends.

“That sounds like something I can work on.”

“Awesome.” Steve smiles, causing Eddie to nod slowly, his hand playing with a lock of hair.

“We will see you on Thursday.”

“Yeah, sweet.” Eddie smiles, turning away from the door as Steve closes it.

Steve releases a deep breath, leaning his back against the closed door. His eyes search yours as a smile creeps across your face.

“A love like this?” You gesture between the two of you, watching Steve’s face fill with blush, his eyes squeezing shut, a huge smile on his face.

“Shit, you heard that?”

“Mmhm” You hum, placing your hands on his face and pulling him down to you. Your eyes lock together, noses tracing against each other.

“Did you mean it or was it to rile him up?”

“I meant it, god, I meant it.”

You smile, your lips ghosting his.

“Good because I love you.”

Steve closes the gap between the two of you, his hands on your hips. Your lips move in sync, fitting together like the perfect puzzle. He pulls away from your mouth, placing kisses all over your face, mumbling ‘love you’ against your skin.

| | |

Taglist:

@zagreusdaughter @sunshinemunchkin @alina02 @veryspookybatbabe @maybesandohnos @mathletemadison @themoonis-beautiful-tonight @skarlettmikaelson @darling2800 @reynaandeny @uwiuwi @anythingandeverything97 @fckve @nyx2021 @alexxavicry @thehumanistsdiary @anonreaderas @i-love-scott-mccall @tlclick73 @minorlystuck13 @addymartinsstuff @peterpan-neverfails

[runesandramblings]

Dance With Me

Word Count: 2300

Pairings: Kili x reader

Warnings: None

Description: A company of thirteen dwarves interrupts a peaceful afternoon for the niece of Lord Elrond.

Requested by @dreaming-doodle 🩷 Took a few liberties but I hope you enjoy!

“Lady (Y/N), do you require anything more?”

You lounged back in the crystal tub as the warm water washed soothingly over your body. The flower petals and oils in the water mingled together beautifully, making the air smell sweet. A goblet of your favorite elven berry wine rested on the edge of the tub, and through the open window you could hear light strains of string music drifting in.

“No, thank you. That will be all.” You smiled kindly at the elf handmaiden as she bowed her head and disappeared from the room.

“I could get used to this.” You mumbled, slipping down further into the perfectly drawn bath and closing your eyes.

Your uncle, Elrond, was the Lord of Rivendell. It was typical for you to come on an extended vacation to visit him and your cousin, Arwen, during the spring months. You lived a simpler life with your family in another elven kingdom. The luxuries of Rivendell were never lost on you. Every time you came to visit, your uncle tried to persuade you to stay. Although it was tempting, given the exquisite treatment you were always given during your stay, you never did. You had family back home, and it didn’t feel right to leave permanently.

You lost track of the time as you lounged in the tub, sipping the wine and listening to the faint music you could hear coming from below. As you went to take another drink from your goblet, you jumped at the sound of clanging and crashing coming from the courtyard below your window. Your eyes flew open. What could that have possibly been? You paused for a moment, straining your ears to hear the source of the commotion. Just as you moved to lean back against the tub again, you heard another loud clash and clank.

“What is going on?” You muttered, annoyed that your peaceful bath had been disturbed. You stepped out of the tub and threw your silk robe around your body, not even bothering to dry off first. As you stormed out of your private bathroom and out into the hall, you were greeted by your uncle standing apologetically by your door.

“Uncle Elrond, what is that insufferable noise?” You asked, gesturing backward toward the balcony that ran from your bedroom to the bathroom. “It’s coming from the courtyard. Is everything alright?”

Your uncle looked unbothered, as he usually did.

“Everything is fine. We have some unexpected dinner guests.” He said simply.

You felt an eyebrow raise curiously.

“Dinner guests?” You questioned.

“Yes.” He continued. “A company of dwarves traveling through. Will you join us?”

**

An hour later you were dressed for dinner and heading down the stairs. Your bathrobe had been replaced by more appropriate dinner attire, a light green velvet dress that hung off of your shoulders and flowed out into a short train behind you. The handmaiden Elrond had left to attend you had styled your hair and placed a delicate silver headpiece, very similar to the one your uncle and cousin wore, atop your head.

As you rounded the corner into the dining space you could hear the ruckus of several voices speaking over one another. It drowned out the pleasant strains of the harp and flute players that often accompanied dinner. You’d never met any dwarves in person, but they certainly seemed like a rowdy bunch.

You felt all the eyes of the room turn to you as you entered. Without giving any of the guests a second glance you made your way to the table Elrond sat at, along with a shorter, bearded man you took to be the dwarves’ leader. And…

“Gandalf.” You said, smiling widely at the wizard. “Uncle Elrond didn’t tell me you were here!”

Gandalf stood, smiling in return as he took your hand and planted a delicate kiss on it.

“My dear, you look as lovely as ever. Elrond did not tell me you were here either.”

Your uncle and the dwarf both stood as well, and as you turned your attention to the much smaller man he nodded tightly, not bothering to reach out and take your hand.

“(Y/N), this is Thorin Oakenshield. Thorin, this is my niece.”

Thorin nodded once again as Elrond made your introduction, still not bothering to so much as shake your hand. Something told you that dwarves were not ones for pleasantries.

You nodded politely in return as Elrond gestured for one of the servants to bring an extra chair. You quickly lifted your hand as well, indicating that it would not be necessary.

“It’s no trouble, uncle. There is a free seat over there. I’ll make some new friends.”

You could feel several pairs of eyes following you as you moved to sit at the last remaining empty seat at the longer table. It was between two younger of the dwarves, one blonde with beaded braids woven into his hair and mustache, and the other a brunette with a strange hat and twisted pigtails. You smiled kindly at the two as you approached.

“Is this seat taken?”

Both stared at you momentarily before they each shook their heads, indicating that you were welcome to sit.

“I’m (Y/N).” You said, offering an introduction as you settled into your seat.

“Bofur.” Said the one on the right with the braided pigtails.

The one on the left offered a cheeky grin as he took your hand in his.

“Fili, my lady. It’s an honor to meet you.”

You looked across the table at the dwarf who sat before you. He appeared to be young as well, with long dark hair and stubble in place of a full beard. He was looking at you uncertainly, with a shy smile across his face.

“And you?”

“M-me?” He stuttered out.

You giggled.

“Your name, sir.”

“Oh. Uh, Kili.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kili.”

The table remained deathly quiet as everyone ate. You were well aware of the tensions that existed between elves and dwarves; mostly due to the distant Mirkwood elves, who were known to be quite unwelcoming. You hoped their experience in Rivendell might be a good one. Hopefully they’d leave with a better opinion of the elves.

“So…” You finally started “What brings you this way?”

The confidence of your question finally opened the floodgates from the others. They began speaking, mostly over the top of each other, as they clamored to tell you of their quest. As they spoke you caught a glimpse of Thorin over Kili’s shoulder, glaring at the table. You weren’t sure they were supposed to be telling you the full details of their journey, but they certainly didn’t shy away.

The youngest dwarf sitting across from you had particularly piqued your interest. As you spoke with the others he watched you, joining in the conversation occasionally, but mostly watching as you spoke. He had soft, gentle eyes and a kind smile.

Before you knew what was happening you saw Bofur jump up from his seat beside you. You’d partially overheard some of the dwarves complaining about the music.

“Alright lads, there’s only one thing for it.” He said, running around the table. He jumped up on top of a smaller table and began to sing, stomping his foot along to the music.

The others joined in immediately, clapping in time or banging the table along with the beat. You found yourself jumping in as well, clapping along and laughing as several of the dwarves began hurling food at Bofur’s head. You enjoyed their merriment, their carefree attitude. Many elves were high strung, often too concerned with proper etiquette and manners. The dwarves did not seem to care what anyone around them thought.

As Bofur launched into a second song a few members of the company began to stand up and dance. You beamed at the opportunity, as you also got to your feet. You grew up dancing in your homeland. It was one of your favorite things to do. Although the beat Bofur was stomping out was a little more fast paced than you were used to, you were sure you could keep up.

You saw Kili watching you shyly as you stood, and you felt a small flutter in your stomach at the young dwarf’s longing stare. You circled the table to stand beside him and extended your hand.

“Dance with me?”

He beamed in return as he took your outstretched hand in his.

“I’d be honored, my lady.”

As he stood you remembered the small height difference between elves and dwarves; the top of his head came to rest just at the tip of your chin. Neither of you seemed to mind, as Kili’s beaming smile never faltered. He tugged on your hand and led you away from the table, to a clear space on the floor where you would have room to move. He placed one hand on your waist as you rested yours on his shoulder, and with your free hands you held each other’s. Kili quickly walked you through the steps to a dance the dwarves seemed familiar with. You were a quick learner, and within moments you were expertly moving back and forth with Kiil, your footwork matching his exactly.

You danced together through many more of Bofur’s upbeat songs. The pure joy radiating from Kili’s smile made your knees feel weak, and you couldn’t help but wish to know the dwarf better. There was a pull you felt toward him, and you were saddened by the fact that he was to leave in the morning.

As the dishes began to clear away and Bofur stepped down from the table, Thorin came back around to stand in front of his company.

“Everybody, get some rest. We set off early tomorrow morning.”

You felt a pang of sadness as you realized the evening was over. Thorin seemed like a strict leader, and you were certain he would not allow Kili to remain in your company while the others went off to their rooms.

Or, would he…

You caught a glimpse of your uncle from over Kili’s shoulder. He had a knowing smile on his face, as if he’d noticed the budding friendship between you and the young dwarf you danced with. He gave you a subtle nod before turning to Thorin and catching his attention. As soon as he turned his back to the company, who had slowly begun to filter out of the room, you turned back to face Kili.

He gave you a wistful smile as he turned to walk away as well. Without thinking you tightened your grip on his hand, and he turned around to look at you curiously.

“How do you feel about a walk?” You asked quietly.

