#that said. his emotional state is deeply relatable
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Dante's Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto VIII. trans. Robert M. Durling) / 10 December 1513 letter from Machiavelli to Francesco Vettori, trans. Alan Gilbert
#if youre going to 'well actually' abt machiavelli calling ovid a lesser poet: don't. someone else has already written abt it#italian renaissance tag#dante tag#this requires. some. uh. well! context. the context is that both dante and machiavelli are writing in exile and it's definitely#a point of trauma for them both. also machiavelli in general. my good man. the love of my life. i would love to get you on antidepressants#that said. his emotional state is deeply relatable#book club tag#comparatives tag#also many things abt history about looking back and reaching out with your hands to find someone reaching forward. btw#dante with virgil. machiavelli with dante. me with machiavelli. etc
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jealous!ford x reader headcanons
pre relationship:
depending on his current mood and state of mind, his reaction to someone showing romantic interest in you ranges from:
1) heartache,
feels like he doesn't deserve you, that he isn't good enough for you, he's not your type and also he is too old for you
self-esteem on the floor, feels like a kicked puppy seeing you flirt with someone else
over 2) mild annoyance; 'what's so interesting about them?'
what could they possible give you? why are you even talking to them, you already said you aren't interested in them
to 3) almost hostile towards the other person
all in all just one big mess of feelings
he's not good with them okay
confused and frustrated by his emotions; spends a lot of time overthinking them, in order to rationalise and understand them
too insecure and doubtful to tell you about his feelings, but too easily agitated to not be jealous when someone comes up to ask for your number
tells himself he has no right to feel that way, and yet...
in relationship:
protective and maybe a little possessive. maybe a bit more than a little. okay, a lot
definitely a lot more than he shows
(related to the first points pre-rls) very rare reaction: amused. god complex activated. who do they think they are? do they really think you would be interested in them? tch, please.
when he sees a guy flirting with you, he will come up behind you, put his arm around your waist and stare the guy down
the scene where he intimidates the bus driver, just to any shady guy who won't leave you alone.
insecurities, so soo many of them
'You could have anyone you want. Why would you wanna be with me?' *
that man was bullied his entire youth, never had a proper relationship and holds so much trauma and shame - it's the glue that holds him together at this point
ford is deeply afraid to loose you
through something supernatural or otherwise dangerous yes, but also trough some stupid mistake on his side and interpersonal problems
he is afraid he will mess up one day. then you will start seeing him as someone not worthy of your love and find someone better
it is one constant battle between his low self-worth and his god complex/admittedly somewhat inflated ego
-------------------------------------------------- thank you for reading <3 reblogs are appreciated
a/n: longer piece with this trope will follow soon(ish), stay tuned :P poor ford, doesn't know how to feel his feelings appropriately (same dude, same) * 'jealous' by eyedress
#apologies if this is all over the place or too repetitive i jumped between the paragraphs a lot#deleted and moved a lot of points too#i'm pretty sure i am missing some#also got a little off topic i feel like...#gravity falls#i've stared too long at these so fuck it imma just post it#gf#stanford pines#ford pines#stanford pines x reader#stanford x reader#my writing#cs#gf headcanons#headcanons#gravity falls headcanons#god i love the bus scene#both ford and stan are so *chefs kiss*
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I know you said reader is just immortal for the sake fanfic and all. But hear me out on this.
Obsessed!Optimus hasn’t even thought about it. His processor would refuse to let him think about your lifespan. His spark would literally break at the idea of your life ending and leaving him for the rest of eternity.
Except, maybe one day you notice that after a long time, you haven’t gotten any older. Your skin doesn’t have any wrinkles (except those you’ve had before meeting the autobots). Your hair hasn’t gotten grayer. Nothing. So Ratchet scans you or whatever. Opti is internally freaking out. Humans are supposed to age. What’s going on?
The conclusion?
You and had Optimus fucked so much the exposure to his energon literally halted your aging. Like. It just stopped any age related damage happening to your dna/cells/body.
You topped a Prime into immortality. Bravo.
I wouldn’t even know if Opti’s spark could contain his happiness.
you are absolutely heard because I ADORE this concept!! This is exactly what I had in mind when mentioning an immortal reader.
Imagine the raw, unfiltered shock you feel when you find out that your beloved’s cosmic sperm literally turned you into a vampire. You sit there, dumbfounded, while Ratchet yells at both of you for being completely irresponsible. How could you recklessly interface without knowing how energon affects the human body on a molecular level?! Are you both so hopelessly in love that you completely lost your minds? You don’t even need to answer that because one look at Optimus — who is literally shaking with joy —i s more than enough of an answer.
In truth, Optimus’ reaction to the news of your immortality will be deeply tied to yours. If you’re terrified, realizing the countless complications that come with a vastly extended lifespan, Optimus will also react with concern for your mental state. After all, you didn’t consent to this — your immortality is a side effect that slipped into your life unnoticed.
But if you’re happy about eternal youth, Optimus will share in your happiness, even if he doesn’t outwardly show it right away. Inside, he’s overjoyed, but he’ll save the real emotional display for when the two of you are alone. Tears, lots of hugs, maybe even laughter and joy — you’ve never seen him so moved.
So yeah… you can start looking for that countryside cottage and kick off mass production of sparklings, lmao. Now, nothing stands in the way of Optimus’ eternal happiness <3
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Flowers
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen x female!reader
Summary: You're living a perfectly content life on Geidi Prime with your husband. It's a shame your mind can't rest, sparked by glimpses of a life unknown. Loosely based on the song from Hadestown.
Word Count: 1.5k
TW: Dark!Feyd-Rautha, Dead Dove Do Not Eat, yandere!Feyd-Rautha, manipulation, gaslighting, like SO much gaslighting holy shit, descriptions of violence, abusive relationship, emotional abuse, isolation, tragedy, nonconsensual drug use, nonconsensual medical treatement, induced memory loss, amnesia, dubious consent, pregnancy, songfic, happy-but-not-really-happy ending, I know I said female!reader but there's virtually no pronoun usage or descriptive words in thisfor the reader besides titles so maybe GN!reader??
A/N: I'm blown away, almost 500 notes on His Kiss, the Riot? Holy shit, all of the thanks! Here it is, the final part! I'm ending it with the song that actually started this whole idea. Listening to Eva's interpretation of Eurydice singing Flowers gave me the most delicious, fucked-up bit of inspiration and this came out. I was clutching my own metaphorical pearls writing this cause damn, this gets dark. Like, way more than I thought I could write. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the end of this twisted tale. Thank you for reading! As always, I appreciate you taking the time to like, comment, and reblog.
Read Part One and Part Two
AO3
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Dune properties, characters, or storylines-- nor do I own anything related to Hadestown. The images used in this are not my own, and any similarities to stories or events other than what are directly referenced are strictly coincidence.
Lily white and poppy red
I trembled when he laid me out
“You won’t feel a thing,” he said, “when you go down”
Nothing gonna wake you now
Drops of blood.
A wicked, black smile.
“You won’t feel a thing.”
You wake up with a gasp. Your doctor had warned you about dreams like this. They weren’t real, just an aftereffect of your accident.
The medical staff for House Harkonnen had been gracious enough to inform you of your predicament. When your family had recently hosted the Harkonnens, you quickly met and fell deeply in love with the na-Baron Feyd-Rautha. Your love for each other was so intense that you had demanded to get married right away. Your father disapproved of the union, so he disowned you and banished you, demanding to never see you again.
On the journey back to Geidi Prime, a stray asteroid hit the ship and caused you to hit your head. Feyd had apparently worried for your life, which saddened you and warmed your heart. It was nice to know that someone truly cared for you. However, your mind wasn’t quite the same afterwards. Your life before Geidi Prime was completely unknown to you. Your memories were in a fragile state.
That was just a few months earlier. Unfortunately, your mind has not yet recovered your memories prior to the accident. You were diligently taking a specially brewed tea that would calm your mind so it wouldn’t fracture under the immense pressure to try and fix itself. When you asked how long it would take for you to recover, your heart cracked when they said that it may take the rest of your natural life.
While it broke your heart to hear of your father’s dismissal of your feelings, you believed that you were strong enough to carry on. Having no further ties to your home world made it better to settle in with your new family.
You are a Harkonnen now.
Now, your footsteps make the quietest of echoes as you traipse down the narrow corridor. Heads of nearby servants and slaves bow, and eyes snap to the floor as you pass by. You feel the barest of sympathies, for not being allowed the simplest of human connection with their na-Baronness. But it was paradise considering the consequences should anyone ever feel bold enough to try otherwise.
Your husband wouldn’t allow that.
Dreams are sweet, until they’re not
Men are kind, until they aren’t
Flowers bloom, until they rot and fall apart
“Can I not have a single friend on this planet?!”
You burst into your shared chambers, rage rushing through your veins. All you had wanted was to have lunch and tea with one of the few female palace advisors you had taken a liking to. Maybe share a laugh or a story. Make a connection outside of your new family. That was all ruined when Feyd barged in and gutted your companion, stomach-to-throat, while she sat in her chair.
You were sure that your shoes had trailed blood down the hallway, but your mind was focused elsewhere at the moment.
“What use would you have for friends? I am right here.” He closed in on you, grasping your arms and forcing you to look in his direction. “Am I not enough for you? Do I not give you everything you should ever desire?”
His hands tighten around your wrists, making you flinch. A stray tear falls from your eyes, guilt starts to overcome your anger.
“No, not at all, husband! You have given me everything I could have wished for and more,” You wrench your hands out of his grip and grasp his face. He showered you with gifts, never let you go hungry or thirsty and this is how you repay him? “I just… I didn’t think you would want to hear me talk about certain things. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.”
“I know you don’t, my darling.”
You take a deep breath as you feel the tension in the room start to settle.
“Your mind is already fragile from the accident… I just want to keep you safe.”
Safe. That was the key here. He takes step back and retrieves a small dagger from his belt.
Feyd holds it up, showing you the weapon. “Did you know that your friend had a blade dipped in poison strapped onto her person?”
You can feel the blood rushing from your face. No. You didn’t know.
“I-I didn’t see a knife on her. She couldn’t have-“
“She did.”
He drops the blade and leans in closer to you, forehead aligning with yours. “There are people out there who seek to harm you, who seek to harm me through you. I can never let that happen.”
You nod furiously. You couldn’t believe that you had been so stupid.
Trust is unbelievably hard to come by in the Galactic Imperium. Your few months’ worth of memories can even attest to that. It seems that the only people you can truly rely on is family.
“I only want what’s best for you.”
You understand now.
Is anybody listening?
I open my mouth and nothing comes out
Another argument discussion had emerged from your telling of your latest dream. Your husband was convinced that you were entirely too exhausted to put any stock into what your subconscious was telling you, but you thought otherwise.
Fingers run through a patch of bright pinks, yellows, and blues—
“I swear to you, it felt so real! It was almost like a memory, like something I-,” A firm hand is placed on your shoulder as you give a slight stumble. Feyd puts a hand on your back, leading you to the edge of your bed, setting you on the bench that was placed against the footboard.
“Please, have some of your morning tea, my darling. You look a bit peaked.” You accepted the cup he gave you, settling down and taking a few sips of the warm, spiced drink. Your mind instantly calms, anxieties evaporating from your body like puffs of smoke. Never mind the memories that you had just… Floating.
Your husband is now on one knee in front of you, arms encasing your body, as his hands cup your face. He brings your eyes to meet his, seemingly searching. For what? You do not know.
“What were you saying about this dream of yours?” A pause reverberates throughout the room as your head tilts in confusion.
“My…?” You stutter, mouth opening to complete a thought that was no longer entirely there. “I can’t quite remember. What were we talking about?”
Your husband gives a smirk, analyzing your face once more before placing his hand on the dark fabric covering your swollen belly.
“Nothing of import. It seems that my heir is set on scrambling your thoughts.”
There seemed to be nothing in this world that brought more joy to Feyd-Rautha’s face than the sight of you and his unborn child. He’s more protective of you now than ever, having guards always posted near you, having you wear a shield during all public appearances. Not to mention, he was damn near insatiable in private. His hands and mouth are practically dragged away from you and your growing stomach every morning.
You give a chuckle. “I’d heard about pregnancy brain before, but never knew it to be this taxing! Perhaps I’ll take a walk later if I’m feeling up to it.”
Feyd gives your cheek a soft pat before rising to his feet, “Rest, my darling. I shall check in on the both of you later.” His hand rests next to yours, giving your belly a quick rub before he walks towards the door.
Your head goes to set on your pillow, the warmth from the tea running through your body. You must be really tired, since you fall asleep so quickly.
Quick enough to not hear the deadbolt lock clicking from the outside once the door is closed.
Flowers, I remember field of flowers
Soft beneath my heels
Walking in the sun, I remember someone
Someone by my side, turned his face to mine
The dreams start to encroach your mind while you are awake. You continue to follow your doctor’s instructions: take your daily tea, rest often, don’t overexert your body or your mind. But, ever persistent, they push through, finding parallels with your daily life to latch onto.
A hand, gently enlaced with yours, guides you through a meadow—
You husband’s hands lead you to stand with him by his uncle’s side, preparing for another ceremony.
A laugh, familiar and warm—
A chilling cackle of laughter reaches you in your viewing box, watching your husband gleefully slay another adversary in the arena.
Bright, yellow sunlight caressing your face and neck—
The black sun of Geidi Prime pulses in your periphery as you wave to a crowd below, your husband standing stoically next to you.
A kiss, given freely—
Feyd ravishes you in your chambers, lips melding together with yours.
My darling—
My love—
My darling—
My darling—
My darling—
My darling—
My darling—
“Is everything alright, my darling?”
You blink, snapping back to the present. Pale, smooth skin and blue eyes, your husband extends his hand towards you. Safe. He gives you everything. You and your child will never struggle or suffer with him. You are safe with him. Aren’t you?
Blood splatters over a patch of bright pinks, yellows, and blues—
You give a bright smile.
If you ever walk this way
Come and find me lying in the bed I made
#dune#dune 2#dune part 2#dune part two#feyd rautha#feyd rautha x reader#feyd x reader#feyd rautha harkonnen#feyd rautha fanfic#feyd rautha fic#dune fanfiction#dune fic#feyd rautha harkonnen x reader#feyd x you#feyd rautha x oc#austin butler#austin butler fanfiction#inspired by hadestown#hadestown au#dune movie#dune 2024#dune part II#orpheus and eurydice#hades and persephone#feyd rautha fanfiction#jada writes sometimes#dead dove do not eat
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— 2 soon || kim hongjoong part 2
<part 1> <part 3>
goes to waste the series based on my favourite keshi songs
(listen here)
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idol!hongjoong x non-idol!reader
synopsis: years after choosing his career over you, hongjoong still finds himself haunted by the memories of you. your relationship is a constant dance of on and off, and you cannot stay away from him.
genre: smut, angst, a very small amount of fluff
trigger warnings: cussing/mature language, toxic relationship, extreme possessiveness, jealousy, emotional manipulation, lies, obsession, verbal aggression, emotional distress, career-related stress, panic attack mentioned, pillow-talk(?) explicit sexual content: dom!hongjoong sub!reader, unprotected sex, hair pulling, dirty talk, nipple play, tight riding, fingering, hongjoong is rough, neck biting, hickey fetish(?), overstimulation, pet-names
words: 11.5 k
reminder: what you’re about to read is purely fiction, so let’s keep it separate from reality.
!minors do not interact!
— hi there! this part is mostly smut-focused but honestly, it was very needed for the plot to kinda set the dynamic between hongjoong and the reader. i don't know what else to say!!! the third part will be the final one and it's already done! so stay tuned. as always, i hope you enjoy it. let me know what you think? please? 🥹
ps. the usernames i used are random!!!
ps.2 do we like the articles or are we getting rid of them?
in the first part, i made a lot of typos and there were also many mistakes in how i edited the text. i think i managed to fix them all by now, but i wanted to apologize. i hope this time it will be better.
love, monika. ♡
if you enjoyed this post, i’d be so grateful for a little love – a like, reblog or comment would truly make my day!
taglist: @skittyneos @kyeos4ng @vcutparis
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ATEEZ's Leader, Kim Hongjoong, Abandons Tour to Chase After Ex-Girlfriend
In an unexpected twist, Kim Hongjoong, the charismatic leader of the popular K-pop group, ATEEZ, has abruptly abandoned their ongoing world tour. The reason behind this sudden departure? Allegedly, to chase after his ex-girlfriend.
Hongjoong, known for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the group, has left fans and fellow band members in shock with his sudden decision. According to inside sources, Hongjoong's decision was fueled by personal reasons, specifically involving his former girlfriend.
The identity of the woman in question has not been disclosed, but it's clear that the leader of ATEEZ is deeply affected by the situation. The relationship was said to have ended on mutual terms, with both parties deciding to focus on their individual paths. However, recent developments suggest that the separation may not have been as smooth as initially presented.
It appears that the former couple has been in contact. The nature of their interactions remains undisclosed, but it's clear that their history is not as far behind them as they'd like to believe. Allegedly, Hongjoong has been struggling with lingering feelings for his ex, and it has affected him to the point of leaving his professional commitments to seek closure.
This move is a significant departure from the professional and dedicated image Hongjoong has cultivated over the years. His decision to put personal matters before his career obligations has raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about the severity of the situation.
As ATEEZ's world tour continues without their leader, fans worldwide are expressing concern. The remaining members of ATEEZ have yet to comment on the situation, leaving fans in a state of suspense and concern about the future of the group.
MYFAVSONGISMINGI: Honestly, I'm shocked. I never expected Hongjoong to behave like this!!! 😡😡😡😡
8MAKES1: Unbelievable! How can he just abandon his responsibilities like this? I'm really disappointed in Hongjoong. 😡😡😡
ILOVEMOUNTAINS: Is this the kind of leader we want for ATEEZ? I don't think so. 😡
FORJONGHO: I feel so disheartened. After all the support and love we fans have given ATEEZ, is this what we get in return? 😔
HEARTSFORYUNHO: Can't she see the damage she's causing?! Hongjoong doesn't need someone who brings him down like this. 😒😒😒
EIGHTPIRATES: He's clearly not in the right headspace to lead. Maybe it's time for him to leave. 😞
ILOVEHONGJOONG07: I hate to say it, but ATEEZ might be better off without him right now. 💔😞
YEOSANGISMINE: I hope they both realize the damage they've done to ATEEZ's reputation. This is just unacceptable! 🤬💔
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ATEEZ's Company KQ Entertainment Announces Unexpected Hiatus for Leader Kim Hongjoong
ATEEZ's company announces an unexpected hiatus from the group's activities for their leader, Kim Hongjoong, sparking speculation about his potential departure from the band.
The news comes shortly after Hongjoong's abrupt departure from ATEEZ's world tour, allegedly to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend. This sudden announcement has left fans and fellow band members reeling, leading to widespread speculation and concern about the future of the group.
Hongjoong has remained silent about his reasons for the hiatus, and his fellow band members have refrained from commenting on the situation. The lack of communication from the band has only served to fan the flames of speculation, and many fans are concerned that this hiatus could be a precursor to Hongjoong's withdrawal from the group.
Despite the swirling rumors, ATEEZ's record company, KQ Entertainment, has released a statement in an attempt to clarify the situation:
"We would like to assure ATEEZ's fans that Hongjoong's hiatus is a personal decision and is not indicative of any issues within the group. Hongjoong is taking some time off to deal with personal matters, and we ask fans to respect his privacy during this time. ATEEZ will continue their activities as scheduled, and we promise to keep fans updated on any changes."
Even with this official statement, fans can't help but worry about the group's future. Hongjoong's leadership and unique talents have played a crucial role in shaping ATEEZ's success, and his absence undoubtedly leaves a significant gap.
Fans worldwide are expressing their concern and support for Hongjoong in this challenging time, hoping for his quick return to the group. In the meantime, ATEEZ will continue their activities as a seven-member group.
FIXONPIRATES: I can't believe Hongjoong would put his personal life before the group. This is so unprofessional. 😡
WOOBABY: This is such a disappointment. Maybe it's best if Hongjoong leaves the group. 😞
ILOVEHONGJOONG: We're all let down by this. The group is better off without him. 😔
PIRATEKING: I can't believe he would abandon his responsibilities like this. He should leave ATEEZ. 😡
KINGHONG : This isn't the Hongjoong we used to know and respect. It's time for him to leave the group. 💔
8MAKES1: I'm so disappointed. I can't believe Hongjoong would let us down like this. He should leave ATEEZ. 😠
MYFAVSONGISMINGI: I'm honestly so upset. Hongjoong should leave the group until he can prioritize ATEEZ. 😡
ILOVEMOUNTAINS: I never thought I'd say this, but maybe it's time for Hongjoong to leave ATEEZ. He's clearly not able to fulfill his responsibilities as a leader. 😞
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Pre-Debut Relationship of ATEEZ's Leader, Kim Hongjoong, Revealed
ATEEZ's leader, Kim Hongjoong, is currently making headlines for an unexpected hiatus from group activities. Now, inside sources reveal another dimension to the story, unveiling a pre-debut relationship that might be the underlying cause of the K-pop star's recent actions.
