#they seem so understandable and also so...

[onelastkiss4you]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Just Went From A Good RPG To One Of BioWare’s Most Important Games

In light of BioWare scattering some of its most foundational veteran talent to the winds, Dragon Age: The Veilguard sure reads like something made by people who saw the writing on the wall. The RPG leaves off on a small cliffhanger that could launch players into a fifth game, but I’m skeptical that we’ll ever get it. The quickness with which publisher Electronic Arts gutted BioWare and masked it with talk of being more “agile” and “focused” shortly after it was revealed The Veilguard underperformed in the eyes of the power that be makes me wonder if BioWare was also unsure it would get to return to Thedas a fifth time. Looking back, I’m pretty convinced the team was working as if Rook’s adventure through the northern regions of this beloved fantasy world might be the last time anyone, BioWare or fan, stepped foot in it. But that may have only made me appreciate the game even more.

Yeah, I might be doomsaying, but there’s a lot of reasons to do so right now. The loss of talented people like lead writer Trick Weekes, who has been a staple in modern BioWare since the beginning of Mass Effect, or Mary Kirby who wrote characters like Varric, the biggest throughline through the Dragon Age series, doesn’t inspire confidence that EA understands the lifeblood of the studio it acquired in 2007. The Veilguard has been a divisive game for entirely legitimate reasons and the most bad-faith ones you can imagine on the internet in 2025, but my hope is that history will be kinder to it as time goes on. 

A Kotaku reader reached out to me after the news broke to ask if they should still play The Veilguard after everything that happened. My answer was that now we are probably in a better position to appreciate it for what it was: a (potentially) final word.

The Veilguard is just as much a send-off for a long-running story as it does a stepping stone for what (might) come. Its secret ending implies a new threat is lurking somewhere off in the distance but by and large, The Veilguard is about the end of an era. BioWare created an entire questline essentially writing Thedas’ history in stone, removing any ambiguity that gave life to over a decade of theory-crafting. As a long-time player, I’m glad The Veilguard solidifies the connective tissue between what sometimes felt like world of isolated cultures that lacked throughlines that made the world feel whole. But sitting your cast of weirdos down for a series of group therapy sessions unpacking the ramifications of some of the biggest lore dumps the studio has ever put to a Bluray disc isn’t the kind of narrative choice you make if you’re confident there’s still a future for the franchise. 

Unanswered questions are the foundation of sequels, and The Veilguard has an almost anxious need to stamp those out. Perhaps BioWare learned a hard lesson by leaving Dragon Age: Inquisition on a cliffhanger and didn’t want to repeat the same restriction. But The Veilguard doesn’t just wrap up its own story, it concludes several major threads dating back to Origins and feels calculated and deliberate. If BioWare’s goal with The Veilguard was to bring almost everything to a definitive end, the thematic note it leaves this world on acts as a closing graf summing up a thesis the series hopes to convey.

Pushing away the bigotry that has followed The Veilguard like a starving rat digging through trash, one of the most common criticisms I heard directed against the game was that it lacked a certain thorny disposition that was prevalent in the first three games. Everyone in the titular party generally seems to like each other, there aren’t real ethical and philosophical conflicts between the group, and the spats that do arise are more akin to the arguments you probably get into with your best friends. It’s a new dynamic for the series. The Veilguard doesn’t feel like coworkers as The Inquisition did or the disparate group who barely tolerated each other we followed in Dragon Age II. They are a friend group who, despite coming from different backgrounds, factions, and places, are pretty much on the same page about what the world should be. They’re united by a common goal, sure, but at the core of each of their lived experiences is a desire for the world to be better.

This rose-colored view of leftism doesn’t work for everyone. At its worst, The Veilguard can be saccharine to the point of giving you a cavity, which is far from what people have come to expect from a series in which Fenris and Anders didn’t care if the other lived or died. It also bleeds into a perceived softening of the universe. Factions like the Antivan Crows have essentially become the Bat Family with no mention of the whole child slavery thing that was our first introduction to them back in Origins. The Lords of Fortune, a new pirate faction, goes to great lengths to make sure you know that they’re not like the other pirates who steal from other cultures, among other things. I joked to a friend once that The Veilguard is a game terrified of getting canceled, and as such a lot of the grit and grime has been washed off for something shiny and polished. 

That is the more critical lens to view the way The Veilguard’s sanitation of Thedas. To an extent, I agree. We learned so much about how the enigmatic country of the Tevinter Imperium was a place built upon slavery and blood sacrifice, only for us to conveniently hang out in the common poverty-stricken areas that are affected by the corrupt politics we only hear about in sidequests and codex entries. But decisions like setting The Veilguard’s Tevinter stories in the slums of Dogtown gives the game and its writers a place to make a more definitive statement, rather than existing in the often frustrating centrism Dragon Age loved to tout for three games.

I have a lot of pain points I can shout out in the Dragon Age series, but I don’t think one has stuck in my craw the way the end of Anders rivalry relationship goes down in Dragon Age II. This is a tortured radical mage who is willing to give his life to fight for the freedom of those who have been born into a corrupt system led by the policing Templars. And yet, if you’ve followed his rivalry path, Anders will turn against the mages he, not five minutes ago, did some light terrorism trying to free. In Inquisition, this conflict of ideals and traditions comes to a head, but you’re able to essentially wipe it all under the rug as you absorb one faction or the other into your forces. So often Dragon Age treats its conflicts and worldviews as toys for the player to slam against one another, shaping the world as they see fit, and bending even the most fiercely devoted radical to your whims. And yes, there are some notable exceptions to this rule, but when it came to world-shifting moments of change, Dragon Age always seemed scared to assert that the player might be wrong. Mages and Templars, oppressed and oppressors, were the same in the eyes of the game, each worthy of the same level of scrutiny.

Before The Veilguard, I often felt Dragon Age didn’t actually believe in anything. Its characters did, but as a text, Dragon Age often felt so preoccupied with empowering the player’s decisions that it felt like Thedas would never actually get better, no matter how much you fought for it. While it may lack the same prickly dynamics and the grey morality that became synonymous with the series, The Veilguard’s doesn’t just believe that the world is full of greys and let you pick which shade you’re more comfortable with. It’s the most wholeheartedly the Dragon Age universe has declared that the world of Thedas can be better than it was before.

Essentially retconning the Antivan Crows to a family of superheroes is taking a hammer to the problem, whereas characters like Neve Gallus, a mage private eye with a duty-bound love for her city and its people, are the scalpel with which BioWare shifts its vision of how the world of Thedas can change. Taash explores their identity through the lens of Dragon Age’s longstanding Qunari culture, known for its rigidness in the face of an ever-changing world, and comes out the other end a new person, defined entirely by their own views and defying others. Harding finds out the truth behind how the dwarves were severed from magic and still remembers that she believes in the good in people. The heroes of The Veilguard have seen the corruption win out, and yet never stop believing that something greater is possible. It's not even an option in The Veilguard's eyes. The downtrodden will be protected, the oppressed will live proudly, and those who have been wronged will find new life.

That belief is what makes The Veilguard a frustrating RPG, to some. It’s so unyielding in its belief that Thedas and everyone who inhabits it can be better that it doesn’t really entertain you complicating the narrative. Rook can come from plenty of different backgrounds, make decisions that will affect thousands of people, but they can never really be an evil bastard. If they did, it would fundamentally undermine one of the game’s most pivotal moments. In the eleventh hour, Dragon Age mainstay Varric Tethras is revealed to have died in the opening hour, and essentially leaves all his hopes and dreams on the shoulders of Rook. After our hero is banished to the Fade and forced to confront their regrets in a mission gone south, Varric’s spirit sends Rook on their way to save the day one last time. He does so with a hearty chuckle, saying he doesn’t need to wish you good luck because “you already have everything you need.” He is, of course, referring to the friends you have calling to you from beyond the Fade. 

Varric, the narrator of Dragon Age, uses his final word to declare a belief that things will be okay. This isn’t because Rook is the chosen one destined to save the world, but because they have found people who are unified by one thing: a need to fight for a better world. But that’s what makes it compelling as a possibly final Dragon Age game. Reaching the end of a universe’s arc and being wholly uninterested in leaving it desecrated by hubris or prejudice is a bold claim on BioWare’s part. It takes some authorship away from the player, but in return, it leaves the world of Thedas in a better place than we found it.

The Veilguard is an idealistic game, but it’s one that BioWare has earned the right to make. Dragon Age’s legacy has been one of constantly shifting identity, at least two counts of development hell, and a desire to gives players a sandbox to roleplay in. Perhaps, as Dragon Age likely comes to a close, it’s better to leave Dragon Age with a game as optimistic as the people who made it. I can’t think of a more appropriate finale than one that represents the world its creators hope to see, even as the world we live in now gives us every reason to fall to despair.

In my review for The Veilguard I signed off expressing hope for BioWare’s future that feels a bit naive in retrospect. Would a divisive but undeniably polished RPG that felt true to the studio’s history be enough when, after 10 years of development, rich suits were probably looking for a decisive cultural moment? That optimism was just about a video game. Having lived through the past 32 years, most of the optimism I’ve ever held feels naive to look back on. I think I’m losing hope that the world will get any better. But even if we haven’t reached The Veilguard’s idealized vision, I’ll take some comfort in knowing someone previously at BioWare still believes it’s possible. - ken shepard, shepardcdr.bsky.social

[smuttysabina]

A Month With Aespa (Ch 5): A Taste of Winter

(Male Reader x Karina x Winter, 3k Words) Tags: Rampant lesbianism; Excessive foreplay; Immense Creampies; Twintails get used as handlebars, These outfits were honestly wild, they should wear more fishnets; some voyeurism; Vaginal and Oral sex; Threesome; Some Fisting

Read Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, Ch4 here!

It had so far been a perfectly ordinary day. You had spent a great deal of your time luxuriating in the gardens that still glistened with the morning's dew, sampling some new delicacies from the kitchen, and had received a somewhat mediocre, if enthusiastic, pleasuring from Ningning (who had insisted upon using her modest breasts to prove her bust's superiority over Karina's; it were not). So, aside from a rather strained painting of an idol's chest with your seed, your day had otherwise been filled with whimsy and the like; you could already hear your maids muttering to themselves about the lack of attention. It was in the late afternoon then that you were strolling through the corridors, eyeing your passing staff to see if any felt particularly fulfilling to well, fill, when you notice Karina scurrying through a service passage. It was surprising enough to see her out and about considering her penchant for staying in her room all day, but it was even more surprising to see doing so dressed like a cheap (well, moderately priced, really) whore. A tightening of your groin indicates that any further consideration about a potential distraction was not required; your darling maids would understand completely.

You follow Karina at a leisurely pace, keeping her barely in sight as you stroll along, giving you only glimpses of her outfit as she darts around corners and down stairways. Her exotic twintails bouncing erratically as she weaves a confusing path through your grandfather's manor; or at least it would be had you not known the place like the rear of your old anatomy teacher (Ms. Hendricks had held a rather hands-on view towards teaching, and her sizable posterior a formidable tool in that respect). As it was, you always managed to keep track of Karina as she wound her way back to where she started, and you find your curiosity further piqued as she seems to hesitate in front of the door of one of your other guests, before softly knocking on the door and slipping inside. Of course, the only other guests in the mansion were the other members of Aespa, so now you were well and truly baffled by the entire scheme of hers'; why bother bustling about if her eventual destination was literally feet away? Your brow furrowed with thought, you hurry to the service corridors yourself, and from there into the servant's passages that honeycombed the walls of your residence. You step quietly over to the peephole that looks into Winter's room, and peer intently through it, keen to discover just what the idols were up to (Hm? I'm sorry, why exactly is the mansion riddled with cuck-holes you ask? Obviously because where is the thrill of illicit love-making if there is not the risk of it getting exposed? Also the maids do love to watch, even if it does leave the place rather damp at times).

The view through the narrow opening was somewhat limited, but fortuitously the two idols had placed themselves upon Winter's bed directly in front of it. Now that she was finally still, you could truly examine in detail Karina's outfit, and found yourself suitably impressed. Her long twintails frames her sizable bust quite nicely, which though shrouded by fabric was still pleasantly arousing, and the black fishnets that led up to her miniskirt were the icing upon the proverbial cake. Winter by contrast was a brighter version of Karina, her fishnets were pink, as was the open skirt around her waist, which was conspicuously lacking anything to cover up her darker-hued panties. Yet more fishnetted lingerie covered her arms and chest, and her more modest twintails were set further back on her head; it was surprising to see them dressed so sensually, neither had bothered since their first days at the mansion. Giselle on the other hand seemed to revel in extravagant outfits, nearly as much as she enjoyed annoying you enough to bend her over in a service corridor, praise be that your maids were experts in removing semen stains! Of course Ningning also could be seen flaunting her body in sleek dresses and shifts, though those were rarely on her body long enough for you to truly appreciate them these days.

But the bemusement at seeing Karina and Winter not in their usual sweats or pajamas was swiftly escalated when the pair begin to make out. Your eyes practically bulge as you watch Karina melting into Winter's arms, their lips locked tightly together as their hands roam each other's bodies. Now this was a truly unexpected development, you had imagined that Aespa would have been carnally familiar with one another, but the manner in which the two were kissing indicated an intimacy that surpassed casual sex. You are surprised to feel a stab of jealousy as Winter freely mauls Karina's ample breasts through her shirt, the latter's constant denials had you feeling a touch possessive in your desires towards her. And Winter's consistent polite coldness towards your advances had made you think it was simply a quirk of her personality, yet with the other idol she showed a gleefully honest lack of restraint. You had thought you would catch the girls gossiping away or the like, and yet here they were, engaging in passionate foreplay that would no doubt soon devolve into outright sex! So, with a rather particular tightness in your pants, you sit forwards to enjoy the show.

You knew that lesbians tended to take awhile with their foreplay, but frankly, this was getting ridiculous. Karina and Winter were still merely kissing and petting one another, why, they had not even moved from that particular spot on Winter's bed! Surely the idols must be so worked up by this point that they were literally dripping wet, you certainly were, but no, the pair spared only the gentlest of touches to their sexes; and remained completely clothed! With an irritable huff you force yourself to settle, indulgent excess was meaningless without restraint, as your dear grandfather had been so fond of saying (He had also been wont to repeat "through anal fornication, comes perfection", so perhaps you should harken too closely to his, ah, wisdom). Yet, nothing happened. It was as if the members of Aespa were putting on a show for none (obviously they would assume their little tryst was going unwatched after Karina's stealthy antics), that, or they were appallingly chaste with one another. There was only so much teasing one could tolerate however, and the only reason why you had not faltered in your determination to copulate with Karina and merely emptied yourself into some passing maid, was that one had not wandered by yet. So you rationalize that it was only your duty as a gracious host that you properly encourage those two to, well, get on with it; some couples do require a helping hand (or member) after all!

Filled with fresh resolve, you retrace your steps out into the main hallway, past several maids who eye your obvious bulge with more than a little interest, and right to Winter's door. After taking a moment to adjust yourself so that your erection was not blatantly visible, you knock briefly before inviting yourself inside, a kindly request for some advice regarding Giselle's mundane habit of leaving her belongings everywhere dying on your lips as Karina and Winter break out of their embrace to glare at you in parodies of shock and surprise. You cough awkwardly at this truly unexpected situation, and fixing a look of benevolent concern upon your face, stride deeper into Winter's room. Surely the idols had not been pushed to engage in such banal intimacies due to inattention on your part, you declare with worry, had you been so poor a host that you had focused too closely upon the other two members of Aespa? You would gladly assist them in remedying this disgraceful failing on your part... Winter narrows her eyes at Karina, subtly indicating that she should be the spokesperson, and the idol duly burbles out a breathless response, "Oh, um, dear host, not at all! We were merely... practicing! Yes, we were practicing," Karina beams innocently, her polite demeanor unable to hide the obvious flush coloring her cheeks. A single raised eyebrow is all the reply you require to prompt her into continuing, "Of course, you are welcome to observe, as is your right," Winter frowns but nods in agreement; ah, progress.

You pull an armchair in front of the bed, leaning back into it before broadly gesturing for the idols to continue with their... "practice"; and are given a front-row view of Karina and Winter once more shyly kissing one another. You are utterly baffled by their behavior, you knew from first-hand experience that Karina was an absolute menace between the sheets, and from your brief interactions with Winter, you could tell that she was beyond experienced when it came to pleasuring both men, women, and everything in between. Undoubtedly the pair had engaged in wanton acts of debauchery together, idols were renowned for their depraved orgies, so your thoughts once again churned as you attempted to solve this knotty problem... As always, the wisdom of the Ancients comes to your aid, why bother untangling this Gordian mystery, when you could simply sever it? With a radiant smile upon your face, you heave yourself upright and stand proudly in front of the bemused idols, who once more ceased kissing to stare at you, courteously awaiting your words. They barely even blink when you unsheathe your sword, its tip bulbous and oozing from the girl's infuriating teasing; Karina's lips seem to quirk slightly before returning to her demure half-smile.

Usually you would engage in foreplay, exploring your lover's bodies while they probed your own, but after nearly an hour of simply watching, you decided to forego such pleasantries. You order Karina to open her legs, which she does with a disinterested sigh, while Winter huffs in disgust, but the latter's eyes widen when you tell her to start eating Karina out. The members of Aespa glance at each other, before Winter shrugs with exaggerated indifference, and leans down between Karina's fishnetted thighs, moving her tight miniskirt up to reveal Karina's glistening slit before her head obscures it. Winter's rear remains upraised however, her gauzy pink skirts shrouding it in an excess of fabric, and you are quick to lift it up over her hips, revealing the thong beneath. Winter looks back at you for a moment, before rolling her eyes and returning to devouring her friends' pussy; who seems to be rather enjoying herself if the squelching noises coming from her crotch are anything to go by. But now it was your turn, and you are almost trembling as your hands roam Winter's pale rear, her skin pleasantly dimpled by the pink fishnets as you squeeze and spread them. You slap your meat against her exposed lower lips, causing runnels of juices to dampen her thighs, and with barely contained excitement, your manhood tastes the final member of Aespa's pussy for the first time.

Unlike her name, Winter's sex was hot, almost uncomfortably so. It felt as if your member was inside of a heater, one that was enjoyable lubricated to be sure, and that voraciously sucked you inside of it, but still. Not that you minded though as you plow Winter from behind, her stuffy pussy already having you on edge from her extensive show- Fresh wetness gushes down your shaft, the idol shudders in your grasp, evidently she had been pushed to her limits by Karina's chaste kisses as well. With a grunt you push forwards, forcing Winter flat atop Karina, her face shoved between her friend's amble breasts as you start to prone bone the idol. Your cock grinding against her sensitive spot with every thrust, sending fresh quivers through her body as her pussy soaks the skirt pooled beneath her groin. No matter how skillfully your movements however, you found yourself unable to resist the burning heat broiling your manhood, and after several more messy slaps you finally allow yourself to let go. Winter lets out a muffled squeal as your semen pours into her, her feet drumming against the bed as your load fills her pussy. You shake as you collapse down onto her, your strength leaving you as pleasure wracks your form, the pair of you shuddering in sympathy as your twined orgasms leave you breathless. Shivering, you unmount Winter, your erection dragging across her buttocks as you rise back onto your knees, leaving behind a glistening trail that leads back to the creamy mess belching from her vagina.

You lay on your side to catch your breath, as the idols untangle themselves from one another, the both of them leaving behind obvious wet stains on the sheets. But before your seed can add to the damage, Karina determinedly takes her own turn between Winter's thighs, lapping up the sperm before using her tongue to clean even deeper inside of the other idol. If you had thought your own efforts had been adept at bringing Winter to orgasm, Karina swiftly put you to shame as her oral techniques soon have Winter blubbering. The usually composed idol was in paroxysms of agonizing pleasure as she held onto Karina's twintails, her face bright red as she drowns Karina in her fluids, until with a undignified shriek she squirts so hard it sprays past Karina's face and all over the bed. Her chest heaving, Winter pats Karina's cheeks affectionately, "Stupid, Cheese Cat," she gasps, and the pair share a smile. But such an impressive display had stirred your lust once more, and now you wanted to try using Karina's twintails as handlebars! Karina's blowjob skills were, of course, perfect. Even as you used her hair to piston her head up and down your shaft, her tongue still plied its underside while her lips wrapped tightly around it. Karina idly masturbates throughout, no matter how hard you fucked her face her fingers continued stirring at an unbothered pace; if only you could keep her forever...

After allowing Karina to slobber all over your manhood without your assistance for a little while, you decide it is only right that you reward her for her efforts. So once again she spreads her lingerie-sheathed legs, but this time it is you who place yourself between them. Karina had been wet when you had made love the first time in the showers a week ago (with more than just steamy water, obviously), but this time she was literally soaking from Winter's efforts. You suppress a groan as Karina's exquisite pussy welcomes you inside of it once more, her folds squeezing your cock tightly as it swallows every inch of it. With your hands beneath her knees, you push her legs back, allowing you to take her in mating press, her voluptuous body squishing against yours, and with a single violent motion you wrench her top up over her breasts. Karina gasps slightly, but gives you an amused smile in response, "How romantic," she says dryly as her cleavage flattens itself against your chest, your body weight pressing you together. Your thighs slam you down into her again and again, and you nuzzle against her neck as she wraps her arms around you, your conjoined sexes squelching loudly as they slap together. A shudder runs through Karina, and a fresh slurry of fluids sprays against your balls as she climaxes, "Oh you vile..." she moans before purring with ill-disguised satisfaction.

Having brought your partner to orgasm, it was only polite then that you gifted her a reward for her efforts today; seeing the elegant idol dressed so lewdly had aroused you more than you had realized, and it was only proper that you showed your appreciation. You groan as pleasure surges through you, and after several more long, determined thrusts, you creampie Karina. Your seed spews deep inside of her, and the idol quivers as she is bred, her enjoyment at the sensation of being inseminated as obvious as your own joy at doing it to her. When your semen has finished painting the entrance to her womb, she coughs, politely reminding you that you are squishing her. You gently scramble off of her, and Karina simply lays there, her chest heaving in a rather attractive manner (It was a struggle to not mount her bodice then and there), before giving you a somewhat pleased smile, "Well that was nice, I suppose. Are you quite done now, or should we wait on cleaning up?" she asks with an upraised eyebrow. With an exhausted wave you indicate that the idols were free to do as they wish, giving them a nod of approval before tottering towards the exit. You had not even finished closing the door before hearing the noisy sounds of Winter slurping your load out of Karina; they did seem to have great experience in cleaning one another out...

You were thoughtful as you slowly strode back to your own chambers, blissfully unaware of the fact that you were still stark naked; though to be fair, that was hardly an unusual state for you to be in. Karina had put a great deal of trouble into scurrying all around the mansion, it was almost as if she had been trying to catch your attention with such a flashy outfit... Any further musing was put on hold however when you open the door to your room and find Ningning elbow-deep inside of Giselle's sloppy cunt; were all of Aespa carnally interested in each other? Ningning glances back at you without a hint of apology on her face, "Oh good, you're back, we got bored with waiting so we started without you," her eyes narrow as she takes in your unruly appearance, and she sniffs the air before scowling, "You've been fucking Karina again, haven't you? I can smell her loose cunt on your cock," Ningning smirks wickedly as she presents her rear for your pleasure, "Why don't you clean yourself in a real idol, you can even dirty yourself in this slut's holes to truly appreciate the difference..."

