#this took me such a long time for some reason

[goorgeousz]

hotch is not able to tell you no. ever.

drabble

pairing: aaron hotchner x reader

content/tw: pure fluff, established relationship, reader doesn't have a specific gender!

a/n: I just couldn't get out of my head the image of being spoiled by hotch. I just feel that he goes out of his way to make sure you're happy. Ugh, I love him!

dividers by @uzmacchiato

“Aaron, baby. You could’ve just said no.” 

Hotch stared at you like you just said the most absurd thing that he’s ever heard.

To him, you really did.

Since you walked into his life, from day one, he could never, ever deny you anything. Anything being, five more minutes in bed, dressing up together for halloween, getting a sweet treat in the middle of the night, massages and every silly little thing your creative mind could come up with.

This is the reason why, on a wednesday night he got home one hour later than he used to. Ever since you and him started dating, everytime Aaron could find himself alone between one task and the other, he called you. They were quick calls, really. Almost all of them are about five minutes: many times less than that, never much more. He checked on you, maybe made plans for the night. Mainly just listening to you ramble about whatever chorus you were up to at the moment. He truly just wanted to hear you, and make sure you knew he was thinking of you.

It was on one of those calls when it happened. At some point between those 3 minutes and 47 seconds of talking you mentioned you were craving blueberry muffins with powdered sugar on top. You asked him if he could get you some from the bakery next to the BAU on his way home. He (obviously) said yes, and you moved on. You didn’t even think about it after that, it was just a moment. But your wish (every single one) was a (very urgent and imperious) command. 

So, when he walked out of the office to find out that said bakery didn’t have any blueberry muffins left, he decided to check on another bakery on his way home. And another one. After the third failure he decided to make his life mission to find the best blueberry muffins available and bring them home to you.

That’s how he found himself across town, with 30 minutes added to his already long path home and a package of (warm!!!) blueberry muffins (with powdered sugar on top, of course) on the passenger seat. You greeted him by the door the second you heard him unlocking the front door, worried out of your mind about why it took him so long to get home after he texted you he was leaving. And when he explained, you almost couldn’t keep yourself from combusting into flames at how adorable he was.

“But… you asked me to.”

“I know.” you pointed, still giggling and holding your arms around his neck, looking at him lovingly “But I didn’t want to disturb…”

“You didn’t.” he dismissed, too quickly “You never do.” he added, softly. You gave him a few pecks on the lips, smiling so hard it was almost hurting your cheeks. “Did you like it?” he asked, and in moments like this he looked like a boy, with eyes slightly wide, scanning your face looking for any signs that he did something right. You loved him a little bit more (as if it was possible) everytime he did it.

“I loved it, baby. They smell so good, I might eat the whole box right away!” you exaggerated, and was rewarded with a chuckle in response.

“Then it was worth it.” he concluded, giving you another pack on the lips.

“You spoil me. Just promise me that, the next time you will just tell me no.” he scrunched his nose at you.

“Of course, honey.”

(he never did).

[pluralsword]

joke though this may be Arcee is doing the right thing here. shots were flying past her and one landed in her face. she took her shot and then took cover. that's how soldiers have been fighting with guns for a long time and the concept of using cover is older than that. What OP is doing here feels like the equivalent of Teddy Roosevelt during the Spanish American War (in his case he deployed to Cuba) trotting around on his horse urging soldiers to get up and fight while under fire from Spanish forces with higher elevation and fortifications- and by some fluke of causality (or as we cynically think sometimes, the Spaniards were hoping to shoot down soldiers who actually tried to follow his orders) he wasn't shot during those antics- except here dumbfoundingly Optimus is standing still. He's not even doing anything except looking.

Obviously this a television storytelling magic moment of wanting to let Arcee do the soldier thing as she is wont to do so the fire is focused on her but it is hilarious that OP is just standing there. 'this her moment we all know this I'm just gonna stand here, it's not as if people joke that she's the star of the show for no reason'

'no you shot me this time. cut. do it again'

'sure prime'

'Optimus it's fine really-'

'no I have to stand still. the focus is on you. it's also showing you have better reaction time and that they know you're a quicker shot and keener observer than me'

'I think you're reading into this-'

'do you or do you not have the fastest fire rate of any character in the show, such that if I gave you my guns this war would be over in episode 1 and you'd be a real gas guzzler'

'okay fine yes you're right about the fire rate bit but don't sell your observation skills short. soldier's can't respond in a split second everytime, we just try to, knowing our knowledge and fear and what we care about.'

'see?'

*vehicons laugh*

'you're wise too, smartass. telling me I'm a keen observer for this'

'now who's selling herself short?'

'you're gonna overheat my fuel lines with talk like this'

'I thought that was June's job~'

*Vehicons are cackling and saying oooooooooo*

'hahaha Optimus really- wait are we still filming? cut! oh this is going on the blooper reel...'

Arcee hides because she’s being shot at.

While a whole-ass Optimus Prime is just standing next to her, apparently not moving.

[my-body-likes-you-in-control]

Enough Credits

The first time I found Metamorph, I thought it was a prank—some elaborate role-playing scam or a dark web trap for the desperate. But the testimonials were too raw, the credit system too brutally efficient, the rules too meticulously structured to be fake.

Metamorph was a body-swapping marketplace.

The setup was simple, almost deceptively so. You signed up, submitted to a biometric scan to register your "profile," and got a handful of starter credits. Then—if you had the points—you could slip into someone else’s skin. Every swap you initiated cost credits. But if someone else chose your body, you’d be paid in theirs.

There were two kinds of swaps: temporary and permanent.

Temporary swaps were the most common—brief trades lasting anywhere from an hour to ten days. The catch? You couldn’t refuse them. If someone had the credits and wanted your body, they took it. No warning, no consent. Just a sudden, violent lurch—your consciousness torn from your flesh and dumped into theirs, no matter how unfamiliar or unwelcome. Some users described it like blacking out mid-breath: one second you’re yourself, the next you’re choking awake in a stranger’s life, their pulse hammering in your throat.

Permanent swaps were rarer, more deliberate. Unlike temporary trades, they didn’t cost the initiator credits. Instead, they could offer to take your body outright. If you accepted—and this time, you did have a choice—Metamorph would deposit enough credits into your account for three years of temporary swaps. Three years of bouncing between models, athletes, even the occasional washed-up celebrity. Three years of borrowed lives, no regrets. That’s because once you agreed, your old body was no longer your home—and the person who took it was locked out of Metamorph forever.

As I scrolled through the catalog of profiles—each tagged with vitals, photos, even user ratings—my pulse spiked. Damn. So many hotties. Sharp jawlines, gym-sculpted arms, guys who looked like they’d walked straight off a billboard. And I knew my own worth. My body was lean, angular, the kind that turned heads in a club. Some of these high-credit users would absolutely burn points to step into me for a night. I mean look at me:

At first, I was right. It was electric. I woke up in lawyers, musicians, a guy who owned a yacht in Miami. I racked up credits fast, riding the thrill of each new swap. Sure, none were keepers—one guy had a nicotine habit that left me wheezing, another had a wife who side-eyed "his" sudden indifference—but it was fun. Until it wasn’t.

Max was easily the worst body I’d been dumped into yet.

Not some wealthy muscle god, not even a guy with decent charm. He was soft around the middle, patchy stubble, the kind of face that made waitresses forget to refill his water. I groaned, rolling off the sagging mattress and stumbling into his dingy bathroom. The mirror confirmed it: dull brown eyes, thinning hair, a nose that had clearly lost a fight with a door frame.

What the hell?

I grabbed his phone, swiping to the Metamorph widget. 10 days. The max lockout period. My stomach dropped. Ten days in this?

Then I saw his credit balance.

My breath stalled.

87,430 credits.

An obscene amount. More than I’d ever seen—enough to live in other bodies nonstop for decades.

A note sat on the counter, scrawled in messy handwriting:

Hey, If you’re reading this, congrats—you’re my first pleasure swap in 10 years. I’ve been playing the long game. Take an ugly body, train it up, swap it permanently for another ugly one, stack credits. Rinse and repeat. Twelve times. This body (Max) is my home now. But I saved all these credits for one reason: to finally have fun. Yours was the first body that tempted me in years. Enjoy the credits! —M

I stared at the note, then back at the phone.

A weird mix of flattery and dread coiled in my chest.

Ten days later, I snapped back into my own body like a rubber band. My skin hummed with familiarity—the lean muscles, the sharp jaw, the way my shirt draped just right. I exhaled, running my hands over my face like I was checking for damage.

Home.

Another note waited on my desk.

Thank you. —M

I thought that was the end of it. And hey, now I had credits to burn, right? Wrong.

Two days later, I was brushing my teeth when the world tilted sideways.

I was back in Max’s bathroom, staring into his tired eyes, my hands gripping his chipped sink.

“What the—?!”

His phone buzzed. This time a DM:

Max: Hey, gorgeous. Miss me? Sorry for the surprise. Cut my Rio trip short—some Brazilian adonis is gonna wake up very confuse (and probably very relieved). You’re just… different.

I hurled the phone onto his unmade bed.

The next ten days crawled. Max’s body was a wreck—aching knees, a back that popped when he stretched, a fridge full of microwave meals. I barely left his apartment, counting down the hours like a prisoner.

When I finally snapped back into my own skin, I collapsed onto my floor, kissing the familiar creaks of my hardwood.

Four days of freedom. Then—wrench. Back to Max’s sagging couch and doughy love handles.

Another DM:

Max: Okay, hear me out. I tried to resist taking you again. But then I took over some hedge-fund bro’s body (6’2”, abs, yawn) and all I could think about was your biceps and the curve of your hips. Pathetic, right? Anyway. Ten more days. Try not to hate me. (Or do. That’s kinda hot now that I think about it.)

“You creep,” I muttered.

Enough. I opened a support ticket, fingers jittering:

"How do I block a user from repeatedly swapping into my body?"

The reply came fast:

Metamorph Support: "User blocking is not currently supported. If a participant has sufficient credits and respects the 48-hour cooldown, swaps are permitted. Adjust profile visibility or spend credits to remain in other bodies longer to avoid unwanted exchanges."*

I stared at the screen. Adjust visibility? Useless—he already knew my ID. Spend credits to hide? A temporary fix.

I was trapped.

I waited out the ten days in Max’s body, scrambling for a solution. Nothing. Maybe he’d get bored. Finally, I was back in my own skin—my hands, my apartment, my reflection—when the app chimed.

A notification:

PERMANENT SWAP REQUEST User ID#4492-LL would like to swap bodies with you. Max: I feel so right as you.

My stomach lurched. I smashed REJECT so fast.

“Fuck no.”

The app blinked. Request denied.

He wanted to be me?

Another DM popped up:

Max: Worth a shot. ;)

[aajjks]

The Boy (IV)

synopsis. All he ever wanted was someone to love.

pairing: yandere!brahms doll jungkook x fem!nanny reader. ft. Cha eunwoo.

genre: 18+ horror, smut, angst and yandere.

warnings. 18+ YÁNDÈRÈ, dàrk thèmès, dïstúrbíng thèmès, mèntïóns ôf à dàrk pàst, yn ïs só dàmn hórny, dóll, erríe thèmès, únsèttlíng thèmès, híghly sèxúàl thèmès, nèèdy, shàmlèss ýn, tsúndèrè èúnwòò.

wc: idek it’s long tho

fic note. Please keep in mind that this fanfiction is the exact copy of the movie from the same name “the boy” (2016) so if you find any similarities, that’s on purpose. Also viewer discretion is highly advised.

note. Chapter 4 is here please share your thoughts honestly if it’s a little shitty I apologize but it took me a lot of days to finish this, but it’s gonna get so much more juicier. I promise let’s get into this and please share feedback because it really keeps me going and ENJOY!

taglist. @tatumrileyslover @slut4jeon @strawberryberrygirl @starl0ver4 @darkcyclecreator @taekritimin123@erisuna @devilslittlehelper @introvertedsin @jadaocon1 @jungkooknippleanddicksucker @wowersblog@jincapableoflove @whothefuckisthishoe @avawants2havefun @sophipp1 @moonfloweronmars @crisle19 @ctrlsht@mrsjohnnysuh @ennvfv @kpopsmutty69 [open for more]

•••

You wake up, and it’s like the morning should feel normal, right?

But your body is still pulsing with yesterday’s chaos, still aching with that craving.

The doll, though, that little bastard, is still sitting there in the corner, staring at you. You blink, wiping sleep from your eyes, and sigh.

“Why do I even care?” you whisper to no one.

But, for some reason, it feels like there’s something alive in this house. Something watching.

You swing your legs off the bed, feeling that pull, the one that makes you want to collapse back under the sheets.

But the day’s already waiting, and you know you’ve got a damn job to do.

The rules. God, those rules linger in your mind like some haunting melody you can’t get rid of.

First things first, you need to go tend to him.

You stand up, glancing at the mirror, your reflection caught in that weird light. The feeling of being watched is heavier today.

God, was it always this bad?

You walk down the stairs, your steps feeling heavier than usual. Every creak of the floorboards makes you jump.

But, just as you reach the living room, there he is.

Eunwoo. Eating his breakfast. As if nothing happened. “Good morning,” you say, your voice sounding too loud.

He barely looks up from his plate, a small grunt escaping him.

It’s like he’s pretending you’re not even there.

You stare at him for a moment, feeling the heat rising in your cheeks.

“You’re gonna ignore me again?” No response.

You almost want to scream.

Then, you look at the clock. It’s almost time to do the doll’s routine.

Your mind drifts again. And the moment you think of him, the rush of longing hits you like a wave.

You start walking toward the room where the doll waits, but your steps falter when you hear something faint.

A whisper?

You stop dead in your tracks, listening carefully.

“Stay.”

The voice comes from the doll. Or, that’s what you think.

You shiver, but it’s not out of fear. It’s something else. Something dark.

As you walk toward the room, the tension is unbearable.

You open the door and— There he is. Just sitting, his glassy eyes fixed in place.

You can almost feel his gaze, even though he’s not really alive.

“Stay.”

You hear it again, but it’s so soft. So insistent.

You let out a shaky breath, walking in closer, kneeling in front of him.

You talk to him like he’s real. You have to.

“I’m here, JK,” you say. “I’m here.”

But deep down, there’s something gnawing at you. Something so unsettling. The silence is deafening.

You swallow, your eyes darting nervously to the door.

“I’ll make it up to you,” you whisper. “You’ve been so patient with me.”

But then, out of nowhere, a voice cuts through the quiet.

Eunwoo.

He’s standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

“Are you really talking to that thing like it’s a person?” You blink, feeling your face heat up in embarrassment.

But instead of feeling ashamed, your desire only grows.

He’s standing there, as cold as ever, and yet, there’s something off about the way he’s looking at you.

Your thoughts spiral.

“I don’t care if it’s not real, Eunwoo,” you snap, not caring that your voice shakes. “I just want something to look at me like that.”

His expression doesn’t change. He’s still cold, unaffected.

But it pisses you off.

You stand up, your body suddenly tense.

“You know, you could at least acknowledge me, instead of just staring at that doll like it’s your damn king.”

He raises an eyebrow. “JK doesn’t need you. He’s better off without you.”

The words sting, but they only fuel your frustration.

“Is that so?” You take a step closer. “Because, from where I’m standing, you’ve got the whole ‘ignoring me’ thing down.”

His eyes flicker for just a second.

Then he speaks again, his voice so detached, it could cut through anything. “You’re supposed to be taking care of him, not complaining to me.”

You smirk, feeling a mix of anger and something else. “You’re not even worth complaining to. You know that, right?”

His gaze hardens.

“You think I care?” His voice drops lower, colder. “The only thing I care about is whether you’re following the damn rules.”

You stare at him for a moment, the tension suffocating. Your heart beats in your chest.

“Then why are you still here?” you ask, almost breathless.

He doesn’t answer, but you know it’s because he doesn’t care.

You turn away, feeling the frustration and the heat rise.

“Fine,” you mutter. “I’ll follow the damn rules. But don’t think I’m doing this for you.”

And just as you start to walk out, you hear it again. A whisper.

“Stay.”

This time, it’s the doll. The doll speaking.

It almost makes you gasp.

You look at Eunwoo, but his eyes are focused on something else.

