#what about me is so compelling? i am just a girl talking about complete and utter nonsense most of the time

[whisp3roftheheart]

you know what bugs me? I am not that interesting yet I have people pursuing me when I don't want anyone to!! Leave me alone!! Please! I am not that interesting I am so boring! My two favorite things are theology and the muppets/puppetry I promise I'm not very fascinating.

[morganbritton132]

Steve Has Older Siblings AU: Robin Edition

In an ideal world, Steve’s family life is completely separate from everything important. But in an ideal world, monsters don’t exist so, you know.

1. Technically the first of Steve’s siblings that Robin meets is Jason because he came into Scoops Ahoy to be an asshole. Robin liked to see King Steve knocked down a peg or two more than the next person but not by a forty year old (he’s 32) loser who has nothing better to do on a Tuesday afternoon. Robin sees him knock Steve’s hat off his head and then informs him that they had a zero tolerance harassment policy (they don’t) and they can and are denying him service. “So leave, now.”

2. The first time she is aware that she’s meeting one of Steve’s siblings is after Starcourt burns down. They were drugged, tired, and Russians took Steve’s car keys so it felt like a good idea to just lay back on the hood of the Beemer and watch the smoke swirl in the air until they come up with what to do.

They never think of anything, and she is startled awake the next morning hungover and dehydrated by someone laying on their horn. Robin looks at the car and then at Steve, and then asks, “Is that your dad?”

Steve - looking somehow worse than yesterday - just blinks in the direction of the car like, “Richie?”

“Get in the car,” Richie practically seethes, barely lets them get in before he starts asking questions like, what the fuck and are you high, right now?”

“I don’t dooo drugs, Dad,” Steve spat out annoyed and Robin, in the backseat, felt compelled to adds, “Drugs do me.”

They both start giggling and can’t stop even when Richie tries to lecture them.

3. Robin meets Jason again when he attacks her.

She doesn’t remember much about the car ride back to Loch Nora or how Steve convinced Richie not to take them to the hospital, but she remembers flopping face first onto Steve’s cloud of a bed. She remembers him taking her shoes off for her and pulling the covers up.

Then she is rudely woken up by a hand yanking her out of bed and big arms wrapping around her head. They’re barely there before Steve is shoving them off her like, “Fuck off, Jason.”

“Carver?” She asks but, no. It’s the dick from the mall. She is ignored while Jason prattles on about how it’s not his fault that Steve looks so much like a girl that he confused him with one. Then he’s whistling about how Steve has a girl in his bed and how surprising that is to them considering they all thought he was a queer.

Robin stiffens beside him. New queer ally, Steve Harrington, not wanting her to be uncomfortable, blurts out, “What if I am?”

And the room goes quiet. Steve’s quiet. Jason’s frozen. Richie, coming in through the door, wasn’t moving. This family doesn’t really paint a picture of unconditional love and acceptance so Robin throws her entire (unsuccessful) theater career into use and slugs Steve in the arm with a snort like, “Yeah, right. With all the girls you flirt with? Ha!”

And everything comes back to life. The hospital conversation comes up and morphs into an argument immediately. Robin is just happy to fade into the background and observe.

4. Robin probably should’ve met Claire that day too but the hospital was an apparent disaster. She actually meets Claire randomly at Family Video.

She sees a woman who’s kinda cute come in and peruse the shelves. She comes to the counter where Robin is on register and Steve is stocking candy right next to her.

She’s carrying The Muppet Movie and makes small talk about watching it with her kids, and never looks twice in Steve’s directly. She’s not in the system and just laughs, “It’s probably under my maiden name, Harrington.”

Robin gives her a tight smile and finishes the transaction. Claire leaves with barely a ‘bye’ to her brother and Robin decides right there that she hates them all.

[crickets-lovely-place]

okay so I couldn't write a post yesterday when I listened to it but PLEASE let it be known that re: Carmilla episode 3 "We Compare Notes" has me feeling INSANE

FATHER. DAD. POPS. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS WOMAN TOLD YOU ALL HER BUSINESS WAS TOP SECRET AND SHE WOULDN'T EXPLAIN ANYTHING AND NEITHER WOULD HER DAUGHTER AND THEN SHE JUST LEFT. THAT'S WILD.

Laura just wants to talk to Carmilla SO BADLY. Also it's so endearing to me how she keeps going "you who live in a city would never understand..." Like I did not grow up in a lonely Schloss in the German forest but I am from a small town and I feel that.

OKAY THE HORROR. THE TERROR. CARMILLA WAS THE FACE FROM HER HORRIBLE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE. Like of course she was going to be but that doesn't make it less unsettling!!! And it was so creepy to listen to how Carmilla makes herself trustworthy and sympathetic. I wonder if her dream from her "childhood" is at all real... I am more compelled to think that she made it all up, that she knows Laura bc SHE WAS THERE IN HER ROOM twelve years ago. (Sidenote: it was very funny to me that Carmilla says "in my childhood... I was definitely a child you see" like twice. okay girl, try harder to convince us you had a perfectly normal childhood.) UGH. FEELING WILD ABOUT IT. Also, Méabh de Brún as Carmilla is perfect?? I could listen to her talk forever, and she was SO CONVINCING. Much like Laura, I am bewitched by this beautiful woman.

SPEAKING OF WHICH. I know people have said "lesbian vampire novel" and "precursor to dracula" in talking about Carmilla but I was *completely* unprepared for how many times they called each other 'beautiful' and 'pretty' in this section. Laura why were you noticing her lips, huh. What was that about. This would be such a great meet-cute if I didn't know I was reading a horror novel.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH SOMEONE PLEASE TALK TO ME ABOUT THIS.

[masochist-marmot]

A fair and balanced look at MHA chapter 431

To all of my fellow bakudeku and togachako truthers out there: I see you, I hear you, and your disappointment is valid. I agree with a lot of the criticism. However, I have a lot of nuanced thoughts, and I will attempt to write them down in a balanced way, so bear with me. I will also treat the leaks as though they were confirmed for now.

(This post became an essay so I'll divide it into subheadings for clarity.)

Reminder: Be kind

Before I get into this, I'd like to remind everyone to please be kind and understanding when having this discourse. I get that there are strong feelings involved, but please don't harass the creators or other members of the community. Remember that at the end of the day this is fiction, and no one has the right to dictate how others view it or consume it. You are allowed to express your opinions and feelings, but try to be respectful to those who don't share them. No matter what side of the issue you stand on.

Queer relationships in shounen

First of all, I understand that it's disappointing when potential queer relationships are sidelined in favour of compulsory heterosexuality. But I can't say that I'm surprised. The standards and norms of depicting relationships in shounen manga go deep, and while it would be nice to see them challenged, we have to remember that there is an entire industry behind these decisions. I'm talking about genre conventions, authorial decisions (affected by unconscious biases), editors, publishers and a whole lot of moving parts. There's a lot of money involved, which means that any changes to the conventions will happen at a snail's pace. I am not excusing the decisions Horikoshi made, but it's good to be mindful that the decisions don't take place in a vacuum. I went into the series with the full expectations that none of the same-sex relationships would be made canon, so I'm not overtly disappointed with that being the case. It's the same expectation I take to any shounen series.

It's obviously worthwhile to question and challenge conventions like these, that's how progress is made. But focusing on a specific author's specific choices might not be the best way to go about it. Although it's worth pointing out that Horikoshi didn't have to make any relationship canon, yet chose to do so. Let me get into that.

Why IzuOcha falls flat

There is no denying that izuocha seems to have been the end goal from the very beginning. She's the first girl, Izuku took immediate notice of her, and her feelings for him became her entire character for a while. It's a cute ship, I guess. The issue is that it lacks any real depth. I'm going to be completely honest with you: I don't think Horikoshi is very good at writing compelling female characters. A lot of the male characters get amazing character arcs, while many female heroes only get a couple of cool moments (full of fanservice) and are promptly discarded. Himiko and Ochako, who have the most compelling female relationship of any kind in the entire series, fail the very simple Bechdel test miserably. Half of their conversations literally revolve around the male protagonist.

I believe this is why many of us prefer bakudeku over izuocha. The boys just get much better character development both as individuals and in relation to each other. Izuku and Ochako's moments don't cut nearly as deep, and while they do somewhat further Ochako's character development, they seem to have no bearing on Deku's character. Meanwhile Uraraka's conflict with Toga meaningfully challenges and alters both characters' worldview, even though their relationship had much less time and opportunities to develop. To me this whole situation just reads as Horikoshi giving Deku a canon love interest early on, then failing to develop the relationship and having to rush it to get the ending he intended.

Character study: Izuku and Katsuki 8 years later

Now I'll ignore authorial intent for a while and ponder on how the leaked chapter reflects on the character development of my main boys. I'm actually not that mad about the decisions Deku makes in this (forced romance aside). I seem to be in the minority that's fine with Deku losing OFA and becoming a teacher, because I actually think it suits him perfectly. In chapter 430 I mostly took issue with him being lonely for eight years and then jumping the gun to become a hero again, which seemed kinda contradictory. If he was truly contented with being a teacher, they could've made it clearer. Though I'm not going to lie, Kacchan funding his battle armor was incredibly cute. In the leaked chapter, it almost feels like they were trying to reinforce the notion that Deku is happy with his life as a teacher, which feels a little forced, but I can respect it. You have to remember that he's been quirkless for eight years and has had time to come to terms with it. People change a lot in eight years. I barely recognise the person I was eight years ago. So what rubbed me the wrong way wasn't that he rejected Kacchan's roundabout offer but the way he rejected it. Like the guy's really hung up on you, the least you could do is let him down easy.

What I think is an especially hard pill to swallow is the distance between Kacchan and Deku. Unfortunately, it also kinda tracks. Hear me out. Their relationship maintained its intensity because of the rivalry. It motivated their respective personal growths, it pushed them further, and it tied them closer together. And it was magnificent. What we see here is that Katsuki is still driven by the will to compete, but Izuku isn't. He's a teacher now, he's got lives to change, he can't be bothered with competition and numbers. While Deku was building his new identity and new life, Kacchan was still hung up on the past: He was collecting funds for the suit to get Deku back into the game, he was rejecting sidekicks who didn't spark the same joy in him, and he was slowly dropping in the charts because he didn't have Deku to push him to try (also something about his personality, I'll just let it slide). I think in this chapter we kind of see him finally accept it. He doesn't push a hero suit on a rival and urge him on anymore, instead he forms an offer to join him as an unrelated question about if Deku's still intent on teaching. Since he says yes, Kacchan won't even bring the agency offer up; Kirishima has to translate the intention. Which is where I think Deku's answer has uncharacteristically little tact.

Does Kacchan deserve a better ending than this? ABSOLUTELY. Does the ending we get counter the character development seen so far? I don't think so. The sad reality is that people do grow up, and I see the ending we get as one possibility that reflects that. I would've also been happy with an ending where Deku keeps OFA and the boys go be gay fight crime for the rest of their lives together, but in all honesty, Deku coming a full circle back to quirklessness is more thematically satisfying to me. Mind you, none of this means that the relationship between these two isn't important to them. It just means that it was always bound to change, adapt and grow to a different direction. Kacchan's final goodbye may seem like an important moment that was completely brushed off, or you can see it as not being important because it's not a goodbye. These two men will continue to be part of each other's lives. And now I kind of want to read comfort fics about what their new relationship and domestic life would look like.

Brief togachako tangent

I said in an earlier post that I will be a togachako truther until the day I die, and I stand by that. In my book, it's already canon. Though sadly, it was also doomed. I'm a little conflicted on the whole thing. On one hand, I think Toga had a satisfying character arc, but on the other hand, we mostly just got our gays buried. Still, purely from a character perspective, I don't see her pushing Uraraka to live her life as a problem. Toga would definitely not want Uraraka to dwell on her memories and guilt. They seem to be bound together by blood now, and that won't change. Neither of them gain anything if Ochako denies herself happiness by not pursuing other relationships. Still, I understand the criticism in a narrative sense. It does come off as a queer character used as a device to push forward a comphet relationship. I just want them both to be happy.

Final thoughts: Canon is not law

I have shared my complicated thoughts and feelings on this presumed final chapter. You are obviously allowed to disagree with me, and your thoughts and feelings are just as valid as mine.

I think it's important to remember that you don't have to treat canon as law. The canonicity of something has never dictated how you should interact with the media. Obviously the author making something canon has a bearing on their story, but that's just what it is. It's their story. Which means that we don't have any say in what they decide to do with it, but they also have no say in how we make their story our own. If the ending is left open, it's left open for a reason. You get to interpret what happens next based on your reading of the story.

So please go create fan content where Izuku keeps his powers and hero status and where he keeps his rivalry alive, or write a fanfic about his life as a teacher. Go explore how the thing with Uraraka develops (I trust that many of you would do a better job than Horikoshi), or ignore that part completely. Write about Uraraka's blood bond with Toga, maybe their relationship is still worth exploring post-mortem. Hell, make it a polyship between the girls and Deku. And there are so many things about Deku and Bakugou's relationship as adults that I'd read about and see fanart of, whether or not you take my interpretation of them into account.

[pallisia]

more batch asks

thank you every. cut for spoilers

Anonymous asked:

I know you've made a lot of jokes about "you have to be nice to me" and "you've signed the contract" but I am honestly so happy to see a dark, truly cruel character like ysme portrayed in the way you've written her. when you think she won't go lower she sweeps you from a hole under your feet. the swap between perspectives and how others view her makes her actions that much more shocking and enthralling. it's a complete blast to read and makes her such an interesting character. in a time when it feels like more and more writers are wary of making characters too "mean" and the demand for mass appeal can lead to creative limitations to keep viewers engaged, ysme is a breath of fresh air. I love evil girls but even my jaw was on the floor.

thank you very much. but the contract is still in effect

@adair-trashart asked: i have the new soulsov update downloaded im planning on showing it to my other adult friends once our schedules line up >:33333333333

yay! i hope you all have fun.

@braveswordwielder asked:

Hey Soulsov 2 good Thanks for breaking new ground in the talking animals genre

thank you very much. i don't know if i'm breaking new ground exactly, but i'm glad you enjoyed.

Anonymous asked:

I love how past some point ysmé is the kind of person that's exactly the kind of person she says she is, and both her words and actions reflect that, yet still some part of me like Loic wants to see something that most likely is not there. I love every time this happens she rips my heart out and laughs about it. and then it happens again. I love soulsov.

thank you. please look forward to it.

@mobi-gg asked:

Ok I know I signed the contract so I have to go thru with it anyway, but I really do like how you are writing Ysme and her dynamic with Loic. Like she's done some very cruel shit this chapter, but I want to know why she's like this. How much of it is her true nature, how much is a facade or her strategy for rebelling and getting what she wants. Is there some kindness underneath it all in the end? Is it foolish to hope for such a thing? Truly I am acting like Loic rn. As for the rest of the chapter. Amazing. Everyone is so charming and lovable (even Ysme with her.. everything). The music and art were delightful and the pacing??? wow.

thank you so much. i love that this is the same sentiment as the previous ask. i'm glad she's compelling in spite of everything.

Anonymous asked:

Not only am I not mad, I am absolutely delighted by the contents of chapter 2. Good and “bad” alike, the writing is exhilarating, the chemistry between the characters is unparalleled, and adoration of all the art easily doubled my read time. Every time I see the New Friend I spend a solid minute on the verge of tears for my love, I am hoping Ysme gets even worse, I’m ready to see Loic be broken, and also additionally when I got to the “fishing” I thought it was a reference to the World of Ruin fishing mechanic in FF6 and I was TERRIFIED by it but it WAS really funny

thank you very much. i should have added an invisible timer that killed loic offscreen if you took too long.

@notactuallyahat asked:

Chapter 2 was fantastic, thank you so much for creating it! The 'if order has no place for you' line made me tear up a little, and I am amazed how Ysme continuing to be herself and behaving in exactly the way she has always said she will still somehow felt surprising and was very much an emotional gut punch. 10/10, can't wait to reread it also I didn't realize the fishing minigame was just a fishing minigame so my first response was to immediately save in a mild panic

thank you. see! without a fishing minigame, when else would you think to save. it's game design baby

Anonymous asked:

chapter 2 was great. thank you as always for sharing. the tonal shifts between ysmes omnipotence as sexy and fun vs utterly abject are really affecting. very much looking forward to the future horrors. cheers!

thank you for reading!

@fluffycattens asked:

Ysmé......... I thought she was a fun character after chapter 1 but now that I've finished chapter 2 I'm rotating her in my mind, what a cool and normal woman (she's awful and I love her) Thoughts and theories and impatience to learn more about her and the world, your storytelling and in particular your worldbuilding is so good!

thanks so much! please continue rotating her. i will do the same.

@rarmaster asked:

finished chapter 2 and immedaitely sent it to my friends who LOVE women's wrongs. also: wow this was great. i am fondly rotating the prose and dialogue around and around in my heart. your words are just so very good and i like to read them. i also love to see your art, too, of course, so every CG was a treat. ball………. also oh my god (had no idea about tutu's everything and am really basking in it right now) Oh My God.

thank you! i kind of spoiled tutu for longtime followers by posting art of her years ago, but i'm glad she ended up being a total surprise for a lot of readers. i'm glad she is loved.

Anonymous asked:

i don't think i'm going to see the phrase "unrequited love" the same way ever again. masterful stroke with the prose descriptions of pansies and specifically witchgaze: flower that means forcing heartbreak on someone. flower that means forcing shame and obedience. flower that cracks your brain open and pours in self-hatred.

thank you. the witchgaze's meaning went through a lot of different iterations before ending up there. not that we'll ever see it again or anything lol, but if we did i'd say "please look forward to it"

Anonymous asked:

flower that means you broke my heart... flower that means i got really attached to loic and his former [spoiler character]... flower that means kiss him gently he deserves so much better than what he has right now... flower that means i signed the contract and i'm already excited for chapter three!

flower that means yay

[bunnliix]

Can't Stay Away from You - Chapter Two

The outline for this chapter, was over 2000 words, so as you can see, I had ideas lol. We get a bit more attention on the boys this chapter, but we do see what's up with y/n as well! Honestly, this series seems to be longer chapters, so the updates will be slower for this story. But either way, I hope this is an enjoyable chapter two!

masterlist

word count: 5.7k

warnings: Angst, fluff eventually, protective members, scenting, scent highs, cute moments because yes we need it, multiple distressed and panicked people, crying, tears, I think that's it?

“Why did you ever think it was a good idea to give her, a random Stay, your number? What in the world compelled you to think it was a good idea?! She could have been a sasaeng for all we know, and you just gave her your number all willy nilly?!” Minho just about exploded on the pack alpha, criticizing his frankly stupid decision.

“You know very well that we’re all pulled to her for some reason. Hell, my alpha wanted to grab her, pull her into my arms, and scent her, right in front of every fan in that room. And I’m pretty fucking sure that everyone else felt something similar to that. So don’t you criticize me on this Minho. I thought about it before I gave her my number. I took a chance, wanting to get to know that girl who captivated even you. Don’t think I didn’t see you watching her after your turn, I saw it all.” Chan went after Minho, feeling enraged after hearing the man’s words.

By the end of his words, Chan was chest to chest with Minho, almost ready to fight with him. Minho is ready to fight his pack alpha, wanting to get it into his thick head how much he could have risked their pack’s safety over this. 

“Do you realize how badly this could have gone?! We’re lucky that she hasn’t yet done something. She could post your number out into the world for all we know. And yet you’re standing here, telling me it’s worth it because she interests you? I thought my pack leader, and the leader of my group, was more responsible than that.” Minho said, his words cutting like knives.

A noise at the door stopped their conversation, Minho moving to open the door, their two omegas falling onto the floor. The two of them looked sheepishly up at their alphas, knowing they were caught in the worst way. The two alphas weren’t impressed, as the omegas knew better than to eavesdrop, and they raised an eyebrow at the two until the apologies came rolling in. 

“And you two were listening in, why?” Chan questioned them, as they looked down at the floor.

“Jagiya dragged you in here, and we were curious why he needed to talk to you so urgently.” Han answered Chan, before looking up at him. “Do you really have y/n’s number??” He hurried to ask, even though it meant Minho gave him a look for asking at all.

“Yah! That’s what you gained from listening in? That Christopher has the girl’s number?” Minho scolded the younger man.

“Well, yeah. It means we can talk with her!” Jisung says, completely ignoring Minho’s growing glare.

“I am surrounded by fucking idiots I swear.” Minho comments, voice and face giving away just how done he was with the alpha and omega pair. 

Felix wisely stayed quiet, hoping that he’d be forgotten about. Unfortunately, that was not going to happen, as both alphas turned to him. 

“How much did you hear?” Chan asked.

“I heard everything.” Felix answered, hoping that the less he gave away, the better off he’d be. Once again, he was wrong.

“Where do you stand on this, then?” Minho queried.

“I can’t say that I’m not excited that Chan has y/n’s number, but also I can understand your concerns, Minho-hyung.” Felix explains, feeling torn between both sides. 

Chan smirked triumphantly, as Minho sighed. Why are his packmates like this? His own alpha told him that he’s the same way, that he’s being a hypocrite. He shut out his wolf, focusing back on the present situation. 

Since he didn’t get scolded for his words, Felix decided to be a bit cheeky. He teased Minho about his reaction to the girl, before getting stuck in a headlock by the alpha. 

“I’m not wrong!” He shouted out. Minho only growls in response.

This triggers Han to laugh, before running out of the room, calling out that the great alpha Minho was interested in y/n too, no matter what he said to oppose that thought. Said alpha let Felix go and ran after the other omega, intent on murdering him. 