You sigh inwardly, this was proving to be a touch more exhausting than you had originally anticipated...

[cutetanuki-chan]

sometimes I see people being confused where alectostasia ship came from so here's a little bit of run down

I'm not really good with words so it might be clunky

what we know from the text

Anastasia tries to achieve 'perfect lyctorhood', something goes wrong during her ascension, John kills Samael, Anastasia fails her attempt

Anastasia moves to the ninth, continues working on the house or only founding it at that time

John asks Anastasia to help build the tomb 'I built that tomb with Anastasia, designed every inch of it.'

somewhere between working on it and Alecto's entombment, Alecto and Anastasia make a vow where Alecto basically swears as a cavalier to her 'Alecto said, I remember my vows. As I swore to Anastasia I swear to you. I am in your service until you bid me the favour, and whatsoever you appoint I shall perform, and consider the vow rendered. This is what I promised, until such a time as you deal with me as you see fit.'

as John leading Alecto to the tomb, she asks to see Anastasia 'She had said, There are almost no beautiful things left. Where is Anastasia? Let me talk to Anastasia.'

presumable Anastasia is the one to inflict to the ninth house importance of keeping her bloodline and worshiping of the tomb through all of those years

Anastasia's bones are in the tomb 'She looked back beyond, and she saw Anastasia, tucked where nobody would find her: Anastasia, all bones. Not really Anastasia. But Anastasia’s body without the meat on it, snuggled right into the curve of the rock, ready to close the door whenever it was opened. She remembered Anastasia.'

Alecto immediately getting chill after tasting Harrow's blood 'The child was silent; but her blood was on Alecto’s lips, and through that blood Alecto was made to understand what it was, and was astonished exceedingly. Alecto put away wrath and said: Thou art the blood of the tomb-keeper.'

Alecto saying sorry for Samael

the implications

the vow on itself is very interesting, at first we all know how usually normal cavalier and necromancer relationships are. then for Alecto to comply to that, indicates she should be pretty trusting of Anastasia, and their relationships at least somehow better than with other lyctors who were terrified of her

then there's also the tombkeeper blood thing, what serves as a check note for Alecto after waking up, and means the initial purpose of the ninth house was actually waiting for rock to roll away

and one part of the vow seems to imply 'if anyone beside a tombkeeper wake you, slay them as they came to hurt you', as could hinted on a protection from other lyctors who wanted to kill Alecto? (Then Alecto remembered the vow, and turned back upon the altar to face the second child and raised the sword with wrath in her heart, for they meant to bring destruction upon her.)

then the matter of Anastasia's bones laying in the tomb next to the rock. not sure if it's just her skeleton or she made herself a some construct mechanism from her bones. and not clear if she got entombed on her own volition or John closed them both there, but being entombed together five feet apart cause we are not gay

there's also some oddness in Alecto immediately after waking saying she's sorry for Samael, but I won't go into that here, anyway Anastasia was trying to find a better way to lyctorhood and I think in her more close relationships with Alecto she figured out something that John wasn't telling them, before or after her ascension

and some theories

I think I first heard this theory from @/mayasaura, that ninth house tradition of telling secrets while submerged in the salt water could've corelate with Anastasia trying to have a talk like that with Alecto since she feels the most at ease in the salt water, so means pool time for alectostasia too

another one that I really like but not sure how much legs it actually would have in canon, one of the reasons Nona was so enamored with her body cause Harrow is a spitting image of Anastasia, first saw @/corvophobia talking about it

coming back to Harrow, could there be anything more to her taking immediate affection to the Body a la some fuckery with Anastasia's spirt/tombkeeper's blood

more people explained it better, I try to reblog most of the theories in my side blog, you can check it out there but some of it explicit just in case

anyway in conclusion, as I keep procrastinating with my work, I don't think they were making out 24/7 in Canaan house in canon but something for sure happened there between them

[inbabylontheywept]

Babylon and the Duck of Butter

I have a gift for falling in love with random objects. One time, my aunt got me a little rubber chicken, and whenever I squoze it, a little egg thing popped out. Very silly. Except that chicken became something like my best friend. I carried it with me to school, and I kept it with me in my pocket, and whatever social hazards there were about Being The Guy Who Got Stressed Whenever His Rubber Chicken Was Missing were far outweighed by being The Guy Who ALWAYS Had a Rubber Chicken On Him. There's a lot of comedic opportunity that comes with always having a good prop on your person.

Of course, the chicken did eventually. Explode. And such was my grief that I did not eat for 36 hours. This was very stressful for many people. Mostly my mom. I was a very strange child to work with. She took parenting so incredibly seriously, and then I'd pitch her these curve balls like refusing to eat for a day and a half because my rubber chicken died. No parenting book tells you what to do when that happens. You just have to feel it in your heart.

A less tragic story of an object that I fell in love with was a large, foam toad that I found in a trinket shop. The toad was the size of a very large grapefruit. Much too large to carry with me to school (thank god) but enough that I could move it around the house, to keep me company during my solitary pursuits. If I was reading, the toad was there, and if I was tinkering with legos, the toad was there, and even when I slept, I would wrap the toad up in layers and layers of blankets, and then spoon it. I did this until the rubber coating on the foam started to wear out, and the foam started to get brittle and break down and leak this repulsive yellow powder. Then I simply put the toad in the playroom and would consult it on matters of great importance. Eventually I stopped doing that, and someone took the opportunity to dispose of it. Not sure who. By the time I noticed its absence, too much time had passed for me to actually be sad. As an adult, part of me thinks I would have maybe liked burying the toad, but part of me also thinks I might have refused to part with the toad, which would have resulted in it leaking more repulsive yellow powder into the house. So I understand why that decision was made. 

I want to state that this does not happen often, and it does not happen on purpose. I don't choose to fall in love with random objects. And it's always a little bit embarrassing when it happens. 

Which brings me to my wife. 

Before meeting my wife, I did not often go to places with crowds. I didn't really think of it as avoiding them - those places just didn't seem fun to me. But she liked those places, and I really liked her, and being with someone who really likes something can kind of sell you on liking it too, so I'd take her to places and watch her Visibly Enjoy the Fair and go: Alright. The fair is pretty sweet.  

Which is a thing that happened. After fourish months of dating, I took her to the fair. And she fell very visibly in love with a large series of quilts, and she stayed near them for a while, which she thought was very embarrassing, and I got to pretend to be understanding as an outsider, because I thought it would be much more impressive than also being the type of person that would fall in love with a quilt. 

Do not do this. The gods punishment for my hubris was that the room next to the quilts was full of butter sculptures, which was an entirely new thing to me, and I immediately fell embarrassingly in love with all of them. It was like the biggest, sappiest non-sexual crush you've ever had, but not only did the other person not recipropcate, they could not, because they were made of butter. I actually got yelled at for pressing my face against the glass, which is fair, but also, I hadn't realized I was pressing my face on the glass, I just started leaning forward because after approximately 30 minutes of staring wistfully at a cow made of butter my legs got tired. And I think I should be given some grace for that.

Anyway. My wife was very patient with me taking more time to look at the butter sculptures than the average person might spent at the Louvre, and she also felt much less embarrassed over falling in love with a quilt, and we had a good laugh about it on the ferris wheel. 

A few weeks after that was my birthday. And I don't know what I expected, exactly - but I did not expect what she did. 

Dear reader, she made me a butter sculpture. Of a duck.

She picked a duck, because our first kiss was at a Japanese friendship garden. It was our second date, and she'd made up her mind not to do any kissing until the third date, but as we sat on the grass, a duck walked past me, and I'd just seen the hold-duck-gentle-like-hamgurber meme,

so I sort of impulsively reached out and snatched it. I honestly didn't think it would work. I don't know who was more flabbergasted, me or the duck. But we looked at each other, and then I looked at her, and then she looked at the duck, and she looked so incredibly envious that I assumed that must have wanted the duck so I just handed it to her.

It turned out she was actually envious of the ability to just grab a duck as it walked by, but she accepted the duck and stroked it a few times before releasing it. (She also made up her mind to kiss me in that moment, which was very nice.)  

Anyway.

She made me a butter duck of my own. Obviously, I fell in love with it immediately. I cleared out all of the freezer-portion of my mini fridge, and I put the duck in there, and for the next several months, when I felt sad, or lonely, I would open the door up and spent some quality time. Just me and my duck.

But this is, of course, not the end of the story. 

Because.

After several months. 

The mini fridge died. 

I really didn't use it that often. It was mostly my duck storage container. But one day, I walked by it, and it struck me that it wasn't humming. So I opened the door, and it was just. Far, far too late. The duck was dead. Dead dead. Turned into a foul-smelling slime dead. 

I cried. I did. After the rubber chicken thing, I thought I had changed, but I had not changed, and the unexpected death of my butter buddy left me pretty shook. I texted my then-girlfriend now-wife about how sad I was, and she actually came over to help me say goodbye. We didn't even bother scraping the duck out of the mini-fridge, we just said our goodbyes to both and threw them together in the nice dumpster behind the chapel, because it seemed appropriate to put it in God's dumpster. And it did actually help quite a bit. I certainly did not go 36 hours without eating again. 

And that was, for some time, the end of the butter duck. 

However. Three (or four?) years ago, for my birthday, my wife was looking around thrift stores. And she found something interesting. 

The original butter duck had an odd pose. She'd sculpted it laying flat, intending to raise it up later. But the butter was less flexible than she thought, and she was afraid of cracking it so she left it down which left the duck with a very elongated, very in-motion appearance. And she found a brass statue of a duck in the same, running posture.

It wasn't the original. But it was oddly on the nose. It was a yellow brass, it had the same strange posture, the same crude little face feathers. 

I think it was $3, but it remains perhaps the most thoughtful gift I have ever received. I got very choked up when I unwrapped Butter Duck, The UnDying. 

Pic provided.

[book-lore]

Okay so I wasn't going to reply to this but I am still getting over being sick and this stuck to me. And for the record, it's okay that the OP feels this way and what I'm about to say doesn't mean they are wrong or bad or anything. Let's leave that person in peace. But as to why people don't like Valentine's day and some people even hate it, a gentle reminder:

There are a wide variety of reasons people can find certain holidays objectionable and one that tackles love specifically can be especially difficult for people who are struggling. A recent divorcee might wish to sit this day out because it can bring up how difficult being newly out of a relationship can be. This can be made even worse if the relationship was decades long and they aren't sure how to navigate the world of being single that looks nothing like when they were dating before. People who struggle socially who want relationships can find this to be a day that makes them feel a little more lonely. People who have lost a partner might feel their absence more acutely, even if that loss was years ago. People who have escaped abusive situations might have extremely mixed or hostile feelings about Valentines day (especially given how violent partners tend to become worse around holidays and this is extra true where the abused party is expected to behave a certain way). People who are in the closet might be feeling particularly confused or wounded right now as they feel worlds away from being able to accept or even find love.

The point of this isn't to drag the original poster, but it can be good to understand why sometimes hearts can be delightful for some and heavy for others. I know that some people can be well intentioned and say things like "think of the chocolate and candy" or "it's made up anyway" or "celebrate it with your friends instead", but those aren't really helpful. Love and its reminders can mean a lot of things to people and sometimes they bring up the bad emotions. Sometimes what people need isn't candy or hearts or even a pretend reason to see a friend. Sometimes they need to cry and a day that reminds them of loss or something they lack is what does it for them. Sometimes what they need is to know that they aren't the only one who feels like that when stores and displays and everything around them seems to point out what's making them feel sore.

It's okay to enjoy Valentine's Day. There are plenty of ways to do so if that's what you like. It's also okay to sit it out if you're sore or you're feeling a lot. It's alright if it's just another day in February.

dont understand people who "don't like" valentines day... I personally dgaf that its "made up" and "commercialist"... i love heart shaped things and i love everyone in my life. Its really simple

[spoiledskullz]

sonic movie monkey paw: knuckles is more popular now than he was prior to 2022 but it's movie knuckles and his character is still misunderstood

[jeonginsleftcheek]

Catch me when I fall (1)

THIS IS PART ONE BCS TUMBLR IS AGAIN ACTING LIKE SHIT SO IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS!

pairing: hyunjin x afab!reader

genre: fluff, angst, smut

wc: 21.2k (30.6k both parts)

synopsis: An artist finds inspiration in a dancer, and the dancer finds hope inside the artist's paintings.

warnings: alcohol, mentions of death

nsfw warnings: multiple sex scenes, making out, mutual masturbation, grinding, oral (f and m), blindfolds, fingering, squirting, unprotected sex, creampies

a/n: i am sorry this is so long and detailed!!! i just love soft artist hyunjin sm😭🫶🏻 also can you tell i suck at french hahaha

~ masterlist

~ divider by @strangergraphics

The sky had darkened, snowflakes silently falling down and catching onto Hyunjin's hair that was peaking out of his beanie. He could see his breath as he exhaled, disappearing into the cold air like a puff of smoke.

He shivered, his hands digging further into the pockets of his coat as he stared at the huge building before him. Usually, he wouldn't be out when it's this cold, but something had pulled him out of the comfort of his bed and dragged him out into the night.

There was a show in the theater, a performer he saw many times before but would come to see again in the blink of an eye any time he got the chance.

Tonight was that chance as Hyunjin took a few long strides after playing around with the puffs of air, the snowflakes around him gently grazing his rosy cheeks.

He finally walked into the building, standing in line to get his ticket checked. The air inside was warm, like a hug from a loved one inviting him closer. The lady at the entrance smiled at him as she looked at his ticket.

"Good evening, Hyunjin." she said, already acquainted with the young man.

"Good evening, ma'am." Hyunjin greeted politely before he finally walked into the theater, looking for his spot. He always liked to sit in the gallery as it gave him the best view of the stage.

Hyunjin sat comfortably, biting his lip in anticipation for what's to come. The murmur of the audience ceased as the lights in the room dimmed, a single spotlight shining onto the curtains.

Hyunjin gulped, leaning at the edge of his seat.

Soft music started playing and the curtain finally opened, revealing you standing in front of the silk that was secured on the ceiling.

His eyes started shining immediately as your performance began. You gave an elegant wave, your smile brighter than any spotlight, shining right onto the audience.

As soon as you started climbing up, Hyunjin's heart fluttered because he knew what was next. You wrapped the silk skilfully around yourself and Hyunjin tried, as always, to follow every small movement, to learn your routines, to understand how you did all those beautiful tricks that had captured his heart.

He stopped breathing for a moment as you let yourself fall, your body rolling against the silk as you caught yourself, bending and stretching yourself into all sorts of shapes. In Hyunjin's eyes you were art, your body was art, your hard work was art, your beauty was nothing but pure art.

He was infatuated and inspired by you, watching you move and command the stage so gracefully, like it was nothing.

When you finished and bowed to the audience, Hyunjin's ears filled with the sound of clapping and he stood up, weaving through the bodies of onlookers and disappearing into the black night.

He didn't want to accidentally run into you as he couldn't express into words the way you touched his heart with your dancing. You shined so brightly from afar that he was afraid he'd be blinded if he came any closer to you.

Hyunjin would later paint a scene inspired by your performance, but never display it in his gallery.

It was created only to give him comfort.

-

The cold morning air seemed to bite at your cheeks as you strolled through the city, trying to bury your face into your scarf as much as you could. The streets were mostly cleaned, the snow that had fallen last night was swept aside.

Your steps were hurried and purposeful, you had a goal in your mind. You woke up this morning with an urge to visit the gallery. One of many, but this one was your favorite.

You had no idea who owned it or who the artist was as they insisted on staying anonymous but you felt connected to them. It's as if they were painting for you, sending you a direct message that said 'hey, I'm here, I care, I understand.' You felt comforted and welcomed every time you walked into that gallery, every time you were surrounded by those paintings it was like a loving touch, telling you you're not alone.

As soon as you walked into the gallery, the world became quiet and contemplative, all the overstimulating noises and lights of the city disappearing.

A new exhibition of paintings decorated the walls and you made sure to stop in front of every single one, taking your time to revel in each detail the artist put onto the canvas. It seemed that they were feeling nostalgic and even a bit dark, judging by the paintings of lonely city views and lonely looking people.

You understood. Of course you did. After all, it had been three years since the accident and even though you healed on the outside, the wound on your heart still stung. Subconsciously, you rubbed your ring finger with your thumb as you continued looking at the paintings.

And there it was again, that comforting feeling, like this person knew exactly what you were going through, like they could read your mind and feel your emotions. A signature adorned every painting, the initials H.H. When you closed your eyes you could almost see the hand that put them there.

-

Hyunjin wasn't supposed to come to the gallery this morning, as the official opening wasn't happening until the evening, but he wanted to check if everything was in order.

At first, he didn't recognize you as you had your back turned to him but once you moved onto the next painting, Hyunjin saw the side of your face and stopped in his tracks.

His throat went dry immediately, his heart pounding against his chest as warmness spread through his body. There is no way you are actually here. He stared for some time and you must've sensed eyes on you as you turned to look right at him.

Hyunjin thought his world had stopped in that moment. You could say the same thing.

Your heart skipped a beat and you gave the handsome stranger a polite smile before tearing your eyes away from him reluctantly.

Hyunjin contemplated if he should approach you and how to actually do it without sounding like a creep. Saying 'hey, I watch you perform!' would probably be weird and chase you away and Hyunjin couldn't have that.

This was his one chance. What are the odds you'd come into his gallery?

He bit on his lip nervously as he slowly approached you. You were standing in front of a painting of an older couple walking hand in hand in the snow, everything around them fading away as they looked at each other. It was the only hopeful painting in this particular exhibition.

"You seem to like that painting a lot." a voice broke you out of your thoughts, scaring you a little as you turned abruptly only to be met with a pair of warm eyes belonging to the handsome stranger.

"I do. It makes me feel secure. And warm. Even though it is cold around them and everything looks dead and abandoned, they are smiling at each other, their cheeks are rosy. It's like they don't even notice the snow, only each other."

Hyunjin's heart started beating fast, his stomach felt weird and he knew what the feeling was even though he hasn't felt it in a long time.

"Yeah, they're too infatuated that they wouldn't even notice the world falling apart around them." Hyunjin smiled as he stared at your face.

You kept looking at the painting as he studied you. He'd never seen you up close like this, only far away on stage where you shined like the sun, and now up close you were still warm but Hyunjin could see the worry and melancholy in your eyes.

There was an aura of sadness around you, like you were carrying something heavy, but Hyunjin knew what it was like to carry a burden that weighs you down every single day.

"They are. I think this is my favorite painting of this exhibition." you said and Hyunjin beamed.

"Really? It is? I'm so glad!" he got too excited and you looked at him with a confused smile.

"I mean, it's my favorite too." Hyunjin chuckled awkwardly. "How did you find out about this gallery?"

The handsome stranger persisted and even though you felt a bit awkward with him practically interrogating you, something pulled you to stay and talk to him.

"I come here a lot. I check out every new exhibition." you said and Hyunjin almost started hyperventilating.

"Really?!" Hyunjin wondered how he's never seen you at the openings.

You looked at him, wondering why he was so excited about someone else's paintings.

"Yeah. It's like this artist understands the way I feel, like we are connected somehow."

Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat as he stared at you with wide eyes. He couldn't believe you admired his paintings so much; and not just that, you had found yourself inside him.

"Yeah? I feel the same." he said as you chuckled at him, still feeling a little awkward.

"Well, it was nice talking to you but I should go now."

Hyunjin opened his mouth to say something, anything to make you stay but you were already walking away, giving him a timid and polite wave, unlike the grandiose one you give on stage.

He didn't even manage to wave back before you walked out of the door. He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he watched the door, his heart beating fast against his chest.

A part of him hoped you'd come back in but a part of him was relieved you left because you made him want to bounce off the walls and squeal like some school girl with a crush and that scared him. He turned to look at his painting again, the old couple so entwined in each other.

Hyunjin started to reminisce.

Two years ago

It was another cold winter morning, when Hyunjin woke up to an empty bed. The side where his lover laid was cold as his hand landed there, searching for the familiar warmth. When he found nothing but a void, his heart dropped in his stomach.

He had been fighting with his partner for the last few months, the ugly words they both said breaking them apart more and more each day.

Hyunjin knew it was inevitable, who he once considered the love of his life was just a passerby in the journey he was on, just a lesson to learn from; it was over even before it officially ended.

As he stood up, he saw it; the empty drawers and empty side of the closet. With an ugly heaviness weighing down on his chest, he slowly made his way to the kitchen. To his surprise, his partner was sitting there drinking coffee with a sullen look on their face.

Hyunjin then noticed the suitcase by the door.

"I thought you already left." Hyunjin's voice wavered as he swallowed the tears threatening to come out.

"I think it's only fair to at least say goodbye after four years of being together." his partner said, putting the cup down.

"So, you're really leaving?"

"I'm sorry. It's just not the same as it was. I don't- I don't love you anymore." they whispered and in the silence around them, Hyunjin heard his heart shattering into million pieces.

"Y-you don't mean that." he whispered, hands rolling into fists as he dug his nails into his skin.

"I do, I'm really sorry. I tried to make it work, but we haven't been us in such a long time that I don't know how to get back to that." his partner sighed.

"Yeah, since you started acting cold and distant." Hyunjin said bitterly, clenching his teeth and willing himself not to start crying.

"I'm sorry again. I really hope you find happiness, Hyunjin. You deserve it." with that, his now ex partner turned around, leaving out the door and out of his life forever.

It was as if everything collapsed around him and he was left alone in the cold. There was nothing stopping the tears from falling now.

Ever since that day, Hyunjin built a wall around his heart, the love he once saw as comforting, carefree and safe was now a frightening gamble.

He couldn't see himself falling in love again until there was you. Maybe, just maybe it was possible to open up his heart once again, even though it scared him deeply he was determined to get to know you more.

-

Another wonderfully executed performance was finished and you reveled in the well-deserved cheers and claps of the satisfied audience.

The curtain closed and you let out a breath full of excitement and relief. You were hugged and praised before you could escape from everyone, change into your clothes and just have a moment to yourself.

You decided to walk through the corridor of the gallery since most of the audience left and if they were walking out you'd blend into them in your big coat and make your escape.

As you strolled, you noticed a familiar figure in the distance. It was the handsome stranger you met at the gallery the other day. You stopped for a moment, your heart picking up speed as your lips parted. He noticed you, his eyes wide, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

Both of you just stood there for a moment, before he smiled and slowly made his way to you.

You also started walking, a small smile spreading on your lips as he kept his eyes on you.

Hyunjin couldn't be more excited to be running into you, thinking you'd left through the backdoor after the performance only to find you here.

