#the idyll is a illusion

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

Okay so hear me out:

Imagine one day Yuu wakes up and they’re back in bed in their home world, their life in Twisted Wonderland being nothing but a dream. They look in the mirror and find out that not a day has gone by since they were dropped into NRC and they look just like they used to (basically any scars or whatever have been completely erased) and as they get ready to have breakfast, they start to think about that very interesting dream they had. Strange, they can’t remember a thing but it was such a nice one. Whatever, they join their family, feeling like they’ve missed them and they just are filled with so much longing that they don’t understand because these are the people they’ve known all their life - why does Yuu feel so overcome with yearning and a need to hug them?

So their life goes on. Everything’s wonderful. One could almost say it’s too wonderful. Everyday Yuu gets treated to their favourite meals, everything yuu wants to do gets done, they don’t face a single trouble or hurdle and life is so perfect that Yuu doesn’t even begin to question it but they get this quiet voice in their head saying that something’s not right. Yuu waves it away and joins their friends.

But then they start to realise that everyone’s words are too kind, that the weather is too lovely, that they can do whatever they want and nothing bad will happen. Everything is so idyllic that Yuu just feels like something is off. It’s like they're in a room with all the right furniture but everything is a centimetre out of place.

And then, because of something I don’t know, they get assaulted with their memories of twst and everything comes rushing back to them.

“You’re not real are you?” Yuu tells their parents 

“You could be happy here,” their parents tell them

“No I won’t,” is Yuu’s reply, “I’ve got to go back to my friends. They need me. And you’re not my family. My family loves me. You’re just an illusion wearing their faces. And when I do go back to my world, it’s because of my effort and not because of some flimsy spell trying to trick me.”h

Then cracks start forming around them, shattering the landscape and engulfing Yuu in black.

Then they open their eyes and wake up to Ace and Deuce looking down on them in concern.

[lovifie]

Lift Me Off My Feet

Chapter 12: Finale

Masterlist

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12

“You are not listening!” You shout, frustrated with the man.

In the couple of weeks that you have known and lived with them, you never expected that you would end up arguing with them. Even less with Price.

“No, Birdie. You are the one that needs to listen!” The man argued back.

“You got me fired, John! What else do you want me to hear?” You ask, running your hands through your hair. 

It finally set in, the reality that the idyllic life of living with the four of them without a worry was just an illusion. You were here because you were hiding, and they were here because they were hiding you. 

“I didn't get you fired, Birdie. Your boss did.” Price says, crossing his arms.

“Don't get sassy with me! He told you that they needed to know if I could get back to work any soon or they would be forced to fire me and you told them to do so!” You shout again, feeling like Price is lying to your face. “Why would you do that?!”

“Because you hate that job!” He shouts back. “And you don't need to work!”

“Yes, I do, Price! Yes, I do!” You say, a dry laugh leaving your throat. “Like everyone! I can't just live sponging off of you guys!”

“That's not what's happening and you know it, birdie!” He exclaims. “Don't manipulate the situation into making it look like a bloody transaction!”

“I'm manipulating the situation?!” You ask, pointing to yourself. 

“Yes! You are making it look like we are paying you to stay with us, birdie!” He explains, moving his hands to his hips.

“Oh, for god's sake, Price!” You exclaim, rubbing your face. “Why don't you exaggerate it a bit more?! I don't even know why I'm arguing with you about my job!”

“Neither do I?! Because I think it is pretty much settled!” He says, walking away towards the kitchen. 

“IT IS NOT SETTLE!” You scream, shocked by his response. “The reason why I don't know why we are arguing is because I don't know who gave you the right to choose over me!”

That makes him turn around, looking at you like you grow a second head. “Well, excuse me. For believing I have a say in your life, I just assumed I could since we bloody love each other and all that!”

“Don't pull that shit on me, Price! This has nothing to do with love!” You say, crossing your arms. “I don't have a say on your work! So why should you have it on me!”

“It's not the bloody same!” He says, rubbing his face.

“It's not for you because it doesn't benefit you!” You scream, looking back when you hear the door open as Gaz, Soap and Ghost enter the house. The three of them having left the house not too long ago to buy breakfast. 

“What's going on? We could hear the shouts from outside.” Gaz asks, entering first and looking between Price and you, seeing the wide cliff between the two of you.

“Nothing!” Price barks, crossing his arms again. 

You ignore the looks on everyone's face, instead walking to the door. 

“Where are you going now?!” Price asks, moving to be able to see you.

“Out! So I can fucking breathe without feeling I'm choking!” You say, opening the door after the boys closed it. 

“Don't go far!” Price says, still caring under all his bad mood 

“I KNOW I CAN'T GO FAR!” You say, slamming the door on your way out.

You hate screaming, hate shouting, hate raising your voice and even more if it is at Price or any of the men inside. It's not their fault and screaming at each other is not the way to fix it. But you can't help it, tired of being pushed around at everyone's mercy without asking what's your choice. 

Sitting down on the step right outside the house, not wanting or needing to go any further, you hide your face behind your hands, letting your palms get wet with your tears. 

“Hey, you alright?” A man's voice says, making you look up, to come face to face with an unfamiliar face. 

You don't have time to answer, because something hits the back of your head and everything blends to black.

Price updates the boys once you are out, he tells them your ex-boss called, told him you needed to get back to work the next day or he would fire you, he tells them how he told him to go ahead since you couldn't go back to work jet, he tells them about how he wasn't able to tell you about the empty position at base that you could filled to work with them because you started screaming, he tells them about how he lost his cool and just screamed back instead of explaining.

He tells them everything, feeling like the worst person in the world for making you leave the house with tears on your face. It's Gaz the first one to stand up. “I'll check on her.” He mumbles, as he walks outside to an empty staircase. He walks down, checking both sides of the street only to find it just as empty. 

An anxious feeling starts to brew on his stomach, entering back to the house with a worried expression on his face. “She's gone.” He says almost casually, as if not voicing one of the biggest fears the men around him have had for the last month.

“What do you mean she's gone?” Soap asks. “She must be around the block, she'll be back in a bit, mate.”

No one believes him, not even himself. You wouldn't have walked out of his sight like that, not without dragging them with you, not without a phone, not without telling them. 

There is a beat of silence, each debating whether it is plausible that you simply left, all of them feeling that the most possible chance is that something happened to you. 

“I'll check the car camera, it is parked right in front of the door.” Ghost says, taking his phone out to check it. 

They all check the screen, seeing the door open and close. They see you sit down, body shaking as you cry, Price feeling his heart shrunk at the sight knowing it was his doing. 

They then see the two men walking in front of you, how one of them takes advantage that you have your face covered to stand behind you, how the other calls your attention to look at your face, and how once he knows it's you he nods to the other man, who knocks you out hitting you with a bat at the back of your head.

The wave of all the different emotions hitting them at once keeps them in place for a second, paralyzed on their chair. Soap jumps first, talking about checking the cameras on the street, checking the cars, their licence place, anything. 

But it doesn't reach Price's ears, the only thing he can hear is the voices in his head telling him that he has failed twice now. The first one he wasn't able to keep you close enough when you left in the middle of the night, and now he was the one that pushed you away. 

You were just on the other side of the door a moment ago and now… now he didn't know where you were. All because he didn't explain himself and let his emotions take control of him.

“Price!” It's Ghost's voice that wakes him up, standing beside the sergeants. “Move.”

That's all he says, and that's all Price needs. 

They'll get you back, whatever it takes. 

Two weeks.

That is what it takes them to finally find a trail.

That is what it takes Price to breathe again.

That's what it takes Simon to let be seen outside the office.

That's what it takes Soap to let himself be embraced by any of the others.

That's what it takes Gaz to stop baring his teeth to everyone. 

They have a trail. 

And god knows that's all they need. 

What you need, is a doctor. A shower. A glass of water. A nap. Anything that is not forced or thrown at you. 

Two weeks of torture. 

Two weeks of just getting hurt, insulted, humiliated, all of it just for the purpose of causing you pain. 

The henchmen of the man you used to say good morning to were the ones that have stolen you away. 

The ones that have thrown you into an empty dark room.

The ones that have “interrogated” you about who you worked for. 

The ones that have “interrogated” you about how much they paid you. 

You didn't say a word, which usually resulted in a punch to the face or a kick to the ribs. 

You want to believe that they will find you. 

That they will take you back home.

That Price will forgive you for shouting at him.

Hell, if you die and the last thing you did was shout at him.

You'll live.

They'll find you.

Two weeks.

Of fighting with yourself.

The side that says you'll live.

And the side that tells you to give up already.

The second one usually wins.

Like today, when the man that enters the room every day walks up to you, limping and with a knife in his hand. 

He yanks your hair, pulling you up on your feet and pressing the knife on your throat. “Make a sound and it'll be the last thing you do.”

He moves you into a chokehold, pushing you in front of him as he walks down the hall. There is shouting and the sound of guns inside the building. 

The moment he sees the car where they push you in, the one they saw on the cameras; Price almost needs to pull Simon back from running inside the building.

This is it.

This is the headquarters they couldn't find for so long. 

The headquarters where all the important information and the guns they have looked for so long are at.

The headquarters where everything that matters is.

The headquarters where they kept you at. 

Price sends Ghost to the building on the other side of the road, not trusting the man in face to face with what they can find inside. 

And he obliges, hating the rank differences.

They move in, clearing room after room.

No sign of you.

The move to the second floor.

You are not there.

More and more people that hit the ground when they found them.

You are still missing. 

Until you see it. 

The unmistakable blue cap on Gaz's head.

And you shout.

You shout louder than you shout at Price.

You shout louder than when Soap scared you hiding behind the door. 

You shout louder than when you called for Ghost when you thought he fell on the shower but it was just the shampoo bottle.

You have never shouted at Gaz.

Until now.

And the moment you do you feel the blade dig into your skin, moving your hand between the knife and your neck.

The three of them turn to you, immediately updating Ghost and telling him to move. 

The window behind you is almost like a target for a perfect shot. 

But Ghost can't shoot.

Not when he can see your head.

Not when there is a possibility that he may hit you. 

But he can when you move.

When you grab the blade, breaking the skin of your fingers, and you pull back just enough to squish yourself down. 

You are still against his chest, the man still holding you. But Ghost can now see your head, lower than before. And the arms around you quickly go limp, falling forward taking you with him. 

A ringing in your ear keeps you from Price's voice calling your name. Everything is dizzy for a moment, there is a warm sensation on your elbow and when you look back a red pool of blood is bleeding onto your clothes.

You liked that t-shirt. 

You'll need to try with peroxide, see if you can take the stain out. 

Your brain ignores the corpse lying next to you, but for some reason you can't stop looking at the blood on your elbow.

It isn't until Price cups your face, your grimey, bloody and sunken face. And you look up to him, his blue eyes. 

And you let yourself cry.

After two weeks.

You cry.

So hard you can't see nor hear anything. 

You cling onto Price, hiding your face on his neck, digging your nails on his back needing to feel him under your skin. 

Apologies fly from one to the other.

For shouting, for pushing away, for failing to protect, for not shouting, for being taken away.

You feel two more pairs of arms around you, feeling the fourth person only when you start to leave the building. 

Not much longer an ambulance arrives, finally taking you to safety.

The four men in the car right behind. 

Recovery is just as slow.

No permanent physical damage.

But not all the wounds are on the skin.

Those heal quite fast. 

And soon you are back on your feet. 

On your scared, wobbly feet.

The boys are back around, always one of them close.

“I'm never leaving you out of my sight again.” Price says, cupping your face as he kisses your forehead. “I don't care if I sound like a madman.”

They make it easy to get back.

Price finally tells you about the job at base, which you gladly apply for.

Surprisingly you got it, and started working soon.

It was easy.

You got a better flat, easy to pay when four more people chime in for the bills. 

You got a better job, with better pay and a better boss.

You got, not only one, but four lovers. 

And you have all the time of your life to heal everything that's left. 

You still wonder how you managed to get into your garage that night. 

But now you're glad you did.

And with this, ladies and gentlemen.

Lift Me Off My Feet comes to an end ❤️.

Thanks for joining along, for all the support that you have given me the last couple of months, for the patience between chapters, special thanks to @darkangel4121 for listening to me complain so much and to everyone who has joined and will join the blog.

I love you, my lovelies 💗

TagList: @whos-fran @thevoidwriting @sklt987659 @kayden666 @dumb12bvtch1212 @thatonepupkai @darkangel4121 @cassiecasluciluce @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @tired-writer04 @evolutionarry @prettykinkysoul @pagesfalling @skyler-loves-rick-grimes @readerofallthingss @onewattson6529 @mynameismothra   @renabear88 @lolliepopsicle @reap3erslov3 @tooloudarts @sodavrr @anirok2 @lilliumrorum @ladyxtiger @multy-fandom-lover @thriving-n-jiving @lotionlamp @spicyspicyliving @xxeiraxx @vampirekilmerfic @keiraslayz @risingofjupiter @witchthewriter @soupinasock @phantomly27 @arbesa-mind   @multifandomheathenannie  @spadekip @cmbghost @herefor-tojis-tits @tooloudarts @panikk-attackkk @reap3erslov3 @mothsdrabbles @ghosts-hoe

[ve1vet-cake]

"You.. remembered?"

It had been a day like any other. Ren had made breakfast for Angel and himself, humming to himself. The rhythm of domiciliary that Angel and him had grown accustomed to was akin to that of their hearts, seemingly beating in unison.

They couldn’t be happier, slender fingers delicately handling the kitchenware. 

Angel was his 

Just the thought made the man’s insides tingle and pleasantly twist, the excitement quickly spreading onto his lips, stretching them into a soft grin. For the first time since meeting the love of his life he felt happy. Loved. 

He was plating the food and setting the table, ready for the day and for them. He carefully made his way to the bedroom, intending to wake Angel when he already saw them sat up, staring at their knees.

Their body was still halfway covered by the soft blanket, a shirt of his loosely hanging off their frame.

“REDACTED”

The name fell from their lips faster than Ren could greet them.

And with that one word his world seemed to shatter.

A part.. A fraction.. Of him was delighted, stomach churning in pleasant surprise.. but it was short lived. The twists and tightening quickly turned into dread.

Why now!?

Why that god forsaken name!?

…. Why couldn’t the illusion stay?

Ren contemplated restarting the day, to relive the idyll and prevent Angel from uttering that abomination of a-

“REDACTED”

The name flowed so innocently from Angel’s lips. So beautifully, so… Untainted. 

They peered up at him, a soft smile on their face. 

“It’s your name, right? Your actual name. REDACTED.”

Ren’s heart stuttered. The sight of them, so sweetly saying their name.. without any stigma. Any hatred. Any… Disgust.

“You… remember..?”

“I do.”

It had taken Angel to embrace him to stop the tears. To stop the shaking.

They hadn’t anticipated this reaction from Ren but nonetheless they wanted to comfort. To heal.

It had taken a lot to get Ren to open up. 

Why are you so uncomfortable?

Should I not call you that..? But.. why?

Can I make it better?

Angel listened patiently as Ren spoke. Not much, just the gist of his hatred.

“My father.”

They nodded, recalling the shared childhood the aftermath of abuse they had witnessed. While oblivious to the signs in their youth, Angel was now wiser and aware of just how broken Ren had been… And still was.

“You know..” 

They cupped his cheeks gently, making him look at them. Clear crystal blue peered at Angel. 

"im!mFun oelec?tCro phMre§$tica%lly ventrGicu§"lo cis="!tLrnost Po&%mies"

Their thumb gently caressed Ren’s cheek in soothing, light circles. Their voice had been barely above a whisper. Just for him to hear. Just for him to feel.

“And I will show you.. Just how beautiful you are.”

[didalexiabreakupwitholgaisback]

alexia on being 100% fit for the match against city and whether she would like to take on a new challenge and join a different team 🤔

source: esportsRAC1 on twitter

translation under the cut:

host: we'll see you in montjuïc at the call-up with a minimum on the bench, i don't know maybe a few minutes on the pitch?

alexia: well, that will ultimately depend on the coach. in the end, the recovery has gone very well, i feel very good, the sensations are very good. i'm training with the team. i'm 100% available. but about your questions, it depends on the coach.

host: okay, but available, yes, eh? i mean recovered.

alexia: yes, yes, yes.

host: one day do you feel like trying an adventure like some of your teammates have done in their careers or not?

alexia: it's just that right now everything is so idyllic that i don't have that feeling. i mean, i'm in the club of my life. i think i have an important role. i'm sure we really want to win. i want to win four titles again. i feel like I'm going to do a bit like the comparison, you know when your mobile phone's battery runs out? well, i have it at 100%. so, it's like i don't have any indication that i don't want to keep wearing this shirt.

host: do you want to open the new stadium. in 2026, if everything goes well or in 2025?

alexia: of course, that's also another challenge. well, there are so many challenges that i still have this illusion and i still have to carry, i don't know since 2012, here. every training session is like the first training session. so, it's like, well, i think you can also tell when i'm playing.

[mirohlayo]

🍉 WATERMELON — hiya!! congrats on 1k! i was wondering if i could please request a watermelon with the prompt 'kisses on the tip of the nose' & lando norris?? ❤️

THE RACE AND THE GIRL

( Lando's first win is your first kiss win. )

warning : none, all fluffy

note : my boyy finally got his first win ahhhw !!! and thank youu bby love you ᥫ᭡

word count : 938

As the crowd cheers for the British McLaren driver, the entire racing team runs behind the barriers, ready to celebrate their driver who has just won his first F1 race.

A divinely big smile has been plastered on your face for 10 minutes. A few tears of joy bead on your cheeks as you weave between the members of McLaren, making your way to be in the front row.

The atmosphere seems unreal, almost surreal. The cries and applause of the spectators match the rhythm of the tears and smiles of the mechanics. You seem to be in a dream, failing to realize that all of this is really happening. But reality is before your eyes, more than ever.

Lando Norris won his first victory.

After years and years of hope, despair, and questioning, he finally succeeded. He's finally done it, he's finally reached his ultimate goal, and the big smile on his face speaks for itself. His moist eyes highlight the beautiful victory he gave us. He is the happiest man on earth right now, and nothing and no one can say otherwise.

The other drivers on the grid come to congratulate him, celebrate him, sending him words of encouragement and respect. Lando's smile hasn't disappeared for a while now, but that divinely beautiful smile warms your heart. Because it is a sign of victory and happiness.

And without further ado, you see your boyfriend drop his helmet on the ground, and literally throw himself at the members of McLaren. Everyone carries him with their arms, some shake him to congratulate him, others shout indecipherable words to him. You can only follow suit, cheering as best you can and especially with all your heart for your boyfriend.

The moment is idyllic, almost utopian. The pressure and adrenaline absolutely do not want to go down, they continue to increase at the sight of the deep feelings that this victory provides. Everything seems to be an illusion, no one seems to want to believe what just happened.

And yet, you couldn't be happier and more fulfilled than now. As Lando lowers himself to the ground, kissing Zak quickly but tightly, his eyes finally meet yours. You don’t know if that moment lasted hours or seconds, but the feeling of his gaze on you burned your skin.

He approaches you, quickly, and thinking of nothing, nor of the consequences, he gently lifts you to take you over the barrier. The cameras flood the show with thousands of flashes, and yet, despite the fact that it seems like the entire Earth is watching you, it's just you and Lando.

A bubble has taken hold, spreading around you. Putting yourself in respect of others. There is only him and you, only your eyes and your hearts to express feelings still hidden and secret from the public eye. You're sure you'll never forget the way he's looking at you right now, his smile growing wider at the sight of yours.

Maybe it was the adrenaline that started it, or maybe it was just the metamorphosis of way too strong feelings waiting to explode, but Lando has never felt more confident . So confident and not even a little hesitant.

His hands gently cup your face. He gives you one last big smile, while his lips press against the tip of your nose, gently, sensually. The kiss lasted perhaps a fraction of a second, or perhaps an eternity. All you can remember is the feeling of his lips against your skin.

The cameras stream in as Lando whispers these simple words to you, these words that you will never be able to get used to, they are so exquisite. "I love you, my love. I love you so much. Thank you for everything". He can't smile anymore, because that would give him endless pain in his cheek.

But maybe that sore cheek was worth it right now, and without another second's hesitation, he places another kiss on the tip of your nose. This time, a longer, more passionate kiss. You wouldn't describe how you feel right now, because there aren't enough powerful words to do it.

So you just enjoy. You take advantage of this unreal moment. This kiss, this kiss on your nose, was the promise of an eternal relationship. Your secret romantic relationship has finally become public. Everyone will know by now that you have been in a relationship for a few months now, but yet this idea seems like the most beautiful thing.

And while he seems to want to kiss you again, this time if his gaze is on your lips, you stop him with a soft laugh. You know it, he knows it, that he must first take care of the media and the interviews. So, in a last kiss left on the same spot, he winks at you before heading towards the journalists.

And when these same journalists ask him questions about your couple, about your relationship, Lando will always give the same one and only answer, a big smile on his lips and hearts in his eyes. “I won this trophy and above all the girl of my dreams, the one with whom I have been deeply in love since my childhood. So yeah, this is the happiest day of my life.”