Before shooting to fame as the charismatic leader of ATEEZ, Hongjoong was in a happy relationship with a woman, who remains unknown. According to insiders, the pair shared a deep bond that has left an indelible mark on Hongjoong's life.
Their relationship began before Hongjoong's debut with ATEEZ, during a time when the budding artist was juggling his aspirations of a music career and his personal life. The sources reveal that the relationship was a significant part of Hongjoong's life before his rise to fame.
However, the relationship ended abruptly, despite the couple being in a state of happiness and contentment. This unexpected breakup was a significant blow to Hongjoong, who was deeply in love and had no anticipation of the abrupt end.
The sudden termination of their relationship marked a significant turning point in Hongjoong's life, as he committed himself entirely to ATEEZ and his responsibilities as a leader. The decision to focus on his career came in the aftermath of this unexpected personal loss.
The recent revelations about Hongjoong's pre-debut relationship provide an intriguing perspective on the current situation. While the exact details remain unclear, it's evident that Hongjoong's past relationship has had a significant impact on his personal and professional life. The revelations raise questions about the role this past relationship may be playing in his recent actions and his unexpected hiatus from ATEEZ's activities.
SEONGHWASTAR: Hongjoong needs to take a break and sort out his life. ATEEZ deserves a dedicated leader. 😔
MATZLOVER: I stand with Hongjoong! Everyone has a right to personal life. 💪
PIRATEKING: This isn't the Hongjoong we used to respect. He's letting his personal problems affect the group! 💔
LOVINGHONG: We need to support Hongjoong in this tough time. He is human too and has feelings.
CRAZYFORYEO: Hongjoong needs us more than ever. Let's not abandon him in this difficult time. ❤️
YUNGIYUNGIYUNGI: Stay strong, Hongjoong! We believe in you and support you. 💪
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eight
After a long, grueling flight, Hongjoong finally landed back home. As soon as the plane touched down, he felt an overwhelming sense of urgency. He rushed to catch a taxi, desperate to get to you as quickly as possible. He hoped that his sudden return had gone unnoticed as he was supposed to be in another country, preparing for a concert. However, to his surprise, the airport arrivals zone was swarming with reporters. Their cameras flashed continuously, momentarily blinding him. The sudden influx of attention was the last thing he needed right now, but there was no turning back. All he could think about was seeing you. Throwing on his sunglasses and mask, he was filled with fear at the thought of facing the sea of reporters alone. The absence of his usual security guard weighed heavy on his shoulders. The reporters were shouting, one after another, their voices overwhelming him. The constant flash of cameras was deafening, the noise throbbing in his head and pushing him toward the edge of a panic attack. The noise was too much to bear, making it impossible for Hongjoong to focus on any of the words coming out of the reporters' mouths. He needed to get out quickly. Tripping a few times, his anxiety was getting the best of him. Why were they here? He scrambled to regain his footing, the world spinning around him as the clamor of reporters grew louder. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing the growing sense of dread that was consuming him. He couldn’t make out their questions, the words getting lost in the cacophony of noise. Suddenly, he felt a strong grip on his arm.
"Come on, let's get you out of here," a tall man from airport security said, his voice steady despite the pandemonium around them. He pulled Hongjoong away from the reporters, shielding him from their intrusive questions and cameras. The man managed to get Hongjoong to the safety of a VIP parking lot, the noise of the reporters fading into the distance.
"Thank you, sir," Hongjoong said, his voice barely above a whisper. The man simply nodded, his gaze filled with concern.
"No one should have to go through that alone," he replied, "I will order a taxi for you. Please wait here until it arrives." Hongjoong did as he was told, waiting patiently for a driver to arrive. He rummaged through his bag, finally finding his phone and turning it back on when the taxi finally arrived. He took a seat in the back, his heart rate slowly returning to normal. Finally, he checked his phone, notifications coming like crazy, unanswered calls, unread messages, the amount of it was overwhelming. Hongjoong's heart pounded in his chest as he clicked a link sent by his manager, causing the articles to load. Each word, each accusation, felt like a stab to his chest. His mind reeled from the harsh reality of his situation, and the severity of the consequences he faced. The accusations, the speculation, the harsh criticism - it was all too much. He felt a profound sense of betrayal, a deep-seated anger towards his management for allowing things to spiral so far out of control. His manager's voice echoed in his mind, the threat from the before now a chilling reality. He had followed through on his threat, leaking Hongjoong's personal life to the media, spinning the situation to make Hongjoong the villain. The public backlash was harsh and swift, their words cut deep. He could feel his world crumbling around him, the life he had worked so hard to build threatening to collapse under the weight of the scandal. Hongjoong was devastated. A sinking feeling of despair washed over him as he scrolled through the comments, each one a painful reminder of the image he had lost. The leader, the professional, the role model - all replaced with a man driven by personal desires, abandoning his responsibilities, and disappointing his fans. Hongjoong couldn't believe his fans, the people who had supported him through thick and thin, were now against him. Their words, usually filled with love and encouragement, had transformed into harsh criticism and disappointment. He felt he had let them down, and the guilt was overwhelming. Hongjoong could hardly believe the magnitude of damage that had unfolded during the mere hours of his flight back home. The sudden turn of events felt like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. As he asked the driver to roll up the partition, he immediately dialed his manager's number, his fingers shaking with barely contained anger.
"What the fuck is this?" he demanded as soon as the call connected, his voice harsh and strained. "Why am I finding out about my own hiatus from a fucking article?"
His manager sighed heavily on the other end of the line, the sound echoing ominously through the phone. "I warned you, Hongjoong," he replied curtly, his tone carrying an icy edge that sent a chill down Hongjoong's spine. "I told you there would be consequences."
Hongjoong clenched his jaw, his blood boiling at his manager's words. The man was using his position of authority to manipulate and control him. "You're blackmailing me," Hongjoong spat out, his voice thick with accusation. "How could you do that? How could you use my personal life as a tool to control me?"
The manager sighed, "You knew what you were getting into, Hongjoong," he continued, his voice quieter now, but still carrying an undercurrent of stern reprimand. "You know you are banned from dating, you signed the contract yourself. You know the rules, the restrictions. We've talked about this and yet," his manager went on, "you chose to ignore it. To risk everything you've worked for." He finally paused, giving Hongjoong a moment to absorb his words. "We're not just talking about your career here, Hongjoong, we're talking about the group, the fans, the company. Your actions affect more than just you." His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences of Hongjoong's actions. This wasn't just about him and his feelings. His actions had far-reaching repercussions, ones that he hadn't fully considered in the heat of the moment. "We need you to think about what's at stake here, Hongjoong," he added, his voice carrying a seriousness that sent a chill down Hongjoong's spine. "You should be happy we put you on hiatus. At least you can spend some quality time with... what's her name again?" His manager sneered, the disrespect apparent in his voice. This was a low blow, a deliberate jab at Hongjoong's personal life, leaving him seething. A surge of rage swept through Hongjoong at his manager's taunting words. He could hardly believe what he was hearing, the blatant disrespect towards you making his blood boil.
"Don't you dare speak about her like that," he snarled, his voice dangerously low. His grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white with the force of his anger. "You have no right." His manager seemed taken aback by his outburst, but Hongjoong didn't care. He was sick and tired of his personal life being under constant scrutiny, especially regarding his relationship with you. "You don't get to dismiss her like she's nothing," he continued, his voice trembling. "She's not just some random girl, I love her." There was silence on the other end of the line, the manager clearly surprised by Hongjoong's passionate response.
"Listen, Hongjoong," the manager's voice echoed through the phone, "Here's what we're going to do. You want to be with her? Fine. But you two need to stay low, understand? We'll control the damage on our end. You will be back for the European tour dates, no exceptions." His manager's voice hardened, the finality of his words sending chills down Hongjoong's spine. "You get a month with her, that's it. After that, it's the end. And by that, I mean she's dead to you. No more contact, no more distractions. Your career and your responsibilities come first. Are we clear?" Hongjoong pulled the phone away from his ear, staring at it in shock. He could hear his manager's voice continuing on the other end, but his words were a blur, drowned out by the roaring silence in his own mind.
"A month..." he muttered to himself, the reality of the situation sinking in. He had a month. 30 days. 720 hours. That was all the time he had left with you. After that, you would be gone from his life, erased as if you never existed. The thought was unbearable.
"Are you listening to me, Hongjoong?" his manager's voice snapped him back to reality. His tone was stern, and authoritative. It was a tone Hongjoong had come to associate with bad news, with ultimatums and decisions made without his input. "This is not a negotiation." Hongjoong swallowed hard, his throat tight. He wanted to argue, to fight back. But he knew it was pointless. His manager had made up his mind, and there was no changing it.
"Alright," he finally replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I understand."
"Good," his manager responded, the satisfaction evident in his voice. "Remember, Hongjoong, this is for the best. You have a bright future ahead of you. Don't let one mistake ruin it all." The call ended abruptly, leaving Hongjoong alone with his thoughts. He stared at his phone screen, the harsh reality of the situation weighing heavy on his heart. He had a month left with you, a month to make memories, to say his goodbyes. After that, he would have to let you go, to move on and focus on his career. But as he sat there, he couldn't help but wonder if he could do it. If he could really let you go. Because despite everything, despite the pain and the heartache, he knew one thing for sure: he was still in love with you. And love, as he was quickly learning, was not something that could be easily forgotten or replaced. It was a powerful force, a relentless tide that swept you off your feet and carried you away, regardless of the consequences. As Hongjoong sat in the taxi, staring at the blank screen of his phone, he made a decision. He would make the most of the time he had left with you. He would make every moment count. Because in the end, when all was said and done, he wanted to be able to look back and know that he had loved you with all his heart, even if it was just for a little while.
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nine
You woke up abruptly, in the middle of the day, your head throbbing with the worst headache you'd ever experienced. You'd only caught a few hours of sleep, your body still worn out from the previous night. You found yourself in the dress you had worn yesterday, the fabric now uncomfortable and sticking to your skin. The remnants of your makeup were smeared on your face, causing your skin to itch. Through your half-opened eyes, you saw the sun's rays hitting your face, a harsh reminder of the time. Your body felt heavy as if you had run a marathon. Your muscles were sore, and you could barely muster the energy to move. You yawned, stretching your body and feeling your joints pop. The empty, gnawing feeling in your stomach was the only force that managed to pull you out of bed. You decided to deal with your fatigue first, hoping a shower would do the trick. The cold water hit your skin, sending a jolt through your tired body. It was calming and refreshing, washing away the remnants of the previous night and soothing your aching muscles. Once you were done, you grabbed one of your oversized t-shirts and a pair of comfortable panties. Dressed and feeling slightly more alive, you left the comfort of your room and ventured into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. You took some painkillers for your headache, hoping they would kick in soon. To brighten the mood, you decided to put on some music. The familiar tunes filled the room, providing a comforting background noise as you went about your morning routine. Despite the rough start to your day, you found a sense of peace in these simple morning rituals. As the day dragged on, you found yourself mindlessly scrolling through Netflix. You couldn't quite decide what to watch, your mind too clouded with thoughts and fatigue to make a choice. As the minutes ticked by, your eyes grew heavier and heavier. Every blink felt like a battle, your eyelids threatening to close with each passing second. Your nap was interrupted by a ring at the door. You didn't expect any visitors today, but you forced yourself to answer it. You quickly fixed your hair and glanced down at your oversized t-shirt. Thankfully, it was long enough to cover you, so you didn't bother to put on anything else before opening the door.
You had just unlocked the door when Hongjoong suddenly stormed into your apartment. His unexpected entrance took you completely by surprise, leaving you momentarily stunned.
"Hongjoong?" you managed to squeak out, your heart hammering in your chest. "What are you…" Before you even had a chance to finish, he had you pinned up against the wall, his lips seeking yours in a desperate, hungry kiss.
"We're gonna talk later," he managed to blurt out before kissing you again. Thoughts of you consumed him entirely. The idea of your lips meeting another man's in a passionate embrace, the thought of you out in the nightclub seeking the attention of someone who was not him, it was too much to bear. Hongjoong envisioned you offering your body to someone who didn't know you as he did, didn't love you as he did. His blood boiled at the thought, a reaction that set his nerves on edge. The stress from the unexpected hiatus, and the stern words from his manager, all paled in comparison to the anguish he felt at the thought of losing you. His longing for you was overwhelming, a need that shook him to his core. He yearned to have you under him, to feel the warmth of your naked body against his. He craved the taste of your lips, the feel of your skin under his fingertips. Hongjoong wanted to consume you, to lose himself in the intoxicating allure of your being. The thought of you, of your touch, your scent, your love, it was a driving force for him. A desire so strong that it threatened to consume him entirely. Hongjoong’s lips left yours abruptly, ending the breathless kiss that had consumed both of you. His hand moved from your waist to your face, gripping it strongly and forcing your gaze to meet his. There was a fiery intensity in his eyes that caught you off guard, and for a moment, all you could do was stare back at him in stunned silence.
"Haven't fucked you in a few months and you have already forgotten who you belong to?" He asked, his voice low and heavy with an emotion you couldn't quite place. You wanted to moan at his words, each syllable that fell from his lips sending a wave of pleasure that cascaded down to your very core. You found yourself completely at his mercy, a plaything in his hands, and the realization stirred a thrill within you that was hard to ignore. His hand, firm and warm, cupping your face, his thumb tracing the line of your jaw in a touch that was almost tender. His other hand, however, was far from gentle. Pressed against your hip, it pushed you hard against the wall, the cold, hard surface a stark contrast to the heat of your body. You could feel the pressure of his fingers against your skin, the strength behind the hold, and you already knew that they would leave marks. Marks that would bloom into dark, purple imprints by the next morning, a tangible reminder of this moment. Marks that would be visible, and you found that you didn't mind one bit.
"Answer me," he demanded, his voice low and dangerously quiet. The intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, his eyes burning into yours with an unreadable expression. You could feel your heart pounding in your chest, the sensation amplified by the deafening silence that followed his words. The anticipation was making your breath hitch in your throat, making it difficult to form a coherent response. All you could do was whimper, the sound barely audible in the tension-filled room.
"I belong to you, Hongjoong," you finally answered, swallowing the lump in your throat hard. Your voice was barely a whisper against the room's silence.
"Good girl," he murmured, his voice rough with desire. His words sent a thrill of pleasure coursing through you, making your heart race and your core clench with anticipation. Hongjoong’s gaze was heavy on you, making your skin prickle with anticipation. The intensity of his stare was like a physical touch, stoking the flames of your desire. His lips were next to your ear now, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine. Hongjoong pressed his body to yours, leaving no space in between, and you could feel his hardness against your thigh. He was already prepared to take you. The anticipation made you clench around nothing, the thought of him filling you up driving you wild with desire. "I will fuck you so hard the only thing you're gonna remember is my name," he whispered straight into your ear. The world beyond you two ceased to exist in that moment. All you were aware of was him, the feel of his body pressed against yours, the way his hands explored your figure with ownership that made your heart race. His scent, a heady mix of his cologne, and the smell that was uniquely him filled your senses. It was intoxicating, making your head spin and your body yearn for more. His lips found yours in a searing kiss, a clash of teeth and tongues that was all-consuming. It was as if he was trying to devour you, to claim you as his own with each kiss, each touch. And you let him. You surrendered yourself to him, to the overpowering desire that was coursing through your veins. Hongjoong’s touch was everywhere, leaving no inch of your skin unexplored. His hands roamed your body, each touch setting your skin on fire. His fingers traced your curves, his touch igniting a trail of heat wherever he touched. It was maddening, the way he was making you feel. You were like a lump of clay in his hands, your body responding to his every touch, every command. As his hands continued their exploration, the anticipation was building, leaving you breathless. You knew it was only a matter of time before he would claim you, mark you as his own. And you loved the idea. The idea of being entirely his.
Hongjoong’s fingers found the hem of your oversized t-shirt, and he took it off of you quickly to reveal your body. The cool air hitting your exposed skin made you shiver, but it was nothing compared to the heat his touch was generating within you. As his hand moved up your leg, your breath hitched in anticipation. He paused, his fingers hovering over the lace of your panties. You could feel the heat of his hand through the thin fabric, sending jolts of electricity coursing through you. Hongjoong lowered himself, his eyes never leaving yours. His lips met the soft skin of your nipple, taking it in his mouth. The sensation of his warm mouth was intoxicating, making you gasp as he sucked hard, his teeth gently grazing you. Simultaneously, his hand moved to the other side, his fingers gently tracing patterns on your nipple before he took it between his fingers. He began to twist and pinch, his touch just the right side of rough. He played with you, his actions causing a wave of pleasurable sensation to course through your body, making you arch your back in response. This continued, his mouth and hands working in a rhythm that only he knew, his attention solely focused on you, on giving you pleasure. You could feel a heat building up within you, a testament to the skill and care with which Hongjoong was treating you. And throughout it all, he never broke eye contact, his gaze filled with a desire and intensity that matched his actions. You reached down, your fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him up to meet your lips. As your mouths collided in a passionate, desperate kiss, a moan escaped from your throat, muffled by the intensity of his lips on yours.
Your hands gradually made their way under the fabric of his t-shirt, the sensation of your fingers tracing over the contours and warmth of his skin beneath. You wasted no time, reaching for the zipper of his pants, which were already uncomfortably tight for him. But as your fingers grazed the metal, he grabbed your wrist, stopping you mid-motion. His eyes, dark with desire, met yours.
"It's not gonna be that easy, baby girl," he murmured, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. Hongjoong released your wrist but kept his hand there, his thumb tracing slow circles on your skin. His other hand slid up your back, pulling you closer until your bodies were pressed together with no space in between. The heat from his body seeped into yours, his scent filling your senses. Your heart pounded in your chest in anticipation of what was to come. His lips found your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, eliciting a gasp from you. You could feel his smirk against your skin, he was playing a dangerous game, one that had you on the edge. He sucked on your skin roughly, each pull of his lips sending a rush of sensations coursing through your body. His teeth grazed your sensitive skin, biting down hard after each suck. Hongjoong was marking you, claiming you as his own in the most primal way possible. Each mark, each hickey he left on your skin was a silent proclamation of his ownership, an indelible reminder of his touch. He wanted to cover you all in his marks, to transform your beautiful skin into a canvas that bore the testament of his love. He wanted the world to see, to know that you were his. Every mark he left was a symbol of his possession, a clear message to anyone who dared to look your way. And with each mark he left, he etched his love for you deeper into your skin, into your very soul. It was a display of ownership that was as intoxicating as it was overwhelming. And as he continued to mark you, you were left with no doubt that you belonged to him.
Hongjoong's hands moved to your legs, his grip firm and commanding as he spread them apart. He effortlessly slid his own leg between yours, positioning himself in a way that your sensitive core came in direct contact with his muscular thigh. This friction, elicited a deep moan from you, a sound that filled the room and fed his desire. Your pussy had been neglected throughout this encounter and the sudden stimulation was intensely gratifying. The friction against your sensitive spot, even though it was indirect, generated waves of pleasure that coursed through your body, consuming you. Hongjoong’s actions were deliberate and calculated, each movement, each touch and kiss was designed to make you want him more. And it was working. Your hands fumbled with the hem of his shirt, your fingers desperate to feel the heat of his skin. He obliged, allowing you to pull the garment over his head. The sight of him, bare-chested and smirking at you, made your breath hitch in your throat. You wanted to grind down on his thigh, to press your aching core harder against the firm muscle for more friction, but he stopped you, holding you steady. His grip on your hips was firm, his fingers digging into your skin as he held you in place, controlling the pace to prolong the tantalizing torture.
"Touch me," you whimpered, desperate to feel him. Your pussy was neglected, yet soaking wet only waiting for Hongjoong. The anticipation was making you ache with need, your body yearning for his touch.
Hongjoong smiled devilishly at you. "Beg for it," he whispered. His words sent a shiver down your spine, a mixture of fear and anticipation. You swallowed hard, meeting his gaze with an intensity that mirrored his own.
"Please," you whined desperately, the word barely audible.
