#Trying to keep it professional while I internally explode

[letterlifter]

A Long Diary Entry About Me and Recent Events

I wasn't planning on posting, but now that things have settled a bit, maybe i've changed my mind .... i dont know ... i am a very quiet person online. but it turns out i have a lot to say right now. So maybe it's good to put out a little blog every once in a while. maybe this will prove to be unwise ...

Intro

this will be fairly personal and not professional and not well written, so please do not over analyze it or think too hard. i only have good intentions, i promise. im also not a very organized thinker so this might be a mess. being perceived anywhere makes me profoundly nervous, so if you misbehave, i will continue to cease existing publicly online, and i shan't perform for you again... *disappears in a mist*

ahem...herm...

*comes back on stage, taps mic... clears throat... straightens papers...wipes away my blackened, exploded hair...*

this will be a little look into my world, and very honest... maybe a lot of what i have posted previously during my time at clash was overly sanitized cause i felt like i couldnt say anything publicly without repercussions.

hi, i hope you are all doing well... im mail but i geuss you knew that already. i haven't been on the clash team since functionally early last year due to various medical problems. i prefer to keep all of these things to myself, but, i feel that it's relevant to mention.

i have disappeared everywhere because of all of the "stuff" going on with me. this may be the first time some of my friends have seen signs of life from me in months, and i am so sorry about that. i care about you and think about you often. social media is still difficult for me to use right now, but i am trying to get better with it, and this is a step in that direction, maybe…?

there's other factors to me leaving clash of course (some of which have been mentioned by former staff recently). It’s freeing to speak so openly about corporate clash, especially its internal workings, because I felt like i couldn't say much here while actively being on the clash crew. it's why "nothing i say is canon" is plastered weirdly everywhere. it was probably, mostly, just my own nerves getting in the way though

ok well i'm taking it back everything i say is THE COMPLETE TRUTH!!!!!!! (i am joking) what i will say is true is that whatever you headcanon about any character i designed gets my HONEST AND TRUE stamp of mailman's approval. i am reclaiming them (Jokingly) (Lovingly) so that you can have them instead (Telling the truth) i also have not played toontown in like two years. If someone says you're a liar you can screenshot this and said "Mailman said so" and I won't  care It's not like i'll be there. also i genuinely believe some of you are more qualified than me or anyone to speak on these beloved and often lgbt characters. Please consider yourself to be the only correct source of clash information from now on. i have no real authority here, but neither do they ... 'cause like what're they gonna do ....

Anyways Whew! Glad that's over! No offense i am just joking around...i went through a lot but overall, Clash changed my life for the better. in some ways i am a bit sad that this chapter of my life has ended. but i will always love toontown and gay furries forever and ever. i am so, so happy that people like what I have contributed so much to.

oh and of course, i agree with the statements from former staff. like 90% of them are my friends after all so maybe i am a little biased here... i prefer to keep personal matters to myself but i experienced a lot of trauma there. im sure it was accidental on the part of others and i would never blame just one person for it. theres something that is just foundationally not working with their structure and it is hurting people, and I hope they're able to mend whatever that is. i am sure you leaderships are reading this, so, hello, i hope you are doing okay. im sorry about how stressful this all must be and i hope things improve. its true that most of us 1.3 developers left, but for those of you who knew me on the team, hiii i hope you are well

but ummm hmm how do i say this.

*Gets a puppet out to speak for me so i can remain blameless for whatever information i say because it may or may not be true*

and i am just a little puppet after all, using comedy to deflect any accusations of personal wrongdoing.... But this is my theory.

Because it is not a professional project, corporate clash will always be ran by volunteers who have never worked on a project on this scale. I think this results in accidental mismanagement. It’s really difficult to run a volunteer video game like this when it isn't structured like a close-knit friend group. In fact, “volunteer video games” do not really exist in any other context, so there’s nothing to reference. The more people there are, the more they may get neglected. so, i am sympathetic about how difficult it is to keep this game continuing and to be a lead for it. Especially on volunteer time.

Who said that. Throw that freak in the trash.

BOOM...

...

...

*Mailman returns and is picking off pieces of garbage*

well anyways. you have to imagine this has been a really strange, difficult, weird, upsetting, past couple of weeks for me. Especially me, who really doesn't like being perceived at all, being perceived... the horrors... i am still trying to return to normal, but it feels like something has changed in a cosmic sort of way, and i cant stop feeling it.

Clarification

ive been thinking about whether or not to include this next section, but i have decided to do so as briefly as possible, because i feel like it is important for me to clarify it. this piece of context feels important to me. please be responsible with it, and please don't use it to hurt others.

as you are all probably aware, stuck the duck did a stream recently covering the statements made by former staff. of course i agree with former staff, as I am former staff myself and i share some of their experiences, and many of them are friends of mine. i think stuck is really cool and he is a very kind person.

at the end of his stream, a statement was made regarding a situation where i was allegedly receiving poor treatment from cranky during a severe bout of illness.

i was not involved in making that statement, it was based on someone else's perspective on how i was treated at the time because i do not remember the situation for myself. i was so sick that i do not really remember what happened in detail.

all i remember is really wanting to complete the illustration because it was important to me, i wanted the community to have it with its corresponding update. i feel like cranky's statement regarding it is probably more accurate to my memory but i didnt read it in detail because these past few weeks have been a little nerve-wracking. i have been told by others that the situation appeared worse than what I remember, but again I cannot verify any of this.

but with how hard i worked on that illustration through illness, i do think it was disappointing and a little hurtful to forget about it until one of my friends reminded them it existed. but i understand things slip through and i have also made mistakes. i truly don't hold grudges because i lack the emotion of anger. I just get really scared.... . i am not completely happy with how the picture came out anyways, but thats probably because i was so sick when making it ….

i cant say whether or not it's true, or if cranky's participation was somewhat exaggerated. i think as community lead (?) he was in control of its distribution though. the only part i can verify is that they didnt use it for a long time despite my working very hard on it. but things happen in development all the time, and i am not really interested or comfortable in being centered in this situation.. i actually do not really want to receive any attention at all but i would feel bad ignoring this statement.

but please also understand this. cranky may have made mistakes in leadership, and he may have hurt people, including my friends, but based on what i know, which of course is not everything, i really don't believe he's an evil person, and i would ask that you please do not publicly attack people you do not know. i believe that everyone working on clash has its best interests in mind, even if i don't agree with all of their approaches. they are there, working for free, because they care about it.

there is a difference between attacking someone and sharing information with others. this is just my perspective, but as ex-staff, we are allowed to speak on this because we knew them, and these are our experiences, i hope you understand where i'm coming from here. a game of telephone starts happening and dishonest things are said by mistake. it may be best to just link to an individual's statements. Please treat all clash staff fairly.

with all of this unfortunate stuff going on, i saw someone i do not know claim that some clash staff would make fun of me behind my back, which is sad if true. but i dont know if its true or not so i wouldn’t hold it against them. at this point i have grieved about clash over and over again so there’s not much grief left to have. I only mention it because i hope its not true, and i have no way of knowing, because for the most part, i like everyone at clash, and i just want whoever allegedly said those things about me to know that.

i am not perfect either though. i try to do right by everyone nowadays because it's all i can do. so of course i would forgive them immediately.

thats all i have to say on the clash situation. thank you for listening to us. many of us thought these stories would never be heard. so i appreciate you listening if nothing else.

Me and What I am doing Now

i always felt like i would have a lot to talk about once leaving clash, but i actually dont. i dont have anything to say that i, or others, havent already said. once again i agree with the majority of ex-staff / my friends, but im talking about even casual stuff about development or whatever. i dont think its all that interesting to people that weren't there, and i'm not interested enough in clash anymore to make posts about it publicly.

i would post my personal work to other accounts, that could be cool, but i don't have much to say, and Im not able to make as much stuff as I used to. … i also do not get anything out of seeing a big number (Likes Or Reposts) on my drawings. so id be posting maybe once every four months ... or once a year … i have really bad time blindness which doesn't go well with social media. maybe i'll get back into it anyways some day. it's theoretically possible that a few people would like to see my drawings, but yet i post nothing ever, and thats a little sad.

if i do make a brand new account, i will probably be stealing this url. Sorry for any potential confusion in the future.

most of the time i am just doing my own thing working on my original, personal projects. i really love my characters and i do a lot of stuff with them. i make comics, stories, drawings, 3d models. You know how it is ... im working on a 3d model right now that i will probably go work on after i post this. i plan on integrating the 3d model into a little website that tells you all about the character and i think that will be really fun. I love making interactive stuff with my characters. youll be able to rotate it all around and stuff. i definitely wont be able to do that for all of them though ...  i'm probably not capable of making as much stuff as i used to in general, but i am at peace with that.

i also plan on making this  next 3d model into a VRchat avatar (like i usually do) but this time hopefully itll be my "main" model so i can feel less embarrassed logging in to hang out with friends. maybe You and Me can play vrchat some day. i am really shy online though so we’ll see. anyways its going to be  a really cute dragon thing and i'm going to make it wear my clothes. i like to collect vintage clothing from thrift stores and i have an outfit in mind. He's actually just one of my regular characters that i turned into a cute dragon, but i'm forcing him to represent me for now.

umm what else has been going on with me ... i played a lot of "fantasy life i" recently. and deltarune. i watched a lot of deltarune theory videos on youtube. i watched a whole documentary the other day and i have memory problems so i only realized at the end that i had already seen it before. I recently customized my web browser and im using “zen” now its kind of cool. Just now, I wrote a lot about these two metallica concerts i went to a few months ago (after much preparation) but I decided to delete all the stories from it in favor of just mentioning that i went.

anyways. it probably goes without saying, but i am not a social media person, and i cannot make as much stuff anymore, so all the stuff i make now is either for myself or is for one of the various projects im working on.

i will now talk about one of the various projects im working on. this one isn't a personal project though because im making it with my friends, many of whom made up some very large slices in that 1.3 pie chart:

FriendOS

So. Of course i am still a game developer. i really love working on games, and i dont think that will ever leave me. 3d modelling and animation, making assets, and character design are among the many things i do and want to continue doing. i suppose you could just consider me the "lead 3d artist" for this project.

my main project is now "FriendOS", a really advanced furry character creator with 3d platforming and bullethell battles.

I mean, a 3d platformer with bullethell battles and a really advanced furry character creator.

our game has a lot of cool stuff in it. For instance, we put a lot of work into the really advanced furry character creator, ensuring that you can mix 'n' match whatever pieces you'd like. And this time it's fun

I will give you a rundown as quickly as possible before you lose interest.

in friendOS, you play as a "Friend". Friends are a species of "digital avatar" that navigate a world made to represent an operating system.

Friends are wild, technically indestructible, and poorly mannered creatures. We are still researching their natural behaviors, but we do know that a friend has never been reported dead for long. They cause problems, yet they are the problem solvers, tasked with exploring the deepest parts of a computer to cleanse it of its rotten, virus-infected core.

Within FriendOS, the computer is accessed via "Bliss", an interactive 3d interface known for its heavenly lands full of rainbows, flowers, and files. It is a safe pasture for which the friends shall graze. The residents of this utopian town are very curious themselves. I heard one of them claims to have been a racecar driver, but I think he's lying.

Astron is our beloved god dog. He takes out the trash and tells the truth

Who is this  and why is he doing that

This world is very real to the residents of "Bliss". There's a lot of unique struggles that come with knowing you are living inside of a computer and being okay with that.

So, you are running around inside of an old computer. It's a land full of mysteries, collectables, gay people, very customizable little friends, and minigames. Minigames including fishing.

Yes Everyone in this game is gay and no one is going to get mad at me for saying that. In what way they are gay is for you to discover or decide for yourself.

I would go into more detail, but we still have a lot to work on, so it will probably change a lot. However I encourage you all to roleplay in a lobby some day. It's really fun

if you're actually reading this entire thing and send me a suggestion with some type of item you think friends would look beautiful wearing, i can't say it won't influence me. which, thanks for reading all of this by the way, it's very nice of you. the way i have designed this 3d artstyle is so that assets can be created as efficiently as possible, considering our team is very, very small. its all round and flat so they can be made quickly.

it's so nice to work on a team where we really get each other. now that i think about it, we've been making games together for like four years. we are all very confident developers which makes us very efficient at making things. everything we do is highly collaborative and we're always listening to each other.

i have been working on friendOS for like 8-10 months and we haven't fought over anything this entire time. its so beautiful. im sure that we will continue to only ever agree with each other, our team will remain motivated, and nothing bad will ever happen.

If you are interested in following the development of friendOS, I encourage you to join the official friendOS discord server. We have a long ways to go, but it’s read only, so you can comfortably ignore it at the bottom of your server list for as long as you want!

Closing

there is a good chance i will not be very involved in toontown after all of this. Clash was a little traumatizing for me and my friends. at various points in the timeline, things happened that i cannot talk about. i was treated poorly, my friends were treated poorly, and i'm sure no one did it on purpose, but it still happened. things happened that made me cry on behalf of others, which i haven't told many people.

but you know... there isn't much more that i want to make for toontown anyways. i feel like 1.3 was already my "dream update." i'm uninterested in working on any toontown private server in the future because i already know exactly what i would be doing, and i have done enough of it. I appreciate the freedom i have in creating whatever i'd like. for both myself and friendOS, i can make whatever designs and items and characters i want, and that's really cool.

clash has taught me so much, and it has even made me grow better as a person, but i feel like i need to move on as an artist. i'm thankful for what i have learned there and I apply it every day.

i hope that doesn't make anyone sad, because it doesn't really make me sad. I think it’s an exciting thing. i will probably always be around in some way, and clash will continue on in whatever way it chooses for itself.

I have been into toontown since around 2007. as of 2025, i think thats like 18 years of my life. Jeez ... so i have watched this game go through "cycles" a few times now. the first time was when TTO closed. then TTR opened in like 2014. then everyone felt like it was dead again, and clash opened in like 2017, then they released 1.1, and 1.2, and somewhere in there, TTR released field offices. and now we're working on friendOS, which is not toontown, but saying we are taking zero influences from our previous work would be an obvious lie. ....honestly in some ways, it is too similar for comfort....

and now, with all this stuff going on, and all these things being said, people seem to be low in spirits again. so i will give you some words of encouragement as a guy who has played this game for far too long:

you have a lot to look forward to. i mean, you certainly have more to look forward to regarding this game than i did in 2015. clash has gotten through many "difficult" circumstances and it will probably have more. there were points during 1.3 where i didn't know if it would even come out. but they are still here working on stuff. and of course, there are other private servers too. i am sure EVH will put out something really cool. some of my friends worked on "grindworks" but i have not played it for myself. TTR is still working on their next thing i'm sure. the game will probably always exist in some way. toontown has a much bigger fanbase than many of the things i'm into, which is really kind of crazy!

yes, as that one blogpost article pointed out, many of us 1.3 devs are gone. clash still has a team full of new, passionate people working on future content and im sure they will continue to create cool stuff. i hope you will support whatever they put out just as passionately.

in all truth, i care about you all much more than clash. mostly the gay players, and the furries, and all the artists, and the few of you who draw sexy duck shuffler on twitter. but of course, i am biased towards my own kind. i too am just some gay artist on the internet. you are the people important here, who are keeping the game alive. so remember that your passion is what fuels your game (all of toontown) to continue. i have never, not for a moment, taken any of you for granted. i am just some guy so anyone interacting with stuff i work on is amazing to me. i hope im able to buy a keychain from you some day. i don't even know if its possible for me to see all the fanart of the characters i designed but i still love and appreciate it all. ive seen quite a bit though. including some i saw on accident that i dont think you wanted me to see. Sorry

and the creative team. i am by no means perfect and i make my share of mistakes as we all do, but i always did as much as i could. you guys are the best and your contributions matter. every asset you create will forever be a gift to clash from you.

There are many people i could list out individually to thank, but i wouldn’t want to miss anyone. Because of my spontaneous health problems, I never got to give a formal goodbye to the clash crew so i couldn’t say thanks to anyone myself. I suppose none of them really know how i feel about any of this in general…. So if you worked with me on clash, i think very highly of you to this day.

for now i will leave you with this.

i love you very much.

thank you for playing our game.

thank you so much for loving the characters i put so much of myself into. it has not gone unnoticed from me.

please continue to be kind to the volunteers who work on clash.

please thank the moderators who moderate corporate clash. They see *everything*.

please be kind to yourself, be respectful to each other, and forgive yourself, and just for me, remember the poor Parrots who are going extinct due to the destruction of their habitats and homes (They are my favorite animal) and adopt don't shop. thank you.

[chainmail-butch]

Its low cut sundress season and women with gorgeous eyes keep looking at me when I talk to them. I'm just a simple butch I can't handle this

[mononijikayu]

ni yao de ai — ryomen sukuna.

“We saw you look up at your girlfriend after that game-winning spike. What was running through your head?” And Sukuna, grinning like a fool. “Ahhh, just hoping she’s proud of me, you know?” Then it became bigger and bigger. One after the other, he could not shut up. He was, after all, too damn in love. “Your girlfriend’s reaction went viral after your match. Do you watch those clips together?” And Sukuna, without missing a beat. “Hell yeah, we do. I send her all my favorite edits. Couple goals, you know?”

Genre: Alternate Universe — Volleyball! AU;

Warning/s: General Rating, AFAB! Reader, Use of She/Her, Use of Female Centered Identification, Pet Names (Babe, My Love, Baby, Etc), Romance, Fluff, Humour, Love, Comfort/No Hurt, Established Relationship, Lovers, Dating, Feeling, Light-Hearted, Slice of Life, Idiots In Love, Domestic, Domestic Fluff, Teasing, Healthy Relationship, Friendships, Profanity, Volleyball Pro! Sukuna, Astrophysicist! Reader, Boyfriend! Sukuna, Girlfriend! Reader;

Words: 6k words.

Note: i'm working on the actor nanami fic, so here is something for you to enjoy while you wait for that. also, i keep thinking about how sukuna would have been like pro-hero bakugo had he not been dating reader. like, he would be so good at volleyball, but he would be so eager to be blunt about absolutely everything and just be so crass, you know??? anyway, our sukuna managed to not be like that, cause he's #1 lover boy first. enjoy this!!! see you in a couple days!! i love you!!! <3

masterlist

if you want to, tip! <3

lovesick playlist

THIS WAS NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY NOWADAYS, FOR YOU TO SIT HERE. Your long-time boyfriend, professional volleyball player Ryomen Sukuna, has always been a bit of a big deal. Well, you try to not make it to be but you both know that it is.

He was undeniably talented, incredibly confident, and dangerously charismatic. But it wasn’t until this past year, when he officially made Japan’s national team and became their standout player, that his star practically exploded.

And with that… came you.

You didn’t ask for it at all. The attention, the headlines, the fan-cams. However, by virtue of loving Sukuna, you had become a fair bit of a participant in his stardom. And it wasn’t like Sukuna did it on purpose. 

Well, actually he kind of did. Because if there was one thing about your boyfriend, it was that he never shied away from publicly loving you. In fact, he leaned in. Hard.

And you?

You could never say no to him when he asked. Ever. Because you loved him as he is, and that includes loving you. And if supporting him meant occasionally being pulled into the spotlight alongside him. Well… you’d do it a million times over. That’s how much you loved him. 

It started small at first.

Little moments here and there.

Well, he tried to ease you into it.

Like when Sukuna played his first international match for Japan, and you sat quietly in the front row with his family. You thought you were being lowkey, just there to support your love. But the cameras caught you. Multiple times. Your face blown up on the jumbotron — smiling, proud, hands clasped in silent prayer every time he served.

Sukuna noticed you on the screen mid-game, and instead of ignoring it like any normal athlete would. And then he would go on and smirk. Then almost like he can’t help it, he winked at you. On live television. You damn near sank into the earth.

The clip instantly blew up on Twitter. 

Everyone on the internet lost its mind. 

Suddenly there were viral captions like:

“When the national team’s ace makes eye contact with his girl mid-game and winks?????”

“The way he’s SO unapologetically in love I’m crying.”

“The girlfriend has MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY I’m obsessed.”

And you? You just wanted to disappear.

Ryomen Sukuna, on the other hand, ate it up.

“You see how they love us, babe?” he grinned later that night, scrolling through TikTok edits of you two.

“My love, I was literally just sitting there.”

“Nahhh, you were the cutest girlfriend alive.”

“Stop watching the videos, I look like I was going to hurl because of nervousness.”

“Nope. I’m obsessed with us. Sorry, babe.”

But then it started escalating. Almost too quickly. The more Ryomen Sukuna won on the national stage. And the more the media realized he could not shut up about you. The more you started to become a topic. At first, it was small questions during post-game conferences.

“We saw you look up at your girlfriend after that game-winning spike. What was running through your head?”

And Sukuna, grinning like a fool. “Ahhh, just hoping she’s proud of me, you know?”

Then it became bigger and bigger.

One after the other, he could not shut up.

He was, after all, too damn in love.

“Your girlfriend’s reaction went viral after your match. Do you watch those clips together?”

And Sukuna, without missing a beat. “Hell yeah, we do. I send her all my favorite edits. Couple goals, you know?”

And suddenly you were trending on Twitter at every single match. 

People started calling you “Japan’s National Team Girlfriend”. 

There were TikToks like “POV: You’re dating an Olympic-level volleyball player and he’s obsessed with you”. Someone even made a fan account dedicated to you. Some people are making fan accounts about the two of you. It was just insane.

You were horrified about it.

You never expected this.

Sukuna, however, was thriving.

“Babe, you’re famous now.”

“I am just—this is crazy, my love. I didn’t think this for myself.”

“Too bad. You’re dating a national treasure. That makes you one too.”

“You're the only national treasure here, not me—”

“Wrong. We’re a package deal. We always have been, babe.”

“Well, fuck. Looks like I gotta know how to deal with this.” You sighed, leaning into the couch. “You’re lucky I love you so much.”

“I love you so much.” He says, looking at you with those warm loving eyes. “Very much.”

You sighed, moving close to lean into him. “I love you too. Very much.”

And then, of course, came the Vogue interview soon after that.

Sukuna got asked to do a pre-Olympic feature for Vogue Japan. It was going to be a full-blown video interview and magazine spread to highlight him as the country’s volleyball superstar heading to his first Olympic Games. 

You didn’t think much of it at first—until Sukuna casually mentioned. “They wanna do a segment with you, too.”

You froze. “Wait. What?”

“Yeah, you know….like those….interviews we watch.” Sukuna said it, like it was the most casual thing. “Like a couples segment. You know. Cute shit.”

“Okay, but this is insane. I don’t think I’m good enough to be interviewed for a magazine like Vogue.”

“Yes, you are. You’re the most beautiful and smartest person in the world, like the coolest. How could you not be in the magazines?”

“You’re just saying this cause you’re biased.”

“So?” He snickered, leaning closer to you like a cat to his owner. “Isn’t my opinion the only thing that matters?”

“My love, please—”

“Babe, come on. It’ll be fun. Just some quick questions. I’ll be right there with you.”

“Are you sure you want me there?”

“I always want you with me.” He whispers to you, eyes adoringly looking at you. Almost begging. “Please come with me.…I’ll make it worth your while later.”

You can’t say no to him. Not like this. Not ever. You sighed. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”

And so, here you are now, right beside your boyfriend, in this studio.

The massive studio hummed with quiet energy. You could feel the subtle buzz of camera equipment, the low chatter of the production crew, and the muffled thuds of footsteps as people flitted around making last-minute adjustments.

Despite the growing tension in the room, there was one person who looked like he couldn’t be less bothered and that was Ryomen Sukuna himself. Your beloved Sukuna is now Japan’s top star volleyball player right now.

The man who was about to debut in his very first Olympic Games. And yet he sat there like he was in his living room, entirely unruffled by the cameras or the fact that the world was about to have their eyes glued on him.

To him, this was just like any other day. It was nothing special, nothing worth that much of a fuzz. It’s media day. Well, of course he was with you. That was always something that made him happy.

But the occasion in itself just as it was, like on all work days.

It truly did make sense for him to be like that.

After all, Sukuna had been through enough media circus for the past few years. With all the pre-game conferences, after-game interviews, constant media coverage during training camps.

By now, cameras had become like background noise to him. Even though he wasn’t the most camera-savvy person, he had long accepted that it came with the job. As much as you have.

Though, you know it was just still so insane. This level of fame was not something you expected to see. But well, what can you do? Your boyfriend is an ace at anything he does, and he always will be.

So here he was now, gold chain glinting under the bright studio lights, his long arm draped casually behind your chair as if he had all the time in the world. His thumb, rough, calloused from years of playing was tenderly brushed the curve of your shoulder absentmindedly, warm and familiar. His long legs were spread obnoxiously wide, his knee brushing against yours like it belonged there.

You, however, were fighting down a giggle like you did when you were both younger. It wasn’t fair how good he looked in front of the camera. Your Sukuna was in his official team Japan tracksuit, sleeves shoved up to his elbows, exposing his tattooed forearms.

His messy pink hair was styled back, just enough for his sharp jawline to be obnoxiously prominent and his signature smug grin made it look like he had already won gold before even stepping onto the court.

And then like he could feel you staring, Sukuna leaned toward you. 

You raised a brow as you finally noticed his ruby eyes tender on you.

“What? There something on my face?”

“Bet I can answer faster than you, babe.” His voice dropped low, just for you to hear, the gravel in his tone sending a pleasant shiver down your spine.

You snorted, glancing at him. “Yeah, okay. Just don’t embarrass me, my love.”

His grin sharpened, canines flashing. “No promises, babe.”

You groaned to yourself.

You were so screwed.

He’s competitive even on this.

The interviewer settles in her seat across from you both, a friendly smile on her face. “Alright, we’re rolling!” she calls out. “Let’s give them a warm welcome!”

The crew claps behind the camera and you and Sukuna stand up, quickly bowing your heads lowly to everyone in the room, greeting them politely one by one. The crew did the same, with eyes full of awe as they both looked at you two as you sat down.

“Alright, hello everyone!” the interviewer finally smiled, straightening in her seat. “We’re here today with Ryomen Sukuna, Japan’s powerhouse volleyball player heading to his very first Olympic Games — and we’ve got his longtime girlfriend, [Your Name], who is also a Astrophysics researcher joining us today!”

Sukuna perked up a little at that introduction, his grin widening. “Renowned, huh?” He turned to you, his voice dropping low, teasing. “Damn, babe. Are you that famous now, my baby?”

You rolled your eyes, fighting down a smile. “Says the Olympic athlete. Let’s not do this, please.”

The interviewer laughed. “We are so excited to have you both here. Thank you for making time despite your hectic schedules — especially you, [Your Name]. I imagine taking a break from Astrophysics research work isn’t easy?”

“Oh—” you started, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “I mean, I really shouldn’t have gotten a break. I was actually supposed to have a research advisory today…”

Sukuna turned to you sharply, his brows raising. “Wait—what?”

You blinked. “…Huh, what?”

“You never told me that. I thought you just got permission.” Sukuna scoffed, his head tilting. “Babe, you really have a major advisory today? How the hell did you get off work?”

“Ohhh, yeah…” you cringed, rubbing the back of your neck. “Yeah… funny thing about that.”

The interviewer’s interest piqued. “Oh?��

You hesitated and then bit back a smile. “So… My head researcher’s daughter is actually a huge fan of Sukuna. Like, borderline obsessed.”

Sukuna’s brows shot higher. “Wait, what?”

“Yeah.” you chuckled sheepishly. “And when they found out I was doing this interview with him, my boss was like, ‘Yeah, just get me his autograph and I’ll look the other way on you missing the advisory.’”

Sukuna immediately cackled. “Really? That’s damn hilarious.”

“Swear to god, it's crazy in there when it comes to you.” you laughed, sinking a little in your seat. “He told me, ‘If you get me a video of him saying hi to my daughter, I’ll even let you off the hook for the paperwork you forgot to pass last week.’”

“Babe.” Sukuna turned his entire body toward you, his grin practically ear-to-ear. “Why didn’t you tell me that earlier? That’s easy. Just give me a pen later—hell, I’ll record her a whole-ass personalized video.”

You scoffed, blushing. “Oh my god, no—you don’t have to do that much—”

“Nahhh, I gotchu, babe, don’t worry.” Sukuna grinned mischievously, already plotting. “I’ll make her dad look like a hero. Gonna be like: ‘Hey princess, your dad is the real MVP for letting your fave’s girlfriend skip work today to give you content.’”

You smacked his arm, mortified. “Oh my god, you are so insane.”

The production crew lost it almost immediately.

The interviewer covered her mouth, laughing.

“I’m serious!” Sukuna laughed, scarlet eyes crinkling. “You know how many brownie points that’ll get you at work? You could literally ghost them for a week and they’ll still cover for you.”