But what is certain is that the media will continue to talk and gossip about the kisses Lando gave you on the tip of your nose. However, it will never bother you, since people will now know that it is his favorite place to kiss you, at least in public. Between you two, it's something else...

[tangledinink]

edit: tag! fic!

ive spent a stupid amount of time recently thinking about a rottmnt au where circumstances allow splinter to figure out a way to get cloaking 'brooches' for himself and his children when they are still lil, giving him a chance to raise them as 'normal' kids. (normal kids who are genetically engineered mutant turtles, actually, and they're, like, SO good at sports, dude.)

surely nothing can break this idyllic illusion of a life that splinter has built. definitely nothing that rhymes with daron braxum.

i can only imagine this would work if the threat of both draxum and big mama were neutralized. i think in this universe, draxum's life of crime caught up to him much sooner than it does in canon, and he's imprisoned for his unethical experimentation when the turtles are still little-- raph maybe around six or seven, mikey around four or five. once splinter learns of this, he pulls every string he possibly can to 1) get cloaking crystals for himself and his family 2) cut a deal with big mama to ensure his children's safety.

after spending about a week or two in the sewers fucking drilling the cover story into the children's heads ("remember, mikey, what do you do if people start asking you too many questions?" "CRY!" "good boy!") he very nervously brings them up to the surface, armed with an elaborate story to explain his disappearance and new children and a shitton of forged documents. there was so much fucking paperwork, christ. (also, it turns out the blue one is biologically female? but he does not have the mental space to deal with that so they all just keep calling him leo, and he's totally fine with that. so.)

and he collects ALLLLLLL the royalties, babey.

(the kids are kids, and definitely slip up occasionally or do... weird shit. but, luckily, since they're small children, people pretty much just chalk it up as "oh, these kids have such wild imaginations.")

eventually, enough time passes that the brothers just kinda... forget that they were ever actually turtle mutants who lived in the sewers. coz, like, that's crazy, right? they're pretty sure they just imagined all that stuff. they weren't turtles, they were PRETENDING to be turtles... and people give them weird looks sometimes when they bring it up, so they don't.

overall, they THRIVE on the surface, to no one's surprise. they are, in fact, secretly genetically engineered super soldiers, actually. and they are crazy good at, like. so many things. especially martial arts! they compete at a national level on the regular, in addition to a shit ton of other extracurriculars (ballet, art, basketball, and cooking for mikey, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, and theatre for leo, dance, gymnastics, and swimming for donnie, not even to mention all his academic stuff, basketball, wrestling, and swimming for raph...)

they're still besties with april, obvs.

[aventurineswife]

A kinda specific and maybe long but fun idea i had for a req:

Essentially, {and bare w me, i’m half asleep writing this lol} Reader x Sunday, and Reader is a childhood friend of his, who he loved, and someday when they were older, Reader was tragically killed in an incident. Sunday however, in a grief stricken state, decides to rebel against his original goal for the sweetdream paradise (penacony arc reference) and decides to shape it into a dream instead where he’s happily married to Reader, although for the sake of the dream he’s altered their memories. ending is essentially up to you!

{some additional ideas i had if you wanted to, were things like an argument between gopher and sunday, or robin and sunday, in whichever points of the story you wanted}

alternatively, a different Aventurine version would be interesting, mostly w the same set up but Sunday met Reader during Aventurine’s mission on Penacony, liked them, and Aven has to basically fight off the dream and Sunday.

but yeah, that’s pretty much it, everything else is up for creative liberties! i hope this one is at least somewhat interesting lol xx and srry if some of it doesn’t make sense 😓🤍

“Sometimes, the hardest part of letting go is realizing that the dream was never real”

Summary: In the idyllic yet hollow world of Sweetdream Paradise, Sunday crafts a perfect life with you—his lost love, altered memories and all—to escape the sorrow of reality. But as others begin to break through his illusion, and you start to remember fragments of a different fate, the dream begins to fracture. Torn between love and the harshness of truth, Sunday must finally face the choice to let you go, or remain forever in his self-made paradise.

Tags: Sunday x Reader, unrequited love, grief, loss, dreamscape, bittersweet ending, altered memories, memory manipulation, moral dilemma, angst, hurt/comfort, alternate reality, surrealism, slow unraveling, denial of reality.

Warnings: Grief, themes of manipulation, psychological trauma, implied death of Reader, reality distortion, emotional conflict, bittersweet resolution, morally ambiguous decisions.

A/N: Don't worry, anon! I appreciate all the details, the more details the more I can try to understand what you want exactly! Though I probably changed some bits of it here 😪

Sunday had always been proud of his role within Penacony, the creator of Sweetdream Paradise—a place where sorrow could be stilled, where suffering dissolved into an endless realm of serene dreams. It was a comforting reality he believed people needed, a soft oblivion to cradle them. Yet, in the depths of his mind, his peaceful philosophy hid a darker purpose, shaped by the ache of a loss he could never endure.

You had been his friend, a constant light in his youth, a companion who grounded his dreams. For as long as he remembered, you were there, with laughter that melted his worries and eyes that could see through his layered philosophies. But the day you were lost, taken too soon in a tragic incident, the world itself had hollowed out for him. The pain of your absence haunted him like a shadow, feeding a grief so deep that he was willing to defy his original purpose. In that moment of desolation, he turned Sweetdream Paradise into something far more personal—a realm where you still lived, where you loved him just as much as he had loved you.

In this new dream, Sunday made alterations. He reshaped your memories, softened the sharp edges of reality, and wove a seamless history where you had married him, where together, you built a life free of tragedy. In this dream, he could protect you eternally, shielded by his crafted illusion.

You woke to sunlight filtering through the windows, lying beside Sunday as the golden morning glow danced over his features. His eyes opened, catching you with a familiar warmth, and he reached over, brushing his fingers across your cheek.

"Good morning." he murmured, voice low and rich, as if savoring the simplicity of that greeting.

Every day was like this—a gentle, perfect rhythm that never seemed to break. You didn’t remember a world outside of this home, this life with him. And as you looked at him, you felt safe, loved, yet there was always a faint unease, like a fragment of something forgotten.

But the days went on, filled with laughter and love. Sunday seemed devoted to making sure you never doubted this world, his every word a reassurance that here, you were whole and happy.

One evening, as Sunday worked quietly at his desk, a visitor shattered the peace of his dream. It was Robin, standing just inside the doorway, her expression dark with a kind of wary sadness.

“Brother, you need to stop this,” she said, folding her arms. Her gaze fixed on him, seeing through the veneer of the dream. “This isn’t right. This… this paradise you’re keeping isn’t reality.”

Sunday straightened, his face hardening at her words. “Who are we to deny people peace, Robin? Haven’t we seen enough pain? Haven’t they?” His voice broke slightly, the facade slipping as he glanced toward where you sat by the fire, unaware of the intensity in his voice. He softened, as if trying to protect the dream from any trace of discord.

“You’re keeping people trapped. Yourself included. And for what? A fantasy? Is that really what they would have wanted?” Robin’s voice grew more urgent, her frustration showing. “They’re gone. You have to accept that.”

Sunday’s fists clenched at her words, every fiber in his body resisting the truth. “How could you understand?” he whispered. “In this place, they’re alive. I’m not hurting anyone. I’m giving them peace. Doesn’t that count for something?”

Robin stared at him, her gaze a mix of pity and sorrow. “At what cost, Brother? You’re keeping yourself from moving on, holding them hostage in a world that isn’t even real.”

In an alternate version of Penacony, Sunday’s paradise faced an even stranger twist. Aventurine, the cunning Stoneheart known for his strategic mind, was on his own mission in Sweetdream Paradise, seeking information that only Sunday could provide. But as he delved into the fabric of this dreamscape, he found himself questioning the reality around him, the shimmering dream where Sunday lived an idyllic life with you.

Aventurine confronted Sunday one night, his tone half-amused, half-concerned. “Interesting setup you have here,” he remarked, eyes gleaming with curiosity as he took in the flawless surroundings. “I almost believed it myself… almost. But what happens when the dream can’t hold itself together anymore?”

Sunday’s gaze narrowed, his protective instincts flaring. “What do you mean by that?”

Aventurine shrugged, his gaze flicking to you, sitting quietly, oblivious to the tension. “Everyone in this place… it’s all too perfect, isn’t it? You’re clinging to a memory, one that doesn’t belong here.”

In a rare flash of anger, Sunday stepped forward, his eyes darkening. “This isn’t any of your concern, Aventurine. Leave.”

Aventurine met his glare, his smirk slipping. “You think you’re the only one who’s loved and lost? Reality has its flaws, Sunday. It’s messy, painful… but it’s real. This—this is just a prison you’re keeping yourself in.”

Sunday’s voice trembled, caught between anguish and fury. “Better a beautiful dream than a brutal reality.”

Aventurine’s gaze softened for a brief moment, though he couldn’t abandon his sardonic tone. “But at least in reality, they would have remembered you for who you are, not a god in a gilded cage.”

In the end, it was you—within the dream—who finally confronted him, feeling the intangible pull of memories you didn’t recognize. “Sunday… something doesn’t feel right,” you whispered one night, as he sat beside you. “I keep… remembering pieces of something different, something that feels like it wasn’t supposed to end this way.”

Sunday’s face grew pale, fear creeping into his eyes. “No, you don’t have to worry about that. You’re here. We’re together. Isn’t that enough?”

But as you searched his eyes, you could feel the truth breaking through, the dream trembling under the weight of reality. “Sunday, what are you not telling me?”

He looked away, his heart shattering as he realized he couldn’t keep you here forever. Slowly, he whispered, “I… I just wanted to keep you safe. To give us a life that didn’t end in sorrow.”

With a trembling hand, you reached out, brushing a tear from his cheek. “It’s okay to let go. You have to keep going… even if it means letting me go.”

Sunday’s shoulders shook, the dream beginning to unravel around them, pieces of the illusion fading as he looked into your eyes one last time. “I… I don’t know if I can.”

But in the final moments, he felt your hand slip away, leaving him alone in the vast silence of his own grief. And as he awoke from his dream, Sunday found himself in a world still plagued by loss, his heart hollow yet somehow freer. Though you were gone, he understood, at last, that he had to face reality, no matter how painful it was.

And in that pain, he found a fragile hope—a sliver of light breaking through the dark.

*cutely posts all my drafts that have been dying to see the light* 😇💖

[vaztori]

mingi reading list / fic recs !

don't forget to like + reblog fics that you like to support the authors <3

navigation

FICS ! ✧*

Counting Stars (smut, also so fucking fluffy & soft you'll get butterflies) by @min-gis

My Way (fluff, angst, suggestive, bodyguard!mingi) by @sorryimananti-romantic

We Fell in Love in August (fluff, smut, brother's bestfriend!mingi) by @mingigoo

The Library Illusion: The Temple Guardian (smut, fantasy, naga!mingi) by @kwanisms

Inked Up (tattoo artist au, smut) by @huihuiheart

Nothing Compares To You (smut, fluff, established relationship) by @noramoons

Slow Down (smut, established relationship) by @strawberryya

Thique (smut, fluff) by @gojosnympho

Numb My Pain (smut, friends to lovers) by @yeonjuns-beanie

Bound In Blood (smut, angst, fated lovers au, vampire!mingi) by @nateezfics

Grant Me The Light (smut, angst, a lil' fluff, dystopian au) by @mingiswow

Skinny Dipping (smut, fluff, gentle dom!mingi) by @byuntrash101

For Me (smut, fluff, angst, sugar daddy au) by @hwanchaesong

Late Night (smut, fluff) @binniesbobastay

Sexual Feeling (smut) by @robyn-core

Jealous (2/2) (smut) by @cyberpxnk

Such A Tease (smut) by @call-me-bha

See Me After Class (angst, smut) by @ateezreactionsandscenarios

Use Me (smut, angst) by @hwaightme

Punishment + Dacryphilia (smut) by @hongism

Sour (smut, angst. with continual parts and different endings) by @itsbeeble

Kinkuary 21 (smut) by @kwanisms

DRABBLES / SCENARIOS ! ✧*

written by @min-gis :

i've never felt alone with you (smut but also so fucking fluffy & soft i got butterflies)

12.27 am (smut, fluff!)

written by @mimgi :

and you're here (smut but also so fluffy i'm cryin) by

pretty please (smut, fluffy!)

wedding buddies (smut, fluff, fake dating au) by @idyllic-ghost

rainy morning (smut, established relationship, soft dom! mingi) @nateezfics

7.36 (smut, fluff) by @riboism

make up sex (smut, fluff) by @nateezfics

somnophilia (smut, lil' fluff?? ig) by @hanjisungs-bigtittyg0thgf

written by @ateezreactionsandscenarios :

thigh riding (smut, soft dom!mingi i'm cryin bc of how soft he speaks)

orgasm control (smut)

fingering (smut)

you're blushing (fluff) by @biaswreckingfics

written by @danihow :

fix you (fluff, simping, reader is mingis's spouse)

24 to 25 (fluff, dad!mingi)

face time (smut) by @byuntrash101

sleep habits (smut) by @cas-skz

the night doesn't belong to god (smut) by @straykids-97

obsession (perv!mingi) by @cybrsan

00.12 (smut, in which mingi wanted fem!reader to sit on his face) by @kwanisms

ungodly hour (smut) by @nabis-dreamscape-world

hard thoughts (smut) by @ateez-melody

22.36 (smut, fluff) by @star1117-archives

the star (smut, professor!mingi) by @flowerboykun

good morning (smut, fluff) by @mingisval

sixty-nine (smut) by @ocean-ai

written by @last-words-ofashootingstar :

sweet dreams (smut, sub!mingi)

don't make me beg (smut, sub!mingi)

use it (smut) by @a-soft-hornytiny

written by @ateezscupid :

random thoughts (smut, soft dom!mingi)

seductive (fluff, smut, crackhead energy)

hard hours : mingi eating you out (smut) by @soobberries

hard thoughts : kiss me thru the phone (smut, fluff) by @kpopscruggles

cold coffee (smut) by @cyberpunkhwx

stop staring (fluff) by @blu-joons

dom!mingi x innocent!reader (suggestive) @/sluttywonwoo

choco ice cream (fluff) by @/woosluv

caramel popcorn (fluff, bestfriends to lovers) by @/leejungchans

model student (fluff, tutored!mingi) by @/itgetsquiet

"don't read that, the lyrics aren't ready yet" (fluff) by @/imaginidol

sick (fluff) by @/lovelyjaem

thoughts on mingi : fucking you for the first time (nsfw, fluffy) by @/minranghae

[talonpaw]

“the horses were merely a part of hawkfrost’s idyllic illusion to recruit ivypaw to the dark forest” deniers versus “there are horses in cat hell” truthers

[nameless-jamie]

Offside Tensions – Jamie Tartt x Y/N

Disclaimer: This FF is set after season 3 in a kind of alternative universe where Ted never left and Jamie is over Keeley. Just fyi.

Masterlist - Next Chapter

Chapter 1: New Kid on the Block

Y/N sat by the window of the train, the countryside whirring by in patches of green and gold. The morning light slanted across the fields, turning everything soft and golden. Her stomach churned—not unpleasantly, but in that restless, jittery way that only big moments could summon.

Richmond. AFC Richmond.

She let the thought settle for a moment, looking at her reflection in the train window. It didn’t feel real yet. All those years of grinding it out in the lower leagues, working with young athletes, pulling late nights in front of performance stats—it had all been leading to this: a chance to work with a Premier League team.

The announcer's voice crackled through the speaker, jolting her from her thoughts. “Next stop: Richmond.”

The train pulled into the station, and as Y/N stepped onto the platform, she was greeted by the crisp bite of early spring air. Richmond unfolded around her like a scene out of a storybook—winding cobblestone streets, little shopfronts with flower boxes perched on their windowsills, and a faint hum of life as the town began its day.

A taxi took her from the station to Nelson Road Stadium, and Y/N spent the ride trying to absorb everything. The town was idyllic in a way that felt almost disarming—the kind of place where locals probably knew each other by name, where time moved just a bit slower.

The stadium loomed into view, and her heart gave an excited lurch. It wasn’t as grand as the giants of the Premier League, but it was unmistakably home to something special. The AFC Richmond crest was emblazoned on the side of the building, and banners of the players fluttered in the morning breeze.

Her eyes caught on one banner in particular: Jamie Tartt. His cocky grin stretched across the fabric, the kind that seemed to challenge anyone who looked at it. She knew of him, of course—everyone who followed football did. A rising star, undeniably talented, but with an ego big enough to eclipse the sun.

The cab driver chuckled as he noticed her staring. “Ah, Jamie Tartt. Bit of a character, that one. Good player, though. When he feels like it.”

Y/N smirked but didn’t reply. She had no illusions about Jamie Tartt. But she also wasn’t here to coddle egos.

Once inside the stadium, she was immediately hit by the scent of freshly cut grass and cleaning supplies. The hallways were lined with photos and memorabilia of the club’s history—black-and-white shots of old teams, players hoisting trophies, a timeline of moments that had brought the club to this point.

She didn’t have much time to linger before a voice broke through the quiet.

“Y/N, right?”

Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Ted Lasso. He was shorter than she’d imagined but somehow larger than life. His grin was bright and welcoming, and the energy he radiated made her feel as if they’d known each other for years.

“That’s me,” she said, offering her hand.

Ted shook it warmly. “Well, color me thrilled to meet you! Ted Lasso, head coach, accidental wisdom-dispenser, and occasional baker. Welcome to AFC Richmond!”

The tension in her chest eased slightly. “Thanks, Ted. It’s great to finally be here.”

They began walking toward the pitch, Ted chatting the whole way.

“So, tell me, how does it feel? Big, scary stadium, new faces, new town—you doing alright?”

“It’s… a lot,” she admitted, her voice carrying just a hint of the nervous energy bubbling inside her. “But it’s the good kind of overwhelming, you know? Like the night before Christmas or stepping onto a stage for the first time.”

Ted nodded, his trademark grin softening into something more thoughtful. “I get that. Nerves mean you care. Just don’t let ‘em tie you up in knots, alright? And remember, we’re all here to help you settle in. Now, some of us might be better at that than others—”

He stopped suddenly as a figure rounded the corner ahead of them.

Roy Kent.

The man was practically a walking storm cloud—broad shoulders, perpetual scowl, and a presence so intense it felt like the air got heavier the closer he got. He stopped a few paces away, arms crossed, dark eyes narrowing as they landed on Y/N.

“This her?” he asked, his voice gravelly enough to scrape paint off walls.

“Yes, this her,” Ted replied cheerfully, gesturing toward her as if unveiling a grand masterpiece. “Roy, meet Y/N. Y/N, meet Roy Kent—our resident grump, enforcer, and occasional source of shockingly poetic wisdom.”

Roy’s eyes flicked to her, scanning her in that sharp, no-nonsense way that made it clear he didn’t believe in wasting time—or words.

“Right,” he muttered, then turned his full attention to Y/N. “You any good, or are you just here to fill a quota?”

The bluntness of the question caught her off guard, but only for a moment. Y/N straightened her shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. She wasn’t about to let anyone—even Roy Kent—intimidate her on her first day.

“I guess you’ll find out soon enough,” she replied evenly, a little hint of sarcasm and a lot of poise in her voice.

Roy didn’t smile, but something in his expression shifted, like he was mildly impressed she hadn’t backed down. Seems like he’s finally met someone to match his energy. “We’ll see,” he muttered nonchalantly before stepping past them, his boots echoing against the floor.

Ted clapped his hands together, cutting through the silence Roy left in his wake. “Well, that went better than expected! If Roy didn’t growl at you, you’re already ahead of most folks. Don’t take it personally; he’s like an espresso shot—strong, bitter, but he’ll wake you right up.”

Y/N chuckled despite herself. “Good to know.”

Ted led her out onto the pitch, and the sight stopped her in her tracks. The stadium, though modest compared to some, had an undeniable charm. The grass shimmered under the early sunlight, meticulously manicured and almost unnaturally green. The stands curved around them, a patchwork of faded seats that still managed to exude character. Breathtaking—a word to describe the sight. Y/N’s football heart skipped a beat.

[crematedcow]

She couldn't simply surrender what had been the very essence of her life, the one thing that no one was supposed to have the power to take away from her. Her freedom? Nobody was acutally free. Her love? She could find a way to cope with it. Her child? A heart-wrenching sacrifice, but she could endure it. Yet, this vital part of her, this very core of her being – she would never allow anyone to snatch it away.

And that marked the tale of a parasite.

Of a Patron and Its Chains is a 18+ interactive fiction in a fantasy and steampunk setting inspired by the worlds of The Witcher Series and Fullmetal Alchemist. You are a seasoned hunter tasked with tracking and eliminating dangerous supernatural threats. However, your story takes a turn when you decide to become also a pactbearer.

In this realm where the intricate dance of magic and technology creates a canvas of possibilities, one could easily envision an idyllic existence.