“You little shit, get back here!” He screamed out at the rapper, chasing after him.

“I don’t think so!” Han called back, a cheeky smile plastered on his face. The other observed this chase and laughed at the two of them. This was prime entertainment, after all. Felix and Chan made their way out to the living room, where the majority of the pack had settled, watching the alpha omega pair race around the house in a very scooby doo sort of fashion. 

Eventually Jisung was cornered by the older alpha, and was swiftly pushed up against a wall. Minho attacked the omega’s scent gland, Jisung quickly went into a scent high, going limp in the alpha’s arms. Minho smirked victoriously, bringing the now quiet omega over to sit down on the couch, keeping him in his lap. Seungmin emerged from his room, the last member to join them all in the living room.

“Well, I guess we might as well have the pack meeting now.” Chan piped up, all attention turning to him. 

“What about?” Seungmin asked.

“About y/n.” Chan quickly replied, and that got everyone’s attention. The boys’ attention was solely focused on their pack alpha, well besides Jisung whose head was resting on Minho’s shoulder, the omega still a melted puddle.

The boys started to get louder, each discussing about y/n, before Chan shushed them all. 

“During the fanmeet, I gave y/n my number when signing her album. She messaged me while we were on the way back here. I confirmed it’s actually her, and I know that all of us were interested in her, I could tell by how none of you could shut up about her on the drive home.” He told them, and they all started clamoring for her number.

“Yah! Shut up!” Minho interjected, and they all quickly settled as none of them wanted to earn the man’s ire. 

Chan continued once the noise level had dropped, “My alpha also is attracted to her, at the fansign, it wanted me to pull her into my arms and scent her, everyone else be damned. I know Minho’s alpha was behaving similarly.”

Minho sighed as all attention was directed to him. “My alpha didn’t want to let her go. And wanted to take her and keep her in our nest. And he wouldn’t shut up about how pretty Felix and her would look together in our nest.” He spoke.

This admission from the dancer caused a round of teasing by the rest of the pack. They teased him and his alpha for wanting to essentially kidnap a fan because she was so pretty. Felix sat there blushing, the thought of y/n and him in a nest together painted a pretty picture in his mind, leaving him desiring for that to happen.

Fairly quickly afterwards, the remainder of the boys also speak up about their feelings, except for Han, but Felix shares the other omega’s feelings in his stead. They all found that if their wolves hadn’t outright talked about her, that they at least felt drawn or pulled to her. 

Changbin quickly brought the conversation back around to Chan having her number, which then brought back the clamoring by the others, bar Minho and Han, for their leader to pass on her number to them. Chan sternly told them that he would have to get her permission first before he would even think of handing out her number, which then spurs on calls for him to text her right then and there to ask, as well as a couple of pouts at Chan not immediately giving her number.

The leader sighed, before pulling his phone out and pulling up their texts. 

‘Hey there. So the others found out that I have your number, and they want it as well. I won’t pass it on to them unless I have your express permission to do so.’ He texted y/n.

It took a minute before she responded, and by the time she did, the boys had crowded around him and his phone. 

‘That’s fine! You can give it to them, I don’t mind.’ She replied to him.

“Oh! Ask her if we can have a group chat too!!” Hyunjin shouted out, making Changbin and Felix cover their ears.

‘And I have been asked to ask you if you’re okay with a group chat with the whole group.’ He passed on the question to her.

‘That’s okay with me as well. I assume it was Felix who wanted it? Or Han?’ She asked him.

‘Hyunjin, actually.’ He texted.

‘Ahhh, that would have been my third guess.’ She replied, and he laughed.

Hyunjin pouted, as did Felix, at being so predictable.

Chan quickly created a group chat, adding y/n to it last. As he predicted, the chat quickly fell into chaos. The boys all wanted her attention, and he had to step in to tell them to cool it, both by text and verbally. There were more pouts this time, the boys unhappy about being scolded. 

Since the industry has a habit of not disclosing the idol’s designations to fans since that incident at the fansign, and the pack of boys not knowing what y/n’s designation is, that’s the first thing after introductions to be discussed. Y/n is the first to spill, telling them that she is an omega, to which Felix chimed in as well. Though he already knew that, and was trying to cover up for the growing pool of guilt in his stomach at hiding it. Chan tells her that Han is the other omega of their group. Changbin, Hyunjin and Sungmin all tell her that they’re the betas, Seungmin noting afterwards that he’s the pack beta. This left Jeongin, Minho and Chan as the alphas, with Chan specifying that he’s the pack alpha. 

Y/n was thankful to know what each of the boys was, and now knows why she probably felt the most at ease with Chan, Han and Felix, with two of them being fellow omegas and one being a pack alpha. They start to discuss other topics, though the maknaes try to persuade her to reveal who her bias was, but she kept her mouth shut on that matter. They move on to getting to know her, 20 questions style but really, it was just them asking her questions instead of her asking them any questions.

During all of this, Chan notes that Felix is unusually quiet, which is odd because of how excited he was only five minutes prior. He’s usually the big texting person in the group, and yet he’s barely texting at all, just staring down at his phone. 

Felix is feeling the guilt settle in his chest, weighing him down almost. He can’t push himself to be part of the conversation, only staring down at his phone, slowly drifting away from reality. He can’t help but feel guilty, he ran away from her, and his omega had been berating him for his actions since then. He only jolted back into reality when Chan reached out to shake him, asking if he was okay. The freckled Aussie fakes a smile and tells his alpha that he’s fine. He knew he had to come clean, there was no other way around it. It wasn’t fair to keep her in the dark about this, but it also wouldn’t be fair to drop this over text.

Before he can regret it, he texted her in the group chat, ‘Are you free to call? There’s something you need to know.’ 

This set the pack into pandemonium, thinking that Felix was going to tell her about their feelings. Chan and Minho reach out for his phone, but the omega moves faster, moving out of everyone’s reach. 

A ding was heard as she replied, ‘I’m free right now, Felix. What’s up?’ 

Deciding to just call her instantly, to avoid himself backing out, and to keep the others away from him.

“Hey Felix, what’s up? What did you wanna talk about?” She asked him as soon as she picked up.

“I knew you were an omega.” He blurted out.

“How? You shouldn’t have been able to tell at the fansign, not with my scent covered.” She replied, confused at how he knew.

“I met you before the fansign, actually.” He admitted to her, and the others.

“I think I would have known if we met.” She started, before going silent.

“Y/n?” Felix tentatively called out to the omega over the phone.

“No, we couldn’t have. That was you?” He hears her say, both to him and to herself. 

“It was me. I’m sorry for what I did.” He told her.

“Felix-” She started, but he interrupted her.

“I’m sorry for bumping into you, and I’m so sorry that I ran away. My omega’s been berating me for it since I ran. I figured I’d never run into you again, but then you turned up at the fansign and when you didn’t recognize me, I thought that I just had to get through it and it would all be okay.” He apologized, and explained to the best of his ability.

His heart dropped as he heard a tiny gasp before a sob was heard from her side of the call. He hadn’t meant to make her cry, it was the last thing he had meant to happen. The others hear the sob and it’s enough to shock Han out of his scent high, his instincts on alert almost immediately.

“I didn’t say anything at the fansign because I didn’t think it was a good place to do so, nevermind the backlash that either of us may have faced. I had such a good time talking to you I swear. My omega’s honestly been yearning for you since yesterday, and I’m sorry I was cowardly and ran away. I was just so overwhelmed by everything I was feeling and my omega’s thoughts and urges and I couldn’t think of anything else to do but to run. I’m sorry y/n, for the hurt I caused you. I only hope you can forgive me.” He further explained, hoping that she would accept his apology, but know full well that she didn’t have to. Tears running out of his eyes by the end of his little speech. 

The rest of the pack could only watch on, concerned about both omega’s but unsure of whether to intervene at all. 

“Thank you for telling me, Felix. And thank you for apologizing. In the vein of being honest, after you ran, I went back to the hotel yesterday, because I had been overcome with a feeling of loneliness, and sadness. I made up a nest and after getting in it, I cried myself to sleep almost. My omega cried out for you, she was the most hurt by your actions.” Y/n admitted to not only Felix, but the rest of the boys unknowingly. 

Felix started sobbing, as did y/n. Both omega’s feeling great amounts of sadness, and each feeding off of the other’s emotions. Chan decided it was time to step in, pulling Felix in close and hugging the younger man, taking the phone from his hand and handing it off to Minho as the alpha stepped closer, Han by his side. The other omega wrapped his arms around Felix, providing further comfort.

“Y/n? This is Minho. Can I ask for more details?” The elder alpha asked the girl.

She explained from the beginning, going over the two omega’s first encounter, and ending it with what she had said before, about falling asleep in her nest due to her emotions overtaking her. She told him that she had no idea it was Felix, that for all she knew, it was just a random stranger who smelled amazing, but had just run out of the blue. 

As she continued to talk to Minho, her sentences eventually devolved into sobs and cries instead, fearing that she hurt Felix. Her sobs continued, worrying Minho that she’d start to hyperventilate and pass out because of it. He started to try and calm her over the phone, looking over to see that most of the group had crowded around Felix, trying to calm the omega down, though it wasn’t working. 

Y/n could barely hear Minho’s voice, her sobs having grown louder as she tugged at her shirt, whining and crying that she had made Felix upset. She hadn’t wanted to do that, and she wished she could take back what she said. She curled in on herself, her omega feeling as sad as she was, neither of them wanted this to happen. Her scent soured, smelling bitter now, instead of sweet like it normally did.

Minho called out to the omega, “Y/n? Can you hear me?” 

He only received a whine in reply, but it was better than nothing. 

“Omega, I need you to verbally answer me.” He told her, not wishing to call her that, but knowing it will help bring her back at least slightly.

“Can hear ya.” He heard her mumble.

“Good omega.” He praised her. “Thank you for answering me.”

He doesn’t think she’s going to fully calm down soon, and he’s worried about her dropping, so decided that he needed to go see her. He asked her where her hotel was, receiving the name of a hotel, which he was able to discover wasn’t far from their dorm. He told her to stay calm for him and to keep breathing. 

He caught Chan’s attention, the pack alpha motioning for him to come closer. 

“I’m going to see y/n, she’s in as much distress as he is right now. I’m worried she’ll pass out.” He says quietly, trying not to let the others hear, though his effort is for naught.

Felix and Hyunjin whined at what they overheard, the omega of the two freaking out further that the other omega was in distress because of him, enough so that she might pass out. Felix himself started to hyperventilate, worrying about y/n getting hurt while she’s all alone.

“Alpha, protect omega?” He managed to get out, directing it at Minho.

“We’re gonna protect you baby, don’t worry.” Chan reassured him.

“Not ‘mega, pretty ‘mega.” Tears welled up in Felix’s eyes as they weren’t understanding him. 

“I’m going to go help pretty ‘mega, okay kitten?” Minho said, running his hands through Felix’s hair, pushing his bangs back as he did so.

Felix nodded, before devolving into further worry, his omega taking over at that point. Tears were falling at a fast pace down the blue haired omega’s cheeks and his distressed scent almost made the others choke. Finally, to calm him down and having no other option, Chan scruffed the younger Aussie, causing him to go limp in the leader’s arms. Han grabs Seungmin, and the two start scenting their omega, trying to bring back that happy citrusy scent that they know and love.

Chan motions for Minho to go see y/n, or they’ll be dealing with a distressed omega all night.

“Go on, go see her. Take Hyunjin with you.” Chan ordered the two of them.

They quickly threw their shoes back on, taking the minimum they needed to get out the door. Hyunjin pulled his phone out, getting directions to her hotel. They hurried down the streets to her hotel, somewhat relieved that they made it there in under 20 minutes. 

They rushed into the hotel lobby, y/n having given her room number prior to them leaving the dorm thankfully. They pushed the button for her room, but of course they weren’t alone in the elevator, and it seemed that people had to stop and get out on every single floor. Finally they arrived on her floor, running down the hall to find her room, Hyunjin finding it first.

Minho knocked on the door gently, but loud enough that y/n could hear it. They heard noise from inside the room, before the door slowly opened. Y/n looked a mess, tear-stained cheeks and swollen red eyes from crying. She was still having trouble regulating her breathing, her breath hitching and shaking as she looked up at them. 

“Hi.” She said, barely louder than a whisper. 

Minho, on pure instinct, picked her up and carried her in his arms, one hand pushing her head into his neck and scent gland, letting her scent him if she wanted to. He brought her to her nest in the bed, laying her in it as he stayed outside of it. He looked at her for permission to enter her nest, and she quickly granted it. He crawled into bed almost instantaneously, pulling the omega into his lap and wrapping his arms around her. He rocked her back and forth, letting her scent him as much as she needed. Minho was just there to comfort her without judgment, as she cried into his shoulder. He softly cooed and whispered comforting words to her, telling her that Felix was fine, that the others were with him and that he would be fine, just as she would be fine.

Hyunjin was waiting outside the nest, knowing better than to climb inside without the omega’s permission. At that point, y/n had calmed down quite a bit, and had taken to scenting Minho, which Hyunjin knew the alpha would never let strangers do. Yet here he was, allowing her to do what she needed for comfort. It really did prove that connection they all felt, that the older alpha willingly left Felix in distress to come and see y/n, and even was acting on instinct to calm an omega he had only met briefly hours earlier. 

Minho caught y/n’s attention, pointing to the beta who was waiting. She immediately made grabby hands for the tall dancer, who smiled as he climbed into the nest.

“Hello little omega.” He cooed in greeting, getting a smile and a blush in response.

“Hiii beta.” She said, before hiding her face in Minho’s shoulder, to which the two men chuckled. 

Hyunjin moved close to her, rubbing her back softly. Her scent was still soured, which worried the two of them. It meant that she still hadn’t fully come back from her distress, or was hiding how bad it was. Except for the fact that scents never lied, so the two of them changed positions, laying down in the nest on their sides facing each other, with y/n in the middle of them. They took turns scenting her and trying to get her scent to brighten up. 

“It’s okay, omega. Everyone’s okay, no one’s upset or mad, you’ve done nothing wrong. Your feelings are valid, and we can talk everything out with Felix later, okay? But we need you to feel better first. We can’t have a sad omega, hmm?” Minho continued to reassure her, telling her that Felix would be distressed to see her like this.

Sometime after they arrived, y/n’s scent finally started to smell better, sweeter. Hyunjin’s beta and Minho’s alpha can’t get enough of her scent, the sweet honey and vanilla was so delicious. The boys felt the same way, the two of them chuffing in happiness. This was all strangely intimate for three people who had only met hours earlier, but there was a sense of rightness as they all laid together. It felt like this is what they should be doing, like they were just laying with another one of their packmates, not an omega they had met that day. 

Y/n’s omega was purring in happiness at being in between the alpha and beta. Her omega was loving this, even if it only happened because of a bad situation. The happier she gets, the more delectable her scent gets, and soon enough, the boys can’t help themselves. The two of them descend on her scent glands, attacking them in order to get more of that pretty scent to come out and their wolves want to smell like her, want her pretty omega scent all over them, as a claim of sorts. This attack almost causes y/n to go into a scent high, thankfully for her, they get interrupted before that happens.

Minho picked up her phone to see Chan calling her. He answered, “Hello Channie alpha.” 

“Hello Minho. How is y/n doing? Is she feeling better? I tried to get a hold of both of you, but neither you nor Hyunjin answered.” Chan questioned him, concerned. 

“We’ve taken good care of her, she’s feeling better now.” Minho replied.

“Y/n’s okay? She’s really okay?” Felix’s voice comes through the phone.

Y/n took this as her time to speak up. “I’m okay, Felix. I promise. Are you okay too, sunshine?” She turned the questions back on him.

“I’m okay, I promise!” He told her, wanting her to not be concerned about him.

The two omegas started chatting on other topics, but before long, Chan interrupted them and told them to save the conversation for another time. They both pouted, the respective boys on either side chuckling at their expressions. 

“Minho, Hyunjin, what are your plans now? Are you returning to the dorm now?” He broached the topic of what they would do, now that y/n’s been calmed down.

Hyunjin speaks up first, “Can we bring her back with us? Don’t want to leave her here alone.” Minho hummed in agreement.

Their wolves were insistent on not leaving her here by herself. What if she got distressed again, and they weren’t here to soothe her? That couldn’t be allowed. 

“We want her to come back with us. Omega shouldn’t be left alone.” Minho affirmed Hyunjin’s words. 

The use of omega tipped off Chan that Minho was not fully in control at the moment. That made him concerned, and their insistence really shocked the others, not expecting them to want to bring her back. 

Well, everyone except for Han, he wasn’t shocked that they were behaving like this. Han knew that there was something about her that pulled them in, and he was fully on board with her coming to their dorm. If Minho’s alpha was that protective over her, he knew that she was safe to be around. The man’s alpha is protective over his pack, and he’d never let anyone in that he deemed a threat. Plus, his alpha was right, when he said she’d look cute in their nest. He wanted that too, wanted her and Felix in the nest. She’d be their little omega, that they’d keep safe, and by Felix’s concern, he thought the same. 

“I want her here. Minho-jagi, bring her please.” The quokka-cheeked man spoke up, to everyone’s surprise. Thankfully, no one protested it, and Chan gave in, saying she could come and stay the night, to a round of cheers.

Chan sighed, before calling out to y/n, asking her, “Y/n, do you want to come here and stay with us for the night? You can say no, and I will come and get the boys. But you are welcome here if you want that.”

Y/n nodded, forgetting that Chan couldn’t see her nod. 

Minho caught her attention, “Omega, we need a verbal answer.”

She blushes in embarrassment, “I’d like that.” 

Honestly, she’s still in shock about it all, from getting Chan’s number to now laying here in between two-thirds of Danceracha, and she’s about to go back with them to their dorm. What is this life she’s living right now?

Her omega was thinking about getting to smell Felix’s sweet citrusy smell again. Plus the floral scents coming from Hyunjin, and what she could only think of as a clean laundry scent from Minho. Her omega is increasingly pleased with her situation, knowing that she wanted these boys as her pack, even if y/n hadn’t gotten to that point yet.

After confirming that they’d be heading back to the dorm soon with y/n in tow, Chan hung up. Hyunjin jumped into action, finding a bag of hers, and then heading into her bathroom to collect anything from there that she might need for the night. He found a bag for her hygiene and makeup items in the bathroom, and filled that up, before placing it in the large bag he found. He then moved out back into the main room, looking up at her and asking what he needed to pack for her.

Minho sat the two of them up as she directed him on what to pack, and Hyunjin dutifully followed her orders. Once he had everything, he brought the bag over for her to double check, looking happy once she approved, glad to be of service to the omega. Minho looked at him, pride in his eyes as he looked at the beta, a silent ‘good job’ mouthed to the younger dancer.

Leaving the bag on the bed, he went to find her shoes, as Minho moved them closer to the edge of the nest and bed. Hyunjin came back with her sneakers, and knelt down in front of her. He carefully put her shoes on her feet, the omega looking down at him with slight wonder in her eyes at how sweet the two of them were being. Once he had finished lacing up her shoes, he stood up and stepped back, grabbing her overnight bag in the process.

Minho moved her off his lap, before he slid off of the bed, immediately turning around to reach his hands out for her. She took them, and he helped her slide off the bed as well, landing softly on the ground, as if she was farther off the ground than the couple inches between her feet and the bed. Hyunjin hurried back over to the door, grabbing her coat off the hanger, and helping her into it. The two idols donned masks, and handed her one as well that they nicked on their way out as an extra for themselves. She put it on to conceal her face. They left the hotel room, but not before making sure y/n had the keys to her room.

They quickly rode back down the elevator and left the hotel, starting their journey back home. They two men knew where they were going, and each of them holding her hand, they led her down the streets until they approached the building their dorm was in. Heading up the lift to their floor, the doors opened and they hurried to their apartment. They arrived at the boys’ dorm, but before they could open the door, it opened for them, an excited Han on the other side. 

“You’re here! Come in come in!” He nearly shouted, causing the others to come rushing to the entryway as well, Chan and Felix pushing their way to the front. The two Aussie’s kept everyone back so that the three of them could enter the apartment. The boys took off their shoes, as y/n followed them in doing so. 

Once everyone’s shoes were off, Minho grabbed y/n’s hand and pulled her with him to the living room. He sat down on one of the couches, pulling her down next to him. Felix claimed the spot on her other side, as Han pouted, before he sat down in front of her. That didn’t stop him from complaining about how unfair it was, to the others’ amusement. 

They all started chatting, in an effort to make y’n feel more comfortable in their presence. It worked, to their delight, and she quickly loosened up and joined the conversations. They talked about anything and everything, though the older boys had a lot of fun telling her embarrassing stories about the younger four boys, who retaliated by telling her the same kinds of stories about their elders. This caused her to laugh until her sides hurt, before chiming in with a couple stories of her own. 

Eventually, more yawns than words were coming out of y/n’s mouth, and the eldest two took this as a sign that the small omega needed sleep. 

“I think it’s time for some sleep, yeah?” Chan said as he came up to her, Han had moved out of the way so he could get closer. 

Y/n nodded sleepily, having a harder time keeping herself upright. Chan, after getting verbal confirmation that it was okay to pick her up, did so, before taking her to their pack nest, and laying her in the middle of it. The two omegas hopped in after her, softly talking with her and removing anything on her person that might make sleeping hard. Once they were finished, and moved anything out of the nest, they settled in on either side of her, keeping her between them. 