Suddenly, Hongjoong pulled away. His hands, which had been tracing patterns on your hips, and his thigh, which provided much-needed friction, were abruptly gone. You whimpered in response, a wave of desperation washing over. The lack of contact became unbearable, causing your skin to tingle in anticipation and making you yearn for his warmth. Your heart began to thump wildly in your chest, and a lump formed in your throat, making it hard for you to swallow.
Hongjoong smirked at you, his voice dark and teasing as he said, "You aren't begging enough, baby girl."
"Please," you begged again, your voice quivering with need. The absence of his touch was driving you insane, each passing second amplifying your desperation. "I need you, Hongjoong," you pleaded, your words hanging in the air. ‘’Please, please, please fuck me’’ He gave you a satisfied smirk, his fingers back to tracing idle patterns on your bare skin, pushing you further into the abyss of longing. His smile grew wider, satisfaction evident in his eyes. He leaned in closer, his breath fanning against your skin.
"That's my girl," he murmured before his lips captured yours in a searing kiss.
He lowered himself down your body, his eyes never leaving yours. The tension between you was palpable, filling the room with an intoxicating mix of anticipation and desire. His teeth gently caught the hem of your panties, his gaze darkening as he watched your reaction. There was a smirk on his face, one that spoke volumes of the intimate knowledge he had of your body. His hands slid down your sides, tracing the contours of your body with a familiarity that sent shivers down your spine. Then, he licked your lower stomach, the unexpected sensation making you arch your back. His tongue left a wet trail on your skin, the heat of it seeping into you and making you squirm underneath him. His hands returned to your hips, his fingers hooking into the sides of your panties. With a playful wink, he began to slide the last piece of fabric down your legs. The action was slow, and torturous, dragging out the moment and making your heart pound in your chest. The room was filled with the sound of your ragged breaths and the rustling of fabric as he finally removed your panties, leaving you bare before him. His eyes roamed over your body, taking in every detail with an intensity that made you blush. But there was no room for embarrassment, not when his gaze held such raw desire, such absolute adoration. One of his hands supported your hips, keeping you steady despite your shaky legs. His other hand separated your legs, trailing its way up your thigh, until finally, he was exactly where you needed him most. His eyes never left yours as he continued his torturous exploration. He watched your reaction to every touch, every caress, his gaze darkening with desire at every gasp and moan that slipped past your lips. Hongjoong’s fingers gently separated your folds, finally making contact with your wetness. Your moan at the sensation echoed in the quiet apartment, serving as a sweet symphony to his ears. His two fingers circled around your sensitive clit, you rolled your eyes at the sensation, you were already so pent up, you felt like you were going to explode. With a slow, deliberate motion, he inserted one of his fingers, prompting you to moan, "More." He complied, adding another of his fingers, the increased pressure sending waves of pleasure coursing through you. You moaned his name and grabbed his shoulder for support, trembling with pleasure. The room spun around you, every nerve in your body seemed to come alive, the sensation overwhelming and intense. Your body responded instinctively, arching towards him, craving more of his touch. His lips found yours again, kissing you deeply as his fingers continued to move inside you. His movements were measured, each stroke designed to draw out the maximum pleasure. It was as if he knew your body better than you did, each touch hitting just the right spot. "You are so beautiful, moaning my name like that… give me more of your beautiful moans." He whispered, as his thumb circled around your clit. You obliged, losing yourself in the waves of pleasure that his touch invoked. Hongjoong's fingers crossed inside of you, picking up speed as he felt you clenching around them. "Tell me what you want, baby," he whispered against your skin, his voice husky and filled with desire.
"I-I want to c-cum, please let me," you pleaded intensely, your voice trembling and shaking as you felt the wave of your impending climax steadily building up inside of you, each pulse and throb pushing you closer to the edge.
"Who do you belong to?" Hongjoong's voice echoed in the room, his words were a challenge, a demand, and a plea all wrapped into one. His eyes bore into you, intense and unwavering. As he waited for your response he slid a third finger inside you, stretching you with a delicious pressure that made your breath hitch in your throat. The sensation was overwhelming, drawing a gasp from your lips as a wave of pleasure washed over you.
"Y-you," you struggled to respond, your voice a mere whisper against the pounding rhythm of your heart. “I belong to you Hongjoong” His name tumbled from your lips, a sweet surrender that brought a satisfied smirk to his face. You moaned loudly, your voice breaking as your climax built.
"You can cum now princess," Hongjoong whispered, his voice low and husky in your ear. Your body responded to his words, your climax hitting you with an intensity that left you breathless.
"Hongjoong!" you cried out, your body convulsing as waves of pleasure washed over you. Your grip on his shoulder tightened as you came hard. Hongjoong’s fingers were still inside you, wet from your release, and they continued to move, riding out the aftershocks of your orgasm.
"That's it, baby," he murmured against your skin, his voice a low growl. As you came down from your high, you buried your face in the crook of his neck, trying to catch your breath. You gasped as he pulled his fingers out of you, the lack of him there leaving you painfully empty. His breath was ragged, matching yours in intensity. Suddenly Hongjoong gripped your hair firmly, pulling your head up to make you look at him. "We're not done yet," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Get on the bed, on all fours," he demanded, his voice firm and authoritative. His command sent a shiver down your spine, and you felt yourself get worked up again. You didn't hesitate, moving to comply with his demand. Clambering onto the bed, you positioned yourself on your forearms and knees. Hongjoong moved behind you, you heard the sound of his zipper being pulled down, followed by the soft thud of his jeans hitting the floor. He climbed onto the bed, his hands found your hips, his touch firm and possessive. "Stay still," he whispered, his voice a low growl in your ear. You could feel the anticipation building, a delicious tension that made your breath hitch in your throat. Hongjoong's presence was overwhelming, his dominance a heady intoxicant that left you dizzy with need. As he whispered, "Ass up," you found your body obeying without a second thought, a wave of shivers running through you. You felt his tip teasingly trace your delicate folds, and you couldn't suppress a whimper. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" he mocked, his hand winding its way into your hair, giving it a firm tug. His lips trailed along your neck, teeth nipping at the abused skin and drawing a soft gasp from your lips. The accusation hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his jealousy. "Calling me up, talking about other guy, hm?" His words were laced with a bitter edge, the thought of you being with someone else igniting a fire in his belly that he couldn't quell. His grip on your hair tightened, his other hand tracing the curve of your waist as he pulled you closer, his hot breath hitting your skin and making you shudder in anticipation. "Answer me, baby girl," he demanded making you shiver. "Or you're not gonna get what you want."
"Hongjoong, please," you begged, leaving his question unanswered. You shifted your hips slightly, hoping to make him slide inside you, but he held you firmly in place, not allowing you to move an inch. "I need your cock, please," by now you were on the verge of crying.
He moved closer, his breath hot against your neck, his voice a low rumble in your ear. "You belong to me, your body is mine," he growled, the words seeping into your skin. His teeth grazed your shoulder lightly before biting down, the sharp sensation making you gasp out loud."Mine," he repeated, as he re-positioned himself at your entrance. Slowly, agonizingly, he slid inside you. The sensation was overwhelming, the slow stretch of him filling you driving you to the edge of madness. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and pain that left you gasping for breath. "Don’t forget that," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he began to move, each thrust more powerful than the last. His hands gripped your hips, holding you in place as he set a rhythm. Every muscle in your body tensed as you adjusted to his size, your nails digging into the sheets. His movements grew more erratic, his breath hitching in his throat as he fought to maintain control. A heat began to coil in your abdomen, the pleasure building with each passing second."You were made for me," he declared, one of his hands left your hip, as he reached to your clit, his fingers expertly massaging the soft bud. A loud moan slipped past your lips at his touch, the sensation sending a shiver down your spine.
"Y-Yes, Hongjoong, mmm... all for you," you agreed breathlessly, your body surrendering to the waves of pleasure that washed over you. He was too much, his touch, his very presence overwhelming your senses. You had lost all control, all semblance of resistance crumbling under his touch. You were his to play with, to use, to love.
"You should see how good you look right now, stuffed with my cock," Hongjoong growled into your ear, his voice filled with raw desire. His words sent a thrill of pleasure coursing through you, heightening the intensity of the moment. His fingers dug into your hip as he continued to move inside of you, each thrust driving you closer to the edge. You clenched around him, his fingers expertly manipulating your sensitive clit. Your body was at its limit, desperate for release. "You will come only if and when I say so," Hongjoong moaned, his pace quickening to the edge of possibility. ''Your slut pussy exists for me to fuck it.'' He was slamming into you relentlessly, the sounds of your wet skin slapping against each other echoing through the room. You could feel the tears streaming down your face as he continued his relentless pace. It was getting impossible to keep yourself from reaching your climax, your fingers curling into the sheets as you tried to anchor yourself. Biting into the pillow, you tried to muffle your moans, but the pleasure was too overwhelming. ''I'm not gonna let you cum until I hear you scream my name with your pretty lips,'' he warned, the threat was enough to make you lose control, your voice crying out his name countless times as you surrendered to the pleasure.
"Hongjoong, please," you begged, your voice a desperate plea as the tension within you built to an unbearable pitch. "Please, let me cum." Your words echoed throughout the room, raw and filled with need. Your knuckles turned white as you clung to the sheets beneath you, your grip unyielding against the soft fabric. His movements were relentless, the intensity of your need was overwhelming, your mind consumed by the singular focus of his dick inside you. You felt Hongjoong’s cock getting even harder, the feeling setting you on the edge.
"Cum for me, baby." As soon as Hongjoong gave you permission, you came with a loud, whiny moan, your body trembling. His thumb continued stimulating you, pushing you to the brink of overstimulation. You squeezed your pussy around his cock as you felt him throbbing. "I’m going to fill you up so good," he whimpered, his movements growing sloppy. "You're going to take all of my cum like a good girl." You felt the pulsing of his dick deep inside you as he came, his warm cum filling your pussy. Overcome by a wave of intense pleasure, he let out a deep groan, echoing throughout the room. With a few more hard thrusts, he rode his orgasm out, fucking his cum deeper inside you.
You slammed against the mattress, exhaustion washing over your sweaty body. Hongjoong’s breath hitched as he slowly pulled out, you felt the sticky cum rushing out when he did so. You felt his warm hand gently caress your waist, and he pulled you closer, wrapping his arm around you and burying his face into your hair.
"You did so well, baby," he whispered, his heart pounding against your back, matching the rhythm of your own. You felt his lips brush against your shoulder, and you turned your head to meet his gaze. His eyes were soft, filled with an emotion that made your heart clench. You saw guilt, regret, and longing in his eyes. His fingers traced circles on your hip, and you turned around to face him, your fingers brushing against his cheek.
"How do you feel?" he asked, worry evident in his voice. "Was I too rough on you?" you looked at him, a faint smile playing on your lips despite the pain that was slowly starting to creep in.
You lightly pecked his lips and answered, "I'm okay, Hongjoong," you assured him, your voice barely above a whisper. He studied you for a moment, his eyes searching yours for any signs of discomfort.
"Good," he murmured, hiding his face in the crook of your neck. You traced your fingers down his spine, causing him to shiver. You hugged him closer, pulling the comforter over your shivering bodies. The exhaustion was taking the best of both of you. With his arm wrapped tightly around you, you both settled into the warmth of each other.
"I didn't expect you to... you know," you said, your voice trembling "I mean, it was so sudden..."
Hongjoong chuckled lightly, his fingers gently brushed your arm. "I can't help it," he said, his voice soft and intimate. "When I'm with you, I just... lose control. You drive me crazy, you know that?"
You blushed, a soft smile playing on your lips. "Is that so?" you asked, your tone teasing.
"Yes," he replied, his voice serious. "But... if I hurt you, or if it was too much... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
You shook your head, reaching out to gently touch his face. "You didn't hurt me, Hongjoong," you assured him. "It was... intense. But in a good way. I liked it."
A relieved smile spread across his face. "I'm glad to hear that," he said.
The storm outside couldn't touch Hongjoong in your embrace, where the rest of the world seemed to cease to exist. Your rhythmic breathing lulled him into a sense of peace and tranquility, your heart syncing with his in a comforting rhythm. You could feel the tension slowly leaving your body as you relaxed against Hongjoong, his grip on you softening. As his eyes fluttered closed, you traced patterns on his back with your fingers, a silent promise of comfort and safety.
After a period of blissful silence, punctuated only by your breathing, you posed a question that needed to be asked, "But Hongjoong... what exactly are you doing here?" you finally addressed the elephant in the room. "Not that I’m complaining, it’s just so… unexpected," Hongjoong breathed out shakily. He hadn’t figured out quite how to navigate the whole situation, what to tell you and what not.
"Well, if you're not complaining, then maybe we don't have to talk about it?" Hongjoong stated, causing you to furrow your brows in confusion. His words caught you off guard. Hongjoong was dismissing your feelings, trying to brush them off as if they were nothing.
"Are you serious right now?" You asked, your voice rising in disbelief. "I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you, Hongjoong, and you're just...just..." You pulled away from his embrace, and a wave of disappointment washed over you, causing your heart to sink deep within. You had naively hoped that this time things would be different, that the love you shared could somehow erase the pain of the past. But the harsh reality started to set in.
"Relax, I didn't mean it like that," with a swift movement, he reached out, his fingers wrapping around your wrist, pulling you in towards him. Your naked body collided with his chest. But Hongjoong's casual demeanor only infuriated you further.
"No, Hongjoong, I won't 'relax'," you snapped back once again pulling away from his embrace, your patience wearing thin. "This is important, and if you're not going to take it seriously, then maybe we shouldn't be having this conversation at all." He was silent for a moment, his eyes studying your face as if trying to understand your emotions. But what was there to understand? You were hurt, and you were angry, and you were tired of feeling like you were the only one who cared.
"I'm sorry," he finally said, his voice quiet. "You're right. I should've taken this more seriously. Let's talk." It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. You let out a sigh of relief, a weight lifting off your shoulders. Maybe there was hope for you two after all. With his apology, the tension in the room lessened slightly, but it was still there, hovering in the air like a dark cloud. You took a deep breath, composing yourself before speaking again.
"Thank you, Hongjoong," you began, your voice steady. "We need to communicate better," you continued, meeting his soft gaze.
"Yeah, I agree, baby," he said, pressing a tender kiss to your temple. "Let's go out for dinner, and we can talk properly." You nodded in agreement, taking comfort in his words and the warmth of his touch.
"I'd like that," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.
"Then it’s a date, but for now let me take care of you, what do you say? Should I run you a bath?" he suggested, and you hummed in agreement. Hongjoong nodded, as he captured your lips in a soft kiss before he stood up and walked towards the bathroom. You heard the sound of water running and you felt a sense of calm wash over you. Hongjoong returned with a glass of warm water, offering it to you. "Should I prepare some food for us while you bathe?" he asked. You took a sip, the warm liquid soothing your parched throat.
You glanced at him, your eyes meeting his. "I was kind of hoping that you would join me in the bathroom," you replied, a hint of a smile playing on your lips. A hint of surprise flashed in Hongjoong's eyes, quickly replaced by a familiar spark of mischief.
"Is that so?" he asked, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. You nodded, your cheeks flushing a soft pink under his intense gaze. "Well then," he said, setting the glass down on the nightstand. "Who am I to decline such offer?" He extended his hand to you, the implicit invitation hanging in the air between you. With a soft laugh, you took his hand, allowing him to pull you to your feet.
The tub was overflowing with bubbles, the water warm and inviting. Hongjoong pulled you into the tub with him, his arms wrapping around your waist as you settled between his legs. His fingers traced idle patterns on your skin, the simple touch sending shivers down your spine. With a soft giggle, you reached for the bottle of shampoo, pouring a generous amount onto your palm. Hongjoong took it from you, his fingers intertwining with yours as he worked the shampoo into your hair. His movements were gentle, his fingers massaging your scalp in a way that had you closing your eyes in pleasure. Every now and then, Hongjoong would press a sweet kiss on your shoulder, his lips lingering against your skin in a silent promise of love. You turned in his arms, your fingers tracing the contours of his face. You leaned in, capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. His hands found your waist, pulling you closer as he deepened the kiss. His fingers brushed through your hair, washing out the shampoo. As he rinsed your hair, you leaned back against him, your fingers tracing patterns on his thigh. His lips found your neck, pressing soft kisses to your marked skin. Hongjoong examined the hickeys he left on your skin, already a deep shade of purple. A sense of satisfaction washed over him at the sight, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of guilt. "I'm sorry, baby," he whispered against your neck, peppering the area with soft kisses in a silent apology.
You felt his breath against your skin, calming and warm. The sensation was a stark contrast to the pain of the marks he had created. "It's okay, Hongjoong," you reassured him, your voice soft and forgiving. You knew he didn't mean to hurt you; his passion got the better of him.
He pulled back and looked into your eyes, "Promise?" he asked, an eyebrow raised in concern. You nodded, giving him a small smile that seemed to put him at ease.
"Promise," you replied, tracing your fingers over the marks with a slight wince. The tension from earlier seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment. You both sat there, lost in each other's arms, the water slowly turning lukewarm around you.
Hongjoong's voice broke the comfortable silence, his words soft against your ear. "I love you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. You turned in his arms, your eyes meeting his.
"I love you too, Hongjoong," you replied, your words echoing his sentiment. His lips found yours once again, sealing your words with a passionate kiss. As you both sunk further into the tub, the bubbles tickling your skin, you couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness wash over you. Despite everything that had happened, you were here, in his arms, and that was all that mattered.
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ten
While you were still occupied in the bathroom, engaged in getting ready for your date, Hongjoong gently excused himself. With a certain apprehension in his heart, he reached for his phone that was still in his bag. His fingers rubbed against the cool surface, contemplating the action he was about to take. He knew it was time, time to call Seonghwa. The call he had been avoiding, could no longer be put aside. It was a call he had to make, a call to face the repercussions of his actions. The gnawing guilt had begun to weigh him down. Hongjoong took a deep breath, bracing himself for the conversation that was to follow, and dialed Seonghwa's number.
Seonghwa's voice crackled through the phone, filled with anxiety and disbelief. "Hongjoong? Oh God, what is happening? We're all sitting on the edge, waiting for any information. Care to explain?"
Hongjoong sighed heavily, his frustration palpable even through the call. "Well, it got out of my control," he admitted.
"Well, no shit," Seonghwa snapped. "Managers rushed us to the hotel and casually dropped the bomb that you're going on hiatus."
"I had no idea. I was on a plane when this escalated," Hongjoong explained, running a hand through his hair despite knowing Seonghwa couldn't see him.
"What do you mean, a plane? Where are you now?" Seonghwa's voice rose with a mix of confusion and anger.
"I'm at Y/N’s place," Hongjoong confessed quietly.
"Are you fucking kidding me right now? You told all of us she was in the past countless times!" Seonghwa's voice was a mix of betrayal and frustration, each word sharper than the last.
"Seonghwa, I love her," Hongjoong said, his voice soft but resolute.
"And clearly it does nothing good for you! Hongjoong, the media are already all over this. They're speculating you will leave the group," Seonghwa exclaimed, his intensity cutting through the phone.
"Relax, I’m coming back in a month," Hongjoong assured, though his tone lacked conviction.
"And you expect me to believe that? You'll be back for how long? Until she contacts you again?" Seonghwa shot back, his voice heavy with doubt and frustration. Hongjoong's silence on the other end of the line spoke volumes. Seonghwa sighed, his frustration giving way to a more pleading tone. "Hongjoong, this is serious. The whole group is worried. You can’t just drop everything every time she calls."
"I know, Seonghwa," Hongjoong said, his voice wavering. "I just... I needed to see her."
"Look, we all care about you. But you can't keep doing this to yourself. To us. The media, the fans... they’re going to tear you apart." Seonghwa countered.
"I’m aware," Hongjoong replied, a note of defeat in his voice. "I just... I don’t know what else to do. I feel like I'm being pulled in two different directions."
Seonghwa took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "You need to make a choice, Hongjoong. Either you're with us, focused on the group, or you need to figure out your personal life first. But this back and forth... it's hurting everyone."
"I understand," Hongjoong said quietly. "I’m sorry. I didn't mean for it to get this bad."
"I know you didn’t," Seonghwa said, softening slightly. "But we need you here. We need you to be present. Can you promise me that before you come back you will sort this out once and for all?"
There was a long pause before Hongjoong responded. "I promise. I'll be back in a month, and during this time I’ll figure things out. I owe that to you guys."