He grinned mischievously in response. He glanced over his shoulder, checking to make sure Thorin was not watching, before turning back to you.

“Lead the way, my lady.”

While Thorin’s back was still turned you quickly slipped Kili down the stairs and in the direction of one of Rivendell’s many gardens. It was your favorite, and always had been. This garden in particular held Elrond’s collection of rare plants and flowers, items he’d picked up from all over Middle Earth and replanted. Most did not have the skill to care for foreign plants, but the elves had their ways.

You led him down the paths of exotic blooms, showing him your favorites and explaining where each one had come from. You felt his eyes mostly on you as you spoke, and not the plants. As you walked together the conversation drifted from the garden to yourselves. He spoke of his family, it turned out the angry elder dwarf was his uncle, and his purpose in joining the quest. You told him of your home and your reasons for visiting your own uncle. You exchanged stories for what felt like an eternity and no time at all. It wasn’t until you realized it was too dark to see the flowers around you that you remembered the time. Kili had been gone for a while, and you were certain Thorin would not appreciate your kidnapping of his nephew.

“I should probably get back.” He said, a tinge of sadness in his voice. “Thorin has enough reason to distrust the elves without my disappearance adding to them.”

You nodded in agreement as you began to steer the two of you back in the direction of the rooms in which the dwarves were housed. Kili insisted on walking you to your chambers first, and as you neared your bedroom door you felt your steps begin to slow. You had only just met, but already you hated the thought of him leaving.

As you turned around to say goodnight you saw Kili holding a flower in his outstretched hand. A delicate, pink and white bloom with spiky petals. You recognized it as a favorite of yours from Elrond’s garden.

“For you, my lady.” He said as he placed it gently behind your ear.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to pick those.” You giggled, accepting the flower nonetheless. You reached up and tucked your hair around it to keep it in place.

He took your hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a delicate kiss against your skin. His touch sent goosebumps across your arm, and despite having just met him you felt yourself longing for more.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, (Y/N). Should our quest end successfully, I might be inclined to pay a visit.” He smiled and gave your hand a gentle squeeze as he stepped back, walking backward for several steps in order to keep his eyes on you a little longer.

You felt another flutter as you leaned against the doorframe, watching him as he slowly disappeared from sight.

“Please do.”

Maybe you’d stay in Rivendell a while after all.

[xuchiya]

Hi, hello, it’s your 🐡💜 anon…again.

How are you? Are you drinking enough water?

I am currently rotting with exams in university, so I feel like I have some brain damage due to the lack of sleep, lol

Since it’s almost Christmas, can you write something about it? Like decorating Christmas tree together with Jongho or wrapping presents for family members with Yunho.

Dearly, your 💜🐡 anon

Hi anon my loves! It's been a while hehehe. I am recovering from my cold but I'm okay and yes, I have been drinking a lot. I hope you drink a lot of water and eat more food too. Ohh I feel that brain rot in exams but don't worry, my loves. It will pass and so does your grades, just have faith in yourself and build more strength that you'll pass this. And please, please, sleep. Your brain won't really work if you sleep less. I hope after you read this, you take a nap or 10 hours of sleep because you deserve a good rest. Okay? Okay on to the story.

And because it has been a while. I will grant you two stories! ON TO THE STORY!

"You are the star of my Chirstmas" || choi jongho || one-shot

|genre: non!idol jongho. fluff. girlfriend! reader |mentions: fluff.

It was that magical time of year again. Outside, snow fell like soft, white cotton, blanketing the world in silence and wonder. The chill in the air carried the faint scent of pine and frost, mingling with the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen. Excitement bubbled within you, igniting the spark of your inner child. Your feet, clad in the softest pair of fuzzy socks, padded down the hallway as you slid toward the frosted window with an audible squeal.

"It's snowing, Jongho-yah! It's snowing~" Your voice rang out, harmonizing with the faint strains of a Christmas tune playing softly in the background.

Jongho, who had just woken up a few minutes ago, emerged from the kitchen with slightly tousled hair and a knowing grin. He held a steaming cup of coffee in his hand as he leaned against the veranda door frame, his gaze following your every move. He chuckled softly, already anticipating what was to come.

You threw open the door and bounded outside, embracing the frosty air. Your hands scooped up the fresh, powdery snow, tossing it into the air and watching as it fluttered down like glittering confetti. You jumped and twirled, attempting to make it fly even higher, your laughter echoing in the stillness of the morning.

Jongho’s smile deepened, his head tilting slightly as he watched you with quiet admiration. You were radiant, glowing with a joy so pure that it made his chest ache with fondness. You didn’t care about the cold or the wet snowflakes clinging to your hair. In that moment, you were utterly free, healing the parts of yourself that had forgotten how to be this carefree.

As the clock ticked closer to lunchtime, Jongho gently pushed himself off the doorframe. His rich voice called out, laced with warmth, "Hun, get inside. It’s lunchtime."

He turned toward the kitchen, already gathering the ingredients he knew you’d request. He didn’t need to ask; he’d memorized your favorite meal down to the smallest detail.

Just as he expected, you appeared moments later, hopping onto the counter with a soft thud. You crossed your legs, leaning in with a playful grin. "Are you gonna make my favorite?"

Jongho chuckled, glancing over his shoulder as he began chopping vegetables. His hands moved with practiced ease, though his eyes held the softest glimmer.

"It would be my favorite too," he teased, setting the knife down and moving closer, "if you’d cook it with me."

Your laughter rang out again, the sound filling the kitchen like a melody. Grabbing an apron, you tied it around your waist and joined him, bumping shoulders as you stood by his side. Together, the two of you worked in harmony, the warmth of the kitchen contrasting with the wintery scene outside. The snow continued to fall, but inside, the only thing that mattered was the love shared between you two, radiating like the soft glow of Christmas lights.

Toward the snowy afternoon, the cozy living room buzzed with anticipation as you pulled out boxes of Christmas decorations from the closet. Jongho had retrieved the Christmas tree from the garage, carefully setting it up in the corner by the large window, where the soft glow of snow outside framed the scene perfectly. His sleeves were rolled up, and a light sheen of effort dusted his brow as he methodically wiped down the artificial branches.

"Where did we store the tree decorations, hun?" you asked, pushing your sleeves up, ready to dive into the task. Jongho paused, his face scrunching up in thought. "I think they're in the spare room," he said, pointing toward the hallway.

You wasted no time, sliding across the wooden floor in your socks with a playful "Whee!" that drew a chuckle from Jongho. He shook his head fondly and returned to dusting the tree, a smile tugging at his lips.

In the spare room, you crouched down and peered beneath the bed, your fingers brushing against a familiar, slightly battered box. The words “xmas decor tree” were scrawled across the lid in faded, uneven handwriting. You pulled it out, dusting it off with a rag before carrying it back to the living room, your steps quicker with excitement.

Jongho glanced up as you returned, a knowing smile on his face as you set the box down. But as you opened it and began pulling out the decorations, your breath caught. At the bottom of the box, wrapped loosely in tissue paper, lay the star. Your hand trembled slightly as you picked it up, the broken tip and snapped handle immediately catching your eye. The once-vivid color had dulled, patches of paint flaking away.

A lump formed in your throat as you held the fragile ornament delicately, your heart sinking. This star had always been a symbol of hope and luck for you, carrying the memories of every Christmas you had cherished. And now, it was broken.

"Hun, what's wrong?" Jongho’s voice was soft, but his concern cut through the quiet room like a gentle breeze. He turned to you, his gaze quickly falling on the star cradled in your hands. Wiping his hands on a towel, he crossed the room, placing a reassuring hand on the small of your back.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice tender. "I know how much this star means to you. I'm so sorry it broke before Christmas."

You sniffled, managing a small, bittersweet smile despite the tightness in your chest. Carefully, you placed the star back into the box, wrapping it once more in its worn tissue paper. Jongho watched you for a moment, his heart aching at the sight of your downcast expression.

"Come on," he said, gently steering you back toward the tree. "Let’s finish decorating. We can’t let this ruin our Christmas, right?"

With a deep breath, you nodded, letting him guide you. Piece by piece, you hung ornaments on the tree, your spirits slowly lifting as you admired the glittering baubles and glowing lights. When the last ornament was placed, the two of you stepped back to take it all in.

Jongho reached for the plug, and with a flick of the switch, the Christmas lights came alive. Warm, colorful hues danced across the room, casting a magical glow. A small, satisfied smile tugged at your lips, but your gaze couldn’t help but drift back to the star tucked away in the box.

Jongho noticed immediately. He always did. Without a word, he moved to stand in front of you, cupping your cheeks with his large, warm hands. His thumbs brushed against your skin as he tilted your head to meet his gaze.

"Do you know," he began softly, his deep voice laced with emotion, "that I already have a star with me?"

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “You do?” your head tilting slightly. The way your wide, crystalline eyes shimmered under the glow of the Christmas lights made his heart flutter. You were radiant, like a vision from a dream, and he couldn’t resist.

Leaning in, Jongho captured your lips in a soft, lingering kiss. His movements were slow, each touch of his lips against yours filled with unspoken love and devotion. His hands slid down to clasp yours, his fingers squeezing gently as he poured every ounce of his affection into that single moment.

When the two of you finally pulled away, his forehead rested against yours, the warmth of his breath mingling with your own. His hands tightened around yours as he whispered, his voice low and steady, "You’re the star of my Christmas and to my universe, hun."

In that moment, surrounded by the twinkling lights and the quiet magic of falling snow, your heart felt full again, the pain of the broken star fading into the background. Because with Jongho by your side, every Christmas felt perfect.

wait for the Yunho part!

[baronessblixen]

Fictober Day 11: Oh, What A Night

Prompt: "Well, that turned out great"

Mulder and Scully are forced to attend the annual FBI charity ball. Chaos ensues. Rating T, wc: 2,006

Tagging @today-in-fic @xffictober24

A huge thank you to @xxsksxxx for helping me come up with this fic. And all the help and support in general ❤️

The FBI’s annual charity party is a gossip-infested, deadly boring event where agents wear glittery clothes that don’t fit them and get drunk with people they’ll pretend not to know the next day – and before now, Mulder has always managed to escape this circus. That was before A.D. Kersh became their new boss and made it mandatory.

