#the silence/the beach parallels

[asoftepiloguemylove]

Natalie Wee NEVER BEEN KISSED / pinterest / 밤의 해변에서 혼자 On the Beach at Night Alone (2017) dir. 홍상수 Hong Sang-soo / Evelyn Waugh Brideshead Revisited / Mary Oliver North Country / Cheryl Strayed Tiny Beautiful Things / Aftersun (2022) dir. Charlotte Wells / Franz Wright East Boston, 1996; God's Silence

[cry4mina]

They won’t notice

(Mina x fem!reader)

Word Count: 17.1k

Fluff/Smut

Summary: Meeting your best friends members was always a nerve wracking though, but after the beach day you had with them...one in particular clings a little more than anticipated.

TW: Fluffy, smut, drinking, food, sex, hickeys, light choking, public teasing/sex, bruising, oral, fingering etc etc.

A/N: Per the vote that happened on my blog's 6 month anniversary, this was born. Please excuse the spacing! It was too long for me to separate it the way I prefer. I know it was supposed to just be smut but I'm in my fluffy era, I fear. Thank you to @ghostykapi for helping me put the plot together, this fic would NOT have happened without that precious human so the biggest shout out to her mwa mwa 🖤

Also @myouicieloz and @psylocke142 for helping me keep my sanity and organize my brain for this fic! I appreciate all of you so so so much! <3

Thank you to everyone who voted and who has stuck around to see what comes next! It's appreciated! Have a lovely Sunday and please, get yourself a sweet treat today! <3<3

“I really don’t think you should be so worried, Y/n. They’re going to love you!” Dahyun spoke reassuringly from the drivers seat as she masterfully parallel parked.

“They’re just so important to you and I want to make sure it goes well so I can see you more!” Expressed with love, concern and nervousness.

Being best friends with Dahyun since kindergarten, you were siblings at this point. Always calling each other with random life updates or just to sit in the comfort of each other’s silence.

Since her trainee days, you didn’t really get to hang out as frequently as you both liked, always missing each other with your schedules and free time so when you both were off today, she excitedly invited you to the beach with her and the rest of Twice.

Not having met them before, and being a fan of the music of course, you were very nervous to make a good impression on them - even with Dahyun reassuring you that they’d love you, you couldn’t help but stress.

“Alright, let’s go!” Leaning to grab her stuff out of the back seat and shoving your shoulder a little.

“It’s going to be fine, I swear. I talk about you enough, they already love you!”

Helping her gather the chairs and cooler, you make your way to the stair case leading to the shore and walk down the wooden steps to the sand that sunk slightly with every step taken.

Sun beaming down on you as you heard a familiar voice shout to you.

“Over here!”

Glancing over, you see an excited Jihyo waving her arms above her head next to a large circular set up of umbrellas and towels, the rest of Twice sitting around each other in the shade, chatting and giggling how you would expect.

Holy shit.

That’s Twice.

AND that’s Park Jihyo.

The leader of Twice.

Flagging YOU and Dahyun down.

Stopping in your tracks, you look over to Dahyun, she smiles and ushers you in front of her.

Walking to the group of girls felt like it took years. The anxiety of not only meeting your best friend’s members but Twice was so nerve-wracking, having followed them on their journey to fame in support of Dahyun and just pure enjoyment of the music.

“Hey guys! Wait…where’s Jeongyeon, Nayeon, and Mina?” Dahyun asking, plopping the stuff down in the sand next to Jihyo.

Jihyo in a black bikini, smiles at you and waves before answering the question.

“Nayeon got too drunk so Mina drove them back to the hotel. Jeongyeon is going to stay with her to make sure she drinks water and doesn't leave the room. You know how she gets.” Giggling about the fact that Nayeon was always a little hard to handle when drunk.

“Everyone! This is Y/n!” Dahyun shouted at the girls, they all gathered around to say hello and meet you.

Sana was in a lavender two piece that fit her perfectly, she was such a goddess in person, it was hard not to be flustered.

Momo opted for a royal blue one piece with her hair tied up in a bun, chaeyoung was also in a black bikini similar to Jihyo’s but with a white see through cover over it, and Tzuyu was wearing a sun dress - seemingly not too keen on swimming.

Offering a “finally!”, “we’ve heard so much about you!”, and “it’s nice to put a face to the name!” With hugs and hand shakes.

Sana offered you a drink, a bottle of soju.

“Dahyun told me that Mango was your favorite flavor so I grabbed you a few of these!” smiling as she handed you the chilled bottle from the cooler she brought with her.

“Thank you so much! That’s so sweet!”

Looking down at the bottle, you can’t help but think you were worried for nothing. They’re so welcoming and lovely, hope and warmth replaced the nervousness that once was.

Everyone made small talk while you and Dahyun were setting up the chairs you brought and the extra umbrella to keep the sun off everyone.

Sitting down next to Dahyun and taking a swig of the soju, you finally relax a little. Listening to them discuss the tour and showing you pictures, they ask you about your work and listening very attentively with every answer to their questions.

“So what do you do for work? Dahyun mentioned something with designing?” Momo chimed as she grabbed a bottle of Soju out of the cooler, looking at it and seeing it was melon flavor, making a face and shuffling around the ice for another.

“I’m a concept designer for Lego, actually.”

Always being proud of your job, you loved to brag about it. Having a creative and well paying job was something that you never thought could be possible unless you were an idol but you genuinely enjoyed the process of creating scenes to build and being able to bring them to life with mere plastic blocks.

“Wait…you’re what? No way!” Momo and Sana look at each other and giggle, you hear Sana whisper “Oh she’s going to love you.” but before you could ask what she was talking about, Chaeyoung jumped in and asked about the sets you had designed.

“You know those floral ones? Like the bonsai trees, the potted plants, and the bouquets?”

“No way…”

“Mhm…and those little racecars too, I had a part in those.”

Everyone seems to be side eyeing each other, no one fills you in on what is happening, they just keep looking around at each other until Jihyo finally breaks the silence with a cheers.

“To meeting new family” raising her glass to you and sipping, everyone following the motions.

Curious statement but cheers to that! Being accepted by them so quickly felt like a fever dream, unexpected but lovely.

Car keys jingle behind, a shadow of a woman with long dark wavy hair and her arms crossed looms over you when Dahyun stands and offers a hug to the figure.

“Mina, this is Y/n!”

Oh shit. Myoui Mina…your ult bias.

Dahyun knows the crush you have on Mina, a little worried that she might’ve said something to her, your mind spirals for a moment, wondering if Mina knows…

Act normal, this is fine.

“Uhm, Hi M-Mina. It’s nice to meet you.” Offering a hand to shake, she reaches for it and smiles at you softly, leaning forward and bowing her head slightly as a sign of respect,

How your legs didn’t turn to pure jelly, you have no idea. She was elegant and graceful and you were gay panicking way too hard to even realize how long you held her hand for.

Seems like she doesn’t even notice, she’s looking in your eyes and seemingly nervous as well, but she’s known to be shy so it’s probably just that, right?

“Hey Mina!” Chaeyoung shouts from her chair, waving obnoxiously to her bestfriend and turning to face her.

“Y/n is a concept designer for Lego’s!” Momo elbows Chae in the ribs playfully, shushing her and whispering to her.

“What? No way!” looking over at Chae to see her excitedly beaming back, Momo is shaking her head in her hands like Chaeyoung did something wrong… this confuses you for a split second.

“That’s so cool, I love Legos!” Mina exclaims, the excitement in her eyes is just too adorable to even think about anything else.

“She designed the plants and the little cars you like to build.” Sana shouts from behind Momo, who actively swing her arm back to try and shut her up, Sana just giggles and high fives Chaeyoung.

Tzuyu and Jihyo are just laughing but there’s a silent tension building in your ribcage, a little ache that turns into a fascination…why was Momo trying to stop them from telling her your line of work? And why were Tzuyu and Jihyo laughing?

“I love those! They’re so complicated for how small they are. I just built that orange one with Jeongyeon the other day. They’re so much fun!” shying away from you, she seems to take a step back from you.

Mina has always been known as shy, Dahyun says she has her moments but is also very playful and silly. That intrigued you, wanting to see that side of the soft spoken and regal Mina.

“They always send me sample builds for the ones I design and sometimes the bigger sets that are in testing so next time I’ll save them for you, if you want.” a nervous offer, but a meaningful one.

“Really? That would be amazing!” She’s radiating pure excitement now, unable to help but admire the happiness beaming from her.

Mina sat next to you all day, discussing your line of work and some builds you were working on, even though they were confidential. She swore to secrecy before you told her about them, which you thought was cute.

Having conversations with the other members, Mina never left your side. Your Twice bias taking a liking to you wasn’t something that you expected. She was always close by, even with everyone pulling you and her in different directions.

When everyone decided it was time to go in the ocean, she made sure to swim with you and playfully splash you.

This surprised you, as you weren’t expecting to see the playful side Dahyun spoke of so quickly, but you were grateful she felt comfortable enough to show it so soon.

By the end of the day you had exchanged numbers with the promise of hanging out soon, you hoped that to be true. Though you heard from other members that she wasn’t the best at texting back, you hoped that maybe you’d hear from her again.

—

The car ride home was relatively quiet, both you and Dahyun exhausted from the sun beaming down on you all day. The day was lovely, so happy that you decided to come along- even with it being so nerve wracking.

“So, did you have fun?” Dahyun nudging you with her elbow and making her eyebrows dance because she already knew the answer to your question.

“I did, I did.” giggling back to her.

“So what did you think of everyone?”

“Everyone was so nice! They’re all so sweet and welcoming, I’m really happy I got the chance to meet almost everyone and hang out for a while.” smiling at the new found friendship.

“Was everyone what you were expecting?” side eyeing you from the driver’s seat like she already knew the answer to this question too.

“I mean…for the most part, yes.” knowing what she was really asking, you were waiting for her to ask you flat out ask, until them you would dance around the question.

“Seems like you and Mina got to know each other.” Dahyun has the brightest smile on her face, poking you to see what information she could get out of you.

“Yes, that was really nice.” softly spoken back to her, face blushed completely as she knew about your celebrity crush on Mina.

“Soooooo…did you get her number?”

“Dubu!” shouted in shock at her while she cackles at you, unable to help yourself, you smack her shoulder playfully.

“What?! I’m just asking you a question!” flipping the blinker and snickering to herself as she pulls into your apartment building.

“Are you staying with me tonight?” changing the subject to avoid answering the question.

“Yes! Is that still okay?”

“It’s always okay. That’s why you have the spare key, duh!” getting out of the car and grabbing your stuff.

“Sooo…did you get her number or m…?”

You put your had up, halting her sentence, and making a face at her.

“I’m not talking to you about this!”

“Why not?! I can be your wingman! Come on!” Dahyun protests against your silence in the matter.

“Oh, shit, Dubu I left my phone in your car but my hands are full. Can you go grab it for me?”

“Sure” Dahyun goes to the car and snags your phone off the front seat, noticing a notification on the locks screen, she smiles widely.

“SO YOU DID GET HER NUMBER” Dahyun is jumping for joy at this revelation.

“Oh my goodness, I can see it now…The wedding, the pictures…ugh you guys are going to be so cute!” skipping to the elevator and holding it open for you before hitting the button for the top floor.

“Kim Dahyun! If you don’t shut your mouth!”

You don’t even know if Mina is into you, not wanting to be excited about something that might not happen, you just take it at face value.

“What!? I’m just saying, Y/n! Mina barely texts any of the members back so the fact that you have 2 notifications for her here is actually insane.” her eyes more serious now, her tone a little more pointed but it’s hard to believe.

The elevator dings and you step out, walking to your front door and punching the code in before pushing it open and placing everything down inside. Sand trails through your kitchen when you head to your room, Dahyun follows.

“What if she just wants the legos? I mean I’m happy to give them to her but her texting me doesn’t mean she likes me like that!” huffing at playing devils advocate.

Wanting to believe her, you just weren’t sure. The interactions you had with Mina were relatively surface level and it’s not that uncommon to have those conversations with anyone. You didn’t want to assume they meant more then they actually did.

“Trust me, Mina doesn’t talk to strangers like that. Not that you’re a stranger, I’ve told them so much about you already. But like…she just met you and clung to you all day…that’s a big deal…she doesn’t do that at all.” Dahyun has taken her stance. The stance of when she’s trying to prove a point and she knows she’s right.

You’re too stubborn to believe her.

“I guess we will see in time.” shrugging your shoulders and turning on your shower so you can rinse the beach off your skin.

“Dude, I’m telling you! She likes you!” Dahyun is practically yelling now, waving her hands around her head in frustration and huffing as she stops out of the room.

Giggling at her theatrics, you are curious if what she’s saying is true. Just as the thought passes by. your phone goes off again and Dahyun bolts back into the room.

“IF THAT’S A TEXT FROM MINA, THEN SHE ABSOLUTELY LIKES YOU BECAUSE A TRIPLE TEXT?? SHE WOULD NEVER DREAM OF IT.” screaming with such force it startles you.

Looking down at your phone, it scans your face and you look at the banner messages.

Mina Myoui: It was really nice to meet you today! I hope you join us for more activities in the future. (6:27pm)

Mina Myoui: I would love to hang out sometime, would you want to build legos together or something? (6:38pm)

Mina Myoui: Is that too much? Sorry. (7:02pm)

“Oh? It’s Mina…she wants to hang out” you’re in a bit of shock to see her name pop up in your phone, her asking you to hang out and then asking you if it’s too much?

No way. You wished it wasn’t weird to ask her to come over right now, actually.

“SHE FREAKIN’ LIKES YOU!” Dahyun goes on her yelling rant about how Mina is never like this and how she wouldn’t even text her best friend that many times in a row and blah blah blah.

Sitting there and starring at the screen, you see the typing bubble pop up and disappear quickly. Is she staring at her phone for a response?

You: It was so nice meeting you today too! I would love to build legos with you. Just let me know when you’re free. Not too much at all :) I was hoping you’d ask! (7:05pm)

Throwing your phone on the bed, you swiftly turn around to take your shower. You can hear Dahyun screaming from the living room in absolute victory, which makes you laugh.

Rinsing the sand off your legs, you remember the conversations you had with Mina about her lego build collection and her other hobbies. She talked about her love for video games a lot, saying that she’s got a few she plays every day and some she played mostly on vacation.

Mentioning minecraft survival and how she enjoys how puzzle-like it feels to be able to gather the materials and keep your character safe when the little zombies are out and about.

Mina also mentioned wanting to write more songs but being nervous about the vulnerability of putting her thoughts into lyrics. Encouraging her to take that step and be more vulnerable, you reminded her that so many people admire her.

“You should write more if you want to! I know that a lot of people really love the song you did for the Misamo debut, I think it would be really awesome for you to do more if that was something you wanted.” nodding your head at her.

She blushed at that, her cheeks reddened as she dipped her hair down trying to hide her face.

How adorable she is when she talks about things she’s passionate about.

Finally done with your shower, you dry off to find that Dahyun had used the guest bathroom to do the same. Her hair wrapped in a towel, in comfy clothes, and scrolling through her phone waiting for you.

Flipping on a random show, you sit on the couch with Dahyun and proceed to scroll through your phone when you get another text from Mina.

Mina Myoui: I think I’m free sometime next week if you want to get together! (7:36pm)

You: Yeah, I would like that! I have a few test sets of lego’s at the house we could build together if you want! (7:37pm)

Mina Myoui: I would love that (7:39pm)

“Who are you texting? With that huge smile on your face?! IT’S MINA ISN’T IT?!” Dahyun seemed to be more excited about this than you were, and that was saying a lot considering you were literally making plans to hang out with your Ult bias.

“Dahyun! Let me exist! Jeez!” huffed at her, all she did was smile and text someone ferociously on her phone before completely changing the subject and carrying on your night like normal.

—6 months later—

Mina ended up cancelling on you because of a last minute schedule, but still texted you every day just to talk. You even FaceTimed and talked on the phone often, just getting to know each other and updating each other on the day to day.

Zipping your suitcase closed, you sigh.

Deciding that you would bring a tote with a couple tester sets of legos with you to give to the girls who saw her the most, that way when she did have a moment, she could relax with them.

“You ready?” Dahyun shouted from the front door as you picked out a few sets for Mina…Dahyun wouldn’t do it because she wanted you to do it yourself, you planned to pass them along to Chae or Momo.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” grabbing your bags and heading for the door.

“Why do you sound so sad? We are going on a winter adventure to the mountains!” lifting her arms to the sky to try and get you to laugh, it doesn’t work.

“Sorry, Dubu. I was just really hoping Mina would come too. We talk so often but I haven’t seen her since the beach day. I was just really looking forward to spending time with her is all.” sighing as you hoisted your suitcase into the car, grabbing a blanket you brought for the ride and curling up in the passenger seat.

“It’s okay, Y/nnie. I’m sure we will have fun either way.” there’s a smirk on her face, something is off but you are too distracted by your own thoughts to even want to ask.

The soft blanket you brought with you brings you some sort of comfort, keeping you warm even in the sadness.

You decide to text Mina.

You: Hey! I hope your schedules go well today! Sad you can’t make it to the vacation :/ (10:04am)

You: I am bringing some of those builds with me for the girlies to bring to you later though! I hope you enjoy them when you can :) (10:05am)

Unable to stop yourself from being disappointed, you put your phone in your lap and watch the scenes out the window pass you by.

The city quickly turned into country side, a few farms here and there, some cows you are sure to point out to Dahyun who has been surprisingly quiet the last 45 minutes.

Sighing at the lack of response, you really really wished Mina was coming to this outing. Always being bad at hiding your emotions, you knew try to hide them from Dahyun by just staring out the window.

Your phone pinging breaks your state of dissociation.

