#these perks ae

[azuries]

short 2d sequence i did for my final uni film that i felt like sharing! was heavily inspired by genshin impact's semi animated cutscenes

still images below:

[jessmalia]

JO AND MAL AES IN TV AND FILM: 21/? The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

[guiltyidealist]

Obscure made it and I didn't even have to cheat save and reload! Here's my weird son, plus Birch couch and dogg

[take-ya-to-the-ghey-bar]

Hate the fact that i wanna do things, but i’m trying to fight against feeling tired at the same time--

[minminyoonjii]

I need birthday triplets Felix Han and reader where the other members worship the three. I’ve seen so many stories where the reader has their brithday and gets all the praise and worshipping, but I know many (me included) who share their birthday with a member

I can’t stop thinking about it 🥹

❤️Ultimate Masterlist

💜Rules and Guidelines

🕯Summary: Birthday Babies deserve a thorough pounding, including you. There's no escape once you're in.

🌹CW

Handjob|Squirting|Multiple Orgasms|Very Rough Sex|Praise Kink|Wet & Messy|Spitroasting|Dirty Talk|Threesome|Cum Eating|Cum Play|Facials|Untouched Orgasms|Blowjob|Face Fucking|Double Penetration|Orgy|Spanking|Scratching|Mating Press |Coaxing|Teasing|Dom! OT6|Degrading Praise Kink|Free Use Aes|Manhandling|Exhibitionism|Everyone Likes It Rough|Aftercare

💌 This is a work of fiction, I by all means don't force ship anyone. They have the right to love whomever they want.

🍄Wordcount: 1.3K

"Lixxie, did you get any messages from the boys?" you asked, nibbling on your bottom lip. He shook his head, "None, it's like radio silence," he murmured, hooking his leg over your waist. You moved your head, "Sungie, what about you?" you asked, rubbing his cheeks. Jisung gulped, shaking his head, "Nothing from my side either," he said, sulking against your palm. 

All three of you felt your hearts sink, "You don't think they forgot about us right?" you whispered, sighing deeply. Felix clicked his tongue, "No way, Stays have been boasting about it since September began. There's no way right?" he whispered, trying to find hope in your eyes when a soft hic came from Jisung. "What if they actually did?" he cried, tears spilling down his cheeks. 

You teared up too, empathy running high, "If you cry I'll cry," you sobbed, burrowing into his chest. Felix's lips wobbled, "You can't have a cry session without me," he hiccuped, clinging close, crying against your neck. Your cries were far from quiet. It was deliberately loud for attention. The boys swung open the door, seeing the three of you bundled together with tears streaming down your puffy cheeks. 

Chan brushed back your hair, "What's wrong, bubs? What's got you so upset?" He asked, giving a give big hug. Felix sniffled, "Not one of you wished us happy birthday," he sulked, squinting at them with his tear brimmed eyes. Seungmin frowned, "We didn't mean to make you feel neglected. It's just that we got distracted by work," he explained, rubbing Felix's nape. Jisung furrowed his eyebrows, "What work? We're off for today," he asked, looking at him. 

Minho stepped in, "Since you three decided to have a cuddle day, we prepared a little something," he said, pinching Jisung's cheek. You perked up, "What is it?" You asked, excitement buzzing through your body. Changbin chuckled, "Why don't you come find out?" he asked, easily carrying Felix in his arms. Chan carried Jisung and Minho carried you, "I swear to God, we leave you alone for a bit and it's suddenly a sob fest," Minho teased, bopping your nose. 

You giggled, nuzzling his shoulder. They walked into the kitchen, the dining table filled with your favorite dishes and cake. "Woah!" Felix exclaimed, seeing everything. The group placed you in your seats, "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to our Sunshines. Happy Birthday to you," they sang, taking a video of your reactions. 

You beamed, nuzzling your partners, "Thank you," you said, blowing the candles with Jilix. Hyunjin smirked, standing behind the three of you, "Now to make your wishes come through," he teased, locking collars around your necks. You gulped, staring at the hungry gazes watching your every move. You held Jisung and Felix's hand, "We're fucked," you murmured. Jisung nodded, "Totally fucked," he answered.

"Too big, hah hhgh," Felix moaned, clawing Minho's chest. Minho chuckled, keeping his relentless pace, "But you love my big girthy cock," he teased, thrusting his cock deeper past Felix's puffy rim. Felix groaned, tossing his head back as Minho’s throbbing cock head brushed against his prostate, "There, hyung. There," he babbled, digging his nails into Minho's shoulders. 

Minho hooked his arms under Felix's thighs, "Shh, shh. I know," he  growled, pounding his cock at those sensitive bundles of nerves. Felix's back arched, his cock dribbling precum all over his torso, "Hah, fuck, fuck. I'm cumming, hyung," he sobbed, crying out from the constant pleasure buzzing through his body. "Cum for hyung, baby boy. Let hyung see your pretty cock get messy," Minho grunted, pumping Felix's cock in tandem with his thrusts. 

His fingers rubbed the sensitive tissue under Felix's hard red cockhead. Felix released a loud broken moan, cumming hard onto his chest. Streaks of white painted his pale skin. His jaw slacked with drool drying by the sides. Minho cooed, keeping the tip of his cock pressed against Felix's swollen prostate, "Take a breather, baby. Let's hear the others scream," he chuckled, hearing Jisung whine out behind him. 

Seungmin gripped Jisung's hair, his cock buried deep down his throat, "Your throat was just meant for cock, prince," he chuckled, thrusting his hips at a languid pace. Jeongin hissed, his cock clenched hard within Jisung's tight ribbed walls, "Keep praising, he loves it," he groaned, spanking Jisung's plump ass. Seungmin smirked, hearing Jisung gag around his cockhead, "You're doing so well, pretty boy. Warm tight mouth feeling so good around me," he cooed, stroking Jisung's cheek. 

Jeongin picked up his pace, thrusting at a merciless pace. Drawing muffled whines and whimpers from Jisung. "Fuck sake. I don't think I can hold it if you're mmh gonna keep, hah doing that," he growled, thrusting his cock in tandem with Jeongin's pace. "Cumming, fuck, fuck," Jeongin cried out, pumping his hot searing load up Jisung's tight hole. Seungmin hissed, ejaculating down Jisungs throat soon after, "Good job, you did so good," he rasped, stroking Jisung's hard. 

Hyunjin chuckled, "Poor baby, came untouched twice. His poor leaky cock looks spent," he teased, tugging on Jisung's  veiny cock. Jeongin whimpered when Jisung clenched hard around his shaft, "Shit, shit, shit. Hyung!" He exclaimed, swatting at Hyunjin. "Sorry, sorry," Hyunjin cooed, kissing Jisungs forehead. Drool dripped down your lips, your mind hazy and clouded by pleasure overwhelming your senses. 

Chan easily manhandled your body up and down his and Changbin's cock. Your cunt was stuffed to brim with Changbin's girthy wide cock. Chan's cock buried deep up your ass, your holes puffy and swollen from their constant deep thrusts. You stared up at Hyunjin with a dazed look, orgasm after orgasm pulled from your pliant body. "Such a creamy hole, your puffy cunt is just leaking with cum isn't it?" he asked, swiping the ring of cum by the base of Changbin's cock and tasted it. 

Chan groaned, "Go give Lixie some attention, he's been hard since Minho allowed him to rest," he grunted, rubbing your swollen clit from the back. Changbin latched on your nipples, his teeth and tongue stimulating your body to the brink. "Hah, huh, hhgh, hah," you slurred, barely coherent with your words. Hyunjin held your jaw, kissing you softly, "Sweet," he whispered, sucking  on your tongue. Your eyes rolled back, quivering around their cocks as your orgasm squirted onto Changbin's lap. 

Changbin growled, pumping a heavy load up your womb, coating every part white, "Shit, angel. You took me off guard," he chuckled, kissing your jaw. Hyunjin pulled away, "Don't make her pass out," he teased, walking towards Felix. "How's my little boy?" He asked, stroking Felix's leaking cock. Felix bucked his hips, craving the friction, "Feel good, Hyunnie," he slurred, moaning quietly at the pleasing pleasure. 

Hyunjin smiled, aligning his cock with Felix's, "Rest, I'll take care of you," he reassured, pumping his wrist around their cocks. His hand easily held them in between. "Hah, hah, hhgh,”  Felix whined,  clawing the couch below as he obediently took the pleasure Hyunjin gave. Hyunjin groaned, rubbing their slits with his other hand, "Mmh, feels good doesn't it, hah, ah, fuck," he grunted, stroking their cocks at a needy pace. 

Felix whimpered, "Cumming, cumming!" he cried, painting his torso white once more, his cum hitting his chin. Hyunjin growled at the sight, ejaculating hard onto Felix's face. Felix moaned at the warm facial, darting his tongue out to taste. Hyunjin  felt his cock twitch, "Fuck, baby. You're so perfect," he said in awe, kissing Felix's nose.

"Aww, look at them," Chan cooed, tucking the three of you in warm cosy blankets. Minho chuckled, "They look too innocent. It's dangerous," he teased, putting a plush in each of your arms. You whined and squinted at them with tired eyes. Seungmin stroked your hair, "Go back to sleep," he whispered, humming a soft lullaby. It didn't take long for the three of you to melt into the mattress with smiles on your face.

[pandorxxx]

In Tune…

Neteyam (20) x avatar fem reader (19)

(Shout out to @st-cass for the title🫶🏽)

Warnings: SMUT THE HOUSE, light cursing, p in v, pinning, oral (69), praise kink, spitting, creampie.

🔞Minors, do not interact🔞

It had been about 6 months since you first came to pandora. You were getting along well with the scientists, and even getting close to some Navi. One of them including Neteyam. You two were almost inseparable, always hanging around eachother in your free time. If he wasn’t showing you the forest, and teaching you about his culture, you were teaching him about your home. He grew very fond of learning more about earth, and where you came from.

The one thing he enjoyed the most, was the music. Of course there was music played at special ceremonies, and celebrations in the Navi culture, but not nearly as broad as earth’s catalog.

Today, you two were in your room that was situated in the lab, listening to your playlist on the Bluetooth speakers you attached to the wall. You laid across your bed, nodding your head to the music, and Neteyam sat in your desk chair, wheeling back and forth.

“I like this one, what is it called?” He asked, sitting back in the chair. “Lost by frank ocean. I didn’t think you would like this one that much.” You chuckled, turning your head to him.

“I like the umm…” he snapped his fingers with closed eyes, trying to remember the words you taught him to describe music.

“me-lo-dy? I like the MELODY!” He spat, shaking his head as he chuckled to himself. You laughed out loud as your tail tapped the bed from amusement.

“Haha! Good job!” you shouted, sitting up on your bed. “To get the best vibes, i do this.” You spoke before grabbing your led light remote, Turning them on. Neteyams eyes lit up, looking around at the room.

“Aes- Aesthe-tics, right?” He asked, amazed at the change in scenery. You nodded your head, flickering between the lights. You finally set your mind on red.

“Yup!” you chuckled. The aura was immediately ripped away as you heard the beginning beat of the nastiest song you had in your play list.

“I gotta lot of cash.

I don’t mind spendin it.

Yeah…”

“Oh shit.”

Horror swept across your face, as you scrambled to get over to the phone on the desk behind Neteyam. He stopped you, placing his hand on your stomach.

“Wait, I like this one. The beat is nice, no?” He asked, looking up at you with the most innocent smile. Wiz Khalifa’s part was almost over, and you were completely mortified at the mere thought of The Weeknd’s part starting.

“I haaate this song, I forgot to delete it.” You laughed nervously, reaching over him to grab your phone. He stood to his full height, grabbing the phone before holding it over his head. You were practically climbing on him, trying to save yourself the embarrassment.

“What’s wrong with you?” He chuckled.

“Why are you being so wei-“ he was cut off by The Weeknd, singing his infamous part of this song.

“Do you like the way I flick my tongue or nah?

You can ride my face until you’re dripping cum.”

His ears perked up, and his eyes widened. You let him go, stepping back before face palming. You were horrified, and his reaction made it worse. It was clear that he got every word. His attention shifted to the phone, then back at you.

“Before you say anything. I tried to cut it off.” You spoke softly, holding your hands up in surrender. He looked at you with so much confusion, tracing your small stature with his eyes.

“Is this something you want?” He asked, tilting his head. Your stomach dropped, the embarrassment washing over you.

“I-umm, what are you talking about?” You smiled nervously, shaking your head “no” as a way to let him know that this was just a big misunderstanding.

“You said that you listened to music that expressed your true feelings, right?” He asked, placing your phone on the desk behind him, still keeping eye contact with you. You gulped loudly, scanning the room nervously.

“Well, yeah to a certain ext-” he cut you off, taking his belt off, laying it across the desk next to your phone.

“And what extent is this?” He challenged with a slight smirk, crossing his arms as he undressed you with his eyes. You were completely, and utterly speechless. You couldn’t form one completely thought. Beads of sweat started forming on your forehead, and your hands became clammy. Your heart was beating so hard that you were almost sure he could see it from where he was standing.

“Can you lick the tip and throat that dick or nah?

Can you let me stretch that pussy out or nah?”

It was a lot of awkward silence as the song rang through your room, and the red led’s just put the icing on the cake.

“Well, can I?” He asked, taking off his neck piece. “c-can you what?” You asked, wiping your sweaty forehead.

“Can I stretch you out?” He licked his bottom lip, staring directly at your loincloth before trailing his gaze back up to yours. You let out a nervous chuckle, backing away from him.

“I-it’s just a song Neteyam.” You said in a shaky voice, scanning his lustful demeanor. He started walking closer to you, as you took the same amount of steps back, running into the wall.

He aggressively slapped his hand on the wall behind your head, making you gasp. He bent down to your ear, pulling you into him by your waist.

“Is you really bout your money or nah?

Can you really take dick or nah?

Can I bring another bitch or nah?

Is you with the shits or nah?”

“You think you can take me?” He whispered in his melodic tone, attacking your neck with wet kisses. You let out a soft moan, holding his huge arm in yours. He picked you up by your thighs, throwing you on the bed.

He stood in between your legs, untying his loincloth as you traced your hand down his flexed abs. His hard cock sprung out, hitting the palm of your hand.

“Can you take this?” He asked throwing his loincloth into the corner of the room. “Maybe.” you spat, looking into his dark eyes.

“Wrong answer.” He growled laying on the bed next to you before pulling you onto him backwards. “Neteyam, what are you doing?” You panted, feeling your loincloth being teared in two.

