#there's countless examples of this it makes me want to pull my hair out

[helenofblackthorns]

Cassandra Clare writing the pre-tlh short stories and then forgetting about them & what they had established as canon when actually writing the last hours is my villain origin story. like it makes me so violent. and I get things change as the writing process goes on but imo as an author you have a responsibility to abide by what you previously wrote & published. you don't get to pretend that it just never happened.

[ja3yun]

Melting Point | P.SH | CH.4

brother's rival!sunghoon x fem!reader warnings: fluff, smut (mdni), protected and unprotected sex, cum eating, oral (f rec.), handjob, mentions of alchohol, not many tbh, anything i've missed lmk! ch.4 synopsis: waking up in sunghoon's bed was the last thing you intended to happen. as you confront him about your brothers wishes, he comes up with a solution for the time being but on the night of your award acceptance, he can't hold back any longer. wc: 17.3k previous | masterlist | next a/n: hi! this is by far my favourite chapter in the whole series. it's just a nice, cute chapter with lots of smut and fluff. it's also the chapter ynhoon stans (me) have been waiting for. i said this on my page but this is the last chapter of pure happiness and after this its chaos and plot so, enjoy!

“Shit, Hoonie, right there, oh my god,’ you whimper out as Sunghoon pounds into your pussy from behind with relentless force, your face buried into his pillow muffles your cries as you approach your 3rd climax of the evening.

You and Sunghoon have been fucking like rabbits for the better part of a month and a bit. Sometimes it's a quickie in his car, other times it's these long, drawn-out sessions like the one we're having now. Since you both agreed to hook up, he's been all over you, like he can't get enough. And honestly, you're just as keen.

Over the weeks, that guilty feeling that was eating away at you has been slowly fading away. At first, it was tough, especially with the whole situation with Minhee, but Sunghoon always found a way to distract you, his touch erasing any nagging thoughts. As you started putting yourself first and just embracing the journey with Sunghoon, you began to feel more liberated.

There's something about Sunghoon that makes you feel completely at ease, like you can just be yourself without any pretence. If you're having a rough day, he's there to lend an ear and let you vent. And when something good happens, he's the first person you want to share it with.

To maintain the integrity of your friends-with-benefits arrangement, you both established a set of rules. However, those rules have been tossed out the window countless times. Take rule number 3, for example: 'No dates or gifts, no matter how big or small.' Sunghoon seems to break it regularly, sneaking little gifts into your bag or whisking you off to the University Cafe for some ‘fuel’ but ends up footing the bill every time, and now he even knows your order by heart.

Rule number 5: ‘No PDA’ was a goner within the first week. Holding his hand whenever you walked him to his car became a habit, in fact, any chance you got, your hands were intertwined. Even at the rink, where you really had to keep it on the down low, you couldn't resist a quick hand squeeze as you passed by him. Of course, that inevitably led to breaking rule number 6: no sex at the rink. Sunghoon might have fucked you in every corner of Belmore by now, including the coaches' office.

As his hands stroke up your back, he moves to pull your hair, eager to elicit every possible sound from you as he takes you to the peak of pleasure, "You're taking me so well," he murmurs, watching as he disappears into you with each rapid thrust, the action almost appearing in slow motion with how fast he’s going, "Can you feel it? Come on, Sweets, tell me what you feel."

"I feel so damn good, Hoonie," you gasp, your hair acting as his anchor as he leans back, driving himself deep into you. "You're hitting me so deep, oh my god."

One of his hands snakes under you to reach your belly and as he presses down you let out your loudest moan of the night. He can feel his cock in your stomach if he puts enough pressure, which drives you both crazy. The feeling of him deep inside you causes his eyes to roll back, wondering whether he can go deeper. Sunghoon lets go of your hair and grabs you by the stomach; the new position allows his shaft to pierce you in places that nobody else has before.

“Shit, I'm gonna cum," You've grown better at not asking if you can cum and have recently started telling him you are. This did not happen overnight, but rather because Sunghoon would stop fucking you if you asked to cum. He wanted you to be able to indulge yourself whenever and however you pleased, without being confined. When he would abruptly stop, it was almost on the point of edging, which you wanted to prevent at all costs, so you began telling him when you were going to climax.

"Such a good girl, Y/N." "Such a good girl, Y/N," he praises, another perk of not asking for permission. Sunghoon always showers you with affectionate words, both inside and outside the bedroom, causing a flutter in your chest every time. It makes your tummy flutter every time; he was so good at it, and it makes you feel seen and valued. There is a nagging feeling inside you that you should tell him to stop because of the things his words do to your heart, but you enjoy it too much, so you keep it off the rules.

He keeps his pace while leaning down to your ear, his chest and torso are sticking to your back with the collective sweat pouring from both of you. His tongue licks the shell of your ear as you clench around him, “Come on, Y/N, cum for me.”

Sunghoon loves to have you come undone before he does, the way your walls closed in on his dick was what sent him spiralling, so as he feels you coat him with your delicious cum, he follows you quickly, shooting ropes into the condom.

Despite his orgasm, he doesn’t stop slamming into you, his shaft throbbing against your g-spot with every stroke, "Hoonie, Hoonie, please," you whimper, completely overwhelmed as stars dance behind your eyelids and your mouth hangs open, a hint of drool threatening.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Sweets, can’t stop fucking you like this.” The last time this happened, Sunghoon fucked you for a good 4 hours nonstop, and as you approach your third hour right now, you wonder if you can go any longer and break your previous record, “You want that? For me to fuck you all night?”

If you had a praise kink, Sunghoon definitely had an ego kink—if such a thing existed. He thrived on hearing how he was the best you've ever had, how massive his cock was, or even just being called pretty. Falling for his bait every time was easy because, let's face it, every compliment you gave him was entirely true. "Uh-huh, can't get enough of your big cock."

"Fuck, of course you can't, Sweets. Look at how perfectly it fits in that pretty pussy of yours," he growls, the last spurts of his release filling the condom as he peppers your back with tender, open-mouthed kisses.

As your climax ebbs away, you collapse on the bed, utterly spent. He sees your exhaustion and despite his readiness to continue, he decides to call it a night.

Slowly, he pulls out of you, his condom-clad shaft is glistening with your essence and your pussy matches, looking delectable. To clean you, he brings his mouth to your hole and licks you clean, sure not to waste a single drop. Normally, he would either get a damp towel, or carry you into the shower to rinse you off, but he doesn’t want to wash away his favourite meal, that would be a waste.

"Sunghoon, fuck," you moan as his tongue delves into you, sending shivers down your spine. You sink deeper into his bed, your toes curling involuntarily. If he doesn't stop soon, another climax is imminent, setting off a delightful yet relentless cycle of pleasure where you cum on his face, and he eagerly laps it up all night.

But your sensitive pussy protests, especially after already being pleasured twice today. With a tally of eight orgasms already, your body begs for a respite.

"Just a minute, Sweets. Almost done," he mutters, though he's far from wanting to be finished. Sensing your sensitivity, he refrains from pushing you over the edge, giving two more gentle swipes of his tongue before reluctantly pulling away. Planting kisses along your ass cheeks and spine, he can't help but praise your perfection, "So damn perfect like this, baby."

"Sunghoon, no pet names," you mumble, reminding him of rule 2: no endearments like baby, princess, or angel, all of which have slipped out of his mouth one of two times. He fought to keep calling you Sweets since he has done so from the beginning. He hasn’t ever told you why he calls you Sweets but he’s attached to it, so you let him have it.

“Sorry,” he says quietly but he isn’t sorry. You know this because he’s smiling like an idiot while he scatters little kisses over your shoulder blades.

Finding energy from somewhere, you turn around as he comes off you to clean himself. You’ll never get over how ethereal he is, his body is perfectly proportioned, and his waist does make you jealous though. Why do some men have slutty little waists and you don’t? 

You reach down beside his bed and pick up the clothes you wore today, although, you’ve spent more time naked than in them, “I better get going.”

He slips into a random pair of boxers before walking over to you, reaching for the bra you’ve been trying to grab, “You know you don’t have to rush away, we could get some food or watch a movie? The new Hunger Games is on Prime, we could rent it?” Sunghoon was trying to find any reason for you to stay. 

Taking your bra from his outstretched fingers, you add it to the pile beside you, still seated there naked. "We can't, Hoonie, you know this," you reply softly. It's a rare occasion for you to linger long after sex, fearing that staying will only unearth the emotions you've been desperately trying to suppress.

Rule number 1: Keep your feelings in check. You couldn’t make the rule ‘don’t develop feelings’ because both of you knew that ship had sailed long ago. You were already attached to one another from the first time you kissed. It was more realistic to tell yourselves to bury your emotions for one another. As time goes on, it’s getting harder and harder, which is why you don’t stay. When it was the first week, sometimes you would stay over if it was late but waking up in Sunghoon's embrace only intensified your feelings for him.

Sunghoon bites his lips thin and nods, placing both his hands on his waist, “I know, but I miss spending time with you.”

“Hoonie, we see one another every day, I see you more than I see my family now,” you say softly. 

It’s true, you’ve spent so much time in Sunghoon’s presence that you rarely make it home at a reasonable hour these days. You do feel guilty about missing Minhee’s practices, but you’re scared if you see him for too long you might get that gut-wrenching guilt bubble back into your heart, and everything is so good right now, that you didn’t want to be the cause of its downfall.

"But when was the last time we did something together?" he asks with a pout, sitting down beside you.

"We went out for dinner three nights ago," you bat back.

Sunghoon knows he's being a bit unreasonable, you guys have been hanging out, just not in the way he wants. He longs for those moments when you're cuddled up watching a movie or when he's playing with your hair while you scroll through TikTok, showing him videos the most unfunny videos. He just wants to do nothing with you.

His dejected expression breaks your heart. You can tell he's getting overly invested in this. Sometimes he’ll look at you like you’re the only girl in the world and that’s dangerous. 

Truthfully, you feel the same way about him, sometimes he is the only person on the planet that matters to you - aside from Minhee, of course. You wouldn't have a problem dating your brother's fiercest rival if you didn't hold Minhee in such high regard, but sadly, you loved Minhee too much to hurt him.

There was something that you have been meaning to ask Sunghoon but you’re scared it’ll blur the lines of your relationship with him. 

Your eyes meet his and you decide to take the leap, “Hey, there was something I wanted to ask you,” Sunghoon takes your hands in his, waiting for you to continue, “You can say no, obviously!” you add quickly, already giving him a way out even though he doesn’t have the slightest clue what you’re on about.

“Ask me and I’ll decide if I want to say no,” The older boy’s smile is slight, encouraging you to ask him your evidently big question.

“Um, do you remember when I was upset and you saw me at the rink?” you ask.

How could he forget, it was the first night he got to taste your lips. Sunghoon nods and you carry on,  "And you know how I'm a top student at my university?" Another nod follows as his thumbs gently caress the back of your hands. "Well, I won an award, I think I told you that. Anyway, there's a ceremony happening on the 23rd of September, and I was wondering if maybe you would come with me? I have to RSVP by Monday."

You rush through the words, avoiding eye contact with Sunghoon. Truth be told, you had initially asked Rina to accompany you, but she has an early exam the next day—her last chance after failing it twice. Obviously, Minhee has a schedule so he and your mum are out of the picture, the only other person you want there with you is Sunghoon.

Taking a moment to process your request, Sunghoon mentally sifts through his schedule, realizing he likely has prior engagements but decides he's going to cancel them. He wouldn't miss the opportunity to be by your side as you accept such a prestigious award. "I would love to come, Y/N," he replies with genuine enthusiasm.

Your head shoots up, eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, really? Don't you want to check if you can make it and get back to me?" you ask, taken aback by his immediate acceptance. He doesn't even glance at his phone or consult a calendar. "You really don't have to come, I know Nationals are like 2 months away."

"Y/N," he soothes, running his fingers through your hair in a comforting gesture, "I will be there."

No one has ever simply said yes to you so readily. You're accustomed to being sidelined as people search for excuses not to commit. You have to admit, Minhee always tried his best to make it to your events, despite your mom often intervening. Sometimes you wonder if she deliberately scheduled things to prevent him from attending.

"It's at 7 pm, is that okay?" you ask sheepishly.

"Of course it is, Sweets," he assures you, planting a gentle kiss on your lips before whispering, "Thank you for letting me be a part of your life like this."

Sunghoon's heart races alongside yours, warmth spreading through his body. He didn't mean to voice his gratitude aloud, but he's overwhelmed by the fact that you're willing to share this part of yourself with him. It’s risky in the whole boundary department, but he’ll figure it out. 

Your heart would be burrowing out of your chest and drowning him in kisses if it had legs. It's unfortunate that you can't truly claim Sunghoon as yours because he was everything you could have ever wanted. This stupid fucking rivalry. If you could go back in time to prevent them from competing against one another, you would.

He notices that your mind is racing when he looks at you, so he does what he always does when you're acting that way: he kisses you with so much intensity that it leaves you thinking only of his lips. 

It works every single time. 

"Hoonie," you mumble his name into his mouth, feeling the effect it has on him, "Thank you so so much. I owe you."

A mischievous smirk spreads across his lips. "You can suck my cock in the car on the drive back to yours?" he teases, earning a playful swat on the arm from you, "Okay, okay! What's the dress code for your big day?"

"It's a black tie event," you reply, focusing on putting on your clothes, "It's fancy."

Humming in acknowledgement, Sunghoon begins pondering his wardrobe options, "What are you wearing, Sweets?" he asks, hoping to coordinate outfits.

"I haven't decided yet. I need to go into the city and buy something nice," you admit. You don't have any fancy clothes, certainly nothing suitable for an award ceremony, so you've been saving up for a nice gown. The only problem is, you have no idea what to wear or what you could possibly get with your measly savings.

"Shopping? I'll come with you," Sunghoon offers.

You give him a doubtful glance. "Why?"  After all, he has plenty of expensive designer suits in his closet; he doesn't need to go shopping with you.

"For the company, duh," he replies, pulling you into an embrace. Sunghoon often cuddles you like this, his long arms enveloping your head as he plays with your hair. It's both comforting and frustrating, making it hard for you to resist him. "Plus, I can help you pick something out and see you in pretty dresses all day. I don't see any cons here."

You consider his offer. Rina, your usual shopping partner, is often too busy with her own try-ons to provide much help, making her a less-than-ideal companion. Maybe having Sunghoon along wouldn't be such a bad idea after all, it would be nice to get some advice.

Wrapping your arms around his waist, you mould yourself against him, "Okay, you can come. I was planning to go on Wednesday," you agree, enjoying the warmth of his touch as you nuzzle your nose against his bare chest.

"I'll pick you up from uni," he suggests with a smile.

Sunghoon has memorised your complete schedule so he could quickly figure out when he could see you, and more significantly, what parts of his own schedule he could change to accommodate yours. You took classes all summer, which was unusual, but apparently, it counted toward your final degree. With events and marketing being such a saturated field, you must stand out. Sunghoon begins to truly understand why you're receiving this award the more he learns about you.

“Are you sure? Yonsei is aeons away, and don't you have a photoshoot for Prada's winter collection in the morning?" you ask, reminding him of his commitments.

It's easy to forget that Sunghoon is a famous ice skater, probably because he's always 7 inches deep inside you and when he isn't, he's the most regular 20-year-old you know.

“It’s all good, with a face like mine, the photoshoot will be done in an hour,” his lips press themselves against yours as he lays tiny smooches on the same spot, his smile growing bigger and bigger as he does so.

Feeling his hands slide under your top and nails scraping your back lightly, you know what he’s going to ask you, so you jump the gun, “I can’t stay, Hoonie. I need to get going.”

"Don't. There's nothing for you out there, and it's cold," he pleads, pouting like a kid.

"It's 23 degrees," you laugh at his feeble excuses. "I'll see you tomorrow like always."

Sunghoon mumbles something in protest, but you know it's probably his way of expressing his reluctance to spend a day apart from you. You and Sunghoon are practically inseparable, constantly calling or texting when you're not together.

He lets you step back and goes to get changed so he can drive you home.

Both of you learned your lesson from the last time Minhee caught you getting out of his enemy's car, so now Sunghoon drops you off at the end of the street to maintain appearances and keep him out of sight.

As he fixes his shoes and grabs his car keys and a hoodie, he turns to you with a mischievous grin. "So about that blow job in the car I was talking about earlier…"

He's an animal

But you’re the one tying up your hair and loosening your jaw as you push him out the door.

__________

Wednesday comes faster than you think and you’ve just received a text from Mr. Ice Prince himself

No.1 Ice Skater 🧊🤍:

1:43pm: I’m waiting at Centennial Hall

1:43pm: 🤍 x

You and Rina are walking together after leaving your joint B2B marketing lesson. Despite being in different majors—she studies fashion and business—Rina failed this class last semester and needs to make it up. You joked that she flunked on purpose so she could retake the class with you, but when you laughed, she got serious. In reality, she did fail on purpose, but not for the flattering reason you joked about; rather, to copy your answers and coax you into study sessions that often devolved into gossip about other students on campus. Despite the ulterior motive, you enjoy your time together, so you don’t mind at all.

She’s in the middle of talking when she pauses, looking down at your phone in disgust, “You’re texting him again? I don’t even text Allen this much.” That’s a brazen lie, she’s just more sneaky about it. 

“He’s picking me up,” you reply back to Sunghoon’s text with a simple ‘Okay <3’ and put your phone in your back pocket, “We’re going into the city.” 

"What for?" Her eyes are fixed on yours as if she's trying to read your mind. You haven’t led an interesting life, most of it studying and being Minhee’s cheerleader, so now that you have Sunghoon as your fuck buddy, Rina laps up every little detail. You leave the sex details to a minimum because, at the end of the day, that’s no one’s business but yours and Sunghoon’s, but you tell her enough to keep her entertained.

Looking at Rina, you realise you can't tell her he's accompanying you on a shopping trip because it would hurt her the most. Fashion is her entire existence, it is who she is, so if your best friend discovered you enlisted someone else to help you locate a gown, she would be devastated. 

“Just lunch,” you lie, which you’re getting better at. Not the best trait to have but it’s been helping you out the past 5 weeks.

“Isn’t that against your rules?” She questions, eyebrows raised.

You frantically try to think, “Uhm, yeah I suppose, but he was insistent.” You forgot you told her the list of boundaries and rules that are keeping this ‘friends with benefits’ deal exactly that, so she pulls you up every chance she gets.

“He’s so annoying. I still can’t believe he had the audacity to speak to me like that at Yeonjun’s party, and in front of all those people!” Her arms flail in frustration, “Like he hasn’t even apologised either. He’s a colossal cunt, I hope he knows how lucky he is he has you to protect him because I would destroy him if I had a chance.”

Rina really couldn’t let it go. You’ve pleaded with Sunghoon to text her and say sorry to her and Allen but he doesn’t think he should apologise for being honest. 

Ahead of you, you observe Sunghoon standing by his car, as gorgeous as ever. He had just returned from a photoshoot, so his hair and makeup have been done and his clothes are flashy yet simple. He’s wearing a brown suede jacket over his white Prada-encrusted t-shirt, and the black dress trousers highlight his snatched waist. He's a vision, and you find yourself admiring him as always. Truth be told, you like him in anything - or even nothing at all - because Sunghoon is so effortlessly beautiful, he can pull off anything.

Waving, you gain his attention and he smiles at you, his eyes turning into crescent moons. Rina looks between you both with a bewildered look on her face, “Oh. My. God. You like him. Like, really like him.” Was it that obvious? “And he likes you!” Apparently so.

You shush Rina, urging her to keep it down. "It's not like that, we're just messing around. You know this, Rina," you insist, hoping to deflect any further probing into your relationship with Sunghoon.

Before she can say anything else or coax you into admitting something you're not ready to, you reach Sunghoon, who instinctively pulls you into a hug and plants a kiss on your forehead. "Hey, Sweets," he greets you warmly.

Your best friend scowls at him, scrutinizing the situation before her. Rina is a smart girl; she calls a spade a spade, and in her eyes, there's no way you both don't have feelings for each other. She understands why you won't just admit it and date officially, but in her mind, you're already together, just not acknowledging it to assuage your guilty conscience.

Sunghoon smiles down at you as you cling to him, but Rina's presence brings him back to reality. "Bring her back to mine once you're done with your lunch," she instructs, her demeanour guarded. Her words prompt Sunghoon to acknowledge her, though he can sense her disdain.

He knows she hates him, quite honestly the feeling is semi-mutual - he isn’t the biggest fan of hers, but she treats you well, that’s all that matters. He does, however, plan on winning her over because he senses how uncomfortable you get when they have to be in the same room together, “I will. I brought you something from my shoot this morning,” he says, attempting to extend an olive branch.

Drawing back, you stare at Sunghoon in confusion, but he shakes his head and heads to the trunk of his car. Rina's interest is piqued; she heard from you that he was working with Prada, and her fashionista instincts can't help but be a little excited. Regardless of whether it's from Sunghoon or not, she loves presents.

There are three Prada-branded boxes laid out in front of him, all of which are for Rina. Was it a bribe to get her to back off and potentially win her approval? Maybe, but judging by the look on her face, his plan might just work. "These are all from the Winter 24' season. I guessed you were a sample size," he says, aiming to flatter her.

Rina squeals with delight and grabs the boxes eagerly, tearing them open as fast as she can, just in case it's some kind of prank. Inside, she finds a sheer grey blouse with a red and brown collar accent, a long pleated white skirt, and a matching handbag. Sunghoon even went the extra mile to include the new Paradoxe Intense perfume, just to sweeten the deal.

She holds the clothing up to her body, exclaiming, "I am going to look so good in these! Thanks, Hoon!" Sunghoon can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the use of the nickname.

Glancing over at you, he sees your knowing expression. You understand exactly what he's up to, and while you may not agree with his methods, you appreciate the sentiment. He's trying to make amends, and that's more than most men would do.

Hugging Sunghoon tightly, Rina sways him from side to side, a stark contrast to her demeanour just moments ago. Sunghoon laughs and pats her head, promising to keep her in mind for any future shoots.

"Do you happen to be modelling for Gucci anytime soon?" she asks cheekily, causing you to shoot her a disapproving look, "What? I want the new purse they're bringing out," she shrugs, picking up her presents and sauntering away from the car, "Thanks again. I'll leave my favourite lovebirds to it."

It's astounding how easily swayed she is by a few items of fabric, a fact you make a mental note of for future reference. Once she's happily on her way, you and Sunghoon are left in silence.

Sunghoon shuts the trunk of his car before lifting you up in a sudden move, "Hoonie!" you squeal, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. Despite the suddenness, you wrap your arms and legs around him, clinging to him as he kisses you passionately. He sets you down on the back of his car and cradles your head, deepening the kiss. His lips feel softer than usual, gliding over yours like butter, possibly due to the lip oil he applied earlier in the day

His tongue playfully teases your lips, poking out ever so slightly to give you a taste, but when you chase it with your own, he retracts. You let out a whine of annoyance and lust, a sound Sunghoon is all too familiar with. He loves it; how you draw it out depends on how much you crave him. It makes him feel some sort of way that he can’t quite put into words.

You take hold of his jacket and bring him forward, taking control of the situation. The world seems to vanish around you with every caress, to the point where you miss the stares of passers-by and their disapproving glances as you and Sunghoon practically devour each other's faces. You can taste the warmth and passion between you every time your tongues touch. He's intoxicating.

But you really need to get a dress, and if you get too caught up in him right now, you'll never make it to the city. Instead, you'll end up with your legs spread in the backseat of his car.

"Hoonie, we better stop," you say, trying to sound serious, but your breathless whisper betrays your true feelings.

"Why?" He asks as he nips at your neck, too preoccupied with kissing you to remember the objective of today's outing, or even that he's on your campus practically dry-humping you out in the open.

"You know why," you whisper into his ear, trying to regain some composure.

His head falls in defeat on your shoulder, and he nuzzles into you, tickling the base of your neck. A smile spreads across his face, "I missed you, that's all," he admits, his voice filled with sincerity.

Rolling your eyes, you lift his head with your hand. "I saw you just two days ago."

"But I always miss you, doesn't matter if it's two days or two minutes," he says innocently, knowing exactly the effect those words will have on you. And it works; your heart swells with happiness, making you momentarily forget your resolve.

Pushing him away gently, you jump off the back of his car, ignoring the fluttering in your chest. Sunghoon simply shakes his head and gets into the seat beside you. Turning on the radio, he switches it back to your favourite station and buckles up. "Where to first?"

"There's a dress I saw online that's in Reeta's. They have one in my size just as you get into the city centre," you reply, going to put the address into his car’s navigation system. As you do, you notice that your home address is his favourite route, followed by your work address and then your college.

Sunghoon notices your pause and furrows his brows, "Do you know the address? I can google it if you want," he offers, glancing at his navigation system and realising what has caught your attention. He knows his way to all those locations by now, but seeing them saved under 'Y/N’s House', 'Y/N’s Work', and 'Y/N’s Uni' brings him a sense of comfort and belonging. To him, it's like having pieces of you scattered over every part of his life, even while driving. He never planned for you to see it, but now that you have, he hopes it's not a big deal to you.

You quickly type in Reeta’s postcode and hit okay, “It says it’s 25 minutes if we take the motorway,” you inform him.

He salutes playfully and drives off to your first destination, a smile playing on his lips.

___

4 shops, and 3 boutiques later, you’ve lost all hope. Not one of the dresses gave you the ‘wow’ factor you needed. It’s not often you go to events like this so you need your outfit to be spectacular. 

Right now, you're in a random shop you spotted on the high street. It's not exactly the most inviting place – dark and kind of dreary, with clothes that look like they belong in a period drama rather than on a modern-day street.

Sunghoon is also browsing the dresses. Bless him, he's been dragged around every shop, and while you're about to have a mental breakdown, he's always the optimist, finding dresses that meet the criteria you gave him. You're looking for an emerald green or navy blue dress that reaches your knees, preferably longer. It also needs to have a spaghetti strap or be off the shoulders. You knew what suited you, plus, those were the sort of dresses you imagined yourself wearing as soon as you received the letter about the ceremony.

He finds a ribbed green dress with gold accents, “What about this? It’s kind of emerald, and it would sit comfortably.” 

It’s the most hideous gown you’ve seen today, but his little smiley face stops you from being so brutally honest, “It’s not really my style.”

Putting it back, he walks to where you are looking and sighs in your ear, hugging you from behind. He can see you losing patience and will to find a dress and if you’re anything like his girl friends, specifically Wonyoung, you would start ranting about how you aren’t going any second now, "We've still got the Square to check out," he says, trying to lift your spirits. "Maybe we'll get lucky there."

You widen your eyes, “Hoonie, that’s Designer Square. There is no way they’ll have anything within my budget, not even on the sale rack.” the Square was your town’s equivalent to Rodeo Drive, each street was lined with branded stores like Armani, Gucci, Burberry, basically every shop out of your league. You don’t even recall a time you dared to walk near it. 

"Worth having a look, right?" Sunghoon's optimism is charming, but you can't help but feel a pang of doubt. With the amount of money you have, you're not even sure you could afford a keychain from one of these stores. Despite saving up a bit from your extra shifts, your bank account is far from flush. £200 might buy you a small accessory or a one-way ticket home on the bus if you're lucky.

Sunghoon doesn’t give you time to argue, his hands on your shoulders pushing you out the door and into the car.