Unless Mulder was dead in a morgue or emergency surgery, his presence was required. And since he neither died nor injured himself – not for lack of trying either – he’s here, standing in the corner with a flute full of sparkling water. He’s saving the champagne for when Scully gets here.

They had planned to arrive together, but when she said she’d be late, she insisted he go ahead to avoid Kersh thinking they’d bailed on the party. So he’s standing here on his own, in an itchy tuxedo, grimacing.

So far no one has even attempted to rope him into a conversation. He nods at Kersh and his assistant, briefly wondering if he can ditch the party now that their boss has seen him. But he couldn’t do that to Scully. He checks his phone to see if she’s called or texted. Nothing. He’s beginning to worry and decides to call her himself. Phone at his ear, he lets his eyes roam the room. So many people he has no desire to see at the office, let alone at a ball.

All he can hope is that no one will ask him to dance. Oh fuck, what if Scully doesn’t show up and Elaine from accounting gets his hands on him? She’s been trying. Much like Diana. She’s across the room, obviously looking for someone – and he fears it might just be him.

“Come on, Scully, answer,” he whispers to himself, the phone still pressed against his ears. There’s a loud, collective gasp – or maybe it’s just him – when the door opens and someone steps inside. Not just someone, no. Mulder relaxes in an instant, his feet starting before he knows what’s happening. A smile blooms on his face and he doesn’t care who sees his goofy grin.

Scully is here.

He stops a few feet away from her, in absolute awe. He’s never seen her like this. At work, she’s the consummate professional in her suits. Every once in a while, he’s been lucky enough to catch her in tight jeans and a t-shirt. Once or twice, he’s got a glimpse of her satin pajamas. He has seen her in her whole glory, not a stitch of clothing on her body. Not that he looked, not really. One time was a matter of life and death. The second time a cruel joke from Diana. He shakes his head softly, hardly believing what he’s seeing now. It’s Scully – his Scully, his friend and partner – in a very flattering, deep black cocktail dress.

“Wow, you look…,” he says, his hand reaching out, unsure if it’s to touch her or the dress. The dress is hugging her in all the right places, leaving just enough for the imagination. He takes her in, feeling like he might need a cold shower if he keeps this up.

“I didn’t know what to wear and found this in the back of my closet. That’s why I’m late,” she says. “Mulder, why are people staring at us?” she asks in a low voice, reaching for his champagne flute. She grimaces when she tastes the water. “This is water.”

“I didn’t want to get drunk before you got here.” He grins. “Scully, I- you look amazing.”

“Thank you, Mulder,” she says with a smile and just the hint of a blush. “We need to mingle. Just so that Kersh can’t claim we weren’t here.”

His Scully, is always on his side.

He considers taking her hand but doesn’t dare. The night is still young. People are glaring at them openly as if they were the greatest spectacle they’ve ever seen. It’s all because of Scully, he’s sure of it. He’s heard about the ice queen rumor long before they were even partnered. He’s never given a damn about rumors and after meeting her, he knew that all these people didn’t know Dana Scully at all. Her rationality is only one side of her; the one she presents at work and in professional settings. He knows a different Scully. One who is passionate about everything – and everyone – she loves.

“You’re starting again,” she says, but she sounds amused.

“I can’t help it.” He decides to be honest with her. “That dress- you in it.”

“I’m glad you like it.” She smooths an invisible wrinkle and Mulder’s pants feel a whole lot tighter all of a sudden. As much as he likes the dress, and her in it, he wouldn’t mind seeing it on the floor. Or – what he suspects she prefers: draped carefully over a chair. But the night has just begun and just in case he’s misinterpreting the last few weeks, he’s going to take his time, admire her in the dress, and cherish the fact that she wants him right here next to her.

“How long do you think we have to stay?” They’re at the buffet now, loading their plates with fancy finger food. Scully gets a white wine spritzer, sighing in contentment when she takes a sip.

“An hour at least. There’s Kersh.” They both wave at their boss who just rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “I thought he wanted us here.”

“He did,” Mulder says, eyeing their boss from across the room. He’s never seen the man smile in what Mulder assumes is genuine joy.

“Don’t stare at him,” Scully says, elbowing him.

“Did you know he could smile?” Now Scully looks over too. She has to get on tiptoes to see anything and uses Mulder to steady herself.

“Well,” is all she says. She keeps her hand on his arm, watching the room. “Oh no. Diana is here.” No one could blame Mulder for forgetting Diana once he laid eyes on Scully.

“Is it too late to hide?” he asks and Scully doesn’t need to answer cause his ex has seen them and is making her way over.

When Mulder saw Scully, he was blown away. Now seeing Diana, all he wants is to get away. Scully must sense his desire to flee and squeezes his arm.

“Agents Mulder and Scully,” Diana says with fake enthusiasm. “I was hoping to see you here.”

“Were you,” Mulder mumbles, wishing he’d opted for alcohol after all and not plain water.

“This is Jeremy, by the way.” She points at the man next to her and Mulder swallows hard. It’s almost like looking into a mirror. Except the mirror is smudged and distorted. But he sees the resemblance. That man – Jeremy – could be his brother. Or cousin, at least.

“Hello Jeremy,” Scully says, shaking his doppelgänger’s hand. If she sees it, too, she’s much better at concealing it. “Have you known Diana long?”

“Literally met her today,” he says with a grin. “Making good money here tonight.”

“That’s enough of you,” Diana says, pushing him away. “Go and… just go.” With a shrug, he winks at Scully and points finger guns at Mulder, before he grabs a champagne flute and is off to mingle.

“Where did you find that delightful young man?” He can’t stop himself from asking. Diana makes a wild hand gesture.

“Oh, you know.” Scully is nice enough to nod, though he doubts either of them knows what Diana is talking about. “I came over here, Fox, to whisk you away.”

“Whisk me away?”

“Excuse me?” He and Scully speak at the same time, their words overlapping.

“To, you know.” Again, he has no idea what she’s talking about, but he knows her well enough to see panic rise in her demeanor.

“I don’t know,” he says, a softness in his voice that’s full of faded memories of a past shared with this woman.

“You at least have to dance with me.” Diana grabs his free arm and starts tugging. Only Scully is not letting go of him either.

“Um, I don’t want to dance,” he says. Only a few couples are dancing and Mulder isn’t even sure their movements are deserving of that description.

“Fox, come on. I want to show you something.” Needy. He remembers that, too. Things have to go her way – always. But he’s no longer that young, naive man. More than that, he’s no longer the man who thought he was in love.

“He said he doesn’t want to dance.” Scully has been quiet up to this point. He knows that low voice that’s close to a growl. People underestimate Scully all the time; it’s her gender and her height. Diana, unfortunately, makes that same mistake.

“I think I know him a bit better than you do, Agent Scully.”

“Please-,” Mulder tries to say, but the women are ignoring him.

“I think it’s better if you leave now.”

“You don’t make the choices here, Agent Scully.”

“No,” she says evenly. “Mulder does and he said no. We’re in a room full of people. Do you really want to do this?” He holds his breath, waiting. It could go either way. The two women are in a staring contest and his own eyes move between their faces like a ping pong.

“Fine,” Diana hisses. “You can have him tonight.” She starts walking off, but turns around again, waving her glass about. “I knew him first, you know.” Her voice breaks and Mulder almost feels sorry for her. She’s walking backward now, unable to turn her back on them. She’s always hated losing. “I get him,” she says with emphasis.

“Diana.” There’s panic in Scully’s voice. She takes a few steps forward and Mulder sees what has her so concerned. Diana. Walking backwards. Right into a table full of candles. Lit candles.

“You cannot- what the fuck!” Someone screams and Diana is flapping her arms like a bird trying to take off, while her dark brown hair is blazing with red hot flames. Scully is the first to react, pouring what’s left of her white wine spritzer over Diana’s head. The screaming gets louder and just to be safe, just in case, Mulder pours his sparkling water over Diana’s hair, too. She’s sputtering and yelling. Her voice is so high-pitched that Mulder doesn’t catch a single thing she’s saying, but the smell of burnt hair makes him gag.

“Let me help you,” Scully says.

“I think you’ve helped enough.” Diana’s make-up is smeared all over her face. She touches her hair and her bottom lip quivers. “I think I’ll – excuse me.” She storms off and Mulder just watches her, wondering if he should follow. Two waiters come to clean up and relight the candles. Chatter commences and a moment later, it’s as if nothing has happened at all.

“Well, that turned out great.” Mulder stares at their empty glasses.

“We need to make sure she’s okay,” Scully says, tugging at his hand. That’s not at all how he imagined this evening to go. He didn’t have high hopes, but this is even worse.

“Scully, she doesn’t want our help.”

“I don’t care,” she says earnestly. “This could have ended badly. We need to make sure she’s all right. We should take her to a hospital.” He loves this woman. Here she is, defending Diana, despite wanting to rip the woman’s hair out herself half the time.

“Do you think so?”

“Yes.” Scully takes his hand into hers. “She’s hurt, Mulder.” She’s not just talking about the physical pain she’s just endured. “Let’s go help her. I’m used to dealing with difficult people.” She pokes his chest with her finger a few times.

“This is not how I wanted tonight to be.”

“Once we’ve taken care of Diana,” Scully says, slipping her hand into his in front of Kersh and every other agent present, “we’re going home.”

“Together?” he asks, daring to dream.

“Together,” she confirms.

[wannaeatramyeon]

Not my usual hc for Jake but thought about grinding up against him (or Goo) in the club a couple months ago and couldn't stop thinking about it since.

Jake Kim x Reader: In the club

G/N. Strangers to lover. VERY indulgent.

"It's...boring...in....here," a voice floats over your shoulder, reaching your ears despite the bass pumping through the club.