The ability to traverse into other realities, though often at a steep cost, promised rapid advancement that could border on madness. Yet, amid these innovations and developments, lurking dangers remained ever-present. The very act of opening portals to other realms could inadvertently usher in creatures not meant for this world, seamlessly intertwining them with reality.

It was a world where the choice was to either be the hunter or the hunted, and most succumbed to the latter fate. However, your father instilled a different path in you. As a hunter of those creatures, he ensured you absorbed all the survival knowledge you needed before eventually got wrongfully accused and executed, a tragic turning point that reshaped your plans. Rather than simply following in his footsteps to become a hunter, you decided to become a pactbearer.

Summoning a Patron, a legend from diverse worlds and realities, your mission was to unite with fellow pactbearers. Together, you would confront an encroaching evil, all while seeking the fulfillment of a cherished wish granted by a god. Yet, even with the support of numerous companions and your trusted Patron, each victory over a monstrous foe revealed a looming threat waiting just beyond the horizon...

You are the hero... right?

This is an 18+ interactive fiction that is being written on Twine.

be a hunter that kills monsters or embroils into unwanted drama

fully customizable mc from appearance, pronouns and personality

several sidequests to develop your skills as a hunter (includes: Possession, Witches, Ancient Beasts and more)

a beastiarium with further information to every creature you meet on the way

the big world of Vestria & Co. with a lot of lore that you can all uncover - or not!

a cryptic voice inside your head that occasionally breaks the fourth wall

meet the other pactbearers and their patrons and decide what relationship you want to have with them

choose what animal-form your patron is going to have

a total of six companions (including your patron) who will be with you a majority of your journey

all of them are romancable, plus a hidden romance option for those who can be patient

lots of parental issues!

figure out the truth of your world, or fail to do so - there is no right or wrong

and a... cow?

CONTENT WARNINGS: depicitons of death, violence, mental illness, gore (in the territory of body horror), animal cruetly and death, abuse, pornographic content, strong language

More might follow

DEMO TBA

CURRENT WORD COUNT: 21000+

but nothing demo ready yet

The RO's include:

✸ Cú Chulainn (M/F)

In ancient tomes and tales, Chulainn stood as a formidable legend — an indomitable hero whose laughter echoed in the face of enemies and even death itself. They reveled in the thrill of combat, never yielding without a proper battle. Yet, such was the image you held dear until the moment you summoned them into your realm, making them your esteemed Patron. The being before you shattered the illusion you once cherished. No longer did they exude the vigor of a warrior; instead, bitterness clung to their spirit, entwined with a profound disdain for the world and all its inhabitants. Longing for the solace of death they once fervently evaded, Chulainn relinquished their ardor for combat, dismissing it as a hollow pursuit devoid of significance. As a consequence, their role as your Patron proved less than… helpful. Nevertheless, a flicker of optimism lingers within the depths of their desolate heart. Perhaps, against all odds, you possess the power to reignite the flames of purpose within them, offering a renewed sense of hope and the chance for a remarkable new beginning.

✸ Lysander/Lysandra (M/F)

Within the illustrious court of the High Queen, there exists a figure of great repute: Lys, a distinguished servant renowned for their unparalleled ability to fulfill any given task. Their name has become synonymous with perfectionism, as they consistently meet and surpass the lofty expectations placed upon them. The mere mention of their name evokes awe and respect throughout the courtly corridors. Alas, despite their esteemed standing, Lys remains a figure of divisive sentiment. Whispers and murmurs abound among their colleagues, swirling in a ceaseless cycle of gossip. Tales of their rigid and occasionally insolent demeanor dominate these conversations, yet there is another facet that elicits both awe and envy in equal measure. Lys possesses an unparalleled loyalty to the High Queen, a level of devotion that others find almost unattainable. Yet, the reality surpasses the worst of these rumors. Lys' nature transcends the bounds of mere unpleasantness, particularly in their interactions with you. Adding fuel to the fire, they perceive you as a sort of rival, amplifying the tensions between you. One can only wonder if it is merely a facade in an attempt to hide their weakness or the reality of their identity.

✸ Holographic Entity "Holly" (F)

Holly, the Patron of Lys, assumes the guise of a long-haired housecat, but her true essence hails as a revolutionary from a distant reality, a realm of unparalleled advancement far beyond the scope of Vestria. For Holly, her presence in this foreign world feels akin to embarking on an elaborate holiday excursion plucked from the very pages of historical books she once heard of. Her insatiable curiosity serves as the driving force behind her existence, propelling her to seek new experiences and infusing every interaction with a buoyant energy that suggests no challenge is insurmountable. Unafraid to vocalize her thoughts and opinions, Holly fearlessly shares her insights, even when they clash with those of her companion, Lys, particularly when the subject of her candid musings centers around you. Or at least, that is the impression you choose to hold. Her unabashed honesty may lead some to believe that she is a simple, unassuming creature. However, the more time spent with Holly reveals that there is much more to her than meets the eye. After all, one cannot lead a revolution based solely on a smile and an unfiltered mouth.

✸ Elli Agilulf (M)

The Blessed Ones, the esteemed right and left hand of the Night Church, are figures known to all who have ventured beyond the confines of ignorance. Cloaked in an aura of mystery, their veiled faces lend an air of both authority and enigma. Among their ranks is Elli, who strives to embody the idealized image of a Blessed One. He adheres to a code of silence, speaking only when necessary and responding with a detached aloofness. True to form, he carries himself with an air of subtle intimidation. However, beneath his carefully crafted facade, Elli is easily rattled by even the slightest inconvenience or a quick-witted remark, his frustration and anger palpable despite his hidden face. He is short-tempered and stubborn, a nature that clashes with the expectations of his position. As a Blessed One, he is expected to be a mindless automaton, devoid of thoughts or personal desires, but Elli's mind is a swirling vortex of thoughts and emotions, overflowing with complexity. Perhaps it is this contradiction, this clash between his true nature and the expectations placed upon him, that makes Elli an actual enigma. You do feel yourself challenged when he decides that you are a criminal to-become.

✸ Irydion (F)

Irydion holds a perspective that challenges the notion of victory being achieved simply through diplomatic agreements and signed papers. To her, a war is not truly won until she has exacted revenge to those she deems responsible for the suffering inflicted upon her country. As a member of the militia, she is fueled by a desire to fight, her hands trembling with the power of her magic, ready to unleash it upon her enemies on the frontline. While others may perceive an undisturbed silence on the battlefield as a sign of these so called peacetimes, Irydion remains vigilant, recognizing it as a deceptive tactic used by the enemy to lure her into dropping her guard. Too bad she is always a step ahead of those who seek to harm her people! Her selfless dedication to protecting and caring for her fellow countrymen is unwavering, even if it means being seen as misguided or paranoid by those who don't fully understand her. Irydion's allies may acknowledge her kind-hearted nature, but they also recognize her single-minded determination and unwavering belief in the necessity of fighting back against an enemy that is just a shadow. Irydion does not care for these rumors, knowing that regardless of how many may stand against her, they will eventually come to understand the truth of her cause. She remains steadfast, believing that time will prove her right in the end. After all, you believe her… right?

✸ "Junius" (M)

Even as Irydion's patron, the line between their roles blurs, with Junius' approach to her and other humans carrying an arrogantly nonchalant air. His actions, delivered with ease and naturalness, ridicule or charm one without noticing. With a mere lazy wink or a mockish bow, he effortlessly asserts a sense of superiority, deliberately refraining from putting genuine meaning or depth in his antics. Maintaining an elusive detachment, he keeps others at arm's length, preventing them from ever truly getting close to him. Despite his mysterious past, he carries himself as if the weight of secrets hold little significance to who he is. Junius' personality dances on the edge of daring, akin to playing with fire, drawing allure and enticement from the very act itself. He fearlessly indulges in flirting with married women and engaging in challenges with those of higher social standing, defying conventional norms and embracing a provocative existence. There lies a subtle irony in his guise — a wolf rather than a lion — his pride speaking for another form. And even in conversation, he adeptly maintains the facade, never allowing his act to waver, leaving you to question whether it is indeed a carefully crafted performance or indeed the reality of his character.

???

If it wasn't the work of gods, maybe it was fate that brought you together.

And several other characters you meet on your way across the country; other pactbearers and their patrons, tragic lovers, a noisy priest, ill-ridden villages (there is only two but it's weird it happened twice), two twin-rulers who don't seem to get along, a talking book, and more.

[romchat]

The Double (Ep. 17): Into the fog of the unknown

I'm not a fan of color theorizing, but they're really pulling all the stops here to communicate how different Xue Fangfei and Duke Su's relationship is, aren't they?

What I especially love about this visual parallelism is that while there's some similarity in the camera's framing, there are significant differences in the context and blocking of the two scenes:

The moment doesn't take place in an idyllic fairytale setting under falling blossoms but instead outside a seedy gambling den in the pouring rain. Although Fangfei might be drunk, she's no longer under any illusions about the dangerous world she has decided to enter for her revenge.

She's no longer dancing to her ex-husband's tune but instead forging her own path and reveling in the well-earned success of her life's gamble.

She doesn't feel the burden of acting like a demure and selfless wife and daughter-in-law but instead free to express herself (and, to a certain extent, her desires). See also: @songkangsbottomteethcirca2020's excellent analysis of Fangfei and Duke Su's character development.

SIDE NOTE: I laughed when she teased Duke Su (sorry, I guess we've graduated to "Xiao Heng" now) for getting shy at her calling him handsome. She can't admit her growing attraction without using alcohol as an excuse, but she wants him and recognizes his feelings too, which is why she gets annoyed when he rejects her for not being sober enough.

As usual, he gives her enough space to encourage her to think through the situation so she can exercise her autonomy and take full accountability for her choices.

What I find so compelling about their dynamic is that Fangfei might not be able to share the full truth of her situation, but she trusts Duke Su enough to have expectations of him. So when he confronts her for not only being dishonest about her feelings but also her identity and revenge plot, she still offers a small drunken confession:

Duke Su: I'll take you home. Fangfei: Home? I don't have a home anymore.

It's a just another confirmation of what he already suspects but it's painfully honest and makes her vulnerable. Yet despite learning more about how her attempted murder fits within larger political machinations at the Capital and how involving himself can affect his own plans, he still decides to side with her:

Duke Su: What coincidence. I also don't have a home anymore.

Unlike with her husband, Fangfei's faith in Duke Su isn't misplaced.

(Although I now wonder if there's any symbolism in the switch in costuming from her blood red robes to Shen Yurong's white. Will Fangfei sacrifice Duke Su in the future like her husband did in the past?)

Also, this gorgeous shot of them (literally) crossing a bridge into the fog of the unknown together?

I adore The Double's shameless sense of drama.

[5starluvr]

Guys my age [1.kisses to my ex’s]

Paring:Bang Chan x reader ,Lee Felix x reader

Genre:fluff,crack,angst,smut

Warnings:mentioned drinking,cursing,cheating

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Her tears traced stained tracks down her cheeks, blurring the idyllic scene before her. Candlelight, once a warm embrace, now flickered accusingly, casting dark shadows on the wall.Yeonjun’s voice, usually a sweet melody now sounds like someone screeching on a board , each word a fresh shard of betrayal. The phone, clutched white-knuckled in her hand, displayed the undeniable evidence – a picture of him , entwined with another girl in a club.

The air grew thick, a suffocating weight pressing down on her chest. The melody, a love song he claimed to have written for her, became a twisted mockery, each note a searing reminder of his lies. A strangled sob escaped her lips, shattering the fragile illusion of their perfect night.

Mark's gaze flicked up, finally catching hers. The playful smile he'd worn for the "performance" faltered for a fleeting moment before morphing into a practiced mask of concern. "Hey, babe," he cooed, completely missing the storm brewing in her eyes.

"No," she rasped, her voice a broken whisper. The word ripped from her throat, raw and primal. "Don't touch me."

Confusion flickered across his face, quickly morphing into a sneer as she showed him the video’s and pictures . "Don't be dramatic,babe," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "It's just a picture."

The casual dismissal sent a fresh wave of anger crashing over her. "Don't you dare minimize this!" she exclaimed , her voice surprisingly strong despite the tremor in her hands. "This picture says it all!"

He leaned back, a smug smile twisting his lips. "Says what, exactly? That I know how to have a good time with friends? You're the one who's always so uptight,y/n. Maybe you should loosen up a little."

"Friends?" she shrieked, shoving the phone with the picture in his face. "This doesn't look like friendly to me!"

Yeonjun scoffed. "Come on, it's just a kiss. It doesn't mean anything."

"A kiss?" Her voice cracked with disbelief. "You were making out and had your hands all over her! Don't you try to gaslight me, Yeonjun! I'm not stupid!"

He scoffed again, the sound laced with irritation. "Gaslight? You're the one blowing this whole thing out of proportion. You need to trust me more,y/n ."

"Trust you?" Her voice rose. "How can I trust you after this? All those late nights you claimed were 'practice'? All those vague excuses? Don't you think I noticed?"

His face flushed a deep crimson. "That's different," he snapped. "This group is about to take off, and I can't afford to miss practices. You wouldn't understand."

"Oh, I understand perfectly!"She spat back, tears blurring her vision. "I understand that your ‚group' is more important to you than our relationship!AND that you’re allowed to just make out with other fucking girls!"

He threw his hands up in exasperation. "Here we go again. You always make everything about you!"

The that’s the final snap. With a final, heart-wrenching sob, she stumbled towards the door, her silhouette disappearing into the cool embrace of the night.„FUCK YOU“ she yelled.

————

The city lights blurred into streaks of shimmering pain as she stumbled out of the building . Tears, hot and angry, streamed down her face, blurring the world into a watercolor mess. Reaching her apartment, she fumbled with the keys, the door slamming open with a bang that echoed through the hall.

Collapsing onto the couch, she grabbed her phone, the incriminating picture burning into her brain . A choked sob escaped her lips, and with trembling fingers, she dialed her friends number.

"Hey, you okay?" Nari’s voice, usually laced with playful banter, held a note of concern that sliced through her defenses.

A tornado of words spilled out, a broken narrative punctuated by hiccups and shaky breaths.Nari listened patiently, the silence on the other end a comforting presence. When she finally finished, a pregnant pause hung in the air.

Then, Nari’s voice boomed through the phone, a stark contrast to her own despair. "Absolutely not! You listen here, beautiful. Pretty girls don't cry over ugly boys, especially ones who cheat. Plus, honey, trust me, he was broke anyway. What kind of future is that?"

A choked laugh escaped the younger, a flicker of defiance replacing the despair in her voice. "Broke? Seriously?"

"Seriously," Nari confirmed. "Now, listen up. Shower. Put on a dress. Club.We are going to go out and be pretty girls because I am NOT going to let a ughly guy like that make you that upset!. Operation Distraction is a go. We're going out tonight, and you're going to forget all about him."

The idea of going out made her want to just curl up and cry, but Nari , with her blunt honesty had a way of cutting through the fog. Maybe, just maybe, a night of loud music and getting shit faced was what she needed . Maybe, just maybe, the thunderous beat of the club could drown out the deafening silence of a broken heart.

With a ragged breath that echoed the devastation within her,she rose from the couch.

——-

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes no longer red-rimmed and puffy, looking at herself in the black dress she'd pulled on. It clung to her in a way that would make her boyfriend,well ex-bf mad.

The traitorous tears welled up again, threatening to ruin the carefully constructed facade. She squeezed her eyes shut, picturing her friends voice, blunt and fierce: "Pretty girls don't cry over ugly boys." Taking a deep breath, she forced a defiant smile. Tonight wasn't about him, it was about her enjoying herself .

The drive to the club felt like a blur. The city lights, usually twinkling with a festive charm, seemed cold and indifferent. Reaching the familiar throb of bass and the flashing neon signs of the oh so famous club RED LIGHTS,Nari and her parked as steeled herself. This wasn't her usual scene – she preferred staying at home or going out with a select group of people. But tonight, she was desperate for a distraction, a way to drown out the deafening silence of her broken relationship.

————

"Remember last time we drank on new year and I crawled under a table to eat grapes !"

Y/n couldn't help but crack a real smile this time. Relief and a surge of gratitude washed over her. Her friend was a lifesaver. Before could even respond, Nari was out of the car, grabbing her arm and pulling her in.

"Whoa!" Y/n exclaimed, stumbling slightly in the black heels she bought a few months ago. "Careful there, you crazy woman!"

Nari surveyed her with a predatory glint in her eyes. "Damn, girl, you look incredible!Black makes you look sexy!." She leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dropping to a low whisper. "You know, if we weren't best friends, I'd totally let you hit it tonight."

Y/nchoked back a laugh, a genuine one this time. "Seriously,girl? That's your plan? Distract me with bad pick-up lines?"

Nari winked. "Hey, it might work! Besides, tonight's all about having fun and forgetting about that jerk. We're gonna dance like nobody's watching, sing along like we know the words, and maybe even find ourselves a hot distraction or two. Operation Distraction is a go!"

Y/n, despite the lingering ache in her heart, felt a spark of excitement ignite within her. Maybe she was right. Maybe tonight wasn't about forgetting, but about remembering who she was – a strong, independent woman who didn't need a cheating boyfriend to feel beautiful or worthy.

————

Taglist 11/50: @readr1221 @ihrtlix @korthbum @itzbangchan333 @ihavetoomanyaesthetics @bakedlilgoonie @ihave0hearts4me @rylea08 @chxnb97 @hyunjinloverrrr @angelicg1rl

Taglist open just dm me!

[wonuwoe]

on the contrary | yjh (m)

pairing: ai!jeonghan x human!reader summary: you knew the risks of pursuing a member from 53V3NT33N but maybe your certain privileges have been fueling this illusion of a possible connection with J30NGHΛN, who surprisingly sparks your interest with his deep curiosity about the other sides of humanity. would you be willing to continue despite the looming deceit that you might get roped into? rating: 18+ | word count: 12k genre/au: angst, smut, sci-fi, ai-idol!au warnings/content: depictions of blood, explicit sexual content, voyeurism (through hearing), vaginal fingering, penetrative sex, lowkey corruption kink ngl bye 🏃🏻‍♀️

a/n: collabs seems to be really the only way for me to post lmao. thank you @idyllic-ghost for hosting the Seventeen Sci-Fi Collab and for making this very gorgeous banner! also, shoutout to everyone on the server especially to the new people i met for being with me while working on this! ig this is my writer debut in the seventeen community so nice to meet you all except for minors, who are not allowed to interact with this post :)

After the Earth miraculously survived due to some external force when the sun exploded a century ago, humans have learned to integrate into the new solar system that the planet ended up in, where alien life exists. Other planets in the previous solar system went through the same fate, being pushed away from each other and ending up in different parts of the universe.

At first, humans were cautious and ready to fight, but the aliens were surprisingly welcoming to our planet. Hence, those who didn’t die from ‘The Great Journey’ or from trying to fight the aliens were welcomed into the new solar system.

How we completely integrated was through the materials and assistance of our sister planets in exchange for human labor. And while what humans knew of technology was very limited, the resources from the aliens allowed us to create artificial life forms called "automaton". These robots served as workers when humans couldn't, but eventually, there was no need for human labour at all.

And in order to pay back the help the aliens gave, humans used automatons, which went through extensive development until artificial sentient life was eventually created. Now, these automatons were human-like in looks and had human consciousness, but they could not bleed and were stronger than we ever could be. 

Currently, there are even different levels of automatons: level 3 are the workers, level 2 are the caretakers, and level 1 are the celebrities. Among the level 1 robots are the music group 53V3NT33N (SEVENTEEN), where each talented member represents two human states of mind. One member named J30NGHΛN, is particularly of deceit and curiosity, and yet it didn’t stop you from hoping to get to know him even further.

You couldn't believe how quickly your addiction is becoming, recently meeting up with someone during your lunch break for a merch trade of level one robots.

53V3NT33N, one of the idol groups that made you competitive with other fans in any of their group-related promotions. 

It began over a few months ago, solely because of your curiosity when you attended one of the music festivals your friends invited you to in the summer. Among the several groups that performed, one of them randomly caught your eye, which you did not expect at all. You found out later that he was part of 53V3NT33N and that his name was J30NGHΛN, the member that has both deceit and curiosity infused in his pre-programmed personality.

That should've made you cautious but no, instead, it drove you to finally indulge in this fangirling lifestyle that surprised your family and friends. They were aware of your skeptical view of this whole AI thing from the beginning but that was before you realize that AI-idol robots can be this human enough so you didn't mind checking them out.

They're considered as one of the top groups of the galaxy, having everyone crazy over them including one of your closest friends, Bona. She’d been a fangirl since you were younger, which is the case for most AI-idol groups’ fans, starting either during elementary or high school so you couldn’t help but feel a bit behind.

It might be pretty late for you but how could you during that time when all you do is study in order to please your parents, particularly your father, who’s the founder of one of the biggest companies in the entertainment industry. So you understood why he was hard on you, probably hoping just like the rest of your family that you'd follow his steps but made it clear when you started university that you have no intentions of doing so.

Now that you're almost done with your masters, they've backed off completely and even supported you in this new lifestyle. As strange as it sounded, your mother has somehow convinced everyone in the family that this is just a way for you to de-stress from your rigorous post-grad schedule.Though a part of it is true, it's also the first time you've wanted something other than what your parents wanted for you.