The three betas climbed into the nest next, Hyunjin on the other side of Felix, while Changbin and Seungmin stayed on Han’s side of the nest. Jeongin slipped in behind Seungmin with Chan capping off that side of the nest, as Minho slid in behind Hyunjin, reaching over him to feel Felix and y/n as much as he could. 

With how many happy and content scents there were surrounding the omegas, it didn’t take long before the three were out cold. The three betas quickly followed, Changbin being the last of the three to fall asleep, watching the younger ones succumb to sleep first before he could. Minho was next, looking at Chan before nuzzling into Hyunjin’s neck and peacefully falling into the hands of sleep, and Chan took one more look around, his alpha being the happiest at seeing all of them safe here in the nest, before he too slipped into dreamland. The dorms were finally quiet, and the nine of them were safe in the nest, where they couldn’t be harmed.

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Taglist is: open!

[onyourhyuck]

LOWLIFE. | L.DH | PART 4

— Prologue: “It’s simple, Y/n.” He leans in his lips inches away from your face. “You don’t want to tell me the truth then we’ll have to go through this the hard way.” He smirks and pushed you even more against the wall. “Until you cry…” His voice was soft suddenly as if he was sweet talking you right now but you knew deep down he meant every word.

— Summary: Where your childhood enemy found your diary one day where you wrote all your dirty thoughts about Lee fucking Haechan.

— Genre: Smut. Dub-con. Stalker Haechan. Haechan’s the biggest red flag. Everything is consensual but it’s very dark here. Haechan’s very mean and he doesn’t care a lot. Hair pulling. Dominant Haechan. Pussy slapping. Overstimulation play. Degradation. Slight praise. Jealous and possessive Haechan. Y/n is a masochist. Haechan’s very much the sadist here. Mention of Jaehyun. Mention of Diary. Blackmailing.

— Notes: I am so sorry this took so long to publish. I am on holiday 😭 I have a lot of work to publish still oml.

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Its been weeks since you and Donghyuck made contact in any form. There was no life between the two of you. For some reason you couldn’t face Donghyuck not after what you guys did. Usually you would be okay the next with seeing Donghyuck pretending like nothing happened but not after this one. The situation that went in hand was something else. Not only did he get upset with you. He also said things that made you think a lot.

Made you realise that you might be in this one sided situation all along with feelings that are becoming unhealthy. Whenever your classes were mixing the both of you together neither of you spoke but it seems like you were avoiding him more than he was. At least he made some eye contact with you in some moments when he was talking to you, but you completely aired him and that could only cause him to be taken aback by your actions. Your presence usually was very much attached to him like a hard glue and now you’re a floating water who doesn’t even acknowledge him. What’s happened to you? Donghyuck was left becoming slightly confused and less by the minute he grew upset that you’re the one who’s ignoring him.

Everyone knows that Donghyuck was the one leading you on, even his two friends, Jeno and Jaemin knew he was simply using you. But now that you seem to have a mind of your own, you’re no longer under his command and control it seems like you broke out and you don’t want to have this one-sided thing anymore. Not even the diary makes you feel like you’re threatened by his blackmail. And so Donghyuck was the one feeling gruntingly attacked and frustrated by you and your actions.

It is ironic in a way, you were the one chasing him all those years trying to be his friend, trying to show your love and adoration for him and when he never gave a second thought about it, you disappeared from that view of being a crazy obsessed little girl now. You’re no longer that person, or at least you’re trying to move on from him and his toxic ways. Now Donghyuck feels compelled to chase you without a single thought running in that head of his. It made him think that perhaps he went too far with you? Maybe he did something you didn’t like and that leaves a sour taste and smell in his mouth just by thinking about that. He doesn’t even know why he was worried if he did something that you weren’t comfortable with.

It’s not like he cared before, so why should he care now? Donghyuck really wasn’t understanding himself and his stupid thoughts. He only had you on his brain nowadays ever since you keep on avoiding and dodging him wherever he goes. Even if he purposely tried to cross paths with you somehow, you turn your back to him and go the other way. What kind of person does that?

He feels some type of hatred for you, but not the hatred you’re thinking. He hates that you’re making him feel this many things he shouldn’t even be feeling. Was this guilt? Was this some sort of joke you’re doing this to him? He feels hurt. Donghyuck had never been the type of guy to feel bothered when he’s ignored he goes about his day and thinks it is what it is.

But when you’re doing this it’s difficult. He can’t move past this, so he wants to do something about it.

You’re listening to music as you’re walking past the school corridors now. You wore your usual school uniform and your hair was in a little low bun today. You could’ve be bothered doing a fancy hairstyle today and leaving it down wasn’t really fitting your mood right now so you decided to do an up do and just go about your day, move on, and as you’re listening to your playlist you go on the phone to press shuffle so another song can play on your headphones; as your fingers gently click the screen, you feel yourself bump shoulders with someone and your eyes widen as you look at the tall figure. He was handsomely dressed neatly and he looks very smart and kind. He had light coloured hair and pale skin, he looks like an upperclassman.

Your eyes widen ever so lightly realising you bumped into him and you grew embarrassed so you only bow your head ready to say something complicated because your voice was coming out like a stuttering mess. “I’m s-so sorry oh my god are you okay? You’re not hurt right…” your voice trails off at the end going quiet because you’re busy checking for any signs of injuries the older boy might have, but he lets out a soft chuckle and shakes his head.

You can’t change the feeling of being validated because the boy was asking how are you, he was quite bigger than you, and he was worried you might’ve broke your shoulder or something which he didn’t want happening.

“It’s okay, no worries, really.” He said and then looks at you up and down checking your body from just a little moment to check for any injuries too. “You’re not hurt right? I can take you to the nurse infirmary if you’d like.” He offers gently and you can’t help but smile ear to ear. No one has ever been this kind to you and even offered to take you to the nurse to get you checked out. He seems very polite— and gentlemen like. You somehow feel your heart skipping many beats at the handsome boy.

The boy can’t help but feel like your smile was surpassingly cute. You seem like a young innocent girl who doesn’t have many friends but he liked that considering you were so kind and emphatic. He likes your attitude especially how kindly you’re giving your time to check on him too.

You look down at your body and give him a soft approving nod. “I’m fine. Good as new still.” You tell him and he was quite happy about that. “What’s your name? I don’t think I’ve recognised you.” He was a senior so it’s quite known for him to know other juniors in the school however he has never ran into you and that’s probably because you prefer being a shadow. You don’t really like speaking to people in school, unless you have to. You don’t really like interacting if you’re being honest.

You’re always the quiet girl and you don’t mind that. You prefer it being that way since it’s easier to be quiet than to deal with people all the time. You learned that the hard way. Nonetheless Jaehyun seems pretty cool and you can’t help but feel yourself introducing to him.

“Y/n. I’m in Class 3E…” You murmur as you turn your eyes around the class door number in the distance and Jaehyun lets out a soft ‘ahhh’ as he now knows you’re a junior. His junior more like. “It’s nice to meet you Y/n. You’ve got a pretty name. I’m Jung Jaehyun.” His hand comes forward and you stare at it for a moment and you can’t help but smile if anything you were smitten over Jaehyun’s friendly demure he makes you feel safe.

And it certainly boosted up your low and tired mood. You shake his hand softly and then the hands let go unattaching themselves as they share a momentarily contact. Jaehyun smiles. “Y/n do you want to exchange socials? I think we get along quite well.” He beams and your face grew red with blush.

He wants to exchange your socials? He really said he wants to get to know you more and you’re just so bewildered. No one has ever asked for your socials before.

“I- oh yes okay, we can exchange socials I’d love to.” You say to him quickly as he was waiting for your time you seemed to be dazed in a way and he found that pausing reaction to be the cutest. So now your socials were exchanged when Jaehyun added your account and he smiles proudly. He was glad you wanted to give him your hand.

It just makes his heart ponder. You were very cute and you seem quite friendly and upbeat. Not many juniors he meets are like you. So he thought this might be fate he bumped into you today. You really cheered up his mood a lot.

And he cheered up your mood too it seems.

From the far on end distance would stand Donghyuck with a very glaring and dark expression almost like a dark cloud was over his head raining down on him and striking a blighted lighting down angrily. Hands tucked in front pockets as you and Jaehyun were walking now side by side and speaking. The way he hears your echoing laugh really bugs him and he wants to make it stop. Why was this bothering him so much more? He can understand you if you’re ignoring him and not speaking to anyone but if you’re ignoring him and now SPEAKING to someone he feels completely burned down like he was on fire, bathing in his anger.

Jaemin whistles as he knew his friends was enraged to the fullest and he enjoys seeing Donghyuck so upset. He told him before, that you were a keeper and you were only going to keep attracting men towards yourself. Because let’s be honest here, Jaemin and the other boys found you extremely pretty but you’re also very rare. You look innocent, you have this very doe-like energy about you, but deep down you’re nothing like that and that’s exactly what makes people like them so interested in you. They like that you’re coming out with two different sides to yourself.

He sighs patting Donghyuck’s shoulder. “Wow you got dumped by your pet.” The boy glared at his friend and slapped his hand away. “I didn’t get dumped.” He retorts back with a emphasised hiss. “She will come back crying to me. Watch her do that.” He said trying to be convincing but now it’s been a few days almost a week since you’ve been avoiding him; Jaemin and Jeno were really set on the idea that you’re not gonna come back anytime soon.

However his friends would not mention anything back and instead let Donghyuck huff in his own anger boiling over like an overflowing bathtub full of scorching water. He feels so much pressure in his head the fact you’re speaking to other guys as well now but you’re not speaking to him? It just hurts him knowing you’re not in his control and now all he wants is to have you back, being devoted to him.

“I will make you regret this Y/n.” He told himself. He vows to make you come back on your knees begging for forgiveness to spare you some if he can find any.

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You’re walking down the street not doing particularly much except being on your phone scrolling. You press on the Spotify icon and play your playlist that you spend your dedicated time making for yourself whenever you leave the house or go to school. You can’t go anywhere without listening to music, it’s like your life is based on around this playlist everywhere you go now and you’re not complaining. You have quite good music taste. Nonetheless you now make your way looking over the streets seeing cars driving past. It seems to be a traffic today. It’s raining quite badly too, it’s been gloomy these past days, you can’t help but think it’s to do with your mood too. Because now the weather is depressed and ever since you stopped communicating with Donghyuck, avoiding him at all costs, the weather goes sour. You try not to paint these coincidences to your situation. It might make you even more hung up on the idea that your silent treatment is too far. But you can’t just ignore what he said to you.

The words haunt you forever, even till now this day every night you’re hearing him repeat it to you like a religious mantra you couldn’t push out your brain. “You’re nothing but entertainment for me you do know that? The only reason I’m keeping you around is for your body.” He said those words to you, those horrible words that share nothing but your grief and your own one sided thoughts out down the drain. You wouldn’t believe him at first but you cannot shake the feeling these words have you.

You try your best to move on. But it’s like half of his heart is yours nowadays you feel not alive without him. You try to tell yourself time is the best healer, you need time apart, you need to move on and forget him already.

At least that’s your plan.

You break your own thoughts overtaking your reality and when you bring yourself forward snapping out of all overthinking you do you realise a car honking at you all this time. You look at them with a nervous apologetic smile and cross the road. They seemed quite upset with you, you didn’t realise they were making time to have you cross over, you got stuck in your own head: again. You want to sigh how much your own thoughts were drugged by this situation. You try not to think anymore. It’s bad enough that you stood there keeping a car waiting for you to snap back to the real moment.

Crossed over now, you walk down the another long road leading the neighbourhood opening. You see a bunch of houses similar to yours. The neighbourhood is quite similar in all designs the house provide. You couldn’t help but shake the feeling of the rain dropping down on your forehead now, against your glasses. You curse and take your glasses off wiping the water droppings by the hem of your sweater. “Great it’s raining…” you mutter at the horrible weather. You decide to put your bag over your head and start walking in the rain. Your school uniform wasn’t warm enough for this bad weather.

It’s meant to be near-summer why is it so rainy? You beg the rain stops but it seems to be getting worse now and you couldn’t help but wonder if this was some sort of accident happening to you. You listen to the heavy racket the rain makes against your cute leather backpack you bring to school, it was heavy and it starts to rattle like a glass on top of a washing machine when it’s washing a bunch of clothes in circulation.

The wind was blowing hard working with the ridiculous weather conditions. You swore the forecast is never correct. You start to think there is no point watching it if it is never correct about the weather throughout the day.

The downpour was so heavy that to be caught by surprise by it meant being drenched to the skin. Soaking every fabric to the skin like it was a piece parting of your body. Every droplet of water coming down on your beautiful hair submerges to your roots, wetting it, curling every strand of hair up. The gravity was thick and the petrichor smell of the rain surrounding the trees and the flowers fills your nostrils like the heavenly earth filling the air. The weather was a rollercoaster you couldn’t ride without the risk of becoming drowned into the ocean like a tsunami engulfs everything in the same way. It was so bad that you have no choice but to continue walking and accept this weather to your forsaken day and deal with it. You had to suck it up, and pray you don’t get sick in the process. You can’t help but admire how the cars driving on the road wipe the windowsill while they drive, or the houses getting wet and dirty by the heavy rainstorm.

The eerie feeling brushes down your spine. It’s like someone was watching you now that you made your way further you see your house nearby but now the, the moment your hips turn round to your side of the neighbourhood you live at. You feel two pairs of eyes on you. It was a weird thought that ran to your head. Why do you feel like you’re being followed?

It might be your paranoia, because it’s raining, today was a bad day. You feel quite gloomy too.

But the feeling was too strong to ignore. You turn around and look around the distance. You see zero people and a few cars driving past the road down. You don’t see anyone, but you swore you felt someone behind you watching you specifically. Maybe you felt like you were followed from the start but now you’re starting to grasp that.

You feel your throat going dry. “It’s probably nothing…” you whisper checking around with your eyes again just to out some reassurance to yourself.

Your feet turn around the heels and now your eyes widen as you were met with a dark gaze, a taller boy towering over you completely and you feel your skin growing deathly pale. Why have your legs gone completely numb at the sight of the boy you dread and love at the same time? Why was your brain half flight have fight? And why was your lips open wide but nothing coming out?

It turns out the creepy feeling of being stalked wasn’t so untrue afterall. You were followed all along by Donghyuck. From the moment school has ended he’s been travelling in your shadows and you were a fool to not even realise until your eyes took the surroundings in. Donghyuck knew you wouldn’t be able to notice him because of your earbuds in and that music of yours kept you busy for half a while. It’s a shame though, your priceless reaction wasn’t enough for him. Usually your silence was something he encourages.

But not today. Today he wants to hear you very much scream.

Donghyuck standing with a dark hood up covering most of his face but from where you stood and where your height was at you could see the dark grey cold eyes of his gazing into yours like it was your last warning. You might need a miracle to escape him now, you think to yourself. The feeling of your stomach turning and getting a cramp drags your senses to heighten maximum. He leans down whispering, crowing at your dumbfounded eyes and mouth wide agape like you were so shocked to see him standing right there in front of you. “What’s wrong Specs, got no where to run off to now?” Donghyuck mocks you down right back to your knees.

Your eyebrows rose at each insult he throws at you and you fiddle with your fingertips, the heavy rain covers your palms that dropped to your sides and your feet stopped working. You try to make yourself run, you try to do anything but you couldn’t do anything even if you tried your body stopped functioning. You wonder if it’s fear or if it’s excitement.

“D-Donghyuck… what are you… did you follow me h-here?” You want to curse. You want to be told to get your shit together but you can’t.

The sound of your voice aroused Donghyuck with the most intense and propounding cruelty to do to you. It’s the way your sweet voice breaks half way each word. You drag on your words at emphasis of your own fear he injects inside your body. Donghyuck very much loves the effect he has on you by just standing in front of your eye sight view. He wonders, if you get so stuck by watching him, what will you be like when he gets his hands on you finally after so freaking long?

You’ve been ignoring him for too long. Donghyuck wants to teach you a lesson on what happens when you ignore him. And it’s not going to be a very kind lesson. He ran out of kindness for you a while ago. “Clever girl.” He said, even though it’s a praise, it was a condescending comment that wasn’t a true meaningful compliment to you. Donghyuck trails forward grabbing your wrist that’s soaking with the rain, letting drops of rain on the ground by your cold and red fingertips. He spoke with a devilish smile. “I believe we have things to discuss, Y/n.”

You’re about to protest but the minute he saw you getting ready to say many things along the lines of saying no to him he just starts dragging you without giving you any chance to reject this moment away. Donghyuck can’t handle another moment of you ignoring him and he’s about to show you why you can’t do this to him. He was meant to be the sole reason of your affection and obsession, and he won’t let some stupid senior in upper class take that away from him.

You are meant to be his and only his. Donghyuck doesn’t like sharing what is his with someone who be doesn’t like. And even if he liked Jaehyun a little bit he wouldn’t of given you to someone like him anyways.

Usually Donghyuck wouldn’t be like this with you. He could care less about who you get and speak with. But now it’s different. Something within him changed and the boy was no longer something you could understand, he can’t even understand himself. You found yourself getting pushed inside Donghyuck’s front door to his house which wasn’t too far away from your neighbourhood. Either way you didn’t want to be in his house. The last time you were here you did things you want to forget. It just makes your stomach remember the things you guy do. The things he did to your body which is hard to forget.

You turn to the door that shut when he walks inside closing it behind. You gulp taking a step backwards. The both of you are soaked from your head to toes. Donghyuck can see your wet eyelashes, he found them more beautiful than before, and it was angering him that he was admiring your face that he couldn’t even see due to you ignoring him so long. It felt like a relief washed over his body when he finally saw your face. He found it more beautiful than last time. Maybe you were always this beautiful, but he never quite took notice until now.

And it’s killing him. He’s viewing you differently.

Donghyuck doesn’t understand where it all changed. When it all changed. Why it all changed.

“Donghyuck I don’t want to… I don’t want to speak to you.” You finally tell him when the courage in your heart and body was found. You’re even surprised you have the guts to tell Donghyuck this. What surprised you even more is that the boy wasn’t responding. Was he admiring you? You thought it was strange how quiet he is while facing you with a different pair of eyes watching you from another point of view low. You can’t help and shake this weird change.

Nonetheless you were now pressed against a wall with your wet clothes. The school backpack belonging to you fell somewhere on the ground. It was wet, every part of you was wet actually and his face shivering from how cold your bodies were when the rain was pouring down outside on you. “I think you’re lying Y/n.” Donghyuck spoke in a very low but soft voice as his hand caressed down your jawline and to your chin. You pull your face away trying to escape all those little touches he does to try and hypnotise you.

You feel his hot breath and low voice so irresistible to you that it is hard to ignore. You’re surprised you have even this much restrain in yourself because you feel quite weak whenever it comes to him. Even Donghyuck was now amused by your response. It is very different now. He’s enjoying your playing hard to get persona now.

He smirks seeing you completely dodge the touch his hands made against your soft beautiful skin on your face. “You don’t need to lie to me… let’s stop this push and pull game alright, before it gets messy.” He warns you deeply now.

Although Donghyuck was using his sweet voice on you. You feel so crushed by this and you narrow your eyes at the boy in front of you. He was like a shadow in front of you. So unpredictable. So untouchable and absolutely maddening to you and your self consciousness.

He poisons you and every right decision. He makes you do the wrong choices but they feel so right all the time. You can’t shake this feeling when you’re feeling your cherish able heart beat to every thing Donghyuck does to you. It’s like your heart feels so much more alive, when you are around him.

You feel your teeth stick together as you spoke out to him once again, you heard him say this, that you’re lying about not wanting to speak to him. He wasn’t wrong. But you can’t do this cycle with him, the words he said to you haunt the back of your mind up until now. “I am not lying, Donghyuck, I don’t want to speak to you.” You tell the boy in front of you. Donghyuck let’s out a quiet low snicker. “Oh yeah?” He said leaning down to your face. He can see a reflection of himself become enlarge in your wet glasses.

He gentle smirks. He found this new side of you to be quite entertaining. Donghyuck can’t help but think he’s going to have fun getting the truth out of you now. “I guess we will be here for a while now.” You heard him suggest.

“What?” Your innocent voice lets out quietly in the silence and dark hallway as your back is pressing on like a cement statue browsing on the wall against it while Donghyuck is a towering figure watching you with his glowing enticing eyes. Watching like a predator found a new sign of prey they cannot let go off. He finally found you again all to himself — he won’t stop now. Not now that you’re looking so beautiful with your fearful expression he sees while your glasses and your wet curls are there enchanting him. He must say he was a fool for not realising how pretty you look now.

It seems like you are confused. Donghyuck’s voice trails like an incoming train ready to take a roll ahead on the railway tracks ahead. It hit you like a hard brick when he goes to explain exactly the tiny little steps he will do now. “It’s simple, Y/n.” He leans in his lips inches away from your face. “You don’t want to tell me the truth then we’ll have to go through this the hard way.” He smirks and pushed you even more against the wall. “Until you cry…” His voice was soft suddenly as if he was sweet talking you right now but you knew deep down he meant every word.

You held your breath in when Donghyuck engulfs you into a passionate kiss that seems so loving at first. You were shocked he could kiss you in such a way. He was possible of kissing and treating you so nicely even if it was for a moment you feel yourself forgetting this was Donghyuck with the way he kissed you. When your lips touched his it felt so foreign. He made sure to take his time with you but at the same time there was hints of impatience and quickness. It was sweet, but dangerous at the same time. It’s like he wants your love, he was your love on him and only him. But you couldn’t help yourself but lean your head against the wall as Donghyuck’s hands brace themselves on your jawline holding it. The thumbs on the side press on your cheeks opening your mouth a little more access so he can slip inside his hungry tongue, ready to explore you in another hundred different ways.