The doll’s voice lingers in your mind.

You feel the pull again. And it’s stronger than ever.

•••

The afternoon is quiet.

Too quiet.

You’re sitting at the dining table, eating your buldak noodles like you’re trying to savor every bite, but honestly? You’re not tasting a damn thing.

Your mind is still stuck on Eunwoo and the way he completely dismissed you this morning.

“You think I care?” That’s what he said.

Like you were just some problem he had to deal with. Like you weren’t even worth acknowledging.

You chew another mouthful, letting the spice burn your throat as your frustration swells.

You glance at the doll sitting across from you—staring blankly, as always.

You’ve been talking to it so much, it feels almost natural now.

“I bet you wouldn’t ignore me,” you mutter under your breath. “You’d at least look at me if I did something…”

You trail off, staring at the doll’s lifeless eyes. But, oddly, it feels like it’s staring back.

“I’m talking to a fucking doll.” You laugh bitterly, shaking your head, trying to make sense of it all.

The steam from your noodles rises in front of you, but it doesn’t clear the heaviness in the air. The silence between you and the doll is stifling.

“You’re probably the only one who doesn’t judge me,” you say quietly, almost to yourself.

But even the doll can’t answer.

You feel your anger pulse again, that same damn frustration bubbling up. The noodles are too spicy, but you can’t stop eating them.

It’s like the heat from the food is a mirror of the heat inside you.

Every bite just brings the burn of that rejection closer.

“God, what the hell is wrong with me?” you mumble between bites.

You glance down at the doll again, your eyes narrowing.

“Why does it feel like you get me, huh?” It’s just sitting there. Silent. Unmoved.

But you swear you feel like it’s listening. “Why does Eunwoo get to be all cold and unbothered, while I’m stuck here playing house with a fucking doll?”

You roll your eyes, but the frustration just keeps growing. The noodles aren’t helping.

Your fingers grip the chopsticks tighter, your frustration spilling out into the air around you.

“I hate that he doesn’t even care. Like… why the hell am I doing all this?”

The doll doesn’t say anything, of course. It never does.

But it’s almost like you’re waiting for it to say something.

Anything.

You take another bite, swallowing it down with a grunt.

And then..

“Stay.”

You freeze, noodles halfway to your mouth. The voice isn’t loud, but it’s clear. Too clear.

It’s the doll. It said the word again.

“Stay.”

You set your chopsticks down, a chill creeping over your skin. You thought you’d imagined it last time, but now? Now, it’s almost real.

You glance at the doll, and the air feels colder.

“What the fuck?” you whisper, heart pounding.

It can’t… it can’t be real. Right?

You look down at the doll, eyes widening.

Did it really just say that?

The room feels too still. You start to panic, breathing faster as you pick up your chopsticks again. But you can’t get the words out of your head.

“Stay.”

Your hand trembles, but you try to ignore it. You keep eating, trying to shake it off.

“It’s nothing,” you tell yourself. “It’s just… the silence messing with my head.”

But you can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. Like you’re being watched.

The doll doesn’t move. It doesn’t blink. But for some reason, it feels like it’s waiting.

“I can’t keep doing this,” you mutter under your breath, pushing your noodles around.

You hear it again, that voice. Soft. Low.

“Stay.”

It’s not in your head this time. It’s real. You heard it. You can’t pretend anymore.

“No… no, no, no,” you whisper, your heart racing. “It’s just the house. It’s just too quiet. I’m just, just stressed out.”

You try to stand, but your legs feel weak.

It’s like the whole house is holding its breath. Like the walls are closing in.

You blink rapidly, trying to stay calm. But your chest is tight, and you feel a strange pull, like you have to stay.

You sit back down, not sure why, but something is urging you to stay near the doll. To pay attention to it.

You start to speak, your voice barely a whisper. “You’re not real, right? You can’t really… talk.”

But the doll says nothing. It’s only the silence that answers.

And yet, somehow, that silence feels more real than anything else in this house.

•••

You finish washing the dishes, feeling slightly more at ease because— well, your kitchen doesn’t look like a battlefield anymore.

But the weirdness? The unease? That stays.

The doll’s voice still rings in your ears, and you can’t shake the chill it gave you. “Stay.”

You roll your eyes at yourself, trying to shake it off.

“It’s nothing. Nothing but a creepy little toy with some serious boundary issues,” you mutter, heading back to your bedroom.

You throw your phone on the bed as you kick the door shut behind you, and immediately, your mind starts racing again. What the hell was that voice? The doll’s supposed to be inanimate, right?

Like… right?

You grab your phone, tap Alina’s name, and send her a message before you can stop yourself:

You: Girl, I’m losing my mind. I need you to talk some sense into me. Are dolls supposed to talk? Or am I just officially gone?

You watch the message bubble for a few seconds. Then, finally:

Alina: Yo, what happened? You’re in the middle of some weird creepy vibes or some shit? Should I get the holy water or a shaman?

You laugh out loud at her response.

You: Holy water, girl? Please, I wish it were that simple, you text back, pacing the room. I’m talking to a doll. No, worse. I’m listening to a doll talk back to me! It said ‘stay’ like three times today and I swear it’s not me imagining it!

You wait for her reply, half expecting her to hit you with something like, Girl, just chill. It’s all in your head.’ But instead, she goes full Alina mode.

Alina: Wait, you’ve been cuddling with it or something? Is it, like, some weird fetish shit? I swear, you get involved in the strangest stuff, girl.

You: NO, NO, it’s not a fetish! It’s a fucking doll! you reply, rolling your eyes at yourself as you sit on your bed.

Alina: Well, does it feel like a doll? Like, do you actually feel… things?

You: Alina, what are you even asking right now? you send back, rubbing your temples.

Alina: Just trying to clarify. If you’re gonna be talking to your creepy little friend, at least tell me if it has a pulse, okay?

You snort.

You: Alina, you’re out of control.

Alina’s texts start coming faster now, like she’s just gone full conspiracy theory mode:

Alina: Okay, but wait; is it the kind of doll that talks back only when no one’s looking?

You: I don’t know! It’s just a dumb porcelain thing that someone put on my lap, and now I’m apparently its babysitter!” you text, annoyed but still kind of laughing. “And don’t even get me started on Eunwoo.

Alina: Eunwoo?? You’re still obsessed with that guy? Is he the reason you’re hanging with the creepy-ass porcelain one instead?

You: He’s just… ugh, he’s cold as fuck. He rejects me every time I try to flirt. But, I’m pretty sure he knows I’m obsessed with him, so now I’m just making it worse by hanging around with this doll that won’t even fucking shut up.

You stop, feeling stupid. Did you really just confess all that to Alina?

Alina: Wait, hold up. Are you telling me you’re about to go full I’m-not-a-crazy-person-but-actually-I’m-talking-to-a-doll-now mode because of Eunwoo?!

You laugh bitterly, collapsing back on the bed.

You: I don’t know what’s wrong with me anymore. It’s like… the doll’s the only one that listens. At least it says things like ‘stay’ and ‘pretty.

Alina: Yo, that’s mad weird. But also lowkey hot. Wait, so is the doll, like, trying to flirt with you now?

You freeze for a second.

You: What?

Alina: Because, you know, you’re giving it way too much attention for it to NOT be into you. Like… do you think it’s trying to get in your head?

You bite your lip. That… actually makes sense.

Is the doll playing you?

You: Okay, no. No, no, no. It’s a fucking doll. But at this point, I can’t even tell what’s real anymore.

You text back, frustrated and trying to distract yourself by scrolling through your phone.

Alina: So, what, now you’re doing full-on therapy sessions with it? ‘Cause, I gotta say, this is a new level of weird even for you, girl.

You laugh, but it’s not really a happy laugh.

You: I’m just talking to it, Alina. It’s like I have no one else to vent to. And now, Eunwoo’s all cold and shut off, so it’s like I have… I don’t know… the doll?

Alina: Damn. So, the doll gets all your attention now? What’s next, is it gonna start following you around the house? You said it talks, right? Does it ask for kisses too?

You pause for a moment, your stomach dropping. Did the doll… did it want you to kiss it?

You: Wait, hold on! you text back, I’m literally so paranoid right now. What if it does want me to kiss it? Like… it keeps asking me to stay and saying I’m pretty.

Alina: Okay, I’m honestly dying. Just please, please, please don’t get sucked into the ‘doll wants you’ cult. I swear if you send me a picture of you kissing it, I will throw up on the spot.

You laugh hysterically at her reply, but the laughter dies in your throat as you remember the doll’s cold, hollow stare.

•••

The evening falls quiet, the usual hum of the house fading into that calm, eerie silence you’ve grown so used to.

You’re sprawled on the couch, one leg thrown over the armrest, as you mindlessly flick your finger on your phone screen.

You’ve got Temple Run 2 open.

NOSTALGIA!!!!

No idea why you’re so obsessed with this damn game. It’s mindless and stupid but maybe that’s exactly what you need right now.

You keep failing, but the loops are just so satisfying, and the soundtrack ugh, it’s somehow so nostalgic.

“What’re you doing?”

Your heart nearly leaps out of your chest as you hear his voiceEunwoo, standing there, suddenly too close.

You glance over, blinking in surprise.

He’s looking at your phone. Of course, he’s noticed your utter lack of skill at this game, too.

“Just playing some Temple Run,” you shrug, barely looking at him.

His eyes narrow. “You’re playing Temple Run?”

You roll your eyes dramatically, tapping your phone again. “Yeah, Eunwoo. Temple Run. Ever heard of it?”

He steps closer, and then unbelievably he plops down right next to you on the couch.

Not a single care in the world. The sudden proximity makes you feel all sorts of things you can’t quite explain, but you try to focus on the game.

“I could teach you how to play, if you want,” you say with a teasing smile, knowing full well that you’re about to have way too much fun with this.

Eunwoo doesn’t even look at you. Instead, he’s squinting at your phone like it’s a foreign object.

“I know how to play games.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Do you?”

He grabs the phone from your hand, his fingers brushing yours for a split second and your heart skips.

He swipes the screen, but instead of jumping or sliding, he just runs right into a wall.

“Really?” you laugh, covering your mouth. “That’s your big move?”

He doesn’t respond. He just stares at the screen, frowning in confusion.

“What the hell was that? You’re supposed to swipe left to dodge obstacles. Swipe. Like this,”

you show him, your finger dancing over the screen with exaggerated movements.

He watches you, but when you look over at him, you see a small and by small, barely noticeable smirk tug at his lips.

“I’m just getting started,” he says in that deep voice of his, but the tiny smile is there again.

You can’t believe it. Is he actually smiling?

You’re about to say something, but you catch the slightest glint in his eyesjust for a second and you don’t know why, but it makes your stomach flip.

“You need to be more aggressive,” you tease, leaning in closer than necessary as you guide his fingers with your own, letting him feel the motions on the screen.

His gaze flickers down to your hands, and for a split second, you feel the intensity between you two.

It’s not just the game anymore. Your heart is racing, your skin tingling.

Oh yeah, you want me so bad.

“Aggressive, huh?” he mutters, still not meeting your eyes but there’s a definite playfulness there.

You give him an exaggerated sigh, leaning back against the couch as you pull the phone away.

“Okay, here, let me show you how it’s done, Mr. I Know How To Play Games.”

You tap your phone again, failing the next round on purpose just to mess with him, but then you glance over at him. “See, that’s how you die in the game.”

Eunwoo’s smirk grows ever so slightly. “Maybe I let you win.”

You raise a brow. “Uh huh. Sure you did.”

He’s quiet for a second, and you can’t help but notice how his usual cold demeanor is slipping just a little—

there’s something softer here, something unexpected.

And then, as if realizing how much fun he’s been having, he suddenly straightens up, putting the phone back in your hands.

“I’m done playing games. Not literally. Just…” He looks at you for a moment longer than usual. “I have to go check on… something.”

You blink. “Right. Sure. Whatever.”

Before you can say anything else, he stands up quickly, the moment of connection broken.

You stare at him, feeling strangely off like, just when you thought there might’ve been something, he shuts it down.

The door slams, and you’re left there, phone in hand, your head buzzing from the briefest interaction.

You barely even notice that the doll’s still sitting in front of you on the table, staring at you, its empty eyes almost mocking you now.

But for some reason, you don’t mind. At least someone or something, is paying attention.

•••

You can feel it— the tension from earlier still buzzing between you and Eunwoo.

He’s barely acknowledged it, but you feel it. It’s there, crackling in the air like static.

After the whole Temple Run disaster,

Eunwoo stands up abruptly, taking your phone from your hands without so much as a word.

“I’m gonna cook,” he mutters. “Stir-fry. You can stay out here if you want.”

You freeze for a second, contemplating. “What if I want to stay with you?”

He doesn’t even turn around, but there’s a tiny, almost unnoticeable flicker in his expression.

The corner of his lips twitch like he’s about to say something, but then he just shrugs and walks toward the kitchen, disappearing around the corner.

Your stomach churns but not from hunger, but from something else entirely.

“Alright, bet,” you whisper to yourself, rolling off the couch and following him.

The kitchen is small, cozy in its own way, but with him in it, it suddenly feels too small.

You stand by the doorway, watching him pull out the ingredients for stir-fry with a practiced ease.

He looks so… good doing it.

You lean casually against the counter, crossing your arms, trying to look casual.

“You know, I’m really good at cooking too,” you say, giving him a side-eye.

He doesn’t look at you. “Really?”

“Yeah,” you nod, leaning forward just a little, keeping that seductive energy going. “I make a mean stir-fry. I could show you.”

Still no reaction from him. But his movements slow for a brief second as he slices the vegetables, his fingers curling around the knife just a little tighter.

You know you’ve got him intrigued at least, that’s what you want to believe.

“I’m good,” he says, voice clipped.

“Are you?” You step closer, just enough for him to feel your presence. “I mean, I don’t know. You seem pretty… intense about this. You need a hand?”

He finally looks up at you, eyes narrowing. “You want to help or are you just trying to get in my way?”

You smirk, a mischievous glint lighting up your eyes. “I’m just here to keep you company. It’s not every day I get to watch a pro chef at work.”

He sighs, like you’re annoying him, but there’s a hint of something else there. Maybe it’s that cold smirk of his starting to crack just a little.

“I’m not a pro. I’m just making dinner.”

You can’t help yourself. You step forward again, your body pressing into the space between him and the counter, your breath warm against the back of his neck.

“I can help with more than dinner, you know…”

The words hang in the air, and you feel the slightest shift in him. His breath catches for a second, then he turns, taking a step back. His eyes flicker over you, slow and deliberate, and you can almost feel the heat radiating off him.

“You really think you can just waltz in here, make some innuendo, and I’ll be what, entertained?”

His voice is low, quiet—

but there’s something in it.

Something dangerous.

You can’t stop now, though. It’s like a game. “I’m just offering,” you say, leaning in closer, your lips almost brushing his ear.

“But it looks like you’re already enjoying the company. I’m just here to spice things up a little.”

He finally steps back, hands going to the stove to focus on the stir-fry. “You should stick to the game,” he says, eyes hardening.

“Stay out of my kitchen.”

You laugh, though it’s almost more of a guttural sound of frustration than amusement. “What, you can’t handle a little flirtation?”

Eunwoo stays silent, his gaze unwavering as he stirs the food. But then, out of nowhere, he says, “I’m not here for games.”

You tilt your head, wondering what he means by that. “What are you here for, then?”

He turns to look at you, those sharp eyes locking onto yours. “Dinner. Nothing more.”

You watch him, your heart pounding in your chest.

Dinner, huh?

The way he looks at you, his face unreadable, but his posture tight, the tension between you two thick as ever.

For a second, you’re both stuck in this unspoken challenge.

You can feel your breath quicken, heart racing in a way that has nothing to do with the food he’s cooking.

But suddenly, it’s like something snaps in him. Without warning, he turns, walking toward you with a dangerous slowness, and your body stiffens, bracing for whatever’s coming next.

“I’m warning you,” he murmurs, his lips barely a whisper against your ear, sending a chill down your spine. “Stop pushing.”

And then, just as quickly as he was close, he steps back, resuming his position by the stove.

You stand there, body still humming, feeling the raw power of the moment.

You were so close. Just a breath away.