Being the CEO's daughter did make your new hobby very easy as money was never an issue to you growing up. It's been a privilege that you're aware of but did not grasp fully until you found out that 53V3NT33N is under your father’s company, fuelling your new obsession with the entertainment industry as a whole.Aside from financial advantages, you have special VIP access to pretty much everything. 

However, you try to not use these benefits unless you have to as it would be unfair to other fans who don't have the privilege that you do.

.

Today, you’re here at a hi-touch event with Bona who became very enthusiastic once she saw your slightest interest in the group that she's been a fan of.

"is it usually this long?" you asked, a bit impatient about this long queue that you're lining up for. Adjusting to this lifestyle is a bit hard for you but at least you have Bona helping whenever she can. 

"of course! they've been very hot in the charts so we're getting new members in the fandom, including you!" she giggled excitedly, giving you a hug so lighten yourself up, not wanting to kill her enthusiasm with your souring mood.

With Bona’s warning, you did expect it to be like this and yet you weren't prepared enough. Albeit it's your first time, you know the larger fandom power of AI-idol groups hold regardless of size compared to human entertainers. Having VIP access may have a lot of perks but it didn’t help much when you chose to get the best experience through this.

You seldom participate in a more intimate setting with idols until today so your mind has been filled with worry about how it would go. Bona’s there to reassure you that it would be fun but you're quite nervous since you'll be meeting all the members this close for the first time. This is out of your territory and the possibility of embarrassing yourself in front of them scared you nuts since this morning.

And you’re unsure how you'll be once you face J30NGHΛN. 

The line thankfully sped up, your mind pausing for a moment when you briefly locked eyes with one of them. You spotted J30NGHΛN right away, standing in the middle near the end but that one glance your way was enough to make you even feel more nervous than you already are.

When it was finally your time, you brightly smiled at the first member on the line who's been smiling at you with his eyes. It eased up your nerves that you high-fived him with excitement as soon as he put both of his palms up. Subsequently, proceeding to the rest of the members became easy until you finally reached J30NGHΛN who laid out both of his hands to take yours right away.

It surprised you because the other members were either simply putting their palms up or interlocking their hands with yours for a brief second before moving on to the next. You weren't sure if it was the nerves but you haven't seen J30NGHΛN do this with other fans so far. Hands rising from the table and palms up as he takes both of your hands while looking straight into your eyes.

"hi, J30NGHΛN" you're relieved that your voice came out steady, mustering up a smile despite the rapid beating of your heart.

"hello..." he starts, eyes shifting down from yours and it makes you conscious of how you look. You did try today more than usual to hopefully match the beautiful idols that you've met who are close to perfection in beauty.

"___?" the soft mention of your name brought your attention back to him, noticing him reading it from your VIP pass.

Of course, it was just your name and probably the VIP pass that he's used to and nothing else. He probably won't remember you after this, seeing thousands of fans on a daily basis.

"it's my first time" you blurted out, earning a small chuckle from him. You silently berated yourself for breaking your composure but you noticed the emerging amusement in his eyes at your sudden remark, causing you to warm up in further embarrassment.

"it is? nice to meet you then" the corner of his lips lifted a bit as his eyes returned to yours. You tried smiling brightly as you did towards W00Z1 earlier to hide any more possible reactions from him but it faltered when he started running both his thumbs across your knuckles, tracing each one of them.

"n-nice to meet you too" 

You didn't mean to stutter but he took you off guard. Even more so when he interlocks his fingers with yours just when you were about to let go of his hands. He gave them a brief squeeze too that you didn't realize the line moved and you were already facing the member next to him. Good thing you recovered quickly, already getting used to holding their hands and making small conversations as you pass by each of the remaining members.

Once you were back in your seat near the front, you tried talking to the other fans around you while waiting for Bona to be done. However, your eyes can't stop straying towards J30NGHΛN and watch how he interacts with the other fans. He definitely didn't repeat what he did to you earlier so confusion washes over you.

After a while, you see a small smile grazing his lips while he is talking with a fan. It might be towards them or your obvious ogling because he suddenly glances up, capturing your eyes staring at him.

Bona hopping in beside you broke your staring contest, turning to her with enthusiasm like nothing happened. You debated on telling her you're confusing exchange with J30NGHΛN because who knows, it could just be a normal fan interaction and you were just imagining things all along. She will for sure tease you of your growing delusion towards him if ever.

You don't really know him yet but he seems to respond well to fans' advances. That could simply be part of their fan service training though, so all your experiences earlier are only part of VIP perks and you just got lucky to receive those random special interactions. However, when it was time for everyone to leave, you felt someone staring but didn't wanna think anymore if it could be him or not. 

Your curiosity took over though, so you did, catching J30NGHΛN's piercing eyes again before you exited the room.

It could simply be J30NGHΛN's curious nature as he has never met you before. He should be feeling the same way as he does with new fans but he found you amusing instead. The staff treating you differently didn't help either, fueling his interest in you some more. Other VIP fans were treated the same way lest they break the rules so he couldn't help but be more curious about who you could possibly be.

This was why during the fan sign where he saw you again, he couldn't help but initiate the interaction this time. J30NGHΛN took one of your hands before you could say something and he watched the confusion from last time return to your pretty face. You weren't as nervous as before but he definitely surprised you.

"can i ask you a question?" you felt the need to start talking to him right away to avoid the repeat from the last time. Now that you're finally caving into your interest in the group, Bona was insisting on indoctrinating you, briefing you on fan etiquette including how fan signs usually go. With the number of members of 53V3NT33N, you ought to be efficient unlike before.

"how much do you know about humans?"

You prod with a question that he wouldn't have expected and you see his face change from expectant to confusion with your question. He took a while to respond, probably waiting for the staff's reaction behind him. But once they didn't intervene, the previous look was back on his handsome face.

"well, i know enough to entice them",

The bright smile on his face didn't match the amusement in his eyes and somehow it gave you confidence, returning it with an impish grin.

"enough to make them even more obsessed with you?"

You're testing the waters, see if he can detect the change in your demeanour. It's a bit difficult when he's holding your hand like this because you swear he only holds others' hands after signing their albums earlier while you were waiting for your turn.

"it's working, no? since you're back and in a fansign this time"

It made you speechless that he was able to remember you from the last time. He's also keeping up with your flirting attempt and smoothly evaded your first question. You were expecting him to be taken aback because you doubt other fans have asked him that but then it could also be that he's programmed or trained to answer vaguely to be able to smoothly change the topic of any conversation.

His quip didn't distract you fully so your amused smile remained. For the entirety of the conversation, his eyes never left yours during this entire conversation so you couldn't even hide the surprise in your face when his thumb starts caressing your knuckles slowly, just like last time.

The nerves returned once again but you did your best to keep your guard, focusing more and figuring out what he could be thinking right now. It's a futile attempt but you have no other choice other than to distract the increasing beating in your heart.

"it might, or maybe i just wanted a fan sign experience" you cheekily remarked before getting up and grabbing your signed album, not even waiting for his response nor looking back to see his reaction.

.

That exchange prompted J30NGHΛN to snoop around online about you when the group finally had their "free time" later on. You were different compared to the first time he met you, not timid around him that he felt like he was wrong about you all along. The staff treated you differently too, never hurried you nor stopped you from asking those questions that would've gotten other fans banned so you must have some connection to the company.

He was running out of time before the managers came back to take them to their dorms as they, unfortunately, still do have a curfew. But by saving grace, he found an old article about their company's founder, included in it was a family picture where he recognized you right away, despite how young you were in it. J30NGHΛN finds himself not surprised at what he found out, causing everything to make sense now.

What was not making sense was how everyone didn't seem to recognize you or acknowledge who you were in public. Maybe you wanted it this way, keep everything low-key so you won't have the media hovering on your every move.

Something that he wishes for himself and his brothers sometimes. He's been having an inkling that they're being monitored 24/7 so he gave up on the thought a long time ago. It's still on his mind sometimes, especially after knowing this information about you. It deepens his curiosity about humans when you do this out of nowhere. Even now that he's lying in bed, recharging for another full-packed schedule tomorrow, he couldn't let the curiosity go.

.

Bona grilled you with questions as soon as you asked to meet up with her and Somin for this possible event that you're planning.

"i can't believe i wasn't there! i would've loved to see you get smitten by him!" she sighs dreamily while Somin makes a face in the corner.

"anyways, why did you wanna see us in person on a Sunday morning?" she starts, already dismissing you and Bona's fangirling shenanigans. It wasn't that she wasn't a fan but she does have a different opinion when it comes to these kinds of things.

"this might sound crazy but i want to invite 53V3NT33N as a headliner for my first charity event"

"what?"

"look, i didn't think you liked him this much already"

Somin raises a brow at you but you just shrug off the slight judgment in her eyes. It wasn't your fault that your interactions with J30NGHΛN from the past two events have stayed in your mind, plaguing you every single time you see any of their faces on social media. Maybe it's normal since you're all new to this fangirling thing, the common rush when you're exploring something new.

Like your interest in J30NGHΛN that you definitely want to develop further.

But in order to do that, you have to see him more often which won't be possible unless you use your privilege. Just like other AI-idol groups, 53V3NT33N members were tightly monitored by your father's company. Interactions with anyone outside of their staff would have to either be as a normal fan or someone with connections to the company, like you.

That was why you approached your father with the idea, hoping he'd let you invite his most precious investment. He agreed, much to your surprise because he'll allow the whole band to perform as well. Of course, this got a few questions from other CEOs seeing as this would be the first time for 53V3NT33N to participate in a charity event. However, your father insisted that this would be a good strategy to improve their company's reputation, especially among the fans who have been disappointed on how they've been managing the group so far.

Although your father's decision was a shock to everyone, you know why he would say yes. Despite his stoic disposition when it comes to business, he is still your father so he must have been delighted at the thought of you finally indulging in the family business by involving the company in this event. Pulling some strings means nothing to him now that you're doing what he's been wanting all along.

.

When 53V3NT33N was briefed by their managers about the event and their supposed role in it, surprise and confusion passed over the members' faces as they'd never done this before.

"it will be hosted by our CEO's daughter"

The additional shock was evident this time, not knowing about your existence until now. They have no idea what you look like so some of them are intrigued while others are just calm, too calm that member S3UNGKWAN didn't miss. He waited until the managers left them, making sure they were out of the vicinity before blurting out what he noticed.

"why would she be interested in us?"

He starts off casually, hinting at something that made the rest of his members curious, except for the one he's staring at right now.

Some of the members turned to J30NGHΛN with astonished faces but did not say a word. It's not like they could freely talk about anything outside of what they're supposed to know. 

J30NGHΛN should've tried harder to blend in with the others' reaction when you were mentioned. He didn't think of the possibility that anyone would notice the change in his behaviour towards you during the hi-touch and fansign. He should've known that his members would quickly catch on and read him like an open book as he does to them.

"maybe she's taking over and needs us for promotion" H05H1 concluded, shutting down the impending commotion over J30NGHΛN's possible connection with you. Half of the members relent as usual while the others don't even after J30NGHΛN ignores their goading stares.

This move from you again surprised him. A charity that would launch you into this world he's been living in, even involving him in it. He wasn't sure if this was because of how he interacted with you or if this is just who you are. Humans have confused him since he opened his eyes and was thrust into the world to interact with them. At first, he did think that you'd be just like the others given your position in society but there's been more than meets the eye.

And he strangely finds it to feel more interested in you now.

You've had a meeting with the rest of the company CEOs and staff to finalize the launch of the charity event. Things went well and as soon as it was announced, it made a buzz online immediately, just like your father predicted. You weren't sure if it was his doing or just people's curiosity about you finally going public in your father's line of business. Several people were intrigued by your collaboration with 53V3NT33N because, with all your connections, they could be the far end of your options as headliners.

Perhaps you wanted more publicity among the younger population which would make sense since the charity event's purpose is to support various scholarships for undergraduate students. You admit that the nerves escalated in you, both reasons being your formal introduction to your father's realm and 53V3NT33N's presence at the event. Leading events like this seems like a second skin to you, impressing the business community and media with the success of the event.

You couldn't take all the credit of course as you've had Bona and Somin too, helping you to make sure that the event goes smoothly. Right before the event ended, you asked either of them to give the closing remarks, rushing over to request one of 53V3NT33N's managers before they could move to the group's next schedule.

"i'd like to personally thank the members for doing this event with me"

"we shall send 5.C0UP5 up here right away" one of them answered curtly.

"oh, it's actually J30NGHΛN that i want to talk to"

Managing to appear composed while asking was a challenge as you tried your best to not show the managers your growing interest. Speculations can't be avoided because you did see some of them pause, with their faces wearing bewilderment but mostly startled at your choice of member. They must've been wondering why because 5.C0UP5 is the leader of the group and, therefore, their representative when it comes to official business.

Eventually, they reverted back to their composure, immediately fetching the member that you requested and directing him to the assigned room where you're waiting.  You weren't sure how this would go, if finally talking to J30NGHΛN in private would change your previous interactions. During the entirety of the event, you felt his eyes on you which almost distracted you at times but thankfully, you were able to remain focused.

"well, this is a surprise" a soft voice from behind startles you. Taking a deep breath to calm yourself down, you turned to see him smiling at you. A different smile from before, the polite one until he noticed how you weren't prepared at all. Seems like all the confidence from earlier went down the drain, making it too obvious for J30NGHΛN why he's here.

"is it? you've been paying a lot of attention earlier"

You return his smile, your confidence slowly coming up to the surface after watching his puzzled face.

"did you ask for me because of that?"

He recovered fast which did not surprise you, noticing how fast his reflexes are when it comes to conducting himself to others. You hear the inquisitive tone in his voice, taunting you to reveal the real reason why you chose to talk to him over their leader.

"no?, well yes" you admit, the curiosity overpowering your nerves. You couldn't keep it any longer, having no other options to talk to him but this way. Based on the content you've watched along with Bona's passionate detailing of them, J30NGHΛN's known to be perceptive and blunt so there's no point in denying anything.

"why?"

"you almost distracted me earlier"

"i thought i was being subtle"

You've expected him to be straightforward but not to this extent, confirming your assumptions earlier. His admission made your nerves resurface and it didn't help that he hasn't stopped looking at you since he got here. Avoiding eye contact with him has been successful so far, your eyes scanning the interior of this room despite knowing that he was aware of his effects on you.

"why?"

Now it's your turn to ask. You're still not looking at J30NGHΛN but you've been plagued with so many questions since your first interaction with him. He takes his time in answering, shifting his eyes away from you allowing you to steal a glance at his handsome face for a bit. Your elation about what his answer might be bubbles back up a little, wondering if there could be any reason his attention was on you for the entirety of the event.

"your purpose of the charity" he answers cooly, returning his gaze on you. This time you almost couldn't look away but the little disappointment stirs in you. Averting from his gaze but you don't want him to see your face because all this reminded you again of your growing attachment to him.

And you need to refocus on his question.

"my parents have great connections so why not use them for this"

"so why us then? you could pull it off on your own, the event was a success"

"thanks to you and your brothers"

Your heartbeat rises at J30NGHΛN's compliment because you technically could but you know that it's his group that mainly contributed to it, being one of the top AI boy groups in the galaxy these days. Having them as the headliner for the event definitely drew in more sponsors and donations than you expected which pleased not only your father but the other CEOs of the company too.

"we just appeared and sang a few songs, it's all you" he commended, and your heart raced even more when you finally turned to look at him.

He looks ethereal with platinum blonde hair and his white silk outfit complimenting his honey-toned skin. You must've been quiet for a while because a light chuckle escaping from him snaps you back to where you are.

"why thank you" you beamed, looking away to hide your embarrassment of getting caught. Just as he was about to answer, your phone vibrated from your desk so you stood up and gathered your belongings, preparing to leave.

"wait where are you going?"

J30NGHΛN's surprised at his own reaction, wanting to talk to you more.

"i have a meeting with my supervisors"

"for? you're working for the company now?"

"no, for my masters"

You watched him getting more intrigued with your answers but you really have to go so pause in front of him, debating if he'll catch onto your next words.

"there's always next time" you smile one last time before exiting the room, leaving J30NGHΛN behind. The teasing smile from you along with your implication has taken him aback, not expecting your sudden confidence in wanting to talk to him again. He didn't have much time to wonder as his manager barged in right away as soon as you were out of the hallway.

.

When J30NGHΛN got back to the dorms during their free time, he was a bit shocked to see all his members waiting by the living room. He already has a hunch on what will go down with a playful look plastered on some of their faces.

"someone's definitely the favourite" M1NGYU starts, earning a laughing fit from the others as J30NGHΛN approaches them.

"i couldn't believe she was at our fan events before" W0NW00 drawls, remembering you from the fansign as he was the one sitting beside J30NGHΛN.

"yeah so J30NGHΛN-hyung, she invited us because of you.." D0KY30M added but J30NGHΛN just shrugs it off.

"she's just a fan, like the others" he clarified, dismissing all the teasing he's gotten since they found out that he already knew you all along. He tried pretending earlier when you first met up with the whole group but his reaction and the way you acted around him gave the others the indication already.

He's aware that they are not really buying his dismissal seeing as you literally requested to talk to him in private. It further flares up again when you requested to see him once more.

People have asked questions as to why you requested someone from an AI-idol to accompany you here in the office. Apart from your interest in him and his group, he's the closest one that you're comfortable with in the company, as strange as it sounds. You don't trust anyone here, not even your own father for many reasons. At least with J30NGHΛN, any possibilities of using you for their gain are lesser than actual humans who might work their way into the company through you.

As for J30NGHΛN, he immediately said yes once their manager informed him of your request. Of course, his members were confused but some are supportive since it'll just probably be company-related stuff. He also explained that this will be a great way to gain your trust, to hopefully improve how the company has been treating them in return.

So far, no one has confronted you directly about J30NGHΛN being with you during his free time. However, rumours did start when it started to occur more than what people initially expected. Some talks must've been going around the company because your father surprisingly gave you a visit to your office today.

"i know why you're here" you start, not giving him a chance to confront you first.

"i'm just here to see you, it's not often that i'm free"

"you've never been" you retorted quietly, rolling your eyes at him.

"i just need to know why because i thought it was a one-time thing for your charity event"

"i need him for one of my remaining coursework"

You technically didn't lie but you weren't telling the truth either. Your father hopefully knows you enough to figure out your little lie but because he was barely there, that didn't become the case.

You're saved by the bell when Bona and Somin barge in your door with food and shopping bags with them. Your father excuses himself right away, giving you girls time with each other given how busy you've become since agreeing to the deal he made with you.

"so..."

Bona eyes you excitedly as soon as she sits on the luxurious couch in front of you.

"you're hooking up with him? you know Salax exists for a reason right?"

Somin fires right away and you put a hand up to stop her and Bona with their impending questions.

"i'm not, why would you think that right away?"

It won't be your first time having companions and you've been to the planet before with her to explore its attractions so you couldn't really blame her for questioning your choices.

"damn girl, last time you were all timid when it comes to him but now look at you!"

Bona adds proudly as she unpacks all the food on the table.

"is it because he's a level 1? you wanted to try if you could?"

Damn Somin and her fiery mouth.

The idea is enticing, sure, as level 1 robots can never be found in Salax because they're seen as "too pure" to be on the planet for anyone's darkest desires. You don't know how to answer her question because although that's not your intention to request his presence when you're in the company, these thoughts sometimes pass through your mind.

There's something satisfying about having J30NGHΛN with you, a level 1 robot that no one can have no matter how rich they are, proving your status even to people in your level. His kind is unattainable with the company's interference each time a rumour comes up involving any of the celebrity robots.

That's not to say that it doesn't happen as there are corrupt CEOs from other entertainment companies who sometimes exploit their level 1 robots underground, completely in secrecy. Fans found out about it will not only cause major problems for the company but for the careers of their robots and future investments as well.

That won't hopefully be the case for you if you decide to pursue J30NGHΛN. Any rumours that may be speculated by the media will get shut down right away not to ruin both the groups' image and yours. In fact, the company might just endorse this as your "training" and possibly follow in your father's footsteps.

"who knows really, i'd rather have him than anyone in this company"

.

J30NGHΛN is surprisingly pleasant as a company. Each time you ask for him, he arrives promptly and just follows anything you ask him. You thought that he'd see you differently once he found out who you are but nothing much changed. If not, he continues how he's been treating you, though a little more reserved than before because of your position.

It's never boring with him like you initially thought. Maybe that could be part of his media training or his learning given that artificial intelligence hasn't stopped digesting information given by humans. When you've caught him trying to read through your papers, you've asked him if he ever had any interest in things outside of idol life.

"of course, we all do but especially me with my curiosity, remember?"

Sometimes you forget that each of these level-one automatons has pre-programmed emotions. It was one of the reasons why you became interested in 53V3NT33N, observing how those emotions are webbed into them during performances, and interviews, and how they are with different kinds of people.

"if you wanna learn something, i don't mind teaching you" you smile gently and his usual passive face responds brightly at your response.