“I’m listening to the song.” He muttered before French kissing your cunt, flicking your clit with his warm tongue.

“Shittt!” You squealed, gripping his thighs to keep you up right. You looked down to be met with his hard cock, desperate for attention. You were practically foaming at the mouth, so ready to taste him as the song filled your head with filthy thoughts.

You palmed his cock, hungrily attaching your mouth to his length. He groaned into your cunt, sending vibrations through your entire body.

Your eyes rolled back briefly, as you engulfed his entire cock. You gagged loudly, bobbing your head up and down on him slowly. In turn, Neteyam spread your cheeks wider, sucking on your clit gently.

“You like that, baby?” he whispered into your cunt, smacking your ass. “Mhmmm!” you hummed on him, using your hand to stroke his length as you twirled your tongue around his tip.

“Mmm, s-so good at this!” He moaned, flicking his tongue at a fast pace. You lifted your head alittle, moaning out loud. He continued, pushing you down further onto his face.

“Cum for me, just like the song says!” He growled, completely devouring you. You detached from him briefly, spit falling from your chin as your mouth flew opened.

“Ohhh neteyammm!” You whined loudly, bouncing on his tongue. He held his tongue out, letting you go to work. The knot in your stomach was tightening, warning you that your orgasm was approaching quickly.

You spit on his cock, jerking him off as you moaned loudly at the friction of his tongue slapping against your sensitive clit.

“I-im gonna cum!” You whimpered, speeding up your pace on both his cock, and his tongue.

“Mhmm, I wanna taste you.” He muttered, grabbing your ass, flicking his tongue at the speed of light. Your legs started shaking uncontrollably as your eyes rolled back.

“Baby, I’m fucking cumming!” You screamed, throwing your head back in pure bliss. Your juices flowed direction down his throat, as he guzzled them. You rocked back and forth on his face gently, riding out your high.

You got off of him lazily, legs still shaking from your orgasm. “Oh don’t get tired on me, I’m not done with you yet.” He grinned, picking you up off of the bed. He walked you over to your desk, swiping everything off of it aggressively before placing you on it.

“You want me to fuck you right here? Isn’t that what he said?” He whispered in your ear, feeling you up with his large hands. You grabbed his face, kissing his lips greedily. “Mhmm!” You hummed against his soft lips. He parted your legs slightly, pressing his hard cock against your entrance before sliding in slowly.

Your back arched immediately, pressing your breasts against his chest. “So fucking big!” You muttered with a clenched jaw, looking into his eyes. “Mhmm I know.” He whispered, locking eyes with you. He lifted your leg alittle, giving him more access to thrust into you slowly.

He leaned in to kiss you, sliding his tongue inside of your mouth. You sucked on it before twirling your tongue around his. You bit his lip, bending it back before letting it go. He deemed this the perfect time to speed up the pace, massaging your sweet-spot with every thrust.

“YES! *thrust* YES! *thrust* YES! *thrust*” you whined, voice going up an octave with every thrust.

“Feels good, yes?” He moaned with his mouth parted slightly, watching your face ball up in pleasure. “Ohhhh, you’re fucking me so-sooo good!” You cried throwing your head back. He grabbed your exposed neck, using it as leverage to thrust into you hard and deep.

“Open your mouth.” He commanded, and you obliged, sticking your tongue out. He let his spit slowly fall into your mouth as he rutted into you. You swallowed hungrily, licking your lips before locking eyes with him. The song filled your ears, along with skin clapping and loud moaning.

“Keep saying you a freak,

you gon’ prove it or nah?

His bitch keep lookin at me

she choosin or nah?”

“I’m stretching this tight little pussy just right, aren’t I?” He asked in his melodic tone before taking his bottom lip in between his teeth. You nodded, taking in his appearance; the way his braids fell on either sides of his face, the sweat dripping off of his face down into your lap, the way his muscle definition sharpened under the red lights. He was sending you over the edge.

“N-Neteyam I-I’m-” you stuttered, Neteyam cutting you off by rolling his hips into yours, massaging your sweet spot with his swollen tip.

All you could do was scream, wrapping your arms around his neck to bring him in closer. He felt you clenching around him, signaling that your orgasm was coming, and he wasn’t far behind.

“You’re gonna make me cum!” You screamed, hiding your face in the crook of his neck. He held your legs up slightly, by the bend of your knee’s. He sped up, and you could feel every vein on his cock, massaging your sweet walls. And with that, you squirted hard, convulsing and moaning loudly.

“Yeah, just like that baby. I’m right behind you.” He chuckled, watching you fall apart before pulling you back, kissing your lips.

Don’t play with a boss, girl take it off.

Take it for a real one, you gon’ get it all.

He pulled away from the kiss, taking you off of the table before turning you around, bending you back over the table. He slammed into you, holding you down by the back of your neck.

“Ohhh my God, Neteyammmm!” you whined gripping the sides of the table as he thrusted into you fast, searching for his orgasm.

“I’m almost done baby, you’re taking me like a good girl!” He grunted, bending down to leave wet kisses on your spine. You could feel him brushing against your tender sweetspot, sending you into a frenzy.

You started throwing it back on him, trying to chase your orgasm for the third time tonight. “Mhmmm, taking this dick so well.” He growled slapping your ass. You bit your lip, looking back at him.

“I-I’m cummingggg!” You whined, locking eyes with him. Your mouth flew opened as you started shaking again, screaming his name as you squirted all over him.

“Keep looking at me just like that. I’m gonna cum so deep inside of you!” He moaned, bending down to engage in a passionate kiss. Before he knew it, he was moaning into the kiss, painting your sweet walls with his seed. He thrusted into you slowly, riding out his high.

“Gon’ and make that ass clap”

“Gon’ and make that ass clap”

He slapped your ass again, pulling out slowly, watching his cum drip out of you. “Mmm we should do this more often.” He chuckled, rubbing your back. You nodded, still laying on the table.

The song finally turned off, immediately going to the next one:

“ Freak me baby (x4)

Baby let’s get naked,

just so we can make sweet love.”

Your ears perked up, and your eyes widened. “Damn, another one?” He asked. “I could do this all fucking night!” He growled, slapping your ass again before positioning himself behind you, sliding into you slowly.

What did you get yourself into…

This made me feel some thannngsss. Y’all know I had to add sweet love in there somewhere LMFAOOO. Ugh I hate to admit it, but y’all were right about the song choice or whatevaaa😒. As always, love y’all to death, and I’ll talk to y’all later.

Outtie❤️🖖🏾,

Pandorxx

Taglist: @number1gal @loak-bae @tiredmamaissy @neytirishottie @viajaeger @terrorthewolf @lethargicluv @reyzzsostellar @pullandhug @ameliestsblog @m0nst3rfk3r @agelsully @jakescumdump @wekiamo @st-cass @cleardonutangelwagon @tsireqas @satanlovedays @afro-hispwriter @thecutieyahia @urfavgirlmakenna @fanboyluvr @iameatingmyhair @lovedbychoi @neteyamlover1213

[nova-moonlight]

𝘋𝘰𝘩𝘸𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘹 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦r

Blending into the background is an art form I’ve perfected. While some people seem to thrive on drama, I’ve learned that a quiet, unnoticed existence suits me just fine. In a world where everyone craves the spotlight, I find solace in being the invisible observer.

The classroom buzzed with the usual gossip. “That girl has no self-respect,” one voice sneered. “How can she forget—” Another started, but I’d heard enough. I slid my earbuds in, trying to shut out the whispers, but snippets of their conversation still sliced through. “Behavior… something… small.” It was relentless.

I let my head rest on my desk, eyes partially open, watching Su-ae from the corner of my vision. Honestly, I had to agree with the whispers. How could she stay with Minu, who was more like a distant shadow than a caring boyfriend?

Just as I was drifting into my own thoughts, a commotion nearby drew my attention. Eunhyuk, with his usual air of confidence, was gripping another student’s arm. What was going on? I didn’t care enough to investigate further and settled back into my pretense of sleep.

Being a ghost at school has its perks. I get to watch everyone without ever getting involved. It’s a peaceful existence that I’ve grown to appreciate. At home, though, it’s a different story. My family sees me, sometimes more than I’d like.

I have older twin brothers, Jin-ho and Jin-woo. They’re fiercely protective, though sometimes their way of showing it can be a bit rough. They’ll back me up if I’m in trouble but won’t hesitate to tease me if I step out of line. Despite their tough love, I cherish them deeply.

Our family setup is unconventional. My mom is a high-powered lawyer who brings in the bulk of the money, while my dad is the stay-at-home parent. We’re comfortably off but not rolling in riches, which is why I sought out my own job.

That’s how I ended up working at a nearby convenience store. I slip into my uniform, don my glasses—my trusty disguise—and become just another employee. No one here knows me as the quiet girl from school or the youngest child at home; I’m just me.

Early March

The convenience store is my sanctuary. I slipped into my uniform, feeling the familiar comfort of anonymity. The name tag is the only thing that marks me out here.

“Hey, can you stock the shelves?” my manager called out.

“On it,” I said, grabbing a box and heading to the aisles. Stocking shelves is a calming ritual, a contrast to the noise of my thoughts.

As I worked, a familiar face appeared in the store—Eunhyuk. It was odd to see him here; he didn’t seem like the type to frequent convenience stores. Ra-im was with him, browsing the drinks. I didn’t expect to run into either of them.

“Hey,” Eunhyuk said, catching me off guard. “You work here?”

“Yeah,” I replied, trying to keep my cool. “Looking for something?”

He shook his head. “Just grabbing a snack. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Small world,” I muttered, turning back to my task. Eunhyuk lingered for a moment, his presence a curious anomaly in my otherwise mundane routine.

“You’re pretty quiet at school,” he remarked.

“Not much to say,” I replied. Why was he even talking to me?

He shrugged. “Fair enough. See you around.”

As he walked away, I couldn’t shake the flicker of curiosity. Eunhyuk is one of those students everyone knows about but doesn’t really interact with unless circumstances align. We’ve shared passing glances and distant nods, but our worlds never really intersected beyond these brief moments. I’m aware of his presence and his reputation, but our connection remains superficial, marked only by our occasional, minimal interactions.

I finished my shift, the encounter long gone from my mind. Home was a familiar chaos. My brothers greeted me with their usual mix of banter and affection.

“Hey, loser,” Jin-ho called out.

“Shut up,” I shot back, grinning despite myself. This was our way of showing we cared.

“Mom’s working late,” Jin-woo said. “Dad’s making dinner.”

“Great,” I replied, heading to the kitchen. My dad’s cooking was always a highlight of the day.

Sitting down for dinner, I felt a rare sense of contentment. Despite the complexities of life, I had a family that cared, a job that provided me with peace, and a quiet existence that was uniquely mine.

[heliswife]

BIG BAD WOLF FT. SHINONOME AKITO

☆author's note - happy halloween everyone! hope you enjoy this special fic, and thank you to everyone who sent a request for my halloween event!☆

Your poor grandma. You felt so bad blaming her, but in a way, this was all her fault.

It all started when she got sick with a deathly illness. You had to go in the forest and find herbs to make the remedy and cure her. It was the only way you could cure her, the only way she would be healthy again.

"I finally found it!" You exclaimed quietly to yourself in the deep forest. You had been wandering the forest for the stars know how long, and the herb your grandmother needed to heal was finally in your grasp. It was too easy.

Almost too easy.

The crunching sound of the forest floor foliage grew louder and louder as you felt someone, something approach you.

"W-Who's there?" You asked, turning behind you in a protective stance. But there was nobody. Was it just your imagination?

You turned back to go pick more herbs, only to be attacked by someone behind you.

Their muscular arms held you in a chokehold and you could feel them breathing down your neck. "You never asked for permission, did you?" The male voice asked.

You clawed at their forearm, trying to escape from the chokehold, but it was no use. "Why... why would I need permission?"

"Because," The man tightened his grip on you, "This is my forest. If you want something, you're gonna have to ask me." He let you fall to the floor with a thump, allowing you to get a closer look at his features.

Olive green eyes, orange hair with a yellow streak, fangs, a fluffy tail, and orange ears that perked out of his hair. A wolf hybrid.

"H-Hey, I don't know who you ae, but please," You hoped the man couldn't hear the slight quiver in your voice, "My grandmother is dying. I need these herbs."

The wolf hybrid crouched down, face millimeters away from yours. "Your grandma isn't my problem, isn't she? Here little red, let's have a bet. If you can hide from me for five minutes, I'll let you keep the herbs. If you can't? Well, haha, that's for you to find out. Ready?"

You gulped and meekly nodded.

The wolf smirked. "You have ten seconds to run, got it? Ten..." You immediately dashed off the opposite direction.

"Nine... eight... seven..."

Your heart was thumping in your chest. Where did you come from? You hesitated, trying to find an exit.

"Six... five..."

You bolted through all of the big trees that still felt familiar.

"Four... three... two..."

You were at the same place you started. You were running in circles. You dropped to the floor in disbelief, grabbing at your chest.

"One."

He was fast. He bared his teeth, showing off his fangs. A way of intimidation? "You're too slow, little red."

You couldn't stop the tears that began to fall down your cheeks, wiping it and blowing your nose with your hood that you had discarded.

"Shh, don't cry, baby," The wolf hybrid, still unnamed, brought you in his embrace, "I have another way for you to get these herbs, will you listen to me? Will you listen to wolfie?" It could be because he was whispering so closely to your ear or because his tone was so condescending, but you felt a shiver down your spine.

"What is it..?" You sniffled. At this point, you were desperate. Your grandma meant the world to you, you needed her to live.

"Be mine." He bit your earlobe and the tears started back up again. "What did I tell you? No crying." He wiped a tear from your cheek.

"I don't even know who you are.." You tried pushing him away, but it did nothing. Nothing you did worked.

"My name is Akito. Akito Shinonome," His tone was softer, maybe he was realizing that he needed a different approach to win you over. "You're going to be coming with me, okay?"

You backed up a little, trying to keep your distance from Akito. "I agreed to be yours, at least let me go give this to my grandma."

Akito only walked forward, not letting the space between you and him grow wider. You couldn't back up anymore: he had you backed up against a giant evergreen tree. "I'll make one of my minions do it. You're staying with me, y/n."

Your eyes widened in shock. "What? I can't! I have a family, I have friends who'd miss me!" You cried.

"Gosh, you complain way too fuckin' much, don't you?" Before you could come up with a snarky remark, Akito's lips were on yours. You gasped, only allowing him to go further and push his tongue in the warm crevice of your mouth.