In his excitement, Hyunjin miscalculated a step and before he could catch himself, he was falling.

You gasped, rushing towards him but it was too late, he was sprawled on the soft carpet of the theater, a grunt escaping his lips.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" you quickly reached your hands towards him and he grabbed them, getting up.

His face was red and he looked breathless, avoiding your eyes.

"M'fine. My dignity is not." he said with a frown, dusting off his jeans with his hands.

"It's okay, it happens to the best of us." you giggled and he finally looked up at you, his face becoming even more red.

Even though he was dying of embarrassment, Hyunjin's stomach was full of butterflies, swirling around his insides and making him nauseous.

"Or just to me." he shook his head, making you chuckle again.

"You saw me perform?" you asked curiously and he nodded, biting on his lip as a nervous habit.

"I hope you enjoyed." you smiled and warmness spread around Hyunjin's heart.

"Enjoyed?" he chuckled. "It was breathtaking as always." his smile dropped when he realized what he said.

"As always?" you looked at him confusedly, tilting your head.

"I mean... last time... well. Ughhh... I come here often to watch you perform. Not like in a weird way! Oh my god I'm so sorry, I probably sound like a creep. I just admire your dancing, that's all, please don't kick me." he flailed his arms with a funny look on his face.

"I'm not gonna kick you." you laughed. "I'm very honored to have people tell me they come back to watch my performances. And by people, I mean you since you're the first person to tell me that." you added, your own cheeks becoming rosy.

"Oh. Thanks for not kicking me." he chuckled. "I'm Hyunjin, by the way."

"Y/n. Though you probably know that." you said, remembering your name is on all your performances. "You didn't tell me you knew who I was yesterday." you added and Hyunjin sputtered.

"I- well... I didn't want to sound like a weirdo though I probably do right now." he smiled awkwardly.

"It's fine." you chuckled with a shrug.

The sound of lights being turned off on stage made you jolt a little.

"We need to leave, they're closing up the theater." you said.

"Oh, right." Hyunjin turned as both of you started walking towards the entrance.

"Are you tired?" he asked as you neared the door.

"Not particularly." you said, stuffing your hands into your pockets.

"You wanna grab something to eat?" Hyunjin's heart was jumping around in fear and excitement as he asked that question, but in his mind it was now or never.

You looked at him for a moment before you gave him a smile. Something about him pulled you like a magnet and you couldn't resist.

"Sure. Why not." you said and Hyunjin sighed in relief.

"Good night Y/n, Hyunjin." the lady at the door greeted and both of you chuckled, wishing her a good night too.

The cold air hit you like a sharp slap to the face and you pulled your beanie down, adjusting your coat to keep your neck warm. Hyunjin buried his face in his scarf as you rounded the corner onto the busy street.

"Wanna get some street food?" you asked, not being in the mood to sit at a fancy restaurant and wait for a meal to be cooked. You wanted to be outside in the fresh air, not minding the coldness of it.

"Sure, I feel like walking anyways." Hyunjin nodded and you smiled, making your way towards a hot dog stand.

"Not the healthiest option but I really don't care tonight." you chuckled and Hyunjin agreed, insisting on paying for both of your hot dogs.

The two of you kept walking through the streets, the Christmas lights were everywhere still adding to the atmosphere of coziness even though the actual holiday had passed.

"So, what do you do, Hyunjin?"

"I'm an artist. I know that probably sounds pretentious but I am lucky enough to live from my art." he chuckled before taking a big bite out of his hot dog.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful! What kind of artist?" you asked, your eyes sparkling with all the lights, making Hyunjin's stomach swarm with more butterflies.

"I paint mostly. But I do dabble in other media." he answered. "Right now I'm trying my hand at ceramics. It's just a bunch of weird and failed shapes for now but I think I can get there." he added with a chuckle.

"Sounds fun. I've never tried it."

"You should some time." Hyunjin said, wiping his lips with a napkin and throwing it in the trash. "What do you do when you don't perform?" he added with a curious smile.

"Oh, I teach classes to other dancers. Beginner and advanced, but mostly I deal with beginners. I've been told I'm very patient so I'm usually the one to teach people from scratch."

"Is it fun?" Hyunjin asked as you finished eating too, now ready to wash it down with a drink.

"Some days it is very fun. Some days it's frustrating. But I think it's like that with any job." you shrugged.

"It is, I feel like that too. Sometimes I wake up and just paint the entire day like I'm in some kind of trance whereas some days I can't even hold a brush in my hand." Hyunjin admitted.

"Oh yeah, I've fallen out of the silk many times on bad days. Luckily, we have safety mats so it wasn't too scary. Though I did bruise a few times. I'm used to it." you said, looking around and spotting a bar that looked decent.

"I guess people get used to the hardships." Hyunjin said and you nodded with a small smile.

"Do you wanna grab a drink?" you asked and Hyunjin beamed at you.

"Of course!" neither of you wanted the night to end yet when it was so promising, something sweet hanging in the air above you, making you feel at ease with someone you had practically just met.

The bar was almost completely full and the sound of people chattering was almost louder than the music yet you had managed to find two available spots at the counter.

The last time you were at a place like this brought up some unpleasant memories. But you put them aside, instead focusing on Hyunjin who got redder in the face the more the night went on and the more drinks you shared.

He was more talkative then earlier, giggling and hiccuping from time to time as the two of you talked about any random topic that came to mind.

You couldn't remember the last time you were so at ease with someone as you were in his presence, even though he was basically a stranger.

Well, maybe you couldn't call Hyunjin a stranger anymore, not after sharing a nice evening like this one with him.

But as he got more cheery with each drink, you sank down lower against your own will. Too many memories that were still haunting your dreams were surfacing now, especially in your intoxicated state.

Hyunjin noticed you were getting quieter and less attentive, wondering what has got you feeling like this. His eyes fell to your hand, where you kept rubbing at your ring finger, obviously doing it subconsciously.

"You wanna get out of here?" he leaned closer towards you, his hand sliding on the bar, his fingertips almost touching your elbow where you had leaned on it.

"Yeah." you said with a breath of relief.

After paying for the drinks (you had decided to split the bill), Hyunjin and you made your way outside.

You realized it was past midnight as you made it out, the quietness of the night a welcoming change after the loud bar, the emptiness of the streets like a reward after being surrounded by the crowd of people inside.

"Are you okay?" Hyunjin asked cautiously, swaying on his feet a little.

"I'm fine, just got lost in my thoughts. Sorry about that." you gave him a smile.

What you wanted to say was 'I don't wanna be alone tonight', but for some reason you didn't have to say anything. It's like Hyunjin could read your mind.

"We could take a walk?" he suggested and you nodded quickly, burying your hands in your pockets once again.

The walk was quiet at first, Hyunjin sobered up a little and you felt much better being out of the bar, just walking next to him.

"It's really cold." you shivered.

"It is. I'd suggest we drive around but we've both been drinking so I don't think that's a good idea." Hyunjin shivered too, realizing he almost couldn't feel his face from the cold.

"Nope, definitely not." you said.

Hyunjin contemplated inviting you to his apartment, but it felt too soon. Then he remembered he had the keys to his gallery.

"There's a place we can warm up."

"Oh? Where?" you asked, noticing how Hyunjin stepped closer to you, the warmth of his body radiating towards yours.

"The gallery you come to." he took out a set of keys out of his pocket, dangling them in front of your face with a smile. "I know the owner."

Your brows furrowed but against your better judgement, you went with it.

The gallery wasn't far so the walk was short and mostly silent, the only moment where silence was broken was an abrupt shout from a drunken passerby yelling 'Happy New Year!' to the two of you.

You yelled the good wishes back, chuckling as the man stumbled and his friend caught him, leading him away from your sight, mumbling about him being a lightweight.

You stood in front of the building and Hyunjin took the key out again.

"Are you sure the owner won't be mad we're here after hours?" you asked, crossing your arms over your chest and hugging yourself in an attempt to keep warm.

Hyunjin giggled at you as he unlocked the door.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

"If you say so." you said quietly as the two of you walked in.

Hyunjin closed and locked the door, grabbing his phone so he can turn on the flashlight.

"There's an office in the back." he led the way, not wanting to turn on the lights lest people think the gallery was open and try to walk in.

"Okay." you said, somehow trusting this man you barely knew.

The office was more cozy than you had expected, full of paintings and knick-knacks, looking more like an art studio than an actual office.

It was spacious and had a nice view on the park outside and a comfortable looking couch.

Hyunjin maneuvered through the multiple empty and half-empty canvases, picking up papers and brushes here and there.

"Sorry about the mess. Make yourself at home, I'll go find some wine." he said and you nodded as you took your coat off. You hung it on a rack where Hyunjin hung his before sitting down and sinking into the couch. Hyunjin had turned the heating on, as well as some low music before coming to join you as he carried a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"You're still shivering." he noticed and you shrugged.

"Until the heating does it's thing, I guess." you chuckled with a shrug.

"I'll bring you a blanket." he offered and you wanted to protest but he was already skipping away.

A few moments later both of you were tucked under the warm blanket after kicking your shoes off. The wine was unlike any you had tried before, it woke up your taste buds and slid easily down your throat. Hyunjin even brought some snacks to go with it and you felt relaxed even when your knees brushed against his slightly.

Hyunjin's cheeks became rosy at the contact as he was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that you were sitting here with him, sharing a bottle of wine and talking like you were just some old friends catching up.

"This wine is exquisite." you commented.

"I would hope so, I bought it in Paris and paid a pretty penny for it. I was waiting for a good opportunity to open the bottle." Hyunjin smiled, taking a sip and savoring it.

"And this is a good opportunity?" you chuckled as warmth spread through your body, you were definitely becoming tipsy.

"I deemed it as one." he smiled at you, scooting closer and you got a whiff of his cologne. It was intoxicating and the way he was looking at you felt intimate, like you were two lovers who already knew each other.

"So, Paris. I've never been there." you said.

"I've been multiple times. It's a charming city, though it's not all they make it out to be." Hyunjin said.

"How so?" you asked, not noticing how Hyunjin was now even closer to you, both of you leaning on your elbows. You placed your hand down and Hyunjin's followed yours, right behind it, his fingertips playing with the soft material of your sweater.

"It really shines from afar, as many things do. Once you get there though, the reality slaps you in the face. Lots of streets are really dirty, trash everywhere, lots of rude people. It's just a working, bustling big city like any other. But there is history in its buildings, in its monuments. There's art. The more you go back, the more you crave to be there." Hyunjin explained as you downed your glass, noticing how he was getting dangerously closer to you, his fingers caressing your arm just under your bicep.

"I'd like to see it from my own eyes too, experience the city in its entirety." you tilted your head as your eyes got droopy, a nice buzz appearing inside your head.

"You should go some time. You gotta see Paris at least once in your life." Hyunjin's fingers ran up your bicep slowly.

The air between you became heavier as he stared into your eyes while his fingertips slowly traveled to your shoulder. The tension was palpable as you set your glass aside, inviting him to do the same.

After one last sip, Hyunjin put the glass on the coffee table too, next to the almost empty bottle.

Your breathing got deeper as he touched the side of your neck gently, timidly like he was asking for permission to touch you further.

Your own hand inched closer to his free one, your fingertips touching his. Hyunjin took your hand in his and you noticed just how much bigger his hand was than yours as it almost disappeared inside his. He gently swiped his thumb over your skin as he leaned closer to you.

Your heart was beating hard, on the verge of jumping out, your brain yelling at you and asking you what are you doing, but your body betrayed you as you felt shivers run up your spine and a familiar burning between your legs that you haven't felt in a long time.

Hyunjin was falling apart just the same, a small piece of the stone around his heart breaking and rolling away as you looked at him so sweetly, your eyes giving away your longing and your fear.

He understood. He understood the fear you carried within you as he himself lived with it constantly. So, Hyunjin wanted to savor every second with you, slowly, gently and quietly.

He brought your hand to his lips, gently kissing your knuckles, one by one as you let out a little gasp. He then kissed the top of your hand gently before leaning closer to you again, pressing your palm against his cheek and holding it there.

His other hand held the side of your neck, his fingertips reaching the back of it as he scratched your nape gently.

You wanted to tear away from him and run but he gave you such a feeling of safety, one you almost forgot exists. Hyunjin sensed that you were like a scared animal so he approached you slowly, not wanting to scare you away.

He leaned in, his hot breath hitting your skin before he pressed his lips on your cheek. It was enough to send a wave through your body, one that crashed right in your core.

Hyunjin pressed another kiss into your cheek, then another, and another. You didn't know what to do with yourself as you haven't been this close to someone in a long time so you let your hand fall from his face to his shoulder where you gripped at him.

Hyunjin's lips traveled to your jaw, leaving soft kisses along the line of it towards your ear before coming back to your lips. He looked at you for a moment, fingers tangling in your hair and playing with the strands. You were tongue tied and struggling to breathe as he stared at you intently but softly at the same time.

You didn't say anything so he leaned in again, kissing the corner of your lips before finally pressing his soft lips into yours. You didn't react right away, too shocked while you registered what was happening.

Hyunjin kissed you again so you shut your eyes, moving your lips against his. He tasted of wine and alcohol from the bar and his lips were the softest you'd ever felt against yours. You found yourself hypnotized as you kissed slowly, your warm breaths mingling together as you kept breathing each other in, sharing your air.

Hyunjin's hand on the back of your neck gripped you more firmly as he pressed his lips against yours harder and you grabbed at his sweater with both of your hands, trying to ground yourself somehow, before your body floated away completely.

The slow music, the buzz from the wine and the warmth from Hyunjin's body under the blanket made you feel like you were running a fever. You fell into a rhythm, kissing him and tasting his lips, alternating between having his upper and bottom lip between yours.

Hyunjin felt the heat equally as you did, a rush of blood to his core, making his head spin even faster than it was before. He felt as if he needed you in that moment, just like he needed the air to breathe. Hyunjin's free hand landed on your waist as he licked at your bottom lip, asking for entrance.

You wanted to fight against it but you couldn't, melting into him as you parted your lips. He pushed his tongue in, lapping at yours and tasting you. You were intoxicatingly sweet even though you tasted like alcohol, you had him under your spell and he didn't want to stop.

You bunched his sweater in your hands as he leaned in closer, kissing you harder as his tongue explored your mouth, his hand gripping your waist.

What are you doing?, a voice rang out in your head.

You ignored it and continued kissing Hyunjin, this beautiful and gentle man who had quite literally fallen in front of you tonight, whose name you hadn't known until a few moments after that.

Hyunjin grabbed your face as he kissed you fervently, both of you were now swallowing each other's moans as you had become more desperate with each passing moment.

What are you doing?, the voice asked you again and panic started seeping inside you.

Again, you tried ignoring it as Hyunjin bit on your bottom lip, pulling it between his teeth, his large hands holding your head as his thumbs caressed your cheeks.

He pecked you once, twice, again before he kissed you softly again, his lips slick with spit.

Something nagged at you and you could feel the all consuming fear inside you, almost bringing tears to your eyes.

Quickly, you teared your lips away from Hyunjin's, pushing at his chest as he didn't realize you were pulling away.

"Stop!" you said, your voice breaking as your eyes filled with tears that you tried to blink away.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Hyunjin looked concerned as he gently caressed your cheek.

"No, I need to leave." you said, shaking your head.

"Leave? Now?" he looked confused.

"I'm sorry, it's very late and I just remembered I have something in the morning." you talked as you scrambled to get up and put your shoes on.

Hyunjin knew what you said was a bullshit excuse.

"It's late, stay here. We don't have to kiss if you don't want to. Just... Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." he looked genuinely concerned as you grabbed your coat.

Oh, this sweet man.

"No, no, you didn't. Really. I just have to go." you said, hurriedly making your way out. Hyunjin followed after you as he grabbed the keys.

"Are you sure? I can walk you home at least." he said.

"Don't worry, I'll call a cab." you forced a smile as he unlocked the door reluctantly.

"Will I see you again?" Hyunjin asked, his hand on the door handle.

"Maybe." you whispered as he opened the door.

You didn't even button your coat when you ran out into the snowy night as Hyunjin watched your figure disappear, his fingertips pressed against his lips where he could still taste you.

What did he do wrong? He had no idea why you would suddenly run out on him. The melancholy he felt earlier was back, eating away at him as once again he was left alone.

It's been three weeks since you had seen Hyunjin. You felt stupid and embarrassed for running out like that as soon as you sobered up, wanting the earth to swallow you up after you realized how dumb your excuse sounded.

What bugged you the most was the look on Hyunjin's face as you left. He looked so blue but at the same time, it seemed like there was a flicker of something familiar, like it happened before.

You couldn't wipe that look of his out of your mind. So, you decided to finally go to the gallery, hoping to run into him or someone who knows where he is.

You had no performances scheduled for these past few weeks so you knew you wouldn't run into him at the theater, though you weren't even sure that he'd come see you after the way you left things last time.

It was snowing outside again so you hurried up, almost slipping on the ice that had formed on the sidewalk as you gripped at the door handle.

A new exhibition was adorning the walls and you looked around, seeing no one but a few people just looking at the paintings. As your eyes scanned the room, you noticed all the paintings had something in common.

They were all scratched with angry black circles. No matter what the actual painting underneath showed, the black void was covering it. You gulped as you went from painting to painting, the beautiful colors and brush strokes were all drowned under the the ugly scribbles.

There was one single painting in the corner that wasn't scribbled on and as soon as you saw what it was, your heart stopped.

It was a bottle of wine, and not just any wine, it was the one Hyunjin and you had shared that night coupled with half empty glasses on the table. There was a quote scribbled next to the bottle on the table and it said 'Les étoiles ne peuvent briller sans l'obscurité'. You stared at it as your eyes watered, quickly turning around and leaving out of the gallery with hurried steps as you yanked the door open.

You had just missed Hyunjin as he walked out of the office, his head lifting up from the papers he was looking at only to see the doors closing as you already rounded the street.

-

It has been four weeks since Hyunjin had last seen you, not that he counted. You had a performance at the theater and he stood in front of the poster, seeing you with your bright smile and sparkly clothes, shaping yourself together with the silk. Thoughts started swirling in his mind.

Two years ago

When his partner left him, Hyunjin moped around his apartment, not eating, not sleeping. Everything seemed dull and dark, even painting didn't lift his spirits up. Any time he picked up a piece of paper, it would end up crumpled and thrown wherever. The entire apartment was a mess, but Hyunjin's heart was even a bigger mess.

Something nagged at him to get out of the apartment, the place filled with memories of them laughing together, sharing kisses, being happy. Of the cold look his former lover had on their face as they left him.

Hyunjin dressed warm, burying himself in his coat as he left the apartment. He walked around aimlessly, all the couples holding hands and smiling at each other just adding to his loneliness.

Then he saw it, a poster on the theater wall.

'Aerial silk goddess, y/n! Tonight at 8pm.'

Something pulled him to the beautiful shape he saw in the picture so he randomly walked into the theater and bought the ticket.

Hyunjin had never seen something like this live and seeing you perform had him at the edge of his seat. You were ethereal and breathtaking, moving so beautifully that he wished he didn't have to blink so he didn't miss even a milisecond of watching you. There was something in your movement that had mesmerized him, the way you controlled your body and the silk, how brave you must be to lift yourself up so high and know how to twist and turn so you don't fall.

That night, Hyunjin had finally painted.

Present time

Hyunjin didn't want to let you slip away. Maybe you had shared but one evening together, but there was something untangible between you. Hyunjin had never kissed someone he just met, usually he'd take his time due to his shyness and his cautiousness, but you were an exception. It's like he couldn't help his lips gravitating towards yours.

It seemed that his heart was beating in his stomach as he rushed into the theater, almost knocking someone over and apologizing quickly.

"Good evening, Hyunjin." the older lady at the entrance smiled.

"Evening, Lena." Hyunjin greeted back.

"Here's your ticket." she said.

"Thank you." he paid and rushed upstairs to the gallery.

His leg was bouncing up and down as he waited for the performance to start and as soon as the curtain opened and his eyes fell on you, it was as if his soul was at peace. All the worries and difficulties would disappear ever since that first time he saw you dance until now, even after you walked out. It didn't matter. Hyunjin wasn't going to give up easily, he never did, he was a fighter.

When you finished, Hyunjin quickly got up and rounded the building, waiting for you at the back door and hoping this time you'd come out there and not the front door.

His intuition was right as the door opened and you walked out, stopping in your tracks when you saw him.

"Hyunjin!" you exclaimed, your eyes wide.

"Hey. Came to see you perform, I couldn't miss it." he said as the two of you walked closer to each other.

"Oh." your face softened. "Thank you." you paused. "Look, I'm really sorry for last time, I shouldn't have run out like that in the middle of everything."

"It's okay, maybe you can make it up to me tonight? I mean, we don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with. We can take a walk?" Hyunjin suggested, playing with the end of his scarf nervously.

"Sure, I'd like that." you smiled and just like that everything was falling into place. The two of you started walking the same path as you did the last time.

"I went to see the last exhibition in the gallery." you broke the comfortable silence between you.

"Oh... you did?" Hyunjin swallowed with a nervous smile.

"H.H. The initials. It's you, you're the painter and the owner of the gallery." you said, turning to look at him.

"I am. Sorry for not telling you earlier." he gave you a small smile.

"I understand, you want to stay anonymous." you chuckled. "But the paintings...They were very dark. Except the one with the wine bottle..." you trailed off.

"Ugh, don't mind it. Painting is a way to get my thoughts and emotions out. I'm fine, really." Hyunjin smiled though it didn't reach his eyes completely.

"Stars can't shine without darkness." you quoted the french writing that was on his painting, and Hyunjin looked at you wistfully.

"But aren't the stars so beautiful and worth it?" he asked.

"They are." you said as both of you stopped walking, shivers running up your spine.

"Are you cold?" Hyunjin asked and you nodded.

"Wanna go for a drive?"

"Yeah, let's do it." you said and Hyunjin led you to his car that was parked near the gallery.

After unlocking the car, Hyunjin opened the door for you and you got into the passenger seat, buckling up as he got in too. Hyunjin turned the heating on and blasted some music for the atmosphere as he pulled out of the parking lot.

The two of you fell into a comfortable silence as Hyunjin drove the half-empty roads and you stared out the window at the city passing you by, your thumb rubbing at your ring finger again.

As he pulled up to a red light, Hyunjin noticed the movement and wondered again why you were doing that.

"I'm kinda hungry. Are you?" he asked after turning the music down.

"Yeah. We can go to a drive through?" you suggested, noticing it was getting really late and everything was probably closed by now.

He agreed and you ended up getting some junk food, with Hyunjin finding a nice quiet spot to park at with the view of the city and the stars.

"We can get in the backseat." he had suggested and your heart skipped a beat.

"Sure." you nodded, noticing the redness of his cheeks.

Both of you had shed your coats, leaving them up front as you got cozy, Hyunjin turned a light on and the car was heated up enough for the two of you to relax and enjoy your meal.

"I didn't think I'd be eating junk food in the back of a car on a Friday night but here we are." you chuckled, making Hyunjin giggle too.