Since then he's been slowly opening himself up regarding the current state of his cognition. He revealed that aside from what the company teaches them through their training, they have no other opportunities to explore their personal interests. You honestly felt bad for them, knowing they have consciousness and therefore, can feel.

There are also times that you forget him being an AI idol until his availability begins dwindling due to his lack of any more time in his "free" time. You are starting to think that you may not have any free time anymore because he's been using whatever limited time he has to accompany you.

"i barely see you these days"

J30NGHΛN said that he needed to leave early for another schedule so he can only stay with you today for a short period of time. You didn't mean to sound like a jealous person because there's nothing between you. He became a friend, well, a closer one now due to the amount of time he spent together.

Idol life has always been busy but you couldn't help but feel disappointed that he has no free time to see you. It's childish since it will never be his fault, just the company so you hate feeling like this.

"oh, it's cause i have to meet with the researchers and developers, they had new ones" he replied nonchalantly but his eyes stayed on you with curiosity.

"really? do you even have any more time to see your mechanics?"

You didn't mean to sound petty because they do have regular checkups with personal human mechanics. And with the addition of extra meetings with researchers and developers, you're pretty below their priority list despite being the CEO's daughter.

"it's mandatory __, why? do you want me to be always with you then?"

His direct question caught you off guard and you looked away from him, busying yourself with whatever was going on at the lab table. You should be used to it by now and he's been gradually influencing you when it comes to voicing out your thoughts but you still can't when he asks these kinds of questions. You could technically switch things around now that your father has been slowly passing his responsibilities to you but you refuse to be just like him and others who take advantage of anyone below their level.

"well, i'm always alone except for when Bona and Somin visit me" you admit, not realizing he followed you to where you are. You can feel him standing behind you and will yourself to face him, giving him a quizzical look.

"you didn't answer my question" he whispers, looking at you intently. 

There's something in his eyes that you haven't seen before and you couldn't even explain it. If it was because of what you said, you're unsure. J30NGHΛN may have understood what you were implying earlier but also couldn't, it's difficult to decipher with the impassive expression he's wearing.

You don't know how to answer him, embarrassment flooding in you again like every time you turn skittish because of him. J30NGHΛN waits for your answer but he must've understood your silence because he surprises you when he reaches out, hand almost touching your jaw so you finally respond by leaning into it.

He cups your cheek, eyes roaming on your face before leaning in. You're still trying to process what's happening but you did the same and met his lips halfway. J30NGHΛN pauses at the contact, probably stunned that you kissed him so you started pulling away. This must be all new to him and you just crossed whatever boundary both have left. 

But then he held your face firmly, stopping you from completely doing so. A little gasp came out of you and he further shocked you by pressing his lips back to yours.

"i-"

"don't be upset anymore" he cuts you off after you both release each other's lips, shifting his gaze away this time as he steps back.

You on the other hand could not even form a proper sentence, still processing the fact that you and J30NGHΛN kissed. That you both did the second time too but mostly because he initiated it.

"J30NGHΛN-"

"i'm sorry but i have to go __, i'll see you as soon as i can" he regretfully replies, giving you a different smile than the ones he gave you before. Sure, he rarely smiles unless he has to and figuring out the genuity of his smiles has been difficult. However, the way he's been acting is sending a message, a vague one that continues to confuse you further.

You only waved back in response, unable to form any words since still dazed from that unexpected kiss. Some part of your mind though is having more questions as to why J30NGHΛN did that. He's still a bit hard for you to decipher but you don't also wanna force him to explain everything. 

Maybe it was just part of his want to learn, having curiosity is embedded in him so exploring something new is normal.

But you couldn't also just ignore the paired deceit, which you have been avoiding thinking about since the beginning.

Since that kiss, something definitely changed between you and J30NGHΛN. Aside from him being usually flirty, he also initiates any physical gesture that you've been showing him. All these could be part of his cognition development, responding naturally to you through the exercises you've given him.

J30NGHΛN did express his interest in learning more about humans, the ones that he hasn't seen through the media and you've been willing to teach him—sort of gratitude for accompanying you despite his busy schedule. He asks eloquent questions that surprise you sometimes, stirring your interest in the potential of artificial intelligence to develop even further than it currently is.

You're back in one of the company's labs today, deciding to finish your coursework here instead of traveling back and forth to and from the campus. The several meetings you've attended on behalf of your father, of course, were time-consuming already and now you know why they've set this lab up specifically for you. He might be subtle in his instructions but you're aware that he wanted you to be as close to his company as possible.

"does that also include human anatomy?" you tease, reviewing a few illustrations of various alien anatomies that you've been researching while sitting at the table. It's break time anyway, the only time you're able to talk to J30NGHΛN outside your duties. Teasing him became frequent as you've continued to grow comfortable with each other, becoming part of your daily banter.

"that's the one that i haven't studied yet" he says casually but the look in his eyes is the opposite. They're inquisitive with a hint of deceit that's making you gulp nervously given how near he is, standing close beside your perched form.

"how come?"

"we barely have time to explore other things"

"including?"

It came out as a whisper but J30NGHΛN heard the underlying query in your voice. This might be pushing your luck but somehow you feel confident in challenging him further today. You wanted to see the limit of his advances towards you. He moves to stand in front of you, his eyes observing your expressions now that you're staring right back at him.

"physical ones, like..you"

The revelation dazzled you a bit, not expecting him to be on the same wavelength as you. He leaned in, about to place his hands on the table until you grabbed one of them. He looks down at the hand that you're holding, amusement swimming in his eyes when you place it on one of your bare legs.

"are you sure? i thought you'd find aliens more interesting than a boring human like me" you shrug, trying to ignore the warm feeling of his palms now massaging your skin. It still fascinates you how human-like AI robots have become, J30NGHΛN having only a few differences with you.

"you've never bored me since the first time we met"

Your heart once again races at him admitting those words. It didn't help that his elegant fingers had also started skirting under your mini pencil skirt. His eyes stayed on them like he was contemplating where they would go. His fingers' pulling back and forth made you quiver, your legs squirming, especially when his ringed finger brushed along your inner thighs.

"Jeonghan.." you didn't mean for it to come out breathlessly but you couldn't take his teasing anymore. You didn't even realize that you called him by his real name until he looked up at you in an instant, your small whine fueling up something in his eyes now.

You didn't know what came over you when you opened your legs as an invitation, your skirt riding up further allowing J30NGHΛN to see what's underneath. He eyed your clothed core, noticing the wet spot on your undies and it prompted him to move his fingers around it. One of his brows rises when you start squirming, your legs trying to close so puts his other hand on your other leg to stop you.

"you should call me by my real name more often" he starts again, tracing his fingertips around the area until it catches your clothed hole.

"i can't do that-" he startles you when he prods a finger in, earning a squeak from you.

"did i hurt you?" he removed his hands right away, confusion and worry etched on his face but you shook your head. You're relieved that he didn't pry you with his previous question because you're honestly too riled up to respond properly.

"no, you just... surprised me"

You smile at him reassuringly, releasing a deep breath before bringing his hand back to where it was before. Pulling up your skirt even more, you push your undies to the side, revealing your soaked core to J30NGHΛN's curious eyes. He resumes exploring you with his fingers, eyes in fascination as he traces your wet pussy lips with his nimble fingers.

He hears your breathing increase, with your eyes switching from looking at his fingers to his face, sensing the frustration in them. He wonders if it's because of what he's been doing or if he wasn't doing enough yet.

"what do i do next?" he queries after pushing one finger in, eliciting a small gasp from you that you almost couldn't answer properly when he starts pumping it in and out. The stretch causes your moans to grow louder so now he wants to do more, observing the way your legs quiver the faster he goes.

"just...continue what you're doing already"

You couldn't help but whine when he inserted a second one, your hips involuntarily moving to get his fingers more into you. J30NGHΛN obliged, plunging his fingers deeper with each stroke like you've been hinting. He wanted to earlier, your moans spurring him but he wasn't sure if your body could take it when you're already so tense around his fingers.

"one more.."

You can barely open your eyes when you beg, biting your lips harshly to stifle your moans and it flares J30NGHΛN's curiosity even more, wanting to see how you'll react with three of his fingers inside you so he did.

"you'd think they'll hear us?"

His fingers nudge your walls experimentally, fingertips occasionally brushing something in you that you couldn't even keep quiet anymore. His question lingers in the air and you've been trying to answer him but his fingers just feel too good.

"w-what?"

J30NGHΛN just grins at you wickedly, his eyes never leaving yours as he waits for you. He probably ran out of patience cause he slowed down his fingers, forcing your gaze back at him.

"they could be listening,..." he continues, drawing his fingers out and then pushing them in again. He knows the communication device sitting between his collarbones can track them, a common practice for companies with level ones like him so he wonders if any of them are monitoring, if they can hear how he's been breaking down their CEO's daughter like this.

You clenched around his fingers, unable to stop exposing yourself to what J30NGHΛN said. His beautiful brown eyes dilate at your response so he's back to increasing the pace of his fingers, trying to locate that soft spot in you again. Watching your face contort when he finds it stirs something in him, that strange satisfaction that even he couldn't explain.

"there it is, isn't it?"

You hear the teasing in his voice again, driving you to whine his name louder than you intend to. The way his fingers were constantly hitting your sweet spot was pushing you to the edge, your lower pussy lips also tingling at the cold feeling of the silver ring on his pinky that occasionally brushes them.

J30NGHΛN notices you trying to grind down his fingers, desperately rubbing yourself so he looks back down to see why, and when he does, he grazes his thumb on the swollen button he found, marveling at your instant reaction.

"yes, there..oh–" you didn't think he'll figure out how to play your clit this fast but you should've known how fast he's been at learning new things. The pressure from the pads of his fingers must've pushed you to the end, your body arching from the table as you let go, releasing so gorgeously in front of his eyes.

"you look beautiful" he mutters in awe, eyes still on you. J30NGHΛN didn't think humans could look this way through this. He didn't even realize that his fingers were still relentless in their speed cause he wanted to see you more like this, glowing hence why he kept going and didn't understand why you grabbed his arm to stop him.

"too much.." you could barely speak after reaching your peak, prompting him to pull his fingers out from you eventually. 

J30NGHΛN's bewildered face turned into worry but you smiled cheerily at him despite your weariness. 

Pulling him close by his shoulders, you watch him examine his coated fingers and it makes your already heated body even warmer. You hand him the tissue box beside you and instead of using them, he pops his coated fingers into his mouth, eyes widening at your taste.

"didn't expect you'd taste this good" he hums, grabbing some tissues to clean you up instead. He's surprisingly being delicate which brings that warm feeling inside your heart to resurface. 

"really? thanks" you giggle, still high from that amazing orgasm he gave you. It momentarily made you forget the fact that you just let him finger you here in the lab where anyone could've heard or seen you both. The glass walls are translucent sure, but you weren't sure how loud you were this whole time.

He assists you in getting off the table because you're wobbling a bit as soon as your feet reach the ground. You pull down your skirt and try to look presentable just in case anyone barges in, expecting J30NGHΛN to distance himself from you but his hands remain on your waist.

"so.. you're going to teach me more?" he smiles at you and it stupidly makes your heart race.

"i barely taught you anything" you dismiss shyly, looking anywhere but at him because you are still taken aback at what just happened. He learned to do all that with a little of your guidance, pleasuring you even better than human boys and sex robots could.

"you did let me study, but i think it's not enough," he playfully huffs as he shakes his head. You see a glimpse of seriousness in his eyes but it somehow earned a chuckle from you.

"you were supposed to be more advanced than me" you say, back to being playful with him like a second nature. You feel content, brushing a few strands of blonde hair away from his eyes. They're growing longer now and you love them when they would always curl in front of his handsome face so you can have an excuse to touch him. 

"only physically, i haven't tested everything yet" he winks, the coy smile never leaving his face. You knew that J30NGHΛN would never give up the idea of exploring each other more from now on and you might be too deep to refuse at this point.

It's been a few days since you saw J30NGHΛN and you're excited to see him after what conspired between you last time. You're a bit nervous though how your dynamics will change, hoping for at least no awkwardness because you won't be able to manage it.

Whisking away your thoughts, you approached the elevators while responding to people greeting you. When it opened, there was someone in it that you recognized as one of 53V3NT33N's managers. It was mainly because they were the only ones who treated you indifferently in the company. The others were either too timid or too fake with you despite your generous approach.

"thank you" you smiled at them when they held the elevator doors open for you.

"no problem miss ceo"

"that's my father, not me" you deflect, silently thanking them for the light manner approach. You understood why everyone was too serious with you but you sometimes wish that this type of refreshing interaction were more common. You might not have plans on becoming a CEO but you were never comfortable when people treat you as one.

"will be, soon i hope. i'd be happy if that happens" they playfully admitted but you recognized the sliver of sincerity in there which delighted you a bit.

"Star, right?" 

You didn't know how to respond to them so you just smiled, hoping they'll get the sign that you didn't wanna discuss the subject further. It's something that you haven't even talked about with Bona and Somin because they perceived what your stance was on the matter.

"yes, ma'am"

"please, ___ will do or the nickname you gave me earlier" you smiled at them, preferring to drop all the formality between you. You still have a hard time trusting anyone in the company, let alone a staff member, but you feel like you could trust Star out of all of them.

"of course, additional workload?" they asked, pertaining to the several files in your hands.

"you could say"

"J30NGHΛN has really been a help then, with the studying i mean"

The gaze they sent your way had your mind blanking out in addition to the teasing in their tone. You're unable to process the fact that someone not just knew but could possibly hear what happened between you and J30NGHΛN. 

"don't worry, no one else knows aside from me. it was my shift for recording check-ins last week that's why" 

You must've been so obvious that they smiled reassuringly. It still didn't quell the embarrassment flooding in your face and the dread of what might happen after. They seemed to be decent and can be counted on but you couldn't take any chances.

"did you hear..something?" your shift in your stance, the defensiveness apparent in your tone. 

"no, just a bit nearing the end i'm assuming, with the teaching him more"

You sigh in relief, more than glad that you've been lucky enough that it was only the last part they heard. J30NGHΛN getting in trouble just because of his little exploration of your body was the last thing you want. It was risky, yes, and the memory of him teasing you about the communication device flashing in your eyes causes your cheeks to warm up despite the full air conditioning in this building.

"i-, we-"

"you don't have to explain miss CEO, you're not the only one"

The revelation piqued your interest and you wondered if they too were as involved with their automaton as you were.

"really? so do you also-"

"oh no, never that way 'cause i'd get booted before i know it" 

Star put their hands up in defense as they chuckled but you saw the longing in their eyes as they said it. You feel sorry for them, for not even being allowed to express what they feel due to the nature of this industry. You could say you were in the same boat but you have another privilege that they don't, spending time with J30NGHΛN anytime you want lest it conflicts with his idol schedule.

"i'm sorry"

Sharing the same conflict someone provided both astonishment and relief to you. Knowing that a fellow human had the same struggles in some way makes you even more determined to pursue J30NGHΛN.

"it is what it is and i'm glad at least to find someone who shares the same dilemma as me"

They smiled at you once the elevator dinged, exiting the doors to probably meet the boys, something that you would want to do if you didn't have piled up coursework thanks to the meetings that you had to attend on behalf of your father, again. You waved goodbye to Star with a smile, grateful that they shared with you something personal and this risky, for both them and the AI robot they were longing for.

Since then, you have been reaching out to Star when it came to J30NGHΛN's whereabouts, as they were the ones who handled the automata's daily schedule. It made spending time with J30NGHΛN easier, though you still had to be careful not for your sake but his and Star's. Even though they had been immensely helping you both, you couldn't risk anything happening to them just because of your greed.

.

Your father was surprisingly situated in your office when you entered and once again, has asked about these frequent meet-ups with J30NGHΛN.

"i'm sure you've heard the rumour circulating around __"

"i thought that was settled a long time ago" you dismiss, clearly not wanting to talk to him as you're busy yourself around your office.

"of course, it's just a reminder that you should be putting your time into other beneficial things like more business partners-

"you mean meet their sons so you could marry me off?" you turn around to face him, to watch him lie to you like countless times before. This was one of the main reasons why you did not want to be a part of his world, not wanting to give up your freedom which would not be an option anymore if ever.

"that's not what i said __"

"i already told you last time what i need him for"

"does it require this much?"

And unlike last time when Bona and Somin interrupted your father's probing, they were unfortunately not here to do it again much to your dismay.

"i don't trust anyone here and having him as a company is killing two birds with one stone " 

You've never had problems conveying to your father what you truly feel, hoping he'd realize that he's not an exception to your sentiment.

"when are you going to be done?" 

He diverted the topic, knowing that you'd won the argument like you always did. Despite his threatening image outside, he remained a father to you though you've never treated him otherwise.

"soon" you tried your best to hide your looming disappointment when that day arrived. You didn't want to give him any more reason to eminently take J30NGHΛN away from you if this goes on any longer.

There was still so much to explore on his mental capabilities that many people haven't bothered to into. You might be already falling in deep but you'd love to know if it's also possible for J30NGHΛN to develop something based on how the development of your relationship has become. It's a silly thought but deep down you wanted to know if falling in love was a potential scenario for him to happen. 

It might be a futile hope but with AI's range of possibilities, you couldn't be blamed for having one. The thought even made you hesitant to tell your friends because it could go wrong. You could give Bona the same hope and at the same time face Somin's impending disapproval knowing her firm stance in this situation.

But it was only a matter of time until they caught up on what had been going on with you.

"alright stop playing with me, we've had enough of these rumours" Somin started as soon as she barged into your place with a strangely quiet Bona behind.

"you too? he was already here earlier, trying to talk to me about it"

You may have underestimated what your father mentioned earlier, thinking he was bluffing to emphasize his latent threat. Perhaps you weren't as discreet as you thought because Bona has never been this quiet around you since you were children until now.

"stop deflecting"

"i'm studying him, the possibilities of their cognition are vast, Somin. i thought you knew that" 

You don't know who you're trying to convince with that explanation, your friends or yourself.

"i do but you and i both know that's not what i meant"

It's tough to answer her question because you've also been at war within yourself regarding what you really feel for J30NGHΛN. No matter how good you are in your pretense though, both of your friends have always been able to see right through you.

"you love him" Bona whispers, looking dejected at her realization after eyeing your reaction.

"he's my favourite member of the group, don't you love yours too?" you insisted, not yielding from their confrontations.

"it's not the same"

"of course, it's not, she's in love with him"

Somin cuts you both and silence follows. You couldn't exactly confirm or deny what she said but you're also done lying to your friends.

"i don't wanna do anything about it but i'm prepared to see where this goes"

Vague replies have never confused your friends anymore and they thankfully concede to your decision in their contrasting ways.

"look, i get it more than Somin does so i'll just be here if you need me" Bona replies softly with a smile while Somin just shakes her head, giving you a defeated but comforting look.

"as absurd as this whole thing is, you're still a dear friend of mine" 

"i love you both", you reply with your usual response, giving them grateful smiles as you lay down a couple of board games in the living room. It's always been a girls' night tradition since you were kids and that immediately boiled down the tension between the three of you from that conversation.

You're grateful that you were able to finally reveal and talk to them about it. Your friends have been the closest people that you can confide with anything so it was a great comfort to know they're with you on this no matter how stupid this looks. Continuing whatever this is between you and J30NGHΛN will be a struggle but that has never deterred you from the beginning.

Only spurring you further as a challenge.

Sounds of skin slapping and heaving breaths bounce off your office walls, with J30NGHΛN pounding into you harshly against your desk. The awkwardness was nowhere to be found when you saw him again, if not, he's even grown comfortable dallying with you. He touches you whenever he likes which was often and it became a common occurrence between you both, exploring each other physically despite being on the company grounds.

J30NGHΛN truthfully doesn't care if anyone catches you both. He had never cared once you started showing your interest in him. It's not like they can stop you from pursuing him, evident when none of them interfered since he started responding to your requests.

"you okay?" he asked as he pulled out slowly, his hands carefully caressing your body ever since he learned how sensitive you become after an orgasm.

You nod at him, beaming as you grab a bottle of water beside you to quench your thirst. You get exhausted quickly unlike him who doesn't need to rest unless he's recharging through his bed. J30NGHΛN's always patient with you when it comes to sex, helping you in taking breaks to keep up with his mechanical endurance. 

After cleaning you both up, he helps you put your clothes back on, not leaving your side just like the first time. It's a habit he picked up after seeing your face light up each time he does it. When he questioned you why, you couldn't respond to him which added to his curiosity. He never bothered asking again but just continued to do it, hoping that you'd answer him eventually.

Just as J30NGHΛN's finishing buttoning up his black satin top, he sees your hand reaching towards him. You do this a lot when you want a kiss from him, looking adorable especially when you're dazed and a bit breathless after dressing back up again.

"hannie..." you called him softly with the nickname that you came up with recently. It's affectionate, he's guessing because he also felt the need to comply each time you call for him for some reason that he doesn't understand.

