#the other two items on the floor are from growing together i think

[cerubean]

wcif the toys in the hallway of this post? i love how it’s decorated !!!

toddler play tunnel | pandasama

toddler drawing supply | pandasama

doll camping van | ats4

[whatswrongwithblue]

Lick You Clean

The smutty companion piece of my Girl Talk series. See Part 1 and Part 2 for context. Angel Dust may have his suspicions but what is it exactly that Alastor x reader get up to behind closed doors?

TW: blood and gore, oral (both receiving), light anal play, biting, p & v, creampie, squirting, shower sex, overstimulation, tentacle suspension play. You know the drill. Rampant demon horniness. MDNI!!!

You found Alastor in the bathroom of your hotel suite with the shower already running behind him, stripping his bloody clothes off one item at a time, letting them fall into a pile on the tiled floor. By the time you stepped into the humid room, he was down to just his trousers, the scarred skin of his torso on display and covered with random streaks of red that his clothes must have left on him as he took them off. His hands and everything from his chin up were a different story. Those red and black locks of his were literally dripping blood onto his shoulders and the floor, and the bottom hems of his pants were wet enough to leave red tracks across the tops of his hooved feet. 

He looked pissed off, his smile strained, his eyes narrowed, ears straight up and rigid. The Radio Demon, covered in the remains of his slain enemies, and in a visibly foul mood, as if his bloodlust was far from sated.

He looked . . . delicious.

“You’re going to have to get a better poker face,” he said after a brief glance up at you before he started undoing his belt buckle.

You frowned, confused as to what he was talking about.

He rolled his eyes at your expression.

“Angel Dust,” he explained. “Still asking questions, I see.”

“I haven’t told him a thing,” you defended.

He stepped out of his pants and sauntered over to you, his height towering over you. Even with just his black briefs on, he was terrifying. But you didn’t feel threatened, only more aroused.

“You don’t need to,” he said and tapped his index finger against the tip of your nose. “Your blushing gives you away every time.”

“You think my blushing is adorable,” you countered.

He had your jaw in his hand, his bloody grip wet and sticky against your skin, and tilted your head up. You stood on tip toe to meet his gaze and felt your face flush with desire.

“No one else needs to know the things my shadow has done to you,” he said, his voice low and warped with warning.

You only grinned like a brat and used your own hands to peel his off your face before you brought two of his long, clawed fingers into your mouth and sucked on them, licking the blood from the digits as you teased them with your tongue.

“He doesn’t know about any of that,” you say, feeling proud of the way Alastor’s glowing eyes burned brighter at the feel of your mouth on him. “But he does know what I came up here to do.”

You pressed yourself up taller, kissing Alastor’s neck and sucking on his pulse. He responded to your touch and both of you wrapped your arms around each other, pulling your bodies together as you reached your fingers into his wet and messy hair.

“I said I needed to lick you clean,” you say as you ran your tongue along his jaw line, tasting the savory blood and the saltiness of his own sweaty skin beneath the layer of thick red that was painted there.

You felt Alastor’s body shudder against you and you grew bolder, reaching between your two bodies to cup him at the seam of his briefs, feeling a familiar hardness growing at your touch.

“You just look so tasty right now,” you whisper to him, rubbing his clothed cock as you licked another path up from his cheek to his hairline. “I couldn’t hide how much the sight of you like this turned me on.”

He crashed his lips down into yours and he was bloody, even there. His tongue found yours, greedy and demanding, and you could taste the lingering essence of internal organs and flesh on him, telling you he had devoured and eaten well before returning to the hotel. It made you moan, thinking of him morphing into one of his more terrifying forms, and eating Sinners whole.

His sweet and doting nature, his attentiveness to you, and charming chivalry were what made you fall in love with him. But it was this side of him; the monster within that he could unleash on a whim, a dominating and blood-thirsty beast that could tear you in half should it ever choose to – that was what made you attracted to him in the first place.

Like you told Angel, you two were complicated.

Maybe it was fucked up, but you liked having a hand to hold in the streets and a fist to choke you in the sheets.

Those hands, messy as they were, had you undressed far more quickly than he had undressed himself, leaving your body with bloody streaks to match his own.

You trailed kisses down his body, using your mouth to clean up every sticky clot of blood as you went. His shoulders, collar bone, and chest all received thorough attention before you lowered yourself down, peppering the middle of his abdominal muscles with small kisses as you went. 

Once on your knees, you pulled down his briefs and his cock bobbed free of the restraining clothes. You kissed him at his base as the underwear slid the rest of the way down his legs and he stepped out of them, kicking them behind him, before grabbing two fistfuls of your hair and guiding your mouth onto him, making you take as much of his length as you could before his tip was at the back of your throat.

You gagged for a second until you made your throat relax for him and began properly working the heavy and thick member in your mouth just the way you knew he liked.

When you looked up and made eye contact with him, you saw him smiling, pleased with what you were doing, and he loosened his grip a bit on your hair. A bloody thumb stroked your cheek for a moment, a small showing of tenderness, before he was back to thrusting into your hot and ready mouth.

The musky taste of his cock on your tongue made you salivate and you pulled away for a second to let the moisture gather at your lips before you let it drip onto his tip, and stroked him with your hand to coat the rest of his length with your spit. You earned yourself another soft moan from your lover as you used your hand to pump him at the wide base of his cock and your mouth continued to suck and caress as much as you could fit.

He was pent up and angry, full of rage and overstimulated by his lack of control over his emotions. It took him a while to cum, but you didn’t mind and took your time to let his pleasure build, knowing he had earned his right to having his dick sucked good and proper. Normally when he was this upset, he was totally touch adverse, so you were pleased that he was allowing you this and knowing him, he would be more than willing to reciprocate once he had finished.

You moaned, a lusty needful sound when he finally came, his seed hot and salty and you swallowed every bit of it, even taking your time to lick his cock clean as he began to soften and just like when you had started, you pressed another little kiss to the curly black hairs at his base when you were done.

And then he was pulling you up by your arms, making you squeal and laugh as he slammed you into the closed bathroom door, and cut your laughter short when he pressed his lips to yours and his hand into your cunt.

“You got that wet just sucking me off?” he asked, sliding two fingers through your soaking wet folds. His hands, still covered in not quite dry blood, were treating you to long slow strokes, sliding over your clit and labia and mixing your fluids with red until you couldn’t tell the difference anymore.

You were dead and didn’t menstruate anymore but that’s exactly what it looked like and when Alastor looked down at the red tinted fluid now covering his hand and your mound, wicked desire luminated his ruby eyes and he visibly salivated at the sight. You knew he wasn’t sexually attracted to you, at least not in any usual sense of the term, but he was obviously turned on by the sight of you covered in blood, just as you were him.

Without a word, he was on his knees and draping one leg of yours over his shoulder, using his tongue, now unnaturally long, to lap at your soaking wet core.

You felt the sharp edges of his teeth lightly grazing your clit, just enough to feel the threat of them, as he gave your little bud a hard suck that would have had you falling to the ground if you weren’t propped up between him and the door.

His tongue worked back and forth, circling the entrance of your dripping center and then stroking up to your clit, alternating between tongue work and hard, aggressive suction.

You were seeing stars, panting hard, and gripping onto his blood covered locks of hair like it was the only thing that could keep you anchored to this world.

Then he started tongue fucking you, letting his hot slick tongue penetrate the depths of your swollen cunt and you clenched against the muscle as it curled against that sweet spongy spot of your inner walls.

Claws traced up your inner thigh, grabbing hold of the gentle swell of muscle right before the apex of your legs, and you nearly screamed with pleasure as you felt the deadly sharp nails dig into your flesh. And then his hand was gone, trailing even further up, and with his tongue still pumping into your pussy, he pressed the flat tip of a finger against your ass, massaging your tight hole with gentle circles and you came so hard and fast the knee of your one supporting leg really did give out and Alastor had to practically catch you, his hand holding tight to your ass cheek as he braced his shoulder into the leg that he was holding up.

“Oh fuck . . . okay, okay, okay!” you begged, trying to pull yourself away from him as he chased your overstimulated clit with his tongue as you did so. You finally won, getting your leg off his shoulder and standing on your own and he chuckled, kissing the skin of your lower belly just above your mound, his hands gripping your backside as if you would try to move any farther away than you already had.

“I do enjoy the noises you make, my dearest,” he said as he stood, his lips and chin glistening with lightly tinted red fluid. He wiped a bit of it away with his hand but then you grabbed his head and pulled him down, eagerly tasting the combined mixture of your own sex and his victims’ blood on his lips.

He kissed along your jawline and down your throat, open mouth wet kisses that felt like he was both marking you and licking up the blood his hands had left on your skin.

You suddenly realized how hot it was in the room and looked over his shoulder just as he sunk his teeth into the base of your neck, a love bite that was just hard enough to break skin, making you gasp in a lung full of steamy air.

The shower had been running the whole time.

Alastor pulled away and you realized with the exception of a little bit of blood still left on one of his hands, you had managed to get him decently licked clean. Except his hair and his feet. And while you found his strange two-toned locks and hooves to be beautiful, and as kinky as you were, you were not about to suck on those parts of him.

“Shower?” you said breathily, still panting and trembling a bit from your recent orgasm.

“Ladies first,” he replied with a bow, letting one arm extend out behind him and towards the shower. His flamboyant flourish of body language was extra amusing considering he was stark naked, but his smile was as deviant and arousing as ever.

You stepped into the shower with him following close behind and you turned to face him as the hot water soaked your hair and ran down your body. Taking him by the hand, you stepped further into the shower and guided him under the cascading water. He bowed his head as you ran your fingers through his hair, watching as the torrents of water that fell down his chest and body began to turn a diluted shade of red. It spiraled in the drain at your feet and splattered on the tiled walls and you wondered if you would have to clean the shower once it was done cleaning the two of you.

There were a few chunks of clotted blood and what looked to be bits of liver and strings of torn flesh still stuck to the tip of one antler and you pulled them off, hoping they would make it through the pipes of the hotel without causing a clog somewhere.

After the thickest bits had been removed, you lathered some shampoo in your hands and worked the rest of the mess out of his hair, taking extra time on a few particularly rough strands that had become hard and crunchy. You were so focused on your task that when you glanced back at Alastor’s face your heart skipped a beat. His eyes were closed and his smile soft and relaxed as you carefully and gently cleaned around the base of his ears and antlers. He must have been enjoying this treatment in more ways than one because whenever you had to stand on tip toe and press yourself a little closer to him to reach a further spot up in his hair, you felt the warm and velvety touch of his cock against your belly, and it was getting harder by the minute.

“What happened exactly?” you asked, a teasing tone to your voice though you couldn’t help feeling a little concerned. Alastor was the single most powerful Overlord you knew but he still had his enemies.

He sighed and his eyes darted to the side for a second before meeting yours again.

“Oh it was nothing serious. I may have lost my temper . . . just a bit today. Nothing that any Sinner can’t respawn from eventually.”

You nodded, understanding, and just relieved it wasn’t something else. Alastor enjoyed violence – as did you - but he didn’t enjoy not feeling in control of himself. If he truly lost his temper over something that he later felt hadn’t warranted it, he was probably struggling over a rare moment of guilt and didn’t want to talk about it.

Knowing him, he would be looking for another outlet, either at the bottom of a glass of whiskey . . . or you.

You were satisfied he was properly clean now and you brought your hands down from his hair, putting one around his back to pull him close while the other reached for the hardness pressed between your bodies.

He sighed against your lips before kissing you, the feeling of him warm and inviting, and you got a few strokes in, feeling his cock twitching eagerly in response. But then he was grabbing you by your forearms and shoving your hands off his body, pressing you into the tiled wall of the shower. It’s coldness at your back made you gasp as much as his rough handling of you did.

Before you knew it, he was gripping your backside and your body responded, muscle memory responding faster than your thoughts did, and you jumped into his embrace, wrapping your legs around him as he supported you between himself and the wall.

With expert grace and precision built around years of knowing each other’s bodies, his cock found your entrance and quickly slid into your depths, filling you up until his hips pressed against yours and you felt the deep pressure of his tip pushing against your cervix. Even after all this time you could just barely take him and you willed your body to relax, your pussy and its inner walls still swollen and puffy with arousal from your first orgasm minutes before.

He allowed you just the first few seconds to adjust before he pulled back and thrusted forward, his claws digging painfully into your ass as he fucked you, slamming your lower back into slick tile behind you with every forward motion of his hips.

You moaned and said his name with a breathy sigh, feeling the sting inside your cunt turn to marvelous pleasure, his cock pressing hard against your g-spot with every movement, making you wet enough that even in the shower you could feel it running down your inner thighs, your slickness coating the base of Alastor’s cock every time you felt the brush of his black short curls tickling against your clit.

It was heavenly when it was like this, when you could feel his need for you burning your insides; when you knew he was fucking you for himself rather than just to appease your own desires. You got off on it enough that even if he wasn’t preoccupied with your pleasure, you still felt another coiling knot forming deep in your core as another orgasm built itself up.

You had your arms around his shoulders, mostly for balance, but without really thinking about it, you were digging in, gripping him hard enough to leave scratches.

A mistake.

Sometimes he liked that; in fact, he usually did. But you should have been able to read his moods well enough to know that was not the kind of affection he needed from you in that moment.

Cool appendages wrapped around your wrist and had the backs of your hands hitting the shower wall above and behind you before you had processed your mistake.

“Don’t touch me,” he said through gritted teeth, his words frustrated but almost apologetic, even as you felt the tentacles begin to coil down around your arms and wrap underneath your shoulders, suspending you by your arms and keeping Alastor well out of your reach.

You struggled against them but it was just for show, anticipating them tightening around your limbs more, keeping you from being able to budge even an inch in any direction. A shudder ran through you, a wave of muscles tightening from your cunt to your chest, as you felt your body responding to the restraints.

Alastor’s face was buried into the crux of your neck, his breath coming in needy, quick pants that heated your flesh and when he sank his teeth into that sweet spot where shoulder met throat, you came with a guttural cry, your moans and whimpers escaping with every exhale as your body tightened impossibly more around his cock.

He didn’t stop, didn’t slow or change his rhythm, just pounded mercilessly into you as your orgasm racked your body until you lost all control, all sense of anything else but him and his cock ravaging your insides. Alastor bit you again and overstimulation took over, and you whined and cried, almost trying to pull away but there was nowhere to go and you felt the sudden flood of your own release, squirting until both your bodies were drenched with more than just the water from the shower.

Your ears picked up the sound of one satisfied and malicious chuckle from your lover before his breath hitched and he moaned, the movements of his hips becoming shallower and erratic. Then you felt the first warm spurt of his seed inside you and his thrusts became slower and gentler as he pumped you full of his cum.