"Alright," Seonghwa said, feeling a bit of relief. "We'll be waiting for you. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"
"You too," Hongjoong replied, a hint of gratitude in his voice. "I'll see you soon." As Seonghwa ended the call, he couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him. He hoped Hongjoong would keep his promise, for the sake of the group and for his own well-being.
Just as Hongjoong put his phone back in his bag, you swung open the bathroom doors. Your eyes were wide from shock as you looked at him.
"Hongjoong, what does it mean you're on hiatus?" you asked, showing him the articles you’ve just read. Hongjoong met your intense gaze with a practiced smile, hiding the truth behind his eyes.
"Well, I chose you this time," he lied smoothly, his words a balm to your insecurities. It was exactly what you wanted to hear, and he knew it. But deep down, he knew the reality was far different. Hongjoong understood all too well that you could never find out the truth—that he had no intention of staying for long before disappearing from your life once again. "I decided I need to be with you, to spend my time with you, so I asked the company to give me some time off," he continued, his words dripping with sincerity. With a wild smile stretching across your face, and a laugh of pure joy bubbling from your lips, you threw yourself into Hongjoong's arms. Your hands wrapped around his neck, holding him close as if you could never let him go. At that moment, the happiness of having him back overshadowed any doubts or suspicions, and you basked in the warmth of his presence, cherishing every moment together.
"You have no idea how happy I am," you murmured, your voice filled with genuine emotion. Hongjoong's heart swelled with warmth at your words, he held you close, savoring the feeling of having you in his arms, relishing the closeness and connection between you. In that moment, everything else faded away, and all that mattered was the love and happiness shared between you.
"Oh, I think I might have some idea," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes met yours, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The room was filled with an aching silence, the air heavy with anticipation. His gaze was soft, yet intense, a reflection of the love he held for you. Slowly, Hongjoong moved closer, closing the distance between you. His warm breath brushed against your lips, sending shivers down your spine. Then, without another word, he captured your lips in a soft, tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with longing and affection, a declaration of his feelings that didn't need words. His lips moved against yours, gentle yet demanding. Hongjoong bit your lip gently as he pulled back from the kiss, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. His eyes met yours again, now shining with an unspoken promise of love. They were so warm, so full of love, that you couldn't help but get lost in them.
With bated breath, you looked up at him, your eyes searching his for reassurance. "You won't leave this time?" you whispered softly, the question hanging in the air like a delicate bubble. It was a plea, a desperate hope for a future that was uncertain yet full of potential. He looked back at you, his eyes filled with resolute determination. The smile that graced his lips was gentle yet firm, a testament to his unwavering commitment to you.
"I swear, I'll never leave again," he declared, his voice filled with conviction that left no room for doubt. His response filled your heart with a kind of joy that was almost overwhelming. You could barely contain the happiness that bubbled up within you, a joy so profound it was almost palpable. You felt a rush of relief wash over you as if a heavy weight had been lifted from your shoulders. Hongjoong leaned in closer, his breath warm against your skin. And then, he pressed his lips against yours in a soft yet firm kiss. His kiss was like a balm to your worries, an assurance that he was here to stay, that he was yours. His words echoed in your mind, a sweet symphony of promises that painted a beautiful picture of what your future could hold.
"Get ready, we will be leaving soon," he smiled, giving your bum a teasing slap and gently pushing you off him. You let out a soft giggle, batting his hand away playfully.
"Alright, alright," you said, rolling your eyes but unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips. "I'll go get ready." You quickly slipped away from him, heading to your bedroom to change. As you closed the door behind you, you paused for a moment, leaning against the wooden surface. A soft smile spread across your face as you remembered his gentle teasing, the warmth of his touch still lingering on your skin. Despite the playful banter, you could feel a strange sense of anticipation building up within you. There was something different about tonight - a spark, an excitement that you couldn't quite put your finger on. As you began to get ready for the night, you couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in your stomach.
You sorted through your wardrobe and selected a simple, black strap dress and an elegant black blazer. You left your hair loose over your shoulders, hoping it would cover some of the hickeys that Hongjoong had left on your neck. The marks that were still visible were covered with concealer, which unfortunately didn't help much. You opted for minimal makeup, accentuating your eyes and finishing with your favorite lipstick. After putting on your shoes and grabbing a small bag, you were ready to go.
"Baby, I'm ready," you announced to Hongjoong, emerging from the bedroom. He was in the living room, awaiting your arrival. "You look...you look stunning," he murmured, taking your hand and spinning you around to appreciate your full appearance. His eyes sparkled with admiration, a warmth spreading across his face as he took in your appearance.
"You are so beautiful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear, his touch gentle and loving. "I can't believe how lucky I am." He continued to hold your hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of your hand as he looked at you, completely awestruck. "All set?" he asked, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. You nodded, unable to hide the smile that spread across your face. He offered his arm and you took it, ready to step out into the night with him.
"I was thinking we could drop by my place on our way to the restaurant, if that's okay with you," he proposed, his eyes eagerly seeking yours for any signs of discomfort. "Seonghwa and Jongho aren't home so you don't have to worry about running into them. I need to change into something more appropriate, and I thought I could pack some stuff as well so I could stay the night after our date." He let the suggestion hang in the air, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
"Of course," you replied, your heart fluttering at his consideration. A soft smile played upon your lips as you added, "That sounds like a perfect plan, Hongjoong." His face lit up at your response, the tension in his body visibly easing. He let out a sigh of relief, a smile mirroring yours gracing his features.
"But before we go, I need to tell you something," Hongjoong stated, and you swore your heart stopped for a second.
"What is it?" you inquired, a knot of apprehension tightening in your stomach.
"Because of the hiatus, I need to stay low," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. There was a weight to his words, a heaviness that filled the room.
Understanding his situation, you nodded. "I know, Hongjoong," you replied in an equally quiet voice. "I know it’s not the same as before. I mean, you are so popular now."
"I just don't want the media up our asses, especially now that everyone is speculating about the reason behind my hiatus," Hongjoong confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.
You nodded in understanding, feeling a pang of sympathy for the pressure he was under. "I get it," you replied softly. "We'll keep it low-key, just between us. No need to add fuel to the fire."
Hongjoong's expression softened with gratitude, his eyes reflecting his relief. "Thank you," he murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to your forehead.
"We can go public in the future where it won't cause so many problems, right?" you asked, your voice filled with hope and uncertainty.
Hongjoong looked at you, his expression thoughtful. "I hope so," he replied, his tone cautious. "But for now, let's focus on us. We'll take things one step at a time and see where it leads."
You nodded, a sense of determination settling over you. "I'm okay with that," you said, your voice steady despite the lingering doubts. "As long as we're together, that's all that matters."
Hongjoong smiled, his eyes softening with affection. "That's all that matters to me too," he whispered, pulling you close for another embrace.
#ateez x reader#ateez angst#ateez fanfic#ateez au#hongjoong x reader#hongjoong x y/n#hongjoong x you#goes to waste the series#ateez x y/n#hongjoong smut#hongjoong angst
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Lukola, maybe it's a fear about love.
This is Lukolaland. Do not read if you're not a shipper. This is not factual, just pure speculation.
The curious case of the Ross and Rachel reference
L insists on comparing Penelope and Colin to Ross and Rachel from Friends, but it doesn’t make much sense.
Ross and Rachel from Friends and Penelope and Colin from Bridgerton both explore the theme of "will-they-won't-they" romance, but their dynamics differ. Ross and Rachel's relationship is marked by a series of breakups and makeups, driven by misunderstandings and differing life goals. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their timing is often off, leading to a tumultuous journey before their eventual reconciliation.
Penelope and Colin, on the other hand, begin as close friends, with Penelope harboring secret feelings for Colin. Their relationship evolves more subtly, with the tension coming from Penelope's hidden identity as Lady Whistledown and Colin's obliviousness to her feelings. Unlike Ross and Rachel's dramatic ups and downs, Penelope and Colin's story is one of gradual realization and deepening affection. While both couples capture the complexities of love, Ross and Rachel's journey is marked by overt drama, whereas Penelope and Colin's is more about unspoken emotions and trust.
Why is he making the connection with the two couples then?
The blurred lines are at play here again. He can relate to Colin in many ways, but I think he is more like a Penelope in the Lukola situation. L said that he believes in love at first sight:
“If I meet someone I know immediately. There’s a difference between me and Colin.” “I’ve felt that. I’ve met someone and been immediately infatuated with them. That’s something that’s more me than Colin.”
He also stated that he felt “warmth from N immediately “and he recalls their first meeting very well for someone who has a bad memory. This meeting was probably important as it was so well preserved in his memory and his heart.
I think that he had been crushing on her since day 1 and his infatuation has only grown stronger over the years and turned into Love. My guess is that J probably realized that he had more than friendly feelings towards N in 2022, maybe he didn’t really admitted that to himself before she pointed it out, maybe he knew all along and tried to suppress it. But I’m sure that he knew what he was feeling during the filming of season 3.
I’m not sure that he made a move at the time as he was fresh off a long-term relationship, and I have the feeling that he truly admires, he looks up to her, N maybe he thought that she was out of his league, he loves her company, he clearly finds her attractive, intelligent, kind and funny. Maybe he was comfortable only fantasizing about her, maybe he was waiting for the right time and trying to build up the courage to cross the lines. I don’t think that they’ve dated, maybe they’ve had hook ups . But I don’t think they have had a serious thing but I’m sure they’ve always had serious feelings towards each other. That’s probably why he sees their situation as a Ross and Rachel situation. He was in a relationship when he met her and she was probably in a relationship when he wasn’t anymore.
N doesn’t believe in love at first sight, she said that friends-to-lovers is the healthiest way to go, because “you’ve skipped all of the posturing and all of the initial things you do when you meet someone—you try and pretend to have only nice underwear, or that you don’t sit on the couch and eat your dinner off your lap. Because they’ve been friends first, they go, ‘I know you.’ Deep, true, abiding love comes from when you love the bones of someone. You love them deeply in their entirety. That’s a thing that you get with friends-to-lovers, because you love them first as a friend.”
I believe that N also always loved L, but she is very level-headed, practical, and down-to-earth. She probably thought that it was important for them to be friends to work together and portray their friends to lovers’s storyline. She took him under her wing as she was more experienced. I think that L was a nice surprise as she couldn’t have wished for a better partner. I think that she has always valued their friendship, and loved him. She had certainly put him in the friendzone as he was taken and they were working together, she may also had never really considered him as a potential boyfriend as he was a little younger and less mature at the time. She needs a significant amount of time to warm up to people, especially a partner, I think that she gradually fell for L charm and qualities over the years. She found comfort , stability and felt at ease with him. She likes him because he is sweet, generous, dependable, has no ego, and laughs at her jokes. She also finds him attractive. I think that she noticed the effects that she has on him. But I’m sure that she was building walls and compartmenting the whole time. She may even have rejected his feelings explicitly.
N has stated that” she hasn’t been in love since she was like 9 and she can’t imagine t it”. N is extremely cautious when it comes to love, and she relies heavily on logic when it comes to her romantic endeavors, she is looking for “the one” as she takes love extremely seriously. She might have thought that L was not the ideal partner ignoring what she was feeling or failing to recognize it as romantic love. She has a clear vision for herself and her life and she would stay away from what could potentially deter her from achieving her goals. N could also have a fear of romantic love as she knows that it’ll make her lose control, she may perceive love as source of vulnerability, and potentially pain and disappointment.
Both may have been confused at times about their own feelings, they were really committed to their characters and the lines between reality and fiction were blurred. It could have taken time to understand what they were feeling. And you know they didn’t want to mess up whatever they had going on.
After the filming of season 3 they both went their separate ways, I can’t help to think that L was kind of hurt in a way and maybe heartbroken during his HBS, “Aquarian guys want to know that you’re as serious about him as he is about you, so if you’re closed-off emotionally or physically distant, he might just assume he isn’t wanted he was”. L was certainly trying to get over his feelings. And he got into a situationship, he is a relationship kind of guy, but I’m not sure that he was not taking A too seriously and he still isn’t in my opinion.
We all saw what happened when L and N reunited, it’s flagrant! During this PR tour their hidden feelings came back to the surface, the PR may have encouraged them, they couldn’t help themselves and they overdid it. L was totally enamored with her, girlfriend or not. N was playful and flirty, but she fell into her own trap. You could see the power struggle in Italy, there was a lot of tension, and they came to an agreement of sort there. In the beginning of the tour N was quite jaded, but the time they spent together changed everything.
If you look in N’s eyes, you can clearly see the shift, she was opening to him, her walls were crumbling, she was openly falling in love with an Englishman. L was more assertive, bolder, more territorial. They were happy in Brazil and Ireland. N was letting her guard down. By the end, N started to believe in love.
We all know what happened. I think that N is deeply hurt, he crushed her intentionally or not, she had reservations for a long time and the doubts about their compatibility, his maturity , their priorities and social needs… Everything that could be barrier, a reason why this could be a mistake, was proven to be true.
In my opinion, L could be hurt and petty about something too, but I believe that he needs to apologize and clean up his mess. He needs to find out what he really needs for himself whether this includes N or not and proceed with caution to achieve his goals.
N needs a best friend in her life partner, someone fun and loving, someone steady she can trust and who supports her, he has proven himself to be capable of that. She needs someone who is not hesitant and honest about his feelings.
L needs a life partner who is less pessimistic and cautious about love, he needs to be sure of her feelings and needs to be her” number one”. He insisted on good communication as it seems to be source of misunderstandings and conflicts between them.
I think that life is really short and what they have is really precious and rare. It’ll be shame and quite disheartening to see it go to waste.
I believe they could have a beautiful and long lasting relationship if they find a way to acknowledge properly what they are feeling , communicate efficiently and be patient and understanding. They already have what it takes to be in a strong supportive successful and fulfilling relationship.
They should really consider it (for our sakes also).
*Correction: I've come to realize that I made a mistake. When Nicola said she hasn't been in love since she was 9, she was actually making a comparison with Penelope.
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ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK — I. SAE
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warnings/tags: angst, hurt/a little bit of comfort, gn! reader, descriptions of physical symptoms of anxiety, ooc sae??, not proofread
summary: love is confusing. a part of you knows sae loved you; another part of you makes you question that. if both parts can't coexist, was your relationship worth fighting for?
wc: 2.3k
notes: this one was difficult to write man. i literally rewrote almost every paragraph dozens of times until i thought this entire thing was worth of being posted. while writing this i was literally biting my own fist out of frustration lmao.
»»——⍟——««
being a professional football player for sure brings a lot of things in your life: fame, money, awards, fans, haters, sponsors, you name it. but one thing that no one ever seems to talk about is the painful feeling inside someone’s entire body when under the extreme pressure—the shortness of breath, the rapid beating of the heart, the big knot on the throat, the tightening of the stomach, the burning sensation in the eyes due to increased blood circulation, and so on.
sae was used to those feelings. it was part of his life as an athlete—it was part of his life ever since he was a young boy, like when he had to get ready to leave his home country to live in another one, practically alone, without his family. for days, young itoshi sae felt in panic, nauseous and was disturbed by severe headaches.
it’s funny how emotions can make you physically sick, right?
of course, anyone can feel like this—it's completely normal and it’s what makes us humans. for a singer, those symptoms of sickness might happen mostly on the stage; for a baker, those nerves might happen mostly when getting ready the perfect wedding cake; for a writer, that anxiety might happen mostly when publishing a book, afraid of what people will think of it and if it will sell well.
for football players, those sensations are, most of the time, absorbed by their bodies and minds the moment they step on the field.
sae falls into this category.
then, at the end of the day, people can still live through situations that make them feel anxious outside of their professions—perhaps they have to get ready for a date; perhaps they got lost and can't find the right path to go home.
sae does not fall into this category. he is a rational man who avoids people and feelings not related to his career. he always knows what to do and what not to do.
but today, today is different. today sae itoshi is in the second category, and he might be stuck in there for a while, who knows.
sitting on the edge of the bed you both share, he inhales deeply as his hands make their way to grab said edges. the soft material of the bedspread under his fingers helped him cool down a little bit. so soft ♡. he exhaled after holding his breath for a few seconds.
he could hear your sobs.
you were sitting on the comfy sofa placed in the small, elegant balcony connected to your shared bedroom. although the curtains were blocking the outside view, the chilly, cold wind of the night would constantly move the brownish pink curtains to give the man the perfect—and heartbroken—sight of your figure in a curled up position, crying, with no sign of stopping so soon.
(brownish pink curtains… you wanted to buy those because it reminded you of sae's hair. of your boyfriend's hair. he could still hear your laugh when you suggested buying those.)
you too were in a psychological and physical distress; you too were in the second category—the difference, however, was that you have been in that same category for a while; meanwhile sae has only entered it today.
sae didn’t like the feeling of his sunken heart, of the big knot on his throat and of the tightening of his stomach’s walls when looking at you so miserable like that. and the worst part? he was the reason you were in that state.
in case you didn't understand yet, my dear reader, itoshi sae broke your heart once again and now your relationship is at a great risk of ending. by saying that sae has officially entered the "second category", we get the idea that said man is now anxious, scared, and physically sick with the thought of losing you—the anxiety that he only felt on the field and never in his personal life? he's feeling it right now.
and it’s only now that he understands how much he disappointed you ever since you two started dating. he remembers it all now: how he didn’t show any interest in your thoughts and hobbies (which is not true, he was just devoid of emotions but it still hurt you), how cold his responses could get, how he never denied that his career was the number one priority, the dry messages he sent you when you were excited, how mean he could be to other people even if you’d tell him how much you hated that attitude of his, how he would just gave you a gift after a fight instead of properly apologizing, how he stood up on you several times on a restaurant, all ready for him to arrive for your date, only to not appear because he preferred to stay late at practice and ended up forgetting the plans you both made…
the true—although not surprising at all—is, the oldest itoshi wasn’t good with feelings; he knew what to do and what not to do during matches, but when it came to human beings, he didn’t have an idea of what he should do or what to say—and let’s be honest, he didn't care about it either. sae did love you, though. the way he looks at you proves it; the marks he would leave on your body during nights so full of lust and romance that would be capable of shedding emotional tears from aphrodite’s eyes proved it; the way he'd roll his eyes and proceed to place soft kisses on your fingers when you complained of the water being too hot after finishing washing the dishes proved it.
the engagement ring he bought for you that is hidden in a safe place where you couldn’t find it proved it.
and now there might not be a day where he could put the ring around your finger and watch you giggle like a teenager in love.
his heart weighs heavier now, almost like it’s getting ready to be swallowed by the black hole formed on his stomach. fuck. he passes his hand through his reddish brown hair, tugging a few strands.
he got out of the bed and made his way to the door of the small balcony. there you were, still in a curled up position. your sobs have stopped already but a sniff or two could be heard.
“talk to me.” the genius didn’t know exactly what his tone was. tiredness? begging? regret? i-don’t-care-at-all-stop-acting-like-this? this man sure was confusing. there was no response, the only thing that could be heard were the sounds of the leaves of the trees moving with the wind, almost mocking, not sae, but you.
the way you rolled your eyes was unknown to him.
“seriously, y/n. head inside so we can talk—”
“fuck you, itoshi, leave me alone.” your intention wasn’t to be mean to him, you didn't think before speaking—it hurt both you and him—, but sometimes harsh words were better in specific times. this is a specific time, you should have shared your thoughts a long time ago. “you wanna talk now? you usually just buy me roses without saying anything.”
“i’m trying to fix things up.”
you turned your head to look at him, a sad smile on your lips. “and i appreciate it, really, but i’m just so fucking tired, sae.” your voice broke on the word “tired”. “and you just want to talk now because i said i was thinking of breaking up with you during our fight earlier? why, sae, why…” more tears were threatening to fall, voice still breaking.
teal colored eyes darkened. you were now looking at the view in front of you. you guys lived in a really peaceful neighborhood with big, expensive houses. the view was nothing special (a few trees, a few parked cars, a park near you), but it wasn't bad either. it's not like the view mattered as long as you lived with the love of your life.
even if said love of your life could sometimes be difficult to put up with.
you remember when you started dating him and met his younger brother, who had the audacity to say with a serious face that you would regret dating your boyfriend. although you now understand the point rin was trying to make, you didn't regret being with sae; you didn't regret anything at all. and if you were to be honest, you wanted to ignore the fight and just spend the night watching a movie or something, but you had to act like a mature adult and find a better solution.
were you, though, being a mature adult by giving that response to sae when he said he wanted to talk? you were genuinely confused.
sighting and while wiping your tears, you patted the uncopied place of the sofa beside you. "ok, let's talk. sit." the man did what you told and you moved away a few centimeters to give him more space. it was… silence. a mix of comfortable and uncomfortable silence.
without looking at you, sae rested his hand on top of yours, causing you to flinch a little by surprise, but paid no mind and let him interlock his fingers with yours, your thumb now caressing his pinky finger.
