#the dynamic in my head fascinates me

[blood-orange-juice]

I am unpleasantly surprised by the lack of Ningguang x Lumine fanfiction. 29 fics on ao3 (Wriowinne has 24, to help you understand the scale of the disaster).

I think the fandom is sleeping on these two.

[jadewithaj]

Imagine being 18, got to USO Juniors Final playing against this 17yo kid, and you’re 18, you’re supposed to be better. But you lost, and it’s okay, you’re a positive guy, it’s all good.

Fast forward a year and now both of you somehow got to the final of Next Gen Finals. Well…”somehow” was more meant for you, that tall white kid is everyone’s favorite. Doesn’t matter though because you’re both in the final and result is what matters. Then you lost that too. Ouch! Stings a little but it’s okay, you’re still happy, a positive guy! If you smile more than him in pictures, that’s nobody’s business!

Well that same kid became a sensation, a hot topic while you’re just doing your own thing. It’s all good!

Until Australian Open and somehow you both beat the top 10 to get into the next round. Suddenly you’re kinda big too! Maybe you finally catch up! And then he went to win an ATP title. So you’re behind again!

By mere coincidence or evil fate you both draw each other for first round of one of the biggest tournaments of the year. Well, you wanna win so bad, this has to be it right? This is the chance!

But no, once again you lose to him! In a painful three sets. It hurts because you have a legitimate chance! It hurts because it’s the third fucking time!

So now what? Will you ever beat him? Because while you’re climbing stairs to get better, he’s flying rockets to the next level! Maybe you’ll never be able to catch up…

And also now he’s your daddy but whatever

[moretheta]

oh duazul... woman that you are.... mother that you are.....

[mistoffeleesisawitch]

Man how awkward must it have been for Alteon to interact with Gravelyn. Like surely he realized who Gravelyn’s mom was. He knew Valen was super in love with Lynaria and she apparently was with Sepuchure long enough to have a kid. He had to have connected the dots.

And what a revelation, your dead wife had a secret kid with your ex-best friend who’s now super evil who also ultimately killed said dead wife. And then said best friend is killed in front of you by the child of the tyrant you three overthrew together.

Now you have to make an alliance with this angry barely adult girl who looks exactly like her dead parents. And she’s trying to be mature and cold but she’s a child, their child, who wants to avenge and be like her evil dad. How do you even act in this situation??

And then you get captured by your own evil general and she comes to save you and you jump in front to defend her when Lionfang tries to kill her.

[silverbastardgoldenfool]

best New Year's Eve in forever cos my sister and I fucking FINALLY started watching Interview with the Vampire

[benevolenterrancy]

hi! I recently came across your tgcf fics, and I wanted to say you’re a phenomenal creator. the recovery series fic and the gloves fic and just all of them. thank you for your content and great attention to detail.

do you have any thoughts/hcs on FXMQ and Xie Lian you’d be willing to share? within the original story or the universes of your fics!

Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying them! (ﾉ*^▽^*)ﾉ.｡:*☆

hmm, random thoughts about the FXMQ... a silly headcanon: Feng Xin has very much been hoisted by his own petard by heckling Mu Qing! That is to say, he'll harass Mu Qing relentlessly about something stupid only to be confronted with a similar situation and realise that there's absolutely NO way he can act in anyway similar to Mu Qing or he'll never hear the end of it.

(For example, he has tolerated some truly atrocious divine statues in the past because he's heckled Mu Qing so much about how picky he is with his divine statues that there's no WAY he can say ANYTHING without seeing that smug bastard's face in his head so he just has to bite his tongue and tolerate some unspeakably ugly statues.)

Mu Qing doesn't generally suffer from similar overthinking (he'll just prepare to kick FX's ass if he dares to say anything about it) except for things more directly related to himself. I think he genuinely finds sewing/embroidery/etc rather relaxing work but he'd rather die than have anyone ever see him do it because he's made such a big deal about not doing that sort of "servant" work anymore.

