#but I'd a) would have to get serious and learn how to make good and proper edits for real this time lol

[nexus-nebulae]

another childhood bucket list item obtained: i finally have a snuggie

[breezymichelle99]

Viral Soft Launch | LN

Handsomer by Russ (remix)

Summary: Lando and you had always had a very private relationship, always keeping to yourself until a fun little tik tok trend helps you soft launch your relationship.

Warnings: Pretty much none. All fluff. Some sexual innuendo, dirty song lyrics, private relationship, sweet cute bf Lando.

You and Formula one driver, Lando Norris have been dating each other privately for about a year now, there have been rumors but nothing has been confirmed about you two at this time, and to be honest you and Lando liked it that way.. You had been begging him for weeks now to do this silly little Tik Tok trend with you that you had seen other couples doing, even if you didn’t post it to your respective social media accounts you still wanted to make a fun memory with him.

Finally you got him to agree. “Alright Alright, If this is what you want? Tell me what I have to do.” he says with a smirk looking down at you pouting up at him, his thumb running across your bottom lip. “You are the best Lan, I love you so much.” your eyes sparkle at him. You hear him chuckle. “I love you too, Y|N.” his green eyes shining with so much love and admiration for his silly girlfriend. “Okay I'm going to need you to memorize these lyrics.” you say handing him a piece of paper with your handwriting on it. The lyrics to The Remix of Russ’s “Handsomer.” written across it. He looks over at you shaking his head with a laugh. “It's a good thing I love you.” he says, placing a kiss to the top of your head as he leaves you in the living room to practice your part.

After a few hours Lando joins you back in the living room. “I think I’m ready.” he says with a smirk as he watches you practicing your part along with some choreography he feared he would have to learn. You look up at him giving him a wink. “Perfect, me too.” you say pulling him to you and standing on your tippy toes to kiss his perfect little nose. “Here's what I'd like to do.” you say directing him. He lets you drag him around the living room trying to find the best lighting. “Perfection.” you say looking over at Lando glowing in the sunlight of your shared living room. “I want to do each of our parts and then merge them together.” you say. “I’ll do you, you do me.” you say making Lando laugh. “Cut it out Norris.” you laugh playfully shoving him away from you. His dirty mind always getting him into trouble. “Alright alright, sorry serious business, my bad.” he still can’t keep himself from chuckling. You roll your eyes at him. “Since you can’t be serious apparently. You’re going first.” you say pointing for him to return to the designated filming spot. “Bossy much.” he jokes sticking his tongue out at you but doing what he’s told of course. You return the favor sticking out your tongue back at him. Lando raises his eyebrow and opens his mouth to make a comment about putting that tongue to much better use but he decides to keep his mouth shut and do what he’s told.

“Please feel free to have fun with it.” you say winking at him. “So I shouldn’t just stand here like a lump and mumble the lyrics? Rats, that was my whole plan.” he teases you once more. “You know what, never mind.” you sigh walking away, giving up on his continuous bullying and this cute idea you wanted to do with him. “No, no baby come back, I’m sorry I’ll be more serious I swear.” he begs not wanting to see the disappointment on your adorable face any longer. You give him a long side eye. “Ok.” you whisper returning to your filming spot. “Ready when you are princess.” he says with a wink. “On the count of three, okay baby?” you say he nods. “One..Two..Three.” you say pressing Play.

Much to your surprise Lando had really taken his part seriously. “I know I’m fine, but the money makes me handsomer. Walk around, smellin’ like a come-up, and the answer for her problems, but I’m not him, I don’t mind it though. You don’t like me how you think you do, I like it though.” he finishes his part in a fit of laughter. “I'm sorry but this is ridiculous.” he says running his hands through his curls as he rewatches his rap, with both of you laughing hysterically by the end. “Alright missy no more stalling your turn.” he says taking your phone from you. He had no clue what your part was going to be so he was in for a little treat. You take your spot ready whenever he is. You nod. “On the count of three angel face.” he winks. You nod again, locking in. “One..Two..Three.” he says.

“I won’t lie, that extra coin don’t hurt But I gets money baby, I just rather spend yours first. I know for sure the pussy worth more than an Hermes purse.” Lando bites his bottom lip keeping in his gasp as he watches you in pure awe. “I got the best on earth, so that dick better come with some perks. Yeah you fine, and the money caught my eye too but there's a big difference between you and my side dude. You be all up in between them thighs, he’s who I lie to.” you pause winking at him licking your lips. An almost moan leaves Lando’s lips. Damn you were sexy. “You get my titties in your face, he getting side-boob.” you stop laughing hysterically falling into his arms.. You rewatch it laughing hysterically, you both try it a few more times finally deciding to just do it together instead of making separate videos, before you are fully satisfied, each time ending with the pair of you in a fit of uncontrollable laughter. the final take has you both laughing hysterically, lando kissing you softly the pair of you looking at each other completely in love. “That’s it, that's the one.” you say with a soft sweet smile on your face, as you edit the final cut and save it to your phone. Playing it back for Lando.

“This turned out so cute and fun, thanks for convincing me to do it with you.” he laughs, pulling you into his arms. “Thank you for agreeing to do it with me.” you say kissing his cheek gently. You see Lando smirk. “What?” you ask him caressing his cheek with your soft fingertips. “There's no side dude looking at your side boob? Right??” he asks with a laugh. You smack him playfully. “Seriously? Of course not you should know better than that.. You are my one and only Lan.” you smirk. The pair of you stare at each other for a moment before you sigh.

“I know how we like to keep ourselves private so I don’t think we should share it.” you say. Lando can see the sadness in your eyes as the words leave your lips. You knew why you kept things private but sometimes you just really wanted to be able to share the love and joy you had for your sweet boyfriend. He kisses your lips softly. “Whatever you think is best princess, at least we have the moment for us.” he says . There is something mischievous in his eyes. You let out a sigh. “It's probably for the best.” you say setting your phone down on the table, kissing Lando on the cheek and heading into the kitchen to grab a drink. Lando smirks. He had a plan.

He takes your phone and sends the video to himself. He knows the reason why you two had remained private about your relationship but he thought it was about time he shared the love he had for the most beautiful sweet girl he had ever known. You walk back into the living room to grab your phone, so you can put on some music while you cook for the two of you. He knew this was the perfect opportunity. He heard you digging around in the cupboard pulling out pots and pans, the soft hum of Martin Garrix coming from where you were. He smirks as he takes to his instagram to post the video of you two. “You are the answer to all my problems.” he captioned the video after a popular lyric in the song, tagging you and hitting share.. He hears everything in the kitchen stop. He smiles as the video had finally uploaded to his instagram.

“Lando?” he hears you call to him. He can’t help but smirk. “Yeah babe.” he says as you meet him in the hall, phone in hand. You eye him. “You just couldn’t help yourself could you?” you laugh at your idiot boyfriend. He pulls you close. “I couldn’t help it, we looked so cute and had so much fun, I couldn’t let that go to waste, plus you worked so hard to get me to do it with you, and looked so disappointed when we decided not to share it.” he says. “What about our privacy?” you ask him, as he brushes a strand of your hair from your face and tucks it behind your ear. “We’ll deal with it as it comes my love, there isn’t a single thing we can’t handle together.” he says kissing your lips reassuring you that everything was going to be alright. At this time you were sure the internet was probably going wild with your relationship finally confirmed.

You decide to follow Lando’s lead and share his post to your story. “#SoftLaunch I love you 😘 Thanks for being silly with me babe. You are my everything 🥰” you were so happy you finally got to share this love you had with everyone. Lando’s fans were going crazy, loving you two finally going public. There had been so many rumors since you’d been in the paddock so much but you two had always been careful about putting your relationship into the public eye but it was kind of refreshing to finally be out in the open sharing your love for each other and being able to announce your relationship in such a fun way, which fans were absolutely loving. You couldn’t wait to be able to get him to do the next Tik Tok trend with you.

The End.

[kaurwreck]

I think you're right that it's significant, and I think Mori is clever to recognize that Akutagawa is a rook.