"You taste so good, little red, I could just eat you up~." Akito murmured once he pulled away from your swollen lips, a string of saliva connecting you.

Your stomach dropped, "I-"

Your bottom lip was between Akito's lips, and you could taste the familiar metallic taste of blood. "Dont say anything else, little red. You're stuck with the big bad wolf."

[mochathelion]

hey goopers and gunkers, here is, drumroll please

All of them council quotes from my quotebook (ft markiplier)

"Your blood is worms" -slimecicle

"Eenie meenie miney fuck you" -gillion tidestrider

"This is not the becoming of a prince. This is the becoming of a monster" -shilo bathroy

"I have a lot of opinions, none of them matter" -chip

"You must have confidence in yourself peter. Only then will you slay pussy like you slay gods" -thanatos

"IM GONNA MIGHTY BLOW YOU" -slimecicle

"PRETZEL! JUST A FEW MORE FEET PRETZEL! ITS NOT EVEN A MULTIPLE OF FIVE PRETZELLLL!" -gillion tidestrider

"I've never met God, but when I do I'll break him." -William wisp

"Great rune of the unborn? What is that, like an abortion perk?" -slimecicle

"What if you were like oh let me just check if the floor is real and you kicked it one day and it just disappeared, you'd probably be like of fuck I shouldldnt have done that" -slimecicle

"What do you really want? And just say it so I can fight for it" -gillion tidestrider

"Welp, you know what they say! When life gives you wolves, kill them. Also what? " -slimecicle

"Oh my Lord I smell estrogen" -slimecicles chat

"I'm beans mother fucker" -slmccl

"I'VE MET WAR CRIMINALS MORE DELIGHTFULL THAN YOU" -bizlybebo

"Two Mommy?"-Gillion Tidestrider

"This Jesus guy seems really cool!"-Gillion

"I can't wait to k*ll myself!" -Jay Ferin

"That girl just bit me. and I think I was into it?"-Jay Ferin

"If you zoot one more time im gonna choke you."-Rumi

"…Zoot~"-Peter

"Yippe"-Dakota Cole

"I'm just gonna kms and its gonna be your fault!" -Bizly ooc

"Ahhghduhiejbagci wa"-Kian Stone

"Julian the groomer… has a nice ring to it" -julian

"Its.. sewer ravioli!"-Dakota

"i didn't really think destiny was a thing before i met you, you know everything i had in life was just kinda a shitty hand . i really think it was you that made me feel like we were right where we were supposed to be, you're my friend you know- id drown the world for you" -chip

"CPR THREE LETTERS, WHAT DO THEY MEAN? COMBAT. PATIENT. REPEATEDLY. KICK HIM THREE TIMES GET HIM BACK UP, HE'S GOOD. CURED. Think he had cancer, not anymore" -slimecicle

"That must have been a slant rime because she seemed pretty tilted" -slimecicle

"Be the beans you wish to see in the world" -slimecicle

"A vagina with fangs? Bitchin… What? It sounds stimulating" -grizzlyplays

"Even If it was all inevitable… I'm glad we were written into the same story" -Gillion Tidestrider

"Niklaus is making a deal with russian Goku rn"-Bizly i believe ooc if not Chip

"PRIME DEFENDERS AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION" -William Wisp

"Fuck my fucking gay ass life" -condifiction

"SKIBOMBAY" -gillion tidestrider

"I WAS DRINKING YOU PRICK" -bizly

"He looks like a stop sign and has an ass disorder Its not my fault" -William wisp

"Dude you've GOTTA get advantage on this, dude is built like an among us" -slimecicle

"Beans. Beans. I grow my own beans. They are local and they are green. If you taste them you won't be mean. Come on now and try some beans. If you mean business, then trust my bean business. Have a legume, it won't be your doom. Have a legume, you will enjoom. I see your attitude is kind of mean, but you know what cheers me up? My beans. I grow em in the garden, they don't grow far from my home. Beans. I'm in the BEAN ZONE." -slimecicle

"WHAT THE FUCK??!!! FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S?!??! AEEEEEE AEEEE AE AEEE" -slimecicle

"NO NO NO NO YOUR NOT REAL GO AWAY! AMOUNGUS????!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD" -slimecicle

"I am weaponless but not defenceless" -slimecicle

"Don't play the game, eat the dirt, win." -slimecicle

"FATHER, SON, HOLY TROUT COME ON GET US THE FUCK OUT" -gillion tidestrider

"I WILL ABSORB THIS DEMONNNN. IT IS MY MEALLL!" -dakota cole

"You underestimate the power of SEX" -slimecicle

"aHgiA- FORTNITE" -slimecicle

Demonic rambling -slimecicle

"People will say eating chicken nuggets is bad for you, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE IS BAD FOR YOU? BEING A LITTLE BITCH. WHAT ARE YOU SPONSORED BY SALAD?" -grizzlyplays

"That's right I got two extra hearts and a wooden sword what the fuck are you going to do about it god" -charlie slimecicle

"I'm grabbing bed knife and I'm grabbing bed spear and I'm duel wielding that shit" -markiplier

[devine-fem]

Why I think Hellbeetle is an adorable ship although it’s so rare and I want more people to see my vision.

I don’t mind it being rare and to be honest it has its perks but this is my manifesto.

1. They hated each other at first.

Rather it was about Eddie feeling replaced or ignored in his friend group, his hatred for Jaime grew slowly and slowly over time. Especially when it came to Rose finding interest in Jaime over Eddie, him having a crush on Rose and it rubbing him the wrong way. Although, people tell him over and over that if he just talked to Jaime then they’re sure they’ll get along and even become close immediately but Eddie refuses to accept this.

2. Scarab bonuses (1)

Because of Eddie’s high body temperature the scarab can find Eddie somewhat easily and track where he is and I think that is so adorable to think about.

3. There is a whole issue entirely about their hate for each other and blooming friendship which is the gayest thing to me.

Throughout the entire issue it talks about how Eddie irrationally hates Jaime when he’s done nothing to him, and it irritates him. They end up finding common ground to be able to track down a bad guy and prove to their teammates they’re more than goofballs and valuable teammates. This also means they have similar struggles which is so cute.

So when everything is said and done, they start over and become friends on a better note.

4. Undiagnosed telepathy. They always weirdly know what each other is thinking and that is so cute to me.

(This is shown more times than just here and throughout their entire relationship they share the same braincell.)

5. They get established as a duo, they are ALWAYS right next to each other constantly in almost every panel where they’re both in it.

6. Scarab bonuses (2).

I imagine that Eddie’s body is extremely hot, especially around his mouth and eyes so if he were to kiss someone, it would probably scorch them. Khaji Da would not like that Jaime would actively be pained when around Eddie if they were to display affection. That is so cute to me.

7. Making up a little nickname for Jaime.

I’m sorry, bug butt is such an adorable pet name for someone, especially Jaime and immediately Eddie starts to call him this and so often that other people like Jaime’s friends seem to catch on and EVEN joke about it’s flirty nature. This is sealed in the bag for me, to be honest.

8. When it comes to Eddie’s bigger secrets, he decides to tell Jaime first before anyone and Jaime tells him that he cares and even takes off his armor so he can be more vulnerable with him because he knows Eddie lost his powers too.

9. They have more content compared to most of their ships.

Jaime’s most popular ship is Bluepulse which doesn’t function outside of the Young Justice universe. Eddie’s most popular ship is JayEddie probably because Jason is a bat boy but they have like two interactions.

Meanwhile these two were big parts of each others lives and established so much chemistry with one another.

Even Eddie’s supposed love interest was not around nearly as much as Jaime.

I also realize that Jaime fans literally don’t have any like ships really so maybe you guys will like this. I wish he had more ships too.

10. They get formatted like the “other couple” and that’s just shipping fodder to me.

They also go on a dinner date. I’m so serious they go on a Dinner date and sit across from each other and chat/have a good time whilst also being formatted like the other couple which is literally just a date to me.

11. When Eddie thinks his life might be over, the last thing he thinks about is Jaime’s laugh. I wish I was kidding.

12. When Eddie passes, it starts to become painful for Jaime to gear up with the scarab and I’m not sure why but it felt like it had something to do with his feelings as a hero and how he was greiving.

13. Beyond Teen Titans Vol.3 Eddie shows up in Blue Beetle (2006) Issue 33 so they writers care enough to add him.

14. They also are together in a holiday special. 15. Aesthetics. They have a red and blue color palate meaning they contrast in a way aesthetically when they are together. Red and Blue has been a cherished duo for years. Red Devil, Blue Beetle. Also, the fact that they are both anthropomorphic based heroes in a way also helps.

In conclusion, I know this was a rare ship once upon a time that people talked about like years ago and no matter how rare it is I refuse to stop talking about them even if I get no interactions because I love Jaime and I love Eddie and I love them together.

[mariaofdoranelle]

Mistletinder

Masterlist

Merry Christmas/Yulemas, @writtenonreceipts! I hope this fic finds you well. I was so happy when I got you in the draw because I admire you so much, and I hope you have as much fun reading your gift as I had writing it ❤️

@rowaelinscourt thank you for organizing the secret Santa!

Warnings: moderate alcohol intake

Words: 4,7k

“This is gonna bite you in the ass someday, you know?” Sellene reproached from behind the steering wheel. Her friend couldn’t see what Aelin was doing on her phone, but somehow she knew.

“Shh!” Aelin looked behind her to check on the girls, but they were still sound asleep. At the age of four, if they listened to any curse word, it’d be forever until they stopped repeating it over and over again. At least, from what she was told, the Whitethorn family was used to small children and their demands. It was the whole reason why she was spending Yulemas with them, after all.

Aelin and Maisie were on their own now, and when Sellene all but dragged them to her family’s farm because of all the kids and animals, it was hard to argue. After the year from hell they had, a nice Yulemas was the least she could do for Maisie.

“You’re avoiding the subject,” Sellene insisted.

“Yes. Because I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“But you sure seem to want to keep doing it, huh?”

When you’re broke after your divorce and your business isn’t thriving, ain’t it funny what you’ll do?

On one drunken night amidst her separation, Aelin downloaded Tinder and scheduled a date on the bookstore café she owned. But when she freaked out and canceled right after the guy—Archer—arrived, she could only watch from her mezzanine office, amazed, as he stuffed his face with baked goods and left with two books.

After that, luring people from Tinder into Fireheart Books & Cafe was just a small part of her marketing plan. And the most unethical one.

“It’s a lucrative strategy,” Aelin said, feeling defensive.

“That you don’t need anymore.” Sellene rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you just butcher the anthropology section to fit more tables?”

Yes. For the same reason Aelin added sidewalk dining tables. “Your point is?”

“Did you at least give someone a try while you’re at it?”

Once. Just one person that made her actually enjoy the execution of her plan, even extending it so she’d talk to him more before ghosting. Conversation flowed, and Aelin had already gone on some dates at that point after her separation, but she wasn’t naïve enough to think she’d find love on Tinder.

“That app is a lost cause, Sel.”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t find some good hot dates.” Her friend wiggled her eyebrows. “I know I did.”

Aelin managed to muffle her laughter with one hand so the two sleeping beauties on the back wouldn’t wake up. She brushed her daughter’s chestnut hair away from her face, watching the way she leaned on her friend during their nap. Maisie and Bree were thick as thieves in preschool and, as single moms, Aelin and Sellene would frequently help each other out.

Sellene has a hot date? Auntie Ae and Maisie will happily have Bree for a sleepover.

Aelin is busy at the book shop? Auntie Sel and Bree can drop Maisie there when school is over.

Sellene was godsend this year, and listening to her rant about her love life was just one of the fun perks of being so close to her. If the few dates Aelin went to this year actually happened, it was because her friend insisted.

“So, how’s that thing with Ilias again?” Aelin said, desperate to change the subject.

A groan. “You will not believe what he texted me this morning…”

Aelin let her friend go on about her situationship, a little relieved that she wasn’t the focus of the conversation anymore.

Truth was, she was a little anxious about this Yulemas. Sellene guaranteed that her family was too big for Aelin to intrude in something intimate, and the Whitethorns were properly notified about her stay, but that nagging feeling that her and Maisie were crashing the party wouldn’t go.

After they got to the farm, it was a while before they reached the house.

When Sellene told her about all the family traditions and how homey it was, Aelin expected an old farmhouse of sorts. To be honest, she didn’t think much about how the house would look, but she definitely wasn’t expecting a classic-looking manor with an exterior made of white stone.

A blonde woman showed up on the porch before Sel parked the car, then she ran inside and came back, tugging a man by the arm. By that time, they were already leaving the car with their bags, but the older couple still insisted on helping them.

Rory and Owen, her friend’s aunt and uncle, as they introduced themselves. Aelin’s introduction was brief, since Sellene filled her family in on who she was beforehand, but they still made small talk. Though she wasn’t paying much attention, too caught up on the similarity between Sellene and Owen. Her friend joked about some strong traits running in her family, but this was uncanny.

“Genetics, huh?” Sellene said, a teasing grin on her face.

Aelin was staring, wasn’t she? Oops. “Yes, genetics.” She turned to Owen. “I can’t believe you’re not even her father!”

Rory laughed and urged them inside. “Come on, darling, there’s a lot of silver hair and green eyes for you to compare.” She smirked before she added, “And if you happen to like it, my son is single. Thirty-one, stable job, goes to the gym a lot—“

“Auntie,” Sellene reproached.

The matron frowned. “I’m not being very smooth, am I?”

Her husband gave her two gentle taps on the shoulder. “You’re never smooth at matchmaking, darling.”

Rory gave Aelin an apologetic smile before continuing, “We’re stuck with some housework right now, but if you can wait—“

“I’ll show her around,” Sellene said, waving her aunt off.

“Alright, then. Pick any empty room you’d like.” Rory turned to Aelin. “You and your little one are the most welcome, make yourselves at home,” she said with a beam before scurrying away to the kitchen.

And about Aelin’s little one: where the hell was she?

Sellene leaned closer to Aelin and murmured, “But you can totally flirt with my cousins if you’d like. There’s a whole bunch of them for you to pick.”

“I don’t think I’ll have time for that, but thanks.” Not that she wants to, but it’ll become a hard no if she’ll have to wrangle Maisie all the time.

“I saw them coming inside.” Sellene tugged Aelin. “Don’t worry, she’s safe here.”

“Your house is not.” At least not with her four-year-old on the loose.

The two women dropped their bags by the entrance and ran around looking for them, calling their names. Aelin couldn’t register much other than white walls and wooden furniture, her mind filled with what could Maisie possibly break in this small time frame, and how much it costs.

