#while others are completely aware of this fact and it haunts them

[kassycreations]

Harumi has an "Ohohoho!" laugh for her evil laugh and it sort of just becomes worse if you don't shut her up. You let her laugh longer, she'll just start actually cackling like the witch she is and eventually, she'll just heave over and start coughing. This happens way too much, she is aware that but she doesn't stop

Lloyd and Morro can keep their laughs up longer than Harumi can and she's definitely not jealous of that. Morro's sort of just forever stuck on evil laugh whenever he thinks something his funny. Nobody can tell if this is a lie or not

Lloyd can keep his laugh up for the longest but after a while it just becomes creepy and unsettling so anyone who's aware of this fact stops him before it reaches that point

[authorhjk1]

Since you're a fellow Fromis_9 nagyung enjoyer do you think you could do a nagyung short about her and her significant other trying to sneak around the other members to find “a quiet moment to themselves”

Nowhere to hide

(Lee Nagyung X Male Reader)

You hate lying. If there is something everyone knows about you, it's that you don't lie. Never.

"Oh no! I hope it doesn't hurt too much?"

Being the caring woman she is, Lee Saerom looks at you with love in her eyes as she hears what happened.

"Well, the doctor said he shouldn't be alone for a while, since he can't walk properly."

You are able to send an angry glare in your girlfriend's direction.

This isn't how it was supposed to go.

The members of Fromis_9 planned on going on a two week trip to Hawaii. The flight was booked for today and everyone was already at the airport. Except for your girlfriend.

Nagyung still has to do a shoot for her new drama in two days. Which would've meant that she would have flown to Hawaii later.

Because you have to work, there was no way you could come with them. That's why you and Nagyung decided to use the two days of this weekend to enjoy each other's company. Aka fuck like rabbits, until one of you passes out.

But to your dismay, your alone time didn't last very long. Nagyung was already on your lap, grinding her ass onto your cock. Your pants were around your ankles, your wet dick leaving small marks on her blue jeans. Your messy kiss made her moan into your mouth.

Suddenly both of you heard the electronic lock getting unlocked. Nagyung quickly got off your lap and you were able to cover yourself with one of the blankets on the couch.

The seven girls weren't that surprised to see you. You are Nagyung's boyfriend after all. They explained that the bad weather, which is now haunting the whole Korean peninsula, made air traffic come to a halt. Which means that they would stay home.

And being the thoughtless, horny maniac she is, Nagyung told everyone that you would have to stay with her over the weekend.

"He almost got hit by a car!"

She exclaimed, after the girls asked for the reason.

She wasn't lying at that point in time. You really almost got run over by a car on the way to their dorm. The woman ignored the red light and drove over your right foot. It hurt a little, but it wasn't bad.

But you definitely did not see a doctor. Because it already stopped hurting.

You know why Nagyung said it though. This girl lives for sex. She literally can't help it. It might come from the fact that she always lives with her members and just has barely any opportunity to satisfy her carnal desires like a normal person.

But it can't be the only reason. You noticed very early into your relationship with her, how addicted Nagyung is to sex. She could do it anytime anywhere. Whenever you were the one who initiated something, she was already dripping wet. It didn't matter where you were, or what you did. A restaurant date, a stroll through the park, hanging out with her members, shopping. Nagyung would always find a way to get what she wanted.

But it's not always as great as it sounds. Of course you like to have sex with her. But Nagyung is just different. The longer the time period without sex, the more aggressive she becomes. You wonder, if you just deny her long enough, would she just drop to the her knees in the middle of a shopping mall and suck you off? Maybe.

But the longer this sexless period becomes, the less she is interested in your pleasure as well. Nagyung does care for you. But if she has to wait for too long, your needs come second.

Which brings us back to the present. The eight girls stand in the living room of their dorm, Nagyung in front of you, next to Saerom.

You are aware that with only one movement of her hand, you would be sitting completely naked in front of all of them.

"Why don't you unpack your things again, girls? The weather forecast said it's gonna take a while, until we can fly again."

You sigh in relief, when the members follow Nagyung's advice.

As soon as the last one leaves the room, you throw the blanket off your lap. Nagyung drops to her knees again, just like she did a couple of minutes ago. You expect her to help you with putting your pants back on. Instead, Nagyung puts her elbows on your knees, taking your cock into her hand.

"Nagyung..."

You watch in disbelief as she wraps her lips around your tip.

"What the fuck are you doing? They will be back in a second."

Nagyung glares at you as you pull her off your cock.

"I'm so fucking horny. I need you right now."

"Later."

You hiss at her, closing the zipper of your pants.

A second later, Jiheon and Soyeon stand in the doorway.

One hour later~

You are still sitting on the couch. Some of the girls have joined, wanting to keep you company and distract you from the pain in your foot. When the movie you are now watching started, Saerom put the blanket back onto your lap, wanting to take care of you. Nagyung, who is sitting on your left, while Saerom, Jiwon and Hayoung are sitting on your right, uses this opportunity to invade your privacy.

You feel her hand on your thigh first, the blanket covering it. After barely a minute (she couldn't hold out longer) her hand starts to move towards your crotch. Moving your head, you glare at your girlfriend.

"Nakko..."

You whisper, trying to stop her.

But you know she won't. At the seame time, she uses her other hand to take one of yours. She slowly guides it towards her own core.

A moment later, you find yourself rubbing your girlfriend's pussy over her jeans, while her fingers wrap around your cock. You are afraid that one of the girls could just turn her head.

But nothing happens as Nagyung slowly makes you unzip her jeans. You know she isn't wearing underwear. She barely does. Especially not at home.

You dip a finger inside of her, making her sigh. Giving Nagyung another glare, you try to tell her to be quiet. If you can be silent, surely she can be too.

Her thumb draws circles on your tip, while she slowly pumps your cock. You finger her slowly, still afraid of getting caught.

"You guys wanna order some food?"

Your heart drops as you hear Jiheon's voice.

As the maknae walks in, you quickly pull your finger out of Nagyung's wet cavern. Your girlfriend still has her hand wrapped around your cock, but she at least stopped stroking you.

"Or we could just cook, you know?"

Saerom turns her head to look at Jiheon.

"Are you gonna cook?"

Jiwon looks at their leader.

"Well..."

You feel how Nagyung starts to stroke your cock again. Very very slowly. But it still makes you shift around a little.

"Don't worry Saerom. We can cook together. The movie is over anyways."

You were so focused on not getting caught for the last couple of minutes that you didn't even notice.

As you watch how the four of them head to the kitchen, Nagyung is already tugging at your hand. The two of you close the door of her room behind you a moment later.

"Oh god. You have me so fucking wet."

You can't answer Nagyung, because she gets on her tiptoes and puts her tongue into your mouth.

Not that you are complaining. Her teasing, no matter how dangerous it was, left you horny as well. You quickly sit down on the edge of her bed as Nagyung straddles you once more. She grinds her core against yours, getting off on how hard she made you.

"Give it to me. I need to get fucked."

She breathlessly whispers into your mouth, before the two of you break away for air.

A moment later, Nagyung is on her knees, your pants are around your ankles once more. Her blowjob is quick and effective. She knows how to push your buttons and she is making use of that.

"Fuck, Nakko."

A couple of moments later, Nagyung stands up and walks over to the bed on the other side of the room. She takes Jiheon's plushy. A small brown bear, holding a red heart.

"I need this, because you are going to fuck me hard now."

She pushes the chair away from the desk between the beds, bending over.

"Fuck me like you hate me."

With that, your girlfriend puts the bear into her mouth, biting down on it.

You are not surprised that it fits inside. And you are not surprised at her words. When she is this horny, Nagyung doesn't care about her own wellbeing. As long as she is getting fucked.

You quickly stand behind her, unbuttoning her jeans.

"Fuck you are tight."

You groan as you push inside of Nagyung. The jeans around her knees press her legs together, making her tighter than usual.

Saerom and Jiwon seem to argue in the kitchen. You can hear their distant voices as you start to take your girlfriend from behind. Just like she wanted. No build up. No going slowly. You are supposed to fuck her like you hate her.

Quickly, the sound of your hips snapping against her ass cheeks fill the otherwise silent room. Nagyung's moans are muffled by the stuffed bear in her mouth. Her knuckles turn white as she holds onto the edge of the desk. Both your hands hold onto her waist as you marvel how tight and fit Nagyung's body feels underneath your palms.

"Swpnk mwe."

You barely catch what she is trying to say. But knowing your girlfriend, you can guess what she is asking for.

Your tear one of your hands off her waist. It hits her left cheek a moment later. The sound is louder than you fucking her. Afraid that someone might have heard you, you wait a couple of thrusts, until you spank her again.

Nagyung's skin starts to turn red as you take out your anger at her on her cheeks. The way her pussy squeezes around you, tells you how well you are doing. She is barely able to keep it together. To hold the bear inside her mouth must be hard for her. She lost her hold on the edge of the desk a couple of thrusts ago. Now her nails scratch the wooden surface.

"Mm my gowd!"

You hear Nagyung scream into the stuffed bear. The sign that she is close to her first orgasm of the day. If it weren't for the members, you would've made her cum several times already.

"Unnie!"

You heart freezes. And so does the rest of your body as you hear Jiheon's voice behind the door.

Before you are even able to think, you leave Nagyung's slick pussy. She is still too groggy to actively help you as you pull her jeans back up. Jumping under the covers, you take Nagyung with you, making her sit on the edge of the bed. You would get teased if Jiheon would find the both if you lying in the same bed.

"Come in."

You manage to say, right as the maknae opens the door.

The way Nagyung squeezes your hand tells you that she is raging inside. And hornier than ever. In that split second, she would've preferred getting caught, instead of failing to reach her orgasm.

"We are done cooking. Oh, how cute you guys look."

Jiheon's eye smile makes it hard to get worked up about her teasing the two of you.

"In a minute."

You say, very aware of the fact that you are still naked from the waist down.

9 pm~

You groan in disbelief. Nakko can't be serious. Checking the text you just got from her, you shake your head.

"Eat me out💦"

"We are still eating!!!"

"Don't you want dessert"

There is no use in arguing with her.

Walking out of the bathroom, you try to come up with a way to not make this mission too obvious. Luckily, everyone is glued to Jisun's phone. Seems like she is showing the girls a funny video.

Reaching the table, you quickly drop to your knees, getting underneath it. Finding Nagyung's lower half, you put your hands on her ankles. You feel her flinch, when you touch her.

You make your way up her legs, trying to at least build a little bit of anticipation. Once you reach her waist, you start to undo Nagyung's jeans once again. She slightly raises her hips, enabling you to pull them down to her ankles.

Now that you have a good view of your girlfriend's snatch. You realize that she wasn't completely off. You really want dessert now. Its wet folds invite you to have taste. The scent of vanilla invades your nostrils, evidence of the fact that Nagyung is very conscious about how she smells.

Instead of just diving in, you start to pepper her inner thighs with small kisses. It makes her legs quiver in need. The heat coming from her core increases as you keep teasing Nagyung. You start to lick the skin of her thighs from the bottom to the top, just stopping an inch away from her pussy.

Once you've worked her up well enough, you place your tongue right below her snatch. You trace the outlines of her lips, getting your first taste of your girlfriend's pussy for tonight. Because of the strong vanilla scent, it almost seems like she tastes like vanilla herself.

You feel Nagyung's leg tensing, when you finally press your tongue flat against her pussy. Her toes start to curl into the carpet underneath the table as you start to properly eat her out. The other girls' voices seem to fade into the distance as Nagyung's thighs start to close around your head. You like the feeling of them wrapped around you as you indulge in your dessert.

Your hands are placed on her waist, your fingertips exploring her tight midriff. Nagyung either wears something very comfortable, or something very sexy at home. It depends on her mood and the time of the day. Either way, she always ensures that you have quick access to any area you need to stimulate for her to cum. Her midriff being one of them. Nagyung loves the way you adore her tight body and with that, her discipline and hard work. She gets wet when ever you praise her. It doesn't have to be in a sexual way though. A simple "Your food tastes great." can make her rub her thighs together in need of stimulation.

You feel like you are in your own world as you enjoy your girlfriend's pussy. It's something that happens quite a lot actually. Especially when the two if you don't have time or a quiet place, like today. In moments like this, her needs come before yours. You are happy going with that, knowing that she will reward you even more, when the time comes.

You hear Nagyung stutter a reply, when Jiheon asks her something. Your girlfriend is slowly starting to lose her composure. Wanting to punish her for taking such risks, you start to suck on her clit.

The switch up makes Nagyung's legs shake once more. You know that she is close already. Her juices are starting to make her pussy glisten in the dim light underneath the table.

Another flick of your tongue against her clit and Nagyung finally becomes undone. Her hand reaches down to take a handful of your hair into her fist, trying to find an outlet for her pleasure. Her thighs threaten to suffocate you as they close around you, shaking.

"Are you alright, Nakko?"

Your eyes widen in fear of getting caught. It would be really awkward if someone would look under the table right now.

"Y-Yes, unnie. T-The food is just very delicious."

Nagyung answers Hayoung with her shaky voice.

9:45 pm~

"Are you sure this isn't too much for your foot?"

You almost sigh in annoyance. Not because of Saerom, who asked the question, because of Nagyung who made you stick to her lie.

"Don't worry, noona. It's not bad. Plus, we will be sitting the whole time anyway."

The girls spontaneously decided to go watch a movie, after Jisun showed them a funny trailer on her phone.

Nagyung convinced the others that you and her should take your car, while her members walk to the cinema, since it's not far, but your foot still hurts. All were okay with it, except Saerom. Being the caring leader she is, she wanted to make sure that you are doing alright. You knew why Nagyung suggested for you two to get into the car alone. She is now sulking in backseat. You can't help but glance at her occasionally.

Nagyung couldn't have been more clear about her intentions, once she stepped out of her room, after she changed her outfit. Her black top exposed just enough skin to not be inappropriate at a movie theater. Her skirt is the highlight of her outfit. And you know, why she is wearing one.

She catches you glancing a couple of times. With flirty winks or suggestive looks at her core, she makes it clear to you what she is expecting to happen soon.

10: 30 pm~

The movie had already begun and you enjoy the bucket of popcorn that is sitting on your lap. You are sharing it with Nagyung, who is sitting on your left. The other members are sitting in order of age on your right, Jiheon being the one sitting right next to you.

After a jump scare early on, the maknae instinctively buried her head in your shoulder, trying not to look at the screen. After Nagyung regained her composure, she saw what was going on. You knew that this would only fuel her desire for your cock even more. The fact that Jiheon is physically intimate with you isn't a new thing. It's more like a brother/sister relationship. And yet, Nagyung's narrowed eyes, which glisten in the dark theater, tell you that you are in for a long and rough night.

Your girlfriend finally jumps into action halfway through the movie. While she has been holding your hand this entire time, Jiheon kept hugging your arm, whenever she was afraid of another jump scare.

When you glance at Nagyung again, she gives you a meaningful look. You can't hold her back as you see her getting off her seat. She gets on her knees in front of you. The dark theater and the rather dark movie make her almost invisible.

You feel her pushing the bucket of popcorn a little higher, making room for her head underneath. From now on, you feel more than you see what she is doing. Her hands unbuckle your belt in silence, before she unzips your pants. Pulling down your boxers a little bit, your cock falls victim to her tongue.

Nagyung starts to suck you off in the middle of the theater. The girls and you aren't even the only once present. You shift around in your seat as Nagyung takes you deeper into her warm mouth. She is trying to stay quiet, but you can feel her hum in blissful delight at the taste of your cock.

You almost scream internally as Jiheon reaches inside the bucket on top of Nagyung's head. She pushes it down a little as she searches for a handful of popcorn. The unexpected push forces Nagyung further down your cock. In that moment, you are thankful for the fact that Nagyung got used to your size early on in your relationship. Even when your cock is halfway down her throat, just like right now, she is able to fight her gag reflex like a pro. The beautiful and lewd sounds and slurps she usually does for show are replaced by silent anticipation and determination.

Once Jiheon's hand leaves the bucket, Nagyung gets back to properly giving you head. Her hands now rest on your thighs as she starts to fuck her face with your cock. Silently of course. But hot as fuck nonetheless. You can't tell how long you will be able to keep it together. Is she going to make you nut right here?

You feel Nagyung's tongue play with the underside of your shaft, whenever she lifts her head off your cock. Afterwards, you hit the back of her throat, when she buries her face in your lap again. There is pretty much no sound coming from her. You are actually amazed at how good she is. And at the same time, you realize that you won't be able to stay silent for much longer. If she keeps going, you're gonna cum in the middle of the theater.

You are glad when Nagyung finally lifts her head off your cock completely. But your heart sinks once more, when she announces in a slightly raspy voice:

"I'm cold, oppa. Can we cuddle some more?"

Before you can protest, Nagyung is already sitting on your lap. Or rather on your cock. The bucket has moved to her own lap now. Apart from Chaeyoung and Jiheon, who glance at your direction, no one really cares. Except for Jiheon, who has a teasing grin on her face.

You feel your girlfriend grinding against your hard, wet cock, fitting it between her perfect cheeks. Resigning to your inevitable fate, you reach under Nagyung's skirt. No panties. Who would've thought? You wrap one arm around her waist, while the other aligns your cock with her wet core. Nagyung seems to have gotten off just as much as you by giving you head in public.

When she smoothly glides down your shaft, you can't help but sink your teeth into her naked shoulder to muffle your moan. Nagyung gasps, the others probably think because she is feeling cold.

But you know better. With both hands on her round ass cheeks, you lift Nagyung off your cock, after you've recovered from that initial spike of pleasure. Only your tip remains inside your girlfriend, before you slowly impale her on your cock again. You don't care about not being able to watch the movie. The way Nagyung's head slightly tilts back in pleasure is entertaining enough. Her pussy is leaving your cock coated with her juices, whenever you push her upwards.

"Too bad we can't go faster."

You whisper into her left ear, making sure Jiheon is oblivious.

Nagyung is too busy with biting her lip to be able to respond. It gives you control of the situation and you plan on using it to your advantage.

"You are such a slut."

Nagyung gasps as her ass meets your lap. You use your left hand to cover her mouth, while your right is flatly pressed against her midriff.

"You can't even wait a couple of hours, until we are alone, huh?"

You can't see Nagyung's head, but you can feel her shaking it.

"Needy whore."

You degrade her further with your words. Nagyung's pussy seems to tighten in response. The amount of juices that slowly trickle out of her makes her body glide down your cock like it's part of a well oiled machine.