(He actually really enjoyed stitching Ruoye back together because it gave him the perfect excuse -- he's returning a favour!! and Xie Lian is hopeless!! of course he had to!! -- and he secretly considered using white thread to embroider some invisible little designs just because he doesn't quite want to stop... only he knew he'd get caught if he messed with Xie Lian's spiritual device like that and gave up the idea)

[youngpettyqueen]

hellooooooo I would love to hear about your julian/jadzia sandbox! I haven't given them a lot of thought as a real pairing and I'm so curious about your ideas!

hello good morning thank you for being patient! welcome to my Julian/Jadzia sandbox

putting under a cut cause it got. long

with them im a very casual shipper of it, I dont really seek out content of them and I kinda just have my own thoughts on them as a pairing. I would read fic of them if it caught my attention, but as is im pretty content in my own little world of them. I think they could've been really cute! but also like, again, thank god they didnt go that route in canon, I would not have trusted the writers with them

if im thinking of Julian/Jadzia as a couple then im inclined towards the storyline of that being one where youre in for the long haul. its a slowburn, and most importantly, its of the friends to lovers variety. the way it plays out in my head is you spend a lot of time building up and really developing that friendship, and yes Julian is still crushing on her and pursuing her, but after a little while that fades out and becomes less of a crush and more of just a running bit between them as they get closer as friends. and then, after a while, you start bringing in the hints that this could be something different than friendship. little moments, little scenes, the realization that Julian's crush hasn't gone away and he is now quite hopelessly in love with her, and Jadzia, having to gotten to know him and get so close with him, is also quite in love with him

ive seen different takes that Julian and Jadzia have no chemistry and I think thats simply not true. there's a lot of chemistry between them, but its not the immediate sparks flying type of chemistry you get with, say, Julian and Garak in their first meeting. and I think because of that, people tend to write them off, when really all it would've taken was some development and exploration of their relationship. if there had been less of a focus on Julian chasing after Jadzia, and more of a focus on them getting closer, I think the romantic chemistry would've been off the charts

its Julian's chasing after Jadzia the way he does, especially in the early seasons, that gets in the way of what could've been. and dont get me wrong, I wouldnt take that element out entirely, but I wouldnt have had it go on as long as it did. Julian chasing after Jadzia the way he does makes it impossible for her to take him seriously as a potential romantic partner, so if you have them get over that hurdle and have Julian back off and allow them to develop a close friendship, it opens Jadzia up to the idea of him as a romantic partner. I also think it would make for a deeper and more real friendship, where Julian gets to know Jadzia as a person and not just as a concept, and where Jadzia gets to see Julian from a better perspective

I would also just. put in writing more how Jadzia actually feels about her relationship with Julian. what we get onscreen is pretty one-sided and focuses almost entirely on how Julian feels, with only occasional mentions of how Jadzia feels. some of the novels go into it a bit more, especially Revenant, but alas those are beta canon. Jadzia does like Julian, and she cares about him, but we very rarely get to know her thoughts on him outside of being both endeared and annoyed by his constant pursuit of her. she likes the chase and the attention, even if it sometimes annoys her, and I think it'd be interesting to explore how she feels when that chase is gone. I think it'd be fun to explore the day she realizes she misses it

with Julian, what really fascinates me about his feelings for Jadzia is that even from earlier on, he's clearly a lot more serious about her than I think anybody else realizes. Julian is vulnerable with Jadzia in a way that he isnt with anybody else. for a character who tends to be very private about his vulnerabilities, thats a pretty big deal. where Julian's other moments of openness and vulnerability come from a place of being forced to- see Doctor Bashir, I Presume? when he has that talk with Miles- his vulnerability with Jadzia is typically initiated by himself. he gives her his diaries from medical school, which. I have a lot of feelings about. because even if you remove the context that he probably talks about being augmented in those, since at the time of that episode airing the decision hadn't been made yet to have Julian be augmented, its still a very vulnerable thing to do, because as Jadzia says his diaries contain his fears, insecurities, hopes, dreams, etc. I also think often of when Julian loses that award, and admits to Jadzia that he isnt handling it well. he didnt have to admit to that, but he did. thats a a small moment, but it speaks volumes to his willingness to be open around her, and to me that indicates that even from early on he was very serious about his feelings for her