Mina Myoui: That is so sweet of you! I’ll hold onto them so we can build them together. :) (10:55am)

Mina Myoui: I wish I was coming too. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, but I promise I’ll see you so soon. These unexpected schedules they keep booking me for are really kicking my ass lol (10:56am)

You: I can imagine! Please get some rest when you can! You work hard and should make sure to take care of yourself. (10:57am)

Mina Myoui: Trust me, I’ll get some good rest this week ;) (10:59am)

This week? Like when we are in the mountains with most of the girls?

You: Please do! You’ve definitely earned it with how busy you are! (11:01am)

A sigh leaves your lips, wishing she wasn’t so busy so you could spend time with her.

Eyes drifting back to out the window, you try to muster up the courage to be excited about hanging out with Sana, Chaeyoung, Momo, Nayeon and Jihyo.

Tzuyu was with her family this week, Jeongyeon was overseeing the animal shelter while the owner was on vacation and Mina was…busy.

Pushing positivity into you brain, you list off the things that you could look forward too.

Relaxing.

Meeting Nayeon.

Hot tub and sauna in a massive rented house in the mountains.

Snow.

Hanging out with the girls again.

“Everyone is really excited to see you again, you know.” Dahyun chimes in, disrupting your thoughts.

“Are they? They’re so sweet.” Monotone in your reply, unintentional, but present.

“Come on, Y/n. I know you wanted to see Mina but there will be other times.” Reaching out to rub your shoulder in an act of comfort.

“I know, I know. We just have been texting since the beach trip and I was looking forward to hanging out with her in person again. You guys are always so busy, I thought we could…” letting the sentence end before finishing it.

“I know but trust me, we’ve got a lot of fun things planned!” Dahyun is suddenly very giddy, bouncing in her seat in excitement.

You don’t match the energy.

—

The countryside grows into mountains, slowly unfolding into a snow filled road lined with trees that winds around the peak you’d be staying at for the next few days.

Admittedly the scenery was beautiful, the trees sprinkled with white flakes of ice, the deep greens and browns that fill the spots the reflective chill couldn’t.

For the rest of the ride, you were trapped in your thoughts. Holding onto the text exchange from Mina about being able to see each other soon.

Your little crush developed into full blown liking her and you dreamed of the comfort you’d feel when you see her again.

—

Pulling up to the house, you were immediately captivated by how lavish it looked, even from the outside.

Big stone pillars around the front door, large windows that allowed you to see inside to find marble flooring, massive fancy chandeliers, and the girls laughing and playing in the living room.

Sana points to the driveway, seeing you and Dahyun getting out of the car. Watching as they all stand and run to another part of the house.

The front door flings open and everyone runs out in the snow to greet you with hugs and help you with your bags.

Nayeon walks right up to you and pulls you in for a hug.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Y/n! So sorry about last time. “ bowing her head in a small moment of shame.

“It’s totally okay. I’ve had my fair share of days like that.” smiling at her and offering some reassurance that there was no judgement there.

Nayeon grins back at you, pulling you in for a hug as if you had always known each other. There was a warmth about her that made you feel calm, less worried. Almost like a best friend that you hadn’t seen in years hugging you again.

Sana and Chae see this, scrunching their noses and looking at each other with confusion. Brushing this off, you hug them and say it’s good to see them again and you’re looking forward to spening more time together.

Jihyo walks up, slaps you on the back playfully and puts her arms out for you, waiting for you to do the same. Giggling at her and returning the hug, you squeeze her tight.

“It’s good to see you again, Hyo.”

“Right back at you, Y/n” warmly rubbing the spot she just smacked.

Jihyo and you had developed a solid friendship after the beach day. She would come over and have dinner with you, just hang out and watch movies or you’d go to hers and do the same.

There was a sense of family between you and everyone, they had accepted and welcomed you even before you had actually met them at the beach that day.

Knowing that you and Dahyun had grown up together probably helped that along, but the kindness they had always shown you was full of genuine love and safety.

Bringing the bags into the house, you couldn’t help but take in the rest of the luxury it was dripping in.

The marble counter tops matching the floors, the conversation pit in the den behind a beige L shaped couch with a huge TV hanging on the wall, the fireplace that was fancy enough to be considered a work of art, and the fact that it had 10 bedrooms with bathrooms attached was just mind blowing.

“We hung nameplates on the doors for both of your rooms, if you want to go see! But we’ve just been hanging out in the living room and just talking.” Jihyo says, making her way back to what you would assume is the seat she was in before you arrived.

“Yes, I’m going to go put my stuff down and I’ll be right back.” making your way to the staircase and taking the first few steps.

You see Dahyun and Jihyo side eye each other out of your peripherals and brush it off, you knew that your energy was noticeably off but you wouldn’t admit why.

You’re sure that Dahyun was already filling the group in on why you weren’t exactly yourself today.

—

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, you hang a left into the hallway and see hand painted signs hanging on the doors. All the members ones were painting in their representative colors, yours was Mint green…cute joke.

Looking around you, seeing that there was another Mint green sign…for Mina…all the members had rooms assigned to them even if they weren’t here? Tzuyu and Jeongyeon had ones also. It’s cute that they always include everyone, it makes you smile.

Stepping inside the room, you see a MASSIVE bed with a fire place across the room from it. A big tv mounted on the wall, the deep red tones of the room really provide a coziness that matches what the fireplace brings. Thinking about sleeping in here tonight makes you yawn at how comfortable you already feel.

Checking your phone to see nothing from Mina, you sigh again. Tossing it on the bed and trying to figure out how you’re going to shake this sadness you have about not being here this weekend. Placing your bags down, you opt to check out the bathroom, walking over and flicking the light switch on - it’s absolutely lavish.

The bathtub is basically its own hot tub, jets and everything. The shower is huge and natural, rocks inside and fake plants. Gasping in shock at how immaculate this bathroom was, you look up at the ceiling and notice that there’s a long spout on the ceiling behind the shower glass that just looks like a disc drive.

Seeing the buttons on the wall, you press one out of curiosity.

A waterfall starts.

A waterfall shower??? In the mountains?? Luxury is crazy but you were so excited to shower tomorrow morning.

A knock at the door startles you, pressing the button again to stop the shower, you rush over to the door to your room and open it to find Momo smiling at you.

“Mind if I come in?"

“Sure!” swinging the door open, she lays down on her stomach on the bed and watches you get settled.

“Hey, Y/n. Can we talk for a minute?” there’s some concern in her voice.

Swinging around to face her so she knows you’re present, you sit next to her and wait for her to say what she has made clear she wants to.

“You seem really nice and I enjoyed getting to know you at the beach that day. It’s seems that you will be around more, and I just want to make sure that you know how protective we are of each other…do you get what I’m saying?” there’s an inflection in her tone that you can’t shake, what did she mean by that?

“Uhm…truthfully, I don’t have malicious intentions at all. All of you mean so much to Dahyun and she’s part of my family at this point. I wouldn’t dream of harming any of you in anyway. If anything, I’m nervous about you guys not really liking me or me being like weird or something” reassurance and vulnerability gifted to Hirai Momo.

“Why would we think you’re weird?” laughing at this, she seems to have eased up in the seriousness of her last statement.

“To be honest, I’m actually a huge fan.”

“What?” giggled back.

“Yes! I’ve been following the group for years, not only out of support for Dahyun but because I just really enjoy the music too. So half the time I’m around you I’m like “Oh shit that’s fucking Hirai Momo, the dancing machine from Twice” but I know you’re a person so I obviously don’t want to be like weird about it” unable to help yourself, you laugh at what you’re saying.

She joins you, cackling with you.

“I need you to know we felt the same way! We were so nervous about meeting you because of how much you mean to Dahyun…we were worried about how we would come off to you.” offering the same vulnerability back to you.

“So we had the same thoughts, minus the “holy shit you’re twice” moment?”

“It seems that way.” smiling at you, soften up a bit at from the one on one interaction.

Momo gets up and heads for the door.

“I’ll give you some space to get settled. Come down when you’re ready! We made hot chocolate too so you’re welcome to that as well.” pulling the door open, Momo looks back to you before stepping out of the room.

“I can see what she sees in you.” disappearing before you have a moment to question what she had just said to you.

Who sees what in you?

An iced chill of worry shoots through you, matching the show that laces the ground outside the window…trying not to worry about it, you slip on something more comfortable and head downstairs to make small talk with the rest of the girls.

When they see you coming, they hush each other to be sure you didn’t hear what they were discussing. That also brings some anxiety with it but no matter, you’re here to have fun.

Letting go of the worry of what they were discussing, you just sink into the moment and jump into the conversation that Jihyo started about some of the things she was working on.

Momo brings you a mug of hot chocolate and sits next to you on the couch, the friendship being cultivated with these girls is something you would cherish- you could already tell that they were making space for you in their lives and that meant the world.

—

Dinner was around the corner, everyone was laying around and watching TV together in the living room while waiting for the delivery to arrive, you had ordered sushi an hour ago and expected it to take a while to get out here but all of you were waiting with anticipation for the delicious food that was about to arrive.

Checking your phone multiple times that evening to see if you had a response from Mina, but nothing…she must be really busy. That’s what you assume anyway…you wished she was here.

Jihyo’s phone went off, she smiled so widely, her cheeks could’ve fallen right off. Very excited about the sushi, I guess?

“It’s here!” jumping up and running out of sight to the door.

Looking up from your phone, everyone is side eyeing you and watching you closely. The confusion sets in, why are you being watched?

Slowly turning to make eye contact with Momo, she looks away in a panic. Sana does the same and Chae just smiles widely at you.

Uhm…this is really weird?

“Hey, Y/n! Would you mind helping me in the kitchen?” Jihyo yells from the front door, you can hear the plastic bags rustling against her arms.

“Yeah!” shouted back before you get up and walk through the kitchen door.

No one is here…?

A figure walks through the door that connects to the foyer, long dark wavy hair, a pale complexion and a big smile on her face…

“Hey, Y/n” the figure says while your eyes focus.

It’s Mina.

“Mina!” rushing over to her to give her a hug, the excitement consuming you. Heart racing and eye’s watering at the pure happiness felt with her around.

She giggles at how excited you are to see her, hugging you back just as tightly.

You realize that this is only the second time you’ve seen her in person and this might read as too much. Pulling back quickly, you offer a small apology.

“No, it’s okay. I missed you too.” placing her hand on your upper arm and sliding it down to your forearm.

Heart pounding out of your chest, you try to gain some form of calmness and look away but the blush got to your cheeks before you realized what was happening.

Mina giggles again, sliding her hand past your’s, brushing your fingers with hers on the way down before her hand is back at her side.

“I wanted to surprise you…” hesitantly leaves her mouth with hushed breath, that you weren’t expecting.

“You wanted to surprise me?”

“Well, yes. We’ve been talking so much and truthfully I-”

A crash through the kitchen doors startle both of you, Sana and Momo looking for something harder than hot chocolate to drink.

“Oh! Uhm, so sorry. We were looking for the liquor cabinet…” Sana offers as an excuse for what ruined the moment.

Momo is nodding her head, closing her eyes tightly in embarrassment it seems.

“It’s okay…Don’t worry.” Mina offers up to them as they scurry out of the kitchen.

Both of you sigh.

“I’m happy you surprised me.” smiling at her.

“Me too. And we have this whole week to hang out too!” excited leaves her lips.

She seems as eager to spend time with you as you do with her, it makes your insides warm and fluttery even if you were trying to not assume anything.

“MINA IS HERE!” Sana’s shouts can be heard in the kitchen, rumbling follows.

Muted foot steps can be heard scampering on the hardwood floors, followed by hushed giggling and whispering behind the wooden door, however the door doesn’t move.

They’re trying to hear what you are talking to Mina about.

Glancing over to Mina, you make eye contact - she knows better than you what they’re doing. A glimmer behind her eye catches your attention…for more reasons than one.

“Come with me” hushed breathless whisper leaves her perfectly pink lips, you try to process what she mouthed to you, completely lost in the beauty she radiated.

This was the playfulness Dahyun had always spoke of.

She tiptoed to the other door silently, turning around to see you still in place. She waves you over and you follow her actions of silently.

When you were close enough to her, she grabbed your wrist and snuck through the door.

Gasping unintentionally at her touch, she raises a hand to cover your mouth. Eye widened at the action, you can only look at her in shock.

Your blood runs cold but your heart bursts into flames, pounding at the touch of Mina for a few reasons.

One: because she is touching you.

Two: because her hand is covering your mouth and that always sparks something more lust driven from you, not that she would know that.

Mina leans into your ear and whispers, “…Shh until we scare them, okay?”

Nodding your head to let her know you understood the assignment, she looked into your eyes before she slowly removed her hand. Watching her as she looked at your lips and then back to your eyes.

Blush taking over your cheeks, yet again, you can’t help but smile and break the eye contact. Worrying that the tension was just you, you try to focus on being calm and quiet so you can scare the girls.

Mina looks at you for longer than expected before she sneaks around the corner, your wrist still in hand.

“I don’t hear anything!” Sana harshly whispers.

“Maybe they know we are trying to listen in?” Chae replied

Jihyo shushes them both.

Sneaking around the corner with Mina in the lead, you see everyone has their ears pressed up against the door, trying to listen to the ghosts in the kitchen.

Mina looks at you and represses a giggle, tightening her lips and trying to compose herself. The ache to kiss her builds in your stomach, how could someone be so elegant and so silly at the same time?

She steps out from being the wall, pulling you with her and sneaking behind the group, joining them as if she was always there.

“What are we doing?” Mina whispers to Nayeon, trying to see how far she can take this bit.

“We are waiting to hear if Mina tells Y/n that she likes her. Don’t you remember? We set up this surprise so we could push them together!” Nayeon whispers back to Mina unconsciously, not even realize the bomb that she just dropped.

Mina goes pale, frozen in the secret that was just exposed unwilling to look at you from the sheer panic that swept through her soul at Nayeon’s words back to her.

“I think Y/n knows now but I didn’t tell her.” Mina says loud enough for everyone to hear, startling everyone who was against the door.

They try to play it cool and nonchalant, but you and Mina had stood there too long to buy it.

“Wait so she kno-” Momo asks in confusion.

“Okaaaaay! Let’s not do that right now.” Mina waves her hands up in from of everyone to keep them from asking questions.

You just stood there and trying to process what Nayeon just said. Mina likes you? Like…likes you likes you?

“Dinner is ready so let’s go eat!” an attempt at damage control by Jihyo, it works for the most part.

“Wait…Mina, can we talk?” snagging her by the hand before she could follow the group into the den for sushi.

“Yes, of course.” stopping and turning around to look at you nervously while you spoke.

“You…like me?” shyly inquiring on if you heard that right from Nayeon.

“I…uh…yes.” her head is hanging, eyes at the ground so she doesn’t have to see your reaction. Toying with her fingers to keep calm in this conversation.

Not being used to seeing Mina in this light, you take the opportunity to be bold, placing a finger under her chin and lifting her face to meet yours.

She gasps at the action before going back to looking at your lips again, this time she makes eye contact but there’s something different about the way she’s looking at you.

Without even realizing it, you get closer to each other. Gravitating like magnets until your noses brush, startling you out of the haze but not allowing you to pull back.

Mina has an eagerness about her, being this close to her - you can see the hunger in her eyes. Tension palpable between the two of you, you can tell that she wants this just as bad as you do.

Noses brushing as you inch closer and closer, you can feel her breath on your lips and feel her hands creep around your waist only to pull you into her, finally locking your lips together.

A soft peck first, giving each other the time to process what just happened. You take a few seconds to reminisce in how soft and delicate her lips were, her touches feather light and conducting so much heat that you feel like you could explode.

“Was tha-” Cut off by you cupping her face and bringing her back to you.

Lips connecting again, this time deeper and more passionately. Her hands on your waist coasting up your sides and back before letting them drape over your shoulders.

Separating before it could turn into too much, you take a moment to feel every single drop of oxytocin that seeped into your veins. Gold laced sparks of sweetness send goosebumps across your skin in a wave of euphoria that couldn’t compare to anything you had ever experience.

“I like you too.” one last peck before you take her by the hand and lead her to the den for dinner she brought for everyone.

—

Once dinner is over, Sana and Momo went back to the kitchen to see if they could find the liquor cabinet with Jihyo’s help. Nayeon, Chae and Dahyun went upstairs to their respective rooms so change and get more comfortable.

You and Mina sit in the den, basking in the excitement of your confession of fondness for each other. It was all so new, but so comfortable. Existing in the same space together brought you a sense of peace you had never known, a calmness that was unexplainable other than being next to her.

“Did you actually bring those lego sets?” quietly inquired without looking at you.

“I did. I thought you’d want to build them in your downtime and I promised to give them to you so I wanted to make good on that promise.” looking over to her and offering her a smile.

“You’re cute.” Mina giggles, flushing red at the genuine care you showed her.

“Do you want to build a few while we are here? I did manage to get one of those cars I know you like building, it’s limited edition too.”

“What?! No way!” excitement now in her eyes as she finally looks at you. She must be nervous.

“Yes! I brought a few different ones, a couple of the plant ones I designed, the car, and then I got this new one that I thought you might like. It’s a minecraft one of the villages in the games…that one isn’t releasing until next year but I had a part in designing it so they sent me a tester.”

“A minecraft one?!” Mina looks like she’s about to fall over with anticipation.

“You remembered that I liked Minecraft?” Freezing in place while waiting for your answer.

“Yeah, it’s one of your favorites. Of course, I remember.”

She looks at you in a way that made your heart soar, the care and kindness displayed on her face and in her body language was enough to send you into overdrive. Willing to do anything to keep her looking at you like that, you scoot closer to her and she instinctively puts an arm around you.

“Soooooo do you want to build one tonight or do you want to wait for the morning?”

“We can do whatever you wa-”

Jihyo comes crashing through the door with a bottle of bourbon that was completely full, she shows it off like it’s a fine bottle of wine, not realize that she had just interrupted.

“Oh, yes! Such a fine bottle of bourbon Ms. Park! I’ll take two glasses please” teasingly at Jihyo.