As he drove up to the high-end part of the city, you were in awe, even the street lamps looked prettier here. The people gracing the streets are all dripping in designer clothes, making you feel a bit out of place. It was okay for Sunghoon, he was still wearing his exclusive Prada outfit that would be the envy of everyone here, whether as you are clad in an a-line denim skirt with a purple cardigan you’re pretty sure you got from ASOS. It’s a whole different world here.

He pulls up at the end of the street, parking his Puegoet next to an array of Land Rovers and BMWs. This was definitely not a place made for you, but it seemed to fit Sunghoon perfectly - the clean-cut aesthetic, the expensiveness, it was all him. 

“Do you come here a lot?” You only ask because he seems to be guiding you to a specific shop as if he visits frequently.

He intertwines his fingers with yours and swings it idly, "No, not really, but sometimes I get invited to galas and sponsor events. There's a store up to the right that sells dress trousers that actually fit."

You hum in acknowledgement, wondering if Minhee ever gets invited to such events. He's just as talented as Sunghoon when it comes to skating, yet he doesn’t seem to live as lavishly. Granted, Sunghoon has won nationals and even went to the Youth Olympics, while Minhee didn’t. Maybe that has something to do with it.

"Is that where you’re taking me now? To your suit guy?" you ask.

Sunghoon squeezes your hand and stops, "No, we’re going here," he points to the store beside you, and you gasp.

"No way, Sunghoon. I can’t even afford to even breathe in a Versace store." But it’s too late; he's already walking in, ignoring your protests. He holds the door open, gesturing for you to come in. Despite your reluctance, he waits patiently, still smiling. The people in the store stare, wondering why he’s just standing there looking at you. With a groan and a stomp of your feet, you cave and walk inside.

The store is bright and vibrant. Glass panels showcase handbags and other accessories on the right, while an extensive row of shoes lines the left. The shopkeepers and other customers all look straight out of an upper-class drama. Actually, now that you think about it, you feel a little like you’re in a K-drama, with the big CEO as the male lead and you as the poor girl whose family owns a chicken restaurant.

With his arm on your back, Sunghoon guides you past the onlookers and to the dresses. "Look through these, and I’ll be right back," he says.

"But Hoonie, I can’t afford these," you whisper embarrassed as you twist the £2,000 tag from a random dress and shove it in his face to emphasize your point.

"Appease me, yeah?" He pinches your cheek before he walks away, leaving you to scour for a gown.

Each one of them is beautiful and elegant, the detailing and colours blowing your mind. You could never find anything as stunning in your local boutiques. There's one in particular that catches your eye, a sleek ivory dress with gold chains cascading down the sides. It’s not what you would normally wear, but it is stunning.

As you continue to look through, you find yourself unable to choose. Not because they're not right, but because they're all too nice now, and about £1,000 over your budget. In defeat, you go to find Sunghoon when you suddenly see the most beautiful dress you have ever laid your eyes on. It’s nothing like what you imagined, everything about it is the opposite of what you wanted, but it is flawlessly ethereal in every way. It’s a black halter neck dress with an open back, lace detailing throughout, and frills that are the main attraction. If you could fall in love and marry a piece of clothing, it might just be with this. It’s classy, elegant, and perfect for the ceremony.

There's just one tiny problem. It's £1,800.

You’re scared to touch it, but you have to, you need to know what something this pretty feels like. Tentatively, you pinch the top frill and feel it between your fingertips. That was your first mistake because now no other dress is going to compare.

“You like that one?” you were so busy admiring the dress that you failed to notice Sunghoon coming up beside you. Nodding, you don’t take your eyes off the garment, too in love with it. “Try it on then.”

“I can’t. It’s too expensive,” you say wistfully, your heart sinking.

Sunghoon leans in, his voice barely a whisper next to your ear. “Exactly. When else will you have a chance to rock something like this? Let yourself indulge a little, Sweets.”

He’s right, you won’t get an opportunity like this again, and what harm has a little delusion ever brought anyone? You smile brightly and nod, “Okay, yeah, maybe just for a minute.” Sunghoon smiles at your response and looks at one of the workers, pointing with his eyes to get you it in your size.

In a flash, the shop assistants have you in the changing room, which resembles a whole wedding boutique. The gold and white decor only elevates the classiness of the place. How could this be a dressing room? The assistant ushers you into one of the stalls which is bigger than your bedroom. Sunghoon waits outside for you to change, taking a seat on the plump suite. 

As you shed your clothes and slip into the dress, you're struck by its perfect fit. The delicate zip glides effortlessly, cinching your waist and accentuating your curves. As you pull up the top half of the dress and tie the bow at the back, although it proves a task because you can’t see it properly, you take one final look at yourself. You haven't felt this stunning in a long time; it's almost overwhelming.

Stepping out, everyone else is gone but Sunghoon who is scrolling on his phone. You straighten yourself and clear your throat to gather his attention.

“Holy fucking shit,” he whispers, eyes widening in disbelief.

His reaction is exactly what you hoped for. Sunghoon rises from the sofa, taking measured steps towards you, arms outstretched in front of him to take your hands, which you happily oblige, “You’re a dream. You have to be,” he isn’t speaking to you but projecting his inner monologue subconsciously.

As he takes in every detail, he smiles tenderly, almost reverently. It's as if the dress has unveiled a new layer of your beauty, leaving him spellbound. Emotion wells up in his chest, and he is completely in awe of you.

Your face glows with happiness. "It's nice, right?"

"Baby, you're otherworldly." Sunghoon threads his fingers with yours and opens your arms so he can get a proper look at you. At that moment, he sees you poised with a grace that can only be described as radiant, bewitching, whatever other word comes under 'transcendental' in the thesaurus. "I mean, look at you." Of all the routines he's done, no matter how challenging, he thinks this is the moment he becomes the most out of breath he has ever been.

You note the affectionate name he's uttered and should scold him, but who cares right now? "Yeah? Really?"

"What? You don't think so?" He asks, bewildered at the thought that you don't think you look like the most ethereal creature to walk this earth. Swiftly, he turns you to face the mirror in the middle of the waiting area. "Look at yourself, Sweets. You're a fucking vision."

Though you do feel beautiful, the longer you gaze at yourself, the more you wrestle with a hint of impostor syndrome. This dress feels like it belongs to another world, one far beyond your own, meant for the Rinas of the world.

As Sunghoon rubs your shoulders, he senses the tension building within you, "No," he murmurs.

You shift your face to look at him, "What do you mean, 'no'?"

He presses his mouth to your exposed shoulder, kissing it tenderly.,"No, as in, no to whatever you're thinking about. You look unreal, and I'm not leaving here until you say that you do." His kisses trail along your shoulders and back as he gently rubs your arms.

"I do feel pretty, I know I do, but do you think it suits me?" Sunghoon's hands untie the bow at the top, and you look at him with a shocked expression. "Park Sunghoon, don't you dare."

Laughing, he shakes his head. "You've got such a filthy mind," he teases. When the neckline tightens against your throat, you realize what he's doing. "And you have terrible bow-tying skills." Closing your eyes and lowering your head, embarrassed at where your mind went to first.

"I mean... I could bend you over and..." His words trail off suggestively, and you feel his hands slide down your arms as he kisses down your spine.

"Sunghoon," you warn, but it doesn't deter him. He continues to glide his fingers up under the dress, ready to pull your underwear down.

"I'm serious, Sunghoon. Don't," you insist as your face flushes a deep shade of red.

He steps back, his presence behind you providing some distance. He didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, and despite the feebleness of your warning, he wanted you to know he would stop whenever you asked, especially after what you’d been through.

Scrunching your hair, he holds it in an updo and brings two pieces of your hair to cascade down your face, “Picture it with your hair and makeup done, your bangs blown out a little like Sabrina Carpenter, I think you’d be the prettiest in the place - but I’m biased because you’re always the prettiest to me.” How did he know what hairstyle Sabrina Carpenter had?

A shop assistant enters and catches sight of you through the mirror, gasping out an almost silent "wow." Sunghoon's smug grin grows wider; he knew your beauty in this dress would be undeniable. The girl fetches two of her colleagues who have the same reaction.

The man behind you turns to them, "I think we need some shoes, don’t you think?" All of them nod in agreement as you swish around, locking eyes with Sunghoon. You’ve lived out your fantasy; it’s time to go. Yet, he’s already dashing to the front of the store, quickly returning with a pair of Medusa '95 slingback pumps adorned with the Versace logo on the buckle. The stiletto is about 4 and a half inches, smaller than what you’re used to, but Sunghoon knows your style and that you’ll manage just fine.

The eager assistants gather around to help you put the classic shoes on and they fit just right. The combination of the heels and the dress was just perfect, like something picked for a celebrity going to the Oscars.

As you stand there in front of everyone once again, you feel a little like Mia in the Princess Diaries with the way their eyes are on you after your big transformation. Sunghoon was right, with your hair and makeup done, you’d be the talk of the event.

Your new makeshift stylist stands there as if he’s assessing you from head to toe. His middle finger rubs his bottom lip as he saunters over to you, his eyes carrying affection and deep thought, “We’ll take them.” 

Is he out of his mind? 

“Hoonie, I can’t,” your eyes watch as the people in the shop scurry to get everything prepared for you, their eyes lighting up. They must work on commission because no one in shops like Primark would ever work so fast.

“Go get changed, no arguing. Let me do this,” he mutters into your lips, kissing you tenderly.

“I can’t, it is way too expensive and this goes way beyond breaching our rules,” you protest.

Sunghoon sighs and tries to think. You’re getting that dress whether you like it or not, he just has to convince you to let him buy it for you, “Don’t see it as a gift from me but for me. I want to see you accept your award in that dress, so I’m buying it for myself to give to you. Completely selfish of me if you think about it.” 

Accepting an almost £2000 gown wasn’t within your capabilities, no matter how gorgeous you looked in it. Your tiny savings couldn’t even pay for the buckles on the shoes the staff were slowly taking off your feet.

“I’m serious, Hoonie. I can’t accept it,” you cross your arms over in a huff, standing your ground as Sunghoon frustratingly runs his hands through his hair.

“Okay, how about this? I will buy it today and you will pay me back. Then it’s not a gift but a loan. See? problem solved.” He was adamant for sure. It might take you forever to pay him back but it seemed like the best option for your scenario. 

Nodding, you relax your body, “fine, deal,” you grab his hand and shake it, “I’ll pay back every penny.” You’re going to have to work some serious overtime but it’ll be worth it., you’ll be belle of the ball or whatever the saying is.

As you walk away and get changed back into your ordinary clothes, Sunghoon speaks up, “Oh, and I only accept repayment in kisses. No cash.” He smirks and swiftly heads out to the payment desk.

“Park Sunghoon! That’s not happening!” You shout at him.

“Sorry, Sweets, we shook on it.” The smug man doesn’t even glance back at you. 

That son of a bitch. 

___________

It’s the night of the ceremony and you are beyond nervous. The idea of being acknowledged in front of a room full of people makes you sick to your stomach. Sure, you won’t be the only one there accepting an award since it’s for all the top students throughout the city, but all eyes will be on you at some point or other and that is what is causing the knots in your tummy. 

Was it a bad idea to go tonight? It’s not as if you wouldn’t get the award, they would hand it into the Uni for you if you suddenly decided not to show up. You pace around your room, shaking your hands and breathing out to calm down. It’s not that big of a deal, get over it, you tell yourself, but nothing is stopping your thoughts. What if you fall? What if you got the date wrong? What if it’s a prank?

All these what-ifs circle in your head. 

You throw yourself in front of your vanity mirror to look at yourself and assess whether you really can do this. The makeup and hair you've chosen for yourself make you appear to have it all together; the light eyeliner and gold shimmer eye shadow subtly make your eyes appear larger, and the Bardot fringe framing your face, as Sunghoon had suggested, it all ties together beautifully. 

Maybe you can do this. Maybe, the reason you’re feeling so nervous is that you aren’t used to any sort of fuss being made about you, the spotlight always shining on your brother, Rina, or literally anyone else but you. When you got the letter through, you cried over not getting attention and recognition for it, and now here you are sweating over the fact you are getting what you wanted. 

“Y/N, can I come in?” Minhee asks through the door. He hadn’t left for his shoot yet and honestly, you didn’t think you’d see him tonight. 

You nod and then remember he can’t see you through the wooden door, “Oh, yeah come in.” You hadn’t begun to get ready in your dress yet, most of your time spent on the lashes you eventually decided to leave behind after a 30-minute dispute with yourself and some glue.

Standing up to greet him, Minhee comes in and closes the door behind him and when he sees you all dolled up, he scrunches his face, “Since when did my little sister become so grown up?” He inspects you, walking around you to look at your hair, “You’ve got a bit sticking out the back, by the way.”

Running back over to your mirror you examine your hair, looking for the imperfection but you don’t see it. With Minhee’s snort, you realise he’s joking, “Fuck off, Mini, don’t say shit like that!” you complain, going over your hair anyway.

“Sorry, Y/N, I just don’t think I’ve ever seen you so dolled up before.” He says.

"Yeah, well, it's a big night." You don't mean to say it snarkily, but Minhee seems to interpret it that way, his head dropping to look at the floor. He wanted nothing more than to be there for you, and it hurt him that you might think he didn't care. 

Of course, you knew he cared; he told you he tried to reschedule this commercial shoot the night you found out; you can't blame him for not attending this ceremony because he at least tried to be there. 

Minhee puts his hands in his pockets, “I can see if we can finish early. I might be able to make some of it?” 

Your eyes widen in panic, thinking about what would happen if he showed up only to see Sunghoon sitting beside you, “No, no, really it’s okay. Just have fun at your shoot.”

“You think I will have fun knowing I’m missing my baby sister's first life achievement?” He’s angry but not at you, at himself and the situation he’s in because the more he speaks, the more he hates himself for not just throwing this schedule to the wind so he could come with you. But there’s more to it than you know.

Facing him, you try to offer him an empathetic expression: "Mini, I didn't mean it that way. Plus, my first major life achievement was high school graduation, and you came to that." 

Smiling, you recall how he made such a fuss about something so insignificant in your view. Minhee created a banner that read 'Y/N, You Rock!' on it. It was cheesy and unusual to bring to graduation, but because you had always crafted signs to bring with you when you cheered him on at contests, he thought it was not only hilarious but also appropriate, “Plus, I’ll just win it again next year so you can come with me then.”

He smiles slightly and finds some comfort in your words. It amazed him how you managed to make everyone else feel better about themselves even when they shouldn’t. Gently, he attempts to fix your bangs, “Take lots of pictures, yeah? So many that I don’t think I missed it at all.”

“I will,” You stick your hand up in the air and he laughs, high-fiving you.

Before he leaves you for his schedule, he asks one more dreaded question, “Who are you taking anyway?” 

It was the one question you hadn’t prepped for and now suddenly you’re back in school being given a pop quiz on a book you forgot to read.

“R-Rina! You know she would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t bring her along.” It was quick thinking and a plausible answer. He didn’t know she was stuck inside, studying for tomorrow’s exam.

“I figured, just wondering since you’re wearing that perfume you only wear for dates.” He smirks.

You sprayed a little Crystal Noir on your pulse points once you finished your hair to give it time to die down before you had to leave, “Excuse me, I use it for all special occasions.” Crossing your arms, you stand defensively. If he caught a whiff of a guy coming with you to this event, he wouldn’t let it go, and you couldn’t exactly blurt out that it was Sunghoon you were taking.

“Whatever. Have a good time, okay? If anything happens or Rina gets out of hand, give me a call, yeah?” Minhee stands half out of your room, holding the door as if he wants to say something else, “I’m proud of you, Bubs.”

Don’t fucking cry, this foundation is so expensive.

“Thanks, Mini. Love you,” you utter in a low voice, appreciative of his words.

Minhee closes the door behind him and you check your phone for the time. You have an hour to finish getting dressed, plenty of time to fit in a few more what-ifs, and learn to tie the bow of your dress correctly.

_____

Brushing off any dust or hair from your dress, you take a glance at yourself in the mirror. You look good like you’re prepared for this. Your phone pings with a new message.

No.1 Ice Skater 🧊🤍:

6:14pm: Hey Sweets, are you ready?

6:14pm: Yeah! Are you nearly here?

Just as your message was sent, the doorbell rings. Sunghoon didn’t wait about, you thought you had at least another 10 minutes before he showed up.

Running down the stairs, almost as if you’re gliding, you swing the door open, not even looking at Sunghoon properly, “Come in! I’m just going to get my stuff from upstairs.” 

You’re like a mist, coming as fast as you go and Sunghoon bewilderingly helps himself into your home. This is the first time he dared to step foot in the Kang residence, giving him a strange feeling. 

Glancing around, his eyes grew with curiosity as he took in the intricacies that made up the place. His gaze lingered on the framed images on the walls, which captured different parts of your life from young until now. It was as if each image represented a chapter, and he was turning the pages. 

However, he did notice how there was only one of you solely on your own, you were 14, leaning on a tree on an evidently hot summer day in your sundress. He remembers you so clearly at that age, it’s strange considering he didn’t get to speak more than 3 words to you back then. The smile on his face grows as his gratitude for the time he can spend with you now seeps into his heart. 

The padding of your feet down the carpeted stairs pulls his eyes away, looking at the now 19-year-old you. You’re fighting to put a pair of earrings in as you hold the Versace shoes by their strap on one of your free fingers and your handbag swings from your left shoulder. 

Once you win your battle with the small gold hoops, you place the shoes and bag down, “Sorry, I’ll be two minutes, let me just put these on and we’re good to go.”

But before you can sit on the last step of the staircase to buckle your shoes, Sunghoon unbuttons his jacket and kneels, grabbing the shoes and sliding them on your feet. You finally stop for a minute and take in the scene in front of you - he’s so sweet you could melt. 

Sunghoon carefully buckles your heels, trying not to nip your skin. "Are they alright?" he asks, looking up at you. You confirm with a nod, eliciting a slight smile on his face. As he slides his hands over the outside of your legs, he gently kisses the inner area of your calves. He doesn’t know why he does it, it just feels natural to kiss every inch of your body.

He gets back on his feet and leans back to look at you. Even though he had previously seen the dress on you, seeing you in it again with your hair and makeup done and the accessories you selected was a completely other experience, “Wow.”

It’s not what he wanted to say exactly, but it’s all he could at the moment. You had completely blown him away.

Blushing, you push him playfully, taking in his outfit of choice as you do so. He’s wearing a simple black suit with silk trimmings, his lace-up derby shoes match the shininess of yours, and his tie is adorned with a gold Prada tie bar. He did the simplest things to match you without being too obvious about it, and the attention to detail erupted butterflies in your chest.

“You look amazing, Hoonie,” you compliment.

“Don’t I always?” he replies cockily, doing a showman spin so you can see all of his outfit. He’s so silly sometimes it cancels out his arrogance. Buttoning his jacket back up, he holds out his arm for you to take, “Shall we?” 

You take his arm and grin vibrantly at him, shaking your head in agreement. Locking the door behind you, and double checking your purse, you make your way to the venue.

Arriving at the event makes you even more overwhelmed than you thought you would be. It’s just an award ceremony for some uni kids but it looks like the Met Gala. Everyone is dressed to the nines, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and amazement, and you begin to wonder just what it’s like on the inside. 

Sunghoon places his hand on your shoulder to gain your attention, “Are you sure you’re not winning a Grammy or something?” He jokes, unintentionally easing your mind. 

“I know, I can’t believe the city would do this for a couple of students that got high grades.”

In a dubious yet playful tone, he quirked his mouth to the side and asked, "Is that all you are? A student with high grades?" The mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips showed his scepticism over your self-deprecation. Did you truly think that’s all you were? “I’d say to be the most exceptional student of the whole of Yonsei, it would go further than just your grades, right?” He massages your shoulder, thumb circling lightly. 

When you look at him, he’s waiting for you to agree with him. You know you’re downplaying it right now, but it’s the only way you might be able to get through the ceremony without vomiting, “Yeah okay, maybe it’s more than that.”

“No, you’re more than that, Sweets.” Why was it even when he was disgustingly cheesy, it made your heart do summersaults, “C’mon, let’s go.” He gets out of the car and rushes to your side to open the door for you. The place had a valet so Sunghoon reluctantly handed the boy his keys, scared for his poor baby.

Walking into the Cathedral was daunting yet exhilarating. The buzz in the air and loud chatter meant your senses didn’t know what to settle on. The inside was beautiful, the architecture old and filled with history, and now you were adding to it in a way, which helps you smile. 

A waiter comes over with champagne on a tray and offers you and Sunghoon one each which you gladly take. You take a sip and savour the fruity taste, Normally, you’re content with a £6 bottle of Echo Falls which doesn’t even truly count as wine never mind champagne, so this is a new experience for you. The drink glides down your throat as you take another swig.

Your date pushes his glass to you, “Here, take this one.”

“Why? Aren’t you having it?” 

“Nah, I don’t drink. Plus, I drove us here.” Sunghoon shrugs and takes the empty glass from your hand, deciding not to comment on how you downed a probably £15 glass of champagne in record time.

You forgot he didn’t drink, so used to everyone around you necking bottles like they were going out of fashion, you are a bit like that too to be fair so you can’t judge them. Even Minhee drank like a fish when he didn’t have training the next morning.

Speaking of Minhee.

“Hey, can you take a picture of me next to the sign?” you point your head towards the grand sign that says ‘25th Annual Crowning Achievement Gala’ in gold writing, weirdly matching your attire.

Sunghoon agrees, stretching out his hand to take your phone, “Does Rina want to see your outfit?”

“No, I promised Mini I would take lots of pictures,” you say nonchalantly, not seeing the way Sunghoon’s expression turns sour. It’s been easy to forget they hate each other since you don’t really bring them up in front of one another.

Adding to his bitterness is the text that conveniently popped up from your brother the exact moment he took your phone. Even his name triggered Sunghoon, not only from their past but because he should be here with you, regardless of circumstances. Sunghoon couldn’t wrap his head around why he wouldn’t just drop everything for you, how his career took prestige over his own little sister. The idea that you aren’t everyone’s first priority makes him sick. He made a vow you would never feel like a second option when you’re with him.

If you could hear the torrent of names and accusations swirling in Sunghoon's mind, it would undoubtedly spark an argument. However, while you couldn't read his thoughts, his facial expressions spoke volumes. “Sunghoon, please. He asked for a picture,” you plead, hoping to diffuse the tension.

“He should have fucking been here,” he seethes, his frustration bubbling dangerously close to the surface. Was he really going to make a scene here and now? Catching the disbelief on your face, he deflates, realizing that this isn’t the appropriate time or place for his outburst. “Sorry, Sweets,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with remorse.

You offer a sarcastic thank you and dutifully pose next to the sign. Sunghoon snaps about 10 different pictures, determined to capture the perfect shot. In his eyes, you look stunning in every single one, but he knows he may be a bit biased.

The bell rings to signal the ceremony is starting and you make your way to the assigned seat. You’re both placed at a round table, big enough to fit 12 people, and in the middle of the table there is a candelabra with flowers at the base and three ice buckets with red and white wine. 

“This is way too fancy for a school award,” The girl beside you whispers, to which you just nod.  As everyone takes their seats, you see Sunghoon pull out your chair for you before sitting on his own. The girl next to you hits her partner and mutters, “Why didn’t you do that for me?”

Sunghoon was a high standard to meet, you knew that. Despite his flaws, he was always gentle with you, raising the bar for your needs more and more. When you eventually find a boy you can be with, he’ll never be on Sunghoon’s level, no one could ever be.

The pain deepens each time you realise that Sunghoon may never be someone you can call yours. 

He reaches over and pours you a white wine, smiling as he does so. One thing you’ve learned about Sunghoon is that he loves to do simple acts of service, and right now he is in his element. Being able to look after you, even in the most simple ways is all he has ever wanted. And since it’s your big night, you’re being more lenient with your rules. He wonders just how far he could push it.

Taking your left hand in his, he intertwines your fingers and brings your hand to his mouth, kissing it softly, “Do you think there’s an overall award? Like, is one of you better than anyone else?” he asks.

“Nah, it would be cruel to make someone an overall winner of a winner. It would take away from the feeling of achievement everyone has,” you look around and see what must be about 90 people. You hadn’t known there were so many universities around the place.

"Yeah, imagine people winning a tournament but still needing to compete again to be the best of the best. I couldn't think of anything worse." Sunghoon gives you a look that asks, ‘Are you aware of who you are speaking to?’ and you realise who you are talking with, Mr. Ice Prince, who is about to compete in Nationals before going on to compete in the Olympics.

The irony was evident, as the person you were expressing this to was thoroughly entrenched in the world of competitive figure skating, which was based on the very idea you found so frustrating. Not that you’re all kumbaya or anything, but it’s a shame that everything in life seems to be a competition.

“How has training been for Nationals?” you ask, focusing on his nose freckle.

“Sweets you come to nearly all my practices, you know it’s going okay,” he eyes you suspiciously, “Wait, was I right the first day I saw you lurking around the ring? Have you made this grand plan to get me whipped for you so you can spy on me?” Sunghoon’s eyebrow raised playfully, “Now you want to sike me out?”

“What? NO!” you proclaim, laughing in disbelief.

“It’s all coming out now, baby, you can’t hide it anymore,” both of you laugh at the thought of an elaborate scheme being the reason he’s sitting beside you right now.

You kiss his hand that’s still tangled with yours, “Hand in hand, I promise I have relayed absolutely nothing to my brother.” 

“Want to tell me what he’s planning then? A flying camel spin? Quad jumps?” Wiggling his brows you let go of his hand a roll your eyes. To be honest, you haven’t seen Minhee’s practice in a while.

Come to think of it, your mum hasn’t pestered you to be there like she normally does. The first few times you missed his practices she reprimanded you, telling you how much missing the training lowers Minhee’s confidence. It’s not that you wanted to miss them, and you tried your hardest to be there, it’s just…you were always with Sunghoon.

The tapping of a mic diverts your attention from your worries to the stage, “Thank you, everyone, for coming. I’m so happy to see so many young talents within our universities, it fills me with pride for this city.” The Chancellor of Education beams with pride.

He continues to ramble on about a bunch of stuff that you couldn't care less about. Your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the three steps leading up to the stage and how easily you could trip and faceplant in front of everyone here.

A person dressed in an all-black suit comes over and speaks to your table, “Anyone who is receiving an award, please follow me.” Shit. Here you go. 

You look to Sunghoon who smiles reassuringly, “Go get 'em’, Sweets.” his words are less encouraging than you need them to be at this moment, but the pride in his eyes is enough to get you up off your chair and follow the man to the side of the stage.

Sunghoon watches on as you take your place in line. He can tell you’re shitting a brick but he knows you’ll be fine, you always are - you’re tough like that. A proud smile appeared on his face, showing his admiration for you. As you got closer to the stage, the world around him melted away, leaving only the view of you, poised for recognition.

“Your girl is a looker,” One of the guys at the table says, and the others agree, but Sunghoon doesn’t take his eyes off you, scared he’ll miss any part of this.

“She is, isn’t she?” Sunghoon musters up a reply. If he wasn’t so infatuated with you right now he might have told the boy to keep his eyes off you, but he spares him for now.

Unaware of the compliments being whispered about you at the table, you find yourself sweating a little. If this were any other scenario, you would make a joke about how your palms are sweaty, mom’s spaghetti, but this isn’t a laughing matter. 