"You would do anything for my cock. Right?"

She nods her head. Knowing that that's the only right answer. Even when she has you inside of her, just like right now, she would still do anything to keep you in place.

"Would you even let me fuck one of the girls?"

Nagyung immediately shakes her head.

You wouldn't have asked that question, if it wasn't for her search history. She asked you to google something on her phone a couple of days ago, because yours was out of battery and she was busy. Like the thoughtless, horny maniac she is, Nagyung didn't use the private tab option, or erased her browser history, after her sinful alone time.

You don't have anything against her watching porn. You can barely keep up with her sex drive anyway. And it's not like she has to watch it out of frustration, because you don't perform. It's just a way for her to get rid off just a little bit of stress.

Anyway, you know what kind of stuff she is usually looking for. And recently a new category has been popping up in her browser history several times. You were surprised to see it at first, because Nagyung is usually quite possessive of you. Your girlfriend seems to like porn, where the wife/girlfriend watches her man fuck her friend. Or at least have a threesome with a female friend.

"You don't want to watch how one of the girls give me head?"

You never really thought about her members like this before. Of course the are pretty. But you are in a relationship with Nagyung. And while she shakes her head again, you feel how her body is trying to tell you yes.

You ponder for a moment, if you should go further. Maybe mention someone in particular?

In that moment, Nagyung leans back against you, since she has kept her back straight this entire time. Her head leans against your shoulder. You see the teeth marks you left in her own. Nagyung carefully bites your hand, signaling you that she wants to say something. You release her off your grip.

"A-All o-of t-them."

Her needy moan makes you see stars. Is she actually serious? Even now, you don't actually consider doing this. It's just dirty talk to you. It's only there for making sure that you drive Nagyung over the edge as soon as possible.

"All of them?"

You cover her mouth again, so Nagyung is only able to nod.

"I bet Jiheon is really tight."

That sentence is all she needed. With a strong bite into your hand, Nagyung orgasms in your lap. It hurts. Not just her teeth, but her pussy as well. Because Nagyung is trying to stay silent, her entire body is already tense. It makes the muscles of her vagina work overtime, almost strangling your cock.

Luckily, she is able to stay silent. But you are now unable to hide your desire to finish yourself. You can't do that here though.

"Restroom. One minute."

Once Nagyung recovers, you squeeze her ass cheek as hard as you can, making her flinch in pain. Punishment for being such a naughty girlfriend.

1 am~

You never made it to the restroom. Both of you were unaware of what was going on around you. You only realised that the movie was over, when the members started to get up, once by one. It was still dark though, so you were able to pull your pants back up, before anyone noticed.

Now you are lying on the couch, staring at the white ceiling of the dorm's living room. All the girls are asleep. But you know it won't take long until...

And there she is. You hear her door open. And a moment layer, Nagyung is underneath the blanket.

2 am~

You have switched positions several times by now. First, Nagyung gave you head again, wanting you to be as hard as possible. You focused on her pussy next, eating her out to completion and earning a cute thank you. Nagyung rode you afterwards. Her hands on your shoulder, while she enjoyed the feeling of bouncing on your cock again and again. Then, you decided to bend her ove the back rest of the couch. You fucked your girlfriend hard and fast, making her cum for a forth time today.

She is now sitting on your lap, slowly riding you. After having satisfied her throughout the day, it is now her turn to offer her body to you in any way you want it.

You lean back, a little tired since it's late already, and just watch Nagyung slowly bounce up and down. Wanting to show off, she lets her hands wander over her midriff. You follow them with your eyes. Nakko plays with her own breasts, her head falling back as she enjoys the slow love making.

Eventually, she looks back down at you, smiling.

"I love you so much, oppa."

She kisses your lips. Her vanilla scent is still there, but one hour of fucking makes her smell a little sweaty. Evidence of having a good time.

"I love you too, Nakko."

You put your arms around her, holding onto one of your wrists with your other hand. It presses your girlfriend's body against yours, trapping her in your embrace.

"Why do you always have to be such a naughty brat?"

"Nagyung is no brat. She is just a needy slut for oppa's cock."

You're surprised that Nagyung is doing aegyo now.

"Is that so? Then why did Nagyung make me lie?"

"I just told you."

She pouts at you.

"Nagyung can't live without oppa's dick inside of her."

"What do you want oppa to do now?"

You play her little game, knowing how much it turns her on. Although, there isn't really something you can do that wouldn't turn her on. Nakko really is yours.

"Nagyung wants oppa to blast her face with cum. He must've build up a really big load throughout the day."

You can't say she is lying. After all these shenanigans, you are ready to finally let go of it all.

When you don't respond, because you want to see what happens next, Nagyung pouts at you.

"If... If you don't want to, you could come on someone else's face. Jiheon for example. Just let Nagyung watch please?"

You can't believe how far she is going with this.

"Would you wake her up?"

You feel Nagyung tightening around you as her pussy is still gliding along your shaft.

"No, oppa. Just cum on her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

You wonder for a moment if that's actually true. The idea makes you want to cum right now.

"Alright. If you promis to be a good girl from now on, I will cum on your face."

Her smile seems to light up the room.

"Thank you, oppa. Nagyung will be a good girl for oppa."

You help her with getting off of you. Nagyung quickly gets on her knees, ready to blow you to completion. She greedily sucks on your cock, big eyes looking up at you. You are almost there already. Nagyung is only able to get a couple of sucks and licks in, before you take your cock out of her mouth.

Her eyes give you permission to completely ruin her face. Wit your cock in your hand, you quickly get off the couch. A second later, you start to cum all over Nagyung. She blissfully gasps in surprise, when she feels your hot semen coat her face. Her lips, cheeks, nose, eyes, none of it got spared. You aim a little lower, making your last shots hit her collarbone and tits.

"Oppa..."

Nagyung sighs lustfully, her lips still connected by a string of cum, even when she speaks.

"This was worth lying about. Am I not right?"

Her cheeky grin makes you take a fistful of her long, silky hair.

"Let's see what Jiheon says, when she wakes up and sees your face covered in my cum."

-------------

Hi everyone!

Once again, I have to apologize for not being able for keeping this short. I planned on spending 20 minutes on it at most. It took me way more in the end. Hope you guys will be able to enjoy it anyways.

Because of some issues with Tumblr, I lost the last scene completely and had to rewrite it, so I apologize if it feels a little bit rushed. After losing like 20 minutes of work, I just wanted to finish it and post it.

The aegyo stuff is probably something not all of you are into, but I wanted to try and write the duality Nagyung sometimes has.

Thank you for reading!

Stay healthy!

[bellawoso]

Head Over Heels

Jana Fernandez x fem!reader

Jana Fernandez my love, you have my heart.

You and Jana had been keeping your relationship under wraps for a while, from the team and from the public, with the only people aware being your two’s family- which was still fairly new.

Your relationship stemmed soon after you signed for Barcelona, with you moving from England and struggled with the spanish language, Lucy and Keira quickly took you under their wing.

At first you struggled to make new friendships with your teammates, being constantly wary of the fact they are the top players in the world, however this feeling wasn’t new to you.

Both Keira and Lucy knew that you struggled with imposter syndrome after you signed for England and had constant nervous episodes before a match after you were told you were to be in the starting 11.

However, each time your anxiety spiked, either one of them would always be there to comfort you, which was why you were having such a hard time not telling anyone about yours and Jana’s relationship.

In a way, you felt as if you had to be more open with Keira and Lucy due to everything they had done for you, being honest with them was the least you could do.

———————————————————————

Honestly to begin with, you had a bad first impression of Jana, with you previously playing for Arsenal, the only interaction you have had with Jana were the 2021 games against Barcelona, which left you having to listen to Beth’s rants about how the young defender was shoving her all throughout the game.

It was your fault you weren’t friends with Jana really, despite you attempting to make an effort to speak to some of the Barça girls who spoke English, you had completely avoided the brunette who constantly haunted your thoughts.

Everyone on the team knew that Jana and Bruna were their own duo, they tended to pair up all of the time in drills, sit together on the bus and at lunch, they had been best friends since their youth.

You were used to seeing Jana and Bruna constantly looking at you, giggling, and rapidly whispering in Spanish, which didn’t help to ease your worries of not fitting in.

Until one training session where Bruna was ill left Jana without a partner for a drill. You usually partnered with Keira, but after some encouragement from the English girl that she would be fine and partner with Aitana, you walked over to the brunette defender and asked if she wanted to partner with you, to which she happily accepted to your surprise.

The brunette seemed eager to get to know you during the drill, and after training she offered to take you home instead of Lucy and Keira as your car was currently being fixed.

It turned out that you two didn’t live far away from each other, so you both car-shared after that training session, until one day you were confident enough to invite the brunette in after she dropped you off.

You both laughed over coffee, which led to you admitting how you thought she hated you at first, as you always saw her laughing at you with Bruna.

Jana simply looked at you in shock, and was quick to reassure you that she never hated you, but she was just very nervous around you.

At hearing this you offered her a soft smile, encouraging her to continue, when you noticed her hesitance to continue.

Jana was then quick to confess her newfound non-platonic feelings for you, until you cut off her rambling with a chaste kiss to her lips, effectively silencing her.

“I like you too Jana”

After a few more dates, Jana asked you to be her girlfriend which you happily accepted, you had been dating for 4 months now, with nobody suspecting anything of you two.

———————————————————————

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

A highly anticipated match, that always left people on the edge of their seats at Camp Nou.

Sadly, both you and your girlfriend weren’t playing, with you two both sporting matching muscle injuries, however you were both just as happy to watch.

You and Jana both loved physical affection, so it was a shame your relationship wasn’t public to anyone yet. You had both decided to wear many layers of clothing in attempt to prevent anyone from recognising you, so that Jana could at least have a hand on your thigh without a fan snapping a picture of it.

You had both decided that you would look more weird in your disguises in the friends and family stands than the public stands, which left you two in a random part of the stadium, surrounded by fellow culers.

Both you and Jana were clad in big puffer coats, beanies, face masks all in attempt to not be caught by fans.

Honestly, you did start sat down in your chair, however as the match progressed, you began to miss Jana’s lap, so you were quick to climb onto her, as she welcomed you in an embrace.

The Barcelona weather was honestly quite hot that day, so you were fast to discard your extra layers.

Everyone was focused on the match, so who would actually notice you?

With Jana’s extra layers, they made it impossible for you to nuzzle your face into the crook of Jana’s neck, so you made the rash decision to pull off Jana’s disguise, insisting it was too uncomfortable, to which Jana happily let you, the girl being as head-over-heels for you as you were for her.

You were right, no fans noticed either of you, Jana’s hand resting dangerously low on your back the entirety of the game, and she placed regular kisses on your forehead every time you tiredly mumbled “te amo” repeatedly.

With you too tired to look up, and Jana too enamoured with you, both of you failed to notice the camera which projected both of you clearly onto the big screen.

———————————————————————

As soon as the match ended, both you and Jana were quick to part ways, keeping up the facade of you two not being close.

Jana immediately went to her friends, and you went up to Esmee, who to Jana’s annoyance, you had grown quite close to over the past month. This was something you constantly teased your girlfriend for, and even though Jana knew you were loyal, she couldn’t help the sudden rush of jealousy she felt whenever she saw Esmee hugging you.

However, today Bruna noticed Jana’s glare at Esmee who had lifted you to a piggyback, as she interacted with the fans. The forward chose to not pick at Jana’s sudden dislike for Esmee, but it stayed at the back of her mind even when they were on the bus.

Your teammates noticed your fatigue, and chose to leave you alone when on the bus, as they knew both you and Esmee were such good friends due to your shared trait of always being tired. Both you and Esmee were currently sharing AirPods and appreciating the unusually calm conversations going on around you.

Until it was broken by a shriek from Claudia which immediately had you jolting awake, only to turn back to see what the problem was, to be met with a sympathetic smile from Jana, which had you subtly smiling back at her and then relaxing back into your seat instantly.

The back seats that day consisted of their usual group: Alexia, Jana, Bruna, Lucy, Mapi, Claudia and Patri, usually the loudest and most energetic of the team on the way back after a match.

After choosing to settle back into your seat, and once again blocking out the conversations around you, you were made completely oblivious to the incident arising at the back of the bus.

After Claudia’s sudden outburst caused everyone’s conversations to stop, she was immediately met with Alexia asking her what was wrong. Claudia however was still in so much shock, that when she attempted to tell Alexia and the others what was wrong, she could only stutter, until she was cut off with a scolding from Alexia for being so childish, who mistook the shriek of surprise for one of mischief.

When Alexia’s lecture had ended, Claudia managed to muster up a few words which immediately made Jana freeze:

“Twitter, Jana, Y/N”

Claudia quickly shoved her phone in the awaiting hands of her captain, who’s only reaction was a sharp intake of breath and a soft “ay dios mio” which the group knew was not a good sign.

The phone was then passed around the rest of the group, only landing in the hands of Jana last.

As the brunette studied the picture, she couldn’t help but smile at the candid photo of you two on the big screen, you on her lap with your head resting on her shoulder, however the photo also had captured Jana’s blush and the hand that rested way too low on you for any couple in public.

Out of the corner of her eye, Jana could see you jolting awake, after being shaken awake by Mapi, who she had not realised had got up to confront you.

Jana immediately went to stand up, her protective nature shining through, only to be pulled back down by Alexia.

“She will come over here, maybe she can sit on a normal seat, instead of your lap this time?” The captain teased.

This was only met with a scowl from Jana, the only available seat was next to Mapi, and Jana was not planning on leaving you anywhere near the Zaragozan, as she knew that the blonde would only tease you more.

As you neared them, Jana could see Mapi tugging on your wrist harshly in excitement, not noticing the wince on your face, the brunette reached over to smack Mapi’s hand, to let her know to get off you. Hesitance was evident all over your face on where to sit, so Jana hastily tugged you by your waist onto her lap.

This confirmation that you were in fact together sent Claudia into a rambling state mainly consisting of how she couldn’t believe it, and that she didn’t even know you and Jana were friends.

This combined with Patri, Mapi and Lucy’s teasing only irritated Jana more, and Alexia studying the picture of you two on the big screen did not ease your worries.

Jana noticed this, and tapped your thigh as a signal for you to stand, as she led you to the front of the bus for the last ten minutes of the journey. As soon as you arrived back, Jana pulled you to her car where you went to her house as you had been spending most of your time there recently.

After a long conversation with Jana, you had decided that although you two had already been hard launched by some random cameraman, you two could still go through the process of making your relationship ship official online.

———————————————————————

yourinstagram

Head-over-heels inlove with you from day one my love ❤️

Liked by alexiaputellas, janafernandez3 and 57,675 others.

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janafernandez3

Mi amor in her natural habitat: on my lap ❤️ (no where else I would rather have you)

Liked by yourinstagram, lucybronze and 49,873 others.

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———————————————————————

A/N: i <3 jana fernandez

[cinnamon-galaxies]

Unspoken Feelings

Pairings: Alastor x gn reader Warnings/Tags: gn!reader, tension, lots of tension, unspoken feelings, hurt but also comfort?, Alastor is bad at feelings, inner conflict, suppressed feelings, does the ending count as (light) angst?, bittersweet ending, I'm bad at tagging Summary: Loving you is hard, but being with you is harder. And being with Alastor is dangerous. Wordcount: 1.9k A/N: This one is very short compared to my other fics but full of (heartbreaking) tension. *****

{Masterlist}

You sat at the grand piano in the dimly lit lounge of the hotel. Your fingers glided gracefully across the keys, seamlessly transitioning between the notes with a captivating elegance. With closed eyes you surrendered to the enchanting melody, completely entranced by its spell. Your soft voice sang along, a subtle sound that harmonized with heartbreaking lyrics of the ballad that had such a special place in your heart, reminding you of bittersweet moments and cherished dreams.

   Alastor sat not far from you in an armchair with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His crimson eyes remained fixed on you, captivated by your fervent performance that fully caught his attention. Though he heard you play before he had never witnessed such a fiery passion put into the music that came from your fingers. Your singing voice was enchanting, echoed from the high ceiling like a siren’s song casting a spell on every person who could hear you. It was as though you were revealing a concealed message and opening your heart to whatever you had in mind.

   He closed his eyes while he let himself get bewitched by your spell, fully succumbing to your beautiful performance. Were you even aware that he was watching you? Listened to you singing and playing like a muse? He didn’t know it but also he didn’t care as long as you kept playing and filled the hole in his heart with the sound of your song, as a clenching feeling tugged on his stomach, clouded by a pang of longing. He knew exactly what he felt right now. How he felt about you, but expressing those emotions was a different story. He wasn’t good at feelings, let alone at admitting them. It was hard to even admit them to himself, just to begin with. He found himself caught up in denial for far too long and had blamed it on his mind playing tricks on him – he even preferred to diagnose himself as mentally ill than to just accept the fact that he had grown fond of you. Way too fond.

   That he started longing for you.

   Loving you.

   Love.

   He let out a dismissive laugh that was far too quiet for you to hear over the sound of the piano.

   Love was a feeling he had never felt before. At least not in this way. He had loved his mother unconditionally. She had been the closest and dearest person to him that ever existed in his whole lifetime. And there were other people who were close to him and who he cared about a lot. But nothing like this could be compared to what he felt in your presence. What feelings you evoked deep inside of him as he looked you in the eyes, felt your lingering gaze on him, listened to you talk and laugh with all your heart. The way his thoughts about you occupied his every breath and kept him awake at night because otherwise if he closed his eyes all he could see was your beautiful face haunting his mind like a tormenting ghost. Oh sweet hells, he even dreamed about you. Was this really the love people were so obsessed with and that was considered the most beautiful thing in the world? There was no way he could comprehend this; no matter how hard he tried. You possessed his every thought and made him question his sanity. It was an uncomfortable feeling that tugged on him, almost completely tore him apart. He hated it. But yet he didn’t want to miss it.

   He opened his eyes again, watching your graceful silhouette moving in front of the grand piano and couldn’t help but smile contendly, his eyes glowing with sparks of joy. Though no matter how many feelings of happiness tingled in his guts, he felt heartbroken at the same time. Your relationship has always been complicated. You danced around each other, both too far to take the leap. There was so much on you that Alastor admired. Your view on life and your admiration for the smaller things. The way you animatedly gestured around while you told him something and how your eyes sparkled with anticipation whenever you were about to do the things you adored the most. He admired your creativity and your talent, the passion you put into your music when you played one of your instruments and used your powerful voice to sing along. The way you danced with him as if you were a graceful swan. He also admired your strength and independence, your self-confidence, your stubbornness, your abnormal sense of humor and psychotic tendencies that always reminded him of the fact that you were in hell for a reason. He admired the way you weren’t afraid to show off your insanity, even implemented some of your sickest fantasies on hell’s worst spawns. He admired you.