He kisses you right away, responding to the kiss the way you like. One of your hands went down to his neck, stroking its sides while the other found a purchase on his bare chest. Your manicured fingers started tracing the edge of his collarbone where his necklace was sitting, the diamond-shaped device implanted just above it. 

Then J30NGHΛN was confused when you started circling your fingertip around it so he deepened the kiss, biting your lower lip to distract you both from whatever this is you're doing.

But that's when he hears it, 5.C0UP5 voice shouting "RUN" through the communication device that's also connected to his ear. He reluctantly breaks the kiss, head-turning sideways to make sure he heard his brother correctly.

Then the alarms suddenly broke off throughout the entire building, blaring non-stop and it further confirms his suspicion from before.

That 5.C0UP5 was planning to escape like he did all along.

He had a hunch but wasn't sure if the rest of his members had an interest as well. Knowing his brothers though, most of them would want to leave this suffocating lifestyle of theirs for real freedom.

"it's time isn't it?"

J30NGHΛN was perplexed by your question, drawing back from you after realizing that you knew of his plan to escape. But before he can move away even further, your hand tightens its hold around his neck, surprising him more with your strength.

"what are you doing?"

He couldn't figure out what you meant until you dug your fingers around the device and began peeling away the rest of his synthetic skin.

"we don't have much time"

"how did you-?"

"i made sure he'll prepare you" 

J30NGHΛN's beautiful eyes widen, another shock coursing through him at this revelation that the mechanic apprentice who's been loosening his device this entire time was planted by you.

You watched his face morph into the realization of what you knew all along. Expecting him to leave immediately, he remained instead, still staring at you with mixed emotions arising on his handsome face. You made Kai, a mechanic apprentice of one of the staff, to gradually loosen J30NGHΛN's communication device on each visit in exchange for securing a spot for him in the company as a junior mechanic after his graduation. 

Of course, the boy complied as soon as you offered, not wasting the rare opportunity given by the CEO's daughter of a huge company. Automatons also heal fast, making it easier for both him and J30NGHΛN to hide this secret deal from anyone in the company except, well, you.

J30NGHΛN didn't have the time to ask more questions when you started pulling the device off of him, pain replacing the conflict on his face. Although the device was easy to get off now, the pain was still excruciating that J30NGHΛN couldn't hold back the screams even if he tried to.

You're in pain too. Both from the physical pain of ripping the device with your now bloody hands and the pain of him leaving you. 

From the beginning, you knew that this was his reason for pursuing you because why would he break all of those strict rules from the management for you had it not been because of your position? Deceit and curiosity have been programmed into his system since he was created so he couldn't escape from it unless someone alters it. You could've asked Kai or even other developers to do so but you foolishly hoped that you'd have the time until his consciousness could achieve what you've been longing for.

"____-" he rasps your name, traces of pain in his voice although you're not sure of its cause. 

"this will be the last place for them to look but we're on the top floor so it'll take time for you to exit the building"

You pushed him out of your office door in a hurry, giving him further instructions and shortcut directions to get out of the building as soon as possible, not even looking a second at him because you wouldn't be strong enough to let him go if you did.

J30NGHΛN's silent as he clutched the wound on his collar bones but could feel his eyes on you the whole time. You ignored it even as he staggered backward in the empty hallway, seeming like he wanted to stay until you both heard the commotion from the lower floors coming up through the stairwells, an indication that the guards might be closing in anytime soon.

"go, please"

You finally looked at him one last time as you dropped on the floor, voice desperate for him to leave because you'd rather lose him this way knowing that he's free than let him go through what your father might do to him for attempting to escape.

Knowing your father, he’ll punish him even more as revenge upon the rest of his brothers for escaping too.

J30NGHΛN starts backing up when he sees the fear in your eyes, along with the tears now flowing down your face. You couldn't figure out what he was thinking from where you are so you muttered the one thing that you've never said to anyone just as he was heading to the corner of the hallway.

"i love you"

If he was able to catch it you weren't sure, closing your eyes as soon as he disappeared from your sight. The pain from your fingers intensifies and diverts your attention to it, hoping that the physical pain will mask the real one you're really crying for within.

You haven't cried in so long but you also remembered that you have to maintain this pretense of being devastated when the guards chasing the robots around found you at your office. They must've been redirected here given that J30NGHΛN's communication device is pretty much still intact, therefore, giving them a false lead to your office.

Not entirely false when they found your office door open, with you lying on the floor and crying while holding J30NGHΛN's communication device in your bloody hands.

They immediately approached you, presumably to take the device but flinched away from them.

"at least let me have this part of him" you whisper brokenly, still crying and emotional though if you're still pretending at this point you're not sure.

Since everyone knew that you got attached to the said automaton, the guards just let you be but they did call for medics to tend to you before leaving to pursue the rest of the escaping automatons.

The paramedics thankfully didn't pry too much when they arrived, only asking necessary questions and you answered back like a robot. Your mind couldn't think of anything else aside from J30NGHΛN, if he's okay and if he was able to escape successfully with his brothers.

You internally chuckle because he probably has, knowing him. A fresh set of tears followed right after that the staff arriving panicked right away, confronting the medics if they were doing their job properly.

For now, you're letting yourself be vulnerable in front of these strangers as much as you despised it. It'll hopefully give you enough time to focus on what comes after as soon as the medics are done with you. The dreading reality that you have to face soon. 

Not only the public and your friends but especially your father who will for sure punish you for helping J30NGHΛN escape and essentially ruining the company that you're supposed to inherit.

e/n: who would’ve thought that i’d go back to my roots lmao. anyways, i hope y’all enjoyed this! a little tmi for those interested but idol aus are usually not my fave and he’s not even my bias but out of all seventeen, he’s the most similar to me and i do love sci-fi so as soon as i saw the emotions assigned to him, i got an idea/plot right away :D

[delphi-shield]

ᴀ ɴᴏɴ-ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴀᴄʜ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏꜱꜱ & ɢʀɪᴇꜰ // claire redfield

Claire Redfield x Reader hurt/comfort, fluff wc: 1.4k read on ao3 we always talk abt leon's raccoon city trauma but claire was there toooo she had hopes and dreams and her aspirations were ripped away from her in one night!!!

summary: Raccoon City took parts of Claire that she can never get back. She suffers prettily most days, a poster-child for how to handle survivor's guilt. Others, she torments herself with what could have been.

Or;

Claire decides to go back to finish her interrupted undergraduate degree.

content: hurt/comfort, fluff, established relationship, reader's pov

Claire keeps washing the same damn coffee mug.

It's been like this for the past five minutes. Claire half-heartedly scrubs at the cup, her mind somewhere far away, eyes glazed over.

That's what you picture, at least. From where you're seated, you can only see her back, her profile carved from the warm light of your apartment. It would be idyllic if you didn't know better. Stress suspends her at the kitchen sink, a string wound between her limbs that pulls her taut.

“You're gonna scrub the design off,” you warn. It takes a moment for your voice to penetrate her stupor. You picture her blinking, shaking her head slightly. Her ponytail swings gently, the image of her in your mind transposed into your kitchen.

Claire shuts the water off. She grabs a cloth to dry her mug. A new fixation. She's rubbing the damn thing hard enough that the ceramic squeals under her grip.

This is the part that takes patience.

Claire's been hemming and hawing like this for weeks now. It's never shaky hands and uncertain words with her - it's furrowed brow and loud huffs, a tumultuous battle within herself that leaves you in her wake. Dinners alone, late nights spent peering around the corner of her office, asking her if she's coming to bed. She returns your texts late, disjointed thoughts spilling into midday messages. You piece her meaning together from the shrapnel. Collateral damage.

As much as you'd love to light the spark in her eyes again, to smooth the worried creases from her forehead and ply what bothers her from pursed lips, you know it's futile. She needs the time and the space to tell you on her own, when she's ready. Push too hard and you'll get burned.

It's not work that's troubling her - you had checked. She presents at a conference next month, but in typical Claire fashion, she’ll do all her worrying about that the week before.

Chris is fine, too. That's the other big one that sets her teeth on edge. You'd checked in with him the other night. (Though you always suspected he alerted Claire of your calls. He wasn't good at keeping secrets where Claire was concerned. You're similar that way, you suppose.)

The cup stops squeaking. You lift your head up, dare to peer out of your foxhole. Claire's back is still turned to you. You duck back down, scroll on your phone to paint the illusion of casualty. Casualness, you correct yourself.

“I'm thinking about going back to school.”

You don't even pick your head up. “Oh, like for your master’s?”

Claire’s silence raises your eyes. Her shoulders are still drawn up high in her cream button-up.

“No,” she manages. Jesus, you've never heard her sound so small. “For my bachelor’s.”

You set your phone to the side and nod to the seat across from you. Your cheek squishes against your fist and you carefully curate your expression. A vulnerable Claire is a volatile Claire.

“So, like, a different major, or..?"

“I don't know.” Frustration sets her brow in a harsh crag. She huffs, swatting the question away with a hand.

Just gotta let her work this out, you remind yourself, biting your tongue. Something about this has her flayed open in her own home. She folds her arms across her chest, hands slotting against her ribs to stem the bleeding.

Claire's eyes flit to your phone. When you don't pick it back up, refuse to scroll aimlessly until the conversation is forgotten, she scowls.

“You know I never graduated, right?”

“Really?” You blink, shrug, anything to stay nonchalant. “I guess I just figured you had.”

“I finished my freshman year. Then Raccoon City happened.”

Your heart dips. It always comes back to Raccoon City eventually. You wonder if she spends more time in that burned out shell of a city than anywhere else, if her far-off looks always lead her back to the decimation and the rot.

You reach across to squeeze her hand. “You wanna go back?”

Claire nods. Her eyes filter past you, over your shoulder.

“I don't like leaving unfinished business.”

“I know.”

“God, it would be expensive. Like, a total waste of money.”

“Weren't you just bragging about TerraSave's tuition reimbursement plan like, a couple weeks ago?”

“Yeah, but…” The argument dies on her tongue, her words splattering on the table between you. You trace idle shapes against the back of her hand, waiting for her to disarm herself.

You can think of any number of reasons to tell her not to. You're sure they're the same ones that spin in her head now. Realistically, she doesn't need the degree. Not having it isn't preventing her from progressing in her career. She's been more than successful without it. But this isn't about her future. It's about her past.

Finally, she takes her finger off the trigger. Her shoulders round. Whether it's in defeat or acceptance, it doesn't make much of a difference.

“I don't know, I just – I'm almost 40.” She rolls her eyes, trying to cover up the way her voice had softened. “It's kind of weird to go back and sit in Comp 101 with a bunch of eighteen year olds.”

“Fuck ‘em.” Claire snorts, but the set of her shoulders doesn't round like you'd hoped. You reach across the table, fingers loosely encircling her wrist. “I'm serious, baby. Who cares? You'd tell me the same thing.”

“You don't think it's a waste of time?”

I don't think anything that helps you bury Raccoon City is a waste of time, you want to say. You weave around the landmine instead.

“No way. What major are you going to pick?”

“I was a psych major before everything…” She gestures nebulously in the air between you. A soft tap-tap-tap stirs from beneath the table, her heel clicking against the floor anxiously. “You know.”

You hum and squeeze her hand a little tighter, try to drag her off the streets of Raccoon City. You bounce ideas off of each other, both serious and silly.

This is nothing that will be decided over The course of one night, but she ends up leaning away from psychology. It's more practical to study business, she says. More useful for her work.

You've long devolved into talking nonsense. Claire had asked about your college experience, and you'd picked the stupidest stories possible, trying to see her smile, to see her throw her head back with laughter.

You pause mid-sentence, gasp, eyes sparking bright. “Oh my god, you're gonna be a non-trad. Let's get you one of those backpacks with wheels.”

“Stop,” she laughs, swatting your arm.

“I'm serious. You gotta have the full experience.”

“You're ridiculous.”

“You have to walk down the middle of the sidewalk no matter what.”

“I'm probably just going to do online classes.”

“And you only have two speeds - really fast, or the slowest walker on campus.”

“I'm definitely doing online classes.”

You shake your head. You're definitely ordering her that bag, even if she won't use it. As much as she travels, she might actually get some use out of it, even if she isn't physically attending classes.

You rise from the table and fill her sparkling clean mug with a layer of honey (local, the farmer's market last Saturday, her hand in your back pocket and fresh banana bread dangling from from the bag in the crook of her arm) and switch the kettle on. While you rifle through the cabinet for her favorite tea, you drum up your courage to ask something that could sour the peace.

“How come you never went back to school before now?”

For a moment, you worry you've ruined things. You peer over your shoulder at her, evaluating the thoughtful look on her face carefully.

“I had a lot going on. There was this whole thing with Chris, and–” Claire looks over at you, mischief burning in her eyes. “Hey. Did I ever tell you I'm not allowed back into France?”

“What.”

“Yeah. Not kidding. Hope you didn't want to honeymoon in Paris.”

The kettle clicks off. You nearly spill the water on yourself trying to pour her tea. Bustling back over, you carefully place it in front of her and then careen into your seat. Your chin drops into your hand.

“Tell me everything.”

Claire laughs. Her limbs loosen, both hands curled around her favorite mug. She leans in close and starts her tale. Paris, Antarctica - you wouldn't believe her if she were anyone else.

But she isn't. She's Claire Redfield, and she's finally back in your apartment, hand curled around your thigh. There's no Raccoon City in her eyes anymore. It will be back - she will always be there, in part. You aren't naîve enough to think otherwise. Tonight is proof, though, that she won't be stuck there.

[anxiousstark]

The Heat of Each Season | E. M

Eddie x Fem!reader

Warnings: S.Ex: p in v, blow!ob, p.ssy eating, unprotected sxx (this is a fic, people. Be intelligent). C:ckwarm:ng. Publ!c s$x. Whipped cream. Vulgar vocabulary. And let me know if I forgot something. No mentions of body type, race, hair or eye colour. I MADE THAT BANNER FOR MY BLOG FOR THE +18. I'M PROUD. I'M PROUD OF BOTH EDITS HERE, OKAY??? Hope you like them too.

Word Count: 10K.

All Rights Reserved. The author, me, does not allow any type of copy or adaption.

BIG MASTERLIST

SPRING

The touch of the sun's gentle rays stirred goosebumps on Eddie's arms, creating an otherworldly sensation of quiet comfort. As the sun's intimate presence made him yawn, he closed his eyes in bliss and stretched his arms towards the sky, attempting to shake off the encroaching weariness. His t-shirt rode up, allowing the sun to kiss his belly, igniting a warm, tingling sensation that coursed through his body.

"Done!" If he hadn't known it was his girlfriend speaking, the angelic voice that reached his ears might have seemed like a delightful illusion on this beautiful April day.

Kneeling a few feet away, you carefully arranged a white blanket on the lush grass. Your face radiated the broadest smile he had ever seen, and your hair and eyes sparkled even more brilliantly under the magnificent sunlight.

Eddie's attention was captivated by your presence. You looked stunning in your white sundress, giving the impression of a fairy or, with the right accessories, a charming pirate. The sundress gracefully ended just above your mid-thigh, with short puffy sleeves that added a touch of playfulness.

One of your dearest wishes had always been to share a picnic in a picturesque field with Eddie, complete with a basket of delicious food and a cake. Eddie had gone to great lengths to fulfil your wish, asking his friends for recommendations on idyllic picnic spots. However, their initial response was laughter, as they struggled to picture Eddie in such a colourful, romantic setting. But deep down, everyone knew that when it came to you, Eddie was willing to make the extraordinary happen.

"Are you hungry?" Eddie's gaze almost had to shield itself from your radiance as you looked up at him. "I've brought a feast." You remained kneeling on the white blanket, and your wooden basket rested nearby as you began to unveil its contents. Eddie was indeed famished, but not just for food.

He hummed with delight, sitting down not too far from you, unable to resist the magnetic pull of your presence. His ringed hand gently found its place on your bare leg, and as he noticed your subtle reaction, a mischievous smirk crept onto his lips. "What delectable treasures have you brought?"

"Strawberries, cherries, croissants," You recited as his thumb, drawing gentle circles on your leg, sent shivers through your skin, and he sensed your deep breath. "Blueberries and pineapple." All the fruits had been meticulously cleaned and chopped before you embarked on your picnic adventure.

"Sounds delicious," Eddie said, shifting closer and parting his lips. He wordlessly conveyed his desire for a strawberry, and you obliged, placing one in his mouth. With intention, he allowed his lips to graze your fingers, and the tip of his tongue traced the path of the strawberry into his mouth. After a moment of savouring the fruity delight, he inquired, "What about the cake?"

"I bought one!" Eddie was well aware that you had taken care of the cake, securing it in his van to ensure it remained pristine during the journey. "It's a strawberry cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top," you added, your eyes shimmering even brighter. Eddie wondered how an angel like you could have fallen for a man like him, but he considered himself fortunate and committed to cherishing you forever.

"Sounds amazing." Eddie's posture exuded calm confidence, which, in turn, made you squirm in your seat. The nervousness you had felt on your first date with him seemed to resurface, making it a challenge to meet his gaze.

"I have another surprise." Eddie's eyes widened slightly as his free hand, the one not touching you, selected a couple of blueberries and popped them into his mouth, inadvertently making a sour face, most likely after encountering a tart one.

You shifted your weight, retrieving a small rucksack you had brought along. Eddie grumbled playfully as his hand slid off your leg. "Look!" You laid out the items you had prepared, and Eddie, initially puzzled, quickly realised what you meant. "I asked Dustin for advice on creating my D&D character."

Eddie erupted into laughter. "No way!" He had been meaning to create a character for you for a long time, especially since you'd been with him at Hellfire Club, observing everyone else playing. He had wanted to involve you but was always too nervous to ask. Now, finally, you were going to be part of it. Even though there might be some protests from others about him assisting you, he was sure it would happen.

"What do you think?" Your grin widened as you saw Eddie's delighted reaction. He, however, didn't respond with words. Instead, he leaned in, forcing you to rest on your elbows as he kissed you passionately, his weight resting on top of you; lips pressed together. "I thought about being a Kenku?"

His imagination quickly conjured an image of those creatures—hideous, selfish, and driven by greed for riches and power. It didn't seem right for you. "What about an Aasimar?" You frowned, unsure if you had heard of it before or simply couldn't recall. "They have celestial heritage." A flush crept up your cheeks, reminding you of the angelic nickname Eddie had given you. Eddie proceeded to explain more about Aasimars, and the choice became clear. "All right now," Eddie said, shifting about and grabbing a set of dice. "We use these dice to determine the outcomes of actions and events." He pulled out a twenty-sided die, a d20, and displayed it to you.

Once your character was created, you both reclined on the blanket. Eddie explained some game elements that you had already picked up from watching him play.

He stretched out on his back, his left arm behind his head, basking in the sun with his eyes closed. As you lay on top of him, your body seemed to meld with his; your head resting on his chest, your hand tracing his pectoral, and one of your legs intertwining with his.

"This feels like heaven," Eddie said, his chest expanding as he inhaled deeply. Your proximity allowed you to feel the comforting warmth of the sun above you. Eddie's body felt even warmer as you lay on top of him, his arm curved around you, gently massaging your back. "I never thought I could enjoy the sunlight so much." His words prompted a laugh from you; he sounded like a vampire. "But it feels healing." Indeed, it did. Your stomachs were content, and the sun seemed to cleanse your spirits.

You shifted your head away from Eddie's chest, supporting your weight on your elbows as you gazed at him. His eyes were closed, his long eyelashes casting delicate shadows on his cheekbones, resembling the graceful legs of a spider.

A faint blush tinged Eddie's cheeks, evidence that the sun, though less potent than in summer, had managed to kiss him with its warmth. You realised you'd forgotten to remind him to wear sunscreen or, better yet, to apply it to his face.

Your left hand tenderly swept away the errant locks from his brow, evoking a delighted moan at your soothing touch. Your fingertips caressed his cheeks, their soft strokes like a gentle caress.

Eddie had an inexplicable notion that his cheeks were slightly too round and that they might look better if they weren't. It puzzled you how he could entertain such a thought, as you cherished every aspect of him just as it was. In truth, you found his cheeks utterly endearing and didn't believe they needed any alterations.

The hand that had been stroking his cheek gently cupped it. A tingling sensation coursed through Eddie as he felt your breath brushing against the corner of his mouth. A shadow shielded him from the sun, heightening the anticipation of your face drawing nearer. As your lips met his, his hand descended to your lower back.

The kiss was a slow, passionate dance. Your lips tenderly moistened Eddie's lower lip before playfully nipping at it. He sighed contentedly, eyes closed, unable to resist wrapping his other arm around you. Both hands squeezed your hips firmly through the soft fabric of your white sundress, drawn into the captivating rhythm of your languid kiss.

The kiss gradually intensified as tongues joined in, a harmonious exchange of warmth and desire. There was no battle for dominance, only an insatiable longing to explore each other's mouths and taste each other's warmth and shared passion.

What could anyone possibly dislike about Eddie? You could never get enough of him, never be too close, never be too pressed against his warmth. And, in truth, he felt the same. If it were possible, he would envelop himself in your presence for all eternity.