“Oh my god, stop—”

“And the paperwork you forgot?” Sukuna shot you a playful smirk. “I’ll just sign it with ‘Ryomen Sukuna’s girlfriend is a genius, give her a raise.’ Boom. Problem solved.”

“RYOMEN SUKUNA.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” Sukuna raised his hands in surrender. “Just don’t call me that, okay? You know what my name is.”

The interviewer was crying. “I am so sorry, I can’t breathe—you guys are adorable.”

You slumped in your seat, burying your face in your hands. “I’m never living this down.”

Sukuna just laughed harder, his hand finding your thigh and giving it a warm squeeze. “Nah, you’re good, babe. I’ll make sure you’re employee of the month after this.”

The interviewer, trying to recover. “W-well! We really appreciate you being here, [Your Name]. Seriously. It's not every day we get a literal astrophysicist and an Olympic athlete in the same room.”

“Oh no, I should be the one thankful!” you stammered, still flustered from Sukuna’s antics. “Thank you for having me here with my love. Honestly, it’s such a privilege.”

Sukuna practically preened. “Her love. You guys heard that, right?”

You smacked his arm. “Oh god, don’t even start.”

“Too late, babe.” Sukuna grinned smugly, leaning back in his chair. “I’m riding that high all day. Like, that’s from the one I love right there. I’m riding this forever.”

“You can’t just—” You lower your face to your hands, feeling yourself warm. “Oh my god.”

“Don’t get embarrassed so fast!”

“I’m trying hard not to!”

The interviewer was now fully crying from laughing.

And you? You were about two seconds away from melting into the floor from sheer secondhand embarrassment.

You just can’t believe he’s like this today.

“So, uh, are you guys ready for some quickfire ten-second questions?” She asks as you finally recover, lifting your head.

Sukuna cracks his knuckles dramatically. “Easy. We’ve been together more than a decade or so. I can ace this.”

You scoff. “You’re gonna overthink everything.”

Sukuna feigns offense. “Excuse you? I’m very decisive.”

The interviewer laughs. “Alright, let’s put that to the test. First question: Sukuna, what’s your favorite pre-game meal?”

“Ramen.” he says instantly. Then, a beat later, “Wait. No. Her curry. Yeah, yeah. That one….the spicy one. Final answer.”

Your mouth drops open. “Are you serious? I thought you hated it.”

He grins smugly. “It’s true. I loved it all. Took another plate after you left. Your food hits different, you know?"

You roll your eyes but can’t help the blush creeping up your neck. “O–okay, I guess.”

The interviewer beams. “Cute. Okay, [Your Name], what’s his go-to post-game routine?”

“Oh, easy.” you say, straight-faced. “Complaining about his back. Then how he doesn’t like how Gojo Satoru took that line shot at him at a game. Take a ridiculously long, hot shower. He has a beer before we eat dinner. Then aggressively demands my cuddles.”

Sukuna sputters at you. “Aggressively?!”

You arch a brow. “You corner me in the kitchen. Every time.”

He throws his head back in a laugh, his large hand sliding to your knee. “Okay, fine. Fair point.”

The interviewer chuckles. “Alright, Sukuna — who’s the first person you call after a big win?”

He doesn’t hesitate. “Her. Always her. And she picks up, even mid-experiment.”

Your chest tightens, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. “You’re too much.”

“Hey, I really do call you the most after every match.”

“And after a loss?” she presses.

Sukuna leans slightly toward you, his arm shifting so his hand now rests protectively on your thigh. “Also her. But I’m significantly more annoying.”

You snort. “So much pouting. He becomes, like, unbearable.”

Sukuna gasps, clutching his chest dramatically. “Unbearable?! I’m mourning, babe!”

“You’re sulking. Just like right now.”

“Same thing!”

The interviewer is practically doubled over laughing. “I love this dynamic. Okay, favorite thing about each other — go.”

Sukuna’s answer is immediate. “Her laugh. Hands down. Best sound in the world.”

Your heart lurches, face instantly heating. “Oh my god, shut up—”

“No, like dead serious, babe.” he interrupts, his smile softening. “Could be having the worst day ever, and if she laughs? I’m good.”

You smack his arm, your face now an embarrassing shade of red. “You’re being gross on camera!”

Sukuna shrugs, unbothered. “Truth is truth, babe.”

The interviewer melts. “Okay, your turn, [Your Name].”

You stammer, still flustered. “Uhh—” you scramble to think of something non-cheesy, but instead, your mouth betrays you. “The way he always warms his hands before touching my face.”

Sukuna freezes. “…Huh?”

You blink. “…What?”

“That’s your favorite thing?” he asks, blinking at you like you’d just dropped a bombshell.

You squirm. “I mean, yeah. You do it all the time. Like, even if we’re just watching a movie or something — you always warm your hands first. It’s cute.”

The grin that spreads across Sukuna’s face is devastating. “You’re so obsessed with me.”

You physically groan. “Oh my god, shut up.”

The interviewer is practically swooning. “This is the cutest thing ever—okay, okay, next one. Sukuna, if you could steal any skill from your girlfriend, what would it be?”

“Her patience.” he deadpans.

You burst out laughing. “What?”

“No, like actually, I really think you mastered it so much.” he insists, leaning forward. “You have no idea how insane she is at staying calm. Like, I’ll be losing my mind over a game or a bad practice, and she’ll just—” he waves his hand, mimicking your nonchalant demeanor, “‘Okay, babe, it’s fine. You’ll win next time.’ Like. What the hell? Where do you get that?”

You’re dying of laughter. “It’s called balance, my love.”

“It’s witchcraft.”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Then learn it.”

He laughs at your words. “No, but I’m genuine about this. My girl can sit there and deal with a long day where her research yields bad results and do it again even though it takes long. And come home to me sulking and just know how to be just as patient.”

You looked at him, eyes full of love. “You’re so….I love you. Just a lot.”

He smiles back at you. “Love you too, babe.”

The interviewer sighed, whimsically. “I love you two so much. Okay, final question—and you both have to answer this.” She leans in dramatically. “What’s the very first thing you’ll do if you win gold at the Olympics?”

Sukuna’s cocky grin is instant. “Kiss her. On live TV.”

Your jaw drops “‘kuna, my love! Don’t just say that!”

“What?” he laughs, utterly shameless. “Manifesting, babe.”

“You’re disgusting.”

Your boyfriend snickers. “Yeah, you say that now but you’re gonna make out with me after this—”

“Oh my god, not here!”

The interviewer howls with laughter. “And what about you, [Your Name]?”

You glare at Sukuna but ultimately sigh in defeat. “I guess… I’ll let him.”

Sukuna beams, victorious. “See? Obsessed with me. You were lying earlier, hm? Saying you won’t and now here you are, you admit the truth. I am so vindicated.”

You slap his arm, but you’re grinning so wide your cheeks hurt. “You’re so annoying.”

“Yeah, but I am your annoyance. That's my happy life right there, being loved by you like that.”

The interviewer shakes her head, still giggling. “I swear, if you actually win gold and kiss her on live TV, I’ll play this clip everywhere.”

Sukuna’s arm curls around your shoulder, pulling you in. “You better be ready, babe. I’m serious.”

And the terrifying part? You can already picture it. Because you know that he can do it. He can win it all just like that. You could see the gold medal around his neck, the camera zooming in, and Ryomen Sukuna turning straight to you with that same smug grin before sweeping you off your feet.

You purse your lips into a flat line, blushing. “Yeah, yeah…..I’m prepared.”

The interview finally wraps up there.

You’re still a little dazed. The cameras, the lights, the overly intimate questions about your relationship—but Ryomen Sukuna? He still looks happy, still completely unbothered. Like he lives for this. Which, you suppose, he does.

His arm never leaves your shoulder as you stand to shake hands with the Vogue team, his thumb still brushing absentminded circles against your skin. And just as you think you can finally slink away into the background, done with all the attention, Ryomen Sukuna pulls you right back in.

“Babe, c’mon.” he murmurs, his mouth brushing your temple. “Stay for the photoshoot.”

You blink. “What?”

“The shoot. They’re doing my Olympic feature photoshoot now.” He grins like he already knows how this will go. “Hang around for a bit.”

Your eyes narrow. “I thought this part was just you?”

“It is.”

“Then why do you need me here?”

“Moral support.” he says with a teasing smirk. “Also, you look really cute today, and I need you to stand there and be hot while I take photos.”

You gawk. “My love…..”

“What?” He shrugs, pulling you even closer as he starts walking toward the set. “I’m serious. Just stand off to the side, babe. I’ll behave.”

You have exactly zero trust in that promise. But you sigh and let him tug you along anyway. Because at the end of the day, you can’t say no to him. You never could. Not then and certainly not now. That’s just how much you loved the man.

So you do stay. But you try your hardest to stay out of the way. This is just for him, and only for him. You shouldn’t meddle. This isn’t for you. You do not want to get involved. So you make sure he sees you but sees you preoccupied, as you take food from the snack pile and coffee from the coffee machine.  

The photoshoot setup is expansive. There were grand lighting rigs, enormous backdrops, a team of stylists fussing over Sukuna’s hair and clothes. He’s already swapped his casual attire for his Japan national team uniform, crisp and iconic in its red and white.

And good god, you were stunned.

He looks obscenely good, even better than normal.

You were just hypnotized.

Like, you can definitely say that it's an actual deity-tier sort of beauty. Tall and lean, the muscles in his arms and thighs practically sculpted. His sharp features and dark tattoos look even more striking against the stark white backdrop. And the way he carries himself. It was that dangerous, unbothered confidence that had the photographers practically swooning as much as you were already.

You stand quietly off to the side, as you stuff yourself with snacks. You were doing your best to stay unnoticed and so far so good. But the moment Sukuna locks eyes with you from across the room, in the middle of his solo shoot, you already know you’re already fucked.

Because he grins. That stupid, sharp, predatory grin.

And you just know something is going to happen.

Because, you know that look on his face.

He’s about to pull some bullshit.

“Alright, Sukuna — tilt your chin up a bit. Perfect, perfect — can we get some more intensity in those scarlet eyes?”

He obliges easily, shifting his stance. For a few moments, you think you’re in the clear. Maybe he’ll actually behave. Maybe he’ll just get through his shoot without doing anything that would just throw you off your horses.

“Hey.” Sukuna suddenly calls out — loud enough for the entire set to hear. His gaze zeroes in on you. “Can she come here real quick?”

Your stomach drops.

The entire team turns to look at you.

Your soul leaves your body.

“I swear to god…..” you hiss, mortified. “No—”

“C’mon, babe.” he grins. “Just real quick. Just one picture.”

The photographer, looking intrigued, asks, “Wait — are you talking about her?”

“Yeah. Of course I’m talking about her.” Sukuna says smoothly. “That’s my girl.”

Oh my god oh my god oh my god.

You try to melt into the floor. “My love, no—”

“Babe, come on.” he says, mockingly sweet, “I thought you were here for moral support? Come on, just one picture. I won’t even ask them to include it in the spread.”

The team just absolutely loves what’s happening right now. They’re already whispering to each other, eyes lighting up with interest. One of the assistants, who was clearly a hopeless romantic, suddenly gasps, “Oh my god, can we get her in a couple of shots?”

“No, no, no you don’t have to.” you stammer, mortified. “I-I’m not part of the shoot—”

“You are now, babe.” Sukuna smirks, already striding over to grab your hand.

“My love, I’m not even— I didn’t sign anything—”

“Babe, relax.” he murmurs, tugging you right into the center of the set like it’s nothing. “You’re not doing a solo shoot. Just stand next to me. That’s it.”

The photographer, gleeful, immediately jumps in: “Oh my god! Yes, yes, yes. Let’s do a few couple shots. Just casual. We can get a few ‘power couple’ frames, I love this.”

“No, please, it’s not fair to you all or him.” you say, panicked. “It’s his shoot, I’m not supposed to—”

Sukuna grins down at you. “C’mon, babe. What’s one photo?”

You glare. “I hate you.”

“No you don’t.” He tugs you even closer. “C’mon, let me show off my pretty girlfriend a little. Please?”

“…I hate you so much.”

The next twenty minutes are the most unhinged photoshoot of your life.

It starts simple. Ryomen Sukuna standing tall in his Olympic uniform, with you just casually next to him. He’s still smug and composed, while you try your best to look like you belong there. But then it escalates, as it always does with him.

“Can you put your arm around her waist?” the photographer asks.

Sukuna immediately complies, almost too gleefully, you might add, as he was pulling you flush against his side, his arm curling snug around your lower back.

“Actually, can you lean down and nuzzle into her neck a bit? Just natural intimacy.”

You really could feel your soul just saying a hail mary and saying goodbye for good. Your Sukuna doesn’t even hesitate. His mouth brushes your temple, his nose drags against your skin, and he actually whispers in your ear: “Told you you’d be in this shoot, babe.”

“I hate you so much, like a lot. Right now.” you grit, cheeks burning.

“You love me, a lot. I can tell.” he grins. “Like look at that bright eyed love!”

“Can we get one with her in front of him? Like, you know, back to his chest?” The director suddenly says.

You barely have time to react before Sukuna’s already wrapping his arms around you from behind, his chin resting atop your head. His long fingers splay warmly across your stomach, deliberately making the pose look far too intimate.

The camera shutter goes crazy.

And then—the final blow from the director:

“Okay, for the last shot—Sukuna, can you kiss her?”

Your brain explodes. “WHAT—”

“Ohhh, I think I can.” Sukuna drawls, thrilled. “Hang on.”

“I swear to god, you can’t just—my love!”

Too late for any arguments, he’s made up his mind. His hand slides up to your jaw, his thumb tilting your chin just slightly. And then, without a hint of shame, he leans down and kisses you. Right there. On the set. With the cameras flashing like crazy.

It’s not even a small kiss. It’s full and lingering. It’s passionate and hot and burning. It was the type of kiss that only belongs to you two. Yet you don’t push him away or pull away. Instead, you let his hand cup the edge of your face, his mouth molds against yours, and you feel his stupid grin against your lips.

The photographer practically screams. “Oh my god, that was too good! That was just perfect!”

You finally part from him. But it took you a bit before you were back down to earth from the spellbound trip to love. “You are so annoying, I swear!”

“Babe.” he says, smug as hell. “I think we just sold out this magazine issue.”

“I’m going to kill you, that was too passionate! That’s just for us—"

“Please. You’re gonna frame these photos later.”

“Ugh, no I won’t!”

“You so will.”

And when the photos do come out, everything just shifts in the world. The entire internet loses its mind over Japan’s national volleyball ace and his head-over-heels-in-love girlfriend like he always is, you realize, miserably, that Ryomen Sukuna was absolutely right.

Because you do, in fact, frame one of the photos.

Well, almost all the photos you got.

And what does Ryomen Sukuna do?

He never shuts up about it.

══════════════════

epilogue

The group chat video call came in less than five minutes after the interview aired. You barely had time to process the fact that the clip of you and Sukuna had already exploded on social media — like a firestorm-level viral. 

Your phone was pinging nonstop with texts, notifications, and Twitter mentions of people collectively losing their minds over “Astrophysicist GF x Olympic Athlete BF” like it was the rom-com of the century. Like it was the most important trope out there.

And just when you thought you could quietly crawl into a hole and die from embarrassment…

Incoming Video Call: “Menaces + Nanami (we tolerate him)”

“Oh my god no—”

“Babe, answer it!” Sukuna grinned, already stretching his long arm to grab your laptop. “I need to see what they’re about to say.”

“Sukuna, I’m literally not ready for this shit—”

“You’re literally adorable, babe. Don’t worry!” Sukuna smirked, already clicking Accept. “Let me enjoy my W.”

The call connected. Chaos immediately erupted.

Gojo Satoru (Camera OFF): “AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH—”

Geto Suguru (Camera ON):

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH—”

Nanami Kento (Camera ON):

“…Are you all seriously screaming?”

Itadori Yuuji (Camera ON):

“BROOOOOO THEY WENT SO HARD IN THAT INTERVIEW OH MY GODDDD!”

Fushiguro Megumi (Camera ON, Visibly Unamused):

“…I’m logging off.”

Gojo Satoru (Camera ON, Appearing Out of Nowhere):

“NO YOU’RE NOT, MEGUMI— OH MY GOD YOU TWO WERE INSANE.”

You immediately face planted onto the table, groaning. “Kill me. Just kill me now.”

“Babe, why? You were really cool!” Sukuna laughed, wrapping an arm around you. “This is literally my proudest moment.”

“Oh my god, this is just so—” You groaned.

“Bro. Bro, oh my god.” Itadori was crying. “Sukuna. The way you said ‘Her love. You guys heard that, right?’ I— I fell off my couch cheesing, bro. You haven’t changed!”

“RIGHT?!” Gojo practically screeched. “And then he was going like ‘I’ll get you employee of the month, babe.’ I almost died! This was so—I can’t even explain it!”

Sukuna was thriving. His grin stretched wide, his canines flashing. “Ayyyeeee, you finally got it Gojo! You got someone, so you understand right? You see how I held her down? Boyfriend of the year.”

“You really are, bro!”

“My love, stoppppp!” you wailed dramatically.

“Nah, babe. Let me cook from boyfriend to husband!”

“Okay but REAL TALK. [Your Name]. Explain to me why your head researcher just casually let you off work because his daughter’s a fan of Sukuna.Also, how the hell are there fans of Sukuna?” Geto Suguru says as he munches on his popcorn.

“Taking offense to that last part, Geto.”

“Hahaha, I don’t care!”

You groaned harder. “I really don’t know. But it worked. I mean, people are asking me for Sukuna’s autographs for their kids at the research facility.”

“No, cause that’s wild, actually.” Suguru laughed. “Your literal superior was like, ‘Get me his autograph and you can skip work.’ That’s insane. I wish I could do that.”

“Well you could had you gone to the same research dept as me.”

“Nah, I don’t wanna work there. Your deadlines are crazy.”

“Hey, my influence is really good for her right now!” Sukuna grinned, leaning into you smugly. “I’m basically her office’s MVP. They should name a telescope after me, if I’m being honest.”

“That’s not what I'm working on right now! That’s the other team!”

“Eh, same thing.”

“The Ryomen Sukuna Space Observatory, nice ring to it.” Gojo said dreamily. “Iconic.”

“Guys, really.”

“I would like to formally request to be excluded from this narrative.” Nanami Kento deadpans as he puts away his paperwork.

“Oh shut up, Kento. Are you still acting tsundere after all this time?” Gojo cackled. “You enjoyed it.”

“No. I did not.”

“Then why’d you text me ‘how did Sukuna–san improve in comedy? he’s hilarious.’ right after it aired?”

Nanami froze. “I did not do that—”

“YOU DID TOO!” Itadori gasped loudly. “I saw the receipts, senpai. You can’t just lie about that!”

“Lies.”

“Don’t deny it!”

“I will deny it, there’s no proof.”

“…Sukuna–senpai, I have to say, you being in love still after all this time really made me cringe.”

Gojo Satoru lost it. He almost fell off his chair, laughing. “That’s so—what the, that’s so—”

“See? People do cringe when you go lovey-dovey!” You tease him, and then laugh as you lean against him. 

“Wow, didn’t know that’s your true feelings about me, babe.” Sukuna scoffed, faking offense as he playfully rolled his eyes. “No love for the Olympic boyfriend, huh?”

“You sounded like a sickeningly in love golden retriever, and it was disturbing.”

Sukuna snorted. “If I still had the privilege to order you one hundred laps, I would.”

“Hm, but you don’t.”

“All because you’re jealous. How’s your date yesterday? Bad like last time?”

Megumi recoiled like he’d been shot. “Senpai, that’s so—”

“Nahhh, I get it, Megs. Cause I’d be mad too if I was third-wheeling greatness like this, while I’m waiting on Cupid to give me luck.” Sukuna gestured grandly to you and himself. “It’s hard out here.”

“I hate you.”

“Don’t be mad, bro. Just manifest your own [Your Name].”

“I swear to god, senpai.”

“Again, manifest. Hell, I’ll even help you. My sister’s into you—”

“No, thanks.”

“Okay but can we talk about how senpai just easily offers the autograph AND the video like it's nothing?” Yuuji enthusiastically says, smiling from ear to ear.

“REAL! Like, this is so crazy. ” Gojo gasped. “He just casually said ‘I’ll make your boss look like a hero, babe.’”

“Bro is so down bad, man.” Geto snickers, drinking his beer. “Everyone’s losing their shit everywhere.”

“And then he was like, ‘yeah don’t worry, I’ll help sign your paperwork.’’” Yuuji grows louder, more enthusiastic than before. “I can’t believe people are seeing it more closely like this. You’re a lucky lady, senpai!”

“Yeah, who can say they have such a long loving thriving relationship, no?” Gojo teases, as he leans on the screen. “LIke, people are jealous!”

“Guys, please!” you howled, your head hitting the table as your face turned scarlet. “PLEASE STOP—”

“SU-KU-NAAAAA–SENPAIIIIII!” Yuuji screamed, clapping. “You’re built differently, man. This is why you’re not bitchless!”

“This is why you follow in my footsteps, Itadori.” Sukuna laughs proudly. “You will only end your suffering if you follow me. That goes for you, Nanami, Fushiguro.”

“No thanks.” Nanami and Fushiguro say, almost at the same time.

“Nah, cause now that I think about it….my girl’s gonna expect me to do well too, Sukuna.” Gojo says, rubbing his chin. “That’s such a cruel move, Sukuna!”

“Hey, I love my girl as easily as breathing.” Sukuna raises his beer can, like cheers. He grins. “Good luck. I’m here if you need tips.”

“…The fact that this interview is already at 4 million views is baffling.” Nanami whispers as he looks at his phone. “It was just released an hour ago.”

Your head snapped up. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Oh yeah, it’s viral now.” Megumi deadpanned. “It’s already trending. Twitter’s obsessed with you two.”

“Yup, yup.” Itadori confirmed. “Hashtag ‘Astrophysicist GF x Olympic Athlete BF’ is number one right now.”

“YOU’RE LYING.”

“Dead serious.”

“My love.” you whirled on him, horrified. “What did you do?”

Sukuna, entirely unbothered: “Won.”

“Bro, people are literally shipping you two like it’s a Netflix rom-com.” Gojo snickers, sighing. “I want mine to be like that.”

“Right?” Suguru agreed. “And they’re already calling you ‘The only loverboy to ever loverboy’ which is kinda crazy to say about Ryomen Sukuna.”

Yuuji sighed. “But it fits, don’t you think? He loves his girl.”

Sukuna beamed. “As they should.”

You were spiraling. “I can’t go back to work like this. They’re gonna tease me—”

“No, babe, you’re good.” Sukuna said smugly. “You literally got immunity. They’re too obsessed with me now.”

“OH MY GODDDD.”

“…So when exactly did you two sign up for a publicized rom-com?” Nanami asks.

“Bro, right?” Gojo laughed. “Next thing you know Sukuna’s proposing on live TV after winning gold.”

Sukuna gasped dramatically. “Wait. That’s fire, actually.”

“Hey, don’t you dare!” you screamed.

“Imagine it, though!” Gojo egged on. “He wins gold. Camera zooms in. Sukuna pulls you onto the court. Boom. Proposal.”

“Don’t give him ideas, Gojo Satoru!”

Geto cackles. “Nah, once you give Sukuna ideas and he likes it, he’s not gonna change his mind.”

“Write that down, bro!” Itadori gasped.

“Oh, I will!” Sukuna grinned.

“Ryomen Sukuna, I swear to god—”

“Hey, hey, slow down. That’s not my name.”

“I’m not stopping until you say you won’t do that.”

“Here me out, let me cook on this idea, like this is a really good idea. Come on!”

“No!”

[halsteadlover]

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞

*Gif and pics not mine credits to the owner*

• Pairing: Connor Rhodes x Fem!Reader.

• Requested: yes by anon.

• Summary: Connor shows his possessive and jealous side and you love every bit of it.

• Warnings: jealousy, few curse words and I don’t know what else, please let me know if I missed any lol.

• Word count: 1930.

• A/N: I’m not sure about this one but here it is anyway since I was too lazy to write it all over again 😭 I hope you’ll like it, looking forward for your opinion. Comment, like and reblog, it’d would mean the world 💕 I love you all xx

Connor's first case since coming back to Med’s was fairly simple.

He thought that day would go uneventful. He thought.

An elementary school girl was taken to the ER after her teacher called 911 because of an intense abdominal pain and after an ultrasound it turned out to be a case of acute appendicitis.

“She’ll need surgery, where are the parents? We need their consent,” Connor had asked Natalie while they examined the little patient who was still writhing in pain. She was given a small dose of morphine to calm some of her excruciating pain.

At that same moment Maggie entered the room and Connor glanced at her as he tried to calm the little girl, whose name turned out to be Daisy. “Her teacher is here and asked about a doctor.”

“I'll talk to her,” Connor said and Natalie nodded.

Connor and Maggie exited the patient's room and his gaze fell on a figure near the nurses' station who was filling out some forms.

He tried to keep an expression as serious and impassive as possible even though internally a flock of butterflies had just exploded in his stomach.

There was no need to even take a double take, he would’ve recognized that figure even in a crowd of thousands of people. After all, how could he not recognize his own girlfriend?

You were a teacher and taught science in an elementary school but what were the chances that you would’ve been the little girl’s teacher?

You and Connor had been together for about few months them so none of his colleagues knew you existed yet. He had to act like he didn’t know you, like he didn’t want to breathtakingly kiss you right then and there.

He couldn't help but let his eyes wander over your body suppressing the innate desire to approach you and grab your ass like he always did.

He approached the nurses' station, hands shoved in his uniform pocket. “Ma’am.”

Your heart skipped a beat when you heard not a voice but his voice. You immediately tried to suppress the smile that threatened to appear on your face as well as the urge to giggle since he knew how much it annoyed you when he’d call you ‘ma’am’.

“It’s ‘miss’, actually.”

You said when you turned to him, pen still in your fingers as you gave him a polite smile and chuckling to yourself when you saw Connor press his lips together in an attempt not to burst out laughing.

“Nice to meet you miss, I’m doctor Rhodes. I’m treating Daisy.”

Your eyes quickly scanned his body, trying to maintain composure and not blush like a fourteen year old when thoughts about you and him in his bed that morning crept into your mind.

“How is she, doctor?” You asked, failing miserably at not giving him a little mischievou smile.

“Unfortunately I cannot discuss my patient's health status with people outside of her family. I wanted to ask you if you have by any chance notified her parents? We need to talk to them,” he replied in a professional tone although the way his eyes shone as they spoke to you and the way he couldn't help but check you out gave him away.

Maggie and April, who were there at the time and witnessing your conversation, couldn't help but exchange a knowing look.

They had both thought the exact same thing.

There was no way you and Connor didn't know each other.

It was so obvious and even funny how you both tried to maintain a professional and unemotional facade. But the way he looked at you, the way his eyes had never left yours, the way his body was totally turned towards you and in which he seemed to be imperceptibly drawn continuously towards yours had revealed there was no way in hell that he didn't know you.

But it was also how your head was tilted slightly as you spoke to him, how you kept touching your hair, how you batted your eyelashes and the shadow of a smile that never left your lips that had given definitive confirmation that you two knew each other very well.

And not talking about the fact you two were blatantly flirting.

“I came here in a hurry so I didn't have time to call them, but I'll do it right away,” you had said and Connor had nodded, trying to keep himself from following you with his eyes as you walked away to make the call but failing miserably.

“Connor oh my god! What was that?!” April screamed/whispered, approaching Connor with Maggie, a look of pure surprise and amazement on both their faces. “You know her?!”.

Connor shrugged nonchalantly. “N-no of course not.”

“Oh come on we saw the way you looked at each other, you clearly know her and there is definitely something going on!” Maggie retorted.

“She's just a good looking woman, that's all,” Connor remarked even if ‘good looking’ didn’t even come close to how gorgeous you were.

All his attention though had shifted from Maggie and April for a moment, his eyes falling on the two doctors that were talking as they looked through some patients' medical records.

He saw the direction of their gaze, hearing the comments about the object – or rather the person – that had attracted their attention.

“Man if she was a stripper I would’ve spent my whole salary on her, did you see that ass?”. One of them had confessed to one of them while he was pretending to fill out the medical records even though he was watching you like a hawk while you were talking on the phone.

“I would’ve never skipped a class if I had a teacher as hot as her,” the other continued laughing.

“You think she has someone?”.

“Oh I hope not, but if it is he is a damn lucky bastard.”

Connor clenched his hands into two fists, almost having a brain aneurysm.

A wave of jealousy washed over him, every cell of his body exploding with anger at hearing the words directed towards you who unawarely continued to talk on the phone.

His jaw clenched as he struggled to stay calm, but God how much he wanted to beat the shit out of those two sons of bitches. He hated the way they looked at you, the way they made those disgusting comments about your body.

He hated it so much because that was the way he looked at you.

He was the only one who could make those comments about you, the only one who could have those sinful thoughts about you, the only one who could touch and admire you.