Like a rook, Akutagawa is powerful, but generally contained and often undercut by his predictability. However, because he's keenly aware of his own constraints, and because others often aren't (especially regarding variables they've internalized as known), he's able to play into and against his own predictability to paradoxically surprise them.

He moves within the confines of his rigidity to shape outcomes, sometimes more effectively than his more dynamic opponents and peers. Rooks do that too, if you let them.

Me, knowing nothing about chess, probably overthinking the significance of referencing akutagawa in this scene, but is going to look it up later anyways

[erwinsvow]

Pregnant with pope’s baby after a month of dating?! Gorlllllll I want it

What’s wrong with me??

i need to elaborate on this after my exam tm but like. oh my god. the ideas are just ideaing so good for this plot. first of all being so shaky and scared about telling him because he literally has only known you a few months and you're knocked up and he probably thinks you're trying to trap him or something and you don't even know how to get the words out. just not ready to be a mom and not sure if he even wants kids or will want you after this—though you can't imagine him being mean to you. he's never been anything even close to the realm of mean to you. and you try to imagine his reaction and what you'll say if he's upset and you can't think of anything either. so you tell him and start crying from the nerves and the hormones and telling him you're sorry and he's doing that think where he just stares and doesn't say anything but you really need him to say something this time. and then i said this once before but it's we're having a baby? and normally i'd say it would be realllyyy fun to explore the non-married having a baby story like it would be so cute and doing all these firsts quickly like moving in together and trying to figure out how to live together and adjust to each other but. i just don't think it would be like that!!!! this is andrew we are talking about. imagined a whole life with you in his head that he thought, if anything, you might not want to be a part of the longer you spend with him. goes dizzy when he thinks of how you're carrying his baby. that you will always be connected to him because of the baby. that you two made that baby together. especially as you fill out and get more hormonal and clingier and he's just... very happy. the way you two act people would think you've been together years and years. it still comes out in certain ways—he barely sleeps and you can only take so many nature documentaries. you want yellow or green for the nursery but he says something about blue or pink. in the very beginning right after you tell him, he goes to city hall to get a marriage license and you have to have a serious talk about it (though he wins that conversation—babies need a stable household with two parents under the same roof with the same last name. what are you supposed to do? you agree with him and you're hormonal and very much in love with the father of your baby and so you jump into a decision that maybe should have been made in the future, but, oh well. love makes you do crazy things.) and well, you don't get the chance to have a flashy engagement ring because you were never actually a fiancee—you made the jump from girlfriend to wife overnight. you move to a nicer place where he paints the nursery (yellow! you won that argument at least) and doesn't let you help. goes to one of those pregnancy classes with you but you two don't make it to the third class—they keep asking the husbands and wives to talk about each other and the things the other one loves to keep a strong connection after the baby comes or whatever and you and andrew don't know that much about each other. but you both learn, that's what matters. and guess what!!!! its twins

[thechy-fychannel]

I saw a few other blogs doing this so I thought I'd share my input on what I think would happen in the House MD universe in 2024:

the constant jokes abt house and wilson's relationship turns into the fellows jokingly writing fanfic abt their boss and his boy best friend. somewhere along the way they all get very serious abt the quality of it and it turns into a Whole Thing, a 150k+ novel that they vow to take to their graves.

house discovers the fic by accident and sends it to wilson. wilson discovers things abt himself and then he and house discover each other shortly thereafter.

house purposefully posts the fic online and credits the fellows by their entire full names so it embarrasses them more than house and wilson. It's never spoken abt again but it gets way more online attention than any of them expected.

wilson doesn't get how the Cloud works and accidentally uploads his and house's nudes to the google nest hub on his desk. He doesn't notice it until one of his sweet little old lady cancer patients points it out to him during their appointment. He throws the google nest hub into his trash can until he can figure out how to get the naked pictures off of it.

house has an alexa and abuses the hell out of it. sometimes ppl hear him screaming at someone in his office, only to walk in and find a robotic voice replying with "sorry, I didn't get that" and house throws it off the balcony.

wilson gets addicted to online shopping. house has to stage an intervention bc they do not have enough room in their closet for another pair of prada loafers and their kitchen is full of shitty gadgets that wilson bought off temu or something.

some right wing social media influencer comes in with a mysterious illness and ends up getting castrated as part of the solution. 13 personally does the procedure herself and house watches like a proud dad.

a patient reveals chase's grindr by shoving his phone at him and asking "is this you?" abt the headless profile with the ripped abs that says Dr. Feel Good, 0 feet away, in front of the rest of the team.

foreman finds the team doing tiktok dances bc house told them to learn it in order to understand their 15 yr old patient better.

chase medically murders mitch mcconnel and the entire hospital celebrates ding dong the witch is dead style.

there's a whole episode where house faces his transphobia bc of a trans patient that he connects with. the patient tells him to fuck off and go face his own problems instead of pretending to make it right by being nice to one trans person. And house does, even if he's not perfect, he really tries to do better.

13 gets her medical marijuana card and accidentally becomes the team's plug. her main customer is wilson who still supplies it to certain terminal patients. She hears "hey, can I hit your pen?" at least four times a day.

foreman buys a tesla and it blows up in the parking lot. they spend the entire episode trying to figure out who tried to kill foreman, but it turns out that teslas just do that sometimes.

there's an episode where house finds out that netflix is removing his favorite obscure tv show that ran for 2 seasons in 2002 and wilson recruits the team to hunt down a dvd copy of it without house finding out. they somehow manage to find one and spend a ridiculous amount of money on it, only to open the dvd case and find a copy of the porno wilson starred in that one time instead of the dvd of the show. park saves the day at the last minute by finding a copy of it in a box of dvds in her parents house.

[so-i-did-this-thing]

I hope this isn't invasive or weird, but do you have any advice or anything for someone who tried to transition but it sort've...didn't work? I don't have a name to put to it, but apparently I have something with my body where it just doesn't absorb things the way it's supposed to. I was put on the highest dose of testosterone they could safely give me, and other than making my voice just *slightly* deeper - not enough to pass - and making me fuzzy, it did nothing. I was basically told that was about as good as it was going to get and I'd never actually be passing. I've been trying to detransition but that isn't really working well either, mostly due to the inaccessibility of the doctors my insurance actually cover to someone who can't pay three hundred dollars a visit just for gas to get there because of how far they are. I tried doing the nonbinary thing but that's just...not me. I can't be an inbetween. I want to just be one thing or the other, and it's incredibly frustrating to not be able to just...do that. Especially when I know the ability and resources are THERE, they're just not accessible to *me*. Seeing people who have done it successfully and are living their best lives both makes me feel hopeful, but also makes me just feel more jealous and frustrated because I can't be that. I don't know if you might have any advice for someone who is in a situation like I am, but if you did, I'd be thankful for it.

Your frustration is very real and it sounds like there's a lot of internal and external obstacles you face. I wouldn't recommend going it alone - a therapist or community group can help you figure out a path forward. Assuming you want to try remaining living as a man: I'd encourage you to seek out other folks who cannot medically transition, or who are on HRT and stay on it, despite not passing. Also look at trans-friendly detransitioner communities. You may also want to research testosterone in different forms (if you have not already) - I'm not sure what you started with -- gel, injection, etc.

I am not in your situation, but I do think a lot about how I'd try to comfort myself if I could no longer be on HRT and wished to remain living as a man. My own checklist is:

Get whatever surgeries I need to ward off dysphoria

Get serious about voice training (I know my voice would not change back, but it still gives me dysphoria)

Double down on wardrobe & style

Cultivate new gender envies in men who share a lot of my physical traits, especially the ones that give me dysphoria (I really need to do this more anyway, it's been good for me)

Remind myself that trans men have existed and still exist who never went on HRT

Surround myself with people who still affirm me

I'd also like to very gently ask you to think about how important passing is to your identity and where you set your original passing goals. I've learned a lot about loving my transness and the marks its left on my body from trans woman and nonbinary communities, even though I have a strong male identity as pass for cis (with my clothes on). It's worth spending more time outside of trans masc groups.