"what… what do you want to say?"
"were you telling the truth earlier?"
"about me breaking up with you?" a "mhm" was his answer. "yes, i was ." by the corner of your eye you noticed he stared at you after those words. your mind couldn't decipher what his thoughts were. "i don't like being stood up on a date two times in the same month, y'know?"
the man sighted. "i was busy with practice. and i literally warned you at a good time, you just got to the place too early."
you let out a chuckle in an ironic way. "you did warn me, yes, and i wouldn't mind if it was once or twice, but enough is enough, itoshi." it was the second time of the night—scratch that, it was the second time in your entire life that you called him by his surname. even when you were only friends, you would call him by his first name or by cute, silly nicknames. the second time the word itoshi came out of your mouth, it was full of venom; venom that seemed to wrap so tightly around his heart. "i know your career is extremely important to you. i understand that and i want to support you in any way, shape and form, however, things can't keep going like this."
"i see." the reddish brown haired man looked at both your hands still together. you didn't let go of him, you didn't want to and he didn't want it either. “i understand.”
he should say something more. something more profound, more romantic, capable of making you stay, but what can the prodigy do about it? sure, he'd be lying if he said he didn't want you to stay with him, but the decision was yours and he had to take it, whether he liked it or not; whether it’d left him heartbroken or not. besides, he now understands just how much he confused you with his true feelings. you both were tired of the constant kiss and make up.
just how sae could be an egoistic on the field, he could be also one on his private life (just ask literally anybody and they will confirm).
you let go of his fingers to turn your arm so that your palm was facing upwards, in contact with his, and you interlock your fingers again. “it’s not easy for me but… i feel like it’s the best choice.”
you spent a few seconds looking into each other's eyes, until sae leaned his forehead against yours and you did the same, with your eyes closed and enjoying the cold night breeze hitting your bodies, the breeze contrasting with the bittersweet heat formed in your hearts.
“so… is it decided…”
“yes… it is.” you were glad that he respected your decision and that you discussed the matter without further discussion. “i’ll still pack my things today. in the morning i’ll call a friend and ask them to stay at their house for a few days. then i’ll see how it goes.”
“hm.”
he offered to help you pack your bags, but you refused—him helping you would only make you more emotional and rethink your decision. that night, you and your now ex-boyfriend slept on the same bed, back to back.
»»——⍟——««
"hey,” it was now the next morning and you had just gotten ready to leave the house. sae called you before you had a chance to get out the door. “do not hesitate to call me if you need anything.”
a smile formed on your lips. now that you were changing your path in life, it seemed that you just lost a heavy weight on your shoulders. sae didn't like that, but again, he was in no position to make you stay. “ thank you sae, really. the same goes for you, though. and don’t overwork yourself.”
those words and the little chuckle that followed hurt sae like a bitch. you always told him to not work himself till exhaustion, yet he always ignored you…
“well… goodbye, itoshi.” before he’d answer, you stepped out of the door, closing it behind you.
as the sound of the engine of your friend’s car starting up reached his ears, he made his way to the bedroom, to reach out for the engagement ring he bought for you. he layed on the bed, hugging the tiny ring’s box, hot tears running silently down his cheeks to the pillow.
you were gone. you were officially gone.
»»——⍟——««
tagging: @izzylovestnbhd
thank you for reading. likes, reblogs and coments are appreciated ♡
#blue lock#blue lock x reader#bllk#bllk x reader#blue lock angst#bllk angst#sae x reader#sae itoshi x reader#itoshi sae x reader#sae angst#blue lock x you
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Safe
Rhysand x Alora (See Alora here)
For @officialrhysandweek
Rhysand week 2024 Masterlist
Day 5: Survivor
Summary: Rhysand and Alora are both survivors, now Rhysand seeks comfort in the female he saved long ago
Cw: Rhysand's UtM trauma, Alora's SA trauma, hurt/comfort
The stars were shining brightly, and there was peace in the streets of Velaris, but inside the House of Winds, Rhysand sat, unfocused, staring off into the distance, he had returned from Under the Mountain just a few days ago, still ghostly pale.
He had asked to be alone from his Inner Circle not sure how he could face them after what he had been through, he had tried to sleep but he couldn't, he had thrown up everything he had eaten for the past days, at least he had been able to appreciate the taste of it when all he had eaten for fifty years was bland scraps.
He pulled on his pair of velvet sweats and made his way out to the balcony, looking up at the sky, free, he was free, he reminded himself.
As Rhysand stood on the balcony, the cool night air caressed his skin, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat that was there Under the Mountain. He closed his eyes, letting the sound of the city below lull him into a state of calm. The memory of Amarantha's touch, her cruel laughter, still lingered, but he pushed it away, focusing instead on the freedom that now belonged to him and his people.
The wind whispered in his ear, carrying the scent of flowers from the gardens within the house. Rhys breathed deeply, savouring the sweet aroma. Moments like these reminded him of the beauty that still existed in the world, despite the darkness that often threatened to consume it.
The pain, the humiliation, the feeling of being completely powerless against Amarantha's cruelty. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as he fought to suppress the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
He tried to calm himself and he then knew where he had to go, he put on the matching shirt to his sweats and made his way to the library, he knew everyone would be asleep as he was quiet with his movements, not wanting to spook any Priestesses. He winnowed into the room of one of the oldest that had been there.
A 300-year-old High Fae, asleep in her bed, her strawberry blond hair a mess as she slept peacefully. Rhysand couldn't help but smile, seeing her so as peace.
As Rhysand approached the sleeping form of his beloved Priestess, Alora, his heart pounded against his chest, his relation with Alora was a long one, but he just considered her daughter like. The sight of her peaceful slumber brought a sense of comfort to him, something that had been missing since his return. He studied her delicate features, her fair skin glowing softly under the moonlight that filtered through the window.
He moved closer, his hand hovering over her shoulder before gently laying it down. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her breathing steady and rhythmic. Rhys felt a pang of guilt for disturbing her rest, yet he needed her presence more than ever.
He leaned down, whispering her name softly. "Alora…" His voice was barely audible, filled with affection.
Alora awoke with a start, looking at Rhysand through sleepy eyes, "Rhys?" She sat up, "Are... Are you alright?"
Rhysand smiled warmly at Alora, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm fine, my dear," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "Just needed someone to be with." He sat down beside her on the bed, taking her hand in his own.
Alora's concern softened into understanding, and she nodded. "Of course, Rhys. Anything you need, I'm here for you." Her fingers intertwined with his, providing a comforting warmth.
Rhys looked into her eyes, searching for the right words to express the turmoil within him. "It's hard to believe it's over," he said finally. "After all those years, trapped in that hellhole…" He shuddered, remembering the darkness and cruelty of Amarantha's court. "Sometimes, I wonder if it was all just a dream."
"I used to think that too..." Alora frowned, as if reliving her own assault, her heterochromatic eyes filled with sorrow, "I... I used to wonder if my mind was playing tricks on me... That I'd wake up and be right there in that cave... I'll always be here for you, however long you need." Alora held Rhysand's hands, looking deep into his pained eyes.
Rhysand squeezed Alora's hands, drawing strength from her unwavering support. "Thank you, my dear," he murmured, his gaze never leaving hers. "Knowing that you're here, that we have each other, makes all the difference... I don't think anyone else would quite understand... And I'm not open to talking to just anyone."
He let out a slow breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside him. "It's the little things that haunt me most," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "The taste of rotting flesh, the stench of decay, the feeling of Amarantha's touch…" A shudder ran through him, and he closed his eyes, recalling the horrific memories.
Alora's thumb traced gentle circles on the back of his hand, offering comfort without words. When Rhys opened his eyes again, they shimmered with unshed tears. "I just want to forget, she touched me... And the way my body-" he paused, his voice breaking.
"Shh, Rhys," Alora whispered with a soft tone, holding onto his hand, "It wasn't pleasure... You were not feeling pleasure." She cupped his cheeks, making him look at her. The male in front of her had helped her through her own hurt, her own pain, and said the very words that she now said to him when she told him how disgusted she was at her own bodily reaction. "Your body was just protecting itself from more pain..." Because what those males had her believing, what Amarantha had him believing, simply wasn't true. "And this won't last, you will heal, in spite of everything that happened to you."
Hearing Alora's reassuring words, Rhys managed a small smile, though it was clear the pain was still etched deeply into his features. "You're right.... I know you are. I was right when I said it for you." he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "But sometimes, it feels like its going to swallow me whole."
He leaned in closer to Alora, resting his forehead against her shoulder. The tender gesture seemed to soothe both of their troubled souls. "Your presence means more to me than you'll ever know," he admitted, his voice barely audible.
Alora hugged Rhysand, both their faces pressed into each other's necks. "You're my anchor," she whispered, Rhysand's eyes closed as he savoured the warmth of her touch. "Without you, I don't know how I would've survived those years here."
He opened his eyes, gazing up at her with a mix of gratitude and adoration. "You're my home, Alora. My safe haven." His voice trembled with emotion, she was all that was left of his family, she was his oldest family at heart, revealing the depth of his feelings for her. "I love you," he said simply, the words spoken with a sincerity that left no room for doubt.
"I love you too." Alora than sat up straight, leaning onto the bed, moving slightly to make space for him, "Come now, you should try to get rest, I'll be right here."
At Alora's invitation, Rhysand slid into the bed beside her, his body tired but his mind still racing. Despite the turmoil within him, being near Alora brought him a measure of solace.
He turned towards her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. The familiar scent of her, the warmth of her body, it was enough to chase away some of the shadows haunting him.
"Thank you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. It was a simple act. Alora pulled him gently over her, rocking him to sleep, just as he had done for her. As Alora gently rocked Rhysand to sleep, her thoughts drifted back to the night he had saved her. The memory of his strong arms holding her, his soothing whispers, it had been a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
Now, as she cradled him in her embrace, she felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for this male who had become her rock, her protector, her everything. She stroked his hair, watching as his eyelids fluttered closed, his breathing slowing until he slipped into slumber.
Alora remained awake for the night, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against her own. In this moment, surrounded by the silence of the night and the warmth of Rhysand's body.
She stayed up when he woke up panicking, she stayed through him screaming, through the shadows covering them both in eerily stillness. Because she had gone through this, the memory of it faded but never fully gone, stuck with her forever.
{General Taglist - @nox-ceur @lilah-asteria @paleidiot @dee-writes-smut @adalia-jaycee @anarchiii @alwayshave-faith}
{Rhysand Taglist - @yeonalie}
{RhysandWeek Taglist - @andreperez11}
#rhysandweek2024#rhysand#high lord rhysand#pro rhysand#acotar#rhysand acotar#rhysand fanfiction#acotar series#acosf#acomaf#rhysand fanfic#acowar#rhys acotar#a court of thorns and roses#rhys fluff#rhysand fluff#rhysand angst#rhys angst#rhys x oc#rhysand x oc
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Nxbxbbcbcbcbnxbxbxn
Today's episode heavy breathing was just everything
Moon shouldn't wait till Sun run away to go to him..
But I think that he just needed some time to think what to say..
Cause I knew it! He said to Solar that he said what was needed to be said.. which definitely implies that Moon was afraid that he'll say something insensitive or start yelling at Sun bxbxbxbbxbx
He didn't want that..
And yeeeessss Moon finally realized that no one expects him to fix everything QwQ
And that Sun doesn't need him.. and even if Moon might have said that because he hates himself..
I think that in this situation he meant that Sun isn't going to die without Moon because he's so dumb etc..
I think that Moon finally distanced himself from.. himself.. (edit: cause actually yeah after thinking about it more it really was more about how Moon hates himself and that Nexus was better and that Sun shouldn't choose him but Nexus that's why he said that Sun doesn't need him nxnxnnxnxnxn I was happy too quickly QwQ)
Hdndnndndnndndndn
Which allowed him to see Sun for who he is.. for how awesome brother Sun is.. and to why Sun loves Nexus and that's why he said that he would still be Sun's brother even if Sun loved Nexus more than him and even if Sun chose Nexus to live because he regretted killing Nexus bxbxbxbbxbxb QwQ
I'm so happy that despite Moon being afraid to be left by Sun he put Sun's feelings first.. he was considerate about Sun's feelings QwQ bxbxnxnnxnxnxn
Moon really is trying his best.. it makes me so emotional QwQ 💞
Also Lunar whyyyyy jxnxnxnxnnx
Yes Sun shouldn't be held captive but Lunar should still know where Sun is or if he's away for a long time he should call him or something..
Like Sun shouldn't go out or be left alone for too long.. not in this state..
I hope that Solar and Moon will have a talk and Moon will apologize for getting to upset at Solar especially cause Solar told him such a nice thing and he was right that Sun needed to talk to Moon QwQ
And now onto Sun..
Hooo boi..
Sun can't hate Nexus which is not surprising to me at all..
And ofc Sun said that maybe he doesn't need Moon but he wants him in his life.. which I always knew..
And I think that this is exactly what Dark Sun was unable to understand.. or maybe he understood this while talking with Moon?
But at the same time I'm still angry that he traumatised Sun so much with forcing him to choose to kill his brother and that I think that he knew that Ruin put that bomb in Nexus' chest which is why Sun's magic killed Nexus bxbxbbxbddn
But the most important part I wanted to point out from today's episode is that Sun didn't agreed nor accept Moon's words of support nxnxnnxnxnxnxnxn
Which means that Sun doesn't agree with Moon that he's a good brother QwQ
He also still doesn't want to shout out what weigh on him..
And he didn't thank Moon bxbxbbx
Cause I think that Nexus' words truly felt like proof to Sun.. proof that he's a terrible person actually..
This is so awfully relatable..
Cause at first I thought that maybe it'll be the time for Sun to open up but noooo
And it's so relatable QwQ
Sun wanted to have Moon as a brother.. he wanted to have Nexus as a brother.. he wanted to have a family..
Damn it QwQ
And I only say that Nexus is damn liar xnnxnxnnxnxn (cause I watched the podcast)
I think that he blames everything on Sun cause it's easier to hate a person he loved the most..
Like no one knows that Nexus had that vivid dream - except Monty bxbxbxbbxbx
No one knows that Nexus was afraid of Sun dying..
Nexus was so worried but his worries were constantly ignored..
This is what is the most sad thing to me.. that Nexus never talked to Sun about anything..
They both loved each other so much and yet..
And also ha ha I don't believe that Nexus wanted to kill Sun the most..
Such bs when he never even hurt Sun at all - physically I mean..
I'll die on the hill that Nexus actually cared deeply about Sun but he was just confused..
It's not Sun's fault.. again..
And also people completely forgot that Moon's computer constantly was comparing Nexus to Moon - saying that Nexus is dumb compared to Moon and it tried to and downloaded all the knowledge into Nexus' head..
But no "it was all Sun bla bla bla"
Nexus never wanted to talk to Sun about anything.. he only yelled so Sun stopped mentioning Moon..
Maybe if Nexus talked with Sun like a normal person.. then maybe he'd learn that Sun still loved Moon despite all the abuse.. and then if he allowed Sun to talk about the past and grieve and move on and also talk about his own insecurities etc then Sun would definitely apologized and he'd give Nexus space to be his own person..
But also he actually gave him that space.. he saw how much Solar was making Nexus happy so he didn't bother them.. but also Nexus is such a liar cause he obviously enjoyed playing games with Sun.. they had so much fun.. he wasn't threatening Sun like Moon used to do.. and also Sun never wanted Nexus to fix everything.. and definitely not on his own..
And I think that Nexus knows that..
But I think that the fear of Sun dying was too much so it broke Nexus..
And it was easier for him to hate Sun then even admit that..
Nexus knows that he wasn't the best to Sun like he claims himself to be.. but he can't admit his wrongs..
Just like Moon used to do..
Solar was right that Nexus isn't that much different from Moon but he doesn't want to admit it..
And yet Nexus claimed to be the Moon cause he called Moon a knockoff..
I think that Nexus loved Sun deeply but he also couldn't admit to being wrong..
His ego is what destroyed him actually..
That's why he acted like Creator.. cause I was thinking for quite some time that the more egotistic Nexus was the more he acted like Creator.. cause Creator made them.. so he became like Creator who is a pure ego..
And also Nexus saying that Sun would probably purposely hurt him.. yeah sure Jan keep lying to yourself..
Like they say whatever makes you sleep better, right Nexie ^^
Poor Sun loves Nexus so much yet he has to suffer now because Nexus pretended till the end that he never cared and hates Sun 🥺😭💔
#sun and moon show#sams#sams sun#sams moon#sams nexus#sams solar#sams spoilers#laes lunar#laes earth#laes monty#eaps spoilers#sams creator#sun is so me#bxbxbbxbx#sams dark sun
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idk if you have watched much press for s4 but maddie bailey is sending me with her responses to any riara related questions or fan praise…. (i think she’s obviously traumatised from the jiara situation.) anyway bailey made a comment about how kiara couldn’t stand murder let alone someone harming a fly which would make riara totally incompatible - and whilst i agree that’s true i also feel like her character would be the most capable of empathy/forgiveness compared to the other pogues!?!? like she’s so humanistic!!!!
would love your thoughts and a potential kiara deep dive 🫣
This ask is very apropos and you’re gonna need a drink…
I’m with you on the fact that Madison is probably traumatized by the way jiara was blown out of proportion by some fans and how that bled into their dynamics irl. It sucks so much that’s how it went down and I feel for them that they can’t be friends without things being made weird.
That being said, I don’t understand this extreme hatred she has towards Rafe potentially working his way to being a better person— regardless of him being someone who could potentially be with Kiara. Sure, don’t ship them but to say the fans of the ship don’t care about Kiara is… a take.
I 1000% agree with you, I think more so than anyone else Kiara as a character is capable of forgiveness given the opportunity to understand someone. Her heart and passion is what drew me in, she is so empathetic that its sometimes comes at her expense— I think that’s what her parents are terrified about when they see her hanging around the Pogues. Granted, the Pogues we know are genuine guys but her parents don’t know that or care to take the time to get to know them. Kiara did and since has had an unwavering loyalty to them. Her heart is so big and it’s perplexing to me that Madison thinks that there’s a cap on that? I personally don’t get it. I see Rafe as someone deeply troubled and who has never given a chance to get help— he lives with what he did everyday and resents himself for it. He was unwell, but rather than allowing him some grace, we’re what? Bashing him as he’s trying to make amends? Personally I believe that under the right circumstances any single one of the Pogues would’ve done what Rafe did regardless of who was in front of the gun, but their loyalty fits right on them and not on him. Rafe has continually expressed such a complex range of emotions about what he’s done and how he’s managing it— none of it was linear but that makes sense to me. I don’t expect him to have a clear path out of this but fucking hell he’s trying.
What really confuses me about their rhetoric is that they hate the idea of Kiara and Rafe because he’s dangerous, a murderer, psychotic, buzzword buzzword but then they’re happy to ship him with Sofia? Then all of a sudden it’s a cute relationship and he’s found his match. Dpmo. If they really believed Rafe was that dangerous why would they want Sofia, who is completely innocent in all this, to be with someone who has the potential to be violent again 🤨 Bc she’s “changed” him? It’s insipid and hypocritical.
Now for a mini Kie deep dive— at first I didn’t really get why Madison was playing Kiara like that during their scene together. She looked genuinely terrified seeing Rafe and her body language was so telling. And in my mind I’m surprised by her reaction because we’re seeing him heheing it up with Sofia and making business moves like? What are you afraid of? Venture capitalists? Yes. But then I took a moment to think about the state of mind Kiara was in.
I don’t think it was an extreme thing she did to pull out the knife. In her point of view someone just tried to kill her. Drown her no less and who else tried to drown her? Rafe. Her survival instincts were probably shooting through the roof because every time she sees Rafe, it’s never for a good reason. And you got to remember the very last time she saw him was at the beach with the sea turtles… not a good memory. She’s got no reason to trust he’s here out of the kindness of his heart, she doesn’t see/know him like that. All that mixed in with that batshit guy who’s hunting the Pogues down and the fact she’s alone— yeah the knife was a smart move. I think she would’ve done the same if Topper showed up tbh. I’m also proud of Rafe for not freaking out when seeing her hostility lmao, he’s come a long way. Back in the day (s2) if he saw that knife come out, he would’ve escalated the situation and made things worse.