"I mean, it's a new experience for me too." he said.

"You must be such a forgiving person." you said after a moment of silence.

"Why do you say that?" Hyunjin asked, taking a bite out of his cheeseburger.

"Well, I feel like I insulted you with the way I acted last time. It's just... it's been a while for me. I panicked and overreacted." you explained.

"I figured as much. Actually, it's been a long time for me too." Hyunjin smiled understandingly. "Two years to be exact."

"Three for me." you added with a chuckle.

"Okay, so we're both a bit rusty and it's okay to make mistakes. There's more than one chance, right?" Hyunjin looked at you, his eyes sparkling with a hopeful glint.

"There is." you said quietly.

It dawned on you just then that you were sitting in the backseat of his car in the middle of nowhere and your stomach did somersaults.

Hyunjin felt the same, he was sweating from nerves, having you in his car, so close to him where no one could bother the two of you.

When you finished with your food and drinks, Hyunjin put all the trash in the big bag, getting out of the car to throw it in the can.

The whiff of cold air that reached you in that moment was refreshing as you took a deep breath and waited for him to come back.

"Woo, cold!" Hyunjin practically slid back in, closing the door loudly behind him and you chuckled at his antics.

"It's warm in here." you scooted closer to him.

"Yeah, it is. It can get even warmer." he gave you a little smirk, his hand reaching to touch yours.

"I bet." you whispered as the two of you leaned in.

"Just before we do anything, don't feel pressured. Stop me any time and I'll drive you home instantly." Hyunjin said as he grabbed your hand, entwining your fingers and playing with them.

"Okay." you nodded, squeezing his hand.

Hyunjin used his free hand to guide your face towards his. You melted instantly and even though you had tasted him only once before, you missed the feeling of his lips against yours. You got as close to him as you could and Hyunjin put his hands on your waist, holding you gently.

You placed your hands on his neck, pushing him harder against you, making him gasp into your mouth. Your fingers played with the hair on the back of his neck as he pushed his tongue into your mouth, and you welcomed him. His kisses were getting desperate, as were his hands, moving up and down your waist, lifting your sweater up a little.

When you broke apart for air, you noticed a pretty mole on the side of his neck so you pressed your lips into it and Hyunjin gripped at you, a gasp escaping his lips. His neck was sensitive, you noted in your head, so you started pressing more kisses above the mole, up towards his jaw.

Hyunjin's breathing got deeper, his fingertips sliding under your shirt. You leaned back to look at him, his eyes were hooded with lust, probably mirroring yours. You threw your leg over his thighs, sitting in his lap and Hyunjin moaned quietly when you pressed yourself closer to him.

"Please. Kiss my neck more." he begged, throwing his head back as he squeezed your hips.

How could you deny him when he looked so pretty giving himself to you?

You let your lips wander all over his neck, Hyunjin moaned and gasped as you kissed and nipped at his skin. His hands slid under your shirt and you pressed your core into his, making both of you moan. Even under the layers of warm winter clothes you could feel him straining against his jeans.

You kept kissing and biting at his neck as Hyunjin moaned quietly, his hips moving up into yours. You felt like some school girl making out with your crush, almost chuckling at yourself.

The fears and doubts you felt last time were still gnawing at you but you knew you weren't doing anything wrong. Though a piece of your heart would always remain taken, you could give the rest of it.

"Hey, fun trick." Hyunjin smirked as he caressed your lower back, fingertips dipping down to the swell of your ass.

"What?" you looked at him confusedly.

"The seats go down." he said, still smirking as he reached somewhere under the seat, and they fell down quickly making both of you topple over as you squealed in surprise.

Hyunjin started to laugh and you couldn't help but laugh with him. He looked at you with sparkly eyes and the sweetest smile ever and your heart skipped a beat.

"I don't usually do this." you said, needing to clarify that.

"Me neither." he breathed out as his big hands roamed all over your back.

"I'm nervous." you admitted and Hyunjin giggled.

"If it helps, I'm a nervous wreck too." he said before turning you over slowly, so he was on top.

"It helps." you whispered as your breath got knocked out of your lungs.

Hyunjin looked at you for a moment, his hand caressing your head and playing with your hair before he leaned in and kissed you gently, playing with your tongue.

The kiss was sloppy and messy, your teeth collided a few times but neither of you gave a damn. Hyunjin's hands became more curious, dipping under your shirt to touch your stomach and your waist.

You arched into him and he took that as a sign to continue, his hands sliding up to cup your breasts.

"Mm." he whined against your lips as he started massaging them, his thumbs rolling over your sensitive nipples. You were glad you put on only a flimsy bra you usually wore after a performance.

Hyunjin seemed to appreciate it too, his fingers dipping into it to touch your skin directly. He detached his lips from yours and you chased them, making him chuckle lowly as he leaned in and started kissing your jaw.

His lips traveled down to your neck as he kissed you hungrily just like you had kissed him. His tongue lapped at your skin, his hands still playing with your chest and you couldn't help the little moans escaping your lips.

You got so wet just from kissing him, touch starved and longing for more. Your legs fell open and Hyunjin noticed, his cock twitching painfully inside his pants.

"Can I mark you?" he asked, his eyes darkened as he stared at you, fingertips caressing your neck.

"Yes." you said breathlessly and Hyunjin licked at your skin before sinking his teeth into your sensitive spot.

"Ah!" you gasped, gripping at his upper back, digging your nails into him. Hyunjin's hand slowly slid towards your pants as he sucked a love bite into your skin.

His hand stopped at your navel as he kissed your collarbone, his fingers dipping a bit under your pants.

"Can I, please?" he whispered, pressing his forehead against yours.

"Yes, yes." you nodded quickly and Hyunjin pecked your lips softly a few times as he unbuttoned your pants.

He nosed your cheek before leaving gentle kisses everywhere on your face as his hand slid lower towards your warmth. He kissed your neck again as his fingers inched closer to where you needed him the most. Hyunjin leaned back to look at your face when he pressed his finger into your clit.

You gasped, arching into his touch, your eyes fluttering. He bit on his lip as he watched your reaction, drinking in your pretty face, flushed with arousal and want. He circled the bud with his fingertips while you moaned quietly, your hands pushing under his sweater and the shirt he had underneath it.

His skin was hot under your palms, the softness of it inviting you to touch him more. Hyunjin reveled in your touch, melting as his fingertips dipped between your clothed folds.

"You're so wet." Hyunjin licked at his lips as he touched you gently, coaxing more arousal out of you.

You looked at him as your face burned, embarrassment seeping in but you ignored it, letting your hands slide on his body, exploring his firm abs. You could feel his stomach quivering as soon as you ran your hands there, playing with his happy trail that lead to his core.

Hyunjin cupped your breast with his free hand, pulling your bra down and playing with your nipple as he pushed his hand into your panties, touching your pussy without anything covering it. You clenched around nothing immediately, your hands working to unbutton his pants.

You looked at him, his eyes were narrowed and full of lust but there was something soft still inside them.

"Touch me, darling." he breathed out as you hesitated. You pushed your hand in his underwear, clenching around nothing again when you felt just how big and hard he was, dripping pre cum in your palm, throbbing to be touched by you.

Hyunjin whined at the restricted movements, pulling his hand out of your pants just to slide them down. Your face instantly flushed in embarrassment when you remembered the panties you wore today.

Hyunjin looked down and giggled at your pink panties that said 'Finally Friday!'.

"That's so cute." he laughed and you smacked his arm.

"Shut up." you whined, covering your face. "I didn't think you'd be stripping me tonight." your voice was muffled behind your palms.

"I was hoping I would." he teased and you smacked his arm again, making him chuckle.

"It's okay, I'm wearing pjs under my sweater." Hyunjin took his sweater off, revealing a short sleeved shirt with a cartoon dog sleeping on it.

You started giggling and Hyunjin's face flushed like yours.

"Laugh all you want, it's the most comfortable t-shirt that I own."

"It's cute." you said, grabbing the back of his neck, your fingertips caressing him and playing with his hair.

Hyunjin smiled as he leaned in to kiss you, his hands sliding on your stomach and lifting your sweater up. You let him take it off, your hands tugging at his cute pjs. He chuckled and took it off too and you almost had a heart attack.

You knew he was handsome but you had no idea his body was this perfect. You had an urge to kiss and worship every inch of his skin. Hyunjin's heart started beating fast under your mesmerized gaze.

"What?" he chuckled nervously.

"You're beautiful." you said and he chuckled again.

"Says you." he smirked, his hands on your shoulders as he slowly slid your bra straps down. You unhooked it and took it off, watching Hyunjin's reaction as he licked his lips, staring at your chest with blown pupils.

He leaned in and started kissing your collarbone, your skin hot against his lips as he reveled in the softness and sweet scent of you. He kissed the swell of your breasts before licking at your nipple and taking it in his mouth.

You whimpered, arching into him instantly and he closed his eyes while he sucked on your breast, his hand sliding down to your panties again. Hyunjin hooked his fingers into the end of them and you lifted your middle so he could take them off.

As soon as they were off, your hands were back on his pants and Hyunjin moaned around you as he looked up at you. He leaned back and took his jeans off together with his boxers, making you drool instantly.

"Oh."

"I hope that was a good 'oh'." he said with a cute smile gracing his face, his eyes filling up with innocence for a moment.

"More than good." you smirked, wrapping your hand around his heavy cock. Hyunjin exhaled loudly, his brows furrowing and his body shivering when you slid your thumb against his slit.

"Fuck. I'm probably gonna cum fast, I'm sorry." he chuckled awkwardly, shutting his eyes tightly.

"Me too." you giggled and he looked at you, his face softening.

"Oh, I know darling. I'll make sure you do." Hyunjin said lowly, his hands sliding on your inner thighs, making you open your legs more. Being flexible came in handy as you were spread completely for him and Hyunjin's cock twitched at the sight.

Hyunjin's fingers slid against your wet folds, teasing you with his fingertips dipping between and then coming back up to play with your clit. You felt like you were burning up slowly as you teased his slit, smearing the beads of pre cum on his tip.

He took in shaky breaths as you touched him, sliding your hand down to grip him, making his hips jolt into your hand.

"Y/n." he breathed out as he massaged your clit in circles, pressing his fingers harder into it.

"Hyunjin." you moaned, slowly moving your hand and he bit on his lip as he closed his eyes and threw his head back.

"Say my name again." he groaned and you whimpered out his name as he pressed his finger against your folds.

He looked down at you, needing to see your face when he pushed it inside you. You gasped, moaning at the feeling of his long finger touching you where you hadn't been touched in so long other than by yourself.

Hyunjin fucked you slowly, in the same rhythm as you moved your hand around his cock, watching every twitch of your lips, every flicker of fire inside your eyes, every time your brows furrowed, every time your lips parted in a gasp.

His other hand was on your breast, playing with your nipple and squeezing as your free hand landed on his bicep, gripping onto it for purchase.

You leaned up to kiss his collarbone as you flicked your wrist and moved your hand faster and Hyunjin melted, moaning as he slid his finger out.

"One more?" he pressed two of his fingers against you and you nodded quickly.

"Please." you whimpered and he pushed in, eliciting another gasp out of you.

Hyunjin matched your pace, driving you crazy and making your hand stutter for a moment before you regained control of it. You were determined to make him feel good as he was determined to satisfy you. He found your sweet spot when you moaned loudly, saying 'right there!' so he fucked you faster as you gripped the back of his neck and pulled him in closer, kissing him desperately.

Your tongues entwined in a passionate kiss, as you brought each other closer to ecstasy. The air inside Hyunjin's car became so hot that it was hard to breathe, as both of you moaned and kissed, not caring about spit and the sweat forming on your bodies. Hyunjin couldn't help himself as he rutted into your hand all the while driving you insane with his pretty fingers. The wet sounds of your pussy and his cock were making you feel even more aroused, your legs shaking as you felt your orgasm building up.

"I'm close!" you whimpered.

"Me too. Cum for me, darling." Hyunjin groaned, leaning his forehead against yours and kissing your face as he fucked your brains out with just his fingers.

"Mm, yes!" you whimpered, twitching against his hand as you came and squirted all over your thighs and the seat.

Hyunjin gasped, quickly pulling his fingers out so he could grab his cock, letting your hand rest for a moment as he tugged on it a few times only to explode on your clenching pussy, his cum landing in spurts all over your core, inner thighs and navel.

"Fuck." he groaned, collapsing on top of you, neither of you caring about all the stickiness.

Hyunjin buried his face in your neck as you wrapped your arms and legs around him, one of your hands buried in his hair and the other gently caressing his back. His hand was resting on your breast, squeezing occasionally as the two of you slowly came down from your high.

You were so wrapped up in him, the weight of his body on yours, his warmth, his soft skin, his spent cock resting on your inner thigh, his breath tickling your neck. You hadn't felt this close to someone in years and your eyes welled up with tears. Hyunjin laid blissfully against you, his heart beating fast in tandem with yours, he smiled as he pressed his lips gently into one of the marks he had left on your skin.

When you sniffled, Hyunjin was alarmed and looked up at you instantly to find you crying.

"Y/n, what's wrong? Did I hurt you?" he panicked immediately and you shook your head.

"No, it's just... This is embarrassing. But I think I was really touch starved." you admitted and Hyunjin smiled at you softly as he wiped your tears away.

"Well, I am too. It's okay." he said, kissing your cheeks.

You held him tighter against your body, your lips sliding down his neck again where you found his sensitive spot and sank your teeth into it. Hyunjin whimpered, his limp cock twitching against you.

You sucked until a pretty purple bruise appeared on his soft skin, kissing it a few times as he breathed deeply.

"I'm sorry if I ruined the mood with my crying."

"You didn't ruin anything." he smiled, this sweet, beautiful and gentle man and your heart kept fluttering as you gently touched each other everywhere, curiously exploring each other's bodies.

"I just..." you started and Hyunjin could see you were struggling.

"You don't have to explain anything. Just tell me when you're ready." he said, kissing your forehead.

"Are you even real?" you asked with a smile and he laughed, his face becoming so red and adorable.

"I am." he smirked and kissed you hard to prove the point.

You didn't think you could love again but now a flicker of hope was starting to burn within you. Hyunjin held you in his arms like you were his entire world, caressing you gently as you kept touching his soft skin. Somehow, you dosed off while he kept you warm.

"Y/n."

"Huh?" you blinked confusedly until Hyunjin's face materialized in front of you, realizing he had pulled his coat over your body, his arms still wrapped around you and your legs tangled together.

"The sun will be up soon. You wanna get dressed and watch the sunrise?" he whispered and you smiled tiredly at him.

"Yeah." you nodded.

The two of you spent a few minutes trying to find all your clothing and Hyunjin found a water bottle so you could get hydrated.

As soon as you were wrapped up in your coats, you finally left the car and walked outside.

The crisp morning air was very much welcomed after the stuffy atmosphere inside the car that you had created. You took in a deep breath as Hyunjin left the doors open and came closer to you, leading you to the front of his car.

He leaned on the hood, pulling your body into his and holding you flush against him, your back pressed into his front. The first rays of sunshine were brightening up the sky as he held you tightly.

His lips brushed against your ear before he spoke.

"Si tu pouvais lire dans mon coeur, tu verrais la place où je t'ai mise." Hyunjin whispered and you giggled as his breath tickled your skin.

"I don't know what you just said but it sounds romantic." you said and he chuckled.

"It is." he smirked as you looked back at him.

"You're not gonna tell me what it means, are you?"

"Nope." he answered, his cheeks rosy.

"I had to google translate that quote on the painting." you shook your head and Hyunjin chuckled.

"Look at it this way; you're learning a new language." he said with a smug smirk, making you giggle.

The next few moments you enjoyed the comfortable silence and the warmth of his body pressed against yours as the sun slowly came out. You couldn't believe you had welcomed the dawn with Hyunjin, the images of the two of you in his car stuck in your mind, making your body react instantly as your face heated up, your heart beating fast and your core throbbing.

"I don't wanna go home yet." Hyunjin said, pressing a kiss to your jaw.

"Me neither. We could get breakfast?" you suggested and Hyunjin smiled, his eyes warm and hypnotizing as he looked at you sweetly, the sun adding to his shine.

"I like the way you think." he said with a smile as you turned around in his arms.

You wrapped your arms around his shoulders as he pressed your body into his, staring into your eyes. You leaned in and kissed him as the sun warmed up your back. Hyunjin kissed you like his life depended on it and when you tried to pull away, he cradled your head in his hands and kept kissing you until you were breathless.

"Let's go, I'm starving." he said when you parted and you agreed.

Hyunjin drove and put some music on, singing along at first absentmindedly until you giggled so he turned to you occasionally and sang dramatically, making a show of it.

"You know it's like not even 7am?" you laughed at him.

"I know but I didn't sleep so I'm wired." he chuckled, turning the music down.

"What did you do while I slept?" you asked as he pulled up to a red light.

"I enjoyed your presence." he smirked, grabbing your hand and kissing it. "Give me a kiss before it turns on." he motioned to the light and you leaned in with a chuckle, pecking his lips before he kept driving.

Hyunjin found the closest diner and the two of you spent the early morning hours together, a warm cup of coffee and a stack of pancakes being the perfect ending to a beautiful outing.

Somehow, Hyunjin made it easy to forget about everything, to just have a good time and enjoy the moment you were in. You didn't want to part from him but you had work in the afternoon and you needed some sleep so you don't fall and injure yourself while instructing the other dancers.

It was close to 9am when you walked out of the diner.

"I'll drive you home if you want." Hyunjin said with a little sigh and a sweet smile still etched on his face.

"Sure." you nodded.

You were crashing by then, really wanting to catch up on some sleep, not even the coffee helped wake you up.

"This is where I live." you pointed to Hyunjin as he pulled up in front of your building.

He leaned back on his seat, his head resting on it as he looked at you with a look of pure infatuation, the lovesick look you recognized very well.

"Well, this was wonderful. I don't remember the last time I did something like this." Hyunjin said.

"Probably high school." you said and he giggled.

"Definitely." he shivered thinking of those times. "When can I see you again?" he asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"I'm free on Sunday." you said and he smiled, relief flashing in his eyes.

"You wanna come to my place?" he bit on his lip, looking you up and down, making your heart skip a beat. "I kinda suck at cooking but it would be fun to make dinner together?"

"Sure. I'd like that." you said, your cheeks warming up.

"I live above the gallery so you know where to find me." Hyunjin's hand found yours, playing with your fingers as he looked at you sweetly.

"6pm sound good?" you asked.

"Perfect." he whispered and leaned in.

You met him in the middle, kissing gently and softly as the world melted away around you.

"See you Sunday." you said as you walked out of his car, giving him a little wave.

"À bientôt, ma chérie." Hyunjin whispered to himself as he watched you enter your building.

Sunday couldn't come soon enough for Hyunjin. He was practically vibrating the entire night on Saturday, tossing and turning in his bed as he kept thinking about you, flipping image after image in his mind, of the last time and how it will be this time.

You weren't any better, a kind of excitement building up inside you and making you squeal into your pillow. You never thought you'd feel like this again, not after what happened three years ago. You pushed all those thoughts in the back of your mind and focused on Hyunjin, his kisses and touches, his warm eyes and cute smile.

Both of you had sweet dreams that night.

-

It was a colder evening as it snowed again and Hyunjin waited next to his window so he can see you come out of the cab and come get you.

He played some slow melancholy music that was creating a warm mood inside his apartment and with his heart beating fast in anticipation to see you, Hyunjin thought the city never looked as romantic as it did tonight.

He observed the falling snowflakes melting into the ground around all the people who walked hurriedly on the street. Yes, it was cold and dark but to Hyunjin every little snowflake danced beautifully just like you did, twirling in your silk like you were some ethereal being.

As soon as the cab pulled up, Hyunjin ran off to grab his jacket and meet you downstairs, almost tripping over his own feet on the way there.

You lifted your head when you heard a door opening and a breathless Hyunjin appeared in front of you, a toothy smile spreading on his face instantly.

"Hey, handso-" you were about to compliment him, but Hyunjin had already gripped the back of your neck and crashed his lips on yours, knocking the breath out of your lungs.

You grabbed at his jacket, pulling him closer as he kissed you like his life depended on it.

"Oh." you inhaled the cold air when you parted.

"Missed you." Hyunjin pressed his forehead against yours and your face started burning like a forest fire.

"Already?" you chuckled.

"Didn't you miss me?" he pouted cutely as he held your face.

"I missed you too." you said and he smiled, kissing you again.

"Let's get inside." he shivered as he grabbed your hand and led you inside the building.

You were interested to see how he decorated his apartment, being an artist and all and you were not surprised to see that it was a creative mess.

"Sorry if it's messy, I'm always painting or doing something so everything ends up everywhere." Hyunjin noticed you were looking around.

"No, I like it. It's... eccentric." you smirked and he laughed shyly.

"Thank you." he said.

"What happened to that wall?" you pointed at one of the walls in his kitchen that had messy paint streaks on it.

"Well. That was a few years ago when I was frustrated because I didn't have any inspiration to paint so the wall was the victim of my frustrations." Hyunjin explained as he grabbed a bottle of wine.

"Did it get you out of the slump?" you asked curiously.

"Not really. Something else did." he smiled, his eyes sparkly. "Wanna start with some wine?"

"Sure." you nodded.

"This is Muscat d'Alsace, it goes perfectly with what I planned out for dinner." Hyunjin smiled as he poured the wine. "I fell in love with it when I traveled to the Alsace region in France. It's a wonderful blend of German and French culture and food." he added before swirling the liquid and smelling it, prompting you to do the same.

He took a sip and you followed, the fruity taste and the subtle floral note landing nicely on your tongue.

"It's wonderful." you said and Hyunjin chuckled.

"I'm glad you like it." he said.

"What are we cooking?" you asked.

"To go with the theme of Alsace I wanted us to make tarte flambée but it's not the same if you don't have a wood-burning oven with a stone floor which I obviously don't own. So we can make bacon, cheddar and onion quiche as a substitute."

"Sounds good to me." you smiled and Hyunjin came closer to you.

"Are you hungry, ma chérie?" he smirked, his eyes narrowing. "Cause I'm very very hungry." he pulled his lip between his teeth as he looked at you like you were the most delicious meal ever.

"Oh, I'm hungry too. I'll even have room for dessert." you smirked back at him, your hand sliding from his wrist slowly up to his shoulder.

Hyunjin's eyes fluttered for a moment as he sucked in a breath. It was obvious that even the littlest touch drove him insane. He was drawn to you like a moth to a flame and you felt him pulling you in more and more with every second you spent with him.

He kissed you slowly, sensually as his hands landed on your waist, fingers splayed and tickling you lightly. You caressed his face, melting into his sweet lips.

"We better get started if we want to get to that dessert quickly." he winked at you and you chuckled, your face becoming red.

Hyunjin pulled up the recipe on the internet and sifted through his kitchen to take out everything you'll need. You put your hair up so it doesn't annoy you while you cook and Hyunjin stopped in his tracks immediately as you organized the groceries.