Your thoughts all consist of many things such as: ‘This isn’t Donghyuck,’ or ‘Who was this boy?’ And you wonder the same thing. Donghyuck seems like a different person now and the mayhems he was brewing were over the top of the kiss when he pressed in deeply against your lips now. He made sure to kiss you so deeply your breath was sucked out of your body and you were feeling weak enough for your knees to tremble where you stood pressed latching on the wall that he made you go on. Donghyuck closed his eyes tight savouring his lips on yours. It was like a longing for him.

He loves hearing your little moans when he starts to lower his lips on your bottom lip pulling it apart lightly and then sucking on the exposed skin. He leaves a reddish love bite on it when the process was over and you groan closing your eyes as your head leans back against the wall. Donghyuck shifts the attention away from your mouth and now on your neck. The smell of your curly wet hair reminds him of the earthly rain outside, he didn’t hate it on you, the petrichor smell. Donghyuck’s tongue crawls down your skin on your neck, pressing wet kisses on it now. You feel your entire body going into a frenzy of shivers and pleasure. “Tell me you want more?” Donghyuck smirks as he still keeps his goal in mind.

You clench your eyes tight. “No.” You firmly told and Donghyuck smirks liking that you didn’t give in at all. Usually you wouldn’t waste a moment. But now you, you weren’t head over heels rushing in completely to him. Donghyuck was left thinking if you were doing this because of that senior earlier, Jaehyun, it fills him with some bad vibes from you. It would be a problem if you fell for someone that wasn’t him.

“Why?” He croaks against your neck now as he lifts his head up facing you with a dark glare. “Why, Y/n?” He asked once again with a snarl. You furrow your eyebrows, as you remember what happened the last time. You had the urge to tell him.

But you couldn’t bring yourself to explain why. You wonder if he would even care about it. And so you would rather stay with your own thoughts and not put the energy and effort to tell Donghyuck.

Donghyuck heard your lack of response and so, he starts to make scenarios up. He will know by your reactions if it was true or not anyways. He can read you like an open book when he catches you red handed. “It’s because of that senior isn’t it?” He comes closer to your face. “Jaehyun, right?” Your eyes brush against his now that he came closer saying Jaehyun’s name.

You furrow at the words as you’re now realising that Donghyuck was jealous. You couldn’t believe it. He was. Someone who would never be jealous was now jealous when it came to you and it sends your heart into some sort of pride overload.

“You’re jealous?” You say back with your eyebrows moving up on your forehead. Donghyuck glares at you. “I am not.” He said gritting his teeth at you. You push back with your words now. “You are. How did you know Jaehyun and I are friends?” You blurt out and Donghyuck looks down at you pulling on your hair gently, he tugs it and moves you around on the wall.

“I saw you.” He said simply and you grunt against the hair pull letting out a soft wince. You look up at Donghyuck, he was jealous, you saw it when his eyes tremble as you questioned him earlier. “You’re getting too comfortable thinking you can do and say what you want, Y/n, i would never get jealous.” He grits his teeth once again. “And even if I did get jealous, I have every right to.” He said brushing the free hand against your cheek. “Because you’re mine, no one else’s.” He seers in a rather greedy way. You never seen him like this before.

It didn’t take a moment for Donghyuck to lift your skirt. Instead of taking all your clothes he only rolled up your skirt taking a look at your black panties and he smirks watching your cheeks go red as he looks up at your eyes. He brushed over his hand. The clothed clit touching the very thin fingertips and you let out a little bit of a wince and a nudge. He saw you react quite well and he happens to enjoy seeing the struggling expression when he cups your area again now fully. “This pussy is mine, not Jaehyun’s, Y/n.” He reminds you again as he slips off your panties. You weren’t even aware of how cold you are when the fabric leaves your body dripping to your ankles and the way his cold fingers insert themselves to your insides so well — it shocks you deeply.

“Cold… cold…! Donghyuck.” You yelp and he saw your eyes widen. Donghyuck’s eyes up watching them dilate when he pushed the fingers of his within your walls as he smirks ear to ear. The movements became frequent leaving your soaking walls to squeeze and squeak. Donghyuck is loving the sounds you make, similar to ocean waves, they go back and forth in his control movements. He likes being in charge of your body, a lot more than you realise. You’re against the wall with your leg up on the side as you’re getting your walls pressed and stretched out, you’re loving how he feels so deep within you. The idea of his cock being this deep or even more drives you insane. He whispers. “Admit it. You wanted me to come to you like this.”

“L-like what? Admit what.” You said back between your voices changing the sounds as the way you’re being used against the walls like this. It strikes your body with many different layers of emotions you cannot process all at once. Donghyuck smirks as he slowly leans in, keeping the two fingers now deeply buried in your cunt wet dropping like strings of thin and thick slime. He watches your juices fall down resembling the heavy rain outside on his fingers and down your thighs and the floor in his house. “Admit that you wanted me to reach out to you and speak to you first. Admit that you wanted me to get jealous when you spoke to Jaehyun today.” He stares into your eyes deeply serious. He spoke with full attention on you. He darkly slants to you. “Admit you wanted me to say sorry first, Y/n.”

Your body reacts to each syllable and words he spoke to you before your voice and mouth could even answer Donghyuck. Your walls clench and your juices pour out making his eyes go darker shades of brown as he watches the sight of light happen in front of him. He can’t help but think to himself that he will never ever get tired of seeing you orgasm so much over his hand like this. As you orgasmed you held in your last bit and Donghyuck smirks seeing you try to shorten your orgasm as it’s become too much all at once. The boy brushed his hand and slaps the top of your swollen clit. Your pussy flinches in the process and your orgasm snaps fully and you release entirely now that he slaps your pussy for a good two seconds. It didn’t take long for you to let go fully.

You murmur out in broken moans in all desperation now as he slaps your centre completely down below you shake. “Y-yes! I admit it! I- I wanted you to say sorry… a-and i wanted you to approach me…” you let out a sigh as he stops taking another glance at your reddish cheeks and your eyes full of overflowing pleasure, he smirks again, leaning in. “And?” He adds softly in a dark powerful and controlling tone.

Your eyes trembling meet his. “And… I wanted you to get jealous…” you admit softly as you look down at the mess you made on his hands. Donghyuck tauntingly pressed his fingers against your mouth making you taste yourself on your own face. “Clever girl.” He praised you once again. “So you do know how to listen after all…” he trails carefully at you.

“Legs up sweetheart. I’m not done with you yet.” Donghyuck goes grabbing your legs and needing you to cooperate you do exactly that weakly pushing yourself more on the wall and wrapping your legs round the waist. He unbuckled the clothes down to his ankles and looks down as his long harden length coming out instantly, springs up, your eyes focus on the way his tip getting sucked inside your wall makes you groan by how you’re watching him enter you so well. You never knew you could get returned to such a pleasuring moment. You told yourself you won’t do this again. But you lied and now you won’t even listen to your previous statements because you’re enjoying the way Donghyuck was rutting inside you like you’re nothing but something to be used of his own pleasures. He treats you with so much roughness but at the same time, something was different.

He was more possessive of you now. He was much more sweet about this too. He took his time with you here and you feel yourself getting overstimulated the more this continues. He held your hands against the wall as he rocks to your inner core. Your eye contact was made multiple times he even dazed into your eyes only to lean in to give you a deeply pleasing kiss. You weren’t sure what made him so much more expressive in this moment. He wouldn’t even express himself before, but now?

The more this went on Donghyuck wanted to hear specific words coming from your own mouth with your very own voice. He looks at you getting close to your climax and he was coming close too however he didn’t care about his own orgasm for once.

For once he cares about what you’re going to say when he suddenly stops moving and your orgasm was ticking at the door. You were literally itching to orgasm and you let out a frustrated sigh when your eyes faze over at Donghyuck.

You were confused as to why he stopped to torture you. Donghyuck stares deeply and your confusion was cleared up when he speaks now, revealing what exactly he wants from you.

“Maybe you should call Jaehyun to help you cum.” Donghyuck adds in a mean tone.

Your eyes widen at such a beckoning demanding answer he gave you. You panic and see him pulling back but your legs wrapped around his waist stop him from being able to leave your body completely alone. You grab his clothes with your hands now desperately shaking your head as you look like you’re about to cry.

He was glad to see this reaction. Tears. He always loved seeing you cry because of him, and it makes him proud.

Donghyuck laughs seeing your reaction a little darkly. “Why are you crying, Y/n? Do you feel what I felt now when i saw you and Jaehyun speaking but you refused to talk to me for so long?” He mockingly said to you and you close your eyes tightly as the tears fell down your cheeks. “I-I’m sorry please, please don’t leave me here, I want to cum so bad I wanna cum.” You blabber on so much he can see you’re losing your mind in the process.

“Tell me why you ignored me.” Donghyuck darkly asked you once again as he brushed his fingers around your body. You are so itching for your orgasm you can’t even get it anymore because he won’t move until you answer his questions.

You huff out. “Because this whole thing is one sided. You might think I’m just crazy obsessed with you but I love you…”

It feels weird to say it out loud. You never really said the three words to him before. The simple word ‘I love you’ is pretty much a new thing to him and you now and when you said those, Donghyuck’s eyes widen and lit up as he watches you.

“You love me?” Donghyuck treads carefully against your neck planting a few kisses on your skin. They cause you to shudder a little wave of electricity down your spine. “Oh Y/n… you think this is one sided?” He laughs a little now.

He brought his face and held your hands on your hips now pushing you deeper in causing you to let out a longevity of your moan echoing through the walls. Enough to even make his neighbours hear your cries and your moans mixing together like a heavenly carpet tapestry on the wall.

“There’s nothing one-sided about this in the beginning.” Donghyuck begins, now forcing a thrust inside you once. “Wanna know why?” He croaks with a little groan. You murmur a silent sigh into your palm as your eyes widen watching the ceiling get bigger with the first long thrust he gave inside. “Because I loved you first, from the very beginning since we were children, and when I left you…” He smirks watching your eyes widen in confusion as he reveals that all along he’s loved you, but then he left you alone so suddenly when he realised he loved you. You couldn’t shake that imagination anymore and you shake your head not believing him.

Donghyuck grins satisfied by your respond. “Not believing me?” He says with a short smirk. “Why do you think i’m here apologising for my actions here?” He stated and you open your mouth with a pant as he keep on thrusting your body into the wall you are pressed upon. “Y-you… loved me all along?” You said with shock running on your voice, wild and confused.

The bodies you pressed one another your orgasm snaps at the end and he can feel your juices pour around his cock pushing inside your pussy. He feels himself releasing now from his twitching tip all the muscles contract and he feels a long groan stringing out by his beautiful honey voice. He pressed his head against your shoulder grabbing your hips right as Donghyuck was dizzy from the large orgasm you made him get. Your body feels so amazing it creates a side effect for him.

“Y/n…” Donghyuck begins with a soft sigh. He pants as he raised his head up meeting yours again. “I’ll ask you once again, only one last time.” He says watching you with a pair of softer eyes.

You focus your all efforts on your eyes watching him with a clear vision. Donghyuck sees you are listening now and he clears his mind as he asked the final question.

“Do you still love a Lowlife like me?”

You see him waiting for your answer as if his life depends on it and now you give him a slow nod. You didn’t change your mind on Donghyuck, and now that he even reveals he left you because of his deep feelings for you, it makes your heart flutter. He was horrible all along to make sure you never knew how he feels. But little further in the end he was the one falling for you even more.

“Yes…” you say with your voice. Donghyuck’s ears perk up as you answer him vocally too and he leans closer kissing your lips only for a short moment before pulling away. He held on to your thighs you wrapped around his body.

He loves the taste of you, who seems to be a biggest Lowlife he knows now, for loving him all along too.

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@onyourhyuck please refer from translating and copyrighting my work thank youu! Follow me for more updates it helps a girl out. <3

[cinnanamii]

Ganjis 3rd year birthday letter and the heavy mischaracterization of the characters in game 3/just ranting about the birthday letter

(⚠️⚠️‼️THIS POST WILL BE DISCUSSING LEAKS/SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR GAME 3 OF IDV!! IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE SPOILED ON GANJIS 3RD YEAR LETTER OR GAME 3, SCROLL AWAY PLEASE! AND ALSO KEEP IN MIND, I AM NOT A GAME 3 EXPERT! IF I GET ANYTHING WRONG FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME!!‼️⚠️⚠️)

Ganjis 3rd year letter was leaked recently (you can probably find post about it on tiktok and on discord servers) and I am so far beyond unimpressed and disappointed.

To start out this yap session/rant, I’m going to list the characters serial numbers, so that you can know who I will be talking about so that you can get a grip on what I will be discussing.

• 3-1-2 is anne

• 3-?-1 is aesop

• 3-1-4 is ganji

• 3-?-3 is Victor

The fact that netease decided to fill the letter with shock value racism, ruin annie as a character, and just ruined Ganjis character arc, and basically made Victor useless is so BEYOND me. This is a a lot, so I wanna start by talking about the blatant mischaracterization of annie and ganji in this letter.

To start off, they made annie so unnecessarily, hateful and racist towards ganji. It would make sense for annie to be afraid of loud noises, as they did introduce her as a timid woman, but making her afraid of ganji and becoming violent to him because of his accent is so beyond me. The whole reason why annie attacked ganji was originally because aesop manipulated annie into hurting him, not that annie got scared of the way he spoke? Plus, due to her timid and sweet girl type personality i could never see annie physically fighting/attacking ganji, it’s just not something that would happen. How could she ever have the confidence to do that, when she was literally scared of ganji? Then, on top of that, annie wouldn’t be provoked by his accent so easy? In her trailer, she was literally described to be like her mother, who was very nice, that being a trait annie had. So for her to just go attacking him so so EXTREMELY out of character for her.

Then, next screenshot I’m showing right now is the shock value racism randomly put in this for god who knows why?

“unfavorable impression” caused by 3-1-4’s accent? This is so ooc for annie, it feels like a poorly written oc/au. The antagonization of annie feels so unnecessary and just not needed. Game 3 might not have had a Hunter, but it did have an antagonist, that being aesop. The whole antagonization doesn’t feel right for her at all.

Then now, I wanna talk about Victor. One of the main things in game 3 is that they were not able to talk or communicate with each other. if they were able to do that, what’s the point of him even being here if they could already speak verbally? His writing was already kinda not the best, but this entire letter takes whatever relevance he had to the plot away. He needs to get something consistent, or else in this case his character is just useless. It’s completely unfair that aesop is able to get clear motivations and goals, but the other characters goals and aspirations just get handled horribly.

Game 3 was so unique in the way it functioned, and with the characters that were so similar, but so different at the same time. What could have been a group of compelling a deeply well written characters now feel like a dumpster fire or mischaracterization and the severe lack of coherence. All just from one letter too. This feels like a big fat slap in the face for me as someone who loved game 3, and all of the characters for game 3, ESPECIALLY annie, and if you loved game three, also this should feel like a slap in the face for you too.

**im aware that this is a leak, and it could be potentially false, but this has been on my mind practically ever since I heard of it, and everything is just so absurd.**

edit: the letter was updated and changed, a few things did change (examp; annie isnt racist anymore) but that dosent mean I don’t have issues with the letter, I’ll probably make an updated post eventually if people r still interested in this

[bless-my-demons]

Redamancy: Chapter Four

Jasper Hale x Reader

Series summary: What happens when your soulmate is a vampire that struggles to maintain a diet of trying not to kill you? Common sense says run for the hills, nothing is worth your life - but my heart is whispering why not, what’s there to lose?

Warnings: Almost-car accident? Talk of getting smushed by a car.

Notes: Finally, a little something-something! I’m trying to post on the weekends to have some sort of schedule, but I have zero impulse control… so here it is a day early!

Word Count: 2146

Series Masterlist

• January 25th, 2005 • Forks High School •

Jasper

Not only am I lucky enough to spend lunch with Y/n, but some godly force must be watching out for me in that today’s history assignment allowed me to team up with her and learn more about her.

Her energy is absolutely fascinating and it almost worries me that I’m internally compelled to want to spend even more time in her presence. Two days and I’m already a goner, Emmett is going to have a field day interrogating me tonight.

Which leads me to now, after completing our history assignment with only a few minutes to spare, I’m escorting her to her car in an effort to prolong this addiction to her attention.

“Where are you from?” I ask, curious to know anything about her.

“Texas. Well, Dallas more specifically.” She’s still watching the ground as we walk, nervousness pouring from her.

“Why Forks? You couldn’t of picked a more completely opposite environment.” I miss my home state, and if it weren’t for my adversion to the sun - I would return.

“My parents divorced.” She continues before I could apologize for the intrusive question, “Happily divorced and I protested the whole ‘stay together until she graduates’ bullshit.” Fingers gesturing around the air quotations.

She trails off after that, circling back to our history assignment that no doubt has her still worked up. The Civil War, I cringe internally at today's topic since it’s a sore one for myself - having lived through it and fought in it.

“All I’m saying is, maybe history class should be more focused on the lessons learned, than just the events themselves.” She states rather passionately while inserting the key into the lock on the driver’s door of her car.

“To recognize and avoid in the future.” I respond, leaning my back against the rear of the small vehicle as I scan the wet parking lot packed with kids.

“Exactly!” She pops her head up, an excited smile in place as she garners my gaze again.

But just over her shoulder my eyes flick up to catch the sight of a blue van headed our direction a little too quickly for such a busy spot. A car horn blaring has her turning in its direction and the gasp I hear across the parking lot from Alice sends me into action. I grab Y/n by the waist and spin her against her car, so that my back might take the brunt of the hit, but it never comes as the rear of the van just barely slides past us. I relax the grip I have on her and tear my eyes from hers as I spin my head in the direction of the vehicle, ready to yell at the driver for being so reckless. The words die in my throat as I see where it’s headed - straight for Isabella Swan.

“Bella!” Y/n screams, but it’s lost in the screech of tires and the headphones in her ears that are keeping the outside world out.

Just as I’m about to damn us all to save another girl from this idiot driver, Edward flashes past to stop the van from crushing the Sheriff’s daughter.

“Fuck.” I whisper, glancing back to where my other adopted siblings are standing next to their own vehicles - faces unreadable, but emotions blaring alarm.

“I’m sorry, I have to go. Please be safe getting home?” I ask her urgently as I peel my fingers from where they want to stay gripping her, safe and close to me.

“But Jas-“ she starts, a little shell shocked at my quick action of saving her and the close call with her friend.

A whistle from Emmett interrupts her before she can interrogate me, so I flash her an apologetic smile before jogging at a normal human pace to the familiar silver Jeep. My hands flex in my lap the entire tense ride home, warm and tingly from when I gripped Y/n to protect her fragile little human body.

If we weren’t vampires already, this family meeting about to take place would definitely give Carlisle a full head of gray hair.

• January 26th, 2005 • Forks High School •

Reader

“Hey, mind catching me up on what that was yesterday?” I immediately bombard Jasper as I sit across from him at what I’ve mentally deemed ‘our table’ at lunch.

He glances up from his sketchbook with a look that says he wasn’t prepared for my blunt line of questioning.

“The saving you from certain death part, or?” He leaves open ended for me to clarify.

“The part where Bella was alone next to her truck, but your brother teleported to her side AND somehow the van skidded to a stop right before turning them both into pancakes?” I’m not pulling my punches with my queries, after having spent last night stewing over what I had seen.

“He wasn’t that far from her when I moved you out of the way, I must’ve distracted you enough that you didn’t see him walking to her after he got out of class. Plus, the van wasn’t going that fast, maybe when it hit the back of her truck the tires got traction and he could brake properly.” He answers, turning his gaze back to his sketch and resuming his work.

I don’t really buy it, but I mull over my recount of yesterday afternoon as I pull my lunch from my bag. Was I so focused on Jasper the moment he put his hands on me? Was I so soda-strawed in on Bella being in the way of the van that I missed Edward?

No, something isn’t adding up. I know that van was hauling ass in the parking lot, I was going to yell as much at the idiot driving before I saw it headed for Bella. But I can also tell I won’t be getting the answers I want from Jasper. I can tell from the rigidity of his spine that he’s worried I’ll ask more questions. I mean, his recount of the accident isn’t out-landish, but I know what I saw!

I need to talk to Bella.

“Yeah I guess that makes sense.” I acquiesce. I see him deflate a little with relief as I pick at my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Thank you for saving me, by the way.” I add nervously, a little heat working it’s way onto my cheeks.

Jasper glances up to my face and with a small smile, “Anytime Y/l/n, anytime.”

• January 27th, 2005 • Forks High School •

Reader

“Bella!” I yell down the hallway, catching her as she slams her locker shut. I jog over to her as she turns towards the exit, everyone that has Mr. Banner for Biology is going on a field trip today.

“Hey Y/n, what’s up?” She questions, seeing the look on my face.

“Tuesday, parking lot, what the hell happened?” I jump right into it.

“Tyler must’ve lost traction-“

“That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it. Edward was nowhere near you.” Cutting off her redirection. “Jasper won’t budge, he insists I was distracted and didn’t see his brother before the accident.”

Bella glances around the hallway and decides to pull me into the empty female bathroom for some privacy.

“Edward is avoiding me, I was asking him the same questions when I was at the hospital and he refused to answer.” She answers nervously.

“It’s weird, right? I mean, one second I’m unlocking the door to my car, and the next Jasper spins me around to protect my body with his. And then I see Edward jump over the tailgate of your truck when I thought Tyler’s van was going to end you.” I’m just rambling the thoughts that have been pinging around the last two days.