As tension mounts, you silently reassure yourself that you won't stumble, that everything will be fine, and that it’s just a fleeting moment.

As the chancellor says the names of each student, you’re getting closer and closer to the stage and you start to think how you should have had way more wine to calm you, but then again, more wine equals drunk you, and she isn’t exactly steady on her feet at the best of times.

“Y/N Kang.” 

Oh, that’s me. You think, smiling idly. Oh, fuck that’s me.

Centring yourself, you gracefully make it up the stairs, no accident in sight, and walk to the chancellor and thank him as you accept your award.

“WOO!” 

Turning to glance at your table, you notice Sunghoon standing up, clapping and smiling broadly, his canines on full display as he makes a fuss over you and shouts your name. He begins to fist-pump the air, and everyone laughs, including you. As you place a hand over your mouth, your cheeks turn crimson not only from embarrassment but also from happiness. 

The warm glow of the stage lights framed you, creating an illuminating aura around your body. Sunghoon couldn't help but congratulate himself on tricking you into allowing him to buy you the dress you're currently wearing.

You bow to the committee and hurry down the stairs, ready for the spotlight to be off you and on literally anyone else but that isn’t the case. All eyes are on you, happy faces greet you from every table as if they have known you for years, and all you can do is thank them in passing, desperate to get to Sunghoon.

Approaching the table, Sunghoon holds his hand out to stop you, and you pause in place, confused. He picks your phone up and swipes open the camera app, “Pose with your prize, Sweets.”

Obliging, you do a multitude of poses, some silly and some you could actually put on your Instagram. Once he’s satisfied, Sunghoon ushers you towards him, picking you up and spinning you around a few times, “So, so proud of you, Y/N.” Gently, his mouth meets yours as he sets you down, “So fucking proud of you, you have no idea.” his whispered affirmations of pride bring a few tears to your eyes but you blink them back. 

Just like before, he pulls your seat out for you as you sit back down and congratulate the other winners at your table. You miss the way he gazed at you with a softness in his eyes that spoke volumes, an unspoken language of affection and warmth. His gaze followed the contours of your face, fixating on every detail as though he were memorising it. 

He passes you the phone so you can take more pictures of your award to send to Minhee. Sunghoon doesn’t mean to read the messages between you both but he can see how he misjudged Minhee a little.

Mini &lt;3

8:23pm Look! It’s so pretty

3 images attached

8:24pm: Bubs you look amazing?!? 

8:24pm: When did my sister get so pretty?

8:24pm: I wish I was there :( 

8:24pm: I know :( Me too

8:24pm: Better come next time!

8:25pm: Never missing anything again

8:25pm: Love you, I couldn’t be prouder.

8:25pm: Keep me updated!

“Hoonie, let’s get a picture together, hmm?” You haven’t ever taken a picture with him before, possibly because it’s an unspoken rule, but you can’t pass the opportunity up - not when you both look so good.

Shuffling his chair a little so he can be behind you, he leans forward, almost resting his chin on your shoulder before you snap a pic. You take a few, most of them just smiling from a different angle, that is before Sunghoon presses his lips to your cheek and closes his eyes. Closing your eyes with him, you take the picture quickly.

“Ah! It’s so pretty.” You squeal, reviewing the pictures. A serene moment filled with the tenderness of your connection unfolds as his lips find the slope of your shoulder. Sunghoon puckers his mouth and gives you a delicate kiss while his eyes focus on the photo you’re showing him, “Do you like it?”

He turns your face to look at him and whispers, "I love it." Sunghoon's gaze expressed a language deeper than the words, a confession he knows he can't make out loud, not yet, He encloses your lips in his, pouring his feelings into you the best he can. 

It was as if this award ceremony wasn’t happening because you don’t even realise all the awards have been handed out and there’s a band making their way to the stage, both of you are too engrossed in one another. The band plays songs typical of these kinds of events, renditions of pop songs, and some classics to get people dancing. 

As the night progresses, the table you're at empties, but you and Sunghoon remain seated, immersed in conversation about everything and anything. He's removed his jacket and hung it over the chair; his sleeves are rolled up and his tie is loose, reflecting how long you've been getting familiar with each other. You didn’t think there was anything left you could know about him after spending almost 2 months with him, but you were wrong.

As you nurse your second glass of wine, you ask him the most important question of the evening.

“Do you think aliens will come and take over the world?”

Sunghoon laughs out loud, looking at you dotingly, “What? Like right now?” he twirls a piece of your hair framing your face.

“Nah not now, but like in the future. Like some War of the Worlds shit.”

“Oh so not like little green dudes?” He asks and you shake your head assuringly, “Good, because it was hard enough batting every guy at this table tonight off of you, never mind Martians with superpowers. I don’t stand a chance there.”

You laugh for the nth time, “None of them were even looking at me.”

“Yeah, because I gave them all my signature death stare to stop looking at my girl,” he points two fingers to his eyes and imitates a stern expression. 

“Ah, but see, I’m not your girl,” you lean back in your chair and cross one leg over the other, “You’re forgetting that.”

His expression shifted, becoming more earnest, "You could be..." he replied, his gaze holding a sincerity that belied the playfulness of the banter. The words are spoken with true intent, leaving a pause in the air as he looks for any response on your face.

“Hoonie-”

“I know - Minhee, and your devoted loyalty to him - but you know this is more than what we’re calling it, so why don’t we just call it like it is?” he pleads, slouching forward to take your hands in his, “We can still keep it a secret, we don’t have to tell him.”

“But he said no dating, that’s the whole point of us being in this sort of relationship,” you remind him of the loophole he had found in Minhee’s words that eased your guilt.

“Sweets, no offence but if you don’t feel guilty now, you won’t if I call you my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend. 

He skipped the whole dating idea and just jumped straight to relationship status. But he’s right because technically you have been dating for almost 2 months, just never calling it that for your own peace of mind. You never intended to fall headfirst for Sunghoon, or maybe you did. 

You can’t deny the gravitational pull you both have towards one another, that instant connection from the night he kissed you for the first time. Of course, it’s complicated, what with Minhee’s feelings involved, but maybe you should give in and see what happens.

You suck in a breath, your inner turmoil threatening to overwhelm you, "If we’re still keeping it a secret, and everything is still the same between us, why do we need to label it?"

He kisses your hands tenderly, his touch soothing, "Well, we can finally get rid of those fucking rules that neither of us cared about in the first place. I can take you out and proudly call it a date, and shower you with gifts as your man," Sunghoon's gaze shifts from your hands to your eyes, his expression earnest, "And I get to proudly call you mine, for as long as you’ll have me."

The sensation of his lips against your skin sends tingles down your spine, and his words ease the weight of your unspoken desires. It would be a relief to just be with him, but could your mind ever silence the guilt?

“Y/N, listen to me,” he turns deadly serious, a little annoyed at how much Minhee is having a say in this without even uttering a word, “Minhee is a grown man, he will get over it. He won’t hate you, he loves you too much for that. Will he be a little angry at the beginning? Sure, but that won’t last, okay? He does not own you, nor can he tell you who you can and cannot date,” he begs you to see his point of view, “Please just be with me.”

You feel the weight of his words in your chest. Sunghoon hasn’t ever led you wrong so far, so why would he now? Minhee would get over it because, at the end of the day, that’s your brother, the same brother that used to plat your hair when it got in your way, and the same brother who protected you from any hurt when your parents split, hugging you through the shouting. He wouldn’t abandon you so easily.

Sunghoon watches as his words calm you down, and a glimmer of hope punches his heart.

“We still keep it a secret, I can’t tell him just yet. We’ll do it after Nationals.” You tell him a matter of fact.

Nodding understandingly, he reaches for your face, “Yeah, anything you want, Sweets. We’ll do it all at your pace.” This is everything he’s ever wanted, the opportunity to call you his girl, and now that it’s finally here, he feels like he’s the one who won something tonight, “So?”

“So?” You repeat.

“Are you mine? Officially?” he knows the answer, he just wants to hear you say it out loud.

“I’m yours, Hoonie.” 

Dramatically, he lets go of you and sinks into his chair, face etched in glee and relief, it’s a dream come true to have you say those words and he thinks he might pass out. Placing one hand over his heart he breathes out a quiet ‘thank fuck for that’, making you giggle.

A teasing smile tugged at the edges of your lips, and your eyes twinkled with affection, “You’re so silly.” you grab his hand from his heart and replace it with yours, patting it softly. The simple gesture has his face splitting with a grin and his eyes closing.

“My girlfriend,” he whispers to himself but you hear it, your brain dizzying at the thought. He starts to sit up, “My princess, my baby, my angel.” Grabbing your face he kisses you all over like he’s leaving little sprinkles of affection anywhere he can, “Fuck those stupid rules, I’m calling you whatever I want, buying you whatever I want, having sex with you wherever I want.”

“Uh, didn’t you do that anyway?” you say between titters.

“Yeah, but now I don’t have to have your beautiful, perfect, eyes glaring at me every time I do.” Maybe you were a little harsh on him, considering you broke a lot of them multiple times too, “Promise me you won’t back out of this, baby.”

The petname falls just as easily as his nickname for you. Secretly, you hope he doesn’t stop calling you Sweets because even though you don’t know why he does it, it’s his thing for you and you love it, “I promise. And if I feel myself doubting or thinking about how Minhee will feel, I’ll talk to you about it first,” you say this because Sunghoon is the only one that can get you out of your previous mindset, he proved that tonight.

Resting his forehead against yours, Sunghoon looks directly into your eyes, “Good. Because I’m yours and I won’t let him ruin this for us. I don’t care.”

“Me either.” And you truly mean it.

The sound of glasses being collected and chairs stacked upon one another makes you retreat from him and look up. The event had been over for a hot minute, only you, Sunghoon, and a few drunken mothers who can’t get up off the dance floor are left in the grand hall.

You check your phone and see it’s almost 3am, “Shit, we better go.” 

Sunghoon peers at the clock on his watch and a pout forms on his lips, “We didn’t even get to dance.”

“Eh, whatever, we can do that whenever we like now.” You cheekily remark, turning his sullen expression into one of amazement. You can tell he still doesn’t really believe it.

“Please tell me you don’t have to go home tonight?” He asks.

Shaking your head you stand up, putting things back into your bag, “No, I told Minhee and Mum I would be staying at Rina’s so I don’t wake them up.”

“Great.” He slings your bag over his shoulder and grabs your award before he lifts you up, earning a yelp from you but he doesn’t acknowledge it, instead opting to squeeze your ass with his free hand and keep his grip there to ensure you don’t fall.

“Hoonie, what are you doing?” You laugh, securing your legs and arms around him.

“What does it look like? I’m going home so I can fuck my award-winning girlfriend.” 

______

Sunghoon pushes you into his flat as he kisses you passionately, his mouth never leaving yours even when he unlocks the door and slams it shut behind him. You’re just as needy for him, pulling at his tie to drag him into the bedroom that you know your way to oh, so well.

Despite the urgency in both of your bodies, he places your award gently on his desk, sure to not break it. You, on the other hand, couldn’t care less, you need him more than a glass trophy. You begin to practically climb his tall figure, seeking any sort of sexual relief. 

He knew you couldn’t wait for him when you were kissing him at every traffic light and had his belt unbuckled before he even made it out of the car. He was honestly surprised you didn’t try to suck him off while he was driving. 

You began to strip him of his tie and shirt, fumbling with his buttons all the way down, “Easy, baby, you have me.” He reassures you, but there isn’t any stopping you tonight, you’re on a high like no other. You just got a boyfriend, got acknowledged for all your hard work in uni, and now you’re going to fuck until the sun comes up, what’s not to love about your life right now? 

Without you even noticing, he unties the bow behind your neck and pulls it down, exposing your erect nipples. Sleeking his hands down from your neck to your tits, he rolls your nipples in between his fingers, pinching every so often to send a jolt through your body and down to your sex.

Pushing, you guide him to the bed until he collapses on it, a quiet ‘oof’ leaving his lips at the force. Sunghoon wasn’t necessarily prepared for you to be so in control but he won’t complain, how could he when you were climbing onto him, tits dangling in front of him like tempting raindrops and he’s been in the desert, thirsty for them. 

He sits up, chest at eye level as he licks up the curve of your right breast, teasing you. You’re hands run through his hair, pushing his bangs back so you can get a good look at his face. He has the same bright look he always does when he gets to play with your tits, it would actually be quite sweet if you both weren’t about to perform a sinful act.

Flickering his eyes up to you, he smirks, taking your nipple into his mouth finally twirling his tongue around it hungrily. The way he keeps staring into your eyes as he sucks your tit has you breathing out slowly and your chest moving heavily. 

Once his teeth sink into you, your eyes shut and your head falls back. His sharp teeth gently tug at your nub, then licking it softly - he alternates between the nip and pleasure his mouth is giving you.

Deciding enough is enough, you pull his face away, watching as he goes to go right back to it; if it wasn’t for the grip you had on him, he would have, “Please don’t stop me,” He whines, his eyes looking at you, a drip of begging splashing around in his iris.

“Do you want to suck my tits, or fuck me?” You pose.

Sunghoon doesn’t have to think about it, he knows exactly what the answer is. Curling his arms behind you, he zips down your dress as it sits at the bottom of your spine, using the opportunity to kiss the valley of your breasts. He bunches up the material and lifts it over your head, leaving you in nothing but your underwear.

His jaw nearly hits the floor as he sees the white mesh thong tilted on your waist, “Fuck,” He can’t believe you had that under the dress the whole time and he’s only getting to see it now.

You wouldn’t normally wear white with a black dress but it’s his favourite colour on you which you discovered recently. One night you wore his white t-shirt to bed and he couldn’t stop looking at you, his hands all over you the second he saw you adorned in it. 

“They’re cute, right?” You were proud of your purchase before but now seeing his reaction, you were more than pleased with yourself.

“Baby, did you buy them for me?” He licks his lips, the corners of his lips tugging up as he runs his middle finger along your clothed slit, dipping it to pull the underwear closer to him. It gives him the chance to see just how wet you are, the patch darkening the material.

Nodding your head, you reply, “All for you, Hoonie” Your voice comes out more seductive than you mean to but it only fuels his fire more. 

You bite your finger and smile down, acting bashful but he sees right through it, knowing you’re enjoying how he’s reacting to you, “I’ve hit the fucking jackpot with you,” He confesses, still eyeing your cunt.

It makes you giddy how easily he says things like that, as if it comes so naturally to him to compliment you or make you feel like you’re the only girl he’s ever looked at. 

To Sunghoon, you might as well be the only woman on the planet, he doesn’t care about any of the others, not when you’re here gracing this earth. Your laugh, your smile, your body, your ability to inject him with a new lease of life, why would he ever need to look at anyone else?

“Are you just going to stare?” You lean down to his ear, “Or are you going to fuck your girlfriend?” 

He almost cums, your words shooting down to his dick and making it throb. You’re his girlfriend. He won’t ever get used to it, dreaming about it so long he thought that’s all it would be, a distant dream. When you said you would be his, his heart could have vomited.

Grabbing your waist, he flips you over, his expression is menacing which means you’re in for the time of your life. Your boyfriend captures your lips with his, hands roughly grabbing at your sides and hips. 

With whatever of your concentration isn’t on his tongue in your mouth, you undo his trousers and push them down with your feet, dragging his boxers down in the process. All that’s left on him is his white shirt but you don’t want to get rid of that just yet. The way it’s lazily hanging off his shoulders makes him look like those slutty little white tunics in period dramas. 

Sunghoon’s mouth moves from your lips to your jaw and down your neck, suckling the base of your neck which he knows gets you a moaning mess. 

True to his knowledge, you mewl out, tilting your head to encourage him more. 

His hands slither down to your thong, playing with it a little to tease you and fill you with anticipation. As he pushes the material away, exposing your folds, he looks down, “You’re so ready for me, Sweets, don’t you think?” He slides two of his fingers in between your pussy, quickly dipping them in and out with ease before offering them to your lips/

Without hesitation, you accept his silent invitation, sucking his fingers clean, never stopping your intense gaze into his eyes. 

The way you know what he wants without him having to vocalise it just makes him even more desperate for you. He presses his fingers against your tongue, causing you to open your mouth, “Stick it out for me,” Sunghoon asks, eyes clouded with lust.

As you stick your tongue out, he retracts his fingers, delving to lick your tongue, “You taste so good, baby,” he licks your tongue once more before committing to the kiss you’ve been craving.

Desperately, you grab his cock and pump him, your hand inadvertently skimming past your clit in the prosses due to how close his body is to yours. 

The sudden touch from you shocks Sunghoon but what really sends him reeling is your thumb rubbing over his head, circling the tip with pressure, “Jesus Christ,” he huffs out breathlessly, his hips bucking into your palm, hoping for more delicious release from your grip. 

His hot breath hits your face as he pants, only making you more eager to please him. Bringing your hips up, you trap his cock between your slit and palm, rubbing both against his shaft, the heat of your pussy contradicts the coldness of your hand, making Sunghoon’s brain fry.

Your fingers push him to sit neatly in your folds, however, when you thrust your hips up again, the pressure makes the head of his cock dip into your entrance, causing you both to moan loudly.

“Sweets, let me put on a condom,” he swallows, managing to choke out the words amidst his desire. He shakes his head trying to bring himself to a rational state but as you dip him in again, he can only groan, “Fuck.”

“We don’t need one,” you assert, shallowly fucking yourself on the first 2 inches of his cock, “I want to feel my boyfriend.”

Your words hang in the air but none of you stop your actions, not even pretending to think about it. Sunghoon nudges your nose with his, “You sure?”

“I’m positive, baby,” you whisper into his mouth, sharing your wants with him. You’re both too far gone into one another that none of you have the common sense to say no.

The man above you nods, placing two tiny kisses on your lips while his hips move with the pressure of your hand, “I’ll pull out, I promise,” he has never given you a reason to distrust his promises and you won't start now.

He captures your lips in a searing kiss with a low growl as you push more of him inside you. To be fair, the feeling isn’t that much different from when he wears condoms, the thin feel condoms he buys, he buys for a reason.

But this wasn’t about feeling his cock raw, it was about connecting with him just that little bit more, about showing your trust in him. 

The head of his cock slowly hits you deeper, each time he jerks his hips into you, he penetrates deeper inside. The feel of your naked walls on his bell feels unreal, the way each bump scrapes his tender tip makes him groan, his head buried into your neck to muffle his sounds.

“You feel so good, Hoonie,” With his cock now fully inside you, your fingertips graze up his tensing toned stomach and around to his back, caressing him gently, “Faster, please,” you ask as your hands slide to his ass, pushing down rhymically to set him at a new pace.

Sunghoon loves when you subtly take control, still letting him be the one to fuck you so good you see stars while telling him how to get you there. He can read your body so well but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell him what else you need from him.

Lifting your bottom half, he holds your hips and pounds into you the way you want, the velocity of his thrusts sends your eyes to the back of your head. You can’t help but moan his name loudly, chanting it like you’re possessed, “Sunghoon, shit, don’t stop.”

He chuckles, looking down at you, “You’re mad if you think I ever would.”

Shuffling so your butt is balancing on his thighs, he bucks up into you with the same speed but now he’s using one of his free hands to rub your clit, adding a new layer of intensity, “Holy fuck,” You thrash under him as your nub tingles at his touch.

Your words provide him with all the encouragement he needs to give you even more, “You’re so good at taking me, Sweets. Look how good you are,” He entices you to look down but you stop as you finally look at his face; the sweat dripping from his forehead, some of it collected in the creases of his brows as he scrunches his face, focused only on fucking you into heaven. His mouth is hanging open, pushing out short breaths to mirror the movement of his hips.

He’s so deliciously hot.

If your pussy could actually purr, it would be, but instead, it’s clenching to show that you’re close. The tightness doesn’t go unnoticed by your boyfriend, who smirks, looking at you with hooded eyes, “You gonna cum, baby?” 

Sunghoon’s tongue swipes over his bottom lip as he flicks your clit faster, trying to get you closer to the edge. This will be the first time he’s experiencing you cumming on his raw cock, so he’s a little impatient, desperate to know what your core feels like as it grips him naked.

“Hoon..Hoonie..” your heartbeat is rapidly increasing in your chest but your breathing is slowing down, a clear indicator that you’re coming undone, “I’m cumming, fuck, I’m cumming.”

“Yeah, you are, sweetheart” Sunghoon has to control himself but it’s painfully difficult as he feels your walls clamp down and contract on his member. He’s so engrossed in the feeling of you that he keeps going, pressing your stomach down with his arm to stop you from escaping and slipping off him.

His thumb goes hard at your swollen bud, the fast sensation causing you to try and pull away. It feels like you’re on fire but Sunghoon has no desire to stop. He physically can’t, you feel too good, the squirming of your hips mixed in with your walls hugging him, there was no way he could give it up just yet.

You choke on the air you're actively trying to get into your lungs as your boyfriend overstimulates you.  It’s painful, yet, you’re begging for it not to stop.

“Oh my god, Hoon.” your voice is sore from all the moaning and dry mouth you have.

“I’m nearly there, Sweets. Fuck, I’m so close.” Now that he’s seeking his own release, he switches his position, opting to have you as close to him as possible. With the little strength he has left, he hugs your body and scoops you to sit fully on his cock, tits bouncing in his face as he guides you up and down his shaft, “Y/N, can you keep it clenched for me? Please?” The please comes out as a whispered beg.

Nodding, you gather your focus to your pussy and squeeze him and it’s like you’re suddenly seeing stars, his cock sloppily hitting your g-spot over and over thanks to the newfound tightness.

Shutting his eyes to truly envelope himself in the feel of you, his stomach tightens, balls throbbing as he stops himself from cumming, “Fuck, wait,” he abruptly lifts you off him, the last drag of his head against your squeezed hole has ropes of his cum shooting up as high as your breasts, “Y/N, shit, Jesus.”

You stare at his cock as it keeps unloading between you both, creating a sticky mess on both of your bodies. It’s always so beautiful to see him cum like this, although usually it’s on your face after you’ve given him a blow job. 

Both of you are equally spent, panting filling the otherwise silent room. You revel in the aftermath of the ecstasy, the air thick with the scent of your combined essence.

As the waves of pleasure gradually ebb away, you feel contentment wash over your body and mind, eliciting a smile from you. This was truly the best night of your life.

Sunghoon’s eyes drag up your body as he notices the cum splattered on your tits, “Fucking hell, look at you,” his tone is saturated in awe and delight as he drinks you in. Honestly, he didn’t know he could shoot that far; he’ll have to give himself a pat on the back later for creating the masterpiece in front of him.

Swiftly, he brings his mouth back to your tit, licking the cum from you and your eyes widen in shock. Guys don’t tend to even want to kiss you if you’ve swallowed their cum, never mind cleaning it off your body. 

Truthfully, Sunghoon isn’t in his right mind just yet, still clouded with lust, aching for any sort of contact with you. Your tits are all he sees.

“Sunghoon?” you try to bring him back but it doesn’t work, you’ll need to physically drag him away from your chest. Cupping his face, you bring him to level with you again, “You okay?”

“I need you so fucking much,” he whispers, his lips seeking yours in a tender kiss.

Your laughter dances between you, "You just had me," you tease, the warmth of his lips against yours sparking a playful energy between you.

But his next words sober the moment, revealing a depth of feeling that leaves you breathless. "No, like in every sense, I fucking need you. I can't imagine even breathing without you," he admits, his vulnerability laid bare in the afterglow of the moment.

Moved by Sunghoon's heartfelt confession, you feel a surge of emotion welling up inside you. With an adoring smile, you caress his cheek, your touch a silent reassurance of your love for him.

"I need you too, Sunghoon," you whisper, your voice barely more than a breath against his lips. "More than anything.” It’s a simple mirror of his words, but you hope he knows you truly mean it.

To be frank, even if you had just said ‘ditto’ back, he would have been content. There are feelings for you so deep routed into his soul that he’s terrified and excited all at once.

And you’re all his.

“My girlfriend,” he beams, finally coming out of his lust coma, “You’re mine.”

His words strike a chord deep inside you, creating an overwhelming feeling of belonging and security that wraps around your heart like a warm embrace. With a delicate grin, you return his adoration, your fingers tracing soft patterns along his jawline as you enjoy the tenderness of his affection for you.

"I'm yours, Hoonie," you say quietly your voice full of reverence, "Until you want to get rid of me."

Kissing your palm, he smirks, trailing all the way up your arm and along your shoulder, “I’m literally never letting you go, I’m sorry,” his eyes shine a playful glint as he peppers kisses along your face, “That also means right now.”

He quickly pushes you back into the mattress, both of you laughing as he softly kisses your nose; nevertheless, you know the gentleness will fade as soon as he realises he hasn't even eaten you yet. It’s not in him not to devour your pussy.

You can only sigh in satisfaction as he runs his lips down your stomach.

This is everything you’ve ever wanted. He is everything you’ve ever wanted.

taglist (closed!!): @heelee-01 @zerasari @beomgyusonlywife @iwaplant @monstanctiny21 @chiiiiiiiiis @minniejenseo @run2gyuz @jngwnlvs @haelahoops @capri-cuntz @nctislifue @jaehoonii @weyukinluv @skzenhalove @enhypenlovre @cherriruto @bambangan @who-tf-soddhi @nxzz-skz @nshmrarki @hotsforikeu @enhastolemyheart @erehkinnie30 @judeduartewannabe @neosexual @fakeuwus @positivelyinlovewithjungwon @tobiosbbyghorl @kimsunoops

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 18

Previous Chapter

Akira: …!

The sound of water roared in my ears as I sank down, down, down to the bottom of the deep, dark sea. Countless bubbles filtered up past me, brushing against my skin as they continued their path up to the surface. My wizards were framed by halos of thin and fleeting light, looking like messengers from the moon as they descended through the water. The initial big splash faded into quiet burbling, and then that too faded into a quiet stillness. The nighttime sea was different from the sea during the day; for one thing, it was pitch black. The icy chill of fear and anxiety seeped into my limbs. If not for the feeling of Oz's hand in mine, I'm sure I would've started panicking on the spot. Several of the younger wizards looked scared, too. But with their comrades there to act as examples, they, too, began to calm down. I, on the other hand, had completely stopped breathing in my fear and had to force myself to take a breath.

Akira: (Ah… I can breathe just fine.) (I wonder how it works. Well, as long as it does work…)

Thanks to magic, I was still able to breathe, even this far underwater. As I took deep breaths in and out in wonder, I gradually started feeling calmer. I recalled what Murr had told us just a little earlier. I needed to have fun. I needed to let my world open up more. With those words in mind, I looked around at the night-dark ocean.

Akira: (Woah…)

It was like opening my eyes to a still, quiet paradise. The light of the moon streamed through the surface of the water, as if it were drawing a path for us to follow--and follow we did, tracing its glowing steps deeper into the ocean. There were…I'm not sure exactly what they actually were, but there were what looked like little sparkling grains of sand floating through the water, glittering like stars. There was coral that glowed with a gentle radiance, and vividly colored fish that caught that radiance on their scales.

Chloe: It's so pretty…

Rustica: We've stepped foot into a veritable wonderland.

Rutile: We really have! Any other time, I'd want to go back up and bring Mitile down to see this, too.