Aelin’s worry was peaking when she listened to her daughter’s voice coming from another porch, this one attached to the living room.

"Do you do your tattoos alone, or does your mom help you too?"

The man blinked, confused, until Maisie showed him the few Barbie bubblegum tattoos on her forearm. She gave it a pointed look, then to the many tattoos he had on his left arm, taking most of the limb.

Aelin decided it was best to make herself known, introduce yourself, and see if this stranger needed rescuing from her curious preschooler. She couldn’t see this man’s face from her point-of-view, but she had an inkling of who he could be because of his—shocker—silver hair.

“Maisie!” She called from afar, “I was looking for—“

The words died in her throat when she recognized the man before her. Aelin’s core felt ice-cold all of a sudden, despite the dangerous pounding of her heart. There was no way in hell this was happening, and she blamed Tinder for not requiring users to use their last name there.

“Aelin.” He made a point of looking at his bare wrist, as if checking the time. “I think you’re a bit late for our date.”

˜˜

Upstairs, in the safety of her bedroom, Sellene had the gall to cackle.

Aelin glared at her. “Could you not?”

Before ten minutes ago, her friend was absolutely clueless to the fact that Aelin and Rowan knew each other, just like she had no clue that Sellene and Rowan are cousins. But it saved her, since the woman walked into that porch and spared Aelin from doing any talking.

“Alright, lemme just…” Sellene turned away, as if Aelin couldn’t see her friend’s shoulders shaking from behind. Then she took a deep breath and turned back around. “Alright.” A twitch on the corner of her lips that was quickly concealed. “But you said you liked him?”

“That’s not the point!” Aelin said, pacing in the empty space between the bed and the wall.

Chatting with Rowan was nice, and she may have indulged in conversation with him more than she usually lets herself, but Aelin felt so drained after her divorce. She let herself be dragged to dates sometimes, but she didn’t have it in herself to fully face the dating scene again.

Sellene rolled her eyes and threw herself on the bed. “That’s the key point, actually. It’ll define our entire course of action.”

“Nope. Our course of action is whatever protects Maisie from this mess.”

Aelin was so afraid of fucking up Maisie’s Yulemas when she got here, she didn’t realize she’d potentially fucked up even before arriving. Her throat felt thick just to think of it.

Sellene squeezed her hand. “He’s not gonna cause a scandal or anything, Rowan’s not like that.”

“He’s not going to tell your incredibly welcoming family that I’m actually a cold-hearted milf that stood him up and ghosted?”

“Okay,” Sel trailed, grimacing. “He’s not like that, but he is a bit of a gossip, so…”

Aelin sat on the edge of the bed and groaned, her face resting in both hands. Whether he had a big mouth or not, she needed to fix this. Because she couldn’t put Maisie’s Yulemas in jeopardy, yes, but also because Rowan deserves an apology.

Truth is, Aelin never felt tempted to give a chance to the guys she chatted with, because everyone she met on Tinder could be classified as one of: a chronic manwhore, overall gross, or gross for a single but relevant reason, or a misogynist bigot. And sometimes she even liked to leave them stranded, especially when they fell into the latter category.

Usually, Aelin just acted flirty enough to let the guy think something other than coffee would happen, that way he’d run to their ‘date’ without wasting more of their time.

But there were exceptions, of course, and Rowan was one of them. He wasn’t exactly chatty, but she still found herself texting him back and forth late at night for almost two weeks. When he oh-so-gently requested to meet her in person after dropping some hints about it here and there to no avail, she knew she had to cut this short.

It was just business, or so she told herself when it was time to cancel the plans that were never bound to happen. Aelin didn’t have space in her life for much else.

But now the girls, Rowan and a few other Whitethorns were off to see the baby goats and some other kid-friendly farm animals, which gave Aelin a small time frame to plan her next move.

Sellene got up from her bed, nothing but determination on her face. “Here’s what we’re gonna do: we’ll wait downstairs. When they come back, I’ll keep an eye on Maisie while you scurry him away to apologize.”

This was the lamest plan Aelin has ever gotten into. “I expected better scheming from you.”

“No scheming this time,” her friend warned, “just tell him the truth.”

And that was what Aelin kept in mind, as she waited with Sel in the kitchen under the disguise of chatting with Rory.

The kids barreled into the room a while later, chatting about the farm animals they saw, petted, or even fed. Rowan lingered on the other side of the kitchen, carefully avoiding Aelin’s eyes while he rectified the little one’s exaggerated stories with things like actually, no goat charged at them, they just wail all the time.

Despite the high excitement, Maisie’s attention drifted when she noticed the batch of gingerbread men coming off the oven.

“My grandma makes gingerbread people too,” she said to Rory, then frowned. “Do you know my grandma?”

Aelin’s heart squeezed at the sight. She was hoping to keep Maisie’s mind off her father’s family these holidays.

“I’m afraid not, honey. Is she from Doranelle too?”

“No, she lives very, very, very far. I need to get on a plane to see her.”

“That’s very far indeed.” Rory chuckled. “What’s she doing this year?”

Maisie shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t have Yulemas with Daddy this year because he’s stuck in prison.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on her little girl’s outcast expression as Aelin’s face grew impossibly hot. Gods, her daughter sure had a way with words.

“Because he’s a prison psychologist,” Aelin amended, to everyone’s relief, by the way their shoulders collectively relaxed.

Chaol wasn’t seeing his daughter these holidays because he was too busy in the Southern Continent with his girlfriend—former mistress—but there was no way Aelin was telling her little girl that. Work was the go-to excuse to why he missed so many bi-monthly visitations, and it worked for Yulemas too.

One day, Maisie would understand that Aelin has been a single mom since long before her divorce. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t try to postpone said realization for as long as she could.

“Oh, how silly of me! I forgot to get rosemary.” Rory changed the subject when silence reigned, thank Mala. The time when Chaol was a touchy subject was long gone, but people still tiptoed around it with her.

The woman continued, “Aelin, darling, could you get me some, please?”

“Sure…” she trailed, looking around. “Where can I—“

“Rowan will show you the garden,” Rory quipped.

And Aelin thought that getting him alone for a moment would be tricky. Clearly, she underestimated his mother.

Rowan glared at the older woman, but she didn’t waver. Instead, the more that odd exchange lasted, the more Rory seemed to enjoy forcing her son to spend time with someone he clearly didn’t want around.

Fuck, Aelin needed to fix this immediately.

He gestured to the open back door in the kitchen, and led her to a kitchen garden close to the house.

Sunshine glanced off the leaves which vegetables, herbs and fruit grew, and Aelin wished she could enjoy its beauty more. The smell of fresh herbs and sound of the leaves shuddering were the only soothing things, given the conversation she had ahead.

She waited for him to make a start, to no avail. Perhaps he did, earlier today when she first saw him, right before Sellene walked in and they pretended that first exchange didn’t happen.

“I’m sorry.”

Rowan’s step faltered for a second. He gave her a curt nod, and continued his stroll towards the rosemary shrubs.

She continued, “I shouldn’t have stood you up, it was really shitty of me and I totally deserve it if you hate me right now.” A pause. “But I was hoping we could put this aside for Yulemas, you know? Being in the same house and all.”

“Alright,” he said while slowly nodding, and Aelin’s shoulders loosened up with relief for a moment, until he finally looked her in the eye and added, “I'll go easy on you if you tell me what happened.”

“I told you, I’ve been having a hard time dating after my—“

“Yeah, you told me that in your apology text, but I feel like there’s something missing.”

He got her there. It was true, but not the ugly truth.

“Remember the shop I asked you to meet me at?”

He nodded.

“I own it. And my Tinder account is strictly for… cash inflow.”

This time, he fully stopped. He studied Aelin with widened eyes, and after judging the seriousness in her expression, he laughed. It was loud and full, overpowering the gentle flutter of the leaves and birds’ wings around them.

He kneeled by the shrub, snapped a few branches with his fingers, and it was just then that Aelin realized they had already arrived at their destination.

“You’re not mad?”

Rowan shrugged, and she wanted to read his expression so bad, but he had his back to her, still working on his mother’s rosemary. “I guess should be mad. I’m definitely impressed. It’s a very clever move.”

Aelin didn’t know if she should thank him or not. “But are we cool?”

He chuckled, something more amicable in his eyes this time, when he turned around. “Yes, sure. It was just online dating. Do you know how often people get ghosted? I wasn’t gonna start a riot because of that.”

“‘Kay, thanks.” He was being such a nice sport, his forgiveness only worsened the guilt she felt. “And though you’re right about that, I’d be totally mad and petty if someone stood me up. Just saying.”

“I wasn’t mad that you stood me up—“

Aelin sent him a cut-the-bullshit look.

He sighed and continued, “Alright, I was upset. Not mad. What actually made me mad is that you ghosted me after that.”

She stopped mid-stride, her head tilted. This made absolutely no sense. Rowan broke eye contact to rearrange the branches inside the small bag, making his fingers busy for a small moment of awkward silence that lasted a lifetime in Aelin’s head.

“I liked you, Aelin. You didn’t have to do that for me to visit your coffee shop.”

Aelin didn’t want to think about why his words stung, but they did.

˜˜

Engaging in conversation at dinner would be a lot easier if Maisie was eating, not showing Bree magic tricks.

She placed a french fry on the table, between her and her friend. “Now close your eyes,” Maisie commanded. When her friend complied, she shoved the fry in her mouth and said, “Ta-da!”

Bree opened her eyes, and the loud gasp she let out after noticing the fry was gone gave Aelin a good chuckle.

“Do it again!” Sellene’s daughter said, clapping her hands.

“Maybe you could do it with the cucumber this time?” Aelin cut in.

Maisie turned to her mother with all seriousness a four-year-old can muster. “Mommy, it’s Friday. We only eat fries.”

Being the little entertainer she is, the people near Maisie laughed, not for the first time this dinner. Including Rowan, who sat next to Sellene, almost in front of her. It was weird, hearing his laughter instead of reading a “haha”. A good weird. Still weird. For Mala’s sake, she needs to sort her feelings out.

“You are such a silly goose,” her friend said, fondness filling her eyes.

“No, Auntie Sel, you are a silly goose. I’m a silly gosling.” The little girl took her time pronouncing each syllable of the last word, careful to get it right.

Aelin’s mouth was ajar as she stared at her. “Where did you learn that?”

“Wowan.” Maisie said, beaming. “We’re bestest friends now because he’s an animal doctor, and he promised to show me all his animal friends so I can be friends with them too.”

“Is that so?” Aelin plastered on a smile, hoping it wasn’t too strained. It didn’t go unnoticed that he was nice enough to Maisie for her to consider him her new ‘bestest friend’, even before Aelin apologized. Fuck, she needed to unpack this later.

When she dared a glance at Rowan, he looked a little stiff, but still gave her a quick, close-lipped smile. “She likes the baby goats.”

Aelin would know. Maisie talked about them all day.

“Wowan, I’ll do a magic trick.”

He turned his full attention towards Maisie.

She continued, “Did you see me do it before?”

“Yes.”

“Try to forget.”

“I can’t do it, Maisie, I saw you do that trick too many times.” He leaned back on his chair, a lazy smirk on. “But I haven’t seen you make the cucumber disappear.”

She jolted on her seat, put a cucumber slice on the table, pointed a finger at Rowan and yelled, “Close your eyes!”

When he complied, Maisie ate that cucumber with a ferocity Aelin had never seen before.

“Dear Mala,” Rowan said when he opened his eyes, feigning shock. “Do it again.”

And that’s how he convinced her to eat every single vegetable on her plate. Fuck, he sure knows how to woo a single mom.

Not woo, Aelin chastised herself. Rowan said he liked her. In the past tense. Which should be a relief, but this wasn’t how she felt as she watched him smile at her daughter and make her have fun while eating healthy.

Rowan stole a glance at her, but Aelin had her eyes on him already. He swallowed, likely unsure of what to do after being caught staring while she was already staring.

Thank you, she mouthed so Maisie wouldn’t hear. To her surprise, his eyes softened, and he gave her a small smile.

Relief finally washed over her, when Aelin realized that the awkwardness in his expression had vanished.

˜˜

As predicted, Maisie was so hyper Aelin didn’t manage to properly enjoy the farm herself. But she didn’t mind it, since her daughter was the whole purpose of this trip. Besides, sometimes watching the kids play could be better than TV.

“I wanted to go out to eat with you, not you and your baby!” Maisie’s arms flailed around as she tried to explain her frustration.

Bree clutched her doll to her chest, a wounded look on her face. “But I can’t leave my baby alone!”

Rowan, who was just passing by the living room, froze when he registered what was going on. He turned to Aelin, confusion written all over his face, and discreetly sat by her side on the couch.

“Everything alright?”

Aelin pointed at the tea party toy set near the girls. “They’re at a pretend restaurant, eating pretend food and talking about their pretend jobs.” A pause so she wouldn’t start laughing here and there. “Maisie was expecting a girls’ night, but Bree brought her baby with her.”

“Oh, I see.” Aelin’s gaze swept over him for a minute, and it was unfair how good his pine-green eyes looked when they were filled with amusement like this. “Whose side are you on?”

“I’m getting popcorn. You?”

“I don’t know,” he murmured, “I think this is a very complex issue. We can’t read it under a Manichaean view.”

Aelin chuckled, and they fell into comfortable silence while watching the girls. Rowan’s pine scent hit her senses, but it was the chilly wind coming from the window that made her shiver.

“You cold?”

She shrugged. “Not that much.”

Rowan stood up. “I’ll warm us up.”

“You’re getting a blanket?”

“Better,” Rowan said, a troublesome glint in his eyes. “Wine.”

Not as effective as a blanket, but definitely more fun.

“Merlot?” He suggested with his head tilted.

Unbelievable. Aelin briefly mentioned her favorite type of wine to this man over text in a late night conversation, and he still remembered it weeks later.

Rowan seemed to misread her silence, his expression becoming guarded. “But I can share the bottle with Enda if you don’t feel like it.”

Aelin’s gaze quickly turned to her daughter before she focused back on him. “Can it wait until after Maisie’s bedtime?”

Rowan took a step back with a grin on, and his eyes wouldn’t leave Aelin. “I’ll get the snacks ready.”

After wrangling Maisie around the house a little more and putting her to bed, Aelin found herself in the same living room as before. However, this time, the tea party set on the table was replaced by a small charcuterie board and two glasses of red wine.