But maybe you’re not done yet.

•••

The dining room’s quiet, save for the clinking of chopsticks against bowls. Eunwoo and you sit across from each other at the table.

The stir-fry?

FUCKING DELICIOUS.

Most as much as he looks delicious.

It is perfectly cooked, the veggies are still crisp, the meat is tender.

But the real heat isn’t in the food.

It’s in the way Eunwoo barely looks at you as he takes a bite, those sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he swallows.

You try to ignore the heat running through your body, but it’s impossible with him sitting across from you, looking so damn good in his simple, yet painfully stylish, clothes.

You take a deep breath and throw him a playful smirk.

“So, this is how you cook? I thought I’d get more of a reaction from you, to be honest. I make a mean stir-fry too, you know…”

Eunwoo lifts an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, but there’s a slight edge to his voice. “Do you? I’d be surprised if you even knew what stir-fry meant.”

You almost choke on your rice.

“Excuse me? I could make you a better stir-fry with one hand tied behind my back.”

You give him a pointed glance, then lean back in your chair, your fingers tracing the edge of your glass.

“If you think you’re so good, maybe you should cook for me more often, huh?”

Eunwoo’s lips curl up just a little, but it’s more amusement than anything else. “You can’t handle my cooking. It’s too good for you.”

You roll your eyes dramatically, scooping more food onto your plate. “Please, I live for good food. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I wasn’t trying to flatter you.”

You raise an eyebrow, leaning forward on your elbows, eyes glinting mischievously.

“Then what were you trying to do?”

Eunwoo doesn’t look up as he sips his water. “Make you stop talking.”

You laugh, setting your chopsticks down. “Good luck with that. You can’t shut me up that easily.”

“You sure?” His voice is so deadpan it almost makes you second-guess yourself.

“You’re a lot of words for someone who doesn’t know how to play a simple game.”

You glare at him across the table, but there’s no denying the flush of heat on your cheeks. “That’s low, even for you. I was teaching you— there’s a difference.”

“Right. Keep telling yourself that.” He smirks, the amusement barely breaking through his cool facade.

But you can see it. And it makes you want to push further.

You grin back, unable to resist the bait. “You know, I’m starting to think you’re just jealous of my skills.”

“You think I’m jealous of you?” Eunwoo laughs, but there’s no humor in it. His eyes flash briefly, something cold and unsettling.

“I’m not the one sitting here trying to get a reaction out of someone who clearly doesn’t want one.”

You pause, just for a second, caught off guard by his bluntness.

But you recover quickly, not about to let him have the last word. “Well, maybe you should try a little harder.”

You lean forward, resting your chin on your hand, giving him a look that says all too much.

“I mean, someone’s gotta make this night interesting. You look like you could use a little fun.”

Eunwoo’s gaze flickers to you, that cold, calculating look in his eyes. “Fun? The only fun I’m having is watching you squirm.”

You chuckle, not intimidated, just thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

“Squirming, huh? Is that what you think? I’m just getting started.”

You pick up your chopsticks again, eating slowly, deliberately, making sure he notices the way your lips part around the food.

His eyes follow the movement, just slightly.. too slightly for you to let go of the game you’re playing.

The silence stretches for a moment, but it’s not awkward. It’s heavy. Like it’s about to snap. You can feel his control slipping just a little.

You break the silence first, your voice light but dripping with sweetness.

“So, Eunwoo, you’re gonna keep giving me the cold shoulder, or are we actually going to have a conversation tonight?”

He exhales sharply, clearly done with the teasing. “We’ve been talking this whole time.”

“Not really,” you say, tilting your head, a playful smile curling at your lips. “I mean, I’m the one doing all the talking.

You’re the one keeping everything bottled up.”

He puts down his chopsticks, looking at you, finally letting a bit of that wall down. “Maybe I’m just waiting for you to say something worth listening to.”

You hold his gaze, the heat between you palpable now, the dinner table acting as the most awkward of barriers.

“Oh, I can say plenty. I just want to know, are you ever going to stop being such a tease?”

His eyes flash, almost imperceptibly, but it’s enough to make your stomach do a little flip.

“You really want me to stop?”

Fuck…. I’m getting wet.

His voice drops, lower than before, the edge of a challenge in it.

You lean forward, body brimming with energy, eyes locked with his. “I want you to do whatever you want to do.”

Eunwoo stares at you for a long moment, his face expressionless, but the intensity in his eyes burns like fire.

“Maybe you should be careful what you wish for.”

Fuck me.

•••

You barely finish your stir-fry when the tension thickens, like overcooked sauce.

Eunwoo stands across from you, wiping his hands on a towel, his face is as emotionless as ever.

You lean back against the counter, watching him like he’s the only thing in the room.

“So,” you start, your voice teasing, “You cook all this food for me, and still no love? No kiss? I’m getting disappointed, Eunwoo.”

He glances at you, his eyes flashing for a split second. annoyance, maybe? or is it something more?

A challenge?

“Love?” he scoffs. “You need to work on your cooking before we talk about love.”

“Oh, please. I’m just a babe in the kitchen.”

You wink, and his eyes roll, but not the way you expect. It’s the smallest roll like you’re on his radar.

“I’m serious,” he says, crossing his arms. “And if you want my help again, stop being so… distracting.”

You pout, hand on your hip. “Distracting? Me? I was just admiring your kitchen skills.”

“Admiring, huh?” He steps closer, his gaze cold but unwavering. “You admire a lot of things, but never seem to get the point.”

You move closer to him, barely an inch apart, your breath hitching as the space between you shrinks.

“Maybe I’m just trying to find the point. Is that so wrong?”

He stays silent, staring down at you. Finally, his lips curl into a smirk.

“I’m not your type. We established this last time.” His eyes darken.

“I don’t make exceptions for people who think they can walk all over me.”

“Is that so?” You lean in, daring him to make the first move. “Guess I’ll have to change your mind.”

Before you can say anything else, you hear it.

That soft whisper. The one you thought you imagined.

From the dining table.

“Stay…”

You freeze.

Eunwoo freezes too. You both turn to the doll, sitting motionless, eyes locked on you.

The room goes still. The air grows colder. A chill runs up your spine as you stare at the doll’s unblinking eyes.

“Stay…” The whisper comes again, almost pleading.

“Great. Now it’s talking,” you mutter, trying to shake the unease creeping in.

Eunwoo doesn’t look at you. He’s already walking to the table, his expression unreadable.

He gently adjusts the doll’s position, fingers brushing its face with care.

“Remember the rules,” he says, his voice low. “No ignoring him. He’s not a toy.”

You raise an eyebrow. “I wasn’t ignoring him. I—;”

“Just keep it in mind,” he cuts you off, adjusting the doll, making sure it’s sitting properly.

You roll your eyes.

“You could be a little less cold about everything. Maybe if you weren’t so icy, you’d warm up to me a little.”

Eunwoo turns to face you, eyes hard. “I’m not here for games. I’m here to make sure this place runs properly.”

You smirk. “And that means babysitting the doll and ignoring me? Come on, eunwoo. I know there’s something under all that coldness. I can feel it.”

He walks back toward you, slow and deliberate, and for a second, you think he’ll say something. But he doesn’t. He simply stands in front of you, arms crossed.

“No,” he growls, low and tense.

“You don’t feel anything. You just think you do. And it’s irritating.”

The words hang between you. The heavy silence is deafening.

You’re close enough to feel the heat of his body, the pulse of his heart.

Then the moment breaks.

The doll whispers again.

“Stay…”

It’s a command now, not a request. You turn to the doll, unease creeping under your skin.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m staying, okay?” You snap, but the doll’s eyes are locked on yours, and it feels too real.

Eunwoo stares at the doll for a beat, then looks back at you.

“You have no idea what you’re dealing with, do you?”

•••

I’m behind the damn wall, watching.

But this time, it’s different.

I can feel it. That little voice in the back of my head, telling me that Eunwoo’s days are numbered.

And honestly? I’m fucking done.

I’ve had enough of him. Enough of the way he looks at you like you’re some kind of decoration.

I know what you’re thinking. how could he even be a threat? But that’s the thing.

He’s not.

I’ve been here long enough to see it. He’s only here because I let him be.

He’s just a placeholder, and I can’t stand it anymore.

Not when you’re just… there. So damn close. Just out of reach, because he’s in the way.

I’ve been patient. I’ve been waiting. But now? Now, I can’t sit back and watch anymore.

Eunwoo’s too soft.

He doesn’t know how to claim anything. He’s all smiles and coldness, pretending he knows what’s best for you, but he doesn’t.

He’s just playing the part.

And it’s time to put an end to that.

I glance at the kitchen, my thoughts darkening as I hear him talking to you.

He thinks he’s helping you, but all I can see is a fucking puppet acting like he belongs here.

I’m better than him. Hell, I deserve to be here more than he does. This house?

This job? It should be mine.

The rules? Are already mine to enforce.

I should’ve been the one you turned to. Not him You should’ve been mine from the start.

He walks out of the kitchen, his usual smug expression still plastered on his face.

I can’t stand it.

I don’t care if he’s a “good guy” or whatever. He’s in my way, and that’s all that matters now.

The idea starts to form. Slowly, at first. Then it hits me like a truck.

What if I fired him? What if I became the butler?

No more Eunwoo, no more outsider pretending to be what I should’ve been.

I can do this. I will do this.

I’m better for you. I know what you need. More than anyone. More than that fucking idiot.

He’s just a temporary fix. I’m the real deal.

I close my eyes, letting that thought sink in. I’ll show you, I think. I’ll be the one who gives you everything you need.

Not him.

Not that doll. Me.

And when he’s gone, when Eunwoo’s out of the picture and it’s just me and you, things are going to be different. Better.

I can’t wait to make you see that. To make you realize you’ve always needed me.

And then? Then, I’m going to remind you exactly who you should be with. No more distractions. No more pretending.

I hear Eunwoo’s voice again— laughing, talking to you like he’s your equal.

Like he has any right to be here. I can feel my teeth grind as I press my hand against the wall.

I want to tear the whole place apart. But I know better. I’ll play this slow. Play it right.

I’ll wait.

But not for long.

•••

Eunwoo sits on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone screen.

The house. The mansion.

It’s all starting to feel suffocating.

He’s been living here for what feels like forever now, taking care of everything in Mr. Jeon’s absence.

And the constant presence of you with your flirtatious glances and constant teasing, only makes it worse.

He can’t escape it.

You’re everywhere.

And frankly, he’s had enough.

But as he leans back on his bed, running a hand through his disheveled hair, a new notification buzzes on his phone.

It’s from Mr. Jeon.

He opens the message, his heart pounding for reasons he can’t quite understand.

Eunwoo, we’ve made arrangements. You are no longer needed in the house. There’s someone else we’ve chosen to take over. We appreciate everything you’ve done, but please pack your things. Don’t contact YN unless I say otherwise.

The words hit him like a cold splash of water. His stomach tightens, and for a second, he thinks he might be dreaming.

No. This can’t be real.

He stares at the message in disbelief, his grip tightening around his phone.

He scans it again, hoping for some sign that it’s a joke. But no, it’s crystal clear.

He’s being replaced.

Replaced.

His mind races. He’s been here for months, helping out, maintaining everything.

Mr. Jeon has always been distant, and you… well, you have been nothing but a problem.

A beautiful, infuriating problem.

The flirting, the jokes, the little games. At first, he thought it was harmless, but over time, it wore on him.

But despite his annoyance, he’d always been there for you. He’d made himself available, like he should have.

Yet, after all this time, all the care he’s put into the house and the way he’s tried to keep things smooth, he’s out.

And you?

You’ve been playing your games, too. Constantly teasing him, giving him these looks— like you know how badly you’re getting under his skin.

But now?

It doesn’t matter. He’s gone.

His phone slips from his hand, clattering onto the bed, as he rubs his temples.

Why did it have to end like this?

He stands, pacing around the room, his mind working overtime.

He knows he can’t stay here much longer, but he refuses to leave without some kind of explanation.

Some closure.

Then, the thought hits him.

Maybe it’s you. Maybe Mr. Jeon’s decision has something to do with you.

The way you flirt with him.

The way you tease him, your constant presence in his life, even when he doesn’t want it.

You’ve always been a distraction, a chaotic one, and maybe it’s finally gotten to Mr. Jeon.

A twisted part of Eunwoo wants to confront you, to demand answers.

But he knows that won’t do anything. Honestly, it is not your fault and You’re a force he can’t control.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair again, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

He can’t leave this place, not without feeling like he’s lost something.

And as for you?

Well, he’s going to miss you. In his own way.

Even if it’s just for the sheer annoyance of it all.

•••

You wake up to the soft light of the morning filtering through the curtains. As soon as you open your eyes, there is a huge smile on your face.

The house is eerily quiet, almost like it’s holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

You stretch, rubbing your eyes, still feeling the weight of yesterday’s events.

Honestly, it was such a nice night yesterday.

Your mind drifts back to Eunwoo, his cold demeanor, his calmness, and that strange little smile when you tried to get him to play games with you.

But today feels different. Something’s off. The house feels emptier.

You push the sheets off your legs and stand, the floor cool beneath your bare feet.

You feel the sudden need to wander, to escape the quiet of your room and distract yourself from the gnawing feeling in your chest.

As you walk down the hallway, you pass the door to Eunwoo’s bedroom. It’s cracked open just slightly.

You stop. Something compels you to push the door open, just enough to peek inside.

And there he is.

Eunwoo, packing his things. His clothes are neatly folded, his things carefully placed in a bag.

You blink, feeling your chest tighten.

“Eunwoo?” Your voice is small, unsure.

He doesn’t look up at first. It’s like he didn’t even hear you, but then, after a beat, he straightens and turns toward you, his face unreadable.

“I’m leaving,” he says quietly, as if the words don’t even matter.

You freeze, not sure if you heard him correctly. “What?”

You repeat, the word escaping your lips like a breathless gasp.

“What do you mean? You can’t just leave.”

He’s just messing with you… right because this has to be a fucking joke.

He looks at you for a long moment, his expression distant, like he’s already miles away in his mind.

“I’m done here,” he says, his tone calm but final. “They’re bringing someone else in. A new butler. I don’t need to be here anymore.”

Your heart sinks.

The words hit you harder than you expected, and before you even realize it, your eyes are welling up with tears.

You bite your lip, trying to hold it together, but it’s like everything from the past few days, all the teasing, the flirting, the silence, crashes down on you all at once.

“No…” you whisper, more to yourself than to him. “Please, don’t leave…”

Eunwoo stands still, his gaze softening for just a moment as he watches the tears that you’re trying desperately to hold back. You don’t know why it hurts so much..

why his leaving hits you like this.

It’s not like you were close.

He’s always been distant, cold, and you’ve been pushing him away with your flirtations and teasing.

But now, standing there in front of him, watching him pack, you feel like you’re losing something you didn’t even know you wanted.

“I’m sorry,” Eunwoo mutters, his voice low. “I shouldn’t have been so… cold.”

His words surprise you. For a moment, you just stare at him, unsure if he’s serious.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he adds, his expression softening even further.

It’s strange.

You’ve never seen him like this before, and it makes your chest tighten even more.

You wipe at your eyes, trying to steady your breath. “I didn’t want you to leave,” you say quietly, your voice shaking. “I didn’t think I’d miss you.”

Eunwoo is hesitating and for the first time since you’ve known him, you see a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

It’s almost like he doesn’t know how to respond to your vulnerability.

“I didn’t know you cared,” he admits quietly.

“I—;” you pause, not sure how to explain it. “I don’t know what I expected, but this isn’t it.”

For a moment, the air between you two is thick with unspoken things.

You can feel the weight of the silence wrapping around you, and your emotions threaten to spill over again.

Eunwoo steps toward you slowly, closing the distance between you.

“Don’t cry,” he says, his voice gentler now. “It wasn’t my intention to make you upset. I didn’t think…”

He trails off, clearly unsure of what to say. His eyes meet yours, and this time, there’s no judgment, no walls between you. Just softness.

“I’m sorry,” he repeats, and this time it feels real.

You sniffle, trying to steady yourself, but it’s no use. The tears come, and you don’t fight them anymore.

“I didn’t think I’d feel like this,” you confess. “I didn’t think it would hurt this much.”