   Alastor took a sip of his whiskey. His thoughts made him sound like a fool – an immature and cheesy teenager – whenever he tried to unravel the clot that every oh so normal person considered love.

   By now he was aware that he himself had become a victim of this cruel but also beautiful torture. But no matter how confident he was of his actions his own demons held him back to fully commit to you and the feelings he harbored in his chest, carefully tucked away in a heart shaped box. He was everything but a saint. He’d never be enough for you because he knew that he would never change. All he could give you was sorrow and pain and if there was one thing he didn’t want you to bear, it was you suffering from his incapabilities of being the lover you deserved.

   The song came to an end and that was when Alastor noticed that he had swallowed his whole drink within the shortest amount of time. Not good, as he already felt the effects of the alcohol starting to cloud his senses.

   Through the corner of his eye he saw you move and when he turned his face towards you, you caught him by surprise as he met your gaze. Time stood still for a short moment, his heart pounded in his chest as he returned your startled gaze. You obviously hadn’t been aware of his presence until now.

   Alastors smile widened in amusement at your dumbfounded expression but he didn’t laugh. Instead, his voice was calm and smooth as he said, “That was quite the performance, my dear.”

   You forced yourself to smile, trying hard to hide your embarrassment in front of him – unsuccessfully. What a cute sight, Alastor thought but shook off the thought as soon as it entered his mind.

   “Thank you, Alastor,” you responded to him, your voice much more confident than your startled body language expressed. A wave of reassurance overcame you and you calmed down, recovering from the surprise of your unexpected listener. “It’s always nice to have a captive audience. Even though I would’ve preferred to be aware of it,” you then added with a soft voice, a genuine smile forming on your lips.

   Alastor chuckled softly. “Well, consider me captivated, indeed.”

   The room became silent for a moment as you and Alastor exchanged glances, the air heavy with unspoken words. There was a moment of silent understanding between you, a shared acknowledgement of the unspoken feelings that lingered beneath the surface. Alastor knew he had to say something, to break the tension between you, but the words caught in his throat, unable to be spoken out loud. It was one of those moments when he should have risen from his seat and approached you, embracing your delicate presence and pulling you in a tender kiss. It was what he had dreamed about for weeks, one of those perfect moments that needed no words but mere actions to confess your feelings for each other. There was no doubt that you felt the same for him. Alastor knew that you returned his feelings (at least in some similar way). You had to. Otherwise you would have acted differently in his presence, less nervous, less attentive in his personal needs, less affectionate. You would’ve maintained less eye contact with him, not lingering your gaze longer on him than necessary and not secretly stealing glances. Yes, he knew about it but not only because he could sense it when he was watched, but also because people had told him. Not only Charlie had tried to confront him about the supposed ‘tension’ between the both of you, but also Angel couldn’t help but joke loudly about it. Alastor was told how much you smiled in his presence, how much more vivid you behaved, those subtle tries of yours to catch his attention without raising suspicion. Well, your attempt to remain inconspicuous seemed to have failed – at least in the eyes of the other residents. If no one had told Alastor about it and he wouldn’t have spent time actively paying attention to your changes in behavior around him, he would have never noticed. Never guessed it. You were truly bad at concealing your feelings. Did you even try?

   Normally Alastor would’ve laughed at this thought. But in this moment there was nothing to laugh about as the tension between you burned with a subtle passion, drawing the both of you to each other in an unspoken longing.

   You loved him at least as much as he loved you.

   You wanted him at least as much as he wanted you.

   And you needed him at least as much as he needed you.

   At least that’s what Rosie had told him when he had spent a whole afternoon conversing with her about that peculiar demoness that made him feel things he never thought possible. But yet, Alastor remained in his armchair, returning your loving expression with unveiled eyes. His breath was heavy and his heart pounded in his chest like a drum on a battlefield.

   Oh, how much he wanted to touch you.

   To get close to you.

   To hug you.

   To kiss you.

   To make him his. For the rest of eternity.

   But he knew his inner demons would show you no mercy. That he would just hurt you to a point of no return. And that was something he was determined not to allow under any circumstances. Something he would never forgive himself for. And he would hurt you. He knew that.

   Alastor felt a lump building in his throat and held his breath as it was too painful to continue breathing with that pressure clenching his chest. 

   The both of you stood there for a moment longer, staring at each other but remained in your unmoved state, silently confessing to each other without a spoken word.

   Without making a sound Alastor stood up, his hand wrapped tightly around his empty whiskey glass, knuckles whitening under the pressure. He offered you a small, toothless smile before turning around to leave. His heart was heavy from unspoken desires and the pain of his decision tore his heart into shreds as he left you alone. The door swung close behind him and Alastor couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss wash over him. He knew that loving you was hard. And being without you was even harder.

   Cruel.

   But it was for the best.

   He could never love you the way he wanted to – the way you deserved it. And if protecting you meant tearing himself apart in the most gruesome ways, so it should be.

*****

[disaster-writer]

Poison (Part 2/4)

Pairing: Alpha!Bokuto x Beta!Reader

Summary: You loved love, but it wasn’t made for you… but maybe a certain Alpha could change your mind

Word Count: 7.7k

AU: Omegaverse

Part 1

(L/N) Ami was many things.

A desirable and beautiful Omega. Playful and fun with a sharp cutting wit. She’s masterfully gotten Alphas to bend to her own commands in the past, including her father and brothers.

But above all else, she was a meddler. Or what she preferred to be called: A Matchmaker.

Both her older twin brothers were mated before high school even ended. For her youngest sister however, she was still working on it.

But you? You were always the most difficult and not because you refused to play your part. You did it beautifully in fact all throughout high school and the beginning of college. She convinced you to confess to many people she thought would be good for you and you never shied from the challenge, something she greatly envied herself as she was much too timid to ever put herself out there.

But no one ever wanted you, and after each and every rejection, she watched as your drive and confidence diminished little by little.

Until you gave up completely.

The night still haunts her whenever she’d look back on it. 

You were twenty years old when you came back home from class one evening. You and your sisters all shared a room so when they saw you were in tears upon entering they were both on high alert.

You told them you had run into an old high school acquaintance. A high school acquaintance that you had a bit of a crush on back then. You figured you’d shoot your shot as he was the only guy you liked that had always intimidated you too much to try and ask out. 

The great Ushiwaka.

He rejected you.

And of all the people that had ever rejected you, you told them that he was the meanest.

Everyone was well aware that Ushijima Wakatoshi was very blunt with his words and lacked any eloquence. You knew that but what he had told you that day made you want to never pursue another relationship with an Alpha or an Omega again.

You weren’t and would never be compatible with any other presentation that wasn’t another Beta.

You didn’t even have any friends other than your sisters she came to realize. But it made sense in that the schools your parents always pushed you in were always elite and top notch, the students that attended those schools always seemed to come from traditionalist families.

Apparently a Beta had no ranking among society now that they made up such a small portion of the worlds population.

After seeing the pain you were in she decided to hang up the apron of matchmaking and instead devoting her life to hearing your cries of woe concerning love, no matter how pathetic it seemed.

She thought things would get better once you started your career… and at least she thinks they did. But you never spoke about the people you worked with. Whenever it came to work talk you only told them about your job and nothing else.

So after this revelation, smelling you bathed in an Alphas scent and receiving gifts… 

She was taking the apron off its hook again.

She had cried all night over sappy romance movies with you, gone to your Pilates class, and went out to dinner with you all while the cogs in her head were turning.

Once you were fast asleep she snuck into your room to confirm her suspicions.

She went to your closet and dug through it, and sure enough nearly all of your work attire in some way or another smelled like the very same Alpha.

After that she had snuck back downstairs and into the guest room to search the internet. Typing in Bokuto msby black jackals and pulled up images.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the screen, the light from her laptop illuminating her entire face within the dark room.

”What the fuck (Y/N)?” She muttered softly, scrolling through photos of Bokuto with his teammates, on court, interview screenshots. Pictures of him shirtless and playing beach volleyball with his teammates. Other pictures with him dripping with sweat and his hair fallen down after particularly intense games.

She looked up his stats. 

Height: 6’2.9” 

Weight: 192lbs

Power: 5; Jumping: 4; Stamina: 5; Game sense: 3; Technique: 5; Speed: 4

“You hit the fucking jackpot you bitch!” She quietly cheered.

After her little late night detective work, Ami couldn’t go back to sleep. She was too excited. If she was going to get you mated once and for all she knew what she had to do.

Just like any case before, she had to make contact. Her technique would have to be different for this one however. Back in high school, first contact was always talking you up and getting the guy to even think of you as a possibility. So for Bokuto, contact meant she was going to have to coach him into mating you. It was probably going to prove difficult though. Your self worth isn’t where it used to be so he’s going to have to pull his weight in getting you to take him seriously as a dating option. Especially since strong Alphas always seemed out of your potential suitor criteria.

But to do that she was going to actually have to meet him.

And to do that…

Ami had pounced on you the second your alarm went off at 7am.

”Take me to work with you today!”

You groaned tiredly, “Noooo.”

”Please!”

”No. Don’t wanna… and get off,” you weakly wiggled, trying to get her off you.

”Not until you agree to take me to work with you!”

You sighed and groaned once more. Waking up more and more with each loud yell.

“Why would you even want to go? It’s gonna be boring for you.”

”I’d be more bored stuck here all day!”

”I’m not forcing you to stay inside idiot.”

”Yeah but you love your job and I want to see where you work!”

You finally opened your eyes, blinking away the sleep as the raspiness in your voice began to even out just slightly.

”I can’t just bring people to work whenever I want, what do you think this is?”

”You told me a while ago that sometimes one of their mates will come watch practice. So that means I can come and watch!”

You glared at her, “You’re gonna make me look bad.”

”I’ll make you look great!” She exclaimed, jumping up and down on you in excitement and rattling the whole bed, “Alphas love me!”

You rolled your eyes, finally sitting up and pushing her off you. She tumbled down onto the ground with a thud.

Mochi who had been on the ground, probably because she had shaken the whole bed when she first jumped on you, stuck her nose out to sniff her. 

“No. I have a reputation there. A reputation that you have no business ruining.”

”And what reputation is that? Did you trick everyone into thinking you’re this serious work lady like you did in high school so they wouldn’t know how big of a baby you actually are?”

You scoffed, getting to your knees and looking down over the bed at her, “Baby!? You’re the baby!”

”Adults don’t have a bunch of anime dolls!” She exclaimed, accusingly pointing to your shelves of anime figures you had on display.

”Plenty of adults have those—“

“And what about when you threw a tantrum yesterday because I stole one bite of your dessert!”

“Shut up you loser!” You leapt off the bed and onto her, “It was mine anyway!” You exclaimed as she began wrestling back and tugging on your hair, making you yelp. You yanked her hair back and the two of you immediately stopped with the others hair in a tight grip.

”Take me!” She exclaimed, pulling your hair and causing you to yelp in pain again. 

So you yanked hers back, causing her to let out a pained sound as well, “Never! You’re forbidden to step foot into my workplace!”

“You owe me!”

”How do I owe you!?”

“For all the times I’ve had to console you at like 5 am cause you were crying over a fucking movie!”

”You agreed to that!”

”I’ve also spent every Valentines Day with you for the past ten years just cause you didn’t want to feel lonely!”

The two of you fell silent, keeping each other in the others death grip.

Finally you caved, “God, FINE!”

* * * *

You stared out the window across from where you were seated on the train, glaring at the bright and sunny day. It’s as if it were mocking you as your sister tagged along with you happily seated next to you.

You could see it almost being comical to an onlooker to see you with the metaphorical storm cloud hanging over your head while your sister rocked side to side in joy and excitement with her usual giant grin.

And you knew people were looking… they were just looking at her though.

Because as usual your cute omega sister got dressed up in her usual attire consisting of a pretty blouse and skirt, paired with cute high heeled boots despite the fact that she’d just be sitting in a gym all day.

While you, in all your Beta glory, sat in your regular MSBY Black Jackals tracksuit. The uniform you wore when you’d be attending practice and not doing office work.

So it was no wonder your sister stole the show, even on a monotonous train ride to work.

The train had come to a stop and she had happily followed you off the train.

The moment the gymnasium had come into view you began laying down some ground rules.

”No embarrassing me, no fighting with me, you’re not allowed to just pounce on me out of no where because I will kill you. Stay away from the team, the coach, and the athletic trainers. You’re to stay by my side the entire time,” you shoved the door open, stepping foot into the hallway which lead to the gym, “These are my co-workers so no flirting—“

”Okay, okay. I got it mom. Sheesh, it’s like you forgot that I’m the older sister.” She rolled her eyes, trailing after you.

You stopped short right before the giant double doors, turning hastily towards her, “I’m serious Ami. These guys respect me, and I swear if you do anything to screw that up I’m locking you in the guest room until you die.”

She narrowed her eyes at you and the two of you stared at each other challengingly.

”…You have coffee breath,” she deadpanned.

You gasped, slapping a hand over your mouth, “You are such a bitch!” You hissed, pushing the gym door open and shoving her through it before furiously looking through your bag for a breath mint.

The team must have still been in the locker room since no one was out yet besides the coach when you arrived.

”Ah, good morning Samson-san,” you greeted.

”Good morning!” He called back from the bench, looking at your sister in curiosity, “And who’s this?”

”This,” you gestured towards your sister, stopping beside the bench, “Is my sister Ami. She’s staying with me for a couple weeks and she was interested in watching practice— I hope this isn’t imposing on—“

”No, no, of course not,” he waved you off, “It’s nice to meet you Ami, are you a volleyball fan?”

”Thank you! You too!” She grinned cheerfully, “And of course! With all my sisters games I had to attend back in high school it’s kind of hard not to be,” she laughed.

Samson raised an eyebrow at this and looked at you, “I didn’t realize you used to play (Y/N).

Your eyes widened slightly, “Oh yeah— I only ever played casually though,” you tried to wave off.

”Casually!?” She exclaimed, glancing at you before looking back at Samson, “She bawled her eyes out when she found out she wouldn’t be going pro— Ouch!”

You stomped on her foot.

You laughed awkwardly and gripped your sisters wrist, “Don’t mind her. She doesn’t know half the things that come out her mouth.” You then tugged her along towards the bleachers.

Samson eyed the two of you curiously before looking down at his clipboard, “Interesting,” he muttered under his breath.

”What did I just tell you?” You seethed.

Ami rolled her eyes, yanking her wrist out of your hand, “So-rry for thinking the coach would have known the manager used to play volleyball.” She muttered sarcastically.

”And you don’t know the first thing about volleyball you liar.”

”That’s not true! I know um… I know libero!”

”You only know that word because that was my position,” you deadpanned.

”Whatever I still know it—“

She cut herself off as the men’s locker room door had swung open and the team started filing out into the gym.

You glanced at them before looking back at Ami, “Sit down,” you said, pushing her onto the bleachers, “And remember this is my job—“

”HEY, HEY, HEYYY.”

Your stomach dropped, “Oh come on.”

And just like that, one second you were looking at your sister and the next your feet were off the ground in one of Bokuto’s bone crushing hugs.

”Beta-chan! Are you staying for practice today!?”

“Yes, Bokuto-san. That’s why I’m in my tracksuit—“

Your sister’s eyes glowed as she stared at this interaction, completely blind to the group of Alphas staring and whispering about her instead.

”—Now put me down,” you ordered the large Alpha. To which he did with a frown. “Thirty push ups. Go. You know I’ve told you time and time again that you’re not allowed to ambush me like that.”

He was about to respond when the scent of an Omega reached his nose and… honestly you don’t think it ever took someone that long not to realize your sister was there.

”Who’s this?” He looked down at your sister with big, curious eyes.

“This is—“

”I’m Ami!” She exclaimed, jumping to her feet, “(Y/N)‘s sister!”

“Sister?” He grinned, “I didn’t know Miss Manager had a sister!”

She smiled at you teasingly, “Yeah, my little sister loves to keep her secrets. But you must be Bokuto-san, (Y/N) has told me so much about you!”

Bokuto’s eyes instantly lit up, ”She has!?”

”HAH!?” You yelled in shock, “I’m sorry, but I need a moment alone with Ami— go do your push ups.”

You gripped your sister’s wrist and dragged her outside the gym, the entire team watching the scene in shock.

“Whoa,” Hinata said in wonder, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Miss Manager so flustered.”

”Her sister has no bond mark!” Atsumu exclaimed, starting to run to the gym doors but being held back by Sakusa’s grip on the collar of his shirt.

”Leave her alone you stupid Alpha,” Sakusa muttered.

* * * *

After yelling at your sister and putting her in her place, things finally seemed to have returned to normal.

Your sister sat on the bleachers quietly while you helped Samson run practice and kept notes. You did your other usual tasks of providing water bottles, handing out towels, and providing encouragement throughout the day. Especially Bokuto as he always seemed to actively search out the praise more than the others.

Truth be told, practice had seemed to go by even better than usual… but you were also pretty sure they were all just trying to show off to the unmated Omega in the back.

You stared down at your clipboard, making sure you jotted down all the notes that Samson gave you during practice. Absentmindedly taking off your jacket and putting it beside you on the bench, you flipped over the page, eyes continuing to dance over the page.

Then your phone rang. 

You picked it up and looked at the collar ID.

”Shit,” it was a sponsor. You looked over to Samson watching the team on the sidelines, “I have to take this, I’ll be right back.” You said, getting up and heading out of the gym while he just waved in acknowledgment.

Your sister watched curiously as you ran out of the gym, wondering if she should follow you.

However, after about two minutes, Samson called a lunch break.

You still hadn’t come back, so Ami continued to sit there in confusion as some of the others shuffled off into the locker room or went to their water bottles.

She found her eyes gravitating toward Bokuto as he not so subtly inched his way to the bench as he pretended to drink from his water bottle nonchalantly.

She narrowed her eyes as she watched him knick the jacket of your tracksuit and run off under the bleachers. Following his movements, she peeked through the rows of the bleachers. The view was obstructed but he very clearly was scenting the jacket.