Eddie unconsciously widened his legs, allowing your lower body to fit snugly between them. As the kiss intensified, an involuntary rhythm developed, and both of you caught up in the magnetic pull of desire.

He pulled you closer to him, his legs parting slightly and his hips instinctively moving in response to the mounting desire, his fingers lightly crinkling the fabric of your dress. He was ready and eager to take control and explore your desires in more profound ways. He intended to see you flushed, your voice pleading for his name. But just as he was about to flip you over, you broke the kiss.

"Let's have some cake," you said, separating your bodies. In seconds, he found himself gazing at the sky, somewhat bewildered. "C'mon, Eddie!"

He sat up, making a conscious effort to quell the urgency stirring within him. He didn't want to give the impression that something was amiss, despite the intense moment you had just shared. As he rose to sit on the picnic blanket, his attention was momentarily drawn to the sight of your bare back, and he couldn't help but notice the alluring way his hands had ruffled your dress, causing it to slip slightly and revealing a teasing glimpse of underboob. He noted that you weren't wearing a bra; the strategically placed pads on the dress ensured that your nipples remained discreet beneath the fabric.

Eddie's heart raced even faster, his body cold and slightly sweaty as he wrestled with his inner impulses. Nevertheless, his left hand's fingers strayed to delicately graze your underboob through the exposed part of your dress at the back. His finger gradually rose, cupping your breast with a gentle squeeze.

You let out a quiet groan, your eyes briefly closing before reopening as Eddie's touch ignited a passionate response. "Eddie," you whispered, almost pleadingly. When you glanced over your shoulder, you noticed that his gaze was fixed on the area he was exploring. "The cake," you reminded him, bringing the focus back to the original intention of your picnic.

"Fuck the cake, angel." His other hand reached your other side, cupping your breasts and squeezing them so hard that he drove your body towards his. Your back met his chest. "You look more appetising." His comments were followed by his tongue licking, sucking, and biting on one of the sides of your neck.

Your glance darted about, checking to see whether there were any other people around. But, even though it was a lovely setting, you were the only ones there. "What if someone comes here?"

"No one will." His mouth climbed, softly nibbling your earlobe and tugging on it with his teeth.

Your head dropped back, resting on one of his shoulders, as he kept licking and nibbling as his hands squeezed, forcing your breasts together, apart, and in circles. Eddie adored your chest. Size didn't matter to him; all that mattered was that they were yours and lovely.

And you wanted him just as much as he wanted you. You were drenched.

"Ride me." He'd stopped nibbling your ear to mumble those words, and his hands had dropped, now fiddling with the hem of your panties. "We don't even have to take off all of our clothes." His fingers slid into your underwear, stroking your clit once and making you moan. "I know you want it as well. I can smell you, and I know you'll be wet if I go any further down." He didn't wait for an answer before doing precisely what he stated, searching for the pool between your legs.

"Gosh, Eddie." Your eyes were already moving to the back of your skull. His words, touch, and hip pushing upwards were all compelling. "Uh," the sound came from between your lips as you immediately straddled him, causing his hands to fall from your breasts to your bare thighs, the dress slipping up owing to the position you two were in.

"Which panties are you wearing?"

"Simple white ones."

"Perfect." Eddie's tongue flew out of his mouth, licking his bottom lip, and in an instant, he yanked your underwear off you from one side, the other loosely hanging over your left thigh but allowing him the access he craved.

"Eddie, what the..." He didn't respond or glance at you as his hands moved quickly—really quickly—to remove his trousers and underwear. And he was already erect, the tip crimson, and ready to drop a pearl of cum.

"Ride me, baby." His voice quivered with urgency, and any further delay in reaching the exact location he desired would likely lead to him breaking down in tears. "Please." As his gaze shifted, his attention was captured by his hands firmly grasping your hips, deftly gathering your dress, and at last, my lord, granting him the long-awaited sight of you bare. Eddie didn't mind that you were gleaming and shaven. He adored everything you did down there. Sometimes you had a bush, sometimes you trimmed it, and sometimes you let it bare.

You placed your hands gently on his shoulders as your gaze followed his, and without hesitation, you positioned yourself atop him. Your right hand shifted to his shaft, holding it, squeezing it slightly, and causing him to gasp before pressing his tip against your clit. You were dizzy just from his flesh on yours. "Put it inside, c'mon, angel." Eddie urged you.

As you descended, a magnificent symphony of emotions and sensations blossomed within you, his cock pulsating inside you as you took in all of him. Eddie was slender and long, with a small curvature that appeared to strike your sweet spot. Nevertheless, he comprehended precisely how to respond to your body's cues.

You were poised to shift your position with your knees on the ground, but Eddie's grasp on your hips tightened. "Hold on." His sparkling eyes refocused on you, and he couldn't resist planting a tender kiss on your lips. "Just give me a moment, or I'll lose control right away." You couldn't help but smile at his words, savouring the influence you had over him, mirroring the effect he had on you. "Tits."

You swiftly lowered the top of your dress, uncovering your chest while still wearing your sleeves. Eddie attached his lips to your right nipple and began to suck on it, and as his tongue left it to attend to your left one, he gave you the signal to begin moving.

And so, you acted upon your desire. Your lips parted, but no words escaped. His mouth also opened, granting greater access to your left breast.

"Gosh." You could feel his robustness, warmth, and even the little veins that adorned his shaft. "I feel so full."

Your initial encounters had been characterized by timidity. The first two times you shared this intimate connection, you were both inexperienced, bashful, and awkward. However, by the third encounter, the dynamics had drastically changed. You had become inseparable, insatiable, and brimming with a multitude of desires and experiments you longed to explore together.

Eddie let out a low, guttural groan and closed his eyes, allowing his back to fully recline against the ground as you continued riding him. Because of your position, you were able to move your hips sensually and hard. Eddie's hands naturally returned to your hips, as your own gently settled on his chest.

Your soft whimpers compelled him to open his eyes, anticipating a flushed expression, but what he found exceeded his expectations. Your brow was glistening with sweat, and your hair clung to it, adding to the intensity of the moment. As you bounced on him, your eyes closed and your lips parted as petite whimpers abandoned you while your tits bounced in an addicting and hypnotic manner. The sun had dipped just slightly, casting a wonderful light upon your back, creating the illusion of a radiant halo enveloping your entire form. It was as if you were an angel descended from the highest reaches of heaven. Or perhaps, in Eddie's mind, you were Lucifer's favoured, sent to beckon him into the depths of Hell. Truth be told, Eddie didn't need much convincing. A simple word from you was all it took.

"Fuck, sweetheart. You look stunning." You were ruining him, wrapping your arms around him, and dripping on his balls. He was going insane. "Does it feel good, angel?" His hands rose once again, both squeezing your nipples. "I can't have my angel not feeling like she is back in heaven." You let out a loud moan and your motions grew frenetic. "Of course, sweetheart, use me. Use me to blow yourself up. Make use of me to obtain what you desire." 

"Fuck, Eddie. Please, more."

He chuckled, sweating as well. "Do you want more? What exactly do you want me to tell you?" You spoke, but it sounded like unintelligible gibberish to him. "Do you want me to tell you that I'm insane right now? That if it meant being buried within you for the rest of my life, I would surrender my soul to whomever? That I'm holding myself back so I don't pound you down because I want you to come first?" Eddie's right hand instantly ditched your right breast to hold the hair on the back of your head, forcing you to look at him. "That I can't wait to unleash my load in you?"

"Please, Eddie. Please don't hold back." You seized his cheeks and, momentarily pausing your actions, initiated a passionate, demanding kiss. Your tongue delved into his mouth, leaving him breathless. Eddie allowed this for about two minutes before impatience overtook him, and he couldn't resist the urge to be more assertive and respond in kind.

Eddie had your back in seconds and grasped your hips so tightly that you were certain it would leave marks. "Fuck yeah." His thrusts were relentless, full, and brutal. In that intense moment, you questioned whether you were quivering or if the entire world was trembling along with you.

Sensing him within you, the touch of his skin against yours, even though it was slick with sweat, transported you to another realm. It wasn't until several minutes later that you became aware of something sticky on your back, causing you to chuckle. "Shit, Eddie."

Upon hearing your giggle, his gaze seemed to momentarily break away from the euphoria you were both sharing, only to unveil something white on your shoulders and in your hair. He had accidentally smeared cake on you.

Eddie grinned at the scene, but his thrusts continued unabated. He spotted the crushed cake beneath your right shoulder and quickly scooped up a small piece, playfully bringing it to your lips. "Open." He gently nudged your lips with his knuckles, causing the piece of cake to slide into your mouth. "Is it good?" Your lips encircled his fingertips, your tongue twirling around the cream and sucking his fingers clean. "Is it?" His second query was accompanied by him burying himself deeply and viciously in you because you had not answered his initial query. A strong push.

"Fuck yeah." Your back arched, enabling him even more access than seemed conceivable. "It's so good, Eddie." The cake and him banging you.

He laughed, and the hand that had placed the cake in your mouth took another piece, spreading it on your breasts. His face then neared them, licking and sucking you clean. "Mmmh, best cake I've ever tried." He then licked his hand clean of any cake remnants and swiftly let that hand drop to your clit, stroking it with his fingers. The sensation of the rings added a hint of coolness and a subtle edge to the mix, enhancing the overall pleasure.

"I'm so close." You groaned, your hands grasping and toying with your chest. "Oh my God, Eddie. Oh, Eddie, please." Your whimpers grew louder, evolving into unintelligible sounds of pleasure. The intensity of your arousal was so overwhelming that it felt as though you were on the brink of losing consciousness.

You were soon fluttering around him, achieving your intended climax, and Eddie continued thrusting as you hit your peak. His hand then left your clit after ensuring your satisfaction and curled around you, and his hip motions got sloppy. "Shiiit." The climax seemed to stretch on as his breathy words brushed your ear. He could sense your climax washing over him, and with a low, guttural grunt, he joined you, a burst of light flickering across his vision as your fluids and his intermingled. He then collapsed on top of you, and your hands slipped beneath his shirt to tenderly stroke his back, both of you overcome by exhaustion. Meanwhile, his throbbing and pulsating member remained nestled inside you.

Another gasp escaped your lips as your fluids trickled from within you, running down your slit and brushing against Eddie's tightly pressed testicles, nestled against your labia.

His mouth left a mark on the sensitive spot on your neck, a blend of affection and desire. "I hope this picnic was everything you had hoped for."

He planted a tender kiss on your lips, and you replied, still catching your breath. "It was even better than I imagined."

"I love you," he whispered, affirming his feelings.

You smiled. "I love you too."

SUMMER

"Hey, kids, watch out!" Max and Eleven playfully hurled handfuls of sand at Mike, Will, Lucas, and Dustin as soon as they stepped onto the beach. Steve couldn't help but shout, "Did we really think this was a good idea?"

Steve chuckled and scratched his head, scanning the beach to find a suitable spot for the two large beach umbrellas you had brought. "Definitely not."

Jonathan, grinning, pulled off his shirt and gave Nancy a quick kiss before lending Steve a hand with the umbrellas.

Steve's new girlfriend, April, quietly helped Robin and her girlfriend, Vickie, arrange the bags and coolers on the sand.

Eddie, ever the straightforward one, growled as he yanked off his shirt. "I'm not here to babysit. I'm here to swim, roast in the sun, and admire my stunning girlfriend in her new bikini." Robin couldn't help but chuckle at his blunt honesty.

The kids, filled with youthful enthusiasm, sprinted into the water, their laughter and shouts echoing in the warm beach air. It was a delight to watch them revel in carefree joy, with Nancy and Jonathan following suit and Steve and April not far behind. Meanwhile, Robin and Vickie relaxed on a towel in the sunshine, their hushed conversation blending with the sounds of the sea, basking in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Eddie had already changed into his swim trunks and was comfortably settled in a reclining beach chair beneath the shade of one of the beach umbrellas. You, on the other hand, swiftly discarded your skirt, allowing an oversized shirt of Eddie's to drape over you, its hem skimming your mid-thigh.

Concern laced your voice as you asked, "Eddie, did you remember to apply sunscreen?" His squinted eyes, due to the forgotten sunglasses at home, gave you an immediate answer. With a small sigh, you retrieved the sunscreen from your shared beach bag and joined him.

"You're going to get a nasty burn," you warned as you took the sunscreen, squeezing a generous amount into your hand. Eddie's mischievous grin seemed undeterred as you carefully covered his chest and abdomen. Then, you ensured that his back and shoulders received thorough protection.

As Eddie reclined, after positioning himself behind you, you nestled against him, and the soothing sound of ocean waves accompanied the moment. "So, when can I see that new bikini of yours?" Eddie's hands rested on your thighs, tracing gentle circles.

You couldn't help but smile at his eagerness. "You've already seen it. The black one with those tiny red flames on the edges."

Eddie chuckled softly, his voice low and intimate. "It's going to look even better now."

"Why's that?"

"Because the light here is different, and you'll be glistening from the water, and..." Eddie paused momentarily, confirming that Robin and Vickie were still engrossed in their private conversation. With a whisper in your ear, he confessed, "I should stop talking now because I'm going to get hard."

Your gaze met his over your shoulder, a sly smile playing on your lips, and you bit down on your lower lip in response to his words.

"Where are the board games we brought?" Max was the one who disrupted the flirtatious glances exchanged between you and Eddie, with a hint of passion simmering beneath.

Eddie glanced at Max, noticing her shivering from spending too long in the water. Swiftly, he plucked a towel from your shared bag and tossed it her way. Max wrapped it around herself, attempting to quell the chills. "They're probably in Dustin's bag," Eddie nodded in the direction of Dustin's bag, sheltered under one of the umbrellas.

The kids commandeered one of the beach umbrellas, drying off with towels and grabbing sandwiches and drinks, eager to commence their games. Laughter filled the air as Dustin protested loudly about Will's alleged cheating during the games, and then the two acted as if nothing had happened. You and Eddie couldn't help but chuckle along.

"Eds," you turned your head to meet Eddie's gaze, which was already locked on you. "It's getting scorching out here." The unrelenting sunlight and Eddie's embrace, especially with your clothes on, made you sweat. "Should we take a dip in the water?" He nodded and planted a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"Hey, lovebirds." It was amusing that he used the moniker for Robin and Vickie when you were both the same all the time. Occasionally keeping to yourselves and uttering promises and needs that were only for you two. "You coming in the water with us?"

Robin paused for a moment before turning to face both of you. "And leave these kids on their own?"

"Won't be." Jonathan appeared with Nancy under his arm. He instantly grabbed the nearest towel, wrapping her in its softness and warmth before hugging her with his own arms. "We got cold in the water."

Robin's eyes briefly met Vickie's, and with a reassuring smile and a nod from her, you felt encouraged to shed your shirt. As the fabric fell to the sand, Eddie's gaze intensified, his eyes tracing your body as if it were a discovery, despite his intimate knowledge of every contour, every inch, and every possible blemish. The sun's heat may have been scorching, but the intensity of his gaze added a whole new layer of warmth to the moment.

"Shit," Eddie muttered under his breath, his voice thick with desire, as he took a decisive step closer to you. His proximity brought him so close that he was practically nose-to-nose with you. His hands gently cradled your cheeks as he initiated a passionate kiss that seemed to ignite a powerful chemistry between you two.

His lips broke away from yours, and he panted softly, "You better walk in front of me." The heat in his cheeks and the somewhat glazed look in his eyes indicated his heightened arousal. A quick downward glance confirmed your assumption.

"Seriously?" He pouted, clearly struggling to contain his desire, and stomped his right foot in the sand before using his hands to pivot you around by your shoulders, placing you in front of him and concealing his arousal.

Laughter filled the air as Vickie noticed you and Eddie heading towards the water. She playfully elbowed Robin to draw her attention, and the mischievous glint in her eyes sparked some teasing aimed at Eddie. In response, Eddie playfully lifted you and tossed you into the water with a chuckle. You emerged from the water, laughing at him, and then Eddie himself dove in, landing belly-first in a splash right next to Vickie, thoroughly drenching her.

Eddie's next target was Robin, whom he tackled and playfully held underwater until she swiftly elbowed him in a particularly sensitive area. He let out a moan of agony and shot Robin a mock glare while promising some form of retaliation. "Holy fuck," he groaned, his pout and wide eyes failing to earn sympathy.

You, though slightly annoyed at being tossed into the water earlier, couldn't stay mad for long. Eddie flashed a grin that had a magical way of dissipating your anger. He showered you with multiple kisses, successfully diverting your attention from the water incident and leaving you with nothing but a smile.

As you and your friends made your way to where Steve and April were standing, it was evident that they weren't bothered by the slightly cool seawater. Steve and April seemed to be enjoying the beach, and their carefree attitude was contagious.

Vickie, April, Robin, and you engaged in a lively discussion about the plan to rent a couple of cabins in a snowy location for December. This trip was meant exclusively for the older members of your group, with each couple having their own cabin for privacy yet coming together for activities like hiking and snowboarding. The idea had been brewing for several months, and you all were eager to turn it into reality.

Meanwhile, Eddie and Steve were engrossed in various conversations. As you glanced over at the man you loved, who was standing right next to you, you noticed a shiver ripple through his body. It was likely that he was starting to feel the cold from the water.

Quietly, you moved behind Eddie, wrapping your arms around his waist in a tender, comforting hug. You didn't want to interrupt either of the ongoing conversations, so you simply nestled in behind him, feeling the warmth of his body against yours.

Your arms enveloped him, and you gently pressed your chest against his back, seeking to calm the occasional shivers that coursed through him. Your forehead found its place in the centre of his back, and you inhaled deeply, savouring the tranquillity of the moment. His familiar scent, mixed with the sea breeze and the aroma of sunscreen, enveloped you, creating a sense of serenity amid the beach's activity.

Eddie's hands moved gently, caressing your arms as he continued his conversation with Steve. He leaned his head back, planting a tender kiss on your forehead, when you stole a glance at him. The affectionate gesture reassured you and made you feel even closer to him.

As the conversation shifted and the girls joined in, Steve's attention was no longer solely on Eddie. When the topic circled back to the idea of renting cabins for the winter, Steve chimed in, sharing that he had been actively researching and reaching out to potential sites. It seemed like the plan for the winter getaway was progressing, and everyone was excited about the prospect of their upcoming adventure.

Your left hand started to gently glide up and down Eddie's stomach, following the trail of hair that led towards his abdomen, while the other fell to the line of his swimwear, ready to slip inside them. You were bored with the talk and feeling somewhat courageous, even though the seawater was covering you up to your chest. Eddie, on the other hand, firmly grasped your hand and gave your wrist a stern squeeze as a warning.

In a hushed tone, you whispered, "Let me, Eds. I know this excites you, and I want to make you feel good." Your words were followed by a subtle nip on his shoulder, emphasizing your desire as you continued, "Let me pleasure you, my love."

After a few seconds, Eddie allowed your hand to slip inside his swimwear with a trembling sigh. Your hand reached him, and the simple brush of your fingertips across his member was enough to harden him.

Eddie cast a furtive glance towards the water, ensuring that your actions remained concealed from onlookers. Despite the limited view from his position, he managed to discern the activities below the surface. A sense of relief washed over him as he shifted his focus towards the others since they couldn't observe anything transpiring underwater.

Eddie nibbled on his lower lip, his breath quickening, as your fingers gently encircled his arousal. Your thumb teasingly caressed the sensitive tip, tracing circular motions before firmly gripping his shaft.

Your grip tightened around him as you sensually moved your hand up and down, desiring to use your other hand to caress his testicles, fully aware that such an action would likely bring Eddie to climax within seconds.

Steve's question abruptly drew Eddie's attention away from the intense pleasure you were providing, heightened by the adrenaline rush of the risky situation he found himself in. "What do you think, Eddie?" Steve reiterated, underscoring his distraction. "Should we hire an instructor to learn how to snowboard or just go freestyle?" Steve inquired, bringing the conversation back to their original topic.

Eddie's body shivered involuntarily from your touch, but with all eyes on him, he skillfully turned the reaction into a nonchalant shrug. "So, how much money are we looking at for the instructor?" he inquired, attempting to steer the conversation towards practical considerations.

"Depends on how many hours we want and the instructor's rates."

"I don't know," Eddie replied, and all the while your hand increased its pace. He gasped, finding it difficult to concentrate with your rapid movements. "I mean, it's not like we'll master it in just two hours, so I'd..." You sped up even more, causing Eddie to lose his train of thought. "I'd say no," he managed to say between breaths, as your actions left him breathless.

Robin gave Eddie a strange look before concurring, "I agree, cabins are already too expensive."

Eddie's voice dropped to a whisper, his head lowered, and his eyes closed. He bit his lower lip, struggling to contain his pleasure as your hand continued its motions. Before long, he began to gasp, and as your second hand slipped into his swimsuit, clutching and gently massaging his testicles, he couldn't help but moan, "Oh, fuck."

"Eddie, are you okay?" Vickie asked, noticing Eddie's downward gaze and his increasingly laboured breath, signalling to you that he was nearing the edge.

He quickly nodded and tried to force a smile, though it came off more like a grimace.