Eunwoo looks at you, his face still soft but thoughtful, and for a second, you swear you see a flicker of something behind his eyes.

Maybe it’s regret. Maybe it’s more than that.

“Maybe I’ve been too cold,” he says, taking a hesitant step closer. “Maybe… maybe I was wrong.”

The vulnerability in his voice catches you off guard.

For a moment, you forget that he’s been so distant all this time.

Maybe he’s not as unaffected as you thought.

Maybe you weren’t the only one pretending.

As you look at him, the space between you two seems to shrink.

You can feel your heartbeat quicken, but the words you want to say don’t come.

And in that moment, you realize—

Eunwoo’s departure isn’t just about him leaving.

It’s about the fact that, somehow, you’ve become attached to him without even meaning to.

And now, he’s about to walk out of your life.

Fuck no.

[halfway-happyyy]

frank looking out for s/o who works at a diner, even though frank can't blame how pretty she looks in that cute waitress outfit and lace aprin but whenever a guy tries to be a creep around her, he saves her but not cause a scene cuz he doesn't want s/o to lose her job but as soon as that guy gets out of that diner, frank as his own way to tarch this guy a lesson.

I kind of love the idea of this, so allow me to run with it a bit.

warnings: mentions of blood, frank tunes a guy UP

frank had stumbled upon the diner by total fluke one morning. the rain that had begun as a drizzle when he first left his apartment had morphed into a full-on downpour, and the mere thought of a fresh cup of hot coffee was too enticing to pass up. so, soaked to the bone and in dire need of a caffeine boost, he stepped into the unassuming hideout.

he hadn't expected the place to be as soothing as it was, but for some inexplicable reason, he felt entirely at home tucked away in the cracked leather booth in the far corner. the mouth-watering scent of frying butter and freshly ground coffee beans permeated the entire establishment and helped to cement the notion that he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

small black and white tiles decorated the floor, and a myriad of vinyl records from the 50s and 60s took up space up on the wood-paneled walls. it reminded him of the spot in jersey that his old man used to take him to after his baseball games; the unexpected familiarity of it all causing a lump of emotion to swell in the hollow of his throat.

"goodness, you look cold..." her voice startled him from his reverie as she reached for his cup. "this'll do wonders for you, fresh from about five minutes ago."

frank swallowed hard and nodded his head. "thank you, ma'am."

she turned to leave, but hesitated. "I can take your coat for you, if you want... sling it over a vent in the back?"

frank was surprised at how much her offer touched him. eventually, he shook his head.

"ah, i'll be alright. thank you, though."

she seemed unconvinced but offered him a small smile regardless.

"alright, well you're welcome to stay as long as you need. i'll be sure to come around again before your cup runs empty."

"thank you, ma'am."

while he tried in vain to focus on the novel he was halfway through reading, he couldn't help but be a bit enamored with her. she moved around the place with a grace that only came from doing the same job for a long time; greeting everyone with a genuine zeal. while it was out of the realm of normality for him entirely, he could not help but be charmed by her. and true to her word, she never once let his cup run low.

when she brought him the bill, she subtly set a small to-go box beside it.

"I couldn't help noticing that you didn't order anything to eat, and in the interest of wanting to keep my customers happy, and returning, I insist that you take a slice of honey crisp apple pie home with you."

at a loss for what to say, frank simply nodded. "yes ma'am. thank you."

"I do hope to see you again, soon."

he couldn't think of a single thing that might hinder him from returning, so he simply cleared his throat and said, "I'll be back."

He made a habit out of spending most mornings in his booth. He could blame it on being annoyingly routine-driven, but deep down, he knew it was more than that. There was something about her that kept him coming back. He'd spent most of his life (after maria and the kids) denying himself of any semblance of goodness, so he figured he would let himself off the hook a bit with her.

"good morning, frank."

that damn voice - like warm honey.

"mornin', ma'am."

her frown was unmistakable as she reached for his mug.

"you've been coming here for months, frank, we must be on a first-name basis now, don't you think?"

he wasn't exactly sure how to explain to her that it was simply a respect thing. he had seen so many customers refer to her with disrespectful pet names that the idea of being lumped into the same category as them made his skin crawl.

he eventually murmured her name, liking the way it rolled off his tongue and smiled softly. "you look really nice today, by the way."

her cheeks turned a rosy hue, which made his smile even wider, and did a once-over of the lace apron that covered the ankle-length dress she wore underneath. "I wear the same thing every day, frank."

He nodded. "You look nice every day."

with a breathless sigh, she shook her head and murmured - "you silver-tongued devil, you."

"hey sweet cheeks!" a patron smacked the table twice and beckoned her toward him. "need a little help over here."

she glanced at frank with wide eyes and then left to tend to the men a couple tables over.

frank had been gripping the coffee mug so tightly, his knuckles grew white.

"tell me, sweetie, is this a standard diner uniform you got on, or do they make you wear a sexier one on account of that sweet, sweet ass you got behind ya?"

the men with him erupted in a cacophony of obnoxious laughter, and it was all he could do, not to wander over there and knock their blocks off on the spot.

she kept it professional and polite the entire time, and when she went back to refill frank's cup, she noticed the expression on his face immediately.

"it's okay," she urged. "I get it all of the time."

frank's lips twisted into a scowl. "it's not even remotely okay. it's disgusting."

"yeah, well, unfortunately for us women, they don't really make men like you anymore, frank." she glanced at the watch on the underside of her wrist and sighed. "I'm done in about an hour anyway - please don't make a scene."

frank took a deep breath and tried to savor the rich taste of the coffee on his tongue. tried to focus on anything other than ringing all of those - pathetic excuses for men's - bells. "I won't, of course." silence settled between them before he quirked a brow in mild amusment and mumbled, "I look like the kinda guy who would make a scene?"

"honestly, yes." she laughed.

he wasn't sure where the need to protect her had come from. he hardly knew her. but it was there, and he was growing tired of ignoring it.

he didn't offer to walk her to her subway stop this time, instead telling her that he wanted to stay a little longer to finish his book. she seemed dubious, but she didn't question him about it, only asking him if she would see him tomorrow morning.

he nodded once before confirming that he would be there.

"bye, frank."

he lifted a hand in a wave. "take care of yourself, kid."

it slipped out before he could catch it. he wasn't sure of her exact age, but he figured she was younger than him by a good stretch. in any regard - she didn't seem to mind the nickname at all. he might have even spotted the ghost of a smile on her face as she turned to leave.

frank waited patiently for the men to finish their meals, and when they rose to leave after paying their bills, he did too. there were three of them; all of which - he noted with satisfaction - could be overpowered all too easily. it took the one who was beaking off at her a good ten minutes to realize they were being followed, and he turned to frank, chest puffed and ready to rumble.

"there a reason you're following us?"

frank had backed them into a dead-end alley.

he hooked a thumb over his shoulder and spoke in a low, measured way.

"you owe that lady back there an apology for the way you spoke to her."

the men exploded in a fit of laughter that itched just beneath the surface of his skin, and caused his fists to flex at his sides.

"I don't owe that piece of ass a goddamn thing, asshole."

frank was on him in seconds, wailing on every part of the man's body he could get his fists on. he had expected the friends to join in - frank would have taken them as well, but when he glanced back, they were gone.

the roar that erupted from him was inherently primal - unfamiliar even to his own ears, and he knew then that he was reaching a precipice, of which there could be no return once crossed.

"you had enough yet? huh? you done?"

the man could barely form words - blood gushed from a myriad of cuts in his face, and he was missing a couple of teeth. frank ripped himself away from the sack of flesh in front of him, before wiping away the sweat from his brow.

"learn some fucking manners, man. try thinking twice before you ever speak to a girl like that again." he spit on the man for good measure and stalked off.

true to his word, he was back in his booth the very next morning.

"rough night?" she simpered, as she leaned over to fill his cup.

frank flexed his impossibly sore knuckles and shrugged. "I've had worse."

she slipped into the seat before him, and reached over to run a cool fingertip over the swollen curves of his knuckles. he fought the urge to shiver into the pleasant sensation.

"are you alright, frank?"

he cleared his throat. "yeah, I'm fine."

she gave him a last, longing gaze before getting up to continue her rounds. he caught her just as she was about to head to next table.

now or never, frankie-boy.

"will you have dinner with me?"

she seemed surprised, but in the place of that surprise, a wry smile tugged at the edges of her lips.

"are you asking me on a date, Mr. Castle?"

frank nodded. "yes ma'am, I am."

"well alright then," she beamed, and frank felt the warmth from her smile like a ray of sunshine on his face. "I'd love to grab dinner with you."

[lunar-fey]

$26.30/300

after officially 4 full weeks i am going to be back to work tomorrow! however, i do still need to pay bills before i'll have my first paycheck, specifically by monday, may 5th! i've lowered the goal just a touch since some meds can wait until after i get my check, but if ya'll can still spread this/help out it would be greatly appreciated!! thanks so much for the help thus far!!

please help your local disabled trans man being fucked over by its job

howdy! i'm nate and i currently work as an in-home caretaker for elderly and disabled folk! however, around 2 months ago my longterm client passed away very unexpectedly which left me without work for 2 weeks.

after that i did get a new client, but last monday (march 31) i got a call (at fucking 8:30 am. woke my ass up.) saying i didn't need to come in bc her daughter (who was in the process of moving in w her) is taking over as her caretaker. which like. fair.

BUT between the fact that she was always in and out bc of doctor appointments (also very understandable), and the fact that it has now been another week and a half since i've had hours to work, on top of the initial 2 weeks i was out, i'm uhhhhh hurtin a bit.

i've been checking with the manager every like 2-3 days to make sure there still aren't any clients i can take, literally just called today, but as of now i'm just sitting around with bills to pay and no way to get an income for who knows how long. SO.

IF you'd like to help out and you want something for your money there aint a lot i can offer, but i can do tarot readings, i can kinda draw (very slowly bc my hands r fucked up), do a bit of graphic design, write, and idk if you wanna pay me for something else send me a message and we can figure it out.

links below ˅˅˅

ANYTHING HELPS but for now. lets get through the month

$0/350

[celtrist]

Alastor's the most supportive guy I know.

Okay, but I'm sure some have noticed it's been a hot minute since I've done some drawing, and there's a bunch of reasons! But, for what I am willing to share:

Simply an art block. I don't know what to draw. I haven't been pulled into any doodle or illustration ideas too much lately and have been suffering from an ever-so-light burnout. Any recent art I've done is character based (like designs or refs), so not really anything anyone would be too interested in here. I have been sitting on doing a line-up of the hazbin gang to actually figure out how I would draw everyone, so maybe it'd be good to get around to doing that?

To follow up on that hazbin line-up idea and burnout, I think I've been getting a bit burned out on Hazbin. Not to say I'm leaving the fandom or not to expect any hazbin art in the future at all (who knows, a piece for the series might strike inspo). BUT, now would be a good time to remind that this is very much not a Hazbin-specific blog, it's a "whatever strikes my fancy at the moment" blog. And lately, while still a bit in a Hazbin mood, I've definitely been steering into other and new hyperfixations. It's honestly impressive I stayed in a Hazbin mood this long, I'm a very "get into a different fandom every few months" sort of person. Unfortunately, with a new fixation means new characters to get over drawing (I get very awkward drawing canon characters, it took a while to even attempt drawing for Hazbin haha). But, I'll probably push through and make art for it? I dunno, we'll see. I already wrote two stories on Ao3, so there's that, I guess?

So yeah, not dead but have been stumped on inspiration to draw and a bit Hazbin-ed out. I'll probably get back into it when season 2 comes out. Who knows, I could totally get back into it before then. But considering a large, if not most of everyone, who follows me (which I've never mentioned but holy shit, there's definitely more than I ever thought I'd get. Thank you so much!!) is for Hazbin, I figured it's fair to remind and warn that this is more of a multi-fandom blog.

Hopefully, I'll get more out of this funk with the art soon! I just wanted to give a quick update and offer a semi-lazy doodle.

[minh907]

Lost Spirit.

Sung Jinwoo x Ghost Reader

« Chapter 7 ✭Chapter 8

__________________

"Where are we?"

"It doesn't look like a dungeon at all?"

"The Gate is gone!"

The Hunters looked around and couldn't help but panic. Jinwoo examined the area by squinting his eyes as he remained composed.

'I don't feel anything suspicious...'

Thanks to the system, at least in this situation, Jinwoo was able to maintain his usual concentration. The first thing he analyzed were the trees. The giant green pine tree, which didn't exist in Korea, was reaching up as if it wanted to touch the sky, covering the landscape. The treetops were covered with a thick layer of snow.

Jinwoo looked down and met the eyes of the A-rank Hunter. He was also wary and observing the surroundings.

'...'

'...'

The two exchanged glances until they turned their faces simultaneously. You stood next to Jinwoo while you automatically held onto his shirt and observed the surrounding area with anxiety.

Red Gate.

So by chance, everyone was pulled into a red gate, or rather, another world, from which there was no way to return without defeating the boss.

Even though you couldn't feel the temperature around you right now, you couldn't help but shiver. In your hazy memories, a part of you could still remember and sense the danger of this situation, that it was very possible that everyone would be stuck here for a long time, or worse, killed.

A frown crossed your face as you held Jinwoo's shirt with a firm grip. Jinwoo noticed your discomfort so he took your hand while sending a reassuring look through his eyes.With him here, everything would be fine.

This worked, you relaxed a little more. More than anyone, you knew and saw that Jinwoo's power was stronger than anyone else's, and he was becoming more and more powerful.

Oh, and why you are in a Red Gate?

We need to return to several days back.

_________________

"I would like to request a favor from you if it's acceptable."

Jinwoo nodded. "If it's within my ability!"

At the very least, Jinwoo would try to hear what it was. He didn't refuse right away. First, he didn't know what it was, and second, he felt that she was a very enthusiastic person.

The teacher quickly spoke as if she was afraid that Jinwoo would change his mind.

"A female student here has just gone through an awakening phase. And she's planning to drop out of school to become a hunter. She hasn't come to class for a while now..."

You frowned.

That was quite common. Some people, after awakening and receiving their abilities, quickly threw themselves into the Hunter profession. Even though they didn't know what the job required or what it would achieve, they were still proud that they had become different from ordinary people. Achieving the hunter title and easily making money had blinded many people.

"If this continues, the school has no choice but to take strong action. I don't want that to happen. Even if you’re a hunter, I think it's better to have a high school diploma, right?"

Jinwoo nodded in agreement. At the positive response, her face brightened a little. "Can you help me, try to convince her, at least get a diploma?"

_____

You and Jinwoo leave the teacher's office.

"What is everyone in the world thinking now? Dropping out of school to become a hunter? How reckless, how stupid."

You complained.

Jinwoo just chuckled lightly at your annoyed attitude. He calmly replied, "Everyone has their own reasons. Besides, Songyi is still very young, she doesn't know what she's facing."

You pouted. "There's no need to be so reckless! She was just awaken, her rank is low... And she hasn't even graduated from high school yet."

Your voice carried a hint of reproach, as if you were the one whose best friend suddenly dropped out of school. Jinwoo glanced at you, his deep eyes seemed to be pondering something.

The sound of your footsteps blended into the stream of students leaving school in front of the school gate. You unconsciously stepped closer to Jinwoo, snuggling up to him to avoid the sudden cold wind.

Jinwoo silently shielded you, not saying anything more.

The two of them arrived in front of Han Songyi's house, a troublesome girl that he had to convince.

'People like that will die first in the Dungeon...'

Jinwoo had experienced it himself, so he understood it very well. The thin line between life and death that an E-rank Hunter always encounters. If it weren't for his mother's terminal illness, he would never have set foot on this path. For an E-rank Hunter, the Dungeon was too dangerous. The situation would become irreversible if he delayed his action because she would definitely end up with regrets.

'That happens pretty often.'

Every day, dozens of Hunters in the world lost their lives. Jinwoo didn't care, nor did he have the right to care about their lives. Simply put, those were their decisions.

'However...'

This person was no stranger. If the teacher didn't give her name, even if she was Jinah's classmate, he would still refuse. But, she was someone Jinwoo had met before, there was no way they could have the same name.

"Uncle, why are you here?"

As expected, the girl recognized him.