"Ah!" you squealed in surprise when you felt his arms wrapping around your middle. His lips followed, pressing on the back of your neck gently, his hot breath making goosebumps rise on your skin.

"Qui t'a donc fait si jolie, tu me rends fou..." he whispered before kissing you again, right where you were most sensitive.

You turned putty immediately, grabbing at his hands that were holding you tightly.

"Hyunjin..." you had no idea what he said but it could've been a love spell as you kept falling deeper into him, becoming a fool with a crush or maybe something more.

"Sorry, I'll stop distracting you." he pressed a little kiss to your shoulder and you giggled, almost telling him that no, he shouldn't stop and he should keep distracting you.

The two of you then fell into small talk as you cooked together, taking sips of the sweet wine, the sound of laughter filling up the space. Both of you hadn't felt like this in a long time and Hyunjin was happy that his apartment seemed brighter the moment you walked in.

"Now we wait for it to bake." Hyunjin put the quiche into the oven as you leaned on the counter, taking another sip of the Alsace wine.

"How long?"

"10 minutes." Hyunjin came to you, wrapping around you again. His lips were on your face instantly, kissing your cheeks and jaw. You chuckled as he pressed his body into yours, your hands tangling in his hair while your lips attached to his.

"I love this music." Hyunjin whispered, swaying a little and pulling you with him.

"Is this John Coltrane?" you asked and Hyunjin chuckled in delight.

"It is. From his album Ballads, first song." he smiled as he leaned his cheek on yours and the two of you started slow dancing. Something stirred up in your stomach and your chest, you almost felt like throwing up or screaming with excitement while the two of you enjoyed the slow, intimate moment.

The world quite literally disappeared and nothing mattered but the two of you. You could love again, you were becoming more and more sure of it.

Hyunjin kept kissing you and holding you during the 10 minutes before you had to take out the quiche. His hands never left you even while you waited for it too cool down a little.

"Oh. This is amazing." you said after tasting it.

"We did it together." he smiled. "It's very close to tarte flambée, but one day hopefully you can try the original thing."

"I hope so too." you said and the two of you continued eating.

After dinner, you helped clean up and Hyunjin took you to his room where he had a working space for painting.

"When I said earlier that something else got me out of that slump... it was you." Hyunjin admitted, his cheeks red.

"Me?" your eyes widened.

"Please, don't be creeped out." Hyunjin sighed as he took out a few canvases, all of them having one thing in common - you and your silk.

"Wow." you let out a chuckle.

"You inspired me a lot. You're my muse." he said, his hand on your cheek.

"I am?" you asked and he nodded as the two of you sat down on his bed, still holding yout glasses of wine, the last drops left from the bottle.

"Two years ago I went through a bad breakup. It left my heart completely shattered, so much so I thought I'd never paint or love again. But then I accidentally went to the theater and saw you perform. You looked unreal, you still do whenever you dance, even when you just sit here in front of me, y/n." Hyunjin said and your heart started beating faster. "I started painting again after seeing you performing, showing your art to the world."

"Hyunjin, that's so sweet." you swooned and he giggled.

"It is?" his brows shot up and you nodded quickly.

"Mhm. Adorable." you smirked, putting your glass on the nightstand as well as Hyunjin's. His lips parted as you turned back around to look at him, your eyes filling up with lust and hunger.

You grabbed his face, kissing him as you sat in his lap. Hyunjin's hands landed on your hips immediately as he pulled you closer to his body, hands sliding to your ass as he gripped at you.

You kissed until you had to part for breath all the while Hyunjin grabbed at your ass and hips.

"You're so addicting, darling." he looked at you with hooded eyelids.

"You are too." you said, placing your palms against his chest and pushing him down.

Hyunjin gasped as he let himself fall, his hands on either side of his head as he looked up at you sweetly. You leaned over him, moving some hair out of his face as he blinked at you.

"So pretty." you praised him and he reveled in your words and your touch as you slid your hand on his neck down to his chest and navel then back up again, brushing against his nipples.

Hyunjin started breathing harder the more you touched him, your hands dipping under his shirt. He kept looking at you as your hands explored his soft skin, his abs, his waist to his chest as you started playing with his nipples. Hyunjin whimpered quietly, his hands clenched into fists as he lifted his hips into yours. You could feel he was getting excited already.

You slowly started grinding against him as you pinched his nipples, making Hyunjin groan while he matched your pace.

"Y/n." he whimpered, his hands gripping at your thighs.

"Hyunjin." you placed your hands on his neck and his eyes fluttered as he leaned into your touch.

It was incredibly sexy to see such a beautiful man giving himself to you so eagerly.

You stopped your movements just to leave kisses on his neck and collarbone, taking your time to press your lips into every beauty mark you could find. You took his shirt off and continued kissing his chest as he wrapped his arms around you and closed his eyes.

He opened them when you brushed your lips against his nipple before pressing your tongue against it and playing with him.

"Mm, darling." Hyunjin whined, arching into you, his hands going up and down on your back, moving more desperately with each swipe of your tongue.

You kissed down to his stomach as he kept shivering against you, his hand caressing your head. You looked up at him as you placed your lips on his happy trail and Hyunjin gasped a little, his dick twitching in his pants.

"Oh god." he groaned when you licked at the happy trail before pressing a kiss to his clothed tip. "Please."

You smirked, leaning back and unbuttoning his pants. You slid them down, looking at his cock almost bursting out of his boxers. Hyunjin watched your hand as you gripped him through his underwear before palming him shortly.

"Fuck." he cursed, pushing into your hand as he tried desperately to get any kind of friction.

"Don't worry, I'll make you feel good." you whispered, hooking your fingers in his boxers and pulling them down. Hyunjin whined as his cock slapped his stomach, shutting his eyes tightly when you giggled in delight.

"Mm, do what you want darling." he groaned.

You pressed your finger into his slit, smearing the pre cum and teasing him as he opened his eyes and whined. You slid between his legs, leaning down and pressing your lips to his inner thighs, your free hand gently fondling his balls as your other massaged his tip.

"Ah, fuck!" Hyunjin's hips jerked, his thighs trembling while you stimulated him. "Keep going." he begged, his hand tangling in your hair, the other gripping at the sheet beneath him.

Your lips came closer to his cock and his breath hitched as you pressed them on the base of it. He leaned up a little to look at you and you smirked at him, wanting to worship him and tease him all at once. He looked so adorable with his face flushed and his eyebrows furrowed, lips swollen and his legs spread. You pressed gentle kisses into his cock, following the vein to the tip as you slowly traveled up, making him twitch every time you touched him. Hyunjin gasped quietly as you licked at the vein before dipping your tongue into his slit, tasting the salty pre cum and then swirling your tongue around the head.

"Oh god." Hyunjin groaned again as he gripped at your hair. You whimpered quietly, your eyes fluttering as you wrapped your lips around his tip. "Sweet girl." he moaned, ruining the little makeshift bun you had from when the two of you were cooking.

That spurred you on so you slid down, taking more of him in and enjoying his taste and the heaviness of him on your tongue. You gripped the base as you squeezed his balls lightly, sucking on him harder and Hyunjin's hips jerked up involuntarily.

A string of curses left his lips as he pulled on your hair. You moaned around him, sucking on him faster and enjoying the pretty moans that were falling out of his mouth. You wanted to hear more of him, you wanted to drive him crazy, have him shiver against your face while you milked him dry.

Hyunjin started shivering the faster you went, using your hands, your lips and tongue to bring him to the edge. He thrashed against the bed, hips lifting up into you and making you gag around him as he fisted the sheets.

"I- I can't!" he moaned out but you didn't stop.

Hyunjin moaned desperately as he exploded, filling your mouth up with his warm cum as you swallowed every last drop, overstimulating him a little until you were sure he was completely limp.

"Fucking hell." he let out a chuckle of disbelief. "You did so well." he added as you hovered over him with a cheeky smile. Before you could answer he pulled you in for a kiss, tasting himself on your tongue and moaning into your mouth. He stripped you slowly as he still came down from his high, his lips pressed into every inch of exposed skin they could find. He rolled over so he was on top, detaching from your lips to take a good look at you.

You were ready this time, wearing a nice set of black and red lacy lingerie and Hyunjin chuckled.

"No 'Finally Sunday' panties?" he teased and you laughed, smacking his arm as your face warmed up.

"Shut up, oh my god." the two of you laughed as he scooped you up on his arms, hugging you tightly.

You held each other for a few moments before he gently laid you down again. You let him take off your bra and his hands caressed your body softly.

"Thank you for dressing up for me but I like you much more when you're all natural." Hyunjin smirked, sliding your panties off.

"Well, here I am." you said nervously, his room being brighter than the car.

"Gorgeous." he licked at his lips as he looked at you. "Do you trust me?" he reached towards his nightstand, opening the drawer.

Your lips parted as you stared into his warm, sweet eyes.

"I do." you whispered and Hyunjin smiled.

"Close your eyes, ma chérie." he said and you did so, anticipation building in your stomach. Hyunjin's spent cock twitched at your compliance. He watched your chest rise and fall with every breath you took as he grabbed the blindfold in the drawer. You felt the soft fabric on your face and gasped as he wrapped it around your eyes and tied it.

"Stop me any time, okay?" he said, his thumb swiping over your lips slowly.

"Mhm." you nodded.

You had no idea what he was going to do, where he was going to touch you but you knew he was searching for something as you heard him rummage through the drawer.

"Relax, my sweet." Hyunjin smirked as you wriggled around, gripping at the pillow under your head.

You waited with bated breath and then you felt it pressed against your nipple. You gasped when your mind registered it, Hyunjin had found a clean soft brush to tease you with. A whimper escaped your lips as he moved the soft bristles up and down your sensitive nipple, changing it to left and right movement as you shivered.

He leaned in closer, his warm breath hitting your face as he continued slowly torturing your nipples, the touch was so gentle that it left you craving more, driving you completely insane as you gushed arousal from your core.

Hyunjin smirked, enjoying seeing you like this as he nosed at your cheek before kissing you softly. He leaned back and took one of your hands in his, pressing a kiss to your wrist and you moaned as he sped up the movements on your nipples.

Hyunjin's lips danced on your skin as they traveled up your arm and you were becoming breathless. Hyunjin could see and smell your arousal and it was making him feel intoxicated, his cock reacting to you right away. Suddenly, all the stimulation was taken away and you whined.

"Shh. I got you." Hyunjin shushed you, before you felt his tongue against your nipple. A little moan escaped your lips as he played with you, taking your nipple in his mouth and sucking on it. You wished so badly you could see his face and his lips wrapped around your bud.

Hyunjin's hands slid up your inner thighs to your throbbing pussy and he spread you apart, his thumb finding your clit immediately.

"Ah!" you moaned, jolting as he slid his thumb against your sensitive clit. "H-Hyunjin!"

He sucked on your breast harder, one of his hands holding your pussy open to expose your clit as he grabbed the brush again, moving it in circles against your bud.

"Oh!" you whimpered, shaking as he attacked your clit with fast movements, now giving your other breast attention too. "Please!" you begged as he dipped the brush into your wetness, gathering it and bringing it to your clit again.

"Tell me what you need, chérie." he whispered, kissing your nipple.

"More." you groaned as he smirked.

"Patience, my darling." he chuckled before continuing his ministrations. You were a whimpering, shaking mess with just the little stimulation he was giving you. Hyunjin noticed the goosebumps rising on your skin so he pressed into you harder, moving the brush faster as your slick coated it completely.

"Hyunjin!" you grabbed at his arm, digging your nails into his biceps.

"Let go for me." he kissed your neck gently a few times before pecking your lips. You moved your hips in tandem with his hand, bringing yourself to ecstasy as you came, moaning his name. Hyunjin played with your clit until you were whimpering and closing your legs around his hand.

He finally threw the brush aside before taking off the blindfold. You blinked a few times while your eyes adjusted to the light.

"I need to taste you." Hyunjin looked almost crazed with lust and a wave of warmness passed through your body.

"Yes." you whispered breathlessly. He kissed all the way down to your pussy before spreading it apart again and pushing his tongue inside instantly, making you whimper and jolt.

"Oh wow!" you exclaimed as he started eating you out immediately, his tongue fucking in and out of your wet hole, lips slurping at your essence and nose brushing against your clit.

Hyunjin gripped at the back of your thighs, pushing your legs down to spread them more as he continued making out with your pussy, moaning into you as you whimpered loudly, gripping at his hair and pressing his head against you.

"F-fuck, Hyunjin!" you whimpered as tears of pleasure gathered in your eyes.

"You taste the sweetest, ma chérie." he said lustfully before sucking on your clit, his fingers pressing against your folds. You urged him on with your moans and the way you pulled on his hair, giving him just enough pain that made him hard. Hyunjin couldn't help pressing his cock against the mattress to feel some kind of relief. He pushed his two of fingers inside you, fucking you as his tongue lapped at your swollen clit.

Your moaning got louder and Hyunjin almost came on the spot just from your taste and the sounds you were making for him. He scissored his fingers inside you, his other hang gripping your thigh. You looked down at him and the image of him rutting against the mattress while he pleased you made you come undone as you exploded, squirting on him and gasping in shock.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" you felt embarrassed when you saw his face covered in you.

"For what, darling? That was so hot." he wiped at his face before leaning down to give you a few more kitten licks and a few kisses to your clit.

"It was?" you shook a little.

"Yes, I can't get enough of you. Will you let me have you completely?" Hyunjin looked at you with eyes full of lust as he hovered over you, his tip pressing against your wet folds.

"Please, I need you." you whimpered and Hyunjin smiled before grabbing his cock and running the tip all over your entrance, giving attention to your clit and slapping it a few times with his tip.

You moaned, arching into him as he leaned over you, kissing you passionately while he pushed in.

"Slowly, please, it's been a while." you whispered, hiding your face in the crook of his neck and looking down at where he was disappearing inside you.

"Of course." his voice was strained as he held back, spreading you open slowly like a delicate flower blossoming. You wrapped around him snuggly and perfectly, sucking him in as he kept pushing further.

He made you look at him as he bottomed out, both of you moaning. Hyunjin wrapped his arms around you as you clung onto him like a koala, inhaling his scent and kissing his ear and neck. He giggled as he played with your hair and caressed the back of your neck.

"You can move." you whispered as you kissed his cheek.

"Mm, darling." Hyunjin groaned as he started moving his hips languidly, making you feel every inch of his hardness inside your warm core.

"You feel perfect around me, my angel, my muse." he praised you, fucking you slowly. You opened up your legs completely and he grabbed one of them, putting it over his shoulder as he leaned down to kiss you.

"You feel perfect inside me, too." you groaned as his tip pressed into your sweet spot. "T-there!" you whimpered, trying to grab at him.

Hyunjin fucked you a little harder but still slowly, taking his time as he leaned back a little to kiss the side of your leg, down to your ankle, the gentle kisses driving you insane as he spread you open with his cock. You were almost making some kind of half split and you were thankful that you were flexible so you could feel Hyunjin buried deep inside you.

He gripped your foot, kissing the side of it as he looked at you hungrily.

"Darling." he whined, pushing your knees to your shoulders. "I wanna be inside you forever." Hyunjin groaned, fucking you harder as his hips slapped against your ass.

"Ah, please Hyunjin!" you cried out, your mind almost completely gone as he brought you pleasure like you've never felt before.

"Please what?" he smirked a little his hands grabbing at your breasts and massaging them.

"Harder, please!" you whimpered.

"Harder, huh?" he kept smirking as he pressed you down as started fucking harder into you, bringing his entire weight onto your core. You shook as you moaned his name loudly, exploding around his cock and Hyunjin twitched inside you.

"Gonna cum too." he whimpered, scrunching his face up in pleasure.

"Inside me." you breathed out, eyes rolling back from pleasure.

"Are you sure?" his eyes widened a little as he looked at you, all spread out for him.

"I'm sure." you wrapped your legs around him, bringing him closer, your hands on his back. Hyunjin gripped at your hips and buried his face in your neck, fucking harder into you as his teeth sank into your skin.

"A-ah!" you moaned louder and louder, Hyunjin's hips stuttering as he started moaning into your ear before he gripped at you tightly and exploded, burying his warm cum deep inside you, riding his high as he kept fucking into you.

"My darling." he said it so sweetly as you held onto each other, both of you sweaty, wet and breathless. Your ears were ringing, your legs cramping and it took you a moment to even realize that music was playing from his living room this entire time.

"Stay with me. Sleep here, I wanna hold you in my arms." he said as he kissed you.

"I'll stay." you smiled, caressing his face and moving the hair that stuck to his sweaty forehead. Hyunjin looked at you cutely, that lovesick look on his face again before he slid out of you and laid his cheek on your breast.

"Let's just stay like this for a moment." he whispered.

"Okay." you said, carding your fingers though his hair.

He was like a comfort blanket on top of you and despite all the stickiness between you, you almost fell asleep.

"Hey, don't fall asleep yet, chérie." Hyunjin lifted his head up to look at you. "We still have dessert left."

"I thought this was the dessert." you giggled and he smirked.

"It was. Special kind of dessert." he wiggled his eyebrows. "But no, I bought crème brûlée for us. I wanted to make it but I don't think they'd taste very good so..." he trailed off and you chuckled.

"You're so sweet, Hyun." you whispered, caressing his head.

"I think that's you, especially after tasting you." Hyunjin smirked, tickling your sides and making you laugh.

"Shut up." you groaned in embarrassment, covering your face.

"We should clean up, pretty." he said, kissing your wrists and hands.

"Yeah, um, I didn't bring anything for a sleepover." you uncovered your face as Hyunjin sat up and pulled you up with him.

"You didn't want to spend the night?" he pouted and you shook your head.

"I didn't want to impose on you." you played with your fingers as Hyunjin gently placed his hand on your knee, caressing you with his thumb.

"I invited you over, you're not imposing at all. I'm looking forward to having you next to me all night."

"Well then, I'm looking forward to being here with you." you whispered as he pressed his lips against yours.

"I'll give you some clothes to sleep in. And I definitely have a spare toothbrush somewhere." he said as the two of you made your way to his bathroom. You chuckled as you walked in and saw different paintings on the walls, most of them chipped and unrecognizable.

"Ignore that." Hyunjin's cheeks got rosy as he led you to the shower.

He adjusted the temperature of the water and kept turning to look at you. You were rubbing your ring finger subconsciously again before you noticed he was looking at you.

"What?" you smiled, your face heating up.

"You're so gorgeous." he said, pulling you towards his body.

You had barely managed to shower with both of your wandering hands as you kept touching each other and kissing, after years of being touch starved it felt right to be skin against skin.

Hyunjin brought you a clean pair of his boxers and the shirt with the sleeping doggy.

"Here." he smirked and you chuckled, smacking his ass with the shirt as he laughed, trying to dodge and run into the kitchen. You got dressed and followed him, feeling so relaxed and cozy.

"I'm ready for a snack actually." you said and he agreed, taking out the sweet crème brûlée. "I have chocolate milk." he said and you giggled.

"Sure, why not." you shrugged and the two of you sat down to eat.

"These are good." you commented. "Not as good as the real thing probably." you added and Hyunjin shook his head.

"Nowhere near." he spoke with his mouth full, his lips pouty and you giggled, putting your hand on his face and wiping the creme off his lips before licking it off of your thumb.

Hyunjin's face flushed as he looked at you, pinching your cheek quickly to tease you and you swatted your hand at him, letting out a noise of protest. He laughed, enjoying the simple and sweet moment you shared.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked after you got ready for bed.

"Yes and no." you shrugged.

"Me too. I kinda don't wanna go to sleep yet because morning will come faster and you'll have to leave." Hyunjin pouted.

"I don't want to leave yet." you shook your head.

Hyunjin suggested watching a movie, so the two of you got comfy in his bed, him wrapping all his limbs around you and pressing his cheek against your breast. It was sweet, having him so close and caressing his head, back and arm as he touched your waist and tummy. You had changed the sheets earlier, everything was fresh, the place was warmed up and the tv was playing some random movie that neither of you really paid attention to.

Hyunjin felt so blissfully happy in that moment and he wanted to have you impossibly closer, he wished he could crawl inside your heart and sleep in there. He did actually almost fall asleep in your arms as you comforted him with your touches. The voices on the tv seemed louder and his eyes snapped open.

"Y/n?" he called out, nuzzling into your chest.

"Yes?" you whispered.

"I'm glad you're here." he kissed your collarbone before looking up at you sweetly.

"Me too." you smiled.

Hyunjin got cozy again and you looked back at the tv but he was suddenly awake so he started talking. For some reason, you weren't too sleepy either so Hyunjin and you spent hours just talking about random things, your high school days, funny accidents while you danced, how he had managed to hide his identity as a painter... There was always something new to talk about, from the most useless debates to the most profound thoughts about life. You enjoyed talking to Hyunjin as much as you enjoyed kissing him and having him inside you.

It was almost 4am when your eyelids got heavy but Hyunjin sat up.

"I just remembered a song." he said.

"A song?" you asked and Hyunjin scrambled to get up before playing I Melt With You.

"Come on, dance with me!" he urged you on and you started laughing.

"Hyunjin, it's like 4am." you kept chuckling as he started dancing around.

"I know, just the right time to do this! Come on, get up baby!" he grabbed your hands, moving them up and down.

"Oh god." you couldn't stop laughing as Hyunjin pulled you out of the bed.

You danced like idiots, spinning and spinning without a care in the world and almost bumping into furniture as you squealed and laughed. The world spun around you and you toppled over together, with you on top of him.

Then the world seemed to stop as the song faded away and was replaced with a silence. Hyunjin reached up to put your hair behind your ear.

"Kiss me, chérie." he said and you giggled, pressing your lips into his.

"We should sleep now at least." you said when you parted.

"Okay, I guess we need to. Are you gonna stay for breakfast?" Hyunjin asked.

"I will." you smiled.

"Sweet." he chuckled.

The two of you got comfortable under the blankets as Hyunjin spooned you, pressing himself against your body and sneaking his hand into your shirt to hold your breast.

"Bonne nuit, mon cœur." he whispered against your hair as you drifted off into dreamland.

-

You haven't slept this well in so long that you woke up wondering what year it was. Feeling Hyunjin pressed up against you, being wrapped up in his warmth and his scent made you feel so cozy. You laid there for a moment, just waking up and enjoying the slow morning. You had an urge to look at Hyunjin so you turned around in his arms carefully, your eyes landing on his sleeping face.

He looked so peaceful and cute, his pouty lips parted as he nuzzled closer to you. Your heart swelled at the sight of him and you started caressing his head. Hyunjin's eyes fluttered open after some time and as soon as he saw you, he smiled, closing his eyes again in delight.

"Good morning, angel." he muttered and you chuckled quietly.

"Good morning." you said.

"Slept well?" he asked, pushing his face into your neck, his breath tickling you.

"Yes, you?" you held him tighter.

"So good." Hyunjin pressed his lips to your neck, giving you small kisses, his lips brushing against the sore spot where he had sucked a mark last night.