I encourage folks in your shoes who have their own thoughts to add on to this post. Please take care, you and everyone in this situation. <3

[chocoqtelle]

inner child pac reading

🦀 pile one,,

I know we're used to being super helpful, but it's good to help yourself too. you should always make sure you're okay first. It's important for us to be okay, even if other people don't think so. we should think so. things are gonna be okay for us. they always are. I want to do the things we like. I don't understand why you care about what people think now. I think we should try doing what we like more, even if it's embarrassing. it doesn't have to take a lot of time. it's just good to have fun sometimes. maybe you can get back into some of our old interests if you want?

it seems like this pile had to mature quickly and was overly generous in childhood. this likely led to some people pleaser habits. when the world said "be nice" and "care about others" you took it to heart, but it felt like you were the only one who did. you felt like you had to be the adult in your childhood and care for other people around you. for some of you, you may have had to care for a parental/older familiar figure or your siblings. you're used to changing your words and your personality to be more digestible and gentle because this strong fear of conflict. you were scared of people being mean to you, so you avoided making anyone mad. it was like you were always tiptoeing over eggshells. now, you don't have to, so there's no point in worrying about people who don't worry about you. you'd be doing yourself and your inner child a favor by doing what you want. it might feel wrong to be yourself, but at least try. I won't delve too much into this part, but I believe some people in this pile also dealt with being oversexualized or being hyper sexual at a young age. I think it's important to know you're more than what you can give others for this pile. please also take a break for the love of god.

🐸 pile two,,

It's hard to feel loved if nobody shows you. at the same time, i don't think I'd want to be loved. it seems weird and uncomfortable. I'm not used to it so it's scary. I still wish that someone would care at least. it feels like nobody else cares. I'm really tired of things being silent and boring all the time. I want to do something fun. I want friends but I want to be by myself. people think I'm weird, but I think they're the weird ones. they can avoid me but I wouldn't wanna be friends with them anyway. it doesn't matter if it's lonely, I don't feel less lonely around people anyway. some people think I'm mean. I don't think I'm mean. i heard I look mean or I act mean sometimes, but what if that's just who I am? I don't try to be mean to people. I just don't want people to hurt me.

holy neglect trauma... there's a lot to unpack here 😓 first off, I hope you're alright. it seems like this pile never really learned how to interact with people and is probably still a bit of a people hater. this pile has had to keep strong boundaries and walls on to protect themselves from unfamiliar experiences (being spoken to positively.) if you've never experienced something, it can be scary but you have to stop thinking every little thing is gonna go wrong in your life. it's fine. separate note but I think someone's ancestors are very present here, might want to connect with them if you don't already. you can try to shut down the feelings of loneliness and pretend connection won't help but it does. you're probably not connected with your inner child or you're ashamed of yourself for some reason. trying to be cold won't undo anything or save you from the feelings you're hiding. you'll have to acknowledge them at some point. escapism and forcing ignorance wont help forever. hopefully it'll be sooner than later, but that's your choice. it's okay to be soft, btw.

🐕 pile three,,

I know what I'm talking about. I'm serious. I wish people would take me more seriously. i get good grades, I study hard, I always prove how smart I am. for some reason, people still act like I'm too young and stupid to have opinions or that what I say is just silly, especially with emotions. they act like having emotions makes you a less rational person. some people look down on me for who I am, too. it's not something I can change. whether it's gender, age, or whatever, people always want an excuse to ignore how I feel or what I have to say. I know I'm right though. I don't want us to stop expressing ourselves. I wanna share how I feel to the world.

this pile is extremely opinionated and knows how to share their emotions. this pile is for the "bossy" kids who "should have been lawyers" or "a CEO" according to every adult around them. you were emotional as a child and it was always ignored or joked off as if your feelings were invalid. this pile is definitely natural-born leaders so if you aren't/never have been aspiration-driven or "extra" this pile probably isn't yours. the most healing thing you can do for yourself at this point is speak up. continue to speak about everything. share your opinion more, it's safe now and people will actually take you seriously. be emotional, be too much, be annoying, be talkative, be over-opinionated, be everything you feel like being and don't let anyone talk you out of it. lead your life how you want to. call everything out, even if it means being weird. I definitely feel like some people in this pile had the gifted kid experience or liked to read a lot when they were younger. there's also some unresolved anger that might need to be taken care of. I think speaking up more instead of bottling feelings up will definitely help that, though. you're not stupid or weak for being emotional. just be yourself unapologetically and that's the best thing you can do for your younger self.

[inkedinserendipity]

murderbot network effect spoilers under the cut. i am so serious.

CHEWING AND SCREAMING AND GNAWING AT THE BARS OF MY CAGE!!!!

one of my favorite freaking things about this whole book is murderbot's squad trying to protect it. and it just has no idea what to do with that. murderbot goes "i'll go alone" and art goes "you will not go alone" and murderbot goes "fuck you art" and art goes "i can't lose you too"

and murderbot goes ?????

and i went !!!!!!

god i had to put the book down and scream. when i read that.

plus it was directly preceded by murderbot's entire crew being like "hey chucklefuck. we're going with you. your veto powers have been revoked." beginning with thiago! who murderbot is still convinced doesn't like it!!

side note because this is constantly funny: murderbot will assume you don't like it while admiring you as a person. and then it would die for you. and then if you express any sort of reciprocal loyalty it rears back like it's been bit by a snake

which is especially funny from people like arada, who could not be further from a snake if they tried

GOD IT'S JUST. the loyalty. it's the *clenches fist* it's the it's the

it's the way art showed its crew pictures of murderbot. they recognized it by its face!! it's the way as soon as iris knew that was peri's secunit they started to hope they'd be rescued!! it's the way art must have talked about murderbot to its crew, because art made a friend!

it's the way that and okay i know this is for the long post where i ramble about wells's craft but it's the way that the character development and relationships are so rewarding if you think through the implications. because on the surface the moment of secunit 3 commenting that "transport is very angry" when trying to evacuate its crew so that it can negotiate with the hostiles is like, yeah, it just got its crew back, i'd be pissed too.

but then you take a step back and go oh, the reason it wants its crew back right now and sounds very angry rather than relieved is because murderbot is down there. and it wants to vacate the planet. so that it can bomb the shit out of the planet. because murderbot is its friend.

and then you have a moment of oh that's really sweet and also fucking terrifying?? your nickname is "peri"? why are you actually frightening???

GOD! FUCK!!

SCREAMING AND GNAWING!!

AND ALSO JUST, this book in particular is everything i freaking wanted from this series. a culmination of all the connections murderbot's made: its crew, its friend art - and the loyalty it's inspired entirely unintentionally. and i was so fucking happy to just have art and murderbot on a mission together, learning how to be friends despite both being absolute assholes who couldn't communicate to save their own lives. but then i got the small hints of art actually talking about murderbot, and trusting it (and vice versa), and then i got a fucking rescue mission that these idiots are about to stage, and god. it's wish fulfillment in a book. this book is everything i could have wanted and i am not exaggerating one bit.

when i realized murderbot was about to get dropped and have to be rescued i lost my goddamn mind. it's just. wells knows exactly what is gratifying for a reader. she did not rush this story because she knows what she's doing with delayed gratification, and i'm so happy she kept this plotline in her back pocket until book six because that makes it so much sweeter. the marination, the fucking - the character development, guys, it's so good.

i will be back. when i have read more pages of this book i will be back. i am just at the beginning of the rescue attempt. no spoilers! or i'll cry! on you!

[thezombieprostitute]

Royal Pain

Summary: You talked back to Ransom and now you're getting married to him!

Warnings: Arranged marriage, Bad parents, Fat shaming, Insecure reader. Please let me know if I missed any!

Word Count: ~2k

A/N: Reader is plus sized, female. No other physical descriptors used.

"You've done so well!" you're father beams.