They talked about their lives for hours. Now it was nearing midnight, and none of them seemed to grow tired of each other’s companies. It was just easy like that with him, and she knew it. Too easy, was what Aelin told herself in her office as she let him down. Too easy to be true, and not the delusion of a lonely twenty-nine-year-old divorcée.

Aelin had so many reasons why she couldn’t give Rowan a real chance, but she couldn’t remember a single one of them right now. Actually, she could remember, they just felt… small.

Too bad she was too late.

“And you never thought to move back here? Being a vet and all?”

Rowan sipped his wine. “I’ve lived in the city since I was a teenager, my whole life’s there. But I visit a lot.”

“And your cousins?”

“Not as much, but Yulemas is always here.” He cocked his head, his expression shifting as he grinned at her. “Though the company is usually much less good-looking.”

Aelin blinked. She stared at the glass of wine. It was her second, and Aelin knew her limits. She wasn’t even tipsy. It couldn’t be.

“Rowan Whitethorn… are you flirting with me?”

“Yes, I’ve been trying for a while.” A pause. “Is it working?”

Wow. She looked around, mind racing and empty at the same time. A turned-off TV. Potted plants with fairy lights on. A mistletoe. Gifts under a tree.

Rowan was flirting with her.

Rowan, Maisie’s new “bestest friend”. Kind, attentive Rowan who remembered her favorite wine and looked as delicious as the Focaccia bread he stole from the kitchen for her.

Rowan, who seemed to give her a second chance even when she didn’t deserve it.

“It’s working, yeah.”

He didn’t dare say a word after her response, and neither did she. He leaned forward, barely blinking as he tried to meet her eye.

Aelin needed to say something. She wanted to say something else, but it was hard to do it while she felt her old resolutions shatter like a wall of glass.

Going on shitty date after shitty date so she could find someone reasonably good, until something happened and she had to go back to the stream of shitty dates? No, meeting new people was a hard no for now.

But it was different when she had already met someone, right? Aelin wasn’t ready to give dating a chance, but she was more than willing to give Rowan a chance.

She got up and tugged Rowan’s hand.

“What?”

Aelin tugged on it again, so he got up from the couch too. Wordlessly, she led him to a spot right under the beam that divided the living room and the hallway.

She pointed at the mistletoe above them. “Oh, look.”

“Wow.”

“I definitely didn’t see that and drag you here.”

“And my mother definitely didn’t fill the house with mistletoes tonight because she’s in love with you and Maisie.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” she lied.

“So surprising.”

“Shocking.”

“Can I kiss you now?”

“Absolu—”

Rowan pulled their lips together, cupping her face with both hands while she wrapped her arms around him. Their lips brushed together, and it was almost unfair how soft he felt. He gently nipped hers so Aelin would open up to him, and the kiss was sweet and hungry at the same time. His hands traveled down her neck and arms, making her shiver, until he reached her waist and tugged her closer.

Well, fuck. If Aelin didn’t have any doubts about giving this a chance anymore, she didn’t know what to call it now. A negative amount of doubts? Anyway, her mind was jello. Aelin couldn’t know where this was going, but she knew she’d let it happen now. No more holding back.

Rowan broke the kiss and put their foreheads together, breathlessly breathing her in with closed eyes.

“If I ask you out on another date, will you show up this time?”

“Yes,” Aelin said, right before her parted lips morphed into a teasing smirk. “And I might even delete Tinder, depending on how large your coffee order is.”

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[xuchiya]

"CHAPTER FIVE: Receiving Gifts" || kim hongjoong || [a mini-series]

| genre: non!idol hongjoong. ceo! reader. angst. fluff. slice of life | mentions: different language. Korean (Hangul). Tagalog. unfair treatment. love language list

Hongjoong bit the end of the pencil as his eyes skimmed over the sentence in the book. The lamp on his desk cast a soft glow across half of his dark bedroom, illuminating the worksheet beside it as he carefully answered the questions.

“Titanic is about… a story where or were… the ship sank in the North Atlantic Ocean?” Hongjoong tilted his head, trying to remember the difference between the words. He was working on an assignment from the language program at the company, which he had requested to take home for the weekend. Balancing his studies with the paperwork he brought back from work was proving to be a challenge.

Bumjoong had been standing by the door for a few minutes, about to head back to his room, when he noticed Hongjoong's light still on. Arms folded, he watched his younger brother focused on the worksheet. “Are you back in grade school?”

Hongjoong spun in his chair, scoffing. “It’s part of the company.” Bumjoong pushed himself off the doorframe and sat on the bed. “It’s a program? About what?”

“Language.” Bumjoong leaned over Hongjoong’s shoulder to see the assignment. He noticed the multiple thin layers of eraser shavings scattered across the book and the sharpened pencils discarded to the side. The book was in both English and Tagalog. Being a secretary wasn’t just about assisting; it involved handling the CEO’s side tasks, updating reports, and being constantly available for phone calls and sudden visits to other companies.

As Bumjoong observed his brother, he noticed the deep concentration etched into Hongjoong’s furrowed brow as he fiddled with the pencil before finally writing down an answer. It dawned on Bumjoong why his brother had seemed so down over the past month.

The language barrier—it must have been causing him so much stress. Bumjoong’s heart ached at the thought of his brother struggling in silence, carrying the burden until it became too much to bear. That had always been Hongjoong’s way. Even when they were younger, he would avoid speaking up, letting things pass in silence or finding ways to sidestep difficult conversations.

“Whose idea was it?” Bumjoong asked.

“My boss.”

“Ms. Ae-Chan?”

Hongjoong looked up, shocked. “You know Ma’am Ae-Chan?”

Bumjoong chuckled, nodding. “Mr. Jackson Wang is my boss, and they’ve been collaborating since the start of her career.”

“Ms. Ae-Chan made this program.”

“Really?!”

Nodding toward the textbooks, Bumjoong explained, “Mr. Wang initiated this program to address the same issue—his staff faced criticism due to the language barrier. So, he offered this program to the entire company. Ms. Ae-Chan faced similar challenges throughout her career. Did you know she spoke Korean before she learned Tagalog?”

Hongjoong shook his head, curiosity piqued. He recalled how hearing her speak Korean during his interview had nearly brought him to tears. It had been a struggle to navigate the company’s language policies, and he hadn’t been sure if speaking Korean was even acceptable there.

“She faced criticism for not using her country’s language, too,” Bumjoong continued, “so she implemented this program to help her staff. But it wasn’t well received, and she faced backlash for it. We never fully understood why, but it took a toll on her mentally.”

There was a long pause. Hongjoong looked up and saw the contemplation on Bumjoong’s face. He raised an eyebrow. “You know more, don’t you?”

Bumjoong sighed, leaning back. “Being Mr. Wang’s second secretary has its perks.”

Sitting up straight, he added, “Your boss received backlash because of her mother.” Hongjoong knew bits and pieces about your family issues. He had heard rumors from his colleagues—about your father being a businessman and your mother, a housewife, who had cast you out. While he wasn’t one to indulge in gossip, the intrigue had always been there, wondering why you had been left alone.

“She did?” Hongjoong asked.

Bumjoong nodded. “Her mother criticized her for speaking a different language, calling it unprofessional. She also resented her for hiring foreigners instead of her own people. One day, she even showed up at the office, causing a scene, accusing her of abandoning the family for work. Afterward, she started spreading negative reviews about how your boss abused her power, forcing her staff to work overtime. Her mother never supported her decision to pursue business, especially after her father left them and never tried to rebuild the family.”

“Her own mother?” Hongjoong repeated in disbelief.

“Yes,” Bumjoong confirmed. Learning these details about you, without hearing it directly from you, made Hongjoong feel guilty. He knew Bumjoong didn’t mean any harm by sharing, especially since he had been helped in his early days as Jackson’s secretary. But still, discussing you behind your back felt wrong.

“I’m quite fascinated by your boss,” Bumjoong admitted, still amazed at your mental resilience despite everything. “She probably started to heal and learn to love again because of her former secretary. But considering her past and complicated family situation, she’s incredibly strong. She puts the company and her staff first, always trying to patch the wrongs and fill the emptiness.”

Hongjoong tilted his head in curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“She does all of this because she knows no one can truly fill the emptiness in her heart,” Bumjoong said softly, poking Hongjoong’s chest near his heart. “She’s hard to love, yet so soft on the outside.”

Hongjoong stared at him in amazement. “She went through all of that alone?”

Bumjoong nodded. Without saying much more, he ruffled Hongjoong’s hair. “Don’t stay up too late,” he said before leaving the room, a swell of pride warming his chest as he glanced back at his brother before heading to his own room.

On Saturday afternoon, Hongjoong decided to visit the mall to buy himself a new suit, coat, and shoes.  After putting the last piece of his warm clothes on, his mother hurriedly tied a scarf around him.

Patting his shoulders gently, “Stay warm baby.” He chuckles, kissing his mother on her temple before bidding goodbye.

Despite having enough money in his bank account, the prices made him reconsider, so he settled on buying just a new pair of socks, underwear, and sneakers.As he looked at the newly purchased shoes in his hand, his mind drifted back to four days ago when he had given you sneakers. It didn’t matter now—seeing you working comfortably made him less anxious and brought a silly little smile to his face as he worked.

Hongjoong strolled through the mall, a smile still on his lips. The festive decorations of the season cast a warm glow on the bustling crowd, and for a moment, he allowed himself to be carried by the flow of people. The soft jingle of holiday music echoed in the background, mingling with the chatter of shoppers. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, his mind kept circling back to the conversation he had with Bumjoong. The weight of it all settled in his chest, making him feel distant, even amidst the holiday cheer. It falters but with a puff of his strong breath, he pushes the thought away.

As he walked past a jewelry store, something caught his eye. He slowed down, drawn to the window display where a variety of delicate pieces sparkled under the soft lights. Amidst the necklaces, rings, and bracelets, one pendant stood out to him. It was simple, yet captivating—a small, crystal-clear pendant that seemed almost ordinary at first glance.

But then, as Hongjoong watched, it shifted. The color of the crystal changed subtly, from a cool blue to a soft, warm pink. He leaned closer, intrigued by the transformation. A small card beside the pendant read: "Temperature-sensitive crystal—changes color with your body heat."

Hongjoong’s eyes lingered on the pendant as it continued to shift colors. The idea that this little piece of jewelry could reflect something so personal—one's own warmth—felt oddly comforting. He imagined the pendant resting against someone’s skin, its color shifting with every rise and fall of their emotions, like a hidden connection between them and the crystal.

He thought of you—your strength despite the weight of your past, the burdens you carried alone. The pendant seemed to embody that hidden resilience, the way you adapted to your surroundings while still holding onto your core self.

But he couldn’t help blushing uncontrollably when he remembered feeding you. His hands flew to his face with a small yelp, drawing odd glances from passersby. His face was indeed red from the thought of you—blushing. You looked so pretty when you got flustered, sometimes stuttering when Seonghwa teased you or when your staff noticed your new hair color or style.

Nevertheless, his heart seemed to be freely expressing its love for you. His eyes softened whenever he saw you being considerate and courteous to others, outside of work. He admired how you let others speak first, translated words for those who struggled to understand—just like you did for him. Hongjoong would never forget the time when, in the rain, you had given your umbrella to a lady whose own hand had broken. You had waited under the rain for Yunho, your clothes half-soaked, yet you still had a smile on your face.

To Hongjoong, you were a humble woman.

“Ah– I’m sorry, sir... I do not understand... Yes, yes.” Hongjoong’s head shot up when he heard a familiar voice nearby. When he looked, he saw you talking to an aged man who seemed to be growing impatient. You were fiddling with your phone, but the man shook his head and spoke in another language—Japanese.

He saw you struggling to understand the man, and he knew he had to step in. Hongjoong quickly approached, placing a reassuring hand on your lower back as he stepped between you and the man, offering the man a polite smile.

(“何かお手伝いしましょうか？”)(“Is there anything I can help with, sir?”) Hongjoong asked in fluent Japanese. The man sighed in relief, glancing at you with a hint of disappointment before responding, (“ああ、この女性とずっと話していたのに、何も分かっていなかった！”) (“Ah, you don’t know how long I’ve been talking to this woman! She doesn’t understand anything!”)

Anger flared within Hongjoong, it is not your fault nor anybody’s fault that no one can speak the same language. Speaking in another language had its disadvantages—people wouldn’t know they were being insulted. He glances at you, “Are you okay?” You shake your head, placing a meek hand on his arm, to which you retreat your hand immediately, awkwardly placing them on your side whilst you feel uncomfortable under the stare of the aged man in front of you.

Hongjoong took notice and moved gently so that you were totally out of the prying eyes of the man, “Yeah … I am.”

The man continued, [“英語でラーメン屋の場所を尋ねたのに、彼女は理解せず、他の場所を勧めてきたんだ。私はただそこに行きたいだけなんだ。”] (“I asked her in English where the nearest ramen place was, but she didn’t understand and insisted on going somewhere else. I just want to go there.”)

Hongjoong took a breath, calming himself.  [“ 彼女は混乱していただけで、助けようとしたんだと思います。ラーメン屋の場所ですが、ここからは…”] (“I believe she was confused and only wanted to help. To answer your question, the ramen place is just…”) Hongjoong gave the man directions to the ramen shop. The man thanked Hongjoong, even shaking his hand before giving you one last look and parting ways. You bowed to the man, unable to meet Hongjoong’s gaze.

When Hongjoong looked at you, his heart sank. Despite your usual fierce and confident demeanor that you show inside the office, this was the first time he had seen you look so small and timid. You were fiddling with your oversized sweater, clearing your throat, you raised your head, eyes shaking, “Uhm .. thank you Hongjoong.”

He smiles at you gently, “No problem ma’am.” You shake your head, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear, “Please we are outside of work, you can call me by my name.” He moves, facing you as his eyes soften, holding a short gaze at your sweaty forehead and anxious hands, Hongjoong looks around and sighs in relief when he sees a lady ringing a bell.

Nodding his head to the side, a smile on his lips, “Come with me then, Ae-chan-ah.” You stare at his back, confused yet intrigued at his sudden invite. He spuns, thumbing at the ice-cream car, a boyish-smirk on his lips, “Ice-cream is the best medicine.” Realization dawns at you, your shoulders relaxing before shaking your head yet a smile is on your face. You could feel your heart leap from the inside of your ribs. 

You and Hongjoong sat on an empty bench just beside the ice-cream car. You spoon enough of the ice-cream yet it makes your head experience an intense brain freeze. You squeal, holding your head in your hand, Hongjoong glancing at you worriedly, thinking you got hurt, realizing that you were just cursing yourself for having brain-freeze.