I think this should've been a big thing in their dynamic. Jadzia realizing that Julian is so open with her when he isnt with others, not even Miles. I think in turn she would've allowed herself some of that same vulnerability and openness. in fact, I think Julian's interest in Jadzia might've helped this. a big complaint I have with a lot of episodes about Jadzia is that they aren't about her, theyre about Dax, or Curzon. a lot of people are more interested in Dax than they are Jadzia, a lot of relationships she has are the relationships Curzon had. Julian, however, is all about Jadzia. he wants to get to know HER, not just the symbiont, not just the legacy of her past lives. I think, seeing that, Jadzia would've reciprocated the vulnerable side he shows her, and been more open with him than she is with others when it comes to herself

this is getting long and rambly but yeah to sum up. they could've had a very good slowburn friends to lovers arc. all they would've had to do was overcome their original perceptions of the other- Julian would need to look past his infatuation, and see Jadzia as a whole person and not just an idea, while Jadzia would need to look past Julian's naivety and see the complex individual- in order to develop a really deep and poignant friendship that could later become a romantic relationship. and the writers kind of do this, in having Julian back off for a bit and focus elsewhere and take the time to develop a pretty solid friendship with the two of them, but they ultimately end up leaning back into Julian's unrequited feelings for her, which could've been interesting imo, but they really only do it to go "she died before he could ever get with her :( so sad :(" which. ive done that rant already so I won't do it again

there is genuine potential within canon for them to have a solid romantic relationship. if they had focused more on Jadzia's feelings and thoughts, rather than on Julian's hopeless pursuit of her, I think they could've honestly pulled it off. there was some solid groundwork for them, but it ultimately doesnt take off. and im fine with that, truly fine with that, because I genuinely do not believe the writers would've done them justice. as is, I like to enjoy my own thoughts and scenarios, and it was fun to write a bunch out. this isnt particularly organized, but I hope you enjoy it, anyways

[shepcdr]

writing (read: thinking about and occasionally putting two words down on paper every few hours) yishai's squadmate romance... and i think he'd be sooooo heads over heels for a paragon sheploo ngl

[stop-breaking-my-heart-dragonage]

So you know this party banter between Aveline and Carver?

Aveline: I don't like some of the people you've been associating with, Carver. Carver: Talk to my brother/sister. He/She's the one in charge.

If you're on the rivalry path with Aveline, she says:

Aveline: Who says I don't mean him/her too? This city's full of people who are dead set on ending badly. I don't want to see you end up the same way.

I just- Aveline, you- you're so- hhhhnnnngggggg

I always rival Aveline when I play a mage, and if you think Edgar Aristide Hawke, who practically raised Carver and Bethany after Malcolm died and Leandra became a distant mother in her grief, wouldn't stop dead in his tracks at Aveline heavily implying he's a bad influence on his brother and Carver shouldn't hang around him so much since apparently Ed's someone set on ending badly...? Absolutely not.

This is another case of me wishing Hawke had the option to jump in during party banter with different options, because Ed would've chewed Aveline out for that.

Oh, and then there's:

Carver: Would asking you to stop spying on me help in the least? Aveline: No.

Aveline...................stop it.

[watatsumiis]

HI CALLING IN TO SAY YOURE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, GA MING IS THE TRANSGENDER ALLEGORY EVER !! TO QUOTE A POST I ONCE SAW “if a guy is hated by his rich parents then he’s automatically gay” WHICH HOLDS TRUE IN EVERY SITUATION BUT THIS ONE IN SPECIFIC !!!! RATTLING HIM

(ALSO, XIAO AND ZHONGLI… THE DYNAMIC EVER FOR SURE)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

like . guy hated by rich parents is so gay coded but in some cases its just REALLY trans coded. i think in general its just queer vibes or maybe neurodivergent in a very very specific way .

but like. the way gaming is with his dad, especially their interactions towards the end. his dad saying "youre a good kid" . not son. kid. that reeks of a parent who still hasnt 'let go' of their kids assigned gender but is trying. the vibes. the energy. is just. its so.