The tentacles released your arms, dissipating into thin air, a wordless welcome for you to touch him again. As soon as your skin met his shoulders, he sighed into your neck, and you felt him relax into your hold on him.

Alastor carefully let your legs down, shaky as they were, and you leaned against his strong lean form, your eyes closed and face buried in his chest.

You both stood like that several minutes, holding each other close and letting the ceaseless hot water from the shower relax your now tired and aching bodies. He rubbed your back, cradling your head to him, and kissed the crown of your hair; a silent thank you for understanding exactly what he had needed.

Then he cleaned you up, washing your hair and your body in much the same tender and carrying way you had done for him.

Once the humid heat from the shower and the exhaustion of the rough fucking you had taken became too much and you felt your head begin to spin, Alastor turned off the water and wrapped you both in fluffy clean towels.

You lay together in bed, on top of the covers to let the excess heat dissipate from both of your tired and trembling muscles, with you curled into his side.

Sleep was just beginning to claim you, your eyelids heavy and feeling impossible to lift, when you felt Alastor shift just a little next to you.

“If Angel Dust asks you if I used tentacles on you tonight, I swear I’ll kill him.”

You lifted your head to blink sleepily up at your love, and saw a mix of seriousness and teasing glint in his eyes, though his smile was unreadable as ever. You laughed softly and settled back down into his side.

“Go easy on him,” you said with a yawn as you draped your arm across Alastor’s chest and hugged him close. “He’s just jealous of me because he thinks you’re hot. He’s into Shibari so he can’t help but be a little curious.”

“Hmmff, fine,” Alastor said, though you could still pick up on a note of irritation on in his tone.

And then after another moment  . . .

“. . . so what is this Shibari you speak of?”

Part 4

Tag list: @eris-norwega, @i-keepmyideals, @readergirlstuff, @thereallsaturnstar, @somefancybb, @forestfruits1, @alastor-the-radio-demons-blog

[cherryrikis]

ONE LESS LONELY GIRL - 007 ! a statement

PAIRING idols riki x fem reader

SYNOPSIS fans always point out the chemistry between you and riki, and it only continues to grow after you become mc’s together on music bank. but as your feelings rise, so does the tension. and people begin to notice, so you try not to let riki know how you feel. but unbeknownst to you, he feels entirely the same way.

authors note i was out all day to the point i almost forgot ab this smau ngl. + in honor of my fav @/hannicorpse bc she turns 18 today!!

previous <> masterlist <> next

“y/n? its rinnie. lets go out. you havent gotten out of bed in days. its not the end of the world. ill take you to a nice cafe.” haerin said as she knocked on the bedroom door.

“dude, too soon. no cafes.” you heard danielle mutter as she lightly hit haerin’s shoulder.

“y/n, its dani. please come out?”

hesitantly, you got up slowly and unlocked the door. behind it, revealed danielle, haerin, hyein, and minji, all holding essential items they knew would comfort you. ice cream, tissue, ramen, all sorts of stuff.

“oh, poor yn..” hyein pouted with sympathy as she pulled you into her arms. she wasn’t wrong, poor you. your eyes were puffy and red from crying, on top of your heavy eye bags due to the lack of sleep.

“y/n? someone’s here to see you.” hanni informed as she came up the stairs.

your stomach dropped to the floor. you felt your heart pounding out your chest, it almost came out your mouth.

“tell him to leave.” you scoffed, turning to go back into your room.

“it’s not him.” minji cut you off as she pulled your arm to turn you around.

slowly, the five girls moved out the way to reveal jungwon and jake, standing at the bottom of the staircase. “hey y/n.” jake politely waved.

“we’ll give you some time.” minji and danielle nodded as they took the others into the second bedroom.

“i know what you’re thinking. and before you say anything, riki didn’t deny it by choice. if it was up to him, the whole world would have already known how much he loves you. but the manager insisted it was this way. even bang pd wanted your word for the article, yet they just wanted to leave you out of it.” jake spoke slowly to you as jungwon wiped away your dry tears with a wet tissue.

“where is he right now?” you whispered. you were almost unsure if they could hear you or not.

“still locked in his room. you two are in the same boat right now. he’s just like you, he refused to leave his bed.” jungwon chuckled as he attempted to lighten the mood. “we talked to the manager this morning, and last week after the scandal first came out. but there’s nothing we could do.”

“thank you for trying. i had no idea. i just, i really can’t face him right now.” you sighed, rubbing your forehead in annoyance.

“we understand. take your time. i just hope you two are back in shape for music bank, when you guys have to go on in two days.” said jake, before he got up to get more water from the kitchen.

“wait- then, who covered for us five days ago? if i didn’t show up, i assume he didn’t either.” you furrowed your brows.

“eunchae and sangmin came back temporarily due to the circumstances. but you two are required to be back by this next airing.” jungwon informed.

“jungwon, we should get going. but it was lovely talking to you. see you around.” jake politely interrupted as jungwon followed him out the door.

you remained sat on the couch in silence. “what am i gonna do..” you murmured.

TAGLIST (italics = couldnt be tagged) @hannicorpse @luvvhaerin @chaevibes @en-verse @ren2jay @choppedballoondetective @heartheejake @imanalien143 @istglevi-gotmesimping @yndairy @eleanorheartschishiya @lonelylandofan @gweoriz @jaemified @onlyhyunjin @softpia @frecklesbrownies @riksaes @wensurr @rikifordmiami @brideslit @ant-onie @yumilovesloona @aeminju @hoonics @catecita @clampclover @rei4sunoo @addictedtohobi @rikidaze @baekxo07 @xotyla @melancholy-z @rikisgeef @jung1w0n @tocupid @onlyseung @i03jae @iheartshopping @istphanie @queenriki7 @academiq @1117promises @nctislifue @haechansbbg @rairaiblog @nabia-bia @pkjay @lixiebokie @hiekoo @r1kizerr @d-dilemma @kingofthekards @iilwji @hoonatic @woorcve @enhaz1

[heartfullofleeches]

Day At The Pool

Yan Casino staff + G.N Reader blurb

-

They've been staring at you all day....

Four members of the hotel staff you have the sneaking suspicion have been following you since you checked in. An extravagant and luxurious hotel spanning roughly the size of a small town - yet you saw their faces at nearly every corner.

It was reasonable to see them from time to time. Your first instance of meeting the group was on your travel to the floor you'd be spending the duration of your stay when you had returned a pendant one of them had dropped after you found it by your door during the confusion. They thanked you profusely as the other members of their team peaked outside the rooms they'd be searching to see the cause of their crewmate's tears.

A few words and hugs of gratitude, plus a few dessert to show how deep their appreciation ran and you thought that would be the end of your tale. You saw them a couple times when you ordered room service - then again when you went out to explore the rest of the resort. One worked behind the register of a gift shop you visited while another escorted you to your seat after you discovered free tickets to a show added on with your purchase of the room. There was always one to cheer you on with whatever recreational actives you indulged in and one to refill your drink.

Even now, as your vacant days drew to a close and you spent one of your final afternoons by the pool your little entourage wasn't far from sight. Two had taken up lawn chairs beside you and politely, but firmly told other guests this area of the pool was closed. Another swam by in a pool float as the last continued to sneak you items in between their stops at other table. Eating one of the snacks they left as hunger lapses your judgement - you shrink into your chair as the two at your shuffle closer.

"Um.... Is there something I can help you with?"

Their eyes grow wide. One mutters in the other's ear, waving the remaining two offer. Joined by their doubles - the four look between themselves and you. They huddle together, whispering to each other and sneaking the occasional glance at you. Ever so often, you hear a soft giggle.

"Are you always that cute?..."

"Or is it just the lighting."

"Your skin looks so soft...."

"Can we touch it?..."

You pull your towel over your legs as the one from the pool reaches out. "... Do you guys do this with all your guests?"

"Course not!"

"You're different - you helped us."

"Nobody ever does that around here - we like you!"

"Wanna keep you safe...."

"Safe? Safe from what?"

The quietest of them gasps, multiple hands shooting over their mouth. The quartet drop their voices to a whisper once more hushed to complete silence as they look at you. Holding a finger to each of their lips, they beckon you closer as they signal to remain quiet.

"Shhhh - not supposed to tell."

"You don't belong here. No human does."

"Boss tries real hard to make this a place for everyone, but not everyone wants that. Demons, angels, others - some don't like mortals treading their territory."

"Cute thing like you would get gobbled right up, but we won't let that happen. You'll our little secret."

Despite the grime tale - the group laugh to themselves at their teammate's final words. Something about the usage of the phrase "ours" tickled their brains. You, on the other hand were having none of it and wrote it off as some fucked prank while recognizing the terror of what it could really be. Examining the identical maids - you notice one of them are wearing name tags.

"Can you at least tell me who you are?"

Pointing at their faces, the group shouts in unison - "Ace!"

"Wait- so you're saying you're all named Ace?"

"Yes!"

Your head throbs. "I.. think I need to go lay down."

"Would you like one of us to carry you?"

"I'll manage, thanks." You squeeze past the maids and towards the elevator. Thay was strange, but you'll be out of here soon as it's not your problem. As soon as you leave, the closest to you pulls out your phone. They all shake hands for a job well done, crowding around your phone.

"Great job, Ace!- That was close."

"You said it Ace. Luckily I was able to watch them unlock their phone a few times so we should have access."

"Oh! Maybe they have more pictures of themselves!"

"Focus. We need to make sure nobody knows where they are.... but it couldn't hurt to check.

The demon in possession of your phone unlocks it on the first try and with the others scours the device for any little detail they could find.

"So cute~ I wanna kiss their cheeks."

"Think Boss will let us keep them?"

"Course they will! We've been good lately, and given all the stuff we do already - we can take care of them better than whatever their old life was like."

"They'll be so happy with us.... Let's go make them a gift basket to welcome them home~ ♡"

[xjaylyn]

*EDITED* PART 1 - Bad Boys: Second Chances

Pairing: Armando x Black! OC (Rya)

Warnings: blood, graphic, guns, death, mature, language (use of the n word), and some other stuff I probably forgot about sorry

Summary: Its been two years since Captain Conrad was framed. Another mission brings the team back together and new relationships are formed. It's said everyone deserves second chances and room to grow. So maybe this is that second chance.

…3 DAYS EARLIER…

"Pl-please-please…i-i-i promise I'll fix it! I'll fix it ju-just please."

The helpless man begged on his knees in the center of the church foyer. The dim light shone through the broken painted glass, grazing the man's bruised and beaten face. Begging for mercy to the devil himself.

"Just give me a day I'll fix it I promise…please."

A loud bang echoed through the foyer, causing the people watching to flinch. Said devil looked down on the unfortunate man, shaking his head.

"A DAY-I fucking-" another loud bang could be heard followed by the sounds of glass shattering as they hit the floor.

"Look at me-" grabbing the helpless man by his neck. "I gave you a fucking month to do this one simple job and you fuck it up," watching the drool spill from the man's mouth and land on his suit jacket. Taking a deep sigh, quickly dropping the man to his knees, listening to him struggle to catch his breath. Slowly walking back to the podium where a selection of items laid.

The faint sound of metal being picked up caused the helpless man to panic.

"N-no-no-no PLEASE PLEASE LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME PLE-" the helpless man's body dropped to the floor. His blood splattered everywhere, forming a thick puddle beneath him.

"Clean it up," watching as no one moved to the request. Irritation filled the man's veins.

"CLEAN THE FUCKING MESS UP," running a hand through his long hair in frustration.

"And not just the body…fix what the fuck he couldn't…NOW."

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

…MIAMI…PRESENT DAY, 2026…

"Happy birthday to you."

The soft giggles of a baby could be heard in the singing crowd. The Stevie Wonder version of the birthday song played lightly in the background. Megan, Marcus's daughter, walked into the dim dining room where the crowd was with a gleaming smile on her face. Gently, sitting the birthday cake with the big number 1 on it in front of the small family sitting at the table. Mike holding the chubby baby girl in his lap and Christine, Mike's wife, next to them recording.

"Baby girl, don't get your baby drool all on the cake. Uncle Marcus wants to enjoy a slice or two, okay."

"Marcus, you're not getting no cake. Back up," Mike looked up at his best friend cooing at the little baby staring down at the cake, causing the man to stop smiling.

"Mike, it's a special occasion. I can't just not eat the cake. That's rude, ain't that right, baby girl?"

Both men watched as the little girl squeezed her little hands and jumped towards the cake. Big little eyes targeting the pink frosting.

"Woah, calm down girl," Mike stood up, wiping the frosting on her chubby cheeks. "Acting like your uncle when he sees Skittles."

Almost two years had passed since the two were on a mission to clear Conrad's name. Not long after its success, things went back to normal. Christine fell pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Amara Marie Lowrey. Mike was ecstatic to become a father. Feeling blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise his child. Something he had missed with his first son, Armando, whom he had not heard from or had contact with since his farewell when he got on the boat.

"You wish he was here, huh?"

So deep in his thoughts, he didn't notice everyone had left and Christine took their daughter out of his arms. It was only him and Marcus in the dining room. "What?"

"You do that every time you think about him. You know he can take care of himself…hell, he has better survival skills than us, making fires and shit," patting the taller man's shoulder.

Shaking his head, he sat back down in his chair. "I know, but it's been 2 years and nothing. As fucked up as it sounds, at least I knew where he was when he was in jail."

Sighing, Mike looked out the window and watched as everyone was outside laughing. His wife holding his precious daughter with the biggest smiles on their faces. Love was seen all over. He couldn't help but wish to experience that with his son or at least have his son experience what it's like to be around the people you love to celebrate you.

The sudden sound of a cell phone going off disturbed the silence between the two partners. Quickly looking at the phone and seeing that it was Rita, their Captain, calling. Knowing it must be urgent because she knows today is his daughter's birthday and strictly a family day, he answered the phone.

Marcus watched as his partner's face scrunched up in confusion. "Woah, slow down, what happened…yeah…yeah…okay, we'll be there, bye."

"We gotta go," grabbing his keys and heading to the back to inform the family of their dismissal. Marcus followed behind, "Yeah, I got that before you hung up. What happened?"

"I don't know. Rita just said she needs us in the office now. Something about a murder," walking back towards the front to head to the car.

"But Mike, hold on, let me get my slice of cake," Marcus says turning towards the kitchen.

"Nigg-" stopping in his tracks to look back at the man.

"Come onnn. it'll be gone before we get back!" Marcus pleads with his eyes wide.

Mike rolls his eyes and grabs the man. "Man, carry yo grown ass to this car…too damn grown to be acting like a little-ass kid over some cake."

"Aye, now I'm a grown-ass man, Mike. Don't talk like I'm not one. I just wanted a piece of cake, okay? That a crime?"

"Marcus, let's go."