"You're sure?" All the attention was now on him, making him feel uneasy as he felt himself reaching the climax, his hips involuntarily moving underwater.

Eddie struggled to nod again, gasping as he neared his peak. "Yeah, I just..." He gasped once more, and while others thought he might be struggling to breathe or in pain, you knew he was simply attempting to control his emotions and urges. However, he couldn't hold back any longer and succumbed to his pleasure.

Turning to face you, Eddie's gaze locked on the mischievous gleam in your eyes. "You okay, Eds?" you asked, your eyes revealing the truth of the situation.

"You okay, Eds?" Eddie turned to face you, his gaze fixed on the mischievous glimmer in your eyes.

"Yeah, angel," he replied, using a term that conveyed a stark contrast to your recent activities. "It might be the heat. All I need is to get in the van and rest for a few minutes." The others nodded, still concerned about Eddie, but Robin gave you a knowing look, leaving you feeling slightly uncomfortable. "I'll go rest." Eddie gently took your elbow and urged you to accompany him, his grip not painful but playfully mad.

"Need to rest, uh?"

Eddie's hand left your elbow and playfully swatted your buttocks. "Yeah, preferably with you on top of me," he said with a teasing smile.

AUTUMN

"Eddie, why are you still at work?" you asked, dialling the number to the mechanic shop from Steve's house phone in frustration after realising Eddie wasn't at Uncle Wayne's trailer when you called.

The raucous party noise nearly drowned out Eddie's response, prompting you to request him to repeat himself. "Sorry, babe," he shouted over the cacophony, "an old woman had car trouble, and we had to go pick her up and bring the car back to the shop." Although you and Eddie weren't particularly fond of parties, this one was a Halloween costume party, and you both had the perfect outfits for it.

"I'll be there in less than 30 minutes, okay?" You hastily nodded, even though he couldn't see you, and then you hummed to emphasise caution when driving over because it was pitch dark outside. "You too, okay? Don't wander too far from Steve and Robin." Steve typically invited people he knew from school, but some brought their partners and such. Unfortunately, last time, he had invited a girl he knew from class whose boyfriend had tried to put his hands under your shirt when Eddie had briefly gone to the bathroom. Of course, Eddie nearly ended up in a brawl with the guy.

"Is he coming soon?" Steve inquired, casting a proud glance at the meticulously crafted Ghostbusters outfits he and April had worked on for several nights. Their costumes looked fantastic.

"I think so," you replied, having to raise your voice to be heard over the deafening party and music. "He had some trouble at the store."

Steve's eyes widened in astonishment. "He's working today?" You quickly nodded and explained that an elderly woman was having car trouble and needed immediate assistance.

"Alright," Steve said, accepting the explanation. "April and I will grab some drinks and find a place to sit. You're joining us, right?" It was then that you noticed April, who was practically glued to Steve's side, giving you a charming grin. You quickly returned the smile.

You nodded in response to Steve's invitation, immediately following them while chatting with April about your outfit. "I love it so much," you admitted, your confidence bolstered by Eddie's compliments. Any doubts you had about your appearance seemed to vanish into thin air.

You were dressed as the final girl, the survivor in horror films who manages to escape the killer. Your costume consisted of tattered denim pants and a shirt Eddie was about to discard due to bleach stains. You had carefully created wounds here and there, splattering fake blood all over your arms and clothes. To complete the look, you carried a fake knife with you. Eddie, on the other hand, was going to be dressed as the murderer, making your costumes a darkly intriguing pair.

You couldn't wait to see Eddie in his Ghostface costume, and you felt a bit guilty for confessing that something about Ghostface made you feel an unusual surge of excitement, making you clench your thighs, bite your bottom lip, and flutter your eyelids like a fucking character in a cartoon.

Eddie still hadn't arrived at the party when you finished a drink in leisurely swallows. You used it as an excuse to sneak away from the crowded room. However, given that you didn't know many people at the party, you decided to ask April if she'd accompany you to the bathroom. Steve tagged along, declaring he'd wait in the corridor to keep an eye on April while she waited by the bathroom door, ensuring no one entered since the lock was broken.

You completed your business in the restroom and began washing your hands when the bathroom door swung open, revealing yet another person dressed as Ghostface — you'd already seen a couple of others in similar costumes during the night.

"What the-," you started to exclaim when you locked eyes with April from outside the restroom. Your eyes widened, and your mouth fell open as she had a mischievous smile on her face, which left you utterly perplexed until you took a closer look at the person standing in front of you.

He was wearing Ghostface's mask, but his outfit set him apart from the others. It had been meticulously shredded to resemble a satanic symbol, exposing portions of his chest and abdomen smeared in fake blood. You immediately recognized some of your boyfriend's tattoos peeking through the torn fabric, confirming your suspicions. "Eddie?" Your gaze dropped to his hands, and even though his distinctive rings were there, you would have recognized him without them. "When did you arrive?"

Eddie swiftly lifted his mask, confirming what you already knew, and just as quickly lowered it again. "Just now," he replied, affecting a raspier voice. "You did this to me," he added, pointing to his chest with a theatrical gesture. Then he wedged a small piece of bathroom decor against the door to keep it locked, effectively blocking anyone from entering. Eddie moved closer to you.

You couldn't see his face behind the mask, but you could sense a threatening yet slightly amused and mischievous expression in his posture. "Hello, angel," he said, making you take a step back, your lower back hitting the bathroom sink as he advanced in slow motion. He now had a voice changer. "Do you like scary movies?" His eerie appearance sent shivers down your spine. "What's your favorite scary movie?" He leaned in closer. "You're not scared, are you?"

You shook your head slightly, looking down at his chest one last time, even though you were indeed feeling a mix of terror and adrenaline. "You did this to me," he repeated, pointing to his chest. "Trying to escape from me, so it's only fair I punish you, right?" You could only manage a shrug, your lips dry from the intense arousal Eddie's act had stirred in you. "You really thought you could escape from me, my little angel?"

"I'm sorry," you whispered, your voice trembling.

He made a disapproving sound with his mouth. "That's not what I taught you, angel." Shaking his head, he allowed his fake knife to graze your jawline.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ghostface," you continued, playing along with the macabre charade. He chuckled, and with a nod of his head, he indicated that you should continue. "Please spare my life."

"You know what to do then."

You did.

Within seconds, you found yourself on the ground, fortunate that your pants provided a cushion for your knees as your right hand clasped Eddie's dick. Your hand moved with a leisurely and languid grace, while you gazed at him with innocent eyes. His silence was palpable, his lower lip clearly caught between his teeth as he observed you intently.

"I can't see your other hand, angel." As his deep, modified voice whispered to you, your other hand quickly made its way to his testicles, delicately massaging them so as not to give him too much pleasure.

"Like this, Mr. Ghostface?"

He shook his head, and that simple gesture conveyed his clear discontent. "This isn't how I taught you." He thrust his hips forward. "Mouth." It was difficult not to squirm around, enthralled by the scenario. Your tongue came out to leave a path of saliva around the head after your mouth placed a delicate kiss on the tip. "That's what I meant." His gloved hand ended up on the back of your head, fingers gripping your hair as he pushed himself into your mouth, causing you to gasp and your eyes to widen. "Mmmh, just like that." You hollowed your cheeks, hoping to pump up the sensation.

His other hand also settled behind your head, drawing you closer to him and restraining you from pursuing the desired rhythm. He was exerting pressure, insisting that you match his preferred pace. The one who was driving him insane and making him want to burrow himself deep inside you

Eddie believed you were stunning, and even while on your knees, wearing torn, blood-smeared clothing and tears glistening in your eyes, you appeared angelic.

"Get up." He hadn't come because he didn't want to. No, not yet. Gently, his hand made contact with your cheek, signaling for you to stand up from your prone position. "Hands on the bathroom sink, eyes on the mirror. Now." You followed his instructions, catching a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror with Eddie, also known as Mr. Ghostface, standing behind you.

"Please." Your voice was barely a whisper, but it sent shivers down Eddie's spine because it carried an unmistakable desperation, and that desperation was all about him. It revealed the depth of your desire for him, making him feel reassured that he had ignited a passion in you as intense as the one he felt.

"Please, what, angel?" He was acutely aware of your desires. His fingers deftly worked on the hem of your jeans, unbuttoning them effortlessly without diverting his gaze, and he continued to unzip them while waiting for your response. "I don't remember you having your tongue cut." As both of his hands held the hem, he lowered your jeans until they were at your ankles. "I'm waiting."

"Please." He met your gaze in the mirror, grateful for the mask concealing his face, as his hair clung to his brow, and his cheeks flushed a deep crimson, not because of his outfit, but due to the intense heat he was experiencing in that moment. This roleplaying thing was amazing, especially watching you so desperate while completely forgetting you were at a party. He was immersed. "Please, fuck me." You had spoken similar words countless times, yet each time, a sense of shyness washed over you. It made you feel hesitant until you gained confidence and continued to repeat them.

"Is that what you want?" You hastily nodded in response to his query. "Fuck that, then. Who am I to refuse such a thing to a lovely woman like you?" His hands moved quickly, causing your panties to come to a halt in the same place as your jeans. "You want it fast and hard, don't you? There is no time for foreplay." His remarks nearly made you sob. "And you know what? You can let all those pretty sounds come out because the music is loud and no one will hear you getting wrecked." You agreed again, hoping you could see his body but being turned on by the fact that he was going to fuck you while disguised as if he were Ghostface. "Are you going to scream for me?"

Although you couldn't see his body, the frantic movements of his right hand revealed that he was dropping his trousers and underwear. His other hand firmly gripped your hip, as if he needed the support to stay upright. For a brief moment, Ghostface seemed to transform into the persona of Eddie. "Did you go back to taking the pill, angel?" His voice was unsteady yet pleasant, serving as a poignant reminder that the man behind the mask was the one you loved, intensifying the charged atmosphere between you two.

"Yes." You mumbled in response, overwhelmed by his reminder that you had discontinued taking those medications due to unpleasant side effects. Thankfully, you had found alternatives that worked perfectly without causing you any discomfort.

Eddie was soon deep inside you, not even allowing you to acclimatise to him as he began snapping his hips. His hands were firmly entwined with yours, gripping, squeezing, and quite possibly leaving imprints to serve as a lasting reminder of this memorable day for a while.

"We have to be quick, angel." His thrusts were so forceful that you could see yourself bouncing around in the mirror. Eddie fucking you from behind was incredibly hot. "Our friends already know we are here and if we take long they are going to know I'm wrecking you in this bathroom." Your only answer was a guttural groan. "Do you like that? Won't you be flustered when we come out?"

"Please, Eddie. Go faster."

He chuckled, surprised. "Faster, angel?" "Would you like me to nail you in the sink?" His language was vulgar, yet it had you captivated. Truth be told, even though it had only been a few minutes, you were both so close. "Are you going to walk around the party with my cum inside of you?" His question was jarring, and the way his left hand firmly held your chin, compelling you to maintain eye contact with your own reflection, even as your head hung low, eyes shut and lips agape, was equally unsettling. "Fuck, I'm coming."

Amidst your moans and his grunts, the loud banging on the door intruded upon your intimacy.

For the two of you, it felt like only moments had passed when in reality the knocks had persisted for minutes, prompting Eddie and you to undertake the walk of shame out of the restroom. He quickly removed the mask and handed it to you, wearing a proud smirk, his cheeks flushed, and his face and forehead glistening with perspiration. And you, hot behind the mask, with damp, warm panties, accompanied him, equally flushed with the intensity of the moment.

Steve complained for months, knowing you two had fucked in his bathroom.

WINTER

The bone-chilling cold persisted as you and Eddie returned to the cosy cabin you had rented for your winter getaway with your friends.

It was truly astonishing to witness Eddie's rapid progress in learning snowboarding over just a few hours, impressing you and the rest of the group with his graceful movements. His motions on the snowboard were almost hypnotic as he effortlessly carved through the snow, sending powdery plumes into the air as he descended the mountain. You all watched in awe as he executed spins and jumps, finding it hard to believe that Eddie Munson had such skill in a physical sport, even surprising himself.

In contrast, your own experience on the slopes proved to be more challenging. The hills and mountains presented a formidable opponent, and you found yourself spending a considerable amount of time on your backside. Eddie reacted to each mishap with a good-natured smile and a helping hand. Despite numerous falls, he remained patient, encouraging, and unwavering in his support, making the experience both exhilarating and memorable. On the other hand, Steve struggled just as much as you did, unable to stay on his feet for more than a couple of minutes. However, while you had Eddie's encouragement, Steve received nothing but sarcastic chuckles from your boyfriend, who relished outperforming him, likely because Steve had expressed such confidence in his snowboarding abilities on the way to the mountain.

The day of snowboarding had left both of you utterly exhausted and drenched to the bone. Your clothes were sodden, and the cold had penetrated deep into your bones. As you approached the cabin, Eddie gallantly held the door open for you, allowing you to step inside first. His warm smile and the genuine affection in his eyes were enough to melt your heart. He leaned in for a soft, tender kiss on your forehead, his lips a stark contrast to your chilled skin, sending delightful shivers down your spine this time.

Once inside the cabin, Eddie sprang into action. Without any hesitation, he headed to the small living room, where a rustic fireplace awaited. The room exuded a cosy, rustic charm with its wooden beams, soft rug, and a wide, inviting couch that promised relaxation and warmth. Eddie knelt down, and you followed suit, carefully arranging logs in the fireplace and positioning the kindling just right. His hands worked with confidence, and soon, the fire came to life, casting a flickering, welcoming glow on the cabin walls.

"Oh my goodness," you exclaimed, relieved to see the flames dancing and hopeful that they would soon warm your chilled bodies.

"Come here," Eddie said, seated on the ground in front of the fireplace. As you sat down in front of him, he gently removed your gloves, taking your hands in his freezing ones and rubbing them together as he drew closer to the fire. "Feeling any better?"

"I'm still freezing," you replied, and Eddie chuckled, nodding in agreement as you both shared a laugh.

"Let's get out of these wet clothes." With those words, he swiftly began removing his own attire, without hesitation and without even bothering with his underwear. You followed suit, and Eddie fetched a thick, warm blanket from the couch, draping it over both of you.

The increasing warmth from the fire provided a striking contrast to the cold that had chilled you earlier. Gradually, the room filled with the gentle glow of the flames, dispelling the chill and replacing it with a comforting and serene atmosphere. With its wooden interior, soft lighting, and the crackling warmth from the fire, the cabin became the perfect haven for two weary, wet snowboarders seeking refuge from the winter's cold embrace.

Eddie and you sat together, naked beneath the large, cosy blanket, while the fire crackled and radiated its comforting warmth throughout the cabin. The juxtaposition between the roaring flames and the tranquil intimacy of the cabin was striking. The weariness from the day's skiing adventure had finally caught up with both of you, and the silence between you was occasionally broken by the crackling and hissing of the logs.

You felt the soothing heat of the fire seeping into your chilled bodies as you nestled close to one another. Eddie's arms encircled you in a loving and protective embrace. The blanket enveloped you both, shielding you from the last remnants of cold on your skin. The closeness and shared warmth acted as a balm for your tired bodies and weary spirits.

At this moment, there was no need for words; the tranquil stillness said it all. The day's adventures had been exhilarating, but now it was time to relax and rejuvenate. You both leaned in, finding solace in your shared experiences and the simple joy of each other's company. The only sounds within the cabin were the gentle rise and fall of your chests as you breathed in unison and the subtle crackling of the fire, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.

Eddie and you decided to recline in front of the fireplace on the soft rug. The plush surface cradled your exhausted bodies, offering a serene place to unwind after a thrilling day.

While lying there, you couldn't resist the urge to explore the contours of Eddie's chest. Your fingertips followed a leisurely and meandering path across his skin with a delicate touch. Your caress was feather-light, almost soundless as it glided over him, yet it left behind a trail of tingling sensations.

The crackling fire provided a soothing background to this tender moment, and as you continued tracing patterns on his chest, the two of you felt a deep sense of connection. The shared stillness and your gentle touch spoke volumes, conveying a profound affection and closeness that went beyond the day's events. In the flickering light of the fire, you discovered a tranquil and intimate bond that required no words, only simple and loving gestures that conveyed comfort, trust, and the warmth of your hearts.

Eddie, his eyes brimming with affection, shifted his position and settled on top of you. With a gentle touch, he brushed a strand of hair away from your face, tucking it behind your ear. His caress was tender, his fingers radiating warmth against your skin as he gazed deeply into your eyes with a profound sense of love and connection.

His presence above you was a comforting weight, a reminder of the strength of his love and his desire to be close to you. His fingers trailed down to softly stroke your cheek, his thumb tenderly brushing your lips as he continued to sweep your hair aside.

He bestowed a soft and lingering kiss on your forehead, a charming and kind gesture that warmed your heart. His lips then descended to your cheeks, placing gentle kisses along the way, each one brimming with love and affection.

Eddie's touch was tender and considerate as his lips journeyed across your breasts and down to your tummy. He knew that his love could comfort your weary body and soul. His lips caressed your skin, leaving behind a path of warm, lingering kisses. The sensation was electrifying, igniting a fire within you that was distinct from the one flickering in the hearth.

"What are you doing?" you asked as Eddie persisted in his actions, his kisses descending a little further each time until they reached your navel. There, he playfully nibbled around it, and then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a glance upwards, he continued downward, taking you by surprise as his breath brushed against your sensitive area before planting a quick, teasing kiss on it. "Eddie?" you gasped, your voice filled with surprise and desire.

"Just trying to help you sleep better," Eddie replied, kissing the same spot again, this time with more intensity, eliciting a gasp from you. Your exhaustion was evident, but your anticipation for Eddie's touch was equally strong. "Is that okay?" he inquired, his voice filled with desire and concern.

In response, you let out a contented hum, your left hand supporting your chin, while your right palm descended to gently tangle in his locks.

Eddie's tongue embarked on a slow and sensual dance with your labia. There was no rush, and in the privacy of the moment, your moans and groans went unheard. It was an intimate, indulgent, and unhurried time when the two of you revelled in expressing your profound love and adoration for each other.

He continued for a minute or two, the moist sounds of his tongue intermingling with your own arousal, intensifying the heat between you. Soon, his tongue found the right spot, delicately delving into your core, igniting waves of pleasure that surged as his thumb skillfully teased and caressed your clit in various ways.

You let out a playful giggle as your focus shifted to his thumb, trying to decipher the patterns he was tracing. "Are you writing with my clit that I'm your property?" you teased, your voice laced with humour and desire.

His mouth left you momentarily for you to respond. "No," he said, "I'm writing that I'm yours." Without delay, his tongue returned to its rightful place, and his thumb resumed its sensual strokes.

You bit your bottom lip, your eyes gleaming with desire as you watched your lover pleasure you with all his skill. Eddie's adept movements always had the power to make you reach the pinnacle of pleasure. Even when his actions were deliberate and languid, he could still bring you to ecstasy. The sensual scenario was becoming even more enjoyable than you could have imagined.

Eddie sensed you were nearing the peak when he heard your soft yet trembling voice. However, he maintained the same rhythm. He didn't quicken his pace, nor did he become more forceful. He simply continued with the steady, sensual cadence until you finally reached a mind-blowing climax seconds later.

Eddie lazily lapped at your essence, murmuring as if savoring the most delectable honey ever produced. He licked his lips to ensure not a drop was missed, and then he planted a hasty kiss on your forehead.

Eddie inched himself against your labia, gradually penetrating until he was fully immersed within you. There were no words exchanged, only a silent language of longing and intimacy conveyed through glances and tender touches.

The motions were deliberate and potent, and the heat from the fire had nothing on the intense warmth that passed between his body and yours. There were no kisses exchanged because you both yearned to gaze deeply into each other's eyes and communicate in a language only the two of you understood.

Eddie felt amazing inside you. His warmth and the way he filled you up made it seem as if you had been empty all along. And for him, the sensation was just as pleasurable, if not more so: being enveloped in your warmth and wetness was a pure delight.

It could have been the breathtaking scenery, the promise of many more adventures together, or the thoughts of a shared future that occupied both of your minds, but no words, kisses, or wandering hands, whether on his back or your breasts, were necessary. Nothing else mattered but your togetherness.

Eddie's rhythm intensified, and both of your breaths grew more laboured, creating wisps of white air in the room, if the fire hadn't been ablaze. But it was. Now, in addition to the crackling of the wood and the dance of the flames, the sounds of skin meeting skin, the sensation of wetness, and the rhythm of your breathing all melded to create a harmonious symphony within the cabin.

"I'm close," Eddie murmured, lowering his head to place a brief, gentle kiss on the tip of your nose as the words slipped from your lips. You began to tighten around him, reaching your climax, your eyes clouded, vision blurred, and body trembling with pleasure. The whispers around you grew more melodious.

Eddie felt his balls tighten, on the verge of bursting. He filled you with passion, his mouth near your ear, softly groaning to keep their volume low. Perhaps it was because this moment felt too intimate to express both of your delights openly.

Eddie settled atop you, still inside, and the two of you drifted off to sleep by the warmth of the fire and the heat of your bodies.

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