Jihyo bows gracefully, Momo and Sana come back with glasses for everyone and Jihyo starts to pour some drinks. Momo stokes the fire and Sana takes a seat next to Mina. Nayeon, Dahyun and Chaeyoung come running down barreling down the stairs now in sweatpants, with blankets in hand.

Jihyo is passing out the glasses of bourbon to everyone, once you get your’s, you take a small sip and enjoy the warmth that fills your chest. It matches the warmth that Mina brought you, so a perfect pairing you’d say.

Watching everyone make faces at the flavor of the bourbon was hilarious, it seems that you and Jihyo are the only ones fond of it.

“Tomorrow, I’m going into town to get something that isn’t this.” Sana, still scrunching her nose from the burn, says very matter of factly.

“I’ll go with you!” Nayeon and Momo say in unison, looking at each other and laughing.

“I want to get some stuff to make breakfast sometime this week.” Momo seems to have a plan to treat us to a yummy meal.

“I’d just like to see what the stores look like around here.” Nayeon just wanting an adventure.

Jihyo gets up, shooting the rest of her glass and then makes her way to the stairs.

“I’m going to go and sit in the sauna for a while if anyone wants to join.”

“I have to see this sauna. This house is immaculate, honestly.” standing up and finishing your drink quickly.

Mina says nothing but stands with you, matching your movements of finishing your drink.

Momo and Sana get comfortable on the couch with Dahyun and Chaeyoung, Nayeon follows Jihyo up the stairs to the rooms. You and Mina are close behind, going to your individual rooms to change into bathing suits.

—

Once everyone is changed, you all head through the den and to the end of the hall where a light wood door leads you to the spa part of the house. There’s a sauna and a hot tub, as well as some showers. Fountains in the middle of the large room have you reeling.

This house must cost a fortune.

Mina clings to you the entire time, never leaving your side.

Everyone in their bathing suits, Jihyo in that same black one she wore, Nayeon in a bright blue one piece and Mina is wearing what seems to be a dark bikini but she’s got a see through cover that hides the true color of it. You are in an oversized t-shirt to cover up through the house, bathing suit underneath.

Jihyo is feeling that drinks as she’s getting loud and silly, being playful and flirty with everyone.

Getting ready to go into the sauna, you put your towel down next to Mina and remove your shirt, revealing your body to her but this time she’s sure to take in every inch of skin you showed her.

Eyes completely glued to you giving you butterflies and adding to the crush that you both had for each other.

Seeing her look at you the way she did, you smirk, waiting for her to bring eye contact back to you. You lean into her ear and whisper:

“You can see more later, if you want.” winking and running your hand down her arm to her hand, entwining your fingers before turning around to face the chaos that was unfolding, drunk Nayeon and Jihyo giggling at themselves.

Mina’s demeanor has changed, she’s got her hand that wasn’t holding yours on your lower back and this surprises you. You wouldn’t really take her to have the dominant vibe, but she sinks into it as if it’s always been there.

Jihyo takes one look at you in the bikini and whistles, obnoxiously checking you out.

“Damn, Y/n! Have you been working out? Look at you!” winking dramatically and nudging you with her elbow.

Playful and silly, constantly joking around with each other, Jihyo and you had become good friends but it was nothing more than friends. The thought never even crossed your mind.

Mina tenses at this, tilting her head to the side and questioning this interaction she just witnessed between the two of you.

Nayeon is in her own world on her phone when Jihyo drags her into the sauna, leaving you and Mina in the vast white tiled room with a hot tub and a fountain in the middle of the tension.

Mina says nothing, but strips off her cover - revealing her abs and strong arms. You practically drool over her, mouth agape, eyes trailing along the flow of her body and up to her smiling face.

Giggling at how your jaw drops for her, she is sure to get closer to you mimicking your movements from when you took your shirt off earlier.

“Want to see more later? Perhaps I’ll extend that invite back to you. Unless you have other plans with Jihyo…?” from sexy to snarky in a matter of second, you can’t believe the sneer on her face.

Is she jealous?

“I’m not drooling over Jihyo, am I? I didn’t kiss Jihyo earlier, did I?” thrown back at her so she can see that it’s just you and her in this.

No one else.

Mina smiles, cupping your face and kissing you intensely, like she was staking her claim to you. The creates quite a reaction from you, making you more than a little needy.

“Sauna or hot tub?” disconnecting her lips and bending forward and ushering her hand out, offering the decision to you in a manner that was the opposite energy of this kiss she just gave.

“Whatever you want” kicking it back to her, noticeably swooning at the way she took charge - despite the jealousy.

“The hot tub looks nice…” eyebrows rising, looking over to you to see if you approve.

“Hot tub it is.” Grabbing her hand and leading her to the water being disturbed by jets, stepping in and finding your spot in one of the corners.

She follows suit, sitting next to you and slouching into the warmth of the water. Sighing as her body unclenches, you look over at her…admiring the serenity that she emitted.

Her long dark hair hanging off the side to not get it wet, her eyes closed, and her face so peaceful…you leaned over to kiss her temple, unable to help yourself with how excited you were about your mutual feelings for each other.

Mina opens one eye, peaking at your through her bangs before letting out a giggle.

“What are you doing?” eyes still closed with the edges of her mouth curled into a smile as she relaxes further.

“Oh, nothing…just thinking about someone.” you know exactly what kind of curiosity this would peak in her…soon she’d be exactly where you wanted her to be.

“Who are you thinking about?” her brows furrow at the words, knowing she would get jealous again.

“Well you see, I’ve been talking to this girl for a long time…we texted and spoke on the phone a lot and I really like her.” Mina opens here eyes, sitting up to look at you with her elbow resting on the edge of the hot tub, placing her head on her hand.

“I found out today that she likes me too…and I’m really excited about it.” whispered through s light nervousness that rises through the heat of the jets.

“…are you referring to someone that’s in the room?” One of her eyebrows raises while the other furrows, the look of confusion on Mina’s face makes you chuckle at her.

The sound of your laugh makes her other brow descend, furrowing to match the other.

Is she really confused about this?

“Yes, the other person is in the room.” still giggling at her while playfully flicking water towards her.

“…like in this room? or just this part of the hou-”

“Mina…it’s you. Don’t overthink it.” leaning in and kissing her softly for reassurance.

Whipping your leg over her thighs, you straddle her. Deepening the kiss and letting out some of the passion that had built within you over the last few months of not seeing her but speaking with her daily.

Her arms wrap around your waist, coasting up your back lightly, sending a single shiver down your spine - clattering your bones with the warmth she offered to you.

Slipping a finger under the string that held your top up, the fabric tightens before threatening to fall. Pulling her arm towards you to remove that threat, you pull back from her and look her in the eyes.

The tension is so thick, even a knife couldn’t slice the pure desire that was trapped in the gaze you were locked in. Mina’s breath picks up when your hand raises to her cheek, caressing it softly before a single finger trails down to her chest between her breasts and down her stomach.

Reconnecting your lips, you drop your hand down to the wear the fabric starts on the bottoms of her swimsuit, tracing the edge of it gently just to tease her and see her reaction.

This sparks a fire in her belly and you can tell as her breath hitches and she slouches to allow you access to what you were asking permission silently for.

“Can I?” To vocalize asking even though the signs were clear.

“Please” hushed tone drenched in neediness before returning her mouth to yours, swiping her tongue at your lips and further deepening the passion playing out before the two of you.

Jihyo and Nayeon both cackle from the sauna, both you and Mina freeze.

Turning your head slowly to see if you had been caught.

The reflection of the glass shows you on top of Mina, who is bright red due to embarrassment of possibly being spotted in this compromising position.

Behind your imagine in the fogged up glass is Nayeon and Jihyo watching something on Nayeon’s phone, giggling at it and completely immersed in whatever video it was.

“They are laughing at something on Nayeon’s phone and they’re definitely drunk…they won’t notice us.” Bringing your mouth to her neck to plant a few kisses down to her collarbone.

Mina lets out a whine that would be burnt into your brain for the rest of your life. The pure need that reverberated off your eardrums caused an ache that words could not explain.

Half-lidded brown eyes look up at you, a hand slips up and around your neck to pull you closer so your lips meet once more.

The dominance in her rattles you in the best way possible, her hand around your throat to tug you closer to her sent a shot of hunger through you like nothing else ever could.

“Do it” between the soft romantic pecks she was carefully placed on your jaw, gently kissing up to your ear just to let out the faintest whimper inciting you to grind against her thigh roughly to get some stimulation.

Your hand back to where it was on her swim suit, slipping down underneath the fabric to slip a finger between her fold and gently rub her clit.

A gasp leaves her lips, the tone of yearning so present that it sent you into a spiral of just wanting to please her. A need so strong that you could not have any thoughts aside from how her face would contort when you finally gave her what she wanted.

The sound of the glass door to the sauna opening brings both of you back to the present, removing you from how wrapped up in each other you were.

“Can you believe that this is what Jeongyeon and Tzu are missing out on? This house is amazing… and the weath-…are we interrupting?” Nayeon’s eye widen, arm flying out to stop Jihyo in her tracks as they both look up to see you straddling Mina.

Bless how strong the jets were so they couldn’t see that your hand was between Mina’s legs.

“No, no, we were just uhm…talking…” trying regulate your breath so they wouldn’t catch on.

Too late.

“Sure, you were….” Jihyo giggles and takes Nayeon by the hand, dragging her out of the spa area of the house.

Looking down at Mina, her hands are covering her face in embarrassment, you lean down and kiss her forehead. She spreads her pointer and middle fingers and peaks out at you, giggling out of shock.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure they’re gone now…” removing your hand from where it was and taking her wrists to pry her hands off her face.

“Maybe we should pick this up later…somewhere a little more private?” she’s tugging at the strings that are keeping your bottoms from falling completely off. The smirk that is displayed on her face is one that reflects the ache inside you.

“Maybe we should.” sliding off her lap and into the seat you were in before. Mina smiles at you, giggling and trying to cover her stunning smile with her hands as she gets out of the hot tub, holding her hand out to you so you don’t slip on the steps.

“What a gentle woman you are.” it’s so hard to not blush in her presence.

“Only for you.” kissing each knuckle on the hand and leading you to where your stuff was so you could dry off and cover up before walking through the house again.

—

Stepping out into the den, you see all eyes are on you and Mina as you make your way to the stairs and walk up them. You’re too wrapped in each other to even care that everyone is watching the two of you walk, hand in hand, to your room.

Getting up to the doors with the name plates, you tug her into your room, closing the door behind you before pushing her up against it, gently.

“I’ve thought about this before…” Mina husks as she feels your lips against her neck.

“Have you?” between the love bites you’re placing down her neck and onto her chest.

“Mhm…but it went a little differently…” there’s an inflection in her voice that you don’t recognize, a pang of dominance that made you want to let her take the reigns…but not without a little pushing.

“Oh yeah? How did that go then?” not budging in the slightest, waiting for her to make her move.

“Like this.” Mina grabs your waist, guiding you to switch places with her.

“I take it you want to be in charge then?” tucking a lock of her lustrous wavy hair behind her ear, before wrapping your arms around her neck.

“I might” an evil grin shines back at you, unsure of what was behind the reflection of the supposedly dominant Mina.

She weaves her fingers between yours, inching closer and closer towards your face until her nose is grazing yours - foreheads pressed together and her breath on your lips.

Too focused on just breathing properly, you don’t even notice that she’s raised your hands above your head and pinned them to the door effortlessly. Being in the position with her was something you never thought possible, but here you were…being pushed against a door and trapped by Mina.

“You like this…don’t you? I bet you never expected me to be the top and I was going to let you live out your dominant fantasy but…you’re so irresistible. I can’t help but want to-”

Heavy knocks against your back startle both of you.

“Yes?” the annoyance in your tone is very much heard through the door.

“Hey…”

Mina rolls her eyes.

“Of course, it’s Jihyo.” whispered to you after removing her hands from pinning you, finding something else to touch.

“uhm…we are going to watch a scary movie if you want to join us…un- unless you’re busy…we didn’t want to start it without you” Jihyo sounds like she knows what she’s intruding on, trying to get through the sentence without stuttering it seemed.

“We’ll change and will be down in a moment!” Mina shouted through the door, probably to assert her place in your room and let Jihyo know what was happening between the two of you.

The stern tone she took sent a chill down your body, a tense sensation between your legs further developed when she ran a single finger up your thigh, dragging along the re-dampened bathing suit - gliding it along your slit while keeping her eyes locked with yours.

Blinking a few times and trying to keep collected while she teases you. One hand spends it’s time tracing the outline of your pussy over the bottoms of the swim suit and the other is making it’s journey up to your neck, gripping it and squeezing ever so slightly just to see what you’d do.

Shuttering under her touch, you heard an “Okay! See you soon then!” as Jihyo makes her way down the stairs.

Listening as the foot steps retreat, Mina pulls the strings keeping your bottoms up, releasing them to the floor, your large shirt still covering most of you.

“I’ve been wondering for so long…” Mina drops to her knees lifting your shirt to expose how wet you were for her.

“… what you taste like” sliding her tongue between your folds and taking a single long lick right up to your clit.

Wanting to collapse under the pleasure of her tongue on you, you moan. Not caring who or what heard you. This flipped a switch inside you, wanting to grab her hair and use her face in a very vile way, but the look in her eyes stops you.

“I look forward to tasting more of you later.” The sound of her smacking her lips fills the room, gazing at her as she stands up and removes the cover of her swim suit before walking to the bathroom.

Frozen in place, you try to take in what just happened and are trying to grasp why it’s not still happening.

“Uhm, Mina?” following her to the big luxurious bathroom that was connected to your room.

“Why…? Can we uhm….” stammering through what you had hoped would be full sentences.

“Why what, darling?” Turning around to face you before pulling the strings that kept her top up, revealing her chest to you.

The smack of the swim suit on your bathroom floor doesn’t even phase you as you gawk at how beautiful Mina is…even more so now that her breasts are exposed to you.

Never thinking the shy Mina you had observed and heard about would be so bold…you just stand there and try to process the fact that not only did Mina Myoui lick your pussy but she was standing there…topless…in front of you…

“Cat got your tongue?” stepping closer to you, lifting your shirt as a signal to take it off, you comply happily.

Pulling the strings from your top, she exposes you even further. Standing there naked in front of her, she licks her lips and that sends you reeling.

“God, you’re so stunning…” eyes tracing every part of your skin.

Feeling your slick drip down your thighs, you try to clench them to get some form of relief.

This doesn’t go unnoticed.

Mina drops to her knees again, stopping the dribble of wetness with her tongue and bringing herself back up to where it originated from.

“Is this what you want, baby?” taking one big long lick of your cunt again.

“oh fuck…” escapes your throat in a whimper, she smirks from between your legs.

Standing up abruptly, she removed her bottoms and is now naked with you in this massive, fancy bathroom.

“Well, we have a movie date tonight so this will have to wait.” winking at you and kissing your lips so you can taste yourself on her mouth.

This turns your legs into jelly as she walks back to the room after hanging the bathing suits up.

“Can I wear a pair of your sweats and a tshirt?”

Following her to the room, you’re in a daze. Unable to comprehend what Mina’s tongue just did to you and how nonchalant she was about it all.

“…Y/n?”

“Oh! Uhm, yes. Whatever you want.” trying to snap back to reality but the nagging between your legs was screaming for more of her.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered…I’ll keep that in mind.” pulling out a big black T-shirt and a pair of sweat pants from your bag, slipping them on with no bra or panties.

Following this, you slip on your other pair of sweats and a shirt. Just doing what you assumed to be routine and trying not to focus on how badly you wanted her to touch you again.

Everything after this was a blur. Walking down the stairs, finding seats next to each other, her resting her legs on you, and even what movie you were watching was not something at the forefront of your mind.

You could only think about Mina.

On her knees.

Tongue buried in you.

Smacking her lips at your taste.

—

Halfway through the movie, you’ve calmed a bit enough to take in what was happening around you. Jihyo, Nayeon, Momo, and Sana had gotten more drinks and were giggling and laughing with each other.

Chaeyoung and Dahyun were on the verge of falling asleep and Mina was laying in your lap, between your legs with her head on your hipbone and the top knuckles of two her fingers hooked around your waistband.

Feeling yourself clenching at this, you try to hold her hand instead but it doesn’t work. She simply nuzzles into you more, bringing you right back into your horny daze of endlessly craving her touch.

Feeling how wet you were, you adjust slighty. This doesn’t go unnoticed at all. Mina lifts her head up at you, big brown eyes connecting with yours before she looks around the room and surveys what has everyone’s attention.

On the couch that was positioned behind yours, Jihyo, Momo, Nayeon, and Sana are distracted with each other and on the other couch across from you, Chaeyoung and Dahyun have fallen asleep.

Looking back to you, there’s a glimmer in her eyes, a sparkle you’d never seen before. She grabs a blanket that was on the end of the couch and pulls it up to her neck.

Assuming she was just cold, you place a hand on her back and rub slow circles to try and offer some warmth.

That’s when you feel it.

Mina scoots up so her shoulders align with your hips, she tugs your waistband down under your ass, the blanket hiding it all and slips a single finger between your lips before gently strokes your folds.

“Mina, what are you doing?” hushed tone filled with anxiety as she keeps on, rubbing and teasing your clit while you’re panicked and looking around to see if anyone will see what is happening.”

“They won’t notice, I promise. Plus, I just can’t resist you. I’ve wanted this for so long…keep quiet for me, baby.” whispered seductively to you before scooting down so her face was level with her hand and slowly dips her finger inside you just to pull it back out.

Hips bucking up, they betray your words and tell her that you wanted more of this despite being surrounded by her members and your best friend.

She lets out devious smirk before her head drops down, tongue replacing her finger on your clit for a long sensual lick.

Body betraying you in more ways than one, a string of slick attaches to her tongue, only breaking when she pulls it back into mouth to fully engulf herself in your flavor.