"I... I have?" You'd been expecting a lecture on your bad manners. A reminder that you are supposed to take insults from those of a higher standing with a show of grace.

"Normally I'd consider your actions disgraceful," he admits. "But because of Duke Drysdale's response, and Prince Rogers' rebuke of said response, Dutchess Drysdale has offered us a marriage with her son as an apology!"

Your jaw drops.

"Close your mouth before you draw flies, my dear."

You shake your head to clear your shock. "I'm...to be married. To Duke Drysdale?"

"Yes! And our family will rise in the ranks as a result."

"But he's awful!" you argue. "Ransom publicly humiliated me. He's clearly not going to want this marriage, either."

"Oh nonsense," your father dismisses. "He'll settle into just like you will. Just like your mother and I. Just like his parents. It's how things are done. Now, we've got a week to prepare for the initial courting. Make sure you don't embarrass the family name by sulking about it."

"Yes, father."

"You have got to be shitting me!" Ransom shouts at his mother.

"You made a scene at the King's gala!" Linda objected.

"How was it a scene? It was just banter?!"

"You insulted a woman from a good family and stormed off when she hit back! Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was?! The Prince had to pull you aside! At a public setting!"

"And how is forcing a marriage between us going to help anyone?!"

"It's an apology to her family by bringing them up a level in the social standings. They've already agreed to it on her behalf "

"This is bullshit!"

"I thought it's what you wanted! You wouldn't stop talking about her so I figured she was of interest to you. I'd never heard you talk about anyone as much as you did her!"

"She's going to be an embarrassment! Have you seen her?"

"It's that kind of thinking that got you into this!" Linda yells, exasperation in every word. "It's time you learn that actions have consequences."

"Like you've ever had to deal with consequences," Ransom snorts.

"I've had to deal with your consequences for far too long! How do you think you've been able to get away with half the shit you do?"

Ransom crosses his arms and huffs

"This might be the best thing that could ever happen to you," Linda surmised. "You have your first courting in about a week and you will be on your best behavior and you will not embarrass this family again!"

Ransom sneers and storms out.

The restaurant is much more high class than you like. You're already going to be on edge about your weight because Ransom will be there, you don't need others commenting on your eating habits as well. Sure you stood up to Ransom but you'd had exhaustion and a bit of alcohol to help with that. And a certainty that you'd never have to be around him again. So much for that.

Rather than picking you up from your home, Ransom had agreed to meet you at the restaurant. Your father wanted to protest but you countered it would be easier on all parties for Ransom to have some wins. You're an adult, you can drive yourself.

Besides, it might help sell the the relationship as real. Linda Drysdale was one of the few women to not marry for a title. She fought hard for her father, the late Duke Harlan Thrombey, to pass his title to her instead of one of her brothers. So showing up to the date in your own car might spark some rumors about Linda approving of you. Or that Ransom has some serious mommy issues. Either way, you get a small win.

An arm wraps around yours as you approach the front entrance, startling you.

"Oh, did I scare you, sweetheart?" Ransom asked sarcastically. "That's bad for our image."

"And clearly so are bad manners," you rebut, plastering a fake smile on so no one could see your distaste. "Otherwise there's no way the Dutchess would approve of this union."

Ransom huffs, "yeah, she said something about consequences. I don't know. I wasn't really listening."

"You don't listen to others, yet you expect others to listen to you. Such a jackass." You keep your tone and body language playful only for the sake of the public watching you.

"What was that? I wasn't listening," he smirks.

"Oh, don't be afraid to ask for help remembering how to use silverware. I know your manners are rusty."

"I may be rude but I'm not an idiot," he growls through his own fake smile.

"Then how did you end up with me instead of one of those pretty girls hanging on your arm at the gala?" you ask, batting your eyelashes.

His retort is interrupted by the hostess. She smiles politely but you can see the judgement in her eyes. You're not good enough for him. Well, you don't look good enough for him. She does, so she's clearly better than you.

She leads you to a table that will afford you some privacy. Ransom holds the chair out for you, surprising you.

"Oh, thank you," you smile sincerely for the first time all night.

"Have to put on a good show," he grouses. "Can't have anyone doubting my manners."

"Still, thank you, Ransom."

It could just be the lighting, but you swear you see him blush a little. He takes his seat and opts to hide behind the menu. You take that as a sign he's not up for talking and opt to look over the menu for yourself.

You ask him, "just to make sure, will I also be paying for my own dinner?"

His jaw drops, "why the hell would you do that?"

"I'm just double checking," you retort. "Don't want to be embarrassed by accidentally dining and ditching."

"This is supposed to be a date," he growls.

"One I had to drive myself to," you shrug. "Didn't know if we were going halfsies on anything else."

Your argument is cut off by the waiter arriving. After they take your orders you breathe deep and face your "fiance".

"So---" You stop as Ransom rolls his eyes.

"Do we have to do this? Neither of us wants this, so why are we going along with it?"

"For the same reason we do anything we don't want to: our parents," you shrug.

He huffs at that. "Fair enough. If yours are anything like mine, we're stuck together."

"Yup."

An uncomfortable silence falls over you both, the only interruption in the form of your drinks arriving.

When the server steps away you ask, "when did you start hating me?"

"I didn't hate you until I was told I'd have to marry you. Before that I was simply looking for an easy target. You caught my eye "

"So you were checking me out," you smirk.

His jaw tightens, "that's not what happened."

"No, but considering the press, and how everyone knows about our fight, we have to come up with something. Saying I caught your eye is a good start. Just leave out the part where you felt immediate revulsion at the sight of me "

"If we have to have a story we can go the bullshit route of 'pulling your pigtails' because I didn't know how to express my interest," he sighs in annoyance.

"Good call," you nod. "People will eat that up."

For a second Ransom gives you a confused look before reverting back to his usual haughty facial expression. "Yeah, well, it's a pretty common one."

"Still..." you're met with an icy silence. "Alright, slight change in topic?"

"Do you always talk so much?"

"Only when there's a lot to talk about."

"What is there to say?" he whispers angrily. "We're set up to continue the tradition of unhappy marriages. What do we need to discuss that can't be handled by a public relations agent?"

"Just because the marriage is unhappy doesn't mean we have to be miserable," you shoot back, eyes hard. "We can negotiate some things between us regarding the living situation."

Ransom leans forward. To an outside observer it might look like he's getting a closer look at your eyes. But you can see the hate in his glare. "Separate rooms for when you're on your period or when you finally get pregnant. That way I don't have to deal with your hormonal bullshit."

"I can agree to that," you hit back with a smile. "Though I propose we hold off on an heir. That way we don't have to touch each other."

"You'll never get them to agree to that."

"Prince Rogers will soon be engaged, yes?" Ransom nods in confirmation. "Well if his wife gets knocked up right away, we wouldn't want to look like we're competing by having our own so soon, right? And if she doesn't, well we wouldn't want to be rude and draw attention to her fertility issues, would we?"

Ransom raises an eyebrow. "That's not bad. The problem is, I need sex."

"So get a mistress. Or a side piece."

"If I didn't have to keep my image clean, I would," he says through gritted teeth. "One blip of infidelity gets to my mother, I lose everything."

"Then hire someone?" you suggest. "They get paid to keep quiet, right?"

"I've tried that. Linda keeps too close an eye on the finances."

"Well then I'll guess you'll have to invest in lotion," you roll your eyes. He gives you a mean look and you scoff, "I'm not going to sleep with someone who thinks I look hideous."

Ransom rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "I never said that."

"So commenting on my size was just, what? Complimenting my resourcefulness in finding a designer who caters to plus size women?"

"I didn't..." Ransom scowls, biting his lower lip.

"And your lack of surprise at my relationship status? Was that simply congratulating me on avoiding an unhappy marriage for as long as I did?"

"It wasn't..." Ransom shakes his head.

"Because those ladies you were with certainly seemed to take it the same way I did. Maybe you should learn to communicate more clearly."

