#wip: let me steal this moment from you now

[justastupidlittlelesbian]

fight club wip

Children love Tyler. He's just off-putting enough to fulfill their fantasy of an imaginary friend and freak their parents out. That is actually the reason he started collecting the stickers, they're a hit with the kids. It started like this:

"Here hold this for a second"

Tyler what is this I ask, looking down at my hands, now holding about four dozen different cat stickers.

"Shut up and follow me"

Stealing cat stickers from a corner shop is a new low, even for me. Am I closer to hitting bottom yet?

Tyler just looks at me, a cigarette dangling from his mouth that he was just in the process of lighting.

Even though I've known him for a while now and we've been inseparable for pretty much the whole time, I sometimes don't get why he does what he does. I'll go along with it of course but that's because he's conditioned me to do what he wants and ask questions later.

I really don't see the purpose of this theft I say, we're not dismantling capitalism with smiling cats.

"Hey don't underestimate the cats, they'll eat your corpse. Not like dogs who'll fucking sleep on your decomposing body until they starve to death.

I think if Tyler died I'd crack open his ribcage and stay in there until i died, even more dedicated than a dog. I don't say to him but i suspect Tyler knows anyways, because I know.

I get pulled from my morbid thoughts when i walk straight into Tyler, who has stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

What the hell Tyler-

"Can I touch your hair?", a little girl, only reaching up to our thighs, asks Tyler, looking up at him with almost the same fascination I must have shown the first time we met.

Tyler squats down and lets the girl run her fingers through his messy, dirty blond strands (he'll have me cut his hair soon again) until she gets pulled away by her concerned mother. I don't blame her, Tyler does look like a madman with his red jacket and sunglasses to match. As the girl gets dragged along by her mother I notice Tyler slipping something into her hand - one of the cat stickers I forgot I was holding.

"I'm radicalizing the youth man, one cat sticker at a time."

For a second, I imagine Tyler in a classroom full of pre-school children, teaching them recipes from the anarchist cookbook they can do with things from under the not-so-childproof cabinet under the sink before I feel a feeling bubbling up in my chest that I usually only feel when Tyler tends to my wounds after one of our fights.

"Now stop staring at me, fucking fagott."

Ah, there is my Tyler again. I hold my hand not holding the stickers out to him and he passes me his cigarette.

Marla is like a cat.

"Fucking hell she is, scratches like one too."

I immediately regret bringing her up and focus on not gagging the rest of the way home.

Anyways, that’s how the thing with the stickers started. From then on, any time we went anywhere we’d be a few stickers richer – or at least Tyler was. They immediately wander from my hands or my pockets into various drawers in his room. It wasn’t too long until he began collecting random trinkets as well, especially pocket watches. I’m sure if I were to ask me he’d tell me about the subjectivity of time and the futility of the perfect moment (this is your life, and it’s ending one minute at a time) but mostly they just remind me of the watch I used to have. I still remember all the different time zones and how many hours you gain and you lose when you’re travelling by plane, the same way I remember the formula and how many car crashes I applied it to since I started my job. I don’t wear that watch anymore, the same way I don’t wear a tie to work anymore. Tyler has turned me into a rabid animal, surviving with the least amount of absolutely necessary things – or so he likes to think. Sometimes I still dream of Ikea.

“How does one take so long to find a ball of twine, you fall asleep again?” Tyler yells up the stairs mockingly, momentarily startling me.

That was one time! I snap. One time and I hadn’t slept for four days, asshole. Tyler likes to take away my ability to sleep sometimes, he says it's to make me more pliant. I’m pretty pliant all the time anyways so I think it’s just him trying to see how far he can push me. Sometimes I want to rip out his throat with my teeth.

“Come on psycho boy, we’re almost done packaging the soap. Be good and just bring me my shit.”

Tyler knows me so well I could kill him, the praise making me immediately grab the offending pink twine and walk down the dangerously brittle stairs.

@splat1316 @earfsquakez

[ghostsextet]

WIP Summary Tag

i was scrolling through the writing tag and saw @kaylinalexanderbooks do this and thought it would be fun! i mostly use this blog for organizing resources, but i figure, why not :-)

Rules: give a summary of your WIP in fifteen bullet points, each 2-5 words long.

I don’t have a title for it yet, but I’ve been tagging it as “let me steal this moment from you now” which is a lyric from “Running Up that Hill” by Kate Bush.

Revenge

Magic!!

Ancient technology from a fallen empire

Haunting the narrative

blacksmith milfs in your area

lesbian nuns

Platonic soulmates

three parts, three POVs

the most codependent polycule ever

capitalism is evil

evil sword

epic swordfight with aforementioned sword

protagonist makes Bad Choices

oops it’s a tragedy!

was it preventable or inevitable?

(shhh i know one of those was six words hush) anyways, this was a fun challenge! given that this is a secret blog no one follows, i’m not tagging anyone, but if you DO happen to see this it’s fate and you need to do it by law. :-)

[tangerineastronaut]

Can we get some fluff jongho takes care of reader on her period plsssss

soft 🐻 c.jongho

Let him take care of you. He insists.💕

Pairing: Jongho x Fem!Reader Genre: Fluff, Drabble, Texts + Written imagine Requested: Yes w.c. 780 Warnings: period cramps, reader is on her period, medicine (OTC pain meds) A/N: a jongho request? c'mere anon i'm gonna kiss you. I'm sorry this is short and sweet. I'd love more Jongho requests, I don't see enough content for our bear and I'd like to add to what we've got 😩 Anywho this hits home for me bc idk about y'all but my periods are HELL. I could definitely use a jongho 😭 This is my first time adding texts to a story, so I hope it's alright! Requests: Open (link below)

Requests | WIPs

Masterlists: BTS | ATEEZ | GOT7 | Stray Kids

You open one eye as someone knocks on your door, though quickly close it again as a swell of pain steals the air from your lungs. Your insides feel like mush, and everything below your belly button aches. 

You feel something soft on your face, and when you open your eyes again, you’re embarrassed and incredibly relieved at the same time to find Jongho running his knuckles down your cheek.

“Jongho?” you ask weakly. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you I was on my way, didn’t you see my last text?” he asks. You realize he’s crouched in front of the couch, where you collapsed an hour ago and haven’t moved since. You shake your head. 

“N-No, ‘m sorry.”

“It’s okay. What do you need?”

“A hysterectomy.”

“Funny. What else do you need? Have you taken anything?”

Jongho clicks his tongue as you shake your head. He leaves for a few moments, so you close your eyes again. But then you’re being urged to sit up, and your face crumples in pain. 

“Here,” he says, sliding onto the sofa beside you. You take the glass of water he’s holding, sipping it down as he drops something in the palm of your hand. Two tylenol; you take them, finishing off the water. 

“Why didn’t you take anything earlier?” he asks, lifting a hand to your cheek. His palm is warm and you lean into it. Your head hurts. Your face hurts. Your back, legs, stomach. All of you hurts. 

“I just kind of curled up to die,” you admit, looking up at him. “Didn’t wanna move.”

Jongho sighs and wraps an arm around you, pulling you into his firm chest. Your arms go around his neck as you bury yourself against him.

He’s soft and warm and smells so good; his cologne isn’t overwhelming, just a note of something that could only be described as “manly.” It's amazing how a person could make you feel safe with just a hug, but that was Jongho.

“What can I do for you, baby?” he asks, brushing hair away from your face. He presses a kiss to your temple, letting his lips rest there. You nuzzle your nose into his shoulder and inhale, making him chuckle.

“Nothing,” you mumble. “Just be here.”

You open your eyes, blinking and rubbing at them. You're a little groggy and confused, but feel something firm and warm behind you. You tilt your head back, and Jongho kisses you below your ear.

"Hi," he hums softly. You groan, feeling a little more human but mostly still mush.

His fingers twitch and your face flushes—his large hand covers the softness of your lower belly, thumb gently brushing your skin. You were holding his wrist, very obviously not wanting him to move even in your sleep.

“What time is it?” you ask. You finally release him and move your hand to your stomach, resting it over his—still hurts, though not nearly as bad as before. Could’ve been the medicine, but you suspected it had to do with a certain someone as well. 

You roll over so that you're facing him, squished together on your small couch. He doesn't seem to mind and wraps his arms securely around you, pulling you snug against his form.

“It’s close to 1 a.m., you haven’t been sleeping very long,” Jongho says, rubbing your arm. “How are you feeling? Need more medicine?”

You shake your head. 

“It’s better now,” you say with a shy smile. Jongho smiles back, so cutely that you have to lean forward and kiss him. You move your hands to either side of his face.

He sighs against your mouth and hugs you tight, pulling back just enough that your noses are still touching. 

“Wanna go to bed?” he asks, stealing another chaste kiss. He moves his hands down to your lower back, fingers firm yet gentle as he massages either side of your spine. You nearly melt with relief, moaning as you tuck yourself against him. 

“No. Don’t wanna move. Feels good,” you mumble. Jongho hums a laugh. You rest for a few seconds until he begins to sit up. You grab his hoodie for purchase until he stands, smoothly lifting you up bridal style and adjusting you in his arms. You wrap your arms around his shoulders and cling to him, pouting at the sudden disruption.

When you open your mouth to protest, he kisses you, using soft lips to steal whatever complaints you may have wanted to file.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to your cheek as he speaks. “Let's go to bed."

"Can you hold me?" you ask quietly. Jongho nods.

"Of course, baby. That's why I'm here."

[justdontaskme]

Home Sick (Leah Williamson x Reader)

A/N: It's been so long! I'm trying to get back into things but don't be surprised if I dip again, unfortunately. I want to go back and finish some of my WIPs but needed to get something out. Let me know what you think!

Normally, a day off from practice was a godsend, and you’d spend most of the day tangled in bed with your girlfriend. The day would be filled with laziness as you both enjoyed the simplicity and stillness the rare day of no obligations could hold. 

Yet, today, at this very moment, you felt as if you were at your wit’s end. And said girlfriend was the source of much of the current frustration. 

You’ve been slaving away in the kitchen since you woke up this morning, preparing to feed your whole team as they were scheduled to arrive later today. If you were being honest, there was a part of you that was beginning to regret even deciding to host, but it was too late now. 

Ordinary team hangouts were usually chill, with all the girls coming over for drinks and a movie or game night. Today though, you had planned an early Friendsgiving dinner. Well, it was actually Emily’s idea after she heard you were feeling extra homesick this year. 

Your fellow American picked up on your sour mood lately, and she hounded you until you admitted that you had seen a bunch of videos about people already planning out Thanksgiving menus. In fact, your family group chat had been going off with your parents asking for a head count for the special dinner and any dish requests. 

Since neither you nor Emily were going to make it home for the holiday, it only made sense for you two to celebrate this holiday with your new team. It didn’t matter that they didn’t quite understand the hype of this specific holiday here on the other side of the pond, they were more than happy to learn and eat. 

When word got to Leah, she was onboard instantly, wanting to do whatever she could to help alleviate any feeling of you missing home. While you loved and appreciated your girlfriend for wanting to help, right now you really just needed her to get out of your way. 

“Leah! Get out of the kitchen!” you said, shooing your girlfriend away before she could knock something else over. You grabbed another dish towel and started wiping up the sauce the blonde managed to get all over the counter. 

“I’m just trying to help,” she said, standing right behind you with a bunch of paper towels in hand, causing you to run straight into her when you turned around. 

After throwing the dirty towel into the sink to rinse later, you grabbed Leah’s shoulders so you could face her directly, “I know, babe, but right now you are literally stressing me out more than you are helping me.”

The blonde pouted, visibly deflating, her voice mumbled, “I didn’t mean to stress you out.”

Your face softened at her words. Leah really was just trying to help, but with a million different things going on in the kitchen at once she was more a hazard than anything else. A hand went up, cupping her cheek.

“I know you want to help, but cooking has never been your strong suit,” you said, your voice light to let her know you were teasing. “How about you help instead by sitting right here,” you patted the kitchen counter that was currently free of anything, “and keep me company?”

“I could do that,” she smiled, stepping away from you just enough that she could hop up and place herself in the open space you had previously cleared for her. 

Once she was settled, you took a step forward, standing between her legs, “You’ll be the best helper from right here.”

She dipped her head down, stealing a quick kiss from your lips. “Anything else you need from me?”

“I just need you to sit there and tell me I look pretty,” you told her, your arms slipping around her as you hid your face in her neck. 

“Oooo, complimenting my beautiful and gorgeous girlfriend. My speciality,” she grinned, her hands running up and down your back soothingly. 

As Leah sat there, with her cheek resting against the top of your head, she whispered all the sweet nothings you wanted to hear into your ear. It helped calm your racing mind as you started to refocus on the task at hand. 

Reluctantly, you stepped out of Leah’s embrace, one hand sitting on her thigh as you turned and took in the kitchen, mentally planning out what dish needed attention next. You left Leah to attend to your dishes, asking Leah to taste things here and there. In your mind, since she was the pickiest eater on the team, if it passed Leah’s taste tests, then it would be good enough for the others. 

If anyone asked, you would deny it, but you literally almost cried in relief when Alessia and Emily showed up almost two hours later. Your friends being the extra sets of hands you desperately needed in the kitchen. With their help, things started moving much more smoothly. 

As the day went on, your teammates slowly started to filter in with drinks, other homemade dishes, or desserts in hand. Now that you had helpers, Leah was free to play hostess, checking in on everyone and making sure you were supplied with drinks that Katie was kind enough to mix for everyone. A few of your teammates offered their help, but with the kitchen being as small as it was, you, Emily, and Alessia were better off handling the food. 

Steadily, the house filled with smells of all the different food as things were almost done. The space in your apartment was becoming almost nonexistent, but it was obvious your teammates were enjoying themselves if their laughs and screams were anything to go by. Despite what some would consider chaos, this is exactly what you needed. 

As the last few dishes were either finishing up or were being reheated, you three finally took a nice break to catch up on drinks and gossip. 

Alessia was telling a story about something Tooney had gotten herself into back in the day when you felt a pair of arms slide around your waist from behind.

“Everything alright, sweetheart?”

You turned your head to find Leah flashing you a bright grin. Her smile was one of the reasons you were enjoying yourself so much despite all the crazy and hard work from prepping and cooking over the past few days. 

“Everything is perfect,” you told her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she said, squeezing you a little tighter. She held you in her arms, joining in on your conversation with Emily and Alessia, only disappearing once to refill your drink for you. 

When the timer went off from the oven, you felt like a huge weight was lifted off of your shoulders. Your friends chuckled as they watched you slip out of your girlfriend’s arms and back to the oven.

With a huge sigh of relief, you slipped on the oven mitts and went to grab the star of the night. While having a turkey was a staple for the holiday, you decided to forgo it to keep your sanity for the day. 

Instead, you decided to try your hand at something new that you felt would garner much more appreciation. After triple checking that everything was cooked and ready, you gave Leah a nod to get everyone ready to eat. 

“Dinner is ready!” she called, watching as a few of the young ones and Katie started playfully shoving each other in their haste to get first in line for food. You watched as everyone lined up buffet style and served themselves before looking for a space to eat, either at the table, on the couch, or up against the wall.

After everyone else was served, you grabbed a plate and started making a plate for your girlfriend as she went to reprimand the young ones for making a mess on the coffee table.

“This is so good, Y/N! Can you cook for us all the time?” Beth said around a mouthful of food. 

You rolled your eyes, “I already do, Beth,” you reminded her, thinking of all the days Beth would show up unannounced, looking for food and company since Viv moved to Manchester. 

“True, but you don’t make all this,” she countered, stealing a piece of bread off of Steph’s plate when the Australian was dealing with Kyra trying to overload her plate with food. 

“Thanksgiving special, so enjoy this while you can because I will not be cooking like this for some time,” you said, handing Leah her plate of food, when she came back. 

“Aren’t you eating?” she asked after thanking you, taking a seat so you could then sit in her lap. It was a little harder for her to eat this way, but she really just wanted you close. She felt like she barely saw you today as soon as people started showing up. 

“Maybe later, I just need a sec,” you told her, urging her to eat while the food was still hot. Honestly, you had quite a fill from taste testing and right now you were content to sit back and watch everyone enjoy themselves as long as you had a drink in hand.

“I’m a bit surprised there weren’t Smileys on the menu, with Leah living here and all,” Alessia said, digging into her food. 

You chuckled, seeing Leah’s mouth fall upon at the open attack, “We’re working on expanding her horizons on her food.”

Your girlfriend turned to you, her face full of betrayal, “I eat more than just Smileys!”

“Oh, I know, babe. Why do you think I made a ham instead of a turkey? Now you’ll be set with a ham sandwich for like the next week,” you said, grabbing a napkin to wipe the bit of food that spilled from the side of her mouth.

“Lucky! Now you don’t have to cook. Not that you really did much of that before.”

“I can cook!” Leah nearly shouted, sitting back from her food, glaring at her teammates.

“No, Leah. You can heat things up. There’s a big difference,” Lia said, jumping on the train to tease her best friend.

“I would take more offense to that, but you lot are just jealous that I have a girlfriend who is not only insanely pretty but loves to cook for me,” Leah said, sitting up proudly and sending you a quick wink.

“I mean she’s not my girlfriend, but she does keep me fed pretty regularly,” Beth reminded her. 

“And for that comment, Beth, you are not allowed to take any leftovers home with you,” Leah asserted, a satisfactory smirk in place when her friend immediately tried to backtrack all statements.

“Are we going to go around the table and say what we’re grateful for like they do in movies?” Kyra asked, switching topics before Leah and Beth’s banter could continue. 

You waved your hand, dismissing the idea while you took a rather large swig of your drink. The alcohol started to kick in and relax you more now that all of your responsibilities for the day were now over, “No, not really. I don’t know about you, Foxy, but we never really did that at my house. It sounds sweet in practice, but it was pretty awkward the one year we tried it. You are more than welcome to share if you want, but don’t feel like you have to.”

“I, for one, have something to say,” Leah stated, chasing her last bite with a bit of water before she cleared her throat. “It may sound corny and everything, but I want to say I’m thankful for having all of you in my life, especially this one right next to me. After doing my ACL, having you lot support me through it all and being able to share things like this is a dream.”

“Stop being so emotional, you’re going to make me cry,” Katie shouted, pretending to fan away imaginary tears in her eyes.

“Okay, okay, one more thing. Last one to clean up after themself is on dish duty!” Leah exclaimed, taking the last bite from her plate before rushing to put the dish in the sink.

From there it was a mad rush to the sink, as a few snuck around, packing some food to go home with them as the chaos reigned around them. 

You continued to watch everything unfold with rapt interest, refilling your glass and cheersing with Foxy who was following your lead. With these people you considered a second family, you truly felt a sense of home, healing that little patch of homesickness you had been feeling lately. 

[seongwars]

Marry Me, Your Highness!

Pairing: non-MC x Prince-in-Disguise!Rafayel, non-MC x Prince!Sylus, Word Count: 2.5K (is it really a drabble at this point?) Warnings: None, slight OOC for some characters, mentions of violence Summary: Rafayel arrives demanding compensation, while you plot to escape your engagement to Sylus at any cost.

Note: I guess I'm starting a "Your Highness" drabble series. I need to stop tho because I have too many wips/drafts and I'm supposed to be on a semi-hiatus right now

Part 1: Absolutely Not, Your Highness!