Cain: We should come back once everything's all settled! Ah… I can talk normally…

Arthur: What a beautiful world… It's just as Murr said.

Murr: Riiiight?

Everyone's eyes sparkled as they excitedly looked around at the underwater garden that surrounded us. Illuminated by the moonlight above, everyone's hair was floating weightlessly in the water, swaying with the currents. It was as if we'd stepped foot into the canvas of a painting.

Heathcliff: Ah, Vespa?!

Vespa was pulling on one of Heathcliff's arms, spinning him around. Until now, this darling mermaid had been carried in Heathcliff's arms, but now that she was back in the ocean, she was even more animated and quick in her motions.

Shino: Hey! Don't pull on Heath.

Heathcliff: Wah, she's so fast… Wait, hold on a second…!

Vespa: …! …!

Cain: Woah…!

Faust: That's more speed than I was expecting…

Vespa flipped her tail and vigorously swam deeper into the sea.

Heathcliff: …Where are you going? Is that where all your friends are?

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: I think she's going to take us to the cage where the other mermaids have been imprisoned!

At some point, Vespa and Heathcliff, who had been at each other's side since they first met… Had learned to communicate with another no longer through drawings, but simply through the expressions on one another's face. Shino smiled as he watched them, looking like he was recalling some nice memory or another.

Heathcliff: What?

Shino: Nah, I'll tell you later.

Faust: Does everyone think they can keep up?

Chloe: I think so… Rustica, how are you doing?

Rustica: I'm just fine. What do you think, Cain?

Cain: …Yep, things are working out somehow! Alright, this way!

Faust: It's the same as flying through the sky on your broom. Ride the current and reduce drag… Wah…!

Rutile: I've figured out the trick to it! I think I'll be able to catch up to Vespa!

Murr: Let's goooo!

Rutile: Okay!

Faust: Be sure you don't get too far away from the rest of the group! Murr, keep an eye on him!

My wizards swam through the neverending world of blue like a school of fish. Arthur was so deeply moved by the undersea garden that he was smiling like a schoolboy as he looked up at Oz.

Arthur: It's so beautiful down here… There's so many adventures I want to set out on.

A smile finally broke through the stoic expression on Oz's face.

Oz: I can only imagine how much of this world you want to see and investigate for yourself.

Arthur: Oh, all of it. I'm so happy to find out there's a whole new world I don't know a thing about yet.

A school of long, thin fish drifted between Oz and Arthur. I met Arthur's gaze, and smiled. Snow, White, Shylock, Lennox, Hwylryn… Worry was still playing on my nerves, but the fact that I was here, seeing such a wonderful world in the flesh… It was something I never wanted to forget.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Oz. Were the imprisoned mermaids around this area?

Oz: Yes.

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: Vespa is telling us to hide!

Cain: Wh-- How?!

Shino: Won't you have a perfectly good place if you move just a little more forward?

Chloe: Wait! I think I have a spell that'd be perfect for this! <Suispicibo Voitengok>!

Chloe recited his spell, and it was like it rippled out, weaving through the seawater. If I paid close attention, I could see a bolt of fabric the same gentle blue as the water around us spreading through the water, shrouding us from view.

Rutile: Amazing…! No one will be able to see us from far away like this!

Chloe: I'm soooo happy it worked! This is the kind of magic I've been working on lately! I came up with this by using magic cloth I bought at the flea market in the Town of Foam! It was honestly pretty hard to get, but… Ah, sorry! I can talk about that later!

Chloe had gotten caught up in talking, but when he saw Vespa fidgeting nervously, he snapped his mouth shut in a hurry. Heathcliff shook his head, looking even more apologetic than Chloe did.

Heathcliff: I'm sorry. I want to hear more about the magic cloth later when we can take our time with it…

Shino: By the way, since she told us to hide, what's out there for us to hide from?

Heathcliff: Umm…

Heathcliff poked his head out of the magic cloth a little bit, just to peek out at what else was out there.

Heathcliff: I can see something that looks like a cage, but there are mermaids armed with spears swimming just in front of it.

Faust: They sound dangerous. Should we be thinking of them as enemies?

Vespa: …! …!

Vespa shook her head vigorously, a sad look on her face. I didn't think that was all she had to tell us, though. She was trying to make some kind of appeal to us with her big motions and gestures as she darted back and forth in the water.

Akira: We shouldn't attack them…?

Faust: That seems to be the message here.

Oz: I can feel Balthazar's magic. I imagine those mermaids are being puppeteered.

Akira: By Balthazar…

I thought about the mermaids that had deferred to Hwylryn.

Akira: I saw mermaids obeying Hwylryn, too. Is he a tyrant lording over the mermaids, too…?

It was entirely possible that Hwylryn was the reason Vespa and her friends were suffering. I looked at Oz, complicated feelings swirling in my chest. But he just gently shook his head, a delicately small gesture.

Oz: Dragons hold dominion over the natural world. Both spirits and magical creatures are naturally drawn to them. If there is a sea dragon in these waters, then it is only natural that the mermaids that live here would obey it.

Arthur: In the same way that spirits are naturally drawn to and obey you, Lord Oz?

Oz: Yes.

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: …Ah! Vespa!

I turned my head towards Heathcliff's voice, and saw the tip of a spear pierced through the magic cloth. We'd been noticed. The spear-wielding mermaids tore through Chloe's magic cloth, revealing themselves. Their faces were pale, and their eyes were dark, cavernous voids.

Chloe: Vespa, watch out…!

Vespa: …!

One of the spears was aimed directly at her, intent on running her through. Cain caught the edge of the blade before it could touch her.

Cain: Vespa, run…!

Vespa: …!

Cain: Is there any way we can break through the brainwashing or put them to sleep?!

Rustica: Allow me. <Amores Viesse>

Rustica recited his spell, but it sounded more like a gentle song, echoing through the sea like through a music hall. When the song reached the spear-wielding mermaids' ears, it was like they were jolted back to their senses. Slowly but surely, their blank eyes began to refocus on what was in front of them, the melody of the song catching their attention.

Faust: Are they starting to wake up…? Is Balthazar's control being undone?

Rustica shook his head a bit, not once pausing in his song.

Faust: I see…

Faust had obviously been hoping this would be enough to free Lennox. He pressed his lips together in a tight line, frustrated. Rustica, on the other hand, was enjoying himself--his hands were moving as a conductor's would, holding an invisible baton. The mermaids followed his motions as though they were his orchestra. Their long hair floated in the water, bubbles dancing around their seashell barettes. It didn't take long for them to drop their spears. As their weapons sank down to the bottom of the sea, the mermaids closed their eyes, falling into a gentle, peaceful sleep. Chloe gathered up his magic cloth. We had managed to stealthily make our way to a large reef that had been fashioned into something similar to a jail.

✦✧☾✧✦

The reef "jail" was similar in construction to a three-story building. Beyond the many ash-grey pillars--I couldn't tell if they were made of coral or of stone--were the imprisoned mermaids.

Akira: (Woah… There's so many mermaids…)

There was something oddly captivating about them, and I felt my hardened heart dance in my chest. Now that I thought of it, though, I hadn't let myself feel anything for Vespa, and I hadn't even properly introduced myself to her, either. I took a deep breath. It's important to not get so mired in your sadness that you can't pull yourself free from it. We startled the mermaids as we drew closer to the bars of the cage, and they swam in deeper, hiding themselves. Vespa swam right up to the bars, calling out to the fleeing mermaids. Oz took me and advanced behind her, before taking a moment to address her.

Oz: Stand back.

Vespa: …?! …?!

Oz: I am going to destroy their cage.

Vespa: …?! …?!

Shino: Vespa, come here!

Shino beckoned Vespa over to him. Vespa darted towards him, away from the bars of the cage. I squeezed Oz's hand tightly, my heart pounding in my chest. Was his spell going to succeed?

Akira: (It will… I'm sure it will.) (I need to believe in myself… In myself, and in Oz!)

Oz: <Vox Nox>

A weak light trailed out of Oz's staff and made contact with the bars of the cliffside prison--and then those same bars crumbled away as if they were made of sand.

Arthur: Yay! It worked! Master Sage! Lord Oz!

Akira: It did!

Faust: Now we can ask Vespa's siblings about where to find Balthazar and the cintamani stone of medicine.

We exchanged grins as we waited for the mermaids to leave their broken jail. But there was absolutely no sign that they had any intention of leaving.

Shino: … Hey. Isn't it taking the fish a while to come out?

Heathcliff: Don't call them that.

Murr: Hey, Oz, you didn't kill 'em all out of habit, did you?

Oz: …Hmm…

Arthur: I'll go check things out!

Rutile: It might just be that they're scared! Like how little fishies hide themselves even when you're just looking at them…

Heathcliff: That's certainly possible. Why don't we just wait a little farther away and see what happens?

Akira: Good idea! Let's all back off a little… Let's wait for them to come out on their own!

We put a bit of distance between us and their cage, and once we were comfortably far away, we waited for the mermaids to come out of their own accord.

Rutile: Are they out yet? How about now?

Chloe: Everything's okay! You can come out now!

Rustica: Ah, there they come now.

Heathcliff: You're right! Ah…

But the mermaids vacated the area at an impressive speed, scattering to the vast sea as fast as their tails could take them.

Heathcliff: Ah, ah, ahhh…!

Akira: Wa--wait…!

Murr: Speedy…!

Shino: They're so ungrateful…!

Faust: <Salliuq…> Dammit! I bit my tongue…!

Rustica: It makes sense that they'd want to leave in such a rush. I understand completely.

Cain: That's fish for you! I let my guard down because I was thinking of them like women.

Arthur: Lord Oz, what should we do…? If we follow them intending to capture one, we'll only frighten them more, won't we?

Shino: Stop talking like a feral child when you've got the face of a pure-hearted prince.

Vespa was in a tizzy, swimming back and forth in a figure eight--and then Oz recited his spell again.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Orbs of light scattered in all directions. A few moments later, a number of the mermaids were dragged back to us through the water, wrapped in a soft light. As they drew towards us, they started struggling, clearly scared. Vespa swam in a circle around them, desperately explaining what was going on, but the mermaids were staring straight at the seafloor, and none of them raised their heads to look at her. That was when Rutile spoke up.

Rutile: Oh… They look like they're hurt.

Akira: Huh?

Just as Rutile had said, there were a number of shallow cuts on the mermaids' arms and tails.

Faust: I imagine they hurt themselves in their haste to escape their prison, rather than being injured by a magical attack.

Rutile: Oh, how terrible…

Rutile approached the mermaids unhesitatingly, looking at them with concern. He retrieved his magical focus, his feather pen, and smiled at the fearful mermaids.

Rutile: Just stay still, okay… This won't hurt a bit. <Ortonik Setomaouge>

Rutile chanted his spell, and then the mermaids' injuries were wrapped in a gentle light. At first, they were scared, but as the swelling around their cuts went down, they looked up at Rutile in curiosity. Their painful-looking cuts closed up, one after the other, leaving nothing but the faint outline of where they used to be. They weren't perfectly healed, but it was still enough to free them from their pain and wariness of us. Perhaps in a display of both gratitude and fascination, the mermaids began to swim around Rutile in a circle, spinning around.

Rutile: My… How pretty…!

Vespa smoothly added herself to their circle. She grabbed Heathcliff's arm and dragged him into the circle, too. She swam between Heathcliff and the rest of us, and over the top of us, too--probably explaining to her friends what was going on. While she did that, the mermaids split into two groups. Vespa returned to Heathcliff's side and explained…something to him, using nothing but gestures.

Heathcliff: Erm… The ship is this way…and Balthazar is that way…?

Vespa: …! …!

Chloe: It's amazing that you got all that, Heath…

Shino: It's because he's attentive when it comes to other people. I understand that much. Or at least I think I'm starting to.

Chloe: Shino…

Shino: …He was the same way with me. I used to never have someone who'd check on me when I wasn't feeling well. The most I got was people peeking at me in fear when I attacked them. No one wanted to let a kid as filthy as me dirty up their line of sight. But…

Shino's red eyes were fixed on Heathcliff's back. Heathcliff, however, was looking at Vespa, doing his absolute best to understand what she was thinking. Shino smiled softly, seeing him like that.

Shino: Heath tried to learn things about me. What was I thinking about… What I wanted, what made me upset. That kind of thing. No one had ever cared about those things before. Instead, they just wanted to know what I wanted from them, when I was going to get out of their hair, and how they could get rid of me. Pretty sure that was all they thought, at least. Thinking back on how I used to be, I'm pretty certain of it. But Heathcliff cared about me when everyone else in the world treated me like trash not worth the effort of so much as glancing at. He was serious about it, and polite about it… Even though he was scared, he still cared about me. So, I… I wanted to treasure him just as much… That was how I felt.

Shino's heartrending sighs turned into bubbles, floating up to the water's surface. Across from him, Vespa was gesturing with her arms spread wide. Her blonde hair floated gently in the water, rippling like sunlight. Heathcliff was watching her very seriously, nodding at what she had to tell him. Sometimes he'd look puzzled and frown a little. But when he understood something, he smiled happily. Even though Heathcliff was lit by nothing but moonlight right now, Shino narrowed his eyes when he looked at him, as if he were dazzlingly radiant.

Shino: I remember now. Before I met him, I hated his guts for being the Blanchett heir, always adored and blessed from the day he was born. If Heath… If Heath wasn't the person he is inside, I never could've become friends with him. For the first time, I wasn't being rejected for who I was, and someone really cared about me… That's why I love him.

Shino's voice cracked and faded into the sound of the water around us, so I couldn't quite make out what he'd said there at the end. Faust gently put a hand on his shoulder.

Faust: Well done… You found the words you needed to convey how you feel.

Shino: Can I even say them to him? It's so embarrassing…

Normally Shino couldn't get enough of singing Heathcliff's praises, but right now, I could see a dusting of a blush over his cheeks. But Faust didn't laugh at him. He just spoke softly.

Faust: You should tell people the things you want to when you can. Before you regret not doing so.

Shino: Faust…

Heathcliff: Master Sage, Mr. Faust! I got it!

That was when Heathcliff and Vespa swam back over to us.

Heathcliff: The sunken ship with the cintamani stone and Balthazar's undersea city are in two different directions! Vespa's sisters can lead us to either of them…

Cain: Two different places…

Arthur: So we'll need to split into two groups.

Next Chapter

[nicklloydnow]

“The transfer of True Lies has a truly vile quality to it, a feeling like someone clandestinely dosed you with LSD just a hair below the threshold. At times it can look passable in motion, but then you notice something out of the corner of your eye: a thick fold of skin, a framed photo of a child, folders that are too thick at the margins, cheeks that look rendered. It’s that familiar dread at the pit of your gut when you spot AI generated imagery, a combination of edges not looking quite right and surfaces that are simultaneously too smooth and too sharp. A crime was committed here, and you can tell.

The transfers of Aliens and The Abyss are markedly less bad than True Lies, but I still have difficulty watching them. The skin looks sterile and waxy with too much film grain removed. Everything looks like it has raytracing on. Both transfers are, however, within acceptable parameters for most normal people.

The recent transfer of Titanic got a similar treatment, with similarly mixed reactions online.

“Why would you do this?” is a logical question. It’s worth contextualizing who handled these “restorations” – namely Park Road Post, a subsidiary of Peter Jackson’s WingNut Films. They have worked on multiple films in the past, but the two that are most germane here are Jackson’s They Shall Not Grow Old and the 3-part Disney+ documentary The Beatles: Get Back. Both movies recontextualize pre-existing footage and, importantly, do so with an aggressive use of machine learning. They Shall Not Grow Old upscales and colorizes old World War I imagery in an attempt to set the bloodshed in a more modern context, while Get Back recycled footage shot for Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s Let It Be, including moments never before seen by the public, to elucidate the process behind the creation of some of The Beatles’ most iconic songs.

(…)

I wish we had stopped Jackson then and there. As my good friend Danielle joked, this was a trial balloon. People praised Jackson for doing this to Lindsay-Hogg’s footage in the name of restoration, and it emboldened him to do worse things. Before the True Lies debacle, the most recent example of this was the aggressively saccharine and confusing Now & Then, a long unfinished demo now finished by Ringo and Paul, edited together with archival footage of younger John and George composited in an a fashion that can be charitably described as tremendously weird.

Lest I am accused of being a luddite, I firmly believe there are many use cases for this technology. Nvidia’s DLSS and competing variants generally work very well on the games they are trained on. I regularly use Flowframes in the rare case that I need interpolation. I have often used waifu2x and now chainner if I need to photoshop a still and my source is bad, and there are databases of countless AI upscaling models. But the flip side to this is that these technologies are often used in place of proper ingest. “Crap in, crap out” is a truism for a reason. I spend a lot of time regularly capturing VHS and Laserdisc at the highest possible quality for fun, and when I see people who should know better say “Just use Topaz” (a commercial AI upscaler) instead of learning how to correctly ingest footage and deinterlace it, it makes me want to pull out my hair, because it almost uniformly looks bad to anyone who works with video professionally.

When you finally do see a piece of footage transferred well, it can be breathtaking. Good archival practices require a lot of institutional knowledge and labor. It’s an art when done well, and the people who do it care so much about what they do. But the modern application of much of AI is precisely about taking labor out of the equation. Why transfer a tape correctly when we can just have a computer guess badly instead? What if crap goes in, and it doesn’t come out?

What makes all of this worse is that True Lies, as I understand it, did not need to be shoved through the AI wringer. According to The Digital Bits, Park Road Post had a recent 4k scan of True Lies from the original camera negative. Park Road Post’s own website claims they have a Lasergraphics Director 10K film scanner on the premises. So what is the purpose of adding AI to this mix? Why do that to a perfectly fine-looking film? What is gained here, other than to slightly yassify an Arnold film? At this point, maybe they are simply doing it just to say that they did, because the technology is lying around, like a loaded gun with the safety off.

Nerds who post on blu-ray forums as a rule often need to calm down, and the forum threads I have read about this are no exception, but there are certain cases where a filmmaker is just wrong about how their films should look. Lucas is the infamous notable example, but Cameron is not innocent here in his treatment of his own films. Wong Kar-wai is another notable example, as what he did to Ashes of Time is criminal as was his recent “remasters” of his movies like In The Mood For Love. In certain rare conditions like this, it’s healthy to question if directors have the best interests of their own films in mind, as Cameron himself personally approved of these remasters.

What actually chills my blood more than anything is the thought that a lot of people think this all looks pretty good. You see this mindset at work whenever an AI fetishist posts a stable diffusion image of a woman with 13 fingers, 40 incisors and comically huge breasts. There’s an entire portion of the population that takes overt pleasure in the over-smoothed, perverts that prefer all media to be fast, high frame rate, and scrubbed squeaky clean. The cameras on our phones don’t simply capture images anymore, they compute them and ‘optimize’ them. It’s Italian Futurism in 4k, a noise reduction death drive. It’s not simply enough for much of digital cinema to look crystal clear and lifeless; the past should be denoised, grain managed and cleaned to conform to that standard. It is expedient and profitable if people don’t remember what film is supposed to look like.

I don’t think anyone gets into preservation to destroy film. I believe that everyone involved with this process worked hard and had the best interests of the film in mind, but the exact nature of restoration itself can vary wildly. I believe that some companies get blinded by new tech, get high on their own supply, and that can result in work that is destructive instead of restorative. I don’t know what the solution to this is in the world we live in, outside of decoupling film preservation from the profit motive whenever possible.

But I am certain about one thing. For a while, much of gaming tried looking like Aliens. Now, Aliens looks like a video game. And that doesn’t sit right with me.”

[winx-blood-and-bone]

Chapter 1

Word Count:

4642

Warning:

This is a Fanfic Rewrite and low key fix it fic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alfea, the College of Fairies, the stepping stone of Teenage Fairies.It has turned Girls into Women and created Heroes out of them, the Prime Example would be the Winx Club, who now Teach at the very School that taught them so much and now passing the torch to those younger than them.

A Knee-length Red-Orange haired woman re-adjusted her parted Bangs, as she carried a small luggage which contained anything from Test Assignments to Clothes, she got out of the Magix Bus, the Girl took a deep breath and exhaled, as muttered under her Breath,

"Can't believe I'm finally here...time to get to Work"

She looked down and as she got into the School Gate, she soon got confronted by Freshman Students, they crowded around her asking for Selfies, Autographs and wanting to know if they would get taught by her in School,

"There she is!"

"Bloom! Will you teaching my Class?"

"Bloom could you sign my Book about Earth?!"

"Would you take a Picture with us?"

At this point, Bloom is pretty used to the Crowds of Students and was about to move on her own excuse herself, but she didn't expect Stella to come and pull her out of there, she asked in a Hushed tone,

"Do you have a Pen this time?"

"Uh yeah I uh didn't think about that"

Stella sighed as Bloom laughed abit nervously, took out her pen, and enchanted it to write her Autograph, it zoomed and went to people's notebooks and Sketchbooks as Stella and Bloom quietly get out of the crowd and went into the Entrance Hall where the Rest of the Winx Club were.

They were Breathless, sweating even and Aisha spoke up in a concerned tone as she raised her Eyebrows a little bit,

"Jeez what happened to you guys?"

Stella responded back in quick but tired and sassy tone,

"Oh nothing just crowds, being unnecessarily Famous, same old same old, the Typical Monday Morning"

Aisha sighed and replied back to them, she understands immediately ever since the defeat of Tritannus, studying the New Syllabus and returning to Teaching Position, Freshman Students ought to be excited, Musa and Tecna added some of their thoughts too,

"Ah I feel you, I got asked by countless Students whether I'll be teaching Gym and Combat classes"

"Some asked whether I could make a Robotics Club"

"Freshman Students just asked me whether we could have Jazz Club"

"I understood the Combat Class part but Gym? Since when did Alfea have a Gym?"

Bloom asked and Flora was about to reply then Faragonda came down the steps along with the rest of the staff,

"Winx! It's so good to see you all again, I hope you all have rested well"

"Miss Faragonda! And yes we're doing just fine, you wanted to meet us why is that?"

Flora asked curiously, that's why they were in the Entrance Hall, they were waiting for them,

"Well as you may know, Alfea is going through a partial Renovation, we are going to have a state of the Art Gymnasium, Technology Sector and a simple Music Cafe, this would probably be disturbance to your Classes so we would like you all to attend an Opening Ceremony"

The Winx Club looked at each other a bit confused this was recent news to them, not even Tecna knew of it, Faragonda replied to them,

"It is the Re-opening ceremony of the New and Improved Linphea College of Fairies, since we can't be there ourselves due to the amount of Freshman Students this month's intake, we would like you all to represent Alfea over there"

Flora's eyes went wide when she heard Linphea,

"My Sister Miele just enrolled there! We have to go there"

The Winx hadn't seen Miele since the Valtor incident of their Senior Year, Roxy never met her before and only heard though Mentions by Flora, it was decided they would be going to Linphea College.Faragonda also added,

"The Specialists will be there too, they are holding a Open Arena Training and Performance for the School against their Paladins"

"Wait the Paladins? Like Professor Avalon?"

Stella asked and Professor Avalon nodded and replied,

"Yes but these Paladins are still in Training it will take years to even get to my Level especially in the usage of Wings, now get Ready, you all, don't keep the Specialists waiting"

The Winx Club quickly went to their Rooms, Bloom lagged behind, she placed her hand on her chest and breathed in and out before Griselda tapped her shoulder, her tone Less strict than usual,

"Bloom are you alright?"

She looked up and a small smile plastered onto her face,

"I'm fine Griselda thank you for asking"

Bloom quickly ran off and Griselda sighed looking at Faragonda and telling her,

"Faragonda I worry that Bloom is not adjusting, she seems more off than usual"

"Give her some Time Griselda, Bloom has faced Adversity before, this one is no different, it's harsher but everyone needs to grow up and leave the nest eventually"

They leave the Entrance Hall to Greet the students, Bloom told herself,

"It's not going to be awkward, It's not going to be awkward, he's King of Eraklyon now, It's not going to be awkward, It's not going to be awkward-"

She says that until she got into her Room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arriving at the Linphea College Arena, the Specialists were preparing Combat performances and doing training with the Paladins, among the Crowd, the man with Ashen Brown hair blend into it seamlessly, his Weapon hidden as a Ring on his Rough fingers, he was dressed in Paladin Trainee Uniforms, those of Red and in the middle of their chests contains a yellow colored gem.It in a way tracks the Trainees around the Campus, but it was easy to fool in this situation.

The Man felt his Companion's words pops into his head, 'Found it yet?' The Man Telepathically responded, 'No I just got there, security was tighter than I thought but no one has found me'The Man was walking around, pretending to do something, than soon saw the Arena training happening in front of him.

The Specialists were Teachers, Interns to be exact, they were dressed in Blue versions of the Paladin Trained Armor, they looked brand new, 'Hmm they seem to be Prototype Armour pieces and not the standard hmm alright then'The Man said to himself in his Head before hearing the Specialists greet them,

"For Today's Training, we will be Trying out the Prototype Phantoweapons that will be used by Linphea College Solely"

"None of us know what these Weapons can do either"

Sitting on a small Golden Table with a Wood covering, there sits a Hilts of Blades, Wooden Sticks and Firearms, the man was little impressed with the Selection,

"We'll demonstrate the Usage of the weapons and we will select one of you to attack us...if you can"

One of the Teachers and Specialists, Riven, replied as he picked out his Weapon, a Khukuri with Glowing Purple Energy around 18 inches long, he looked around and soon points to the man,

"You there! What's your name?"

The Man looked up, he was trying to leave but he was called and so he introduced himself,

"The Name's Thoren"

Thoren walked to the Center of the Arena and asked,

"So just to be Clear, I could use any weapon right?"

"Yeah dude come on Im itching for a fight"

"Oh then I'll just have to use my fists"

The Specialists looked at the match, they were abit worried for the Outcome for using Fists against blades were not good and they were teachers, but Riven does not care, he likes the attitude,

"Bring it then!"

Riven drew his blade and lunged forward, he slashed left and right in which Thoren dodged, he jumped off the blade and backflip kick before landing in his Stance, it drew an open fist, one facing up and another facing down, his leg at the front was standing up at the ball of his feet while keeping parallel with his other foot which was on the ground.

The Paladins and The Specialists looked intrigued at the battle before them, Thoren was holding back, he had to anyway besides this was simply a Sparring Session to him, there was an awkward silence between them before striking, Riven went in for Slash with his Moon Khukuri and a wave of Magical Energy came out from the Weapon from each slash, Thoren dodged the first Wave and slice of Energy hitting just near his cheek then jumped over the second one, Thoren sighed to himself and whispered to himself,

"Time to end this"

He launched himself forward and punched his solar plexus, Riven lost his footing, Thoren took advantage of that and quickly disarmed his Sword and let him fall to the ground as he held the Moon Khukuri almost like a Dagger but pointing it directly at him.

Thoren and Riven looked at each other, Riven hadn't seen someone that fought so daringly, unarmed even, he smirked as Thoren stretched out his hand and he took as he stood up, they complimented each other,

"That was some good movement but I can tell you were holding back"

"Yes I was and but you too was also doing that, so we can call it even"

Thoren went back to the crowd, but separated from it besides he was here to get his Companion, Selina, something, Brandon nervously smiled, he cleared his throat before saying,

"Alright that was a good demonstration! Who's Next?"