Ransom nearly slams his hand on the table, his teeth grinding in frustration, but you don't back away. You meet his rage fueled stare with your own. He's not the first person to look down on you, treat you as lesser, simply because of your figure. You won't bow down him just because he's your future husband.

The contest of wills is interrupted by your food being brought out. You smile and politely thank the server. Even Ransom gives a small nod, grateful for the break in tension.

"It seems like something we can agree on is that we each have a room for ourselves," you start. "A room where we can go and not be bothered by the other." Ransom nods, avoiding looking at you. "Do you know anything about our living situation after the wedding?"

"A smaller manor on my family's property," he states between bites. "Hasn't been used in some time so Linda's got crews looking it over for cleaning and upgrades."

"I'm going to guess we don't get a say in how the place looks?" You focus your gaze on your food. If he won't look at you, you won't look at him.

"I'll see about making sure we can add whatever furniture or decorations we want. But walls, flooring, whatever, that'll be all her."

"That's a relief," you nod. "Can we get a tour before the wedding?"

"I'm sure it can be arranged after it's cleaned up."

"Thank you for that," you nod.

Ransom lets out a heavy sigh, and you break your gaze away from your plate just in time to see traces of that same confused expression from earlier.

Tagging: @alicedopey ; @delicatebarness ; @icefrozendeadlyqueen ; @irishhappiness ; @kmc1989; @lokislady82 ; @peaches1958 ; @ronearoundblindly; @theinheriteddutchess; @thiquefunlover63

[sharkylass]

ALRIGHT IN STARS AND TIME FANDOM, I'M BOUT TO HIT YOU WITH MY TAKE ON THE BELOVED SISTER!!

Those who don't want to get spoiled about little details about Bonnie's sister (or the game at all for that matter- There's spoilers for Act 3 and 4 in here so YOU'VE BEEN WARNED)

SAY HELLO TO PETRONILLE!! Or how I am going to call her, Nil. I've seen a few people do their take on her, and I wanted to join in!

@insertdisc5 I am sorry in advance if you have a vision for her, especially if it is WILDLY different to mine-

KEEP IN MIND, I AM GOING TO BE RANTING A LOT, IVE HAD THIS IN THE MAKING FOR A WHILE, THERE'S MORE ART, SO SKIP AHEAD IF YOU'D LIKE

First thing's first! I tried to figure out what she would look like in the original style. I didn't want to overly detail her with my normal style, and I wanted her to somewhat fit in with the rest. Bonnie was clearly the strongest inspiration , she has their eyes, the black hair, white thing around their head to bring attention to her face- That's also why she has lip piercings! To bring more attention to her face (and due to Bonnie's earring type, I assumed piercings can exist in the world)

Her ear has 3 earrings, that was not intentional, I just thought it was cool. I like to think they perceive those as "regular" earrings, and even if a person wears bonding earrings, they can also wear more normal earrings.

I just had the image of her not really having a short range weapon, so maybe it's time for someone with a semi-long range weapon to join the team! In my head Nil seemed to be the type to like getting dirty with her hands, so a rope seemed fitting somehow.

Also- She is paper type! I liked the idea of her looking like such a rock type, but being paper. I considered making her dual type, but since those are rare, I didn't want to get ahead of myself. Admittedly, that does make the party a little overloaded with paper types, so if she was to be in a game with balancing, I'd probably change her to rock or something. BUT AS A CHARACTER THING- she remains paper.

(EDIT: I was just reminded of the huge hammer she broke a wall with, so that is ABSOLUTELY a valid replacement weapon for her. If she was rock type that would be her weapon for sure. Altho it IS funny to imagine she broke the wall and swore off heavy weapons for life. I like to think thats what happened with my take on Nil)

Mechanically I think she wouldn't be too dissimular to Isabeau, but instead of boosting the party, she debuffs the enemy. Particularly slowing them down, and lowing defense. Alternatively, I can see her being a second healer of sorts, but while Mira is good at healing everyone, Nil is good at healing a single person and giving them a boost (just things she learned to take care of Bon). I do see her attack not being that high tho, probably lower then Mira.

ALRIGHT, TIME FOR MORE ART

Her dynamics with everyone:

Bonnie:

I like to think Bonnie got their spunky attitude from somewhere. So I like to think Nil is very playful with them, even if she is looking out for them. Bonnie clearly knows the difference between lighthearted serious, and SERIOUS serious. They also seem to revel in compliments, so I like to imagine they are used to receiving them from their sister!

Nil is the most serious around Bonnie tho. As their sole caretaker, she's trying her best to keep them out of trouble while teaching them and letting them grow at a normal pace.

However, when she's with the adults- I described it like- Around Bonnie she can be serious and a voice of reason. When she's with adults tho she herself becomes the Bonnie, so to speak. She's loud and a bit hot-headed.

Mirabelle:

I swear I saw Insertdisc mention that Mira and Nil would have a bit of a rivalry going on AND I'M SO HERE FOR IT-

The two of them are those siblings that fight constantly, but the moment someone else gives either of them shit, the other will go for the jugular. They mainly try to compete for Bon's affection and who's the better sister, and they get a bit... blindsighted. Nil usually doesn't go out of her way to spoil Bonnie I don't think, I think she tries to be reasonable with them where she can. However with Mira in the picture it becomes- a little hard... Nil doesn't like the thought that she's being replaced

However, if either of them needs it, the other will be there. Nil provides Mira with a strong shoulder to lean on, and Mira provides an emotional yet reasonable approach to the situation bothering Nil.

Odile:

I like to think at first Nil didn't really get along with Odile. Supposedly Nil has a bad relationship with her parents, so I imagine her seeing someone who's a parent aged adult who holds seemingly more authority- It would... Unnerve her for a little while.

Odile will probably give her something to do, and Nil would refuse, because who is Odile to be ordering her around?? You know. Like a child. But with time they get used to the dynamic, Nil grows to respect Odile at the very least, and Odile picks up on the fact Nil seems to respond positively to positive reinforcement from her.

Having someone close, to break that pre build idea in Nil's head with positivity, despite Odile being strict and struggling to show affection- It would do her a lot of good, and Nil will eventually thank her, and apologize for being so rough to her in the beginning.

Isabeau:

Isa and Nil are actually very similar- I did not mean for it, but I hope they don't end up being TOO similar.

They are both loud, love to laugh and take care of those they love. Even their hobbies are a bit more similar then everyone else. Nil likes gardening, and taking care of things, and Isa likes to create clothes. Both of them are in a way creating something. Nil making sure what she's taking care of grows to be big and strong, and Isa is more literal-

Where they differ is in smarts partly. Isa is clearly very book smart. I think Nil would turn to him if she had a general question about something (and later on Odile once she gets used to her). She completely encourages him to show more of what he knows.

They also differ in their buffness slightly. While Isa is still the beefiest on the team, he did it with the intention, he trained. Meanwhile I think Nil just likes the field work so she's constantly outside doing heavy dirty work.

I like to think that after being unfrozen, Nil's clothes were roughed up and she didn't really think to or have the time to fix it. So I imagine Isa saw the roughed up state of her pants and gloves, and made her some himself, Which she treasures but GOD she is not used to receiving anything from anyone, LET ALONE gifts.

They also similarly hide their insecurities under bavado. Isa hides his smarts to be liked, and Nil hides her fears so she can be brave. I'll go more into detail when I get to Nil's own section. (I SWEAR I didn't mean for Isa's section to be so long I PROMISE-)

Siffrin:

These two don't do a lot of talking I'd imagine. While Nil is used to being loud, I think she'd get used to the silence around Sif and simply enjoy the quiet.

A lot of the ideas I had with those two were very touch focused. I assume Nil struggles with touch because of potential childhood related traumas, and not being warned sends her into a fight or flight. While Sif is deeply unused to it but craves it.

I still imagine Nil isn't an inherently NOT touchy person- I mean. Bon's the touchiest little guy out there. So maybe she knows how to warn people of when she's about to touch them, AND she is more used to asking for hugs and affection. So after she learns that Sif struggles asking and being startled, she became the person that would encourage them and tell them how to do it. In every single drawing where they're touching just know that either she warned them or they asked for that touch.