[wandaxpietro]

relapsed thinking about eriklorna again. fucked up fucked up fucked up

[corvidcrybaby]

Introducing a trio of D&D OC's of mine!

WHO ARE DOLVAN GREYFANG AND DELILAH WAKEFELD?

Dolvan and Delilah are warlocks. Or perhaps it is better to say, a warlock, singular.

Once upon a time, a humble swordsman from the city of Redmont was attacked by his intimate partner - bitten, and infected with a virulent strain of lycanthropy. The reason? His surname, Greyfang. He bore it by sheer coincidence, and apparently, the man he thought he trusted thought it a hilarious joke to turn him against his will based on this.

Dolvan did not take it well.

Dolvan launched a vicious crusade against the offending werewolf and his pack, and carved a bloody swathe across the continent of Nuviria, felling every lycanthrope in his path - their souls consumed and imprisoned inside a cursed sword of truly vile magic.

To create this weapon, Dolvan needed outside guidance.

Enter one Queen Yulara Uvarro, a Dwarven Vampire Queen of the Shadowfel - who, for reasons unknown, cured his lycanthropy, forged a warlock pact with the angry young man, providing him with the guidance to forge this first blade, and gifted him his second when sense began to prevail, and Dolvan destroyed the cursed weapon.

After a terrible final stand against a pack of powerful lycanthropes which left several close friends dead and the pack sundered, Dolvan's psyche shattered and his will broke, and he went into hiding, using his newfound magic practice to shapeshift his appearance into someone wholly unrecognizable.

Thus Delilah Wakefeld was born, and she would soon surprise both Dolvan and her Queen with the depths of autonomy she would come to demand. For five long years, Dolvan's persona lay dormant in the body occupied by Delilah, who busied herself in a frigid town to the far north, seeing off the occasional bandit raid or beast from the abandoned mines.

After this time, things began to change.

Dolvan and Delilah are now at odds for sharing the same body as well as each party's respective questionable decisionmaking - it was Dolvan who created that behexen sword, but it was Delilah who abandoned their existing life to go into hiding and pursue this newfound relationship with a Vampire Queen. From Dolvan's perspective, she only threw them from one frying pan into another. From Delilah's perspective, Dolvan was carrying them on a spiraling path of destruction that would doom them and what remained of their family - including a beloved younger sister, Calix Greyfang.

And so they go, day by day, attempting to reconcile their relationship to one another, as a singular entity and as individuals. A broken man and an angry woman, forced to coexist and learn from one another. All while the ominous spectre of their undead Dwarven patron looks on - watching. Observing. Taking in their growth, forcefully nudging them this way and that as the scenario demands.

But what does Yulara want with them, truly? Why select an ornery pair of human personas to grant a fraction of her power to? Is it for amusement? Genuine care or interest in their development? Or something colder, crueler?

Only time will tell.

[spinning-feeling]

...just. just hear me out for a second, okay

spinel x reader Flare au. as in, Flare from Warframe 1999 - you being Flare, and Spinel being Lizzie

The reader being some manner of musician, most typically with a guitar - or perhaps with a diffirent instrument, but you could always learn a new instrument - and what happaned to flare perhaps happaned to you. Had a full band, went onto the stage in the wrong city, crew's all dead, and you manage to make it out alive

Now either we could go typical route as in the lore, mysterious doctor gives you an injector of sorts that you use in a last-ditch moment to save yourself from death, Or, perhaps it something else entirely? some force from beyond seeing you, and chosing to save you from a far too unlucky fate - either way, when you finally come to, you find a/your guitar nearby, but... changed. in wonderful hues of pinks and magentas, with brilliantly glowing strings. It's almost like it's... Alive. Moreso still when the guitar begins Speaking to You, asking if you're okay - or, if the enemies keep coming, asking you to play her and watch the fireworks

Spinel being the infested/eldritch force that's now stuck to you on an unthinkably deep level, tied to your mind, your flesh, and almost your very soul - but one that's completely eneamoured by you, as if she saw you as a missing part of her whole; which, one could suppose she is the missing part of Your whole, no?