I can see her hesitate, “You can talk to me, you know? I kinda don’t have any friends besides you, I mean - if you want to be friends?” I tack on the last part, worried I’d over stepped.

“Yeah no, of course - I um, I could use a friend to vent to.” Bella glances down at her shoes, picking at the sleeves of her sweater as the both of us exit the bathroom. “He’s coming on today’s class trip, I’ll talk to him then and see what I can find out.”

“Perfect, want to sit with me on the bus?” I ask, walking out of the building for the student parking lot where the buses are waiting.

“As if I’d risk getting stuck sitting with Mike Newton, absolutely.” She jokes back. “I’m going to grab my book from my truck, I’ll be there in a sec - save us a seat!” She yells as she jogs to her vehicle across the parking lot.

As I board the first bus I can hear Mr Banner yell at everyone loitering in the parking lot, “Yo yo yo, hey guys c’mon! We gotta go, we gotta go! Green is what? Good, let’s go!”

A few moments later Bella joins me in our claimed seat, book in hand looking a little frazzled. I see Mike pass us with a forlorn expression on his face, “Oh God, what happened?” I ask.

“He asked me to prom and I told him to ask Jessica, please don’t make me talk about it.” She answers with what I assume is a shiver of discomfort.

I want to laugh, but I just grin instead. “Your not-so-secret admirer fumble is safe with me, Bells.” I knock my shoulder into hers to tease her a little as I crack open my own book I brought for the bus ride.

• Community College Greenhouse •

Reader

Walking alone in line through the greenhouse, my hands drift over the different sprouting vegetables. Behind me I can hear Mr. Banner giving a spiel on “compost tea” and how its derived from table scraps and other organic waste. Every now and then my fingers float over the soft petals of flowers placed sporadically through the hundreds of food-producing plants; earlier it was explained that they encourage pollinators to visit.

Even though I’m a smidge lonely since Bella is hanging back with Edward, I’m glad to be surrounded by greenery instead of stuck in a stuffy classroom.

Just as Tyler Crowley pushes past with a clear mug of what looks like poop/dirt water, I spot Alice just ahead standing to the side of the isle with Jasper to allow students to flow by. When I get within arms reach, Alice loops her elbow through mine, almost like she could sense my loneliness.

“So,” she drags out the word cheerfully, “Enjoying the plants? Fresh air? Freedom from school?”

“Oh absolutely,” I glance over my shoulder at Jasper following behind us silently. “I’m surprised you’re not off in a corner doodling flowers, Hale.” I catch him duck his head and chuckle under his breath as Alice watches our interaction, surprised.

“And isolate myself away from your commentary? Never, Y/l/n.”

“Oh, Emmett’s opinions on your drawings are too much, but mine aren’t?” I smile as I turn to look at new plants as we pass them in our slow walk through the final greenhouse.

“My brother isn’t nearly as interesting.” His response catches me off guard and if it weren’t for Alice’s grip on my arm I would’ve stumbled on the wet concrete.

“As I live and breathe, Jasper Hale flirting-“ but Alice doesn’t finish her sentence due to Jasper snaking out a pinch to her ribs, her flinch forcing our hold to separate. Before I could chide Alice for teasing her brother for just being nice, Edward storms up to the three of us.

“Ready to leave?” He glances between his siblings, pointedly ignoring me so that I wouldn’t feel the obligation to join them.

“Edward-“ Alice says disapprovingly, but he pushes past us without waiting for an answer. She looks at me apologetically before skipping after him.

“Sorry about my brother, he’s insufferable when he’s in a mood.” Jasper offers as explanation as we watch the two of them exit the greenhouse.

“I get the feeling he’s always in a ‘mood’.” My fingers emphasize the last word with air quotations and it draws another chuckle from the gorgeous boy at my side.

“Touché.” He says with a grin. “I better catch up before they ditch me, see ya around darlin’.” He weaves his way through the crowded isle and out of sight before the heat settles in my cheeks.

I manage to file outside and towards the buses with the rest of my class after I gather my wits. I spot Bella already in our shared bus seat with a sad expression. “Wanna talk about it?” I ask as I sit.

“Not right now.” She answers, turning to look out of the window.

Next

[lucabyte]

i want to be nosyy what r ur jadesprite thoughts? shes around so little

okay so i should probably horde ur ask until i get past all jadesprite's appearences in the comic while im rereading (<- fell behind due to *gestures* but am finally in act 4 good lorddd) so i can be more coherent because right now my thoughts are mostly me grasping at half-remembered themes re: her and how they tie into post-retcon jade & epilogue jade & people reeeeallly not liking epilogue jade. as someone who.. okay so "like" is a reductive word. I was very compelled by epilogue jade(s) and am curious to see where she goes. but like.

If i get more coherent about this ill just find this post again and reply to it or something. Anyway.

there's... somethingggg... about jade's temper that i've been noticing during rereading even this early on. she's very bubbly in a3 obviously, but her big "angry" moment in act 3 is her staging a verbal fight with her grandpa. She invokes that all on her own. That she antagonises Grandpa Jake so thoroughly throughout it too. While all of her words are happy and sweet, her narration is Really Really fucking Mean? Like, moreso than the other kids! And the narration, while external in-text, does give an insight into the caliber of the kid's internal monolgoues a lot of the time. And Jade's is the first sign that she's that angry deep down.

Obviously later in act 4, 5a2 and especially a6 we get a whole lot more angry Jade. And much like most girls in HS her anger is justified basically always, even if everyone else puts her down for it. And while I'm going to need to keep rereading before I can make proper statements that actually refer to stuff post "the start of act 4-ish" I do wonder about that reaction to Jade Being The Specific Kind Of Unpleasant That She Is In The Epilogues. Because once again, (YMMV ALERT) I completely understood her reasonings for acting out like that, even if the raised stakes of adulthood made the choices kind of wild. Honestly, especially because of those raised stakes.

But onto Jadesprite-- She is maybe the distillation of this, I think. The fact that all of Jade's anger is supressed and inwards until she finally lashes out. The fact Jadesprite's crying is so overwrought and outwardly 'annoying' being the thing Jade can't stand-- Compared with how much both the characters and fanbase seemingly can't stand when Jade turns her self-destruction outwards and catches other people in the crossfire. (That 'catching in the crossfire' being another thing. for a character so defined by loneliness, self-destructing by destroying social bonds seems like the way to go. Again: Jadesprite is so upset because she (oh so selfishly) wanted to stay with her friends and she's been torn away from them)

Anyway ^^^ ALL OF THIS IS PREFACED BY A MILLION 'based on my recollection'S BECAUSE ITS BEEN . A MINUTE. so if im wrong or am talking kinda vaguely. that is why... But I do think Jadesprite is a really overlooked facet of Jade's characterisation. Once again, i think people struggle in general to percieve characters as A Gestalt Of Their Alt-Selves. Like... Idk how to explain the disconnect but sometimes it feels like people see them as Seperate to the "real"* version of the character, but in cases like homestuck where the Alt Universes are *time travel* and not like... idk. "An AU" in the fandom way-- You GOTTA remember that all versions of the character are valid outcomes of the same guy. and that the "real" guy is functionally indistinct from the "fake" guys. they wouldn't Act Different for any reason other than literal occurances. their Cores aren't different. So for Jadesprite-- You have to remember she's not some "AU" Jade-- This is in some way just how Jade "really" feels. So. ??? i am talking in circles. you get it. you also get what i mean by people being unable to percieve characters as 'the same deep down' in a characterisation sense just because theyre acting 'different' when stood next to themselves. In perhaps other arenas we're both familiar with. Bestie.

*how ironic. almost like davesprites whole thing is this. or something

[rolameny]

i played through nine sols a second time and now i am going to talk about it. full spoilers!!

this is one of those works that tells you a lot of things about its world from the jump, only without giving you the context to interpret those statements. it makes a second visit so rewarding. going back through and knowing exactly what each monument means / the things yi is talking around.... really really good.

heng is fantastic on a replay. the first time around till you get the final message i thought yi was haunted. i also thought the ji reveal would be that he was heng and not an adult man

"neither of us made a mistake. we both made different choices" says yi, a man who has made so very many mistakes

game so good it makes you go "man i should learn more about taoism so i can better understand its themes"

it's wild how much this game draws on hollow knight and yet stands on its own as a totally different thing. like, mechanically, the jades are charms. the charged attack is a great slash. the full movement kit is monarch wings and mothwing cloak. the geo/artifacts economy. and you're a little guy who can't quite manage to die fighting your way through a series of bosses and some brightly hued corruption to sacrifice yourself at the end. it's just straightforwardly true that RCG pulled a great deal from HK, and it was enough to make me go aha!!! in recognition many times, but it's completely its own thing. own gameplay feel, own world, own story.

own protag: i love the silent protag in hollow knight but yi is such a lovable bitch [affectionate/derogatory]. guy who sucks so bad. guy it took over five hundred years to internalize a single social-emotional lesson.

it's so fascinating watching him react to the different sols. who does he get angry with. who does he make an offer of mercy to. because kuafu is so much the guy who is there i forgot yi also considered lady e the other reasonable person on the council, right up till he namedrops her when yelling at eigong.

the anger and spite to treat goumang as he did!! and even in the true ending you see neither he nor kuafu thought about her. there are some gaps of consideration in the true ending that i think of as "well we don't have time for that but you get it" -- any other potential apemen on new kunlun (peach blossom village is the 95th livestock pen. girl where are the others), the like 300-odd of 100k solarians left remaining in cryosleep who might like to at least live a little on earth before dying. imo the narrative is just skimming over them, we reach the emotional point of it with the people we know (kuafu and the gang). and it would be a whole narrative diversion to grab her. but the true ending makes sure to show us that goumang is still down there, rather than skimming over her fate. even when he grows a little yi still sucks so much dude [affectionate]. and kuafu's passivity coming to the fore here as well!

kuafu is so compelling because he is The Nice Guy but he is absolutely not necessarily The Kind Guy as well. he was just chill with the whole council plan and didn't do anything except be kind of bummed when yi died. (iirc he does just think yi's head did that. could have thought that one through a little more.) at the ending he pushes back against the idea of saving the apemen!

lady ethereal my beloved elizabeth holmes as a lynx furry. there's a fight that made me nod sagely and go Ah, Nightmare King Grimm. here's a place where i felt a little dissonance -- the full screen huge face digital flashing between normal/happy and manic evil laughter is a horror classic but it didn't quite hit it for lady e imo. huge face crying or snarling would have worked better i think, which i say even though i get the manic laughter through panic beat. idk. i love that in her bossfight she is presenting herself as the villain she thinks she is -- she gets out her heaving-est pushup bra for this one. sorry about it, girl. maybe next time if you know you're consigning a hundred thousand people to slow madness within their cryochambers maybe speak up about it.

speaking of people who learned no lessons. ji like okay well i've seen a lot of horror and so i elect to do nothing about it except contribute my cells to possibly the worst cause on earth. i will continue to wander this grotto for five hundred years while it gets worse. 👍 i'm having meaningful discussions about the tao with your man in the tentacle hole and i am not sorry, ji.

i understand the anglo readability argument for transliterating li er as lear but i, the anglophone in the room, did have to look at the fanwiki to understand that we were not dipping into shakespeare for a single guy. 😔

kanghui is such a fantastic element of this game. you get just enough about him to add to the horror of what eigong was doing, and what the jies are doing, and what the fuck is up with penglai to begin with. his inclusion makes ji make more sense to me as well. it's not that ji is a once in a millennium impossibility. it's that penglai is so so so weird. ji and yi pull up little chairs in front of kanghui's torture contraption for immortality group therapy.

like that one post says. CHIYOU best character CHIYOU

the siscon stuff in this game is so funny. [looking at the fengs] gang what's wrong with you [looking at yi and heng] gang what's wrong with you. congrats to the other characters on not having siblings and therefore having slightly more normal psychosexual hangups such as "getting off to body modification and torture."

RCG funding for one million years please 🙏🙏🙏 i know they said it took them five years to make this one but even with that timeline it's crazy that they went from narrative horror game to a genuinely best-in-class feeling Sekirollow Knight. they are so good at this shit.

okay. i have exorcised my thoughts and feelings about this game. playing a twenty-hour game twice in like 2-3 weeks is normal right.

[star55]

Bed Chem: The Sexcapades of Caitlyn Kiramman Chapter Five

Title: Bed Chem: The Sexcapades of Caitlyn Kiramman Author: Star Chapter: Five/Eighteen Word Count: 11,800/206,000+ Pairing: Cait/Vi Fandom: Arcane (League of Legends) Rating: Explicit Chapter Warnings: therapy, references to past suicide attempt, references to paste juvenile incarceration.

Read on AO3

Sleep evades Caitlyn for most of the night. She dozes off, only to be startled awake by one thing or another. And when she finally gets an hour of sleep, she dreams of Vi’s lips and how she tasted.

Dawn is still almost an hour away when she decides to get up and go for a run. She hopes that the exercise will help release some energy, and clear her head, so she can get some sleep later on.

Reflexively, she glances over at Vi and Powder’s house as she walks down her driveway. The house is completely dark. She doesn’t know if that means Vi is home and has gone to bed already or if she hasn’t come back from work yet, but she doesn’t stick around to find out.

She stretches and then jogs off in the opposite direction that she usually runs in. She knows she’ll regret that later when she makes her way back home and the morning sun will be in her eyes, but she needs the change right now.

As she jogs, she can’t help but think she’s going to have to talk to Vi eventually about the kiss.

The kiss that she is still thinking about. The kiss that was so hot that Caitlyn touched herself in the shower thinking about it. And then promptly felt guilty over.

She finds her brain isn’t shutting off like it normally does when she exercises, so she breaks into a sprint, hoping to outrun her thoughts.

It only succeeds in making her arrive back on her street faster than planned. She slows down to a jog, then as she comes to the row of townhouses, she slows to a walk.

When she glances up, Vi is sitting on her front porch, a mug of tea in her hands.

Caitlyn can see that she isn’t in her costume anymore, and she doesn’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing right now because she still looks unfairly gorgeous, especially in the first light of the morning.

“Hey,” Vi says. Her smile is so beautiful it makes Caitlyn’s chest ache. She holds out a mug for Caitlyn to take and she slowly closes the distance between them.

She takes the mug and sits down, trying to put as much distance between herself and Vi as she physically can given the tight space.

“How was your night?” Caitlyn asks, bringing the mug to her lips.

“Wild,” Vi replies. She then smiles. “I made close to two grand in tips.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widen. “Really?”

Vi nods. “The Pilties – sorry – were out in full force, and apparently feeling generous for once.”

“I think it was probably the assless chaps that did it,” Caitlyn comments offhandedly. “But that’s just my opinion.”

Vi bumps her shoulder to Caitlyn’s affectionately.

Caitlyn hates herself for what she says next. “I think kissing you was a mistake.”

Vi stills next to her. “It was?”

She nods, not looking at Vi, but keeping her gaze firmly on the mug in her hands. “Yes. I… I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”

Vi stays silent and Caitlyn feels compelled to fill the silence.

“You and Powder… You’ve been the best thing that has happened to me in a really long time, and I can’t… I won’t ruin that just because you’re gorgeous and I’m horny.”

“Do you really think that little of me?”

Caitlyn whips her head around so fast she’s pretty sure her hair hits Vi in the face. “What? No. Why would you say that?”

Vi chews her bottom lip. That doesn’t help Caitlyn’s resolve, as her gaze automatically follows the action. “I’m a big girl, Cait, I can make my own choices. But if you don’t want to –”

“It’s not just that,” Caitlyn interrupts. “I’m not… I don’t want a relationship right now. I… Look, my therapy appointment was rescheduled until next week, so I haven’t had a chance yet. I just…” she sighs heavily. “I know you’re a relationship lover. And I am… well, I’m not. At least not right now. In the future, maybe? But. I don’t.” She stops and sighs, scrubbing one hand over her face. She sets her mug down on the top step and turns to face Vi completely.

“You are worth more than my want for casual sex,” she says, hoping that she’s conveying her thoughts properly. “You deserve someone who isn’t…” she gestures to herself, her hands unsure what they’re doing. “And I’m… Fuck, Vi, I’m a mess.”

“Okay,” Vi says softly.

Then she leans over and kisses Caitlyn’s shoulder. The action makes her want to cry. “But just so you know. I’m okay with casual sex, too.”

Caitlyn shakes her head. “No, I couldn’t do that to you,” she says softly. “You deserve a girlfriend who is all in for you. Who isn’t just in it for sex.”

Vi reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair that had slipped out of Caitlyn’s ponytail behind her ear. “Okay,” she repeats. She cups Caitlyn’s face and Caitlyn instinctively turns her cheek into her palm, feeling the warmth of Vi’s hand seeping into her skin.

She watches as Vi stands. She picks up Caitlyn’s empty mug and heads inside the house. The door shuts so softly behind her that it makes Caitlyn want to cry all over again.

She gets up, shakes out her limbs and walks back into her own house, feeling like she just broke up with Vi.

With a sigh, Caitlyn heads up the stairs and falls face first onto her bed. She lets out a long groan and wonders just how she’s going to get through this one.

~*~

Monday afternoon brings about Caitlyn’s first therapy appointment – finally. She sits in the waiting room, filling out the necessary paperwork, double checking all of her answers before passing it back to the receptionist, who offers her a kind smile.

Caitlyn is nervous. She’s never done this before, and she doesn’t know what to expect. Her knee bounces and she feels so out of her depth here. But Vi was right – she does need to get some therapy, especially after how everything ended in Ionia. She should’ve done this the moment she got back to Piltover, but she wasn’t ready.

There were a few things that she should have done upon returning, but she figures better late than never.

“Miss Kiramman?” a voice calls out and Caitlyn looks up. She sees a tall, thin white man, with an angular face and a receding hairline holding a clipboard.

She stands and nods. “That’s me.”

“This way,” he says, nodding his head in the direction down the hallway.

She follows behind him, unsure if she’s meant to speak first or not. They come to a small room, one with two two-seater couches sitting opposite each other. The walls are white, and there are framed paintings on two walls. One wall has a row of certificates in a nice, neat row, and the last one has a whiteboard on it. She can see some notes on there, but they don’t seem relevant to anything, from what she can make out.

There are throw cushions on both of the couches, and between them a small coffee table. The man, who still hasn’t introduced himself, Caitlyn notes, sits down on the opposite one, crossing one leg over the other.

The man… looks as she does that and Caitlyn finds her brow furrowing. She can’t help but second guess herself because surely she didn’t see what she thought she did? Either way, she is glad she is wearing trousers to this meeting.

“Miss Kiramman,” the man says, picking up a notepad and pen from the coffee table. “My name is Doctor Travis Stewart. So what brings you here today?”

Caitlyn blinks, surprised at the directness. She shifts, placing her folded hands on her lap before grabbing one of the cushions to hold instead. “Sorry,” she starts, “I’m nervous. Could you tell me some more about yourself first?”

Travis nods. He rests his pen on his notepad. “Certainly. I received my masters degree from Piltover Academy,” he says, gesturing to the wall lined with certificates. “I’ve been working for twenty years in this field, and I find it a very fulfilling job.” He carries on talking about his many achievements, and the awards he has received for his excellent work.

Caitlyn nods, mostly to herself. “Thank you,” she says.

“And what about you? What brings you into my office today?”

Caitlyn clears her throat and shifts again. “I…” she exhales. “Well, it’s complicated. But I guess I’m having relationship troubles.” It’s a massive simplification but she doesn’t know how else to start.

“Relationship troubles?” he repeats, jotting something down on his notepad.

She nods. “Yes,” she says. “I’ve always had trouble connecting with people since I’m autistic but –”

“Autistic?” Travis interrupts.

“Yes.”

He gives her a once over, makes a face that Caitlyn can’t decipher for the life of her, and makes another note on his notepad. “When were you diagnosed?”

“Oh,” she says. “I was eight. We were in Ionia for six months when my grandfather passed away.”

He hums and writes continuously on his paper. “Were you re-diagnosed here in Piltover?”

Caitlyn can’t help but frown. “Re-diagnosed?” she repeats. “Why would I need to be diagnosed again for something that was already confirmed?”

Travis gesticulates in her direction. “You don’t really give off an air of autism,” he comments, “so I wondered if you were given a second opinion or not?”

Caitlyn bristles. “One diagnosis is enough, Doctor,” she says. “My diagnosis from Ionia is very legitimate, and I don’t see what that has to do with anything except prejudice?”

Travis frowns at her. “There’s no need for that tone,” he says, his gaze flicking back to his notepad. “But continue. What brings the princess of Piltover into my office?”

Caitlyn blinks at the statement. “Excuse me?” she says.

Travis chuckles and waves a hand at her. “Sorry,” he says. “It’s not just every day that Piltover royalty sits down in a therapy office. You have me intrigued.”

Caitlyn abruptly stands. “This is not the right fit,” she says, trying to contain the anger bubbling under the surface of her skin. “Thank you for your time, Doctor Stewart, but I won’t be needing your services ever again.”

She opens the door and hastily makes her way down the hall she just came from and rounds the corner, thankful to see the reception desk.

What she doesn’t expect is for Travis to follow her.

“Miss Kiramman,” he says just as she approaches the reception desk. “Please, it was a joke. Come sit back down, we can discuss this like adults.”