Also Nil is a very grounding reminder for Sif that he's not in the loops anymore. So if they get a particular scare, like they were woken up wrong, they had a rough sleep, smelled a banana, remembered the king- anything involving going back- Nil serves as a reminder that they're here, with everyone, in the present. No going back. So that, combined with their touch therapy, it results in him being particularly physically clingy with her. She squeezes their hand ocassionally. It's a grounding reminder.

Nil is also UNBELIEVABLY THANKFUL for Sif, once she learns about how they lost their eye. The fact Sif went out of their way to protect HER little sibling- It means the world to her, and she wouldn't wish it on Sif one bit. She probably holds guilt that she couldn't take the hit for both of them, Bonnie is her responsibility! They probably end up having a conversation similar to Sif telling Mira "Do you think she was wrong? To save you?" She doesn't know about the end of act 3

AAAAAND NIL HERSELF!

A lot of this is already information I mentioned. Her being a paper type, her liking bugs, being traumatized, startled by touch- But I drew these beforehand, so!

I imagine Nil ran away young, cause Bonnie doesn't remember her running from their parents. What happened in there, I do not know and I don't think I'm capable of imagining. It might not even be as dramatic as I illustrated it. But either way, she grew up being the sole caretaker of Bonnie. I'm sure Vaugardians were kind and that they didn't have to struggle too hard for food or a place, or to get Bonnie into a school- But Nil still wanted to learn how to be self sufficient, how to provide in case something happens. It might be why they live in Bambouche honestly, Nil learned how to grow plants and being close to the sea is good for catching a lot of fish! ...It was also at the edge of Vaugarde. Probably the edges where the King's curse reached slower.

She likes getting her hands dirty and working outside, so I imagine she's a bit sunburnt! If only on her shoulders and cheeks.

Growing up alone, self sufficient- She probably had to grow a bit fast (even if she indulges in childish things with Bonbon). She quickly started repressing all fears, all questions of her decision to run away. I imagine she's actually insecure in her abilities, how Bon deserves more capable people in their life, how she doesn't really know anything and how she literally got frozen and Bonnie had to fend for themselves- After Bon comes back, she's so filled with admiration and adoration for her little sibling. They really went to the ends of the earth and saved the world. What a brave little sibling she has.

The new family kind of... Feels like a threat to her title as sister at the start. All 5 of them saved a country. The people Bonnie met are strong, knowledgeable, been all over the world- She's glad they protect Bonnie. She just wishes she had something to offer. It takes her a little while to realize they are also there for her too.

I was ranting to a friend, and I am pretty sure we know Nil would like to travel after everything. Being able to explore her more child like fantasies, with the safety blanket that is the family- It means a lot to her. She gets to truly indulge in living and letting loose and depending on people for the first time in her life.

Afterwards tho... I like to imagine she would settle down. It takes a while, but she likes having a place to call her own. And so we talked about how she would probably have a ranch of some sort. I like to imagine she'd love having horses. A way for her to remain free spirited, while taking care of creatures and having the security of a place to rest at the end of the day. And if she chooses, she can go wherever she wants with those bad boys!

My friend mentioned they might have goats or sheep or chicken, and I'm all aboard for that too. I'm not settled on the idea of a farm life for her, but I like it.

Also if I dare pull a Dreaming One for a second- Bonnie and Sif are like little siblings to her, Mira is like a twin (or relatively same aged), Isa is like an older brother, and Odile the everlasting grandma.

ALRIGHT THAT TOOK A WHILE-

Sorry, I started drawing her for fun and just started BRAINROTTING about her out of nowhere.

I still have little doodle ideas but this was already getting so lengthy so I am going to leave it here, and maybe return another day.

I just deeply wanted to establish Nil as her own character who can fit within the group's dynamic and belong in the family. While she very much IS Bonnie's sister and that's such a big part of her, I wanted to expand her a little further.

If you took the time to read, THANK YOU. I HOPE YOU LIKE HER, AND THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL REST OF YOUR DAY

P.S. IF YOU DRAW OR WRITE WITH HER I BEG YOU TO TAG ME

[webslingingslasher]

spiderman saves cherry one time (but not even from smth serious) and suddenly she falls in love and tells peter ab her new obsession w him that she didn’t understand before and he’s literally cheering on the inside at how she’s closer to falling for him without realising

happy sunday!

--

'you know how you're always trying to get me to like spider-man?'

'yes.'

you hold the back of your hand to your forehead and dramatically swoon, your back lands on peter's bed. 'i've been swayed.' peter's got a strong feeling it's because you ran into spider-man today but he has to pretend he doesn't know that yet.

'did you have another dirty dream?' you gasp at the question, peter rushes out he was just joking. 'you're not funny, fyi.'

'you're cute when you have a crush.' you kick your feet on his bed, peter's being extra annoying. 'i don't have a crush! i was going to tell you i saw him today but nope, nevermind.'

peter knows how to work around your attitude. it's a special trick he's learned. 'you met spider-man? that's so cool, where were you?' you grin at him and start speed talking, peter loves being right.

'the bookstore! well, outside the bookstore. when i was leaving i was reading the back of a book and i walked right into him! i dropped my book and he caught me and when i looked up, bam, spider-man. he grabbed my book for me and asked if i was okay, like i didn't run into him!'

you replay the moment, you swoon again. 'ugh, petey, he was tall and so broad! it felt like i ran into a wall, but he was also like... i could've given him a hug and he wouldn't mind.' you lift your head up to look at peter, it's a similar feeling with him.

'i think he's kind of like you. cause you're mr. strong guy but you're the perfect amount of soft for cuddles. basically, i think i'm gonna marry spider-man.'

peter has to act like he's jealous, he doesn't mind. you like spider-man now and nothing else beyond that matters. if anything, this is a bonus for him.

'please tell me you didn't get his number, i can't compete with a superhero.'

'no!' you think about it for a second, you're not spider-man's number one fan but you see clips and articles online all the time. 'i don't think spider-man dates, i've never seen him out on one. but also, i don't think he can eat dinner with his mask on... wait, do you think he dates outside the mask and has to pretend he isn't spider-man?'

peter blinks two times, 'i don't know, i've never thought about it.' he's very flat with his reply. you huff, he's no fun. 'if you were spider-man, do you think i would know?'

'um, well, if you don't know i'm spider-man, then no, i don't think you would know.' you nod, he makes a good point. 'fair.' you keep thinking about it, you'd be thrown for such a loop if that happened to you.

'that's crazy. imagine dating someone for months or years and he tells you he's spider-man, i think i'd freak out. i wonder if anyone in his life knows who he is. wait, do you think there are people just walking around the city that know spider-man's true identity?'

peter didn't prepare himself for hypotheticals, he's wondering why he wanted you to like his alter ego so much. when you didn't care, you didn't ask questions.

'what do you think he looks like? i think he looks like you, he's probably cute. do you think he's our age? damn it, i should've asked him all of this when i had him in front of me.' you sigh again, searching for your phone you youtube his name and start watching compilations of fights caught on film.

'god, he could throw me around like nothing.'

peter grumbles out the corner of his mouth, 'i could throw you around like nothing.' you happily hum, the idea is enticing. 'could you wear the suit while you do it? wait, you better not, i wouldn't be able to stop myself from... things.'

you stare at the screen, you start to have flashes of imagery and you bite down on your bottom lip. 'oh god, i'm feeling a hyperfixation coming on.' spider-man is hot, his strength, his power, how fucking kind he is.

you sit up to look at peter, 'wanna makeout?' peter wants to know how he went from mentally begging you to like spider-man, to actually being jealous of how you fawn over him. 'i'm not a placeholder for your fantasies.'

'i never said you were. come kiss me... and maybe get between my thighs and make me feel good.' spider-man is attractive because of the mystery, peter's hot because, fuck, just look at him. peter's giving you a look that's testing, he's baiting you for more information. 'don't make me beg, it's not cute.'