But, unlike Lizzie, perhaps she has a shapeshifting element to her? Being able to to switch between exalted guitar, and a humanoid form - said humanoid form fitting your/your band's Aesthetic, perhaps you sharing matching jackets or the like? still, her being your exalted weapon now, i think she enjoys all the mayhem she can cause as you shred her with amazing solos lmao - which speaking of, just like Lizzie, her speech being overlaid with the sounds of guitar chords, which i know would scratch my brain just right, hearing her speak or even sing lmao

...that. and also with the whole shtick of you being able to play her - her being your weapon and instrument of chaos and all - the whole idea of. you knowing precisely what strings to pluck, if you catch my drift. know precisely how to make her purr, how to make her sing. good stuff(tm).

[webbedphantom]

"... I wouldn't say I pity Akechi necessarily, though... I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some truth to that-"

"I grew up with the guy. I know he can do better, but... it can be a little frustrating when he doesn't."

"Still... I guess that's kinda what friends are for. To root for you when you do right-"

"-and to smack the absolute shit out of you when you do wrong."

[waterbearable]

pipe dream is to get a wink portrait done with them being a deceptively cheerful magical tempest (there's something wrong with them) and a portrait of pre-game events olum (there's also something wrong with Them but they're just a lot more bloody about it)

[greengoblinswifey]

Fatal Attraction

pairing— The Salesman x Recruiter!Reader

summary— You and the Salesman share an undeniable attraction that’s filled with playful banter and sexual chemistry, despite the risks of being involved as recruiters for the Squid Game. It eventually boils over in a way you didn’t expect. based on this request.

warnings— sexual tension, flirting, jealousy, switch!salesman, manipulation, groping, slight voyeurism, thigh riding, praise kink.

a/n— part 2?🤭

Part II

The evening air was cloudy as the city hummed around you. Dressed in a chic black dress that hugged your figure and a pair of sleek red bottom heels, you walked through the dimly lit streets with an air of effortless confidence. Your black curls cascaded over your shoulders, catching the light as you moved, each step commanding attention. The world around you seemed to part as men turned their heads, unable to resist the allure you exuded.

You smirked, feeling the eyes on you. Most of the time, you didn’t need to say a word. They came to you. A flirtatious smile was all it took, and you knew that by the time they left, they'd be clutching the game card in their hands, their minds already made up. It was easy, really. Your beauty and charm were weapons, subtle but deadly, and you wielded them with precision. It was no wonder they hired you.

Behind you, the Salesman was watching. His gaze followed you, a mix of admiration and something else, something darker? He’d always been fascinated by you, but you knew he wouldn’t admit it. His competitive streak ran deep, and that was what made the dynamic between the two of you so—interesting. You had a way of making him lose focus, just for a moment, and he hated how much he liked it.

“Are you always this distracting?” he asked. He stepped closer, his presence almost predatory as you felt his eyes linger on you for too long.

“I could ask you the same thing,” you teased.

He narrowed his eyes, clearly annoyed but intrigued at the same time. “You're making it hard for me to concentrate,” he said.

You leaned in just enough to feel the heat between you, brushing past him sultry, making sure to brush your ass against hun. “Well,” you said, your voice a whisper, “maybe you just need to focus more.”

The way his jaw tightened gave you a little thrill. He wasn’t used to being the one distracted, but there you were, effortlessly captivating him. He hated that you had this power over him, but at the same time, it only fueled his need to be around you.

As you approached a group of lower class men, you effortlessly captured their attention, your words emphasized as you explained the game to them, each one of them hanging on your every word. They didn’t even care about the money anymore, they were entranced by you, by the way you spoke, the way you looked, the way your eyes sparkled with mystery.

You glanced over your shoulder, catching the Salesman’s narrowed eyes. There was a flicker of jealousy there, and you smiled to yourself. He was usually so composed, so in control, but when it came to you, it was clear he was a little off balance.