Whining before getting into the car. "Fine, damn."

a/n: Sorry y'all, I suck at descriptions. But yayyy, I decided to write a Bad Boys fic for the first time. Just please excuse the poor writing, I did not edit AT ALL, and it's been a minute since I wrote anything (literally back when Wattpad had no ads😭). So, we're just a lot rusty. I hope y'all enjoy because I have no direction in which this is going; we just gon go wherever the wind takes us. Feel free to comment! I love feedback, and active readers make the experience fun! And to my silent readers, hey pookies🫶🏼.

[niki-phoria]

hello, i hope you're well and taking care of yourself 💗 if it's not too much to ask for i want to request enha reacting to their 8th member bf being shipped/paired with another member? not exactly angst but them being jealous and petty, i read your rules before requesting and i don't think it's against them, but i understand if you decline for whatever reason! hope you have a good week <3

⋆｡°✩ enha reaction - their bf being shipped with another member

includes: established relationship, 8th member reader, these are less petty and more the boys needing reassurance lol, mentions of insecure enha

a/n: thank you for requesting !! this isn't against my rules at all, but thank you for checking. i hope you like it :))

feedback is always appreciated <33

male 8th member reader (he/him pronouns)

⋆｡°✩ heeseung

(word count 221)

heeseung furrows his eyebrows as jake shifts slightly closer to you. your shoulders brush against each other as you raise a hand up to complete a hand-heart with the other boy, causing a new wave of cheers to erupt from the audience below.

the stage lights are nearly blinding as they shine down on you. heeseung can feel stares from the audience below. he’s hyper aware of the cameras following his every move as he takes a small breath in an attempt to hide his growing jealousy. 

“unfortunately this is our last song for tonight,” jungwon begins apologetically. 

“it’s been an honor to preform for you all. we hope to see you again sometime soon,” you say. heeseung smiles softly at the way you brighten up at the second wave of cheers through the crowd.

you wander over to sit beside him on the stairs, leaning your head against his shoulder. heeseung’s arm finds a familiar place around your waist, tugging you even closer to him. he leans over to press a kiss against your forehead as the first few notes of shout out begin to play. 

“my life without you is a misery,” you bring a hand up to cup heeseung’s cheek, turning to face him as you finish singing your line. “my heart is racing like it’s gonna explode.”

⋆｡°✩ jay

(word count 214)

you tiredly rub the last remnants of sleep out of your eyes as you quietly enter the kitchen. jay stands with his back towards you, scrolling through something on his phone. even from behind you can see tension in his shoulders. 

“jay?” you walk closer to him, hesitantly resting a hand against his waist before you pull him into a back hug. he startles slightly at the contact but doesn’t move away. your arms rest gingerly wrapped around him as you peer over his shoulder to see what he was reading on his phone. “what’s wrong?”

“nothing,” he whispers. 

you bring a hand up to rest against his shoulder, gently massaging the tension out of his muscles. you softly smile when he relaxes against you. “jay,” you sigh. “you know you can tell me anything.”

he twists around in your hold so he’s facing you; his back is now leaning against the counter. “it’s just a dumb article from dispatch.” 

“about?” 

“...you. and sunoo. people think you’re dating.” he glances down at the floor, almost ashamed. “i just don’t like the idea of my boy dating someone else.”

“you have nothing to worry about,” you whisper. you bring a hand up to cup jay’s cheek, quickly pulling you into a sweet kiss. “i promise.”

⋆｡°✩ jake

(word count 223)

you adjust the thin, black mask on your face as you sleepily watch the cashier continue scanning the miscellaneous items the other members had asked you to pick up from a nearby convenience store. another yawn escapes you as sunghoon brushes against your side, sliding yet another bag of chips towards the worker. her long, black hair has been messily tied back into a low ponytail. a thin pair of glasses frame her features. 

sunghoon’s arm gently brushes against your waist as he stands beside you at the register. the woman smiles softly at both of you as she finishes scanning the last of your items. “you two are cute together,” she says. 

“oh, we’re not-”

you’re cut off by a gentle but stern voice from beside you. jake’s arm wraps around your waist as he pulls you away from sunghoon and against his chest. “he’s mine, actually.” 

sunghoon stifles a small chuckle at your embarrassment as he takes the bag from her, handing her a few bills in return. “thank you,” you murmur as you turn to leave the store. 

“so, jake-hyung,” sunghoon teases as you begin walking back towards the dorms. “are you perhaps… jealous?”

jake remains silent, though you notice the way his grip around you tightens slightly. “shut up,” he mumbles, hiding his reddened cheeks behind his own mask.

⋆｡°✩ sunghoon

(word count 220)

sunghoon softly smiles as you step closer to the crowd as you reach down to pick up a small penguin plush laying at the edge of the stage. you hold the plush up to your cheek, playfully posing for the cameras. 

heeseung chuckles softly, stepping closer as he reaches up to adjust the cat ears a fan had carefully placed on your head a few minutes before. you lean down slightly to give him better access as he adjusts your hair around the faux ears on your head. 

a small wave of cheers echoes through the crowd at the interaction. despite sunghoon knowing it was completely platonic from both you and heeseung, he can’t help the jealousy that immediately spreads throughout him. it curls around his heart and constricts in his chest as a small frown tugs at the edge of his mouth. 

you step back away from heeseung after he finishes adjusting your hair, wandering back over to sunghoon’s side. you gently uncross his arms from over his chest - something he had done unconsciously - before leaning back against his chest. his arm finds its familiar place around your waist as he holds you against him. 

“don’t be jealous, hoon,” you whisper. sunghoon simply playfully rolls his eyes in response; though you can tell he’s silently grateful for the reassurance.

⋆｡°✩ sunoo

(word count 218)

sunoo furrows his eyebrows slightly as he continues scrolling through the comments on a recent dispatch article. you can’t help the way your own eyebrows furrow in concern as you quietly close your bedroom door and set your things down before joining him on your shared bed. “what are you reading?”

he sighs slightly as he hands his phone to you. you scroll to the top of the article, reading the headline: enhypen’s y/n and niki are seen holding hands on a possible late night date.

“it’s stupid, i know,” sunoo begins. “but it’s been bothering me for the past few days.”

“it’s not stupid,” you whisper. you set his phone aside, reaching over to brush a stray strand of hair out of his eyes. your hand falls to cup his cheek as you gently tilt his face up so he’s looking into your eyes. “sunoo, you’re incredible. you’re sweet, and kind, and handsome,” he chuckles softly, playfully pushing your hand away as he denies your compliments. you lean over him with a small smile. “and everything i could’ve asked for in a lover.”

a small blush spreads across sunoo’s face as you lean down to press a kiss against his forehead. then his cheek. nose. and finally, his lips. “you mean everything to me, kim seonwoo.”

⋆｡°✩ jungwon

(word count 223)

jungwon curiously pushes his still-damp fringe back as he steps out of the bathroom, tugging your t-shirt over his shoulders. you stifle a small grunt when he walks over to you and lays down with his head resting against your back. 

he laughs as he rolls off of your body to lay next to you. “what are you doing?”

“searching my name.” jungwon furrows his eyebrows slightly in concern as you hand him your phone. “it’s nothing bad. just more dating rumors with jay.”

“more?” the word sounds akin to a whine as it leaves his lips. you stifle a chuckle at the small pout threatening to tug at his lips. he tosses your phone aside, relishing in the feeling of curling up beside you. your arm rests gingerly around jungwon’s waist as you pull him even closer. “why don’t you ever get dating rumors with me?”

“sorry wonie,” you murmur. “you know i would stop them if i could.”

jungwon lets out a soft sigh. you bring your hand up, slowly beginning to rake your fingers through his hair. you twist the soft strands in an attempt to soothe the boy laying in your arms. “i know,” he whispers. he softly smiles as he leans up just enough to press a kiss against your jawline. “i love you.”

“i love you too.”

⋆｡°✩ niki

(word count 204)

niki’s eyebrows furrow slightly as he continues scrolling through his weverse feed. there are hundreds of posts, each of them about a recent interaction between you and jungwon. he had simply brushed some of the hair out of your face - a common interaction you often shared with the other members; himself included. though seeing so many posts about his boyfriend with someone else made an unfamiliar feeling of jealousy cloud his mind. 

niki jumps slightly when you enter your shared bedroom, closing the door behind yourself. he shuts his phone off, setting it on your bedside table. 

“is everything okay?” you ask, moving to sit on the bed beside him. niki remains silent. he lets you reach over to coax him closer to you until his head rests in your lap. you rake your hand through his hair, twisting the strands between your fingers. 

“‘m fine,” he finally hums. he lets his eyes slowly flutter closed, exhaustion slowly beginning to catch up with him as he nuzzles his body even closer against you. 

a comfortable silence falls over the room for a few minutes as you keep playing with his hair. “are you sure?” you finally whisper.

“i’m just… glad you’re mine,” he smiles.

[ezlo-x]

“Wow I hope BotW gets a sequel someday…” - my TotK summary <3

It’s been a year, and honestly. I did not complete that game at all. I watched lets plays and cutscenes in youtube and a few playthroughs of my friends. And every time, my regret of buying this game grows ever so slightly. I know I sound mean and harsh but I prommy I got nothing against ppl who actually enjoyed TotK. This is more of my personal experience of how my excitement playing this game completely burned me out less than halfway through the game.

Gameplay

I’ll start with gameplay first, as I have issues with it. Let’s start with the physics of the game itself. Ngl, there was a small worry in the back of my mind when I realized there would be in-game physics and that you have to rely on those said physics. I personally don’t have a good experience with game physics and they usually tend to frustrate me. Which somewhat happened when playing the game. It didn’t happen too often, thankfully, maybe because the zonai parts didn’t tend to last long. Speaking of Zonai parts and builds

I wish building Zonai stuff was a bit more fun. Or at least give us more time to experience our builds. We already have a disadvantage by having a limited amount of batteries that you have to slowly upgrade throughout the game. So, seeing that one of your Zonai pieces starts to flash and disappear is annoying. I understand we can obtain more zonai parts throughout Hyrule, but I wish it lasted long enough. Also, the fact that you can’t really travel a lot in many of the builds, oh how disappointing it was to build a cool Zonai truck with big ass wheels but get frustrated that it couldn’t pass through a few bumps on the road. I feel like the Hoverbike is the best Zonai build of the game.

The Ultrahand is fun when trying to solve puzzles or merge random items. Fusing weapons, on the other hand, is my favorite thing in the game. There’s something really satisfying about fusing a really powerful weapon together. I really don’t mind that the weapons are breakable if that means I have a spot to make a strong weapon. Weapon durability never really bothered me. Both games push you to explore around to look for weapons. I think it would be boring if they weren’t breakable.

The shrines are a big improvement from BotW's shrines. I wished there were more challenging Shrines over the many King Rauru blessings. I can't really say much about the dungeons as I only completed two out of the five. But I think there was a bit to be desired; it's almost a Zelda dungeon.

Sage abilities. I want to speak to the game designer who thought it was a great idea to activate the sage abilities with the same button you click to pick up items on the floor. A total downgrade to the way you’d activate the Champion abilities in BotW.

Rupees. I would like to speak to the game designer who thought it was a great idea that you now have to manually press A to pick up rupees from the floor rather than casually walking in front of it to automatically pick it up. From my previous point, do you know how many times I’ve tried to pick up rupees only for Tulin’s ability to fly them away from me?

The sky islands, ohh boyyy, finding out that they had to reduce the amount of sky islands is disappointing, but I understand in a game design aspect. BUT it is disappointing that the game was advertising itself for the sky islands, only for there to be very few in the final. Like remember back in 2021 when they were advertising SkSw HD, and then i think a year later a totk teaser dropped and Link was falling from the skies? Good times ❤️

The Depths: I enjoyed the Depths a bit more than the Sky Islands. But it does get boring after a while if you’re not there to fight monsters or look for treasure, which is also disappointing. I love the OST descending down a chasm and entering the depths. Also, don’t get me started on how frustrating it is to use Zonai builds there compared to the surface or sky islands.

I think those are all my thoughts on the gameplay. I still have a few more issues with it but I feel like it mixes with the story so lets get that over with

Limitation vs Freedom

My biggest issue with this game is that it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want. However, there is still a story attached, and the story still wants to play out linearly. So, we have a game that grants you total freedom on how you want to play this game, but the story is still linear. But even if you decide to experience the story while doing dungeons and shrines. The game doesn't update with the piece of information that you discover.

The Dragon Tears are a really flawed way to experience the story. Zelda's memories are scattered across Hyrule; the number of times I've seen ppl say they accidentally got the tears out of order cause they thought it was similar to BotW's way of getting the memories. Basically, if you happen to be near one memory, you might as well get it cause it'll get annoying to go back and forth. Only to the person's shock, they got a cutscene meeting the Queen and King and then going up the Hebra region as that's the closest memory from the previous one. Just to see Queen Sonia dead on the floor.

What also bothers me is that the game doesn't update when you make a discovery in these memories. For example, I found out that Phantom Ganon can transform into Zelda in the memories and walk up to the NPCs in hopes of a change of dialogue. But getting nothing, walking up to Purah, Tulin, then Yunobo, and seeing no change of dialogue got really tiresome. It's as if the game doesn't believe you're smart enough to connect the dots.

Also, for people who decided to explore and get the Dragon Tear memories before entering any dungeon. There is very little change of dialogue, suddenly the game strangely punishes you by not letting the npcs acknowledge what you just discovered. While it's not an actual in-game punishment, you're stuck with characters asking a million questions that you already know of. Suddenly, the game's freedom to do whatever you want gets put to a halt because you decide to have the freedom to experience the story however you'd like.

NOW I get to move the part that I’ve been waiting (dreading) for!!

Lore

Sheikah Tech…I don’t care how simple the explanation is on why they are gone. It is probably the dumbest explanation I’ve seen. The fact that it wasn’t even questioned in-game and by the developers baffles my mind. How does it vanish in thin air? Their explanation is that the Calamity no longer exists doesn’t make sense to me either. The Sheikah tech has been there for more than 10k years but only in a dormant state. I don’t want to ask any more questions, or I’ll be here all day, but it drives me up a wall how the lore of the Sheikah got shafted to the side for the new stone technology aesthetic. Speaking of which-

Zonai in general. The fact that WE DONT EVEN GET LORE from the Zonais aside from being viewed as gods is sooooo ughhhhh I wish there was more. Why are there two remaining Zonais? (This probably got answered tbh but idc to look) Who’s the ancient hero and how come he looks like a Zonai or just in fact a different race we’ve never seen before?

Draconification…god. I have many thoughts and also many thoughts about the secret stones. It is an idea that I find interesting and could’ve worked for me. If it didn’t contradict itself in many aspects, as in how becoming a dragon, you will lose your sense of self. I think it would be a nice foreshadowing of the fate Zelda could’ve had. I think making the other dragons take a role in that and expand on it would’ve worked. Idk I think instead of implying it, it could’ve been expanded and shown a lot more severity of the situation.