Your lips pressed against his forehead and you felt him smile against your skin. You enjoyed the quiet moment, almost falling back asleep until Hyunjin's stomach growled. You leaned back to look at him and his eyes widened before he laughed cutely, his cheeks red.

"I think someone's hungry." you poked his stomach and he swatted at your hand and then grabbed your wrist pulling you on top of him as he laid on his back.

"Hungry for you, ma chérie." he grabbed your face and kissed you as you giggled into his mouth.

"Cheesy." you commented and he rolled his eyes playfully, kissing you again.

Eventually you did get out of bed and made some toast and a cup of coffee.

"It snowed all night." you noticed as you stood up and looked out the window, holding your cup. Hyunjin came up behind you immediately wrapping his arms around your middle as he leaned his chin on your shoulder.

"Yeah, it's probably really cold outside. So you can just stay here." he said, inhaling your scent and closing his eyes.

"I wish I could but I have rehearsals all afternoon." you sighed, caressing his hand.

"Mm let's cancel everything and just be together." Hyunjin kissed you neck with a smile.

"That's not how life works." you chuckled, putting your cup down and wiggling to turn around so you can look at him.

"Blah." Hyunjin faked disgust as you laughed at his scrunched up face. You grabbed his cheeks and kissed him.

"We can see each other again soon." you said.

"How soon?" he asked and you chuckled.

"Soon." you said as he huffed.

You changed into your clothes and Hyunjin barely let you leave out the door, hugging you and kissing you until you were out on the street. You had also finally exchanged numbers, something you had forgotten to do earlier and promised each other that you'll call.

Hyunjin waited until the cab you called drove you away and when he came back up to his apartment, he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. The entire place was full of you, your laughter, your voice, your touches. The bed was unmade and it smelled like you. Hyunjin wanted to drown in it. He couldn't wait to see you again.

It was here. The day you had dreaded and avoided to think about. You felt the impending doom as it approached but you tried to ignore the gnawing feeling inside your guts making it's way up slowly and wrapping around your heart.

You had locked yourself in your apartment for the last three days, calling the dance studio and telling them you're sick. The curtains were pulled over your windows completely, drowning you in darkness. You had no will to get up or answer to any of the calls and texts you've been getting. You saw that they were mostly from Hyunjin but you couldn't face him right now, if you did you'd fall apart completely.

It had been exactly four years since your life stopped, four years since you quit believing, since you lost all hope. Hyunjin had been the only person to awaken something inside you since then but in your darkest moments, you thought he's better off without you. The baggage you were dragging around was like shackles around your ankles, making it hard to climb out of the pit you had long made home in. The tears wouldn't stop coming as you thought about your past and the pain you felt that still teared you apart, albeit less than before but you were convinced it would never go away entirely.

You thought about Hyunjin and how sweet he is, how loving he seems to be, how much he apparently likes you. It scared you more than anything, the thought of what could be something beautiful, only to be lost one day, taken away from you like it already was once before.

You sank deeper into the darkness.

Meanwhile, Hyunjin was scared too. You haven't been answering his messages or returning his calls for a few days now. He kept replaying that night you spent at his place, trying to find a hint that would let him know why you were avoiding him. But, he couldn't find a reason other than maybe you just didn't want to see him again, maybe when you got home you realized you only wanted it to be a one time thing. Maybe you didn't want him like he wanted you. But still, some kind of gut feeling was telling him something else was wrong.

Hyunjin mentally prepared himself for your rejection as he got dressed, deciding to go look for you at your place.

You were lying on your couch, absentmindedly staring through the tv, not even looking at what was happening on the screen when you heard your bell ringing. You groaned quietly, burying your nose further into your blankets. The ringing persisted, followed by a series of knocks.

"Go away." you muttered quietly.

"Y/n, it's me. Please open the door." you heard a muffled voice, recognizing it instantly. Your eyes went wide for a moment as you contemplated.

You didn't want Hyunjin to see you at your worst but something pulled at your heartstrings as you heard the desperation in his voice. Your legs led you to the door. You needed him, you really needed him.

The door opened just as Hyunjin was about to knock again, his hand lifted up mid-air. He gasped when he saw you looking pale and tired. You looked at him wordlessly as you gently grabbed his wrist and pulled him in, pushing the door closed at the same time.

"Hyunjin." you fell into his arms, your face buried in his chest instantly as you wrapped your arms around his waist.

"Shh." Hyunjin soothed you as you gripped at him, your hands grabbing at his winter coat. You stood like that, just melting into each other for a few moments as Hyunjin looked around, seeing your curtains pulled all the way together, your apartment a mess.

"Mon cœur, what's wrong?" he asked as he leaned back, taking your face in his arms and making you look at him.

You shook your head as tears gathered in your eyes. Hyunjin took his coat off quickly and led you to your couch so the two of you could sit down. As soon as you got there, Hyunjin's eyes fell on the coffee table. He tilted his head as he picked up the framed picture, examining it. His eyes widened when he noticed it was you with another man, the picture obviously being a wedding photo, you in a white dress and the man in a suit as the two of you smiled at each other while holding hands.

"You're married?" Hyunjin's brows furrowed.

"I was. My husband... he passed away four years ago." you swallowed as Hyunjin looked up at you, sadness in his eyes.

"Y/n. I'm so sorry, I had no idea." Hyunjin grabbed your hand quickly, wanting to soothe you. That's why you always rubbed your ring finger subconsciously, he thought, you were probably self-soothing, a habit you had playing with your ring when you used to wear it.

"It happened so suddenly. Everything was so quick, we had no time to react. We had been drinking that night with friends. Of course we had a stupid argument on the way home and the last things I said to him were hateful. He yelled, I yelled back. He lost control of the wheel and we swerved, it happened in a matter of seconds, so fast that I didn't even realize what was going on. Not until the car stopped spinning and I laid there and just saw him all... bloody and lifeless. I'll never forget that, he took his last breath and he was gone, ripped away from me just like that. I always blamed myself, why didn't I suggest taking a cab? Why did I pick a fight over him not washing some dirty dishes, something so insignificant in hindsight. Why didn't I die with him?" you sobbed as you told Hyunjin everything, finally letting it out after holding your thoughts back for years.

"Y/n, I can't even imagine the pain you went through and I'm so sorry but you have to know that it was an accident, it is not your fault. Sadly, these things happen and we have no control over them." Hyunjin held your hands in his, caressing your skin with his thumbs.

"I know and that scares me. What if it happens again?" you swallowed, looking at him.

"What if it doesn't? We can't live in fear like that, we'd never get out of the house and do anything. You have to take a leap of faith in life. Otherwise you'll just be stuck in the same rut over and over again. Take a chance. With me." he smiled a little, wiping your tears away gently.

"I come with so much baggage, Hyunjin. I have loved so much once that a piece of my heart will always be his."

"I'm okay with that." Hyunjin nodded. "I've loved and lost before too. Not that I can compare it to what you went through but a piece of my heart was taken away when my ex left me too. But we have a whole lot of heart left to feel again, don't we?"

"I guess we do." you sniffled. "What now?"

"Now, we open up the curtains and let the sun in."

Tears brimmed in your eyes again as you threw your arms around Hyunjin and hugged him tightly, a choked sob escaping your lips.

"It's okay, I'm here." he held the back of your head with his hand, his other hand moving in soothing circles on your upper back. Having him in your presence was like you had taken a happy pill, the fear, worry and sadness slowly traveling further and further away from your aching heart.

When you parted, Hyunjin stood up and pulled the curtains open slowly, making you whine a little.

"Come see." he beckoned you to come closer and you reluctantly stood up to join him, your eyes still adjusting to the brightness.

"What am I looking at?" you asked as he grabbed your hand, bringing it to his face and pressing a sweet kiss into your skin.

"The snow is almost melted." he whispered, his lips lingering on your skin. You chuckled and he smiled, pulling you into a hug.

Hyunjin was sweet and gentle with you, helping you clean up your apartment and cook a nice warm meal. He distracted you with all the funny stories he could remember just to lift up your spirits.

"You know what always helps me relax? A nice, warm bath." he smiled.

"Are you sure you're not just trying to get me naked?" you smirked, your mood better than before.

"Oh my sweet, I could get you naked any time I want." he winked and you laughed as your face heated up, your stomach fluttering.

"Mhm." you mumbled with an embarrassed smile.

"Tell me I'm wrong." he leaned in closer to your face, his hands on your thighs as he looked up at you after you tried to hide away from him.

"You're not." you said and he smirked playfully, giggling and pecking your lips.

Together, you prepared the bath and the mood in the bathroom as you lit up some scented candles and dimmed the lights.

"Fancy." Hyunjin wiggled his eyebrows, making you laugh.

You checked the temperature of the water and Hyunjin stood behind you, pushing his hands under your shirt and caressing your back.

"Ah! Cold hands!" you jumped a little but still leaned into his touch.

"I'm trying to warm them up." he smirked, his hands running over your stomach to your breasts as he cupped them, massaging them lightly.

"Mhm, right." you shivered against him. "Let's get undressed."

"Don't need to tell me twice." Hyunjin kissed your jaw before he leaned back, getting rid of his clothes. You did the same as Hyunjin watched you, his eyes filling up with hunger. He got in first and then spread his legs to make room for you.

"Lean against me." he reached his hand out to you and you got in slowly, sitting between his legs and leaning your back on his chest.

"You know how you said my dancing inspired you to paint?" you said quietly and Hyunjin hummed, tracing patterns into your waist and stomach with his fingers.

"Your paintings gave me hope to keep going." you whispered as you leaned your head on Hyunjin's shoulder and looked up at him. The meaning of your confession made Hyunjin squeeze you tighter against him.

"Y/n..." he whispered as you sat up, finding it hard to look at his face all of a sudden. Hyunjin leaned in closer and brushed his lips on your shoulder as you kept talking.

"It was really hard to find an ounce of strength to even get up in the morning. I was wondering why should I even keep going, you know. Nothing made sense anymore, it's like that person is there and you're so used to it that you forget to appreciate the fact that you have them in your life. But once they're gone you realize just how much you had, and then suddenly your life is completely different than it was before. I couldn't even recognize myself anymore, anything that brought me happiness until then just became bleak." you stopped to take a breath and wipe your tears as Hyunjin held you and listened, his chin on your shoulder.

"I walked past your gallery many times but for some reason I never really paid much attention to it. And then one day I went for a walk just to escape how I was feeling inside the apartment. Something pulled me to go inside suddenly, I just had to see. I remember the name of the exhibition too, it was called 'On the wings of love' and all the paintings were just so uplifting and gave a feeling of pure love, something I had in my palms but it slipped through my fingers. It hurt to look at the paintings but it hurt in a good way because it gave me hope that it still exists and that someone out there has what I had." you explained. "And now after meeting you, I realized I saw you in the gallery that night but you never noticed me. You were standing there with someone, looking at the paintings as the two of you laughed. You passed by me before leaving out the door and I remember being slightly jealous of what you seemed to have."

Hyunjin's breath tickled your skin as he kissed your shoulder and neck gently.

"Doesn't it seem like fate?" he said. "Like we were meant to find each other. I think everything happens for a reason as shitty as that seems sometimes. You found hope inside the exhibition I painted for my ex, you saw me there with... him. Life is kind of ironic like that, it seems. I thought I had it all too but then he just left me like I was nothing." you grabbed Hyunjin's hands, caressing them.

"I met him in Paris. He was there for a modeling job and I happened to attend fashion week. I saw him on the runway and thought I was hallucinating an angel. But he was far from that. Of course everything was wonderful in the beginning but the more time that passed the more he started to neglect me. He always found some excuse, mostly it was his job. He worked all the time, long hours and trips. I asked to join him on his trips since I can literally paint from anywhere but he'd find some new excuse saying he wouldn't have free time to spend with me since he'd be working the entire trip. And then there'd be pictures of him out drinking and stuff, being handsy with other people. I don't know if he ever actually cheated on me and I don't want to know but it hurt so bad. I watched him fall out of love and it was my worst fear coming to life right in front of my eyes. I knew he was going to leave and yet when he actually did it, I felt like my world had crumbled into pieces."

You turned a little to look at Hyunjin, seeing his eyes filling up with tears and your heart hurt.

"How could someone fall out of love with you?" you whispered and Hyunjin stopped talking, his eyes widened slightly as he searched your face. You leaned in and kissed the tears that slid down his cheeks. His lips broke into a smile as his eyes fluttered shut and he leaned his forehead against yours.

"Kiss me." he said quietly and you grabbed his face, kissing him with everything you have. Hyunjin pulled you closer, the water sloshing around you as you grabbed at each other.

When you parted, you were breathless, your hands squeezing at his shoulders and his wrapped around your waist.

"I'm glad we talked about this." you said and he nodded.

"Me too." Hyunjin smiled as you played with his hair, leaning in to peck his lips a few times before leaving sweet kisses all over his face. Hyunjin started giggling at your attack of affection as your lips found his cheek, his nose, his eyelids.

"Let me wash your hair." you whispered against his lips.

"Okay." he whispered back, kissing the corner of your lips.

You turned completely so you were facing him, wrapping your legs around his waist as he pulled you closer. You grabbed your shampoo as his hair was already wet and Hyunjin looked at you with a soft smile on his face. With your hands tangled in his hair, you started massaging his head.

Hyunjin hummed, closing his eyes, his hands traveling up towards your chest. He opened his eyes and grabbed your breasts, squeezing them and you chuckled.

"Hyunjin." you warned him playfully.

"What? They're there." he teased with a smirk, his thumbs rubbing your nipples as he cupped your breasts. Your hands stuttered a little as arousal built within you. Hyunjin decided to stop distracting you and just relax while your gentle hands massaged his head. The intimate and quiet moment between you felt like a dream, like you had to pinch yourself to see if it was really happening.

Hyunjin couldn't stay still for too long as he started teasing you and playing with the bubbles, making you laugh at him as you rinsed his hair.

"Quit squirming, you'll get shampoo in your eyes." you chuckled.

"Sorry." Hyunjin pouted, staying still for another moment as you finished up.

"There. All done." you said, caressing his head.

"Thank you for that." Hyunjin said, gently kissing your lips.

"Of course." you whispered, the two of you exchanging kisses until you were almost breathless. You turned around in his arms as he offered to wash your back, wanting to soothe you more. He was definitely getting excited as were you and the gentle touch on your back as well as him kissing your neck and shoulder whenever he could kept making you more needy for him.

"Hyunjin." his name felt like a prayer as he pulled you flush against him and you felt him pressing against your backside.

"My darling." he breathed out, grabbing your legs and pulling them over his so you were spread open for him. A whimper escaped your lips as you leaned back on his shoulder, your neck exposed. He kissed the side of it, licking at the droplets of water before sinking his teeth into your flesh. You moaned while his hands kneaded your breasts and pinched your sensitive nipples.

"I need you." you moaned as he licked at the love bite he created on your skin.

"I got you, pretty." he whispered in your ear, hand sliding between your legs. Anticipation bubbled up inside you as Hyunjin gently touched your inner thighs. He squeezed your flesh a little before his hand cupped your pussy, making you whine. He shushed you, kissing your jaw and pressing at your clit, playing with it gently. His other hand was busy on your chest, pinching and pulling at your nipples. Your eyes were closed as you let go completely, leaving everything in Hyunjin's hands. His lips never left your neck as he slowly slid his fingertips between your folds.

Your breath hitched as soon as he pushed in, spreading you open with his pretty fingers.

"Ah!" you moaned, pulling your legs up more so you could grab at his thighs. Hyunjin pressed you closer to him as he slowly started moving his fingers inside you, his other hand now on your clit.

"Hyunjin." you moaned, your nails digging into him.

"Say my name, mon cœur. Let me hear you." he whispered against your ear as he kept kissing your neck, fingers moving faster and harder.

"Hyunjin!" you kept moaning his name like it was the only word you knew in that moment and he kept fucking into you faster, his other hand flicking your clit quickly, all of the commotion making the water slosh around and splash on your floor. You didn't give a damn in that moment, all you cared about was Hyunjin.

Sweet Hyunjin who did everything tonight to make you feel better, to lift you out of the slump you were in, to make you forget about the pain.

Your legs trembled, almost closing around his hand as you whimpered loudly and came, arching your chest while Hyunjin watched you trembling against him, thinking how fucking beautiful you looked in that moment, completely and utterly his.

"Oh." you gasped when he pulled his fingers out, still playing with your clit gently and Hyunjin chuckled at your cute habit of gasping like that.

"I think we should get out of this water now." you scrunched your face up and Hyunjin laughed, jostling your body a little.

"It's getting cold anyways." he agreed.

The two of you got in the shower and the water ran down your bodies as you held each other.

"What about you?" you whispered while Hyunjin caressed your back.

"Don't worry about me tonight." he said.

"But I want to make you feel good." you looked up at him and he smiled.

"You're already doing that." he kissed you passionately, his tongue dancing inside your mouth, exploring and tasting. The two of you kept kissing and touching the entire time as you showered. You didn't even notice how tired and exhausted you were from being sad for days but Hyunjin noticed and that's why he didn't want you to worry about him tonight. After finally getting dry and warm, Hyunjin ordered some food for the two of you, cuddling you while you waited.

"Hey, don't fall asleep just yet." he giggled as you were practically already sleeping on his chest.

"Sorry." you mumbled sleepily.

You ate in a daze and when you finally got comfortable in your bed, Hyunjin wrapped his body around you.

"Sleep, my sweet. I'll be here in the morning." he whispered sweetly, kissing your cheek.

Everything will be okay.

~ part 2

taglist: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz @porangporangmeong @laylasbunbunny @laughatdanger @jeonginslefthand @sapphirewaves @s3ungm1nxxl0ve @painterhyunjin @starlost-mochi-x @saintcosette @ooshyana @frehyun @scarlet789 @skzdust @schniti-is-in-the-house @eastjonowhere @sona1800 @channiesrightasscheek @justwonder113 @yvettemint @inaribu00 @httpdwaekki @possum-playground @ria-april @yn-x-them @mariahxrrera @0omillo0 @halfwinterhalfuniverse @cooldeermagazine @delulkpopstan143 @todorokiskitten @compersian @azxulskz

[jasontoddsotherhalf]

Hey guys, I gave it a try lol let me know what yall think!

Jason Todd isn't a cruel guy.

Not on purpose, anyways. He saw some shit as a kid, as any kid did growing up in Crime Alley. His parents were murdered when he was still very young and he'd been taken in by THE Batman. Regardless of what anyone says, beating criminals up every night of your tween years does affect one's physce. Getting beat with a crowbar and killed by Joker does worse.

But now Jason is back, and he's stronger, and he's smarter. Sure he's scarred up and violent, but he's finally his own soilder, his own dog. And Jason really does love helping people. Which is why along side running the biggest crime ring Gotham had seen in years, he also works for a Mental Health Helpline.

He didn't get many calls directed to him, but he did get one tonight as he sat in his shitty apartment in Gotham, tending to a wound on his leg a few days old. He answered the phone, putting it on speaker and laying it on the coffee table.

"Hello, Gotham Mental Health Hotline. How may I help you tonight?"

A deep voice comes from the other side of the phone, a voice that Jason had heard in his dreams for years, praising him, scolding him, reading him stories to help him get to bed, waking up from resting to go fight crime.

"I'm not at risk. I don't need help." Bruce Wayne says slowly.

Jason clears his throat, his eyes narrowing. Would Bruce know it was him. Would Bruce ever be able to recognize him at all?

"I understand." Jason answered. "Is there any way I can help?"

Bruce took a shakey breath. "I don't need...help. I just...I have some heavy regrets waying on me. Mistakes that I've carried with me, guilt that acts like a noose, tighter recently than it has been in years. My son...I messed up so badly with my son. I want to fulfill my promise to him. I want to make it all okay again for my boy."

Jason shivered. He's not talking about you, idiot. He tells himself. He doesn't care that you're dead. He never cared. He's talking about perfect Dick or clever Tim. Not better-off-dead Jason Fucking Todd.

Jason slowly went back to tending to the open wound, which had started bleeding from how hard he was unintentionally prodding at it. "Have you tried talking to him? I'm sure he'd understand." Jason said through gritted teeth. It wasn't him. Batman didn't need Jason, so Bruce certainly didn't either.

"I would tell him. If he ever showed up. God, I'd tell him anything and everything." Something screeched in the background on Bruce's end and Bruce swore softly. Jason pictured him suddenly speeding through Gotham streets, the Batmobile swerving dangerously, recklessly.

Jason didn't say anything, just waited for his father- for Bruce Wayne- to keep speaking. He continued, after a moment. "I only see him sometimes, when I dream. And he's in my arms again, young and bright and so full of life and potential." So he was talking about Dick. The first Robin who had grown up, fought with Batman, and left, never to return, not as he had been. Dick was Nightwing now, and led his own team, though he was still close with Bruce. Jason relaxed. This call was not about him. He could continue with his plans of vengeance without feeling guilty. I'm sure I'll laugh about this later.

"I'm sorry sir..." Jason trailed off awkwardly. Bruce spoke before Jason could say anything else.

"He's...he's dead." Jason froze. Everything went still. It seemed as though the cars outside all went skidding to a halt, the blood in Jason's veins went cold. The only sound was the old light above him flickering. Jason stuttered slightly as he quickly searched up both Nightwing and Robin on line, a dark part of him hoping one of them had died. But no, there were only two articles published within the last few hours and it was about a case Robin, Nightwing, and Batman had dismantled the previous night.

Jason swallowed. "I'm...so sorry, sir. Do you want to talk about him?" Jason wanted him to say no, needed Bruce to say no. For once he wanted Bruce to close off everything and everyone and retreat back to the dark corner of his mind where he told no one anything.

And there was a long silence between them, Jason was sure Bruce would hang up.

Batman would have. But Bruce didn't. "His name was Jason. And he was the most golden and beautiful boy on this planet. You would have never thought so from judt glancing at him once. His hair was flat and dark, And he was short and skinny and always had dirt on him somewhere. But it was in his eyes, and in his laugh. That's where his love was held. He cared so much. About everyone. He always wanted to help. He would always rush forward, even if it put him at risk. He didn't care about himself. He cared more about the wellbeing of others. He was so sweet and..." Bruce's voice cracked. "I just want my son back. My sweet boy." Jason didn't say anything. He felt his throat burn and his eyes blur. "I-i'm sorry sir. He sounds...amazing. I'm sure whatever it is you feel guilty over..." Jason took a deep breath. "I'm sure he forgives you." He lied. Partially lied. Jason didn't know anymore. One conversation where one participant didn't even know who the other was did not count as closure, and nothing was different. But it wasn't the same either. Bruce cared. All this time Jason had been looking for Batman to show the effect Jason's death had on him, when really it was Bruce he should have been looking at.

Bruce was quiet for a long long time. "I wish that was true, son. But I don't think so. Still, thank you for saying so. And thank you for listening. You're a good kid." Bruce didn't say anything else before hanging up. Jason sat in silence for a moment, frozen in time, feeling dizzy. Then he sprung up, his injured leg aching and dripping blood onto the floor, and he ran to the bathroom, falling in front of the toilet and throwing up anything he had eaten in the past 24 hours.