As you handed the last card to a willing participant, you turned back toward him, catching frustration in his eyes. “You’re still looking at my ass,” you noted. “Is there something you want to say?”

His eyes flickered to yours, something passing between you, but instead of responding immediately, he took a step closer, cornering you against a nearby wall. His lips were so close to yours that you could feel his breath on your skin, and for a moment, the world around you both seemed to fade away.

“We need to focus,” you said, your voice a mix of teasing and determination. You could feel his body heat radiating against yours, and for just a second, you almost let go. But the chemistry between you two was a game of its own, one you weren’t ready to lose yet.

His lips hovered inches from yours, but you moved away just in time, leaving him wanting more, the silent promise of what could be lingering in the air between you. You walked away, leaving him there, caught between frustration and fascination.

“You’re impossible,” he muttered, but there was a smile at his lips. He couldn’t stay mad at you for long.

“You love it,” you called over your shoulder with a wink, and he couldn’t argue with that.

The bustling subway platform crowded, filled with footsteps, idle chatter, and the occasional rumble of an approaching train. You stood poised, elegant as ever while the Salesman stood nearby, his briefcase in hand and his usual smirk in place, but even he couldn't deny that all eyes were on you.

“You’re making this too easy,” he said, his voice laced with amusement as he watched another man approach you, drawn in like a moth to a flame.

“Not my fault I have—certain advantages,” you replied, letting your hand drift over your tits for just a moment before returning to the man who had approached you.

The man stammered as you handed him a game card, your voice smooth as you explained the rules. He barely registered the words, too mesmerized by the way you leaned in just enough to catch his attention.

From the corner of your eye, you saw the Salesman watching, his expression a mixture of pride and annoyance.

“You’re going to spoil them,” he muttered under his breath as the man walked away, clutching the card like it was a love letter.

“Jealous?”

“Hardly,” he shot back, but the way his jaw tightened said otherwise.

As you moved through the station, you approached another potential recruit, a man sitting on a bench, his head in his hands. His clothes were old, his expression weary. You softened your approach, sitting beside him with a look of genuine concern.

“I couldn’t help but notice you look like you could use a fresh start,” you began, your voice gentle.

The man looked up, startled by your presence. His eyes widened as he took in your appearance, clearly caught off guard.

“It’s not easy, is it?” you continued, your tone having fake empathy. “But I can offer you something better. A chance to turn things around.”

By the time you handed him the card, the man was nodding eagerly, his despair replaced by a spark of hope.

The Salesman watched from a distance, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re a witch,” he said when you returned to his side. “The way you manipulate people—it’s almost unfair.”

“Takes one to know one,” you said smiling.

Later that evening, the two of you stood in a crowded peak, each of you scanning the crowd for potential players. He approached a group of men, his signature ddakji tiles in hand. “Care for a game?” he offered, his tone inviting.

The men glanced at him, then at you, their interest shifting immediately.

“Actually, we’d rather play with her,” one of them said, his gaze fixed on you.

You smirked, stepping closer to the Salesman and leaning in just enough to make him flinch. “Looks like you’ve got competition,” you whispered.

“Careful, or I might start charging for your services,” he retorted.

As the men prepared to play, you caught the Salesman watching you again. You met his gaze, your lips curving into a sly smile. Then, almost unknowingly, you bit your bottom lip, letting the subtle action hang heavy in the air.

His eyes darkened, his composure slipping for just a moment before you stepped away, leaving him standing there, frustrated and wanting more.

During one particularly tense recruitment, a man you’d just handed a card to glanced between you and the Salesman, frowning. “You two, you should really sort out whatever this is,” he said, gesturing between you.

Without missing a beat, you turned to him. “What you need to sort out is that broke issue you have,”you retorted, leaving him sputtering as you walked away.

“You’re ruthless,” the Salesman laughed, shaking his head.

“And you love it,” you shot back, not even bothering to deny it.

As the night wore on, the two of you found yourselves alone again, leaning against a railing overlooking the city. He leaned in, his face inches from yours, his hand brushing against your arm. For a moment, it seemed like he might close the distance, but you stepped back, breaking the spell.