You quietly scale the side of the garden wall leading to your estate, fingers aching from the climb and your skirts snagged on every thorn bush in the vicinity. With a grunt, you land in the courtyard, the moon casting long silver shadows across the stone path. For a blissful moment, it seems like you’ve made it undetected.

You tiptoe across the courtyard, praying that under the still hush of night, no one will catch you. 

No such luck.

“Nice landing,” comes a voice from the shadows. “I’m usually the one sneaking back into the house in the middle of the night. You're stealing my thing.”

“You can have it back,” you mutter, brushing dust off your sleeves. “I was only trying to get away from the imperial guards.”

Your brother, Xavier steps into the moonlight, one brow lifted. “What did you do exactly?”

“I turned down a proposal from the crown prince.”

He stares at you. Then blinks. “You… said no. To the crown prince of Linkon.”

“Yes, Xavier. I didn’t stutter.”

He lets out a low whistle. “You really did it.”

“I really did it.”

He drags a hand down his face, then laughs—like this is the best thing that’s happened to him all week. “You absolute menace. I mean… I’m proud. Deeply horrified, but proud.”

“I’m glad someone is enjoying this,” you snap. “Because Aunt Elizabeth’s guards are probably about to storm the mansion on account of me punching the crown prince in the throat.”

The laughter dies instantly. Xavier goes completely still. 

“You what!?”

“He startled me! I was already being chased by the guards, I ran into Sylus, and my reflexes kicked in. I punched him in the throat!”

“You assaulted the future king!”

“I didn’t even hit him that hard!”

Your brother exhales through his teeth, thinking. “If they come for you, we can fend them off.”

“We!? And what army?”

“Fair point. Instead, we redirect the narrative. You can’t accept Sylus because your heart belongs to another.”

You stare at him. “Another who, exactly?”

“I don’t know yet! Someone useful. Charming. Disposable, if it goes wrong.”

“Xavier.”

“You need to be married,” he says, snapping his fingers. “Or at least engaged. That way it’ll get mother and Aunt Elizabeth off your back.”

“I’m not marrying someone just to avoid prison!”

“You might not have a choice! They’ll be at the gates by morning!”

You both fall silent, racking your brain for options. Xavier’s wife had a few eligible acquaintances: the devastatingly attractive doctor, the charismatic colonel…

But none of them feel like a real solution.

“...I did fall on a man earlier,” you say slowly.

Xavier gives you a slow, skeptical look. “You want to track down the mysterious stranger you fell on and ask him to marry you.”

“I may have given him a hairpin…”

“And?”

“…And I may have told him to seek you out for compensation.”

Xavier lets out a long, pained breath and turns back into the house. 

“I’m going to bed.”

“I’m sure your wife will be thrilled,” you call sweetly after him. “I would like to be an aunt some day!”

He doesn’t even look back. You wait until he disappears inside, then glance up at the stars. 

“Gods, help me,” you whisper, hoping that this time your fate would take a different turn. 

⟡ ݁₊ .

Rafayel rubs his ribs where you landed on him. One moment he’s wandering the streets outside the imperial palace, the next, a woman quite literally falls from the heavens, vaulting over the palace wall and crashing directly on top of him.

Now, cold, tired, and entirely out of patience, he fiddles with the hairpin you left behind, its silver length delicately wrought with tiny moons and stars. Rafayel scowls down at it. 

“Compensation,” he scoffs. “I could buy her entire household if I wanted!”

His stomach growls. Loudly.

“I thought someone wanted to blend in with the common folk,” Thomas reminds him dryly.

“That was before I was crushed by a madwoman,” the prince pouts.

Another grumble from Rafayel’s stomach. He frowns at it like it’s personally betrayed him.

“Did you at least bring your coin purse?”

Rafayel stiffens. “...No.”

Thomas exhales slowly through his nose. “Of course not.”

Then Rafayel’s eyes light up.

“She said I could get compensation from her brother! Xavier! She said that! I could find him. Demand...food. And repayment. For emotional damages.”

Thomas blinks. “You’re going to track down a nobleman you’ve never met, in a country you snuck off to and ask him to buy you dinner because his sister fell on you?”

“Yes,” Rafayel says. “This is diplomacy, Thomas.”

“This is blackmail.”

Rafayel lifts his chin, regal even in suffering. “This is for emotional distress. And bruised ribs. And because I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

Thomas sighs. “You could’ve just said you were hungry.”

“I am hungry. And injured. And slighted. Wandering the streets at night is no way for me to live!”

By the time Rafayel finds the mansion, his feet are caked in dust and his patience is worn. Navigating Linkon with just Thomas and a map had proven...challenging.  

He rounds a corner and slows, eyes narrowing at the iron gates ahead. Ornate stars curl in elegant arcs across the gates. He glances down at the hairpin in his hand. 

Moons and stars, silver and delicate. 

“Found you.”

He steps up to the guards stationed at the gate and thrusts the pin forward. “Your lady of the house gave this to me,” he announces. “And I am here to collect my compensation.”

The guard blinks. “The only lady of this house is married to Lord Xavier.”

Rafayel frowns. “No. Not her. The other one. She fell on me. From the palace wall.”

Thomas makes a small sound, halfway between a groan and a wheeze.

“She was rather dramatic,” Rafayel insists. “She said her name was… actually, she didn’t say her name. But she did say I could come here for compensation!”

“She fell from the palace wall and landed on you?” a guard asks, deeply skeptical.

“Yes! And left me with this!” Rafayel exclaims, waving the hairpin around. 

The guards exchange looks, clearly questioning their sanity. Then they whisper to each other and one sets off to find Jeremiah, the head butler. 

You’re on your way to breakfast after having dreamt of it all night, particularly the egg souffle with scallion pancakes. But you barely make it to the end of the hall before you overhear a scuffle at the gates. 

“Unhand me! I’m Rafayel Qi, prince–”

“Please forgive my master, he is delirious having gone without food!” Thomas interjected, placing himself between Rafayel and the guards. 

Why do I recognize that voice?

You rack your brain. Where have you—?

Then it hits you. The man from yesterday.

You bolt for the gates, still in your sleeping robes. You’re halfway there when you see him, disheveled, waving your hairpin around.

Beneath the tilt of his ridiculous straw hat, with his tunic wrinkled and dirt clinging to his sandals, he’s...annoyingly handsome. All sharp cheekbones and charm, mauve eyes glinting with fire. The kind of face sculpted by the gods that could topple an empire.

The kind of man any mother would take one look at and declare perfect marriage material.

You shake your head quickly as he spots you. Before he can say anything else, you grab his arm, plastering on a bright smile for the guards.

“There you are!” you exclaim, slipping your arm around his like you’ve done it a hundred times.

The guards blink, visibly confused.

You lean in, hissing under your breath, “Play along.”

His eyes flick between your expression and the guards. Then, to your surprise, he smirks. 

“Of course, darling,” he says, a little too loudly, wrapping his arm around your waist with dramatic flair. “Missed me already?”

The guards exchange bewildered glances, clearly unsure of what to make of this display. One of them even flushes. 

“A-Apologies, my lady,” he stammers, bowing slightly. 

“We didn’t realize—”

“That he was mine?”

Rafayel snorts under his breath, thoroughly enjoying himself as you hauled him into the mansion. 

“I didn’t think you’d actually show up!”

“Well, I’m emotionally damaged from being body slammed out of nowhere, starving, and slightly winded, so yes, I showed up!”

“Great,” you mutter, giving him a once-over and imagining what he’d look like after a proper bath and a set of robes. 

As much of a disaster as this stranger…what was his name? Rafayel was it? This disaster might be your ticket out of marrying Sylus. And if nothing else, he’ll certainly make things interesting.

“You’re perfect.”

“Obviously!” 

You ignore him, turning the corner and calling down the hall, “Charlie! Have the maids bring me my breakfast to my quarters. I’m not feeling particularly well.”

Charlie appears in seconds, wiping his hands on a cloth. “Miss Y/N is everything alright?”

Y/N? So that’s her name, Rafayel thinks, casually running his gaze over you, though it lingers a little longer than it should. You were no princess, but there was a certain wildness about you. A feral, untamed charm that made him want to learn more. You’re not bad on the eyes, though you’re certainly not up to Lemurian standards when it comes to beauty.  

“Shall I call for the doctor?”

“No! Just…food. Double my portions, please!”

You don’t wait for Charlie to respond before yanking Rafayel into the closest room. You slam the door shut behind you, then whirl around to face him with your arms crossed.

“Here’s the deal,” you say, voice firm. “You can eat…under one condition.”

Rafayel blinks. Once. Twice. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Marry me.”

“Marry you?”

You shrug. “Aren’t you a starving artist seeking inspiration with no coin to your name? Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“This is exploitation.”

“It’s practical,” you reply, unbothered by his disbelief. “You get to eat and I get to avoid a life trapped in a loveless, political marriage. Everyone wins.”

Rafayel eyes you for a moment, processing the logic or lack thereof. “What’s so awful about the crown prince?”

“He’s a selfish, pompous ass who puts his own ambitions above everyone else! It’s all about what he wants, without caring for anyone else in the process. He doesn’t deserve to be king, let alone have me as his wife!”

He falls silent, your tirade stirring something uncomfortable within him. Was this how his people saw him too? A selfish ruler unfit for the crown? His expression falters for a fleeting moment, but he masks it quickly, avoiding your gaze.

You, however, are too busy thinking about the practicality of your agreement to notice his inner turmoil. 

“Do you want your payment up front?”

Rafayel’s mouth hangs open in disbelief. “Am I just a whore to you? I’ll have you know that I’m the prince—”

“Yes! Yes, we will accept the payment up front! Forgive us, my lady!” Thomas bursts into the room and slaps a hand over Rafayel’s mouth. 

“Please excuse us,” he says, quickly bowing. He drags Rafayel into the hall, muttering apologies as the door slams shut behind them.

“Have you lost your mind?” Thomas hisses, releasing Rafayel and pacing the length of the hallway. 

“We’re in Linkon, your Highness. Yes, relations with Lemuria are friendly, but you’ve vanished without a word! If anyone here finds out who you really are—”

“They won’t.”

“Someone will recognize you eventually,” Thomas lowers his voice even further, casting a nervous glance at the door. 

“The palace must be in chaos. The guard is probably searching every port. And Solana…gods, Solana is going to kill me.”

“Your wife says that all the time.”

“I’m sure she means it this time.”

Rafayel raises both hands lazily. “What’s wrong with pretending to be someone else for a few weeks? There’s food, a warm bed, no council meetings, and zero talk of arranged marriages. Sounds like a vacation to me.”

Thomas stares at him. “You’re still the prince of Lemuria.”

“Not if no one here knows it,” Rafayel shrugs. “Let me live a little. When this fake marriage falls apart, I’ll disappear.”

Still mulling over his decision, he turns and heads back to your quarters. As he pushes the door open, he comes to an abrupt halt. Before him a feast is laid out in the center of the room–steamed meat buns, slices of crispy duck, and root vegetables. 

He pauses, taking in the sight, the corner of his mouth lifting into a slow, lazy smile. It’s as if the universe itself had conspired to tempt him further into this bizarre arrangement.

“Alright, Miss Y/N. I’ll marry you.”

⟡ ݁₊ .

Sylus hadn’t expected to be punched in the throat yesterday.

He’d faced assassination attempts, ambushes, and battlefield skirmishes, but none of them had made his heart race quite like the woman who glared at him with righteous fury.

It was, against all odds, love at first punch.

He replays the moment a dozen times in his mind. The fire in your eyes. The absolute, scorching contempt. The way you vault over the garden wall without a second glance.

He sighs, running a hand through his perfectly tousled hair. “She hates me,” he murmurs aloud, almost in awe.

He rehearsed what he planned to say, a thousand times over, upon hearing that you had been chosen by his father to be his bride, the next princess consort.

“Do you remember me?” No, it was too direct.

“I missed you.” True. But useless.

Because the last time he’d seen you, you were dying in his arms. 

He hadn’t wanted to marry the Northern Princess.

It had been a match for power, nothing more. No love. No affection. When you’d found out, you hadn’t argued. Hadn’t cried. You had simply bowed, offered a polite farewell and disappeared into your chambers.

He hadn’t realized how the new concubine had overstepped, encroaching on your position as princess consort. From the outside, it seemed as though he favored her, ignoring the life you had built together.

In truth, Sylus wasn’t indifferent. He was quietly scheming to end the marriage to the concubine without risking you or triggering political fallout. But by the morning of the ceremony, you were gone, having left for your brother’s estate while the imperial palace drowned itself in festivities.

It was Charlie who came staggering into the great hall hours later, bloodied, trembling and barely alive.

“Bandits. She stayed behind. Fought them off.”

Sylus left the ceremony mid-vow and rode until his horse collapsed.

By the time he found you, it was too late. You lay on your side, unmoving. Blood pooled beneath your ribs as your sword lay just out of reach.

Sylus dropped to his knees and pulled you into his arms. He begged you to wake, promised you anything. Everything. That he’d fix it. That he didn’t forget about you and that he’d tell you everything.

But you were already gone.

He lit your funeral pyre himself. And when the flames rose high, he didn’t wait for the ashes to settle. He walked into the fire, praying quietly, desperately, to the gods that he’d find you again.

“Your Highness.”

A voice broke through the memory. Sylus didn’t look up from the scrolls on his desk.

“Speak.”

The advisor steps inside, shifting awkwardly.

“I’ve come to inform you…that Miss Shen is engaged.”

taglist: @animegamerfox @beaconsxd @browneyedgirl22 @crimsonmarabou @whosthought @zoezhive @cupid-gene

[starmocha]

Remember when I said the Grassland!Sylus childhood friends/arranged marriage/soulmates AU was at around 4.6k words?

she grew and I still have like three scenes I need to finish writing, but instead of doing that, I kept writing new scenes and...I think I lost control of the story and my life (╥_╥)

So I'm posting another snippet, because...my brain is tired and I really, really, really want to finish this by Sunday because I have another AU wip that I'm also obsessed with I mean I need to finish part 3 of that other Sylus breeding kink fic I promise it's coming

Reminder that this story will include light breeding kink, pregnancy kink, smut, body worship, gratuitous usages of terms of endearment ("my bride" and "my beloved"), Sylus being grossly in love with you, basically lots of fluff. Anyhoo...

The following morning you were lazing in the field as the flock of sheep grazed peacefully all around you. The warm sunlight had you yawning, already feeling yourself being lured by the tempting sun into drifting back to sleep. As the time passed, your eyes felt heavier, and you nodded off a little. Another yawn escaped before you decided a few minutes of rest wouldn’t hurt. Slowly, you closed your eyes, letting them rest for a few minutes. “Is this what you do when I’m not here?” You immediately opened your eyes when you heard Sylus’ approaching voice. You let out a soft surprised squeak when he knelt down next to you, his face looming just mere inches from yours. He was smirking. “Lazing around and sleeping? What if your sheep gets stolen by wild beasts, my beloved?” You glared at him. “I was not sleeping. I…was blinking.” “Your eyes were closed for far longer than a blink should be.” “I had some dust in my eyes.” “I’m quite sure I heard you snoring.” You blushed and shoved his face aside, glowering when he started laughing at you. “Did you come all the way out here just to tease me?” “Mmhmm,” he answered with a pleased nod as he sat back with his legs propped up. His elbow rested on top of his leg while he cradled his chin in his hand. You noticed in his other hand was a wreath crafted from leaves and berries. Your heart quickened and you gasped softly. You looked at him expectantly. It was at that moment that you noticed the dark bags under his eyes. You crawled over to him and he sat back, allowing you to settle in between his long legs. You reached up and touched his face. “Did you not sleep last night?” you asked him worriedly. He simply smiled and shook his head. Without a word, Sylus placed the wreath on top of your head. You reached up and touched it tentatively as you looked at him confused. “I wanted to finish this for you,” he explained, smiling, “Just as I had thought. This suits you.” “R-really?” “Mmhmm,” he hummed again, nodding. He leaned in to steal your lips. “You look beautiful.” “Sylus…” You could feel your cheeks warming up as he spoke. “Now everyone will know you are mine and I am yours.” You felt touched by his gesture. Without thinking, you threw your arms around his neck, surprising him into losing his balance. Sylus laid on the grass with you on top of him. You grinned and kissed him happily. He looked up, gasping softly when he saw the sunlight had formed a radiant halo behind your head. How…ethereal... He smiled, his hand gently grasped your chin, his thumb brushing over your soft, trembling lips. “We are already promised to one another,” he said, “but if I may be presumptuous, I would still like to ask.” You looked down at him confused. “My beloved,” he said, voice soft and sincere, “will you be my bride?” You stroked his cheek, and as you leaned down closer to his face, your wreath tilted on your head. “What do you think?” He smiled. “Your wreath is going to fall off.” “You’ll put it back on for me, right?” He huffed in amusement at your audacious question, but he nodded. “Yeah,” he said, reaching up to fix the wreath for you, “I will…my bride.” For that brief moment, you felt like your heart had stopped, and then you smiled again as you leaned in and kissed him, feeling his strong arms wrapped around you and holding you close to his body. “This is my vow to you, my bride” he said, “There is only you in my eyes. In this life and all of the lifetimes afterwards, I will always choose you.” “Same for me,” you answered, gazing back at him fondly. You stroked his cheek, letting yourself drown in those passionate crimson eyes. “I will always find you,” you promised, “In all of our lives together, I will always find you and choose you, my love.” Your ardent words beckoned his lips to yours, and for the rest of the day, you lay together under the warm morning sun on the grassland, lost in your own world of bliss.

[nativesofthenorthpole]

wip wednesday/ obikin drabble

Anakin held the flimsy Quinlan Vos handed him, a picture of him and Obi-Wan and two other little girls as younglings. His Master was almost completely covered by a white bed sheet, which was being held up by the two girls. 

“Oh, must we?” Obi-Wan sighed when he saw the picture Anakin was holding. 

“Your little Padawan is a knight now, I’m just honouring the time honoured tradition of finally sharing some embarrassing stories from your youth, now that you two are stepping onto more equal ground.” Quin said as he smirked at Obi-Wan, “You’ve wiped snot from the boy’s nose Obi-Wan, he deserves to know some of his Master’s embarrassing stories. Force knows you held nothing back when Alyaa became a knight.”

Obi-Wan sat down next to Anakin on the sofa, gesturing at Quin in a resigned manner, as he put down three glasses of whiskey on the table. 

He and Obi-Wan had shared a drink on his sixteenth name day, when he became of age according to Tatooine law, though Obi-Wan swore him to secrecy about that. They shared their second drink on Anakin’s eighteenth name day, when he became an adult in Coruscant. Meaning that this was not their first drink together, but it felt significant all the same. This was the first time Obi-Wan had brought him a drink so casually, as if he was just another adult in the room, and not his very young apprentice.

“What’s with the white sheet,” Anakin asked, “were you a ghost?” 

He was still holding the photograph and smiling down at little Obi-Wan. This was the first time he had seen a flimsi of his Master as a child. Due to the strict Jedi practises Obi-Wan had been raised in, it was possible that this picture was one of very few in existence, if not the only one. 