Meanwhile with the Winx Club, which was about 2 hours later, they reached Linphea with Stella's Ring, Flora looked around the Nature of her Realm,

"Oh Linphea how I miss you!"

"Flora! Winx!"

They turned her head around and saw a Pre teenage girl with a Light Tan and had Ginger Orange coloured high ponytail and decorated with some flowers on her hairband, she wore a Pink and Yellow flowery dress and her shoes are green and pink.Flora hadn't lived in Linphea for awhile ever since her mission to Earth and the Tritannus Incident, but it did not take her a second to not recognise the Person running towards them.

It was Miele, but of course siblings being Siblings, Flora pretended to not know her,

"Oh who are you strange person?"

"Flora I'm trying to have a moment with you can you please not?"

"Gasp! How do you know my name little one"

"I'm not Littl- Flora...Winx is Flora Broken?"

Initially the Winx Club didn't want to participate in this Chaotic Banter but the opportunity was too good to pass up, starting with Bloom and ending with Aisha, except Roxy...she didn't know what's going on.

"Oh I have no idea who you are"

(Bloom)

"Winx Club what Winx Club?, we are the Stellar Club"

(Stella)

"I'm not with them I was simply passing by with my band Musa and the Muses"

(Musa)

"I think we are missing the point but who is this girl?"

(Tecna)

"What was your name?... Petals? Gypso?"

(Aisha)

"What is going on here?"

Miele and Roxy said at the same time before everyone started laughing and Flora replied saying,

"Oh hahaha you should've seen your face!"

Miele was so done and just rolled her eyes and whistled, the Sound of Giant Insect wings were heard and landing to the ground were the Giant Ladybugs, Miele hopped onto one of them and said to them in a sarcastic tone,

"Oh I can just leave right now since you're not the Winx Club~"

"Okay okay We're sorry Miele and yes I remember you....still very little"

"IM NOT"

"Yes you are cause you're still my Little Sister"

"You're such a bother sometimes"

The Winx got onto the Ladybugs, Stella has lost her fear of Ladybugs just LADYBUGS, Flora sat on a Ladybug and pet one of them and said to Miele teasingly,

"Don't say that, you love me too much"

Miele rolled his eyes and soon the Ladybugs took off, flying through the Sky, looking down they saw the City of Trees, Flower Village, across the Shimmering Flowers Valley and it's Roots living in the Ocean of Flowers and the Water Stairway to the Black Willow.Memories from their adventures flood back to them then up and flying over the Lush greenery and Woods of Linphea, they soon reached Linphea College or rather the New and Improved name is Linphea High.

It was no longer a College, it was a High School for Fairies.It consists of waterfalls with Large green Canyon with Plants of all kinds, the School took a Circular sort of Shape with a Large and Open Area.The High School looks guarded by Large Trees and last but not least the Arena was at the Center display almost like a Colosseum.

Tecna pointed out to the Arena,

"Look! It's the Specialists"

They saw the Arena filled with the Specialists training the Paladins for one last demonstration of tactics and Combat, and of the new weapons that they hold.While Landing, Aisha frowned and saw Roy going up against a light navy blue haired Paladin with side burns, fair skin, and light hazel-colored eyes. He usually wears a pair of piercings on his left ear, he was beating Roy, who was using a Sword made of Yellow Green Thunder energy, and Nex holding a War Scythe in which the blade was almost Invisible, you could see a shimmer of it if you're perceptive enough.

Aisha shouted to Roy and to motivate him,

"Go Roy! Give him Hell!"

Roy turned to Aisha a little before concentrating on the Battle as he was briefly knocked to the ground but he stabbed his Sword to the ground to cause Friction to be in his favour, he dodged a thrust of Nex's Scythe and a blunt hit from the blunt end of the Weapon.

Roy noticed the shimmering invisible blade and frowned as he threw his Sword at Nex which almost as if it turned into a Lightning Bolt and barely graze Nex's cheek but Roy quickly jumped and kicked him to the ground and grabbed his Sword mid-air and pin Nex to the ground with his Foot and placed his sword on his neck,

"Yield"

"Tch fine I yield"

Roy sighed and placed his foot off him and stretched his hand out,

"That was good combat skills though nearly had me"

"Yeah nearly...HAH!"

Roy caught off guard saw a Phantoblade Dagger nearly reached his neck but then Pink goo came and rescued him, sealing off Nex hand with a blast of Morphix and disarming his dagger, Aisha cast that spell and picked Roy up,

"Roy are you alright?!"

"Yeah...Yeah I'm fine...I just didn't expect that"

Aisha looked at Roy passionately before giving that same amount of Passion to Nex but in a completely different way, Aisha calmed herself down and replied to Nex,

"This is a Civilized Training Session, it's a chance to learn from each other and perfect each other's Skills, but the only Skill you perfected so far is how to get a big head"

Aisha walked off with Roy, who did not expect to be Defended like that but he's not against it, Nex wiped the dirt off his face and looked away, standing up and Walking off.

The Winx Girls went to greet their Boyfriends, the Party to set up for the Opening of Linphea High, all except Bloom, she wandered around the Campus, Sky wasn't present in this event so she wasn't as tensed...until she felt it.

"Huh?...What the"

A wave of Energy almost like the Wind flowed past her, she looked around in confusion but ignored the Feeling, 'Its probably nothing, new place, new shivers' She thought to herself, she saw Flora and Miele stood Infront of 8 Massive Trees, and went towards them.

"Hey Flora, Hey Miele what are these?"

"Oh Bloom! These are called the Tree Ents, not much is known about them but what we do know is that they were here before the construction of the School and now acts as the School's Natural Defense System"

Miele explained and Flora touched one of the Tree Ents's massive Roots, she exclaimed in delight,

"There is so much life in single touch! It's incredible"

Bloom smiled, perhaps that Bad Feeling she was feeling isn't going to happen at all.

Meanwhile, Thoren went to the Second Floor of Linphea High, he looked around and found the Library, it was Rock cut design room with Books of all kinds, from History of the Linphea, Theories of the Magical Dimension and a mere Book about Botany, there wasn't anyone in but the Librarian was present.

"Tch"

He went in and the Librarian greeted him,

"Excuse me, no one else is supposed to be up here until the Opening of the Campus, please leave"

"Understood"

Thoren replied, then he put out his Weapon and knocked the Librarian unconscious and entering the Restricted Section of the Library, looking through the Scroll section and soon found a Dusty,tattered and torn leather scroll with a Lapis Lazuli gem embeded in it, Thoren Smirked.

He connected his mind to his Partner in Crime, 'I found the Scroll, you got a base for us?' Words appeared in his head, 'Yes Cloud's Tower will soon be ours...get back here...but take your time' Thoren exited the Restriction Section, but the sudden ring of the Alarm flared and soon the stomping of the Guards was heard nearby, Thoren covered his mouth and Concealed his Identity, he said to his partner in his head, 'I need a Distraction, Powerful Fairies down there especially that Dragon Flame Holder'

Words Sprung in his head once more, 'Noted, I got the Perfect tale' Thoren got his Weapon out, a an old looking Phantoblade Halberd with Red Wood surrounding it and a portion of it looks like a gun, he faced the Experienced Paladin before him as the Room goes dark, only the Red flares of Alarm remains, Thoren gets ready for Combat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silena thought it would be Hard, she honestly thought it would be Hard to infiltrate the School of Witches, like minded individuals that deal with the darkness of Magic, the Ironic thing about this is that the Shield was a Magic Spell on the side of Good and it just bamboozled her completely,

"Well this is just sad, relying on Positive Energy solely on the spell"

Silena entered the Building, she was still being cautious, she is Adult looking and infiltrating the school as a College student... however no one questioned her, Silena was so confused, the two teachers, Professor Ediltrude and Zarathustra, did not question her and immediately let her in as one of the Freshman, Silena is Evil yes but even she has standards as a professional, 'They didn't even check, I just could've strolled in? Who made this system?' Silena is freaking out internally but her tough exterior says otherwise.

She joined in line with the rest of the Freshman with Auditorium, seeing the Senior Witches, she could only be disgusted these Witches didn't learn Jackshit, Silena thought once more in her head, 'Okay I'm just going to take over, all of these people here are meat suits and shields let's go' She waited for the Headmistress to come, a tall lady with pale greenish white skin, and has a hooked nose, her purple hair that is pulled up into a shape similar to that of pointy hats worn by Ancient witches, with two lighter purple strands on either side. She also wears heavy make-up around her eyes.

The Headmistress introduced herself and began her small speech,

"Welcome Back Everyone! To the Freshman, my name is Headmistress Griffin, the current Principal of Cloud's Tower, it will also be my final year as Headmistress!"

Mutters of disbelief was among the Crowd of Senior and Junior Witches as Headmistress Griffin has been teaching for so long even before their time, as soon as the Mutters stop via a thousand yard stare of Headmistress Griffin, she continued,

"With each new Harvest of the Year, a young crop will always survive the Reaping, you all are the young Crops, young Witches that shall fine-tune and sharpen their Craft to the fullest extent"

As she walked the Center she continued and concluded her speech,

"Here in Cloud's Tower you will become Modern Witches, ones that will help those Pixies in aspect of Darkness, but you all shall prove your worth first"

She referred the Fairies as Pixies, Silena frowned as she heard Modern Witches are to help the aspect of Good, she held that thought in disdain as Griffin invited the freshman to show off their craft, Silena stepped forward and Griffin noticed her,

"You there, what's your Name? And where did you come from?"

"My name is Silena, I come from no realm, but a Nomadic Tribe from Dyamond"

"Dyamond? The Council of Magic lost contact with that Realm for a long time"

"I've never been there myself, I just know my tribe came from there"

This was a Lie, Silena has a connection to Dyamond but never familial, it was something different almost contractual,

"Your Craft? What is it?"

Silena summoned a Grimoire of great Power, the roots of a tree was seen on the Cover, Silena smiles as she opened the Grimoire and says,

"This is the Legendarium, I hold the power to bring Storybook characters from all of the Magic Dimension's Folklore to life, and twist them to my will"

"Oh my...go on"

Looking down at the pages of the Grimoire, was the page dedicated to the Gloomywood Trolls, Silena gave small smirk and read out,

"This is the Story of Gloomywood Trolls, Creatures that once walked the forests of the Magic Dimension exerting their Dominance over the realms, had it not been the Ancient Pixies of all the Realms, the trolls would've kept spreading"

"Ah yes that used to be my favourite bedtime story while growing up, if I recall, most of the Trolls are Chained underneath the grounds of Pixie village"

"That's right and now let's wreck some havoc"

Silena held the book up and she heard her partner, Thoren, in Linphea had found the Scroll of Astraea and just in time for a need for a distraction.The Winds Howled and the Windows burst open as Silena lift her hand, the Legendarium glowed Purple and Green, Dark Shadows swirled and formed around her legs and up into the Air,

"Legendarium, Bring me Storybook Monsters to Life!"

Griffin couldn't believe it, all of her senses was telling her to run at the sight of this magic, it wasn't Negative nor Positive, Good nor Evil, but it was certainly powerful, the Whole school of Young Witches were Blinded by sheer Power of the Legendarium, some turn away or even put up Shields.

"Gloomywood Trolls unchained once more, claim the Vengeance you sought after!"

The Spirits of Trolls were seen coming out of the Book, it's Cage, it's Confines and it was finally Free.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Party was being set up, Bloom helped out along the Girls to distract herself from the Thoughts in her head, Stella was fixing up Dresses for the Staff Members, Musa and Tecna was handling Sound Production with Linphea College's Local Club, Flora was with her Sister and Helia, Aisha was patching up Nex's Wounds and Roxy was tending to the Animals of the Tree Ents.

Bloom was focusing so much on distracting herself that she didn't notice this part of Campus, it was only when caught a glimpse of a Paladin with Ashen Brown hair with a face mask zoom past her, their eyes met for a passing moment before hearing a School Siren play,

"CODE WOOD, CODE WOOD, ALL SENIOR PALADINS AND FAIRIES INTO POSITIONS!"

"HOSTILE IN SIGHT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT-"

The Siren sound fizzled out Aburptly and Bloom was about to act but seven rings were heard from their Phones and all came from the Winx Club, the Winx came together and opened the message, Faragonda's holographic image came out,

"Girls get back to Magix! We're under attack!"

The Winx gasped and Stella asked,

"By what? Miss Faragonda we can deal with it!"

Faragonda shakes her head and replied, her mouth shaky, her face was covered in sweat, on closer inspection there bruises on her face,

"It's a Legendary Creature I can't explain it to you at the moment!"

Stella looked at Bloom in confusion then Roxy asked,

"Just a brief description please Miss Faragonda tell us!"

As Roxy asked, Faragonda stood up from her office chair, the Headmistress burst into Action and she erratically fired spells at Supposed Beast, the Roar was deafening even through the Tele communication, the Winx Girls were unsure what to make of the Situation but we're deeply disturbed when the communication started to fade, Aisha asked Tecna,

"Tecna can you-"

"On it!"

Tecna raised her hand, her technology powers tried to maintain stability of the devices connecting to Communication between them but it backfired, a blast from their devices threw Tecna to the ground,

"Tecna!"

Musa, Flora and Roxy gathered around her and helped her up the Ground, before the communication and Holographic Image faded, the Winx Saw the Creatures appear behind Faragonda and Roxy gasped.

Transmission was lost.

Roxy said out,

"Those were Gloomywood Trolls, I heard of them in a Myth and Monsters Course! I thought they were just a Myth"

Tecna shook her head and said,

"That's a bold reason but illogical it could be something else"

Musa clenched her Fist and said,

"Whatever it is, it was strong and we need to do something!"

The Girls turned to Bloom, as Bloom gathered the strength to speak out as the Leader of the club, she felt something tugging at heart but shook off the feeling as something inconvenient and said to her friends,

"Musa and Tecna are right, we don't know what those things are but the people at Magix are going to get hurt"

"What about the Sirens?"

Flora asked in concern and Bloom thought hard, as much as she dislikes the thought was spiltting up but considering the severity of Magix and Linphea she was put into a Standstill but Miele had other plans as she said to them,

"Magix is the Central Control of the Magic Dimension, it's where most of the Council of Magic live and sit, if Magix falls then we all fall"

"Miele..."

"Don't Worry me and My school can handle this, I'm sure of it!"

The Naivety of a Child was painful to Watch but the Winx had always believed in the Positive scenarios but yet the Worry was still there,

"Miele be careful okay? We don't know who or what this Hostile is at Linphea, fight well and fight Smart, just like what Dad said"

"Just like what Dad said..."

Miele looked at her big sister and nodded before heading to help her friends, the Winx club ran passed the guests and other students, Bloom briefly saw Sky but that's not important right now, lives were in Danger.

Brandon, Riven and Nex joined up with the Girls and headed to the Red Fountain Aircraft, soon they flew over the Realm of Magix, Bloom got her Girls together,

"Girls are you Ready?"

"Ready!"

"Here we go!"

The girls had fought so many battles, maybe this would be Regular fight, nothing Special and that's a good thing, but this was Different.Bloom felt the tugging in Heart, she doesn't know what this feeling but once again shook it away as she focused on the most Important thing right now.

To Save Lives

"Magic Winx! Enchantix!"

[all-eyes-lead-to-the-truth]

All Eyes Lead to the Truth | Paper Clip (3x02)

When anyone asks him his name nowadays, Victor Klemper heeds caution in his response. A lifetime of killing and conspiring have left him a well-guarded man.

“Your name is Mulder?”

A tall, lanky man with brown hair and familiar green eyes walks closer, brushing against the shoulder of a pretty red-headed woman standing resolute beside him. “I think you knew my father.”

Victor freezes. “What's this about?”

“When you came to this country, you did some work for our government,” this young Mulder says with confidence. 

“I'm an old man now. History bores me.”

The Scully woman juts out her chin. “Because it escaped you or because you escaped it?” 

Victor nearly laughs. This post-war safe haven he’s been forced into will never be an escape when the covert government pulls the strings. There is no escaping Project Paperclip.

“Freud, Salk, Crick, Watson... These will be the names they celebrate at the end of the millennium. Great scientists. And Klemper? He will be remembered only as a butcher,” he comments caustically. 

“History may be the only justice you'll ever know,” she retorts.

Victor arches a brow. She is right. This skeptical, fierce little thing may actually survive the dangerous secrets and lies that surely follow Bill Mulder’s son like the Grim Reaper. 

“Progress demands sacrifice,” he shoots back, repeating an old mantra, an indoctrination. “And I... I have confronted my demons. And soon I will die too.”

The offspring of a rebel syndicate member unearthing truths Victor has spent decades trying to bury beneath buttercups and begonias has marked him for certain death.

“Like my father,” Mulder states. “They killed him, and I believe you know why.” 

“I believe they would kill anyone if it is in the best interest of the work.” 

Offering up family members like merchandise to uphold the syndicate’s stronghold is but one example of the lengths they take to further the project. He should know; he’s done the same. Victor turns away, plucking a dead leaf from a potted plant, though he knows the raw scent of soil warring with the sweetness of his flowers will not distract these two from leaving with more information than which they came.

“Well, what is this work that my father was involved in?”

He could tell this Mulder everything. Tell him how his father was right about so many things. About how his colleagues turned on him as soon as they’d collected enough scientific research for themselves, cutting him out like cancer. Victor could finally unburden the horrors left unspoken. But he cannot, not now. There is too much already in motion, too much to risk with only one Mulder left who can do anything about it. 

“I have no answer for you.”

“Well, you knew him!” Mulder shoves a photograph into Victor’s hand. “Was he a murderer too?”

Victor stares at the black and white image of ambitious young men submerged within beckoning waves of conspiratorial abyss. 

“There are some things you don't have to know.” Yet so many that deserve to, Victor admits, trying to convey this through his hardened stare.

“No, I need to know! I need to know the truth!” Mulder pleads. “Isn't that what you want? For the truth to be known?”

Many years ago he would have denied such truths. He has killed countless innocents to do so. But now, exposing a singular sliver of truth behind his life’s work is not something he will deny this young Mulder. Though to expose the project is to bare his neck to the wolves.

Victor smirks. How furious his former colleagues will be.

“Do you know the formula of Napier's constant…?”

As the tenacious Dana Scully tosses him a lingering look of disdain before following her desperate friend through the greenhouse doors, Victor realizes the time has come to make one final phone call to an old friend. 

***

The sunset through the sheer white walls turns his greenhouse a brilliant orange. The most stunning one he’s seen in a long time. When a door creaks open and a gun cocks loudly within the calm behind him, he knows it will be his last.

Victor sighs, lifting an orchid to his nose and inhales. 

“Victor…”

“Charles,” he says in mock shock, turning to face the most venal man he’s ever known. “What a surprise.”

“Your flowers are beautiful,” Charles comments as he steps closer, his finely crafted British-made handgun held loosely at his side. “Especially the hybrids.”

“Yes, Fox Mulder seemed to think so as well,” Victor counters, brazen and bold in his last moments.

Charles stiffens. “He will return, you know. He and his partner.”

“They will.” He nods, resigned. “But I will have nothing more to say.”

Charles raises the gun. “No, you won’t.”

Progress demands sacrifice. 

Victor turns his head and bares his neck to the wolf.

Read the other chapters of All Eyes Lead to the Truth on Ao3!

@monikafilefan

[breitweisergallery]

hi, so i want to ask how you study your characters when ur writing about them. How you think of niche little details to add depth to your characters? Bcs I've read your Gahan fics and the absolute way you ADD so many little things to Yohan, WHO btw is already such a fleshed out character but you manage to manage to make him even MORE thought out & im just curious how u think of them?

The first part of it is that I have a degree in writing and spent a LOT of time in college doing exercises that involved looking at the weirdest details of your life and figuring out how to build that outwards.

But when it comes to specific stories, a lot of it is looking at themes and building on what already exists. Yohan is a book-lover, we know this from canon. Building outwards for his books (since I always go to literature), I do spend a lot of time for nearly every fic figuring out what his top 5 or top 10 books are for that specific fic. Because Yohan will be very different if he's a cut-throat lawyer in prison for a murder he may or may not have committed than if he's a YA fantasy novelist.

Some of it comes from acting. I have a very extensive background in acting and it's the little things that build a character - nervous habits, body language, conscious or otherwise, it very much builds a person. I mimic a lot of what I write as I write (which is why I don't love writing in public), but I will sit there and move my hands and feet until I figure out what body language makes the most sense for what they're trying to convey.

And then some of it is just practice. Examples below the cut.

To give an example of the sort of thing I do, I'll start by describing the things on my desk currently.

A coffee mug. Several bowls of food finished to varying degrees. My to-do list. A candle. A thing full of pens that are nearly identical. My wallet.

Then, expanding out on that in a little more detail. Why are things there? When were they last used?

The desk is a mess of things used often. Various bowls are lined up on the side of the desk, with snacks finished to varying degrees. Most notably is the bowl of cereal barely touched, closest to the occupied chair. Though the mug of coffee next to it, labeled Boston, seems to be mostly full, the stain at the lip of the mug suggests a full cup of coffee has already been drank, that perhaps it is the second cup of the day. The to-do list, pink in color, has eight things on it, four of which are crossed off and finished. It does not escape notice that the academic work is all that remains.

That goes from just a list to building out a character (me) and gives you a lot of information from what started as just a list.

I do that with characters, a lot. For example, pulling from a fic I never published in which Yohan grew up with his mother:

Kang Yohan is unlike anyone Gaon has met in his life. 

Kang Yohan smiles easily and warmly; lines in his face, creases worn deep, indicate he has always been this way. There’s a lightness in his step, a drama in his movements, that only further indicates a playful nature. His clothes, though not expensive, are never creased, a carefulness about his appearance contrasted by his hair, ruffled and not-quite-messy with tints of red in the dark brown that are only visible in the sunlight. 

Kang Yohan lives in an apartment. The apartment is small and homey and reminds Gaon of his own home. Chosen, not for any special reason beyond a simple reminder of what home once was, and what home will continue to be. A tiny kitchen because “eomma could barely cook and she taught me absolutely nothing.” A full-sized mattress without a frame on the floor of the loft overlooking countless bookcases and two desks, one of which is covered in books and papers, the other so despairingly empty that Gaon can feel the ache in his chest before Yohan glances at it and says, offhandedly, “that’s my mother's.” 

Kang Yohan speaks with a bit of dialect in his voice, inherited from years of echoing his mother. It thickens when he echoes things she once said, and he’s never quite able to fully get rid of it when he speaks, the cadence familiar and comfortable to him. 

All of this was the opening to the fic in question, because it immediately built such a different character from the Yohan we know, but you're still able to see the similarities and to mark the differences. It establishes a person pretty quickly.

Pulling from a fic I have published, let's look at voices stolen and people borrowed.

The customer always comes in with messy hair, in a hoodie and ripped jeans and boots that Gaon only places as brand name after the fourth time he sees the man. He buys an energy drink, a packaged meal, and whatever the brand of fruit snacks in the far left corner of the store are called, as many of the fruit snacks as he can fit into his pocket. He pays in cash and never speaks. Gaon notices, the same time he recognizes the brand of shoe that he wears, that the man has earbuds in, hidden underneath the shagginess of his hair. It takes another week before Gaon catches a glimpse of the man’s phone- the newest model Android- and he realises that the man isn’t listening to music, but rather, an audiobook.

Right off the bat, I had known I wanted Yohan to be a bit of an emo kid. I knew he had studied abroad, America in the early 00s, and I knew that I was going to establish him as a fan of Green Day. So that played a lot into his appearance. He wears comfortable stuff in a punk-esque fashion, but he's still rich. He still wears brand name things.

He works overnight in this au, so he comes in getting off of his shift at about 2am, and he buys an energy drink ( to fuel him for his drive home), a packaged meal (because he's hungry), and fruit snacks (because this Yohan is childish and fruit snacks are delicious). He buys a lot of them because it gives Gaon a reason to remember him, and Yohan is nursing a bit of a crush. He pays in cash because his name is on his card.

He doesn't wear wired headphones because he always breaks them - a fact that was cut from the story but was in a scene at one point - and he uses an Android because I feel like Yohan is the type of guy to die on the hill that he won't ever use Apple. And he's listening to an audiobook instead of listening to music - another detail that was cut, is that he's listening to his own book.

This is the introduction you get to Yohan in this story, and it immediately sets up this base layer for who Yohan is going to be. You can make assumptions already, and it gives me, the author, something to build off of with the assumptions as well.

[whalebonereviews]

American Animals (2018)

This is a movie review so....spoilers ahead :)

Honestly, I both loved this movie and hated it. On one hand, it glorifies 4 entitled white men's dumb college heist, and on the other hand, it perfectly captures the dread of waiting for something, anything to happen to change the grey 9-5 trajectory your life is currently on. I loved the cinematography and acting. I could feel their anxiety and desperation through the screen, the real-life people talking to their film screen counterparts were really the cherry on top for me.

Growing up I never had idols or people I looked up to (which sucked when I had to write essays about my non-existent idols), instead I had people I would never want to grow up to be. For example: my Tia, living with her narcissistic controlling mom, no friends, a candy crush addiction, and a bank teller job. My mother, unable to stick with a job for more than a year because she became stressed, depressed, or bored, and unable to control her emotions before they reached her children, and giving up on her dreams of art. All this is pretty depressing for a child and probably didn't help my outlook on life.

As a high school senior who has felt like she is waiting for something, anything, to change and bring me back to life or change my eventual 9-5-giving-up-on-my-dreams-for-reality fate the beginning of this movie really struck a chord with me (especially before I realized this isn't fiction and is really based in reality). I get why they started planning it. It gave them a goal to work towards, excitement, adrenaline, a change from their dull lives and futures, and a whole bunch of money. I don't believe they did it for the money though , at least not on the whole. What I don't get is why they kept going. They couldn't have been so blind-sighted that they believed they could pull it off unscathed or with a small slap on the wrist. Obviously, the excitement, adventure, money, and toeing the line kept them hooked, but their entitlement and conviction that they would get away with it was infuriating. It was meant to be infuriating watching them throw their lives away with dumb decisions and sloppy mistakes but I still sat there with my hands nervously sweating.

This movie explores the pitfall that is late-stage capitalism and the American Dream beautifully, with the constant reminder that this was and is someone's life.

Overall, this was a great movie and I definitely recommend watching it but make sure to take it with a grain of salt.

.

I need to say that I have tried so hard to pull myself out of this haze of disillusionment. I have been to countless hours of therapy, I started working on a farm in another state, I tried to kiss my best friend, and yes I have tried lying in the middle of the street in the rain, but those are all just temporary fixes. I am not just complaining that everything wasn't handed to me on a silver platter, I am complaining and relating to the emptiness and hopelessness I feel (and the men in this movie felt) because of our society. I feel like I go through the motions of being a good student, a good friend, a good leader, making sure I eat 3 meals a day, trying my hardest to be pretty and nice and interesting, and keeping all this and more up in hopes that someday soon I won't feel so empty inside. I feel so trapped and stuck sometimes. I want to cut off the long hair I grew out because it was pretty, tear out my piercings, eat all the garlic and onion, and seaweed I avoid because it will make my breath stink, scratch at my skin until it's scarred beyond belief and tell every person I hate that I've been nice to to kindly fuck off.

I swear watching the clock tick closer to 4:15 will kill me someday.