"Hey!" you snatch your phone to your chest. Seriously, who reads other people's messages? How rude!

Swivelling around, you come face to face with a black t-shirt stretched tight over broad chest muscles.

Huh.

Gaze slowly travelling up to see a sharp jaw, fading scar over his lips, another scar over the bridge of his nose...

To the most simultaneously resting-bitch-face and fuck-me bedroom eyes you've ever seen.

Fuck, this guy is gorgeous.

He can read all your goddamn messages if he wants.

Giving you a smile that is toothy and surprisingly more cute than sexy (although he is definitely not short on the latter), he leans into your ear and agrees.

"Yeah, it's pretty boring isn't it. I'm Jake. What's your name?"

.

.

Things get significantly less boring after that.

Sitting together in a booth, finding intimacy despite the sea of bodies. Like you're the only two people in the room.

Knees touching and close enough that you can feel the heat of Jake's leg pressed up against you.

Watching him sip on water, "Someone's gotta be responsible, you know?" and you clink his glass with your juice, "Same here."

Both stone cold sober, though still using the excuse of the loud music to get within touching distance.

Personal space all but abandoned. His ear so close to your lips that each time you talk, you resist the mad urge to nip him.

.

.

Jake points over and waves to a group of guys who cheer in unison when they notice him.

His friends, he tells you.

Explains it was someone called Brad that noticed Jake was interested in you and encouraged him to come over.

In turn, you signal over to a corner where the rest of your group are sitting.

Having arrived late, found you already happily occupied and giving you two some privacy.

.

.

It's odd.

This guy you just met could so easily veer into fuck boy territory. And really, you've met a lot of people that Jake Kim could almost be, but not quite.

Could easily be someone arrogant and smarmy. Too entitled and expecting.

Yet you sense the sincerity and earnestness in his words. You don't doubt anything he says is honest.

Even his winks, rather than making you scoff and cringe, causes you to blush and giggle like an idiot instead.

.

.

Without a drop of alcohol in his vein, Jake agrees to join you on the dancefloor with little fuss.

What can he say? The night is good, the music is great and you - you are something else. Initially just expecting a good time with the Big Deal boys, he now finds himself next to you and with a lot more than he bargained for.

And really, he hates that this feels like a cliche. Such a typical place for casual pickups but the more he talks to you, the more he likes.

So Jake lets himself get carried away by the flow of the night.

Head filled with very few thoughts except for how long it has been since he has let loose and how much he likes you.

.

.

If you thought you were close before, the crowded dance floor and beat of the music pushes you both ever closer.

Body pressed to his. Jake against your back. Teasing, sensual, steamy. Connected at the hip. Grinding in time together. Strong arms holding you around the waist.

His head over your shoulder, eyes half-lidded and lips almost meeting yours.

Almost closing the gap until there's nothing in between.

Breaths mingling together and almost tasting him on your tongue.

Almost.

Courage and a wildness grips you instead.

You change your mind; move past his lips, reach up on the tips of your toes and ask for something else.

You explain you're sober. In case there was any doubt. And you never do this. Ever.

...It just feels like a shame to cut the night short.

So you invite him back to yours.

Jake takes a moment to process your words. This really isn't his style but he truly doesn't want this night with you to end.

He says yes even as his cheeks flush with the implication.

.

.

He stays until the morning. Until you both wake up together.

Naked, ears still ringing and Jake's arms wrapped around you.

You look at him and realise the club lowlights and even the starlight on the walk home did this man very little justice.

He really is so very gorgeous. The scars do nothing to diminish his looks, adding only a rugged sexiness.

Jake feels your eyes on him, and his own flutter open. Blinking away the sleep and bleariness so he can focus on you.

Ah. There you are.

And he can't hold back the smile creeping over his face when he thinks back to last night.

When you were both lying side by side in the afterglow, after he had pulled his name from your lips over and over.

Thinks how instead of falling asleep right away you both talked and talked and talked. How eventually his lids became too heavy and he fell asleep with you in his arms.

"Morning," Jake grins.

"Morning," you grin back.

At your response, you are rewarded with a shy and bashful look.

"I don't really do one night stands..." he smiles sheepishly, peering at you beneath his long lashes.

So Jake Kim apologises for the topsy turvy way things have transpired. Tells you without prompt how much he likes you, repeats your words from last night that it would be a shame to cut this short.

Jake asks you on a date. Offers breakfast and coffee and to see where this goes.

...And of course you say yes.

[arc852]

8. Shipwreck

Definition: the destruction of a ship at sea by sinking or breaking up

Summary: Grian has been captured by pirates. And if that wasn't the worst part, it seems he's also about to go down with the ship.

Thankfully, someone is there to save him.

G/t: Grian is normal-sized, Gem is a giant

Warnings: Near-death experience, drowning, and fear

Word Count: 1893

AO3 Link

Mers! I'm so happy I got the chance to write about some giant mers. I love them but I don't write them nearly enough.

I'm actually really excited for you guys to read this one too. And, once again, this one is only part one! I wrote a part two for day 18. Which happens to be pirates. I thought they fit pretty well together lol.

I hope you guys enjoy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 A storm was not the thing Grian expected to end up killing him.

 Really, it was a lot more likely the pirates that had kidnapped him were gonna be his end. 

 But even below deck, in the brig of the ship, he could tell the storm outside was a nasty one. Anyone in their right mind would be saying their prayers right now. He could hear the footsteps above him, rapid and heavy compared to the harsh rain that pounded the deck. Even the pirate who had been tasked to guard him had run up with everyone else. All hands on deck, as they would say.

 Grian wasn’t even sure how he had ended up in this mess in the first place. He was just a simple fisherman. And he hadn’t thought his prices were too steep but the pirates had begged to differ and tried to steal from him. Of course Grian was going to defend himself and his stock. Although, in hindsight, fighting back against pirates probably hadn’t been the smartest move.

 Okay, so maybe he did know how he ended up in this mess.

 A harsh jerk of the ship caused Grian to slide across the ground and hit the wall with a loud thud. He winced at the pain in his arm. With his hands tied behind his back, he was unable to reach out and stop that from happening.

 He heard more yelling from above but with the sound of the storm it was hard to tell exactly what they were saying. He pressed his face against the wood of the wall and closed his eyes tight. He supposed he was just grateful it was the storm that would take him out and not the pirates themselves.

 His eyes opened wide as he suddenly heard the voices upstairs start screaming. Even despite the storm and everything, the pirates had never sounded so afraid. It put Grian on edge, his nerves tense as he wondered what was happening up there.

 And then, before Grian could fully process it, a sudden large weight slammed into the ship. No, not just slammed against it. The weight went through the ship, right in front of Grian, right down the middle and breaking the pirate ship in half.

 The storm and ocean rushed to meet Grian all at once and Grian was helpless as he was swept away alongside the rest of the pirates and the wreckage of the ship. The waves tossed him around, slamming into him hard and fast. He was unable to reach the surface, unable to gasp for the air he desperately needed. His hands were still tied too and without the use of his arms his kicking feet were all but useless. 

 He sunk further, his lungs reaching their limit. The salt water hit his eyes, making them sting. But he ignored it because through the water, he made out the ship. Or what was left of it. All but planks remained, floating and sinking all around him and mingling with the bodies of the pirates. Most seemed to be dead already.

 Grian couldn’t hold it in anymore and he let out a gasp. The water poured into his lungs and he thrashed about, wanting desperately to claw at his throat. His energy was quickly drained though, and his head became light as he breathed in more and more water. His eyes slowly drifted shut and everything went dark.

***

Grian woke up with a gasp and a cough, sitting up and leaning over his side to cough up whatever water was left in his lungs. He took deep breaths, trying to get as much air as possible. He gripped the warm sand beneath him and then, as the coughing and his need to breath subsided, he simply laid there for a few, peaceful moments.

 His eyes opened again, slower this time. The sun was high above him, shining down with not a cloud in the sky. It was a sharp contrast to the storm he had been stuck in just a moment ago.

 Or, maybe not just a moment ago. How long had it been? How was he even alive? He swore the last thing he remembered was giving into the ocean and drowning.

 Grian sat up, taking in his surroundings. He seemed to be on a small island in the middle of the ocean. He looked toward the horizon line and there seemed to be other small islands surrounding him but no sign of the mainland anywhere.

 There was also no sign of anyone else. No ship debris, no other bodies even. Just him, all alone.

 But then he took a look right next to him and noticed the rope that had been tied around his hands. Just now realizing his hand were free, he rubbed his wrists earnestly, having quiet the rope burn on them. Had the rope finally unknotted while he had been in the water?

 But no, upon closer inspection, the rope had been cut. There was a very clear line through the center of the rope, leading to two separate pieces as he managed to untangle them. But if the rope had been cut, and so cleanly too, then that meant…

 “H-Hello?” Grian tried to speak but his voice sounded harsh even to his own ears. It had been nothing more than a whisper despite his attempt to shout and so he cleared his throat and tried again. “Hello!” This time his voice sounded more normal. He stood up, keeping the rope in hand and looked around for any clue as to who might have saved him.

 Grian whipped around toward the shore as suddenly, a large being started to rise from it. He made out red and then a pale color as it lifted higher and higher above him. Grian backed away, processing that the red was curly hair and the pale color was skin. 

 It was a giant woman. But no, that wasn’t all. The dark blue scales that lined her face, the gills around her neck, the fins coming out of her head…

 He was in the presence of a giant mer.

 “Oh, you’re awake!” The giant mer exclaimed, a smile on her face. Grian gulped nervously, wondering what was going to happen. He heard stories of giant mers. Horror stories. Stories of them eating any human they came across and of killing anyone foolish enough to go into their territory. Was he next? 

 As Grian was silently freaking out, she leaned down closer, placing her arms in the sand in order to do so. Grian yelped, backing up even more but it was useless to run. The island wasn’t that big and the giant mer could probably reach him no matter where he went on it. “Are you alright?” She spoke again and Grian paused in his panic, confused.