That was when Ami knew that the Alpha courting you was hot… but also may not be the sharpest tool in the shed….

He was perfect for you.

Ami happily walked down the bleachers so she could go and confront the Alpha.

And just like she had been spying on him, Atsumu had been spying on her and found himself following from behind as she went under the bleachers as well.

She grinned deviously as she continued to watch Bokuto crouching down on the floor and furiously rubbing his wrists against the fabric of your jacket. 

Aw, he’s even considerate. She thought to herself. Alphas typically would rub their faces and neck against a piece of fabric to scent it, but because he was covered in sweat from practice he only used his wrists.

He was so focused on scenting it that he didn’t even notice Ami until she jumped right in front of him.

She stood proudly, an accusing finger pointed his way as he looked up like a deer caught in the headlights.

”You!” She boldly exclaimed… almost a little too boldly for an Omega, “Are courting my sister!”

If Bokuto was any other Alpha he may have looked away in shame and embarrassment after having been caught doing something like this so blatantly… but this was Bokuto and shame and embarrassment weren’t exactly words that were in his dictionary.

”Has she noticed yet!?” 

“…Huh?” She dropped her hand… he really didn’t seem to be shy about this whatsoever.

”Has (Y/N)-chan noticed I’ve been courting her!?” He reiterated. “She has right? I made sure to scent her other jacket a lot last week.” 

She blinked dumbfounded, as he smiled so proudly of himself. “Well not exactly, but I was certainly able to smell it yesterday,” she crossed her arms, raising a brow, “Her entire closet damn well smells like you.”

Bokuto’s eyes only shined brighter and she could smell the certain notes in his scent smell even better as the news only made him happier.

“Don’t you understand that she’s a Beta?” She asked flatly, not being able to understand why he was trying to court you like an Omega. “She can’t smell you. She just thinks her jacket smells like a man.”

”That’s progress!”

”Progress?… How long have you been courting her?”

He looked to be counting on his fingers before he stated, “Nine months.”

”Nine months!” She hissed, Alphas tended to give up after a month when their courting efforts either went unnoticed or unreciprocated. 

How in the hell did you manage to get an Alpha like this to fall head over fucking heels for you to try and court you for nine months and be more than happy with the fact that you’re only sort of noticing a scent lingering on you at this point.

”I don’t understand Bokuto-san, why haven’t you just asked out my sister yet?”

”That’s what I’ve been tellin’ him this whole fuckin’ time!”

Ami and Bokuto looked over to find Atsumu hiding by the entrance of the bleachers.

”She’s starting to notice though!” Bokuto called back as Atsumu finally made his way over to the two of them.

”Ya always say that but she’s never noticed!”

”He’s right,” Ami nodded, “She was completely drenched in your scent yesterday and she had no idea— and how did you even do that by only scenting her clothes?”

”To be fair he hugs her like every five seconds. She gives him penalties every time and he still does it,” he sweatdropped.

”And it’s worth it every time,” Bokuto beamed, now shoving his nose into the collar of your jacket.

”Do you have any shame Bokkun!” Atsumu snapped as he watched the Alpha do this openly in front of your sister.

”She smells good!”

Atsumu sweat dropped once more.

Ami rolled her eyes at their back and forth, “Okay, whatever,” she shook her head, “Forget everything your Alpha instincts have told you to do so far because I’m going to help you properly court a Beta.”

”And what do ya know about courtin’ Betas?” Atsumu asked challengingly.

”She’s my sister dumbass,” she deadpanned. “Now here,” Ami handed her phone to him, “Put your number in and I’ll text you a time and place for us to meet tonight. I’m going to tell you everything it is that you need to know about my sister so that you can properly woo her.”

Bokuto took the phone, staring at Ami in wonder as he digested each and every single word.

He’s been trying to find out more about you ever since he became interested and here Ami is willingly giving him everything he’s wanted and more.

”Kamisama?”

”No, but I’m not opposed to being called that,” she said, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Atsumu stared down at her, eyes glowing, “Ya have a mate?”

”Nope. And I’m not interested,” she replied sassily as she stalked out from under the bleachers but not before grabbing her phone from Bokuto.

Atsumu narrowed his eyes as she left, “Ohhh, I’m so goin’ to make her my mate.”

”And I’m gonna make her sister mine!”

* * * *

“Why are you staring at me?” You asked your sister.

You were in the middle of making dinner for the two of you tonight while she sat crouched in the corner of the kitchen, going from staring at you intently to furiously typing out things on her phone.

”Oh, no reason~” she lilted.

”Mhm,” you hummed, unconvinced. “And who are you texting?”

”A friend.”

You hummed again, “What vegetables do you want in the stir fry?”

”Oh, I’m not eating here.”

You snapped towards her, “What!? I’ve been cooking this whole time and you didn’t think to say anything sooner?”

She just shrugged, texting whatever to whoever.

”Where are you even going? You’re not from around here.”

She shrugged once more, “So!? I’m a girl with secrets. Let me live. I thought you had volleyball practice tonight anyway.”

You rolled your eyes. Seems like you’d have leftovers for tomorrow night. “It got cancelled,” you muttered, stirring your ingredients for your stir fry on the stove. You had taken up doing volleyball on a local women’s team. It was extremely casual, you guessed it was because they were all Omegas. Back in high school the team you were on had an impressive amount of female Alphas, despite the fact that they were pretty rare. So the team you were on now was no where near as fun but at least you still got to play. “Captain went into heat,” you muttered.

”Ugh,” your sister shivered, “Don’t remind me, my heat’s supposed to be coming up soon.” You snickered at her. “By the way, what does the team have to do for ruts?” She asked, still typing away.

”They’re all on a scheduled medication that suppresses their ruts.”

”But I thought that was dangerous?”

”It is. That’s why on the off season they all go off of it— I’ve overheard some horror stories about it from them.”

”That’s crazy! What does it do to them!?”

You shrugged, tasting the dish you were preparing. “I don’t really know the details. I just know that they’ll go through a longer rut period and apparently it’s like really fucking violent.”

”Whoa… like more than it’s supposed to be?”

You turned back around to face her, crossing your arms and leaning against the counter. You wore a tank top that rode up slightly, so you could feel the cool countertop dig into your skin. 

You sighed, inhaling the savory scent of your cooking, “I think? It’s pretty scary to think— they’re all so big and really fucking strong.”

”Yeah like Bokuto!” She yelped, finding her opening to talk about him and taking it.

“I was actually thinking more about Joffe— y’know that guy is fucking 7’2”—“

”Yeah but what about Bokuto—?”

”You like Bokuto or something?” You narrowed your eyes at her, trying to pin her with your stare. You weren’t stupid, you knew what she was trying to do. But if you gave her an inch she’d take a mile.

”No, you dummy!” 

You waved her off, “Yeah, whatever, like Bokuto.” You turned back to the stove, “When are you leaving?”

She looked down at her phone, “Oh crap! I was supposed to leave like ten minutes ago!” She jumped to her feet.

You watched her scramble and trip over her own feet as she got ready and then ran out the door without so much as a goodbye.

You rolled your eyes.

”Omegas.”

* * * *

Bokuto sat in the dim, tight booth. It was quite the comedic sight to see such a large man squeezing himself in such a tight space… what was even funnier was the fact he was even squished between two other professional athletes as Atsumu and Hinata sat on either side of him.

Sakusa was invited to join as well but after finding out what it was for he nearly rolled his eyes so far back into his skull he almost had to go to the hospital.

“Will ya stop fidgeting!” Atsumu barked.

”Is she here yet!?” Bokuto yelled, trying to lean past Atsumu to look out the window of the bar.

”Like the last ten times ya asked, no!”

”Do you think her sister’s gonna come to practice tomorrow too?” Hinata asked.

”I already called dibs!” Atsumu snapped.

Just then the little bell above the door rang, and the three Alphas were suddenly all leaning in one direction to see who it was.

”She’s here!” Hinata exclaimed.

And sure enough there was the cute little Omega they had all met earlier that day. 

Bokuto and Atsumu tried standing up so fast they banged their knees against the table from underneath, causing a loud bang and the other patrons of the restaurant to stare at them.

Ami paid it no mind and slid into the other side of the booth across from them.

“Hello stupid little Alphas!”

”Little!?” Hinata yelped.

”Stupid!?” Atsumu echoed.

”Why are they here?” Ami asked Bokuto, pointing at Hinata and Atsumu.

”They’re my wingmen!”

”Wingmen?” Ami asked, scandalized, “What do you need them for? You already have me!”

”He needs an Alpha’s opinion,” Atsumu boldly claimed.

”Why? Cause you guys have helped him so much these past nine months?” She asked sarcastically.

”Hey, they would already be poppin’ out babies if Bokkun just listened to me.”

Ami rolled her eyes, “Uh-huh, anywaysss. Nine months, really?” She questioned looking straight at Bokuto. “I love my sister, I really do. But I’ve never met an Alpha that spent more that two months at the most before giving up on a courtship. And those were with Omegas. So…” She paused, “Why exactly do you like her so much?”

Atsumu scoffed, “We’ve been tryin’ to get that outta him for months now— he won’t tell us.”

”It’s between me and (Y/N),” Bokuto grinned.

Ami furrowed her eyebrows, “Did something happen between you guys?”

”Yes—“

”No,” Atsumu finished, he looked at Bokuto, “Ya keep sayin’ that but ya’ve never been alone with her. How did somethin’ happen without the rest of the team knowin’ then?” 

”Okay, I’m asking the questions,” Ami muttered annoyed, “And I’m not asking you Atsumu, I’m asking Bokuto.” She looked at Bokuto, “Now, what happened?”

”I can’t say,” he answered, “It’s only between me and (Y/N).”

Ami stared him down for a moment as she thought. Now if she knew her sister she knew that she’d be the first person she’d tell if you had any sort of romantic event happen to you. 

“Are you sure? Cause I don’t even think she knows there’s something between you two.”

”If I say then it’s not special anymore,” he said with a frown now. “And of course she knows— it was very intimate.”

If Ami had been drinking something at that moment she knew it would have been all over the Alphas at that moment.

”Intimate? Are we talking about the same woman?” Then it dawned on her, “Bokuto. She’s a Beta, she doesn’t understand the same intimacies between Alphas and Omegas. Now what happened? I need to know if I’m gonna get you two together.”

Bokuto sunk into his seat, staring down at the table. Clearly upset at the fact that he may have misinterpreted what he thought was an intimate moment— but he knew it had to be.

”Alright,” He finally relented. “Last game of last season.”

Both Atsumu and Hinata screwed up their faces in thought, “Last game…?” Hinata started, “Wait it wasn’t when—“

 “Bokuto!” Atsumu suddenly hissed, the name slightly foreign as he never called his friend by his last name anymore.

”What!? What happened!?” Ami yelped. Now she had to know.

”Coach has (Y/N) bring some of her t-shirts to games—“

”Cause of the whole calmin’ thing Betas have—“

”Let Bokuto speak,” Ami hissed at him, making him shut his mouth.

”Yeah, cause of that. When games are getting really rough we’ll be sent out and (Y/N) will give us a t-shirt to scent to cool our heads and during our last game I wasn’t doing so well and we already lost a set— the spiker on the other side kept taunting me too so Coach sent me off the court. I was getting a bit worked up—”

Atsumu scoffed, “A bit? You almost went feral.”

Ami ignored Atsumu and watched Bokuto curiously as his cheeks started to tinge pink, “Anyway, I went into the locker room and waited for her to drop off a shirt or jacket or something but she ended up walking in instead. She said she forgot the bag she usually brings and she didn’t have anything on her that she could give me so…”

Understanding seemed to flood Ami’s features, “You scented her.”

Bokuto nodded, face and neck a bright pink now as he recollected the memory. He stared down at the table, fingertips tracing the swirls in the wood. “Her scent was different that close. Like the rest of the guys, I just thought of her as our manager and that was it— but when she was that close I could smell every single note of her scent and every fluctuation. It was subtle but I couldn’t get enough— it was unlike any Omega I had ever scented before.” he suddenly slammed his hand down on the table, looking Ami straight in the eye. “That was when I decided I’d make her my mate.”

Ami stared at him in wonder. Bokuto seemed so determined and so passionate about you it even made her own heart flutter. She also realized you must have been so fucking dense to not have noticed Bokuto nearly drooling over you every day.

She grinned. “When I’m done working my magic, she definitely will become your mate.”

”How could ya not have told any of us that ya actually scented our manager?” Atsumu rhetorically asked as he tried to mentally work through how Bokuto, who was the worst at keeping things to himself, actually managed to keep something this big. But regardless, Atsumu looked back at Ami again, “So how are ya plannin’ on gettin’ them together? No offense, but yer sister is the most oblivious person I’ve ever met— and that’s really saying somethin’— Ow!” He hissed, grabbing the back of his head as Bokuto just smacked him.

Ami ignored their antics, “Easy! Basically Bokuto’s been going about this the entirely wrong way. Your instincts keep telling you to court (Y/N) as if she was an Omega. Honestly just by changing a few things and courting her properly as a Beta, you’ll see she’s going to be very receptive.”

”How are ya so sure? Bokkun doesn’t exactly seem like her type—“ Atsumu suddenly caught Bokuto’s hand from smacking him again, “Will ya stop hittin’ me! I’m just tellin’ the truth!”

”What do you mean?”

”Well (Y/N) is very… professional. And Bokkun isn’t a very serious person.”

”Do you really know nothing about her? She’s been working with you guys for a while hasn’t she?”

”Yeah! But she never comes to our parties or dinners— she never even goes to the team bondings. She doesn’t exist on social media and all she does is talk about work— we didn’t even know she had a sister! Especially an Omega sister!” Hinata exclaimed.

Atsumu nodded in agreement, “We thought her entire family would be Beta’s.”

Ami scoffed out a laugh, “You guys got it all wrong. We come from an extremely traditional family.”

”How traditional?” Bokuto asked, realizing he was about to learn more about you than he was ever able to from you. He leaned forward excitedly.

”Our mom is an Omega, dad an Alpha. We have two older twin brothers who are Alpha’s, then it’s me, then her, and we have a younger Omega sister in college right now.”

”I’m a twin.”

Ami rolled her eyes and ignored Atsumu. “So it was a pretty big deal when she presented as Beta.”

”What happened when she presented?” Bokuto asked, eyes shining.

”Well…” She trailed off, thinking back to the day and the months after you had presented. At the time you were thirteen and she was fourteen and had already presented as an Omega. “She kind of isolated herself from everyone,” Bokuto’s face immediately fell at that, “She used to be pretty popular and had a lot of friends. Mom, dad, and the twin’s doted on her like crazy— they doted on me and our younger sister a lot too. But when she presented everyone kinda… pulled back.” Ami’s gaze was trained on the table now, “None of us expected it and we didn’t really know how to treat her, the Alpha’s in the family didn’t think she’d need the protection anymore so they focused more on me and our youngest sister. I never really thought about it but I think she was in a lot of pain around that time. She lost all her friends and barely spoke to us but I think we all figured it was just cause she was a teenager, and I was already dealing with my own problems.” Ami looked back up, meeting Bokuto’s crestfallen gaze.

”Is that why she never hangs out or talks to us outside of work?” Bokuto asked sadly.

”I guess so. She did the same thing in high school and college, I just hoped she would learn to connect more with people now that she had her career,” a soft smile caressed her lips, “But that’s okay because things are gonna change now, thanks to you!”

And just like that Bokuto lit up again.

”Now,” Ami leaned forward, hands flat on the table, “The first thing you need to know about (Y/N) is that the front that she has put up is a total lie.” The three Alpha’s listened with rapt attention, “She’s very good and professional when it comes to work but she is much more playful and fun than she let’s on, and also she is the biggest hopeless romantic that I have ever met.”

”REALLY!?” Bokuto jumped in his seat.

”Hah?” Both Atsumu and Hinata gasped, dripping in disbelief.

But Ami only nodded enthusiastically, “Yup! She’s in love with love. I’m pretty sure she’s watched a romantic comedy every single day of her life. She’s totally addicted to it. That’s probably why she took the Beta thing so hard— she’s convinced she’s gonna die alone,” she simply shrugged.

”Die alone!?” Bokuto looked taken aback, “But (Y/N)-chan is amazing! And she’s so beautiful! There had to be one person that liked her.”

”Nope,” Ami said, popping the ‘p’, “I tried setting her up many times but no one was ever interested. They all said she was just a boring Beta. She’s probably been rejected over 30 times… then there was that last time of course and she completely gave up on dating.”

A silence fell between the group as Ami watched Bokuto digest this new information.

Hearing the truth of how hopeless you seemed to be in love and the fact that it was something you dreamed about, hurt him. Truthfully, Bokuto looked up to you as the team’s strong and determined manager— nothing ever seemed to get in your way when you wanted to get something done. To hear how much you were hurting inside just because of your presentation which you couldn’t change, only made him want to be your Alpha that much more. That way he could protect you and take care of you the way you secretly wanted to be cared for.

Atsumu leaned his face against his hand, elbow pressed against the table as he digested the new information as well. “What kind of Alpha?”

“He was a pretty scary guy, honestly,” Ami muttered thinking back to high school, “You guys might know him— he’s a pro volleyball player too. Have you heard of Ushiwaka?”

Hinata almost fell out of his seat while Atsumu’s arm nearly slipped off the table as all three pairs of their eyes widened in unison, “Ushijima!?” Bokuto exclaimed, “Well I’m better than him!”

”She got rejected by Ushijima Wakatoshi— that asshole?” Atsumu said.

”I didn’t know miss manager knew Ushiwaka?” Hinata said.

”Oh you do know him then!”

”Well yeah,” Atsumu hissed.

”She went to Shiratorizawa?” Bokuto now asked.

”Yeah, my whole family did. Our parents are real hard-asses y’know? We could only go to the best of the best—“

”Fukurodani is better,” Bokuto muttered, now wondering how things might have went if you went there instead of Shiratorizawa.

”Yeah she actually looked there, but not only were Shiratorizawa’s academics a bit better their girl’s volleyball team was much more renowned than Fukurodani’s.”

”(Y/N) PLAYS VOLLEYBALL!!??” The three men yelled loudly, once again drawing the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

”Yes,” Ami hissed in annoyance, “And can you two keep it down— anyway, she was one of the top female libero’s in Japan, she had dreams about going pro but all the pro volleyball leagues always choose Alpha’s. So when that dream got crushed she studied business and sport’s management so she could still be involved with volleyball.“ She tapped her chin and looked up, wracking her brain for any other useful facts about you, “Oh— she’s also pretty into fitness. Takes Pilates classes almost everyday,” she snorted, “She’s also on a local women’s volleyball team and she also likes taking pole dancing classes—“

”(Y/N) is a stripper!?” Atsumu exclaimed.