Apparently I don’t got much on lore, but you know what I got much of????

STORY

This one is going to be a FAT one so bear with me. God where do I even begin here, I'm going completely omit the part where the game feels like it’s gaslighting you through the npcs cause I feel like everyone knows that.

My biggest frustration with this game is that it has such interesting story concepts and cinematic moments. But I can’t but feel like these moments were there first, and everything else was built around it. However, whatever suspicion I feel about how they created this story, only to my shock and horror that there isn’t a credited group of people in the credits, only an outside team (company?). Before I continue, I think it’s dumb when people say TLoZ didn’t have much of a story when previous Zelda games had a storyline to follow (OoT, MM, WW, TP, fucking…even Link’s Awakening, and more). So yes, TLoZ does have stories. It’s not just about the dungeons if I'm being honest.

What I find so odd is that Monolith Soft has games such as the Xenoblade games, where the latest game of that series does have a credited team of writers. Hell, BotW had two credited writers. But I won't go far speculating why they decided to hire a company outside the team to write TotK; it is only interesting to me why they did that. Since there really isn't a solid team of writers, I will focus my issues on Fujibayashi as a story writer; after all, he is the director of this game. And I've seen multiple interviews after the game's release where he explains a lot of the game's "lore" and story that should've been easily explained in the game in the first place. I think this will be me sharing my opinions rather than critiques... boy where do I even begin...

Sages—the ancient sages, not counting Mineru, are pointless. I felt no connection seeing the Ancient Sages meet their predecessors. Can't believe Age of Calamity made me feel more strongly about the Champions meeting their predecessors than the ancient sages did. - I also think they really don't share anything important. Maybe the first time, yes, but you could easily remove their cutscenes and just have Mineru explain how everything went down, and nothing will change. - Now, to the present Sages, I can't really say much, sadly. Tulin and Yunobo were the only characters for whom I completed their quests, and I enjoyed their character arcs, especially Yunobo's. If I could pick up TotK again, I would try to do Riju's arc, as it seemed really fun to play from the playthroughs I've seen my friends do. I don't really care for Sidon. Before I dropped the game, I was going through his quest and got really irritated fast for many reasons that I have mentioned here previously.

King Rauru and Queen Sonia – There has never been a character that I've enjoyed where I think they deserved much better than what they were there for. I get it; Sonia was only there as the character to be killed off to move the plot forward, but oh my god...I could've saved her. I wished we could've seen her more involved in the story than just standing by Raruru's side. - King Rauru, my brain turns foggy when I think of this man, and sometimes there are too many words to explain my issues. But to water it down, I feel we centered ourselves too much on these characters who don't even affect the main protagonist to some degree. Sure, King Rauru first appears at the beginning to show you his magic hand abilities. But I guess I was hoping something like how the previous TLoZ games had your companion help you throughout your journey and are the key fact of many things in the story (Midna and KotRL appear in my head when I mention this).

Zelda—sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I think this game would've been 10x better if she had been the protagonist. I know it probably wouldn't make sense because she turns into a dragon by the end but Idc. What frustrates me about Zelda is that she's given very few options. It's a war or nothing. It's becoming a dragon or being stuck in the past forever. I guess that's the tragedy of her story, but instead of me feeling sad, it frustrates me.

Link—Oh god, here we go. Link has a very small role in this, and you can disagree with me. But how is it possible that this is one of the few Links that has little involvement in the story? Link just happened to stumble into a bigger mystery than it already was. Link didn't even prove himself to Ganondorf why he's a threat to him aside from the first cutscene and Rauru.

Ganondorf - .........I hope this is the last time we see Ganondorf in the series. I know that sounds shocking, but if Fujibayashi is going to take the lead in storytelling for future games, I don't want him to make another iteration of Ganondorf. To me, Fujibayashi works better by making completely new Zelda villains. Ghirahim and Kohga are perfect examples. Ganondorf in this game was so underwhelming and disappointing. He never directly confronted himself with either Link or Zelda. Gameplay wise, he's great, but the story? What is he doing here? Literally, it feels like they only brought Ganondorf back because people questioned about Ganondorf back in BotW.

Conclusion

There are many aspects of the game that I enjoy; however, in my case, the bad outweighs the good. That's why this game frustrates me: There was a lot of potential to be seen. There is probably more for me to say that I'm either intentionally leaving out or just forgetting cause there are many things. Happy one year TotK 🎉🎉🎉

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

X♡X♡ [SEVEN DAYS] Day 3 Teaser

If you gave him your heart, your soul, your body- what would he do to those things? Maybe it's time to see if he can handle your love for once, and not just the other way around.

Tags/Warnings: Porn with a lot of plot basically, inexperienced!reader, Dom!Jungkook, BDSM themes and elements, mild Angst, fluff, slow burn but we'regetting somewhere, they have chemistry but mc has trust issues, mentions of past domestic abuse (mental), Outercourse (basically non-penetrative sex), toys, Cumplay, it's messy smh

Length: ???

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜.♡

A/N: I'm busy in the kitchen come get your snack

◇━━━━━━━━━━X♡X♡━━━━━━━━━━━◇

He's got the audacity to laugh over your shoulder, front pressed into your back, hands teasing your sides as they sneak up your loose shirt.

"Bought one that's about my size." He purrs sensually, almost like he's mocking you. But it's not malicious- playful, if anything, but not mean ok any way. "So you can call it.. practice." He explains, while you stare at the nearly clear pink dildo that's staring at you, still packaged together with other things in the black plastic bag in your lap.

"Jungkook.. when did you even buy those things?" You wonder, feeling almost scared to touch any of the things inside.

"Earlier, when you were napping." He shrugs easily, hand reaching past your body to shamelessly dump the contents of the bag on the bed, bag flying somewhere on the floor. "Anything look like an absolute no-go to you?" He asks curiously, and you look without touching.

There's an egg-shaped item there you're not too sure of what it might be. The dildo explains itself, clearly- and the other massage wand is also pretty self-explanatory. There's two bottles of lube- one pink, the other blue. A.. plug, with a pretty pink gemstone on one end of it. Leather handcuffs, with soft looking fur on the inside. Overall, nothing immediately makes you uncomfortable.

You don't know what gives you the confidence for your next comment you blurt out though.

"Dont you have any toys?" You ask him bluntly. "Like, for yourself? Or do you just.. use your partner's body for stuff?" You wonder, and he looks at you with a sharp gaze, a smirk growing on his lips.

"I wouldn't mind using your body, that's for sure." He flirts, leaning his head a bit to the side. "Why would I need toys if I've got you?" He fakes innocence as he asks that question without expecting any answer-

And for a moment, you don't give one.

But something about his flirty comment bothers you. Maybe because you hear someone else in your head again- all the men who've degraded you over the course of time.

Your ex. Your friends. Your father. You hear them laugh yet again like you're pathetic and worth nothing.

"I don't want to be used." You deny with a flat tone, and it's clear from the slight change in his eyes that he's now on high alert at your every word spoken by mouth and body language, so he can figure out what happened to change your mood like that. "I don't just want to be.. a toy you get bored off and toss away at some point just to pick it back up once you're interested again." You say, drawing a clear line.

You're not sure how he might react to this. You didn't want to make a statement like that, but you can't mask the truth. You really are scared of getting hurt at the end of this- you don't want him to just play around and then let you go.

You don't want to go. You want to stay-

You want him to want you to stay.

He says your name to gain your attention, voice low and steady, horribly gentle- and it makes your eyes sting as you realize that this is the first time a man has ever spoken in such a tone to you. He notices the way your eyes begin to gloss over- and it hurts him too, the fact that you're hurting.

"This isn't just something fun to me. I think I might not have made it clear." He says, staying away from you as to not invade your little bubble you're in,eating you have your safety. "I don't know what happened to you in the past to be so full of distrust towards anything good offered to you-" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "-but I promise you, this isn't just a game to me."

"Then what is this." You say quietly, scared. "I'm scared that we're not on the same page here and that we're walking down to entirely seperate paths." You complain pitifully with your back hunched over and head hanging low.

"That's because we are." He chuckles softly. "I'm trying to hold your hand here so we don't lose each other- but you're not holding it." Jungkook offers.

"I don't understand-" you shake your head, when as you look up again, his face is right in front of yours, eyes looking at your lips.

"Then let me help you." He hums towards you, before his lips press onto yours.

And your body freezes.

Because he's never kissed you like this before- tender, calm and without any lust in it whatsoever. In fact, your realize only now that you've never been kissed without any hidden intentions or something to gain in mind. This kiss is soft, it's no words needed, it's love confessed in physical form.

You've never been kissed like this.

Ever.

[munchkin1156]

Mycelium Menace

Well, first time writing hermitcraft g/t, and I’m still pretty nervous! I hope you enjoy it anyway :D

@arc852 hi I’m that sparkly anon who offered you cookies here it is

Word count: 1,266

. . .

Well, the humans, who had taken to the name ‘hermits’ instead, so that is what we’ll call them, think the two are ghosts. Ghosts who left sticky notes for reminders or shopping requests, ghosts who took random small items with no explanation, ghosts who found lost keys and earrings when needed. Which they just accepted, and moved on with, so that already gives you some idea to what these hermits are like.

The hermits just… Hadn’t been surprised in the slightest from what they thought was paranormal activity, since any person, living or dead, who had the guts to stay anywhere near the place, must be pretty brave. After all, the amount of fires, pranks, wars, redstone, and summoning rituals that went around, meant that most people wouldn’t touch the place with a ten meter pole. Honestly, it was likely that one of the hermits had accidentally summoned the ghosts and they just couldn’t leave.

Since the two ghosts hadn’t destroyed or taken anything of too much value, they counted as friends. Sorry, the ‘so called’ ghosts. The hermits had never seen these ghosts, and the conclusion they had drawn was inaccurate.

Grian and Scar weren’t ghosts. They were borrowers, but it was obvious no one had guessed that. No one was supposed to know what borrowers were!

What were borrowers then? Borrowers were… Well, think of fairies. Remove the wings, the magic, the fake, naive, fantasy aspect to them, and make them live in the walls. They ‘borrowed’ things from humans, taking stuff they wouldn’t miss. Scraps of food, bits of cloth… The bare minumum to live, to survive.

They weren’t supposed to get found, seen or caught, but those rules, the Code, hadn’t said anything about leaving sticky notes out. Even if that technically showed the humans they existed. Even if Grian kept getting tangled in the sticky notes. In case you were wondering, he was a bit shorter than one, unlike Scar, who was significantly taller.

And true, it was a lot more terrifying than most human houses to live in, but there was stuff that would go unnoticed if taken everywhere. And it was so much more fun, more exciting. Oh! And the fact they could actually ask for their own food from the heavenly place the hermits got their food from, called a ‘super market’, which was the best thing in existence, also significantly benefitted them.

Everything had been going great for them so far. Nothing had had any reason whatsoever to be changed. Everyone was perfectly content with the situation at hand.

…Until Grian started planting mushrooms, that is.

Scar didn’t understand from where Grian had gotten mushroom spores, and at this moment, he didn’t want to know. But now there were purple mushrooms growing all over the little room in the walls that he called home, and something needed to be done about it. Especially since they’d started growing in the hermits’ apartments as well.

First he’d complained to Grian about it. Grian had listened carefully as Scar explained about the inconvenience of it all, the danger of maybe getting caught, and the sheer reason that he didn’t like mushrooms. His friend had told him to hold out his hands. Then he’d dropped a mushroom in them.

That was where Scar had drawn the line.

He had paced the floor of his mushroomified abode, muttering and thinking. It hadn’t been the first time they had pulled pranks on each other, having stuck together for over ten years now, and they’d been inspired by the residents of the apartment complex they lived in, but Scar had a feeling this was going to be a little more extreme than your typical scheme or trick. This would be a prank war.

A war. He liked the sound of that. And from what little Scar knew about wars, he knew that he needed recruitment to help him win.

So the next day, several hermits woke up to a blue sticky note on their desks. The groupchat, which, while supposed to be used for important things, ended up being literally anything anyone thought was interesting, discussed this.

. . .

XisumaVoid: [insert image] anyone know what this is?

FalseSymmetry: I got one of those too!

ImpulseSV: I haven’t… Can’t read the writing in the image. What’s SG saying?

Mumbojumbo: Who’s SG??

ImpulseSV: Scar Ghosts!

MumboJumbo: Is Grian GG then…?

ImpulseSV: …

XisumaVoid: It reads: Mayor gtwScar needs YOU to stop the mycelium that’s spreading throughout the apartment complex! The ~bor~ ghost known as Grian is the one causing this spore infestation, and that needs to be FIXED immediately! Sign below if you agree and want to join:

XisumaVoid: I think I know why some of the hermits haven’t gotten one… he’s picked smartly

BdoubleO100: Yeah, I see it clear as day!

RenDog: Hey! Rude

ZedaphP: Hi! Why have only some people got a letter then? (Won’t sign mine because my house is still recovering from the last prank war we had)

BdoubleO100: Because MOST of you WANT another war instead of peace and prosperity from our amazing ghostly mayor!

ZedaphP: Thanks!

StressMonster101: Wait who’s mayor? Xisuma??

CubFan135: Scar is apparently

TangoTek: eyyyyyyyy war!!! Are we only fighting G-ghost?

ImpulseSV: Why are you on Scar’s side!?

XisumaVoid: Judging from past experiences Tango, no.

GeminiTay: I know I haven’t officially moved in yet but why can I see a window burning? Standing outside btw, can someone let me in?

XisumaVoid: That’s a good question Gem

XisumaVoid: I don’t know

RenDog: Be right there Gem!

XisumaVoid: @DocM77

DocM77: Don’t put it out! It’s all part of the process!

GeminiTay: …

XisumaVoid: …

MumboJumbo: …

FalseSymmetry: Meeting dismissed?

XisumaVoid: Right. Meeting dismissed.

. . .

While Grian didn’t have access to the Hermitcraft groupchat (as it had been dubbed), being a bit on the small side to use phones, he did know Scar was up to something. And he definitely noticed the removal of his beautiful mushroom gifts in some of the hermits’ apartments. What did Scar take him for, some kind of fool?

It had taken a couple of eavesdropped conversations to figure out the gist of it, but only once he’d found one of Scar’s extra sticky note copies did he properly understand what was going on. His eyes shined, reflecting the chaotic fire that had begun to burn inside of him.

Scar wanted a war with the mycelium? Then Grian would happily oblige. Jimmy would be glad to know the spores of his had not gone to waste. And if the next day, several handpicked hermits received their own special sticky notes? That was none of Scar’s concern for now. Grian was ready for a resistance. As he grabbed some supplies to go borrowing, as he was beginning to run low on some items like string, and oh, some paper clips would be nice, he heard voices on the other side of the wall. Voices who were discussing the right kind of thing, not whatever Scar was calling his thing, the HEP or whatever. Voices that were discussing the mycelium, and in a good way too.