“You taste so good, I think I’ll devour you right here.” another lick as her finger slips inside you and starts pumping slowly.

The worry of anyone finding out about what was happening now thrusts to the back of your mind.

You don’t care, you just need her and she knew that. It was obvious, feeling yourself dripping all over her finger and the shimmering around her lips.

Mina continued on, licking your clit and pressing her fingers against your g-spot as you rocked your hips with her movements.

Running your fingers through her hair as you hissed out of pleasure, both of you freeze- hoping that no one heard the sound that erupted from the couch.

“You okay?” Jihyo inquired through her drunkenness.

“Yeah, I’m fine! Just sleepy.” lifting your arms and stretching them back to try and fool her, but you had your doubts that she believed you.

Mina started licking and sucking again as soon as Jihyo spoke and through out the interaction, not even worried about what anyone was thinking, focusing on you and only you.

The idea of getting caught made you nervous but you didn’t want her tongue to leave you for even a second. You’re sure she could feel how much your body liked the way she felt against you, you only wished she could hear how good it feel.

Another soft sigh leaves your lips, this one barely audible, as your hands grip her hair. Another finger slips in as she gradually picks up her pace.

Thrusting your hips up into her, you look down at her. The grip you have on her hair tells her everything she needs to know.

Mina suddenly stops, pulling your sweats back up as you twitch from the lack of stimulation. Breathing heavy and thoroughly confused, you glare at her and shake your head in confusion.

Climbing up to lay her head on your shoulder, she leans up to kiss you and you can taste yourself on her lips again.

She must like making you taste yourself, not that you were complaining.

“As much as I want to make you cum right now…I’d rather hear you.” Before getting comfortable curled up on your torso.

Slipping a hand under your shirt, she rolls one of your nipples causing you to involuntarily thrust your hips up.

“I want to keep you like this until later…when I can have you how I want you.”

Your heart is pounding in disbelief, pleasure, and nervousness. The concoction of emotions and chemicals flooding your veins is a strange and electric feeling.

The iced chill of adrenaline from what just happened makes you tense as the movie in the background plays on, not that you were paying attention.

Focused on Mina’s touch, deciding to give you a break after hearing your heart pound, she simply drew small hearts with the tip of her finger- ghosting your initials on your chest and giving you a sense of ease.

The clock ticked on with the rhythm of her traces against your skin, the movie played on and you stayed splayed out on the couch with Mina resting on your chest, patiently waiting for it to end so that you could have the time you wanted with her.

Eyes getting heavier and heavier as time goes on, fighting every mist of sleep that touched your eyes. Wanting to see what would happen when this movie ended and only jolting awake when Nayeon’s monstrous laugh echoed against the walls.

Ultimately losing the battle against sleep while Mina aided it.

—

The sound of the door knob rattling pulled you out of deep sleep and into a light trance. The arms around you felt familiar but not in the way you expected.

“Thank you, Hyo.” almost being able to see Mina roll her eyes as you were gently placed on the bed, unmoving to see how this conversation would play out.

“Mina…what’s with you today? You’ve been very cold to me and I’m not understanding why.” Jihyo seems adamant about getting an answer but you can hear the hesitation in Mina.

“You’re just so close…I’ve never liked someone like I like Y/n…and with the bond you have with her, I’m worried that she would rather be with you.” sadness in the huffed explanation wrenches your heart in a way you didn’t have words to explain.

“Mina…we are just friends. There is nothing going on between us. She likes you…and with both of you in my ear about it, I had the managers move your schedules so you could spend time together…why would I do that if I didn’t want you to be together?” Jihyo seems offended at what Mina has just said to her, only further proving that Jihyo was rooting for the two of you.

“You’re right…I’m sorry.” Realization hitting that she didn’t need to be so possessive of you, the tone she took in this was genuine.

“It’s okay. I understand. I promise you though, we just get along well. There’s nothing romantic there, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Alright now go get some sleep! We are on vacation after all.”

The door closes and you aren’t sure what side of it Mina was on. That is until you felt the bed dip in next to you and the covers slither out from under you just to be thrown over top of you.

Rotating around, keeping your eyes closed you nuzzle into her neck and try to sleep again. Wrapping her arms around you, she kisses your forehead and follows you off to sleep.

—

The sound of birds chirping in the early morning wakes you, gently pulling you out of your Mina filled dreams to waking up next to her, still wrapped in her arms. Soft breaths from her ease any tension you would normally have, what a lovely way to start your day.

Eyes cracking open, letting in the milky orange light that was shining through the window, creating a golden hour that radiated Mina’s beauty when you didn’t think she could get more effervescent.

You could lay there with her all day and not have a single regret or pang of remorse. She was like a beautiful peace of art that was in motion, a painting come to life that you felt lucky to see with your own eyes, let alone be able to touch.

Laughing and heavy footsteps bring her out of sleep, sighing and shifting in place before relaxing back into you again. Switching spots with her, you sat up. Letting her rest her head on your chest while you mindlessly scrolled through your phone until she was finally awake.

Mina wasn’t much of a talker in the mornings, you learned. A grumpy little baby laid next to you, hiding her face in her hair and snuggling into your chest further.

“Good Morning, gorgeous.” kissing her forehead and petting her hair.

A soft smile greeted you back before quickly melting into a soft tired expression.

“You ready to start the day? We can go get coffee and start a fire.” trying to coax her out of bed with things that might actually get her up.

Mina shakes her head and wraps her arms around you tighter, signaling that she was in fact NOT ready to move at all.

“What if we got coffee…” Mina glares up at you between her bang, you can’t help but laugh at how adorable she was.

“Hear me out, hear me out! What if we got coffee, started a fire and I brought down some of those lego sets I brought for you and you can build one while enjoying the warmth? I can read a little while you do that. Sound good?” speaking in a hushed tone to allow her some time to acclimate to something other than the dreamscape she just left.

She nods her head quickly with a cheeky smile on her face, still holding you tightly and waiting for you to make the first move.

“Alright, then that’s our plan.” Kissing her forehead one last time before standing up to sort through the few boxes that you had brought with you.

Mina picked the lego bouquet of roses before she went to her own room to brush her teeth and change.

Doing the same, brushing your teeth and changing your shirt into an oversized crew neck sweater.

Grabbing the rose set as well as the specialty car you told her about, knowing she would want to build more after, and your book, you met Mina in the hallway. Making your way down to the kitchen together to get a mug of freshly made coffee.

Dahyun, Sana and Jihyo were in the kitchen making small talk as Sana flipped a pancake.

“Good Morning!!” Sana shot her hand up in the sky to wave at you boisterously, already full of energy.

This doesn’t surprise you at all. Dahyun winces at the ray of sunshine making breakfast but offers both of you a huge smile. Jihyo waves to both of you and carries on with her conversation. Nayeon and Momo are no where to be found while Chae is curled up on the couch in the living room snoring away while the snow falls outside.

“We were going to go out and build snowmen later, if you wanted to join us!” Sana seems so excited about it, it’s hard to turn her down.

“I think Mina and I are going to have a lazy day inside, but maybe tomorrow?” offering the alternative for her, knowing she would say yes.

“Tomorrow! Yes, you owe me a snowman building session tomorrow” pointing the spatula at you and then mina and then back at you before flipping the pancake onto the already made stack.

Sana serves everyone breakfast as Momo and Nayeon come down the stairs, sleep still filling their eyes.

Jihyo goes to wake Chaeyoung up and everyone eats breakfast and drinks coffee together. It’s so nice to be apart of this, it feels so…wholesome, to be brought into their little family even with a few of the members missing.

You feel accepted and at peace.

—

After breakfast ends, everyone but you and Mina go upstairs to suit up for the snow. Finding a quiet place in the den, you get a fire going while Mina goes and grabs you both mugs of hot chocolate.

Setting up on the coffee table, you spend an hour building the bouquet of roses lego set with Mina. Working together and adding piece by piece until it’s almost complete.

Unable to help yourself, you offer her a single plastic rose before finishing the set.

Mina blushes at the offer and kissing your cheek before finally adding the final piece to it.

“We did that so quickly.”

“We make a great team, I’d say.” nudging her with your elbow and winking.

Her face flushes again, grabbing your arm and hugging it tightly while resting her head on your shoulder, admiring the bouquet of roses make of plastic bricks.

“I did bring something else though. I had a feeling we would end up finishing this quickly so I brought one of the car sets down for you to do. I know these are your favorite.” offering her the box to a specially made Mint Green racecar with her Twice number on it.

Mina gasps, hands covering her mouth as she sees that the limited edition set. 1 of 1. Specially made per your request.

“Y/n…did you have this made for me?” Looking at you in disbelief before excitedly opening the box and dumping the bags full of pieces out.

“I wanted to get you something you’d be able to keep and know that it was yours. It was nothing, really. I just wanted to get you something special.” shying away from her as she looked up at you with an entirely new gaze.

All you can do is smile at her, you knew this was the perfect surprise for her and you were happy to see her reaction.

“It’s perfect…Thank you so much.” taking a moment to look into your eyes before ripping the bags open eagerly. You sit next to her and open your book, starting to read by the fire while Mina tinkered with the plastic blocks, building her very own Lego Race car.

—

A few hours in, you and Mina were just enjoying each other’s presence. Completely immersed in each other while doing your separate tasks while the rest of the girls play in the snow outside, you are completely content with everything happening.

“Y/n? Will you help me with this part?” Mina asks seemingly befuddled with what was in her hands.

“Sure!” sliding your bookmark back into the book and closing it shut before placing it up on the table.

Leaning over to see the instructions, you notice that the car is already built past that part. Raising an eyebrow at Mina, you look over and catch the spark in her eyes…

“I don’t actually need help with the legos.” smirked as she scooted into your lap, crossing her legs around your torso and locking you into place.

Mina removes your shirt, revealing a black lace bra that she had worn just for you.

Stunned was an understatement, you were gawking at her smooth chest and abs as she wrapped her arms around your neck.

“I can’t stop thinking about last night…” kissing you passionately in the middle of her sentence, gripping your hair while she does.

“…the way you tasted just…” another passionate kiss

“…I need more of you.” open mouthed entanglement leads you to lay down without removing your lips from her.

Back against the soft rug while Mina straddles you, making out without a care and just dissolving into each other. Hands land on her hips, you start to tug and push her against you, creating friction against her.

“Fuck” moaned into your mouth, grinding herself against you now before lifting up your torso and removing your crew neck, revealing no bra underneath.

Barely allowing her mouth to leave you, she keeps grinding against your thighs and you can feel how wet she’s becoming. Heat radiating from between her legs like the burn of the sun, she can’t help but thrust her hips harder against you.

Instincts kick in, hands tracing up behind Mina’s back to unhook the bra she was wearing and slipping it off her arms before setting it on the couch next to you.

Pulling her closer to you, pressing her body against yours, you try to roll her over onto her back but she stops you, not allowing you to be on top of her.

“That’s not how this is going to go” scooting down your legs and kissing from your neck, to your chest, to your stomach and eventually laying a few open mouthed kisses on your hips as she slowly brought your sweat pants down and off your body.

“I’ve been waiting too long and I’m impatient. I have to have you.” spreading your legs apart and kissing up your thighs, being sure to take her time biting and licking up to your soaked pussy.

Feeling your pulse inside yourself, heart beating so fast at the pure need that was illuminating off the both of you, and you can’t help but try to take a little charge by gripping her hair and bringing her where you wanted her.

Mina’s hands fly up, gathering your wrists while you’re too enthralled with what her mouth was doing, she keeps them in the grip of one of her hands.

“I don’t remember telling you to touch me.” the sternness in your words takes you by surprise, in the best way possible.

Dripping endlessly for her, you feel so empty without her inside of you. Already being so needy and thinking about how she teased you so much in the past 24 hours, you would so anything just to feel her lips on you for even a moment.

“Please, baby” huffed through the heavy breaths of anticipation as she inches closer and closer to exactly where you want her to be.

“Please, what?” looking into your eyes as she waits for your response.

“I need you.”

“You need me? Where do you need me?” smirking and waiting for you to say it.

“I need you to fuck me, please! You’ve teased me so much…I need to feel you on me.” as you state your case, Mina’s pointer finger glides through your drenched lips and she tastes your slick right off of it, moaning at the flavor.

“Mina…please!” about to cry from how badly you want it.

How badly you want her.

Without a word, Mina’s mouth is on you again. Taking the long licks up your pussy and back down again, teasing your entrance and clit on both passes.

Hips now thrusting on their own, you follow her patterns and whimper at every tease she has given you. Tongue swiping across your entrance and then back up to your clit, before she finally starts placing soft pecks right where you wanted her.

“Oh, fuck…Mina, p-please.” grinding down on her tongue while she keeps your wrists locked in her hand.

Her pace speeds up, lapping at your folds before latching herself onto your clit and creating a circular pattern with her tongue.

The fire in your stomach rages on, burning every single molecule of any thought you had, with the exception of her and every single pass of her tongue on you.

The ache for her inside you was earthshattering, you needed to feel her long fingers thrusting into you.

She must’ve heard your thoughts.

As you whined and whimpered for her, she let go of your wrists, wrapping one arm around your thigh, and the other gathering up your essence before plunging two fingers inside of you with ease.

The gasp you let out must’ve been music to her ears, your hips lurching forward to feel her deeper inside of you. Eagerness and need refracting off the thing sheen of sweat that was seeping through your pores, the harsh breaths that became heavier with each pump of her fingers and swipe of her tongue.

It was not long before the flicking of her tongue that had built the foundation of the orgasm that was about to shatter through you. Her digits hastily pressing and releasing inside of you was so heavenly, you couldn’t hold it any longer.

“I’m g-gonna, fuck, cum!”

Mina detaches her mouth from you for a moment, eyeing your neediness and desire for release before teasing you further. Her fingers never stop.

“You’re going to cum for me? Already?” kissing your inner thighs as she admires the mess she made of you.

“Going to be a good girl and cum in my mouth, baby?” seductively growled from between your legs before she places her mouth back on you.

This sends you into overdrive, clawing at the rug underneath you to feel some form of stability when her mouth returns to you and you become undone.

Twitching and convulsing under her as pure ethereal ecstasy sinks into your skin, veins flash hot and then cold as you feel the rush of pleasure that Mina was expertly giving you. Gasping and reaching for something to grip while you continue riding out your orgasm on Mina’s fingers and mouth before finally collapsing and just trying to catch your breath.

Mina smirks from between your legs, propping herself up on her elbows, pulling her fingers out of you, and sucking them dry. Being sure you watch her lick her lips clean.

She crawls up next to you, snuggling into you neck and laying soft, gentle kisses on your cheeks, swiping away the strands of hair stuck to your face while you lay there in awe of her.

“Myoui Mina…what a surprise you are.” between the breaths you were trying to stabilize.

“Oh, this is just round one…” proactively murmured to you, followed by a playful giggle and another peck to the cheek.

Turning your head to look at her in shock, unable to comprehend how someone who seems so shy is actually so…bold.

“Round…one?”

Mina pushes your head away from her and bites down harshly on your neck, reignited the flame she just quelled within you. Kissing your skin lightly, she gives you another harsh bite farther down your neck.

“Mhm…put your clothes on…we are going upstairs” sitting up and dragging your cloths off the couch before throwing your pants and shirt at you, watching as you put them on in a panic and scamper for the stairs.

Mina laughs and throws her shirt on, grabbing the lace bra and taking off after you- racing after you upstairs to your room.

You get to the door first, almost ripping it off the hinges and dive onto the bed- she’s laughing as she steps in about 5 seconds after you.

A grin painted on her face as she closes the door and locks it behind her, immediately removing her shirt and letting her pants hit the floor.

A black lace thong, matching the bra she previously wore, was the only thing she was wearing and you wanted it off immediately.

Sitting up on the bed, you stripped your clothes off so fast you thought they might rip, tossing them to the side and patiently waiting for her to come over to you.

Mina crawls over top of you, face mere centimeters away as she forces you down on your back again.

“Fuck, you’re so pretty.” Caressing your cheeks before connecting your lips again, pressing her body against you completely.

Taking the opportunity and using her vulnerability against her, you sweep your leg around her, rolling her over in the process and pinning her to the mattress without ever separating from her lips.

Pinning her hands above her, you kiss down her neck to her chest, bringing her nipple in your mouth and swirling your tongue around it briefly.

Letting go of her wrists, she’s quick to grip the hair on the back of your head, bringing you closer to her and moaning with each pass of your tongue over your nipple.

Sitting up to slip her lace panties off, Mina lifts her hips for you so you can easily peel them off of her. With this movement, you are able to see how soaked her panties actually were.

“Someone is excited, hm?” Winking up at her and tossing her underwear with the rest of your clothes.

Bringing your face down and level with her pussy, you flatten your tongue against her folds and fully taste her.

Gasping at the feeling of your tongue, she’s quick to grip your hair again, steering your head where she wanted it. It was very clear who was in charge but she was willing to let you pretend.

After a few minutes of Mina whining while thrusting into your face. She tugs your hair up, pulling you away from her, and signaling you to come up to her.

This was a trick.

She flips you over, crawling up your body and pinning your down shoulders with her knees.

Her pussy so close to your mouth, you’re drooling for it as you watch her drip onto your chest.

She grabs you by your hair and mounts your face.

“You’re going to do exactly what I say, isn’t that right baby?” Growled at you from above paired with a menacing glare.

Nodding your head eagerly, you’re ready for whatever she brings.

“Good girl, now stick out your tongue for me.”

You spend the rest of your day and night doing exactly what you’re told, in your room with the bed bumping against the walls matching the grunts and groans of pleasure that the entire house could hear…even with it being so large.

—

Bright rays of sunlight burst through the curtains that you slid shut the afternoon before, waking you from your peaceful sleep. Shifting a bit, you stretch and sigh as you allow your body to wake up.

Muttering under your breath at the soreness you seemed to have gathered from the night before, you stand up and head to the bathroom for a shower to rinse the sex off your body.