Your ass, your legs, your smile, your laugh, that twinkle in your eyes when you looked at him, that body, all of this were his.

It was as if his mind had gone into blackout, as if all his reasoning, judgment and common sense had just flown away because now all he could do was imagine the bastards' heads banging against the wall over and over again.

Drastic? Perhaps. Excessive? Probably. But Connor didn't give a fuck.

And it was in fact at that precise moment that he did something he’d never have thought of doing for anyone.

“Daisy's parents are…-” you announced as you ended the call and walked back to the nurses' station but stopped on your tracks when Connor came towards you, and a confused expression appeared on your face.

Your eyes widened and you almost had a heart attack when he grabbed your face and crushed his lips on yours.

He didn't give a shit.

Neither that you both were keeping your relationship a secret anymore, nor that you were in the middle of the ER, nor that everyone at that moment had stopped to witness that scene.

He wasn’t thinking clearly and in that moment it was that part of him with which he had never come face to face before that controlled him, that primitive and caveman part he was hating so much.

Even though that gesture had taken you completely by surprise, your body reacted before your mind could even understand what was happening, so you kissed him back, feeling your breath stopping in your lungs. Your hands slid up his chest and fisted his uniform as he wrapped his arms around your hips, sliding his hands down to your ass.

He didn't care he’d receive an endless scolding for what he was doing, he didn't care about the voices that commented the scene, he didn't care that everyone saw his hands squeezing your ass.

He didn't care because he wanted them to see, he wanted everyone to know you belonged to him, that he was the only one who could kiss you, fuck you, squeeze that stripper ass, that loved you.

You broke away from the kiss before the situation could escalate, your heart pounding and your legs shaking like jelly. “Babe oh my god…-”.

“You’re mine, you know that right?” He whispered. “Only mine.” His hands moved up from your ass back to your face and his thumbs caressed your cheekbones before placing a small kiss on his lips. “And I love you.”

Woah hold on.

Did he fucking say ‘I love you’? In an ER?

Wait. Connor loves me?

You looked at him in shock but you didn't have time to process and figure out what the hell was going on because he grabbed your hand and led you back towards the nurses' station, where Maggie and April's jaws were now on the floor.

“Meet my girlfriend, Y/n,” he announced, wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you close as you were about to faint. Your heart was beating so fast you feared you’d need a defibrillator to revive you sooner or later.

You were so shocked you couldn’t elaborate a word, fuck you couldn’t even think about one.

Connor's eyes focused on the two doctors that had been talking about you until recently but who at that moment were looking around embarrassed.

“You wanted to know if she was taken? Yes, she is. I’m the lucky bastard who gets to have her and now let me hear one more thing about my girlfriend, I fucking dare you.”

You looked with confusion at your boyfriend, then at the doctors he was glaring at, and then back at him. You had no idea what he was talking about and you were so dazed and confused that your mind didn't know what to process first.

From the way Connor’s hand was gripping your hip, the way he held you so close to him, and the way he glared at the two doctors, you imagined it was somehow about you. And although the embarrassment of being the center of attention made you want to be swallowed by the floor, you couldn't help but feel… Flattered.

Was this the right word?

You didn’t know.

You couldn't even describe it, but that jealous, protective side of him lit a fire inside you that burned every single fucking cell of your body.

You knew Connor always had this protective instinct towards you but knowing he had ‘marked his territory’ so blatantly, just to stop whatever they were saying, made you giggle to yourself like a teenage girl.

It was so damn hot and sexy, more than you would’ve ever expected.

And instead of thinking about how out of place or inappropriate that gesture was, the only thing you could think about as you looked at Connor was how good he was going to get it that night.

General tag list: @hngbrooks, @alexxavicry, @halstead-severide-fan, @mrspeacem1nusone, @allivzs, @omniaimy, @cursedashes, @kmc1989, @klovesreading, @firetruckstuckley

Connor Rhodes tag list: @rsquared31, @novabckly, @wnbweasley, @thebejeweledwatercat

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[transformers-spike]

I'm out of the hospital after a suicide attempt

And my new vape came!!!

Also, I wonder if cybertronians can vape

-☣️

(I hope you're okay. I'm not a medical professional, but I know where you're coming from. I assume you're getting the help you need, and try to remember that there will always be people in your life who love you. However, please don't send me these types of messages. I myself am dealing with my own struggles, and I cannot cope with such painful news on top of everything. So please, don't add this information to your asks. I certainly wish you well, but I have my boundaries) I'll still answer your question however. In canon they have cy-gars (usually just portrayed as tobacco but Cybertronian). Personally, for TFP I want to make things a lot more complicated (because these are aliens so of course stuff gets weird. Cy-gars were pretty pricey, and only the high to middle class could afford them (unless you got them second hand). The cy-gar was the casing and you had to purchase cartridges. They could go from something light that made your intake/throat feel fresh (kind of like mint), to minor drugs (something akin to weed or tobacco), to straight up hallucinogenic substances. Most of these were probably extracted from the mines (same as energon). However, after Megatron started his revolution a lot of miners quit working for those exploiting them and joined the side of the Decepticons, which meant none of that special stuff was being extracted anymore. Thus, a lot of the companies/brands ended up disappearing. Nowadays getting cy-gars is nearly impossible, your best bet is to scavange. Wheeljack for example used to be an avid enjoyer, although he got his second-hand pre-war.

Since the cartridges have run dry, some bots have tried to fill/make them by hand. Potentially risky depending on the content, but can be done. Then there's the case of bots travelling to other planets during the war and potentially trading with the natives. Now, they can certainly try out whatever form of drugs the aliens have, but chances are, it's going to damage their insides. Maybe not straight away, but their bodies aren't made to consume these substances. I assume those who keep using cy-gars/other such substances are neutrals or rogues. Normally no one under Megatron or Optimus is supposed to partake in cy-gar use (maybe if recreational but even then you'd get chewed out if it's any of the drugged up varieties). There must have been at least 1 vehicon who snuck tobacco onto the ship then ended up exploding his internal components while using it. Fire, tobacco and fuel tanks don't mix, folks. Wheeljack doesn't even use his anymore. He just sticks it in his intake because he likes the look.

[zoniteillusion-pyritedreams]

Could you do a reading on whether Sunghoon is easily angered? Could it be that he has a bad temper?

Sorry for my bad English, is not my first language

The answer that I got from this is unsurprising to me. But I feel like it might be somewhat surprising to some people. Like I would have been out there that I personally don't believe that any of the members of this group have fully comprehended or dealt with the trauma that they went through in their survival program. So I think all of them might have some quiet wounds from that intense competition and I feel like with some of them they carry way more of those negative thoughts and energies than others and he happens to be one of the members I feel like does. I also think it doesn't help that he used to be a figure skater like I never did professional figure skating but I have a cousin who is really into it and eventually she quit before she went and he likes super pro or did a bunch of competitions because of just how perfect you have to be how competitive it is and that has a lot of issues that it can arise in a person when it comes to perfectionism so it's like throwing professional figure skater Plus crazy survival program where everyone is your biggest Ops and then debuting with them and not properly talking to a psychiatrist or therapist or having time to deal with all of that and you get an emotional concoction of, Oh Shit!

Is Sunghoon secretly angry? Like… do the vibes match the pretty face or is there fire under that ice? (A Tarot Exposé)

So you know how Sunghoon gives "elegant, unbothered, graceful swan prince” energy on the outside? Yeah… well, the cards say he’s got a LOT bubbling underneath that frosty surface—and it’s complicated, messy, and lowkey ✨emotional✨.

Let’s be real: he’s not someone who explodes on the surface, but that doesn’t mean he’s not simmering underneath. He holds things in Way Too Long, trying to stay composed and “perfect,” and the result? Internal pressure cooker. (Think: perfectionist + repressed feels = spicy combo.)

There’s a strong sense of emotional frustration here like someone who’s constantly told to “Keep It Together” while screaming inside. He doesn’t want to come off weak or needy (hello Emperor energy), but that’s made him suppress a LOT. Add to that some serious self-judgment and a dash of "I can't afford to mess up” trauma from his I-Land days? Whew. He’s carrying quiet wounds.

Unresolved feelings? ABSOLUTELY. He hasn't fully let go of the pressure and competitiveness of I-Land. Even if he thinks he has, the energy of “I have to prove myself constantly” lingers hard. He doesn’t trust people easily, might overthink every little thing, and holds grudges longer than he'd admit (even if he tries to logically explain them away).

And yes, he can get irritated or moody, especially when he feels misunderstood, disrespected, or like things are out of his control. But instead of lashing out, he’s more the cold shoulder, passive-aggressive silence, eye-twitching while smiling politely type. He won’t throw a tantrum...but he might hit you with that icy glare and a "fine" that means “I will never forget this.”

His temper isn’t loud it’s sharp, strategic, and slow-burning. When he's truly upset, he won’t always speak up… but he will withdraw, and he will remember. Don’t expect a dramatic scene expect quiet emotional walls going up like Fort Knox.

But under all that? He does want to connect. There’s sweetness, softness, and a whole lot of bottled-up affection (hi Ace of Cups), but he doesn’t always know how to express it healthily. He’s learning but he’s still working through old wounds, trust issues, and high standards (mostly for himself).

Overview:

Sunghoon isn’t explosive but yes, he does carry a quiet temper, some emotional baggage, and possibly some lingering post-I-Land trauma. He’s a slow-burn emotional volcano: polite on the outside, but if you press the right buttons? Ice melts, and then comes the fire.

Just don’t mistake his silence for peace, babe. Still waters run deep—and occasionally dangerous.

Again I've done two other readings for him that dealt with his love life and like I stated he's going through a transformation. Of like learning and looking at his self and fixing what is wrong with him and this is one of those things. And again it's unsurprising I have stated more than once I don't like survival programs especially ones like the one he was on because they're nothing more than really like psychological trauma and torment especially when it has the trainees being isolated told not to interact or befriend each other until competition starts and then everyone's kind of on edge because it's like how am I supposed to make friends with someone or be close with them when I know that there's a possibility that I could be kicked off the show because they do better than me or I might kick them off of the show because I do better than them and it's just a lot of emotional mental turmoil especially when the contestants are primarily children. It would be different if this was like a competition with a bunch of idle hopefuls in like their fucking twenties but normally it's like between the ages of 13 all the way to like maybe 19/20 as like a cut off so it's kind of like insane when you think about it. Like we're just going to throw a bunch of kids in an isolated area together where they have to survive and they're in intense competition and they're only in go go mode for the next two or several months depending on which of our program you're talking about living together having to learn about each other but also see each other as competition and then they get to debut in a group together. We're not going to give them anytime to comprehend or process you know that they were competition with each other or the fact that some of them might have ranked lower than they wanted to or thought that they would it doesn't matter we're just going to go straight into preparing to debut mode and then throw them into the world.

[aachria]

AACHRIA.

WHAT.

WDYM ACE WAS STILL KIDNAPPED AND TAKEN AND MIGHT DIE.

☹️

im in so much agony.

what the hell man ☹️

ALSO SABO (semi, he never got clarification 💀) KNOWING LUFFY AND ED ARE MARRIED LETS GOOOO 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥⁉️⁉️⁉️

SABO AND ED DYNAMIC IM IN LOVE.

imma be so fr i understood maybe half the plan. like i got it, i kinda know whats happening, but thats only for phase one..... phase two and three im so fucking lost they both said sm and i felt my mind explode. i forgot to read half the sentences and my mind was so blown i just decided to not go back and read them even though they will probably fix me and make me realize exactly whats going on LMAO

i once again request a 10k chapter, although still no threats bc im scared of my weird dream curse 💔 which i still have..... its better tho- its evolved into tumblr becoming a weird celestial being because when it said ur discontinuing ur fic as an ad and caused chaos people ended up worshipping tumblr to try and get you to keep writing ur fic- so no longer a nightmare just a really weird dream.... 😭

UR SO AWESOME, AND SO COOL, AND I LOVED THIS CHAPTER, I READ IT INSIDE THE MOVIE THEATER FOR THE DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE MOVIE BC I COULDNT WAIT (10/10 movie btw) UR FIC IS AMAZING 100000/10 MAKE ME SOB NEXT CHAPTER 💞💞

Teehee. Be so honest with me did you think I would just leave that prime angst real estate unpoked?

Poor Sabo will get real answers one day. Hopefully. He was so damn much fun to write I just love him. Him and Ed are the two smartest people you know who also happen to be the most unstable and likely to cause an international incident by being a lil silly and goofy.

That plan... oh that plan. Writing that plan was fun and I got very carried away. I was terribly proud of myself for remembering half the shit in there before I had to pull up the wiki, and the Enies Lobby bit will be my smartest move until the next time I do something remotely smart.

Baby I'm going to hold your hand as I say this because I am being so for real, at this point if you are still having this dream every night you need to genuinely consider seeking professional help. That's not normal or healthy. Talk to a therapist or guidance councilor or something.

I hope to god you mean before the movie started or when it was done because if you had your phone out while that movie was playing I will be very disappointed. I wanted to go see it this week with my mom but it didn't end up happening ✊😔 I did rewatch both Top Gun movies though. Love those.

[duekko]

TOMMY LE MAGNIFIQUE - CITIZENK HOMME FAN TRANSLATION

Hi ! I'm no professional translator, but I got the magazine and translated the article for friends, and decided to share. As a note, there may be mistakes, but I will try to correct them when I can.

You can see it as a Google Docs here

Translation under the cut ⬇️⬇️

Written by CAMILLE LAURENS - Photographs KOSMAS PAVLOS - Stylist LAURENT DOMBROWICZ - Grooming ALEX GLOAGUEN - Set LOLA CARRIÈRE 

(Translation attempt DUE’)

The Enfant Terrible shows up like a creativity storm. From an Estonian contortionist to an icon on the world stage, Tommy Cash stands out with his surrealistic performances and absurd looks. Meeting with a chameleon, transformed into a dandy, by us.

11 in the Morning, in the outskirts of Paris, a slender figure walks into the studio out of nowhere. Wearing oversized Balenciaga shoes and a solar smile, truly, Tommy Cash never fails to surprise us. Because, yes, the shape-shifting artist has the gift to shock. Be it his music video with an erotico-comedic atmosphere, his Fashion Weeks appearances - quite literally dressed as a dining table or a living mattress - or even his grotesque collaborations with Margiela and Rick Owens, to describe Tommy's universe seems as complex as a Rubik's Cube. In pitch darkness. And eyes closed.

Only 33 years old, the singer has managed to carve himself an important place in multiple artistic worlds. For him, it's impossible to imagine music without the performance surrounding it, but as well the character that he takes inspiration from his unique story. Tommy grew up in Estonia and if, as a teenager, he toured through Europe with his troupe thanks to his contortionist talents, the artist never expected to find such a wide following on the international scale. To the point that he is representing his country for Eurovision.  During a unique photo-shoot, we had the Opportunity to discover and meet a few of the myriad of facets that make the singer into a mi-Gatsby, mi-Dandy look, a new role that fits him perfectly, to no one's surprise.

CitizenK Homme : Hello Tommy. You seem at ease in this 1930s vibe, with a suit and suspenders. Yet we're more used to seeing you in more eccentric outfits. Is it easy for you to immerse yourself in your character's skin ?

Tommy Cash : Easy ! To me, all of this, it's a bit like shedding skin, from me to myself. Every single one of you is a mosaic of identities; we explore, mix them up, and then, sometimes, we put them on like we would clothes. I grew up in Estonia while juggling roles : dancer, contortionist, musician, all-around artist, or a hybrid, a bit out of the box. This Gatsby look ? This kind of retro elegance, it's theater, I love it !

You grew up in Estonia. What memories do you keep from your childhood, and how do you grow up in a post-Soviet atmosphere ? Did it influence your creative work ?

Ever since childhood, I've been very creative. For example, in my teenage bedroom, I had spray painted a giant dollar on my ceiling, and my computer was right in the middle. Very quickly, I've started making rap freestyles with friends, and most importantly I would dance in the streets in order to leave on tours in Europe.

You were part of a travelling troupe ?

Yes. Every summer, we would board a bus with friends and tour Estonia until we reached Paris. We would perform and do shoes in every single city so we could cover gas and we would sleep in our “tourbus”. It helped a lot to build up my identity, I was shyer than I am today, but already ready to explode.

You used to be really shy ! It seems so hard to believe when looking at your body of work. Is the brazen and over the top character you play part of your personality, or is he an alter-ego that allows you to dare ?

I do no play any role ! It is my opinion that we cannot pretend to be mad. There are many artists who would like to call themselves mad, but we can feel it when it is not true. Everything I create comes from the deepest parts of myself. I’m 100% myself. Just like the David Bowie and Michael Jackson alter egos were all real. They’re simply other facets of our personality that we put under a spotlight at different stages of our lives.

Your artistic world is also full of references, tributes. You for example mentioned your affection for Cronenberg’s The Fly. What movies inspire you today ?

To be completely honest, I have the feeling that today we are stuck in a cycle where we keep recycling what has already been done. We keep going in circles, often. But I have heard about a movie, The Substance; I am expecting a shock as strong as what a Cronenberg would do. In The Fly, there is a mutation, a latent monstrosity. The idea that we can permanently transform ourselves is fascinating to me. A mutation  body, it is absolutely a kink for me. I love imperfections, everything that deconstructs the idea of “normality”. Crash, for example, is a perfect universe of sublime abnormalities. 

You have said you liked the t.A.T.u duo for their “shock” factor. Do you enjoy provoking others on purpose ? Why ?

Of course ! I am moved by strong emotions, the rest bores me. There are three that strike a chord within me : death, love, and sex. I don’t feel anything if it’s flat and smooth, I hate conceptual expositions with a dot on the wall, I want to feel the pure emotion of it all. To me, it’s not provocative, it’s powerful. If I drink alcohol, I want it to be the strongest possible, if I taste a meal, same. I see little interest in the in-between; if we are alive, it is to feel those emotions down to our guts.

Your musical style is a mix of rap, electro, pop and experimental, but Eastern Europe culture is also extremely present throughout your songs and videos, such as in “Leave me Alone” and “Winaloto”. What parts of Estonian culture or Russian do you seek to share and transmit ? If you can even manage to describe your style… 

It is impossible to describe it for me ! And I don’t want people to try… Sometimes, I create without knowing where it comes from, I simply combine energies. For example, Eastern European culture is present in all of my tracks, it is a heartfelt cry because no one knows where I come from. I need to tell where I come from, and it’s difficult because I come from nowhere. Whenever I talk about Estonia, everyone seeks to correct me : “Australia ?”. My aesthetic and my music are echoes of my roots; for the rest, I grew up with Eminem, and have always been fascinated with experimental music.

In X-RAY, you play the guru of a wellness community, with practices such as yoga and lithotherapy, before a dollar sign appears on your hands. What is your relationship with spirituality ?

I am a very spiritual individual, but I first and foremost believe in humans. Newer generations don’t believe in anything anymore, whereas the older ones are the most pious ones. My mother, for example, goes to church every single day. Let’s say I simply believe in the secrets of the universe. The idea that everything is connected, as if every moment was written in a script somewhere. For that role, I plunged myself into the worlds of gurus, read insane books. I wanted to fuse with the mental world of those characters, with this aura of mysticality and manipulation. Fascinating, and entirely off-the-wall, kind of like we all are. 

You enjoy the works of Russian Gosha Rubchinskiy, and a good friend of Rick Owens, with whom you built “The Pure and the Damned” exposition. What do you enjoy in their universes ?

I am fascinated by mass creation. The work of Rick Owens, of Galliano, of McQueen influence me so much. These creators build alternate realities ! TikTokers have no impact on me, I find them a bit too “soft”, without this power in their inner selves. True universe creators are sculptors of the mind, sailing away in words that strongly resonate with me.

Your dream featuring ?

A single name ? Impossible ! I wish I could mix a thousand artists at a time to create a perfect chaos, a sort of clash between fashion, music, bodies - a performance on the edge of absurdity. No superficial provocations, but a brutal impact, with live bodily transformations. A half-way trip between real and surreal. And I’m not talking about throwing soup on The Mona Lisa !

Your Fashion Weeks entrances are always incredible performances, why this desire of dramatization ?

Everything started with jokes. There is something incredibly paradoxical in the Fashion world. We mostly wanted to mock the pretense residing among some of those fashion shows,, and then, with time, they became their own entities. My ideas came from my imagination and they don’t always work. I wanted to come in as a mirror, covered from head to toe so that people would see their own reflection. Maybe next time !

In “Eurodance UNTZ UNTZ”, you re-imagine the Olympic Games in a voluntarily off-the-walls and even “X” way (available on YouTube, but most importantly also on Pornhub). What did you want to say with this Olympic wink ?

But who said that we cannot launch our very own Home Olympcs ? This idea was going around my head for four years, and, with fame, I finally was able to bring it to life. I wanted to make a porn movie, yes, but a porn movie my way. A project under my supervision, no filter, but a visual and conceptual one, a true creative shot. It was risky, but it was worth it.

You represented Estonia for Eurovision. What does this contest mean to you ?

At first, it was only a big joke. Think of this bio : “In August, I shot a porn movie and, the same year, I represented Estonia in Eurovision.” A true artistic performance ! I like to establish links, to create surprising narratives where every single project becomes a new chapter in a wacky story, yet coherent.

If you could set up a dinner between five artists, living or dead, who would they be ?

Freddie Mercury, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, and Marilyn Monroe. The madness and aura of every single one of them - this would truly make it an out of this world dinner !

Paris, does it inspire you ?

What I like the most, it’s to stop by a small café, light a cigarette and enjoy an espresso. But afterwards, I prefer to go back home to Estonia, to isolate myself and unwind.

When you were a child, what was your dream ?

Veterinarian. To heal animals, and take care of them… And then I took a sharp turn ! I never thought I would make it. Especially to this level ! Especially since, where I’m from, it’s really void of everything.

Your collaborative works, like those with Margiela or Adidas, are always unexpected. Has fashion become an essential way to express yourself ?

When I’m old, I want to be an art collector, and make wacky performances. In the end, I want to be a bit like Jeff Koons, a burst of visual delirium in the art world. Everything collab’, I see it like an art piece, a shard of an universe. For now, people laugh at me, but when I’m old, we’ll see !

And finally, if you had to pick an epitaph ? HOLY FUCK, WHAT A LIFE

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Chapter 24 - Wǒ Qīn'ài de Húxiān Huánghòu

"Hey, babe, sorry, but I won't hold back. I'll try to keep from hitting your pretty face though. It would be a shame to hurt such a beauty." Rihito grinned flirtatiously, making Kisara gag internally. "Rihito. I'm married. You came to my wedding." she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Married or not, you're still hot and I want your number." Kisara groaned in frustration, not bothering to listen to any of Mokichi's professional commentary.

As soon as the referee announced the moment to take their stance, Kisara cracked her knuckles and adopted Agito's martial arts stance, waiting. The fight began, and Rihito sprung at light speed towards the red head - Only to find himself knocked out, on the ground. For the ordinary people with no experience, it looked like some kind of magic took place - But the others cheered the fantastic win lasting less than a minute. It was a classic Hatsumi Sen win that only someone as fast as Kisara could accomplish. First, she leaned to the side, grabbing his hand, or rather, wrapping her fingers around his thumb, gripping and forcing it in an awkward angle, forcing him to his knees. Before Rihito could escape with the aid of his other hand's Razor's Edge, Kisara used Senpai's Gathering Clouds: Triple Strike move on his face, hitting the glabella, philtrum and chin with such speed that he fell on the ground, knocked out and bleeding.

Kisara smirked, doing a pretty princess courtesy towards the audience, before getting out of the ring, and back to where the manager was waiting to congratulate her, along with Jackie and Joji. She hadn't even sweat, at all - To think that what a semifinal worthy of a Kengan x Purgatory Tournament... What a disgrace! Her fight with Wakatsuki from many years ago was far more entertaining than this hilarity.  As soon as she got up the stands, she double high-fived both Jackie and Joji before slumping down on her assigned seat next to the foreigner who offered her another pocky pack and a coke can, with which she clinked to everyone's beer or sake cups.

"You made that look very easy." Jackie said casually. "It is, actually!" she smiled, munching on that pocky. "It's not." he said. "It takes years of practice. How long did it it take?" "Hmm... Let's see... About four years, I think?" she pondered over. "Ah, but don't think I was in any way athletic back then! Goodness, no I-- I was pretty pathetic and weak. I was still in Uni and studying all day, barely living on coffee and a light meal per day. If it wasn't for Ohma encouraging me to get healthier, I wouldn't have gotten where I am." she scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. "It took years to gain any ounce of self-confidence, control and discipline over myself. Hatsumi-Senpai helped me a lot in that regard. I used to be such an anxious little mouse before!" she giggled lightly. "But I got to do a lot of mountain hiking, which was super fun!" "You're just being modest, then. It took your Senpai years to perfect a move and learn how to teach it to you. Don't downplay your hard-work." Jackie hummed, nonchalantly drinking his beer. "You're just too nice, Jackie." she hummed. "Would you like to go hiking with us some day?" "Sure."

The second semifinal began with Koga against Ryuki, which was an exciting and thrilling match. Gaoh began with a fantastically quick footwork towards and around Koga using Setsuna's move, but Narushima was able to dodge before he got killed. Was Kiryu around, maybe? Could Ryuki be so directly influenced by Setsuna, all of a sudden? He wasn't like this a while ago, during the Kengan vs Purgatory Tournament. If Ohma finds him, an all-out war might explode. Ever since Ohma got his memories back, he's gotten so much wiser and level-headed, so grounded and calm, it was truly wholesome and heart-warming; Hence why, Kisara was almost sure that Ohma was protective over Koga, but also wanted to protect Ryuki from negative outside influence - In this case, Setsuna - Knowing he was just a child traumatised by the Inside, similar to him in many ways, but also, so very different. Tokita Niko and Gaoh Mukaku were definitely miles apart on the spectrum.

Koga looked almost helpless before Gaoh's fierce rush - Truth is, Koga wasn't tried to kill his friend, while Ryuki was actively going out of his way to assassinate him. He was dodging and evading, parrying and blocking, even a combination of Koei style Blink and Rakshasa's Palm. All of a sudden, Jackie got up abruptly. "Something wrong, Jackie?" Joji asked him, looking up at the man whilst still drinking his alcohol. "I'm gonna buy some more beer. Want me to pick up something while I'm there?" the foreigner offered. "Can I have fried offal and noodles? I swear, I could live the rest of my life on nothing but fried offal and noodles." Joji chuckled lethargically. "Are you sure you're okay, Jackie? You seem upset. Is the match boring you?" Kisara automatically got up to her feet, her hand reaching out to gently touch his biceps. Jackie looked down at her, his empty eyes boring into her beautiful green ones, and his expression subtly lightened. "Yes, I'm alright, don't worry about me." he placed his large hand over her her much smaller and delicate one. "For a fighter, you have very soft skin. It would be a shame if you got hurt." with one finger placed under her chin, he rose her face up. She was as beautiful as always, he thought, and without a second word, he left to the shop, leaving Kisara very much confused.

Meanwhile, Koga used the Indestructible, risking the Rakshasa's Palm rotation and punching Koga's face hard enough - He finally realised that the rotation is tearing apart not only the muscles, but the bones and nerves also. Poor Adam, taking the brunt of that. Even Nikaido, years ago. Thank goodness Master Gensai fought him in the next round and put him to respect, otherwise, who knows how many more people he would have almost killed.  Ryuki got in a low stance before leaping up with two Air Rending Gaoh Style techniques in a row aimed at Koga's head - He combined the Gaoh style with the Koei style again, what a monster; He did the same with the Blink and the Earth-Crouching Dragon. Koga managed to land a beautiful straight to his face, sensing Ryuki fall to the ground, but he got back on his feet right away. 

Koga used the Flame Kata - Raging Fire Dash, grabbing Ryuki in a low stance, and though he tried to pull the Rakshasa's Palm move twice on him, it didn't work. Koga easily figured out the spin goes from below the elbow down. He's got him all figured out. Ryuki used the Armor Clad, a technique similar to the Indestructible, to which Koga punched with with Ironbreak - Though in a twist of events, Gaoh used Swift foot, hitting Koga's torso with Setsuna's move, catching him off guard; Thankfully, the silver haired young man managed a semi-perfect Indestructible before he could get any real damage to his body.

Whatever conclusion both of them reached was unknown, for they engaged in an outright slugfest, using Armor clad and Indestructible. Koga combined the Iron Breaker with the Raging Fire, lunging at Ryuki with mad speed and strength, breaking through his defenses, sending him flying - But he went on ahead once again, smashing him with a Flashing Steel, landing a clean hit - Though his fists were massively bleeding. Ohma must be pretty pissed off that Koga hurt himself by using techniques blindly without thinking.