Grian was ready for a resistance. And as he shouldered his satchel, he knew the hermits were too.

. . .

I should tag my taglist………

@i-am-beckyu , @da3dm , @brick-a-doodle-do , @faeiyn-cant-write , and please tell me if I’m missing you or you want to be added!

[igetthedisneybox]

Tomás Madrigal

Inspired by @hannahhook7744's Encanto AU, and her own character headcanons.

Third image made using https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1558575

Fourth image made using https://www.dolldivine.com/la-colombiana

Fifth image is a model of one of the Encanto kids I edited.

Tomás’ full name is Tomás Sol Madrigal.

His first name means “twin” and his middle name means “sun”. 

He is the first adopted child of Luisa Madrigal and Juana Aguado.

He has straight black hair, brown skin, and brown eyes. He looks identical to Rómulo.

He is ten years old.

He has a younger twin brother by seven minutes, Rómulo, and a little sister by five years, Zoe.

He is currently uninterested in romance and sex.

His gift is telekinesis, so he can move objects with his mind. The object still weighs the same amount as it would if he was lifting with his arms, however, so he can only lift lighter things until he gets stronger. He adores his gift, and uses it to cause mischief and play around the Encanto. 

His door portrays him concentrating, with his hands on his temples. Many little wiggly lines are coming off of his head.

His room is a basic bedroom resembling the nursery, with teal walls and a wood floor, except for the fact that the bed and amenities are all floating high above. There are several floating staircases that lead to each furniture item. The floor is usually covered in dirty laundry.

His symbol is a brain, with three rounded waves coming off of it.

Luisa is an anxious and overprotective mother, which does annoy Tomás from time to time. But he gets his work ethic (or lack thereof) from her.

Juana is a bit more chill, and therefore, is the favorite parent of both twins.

He has no memory of his birth parents, as he and his twin were adopted when they were three.

Tomás and Rómulo are like two peas in a pod. They like the same things, think the same way, and do everything together. This changes as they grow up, but for now, they’re inseparable.

Both twins are very protective of their baby sister, and often let her tag along on their shenanigans so she doesn’t feel left out.

He mainly hangs out with the other littler kids, Mariana, Avila, Amada, José, and Héctor, and will also spend time with Carlos.

He gets along best with Bruno, Isabela, and José.

He likes to juggle things midair. He thinks it’s impressive, but anyone who can actually juggle knows otherwise.

When he actually can be convinced to help around the town, he uses his gift to pass people things while they're on ladders and stuff.

He’s (slightly) more calm and collected than Rómulo, and that is the primary way to tell the twins apart. 

He dislikes loud noises, so he had to learn early on in his gift how to gently place things on the ground.

He often works in Carlos’ “store,” which he gets an allowance from. He spends it all on toys and candy.

His favorite colors are teal, dark green, dark blue, and viridian.

[jennay]

My Best Friend (5)

Authors Note: I’m working on this and Im ok with taking some requests id you guys have them too! Just read the rules please ❤️

Summary: Noah meets readers family and suddenly things make sense.

Words: 3400ish

Chapters- 1/2/3/4

Master List

You watch as Noah checks himself out in the full-length mirror by the door. His face is etched with worry, and you can hear the panic in his voice. “This isn’t it,” he mutters, tugging at his oversized white graphic t-shirt. He ruffles his dark, short hair, hoping it will fall into place and not look like he just rolled out of bed.

You stand up from the bed, your feet hitting the cold wooden floors as you lazily walk over to him. “We’ve been lounging in bed for two hours. We should’ve gotten up earlier if you were going to be this picky.” You stand beside him, bringing your hand up to the back of his hair. You run your fingers through the thick, silky strands, trying to tame the random waves. His eyes close, and he almost purrs under your touch. “There,” you say, slowly dropping your hand to your side. “That looks better.”

“I’m not prepared to meet everyone. Look at my clothes…” Noah chuckles, rummaging through his duffle bag with a playful grin. “I’m gonna be honest, Jolly made it sound like we were just chilling with your sister, and now I’m meeting your other siblings and your mom. I’ve only had 24 hours as your fake boyfriend—I need more practice!” He pulls out a few items, tossing them onto the bed with a dramatic flick of the wrist. “I just have to act like myself, right?” Noah’s eyes land on you, pleading for reassurance. “Right?”

You laugh, shaking your head as you watch him. “Right. God, I’ve never seen you this nervous. We’re just meeting them for pizza,” you assure him. “It’s not like you’re asking them to marry me or that we need to have a full make-out session. Just be yourself, maybe add a little more affection.”

Noah looks down at his outfit, a mix of an oversized white graphic t-shirt and bright, mismatched socks—one with black and gray polka dots and the other with black and gray stripes. “Do you think they’ll notice my socks?” he asks, wiggling his toes.

You giggle, “They might, but it’ll just add to your charm." You let out a deep sigh, "I should’ve told them I married Jolly. That would probably be more believable at this point."

Noah pretends to be hurt as he roughly grabs his plain black shirt and slides it over his head, “I can’t believe you’d even say that to me, as your fake boyfriend I’m offended.” He teases placing his hand over his heart. “Alright help me out, does this scream perfect boyfriend?” His laughter fills the room with warmth making you smile.

You throw your sweater over your head. “Screams, I’m on a road trip and I packed lightly, which is why,” you gesture to your skinny jeans and sweater, “I’m also dressed like this.” You playfully roll your eyes, but there’s a hint of anxiety in your voice as Noah finishes putting on his outfit. “Come on,” you say, reaching your hand out to him. “We can look like trash together.”

Noah smirks, grabbing hold of your hand and letting you lead him to the kitchen where Kyle and your niece are waiting with Jolly. “Figured we can follow them,” Jolly says sheepishly, sensing the tension.

You go straight to your niece and scoop her up in your arms. She squeals with excitement as you smother her face with kisses. You laugh, but it’s a bit forced, pulling back as she does the same to you. “I missed you soooo much,” you say dramatically, trying to mask your unease. “Thought you were gonna sleep the day away.”

Lily stares at you for a second, smiling widely before her gaze turns to Noah. She stares up at him with big wide eyes. “You’re big… like a tree.”

You giggle, and Noah nods in agreement. “It’s because I ate all my broccoli growing up. Miniature trees turned me into a giant tree,” he says, laughing and giving her a small boop on the nose.

“That was the worst advice, Noah,” you say, setting her back on her feet. “Not every girl’s dream is to grow up and be 6’3”.”

Lily giggles and looks back at Noah. “Do you have to water yourself too?”

Noah chuckles, “Only when I’m thirsty. And sometimes I need a little sunshine too.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Great, now she’s going to think she needs to sunbathe to grow taller.”

Lily looks at you with a mischievous grin. “Can I have ice cream to grow faster?”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Nice try, kiddo. But I think you’re perfect just the way you are.”

“Yeah no ice cream yet, sugar.” Kyle says smiling. “We aren’t quite ready yet, your sister and the baby should be ready soon.” He shoves a few more things into his backpack and whispers to Noah, “Don’t rush on the kids part.”

Jolly chuckles, “Noah… kids, yeah right.”

“Hey, I think we’ll meet you there,” you say to Kyle, trying to keep your voice steady.

“She should just be another minute or so,” he responds, glancing at his watch.

“It’s fine!” you say, suddenly feeling the weight of the stress on your shoulders. “I know where we’re going. I’ve literally been going there since I was a toddler…” You pause, taking a deep breath. “Let’s go.”

Kyle nods softly, understandingly. “Alright.” He gently places a hand on your shoulder as you walk past, a reassuring touch that momentarily eases your anxiety. You nod, thanking him, but the knot in your stomach tightens.

As you head towards the car, you can’t help but think about the impending gathering. This wasn’t going to be a pleasant event. Your brothers, your mother, and your sister all in one room? The thought alone makes your heart race. Noah and Jolly would fully understand why you stopped visiting once this event was over.

You shut the driver’s side door with a heavy thud, the sound echoing your apprehension. Placing the keys in the ignition, the car roars to life, and loud music blares from the speakers, causing Noah to flinch. He quickly reaches for the volume button, turning it down.

“What was that?” he asks, hopping into the passenger seat, followed by Jolly sliding into the back.

“Yeah, you little weirdo,” Jolly teases, trying to lighten the mood.

You let out a deep breath, the weight of the upcoming encounter pressing down on you as you pull out of the driveway. “It was nothing,” you lie, your voice strained.

“Bullshit,” Jolly chuckles, but there’s a note of concern in his laughter. “You’re not fooling anyone, you know.”

“I know I’m learning new things about you, but I know when you lie,” Noah says, smiling, though his eyes are filled with worry.

“I love that you guys are excited, but I’m not. I don’t like this at all. Being with my family does not bring out the good in me.” You pause, gripping the steering wheel tightly, your knuckles turning white. “Either everyone is going to fake nice this shit, or all hell is going to break loose.” You stop at a red light, glancing at Noah, then back at the road. “This will be a shit-on-me fest. You’ll know things I never wanted to tell. Like when I was into drugs or using alcohol constantly… all the shitty, abusive boyfriends I’ve had… how I lied, stole, and cheated life.” You take a deep breath, trying to hold back tears. “This isn’t fun for me. This is why I didn’t want to come here.”

Jolly places a hand on your shoulder and you cringe under his touch. “You aren’t that girl anymore.” He gently reminds you.

Noah nods, “Yeah fuck em.” He says lightening the mood. “I’m sure their lives aren’t perfect either.”

As you drive, the familiar streets pass by, each one bringing back memories—some good, some you’d rather forget. The closer you get to your destination, the tighter the knot in your stomach becomes. You glance at Noah and Jolly, their presence a small comfort in the face of what’s to come.

“It’s gonna be ok.” Noah assures you.

You force a halfhearted smile as you pull into the parking lot, the weight of the moment pressing down on you. After parking, you turn off the engine and stare at the imposing building ahead. “Ready?” you ask the boys, your voice barely above a whisper.

Stepping out of the car, you wait for them to catch up. As you head towards the door, you’re slightly taken aback when Noah intertwined his fingers with yours. “What?” he asks, noticing your puzzled expression. “Aren’t we supposed to hold hands six months into our relationship?” he teases, a playful glint in his eyes. “I told you, I’m going to be the best fake boyfriend I can be.”

Jolly chuckles, holding the door open and motioning for the two of you to enter. “I can already feel your brothers’ hate,” he jokes, his laughter echoing in the air.

You playfully roll your eyes as you stride into the restaurant, the familiar buzz of chatter and clinking glasses filling the air. The aroma of freshly baked pizza and the hum of conversations create a comforting backdrop. From afar, you spot your family, beers already lined up on the table in front of them.

You wave as you approach, and everyone stands for hugs and introductions. For a moment, you love how normal this all seems. Your older brother steps forward with a confident grin. “Josh, you must be Noah!” he says, extending a hand. You notice the firm handshake but also the genuine smile on his lips.

“Yeah, man. I’ve heard all about you guys. Nice to finally put names to the faces,” Noah replies, pulling out a chair and gesturing for you to sit.

You smile as you take the seat, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Noah sits next to you, casually draping an arm around the back of your chair, while Jolly takes the seat on your other side, already reminiscing about old times. You can almost see the wheels turning in Josh’s head, wondering what kind of chaos will ensue once your sister and older brother start interacting.

“This one looks hella normal. Are you ill?” your little brother, Benjamin, asks with a mischievous grin.

“Normal? That’s a first,” Josh quips, raising an eyebrow. “I was starting to think you only dated weirdos.”

Noah chuckles, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. He nuzzles into your neck playfully and plants a kiss on your cheek. “Did you hear that, babe? They think I’m normal,” he teases, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Benjamin laughs, shaking his head. “Well, good luck and welcome to the family, Noah.”

Your mother, sitting at the far end of the table, raises her glass. “To new faces and old memories,” she toasts, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.

The conversation flows, filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. For a brief moment, you forget about the underlying tensions and just enjoy the company of your loved ones.

“Just wait until mom brings out the baby photos.” Josh says to Noah.

“Oh, great,” Noah laughs. “I can’t wait to see those.”

“Just make sure mom doesn’t show him the one where you tried to give the cat a bath,” Benjamin chimes in, grinning wickedly.

“Or the one where you thought wearing a tutu rollerblading was a good idea,” Josh adds, smirking.

“Okay, okay, enough with the embarrassing stories,” you say, laughing. “Before you scare him off.”

“Too late,” Noah jokes, squeezing your hand. “I’m already in too deep.”

Moments later, the door creaks open again, revealing your sister, her husband Kyle, and their two kids. They join the table, and Noah’s hand finds its way to your back, rubbing soothing circles. “Beers?” Kyle asks, pointing to you and the boys.

“I’m good with water,” Noah says, and you nod in agreement.

“Me too!” Jolly adds enthusiastically.

Kyle nods, “Three waters. One beer, one cider, and momma, are you good with your beer?”

Your mother nods, her eyes lingering on you. “No fun? Not even one beer?” she teases, a playful glint in her eye.

Before you can respond, your sister cuts in, “No, because then it turns into 2, 5, 10… blackout,” she says with a laugh that sounds lighthearted but carries a sharp edge, a reminder of your past.

You shake your head, feeling the familiar sting of judgment. “Here we go,” you mutter, leaning your head on Noah’s shoulder, seeking comfort in his warmth.

Noah rubs your shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring. He kisses the top of your head. “I’m here,” he whispers softly, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tension.

“Oh god. We had to stop taking her to bars with us. She would just get so messed up and always end up with one of her trashy exes,” Josh says, taking a sip of his beer, his words cutting through the air like a knife.

Jolly glances nervously from your mom to your sister, clearly debating whether he should try to change the subject. But before he can say anything, you sit up straight, your eyes blazing with defiance.

“At least I can admit I have a problem…” you say, your voice steady and challenging. “Wild how all of you do the same thing, but I’m the one who gets shit on for it. At least I’m trying?” You shake your head, the frustration and hurt evident in your expression.

Noah’s hand moves to your back again, his touch grounding you. “Don’t let them get to you,” he whispers softly, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tension.

Josh, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, points at Noah. “So, are you an alcoholic too?” he asks, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“For fuck’s sake,” Ben mutters, propping his head on his elbows up on the table and leaning his head on his hands. “We haven’t even eaten yet. Can’t this wait until after?”

You’re listening to Ben’s words, but your cold stare still rests on Josh. His blue eyes are ice cold as he clinks his drink to your sister’s, and they giggle.

“C’mon. It’s just a joke,” Josh says, but you know it’s not a joke; it’s just another jab. “It’s all out of love.”