He laughed, making you pout playfully before you lightly smacked his bicep out of habit, quickly apologizing afterward. Hongjoong watched as you kept the spoon in your mouth, your legs stretched out and relaxed. To others, it might seem odd that he was hanging out with his boss, but to him, that title was just a formality—a name you earned, but one that didn’t define the way you connected with those around you.

“Hongjoong-ah,” you said, startling him out of his thoughts. He realized he had been staring, caught gazing at you as if you were the universe itself, just within reach. Your eyes widened, trying to ignore the pounding in your chest, but it was nearly impossible to tear your gaze away from him as you took in his features.

You could feel the heat rising in your neck, and your cheeks burned even hotter. It all felt so real, too overwhelming for your heart to handle, leaving you breathless every time your eyes settled on Hongjoong.

Hongjoong wished the seat beneath him would open up and swallow him whole out of sheer embarrassment. His insides twisted with panic; he had been caught. His breath hitched as he looked at you, the soft glow of the mall lights above creating a faint halo around your head. You were ethereal, so delicate.

It was not your fault that you forgot to say the words in your head whenever you look at Hongjoong. You hummed, looking down on your melting ice-cream. You wanted to thank him for saving you. Not for a while ago but for how things are turning out for you in the greater good. 

You hummed, looking down at your melting ice cream, the sweetness a comfort against the day’s awkward moments. You wanted to thank him, not just for stepping in a while ago but for how things were turning out in your life, all for the better. How you have started to open your heart to the possibilities, reality and most especially, in love.

As the two of you sat in a comfortable silence, your mind drifted back to a few weeks ago when you visited your former secretary. She had dropped by your office to pay you a quick visit but you were out of the office that time and left a note on your desk. 

“I’m proud of you, anak.” You chuckle, feeling your heart flutter from the nickname. Being called ‘anak’ or ‘my child’ by someone so dear to you is the same thing as winning a stuffed toy in a claw machine. You hum, playing with the teaspoon, twirling it around the cup before taking a sip. Everything about the visit had been wonderful—meeting her family, her kind husband, and their two beautiful daughters. You both had spent the afternoon catching up over tea, the warmth of her home a stark contrast to the cold, sterile environment of the office.

“How are you doing, really?” Mrs. Han had asked, her voice gentle but probing, as if she could see the weight you were carrying beneath your composed exterior. You waved her off as she pouted at your long silence, chuckling at her, “I’m managing,” you replied, smiling softly. “But things have been… different since you left.”

Mrs. Han nodded knowingly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Have they found someone to fill my spot yet? I hope they’re treating you well.”

The question had caught you off guard. You’d paused, your mind immediately conjuring up an image of Hongjoong, his determined gaze as he worked late into the night, the way he always seemed to anticipate your needs before you even voiced them.

 Or those times where you caught both yourselves tangled in a intense or intimate moment inside your office, holding such soft gazes across the meeting room or even when he covers your bottom when he notice a spot and uses his coat and lead you to the bathroom; ignoring the stares and gave you a spare pants (called Yunho for emergency purposes).

And then, without warning, you had felt a warmth creeping up your cheeks, your heart fluttering at the mere thought of him. Mrs. Han had noticed, of course. She had always been perceptive, and her teasing laugh had filled the room as she leaned in closer. “Oh, I see… someone’s got your attention, huh?”

You had quickly brushed off her comment with a laugh, but the blush remained on your face, and even now, as you sat next to Hongjoong, you could feel it returning. You glanced at him from the corner of your eye, the way his lips curled into a soft smile as he savored his ice cream, the way his eyes sparkled with kindness whenever he looked at you.

“Thank you, Hongjoong-ah,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper, but he heard you. He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting yours with a questioning look. “For what?” he asked, his tone gentle, as if he was ready to comfort you if needed.

“For being here,” you replied, offering him a small smile. “And for… everything.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head as if to dismiss your words. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just doing my job.”

But you knew it was more than that. There was a sincerity in his actions, a quiet dedication that went beyond the boundaries of a mere professional relationship. And as you both sat there, enjoying the last bits of your ice cream, you couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through your chest, realizing that maybe, just maybe, you were beginning to see Hongjoong as more than just your secretary. 

After finishing your ice cream, you both decided to take a walk around the mall's outdoor garden. The air was crisp, and the glow of Christmas lights bathed the area in a warm, festive hue. Candy cane lights lined the pathway, and children ran around, laughing and playing, their cheeks flushed from the cold. The garden was decorated with oversized ornaments, sparkling tinsel, and wreaths that filled the air with the scent of pine.

As you and Hongjoong strolled through the festive scene, the soft hum of Christmas carols filled the air, blending with the sound of joyful chatter from families and couples enjoying the holiday atmosphere. The twinkling lights overhead mirrored the stars in the sky, casting a magical glow over everything. You couldn't help but smile at the sight of a young couple taking pictures near a large Christmas tree, their happiness infectious.

You and Hongjoong walked in comfortable silence, taking in the beauty of the moment, until something soft brushed the top of your head. You blinked, looking up to see tiny white flakes falling from the sky—the first snow of the season. The cold breeze carried the snowflakes around you, and you instinctively pulled your arms tighter around yourself, shivering as the chill seeped through your clothes.

Hongjoong noticed immediately. Without a word, he slipped off his scarf and gently draped it over your shoulders, making sure to wrap it securely around you. The thick fabric covered not just your shoulders but also your ears, the ends hanging down to your chest. The scarf almost covers half of your face, nuzzling on the soft cotton of the material, your body relaxes. The scent of mint and strong perfume made your heart skip a beat. You blushed, the warmth of the scarf mingling with the fluttering in your heart.

"There," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "That should help." Patting your shoulders gently, giving it a soft squeeze before his eyes gazes on yours. You looked up at him, your eyes meeting him in a quiet exchange of gratitude and something more. The snow continued to fall around you, dusting your hair and the ground beneath your feet. For a moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away, leaving just the two of you standing there in the gentle snowfall. The way the snow falls gently on top of your heads made the whole scenery out of the dramas. 

In that stillness, you realized that the greatest gift you were receiving wasn't wrapped in paper or placed under a tree. It was love—unspoken, but felt in every gesture, every glance, every moment you shared with Hongjoong.

That night, you drove Hongjoong home after a quiet meal at a familiar restaurant. The familiar comfort of the place had become a tradition, one that both soothed and reminded you of the constancy in your busy life. As you pulled into the driveway of his house, your gaze was drawn to the Christmas decorations that adorned the place—a few garlands hung neatly along the porch, soft lights twinkling, and a gentle dusting of snow already covering the rooftops. The sight brought a smile to your face, though a bittersweet tug gnawed at your heart. The realization settled in that, once again, you would likely be spending the holiday season in the solitude of your office.

Yunho had extended his open invitation for you to join his family’s Christmas celebration again this year. For the past two years, you had shared warm, joyful moments with his grandparents, feeling like a welcomed guest in their home. But despite the sincerity of Yunho's offer, you hesitated. Christmas, for you, held a deeper significance—one rooted in the ideal of family. You wanted those you cared about to celebrate with their loved ones, their families whole and complete, without feeling like an outsider intruding on their cherished traditions.

Then there was Seonghwa—your half-brother. The discovery of your shared bloodline had come unexpectedly, revealed by a family doctor, and Seonghwa, determined to be a part of your life, had sought you out. He had been a steady presence during the peak of your career, offering guidance and care. But despite the bond you had formed, you couldn't shake the feeling of being on the fringes. His mother, though polite, still kept you at arm’s length, loved and accepted you like her own daughter, and your heart ached, for the closure you had longed for with your father.

The desire to celebrate with a family of your own never faded, even if it seemed like a distant dream. A quiet wish you whispered to yourself each night—a hope that, someday, the holidays wouldn’t just be spent at a desk, or as a guest, but as someone who truly belonged.

A family you would never have, a family you wish you had. 

As you watch Hongjoong step out of the car and walk toward his front door, you can’t help but feel the weight of the season pressing down on you. The twinkling lights, the festive garlands, and the snow-covered rooftops should bring joy, but all they do is remind you of the solitude that awaits you back at your office.

Hongjoong pauses at the door, glancing back at you with a soft smile. “Are you sure you don’t want to come inside? Mom always makes hot chocolate after dinner this time of year.”

You return his smile, though it doesn’t quite reach your eyes. “I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family’s time together. But thank you, Hongjoong. Maybe another time.”

He nods, though there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—concern, maybe. “I won’t push you but alright. Drive safely, and… take care of yourself, okay?”

You offer a reassuring wave as he disappears inside. With a sigh, you turn your car back toward the road. You drive back towards your place, halting on the red light. Your ears picking up the faint music of carols blasting on your speaker. You sigh, leaning back as you glance around the city. It is now fully covered with Christmas lights. Decorating the entire place with vibrant colors and cheers while it makes you bitter and lonely. Like resembling the Grinch himself. 

Just the thought of the green bitter guy made you chuckle. With a shake of your head, you release your foot from the brake only to step down gently. You catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye. Across the street, nestled among the shops in the town square, a small jewelry store catches your attention.

Curiosity piqued, you park your car and make your way toward the shop. The soft glow from its display window illuminates the delicate pieces inside, but one, in particular, stands out—a simple pendant with a crystal-clear stone. Its beauty lies in its subtlety, but what makes it even more unique is the way the stone changes color, reflecting the warmth of its wearer’s body temperature.

The bell above the door chimes softly as you enter, and the warmth of the store contrasts with the chilly night air. Your eyes are drawn back to the pendant, and as you step closer to the display, you can see the delicate craftsmanship. The stone, though clear, seems to shimmer faintly with potential—a small, almost magical detail that makes it stand out from the other pieces.

The store-keeper, a kind-looking woman with a warm smile, notices your interest. “Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s one of our most unique pieces. The stone changes color depending on the warmth of the person wearing it. Some say it reflects the emotions of the heart.”

You glance at her, then back at the pendant, feeling an inexplicable pull toward it. “Does it… have any significance?”

The store-keeper nods thoughtfully. “It’s said that the pendant symbolizes connection—a bond between people that changes and grows, just like the colors in the stone. Some buy it as a gift for someone they care about, others as a reminder of something special they’ve shared.”

Her words linger in your mind as you continue to stare at the pendant. You think of Hongjoong—his gentle smile, his quiet determination, and the warmth he’s brought into your life, even when you’ve tried to keep your distance. The bond you share is growing, shifting in ways you hadn’t expected. Perhaps this pendant could be a way to acknowledge that, to give something tangible to represent the connection that’s blossoming between you.

It was the season of giving and taking. Christmas. Winter. The first snow had already fallen a week ago, the night Hongjoong wrapped his scarf around your neck. You still hadn’t returned it and made a mental note to do so once you finished the paperwork scattered across your desk. A soft jingle echoed through your office from the ceiling, where a built-in speaker played the familiar tune of EXO’s "첫 눈 (The First Snow)."

You chuckled, shaking your head knowingly. Jongho had likely set up the playlist—he always left a selection of Christmas songs on repeat until you paused it, almost as if forcing you to take a break and go home. Christmas had always been your favorite season: snow, cheerful songs, choirs singing carols, gifts exchanged between loved ones, the warmth of family. But now, that joy seemed distant, overshadowed by your responsibilities as CEO.

Sighing, you returned your focus to the paperwork. Despite giving your staff the week off to enjoy the holidays with their families, you couldn’t afford to rest. For someone in your position, work never truly stopped. The dim glow of your desk lamp was the only light in the room as you pushed forward, the stack of reports on your desk reminding you of the unending responsibilities you bore.

A knock at your door broke the silence. You glanced at the clock—10:35 PM. To your surprise, Hongjoong entered your office, looking both hesitant and determined, his usual cheerfulness tinged with concern.

“Hongjoong? I thought you had already gone home,” you said, setting a folder aside as your fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“I was finishing some paperwork before heading off for the holiday,” he replied softly. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Why are you still here? You gave us all a break… but you’re still working.”

You were taken aback by his question. “Hongjoong, I have to finish these reports. If I don’t, we won’t have work lined up for the new year. This is important for all of us. The work doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas. There are responsibilities—”

“But we all have responsibilities too, and you still gave us time to rest,” he gently interrupted. “Don’t you deserve that too?”

His words hung in the air, and you couldn’t deny the truth in them. You had told yourself countless times that this was part of the job, that being at the helm required constant vigilance. But seeing Hongjoong standing there, with the soft glow of your desk lamp reflecting in his eyes, made you realize how much you had sacrificed. And for what?

After a long pause, you sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”

Hongjoong’s face brightened with a sense of accomplishment, a charming smile spreading across his lips. He glanced at his watch, then at his phone. “Yunho is still here. Let’s go, Ae-Chan.”

You chuckled, pushing your chair back as you turned off your computer screen. “Are you that eager to bring me home?”

“N-No!” he stammered, though his enthusiasm was clear.

Later that evening, you found yourself at home. You placed your bag by the coffee table and lit the fireplace. The flames cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating the side of your face. When you turned around, you noticed Hongjoong standing by the front door, staring at you.

“Hongjoong, for heaven’s sake, sit down,” you said with a chuckle. “I’m not the witch from ‘Hansel and Gretel.”

Hongjoong hesitated, clearly lost in thought. He looked around your living room, taking in the simplicity of the decor—a white Christmas tree near the fireplace, twinkling lights dancing around it, but nothing else. His heart ached as he realized that you must be spending Christmas alone. It reminded him of the favor Seonghwa had asked of him earlier that day when he visited the office.

‘Please make sure she celebrates Christmas,’ Seonghwa had said.

It was a simple request, yet it felt complicated. But Hongjoong wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. As you prepared tea, you suddenly felt his presence behind you. When you turned around, your hands were suddenly clasped in his.

“Hongjoong?” you asked, startled. “Are you okay—”

“Celebrate Christmas with me!” he blurted out, his declaration catching you completely off guard. You stared at him, searching his eyes for any sign of hesitation, but all you saw was hope and excitement, like a child eagerly waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning.

You had already mentioned your thoughts on the true essence of Christmas, but Hongjoong only shook his head, a smile playing on his lips as he leaned in closer. Your faces were so near that you could feel the warmth radiating from him. Your breath hitched in your throat.

“I’ll show you the true essence of Christmas,” he whispered.

And that’s how you found yourself packing for a week away. With a suitcase in one hand and a satchel bag filled with your laptop and gadgets in the other, you arrived at Hongjoong’s family home. After a night of contemplation, you were finally convinced—partly by Hongjoong’s persistence and partly by Seonghwa’s encouraging messages. You parked your car in their driveway, letting out a puff of air as you rolled down your window.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” you said nervously.