Ami scowled, “No, idiot. She does it for exercise, she even had a pole installed in her room.”

Atsumu looked to Bokuto, “I’m suddenly not judging your taste in women anymore.”

Bokuto’s eyes sparkled in admiration— he could practically feel himself falling for you harder the more Ami divulged things about you. 

Bokuto suddenly slapped a hand down on the table, “How do I court her!?”

Ami smiled gleefully at the question, “Right. Let’s get into that now. Now Bokuto, as long as you listen to every word I say, I bet you’ll have (Y/N) wrapped around your finger by the end of the week—“

Atsumu scoffed, “It can’t be that easy—“

”Oh yes it can,” she had a devious look on her face, “Betas, as I’m sure you can tell, can’t pick up on Alpha or Omega courting cues. It goes right over their heads. And I know this because I spent many late nights on dating forums about both Alphas and Omegas who had tried courting a Beta in their life. It’s strange but they literally cannot pick up your intentions when you give them the typical courting gifts— I’m assuming you’ve been sticking with practical things such as socks or toothbrushes, or like full meals or whatever?”

He nodded quickly, “Yes, she’s accepted 54 of my gifts and rejected 45– are you sure she isn’t starting to pick up on my hints?” He asked eagerly, leaning forward in his seat.

”Hints?” Atsumu asked with a roll of his eyes, “More like flashing, neon signs.”

Ami sweat dropped, “Oh you are so very weird Bokuto— thank you for coming into my sister’s life. But no, she has no idea— well she might have an inkling now since I told her you were courting her.”

”You did!? What did she say!?”

”Wellll, she doesn’t really believe me and told me to drop the subject but she did get flustered so it looks like you have a very good shot.” She answered, “But anyway. On a biological level, Alphas give those gifts to Omegas to signal that they want to provide and take care of that Omega. But Betas don’t need to be taken care of in the same way. Alphas also give meals to Omegas because they subconsciously want them to have energy for heats and ruts that are spent together but once again, heats and ruts aren’t coded into Beta instincts—“

”I thought Beta’s didn’t have instincts?” Atsumu asked.

”No they do. They’re just different but I’ll get into that later. First let’s talk about the kinds of gifts that you should be giving her.”

Bokuto hung onto every single word that fell from her lips, leaning in even more, making the table dig into his pecs.

”Betas are big on their interests and hobbies, if you want to actually connect with one, you need to show an interest in the things they like. That shows that you’re interested in them and actually care about the things they care about.

”And as I said she’s big into fitness and women’s volleyball, she loves watching rom coms, she’s a big anime fan, what else… Oh! She’s obsessed with her cat ‘Mochi’— oh that’s another thing!” She exclaimed, “Beta’s have major sweet tooth’s, so instead of giving her lunches or dinners give her sweets. And if you give her homemade sweets she will literally be putty in your hands.”

”That’s if she even accepts it,” Atsumu remarked.

”Oh she will. I have never seen that girl not accept a sweet. Trust me, her sweet tooth will even trump her professionalism. I’ll text you a list of more specific things she likes as well as her favorite sweets.” She said, pulling out her phone and beginning to type out a list, “Spend some time thinking about the gifts, thoughtful gifts of something she likes is a sure sign for her to realize you’re into her.”

Ami sent the list, “I’ll send you more later tonight as I think of things. I think the last thing you need to know is she’s really receptive to acts of service. Now she will refuse at first and insist that she’s got whatever it is covered, but she’s lying. She’s very independent but she likes to feel like she’s being thought of or taken care of. Even if you just start with offering your help in any way, I’m sure that’ll be fine. Ya got all that?”

Bokuto nodded eagerly, “When do I scent her?”

Hinata, Atsumu, and Ami all groaned in frustration.

”Bokuto,” Ami hissed, “Scenting. Is. Not. Courting.” She said slowly. “Scenting her is completely one sided in this relationship, understand?”

Bokuto frowned, “…Yes… but all those other things will let her know I’m courting her?” 

“One hundred percent,” she grinned, “Oh and don’t give her these things in front of a crowd. She’s a very private person, if you want to see her professional side crumble then give her these gifts in private.”

”Okay!” Bokuto nodded eagerly.

”Aw,” Atsumu whined, “I was hopin’ I’d get a front row seat to this fiasco— how’s he even gonna know it’s workin’?”

”Oh he’ll know!” She yelled, “Getting her speechless and flustered is a great sign, especially because she prides herself on her professionalism. But that leads me into her instincts I mentioned before.”

Bokuto leaned in even more— and Atsumu did as well, both interested in hearing what a Beta’s instincts were.

”Beta’s are known to be calm and collected however when they’re around friends and family that they are close to they’ll be a lot more playful. It might take some time but you’ll know you’re close when she starts to try play fighting you or getting nippy.”

”Nippy?” Bokuto asked.

”Uh-huh,” she nodded, “Do you tackle her like you did earlier today often?”

”Everyday,” Atsumu groaned.

”Good! She probably likes that— though I’m sure she’d never admit it. So that can stay the same— honestly that was probably the only thing you were getting right.”

”So I did do something right!”

”Yup! And now one final piece of advice,” Bokuto leaned in even more, “I hate to admit it but Atsumu was right. Just come out and tell her that you have been courting her and you’d like to be in a relationship with her. She can be very dense so if you do that on top of everything I told you, she’ll be yours. Now I think that’s all the wisdom I can impart for now,” she finally said, standing up from her seat. “Do you guys have practice tomorrow?”

”Yes-!”

”Are you coming again!?” Hinata quickly cut Bokuto off, climbing to his feet as well.

”I think so! Just to make sure Bokuto doesn’t screw anything up.”

”Hey!”

”I’ll walk ya back home— it’s dangerous this time of night!” Atsumu exclaimed, scrambling from the booth and pulling Ami along with him.

”I can walk you too!” Hinata chirped and ran after the two, leaving Bokuto alone in the booth.

Bokuto’s smile never left his face, not even when their waiter had given him the check that he had to pay himself. 

He had some planning… and baking to do that night.

* * * *

Part 3

[remember-digimon]

Let's talk about Tai!

First of all, Tai does in fact show signs of terminal Shonen Protagonist, however with the depth of his character we can assume it is in remission. Good for him.

Tai is reckless and often rushes into things without thinking. To him, there is the goal and there are things in the way of his goal, so naturally he just has to bulldoze the obstacles and he's good. This is probably how he ended up as the leader of the group, aside from him being shown as a sort-of-main-character; while other characters are important, Tai is the driving force. He is action.

(Remember that time he tried to beat up a Bakemon?? This kid has zero chill when he's on a mission I swear)

If Izzy were in charge, they would get sidetracked by the details. If Matt were in charge, they'd likely never get very far because he has to consider the feelings of the entire group. If Sora were in charge, she would be too concerned with protecting everyone.

While Tai is basically the rocket fuel of their group, this also leads him to charging forward when other parts of the metaphorical machine aren't ready. This is why the dynamic of the whole group works so well; Tai may be hyperfocused on the end game but the others make up for the skills he lacks.

In addition to being the driving force, Tai is really good at delegating. He gives the task of figuring out the gate in Myotismon's castle to Izzy, who is objectively the best one for the job. During Our War Game, he's giving orders like a general during the fight, showing his aptitude for strategy.

Other leaders in Digimon seem to be given that title simply because they're the ones wearing the goggles, but in my opinion none of them really live up to the standard set by Tai. He may not have a deep understanding of Digimon and their world, but he has Izzy for that. He might sometimes lose himself in the end goal and forget to be empathetic to his friends, but he has Matt for that. He might be bullheaded and stubborn, but he has Mimi to be blunt and tell him what he needs to hear.

His real weakness lies in Kari; when she passes out in the desert, Tai basically falls to pieces and Izzy has to take over. When Izzy accidentally broadcasts their location, Tai flies off the handle, unprovoked, in a way that's pretty out of character for him any other time. He's haunted by the incident where Kari collapsed at the playground when they were younger, and he blames himself completely for what happened.

It's interesting to compare Tai and Matt as older brothers. Tai is very loving to Kari, and very protective, likely (at least in part) because of what happened at the playground. Matt is just as overprotective of TK, maybe even more, since he's basically rooted his entire purpose in protecting TK. Tai values Kari as a member of the team, but is still highly aware of the danger she's in. This is similar to how Matt views TK, being glad to be spending this much time with him but losing himself a little in worrying about him.

Unlike Matt, though, Tai is never really given the chance to fully confront his fear of something happening to Kari. He finds aspirin for her, but Machinedramon attacks and separates them. She's recovered by then anyway, but that's beside the point. It would've been nice to see him come to terms with his feeling of failure to protect her at all costs, but there were huge monsters to fight so I see why they skipped it.

Overall, Tai is a wonderful protag. He's courageous and instills his teammates with the energy to keep moving forward, he always has his eye on the prize, and he knows when to step aside and let someone else handle a problem he might not be well equipped for. Other shonen protags, like Ash from Pokemon for instance, can solve their problems by believing in their friends and that's it. Tai solves problems through strategy, delegating, and most of all, teamwork.

[certifieddilfenjoyer]

Why is Haarlep so different from Raphael - a theory

Hello! Welcome to another theory of mine.

"I am Haarlep. Raphael's personal incubus. Glamoured and transfigured to look like him. I'm a perfect copy(...)"

Hold your horses, sir Wait, they are nonbinary: Hold your horses, noble.

Haarlep states that they are a perfect copy, however there are some major differences in their appearance that could not be caused simply by the visual age difference.*

Haarlep's face has a few major differences:

Lack of darkened skin around the facial hair area (they appear a lot smoother).

The nose is straight and while the tip is shaped similarly, there is no bump across the bridge. They don't even have the cute-angry wrinkles in between the eyes! (Female form has them wrinkles, but the bump is softer)

Maybe it's just me but I was thinking that the upper lip appears to be a bit plumpier.

The face is shorter and because of that, the cheekbones are a lot sharper, Haarlep looks like they had some botox done 💀

The ears appear to be less sharp and shorter (aging hits ears quite hard, but they usually sag and the difference here is with the tip.

Archduchess form does have the roman nose, however the lips are plumpier.

See for yourself below:

And in comparison to Raphael (even to his EA model that has the famous bald spot):

But where is this leading, you may ask?

Well, I am proposing two different perspectives on that:

Haarlep's 'tweaks' point to Raphael's insecurities (a version of theory that my friend @shutexco proposed)

Raphael's devil form resembles MEPHISTOPHELES and he can't stand looking at the actual accurate depiction of his cambion form. Also, if that's the case, take a moment to consider how F-ed up it really is to have Haarlep gifted to him if his father was completely aware of the resemblence. But it would make sense, wouldn't it? Raphael left Cania at some point, but his father made sure he will haunt him all the time.

Have you noticed how Raphael has two portraits of himself that also don't look like him at all?

The second portrait has two horns, so it could be made during the EA, but there is no other similarity.

The first portrait looks like it's wearing some kind of variation of the Helldusk Armor, you can spot the 'Teeth' across the chest, but apart from that and 4 horns, it doesn't look like Raphael at all.

To sum up: the portraits are some kind of a 'vision' of Raphael. For a narcissist he really seems to be avoiding an actual perfect (as in 1to1 accurate) copy of himself.

Also, a few fun facts/smaller theories I'd like to include!

I think he made his own portraits. There are two easels in House of Hope. One behind the Archive (with brushes and cup at the ready and some paint stain spilled below them) and second is on the right hand side of the bed in the boudoir.

Now, the paintings on both easels can be found across Faerun, but the devil portraits are exclusive to HoH and I believe (please fact-check me if you know) that the painting inside Raphael's safe, right above the hoarded treasure, is also exclusive. Raphael is very talented. His diaries are like poetry, full of symbolism, bro is literally a composer, so why not an artist as well? I wouldn't put it past him. And because HoH was made by the head of Mason's Guild, then I guess he had the major influence on the design and I've heard someone say that it's Italian baroque and it's just beautiful.

Here's the Magic the Gathering card of Raphael (I think it was issued in 2022??). It looks more similar to the Statues at House of Hope than the portraits or Haarlep. Oh, btw, I've seen many people saying (mainly on YT and tiktok) that House of Hope is full of Raphael's statues. Not true, those are just cambions

Statues are present not just in HoH but inside Devil's Fee (yes, with both the belt and kneepads)

That's it! Thank you for reading all the way over here, appreciate it so much <3 <3

*Some aging research, specifically for bone structure changes: "As we age we all lose some bone which means that our cheeks flatten, our jaw bone shrinks and our eye sockets get larger. The structure of the face changes so the tissues above the bones will sit differently and so look different." Source "Facial bone loss can lead to retraction of the jawline, which emphasizes jowls and an unstructured neck. Widening eye sockets give your eyes a more sunken appearance and make you look tired. The angle of the bones beneath the eyebrows decreases, which contributes to frown lines on the forehead, droopy eyelids and crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes." Source

So as we can see, Raphael doesn't really suffer from any of those, besides the crow's feet that are imo so gorgeous that I lose my shit, AHFAIHFAJDSKSHA

[mangowillow]

last to know | ch. 1: haunted dreams

pairing: jungkook x (f) reader / kim woosung x (f) reader

summary: you and jeongguk got together at 16 years old, married at 20, and divorced at 21. what was once love ever after turned into nothing but pain and unfulfilled dreams. you keep going despite the pain in your heart that never really went away, until one day, jungkook comes back— to seoul and in your life.

general story tags: divorce au, childhood friends, angst (who am i without it), hurt & eventual comfort, kind of a slow burn, OC is an adopted child in this fic, a lot of flashbacks later on because context is important; and the others that a lot of people seem to dislike: a love triangle and a LOT of miscommunication. look away if this isn't your thing. tags and warnings will be updated as we go along with each chapter!

warnings: nothing really; well, maybe except seokjin's intrusive thoughts about an axe k*ller— but it's tame, i promise! oh, and jeongguk gets slapped. be nice and let me know if i miss anything! there's a mini flashback in this chapter in all italics marked by a ♥!

word count: 3,900

author's note: i am very nervous about this first chapter because it's been A WHILE since i last wrote ~something~ so anyway! here you go, enjoy!

fic masterlist

New York, 2023

It was right when the DJ turned up the volume that Jeongguk felt the impact of a palm hitting him square in the jaw.

Jeongguk doesn’t know what stimuli to focus on: should it be the loud music blasting through the speakers or the sting of the slap that he probably deserved. It doesn’t take his brain too long to piece together what just happened 5 seconds ago. He knows what’s coming and he is also very much aware that he did see it coming sooner or later.

“Fuck you, Jeongguk,” Ae-cha grits through her teeth. Jeongguk swears she’s about to cry, tears threatening to spill amidst the blue glow of the lights above them. “We are dating, how can you say that—”

“We sleep together when it’s convenient for the both of us, Ae-cha.” Jeongguk downs the rest of his scotch, along with the remnants of his pride. “I never said anything about dating.”

“You are such a jerk!” Ae-cha turns a shade of red, tears in the corners of her eyes. It isn’t the first time Jeongguk has ever made a woman cry, but oddly enough, he doesn’t feel that hollow ache in his chest; the one he felt the first time he made that mistake. He should feel bad, he thinks, but then again, he also doesn’t.

Does that make him a bad person? 

“I didn’t listen to my friends when they said you were trouble. I wanted to prove them wrong—” Ae-cha starts, but Jeongguk cuts her off.

“Why? Why do you have to?”

Ae-cha’s eyes grow wide as she watches Jeongguk stare at his empty glass.

“You should have listened to your friends.” Jeongguk says, matter-of-fact. Ae-cha scoffs and Jeongguk knows now is the right time to probably shut up.

But he’s a jerk, just like Ae-cha says he was.

“I told you right from the beginning… we just use each other because we’re both lonely,” Jeongguk feels his throat turn dry, “I think somewhere along the way, you misread my actions.”

Ae-cha doesn’t move, doesn’t speak. She closes her eyes for a minute and Jeongguk looks at her, waiting for her rebuttal. Or maybe a second slap. Whichever comes first.

Ae-cha speaks in a voice so low, it’s perplexing how Jeongguk is still able to pick up her words— “Your problem is that you do not care about other people’s feelings, Jeongguk. You only care about your own.”

Jeongguk tightens his jaw; now he feels his heart aching.

“You hurt people. You ruin good things. You keep your heart under tight wraps and you do not let anyone in. If you keep that up, you will end up with no one.”

Jeongguk stares at Ae-cha, wanting to say something, but failing completely. Maybe this is what he gets for sleeping with a psychologist— a rude awakening.

Before he can say anything, Ae-cha turns on her heel and walks away. Jeongguk remains at the bar for a bit more until the song changes into a slower tempo. It feels like a chore walking back to the table where his best friend Yoongi was— like walking on lead. 

“That must’ve hurt—” Yoongi starts, fingers reaching out to the peanut bowl and putting some into his mouth. Jeongguk plops down on the chair with a sigh. “What a shitty night,” he quips.

Yoongi hums, “And whose fault is that?” 

Jeongguk looks at his best friend in annoyance. Yoongi chuckles, putting more peanuts into his mouth. “What’d she say?”

“That I’m a jerk who hurts people and ruins good things.”

“Is it true?”

“You tell me.”

“I don’t think I need to do that, kid.” Yoongi concludes, glancing at Jeongguk. He takes a swing out of his beer bottle before continuing, “You know damn well the answer to that.”

Jeongguk clicks his tongue and takes the beer from Yoongi. He takes a swig himself, letting their conversation die out by drowning it into the same old music he’s used to hearing almost every night. 

Jeongguk comes home to his apartment that night, tipsy and his heart in pieces. Walking into the living room, the corner of his eyes catch the stack of luggages already packed and loaded. He didn’t feel like sitting on the couch so he opts to sit on the floor, his fingers grazing the carpet absentmindedly. A beat later, he allows his heart to bleed once more— as he always seems to do every single night for the past few years. Leaning his head back against the edge of his couch, he cries himself to sleep, wishing, praying the ache in his chest—and the words you hurt people—would go away in the morning.