[erabundus]

❝  dealer's  choice?  ❞  a  soft  hum  of  amusement.  ❝  i  can  work  with  that.  ❞  something  simple,  perhaps.  kazuha's  hair  is  an  ATTRACTIVE  hue, equivalent to a ( nearly ) blank canvas;  it  would  be  so  easy  to  turn  it  into  a  work  of  art  —  to  delicately  weave  it  into  an  intricate  pattern,  threading  in  flowers  the  color  of  his  eyes.  however,  ren  can  only  assume  the  ronin  would  prefer  something  more  PRACTICAL.  to  that  end,  he  begins  to  separate  the  pale  locks  into  three  for  an  ordinary  braid.

the  wanderer  is  quiet,  seemingly  engrossed  in  his  work.  he  doesn't  utter  a  word,  even  as  kazuha  fills  the  silence  between  them.  it's  interesting  how  he  never  minds  that  when  the  ronin  is  the  one  speaking.   ❝  i  find  myself  wondering  the  opposite.  ❞   he  finally  says,  when  he  does  choose  to  add  his  part.  he  knows  it's  nothing  new;  he's  spoken  countless  times  before  of  the  GUILT  he  carries  upon  narrow  shoulders,  and  the  blood  that  will  forever  stain  him.  the  ghosts  that  lurk  in  the  mausoleum  of  his  skull  never  cease  to  remind  him  what  little  place  he  has  pursuing  the  last  of  the  kaedehara  —  no  matter  how  good  his  intentions  might  be.  kazuha  has  accepted  him  in  spite  of  everything,  but  there  are  times  where  that  does  little  to  assuage  the  self-loathing.  ❝  i  feel  like  being  what  i  am  is  doing  you  a  disservice.  ❞  ren  admits,  pausing  briefly  to  pull  the  blankets  just  a  smidge  higher.  ❝  i  know  it's  out  of  my  control ...  but  there  are  some  simple  human  experiences  i'm  incapable  of  giving  you.  ❞  huddling  together  for  WARMTH  by  the  fire,  for  example.

a  quiet  sigh,  and  the  wanderer  tries  (  tries  )  to  banish  those  somber  thoughts.  ❝  for  as  long  as  i  can  remember,  i've  always  been  haunted  by  a  sense  of  YEARNING.  ❞  as  if  he  was  missing  something.  lost,  directionless,  not  whole.  ❝  i  assumed  those  feelings  stemmed  from  my  lack  of  a  heart ...  and  having  the  purpose  i  was  originally  made  for  taken  away  from  me.  although,  these  days  i  find  myself  wondering  if  the  problem  was  being  born  into  a  world  without  you.  ❞   a  bit  fantastical,  perhaps  —  but  kazuha  always  has  a  strange  way  of  making  him  believe  in  concepts  like  SOULMATES  that  he  would  scoff  at  otherwise.

hands  still  as  he  finishes  the  braid.  with  nothing  else  to  do,  ren  sinks  to  the  ground  —  curling  arms  around  his  fiancé  in  an  embrace.  ❝  to  be  honest,  i'm  glad  it  took  so  long  for  our  paths  to  cross.  ❞  the  wanderer  mutters  into  the  blankets.  ❝  my  past  self  was  terrible;  it  spared  you  the  pain  of  ever  meeting  him.  ❞  pressing  closer,  his  voice  drops  —  going  small  and  unusually  frail.  ❝  i'm  still  not  good.  ❞  he  confesses.  ❝  ...  and  i  never  will  be ...  but  i  want  to  be  good  for  you.  ❞

kazuha turns his head so he looks back over his shoulder at ren.             ❝  i don't mind whatever you do with my hair  ❞ he couldn't help but smile when watching his fiance..  crimson eyes turned back around and stared straight up a head as ren's previous words about apologizing for not being human made his heart ache.. because it brought a sadness over him having to watch his most precious fiance struggle with his immortality... 

           ❝  you know... i sometimes wonder what you see in me... why you said yes to me.. i'm nothing more but a simple human being... but you know what... i feel like we were meant for each other.. it's like...  ❞ kazuha had to take a deep breath as his eyes looked up at the stars lighting up the dark sky.            ❝  our souls are connected by an invisible thread... and i'm forever sorry you had to wait so long for me.. but i'm happy right now... and i'm hoping i can make you happy for the rest of my life..   ❞ a little giggle escaped with the last part of the words.

[fqolinlove]

જ⁀➴ The Day That Wasn’t.

╰┈ BEWARE OF .. violence, swearing, bad writing, 

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

Y/N had not even a clue where the strange woman had taken her and Five. The most she had known is that Five use to work here, they where walking away from what looked like a large ball, and the year was 1995.

“I must admit, Number Five, in all the time that I've been here, I've never met anyone quite like you.” They were walking at a face past, almost like they were in a hurry to get somewhere. Ever sense they time traveled, Five had not let go of Y/N’s hand. Wanting to keep her close from everyone else. “Hazel and Cha-Cha, for example, are talented, certainly, but they can't see the big picture. Your spunk,” the Handler wrapped her arm around Five’s shoulder. “your enterprising spirit, well, it reminds me a great deal of myself, if I may be so vainglorious. If things work out for you here,” She removes her arm and the group walks up a set of stairs let led to a big building. “you could potentially make a fine successor, Five. And so could Y/N.”

Once inside, the Handler gave her coat and briefcase to a male with a suit on. Five wasted no time in talking. “I'd like to discuss the logistics of my family's safety at your earliest convenience.” Five pulled Y/N along as they followed the woman up a set of stairs. “As well as this body replacement.”

“Such chutzpah. It's refreshing, I'll admit. Slow down, Five. All in good time. In fact, now that you've finally agreed to work with us, we've got all the time in the world.” She led the two kids out of a glass hallway. “The Commission works in support of a delicate balance between the time line of events and mankind's free will.” Y/N took in her surroundings. Lots of people were walking around or doing their work. Y/N took notice of the room beside her. BREIFCASE ROOM. oh, this could be useful. “The briefcase is no longer part of your kit, Five. Free your mind. You're management now, along with your little Flower. One of us.”

The group walked down another hallway. “All the people on this floor are case managers, each one responsible for one major event at a time.” She stopped at a door and gazed down it. It looked like it went on forever with countless workers at computers.

“Woah, there’s so many of them.” Y/N said in awe, mouth partly open and eyebrows furrowed in the slightest. The Handler smiled at her.

“Impressive, isn't it? Being part of something so grand. Come along.” She stood from the wall she was leaning on and continued her way down the hallway. Y/N stayed still, she wondered why so many people had a job here if what they did was only just killing and make the timelines go ham. She looked away when Five put his hand on her shoulder, tilting his head to where the Handler was standing waiting for them. Y/N nodded, letting Five pull her along again with one last look.

“Whenever someone chooses the wrong path and the time line is changed, the Commission gets a report from field agents on the ground. These field reports are sorted and assigned to a case manager. They determine if anyone needs to be removed from the equation to assure that their event happens as it should.” They walked into a room that read TUBE ROOM. So many rooms! In the said place, an elderly looking woman was putting tubes on a cart. “Based on that determination, the case manager sends instructions via pneumatic tube to temporal assassins like you formerly were, Number Five. Any queries so far?”

“Yeah.” He said lowly. “Who was the case manager handling me?”

“Ah.” She dragged her hand along Five’s jaw and then patted his cheek. She smiled at the glare Y/N sent her. “You mean the apocalypse.”

-

“Five, Eight, meet Dot.” Y/N found herself in a new room, one with many desks and workers typing away on computers or writing in folders.

“Oh, hi.” Dot whispered. The woman seemed much younger than the Handler., dressed in a blue blouse and pencil skirt. Brown, frizzy hair tucked neatly into a do and big blue pearl earrings stuck on her ears.

“Dot is responsible for all apocalypse matters. In fact, it was Dot here who first flagged your appearance in 2019.” The Handler explained.

“No hard feelings.”

“Well, you certainly put us through the ringer. Outsmarting two of our so-called best temporal assassins. If that doesn't spell leadership material..” She got louder as she spoke, causing all the workers in the room to turn away from their work and face her. “I just don't know. I suspect you like a challenge, Five.” The woman walks to a desk and opens a drawer, handing Five a orange folder. “Which is why I've given you a particularly complex first case.” Five lets go of Y/N’s hand to open it, taking in the photos on the inside. “It's too bad Joseph Spah decided against sabotaging the fuel tank. It would've been so much easier. Anyhoo if you have any questions I'll be right behind you.” She points at the desk up front and walks away.

“She talks a lot.” Y/N whispered to Five when he came back from grabbing another chair. He threw her a glance, urging her to sit down and when she did he pushed her chair closer to the desk.

“Just.. be nice, okay?” He pleaded. “Not much longer and we’ll be out of here.” Five took his own seat and opened the file again, the two getting to work.

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

The two had gotten a somewhat decent amount of work done, considering Y/N had barley any idea what she was supposed to do. They made a good team.

“Hiya, Five, Eight.” A female voice came from behind them. Neither two turned focusing on Five typing out something on the typewriter. ‘How's it going?”

“I must have utter silence in order to complete this task.” Five retreated blankly.

“Oh, okay.” Dot paused. “Hey, a few of us are having lunch, and I was wondering if you..” Her words died in her throat when Five cleared his throat. “you're doing something.”

Y/N passed Five the paper she just rolled up so he could put in a tube. When it was in, Five nodded to Y/N and they both stood up, leaving the room. “Oh. Bye-Bye!”

They walked down the hallway to the room that was passed before, the tube room. Walking inside, the kids scanned the many tube vacuum, looking for the right one to drop theirs into. Five had found it seconds later, lifting the lid to send the message off. “I'm afraid that's not procedure.” The Handler’s voice startled the two. She took the tube from Five’s hand. “Children, meet Gloria. Gloria is perhaps the single most vital cog in our machine.” The elderly made her way over to the group.

“Oh!”

“Gloria, this is Number Five and Number Eight.”

“Look at you.” Gloria smiled. “Deadly little things.” Y/N tucked her lips into her mouth, biting back from saying anything. Gloria turned to Five. “So happy we decided to close the contract on your life.” She then turns to Y/N. “It’s nice to meet a new worker.”

“Oh, I don’t work here.” Her voice wasn’t loud but it wasn’t quiet.

“What a shame. A thing like you could do so much damage it’s almost perfect.” Y/N didn’t know what else to do but nod with a forced smile. The elderly stared at her with curiosity, Y/N started to feel uncomfortable at her lingering eyes.

“Oh. Karl Weber.” The Handler read from the now unfolded paper that was inside the tube. “Now tell me, why unfortunate Karl?” Five had a sinister smile on his face, something anyone would’ve found adorable if it wasn’t for this reason. “Karl Weber is the butcher at the shop where Captain Ernst A. Lehmann acquires his weekly roast.” 

Y/N made her forced smile even bigger. “And if Karl dies, his butcher shop is passed down to his son Otto, who never washes his hands, which is disgusting.”

“So he's the one who gives the captain his roast.” 

Five nods. “And that gives him food poisoning.”

“Which makes him late for work. Which delays the takeoff.” The Handler smiles at the two kids.

“Also to make up for the lost time, the Hindenburg flies through a weather front of high electrical charge and humidity.” Y/N crossed her arms, a proud smirk on her face at feeling so smart.

“And the static electricity inside the aircraft makes it a virtual tinderbox. Tiny engine sparks.”

“And just like that, we have” Five and Y/N both raise their hands in the air in fists, bringing them down only to open them and mimic an explosion sound. The Handler and Gloria share a laugh before the Handler leads Five and Y/N back to the desk room they were just at. 

“I'm sure you've all heard that Mr. Five and Miss. Eight has proven to be as adept with a pen as they are with a sword.” She talks loudly, the kids on either side of her with her hand on their backs. She pats them, and the two take it as a signal to walk away, going back to their desks. “Let their effort serve as inspiration to you all.”

The Handler started to poke at one of the workers that sat next to Y/N and Five. The two didn’t pay much attention to it as they cleaned up their work from before. Suddenly, a buzzer went off and everyone started to stand from their desks and leave the room, including the Handler. They watched as everyone fled, leaving just them too. Quickly standing up, Five snatched the red folder from Dot’s desk and slide it up his shirt.

-

Y/N’s head whipped back and forth to make sure no one was following them as Five led her by the hand to the bathrooms. Once inside, he led Y/N inside the closes stall and then turned around to lock it. Five pulled the file out and sat on the toilet while Y/N leaned her back on the door, arms crossed. Number Five opened the file, on a white piece of paper laid a large smiley face. Y/N groaned but instantly shut up when the bathroom door opened and the sound of heels clouded her hearing.

“Shit.” Five whispered, eyes wide as he looked at Y/N. If anyone caught them in here together it would look fairly weird. Y/N quickly used her powers to illusion in the Handler’s eyes that it was only Five in the stall, seemingly making herself invisible to one person.

“So, how's your first day going?” She asked, stepping into the stall beside theirs.

“Couldn't be better."

“Glad to hear it.” The woman started to urinate, and Y/N fought back the urge to gag at the sound. Five shot her a look, as if telling her to shut up. He moved to shove the folder back up his shirt when the Handler started to make dry noises. This time, Y/N couldn’t fight it and gagged the slightest. Her noise made the Handler stop and Five to cover her mouth with his hand.

“You okay?” Came the woman’s voice. after a moment of silence.

“Yeah. Fine.” The Boy’s eyes darted over Y/N’s, afraid she’d make another sound and get them caught. The Handler seemed to dismiss his answer.

“I burned my rugae. Ever burn your rugae? Rugae.” Five removed his hand to continue to shove the folder up his shirt. “The ridges on the hard palate that help pass food to the esophagus. Anyway, I'm on a liquid diet for two days, hence the marathon of urination. One faulty cog, and nothing works as it should. You know, we value integrity at the office above all else. Trust is essential, and that trust is built over time. But in the event of a breach, the Commission will act swiftly and without mercy. An efficiency I'm sure you above all people can appreciate, Number Five.” She flushed the toilet, stepping out of the stall. “I'm feeling peckish. Have you had your lunch? Has Y/N?” 

“Not yet.” He answered back, fixing his tie and crossing his arms.

“Great.” She washed her hands and then dried them. “How would you both like to lunch with me in my office? You can eat solid foods, and I can live vicariously..” Y/N looked up and almost screamed. The Handler’s eyes peeking over the stall to stare at Five. Number Eight swore she stopped breathing for the moment. “through you.”

Five smiled tight at her. “Sounds great.”

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

“And that's how Phil determined that the archduke just had to go.” The Handler slurped her drink. She sat at her desk as Five and Y/N sat in the chairs placed in front of it. “Care for dessert?”

Five shook his head. “I had a bad Twinkie in the apocalypse once. It kind of put me off desserts.” The Handler look to Y/N, who shook her head.

“Please, indulge me.” She pushed the tray of candies towards the two. Y/N sighed and picked one up, opening the wrapper and popping it into her mouth. Five doing the same. “What's that taste like to you?”

“The 1950s?” They answered at the same time, causing them to stare at each other,

“Precisely right. Our clever metaphysics division concocted a way to perfectly distill an entire decade into a single candy. This one's modeled after the Fudge Mutt, America's favorite in 1955.”

“Remarkable.” “You'll be happy to know it's the very division that's building your new body. Oh, that reminds me. I have something for you too.” She spoke into her pager and called for someone to bring in boxes. A few seconds later, a woman brought in two boxes, setting them in front of Y/N and Five. “Go ahead. Open it.” And they did. Y/N eyes widened as she saw a suit that clearly would not fit her. They where made for a woman’s body.

“Clothes make the person, children. Won't it be nice when you can actually wear it? Very soon, I assure you. They're perfecting both your bodies as we speak.”

Y/N gulped. It was weird hearing that this place she barley knew was going to give her a woman’s body. She was going to be grown up, like she never got to before. “Um, t-thank you.” 

Five worriedly looked at her. “It's a very kind gift.” He nodded, looking around the room. He sensed that this must’ve been awkward for Y/N, wanting to find something to change the subject. “Is that a Chinese flamethrower?”

“Good eye.” Five stalked towards it. “War. Such a fascinating concept.” The handler patted Y/N’s shoulder before standing up and following Five. “A temporary salve for a permanent human flaw. Course, it's a bit easier to see from 30,000 feet. These are just some of the things I've collected in my travels. M26 grenades from the Vietnam War. And this, the most noteworthy, perhaps. My Walther pistol. The very one Hitler used to kill himself. We're not supposed to take these kind of things, but he wasn't gonna use it anymore. Feel how perfectly balanced that is. Hm?” She passed it to Five. 

“We had some thoughts we wanted to run by you. Some suggestions to improve Commission protocol.”

“Mm! Shaking things up already.” She took the gun from his hands. “I admire that.” She bopped his nose. “Go on. Do tell!”

“Gloria.” Y/N said, looking at the Handler who sat back down at her desk. She hummed. “The tube operator. Wouldn't it be, I don’t know, simpler if case managers were to send their own messages?”

“I appreciate the thought. I really do. But everyone loves Gloria. I-I would never hear the end of it. She's been with the Commission family for years, and she's this close to making pension.” Y/N clinched her fists as a knock sounded on the door.

“Sorry to interrupt, May I have a moment alone?” Dot says.

“Of course. Duty calls. We'll continue this discussion later, Eight.”

Y/N nodded. “Sure.”

“May I” Five pointed to the bowl of candies. 

“Please.” He snagged a few, grabbing Y/N’s hand and leading them both out.

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

Five and Y/N hid behind a wall, waiting for the perfect moment to start their plan. Once the coast was clear, Five jumped them into the tube room, hiding them behind a wall when Dot entered.

“Gloria, the Handler knows that Five and Eight are up to something. Get this to Hazel and Cha-Cha immediately. Immediately.”

“Okay. Yeah. Who are they?” Gloria mumbled to herself. Five jumped behind Gloria and hit the back of her head with a stapler, making her fall unconscious. Y/N ran from her place and grabbed the tube, throwing it to Five who was already sitting at desk with the typewriter to re-write the message to be sent. He opened the tube, taking the previous note out, scanned it, then started writing.

He threw one tube to Y/N, who caught it with ease and put it in the tube vacuum, Five doing the same with the other one, sending their messages to the masked intruders.

“You know that's not how we do things here.” Shit. “Where's Gloria?”

“Don't know. Couldn't find her anywhere.” As if on cue, Gloria groaned from the Handler. She turned around, seeing Gloria’s feet stick out from her desk. Five took a step away from the tube he was leaning on, pulling Y/N with him. “You're both a great disappointment to me. You can't change what's to come, Five and Eight. I truly find it so odd that you can't shed this fantasy. You're a first-rate pragmatist. You belong here with us. Eight belongs with us.”

“I don't belong anywhere, thanks to you.” His jaw was slack as he spoke with venom. “You made me a killer. And you’re not going to do the same with Y/N.”

“You were always a killer. I just pointed you in a direction. Eight has so much to offer, so much life ahead of her she never got to live.” The Handler unzipped the front of her skirt, pulling out a gun. Five jumped the two out of the way as she fired. It was now game on.

The Handler kept shooting aimlessly at anything that moved an inch, much like the masked people at the store. Five and Y/N kept still has they moved around to avoid getting shot. As the Handler walked down the room, Five pushed a cart at her, which she stop with her heel and shot at the spot he was in. Only for him to be gone.

“What's the rush, Five? We're just getting started.”

Hell yeah we are.

Five jumped in front of the Handler. “Is this how you want the last line of your report to read?”

He held a sick, sweet smile on his face. “When I'm done, I'm done, I guess.”

“You can't keep this up, Five. We both know that even you have a limit. I saved you from a lifetime of being alone. You owe me.” Her face was hard as she clicked her gun, but nothing happened. Her ammo was low and her gun was caught. The Handler turned around when she heard a sweet but sinister laugh from behind her. “Hmm, of course he owe a debt. Typical Five.” The man at mention jumps to stand next to Y/N. The girl undoes the top of a grenade, getting it ready to be exploded. “But it's not to you.” With a smirk, she rolls it on the floor where it lands in front of the Handler’s feet. Number Eight grabs Five’s hand and runs the both of the out, Five leans against the wall outside of the door, wrapping his arms around Y/N’s back as her face was stuffed in his chest.

The heat from the fire pushing out of the room was almost unbearable, but it ended as quickly as it started. Five wasted no time jumping with Y/N to the briefcase room and grabbing one, setting the date to 2019. He grabbed the extra grenade from his pocket and opened it with his teeth, setting it between two cases as they ran out of the room, exploding it. Just before the explosion could reach them, they were gone.

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

WEDNESDAY. 8:15 am (...again)

“Je-Jesus!” Allison yelled out, watching as her two siblings fell from the sky. Five landed on a briefcase, with Y/N landing on top of him. Both groaning.

“You guys, am I still high, or do you see them, too?”

“Five, Y/N, where have you been?” Luther asked as Y/N rolled off Five, almost falling onto the ground before Monkey Man caught her. Her head was pounding.

“Are you all right?” Allison asked, catching Five who also rolled off the briefcase and nearly on the floor. 

“Who did this?” 

“Irrelevant.” Five stood up, snatching Allison’s coffee and walking forward for a moment to regain his senses. He drank what was left of it and sighed, turning around to face his family. “So, the apocalypse is in three days. The only chance we have to save our world is, well, us.”

“The Umbrella Academy.”

“Yeah,” Y/N groaned, hand on her head. “but with Five, clearly.”

“So if y'all don't get your sideshow acts together and get over yourselves, we're screwed. Who cares if Dad messed us up? Are we gonna let that define us? No. And to give us a fighting chance to see next week, we’ve come back with a lead. We know who's responsible for the apocalypse.” He passes the crumpled paper to Allison’s stretched hand. “This is who we have to stop.”

“Harold Jenkins?”

“Who the hell is Harold Jenkins?” Diego spoke, his hands on both of Y/N’s shoulders, searching her face for any cuts or bruises. Five slurped the rest of the coffee, not saying anything as everyone else looked at him.

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:  

Taglist: @venomsvl @dani5216 @mysticwitchcraftco @wifeofcamillamacaulay @anastas2904 @luvl3yt @ev-ems @sacrificialstars @annitrice-does-things @that-nonbinary-ass

[nowitswetme]

Body Parts that drive Dean crazy

Word Count: ~700

Warnings: kissing, the tiniest bit of objectification, mostly pure fluff

A/n: part of the Dean Winchester NSFW Alphabet  (most of which promises to be a bit less sweet and a lot more naughty than this particular little piece)

Listen, Dean loves your whole body. Every last inch.

Hell yes, I do. Ain’t a curve on you that I don’t go crazy for, Sweetness. You drive me absolutely fuckin’ nuts, and you know it.

You’re not always in love with your body, but Dean always makes sure you know that he is. Whether you’re all glammed up and dressed to turn heads on a night out or lounging around in sweats and a woke-up-like-this mess of a vibe, he’s addicted to you. It’s torture anytime I have to keep my hands off of you, y/n. Or my mouth for that matter. Or my anything.

But weirdly, he’s kinda obsessed with your hair. It’s gorgeous and soft and it smells like heaven and it distracts him. Like, routinely. He’s always having to pull himself from thoughts of wrapping his hands in it and ravishing you with kisses until your knees give out and your pussy’s throbbing. It’s a little annoying, ya know. Hair really shouldn’t make me hard. You’re too damn beautiful. But he wouldn’t change it. He loves how turned on he gets by every little thing about you. And on the sweeter side, he didn’t expect waking-up-to-your-hair-in-his-face to be something he’d love so much. It reminds him that you’re next to him before he even opens his eyes, and it’s an even better morning pick-me-up than coffee. And your nose crinkles up SO cute when you’re amused with something. It’s adorable. He can’t help but smile when you look so damn gorgeous without even trying.

And your feet. How you manage to keep them looking so pretty and polished when they’re constantly in boots and chasing after monsters is completely beyond him. I’m kinda glad you do though – givin’ you foot rubs is my favorite way to start your, uh…  full-body massages. ‘bout time for one too – lean back and let me make you feel reeeaal good, y/n. There ya go.

And your lips are insanely enticing. Oooo yeah. Definitely your lips. Can’t get enough of those. They’re even more distracting than your hair. You have a tendency to bite on them when you’re deep in thought, and it’s the most tempting thing Dean’s ever experienced. He’d do better to look away so he can actually focus on what he’s supposed to be doing, but he just can’t tear his eyes away from your mouth. Fuck, he wants to have them all over him.   And don’t forget your ass. It’s fantastic, y/n. Walking in to see you bent over takin’ a pie out of the oven was for sure the day I knew I was in love. He says it like he’s joking, but there’s a soft sincerity in his gorgeous green eyes that tells you he means it. He walked in to see your rear end in the air and your hands grabbing his very favorite food that you’d made just for him and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with that view. Actually, yeah, all of it. It’s all fucking amazing. And it’s time you accepted it, Sweetness.

As far as his body goes, he never really thought that much about it. It’s always been strong and solid and pretty damn attractive and he figures that’s about all he can ask from it. He blushes and brushes you off when you start talking about the parts you love about him, but in reality it makes his heart feel like it’s gonna burst from the warmth of your love and he can’t believe he gets to be with someone who’s so precious. He’s learned to love his freckles and his green eyes and his quick hands and his bow legs and his strong shoulders and his countless other unique details, simply for the fact that you love them so much. It’s just one example of how he’s learning to see himself differently through your eyes, and it scares him a little but mostly he’s just thrilled to finally feel whole for the first time in his life.

Alright, alright. That’s enough about that. Go back to the top and read about you again. I’ll tell you how fuckin’ hot you are as many times as you wanna hear it, y/n – cause it’s all I think about. All the time.

[sukirichi]

total opposites

You and Toge swap bodies after encountering a fairytale curse, and similar to its origin, it also takes a fairytale method to break it.

REQUEST. body swap au + best friends to lovers

CONTENT/WARNINGS. slight crack fic, some cursing, implications of nsfw but nothing explicit, just Toge being a not-so closet pervert, usual best friend bickering, reader is fem bodied, unedited story (I should stop saying this, everyone knows I don’t edit my stuff)

NOTES. I enjoyed writing this, tysm for the request anon, this was really cute! definitely this is shooting up in one of my fav works ever (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

You stretched your arms overhead, feeling great after sleeping in. It wasn’t common of you to sleep this late, but you and Toge had gone stargazing the night before. A smile made its way to your face as you reminisced him reciting rice ball ingredients, signing that he was telling poetry to ‘match the mood’ until you’d both fallen asleep on the soft blanket atop a hill.

You don’t remember how you made it back to your room, but figured that Toge had carried you back home before the sun rose. Making a mental note to thank your best friend later, you yawned as you padded out to your room, hands rubbing in circles at your stomach.

Hopefully breakfast would be amazing today.

The door next to you opened, revealing your younger classmate, and you frowned, because wasn’t Kugisaki your next door neighbour? Well, whatever, he, Yuuji, and Kugisaki might’ve taken advantage of the rare, peaceful weekend that they probably had a movie marathon the night before.

“Morning, Megumi!” you greeted, coughing a bit when you sounded off, throat a little horse and itchy. At the sound of your voice, Megumi stilled in his tracks, eyes wide at you. His comical expression had you barking in laughter, shooting finger guns his way as you wiggled your eyebrows. “Ey, be a good dog and bark for me, will you?”