“That’s not love,” Noah mumbles under his breath, his hand still a comforting presence on your back.

Your mother, who has been silently observing, finally speaks up. “Enough. This isn’t the time or place for this,” she says, her voice firm but weary.

Josh rolls his eyes but doesn’t push further. The tension at the table is palpable, and you can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on you. You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself.

Noah’s hand moves from your back to your hand, squeezing it gently. “Let’s just get through this,” he whispers, his eyes filled with concern and determination.

You nod, appreciating his support. The rest of the meal continues in strained silence, with occasional forced attempts at conversation. You can’t help but feel a mix of anger and sadness, but Noah’s presence beside you keeps you grounded.

As the evening drags on, you find yourself glancing at the clock, counting down the minutes until you can leave.

You feel icy blue eyes land on you again and you’ve noticed the more Josh drinks the more vicious he gets, “You know it makes sense that you’re dating him.” He says pointing to Noah, “He probably has all the conncetions to drug dealers, plus he’s loaded with money.” He smirks and goes back to eating his food like nothing happened.

Your mouth drops. You feel your chest tighten. “I wanna go,” you whisper to Noah. “I can’t do this.”

Noah’s eyes meet yours, filled with understanding and a hint of frustration. He nods slightly, his jaw tightening as he processes your words. You stand up without warning, looking around the table. This isn’t where you wanted to be, and this isn’t where you needed to be. These people weren’t your family; they were simply related to you.

Noah stands up next to you, his presence a comforting shield, and Jolly does the same. “We’re leaving.”

“Oh, here we go,” your mother chimes in. “You can’t let us have one dinner.”

Noah scoffs at the comment, his hand placed on your back as he pushes you forward, trying to ignore the comments. “You guys started this shit and want her to stay? Why, to be a punching bag? So you guys have someone to point the finger at to make yourselves feel better?” His voice is steady but laced with anger, his protective nature coming to the forefront. “It’s really not shocking why she never talk about you guys or why she doesn’t visit.” He pauses, his eyes roaming the group of people who look surprised by his words. “She doesn’t need you guys…she has us and other friends in California that treat her a million times better.”

You grab Noah’s hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip, and follow behind Jolly. “Let’s go, it’s not worth it,” you quietly say.

When you exit out the doors, you feel the fresh air hit you, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. Two men are staring at you, waiting for you to crack, but instead, you laugh, not believing what just happened.

“You see why I don’t come back? It’s the same shit every time,” you say, shaking your head, frustration boiling over. “I walk in, and it’s like I’m instantly transported back to being that screw-up they all remember. No matter what I do, it’s never enough.”

Jolly nods, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. “He was harsh,” he softly speaks, his eyes filled with concern.

You shake your head, your voice rising with emotion. “I get why he’s mad. I do. I wasn’t great, and he had to bail me out of shitty situations often. I just kept jumping into it again, time after time—rehab, hospitals, all of it, over and over. But I’m not like that anymore! I’ve changed, and I wish they would look at who I am now. But it’s like all they can see is who I used to be, and it’s suffocating.”

Noah looks at you, his expression softening. “You don’t have to prove anything to them, and they shouldn’t be that way toward you anyway. We’ve got your back, right?” He turns to Jolly.

Jolly nods in agreement. “Right.” He follows you toward the car, his steps light and carefree. “Hey… didn’t you grow up around here? Thrift shop and coffee time? Isn’t that on your list of things to do in every town?”

You laugh at his comment, remembering your pact. “You know the way to my heart.”

“I’m driving,” he declares, snatching the keys from your hand and pushing his sunglasses back on his face.

As Jolly skips goofily to the car, you feel Noah grab your hand, pulling you back for a brief moment. He places his hand under your chin, gently forcing you to look at him. His eyes lovingly stare into yours, causing a flutter of nervousness in your stomach. “I just want you to know… everything I said is true. Fake boyfriend, best friend… whatever. I got you. Always,” he says softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

You swallow hard, feeling a lump in your throat. “I know, Noah. Thank you.”

He smiles, a warm, genuine smile that makes your heart skip a beat. “Come on, let’s catch up with Jolly before he drives off without us.”

You follow him to the car, your mind racing. The thought that keeps replaying in your mind is terrifying. You weren’t growing feelings for Noah. Were you? The idea made you feel ridiculous. This was obviously your brain trying to get over Michael and move on as fast as you could. It was protecting it’s self from feeling any pain and Noah just happened to be there.

As you slide into the car, you steal a glance at Noah, who’s chatting animatedly with Jolly. Your heart aches with the weight of your unspoken emotions. You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. This was just a phase, a fleeting moment of confusion. It had to be. You couldn’t let it be anything more.

[taatsums]

Kafka Oguro SSR - The Morning After The Rain: A Rainy Day Schedule For The Two of Us

Part 1

📍HAMA Tours, Office Floor

Kafka: Chief-chan, good work today.

Kaede: Kafka, you’re still here? Good work today! 

Kafka: Thanks for supporting Yachiyo today as always.

Kaede: No need to thank me. I’m sure Yachiyo-kun is still having a hard time adjusting, and I’m also doing my best along with him.

Kafka: You’re so reliable. It’s thanks to you that everyone’s getting a chance to grow. I look forward to seeing what’s next for HAMA Tours.

Kaede: You’re overestimating me…!

Kafka: Alright, enough with the formalities. Do you remember what’s happening tomorrow, Chief-chan?

Kaede: Of course. We’re going to the zoo, right?

Kafka: Yup. I’m so excited about our zoo date that I can barely sit still.

Kaede: I don’t know about calling it a date… But I guess that’s what it is when two people go out together.

Kaede: What are you looking forward to seeing the most at the zoo, Kafka?

Kafka: Hmmm, I’d say the okapi. Apparently you can only see them at HAMA’s zoo.

Kaede: Sounds nice! Let’s go see the okapi first, then!

Kafka: Yeah! By the way, it seems like they’ve got a limited-time flamingo drink available right now.

Kaede: Even the name is cute! I wanna try it when we get there.

Kafka: Just leave it to me, Chief-chan. I’ve come up with the perfect itinerary for tomorrow’s zoo tour.

Kaede: Ahaha, I’ll leave it to you. I’m looking forward to it.

Kaede: Oh. Right, I didn’t check the weather forecast…

Kafka: I have, of course. It’s going to be sunny with a 0% chance of rain.

Kaede: You really have it all planned out…!

Kafka: It’s for our date, after all.

Kafka: Alright, let’s wrap things up and go home. No staying up late, or working overtime allowed today.

📍 HAMA House, Living Room

Kafka: It’s raining…

Kaede: The weather forecast was way off…

Kaede: (I know there’s nothing that can be done, but it really is unfortunate. We haven’t had the chance to go out together in so long…)

Kafka: …

Kaede: (Kafka’s so obviously depressed…!)

Option 1: Encourage him

Kaede: I’m sure the rain will pass by this afternoon!

Kafka: The forecast just now said there’s a 90% of rain…

Kaede: (Oh man, he’s seriously depressed…)

Option 2: Join him in his sadness

Kafka: I really hadn’t accounted for this…

Kafka: No matter how advanced our civilization becomes, we can’t control changes in the weather.

Kaede: (He’s so depressed that he’s gone into enlightenment mode…!)

Kafka: …

Kaede: Kafka, you okay…?

Kafka: Alright! Today’s plan will be changed to a rainy day schedule presented by none other than yours truly!

Kaede: Huh?

Kafka: We can’t do anything about the weather, so let’s just go to the zoo another day. I’ll just come up with even more things you can look forward to.

Kafka: Just leave the details to me.

Kaede: (He’s not depressed at all! If anything, he’s having fun…!?)

Kafka: Okay, we don’t have all day. Let’s go, Chief-chan…!

Kaede: (Go where, exactly…!?)

Part 2

📍 HAMA House, Living Room

Kaede: So, what’s that rainy day schedule thing about?

Kafka: Ta-daaah. I’ve prepared all sorts of indoor activities for us to enjoy~!

Kaede: Cat’s cradle, paper clay, board games, even origami…! These bring back memories! This sure is a rainy day full course!

Kafka: How about we start with a round of Game of Life?

Kaede: Sounds good! It’s been a long time since I last played a paper board game. Wait, is that… the same one from back then?

Kafka: Bullseye! I’ve prepared items from back then ♪

Kaede: You took good care of everything, didn’t you? Thanks!

Kafka: We played a lot together back in that hospital room.

Kaede: We sure did! We’d play Game of Life and talk about our dreams for the future. Who’d have thought we’d be here now?

Kafka: You never know what hand life will deal you.

-

Kafka: And my assets total to 1.5billion, and I’ve got 3 cars.

Kaede: I lost… Nothing’s changed. I still don’t think I can win against you.

Kafka: It’s all a matter of luck ♪ Guess I was just extra lucky today.

Kaede: Okay, next… we’re having a paper clay showdown!

Kafka: Fine by me. What should we make?

Kaede: How about Shumai?

Kafka: Sounds good! We can show it to Renga later and have him decide the winner.

-

Kafka & Kaede: And, done!

Kafka: The fur was a little hard to replicate, but don’t you think his face turned out great?

Kaede: Ahaha, yeah! That’s what Shumai looks like when he wakes up.

Kafka: Uhhh, this isn’t supposed to be when he wakes up. It’s Shumai right before he digs in on a snack.

Kafka: But why does the Shumai you made look like he’s going to melt?

Kaede: The antenna on his head looked like it was about to fall apart, so I made him look like he’s sleeping!

Kafka: Haha, so he’s sleeping! I thought he was melting from the heat.

Kafka: We can’t show either of these to Renga.

Kaede: You’re right… I don’t think he’ll even be able to tell these are Shumai.

-

Kaede: It’s been a while since I last did cat’s cradle, paper clay and origami, but they’re still all fun, even now!

Kaede: (And our paper clay skills haven’t changed since/from back then, either.)

Kafka: Right. Anything is fun with you, Chief-chan– But this makes it feel like we’ve gone back in time.

Kafka: The number of Ward Mayors here will increase, so this place will keep getting more and more lively.

Kafka: We’ve got plenty of rooms, and I’d like to think we’ve got lots of things to do on rainy days, too.

Kafka: Let’s say, for example… The theater room would be nice. How about we watch a movie and eat popcorn together?

Kaede: The theater room sounds good!

Kaede: (Kafka looks like he’s having fun… I’m glad. That makes me happy, too.)

Kafka: Oh, the rain’s letting up.

Kaede: Oh, you’re right. I didn’t even notice.

Kafka: How about we go for a little walk outside? Let’s look for a rainbow.

Kaede: That sounds nice. We did that together back then, too.

Kafka: Alright then, let’s go!

Kaede: (... I hope I can find more fun things to do with Kafka, both in HAMA Tours and in HAMA House!)

[my-writings-and-musings]

Mermay related thought: going diving to see a shipwreck but it turns out to actually be a resting mer-transformer and you both accidentally scare each other.

Okay this is so WHOLESOME I can seriously see the entire thing playing out! Human is a professional diver with a love for bringing up treasures and artifacts and has a boat with a sonar sensor. One day they detect some kind of large item within diving range and think "Sweet, new discovery!" before putting down an anchor and suiting up for a dive.

Unbeknownst to this human, there's no treasure or sunken ships awaiting them. A merformer simply needed to rest and found a nice spot in comparatively shallow water for a power down. They're curled up on the sea floor amidst a forest of undersea greenery and stones, making it impossible to identify them as anything more than an apparent mass of metal in the dim light. It doesn't help that they pulled seaweed around themselves like a giant blanket.

Human grows perplexed as they begin to swim around the shape and realize it's not built like any kind of vessel they're familiar with. Eventually they begin to explore more up close, unknowingly swimming around to the bots front where they spot something like arms. Brushing away the seaweed for a better look startles the poor bot, and the sight of two bright optics flashing on in the dim light terrifies the diver just as deeply. Both parties swim away from the other in a panic, but of course the much larger bot sends the human spinning with their wake, something they notice once they get their wits about them and realize there's no threat.

Bot immediately feels guilty and helps human right themselves, and escorts them back to the surface when it becomes clear humans can't speak underwater. A host of apologies are exchanged, and when it's explained what the human was looking for the still regretful merformer produces some trinkets they pulled from an actual shipwreck as an apology. Human is delighted but says no payment is needed, though the bot insists and eventually the two get to talking about the ocean and the sights they've seen within.

As both are quite lonely, this immediately sparks a friendship. The human doesn't relate much to their kind, and the poor bot doesn't have many other merformers to hang out with on Earth. Eventually they decide they'd like to see one another again, and the bot even accompanies the human all the way to their dock to keep the conversation going... If they live on their boat, they might just have a little sleepover.

I can't even imagine how cute this might be. Swimming together, bot giving the human rides and showing them the best shipwrecks, the human bringing them fun things from land... All of it develops into the cutest romance.

[hardstraykidshours]

stray kids fic-mas: day 1

pairing: chan x afab!reader

genre: smut, fluff, 18+ (minors dni)

summary: your airbnb has a cozy little fireplace, and you tell chan one of your fantasies.

length: 1.4k

warnings: food mention, slight christmas mention, profanity, sexual/suggestive content, wax play, oral sex (f. receiving), fingering (f. receiving), implied penetrative sex (please wrap before you tap), afab reader, nsfw 18+ (minors dni)

ficmas 2022 masterlist

"you know, i never thought we'd actually use this thing when i first saw the rental listing," chan says as he adds another log to the fireplace before closing the grate.

"what? how could we not use it? nothing screams holiday getaway more than a fireplace and some hot chocolate." you and chan had taken the weekend to go on a little trip to celebrate the holidays together before you each leave to go visit your families. he rented out a cozy little cabin for the two of you and you planned on spending the weekend doing all sorts of festive things. there was an ice skating rink and a lights show in the town nearby, and you downloaded a ton of christmas movies on your laptop for the two of you to watch. you even spent the afternoon putting up a few lights and decorations to make it all feel even more festive and cozy.

"speaking of which, here you go," you cross the room and hand chan the steaming mug of cocoa you just made. "i added peppermint."

he takes a sip before setting the mug up on the mantel and moving behind you to wrap his arms around your waist. "mmmm, you're right," he says while resting his chin on your shoulder. "it is very cozy."

"i told you!" you take a big sip of your cocoa before turning your head slightly to look at him. "you were so resistant to lighting the fire, but i knew you'd love it."

you smile broadly at him, and he pulls away slightly, chuckling to himself.

"what?"

"you have a little cocoa, right..." he reaches forward to slowly drag the pad of his thumb across your lip. "there, that's better." his thumb lingers slightly on your lips and a moment of silence passes as you both stare at each other, the mood rapidly shifting.