Hongjoong shook his head with a smile, opening your car door as you finished turning off the engine. “Not at all. Come on, they’re excited to meet you.”

As you entered the house, you were immediately enveloped by warmth and the comforting smell of home-cooked food. Hongjoong helped you remove your coat as he introduced you to his family. “Mom’s cooking right now. Let me introduce you to Dad and Bumjoong.”

Your eyes widened in recognition. “Bumjoong? As in Kim Bumjoong, Jackson Wang’s secretary?”

As soon as you stepped into the living room, Bumjoong greeted you with a wave and a slight bow. “No need for introductions—I see you at the office now and then,” he said with a chuckle. “But it’s good to finally meet you properly. I’m Bumjoong, Hongjoong’s older brother.”

You extended your hand to shake his, but he pulled you into a warm hug instead. “No need to be formal! We’re family here.”

You blushed deeply, taken aback by the affectionate gesture. It was rare for you to be this close to anyone outside of Yunho or Seonghwa. Hongjoong was still in the process of becoming someone you were comfortable with in more intimate moments, but this hug left you a flustered mess. Hongjoong had to intervene, gently pulling you away from his brother’s hold.

“Yah! She’s not used to being hugged like that,” Hongjoong scolded playfully.

Bumjoong laughed, teasing both of you. “Oh? And you’re allowed to hug her?”

You and Hongjoong both squeaked in surprise, faces flushed with embarrassment, as Bumjoong’s playful remark echoed through the room. As soon as you were released from the teasing embrace, you noticed a tall figure approaching from the kitchen. Hongjoong’s father stepped forward with a wide smile, his eyes crinkling with warmth. His presence was commanding yet kind, and you immediately felt a sense of comfort around him.

“Ae-Chan-ah, welcome!” His voice boomed with joy as he held out his hand, shaking yours firmly before pulling you into a gentle hug. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you. Hongjoong’s been telling us so much about you.”

You smiled shyly, “Thank you for inviting me. Don’t worry, I brought something for all of you … for letting me celebrate Christmas with you and your family.”

Won-Chul chuckles, giving your hand a squeeze, “You shouldn’t have trouble for the gifts, darling. Your presence and your kindness is already enough for me and for all the opportunities you gave to my son.” You feel your cheeks redden, not used to such open displays of affection, but you felt the sincerity in his greeting. His warmth and kindness enveloped you like a soft blanket, easing the tension in your shoulders.

As soon as he stepped back, you heard hurried footsteps coming from the hallway. Hongjoong’s mother— Hyerin, entered the room, her face lighting up with delight when she saw you. She didn’t hesitate for a second before rushing over, cupping your cheeks in her hands with a soft, almost maternal touch. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in every detail of your face.

“Oh, you’re even more beautiful than I imagined!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. She placed a quick kiss on each of your cheeks, causing you to blush. Then, without warning, she pulled you into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around you with a tenderness that made your heart swell.

“I’ve been waiting to meet you, Ae-Chan-ah,” she said softly, her voice muffled by the hug. “I knew from the moment Hongjoong mentioned you that you were special.” You were taken aback by the overwhelming love and warmth she radiated. It wasn’t just a polite greeting—it was a deep, genuine affection, the kind that only a mother could give. You found yourself melting into her embrace, your heart softening with each passing moment.

When she finally released you, her eyes were shining with tears of joy. “Wait right here!” she said excitedly before hurrying off towards her room. Hongjoong chuckled beside you, clearly used to his mother’s exuberance.

“She’s been looking forward to this for weeks,” he whispered with a smile.You place a warm hand on his shoulder, “She is so sweet.”

“That’s her love language.”

Moments later, she returned, holding a soft sweater in her hands. The fabric was thick and cozy, a light pastel color that seemed to glow in the warmth of the room. She placed it gently into your hands, her expression filled with pride. “This belonged to me, but I’ve never had the chance to wear it,” she explained, her voice filled with emotion. “I’ve always wanted a daughter to share these things with, and now that you’re here… I hope you’ll accept this as a gift, from mother to daughter.”

Your breath caught in your throat as you looked at the sweater. It was more than just an article of clothing—it was a symbol of the love she was offering you, a piece of herself that she was giving with open arms. You could feel the warmth of her love radiating from the fabric, and it touched something deep inside of you. Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at her. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

She smiled, wiping away a stray tear from your cheek. “You don’t have to say anything, dear. Just know that you’re always welcome here. You’re part of our family now.”

Hongjoong watched the exchange with a soft smile, his heart swelling with pride and affection. He had hoped for this—for you to feel the love and warmth of his family, to experience the kind of care and attention that only a mother could give. 

You eyed the sweater in your hand. Evening had already rolled in and you were already settled in your room, just beside Hong joong’s room. You got up and had a quick shower before dinner started. As you slipped on the soft sweater, it felt like a warm embrace wrapping around you, comforting and reassuring. You stared at the full body length mirror, twirling as you examined the cotton and how it fits you nicely. It reaches over your fingertips and around your mid thigh, it feels warm and comforting. 

You smile, a genuine smile. It wasn’t just a gift—it was a piece of love, a mother’s love, and it reminded you that gifts weren’t always about material things. Sometimes, the most precious gifts were the ones that came from the heart.

Hyerin continued to pamper you throughout the evening, offering you more food than you could ever eat, making sure you were comfortable, and constantly checking in to see if you needed anything. She even fussed over your hair, smoothing it down, “You took care of yourself. So pretty my baby.”

At first, you were overwhelmed by the attention, but slowly, you began to relax into it. You realized that this was her way of expressing love—through acts of care and kindness, through the little things that made you feel seen and cherished. It was a kind of love you hadn’t felt in a long time, and it made your heart ache with gratitude.

By the end of the evening, you were filled with a warmth that had nothing to do with the fireplace or the cozy sweater you were wearing. It was the warmth of family, of love freely given and gratefully received. As you sat around the dinner table, listening to Won-Chul tell stories, and watching Hyerin smile at you with such fondness, you realized that this—this was the true essence of Christmas. And materials are not just a gift you receive but love and family.

[jessmalia]

JO AND MAL AES IN TV AND FILM: 18/? The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

[linkedspirit-fanartfunart]

Sky and Hope and uhhhhhh love

(LOL)

"Excuuuuse Me for being a Romantic!! You don't understaaannnnnd!" Hope cried, flailing back against Sky's arms. Sky rolled his eyes as he did nothing but stand there. While Hope acted like ae was a prop to drape himself on. "She's the most amazing kick ass beautiful creature in the entirety of Hyrule! No the whole WORLD. Entirety of the timeline itself!! Not to mention the potential for her kisses. She has really nice lips. I would kiss her all day if I could."

"...Gross." Sky concluded quietly.

"You hate love!" Hope cried, flailing an arm. Sky leaned back to avoid being smacked. She covered her eyes with the back of her hand, like a stereotypical faint lady.

"I do not, I just think kissing is gross."

"NOOo think about the intimacy! The narrowed focus of who is right in front of you. The trust in closing your eyes! The softness!" She shifted to shake Sky by the shoulders. "The softness!!"

"The slimey saliva, the germs, the bad breath," Sky listed in return, nose curling.

"...None of that is noticeable when you're kissing the person you love." Hope dismissed with a wave of his hand. Not that they had actually done that, but Sky had no reason to know that. "Come on! What's a better way to show your love, hm?"

Sky raised an eyebrow, "How about doing things for her? Like. Helping do the chores? Making gifts? Normal, actually useful things?"

"It's not the same! You're hopeless!" Hope complained, finally properly standing in order to cross his arms and scoff about the whole thing. Sky took a step back so he couldn't become a prop so easily again.

"You're the hopeless one."

"HA! Hope is my NAME!" He announced with a grin, hands on his hips.

"Your name is Link," Sky shot back with a grin.

"I can call myself whatever I want."

"Okay loverboy."

Hope sighed in such a painfully wistful way Sky could practically hear the internal monolog about wanting to be the Princess's loverboy. Ae started to wonder if Groose somehow taught her how to do that. They seemed far too similarly punchable to ignore the possibility.

Sky sighed, damn Groose and character development. Before befriending Groose, he wouldn't be saying this. "She is lucky to have your love, even if it stays friendship," Sky acquessed, "She clearly likes you for whatever reason, too."

Hope perked up like a Remlit being given treats. Their face broke into a grin, "You're saying I DO have a chance! You, Mr Yucker of Romance, of all people think I have a chance!"

"I hate you."

"I love you too!" Hope announced. She pecked Sky's cheek with a kiss and ran before his fist could hit her gut.

[smok3r7]

One Door Closes & Another One Opens

Joel x OFC!Divorce Lawyer

Explicit, 18+

Do Old Habits Die Hard?

Main MasterList & Series Masterlist - My AO3

Summary: She’s a divorce attorney and he’s a husband looking for help to save his daughter, and himself, from his gambling addict wife. Renae Russo is a woman who fights for her clients and wins. She’s satisfied with her life and what she does - but she wishes she could have a little more. What happens when Joel Miller becomes her client and an old flame of Renae’s reignites in the same breath?

Chapter Summary: Loving two people can be hard, especially when she doesn’t want to let go of either of them.

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: PiV, heartbreak

—

“Mia sole, I missed you.” My Sun.

The light trace of his fingertips graze up Renae’s body, starting from her thigh all the way up her torso, breasts, neck, and lands on her plump lips. Where she slowly opens her mouth and moves her eager tongue to find his fingers and lead him into her, to feel him again.

Dominic watches the way she seductively and slowly sucks his index and middle finger, he feels his member grow against her warm clothed cunt beneath him. He feels Renae’s knees raise and spread so he can really feel how much she’s missed him.

Their desire for each other ignites a fire that cannot be contained any longer. Dominic lowers himself onto Renae, their bodies melding together in a passionate embrace. In that moment, time stands still as they become lost in the intensity of their reunion.

“God, I am fuckin’ slammed this week,” Rachel complains as she stabs her homemade chicken salad, “Court four days, with four different clients. Why did I do this to myself?”

Renae perks up from her slouched position over her desk, completely unaware that she’s at work and on lunch. Riley and Rachel decided Renae’s office was the lunchroom for the day since everyone was too tired to walk around downtown. Her sudden shift causes the other two to look at Renae with a questionable face.

“We’ve had worse, why did that shock you so much?” Rachel questions with a chuckle as she goes back to eating her salad, but Riley stays quiet as she drinks her smoothie and scrolls on her phone. Renae bites into her Chipotle burrito so she has a second to think of an excuse, because there’s no chance she’s going to tell them she was daydreaming about her and Dominic fucking for the first time in years.

Drool soaks the pillow from Renae’s mouth as she moans and cries from Dominic’s thrusts that fill her to the brim, hitting her cervix with each grunt. The bruise she feels is soothing and sensational, the arch of her back deep so she can feel all eight inches of him and her round ass moving like waves matching the snap of his hips.

One of his hands pinning her down by the back of her neck, squeezing the sides strategically and each time he feels her cunt tighten and pull him in more. The other randomly grabs and smacks her ass, thighs, anything of hers he can mold and mark.

“Mhmhmm, yes Dom- fuck!” Renae’s practically incoherent, she can’t form any sentence, let alone a word. She grips the sheets trying to regain some sense of balance, which ultimately doesn’t help when his hand reaches under her thigh and lightly touches her clit.

A drastic change from his balls hitting her clit each time he withdraws himself and slams back into her velvet walls. Her back arches deeper and a high pitched scream leaves her lips at the sudden contact.

“There’s my Ren-“

“-ae?!”

Rachel bangs her hand on Renae’s desk to grab her attention, causing Renae to jump in her chair and stop her swaying. She has gotten caught a second time daydreaming, which she has never been seen doing before. Looking Rachel in the eye, she can see the gears turning, trying to put the puzzle together by herself.

But ultimately having to ask.

“What is goin’ on in there?”

“She got some dick!” Riley shouts from the round table behind Rachel, who can’t help but start to giggle. Renae tilts her head back and the stupidest grin melts into her skin as Rachel and Riley try to get her to say who.

“I don’t kiss and tell.”

—

The burning sun bright, no clouds in sight, and a slight breeze is all a perfect day for the beach, which is exactly where Dominic and Renae have been spending their second to last day together. The couple hours they spent in and out the water, burying each other under sand castles, and laying on their towels to soak in the sun while listening to nineties country music.

It’s all perfect.

Renae couldn’t be happier or more at peace. This past week with Dominic feels like the beginning of their relationship years ago and she loves every second of it.

The way he’s cooked for her every night she gets home from work, her favorite meals that he’s mastered to learn. The sex is unimaginable, surprisingly better than when they were together which is something she never thought could happen. The way he treats her with integrity and respect is something she thought were only true in movies and tv shows, but it’s here in her lap just waiting for her to latch on.

Rotating onto her back so her front gets the same amount of sun as her backside, she gazes to her left and the sight of Dominic laying on his stomach with his head resting in his folded arms. His black baseball cap sits backwards on his buzzed head, the thin gold sunglasses he’s been wearing lay on his towel next to his arms. Arms that are covered in simple, abstract tattoos.

Her personal favorite being on the bottom part of his right bicep. A decently sized chess piece, the king, with a black snake wrapped around it; his depiction of it is all about how even the highest ranked people can be evil and venomous.

Renae’s not sure why she loves it so much. Maybe it’s to do with her work, she comes across some of the worst of the worst people or it has to do with her own experience of past venomous bosses and coworkers. She’s contemplated getting the same tattoo, but she talked herself out of it - thankfully.

“I can't believe you already leave tomorrow,” she says to him as she stares at him through her large square sunglasses, blocking the majority of the sun, “This week flew past.”

Dominic raises his head from his tan skin and turns to face Renae. Her eyes scan his features like she’s meeting him for the first time ever. His almost teal colored eyes glistening from the blinding sun, his brown beard scraggly and messy, and sweat that beads around his face. But then her eyes catch a glimpse of the thin gold chain that hangs around his neck and shines brightly when the sun hits it just right.

Renae loves that damn chain. It's like she's hypnotized by it, drawn in by its shimmering allure every time she lays eyes on it. The way it glints in the dim light, the weight of it against his skin - it's as if she's under a spell whenever he wears it. And when he tells her to do something, she obeys without question, as if the chain holds some invisible power over her will.

Their dynamic is a mysterious dance of dominance and submission that somehow just works, leaving Renae both captivated and controlled by the pull of that damn chain.