 “Wh-What?” He stammered out, looking into the large green eyes. The mer tilted her head.

 “I asked if you were alright. I think you took in a lot of water when you were sinking.” She said and then her head leaned down even closer, right in Grian’s personal space. Grian was frozen in the spot, trying not to move less the mer jump and eat him in one bite. “You seem to be breathing alright…” She said with a hum, more to herself.

 “I…Why do you care?” Grian asked, the question coming out a little more harsh than he had wanted. He winced at his own tone but the mer didn’t seem angry at it. Instead, her eyes softened.

 “Sorry. I guess I am a bit scary, huh?” She said with a little giggle. A bit was an understatement but Grian kept his mouth shut. “I just want to make sure I didn’t hurt you when I smashed that ship. I didn’t realize you were in there.”

 Grian blinked. “You…were the one who broke the ship?”

 The mer nodded, now looking a little frustrated as she looked back out towards the water. “They were in my territory. I would have just let the storm handle them but they seemed like they were fighting it well.” She hummed a bit. “I almost admire them for being able to do that. That storm was no joke. But I still couldn’t let them get away, so I smashed their ship to pieces.”

 Grian vaguely remembers a large weight slamming through the boat. Now he knew what it was.

 “Why didn’t you let me die then, with the rest of them?” Grian asked, more confused than anything now. Did she just want a snack for later? But then, why did she seem to care about how he was feeling? Or if he was hurt? Things weren’t adding up.

 Her frustration slipped away and went soft again. “Why would I do that? I could tell from the way you were tied up that you were there against your will. It wasn’t your fault you were taken into my territory. So when I saw you, I grabbed you and took you here.” She explained. Grian bit his lip and found himself stepping a bit closer.

 “So…you aren’t going to eat me?” Grian had to ask, just to make sure.

 The mer’s eyes went wide. “Of course not!” She shook her head and then huffed. “I don’t know what kind of things are said about mers but I don’t make it a habit to eat other sapient beings. Kill them, sure. But I think eating them is taking it a bit too far.”

 Grian nodded in agreement and finally let himself relax a little. It seemed the giant mer really had saved him, not as a snack for later, but because she knew he wasn’t a part of the pirates crew. 

 “Well then, thank you for saving me.” Grian said with a slight cough, looking away from the giant eyes. The mer grinned in return.

 “Of course!” Something large splashed the water behind her and Grian jumped at the suddenness of it. He looked behind the mer, to see a giant tail, the same shade as the scales on the mer’s face, moving up and down in the water. “I’m Gem, by the way.”

 Grian returned the smile, finally believing that he was safe. “I’m Grian.” He paused for a moment. “So…what happens now?”

 Gem bit her lip, making her sharp fangs abundantly clear. Grian tried not to be scared by them. “Well, it’s up to you really. But I can’t leave my territory without making some other mers really unhappy. Or get close enough to the mainland to take you back home.”

 That sounded a lot like he was stuck here. He said as much out loud. “So I’m stuck here?”

 “Oh no, there are other ways! Like, I could help you make a boat in order to get yourself back to the mainland.” Gem suggested. “There are a lot of spare parts floating around in my waters from all the ships I’ve destroyed.”

 Grian thought about it but there really wasn’t much to think about. That was his best option. His only real option, it seemed like. So, he nodded. “That sounds like a plan then.” He had never built a ship before but hopefully, with Gem’s help, it wouldn’t be too difficult. “Should we get started?”

 Gem grinned and nodded. 

 They got to work.

[paninicupcakke]

Another Masked Freak🪓

(Tf2 crossover x Friday the 13th fic)

(In honor of my favorite Halloween slasher movie of all time, I decided to write this crossover fic :3 this started off as a silly draft but it spiraled into way more then I thought)

(TW/CW: spiking drinks/canon typical medic behavior)

🪓

“I-I think there’s someone on the back porch.” Medic firmly stated. Hesitantly pointing out the window leading to their base’s backyard. Medic, Engineer and Demoman all anxiously huddled around the window. Examining the tall, ominous figure slowly walking around the wooden porch. Rain droplets soon began drizzling down from the night sky and onto the masked killer.

“Great, another masked freak.” Demo added then took a quick swig of his scrumpy. Engineer walked away from the window to grab a shotgun that was stood up against the wall nearby. Medic and Demo continued watching the large killer’s movements. Jason grabbed his drenched coat sleeves and began peeling his first wet layer off. A soaked white t-shirt was underneath, revealing the undead man’s surprisingly muscular torso. He began ringing out his soaked coat over some dead grass nearby. Medic couldn’t help but fixate on the killer’s massive forearms and hands as they worked together. Jason paused for a moment, flinging his coat over his shoulder. He suddenly knelt down and began gently petting a small frog that was sat in a puddle of water. Such a small gesture spoke volumes. The salacious doctor couldn’t contain his infatuation with this fascinating specimen any longer.

“I think we are overreacting a bit. Should we go say hello?” Medic suggested while clearly ogling the killer’s visible muscles.

“You’re outta your damn mind. I ain’t goin’ out there!” Engineer stated sternly. Medic stood up from being crouched over the window, he swiftly adjusted both his glasses and tie.

“Suit yourself.” Medic said while confidently walking over to the back door.

“It was good knowin’ ya doc.” Demo added. Medic swiftly unlocked and opened the backdoor wide open. Both of the other mercenaries flinched in fear. Jason perked up at the sudden noise of the metal lock unlatching. The frog he had been mingling with scurried off at the sound.

“Hallo! You seem lost, would you like some help?” Medic kindly asked. Jason stood back up slowly. Silently towering over the doctor stood in the doorway. The doctor became instantly flustered once noticing their drastic height difference. Jason understood the doctor’s question but wasn’t fully aware of how to respond considering he was mute. They both stood there silently for a few seconds. Medic then anxiously adjusted his glasses before speaking again.

“Why don’t you come inside and get cleaned up? It’s filthy out here.” Medic offered while reaching out his hand. Jason hesitated for a moment before shaking the doctors hand.

“Bloody hell, he’s befriending it.” Demo said in disbelief. Engineer let out a frustrated sigh and walked over to the open doorway, shotgun in both hands. Jason let go of the doctors hand and looked over at the short Southern man.

“Engineer! Put that gun away will you? Go fetch me some towels please.” Medic sternly ordered as he spun around to face him.

“Come on now doc, you really trust this creature?!” Engineer asked while lowering his shotgun.

“Ja. If he truly wanted to kill us he would’ve already done so. Someone of his stature could have easily broken this door down.” Medic explained while grabbing the killers wet hand and leading him inside of the doorway. Considering his height, Jason ducked as he walked in the entrance. The undead killer was slightly baffled and confused. Normally humans were not this welcoming. Although, he assumed these humans were clearly not aware of his infamous brutality. Engineer let out an anxious sigh, he set down his shotgun and left to go fetch a few towels. Demo took a couple steps closer to the massive killer, he gently shut the backdoor behind him and Medic.

“Ya want somethin’ to drink?” Demo casually offered. Jason stood there silently, examining the bottle of scrumpy the man had offered him.

“I believe he might be mute. Here, go have a seat. l’ll make us some hot chocolate.” Medic offered and gently patted Jason’s back while pointing over to the living room. Jason walked along with Demo over towards the sofa. Engineer walked back into the living room with a few folded towels in his hand. Demo grabbed one and draped it over the leather seat. Jason slowly sat down onto the towel, making himself comfortable. Engineer set the bundle of folded towels onto the armrest of the sofa and hurried over to the kitchen.

“Listen doc, I don’t know what’s gotten into you but letting a complete stranger in here is never a good idea. You know that.” Engineer sternly said. Medic spun around with a metal tray of mugs in his hand.

“Ja, I know. Would you mind taking this over to the coffee table for me?” Medic asked in that angelic tone of his. Engineer lightly grumbled as he took the tray from him. The Southern man walked back over to the living room and anxiously set the tray down. Jason was preoccupied with drying himself off with the various towels. Demo excitedly reached down and grabbed one of the mugs of hot coco. He poured a shot of his scrumpy into the mug before taking a big sip.

“Here, this one’s for you big guy.” Medic spoke up as he quickly entered the living room. He brought over a mug of hot coco with whip cream and a straw sticking out of it. Jason perked up at the sweet, foamy drink. A familiar, nostalgic scent he hadn’t smelled in a very long time. Medic sat down right beside him, handing him the mug of warm coco. Jason gently took the mug from his hands and stared at it for a few seconds. Admiring the small flakes of cinnamon on top of the whip cream. He stuck the straw through one of the holes in his mask and took a big sip. After a few swigs, he set the mug down onto the coffee table. A few silent minutes had passed of Jason continuing to dry himself off. Medic appeared to be drying off one of the killer’s hands, when in reality he was scanning every detail of the living dead’s unique flesh. Jason’s eyes suddenly began to feel heavier than usual. He inevitably slumped over onto the sofa and comfortably passed out. A devious grin crept across the doctor’s face.

“Did he just fall asleep?” Engineer anxiously whispered.

“Yes. Both of you, help me carry him to mein lab. Quickly.” Medic suddenly instructed. Demo and Engineer both looked at each other slightly confused, then back at the deranged doctor.

“So…ya drugged him up?” Demo asked tilting his head.

“Ja, I want to restrain him and run some tests. Come on, we only have a few hours before he wakes back up.” Medic eagerly explained while grabbing one of Jason’s limp arms and swinging it over his shoulder. Demo quickly walked over to stabilize his other side. Engineer let out a frustrated groan as he went to pick up and carry the killers massive legs.

[miasmaghoul]

WET DREAM RAIN WET DREAM RAIN (please)

Hgkngjf

So W E T

He/they Rain because I can <3

Swiss loves sleeping with Rain.

Not just for the sex, though that's certainly a nice perk, but for the closeness. Rain is not a touchy person in their day to day, generally keeping to themselves. Not for any malicious reason, he just prefers his personal space. Swiss gets it, there are days where he can't stand the thought of being flattened at the bottom of a ghoul pile either.