"you know," you murmer, setting your mug next to his on the mantel. "i've always thought about what it would be like to make love in front of a fireplace."

"oh? have you now?" he replies, voice barely above of whisper as he turns your body to face him.

you nod slightly, and he leans in close. "i think we can make that happen," his lips meet yours in a gentle kiss, tongue caressing yours as he pulls you down to the floor with him. he pauses for a moment to drag a blanket over from the couch and drape it on the floor in front of the fireplace before laying you down.

in between kisses, he slowly removes your clothing, taking his time with each and every item. the experience is so sensual you know your panties are already soaked, and he hasn't even really touched you yet. he gets you down to nothing but your panties when you realize he's still fully clothed.

you slip your fingers under the hem of his shirt, dragging it up his body in the same slow, erotic way he did when undressing you. when you pull chan's shirt over his head, you toss it out of the way accidentally knocking into the candle on the side table. some of the wax splashes over, extinguishing the flame and spilling onto the table.

"shit! i'm sorry!" you scramble up from the floor and towards the candle, but chan stops you by grabbing your arm. you turn back towards him, a questioning look on your face. "i need to clean it up before the wax hardens."

"don't worry about it, i'll deal with that later," he says while moving towards the side table to grab the extinguished candle and bring it back towards where you were sitting in front of the fire. "i have an idea i want to try." his gaze darkens and although you're not sure what he's thinking of, you feel your panties growing wetter just from the way he's looking at you.

"lay down."

you comply immediately and open your mouth to ask what his idea is, but the words die in your throat as you watch him set the candle down next to you and slowly crawl up your body. his eyes rake across your naked form as he moves, and hot arousal burns in every place his eyes touch.

he places his knees on either side of your hips and sits up, hovering just enough that he's not actually sitting on you. he reaches down with one hand to gently tuck a stray piece of hair behind your ear. "trust me?" he asks gently as he picks up the candle again.

realization dawns on you, and you have to fight the urge to rub your thighs together. you nod in confirmation. he tilts the candle, and you watch the melted wax slowly move to the edge before dripping down onto the center of your chest.

the wax is hot enough to make you jump slightly, but not hot enough to actually burn you. he continues on, moving the candle in a spiral so it drips onto your breast, edging closer and closer to your nipple. when the wax finally reaches the center, you arch your back, moaning at the exquisite sensation of the hot wax enveloping your nipple.

he directs his attention to your other breast, treating it with same slow, torturous movements as the first. he then moves the candle back to the center of your chest and down, slowly trailing drops of wax across your stomach and towards your soaking pussy.

he pauses to set the candle aside for a moment to move down further, sliding your panties off in the process, before resuming his work. gasps and whimpers escape you as you feel the wax trail up the inside of your thigh, stopping just before it reaches your throbbing core.

"channie, please," you beg, unable to take the teasing any longer.

"what, baby girl? what do you need?"

"you," you gasp out as more wax dribbles along your hip bone. "i need to feel you. please."

he immediately complies with your request, pushing the candle to the side before burying his head between your legs. you twine your fingers in his hair and cry out as his tongue swirls around your clit.

just as with everything else tonight, he takes his time, slowly devouring you. his movements aren't rushed, in fact his tongue is almost lazy in the way it drags through your folds as though he's enjoying his favorite meal and wants to savor it.

you try to pull him closer, practically writhing beneath him, but nothing makes him pick up the pace. after what feels like an eternity he slowly adds a finger and you moan loudly, eyes rolling back at the sensation.

after a few strokes, he adds a second, curling his fingers slightly as he draws them in and out of you, his tongue still drawing circles around your clit.

"oh god, channie, yes!" you moan out, a knot starting to build in your core as he starts to increase his speed. even so, he does it slowly, building up your orgasm for longer than you thought was possible. when you think you might lose your mind from the torturous pleasure he is bringing you, he doubles his efforts, starting to suck on your sensitive nub as he reaches up with his free hand to twist your nipple.

it takes only seconds for you to tip over the edge, falling completely apart beneath him. your eyes roll back as your release barrels through your body, pure pleasure filling every nerve. he continues to work you with his mouth through your orgasm, drawing it out as long as possible. the pleasure washes over you again and again in waves. just when you think it's finally over, one more lap of his tongue will bring another aftershock rippling through you.

when you finally ride out ever last bit of your high, he presses a kiss to your inner thigh before sliding up your body to kiss you cheek.

he pulls away slightly and smiles at you, his chin shining with your juices in the firelight.

"holy shit," you finally mange to say. "that was incredible."

his smile grows at your words and he bends down to press another kiss to your lips. "good. i was hoping you might enjoy that. now let's go get all this wax cleaned up." he moves to stand but you grab his arm and pull him back down on top of you, shaking your head.

"not yet. first, i want you to follow through on your promise to show me what it feels like to make love in front of a fireplace."

[abratgirlwholovemommies]

**September 8, 2024**

Today, Stephanie woke up feeling extra cheerful. After a week filled with intense studying, she decided to reward herself by going out for some fun. Dressed casually in a pastel purple t-shirt and comfy jeans, she slipped on her favorite sneakers, grabbed a small bag, and quickly headed out.

Her destination was Pop Mart, a store full of miniature models from famous series, ranging from tiny collectibles to oversized models. As Stephanie walked toward the store, her heart was filled with excitement. She felt like a kid about to get a toy she’d been waiting for. She played her favorite song on her phone and thought about her favorite superhero series, knowing today was going to be her lucky day.

The familiar *ding* of the doorbell greeted her as she pushed open the door to Pop Mart with one hand. The faint scent of new plastic mixed with the cool air conditioning, created an atmosphere she adored. Her eyes scanned the store, searching for her familiar spot—the DC Comics section, the place she had been thinking about all day.

"Where is it...?" she thought to herself as she confidently made her way toward the neatly arranged shelves. After a few minutes of browsing, she found it! Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she picked up three blind boxes from the DC Comics series. The brightly colored blue packaging featured only a tiny image of Superman in mini form, leaving her to wonder which hero could be hidden inside.

“Please be Supergirl… Black Canary… or Green Arrow. I’ve got enough Batmans to fill a shelf!” Stephanie thought with a playful sigh. 

After finding what she had come for, she walked to the cashier. The lights in the store reflected off the packaging she held, intensifying her excitement. The cashier smiled, making small talk about her chosen items, and Stephanie returned the smile as she completed the purchase.

Leaving the store, the bag swinging in her hand, the thrill remained as she headed back to her apartment. The evening air was beginning to cool, but a warm feeling bubbled up inside her. She couldn’t wait to open the boxes and see if her superhero collection would grow with something new today.

__________________________________

When she arrived back at her apartment, she quickly sat on the floor, excitement filling the air. The unopened boxes were laid out in front of her. She grabbed the first one and began to open it. Slowly, she pulled a small card from the box, squinting at it with anticipation. Her smile instantly faded.

...Batman.

Stephanie stared down at the tiny Batman figure in her hand, visibly deflated. 

“Batman again? Does he love me or something?!” she muttered, a mix of frustration and amusement filling her. It was both annoying and, in some strange way, hilarious. Luckily, her roommate Babs wasn’t back yet; otherwise, she would’ve been teased for the rest of the night(She already did). 

She set the new Batman next to the others she had collected from previous boxes. 

"You're filling up my shelf, Mr. Bat!" she complained to the miniature Batman before reaching for the other two unopened boxes.

The small thrill of excitement began to return as she carefully picked up the second box. Her heart beat faster as she tore off the plastic wrapping. 

"Alright… Supergirl …Black Canary… Green Arrow!" she chanted in her head, hands trembling slightly with fresh hope. 

“Please, please, please let me get what I want!” she whispered dramatically, clasping her hands together in mock prayer before opening the box.

As soon as she peeked inside, a deep sigh of annoyance escaped her lips. A flash of green hair greeted her, leaving no doubt who it was.

The Joker. Batman’s eternal nemesis.

“Oh, come on… Batman really can’t live without him, huh?” Stephanie groaned, staring at the Joker figure. She set him down beside Batman, now feeling more defeated than ever.

“Am I doomed?” she thought bitterly, eyeing the growing pile of plastic wrappers and empty boxes around her.

Her excitement had dimmed significantly, but one last box remained on the floor. 

But life, as someone once said, must go on. 

With a mixture of resignation and acceptance, Stephanie picked up the final box. This time, she opened it in a rush, very different from the previous two. She had already given up on expecting anything special. "Another Batman wouldn’t even surprise me at this point," she thought with a shrug as she ripped off the plastic.

But the moment she opened the box, something strange happened. Stephanie paused, her curiosity piqued. She slowly pulled the figure out…

A small character card fluttered to the floor before coming to rest. She glanced at it with little hope. A black costume with bat-like ears reflected the light, and a familiar bitter smile tugged at her lips. 

“It’s probably just another Batman…” she thought as she picked it up from the floor.

But when her eyes focused on the details of the card, confusion flashed across her face. 

"Huh?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow, reading the card: *Batgirl, Cassandra Cain*.

Her heart began to race. This wasn’t a character listed on the box. She hadn’t expected to find a mini Cassandra Cain figure here.

“…Could this be the rare one?” The thought hit her suddenly, and Stephanie felt a surge of excitement she hadn’t expected. She examined the figure in her hand closely, her eyes sparkling just like when she first entered Pop Mart earlier that day.

“Wait…” she whispered to herself, a huge smile spreading across her face. 

“No way… this must be a secret one!” she said aloud, holding the tiny Batgirl figure up to admire the intricate details.

And then something strange happened. The figure moved. Stephanie blinked, thinking she was imagining it. But no—it was real. The Batgirl figure performed a somersault in the air, her tiny cape fluttering behind her, and landed in a perfect combat stance.

Stephanie's mouth fell open. “Woah..Um…well. I think this is way beyond what I expected.” _________________

After I finished this mini Cass I felt like I must write this lol.

[peiskos-and-apricity]

Fated to Fall ~ Sindri x Reader [PT 6]

Tw: Canon Typical Violence

A/n: This chapter is poorly edited due to my current lack of a computer, so sorry if it's a little wonky! I just wanted to put this out for you guys since it's been so long. I might fix it in the future. Anyway, enjoy!

|Chapter Selection|

|Previous Chapter|

-

The first few moments of your walk were held in complete silence. Not that you didn't feel like talking and, judging by the way he kept glancing at you, not for a lack of his wanting either. But more so out of a hard time to find anything to ask or say in the first place. So it was quiet as you walked through the Yggdrasil and stepped into the frozen wasteland of Midguard.

The cold immediately whipped against any exposed skin as you two trudged through the deep snow towards the cabin, a bitterness you don't think you'll ever grow to love. You quickly opened the door, shoving away the bit of snow that had piled even in your short time away. As you stepped in your eyes were immideatly drawn to the holes in the roof, the draft making them quite obvious. You sneered a little at your inability to escape the cold. You hoped Niðavellir would be warmer.

It was only a second after walking in that you realized you were alone. Turning around you saw Sindri waiting just outside the door, shivering in the freezing cold. Confusion passed your face for a moment before you spoke.

"You can come in. It's too cold to sit in the wind" you called. Even at the invitation he seemed unsure. Yet soon enough he got over his hesitation, be that because of cold or obligation at your invitation you didn't know. Either way he entered, his eyes immediately scanning the place. You turned to busy yourself with grabbing your things.

"Would you mind if I stoked a fire?" He asked, hands rubbing together in hopes to fight away the endless cold. You shook your head.

"Not at all" you allowed. Even if you two would be here a short time you felt that, given his mortality and your shared half of it, you would both probably need it.

You went collecting what you came for; starting with a corner so untouched it had collected dust. You were sure it would have collected webs as well, if the cold hadn't fought the insects away. In it was a variety of small items stored away once, never to be touched again. Old armor pieces and salvaged bits of broken arrows. But past them and the layers more of other rusted and useless pieces, you finally spotted what you were searching for. Pulling it away from the cluttered mess you had made while retrieving it, you opened the old box. Inside laid a greyed cloth that, once you dusted it off, revealed the white fur beneath. You stood with it in hand, the cloth still reaching the floor as you did.

It had been long since you had worn the fur, the surge of sealing magic felt beneath your finger tips. You took a deep breath before placing it over top your layer of worn clothing, making sure to face away from the dwarf to hide the slight shine it emitted once you did so. Immediately the inner seams glew a deep black, a slight sizzling hitting your skin through your clothes with a quiet grimace.

You turned from this always unpleasant experience to see the dwarf had the fire lit and had taken a seat beside it; his attention now engulfed with something near him. You figured it was nothing and went to grab some of your carving tools now that you were able to place your bag back over your shoulder.

"May I ask you something?" Sindri's voice spoke, gaining your attention quickly in the silence and causing you to glance at him again. But his eyes were still transfixed on whatever he had found, so you went back to your own task while you answered.

"You just did" you responded lightheartedly, the words almost natural in the way they slipped your tongue, like they had hundreds of times before. A silly joke, a stupid one really. But it reminded you of better times.

He, however, was thoroughly confused by it, his eyes glancing with his nose slightly scrunched. Luckily it seemed to click a moment later, though he struggled for a response anyway. You let out a half-hearted laugh, a little amused by his expressive features.

"Yes you may" you calmed his minor panic as you reached for an old bow, one clearly worn over years of no upkeep and lack of use. It wasn't the quality you would prefer but it would have to do. Hopefully it would hold better then the other.

"I was wondering how you had come to meet them?- Kratos and Atreus I mean. I didn't know they knew much of anyone else in these realms. Anyone close, anyway" he questioned. For a brief moment your body froze, the question bitter as it reached your ears. It was a short pause that you fixed the moment you noticed it, but a pause nonetheless. One you hoped he hadn't noticed.

"If you feel like saying, of course!" and it seems he did. That or he was impatient. You wished you could convince yourself it was the later of the two.

"We have history. They were close with someone I once knew" you finally spoke, your throat tightening slightly. You knew the answer wasn't what he was looking for.

"Oh..." Was all he could say. There was a question he held back on his tongue, you knew it. But you didn't dare to pull it from him. You preferred to move on.

"May I ask you a question?" You turned to him and his eyes finally caught yours.

"Of course" he answered. He seemed to have little to hide which made you a little more comfortable.

"What were you looking at?" You watched as his eyes widened slightly before he held up what he had picked up from the ground.

In his hand was a warped and strange piece of wood. It was slightly singed to a charcoal black on the left side of it, most of it's features left to ash while the other was cracked and splintered. It hardly held the detail it once had.

"This is...yours?" He asked. Your eyes focused on the small carved wood, a little bit confused as to why he even had it.

"Yes?" Your tone asked him his point and he looked perplexed himself.

"It was in the fire" he reiterated, as if you couldn't see the blackened side of it. You pulled your quiver over your shoulder once more before walking to where he was.