“Incredibly fast.” He pushes himself up to his elbows and forearms. “But I am just a phone call away, mia sole,” he charms, leaning closer to her face, softly gripping her jaw with his right hand and kissing her lips, gently nibbling her bottom lip as he pulls away.

Staring into his soul through his bright orbs, she feels loved. Her lips grow into a little grin, it’s genuine but yet not. Her lips already miss his.

In her mind, she knows he is right. But her gut is telling her he’s wrong. There’s no way that this can work, everything of Renae’s is here in Austin and everything of Dominic’s is in Italy. There is no compromise here, even though they both want it to work out, it’s physically impossible at the end of the day.

“I know that, baby… I know.”

—

June in Austin is brutal. The dry heat mixed with the bright sun is something only a certain group of people can deal with, let alone live in. Joel was taught as a kid that going to the beach is always a great way to cool down during a hundred degree days like today, which is what he, Sarah and her best friend Ellie are out doing today.

Ellie is a year older than Sarah, they met through the school soccer team about three years ago and they’ve been inseparable since. Which makes Joel incredibly happy that Sarah has someone she can tell things to that she wouldn't want to tell her dad and that she’s not isolating herself.

They’re almost like sisters with how frequently Ellie comes over. She doesn't have the worst relationship with her parents, but it’s also not the best. They don’t really care what she does or who she hangs out with - at age eleven which terrifies Joel - but Ellie gets pretty close to anything she wants, it’s like they try to buy her love.

After so many years of her getting them Ellie started to hate receiving them, but now she uses the gifts, or money, to give forward to someone else. She's helped Sarah when times were rough with Annie, even when Sarah tried to convince that she didn’t need it but was really thankful Ellie was there for her.

Over the last year Ellie’s been with Sarah and Joel for an accumulation of four months and her parents haven’t said anything about it. But Joel’s more than happy to take her in, there’s no way he’s going to let an eleven year old girl be unhappy or unsafe in any situation. His daughter also loves having her around, so he couldn’t be happier to do it.

“Don’t go out too far, girls!” Joel shouts to the two girls who are no more than a dozen feet away from him on one of the wooden chairs, hiding from the sun under a huge blue cabana.

We won’t, they both simultaneously yell back before they both disappear under the water for a second, then back up into the warm air. Joel can’t help but chuckle to himself, todays been a good day all around. He hasn’t heard from Annie since she was served last week and she hasn’t been back to the house at all, so Joel took Sarah back to their home to relieve his brother for a while.

There’s been basically radio silence between Joel and Renae but for no particular reason, he figures she’s just busy with work or her friends. A brief, have a good day Rae, or, goodnight Joel, is about all there’s been for the past week. Joel has to remind himself here and there that they’re not together and that she lives her own life, with no kids and no boyfriend. She has free reign to do what she wants, with who she wants and Joel can’t be upset about that.

Maybe he’s more jealous than he wants to admit. He would never in a million years give up his life with Sarah but if his life didn’t go the way it did, he definitely would live life the way Renae does. Not having to worry about anyone but himself sounds like a dream and a nightmare at the same time.

He’s been a nurturer since his little girl was born, he can’t remember the last time he did something for himself or that benefited only him. Truthfully, he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. He has no sense of who he truly is without a kid or being a married man, it’s something he’s going to have to learn all over again.

Which could be a good thing.

The yawn that escapes his mouth is deadly, spending the hot day in the sun is finally catching up to him. His skin is darker but feels more burned than anything, a small headache started to form between his eyes about fifteen minutes ago, his curls scattered with sand from playing with the girls, and his stomach running on nothing but chips and water.

He’s ready to head home.

—

Renae’s heart pounds in her chest, her stomach shakes and her mouth is dry, making it hard for her to swallow as she stares at her phone, sitting between her fingers. She taps her nails on the screen, causing the tap tap to echo quietly, not sure what to say back to him.

The text that’s been sitting unread in her messages since this morning, until now. Hope you’re doin’ well. I miss you, I hope that’s okay to say. Give me a call when you’re free.

The message alone is saddening. The fact they haven’t had one phone call this week is starting to create this spikey ball in her heart, that bounces around and randomly stabs her to remind her that Joel is still waiting for her. She’s been so hung up on Dominic that she’s put Joel on the back burner, even though she knows that her and Dominic aren’t going to work out and that this is really the last time they will be together.

She feels like a piece of shit dragging him along like this. It’s not fair to Joel, but she doesn’t want to let him go. There’s something about him that has Renae wrapped around his finger and he can’t see that, she doesn’t want him to know that. She just wants to hang on to Dominic as long as she can, until she can’t anymore.

Leaning over the granite island, her back facing the living room, she stares at the gray bubble with black letters and debates on what to text back. I know, work has been busy, she deletes the words and tries again, I miss you too. She stops and deletes them again. This shouldn’t be this difficult, she’s talked to Joel no problem, but suddenly when it comes to this kind of thing, she can’t.

Call tomorrow? I miss you too.

She bites her bottom lip, her thumb hovering over the send button, but before she presses it she spins her head around to make sure Dominic’s not around. When she sees he’s not near her, she hits send, hoping he responds sooner than later.

Even though she and Dominic haven’t spoken about either one having interests in anyone else, she knows there’s no point - they aren’t together. This week has been just a simple one-week stand instead of a one-night. Nothing more.

Although she partially wishes it was more than a week thing.

It’s a date. Get some good sleep Rae:)

The corners of her lips curve from ear to ear and she feels bold, so she sends one red heart emoji in response - something she never does. Emojis have never been a part of her dialect, so for her to send one to Joel… It’s significant in the whole scheme of things.

“I don’t wanna leave,” Dominic purrs in Renae’s ear, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind her warm body, much like a snake. Renae slams her phone down on the counter, screen down, and moves her head to the left to give some room to kiss and breathe on her skin, where goosebumps start to form from his touch.

How long was he standin’ there?

Dominic’s beard scrapes a trail up and down her neck, followed by supple kisses to heal the slight burn. The nerves that quickly appeared, start to dissipate by his sweet, tender touch. She giggles softly before she lowers her right hand and cups the sweatpants-covered bulge that grows on her lower back.

“Let’s make it count while we can,” she whispers, turning her head to face him, making eye contact with him while she leans her body forward, her cheek flat on the granite but her eyes still on him. Her tits flatten on the cool countertop, while simultaneously arching her back and widening her legs just a little for better balance. The quiet hiss that leaves Dominic’s mouth tells Renae all she needs to know, she’s in for it.

“Oh, ragazza dolce” - oh, sweet girl - he snickers behind her as he lifts her oversized shirt from her ass and holds it up by her shoulder blades, so he can admire the beauty that lies beneath him. His other hand grabs a handful of her right cheek and massages it while he marvels at the way her hips and waist look stretched but almost sculpture-like. She’s a work of art.

He gazes up along her vivacious body, to her beautiful face, and his world almost feels complete. Her green eyes are heavy and full of lust, and her red hair messy with wavy curls that lay perfectly on the counter around her. He feels his cock jump in his sweatpants like it always does when he’s with Renae.

“Make me never forget you,” are the last coherent words that leave Renae’s mouth. In one swoop he flips her around so her body now lays facing him, her face full of surprise and thirst. Every touch ignites a spark, every kiss fuels the flames of desire. With Renae's green eyes locked onto his, Dominic feels a rush of passion like never before.

As he sheds his inhibitions along with his sweatpants, their bodies come together in a whirlwind of ecstasy. Their love is fierce, untamed, and all-consuming. In that moment, nothing else matters but the two of them, lost in the taste of their insatiable hunger for each other. Both knowing this is the last chance to be together, they want to make the memory last.

Their love is a force of nature, a tempest that rages with unbridled intensity. And as they surrender to each other, Renae knows one thing for certain - she will never forget the way Dominic made her feel, body and soul, in this small moment of eternity.

As Dominic pins his forearms on either side of Renae's head, only inches away from her lips as his cock thrusts in and out of her slick walls, both of them whisper words of love and regret. The soft strains of, mia sole and ti amo fill the air, a melancholic melody that mirrors the pain in their hearts.

In that moment of raw intimacy, they find solace in each other's arms, seeking forgiveness and redemption in the tangled emotions. Their bodies move in perfect synchrony, a dance of passion and longing that transcends the world they live in.

In that bittersweet moment, they hold on tight, trying to etch the memory of their love into their souls before it slips away forever.

[cafesweetvn]

HAPPY POCKY DAY 11/11

Artemis: When you first brought the idea up to Artemis, he frankly thought it was stupid. He didn't see the point of playing the game and was confused about how a game like this even came into existence. But...Artemis loves you dearly, and so he indulges you(after you ask like 5 times LOL) He takes the plain side and holds it in his mouth, its only then when he realizes how close you two will be and he quickly backs up before you can get closer. He needs a moment to prepare. Eventually he closes his eyes and allows you to move closer, after all, he can't see you, even though he can feel how close your presence is. He takes small bites and inches closer to you until your lips finally meet. The only reason he'd win is cause he freezes as soon as you two kiss LOL

Sanka: Sanka tilts their head, "Pocky game? I've...never heard of that!" But they perk up soon enough. "It's a game though, so it's gotta be fun! Besides, it'll be with you! My favorite person in the entire world! No, wait...UNIVERSE!! Anyways, I wanna do it!" He rambles before staring at you waiting for you to explain the game. Honestly, she's just really looking forward to kissing you when you explain the rules. She plays your game, putting the pocky stick in her mouth and taking bites. His heart races and he can't help but giggle just a little bit at the fluttering feeling in his stomach. They practically melt when your lips touch. They pull away first, but not for long as they smile and pepper your face with kisses!

Hyun-ae: Oh...Hyun-ae's never done this before. She's been in plenty relationships, but none of them had known about the pocky game and most refused to indulge, causing her to eventually give up asking. She's frankly ecstatic when you ask, cause she had been wanting to do this for so long. "Yeah, I'm down." She answers cooly, yet she can't hide the growing smile on her face, giving away her excitement. She offers you the chocolate, not being the biggest fan of sweets herself(which just goes to show how badly she's wanted to do this) Hyun-ae actually takes the SMALLEST bites to avoid eating too much of the sweet chocolate, plus she thinks it's really cute if you come to her(She'll never pass up an opportunity to tease you <3). She'll let you kiss her and you can FEEL her smirk. She grabs the back of your head and kisses you passionately, she'll make sure she wins!

Davi: Sputters as it's wide eyes look up at you in utter shock cause like...what do you mean...YOU want to kiss HIM??!?!?! Literally Davi feels like it's in a dream right now. Are you an angel? You've been SO nice to him and you just keep WANTING to give him more?!?! He nods along with it, wanting to kiss you. He lets you take whatever end you want and shakily places the other end into his mouth. He slowly takes small bites(bigger then Hyun-ae's, but still small) his heart is pounding rapidly and he can feel your presence getting closer, your scent invading his nostrils, your breath fanning his face, and your warmth radiating off of you. It's so hyper aware that before it even knows it, it's pulled away and covered it's red, overheating face. He stands quickly, realizing he pulled away as he sees your confused face, pocky stick still in your mouth. "S-sorry! It's...it's not that I don't want to kiss you, I...I do...but I can't! I'm gonna ex-explode!"

Valeria: She's surprisingly shy when you ask her, you can see her hands shaking with excitement! She squeals as she hurriedly takes a pocky stick and goes to put it in her mouth. "You are SO cute, y'know that?! I could just eat you up! But really, I'm so happy you wanted to do this with me, because I have BEEN wanting to do this with you for SO long! blah blah blah blah....etc etc" She just starts rambling on for hours about how much she loves you and has loved you, how happy she in you chose her! The pocky eventually gets forgotten cause she just HAS to show you how much she loves you, date, NOW!! She'll remember right before she's about to fall asleep and she'll bolt up and go to your room with the pocky, apologizing and suggesting you two do it now(she's an early sleeper so pocky day isn't over at this point)

Imani: "Like that thing our friends would do in middle school?" Imani asks, looking up from her book. "I never was able to get more then halfway...although...I might be able to do it, if it's with you." She looks up in thought for a few moments before looking back at you full of determination. "Y-yeah! I wanna do it with you!" You two have a little banter, trying to give each other the chocolate end, but in the end you win, letting Imani have the chocolate end. She does a cute, playful little cheer as she sticks the chocolate end into her mouth, getting embarrassed at the close proximity as you take the other end into your mouth. Realizing how overstimulated she is already, she takes a big bite, kind of hoping to get it over with already cause of how suffocating it feels. Tenses when your lips finally touch, she's so frozen she doesn't even pull away. Actually....is she even breathing? Imani? IMANI!?!?

Fritz: Oh...Fritz's brain short circuits for a minute. Fritz has had feelings for you for so long that he's been WANTING to do this since he first found the game. That said, of course he agrees, not even bothering to hide his eagerness, which embarrasses you a little. He lets you choose what side you want and put's it in your mouth for you. He gently holds your chin with one hand and his other hand supports the cracker as he puts it in his mouth. He smiles at you and takes a bite, his smile can't stop growing with each bite you take closer to him. Fritz takes big bites, that way they can kiss you sooner. And in no time, their lips are on yours, their hand sneaked around to the back of your head to hold you in place against their lips as they kiss you passionately. You two pull away, out of breath. "Again?" They look up at you, a teasing smile on their face. You nod and and place another stick of pocky between your lips, only to feel it taken out and replaced by Fritz's lips again before they pull away. "Not the game, silly. The kiss...I want more...and I'm too impatient to wait for your tiny bites."

Archie: "How cute... unfortunately, you didn't come to me covered in blood so I'm not attracted to you in any way. Seriously, learn my tastes already if you're going to be asking me to play stupid games with you." Despite Archie's cruel words, he has a smile of his face, which you know, by now, to be a part of his facade.

BONUS(Killer): You hold the stick of pocky to the killer in fear, horrified that you'd be the next victim. The killer takes the piece of pocky and presses it against their mask, forgetting that their mouth is covered by the mask. They shrug and pull you closer, holding you gently, but firmly, placing the chocolate covered stick in your mouth and they place their forehead against yours. They pull away and ruffle your hair before leaving.

HERE ARE THE REALLY OLD DOODLES!! Minus the killer cause they didn't exist yet LOL(they did, but not their concept or design, they were just kind of the killer and you'd know who it was when you saw em)

also the character at the top was going to be place holder mc, I was going to have a fem, androgenous, and masc MC for the player to choose from, but they're just a blank slate now!!