Seoul, 2023

Your eyes try to take in the art in front of you— The Artist’s Garden in Giverny, Claude Monet, 1900. Usually, many emotions overwhelm your system and you cannot help but discuss any painting with the next person willing to listen. 

And once upon a time, you were enthusiastic about your craft and love for the arts. It was almost always too easy, too often that you could come up with pieces to add to your gallery. But that hasn’t happened in over a year— maybe more than. 

In the stillness of the room you are in, you hear light footsteps coming closer to where you are. You keep your eyes trained on Monet’s painting until your brother Seokjin sits beside you.

For a while, you and Seokjin just sit beside each other— no words, only a quiet understanding that close siblings seem to share and empathize with. Seokjin’s parents adopted you when you were eleven; a year after you and your parents met a horrible car collision. You are five months older than Seokin, yet that fact doesn't deter him at all, and more often than not, he usually ends up acting like your older brother. When he first met you at the orphanage, he grew fond of you real quick— already asking his parents when he’d be allowed to play with you. He doesn’t mind that you were once part of the system, that you are his half-sister— not really. He never treated you any differently. He loves you with his whole heart and he will always protect you. 

This is why he also cannot stand stillness at times, especially when it involves you.

“Have you been waiting long?” Seokjin asks.

You have a habit of kicking your right foot into the air when you don’t really know how to respond right away. You take a sharp inhale before shaking your head. Seokjin follows your line of sight— you were still looking at the painting.

“Does it make you feel better? Looking at this, I mean…” 

Seokjin’s question makes you look at him instead, like you just realized he had been sitting there this whole time and you never knew. He meets your eyes, sees the sadness in them. He will always know no matter how hard you try to hide it.

“Happy birthday, ____”

You don’t respond. 

“Taehyung and the others are waiting down at the cafe. Do you still want to meet them?”

You nod once before giving Seokjin a smile, “Of course.”

Seokjin slides into the gap between the two of you and instinctively, you rest your head on his shoulder as he envelops you in a side hug. He rubs a hand up and down your arm before planting a light kiss on top of your head.

“I know it doesn’t get any easier, ____. But I just want you to know that I love you… We all love you.” 

With shaky breath and tears that threaten to spill from your eyes, you whisper, “I know.”

As Seokjin gets into the driver’s seat, you hand him an envelope. Seokjin has an inkling what it is, but he asks you anyway as he squints his eyes at you.

“What is that supposed to be?”

You push the envelope towards him a bit more, just humming, “It’s the last payment.”

Seokjin rolls his eyes as he presses the ignition. He doesn’t take the envelope, “Oh come on, Seokjin, just take it.”

“And for the nth time, you shouldn’t have to pay for something I willingly helped you out for. We’re siblings, for gods sake, ____.”

You lower your hands, setting the envelope on your lap. Eyes cast down you mumble, “I know that. I was able to sell a painting again after a long time and it felt good… But I already told you this before— I’d feel better if you just please take this.” 

Seokjin lets out a sigh— usually he makes that sound when he’s already defeated. 

“Please don’t tell me you’re giving me all the money you worked hard for,” Seokjin starts and you shake your head as soon as you heard the word all. “No, not at all, I— I had some saved up and the rest of it will be for rent.”

You look at Seokjin who still looks suspicious. You playfully roll your eyes and Seokjin sees you smile for the first time that night.

“I promise.”

Seokjin sets his eyes on the parking lot, placing his hands on the steering wheel, “Fine—” you squeal as soon as he gives in and you place the envelope in the glove compartment. “—but this is the last time, all right?”

“Yes sir, that’s the last of the payments,” you respond a tone higher than your usual. Seokjin chuckles as he sets the gear into reverse.

“Are you sure you don’t need any help moving some of your stuff?” Seokjin asks as you fasten your seatbelt.

“Not really, I think I can manage just fine.”

You expect Seokjin to be backing up the car right now, yet he remains unmoving. You chuckle.

“I’ll be fine, Seokjin. Movers will help me move some of the heavier stuff.”

“Listen, ____, I was beyond ecstatic when you told me you were moving out of… there. I just don’t understand why you need to move in somewhere else when you can just stay with me.”

“Seokjin—”

“And it’s not like you have any problems with money or anything, I mean, you are doing okay right?”

“I am,” you answer with a smirk.

“Yah, don’t give me that look, ____. I’m serious, I really don’t understand why you have to stay somewhere else.”

“I already told you. I don’t need a big apartment, I just need a place to sleep. And isn’t it weird if we live together— people are going to think we’re co-dependent.”

Seokjin opens his mouth to argue, but you cut him off, “And I know what you’re going to ask next. Why did I choose to move in an apartment on the other side of the city? And I already told you a dozen times— I need to learn how to be on my own for real this time. And it’s much cheaper compared to all the other apartments in the city center, I mean— have you seen Seoul?”

“Don’t get cheeky with me, woman. Sure yeah, valid, but have you met your neighbors?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” you ask confidently.

“Well, they could be an ax killer or something—”

“Or they could just be an ordinary person with a normal life, Seokjin.” You laugh at your brother’s catastrophic thoughts. You completely understand where he’s coming from— he just wants to protect you.

“That’s only hypothetical,” Seokjin snarks as he stops at a stoplight. You lay your hand on top of his on the console.

“I know you’re worried about me—”

“I am, you brat.”

“And I will forever be grateful… but I need to do this,” you reply calmly, almost like you were whispering. “I hope you understand.”

“I’m trying, ____. It’s not exactly easy to do that when you’re not giving me the grace to understand exactly why you need to do this… when you can just stay with me. The house is too big. And the cafe is right next door!”

“And we will get to that someday… but not right now, hm?” Seokjin sighs in defeat. “I will call you every single night if that will make you feel better.”

“Yah, those kinds of things have to come from the heart, not because you’re forced to do it just to appease me.”

“I’m not… I actually really want to talk to my little brother every day,” you tease as Seokjin scoffs.

“Fine, you have to call me every day, okay? Promise?”

You grin wide, “I promise.”

“And I am not your little brother, we’re only 5 months apart.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that I’m older than you.”

Seokjin grumbles under his breath but a smirk was on his lips, “And you’re always going to be my brat.”

The coffee shop you and Seokjin run together has been passed down by your parents. Ever since Seokjin could utter the word, “coffee,” everyone in the family knew he was destined to manage the coffee chains. Even though you were technically the older one, your parents were more lenient and allowed you to forge your own path. Seokjin understood that and he wouldn’t have it any other way despite your pleas to help him with all the major business work. It has been a few years since the original coffee shop in Seongsu-dong expanded into different branches across Seoul. When you flew back from New York, you immediately put up your own artist studio right beside the cafe. Seokjin even pitched in on the idea of a gallery where people can choose to paint while drinking their favorite latte. Four years later, people now come for the art displays and occasional indie music performances, at times poetry nights. 

Four years later, you were also making a name for yourself as an artist. Seokjin once told you you were a jack of all trades, master of everything because you were crafty with your hands— painting, dress-making, cooking. And you brush him off every single time.

Because if anything, one of your greatest weaknesses was believing whether or not you were good enough for anything or anyone.

Seokjin opens the door for you as you both enter the coffee shop. As soon as you come in, you are greeted by your long-time friends— Taehyung, Hoseok, and Jimin. You met Taehyung and Jimin in New York because you were all fine arts students. Hoseok came into the picture as Taehyung’s lover not long after the three of you came back home to Seoul. 

“There she is, our little star,” Taehyung greets you with his signature boxy smile. His arms are wide open, ready to engulf you in a tight embrace. Jimin and Hoseok follow suit, each with a kiss on the cheek.

“It’s about time you show your pretty face, ____. It’s been ages since we last saw you,” Jimin quips.

“But I text and call you guys almost every day,” you defend. Hoseok pushes a plate of strawberry cake towards you and adds, “It’s not the same as seeing you in the flesh, ____. You look amazing, as always.”

“Thank you, Hobi. That’s reassuring, considering the fact that I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in ages.”

“Too many commissions?” Jimin asks.

“More than that, the gallery show at Seojung Art is in six months, and I still haven’t started on my piece.”

“Do you already know what you’re going to create?” Taehyung asks as he takes a bite of his croissant.

“That’s the problem… inspiration isn’t coming. It’s a bother,” a frown now evident across your face. Jimin holds your hand.

“You know you’re really talented, right, ____? You’ll pull through.”

“Thanks, Jiminie,” you smile at him. 

“Maybe one of the customers’ paintings here could ignite a spark?” Taehyung starts. “I mean, sometimes the best kind of inspiration hits when you least expect it.”

“You’re right. I’ll sleep on it tonight… if I do get to sleep,” you chuckle, but they all know it’s more than that.

Seokjin comes back to the table with your hot mint tea— a drink that almost always helps you fall asleep.

“What’s with the dead atmosphere, guys? It’s been a while since we all got together like this and you’re all moping,” Seokjin jokes. He has always been the life of the party contrary to his very introverted nature.

“It really is a good night, isn’t it?” Taehyung replies as he eats up the last bit of his pastry. “Hoseok and I actually enjoyed the night breeze on the way here because it was just the right amount of chilly.”

“Always the romantic, this one,” Hoseok laughs.

Jimin carefully watches you as you sip your tea in silence. “Are you all settled to move in tomorrow, ____? Do you need help?” 

“I’ll be fine, Jimin. I don't have as much stuff to pack, anyway.”

“Oh yeah that’s right, tomorrow’s moving day. Are you excited?” Taehyung jumps a bit on his seat, suddenly interested in the conversation.

“Not really, I mean, it’s going to be pretty boring moving stuff around, don’t you think?”

“But it’s also the start of a new beginning.” Taehyung supplies.

You smile after taking a bite of the cake, “That is very true.”

Seokjin opens his mouth to talk, but then closes it. He changes his mind anyway, “Her neighbors don’t own axes or something, right Taehyung?”

Taehyung giggles, “I don’t know, hyung, It’s not like I went into every apartment on her floor.”

Seokjin turns pale and Taehyung laughs. Taehyung used to live on the same floor as the one you’re about to move into— before he moved in with Hoseok.

“Seokjin is so worried about the neightbors that he couldn’t stop ranting about it on the way here,” you chuckle. “But as I told him, I’ll be fine.” You placed emphasis on the word fine as you held Seokjin’s hand for reassurance under the table.

“Are you telling that to us or to yourself?” Seokjin starts. He has a way of being so upfront with you that there were moments when it became the cause of your fights and misunderstandings. Seokjin sometimes does not know when to stop, yet you know he always means well. You love and dislike him for it at the same time.

“Hyung…” Jimin readily interjects.

“It’s okay, Jimin…” you put your fork down and paused before looking at Seokjin. “I am telling all of you and myself… that I will be fine. I am honestly really thankful that you’re all here now to keep me company.”

You’ve been saying the word “fine” and “okay” a whole lot that night— you started to doubt if you really are or if Seokjin was right— that you’re just trying to convince yourself of it.

“Are you holding up okay, noona?” Hoseok asks, worried.

“Of course—” you take a sharp exhale before continuing, “It also means that time is helping me get past it. And I am okay with that.”

None of your friends respond. 

“We love you always, ____. You’ll always have us.” Taehyung said.

“Happy birthday, noona,” Jimin smiles. 

Your friends sing you their greetings as Hoseok brings out their surprise birthday cake and flowers. As you try not to cry at their gesture, you try to give them the most genuine smile you can muster. Yet in your heart, you know it’s not enough to convince them. Or yourself.

♥ “You do not get to tell me shit because I have done everything for you—”

“I didn’t ask for any of this, Jeongguk—”

“And yet you still came here with me. If you are really that resentful about moving here… about marrying me— then why did you stay? Why are you still here?”

“I never said I resented you.”

“Yeah? Well it feels like it. You make me feel like shit whenever I can’t help you! God I— you know what? I’m done. I can’t do this with you anymore.”

“W-what do you mean you can’t—”

“—I’m saying we should end this. I want a divorce.”

Yoongi gently shakes Jeongguk’s shoulder to wake him up. “We’re almost landing, Jeongguk-ah,” he whispers.

Jeongguk slightly jerks from his sleep. His body feels heavy, his brain foggy but at the same time trying to recover from the dream he just had.

“It’s the same dream again, isn’t it?” Yoongi asks, knuckles turning white as he holds on to the arm rests. Turbulence has always been a bitch— well, at least to Yoongi. Jeongguk doesn’t answer him; instead, he looks out the plane window, thinking the plane couldn’t land fast enough.

“You keep calling out for her, you know? When you dream, I mean. Did you know that?”

That gets Jeongguk’s attention. He bites down on his lip ring before shaking his head, “No. I didn’t know.”

From baggage claim until Jeongguk and Yoongi exit through arrivals, there has been nothing but silence. Yoongi notices how Jeongguk’s hands couldn’t keep still: he’d take them in and out of his pockets. As they walk to the car that awaits them, Yoongi asks once more— “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?

Jeongguk lets out a long breath before looking at his best friend: “I will be.”

“This is the last of the boxes, ma’am.” One of the movers holds a medium-sized box. “Where do you want me to put it?”

You get up from one of the boxes you were opening, “Oh, that’s okay, I’ll take it. Thank you.”

“I just need you to sign one more thing before we wrap up.”

“Of course,” you take the pen and sign on the dotted line.

“Have a good day,” The movers gave you a small bow before they went on their way. Looking around the room, you let out a sigh. The apartment is bigger than you initially thought but you are happy about that. There’s an extra room spacious enough to set up a painting studio. 

Your eyes land on the last box that was given to you by the mover. Inside it are memories that you don’t feel ready to touch just yet. Despite everything else scattered around your room, you pick up the box and shove it into the back corner of your closet. Maybe someday you’ll have the heart to open it again, but right now, it stays out of sight.

You were about to start opening one of the other boxes when a soft, melodic voice comes up behind you— “Hey baby.”

You turn around quickly, your heart and body naturally gravitating to the owner of the voice: Kim Woosung, your boyfriend.

“Hi,” you softly respond, heart happy upon seeing your boyfriend’s smile. He sets the take-out bags down to hug you. Woosung then gives you a long kiss on your forehead, mumbling, “I missed you.”

You don’t lift your eyes to meet his right away, but your hands reach out for his as he cradles your face. When you finally look at him, he gives you that warm smile you have always loved. With Woosung, there is peace, the kind that secures your heart. As he aligns his forehead with yours, you feel all your worries melt away. 

With Woosung, everything feels safe, so right.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Woosung apologizes. You shake your head gently and wrap your arms around his neck.

“You’re just in time.”

[ilguna]

☼ cruel summer pt1 (Finnick Odair) ☼

summary; you've tolerated Finnick for the past year, but after a rough night, you decide that you're done.

warnings; swearing, embarrassment

wc; 1.5k

notes; i tweaked the request a bit to make me more comfortable. it's a songfic, cruel summer by taylor swift.

–

The cool summer breeze feels nice on your hot, flustered skin. It’s been over an hour since you were interviewed by Caesar in front of the entirety of Panem, but you feel like you’re still stuck on stage, unknowingly making a fool of yourself.

How were you supposed to know?

The one person that was in charge of telling you how you should act on stage, decided that he was done teaching when it was your turn to sit down with him. While your partner got all the details on how it would work, exactly how much time would be given, and an angle he should go for—you got nothing.

So, you told him that you were going to go get Mags, then, if he refused to help. She’s the other mentor, the only option that you had left beside the escort, who taught you how to walk in heels and act properly. As soon as you threatened him, you were talking to a completely different person. 

He told you it didn’t matter who tried to help you, because you were a lost cause anyway.

You gave up after that, and you didn’t leave your room for the rest of the night.

It wasn’t the first time he’d done that to you. It started with the training days, he told you not to touch anything and if you did, you needed to act helpless. You listened, because he hadn’t given you a reason not to, yet. In the end, you ended up scoring lower than you should’ve.

Every person that offered an alliance with you, he turned down before you were even aware of it. You found out that the careers wanted to include you after your partner told you. When you tried to fix it and see if you could still join, your partner told you that you were fucked after your score.

He’s been sabotaging you this entire trip. It’s like it’s his goal to get you killed in the arena.

Which wouldn’t hurt as much, you’d be able to swallow the idea, if it weren’t for the fact that you know him for more than his name. You’re not entirely sure what happened to Finnick Odair while he was gone last year, or how the arena convinced him to turn his back to you, but you can’t call him your friend anymore.

The two of you were inseparable before he was reaped last year. You spent every waking moment at each other’s side, and only left when you were on the verge of being grounded.

The Finnick that you see now can’t even be related to the one that held onto you and cried because he was afraid of dying in the arena. That he wouldn’t be good enough, because he was so young, and no one had won at his age before. Or how terrified he was to lose himself, and your friendship in the aftermath.

If he’d known that both would end up happening, anyway, you don’t think he would’ve fought as hard to survive. The change in his personality wasn’t immediate, he let you be around him for the first few weeks. The two of you were as normal as you could be, considering the fact that he was working through a few issues at the moment.

By the end of the summer, he told you to stop coming around. At the beginning of the school year, he had a whole new friend group, and no time in his schedule for you. No matter how hard you tried to appeal to his new interests, and make his friends like you through small gifts, it never worked.

The final time you tried, he exploded on you in a full classroom, and made a comment about how you must have a crush on him or something. 

The way you sat at your desk and didn’t say a single word for the rest of the week, let alone the month, still haunts you. And in that time, a lot worse things had been said about you and your behavior prior to the silence. It was hard to continue to deny every rumor that came your way, especially when half of them were true, which meant that he had been spilling every single one of your secrets.

It was cruel.

You could’ve been the same back, you know a lot of embarrassing things that he made you promise never to tell anyone. You could never imagine hating him enough to ever do that to him, not even now. He deserves it, but if you did, then that means you lose what little chance you have at getting him back. 

Well, you’re not sure if that matters either. You go into the arena tomorrow, and assuming that your odds continue to fail you, then that means you have no more chances. Even if you manage to get out of this alive, you probably won’t pursue Finnick any further, especially after what he did to you this week.

The sound of knuckles knocking on glass makes you look up from the streets below, and the blur of color. It’s got to be some sort of festival, that’s all that makes sense to you. There’s hundreds of people walking up and down the streets, playing music and dancing around. 

When you look at the glass doors behind you, you expect to be met with the escort, telling you to get off the balcony and go to bed. Instead, you’re met with the sight of Finnick, looking down at you.