AU, where Jason returns to Gotham, but in between of his evil mastermind plans and managing the criminal empire, he starts working in this anonymous psychological hotline services.

And gets a call from Bruce-fucking-Wayne.

Well. It is not like Bruce announces that he is Bruce Wayne — it is anonymous, after all — but Jason knows his father's voice, alright?

'I don't need a physiological help,' his father tells him the minute he picks up the phone.

Jason... Snorts.

'Of course,' he nods, making his voice nicer. 'How can I help you?'

Bruce pauses, his breath hitching for a second; almost as if he recognized Jason's voice.

'My... my son thinks I need it, but I am fine,' Bruce insists. 'Still... I want to, well, fulfil a promise I gave... for once.'

Jason rolls his eyes, a familiar irritation flaring up in green flames before his eyes. He wonders who is this lucky son that gets to have such a diligent, responsible father - Dickhead? Tim? Damian?

'I see,' he breathes out, trying to follow a protocol of the calls. 'I am sure he will appreciate your loyalty. Will you tell him about it?'

'If he appears,' something screeches in the background, and if Jason closes his eyes, he can easily imagine Bruce leaning back on the armchair, in the Batcave. 'I... He only ever appears in my dreams, my boy.'

Jason freezes.

'Excuse me?'

'I... He is dead, my son.'

Had someone else died? Jason frowns, reaching for his phone, typing anxiously Nightwing and Robin in the search bar, trying to see if there is something serious happened; because he can't be talking about the second Robin, can he-

'I am sorry,' he blurts out, eyes drifting back to notes on the table, with some common phrases that can be used in this situation. 'I... Do you want to talk about, sir?'

Bruce is silent for a while. Jason thinks he is about to drop the call, but then, he sighs heavily on the line:

'His name was Jason. And he was the brightest boy.'

Jason mutes the microphone. He thinks he is going to vomit.

[mayanneaa]

gossip girl - ᴊᴊ ᴍᴀʏʙᴀɴᴋ.

PAIRING : jj maybank x reader

SUMMARY : you train jj to be a proper gossiper.

WARNING(S) : established relationship!! slight swearing but it's pure fluff!, not proofread

A/N : xoxo. my tummy hurts so fucking bad. also this one's ending might be a little shitty forgive me pls (divider by @roseraris)

WC : 1k

masterlist.

“JJ!” You exclaim, skipping through the Chateau, looking for your boyfriend. The air is sticky, filled with the smell of wood, salt, and beer.

You make your way through the living room and spot your boyfriend in the back, lying on one of the hammocks.

He covers his face with his arm, slowly bujając się.

“Jay, you have to hear this!”

JJ sits up the second he hears your voice, his eyes almost shut. “Hi, baby.”

He extends his arms, and you quickly hug him, leaving a peck on his lips.

“Okay, so you better hold on to this hammock, because—”

“Woah, woah. Wait,” he says, rubbing his eyes and ruszając się, trying to give you some space. “What’s going on?”

You grit your teeth while sitting on the edge of the worn-out material, not being able to keep this to yourself any longer. “Ugh, remember when I told you my mom asked me to go help the Jones? They just moved back here but without Ben.”

JJ furrows his brows, “Ben? The father…?”

You nod, “Yes! Well, their daughter is our age, and, by the way, she’s super sweet! Maybe I should invite her over here—”

“You’re drifting off the topic, baby.” JJ reminds you, now fully awake and interested in your story.

“Yeah, right. When I got there, she seemed kinda sad and annoyed, so as the good person that I am, I asked her what was wrong, and she spilled the whole tea! Everything!” You ramble, animating with your arms, and JJ watches your every move with a slight smile, clearly amused.

“She said her father cheated on Ms. Jones with a girl who’s barely 20! Do you understand that?!”

JJ giggles under his breath, lying back down. “Yeah. That’s so fucking messed up…”

“Right?” you say before you take a deep breath, “She mentioned that that side chick used to live here and that we might know her, but i have no idea who could that be.”

“Damn, you gossip like an old lady.” Your boyfriend says, pulling you to his chest. You gasp, dramatically placing your hand on your heart.

“I will find out. I mean, who cheats on such a beautiful woman like Ms. Jones? Especially this… this Ben? He looks like he sneaked onto the Earth—”

“Woah, woah, chill!”

You sit on the couch in your living room, sipping the juice from the recipe you just tried out and trying to get through a book when you get a notification.

With a sigh, you reach for your phone to read the message you got from JJ. He’s supposed to pick up his hoodie, which he left there last week.

A few minutes later the comfortable silence gets broken with the loud ring of the bell.

JJ doesn’t even hesitate, he just comes in without a second thought. You take a look at his face and can immediately tell he’s not in the best mood. He immediately comes up to you.

“Hi,” you say as he leans in to kiss the top of your head. “What’s up?”

He grunts, “I had to go and fix the AC at the Jones house. They were talking so fucking loud my head feels like exploding—”

You let out a gasp, and your eyes glisten. “At the Jones? What were they talking about?”

JJ squints his eyes, “Uhh I don’t know? I stopped paying attention after some man joined in.”

You look at him, disappointment mixed with disbelief. “Are you serious?”

“Well, yeah, they were arguing so I just did my thing and left.”

You groan. “You are kidding me. JJ, you could’ve heard something about the drama!”

He widens his eyes, a sheepish smile crawling onto his lips. “Ohhh, right… I’m sorry, baby.”

Your lips form into a pout, and JJ raises his eyebrows. “Nuh-uh, don’t pout at me for this. I’m not a gossiper, you know that.”

“Well, I know, I know…”

“But I promise I’ll tell you anything I hear.”

You sigh and hug him, breathing in his scent. “You better.”

You don’t even know when did you drift off to sleep, sitting on the back porch at the Chateau. The soft breeze and whistles of wind put you to sleep like a lullaby.

The front doors close with a loud crack, announcing that JJ has returned from the shop. You and the Pogues were supposed to have dinner tonight, and your boyfriend had to go and buy all the missing ingredients.

“Baby, you won’t believe it!”

You slowly open your eyes, eyelids fluttering from the orange sunset sky. You hum, and JJ runs outside, the grocery bag still in his hand.

“Did you get everything?” You ask, stretching your arms with a yawn.

“Yeah, I think so, anyway…” He speaks so fast you have to gain your consciousness quickly in order to understand what he’s saying. “Guess who I met at the store!”

You squint, trying to come up with a name in your mind, still fogged up with sleep. “Rafe?”

JJ shakes his head and you click your tongue.

“Topper?”

“No!” he gets a bit frustrated, a sight that makes you laugh. “What was a thing you were super invested in?”

Your eyes widen. “The Jones?”

JJ’s grin grows even wider. “Yes! Oh my God, would you believe that the man I saw is actually Ms. Jones’ new boyfriend? And that’s not the best part. He’s Ben’s cousin who’s much more successful too! This man owns four different restaurants and has three houses in Asia, Europe, and South America. He’s crazy rich!”

You gasp. “Wow. You really clocked all of this, didn’t you?”

He looks at you, a proud look on his face. “Duh. It was so much fun!”

JJ starts to tell you the story about how he had to follow them in different isles to hear everything and in the meantime, you check the grocery bag.

“…Then they moved to the dairy fridges, so naturally I went after them and—”

“JJ.”

“Huh?”

“You forgot half of the products...”

[yoongelectric]

Drunk in love — LN4

~ believe when i say that you’ll know once you taste it

• part 1

pairing: lando norris x fem!reader

summary: the night where you and lando just wanted to forget about each other but ended up getting closer than ever

genre: smut, angst, fluff, friends to lovers

warnings: curse words, jealousy, alcohol consumption, unprotected sex, p in v, fingering, oral sex, breeding kink

notes: english isn’t my first language so i’m sorry ig there’s any mistakes. i might have gotten a little excited with the lenght of this fic, part 2 will be shorter

The music plays loudly within the walls of your room as you and your best friend get ready for the night. After hours and hours of trying to convince you, Olivia had finally made it, not that you weren't a party girl, in fact you adored it, the feeling of being drunk, the people, the dancing, the music, flirting with strangers, you used to spend the whole week looking forward to go to your favorite club but for months now all those good times have lost all meaning when all you can see is your best friend going from girl to girl every weekend without any type of remorse. And for months you’ve been trying to do the same thing to stop thinking about him, only achieving the opposite.

You can’t blame those girls, in fact, you understand them perfectly, not just because Lando is rich and famous, that's the least important thing really, but in any crowd he's always the first man you see, he's handsome, attractive, even magnetic, the kind of man no girl would ever say no to, and you were painfully aware of that, because of course, you were one of those girls who could never say no to him.

That's what bothers you the most, because no matter how many dates you go on, how many strangers you flirt or sleep with, how much time you go without seeing him or speaking to him, you always notice how they are not him, how they don't have his laugh, his eyes, his charisma, his charm, his way of hugging you, his way of making you forget everything and everyone, no matter how good they are in bed, none of them can make you feel the warmth that you feel when he simply holds your hand or rests his hand on your waist to help you walk through a room full of people, and it's already getting tiring to hope that at some point that's going to change.

While you finish applying the sluttiest red lipstick you have, and check that you are not missing anything in your purse, you look at your outfit in the mirror, a little black dress that leaves nothing to the imagination, actually, if you are not careful you can flash anyone at any moment, you feel attractive, you know you look pretty, but you also know that neither this dress, nor the makeup you spent so much time on, nor your perfect hair will be enough for Lando to look at you the way you want.

Olivia seems to notice the sad expression on your face, "y/n don't make that face, if Lando is stupid enough to not make a move on you then he doesn't deserve you to spend another second thinking about him" she says handing me a shot of vodka that I swallow without hesitation

“Do you think I'm in love with him because I want to, Olivia? If it was up to me I would only see him as the friend he sees in me, that's what he wants, but it seems I can't.”

“if you want to believe that he sees you only as a friend then go on, i think he’s just a pussy” Olivia shouts from the door as I grab my keys and follow her.

-

Lando stared at his glass of whiskey, lost in thought, looking at the time on his watch from time to time thinking about when you would arrive, he was dying to see you, he didn't know if he was imagining it but he had this feeling that you’d been avoiding him all week, you didn't answer his messages, and if he called you, you quickly ended the conversation saying that you were busy, you had always been very bad at lying, who can be busy on a Saturday morning? He knew that his doubts would be solved at any moment and oh how he wished it was just his head fucking with him.

In the distance he saw a girl who he could have sworn was you, but after looking at her for a few seconds he slapped himself internally for having mistaken you for someone else, how could you be that girl? She doesn't have your grace, nor the light that seems to follow you everywhere making you look untouchable, the people around her don't turn around automatically and he doesn't feel that comfort in his heart when looking at her, but what's the point anyway? None of them make him feel anything like that, none of them are like you and he knows it.

He knows that you are the girl for him, he has known it since he won his first race and as soon as he crossed the finish line the first thing he thought was if you would be proud of him. He knows that he will probably love you all his life and that without you his destiny is to wait for someone to entertain him enough to not think about you all the time. He knows how sad that is and he's not sure if he can continue like this for much more, but he can't condemn you to what a relationship with him means, he barely has time for himself and how could he try to have a relationship with you if he can't give you all the time you deserve? How can he try to be with you if it means you have to be moving from one side of the world to the other all the time or not see him as often as he would like?

If everything was different he would have jumped right into your arms months ago, but you deserve much more than what he can give you.

Max's voice brings him out of his thoughts telling him something painfully true "so you’re already looking for a girl who looks like Y/N to spend the night?" How much more time can he spend trying to find you in another person? probably a lot less than he thinks.

-

He was hypnotized, watching you dance with your friends, running your hands over your body, laughing and looking so sexy, since you arrived he couldn't stop looking at you, a feeling between how bothered he was by that sinful dress that hugged your body in all the right places and the concern for the cold greeting he had received, he was gripping his glass tightly and using all his will not to grab you by the waist and pull you against him, he wanted to ask you the reason behind your actions, how were you able to stay away from him, when it felt impossible for him to do that.

It was then that he saw him, tall, with a bright smile, just the type of boy you've always liked, he approached you and spoke to you so carefree, calm, without the all the nerves Lando felt every time he had to get too close to you. He doesn't know what the boy said to you that made your laugh echo throughout all the VIP area but he was sure as hell it couldn't be that funny, how could your eyes shine like that looking at someone that two seconds ago you didn't know existed? how could you look at a stranger the way Lando had always wanted for you to look at him? oh how oblivious he was

As soon as he tried to get up to stop the situation, he felt the hand of the same girl he had seen earlier on his shoulder and as some type of divine signal it was then that he came to his senses. If he really loved you, he should let you live your own life.

Back to where you were, the nameless boy grinded against you while grabbing your hip and the two of you danced to the rhythm of the music, he was cute, sure, he was nice and funny, but in your drunken state your head seemed to betray you making you think about Lando over and over again, each song seemed to be talking about him, about you, about the two of you, and just when you were trying to get away from the boy it occurred to you to look at him, At this point you should be used to it, glass in hand, a girl on his lap, kissing so passionately it made you want to cry.

You were fucking sick of it, sick of the looks of pity from all your friends, of not being able to get mad at the girl, or Lando, you could only be mad at yourself for having these stupid feelings and not being able to settle for his friendship that at the end of the day was the best thing that had ever happened to you, and you really don't know how or when but you were glued to a wall kissing the guy, he was grabbing your ass tightly and biting your lip while you were pulling his hair trying to understand the situation you found yourself in, with far too many drinks on you, the jealousy, shame and unreciprocated feelings you felt for your best friend, you decided to lose yourself in the touch of the boy you had just met.

When the girl moved away from him to take a breath he saw you, your hair messy, your dress rolled up and that son of a bitch's hands grabbing you just like he would like to do, he didn't even have the decency to take you somewhere more private, but again, who was he to get involved in what you were doing if he knew that he couldn't give you what you deserved anyway, so he grabbed the girl's face and continued kissing her, but he couldn't stop thinking about you, the weight of the girl on his lap made him wish it was you, Lando wanted you to grab his hair just like you did with the boy you were kissing, he knew he could make you feel much better than him, he would take you somewhere empty because only he should be the only one to see you this way, he would grab you by the waist and pull you against him, he would kiss you with so much feelings that you wouldn't doubt his love for you, the erection that grew underneath his pants made him imagine how good you would feel rubbing yourself on him and he was sure it would feel like heaven listening to you moaning his name when he went down to kiss your neck.

“fuck, y/n just like that, baby” he didn't expect that it was going to be your name the one that escaped his lips.

The look of confusion and shock from the girl who was sitting on his lap brought him back to reality, and he doesn't know if he was suddenly sober or if all the alcohol that was in his system hit him at once but his body, his mind and all his senses told him to look for y/n, so apologizing to the girl and getting her off of him, he began to look for his love.

He looked around but there was no sign of her, her friends were still dancing in the same place but she and the boy he had seen her with earlier had disappeared, he asked Max but he told him that he had lost sight of them ago. For a while, when he saw Olivia, he realized that if anyone could help him, it was her.

he got into the crowd of dancing girls trying to get her friend's attention, "Olivia, hey, where did y/n go?" He said when the girl finally saw him

"Lando, I think you should leave her alone, she's busy" your friend knew that today you just needed to forget about him.

"Did she leave with him? Just tell me if she's still here, please" Lando was desperate, he feared that if he didn't find you now he would never have the courage to confess his feelings to you again

Olivia finally gave up "she just told me she was going to his house, I don't think they're gone yet" she took a deep breath and added "she's trying to forget you, I know deep down you know that, don't do anything if you know you're gonna hurt her, Lando."

"Thank you, i promise i will not" he said before running to the club’s door

You don't know why you agreed to this, but you found yourself walking towards the car of the boy you just met today, do you really want this? you don't know, in your head you just think that maybe this is it, maybe he can make you forget about Lando, in fact, you should be happy, he is cute, hot, funny, attentive and respectful, why aren't you happy? And why do you feel so relieved when you feel a hand on your shoulder stopping you?

"y/n, please don't go with him" you turn around when you hear the familiar voice and you feel your stomach do a thousand flips when you see the person you've been thinking about all night.

You pause to look at him before speaking, he looks agitated, in a hurry even, as if he was going to run out of time, but even in that state he is the most attractive man you have ever seen, some buttons on his shirt are undone showing his chest, as if the slightly see-through fabric wasn't enough, his tanned skin glowing under the night lights and you don't understand why he has to come out of nowhere now to ruin anyone else for you.

"Lando, is everything okay?" Your voice denotes concern and Lando just wants to have you in his arms.

"lov- sorry, y/n" he corrected himself "don't go with him, I need to talk to you, please, I need you to give me a chance"

"what are you talking about?" Your words came out like a whisper, you had to be misunderstanding him, or not?

"Sorry mate, this isn't your fault, but I love her, she's the love of my life, I can't let her go."

Suddenly you remembered the boy who was there with you, you looked over your shoulder, you only saw confusion in his gaze and you felt sorry for how he had ended up in this situation just because of bad luck, you shared a look and the boy understood that he had to leave.

"Lando, if this is some kind of joke or you're just doing it because that girl rejected you, I want you to know that it's not funny."

Lando felt a pang of pain in his chest, what had he been doing wrong all this time for you to believe him capable of playing with you like that?

"this isn’t a joke, y/n, I'm tired of pretending that I don't just love you, baby." he said taking a few steps until he was right in front of you "I don't know what I did for you to not want to see me or talk to me, but let me fix it, even if you don't feel the same way, I need you to treat me like before, I miss you love"

"I was just trying to forget you, Lando" the tears began to fall down your face and you didn't know if you felt shame, joy, anger or relief, if he felt the same, why had he made you see him with all those girls before? Why hadn't he spoken sooner? Why hadn't you spoken sooner?

you felt his lips on yours, and for the second time that night you were kissing someone, but this time everything made sense, you could only think about lando, you were right where you wanted to be, you were aware of his touch in every place where his body made contact with yours and time seemed to have stopped, you were addicted to the feeling of finally having him all to yourself and you didn't want to stop even to take a breath or move to another place.

He felt the same way and with all his strength he moved away just enough to mumble "let's get out of here."

-

The car ride to your house felt like a fever dream, you wanted to talk to each other but you had so many ideas in your head that you didn't know what to say first, you wanted to touch each other but you didn't want to spend another minute without being in a place just for the you two, so all you did was share looks of love and happy giggles

You two were finally home and it seemed like you were glued to each other, the heat in the room was becoming more and more unbearable as you kissed, grabbed and caressed each other, thanks to muscle memory you managed to get to your room and Lando just pushed you to the bed before climbing into it straddling you

"So pretty, baby, I can't believe I finally have you" he said kissing your neck and lifting your dress asking permission to take it off.

You nodded silently and Lando wasted no time in removing the garment that covered your body. He began to run kisses and licks over your shoulders, collarbones, arms and stomach until he left you desperate and trembling beneath him. You knew he was enjoying it but you had waited so long for this that you couldn't stand him not touching you right where you wanted, losing your patience you reached behind your back to unclasp your bra.

“nuh huh, that's my job, precious, let me enjoy you just the way I want” He said kissing, sucking and biting your neck, his words sending shivers to the wet areas of your skin.

"Lando, please, you're going to have plenty of time to enjoy me in every way you want, just fuck me already, I can't wait." As you spoke you couldn't help but arch your back when lando gently bit your collarbone making a moan escape your mouth.

you heard him laugh cockily "plenty of time? does that mean we're going on a second date?" and just when you thought about slapping him for his bad joke you felt him cup your pussy relieving half of the tension you felt.

He lived to please you and if you wanted to get to the point that's what he would do, he quickly got rid of your bra attacking one of your nipples with his tongue, circling the muscle over it before taking it all in his mouth, moaning softly into it, after a while he moved to your other nipple, repeating his actions, but paying attention to the previous one with his big, rough, veiny hands, you were a moaning mess, and every once in a while you had to remind yourself that this was really happening and it wasn't a product of your imagination.

"mmh Lando that feels so good, please don't stop" you said trying to reach his member to touch it over his clothes, but you instantly felt him pin your arms over your head

"not yet, y/n tonight is all about you, let me make you feel good" he said moving down to your hips leaving kisses right on the waistline of your panties

He stopped to look at the lace panties you were wearing, black and all see-through, they were sexy but at the same time elegant and Lando felt like he would faint right there.

"these are so pretty, it's a shame i have to take them off," he said, taking your underwear on each side and removing it in one go.

It was at that moment that he saw you naked for the first time, you looked so hot but also innocent, the look of desire and at the same time love in your eyes could not be compared to anything that Lando had seen before, and he couldn't believe he had been missing on this for so long.

He ran a hand over your wet center and hissed at the sensation.

"baby, please do something, I'm going crazy" you begged, pushing your hips against his hand, trying to get more friction.

"well, since you're in such a hurry, god, we have to work on your patience, love." Without warning, Lando put a finger inside your hole and at the same time went down to lick your clit, while leaving his finger still inside you, he licked your bundle of nerves from side to side, up and down and circling his tongue against you, the euphoria you felt at that moment didn’t allow you to speak, the only thing that came out of your mouth were desperate breaths and moans of his name repeatedly. Every time you dared to look between your legs and saw your friend's piercing eyes you felt yourself embarrassingly quick getting closer to the edge.

"Lando, I need more, please, I want to cum."

so you felt a second finger inside you, he began to move them at a soft and strong pace, curving them inside you in the most delicious way, it didn't take long for you to finish all over his mouth and fingers, with a scream of his name and pulling him against you by his hair, he continued sucking your clit until you pushed his head due to overstimulation.

“You taste so good, my love, please let me do it again” he said kissing your inner thighs trying to open your legs again.

"another time, babe, I want you to fuck me, I need to feel you" you said pulling him from his shirt, you were feeling a little self conscious as you noticed how he was fully dressed and you were naked in front of him, so you unbuttoned his pants begging him to take them off, he, always willing to please you, pulled them down at the same time with his boxers, letting his dick come out freely in front of your face.

None of all the dirty nights you spent thinking about him could prepare you for what was in front of your eyes, his member, the perfect length, thick and veiny, with his tip all wet, seemed to beg you to put it in your mouth.

And that’s what you did, kneeling on the bed in front of him, licking the tip vaguely and without wasting much time you started sucking on it. Lando grabbed your hair in a ponytail and allowed himself to enjoy the heat of your mouth.

You wanted to make him feel good, it was the only thing you could think at that moment, and when you looked up and saw his face contorted with pleasure, his head thrown back and tasted his salty precum you could only moan in satisfaction, the entire moment made you so wet again and your hole clenched around nothing.

Against all his desire and will, Lando removed his dick from your mouth, it felt so good, but he needed to fuck you, he needed to feel your wet walls around him, so once again he pushed you on the bed and put your legs on his shoulders.

"Are you ready?" The question felt like a joke, you had been ready for months.