But moments like this are a different story entirely. Rain becomes so very tactile once they've made it to a bedroom, once the door is locked and Swiss is all they have. Rain glues himself to Swiss then - presses against his back while Swiss brushes his teeth, plays with his hair while they read, lays on Swiss's chest with their legs tangled together while they talk about absolutely nothing of importance.

Moments full of little touches that eventually gain greater intent. A hand on the back of a neck, or under a shirt. The press of a thigh to someone's groin. A huffed chuckle of "Yeah? You want it?" followed by a happy sigh and a deep kiss that goes filthy almost immediately.

They fit each other so well. Swiss runs warm while Rain's elemental nature leaves them naturally cool. His long fingers sink so easily into the soft spots at Swiss's sides, along his throat, through his hair. Into his body, accompanied by shiver-inducing words and hitched breaths.

Rain feels the same, they've said as much. Whispering with shy reverence about how well Swiss stretches him, fills him up and overloads his brain. How Swiss can open them up physically and emotionally in a way the other ghouls couldn't quite match. Every encounter feels full, round at the edges and wholly satisfying.

Then they sleep, and that's Swiss's favorite part.

His fingers drift in aimless swirls over Rain's thigh, the water ghoul still snoring softly into his pillow. It's midday judging by the way the spring sunlight pours from between the heavy navy drapes. The air is thick with lavender and rose, sweet scents carried from the nearby gardens mingling with the heady aroma stuck in Swiss's nose.

Rain is pressed against his bare chest, their sleep shirt caught up around their ribs. Swiss's other arm is around his waist, fingertips teasing the trail of soft hair poking out of Rain's boxers.

His soaking wet boxers.

Rain lets out a sigh between snores and Swiss groans in the back of his throat as he watches the dark spot on the gray fabric grow. Whatever Rain is dreaming about, he hopes he's part of it. The musk of a salty sea breeze hangs around them, and Swiss really has to make an effort not to grind his aching cock against Rain's sleeping form.

He's been awake for a while now, and this has only been getting worse. Rain's little movements were what had dragged him awake in the first place, their hips shifting as quiet moans fell from their lips. Swiss is a light sleeper while Rain could sleep through a jet engine falling on the abbey, so the multighoul has been awake ever since. Watching. Listening. Fattening up against Rain's back. He wishes he hadn't slept naked last night.

The water ghoul lets out a particularly high-pitched whine in his sleep and Swiss has to bite his lip to keep from moaning into Rain's skin. Their slick has started to soak through the back of their boxers, and Swiss can feel it rubbing off on his own thighs and stomach with every move Rain makes. It's maddening. His dick kicks in the space he's trying so hard to keep between his crotch and Rain's ass.

He doesn't want to wake Rain up. That feels selfish, unnecessary. But between those pretty sounds and the way Rain's hips keep moving, the way he's drooling onto pillow below, Swiss is sure it would be worth it. He presses a kiss to Rain's shoulder.

"Rainbow?" Swiss says it so softly it's nearly drowned up by the birds singing in the garden. "You awake?"

Another snore, another twitch in Rain's boxers. That would be a no, then. Swiss groans into Rain's skin. He can't wake them up, not when Rain is so clearly lost in the pleasures on their own mind. No matter how much the slick spot that's now grazing the shaft of his leaking cock grows.

Swiss makes the impossible decision to retreat to the bathroom. To blow his load into the toilet and come back for more lazy cuddles. It's the sensible thing to do, the polite thing. Swiss carefully moves himself, unhooking his arm from Rain's waist and deliberately ignoring the unconscious whine of protest the water ghoul breathes out in response.

Swiss slides out from between the sheets in silence, holding his breath. Like he's trying to escape a wild animal instead of sneaking off to cream himself in Rain's bathroom. Rain turns onto his back in his sleep and Swiss feels like he's been punched in the gut.

Rain looks gorgeous. Their shirt is askew and rucked up even higher now, exposing the pale plane of their stomach. His cheeks are flushed and lips parted, breathing even but shallow. Rain's boxers are more obviously tented from this angle. And wet. So wet.

Swiss can't not stroke himself at the sight, just once. At the sense memory of Rain in his mouth last night, spilling pre down his throat. Of being pressed up against the shower wall with Rain's tongue in his ass. Of Rain riding him until their thighs gave out and Swiss had to wrap them in his arms, holding them to his chest and fucking them through both of their releases.

Rain's cock kicks hard enough that his whole body moves and Swiss has to look away. He's already dizzy enough without the phantom feeling of Rain's fluttering muscles around him. He turns with the intent of hurrying to the bathroom and yelps as he immediately stubs a toe on Rain's nightstand.

"Fucker!" It's bitten out between clenched teeth as Swiss hops on one foot, hissing. He tries to be quiet, but -

"Swiss?" Rain's voice is thick and slurred, like his tongue is too big for his mouth. He doesn't open his eyes, patting around him on the mattress. "Where'd you go?" Swiss sighs, reaching out to stroke Rain's cheek.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," he murmurs, tucking a dark curl behind Rain's ear. They lean into the touch with a soft groan and their eyes crack open, cerulean blown nearly black. It goes straight to Swiss's dick. "Fuck, you're beautiful," he breathes, and he can't keep from crawling back up and slotting himself next to that lanky body. He presses a kiss to Rain's temple and the water ghoul gives a sleepy sigh.

"Was havin' a real good dream too," he yawns, humming happily as Swiss kisses his throat.

"I could tell," Swiss speaks into his skin, "you're soaked, tadpole." His hand drifts over Rain's stomach, coming to rest just above their still-tented boxers. Rain stiffens beneath him as they let out an embarrassed sound, burying their face in Swiss's hair.

"Fuck, again? 'm sorry, I -" Rain cuts himself off with a surprised chirp as Swiss catches him in a kiss. It doesn't last too long, the angle is awkward, but it's enough to quash the shame before Rain can try to hide his evidence. The water ghoul gasps when Swiss sucks at their lip before pulling back, callused fingers still grazing their exposed stomach.

"Tell me about it?" Rain moans, loud and wanton, when Swiss cups them though the damp fabric. "You always have the best dreams, wanna hear what made such a mess outta you."

"Shit," he gasps, sounding so very awake now. The rasp of arousal worming into his voice has Swiss shivering. "Yeah, yeah, I -" Rain clears their throat as Swiss starts sliding downwards, kissing over Rain's shirt and down onto soft skin, "I can do that."

Swiss settles between his legs and mouths at Rain through his boxers, watching the way the other ghoul's back arches. He tugs their underwear down and Rain gasps when Swiss starts lapping at this length, slow and messy. Savoring every last drop coating their heated skin.

"I wanna hear everything."

Swiss takes the tip into his mouth, and Rain melts.

[shewasverynice]

Fandoms: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen 

⚠️ SPOILER HEAVY ⚠️

Major Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death 

Full tags/warnings on Chapter links post

Major Characters: Original Character, Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, Ieiri Shoko, Yaga Masamichi, Nanami Kento, Haibara Yu, Tsukumo Yuki, Choso

‎‧₊˚✧ Chapter 28 ✧˚₊‧

Satoru awoke with a jolt. He threw off his sheet, jumping out of bed and pulling on a t-shirt in one motion. The feeling was immediate and all consuming, the air mixed with both cursed energy and that soft blessed energy creating what felt like an angry maelstrom. The darkness swirled with glittering golden light like the stars in the night sky before the six-eyes and pulsing through his head indescribably loud.

"You feel that?" He called out, leaping out his window and running into Suguru just as he expected. Suguru was also pulling on a shirt, a hair tie still in hand for his long hair and that half awake droop to his eyelids. He tied his hair back into a bun, blinking up at the sky at the energy he couldn't see. He could still feel it though, the combination of the two energies sinking into his very bones like splashes of alternating cold and warm water.

"It's Sarah, isn't it?" Suguru mumbled groggily, "Is that her energy unrestricted?"

"Yeah," Satoru said, scanning the area with the six-eyes for the source.

"Why is it going off like that?" Suguru asked, manifesting a curse beside him and climbing onto it's back, "Where is she?"

"Basement level still," Satoru said, then glanced at Suguru, "Gonna move quick, see you there?"

"Yeah, see you there," Suguru agreed, watching as he disappeared in a bolt right in front of him.

Satoru stopped and reappeared as soon as he reached the building. The HQ doors had been thrown open, the walls behind them had been cracked from the sheer force. The polished wood floors looked scorched. The tendrils of cursed energy had lashed at the ground and tore apart sections. There was no one around, or at least no one left alive.

He hurried down the stairs, just as Suguru appeared at the doorway. He waved him over, waiting for a moment before they both dashed forward together down the stone corridors with Suguru's curse lagging behind.

"It's so intense…" Suguru breathed, "She's got to be nearly on our level with this power."

Satoru didn't reply, dashing down the hallway with his eyes wide. Normally her energies were entwined and harmonized, the cursed energy settling the force of the blessed and the blessed calming the cursed. But this? This was rampaging, forcing out all of the cursed energy deep from inside the building. Something was deeply wrong.

"Satoru! Suguru!"

The boys caught sight of Yaga when he called. He'd just turned the corner when waved them over and turned back, giving them only a quick, "Hurry!"