He hasn’t changed out of what he wore for the interviews, either. The one thing that’s missing from his outfit is the black blazer, which he probably ditched somewhere in his room. He’s got the sleeves of the button-down pushed up to his elbows, you can’t imagine he’ll be dressed like this for much longer.

You watch him for a couple of seconds, letting your lungs have their way by stealing your breath. It’s quickly followed by a pair of shameful hands, strangling you so that you remember that you’re supposed to be done with this. Whatever you’ve kindled and allowed to grow for Finnick is dead.

You turn away, sighing. This is the last thing you need right now. You don’t need him to come out and ridicule your performance. You get it. You managed to blow the very last opportunity at getting any sponsors, and now you’ll be going into the arena without help. You’ve got low chances.

The door slides open, revealing the laughter coming from inside of the building. For you, it was a short dinner. You ate and left wordlessly to come and sit out here to clear your mind. You didn’t consider the fact that they’d want to stay up later to talk, or have your partner rewatch his interview.

“I will say, you really do know how to make a show out of nothing.” Finnick says, you close your eyes.

You don’t say anything to him, hoping that he’ll leave you alone when he realizes that he’s not going to get a reaction out of you this time. Usually you have something to say back, so this will be a new experience.

Finnick takes a seat next to you on the concrete floor, paying no attention to the expensive chair behind him. It would be in his best interest to sit there, if he wants to preserve the state of his brand new black slacks. In the past, he would be treating every movement like it hurt to avoid accidentally ripping or staining them. Now, money isn’t an issue.

You can feel his eyes on you, waiting for you to look back at him. 

“Nothing?” He sounds amused, “I know it’s eating you up inside.”

You grit your teeth.

“Fine by me, I don’t want to hear your nasally voice anyway.” He laughs, “I really do want to know how you managed to pull that off. Seriously, (Y/n), it’s like you haven’t seen a single Hunger Games interview in your life. Are you really that airheaded?”

Silence.

“Damn, I thought that one would get you. Well, if you’re looking for good news, it’s the fact that you’ll die pretty—”

“Will you just leave me the fuck alone?” You shout at him, locking eyes. Neither of you move for a long minute, as if you’re trying to decide who gets to break the tension first. The second his lips twitch, you turn your body further to look at him. “You got what you wanted, Finnick! Aren’t you happy? You’ve killed my chances at surviving! I’ve got no sponsors and no allies!”

He makes a noise, “That was your own doing.”

“Was it?” You hiss, “I can’t believe I trusted you, especially after what you’ve done to me this past year. Look at you! The Finnick I knew would be ashamed of the way you act now!”

He doesn’t speak for a moment, you can tell by the look on his face that he thinks this is a joke, “Why don’t you fight back like this every time?”

You shake your head at him, and for whatever it’s worth, you scream: “I love you, ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?”

He looks up grinning like a devil.

[thesealantern]

Pink corruption headcannons! (Varying from nonsensical, angsty to silly, most of these are weirdly specific but stick with me okay?)

• Pentellow was completely illiterate for a good chunk of her life, Iris has taught her the basics of reading and writing and while she can read simple texts fairly easily she still struggles with writing. Every time she needs to write anything she has Iris do it for her, she walks around the room like an old military general while she’s dictating. (It helps her think)

• Occasionally, when Iris is particularly upset, frustrated or stressed, he’ll blurt out something his dad told him as a kid. No one ever takes it to heart and half the time it isn’t even something particularly offensive but every time it happens Iris feels terrible and I’m telling you this man sits on his bed staring at his hands like “I am no better than my father”, he can time all instances this has happened and yes they haunt him when he’s falling asleep.

• Anytime Pyrare tries to write a letter to the other caretakers it ends in catastrophe. He refuses to shrink for the task, so either he tried to just write in very small letters and the text is absolutely unreadable, he asks Gold to write it who then proceeds to shorten it and leave stuff out (and has occasionally just changed the contents of letters entirely, mostly when it’s someone he doesn’t like) or there was that one time he just sent Pentellow and Iris a monster sized letter. It was a pain to deal with, they still have it somewhere because Pentellow insisted they keep it.

• Iris has a weird hatred towards a very specific kind of cursive most of the people back at the palace (including his father) used. Anytime he sees it anywhere he just gets super irritated, it’s honestly kind of amusing. Is Iris aware that a grudge against a style of writing is stupid? Yeah, but he doesn’t care.

• Gold and Cyanide like to play chess together sometimes, they’re both fairly good at it and their games are super intense and take a long while. The other heroes all collectively suck at chess (Orange is mediocre, Tsavorite and Cyan are a lost cause) but join in if it’s at Pyrare’s place, though that usually leads to them using the ridiculously sized chess board to make up their own games.

• The first time Gold saw a non-monster shape he was absolutely flabbergasted, he did know of them, but for most of his life he hadn’t seen one (I imagine Pyrare and Gold lived a fairly isolated life for the most part) and Pyrare never made it sound like a big deal so he just kinda thought they’d be a bit shorter. The fact they had two eyes was also kind of weird, sure he has two eyes but he just thought that was a hero thing.

• Seeing the inside of a shape-sized house was even more baffling, Gold still hasn’t gotten over how tiny some things are.

•Every time they spend a long time in shape populated area Pyrare is just STARVING, there’s no way any of the inns they stayed at have portions close to what an adult monster needs. He never complains about it though. Honestly I think he would just pass out at one point, the lack of food mixed with so much travelling is bound to catch up to him.

• Kind of random but monsters probably have a much slower heartbeat than shapes. Since most large animals have larger hearts but they pump at a slower pace, I’m pretty sure it has to do with temperature regulation but idk man I’m no biologist.

[abiiors]

haunt // bed - pt. 2

a note about the banner: the photo in it is only meant to describe the dress, not the race, body type, hair colour, etc of the reader <3

a/n: truly out here manifesting the g and charli wedding with this one

minors dni!! part 1, part 3

wc: 3.3k

matty gently clinks a fork against his champagne flute, demanding the attention of the room. 

you are standing in a corner, leaning against one of the pillars and surveying the room as you casually sip on some champagne yourself. it’s good stuff, bubbly but not too sweet. it fills up your head with fuzzy goodness. enough to make you smile at the insufferable man in the ridiculously nice suit over the rim of your glass. 

“speech!” someone yells at the back of the room and a few weak laughs echo before everyone focuses their attention on the best man.

“george, charli,” he raises the glass at the couple who have their arms around each other, leaning into each other. “six months ago, you asked me if i would write something for the first dance. i was terrified, at first,” he laughs, “of fucking up, naturally. i wanted my best friends to have the perfect wedding that i did.”

you’re suddenly aware of his eyes on you; a kind of soft intensity that’s hard to look away from. his wedding—your wedding—was indeed perfect. you just didn’t think he would still have that opinion. a warmth spreads through your chest; it’s the alcohol, you tell your brain. stop drinking like a fish if you don’t want heartburn by the end of the night. but this warmth is tingly…it lingers too long in your stomach, perhaps in your whole body. 

“i did write something for you,” he continues, looking away after a second, “and i hope you love it as much as i love you.” he smiles and a cheer goes up. 

you straighten in your spot, no longer leaning leisurely against the column. someone brings out an acoustic guitar, making you very aware of the fact that this is the first time in almost a year that you will hear him sing. a small tremor goes through your hands and the liquid sloshes dangerously in the flute. 

someone brings out a stool for him to sit on, and fixes a mic in front of him. people clear the dance floor, making room for the newlyweds. you stay transfixed in your spot; unable to move and desperate to flee. 

what’s worse is that his date is already behind him, running a hand over his arm. she stumbles slightly and it’s not a surprise, you’ve already seen her down two glasses of wine. maybe that’s the key to this evening. 

you look at george and charli on the dancefloor, already swaying softly in each other’s arms before he’s even begun strumming the guitar, completely lost in each other. is this what you and matty had looked like all those years ago? 

your sour mood is not fair to them. this is their day, not yours. you should be honoured that charli’s asked you to be in the wedding party, not sulk in the corner like a seven year old being denied her favourite toy. 

you stare at the champagne, at the bubbles rising up to the surface rapidly. time to suck it up and stop being a little bitch. with a surge of newfound annoyance, you knock the glass back, drinking the entirety of it in one go. you stagger, lightheaded for one solid moment, but it passes and matty strikes the first chord on his guitar. 

his voice is all around you, echoing so clearly that for a second you wonder if it’s just the two of you in the room. his fingers move effortlessly on the frets while his other hand stums away at the strings, slows down to pluck them individually during slower moments and then speeds up again. 

it’s not surprising that he sings of love and happiness. his words are full of emotions and when they fall short, the sweet tune compensates for it. what surprises you is how it makes you well up with tears. 

matty has his eyes closed, smiling softly as he sings the lyrics. “so splash me with water / when we do the dishes together / i’ll take it over kisses in the rain”

one perfect curl falls on his forehead and just like that you’re back in a warm kitchen, past nine in the evening, hands slippery from the dish soap, singing along to the best of queen. matty’s hips bumping into yours as he gets too immersed into a song and forgets to rinse the plate properly. you reaching up to immediately flick him on the wrist. him tickling you as revenge, wet hands leaving damp spots on your old t-shirt. 

there were happy days. in your heart, you knew it wasn’t all lonely nights and a cold bed. 

his voice is replaced by loud claps and cheers as soon as the song ends. you open your eyes to a room full of people in some state of tearing up. charli has her head on george’s chest, blissfully unaware of the others. you’re glad the tears running down your face are not out of place. 

“matty, that was wonderful!” his date chimes in loudly, breaking the spell. 

this is the first time you’re hearing her voice. it’s high-pitched and american so when she says his name, it sounds more like ‘maddie’. and you’re once again fighting a losing battle with your brain not to stereotype her further. 

“thanks, babe,” he turns to her and gives her a warm smile. the kind that makes his eyes crinkle at the corners, the kind that makes him look twenty-two again. 

the kind that feels like a gut punch to you. 

“careful, darling,” denise’s voice startles you. she’s been standing close to you this whole time—just a bit ahead, watching matty just like you had been. 

“careful,” she says again, “the glass might break.”

“what?” you follow her line of sight, right down to the glass in your hands and your death grip on it. your knuckles are white, clutching the delicate stem so tightly. she’s right, the glass might break any minute. 

“oh…uh, sorry.” heat rises up the back of your neck and up your cheeks. “i didn’t realise.”

“‘s alright,” she smiles, studying your face for a moment. “i just don’t want you to get hurt.”

the party is in full swing around you, and you have found one more thing your ex-husband was wrong about. whiskey does start to taste exceptionally amazing; especially when you’re trying not to throttle not one but two people in front of you. 

“dance with me!” charli calls for you from somewhere on the dancefloor. 

she’s already discarded her heels somewhere in the corner in favour of comfy shoes and sweated off her makeup. but she still looks stunning and radiates with joy at the centre of the dancefloor. “come onnnnn,” she calls for you again, almost slurring her words, and makes a run to drag you to the dance floor. 

“i can’t dance in heels,” you laugh, trying to get out of the dancing without offending her. the heels do hurt, not as much as you’re making it out to be but your feet are starting to get sore now. 

standing and sulking in one spot all evening will do that. 

“so take them off!” she’s in front of you now, holding onto your wrist and pouting like a kid. she knows you can’t resist that face. “please!! you can’t say no to me today, come on!”

it takes absolutely two seconds for you to give in. she’s right, you can’t—you shouldn’t—say no to her. not today of all days. 

“only for ten minutes,” you grumble and set the glass aside. then, on second thought, you pick it back up and down the last two sips. it burns as it goes down but this fuzz is good. this fuzz will help you ignore the man and the blonde in his arms.

as long as it makes charli happy. and by the looks of it, she’s ecstatic; loudly singing along to a brittany spears hit. you shake your head at her, laughing at first and then joining in. this is fun—normal wedding fun. this is what you’re supposed to be doing at a close friend’s wedding. you are meant to get wasted and dance like a dork on the dance floor. 

you even get twirled around by ross as soon as he sees you dancing. it’s almost like the old times, all your friends having fun together again. and for a brief, blissful moment the presence of the date doesn’t even bother you. 

until you feel yourself trip over your dress and stumble. right into a pair of familiar arms.

he grunts, first from being so unexpectedly knocked into and then when your elbow hits him in the stomach. a small amount of satisfaction sparks in your brain but quickly gets overshadowed by a flood of mortification. 

your entire back is pressed up to matty’s chest, almost a lovers embrace as he steadies you on your feet. 

“careful, darling” he warns, bending to whisper it right in your ear. funny how he repeats the same words his mother had said twenty minutes ago, yet you doubt the thumping of your heart has anything to do with the dancing you’ve been doing. 

the retort is on the tip of your tongue, don’t call me that, four small words that simply refuse to come out. 

“thank you,” you reply breathlessly, clearing your throat against the sudden lump that’s lodged there. 

“steady?” he asks.

his scent is all around you, the same fucking cologne he has worn for the last decade. the same perfume that you can still smell on your pillows sometimes, no matter how many times you wash them. 

“mm-hmm,” you nod, “you can let go now.” you make it a point to stare straight ahead at a bland spot on the wall. fuck your body for hyper-focusing on his heartbeat, fuck your head for spinning at one whiff of his cologne. and absolutely fuck your heart for breaking the second he lets go of you. 

you stay still, only just touching him, still staring ahead until charli comes in your line of vision again. from this close you can smell the alcohol on her breath. she’s almost wasted at this point. 

which is why it’s not really a shock when she gasps loudly. 

“oh my god!” she slaps a hand on her mouth, eyes wide and excited. “you, me, george, and matty. like the old times!” she squeals, slurring half the words. 

“char, no. no—”

“we should dance!” she declares.

“no, pl—”

“george, come here,” she yells over you, unbothered by your protests. and you know you’re doomed when an equally inebriated george comes into view. 

there’s no way of getting out of this. the brittany song is on the last of its notes, about to change into something else. a sense of dread gnaws at your stomach. 

“no, cha—”

“let’s get it over with.” it’s matty, placing a hand on your elbow and spinning you around to face him. he is so close, close enough for you to note the light stubble on his face; not clean-shaven like you’d thought at first. you know exactly what the stubble would feel like if you ran a hand over his face. 

his pink lips are parted slightly, his chest rises and falls with each breath he takes, and his curls fall on his forehead. your hand twitches, desperate to brush them away because you know by the end of the night, they will be falling into his eyes. your stomach turns at the thought of how easily the urge comes. every feeling, every old habit rushing back to hit you full force. 

“shall we?” he asks again, hand extended and waiting for you to take it. but all you can do is stare at it dumbly.

“right,” he says, placing his hand on yours for emphasis, “i don’t want to do it either. but i want to make my friends happy.” 

his friends? indignation flares in your chest, burning hotter than the alcohol. suddenly any and all resurging feelings you’d felt for him just minutes ago evaporate into thin air. if he wants to act like he’s doing you a favour, then fine! if he wants to be an asshole then you can be a bitch right back. the song begins, something sweet and romantic but you narrow your eyes at him, ready for the battle to begin. 

and if you are to win it, then you can’t be focusing too hard on the way his hand comes to rest on the small of your back; warm and reassuring and so so familiar. you can’t be relishing the feel of his warm breath on your shoulder, sending small, delicious tingles down your spine; can’t deliberately feel the way his hips press into yours, creating friction and something much more urgent. 

no! so you square your shoulders and stand tall. 

let’s get this over with then. 

he steps to one side as the music begins to pick up; ever accustomed to taking the lead, and you step to the other side; equally determined to make this difficult for him. he knows of course, because he knows you and how your mind works. more importantly, he knows how your grudges work. 

“are you really going to be difficult again?” he asks, just low enough for you to hear it over the music. “you can’t keep your pettiness aside for five minutes?”

his voice skitters over your bones, taunting and gravelly; matty from years and years ago who would raise goosebumps on your skin and make your blood heat up just by looking at you. 

“my pettiness,” you grit out, “is none of your fucking concern.”

“it is when it’s my best friend’s wedding,” he cuts you off sharply.

“your best friend? as if they are no one to me?”

he tuts, condescending little shit, “can’t have the attention taken away from you for one second can you?”

your voices are rising; no longer the harsh whispers from before. and the distance between your bodies is almost negligible. his hand clutches tightly, is it his intention to hurt or to hold on? you don’t know. you don’t think he knows either. 

“says the man who constantly whines for validation like a little baby,” you spit out, noses almost touching each other’s. 

his eyes, warm and hazel once, are cold hard chips of brown. the anger in them turns his veins red. you imagine he’s seeing red right now, especially as his gaze dips to your mouth—painted red and curled in a sneer. 

“you really have reached a new low, haven’t you, matthew?” you laugh in his face, brutally and sharp enough to cut. a sick and twisted part of you relishes in the fact that his date can see you in his arms. “oh, what must your arm candy think of you for twirling your ex around like this.”

“arm candy?” he scoffs, clearly taken aback. he must have imagined the wedding to be a fancy affair where he would get waisted and twirl his date around until they go back home and fuck in a drunken, sloppy rhythm. he would grope at her breasts like a starved man and she would hook her legs around his waist; much like how you once used to. then she would fall to her knees and satisfy all his needs. “don’t bring grace into—”

“grace?” you snap out of your disturbing train of thoughts about your ex-husband’s bedroom habits. instead, you choose to find happiness in the fact that it won’t be as smooth sailing for him as he thought. “oh, you’ve got to be fucking with me, yeah? your toy is called grace?”

you regret the words as soon as they’re out of your mouth. and not even for the right reasons. 

“that sounds an awful lot like jealousy, darling” matty croons, finding his footing once again. 

your breath hitches. the word is meant to be a weapon, hell, you two are right in the middle of an almost screaming match (again) yet he precisely knows how to wound you with his words (like always).

“don’t,” you warn. you’re falling for the bait by doing so, you know it, he knows it. but you’ll take the small bit of defeat over this. for emphasis, you yank your hand out of his and place it on his chest, as if to push him away. 

his chest heaves slightly and suddenly you’re very aware of the muscles under the fitting white shirt. you should move away, fuck, you should stop touching his chest but your blood turns to lead, heats up your entire body as rage courses freely. 

“don’t pin this on me.” you push him back just slightly, “it’s your need to overcompensate,” another push, “that’s why we’re here,” a third push. 

and then his massive hand is wrapping over yours. you have no time to involuntarily mourn the loss of it on your waist; those tingles have already moved to your hand. 