Stretching again once you stand, your legs are threaten to come out from under you with each step as you make your way to the bathroom, trying to be as silent as possible to not wake up the woman that made you ache in two different ways.

Leaving the door ajar so the latch wouldn’t wake Mina, you flick the lights on. Approaching the mirror, you take in the deep shades of purple and red that littered your body from head to toe.

“Oh…shit.” Pulling the skin taut and trying to plan out how you were going to hide these marks all over you.

The door swings open, a hand flies to the wall, hitting the button to turn the shower on. A sigh travels through the room before arms wrap around your waist from behind and a warm cheek lands on your back.

“Good morning,” muffled against your back.

“Good morning, my little vampire.”

“Your what?” Furrowing her brows at you while trying to understand the statement while half asleep.

“Look at the marks you made” lifting your chin up to show her.

Mina opens her eyes, peaking over your shoulder, looking at you in confusion until she sees the marks she left all over your neck, chest and thighs.

“Oh my god?!” Concern in her voice as she lets go of you to get in front of you and inspect your marks further.

Gently turning your head, looking at your neck to see big bruises and bite marks that trail down to your chest and hips.

“I’m so sorry, honey…I guess I got a little carried away…I hope the girls don’t pay too much attention to them” shying away from you, hiding in shame and worry.

“Hey hey hey,” pulling her towards you, holding her close.

“I enjoyed every second of yesterday. Even the marks, okay? And I’m sure they won’t notice them. I’ll wear my hair down so they’re covered, okay?” Rubbing her arms for reassurance.

“Besides, I think they’re my color. Don’t you?” Showing them off in a fashionable way to get a laugh out of her.

“Okay okaaaaaay, but you know that if there’s ever anything that I do in the bedroom that you don’t like…you can tell me and we won’t do that again, right?” Dragging a finger down your chest gently, biting her bottom lip before looking up at you.

“I know. I trust you. And for what it’s worth…I wouldn’t change a single thing about what happened yesterday…except maybe finishing the Lego set. But we can do that today!” Kissing her forehead and rubbing her back.

Mina flashes a gummy smile and giggles before pulling you into the shower with her to perform some morning after aftercare.

Spinning you around, Mina gently washed your hair and back, sudsing you up and letting you stand in the warm water as she rinses you off.

Sensing some tension, you can tell something is on her mind. Grabbing her hand, weaving your fingers together before she can lather your chest up with soap, you cock your head to the side.

“Everything okay? You seem a little tense”

“Yeah…I just…Can I ask you something?” shy returning, you can tell it’s taken her a moment to build up the courage to say what she wants to.

“Of course, you can ask me anything.” Reassuring her that this was a safe space to say whatever she needed.

“Would you…uhm….want to…” her eyes shift in nervousness, you find it adorable.

“…be my girlfriend?” Her eyes hit the floor, waiting for your reply.

Lifting her chin up to make eye contact with you, you admire her face, caressing her cheek before placing a romantic soft kiss on her lips.

“I’d love to.”

Mina’s gummy smile returns once again, she’s giddy at your response and your heart soars with care for this person that you had admired, who was now your partner in crime.

You finish cleaning yourselves up and get dressed, heading down stairs to get some breakfast. Both of you starving from your rigorous activities the day prior.

—

Momo is cooking breakfast, everyone is sitting around the table as you and Mina make your way to your seats.

Wincing as you sit down, trying to get comfortable with the soreness that was through out your body. Mina sees the discomfort in you, rubbing your shoulder to try and ease some of it.

“Good Morning, you two!” Sana is beaming and repressing laughter as she take sight of both of you.

“Yeah, good moOoOoOrning” Nayeon seems to be teasing the two of you when Jihyo walks into the kitchen and sees you both sitting there, hiding the shame of everyone knowing what you’ve been up to.

It’s apparent that she notices the dark marks along your neck and the awkward way you’re sitting in the chair.

Well, fuck.

A huge smile spreads across her face, whipping around to Dahyun’s spot at the table, she runs over and starts shimmying and jumping up and down in celebration.

“HA! Dahyun! Pay up!” Jihyo stretches her hand out to Dahyun.

“Pay up?” Questioning what just came out of Jihyo’s mouth, one brow raised at the statement.

Dahyun sighs, slapping a $20 into Jihyo’s hand before looking dead at you.

“We had a bet going. I said you would be the top and Jihyo said it would be Mina…And you LET ME DOWN!” Slamming her hands on the table dramatically while everyone around you bursted into laughter.

“Yeah right, Dubu! Mina cannot be out topped.” Momo chimed in while bringing an array of food to the table with Sana and Nayeon following with trays of various fruits, bacon, sausage, waffles and toast.

“But Y/n has always been the more dominant one in all of her relationships! I thought this would be the same!” Distraught in her words, Dahyun lays her head on the table accepting her defeat.

“Wait…how did you know we would even get together?” Mina inquired to everyone.

“That’s a joke, right? The amount you two talked about each other to us…it was obvious. We just had to push a little. Plus, Mina you’ve had a crush on Y/n since Dahyun showed you pictures of their last vacation together.” Jihyo chimed in with Nayeon giggling in the background.

“I tried to get them to let it happen naturally but SOME people…” Momo glaring at Chae and Sana.

“…wanted to push. I’ll admit, I’m happy they did.” Momo is smiling at the two of you, while everyone else is arguing about who contributed to you ultimately getting together.

You and Mina join hands under the table, laughing at the chaos around you and happy to see the support and love from the rest of the girls.

[rockingbytheseaside]

✦ Moonlit Tides

Tw: slightly suggestive themes hinted at the end. Otherwise, SFW. Idk what this is, just an artistic literary piece of a fanfic w/ Neuvi

“The Chief Justice of Fontaine must exercise impartiality, thus he cannot form intimate relationships with the people of Teyvat.”  

… Is what Neuvillette told you, as you sat ashore during a still night. Although his words were directed at your curiosity, it felt more like he was speaking to himself, recalling his duties as a judge. After all, remaining objective and unbiased is the single most crucial concept that sets the Chief Justice apart from the common folk. 

At least, for the 500 years that he’s been the Iudex of Fontaine.

Yet something about the tone of what he said pulled a melancholic string. His eyes remained on the still waters of Liffey Region, the peaceful silence between you and him sublime. Yet you stood there, beside him, and in a completely relaxed manner, you said: 

“...But I’m not from Teyvat.” 

A simple answer, really. However, the silence followed was not so subdued, as Neuvillette turned to stare at you with widened eyes. Of course, you’re not from this world, you hail from beyond the stars; a simple glance at your star-shaped pupils reflects the truth of this statement.

So why was Neuvillette pondering the possibility only now? He knew that about you, that’s why he recruited your aid in Fontaine, that’s why he let you close as a confidant, that’s why he often poured his troubles to you behind closed doors during late nights. You knew the taste of the Hydro Dragon’s tears. 

But the Chief Justice sought more. On paper, his impartiality means nothing when it comes to you - he cannot judge you, and you cannot be placed on the same scales as the people of Teyvat. Thus the Hydro Sovereign took it upon himself to place you on the scales of his heart. 

At first, It began discreetly. Neuvillette would often invite you for late-night walks by the beach. Away from the courthouse’s commotion, the two of you would stroll and chat away past Marcotte station, letting the salty breeze serenade your minds. Even more so often, The Iudex hand would clasp yours to keep you closer. 

“Take a step with me into the water.” - he would later ask one day.

He knew of your resonance with hydro, therefore diving into Fontaine’s sea must be harmless for you. He would extend his plam and wait for you to bask your feet into shore. Although you initially gave him a hesitant look, he beckoned you closer. “Only to relish the water’s coolness. We don’t have to dip any lower past our knees.” - he would reassure. And so you two would often dip your toes in water during the warm nights, letting his gentle grasp lead you further from shore. It became a routine, and surprisingly, not a single drop of rain would pour from Fontaine’s clouds. Instead, the two of you would be greeted with a clear, starry sky; and Neuvillette worshiped the way your gaze shone when you observed the stars above. The endless cosmos paralleled your star-shaped pupils.      

But days standing ashore wasn’t enough for his draconic instincts, which led Neuvillette to invite you underwater. To stand on the open surface didn’t satiate him, any human could eavesdrop on your tête-à-tête by night. Thus, you would often follow him to the depths of Fontaine's seas, surrounded by lush seaweed and blooming Romaritime flowers. He would hold you close in his protective embrace, leading you to the sandbed of the depth where many Lumitoile starfish are scattered. Like the stars in the sky, you would be in awe at them, too. 

Many nights, he would spend with you leisurely exploring the profundity of the seas, talking about the many curiosities one would find in the deep. He would gift you with small chunks of raw pearls, or compel you to enjoy finding seashells. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason he would swim with you here. The underwater provided ample privacy… and ample noise reduction. 

Words didn’t need to be spoken anymore. His lips would seek your own, knowing you’d provide relief to the turbulence in his heart. Only you knew the taste of the Hydro Dragon’s tears, after all. Neuvillette’s body and intuition screamed for him to keep courting you, albeit not in the same sense as mortals do. That’s why he invited you to many peaceful walks by the water, that’s why he valued your company when sea gazing or star gazing at night, and that’s why he slowly warmed you up to his numerous gifts and trinkets, consisting of luminescent pearls and ancient seashells. Because his leviathan side was unintentionally pursuing you. 

In the depth of the ocean, where minimal sea light pierced through and no human dared to venture, the hydro dragon sovereign would love you, relishing your muffled whimpers and shivers. His keen sense of smell picks up your scent and savors it until your pheromones and cries are mixed with his heat. Body and soul entangled on the soft seabed, and Neuvillette’s sharp teeth desiring your skin. At least, for these tender moments in the depth of the world, he could forget he was the impartial Chief Justice.

Ultimately, you’re not from Teyvat, and only you were a witness to his biased side - a passionate and delicate dragon, whose sharp eyes always lingered on yours and sought you. Like the ocean tides pulled by the moon's unreachable allure.       

Yes, the title is inspired by Fontaine's OST "Moonlit Tides". As always, any art in my writing is my own artwork. thank you for reading so far.

[heartlaboratory]

Claudia, one of your friends, invited you to attend to her beach volley match. The match is held indoor so, given the fact that its summer and in this country summer is also very humid, temperatures are going to be torrid. Beside this fact you're still quite surprised to see that the majority of the players are playing naked, females too (in this parallel univers human are not ashamed by their own bodies). After all sweating is the best way to cool down. She's quite skinny but look really good with that blue bikini, you always liked her so, secretely, you're very happy to see her playing covered just with air. Given the fact that the playground is going to be free the whole day, organizers decided to complete the tournament without skippying to next day.

Some hours have passed and she has played for a lot of time now. Room temperature went higher than 36°C for the whole last matches and now Claudia looks pretty torn. She's always been a warrior, someone who don't surrender easily but all that jumping in this particular condition had an effect on her too. She's covered by sweat, her skin has assumed a reddish tone and her panting has become so deep anyone can clearly hear her fast inspirations and exales. The thing that tunrs on a light in your mind though is the fact that her entire upper body is rhythmically shaking like it's thrusted by a sort of internal earthquake. You suddenly realize that you recently activated a medical app on your phone developped at the laboratory where you work that makes possible medical analises through the phone camera thanks to experimental sensors placed in the camera. You activate the app and feel pretty lifted up by the fact you already added her profile. A thin ensamble of laser rays, almost invisible, is projeced towards her and the selected target orgal (obviously Claudia's heart) becomes visible on the screen. Her heart is beating like crazy, not only considering the pace but also the strenght of each beat, the app says her heart is beating at around 195 bpm but it's probably even higher. It's something that is completely out of any safety zone for someone who is 34 years old... and not even a younger person should push its heart like this. The device can also work as a digital stethoscope and by wearing headphones to listen to her you remained schoked. Her blood is pushed so violently that it's making strange wooshing-like noises by rubbing against her heart internal structures, sounds that almost cover up her slamming valves. Suddenly the software gives a diagnosis: High cardiac risk- probability of a sudden cardiac arrest of 89%-potentially lethal arrhythias occurring. By looking at her detected heart electrical activities, her organ is so over-stimulated that PVCs and VTACs burst are already present. You know exactly what to do, Claudia's life has an 89% probability to end in the next few minutes and it's increasing. You decide to get up from your seat and run towards the referee to show him the analysis of your device. One of the players' heart is going to stop very soon.

A second before you move, on the ecg a strange beat appears and suddenly Claudia's heart interrupts any activity, it doesn't even fibrillate, it just ceases to beat as silence arises from your headphones. Terrified you see her taking a couple of deep breath, the ball she was holding fell on the ground and her left hand is placed in between her bare breasts... after a moment she collapses on the ground.

You have always wanted to place your hand on her chest to feel her heartbeat but now you have to do this to make it beat again. CPR has to be started immediately.

[bestialflare]

marking my claim on every squeenix fandom i’m in by picking one niche pairing and then dying on that hill like i have nothing better to do with my time. anyways. i do think the parallelism with xigbar and demyx goes crazy regardless.

like arguably the two most lackadaisical members in the entire organization are also from some lost age of keyblade wielders. a character file has notes that demyx was looking for friends and just gloamed onto xigbar. who is, after the luxu reveal, probably the categorically “loneliest” character currently known to us. at least enough to be ambivalent towards an apocalypse.

there’s also the fact that dancer and sniper nobodies frequently spawn together in twtnw if you run around after clearing all the fights before xemnas. “the hall of empty melodies” being xigbar’s fight stage isn’t lost on me, either.

demyx hauling the replica bodies around in white shrouds almost directly mirrors luxu carrying the shrouded body of the “true dandelion” in daybreak town. “It’s a long story, but I’m sorta on your side!” versus “I hope you like long stories”. “Silence, traitor.” versus “All I’m telling you, traitor, is that your time is up”. All of the claims about nobodies having hearts, all of the total lack of Sworn Allegience to the organization and xehanort.

and it extends to their elements. demyx’s control of water is connected in the sense that the ocean itself plays a role in most kh symbolism from the jump. there’s the literal sea around destiny islands, the ideal of the beach in twilight town, the water at the edge of the realm of darkness. the “dive” to the heart is a process relating to swimming or water. it’s simulating weightlessness. it’s the capacity to suffocate.

the only other element that emulates this is space. “the ocean between worlds” is space. diving is an act of resisting gravity. it’s the weightlessness, the capacity to suffocate. nowhere is free from “space” in kh, not after the realm of light split up and created new worlds/new stars. there is no life without water, and all life exists throughout space.

of course, there’s also the fact that demyx is at least aware of the “may your heart be your guiding key” quote from someone over the course of multiple implied meetings. he’s an embodiment of the master’s “don’t intervene” order.

regardless of any desire to see these goons next to eachother, it’s at least fun to realize just how echo-y their characters are in relation to one another.

[bettyshoweduptotheparty]

1989 - The story of two muses

Back to my first and forever love – Lyric analysis!

1989 is very close to my heart, and I have always found it noticeable that this album has quite a contrast between love songs about a very up and down/anxiety filled relationship on one hand, and the very raw and heartfelt romance as portrayed in ‘This Love’ and YAIL on the other.

And the 5 new vault songs we have on Taylor’s version now have added quite a bit of detail to the picture that emerges and I’m more convinced than ever that there are two distinct relationships/muses being described and I fancied doing a deep dive into how each one is described in the music and how the themes connect to other songs. (And it may even explain the beach theme 😉)

Ok, so, I have actually sorted every song from 1989 that is about a romantic relationship, including the 5 new vault tracks, into this scheme (even though I found some really hard!)

Muse 1 – “The heartbreaker” This relationship is described as very up and down, very anxiety-driven, something you can’t walk away from like an addiction, “against your better knowledge but can’t help myself” kind of way. Taylor has described this person as ‘the one that might one day interrupt your wedding, because you’re never truly over’.  Break up: ‘you left me’.

Muse 2 – “The one that came back” While this relationship is by no means described as perfect, it has a very different tone to it. It’s very much based in secure feelings, ‘us against the world’, any difficulty faced is worth it. Break up: ‘had to let it go’. And the person came back when it counted.

(Sorry about the pictures, I couldn't fit a table in any other way)

I am really impressed with how much just five new songs have furthered the story of these two relationships and I (personally) love how much this is filling in the blanks and makes everything make so much more sense. 'You can hear it in the silence' vs 'Now your silence has me screaming' almost killed me, honestly. She really found the love that needs no words. 🥰 And the direct contrast of the metaphors, one relationship as an addiction with very high highs and very low lows, and the other as the calm waves on the shore that continually come in and out with the tide, is just so masterfully done, I love it. And I think given the beach theme of the 1989 TV covers, we can guess which of the muses is being honoured in this re-branding.

Lyrical connections to later albums

Perhaps not surprisingly, these two muses and their lyrical themes show up again in Taylor’s music in later albums. The connection I’ve already seen a lot of people make is the playing cards reference from Say Don’t Go (‘I’m trying to see the cards that you won’t show’) linking to Cornelia Street (‘back when we were card sharks, playing games’). And I love how this tells the story of someone whose previous relationship impacts how they react in a new relationship. Because the person in Say Don’t Go really did lead her on and played her and then left, whereas the Cornelia Street muse didn’t but Taylor thought as much based on her previous experience (‘I THOUGHT you were leading me on…but then you called, showed your hand…’).