'no, you just wanna kiss me because you're hot and bothered over spider-man.' it shouldn't bother him, but it does. 'i don't want spider-man's fingers in me, i want yours.'

'only because you can't have him.' you groan, he's dragging it out more than he needs. 'maybe i do, maybe he's not scared to touch me.' peter's quiet, you immediately fill in the silence. 'wait, that's me being bratty. i'm not trying to force you into sex.'

peter smiles, 'you can't force the willing, cherry.'

you pat the empty space between your legs, 'then will you come fill me up? please?' peter doesn't need to be asked a third time, you're instantly settled the second he's caging you under him and pressing his lips on yours.

peter's fingers drag up your thigh, you sigh into his mouth. 'mhm, spider-man.' peter's done, he pulls off you and you're whining and trying to keep him over you. 'no! i was kidding, i swear i was just kidding!'

'too late. you're cut off, think about your actions.'

'fine. but you know who would've found that funny?' peter raises his eyebrows, he knows what's about to come. 'say his name one more time and see what i do.'

'will you punish me and show me who i really belong to?'

and... oh, that has peter bricked up.

why didn't he think about that? he would have proved how much better he is, he could've kissed you breathless until you're babbling and only whimpering his name. and the way you're looking at him tells him this was more of a ruse than anything.

peter's never dated a brat, he's still learning your quirks. you blink pretty, you have a way of acting like an innocent virgin after saying something dirty, it's an unspoken card you always pull out when convenient.

peter grips the skin above your knees and pulls you into him, your hips slam into his. 'think you can be quiet this time?' you shake your head, peter grins at your messy hair. 'no?'

peter leans down, his lips brush yours. he whispers against your mouth, a hint of a kiss. 'didn't think so.'

and peter makes you say his name so many times, spider-man's is a distant memory. 

[billthedrake]

GRANDDADDY ISSUES

I tried not to seem too eager, waiting in the living room. The Christmas tree was still up and various cookies and candy still out. Mom always went all out for the holidays, even if it was just the two of us.

Thing was, my mother was happy I was close to her father. Always had been and even more so since her divorce. Granddad Paul didn't live super close, but he made an effort to come visit at least once a month. Catching my lacrosse games, being there for my birthday each year, and just completing out the rump family Mom and I had. As a single mother, she held it together, props to her, but Granddad made it feel like a family.

Summers I'd spend a month with the man. He was a high school history teacher and football coach, and had down time to spend with me. I was 16 before I realized his appointed, or self-appointed role, was to be the father figure in my life. Teaching me guy stuff, man stuff. Fishing, camping, home repairs. Birds and the bees. Guy talk.

Of course Mom would freak out, and more, if she new Granddad Paul and I had fooled around the summer after high school. Testing the waters, then diving in. I thought I was confused sexually, but when Granddad went down on me, and sucked a healthy load from my 18 year old jock balls, I knew I wasn't confused one bit. I learned how to return the favor.

I heard him pull up, an old but reliable pick up truck. I looked out the window to watch him get out.

Granddad was the perfect man in my book. 5'10 and barrel chested, walking slightly bow legged like an overgrown jock, he strode up to the door, hands in his jeans pocket. He had on only jeans and gray sweatshirt emblazoned with the high school he'd coached at. He'd let his normal short hair cut grow out to a medium length, almost shaggy and fully gray.

"Killer!" he beamed when I opened the door. I could see the silvery stubble on his chin and smell his aftershave as he pulled me into a tight hug. I now knew how to return the bear clasp myself, patting Granddad's meaty back and feeling his cool cheek next to mine before we pulled back, matching smiles on our faces. Yeah, Granddad missed me, too. He gave a wink and patted my upper arm.

"Merry Christmas, Dad!" I heard my mom behind me. My cue to step aside.

"Linda!" Granddad said. "Merry Christmas." He greeted my mother with a gentler hug. "You're looking great," he said.

My mom had been taking care of herself lately. She had a new boyfriend, Gary, who'd come over for Christmas dinner. I suspected they were more serious than Mom let on, but she didn't want to push things too fast with me. Not that I cared.

For his part, Granddad always had Christmas dinner with my uncle and his family, who lived closer to him. So the day after was Christmas part two for us. Presents and an afternoon light dinner before I threw a couple of bags in the cab of his truck for the hour ride.

It was great this year. Mom was in a great mood, between the boyfriend, her recent promotion at work and my return from college. I did my best to help in the kitchen so should could have time with Granddad.

I'd bought Granddad a new electric shaver Mom said he wanted. The irony was clear to me when he opened it, his scruff fully evident. He even made a joke about it. "Guess it is time to get more presentable," he said.

He got Mom a gift card for the local department store. "You know I can't pick out what you want, Linda," he apologized.

"I'll make good use of it," she assured him, getting out of her chair to give him an affectionate hug.

I was blown away when I opened the small box for my present. There were two tickets to the upcoming Panthers game.

"Jesus, Granddad," I let out, then checked myself. Mom didn't like me to swear, though I didn't do any outright cussing.

He looked like he couldn't wait to read my reaction. "They're as much for me as for you, even if the Panthers aren't doing so hot this season," he said. "I figured it would give us something to do this week."

It was a week and a half I'd spend with the man, but who was counting?

We ended up hitting the road by mid afternoon. Granddad wanted to get us back before nighttime. On the ride it was a lot of catching up. Mostly me giving a monologue about my first freshman semester, what classes I was taking, and what I'd signed up for in Spring.

I could tell something was on Granddad Paul's mind. "You, um, talk to your dad, Drew?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, sir. we talked a little yesterday," I said in a flat tone. I didn't get along with my father. He was pretty absent and I had a lot of resentment.

Granddad looked over with a deep emotion and reached over to massage the back of my neck. It was affectionate and perfect. "I know it's tough, kiddo." Pulling his eyes back to the road he kept his hand there. The touch was getting me hard.

And as I looked over, taking in his weathered face and deepening wrinkles that framed his ruddy cheeks and roman nose, I was getting turned on for real now. I was wired for men, older men. Old men, really, though I was a low-key resentful that none of the men in the "mature" porn matched Granddad's hotness. He was well-preserved and yet clearly in his 60s. That combination was electric to me.

The man seemed to read my mind. "You know, Drew, we don't have to do anything this week. Anything you don't wanna."

I nodded. But my tone was upbeat, eager. "I wanna Granddad," I assured him. "It's kind of all Ive been thinking about the last few months."

"Is that right?" he chuckled. I felt his fingers tease the hair on the nape of my neck. "I figured Killer Stenson would have some fun to keep him occupied in college." Stenson was my Dad's last name, and mine too.

I spread my legs. I was officially bricked now. If Granddad had said HE didn't want to fool around, I didn't know what I would have done. I would have respected his wishes, and yet...

"No, sir. I guess I'm not wired for college guys, really," I said. It was a big admission, and one I'd rehearsed in my head for several weeks now. Turns out, Granddad Paul made me feel comfortable. It was all coming out easily now.

"And college girls?" he prompted.

"Not wired for girls at all, actually."

He nodded, taking it in. "You told your mother?"

I shook my head. "No, sir," I replied. "I haven't told anyone. Other than you."

"Well, it's no one's damn business if you don't want it to be."

We were getting close to Granddad's place and soon he removed his hand as he turned into the gravel driveway. He was a widower and when he'd retired, he'd bought a mountain cabin. We pulled up, and I got one bag, and Granddad the other. As we entered, I was reminded of the distinctly masculine space of the place. Wood paneling and woody-smoky scent from the fireplace. Framed photos of mountains and nature, a signed football jersey framed behind glass, and not much else for decoration.

Granddad could get in no-nonsense mode and already he was leading me back to the second bedroom, which was the guest room when I visited. "Everything is here for you, Drew," he said, setting down my bag.

I gave a quick look in. Basic bed with wool blanket rather than a duvet or comforter. I wanted to respect Granddad's space, but I had to take a chance.

"I was kinda hoping I could be in the master bedroom," I said, nervously looking into the man's blue eyes.