“No, it was something a little more… forbidden,” Quin drawled, “you know how young children get, anything forbidden becomes alluring. Marriage was so forbidden, that it made it all the more intriguing for us."

"Not that we fully understood it, of course. But we had gathered enough information to know that weddings were the most central part of them. We would take turns marrying each other. We’d often officiate multiple marriages during playtime. Other times,” Quinlan said, pointing at the flimsi in Anakin’s hand “we’d make a whole day of it, stealing snacks for a wedding feast, unveiling the bride, everything we thought a wedding should have.”

Quin and Obi-Wan smiled at each other fondly, lost in shared memories for a moment.

“And who did you have as a bride Master?” Anakin teased, enjoying the huff Obi-Wan let out now that they were two against one. Anakin had always liked Quinlan, and never quite understood how he and his master were such close friends. Anakin loved his Master, but he could be such a stick in the mud. 

“Oh your master was never a groom,” Quin said, looking delighted to be sharing this piece of information with Anakin. “You see, the way the game worked, was that whoever you caught had to be your bride. And your master never chased.”

“Oh, do be quiet Quin,” Obi-Wan said, starting to turn a bit pink. “there is no way Anakin is interested in hearing about our childish games.”

“Your master was one of the most coveted brides,” Quin continued, ignoring Obi-Wan’s attempts at redirecting the conversation, “but he made you work for it, you had to chase him down and earn it before he yielded. But he always let me win in the end.” 

Anakin frowned, the easy smile leaving his face. He didn’t care if it was irrational, that he hadn’t been born when Obi-Wan and Quin were playing these games. He hated the idea all the same. 

His Master rolled his eyes in irritation, but he looked fond rather than truly irritated. 

Quin fired a smirk and a wink Anakin’s way, as if he knew how this information would affect him. But Anakin doubted that. Quin probably thought he’d find the idea of his stuffy Master as a little bride hilarious. 

Instead, Anakin felt warm in his heavy robes, watching his Master turn slightly pink in embarrassment, and knowing that at one time, before he had been taught to suppress it, his Master had yearned to be chased. Had wanted someone stronger than him to best him so that he could allow himself to submit. Desires like those rarely went away as you aged. In Anakin’s experience, they only became stronger and more consuming. 

Obi-Wan’s voice brought him back to the present, as he snarked back at Quin, “You were two years older than me, of course you always won. And don’t forget that Siri caught me just as often.”

“How many times do you suppose that I won your hand in marriage, my fair Kenobi?” Quin asked, grabbing Obi-Wan when he was reaching for his drink, and placing a playful kiss on the back of his hand.

Suddenly, Anakin’s hackles rose. It was one thing to share childhood memories with Obi-Wan. But it was a whole other thing to lay this type of claim to his Master in the here and now. And in front of Anakin. 

Obi-Wan had been his mentor and father, and now that he wasn’t, he was to be Anakin’s brother and best friend. He didn’t belong to Quinlan Vos.

“Fat lot of good having you as a groom did me,” Obi-Wan huffed, pulling his hand free, “I don’t recall you providing much.”

“Oh, I think you will find that I provided you with something fat and good a few years later, wouldn’t you say, little bride.” 

“Quin!” Obi-Wan exclaimed in a scandalised tone, a hand shooting out protectively towards Anakin, as if to shield him from Quinlan’s words. 

“Oh, lighten up Obi! Anakin is old enough not to faint at the idea of his Master’s past.”

Anakin felt ready to get up and make sure Quin never lived to lay a hand on his Master again, actually.  

“And it’s about time you let your hair loose a little Obi-Wan!” Quinlan continued, oblivious to the rising tension, “nowhere in the code does it say you have to take a vow of chastity when you take on a Padawan, you could both stand to relax a little now.”

Anakin glared at Quinlan. Clearly he had no time to lose here, the second his claim on his Master had lessened, creeps like Quinlan were getting ready to pounce. Anakin had always hated Quinlan, he had no idea why his Master let that leacher hang around him.

“Well, be that as it may,” Obi-Wan mumbled, looking uncomfortable, “I still don’t think this is quite appropriate–”

“Master,” Anakin interrupted, “I think it’s time we head out, you have that council meeting early tomorrow, remember?”

“I suppose I do.” Obi-Wan replied. 

“Come,” Anakin said, standing up from the sofa and offering Obi-Wan a hand. 

“Stay, Obi-Wan,” Quin drawled, leaning back on his chair and spreading his legs, making himself look relaxed “the night is still young, let the kid go to bed if he wishes.” 

Obi-Wan’s eyes were moving between the two men in surprise and confusion. Anakin didn’t let him come to his own decision, grabbing him by the upper arm and pulling him into a standing position. From there he placed a hand on Obi-Wan’s lower back and started to guide him towards the door. 

Obi-Wan had always allowed Anakin to manhandle him, letting him grab his robes and pull him this way or that, when he got excited and wanted to show his master something. He had continued granting those liberties to Anakin even as he grew, letting him push and pull him around when he got impatient, as long as they weren’t being observed by other Jedi. 

This worked in Anakin’s favour now, as he had herded Obi-Wan all the way to Quin’s door before the other man put up any resistance. 

“Good night Vos,” Anakin grunted. 

“Yes… Good night my friend,” Obi-Wan said, still looking perplexed. 

“Night night,” Vos laughed, raising an eyebrow at Anakin, which Anakin refused to acknowledge, focused on pushing Obi-Wan out the door and removing his hand only when he had guided his Master inside their apartment.

[linkons-most-wanted]

WIP Snippet - Lab Rat Gang

MC has a heart to heart with Luke and Kieran about their shared experience being Ever test subjects. <3 The twins are such cheerful little weirdos. I love them.

~*~*~

“You know about Josephine?” I ask.

“Philip told us. He was also in a twin experiment. We talked about you after you first showed up in the N109 zone.” Luke smiles knowingly.

I narrow my eyes. “Mhm, what exactly did you talk about?”

“Oh, just that Sylus’s taste was exactly what we thought—”

Luke elbows Kieran under the table, cutting him off.

“What?!” Keiran demands.

A moment later, Sylus steps in from the doorway that only Luke could see out of. “I trust the chat is going well?”

If he heard Kieran’s comment, his expression doesn’t betray it.

“Swimmingly,” I say with a smile, taking another bite of chicken. “It’s nice to know I’m not the only lab rat freak.”

“Lab rat freak gang, rise up!” Luke says, raising a hand to the middle of the table. Kieran and I join him in a three-way high-five.

Sylus clicks his tongue. “I almost feel left out.”

Luke rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, Boss, you’ve got plenty of ‘freak’ cred.”

“Should I take offense at that?” Sylus steps behind me, stealing my fork and a bit of chicken off my plate and popping into his mouth.

I stare at him, taken aback, as he continues towards the kitchen as if he’s done nothing.

“Hey!” I complain.

“What?” Sylus says past a smirk and a mouthful of chicken.

“Get your own!”

“Why do you think I’m going to the kitchen?”

I glower, secretly plotting revenge.

“His type to a T,” Kieran whispers to me.

I blush, but can’t help the smile that pulls at my lips. Still, I feel like I need to change the subject before I combust. “So, what do you guys think I should do?”

“Wait until he lets his guard down, then go in for a kiss—”

“About my brother,” I cut in, blush brightening. “Y’know, the one that was dead and is now alive but also maybe a different person sometimes??”

[out-there-tmblr]

Wip: Zaundads2EB (10)

***

Vander,

(That's how Silco's letter starts. Not with any fond endearment, no. Just Vander's name. Like he's woken up in the middle of the night and started complaining about Vander stealing the blanket.)

I've traded rations for paper and pencils. I don't yet know how I'll get this message to you, but writing this gives me the illusion of being able to do something, so I'll work that out later.

I'm in Stillwater for minor theft, apparently. No one can tell me how long I'll be here or if there's any way to dispute my sentence, so it's not greatly different from working in the mine. Do as you're told and be thankful for something to eat and somewhere to sleep.

There seems to be only two divisions of prisoners here: those who haven't attacked guards and those who have. The latter are kept in the lower floors, in solitary stone cells until the guards decide they've learned their lesson. The rest of us sleep four to a cell, in metal bunks that feel very familiar.

There is a small yard with high stone walls and smooth walking path worn into the bedrock. In fair weather and foul, we're left out there for two hours a day with nothing to do but walk in a circle, or stand against a wall and marvel at the colour of the sky. This island must be as elevated as Piltover. On a sunny day, the sky is the brightest blue imaginable. In bad weather, the clouds are so dark it feels like home, but when the rain falls, it's clean enough to drink.

(There's a line on the page, maybe two words long. Then the letter starts again as if Silco came back to it hours or days later.)

You might be amused to hear there's no washroom here. When I asked about it, my cellmates laughed. That does explain the smell of the other prisoners and the state of their clothing. We are fed once a day, stuck in cells that leave the four of us absolutely no privacy, with no better entertainment than to watch a square of sunlight pass across the floor, but I could accept all of that if we were simply given the opportunity to bathe. I have started hoping for rain.

(Vander has to stop reading. He can hear Silco's voice in the words. He knows the sour glare Silco would aim at the page as he wrote. There are still more pages to go, but Vander takes a moment to let the tightness in his chest pass, the ache of missing Silco sharp and brittle. He wanders over to the doorway, peers around to check that Felicia's handling everything, and then leans against the wall and keeps reading.)

I hope you found my notes and followed them. I would remind you that the Tensheer (Damacian wine) and Dauntless (sugar, flour, salt) are arriving next week, but I doubt this letter will get to you before they do. You will either manage without me or you won't, and there is nothing I can do from this cell to influence that.

I have started rationing how often I write to you. A paragraph a day seems miserly but it gives me something to think about as I wait for time to pass. Hour after hour, and there is nothing to be done. If I did not share this cell I would pace back and forth like a caged animal – but surviving such close quarters is only possible when we all avoid annoying each other.

I hope Connol has managed to divert the water to the Lanes by now. I hope he managed to finish the boiler design. By all accounts it should be fairly simple to run pipes to each house once there's water flowing to the Lanes. My dearest wish is that by the time I return, there will be the possibility of washing with warm water in our own home.

I do think of that bar as home. As ours. It's not the first place we built together and it's still not finished, but I find myself thinking of it. Thinking of our bed. Thinking of you. Of us still there, years from now. With power and water. Perhaps with big glass windows and daylight. It sounds foolish – and I have no idea how we'd ever manage it – but I have nothing else to do here but daydream.

I suppose it's too much to hope that you've finally put the sign up for the bar. It needs a name, Vander. Just because everyone thinks of it as 'the bar' doesn't mean it should be left half-finished and unnamed.

Success! It rained today! So I am now wet and cold and half-dressed, but I was able to rinse my clothes out and wash the dirt off my face. I have hooked my clothes from my bunk and am waiting for them to dry, wrapped in a sheet like it's the highest of topsider fashions.

I've worked out how I'll get this message to you. All I need is someone about to be released who will go close enough to riverside or the mine to take this to you. The difficulty with that is that most of the miners and fishermen in here are like me: arrested with no set sentence and no way to know when we'll be released. The topsiders know their dates but the chances that any of them would go to the Lanes for a few bronze… Still, now that I know how to do it, I simply need to wait for the right opportunity.

I find myself wishing that there was hard labour to be done here. At least the hours would pass faster. Even in the foundling home, we had chores and study to complete. I have grown to hate sitting on my bunk and staring at the slats above my head. I feel that Benzo and Felicia would laugh at me, at the poetic justice of being forced to do nothing when they both claim I do nothing but work. If I ever get this letter to you, you should tell them. Let them laugh at my expense.

I dream of you. More often than my pride wants to admit. I miss you. I miss you snoring beside me. I miss your hands on my skin. I miss how you always pour me a glass of the best whiskey we have, even though it should be kept for paying customers. I miss your smile and your laugh. I miss the way you curse when you burn your finger and the tunes you hum when you're cleaning up the bar and the ridiculous faces you pull at Violet to make her giggle. I miss you like I lost a leg or a hand, survivable but a constant loss I can't ignore.

I miss you and the worst part of it is that I'm sure you miss me too. There was a time, when we first shared a bed, when I was sure this would end in heartbreak, that you would lose interest and find someone easier to be with. Someone new and fun, less angry at everything. But I know that won't happen now. You don't want someone simple and light-hearted. You're as angry as I am, as dedicated and willing to work for what we deserve. You're mine as much as I'm yours, and being apart doesn't change that. I'm sorry, Vander. I'm sure it would be easier for you if it did.

There's a sailor getting out of here next week, traveling back to Bilgewater. With a little luck this letter will be in your hands by the end of the month.

No one from the undercity receives visitors but occasionally care packages get through. Talk to Babette, ask one of her customers to send it from Piltover. The package will be checked by the guards and anything valuable will be taken before it gets to me, so don't send currency or alcohol. The food here is passable but jerky and ship's biscuits might be good to trade. Matches and candles. Dice. Cards.

Any messages are bound to be intercepted so don't bother writing a reply.

Silco

***

[2baabbies]

🖤 Everybody Wonders (hyunchanlix x reader, skz x reader; part 2)

Crossposted under 2Babbies on Ao3 <3 (also split into 3 parts to make it easier to read)

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 (WIP)

Pairings: established relationship bangchan x reader, established hyunlix, exploring/developing hyunchanlix x reader (they’re official now y’all), established background minsung, unmentioned various skz pairings and crushes happening but not important to this fic

Words: 12700

Summary: Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you; except for your boyfriend Chan, and his group members who were lucky enough to have caught your eye (inspired by Gold Rush by Taylor Swift; quote at the beginning is also from this song).

Fluff + Smut + Humour + Slight Angst

afab+fem!reader

CWs: nsfw (obvi!!), one lame religious pun courtesy of minho, swearing and insults as a form of flirting, felix says cunt, insecure hyunjin (a little ittle bit of angst but there’s comfort), slight feminization (malewife, boygirlfriend), drinking alcohol in the background/i.n and jisung are drunk, sexualization/inappropriate jokes courtesy of jisung, minho hits jisung for being a freak

Smut Tags: hot tub sex, unprotected sex, messy sex, chanlix anal, handjobs, fingering, hyunjin eating reader out, teasing, begging, playful/joking sex, dom/sub dynamics (subby hyune, dom chan, kind of switch felix + reader), dacryphilia, intercrural sex, praise, spit, bit of oral fixation, felix boobs in mouth, dirty talk

Taglist: @rylea08

!!ATTENTION!!

Reposting this fic to other platforms, including as a translation, is expressly prohibited. Do not copy, alter, or claim this fic as your own. Absolutely no permission is given to anyone to post my works, even with credit, and this fic should only appear on Ao3 or Tumblr under my accounts. Reposting is not only plagiarism, but a direct violation of my wishes as the original writer and owner. Please respect writers and don’t steal!