Another parallel to Lover songs is the ‘light in the dark’ theme that starts in This Love with “lantern burning/ flickered in my mind for only you”, which feels very similar to “chandelier still flickering here” from Death by A Thousand Cuts. This relationship/lover is the light that perseveres in the dark, even if it’s just flickering, it never goes out. It lights up the darkness (‘glowing in the dark’), whereas the other relationship is a “shot in the darkest dark”. We obviously get a whole lot more songs in later albums that reference love as light in the darkness, most prominently in Daylight, the Lover album closer. But more subtly, I also think that “Takin’ your time in the tangerine neon light” from Slut, and “hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine” from Cruel Summer follow that same pattern. Something that illuminates the darkness. And just btw, Slut and Cruel Summer give me a very similar vibe in terms of different takes on the same situation…anyone else get that? But one last, maybe more subjective, connection is the line “I’ll pay the price, you won’t”. Which everyone immediately took as a comment on double standards between men and women, but I think it could also be interpreted to mean ‘I’ll happily pay the price and take the hit, so you don’t have to’, if you interpret the song to be about dating a man in public to keep a female partner out of the public eye.  With that in mind, the line becomes very reminiscent of ‘I can never give you peace’ from folklore, both expressing that Taylor wants to shield her lover from the media scrutiny that comes with dating her.  

Suburban Legends alone has so many links to later songs that I had to give it its own paragraph. The chorus ‘I didn’t come here to make friends’ is so ‘I don’t want you like a best friend’ coded, and ‘We were born to be suburban legends’ gives me big reputation/big conversation vibes. Other people have already pointed out that ‘flushed with the currency of cool’ draws links to Gold Rush and Gorgeous (‘You’re so cool it makes me hate you so much’) and ‘so magnetic it’s almost obnoxious’ is very similar to ‘magnetic force of a man’ from Lover. All painting the picture of a person who is so cool and alluring that they feel almost unattainable. The whole premise of the song being that the narrator didn’t come to make friends, but instead is on a mission to get what they want, feels very Mastermind to me. The background music over the outro confirms that, as it’s the same production as Mastermind (I call it ‘game show music’ 😊) and the lyrics saying that the muse now doesn’t knock anymore, suggests to me that maybe the masterplan has worked. Lastly, the conclusion of the song being ‘my life is ruined/I always knew it’ is a different way of saying I’ll happily ruin myself for you, as in ‘for you I’d ruin myself a million little times’ from Illicit Affairs.

We don’t get nearly as many references to the first muse’s themes in later music, but ‘fell from the pedestal, right down the rabbit hole” from Long Story Short is a nice drawback to the wonderland theme. Bottom line though, ‘It was the wrong guy…’.

And there we have it, the story of the two muses of 1989. If anybody here is even remotely as excited by lyrical analysis as I am, this one is for you, and feel free to have a friendly chat in the comments if I’ve missed anything!

[tenderlygroovystarfish]

Parallels are funny

I was never into anime when we were friends. I just wasn't a fan, until recently. I was watching a few different animes based on another friend's recommendations. Jujutsu Kaisen is the one I am referring to as I write this. I never thought about why Satoru Gojo's and Suguru Geto's relationship really affected me until I saw this piece of art.

Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto fit us so well.

The love, the intensity, the ending. One who would do anything for the other if they asked. One who kept the other in check while allowing them to feel truly free. One who was shining too bright to notice the darkness consuming the other. The one who had endless possibilities, and the one who wanted the impossible.

From freshman year to the middle of our junior year of college, we were inseparable.

Constant rides and study sessions. Doing homework, and practicing our pass-off music together. Those first few classes in our major were hard, but don't worry, I was there to always lend a hand when you needed it. Classes just kept getting harder. We both started to get busy and overwhelmed. I know you started to feel depressed when I was advancing in classes, and you were struggling with the same ones. I was there to support you as much as I could, but I had to keep going. I just didn't realize that I was leaving you behind. I thought you just needed more time, but you were focused on other things.

We were a duo- connected at the hip. Always together, never too far apart.

The friendship was innocent. Sharing laughs and having late night conversations. Small, drunk kisses that didn't mean anything, right? Cuddling and sharing blankets. Matching outfits and saying I love you. We talked about getting matching tattoos. I swore you were my soulmate. We shared so many late night drives. Remember when we went to the beach at midnight and didn't get back home until 4am? Yeah, I replay the video sometimes just to hear your voice.

Everyone thought we were dating.

That was so funny, right? Of course as best friends we shared locations, had specific nights just for us to get dinner, had sleepovers every weekend, and joked about why we haven't slept together, yet. Of course, as best friends we would push the limits of what other friends do. Of course, I noticed you were struggling, I tried my best to help you. It wasn't always what you needed, but I tried. -Did you notice my struggle? No? That's okay. I hid it pretty well.- Of course, I got upset when you started to use guys to make other guys jealous. I didn't want to see you play with people's emotions like that, but I also didn't know how to stop you. You couldn't see how it affected you. You didn't see the changes it made.

Some words were said- words I wish I could take back, but it's too late for that.

We didn't speak for quite some time after that. I left my final 'I love you' on your doorstep- a scrapbook of us. The times we did speak were brief and out of pure necessity. Until, one day you volunteered a comment on my performance. I was frozen. You didn't need to compliment me- I didn't need it, rather. This was a critique, but you offered me love, instead.

That was your final 'I love you.'

I know that many other people have experienced a friendship like SatoSugu, but I think we truly encapsulated it, unfortunately. From the intense friendship with wild adventures, to blurring the lines between friend and lover, to losing each other, and to, finally, saying our final 'I love yous' to each other in our own ways.

Just like Satoru Gojo's happiness around Suguru Geto, my happiness was so loud when I was with you that I could not hear your silence. I’m sorry Satoru- Suguru didn’t stay in this universe either. Maybe the next one. In this universe, I spent 3 years loving you, and, now, I will spend the rest of forever missing you. There is no curse more twisted than love.

You're not dead, but I will never see you again. Even if I did, you wouldn’t be the same. You are my best friend, and I was yours.

[prncssie]

Maybe a drabble or hc of what it'd be like shot gunning smoke with Hobie idk : p

OH OH OH so interesting you say this bc i kinda featured something like this in strawberry meringue but for this i’ll do it in a more intimate setting c: likeeee one of my favorites — hobie’s houseboat! n if you have more requests, pls check out this link before sending it in c:

his little boat is so calming. it rocks with the waves and it always smells like fresh air. like you’re constantly living on the beach but the water remained fresh and undisturbed by tourists trying to escape the cold months. sometimes it smells like incense because he likes the smokey, natural smell as an alternative.

i think it would be sweet too, like you’re both sitting in his room, just enjoying the time you spend with each other and doing separate tasks. you drag the gel polish brush across your nails and hobie takes smooth pulls of the joint between his fingers.

he’s very touchy in the way he does things so he’d ever so gently places his hand on the back of your neck or under your chin to pull you close and blow the remnants into your mouth. this is probably something that happens between you both often and it’s not always charged with sexual intent. this time, it’s just parallel play and intoxication.

he’s still down to kiss you right after, enjoying the sativa coursing through his bloodstream with your lips against his. his senses are just a bit heightened and you taste better than normal, like you’ve been dipped in sugar and presented to him.

after each turn, he pulls back with a smile and runs his thumb along your cheek. “you’re so pretty,” he’d say. hobie would absolutely shower you in compliments. he’d tell you how amazing you look, how good you treat him, how perfect you are. it can get overwhelming and make you giddy awfully fast.

i mean, his eyes just bore into your head and he takes you in, in silence. other than his words of admiration, of course. you can feel it and you have to do your best not to smile too wide. it kinda feels like a high school crush because he’s so genuine about it. just when you lift your head to tell him to stop looking at you like that, he pulls you in for another round of smoke transfer and sloppy kisses.

it’s not like he doesn’t know, either. hobie is well aware of how he makes you feel, that’s just the appeal of it. you make him feel important too, loved and needed. it’s a win-win and aided under the influence of weed.

[averagecontentenjoyer121]

Chapter 10: Reunion

Three years of living with the royal family has been nice to Athena. She was constantly taken care of by Penelope whenever she needed it, and Penelope had a sixth sense for when that was. And the happiness that Telemachus brought her let her overcome most obstacles. But there was still this sense of loneliness creeping its way into Athena. Staying locked up barely being able to talk to others had given her a sort of cabin fever. Granted she loved the royal family to death, but the lack of communication with others was driving her slowly insane.

One night Hypnos was running late for whatever reason and so she went out for some air, hopefully to clear her head to help her sleep. She began walking along a river that ran parallel to the palace. As she walked she began to hear singing. The same singing she had been hearing in her dreams. She quickened her pace, determined to discover who it was that was singing.

As she turned around the curve of the river she had made it back closer to the palace. She could now see the window leading into the room she slept in. And there lying on the edge of the beach was her. She had been singing the reverse of what her kind usually do, she was pouring her feelings out into the world.

Athena stood there mesmerized by the singing. Not because it had drugged her mind, but because it was genuinely beautiful. Athena listened to the concert that was all for her, but then she shifted her leg. Some stones crackled under her step causing enough sound to alert the siren. She turned to gaze at her attendant, her face turning a shade of dark red. She retreated under the water not knowing what to say.

Athena rushed after her, but was unable to reach her. She sat beside the river unsure if she should say what entered her mind or not because the siren might just be gone, but she did anyway. “Uh, I’ve heard your singing in my dreams and tonight hearing it in person was better than any dream could ever be,” silence persisted but so did she, “I’ve kept this piece of coral you gave me. I still don’t understand its meaning, but I know, to you, it’s important for me to keep this,” she said, after pulling out the red coral she hadn’t taken out in three years, “If you decide to come out I’ll be waiting over here,” Athena said vaguely gesturing behind her.

Athena slowly moved away from the water hoping the siren would reappear. Noticing the lack of reemergence she settled down on the oddly soft grass, using her cape as a makeshift pillow. As she lay there half asleep, the siren cautiously came out of the river. She slowly crawled towards Athena, of whom could hear her approach. Once the siren got to Athena it paused for a moment. She then curled up beside Athena, resting her head on Athena’s chest. Athena then moved slightly so that she was now embracing the siren while she slept, which caused the Siren to blush again. The white noise generated by the purrs of the Siren aided both in their search for sleep.

Penelope came into Athena’s room to wish her good night only to be surprised to see that she was gone. She looked out the window to see Athena slumbering with the Siren. She smiled happy that Athena had found another friend. Suddenly the irritating demeanor of the god of sleep made itself known. “Hay Athe-“ he was cut off by the shushing of Penelope. She then gestured out to where Athena slept. “Why didn’t she bring ‘er into the room,” he whispered, “would’ve been more comfortable.” Penelope glared at his ignorance. “You think they’ve had a bash?” He said with a mischievous grin which was contrasted by the bags under his eyes. Penelope clamped down on his cheek like a coconut crab while staring at Hypnos in disgust as she hadn’t known what he meant, but made an assumption of its meaning. “Settle yourself, I made a joke about if you thought they’ve kissed. Jeez get your mind out da gutta,” he squicked out. “Still rude to ask about a relationship you don’t know about,” Penelope said through a scowl. “Ya think she needs my help this time?”

“No, and I want you to stay away from them. I know you’ll ruin their moment.”

“Alright then, I guess Athena 1, Hypnos 1195,” he says, chuckling in tone mocking defeat, whilst flying away on his winged ears.

Penelope stood there with her arms crossed, but with a softer expression. She stared out at Athena smiling as it seemed the two had gotten closer.

The sun warmed the two bodies residing beside the river. Athena opened her eyes to see the scaled fish-like body of the siren resting partly on her left, somehow not triggering pain within Athena. Athena smiled happily to finally get to see the person who had allowed her to be in Ithaca. Athena slowly began to sit up carefully moving the siren’s head so it now lay on the left side of her lap. She began to brush the siren’s hair waiting for her to wake up so she could for the first time talk to her. The siren purred as it woke, then realizing that it was being touched, it turned to look at Athena who was smiling down at her. The siren’s face became a dark maroon hue as it felt a strange version of happiness and fear. Her body tensed unsure about what to do, until Athena spoke, “Hello, I don’t think I caught your name,” her face only grew more and more maroon. She spoke for the first time in years, “Pithera,” she whispered out her barely opened mouth. “That’s a wonderful name,” said Athena. Pithera smiled, having been charmed by Athena’s nice words. “Oh,” Athena continued, “I said that I still had this, but I didn’t know if you heard me,” She said, pulling the piece of coral out. Pithera’s eyes grew as she saw the coral. “I don’t know what it means or why you wanted me to have it. Could you please tell me?”

“We give those we love coral. If they keep it that shows they also love us, but if they don’t that means they don’t love us,” she quietly said looking off to the side, “b-but you’re the first one who’s ever kept the coral I gave,” she said with an overjoyed smile. Athena embraced Pithera. First surprised by Athena, Pithera then embraces her back, nuzzling under her chin.

Ive also started work on chapter 11, and edited the earlier chapters a little, but that’ll have to wait until I get and AO3 account, the edits that is.

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Thirty-Two

The morning sun kissed Maera's skin as she stood on the balcony, taking in the breathtaking sight of the shoreline. The events of the previous night still weighed heavily on her mind, and now, she would have to confront the reality of her suitors and devise a strategy with her father to secure a match that was suitable for her.

Her gaze shifted towards the shore where the colossal blue dragon, Ēbrion, feasted upon the whale carcass that had washed ashore—a substantial meal for a dragon of his size. The scene was both magnificent and savage, a reminder of the power that dragons held.

Suddenly, a dark shadow descended upon the beach, and Maera's eyes widened as she recognized Vhagar, the dragon with bronze-green scales, shimmering like a jewel in the early morning light. Her heart quickened as she watched the dragons engage in an intense standoff, their territorial instincts flaring, both vying for ownership of the massive carcass.

Tensions escalated, and then Vhagar unleashed a deafening roar, followed by a searing fireball that streaked into the sky. Ēbrion hissed in protest, the flames mere inches from him, before reluctantly turning away from the carcass and retreating to his cave dwelling.The she-dragon, triumphant in her conquest, remained on the beach, guarding her hard-earned feast.

Maera couldn't help but draw a parallel between the dragons' territorial dispute and the intricate games of courtly politics she was experiencing in Kings Landing. Both were battles for power and dominance, and in both worlds, only the strongest would prevail. With a heavy sigh, she turned away from the balcony, knowing that she, too, must face challenges of her own.

As Maera prepared herself for the day ahead, she heard the soft footsteps of her maid, Thena, entering her chambers. Today, she had chosen a more modest attire, fitting for her planned visit to the Sept with Queen Mother Alicent. The gown she picked was a graceful ensemble with a plain turquoise buttoned bodice that boasted long sleeves. The skirt of the dress shimmered with intricate turquoise and gold detailing, a nod to her house's colors.

Thena, with her deft hands, set to work on Maera's hair. She skillfully braided the top half, securing it neatly in a bun while letting the bottom half cascade freely, the silver streak in Maera's otherwise brown locks catching the light, creating a striking contrast.

With her appearance nearly complete, Maera reached for her mother's necklace. The delicate gold chain held precious sapphires that rested lightly against her skin comfortably, as always. As she fastened it around her neck, she couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. Today was a day that required her to embody her mother's strength, to navigate the uncertain path that lay ahead.

Maera, having thanked Thena for her assistance, left her chambers to head to Queen Alicent's rooms, accompanied by Ser Arryk. The silence, a result of the awkwardness from the previous night, hung in the air. Maera, recognizing her agitated manner from the night before, decided to address the matter.

She spoke with a genuine tone, "Ser Arryk, I must apologize for my conduct last night. I had a trying evening, but that is no excuse to lash out at those closest to me."

Ser Arryk, his loyalty to Maera strong, offered a forgiving smile, his earlier discomfort eased. "Your apology is unnecessary, Lady Maera," he assured her. Their bond seemed to mend with those words.

As they entered Queen Alicent's chambers, Maera curtsied respectfully in the presence of the Queen Mother. Alicent sat at her dining table, delicately sipping her tea. Her gaze shifted to Lady Maera, and she greeted her with a nod. Ser Arryk took a position at the side of the room, allowing Maera and the Queen to converse more freely.

Queen Alicent then tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "It is wonderful to see you this morning, sweetling, but I was under the impression you would be with my daughter?”

Maera explained with a gracious smile, "Her Grace was kind enough to grant me a morning off, my Queen. I needed a bit of rest after a restless night."

Queen Alicent returned the smile warmly and gestured for Maera to join her at the table, inviting her to share a morning meal.

On the breakfast table of the Queen, a delectable array of morning fare was artfully arranged. At the center, a porcelain platter held a selection of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, their golden crusts begging to be broken. Beside them, a tray of honeycomb glistened like liquid gold, promising a sweet accompaniment to the bread.

A silver chalice, engraved with intricate patterns, contained creamy goat cheese, soft and spreadable. Fruits were not amiss, with a bowl of ripe, succulent berries—blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries—offering a burst of natural sweetness. In a corner, a small pot of steaming, fragrant tea was poured into delicate porcelain cups, its aroma filling the room with an inviting warmth.

The two women engaged in light conversation as they savored their meal together. Queen Alicent, after some time, extended an apology to Maera, her tone gentle, "My dear, it's a shame that you haven't received a proposal yet."

Maera's expression tightened briefly, but she managed a gracious response, "Thank you for your sympathies, Your Grace." She continued, her voice carrying a touch of optimism, "I'm hopeful that news of my new inheritance will spread quickly and attract more suitable suitors from the great Houses."

Queen Alicent delicately wiped her mouth with a napkin before bringing up another topic. "Ahh yes, the Straits of Tarth," she said, her eyes focused on Maera. "Did Lord Jasper inform you that the crown has expressed interest in obtaining those lands for the King’s Fleet?"

Maera paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully before replying, "Yes, my father did discuss it with me."

The Queen continued, her tone calculated, "The members of the small council have advised that it would be a strategic acquisition. I'm certain House Wylde would be handsomely rewarded if they were to consider surrendering the islands temporarily to King Aegon's cause."

Maera nodded thoughtfully, her gaze shifting downward as she sipped her tea. It was evident to her that Queen Alicent was playing a clever game, possibly a desperate one, attempting to convince House Wylde through the Lord's daughter, given Lord Jasper's previous refusal.