Who'd have thought that Ryuki would be beaten by his best friend, using his infamous Earth-Crouching Dragon uppercut strike on himself, the person he relied on the most, knocking him out instantly? Narushima Koga advances to the finals. As Kisara got up from her seat and walked towards the arena, she encountered Jackie, as if he was looking for her. He didn't bring her something to either drink or eat - In fact, he seemed to have bought nothing at all. Was he not returning to the others? Was he in a rush to leave?

"I need to leave soon." Jackie said, his hands in the pockets. "I'll look for you after you win this to say goodbye. That's what friends do, right?" Though a little clumsy, Kisara smiled at the nice thought. "Of course. I hope my match will impress you a bit more than the last one." she said, before taking his hands in her own. "But, Jackie - Are you sure you're alright? You seem really upset. Like - Really. Is something the matter?" Jackie looked down at her, squeezing her hands softly, but his expression didn't change. He looked as bored as always. "I'm fine. Worry about your match. In fact, that's why I came to find you. I thought of a way to evade any injury." Jackie said, gently taking his hands out of her hold and rummaging in the pocket of his jacket. "You said that boy knows your style, and you knows his. The solution is simple. Do what you do best." the ghost of a smile touched his handsome features. "Dance." "Dance?" the girl rose a questioning eyebrow, earning a nod from the man. "You've shown everything in fights, except your dancing. Wushu can be mastered through dancing. That boy is injured enough for you to be able to pull off a quick win." he noted, taking out a beautiful golden jade pin, ornate with flowers, and put it in her velvety carmine hair. "Achieve victory." he said in a more stern voice, turning around to leave. "And never fight again."

Kisara had no clue what happened, nor could she understand the peculiarity of her interaction with Jackie. Not only was he acting weird, but was also being overly familiar, speaking as though they knew each other for ages. But that accessory was very pretty and seemed veritable - She wasn't going to throw away a gift. Regardless, she had a match to win. She walked into the ring, and saw Wakatsuki standing next to Jerry and Sayaka at the commentator's table. "Thank you for being with us, Wakatsuki! Can you tell us what to look out for in this match?" Jerry spoke. "Well, if you ask me, Kisara's going to be a force to be reckoned with. I've fought her before, and she gave me a run for my money. That's not to say it's a sure win. Narushima's style is versatile, witty and strong." Kisara wanted to chuckle at his comment, especially as Koga was in such a battered state. The two stepped close enough to fist bump and grin at each other. "Let's do this, Kisara!" Koga said, pumped up. "Yeah, let's enjoy this fight." she stepped backwards towards her spot. "You should know by now though, I'm more of an expert in the Niko style than you can imagine." she chuckled, taking the graceful stance of a dancer, while Koga took the usual stance.

Dance - Jackie said. Alright then, let's dance for the Emperor. She smiled gracefully, knowing that her husband was watching, and as soon as the referee yelled the beginning of the fight, Kisara hummed the melody of the Lanling Prince in Battle song, performing every move that the beautiful concubine in that movie did. Though she hadn't a mask or a weapon to signify the duality of the prince, nor the war he was fighting, she twirled beautifully towards Koga, evading with ease his hits, and with the elegance of a swan, her palms struck him hard, making him reel backwards. There was not a single hit that Koga could aim - He felt as though he was fighting mist, or even the flowing water - Yet when she kicked him, she hit harder than a hurricane.

"Sorry, kid." Kisara apologised to Koga as she twirled, striking him hard in the face with an open palm hit, before doing a few pirouettes towards him, grabbing him by the chin, dragging him forwards. She then took his wrist, ducking behind him and kneeing him in the liver from behind, before twirling in front of him again, pulling him by the hand and doing a backflip, kneeing him in the diaphragm again, and graciously landing on her feet to deliver her last hit, her finishing strike: The Dragon Shot.

Koga was unconscious on the ground. "THE QUEEN OF THE KENGAN MATCHES STRIKES AGAIN! KISARA WINS!" the winner did a few beautiful moves as courtesy to the cheering audience. To think she'd actually win a tournament, isn't that hilarious? She sure had a ton of good luck. Was it an auspicious day or what?  Ah, she's beat. She just wants to go home and cuddle Ohma to sleep.

She skipped out of the arena, looking for her husband. She found him, along with some others, who congratulated her. Jackie was leaning on the wall, but he came over just as Ohma pulled her in a kiss. "Well done. You fought well." the foreigner spoke in a low voice. "Now stop fighting." not only her, but Ohma and some others who weren't too drunk, or too engulfed in conversations looked at him confused. "It's a man's job to protect his woman. You had your fun. Now stay safe." "If Kisara wants to continue fighting, she will. She doesn't need anyone's protection." Ohma defended his wife's tenacity and resolve. "My wife will do whatever she wants." Jackie shared a short exchange of looks with Ohma, before his gaze fell on Kisara for the last time. Unexpectedly, he spoke one last phrase, in his mother tongue, before leaving. "Zàijiàn​​​​​​​. Wǒ Qīn'ài de Húxiān Huánghòu." Kisara gasped, her eyes wide open, and her mouth agape. "What'd he say?" Yamashita asked, scratching the back of his neck in confusion. "I have no clue. What language was that anyway?" Ohma grunted, furrowing his brows slightly. "I think it was Chinese." the manager replied. "Kisara, did you understand what he said?" she nodded her head. "You have a weird look on your face. Did he threaten you?" "No... On the contrary." she muttered, pulling away from Ohma. "Find me outside in ten minutes, okay? I need to seek some answers." they needn't ask for words - They understood each other through looks alone. 

Kisara ran after Jackie, all the way outside. She spotted his messy blond hair and she grabbed him by the elbow, stopping him from advancing further away. He hadn't turned around to face her though. "Why did you say that to me?" Kisara asked. "I don't know Chinese very well, but I can tell simple words like that." she gulped. "Farewell, my beloved Fox Empress. That's what you said, isn't it? Why did you say that to me?"

"Because that's what you've always been." he answered so nonchalantly, but somehow, Kisara felt scared like never before. She never once felt any kind of malice from Jackie - Why now? Why does she feel in danger, but also... Safe? That made no sense whatsoever. "Jackie. Do you... Know me?" she asked, feeling a shiver down her spine. "Jackie. Jackie... That's not your name, isn't it?" she bit her lip. "Jackie. Are you... Are you the 'Connector'?" The silence from the one calling himself Jackie was eerie and dangerous like nothing she's ever experienced before. "You've always been too smart for your own good. Your wisdom was wasted on a woman. Nobody listened to you." a painful sense of dread froze her heart. "They should have listened to you." Confused but also creeped out, Kisara took the pin out of her hair and analysed it. She might have known some words here and there, but she definitely couldn't read the symbols. "Am I a clone like Ohma and Ryuki, then? I couldn't be, could I? If Huisheng might have been taught and done for over a millennia... Now or then... I doubt I'd have had any worth to clone. So if that's not it, then... Then how do you know me?" "You are right. You weren't worth cloning, any more than anyone else, except for the Connector." Jackie spoke. "Are you a Buddhist?" Kisara was perplex at such a question, only to realise it made sense, in an odd way. "Are you trying to ask me if I believe in Samsara? Reincarnation?" he nodded his head. "I... I don't. Or rather, I didn't. With all this cloning and Huisheng going on, I... I'm not sure if I should let anything surprise me anymore." "I am many, though I am one. You are one, yet you are many." his phrase sounded more like a riddle than any answer. "Don't let them kill you again. Ruyi."

Kisara's eyes widened, shocked at the name she was given. "Are you trying to imply I'm Chinese?"  "Once, a Princess. Now, only by thinned blood, yet with no less of the grace." whether he knew the effect his words had on her, creeping her out like that. Or, perhaps he knew, for he took a step forward, ready to leave. "Wait - Jackie!" the man did not stop; Instead, he spoke a single word before vanishing through the crowd of people, as though he was a phantasm that she imagined. "Shen", he said. Was that his true name, then? Or, at least, the one she interacted with. "Kisara." someone placing a hand on her shoulder made the woman jump in her skin with a yelp of shock. "Easy now, it's me. You were zoning out." "Ohma." Kisara breathed out shakily. "Let's go home. I need to call Katahara." "Huh? What happened?" Ohma's eyes widened in shock as Kisara threw her arms around his torso, clinging tightly onto him. "I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Let me explain while we go back home. It's... A lot to take in."

Kisara recalled the dialog and interactions she had with the man whose name may or may not be Shen truly, and she even researched the symbols on the accessory - Princess Ruyi - It said. How scary. "I want to ask Katahara and Wu Xing if they know anything about Reincarnation. I want to know how does the Connector know me, and why would he bother going out of his way to get so familiar with me. I mean, he's the head of the Worm, right? He's supposed to stay hidden, yet he went out of his way to befriend Yamashita Kazuo and Joji. He didn't hide away from you and the others either." she laid on the bed in deep thought. "He told me not to let them kill me. He told me to stop fighting. He told me my smarts were wasted on me for being a woman, because nobody listens to women." Kisara suddenly shot up in a sitting position, turning to look at her husband. "It almost sounds like the story of the Lanling Prince and his wife. She begged him not to go to war, but he went anyway, so she followed after him. Instead, the prince ended up watching his wife get killed in front of him. As she lay dying in his arms, her blood splattered all over his mask. You remember that show, don't you? Almost a hundred episodes - Though you slept through most of it anyway."

"Aren't you overthinking it? I mean, it doesn't really matter in the end, does it? Whether incarnation is true or not, you aren't connected with your past selves like the Huisheng bastards are. If you don't remember anything, it doesn't affect you." he, too, got up, cupping her face. "Whatever you were in the past doesn't matter. Right now, you are Tokita Kisara, my wife. You're a fighter because you want to, and you did a ton of things thanks to your intelligence. You've got a bunch of friends and your whole life ahead of yourself. Who cares about that guy, anyway? Besides, he had every chance to kill you, but he didn't seem hostile to you, you said; On the contrary. So even better. If the Worm head doesn't want you dead, all the best for me, I won't have to worry too much." "Since when have you gotten so wise, anyway?" Kisara climbed in his lap, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I almost don't recognise you for the stupid gym rat you were a little ago." "Shut up, you dumbass bookworm. I'm just saying - Don't bother with that guy. As long as he ain't trying to harm you, he's not our concern yet. You're worrying too much. I bet you're overthinking yourself to death now with all sorts of bullshit." Kisara offered a wry smile, feeling guilty and busted.

"Of course, you are right. I can't help but think about what he said. About all this. If the Connector dates back over a thousand years ago, well - Confucianism was a big thing in China - But then why did he ask if I was a Buddhist? Thing is - There are so many contradictions about all this. I mean - Confucianism rejected the idea of reincarnation, saying a single life was enough. The Connector is cloning himself, thus, continuing to live and relive. It's like a continuous Samsara, in a weird way, with no Nirvana. Buddhism believes strongly in rebirth until one achieves nirvana." she rested her elbow on his shoulders. "Shen said my talents were wasted on me, because I was a woman. He called me an Empress. A Princess. If we were during a Confucianism time, then the Annalects speak that women must obey their father, husband and sons after the death of the husband. Likewise, they say if a woman doesn't hold the "four virtues" - chastity, modesty in speech, neatness of appearance, and good needlework and cooking, then they aren't worthy. Women aren't important. Which would make sense with what he said." she continued with her ridiculous overthinking. "When in comes to Buddhism, I think the Sutras and the Jataka tales tend to contradict themselves. I heard that Siddhartha Gautama called equality among men and women when it comes to attaining Spiritual Awakening, but at the same time, there are writings that say women aren't allowed to become Bodhisattva and must have a good karma to be reborn as a man to have any chance of attaining nirvana, because they are seen as polluted with menstruation, sexual intercourse, death and childbirth. By this accord, I am fated to keep this Samsara cycle for an eternity, because I've sinned for centuries, and by bad karma is punishing me in this cursed body, unable to achieve Enlightening." she hummed, her eyes narrowed a little. "But then, if I was a weak, useless woman, why would I be killed? Why would he care? He's the Connector, and he admitted I'm not worth cloning, like everyone else except for him - So why does he cling to my supposed reincarnation?"

"Are you done?" Ohma had the most done with life expression on his face. "For now, I think yes." she nodded casually. "Good, because I zoned out a while ago." he scoffed, pushing her on her back on the bed. "You speak too much and I don't understand jack shit. Didn't I tell you not to use use smart words cause I don't understand? Everything you said is just a bunch of unimportant thoughts that you have, that's all. What's the point in thinking about a past you never had, when you're living in the present? Confucius and Buddha, and whatever anyone else thinks or believes in - You don't believe in any of that shit, you said that countless of times. So if you don't care about that, why the hell would you get so deep into this? Forget it." Ohma towered down over her, his long hair draping over her face, tickling her into giggling. "That's it. That's the beautiful smile I wanted to see." he placed his hands over hers, intertwining their fingers together, squeezing lightly. "You won a tournament. You made yourself proud with your hard work. You were great out there. Why go out of your way to upset yourself? We're living in the present - Remember what we talked about on the island? We're creating our own lives. Together." Kisara smiled sweetly, feeling her eyes sting with emotion, small tears slowly escaping at the corners and streaming down. "You have no idea how much I love you, Ohma. There's no one in this world that could understand me like you do. I'm so lucky to have you in my life." he simply chuckled, leaning down to capture her sweet lips in a tender kiss. "I love you, Kisara."

Days passed since the tournament, and with that, Ryuki's departure back home, to his grandpa in the Inside. Problem was, the summer ended, and with it, so did the connection with the boy. He was nowhere to be found. Of course, everyone worried over him and together with Retsudo, they formed a rescue party, adding Himuro and Rei, who would be great additions.  Along with the manager, they gathered at Katahara's home, around a large map that depicted the map of the Inside based on satellite photography and statements from the residents. The GPS tracker placed on Ryuki had stopped responding around Rhoza district, so something must have happened around there. The change of the borders was always changing though, so they must have probably already shifted drastically.

Rei had been on a job there before, at the border of Rhoza - Apparently, Himuro was from there also originally. They say they keep putting up new buildings and apartments where there were roads the previous day, so it's a real mess to deal with. Ryuki was lost somewhere in the middle of the map, which was not a part of Rohza anymore, but a contested territory by all districts around. They were walking in the middle of a turf war. Not great. 

Yamashita Kazuo remembered Ohma mentioning having a villa in Shiki, and he though he must have travelled diagonally, from one end of the Inside, to the other. Of course, that wasn't the case, he wasn't suicidal - He went outside the borders, taking refuse in Shiki when things got to shit in Tokita.

While they were discussing a plan, Koga had left to see the border with the Inside, trying to convince himself and find his courage and resolve to join them in their venture in hell. He even got to see a Seki vs Naoya fight, to which he was told a lot of encouraging words - Finally, he was ready to go.

They were leaving on the morrow. Himuro would be leading them through Rohza and Rei would accompany them until they reached the disputed territory. They'll need a guide through the disputed territory though - Retsudo seemed to already have someone in mind though, so things were good. Clearly, he was in it to get more info on the Worm - Smart boy. He'll become a fantastic chairman, just like Katahara was.

Before they left, Kisara, Ohma and Koga went over to Masaki at Toyo corp to retrieve their reports on the Inside - Surveys made by his supposed father were made from two years prior and what not. "Are you sure you want to come?" Ohma turned to Kisara, checking one last time. "Of course. I want to rescue Ryuki as much as everyone. Besides - I want to stay by your side, remember? I don't want a sudden repeat of a few years ago. Someone has to keep you safe, right?" she winked at him playfully, holding his hand. "A'ight, Your Majesty, protect me." Ohma chuckled as they traversed the thick wall corridor that led to the Inside, a desolate place abandoned by God like no other.

It almost felt as if they weren't in Japan anymore, with bazaars and black markets everywhere, soldiers, refugees, merchants, vendors and everything else you'd think of. Weirdly enough, Ohma seemed to be grinning, reminiscing about Tokita Ward. Weirdo.  They went to search for some lodging for the night, in the biggest dump in the entire world - Kisara wanted to tear her hair apart from disgust, but she signed herself up for it. Well, at least she won't stay too long in this shithole - And Ohma led her and Koga to eat some pretty damn good ramen, though she didn't want to know what it was made of. He told Ohma that he wanted Koga to come over because the Niko style originated here, and he wants him to inherit Niko style wholly... But he said it in such a creepy way. "So if something happens to me..." he said, making both Koga and Kisara slam their hands on the table, protesting. "You're making it sound like you're dying!!" they both yelled at him. "You know about me and Ryuki, don't you? We're somebody's clones, and that somebody is after us. Anything could happen. That's why I wanna teach you what I learned from Niko, like I taught Kisara, while I still have the chance." Ohma's voice was so stern and somber that Kisara hit him in the head with the spoon. Hard. "If you even think about dying on me a second time, I'll never forgive you." she hissed at him. "I won't let him die, don't worry." the eerie voice of none other than Kiryu Setsuna made them all snap their gaze at him as he sat down next to Ohma - So close that he made him visibly uncomfortable. "Can you not make my husband cringe from how uncomfortable he is?" Kisara sighed, defeated. "Instead, tell us about Ryuki. I know you had your hand in making a killer out of him and losing his mind in the process."

"Ah, yes, we exterminated Worms together." he spoke so nonchalantly, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Well, it sort of was, in a way - For them, at least. "FUCK YOU!" Koga howled, grabbing Setsuna by the neck of the shirt. "IT'S YOUR FAULT! YOU MADE RYUKI LIKE THAT!" he continued shaking him violently. "Koga, calm down, you're attracting unwanted attention to us." Kisara coughed, looking around at the prying eyes. "Don't misunderstand me, Narushima. I never once ordered Ryuki to do anything." he said it was the same thing as what Ohma's doing, passing on his legacy to him. "Ryuki's going through a dilemma right now. He's between a rock and a hard place." "Is it about his grandpa's teachings, and Koga's resolve of not killing?" Kisara asked, earning an empty smile from the man. "You've got it right." he nodded. "I last saw him the day before he went back to the Inside. Ryuki said he'd come back right after that, but he's still not back yet - So I came to the Inside to look for him." "You said Mukaku's got safehouses all over the place?" Ohma asked, interested in Setsuna's knowledge. "Yeah, seems he made a lot of enemies. Ryuki said he had around twenty places and that's just as far as he knew. Ryuki's GPS tracker has stopped moving for the past few days, before stopping responding entirely." Setsuna explained simply, though he did seem a bit worried for his pupil also. "HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Kisara had to shove Koga back down on his seat to make him stop overreacting. "There's a good chance that Ryuki's found Gaoh Mukaku, and that he's in trouble." Setsuna got up from the table. "Wait, you think Ryuki's grandpa would hurt him?" the woman's eyes widened in realisation. Kiryu shrugged vaguely. "I'm going to look for Ryuki on my own. The Worm's in the Inside too. We need to find Mukaku before they do - Otherwise, they'll kill him." so it's the Worm they should be worried about. Then, could the Connector also...?

Early in the morning, while Himuro and Rei were up and ready for a high-level spar, a messenger came over with an invitation from the General, a soldier named Zhang who was buddy buddies with Himuro. To offer than a guide, one of them had to defeat one of his men - So Retsudo offered, getting in a Silat stance that Misasa would be proud of, and going forward for a few feint jabs - And when the enemy pulled out his knife, Retsu  took his small hand-knife, stomping on his foot and slashing the enemy well, hitting all his vitals. What a beast, and he's so young also! And so cocky, teasing the enemy into attacking blindly - He easily parried a punch with his elbow twice, before slicing at his face and destroying him. No wonder he's about the only one capable of coming between Ohma and Raian when they're fighting.

Kisara clapped at the cool young man. "That was awesome, Retsu, well done! Misasa would be so proud of you!" Ohma, also, praised and high-fived him.  Out of nowhere, this creepy, bandaged up guide appeared - So fast and silent that not even Rei sensed him. What a monster. He guided them through the district, towards the Underground,  all the way out, in the disputed territory. Somewhere along the lines, Rei and the guide stopped, defeating one of the White Worms who reported directly to the head.

They found an abandoned temple looking rather run down yet still standing. As they walked up to it, they got attacked by someone, the main target being Ohma. Damn it, not again, Kisara thought, realising that her husband was always the prime target for everyone in the world. Gaoh Mukaku was glaring at them, holding a meat cleaver and claiming they were Worms. Thankfully, Koga ended up explaining everything. "Wait, you mean you're not Worms?! You should've said so sooner!" "You jumped us before we could even say anything!!! What the fuck were we supposed to do, you old coot?!" speak about a short-temper, Koga. Was it the youth? Nah, Retsu was calm. Maybe a fire sign? "Are you sure this is our guy?" Himuro sweat dropped at the childishness of the old man. "Yeah... No doubt about it. This old man is Gaoh Mukaku." Retsudo's voice was low, sending a tremor down Kisara's spine. This Mukaku was creeping her out. "That's MR. Mukaku to you, whipper-snapper!" Mukaku growled at him. "Is that really him? Are we so sure that this isn't Okubo's grandpa?" Koga glared at the old man. "Who's this Okubo? And that sounds like a slight against this Okubo fella if I ever heard one." Mukaku glared back at the child. "Well, sorry for stopping by unannounced. See, we're here in the Inside looking for Ryuki." Ohma finally attracted the conversation in the right direction. "Ohh, you're friends of Ryuki's? Well, Ryuki was here. I can tell you that much. He dropped by here about a week ago. I've got a couple Safehouses in the Inside, so I reckon he had a tough time tracking me down." Mukaku explained. "Is Ryuki still here?" Ohma asked straight forward. "Nope, he ain't here no more. You just missed him." Kisara didn't believe a word he was saying. "Do you have any ideas of where Ryuki might've gone?" Retsu asked.

"You wouldn't happen to be Metsudo's grandson, would you?" Mukaku was trying to divert the conversation again. "I'm his youngest son. We need to take Ryuki into our protection as soon as possible." Retsu tried to return to the point. "Ohh, you're Metsudo's son, no wonder I saw the resemblance." he stroke his beard, only for his eyes to bulge and start screaming. "Wait, SON?! What kind of stallion IS he?!" Kisara groaned, slapping a hand over her face. "DON'T FUCKING CHANGE THE SUBJECT!" Koga yelled at him, frustrated with his senile behaviour. "Hmm... Take him into your protection, eh? Well, he doesn't need any of that. I've trained him real good." he sat down, lighting up a pipe to smoke.  "Are you crazy?! The Worm's not messing around here!" Koga yelled again at him. "Oh, I know. Ryuki and I have been hard at work, exterminating the Work. I let Ryuki fight in the Kengan matches just so the Worm could find him. Ryuki is indispensable to the Worm, so I reckoned they'd send their top men after him. See - Ryuki's a clone of this So-Called Connector that the Worm Worships." Kisara felt the blood freeze in her veins, and she turned her head to look at her husband. She couldn't see the resemblance though. Was she just awful with faces? It wasn't wrong, she could never tell apart family members based on their common features.

Kisara felt a little lost in her own mind again - She was zoning out a little, thinking of what Mukaku might know that could make her piece together some lost puzzle pieces. He knows of the Connector - Does he know him personally? And if yes, could it be possible to know any of her past incarnations? Gah, she can't believe she fell so deep into this ridiculous theory that she doesn't even believe in. That man messed with her mind big time. Rei said he took out a White Worm - If the officer was here, could the Big Boss be here, also?

Mukaku began a story of his youth, from many decades ago when he got in the Inside and took some students in to teach and conquer the place. Though he took a whole crowd of students, only seven of them could keep up - The Seven Nikos. He also confirmed everyone's inkling that the Inside was created by the Worm - The Inside was a huge ass Gu Ritual chamber, like what Agito had to go through, poor man. Kisara couldn't help but shudder, imagining going through that at such a frail age. 

The Seven Nikos, however, began killing each other in the forest where they took a trip, until only two remained - Four, which was Ohma's Master, and Six, the Other Tokita Niko who taught Setsuna. Five and Six claim to had recently defected to the Worm, hence why they betrayed Mukaku - But who knows how true is that, really? Six used Five as an experiment anyway, so he was very much dead to this day. Mukaku continued to go around the country, destroying Worm Bases, until he found baby Ryuki, whom he adopted - Though he claims he didn't know he was the Connector's clone at the time.

With the story over, everyone went outside. Himuro and Ohma were discussing the story while Koga and Mukaku were chopping wood. Kisara stepped over to Retsudo, making a sneaky little plan, involving calling out Mukaku's veritable lies. At some point, Himuro got a got and left. When they were done, they walked over to the old man. "Ryuki has just been taken into our custody." Retsudo said with a straight face. Nothing ever betrayed his emotions. The shock of such a notion tricked Mukaku into turning his head in a direction - The direction where he was keeping Ryuki captive, no doubt. "You haven't killed him yet, I see." caught in his own lie. "His response just confirmed it, Ryuki's still somewhere on the premises, isn't he?" "I said he ain't HERE no more." the old man scoffed in annoyance. "Give it up, old man. It's too late." Ohma warned him. "Wh-What the hell are they talking about, gramps?! Is Ryuki really here?!" Koga screamed at him in disbelief. "I had my doubts about you, all along. From the moment you attacked Ohma, I had my doubts about you. I thought you attacked him because you mistook him for the Connector - But you didn't, did you? You tried to kill Ohma because you mistook him for Ryuki." Retsudo called him out. "Pesky little bugger. I knew I should've killed you when I had the chance." Mukaku growled menacingly. "Where is Ryuki? Tell us now." Ohma spoke sternly.  "I don't know." he shrugged, sitting on a log. "But you do, don't you, you filthy Worm?" Kisara smiled enigmatically. "Yes, look at me. Get a good look at me. You know me too, don't you? The Connector told me all about you. Ah - Or, maybe I should say - Shen told me about you?" the aggressive look in his face as she provoked him made her feel small and terrified, but she masked it well enough. "You have no idea how much I want to see your pretty face contorted with fear and agony as you die in that fucker's arms. Over and over again. I get off on that every time I remember." Kisara felt a shudder down her spine, and she stepped backwards, behind Ohma. Retsudo saved her from Mukaku's wrath, telling the story of the Gaoh Style hoax, and that Gaoh Mukaku actually never existed, but that he was a Remnant of Wowang - The last of the five of the Syndicate to keep alive. Mukaku accepted that he was found out eventually, but wouldn't tell them where Ryuki was. Instead, he got up, stepping menacingly towards them. "I don't think you'd want to fight us, Mukaku. It doesn't matter whether you're a Worm or not. Shen is here, looking for Ryuki as much as we do. And you know what? If he finds out you've cause me any harm, well - It won't end up well for you, will it?" Kisara tried to threaten him, hoping he'd be afraid - He wasn't. He smirked instead. Shit, she only made things worse. He took a weird stance, and so did Retsu and Ohma. "I don't think your words are going to scare him, Kisara. Stay back." Retsu warned her as him and Ohma cautiously took their own stances - Only for Koga to lunge headfirst like a dumbass. Lucky him, Ohma saved him before getting fatally struck by a demon wheel, whilst Retsu went on ahead, slashing away quickly with his knife, but it didn't work. With his Adamantine Kata, Mukaku threw an Ironbreaker punch towards Metsudo's son; Ohma was there to shield him with Indestructible, but the two got thrown away. It was only Kisara left standing.

"Oh shit." she wasn't sure what to do - If Ohma couldn't fight him, she had not even the slightest chance of touching him. Running, though, as good as it sounded... Where could she go? Back to the Underground, maybe? "You're not afraid of Shen, are you?" she sweatdropped, hoping to stall him. For a single second, she actually prayed for the Connector to come over and beat him to death for threatening her like this. "Afraid of him? Ha! I'm gonna rip him to shreds! But before I do that, I'm gonna kill you in front of him - His face watching you die is otherworldly! It's the sweetest revenge I've got!" he lunged at her, making Kisara squeak, terrified, and duck under his arm to run around and evade his hits. To think she'd use her dancing agility and flexibility to learn Wushu moves and save herself from a fucking behemoth. Insane. Absolutely insane.

She should have remained in her bed.

"Stop dancing around, Princess, it ain't gonna save you. I know your tricks - I've already seen you die four times in my life!" Kisara turned to look at him in shock - Four times? How old is he? And not only that, how young was she that she died and was reborn four fucking times?  "Hey, I know I'm pretty, but I don't wanna die young, okay? Gimme a break!" she yelped as she got caught by the end of her swishing long hair, and with a rough tug, Mukaku grabbed her and slammed her into the ground so hard that she thought her spine shattered to dust. Dust to Dust. Pulvis et Pulvis. From the dirt we are born, and to the dirt we return. Fuck this.  "You're just a woman. No matter how strong you are, you can't compare to me. Not even Shen Wulong could save you." as Kisara was struggling to breath through the pain, forcing her vision to unblur, she saw the outline of a fist coming down hard, aiming at her solar plexus. Despite the vertigo, she quickly rolled over and snatched her hair pin, using it as a small dagger which she slammed into his face, slashing it diagonally, blood splashing around - Though he didn't seem phased, the accessory was in shambles on the ground, drowning in her blood.