"yes, so ready, please fuck me"

You felt his member press against your pussy and the wetness made it so easy for him to slide in all at once.

Both of you moaned in unison as you felt that you were finally where you belong, Lando stayed still for a moment to let you get used to the size and to take a breathe so he wouldn’t cum on the spot.

When he saw your desperate face and felt how you pushed your hips against him, Lando began to fuck you without mercy, hand on your neck choking you just the way you like it, grunts and moans escaping from his mouth, turning you on more and more.

"baby, please, I'm so close, you fuck me so so good, I love your dick so much, please" you didn't know what you were saying, you just knew that you didn't want anyone but him.

Lando couldn't help but laugh at your state, but he wasn't much better than you, feeling his orgasm getting closer, he removed his hand from your neck and began to draw circles on your clit, his thrusts were erratic and the trembling in his legs let you know that he wasn't going to last much longer.

"land-o, baby, cum inside, I need you to fill me" and with those simple words the two of you climaxed at the same time, white dots filled your vision and you could swear it was the longest orgasm you’ve ever had, when you came back to your senses, your friend removed his member from your hole and turned your positions so that you were on top of him.

"We should clean up" you said, ignoring your tiredness, trying to be responsible.

"Let's stay like this for a while, I need to hug you, hold you close" despite his tired tone you could hear him talking to you with a smile.

A few minutes passed and just when Lando was about to fall asleep, your words brought him out of his state.

"You know we'll have to talk about this tomorrow, right?"

And just like that, he remembered each and every reason why he hadn't done this before.

[mebis-reblogs]

Simplifying the five urges murals for better understanding of what's depicted

I have seen some still struggle to understand what's going on on these murals, even after knowing what they represent, so I made these

Karma 1: strife, conflict, wrath

Left is stabbing right with a feathered lance

Right one doesn't seem armed, and is attempting to stop left one from going further

I have said this before but the red feathers remind me of the red cloth on explosive spears

Could be a thematic choice, could be a coincidental artistic choice

The weird blocky many eyed backpack looking thing seems to be connected to the mask, but since it's not entirely fused I decided to omit it for the sake of clarity

Karma 2: procreation, propagation

Seriously what's with the tube

Hand holding within the shirtless sleeve

Fun how the left one's mask has a red veil

Karma 3: bonds, community, exchange

From the hand holding to the shoulder pad boombox, this might be my favorite

Did you know this mural's concept art has them doing either a fist-bump or a finger heart?

Left one is giving (or receiving?) an obnoxiously big necklace

Right one is holding a scroll with the karma 3 symbol (contract? receipt? marriage?)

Right one also has a tail nub (vestigial?) and is also the second one of these to have a stripped pattern

Maybe some benefactors had a stripped skin, just like some humans; some humans are also born with vestigial tails

Karma 4: hunger, gluttony

That's a whole ass rosittere chicken

Or is it a lantern mouse? Unlikely given how much purposed organisms have changed but who knows

Also, 4 tits

Karma 5: self-preservation, ego, survival

Holding two shields to shelter from incoming knives, simple as that

[silentstaresfanficandfanart]

you know this post seems a lil sad to me, cause when I was stuck in a corn maze I only managed to get out because there was an enthusiastic effort amongst everyone in the corn maze to help one another get through it, pointing the way and offering hints and asking questions When I was in the dmv so miserably early the doors hadn't even opened yet people were bringing over big buckets for others to sit on, and when inside there were so many random acts of kindness between the individuals there and silly little interactions that by the time I finally got my driving test done there was an air of kinship in the air and I only got out so quickly because another person realized she'd gotten something wrong paperwork wise and gave me her place in line

And when I hurt my wrist as a kid everyone kindly held open doors for me at every turn When my mom and I got stranded in the middle of no where thanks to a car issue like 5 different people stopped by our car and asked if we were okay, offered to help, (we were waiting for the repair guys or something like that) and warned us "its a bad area so be careful" and yet not once did anything bad happen at all, every person we saw was kind and worried for our wellbeing...(which while that does make me wonder what on earth they were trying to warn us about it did give me the impression at the time that perhaps they just all had some sort of beef with other, but i was a little kid so I wouldnt really know, it seemed to me like it was in fact a much nicer than average area)

When tragedy strikes don't people rush out to help?

When there's a hurricaine, a fire, a tornado, an earthquake, don't neighbors rush to help and protect one another? don't we try to save each other? don't we express heartache and rage when the first response ISINT to help? Why is it that our first response is rage? grief? heartbreak? when the first response to a bad situation is to take advantage of it or to abandon those suffering, or worse yet, to yank them back down?

Because we are social animals Crabs dont likely understand why they cant get out or even that theyre forcing the other crabs to stay in the bucket when they yank and pull, they just think its a way to pull themselves up, they dont have enough going on to grasp how physics works or to be cruel and want others to suffer with them.

Selfishness does exist, but it's not the rule

it's the exception, and we shout and point when it happens.

Of course we notice, because kindness is the rule

do we know the names of every single individual to ever save another human life? let alone to save thousands? Have we memorized the names of heroes who eradicated disease or created safety guidelines or fought for rights and for goodness in this world? Is it not the names of those we revile that we focus on most

telling our children of their crimes?

Why don't we focus more on every hero? Because theres just too many of them, because being a good decent human being is the norm.

Maybe not perfect, maybe even a pretty messed up human being but with a good heart, goodness knows I know a lot of people who while you might not say "thats a great person" you'd also never call them cruel or evil, just that they could use some help or deserve better lives.

I truly believe humans for the most part are good, and I say this without denying the evil exists. I am vividly, horrifically aware of the darkness in this world, but I refuse to let that define our race because to do so would be to excuse those who chose to do the wrong thing.

I believe humans are above all else, defined by the fact we can chose right or wrong. I dont want those who do evil to be the ones who represent us, in my mind or in anyone elses mind

They are the exception to a kinder rule.

this is just a me ramble though , my opinion thats not more valuable than anyone elses, just one I felt like sharing, because maybe it will bring someone some relief...

I used to feel guilty as a child for being human, for being something as horrible as that, and I know maybe some others did or do too

But remember please like mewtwo once said, its not the circumstances of your birth which defines you, but what you do with the gift of life.

we are not evil we are capable of it.

we are not good

we are capable of it.

and we will do both in our lives.

but I have been pleasantly surprised now that I'm older and know more about the world to see that in fact the world isint just like in history books overflowing with grief and pain, and convinced that since everyone said children were naive and unaware, that it must be worse than I could ever imagine

but in fact the world is full of the mundane, and every day normal people go about their lives and chose to be decent to one another and often do much more kindness than we will ever know.

I'm glad we arent crabs in a bucket

i love you all

people are like "if you put crabs in a bucket they can't escape because they keep pulling each other back in, this is called crab bucket mentality and describes why people don't help each other" and never acknowledge that crabs do not naturally occur in buckets, a human with more power had to put them there

[mxrcurysb1tch]

‧₊˚ 🪐༘⋆ જ⁀➴ Astrology observations pt. 4 ‧₊˚🪐༘⋆

Finally back with another post… after a month 😃

⭑.ᐟ The way I like to think about the sun, moon and rising is this: Your moon is who you are when everything else is stripped away from you. It is how you process your emotions and it’s the filter through which you see the world. It is the baseline “you” that you revert back to when you are running on empty. The rising is who you are at your best. When you’re operating from your rising sign you are at your peak performance. It’s probably the you that feels happiest. It is also who you aspire to be in life, who you want to be seen as. The sun is the “middle piece” it’s essence floats throughout your entire chart. I think of it as a subtle influence that underlies every part of you. Whenever you do anything there is always a part of your sun inside that action, thought or decision. I also like to think that the rising sign is the way in which you express your sun. For example, if you’re a Gemini sun and a Leo rising, you will express your Gemini in a Leo way.

⭑.ᐟ Fire moons may have felt like they couldn’t express negative emotions growing up and had to always seem positive and upbeat. Now they might have problems with opening up or admitting that they even experience sadness and pain. They might be masters at putting on a front with people even when they are losing it completely inside.

⭑.ᐟ Venus dominant people/strong Venus ie, Venus in Taurus (or Libra) Venus in 1h, Venus as chart ruler. They might be preoccupied with looks, their own and that of their partner. They can be very picky when it comes to choosing someone to date, which can be a good thing but can sometimes stop them from making real deep connections with people. They need to be careful not to choose people just based on looks.

⭑.ᐟ Saturn and Venus conjunction can look like someone who is blessed with a lot of material wealth but feels like it could be taken away at any time. It could also look like someone who loves to be given princess treatment/spoiled but feels very guilty when receiving money and time from other people. Natives can also feel guilty about their own wealth and have a deep understanding that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.

⭑.ᐟ Women with Capricorn placements / prominent Saturn love getting tattoos and piercings. It’s something about the permanence of it and perhaps a little about the pain… as is Saturn’s “motto”; no pain no gain.

⭑.ᐟ Pluto in the 7h- extreme jealousy in relationships. Either you attract it or you are the jealous one. Also a lot of instability with friendships. Moving friend groups a lot, not having stable friendships or relationships throughout your life. A lot of projection onto the other person, mirroring back their behaviours. It’s not a comfortable placement to have especially if it’s in synastry too.

⭑.ᐟ Sagittarius moons are super extroverted and love being out in the world BUT they also really love spending time in their rooms. Maybe this is bc the 2 sag moons that I know both have earth suns but I’ve noticed that they spend a lot of time in their rooms gaming and hiding away.

⭑.ᐟ Nobody talks enough about how funny Aquarius placements are, especially moon and sun. In my experience they are the best at coming up with hilarious inside jokes.

⭑.ᐟ People with planets in the 1h (especially if it’s the sun or moon or a stellium) are so genuine and you can tell they are not hiding who they truly are, they just couldn’t if they tried. They have a kind of congruency to who they are, and not as many layers to peel back (this does not mean that they aren’t complex people, just that they are real!) what you see is what you get! Also they really tend to embody the planets that are within this house. For example, my friend is a cancer rising with her mercury in there. I always thought she was a Gemini rising because she talks so much, even more than me as a Gemini rising LOL and she’s very analytical, but she just has a 1h mercury!

[margotw10bis]

BUILD A HOME.JJK [m] Teaser

business partner!Jungkook x female reader

Genre: angst; smut; romance (?); friends (?) to lovers

Words: ?

Synopsis: Working with Jungkook is a pain in the ass, resulting in numerous fights that always end up with angry sex. However, you wouldn't want to work with anyone else than him.

Warnings: none for the teaser

Namjoon and Jungkook have done a miracle: redoing the facade wall in just one day. You can read on their faces their tiredness. That’s why you invite them to a Korean Barbecue restaurant tonight.

While entering the restaurant with your brother and Jungkook, you notice how the waitress instantly blushes after eyeing at the younger man. You can’t blame her: Jungkook with a denim jacket is quite dangerous for young hearts… She doesn’t even seem to see you or Namjoon, her glance being stuck on Jungkook. She leads your group — or only the inked man, you can’t say — to your table and you welcome the sweet rest and the chill atmosphere of the restaurant.

You don’t have time to start any conversation that the waitress comes back to take your drink orders. She must have a special talent because she can write down what you tell her without even looking at her notepad, which allows her to be completely focused on Jungkook. You watch her tentatively flirting with him with an amused grin. You wait for the waitress to leave to speak.

"You should give her your number" Jungkook looks at you with a questioning look and you roll your eyes "She seems to really like you" You explain, pointing at the waitress with a nod of the head 

"She’s cute but not my type" He nonchalantly replies, just like he was taking about a piece of clothing 

"Oh come on! Every girl is your type" You sigh with frustration 

"Really?" He asks, playfulness noticeable in his doe eyes 

"Was it like a week ago?" You fake thinking while tapping your finger on your lower lip, clearly remembering how Jungkook abandoned you at the restaurant to end the night with a random woman "You left with a false blond girl. Before that, you were with a foreigner, a French girl I think. Oh, and one month ago, you had a thing with a forty-year old woman. How can you say you have a type?" You joke 

"Don’t be jealous, you’re the only one I stick to" Jungkook says with a flirty tone that makes you shiver in disgust 

"Please, don’t’"You snap back with a laugh

Namjoon is watching your little interaction with wide eyes. He can’t understand how Jungkook could even think about another girl when there is… whatever it is between you two. And also, how can you be okay with Jungkook dating other girls. You two are so fucking weird. 

Between beer and chatting, you gather some meat on the grill and settle it on Jungkook’s plate — you have noticed that he is so into his weird anecdote that he hasn’t eaten for at least ten minutes. In exchange, without even be conscious of it, your partner fixes your woolen cardigan that has slipped from your shoulder. 

Your bother is watching you two with a suspicious eye. 

"You’re sure you two are not together?" He cuts Jungkook off 

You can’t help laughing, a little too much not to offend the younger man. 

"What? Of course not" You end up answering 

"Hey, don’t be too startled by the idea, I’m a great boyfriend" Jungkook pouts

"No, you’re not. I know you way too well. Stop talking non sense" You reply, grabbing his cheeks to tease him even more 

"Well, the perfect boyfriend that I am is going to take a piss" He announces while snapping your hand away from his face

[corpsedogs]

jason todd x f!reader (based on this ask)

✿ kitty cat fever — jason has a soft spot for kittens

Jason was completely drained after a week-long mission, now all he wanted to do is go home and place you in his arms.

It wasn’t often that he’d take long missions that took a week or so, considering that sometimes he can’t survive 3 days without you, but it wasn’t like he could ignore his duties.

Finally, Jason stood in front of your shared apartment, practically itching to get home and relax. But as he opened the door, he saw a small little kitten mewling in front of him.

He frowns.

“Jason!” you called out with a smile, at least you were here. His expression softens as he sees you and pulls you into a very tight hug.

Jason buried his face in your hair, “I missed you.” is what he always says when he comes home. Jason pressed a kiss in your temple as you rested your head on his shoulder, “I missed you too.” you said, melting in his embrace

As he was about to say more, his tired eyes widened as he saw four scrawny kittens crawling towards you, with its mother watching from the sofa.

He released you from his grasp, staring at the small little devils pawing and meowing “Baby,” he furrows his brows “What is this?” he asked, looking at you.

“My friend is out of town for a month, so she’s looking for a babysitter, aren’t they just adorable?” you smiled, picking one small kitten in your hands as you showed it to him.

The kitten stared at him, in his head he could hear the little thing telling him, ‘I have replaced you, I belong here now.’

Jason didn’t want to deal with this right now.

He lets out a sigh and walks past you “I just want to lie down right now.” he grunts, you shrugged as you crouched down to play with the kits.

“These things are just gonna make a mess.” He complained as he took a seat on the sofa. Jason rubbed his temples, he had been running around the past week and now he has to chase down kittens all over your place? What a warm welcome home.

You caught him brooding in the corner of your eye as you turned your gaze to him, “Oh, come on Jay.” you said “They’re harmless.”

Jason glared at you, that usually worked. But unfortunately this time you were too overwhelmed by the small kittens running around, too busy playing with them that you didn’t notice the glare he was giving you.

He looked at you, Jason was a little disappointed that you didn’t seem to notice and that you were more distracted by the kittens.

If he were to be honest, he was a little jealous. He wanted to spend time with you, he’s been gone for almost a week, but you had your hands full with these kittens.

The mother cat sits right next to him, looking at him as if she understands him.

Jason looked at the cat but he was also too tired to say anything, instead he walked to the bedroom and dropped himself on the bed.

He thought he was at peace till he heard the sound of a cat purring.

What now?

He turned his head and saw the mom on the foot of the bed, looking at him. “What? I don’t have anything for you, go make your little devils stop running wild.” He grumbled as he turned around to cover his head with his arm.

The cat just moved forward and he could feel its presence next to him. He looked up from his arm as he saw it flopped right in front of him, dozing off.

It was tiring, just like him.

He took the cat, and brought it closer to him and he placed it on his chest. “You know, we may have a lot of similarities.” He mumbled as he began petting its head, the mom purred and did a soft meow.. which was probably the most girliest meow he has ever heard.

He soon dozed off and fell asleep.

It has been 3 hours since, and Jason has been asleep for a while. He could feel a hand caressing his hair and it felt wonderful. “Did you find someone else to take care of the kittens?” he asked, eyes still closed.

He could hear a small laugh and a smile crept on his face. He then could feel the bed dip beside him as you sat down, he could also feel your hand caressing his cheek as you kissed his temple.

Jason opens his eyes and sees you, “Hello.”

“Hello.” you greeted in return, he hummed in response as he wrapped an arm around your waist.

Jason pulled you down to lay next to him as he kisses your temple, “I missed you.” he repeated. “I missed you too.” you repeated as well, Jason buried his face in your hair once again, taking in your scent.

It felt good just being next to each other.

Meow.

Jason groaned as he slowly sat up. “What now?” he asked, annoyed.

He turned around and looked at the floor. There, looking up at him was one of the kittens. The small little thing was mewling as he moved its two front paws up as an attempt to climb the bed.

You tried to stifle a giggle, the sight of the kitten mewling and Jason glaring at it was just too funny for you. Jason didn’t share the same thought though, he looked at you and sighed, “It’s fine if you find them cute, but I'm starting to get annoyed.”

Jason takes the kitten by the scruff and places it on the bed.

You rested your cheek in your palm, “It likes you.” Jason didn’t reply as he just absentmindedly pets the kitten, the small feline curled up beside him, snuggling next to his side.

“How long are they gonna stay here?” Jason asks.

“A month.”

“…”

You placed a hand on his shoulder, “Come on, my friend needs a vacation and she can’t just leave them alone.” you said, “Plus, they’re cute.” As hard as he tries to ignore it, your puppy eyes were too much.

“As long as they don’t make too much noise, we can tolerate them.”

You smiled, cupping his face and pressing a kiss on his cheek “I love my boyfriend.” Jason rolls his eyes at the way you said it. He can’t help but smile, he knows that you said it just to tease him.

“Yeah, you better.” He replied.

After two weeks since the kittens came, Jason begrudgingly grew accustomed to their presence, although he still complains about them bothering him or getting everywhere.

Despite his constant complaining though, to your delight, Jason would often come back from patrol with new cat toys and treats. He thinks he’s being discreet about it, but you see how soft he is for these little creatures.

Jason sat on the couch, reading a book when a kitten started approaching him. This kitten was particularly the runt in the litter, he’d always get left out by its other siblings and at times he’d get a hissy fit.

This runty little kitten was also Jason’s favorite, he couldn’t help but find it adorable whenever it tried to run towards him but fell flat on its face because of its stubby little legs.

This time was no exception. The runt went up to him, mewling in annoyance and pawed at the edge of couch, trying to climb but it was unable to.

He looked down, seeing the kitten’s feeble attempt to climb. Jason dropped his book on his lap. He reached down and picked the kitten up, placing it on the couch next to him.

Jason hears the door open as he sees you coming inside the door. “I'm home.” you called out. He set his book aside and turned his head to see you, he can’t help but smile a little.

“Hey.” He greeted, he watched as you walk over the couch and dropped next to him. You glanced at the kitten in his lap as you scratched behind its ear, “This one really likes you.”

Jason snorted, “It just likes to bother me.”

He didn’t comment on how he’s grown fond of the runt, or how he often lets it lay in his lap whenever he’s sitting down on the couch. You looked around, “Where are the other kittens?”

Jason scoffs, “God knows where they are.” Jason answered. He looked around their living room, no sign of them. “Probably playing in the kitchen again.” You chuckled, “Those little rascals have been too hyper lately, they need someone to tire them up.”

Jason hummed in agreement. He has been getting tired as well, dealing with these little furballs around the house has been tiring. You leaned against the couch, “I'm tired though.” Jason wrapped his arm around your shoulder, “Try babysitting five cats.”

“You think you can get kids now?” you joked. Jason raised an eyebrow, but as he saw your teasing look he scoffed “Haha, very funny.” he rolled his eyes.

When it was time for the kittens to return home to their owner, Jason was secretly disappointed. He stayed inside the apartment, not wanting to show how much he wanted to keep them. Poor Jason.

He sat on the couch, leaning back with a frown on his face. It was quiet for once and Jason didn’t like it, he misses hearing the sounds of the little kittens running around and pestering him.

“I'm home.” you called out.

Jason’s head snapped up when he heard your voice. He looked over at you, his face still blank as ever. “You’re back.” He said bluntly, “Someones with me too.” you smiled as you showed him his favorite kitten.

As soon as he saw his favorite little runt in your arms, Jason’s eyes widened and he instantly straightened his back. “You brought him back?” he asked, he couldn’t hide the surprise in his voice.

You nodded, “My friend told me we could keep one. So I decided to bring him home.” Jason stared at you, then the kitten, then at you again. He looked so confused but he couldn’t be more happy, despite trying to hide his smile. He held out his hands.

“Give me.” he says. You chuckled and placed the kitten in his hands. Jason immediately held him close, petting his head gently. “I’m surprised you’re not mad.” You said, as you watched him with a smile on your face.

Jason looked up at you, holding the kitten close to his chest. “Why would I be mad? I love this little runt.” he admits. You sat next to him, giving the kitten a pet on its side.

“I know how much you’ve grown fond of them, so I had to get you your favorite.”

He slightly shrugs, “He’s my favorite, yeah.”

“Thank you.”

🐈 reblog or the cat gets crowbarred too

[wyrmoffastring]

This is also why we NEED human translators!!! I have seen shit like this happen irl where someone would assume an English speaker was insulting them and I'd try and explain that no, they're not insulting you, you just lack the knowledge of the slang. No, someone saying your art is dope doesn't mean they think it's stupid. You just learned English in school in the 90s and you learned only very basic phrases. No, the person saying you're the shit isn't insulting you either! it means you're amazing! "But why can't they just say that then?? I felt so insulted!" because that's the more natural and normal way for them to express this. Because language is a living thing that will change and how people express themselves thru it will change. Please stop relying on google translate entirely. It's a good resource sometimes, it can help you understand the basic gist of a sentence, but you MUST absolutely MUST take into account the fact that there will be mistranslations and confusion. If the translated sentence seems really weird or insulting it might be, sure. But it's best to just double check before you go off on someone over a fucking glorified find and replace algorithm's idea of what words in a specific context mean.

This isn't even google's fault, not really. Translation is way too complex a thing for a machine to do. You need to know and process way too much information for good translation, let alone between two languages as different as Chinese and English. It's barely capable of translating between English and German a lot of the time because Translation Is Very Complex. And inb4 "you can just check words in a dictionary to make sure" you cannot. Those are updated by people and they're never entirely up to date. And yes, good dictionaries will have a list of potential meanings with context, but if you, for example, don't know the writing system, that's pretty useless and even when you do, how can you tell which meaning this is, for sure? You cannot. You can ask someone to double check. There's even subreddits for it. Just ask a human. AND FOR FUCK'S SAKE TRUST CHATGPT EVEN LESS. IT MAKES SHIT UP EVEN MORE. DO NOT RELY ON LLMS FOR TRANSLATION I AM BEGGING YOU.