Caitlyn rounds on him. “No,” she says with finality. “That was not a joke. Not only did you undermine my very legitimate diagnosis from another country, but you have not once treated me with respect since the moment I stepped into this building. I am here, like any other patient, seeking guidance, and you, Mister Stewart have shown your biases from the moment you saw my name on that piece of paper. Good day.”

The receptionist catches Caitlyn’s eye, looking as shocked as Caitlyn feels.

“You still need to pay for your appointment!” Travis calls out behind her before her hand can reach the exit’s door handle.

“You should be lucky I don’t report you for professional misconduct,” she returns. “If you feel so strongly about the,” she pauses to look at her watch, “fifteen minutes that I was in your office, you can take it up with my lawyer.”

With that, she pushes the door open, letting it shut behind her with a satisfied thunk. She stalks across the car park to her car and reaches into her handbag for her keys. Her hands shake so much that she drops them. She squats down, trying to reach under her car where they’ve skidded underneath.

She sighs in relief when her fingers finally clamp around them, and she stands, coming face to face with the receptionist. “Oh,” she says. “Umm, hello.”

“Hi,” the woman says. She looks barely older than Caitlyn does. “Sorry. I’m Blake. I… I am so sorry about him.”

Caitlyn blinks, taken aback. She stares for a beat at the woman, noting that she is of Ionian descent, too. Her dark hair is up in a ponytail and she gives Caitlyn a hesitant look.

“Look,” she says, her gaze quickly glancing back at the building she just exited from. “Between you and me, we’re looking for ways to get rid of Travis. Lately he’s… well he has been really bigoted, and it’s been getting worse. But he has a permanent job, so he’s untouchable.”

“…Alright.” Caitlyn isn’t sure why Blake is telling her this.

“If you put in a formal complaint, the board will listen,” Blake says. She passes over a business card, turning it over. “This is the direct line to the head of the board. She’ll listen to you. Especially since you’re a Kiramman.”

Caitlyn stares at the cardstock and nods slowly. “Yes,” she says with a nod. “Alright, I can do that.”

Blake heaves a sigh of relief. “For what it’s worth, there are some other really great therapists here,” she says. “They just happened to be fully booked. Here’s the name and number of a therapist that my sister goes to. Tell her that Blake Atkins referred you, okay?” She passes over another card, this one with another name and number scribbled on the back.

“Thank you,” Caitlyn says sincerely. “I appreciate you going out of your way to do this.”

Blake shrugs. “It’s purely for selfish reasons,” she says with a smile. “But seriously, he’s a jerk, and he needs to be put in his place. The worst outcome is that he’ll be forced onto leave with pay, but at least he’ll not be in the office terrorising the staff or any other clients. I’m just sorry that you also had to bear witness to that.”

Caitlyn nods. “Thank you,” she says. “And thank you for this.” She holds up the cards and slides them both into the back pocket of her handbag.

They say their goodbyes and Caitlyn gets into her car. She glances at the time on her dashboard and figures now is as good a time as any to pay her mother a visit.

The Kiramman mansion is as intimidating as ever when Caitlyn pulls up the long, circular driveway. She parks in her usual spot and gets out, slinging her handbag over her shoulder as she does.

She makes her way to her mother’s home office and knocks on the door. Her mother glances up at her and holds up one gloved finger.

“Yes, well, I’m sorry, I do have to go,” Cassandra says into her phone. “I will endeavour to return your call.” She hangs up and does what Caitlyn knows is her approximation of a long sigh. “Hello, dear. What brings you by?”

Caitlyn pushes off the doorjamb and sits down in one of the chairs opposite her mother’s desk. “There’s a chance that you’ll be hearing from our family lawyer.”

Cassandra’s eyebrows shoot up. “Whatever for?”

“I refused to pay for a therapy appointment where the therapist I was scheduled to see mocked me and questioned my autism diagnosis,” Caitlyn replies. “Here’s his details.” She slides Travis’ business card across the desk and watches as her mother picks it up. Her nose crinkles ever so slightly, the only thing indicating her distaste.

“What are you seeing a therapist for, dear?” Cassandra asks.

“Because I have issues, Mother,” Caitlyn replies. “Issues I need to work through with a trained professional.”

“Issues?” Cassandra repeats. “What issues?”

Caitlyn bites back a sigh. “I’d rather not talk about them with you.”

The look that crosses her mother’s face Caitlyn can only describe as hurt. “Caitlyn,” she starts slowly, like she’s afraid of the conversation. “I didn’t know you were having… issues?”

In a completely uncharacteristic response, Caitlyn snorts. “I’ve had issues since long before I left Ionia. Why did you think I left two years into my degree? Or did you just not think about that?”

Cassandra looks taken aback. “You never said anything.”

“How was I supposed to?” Caitlyn retorts. “Us Kirammans have an image to uphold. We’re not allowed to have emotions, and if we do, they had better be behind closed doors.”

“Caitlyn! Where is this coming from?”

Caitlyn stands and clenches her fists, trying not to shake. “I have never felt loved,” she says. “I know you and father love me, I’m not that naïve, but I don’t feel loved by you. You were all too happy to ship me off to boarding school in an entire other country. But the moment I get home, it’s business as usual. I have only seen you twice since I got back, and I’ve been here for almost six months already, Mother.”

Cassandra looks stricken. “I… I had no idea you felt that way,” she says, slowly standing so they’re eye to eye. “We did what we thought was best. You were being bullied so much here for being my heir. And you always thrived in Ionia…” She reaches up and brushes some hair back from her face. “I’m sorry.”

There’s a beat of silence before Caitlyn just nods. “Yes, well, unfortunately, I was still a Kiramman in Ionia.”

“You never said.”

“I was twelve,” Caitlyn replies. She can feel the tears pricking the backs of her eyes. “I asked to come home and you told me to just ride it out – that things would settle down eventually. But they didn’t, Mother, and now I am very much struggling because of it. Which is why I am seeking therapy.”

Her chest is heaving like she’s just ran a marathon. But Cassandra can’t say or do anything that is miraculously going to fix it, and Caitlyn immediately feels guilty for dumping on her mother. She didn’t deserve that.

“I… I’m sorry,” she mumbles. She turns on her heel and leaves the room, trying not to see her mother’s horrified expression following her all the way to her childhood bedroom.

It’s dark when Caitlyn’s bedroom door opens.

Caitlyn is buried under the covers, in a soft shirt, no trousers, and a whole lot of pillows. She turned her phone onto ‘do not disturb’ and has it playing ocean sounds.

The bed dips and strangely enough, the covers shift. Caitlyn rolls over and sees her mother sliding into the bed next to her.

“When you were born,” Cassandra starts, propping herself up on her elbow, looking down at Caitlyn. “You were so tiny. I was so scared to hold you. Not your father, he was a natural. Me? I was petrified. You were three weeks early, and I was so scared.” She glances down at Caitlyn, who just stares back up at her mother, wondering where this is going.

“Eventually, I had to feed you, of course, but I made sure one of the nurses was there the entire time,” she continues. “I was so scared. I was scared to drop you. Scared that you were going to not feed properly. Scared that I was doing something wrong.

“I don’t think I’ve ever stopped being scared.”

Caitlyn blinks, lifting her head so she can look at her mother a little better. Cassandra isn’t looking at her anymore, she’s staring off out Caitlyn’s window.

“People say that every mother feels that way,” Cassandra continues. “But I know for a fact that isn’t true. But I definitely did. So it was a shock, hearing how miserable you’ve been. I…” she pauses and swallows, composing herself. “I am so sorry for the parts I played. I should have paid closer attention. You always are, and always have been my greatest joy, Caitlyn. Duty doesn’t come close to my love for you.”

Caitlyn shuffles closer and throws her arms around her mother, sobbing into her chest.

She has no idea how long they stay like that. She can hear her mother’s steady heartbeat under her ear, and it’s more grounding than Caitlyn ever thought it would be.

It’s another long while before her mother speaks again.

“Leave everything with this Travis fellow with me,” Cassandra says, smoothing back Caitlyn’s hair. “No one who talks to anyone the way he spoke to you should be treating those who are vulnerable. I don’t want you to worry. Now, I can ask your father for a recommendation for a therapist, if you like?”

Caitlyn shakes her head. “No,” she says, her voice muffled. “I have another recommendation from the receptionist at the other place. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll take any suggestion Father has.”

“Very well,” Cassandra says. “But I think you and I should also see a therapist together. We need to work through all of this because I’m not losing you.”

“You won’t lose me,” Caitlyn replies.

Cassandra kisses her brow. “I know, sweetheart. But a mother worries.”

~*~

Not for the first time, Caitlyn is glad that she is on time with her homework. She takes Tuesday and Wednesday off from her classes, emailing her professors her apologies from her childhood bed, unwilling to get out from her cocoon of blankets and pillows.

Thankfully she has accessibility to any notes to her classes as a part of her accommodations as an autistic student. Making that one less thing she has to worry about.

She never dreamed that her mother would be so open with her. She knows there is a long way to go before either of them feel as though things are okay, but Caitlyn is making the first steps, and so is her mother.

Caitlyn’s first solo therapy appointment in a new clinic isn’t until next week, but after her first mother-daughter therapy session with her mother, she is more than happy to wait a few extra days.

By the time Friday rolls around, Caitlyn is exhausted.

Her doorbell sounds shortly after she gets home from her last class. She opens it and is surprised to see Powder standing there, a concerned look on her face.

“Since when do you ring the doorbell?” she asks, stepping aside.

“Since you had your phone on ‘do not disturb’ for three whole days and weren’t around yesterday morning or this morning,” Powder replies, stepping into Caitlyn’s house. “What happened? Are you okay? Vi told me what happened at the bar on Halloween with Quinn. And then you just ghosted? What’s up with that?”

A sigh escapes Caitlyn before she has a chance to think about it. Powder looks taken aback.

“Come on,” Caitlyn says, shutting the door. “Let’s go have a cup of tea.”

Powder sits herself on the couch, her legs tucked up underneath her, and her mug of tea in her hands. When Caitlyn started thinking of that as Powder’s mug was beyond her, but it is. It’s Powder’s mug. Just like Powder has a lot of things in Caitlyn’s kitchen, and her house, that only she uses.

Caitlyn sits down on the opposite end of the couch, and tucks her own legs up underneath her. She clarifies what had happened at the bar, and how she and Quinn were no longer together. It felt weird saying it like that, but she didn’t know how to broach it with Powder other than bluntly saying she and Quinn were having semi-regular sex and then Quinn decided that wasn’t enough anymore.

She explains what happened at the therapist, and her subsequent breakdown in front of her mother. She tries to word it as not to worry Powder, but from the way Powder is tugging at the sleeves of her jumper, she can see that isn’t going so well.

“I… you don’t have to worry,” Caitlyn says, setting her mug down on the coffee table. “I’m going to go to therapy and do the work and… well, not ‘get better’ but improve.”

Powder nods. She glances away and Caitlyn can’t help but think she’s done something wrong.

“Powder?” she asks softly.

“So, um,” Powder starts. “Therapy and me…”

“Oh,” Caitlyn says softly. “You don’t have to say anything if you’re uncomfortable.”

Powder nods, then shakes her head. “No, it’s. It’s okay. I just. It’s heavy and I don’t want to burden you with that.”

Caitlyn scoots closer to Powder, laying her hand to rest on top of one of Powder’s. “Don’t feel pressured into saying anything you don’t want to, okay?”

Powder nods. She shifts, leaning on the far end of the couch, her gaze resolutely not meeting Caitlyn’s. “I tried to kill myself shortly after my fifteenth birthday.”

Caitlyn stays silent. She had a feeling. She’s never seen Powder without long sleeves, even in the middle of summer. But she was never going to be that person who asked why.

Instead, she opens her arms and lets out a soft ‘oof’ as Powder all but flings herself into Caitlyn’s arms. She speaks softly, and Caitlyn’s heart aches as she recounts the bullying she experienced, and how glad she was to be away from Zaun now.

“I miss one of my friends,” Powder says after a while. “But he comes over every now and then. He… he’s the one that found me. So I don’t blame him for not wanting to see me anymore.”

Caitlyn’s arms instinctively tighten around Powder, holding her as close as physically possible. “I, for one, am really glad you’re here, Powder. I just want you to know that. You bring so much joy to my life. Even if you do steal all of my tampons, cereal, my noodles…”

“Hey,” Powder says, sitting up. She pokes her tongue out at Caitlyn and Caitlyn laughs. She returns the action and Powder’s expression is priceless.

“I’m really glad I moved in next door to you,” Caitlyn says after a few moments. “You and Vi are the best thing that has happened to me in a really long time.”

“Me too,” Powder says, settling against Caitlyn’s chest once more. “I like that we’re friends. Sisters. And you’re also the first autistic person I’ve met outside of therapy. So that’s cool, too.”

“Good for us,” Caitlyn replies. She gently plays with the end of Powder’s braid, using the end to tickle Powder’s nose.

Caitlyn’s phone pings on the coffee table and Powder reaches over for it.

“Oh shit, book club!” Powder exclaims. “That’s tonight.”

Caitlyn takes her phone from Powder and sees the calendar entry she had set for herself. “Well, I’ve finished the book. How about you?”

Powder rolls her eyes as she sits up properly. “Duh,” she replies. “I read it via audiobook.”

“Do you feel up to going?” Caitlyn asks, her gaze roaming over Powder’s face. “It doesn’t start until seven.”

Powder nods. “Yeah,” she says. “Can we get dinner first? I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Caitlyn comments. “But yes, that sounds like a good plan.”

They head to a café that is close to the bookstore, and Powder slides into a booth while Caitlyn orders them some sandwiches. She gets Powder’s favourite drink and doesn’t even bat an eyelid when she realises that she knows Powder’s favourite drink. This girl really has ingrained herself into every single facet of Caitlyn’s life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Caitlyn returns to the booth with their drinks and says their sandwiches will be ready soon.

“What kinds of people do you think will be at this book club?” Powder asks, leaning on one elbow as she sucks on her straw.

“I have no idea,” Caitlyn admits. “The woman who’s running it. You and me, obviously. I hope there’s a good turn out.”

“Me too,” Powder says. “I need more friends. Some of the people in my classes suck and I only meet up with people from clubs sometimes. I want at least one more friend. Bring it to a nice, round three.”

Caitlyn smiles at her. “I hope there’s someone there for you to befriend, then.”

Their sandwiches arrive and Powder makes quick work of demolishing one before Caitlyn is even finished half of her first.

She chats nonstop about her current project, and how she’s the top of the class. Caitlyn likes listening to her talk. She loves Powder’s enthusiasm and the way she lights up when she’s particularly excited about something.

They continue to eat and chat, and when Powder’s story finishes, Caitlyn mentions about Jayce and how his department brings in first years to code with.

“Wait, is he the one with the obnoxious Jaguar the day that you moved in?” Powder asks.

Caitlyn nods. “Obnoxious car aside, he’s a really good friend. He’s a giant nerd, too. Don’t let his size fool you.”

“Trust me, I know that nerds come in all shapes and sizes,” Powder says. “Look at Vi – she’s got the buff butch thing down but she’s a giant nerd. I guess it runs in the family. The nerd thing, not the buff thing. There’s no buffing up these twigs.” Powder flexes her biceps and Caitlyn bites back a grin.

“Anyway, he takes the top five students each year and gets them to work on whatever project he’s working on,” Caitlyn says. “Then he takes on an apprentice – which means you can work and get paid for it.”

Powder sits back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. “Top five?” she repeats. “Make it the top three. The two guys who are fourth and fifth this year are misogynistic pricks.”

“Do you have their names?” Caitlyn asks, sliding her phone out. She’ll make a note of it to bring it up with Jayce as soon as she can. Powder rattles off their names, and their student identification numbers (she doesn’t ask how Powder knows that information) and a vague description of what they look like.

“Powder, I can’t tell Jayce they ‘look like dickheads’,” Caitlyn says, even though that’s what her thumbs are typing.

“What? They do,” Powder says emphatically.

Caitlyn shakes her head, unable to stop from smiling. Her phone pings with the last reminder about their book club meeting, and they both get up. Caitlyn pays for their food and leaves a nice tip for the staff.

She and Powder walk the short distance to the bookstore and both gape at the large crowd that has formed in the back area of the store for the book club.

“Well, shit,” Powder says. “I didn’t think there’d be this many people here. Ooh, snacks.”

Caitlyn has no idea how she can eat more, but Powder immediately grabs a handful of grapes and shoves them into her mouth.

Caitlyn looks around, trying to spot Iris’ familiar face. She sighs in relief when she sees her standing with the auburn-haired woman from Caitlyn’s last visit to the store, and another, younger white girl, with messy blonde hair that sits at her shoulders.

There’s at least twenty people here, Caitlyn notices. She feels awkward standing off to the side, when someone stands next to her.

A shorter than her white man with bland brown hair starts speaking. “This is a good turn out,” he says. “Last month there were only five, so this is amazing.”

Caitlyn nods. “I read the book, so I’m looking forward to the discussion.”

He gives her a once over – probably thinking that he’s been surreptitious but Caitlyn can see his gaze roaming over her, and landing on her bosom for a few long seconds. She resists the urge to fold her arms over her chest. She makes a mental note to sit as far away from him as possible.

“Yes, well, the book wasn’t all that,” he comments.

Caitlyn doesn’t even glance at him as she says “Excuse me,” and walks away. She approaches Powder, who has her mouth so full that her cheeks have puffed out.

“Don’t forget to chew,” she teases. Powder rolls her eyes.

“Alright, everyone,” Iris’ voice announces, carrying over the crowd. “Take a seat so we can get this discussion started!”

Caitlyn gently takes Powder’s hand, guiding her away from the guy and towards the blonde girl and auburn-haired woman that Iris was talking to earlier.

She sits next to the woman, Powder on her other side next to the girl.

“We meet again,” the woman says. She’s rather striking, Caitlyn notices.

“That we do,” she agrees.

“I’m Valerie.”

“Caitlyn.”

Valerie gives her a once over and Caitlyn doesn’t mind that at all.

The discussion starts, and the competitive side of Caitlyn takes over every single time Craig – the creepy guy from before – opens his mouth to say something negative. She can see the tips of his ears getting redder the more she disagrees with him.

“I just don’t see how she still has her powers,” Craig says. “She was banished.”

“It explains it quite clearly in the book,” Caitlyn counters. “Not all of Nausicaä’s powers were stripped. She states a few times how if she had her full powers, things would be different for her, but perhaps you glossed over that part.”

She can practically feel Powder vibrating next to her. She purposefully doesn’t look in her direction, maintaining eye contact with Craig until he folds his arms across his chest and finally falls silent.

The rest of the discussion goes well – people speculate about what will happen in book two, and Caitlyn listens avidly. She’s already finished the second book and is a few chapters into book three, needing to know what happens next.

“I like Luck,” the blonde girl from next to Powder says when Iris asks which characters they enjoyed. “They’re mysterious, but I think they’ll be a fun character to read about in the upcoming books.”

“Me too!” Powder exclaims excitedly. “I like someone who messes with things.”

The blonde girl beams at Powder. Caitlyn thinks she looks vaguely familiar, but can’t place it.

The rest of the group discusses their favourite characters, and Caitlyn listens on, interestedly.

“I like Riadne,” Valerie says from Caitlyn’s other side. “She’s got ambition and doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s my kind of woman.”

“Interesting choice,” Caitlyn comments.

“What about you?” Valerie asks her. “You haven’t said who you like.”

“Nausicaä,” Caitlyn replies simply. “I love lesbians with swords.”

Valerie smirks.

When the meeting is over, Valerie turns to Caitlyn. “Have you had a chance to read Mistakes Were Made yet?”

Caitlyn shakes her head. “Unfortunately not,” she replies. “Between my classes and reading the Hollow Star Saga I haven’t had a chance.”

“Call me when you do,” Valerie says. She slips a piece of paper into Caitlyn’s hand and winks at her before leaving, her hips moving in such an entrancing way that Caitlyn only snaps out of it when she’s bumped into. By Craig. Of course.

He gives her a look, shakes his head, and leaves. Caitlyn barely represses a shudder.

She turns to the other side to see Powder and the blonde girl deep in conversation.

Figuring she will leave them to it, Caitlyn starts packing up the chairs like Iris is doing on the other side of the room.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Iris says.

“I don’t mind,” Caitlyn replies. “It gives me something to do while Powder makes a new friend.” She nods towards Powder and the girl, who are facing each other, their bodies so close that their knees are touching. She’s never seen Powder make a friend that quickly before.

A few other people mill about, some chatting to Iris as she works, and others chatting among themselves.

By the time Caitlyn has finished stacking the chairs, Iris has moved on to clearing the table of its leftover snacks. Powder is still in a conversation, so Caitlyn starts helping Iris here, too. Iris tries to shoo Caitlyn off, but Caitlyn just continues, letting Iris’ warm smile settle inside her. Iris gets distracted by the last of the guests leaving – save Powder and the blonde girl – so Caitlyn makes her way through to the back area, assuming she’ll find a kitchen of some sort. The further she gets from the main area of the bookstore, the less she can hear, so she hope’s she’s heading in the right direction. She also hopes Iris doesn’t mind, but she wants to throw away as much of the rubbish as possible.

“You’re seriously wonderful,” Iris says, as she enters the kitchen a few minutes later.

“It’s no problem,” Caitlyn replies. “Two sets of hands make quick work and all that.”

She washes her hands at the sink, trying not to grimace at the little bits of food that had stuck to her skin as she had put the rubbish in the bin.

“I thought about what you said,” Iris says far too casually as she leans against the counter. Her body is angled towards Caitlyn and there’s a very suggestive look on her face.