And just to throw my two cents here— Rafe has been dogged this season. Oh my goooooddddd. You’re telling me he’s scattering his dad’s ashes alone, the only Cameron who cares? His dad who he last saw going off to South America with the Pogues? The Pogues who hate Ward and want him gone? And then his dad dies? Right after Rafe finally gets the approval and affection from Ward that he’s always wanted? And no one has given him an explanation of what went down? I’m surprised he hasn’t crashed out on them tbh. That little tiff he had with John B was too polite. In his mind 2+2= the Pogues killed Ward. Sarah and Rafe quite literally carried Ward to the tarmac together and it was all for nothing? No small reconciliation for the sake of Ward’s memory, after all he was their father. And he died for Sarah. It’s crazy to me.
Anyway I’m a spiteful person and the more people hate something the more I lean into it. The cast hating riara is hilarious to me because this ship was born out of nothing and now it’s in their mouths. Wild. I’m just upset that they’re facilitating hate towards people who ship riara, I’m of the mentality that you ship and let ship. Not gonna yuck anyone’s yum!
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jouno x f! reader
summary:: you participate in routine spars (typically very brutal) with your boyfriend, jouno. this one in particular is getting you clearly worked up, so he decides to… help you.
content:: smut, fingering, groping, degradation, dacryphilia, sub reader, dom jouno, pathetic reader (again… sorry…), fucking while injured (minorly), minor bondage, toys
a/n:: im sorry im too obsessed with the concept of fucking after a spar 😣 i promise ive got smth else jouno-related cooking up!!! also i was bored and its midnight so i wrote this, don’t expect it to be good. also its kinda short ;-;
—————————————————————————————
“Agh- fuck….”
Tears wetted your eyes as your back slammed into the wall, hand clutching your bruised shoulder. Your hair was disheveled, and dark bruises coated your skin- but you looked so very delectable to Jouno in front of you.
“Another utter failure.” He said with a smile that made your heart churn, approaching you slowly. He tore the gloves off off his long fingers, tossing them to the ground. He came up close to you, both hands raising to hold your face gently. “Is my love upset?”
“Please- no more..” You said with a sharp intake of breath. At this point, you couldn’t help but let the tears stream down your cheeks, reaching the tips of his fingertips. He had gone too rough- again. Despite that, the routine spar was as exhilarating as it was painful. It was more the stress combined with adrenaline that causes your emotion- not the dull, tense ache in all of your limbs. “I surrender. Please.”
Jouno breathed in deeply, as if absorbing your misery (to be fair, it wasn’t really misery. At this point, your arousal was already building up as he watched you in this state of mess.) He caressed your tear-stained cheeks, before raising a finger to his mouth and tonguing it, as if it were the sweetest flavor he’d ever tasted. You exhaled breathlessly- the sight only making your pounding heart beat faster. He then cradled your head in his arms, gently feeling through the locks of your hair. “You never last long, do you? What a pathetic display.”
As you two were pressed against each other, his knee slyly slid between your legs.
You released a strained grunt as his knee pressed up against your cunt, the area around your thighs already wet from the sweat of the spar. It was now wet with something else, too. This was clearly punishment from you staring at his dick the entire spar, wasn’t it?
“You’re so shameful when you cry.” Jouno pulled his head back slightly, holding your cheeks once more. He seemed to take such pleasure in your tears. He leaned in close and put his lips to yours, roughly. You moaned into his mouth, his knee practically thrusting into you.
Your legs clenched around his, pussy throbbing with want. You needed something more than his knee, now. He kissed down your face and onto the nape of your neck, sucking hard. His hands cupped your breasts, squeezing relentlessly.
“Fuck…” You moaned with ecstasy, though it came out as something akin to a cry, or a plead. You sounded so pitiful, like you were breaking down. In some ways, you were.
“You like being such a mess for me, don’t you?” His fingers were skillfully unbuttoning your blouse before you knew it, tearing it off until you were left in your bra.
“Oh, god…” You gasped as he released the clasp on your bra, your chest completely bare. His index finger now covered your nipple, rubbing slowly. “Fuck!-“ Your entire body tensed up, his other hand groping your other breast. He leaned in close and kissed all over your chest- down the valley between your tits, and increasingly getting closer to your sensitive buds. His hands firmly latched onto your thighs, he put his mouth over your nipple and sucked, a high-pitch noise escaping you as your brain turned to mush from the pleasure. His tongue lapped at your puffy bud, his hand massaging the other.
You were so fucking overstimulated.
Extremely close to coming, he pulled away, leaving you hot and bothered and your chest hypersensitive. You breathed heavily, resisting the urge to bring your fingers up and finish the job yourself.
“I didn’t know you had enough pride to resist begging me, sweetheart.” His fingers deftly unbuttoned your pants. God, one touch, and you knew it’d be over.
“I need this- please…” You said desperately, his hands pulling down your panties.
He didn’t spare you one second. His fingers delved into you, curling into your folds and rubbing all the right spots. You moaned, clenching against his hand. The other latched onto your throat, gently restricting your breathing to a minor extent. You were so worked up. His thumb worked against your clit, his other fingers thrusting in and out of you.
You couldn’t help it. You came.
A low, deep moan escaped you as pleasure overfilled your senses- your cunt throbbing with pleasure as your legs tightened. All nerves on your body felt slight, as his fingers slowly worked you through your orgasm.
“You were so loud for me.” Jouno murmured with a warm smile, gently kissing you on the cheek. He kept his face close to yours. “Still so hurt from our fight, though. Those taut muscles of yours should have a little change of scenery, shouldn’t they?”
“More?” You managed to say, though it was practically a blubber. Your entire body was shaking.
“More, darling.” Jouno’s smile widened. “Follow me.”
He led you to a double-bed with a headboard, already filling your head with all sorts of unholy thoughts. He gently laid you onto the bed, helping drape your arms over the headboard. Retrieving a small box, he set it down on the edge of the bed and pulled out the necessities.
Cuffs. A remote control.
And a-
A whine escaped you, desperate already for more stimulation. Your heart was pounding so fast.
“Patience, sweet thing.” He approached you on one side, cuffing your hand to the headboard. He then came to the other and did the same.
Restrained, he took a step back and watched you in this beautiful state, vibrator and control in hand. Your legs shifted relentlessly, yearning for touch.
You watched in front of you as Jouno let his knees come onto the edge of the bed, slowly crawling towards you with a knowing expression. He came until he was sat between your legs, his body keeping them open. He admired you for a moment, and you felt like melting under his blind gaze.
“Gorgeous.” He commented- most likely about the sounds of your reactive body, the smell of your arousal “And yet, you’ll be even more gorgeous when this little machine is fucking you.”
“Please..” You whispered, eyes still red with tears. Your pussy was aching.
He softly laid the vibrator against your upper thigh, clicking the remote control until there was the sound of a soft buzz, and a gentle vibration against your leg. You whimpered as he let it run up and down, in a torturously light motion.
“You slut.” He said, amused. “So eager?” He leaned more toward you, slowly raising the vibrator to your cunt.
“Mmgh-“ Your legs squirmed as the vibration was soft against your sensitive heat. You felt your hips grinding against the toy, desiring more and more stimulation. Answering your desperation, Jouno turned the vibration up a notch with the controller. And another.
“Cry for me.” He presssed it hard against your clit, making your body shake with pleasure. Ecstasy overwhelmed all of your limbs, electricity quivering from your feet up to your head. “You like that so much, don’t you?” He cooed mockingly, rubbing the vibrator up and down your pussy. You moaned in response, grinding against the vibrator with such intensity your body felt sore already.
It fucked into your folds, your legs violently shaking as you tried to ground yourself with something- anything. But with your hands cuffed behind you, unable to move your arms at all, and with this beautiful man in front of you fucking you so hard with a vibrator, all with a smug smile on his face as you struggled to keep your sanity- you came all over the little machine.
“Fuck…” You moaned, tilting your head back as your entire body spasmed. Jouno kept the vibrator against you for a few more seconds, before finally pulling away.
You had closed your eyes, grounding yourself from all of the stimulation. You felt his lips, now soft, kiss at the bruise on your shoulder. He let his lips move to the others, all from the aftermath of that spar you had earlier. You had practically forgotten about them the entire time.
“Tired, lovely?” Jouno pressed his forehead to yours, listening to the sound of your decreasing heartbeat. “I’ll clean you up. Perhaps I should’ve waited until you weren’t newly injured from a spar.”
“No, I- I needed that.” You swallowed, head still reeling from the event. “…Thank you.”
He grinned and pulled his head away from yours. “Interesting that you can never resist me, even when wounded.”
“I’m hardly wounded- it’s small cuts and bruises.” You protested quietly, sighing.
“My point stands. Come on, let’s get you home.”
#bungou stray dogs#jouno saigiku#saigiku jōno#bsd#smut#bsd jouno#anime#fanfic#jouno x reader#x reader#x female reader#x female y/n
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I can imagine Darling trying to initiate something sexual with Yves, but due to their inexperience, they fuck up and offend Yves. Yves would have that serious talk with Darling and they would be filled with so much guilt and embarrassment from the rejection and scolding. They apologize and vow that this will never happen again, and begin to over correct themselves, never having their hands make contact with Yves ever again. The only time the two would touch is if Yves is the one initiating it. Even then, Darling's hands are glued to their side, not wanting to make another mistake.
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Do not make things sexual with Yves.
Yves knows you better than anyone. Even yourself. If he knows that you tend to beat yourself up repeatedly after being scolded, no matter how mild, he will take on a much more gentle approach.
Immediately after telling you off, receiving a satisfactory apology, and knowing that you're in a very vulnerable state, full of debilitating shame, Yves will soothe the pain by reverting back to being flirty and sensual in nature. Praising how you're such a sweet and good person for recognizing your transgressions and having a strong will to change for him. Intent is also very important, he will make sure you know he deeply appreciates that you find him extremely attractive, making lewd comments and/or touching him inappropriately is just not the way to express it.
He will take you in his arms, and let your hands touch him as long as it doesn't stray too near to his no-no territories. Yves wants you to know that he still yearns and craves for your skinship, he is not at all disgusted at you. He still wants you fully, just not in a way that degrades him.
The talk will be long. It will go to many different places relating to your views on sexuality, consent, and decorum. There will be guilt, there will be embarrassment, yes. But Yves is someone who likes to be clear, and direct and leaves no room for misunderstanding. He will firmly and lovingly lay out his expectations in the future, telling you what is okay and what is not for him. You are free to ask him any hypotheticals and he will answer it precisely without sparing any details.
You are free to tell Yves what you're expecting of him too even if he already knew what you thought of him. If you think that he led you on with his teasing, he will remind you that the nature of his flirting is nowhere as lewd, raunchy, or filthy as you thought it was. Looking back, it is true. It may be sensual, suggestive, exciting, and heart-fluttering, but it was never explicitly, horrendously sexual. What you said or tried to do completely came out of left field. Going through this route will leave you red-faced.
You will have to face some difficult emotions and heaps of awkwardness, you will cringe at yourself and at Yves. But, he will guide you through it all. He will teach you patiently how to navigate through your feelings and let go of any anger or hatred that you hold against yourself for doing something wrong. You will learn that there is nothing to be afraid of when having a conversation about heavy topics like these Most importantly, you will learn how to forgive yourself and move on.
You might think the 'magic' is gone after this chat. Perhaps you may think affection from you or he feels... icky and strange. But, it isn't. You would surprisingly enjoy it much more than before, now knowing what to do. It will be much more comfortable, knowing his boundaries and knowing yours.
Yves isn't cruel. He wouldn't let you marinade in your anguish for offending the man you care about, his goal wasn't to punish or hurt, it was to teach a lesson and rectify unacceptable behavior. He would only do so if you're hostile and defensive, refusing to accept what you did was depraved and blaming Yves for being too sensitive instead.
This lengthy, laborious conversation will occur regardless of your personality type. Because, while Yves may be the closest thing to a mind reader, you are not. But that is quite alright, he isn't afraid to feel, and he isn't afraid of awkwardness.
He loves you and only wishes to see you happy, thriving, and unburdened.
#yandere male#yandere concept#oc yves#yandere oc#tw yandere#yandere x you#yandere oc x reader#yandere#male yandere oc x reader#yandere x reader
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The founder of ChatGPT maker OpenAI has denied claims that he sexually abused his sister when she was a child.
In response to a lawsuit in the US, Sam Altman, 39, said that claims he assaulted his sibling from the age of three were “utterly untrue”.
In her filing, Ann Altman alleged she was sexually abused by her brother between 1997 and 2006.
She said the abuse started when she was three and Sam Altman was 12, adding that the last instance of assault took place when the latter was an adult.
The tech billionaire addressed the allegations from Ms Altman, 30, in a social media post overnight, claiming the “situation causes immense pain to our entire family”.
In a joint statement with his mother and two brothers, Mr Altman said: “Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is incredibly difficult.
“Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, and especially Sam. We’ve chosen not to respond publicly, out of respect for her privacy and our own.
“However, she has now taken legal action against Sam, and we feel we have no choice but to address this.
“Over the years, she has accused members of the family of improperly withholding our father’s 401k funds, hacking her Wi-Fi, and ‘shadowbanning’ her from various websites including ChatGPT, Twitter and more.
“The worst allegation she has made is that she was sexually abused by Sam as a child (she has also claimed instances of sexual abuse from others). Her claims have evolved drastically over time. Newly for this lawsuit, they now include allegations of incidents where Sam was over 18.”
Mr Altman founded OpenAI in 2015, since building a global profile thanks to the rapid success of its AI chatbot ChatGPT.
He is poised to make billions of dollars from his stake in OpenAI, although he has already achieved a vast fortune thanks to investments in companies such as Stripe and Reddit.
He also hit the headlines in 2023 when he was dramatically fired and re-hired over the course of five days at OpenAI after he was accused of misleading the board.
A subsequent review cleared Mr Altman of any wrongdoing and he was later restored to his position. He remains OpenAI’s chief executive.
Meanwhile, Ann Altman’s lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, requests a jury trial and damages in excess of $75,000.
The lawsuit claims she has experienced severe emotional distress and faces mounting medical bills related to her mental health treatment.
Ms Altman, who is estranged from her brothers and mother, has previously given interviews alleging the family kept money from her that was left for her by their father.
In the family statement, Mr Altman said his sister had been given monthly financial support and had been offered a house through a trust. It said she receives money from her late father’s estate which is expected to continue for the rest of her life.
In addition to the family statement, Mr Altman posted comments on X which he said had been sent by his sister’s lawyers to his own.
It said his sister would “seek discovery on Sam Altman’s net worth and present Sam Altman’s net worth to the jury for consideration on a punitive damages award”.
Under Missouri state law, plaintiffs can bring claims for childhood sexual abuse up until the age of 31.
Mr Altman and OpenAI have been contacted for comment.
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**Warning: this post is not actually Byler or Stranger Things related (specifically)! Rather, it is a post about the blog, more specifically why I haven't been very active recently, but I do mention these things and I tagged them bc they are what my blog is about, therefore the ppl who know me probably do through these tags, so it felt right to do so. If anyone would like me to remove these tags, just say the words and I will!**
I'm writing this post because I want to apologize for being so inactive lately. Now, I know there's not anyone who sits and waits for me to post or celebrated every time I post or anything like that, but I still feel guilty. I've felt like such a part of the Byler (and ST) community here on Tumblr for the short amount of time that I've been on here, so idk, I just feel like I'm letting myself down ig, and possibly others for not contributing to this community I love so much.
I realize this is kinda sounding like a goodbye post, but it's absolutely not! It's actually kinda the opposite, because I'm here to say that I'm going to try to start posting regularly again! However... I still can't say that in full confidence just yet.
I'm now going to go into the reason(s) I've been so distant from this blog lately, and it may get a little personal, so feel free to scroll past if you don't wanna read anything more :) [also very slight trigger warning for bad mental states and terminal illness]
Okay, I'm aware I just said "reasons", as in plural, but there's really only one main reason that has kinda branched off into more (in a way). So what started it all: my uncle, who I've grown up quite close to, as all my family is very close (for example, growing up, we would have "family night"s every weekend where all ~10 of us would sit around and play games, laughing and talking for hours on end) was diagnosed with a very rapidly spreading terminal illness. Now, I'm not going to go into enough detail to say what it is, but I will say that his current life expectancy is 2-5 years, probably even less due to his severity. He also has a 13 year old daughter, who is now being faced with this awful situation, as well. This whole thing, as one would probably guess, has rocked my family to the core.
I think I've mentioned this before, but I am someone who does not get emotional. I rarely ever cry. I bring this up because one of the reasons I'm finding it hard to be active is because right now, I'm dealing with a lot of guilt and grief and part of the reason I'm feeling it so deeply is because I haven't cried over him yet. I feel like an awful human being, I feel like an awful niece. I just feel awful. His daughter, that I mentioned before, has always been closer to me than any of my other (younger) cousins have, so I feel even more awful for her and the fact that she is having to deal with all of this at such a young age. Anyways, to get to the point, these past few months I've been feeling like absolute garbage, and I've been so mad at the world it's honestly not even describable.
Okay, now, where does this blog come in? Well, at first I distanced myself just because I couldn't find the motivation to post, however I was still using ST and Byler to distract myself from it all. I couldn't think about really anything but my family, ST, and finals by the last week of this school semester. Then, finally, because of the break, I could sit down and find pure comfort in both Stranger Things (and my favorite Thai BLs) again. I thought about actively posting on the blog again. But then the wrapping happened. And it's like one of the only things that was bringing me comfort was also suddenly bringing me immense sadness at the same time. I knew it was coming, so I thought I would be ready, but it really overwhelmed me, and I lost all of my motivation yet again. After the comfort of spending Christmas with my family, including my uncle, I wouldn't say I feel better but I've at least more-so come to terms with everything. And I've also, still needing my #1 comfort show, already gone back to watching ST, so I finally feel like I'll be able to post again.
Now, there's other things that have been contributing to my stress, such as school in general, the thought that I might not want to be a math teacher after all (despite wanting that for as long as I can remember), my parents being stupid, and other stuff. But this is the main thing plaguing my life and my thoughts at the moment so... yeah.
I understand that this is probably stupid to some, talking about my blog and Stranger Things when this awful thing is happening in my life, and I also understand that most people probably won't even read this, but this blog and community is truly something that brings me joy, and I felt like all the the friends I've felt I've made on here deserved some type of explanation for my sudden disappearance.
If you've made it this far, congrats! I'm sorry I put you through reading this! I hope to see you when I make my next post, which will hopefully be very soon! <3
#sorry if there's lots of errors or if this doesn't make much sense but i wrote this all in one go and i don't really want to read back over#anyways#if anyone cares#this is why i've been gone from this blog here recently#jay's saying stuff :)#(wow that smiley feels out of place here)#i'm tagging these next things because they are what my blog focuses on#mike wheeler#byler#stranger things
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fix of you
jack hughes x f!reader
warnings: swearing (c-word), mentions and descriptions of drugs and alcohol usage (class b), effects of weed, reader is kind of a relatable asshole at moments? (you can make your own conclusions), brief joke of alcoholism as an attempt at easing tension, mentions of cheating and subsequent emotional damage, mentions of casual relationships, toxic relationships/exes, internal dialogue, fluff and reassurance
psa: i'm gonna be honest, i don't remember writing most of this
word count: like 8.4k??
Rudy was so far gone – so pissed up his own arse – that he misjudged your horror for excitement. How he’d managed to do that was completely beyond you, because immediately after clamping your eyes on him, you’d frozen entirely, before ducking out of potential eyeline before he could see you.
He being…someone complicated – Lewis. Even the mere sight of him left a sour taste in your mouth.
Rudy, bless his pure soul, had turned to you, an eyebrow somehow raised despite his deeply intoxicated state of mind, and pouted.
“What?” You asked, awkwardly looking towards the bar to avoid being under his scrutiny.
“What was that? You looked at Lewis and just fuckin’, I don’t know, dipped.” Rudy slurred, spinning in his chair clumsily and looking straight at Lewis, who – thank fuck – was talking to the person next to him and seemingly oblivious to Rudy’s obviousness.
You knew the two of them were friends, and somehow through the madness and spontaneity of the text Rudy had sent out to everyone in his contacts, that fact had escaped your mind entirely, and that only seemed to increase your drive for another drink and the need to get yourself the hell out of there. You’d been contemplating ditching for a while anyway – the ‘party’ was beginning to die a little, but the only reason you’d stayed was because Rudy was way too high to even be trusted to get home safely. Naturally, that responsibility had fallen onto your shoulders.
You shrugged, “Nothing. I just don’t like the guy.”
He spun back around, patting the bar, and only seconds later – seemingly pulled out of thin air – a shot glass with amber sloshing liquid slid across the surface. You didn’t bother attempting to snatch it out of his hand, knowing it’d only irritate him.