“losing your cool?” he tuts. 

the infuriating bastard!

there’s a sudden urge to stomp on his feet with your four-inch heels, or better yet, to just knee him in the crotch. but you happen to catch the look on charli’s face. her eyes are wide, worried. this shouldn’t be happening. none of this should be happening. you’re not supposed to be creating a scene at one of your best friends’ wedding. 

“would you look at that…” you peel yourself off him. the lump in your throat is almost overwhelming now and you’d be damned before you cry in front of him again. “you’re ruining your best friend’s wedding.”

before matty can reply, you turn on your heel, keeping your eyes sharply on the exit. this is too much. this evening was a mistake. saying yes to the dance was a mistake. coming here…

a lone tear escapes, tiny and pathetic. it makes you want to slap yourself that you would put your disdain for matty over your love for charli. after everything she’s done for you in the last ten months, after every night you’d spent crying in her bed and in her arms, this is the least you could have done. and yet you’ve failed; as a friend, as a wife, even as a person at this point. 

footsteps slap on the marble floor behind you, getting closer as you step out into the corridor. of course, he’d follow. of course, he wouldn’t know when to leave it alone, picking at all your wounds that are only just scabbing over. 

“stop!” he calls out, “you fucking coward.”

the shock of it alone is enough to freeze you in your place. 

“what did you just say to me?” you blink at him slowly, taking in his cold eyes and lips pressed in a thin line. 

“you fucking coward,” he repeats, “running away from every situation when it gets tough.”

“fuck you, matty,” you spit out, taking a step forward. “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you,” you punctuate each of them with a jab to his chest, stabbing your nails repeatedly into the soft spot over his heart. let him feel it. let him experience a million small deaths. 

“what? nothing witty to say now?” his hand wraps around your wrist, holding it still in place. no matter how much you struggle, he won’t let go. 

his face is inches away. he moves forward, backing you against the wall, holding onto your wrist tightly, mouth open and almost panting as if he can’t get enough air. 

you can’t either. your head spins; so close to him, too close. your faces are inches away and involuntarily you stare at his lips, trembling with rage. this whole evening was a mistake but that doesn’t stop you from fisting your hands in his shirt and crashing your mouth onto his.

lemme know what you think pls <33 🤭

[crumbsssscookie]

Girl!Logan is everything! I love it so much!

Honestly I'm so excited for the Prema arc because Oscar will 100% be utterly besotted with Logan none the wiser! Poor Fred has to deal both of them. You know those videos the three of them filmed at Prema? Oscar would definitely have the biggest heart eyes! Those would definitely haunt him for years to come as everyone teases him.

Would Nico or Jensen spot the very obvious crush Oscar (and literally every other guy she races with) has on her? Do either of them call up Mark to tell him to control his driver and his lovesick eyes before they do the F1 world champ version of a shovel talk for their not daughter?

Logan that Prema season was super competitive fighting for the top spots, will you be changing who wins the championship this time around? Will she jump to F2 with Oscar after that season or stay in F3 one more year? I doubt with Nico and her PR manager she'd have the same funding issues as OG Logan, but it'd be really interesting to see that conflict and struggle. I mean, she's being on the rise sure, but some setbacks would be interesting to see how she reacts, you know?

Really love this story and super excited to see where you take Logan! 🩵

Ooookayy friend, buckle up, this is going to be a long ass answer 😅

Those Prema pandemic videos have a special place in my heart. I'm still not over Logan not getting what Fred means with "swimp" and beach boy looking like he's completely lost it when Oscar calls them prawns later (bc Logan was the only person in that room that in fact knew that there is a difference, you can't tell me otherwise), just god tier comedy 😭😭

Absolutely with you on the heart eyes bc although they aren't as close yet going into 2020, it is Loscar's first meeting since Logan was dropped off in this universe. And going from Oscar's perspective, the last version he knows of her is the friendly 17-year-old girl that loves to yap about her special interests and then he arrives at Prema and there is a full-blown woman standing in front of him. And then we go into the video shoot and it's all get to know each other questions and she gets every. Single. Answer. Correct.

But she does it so nonchalantly, because of course Logan remembers (that is her best friend from her past life after all) and Fred sits there entirely confused because he doesn't know his former teammates that well, so she has to like Oscar, right? And Oscar still has to close his mouth from having his brain shortcircuited, so the verdict on his feelings is clear. But nothing. Ever. HAPPENS!!!! At least not for a long while.

As for Nico and Jenson - oh, they definitely notice. Especially Nico. Been there, done that. Clocks that crush in an instant but finds it amusing, since again, been there, done that. And as long as it doesn't distract Logan, good luck have fun 😉 as soon as people start to get handsy with her tho, he'll be handing out the shovel talks like it's free candy (I'm looking you, Pierre & Charles 😒)

Now Jenson would take a while. That man is completely focussed on doting on his grid daughter, that he is completely out of the loop for a while. Because since Logan herself doesn't realize that people have crushes on her, there is no reason to discuss that topic with Jenson. That is, until Mark calls up Jenson pleading with him to have a talk with his driver, because he cannot take listening to Oscar swoon over Logan anymore. Cue Jenson hitting up Nico, if he was aware that a huge number of fellow drivers are crushing on their daughter and Nico revealing that he's intimidating people on the regular for the better part of their professional relationship.

Now onto the racing side of things: I don't want to spoil too much, but it's not sunshine and roses for Logan for the rest of her junior career. You hit the nail on the head with that she will have no funding issues this time around and move on to F2 alongside Oscar. Yeah, Logan has the experience of a 40 year old race car driver, but she hasn't grown into this body and this life just yet.

I toyed with the idea of changing who get's the F3 championship title but decided on Oscar because I feel that in their comparison (and I know it's very hard to hear) he's still the superior driver and will end up where he is right now while Logan still enters F1 with Williams. I never planned this fic with Logan winning it all. Changing one's gender doesn't magically make you a Schumacher or a Hamilton or a Verstappen, but it makes you more concientious about your approach.

Sorry, if that got a little too real at the end 😅 It's just bonkers to me how much fem!Logan has grown close to my heart over the last few weeks and that this fic exists just because I had to air out my grievances with JV and Williams.

[barn-anon]

The room was full of sketches, drawings and paintings. Some half-done while others are completed. She had given this room over to her Space Marine when she let him move in. Now some of his weapons are nicely put away at the side of the room. Hidden from view. He wanted the focus of his room to be on his art, not the fact that his skill as a warrior.

She's aware that Space Marines are talented in general and maybe it's her own bias that's shining through, but she always felt that his artworks are the best there is. Though there are times when she wishes he would put the brush or pencil down rather than staying up till the early hours of the morning. A number of his works feature alien landscapes that range from beautiful beyond words to haunting. They make her wonder about the kind of world he came from that would have such diverse environments.

There's speculations that perhaps the Space Marines that mysteriously popped up around the end of the 2nd World War are a kind of space faring alien species. It would certainly explain his art and that of other artistically inclined Space Marines. Though it raises the question of if them coming to Earth was intentional. Personally she doubts it was, her Space Marine was visibly confused about his surroundings at the start. If their arrival to Earth was intentional, then surely her Space Marine wouldn't had been so surprised what were normal day to day things.

Tagged: @kit-williams • @egrets-not-regrets

[lorei-writes]

HC: Little things - Chevalier

Premise: All people have their little habits, preferences and peculiarities, not to mention particular facts from their past. So does he.

Content Warnings: food mention

Chevalier

It is possible to predict the difficulty of waking him up in the morning based on his sleeping position.

Back = He has woken himself up and merely continues to nap; Easy

Side = He is still asleep, but it isn't a deep slumber; Medium

Stomach = He's hibernating; Hard

He's a rather light sleeper at night -- or, to be more precise, he only falls into a deep slumber once it's bright in the room.

His ears are very sensitive.

One of the reasons why he wears gloves is that they block out any offensive textures.

It is not something anybody is aware of, but he isn't particularly fond of having his hair touched, especially not by strangers. It's not a pleasant sensation, so getting it cut is a bit of a chore... However, you are an exception.

He likes biting, but to some degree, he enjoys being bitten as well.

As a result of your efforts, he has actually developed some sweet tooth. However, his appetite can only by satiated with desserts of your manufacturing. Somehow, even if you and another person were to follow the exact same recipe down to a letter, he'd be able to tell which batch was of your making.

On that note, he can tell when you've baked something just for him. He may get a bit jealous if you were to share those with anybody else... However, the same does not occur if your pastries were meant to be shared with others from the very beginning.

He has never built a snowman nor thrown a snowball. However, he has dodged many (thrown by Clavis; packed with ice at the centre), and had one made in his image (by Clavis; the king remained disinterested in the construction and did not request for it to be taken apart).

Puberty did not hit him with much of acne. However, Clavis still cackles remembering his voice mutation period.

Chevalier got himself drunk precisely once, as he reckoned he was not able to reach any estimates of desirable precision in regards to how he might react while under influence. Clavis was not invited as a tester, however, he still made himself one. (Clavis does not remember it fondly. He ended up being rather disappointed, as it was also the time he learnt of his alcohol tolerance.)

There were certain periods in his youth when he might have fallen for Clavis' nudie book pranks. However, Clavis never managed to get the timing right to exploit said vulnerability.

Continuing this thought, there exists a hidden stash of discarded pornographic books that Clavis tried to sneak into Chevalier's private library.

He doesn't feel particularly strongly about leaving notes over book pages. He has no personal use for that, however, he can see how others could employ it to their benefit. He's more so concerned with the contents of said notes.

He practised calligraphy once upon a time.

His handwriting is always neat precisely because he has no need for a script that would have to be readable only for him. He's able to memorise any information -- the same, of course, applies to any that paper should not be entrusted with.

In fact, his memory is so flawless that he's a walking reservoir of completely useless trivia. His only solace is that he has not chosen to learn any of it.

Oh, and ear worms? The bane of his existence. They haunt him excessively. However, he can generally rid himself of them through remembering the reminder of the song, which is easy enough.

Since he's multilingual, another bane of his existence are those words that have no counterpart in Rhodolitian, but explain a given concept perfectly. (Inverse and other permunations of this situation apply as well.)

He writes fast. One of the reasons why he makes sure to take breaks is that his wrist will hurt from strain if he works for too long.

He has a rather pleasant singing voice -- not necessarily one made for performances, but for humming and work songs. (It's one of those things nobody knows.)

He will burn in the sun, and will do so fast. It has happened multiple times in the past, and is a common occurrence post-battle.

Winter is his "favourite" season. (Primarily because any attacking force would face major logistical issues were they to attempt to invade then, which means such occurrence is much less likely than during seasons ripe with more favourable weather conditions. Also, less scorching sun. The world is generally quieter. And you are quite amusing when your face gets mildly frozen and you try to force it into cooperation.)

Tag List: @cilokgoang @violettduchess @pathogenic @fang-and-feather @tele86

[echoes-in-the-multiverse]

Truths and Myths: Pluralpedia Part 5, Functions of parts

This is an educational post.

Written by 🤍. (Temporary emoji placeholder)

Note: Pluralpedia uses shared reality to describe events that take place when a part is in the executive function of the body, in the outer world rather than an innerworld.

A system can only be formed through having a disorder such as DID, P-DID, or OSDD as the individual would have dissociative identities, and these disorders are formed through chronic early childhood trauma.

Catatonia is its own diagnosable condition. Although catatonia is associated with psychiatric conditions such as dissociative disorders. According to The Royal College of Physiatrists, it is still not understood why certain people do and don't get catatonia even with the associated conditions. It is still unclear why Catatonia happens within the conditions. So, if it is related to the way parts act in DID, it has not yet been confirmed. The website also talks about other disorders, neurodivergent and physical conditions that can cause catatonia.

Taskgenic fact check:

Although the system part of this term is inaccurate, this origin for a part is not. In the work of Van der Hart, Nijenhuis, and Steele (2006) in “The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization”, they present the idea that later in life structural dissociation becomes a mental defence mechanism  from the mundane elements of life despite starting from traumatisation. They present the case study of a woman who has a part that is designed to wash dishes because it's a task she hates doing.  

However, another example of fragmentation being a defensive mechanism is when the brain is able to split if it is aware that a task is coming up that could reactivate traumatic memories, this could be dreading to visit a family member, this means that the individual is now able to handle that experienced because the brain has made a part designed to complete that task and by preparing beforehand distress has been minimised. Examples of this are written in The Haunted Self. 

Other hyper specific tasks for parts may also exist, such as having a role where you only shower or handle money and these might have formed because they may be overwhelming tasks due to trauma or too over stimulating. 

This also applies to a part created to help with an internal task. For example, there might be one part that has been in distress for a while, and a new part is made to calm them down as that task couldn't be done by another part. This may later on result in that part being a personal caretaker to the other and that being their more specific role, but their initial formation was to finish a task no one could. 

These ideas and the Window of Tolerance are further discussed in a previous post we made called Black Holes: A metaphorical view of Trauma in Dissociative Idenity Disorder. Under the section of ' The Event Horizon'.

Hollow fact check:

Having no alter in the body would probably be akin to losing consciousness and therefore the person would faint rather than have a panic attack, but that is how we would interpret it from the idea that parts are disjointed centres of consciousness but we are not professionals. We will change this if we find new research that would suggest otherwise. However, if this is common enough to have its own term then DID would be considered to be related to a type of fainting disorder and many people with DID would have experienced this at least once, when in reality not everyone has ever fainted. If a person is fainting unexplained or is experiencing catatonia/panic attacks they should instead be urged to visit a doctor to treat those issues instead of brushing them off as "another element of DID" because that is harmful and could possibly put their life at risk if untreated.

Van der Hart O, Steele K, Nijenhuis E. The Haunted Self : Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization. W.W. Norton; 2006.

Royal College of Physiatrists. Catatonia. www.rcpsych.ac.uk. Published 2022. Accessed August 7, 2024.

[jacelandon]

February DWC Day 3 - Bargain/Myth

There were many myths and rumors surrounding the Darkmoon Island forest, and the warning was given to all who entered the Faire itself: ‘People have disappeared into those woods, never to return.’ There were always a handful of ‘tough guys’ that liked to test the theory, and while some did return with no grand stories to tell, the odds were never in anyone’s favor. Just as the warning clearly states, many people had, truthfully, never returned. 

By the carnie’s count, it was about a 50/50 chance of going missing at this point. They kept tally in their common area, because of course they did. People were, in general, quite stupid and took every chance to prove that fact to the workers of Darkmoon Island. Bets were eagerly placed, and someone tried to have eyes on the edge of the forest at all times to report back the results, or the newest victim to add to the board. It had become a favored pastime at this point.

No one could be for certain what happened out in that forest at any given moment, not even the carnies themselves were completely aware. It was safe to assume that some of them may have taken matters into their own hands in order to ensure a winning bet, but that wasn’t always the case. Some wanderers had disappeared without a trace, others were found along the outskirts of the trees mangled by animals or by something unknown. Some came out with stories of being hunted or haunted, others were driven insane by what they had witnessed and spoke in riddles or in foreign tongues.

Whatever the case, it was best for all to simply follow the warnings given.

Jace worked with the Darkmoon Faire prior to their acquisition of Darkmoon Island, so naturally he was one of the first to set foot on the new land. The rumors regarding the forests started early on after the disappearance of a few of the workers seeking locations to build their homes. He set up his vardo among the others; safety in numbers seemed key in a place where a lot of unexplained things tended to happen. After all, shady bargains had been made for them to obtain this island in the first place and most of them knew very little about it.

The first few nights had been uneventful and were spent drinking and partying all together as a family, but it was just short of a week when Jace had started noticing a few peculiarities.

On the sixth night, he woke up with his door wide open when he was typically very good at keeping it locked and bolted. They were all family, but that didn’t always stop sticky fingers.

On the eighth morning he discovered his feet were covered in dirt after waking up in his bed. He thought he had gotten past his sleepwalking phase when he was a young child, but perhaps the new location was stirring up some past memories. This continued for a good week or so, but no one else in the camp reported anything similar happening to them, nor had they seen him leave or return to his vardo.

On the thirteenth morning, along with the dirt-covered feet and now hands as well, he had noticed a few small scratches on his ankles.

On the fourteenth night, he had someone lock him in from the outside, yet he still seemingly managed to break free, return, and lock himself back inside.

On the fifteenth night, he had someone watch his vardo the entire night, and nothing happened. Of course he wasn’t going to make that request of someone every single night. He would just have to live with the bizarre sleepwalking and perhaps assume there were some playful spirits about. The idea wasn’t that far-fetched. 

It wasn’t until the twenty-fifth morning that things suddenly took a major turn.

“Jace? Jace, are you okay?” The voice sounded far away, although the gentle shake of his arm suggested otherwise. Petrichor was a welcome scent, but the chill of the brisk air he felt against bare flesh was unpleasant. Eyes cracked open to reveal a blur of colors. “Jace!” A rougher shove was given to his side. He grunted and blinked a few times, clearing the haze to focus on the goblin kneeling next to him. “Whe-...?” His voice caught in his extremely dry throat. He sat up and looked around, attempting to gain some moisture in his mouth before realizing he was laying directly on the edge of the forest. “How did I get here?” “Heck if I know, just found ya sprawled out here.” Gelvas tilted his head, taking a few steps back. “You don’t remember? Looks like ya came from the forest.” He pointed towards the footprints walking away from the trees. “Should prolly go an’ see the doctor, kid. Y’ain’t looking too great.” He tossed a blanket to Jace, squinting suspiciously,. “Gonna be ok? Need help getting back?” Jace glanced towards where the goblin had gestured before looking down at his scratched and bloodied bare arms. He had zero recollection of how any of this happened. Had he been sleepwalking in the forest? What happened to him last night? The scratches didn’t seem bestial in nature. He took the blanket and wrapped it around himself with a shiver before wobbling up to his feet. “No…I’m…no. Thanks, Gelvas.” There was something peculiar about how Gelvas was acting, he seemed almost wary as he briskly walked away without even once glancing back. Of course, that could just be due to their proximity to the forest, it was unsettling for many of the carnies. It was then his gaze caught the glint of gold pressed into the earth where he had once been laying. Leaning down, he plucked out the gold chain from the dirt, lifting it until it revealed the evil eye charm attached to it. This belonged to him. He had never seen it nor worn it before in his life, but he somehow knew it was his. He fastened the necklace in place and pressed a palm against the charm with a smile. Despite his current predicament and his disheveled appearance, he felt the best he had in some time.

@daily-writing-challenge