"I don't need Shen Wulong to save me! I only need Ohma! Fuck off away from me, you psycho! I've got nothing to do with any of this!" she managed to evade and run back to the group, stumbling over her feet and coughing blood in her palms. "Kisara, go with Retsudo. I'll hold him off for you." with a shared look between the two lovers, Kisara begrudgingly agreed and ran with Retsudo and Koga in the direction indicated by Himuro who had contacted them. "Well, at least he said The Connector's name. If that is even it." Kisara muttered, still in pain. 

They arrived at Himuro's location, at a small storehouse - Ryuki must be in the conspicuous cellar. As soon as they opened the doors and went down the stairs, the horrible stench of rot, death and decay made them all feel nauseous to hell. "What's that stench...?" Retsudo growled. "It's a deeply ingrained smell of rot. I doubt this was recent." Himuro noted. "I pity Ryuki if he's really here, having to endure this." Kisara hissed in disgust. "I think I'm gonna throw up." Koga almost hurled, but a single look up, and he saw his friend, shackled up and barely conscious. "You're kidding, right? Does that mean this smell is..." with the fire from the lighter, they saw countless bones, as if the whole cellar was made out of cadavers. Awful.

As Kisara checked for Ryuki's vitals, Mukaku led Ohma to the cellar, promising not to attack again. He affirmed that he was a member of the Wowang Syndicate, and it originated from the Worm. Wowang's leader, Dage, was an aide to the Head of the Worm. Dage went independent from the Worm on the Head's orders and formed a commando unit called Wowang. With this happening over 80 years prior, well - The old man was surely over a century old. No wonder he claims to have seen her die so many times. Wowang's purpose was to crush any organization opposing the Worm, and they were so strong that the leader got the ambition of a King and wanted to crush the Head. He began plotting to get rid of the Head of the Worm, and the absolute ruler of the Worm - The Connector, Shen Wulong.

"So Shen Wulong is the original we were copied from?" Ohma asked. "I'm not sure. You and Ryuki are almost like twins, but... You saw Shen yourself, he doesn't look all that much like you guys. Though maybe that's because he's blond and keeping his hair tied." Kisara thought out loud.  "Tell us more about that. Who is the Connector anyway, and why does the Worm follow him?" Retsudo asked the right questions. "Nobody knows how long he's been around." he continued speaking of an old tale about a safe living deep in the mountains of China since the age of myths. The locals believe him immortals, most likely because all of his descendants have taken the name of Shen Wulong. This sage presumably was mostly harmless and barely interacted with people, though on rare occasions, an 'Aberrant individual' emerged, he says. Around 1300 years ago, when the Connector declared war on the Worm, he defeated the then-Head and brought the Worm under his control. He then started a total war with the Wu clan, who were long-tine antagonists of the Worm. They say he beat them decisively. To think that the Worm and the Connector have been going for so many centuries insane - Nothing ever lasted this long.

"So did the Wu split up 1300 years ago because they lost to the Connector?" Ohma asked, pondering. "I don't know what he was thinking. He might've even thought he was bringing God's wrath on the people who annoyed him - So we began getting ready to kill a God." Mukaku continued to speak of an ace in the hole - The Advance, the Possessing Spirit, was based on this thing. They waited for the moment when the Connector was alone to ambush him in an alleyway, but with undeniable ease and grace, the Connector created an outright bloodbath. A one-sided massacre. He swatted down the Five Kings like flies. With Mukaku being the only survivor, he fled to Japan, changed his name and the whole things with the Nikos went on, and he even did Gu Rituals and what not. 

"You knew Ryuki was a clone, didn't you? That's why you took him in." Kisara pointed out. "Yeah, of course. The current Shen Wulong is a clone of his predecessor. The Worm's been engaging in cloning research, in order to make a more perfect 'Connector'. I attacked a Worm cloning research facility and destroyed it. For whatever reason, most attempts to clone Shen Wulong ended in failure. There haven't been any new clones since I destroyed that facility. Which means that Ryuki is the last existing clone. Funny, right? They'll want Ryuki back at any cost. That's why I sent Ryuki to the Kengan Association and had him announce his location to them. Thanks to him, I can kill Shen Wulong this time around! He's made the perfect bait!" though Mukaku was smug, it was Kisara's turn to laugh at him mockingly, all while Koga was so angry that he was trying to punch the old man. 

"You? Beat Shen? Ha! Prostrating King, you say - You're nothing but an old man who wants revenge, that's what you are. Shen's going to swipe the floor with you. Oh - Maybe it is that you get off on being beaten up by him, huh? Is that it?" she taunted him - He deserved it after the pain he caused her. "You little shit..." the man growled, glaring down at her. Ohma had to hold Koga back before he'd overheat from intense rage and bust his fists again.  "Grandpa... You... Were you just using me...?" Ryuki's betrayed voice made Kisara's heart weep. "Huh? Why else would I keep you around?" the disgust and indifference in his voice earned him a punch in the face from Kisara, who went then to boy to hold him in her arms as if he was her child. "The only reason you're still alive today is 'cause you're the clone of the Connector. That piece of shit wants you back no matter what. Then again, I find it hard to believe - How can a weakling like you be one of his clones, huh? What a failure the last clone turned out to be."

"Look at yourself. You've been alive for a century and still can't get anywhere near Shen's level. Pathetic." Kisara hissed at him harshly. "I understand. You're not my grandpa anymore." Ryuki spoke, defeated, feeling the woman's arms holding him in warm and loving embrace like he's never experienced in his entire life. As they helped the boy get out of the cellar, Ryuki told them how his grandpa punched him out of nowhere, imprisoning him in hopes of re-educating him. What a mad man. As they were discussing about what happened, Ohma spoke about wanting to get the hell away from that god-awful place. Though he's seen plenty of strong people, his power was unfathomable and he doesn't want anything to do with him ever again. "Oh, wait - Can you wait a second? I hair pin - It fell to the ground back at the temple. Do you mind if I go quickly to retrieve it?" Kisara stopped abruptly in her tracks. "Are you sure? You can get another. It's dangerous around that bastard." Ohma warned her, though he could see the conflict in her eyes. "You're not returning for the pin, are you?" "I have a weird feeling in my gut. Does that make sense?" Ohma sighed, nodding his head.  "Alright, fine. We'll wait here, but don't take long. If you're not back in 10, I'm coming over for you." Kisara grinned, kissing his cheek. "I'll back before 10." 

----

If only they knew that just as they were escaping, none other than Shen Wulong visited this damn fraud, looking as calm as ever. "Gaoh Mukaku. I want you to give 'Me' back." Shen ordered leisurely. "You nitwit, you're too late. I got rid of your clone a long time ago. My condolences!" Mukaku cackled at him tauntingly. "You're lying." Shen affirmed. "That's not the kind of man you were in my memories. You wouldn't get rid of a bargaining chip for no reason. You'd use any means at your disposal to survive. I remember you well. You used your comrades as shields just so you'd survive. I'm somewhat impressed by how attached to life you are."

"Haha, guess you really love me, huh? But now I'm just the fraud founder of a phony martial art. But what's wrong with being a fraud? I don't give a damn who I am, as long as I can kill you!" Mukaku laughed, bumping the ends of his arm guards. "Is that so?" Shen sighed, crouching to the ground and picking up the broken hair accessory from the ground. The ornaments on it were scattered in the blood, but it was nothing that couldn't be repaired. Though he wasn't one to get emotional, Shen felt rather pissed off. "You're going to die." he said, comparing himself to the immune system of a single large organism. "I can hear the earth telling me to eliminate you."

Mukaku thought he slashed in two at the Connector, he missed entirely without him even moving at all. He tried multiple tricks, activating booby traps planted throughout the temple, using swift assassination methods, but Shen threw him of with the flick of a single finger. "You're strong, I admit. I assume only a handful of the people close to me would be able to beat you." Mukaku hid inside the temple. "Hey, I haven't finished complimenting you yet. The first backhand punch was a good move. You drew my attention to your gauntlets while throwing iron pellets at me, and those were pretty powerful. They could kill a man if they landed right." he said nonchalantly, not bothering to move an inch. "Splintering the wall to blind me was a good move, too. Personally, I would've thrown in a few iron pellets in the splinters - If they landed, that's a few free hits." Mukaku was angry beyond belief. "You pretended you'd face me with martial arts only to use hidden weapons, duck and hide, sneak around and scheme. You were prepared for me, weren't you? I admire your tenacity."

Through the thin wall of the temple, Mukaku tried to impale Shen with a lance - The tip of it, of course, was pinched easily between his fingers. "Very meticulous. You should be long past your physical prime by now. I assume you're doping to make up for your declining muscles and reflexes, aren't you? It's a miracle that you're alive at your age." he spoke simply. "But that is one fortune that Ruyi was never blessed with." Mukaku could feel his heart stop in fear. He fucked up. "No, no, don't worry, it's not just for today, but for every time you hurt her, that I'm going to enjoy playing with you." Mukaku was unable to say a single thing, watching how easy it was for the Connector to pinch the blade away. "Ah, just so we're clear, I don't have Superman Syndrome. This isn't about power, it's about technique. One second thought, maybe even that's not the right word either. Principles? Yeah sounds right - All I'm doing is holding down the point of the force - Anyone can do that if they know how it works. No, wait, maybe Ruyi couldn't. I wouldn't want her to cut her delicate hands. She always gets papercuts." he hummed out of nowhere, as the long handle of the spear broke, and he smirked. "I'm so angry that I want to play with you a bit longer. I'll give you the chance to kill me." 

He's just getting more and more dangerous, Mukaku realised, freaking out - What the hell kind of monster is he anyway? "Hmm, will this do?" Shen hummed, cracking his fingers. "I've relocated my tendons and suppressed my muscle power output. I also limited my joints' range of motions. I brought my neuro-transmission speed down to the lowest setting and shut down some of my brain's circuits." Shen smiled, ready to destroy the man before him. "I've come down to your level. Let me enjoy this moment. Don't die yet, okay?" with that, Shen punched Mukaku the hell away from him.  Mukaku tried again to get up and attack, but was struck down with a simple arm sweep. "Too slow. Your body's awfully sluggish - You're almost not worth killing. Are these your senses in action? They must be a real handicap." Mukaku kicked a loose board from the ground, hitting Wulong in the chin and trying to beat him down into the ground with the Ironbreaker, only to get sent flying by the man who easily liberated himself. "Not bad, not bad at all, Mukaku." Shen smirked, wiping the blood off his face. "You wanna have another go? Or should I end this already?" he dug his hands in his pockets once again. "Hmm, I'm picking up an exceptional hatred from you - Shouldn't that be the other way around? I know what you've done today. But choice, really." he hummed, not twitching a single muscle. "Maybe you hate my former self for killing your comrades in Wowang? But I thought they were just total strangers to you." "Before that. Dig a little deeper into you memories." Mukaku struggled to speak between his panting. "Hmmm~?" after a few seconds of deep thinking and pondering, Wulong finally gasped theatrically with a lightbulb realisation. "You're that boy!" Mukaku's vendetta against Shen Wulong started in China, about 85 years ago.

The Connector once had three groups under his command - The Worm, the Westward Faction and the Dragon Tribe, who were descendants of Long Min, the Hero of the Chu Kingdom in the Spring and Autumn period. They were friends, sharing the same name of the dragon, yet Shen Wulong felt betrayed. Long Yi disagreed with the Worm research involving the cloning - Though he didn't mind the Huisheng reincarnations. Cloning is a violation of the natural order, a heresy.  Shen Wulong didn't want to kill his friend - All of the Dragon Tribe was already dead. Of course, the old friend wasn't going to retreat, that was the way of the general. He allowed Long Yi to attack while his back was turned, but just like the others, he fell dead, to the ground, with a single strike. In spite of his quick death, Long Yi managed to leave Wulong's first injury in years. The only man left standing was Long Xiu, a young warrior of 15 years old, who would later be known as Gaoh Mukaku. Long Xiu was Long Yi's grandson. It was then that the current Shen Wulong realised that the Wowang Syndicate conspired against him, all instigated by Mukaku.

"Yi was a good man, but he made one mistake - He didn't kill a bastard like you." Mukaku attacked him with the Long clan secret technique, Dragon's Maw Fist, but of course, it did nothing. "Awe, man, you're a real two-timer." "Oh shut up, fuck-wit!! I'd turn to the Gods and the Demons if they'd help me kill you!!" Mukaku growled at him. "Aaaaand you've lost me. I've had enough of this." Shen rolled his eyes, bored out of his mind with his repetitive antics. All of a sudden, a rustle was heard, and a few soft footsteps followed. "Hey, psycho geezer, did you steal my pin? I know I used it to slash your face, but - You've gotta hand it to me, it's your fault you attacked me! I just defended myself! ... My spine still hurts like hell though. If I need spine surgery because of you, I'll sue you for ten generations." Shen's eyes widened, and he turned his head to see the beautiful young woman struggling to step through the rubbles of the destroyed temple. As soon as she rose her head to look for the old man, she saw not only him, but Shen also - The shock and fright were evident on her face, and she looked like a deer surrounded by predators. "I... Should not have returned. I, uh... I-... I'll leave. Bye!" panicked, she tried to leave the temple immediately - She was, thankfully, just at the entrance, though even there, she unknowingly stepped on a trap that would be slashed her to fish-bite pieces, were it not for a strong force tackling her to the ground. "Sh-Shen...?" she gulped, feeling his strong arms keeping her safe and shielded from danger. Looking up, she saw the overly sharp piano wires that would have easily cut her in pieces as if she was a Happy Tree Friends character. "Oh my god, you psycho, what the hell is this?! You almost killed me - Again!" her body's reaction was to spring away from Wulong's arms and run the hell away - But he didn't let her.

"I can't believe my bait returned willingly. You thought yourself smart, but you died a fucking dumbass each and every time. It's your fault you died, you know? And his, for not protecting you." Mukaku put on a gas mask and readied his sword. "I almost shattered your spine, and you return for a hair pin? Ha! You deserve to die, woman." Kisara squeaked in fear as Mukaku, with incredible swiftness, brought down the sword, ready to slash her and Shen where they stood - But somehow, defying the laws of physics was a regular thing for the Connector, who kept her safe, held by one arm to his chest, his hand placed over her mouth and nose as if to prevent her from breathing, while the other hand caught the blade.  "Terrible decision, really." Shen glared at Mukaku. "Not even close." "Yeah, you're right - But this should do the trick!" Mukaku used Indestructible on the blade, cutting Wulong's hand into bleeding. "Shen - You're bleeding! Let go of the blade!" Kisara managed to speak through his fingers.

"Don't worry about me. Try to keep from breathing as much as you can. This cheap bastard flooded the room with Carbon Monoxide. It's just one thing after another." as instructed, Kisara picked up the handkerchief from her sleeve and pressed it to his face to help him with the breathing."Very kind of you - But I'm fine. I don't need to breathe. Use it for yourself, Ruyi." Shen told Mukaku that the man who killed his clan was his previous iteration, and some illogical shit about stopping the breathing process, to slow the aging process. He then easily got up, throwing away the sword and kicking him in the face. "Did you seriously think you could outdo us? How asinine." Shen used the sword to impale Mukaku's shoulder. "Running away? You don't have that privilege anymore. I told you - I've grown tired of you." "Are you sure you wanna kill me?! If I die, Ryuki dies too! I'm the only one who knows where he is! Are you just gonna let yourself die?!" Mukaku spat, desperate to live. "Ryuki's safe with us! Stop lying, you jerk!" Kisara soon started coughing - The Monoxide was beginning to take effect. "How come you're so obsessed over Ryuki anyway?! Ain't Tokita Ohma one of your clones too?! Why does it gotta be Ryuki?!" Mukaku was, no doubt, trying to prolong his suffering. "Hey, don't you dare bring my husband into this! He already died once, I don't need you getting him in another situation, you bastard!" Kisara hissed at him. "Besides - Don't act as if you ever cared for Ryuki! You're just an evil man. A traitor." "Oh man. Yan's gonna give me hell for everything I've done lately. Well - You're gonna be dead anyway, so there's no harm in telling you!" Shen sighed in realisation. "W-Wait! Don't say it! I don't want to die because of his curiosity!" the woman stepped backwards, gulping slightly. "...Don't worry. I don't think you'd get it, even if I told you." he smiled condescendingly down at Mukaku. "Tokita Ohma... Is not me." "HUH?!" Mukaku was on the ground, bleeding heavily. "Wait, hold the GODDAMN PHONE! What the hell are you talking about?! You can't expect me to believe that bullshit! I mean - Have you seen the guy?! He's the spitting image of Ryu...?!" Gaoh gasped loudly, as Shen was vibing with a dark, killing aura. "Yeah, I think you've figured it out by now." with an effortless swing of his wrist, Shen snapped Mukaku into pieces. "So die." Kisara had to jump back behind Shen, so all the blood wouldn't splatter on her. "Three times. You're the first person who's made three attempts on my life, and on Ruyi's. Looks like third time wasn't the charm, after all."

Shen turned around, throwing away the blade, looking down at the woman who looked uncomfortable and outright fearing him. "Ruyi." he called out, before quickly correcting himself. "No, sorry - You're called Kisara now, right? Kisara. I won't mistake it again." he gently put a finger under her chin, raising it up to make her look at him. "What do you see?" Though he could see the fear in her eyes, there was also deep confusion, and he couldn't blame her. There were far too many things to find out, in a single day, out of which few made sense. "I still don't think you look like Ohma at all." the comment earned a small huff of amusement from him. "So... Are you going to kill me, now that I know your secret about Ohma?" Shen didn't say anything - Instead, he retriever the pin from his pocket, along with all the broken accessories. "Did it save you?" Though Kisara had no idea why he'd change the subject like that, she nodded nonetheless. "Yeah. I... I used your name to get a rise out of him, hoping he'd tell us where Ryuki was without a fight. But, uhm... He threatened to use me as bait and kill me in front of you. For the... Fifth time, he said. Or, uh... Maybe he just meant he knew I died four times during his life. I'm not sure. He was weird." he uncomfortably scratched the back of her neck. "I was weak. I couldn't evade his attacks and he grabbed me. Slammed be to the ground, tried to punch my guts out. Before he could though, I slashed away at his face and ran away." she hung her head down, feeling guilty looking at the beautiful yet broken accessory. "I'm sorry. I know it must have meant a lot for you, and I broke it." "A pin isn't worth more than your life, silly girl." he spoke with an amused tone. "I'll just get it repaired and return it. It's yours, not mine."

"But, Shen - It means nothing to me. Ruyi means nothing to me. Maybe you believe that it's my reincarnation, in the real sense, not the Huisheng sense - But even so, you're the only one who knows of Ruyi, and... All my supposed past selves." she explained softly. "That could be solved. I remember every incarnation you had - Or at least those who managed to live past a certain age. Unfortunately, there weren't all that many." Kisara looked down, feeling a weird pang of pain in her chest. "I have to go, Shen. I'm sorry." she looked into his eyes. "I will accept the pin, if you want me to have it... And I'll keep the secret to myself, even though I didn't understand it at all. I don't want to die, but more than that, I don't want Ohma, nor my friends to die." she sighed, extending her hand towards him. "But Shen - I am married. And I love Ohma more than I love life itself." Instead of looking or even emanating anger or any negative emotion, Shen smiled, placing the pin in her hand, closing it for her. "As long as you're happy."

A loud gasp of complete and utter shock resounded through the desolated temple, and a man who looked similar, but much prettier than Xia Ji was looking at the two with huge eyes. Realising he was someone strong and important to the Worm, Kisara instinctively tried to step away, only for her back to his Shen's.

"What's wrong, Yan? Cat got your tongue?" Shen asked, oblivious. "Oh, come on, gimme a break! How'd you get injured?!" this Yan crumbled to the ground, having a mental crisis. "Something weighing you down?" Shen asked, even more confused. "You are, you moron." Yan groaned pitifully. "U-Uhm... Mr. Yan?" Kisara spoke in a mousy voice. "Shen got injured because of me. Forgive me." she crouched to his level, putting a gentle hand on his arm and helping him up. "After all the shit he's pulled over the years, this is how he ends up. Pathetic." that man, the Other Tokita Niko, gruffed at Mukaku's corpse. "Oh no, what have you done?! What's with her?!" Yan's overreaction made her step back away from him again. "Uhm... I-I think I should get going." she stole a look at the Connector, seeking permission to get the hell away from there. "Yeah, sure. Take care." Kisara didn't need another word, she was already rushing away - Only for a man looking around her age or younger, with the obvious Kure eyes, blocked her exit, towering over her. A lankier man, just like him, trailed just behind. "Gilbert, what crawled up Yan's ass and died?" so this was Gilbert Wu. Kisara felt surrounded by what seemed to be the whole Small Council of the Connector, as if she was in Game of Thrones or something. She looked at Shen again, waiting for him to give the signal for Gilbert to step away from the exit so she could bolt off. "Ah, yeah - I know this really good jeweller for that pin. He should repair it in a week or so." "Lovely!" Kisara forced a smile. "I, uh -- See ya!" she bolted the hell away.

Thankfully, on the way back, she met Ohma who was already rushing her way. "No questions. Let's run the hell away. I'll tell you when we get out of the Inside. My brain is imploding." Ohma blinked, perplex, but questioned nothing. "Fine. Let's go."

Thankfully, they managed to get the hell away from this awful place, and while Retsu and Himuro took care of Ryuki, while Ohma, Kisara and Koga went to the manager's office. Here, they were greeted with open arms, and great news on TV - The Kengan Anti-Worm Alliance was going splendidly, and most of them, even the officers, were either killed or detained. The Worm Purge was going quickly. 

"Wait, is it over then?" Koga gasped, looking at the TV. "It's not." the woman gulped. "The Connector is alive. His subordinates are alive. The Other Tokita Niko is alive. Gilbert Wu is alive." she bit her lip hard. "Ohma, you said Gaoh Mukaku was a monster. The Monster is Shen Wulong. He toyed with Mukaku like he was a ragdoll. He outright destroyed him." "You met the Connector again?" Kisara nodded. "I don't know how I'm still alive, but by the Gods alive, there's nothing scarier than being surrounded by those guys." finally, she could sit down - Her legs felt like giving out. "We've got a lot of problems on our side - And, Ohma - Shen said something weird. I don't quite get the implication, but... He said... You are not HIS clone, but Ryuki is."  "Wait, but Ohma and Ryuki look the same, don't they?" Ohma, Kisara, Koga, Yamashita, Kaede and Rin all looked at each other with wide, scared eyes. 

Is there more than one Connector out there?!

< Previous Chapter

[bloodynosesarejustlikeroses]

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞…

✦; ꒰Damian Wayne ✗ Reader꒱ ;;✦ ↴

01. Summary. Damian has never been good at comforting people, but if it's you, he'll try.

02. Word count. 2,457 words.

03. Warnings. Depression representation.

04. Notes. Hey, I wanted to post this as a little reminder to all the readers who are having a hard time. Remember you are not alone, if you feel like you can't take it anymore please talk to someone, you matter, your feelings matter. Remember you have friends and family who can guide you, and even better, professionals who can help you.

(English is my second language, so if something sounds out of place or is misspelled, please let me know).

— Ugh… — You suppressed the little moan of pain that wanted to leak from your lips; the coldness of the floor against your back sent a shiver through your whole body.

— Come on, get up. — Starfire's voice echoed through the room. Her voice was calm but firm, it wasn't a command it was an encouragement.

You took a deep breath, you moved and turned around, letting the palms of your hands and your knees carry the weight of your body; you closed your eyes and sighed. You tried to find the determination to get up; lately, your performance in training had declined significantly, and you knew it. You had been trying to keep up with the team, but you didn't have the strength to do so, or at least you didn't at the moment.

When you joined the Titans you knew it would be hard, maybe you didn't really imagine it would be so hard, you felt prepared, but apparently, you were wrong. At first, it was easy, or at least as easy as it could be to fight crime day by day, but there were days when it was so hard.

And this was one of those days, just like the day before, and the day before that…

— Come on (Y/N), I know you can do it! — Starfire cheered you on once again.

You snorted, finally getting up from the ground even though you likely fell back down again and again as you had been doing in the last several minutes of the training.

Once you got up, Starfire's strikes began to come again, you dodged them and attacked when you found the opportunity. A couple of minutes passed and you seemed to be able to keep up, just when you started to regain your confidence one of Star's punches landed on your right cheek without you having the chance to dodge it sending you to the ground, once again, but you got up again, and fell again, again and again...

— Are you oka… — Star's words were quickly interrupted by a growl coming out of your lips echoing throughout the place.

You hit the ground with your fist and stood up, trying to compose yourself.

— What's the point of this? — You asked finally exploding.

— (Y/N)… I'm trying to help you reach your full potential. — The warm hand of the Tamaranean rested on your shoulder, her concerned eyes fixed on your face.

— Full potential… — You whispered to yourself, shook your head, and looked up, your eyes reflecting pure distress. — How do you know I haven't reached my full potential yet? — You pointed to yourself tapping your chest with your fingers repeatedly causing a small flash of pain that you completely ignored. — What if this is my full potential and I have nothing more to offer?... — Your voice cracked as you finished the sentence; for many people, your outburst might have been nonsense, but for you, it wasn't, the thought of not keeping up, of being left behind was slowly consuming you. Watching all the other team members advance day by day while you just sank into despair was both frustrating and terrifying.

— (Y/N)… — Star was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to deal with the situation, she never thought you would feel that way.

Tears were beginning to gather in the corners of your eyes from the internal frustration you felt. — I'm tired of trying to catch up, and with every step I take I can only feel like I'm falling deeper… — You pressed your lips tightly together avoiding them to trembling and trying to hold back your tears; something that was becoming more difficult with every second. — Sorry Star, I don't think I have anything more to offer...

You didn't expect an answer from Starfire, your body began to move following the path that led to your room. Your feet felt heavy, you couldn't recognize if it was due to your tiredness or if it was merely due to your state of mind; your vision was partially blurred by the tears that had insisted on staying in your eyes starting to slowly slide down your cheeks; accelerating your steps, wanting to be in the comfort of your room as soon as possible.

Your mind was not on the road, your body simply followed the path it already knew without really watching your surroundings, resulting in a collision between your body and a familiar figure when you turned the corner of one of the corridors. The collision was slight, but enough to make you lose your balance. Fortunately, the hands of the person in front of you moved quickly and held your forearms firmly, helping you to stabilize yourself. You remained motionless for a few seconds, feeling the intense gaze of the Al Ghul successor on you, producing a huge wing of nervousness inside your body. Suffocating, stopping for a moment, you lifted your face only to find those cold green eyes belonging to the youngest Wayne staring back at you. You cowered under his intimidating stare, for an instant believing he would push you away and continue with his path, but his gaze seemed to darken with concern as he saw the trail of tears on your cheeks; still, all the feelings that consumed your mind blocked you from seeing his concern, and instead, you felt judged under his gaze.

You pulled away from his arms, recovering any remaining composure you had left, wanting to rid yourself of any questions or any speech that might come from Damian, you decided to go on your way quickly leaving him behind, and finally collapsing into the comfort of your room.

But Damian remained there, watching your figure fade down the halls of the tower, his typical cold and hard stare softening for a second; his brow frowned at your unusual behavior all the while a small feeling of worry built in his chest.

[•••]

The silence was something that over time had become scarce for you, so moments like this where silence reigned were extremely comforting. The warmth of the sheets in your bed along with the lack of sleep you had been experiencing caused you to easily sink into a sleepy condition that helped you to avoid your current state of mind. Unfortunately, your peaceful state was interrupted by a couple of knocks on your door that managed to startle you out of bed and bring you back to reality.

You sat on the corner of the bed, your hands resting on your knees. — It's me, Damian. — The voice of the youngest Wayne came through the door.

You didn't answer feeling totally exhausted, but it wasn't your body that was exhausted, it was your mind.

Despite your silence, which could have easily been interpreted as a refusal, the door to your room slowly opened, revealing Damian Wayne himself. His gaze scanned every corner of your figure looking for anything, but the only thing he could notice was how drained you looked and a couple of bruises on the visible skin of your body, probably the result of today's training or the previous ones.

You kept your silence, waiting for Robin to explain the reason behind his arrival.

Once inside your room, the current Boy Wonder closed the door, recovering once again that silence you appreciated so much; he walked slowly towards you taking a seat next to you on the warm sheets of your bed, his usual stoic expression prevailing. — I brought you some ice. — Damian handed you a small bag of ice, probably for you to apply it to the bruise that had appeared on your right cheek after your morning training.

— Thanks… — You mumbled taking the bag and placing it on your injured cheek, a small moan left your lips when you felt the pressure of the cold against your skin.