“Did you?” Caitlyn says, feeling somewhat amused.

Iris nods. “And I’d like to take you up on that offer.”

Caitlyn glances between Iris and the open kitchen door. “Does that lock?” she asks, nodding her head towards the door.

“What, right now?” Iris asks, her eyes widening.

Caitlyn smiles. “Half the fun is the fear of getting caught,” she says with a raised eyebrow. “But this is a one-time thing, so if you don’t want to have sex right now, that’s okay. But I’m only committing to one time.”

Iris stares at her for a beat before she crosses the room to close and lock the door. Caitlyn crowds her against it, making sure that Iris is into this before kissing her hotly.

There’s a moan that comes from Iris that Caitlyn shushes her for.

“Keep quiet,” she says, kissing the side of Iris’ neck.

She makes quick work of opening the fly of Iris’ trousers. Her hand slips in easily and Iris’ breath hitches as Caitlyn’s fingers quickly find her clit.

Her hand comes to the back of Caitlyn’s head, bringing her in for another kiss. Her noises are, thankfully, muffled by their kisses. Caitlyn loves how wet Iris is. Her fingers slide easily into her, sinking two fingers into her tight, wet heat.

The angle is a little awkward, and Iris’ trousers restricting her movements, but Iris seems to enjoy it, so that’s all Caitlyn cares about.

Iris shoves her trousers down a little more, giving Caitlyn better access. She circles over Iris’ clit with her thumb, enjoying the way Iris clenches around her fingers.

“Can I touch you too?” Iris asks, breathing heavily.

Caitlyn hesitates before nodding. She stills her hand, and Iris clenches around her fingers as she undoes Caitlyn’s trousers. Her hand is a little rough as it slides under the fabric of Caitlyn’s knickers. She finds Caitlyn’s clit quickly and rubs hard.

“Fuck, Caitlyn, there,” Iris whines. Caitlyn shushes her again.

She presses her forehead into Iris’ shoulder, focusing on getting Iris off but not really enjoying being touched in return.

“I’m so close,” Iris whispers. “Are you?”

For the first time since she started having sex, Caitlyn thinks she’s going to have to fake it. Iris seems to have some idea of what she’s doing, but the angle is all wrong, and Caitlyn isn’t feeling like she’s going to get to orgasm any time soon.

So the second Iris starts to come, Caitlyn makes a similar noise.

What she doesn’t expect is for Iris to bite down on the side of her neck as she comes. She winces and gently removes her hand from between Iris’ legs. Iris is panting heavily, leaning against the kitchen door like it’s holding her up. And Caitlyn figures it is.

She does up her own trousers, then Iris’ own, taking in her blissed-out expression.

“That was incredible,” Iris says. “Wow.”

Caitlyn smiles and kisses her cheek before going to the sink to wash her hands thoroughly. The last thing she needs is Powder wondering what they were getting up to back here.

“Do I say thank you? It feels like I should say thank you.”

Caitlyn smiles. “You can say thank you.”

“Well, thank you,” Iris says. “Wait, did you come?”

Caitlyn just nods. “Thank you, too. But I’d better go. That’s my neighbour out there and we’d better get home.”

Iris nods. “Okay. Umm, if you ever want to do that again, you know where to find me.”

“I do know,” Caitlyn says, “but that was definitely a one-time thing.”

A pout forms on Iris’ lips and she looks unfairly cute. Caitlyn just smiles at her and reaches behind her to unlock the door. Iris steps aside so Caitlyn can exit.

Thankfully, Powder is still deep in conversation with the other girl.

“Lux?” Caitlyn asks upon closer inspection.

“Caitlyn!” Lux exclaims with a bright smile. She gets up and gives Caitlyn a big hug.

“I haven’t seen you in years!”

“You two know each other?” Powder asks, glancing between them.

Caitlyn nods. “We’ve met at several diplomatic functions.”

“Caitlyn kept me entertained a fair lot,” Lux says, turning her attention back to Powder. “All of those galas and dinners would have been so boring without you.”

“In all of the years I’ve been to them, not a single one has been anything other than boring,” Caitlyn adds. “Sorry I missed the last few, I was over in Ionia.”

“I had heard that!” Lux says. Her phone beeps on the seat where she left it. “That’s my ride. I’d better go.” She turns back to face Powder. “Coffee on Sunday? Don’t forget, okay?”

Powder nods. Her entire body turns in Lux’s direction as she wanders off. Caitlyn watches, amused.

“Come on,” she says, grabbing her bag. “We’d better get home, too.” Powder nods.

As they walk home, Powder doesn’t stop talking about Lux and what her opinions on the book were. Caitlyn listens with rapt attention, noticing how Powder has positively lit up for their entire exchange.

By the time they reach their houses, Caitlyn feels like she’s caught up on Lux’s life as well. She can’t help but think that Powder has the beginnings of a crush.

“Hey,” Vi says in greeting as they wander into Powder and Vi’s house.

“Hey!” Powder says excitedly. “I made a new friend!”

Vi smiles at her. “That’s great! What’s their name?”

“Luxanna Crownguard,” Powder replies. “Apparently Caitlyn knows her from diplomatic things.”

Vi’s gaze flicks to Caitlyn and then her eyes go wide. “I’ll just walk Caitlyn out,” she says to Powder. “But I want to hear all about book club before I go to work, okay?”

Powder nods. “I’ll make us tea.”

Caitlyn bids Powder goodnight and follows Vi out of the house.

“So how was book club?” Vi asks as they step out onto the porch.

“It was good,” Caitlyn replies. “There was this jerk who kept trying to undermine me at every turn, but it was good. Powder and Lux have really hit it off. I think she might have a crush.”

Vi blinks. “A crush?”

Caitlyn nods, smiling to herself. “Lux is a really good kid. I’ve known her for years now.”

“Uh-huh,” Vi says. “And what’s with the love bite?”

Caitlyn’s eyes widen and she slaps a hand to her neck. “Shit.”

“Yeah,” Vi says. “Look, I know that you’re an adult, but can you maybe not have sex when my sister is in the next room?”

“I wouldn’t – I… Vi. No, we were on opposite sides of the building.”

Vi nods. “Okay,” she says. “But when she’s with you, I’m trusting you with her. I honestly don’t care who you have sex with, but I’m trusting you with my sister. So maybe just hold off until she’s not in your care next time?”

Caitlyn nods, sufficiently chastised. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” Vi says softly. “So was it good?”

Caitlyn groans and shakes her head.

“That bad?”

She nods. She leans against the porch railing. “That is the first time I have ever had to fake an orgasm.”

Vi gives a low whistle. “That is bad.”

Caitlyn sighs and rubs a hand over her face. “This isn’t… weird for you?”

Vi shakes her head. “I did just say I don’t care who you fuck. I just want you to be safe. And also not when Powder is around.”

Caitlyn nods again. “You’re a great sister.”

The smile Vi gives her makes Caitlyn’s insides tingle. “Yeah,” she replies. “She’s easy to be a good sister to.”

“She is,” Caitlyn agrees. “I’d better let you go. Powder will undoubtedly talk your ear off about Lux, and then I expect you to text me with a ‘oh wow, Caitlyn, you are so right! My sister has a giant crush’.”

Vi laughs. “Alright,” she says. “Sleep well.”

Caitlyn nods. “Have a good night.”

Vi waves her off and Caitlyn walks up the porch to her own house. She had honestly expected things to be weird between them the next time she spoke to Vi about sex. But she is pleasantly surprised. Vi is far more open minded than Caitlyn is. Because if it were the other way around, she isn’t sure she’d be able to keep a straight face.

That is, she knows, a complete contradiction, but until Caitlyn can sort her shit out, she doesn’t want to start anything with Vi and risk losing her forever.

That is something she isn’t willing to risk.

~*~

Sunday finds Caitlyn biting her lip and looking down at the text she had composed.

After Valerie’s comment about calling her after finishing Mistakes Were Made, she felt intrigued. So she had spent all of her free time on Friday evening and Saturday reading, and she had been pleasantly surprised at just how sexy the book was.

While she has no desire to get into a relationship with an older woman, that doesn’t mean she isn’t up for fucking one.

So she texted Valerie a simple ‘I finished the book’ ten minutes ago and now she’s waiting for a response.

To take her mind off whether her phone will go off or not, Caitlyn figures she’ll put a load of washing on. After she and Powder had done their grocery shopping that morning, she just wanted to finish the book so she could message Valerie.

It’s probably not healthy to sit by her phone and wait for a response, but Caitlyn keeps glancing at it whenever she moves rooms.

Just as she’s sitting down to have some lunch, her phone goes off.

Sorry, I just had to wait for my daughter to leave the house. And oh, she has a daughter. Caitlyn bites her lip. But it’s just a one off so it isn’t like she’s going to meet said daughter or anything. She’s just going to go and have sex with this super-hot woman and then come home. And if the sex is good, it’ll give her masturbation fuel for a while.

Once they’ve arranged a time to get together, Caitlyn has a shower and changes into something cute and comfortable. She goes for a tank top, not unlike the one Cassie is wearing on the cover of the book. It’s also black, and shows off her shoulders. She even finds some red jeans in her wardrobe to really lean into the Cassie look – she figures Valerie will appreciate it if nothing else. But Caitlyn likes how she looks in this outfit – she feels sexy in it, even though it’s simple.

She sweeps her hair into a ponytail and grabs her small going out handbag from the closet near her front door before heading to her car. She puts in the address Valerie gave her into her GPS and makes the drive to her house.

She has no idea what to expect, but as she pulls up onto the street, she can see Valerie’s very large house looming in the distance. She texts Valerie to let her know that she’s there and the locked gate swings open.

Caitlyn heads up the walkway to the house, and before she can even knock on the front door, Valerie is opening it.

And she looks like a wet dream.

She’s wearing the sexiest black lingerie Caitlyn has ever had the pleasure of seeing, and a sheer black robe over the top that is doing absolutely nothing to hide anything.

There is a martini in her hand and she gives Caitlyn a sultry look.

“Hi,” Caitlyn says. Valerie gives her a dazzling smile.

“Hi yourself.”

Valerie opens the door wider and Caitlyn steps in. She leaves her bag where Valerie says and toes off her shoes.

“What did you think of the book?” Valerie asks. She glances back over her shoulder at Caitlyn as they walk into the living room.

“It was… incredibly sexy,” Caitlyn comments.

Valerie smiles at her. “Would you like a drink?” she asks.

Caitlyn takes the martini from Valerie’s hand and knocks it back in one hit. “No thanks.”

The smile Valerie gives her can only be described as predatory. Their lips meet in a heated kiss and Caitlyn quickly grabs Valerie’s hips to keep them from falling back onto the very plush couch. The very large couch that she’s pretty sure she’s about to fuck Valerie on.

“I appreciate you dressing up for me,” Caitlyn comments as she kisses down Valerie’s neck.

Valerie lets out a breathy sigh. “Oh this? It’s just something I threw on.”

Caitlyn smirks against Valerie’s neck before gently pushing her onto the couch. She straddles her, wishing her jeans had a little more give in them, but the moment Valerie’s hands touch her hips, Caitlyn decides she doesn’t care.

Their kisses turn heated once more. Valerie slides her hands up the back of Caitlyn’s shirt, pulling it up off over her head.

“Oh,” Valerie comments. “You’re not wearing a bra.” She licks her lips and surges upwards, capturing one of Caitlyn’s nipples in her mouth.

The moan that escapes Caitlyn is one she can’t help. She moves her hand to the back of Valerie’s head, holding her in place. Her teeth are a little sharp at times and Caitlyn bites back a hiss. Instead, she pushes Valerie back into the couch, intent on kissing her way down Valerie’s chest, which is flushed with desire.

Caitlyn sucks on Valerie’s nipple over the lacy fabric of her lingerie. It barely covers anything, and offers absolutely no support, but she is beyond sexy to Caitlyn.

Valerie’s breath hitches as Caitlyn kisses down over her stomach.

“Sorry,” she whispers. “It’s… well it’s been a while since I’ve had sex.”

“Nothing to be sorry for,” Caitlyn replies. “Just tell me if there’s anything you don’t like.”

“What you’re doing is good. Great, even,” Valerie says.

“Excellent,” Caitlyn says. She presses a lingering kiss to the soft, squishy skin of Valerie’s stomach before shifting lower. She presses kisses right where the top of Valerie’s underwear meets her skin and is rewarded with Valerie’s hips lifting up.

“Can I take these off?” Caitlyn asks, gazing up at Valerie who nods.

She slides her fingers under the elastic and tugs. The fabric slides easily down and she tosses them over her shoulder.

“Let me know if you want to stop at any time,” Caitlyn says. “But I’m going to eat you out now.”

“Please,” Valerie moans. Her hand comes to the back of Caitlyn’s head as Caitlyn makes the first swipe with her tongue.

Valerie’s legs fall open even more and Caitlyn settles comfortably between them. She loses herself in the familiarity of eating someone out. Valerie’s noises are only encouraging Caitlyn on.

She slips two fingers easily into Valerie’s soaking wet entrance and crooks her them. She’s rewarded with a loud moan and Valerie thrusting down into Caitlyn’s mouth.

It doesn’t take her long to bring Valerie to orgasm, her body trembling underneath Caitlyn’s own. She slows her licking down, feeling Valerie’s pussy twitching with every movement. She slowly removes her fingers and is surprised when Valerie sits up, taking Caitlyn’s wrist in her hand and sucking her fingers clean.

It shouldn’t be as hot as it is, but Caitlyn loves it.

“Can I touch you?” Valerie asks.

Caitlyn hesitates. “Uhh.”

“Or not?”

Caitlyn sits back, putting some distance between them. She knows she should probably feel a little self-conscious since she’s sitting here with no shirt on, but Valerie’s pussy is still on display, enticing her, so any thoughts other than ‘I want to do that again’ have currently left Caitlyn’s head.

“I’m more of a giver,” Caitlyn eventually says. “If that’s okay?”

Valerie nods. “More than okay,” she replies. She picks up her phone off the coffee table and smiles. “We have time for another round before my daughter comes home if you want?”

Caitlyn smiles. “Sure,” she says. “Can I just get a drink of water first?”

Valerie nods. “Of course,” she says. “The kitchen is this way.”

She gets up off the couch and saunters away. Caitlyn can’t help but stare at her naked ass through the sheer fabric of the robe she’s still wearing.

Once she’s scooped up her shirt, Caitlyn hastily follows Valerie through to the kitchen. She has just pulled her shirt back on when Valerie closes the refrigerator door, a glass of water and ice in her hand.

Caitlyn accepts the glass from her and takes a sip.

“Are you up for trying new things?” Caitlyn asks, an idea coming to mind.

“I’m open to suggestions,” Valerie replies, her gaze fixed on Caitlyn’s face.

Caitlyn fishes out an ice cube and puts it in her mouth. She sets the glass down on the counter and backs Valerie up into it.

She leaves the cube between her lips as best as she can and leans forward, kissing Valerie. She’s rewarded with a soft noise of approval, and Valerie’s hands gripping her hips once more.

Caitlyn trails the ice slowly down the side of Valerie’s neck, pausing every now and then to linger on a particular spot that has Valerie gasping.

By the time Caitlyn has sunk to her knees in front of Valerie, the ice cube has melted, leaving only a trail of water down Valerie’s body in its wake.

She carefully puts one of Valerie’s legs over her shoulder and she gives Valerie the first lick. Valerie shudders against her.

“Your tongue is so cold,” she hisses, but her hand comes to the back of Caitlyn’s head.

“You’ll warm it up,” Caitlyn replies. She closes her eyes and loses herself once more. She moans against Valerie, pressing in as close as she can.

“Fingers, please,” Valerie says breathily.

Caitlyn is quick to comply. She slides two fingers into Valerie with ease, and she immediately clenches down around them.

Caitlyn focuses on her clit, alternating between sucking on it and flicking her tongue over it. She feels Valerie clenching and unclenching around her fingers as she thrusts them into her.

“Oh fuck, Caitlyn,” Valerie moans. Her breathing grows faster, her hand tighter on the back of Caitlyn’s head.

She orgasms, her thigh shaking where it rests on Caitlyn’s shoulder, her heel digging into Caitlyn’s back. But Caitlyn doesn’t care. She works Valerie through her orgasm, feeling the slick slide of her fingers with every movement inside of her.

She slowly releases Valerie’s clit from her mouth, pressing one last kiss to it before sitting back. She glances up at Valerie, who is looking down at her with such lust in her eyes.

Caitlyn hasn’t removed her fingers from inside of Valerie yet. She gently thrusts them back in, watching as Valerie’s eyes flutter shut.

She’s just put her mouth back on Valerie’s clit, and has got up a steady rhythm again when a voice suddenly interrupts them.

“Whose car is that out the front?” The feminine voice is somewhat familiar and then it’s followed by “Shit! Mum?”

Caitlyn pulls back, quickly removing her hand from between Valerie’s legs, and she stands, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Caitlyn?”

“Maddie?”

Caitlyn takes in Maddie’s horrified expression. She feels dread pool in her stomach.

“You’re fucking my mum?” Maddie exclaims. “What the fuck?”

“Maddie, dear, please calm down,” Valerie finally says. “We’re all adults here. Caitlyn was just helping me blow off some steam.”

“I don’t want to know,” Maddie says. She covers her face with her hands. “Just get out.”

Caitlyn nods. She shoots Valerie an apologetic look before hastily leaving the house. She almost forgets to put on her shoes, and has to double back at the front door. She grabs her bag and leaves as quickly as she is able to.

When she’s driving back home, Caitlyn has to wonder how come she’s been having such bad luck with every single woman she’s had sex with.

~*~

“Her mum?” Vi says.

Caitlyn’s hands cover her face. “Yes,” she repeats, having said this three times to Vi already.

Then she laughs. It’s big and bold like it usually is, and Caitlyn usually loves the sound, but since it’s aimed at her this time, she isn’t enjoying it so much.

“Cait,” Vi says after a few solid moments of laughter. “That was the best story ever.”

Caitlyn knows she’s pouting, but she can’t help it. She sighs and shifts her feet so they’re on a lower step of Vi’s front porch. “Yes, well, I’m swearing off sex from now on.”

“What?” Vi says, laughter still in her tone. “Why? Because you slept with your classmate’s mum?”

“That and I’m sick of almost all of my sexual experiences being bad,” Caitlyn says. She lifts her fingers, counting off. “There was Summer, who fell asleep after I made her come. Quinn who was a pillow princess who didn’t want to touch me to make me come. There was Iris whose fingering was so bad I couldn’t come. And then Valerie, who didn’t even get to touch me before we were interrupted. And that isn’t even counting all of the shit sex I had with Sofia back when I was in Ionia. So yes, I am giving up on sex. No more sex for me here on out.”

Vi nudges their shoulders together. “I’m sure there’s some woman out there who is dying to make you come. Don’t cut everyone out just because you’ve had a few bad experiences.”

“A few?” Caitlyn repeats. “Vi, that’s four since I moved back to Piltover. That’s more than a few.”

“Well, we’re only in November, so that’s not really that bad if you think about it.”

“No need to get technical on me,” Caitlyn says with a pout.

“Sorry, not sorry,” Vi teases. “I’ll support you if that’s what you want. But I know how distracted you get by hot women.”

Caitlyn makes a face at her. “I am a weak, weak lesbian, I know,” she says. She glances at her watch. “Alright, out with it, what has you so tetchy? That’s the fifth time you’ve checked the time in twenty minutes. And your leg won’t stop bouncing, either.”

Vi gives her a sheepish look. “Powder’s out on her first date.”

“With Lux?”

Vi nods.

“Well, where was my ‘Caitlyn you were right’ text?” She gives Vi a teasing grin and Vi just smiles, shaking her head.

“Fine,” she relents. “You were right. Powder has a huge crush on this girl. She even came and picked Powder up for their date. How cute is that? I’ve already spent half an hour on the phone with mum before you came outside. But I’m going to be picking her up when it’s over, so I keep checking to see if she’s messaged or not.”

An idea pops into Caitlyn’s head. “So where is this date taking place?” she asks far too casually as she stands up, glancing down at Vi.

“At a café just a few blocks away,” Vi replies. “We’ve been there loads. It’s one of Powder’s favourites.”

Caitlyn nods. “I know the one. Powder and I went there for dinner before our book club meeting the other night.”

Vi’s gaze catches hers. “Are you…?”

Caitlyn nods again. “You have to pick her up eventually, right? We can just… go early.”

Vi smiles. “Caitlyn Kiramman,” she says as she stands. “That is downright devious of you.”

“I prefer the term mischievous,” Caitlyn counters. “Go get your keys.”

Vi slides her hand into her pocket and pulls them out. “Already got them.”

Before too long, they’re driving the short distance to the street with the café that Powder is in. Caitlyn tells her to park a little way back, but still within viewing distance of the café.

Vi shuts off the car and they sit there, both staring towards the café. “This is pretty boring.”

“Steak outs always are,” Caitlyn replies.

“Been on a lot of them, then?”

“Sort of,” Caitlyn says. “It’s how I caught my ex cheating on me.”

“Oh,” Vi says softly. “I’m sorry.”

Caitlyn shrugs. “Not to worry,” she replies. “Though, we should have brought snacks.”

Vi glances out of the window. “Fancy burritos for dinner?”

“Ooh, yes, please,” Caitlyn replies. “I’ll go get them, if you want?”

Vi shakes her head. “Nah, I need to move. I’ve got too much excess energy to burn and I didn’t want to start boxing in my home gym in case Powder needed me. What kind of burrito do you want?”