A high school girl who wanted to become a Hunter. The only female member of the Yoo Jinho raid party. After all, his relationship with her had been established before the teacher proposed it.

'Han Songyi!'

Hearing the name spoken by the homeroom teacher, Jinwoo knew who it was without even looking at the file. The day she left school was the day he started raiding with Jinho. When he realized this, even though he knew it wasn't true, Jinwoo still thought it was partly his own fault. Because those were extremely unreasonable raids, it couldn't be used as a measure of a Hunter's income. In just one week, a high school hunter had earned 30 million, it was unimaginable.

'But one thing is certain.'

In the future, if he heard that the girl died in the Dungeon, it would prick his conscience. A thorn in his heart that could not be erased. That was why, today, Jinwoo decided to persuade Songyi, not to let things go any further.

Han Songyi stared at Jinwoo with wide eyes. She hesitated for a moment.

"So the Hunter that the teacher wanted to introduce to you is an uncle?"

You started laughing because Jinwoo appeared annoyed by the uncle title yet he managed to force a smile.

"I don't what the teacher told you and I won't return to school. I won't give up on being a Hunter!"

The girl firmly cut everything off before Jinwoo could say or do anything. When she was raiding, she was quite quiet, but when it came to the future, she was a decisive person. Kids these days really grow up fast.

'It's like some little girl living at home with me...'

He said calmly.

"I don't intend to make you give up being a Hunter either..."

Songyi reacted with stunned disbelief after hearing the news. "Really?"

"Jinwoo?" You were surprised, too.

He looked at you with a reassuring gaze. Jinwoo knew very well that telling a child not to do something was the best way to make them do it. From the beginning, he had no plans to persuade them with words. Reality was a thousand times better than talking.

"Then, why are you here?"

Jiwoo stepped forward. The little girl stepped back in surprise but still didn't flinch. Looking at Songyi, Jinwoo smiled. He didn't mean anything by it, but it was a rather 'sly' smile, with a hidden evil nature.

"I want to train you to be a top hunter!"

No need for any more convincing. The vision Jinwoo had drawn of the Baekho Guild's rookie training course made her unable to hold back any longer. She eagerly followed Jinwoo without any doubts.

_________________________

And that's why you all are here.

Han Songyi hurriedly approached and pulled your shirt.

"Excuse me, but something's wrong, right?"

Before you could reply, Jinwoo spoke. "We're in a Red Gate. That means until we're all dead, or the Dungeon explodes, no one will come to us."

Her eyes were filled with fear. The confident appearance before entering had completely disappeared. You looked at her, it was terrible that Songyi was caught in this, after all, she was only 16 years old. Suddenly, a sense of danger came over you, making your heart stop. Unconsciously, you quickly waved your hand in front of Songyi.

Her eyes widened.

Whoosh!

The arrow that was caught was still swaying in your hand. It seemed like it was still angry because it missed its target. It was right in the middle of Songyi's forehead. Then it crumbles to dust, your hands are completely fine.

"Ah... ah..."

As if she had just realized what had happened, Songyi's face turned pale. But she couldn't say anything. Screams came from the remaining Hunters.

"Kiyaaaaaah!"

"U-uwaak!"

Thud!

Blood leaked from the unfortunate Hunter's mouth. He fell to the ground with the arrow aimed straight at his forehead. The crimson blood spread evenly on the white snow. The remaining Hunters groaned in fear. Two arrows flew towards them at the same time. And like the other victim, they didn't see the arrow you caught.

Immediately, Jinwoo stood in front of you and Songyi.

Kim Chul pushed away a person who was approaching.

"You, you, you and you!"

Apart from the man just now, Kim Cheol pointed at a few more people, including you, Jinwoo and Songyi. Jinwoo's eyes twitched. He realized Kim Chul's intention. The muscular man pointed at five people. Five C-rank Hunters and below.

"Unfortunately, I can't take you guys with me. A day in here is only an hour outside. Worst case, it will take months until I take down the Boss. Babysitting does not suit my natural abilities."

Your expression showed disapproval while you crossed your arms in front of you. 'How arrogant. How presumptuous."

The hunters who were eliminated by Kim Chul tried to protest. But Kim Cheol's glance silenced them all. With false kindness, he continued.

"It's not too bad. You just have to survive until I take down the boss of this place."

The Hunters were looking at Kim Chul's team with pleading eyes, but in vain. All of them ignored them, except for one person.

"Excuse me!"

A female B-rank Hunter in Kim Chul's team raised her hand. When Kim Chul turned around, she gestured towards Jinwoo."Can I go to that team?"

"If you want!"

Without hesitation, she walked straight towards Jinwoo. Kim Chul was quite surprised by this situation. He looked towards the female Hunter and Jinwoo, but quickly snorted and said loudly. "Well, it seems like there's still a vacant position, I'll recruit another member..."

"I... it's me..."

The man who was pushed down earlier, he hurriedly ran over. It seemed like everything was already arranged. Jinwoo clicked his tongue.'This woman, she's strange...'

Jinwoo studied her face with a mixture of curiosity and caution. She quietly approached Jinwoo to speak directly in his ear so he could hear her words alone. Your discomfort grew as she approached Jinwoo because their proximity made you frown.

"Kim Chul, he didn't see the arrow coming!"

"So what?"

She smiled. "You're not an E-rank, right?"

________

Jinwoo's group moved towards the forest. As soon as he saw them disappear into the bushes, Kim Chul laughed loudly. It seemed like he had stopped laughing for now.

"Fools"

"Huh?"

"Look over there."

Kim waved his arm and pointed at the trees in the forest. It wasn't just a few trees. That direction was filled with scratches, made by giant beasts.

"Ice bears!"

Bears were especially dangerous among beasts! The scratches on the trees were how they marked their territory. The Hunters in Kim Chul's group clicked their tongues.

"I'd rather wait here."

"That E-rank guy will lead the group to their deaths."

"What the hell does an E-rank know?"

Kim Chol looked at the forest. "That's right. What the hell does an E-rank know..."

Wait. Suddenly, Kim's smile disappeared. 'There are two C-rank Hunters in that team, and even one B-rank Hunter.'

But why did he think Jinwoo was the captain? He still didn't understand why. 'Well, whatever.'

They'll die soon. Kim shifted his attention to his responsibilities while dismissing those weak individuals. Living requires hard work to discover survival methods because death comes easily. Kim Chul turned towards the road and spoke with authority.

"Let's go."

___________

Jinwoo was leading the way. You walked side by side with him, and Songyi was still holding onto your sleeve, wary. However, Park Hee-jin had already run up in front and blocked your path.

"Are you crazy?"

You crossed your arms, not hiding your annoyance. "Watch your words."

Park Hee-jin softened her tone after seeing your expression. "There is something important I must share with you." Hee-jin's fingers pointed at a nearby tree. "Do you see that?"

A large claw mark on the trunk. All the trees around them were severely damaged, to the point that it was hard to find an intact one

"That's how bears mark their territory! This entire forest is the Snow Bear's territory!"

In the animal world, a dog or a monkey is weaker than a tiger or a lion. The same is true for the magical beast world. A tiger or a lion is much harder to deal with than a dog or a monkey.

And what about bears? They are definitely strong, especially when they take the form of a white bear - one of the strongest carnivores. Now Jinwoo's group has set foot in the territory of those terrible beasts.

That's why Park Hee-jin is furious. "We have to go back now! Before the bears come!"

Jinwoo clicked his tongue. Hee-jin thought he would make one of three expressions: angry, surprised, or dumbfounded. But contrary to her expectations, he looked at her with pity. Park Hee-jin's face turned red with embarrassment.

"W-what?" She raised her voice again.

He sighed and opened his mouth. "It's hard to find an intact tree, which means there's more than just one or two ice bears, right?"

"Yes, so we have to go back soon..."

"That's why we moved into the forest."

Hee-jin looked at him with wide eyes.

'She still doesn't understand?' You pouted. Strange, why do you feel angry at this person?

"When we're in the forest, we only have to be wary of bears."

Hee-jin finally realized what Jinwoo wanted to say. If the forest was the territory of the snow bears, then there was nothing that threatened the bears. The system protected them from the appearance of more powerful beasts.

'I should have considered that earlier...'

Hee-jin felt ashamed about her loud outburst directed at Jinwoo. Her face was red all the way to her neck, and she didn't dare to look up.

You clicked your tongue, and Jinwoo looked over at you. He wondered why you were more upset than everyone else. Then he saw that everyone was shivering. Maybe it was because you were cold?

Sighing, Jinwoo called the store and searched through the list of available items. He picked out a thick down jacket and winter boots. He gently put the jacket on you, and making sure you were warm enough, he pulled you closer to him. You blushed.

And so as not to discriminate, he also gave the jackets to the others. Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

"Space magic!!?" Hee-jin was surprised and raised her head.

Ignoring their expressions, Jinwoo said calmly. "Each of you choose one." The man reached for his coat while continuing his speech. A sudden force pulled at his hand.

Jinwoo rotated his head to spot Han Songyi. She tried to avoid his gaze and stammered, "Uncle, what are you?"

You stealthily removed her hand from Jinwoo's.

Jinwoo frowned. The stream of questions showed no sign of stopping which would give him a headache. "We need to reach an agreement."

Jinwoo said sternly. "I bring you here, so it's my responsibility to protect you. But..."

Jinwoo lowered his voice. "Don't ask me anything." Jinwoo looked up, looking at Hee-jin and the other hunters. "You too. Don't ask me anything, and don't ask for anything."

And he continued. "If you don't agree, just leave. I don't forbid it."

"What's about her?" A hunter pointed at you, who was still daydreaming about Jinwoo's gentle actions just now. Seeing yourself mentioned, you raised your head in question.

Jinwoo looked at you for a moment, then said. "This person is an exception, she's my partner. Of course, you don't have the right to ask her anything either. Otherwise, then leave the team yourself."

______

Screams echoed throughout the forest.

"Oh my god!"

"Ice bear!"

You froze, looking at the giant monster in horror - a white snow bear twice the size of a polar bear, its chest glowing with magical marks.

"Gwahhhh!!!"

The bear roared, the heavy sound making the air tremble. The Hunters were almost frozen in place, except for Jinwoo. Beside him, you unconsciously clung to his shirt tighter. Park Hee-jin ran up in panic.

"I'll attract it, everyone hurry-!"

Before she could do anything, she was pulled back decisively by Jinwoo. He said coldly. "These magical beasts, leave it to me."

You saw his eyes clearly, strangely calm, as if life and death were nothing. Not paying attention to the shouts of resistance behind him, Jinwoo walked straight in front of the ice bear. Jinwoo briefly turned his head towards you while you held your breath from fear before he tried to comfort you with eye signals. "Don't be afraid."

You pursed your lips, nodding slightly, though your heart was still churning with unease. The bear swung its huge claws like a white storm.

Woosh.

But Jinwoo disappeared from its reach in the blink of an eye.

Immediately after, BAM!

A decisive punch landed squarely on the ice bear's head, sending it crashing to the ground, blood staining the snow.

[Level up!]

The announcement rang out in Jinwoo's head, while you and the other Hunters could only stand there, speechless. Park Hee-jin stood frozen as she asked "You...what the hell are you?"

Jinwoo checked on you before he turned around to scratch his head in a lazy manner while saying "I told you. Don't ask anything. If you don't like it, go back."

But Park Hee-jin, after a moment of shock, immediately bowed her head deeply. "Please lead us! We will follow you!"

The other hunters also nodded vigorously.

You looked up, meeting Jinwoo's gaze, which, compared to when you were facing the monster, was much gentler. He gently lifted his hand, gently brushing the stray snowflakes that had just fallen into your hair. "Let's go."

His voice stayed steady but his eyes showed a soft warmth that existed only for you and could be felt only by you. Your belief in safety rested on staying near Jinwoo because his presence shielded you from both the frigid conditions and potential threats.

________________________

To be continue.

_________________________

Chapter 9 »

________________________

tag: @weaponxgames @sky2lar @snowy-violet @joannthebish @fackeraccount @tanspostsblog @perkypeony @ssolarsystm @winter-soldier-101 @soft-dots @snowlycanroc @sweetchimpeaches @daiyanomochi @sabrina-senpai

(let me know if I forget to tag anyone)

and special thanks to @delusionillusion3322 and @o-qi-shisme who have supported and motivated me a lot while making this serie.

Love you all! ❤

[dameronspector]

Philophobia (Part 5)

Pairing: Joaquin Torres x Stark!Reader

Chapter Summary: After a mini panic attack, you and Joaquin leave for Maryland and you talk to an old friend. You come face to face with Walker and every one has to pull you back before you attack him. You and Joaquin are almost friends now and Bucky informs you about 2 shocking things.

Warnings: Mentions of wanting to kill a person, panic attacks, We have a major cameo(s) in this one 👀, Reader is mentioned to have hair, Joaquin and Reader are slowly becoming friends, Reader is slowly becoming comfortable around Joaquin, Talks of vandalizing a property, Jealous!Joaquin, John Walker Hatred, John Walker is an asshole, I don’t know anything about the American law,that’s all i think!

AN: sooo sorry for the delay! hope u enjoy this and the cameo ☺️

“(Name)? Honey?”

You haven’t heard that voice since the following week after the funeral. Since the day you distanced yourself from them.

You swallowed thickly and stumbled back. Joaquin rushed over to steady you with his hands on your elbows.

“(Name)? Are you okay?”, Joaquin asked, concerned.

You whispered only one word.

“M-May..?”

“Oh honey, how are you? It’s been so long since I heard your voice…”

You were trying so hard to focus on her voice but all you heard were old conversations and the laughter of a certain someone. The conversations and the laughter that you didn’t want to hear again but deep down, you knew you missed them.

“Hey, do you wanna sit down? Your hands are shaking, (Name)”, Joaquin asked you quietly. He was worried for you and felt his insides simmer with anger because whoever the person was on the other end of the phone was the reason for your current state. He touched your hands lightly and you jerked back. You shook him off and clenched your jaw before ending the call.

Joaquin maintained a safe distance from you to give you your space. He saw the way you had clenched your jaw so tightly and how you were gripping your phone like your life depended on it.

“Call a cab. I’ll pack my stuff”, you replied shortly and rushed back to the guest room.

Joaquin stood there dumbfounded, trying to figure out what the hell just happened. But he decided not to bother you anymore and made quick work of calling a cab.

Meanwhile, in the room, you were trying your best to not freak out. You ran a hand through your hair and grabbed them before taking deep breaths.

You had asked Happy to warn you any time he was with May so you could avoid moments like these. You knew they were dating. And you were happy for them. But you just couldn’t go back to being normal with May and…Peter. Just thinking about them made your chest hurt with all the memories but you compartmentalised it and began packing your bags hurriedly. You knew you had put Joaquin on the spot. You saw and felt how panicked he was. You needed to apologise to him. Once again.

-

You and Joaquin finally settled into the cab and drove off for Maryland. It was way too quiet in the car and you felt like it was your fault.

“Hey, Joaquin?”

He turned his head to look at you. “Yes?”

You hesitated. “Uh- look, I’m sorry. I keep putting you on the spot like this. I’m sorry.”

He observed you carefully before speaking up. “Don’t worry about it. Are you okay, though? You looked pretty shaken up.”

You scoffed. “Yeah, I’m fine. That phone call just..took me by surprise.”

He seemed to weigh his options and decided to ask anyway.

“Do you…wanna talk about it? Only if you’re comfortable. No pressure”, he asked nervously.

You pressed your lips into a thin line. “Maybe some other day.”

Joaquin was shocked. This means you were willing to share your problems with him in the future? This was progress.

He nodded quickly and gave you a soft smile.

He had such a radiant smile, you thought.

You cleared your throat and decided to distract yourself by calling up a contact to help with Bucky’s case.

The phone rang twice before someone picked it up.

“Nelson and Murdock, how can I help you?”

“Hey, Matthew.”

“(Name)? Did you get a new phone number?”

You sighed. “Yeah, somethin’ like that. How are you?”

“I’m good. I haven’t heard from you since…”, he paused and let out a breath. “Shit. I’m sorry, (Name)”, he responded softly.

You gulped harshly in order to keep your tears from flowing. “It’s okay. Um- I wanted your help regarding a case.”