Likes, reblogs, asks and comments are very welcome and appreciated <3

~~~

‘Gleaming, twinkling,

Eyes like sinking

Ships on waters.

So inviting,

I almost jump in.’

The evening wind rushes against you, skimming the water and carrying the salty seabreeze with it. You shiver, the day is fading and you are admiring the last glimmers of light before night falls. There is still some warmth lingering in the sand, but not for much longer. You can feel the cool winds from the sea washing in with each passing moment, and seeping in through your baggy sweater. You shiver again, more out of anticipation than from the cold when you hear footsteps behind you. Your eyes remain trained on the lulling waves as a warm hand comes to rest in the small of your back, then a soft voice speaks in your ear.

“I told you to bring your coat.”

You snort and turn to look at Chan as he drapes his jacket over your shoulders. He is still wearing a thick black sweater, so you let him guide your arms through the sleeves of his jacket and zip you up without protest. He pecks your forehead then chuckles as you shuffle closer and rest your head on his chest. His arms close tight around you and he sways a little as you resume watching the sea.

“S’not that cold,” You mumble, your cheek is pressed against his chest.

“Oh, shush,” You giggle at his teasing words, “You just like to argue.”

“Not true.”

“Hmph.”

He kisses the top of your head then buries his nose there with a hum.

“Sure, babygirl.”

You sigh and shut your eyes, enjoying the sound of the ocean and Chan’s heart under your ear. Your current visit would only be brief, and you are savoring it while it lasts. The boys chose this spot for their break, finally finding time to rest between all their busy schedules. It would not be much of a vacation, but you were still thankful for the time to spend with your boyfriend and close friends.

“Oh my God,” Jisung shrieks in the distance, “I found a crab!”

“Give it to me,” Changbin demands immediately.

“Leave it alone,” Seungmin shouts over the chorus of excited responses, “Put it back! You’re scaring it!”

“Crabs don’t know fear,” Jeongin argues, “The only thing they fear is God!”

“How do you know? This one might be a crustatheist,” Minho’s joke is met with a mix of silence and groans of anguish.

You and Chan laugh together at the chaos as their voices ramp up again. You both turn to watch where your friends are gathered further down the beach. Chan slides one arm around your shoulders and pulls you in before you begin making your way towards them.

Changbin and Minho are squatting near the ground, eyes trained on the sand where a tiny crab is burrowing. Jisung steps behind them anxiously, teeth gritted and fingers curled in distress as Changbin tries to coax the creature onto a flat rock. Jeongin watches with a relaxed smile as Seungmin stands beside him while looking unimpressed.

“He doesn’t want to go on the rock,” Changbin complains.

“Leave him alone,” Seungmin mutters.

Minho roots his fingers in the sand then raises his hand, presenting the crab with a triumphant smirk.

“Got him.”

He holds it up to Jisung, who backpedals and falls gracelessly with a scream. Seungmin rolls his eyes as Changbin and Jeongin move closer to inspect Minho’s catch. Chan lets out a fond huff as Jisung recovers and scrambles over to see as well. Past the group, skipping rocks across the water, stand Felix and Hyunjin. Chan follows as you continue on towards them, arm securely pinning you to his side as a sharp breeze cuts through the otherwise calm air.

Felix notices you first and grins as you come to a stop beside him. Hyunjin’s stone plunks into the water after one skip and he whips around in a huff.

“You almost did it that time,” Felix comforts.

“Almost. Almost he says.”

Chan chuckles and steps away from you to join the game.

“I’ll teach you, Jinnie.”

“I know how to do it.”

Felix shakes his head and you giggle as Chan begins coaching Hyunjin anyway. You move closer and Felix meets you to take his spot at your side. His arms slide around your waist and pull your back to his chest as he rests his chin on your shoulder. You wrap your arms around his and you lean back as you watch your boyfriends. He squeezes you and nestles his face in the side of your neck as Hyunjin fails another attempt. You giggle as Hyunjin sits in the sand and buries his face in his hands. Chan pats his head as he laments his defeat.

“I hate rocks.”

“Rocks aren’t the problem,” Felix quips.

“Yes they are.”

You yelp as Changbin barrels into you and Felix, then throws his arms around the two of you. The three of you erupt into laughter as he spins you then buries his face in your neck. Your instinct is to shy away, but you can only fall further into Felix’s arms. He staggers but finds his balance to support the two of you as Changbin pulls back with a grin. His arms retract only for a moment, then his fingers delve under your layers to target your sides. You collapse and cackle maniacally as he tickles you relentlessly, and Felix tries to keep you on your feet.

“Cha-Changbin! What the He-ell!”

Felix eventually lets you fall so he can rescue you from Changbin’s torment, and you heave in another broken laugh as Felix traps him in a tight hug.

“What the Hell, Changbin,” Chan whines, mimicking your surprised voice.

“Shut up!”

“Changbin, what the Hell,” Hyunjin repeats, adding his own dramatic flair to his performance.

“Ugh, you all suck.”

Felix rests his head on Changbin’s shoulder and snuggles in.

“Hey, I saved you.”

“You’re snuggling with the enemy.”

“I’m not the enemy,” Changbin protests, “And you could never stop our snuggling.”

“I’ll find a way.”

“Get a room!” Jisung taunts from afar.

“What did you say?”

Changbin separates from Felix to chase after his new target, and Jisung sprints away when he realizes this. Chan flops down beside you and lays flat in the sand, his eyes falling shut as you admire him quietly. Felix comes to stand beside him as Hyunjin wanders around you aimlessly.

“Are you alright, Chris?” Felix asks softly.

“I’m perfect, Lix.”

You roll onto your side and prop your head up as Hyunjin takes a seat on the ground. He gently lifts Chan’s head onto his lap and brushes his fingers through his hair.

“Look, you got sand in your hair.”

Chan hums and smiles as Hyunjin sweeps his fingers gently over his cheek. You lay your head in Hyunjin’s lap as well and smile up at him. The wind tousles his locks as golden light shines above him, and he returns your fond gaze. Felix joins last; he sits beside Hyunjin and loops his arms around his waist, then rests his head on his shoulder. You lean up just enough to check where the rest of the group has gone, their voices fading as they wander down the beach, and Felix pats your head when it returns to Hyunjin’s lap.

“It’s so beautiful,” Hyunjin murmurs.

“Yeah,” You agree softly.

Chan opens his eyes and looks up at the sky. The blues and oranges have already begun to melt away into deeper hues and the light has dimmed. You watch his eyes search the clouds before he turns his head to look at you.

“It’s getting late.”

“Mhm,” You nod and let your eyes fall shut, Felix is petting your head in a soothing rhythm, “It’s pretty dark…”

Chan sits up and pauses before suggesting, “It looks like the boys have gone pretty far. Reckon we head back now?”

“Without them?” Felix asks as you sit up and stretch.

“Sure,” Chan answers, “It might be the only chance we get to spend some time together.”

Felix and Hyunjin stare expectantly so you add, “Alone. Just us.”

“Oh,” Hyunjin gasps, “R-Right.”

Felix looks in the distance for any signs of the other members.

“Only if you two want to, of course,” Chan assures, “If you two prefer sneaking around while the others are home, we’re certainly game. You’re pretty cute when you’re trying to keep quiet, Lixie.”

“Shut up,” Felix replies playfully, and his cheeks flare as he stands, “Keep it in your pants, old man.”

“Oh, I need to keep it in my pants? Maybe we’ll just play without you, then.”

“Don’t be a cunt.”

“Wow, don’t be a what?”

“You heard me.”

Chan pulls himself to his feet and grins as Felix runs off towards the beach house. He stalks after him calmly as Felix giggles mischievously and jogs backwards.

“You better apologize.”

“Make me.”

“Oh, I will,” Chan answers as he finally breaks into a run.

Felix yelps in response and scrambles to pick up his speed. Hyunjin laughs softly and stands, extending his hand to help you to your feet as well. He keeps his hand gently locked with yours as you begin following the others. His shoulder presses against yours and the contact makes your stomach flip. You both sneak a look at each other and you smile with anticipation. He looks away, but you still catch the embarrassment heating up his cheeks. You rest your head on his shoulder and give his hand a squeeze as you watch Chan catch Felix and swing him off his feet.

“Thank you for coming out here with us,” Hyunjin whispers, making your head perk up, “I’m really glad you could make it.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Hyunjin. I’m happy to be invited.”

“Sure, but you’d probably prefer just to be with Chan if you could. You’re stuck with all of us too.”

You shake your head.

“I don’t see it that way. I love spending time with all of you. Besides, how I see it is you’re all stuck with me, too.”

You giggle and grin up at him as he smiles shyly.

“I don’t think any of us mind being stuck with you. I know Felix and I don’t. And Chan is always a little better when you’re around.”

“Yeah? I think he does fine without me.”

“No,” He argues gently, “It’s different. You don’t see it like we do. Chan looks so happy when he’s with you.”

You look to where Chan and Felix are embracing ahead of you. Felix is whining as Chan peppers unforgiving kisses over his freckled cheeks.

“He looks happy when he’s with you too.”

Hyunjin huffs gently and pecks your temple. You rub his arm and snuggle against him with a pleased hum.

“Not feeling shy, I see,” You tease.

Hyunjin laughs.

“I-I am…”

“It’s okay, Hyunjin. I know you’re more comfortable when the others aren’t around.”

He ducks his head.

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s okay to want some privacy.”

“I know… I-I know they know… I just don’t want to have to explain anything to them.”

“That’s okay, you don’t have to explain it to us either. We already talked about it, right?”

“Right.”

“Hey,” Felix calls, he and Chan have paused to allow you to catch up, “Is everything okay?”

“We’re good, just chatting,” Hyunjin answers.

Felix comes to walk with you, ducking under Hyunjin’s arm and wrapping his arm around his waist. Chan joins at your side, placing his hand on Hyunjin’s back and leaning close so you are wedged between the two of them.

“Lix had a good idea, want to hear it?” Chan purrs.

“Of course,” You reply, still caressing Hyunjin’s arm where your hand is gripping his bicep.

Felix tilts his head to meet your gaze then smirks at Hyunjin.

“There’s a hot tub in the house. I think we should enjoy it while the others are gone.”

“That sounds nice,” Hyunjin agrees.

“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” You inform.

“Oh, I didn’t either,” Hyunjin realizes.

“Oh, that’s a shame,” Chan coos, “I wonder what we’ll do about that.”

You peer suspiciously as Felix shares a knowing smirk with Chan.

“You didn’t bring one either,” You say to Chan.

“Hm, I wonder if we have another option, then?”

You look at Hyunjin, who is glaring at Felix through the darkening night.

“You two are perverted.”

Felix flusters as the realization dawns on you.

“Skinny dipping? Really you two?”

“You don’t like the idea?” Chan asks.

“I didn’t say that.”

You feel Chan’s arm brush you as he pats Hyunjin’s back.

“What are you thinking, Jin?”

He grimaces as you all turn your attention to him.

“That’s… really dirty.”

“Are you embarrassed, babe,” Felix teases, “Not up for the challenge?”

Hyunjin rolls his eyes.

“No… I’m just worried about the others coming back…”

“They won’t come back for a while,” Chan reasons.

“You and I can do something else, Jin,” You offer, “Watch a movie or something.”

“No… I want to do it.”

“Do you want to?” Felix asks.

“Yes, as long as we’re all comfortable.”

“We’ve all been naked in front of each other before, and quite comfortable last I checked,” Felix teases.

You reach in front of Hyunjin to pinch Felix’s side and he yelps as he catches your wrist. Chan takes advantage of the distraction and presses a kiss to the nape of your neck. You moan as he lingers there, hot breath washing over your skin and raising hairs, then you pull away from Felix to lightly elbow your boyfriend.

“Don’t tease me.”

Chan presses another kiss under your ear and brushes his lips against your jawline. He gently grabs your arm and guides you away from where you are stumbling into Hyunjin.

“Watch where you’re going, babygirl.”

“Shut up.”

Hyunjin tuts and takes his hand from yours to wrap it around your middle.

“Getting flustered?”

“Aw, baby,” Felix interrupts, “You don’t have to be nervous.”

You shrug them off and jog forward as you arrive at the house. You turn around and point your finger in an accusatory stance.

“All of you, behave.”

Felix blinks his eyes innocently as Hyunjin bows his head with a guilty smile. Chan steps up in front of you with a smirk.

“You like it when we’re bad, baby. Then you get to put us in our place.”

He steps past with the keys to unlock the door and you smack his bottom.

“Fuck yeah, I do.”

Felix and Hyunjin laugh as they follow you and Chan into the house. Felix jostles you playfully as you take off your shoes and outside clothes, and you turn to attack him with a hug when you finish. He giggles and pecks your face while wrapping his arms around your waist. You gently capture his chin and guide his lips to yours to share a teasing kiss. He tries to slip his tongue in your mouth and only manages to lap at your lips before you pull away.

“Hah,” His hips press to yours as he murmurs, “You’re so cute.”

Hyunjin comes to stand behind you, his chest pressed against your back as he speaks in your ear.

“I hate to break you two up, but didn’t we have a plan?”

You turn your head and giggle as Felix pecks your neck. 

“Mhm, I don’t remember,” He sighs into your skin, “Refresh my memory?”

Chan is watching you with a lazy smile as he speaks, “Hot tub. Skinny dipping.”

“Ah, right.”

You giggle as Hyunjin physically redirects Felix away from you and down the hall, then you turn to Chan. He moves closer and pecks your cheek before nodding after them.

“Go on, I’ll be right there.”

“What are you doing?”

He holds up his phone and winks.

“Just making sure we get our privacy.”

You raise your eyebrow.

“Alright, don’t keep us waiting.”

“I won’t.”

You take your time undressing in your’s and Chan’s shared room and don a towel before padding down the hall. It seems Felix and Hyunjin have taken their time as well, since you are the first to arrive at the hot tub. It is running in a private room on the bottom floor of the house. You take a seat on the edge and dip your hand in the water. Your head perks up as Felix enters the room in a robe.

“Where did you find a robe?”

He fluffs the collar and does a pose.

“Jealous?”

“Yeah, you should take it off.”

He sputters and unties the belt as he crosses the room.

“Very forward. How’s the water?”

“It’s good, not too hot actually.”

Felix takes a seat next to you and tilts his head as you run your hand over his chest. Your damp fingers dip beneath the fabric and draw it open as you run your hand over his skin. He sucks in a breath as your fingers trace down his sternum and open his robe further. His lips part to let out a shuddery breath and you feel his body shiver under your touch.

“Oh my God,” Your hand pauses on Felix’s abdomen as Hyunjin speaks up from the doorway, “And you two think Chan is the horny one.”

You laugh and run your hand back up Felix’s front. He smirks and leans in to share a heated kiss.

“Can’t help it,” Felix pants against your lips.

“Trust me, I can tell,” Hyunjin assures.

You giggle and indulge Felix with a few more kisses before turning to face Hyunjin. You meet his gaze bravely as you grab the front of Felix’s robe and slide it off his shoulders. Hyunjin’s eyes widen as Felix mouths at your neck and you let his robe drop from your hands. Felix slides his hands under your towel to grasp your thighs as he sucks a hickey into your throat. One hand slides up to pull your towel down as he draws your thigh over his lap. You follow his lead and look over your shoulder at Hyunjin as he watches you straddle his boyfriend.

Chan leans in the doorway and cocks his eyebrow, then looks at Hyunjin where he stands unmoving in front of him. Felix’s hands roam over your bare back and one slides down to grope your ass as you settle in his lap. His cock jumps against your abdomen as he litters more wet kisses over your neck and chest. Your eyes flutter and you hum approval as he leans down to suck at your breasts.

“Enjoying the show?”

Hyunjin gasps and clutches his robe, over his heart, as he turns to Chan with a frustrated sigh. Felix chuckles and raises his head as Chan struts into the room and asks:

“What’s wrong, aren’t you going to join them, Hyune?”

Hyunjin huffs and crosses his arms.

“You first.”

“Gladly.”

Chan finishes crossing the room and drops his towel before easing into the hot tub. He meets your gaze and lounges against the side with his arms spread across the ledge. He nods at Felix and makes a beckoning motion, which you respond with by standing from his lap. Felix whines and pouts up at you as you brace your hands on his chest. You wink and shove him back to be caught in Chan’s waiting arms. Felix makes a surprised sound when he splashes into the water then laughs as Chan pulls him into his lap. Chan nips at his ear and rubs his chest as he melts into his form.

You turn to face Hyunjin, still observing in silence where he stands. His eyes flit over your nude body before he shyly turns away.

“Jinnie,” You sing, “Aren’t you going to join us?”

“Yes…”

“Come in, babe,” Felix urges, Chan is still hungrily mouthing at his neck and shoulder.

You step into the hot tub and sink down with a moan. The water immediately begins to ease your muscles and lull you into a relaxed position. You look at Chan and Felix, who have paused, then turn your head to look at Hyunjin. His fingers fumble with his robe and he avoids meeting your eyes.

“Are you alright, Jinnie?” You ask sweetly.

“I’m fine…”

“Don’t be shy, babe,” Felix begs.

“I can’t strip when you’re all staring at me.”

“Aw, why not?” Chan whines.

You and Felix giggle as Hyunjin glares in response. You turn and cross your arms on the edge of the tub, then rest your chin in your arms. You look up at Hyunjin and smile from where you slouch in the water.

“Hyunjin? Don’t you want to join us?”

He nods and tucks a strand of hair behind his ear, then watches you extend one of your hands.

“Come here, sweetheart. I’ll help you get undressed.”

“O-Okay…”

He comes forward and takes your hand, then gasps as you pull him to sit on the edge of the hot tub. You giggle and rest one hand in his lap, blinking up at him seductively as that hand roams over his clothed crotch. He swallows and tries to muffle a moan with his hand as you palm him lazily through the robe. Your other hand deftly undoes the tie keeping it closed and you smirk up at him. His eyes dart away and he sighs.

“Would you two… stop ogling me?”

“Nope,” Chan replies simply.

“We’re admiring you, love.”

“Don’t look at them,” You demand, turning Hyunjin to face you by cupping his chin, “They’re not the ones touching you, now are they?”

“N-No…”

“Right. So if you want me to keep touching you, you should keep your eyes on me.”

“Damn,” Chan hisses, and Felix shushes him.

Hyunjin’s eyes flutter and he quivers at the demand. He looks away for a second, before taking a deep breath and braving your gaze. Your expression turns ravenous as you caress his chin and run your hand down to his chest.

“Good boy.”

He nods, biting his lip as your hand slips under his robe to touch him directly. Soft groans slip from his lips as you stroke his length. His eyes follow yours through his lashes as you part his robe and let it fall open. He whimpers as you spread his legs and rest your cheek against the inside of his thigh. You look at his cock and drink in the sight of it hard and throbbing from your touch. You look up and tsk when you see his eyes are tightly shut, then draw your hand away. Hyunjin bites his fist to muffle his cry of frustration as his hips jump in desperation for your touch.

“B-Baby, pl-ease,” He hiccups.

“Look at me.”

“I-I’m not going to last…”

He looks down at you, eyes tearing up as your hand brushes the inside of his leg. You rise to stand between his legs and cup his cheeks as he frowns at you.

“Come in, baby. I’ll take care of you.”

“Fuck.”

You giggle and help him slip out of his robe, then slide your arms around his shoulders as he falls into the water with you. His lips slot against yours as you thread your fingers through his hair, and his cock ruts against your thigh. You break the kiss and huff softly.

“Hyunjinnie…”

You gasp as strong hands grab your waist, and Chan pulls you back into his lap. He pecks your shoulder and motions Hyunjin to follow you.

“Come on, Hyune. Be a good boy for her.”

Hyunjin cries out softly and falls into your waiting arms. You kiss his cheek and swipe your thumb over his bottom lip as it quivers.

“Close, baby?”

Felix settles next to you in Chan’s lap, and chuckles as Hyunjin sucks your thumb into his mouth.

“Hyunjin, baby,” Felix groans, “You look so good right now.”

“Stop,” Hyunjin cries.

“Stop what,” Felix breathes, “You’re gorgeous.”

You reach between your bodies and resume stroking Hyunjin, which quiets his embarrassed protests. His face flushes and his eyes tear up as your hand teases his cock beneath the water. Hyunjin muffles his needy sounds by shoving his face into your shoulder and Chan pecks a sweet kiss to the crown of his head. You cup his neck and hold him to you with adoration.