“How come?”
You swung your head towards him, incredulous. He knew perfectly well why. He was the only one who did.
“Because the two months we were in an established, exclusive relationship he was sleeping with someone else when he was ‘working’.” You snatched the next shot that slid down the bar and nabbed it for yourself, barely flinching when the burn soothed your throat, “Is this tequila?” You asked, eyes wide.
“Yes, it’s tequila. And I remember now, he was kind of a dick to you.” Rudy shrugged, wobbling on the stool.
You felt your irritation flare for a second, watching him laugh and smile to himself and play off how absolutely awfully Lewis had treated you, like it was nothing. You gave him the benefit of the doubt considering he was all kinds of pissed, but you couldn’t help the defence mechanisms kicking in as you picked apart what he’d just casually said.
“Kind of? Kind of a dick?” You echoed, rolling your eyes as Rudy froze, recognising the poorly hidden frustration in your voice. You’d also had a lot to drink, but it clearly wasn’t enough considering you seemed to latch on to the smallest details.
To save your own sanity, you put up your hands in surrender, and Rudy watched, mildly impressed at your restraint, as you left the bar entirely and made your way outside.
You were done with pretty much everything inside that building; Rudy, and most of all, Lewis. The guy got your blood boiling unlike you’d ever felt, and the more you thought about it, the more you wanted to yell and scream until your throat was raw and bleeding and your voice was hoarse because you had to let all this unsanctioned anger out somehow. It was crushing you inside and out, and it was weird – you were confused by it. You and Lewis had only dated for two months, and it wasn’t even that serious.
You figured if you’d paid a little more attention to him during your relationship, you’d have been able to put the pieces together a little quicker, but the guy was intelligent. Cunning, sly, slimy. There weren’t enough insulting adjectives to describe the chilling way he managed to get under your skin.
It made you want to get into a shower and scrub your skin – knowing you’d willingly let him touch you.
It had ended four months ago, but the lasting impact he’d had on you was somewhat unexpected—
“Oh, hey.” A voice shook you out from inside your own head, and you looked up, moving out of the way from the door.
There were two of them, crowded around a cigarette, and they had an element of vague familiarity about them. The girl was the one who’d spoken, and when you turned to look at her, feeling a little caught under her gaze, she smiled.
“Hey.” You replied, slowly stepping towards them.
She picked a tin from her pocket and flicked the lid open.
Oh, now you know where you recognised her from. She supplies Rudy, and you were pretty sure you’d bought from her before; nothing serious, never anything serious – which was probably why she was only offering you a blunt.
You hesitated, stuffing your hands in your pockets. Realistically, if you smoked one right now, you knew the chances of Rudy getting home safely would be significantly lower, but that jumpy, itchy feeling nestling its way under your skin was almost overwhelming. It felt like being in a supermarket, faced with a wall of the same bag of crisps, and you could hear people talking and walking, the label on your jumper was scratching the back of your neck, your head felt funny and your shoes were too tight.
Yeah, it kind of felt like a sensory overload.
And you also knew – without a fucking doubt – that a joint would take all of that away. The sound of the music filtering through the front door would melt to a soft tune in the back of your mind, the tightness in your chest would ease up, and you sure as hell wouldn’t give a shit about Lewis.
The woman seemed to sense your internal dilemma, and before you could answer, the tin lid snapped shut.
You smiled apologetically, “Yeah, I probably shouldn’t.”
She shrugged, still smiling politely as she tucked it back into her jacket pocket, accepting her own blunt from her company, “Hey, it’s no problem, you just looked like you could use one.”
“Honestly, I did, but…not tonight.”
And before you could even so much as breathe, the door to The Championship was slamming open and out walks…a girl? Making a direct beeline for you, it would seem.
She was wearing faded jeans with a simple green crewneck, as though she hadn’t expected to make an appearance tonight, and her flaming red hair was resting against her collarbones – cut in sharp layers. She looked elegant, and a little classy, and undoubtedly pretty, but for the life of you, you could not place her.
But the way she was smiling at you – controlled and easy (not drunk?) – you’d have thought you’d known each other for years.
“Hey, you must be Y/N.” She started, stopping in front of you and crossing her arms.
You nodded, a little confused, “I’m sorry, do I know you?” You asked, curious. She’d come from inside the bar, so she’d obviously been invited to tag along to Rudy’s party, but even then you were sure you’d not seen her inside. You’d remember hair as red as that anywhere – it was breathtaking.
She laughed a little awkwardly, her eyes flicking back to the window momentarily “Not yet–”
Shit, did that sound menacing.
“My name’s Marnie,” you felt the penny drop, and the smile on your face melted a little, “I’m Lewis’s girlfriend.”
The silence was unbearable, but the one thing you could think of at that moment was holy fuck you should have accepted that joint. You wanted to laugh, you felt the bubbles of amusement begin to rise, but they popped before they could escape, dissipating somewhere along the lines of–
Marnie, what a fucking bitch.
So this was the girl Lewis had been sleeping with all throughout your relationship?
Now, you were a feminist, you really were. But you kind of drew the line about here. You were well aware that she knew you were in a relationship with Lewis, and she was well aware you knew that, if the cautious smile on her face was anything to go by – and something about her having the audacity to approach you and introduce herself even despite that knowledge deeply unsettled you.
Deeply.
It looked like she was expecting some kind of blown up reaction on your end, because her eye was twitching fractionally – she’d put herself that close you could see it – and the smile on her face was clearly slipping with every second you refused to give her the satisfaction of reacting to that little piece of information.
So you smiled, heart hammering with something. Adrenaline? Dread? At this point the lines had blurred to the point of disfiguration.
“Well, it’s always nice putting a face to the name.” You said stiffly, sarcastically.
You weren’t doing much to hide your distaste for the entire situation. Why bother? They’d already done the damage, what was the worst you could do?
She ignored it, though, and the smile on her face grew – as though she genuinely thought you were cooperating with her, “I was thinking–”
Dear God, please don’t let this be–
“That because your friends with Rudy and Rudy’s friends with Lewis, that we’re probably going to be spending some time around each other, right?”
Fuck.
You nodded reluctantly, already sensing where this car crash of a night was going to head.
“Would you want to have a few drinks…you know, until this awkwardness is resolved?” She asked.
Why, why, why, why? Why would she even think that was a good idea?
“I’ll pay.” She added, clearly as an afterthought to try to convince you.
For emotional damage? You laughed internally.
“Because I’m an alcoholic?” You joked lamely, resisting the urge to roll your eyes and wince at your own devastating sense of humour at wildly inappropriate times. It was dark and not actually true, but you knew what Lewis had thought of you when you were together. He was always muttering something about your bad habits – and so what if you enjoyed a singular glass of red wine in the bath every now and then? – and you could tell from the taken aback and slightly flushed look that Marnie had suddenly sported, that he’d influenced some of his own opinions onto her.
“No, no.” She stuttered, shaking her head, “I just want to do this…for Rudy.”
Godfuckingdammit.
Either she was a good reader of people, or she was just lucky, because there was no one in the entire world who could possibly persuade you to do this, apart from maybe Rudy. He was your soft spot, and right now, you hated that soft spot possibly more than Lewis and his stupid face.
You shut your eyes, hands waving with a mind of their own, “Sure.”
You regretted it instantly, even more so when Marnie grinned.
“That’s great—”
“I just need to make a phone call, and I’ll be right there.” You interrupted, automatically sliding your phone out of your pocket, not waiting for her to answer before you stepped away, taking a seat on the edge of the pavement. It was a quiet night, barely any cars on the road, and if someone saw you talking on the phone, you knew the likelihood of being approached would be slim to none.
Besides, if someone happened to come up behind you, you had—
Oh. They’d gone.
You sighed, noticing you were now alone, and stood up. There was no way you would willingly sit with your back facing the sidewalk in the dark without someone watching you. So you leant against the window of the bar, thumb hovering over a contact, that, even at reading, made something flutter in your chest.
Nerves, anticipation, the whole lot. You were smiling before you’d even clicked the call button.
He picked up on the fourth ring, and you found yourself smiling bashfully at the floor even before you heard his voice.
If three-month-ago-you saw yourself now, she’d be mortified.
“Hey.” You started, foot kicking at a broken piece of glass.
“Hey.” You could tell he was smiling just from the tone of his voice – it was painfully distinguishable.
“What are you doing right now?” You asked, praying with everything in you that he’d be free. You knew he had training today – it had finished at around four, so technically he’d had time to sleep off the exhaustion, and he had tomorrow off…so, in theory, he should be free.
But given the hectic schedule he seemed to live by, you would be in no way offended if he decided to turn you down right now. You’d turn you down if you were being honest.
There was some rustling, and you deduced he must have pushed himself from a sofa or bed, “Absolutely fucking nothing. Please take me out of my misery.” He breathed a laugh to disguise his plea, and the sound of it sent chills through your body, a certain giddiness igniting in you knowing he’d pretty much show up for you right now, even if it was to watch some crappy movie in your apartment. Unfortunately for him, the reality was a lot less exciting.
Before you could interject and ask him, however, he was talking again, “Is that music?”
You turned your head, looking straight into the bar. You hadn’t exactly realised how loud the music was, but when you spotted Rudy messing around near the jukebox and speakers, that issue kind of answered itself, “Yeah, I’m at The Championship bar, you know the one that’s like a five minute walk from yours?”
There was a beat of silence, “Oh, the one on the corner by the deli? Yeah, I know that one.”
It only occurred to you then, due to Jack’s awkward answer – an open statement left half-hanging, that you hadn’t actually asked him to meet you there, or even given any indication you wanted to see him.
You barely wasted a second before the invitation had toppled from your lips, “I was wondering if you wanted to come by? Rudy’s decided to throw a party and it’s honestly torture.” You hesitated, expecting him to fill the silence, but when he didn’t interject with anything, you continued, heart pounding with the anticipation of what you were about to admit, “And we haven't seen each other in a while so I’m kind of missing my fix of you lately.” You completed it with an awkward laugh, hoping the statement sounded less casual than what you truly meant.
That was what you and Jack were, amongst other things: casual. Or, you thought you were. It had started as an awkward blind date but he ended up staying the night and after a minor misjudgement on your behalf, he’d ended up at the door of your apartment building, a bag of Indian food in hand and an apology because he’d ditched you in the morning even after the promise of breakfast. And against your better judgement, you guys had been…friends (with a question mark) since then.
Nothing else had happened, but you seemed to have a sort of unspoken relationship. One that meant you’d be smiling at your phone at inappropriate times.
So, naturally, you were kind of curious as to what his reaction would be.
“I’m missing you, too.” He paused, and you felt a twinge of relief flood your system, almost overriding the buzz of alcohol you’d consumed earlier. Jack tended to have that effect, whether you liked it or not. “I’ll be there in two minutes.”
“But it takes five at a minimum?” You smiled again, eyes glancing to the direction you knew he’d be coming from, even though darkness shrouded the path and realistically he wouldn’t appear in that moment.
“Then I’ll run. You sound like you need saving.” He laughed, and you could distantly hear the slam of his door shut over the phone, his keys in the lock.
You rolled your eyes, “Don’t wear yourself out.”
“Not possible. I have incredible stamina.”
The insinuation was bold, but it dissipated some of the tension in your shoulders. The relief you felt purely based on the reassurance that it wouldn’t take him long to reach you felt wrong in a sense; that you relied on his presence to alleviate some of the stress from the awkward situation both yourself and Rudy had placed you in.
It felt careless.
“Yeah, your hockey skills really prove that. I’ll be waiting inside…trying to have fun until you get here.”
“Only as long as you pretend to have fun when I actually get there.”
“No need to pretend.”
You heard him breathe a laugh, “I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye.”
You hung up, steeling yourself as you walked back through the door, feigning a smile when Lewis lifted a hand up from where he and Marnie had claimed a booth. You went straight to the bar, knocking into Rudy from where he was sitting back on a stool.
“Where the hell did you go?” He asked, dramatically looking at your shoes and then moving back up to your face, eyes wobbling and cheeks flushed.
“Outside.” You answered, grabbing two bottles of beer from the ice bucket. You weren’t entirely sure if Jack would want a drink when he got here, but seeing as Rudy had somehow booked an ‘all expenses paid for’ event, you figured there was no harm done.
“Why–” Rudy stopped talking, blinking dumbly as it clicked that you’d taken two bottles, “Why two?” He pointed lazily, before collapsing on top of his hands against the counter surface.
“Because Jack’s coming.” You stated simply.
“As in the Jack who I haven’t met yet?”
“The very one.”
“Ooh.” He let out a slack giggle, and you shook your head, smiling a little at his antics. You felt yourself colour at his eyebrow wiggle, a flicker of pride touching your heart at the mere notion of finally sharing the brilliance of Jack with your friend – singular because Rudy was a part of a different sphere to who you usually spend your time with.
Rudy probably wouldn’t even remember meeting him this time around anyway.
So you patted him on the back and slid across the booth so you were sitting directly across from Lewis.
He’d had a haircut since the last time you’d seen him, and there were wisps of facial hair tickling his cheeks. He looked weird, worn and a little on edge. And the sight of him sent an alarm blaring through your mind, red flags metaphorically swimming in your line of vision.
A well of words flew through your mind: disgusting, cheater, dick, bastard, liar, sociopath, fucking bitch.
He didn’t inspire much positivity. At all. It had you questioning why the fuck you even agreed to Marnie’s request in the first place, because you didn’t even have to be here. You didn’t have to put yourself through this undoubtedly horrific conversation for the sake of fucking Rudy – who was practically passed out and unaware to everything that was currently going on around him.
No one said anything until the tension was seemingly too much for Lewis to take, because he nodded to the second bottle of beer you’d placed on the table next to your spot, “Are you waiting for someo–”
You vaguely heard the door shut, and in another world – if Marnie hadn't frozen in her place with her own drink midway to her mouth, jaw falling slack as her eyes followed something across the room – you wouldn’t have thought anything of it.
“That’s Jack Hughes.” She gaped, and your heart stuttered in your chest.
Lewis’s words were lost on everyone, and all three of your heads turned around just in time to see Jack pause by the door, seemingly taken aback by the small crowd of people blocking his view from everyone seated in booths. Because your back was to him, you spun around in the booth, pulling yourself up onto your knees so you could peer over the top of the wooden brackets, waving a hand to catch his attention.
There were a few brief seconds where his eyes were stuck on Rudy, and without even realising it, you caught yourself checking him out, assessing him from head to toe, right from his trainers to the Yankees cap pulled over his eyes. You were pretty impressed Marnie had recognised him so instantly, especially considering Jack had clearly dressed for subtlety.
He’d gone for a pair of jeans, the legs baggy, and a navy V-neck jumper, a white shirt peeking out from underneath. You weren’t a fashion expert by any means, but somehow that washed out denim Yankees hat topped it all off, and he looked good. His hair was a little shorter than the last time you’d seen him, but it still poked out from underneath his hat in waves. Even from where you were admiring him, you could tell he’d shaved recently.
Shit, he looked insanely good. To the point where you didn’t know if you’d be able to stand not touching him tonight.
Your hand had frozen in place, elbow resting against the wooden platform, and it was only when he’d caught you over the crowd of heads that you realised exactly how you’d reacted to him. He smiled, wasting no time in dodging past several people as he made his way over to your booth.
You slid down, waiting for him to join you, cheeks burning and fighting the intensely strong urge to grin as you took a sip of beer to avoid the questioning gaze from Lewis. You figured he was confused; ice hockey had never really been his thing.
Honestly, it hadn’t been your thing until you met Jack, but…here you were.
You found yourself running a hand through your hair, suddenly aware you hadn’t looked in a mirror in the last few hours, and before he’d even sat down and before he was even within a four foot radius, you already knew you were going to have way more fun with Jack in the same room.
By the time he’d appeared at the end of the booth, that gorgeous smile on his face – cheeks a little red (you assumed he kept his promise and ran over, considering it had barely been five minutes, and his cheeks were tinged from exhaustion) – your eyes were shining with excitement. You felt like a little kid – you guys hadn’t seen each other in a couple of weeks because he’d been on a roadie, but you never would have guessed you’d be so giddy to see him again.
“Hey.” He greeted, and it was as though you’d been overtaken by some sort of tunnel vision, because you missed the look shared between Lewis and Marnie – all because Jack wasn’t paying them a single shred of attention. His eyes were boring into yours, and that smile you’d been hiding broke free as you reached for him, pulling him into the booth next to you.
“Hey,” you replied, before suddenly remembering the pair sitting opposite, and you turned back to them, unable to help yourself from looking back at Jack, as though you couldn't quite get enough of him. You caught a waft of his aftershave when he sat down…as if he couldn’t get any more irresistible, “Jack, this is Marnie and Lewis; Marnie, Lewis,” you gestured lazily to the man next to you, “Jack.”
You felt Jack pull his attention away from you to politely greet the couple sitting next to each other; Marnie was the picture of awe, her eyes were wide and she was drinking Jack up, not quite able to believe he was sitting across from her. You didn’t have her down for being an ice hockey fan, but you kind of loved how uncomfortable Lewis was at the attention she was paying Jack and not him.
He was jealous, for sure. His jaw was ticking and you could vaguely see him sizing Jack up across the table, a misty curiosity lingering in the depths of his eyes as to just why his girlfriend knew who this guy was when he clearly had no fucking clue.
“Nice to meet you guys.” Jack smiled, casually draping an arm over the back of your bench, his hand gently touching your far shoulder.
In return, you discreetly shuffled a little closer on the bench – though the task in itself seemed almost nearly impossible considering how easily he’d slotted himself in next to you, his hip pressed to yours and the lengths of your things touching – and crossed one leg, resting your knee on his thigh.
It was casual, not altogether touchy, but you could sense the scrutiny from across the table.
“How did you two meet?” It was Marnie that jumped in first, eyes completely fixed on Jack and not paying any other soul a single shred of attention. It was a little amusing, but at the same time – you were kind of…off?
You couldn’t place the sudden ugly, bitter taste in your mouth, but it made you want to grab Jack’s hand and leave immediately. But you guys weren’t anything established or exclusive, so that kind of felt misplaced.
Then you immediately felt guilty because you’d dragged Jack out of his house only to place him into the questioning hands of a woman you barely trusted, let alone knew. The last thing you wanted was for him to feel like he was cornered.
“Through a mutual friend.” You answered, shrinking in on yourself.
You felt Jack pass an inquisitive glance over you, but you refused to look at him.
“Oh.” Marnie was disappointed with the lack of detail, you could tell.
Lewis cleared his throat, sitting a little straighter as everyone's attention returned to him, “What do you do, Jack?”
It felt an awful lot like an interrogation.
It was clearly the wrong thing to say in front of Marnie, because her eyes narrowed and her cheeks flared a little in embarrassment. She must have clipped Lewis under the table, because you saw him flinch as though he’d been poked.
“I play hockey.” He answered, a little awkwardly. You could tell he was trying to hold back, maintain his modesty for the sake of not making Lewis feel a little silly; you guessed he was also holding back because he knew Marnie had recognised him.
“Oh,” Lewis began, furrowing his brows, “So that’s a full time thing? Like in the big leagues?”
Marnie paled, her eyes slipping towards the ceiling. You half expected her to facepalm at the comedic faces she was making, but she bit her lip, taking a drink.
You felt Jack’s ribs squeeze at your side. He was trying not to laugh.
“Yeah, I play in the NHL.”
Lewis swallowed, realisation settling in as he nodded, “Shit, so you’re good, then?”
Jack shrugged, ever humble, “I’m alright.”
For some reason, through a short burst of enthusiasm, you felt compelled to contribute, “He’s amazing,” you told Lewis, nodding and fighting a proud smile. Even saying Jack was amazing still felt like an under-exaggeration. You turned to look at him, allowing the smile to take over a little, “You’re amazing.”
His cheeks flushed and he suppressed a smile, twisting his hat around so it faced backwards on his head. You found yourself preferring it that way; you could see more of his face. The tired shadows under his eyes and the smile lines creased into his skin like a tattoo.
“Thanks.”
You took a deep breath, pulling yourself away from his magnetic composure, “So, how have you guys been?”
Lewis let out a breath, looking to Marnie for assurance. She, on the other hand, sat up straighter, determined to take some control over the slipping situation. It was painfully clear to her that neither you or Jack were particularly interested in maintaining a real conversation with either her or Lewis – you were much too taken with each other – and neither of you were exactly trying to hide that fact.
In fact, to Marnie, she felt as though she was intruding in on something private.