The air was heavy as Yaga led Satoru and Suguru down the dimly lit corridor toward the ritual chamber. Each quickened step echoed against the cold stone walls, the oppressive atmosphere sinking deeper into their chests. The stench hit them first—the sharp, metallic tang of fresh blood mingled with something darker, more ancient, that clung in the air. Yaga stayed silent, his expression grim as they pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the ritual chamber. The room was lit by a sickly orange glow from the ceremonial fires lining the walls, casting shadows that seemed to writhe and twist. Blood pooled on the stone floor, trailing from two bodies; possibly alive or maybe not. It was too fresh to tell. In the center of the chaos was Sarah, a sheer white ceremonial cloth clinging to her like a cruel mockery of innocence. She thrashed against the two sorcerers holding her back, her screams cutting through the air like a blade. Her arms already bore red marks from the force of holding her back. “You’re killing him!” she shrieked, her voice raw with desperation. Her golden energy burst outward, a violent wave that sent the two men stumbling, their grips faltering. Satoru’s eyes widened as Sarah shoved them off with a guttural cry, her teeth gritted in fury. But her freedom was short-lived. Two more men stepped in, grabbing her arms and pinning her with force. “Let me go!” she screamed, her voice cracking. “Let him go! He doesn't know what was going on! It’s not his fault!” Satoru’s gaze flicked past her, and his stomach twisted. Haibara was kneeling on the ground, his arms limp as two men held him up by his biceps. His head lolled to one side, blood dripping from his swollen lips and from his nostrils. Both of his eyes were swollen shut, his face a patchwork of cuts and bruises and his shirt was torn to reveal more cuts caused by lashes. “Haibara…” Suguru murmured, his voice low and heavy with anger. Suguru's curse writhed behind them, Suguru's rage fueling it's own feeble emotions. “He’s alive,” Satoru said, but there was no relief in his tone, only pure simmering rage. “Barely,” Suguru snapped, his fists clenched at his sides. "How could they do this to him?!" Sarah’s cries grew louder, her thrashing more desperate as the sorcerers dragged her closer to the ritual circle. “Stop it! He didn’t do anything wrong!” Satoru stepped forward, his presence suddenly commanding as he addressed Yaga. “What the hell is this? What happened?” he demanded, his voice sharper than the edge of a blade. Yaga didn’t answer right away, his gaze fixed on the battered boy at the center of the chaos. When he finally spoke, his tone was clipped, but his words carried weight. “This is what happens when someone interferes with things they don’t understand.” Satoru’s lips curled into a humorless smile, his hands twitching at his sides. “Yeah? Well, let’s see how they like it when I interfere.”

Sarah's head snapped to both him and Suguru as they stepped forward, the six-eyes glowing bright on Satoru and more curses emerging from inky blackness behind Suguru. She pulled at her arm again, yanking it away for a moment to reach for them.

Satoru was there in an instant with his hand holding hers. The two men at her side were sent sailing away, crashing into the stone wall with a sickening crack. Across the way, Suguru hefted Haibara onto his shoulder as two of his larger cursed restrained the guards.

"Yaga?" Satoru asked, looking up at his mentor.

Yaga surveyed the scene in front of him and scowled. "God damn it," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Suguru," he bellowed, "Send out your curses. Gather the other students." Then his eyes flicked to the other, "Satoru. Get her out of here and out of sight. Keep her safe until we meet up with you in Hokkaido."

Both of his students nodded and the chaos truly began. The guards surged towards all three of them, cursed energy flying freely. Satoru gripped onto the back of Sarah's robe and made for the door with her while Suguru hopped onto the back of another flying curse. They burst into the night air, hurrying to complete their tasks.

"Gojo!" Sarah breathlessly cried out, "What's going on?!"

"Not right now," he answered quickly, "Now hold on tight." He swept his other arm around her waist and scooped her up, pausing as she got a good grip around his neck.

They shot up high into the air together, way up into the clouds, and in less than a second they were suddenly above Tokyo square. She clung to him tightly, looking below at the crowd with a gasp. And then they moved again, Satoru depositing her safely to a rooftop. He gently lowered her until her bare feet touched the rooftop before he stepped back up onto the guard rail.

"Gonna get you clothes," he said sternly, "Stay put."

She nodded and he disappeared again, leaving her alone on the rooftop. She looked down at the sheer robe and she quickly crossed her arms over herself. Yet again she found herself lost and confused, which she was pretty used to if she was being honest. The weird outfit was a new twist though. Didn't expect that one.

About ten minutes later, Satoru arrived on the rooftop again. He held out a paper bag for her, his eyes flicking away and then back at her and away again and a blush rising on his ears. She took the bag and he turned away completely, crossing his arms.

"Hurry up," he muttered, then cleared his throat.

"What is going on?" She asked again, setting the bag down and grimacing at the underwear he'd picked. "And… Bro, what the fuck is this?!"

"I dunno!" He shouted, throwing his arms up in exasperation, "I was trying to be fast and it was the first underwear I could find! It's fine! Just put it on!"

Sarah grumbled, then peeled off the sheer robe and let it flutter down on the concrete. "This is so weird," She mumbled under her breath, sliding the blue lace thong up her legs before picking up the matching bra and strapping it on. She scowled when she looked at the cups and huffed. "What the hell dude? What size is this?"

"I dunno, I've never bought clothes for a kid before," he grumbled, "Hurry up."

"Way too big," she sighed, "I don't even fill a B cup yet, asshole." The rest of the outfit was just fine if not a bit tacky. A men's silky button up shirt with some flowers stitched on it and soft gym shorts. "Okay, so," she continued as she slipped on the socks and sneakers, "We good now? Ready to tell me what is going on right now?"

"Haibara fucked up," Satoru said simply, turning to snatch the robe off the ground and throwing it in the bag.

"Fucked up?!" She gasped, "Is he okay? What happened to—"

"I don't even know if he's still alive," Satoru answered before she finished asking, "He was last I saw but it was bad. They wrecked his face and probably broke bones and tore up his…" he trailed off, when he finally looked up at her again. Her eyes were wide with shock and her face was pale. Both of her hands were over her mouth and she looked truly horrified. "Fuck, I… I'm sorry I've been in like… work mode." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before he spoke again. Softer this time. "Relax. It's okay. He's roughed up, but he'll be fine and you will too. All of us will. I promise you won't be left in the dark for long, okay? Just trust me to get you somewhere safe and it'll all be fine."

She nodded, calming herself with a deep breath. "Alright, I trust you."

Satoru couldn't help the little twitch of a smile as he threw and arm around her and gave her a little hug from the side. "You really do, huh?"

"Yup!" She said, grinning up at him. He could spot her fidgeting hands and the slight trembling she tried to hide, but still she had that determined look on her face. And really, that was all the motivation he needed.

"Cool, now lets get to Hokkaido," he said holding his hand out.

She looked at his hand hesitantly before she pushed it away. "That's gonna tire you out," she said, "Jumping like that?"

"Oh?" he chuckled, scooping her up despite her protest this time, "You already figured out how I do it?"

"Sorta," she admitted, "But only because of how I understand limitless." She looked down at the sidewalk when he stepped up onto the railing, "Are we gonna do that the whole way?"

"Nah. That would be a real pain," he said with a grin, "Gonna have to get creative I think."

"Creative how?"

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

From the skies, Suguru looked back at the others sitting on the back of the rainbow dragon with him. First was Shoko who clung to the flowing hair of the curse, nearly white knuckling it in fear. Nanami was next with Haibara supported on his back and tied on just in case. Shoko had done everything she could, but Haibara was still in pretty bad shape. He hadn't opened his eyes yet which was worrying, but he was still alive at they had to rely on that hope for now.

"Any word from Yaga-sensei?" Nanami called up to Suguru at the front.

"Not yet!" Suguru called back, "It's gonna be a long ride, so if either of you need a break speak up!"

He focused ahead again, sensing for any changes. Or at least trying to. No one in the group knew what the guards were capable of, aside from the higher-ups anyway. Any number of them could have some kind of unexpected technique that would slow him down or even catch some of the others and put them in danger.

Whatever route Satoru was taking was certainly helping keep the rest of them undercover. If Suguru knew Satoru as well as he thought, he was likely doing something as obvious as just taking the bullet train with her. They'd be able to track the two of them that way, but there was no way for them to stop him if they tried. "And he'd pick the train just to flex," Suguru mused to himself, shaking his head with a smirk. And if he was on the train it would take at least three more hours than their own flight there.

Yaga was more of a concern at the moment. He had no methods of extreme fast travel nor did he have an insane amount of cursed energy like Satoru or himself. Suguru had tried to get the old man to hop onto the dragon when he left, but Yaga insisted he had something he needed to do first. He promised he'd meet them in Hokkaido and that was the last he'd heard in the twenty minutes since they'd escaped the school grounds.

"But where…" Suguru muttered, staring at the lights of the city below. Hokkaido wasn't exactly a small island. Sapporo came to mind first of course, the biggest city seemed obvious, but what if that wasn't it? Sapporo certainly would have some kind of Jujutsu headquarters which could be annoying if the word spread that far that fast. But what if he wanted them to go all the way up to Wakkanai? That wouldn't be a problem for him, but more travel time would mean there were more chances that something could go wrong.

A hour-long, cold and windy flight later, and they landed in Chitose. The group moved quickly, Haibara barely conscious and still propped on Nanami's back for now. He'd somewhat come to, but he was still hazy and couldn't move as quick as they needed. They creeped into a cheap motel for the night, somewhere safe enough to sleep in peace... hopefully.

"I'll take the first watch," Nanami offered, "You need to rest some, Geto."

"Thanks," Suguru sighed, rubbing at his eyes before he sighed and looked up at Nanami, "Alright, I'll try to sleep if you're sure you've got this from here." He reached into his pocket, handing over his phone. "Hold onto this in case Yaga tries to contact us this way."

Nanami nodded, only for Shoko to snatch the phone out of his hand and scurry over to the wall outlet. She plugged in both her phone and Suguru's with chargers she manifested out of her bag then turned back with her expression still serious. "I brought some emergency stuff," she said, then placed her hands on her hips and scowled, "And before you sleep I want an explanation."

"Ah, yes," Suguru said, sitting down on the end of one of the beds. He glanced over at Haibara, the boy still pale and shaken. "Do you think you can tell us what happened, Haibara?"

Haibara pushed himself up and shifted so he was sitting up on the side of the bed. He gave a small nod and swallowed, then began to explain what happened. "… and then they dragged me back into the ceremony room and beat the hell outta me. They didn't even talk to me or ask me anything, but they made her watch," he rasped out, his throat still sore despite the bruise being long healed, "I don't know what they were trying to prove. It's not like she knew I was coming in to see her or anything."