“There you go, Hyune,” Chan praises, “You’re such a good boy.”

Hyunjin nods and thrusts into your hand. Felix finds a place on his shoulder to begin littering little kisses and whispers soft encouragement to you both.

“There you go, feels good, right? Gonna come? Be a good boy and come. You’re treating our Hyune so well, darling. He’s so lucky to have your pretty hands on his cock.”

Chan draws Felix in for a sloppy kiss before they return their attention to you. Felix lovingly pets Hyunjin’s back and kisses his neck where he can reach it. Chan hums into your hair and slides a hand around your waist, between your legs to slip two fingers into your heat. You jerk at the intrusion and knock your head against his chin. Chan grunts and you sputter when he burrows his face in the nape of your neck.

“Ow.”

“Well, don’t just- a-ahh!”

Your hips roll to chase the feeling of Chan’s fingers curling inside you, putting just enough pressure on your sweet spot as his thumb rolls over your clit.

“Don’t what? Hm? Use your words, babygirl.”

“You’re mean,” Hyunjin chastises, the rhythm of your touch breaking from Chan’s distraction, “Hah, too rough with her.”

You warble in agreement as you try to focus on stroking Hyunjin. Chan easily keeps the pace of fingering you as his other hand seizes your wrist. Hyunjin whines and butts his face into your neck as your hand is forced to still.

“I could be a lot meaner,” Chan whispers as he releases his hold on you, “Besides, she’s more than ready for it. Touch her, Lix.”

You resume stroking Hyunjin, his short grunts and breathy moans telling you that he is close. Chan’s fingers leave and Felix’s replace them. Although his are smaller, he makes up for this by immediately delving three of them deep into your heat. You mumble a string of curses into Hyunjin’s hair, clawing your fingers down his back as Felix fingerfucks you steadily.

“Wet and loose. Can’t get enough, can you? Hm?”

You moan and nod dumbly. Chan chuckles and lifts Hyunjin’s chin to look at him.

“And you think I’m the mean one?”

Hyunjin shakes his head as Chan pushes his thumb into his mouth. He swipes it over his tongue and presses it to the inside of his cheek. Hyunjin’s eyes flutter and his mouth opens in a broken moan as he comes from your touch. Felix chuckles, kissing the marks you left on Hyunjin’s back as he retracts his hand from your core. You sigh at the loss of contact and watch the tears slip down Hyunjin’s cheeks as your touch overstimulates him. Slowly, you cease touching him to let him recover from his high. Chan removes his thumb from his mouth and uses the spit-laden appendage to wipe the tears from Hyunjin’s cheeks. He sniffles and leans dazedly into Chan’s touch, cheeks flush and slick.

“Still good, baby?” Chan asks softly, “You with us?”

Hyunjin nods and looks over his shoulder as Felix kisses his cheek.

“You did so well, gorgeous,” He praises.

Hyunjin turns to you and presses a hot kiss to the corner of your lips. You giggle and meet him properly for the second one. He parts his lips and lets you slip your tongue inside for a messy kiss that leaves a string of saliva between your lips when you part. He groans and ducks his head before facing you again.

“I just realized… how gross this is.”

Chan chuckles and tauntingly strokes the inside of your thigh.

“What? Spit?” Felix asks as he wipes your chin clean.

“No… We’re sitting in my… cum.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty gross,” You agree as Chan nibbles your ear.

“Felix, don’t tell me that got you hard,” Hyunjin snaps as Felix laughs into his back.

He looks at you with a salacious grin and props his chin over Hyunjin’s shoulder.

“Listen, babe, just because you’re having post-nut clarity doesn’t mean we have to.”

“You should, you degenerate.”

“Well, you’re welcome to leave-”

“As if.”

You giggle and let Chan maneuver you to lean against the edge of the tub. He settles himself between your legs and traps you against the wall with his arms as he slowly leans in with a greedy stare. You sigh and lean your elbows back on the ledge, offering a challenging smirk as he moves in. Felix snakes his arms around Chan’s middle and blinks at you affectionately as your boyfriend presses his forehead to yours. You giggle and reach up to run your fingers through his hair, then reach past him to cup Felix’s cheek. You tilt your head to the side, away from Chan, to meet Felix’s gaze.

“You’re so pretty, Lix.”

“Thank you.”

Chan sets his jaw and brushes his nose against your cheek.

“Is that how it is?”

You thread your fingers in Felix’s hair and watch his eyes roll when you tug. You turn to face Chan with faux concern as he glares at you softly.

“I’m just worried Lix isn’t getting enough attention, Channie.”

Chan shudders then turns to watch you slide your hand down and wrap it around Felix’s throat. He groans when your grip tentatively tightens and guides him closer, between you and Chan. His eyes flutter open and he shoots Chan a smug look. Chan responds by grabbing the back of Felix’s head and pushing his face into your breasts. You scoff and share a look with Hyunjin, who is lounging against an edge with his elbow propped to hold his head up. He tilts his head to watch Felix suck your nipple between his lips. You moan and drape your arm lazily over his shoulders as he laps his way to your other breast.

“I think he gets plenty of attention,” Chan mumbles.

You laugh and slide your foot against the inside of Chan’s leg. He moves closer to pin Felix between both of you and chuckles at your airy moans. Felix lets out a muffled hum before licking a filthy stripe over your sensitive bud.

“I disagree,” He murmurs, “I’m feeling so neglected.”

Hyunjin speaks up from his spot, “It’s hard to feel bad for you when you have tits in your mouth.”

Felix looks up at you with his round eyes and sighs.

“God gives his hardest battles to his sexiest soldiers.”

“So true, baby,” You coo.

Chan snickers and Hyunjin rolls his eyes as Felix eagerly returns to suckling on your breasts. Chan glances at Hyunjin as needy sounds spill from your lips, and leans back to acknowledge him.

“Feeling left out?”

Hyunjin shakes his head.

“I’m good. I’m enjoying the view from right here.”

You keen as Felix nips the soft underside of your breasts and exhales hotly on your sensitive skin. He kisses lower, giving testing licks as he travels to your stomach. Chan reaches around to clasp Felix’s jaw and pulls him back. Felix’s eyes roll from the pressure on his throat and he grunts as Chan presses his lips to his ear.

“Aren’t you such a good boy for her?”

Felix nods, watching you through his lashes as Chan ghosts his hand down his front. His cock jumps when Chan’s hand slides over his abdomen and pauses there. You sigh and watch impatiently as Felix bucks his hips.

“Chan, please.”

“What’s wrong? You don’t want to be my good boy?”

“I-I do…”

“Not fair,” You whine.

Chan kisses Felix’s neck and chuckles.

“I’m just giving Lixie some attention. Wasn’t that your suggestion?”

You click your tongue and sit up.

“I didn’t say to tease him.”

“But isn’t he so cute like this?”

“Yeah,” You muse as you admire the shuddering of Felix’s toned chest, “He is pretty cute.”

Chan roughly gropes Felix’s inner-thigh and groans as he squirms in his arms.

“Excited, are you?”

“You’re one to talk. Fuck, you’re so fucking hard Chan.”

You giggle as Chan blushes and releases Felix. He drops in front of you and leans into your welcoming embrace with a soft groan. You feel his cock press against you as he kisses you fervently, his arms pulling your bodies tight together as your hands run over his back. 

Chan leans one hand on the ledge beside you and traces a finger slowly down Felix’s spine. He shivers and whimpers into your mouth as Chan’s touch dances over his freckles, drawing invisible constellations as the two of you share lazy kisses. Felix breaks the kiss and you take the opportunity to peck his forehead as Chan traces his spine again. Felix arches his back and groans at the friction of your hips coming together.

“Chris,” He cries, “Wh-What are you-”

Chan teases his fingers over Felix’s hole and slots his cock between the younger’s shaking thighs. You feel the drag of it against the tangle of your legs and bite your lip as you meet Chan’s gaze. He smirks and presses closer, forcing Felix’s chest flush to yours as he moves in. Felix moans and looks down as Chan ruts his cock under his, then looks at you as one of Chan’s hands roam over his chest. You contrast Chan’s sloppy thrusts and slow groping by sweetly tucking Felix’s hair out of his face. He inhales shakily as Chan slips a finger over his hole again.

“God, just put it in,” Felix growls.

You giggle and cup his face as Chan’s hands slide down to his hips.

“Don’t be so hasty, love,” Chan whispers.

“You’re a tease.”

“I just want to make sure you’re wet, darling.”

“We’re in a fucking hot t-UB!”

Felix jerks as Chan spreads his cheeks and spits into his open hole. Felix thrusts again, chasing the friction of his cock against your abdomen, before quivering and collecting himself. Chan spits again then pushes one of his thumbs into Felix’s puckering hole. You moan and roll your hips up for some stimulation as you stroke your thumbs over Felix’s defined cheekbones.

“That’s better,” Chan decides, admiring Felix’s slick hole.

“You’re disgusting,” Felix groans.

Chan fucks himself between his legs and you assist by closing your legs around Felix’s thighs, creating a tighter slit for Chan to slip between. Felix whines as it becomes harder for him to move his hips, and follows Chan as his hand comes around his throat again. Your core pulses from watching Chan hold him up, then he tugs Felix’s hands from your body.

“Arms. Now.”

“Chaaan,” Felix protests, but folds his arms behind his back for Chan to grasp in his other hand.

“See? Was that so hard?”

Felix whimpers as you begin running your hands over his pecs and pressing kisses to his chest. Chan is still lazily grinding between his thighs, frotting their cocks together from behind.

“You’re so pretty, Lix,” Hyunjin compliments, his voice low and ragged.

You drag your lips down Felix’s abs and look up as you place an open-mouthed kiss just below his belly button. Felix fights to look down at you as Chan tilts his head back.

“You want her mouth so bad, huh? Think you deserve it?”

“I do,” Felix argues.

“Oh yeah?”

Chan pauses as you close your hands around both of their cocks and Felix makes a relieved noise. You stroke them slowly and look up with a sigh.

“For the record, I don’t think either of you have done much to ‘deserve’ it. The only thing you’ve been doing is teasing me.”

“A-And what do you think he’s doing to me?” Felix sobs.

Chan chuckles and nuzzles his nose against Felix’s cheek.

“But Felix, you’ve been such a good boy.”

Felix rolls his eyes then makes a choked sound as you squeeze the tip of his cock. He thrusts into your hand and Chan pulls him back.

“Come on…”

“Beautiful,” Hyunjin calls, stealing your attention, “Why don’t you let them play together and I’ll take care of you?”

“No…” Felix pleads as you draw your hands away.

“You’ll be fine,” Hyunjin dismisses as he watches you wade your way over beside him.

Chan chuckles and finally releases his constricting grip on Felix. You let Hyunjin lift you up on the edge of the hot tub as Chan sits across from you. He beckons Felix closer and guides him to sit in his lap as Hyunjin ducks between your legs. You watch him pull your thighs over his shoulders and move in to lick between your folds. You are so pent up from watching the others you fail to suppress the high-pitched sound that he draws from your lips. Felix and Chan are both facing you, admiring you, as Chan hikes one of Felix’s legs over his arm and begins fingering him open. Felix lays like a ragdoll, letting Chan touch him and move him as he pleases as he watches you through half-lidded eyes.

Hyunjin barely swipes his tongue into your heat, choosing instead to focus on lapping at your clit and flicking it around your folds. You are too needy to complain, just sighing and moaning as he latches his lips to your clit and sucks. Chan hurriedly preps Felix and guides himself into his spread hole. Felix makes a wrecked sound as Chan’s fist closes around his leaking cock and he thrusts up to the hilt. Your fingers clench on the edge of the tub and you watch them desperately as your climax approaches. You wiggle and Hyunjin clasps your hips, allowing you to grind your pussy on his lips until you reach your high. You laugh breathlessly and release a series of pitchy moans as he devours you happily, letting you use him until you are satiated. You continue through your orgasm until the overstimulation has you trembling.

Hyunjin reaches up to catch you in his arms as you drop back into the water, still a bit shaky as you come down from your high. Your arousal is smeared on his lips and he licks them clean before kissing you. It is endearing, even when you taste yourself on his tongue and feel him half-hard between your moving bodies, your heart swells at his kiss. You blame Chan and Felix for leaving you untouched, but secretly know there is something special about Hyunjin that is drawing this reaction from you. He cups your cheeks and kisses you, soft and slow, drawing it out as long as he can until you are panting beneath him.

“Baby?”

“Hah,” You respond, dazed as you look up at him, “Yes?”

“Are you okay? You’re shaking, sweetheart.”

Your heart stutters at his tender expression, and you nod quickly to settle his nerves.

“Good, I’m good. Still coming down, that’s all.”

“Alright. Do you need a break?”

“No, n-no. We can just sit here.”

“Alright, baby,” Hyunjin smiles, patient and fond, before pecking your forehead, “Sit with me. Let’s just watch for a bit.”

You follow Hyunjin down to lounge in the water and find your core winding up at how he secures his arm around your shoulder. His movements are slow, hesitant, as he pulls you close and gently caresses your arm with his thumb. He brushes stray hairs from your face and runs his thumb under your jawline with loving attention. You look up and feel safe, warmth pooling in your stomach, when you meet his doting gaze. His serene smile is still there as he glances over at Felix and Chan.

There is something remarkable about Felix’s flexibility, it must come from years of training and dancing. Chan has his leg held up in a way that looks painful, but you trust that if Felix did not want it that way he would have spoken by now. Chan is jerking him off hard, and thrusting up with no control. The scene looks pornographic, and the sounds spilling from Felix’s mouth sound even more so. You can tell he is close from the volume of his desperation.

“Ch-Chan! Chan- Chris- fuck! Please please, oh my God, fuck! Yes, please-”

Hyunjin keeps stroking your arm, pulling you in to snuggle against his chest. You sink down and feel his cheek nestle against the top of your head. Felix groans, loud enough that you would worry about someone else hearing if you were not the only ones in the house. His cum shoots up his front, painting his chest and abdomen with thick streaks as Chan fucks him through his climax. It dribbles down his cock as it falls soft against his stomach, and he groans lowly as Chan keeps fucking him. Chan’s hand has slipped to hold the inside of his thigh, keeping his legs spread by digging his fingers into the tight muscles.

“That’s good, so good, Lix,” Chan praises, “M’gonna keep going, can I cum- cum inside? M’so close, baby.”

“Uh-huh,” Felix mewls, voice airy as Chan fucks another groan out of him, “Inside, yeah…”

“That’s messy,” Hyunjin teases, “You made a mess, Lix.”

“S’good, feels good,” Felix babbles, making you both laugh.

Chan giggles into Felix’s neck and whispers his own mindless stream of groans and praises as he finds his release. He knocks his hips up, pushing himself deeper inside as he cums. Felix twitches as Chan’s cock throbs inside him, and cum begins to spill out of his plugged hole.

“Yeah, yeah Lix, milk it. Fuck, you take it so good.”

Felix nods, eyebrows pinched in pleasure as his mouth falls open.

“Ch-Chan, f-fuck it’s hot. You’re so hot.”

“Yeah? You love it, baby?”

“Yeah…”

Chan kisses his neck sweetly and slowly eases Felix off of him. The younger groans and falls bonelessly into the water, letting Chan in behind him to scoop him into his arms. Chan hums and peppers kisses over his face, neck, then chest as Felix’s head lolls back. Chan giggles and nudges his nose against Felix’s chin.

“Sleepy?”

“Mhm…”

“I fucked you that good?”

“No, not that good.”

Chan punishes Felix with a bite to his jawline and he yelps.

“Brat.”

Felix makes a noise of disagreement as he drowsily meets Chan for a kiss. Chan grumbles something but Felix muffles his words with lazy pecks.

“Now they’re going to make-out for like an hour,” Hyunjin mumbles.

“No,” Felix says, “Not that long…”

“Just until he passes out,” Chan murmurs.

“And then you make-out some more when he wakes up,” You say as their kissing resumes.

“Mhm,” Chan defends, “S’called aftercare. I do it because I care about him.”

“You’re obsessed with me,” Felix jokes, “You act like you’re in love with me or something.”

“Because I am.”

Felix’s eyes widen and his cheeks flush at Chan’s words. His reaction goes unnoticed, but not to you or Hyunjin. He shifts beside you, his fingers twitch as Chan’s hand cups Felix’s neck and pulls him in for another kiss. His eyes flutter shut and he melts into it, not noticing how your hand takes Hyunjin’s under the water or when you look up because you hear his heart pounding in his chest. He meets your gaze and relieves your worries with a smile. He looks unsure, but not upset. There is a glimmer of desire in his eyes when he looks back at Felix and Chan, sharing deft touches and needy kisses.

You giggle and sarcastically muse, “Wow, Chan. Just go ahead and say Felix is your favourite.”

Chan breaks away and looks at you with a soft glare, while Felix whines and nuzzles his cheek.

“I don’t have a favourite.”

“You love us all equally?” Hyunjin clarifies.

At this, Chan hesitates to answer. He shares a look with you then carefully replies:

“Yeah, I love you all. You mean the world to me.”

Felix successfully coaxes Chan into giving him another kiss, and when they pull apart holds Chan’s cheeks to maintain his gaze.

“Don’t be so casual about it.”

Chan chuckles.

“I can’t say I love you?”

“You love me because I take it up the ass for you.”

“That’s not true. I want to fuck you in the ass because I love you. There’s a difference.”

“There’s a difference,” You repeat with an unconvinced lilt.

“So,” Hyunjin concludes, “Felix lets you fuck him in the ass and becomes your favourite. I see how it is.”

You cackle as Chan rolls his eyes and Felix raises his eyebrows.

“Sure. Felix is my favourite. For that reason.”

“That’s okay,” You hum, “Hyunjin is my favourite.”

Hyunjin physically jumps with surprise at your confession and looks at you with disbelief. Felix chortles at his reaction and accepts the kisses Chan meticulously presses to each of his freckles. Your boyfriend is entirely unbothered by your comment, failing to justify Hyunjin’s reaction with even a sideways glance as he stares expectantly at him. Then, he stares at you.

“Why?”

You shrug, feeling drowsy and a little high off the hint of curiosity in Hyunjin’s voice.

“I just like you. I like how you watch out for Channie. I like how you take care of Felix. I like the way you fall in love.”

Hyunjin’s eyes soften at your inviting smile.

“Oh. I love you too.”

“I know.”

Hyunjin splutters as you look back at the others nonchalantly, although you are horribly suppressing your sheepish reaction. You avoid looking at him and pointedly turn away as your cheeks flush and a grin breaks out on your face.

“Baby? Baby, wait, look at me.”

“Can’t.”

“B-But- please?”

You shake your head as Hyunjin’s arms come around you from behind.

“You made her shy, Hyunjin,” Felix comments.

“I’m not shy,” You argue as you let Hyunjin turn you around.

Your breath catches as you watch him. His brows are furrowed with determination and his plush lips are pressed into a tight line. He cups your cheeks and leans in, lips hovering over yours as he chooses the right words.

“Y-You’re not going to say it?”

You grin.

“Say what?”

He looks helplessly at Chan and Felix. 

“Aw, babe,” Chan scolds, “Don’t be so difficult.”

Felix yawns then adds, “He deserves an ‘I love you’, he ate you out.”

“He wanted to do that.”

“You don’t want to say it?” Hyunjin questions.

You sigh and throw your arms around his shoulders.

“Hwang Hyunjin,” He nods, listening intently to your words, “I promise, one-hundred percent, without a doubt, that I love you. And I will say it as many times as you need to hear it.”

“B-But… do you…”

“For the record,” Chan cuts in, “I love you too. I loved you first, actually. She just copied me.”

“I did not copy falling in love with Hyunjin, you bitch.”

Felix’s head is resting on Chan’s chest, held close with one hand while the other points accusingly at you.

“You didn’t like him until I liked him.”

“I didn’t like him until I started dating you, I didn’t even know him.”

“Yeah, so, I win.”

You shake your head then return your attention to Hyunjin.

“What were you going to say, baby?”

“Um… So do you like me- like, love me or… just, you know…”

“Babe,” Felix murmurs, “What do you think?”

Hyunjin looks pained as he considers the options, but you quickly relieve his stress by answering his question.

“I don’t just like you in a ‘friend’ way. I cherish every second I get to spend with you, Hyunjin. I need you and I love you.”

Hyunjin nods.

“Me too. I-I love you, too.”

“I love you too,” Felix offers, “Just so you know.”

You roll your eyes.

“I love you too, Lix.”

“Nice.”

“Noice.”

“Hey.”

Chan chuckles and smiles at you.

“Chan… you’re just alright,” You quip.

“Well, you’re sexy and amazing. See how I didn’t stoop to your level?”

“Chan,” Hyunjin says, “I don’t want to interrupt, but Felix is falling asleep on your chest and I think we should clean him up.”