“Why? Did you break another car?”, he teased you lightly.

You gasped. “That was one time. It was an emergency!”

Joaquin turned his head to look at you in confusion.

“If by ‘emergency’ you mean purposely vandalising a private property of a big shot lawyer because you wanted to teach him a lesson for denying your father’s case then, sure”, he responded smugly. That asshole.

You rolled your eyes and groaned.

Yes, you vandalised a big shot lawyer’s car 10 years ago because he had refused to take up your father’s case against Aldrich Killian back in 2013 and yes, you sneaked out with Happy who was extremely stressed the whole time. Your dad found out about it immediately and he was confused between getting angry at you out of concern and laughing his ass off. He hugged you tightly and made you promise him not to do this again and asked Matt to handle the situation, which he did, with the classic Murdock ease and charm. Since then, Matt Murdock has been a close acquaintance, a friend even, and your favorite lawyer because he was just the perfect amount of chill and batshit insane (reckless) to get along with you (you’re never telling him that. That man is cocky enough.) “Shut up, smartass."

Matt chuckled.

"Listen to me now. You know James Barnes, right?”

He hummed. “Of course.”

“You gotta find a solution to release him from his pardon conditions. At least, temporarily.”

“Well, what are the conditions?”

“That he has to attend therapy sessions every week.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Sure, but not when he’s getting arrested for missing them while he’s on a mission. I’m on my way to Maryland to bail him out with Sam Wilson.”

Matt sighed. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do. It can be a little tricky given who he is…but I’ll manage. Text me the details. And call me immediately once you get to the police station, okay? Don't talk to any of the cops or counselors on your own.”

"Yep, noted. Thanks, Matthew."

"Why do you use my full name?"

"D'you prefer I call you Matty? Or Red? Or Dev-"

"Okay! okay, shut up. Forget I asked, Stark", he mumbled in fake annoyance.

You chuckled. "Bye, Murdock."

You ended the call and texted Matt all the details right away.

Joaquin couldn't help but feel that irritating green monster in the pit of his stomach. Who was this Matt? How were you so close to him? Why did you talk so easily to him? Wh-

"Are you okay?", you asked, your eyebrows furrowed in concern. His eyebrows were drawn so close that it made a dent in between them. He was frowning and almost pouting while clenching his hand into a fist. He looked really cute but you pushed that thought far away into the corner of your mind.

Joaquin hadn't noticed how he had curled his hand into a fist. He immediately relaxed his hand and shifted in his seat under your sharp gaze. He gave you a tight smile.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

You scanned his face to understand what was happening and decided to leave it for now.

“Okay. Well, I’ve texted my lawyer about Bucky’s case. We’ll reach in about half an hour. Could you call Sam to inform him about all this while I finish sending the documents?”

Joaquin gave you a terse nod and chose to call Sam right away to avoid embarrassing himself any further.

-

After half an hour, you finally reached in Maryland and made your way into the police station. You could see Sam sitting in the waiting area and the two of you approached him.

"Sam?"

He pulled up his head from where he was cradling it between his hands and looked at you. He stood up and made his way over.

"Hey man, you good?", Joaquin asked him in concern.

Sam let out a big sigh. "I guess. I'll tell you the rest later. Hope ya'll didn't face any problems to get here."

You shifted in unease as you remembered your...situation before departing.

Joaquin noticed this and immediately covered for you. "Nope, we got here smoothly. We even got ourselves a lawyer, right, (Name)?"

You snapped out of your daze and nodded at him. "Yeah, Sam, he's really good. I've sent him all the necessarily details about Bucky's case and he said he'd help. What are we doing now? He's asked me to call him as soon as I get here."

Sam gave you a nod and asked you to follow him to the reception where you signed certain papers and called up Matt.

After holding a meeting with the deputy and counselors, Matt managed to convince them to let off Bucky from attending the sessions temporarily for a few months. They had agreed on a single condition, Bucky would have to go to an extra session before leaving today. You all agreed to it and let out a sigh of relief.

"Seriously, Matt, Thank you."

"I'm a really good lawyer, you know that", he responded cheekily. He was one more instance away from trademarking that line.

You cringed. "You're so corny, you know that?".

Matt chuckled heartily and you could just see the way his dimples must've popped out perfectly and the way his eyes must've crinkled at the corners. What? You're not about to deny that he's ridiculously attractive. That would be the lie of the century.

"Eh, so I've been told. Anyways, please take out time to meet us someday. Foggy and Karen miss you loads", he requested gently in that smooth voice of his.

You frowned and let out a short breath. Foggy was the sweetest and funniest person you have met in a while and Karen immediately took a liking to you, offering her support like she was your elder sister. The last time you hung out with them was after the Sokovia Accords were dissolved. And then, everything went downhill while you turned into a recluse.

"I miss them, too. I'll try my best, Matt. Thank you again."

"Take care, sweetheart", and he ended the call. You took a deep breath in and exhaled it. You went over to stand next to Joaquin and your attention was caught by a group of people surrounding someone. You moved closer to find out that it was John Walker.

"What the fuck is he doing here?", you murmured lowly. Joaquin grimaced next to you. "Oh, I'd love to punch him in the face", you growled, Joaquin huffed out a chuckle. He observed the way your sharp gaze cut into Walker. He was so sure you'd beat up Walker if they left you alone with him. Before he could stop you, you made your way over to stand next to Sam, protectively.

It was funny, yet endearing to Joaquin, to watch you protect a grown man twice your size and who was a literal Avenger. But this is why Joaquin loved you-you'd do anything for the people that you considered your family.

“-Yeah we did some field ops back in the day.”

“I heard you were working with Bucky, so I thought I’d step in.”

“That’s Barnes for you, Walker”, you spoke up in a sharp tone.

“Kid…”, Sam murmured and grabbed your arm gently to stop you.

Walker’s blank blue eyes shifted to look at you in interest. “(Name) Stark? The Golden Child? Midnight?”

You stiffened at his use of your alter-ego. You haven’t heard that name in a while.

He flashed that fake, TV-star smile at you and extended a hand to shake. “Wow. It’s an honour. I’m John Walker, Captain America.”

You folded your arms across your chest and stared at him in boredom.

Walker’s face flickered with a look of surprise but he quickly covered it up with his media training and let out a weak chuckle.

“Well…that’s fine. We’ll make up some other day”, and that bastard winked at you. Like it was a fucking joke and you were buddies. You gaped at him in shock and moved your arm to strike but Sam squeezed your arm carefully and pushed you behind him. You clenched your jaw and glared daggers at him from over Sam’s shoulders. You noticed a group of people taking pictures and you rolled your eyes in annoyance.

“Bucky's not gonna be following a strict schedule any longer", Walker announced casually as if it wasn't Matt who helped clear Bucky's schedule, you quirked an eyebrow in boredom.

"We haven't finished our work, who authorized this?", Raynor questioned.

"Um..", Walker smiled smugly and pointed at himself. You scrunched your face in disgust, what a fucking liar.

You turned just in time to see Bucky being escorted out. He sauntered over to the reception and leaned against it with a bored expression. You went over to him and Joaquin followed you.

He raised his head up and his eyes widened as soon as they fell on you. "Kid? What are you two doing here?"

"Sam called. They've excused you from attending the sessions temporarily."

"How'd you do that?", Bucky asked with his eyebrows furrowed.

"I know a really good lawyer", you smirked and Joaquin clenched his fists again. Seriously, who the fuck was this guy?

"Thanks, kid-", Bucky snapping his head up cut you off. You and Joaquin turned your heads at the same time to see Walker standing there.

Bucky let out a humorless scoff behind you. "Of course he knows my therapist."

Joaquin turned his attention to Bucky. "That's your therapist?", he asked him incredulously.

Bucky nodded. Your eyes widened. "Fuck that. I don't like her either", you muttered.

Bucky let out a small chuckle. "That makes the two of us."

"-I"ll be outside!", Walker announced loudly and retreated with a peace sign. You and Joaquin cringed. "What a loser...", Joaquin mumbled and you let out a small scoff.

"James, condition of your release, session now. You too, Sam", Raynor informed and walked over to a room, Bucky ducked his head and put his hand on his hip. Sam interjected, "That's okay, I'll be out here with-" "That wasn't a request", Raynor cut him off firmly. Bucky sighed and reluctantly followed Raynor. Sam let out a frustrated huff and gave you and Joaquin a look, to which you responded with a sympathetic smile, before following Bucky. You let out a sigh and turned to face Joaquin, "Well, let's get out of here, I can't stand this...atmosphere anymore."

You and Joaquin stepped out of the station, a silence hanging in between you two. You could see how Joaquin was on edge, wanting to ask you something but bailing out on the last moment. "Do you wanna say something, flyboy?", you asked him with your eyebrows raised in interest. Joaquin stiffened up before clearing his throat. "Uh- who's this lawyer you contacted? Is he really that good?"

"Oh, Matt? Yeah, he's one of the best. I know him since I was a stupid teenager", you let out a chuckle before continuing, "He's a...peculiar man, but that's why we get along so well. He supported me a lot when I was uh- depressed, during the Blip", you confessed off-handedly. Joaquin straightened up again, hating the fact that he was feeling jealous over another guy supporting you during a rough time, but you talked so fondly about this Matt guy that he wished it would've been him.

"Oh, I see. You seem....close", Joaquin murmured, his eyes set in front of him on the road. You turned to observe him closely, his cheeks with tinged with a shade of pink. A treacherous smile spread against your face and you bit your cheek to stop it. Was he blushing? Or embarrassed? Or-

"I feel awful", Bucky's voice cut through your thoughts, him and Sam joining you. Before any of you could make a comment, the loud blaring of a siren cut you off. You jumped, your heart pounding because of the sudden sound and Joaquin quickly put a hand on your back, gently moving it in circles to calm you down. You froze at the contact before eventually relaxing against it. Taking a notice of this, Joaquin confidently pressed his hand against your back and rubbed it with his thumb. You felt your face heat up.

"Gentlemen", he addressed Sam and Bucky with his hand raised in the air, "Good to see you again", he flashed that stupid smile again. You rolled your eyes and huffed before folding your arms across your chest. Bucky kept walking before Walker stopped him, "Look if we divide ourselves, we don't stand a chance, you guys know that."

"Listen up, Blondie, you just came onto the scene. Both of them are avengers and soldiers at the same time. They know what they're doing", you scoffed bitterly, facing Walker.

He gave you a disbelieving smile. "Damn...just like your father, aren't you. Bet you get that a lot, huh?", he finished with a sarcastic chuckle. You clenched your fists before Joaquin put a hand on your arm to soothe you. "And you try to be Steve, don't you? Bet you get that a lot", you bit back. That wiped the smile off of Walker's face and he clenched his jaw. Sam assessed the situation and tried to break the tension, "So, what do you got?"

Walker laid out all the information they had on the girl, Karli, and how they targeted the civilians who helped her move from place to place, how they were geotagging the location and scrambled the signal. The government satellites found their symbol popping up in various displaced communities all across Central and Eastern Europe and that she was taking stolen medicines to these camps.

"But, there's hundreds of those all across the planet since the Blip", Joaquin spoke up for the first time, his eyebrows furrowed. Walker looked at him with a bored expression. "So, I guess you'll have to look real hard", Bucky quipped.

"Good thing I have 20/20 vision, huh?", Walker sassed back.

"Then use that 20/20 vision and get back to work, John", you squinted your eyes at him. Bucky looked at you and smirked, Walker fixed you with a glare.

"Where is she now, Walker? Do you know?", Bucky challenged him.

Walker raised his voice, "No, we don't know, Bucky. But it's only a matter of time before we find out."

Bucky raised his eyebrows in fake concern, "Things are really intense for you, aren't they, Walker?"

Walker looked at Bucky with a lost expression on his face. Sam walked over to Bucky and placated him. "Take it easy. Look, Walker's right", you opened your mouth to argue and he stopped you, "It is imperative that we find them and stop them", Sam turned to address Walker and Lemar, "But you guys have rules of engagement, and all kinds of authorizations that you have to get. We're free agents. We're more flexible. So, it wouldn't make sense for us to work with you", Sam conceded.

You and Joaquin exchanged a look of pride before starting to walk away when that agitating voice spoke up again, "A word of advice, then", the four of you turned around lazily, "Stay the hell out of my way", Walker threatened.

You raised your eyebrows in shock. "Or? What are you gonna do?", you spit at him. Walker stared you down before smirking at you, challenging. Joaquin stepped closer to you and held your arm, gently pulling you along.

"Sam, if you don't let me blow his head off, I swear to god", you mumbled in annoyance.

The three of them let out chuckles and Sam slung an arm around your shoulders. "Imma start calling you terminator now", Sam joked and you shot him a glare. He just gave you a cheesy smile and you rolled your eyes fondly at him. “By the way, what were you two doing in Maryland?”

Bucky shifted uncomfortably at the question. “Go ahead, why don’t you explain to them, Bucky?”, Sam asked him in a sarcastic manner. You turned to look at Bucky with your eyebrows raised.

“We…well, I introduced Sam to a super soldier that I had skirmish with in the Korean War. His name is Isaiah Bradley”, Bucky confessed.

“What?!”, you and Joaquin exclaimed in unison. “And you’re saying this now? Buck-” “I know, I know. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t want to invade his privacy. He was finally living a peaceful life after a long time. He lives with his grandson, Elijah, here”, Bucky’s voice dripping with apology.

You let out a sorrowful sigh. Joaquin spoke up, curiosity lacing his tone, “What happened with him? How does nobody speak of him?”

Bucky sucked in a breath, “The government experimented on him and put him in jail for 30 years. He was hurt seeing me in front of him after...everything. He didn’t wanna see us. Rightfully resents me and the Avengers for getting to live a normal life instead of him.”

“And because he was black”, Sam says as a matter of fact.

Joaquin frowned and you closed your eyes in sadness, nodding your head in understanding. You would love to meet him someday but you get his view point. He deserved better. You promised yourself that you'd get his name cleared after all this is over.

You grimaced as you remembered the conversation with Walker, “What do we do now? Walker is going to be a pain in the ass. We need to get to Karli before him or Lemar.”

“I can track them, keep an eye out on their moments”, Joaquin offered.

“Yeah, keep up with that, Joaquin. I’ll need frequent updates. Can’t trust those two at all”, Sam agreed. The four of you made your way away from the station and Sam acknowledged Bucky, "So, what are you thinking?"

"Well, I know what we have to do. When Isaiah said 'my people'.."

"Oh, don't take that to heart, that's not what he meant", Sam tried to explain to Bucky.

"No, he meant Hydra. Hydra used to be 'my people'", Bucky conceded. Sam looked at Bucky and scoffed, "Not a chance."

You and Joaquin followed them silently, listening to their conversation with rapt attention.

"Walker doesn't have any leads...", something about Bucky's tone alarmed you and you understood why Sam reacted in the way he did. You squinted your eyes at Bucky's back. Joaquin, bless him, had no idea about what was going on so he just looked back and forth between you and Bucky with a confused look plastered on his face.

"I know where you're going with this, no", Sam shook his head in disagreement.

"He knows all of Hydra's secrets. Don't you remember Siberia?"

And that's when it clicked you. "There's no fucking way", you chuckled in disbelief. Sam shared a look with you and turned his attention back to Bucky. "So you're just gonna go sit in a room with this guy?"

Bucky hesitated before getting out a light, "Yes", with a nod of his head.

You and Sam shook your heads in disbelief.

Joaquin looked at you in confusion, "What is happening?"

You let out a sarcastic chuckle. Sam let out a weary sigh and responded with a simple, "Okay, then. We're gonna go see Zemo."

"Okay? Sam! He's- oh my god you guys are, once again, way too nonchalant about all this. He's talking about meeting up with fucking Zemo!", you glowered with a hand gesturing towards Bucky.

Joaquin's eyes widened. "The same Zemo who-" "Who broke my family apart? Yeah. Because of whom my dad, Bucky and Steve almost killed each other? Yes!", you answered his question with fake excitement.

"Holy shit. Are you okay, man?", Joaquin asked Bucky in a distressed tone. Bucky shot Joaquin a glare and averted his gaze with a guilty look on his face.