“We’ve been good, I just got promoted.” She said awkwardly, met with silence and mildly impressed looks – not really caring.
She briefly wondered if Jack knew what had gone down between the three people he was sharing a table with.
He didn’t.
He was just too enamoured with you.
“What exactly is it you do?” You asked, now finding the humour in asking questions. It might have appeared mean, but it was the only way you could actually cope talking to them. Answering questions and so obviously pretending you were interested was entertaining.
Passive-aggressive and petty, sure, but this was what Marnie had asked for.
She swallowed a mouthful of her drink, vaguely surprised at being questioned, “I work in a school – I just got promoted to head of department.” She noticed your confused expression, her eyes flickering to where Jack had replaced his arm along the back of the booth, this time twirling your hair in his hand absentmindedly. He was looking at her, at least acknowledging the conversation – much unlike Lewis, who’d turned on his phone and was scrolling through Twitter. “History. Head of the History Department in a High School.” She elaborated.
“Well done.” You cringed inwardly, knowing your effort of a congratulations was hilariously lacking in authenticity.
It seemed the awkward and noticeable tension had finally gotten to Jack – who’d never really been able to sit still and comfortably in such situations – who straightened, eyes zipping between everyone as if only just realising the unfortunate dynamic between everyone but him. He looked to Lewis, who – the coward – was purposefully avoiding eye contact with everyone; to Marnie, who’s hand was rubbing against her thigh, her eyes wide with traces of panic but managing it with a tight smile that was too wide to possibly be natural.
Then he looked at you. You were drawing shapes on the leg of your pants, the knee not resting on him diddling up and down under the table. You only did that when you were nervous or caught off guard by something.
Your eyes kept worriedly darting between Marnie and the back door exit – looking rather like you wanted to be anywhere else but here.
He hoped you still wanted to be with him wherever your desired place was, but he recognised that internal need to just get the fuck out.
If he was being honest, he’d never seen anyone look so damn uncomfortable by the people they’d chosen to spend time with, and he doubted you’d spend time with people that inspired that level of unease willingly.
Or maybe you would? He didn’t know you that well to know it for certain, but he knew you well enough to say with some certainty that there was something he was missing.
If anything, it seemed like the odd couple seated opposite him were a little sheepish or guilty about something, and the only way he knew he could get an answer immediately was if he just…went for it.
Asked.
“So how exactly do you guys know each other?” He asked, gently and cautiously probing at the silence.
In his defence, he wouldn’t have had to ask if he’d have been briefed prior to arriving and clearly disrupting the middle of something. There was history there, definitely.
What he wasn’t expecting was a dark laugh to escape you and for Lewis and Marnie to look like a pair of deer caught in the headlights. You leant forwards and rested your elbows on the table, twisting your body to face him, looking almost pleased with yourself.
“Yeah, how do we know each other?” You directed the question to the others, your levels of amusement boosted incredibly.
Marnie looked almost ashamed, and Lewis…Lewis looked like a pickled dick with sunburn.
Neither one of them said anything and you practically felt Jack’s confusion triple in the silence. Honestly, you were kind of hoping they’d answer for you.
It’d save you some embarrassment – misplaced embarrassment, of course – but ultimately your frustration won you over.
They had a right to look so ashamed of themselves.
“Lewis and I dated for a couple of months.” You admitted, watching Jack’s reaction carefully.
His eyes seemed to narrow – incredibly fractionally, and you knew that slight change would have been lost on Marnie and Lewis – and his gaze flicked from you to Lewis, almost assessing him. He kept his gaze on him for a while, before a low, almost disbelieving, “Really?” Was heard.
Lewis blushed, clearing his throat, “Yeah.”
Jack slid his eyes back over to you, arching an eyebrow. You couldn’t quite grasp what he was thinking, and it sent your heart into a frenzy even thinking about what else you were going to tell him – you couldn’t not. Not if you wanted him like you did.
“And you…” Jack was talking to Marnie, you realised.
The woman in question stuttered at the attention, “I’m his girlfriend.”
Jack could tell something wasn’t being said – the tension and the scraping of the surface of the story didn’t quite add up. Too much tension for a simple ‘we used to date’ admission.
There was an awful silence. It truly was awful. You’d rather have listened to nails being dragged down a chalkboard than listen to that heavy silence of unsaid things.
You felt Jack’s hand flop on top of your leg that was resting across his, and you looked at him. His brows were furrowed and he subtly gestured between Marnie and Lewis, a question written clearly in his face.
At this, you bit your lip momentarily, stealing yourself for what you were about to do. You took a swig of your drink, moving to face the couple.
“Look, I don’t think this is a good idea. I shouldn’t have agreed to sit here and have drinks with you because it’s not healthy. So I’m gonna head out.” You shrugged your coat on your shoulders, accepting nods of agreement, and Jack slid out of the booth, hands in his pockets as he awkwardly waited for you. “But you both deserve each other, really.”
It was a clear jab, but considering all the things you really wanted to say, it was incredibly tame. But you couldn’t help the not-so-subtle whisper of ‘cunts’ escape you as you dragged a rather shocked Jack out of the bar behind you. You walked straight past Rudy; someone must have called his partner because they were attempting to help him get back to his feet, but you weren’t about to stop until you were at least three blocks from The Championship.
Jack didn’t let go of your hand, nor did he say anything as he let you take him on a short trip. He could tell there was something bothering you, that much was evidenced by the rather strong insult you’d chucked at that couple right before you dipped, and he didn’t know whether to laugh or be concerned.
Sure, the insult was kind of funny and Lewis and Marnie’s reactions were priceless – picturesque almost, but he was definitely concerned. Mainly because you hadn’t even acknowledged what had happened, and also because you hadn’t stopped power walking or unlocked your jaw.
He took the initiative, walking a few steps in front of you so you got the idea to follow him instead, and rather than lead you indoors somewhere, he took you down some steps – you almost didn’t recognise it in the dark, but the graffiti pattern against the metal shutters was an instant giveaway.
He’d brought you to your shop. Your closed shop, nonetheless, but it was familiar.
He dropped your hand, not saying a word as he took a seat, his back against the shutters. You didn’t say anything – even despite knowing his back and jeans would undoubtedly be dirty when he stood back up – and took a seat next to him.
“What–” He started, hesitating slightly, “What happened with Lewis and Marnie?”
You swallowed, picking at a loose thread on your jeans, trying to bide time to structure what you wanted to say. In the end, however, you just ripped off the bandaid.
What’s the worst that could happen?
“He cheated on me with Marnie, for pretty much our entire relationship – even though he was the one to ask me if I wanted to be his girlfriend in the first place.” You looked down, huffing a petulant, self-deprecating laugh, “He told me he met her three nights after I agreed to be exclusive, and that they’d been sleeping with each other for the two whole months we were dating.”
Jack’s silence was unnerving, and it stretched a good fifteen seconds. You didn’t regret telling him by any means, but any silence after that kind of confession was enough to send your mind reeling. You wondered what he was thinking, but refused to look at his face for fear of rejection, or an expression you didn’t want to associate with your situation - mostly pity. You didn’t know how you’d take it if Jack was looking at you pityingly.
“Did Marnie know you and Lewis were together?” His voice sounded a little strained, as if he was holding himself back from reacting too much.
“Apparently she knew from the get-go.”
You heard him sigh, a hint of frustration thrown in there.
“Fucking hell.” He muttered, and you felt an arm brush yours.
When you looked at him, his head was resting against the shutters, eyes closed as he folded his arms on top of his knees. He must have sensed you looking towards him, a hint of confusion at his odd reaction, because his eyes suddenly opened and he tilted his head in your direction, a blankness in his face.
It frustrated you, that you couldn’t get a read on him immediately.
“What are you thinking?” You whispered.
Jack cast his eyes beyond you for a minute, “I’m thinking that he was an absolute fucking idiot for treating you that way; that you could do way better – find someone that would treat you like you deserve because…you’re honestly mesmerising, and I can’t comprehend why he’d pull that shit when you were already in his corner.”
Your chest clenched and you held your breath, hoping and anticipating his next words, “You really believe that?”
Jack looked back at you this time, his eyes shimmering in the dark as the light from the streetlamp flashed, “Course I do.”
You felt your brows narrow against your will – not entirely in an accusing manner, but one of complete and utter disbelief. You were completely stuck on how in the world someone could possibly view you in such a positive way – if you’d heard someone talk about their partner in that way, you wouldn’t really be surprised – then again, you hadn’t actually seen any realistic human relationships that procured that level of devotion – and the fact that it was Jack telling you that was how he saw you; Jack who, as far as you were aware, only saw you as a bit of fun?
You were speechless.
“Why?” You managed, your heart pounding so hard against your sternum the action was almost painful.
You’d never been so nervous in your entire life.
He shrugged, as though his thoughts were simply an everyday thing – nothing new that hadn’t occurred or something he hadn’t thought about before, “Honestly?”
You nodded numbly, your entire body tingling.
“You’re kind of everything I want in a partner. I mean,” he took a deep breath, preparing himself, “it’s not necessarily what you stand for, but more just…you that I want.”
Your chest was tight, and your eyes were stinging suddenly – an unexpected wave of emotion crashing over you. You didn’t let it show – that vulnerable feeling, shining from your eyes – though you could tell purely by the way Jack seemed to soften, his face relaxing like he’d realised the weight of the words he’d just placed on you.
Honestly, you were still partially in shock.
Sure, you’d hoped he felt a little more than just teasing friendship, and the only thing that had held you back from mentioning anything to him was the frailty of the friendship you both shared. It was a delicate ecosystem of sorts, that you hadn’t wanted to trespass out of fear of losing him entirely. That was the seeming issue – to you at least – because Jack even showing a shred of feeling towards you was a fantasy you could only imagine.
It felt too good to be true.
And before you could question it or add something to at least give him a hint that he wasn’t alone, he was talking again.
“Can I ask you something?” This time it was his turn to pull his eyes away, only for a brief moment. He looked more scared now than he did when he’d admitted you were - in some sense – the woman of his dreams. It said a lot about Jack as a person; that he wasn’t afraid of revealing how he truly felt, but the notion of you rejecting him was the one thing that had him stalling, “When you invited me, did you want to make Lewis jealous?”
It was clear what he was asking, and your lack of hesitation in answering seemed to ease him up a bit; he took a silent breath – you could see his chest rise in relief.
“No. I invited you because you make me feel like everything is gonna be okay, and I needed that. I didn't invite you to make Lewis jealous because I don’t want him. I just want to see you, like, all the time, every day, for as long as possible.” You gave a delicate laugh, reminding yourself that he’d already made it clear that it was you he’d already chosen, “I’ve really missed you.”
He nudged his elbow into yours, and before you knew it, a smile had broken out on your face – completely against your will.
You were okay with it, because the grin on Jack’s face rivalled pretty much every smile you’d seen him wear. It had you question if he’d ever truly expressed emotion in your presence before, but the edges to it were softer – a tenderness that hid behind the unbridled joy.
“I’ve missed you too. A lot.” He breathed a laugh.
Neither of you were touching – a stark comparison to the bar situation where every inch below the waist had been practically pressed to each other. Somehow, it felt more intimate – that with your words you were able to communicate almost as much as with a single touch. That kind of honesty in your mid-twenties in the jungle of the dating circus was refreshing.
“Look at us, communicating like real adults.” You quipped, unconsciously biting your cheek for a moment, still hazy – you half-expected to wake up, your brain intent on having you believe that this entire scenario was simply a reverie you’d conjured up in your own mind.
“Right? I feel like I’ve matured a decade in the last ten minutes.” He laughed, the sound so sweet you couldn’t help mimicking it. You almost felt guilty drowning out such a beautiful sound.
You shook your head, not in any rush to say much else. You’d said all you wanted to say for now, and the idea of letting it sink in sounded pretty cool.
You were exhausted, too.
“All things considered, I had fun as your fake boyfriend.” He admitted, and you swung your head to face him, amused at his statement.
“Is that the narrative you had in mind when you showed up?” You teased.
He hummed, nodding his head, “How did I do?”
You shook your head in disbelief. Honestly, he’d certainly acted the part, even though his behaviours and little idiosyncrasies in showing his affection towards you in subtle ways hadn’t changed from how he’d usually act.
“I’ve seen better.” You joked, a smile on your face.
He could tell you were kidding, but he feigned offence either way – partly for both your entertainment and also because he was curious as to which direction you’d take it, “Oh, you have multiple fake boyfriends on your roster?”
You shook your head, laughing becoming deeper with every minute change to his facial expression, “You’re my favourite fake boyfriend.”
“Favourite?” He echoed, his smile fading slightly but remaining all the same.
Softening.
“The only fake boyfriend.” Your laughing dwindled, until your cheeks were aching from the intensity of your smile.
You hadn’t realised it, but somehow you’d both unconsciously leaned into each other; your shoulders were pressed tightly together, and your face was slightly tilted towards his, just as he’d tilted down a little.
This kind of tension had always existed between you both; woven and seamlessly inserted between the contrasting fabrics you were made up of, but between the inches separating you, it seemed to have its own life. It felt as obvious as the Northern Lights flashing in the sky – just out of reach but one single motion of you looking upwards would have your heart stuttering and you’d be unable to tear your attention away from the spectacle – there was the acknowledgement that you were experiencing a pivotal moment.
That if you and Jack gave in and removed the last couple of inches, ultimately submitting to your urges, nothing would ever quite be the same between you.
“I don’t want to be your fake boyfriend.” He whispered, eyes flicking down to your lips.
“I don’t want you to be my fake boyfriend, either.” You were almost breathless, the mere thought of what could possibly occur in the next few seconds consuming your entire being until it was all you could think about.
His lips against yours, slotting together in a hot mess, even despite the grimy location.
Until you just couldn’t take it anymore. In those split seconds you’d finished talking, eyes zeroing in on his microexpressions and then fixating on his lips, the patience you’d heroically harbouring vanished, and you found yourself lifting your head, placing a tentative kiss on his lips. It was quick, but you felt the heat almost instantly – it was difficult not to, considering the featherlight contact almost burnt you.
Electrifying.
It barely lasted five seconds, and it hardly took any time for him to respond, his mouth only just beginning to move against yours before you pulled away, almost afraid to venture into previously chartered territory. This was nothing new, but there was something glaringly terrifying straying into commitment – because that what that kiss ultimately symbolised: a short, sweet promise that cemented any and all doubts either of you could have possibly had about the other; a pledge that you were both on the same page.
It did seem, however, that you were holding back, because Jack had barely had any time to properly react to your ministrations before you’d pulled away, and you could feel the heat of his hands hovering over your cheeks – his brows pulled down in confusion even despite the heartbreakingly astonishing smile now permanently etched on his lips.
It was a cheeky one, and you could recognise the glint in his eye from a mile away.
You had a singular second to register exactly what it meant, before he’d dealt the dilemma he’d been battling for an incredibly short amount of time, before you felt his hand – rough yet passionate – rest itself on the side of your jaw, his fingers just reaching into your hair at the back of your neck, before he was pulling you closer, his lips slotting perfectly between yours, and one of your hands automatically made to grab his forearm, the other resting on his shoulder, tickling the ends of his hair.
Like you’d wanted, it was a hot mess; both of you intent on breathing the other in, to the point where you couldn’t tell where you ended and he began. Your mouths were working together in an intricate dance, one that only the both of you seemed able to perform to such a chaotic standard, and it was his tongue that traced your bottom lip eagerly, your mouth parting wider to invite him in.
You were vaguely aware of your screaming lungs and the need to gather air, but your instincts and desire were screaming at you to never let this man go; the very essence of him was addicting to the point you were sure you’d let him annihilate your heart wholly if it meant you’d experience even a shred of his attentions and love in your lifetime.
“Get a room!” A gravelly voice startled you both apart, your hand felling to grip the material of his jumper in your fist, and very briefly you felt him make a move to shield you from the intruder – if only for a brief moment.
You didn’t blame him – it was difficult to remember exactly where you were when your senses were so incredibly intoxicated by his presence.
Both your chests were heaving, and Jack nodded awkwardly at the man standing at the top of the stairs. He wasn’t someone you recognised, but he was carrying a bottle of red wine in one hand, the screw top lid missing, and he was in an expensive looking silk dressing gown, shaking his head in disappointment.
“Acting like horny teenagers, the lot of them.” You heard him mutter under his breath as he trudged away, uncaring of the inquisitive looks he was being subjected to, and it was only when he rounded the block, disappearing entirely from view that you and Jack took one look at each other’s messed up appearances: his hair was a wild mess, his hat knocked off somewhere in the haze of the action, and his cheeks flushed, lips slightly swollen and shiny – you were almost positive you were in a state mirrored to that, and it took hardly any effort at all before you were both giggling like a bunch of schoolgirls.
It was kind of ridiculous how easily you managed to get lost in each other.
“Want to stay the night?” Jack interrupted, “No double-meanings; I just wanted to know if you’d like to get breakfast with me in the morning? I think I still owe you from last time.”
You found yourself nodding before you could even muster up the energy to string a sentence together.
#jack hughes x reader#jack hughes imagine#jack hughes oneshot#nhl imagine#nhl fic#hockey fic#hockey imagine
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Still in the car :’)
So all I’ve had time for is to think about how Valerian and Caladin would probably have very in depth conversations on how to avoid Overclocking (and avoiding medical personnel in Cal’s case)
I think it’d be a really rough conversation for both of them. Mainly because I don’t think Cal comes anywhere close to Valerian’s instability- or even Camellya or Calcharo. He has varied stability (as stated in his Forte Examination)
But he’s been around a while, and his own grounding techniques are still pretty different from the typically prescribed therapy.
I’m just so curious as to how that conversation would go :3
i am so glad to touch on the topic of valerian's overclocking cause he genuinely HATES when he is getting close to overclocking (for a myriad of reasons i will detail)
first of all based off the information we get from resonators like camellya (and others who are highly unstable, like calcharo and sanhua), overclocking has some SERIOUS physical affects that seem to range from exhaustion to outright physical changes.
if the topic gets brought up, it'd likely be post-mission or post-battle, winding down. either caladin or valerian talking about the battle (probably valerian honestly) as they're trying to unwind a little.
valerian would be idling with his bracers and the sleeves, where it's probably that caladin would realize how much valerian's forte affects him physically.
valerian mutters something about the pressure, and when the fabric rolls down, shards are probably falling down and out of these sleeves as he shakes them off and removes the shards like he's done a thousand times before.
if questioned, he probably kind of laughs it off, forgetting that not everyone has really seen how .. close he gets to overclocking and how constant it actually really is for valerian when he's fighting closely with people he cares about.
valerian will, sheepishly, admit he was pretty damn close to overclocking and playfully wave it off, probably joking about how "careless" caladin was and he just wanted to make sure caladin wasn't hurt (he's actually extremely terrified of hurting another resonator and friend, so battle with people he's familiar with put him under a lot of emotional strain he isn't showing, adding to that instability).
however he will absolutely jump at the chance to show caladin his own techniques to how he handles his own stress.
something i've briefly detailed was that valerian keeps a chain of stones that are wrapped in wires and trinkets, and in his previous cherished items he has a "worry stone" he uses pretty often when he can.
pre-battle: valerian will often silently take stock of his own crystals he's carrying on hand and minerals he has tied to his hip. it's a grounding technique that reminds him of the immediate space around him and the vibrations he's specifically chosen to carry with him in order to further himself (he will not actually say this exactly, but he might throw it out like "oh, i like to tell myself which rocks im carrying. did you know this one has a measured vibration of [x] ? pretty neat" because valerian himself cannot admit he's a little superstitious or at the least feels a connection and draw to the metaphysical side of these things)
during battle: valerian is probably extremely focused on the fight, but something i don't think i've ever really expanded on too deeply is that some crystals actually have associations with specific numbers (think like lucky numbers kind of things) - so all of his damage and all the numbers in his kit are actually related to the associated numbers aura quartz has. however, for valerian, his repetitive pattern is actually in measures of four ... like a standard sheet music with a 4/4 count/a metronome ticking in 4/4. (i briefly recall you said in a moot's post you played instruments, so hopefully that kinda makes some lick of sense lmao)
post battle: he has a little routine he usually follows, which includes removing the shards from the covered fabric if he did overclock/was very close to overclocking, and probably taking some time to look at the thinner crystals he is carrying through the light because he likes the way the like bounces off and around the insides of these crystals. not only is it relaxing to him, but it's a great way for him to keep himself from getting worked up again after a battle if he was a little too close to overclocking that particular day.
sorry caladin, you will probably get rock-based info dump because valerian wont just admit that He Cares About You TM but he has The Trauma
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