And the silence returned, but this time it wasn't as comforting as before, this time it was rather, awkward, you knew well that Damian was here for another reason, otherwise, he would have left already.

— Starfire told me what happened today.

So that was it, a small whimper left your lips, but this time it wasn't of pain, but of annoyance, the last thing you needed right now was a sermon from Damian highlighting your poor performance in training.

You left the ice bag aside and snorted ready to defend yourself. — Look, I have enough already having to deal with my mediocrity, I don't need your… — Before you could finish voicing your dissatisfaction he interrupted you without removing his straight face.

— I'm not here to complain, I'm here to... — Damian hesitated for a moment just like even he found odd what he was about to say. — Show you my support…

— Oh… — That was all that could come out of your lips, you weren't used to seeing this side of the youngest Wayne.

— We've been on the same team for years, we fought side by side, and believe it or not, I care deeply about you. — Damian's voice had softened slightly, like a whisper that only the two of you could hear.

For the first time in the entire conversation, Damian's eyes met yours, his typical cold and calculating gaze had been replaced by a softer and gentler one. The words stuck in your throat at the Boy Wonder's sincere statement.

Silence reigned the room again, your fingertips trailed across your knees nervously, Damian seemed truly willing to listen, so you would be willing to speak.

— I… I don’t know… — Of course you knew, but your feelings were so hard to explain in simple words.

You remained quiet for another couple of minutes in fear of losing the possibility to finally vent to someone, fortunately, Damian managed to understand your difficulty to find your voice at that moment, so he waited patiently.

— Lately, everything has become so difficult, and I can't understand why. — You began. — My superhero life, my student life, and my personal life, when I joined the Titans I thought I could handle it all, and for a while I did, but then it all started to fall apart. I try to convince myself that I'm just going through a hard time, but how long will it take me to get out of this? Will I be able to get out of this? — You kept silent for a moment, quickly thinking about those last two questions and their respective answers. — Sometimes I try to console myself by thinking that I'm not the only one going through these things, but then I look at the rest of the team and, they seem to be able to handle it all so well, it makes me feel pathetic, it makes me feel like I'm falling behind. — Damian remained quiet, listening very carefully to your thoughts. — And it makes me feel so sick, it makes me feel so hopeless…

Silence returned to the place, a huge sigh left your lips, but a weight disappeared from your chest, now that you had made your emotions known to someone you had managed to feel a glimmer of peace that perhaps was the first step on the right path.

— I see… — Damian took a deep breath thinking about his next words, comforting people wasn't one of his distinguished skills, but he cared about you, and he wanted you to know that you could always come to him. — You know you have my support for anything, maybe I can't know exactly what you feel or what you're going through, but I'll be here as your teammate and as… Your friend. And I'm sure if you told the team how you feel they would say the same thing. We'll support you in getting through what you're going through, but... — One of his hands moved to your shoulder, generating a pleasant warmth on your skin. — If that's not enough, you know the best and most appropriate thing to do is to go to a professional.

Once again Damian's words left you speechless, his concern felt genuine, just a few hours ago you felt totally alone, but now you had realized that it wasn't like that, it had never been like that; the mixtures of emotions were beginning to feel overwhelming, your vision was starting to become faintly blurred due to the amount of water building up in your eyes; you lowered your head not wanting the youngest Wayne to see how tears were now sliding down your cheeks.

You felt Damian's hand move from your shoulder to the back of your neck pulling you protectively to his chest, your hands slid shakily to his back, clinging to the fabric of his shirt and resting your forehead on his chest, you cried silently, not from pain, but from relief, you needed this, you needed to know you were not alone; and Damian understood the feeling perfectly, that's why he needed you to know he was here and always would be.

Your tears were slowly drained away, replaced by a feeling of peace, Damian's arms were comfortable and warm, perhaps even more than your bed was.

You rested your head on his chest slightly enjoying the refined scent emanating from the younger Wayne, you were sure it was some expensive cologne. Damian's hand wandered lightly to your lower back, holding you gently but firmly, even though you were both sitting, Damian had the odd feeling that if he didn't hold you, you would fall.

Your breaths synchronized, your eyelids were starting to feel heavy again, but you remained immobile, thinking about how things would be from now on; you tried to keep your eyes open, but it was useless, in a matter of seconds you let yourself fall into the arms of Morpheus, enjoying the feeling of protection that Damian's arms gave you.

The young Al Ghul slightly moved away from your figure, staring at you with a gentleness that was unknown to him, he picked up your body with his muscular arms, holding you carefully, just like you were a small porcelain doll that could be broken with the slightest touch. He placed your body once again between the comfortable sheets of your bed and picked up a thin blanket covering your small body with it.

— Everything will be fine… — The green-eyed boy leaned down until his face was at the same level as yours, gently resting his hands on your bed. He remained frozen in his place for a while, watching the peace reflected on your face, a slight smile appeared on his lips, his body moved on its own and before he knew it, his lips were resting on your forehead. — You have my word. — It was a promise, and even though you couldn't hear it, Damian would do what it took to keep it.

[miss-smutty]

The Wait

A/N- So this is my entry for @ritesofreverie awesome writing challenge. I've been In a little writing slump recently with my head not in the right place but i wanted to get this written while I could. (Apologies if it's not very good 🙈) I broke my rule too and it's a long ass fic, usually I'd do it in a couple of parts. Anyway I really hope you like it 😬😬

I chose business meets pleasure with bodyguard!Thor😍

Summary- You'd been trying to get the attention of your gorgeous bodyguard for six months now. When you're pushed into a situation that forces you closer, will you finally get what You've wanted for so long.

Pairing- bodyguard!Thor x reader (Thor is off-canon)

Word count- 7.3K

Warnings- Swearing, smut, violence, murder, threatened sexual assault?, Unprotected sex

18+ only!!

Posted: 1st August 2021

Taglist:- @longlostinanotherworld @mostly-marvel-musings @darklydeliciousdesires @innerpaperexpertcloud @pandaxnienke @chickensarentcheap @jjpogueprincess

"Cooee, Thor." You called, a slight smile playing on your lips. "Could you please pass me that towel? Silly me, forgot to put it next to the pool." You bit on to your bottom lip as you stood by the side of the pool, completely naked, the water still dripping off of your curves.

This was a last ditch attempt to attract the attention of your absolutely delicious bodyguard, you'd literally tried everything you could think of and he just would not give in. You knew he wanted to, could see the determination written on his face as his jaw clenched whenever he was around you, his hands in fists of frustration by his side.

Thor's eyes widened when he looked at you, his Adams apple bobbing in his throat. You almost felt guilty for distracting him from his job but that tiny glimmer of hunger you see everytime had become like a drug to you. A desperate need to chase it, just to feel that second of arousal you feel when his eyes scan you. The confidence you feel when you make this highly professional man's guard slip for the slightest of seconds. It was the biggest turn on you'd ever felt, your internal muscles clamping with desire. It was a need, a deep feral need that became addicting all too soon.

"On second thoughts, why don't you join me? The waters lovely." Your head followed the movements of Thor, as he bent to pick up your towel from the lounger. The fitted trousers he was wearing, stretching against his toned ass. You bit your lip, staring shamelessly, as he brought you your towel, the hint of a smirk on the corner of his lips.

"I don't mix business with pleasure Miss Y/L/N." He was wicked, cruel, a complete and utter tease but you absolutely loved every minute of it. The thrill was such a rush, adrenaline coursing through your veins when his fingers brushed against your bare skin purposefully. Thor's eyes fell to your exposed breasts, your nipples instantly hardening in response and for once you were lost for words. Crushed by his intense gaze and then boom it was gone, and you were left aching and needy. The ache so real, your face screwed with distaste.

"Do you ever take a day off?" You slumped down on to the lounger, completely frustrated, your pussy throbbing.

"Your father has hired me to watch over you 24/7, so no, I don't." Thor continued looking at the sky, anywhere but on your naked body, his hands fisted by his side. Those large hands that have probably killed people, you wished he would wrap those long fingers around your neck. You want to know what it feels like to be under his control, your breath restricted as he plows into you. 

"My father hired you to keep me from danger. I'm pretty sure the way you make me feel is dangerous Thor. I'm almost certain if you don't give in soon I'm going to explode." You pull your knees up so you're fully exposed.

"Fuck sake." He hisses under his breath. "We don't want that now do we Miss Y/L/N?" His eyes are finally pulled away from the sky and they're on you, everywhere, you can feel them on your skin like an itch. Your breath hitches, caught in your throat, you can finally see the man underneath the controlled demeanor and it's hot, like a beast, his eyes devour you. You can faintly hear the sound of your phone ringing next to you, you couldn't care less for it, there was only one thing on your mind right now.

"Your phone is ringing." Thor stated, distractedly, his eyes still burning a hole in your core.

"I don't care."

"I do. Answer it." You let out a breath, frustrated at Thor for continuing to break the mood every damn time.

"Dad?" You pick up your phone, rolling your eyes at Thor giving you the I told you so look.

"Y/N you need to get out of the house now." His voice is agitated, completely out of character for him. You sit up on the lounger, wrapping the towel around you.

"Why?"

"Don't question me, just leave, don't tell anyone where you are going, not even me."He cleared his throat. "Apart from Thor, take him with you." 

"Dad, what's going on?" Your heart was thudding in your chest, ringing in your ears as you tried to stay calm. Whatever was going on you knew it was bad and the way Thor looked at you, his face looking concerned yet stern, he knew too.

"Put Thor on the phone" Thor was already reaching for the phone, his eyes glowing, the static electricity coming from him making your hairs stand on end.

"Dad?" You were surprised with how weak your voice sounded, almost childlike, not like you at all.

"Now!" You gave the phone to Thor, listening intently, trying to catch any hints as to what was going on.

You watched Thor's face tighten, and just like that he's slipped from your grasp again, a flicker of worry passing through his eyes as he utters words of understanding to your father.

"Protect her at all costs." Is the only thing you heard from your father's end, his loud voice travelling through the phone, your mind swam with questions, your stomach turning with the fear you heard in his voice.

"What's happening Thor?" You said shakily.

"We need to check into a hotel, one out of town. Go and pack." He commanded, his face softening when he saw your eyes widen. "I'll tell you about it on the way."

**********

Thor gripped the wheel tightly as he drove down the back roads and out of town, his knuckles white and his eyes constantly darting back and forth from his mirrors and the road. Taking the back roads had been your idea, knowing Thor wouldn't have been able to relax on the highway, too many cars, too many opportunities for you to be followed unknowingly. At least this way Thor had a clear view of the road from all angles, any suspicious vehicles would be flagged by his eagle eye sight.

"Can you tell me what's going on now?" 

"Your father has received an anonymous tip that someone is coming after you, he's got the authorities tracking down where the tip came from but until then you need to stay low." He looked from you to the road then back at you again, his brow furrowing as he worked out your emotions.

"Don't worry, I've got you. I won't let anyone harm you."

"Why?" You wished you could look him in the eyes while you asked that, to hold his head in place while you searched his eyes.

"What kind of question is that?" He sounded annoyed.

"You won't let anyone harm me because it's your job or because you care for me?"

"Both." He gritted his teeth, staring at the road.

"What would've happened if my father hadn't called?" Your bravado had slipped as soon as you'd got the phone call, your nerves getting the best of you and you were allowing yourself to be vulnerable and honest for once. Your voice still small and weak, you weren't flirting this time, you were being real. Right now you needed to be held, for him to smooth your hair away from your face and pull you close and it kills you knowing that will never happen. Deep down you knew he would never sacrifice his job for you and it hurt more than you let on.

Thor could sense it too, his eyes softened as he looked at you, the restraint he had to maintain even harder when he finally saw a glimpse of the real you. If he wasn't sure how much he wanted you before he was certainly sure now. It was torture for him not to be able to pull you into him and hold you close

"Nothing." He sighed, you turned to face the window, you knew he was lying, you'd known him long enough to be able to read him even if he did have the best poker face but for some reason his words still cut like a knife to the heart. You didn't think you were asking for much, just a little acknowledgment that under other circumstances he would feel for you the way you felt for him.

He'd been with you twenty four hours a day, seven days a week for six months it would take a damn nun not to develop feelings for someone after so long. Especially on those nights where you were locked up inside together, safe from any threat, Thor allowing himself to relax a little. Long talks in front of the fire, his ears pricking and his mask slipping back on whenever he heard a sound, his vigilance never fading. That's why it cut deep, you knew he could do it, you knew he could still protect you while giving you a little more. 

The rest of the journey was spent in silence, you continued to watch the rain patter down the window, the sound calming your nerves. You didn't want to look at Thor but you could feel his eyes on you throughout the car ride.

"Where are we?" You ask when the car comes to a stop, waking you from your sleep. It's dark outside and you can still hear the sound of rain falling on the top of the car. You blink, looking around you until you see the illuminated sign of the hotel across the car park - The Hotel Indigo it read, sounds ominous. 

"It's best if you don't know exactly where we are." He continued looking straight forward, his hands resting on his thighs, those deliciously thick thighs.

"So what's the plan now?"

"Erm… Well I suppose we pretend to be just a normal couple checking into a hotel. I'll check in and you hang back incase you're recognised and then we lay low until we hear from your father."

"I can do that easily but how are you going to cope?" You teased.

"I think I'll manage." He smiled at you, his eyes lingering on yours for a little longer than expected.

You stepped out of the car, grabbing your suitcases from the trunk. Looking up at the hotel, it was so big and grand, with an air of mystery to it. It felt like you had stepped back in time, like you were on the set of a movie from the twenties. You were kind of excited, your nerves being lulled into a false sense of security. Maybe it was what Thor had said about pretending to be a couple, like your mind had forgotten the reality of the situation and you were already lost in the act. You absolutely were going to take full advantage of this time together and while you were in public Thor would have to be pretend you were a couple. Maybe just maybe he'd forget it was an act when you were alone together too and he'd finally give in to his cravings.

"What are you doing?" You'd laced your hand in his as you walked towards the hotel. The feel of his large hand in yours was electric, you could feel the physical sparks shooting through your veins.

"Baby, don't you go stepping out of character on me. Im your fiancée now." You winked.

"Fiancée? We never agreed on that, I said couple." He smirked at you but his hand gripped yours a little tighter, his thumb stroking the back of your hand. You looked down at your joined hands, your stomach somersaulting with how right it felt.

Your eyes widened when you walked through the revolving doors and into the foyer of the grand hotel and it really was like stepping back in time. The lobby was magnificent, everything was white and gold from the white marble floors to the huge golden columns. You were used to a life of luxury, what with your father being the mayor but this was something else entirely.

"Wow." You exclaimed, letting go of Thor's hand to twirl around, wanting to take in every little detail you could.

"It's beautiful isn't it." Thor looked up to the ceiling, the biggest chandelier you have ever seen hung there. "Go sit down while I check in, try keep your head down." Why did the way he always told you what to do, turn you on so goddamn much?

You watched him talking to the receptionist, his eyes never leaving you as he spoke. You smiled at him, feeling warm and fuzzy, he really was the best looking man you'd ever seen. His sparkling blue eyes like the clearest ocean made you feel weak whenever you looked into them. You couldn't help feeling excited at the prospect of what may happen, you knew it would be more difficult than ever with him being even more focused on protecting you but you were optimistic that you might finally get what you've always wanted. The past couple of weeks he'd been looking at you differently, even now as your eyes met it was like you were the only people in the room.

"Come on then m'lady. Let's go to our room." Thor offered you his arm as he picked up both suitcases and you linked your arm around his.

"You know this is going to make me want you even more." 

"What's that?" 

"This act. How am I ever meant to go back to you dismissing me all the time after finally getting a little bit of what I've always wanted." You looked up at him, catching him gulping.

The truth was, Thor was feeling the exact same thing. How was he ever going to go back to resisting you after this time you're going to spend together, acting. It wasn't an act though, this is how he wished he could actually be with you if only you'd met in different circumstances. When you'd tucked your hand in his earlier he'd almost caved, almost pulled you into him right there and then. The thing was, it was now more than ever vital that he kept his wits about him which meant he couldn't be distracted by you, as difficult as it was.

You walked up the grand staircase towards your room, Thor looking down on you, thinking about his answer. Right there you could see it, the cogs in his brain ticking as he struggled to answer. It told you everything you needed to know, he didn't have an answer to your question because he was thinking the same thing.

"I don't dismiss you Y/N, I'm just doing my job." That's the first time he'd called you by your first name and that along with the way his face contorted with anguish was another sign for you to keep hanging on.

You were sure you could feel eyes on you as you reached the middle of the staircase. Unable to shake the sickly feeling, you turned your head to look over your shoulder, there were so many people it would be impossible for you to pin point who you were looking for but you knew you were being watched.

A tall man, with glasses and a large rimmed hat stood in the darkest corner of the hotel lobby, his beige trench coat made him stand out against the sea of cocktail dresses and suits.

"You'll never guess who I've just seen in the lobby of the Hotel Indigo?" He paused with the phone to his ear, listening. "Yeah she's here. What should I do?"

"Don't let her out of your sight." The voice on the other side of the phone call declared.

*************

"Thor relax, you know we weren't followed. We can remain completely inconspicuous here. I've brought wigs." You digged into your suitcase, pulling out a vixen red, long, wavy wig. His eyes lighting up when he watched you slip it on.

"Roxy, nice to meet ya." You faked a southern accent and saw his jaw tensing again. You didn't know whether he was about to laugh or rip off your clothes but honestly you'd be happy with either. Anything but that dreadful silence and vacant stare.

Thor tried to hold it together, clenching his teeth, biting on to the tip of his tongue. Anything to distract himself from the sight of you in that damn sexy, red wig. And that southern accent? Shit, he nearly bust a nut, adjusting himself accordingly and turning away from you, he couldn't see that hurt flash before your eyes when he dismisses you again.

"It is not a good idea Y/N, I told you we must stay low."

"Are you going to give me something better to do while we're stuck in this hotel room?" You cocked your eyebrow at him. Thor closed his eyes with a tight lipped smile. "I thought not. Let's go." You'd already put on a tight little black dress and were more than pleased with the reaction you'd got from Thor and now you've spent the last ten minutes trying to convince him that it would be fine for you both to go to the bar. Keeping from him, the fact you wanted to be in public so you would have an opportunity to touch him.

*******

"I think you should probably kiss me." You whispered to Thor, your hand resting on his chest as you gazed up at him, your eyes sparkling, flirting. You were so close that you could smell his scent, like a pheromone, it drove you wild. You could tell he was enjoying this whole acting business, he certainly didn't look uncomfortable infact he looked the most relaxed you'd ever seen him. You were both sat at the bar, the best place Thor could sit to have eyes on everyone but right now, mostly his eyes were on you. Glued to you.

"Oh really and why's that?" He flirted back, his head lowering closer to yours.

"Well we don't want anyone getting suspicious, do we?" His face was so close now, you could feel his breath tickling your face, his lips parted in front of yours, waiting patiently for you to close the distance.

Finally you could feel the softness of his lips, you'd been dreaming about how they would feel for so long now, that the real thing was like ecstacy. As first kisses go, it was absolutely perfect, sensual but not lacking passion. His beard tickling your chin and upper lip as his tongue gently massaged against yours. You didn't want to pull away, didn't want it to end and neither did he as his hand clasped behind your head, pulling you in closer and deeper, both of your hands resting on his broad chest.

He took your breath away, quite literally, you were both softly panting as your lips moved apart slightly and Thor licked his top lip. Savouring the taste of you, his eyes glinting with passion, a look you'd been waiting to see for so long. You couldn't help but grin so widely it was almost embarrassing but apparently it was contagious as Thor also had the same grin plastered on his own face.

"Finally." You breathed, turning towards the bar to catch the bartender's attention, you definitely needed a drink after that but when you turned back to Thor he looked distracted.

"Do you know how long I've waited for that? It kinda hurts a little that it wasn't fake to me but it was to you."

"Did it feel fake?" 

You pondered that for a second and it definitely didn't feel fake, surely somebody couldn't act as well as that, if he could he probably deserved an Oscar. "No?" Your eyebrows furrowed.

"So stop questioning everything." His hand rested on the curve of your hip but his eyes were still distracted, looking over your head and into the the crowd.

"Is everything ok?" You asked trying to pull his attention back to you. You reached up to cup his chin pulling his face down to you and kissing him gently on his lips. God it felt good to be able to take what you wanted whenever you wanted.

"Fuck Y/N." His forehead rested against yours, his arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you against him. You could feel the bulge in his trousers straining against his zipper and weren't disappointed with the apparent size of it. While you were nestled in to his chest he took the opportunity to scan the room, trying not to be distracted by the way your hand disappeared under his shirt feeling his abs and tickling his skin with your soft fingers. His body was in turmoil, his growing erection and instincts in a constant battle. He wanted to enjoy the moment with you, finally feeling your touch that he'd been longing for for six months but he couldn't shake the feeling that something didn't feel right.

"I think we should head back to the room." Thor whispered into your ear, his nose nuzzling against your ear and making you squirm. Your stomach flipped at the thought, your confidence slipping for a slight second while you studied his face and realising something must be wrong because you'd lost him again, he'd slipped through your fingers once more. The desire in his eyes had disappeared and his face was set firm again, his handsome features set into a grimace as he leaned back on to the bar, never turning his back on the room as he scanned it.  The way he leaned with his elbow propped made him look almost casual, like any other hotel guest in the place but you knew better. You furrowed your brow at him as you watched the mechanics of his brain turn over and over, his mind constantly on the job. 

"Oh really? Is that a request or a demand?" 

His eyes darted towards you, his tongue slowly wetting his lips before he quickly regained his composure, his eyes back on the job. His muscles tense, making his body appear rigid as he straightened up, standing awkwardly next to you, still facing the room. 

"A demand, Miss Y/L/N." Fucking tease he was, the slight smile appearing at the corner of his mouth as he side eyes you, waiting for your reaction. He made you so goddamn wet and he knew it, if only you had the same kind of restraint as him. You didn't want the night to end, not now you'd finally gotten him to open up a little and were finally getting to the place you wanted to be.

"Are you telling me you're finally going to cave in and fuck me, Thor?" You raised your eyebrow at him, smiling slyly when the tendons in his neck tensed, his jaw clenched so tightly you're surprised he didn't shatter his teeth.

"No. I'm telling you that something doesn't feel right and my instincts are not usually wrong." Oh, fuck. Way to kill a mood. Your demeanor changed instantly, the atmosphere of the room becoming static all of a sudden. If experience taught you anything it taught you that he was right, his instincts were never wrong.

"What should we do?" You turned around leaning both your elbows back on to the bar, trying to look casual while you scanned the room, unsure of what you were actually looking for.

"I couldn't stand anything happening to you so you need to do as you're told for once." 

"Does that mean…." You started before he interrupted you.

"Not the time or the place Y/N." The way your name rolls from his tongue has your insides clenching but he was right, this isn't the time or the place. 

"Tell me what to do then, sir." You smiled through your nerves, desperate to hang on to the heavy tension that hung in the air. Scared that if you let it disappear again you'd never be able to get it back.

He pulled you close to him again so he could whisper into your ear without anybody else hearing, you stood on to your tiptoes, your hand holding on to his shoulder. "We're going to move through that crowd over there." You turned slightly to see where he was gesturing towards. "Try and keep low without causing suspicion. Then we will move through the exit in the middle of another group, there's constantly people coming in and out so it shouldn't be hard to stay hidden. We'll have to take the stairs to our room, it's too risky sharing a lift with anybody. Grab our things and we'll find somewhere else to stay for the night. We'll probably be better with a small motel." 

"I wish we didn't have to leave here." You pout.

"I know but as long as you're safe I don't care where we go." You catch his eye and he swallows, his finger reaching out to stroke your cheek. "Are you ready?" 

You move stealthily through the bar and casino, stopping by a poker table that had gathered a large crowd of onlookers. Thor put his arm around you, his hand resting on the swell of your ass while he leaned down to whisper in your ear. "See that group about to leave over there?" Your eyes scanned the room, falling on to a group of young men and women to your left. You nodded at Thor. "We need to get into the middle as they leave, it will be easy for you to blend in between them." 

"Is this all necessary? Do you even know we're being watched?" You knew you were, you felt yourself being watched as soon as you'd arrived but you were hoping it wasn't true.

"Yes, I believe so. Even if I'm being over cautious it's better than the alternative. Are you going to do as you're told? Or…" His hand slipped down to your ass, squeezing your cheeks and making you squeel. Now this is what you could get used to, this is the Thor you'd wanted all along and it was a major turn on. Dominating and in charge, protecting you while still driving you wild with his touch.

"Or what?" He nuzzled at your neck, his lips tracing the tendon by your throat. "Fuck, Thor. I'll do whatever you say, let's just get it over and done with so I can get you alone." 

You'd made it through the first step and into the lobby, this was a little more difficult because it was practically empty apart from the odd person scattered here and there. Thor's eyes were all over the place, scrutinizing everyone they landed on as he ushered you towards the stairwell. His eyes fell upon a strange looking man in a beige trenchcoat, stood by the payphone, the phone already in his hand as he eyed the pair of you.

"Y/N, twelve o'clock." You looked over to where Thor said and saw the man watching you.

"Thor I saw him when we arrived, he was watching us then too." You admitted nervously.

"Why didn't you tell me then? This could've all been avoided." He pulled you behind a column so you were out of sight. 

"Why can't we just make a run for the car now, we don't need our things." 

"I do." Thor said through gritted teeth. "I've left my fucking gun in the room." You watched the anger flaring in his eyes.

"Why would you do that?" You asked, immediately wishing you could take it back when Thor almost bit your head off.

"Why would I do that? Why would I fucking do that? Because you have made it your mission to distract me from my purpose since the moment we stepped out of the car and congratulations it fucking worked." He was pissed off with himself for dropping his guard but taking it out on you, it probably was your fault though, he was right. You'd been so desperate to distract him that you'd put both of you in danger. The way he spoke to you hurt though, even if it was your fault you were in this situation. You felt the tears burning the corner of your eyes as you looked up at him, his eyes softened when he saw how hurt you were.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to speak to you like that. I'm just frustrated with myself for making such a stupid fucking mistake." He looked down at his feet, pulling you into him and wrapping his arms around your shoulder while your tears fell silently.

"It is my fault Thor, I was being selfish and only thinking about my own needs. I wish I'd have listened to you." His hand cupped the back of your head, stroking your hair back.

"No one's to blame, we both made silly mistakes because of the same reason. If I'd have been honest with you in the first place this wouldn't have happened at the worst possible time." You looked up at him through your lashes, tracks of tears down your cheeks. He closed the distance, his lips attaching to yours and it was real, you could feel the passion behind the urgency. Praying to God that this wouldn't be the last time you'd feel his lips on yours. "He's probably already called for back up, while we're in public we are pretty much untouchable but we need to move fast. I need to think of a new plan."

You let him think, peeking your head around him and the column to see where the man in the trenchcoat was. "Thor, he's gone." Thor looked around the lobby trying to find the man but he was no where to be seen.

"Do you think it's just a coincidence? Maybe he's a journalist and he just recognised me." 

"We can't take any chances Y/N" He said running his hand through his hair.

"So what do we do?"

"You go and speak to the receptionist, don't tell them everything just tell them someone has been getting handsy with you and you're scared for your safety. I will go to our room and get my gun." 

"I'm not leaving you Thor." You said wide eyed, the thought of being split up even scarier than the thought of being caught.

"Fuck sake. I wish you would just listen." He looked at you without speaking for a minute. "Fine, stay close to my side. We need to move fast." He grabbed your hand and pulled you towards the stairs. Looking around the corners before practically dragging you up the stairs.

You finally reached your floor and you were already out of breath trying to keep up with Thor's long legs and stamina. He stopped at the top of the stairs, opening the door a crack so he could peer out and make sure it was clear. You could see your room from here and the hallway was empty, it almost felt too good to be true. You prayed that it was all a coincidence and you could both get out of here in one piece.

Thor stepped out of the door and immediately disappeared from your view, dragged behind the door. It took a minute to process what was happening, it all happened so fast. You stood blinking, the door slamming shut in front of you before being flung wide open again. 

You tried to run back down the stairs but it was too late, your body defied you and failed to act as fast as your brain reacted, a inner alarm sounding in your mind as you were grabbed by the throat and pulled into the hallway.

Your eyes became blurry, a heavy ache at the back of your scalp that made your head hammer like a drum when you were shoved against the wall with force. Your wrists burning with pain with the force of restraint. You still couldn't see properly, just figures moving in front of you, you couldn't see how many or who they were because your eyes were still recovering from your head injury.

"Fucking let her go." You heard Thor shout and it brought you back to reality, grounding you the way only his voice could do. 

"Woah, easy big man. You so much as move one muscle and I'll slit her throat right 'ere." You felt the coldness of a blade press against your throat and you tried to fight the urge to swallow, wishing you could sink into the wall to escape from the grip of your captor. 