“Back up,” you snapped.

He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. “One day, you’re not going to walk away,” he said.

You smiled, turning away as your curls bounced with each step. “Good luck with that,” you called over your shoulder, leaving him to brew in his frustration once again.

Another evening at the busy train station, you and the Salesman stood on opposite sides of the platform, each scanning for potential recruits. You caught his eye briefly before a man in a tattered suit approached you. He didn’t hesitate to ask your name, his interest plain.

The Salesman watched from a distance as you gave the man a coy smile, tilting your head to send the perfect signal. The man eagerly accepted the card you handed him, and even after walking away, he kept glancing back at you.

“Showing off again?” the Salesman said as he finally approached.

“Not my fault,” you said with a shrug. “They just come to me.”

“They should try not flirting with you for once,” he muttered, his jaw tightening as his gaze darted to the men still watching you.

“You’re cute when you’re jealous,” you laughed softly, leaning in for him to smell your perfume.

Later that night, the two of you walked back to the car after another successful round of recruitment. He was unusually quiet as you strolled under the streetlights, the faint sound of your heels breaking the silence.

“What’s on your mind?” you asked, glancing up at him.

He hesitated, then said, “I was just thinking, how do you do it?”

“Do what?”

He stopped walking and turned to face you. “Get everyone to fall at your feet like that.”

You tilted your head, a small smile on your lips. “It’s a gift. But don’t worry, you’re not immune.”

He shook his head, his smirk returning.

During one recruitment night, you and the Salesman found yourselves at a lounge. You moved effortlessly through the room, drawing attention without even trying. At the bar, a man offered to buy you a drink, and you accepted with a polite smile, leaning in to keep him hooked.

From across the room, the Salesman watched, his jaw clenching when the man leaned closer to whisper something in your ear. You laughed lightly, slipping the card into the man’s jacket pocket before walking away.

When you rejoined the Salesman, he raised an eyebrow. “Enjoy yourself?”

“Totally,” you replied, sipping the drink you had brought back with you.

“Next time, I’ll be the one buying you a drink,” He leaned in, his voice low.

You looked up at him, your lips curving into a playful smile. “If you’re lucky.”

One late night, as you were reviewing the day’s ‘victims’, a playful argument broke out between you two.

“You only got that guy at the park because I wasn’t there,” he teased, leaning against the table.

“Oh, please,” you shot back, crossing your arms. “He wouldn’t have looked at your ass twice.”

“Care to bet on that?”

You met his gaze, unfazed. “Fine. Loser buys dinner.”

“Deal.”

As he turned to leave, you called after him, “You should practice your flirting first. Wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself.”

Another evening you stood on the busy street corner, your black dress and signature heels drawing stares as usual. A potential recruit leaned lazily against a lamppost, his attitude immediately grating.

“You think I’m fucking stupid enough to fall for this?” he sneered, flicking the card you handed him back toward you. His tone was sharp, his words laced with anger.

Your smile tightened, but you didn’t break your composure. “I wouldn’t say stupid, but if the shoe fits—”

The man stepped closer, his expression darkening. “Listen, woman, don’t test me. You think your little tricks work on everyone?”

Before you could respond, the Salesman appeared at your side, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the man. Without warning, his fist connected with the man’s jaw, sending him falling backward. The man scrambled to his feet, muttering curses as he stumbled away.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s my job to make sure you’re safe,” he replied firmly, his voice softer now as his eyes stayed on yours.

For the first time, you faltered. His protectiveness caught you off guard, leaving you unsure of what to say.

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “How about dinner?”

“Sure, what the hell.”

The restaurant was cozy and dimly lit, a bit romantic. You sat across from him, sipping your wine as laughter filled your small talk. For the first time, the banter felt easy, natural.

The waitress arrived to refill your drinks and smiled warmly at the two of you. “You two make a great couple,” she said.

You opened your mouth to correct her, but the Salesman beat you to it. “Yes, we do,” he said, his grin almost asking you to challenge him.

You shot him a look, your eyebrow arching. He just shrugged, clearly enjoying himself.