Returning her attention to her plate, Maera spoke with conviction, "Your Grace, I am but a loyal servant to my father's wishes, and I cannot change his mind if it is already set. I assume you understand my predicament, given you are daughter of Lord Otto.”

Maera took a bite of her toast smeared with honey, swallowing the food before addressing the Queen again. “My father's reasons for denying the crown's request are the same as he conveyed to the Small Council: the seat of Morne must remain with a relative of Lord Byron and Lady Viserra, or it would lead to chaos. Furthermore, bringing the conflict to Tarth might prompt the inhabitants to attack Rainwood first, given its proximity.”

Maera raised her eyebrows, her gaze unwavering as she posed a question to the Queen, "If you were in the Master of Laws’ position, Your Grace, wouldn't you seek more than just the word of a King already at war to protect your children?"

Queen Alicent pondered Maera's words before nodding and quietly returning her attention to her own plate. Maera knew she was right. The Queen mother had already plunged with realm into chaos by allowing Aegon to be crowned King, angering the previously chosen heir, Princess Rhaenyra. And Alicent did this, of course, to protect her children and grandchildren.

The atmosphere in the room remained tense as the two women finished their meal. Queen Alicent, her gaze lingering on the empty chair that should have been occupied by her daughter, Queen Helaena, finally voiced her concern. "I wonder where Helaena is."

Maera shifted her attention to Ser Arryk and inquired, "Have you heard anything, Ser Arryk? Anything unusual regarding Queen Helaena?"

The knight furrowed his brow slightly and replied, "No, my lady. But I did notice Queen Helaena's guards leaving her doors at first light." Maera found this peculiar. Why would Helaena dismiss her guards so early, especially if she was still within her chambers?

Queen Alicent rang a bell, summoning Lord Commander Criston Cole to her presence. The lord commander entered the chambers and nodded respectfully to the women. Queen Alicent wasted no time and asked him, "Lord Commander, do you know why Queen Helaena dismissed her guards this morning?"

Ser Criston cleared his throat, his expression somber, and replied, "It wasn't Queen Helaena who dismissed the guards, Your Grace."

Maera leaned forward, her concern mounting, and asked, "Then who was it? Who gave the order?"

The Lord Commander hesitated, his tone heavy as he revealed the unsettling truth, "It was King Aegon, my lady, Your Grace. He visited Queen Helaena's chambers in the early hours of this morning and dismissed her guards."

A chilling realization dawned upon Maera and Queen Alicent. Their faces mirrored a shared horror, understanding the implications of what had transpired. King Aegon had made unwanted advances towards Helaena the previous night, and Maera had intervened, urging him to leave. Now, it seemed he had returned to finish what he had started.

Without uttering a word, both women swiftly leapt from their seats, leaving the chamber in a state of panic, their loyal knights behind them. Their steps echoed through the corridors as they raced to find Queen Helaena, their hearts heavy with dread and the desperate need to ensure her safety.

When Maera and Alicent reached Queen Helaena's chamber door, they were met with a distressing scene. Helaena's maids were frantically pushing against the wooden doors and rattling the handles, desperately trying to gain entry to the room.

Maera, driven by fear for her friend, slammed her body against the door, feeling the heavy resistance from behind it. The room had been effectively barricaded. Panic surged through her, and she cried out, "Helaena!" Her knocks echoed, but there was no response from within. She turned to Lord Commander Criston, her voice trembling with urgency, "Are you just going to stand there? Find more guards, wherever they are stationed, and get them here to help us open this door!"

Ser Criston started to respond with an air of disposition, claiming he only took orders from Queen Alicent. However, Queen Alicent intervened, “Do as she says,” causing the Lord Commander to seek assistance immediately.

Maera continued to plead through the door, her voice desperate, "Helaena, please answer if you're okay." Her knocks grew more frantic, but there was still no response. Anxiety gnawed at her with each passing second. As she pressed herself against the door, she heard Queen Alicent let out a sigh of relief

“Aemond, your sister. Please help us!”

Maera drew her gaze away from the door momentarily to look at the One-Eyed Prince, who rushed over, clearly concerned about the commotion. Queen Alicent quickly explained what had happened, and Maera put aside any discomfort from their previous night's encounter. Her sole focus now was on her best friend, Helaena. Aemond stood beside Maera, attempting to jiggle the handle and shoulder-barging the door.

Desperation filled Maera’s voice as she explained to him, "This is Aegon’s doing! He has trapped her in there and barricaded the door."

Maera watched as Aemond approached a nearby painting of the Smith hanging on the corridor wall. He ripped it off as if it weighed nothing, revealing a concealed door. Aemond attempted to force this secondary entrance open with his shoulder, but it too resisted his efforts. He turned back to the anxious group, frustration evident in his expression, and reported, "The other entrance has been barricaded as well."

Ser Criston Cole then turned the corner, with three other knights, two of whom were known for regularly guarding Aegon's door. They brought a battering ram and placed a significant distance between themselves and the door. Ser Arryk, acting as a sentinel, motioned for the other bystanders to move back. At Ser Criston's command, the trio of guards sprinted forward, the battering ram smashing into the door with force. The door groaned and creaked, reluctantly giving way slightly under the pressure.

They stepped back again, the Lord Commander declaring that one more push should do it. Maera's heart raced, her mind filled with dread as she braced herself for whatever might lie behind that door. The guards charged forward once more, their collective effort forcing the door wide enough to allow entry in single file. Maera wasted no time, pushing past Queen Alicent, Aemond, the maids, and slipping through the partially opened doors. Her heart sank as she took in the horrifying sight before her.

The room was in shambles, a chaotic scene of destruction with furniture overturned and belongings scattered haphazardly. But her focus was immediately drawn to the bed, where Helaena’s delicate form was sat, her appearance a stark contrast to the graceful queen she usually was.

Maera approached slowly, her voice trembling as she called out, "Helaena, it's me, Maera.” Her eyes widened with horror as she took in the state of her friend. Helaena's hair was a tangled mess, her body devoid of any clothing, and her exposed skin demonstrated the horrifying testament to the violence she had endured. She was a canvas of bruises, in varying shades of black, green, purple, and blue. Her eye was swollen shut, and there were traces of blood on her lips, between her thighs, and scattered across the bed sheets.

The Queen rocked back and forth on the bed, her one visible eye filled with pain and terror. She seemed lost, broken. Tears welled up in Maera's eyes as she moved closer, her voice shaking as she whispered, "Helaena, it's going to be alright. We're here to help you."

Maera gently reached out to touch her friend's shoulder, her heart aching with worry and fear. Her other hand instantly grabbed a nearby sheet, one that only had dashes of blood, and gently draped it over her friend, shielding Helaena's modesty as her family and maids entered the room. She couldn't bear the idea of anyone else seeing her in such a state.

The Queen Mother was the first to speak amongst the onlookers, breathing, “Praise the Mother, she’s alive.” Alicent's relieved words stung Maera like a slap to the face. She couldn't comprehend how anyone could utter such a thing in the midst of this horror. Her fury ignited, whipping around to face Queen Alicent, Maera couldn't hide her incredulity.

"Alive? That's what you're thankful for?!" Her voice trembled with anger. "Helaena has been maimed, by your son, her own husband, no less. What does it matter if she is alive?!"

Maera swiftly turned her attention back to Helaena, her eyes searching her friend's bruised face. She needed to know the truth, no matter how painful it might be. "Helaena, did Aegon do this to you?" she asked, her voice unwavering.

Helaena hesitated, her gaze flickering around the room, clearly afraid of the consequences of her answer. Maera gently brought her friend's attention back to her, her grip on Helaena's hand firm but reassuring. "Tell me," she urged softly.

After a moment, Helaena nodded, and a surge of intense anger coursed through Maera.

It was like an eerie calmness; a fiery, seething rage, one she welcomed like a long-lost friend. She rose from the bed, taking charge of the situation. "Run a bath for her Grace," she ordered the two maids, her gaze determined. "Ser, fetch the Maester," she instructed one of Aegon's guards who had previously stood diligently outside his King’s door. "And you two, find more maids to help clean the Queen’s chambers," she directed the other guards. All the castle staff obeyed Lady Maera’s orders, scrambling around to hastily complete them.

Before leaving the room, Maera turned to Queen Alicent, who was sat on the bed, trying to console her daughter. Helaena, however, recoiled from her mother’s attempted comfort.

"Where are you going?" the Queen Mother inquired, seemingly desperate for her to stay and help with her daughter.

Maera glanced back at the room, meeting Alicent's gaze without uttering a word. Her eyes then locked with Aemond's, his single violet eye piercing into her emerald ones. There was an unspoken understanding between them. Maera was heading to confront the King, and Gods’ be damned if anyone tried to stand in her way.

Tags: @blue-serendipity @shesjustanothergeek @grungegrrrl @marvelescvpe

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[bethaven]

#22 Heartstopper

Plot: Nick and Charlie get placed together at form in school and immediately - sparks. Charlie's unsure if Nick likes him back, or even if he's non-straight. Nick on the other hand, get very confused about these new feelings. Meeting, falling in love and being out turns out to be more complicated than they could've ever imagined. But it's the love story of the century and together with supportive friends and family they can overcome anything. We also get to follow their friends and family in their own endeavours, like the relationships between Tao and Elle and Tara and Darcy as well as Isaac's ace-journey.

Years: 2022-

Seasons: 2 (season three arriving in 2024)

My story: There's so much to say here, but I'll try to keep it short. I discovered Heartstopper shortly after the first season had arrived to Netflix. It fast became one of my favourites and led to a few rewatches over the first year. But I didn't move further into the fandom just yet. When season 2 dropped I'd been longing for it all summer. I'd had a rough year with chaos at work combined with both my grandfathers passing away within two months. I'd been keeping myself distracted with travelling all summer, but then suddenly there were no distractions left. My mental health spiraled. The only thing that kept me afloat was Heartstopper. I watched all episodes everyday for about two months. I read the comics over and over. I went deep into the Osemanverse and I read books, which I normally never do. I got into tumblr. All of it kind of became my saving. And I owe it all to Alice Oseman.

Teachable moments: For me Heartstopper teaches us primarily about how love is always just love, in whichever form it comes in. Wheither it's platonic, romantic or other types of love, wheither it's the love you feel for your partner or the love you feel for friends and family - they're all valid and important.

Best character: Even though I love them all, I've always had a soft spot for Charlie. There's so many layers of him and I am really looking forward to how the rest of his journey will be portrayed on screen. He has the biggest heart and is so much stronger than he thinks.

Best episode: "Boyfriend" (S1E8). I love how this episode start at the deep end and ends on a high note. Nick's speach and their kiss in the corridor together with the beach trip just makes this perfect. A big runner up is "Truth/Dare" (S2E6), not the least for Tara and Darcy's story and growth.

Best quote: "I think there's this idea that when you're not straight you have to tell all your friends and family immediately, like you owe it to them. But you don't." (Charlie to Nick) This line has really helped me in my own journey about sexuality/attractions.

Fun fact: It'd be hard to find a fun fact that the Heartstopper fandom didn't already know (even though it might be true for all the series in this calendar). But for the not so initiated it'd be fun to know that Joe Locke, who plays Charlie, got the role through an open audition and this is his first time acting professionally. In 2024 he'll be both in a new Marvel series (which, in a parallel universe is quite funny since Charlie doesn't like Marvel) and do his Broadway debut in Sweeny Todd.

If you like this you might also like: Young Royals, Skins, Tales of the City, Skam and Atypical.

(Heartstopper is the adaptation of Alice Oseman's webcomic and books. Volume 5 was just released and volume 6 will be the last one. The webcomic is normally released three times a month, but will now be on a hiatus for about six months, until Alice have some volume 6 stuff to share. Also check out the novellas Nick and Charlie and This winter as well as Alice's novels Solitaire (where the story about Nick and Charlie started), Radio Silence, I was born for this and Loveless. She has also written and created the Netflix series.)

[interlunium-opus]

Enhypen Hyung Line as Taylor Swift's Songs from the Midnights Album: Heeseung as Lavender Haze

⎡ Check out other members: Jay as Midnight Rain ||| Jake as Labyrinth ||| Sunghoon as Snow on the Beach ⎦

‣ Lee Heeseung as Lavender Haze 

The vibe of this song just screams Lee Heeseung. Like picture meeting his eyes in a crowded room as the opening of this song plays and when Taylor sings "meet me at midnight", he breaks into a knowing smirk at you before disappearing into the crowd, making his interest and intentions evident, inevitably beckoning you to follow him.

He seems like a hopeless romantic so I feel like once he falls in love, he falls deeply. Always willing to go the distance and break the rules, all for you.

Like being engulfed in a Lavender Haze: a state of being and mind that is so intoxicated and warped in love where nothing else matters and that it’s just he and you, against the world.

So picture this: Heeseung is a really famous singer who, for obvious reasons, does not have the liberty to date freely. Being the rulebreaker he is though (re: Heelift), he still pursued you relentlessly until you eventually succumbed though you warned him that you won't let him throw his career away for you and that dates with you would have to be done covertly, if not, in utter secrecy to protect him and his career.

Hence why whenever you guys date, it would always be in the dead of the night, far away from others. Basically, there would be a lot of sneaking ins and outs; 24-hour diners at the rural parts of town; midnight picnics; midnight waltz; road trips; sunset-watching; randomly purchasing the last train ticket to who-knows-where; and the list goes on — all just so that you guys can maximize whatever little time you had together. It's almost like once midnight sets in, you guys enter another parallel dimension where there's only you and him shrouded in the darkness and desolation of the night. Though such a perfect world shatters the moment the sun rises.

As devastating as that usually is, you two found that such limitations is exactly what makes your relationship and feelings for one another strong. For just like the saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder", your affection and passion for the other grows, forming mountains, in each other's absence. Then in the limited times that you guys get to spend with one another, the love and passion just overflow, dripping in every little actions and words, in silence and in chatters. During such dates, every moments are savoured, maximised, solidifying the mountains into something unscalable.

Then there’d be those overnight dates at home, which always start out very playfully and lightheartedly: games, blanket forts, roaring laughters, ranting/venting sessions, movie marathons, pillow fights, and so on.

Then the clock strikes a certain hour in the middle of the night when the tension builds at such a dangerous pace with every stare and touches — threatening to overspill and tip over by the second. Like a Lavender Haze engulfing the whole room, it stupefies and intoxicates you two. Suddenly, the stares linger, the gaze darkens, the smile falters, the gaps narrows, the breathes hitch — silencing every thoughts and words, leaving only actions capable to convey whatever is simmering within. Every innocent lighthearted kiss would then easily escalate into a full-blown intense make-out sessions that lasts for so long that only your swollen lips and hickeys could tell. Very often too it could easily escalate into ((redacted :P)).

(Alternatively) imagine if you guys weren’t dating but are instead in this confusing state of relationship where you guys were doing too much for one another as friends but at the same time, have never transgressed the explicit boundaries that would have decisively tip the friendship over either. Though , deep inside, you two knew what was bubbling underneath all the lingering stares and touches.

So being in a lavender haze would really be that moment when you guys let the simmering tension erupt. Where all rationality drowns. Where all that matters is just what is in front of you — not what will happen, not what should happen. Just the present moment. 

"You know this could break our friendship right?" you cautioned Heeseung as he took a few steps closer towards you, his doe-eyes darkening in desire with every step. You had sometimes caught a glimpse of how such gentle eyes could darken in such intensity before, but you had never let it linger for a second too long as you knew full well of what would unfold otherwise. Hence you had always been the first the break the eye-contact, putting a stop on whatever is festering. However, you're no cyborg and tonight, you find your brain outpaced and you knew that your time at dilly-dallying with your feelings, with his feelings, was up. “I do,” he answered calmly, his voice was a few octaves lower than usual. It always took him so much effort to stop himself in all the near-misses with you especially as someone who naturally follows his heart more than his head. But one can only bend out of their element for a number of times before breaking and tonight, he knew the cracks had spread far too wide to contain. “I won’t stop you if you go now,” he breathed, eyes boring into yours as if trying to gauge your deepest secret. You swallowed thickly, getting increasingly lulled by the intensity of his gaze, the increasing proximity, and the dimmed lighting which was casting a purplish glow around the room — almost as if reflecting the confused state of your mind within. You could feel your brain going on overdrive, its left hemisphere working hard calculating and assessing every scenarios that could span out from this moment and every implications that would arise as a consequence. But as you back into the table behind you and the gap between you and him increasingly narrowed, all the rationality and logical mental-works in your brain started drowning under the weight of your suppressed and unaddressed, emotions and you find yourself asking aloud a question which you knew the answer to, "and if I stay?" "Then we'll get to see,” he drawled as he wrapped his fingers around the side of your neck as his thumb lightly tip your face up to his, his lips now hovering just a few centimetres away from yours, “when it comes to ruining our friendship, will the heart or the head triumph in anticipating its consequence...” His eyes flitted momentarily away from your lips to your eyes, as if giving you a last chance to stop him, but as you stay rooted, he closed the gap, pressing his lips gently onto yours, letting the warmth envelope and spread, from your lips to your senses, melting every thoughts and emotions. You feel his other hand crept up your back, pulling you closer towards him as he turned his head sideways to deepen the kiss, letting his actions express all that he had longed to tell you. In tandem, you loosened up, letting yourself be lost in the heat of the moment, in the burning passions and emotions, in his safe and warm embrace — a non-verbal cue on your side that tells him that, for him, you’ll make the exception and let your head shut up for once.

A/N: As a huge music bluff with an overactive imagination, I have been thinking of creating this series, largely inspired by all those TikTok videos of “Enhypen as xx Songs”. As you can tell from this post, the twist in this is that, instead of just associating a song with a member, I will complement it further with some short bulleted imaginative scenario of how the song fits them or the scenario. This is a fairly self-indulgent piece of work (series) so apologies in advance for how much of a mess it would be — hope it appeals to some nevertheless! Let me know what you guys think since I am also testing the waters here with this series :3

[chlorinewriter]

Type: Oneshot

Pairing: Shanks/Mihawk

Rating: T

Word count: 11,400

Summary: So close to Shanks, Mihawk can feel it all; the weave of desire and anger, grief and want. Other emotions more precarious, voracious, things he doesn't have a word for. Those unnamed feelings are at least in part why Mihawk still doesn't know what he's doing here. He doesn’t like uncertainty inside himself. The world can do what it wants, but he was supposed to have found a way to silence all the tumult in his chest years ago. A sword to slice and a sword to silence, paralleling each other.