Chan looks down to Felix drooling on his chest and hums as he gently shakes him.

“So he is. You’re right, but shouldn’t we say ‘I love you’ first?”

Hyunjin nods shyly and Chan glances at you before you move over to take Felix into your arms. He stirs when he falls against you and you scoop some water over his dirty chest. He mutters something, maybe a thank-you, as Chan comes to Hyunjin and pulls him into a kiss. Hyunjin returns it eagerly, allowing Chan to dip him slightly to deepen the kiss. Hyunjin pulls away first, and giggles as Chan pecks all over his face.

“I love you, Chan.”

“I love you too, baby.”

You smile at them as Chan lets Hyunjin straighten again.

Hyunjin and Chan help Felix out of the hot tub and dress him in his robe, before he eventually gives up on standing and Chan has to carry him out of the room. There are two bathrooms in the house. Hyunjin runs a bath for Felix in one of them, while you start a shower in the other. You hear the door open a few minutes into your shower, then Chan’s soft voice shortly after that.

“It’s me, babe.”

“Are you coming in?”

“Yeah, I just had to do something.”

You poke your head out of the shower curtain and smile when you see Chan has brought clean towels and pajamas. His head perks up as he drops his towel and he smirks at you.

“Wow. Couldn’t help yourself? Had to take a peek, you little minx?”

You giggle and push the curtain open as he steps in. You share a quick kiss as he shuts the curtain behind himself and steps under the water with you.

“I want to know where they found robes. How come all we can find is towels.”

“I don’t know, love. I’m sure they’re around somewhere.”

“How is Lix doing?”

“He’s good. Hyunjin’s in the tub with him. He’ll take a nap and go back to being a menace again.”

You nod and giggle as Chan pulls your body to his. Your hands rest on his shoulders and you gaze up at him as you sway under the water.

“You tired?” He asks.

“Kind of, getting there.”

He pecks your forehead.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, babygirl.”

“Channie?”

“Mhm?”

“I love you.”

He smiles, that eye-pinching grin that melts your heart every time.

“I love you more.”

“Impossible.”

“S’not,” He protests with a soft pout, “I do.”

“You’re just gonna have to prove it to me, I guess.”

He chuckles and kisses you, leisurely and chaste.

“No problem. You’re easy to love.”

“Mhm, be quiet,” You complain.

You finish your shower laughing together. Chan steps out first, throws on his towel then takes yours and begins helping you dry off. You throw your arms up and let him pat you down, then squeal when he throws it over your head and squeezes your sides.

“Chan!”

You pull it down with a huff that gets interrupted with a kiss. He smiles against your lips when you lightly hit him with the towel.

“Christopher.”

He giggles.

“Yes?”

“Behave.”

“Mhm, okay.”

He pecks your nose and finishes patting you dry, then gives you your space so you can get dressed. The clothes are your comfy underwear, favourite bedtime shorts, and one of his black hoodies. You pull it on then hold the material up to your nose to inhale his scent. Chan pulls on his boxers then pauses partway through donning his sweatpants to observe you. You smile with your eyes, nose and mouth covered in the soothing material. He finishes getting dressed, having opted to stay shirtless, and tilts his head at you.

“Happy?”

“Mh-hm…”

You shuffle into his arms and he welcomes you with a hug. He buries his nose in your hair and you let the fabric drop as you peck his chest.

“Let’s go, babygirl.”

“Hn?”

You shriek as Chan picks you up by your thighs and brings your legs around his waist. Your arms close tight around his neck and you cry out in protest.

“Chan! Don’t do that!”

He laughs and carries you out of the bathroom, down the hall to the living room. Hyunjin and Felix are already there, lounging on the couch in their matching pajamas as they choose something to watch. Felix is sipping a glass of water, tucked into Hyunjin’s side as he scrolls through the options. Chan drops you on the couch and catches your ankle when you try to kick him.

“I know your tricks, sweetheart.”

Hyunjin makes his decision and watches Felix hold his empty glass out to Chan.

“Chris?”

Chan sighs and takes it, then leaves the room to refill it for him. Felix shoots you a satisfied smirk and you shake your head.

“Get your own malewife.”

“I want yours.”

“I heard that!”

“No you didn’t,” Felix teases, then looks expectantly at Hyunjin.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

Felix pouts.

“You don’t want to be my malewife?”

“Hyunjin is so boygirlfriend, actually,” You murmur.

“Oh yeah, he so is.”

“I don’t know what those words mean but I feel like I should be offended. Stop it.”

Chan returns with a fresh glass of ice water and presses his cold hand to the back of your neck. You curse and twist away from his touch as Felix takes his water and sings:

“Thank you, Chan.”

“You’re welcome, little bastard.”

“I love when couples have pet names,” Hyunjin jokes.

“It’s not a pet name, that’s Lix’s species,” You add.

“I’m not a creature.”

“You act like one,” Chan mutters.

Felix holds his glass out and Chan lets out a long sigh before reluctantly taking it.

“Getting fucked in the ass doesn’t make you incapable of taking care of yourself.”

“Yes it does.”

“Lix is a babygirl, he can’t help it,” You defend.

Felix nods sagely and Hyunjin tsks, before Chan replies:

“If babygirl means spoiled princess, then it definitely suits the two of you,” He pauses, “Three of you.”

Hyunjin ponders then shrugs, yawning instead of trying to muster up an argument against Chan’s logic. Chan sets Felix’s water aside, giving you time to crawl between Hyunjin and Felix and cuddle into a comfortable position. Hyunjin lets you rest your head in his lap, even tucking a throw pillow beneath to better support it. Felix lays somewhat on top of you, partially wedged between you and the couch so he can put his head low on your chest and slot one of his legs between yours. Chan assesses the situation then settles himself on top of you. His head rests on your stomach and he tangles himself around Felix. Felix welcomes him in by wrapping his arms around his shoulders and pecking his forehead.

“You weren’t planning on going anywhere, right?” You ask Hyunjin.

He snorts.

“Not anymore.”

Hyunjin lazes one arm over the back of the couch and lets his other rest on the armrest. Chan tugs a blanket up over himself and Felix and hums contently. Felix shimmies lower and tilts Chan’s head up to give him a kiss. You reach over your head to grab Hyunjin’s hand and bring it to your lips, brushing a sweet peck over his knuckles. He makes a soft sound and smiles down at you, then begins brushing his fingers over your cheek. He carefully traces over your cheekbones, eyelids, down the bridge of your nose. He pauses on your lips, slips his finger between them gently, then moves to your chin and jawline. You watch him intently, then let your attention shift to Chan and Felix where they trade kisses beside you.

“I told you they would start making out again,” You whisper to Hyunjin.

“I’m not surprised.”

“You’re just jealous,” Felix decides.

“Are you jealous?” Chan asks, his voice slurring with exhaustion.

“No,” Hyunjin assures, “I love seeing you two together.”

“Simp,” Felix replies.

You place your hand between their faces and laugh as Felix whines and tries to see Chan around it.

“Baby, please,” Chan begs.

You sigh and move your hand to play with his hair. Hyunjin continues stroking your cheek with his thumb as he turns his attention to the television. Felix reaches up to tug on his shirt.

“Hey, you’re good, right?”

“Why wouldn’t I be good?”

“I mean… You didn’t really believe them earlier.”

Hyunjin looks annoyed as you and Chan both look at him with concern.

“It’s not that I didn’t believe them! I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

“Why wouldn’t we be on the same page?” You ask gently.

“I don’t know… People say things in the moment and…”

“Hyunjin,” Chan says, dozy and a little sternly, “Do you think we didn’t mean it when we said we love you?”

“I know you love me. I just also know how Felix loves me, so I don’t want to assume you mean it the same way.”

“Oh,” You breathe, “You’re afraid we’re not in love with you, right?”

“You don’t have to be…”

“Then what can we do to show you we are?” Chan asks.

Hyunjin falters then Felix speaks up for him:

“Putting a label on this might help? There hasn’t really been much talk of commitment since we started seeing each other’s partners. Maybe… we stop wondering how long this will last and… finally make it official?”

You grin at Felix, his words are clearly thought out but his tone is hesitant. Voice a little shaky, eyes a little watery. Hyunjin lets his hand fall from the back of the couch to rub Felix’s back in soothing circles.

“Alright, let’s make it official,” Chan decides.

“Wha- just like that?” Hyunjin yelps.

You giggle.

“Channie doesn’t fuck around with labels.”

“I don’t. Tell us what you want. Let’s get it all worked out right here.”

Hyunjin swallows and looks at you.

“What… would you call this?”

You blink in surprise then contemplate the question with a quiet hum.

“Well… Chan is my boyfriend, obviously… but I would even call him my soulmate if we’re getting specific with things. And I don’t see why I couldn’t use that word to describe you guys, too.”

“S-Soulmates,” Felix questions, “You really feel like we’re your soulmates?”

Your cheeks heat up and you nod shyly.

“W-Well… If that’s okay? I mean, I guess, to me a soulmate isn’t necessarily a romantic partner. They’re just… someone you need in your life. But I don’t see why we can’t be soulmates and lovers, you know? Or, soulmates and friends if that’s… better, like…”

You feel wetness fall on your cheeks and trail off as you wipe it away. Another drop, and you look up to see Hyunjin crying above you. Your eyes widen and you reach up instinctively, hand resting over his heart as he tries to muffle his sobs into his palm.

“Hyunjin, what’s wrong?”

Felix clambers up when he realizes what is going on, and Chan follows. This gives you the opportunity to sit up, and you slide into Hyunjin’s lap as Felix’s arms come around his shoulders. The position is awkward, but Chan pushes himself in as well. His arms come around Hyunjin’s waist, and Felix leans back just a bit so Hyunjin can tuck his chin over Chan’s shoulder. He cries openly, tears stream down his face before being wiped away by Felix’s delicate hands. Felix pecks his forehead as Chan rubs his back lovingly.

“I-I’m sorry, I-I don’t-” He chokes on his tears between words, “I don’t even believe Felix wants me sometimes. I-I just expected you two would get bored of me soon.”

Chan’s eyebrows pinch and he sighs softly before answering:

“I know what you mean, baby, but trust me: we’re never going to get bored of you. We love you.”

You pet Hyunjin’s hair and nod in agreement as he leans back to look at Chan.

“Y-Yeah?”

“Yes,” Chan exasperates, “Sweetheart, when I said you’re my world I meant it. I love you.”

“Oh,” Hyunjin laughs sadly, “Oh.”

“You’re so foolish, Jinnie,” You murmur as you kiss his cheek, “Silly boy. Thinking we don’t love you and Felix.”

Felix is still teary-eyed, and the tender kiss Chan presses to his cheek does not help.

“We didn’t want to get our hearts hurt,” Felix explains quietly.

“That breaks my heart,” Chan replies, “I don’t know how we could be anymore in love with you. Isn’t it obvious?”

“Except,” You cut in, “For actually putting a name to it.”

“Oh, whatever. I don’t look at anyone else but you three. I let you in bed with the love of my life. You should’ve gotten the hint.”

Hyunjin wipes his tears away and turns to you as you cup his jaw.

“Does that help, Hyunjinnie? Do you know your answer now?”

“Yes… I think we’re soulmates too, and I want us to all be together.”

You share a kiss and giggle when Felix butts his face into Hyunjin’s neck.

“What’s wrong, Lix?” Chan asks softly.

He raises his head, freckled face burning as your attention falls on him.

“I agree but… could we pick something a bit less intense for when we tell the guys? Like, partners, or lovers even?”

“You think ‘lovers’ is less intense?” Hyunjin questions.

“I don’t know…”

“I like it. Lovers is serious, but not as dramatic, and still a little soft,” You decide, “I also like the idea of calling you three my boyfriends.”

“Isn’t that a little… casual?” Hyunjin retorts.

“Calling someone your boyfriend is casual,” Chan remarks in disbelief, then looks at you, “Apparently we are not taking our relationship as seriously as we should be.”

You giggle and Hyunjin rolls his eyes.

“Th-That’s not what I meant… We’re just going to go from being close friends to suddenly… her boyfriends, and that seems like we’re not acknowledging the way our relationship has developed in private. I-I think we’re more serious about each other than… just dating… R-Right?”

“Again, dating is too casual now?”

You hit Chan lightly then turn your attention to Hyunjin and Felix.

“Why don’t we call each other whatever is most comfortable, and if the boys have questions we let them know that we’re taking it day-by-day. But yes, Hyune, we’re serious about this too.”

You make soft noise as Felix leans closer and guides you into a tender kiss. You accept easily, warming at how his hand slides around your waist and his bangs brush against your cheeks. He parts and grins at your blissed out smile.

“Sorry, lovely. I just felt the need to do that right now. Love you.”

“I love you too, Lix.”

Chan smiles, still looking tired, and lets you and Felix pepper chaste kisses to his cheeks.

“You need to rest, Channie?” You ask.

“Yeah, I do,” Chan looks at Hyunjin and gestures for him to hug him again, “Come here, baby.”

Hyunjin falls into his arms with a little sigh and lets Chan comfort him. Felix uses the moment to settle in a sitting position at the other end of the couch, and pats his stomach patiently. Chan takes Hyunjin with him as he falls between Felix’s legs, heads resting on his chest as the two continue sharing little pecks. You smile, throw a blanket over the three of them, then grab your own before curling up on top of your boyfriends’ legs. Chan and Hyunjin both reach down, Chan takes your hand and Hyunjin plays with your hair as you look up to admire them. Felix has one arm around Hyunjin’s shoulders and the other folded behind his head as he watches the two on top of him.

“Ugh, I just realized something,” You whisper.

“Mhm,” Is Chan’s half-conscious reply.

“What, babe,” Hyunjin inquires with Chan’s mouth smushed lazily against his lips.

“I’m going to have to share my sugar daddy.”

They all laugh and Felix answers:

“I like how you decided we would all be mooching off Chan, as opposed to you gaining two more sugar daddies.”

“Ooh wait, I like that better.”

Felix laughs, shaking Chan and Hyunjin with the force of it. Both are exhausted now, and as they succumb to sleep their kisses dissolve into slow brushes of their lips instead of actions with any force behind them. You smile at the way their noses brush, how one will slip back into consciousness enough to kiss the other and receive a delayed peck to reciprocate the action. You look up to meet Felix’s eyes as he mirrors your fond smile. He whispers, but Hyunjin still stirs slightly at the rumble of his voice.

“They fit so well together.”

You hum in agreement.

“Chan thinks the same thing about me and you.”

Felix chuckles.

“Must be true, then.”

Your smile widens as you regard your boyfriends’ one last time. Chan’s cheek is smushed into Felix’s chest, Hyunjin’s breathing has finally slowed, and Felix’s eyes flutter shut as he lets his head fall to the side. You close your eyes and nestle in to fall asleep with them.

The sudden sound of excited voices pulls you awake before the front door even opens. When someone, presumably Minho, manages to win the fight with his keys and push the door open the volume increases exponentially. You groggily sit up and look over the back of the couch, down the hall where you cannot see the others but their voices swim in and out of your hazy senses. You look down; Chan and Hyunjin are in the same position as earlier, asleep and sharing air with little space between their lips. Felix is rubbing the sleep from his eyes and stretching out his arm, no doubt cramped from being tucked under his head.

“You guys here?” Changbin calls out.

“We’re in here, Binnie,” You manage, voice straining from underuse, “We were sleeping.”

You can hear Jeongin and Jisung cackling down the hall, their voices the loudest among the others. You cannot make out what they are saying as they wander somewhere else in the house. Changbin enters the room, still wearing his black puffer jacket. He comes around the couch on Felix’s side and ruffles his hair.

“Cold, Bin?” Felix purrs, his voice deeper with sleep.

“Not really. You look cozy.”

You watch Changbin’s expression as he seems to register the scene before him. You yawn and sit up properly, and notice how Chan’s hands are barely clutching the front of Hyunjin’s pajama shirt. In return, Hyunjin has his arm draped around Chan’s body. Maybe you imagine it, but Changbin’s gaze seems to linger on the proximity of their parted lips before he wanders over to you. He pets your hair, no doubt tousled from sleep and your earlier escapades, and tilts your head up gently to face him.

“Tired, honey?”

You smile.

“A little. Did you guys have fun?”

Changbin nods and drops his hand.

“We walked down the shore, then we went into town and looked around until we found somewhere to hang out. There was a nice restaurant, so we went there and I.N and Han had a couple drinks. Then we walked around some more before we got back here.”

You giggle.

“No wonder they’re being so loud…”

“I can quiet them down for you.”

“No, it’s okay. We’ll wake Chan and Hyune up soon and go to bed.”

“Alright, you just let me know if you need anything, babe. I’m going to my room.”

He passes by Felix again and offers a gentle caress to his cheek.

“Goodnight, Yongbokkie.”

“G’night, Bin,” Felix yawns between farewells, “Sleep tight.”

You offer Changbin a small wave and watch him leave. Your attention piques as Seungmin shuffles in, still dressed in his slacks and a too-big flannel. He looks over the back of the couch with a blank expression.

“Did you have a good night, Min?” Felix asks.

“Mhm.”

He comes around the couch on your side and hesitates at the end. You tuck your legs up, careful not to disturb Chan or Hyunjin, and pat the space next to you.

“You can sit here, Min,” You offer softly.

He drops into the bit of space next to you and leans his head on your shoulder. You throw your blanket over the two of you and tidy his bangs where they have fallen in his eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“Tired…”

“I’m sorry you guys stayed out so long,” You sympathize, “You can sleep here for a while.”

Seungmin nods and nuzzles closer. You look at Felix, who smiles and lets his eyes fall shut. You turn your attention to the television, still playing whatever Hyunjin chose earlier to occupy the silence. Seungmin’s hand finds yours under the blanket and you lace your fingers together. You spend a few minutes watching the show, before your eyelids droop shut. Your head falls against Seungmin’s and he grunts softly, but does not move.

Your peace is interrupted shortly after when you hear poorly concealed giggling, and look over to see Jeongin and Jisung leaning on the back of the couch.

“Hey, you two,” You whisper, peering suspiciously at their troublesome grins, “What is it?”

They share a look and giggle some more before Jeongin answers, “We know what you did.”

You smirk and reply, “What?”

Jeongin laughs then stage whispers, “You had seeeex.”

They both erupt into laughter, startling both Seungmin and Hyunjin to alertness. Seungmin sighs and nuzzles his face into your shoulder as Hyunjin blearily sits up. Felix snickers and soothes Hyunjin gently as he collapses back on top of him with a groan. Chan is surprisingly dead to the world despite the increasing disturbance caused by Jisung and Jeongin.

“Is that all,” You mutter, unimpressed, “That’s what’s so funny.”

Felix chuckles as Jisung leans over the couch and taps Hyunjin’s arm.

“Hey Jinnie, hey Jinnie.”

“What?”

“Look look,” Hyunjin obliges and glares as Jisung insists, “Look.”

“I’m looking.”

Jisung makes a ‘v’ with his fingers and licks his tongue between them, making Jeongin howl at the gesture. Felix groans and Hyunjin slaps Jisung’s arm.

“Stop that, you freak!”

“Yeah? Am I right, though?”

Jisung looks at you and you cock your eyebrow up.

“You’re not wrong.”

Hyunjin covers his face and Felix laughs suddenly, as the boys become frenzied at your admission. Minho enters the room in his pajamas and frowns at Jisung and Jeongin’s shenanigans.

“Ji, are you coming to bed or not?”

“For the love of God,” Seungmin groans, “Please take him. He’s disturbing the peace.”

“Your face disturbs the peace,” Jisung shoots back.

“Wow. How will I ever recover from that one?”

You giggle then jump as Jeongin stumbles over and slaps his hands down on the couch behind you. You tilt your head back to face him, allowing Seungmin to hide his face better in the crook of your neck.

“Enjoying the cuddle pile, puppy?” The youngest teases.

Seungmin scoffs.

“Mind your business.”

“You know,” Jisung teases, “Maybe if you ask nicely, one of them will suck-”

Minho cuffs the back of Jisung’s head before he can finish the sentence, which makes him fall to the floor with a shout. Chan finally awakens and takes in the scene before him: Hyunjin hiding his face in Felix’s chest, you and Seungmin cuddling at his feet, Minho lifting an indignant Jisung off the floor, and Jeongin grinning over it all. Minho successfully hauls his boyfriend to his feet then begins herding him out of the room, patting his bottom along the way.

“Miiiin, that huuurt!”