Your eyes finally adjusted and all you could see was Thor, the anguish in his eyes as he could only watch you struggle and the room you'd both been bundled into. There was a huge guy holding him in a chokehold, he was even bigger than Thor which surprised you and terrified you all at the same time.

Then your eyes fell on your captor as his weasely little face moved in front of you and his eyes were level with yours, the stink of stale coffee and tobacco making you gag. You tried to kick out at him, squirming under his hold until you caught Thor's eye and he glared at you to keep still.

"Aww don't be like that dear, we're just here to get what we want and then we'll be on our way. I'm sure Daddy dearest won't want anythin' 'appening to his darling daughter." The guy in the trenchcoat sneered at you, his eyes narrowed until they were tiny black slits in his skull. Then one of his dirty hands grasped your mouth, holding in your cries as he ran the blade up your inner thigh, up your dress and across the gusset of your underwear.

"I swear to fucking God if you touch her I'll snap your fucking neck." Thor sounded angry but he looked as terrified as you felt. Your eyes met with his and the pleading look he saw in your big eyes made him seethe with anger. Your body was shaking with so much vigour it was making your teeth chatter together noisily. 

"Shut the fuck up. You're in no position to make threats and I think it's about time you shared this sweet little hunny pot you got 'ere." The tip of the knife toyed with the edge of your underwear, you were terrified to move, one little slip and the blade would ruin you for life. "I'm sure Daddy would like to know his Daughter died because the incompetent fool he hired would rather fuck 'er than protect 'er. Don't you?" Thor gritted his teeth, a look of hate permanently etched on to his face. You watched him desperately, hoping for a signal or a sign of how you were going to get out of this dangerous mess you'd gotten yourselves into. His eyes look defeated as he looked to the ground, you thought he'd given up and that this would be your fate.

There was no way in hell you were going to die this way, absolutely no way. You had to think of a way to get out and quick, but first you needed Thor's attention. You needed him to know you weren't going down without a fight and at the same moment you thought it, Thor's head raised. Only he didn't look defeated anymore, he looked determined, his eyes glowing with that feral passion he gets but for completely different reasons and you smiled slightly at him. That's my man.

You kept the eye contact with Thor, communicating with your eyes and realising six months of completely obsessing over him had definitely come in handy. Being able to read him like a book would be a major advantage.

You would have to distract the weasel while Thor took out the big guy. The thought of it made you feel sick but it was the only way. So while he readjusted his knife, you let out a little moan, making Thor's and the weasels eyes both snap up to you at the same time. You had his attention but your stomach was churning with the way he looked at you. 

"Oh you like that? You like a bit of danger?" You swallowed down the bile that rised through your throat, burning your oesophagus. All eyes were on your body apart from Thor who had luckily worked out your plan and you gestured with your eyes for him to take his chance.

"Mmm." You saw Thor move and immediately brought your knee up as hard as you could, meeting with his crotch and causing a sickening crunch as he fell to the floor clutching his balls.

At the same time Thor had kicked back into the silent big man, knocking him on to his ass and dazing him, he didn't have a clue what had happened. Before he'd had time to register it Thor had settled himself behind him, wrapping his bicep around his throat and pulling tightly backwards until the guy fell limply against his chest. 

Then he rushed over to you, grabbing you in his arms and making sure you're ok.

"Thor what about him?" You pointed to the guy crying in the middle of the room.

"Don't worry, I'll fucking deal with him." He kissed your head. "Wait outside the door and scream if you see anyone coming. And I mean anyone." You nodded before going to leave, kicking the guy on the floor in the balls again just for good measure.

Thor stood above the weasel, watching him struggle on the ground and enjoying it.

"You shouldn't have touched my fucking girl. I might've let you live if you hadn't have crossed that fucking line. Fuck, especially since I haven't even gone there myself yet you little fucking maggot." Thor spat, kicking the guy in the stomach so he would look at him.

"Easy big man, I wasn't gunna touch 'er I swear, I swear. Oh fuck! Don't fucking kill me. Please." Thor didn't want to hear anymore, grabbing him by the head and twisting his neck grotesquely until it snapped.

You waited for Thor outside the door, your heart beating out of your chest, your eyes darting from left to right, terrified someone else was going to come. You whelped when the door opened and you almost fell backwards until somebody caught you. It scared you, you were in shock and traumatized and you didn't know who it was until you smelt his smell. You turned, crashing your head against his hard stomach and cried, really cried. You were still crying as he soothed you, his hand stroking down the back of your hair.

"What do we do now?" You whispered against him, your voice still shaky with tears.

"Run."

*******

You were almost as tense as Thor was on the journey here, your eyes darting in every possible direction, terrified there was someone else coming after you. You were sat right on the edge of your seat, your face practically stuck to the windshield.

"Relax, Y/N. We're safe now. I promise." The feel of his hand on your thigh instantly calmed you and you stared at it. The way it made you feel, the warmth spreading through your body and then you looked at his eyes, he was watching you and for the first real time there was no denying the hunger there.

"Pull over." You demanded, after what you've just been through there is no way you're waiting any longer.

"What?" He questioned, surprised.

"Pull the fucking car over, unless you want to crash." 

You were already climbing onto his lap before he'd even pulled into the side of the road. You were so fucking turned on by the way he saved you and the sexual tension between you had finally gotten too much.

"Fuck, Y/N." He moaned against your lips. "Do you know how hard it's been to resist you?" He was fumbling with your underwear trying to tug it off, his fingers gliding against your soaking wet cunt.

You were already riding the wave of euphoria at the feel of his rock hard cock grinding against your soaking panties when his teeth met your neck, biting into the flesh and making you moan with ecstacy.

You leaned back, your head falling backwards as he ripped your panties, frustration getting the better of him.

"I thought I was going to fucking lose you." He groaned through gritted teeth, his fingers circling your opening and gathering the wetness while his lips grazed against your collar bone. "Do you know how that made me feel? Fuck." 

You released a gutteral moan as he forced his fingers inside, twirling them around while he bit onto his lip and bucked his hips up into you. "I've wanted to fuck you for so long." 

You ground your weight down onto him, panting loudly when his knuckle pressed against your clit. "Oh fuck, Thor. Please." You knew your face was contorted with need but you didn't care, you needed this more than anything and the way he was making you feel was fucking torture.

"Please what?" His fingers continued to ruin your cunt, satisfaction written on his face at the noises you were making. His other hand pushing on your shoulder, pulling you down on to his fingers.

"I need your cock. Now." You moaned. You didn't need to beg although you definitely would have done. You watched him fumbling with the buttons lifting you up with one arm while he pulled his trousers down with the other. Your mouth fell open when you watched his cock spring free, it was so fucking huge and thick.

Your eyelids hung heavy with lust, his eyes screwing as you let yourself sink onto his cock until he was filling you up, balls deep. The way he held onto your hips, his fingers digging in until you could feel bruises forming, made you whimper. You crashed your lips against his messily, wanting to feel every inch of him all at the same time, while you bounced up and down on his rock hard cock. You could feel the gripping sensation rising through you already, you'd waited too long for this.

"Did you kill him?" You screamed, louder than you anticipated making Thor stop grinding against you. "Fuck don't stop. Did you fucking kill him?" You asked again while his fingers rubbed against your clit, his breath heavy in your ear.

"Yeah, I fucking killed him." He panted, biting on to your ear lobe.

"How?" You looked him in the eyes while you rode his cock, you could see he was nearly ready, his hand gripping your ass tightly. The eye contact almost bringing you over the edge.

"I snapped his fucking neck." He groaned against you, his head resting on your chest as he lifted you up and down. Oh fuck! You came and gushed all over his cock, the power making your legs ache as you rode it out, him still thrusting inside of you with even more velocity. You knew he killed people with his hands and the thought turned you on even more.

"Fucking choke me Thor, wrap your fingers around my neck. Please." You pleaded, feeling another orgasm building. He squeezed his fingers around your neck perfectly and this time when you came you screamed his name and he was coming too, you could feel his load painting your insides.

Then you were both panting, his arms wrapped around you tightly. There was no way he was going to let you go ever again.

You rested your head against his chest while you recovered, feeling content and satisfied for the first time in six months. You smiled to yourself, with his heart beating against your ear, It was well worth the wait.

[nxrthmizu]

Crash and Burn

fandom | miraculous ladybug

genre | salt, lila salt

pairing | n/a

w.c | 3.2k

author's note | hey remember that lila salt fic i promised? this isn't it but this is something i made today so yep. please accept this as an apology for yknow. me promising to write and. not doing it.

Enough was enough.

“Marinette, stop accusing Lila! She just wants to make friends!”

“Take the high road.”

“Be a good model student, Marinette.”

Enough. Was. Enough.

Marinette had the connections, the power, the choice to make Lila’s entire world crumble apart. The only thing that stood between the liar’s demise was the tiniest pinch of morality and self-restraint— And no, that self-restraint did not come in the form of Tikki. Even the kwami, who had to be an aggregation of all the good and nice things in the world, was fed up and ready to retaliate.

“What a joke.” Lila cackled, tossing a chunk of her sausage hair over her shoulder flamboyantly. The two girls were in the bathroom, with Lila smirking in front of the sink and Marinette a little distance away from her. “You can make my world crumble? What is this, a threat?”

“A promise.” Marinette corrected. “Stop telling lies. Come clean to every one. No more lying about knowing celebrities left and right, no more making excuses about not being able to take your own notes, no more making up ‘diseases’ just so your life gets a little more convenient. To be frank, I really don’t care what happens to you— But by making these empty promises to introduce my classmates to great ‘celebrities’, you’re ruining their futures. Stop.”

“And what are you going to do if I don’t?” Lila sneered, face twisted into an ugly grin. “You going to cry in front of the class? Try and convince them that I, the one they adore— That I am lying?”

“No.” Marinette’s eyes were clear when she met Lila’s. The clouds of self-doubt that used to hover over the bright, shining star inside her soul had now dissipated, letting the bluenette emit a confident, glowing appearance as she met the liar head on. “I’m just going to keep my promise.”

──────── ⋆⋅❉⋅⋆ ────────

Lila headed off to a modelling shoot after school, pleased at the prospect of spending more time with Adrien. There were a couple tendrils of Marinette’s words hanging behind in her mind— Did the girl mean what she said? Did she actually… Was she actually capable of causing Lila’s downfall? … Surely not. Marinette may have once been the ‘Everyday Ladybug’, but there was no way she was that competent, there was no way the girl was capable of plotting.

The Italian hummed, brushing away thoughts of the annoying bluenette from her mind. She was going on a photoshoot— One that was going cause the rise and burst of her career, the one that was going to make her name a globally-known one. Unfortunately for Lila, her plans were going to be derailed quite soon— In fact, as soon as Gabriel Agreste’s car rolled into the parking lot of the shoot location.

“Explain this, Mlle. Rossi.” Gabriel’s nostrils flared as he pointed to the tabloid article on his tablet. The Italian girl froze, the headlines seared into her eyes, big and black and bold, shooting poison right into the core of her body, paralysing her cell by cell starting from her heart. “What is the meaning of this?”

‘Adrien Agreste Reported To Be Harassed by Fellow Model’— The image under the caption was one that was clearly taken by a hidden photographer. The picture was framed with leafy foliage, which suggested that the camera was tucked up in a tree. Despite the distance, it was quite obvious in the image that Adrien was reeling away, disgusted and uncomfortable as a faceless woman in an orange blazer, back turned to the camera— Invaded his personal space.

The subtitle was the cream on the cupcake.

‘Witnesses State Gabriel Agreste Ignorant of Workplace Harassment’.

──────── ⋆⋅❉⋅⋆ ────────

As if things couldn’t quite go down a worser path, Lila returned home to a fuming mother and an unexpected visitor.

“Lila! You come here right this instant!” The diplomat demanded as soon as the front door opened, her daughter shrinking slightly at the tone and pitch that her mother was using. The last time her mother had been this angry— Well, it was when she got expelled from her last school. “I can’t believe what you’ve done! If it weren’t for your kind classmate, lord knows how long you would’ve continued with this!”

The Italian meekly followed her mother into the living room, eyes widening until they were as large as saucers, mouth agape at the last person she expected to see sitting on the couch.

Marinette smiled kindly, waving at the girl, looking every bit the part of the innocent, pure, kind child that every parent wanted to have. Before Lila could release a torrent of questions about what the hell Marinette Dupain-Cheng was doing in her living room, her mother charged on, beginning to take out her anger on her daughter while a literal angel sat on the sofa, cradling a box of pastries from her family’s bakery.

“Your friend here tells me that you’ve been taking absences from school to go on trips to help humanity!” Mme. Rossi exploded, waving her arms around madly. “She says she’s here to share her notes from the classes you’ve missed! You’ve never left Paris this year! What’s this I hear about flying off to the kingdom of— What was it called again, Marinette dear?”

“Achu.” Provided the bluenette helpfully, the diplomat’s expression instantly softening when she talked to the other teen in the living room.

“Ah, yes. Thank you, dear.” The woman turned back to her daughter, instantly snapping on a mask of anger in a matter of a fraction of a second. “What’s this about flying off to this kingdom of Achu to help homeless orphans with some random prince?”

“Um…” Lila piped up, wriggling as her brain churned at 200 lies per hour, trying to whip up a cover of some sort.

“I’m not done! Your friend here is such a helpful child that she even went as far as to ask her family doctor is there’s a cure for your… Lying disease!” Mme. Rossi practically roared, breathing flames as if she were an intimidating dragon, her daughter flinching away from the heat. “I’ve never heard of anything more ridiculous! And then there’s the fact that you lied to your classmates about having tinnitus?!”

“I actually do have tinnitus!” Lila cut in forcibly, widening her eyes to make herself look more pitiful. “I was just afraid to tell you because I didn’t want you to worry!”

“Bullshit!”

“Um… Sorry to interrupt, Mme. Rossi,” Marinette piped up, the diplomat instantly cooling down as she faced the bluenette, a soft smile tracing the Italian woman’s lips. “But it’s getting rather late and my parents would love me home soon. I also have some tests to revise for tonight, so I think I should get going.”

“Oh, of course, dear.” Mme. Rossi hastily got up to help the bluenette to the door, shooting a warning glare at her daughter— ‘Sit still and don’t you dare go anywhere’, the glare read. “Feel free to come over again anytime you want, dear. I’m not home often, but you are such a sweet child. I’m sure Lila could learn a lot from you.”

“Thanks for having me as well, Mme. Rossi. I really like your home. I left the pastries on the counter— Make sure to warm the curry puffs before you eat them.” Marinette returned the smile, bowing slightly to the older woman as a sign of respect.

“Thank you for the pastries as well, Marinette. I ought to visit your parents’ bakery sometime when I’m free.” Mme. Rossi opened the door kindly for the bluenette, waving the girl off with an affectionate smile. Her parents must be so lucky to have such a sweet little thing like her, Mme. Rossi sighed internally, turning the key so she locked the door. And she seems to be a high-scoring student as well.

──────── ⋆⋅❉⋅⋆ ────────

Lila seethed, having been grounded by her mother. As far as Mme. Rossi was concerned, there was a boarding school not too far away from their current residence, and by the next week, the Italian girl would be transferred over. Lila had never hated Dupain-Cheng as much as she did in that moment.

Still furious, the Italian snapped her laptop open, too angry to bother with the fact she might’ve scratched the surface. Clicking into the web browser, she started to type in the words ‘Ladyblog’— That was, before a news article caught her eye.

‘Jagged Stone Interview Reveals Underage, Obsessed Fan’.

What on Earth…

As soon as Lila clicked into the link, the news footage from the interview immediately begin to play. The date stamp on it showed that it had aired last night— Which meant that she would’ve missed it, since her mother was too busy yelling at her to turn on the television to watch Nadja Chamack’s daily news.

“As soon as I heard this rumour about some underage teenage girl claiming that she had saved my cat on an airport runway, I called Penny and asked her to book a slot for me to clarify this,” Jagged Stone said grimly, dressed in more formal attire as he sat in the comfortable, cushioned chair of the news station, with Nadja nodding equally seriously beside him. “Let me clarify— I’ve never owned a cat. I’m allergic to fur. The only pet I’ve had was Fang, and he’s an al-li-ga-tor. Not a cat. Whatever the girl is claiming, she’s obsessed and making up stories.”

“It’s also kind of bewildering that she saved it on an airport runway,” Nadja continued, shaking her head in disappointment. “That kind of thing only happens in dramas— It’s too dangerous for anyone besides authorised workers to be on airport runways.”

“Right, right!” Jagged agreed instantly. “The whole rumour is just really baffling.”

“M. Jagged, may I ask what kind of effect these rumours have on a celebrities’ career?” Nadja continued, leading the conversation on like a professional.

“Well, rumours that circulate around tend to have really bad effects, and the worse ones can hang around for a long, long time. Tabloids are often spun off from rumours, baseless and with no evidence. Those tabloids will never truly disappear, so they can leave a mark on a celebrity’s reputation as some people will believe anything— Even things they read from un-cited tabloids.”

“That is simply terrible. Have you ever had any cases of rumours created by underaged teens before this?”

“I’ve had quite a number, but none of them really got as big as this one. From what Penny has found from digging around, the teen girl managed to spread the rumour through her school and onto a once-popular blog.” Jagged explained. “Penny has also found out that the same girl has claimed that I’ve written songs for her to thank her for saving my cat! I would never write songs and dedicate them to an underaged girl— Trust me. If I could do such a thing, I’d already have written a dozen in honour of my niece— She’s my favourite designer.”

Nadja smiled at that sentence. “Then—“

The news footage cut off abruptly as Lila slammed her laptop shut, too upset to continue watching.

──────── ⋆⋅❉⋅⋆ ────────

On the other side of Paris, Alya was pacing around her room frantically, wondering why on earth Lila wasn’t picking up on her calls. She’d left at least four dozen messages to the Italian, who was absent from school that day. There had been a couple whispers here and there about why she was missing— Rose had suggested another impromptu trip to Achu.

Lila’s absence wasn’t the weirdest part of the day, however.

That award would go to Marinette, who walked into class with a smile, the slightest sprinkles of delight colouring her bluebell eyes when she spotted Lila’s empty seat.

Growing in frustration, Alya threw herself onto her bed, phone clattering onto the mattress with her. Within the next few minutes, however, her phone suddenly started exploding with notifications. Excited at the prospect of Lila finally texting back, Alya turned on her phone, only to be disappointed by the notifications all clamouring from the class group chat.

Kim had sent a link to the chat— Without hesitation, Alya clicked into it, frowning when she saw Nadja and Jagged appear on the screen. Throughout the interview, the colour on the Ladyblogger’s face only paled by the second until she was as white as a sheet, and if it were halloween at that time, she would’ve won the best costume award for being a ghost.

There must… There must’ve been a mistake.

A notification from Lila’s number made the blogger perk up, instantly clicking into the conversation— But her newfound hope didn’t last very long.

[Lila]

Hi, Alya. This is Lila’s mom. She’s currently grounded right now. Is there anything important you need to tell her?

[Alya]

Oh, nothing much… I just wanted to ask where she was.

[Lila]

She’s at home.

[Alya]

Okay, thanks.

Flopping onto her bed, Alya begin thinking, revising over the past few months like it was an old clip. Lila’s exciting adventures and interactions with celebrities of every kind— Lila going overseas and face timing the entire class— Lila letting her in on the secrets of being Ladybug’s friend…

… Marinette trying to tell them that Lila was lying…

──────── ⋆⋅❉⋅⋆ ────────

The class was awfully silent the next day. Adrien was absent as well— A social worker was looking into his home life as a result of the tabloid that arose. Things for the blonde could either get better or worse from then on, as the matters were still foggy and things hadn’t cleared up yet. The blonde maintained contact with his friends, however, calling and texting them whenever he could.

“Class, settle down.” Mlle. Bustier stepped into the class, looking very tense and uncomfortable. “Today, we will have a guest, so please be on your best behaviours, alright?”

Just as the teacher finished speaking, a tall, regal-looking Italian woman entered the classroom, a cowering principal and a meek-looking Lila in tow. The class brightened slightly at the sight of their friend— But by the way she wasn’t looking into their eyes… Things weren’t going to be good.

“Good morning. I am Mme. Rossi, Lila’s mother.” The woman begin speaking, her firm and no-nonsense tone instantly making every student sit straight, their eyes too afraid to look anywhere else but the Italian diplomat. “It has come to my attention that my daughter has been taking absences from school to do charity work— And I have to clarify that this is a lie. Lila has been doing nothing but holing herself up in her room, lying to me and saying that there are no classes due to akumas.” The Italian diplomat glowered at Damocles. “What’s even more baffling is the fact that neither her homeroom nor the principal bothered to check up with me despite a student having extended periods of absence with no note or email written whatsoever.”

The class was so quiet that they could hear the quiver of Mlle. Bustier’s trembling lip.

“In addition, I’ve been kindly told that Lila has claimed to have a lying disease, which is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard this week.” It was impossible to miss the way the Italian diplomat was glaring daggers at both Mlle. Bustier and Damocles. “No one bothered to look it up online to see if it’s actual disorder, nor did anyone call me to confirm and ask for a doctor’s note, which is standard procedure.” Chills burst over the room, making every one shiver as the woman hissed out her words.

“Mme. Rossi, we didn’t want to disturb your busy schedule—” Damocles begin, only to be blown backwards from the sheer intensity of Mme. Rossi’s glower.

“M. Damocles, standard procedures exist for a reason. Unless you’d like to tell me about any other things you’ve been letting my daughter get away with?”

“N— No, Mme.”

The Italian diplomat continued on her war path. “My daughter also claimed to have tinnitus, am I correct?”

“Y— Yes, Mme.” Mlle. Bustier answered when it seemed like no one was going to.

“And I heard that the class seating arrangement was shifted to accommodate for that?” The homeroom teacher didn’t dare answer this time, for it seemed like whatever she said would be the incorrect answer. “And apparently, my daughter has also been faking broken wrists and requesting for her classmates to complete her work for her.” Mme. Rossi was practically breathing flames at that point, “And I am incredibly upset at the lack of action from the homeroom teacher.”

No one could breath.

“I have many concerns about the running of this schooling facility, and I expect to discuss this with M. Damocles privately after this. However, there is still something to be done.” Mme. Rossi swept her gaze towards her daughter, who found the floor incredibly interesting at that point of time. “Lila? Something you’d like to say to your classmates?”

“… I’m sorry for lying to you.” Lila mumbled resentfully.

“Louder, Lila. No one can hear you.”

“I’m sorry for lying to you!” Lila swallowed, bursting like an explosion that had finally been triggered, tears in her eyes and fists hatefully curled. “I’m sorry for lying about my diseases and injuries. I’m sorry for making you do my work,” She spat. “Sorry for causing any inconveniences.”

Mme. Rossi raised an eyebrow at her daughter. “Is that all?”

Lila glared at her mother, who was completely unfazed. “Oh, so you want an apology from me? Fine!” She turned to the class, a maniacal glint in her eyes as she sneered at the class, a few gasps puffing from around the room as they caught their first glimpse of the liar that resided in the ‘harmless’ shell of Lila Rossi. “I’m sorry that you are all such idiots that you all fell for everything. I’m sorry that Marinette has such terrible, untrusting classmates that turned their backs on her even though she was still a goody-two shoes till the end, even though she still wanted to help you sorry peasants. I’m sorry that you were all so goddamn gullible! There! Good enough for you?”

Shock was etched into the faces of every human in the classroom— Including Mlle. Bustier, M. Damocles, and Mme. Rossi themselves. Clearly, that part of the apology had not been part of the plan.

“Did I miss something?” Said a sweet voice, followed by the presence of a bluenette, her hair tied in a half-up. A royal blue blazer decorated her lithe form, accompanied by a smart-looking white blouse and a black plaited skirt. Formal had never looked so good on anyone— And if someone didn't know better, they'd think that the bluenette was a young lawyer, emerging victorious from her first successful case.

“Marinette!” Alya exclaimed.

“I’m sorry that you’re such an annoying, little, pest.” Lila bit in the girl’s face, disdain colouring her features as she ignored her mother’s enraged gasp behind her.

The bluenette simply smiled, unaffected by the liar who had crashed and burned like the liar once wished upon her. Marinette Dupain-Cheng stood at her full height, the perfect image of grace and poise as she maintained her composure, quite unlike her nemesis, who thrashed under her mother’s restraining hands.

“And I’m sorry that you didn’t take my promise to heart.”

this can count as adrien redemption depending on you cause ehhh i dont like how passive he is but i havent caught up with the recent episodes, he might have become better. idk.

also where the hell is my miraculous taglist i cant find it so eep. no tagging ppl ig oops

[ynscrazylife]

hi! first i wanna congratulate u on getting 500 followers that’s awesome!! you deserve it sm 💞 i was wondering if i could request a jimmy woo x reader where hayward (🤮 i hate him) is flirting with her and jimmy is annoyed and jealous? thank you sm i hope u have a nice day!

Thank you so so much and sure! This will be my first Jimmy Woo x Reader work!

As If We Needed To Hate Him Even More

Summary: Hayward flirts with Y/N which leads her to go to Jimmy to rant. Our master of magic gets protective and jealous, and some feelings get admitted.

Warning: Hayward being uncomfortable

He was an FBI agent. She was a SHIELD agent. They were colleagues, friends, nothing more (at least that's what they each told themselves, because they both had crushes on each other). Y/N loved Jimmy's humor and Jimmy felt enchanted and charmed by her. Now, Jimmy wasn't just any FBI agent and Y/N wasn't just any SHIELD agent. Jimmy was high up in the Westview case and Y/N was the Deputy Director of SHIELD, having taken in the position when Nick Fury and Maria Hill returned. She was the helping out with the Westview Case, and found herself working with Jimmy, which only grew their friendship.

Now, the heads of the case were sitting around a table in one of SWORD's tents, having a meeting on where to go. There were five people - three of them being Jimmy, Hayward, and Y/N, and Hayward was leading the meeting. Not everyone was in agreement, though.

Hayward and the two other agents wanted to move in and take down Wanda while Jimmy and Y/N were arguing against it. They thought that SWORD didn't have enough information and even then, they needed to hear Wanda's side of it. How did it begin? Why did she supposedly do this when she was a hero? However, Jimmy and Y/N were outnumbered, and they were not being listened to.

"This meeting is over. We have a decision," Hayward announced.

The two other agents immediately gathered their belongings and got up to leave and Jimmy huffed, glancing at Y/N before reluctantly following them. Y/N, however, put her head in her hands, trying to think. She knew it was no use arguing with him right now, so she had to back and make some stronger arguments, so she, too, gathered her stuff and went to follow Jimmy.

"Agent Y/L/N, can you stay behind?" Hayward asked.

Y/N stopped in her tracks, gave Jimmy a small smile, and watched him leave before turning back around to face her co-worker.

Hayward put both hands on the table, giving her a smile. "You're not on my side, Y/N," he observed, raising his eyebrows.

Y/N had no time to be surprised at his use of her first name and just let out a small sigh, nodding and walking back to the table. "I don't think an aggressive approach is the answer," she defended herself.

Hayward looked at her for a moment. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" He asked.

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows together, slightly confused. After a moment, she shook her head no. "Even if Maximoff does turn out to be completely in control, she would deserve a fair trial," she argued.

Hayward sighed and glanced down at the table. "Fine. I suppose we'll put our differences of professional opinions aside . . . because no one can deny that how pretty you are," he admitted.

Y/N blinked. This was the last thing she expected to hear. "Pardon me?" She said, voice jumping up a couple octaves higher.

Hayward smiled, stifling a chuckle. "You're charming. I admire your work in SHIELD and . . . I'd like to go on a date with you," he said.

Y/N"s eyes widened. "Um . . . I'd like to keep our relationship strictly professional," she rejected him in the most polite way she could think.

Hayward's smile morphed into a frown as he stepped back, embarrassed. "Are you sure?"" He asked.

Y/N nodded. "I have to go," she said firmly and quickly turned around and left.

She made a beeline for the tent where she knew Jimmy would be, and found him watching WandaVision. Seeing her appear, Jimmy smiled, but quickly stopped when he noticed the annoyed look on her face. "Hayward give you a hard time?" He guessed.

Y/N flopped down in a seat, huffing and propping her chin on her hand. "He asked me out on a date," she said, scrunching her face up.

Jimmy raised his eyebrows and bit his lip to contain his rage that was bubbling up. "What, uh, did you say to him?" He asked.

"I said no, of course! How does he think he can say 'we should go hurt Wanda Maximoff' and then ask me out?" She exploded.

Jimmy couldn't help but let out a breath of relief that Y/N noticed. "What?" She asked, confused.

Jimmy blinked and looked up at her. "Huh?" He asked, panicking internally.

Y/N gave him a look that told him she saw through the show he was putting on. "Don't play dumb," she chided with an amused smile.