"I can see that" you answered as you began to pull small items from the floor, placing them in your bag. Mostly dried meats and the rare herb that grew in this now desolate land.

"Did you put it in the fire?" He asked, his tone strange in that it seemed shocked.

"Yes" You answered, your attention mostly on finding where in the freezing Hel Atreus had placed your extra set of arrows. That was until a nearly choked sound rang out, your eyes immediately snapping to him

"But the craftsmanship! How could you just throw it away?" He seemed almost offended and given the way he stared you might have even believed you had actually upset him...or perhaps you did believe so. Either way you chose to speak carefully.

"They are wood and it is cold. There's no reason to keep them. They'd just take up needed space" you tried to explain it the best you could, which is to say the way the Kratos always explained it. It had convinced you after all and you were sure he had much better things to be worrying about then some half-singed waste of time...

Right?

Unfortunate for you, it seemed he was anything but convinced. In fact, he might have even been more offended by your explanation.

"But the time this must have taken. It truly doesn't mean anything to you? You don't have any keepsakes?" He was growing increasingly frustrated with you and it was obvious. You didn't really know what you could say that would calm this strange stance he's decided to take, but you figured you might as well indulge him. The last thing you wanted to do was upset someone your brother would call a close friend. If nothing else you can at least say you tried.

"I have no issue making you a new one, if you are so bothered by it" you hoped that your offer would suffice. You didn't have much else to answer him with.

You watched as his indignation melted immediately and replaced itself with eye-widening surprise. He sputtered on his words, somehow baffled that you would offer exactly what he was complaining you ruined.

"Well you don't need to!" He finally managed a sentence.

"Unless you wish you" you mumbled afterword. Despite how quickly this change in demeanor came, or maybe even because of it's speed, you couldn't help the short laugh that left you at his nervous and flip-flopping behavior. On top of that, you managed to find your extra arrows. So you were feeling much better.

"I'd be happy to" your tone was light; amused even. He took your words with a wobbly and crooked smile before standing.

"Well..." He started, looking through the hole in the roof towards where the sun sat in the sky.

"We should really get moving" he suggested before hesitantly turning back. You gave a nod

"Probably" you agreed and he quickly began to walk towards the door. You went to follow, standing from beside the fire when a glint caught your eye. You quickly locked onto the objects, your face silently wincing at the sight.

On the table sat two rings. One made of metal; it's design crossing at the side with the front side flat and a hagalaz letter engraved on to it. The other was a ring made of an unknown wood with a metal streak held in the middle throughout the ring. Engraved on the inside was the word 'light'.

They taunted you as they laid there, the shine of the snow from the now open door turning them colder shades. Their intended purpose burned a sort of distain you never could quite place. Because even though their effect was everything you sought, it somehow felt so innately wrong whenever you had used them. As if they were not built for your hands, for your blood. Yet they were. They were finely crafted and tuned to you by beings you had never known and given to you by the mother you had always believed to want you safe-

"Are you coming?" Sindri's voice quickly caught your attention as your head swiveled to him, his head peaking in from the door.

"Yes, I-...feel like I've forgotten something" you answered, your voice as natural as it had been moments ago.

"Oh. Well whatever it is we can get it later. We're going to be late" he accepted your answer before waving for you to follow as he left once more. You gave another nod before, with the most reluctance, you took the rings into your satchel pocket and followed him into the Yggdrasil.

Another bout of silence ensued, though it felt much more peaceful than before. Or, at least, more comfortable now that the two of you weren't complete strangers. Soon enough you two were walking back out of the ethereal purple scenery and into the warmer but similarly silent place of Niðavellir.

Looking around you saw many buildings, the city sprawling for longer than you could guess. Despite that, and it being the middle of the day, there wasn't a sound to be heard.

"Welcome to Niðavellir!" He exclaimed as he gestured around what you would wager to be his former home. He began to walk and you decided it best to stay beside him. You continued to look around the seemingly abandoned place as you did.

"It's been a while" you spoke, Sindri turning to you with a curious glint.

"You've been here before?" His stare was expectant of an answer.

"Yes. Many winters ago" you answered plainly and to the point. You were somehow unsurprised to find him unsatisfied by it.

"I can assume you were looking to make something? Us dwarfs are known for our superior craftsmanship" He pried further but you were used to it after spending so long with Mimir. Though you supposed the situation was at least a little different, given that you felt a little more inclined to speak with the golden-plated dwarf than your father's confidant.

"My mother brought me. I was young then, Atreus' age I think. We had been looking for someone to make me a...a ring. It didn't work out though" you caught yourself a bit at the end, realizing your sudden slip of the tongue. Hel, the only reason his brother knew was by pure accident. How had you let yourself grow so comfortable?

"It must have been an important ring then, to come all this way" his tone made you uneasy as he spoke. It was a question in disguise, yet you knew you wouldn't be telling him any more than you already had.

"I don't remember it being so quiet" you quickly changed the topic as your eyes continued to look for any sign of life. He finally turned away from you, focusing back on the path.

"I would wager a guess that our companions have already made their way to the city. And, knowing Kratos, they didn't look for a quiet way in" you felt a bit of dread build within you at his words. You had hoped they hadn't attracted too much unwanted attention. Though at this point you probably should have expected it.

Soon the two of you stopped at a small workshop in a corner of the city. After which Sindri got to work setting up shop and you, having nothing better to do, took a seat.

The air was thick here, almost suffocating. Clouds of smoke billowed in a direction but that hardly caught your attention among the other wonders of the city. It had changed quite a lot since your younger years, though it had to be the silence that unnerved you the most.

You tried to distract yourself by sharpening and cleaning your axe while you waited but that only helped for a while. It wasn't long before you turned back to Sindri, your curiosity caught when you notice that he worked with strange magic. Despite not wanting to bother him too much, you figured he wouldn't mind a few questions. After all, you were sure he must too be unsettled by the silence here.

"What are you working on?" You asked with minor caution. His eyes flickered to you before turning back to his work, a green glow showing from the string he held.

"It's a project of mine. I've been looking into the structural sensitivity of sonic vibrations" he explained, placing the string down gently, as if he'd break it if he dropped it too suddenly. When he caught a glance of your utterly lost features, he gave a second shot at explaining it.

"I'm trying to find a way to use sonic vibrations to create a larger scale of destruction to certain sensitive materials" he reiterated and though it wasn't all that different from his initial explanation, you gave it your best shot at understanding him.

"Oh? So...a sound explosion?" his head tilted from side to side to imply that you were almost correct.

"A bit reductive, but sort of. More of an implosion if anything...Or at least that's the theory" he spoke before moving around his little shop, searching for something.

"You haven't tested it yet?" You asked, your intrigue now much more clear. The question seemed to gain his attention as he paused his movements to fully look at you once more.

"No. No I have. It's been rather...temperamental, to say the least. Working with new magic isn't exactly easy. I'm sure I have it down, but I'm not all that tempted to try it out again after the uh...last incident" he spoke with a more grave tone towards the end. You nod along, finding this to be quite interesting. At least more interesting than sitting in silence as you waited. In fact his words sprouted an idea in your head, one that would hopefully help you pass the time better than weapon maintenance.

"I can test it out, if you'd like" you inquired. The idea gave him pause as he seemed to maul it over a moment.

"Well, I had planned on doing it myself but...if you think you can handle it" he spoke skeptically which, you had to admit, was a bit amusing. It had been too long since you'd met someone who didn't know what you were. It was almost refreshing to have the expectations so low.

"I think I'll handle just fine" your small smile broke which seemed to wean away his previous hesitation. Confidence begets confidence after all.

"Your bow then" he outstretched his hand and you pulled the bow from your back and handed it to him. He began an attempt to take off the right string which you had to say was a little funny to watch. Even more so when you realized he very much wasn't going to ask for any help. But you bit your tongue well enough.

"Do you...need some help?" You spoke up gently, your voice stopping him for a moment.

What you hadn't expected was for him to look at you as if he'd seen some higher being descend upon him. Relief and thanks spread across his face as if you had asked to help him carry the weight on his shoulders. You were a little bewildered by it, the expression one you hadn't ever seen so blatantly on anyone before.

"Yes, yes, that would be great" he accepted with complete gratitude. So you placed you axe down and grabbed the bow. With only a bit of resistance you were able to hold it down for him and he didn't hesitate to take the string off, replacing it with the new one soon after. Once he did he stepped back and your grip loosened. A second passed before you gently picked it up once more, as if any sudden movement might irritate it. Turning it over in your hands showed that it seemed stable enough.

"Doesn't look too dangerous so far" you explained. He gave a cautious nod.

"Yes. However it might be smart for you to test it away from the workshop" he suggested and you quickly agreed. You stood before taking a good few steps away from the shop. When you felt you were a sufficient distance away you raised the bow carefully, as if to aim it, but didn't pull on the string. You instead gave one last look to Sindri who you noticed had ducked under his workbench. However his head quickly popped back up, clearly looking like he had forgotten something.

"Oh and uh- when you shoot! Just say the word, skjálfa!" he ducked back under the bench as you gave a nod.

Turning back to the bow with quite a bit of hesitance now, you brought your hand to the bow string. You watched the string hum with a bit of green light at your fingertips, the power of it evident. Knowing there was no avoiding the inevitable, and that an injury you might receive could be healed quick enough, you finally plucked the string and...

No explosion. Nothing more than a faint flicker of more green magic. You hummed in cautious delight before plucking an arrow from your quiver, swiftly pulling back the string as the glow reappeared. You aimed the arrow in a random direction before Sindri's voice called again.

"The gate! Aim for the gate! Where the green ore is!" He yelled to you, your aim quickly fixated on the target. When you were sure your aim was true you released.

"Skjálfa!" You yelled, watching as it quickly left your hand with a resonating thump of energy before flying into the metal. No familiar clink was heard as instead the metal compacted in on itself, crinkling like paper before falling with a small thud.

"It worked-!"

You didn't get to celebrate long, a skittering sound meeting your ears followed by a loud billow as you realized you must have disturbed a swarm of wretches. Only a glance showed a grim not far behind.

You quickly sprung into action as a group of the tiny creatures charged for you like overgrown bugs. You began to quickly step back as you pulled an arrow from your quiver just in time for one of them to jump at you, impaling itself on the arrow with only a bit of force on your part. That didn't seem to deter the other six as they then all came jumping at you in a thing reminiscent of skin crawling nightmares. You managed to dodge, shoot and stab without so much as a bite when-

"Look out!" Sindri yelled, your body dodging a disgusting green acid-like spit ball flown in your direction before you even really fully registered his words. Afterward your eyes flicked in his direction as he, to your surprise, was throwing an assortment of strange things at the grim that had just tried to boil you in bile. You were almost impressed, surprised to see the dwarf standing his own.

At least until he caught the attention of said grim who, unsurprising, begin to run at him.

"Ah!" You turned and sprinted towards him the moment he yelled and in doing so allowing a wretch to jump and latch on your arm. You hardly felt it as the grim lunged over the bench and at Sindri who had tried continuing an assault of whatever strange things he could pull from his endless bag from behind said bench. However the creature was only successful in knocking him to the ground as you pulled the grim near out of the air, wrapping your bow around its neck and pulling it. The creature yelled in anger and pained fury as you hopped onto it's back to tighten your grip. It clawed at you, ripping your pants a little, before-

Snap

There went your second bow, the creature escaping your grip and throwing you off of it. You hit the ground with a thump and just barely rolled out of the way of it's hands. You were thankful when a slight glance showed your ax now beside you. Without hesitation you reached for it.

You felt fury dare to grip at your throat again, that horrible feeling of thickened blood sinking in once more. However, unlike before when it had shown in glowing eyes that blurred your vision or in the golden flakes that surrounded the movement of your hands, it instead showed in the form of just pure burning. The fur held on you was anything but a comfort now, as it began to sear.

Knowing you didn't have much time before it would truly begin to burn, and driven fully by the panic of that thought, you swiftly grabbed the ax and moved to your feet. With the pumping of your adrenaline you let out a yell before lunging at the creature with as heavy a swing you could manage. You found relief when it's head hit the ground, it's body following shortly after.

Silence fell, a few deep breaths cooling the heat of your skin and the beating of your heart. A feeling so strange for such a common encounter. You hadn't had such a loose grip on it in so long, its signs usually showing only when your blood boiled over in messy golden ichor. But it seemed that over fimbulwinter your grip must have grown weaker. That or it somehow grew stronger in the inhospitable environment.

It wasn't long after you calmed that you registered the wretch that had yet to let go of your arm. You carefully unhooked it's jaw from you before throwing it onto the ground, a heavy stomp killing the pesky thing. You were confident by then that there were no more, though you glanced around just to be sure.

It was then that you met the wide-eyed state of Sindri, his elbows propping him up on the ground he had not stood from quite yet.

"Are you hurt?" You asked as you approached. He remained silent for a moment too long and you began to grow concerned, quickening your pace. Once you stood above him you looked him over, relived to see no bloody injuries.

"Sindri?" You called and, suddenly, the man sprung back to live. He blinked rapidly, adjusting himself into a seated position as he looked over his arms and legs, searching for an injury but thankfully seeing none.

"I'm fine- fine! I'm fine! It's...It's just been a while since I've been attacked like that!" He almost yelled through a nervous laugh, clearly shaken up by the ordeal.

"Well lucky you" you reached down, pulling the dwarf to his feet in an attempt the break his adrenaline. Unfortunately it did quite the opposite as he instead just stared at where you touched him on his arm with what you could only describe as poorly contained disgust.

"Oh, sorry. It slipped my mind" you apologized, pulling your hand very quickly back to your body.

"It's...fine" it was clearly not fine and he hid it poorly. Especially as he turned to the bag on his hip, digging around for a moment before pulling out some sort of cloth and wiping down the armor you had touched. You found the sight a little amusing, considering he had gone up to his shoulders digging through the bag, but you kept that thought to yourself. Instead you quickly went and retrieved the string of your now broken bow before placing it back on the bench with a simple nod from the dwarf. Silence returned for a few rather long moments after, an opportunity you took to get right back to cleaning your now grim covered blade. Then, right when you thought the silence might settle fully, he spoke again.

"Thank you" your eyes turned to him at the suddenly sincere tone in his voice. You questioned if he was joking, as most people who thanked you often were, but his seriousness didn't falter even in the way his eyes stared.

"For keeping that...thing off of me, I mean" You couldn't help the ever so slight smile that pulled at your lips or the slight swell of being acknowledged that grew in your chest.

"Well thank you for not letting me be melted by disgusting acidic mucus" you returned the thanks, his look twisting into one half amused and half horrified.

"Of course" he answered, his tone once again matching his face. You held back a snicker at it.

It was then that voices all too familiar began to echo in the near distance.

|Next Chapter|