“You know what else hurts? The consequences of your actions. Stop running your mouth before you regret it.”

Jisung continues to complain as they leave down the hall. Jeongin leans over Seungmin’s shoulder and smirks as he refuses to leave your neck.

“Fuck off.”

“I’m not doing anything,” Jeongin whines.

You reach up and gently shove him away.

“Leave Min alone. Go to bed, drunkard.”

“I don’t want to…”

“Too late,” Chan grumbles, half-asleep, “Leader’s orders. Go to bed.”

Jeongin pouts and makes a point of poking your forehead before leaving.

“Hey! Brat!”

“And drink some water!” Chan yells after him.

“Alright, dad!”

You giggle as Chan eases himself up and scratches his neck. He pats beside him aimlessly and ends up touching Hyunjin’s hip. Hyunjin looks up at his touch, face still flushed with embarrassment. Felix yawns and begins sitting up.

“I think we should go to bed, yeah?”

You pat Seungmin’s chest gently, fingers still curled together under the blanket.

“You sure you’re okay, Minnie?”

He nods.

“Don’t feel great.”

“Were you drinking?” Hyunjin asks.

He shakes his head. Chan rises and brushes Seungmin’s bangs back to press the back of his hand to his forehead. Seungmin flinches then relaxes as Chan ruffles his hair.

“You’re a little warm. Come here.”

You and Seungmin pull apart as Chan leads his arms around his shoulders. He slips the younger member into his arms bridal-style and carries his limp body off to his room. 

“Poor, Min,” You murmur.

“I think he’s just tired,” Hyunjin assures.

Felix nods in agreement then says, “I’ll check on him later. He’ll be okay.”

“We should go to bed, love,” Hyunjin suggests as he stands.

You nod then pause to contemplate. Felix leans forward to lightly pinch your cheek, and smirks at your startled expression.

“What are you thinking about, babe?”

“Well- is our bed bigger, or is yours?”

Felix’s smile intensifies and he closes the distance to give you an eager kiss.

“Mhm!”

“S’cute,” He murmurs as he moves into your lap, “My cute baby. Can’t get enough of you.”

You squeal in delight as you and Felix fall down together on the couch.

“You two,” Hyunjin exasperates, “Someone’s going to see you.”

Felix turns his head to look at your, plural, boyfriend.

“Isn’t that the point? So they know she’s mine?”

“Oh,” Chan remarks as he returns to the room, “She’s yours now, is she?”

Felix blushes and smirks down at you.

“Yeah. Right now she is.”

You hum and bump your nose against his shyly.

“I’ll be yours, Lixie. Anytime.”

“How about all night?”

You blush and giggle in response, mind going to putty at his flirtatious gaze.

“I want to sleep tonight,” Hyunjin huffs.

“And I don’t think you can keep it up all night, frankly,” Chan jabs.

“Don’t call me ‘frankly’, my name is Felix.”

The ridiculous joke shocks a laugh out of you and you quickly become breathless as Hyunjin groans and stomps away.

“I’m done.”

“Babe, please! Come back!” Felix pleads.

Chan stands, still and silent as he watches Felix with an intensely disappointed glare. You are still laughing when Hyunjin stomps back.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Felix winks then helps you sit up.

“It wasn’t that funny,” Chan chastises.

“It wasn’t funny at all,” You reply breathlessly, “That’s what makes it hilarious.”

Felix purses his lips.

“It was a little funny…”

Chan leans over the couch and pecks Felix’s cheek.

“Come on. Let’s head to bed, Frankly.”

“Don’t you start,” Hyunjin sighs.

The two stand together, waiting for you and Felix to untangle from each other and stand up from the couch. You all walk to yours and Chan’s bedroom, sharing light touches and warm smiles along the way. When you enter the room, Hyunjin dives onto the bed and yelps when Chan falls on top of him. You laugh and follow Felix as he takes a seat on the bed and leads you to sit in his lap. You gasp as he rolls over, pinning you between him and Hyunjin as he nuzzles his face into your chest.

“Felix…”

He chuckles and looks up with dazzling eyes.

“Yes, lovely?”

“I love you.”

“Oh, I love you too, baby.”

Hyunjin turns to tuck his face into your shoulder and pull your arm over his hip. You laugh and give his bottom a loving pat as Chan squeezes himself into the space under your arm and uses your shoulder to rest his head.

“I love both of you too,” You whisper.

“M’love you too, beautiful,” Chan replies, his face squishing with force as rubs it into his own sweater.

Hyunjin throws an arm over Chan’s shoulders and Felix links their fingers together where they rest between your bodies.

“We love you too,” Hyunjin says, “Both of you. So much.”

Felix hums and sleepily pulls the blanket over all of you, before you drift off to sleep.

[pinksugarscrub]

Deja Vu

Hobie Brown x spider! fem! reader

@hyperfix-wip 🎀 thank you for reading my wips and giving me feedback at practically midnight and @the-kr8tor ... It was out of my hands

Based heavily on my spidersona's lore so please, be curteous. Angst angst and more angst.

word count: 1,035

parts: 1 (current), 2

cw: blood, gore, angst, drama

~

“You have to let go.”

“No–” Your voice breaks, “I’m not letting go.”

Sweat trickles down your nose and a grunt escapes your lips as the bridge begins to bend.

“I’m not letting you go.”

Hobie’s heart twinges in pain. The last look he ever wanted to see on your face was that one.

His eyes drift down to the beam digging into your side. Blood soaking your suit or what’s left of it.

Your arm is shaking with the weight of holding him. You’re tired. Oh so tired.

A gasp steals your breath away as a metallic arm digs the beam further into your body.

“No—stop it!” Hobie screams helplessly. His arm begins to throb as you grip onto him tight enough to break his bones.

“Tick Tock Spider-Woman,” Otto grins. Chaos in his eyes and his heart. Baring his teeth as he reels back his arm before thrusting it into your side again. “Time’s a wastin.”

The manic laughter isn’t what scares Hobie. It’s the way your eyes lose focus and you struggle to breathe.

“Hey, hey! Listen to me!” Hobie pleads. Squeezing your arm to wake you up. When you don’t respond he screams louder and lets his hand slip.

Your eyes are back to his in a second.

Hobie smiles. His lips tremble as he forces the smile to stay. “Everything is going to be ok, ok?”

“Just-” His breath catches in his throat as tears flood his vision. “I need you to close your eyes for me.”

You shake your head in protest. Adrenaline pumping through your system.

“You have to trust me.”

“Please…” you wheeze. Face scraping against the concrete as the bridge dips. “Please.”

Hobie hates the anguish he’s causing you but he knows if he was in your position he would be feeling the same.

“Don’t do this,” you beg. Salty tears mixing with your blood.

Hobie doesn’t want to. He wants to spend the rest of his life with you. He wants to live. But…

Another pained cry leaves your lips as different beam jams its way into your frame like a parasite.

Hobie doesn’t want you to die either.

“I thought you were smarter than this (y/n),”Otto drones. Impatience in his voice. “But I should have expected this from you. Always full of disappointments.”

It’s his life or yours and he will always choose you.

With all the strength he can muster he lifts himself up. Shoes scraping against thin air as he smashes his lips to yours. He regrets not kissing you sooner. Like that time under the stars when your skin was so warm your touch burned.

“Fuck him up, (y/n)”

Your blood runs cold as Hobie’s hand slips from your grasp until there’s nothing left to hold onto.

In every other universe, Hobie Brown falls for Spider-Woman but in this universe…it doesn’t end well.

-

You gasp, waking up drenched in sweat. It takes you a moment to recognize where you are. In a sleek modern cell with a window to Nueva York. It’s what you call home now.

Lyla calls your names softly. Appearing in her orange hue beside your bed with a look of concern.

“Maybe you should take a break.”

“I’m fine,” you whisper. Slowly catching your breath as you rub your hands over your face.

Lyla opens her mouth but doesn’t say a word. Just glitches to the another spot beside your bed.

“What time is it?”

Lyla is tempted to lie but it isn’t in her programming. “Ten thirty.”

You nod. Sitting with your hands on your head before sluggishly standing up. “Tell Miguel I’ll be there soon.”

Lyla stares at your back as you slide your shirt over your head. There’s a large faded scar etched into your skin that stretches from your rib to your hip.

“I’ll get right on it.” She answers quietly before disappearing.

It takes a few minutes for you to slip on your suit. Clean yourself and seem presentable.

You push away your dream (could you even call it that?). Stepping out into the hall and integrating with the hundreds of Spider people. Either loitering around or preparing for missions.

You’re polite and courteous but are too low on energy to muster a smile. You have to remind yourself the feeling will pass.

Today would mark the day of…well it would mark three years. It was common for you to have dreams about him during this time. It would pass.

A sudden call of your name. Cheery and bright suddenly makes the weight on your mind less heavy. Life goes on, as they say.

Turning your head you spot Pavitr. A boy whose kindness you feel indebted to. Not that he knew it.

You stop, waiting for him to catch up. You’re quick to notice someone trailing behind him but you pay it no mind. Pavitr was easy to make friends with. There was no exception to that aside from Miguel. The vampire lord himself.

“Morning,” you smile. Hoping your eyes aren’t heavy or dark.

“Good morning! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. We have a mission together.”

Pavitr slides his mask off. Careful not to mess up his curls. “Hey…” his nose scrunches. “Have you been sleeping?”

You wave him off. Smiling wider though it hurts your face. “I overslept. Is this a new recruit? Is he coming with us?”

You’re thankful Pavitr is so trusting because he accepts your explanation without a hitch. Though he does send you a look that says ‘tell me if you need anything’ which again, you appreciate immensely.

“Yeah-”

“I’m only watching. Don’t know if I’m cut out for all…this.” The punk themed Spider waves his hands clumsily. Accent thick and his mask doesn’t do anything to help you understand it.

“Well, welcome to the team,” you chuckle. Sadness slowly seeping away.

You introduce yourself. Not bothering to take off your mask seeing as it’s already off.

The lanky boy seems to pause. Mulling over something before reaching for his mask and tugging it off.

“I don’t do handshakes but it’s nice to meet you love I’m-”

Your body stiffens as you look into a familiar set of eyes.

“-Hobie. Hobie Brown.”

[skyrim-forever]

WIP Wednesday

Hi everyone it's another Wednesday <3 I was tagged by the wonderful @ladytanithia @changelingsandothernonsense @lillxart @theoneandonlysemla

Tagging: @captain-of-silvenar @pocket-vvardvark @dirty-bosmer @bougainvillea-and-saltwater

@umbracirrus @firefly-factory @thequeenofthewinter @lucien-lachance @sanza-17 @hircines-hunter @scholarlyhermit @sulphuricgrin

Was hoping to post some more Vevora/Aicanatr stuff but unfortunately it just ain't working rn but! I was able to get some writing done on a wip that's been sitting around since November. Below is some of my Theomar love confession rewrite <3 Man down so bad he volunteered to go to Windhelm post-Civil War as an excuse to see her <3 <3 <3 Under cut for length, one slightly horny line, and she takes that mer drinking at the Cornerclub :P

There could not be a worse time for him to fall for her, become so entangled in wanting her that it made him desire to abandon his post. But if that were a doable feat, then the standards that made him feel that way would not be as strict as they are. Their deeply grim reality did not stop the love, admitting it to himself had been like a dam bursting; the drops of sustaining professional praise could not compete with the rapids of intimacy. Her hands on his face, letting him lie on her breasts and listen to the calming sound of her heartbeat, how her legs would pull him in closer until he was- Enough. There he went getting too far ahead and wrapped up in her yet again. The sigh heard from him sounds more of a stifled groan to which he gets a confused, yet intrigued look from the Imperial woman. He provides a quick cover up. 

“My apologies, it would seem I let myself get distracted by you again.” 

“Why Commander, you really must get better about that.” No. He had no intention of pushing her from his mind, it had already proven to be a losing battle. He prayed to be freed of her to now welcome the torment, retreating further into her. If had any power in the situation, he would absolutely not be in Windhelm right now, planning how to tell this Imperial soldier that he loved her. “I wouldn’t want you losing sight of things.”

“Oh, I think you would like it very much.” Finally, he remembers her question. “And yes, I did come all this way to see you. You ran through my mind constantly these past months, how could I not take advantage of the opportunity?” 

“I’ve missed you as well.” Controlling the elation he feels is difficult, uptick in his voice.  

“Is that so?”

“I did think about you on occasion.” When? Despite desperately wanting to know, he refrains, content to know she has noticed his absence. “It has been a few months, it is good to see you. Despite the circumstances…” Her words trail off a bit towards the end, the similar look from before only now she does see him. Staring up at him, her left eye twitched as though she would begin crying again.  

“You wouldn’t want to join me somewhere, would you?” Please he thinks. Please let me steal you from them, just a moment Theodora. Tapping her finger to her chin, she smirks at him. 

“Hmmm, I will but only if you join me somewhere first?” Oh What did she have in mind? He assumed she knew the city better than him, maybe there was somewhere else they could go…

“Tell me what do you have in mind?”

“Well, after the day I’ve had, I need a drink.” A quick glance at their surroundings before she taps his chest. “And I imagine you could use one as well.” 

“It would not hurt.” Anything you would like. That is what he wishes to say. Have his only concern making her happy and if there would be something other than mead available. But he has far more worries than that. 

“I cannot imagine the tavern will be a safe place for us.”

“No it would not be.” Confusing the Thalmor, she laughs. “Do you think so lowly of me to think I’d go there?”

“Where do you drink then, Theodora?” 

Regret is not what he feels, sitting at a table that is continuously blasted with cold air as the patrons of this Cornerclub, as it were, shuffle in and out. Offhandedly he wonders if they were passing by him purposely, seeking out more chances to lour at him in the way only Dunmer could. The scowls form the Nords, the shifted glances half outside his vision, those were all too easy to interpret: Damn elf. Uninspired. But the Dunmer, oh the Dunmer could hate with such sincerity that as the few who uttered something in addition to their glares, they did not need to say it in the common tongue. The Dunmeris meaning of the word unknown, their tone alone conveys the intent of an insult. It’s not important for him to know exactly how he is being insulted, though he could harbour a guess or two, simply saying it for their own satisfaction. It was somewhat impressive, in a peculiar way, but nonetheless, Ondolemar is slightly impressed. Perhaps he was just glad to be in the company of mer, regardless of what type of mer they are. Yet what does rouse further intrigue in him, however, is the decidedly lack of similar treatment Theodora receives. 

Ordering in their language and going relatively unnoticed as she returns to him, two strange jars that resemble nothing he had seen before, he comments on it. Not completely surprised as why would she frequent an establishment she was not welcomed in, this is still strangely welcoming. 

“You’re well liked here.” The woman places one jar in from of him before chuckling at his notion. Lovely to hear her laugh again after the pain that marked her face when they first spoke. 

“I wouldn't go that far, Commander.”

“You wouldn’t?” 

“I wouldn’t.” She opens the jar and takes a mouthful. “But speaking Dunmeris, having lived in Morrowind even if only for a few months, it does help. Still an Imperial bastard but I don’t have to pretend to be interested in mead and a poor rendition of the Dragonborn Comes at Candlehearth Hall.” Cyrodiil natives prided themselves on being cosmopolitan but Theodora was a true example of that. 

“Clearly you get along with many different kinds of people.”

“Clearly.” She rolls her eyes. He himself is the most damning evidence after all, but it is humorous her assessment of her person. 

“Well, I suppose Imperial bastard is correct in the most literal sense.”

“I prefer the term love child I’ll have you know.”

"Equally true, from what you have told me." He takes the lid off the concoction in front of him. “What would I be?”

“I suppose you could go ask, I bet Ambarys would be willing to tell you to your face.” Directing his attention to the barkeep with her eyes, the Altmer instead chooses to remain with the reason he’s here at all. Less interested in what he thought of her choice in company and more in enjoying what he came all this way for; her. 

“I believe my imagination will suffice.”

[ghostsextet]

WIP themes tag

ok i wasn’t actually tagged but i’m ironing out what themes i want to play with rn so i thought this would be fitting to do

we’re doing wip: let me steal this moment from you now

addiction | beauty | betrayal | change vs. tradition | chaos vs. order | circle of life | coming of age | communication | convention vs. rebellion | corruption | courage | crime and law | dangers of ignorance | darkness and light | death | desire to escape | dreams | displacement | empowerment | facing darkness | facing reality | faith vs. doubt | fall from grace | fame and fortune | family | fate | fear | fear of failure | free will | friendship | fulfillment | good vs. bad | government | greed | guilt and forgiveness | hard work | heroism | hierarchy | honesty | hope | identity crisis | immortality | independence | individual vs. society | inner vs. outer strength | innocence | injustice | isolation | knowledge vs. ignorance | life | loneliness | lost love | love | man vs. nature | manipulation | materialism | motherhood | nature | nature vs. nurture | oppression | optimism | peer pressure | poverty | power | power of words | prejudice | pride | progress | quest | racism | rebirth | relationships | religion | responsibility | revenge | sacrifice | secrets | self-awareness | self-preservation | self-reliance | sexuality | social class structure | survival | technology | temptation and destruction | time | totalitarianism | weakness | vanity | war | wealth | wisdom of experience | youth

no tags only vibes

[areislol]

this goes towards my current wip with al haitham so

child al haitham x child reader // cute moments :)

some moments on angst (mentions of his parents seperating, this is just a hc of mine for some angst don't bash me pls) not proofread. short

a/n: this was for funsies, honestly i just needed to write something cute and fluffy after writing an angsty wip, i can't write this all in my current wip hence, this!

when he was reading a book to you

when you were rolling on the ground trying to get his attenton as he read a book

when al haitham was trying his best to console you with awkward pats on the back after having tripped and cried

al haitham's mother making him hold your hand when crossing the street.

when you had a sleep over at his place and fell asleep on his bed, both of your tiny hands just barely touching each other

al haitham trying to stop you from touching a stray cat saying that it was "dirty and mommy said not to touch a cat outside, you can get hurt and even die!!" poor boy was scared for you

you laughing at him as he falls, when he cries and puts the blame on you, you both get time out and somehow you manage to run away, dragging al haitham with you as your mother chases you

building a sand castle with him, it's very sloppy looking but you were proud of it, and so was al haitham. so when a random child that was getting chased by their friends and run over your sandcastle he is furious, swearing to find them when his older and destory their sandcastle as pay back. and when he notices that you're sobbing uncontrollably? he might just even have a talk with them.

al haitham who helps you steal the cookie jar that was ONLY meant to be eaten after dinner, and when your grubby tiny hands reach for it and break it, he takes the blame.

al haitham who lets you put stickers and bows on his face as he reads a book, as long as you aren't in the way of course (he doesn't mind if you do or don't) and refuses to take them off when he needs to shower.

al haitham who is always there to help you get up when you trip and fall, even asking his mother to buy him a small hang bag so he can stuff bandaids in there.

al haitham gets really, seriously mad when someone picks on you for being "too loud" or "running around too much", he doesn't outright say anything but the glares...? even for a young child like him, whew.

he's always with you, before school, during school, after school and even during the holidays! (no wonder you're so close) and he doesn't mind, his mother is always tearing up as she watches her son watch you hold the crayon whole and scribble on a paper, and when you invite him to draw with you? ack! two cuties trying their best to draw each other.

(turns out to look like human blobs, one with grey hair with green streaks and one with [h/c]!! the eyes are disproportional but what can you expect from 5/6 year olds..)

al haitham who stays silent and listens as you yell at him out of anger when he accidentally loses a doll you gave him, he's clearly upset that you're mad at him but now he's mad at you, why are you yelling at him he did nothing wrong!!