As the meal continued, you slipped off your Louis Vuittons under the table, your stocking clad foot gliding toward him. You made contact with his leg first, and when he didn’t react, you moved higher.

His fork clattered against his plate when your toes brushed against his cock. He coughed, his eyes darting to yours.

“Careful,” you said, tilting your head innocently.

“What—what are you doing?” he stammered.

“What do you mean?” you asked, as if you had no idea what he was talking about.

His jaw clenched as he tried to maintain his composure, but you could see the cracks forming. “Act normal,” you murmured softly, your foot still teasing his cock. “Wouldn’t want anyone to know what we’re doing.”

He nodded stiffly, attempting to make small talk, but his sentences came out broken and stuttered. You held back a laugh, savoring his discomfort.

By the time the meal ended, you had stopped, sitting back in your chair and putting your heels back on with a satisfied smirk as he paid the bill.

The drive back to your apartment was quiet, but the air between you was filled with more tension than usual. You placed your hand on his thigh, rubbing lightly as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.

“Why are you so tense?” you asked.

“Don’t act dumb,” he muttered, his voice strained.

You giggled, sliding your hand higher until you reached his bulge. His sharp inhale didn’t go unnoticed, and you leaned back in your seat, thoroughly enjoying yourself.

When you finally reached your apartment, he followed you inside, closing the door behind him. Before you could take another step, he spun you around and pressed you against the door, his hands braced on either side of your head.

His face was close to yours, his breath warm against your skin. “I’m sick of your games,” he growled. “It doesn’t matter what happens out there. In here, I’m in control.”

You bit your lip, your pulse quickening. “Yes, sir,” you murmured, your voice teasing.

That was all it took for his restraint to snap.

His lips crashed against yours. It was magnetic, a clash of sexual tension and pent up frustration. His hands framed your face as if you were going to slip away. Your arms went around his neck instinctively, drawing him closer. The world outside the apartment ceased to exist. His lips moved with a ferocity that made you forget every rule you were breaking.

Before you could even catch your breath, he lifted you effortlessly, his hands firm on your thighs as he carried you through the dimly lit apartment. His strength, his control, sent something through you. He didn’t hesitate, pushing open the door to the bedroom with his shoulder, and setting you down in his lap as he sank onto the edge of the bed.

You slowly began grinding on him, his hands moved to your waist, guiding you instinctively. “You always know how to push me, don’t you?” he murmured against your lips.

“Me? I think you’re the one who—”

He cut you off with a smirk, his grip tightening. “Ride my thigh,” he said suddenly.

Your heart beat faster. “W-what?” you stammered, caught off guard.

“You heard me,” he repeated, his dark gaze locking with yours. “Show me how much control you really have.”

Your breath hitched as his hands remained steady on your hips, guiding you forward. You hesitated, unsure if this was a line you should cross, but his touch, his words, it was consuming. Slowly, you moved on his thigh, the friction and the intimacy making your pulse quicken.

“Good girl,” he murmured. “Just like that.”

His praise sent a thrill through you, but as the moment grew more intense, the reality of the situation began to creep in. Your hips moved back and forth and your head fell back as the pleasure began to build in a way you didn’t expect. You were leaking through your thong and stockings, staining his pants. His hand moved to your jaw, tilting your face so you couldn’t avoid his gaze. “Cum on my thigh,” he whispered.

The coil in your abdomen snapped, your release hitting you like a truck, and you sagged against him, breathless and unsure how things had escalated this far. His arms wrapped around you as he steadied you, holding you close as the weight of what just happened sank in.

“W-we shouldn’t be doing this,” you whispered, breaking the silence.

“No,” he agreed, his voice low. “But I’m not stopping.”

The rules echoed in your mind, the Front Man’s orders, the consequences if you were caught. You knew you were playing with fire, but there was no denying the pull between you.

“If he finds out,” you trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

His thumb brushed against your cheek as he met your gaze. “He won’t,” he said. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The words hung in the air, a reassurance and a promise all at once. You knew it wasn’t that simple, but in his arms, you felt obligated to believe.