Well, crap.

"Fine, fine . . . I'm glad you said no to Hayward 'cause . . . I might have a chance with you," he said, ending the last part with a mumble.

Y/N tilted her head, trying not to smile. Did he just admit that he liked her? Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. "Oh?" She said, trying to play it cool.

Jimmy grinned and leaned forward. "Do you want to go on a date with me?" He asked, laughing as he spoke.

Y/N matched his grin. "Wow, being asked out twice in one day! Sure, Agent Woo, I'd love that."

[sxzntougiyuu]

HERE FOR THE TWO OF YOU — VERGIL (DEVIL MAY CRY) X FEM! READER

• AUTHOR's NOTE — This is my first time posting something from Devil May Cry and my first time writing something to Vergil. Most of my drafts are with Dante or Nero, I have a great deal of insecurity when it comes to Sparda's eldest son. I had the idea for this one-shot recently and tried my best to create a cute and domestic Vergil. English is not my first language, so there may be some mistakes. (Temporary name because I can't think of anything better hahaha)

• SUMMARY — A stressful moment for Vergil, turns into a very adorable and fun moment for you.

• WARNINGS — Fluff and funny! Vergil hates the internet and stupid cribs. Reader teasing. Dante and Nero are mentioned.

• WORD COUNT — 1, 468k

"Don't look at me that way"

You bit the inside of your cheek, holding back your laughter.

"What shape, baby?"

He snorted, annoyed, and didn't answer you.

"I know what I'm doing, Y/N"

"Uhum"

"I am Sparda's son, I have faced and killed thousands of demons and people. I almost destroyed the human world" Vergil fiddled with some pieces, trying unsuccessfully to make them fit. "I can set up a crib."

Your attempt to contain your laughter went down the drain and you burst into a low laugh, which made Vergil even angrier. It wasn't you fault if he was almost 2 hours trying to assemble that crib. Vergil analyzed each piece as if it were the most complex object in the world, simply because he refused to look on the internet as it could be assembled.

For some shipping error, the cradle came without an instruction manual. Her husband was irritated and found a lack of professionalism, so much so that he almost returned the object just for that reason. In the end he thought he could do it alone, without any instruction since, in his words, he was Sparda's son, half man, half demon, he could handle a crib, right?

"You are not helping." He muttered, not looking at you. The challenge in front of you being more important now.

When you managed to restrain yourself, you sat up in the chair you were resting on, your hand stroking your big pregnant belly. "I'm sorry, baby but you look so ... comical ..." You had to bite your tongue to keep from laughing again. Vergil glanced in his direction. "Fighting our baby's crib."

He sighed heavily, turning his attention to the pieces, while you continued to speak. "It's just funny how you fought so many demons, faced Arkham, Dante and everything and, after all, your biggest rival is a cradle without a manual."

You can see when Vergil clenched his jaw, pure irritation on his features. He was 5 steps away from exploding and you seemed to be having a lot of fun with it, which only made the situation worse. But you still wished he would let go, stop being so stoic and see the fun side of it all.

"That's not funny."

"It might not be for you, but it is for me." He rolled his eyes. "Come on, baby. It's not that bad."

"This is humiliating."

"These cribs are complex, it happens. You don't have to be all grumpy about it."

"I think our son better sleep with us until we buy him a bed."

"Oh, sure. That would be great." With sarcasm, you told him. "And where is our privacy in this story? How about you just surrender to the good old internet, Verge?"

"Ridiculous."

"Don't be so grimace, you won't die if you read something other than a book."

"Internet is for fools, I can do it myself."

"Then stay two more hours in this battle of yours, dear."

You looked at him with a smug look, with your cell phone in hand, swinging at him and with a raised eyebrow. Vergil looked back at him, an internal competition from who would give in first. You were clearly in the lead. You always had the advantage, whether you were pregnant or not. In the end he always did what you asked, even grumpy.

"I promise I won't tell Dante"

With that promise he sighed heavily and accepted your cell phone, rolling his eyes and pretending not to be happy with the amused, victorious smile you gave him. What could he say? She loved when you smiled, hell. Anything to make you happy, even watching videos on the internet on how to set up a crib. Everything to satisfy you.

Vergil sat on the floor between his legs, browsing the information on his cell phone. You took the time to run your fingers through his silver locks, making a mess that left him satisfied and made him sigh with contentment.

While you hummed some melody, the baby's room felt so cozy. Even though it was still a bit messy because of the disassembled crib with scattered pieces, the toy basket in the corner and the dresser, which was a gift from Nero, in some corner until you two finally decided which place would be better. At least the wallpaper was already in place. The baby blue was cute and matched the atmosphere of the small room and it was the first thing about the baby that you both agreed to.

Almost as if he was also satisfied, his son gave a few kicks of happiness. In her 7 months of gestation, this was not the first time. It was a great emotion when he kicked the first time, but whenever that happened, you couldn't help but call Vergil to make him feel it too. You wanted him to be more comfortable around your son, you knew how difficult it could be for him.

"Verge!" You got his attention. "He kicked! The baby is kicking again! Put your hands, feel it!" Smiling widely at Vergil, you looked almost thrilled. He put the phone down just to feel it too, his hands clasping his belly.

"Say something." You encouraged him.

Vergil was still baffled by this. Not knowing what to say or how to react, every time he just kept silent and let you sing or talk to your pregnant belly so you can feel the baby kicking too. He never did it for himself, it was always you. Vergil pretended he didn't care, but a part of him would also like to make his son so happy he kicks with glee.

You knew he was charging himself too much. He was not a father present to Nero and now he wanted here for the son you two were expecting, but Vergil still had a lot of barriers. You destroyed some by showing him love and affection, being the safe haven he needed, helping him build a home and overcoming his past, helping him get closer to the son he barely knew, but Vergil was still a little complicated. Having a child was asking a lot of you both, so much so that even setting up a crib made you stressed just because you didn't feel enough for that.

When you stopped to reflect, I didn't like seeing it that way and tried my best to show that it was normal not to be able to do things as futile as this. The two of you had your own way of relating, talking and understanding. It was no different now. You were encouraging him as much as possible to try to talk to your child again.

"Say anything."

"Um ..." He studied his belly. Your two hands meeting over it, you rested yours over his.

"Seriously, baby. Anything." She said softly, smiling at him.

"Um ... hello" Vergil wanted to kick himself for saying something so stupid, but he just couldn't think of anything. "Eh .." he cleared his throat. "I don't think I can do this, Y/N."

A baby kick and you opened your eyes wide. "Keep talking." He looked agitated now.

"What? Say what?"

"Anything, Verge. Come on, it's not that difficult."

"H-hello baby… I'm your father."

You laughed. "You sound like Darth Vader now."

Vergil snorted.

"Tell him that you are trying to set up your crib"

"Tell you that I'm being slaughtered by a stupid crib?" You laughed and the baby stirred again.

"Oh, I think he liked that."

"Yeah, he's definitely your son. He likes to make fun of my suffering." He pretended to be offended, a scowl on your face, while you rolled your eyes.

"He just knows that his father is very stubborn and has a lot of fun with it."

"Just like you."

"Like me."

Vergil dropped his gaze to his belly again. Thumbs caressing prominence.

"You are very lucky to be like your mother, boy" he says, sincerely, without looking away from his belly. "You couldn't look like someone better. I hope you are as kind, as brave and unique as she is"

"And I hope you are as strong as your father." You completed, fighting back tears. "He may not know how to set up a crib and hate the internet ..." Vergil snorted, pretending to be uncomfortable. "... But he will definitely protect you from all harm. We will both go."

Vergil shook his hand affectionately. A sweet smile welling up on your lips, adoration in your eyes while admiring you and your child still in your belly.

Yes, you were right. Vergil might not be able to set up a stupid crib, but he could do the possible and the impossible for both of you. Move skies and seas just to keep them safe.

And he always would.

He would be here for the two of you.

[holdyourbreathuntilyouseelight]

Hothead

Summary:  Extended station scene from 1x03 between Carlos and TK, from Carlos' POV. A snapshot of how they started to mend things between them after TK had stormed out on the date that Carlos had tried to spring on him.

Rating: General Audiences

A/N: I do not pretend to know anything about the inner workings of a police station, their rules and regulations or what sort of things are contained in their reports. Tried to be as realistic as I could but apologies for any inaccuracies.I also do not claim any ownership of 9-1-1 Lone Star or the associated characters. Pretty sure they own me instead... (:

First foray into the 9-1-1 fandom but hopefully not the last!

Read on AO3 here.

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Carlos was flipping through the files on his desk, making sure he had signed off on the last of them, when a familiar name being spoken caught his attention.

"TK Strand, yeah. He's a firefighter with the 126. Guess he got a little hot-headed."

"You can't keep reusing the same joke every time something involves a firefighter, Ben, seriously."

Carlos looked up from his desk to see two of his colleagues ribbing each other, all talk and no malice.

Jill was right – Ben liked to reuse the same heat-related jokes about firefighters, but his curiosity was peaked over the implication in regards to TK.

"What's that about one of the 126 firefighters? Did they get hostile at a scene we were at or something?"

The two cops looked over at him in surprise. He wasn't normally one to join in on gossip.

"Nah, he was off duty. Started a fight at a bar. Provoked two built men that were drunk off their asses. Bartender called it in after security tried breaking it up."

Carlos felt his worry double. What was TK doing? Why was he picking a fight? He knew he had freaked out on him the other day, making it clear there was a lot more going on internally than he was letting on, but volunteering to get pummeled? That had to be a cry for help.

"EMS clear him?"

"Yeah, he's fine, just some cuts and bruises. He's cooled off now; just gotta process him, give him back his shit, and do the usual stern warning that means bull."

Carlos seized the presented opportunity, hoping Ben would take the bait. "Hey, if it's that easy, why don't I take over? Your shift just ended and I owe you for staying late when I had my abuela's birthday to run to. I've finished the last of my reports from that three car pile-up earlier, so I'm free."

"Well, me and Ella were supposed to do date night tonight… yeah, all right, Reyes. He's all yours. Thanks, man."

"Of course. Have a good time." Carlos said, trying to play it off casual, like it was no big deal, even though he was itching to corner TK and ask what the hell he was thinking. He didn't need his coworkers knowing details about his private life so it was better they didn't know he knew the guy more intimately than professional overlap.

"I think you still owe Spencer, Reyes. Pretty boy is easy on the eyes, even if he is an idiot who started a bar fight." Officer Porter teased.

Carlos didn't bite; the station knew he was out, at least most of them did, so it wasn't that weird of a comment. Reacting would only make it obvious that something had gone on between them and he didn't need a lecture from the sergeant on duty about professional conduct or bias.

Ben passed over the folder on his way to his desk. Carlos immediately sifted through it, scanning the pages quickly to learn the basics of what had gone down.

Caucasian male, mid-to-late twenties, athletic build. 0.0 BAC on breathalyzer test. No abnormalities on basic toxin screen. No prior records with APD. No registered fingerprints in American database. New York driver's license – Tyler Kennedy Strand. Firefighter identification lists station 126. Charges of assault and disturbing the peace dropped by others involved. Release from policy custody with warning.

He read further through the other two men's files, piecing together that the story detailed matched what he had already been told.

Carlos looked up as another one of his colleagues led a handcuffed TK to his work desk and nodded in his direction. He accepted the plastic bag of TK's belongings from Jill and headed over to his… well, he didn't really know what they were.

He watched as TK held an ice pack to his temple, the odd cough wheezing out of him. He probably had a bruised rib or two, if not fractured, and it no doubt left his chest extra tight.

Carlos strode over and dropped the plastic bag of belongings onto the desk without a word.

TK looked up and groaned at the sight of him. "Seriously?"

Carlos grimaced as he sat down. "Austin's a small town, TK. Or should I say, Tyler Kennedy."

"Ugh." TK grumbled, eyes closed as he kept the ice pack against the side of his head.

"Bummer about getting arrested – people might find out your real name. Which marks the first actual thing I've learned about you."

Being good with his mouth, hands, and body notwithstanding…

"Isn't your processing me, like, a conflict of interest?" TK asked, a thin shred of hope clinging to the words.

It wasn't really an issue, given that Carlos hadn't been the deciding officer on charges and, technically, he wasn't even sure what their relationship could be classified as in order to consider it. If anything, it would be their definable working relationship that was the issue, but most officers in the precinct would have the same problem since they all crossed paths at one time or another on the job.

Carlos chose not to answer him, instead changing the subject. "The good news is that neither of your new friends want to talk about that little scuffle tonight…" he explained while unlocking the cuffs around TK's wrists, trying not to react when their hands brushed in the process. "…and since you blew a 0.0, we're not even giving you a drunk and disorderly."

He finally freed TK entirely of the metal, and TK rubbed his wrists, still not looking at him straight on.

Carlos pushed the bag towards him. "You're free to go."

There was a pause as TK digested that.

"And what's the bad news?" he asked as he picked up his stuff.

Carlos inhaled. "The bad news is that means you did this with a clear head." He swallowed before leaning on the desk to bring them closer together, lowering his voice so any nosy coworkers couldn't overhear. "I'm not trying to be your boyfriend, or even your friend if you're not into it, but you should probably talk to someone about why you felt compelled to do something so suicidal."

TK's eyes held so much pain as he looked back at him that Carlos had to look away. Needing something to do with his hands before he grabbed TK and refused to let go, he tossed the tissue box in front of him.

"You've got a little crud there, by the way." he added, gesturing to the side of his mouth.

TK plucked a tissue out and rubbed at the opposite side of his mouth to where the blood had piled up.

"Other side." he said, staring unblinking at the computer screen without taking any of it in. He was way too hyperaware of the man he hadn't been able to get out of his head to concentrate on the words on the screen.

TK wiped closer to the spot but still missed and didn't get the bulk of it, so Carlos sighed and grabbed a tissue of his own.

"Stop. Just… let me."

Deep green eyes bore into his brown ones as Carlos gently wiped the area, managing to get at least the worst of it. Their gaze was locked so intensely, Carlos was half-expecting sparks to explode in the air. God, he wished he could read TK's mind. There was some sort of storm brewing behind his eyes and Carlos had no idea what kind of emotion was rolling in.

He pulled the tissue away, crushing it up in his fist to stop him from saying or doing something stupid. He had already put his heart on the line enough with the man. No need to solidify his humiliation any further.

"Thanks." TK muttered, looking away finally.

Carlos didn't look at him, pretending to be wrapped up with finalizing the paperwork on the computer.

TK leaned over the desk, crossing an arm over the space between them. "Hey. I'm sorry I went crazy on you the other night." he said softly.

Carlos didn't want to reveal all of his cards, but there was no denying the thrill that rolled through him that TK was trying to apologize for what went down between them the other day. It had been eating him up inside since. And if TK was bringing it up unprompted, maybe that meant it had been bothering him too. And that he actually wanted to mend things between them.

Carlos managed to play it cool and indifferent. "I'm a cop. I'm used to crazy."

"Look, I just went through a really bad breakup. Like, nuclear bad. And then I relapsed."

Carlos had turned his body to face him but couldn't look him in the face, instead busying himself with a report on his desk. "You mean with me?"

Great, he was just a mistake. A 'relapse'. Guess that meant TK slept around, or used to, and it really had meant nothing to him.

"No. I mean with substances."

Carlos finally looked up at that. He wasn't expecting the confession, nor the way that TK was exposing himself to him right then. TK had addiction issues? Had given up substances likely due to misuse or overuse and his breakup had been bad enough to trigger using again?

Something clicked in his memory from the other night and he felt shame wash over him. "Right. Which explains your reaction to the champagne."

He had never asked if TK was even a fan of champagne or alcohol in general. He should've been more respectful and anticipated the idea that maybe TK had a poor relationship with it, or a bad experience, or just wasn't interested in it at all. No wonder he got his back up right away – Carlos had been trying to have a proper date with him but he didn't know this important thing about him. And TK was still probably pretty raw after his relapse that even the pressure to be polite would've been enough to set off some ugly emotions. That he'd have to come up with an excuse or lie, because who wanted to reveal their deepest secrets that early on?

"I'm such an idiot. I'm-I'm sorry…"

TK cut off his stammering. "No, it's fine, okay? I just… ever since I got here, it's just… it's just grey. And I just feel numb, all the time. I guess I just… I wanted to feel something."

TK's eyes were wet now, and there was nothing but heartbreaking honesty reflecting out of them.

Carlos felt his own eyes filling with moisture. He didn't know what to say. Hearing that TK had been hurting so badly, that he still was struggling so much… it broke his heart.

TK slipped his wallet and phone out of the clear bag finally and stood up to leave, heading in direction of the exit without another word. It seemed he had said all he needed to say.

Carlos couldn't let him go yet, couldn't let that be the last thing said between them tonight. "Judging by that lip, I'd say mission accomplished."

TK stared at him in irritable disbelief, the barest hint of amusement at the edges. "You really busting my balls right now?"

"Yeah. I suppose I am." Carlos replied.

He couldn't help the way the corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smirk, and he felt his heart pick up its pace when he saw TK's expression break into one of his gorgeous smiles.

TK shook his head at him in mock-disappointment. "And all this time, I thought you were too good for me."

It was clearly meant in jest, but Carlos could detect the hidden truth behind the words. He was a little too stunned to say anything to dispute it, their easy banter normally coming naturally to him but he was drawing a blank.

It wasn't until the door closed behind him that Carlos moved, and then he was crossing the station to chase him outside.

"TK! Wait."

TK turned from where he was walking down the sidewalk, his movements more ginger now than they were in the station. He likely was in a lot more physical pain than he had let on.

Carlos stood in front of him and inhaled a breath in the hopes that it would instill some courage in him.

"Thank you for telling me all of that. I know that couldn't have been easy. But I want you to know, it doesn't change anything for me. I still want to be with you. Whenever you decide you're ready. I…" He exhaled shakily, glancing down at his shoes as he tried to dig for that bravery somewhere deep inside him. "I really like you, TK. Not just because you're the best sex I've ever had. I… there's something here. I feel it when I'm around you. You're… you're special. You make me feel… so many things I don't know how to name yet."

Great, now he was rambling. Even better, making it clear how much of a lovesick fool he was over the guy. That wouldn't freak him out or anything.

He corrected his throat, trying to calm his anxiety. "Look, all I'm saying is that if you feel anything for me, I can be patient. I can wait until you're more ready. I think you're worth the wait."

TK's responding smile could outshine the sun. He wasted no time in coiling his arms around Carlos' waist and burying his face in his shoulder.

"I really like you too. And I do want to give this a shot. Just… when it has a better chance of not blowing up before it gets started."

Carlos pressed a quick kiss to his good temple before pulling back.

"For now, try to stay out of trouble, okay? You won't always be so lucky to get such an understanding cop like me processing you at the station."

TK blew out an exasperated breath that turned into a laugh. "I'll do my best."

Carlos couldn't help grinning at him, a much bigger fan of a laughing and teasing TK than a shattered and beaten one.

"I should get back. You gonna be okay to get home?"

TK nodded. "Yeah I already called a ride."

"Well, see you later then." Carlos said, not really sure how to be less awkward as he headed back up the stairs to return to the station.

"Hey, Carlos?"

He turned around. "Yeah?"

"Best sex you've ever had, huh?"

TK was sporting his cockiest grin, and Carlos wished he could kiss it off of his stupid smug face.

"You would pick that as the only takeaway from that whole speech…"

TK chuckled. "No, I remember it all. I just latched onto that because it was the same for me too."

Carlos took an extra second to process and then he felt himself flushing in pride.

TK's smile softened, no doubt reading his reaction even from several feet away. "Goodnight, Officer Reyes." he said cheekily as he moved towards the car marked with the Uber sticker that had pulled up.

Carlos could only watch as the car drove off into the night.

He felt a little bereft being apart from TK after all the honesty of the evening. Something about being so vulnerable together gave him the urge to be within close quarters, not wanting to give up the resulting rush that came with exposing your heart and having it be safe with the other person.

But Carlos knew that TK needed time. And he was willing to wait as long as it took.

For now, he returned to his desk, this time with a little more of a spring in his step.

[jikooksgirl19]

My Soulmates 1

Genre:Soulmate AU, fluff,angst, eventual smut

Pairing: Idol Jimin x Lawyer Reader x Idol Jungkook

Warnings: some swearing (Y/N has a trash mouth sometimes)

A/N: I’m so excited to bring you my story. I hope you all enjoy this first chapter.

Please read the teaser and prologue first if you haven’t already.

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October 7, 2018 4:36pm

The boys had been practicing since 8am that morning with limited breaks, and were tired and hungry. They were all going to dinner and begin making their way to the elevator, laughing and joking with each other. Namjoon was deep in thought when the doors of the elevator opened and a woman came out barreling right into the midst of the group. Her head was down, and she seemed absorbed in something on the iPad she held in her hands when she must have realized what she had done. Namjoon heard her gasp and reach out towards Jimin and Jungkook and thought she might be trying to steady herself as they were reaching out to her as well. He couldn’t believe it when they all began collapsing on the floor, the other boys trying to catch them. He noticed that the three were still grasping onto each other, and a red ring began to encircle their ring fingers and travel up their arms. The other boys were staring at this as well and they looked at each other shaking their heads. All of them mumbled the same thing

...”Oh Shit!”

You felt warm and cocooned for some reason. It was so cozy and you didn’t want to wake up. Wait, when did I go home? Your thoughts were hazy and you were trying to figure out where you were. You tried to stretch and found yourself bumping into something hard. As you started groping around you realized that this was not your pillow at all but felt like a chest. A mans chest. You have never moved so fast as you just did sitting yourself up. “What the hell...!” You look and see you are on a bed with not one but two boys cuddled up around you. Fear immediately sets in as you look around the room and see sleeping figures on another bed and couch.

“What the fuck...!” You said out loud quickly slapping both your hand over your mouth so as not to awaken the men in the room. You are in bed with, and surrounded by BTS. They are the worlds most famous boy band. They are the Nations Treasures. THEY ARE YOUR CLIENTS!!! Your mind explodes right then and there. You think to yourself ’What Tumblr, A03, Wattpad fanfic did I just wake up in.’

‘OH MY GOD IM IN A COMA!!!! That has to be it. There cannot be any other explanation. I’m in a coma and I transported into some sucky ass wannabe Hallmark Movie’.

All you can think of is that you have some sort of brain tumor and have fallen into a life altering, dream fugue-like state and all your teenage and young adult fantasies are blending together therefore you have conjured up some poly bias delusional weirdness in yor muddled brain. This isn’t real...this isn’t real... this isn’t real....... You pinch yourself and...oh shit that hurt. You struggle to get off the bed which isn’t easy by any means when two pairs of arms AND legs keep trying to pull you back down. You debate screaming bloody murder when you hear someone speak.

“You’re awake”. You turned your head and saw someone sitting up rubbing his eyes looking at you. You recognized the leader of said boy band Namjoon from the many many posters around BigHit.

“I am” your voice sounding more calm than you felt. “Can you tell me where I am and why I’m here with all of you like some weird slumber party?” You we’re holding on the the last shreds of professionalism that you could before screaming to the high heavens.

“You don’t remember finding your soulmates” he asked?

“Excuse me, my what now?” You cocked your head like you didn’t hear him right. “What on earth are you going on about? Soulmate, I don’t have a soulmate.”

“Soulmates” he corrected. By now some of the other members were starting to wake up.

“I AM in a COMA”. You were starting to babble incoherently in a mix of Korean and English with some well placed Spanish swear words your mother used to use when you were little and she was mad. You we’re starting to panic and began trying to climb off the bed all the while the two boys on your bed were snoozing away like nothing was happening. You managed to fall off of the bed and skittered backwards like a crab til your back hit the wall. You slapped your cheeks willing yourself to wake up.

Namjoon looked next to him and asked “Jin can you call Yuna? I think she may be able to help out with...” he looked at you realizing he didn’t know your name. Jin got up and walked towards the window to call someone.

“Y/N. Sona Y/N.” I...I..I’m a temporary lawyer working at BigHit on some of your international contracts. I’d like to say nice to meet you but maybe when there’s a less murdery vibe and location.” You were quickly getting your bearings together and began to gather your composure. “Now can you please tell me why I’m here being cuddled to death by those thing one and thing two over there” you point towards the bed. Several giggles and laughs were heard at this. You on the other hand were not sure what was so funny.

A deep voice in the corner answered this time. “Well thing one and two as you called them, or as we like to call them Jimin and Jungkook are your soulmates “ he said matter-of-factly like it was everyday normal. “I’m Taehyung, you can call me Tae or Tae-Tae to piss them off if you want.” His big boxy grin made him look like a mischievous child You couldn’t help but give him a wary smile. Someone else, you think it was J-Hope came towards you and thrust forward a hand. You cautiously took it and he helped you up from the floor. You began dusting off your skirt and straightening your blouse internally thanking the almighty upstairs that you were still clothed while eying all of them suspiciously. “I’m Hoseok, but you can call me Hobi if you want.”

Jin turned around after hanging up and offered you the only chair in the room. You quickly shuffled over sitting down and tried to ask again why you were here. In a bedroom, on a bed with your soulmates and their band mates all in the same room. “ Can someone please just tell me what happened?” Your voice staring to crack as you were close to tears. “This just feels too extrodinary to believe. You keep saying I have soulmates, as in plural. I didn’t even know that was possible.” It was then that you looked at your left hand and saw the red string tatoo. “WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS HAPPENING TO ME....Did I have a stroke? How...what...why...” your words became so jumbled you weren’t making any sense and you were pretty sure a panic attack was just a moment away from tackling your neurotic ass into submission. Jin kneeled in front of you telling you to breathe. “ In through the nose....out through the mouth Y/N. You can do it just breathe in and out, in and out...that’s it, you got it, in...out.” You sat there holding his hands while Tae began rubbing your back in circles as they were trying their best to calm you down. Jin explained to you that he also has a soulmate named Yuna and she is ready to come talk to you about what being attached to an idol can be like.

Across the room you heard a groggy voice “Uugghhhh....get off me Jungkookah. Why are we in bed? What happened” could be heard from the bed you just left. Jimin was sitting up while shoving Jungkook off of him and staring around the room. Jungkook fell off the bed. He jumped up and was getting ready to tackle his hyung who knocked him down when his eyes landed on you. He was confused as to why a woman, a very pretty woman, but a woman nonetheless was sitting in their studio bedroom at BigHit, surrounded by four of his hyungs. “Um, hello” he said quietly making Jimin look in the same direction. Eyes got wide when he also said a quiet hello and then proceeded to ask Namjoon “ What’s going on. Who is she and why are we all in here. I thought we were going to dinner?”

“See, I’m not the only one confused” you exclaimed louder and much squeakier than you meant. “Apparently we are soulmates” you say while gesturing to the both of them and yourself. “Surprise “ you say throwing up jazz hands and beginning to laugh at the outrageous looks on both of their faces.

“Who, who is your soulmate?” They both say at the same time.

Namjoon looks at you knowing you are barely holding on at the moment and answers for you. “All three of you are soulmates”.

They stare at each other then at you then at the group and both start laughing. “Ok ok, good joke hyung, stop playing around. Did you knock us out and this is a mystery mission? “ “Are we on a run BTS episode we didn’t know was being filmed?” They took turns asking like this was a prank or something.

When they see no one other than you are deadly serious they stop and start to freak out as well. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?” They look at each other only to both shout out that they couldn’t be soulmates. Why is it just happening now after knowing each other all these years. Brothers yes, soulmates no. NOPE. NO WAY, WHAT THE FUCK.

You get up and walk over to them. You grab both of their left hands and show them the tattoos. You peek inside your shirt and confirm you have the soulmates date above your heart, and tell them to check their chests as well. You strangely feel calm being around the two of them and less like a victim of some K-Pop Serial Killer drama that you stepped into, and you realize they also both settle down while you’re holding onto them.

Namjoon gets up and begins to explain that though it’s rare, there are known cases of multiple soulmates. They are harder to find because all of the mates must be together for their souls to connect. Once they do connect though the bond is stronger than a normal soulmates bond and can come with difficulties due to the relationship aspect of it. Prejudice often follows a poly soulmate connection due to the narrow mindedness of society and can often be looked down on. He tells the three of you that you should tell management right away so they can have a plan in place. Fans aren’t always supportive of their bias’s soulmates, and Y/N having two of the most popular idols in Korea as hers are going to come with challenges. Especially with you being a foreigner.

You three look at each other and back at Namjoon, silently agreeing to these terms. He also suggests you three need time together alone to get to know about each other because you all three had different lives leading up to today, and it would be best to figure out where you all should go from here. Other people’s feelings and relationships are going to be affected by what has happened and you all needed to be prepared for any backlash.

“Ok, now that this is all settled can we please get some dinner?” You hear from the other bed where apparently Yoongi has been napping throughout all the mental breakdowns.

To be continued...

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