this results in you ignoring him (it was a pain) and of course, al haitham hates it when you ignore him. so as usual, he asks his mother to give you a bag full of your favourite candies. you forgive him in less than a minute.

al haitham doesn't own much toys and likes books, any book. even if he can't read them he finds the pictures interesting. so he's more than elated when he sees that you got him new books on his birthday or even as a surprise gift!!

sometimes you lend him your toys so that you two could play together, you were taught to share of course. you often force him to play barbie dolls with you, not that he minds, it's just... does he really have to put on a girly voice for raquelle?

he swears that he won't ever play this game with you ever again after his friends caught him playing with you. (but secretly he continues to do so after making sure no one is around)

!!! playing family!!! you're always the mother who works hard by playing soccer and earning no money whatsoever while al haitham is the father who stays home and reads books. for some odd reason he feels this tingly feeling in his heart when he plays this game with you. what if one day when you're both older and live together with 5 exotic cats and wolves? what a dream.

al haitham who recieves a paper from his teacher that states "what is your dream?" for a class activity and immediately you pop up in his mind. his dream... is to make you happy. other than reading all the books in the world and making his mama and papa proud!

he gets upset when you aren't here with him for a day or more, say, you're on a holiday in another country or state, boy is he gonna be pestering and begging his mother to see you!! please, he needs to go there right now!!! (ever heard of face time?)

later in the years al haitham's always embarrassed when his mother brings that up, saying that it's "not true" but then completely freezes when his mother takes out her phone, saying "oh no worries, i have a video recording!!" and turns to face you, smiling. the way the colors drain from his face.

who is afraid to lose you after his mother came into his room and sat by the edge of his bed, her hand caressing his soft hair. "my dear boy," she would say softly, her gaze so soft and gentle.

"is it okay it mama comes in?" al haitham nods his head, how could he ever deny his mother's request?

"thank you baby, now, mama has something to say. don't be too scared now, okay?" al haitham nods, continung to lie down on his best tucked in nicely.

"people come and go, al, you will understand one day but... sigh, mommy and daddy have to tell you something."

ever since then he's sure to do whatever it takes to make you happy, he doesn't want you to leave him, ever. not like you would ever!!

[senselessviolets]

“killing me slowly”

Kendall Roy x Fem. Reader

Rating M (Fluff/Angst)

Word Count: 1.6k

AO3 Link

WARNINGS:

Age gap, Reader works with Tellis, post-s3, pre-s4, SLOW burn, flirting, power imbalance w/ Kendall, delulu Kendall™ is the best Kendall, Kendall is VERY persistent, fic is blatantly inspired by “fuck it, i love you” by Lana Del Rey bc the Cali vibes.

Author's Notes:

First Kendall fic in the five years I’ve been writing for this show---goddamn. Enjoy, Kendall/Jeremy girlies. This one’s for you!! <333 If people like it, I may finish the second smutty part I have a WIP for.

Summary:

When you find out your colleague Cyrus’s latest clients happen to have the last name Roy, you hold your breath—expecting the worst. But then you catch Kendall Roy’s eye, and what you believed was going to be a brief and standard consult becomes something much, much more.

What the fuck even was The Hundred? 

This was the literal multi-billion-dollar question that Cyrus Tellis, your boss, had been enlisted to answer. The two of you worked for a proper M&A firm, but Tellis happened to be a friend of a friend of Kendall Roy’s. This resulted in you sitting, legs crossed, in the illustrious living room of this gargantuan San Onofre estate, feeling smaller than ever.

“Cool, Telly. Very cool and uh, your little friend there?” Roman, the younger brother, asks.

He makes some flimsy gesture in your direction from across the large room. Roman was grabbing a tall glass bottle of still water from the fully stocked fridge in the kitchen. Siobhan was sitting at the kitchen island, nose buried in her phone, not even pretending to pay attention.

“...oh, her?... She’s just here to, uh, sit in. That’s it,” Tellis says. 

Apparently having dual bachelor's degrees in accounting and mathematics, and graduating magna cum laude—top of your fucking class—meant you were qualified enough to just ‘sit in’. Tellis usually wasn’t this dismissive, but he was in the presence of three Roys. In his mind, he had to roll up his sleeves and act the part. Given that, you couldn’t really blame him for being so flippant.

“Yeah? Is that right?” Kendall questions humorously, making direct eye contact with you.

“Yep, just here to…’ sit still, look pretty’, I guess,” you wave your hand, “...doing alright so far?”

Your rather coy question leaves an awkward lull in the conversation. And yet, Kendall grins, beaming down at himself as if to give his silent approval. Approval of your demeanor, your wit, your looks, perhaps. You’d worn your slightly more flattering blouse, knowing you’d have an audience of major import. Your hair was maybe a bit frizzier than usual due to the humidity that day, but minor blemishes aside—you did feel pretty. While you were not about to let your looks determine your worth, you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t nice to feel noticed. 

Especially by a man of his stature. 

Roman soon proceeds to run through a curse-laden summary of their latest trip to Dubai to meet with some investors. During his brother’s lengthy spiel, you look up from your iPad Pro, stealing Kendall’s gaze for a brief moment. You both smile away, whatever warmth you can feel crawling up both of your necks. When you decided to join Tellis for this consultation, you didn’t anticipate playing ‘steal-the-glance’ with your forty-year-old billionaire client. Tellis gives you a tentative look every once in a while, mid-conversation. 

Every figure they throw out is like they’re flinging crumbs to ducks at a pond. Kendall supersedes Roman and begins to churn out every buzzword he knows and then some. There is a passion behind his eyes. It’s reassuring. From the perspective of an investor, you start to get how one could find themselves all roped up into a scheme like The Hundred. It’s his charisma, it’s his care. Even if he didn’t have ‘the name’, you don’t doubt he’d be somewhere in the vicinity of where he stands now. 

Kendall was, indeed, special. 

You could see it just as well as anybody. 

Does he know what the fuck he’s talking about? Not entirely. 

But does he make it sound fucking good when he says it? Yes. 

And that’s how you knew he was in the right business and that you and Tellis were both in the right company. 

…

“Not to sound like a layman. But is this, like, where you guys go when you need a quick bite?” you ask, “For us normal people, it’s like a corner store, but for you, it’s this.”

This was the dish our suave server introduced to us as a ‘truffle explosion’. 

It was certainly that. 

“Oh yeah. Uh-huh. Favorite takeout spot right here. If I’m feeling really peckish, I’ll just send my chauffeur Fikret in a jet cross-country to get me a to-go order of…whatever the fuck this is,” Kendall kids, falling into laughter. 

The Emirati investors, the siblings, had previously met with agreed to follow up during a brief pitstop in the States. As was usually the case, business was to be discussed over food and drink, and if the evening proved to be successful, they would graciously shower the Roys in their chump change. The Emiratis had chosen The Cimmerian as their eatery—a ‘New American molecular gastronomy experience’. It was the kind of place you needed a reservation for six months in advance, but even the most shrewd restaurateurs can be buttered up for the right price. 

Roman was very much opposed to having you and Tellis present for this meeting, but it was clear Kendall and Shiv intended to woo both parties in the most obvious vapid way possible. Having been brought up at the status that they were, this was no doubt a tactic they’d had engrained into their heads from a very young age—fuck, birth, even.

“Well…is that it?” Roman eventually presses.

“What’s it?” Tellis asks.

“Is that all you’re gonna give us? Spend a whole day with us, and that’s what we get?”

“I-I’m giving my opinion after going over e–everything I’ve been shown a-and that’s—well, I guess I-I’m just not sure what exactly you’re looking for—”

“Hey, we just brought you along to steer us along the right path. Make sure we weren’t, uh, heading into any uncharted waters, yeah?” Shiv says, “What I’m trying to figure out now is ‘what the fuck are we even paying you for’? Y’know, what kind of expert input am I supposed to be getting from Blondie here?”

“I too had the same concerns,” Roman echoes, “Also, the whole ‘bring-the-hot-intern-for-the-old-fuck to-ogle-at’ routine is really tired, man. Just so you know,”

“I…was not going to say those exact words per se, but I do understand where my brother is coming from,” Shiv replies. 

“Uh-huh. Yeah. And I take it I’m the ‘old fuck’?” Kendall piques. 

“No, what? Not at all, man. But I will say the box dye you’re sporting does clash a little with the jacket. Just so you know,”

“Thanks.”

The Emirati investors exchange looks and murmur amongst themselves in Arabic. It hardly takes someone well-versed in their language to see that they aren’t all that impressed by the familial friction on display. The three siblings united together should be some formidable force to be reckoned with; all of their sensibilities combined to create an enterprise built on entitlement. Even with their family unit now fractured after they were fucked out of the Gojo sale with zero voting power to be had—they should be smarter. Smarter about all of this. Because if they were, who even knows what they’d be capable of?

Until then;

All bets were off.

…

“Hey,” a voice beckons from behind you. 

It startles you momentarily, but you soften once you realize it's him and settle into the evening chill that encompasses the balcony. 

“Hi.”

Following ‘the dinner that wasn’t’, you, Tellis, Kendall, and Roman returned to the estate to gather your remaining belongings and rehash all of the findings from today. Shiv was to fly back to New York for a ‘personal matter’ that needed attending to. Roman had sequestered himself in a corner while Tellis barked various figures and numbers at him. In Roman’s hand was a glass of bourbon that you suspected wouldn’t be finished before long. 

“So…any hopes or dreams of yours I might help you achieve?”

You’re taken aback by his forwardness as well as his arrogance.

“…Bold of you to assume that I’d want you anywhere near my hopes and dreams.”

“Uh-huh. How about some short-term goals then?”

“Getting the hell out of this…fortress might be a good start. Don’t think I’ve ever felt so teeny-tiny before,”

“Y’know, with the way he talks to you, I find that surprising, no? The way he was belittling you. Kinda fucked up, how he totally just sidelined you earlier,”

“…Tellis is…he’s not usually that way. I-I think…he just wants to come off as put-together as possible, so he just resorts to being a little more…curt,”

“Yeah. Does he always put you in a box like that…? It’s not right, it…really, really isn’t.”

His deep hazel eyes say it all.

“…Kendall?” you begin, “…I may be a tad on the younger side, inexperienced—sure…but don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to…”

“What?”

“It’s not good…I-It’s not a good thing,”

“What isn’t a good thing?”

“A good…i-idea—”

“What? You have one? Sky’s the limit. Literally. Thinking of what the next foray into clean, renewable energy might be? Fucking—I know a guy that knows the guy, right? Just gimme the word and we can make this happen. Dream team right h—“

“Tellis and I are partners—we started at the firm together, and we work great together. We are equals, contrary to whatever it is you might think. But I assure you, Mr. Roy, when I say…that I am exactly where I need to be,”

“Uh-huh.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s okay. It…uh…it’s…probably what’s best, right?”

You nod decisively, looking down at the marble flooring briefly and then biting your lip. He lets out a silent chuckle, which makes your ears perk up, and even though his gaze is met with resistance, he still proceeds to capture yours without missing a beat. And then he says it.

“...Just let me take you home…at least…?”

You swallow and nod with a warmth in your belly that wasn’t there before, or at least wasn’t this strong. Kendall’s cool hand reaches out briefly to graze your cheek and then halts at the crux of your neck. 

“C’mon.”

That same hand ghosts over the small of your back and guides you back into the jumbo-sized mansion. He doesn’t have to prod or pull you back inside; the weight in your limbs for some reason seems to compel you in his direction. 

And just this once; you allow yourself to give in. 

{ Feedback is welcome! Let me know if you'd be interested in a smutty sequel!}

Follow me on twt: @endlessviolets

<3

[cer-rata]

Fic WIP: "“No One Majored In Chemistry (snip #2)"

Damian crossed his arms. “Hello, ‘Champion.’ Is this really necessary?”

Billy shook him by his cape. “I swear I will drop you.”

“You think a fall from this height would kill me?”

“Ten stories? Yes?”

“Ha.” Damian pulled his legs up and crossed them in mid-air to make it look like he was casually sitting, and not being dangled over Gotham. “Anyway, you’re doing this wrong, you’re supposed to pose a question before threatening to drop me. You’d have to threaten to drop me anyway of course, but the order of operations is important if you don’t want to look like a complete psycho.”

Billy hissed. “Damian--”

“Now, if you don’t have a question and just desire to jerk me around, well I must remind you that I am in a committed relationship, and just because he’s not around right now, doesn’t mean--”

“WHY DID YOU TELL MY ROOMMATE WHAT MY DEAL WAS!?” 

Damian froze, and the smug smirk awkwardly fell from his face. “Oh. Uh. Listen--”

“MMMHMMM?!”

“It was an…accident?”

“An accident? An accident? How do you explain my entire shtick by accident?!”

Damian winced and looked away. “I was…under the influence…”

Billy stared at him. “...What…?”

“Not like, recreationally, I don’t--Blockbuster threw me into a brick wall hard enough to aggravate the spine thing.”

“What spine thing--”

“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, I was on a lot of morphine when he came to visit and started talking about his room assignment, and I…I must have just started rambling when he mentioned you by name. I…apologize.”

Billy sighed and picked him up properly (like an infant, because he knew Damian would hate that) and landed on a nearby roof. He set Damian down gently and crossed his arms. “Look…fine. You could have given me a heads up.”

“I could have.” Damian admitted. “I got a little distracted with the murder.”

Billy groaned. It was always some kind of messed up homicide in Gotham. “What murder?”

Damian pulled his mask off and rubbed his eyes. “Conrad’s deceased ex-boyfriend’s mother had her eyes stolen. I…think she was dead before they were removed, but I’m not…entirely sure.” 

Billy’s eyes widened. That sounded like black magic.

“I agree.” Solomon said, “Likely for some kind of cruel augury, or perhaps, more simply due to something those eyes had witnessed.” 

“...Oh. I see.”

“Yeah.”

“Um. You know you really can just call me up if you need--”

“No offense, Batson, but wisdom or not, you’re not exactly known for your detective skills.”

“Unless it’s a magic thing, I’m pretty good with those.”

“...A magic thing.”

“I mean, sure, it’s Gotham, maybe there is a weirdo out there stealing eyeballs, but you didn’t say it was a part of a series of murders right?”

“...I didn’t, no.”

“Right, so generally when someone steals an important body part from a seemingly random person, it’s probably for some messed up ritual. Eyes have a lot of significance.”

Damian cursed under his breath. “In retrospect it’s...obvious. I hate you.”

Billy smiled weakly. “Yeah. Um. Listen though I’m sorry, I’m sure this is rough for you personally--”

“I don’t know how I’m going to explain it when he gets back.” Damian muttered, with an uncharacteristic rawness. He blinked a couple of times and raised his mask towards his face like he was about to put it back on, before stopping and letting his hands fall back to his waist.

“...Anyway, um. You’re here about Garth. I suppose I could attempt to rectify my breach of confidence with…an exchange of information?”

Billy watched for a moment. He caught Damian subtly shifting his weight from one foot to the other like he did as a fidget that most people wouldn’t recognize. One of his three visible, rare anxiety responses. He’s really not okay.

“SHAZAM!” Suddenly Billy was at a height with Damian, but much less well built, he couldn’t help but notice that. 

Damian frowned. “What--”

“I can see your eyes, it’s only fair that you can see mine.” 

Damian glared and looked away. “Stop that--”

“Damian--”

“You’re not here about me, so let’s not--”

“Damian--”

“If you’d like to dangle me again over a freeway or something, I think I’d prefer that to--”

He flinched when Billy put his hands on his shoulders. “Yeah, I do want to know what Garth’s deal is, but that can wait a minute. You wanna talk about it?”

“There is no ‘it’ to talk about, and if there were you know I wouldn’t want to.” Damian tried to make it an irritated hiss, but really, he just sounded like he was deflating. 

“Wisdom of Solomon says that if Conrad gets back and finds out that we’ve let you be isolated and sad the whole summer, he will likely start picking us off one-by-one.” Billy wiggled his eyebrows and Damian groaned. 

“Well…well that seems like a you problem--”

“Bro.”

“What do you want me to say!?”

“Something!”

“There is no guarantee that I will say what you want me to say unless--”

Billy pushed him as hard as he could, and Damian did not move in the slightest. They stared at each other for a moment before Billy let out a loud sigh.

Damian giggled, though. “...Really?”

“You’re annoying!”

“Maybe so. Billy there’s nothing you can do, alright? I’m…figuring things out.”

“This is more than just being lonely?”

“Being lonely is easy, I could teach classes on it. You know, apparently Brazil--”

“Then what is it?”

Damian fidgeted. “I’m…poorly acquainted with regret. Usually it’s easy for me to accept reality and move on, often enough that’s all you can do, if suicide is off the table. But…I don’t know. It’s different this time, I suppose. It’s probably because I can’t listen to him babble on about something stupid to make it easier to pretend that he’s alright. It’s hard to sit in silence and try not to realize that in the math of it all, I’ve probably made his life a lot worse. And he loves me for it. Hell, he only keeps the ring because he’s worried that if he doesn’t, he won’t be able to help me if he needs to. Now he’s off in space in some bootcamp run by crazy alien amazons, agonizing because he wants to be better for me. It’s sick.”

“I don’t think that’s accurate, and I don’t think you actually believe he’d be happier without you in his life.”

Damian ran a hand through his hair, getting gel on his glove in the process. “The entire point of all of this is that we do this work so other people don’t have to. I could have been in his life without letting him throw himself into the crossfire! I didn’t…I couldn’t conceptualize a relationship with someone on the outside, I think. I was uncomfortable with having to be a regular person around him, so I took the first opportunity to pull him in.”

Billy slid his hands up Damian’s shoulders and cupped his cheeks, appreciating Damian not biting him for it. 

“He’s allowed to make his own choices, even if those choices are hard for him, even if they make you happy.”

Damian’s lips twisted. “...He said he thought it was wrong for people to train me to live like I do, that I could be more, that I could make other choices, that I could move on. He believes it enough that he was willing to die to give me the chance to try. He doesn’t get the irony. Idiot.”

Billy looked up at the stars and took a deep breath. “It was kind of messed up to make me the Champion.” He said, looking back into Damian’s eyes, noting the surprise there. “I was a little kid, in a bad place without a lot of options. I didn’t understand what I was agreeing to, how could I? It made a lot of things…hard. Really hard. You shouldn’t…you shouldn’t make a choice like that on a whim, you know? But I still wouldn’t take it back, even thinking about how…how long I’m going to be doing this, or the terrible things I’ve seen, or the awful secrets I know. To me, it’s worth it, because I can say that I, William Batson--”

“Ew--”

“Shut up! I can say that I’ve made some stuff better for other people. People who needed me, people I care about. It’s a gift delivered badly. So he’s right: It IS messed up that we didn’t get to choose. But he did, and he did it out of love. You can’t take that away from him, you just have to accept it, and accept that it’s okay that he picked you to be his person. Because it is. He thinks I’m cute, so clearly his taste has to be fairly decent.”

Damian shut his eyes and shook his head, laughing. “You’re a damn fool.”

“And not a psychic, so you need to, you know, text a guy. Okay? No one wants you to turn into your dad.”

“Wooooow.”

“Sorry.”

Damian snorted. “Alright, you either get a hug or I give you some background on Garth, you do not get both.”

He clearly did not expect Billy to go for the hug.

Which was probably why Billy felt his chest heave a little, and his throat made a weird little noise that one could perhaps describe as a sob.