Caitlyn rattles off what she usually gets and Vi exits the car. Caitlyn turns her gaze back to the café. She can’t see much – it’s getting far too dark to be able to make out specific people, but doing this, enjoying this moment with Vi, is exhilarating. And it’s taking her mind off her strange afternoon.

She isn’t sure if she should message Maddie or not, but she figures that she wouldn’t want to hear from Maddie if it were the other way around.

A short while later, the car door opens and Vi slides back in. She passes a bag over to Caitlyn, and she opens it, fighting back a moan as the delicious smell wafts from the bag.

They eat in silence, both of their gazes facing the café. Once Caitlyn has polished off her burrito, she has a sip of her drink.

“I forgot to ask how your parents are,” Caitlyn says. She glances over at Vi, whose cheeks are puffed out with how much food she has in her mouth. Caitlyn can’t help but laugh. “Swallow, please.”

Vi nods. She chews and eventually swallows, and has a sip of her own drink. “They’re good,” she says. “Powder has seen them a few times since her birthday, and I know they don’t live far, but between work and school, I haven’t seen them that much.”

“And the twins? It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen them.”

“They’re both good,” Vi says. “Mylo serviced Jayce’s car recently, so that was a fun story to hear.”

Caitlyn perks up at that. “Really? I had no idea.”

Vi nods and shares the story between bites of her food. Jayce had run into her on campus before Halloween and the topic of his car had been brought up, so Vi gave him her family’s mechanic shop as a recommendation.

“Mum did the final look over it, though,” Vi adds. “Since it’s her shop and Mylo is just an apprentice there. But he’s all good now.”

“I keep meaning to call him,” Caitlyn says. “But life has been busy.”

“And the sex, don’t forget all of the sex,” Vi teases.

Caitlyn nudges her arm. “That won’t be happening anymore,” she reminds Vi with a pointed look and Vi just snorts. “What was that for?”

“Cait, you are sweet, but you’re also incredibly horny at times,” Vi says. “So we’ll see how long it lasts.”

Caitlyn pointedly turns her gaze back towards the café.

“Don’t get mad that I’m right,” Vi says, her tone light.

“I’m not,” Caitlyn replies. “I just hate how right you are. I swear I wasn’t like this back in Ionia.”

“Maybe it’s the Piltover air,” Vi says with a slight snort of laughter.

It makes Caitlyn grin. She turns her gaze to Vi, leaning her head back on the headrest. “How old were you when you had your first date?”

Vi smiles wistfully. “I was fifteen,” she says. “I thought I was such hot stuff. There was this girl in my music class –”

“What instrument did you play?” Caitlyn interrupts.

“Saxophone,” Vi replies without missing a beat. “And she played the clarinet. I was so gone for her it isn’t funny. I took her to the bowling alley where one of my uncles works. So I got a discount. We had the best time. We ate pizza, and she won against me. And afterwards, while we waited for our parents to pick us up, she kissed me. It was an amazing three seconds.”

“That’s really sweet,” Caitlyn replies. “What was her name?”

“Isabella,” Vi replies. “I wonder what she’s up to these days. We kind of lost touch when… Well, when I went to juvie.”

Caitlyn stays silent, wondering if this will be the time that Vi tells her about that.

It seems that the stars have aligned because Vi does.

“Isabella was kind of rebellious,” Vi starts. “We dated for, like, three months. So that’s a year for teenagers, and three years for lesbians.” She laughs at her own joke before shaking her head. “Anyway, we got caught breaking and entering into a warehouse that had like, I don’t know, makeup and stuff. But because her parents were rich, she just got told off. I, however, was made an example of. And I did six months in juvie.”

“Vi,” Caitlyn says softly. She reaches over and gently touches Vi’s arm. “I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

Vi shrugs. “It is what it is,” she replies. “But I was such an angry person after getting out. It’s why I took up boxing – I needed an outlet because I was picking fights with kids twice my size. My dad pulled me aside and told me that if I kept going down the route I was going, I was going to end right back up in prison, but this time, it would be Stillwater. So I started boxing. And got therapy.”

Vi gives her a sheepish look, like she’s surprised she had said so much. “What about you? When was your first date?” she asks, glancing towards the café once more.

Caitlyn tilts her head, thoughtful. Then she frowns. “I guess I’ve never really been on a date before.”

Vi’s head whips around to face her. “Weren’t you and Sofia together for, like, a year?”

Caitlyn nods. “We were,” she replies. “But since we were also living on the same floor at the university we were attending, it was more we just went to each other’s rooms. And either made out, or had sex. There wasn’t any… well, traditional dating.

“I guess you can say I had a date with Quinn?” she continues. “We went for coffee – that’s a date, right?”

The expression on Vi’s face is unreadable. But then she nods. “Yeah, Cupcake, that’s a date.”

“Well, then, my first date was in September.”

Silence falls between them and Caitlyn wonders if she said something wrong. But then Vi’s phone pings with a text and she scrambles to grab it. “It’s Powder. She’s ready to be picked up.”

“That’s good,” Caitlyn says, feeling a little excited. She can’t wait to hear all about Powder’s date. “In a couple of minutes, text her that you’re here, and we can just watch.”

Vi nods. She texts when Caitlyn prompts her to, and they watch as Powder and Lux exit the café. They stand under the awning and Caitlyn leans forward in her seat, unable to help herself.

Powder gesticulates with her hands, and Lux’s head tilts back as she laughs.

“They’re so cute,” Caitlyn says softly.

Lux then takes a step closer to Powder, says something, and Powder nods. Lux presses what looks like a chaste kiss to Powder’s lips and then steps back.

Even from here, Caitlyn can tell that Powder is blushing.

“My baby sister just had her first kiss,” Vi says. Caitlyn glances over at her, and she could swear that Vi has tears in her eyes.

Caitlyn glances back over at Powder, whose smile is visible even from all the way over here.

Vi clears her throat and flashes her lights, capturing Powder’s attention. Powder kisses Lux’s cheek quickly before darting across the road to Vi’s car.

“Hey, Pow,” Vi says when she climbs into the backseat behind Caitlyn.

“Hey,” Powder says. “Hey, Cait.”

“Hi, Powder,” she says. “How was your night?”

Powder smiles. “Really, really good.”

Caitlyn smiles at her. “That’s wonderful to hear.”

If she was expecting Powder to tell them about her date, she’s sorely disappointed, because Powder falls silent. Caitlyn sees that she’s looking out of the window, a small smile on her face. Her heart grows as she witnesses that.

The drive back to their houses is quick, and the second the car is parked in the driveway, Powder is bounding out, heading into the house.

Caitlyn can’t help but smile after her. “I’m glad she had a good night,” she says, collecting their food rubbish. She’s glad that Powder didn’t notice it, otherwise they would have had some explaining to do.

“Me too,” Vi says. “I’ll walk you out.”

They deposit the rubbish into the bins near the garage entrance and walk back through the house to get outside.

“Thanks for suggesting that,” Vi says, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jacket. “I was going out of my mind.”

Caitlyn gives her a soft smile. “You’re a great sister, Vi,” she says. “And now you can go inside and ask Powder all about her date.”

Vi’s smile is soft. “You deserve that too, you know.”

“Deserve what?” Caitlyn asks, walking slowly backwards to her own front porch.

“To have a first date that leaves you sublimely happy.”

Caitlyn stops moving. “Maybe one day it’ll happen.” She shrugs. “But I’m okay with waiting. I’ve waited this long. What’s another… however many years.”

Vi surprises her by hugging her and Caitlyn practically melts into her touch. “It’ll be worth it,” she says. Her voice is soft, and her hands warm as she cups Caitlyn’s face as she pulls back.

Caitlyn swallows thickly. She nods and forces herself to step back from Vi, lest she do something stupid like kiss her again.

“Goodnight, Vi,” she says, her heart thudding wildly in her chest, and her brain fixating on what it would be like to date Vi.

[raine-witcher]

I have finished Spirit of Justice and I have OPINIONS:

These are not going to be at all well organized instead will be tangent filled and disorganized af. Bear with me.

First of all the trilogy itself id describe as a…interesting sandwich, we have a rocky depressing start but with absolutely solid new characters. The absolute masterpiece of Duel destines being a completely amazing set of cases consistently. And then…this absolutely devastating rollercoaster. I think the cases in Japanafornia are solid, great cases. While the first 2 cases in Kura’in are…they’re pretty bad, especially the 3rd case of the game. And that issue is entirely because the characters from Kura’in are incredibly uncomplying. Nahyuta is a complete asshole and hypocrite who shows no signs of his change. And Rayfa is a spoiled brat. Neither of these characters change until the last half of the last case. That. Is. A. Problem. Why should I care about their changes when I haven’t seen a steady pattern of growth from them? Instead we get coin flips. That’s not compelling that’s a waste of my time having to read their stupid. Boring. Dialogue. I hated Nahyuta so much I stoped voicing him for a while in my play though. The best way k can describe why he sucks is because he wasted 4 dialogue boxes to just say he likes peaches. He drags on about nothing. After following the incredible acts of Gavin and Simon the best was I can explain my disappointment is by pointing out how both they before him had the ability to admit when they’re wrong and be helpful in a case. Nahyuta said Trucy was a sinful being pretending to be a cute little girl. That’s not a great introduction when we know Trucy is far from that. They keep saying he’s “kind and generous” but they show no action confirming that idea. The writers forgot about the core rule of “show don’t tell” that man was awful constantly and consistently. So when we get to the final case, I don’t give a single flying fuck about his feelings or change of heart. Because I’ve been given no real reason to care. Speaking of the 5th case. Oh my god. I cried so much about Dhurke. And part of me is upset because that proves the writers could make a character worth bringing me to tears and he had so much less screen time then Nahyuta or Rayfa. So they proved they can write characters that don’t suck ass from Kura’in. So I’m just all the more disappointed. Finally. I hate Apollo staying there. And that’s for multiple reasons. One, I don’t like the kingdom of Kura’in. Best way I can explain that is due to the fact it doesn’t have its own voice as a distinct country. I can clearly tell it’s a large melting point of every country from the east. What am I supposed to latch onto if it doesn’t truly have a culture? It’s biggest defining feature is it’s hostility towards me. So my reaction is to want to get tf out of there as fast as possible. Secondly as I’ve stated. All the characters in Kura’in are fucking boring. Or annoying. Or whatever. I don’t want to spend my time talking to them. Therfore I don’t want to be in this location. Okay two. I love Apollo. And I’m terrified that he won’t be a main character in the next game. I don’t want him to come back as a cameo character in a single case. He is a core part of the main 3 I’ve come to adore and I want him to be there. As a main character. Consistently. And I don’t know if he is. And I’m worried. So the ending made me feel bittersweet, upset, disappointed. This cast I’ve come to know as a family. And then being together is important to me. Is that stupid? Personally Idgaf it’s my feelings and I’ll get myself attached to what I want. I will criticize the writers for these decisions because they’re also written an amazing franchise that I’ve come to adore incredibly. I care about this game and it’s characters and I want to see them together. The end of duel destines where they all 3 point together left such an impression on me. As an artist and a character designer (not professional in any sense but it’s what I love to do) I respect the fuck out of the creators for making the cast of Wright anything agency. But the fumbles in Spirit of Justice have me concerned for the next game in the franchise. I hope to be proven wrong in my fears.

[windflowerofskellige]

Okay I've had a couple days to stew, I finished the sewing I was sewing when the trailer dropped, I got it shipped and it arrived at its destination. Let's talk about the Witcher 4 trailer because I'm not impressed.

I don't care about the fact that it says The Witcher Ciri is the best ending. Empress Ciri made no sense to begin with and the dead Ciri ending straight up just isn't in character for Geralt. This is fine.

What I DON'T like is the fact that Ciri is a full blown Witcher. Oh Andromeda is it because she's a woman?! Are you sexist??? You're mad because they made a girl Witcher??? Are you one of those game bros that hates women??? No!

Retconning the trial of the grasses like this sits very wrong with me and it's not "oh she can't be a Witcher cuz girls can't be witchers". There are tons of other media in this multimedia franchise with female witchers. The thing these all have in common is that they were Children when they went through the trials. Ciri would've been twenty at the Youngest when she went through the trials, which is a major retcon that it has Implications. In Kaer Morhen's map in the Witcher 3 you can go into one of the caves, read a thing about all the boys and the ages they were when they went through the trials. They were about 6-10 years old. The thing about the trials is it's heavily implied that you do the trials while they're so young so their body can adapt to them and make them fully a Witcher and being prepubescent is a necessary aspect for proper mutation. After a certain age (around puberty) the trials become Unsurvivable. With the Ciri full Witcher thing this is retconned, obviously, but that leaves me with one question. Why then were we torturing and horrifically medically traumatising the kids that survived, of which over half didn't, if you could just make a Witcher as an adult? I want, so genuinely, to hold out hope that they'll explain this in a way that makes sense but the fact that they made her a fully mutated Witcher instead of using the Elder Blood as a way of explaining how she's doing a Witcher's job doesn't make me eager. The Elder Blood was already there, the Elder Blood already made her crazy stupid powerful, it was already cool and unique no changes to Ciri needed to be made as an entire compelling game system can be built around her learning how to control that aspect of herself without going through the formulaic Witcher stuff we got with Geralt.

I love Ciri, I don't mind playing as Ciri! My thing about this isn't against Ciri. What I am is Very scared with this trailer drop that we are not getting Ciri as I love her, but instead a mass produced marketable recognisable brand image. I do not trust that CDPR knows who Ciri is. I do not have faith we will get a Good (read: compelling, complex, multifaceted, unique, and well understood) Ciri. I'm not even holding out hope that we will see her blink mechanic from the third game. CDPR has proven, multiple times, they do not care about internal consistency in their games. From the fact that the Shani romance option from the Witcher 1 had NO effect on the Witcher 2 and no MENTION of it until much later in the updates, to the poor writing and consistency around Radovid's age (of which he is textually in these games referred to as being born in 1255 making him 15, 16, and 17 but treated in dialogue and appearance like he's 40), to the fact that none of the choices in the Witcher 2 mattered for the state of the politics in the Witcher 3, it is expressly clear CDPR does not care about making their games consistent. I would not be surprised if Ciri's entire characterisation, arc, and abilities are completely shattered with the release of the Witcher 4.

I expected a Ciri protagonist, I did, they were going to keep the brand recognisable and Ciri IS the central figure of which everything in the books revolves around this is fine. I also understand that they are not using books canon and this is their own thing. What I think though is that, if this goes the way it's looking at the moment, the stripping her of everything that made her unique is more disrespectful to Ciri as a character than the fact that she's a Woman Witcher. She can be a Woman Witcher! However she was not using her Elder Blood powers in that trailer, she was not blinking around that monster, she was not manipulating time and space as she was even shown to do in the Witcher Three. Sure it's a cinematic trailer and not gameplay, things can change between now and then, but I am Very Apprehensive with what they've showed us so far.

I want a Ciri protagonist where we get Ciri, the Lady of Time and Space, not just Another Witcher. Not just the same formula as the last three games. I hope when we get more info they actually show us they understand Ciri instead of Geralt 2, electric boogaloo, girl version this time. I want to play as Ciri!! I'm Very Nervous.

[daughterofevil158]

The kaimon soulmate reveal is gonna be either them getting along way quicker (And we get more scenes of them being bitchy together. They are absolutely the type of people to stick together during group events and just talk shit about everyone 😭 They’re like hs mean girls) or result in the funniest case of denying the entire cast has ever seen. Either way, it’s gonna end with Kai reading out his soulmark in the most annoying “Damon impression” he can 😭

At least with Wolfgang realizing Damon’s his soulmate, it’s probably gonna end up with him treating Damon better, meaning everyone else is gonna trust Wolfgang’s judgment and also be kinder to him

Imagine being literally anyone else and watching as Wolfie one day treats Damon like the most suspicious person ever only to treat him like his closest ally the very next day lmao

But oh noo with the attempted murder, things are gonna be so different with him and Eva.. and possibly Wolfgang and Eva’s relationship will change for the worst too if Damon ends up telling him he knows who could have sent him that letter

Fuck the killing game, Tozu has popcorn ready to watch his new favorite drama show

Welcome to Tozu's LP of PJEG School Mode (in the no-KG variant, he's definitely that annoying teacher who gets invested in his students' love lives)

It probably leans closer to them getting along closer because Kai already knew Damon was an asshole before seeing his soulmark, but yeah there's definitely at least 3x more teasing on Kai's end. Maybe like a day of completely avoiding each other + the soulmate discussion, then the FTE where Kai loses his ring happens. Damon helps him, Kai sees the poorly hidden disappointment of "we're soulmates and you didn't ask me first" on his face and realizes "Oh, this guy is just an angry cat, alright then." (And then, like all cat owners, proceeds to bother Damon) They definitely mock each other with poor impressions of their respective soulmarks during arguments and the like (imagine them doing it during the game tournament to try throwing the other off their game lol).

(i am...so sorry that the kai section is so short compared to wolfgang's, but i am forced to drag akiretsu's corpse with me like jesus did the crucifix)

Wolfgang has a lot to make up for, in his head at least. Crimes against your soulmate would be just as bad as crimes against women/children in his eyes, so once he finds out he over-corrects hard (surprise, isolating people from their peers negatively impacts them my dude). Damon's kinda pissy that it took such a personal connection to get Wolfgang off his back, but he'll take what he can get. As a side note: the way "Forced Honesty" soulmarks work in this au is that, while you're compelled to answer the truth, you have a bit of leeway on word choice if you're not caught off guard or aware of the compulsion so long as it isn't an outright lie.

So since Damon didn't know during the mock trial and wasn't expecting the question during their talk, it was completely unfiltered. He definitely focuses hard on his answer to Wolfgang's next question of "Why didn't you tell me?" to be as vague as possible, which leads to Wolfgang jumping to the worst possible answer he could've given (because if Damon's struggling not to say it bluntly, it must be murder levels of bad, right?). And if he asks Damon if he knows who sent the letter, getting an answer like "one of my other soulmates" is definitely gonna be a doozy, to put it lightly (Wolfie would definitely have suspicions about a certain someone, but decides not to press further since it's clearly stressing Damon out).

Imagine finding out that one of your soulmate tried to kill another one. Imagine all the complexities of normal "Wg survives the murder attempt" scenarios with the added bonus of them sharing a soulmate on top of it. Imagine a version where Eva finds out that the guys are soulmates and chooses to frame Damon instead out of feelings of betrayal (even unrelated to this AU I crave for "Damon stumbles upon drugged-up Wolfgang" scenarios) Actually the murder attempt is like 5 times funnier because Diana...is also one of Damon's soulmates. Someone help this guy

[puphoods]

i liked the cobel episode and i was excited after the first reintegration ep but other than that i rlly feel they dropped the ball... ESPECIALLY ON REINTERGRATION why did we do it like 3 episodes in if we were gonna do nothing with it!!! i was so excited when we did petey waking up mark s and then we never returned to it... and we also never addressed mark scout watching petey die in front of him like. i think mark s would care about that...

if im real most of the markhelly stuff this season has been boring to me 😭 i think they were cute in the middle of the finale and thats the most ive liked them so far + they resolved the helena conflict WAY too quick. at least we have milchick...

i wish we had explored the fucked dynamic between milchick and ms huang more bc the way they both held power over each other in these different ways was soooo compelling! milchick being her boss and an adult but her punishing him via the reporting for the performance review etc. if we don't return to ms huang as well i'll be so mad

also i'm waiting to properly judge on gemma til we get more of her but so far shes barely gotten to be a character 😭 im glad we freed my girl so she better be a proper character next season. + if her and devon dont interact more i will start killing.

ALSO REGHABI... i need more of her + her and cobels dynamic bc what is all that abt. she should notttt be playing support to mark scout of all people. and if im real neither should devon. shes literally just had a baby and already has to deal w her dumb fuck husband and instead of being taken care of and supported shes playing support to two men. lets kill ricken for real. i need to see more devon and gemma sooo so bad. i was excited to see her and reghabi but they barely interacted 😭

okay im done sorry. im hopeful for the next season but. this season was not as good as s1 for me. i dont care so much abt the markhelly show like i feel like helly r has been a little watered down in certain episodes bc of it. and i love helly and i love mark s (specifically s) but. u know. okay im done for real

guy who fell asleep and then went to work when you said this

i feel the same abt a lot of this tbh... the reintegration "happening" so much just makes it feel cheap in retrospect like it just feels like it was to keep tension up rather than actually rely on good storytelling. am not a fan of overuse of cliffhangers to keep people interested and they did that a lot this season especially. its actually crazy they didnt bring petey up at all like i was 100% sure omark was going to tell imark about him when they were talking it was the perfect opportunity. but no.

im really disappointed in a lot namely 1- reghabi 2- no payoff for milchicks character arc + storyline this season 3- dylan being thrown into the background and having nothing to do with the plot and showing up last second 4- relegating every other characters storyline to the background for the sake of markhelly 5- helly in general this season felt like she was written solely for the sake of the romance 6- a lot of the characters feeling like they only existed this season more than anything to prop up mark + mark and hellys storyline. not even the full list of things i feel were done poorly or were dropped/forgotten about/ignored/etc. but yk. also seeing milchick in particular having such a prominent role this season and in particular the OVERT themes of race + racism in lumon all feeling like they were leading to something and then the last episode it was like none of that happened and he was just a lumon grunt who didnt even do anything significant in the episode other than experience microaggressions and get locked in a bathroom. but at least helly gave her little white saviour speech to the band of primarily POC who exist seemingly solely for the purpose of entertaining mark at his little file completion party