Semi-visible sonic waves drifted like waves after one another out your mouth. Megumi scowled before he froze the next second, ears perked up and backside wagging in replacement of a tail. “Woof woof!”

“What the hell?” you reeled back in slight disgust, your underclassman’s cheeks burning red. Then, your lips grazed against a soft cloth, making you look down.

You blinked back once. Twice. You were definitely...built different today. Curiously, you tugged at the zipper peaking out from your black collar, the familiar zhoop sound of the zipper burned into your memory after hearing your best friend do it countless times before.

In front of you, Megumi screeched – the most noise he’d made ever since you met him – his jaw dropped open while you – or rather Toge stood at the end of the hallway, his hands squeezing at your breasts that were still under last night’s pyjamas. You blinked back once. Then twice, steam pouring from your nose when Toge, in your body, pointed at his body. 

“Oh, oh!” your scream bounced off the hallways hard enough that Panda slammed his door open, about to tell everyone to shut up when your voice let out a high-pitched scream.

“What are you doing in my body?!”

Looking down at where Toge was pointing, you were greeted by the sight of his dark uniform and sock clad feet, your chest replaced with hard muscles instead of the soft flesh. You turned to Toge with a stupefied look that mirrored his, both of you falling on the ground with fists pounding on the hardwood floor.

“I’m a fucking girl!” he cried out, whether out of happiness or frustration, it was hard to tell.

Meanwhile, you zipped his collar back up, tugging at his off-white hair as you forced yourself to remember his limited vocabulary. “BONITO FLAKES!”

Now you understood Toge’s frustration of being a cursed speech user. 

“Bonito Flakes” definitely did not hold the same fury as “FUCK” did.

“You and I need to set down some boundaries,” you signed to him, brows pulled together. Toge seemed to be enjoying this sudden body swap a lot more than you did since he hadn’t stopped posing in the mirror the moment you pushed him back to your room, locking it shut to get some privacy. “You are not, under any circumstances, allowed to shower, do you understand?”

Toge scowled at your words, sassy as ever with his hands placed on his hips, buttocks jutted out. You hated, absolutely hated that he used your body this way because this time you couldn’t even laugh – not when seeing your body felt this awkward.

“You would really rather me stink?”

“You can’t undress too! Ever! Or if you will, your eyes better be closed. No peeking too!”

“Y/N, you and I grew up together. I’ve already seen everything,” he rolled his eyes, earning him a hard slap from the arm. Considering he was a lot more muscular than you were, your hit came a lot harder. “Ow!” he protested, rubbing the sore spot that ached, only to laugh at the sounds emitting from his lips. “Wow, I have to admit that this is really fun though. I’m actually talking,” he announced, “Hey, say salmon for me.”

“Bonito flakes!” you shook your head, “The moment Principal Yaga is back, we’re going to talk to him, okay? I don’t want to be stuck in your body any longer!”

“Please, you’re lucky you get to feel me up,” he winked at you, taking your (his) hands to flatten it on his stomach. “Come on, come on, feel my abs!” Whack. “Would you please stop slapping me? Your body is a lot more delicate than mine and my hands are – stop slapping me!”

Feeling bad for your friend and not wanting to abuse your body too much, you raised your hands in surrender with a roll of your eyes. “I can’t take you seriously with that voice. You’re too cute.”

“Complimenting ourselves now, aren’t we?” he scoffed, “Well, whatever, you are cute, especially when you’re angry. Such a shame I can’t see you do that right now because my handsome face is looking back at me.”

“I won’t hesitate to choke you, my friend.”

“You wouldn’t. You adore your body too much,” contrary to his words, Toge pulled a defensive stance. You threw a pillow at him, to which he easily dodged, clutching at the hem of your pyjamas afterwards. “Speaking of bodies, I really need to pee.”

“Hold it!”

“Are you insane? I’m not holding it, you’re going to kill us both!”

“Fine, I’ll take you to the rest room then,” you tugged at the hood of your shirt, pushing him inside the communal female restroom. Toge stood in the middle shock still, evidently flustered at the stalls and lack of urinals. You flicked a finger on his forehead, finger pointed to a stall. “Go pee. That’s my body – I need to make sure you’re not going to do anything weird with it.”

“I thought you trusted me, friend. Why would you think I’d touch you that way?”

You gave him an ‘are you serious?’ look. “You jack off every fucking night, Toge. I can hear you even from the next hallway. Plus, you’re a horny teenage male, who’s to say you wouldn’t be curious and try to see what female masturbation feels like?”

His eyes lit up at the idea, fist coming down to bounce at the palm of his hand as he nodded. “That’s actually a good idea—”

“Don’t you even dare.”

“What?!” you and Toge both exclaimed. He faced you with utter horror written on his face and you gasped, slapping both palms over your lips.

“It is true,” Principal Yaga affirmed with a grim look on his face. He’d recently got back to fetch your troublesome Gojo-Sensei who’d been caught starting a ruckus in Roponggi while women flocked around him, leading to your principal to haul his ass back to the school grounds. “Some curses are manifested through daily objects, and sometimes even through nature. That shooting star you saw was an example of that.”

“But is kissing really necessary?” Toge queried with a wary gaze sent your way.

“It’s a fairytale curse. It can only be broken through a true love’s kiss.”

“But sir, Toge and I have never dated anyone before. How can we miraculously fall in love with someone to break this curse overnight?”

“It doesn’t have to happen overnight. Sometimes, a simple crush will do,” Principal Yaga sighed, scratching his bald head with his face pulled deep in thought. “Y/N, you have a crush on Gojo-Sensei right? I’m going to kill him if he actually kisses you – and knowing that damn brat he might if you ask him – but I think a kiss on the cheek will suffice. For now, you both just have to...broaden your relationships. Maybe go out on dates.”

“I don’t mind that. In fact, I’m going to have the time of my life,” Toge cheered, his mood dampening once he saw you stiffen. “But my body is...”

Knowing full well that he’d get insecure over his lack of speech again, you glared at him hard enough that your best friend straightened up, lips puckered out in a pout as if you hadn’t just caught him talking badly about himself again when you’ve told him countless times he was perfectly fine the way he was.

It made you sigh, feeling slightly bad that until now he still couldn’t see himself the way you saw him – not that you’d ever vocalize this; Toge would never shut up (in the best way he could) if he had the slightest idea what went inside your head.

“You’re lucky you have a pretty face. Otherwise, it’s going to be impossible for anyone to like you,” you teased instead, somewhat flustered at your indirect compliment.

Toge merely scoffed at you, his gaze burning and hard, contrasting the teasing little shit grin he wore. “Oh, please, if I wasn’t the cursed speech user, I would’ve banged—”

“Kids!” Principal Yaga threw his dolls at you hard, the both of you clutching at your heads in pain. How were those dolls as heavy as rocks? “Take your bickering back to your rooms please. No more of this mess and noise. It’s late.”

You frowned at the old man, face pleading as you signed, “Principal Yaga, can’t we really do anything else? Aren’t there any techniques to undo this?”

You and Toge knew that combination so well – pitch black eyes, jaw clenched, lips pursed and palms interlaced under his chin – one that meant his words were final and irrevocable. None of you could argue or suggest more solutions the moment the words left his lips like an ultimate decree. “The technique is the kiss. Now leave.”

You and Toge tried, you both really did. 

But following Principal Yaga’s suggestion of dating others had turned out to be a complete fail – even with your normal body and Toge’s physical charisma. 

It simply didn’t work; not when Megumi ran away from you every time you tried to get him to kiss you with your arms wide open, and Toge wasn’t helping either by pushing Gojo-Sensei away from you every time the cheeky eyed teacher announced his willingness to help.

Eventually, you and your best friend had retired in his room, the scent of him coated all over his pillows and his shirt that you wore. That felt comforting, at least, and you buried yourself in the crook of your body’s neck, bodies tangled with one another.

Who knew dating could be so tiring?

A wave of irritation flashed over you from today’s events, knowing full well that this could’ve been avoided long ago. Scowling, you cuddled Toge closer, lightly flicking your fingers on your body’s chest. “This is your damn fault, Toge.”

“You were the one who asked me to stargaze with you.”

“You don’t always have to say no to everything I ask of you, you know.”

“You’re really dumber than I thought if you think I could easily say no to you,” he snorted above you, his chin resting atop your head. “I don’t have a lot of weakness because I’m a strong sorcerer—” another flick, a harsher one this time around. “Okay, okay, I’m just kidding! But I mean it though – you’re my best friend and my weakness. Of course I’d do anything to make you happy, even if it’s something as stupid as stargazing.”

“Hey!” you made a sound of protest in your throat, looking back at him with a frown. “It wasn’t stupid, it was romantic.”

Hell yeah, it was romantic indeed – your heart still skipped a beat every time you remembered Toge’s starry eyes matching the night sky’s beauty, the words salmon and mustard leaf surprisingly sexy every time it came from him. It was stupid – so fucking stupid – that you groaned into his chest to hide your flushed face.

“Yeah, I suppose it was.”

The room fell silent, your syncopated breathing soothing during this stressful times. Taking advantage of your voice, Toge began to hum, singing the songs you both had always listened to in the privacy of your room during lazy days. It brought a smile to your face as you clutched to him tighter, heart pounding in your chest as you gazed up at him, tapping his chin to get his attention. “Toge, can I say something weird?”

“Please, nothing you say surprises me anymore. Shoot.”

Your mouth began to dry as you cleared your throat in an attempt to hide your awkwardness, gaze pointedly averted from his prying ones. “You and I...we’ve known each other for a long time and we love each other. As best friends, of course.”

“Sheesh, friendzone much?”

“Would you please shut up and listen to me seriously for once?” you huffed, making him snicker, but nodded at you anyway to continue. “As I was saying – why don’t we kiss? It could be true love’s kiss.”

Toge didn’t speak for a good minute, the pregnant pause filling in the gap filled with tension. You taped his cheek, waving his hand in front of his eyes when he dazed out. When his gaze focussed back on you, Toge was surprisingly calm – although beneath that composed exterior, his mind had simply short-circuited. “If this is your way to get to make out with me, I’m going to sock you in the face.”

“Toge, I’m serious! Let’s kiss!”

“I don’t want to!” he shook his head indignantly, hiding his face by hugging you close to his chest instead.

“Why not? Don’t you want to swap back to your original body? Both of us haven’t showered in two days and I’m sick of the way you smell. You’re lucky I love you though, otherwise I’m going to cry. Come on, Toge, what’s holding you back?” you tried to fight back from his grip, but he’d surprised you both when he only squeezed you tighter, both your erratic heart rates matching the other.

“I said no.”

“Toge, it’s just a damn kiss, what’re you so afraid of?”

“I’m afraid that if we don’t swap back, then that means you don’t love me the way I love you!” he finally admitted, breathing hard before continuing. “Principal Yaga said it must be a kiss between lovers and not just platonic friends okay?” you attempted to scramble away from his arms again, and this time he let you, though he’d closed his eyes, cheek squished on the pillows as he murmured, “I don’t want you to reject me... even though I messed up already.”

“Wait,” you snapped your fingers to make him open his eyes, hesitant as you signed, “You...you love me that way?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Why not?”

“Because my face is staring back at me and it’s fucking awkward – I wanted to see your face when I confessed!” he sat up with a frustrated groan, childishly kicking off the sheets of the bed as he clutched his head in his hands. “I had everything planned, okay? Nobara and Yuuji helped me think of everything because Megumi is shit when it comes to love. Listen, I was going to ask you on a candlelit date and then maybe kiss the life out of you – if you feel the same way—”

“Kiss me.” The body he possessed a victim of his own powers, Toge was left with no choice but to grab your face before his mouth pressed against yours, fingers entangled into the other’s hair. You were smiling into the kiss the whole time, barely able to recognize when Toge had shifted your bodies until you were under him, his hands running down your sides lovingly the whole time. 

Pulling away to get some air, you opened your eyes, unsurprised when Toge laid above you, his strong arms planted beside your head.

Both of you were breathing hard from the passionate kiss filled with so much sexual tension and longing, your tongue darting out to swipe at his taste on your lips. The laughter that bubbled out of you was pure, wholesome and swollen like your heart. “I love you too, idiot.”

“Salmon!” Toge peppered your cheeks with kisses, pulling out more gleeful laughter from you, his playful and loving attacks more of a gift than a punishment. Once you’d recovered from your happiness – although really, who could recover after that? – Toge unzipped his collar, his smile nothing but wicked when he commanded, “Kiss me again.”

[maries-menagerie]

The Oaths We Keep (Din Djarin x GN! Reader)

CW: ANGST! LONGING! DESIRE! Mild sexy mentions mostly longing and anxiety. Quick mention of canon world beverage/liquor.

WC: 900

AN: This is my very first Mando/Pedro piece. I have been rewatching The Mandalorian and it just felt right. Be gentle with me. I hope my fellow Mando/Pedro fans enjoy it! I also do not remember who my 'everything' list is and since this is an entirely new realm for me, I will tag a few mutuals that I know enjoy Mando and my writing. If you want to be tagged in my additional adventures let me know! (I prob will get a tag list for this blog going!)

Read on Ao3!

Main fanfic account: @mariedameron

Din watched the gradual rise and fall of your chest. He ached to touch you. The thought of removing his gloves and smoothing his fingers over your skin caused discomfort in places that had been dormant for as long as he could remember.

It hadn’t taken long for his affection for you to grow. He fought this internal battle at every turn since deciding to escort you back to your home planet. The fact that he had agreed to this arrangement at all was an example enough of how quickly you had captivated him.

Din knew that something was evolving under the surface for you as well. He sensed the changes in you, how your body responded differently when his attention was concentrated on you, the hitch in your tone when you addressed him late at night after a few too many mugs of Ne'tra gal.

This wasn’t the first time he garnered this type of attention before but never with this intention. Mostly, would-be suitors were drawn in by the mystery of the order; begging to see what was under the helmet.

Din would patiently shut them down and exit. But he couldn’t always escape the desperate need for touch. The memories of those rare moments of weakness brought a rush of warmth throughout his body. These instances were fleeting and meaningless and much to his bedmate’s disappointment, the helmet never came off.

There had been many times throughout his life as a Mandalorian when he questioned his choices. But you, he never could have prepared for. Your easy smile and the sound of your laugh as you played with the child.

You instantly loved the tiny green babe, insisting on holding him in your arms rather than letting him ride in his hovering pram. The child accepted and held to you as if you had always been there all along.

Din stood and exhaled slowly, moving his way out into the cool night air. He needed to pull himself together. Walking a few steps away from the ship, he dropped to the ground, pulling off his helmet. Running his hand through his matted hair, he focused on the sound of his breathing.

He wasn’t naive to the rituals of romance. Din had witnessed his fair share of coupling from the shadows of the countless cantinas he had squatted in over the years. It wasn’t in the cards for him.

He had accepted that in his younger days. But this was new, terrifying, and all-devouring. He trusted you, let you inside. You listened to him talk of bitter memories that tormented him over the years. You laughed at his horrible quips and your company brought him comfort that he hadn’t known.

He wished to fall into your arms, and let you consume him. Have you cradle his head to your bare breast and allow your divine legs to envelop him; hold him.

He yearned to pour every ounce of himself into you, let you see behind the mask. Make you understand what you did to him physically, emotionally. He longed to memorize the curves of your body and savor the taste of you on his lips. Hear you moan his name. Din shuddered at the thoughts that raced in his mind.

Many moments passed with Din on his knees, silently begging, berating himself to let this go. Your voice shattered the cycling turmoil. Din froze. You stood mere inches from his crouched form.

Worried, when you woke to find him missing. You discovered his helmet was off, the closer you got to him. Knowing that it was against his order, you respectfully kept your distance despite the desire to see his face roaring through your veins.

“Is everything okay?” You questioned your eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. There appeared to be no danger in sight. Din cleared his throat, painfully aware of how easily he could turn and face you.

He could tell you how the crushing weight in his chest was becoming unbearable the closer you got to your final home destination. The notion of never seeing you again made him want to give up everything he had believed in, break the oath and promise he had made.

Din bent and picked up his helmet. His thumb stroked the shining Beskar steel. Clearing his throat, he placed his helmet back over his head. Turning, he nodded.

“Everything is fine. Just needed some air.” He breathed motioning you back towards the ship. You followed his request knowing that something had transpired in those moments, he had spent alone. You restrained yourself from grabbing his hand. Instinctively you wished to comfort him in his apparent distress.

There were so many things you dreamed to tell him but the words wouldn’t come. You knew that the man that strode beside you was first and foremost a Mandalorian.

Din stopped and allowed you to go ahead of him into the ship. He kept his distance as you checked on the child before moving towards the nest you made of blankets. He couldn’t look at you, not right now.

Not when he was so weakened and ready to leave behind everything that ever mattered to him. Mumbling a ‘sleep well’ Din huddled himself in the cockpit. He would finish out this mission like he promised he would. He would deliver you home.

This is the way.

A few friends: @millenialcatlady @hopeamarsu @pumpkin-stars @paper-n-ashes @mylifeisactuallyamess @direnightshade @sacklerscumrag @butyoudidthis4what

Thank you for reading!

Din and Pedro characters will now be published under @mariedameron

If you enjoy my stories, let me know! My Inbox is open, and I welcome comments! Please reblog if you fancy sharing this piece.

[shotofire]

Butler

Levi Ackerman x F!Reader

Overview: Levi is a butler for your family, and you can’t help but fancy him

Warnings: Cursing, pushy parents, angst, smut, fingering, oral (female receiving), unprotected sex, creampie, age gap (legal of course), that filthy talk (mild), hair pulling, slight choking

Requested by @heyyharuhi (thank you for this request, as soon as i read the idea i started on it)

Okay, i’m going to admit.... i’m too lazy to proof read this. Work is kicking my ass and i just want to sleep. hopefully i didn’t fuck up too bad. I tend to type faster than my mind is thinking... so i apologize in advance for the typos. enjoy :)

-

The room is hot, almost enough to make ones skin feel as if it’s on fire. Maybe that had to do with the anger everyone at the dinner table is feeling. The scrunching face of your father and mother as the look of disbelief is spread across their features. Not to mention how silent it is, so uncomfortably silent. The sound of your fork scraping across the table is all that can be heard.

Your father takes in a deep breath, eyes closing in utter frustration. “Tell me again why you don’t like this boy? He’s taken you out to dinner several times now, and has been very kind to our family,” you can only roll your eyes at your fathers words. All they care about is setting you up with a wealthy stuck up man, not someone who will bring happiness. “And every time he flirted with the waitress,” you snap, “also, he has horrible manners.”

It’s sad the situation you’re in, really. This has been going in the family for years, the children not getting to choose who they marry. Of course they could’ve rejected and rejected until their parents gave up, but no one has been able to push through. Your mother is a perfect example with having to marry your father. A stuck up man who you’ve never even seen smile at your mother, it’s saddening. “The man has money, lots of it, and you know how much we’re struggling right now,” your mother says with the same look of disbelief.

The double doors to the dining room swing open, making the conversation come to a pause. There he stood, your butler, with a tray of freshly poured drinks. He has the same expressionless look as always as he strides over to the table setting each cup down. As his body stands close to yours, you can’t help but take in how good he smells. Yes it may come off as creepy, but you’d never encountered a man who smelled so fresh. Like a flower garden.

“Thank you, Levi,” you say with a small smile. Your parents never thank him or even acknowledge him and it pisses you off. The man must be in a horrible situation financially if he’s willing to put up with your parents. They always complain about money yet have maids, chefs, and butlers. As if they can’t do anything for themselves. Levi nods at you with a small smirk in reply before exciting the room.

The rest of dinner goes in, filled with arguments and insults. Just a regular night in this family. It’s frustrating, really, how your parents only care about money. They don’t even care for you, or even themselves. All the two want is to appear rich to everyone else. It’s all about image, that’s it. Why care about those things when you can have love and happiness? That’s all you’ve ever wanted.

Since you were a teen, your parents have been shoving stuck up boy after stuck up boy in your direction. Each one has bragged about their live’s, and how women love them. None have even bothered to ask you a personal question. To get to know you in anyway. Each one saw women as a pretty thing to wear on their arms for public gatherings. And any other time you’d just be seen as another maid to them, it’s the sad truth.

Women are pushed around by men, especially in this life style. All that matters is money and looks. Love won’t get your name respected by others, that’s the power of money. The people you call your parents have never been affectionate towards one another, not that you’ve ever witnessed. It’s not wonder they only ended up having one child. Usually by this age, in your family at least, people are married. Some even have a kid of their own on the way. But you just keep rebelling until they give up, that’s what you’re hoping for.

It’s late now and the hallways are dimly lit, not a sound to be heard. At times like this your mind wanders. Thinking about Levi, which isn’t a good idea. Sure he’s really good looking, but there’s no way he could be interested. When he’d first started coming around, a few months ago, you immediately wanted to get closer to him. Then you learned of his age which was something you definitely weren’t expecting. The man looked around the same age as you.

The sound of a faint hum can be heard from down the hall. It sounds like it’s coming from the living area. As you round the corner you see him standing there. Levi sat on the couch with a book perched in his hands, the lamp lit up next to him. His eyes move to your frame and jumps at your presence. The maids and butlers have their own area of the home to stay in during the night, which is really shitty may you add. He shouldn’t be here during this time. If your parents were to see him there they’d throw a fit.

Before he could react you’re walking towards him, sitting next to him on the red sofa. “What are you reading?” Levi is at a loss for words, really, this has his heart racing. Yet he manages to choke out, “Just some cheap poetry book.” The two of you had only talked a handful of times, and it was never real conversation. The man has always found you beautiful and can’t believe you haven’t gotten married yet. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” You ask and he lets out a small laugh, “Couldn’t you ask yourself that?”

Levi feels his chest tighten as you move closer to him, looking at the pages of his book. This whole things was off to him. The man had never seen you in anything but a dress, yet here you were in nothing but a shirt and shorts. He always imagined you to sleep in some sort of fancy silk nightgown. And yes, he thinks about what you wear to bed. He has scolded himself for where his mind has gone to thinking about you, but he can’t help himself. You’ve always been so kind to him.

“You should let me borrow this book sometime,” you say with a small smile. You’re inches away from his face now, eyes peering into one another’s. “Of course,” he gulps. The room fell silent. He isn’t sure if he is reading this moment correctly. One thing he is sure of is he’s definitely not the type of man you need to get caught up with. As this thought crosses his mind he’s quick to stand up off the sofa. “It’s getting late, I should get to bed.” Before you can say a word, he’s walking out of the room.

Complete and utter failure. That was your chance to get closer to him and you ended up scaring him off. Did you come across too forward? Sure you’d gotten rather close to him but you didn’t that that was too far. Was it? You let out a loud huff before falling face first into a pillow, groaning into it.

You were just a young girl who couldn’t decide her future, what could you possibly offer him? He’s older and has his shit figured out, it seems like it at least. As you mentally scold yourself for embarrassing yourself, Levi is in his room doing the same exact thing. He has found you breathtaking from day one and constantly wanted to get to know you. Then the moment you two are alone he panicked.

The man is grown, almost forty, and has been with countless women. Not to brag, he’s just never been one for settling. Then here comes a girl, younger and less experienced than him yet he’s the one choking up. Maybe it was the thought of your parents finding out that got the best of him. They may actually die of shock if they knew you even talked to him in the way you did, in your sweet voice. Or worse, they’d kill Levi themselves.

-

The next day rolls around, then the next, and so on. It seems like Levi is avoiding you to the furthest extent that he can and it’s really pissing you off. You don’t think he’s required to like you, but you’re still kind to him. You still try and brighten his day with a smile or a simple, “how are you?” Yet he won’t even stick around long enough for you to ask. Did you make him that uncomfortable? You’d rather hear him reject you then have this awkwardness floating in the air.

Knowing that you could’ve possibly made him feel uncomfortable really started to eat at your conscious. For awhile you stopped wandering the halls at night searching for him. Most of the times, after the first encounter, he’d hurry off at the first sight of you. Even through all of this your desire for him only seems to grow more intense.

Why did he have to be so damn attractive?

You lay in your bed, looking up at the ceiling. Levi is the only thing on your mind. It’s hard to not wonder what he’s doing on late nights like this. On a Sunday, your parents off doing business in town. No one here to boss him or the other workers around.Maybe he got scared off thinking of your parents catching you two so close that night, of course that’s something you keep telling yourself.

Being stuck in your home not allowed anywhere always eats away at you. Being here wasn’t something you enjoyed any day, but actually being told you can’t leave makes you feel crazy. When your parents are away they think the maids and butlers are going to pocket the entire house and run off. But you know each staff member well enough to come to the conclusion that they’d never do such a thing. If only your parents would listen to you when saying this, maybe you wouldn’t be trapped in here.

When they’re off doing business or whatnot, the staff takes that as their full opportunity to get some good sleep. Just be able to relax. Your parents always have them on the go it seems, until the sun goes down. Sometimes, most of the time, even later than that. They’ll see a book out of place and call for a maid instead of doing it themselves.

The staff has always been fond of you from the beginning. Some of the older maids watched you as a little girl. You’d always beg them to help clean or just be around them. As you grew older, you stopped asking to help and went ahead and did it anyway. If you notice they happen to miss something, which is rare, you’ll grab a duster or a broom and finish the job. It breaks your heart when your parents treat them to harshly.

That’s one of the many reasons Levi is so fond of you. Even after being raised by such pigs you still managed to be your own person. To be kind. He’d worked for other wealthy families in the past and usually every member was horrid, and treated him like dirt. Then he came here and met you, a sweet girl who loves to help.

Levi remembers when he was first joined the staff at your home. It was very hectic. He didn’t expect your parents to need such assistance. Usually families would try and do some things for themselves, but no. It seems your parents need their hands held constantly like children. It was a lot to handle at once, but you made it easier for him.

You helped him set appointments, organize, or any other unpredictable needs. He didn’t talk much, but he still made it very apparent that he appreciated all of your help. Moments like those were when you would look at him and just be in awe of his beauty. To you he was like a prince. So charming and kind, his looks are just a bonus.

You find yourself rising to your feet and leaving your room. The sun has already set and the stars are lighting up the sky. Your home is quiet now, somewhat peaceful without your parents. Without thinking, you’re in the hall walking through the darkness. Your fingers trace along the wall as your toes gently push into the carpet. You’d hate to wake anyone up this late.

As if your body knows something before you do, your stomach begins to have slight butterflies before rounding the corner into the living area. Would Levi even be up this late? it’s much later than the times he’s usually out here reading. As you turn the corner your eyes land on him and you take a silent breath, that you can’t help but hold onto for a second longer.

On the sofa sits Levi. His hair is clutched between a few of his fingers as his eyes squint at the book he’s reading, almost frustrated it seems. Instead of saying anything and scaring him off you swiftly walk to him and sit yourself down. He lets out a small, ‘ah’ at your presence, not expecting you, and you can’t help but let out a small giggle at his reaction.

“What? Not happy to see me?” The sweet smile on your face makes a blush rise to his cheeks. Of course he’s happy to see you, even if he can be complicated sometimes. “Uh, no. Not that, just didn’t expect you up so late.” That’s truly what it is. He came out here with a full expectation that you, and everyone else, would be fast asleep. “I guess we’re both night people, huh?” You shove at him lightly with your arm and he smirks.