Sam let out an agitated sigh and made his way over to the car. You stood there with an incredulous look on your face and stared Bucky down. He turned around and winced at the look on your face.

"Barnes, you better have an explanation for this."

Bucky let out an exhausted sigh, "Kid, I promise I'm doing this after considering a lotta things. I swear, if he does anything stupid, I'm killing him myself. Please, trust me one more time."

Your anger melted away at his sincere request. You trusted him, you were just spooked out at how he was the one to suggest working with Zemo. You were worried especially for Bucky.

"Buck, I trust you. It's him that I don't trust. I'm worried about you, because if he tries some shit this time around...", you trailed off and furrowed your eyebrows. Bucky nodded, "Yeah, I understand. Thanks for trusting me again", he patted your shoulder. Bucky turned to face Joaquin and quipped, "Tell your boyfriend to keep his comments to himself."

You and Joaquin widened your eyes. His face was a bright shade of red, eyes lowered and his hand massaging his neck. You were sure you were sweating.

"My WHO?!", you sputtered at Bucky who was already walking away from you two. You Joaquin were left standing awkwardly before you you two fast-walked to follow Sam and Bucky, maintaining a safe distance between each other.

You were about to have an interesting few weeks.

-

AN: i am soooo sorry for the delay! I was on a vacation and didn't get time to write. I know this one didn't have many moments between out favorite duo but it was kind of a story-filled chapter anyway. And i'm sorry if Matt is ooc!

Also, based on the little interaction with Walker, we are slowly getting into Reader's life before she joined Sam and I can finally project my hatred for Walker through Reader, hehe. Please like and reblog!

[starlightkyo]

𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝑶𝒄! 𝒙 𝑹𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓𝑶𝒏𝒚!

"Mmph- babe stop," Ramona whined as Ony's face was nuzzled in her neck. She was in the bathroom putting the finishing touches on her look, and he was being a nuisance.

He sucked his teeth, unlatching his arms from around her waist. His posture straightened, standing tall over the shorter woman. The height difference evident in the mirror.

"Why you tryna leave me?" he grumbled, hands claiming her hips.

She softly chuckled, lips curved into a slight smile "babe i'm coming right back."

His brows furrowed, "nah, you gon be gone all night."

She erupted in giggles that filled the room.

Ony wasn't smiling though, lips still pressed into a thin line.

Once Clover's laughter ceased, she shook her head in denial. "Now you know I don't stay out long. The moment i'm ready to leave and they not, i'm calling you." She shrugged before glossing her lips.

Ony knew she was right, just wouldn't give her that satisfaction.

The sound of him sucking his teeth again, was more subtle. He went to stand against the counter with arms crossed. Eyes steadily watching Ramona admire her own beauty.

How could she leave him for hours when he wanted to smoke, cuddle, fuck?

She then held up two different earrings from him to choose from. She liked having his input sometimes.

"Okay which one?" she asked eagerly.

"Neither" he answered dryly.

Ramona bust out laughing. Her chest rumbled as she cracked up for a few seconds.

Ony's expression didn't change which only made her cackle more.

He watched as she took humor in his pain, finally calming down with a dramatic sigh. She settled on a pair and put them on while chuckling.

He was too funny.

"You're really maaad, that's crazy" she smiled. "You know you can come with me?" she said in a 'duh' tone.

"I'm chillin'"

"Okay then, chill until I get back" she joked.

After spraying perfume over herself, she examined all the clutter on the counter. Makeup, hair products, styling tools, perfume, etc.

"Babe can you clean this up? I gotta put my heels on" she sped past him and into their bedroom before he could object.

But she did heard him suck them teeth for a third time.

She sat at the end of the bed, putting her heels on as Ony tediously organized her mess in the bathroom with an attitude. It was further agitated by her expensive scent that lingered in the air, overtaking the smell of product and heat.

Her phone buzzed on the spot beside her; she glanced at the screen to see it was her bestie saying she was outside.

Ramona stood up, snatching her phone and purse. "Alright babe!" she finger waved to Ony before quickly leaving out the door.

The club was packed per usual on a Sat night, folks from wall to wall intoxicated and/or gassed. The bass from the speakers thumped hard, damn near vibrating the room. Ramona and her crew had a section upstairs, overlooking the club below.

Every move they made was being recorded by fans, surely to be posted online.

By now Ramona was a few shots in, feeling tipsy and less tense. Her and her friends proudly sang or rap the songs that blared through.

A time was being had.

Suddenly she felt her phone buzz, seeing texts from poor Ony suffering back at the house. Her absence was really weighing on him.

imu bad

2:37am

im in da clouds w/o u💔

2:37am

im bored bby

2:40am

She pouted reading the messages. Part of her wanted to get back into her mans arms, but another part of her wanted to stay out.

sooon baee

2:42am

For some reason she felt guilty not wanting to leave yet. He had that effect on her since they were practically glued to the hip.

Regardless, she put her phone away and enjoyed the rest of her night. More shots were taken; hookah was being puffed, and ass was being thrown.

It was a vibe.

Her and her crew didn't leave out until an hour and 30 mins later, now seated at an empty Waffle House.

Ramona's head was spinning as she tried to eat her food. Her eyes were hooded, constantly shutting as sleep crept up on her.

"I miss my man" she muttered while eating her pecan waffle.

As her friends teased her about being lovesick, she facetimed Ony. It didn't take long for him to answer, part of his face being in frame. He was in bed, clearly high.

"Wassup baby" he mumbled deeply.

"I miss you" she slurred cutely, a lackadaisical smile followed.

"Then bring yo ass home, I been missin' you."

"I wiiiill."

He looked behind her, recognizing the background. "What yall at waffle house?"

She nodded, her lids closing as she hummed in response.

Ony chuckled, "you gon be knocked out when you get back. Shit I been fightin' sleep too."

"Then to sleep" she murmured with her eyes still shut.

"Nah, not yet. I'm waitin' on you."

Ony was at the front door to pick up Ramona, her legs snapped around his waist as her head buried in his neck.

He carried her all the way up to their master bedroom, sitting her on the bed.

He removed her clothes until she was in her bra and thong. Ramona was sleep ridden, plump lips mumbling incoherently as she slightly swayed side to side.

Ony chuckled at her drunken stupor, "gon get under them covers ma."

She sluggishly did as told, slipping beneath the duvet until only her bundles were peaking out. Within seconds she'd dozed off.

After discarding her clothes in a bathroom hamper, Ony got in bed beside her. Once the lights were off it wasn't long before he succumb to sleep as well.

[astars-things]

SOS

Charles Leclerc x sister!Reader

summary- you text Charles SOS and he drops everything for you

reader is 17 

SOS was all you sent to Charles, he knew what it meant. You had struggled with anxiety for so long, and when you were in a situation where it got too much, all you had to do was text Charles SOS, and he would come get you. The first time it happened was when you were 10 and Charles was 21, you were going for your first sleepover "Bug, if you need me to pick you up for whatever reason, text me SOS and I'll be there", Charles said, giving you a quick forehead kiss 

Fast forward to now, you were sitting in a small corner of the library, you didn't know what triggered it, but your hands were shaking, and it felt like you could barely breathe, you felt your phone vibrate in your shaky hands "Go to the office, I'll be there in 10 minutes" You mumbled out loud reading the message, you grabbed your bag. You walked with your head down to the front office and sat on one of the chairs, and waited. 

Every second felt like an hour as you tried to focus on breathing, just like Charles always taught you. In for four, hold for four, out for four. You heard the office door open and heard some mumbling, soon you heard footsteps coming towards you

You didn’t have to look up to know it was him. You would recognize the sound of Charles’ hurried footsteps anywhere. "Je suis ici, Bug," (I'm here, bug) you heard him murmur as he crossed the office, his voice low and sure and steady, just for you. "Come on, let’s go home," Charles said gently. 

You barely nodded before he took your bag from you, slinging it over his own shoulder like it weighed nothing. His free hand reached out, and you slipped yours into it instinctively. His thumb brushed over your knuckles in slow, comforting circles as he led you out of the school.

The moment you stepped outside into the fresh air, you could breathe a little better. Not completely, but enough. Charles opened the passenger door for you as you slipped inside the Ferrari. By the time he got into the driver’s seat, you were already clutching the sleeves of your hoodie, trying to disappear into the fabric.

Charles started the car but didn’t move it just yet. He looked over at you, his green eyes soft. After a few minutes, he glances over at you with a little smile. "I was thinking..." he says casually, like you didn’t just have a panic attack at school. "Emergency ice cream?" you hadn't quite found your voice yet so you nodded your head yes "Just don't tell my trainer" Charles muttered to which you let out a small giggle 

Charles’ head whipped toward you immediately, his whole face lighting up like you’d just handed him a trophy. "There she is," he said softly, almost in awe, as if that tiny laugh was worth more to him than any win he’d ever had on track.

Without wasting another second, Charles shifted the car into gear and pulled out of the parking lot. The drive was peaceful. He played some quiet music, humming under his breath in a way that made the car feel warm and safe. Every once in a while, he'd drum his fingers against the steering wheel in time with the beat, sneaking little glances at you to make sure you were okay.

When you pulled up to the little ice cream shop, Charles parked in his usual spot at the back, where it was a little more hidden. He jogged around to your side of the car before you could even unbuckle, opening your door like a chauffeur.

"My lady," he said in a mock-posh accent, making you smile again as you stepped out. Inside, he ordered for you without even asking, rattling off your usual like it was second nature. When the girl behind the counter handed over your ice creams, Charles passed yours over with a little bow that made you roll your eyes affectionately.

You found a quiet bench outside, shaded under a big oak tree. It was far enough away from the street that it felt like your own little world. For a while, you just sat there, legs swinging slightly, slowly working your way through your ice cream. Charles made a show of pretending to steal a bite of yours, grinning when you smacked his hand away with a mock glare.

"You’re allowed to have bad days, Bug," he said after a while, his voice low and steady. "You don't have to fight them by yourself." You stared at your ice cream for a second before leaning your head against his shoulder, ice cream cone still clutched loosely in your hand.

"I’m glad you came," you whispered, your voice small but steady now. Charles immediately leaned his head against yours, squeezing your knee gently. "Always," he said, like it was the easiest promise in the world. "You text SOS, and I'll drop the whole damn world to come get you. No matter what."

[st4rgiirll]

babysitting troubles.

rafe cameron x babysitter!reader.

this has sat in my drafts collecting dust for months, so i hope you enjoy! im definitely doing a draft clear out so keep an eye out!

synopsis: reader needs help babysitting some kids for the weekend and calls her boyfriend rafe, who as never really been good with children, to come and help wrangle these kids, that for some reason refuse to listen to her, into bed. only for her to find out he's better at dealing with them than she is.

you were exhausted. you love kids, you really do, but boy were they tiring. you'd been running around all day after these kids, trying to wrangle them in for a nap before you went out for the afternoon. these kids were proving this task to be quite difficult.

it was only friday, the parents had only been gone a few hours and yet the way these kids were acting you knew the weekend would be a long one. and god, you were not looking forward to it at all.

"oscar! millie! get back here!" you called after the mischievous twins.

the house echoed with the giggles of the partners in crime, along with the pitter patter of their synced footsteps. you let out a sigh of exasperation, running a hand over your face before walking after the two.

you made it into their shared bedroom, spotting the two. "hey, let's get you to-"

and they made their way back downstairs. you groaned, this was aggravating. why couldnt they just be good kids? you walked downstairs, phone in hand as you debated calling the one person who might be able to help with his authoritative vibe.

on one hand, he might scare the kids into cooperation. on the other hand, he hated kids. he might just completely disregard the message and refuse to come and help.

you argued with yourself in your head until ultimately you decided to call him, resting the phone between your shoulder and your ear as you cleaned up the mess of toys they'd made in the living room. you could still hear them running around and giggling but you were too tired to even begin to chase them again.

"hey, sweetness. how's it-" he began.

"rafe cameron. you need to come over now. i need your help." you cut him off, the stress getting to you.

"why? what's wrong? im out with the guys, playin' golf." he explained.

"these kids will not settle. no matter how hard i try, their parents told me about their set nap time which was half an hour ago! they just wont settle, they keep running around and i cannot deal right now. i need your help, they need someone with authority and you're the only person i can think of." you definitely over explained but you felt the need to.

"okay, alright, darlin' i'll be over in a minute, yeah? calm your pretty head down." he hums comfortingly.

when the call cuts off, you let out a sigh of relief. that went surprisingly better than you thought. and so, you continued cleaning the living room as you waited for your boyfriend to arrive. before any of your babysitting gigs, you texted your location to him because you never know what could happen and it gave you piece of mind that someone knew where you were.

it only took twenty minutes until the doorbell sounded and of course you bounded up to the door like a kid, almost throwing the door off its hinges at how happy you were to finally have some sort of help with these kids.

"you have no idea how happy i am to see you. these kids have driven me near enough mental." you say exasperatedly, immediately ushering him in.

"anything to help my girl out. where are they?" he asks.

"running about the house, somewhere." as if on cue, the twins revealed themselves to rafe's gaze.

they were curious, that much was clear. "who's you?" oscar asks.

"im rafe, what are your names?" he crouches down to their height, though he still was taller than them.

"im oscar, that's millie. she's shy." oscar explains as his sister buried herself closer into his side.

"don't you two have a nap to get to?" he asks. "tell you what, you play for another ten minutes, then you have to go for your naps. how's that sound?"

the twins nodded, ten minutes seeming like forever to them, and ran off to go play in their play room.

"i said the same thing and yet they still only listen to you." you scoff, shaking your head in disbelief.

"cause you're too.. soft. i mean, you have this vibe that just seems like you let yourself get walked all over. which i know you dont, of course. but it always seems that way. im just authoritative." he grins, wrapping an arm around you.

"hm, thanks. nice to know." you huff, rolling your eyes but still leaning your head against his shoulder.

the both of you sat down on the couch, just soaking in his presence as the both of you spoke and laughed quietly. it wasnt until rafe checked his wristwatch, standing from his seat and walking towards the play room.

"hey, c'mon. times up, nap time." he says, knocking against the door.

"oh, but rafe-"

"nuh-uh, not buts. we had a deal, c'mon out. now." he orders authoritatively.

the twins sigh, walking out dejectedly. rafe and you walk up to their bedroom, standing by their beds.

"rafe.. can you read us a bedtime story?" millie asks in her meek voice.

"uh, i dont- i mean, y/n would probably be a better pick for reading-"

"no! we want you!" oscar joins in, and that's when rafe's resolve diminished.

he sighed and picked a book to read. almost immediately after he began reading, the twins were snoring away. it was uncanny really. how easily he put the twins to sleep, mirroring how easily he could put you to sleep. not in a mean way, mainly in a comforting way.

he soon put the book away, tucking the twins in and closing the door once finished. you grinned, looking up at the man you've known longer than you havent.

"you'd be an amazing dad, y'know that?" and that was the first time you'd actually managed to render the poor man speechless and flustered.

[my-stories-vault]

get to know your moots game!

✶ answer the questions, then tag six people

Thank you so much for the tag @losers-clvb ❤️🙃! (Sorry it took me so long to respond 🫠, been trying to ahoo away the lemons of life, lol.)

Favourite colour: Turquoise. Mostly blue though, any kind.

Currently reading: Catching up on fanfictions 🙃. Been a little tight for time recently.

Last song: (Fittingly 😂) Problems by Jake Daniels.

Currently watching: Not much, unfortunately 🫠. All my free time goes to reading and writing, lol. But if my Dad plays a movie - always a Hindi one - then, those are in my periphery 😂.

Currently craving: Relief 🤣 - like a break or something, lmao.

Coffee or tea: Definitely coffee - my tastebuds can't stand tea for some reason.