☪☪☪

The flames flicker, burning ever lower, and Mihawk doesn't know what he's doing here. His certainty is dying with the fire and the festivities.

Even this crew can't celebrate forever, though they'd given it a fair shot. With the edges of dawn creeping into the far horizon, most of the motley bunch have surrendered to sleep after a half day and night of carousing. The most enterprising have found more comfortable spots throughout the cove, either in hammocks or blankets or each other's arms. The rest are scattered on the sands, sprawled out in various stages of drunk and disorderly. He can pick out a few conversations here and there, but the words are overwhelmed by the crash of the surf washing ever higher on the beach.

By the fire, it is quiet, made even more so by the cacophony of the hours before. The man next to him is focused on the wavering flames, but stare as he might, Mihawk doesn't know if his expression is pensive or merely complacent. He can tell many of Shanks’ moods from years of careful study, but the difference between thoughtful and content often escapes him.

The light is spilling as a restless glow over his companion's face, and though the night is warm, Shanks is leaned in close. Chilled? Or seeking something intangible in the charred logs and embers, something even hawk eyes can't see?

[r7-b7]

White Man fantasy authors that just really aren't all that worth the hype

In my personal opinion

Now that we can say (without extreme fear of death threats) Neil Gaiman's work has always had an undertone of misogyny, racism and creep--

Let's talk Lev Grossman!

The Magicians (spoilers ahead) was the first fiction book I had picked up in a couple years and I regret it everyday. Quieten is insufferable and what the fuck was the entirety of Alice's character and story? Why the fuck did I waste 17 hours of my life listening to an audiobook about a white boy complaining and fucking his girl and hearing his girl get fucked then she just dies for plot. Her entire character revolved around her brother or her boyfriend. She was so much more than that.

Back to Neil Gaiman: The next book I read after The Magicians was American Gods. Just...yikes to that book. Also, the way Anathema was described in the Good Omens book.. And just Stardust in its entirety... Growing up I watched that movie dozens of times and read it once--it wasn't lost on me that there weren't many non-scorned, non-sexualized, non-abusive or abused, or unfucked ALIVE femme characters in his work. Bilqius, Laura Moon, Yvaine, Anathema, Nina, Madam Tracy, War as seen in this annotation below.

Image Description: a screen shot of the Good Omens Kindle E-Book page 111 with the highlighted passage: "Is bloddy important strategically, Ferando Chianti! I drew big map of the island and is right in the middle, which makes it pretty bloddy strategically important, I can tell you." "Ha!" said Fernando. "You might as well say that just because Little Diego's house has a view of the decedant capitalist topless private beach that it's strategically important!" The pianist blushed a deep red. "Our lot got that this morning," he admitted. There was a silence. In the silence was a faint, silken rasping. Red had uncrossed her legs.

The passage is followed by the annotation saying "wtf is this even"

End of image description.

Alright hold on, this one isn't going to be taken well....

George Lucas, Dave Filoni, John Favreau, Stan Lee.

It's just their own fanfiction with no growth. It's the same parallel for the 150th time with a white male protagonist, a petite love interest, a best friend who is either a droid, an animal, or a token poc. The femme characters---good lord. Same with Grossman and Gaiman, nearly impossible to find one non-scorned, non-sexualized, non-abusive or abused, or unfucked ALIVE femme character. Shmi, Padme, Satine, Barris, Ventress, Yadle, Steela Gerrera, Mary Jane, Pepper, Rogue, Mystique, the list can go on.

Their man characters usually always harm loads of people and especially the femme characters closest to them before they can stop and think about their actions. Why reinforce that harmful trope?

The male violence apologist godfathers. Child slaughterer? He's the chosen one, he's misguided and most of the franchise is dedicated to him. War profiteer and creator and seller of weapons as well as responsible for so much innocent death and egregious property damage? Hot playboy with the best lines who most of the franchise was dedicated to.

Their stories are just So White™. It's just White Knight™ over and over again. The Western bs always gave me such an ick.

I remember being 10 and being like "wow Iron Man is actually really racist..." They really pushed that Islamophobic narrative hard.

Also, George Lucas telling Carrie Fischer "there's no underwear in space" so she doesn't wear a bra in A New Hope? Gross. That's not just "something from another time.. it's was the 70s!" -- no it was gross then when she was 19 and it's gross now.

So yeah I put them all together in one because they are in the same vein of misogynistic white men who get away with their racist microgressions because they built and extended an ultra popular fantasy world with a theme park.

These dudes just thought up a fantasy world, we can all still take what we want and leave the rest. We don't have to be grateful to them or like their work to run with our own creativity with their characters/places/things. We are also very much allowed and should to think critically and critique work, especially when it reinforces harmful tropes or is just plain shit but somehow gets turned into a multimedia affair. But again, we can still enjoy fantasy and take what we want and leave the rest.

There's so much more for each of them and more authors but who has the time of the patience anymore. I don't. Not for this post.

I like to think fan fic writers and artists liberate our beloved characters from them so they can live the lives they deserve. So thank you fic writers and fan artists. You create the world we wish to see.

[purgetrooperfox]

Honestly? Probably Bastra. I feel like he's the most well adjusted. But if I wanted the most fun route, Nocte.

[oc dating sim ask game making my brain vibrate again]

this is actually so fair. and I did talk about Nocte some here but yeah he is uhhh not going to commit any real emotional depth. he's fun though!! ideal for playing it fast and loose ahem

Bastra though ! you're right lol he's pretty well adjusted, generally speaking. very committed to the Jedi, which means his spare time is both limited and very important to him. expect

to probably meet on Coruscant, but there are several options for specific spots. he spends a lot of time in the lower levels and the Senate district, and is familiar with most districts around the capital. the Entertainment District might see him from time to time. he's a regular in Coco Town! pick your poison, he'll probably pop up eventually

however it starts, he's going to want to Woo You. to do it differently because he's never had something real before, he he doesn't want to fuck it up

dates will be few and far between at first. he's busy, you're busy, Coruscant is expensive. those dates will count though, he'll take you to his favorite spots and unfailingly introduce you to an owner or manager who he seems to know well

do you know about the aquatic district? because he has a Padawan you see, and she's a nautolan, so he's always down there, right? and at first he wasn't so sure, he's not the strongest swimmer out there, but it's really grown on him. to have beauty like that in the middle of so much industrial development is something special (pack a swimsuit because this is as close as you'll get to a beach episode)

eventually though, the natural solution to seeing each other so infrequently is to just have him over for an evening. he'll show up, I shit you not, with bags of groceries and cook for you in your own kitchen. it will be spicy. it will be delicious. you can pick a movie with decent confidence that he hasn't seen it before and savor being able to tuck into his side to watch him react as much as the plot itself

this breaks an ice. he'll be around significantly more when it can be more casual. for all that it seems like he never brings anything with him, you'll start finding traces of him in your space. a long lost sock in the dryer. a jacket slung across the back of the couch that gets its own place in the closet. miscellaneous rings on counters

traces in your bed, if you're feeling brave. lingering heat in the early morning, a pillowcase that smells like him

he'll bring you back to his place, but you'll probably have to either ask or wait a long while. not because he doesn't want you there, he's just nervous

but go over. the Padawan in question is at his place and she will probably give you a shovel talk, but she's a good kid and she's like. the most important thing to Bastra. you know this. and you get to see the way he softens in his own home. the lopsided angle of his smile when he sees you, dressed down and comfortable, there with him

what can I even say. he's Very overly formal until that threshold of "oh we can be causal together" is crossed, but in a way that's more a show of respect than anything else

once he lets himself, he cares soooooooo much

love languages acts of service and quality time

comfycozy shared silence. parallel activities. calls to check in that are so late that they always wake you up, but you always answer them anyway. spzoom calls when he's offworld, then postcards when he gets back

if you have a cat you get bonus points, sorry I don't make the rules

I know I said no beach episode but he'll take you to a planet with natural beaches eventually

the gloves stay on. smirk emoji

not a route for the faint of heart. it's long and probably drags, but he'll fall hard when the time comes. don't play with his heart

wow this got wordy. oops

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Operation Death Wish | Chapter 4

Masterlist

Synopsis: Jake Seresin knew what it was like to lose people he loved, he’d been losing them his whole life. Yet in the midst of chaos as the world as he knew it ended Jake found somebody he never wanted to lose. But what if he’d already lost her. Warnings: swearing, dystopian descriptions, gore, death, violence, alien descriptions, fighting, sexual images, 18+ (minors dni), angst, some fluff at times.

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Nat pulled the truck into a lay-by in Winterhaven by the California Arizona border. She got out of the truck, bending over and stretching her legs. She’d been driving for 2 ½ hours and she was already feeling the exhaustion taking over. She’d been on her own in the front with little to distract her from the death and destruction outside. Each town you had passed was abandoned, a shell of what it had once been in recumbent serenity. Natasha stood, soaking in the moment of silence. Plants uprooted the pavements, houses without roofs or walls or both, cars abandoned but what hit Nat most was a small child’s bicycle that sat parallel to her, it was soaked in dark red blood and as Nat moved closer she could see the small hunched body beside it, glassy eyes staring wildly back at her. Nats' gut wrenched and she doubled over, gagging and vomiting on the sidewalk. The acid burned her throat as she tried to compose herself, stomach churning. All she could think about was Sophie and the baby, it could have so easily been their bodies that littered the streets.

“Hey Phoenix, you good?” Jake called, hanging out the side of the truck.

“Yeah I’m fine,” Nat croaked back, moving back towards the truck but keeping a hand on her stomach in the hope that it would calm her slightly.

“Do you want me to drive the next part?” Jake was sat on the bonnet as she approached and she simply nodded at her, climbing into the back of the truck. The others had all gotten out to stretch their legs but you followed him round to the passengers side.

“Mind if I ride shotgun?” You’d asked, looking up at him through the window.

“Course not,” Jake lent over, throwing the door open for you. “You can be my wingman anytime.” You hopped in beside him, giving him a small smirk. He had his aviators on and was looking incredibly cool as he took the wheel, pushing the keys into the ignition and the engine hummed to life. With the windows down and Jake humming along to a random CD he put on everything seemed normal. For a moment you felt as though you could relax, like it was a normal summer's day and you and your boyfriend were driving to the beach but nothing about this situation was normal. You could feel your engagement ring hanging heavily on the chain around your neck and you turned your gaze from Jake, looking out of the passenger window as the world passed by absentmindedly. Why was this so difficult? Before all this Bradley had been your world, you’d spent all your free time with him and when you were apart you called and texted every night. Bradley had been your rock through so much so how was there a question? But then Jake came along and somehow you thought about Bradley less and less, Jake was exciting and adventurous and he made you feel things that Bradley never had. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You must have drifted off to sleep again because the next thing you remembered was the truck jolting forward and Jake cursing loudly. The engine was smoking and the truck was juddering along the road before finally coming to a screeching halt.

“FUCK!” Jake slammed his hands into the steering wheel before looking over at you apologetically.

“Jake, stop fucking around!” Coyote shouted from the back and Jake turned, glaring at the green canvas separating the compartments.

“I’m not, Dipshit, the fucking radiator’s gone.” Jake threw open his door, climbing out and popping the bonnet to survey the damage. The others all followed suit, climbing out of the truck and crowding behind Jake to get a better view.

“It’s shot,” Nat declared, “there’s no coming back from this, not without a proper mechanic and tools.”

Everyone groaned. “Where the hell is Bob when you need him,” Fanboy grumbled and instantly regretted it from the glare Nat sent his way.

“Bob’s at home with his family, which is exactly where I should be. So while you lot can stand around moaning I’m going to find my wife.” Phoenix grabbed her bag and marched off triumphantly.

“She has a point,” you said, looking up at Jake. “If there’s nothing we can do then there’s no point hanging around here in the open. We’ll be sitting ducks.”

Jake and the others agreed, even if a little reluctantly, grabbing their bags and following Nat down the road.

“We need to find cover as soon as we can,” Natasha informed you, as you hurried to catch up with her. “You ever seen one of those things?”

“What things?” You asked, watching as Natasha’s face wrinkled into a grin.

“Those alien things. The enemy. I don’t know what to call them.”

“The fuckers that ruined the world.” Mickey chimed in, causing you all to laugh.

“That sounds about right,” Jake laughed, his eyes reached yours from over your shoulder and you couldn’t help but stare back at him, he smirked at you causing the colour to flood your cheeks. You turned back around to Natasha. “No, I’ve never seen one. I’ve seen their ships and I’ve seen pictures of them but never one in real life.”

Nat gave you a reassuring smile, “well then you’re in for a treat. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.”

“How long do you think it will take us to walk there?” You asked, turning to Jake. He tried to give you a reassuring smile but you could see it was pained, he didn’t have that normal smirk and his lips were set in a thin straight line.

“Well, we’ve got over 2,000 miles to go so I’m guessing about 30 days at a minimum and that’s without detours or stops.”

“Right,” you said, “well we better pick up the pace.”

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The group continued in silence with only the odd comment pointing out different things you passed. You began to see signs for Phoenix, which everyone except Nat found funny. You reached the outskirts of Tucson by nightfall. The town was eerily quiet, with no street lamps to guide you. The only sound was the group of heavy combat boots thudding against the tarmac and the occasional whispers. There was an abandoned warehouse that didn’t look remotely inviting, with doors screeching noisily and broken windows. It was the last place you wanted to spend the night.

“Fanboy and Payback you take the east side, Phoenix and Coyote you take the North and we will take the south,” Jake said, turning to meet your gaze. “Shout if you see or hear anything. We’ll meet back here in 15.” Everyone nodded before forming groups of 2 and heading off into the darkness. You stuck to Jake’s side like glue, wanting to reach out and grab his hand for comfort but you resisted the urge. You watched as he walked, broad shoulders taunt and stiff, his walk slow and he looked from side to side. He was in full soldier mode, ready to protect you from the slightest thing. Although you were nervous you were still in the Navy, a point that you thought Jake had forgotten. A rustling from your left caused Jake to stop, raising his hand in a fist. You waited with bated breath as something moved in the shadows, lurking. It moved slowly, stumbling over its own legs that creaked and groaned, sounding like a chain being dragged across the concrete floor. Its breathing was heavy, muffled in the darkness as it snuffled about. Your heart stopped as it came into the dim light, its pale form seeming to shine in the moonlight. It had a small head with a beady black eye, sunken into the side of its head and a long nose with a large jaw lined with hundreds of sharp teeth. Its body was thin, each bone protruding sharply out of its flesh, looking almost painful.

Jake’s hand pressed firmly but slowly against your chest, pushing you back towards the door, without even looking at you. Your steps were in slow motion and you tried to control your ragged breathing. As you reached the door Jake hurried out behind you, closing the door as quietly as he could and letting out the breath he’d been holding.

“We have to warn the others…” you began, moving to follow where you’d last seen Nat disappearing into the dark but Jake grabbed your arm, strong fingers digging into your flesh.

“Not a chance in hell are you going back in there,” he said firmly.

“But Jake, they're our friends. I care about them, we have to.”

“And I care about you,” you could see the pain behind his eyes as he spoke, “I care about you a lot actually and I’m not letting you risk your life. My only goal here is to protect you and that’s what I’m going to do.” Jake had moved closer to you and his large form towered over you. You took a sharp breath, trying to fight the urge to reach up and kiss him. Jake leaned a little further forward. His soft pink lips were within touching distance when the sound of heavy boots appeared behind you. You both pulled away quickly, Jake clearing his throat and watching to see who was coming.

Natasha and Coyote came running around the corner, closely followed by Payback and Fanboy.

“RUN!” Nat shouted, her voice closely accompanied by what could only be described as an animalistic scream. Payback and Fanboy were firing at something behind them, the gunfire lighting up the creature in the darkness. Only this time there were two of them.

“Run!” Jake shouted, grabbing hold of your arm and dragging you after him and you ran. You watched as the others scattered, running into the dark. You completely lost your bearings, tripping over more than once but Jake’s firm hold of you stopped you from tumbling.

Jake pushed you forward before turning to fire a few rounds at the creatures.

“KEEP RUNNING!” Jake shouted and you did as he said, turning back to watch as the creatures approached him. You ran until your lungs were on fire and your muscles burned. You didn’t know where you were running to, you only knew you had to keep running. You’d lost sight of the others and you couldn’t hear their voices anymore, only the sound of gunfire and the creatures' screams filled the night.

When you finally stopped running you collapsed against a tree, gasping for the oxygen that your lungs desperately craved. Your vision was blurred and the only sound you heard was your heart hammering in your ears.

“Jake?” You called out breathlessness but there was no answer.

“Phoenix? Payback? Fanboy? Coyote? Anyone?” You scrambled to your feet, head spinning but you ignored it, desperately trying to gain your bearings.

“Hello?” You kept calling and calling, stumbling around in the darkness. This was the last thing you needed. You held on tightly to your gun, checking the safety was off and raising it slightly, ready to fire at the slightest movement. You crept forward, cautiously avoiding the tree roots as you followed the narrow path. You didn’t know if you were going further in the forest or not, but all you knew is you had to keep moving. A sudden crack beside you caused you to jump, swinging your gun around to face the noise. You went to call out but thought better of it. If it was one of those creatures you’d be dead before the words even left your mouth. You stepped forward cautiously into the gloom as the figure came closer, it wasn’t the creature, no this figure was human. The figure moved forward, shoulders slouched, into the clearing, the moonlight illuminating their face.

“Jake?”

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