There’s a silence that falls over you two, but it’s not uncomfortable. You can’t help but move a bit closer to him, the situation feeling all too familiar. This time Levi isn’t tensing up, or moving away. If anything, you’re pretty sure he moves closer to you ass well. “What are you reading this time?” Your sweet voice makes him shiver.

His eyes scan over your features, sticking to your lips for a little too long. This doesn’t go unnoticed by you. “Just some romance novel I picked up, it’s sorta frustrating to read.” “How so?” Your eyes sparkle in interest. Your bodies are so close, just the side of your leg pressed up against his has his heart racing. That and the fact you look beautiful right now.

“They both like each other and won’t act upon it, and it just keeps getting drawn out. All it is is boring conversation and hearing their thoughts. They should just kiss already.” He watches as your face moves closer to his, lip sinking into your bottom lip. “I think they should just kiss already, too.”

That’s all it takes for Levi to close the gap in-between you two. Your arms come up to wrap around his neck, while his hands have already started grabbing at your waist. His touch sends electricity through you. You’d only been with a few men, and Levi was already making you feel a knot in your stomach that you’d never felt before. It was a good feeling.

A feeling of excitement.

One of his, rather big, hands trail up your spine causing you to shiver at his touch. The hand goes all the way up until it reaches the base of your neck, tangling in your hair. You can’t stop yourself from moaning into the bruising kiss as his fingers tug at your locks. He smirks, and you feel it. His other hand squeezes your thigh, sending a jolt right to your heat.

Levi pulls back to examine your face, rosy cheeks and eyes half open. “Fuck, you’re breathtaking,” he cursed before diving back in. This time his lips are attack your neck, nibbling and licking as you let out high pitched sighs.

This is all happening so fast, but you love it. There is so much built up tension between the two of you and it’s all coming out. You can’t stop yourself from tugging at his shirt, a whine falls from your lips. There’s no telling how many times you’ve dreamed of seeing this man without a shirt on. He follows your complies and pulls the shirt over his head, exposing the pure glory beneath. Yes, glory.

You stare for a good moment. He’s so fit, more than you imagined. “Like what you see?” He teases with a cocky smile. “More than like, I could look at you all day.” The blush that spreads across his face doesn’t go unnoticed by you. He looks into your eyes and his hands snake under your shirt, slightly pushing you backwards until your back meets the sofa. He’s above you now, with a shit-eating grin.

When his fingers make contact with your chest he can’t help but bite his lip. You don’t have a bra on. “Do you want me as much as I want you?” You’re about to answer his question, but his fingers brush against your nipples. The action makes you let out a soft gasp at the feeling. “What was that?” He asks with that same cocky smirk, “Use your words princess.”

The pet name just sends you for another loop. “Yes,” you manage to get out, “I want you.” He presses his lips to yours, then your neck again, before discarding of your shirt. His soft lips trace down you stomach with light feathery kisses, making your breathing become uneven. His fingers loop in the waist ban of your shorts before pulling them down your legs, tossing them in some random direction.

Everything happening has your head spinning. In the best way possible, of course. His mouth is hovering about your clothes core now, it’s enough to drive you mad. Your excitement is visible on your underwear. “So wet,” he coos, his breath fanning against you. He takes off the last item on your body, leaving you bare.

For a second you want to close your legs when the shyness kicks in, but Levi acts quick. His lips attack to your clit in an instant, and your fingers fly to his hair. Tangling and pushing him closer into you. His mouth is like magic. “Fuck-“ you cut yourself off with a moan. His tongue moves up and down your slit, circling your clit. Your eyes practically roll into the back of your head.

His finger comes up to circle your entrance before pushing its way in. The way he’s working with his mouth and fingers had you seeing stars. “I’m gonna-“ right before you finish he completed stops his actions. Of course he just had to be a little shit.

“You’re going to come on my cock,” he says with a smile. Just his words alone have your stomach turning. He lines himself up with you before pushing forward slowly. You hiss at the pain, never ever have you been with someone this big. He halts his actions at the sound you make, but you’re quick to beg for me. “No, keep going, please don’t stop!”

He slams into you and you hold back a scream. The pain quickly turns into pleasure as his hips start to slam into yours. “How does that feel princess?” Him and that damn pet name again. “So, So good,” you manage to get out. Unexpectedly, his hand comes up to wrap around your throat, pressing lightly. Your eyes just about light up when he brushes against that spot.

He must of saw the sparkle in your eyes, so he does the same movement. Over, over, and over again. It doesn’t take long before you’re coming undone around him, shaking and vision blurring. His movements continue until he’s coming inside of you, deep grunts escaping his mouth. The only sound is heavy breathing as Levi lays on top of your chest.

“Do you want to go to my room and cuddle?”

Levi looks at you with a childish grin. “of course.”



[suhyla]

Assalamu Alaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barkatuhu sister. Could you provide me with an explanation about the benefits of the hijab/modest clothing for an individual and for society as a whole? I am currently a second year university student in Canada. Growing up in the West it is common to hear things such as "women have the right to their own bodies, no one should tell women what to wear, the clothing a woman chooses to wear should not be sexualized, etc" (for context). How can I increase my confidence while wearing the hijab? Lastly, could you provide me ressources or tips (ex: readings, or books) that can help me move forward in this path?

I appreciate your help and thank you very much for your time.

Wa alaykum as salam wa rahmatullah sister,

Personally, the hijab is a powerful symbol of my identity and strength as a woman and a Muslim. Living in the West, there’s so much emphasis on how we look as women. Our beauty is commodified, and though there’s this talk that the Western woman is free, there’s countless studies on how a woman’s appearance, how much makeup she wears, what kind of skirt she puts on, her choice of hairstyle, etc. impact her likelihood to be selected for a role, a job, etc. Young girls are being pressured to look a certain way because that’s deemed more beautiful, and anyone that walks into a middle school or high school will easily see how much these girls compare their faces and bodies to those of grown women, because that’s what’s considered beautiful. As much as there’s talk of body positivity, that isn’t really the case is it? There wouldn’t be calls for body positivity if body positivity was the norm in a society. So the notion that not wearing a hijab and showing skin/hair is a form of automatic freedom isn’t true. Young girls and women feeling inadequate because they constantly have to change their appearance/follow trends to feel they fit what society deems beautiful isn’t exactly freedom.

And as women, we feel that pressure too. But when you wear a hijab and modest clothes, you pull attention to more than just your appearance. The emphasis is more on your identity. The emphasis is on your mind, your words, your manners, your intelligence. You don’t have to showcase your beauty to be admired, and you’re worth more than what you look like. You’re not centering attention on your fit, your physique, or the $200 you spent at the salon to get highlights. You’re centering attention on your words and actions. You’re centering attention on the fact that you’re Muslim.

When I sit in a classroom and I’m the only person wearing a hijab and a abaya, thats a responsibility. I consciously tell myself I can’t use bad language, because I represent Islam. I can’t cheat or be rude, because that’ll leave an impression on Islam and Muslims everywhere. I hate being late to class, because when you’re the only Muslim in a lecture hall, that will negatively impact other people’s view of my brothers and sisters in Islam. It makes me aware of who I am, and constantly challenges me to live by the Prophet’s example alhamdullilah. It makes me want to seek knowledge, to be a better Muslim. It encouraged me to better learn my faith, because when Islam is brought up, I want to be the one to answer. Not some random guy who gets his information about Islam from Fox News. And alhamdullilah, non Muslims will also look to me for an answer and it gives me an opportunity to correct misconceptions and educate.

When I do an act of good, I leave a good impression on my faith and ummah. When I answer eloquently and actively participate, it’s because I remember Islam encourages seeking knowledge. When I help struggling classmates, I’m moved by the Prophet’s example to spread knowledge and be of service to others. Just last week my mother and I were on the subway, and a homeless man came and specifically asked us for change out of everyone else because, as he said, “I know you Muslims are generous.” He doesn’t know us obviously. All he sees is the hijab, and what it represents, and he knows that if he needs help, someone with a hijab will be more likely to help. When something like that happens, and other people see it, will they remember us as individuals? No, they will remember us as Muslims.

Likewise, the hijab also represents something to other Muslims. If a lost Muslim sees my hijab, they know that they can approach me and I’m obligated to help them. I can’t count the number of times I’ve also found myself struggling or alone somewhere, and another Muslim has approached me to offer help, because the hijab reinforces our bond of faith. It also sends a message that I have boundaries and respect my faith, and that I won’t engage in activities that would compromise my faith.

To me, all of these reasons make my hijab such an important part of my identity and a source of immense strength and pride. I know I’m beautiful and I don’t have to show everyone my hair or body to prove it. My akhlaq, deen, personality and intelligence are more important markers of my worth as a woman. I can wear what I want at home and with my friends, and can be as extra as I want with those I love, why does a random stranger need to see all of me to validate my beauty? My hijab gives me so much confidence, because it highlights so much of what makes me who I am. I’m beautiful with and without it, and I don’t need strangers seeing my body to tell me that.

[mizunetzu]

ok fine i'll bite

what if u made a tamaki amajiki fic but instead he's actually the UA traitor 😳 and he's actually a yandere and his target's a gender neutral 3rd year 😳 omg that would be pog

haha jk.. unless?

don't bully me pls i haven't done this b4

Miss miss miss sylviaaa 😀😀😀 I lov u miss sylviaaa

——————

Tamaki x reader - My Darling’s Pen

⚠️warnings - yandere Tamaki, stalking

Pronouns - genderneutral, they/them

——————

All it took was a pen.

A pen that dropped from their desk, one that rolled over and knocked against the side of Tamaki’s shoe. He hadn’t noticed them at all for the whole school year, but the moment they tapped him on the arm and said,

“Sorry-can you get that pen for me? It’s near your foot.”

With one of the warmest smiles he’d ever seen, he was smitten. Their voice was tantalizing, sweet and not too loud, and it graced Tamaki’s ears like wedding bells. He didn’t know he was staring until the beauty that was this person waved their hand infront of his face awkwardly.

“...Are you ok?” Their voice was full of worry. Worry for him. Tamaki’s heart swelled with the notion that he was being worried over by someone as...lovely as them.

He nodded shyly, and bent down to swoop up the pen in his hand. Their hand brushed against his when they reached over and grabbed it, and he could still feel his hand tingling even hours after. The person smiled another one of those heart clenching smiles, and looked back down at their paper.

Tamaki couldn’t focus the rest of the period.

——

When the bell dismissing them for lunch rang, and students started getting up from their seats, he once again noticed that person walking past him, talking to their friends. He wished he was part of their friend group. He didn’t know why, but that person just seemed so...cool.

The same pen from earlier bobbed from a hole in their bag’s pocket, and Tamaki cursed himself for staring once more. The pen eventually slipped completely through the small rip in their bag. The pen tumbled onto the ground, and stopped in front of Tamaki.

He picked it up. Should he return it? He looked at the door. No one was there. He was the only person standing in the classroom. Tamaki considered giving it back to them when class ended, but he found himself slowly slipping the pen into his own pocket.

‘It’s a pen’, he thought. ‘Surely they won’t miss it. It’s...it’s a pen.’

He didn’t know why he wanted to keep it so much. It was just that. A pen. He had no use for it-he had tons of other pens that no one asked to borrow because he was too shy to talk to them. It was useless.

But he found himself sitting on his bed hours later, staring blankly at the ceiling while he admired the pen or clicked it once or twice.

It was just a pen...

——

Everyday, when Tamaki would open his pencil pouch, he’d have all these other pens and pencils to choose from, ones that probably wrote way better than that person’s pen, but every single time, his eyes would land on that pen he “found on the ground” and he’d use it.

Fidgeting with the pen after class, he couldn’t help but follow this mysterious pen dropper every single day out to lunch. He wasn’t a stalker, no! He was just...figuring out the right time to return the pen they dropped. The pen they dropped a week ago...

Tamaki saw the familiar mop of (H/c)-colored hair, running past him and to their group of friends that Tamaki just so happened to memorize. He stared at them without shame, until he heard one of them speak.

“Hey, (Y/n). It-it uh, looks like Tamaki-kun wants to talk to you there.” The friend pointed at him, but he only tensed up when their eyes drifted from their friends to him and him alone.

“Oh. Uh, that guy from the big three?”

The person, (Y/n), whispered to their friends. Tamaki’s heart swelled. They knew who he was. He felt a sense of pride. He was important enough to take up space in this beautiful person’s memory. He wanted to be more important, and maybe take up some more space like he never used to want before. He wanted attention when he never used to want attention before.

“...hello?” (Y/n) was in front of him now. They looked straight into Tamaki’s eyes, and Tamaki wanted to look away immediately. He wasn’t ready. He wasn’t sure if he was just nervous like he normally is, or if it was something else. But still...

They smelled so good.

(Y/n) waved their hands in front of Tamaki’s eyes. He blinked, suddenly very aware of how he was lost in his own thoughts. He was about to apologize, and maybe turn to face the wall, until he heard (Y/n’s) lovely, lovely voice.

“You’re really shy, huh? Don’t worry, I can back up if you want me to.”

Their voice was gentle. So gentle, like something fuzzy tickling Tamaki’s nose. It made him want to crawl inside a locker and just breathe. It was heavenly. He wanted nothing more but to just...listen to this person’s kind voice.

“U-u-uh...it’s fi-ine...” Tamaki hated the way his voice was barely audible. It stood nothing against the kind, smooth, god-like voice (Y/n) graced him with. Still, (Y/n) smiled so, so warmly.

“Alright then. Did you need something?”

Oh. That’s right. The pen. He was going to return it. Tamaki began to reach into his pocket, when his hand stopped. He thought about it for a second, then let his hand rest flaccidly inside his pocket, shoving his other one in bashfully aswell.

“I-no...I was just-just staring off into space and I-I guess I was staring in y-y-your direction...”

It was a lie. A terrible one at that. So he didn’t understand why (Y/n) believed him, bid him goodbye with their angelic voice, and let him keep their wonderful pen. He didn’t understand why he didn’t return it either. He needed to...return it. But there was one thing he did know.

That beautiful angel that sat near him in class was named (Y/n).

——

Once you knew someone’s name, it was relatively easy to find out more about them.

For example, Tamaki knew their full name was (L/n) (Y/n), their favorite food was the cafeteria onigiri that lunch rush would package on the go, but specifically if it was left alone to sit for a few minutes to marinate, and he even knew the neighborhood where (Y/n) lived, and how long it took (Y/n) to walk from there to school. 14 minutes and 38 seconds not counting the times they go buy a snack from the convenience store. Though, he wished he knew their exact address.

That wasn’t it, however. Tamaki found himself ‘discovering’ more and more of (Y/n’s) items, whether it be a small keychain hanging off their backpack he purposely loosened with his scissors so it would fall off, or the strawberry scented chapstick that was sitting so enticingly on their desk when they left to the bathroom one day, Tamaki had them all. Nothing too important, though. Nothing that he knew (Y/n) would miss. Just pens and their old loose paper assignments that they threw away, mostly.

And it didn’t help that Tamaki stopped sitting with Mirio and Neijre at lunch, just to purposely sit at a lunch table near (Y/n’s) so he could hear their pretty voice once again. Not too close, but close enough to listen. When Mirio asked, Tamaki told him he just wasn’t feeling very well lately.

But that didn’t make him a stalker, right? He wasn’t overstepping any boundaries...he was just...finding the right opportunity to give back the pen he borrowed. Yeah. That’s it. The pen he borrowed that he actually didn’t borrow. He figured they’d want it back, even though he had countless other little trinkets in his possession, that once belonged to them.

No, no he wasn’t a stalker. He was trying to be a good person and return their pen.

——

Ok, maybe it was a bit of an obsession.

Most of his camera roll was filled with (Y/n). Pictures from their social media that Tamaki cropped so he could only see them (and not their stupid friends), pictures he nervously snuck during class or lunch, and even the occasional picture he took ‘passing by’ when (Y/n) was walking home.

He cherished all of them, even printing some out and building a small shrine with the items he stole. He didn’t want his parents to see, so he made sure it was in a box he could hide in his closet.

Once again, (Y/n) walked home from school like always. They took their normal route, as always. But this time, they walked alone. Tamaki was planning to sneak some more pictures—nothing too indecent because even he has some boundaries—but this time (Y/n) was alone.

‘Ah...!’ Tamaki shuffled through his bag, pulling out the small pencil pouch he bought purely filled with stuff ‘borrowed’ from (Y/n). He fished out the pen he’d been planning to return for a month now, and looked back at (Y/n). ‘Nows the perfect time...’

...But he wanted to keep the pen. It was his favorite pen. Even though he had countless other pens ‘borrowed’ from (Y/n), he couldn’t help but feel attached to this one. So he fished out another random pen from the pouch of (Y/n’s) things, before stopping again.

He didn’t wanna give up these either.

Instead, he zipped up the ‘(Y/n)’ pouch, grabbed his normal pencil pouch, and brought out one of his normal pens. It looked similar to one of the countless pens he took from (Y/n), so he supposed it would suffice. Wasn’t he such a nice person? Giving them a pen?

His poor heart started pumping when he jogged up to (Y/n). Some part of him wanted to just...keeping watching (Y/n) from a distance, but he knew he wanted more for a while now. He wanted to...talk to (Y/n). He wanted (Y/n) to talk to him. He wanted to crawl inside (Y/n’s) body and just be (Y/n).

“E-e-excuse me...?” Tamaki’s voice went dry as he touched (Y/n’s) shoulder. He wasn’t worthy of touching (Y/n’s) shoulder, yet like the horrible person he is, he did. He dirtied the perfect shoulder (Y/n) had. How disgusting of him.

“Yes?”

Tamaki fumbled and held up his pen. “You uh-you dropped this in class earlier...”

“...you sure? I mean,” (Y/n) took the pen, and their warm hand brushed against Tamaki’s fingers so gracefully. It sent shivers down his spine, and he wanted nothing more than to just collapse into (Y/n) and breathe in. “I’m pretty sure I wasn’t using a pen today. But this looks like the brand I buy.”

“U-uh!” Tamaki broke into a cold sweat. “I saw it...drop...out of your bag.”

“Oh.” (Y/n) look at their bag, and at the small hole that was in its side pocket. “There’s a hole..that makes sense. Uh, thanks for returning my pen.”

(Y/n) smiled. Tamaki felt like he was going to die. He didn’t deserve someone so kind and beautiful and caring. Granted, no one did. Not even him.

“Are walking in this direction?” (Y/n) gestured ahead. Tamaki nodded, even though he knew very well his house was blocks away in the opposite direction. He soon found himself walking next to (Y/n) in silence.

He had (Y/n’s) attention. (Y/n) was walking next to him. It’s almost like they were dating already. That’s what lovers do, right? Walk next to eachother?

He wanted nothing more but to just breathe in the scent of (Y/n’s) hair. He wanted to worship (Y/n’s) fingers, he craved the bones in their body, he wanted to praise every single nerve and atom that belonged to (Y/n). He wanted (Y/n) so bad.

He was brought out of his trance when (Y/n) stopped at a crossroads. “My house is this way,” they said.

Tamaki shot back with a “Me too-!” Almost robotically. He wanted to see (Y/n’s) house...and maybe memorize their address. Not in a creepy way, though.

“Well...this is my house, I didn’t know you lived so near to me.”

“Y-yeah.” Tamaki watched as (Y/n) bid him farewell, with an angelic ‘thank you’, and walked off towards their house. Tamaki silently memorized his surroundings, every small flower and potted plant that belonged to the angel that was (Y/n), and finally wrote down (Y/n’s) address with their pen on his hand.

He didn’t know what he would do with this info, if he was honest. But just having it made him feel high.

——

Tamaki was going to do it.

Today was the day he would return the pen.

He thought about it for a while. He loved the pen, he never parted with it, but he needed an excuse to find a way to get closer to (Y/n). He’d say they dropped it out of their bag again and maybe offer to go out for ramen or something. He’d just leave out the part that (Y/n) dropped the pen more than 2 months ago.

Tamaki walked around the U.A. campus with the pen in his hand. He ran his fingers through the barrel of the pen. (Y/n) was no where to be found. They weren’t sitting with their friends like they normally did during lunch, so where could they be?

Tamaki was about to round a corner, when he heard voices talking from the other side. He stopped, about to turn on his heel and leave, when he heard angelic bells ringing. (Y/n’s) lovely voice talking to...whoever they were talking to.

“I-I like you, Hatsumada-kun!”

Tamaki went rigid against the wall. He loved hearing (Y/n’s) lovely voice 24/7, even recoding candid audios of (Y/n) answering questions in class or talking to their friends to listen to while he went to bed, so this was the first time he wished (Y/n) hadn’t said anything.

He was waiting for this Hatsumada guy to speak. Maybe he’d try to catch a glimpse of his face so he could—what was he saying? Intrusive thoughts began to flood his mind. He wanted to punch Hatsumada. He wanted to beat him up. He wanted to murder him.

“...I’m sorry, (L/n)-san. I don’t really see you that way.”

For some reason, Tamaki was even more angry than he would’ve been if Hatsumada had accepted their confession. He pursed his lips, and walked away as quickly as he could. His poor (Y/n), their feelings must be so hurt. How could he?

Tamaki long forgot the pen sitting in his hand, waiting to be returned to its rightful owner.

——

After the third tree came toppling down, Tamaki was beginning to think he’d get charged for property damage.

I mean, it was school property, and it was in the training grounds. Angrily whipping his tentacles around or bucking at trees with horse feet could qualify as ‘training’.

Tamaki was left huffing, glaring down angrily at the fallen, mangled tree. He’d never felt so angry before. He was usually a submissive, “avoid conflict-y”person, and he didn’t get angry much, but he felt so angry he could die.

His poor (Y/n). Having to get rejected by scum like that. But even if that pig had said ‘Yes’, he’d be equally as angry. His beloved (Y/n) didn’t deserve someone as undeserving as him. No one did. No one deserved (Y/n), not even himself.

Momentarily turning his tentacles back into his regular limbs, Tamaki sighed and curled up next to the fallen tree trunk. His hands were bloodied up, his knuckles peeling from when he started punching and slashing at tree before he decided to use his quirk. It was probably the first time he’d been so angry.

Tamaki leaned back against the trunk, laying down on the uncomfortable wood. What was happening to him? He felt so mad he could die. He couldn’t believe he was imagining trees as Hatsumada, as he brutally destroyed them one by one. That wasn’t the actions of a hero...

Rustling from two tall bushes caused Tamaki to shoot up, his tentacles shooting out from his back, and probably ripping his shirt up. He stood alert, his wide eyes searching sporadically through his dark bangs. Finally, a man, whom Tamaki was pretty sure wasn’t a teacher, appeared from the bushes, holding a cane and his free arm up.

“I come in peace, Tamaki Amajiki-san.”

The man had a stylish top hat on, and his face was masked with a flat, white mask with black trim. He had a long coat on, and dark gloves that made him look like a magician.

“W-who are you? This is private property-!”

The man kept walking towards Tamaki. “Are you angry, Tamaki-kun?”

“I-of course I’m mad! You’re trespassing, so I suggest you leave before I call-“

“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about that boy. The one talking to that person you fancied.”

Tamaki went silent. He let his tentacles falter from their alert position, before suspiciously bringing them back up. “H-h-how do you know that! You stalker!”

“Frankly you’re one to call me a stalker.”

Tamaki broke into a cold sweat. He raised his fists defensively. “I-I’m not a-I’m not-“

“But you are, aren’t you? It’s fun to watch the people you love, isn’t it?” A girl grabbed Tamaki from behind by the shoulders, making him flinch as she smiled widely. “I love it too-I love it so much I want to see the person I love all covered in blood...”

The girl unhanded Tamaki, and stepping in front of him and standing next to the taller, poised man. “But they don’t understand our kind of love, do they? The heroes. They think the way I love people is wrong, and they would think the same for you...”

Tamaki pursed his lips. This was manipulation. They were trying to get into his head somehow, trying to appeal to him, trying to convince him that he was just like the scum they were...

...and it was working.

Tamaki said nothing, though his tightly clenched fists and hinged jaw told a different story. He loved (Y/n). He loved (Y/n) so much it made him crazy. He loved (Y/n) so much it made him want to murder Hatsumada. Simple as that. He was trying to convince himself he didn’t, but the sight of him all bloodied up and misshapen by Tamaki’s bare hands made him shiver.

“Y’know, people will call you a stalker for sure if they saw this.” The man was holding up Tamaki’s school bag, more importantly the scrapbook pasted with printed out photos and pressed objects of (Y/n) littered inside. The man flipped through the pages with care. “I, however, think it’s lovely that you admire someone so much you’d make a whole book dedicated to them. How romantic.”

He found himself agreeing. It was, wasn’t it? He cared so, so much, so how could it be weird or creepy or stalkerish? Tamaki shook his head, shaking the intrusive thoughts from his mind. “N-no! Put that back! Why are you here?!”

“We want to make a deal with you.”

“Me?” Tamaki snarled, backed up against a tree. He hardened his exterior in hope of masking his utter curiosity, especially after their understanding of his feelings for (Y/n). They understood.

“You see, learning information about U.A. is difficult when it’s such a prestigious school. But it would definitely be a lot easier if we had an...inside man feeding it to us.”

Tamaki’s eyes widened. “You want me to betray my school?”

“In Laymans terms, yes.”

“Now why would I ever-!”

“Because they don’t understand us. Once they find out you sneak pictures of this person from outside their window while they sleep, they label you a stalker for sure.” The girl held up Tamaki’s scrapbook, displaying hazy printed photos of (Y/n) through their bedroom window. “But us? We don’t judge. We understand. You just want to admire them, and love them the way you do and not be judged. I want that too.”

The man chimed in. “Your school is a judgmental, horrible place. So help us fix it, and join the LoV.”

Tamaki looked down at his feet. He continued. “You don’t need to join us physically. You may still attend U.A., and we will contact you occasionally, when we need information. And surely we will spare you from harm if we decide to attack, as well your little crush.”

Tamaki couldn’t believe he was actually considering it. Well, he also couldn’t believe how angry he got seeing someone being confessed to, or how obsessive his feelings for (Y/n) became. It was all new to him.

...So what was one thing more?

“I’ll do it. I’ll do it on one condition.”

His decision was based purely on feelings. Nothing of what he was saying was logical. It wasn’t morally correct. Still...

The man and the girl both smiled, looked at each other, and nodded. They turned back to Tamaki, giving him a look to go on.

“If I...when I decide to do something...a-and it makes a mess, or I need covering up in any way, promise you’ll clean up for me. Evidence and all.”

Was he really going to do this?

“Whatever you need, Tamaki-kun.”

He was.

The man tipped his hat, and the girl placed the book back in Tamaki’s hands. “We’ll be in touch. If you do anything heinous, we’ll be there to help aswell. Anything for our new traitor.”

Tamaki felt sick to his stomach.

“...y-you guys are crazy.”

“And you’re a lovesick stalker.”

“...I know.”

Tamaki watched as the two disappeared behind the brush. His knees buckled, as he sat back against the disfigured tree truck, and reached into his bag. He cradled his scrapbook as he fished out (Y/n’s) pen that he loved so much, and stroked it scantily. He huddled in on himself, pressing the pen to his cheek.

Soon.

Soon he’d return (Y/n’s) pen. Right after he murdered Hatsumada.

——————

If y’all didn’t know the man and the girl was mr compress and toga

-Mr. Mizunetzu