Ooof, I'd tag people, but I feel it's a bit too late - so anyone who'd like to join in is welcome ❤️

get to know your moots tag game ! ✶ answer the questions, then tag six people

favorite color ꕀ green and brown last song ꕀ tú by maye currently reading ꕀ the luminaries by susan dennard currently watching ꕀ the great british baking show currently craving ꕀ massaman curry. like always. and like. alcohol and a couple cigs HAHA. a break too :P coffee or tea ꕀ always tea! i don't like coffee

ty for the tag @saltcxrcle ! tagging: @lelapine @toadspondofwhimsy @outof-spite @h0neyst4rz @hhoneylemon @our-lady-of-venom

[maddiee-line]

Oh my…it’s already been 6 months since I had FFS. I think it’s time for “that” post. The before and after results. This is a long one…

In late October 2024 I had Facial Feminization Surgery. I’ve tried to be transparent (ha) here that I’ve had this surgery. Unfortunately, the reality is that many of us may need to get procedures like this to feel comfortable with our bodies. Is it necessary for everyone? No, you can transition to whatever makes YOU comfortable and at peace with your body. For me, FFS is what I needed to help me achieve that. I worked really really hard to get this surgery and I want to share my experience.

So as a background, I began medically transitioning at 31, and inherited my family’s very masculine facial structures. AMAB or AFAB, most in my blood family have strong masculine features and hormonal imbalances. Longterm T exposure didn’t help me at all either. Looking back at old pictures before my FFS is really hard now. It’s hard to believe that is ME.

I feel it is important to share the magic that FFS can accomplish. E is amazing but it can’t change bones all that much. I believe it is really important to compare our changes with everything over time in our journeys. Many of these photos before FFS were during my first year medically transitioning. No matter what hairstyles or makeup techniques I tried, nothing could hide the insecurities that FFS would eventually take away. For a while I tried to convince myself I didn’t need surgeries…but I knew I’d never be happy without it. I jumped at the opportunity to get it when I found out my insurance covered it.

Then came October. It was a brutal recovery. I have a very low tolerance to pain. However, I never felt any of this was impossible and I was very much supported by my doctors. The recovery was challenging for other reasons too. It limited my ability to eat for a bit and I was really uncomfortable for a couple weeks. I had a constant feeling of disorientation during the first week as my vision is pretty bad and without being able to put my contacts in I was practically blind. The nausea also was debilitating at times. This isn’t what happens to everyone but this is what experienced.

My jaw was also severely limited. It was mostly because of the inside the mouth incision to contour the chin and jaw. I could barely open my mouth. By the end of November I could eat sushi by squishing it with a spoon. By late December I could eat small sandwiches and most of my mobility returned. The swelling also took a while to go down. I’d say by February, four months later, I felt that most of the swelling had disappeared or was on its way out. Today, some swelling remains in my chin and my nose.

The liberation and freedom of expression FFS gave to a face like mine has been truly life saving. My style has changed rather dramatically. My brows are now lifted and I no longer make them higher, in fact I just keep them clean, thin them a little, and highlight in tinted gel and maybe add a little red to them. I also can finally do eye shadow, which is was one of my most anticipated aspects of this surgery. I also just feel liberated from my parents. I had a really rough upbringing and no longer being defined by my father’s forehead or my mother’s chin brings me so much peace.

Not pictured is my presence. I’ve heard countless people tell me that I’m happier, more comfortable, and more outgoing than I was before my surgery. I used to calculate my every move so people wouldn’t see my brow bone or an unflattering masculine angle. I don’t worry at all about that anymore. I truly am free. I am just me regardless of the angle. People see this in public too. I’m consistently given the male gaze or they try to make conversation with me. I catch women looking at my hair and outfits all the time. I pass very well.

So now I sit here at six months. And I’m absolutely thrilled with my results. If you are on the fence, and it’s accessible to you, I highly recommend to get FFS if it will help you achieve greater peace and comfort with your mind and body. I went to a surgeon in NYC, and would be happy to share the details if you’d like. I also would be able to answer questions about the whole process of getting and recovering from FFS. I hope this has been helpful to you!

This is my 6 month result:

[virelia]

ੈ✩ pairing: Lucifer x Gn!reader

ੈ✩ wc: 303

It was late at night when you showed up in Lucifer's office. He didn’t notice you at first, so you had to step in front of his desk.

"Hm?" he let out a low hum without lifting his head from the paperwork.

"Couldn't sleep," you gave him a short answer.

"Is that so?" he lifted his head and looked at you this time. He finally noticed the mugs in both of your hands. Upon seeing where he was looking, you answered, "I thought some coffee would be nice."

Lucifer let out a soft chuckle. "Have a seat, then."

When you were placing the mugs on the table, he scooted to the side to make space for you. But what Lucifer didn’t expect was you sitting on his lap and facing him beautifully. He quickly composed himself and let out his signature chuckle as he put his hands around your hips.

He spoke in a low tone, "Tell me, MC, why couldn’t you sleep? Was there a specific reason?"

When he saw you were looking away, he took hold of your chin and gently made you face him.

"Or was it just an excuse to see me?"

You finally spoke, "Luci—" but the moment you felt Lucifer’s lips on yours, your words faded.

He started gently at first, but as time passed, he grew more passionate. Just as he bit your lower lip, Lucifer felt his glasses slip. With an unpleased sigh, he pulled away and slammed his glasses onto the table. You swore you heard something crack and let out a chuckle.

"Luci, you didn’t have to do that."

He got a firm hold of your hips again. "No. No, I had to." He paused for a moment. "So, where were we left?"

And with that, the night continued—with cold coffees long forgotten.

@virelia

[isolatedrose]

A Message In The Water (Part II)

(this is a repost because tumblr flagged it as mature for some reason T-T)

Part I

Part II

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x Mermaid Reader

Summary: Arthur picks up your precious jeweled comb, leading to a chance encounter between the two of you. He thought you were the stuff of legends. Reader is a mermaid.

Word Count: 2.2k AO3 Link

Notes: Not proofread yet, I’ll do it later. I also took a lot of liberties with the dialogue and progression of scenes in the game. I really appreciate the love this fic is getting, so thank you!

The metal tub the auctioneers shoved you in was too cramped for you, as your tail was hanging off of the edge. At the news of the auction holding a mermaid, the showroom was filled to the brim with investors, businessmen, and collectors eager to witness the sight of the creature of legends. A velvet curtain kept you hidden from preemptive prying eyes. 

The past events that led up to this moment were a blur. One moment you were dragged on a boat by fishermen and the next you were shipped to the nearest auction house to be sold to the highest winning bidder. 

You were exhausted, your limbs and tail depleted of energy from trying to resist your captors. The open air was also taking a toll on your lungs as you’ve never been out of water for this long before. The sellers simply filled the tub with a pitiful amount of water. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! I’m sure you have heard about our most exciting addition to our collection.” The auctioneer's booming voice echoed across the showroom.

“What we are about to show you, I can most definitely guarantee, is real despite what you might have heard.”

Two men at the outskirts of the stage began to tug on the pulley, slowly opening the curtains to begin the grand reveal that was you.

“It is my greatest pleasure to present to you, a mermaid!” The auctioneer gestured grandly with his arm towards you, the spotlight exposing you to the public.

Exclamations of all kinds exploded throughout the audience. Shouts were bouncing across the room, and people were already shooting up their auction signs.

“Now, now, settle down everyone. I will begin the bid at $500. Any takers?”

“600!”

“850!”

“1000!

“We have a $1000! Anyone for $1100?” 

Your eyes were blank and dull as you stared off into the crowd, all of the audience’s heading eyes blurring together. You heard prices being sounded off at every second. 

“$5000.” 

The enormity of the price made viewers go quiet, but for you it made your heart palpitate in your chest. The realization of you actually being sold hit you like a freight train.

“$5000! Anyone for $5100?” 

Voices were at a murmur at this point. No one could dare exceed that price unless they sought to fall to destitution.

“$5000 going once, twice, three times.” The auctioneer shoots off, yet no one chimes in.

“Sold! To Mr. Desmond Blythe!”

—————

Arthur adjusts his coat and blue cravat just before he enters the waterboat’s poker room. A grim frown was set in his face at just having his guns taken away from him. He wasn’t too keen on robbing empty handed like this, but as always, he had to put up with Trelawny’s plan and antics. He’d have to hold onto his words that “these people were virtually idiots.”

Arthur and Trelawny swing the ornate doors open, and the con man next to him switches tones immediately to one of fanfare and frivolity. 

“Now have a good time, but don’t lose too much money or your wife is going to kill me!” Trelawny clamps a hand over Arthur’s shoulder. 

“Whatever you say.” Arthur drawls. 

The chords from the piano music thrums loudly throughout the poker room. Arthur saunters casually across the floor, observing the poker tables where he knew men with heavy pockets sat. Arthur saw the empty seat left just for him, for Arthur Callahan specifically. He caught sight of Strauss, but knew not to let his gaze linger too long.

However, just before he took a seat, he froze in his tracks. His eyes were locked onto one thing. Right next to the piano was a grand, glass tank filled to the brim with water. Inside the container, was you. 

After you were sold to the highest bidder, the man acquired the largest glass tank he could acquire and shoved you in for his own and his business rivals’ entertainment.

At every tap or bang of the glass, you’d jerk away in fear, but to the spectators, they were thrilled at any movements you made, as your glittering tail moving through the water was spectacular enough. Desmond Blythe’ ego could not be inflated any further. He boasted to every onlooker about how he gained a magnificent piece that was once thought mythical to his collection. You attempted to ignore the humans gawking at you, but it proved little use as the tank’s size was nothing compared to the space you had at home. 

You kept your gaze averted from the continuing passerbyers, but one figure stood in front of your tank. You expected the same tapping and banging you experienced previously, but this person was stock still. Out of curiosity, you finally lifted your head.

You gasp as bubbles escape your lips. It was Arthur! You drew close to the glass and placed both hands against it, lowering yourself to be eye level with him. You looked at him desperately, so happy to see a familiar face.

Arthur eyes gazed at you, weak and tender. But his mouth was set in a grimace. You sensed something was wrong.

Your buyer, Desmond Blythe, strolled up next to Arthur. “Amazing specimen, is it not? Mr…?”

“Callahan. Arthur Callahan.” He turned his head and shook Desmond’s hand. 

“She— might I ask where you found… it?” Arthur is careful with his words.

“Oh it wasn’t me, but a group of fishermen. I paid a mighty fine price for it at an auction.” Desmond crosses his arms, his chest puffed out in pride. “I can still hardly believe my eyes, a mermaid.”

“Me neither…” 

Desmond pats his shoulder. “Well Mr. Callahan, I’ll bet that empty seat is yours, correct? You can still take a look at it after the game.” The businessman leaves Arthur and proceeds to walk to the poker table.

You looked between him and Desmond, confused as to what Arthur’s affiliation was with these people. A seed of doubt is planted in your mind, but it is swiftly brushed aside when Arthur takes a step closer to the tank. He overlaps his hand with yours, the glass the only barrier between you two. He gives you an almost imperceptible nod before he turns to take a seat at the poker table.

The game between all the men proceeded until it was just Arthur and Desmond left. You couldn’t fully make out the words from where you were, until you heard a distinct cursing from your buyer. He throws his hand of cards on the table.

“Shit… shit!”

Arthur opens his arms to gather the chips to his side. “You got something else to play with?”

“… I got a watch.” Desmond offers slowly.

Mischief glints in Arthur’s eyes. “Look at you.”

Desmond scowls, pissed at his sarcasm. “An expensive one. A Reutlinger, worth more than you.”

Arthur leans back in his chair, propping his elbow on the arm to rest his chin. “Not enough.”

“What?” Desmond quirks an eyebrow.

“The pot’s pretty big now Mr. Blythe, and the stakes are high. No, I want something else you can bet on the line.”

“And what is that?” He pressed Arthur, falling into his trap.

Arthur is quiet for a moment until he speaks again. “The mermaid.”

Desmond practically sputters while Strauss right behind him stiffens in his seat, knowing full well that this wasn’t the plan. He glances sternly at Arthur, but he ignores the old man. Even Trelawny wouldn’t be too happy with these turn of events.

“Excuse me?” His mustache can’t hide the obvious red growing in his face.

“You heard me. I want you to bet with the mermaid.” The playfulness from earlier is gone from Arthur’s voice. “Here,” he pushes all of his earned chips to the center of the poker table. “I’ll go all-in right now.” 

“Absolutely not! I paid a fortune for it!”

“Whatever you paid for her, I’ll match it and double it. In cash.”

“Double?” Desmond's eyes are wide, but now he’s enticed by such a tempting offer. 

“Gentleman, are we continuing then?” The dealer cuts in.

Desmond looks to the dealer, then nods. “Fine… but you’ll regret it.” 

Another round begins as two cards to each player is dealed. Finally, as the dealer lays down five cards, Arthur wins with an ace-high diamond flush. 

“Goddamn you!” Desmond bellows as he bangs on the table.

Trelawny meanders over to Arthur’s side. “Now, what luck we have here!” He laughs heartily. “Now now, there’s no need for the hysterics!” Trelawny is theatrical as he places both hands on his waist, turning to look at you in the take. “Now how are we going to transport it? Hmm…”

“There’s something I don’t like about the pair of you…” Desmond accuses with an undercurrent of anger in his voice.

“No need to be a sore loser.” Arthur gestures to your tank. “Now how about you send some of your boys so we can drag that big tub of water out of here.”

Without warning, Desmond brandishes a gun hiding in his coat, and points the barrel at Arthur. You cry out in the water, banging on the glass.

“You’re not taking it! I bought that thing with my own money, fair and square. Unlike you!” 

Arthur raises his hands in the air, but he stays calm.

“Going against your word now, Mr Blythe?”

“You cheated, I know it!”

A beat passes before you notice a man in uniform turns and shoots his fellow guard with his repeater and tosses it to Arthur. Absolute mayhem ensues as screams break out. Gunshots began to ring throughout the room, their bullets finding any target without discrimination, including you.

A bullet finds its way to the edge of your tank, creating a crack in the glass that eventually weaves its way through the surface, finally collapsing under pressure. Water floods out, and you with it, as you tumble out of your cage. 

You crash onto the ground, your tail now feeling heavier with it out of water. Arthur looks to you from behind an overturned table for cover, and he shouts your name. 

Before you knew it, another bullet clips your tail, causing you to yelp in pain. At the sound of it, Arthur rushes to your side despite the hail of gunfire. One of your iridescent scales is chipped off of your tail as it clatters to the ground. 

“Are you alright—” but both you and Arthur are left shell shocked at your tail now dividing into two, as if it was held together by glassy webbing. Your scales began to dissolve into your skin until you were left with two human legs, with a bleeding red wound the size of your scale left behind on your new calf.

Your eyes darted to Arthur’s helplessly, frightened and clueless as to what was happening to you. He was also witnessing your transformation in open-mouthed awe. Your mouth opened in a silent cry as you pointed to your scale left on the ground, begging him to grab it. You weren’t exactly sure, but you knew you would need it if you were ever to change back. 

Arthur gathers his wits and runs to nab the scale. He returns to you, but he’s unsure of what to do next.

“Can… can you stand?” 

You try to lift yourself up, but the unfamiliar sensation of gravity weighs on you. You shake your head desperately.

“I’ll carry you.” He moves to hook his arm underneath your knees and your back. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”

You nodded fervently, placing all of your trust in him. 

“Fellas!” He calls out to Trelawny, Javier, and Strauss in the chaos. “We’re gettin’ out of here!”

Javier, the man in the uniform that shot first you realized, waved Arthur over to the door that exits out onto the edge of the boat. “Over here!”

Arthur holds you tightly to him as he and his men rush outside. 

“Arthur, the hell are we taking that thing for?” Javier is incredulous. “And why all of a sudden it has legs?”

“I too, would like to know the reason why we’re taking the creature with us.” Trelawny chimes in.

You tuck your head firmly into the crook of Arthur’s neck, breathing in his scent to steady your heart essentially jackhammering in your chest. He tightens his hold on you in reassurance. 

“Just shut the hell up, and let’s get on out of here, got it?” 

No one argues with that. Everyone gathers at the edge of the riverboat’s opening, preparing to jump off.

“W-what about the alligators?” Strauss stutters.

“Just jump!” Javier and Trelawny dive into the waters. Strauss pushes up his glasses and has no choice but to follow soon after.

You and Arthur are the last ones, but he tilts his head down to you, entreating you to look him in the eyes. 

“I reckon you can’t swim with those new legs of yours. So you’ll have to hold on tight to me, just like you are now. I’ll carry us both to shore, you hear?”

You looked up at him, worry clear in your expression, but you nod nonetheless.

“Good girl.” Arthur kisses your forehead before he jumps in the water with you.