"Did they think you were attempting an escape?" Nanami asked.

"I dunno, probably?" Haibara answered. He put one hand to his face and closed his eyes, rubbing his cheek. "I really fucked this up, didn't I?" he murmured.

"Yes, you did," Suguru said, "But that doesn't mean it's all over. We haven't lost yet."

Haibara nodded a little, then dropped his head with a heavy sigh. "I just wanted to talk to her, y'know? I wanted to ask her if she was happy like this and if she… if she actually likes me or if she just feels bad for me," he admitted, "I know she liked Gojo-senpai so much and I am… I…"

"She did like him," Suguru said, "But I think she wants to like you just as much."

"You think so?" Haibara asked, picking his head up, "I'm not like him at all."

"No one is," Shoko huffed, sitting down beside him, "But she does actually like you too. That's not fake." But then she shook her head, with a frown on her face. "Honestly though, I think it's pretty unfair to you, though. It's not right for her to try to move on with someone else."

"Well, it's not as if any one of us knows the best way," Suguru said with a little shrug, "Maybe she'll come fully around someday, yeah? I say just don't take it all that seriously until then. Just enjoy your time with her as long as you two can."

"But that's—" "I agree," Nanami said, cutting off Shoko, "If she wont take you fully seriously, then why should you take her seriously? Enjoy your time together, but don't expect more than that."

Shoko rolled her eyes as Haibara mulled that over, wringing his hands in his lap. That wasn't exactly what he intended to do, but was he really taking it seriously in the first place? Maybe he wasn't and subconsciously that was why? It's not like she was over Satoru. He'd be a fool to think that.

"Anyway," Suguru sighed, "I really am going to try to get some sleep. Haibara you should rest as well. Shoko? How about you?"

"I'll stay up with Nanami," she offered, "Better two sets of eyes. We can trade off after four hours."

"Alright, sounds good," Suguru said with a yawn, pulling back the sheets on the second bed and collapsing into it with a grunt.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

"I should have expected this," Yaga sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Suguru, Shoko, Nanami and Haibara looked equally exasperated standing beside him. Really, they all should have expected this kind of thing would happen. And yet… here they were again. Surprised by this shit.

Satoru stood beside Sarah in the doorway to the hotel room. Both of them had matching goofy grins wearing over sized pink novelty sunglasses from some kind of theme park and t-shirts with some very happy looking pink fluffy creature on them. Sarah was holding a paper bag with all their other silly little treasures inside and they both looked positively pleased with themselves. At first anyway. Until Yaga started to tap his foot and crossed his arms.

"We threw them off the trail!" Satoru said with an annoyingly nonchalant shrug, "And we got some really awesome sweet bean buns and we found—"

"Oh yeah there was this little carnival that had sheep and cows and a tiger and we—"

"And the carousel was so rusted we almost broke it when we tried to ride it!"

"Oh! And we pet a—"

"So you enjoyed a vacation, is what you're saying," Nanami sighed, "We've been holed up here for days and you too took your time and enjoyed the sights."

"Wellllll…" Sarah pursed her lips then held out the bag, "We got you all some souvenirs too!"

Moments later, after Yaga's swift punishment, the two of them sat among the other students around the hotel room rubbing the backs of their heads after that hell of a smack. Yaga stood at the front of the room with his hands clasped behind his back. He'd brought Panda when he showed up, the little bear happily plopping himself in Sarah's lap and continuing to play with his little backpack full of toys.

He cleared his throat, then looked at each of his students. "Is there anyone else who knows about Sarah's true technique?" he asked calmly.

"My true technique?" Sarah asked immediately, looking at the others then back up at Yaga, "I have a technique?"

"I can't answer your questions right now," Yaga said, "The rest of you. Has anyone else seen what she can do?"

Nanami's eyes widened and he said, "The two first years from Kyoto. Morishita and her friend."

Yaga scowled then nodded, "I should have known." He glanced towards the window and two of his larger cursed dolls appeared on the balcony. "Go to Kyoto. Pick up the two first year students and bring them to us."

"Wont that freak them out?" Satoru asked, lifting up his sunglasses, "Sarah? You got their numbers right? Let them know what's coming."

"No," Yaga said, "No communication other than face to face or through my dolls. Anything else could be traced or bugged."

"Sensei, is this… is this really bad?" Haibara rasped, reaching over to squeeze Sarah's hand, "I… I didn't mean to cause all this trouble. I just wanted to help her."

"I know you did Yu," Yaga said with a heavy sigh, "The fault lies with me."

"Nah, it's not your fault old man," Satoru said, "I told them a whole bunch of shit too. It's my fault for keeping everything to myself."

"Whatever the reason, there's no point in finding blame," Suguru said, then looked at Yaga once again, "I assume this is where we'll get the full explanation?"

"Not here," Yaga said, "We'll need to go somewhere safe without any cursed energy."

"Where can we go that has no cursed energy?" Haibara asked.

Yaga shook his head, "I can't say for now. We don't know who could be listening." He took a deep breath, then turned and strode over to the window. "We will wait until my dolls return with the other two. Once we have everyone together, then we will discuss everything." He then turned back to look at each of them and said, "If something should happen and someone must try again, the code is 'One way dream'. You are to alert me immediately."

Satoru's brows furrowed and he pointed at Yaga. "You had a plan all along, huh?" he asked, smirking at his mentor, "I knew you would."

Yaga looked back out the window again. He didn't speak at first, but eventually he said, "Yes, and I imagine the one with whom I made these plans will arrive soon enough."

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

Under the expansive sky of an early August evening, the lavender fields of Furano appeared like a scene from a magical dreamland. The blossoms, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, stretched out in every direction, their delicate purples deepening into shades that seemed to belong to a midnight fantasy. A gentle floral breeze danced through the rows, carrying the whispers of summer's secrets.

The teens raced and twirled through the fields, their laughter blending with the soothing sounds of crickets and the occasional rustle of the wind. Barefoot and full of joy, they chased one another, their feet sinking into the cool, soft earth, while their fingers brushed against the feathery blooms that swayed in their path. The lavender caressed their skin like the touch of countless tiny dreams, its soothing fragrance enveloping them like a comforting embrace.

Above them, the night sky unfolded in stunning beauty, each star sparkling like a diamond on a dark canvas. The Milky Way flowed like a luminous river across the heavens, its bright trails so vivid that it felt as if one could leap into its brilliance. A few daring shooting stars zipped across the sky, inspiring playful cheers and quick wishes sent skyward with unrestrained hope.

The world below reflected the stars in its own way; dew on the lavender captured the starlight, transforming the fields into a sea of shimmering droplets. The teens paused in their frolic, gazing up in wonder as the night sky seemed to envelop them, blurring the boundary between earth and the universe. It felt as if they had discovered a secret realm, one designed for dreamers and explorers, a place untouched by the passage of time.

As they lay back among the blooms, catching their breath, their hearts synchronized with the rhythm of this enchanting night. Their laughter faded into soft whispers, their voices merging with the hum of the cosmos. It was a moment frozen in time, where the burdens of the world melted away, leaving only stars, lavender, and endless possibilities.

Yaga stood on the crest of a small hill, the folds of his heavy coat fluttering faintly in the breeze that carried the lavender’s fragrance. From his perch, he watched the teens below, their youthful energy spilling into the quiet night like ink onto a pristine page. They pointed up at the sky, their silhouettes outlined by the faint luminescence of starlight. Whispers of wonder drifted upward, fragments of awe-filled words about constellations and falling stars.

He didn’t smile. Yaga rarely smiled, not outwardly, but there was a softening to the harsh lines of his face, an unspoken warmth in his otherwise stoic demeanor. His hands rested in his pockets, his stance firm as though bracing himself for the weight of the world. The tension never left his shoulders, but tonight, for now, it eased just slightly.

These kids, he thought, deserved this moment—this fleeting, fragile piece of peace. He wouldn't rush them, knowing it might be the last time in a long while. Soon, they would be thrust into a world that cared little for the wonder they found in stars or the joy they felt in running through fields of lavender. The path ahead was steep, fraught with shadows and danger. But tonight, they were still just kids, untethered by the burdens of their futures.

He caught the faint sound of footsteps behind him before the presence registered fully—a sharp yet subtle awareness brushing against the edges of his senses. He didn’t turn. He didn’t need to.

“Yaga.”

Her voice was casual, tinged with amusement. A second later, she stepped into view beside him, her motorcycle helmet tucked under her arm. She shook out her long hair, strands catching the faint light like spun gold, and cast him a smirk.

“You always look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she teased lightly, her gaze flicking between him and the teens below. “Not that it doesn’t suit you.”

Yaga exhaled, his eyes remaining on the scene below. “Someone has to.”

She laughed softly, leaning against the bike parked nearby, her posture effortlessly relaxed. “Always so dramatic.”

“They’re too young,” he said after a pause, his voice gruff but low enough that it didn’t carry far. “Too young for what’s coming. For what’s expected of them.”

“That’s always the way of it, isn’t it?” She looked out over the lavender fields, her expression growing thoughtful.

“It's wrong.” Yaga’s voice was steady but weighted, his gaze fixed on the teens as they sprawled across the lavender, pointing out imaginary shapes in the stars. One of them laughed—a sound so light and carefree it cut through his heart like a blade.

She watched him in silence for a moment, the smirk fading into something softer, less teasing. “So, you haven't broken her vow yet, have you?”

He didn’t respond, his eyes distant as though seeing past the horizon. She placed her helmet on her parked bike before she grinned at him again and strode past him.

“Don’t brood too long old man,” she called, heading down the path between the rows of blooms.

He sighed, his gaze returning to the teens below. For a moment, he let himself linger in the quiet, watching the carefree joy as though trying to memorize it. It was always going to be too soon to let it end, no matter when it all went wrong, but it still felt like this was much too soon.

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