That caught him by surprise. We'd fooled around the previous summer, a lot actually, but it had felt very exploratory, a naughty new game for both of us. Maybe this was my way of ratcheting that game up. But I'd had almost four long months to imagine this visit.

Granddad was caught by surprise. "For real, Killer?" he asked, in that "are you sure?" tone. Then giving me a wink, he added, "I snore, you know."

"I don't give a fuck, Granddad," I said, emboldened by the fact he hadn't said no.

There was a look of lust on that handsome face of his, and Granddad closed the distance between us. I felt his breath and then the scruff of his stubble before our lips touched. A gentle peck, then I opened my mouth. Granddad has a thick tongue and I could feel it snake in between my lips.

Oh fuck, we were making out, and this felt different than before. Granddad pulling my body into his and me feeling up that strong body through his sweatshirt.

"Easy, Killer," he finally mumbled into my lips. "Soft kissin can be kind of hot, too."

And then Granddad showed me a new speed, a new technique. He was right, this was incredible, and amazingly the gentler approach was fueling my boner just as much.

I did grunt, though, as I felt Granddad's paw grip my crotch.

He had a big smile as he pulled back. "Let's take this to my bed, young man."

We made our way to the master bedroom and quickly stripped down. I loved how Granddad's eyes were on me the whole time. "You packed on some more muscle at school, stud?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, sir. Been hitting the weights hard," I added. I wasn't playing lacrosse at college, but I wanted to maintain and develop my jock body.

His eyes swept up and down my near nakedness. Appreciative, even as he got his lecturing tone. That Coach tone. "I hope you're doing it for yourself, Drew," he said. "Not for anyone else."

"I am, Granddad," I said with a slightly annoyed tone. Maybe he was right that my body issues and insecurities were driving my obsession with lifting and putting on muscle.

"Well, you're the kind of stud who makes me thankful I'm a man."

Then I watched Granddad slip off his underwear, showing off that full magnificent 65 year old body. Muscular but with some loose sag to the beef, that build was covered in a thick silvery fur trimmed evenly, at least until the darker bush, where gray pubic hairs grew longer and stray next to the brown ones. Granddad Paul's cock was just shy of 6 inches and cut and pretty thick, especially at the base. He'd confided to me that he took pills for a mild case of ED, and maybe he'd taken one that day, because his prick was sticking up hard.

"I'm thankful you're a man, too, Granddad," I joked, even as I slid off my boxers and showed my grandfather my erect dong. I wasn't as thick as him, but I had a good inch and a half in length on him.

"Goddamn," he hissed. I loved how the man let loose with the swearing when it was just us. Especially at times like this. He stepped up and reached down to gently stroke my hardon from base to tip. "OK if I suck this, Drew?"

I didn't know why he was being so coy, but then I realized he'd had four long months to imagine us having sex again. Anticipating. Not knowing where we'd pick off, or even if we would.

"Um, yeah, Granddad."

He looked up from my dick. "You know, my name is Paul."

"I know," I said. It felt weird being on a first name basis. The tone in my voice suggested I never would be.

That got a chuckle out of him. He hadn't let go of my cock, instead he slowly stroked it. Without lube it felt more of a tease motion rather than a jacking off pleasure. I loved it. "If you're game, there's some stuff I want to try this week," he said. A little nervousness was behind his mature experience.

"Yeah?" I asked excitedly. I reached forward to feel up his torso, feeling the thickness of his aged muscle.

He nodded. "You tried fucking yet, Killer?" he asked with a grin.

"No, sir," I said. "Been thinking about it, though. A lot."

That brought a smile to his face. "Your mother would kill me," he said.

"She's not gonna find out, sir," I assured him.

Granddad released my dick and then crouched down in front of me, His strong hands ran up and down my outer quads as he stared at my dick. "We're gonna have a lot of fun this week, aren't we, Killer?" he breathed.

"Yes, Granddad," I answered.

He leaned in some and skinned back my foreskin. "You know I'm not a big fan of your father, but I'll give him credit for leaving your skin intact."

I felt his tongue taste the tip then watched him open up and take me in. I still got a thrill from seeing this masculine man being so enthusiastic sucking dick. He didn't got slow either. Taking just a second to get used to me and my size, he began working me up and down with long steady mouth strokes. Twisting his head slightly and giving a gentle tug of my balls.

"Granddad!" I urged. My lock was loaded and my sexual response was far more primed than I expected. If Granddad kept it up, I wouldn't last long. I even gave a half hearted attempt to push his shoulders back, but he kept on me. I looked down on his almost entirely gray hair and his mature body. He was bobbing faster now, and sucking more fervently. "FUCK!" I gasped.

I heard the man choked down my heavy load in successive swallows. His moans around my spurting prick were deep and appreciative as he rode out my orgasm with his slowed down sucking.

"Goddamn, buddy," he finally said as he pulled back and wiped his chin. "That's one helluva load. Please tell me you have more in the tanks for later."

"Probably," I laughed, enjoying the way my dick stayed rigid after cumming so hard.

He took his time standing up. "Think I can feel you up for a bit?" he asked. Already he was climbing on to the bed and scooting over to the other side to pull out some lube.

I wasn't sure what he was wanting but I got in bed, too. He squirted a good deal of lube on his dick and started stroking before turning back to me. His free hand ran along my bare torso.

"You got a beautiful body, Killer," he said, openly massaging my chest and abs. I wasn't completely smooth but compared to him I was.

"Thank, Granddad," I said. "I love yours, too." I reached out and began to touch his furry chest.

"I'm old," he said with a laugh.

I looked into his eyes. "Don't take this the wrong way, Granddad, but I like em old."

"You into the daddies, Killer?" Granddad smiled.

"Older, even," I admitted. "A man has to be 60 before I notice him. I'm kind of messed up."

"Hardly, stud," he said. He took his hand and moved to touch and caress my chin. "I got a good bud like you."

I tried to pick up on the implications of what he was saying. Put two and two together. "A boyfriend?" I knew Granddad had gone mostly for men after Grandma died. Said he didn't think he was up for another traditional relationship and that there was too much lost time to make up.

"No," the man replied. "Just a deep friendship. He's married now, but craves a little coach time, you know?" I could tell he was hesitant to tell me about this.

"A former player?" I asked.

"That stays between you and me, Killer."

"Yes, sir." I ran my hand down, past his moving fist, to cup his balls. "I'm just glad you got someone looking after you, Granddad."

"Oh kiddo," he breathed, closing in the gap for another kiss. This was less soft than before but it was amazing. Real heavy making out as Granddad moved back to feeling my body as he jerked off. He had a slower sexual response but it didn't take him long. He pawed at my chest more aggressively as I felt the tension rise and release in his body. He grunted into my mouth and I felt his hot cum splash on my belly.

We embraced and held each other after our orgasms, making out some but also just feeling each other's bodies.

"So... the older man thing," Granddad said, breaking the silence. "How much of that is me?"

He asked the thing that had been on my mind. "Some of it. But I think if we hadn't fooled around, I would have found someone who reminded me of you."

That got a soft grunt from the man. I knew the words hit him in an emotional and sexual place. "Is that what we're doing, Killer? Just fooling around?" There was an edge to his voice, teasing yet sexual.

"Oh god, Granddad," I hissed. "I've been trying not to get ahead of myself."

He gave me a thoughtful look, his blue eyes set off by his gray hair and weathered face. "Well, we got all week to figure things out."

"Week and a half," I corrected.

Granddad smiled. "You serious about what I said earlier? About trying more?"

I felt his strong biceps, pumped beneath the looser skin. "I'm not very experienced, sir. But I wanna be. I want you to be the one to show me."

We kissed, soft again, super slow. I was hard but not eager to cum again, just enjoying the proximity to him. I could feel Granddad's cock plump out, too. It was dark out, pitch black dark, and we had only the light of the bedlamp. I had no idea what time it was, but my stomach rumbled.

That got his attention. He pulled back and looked me up and down. I had the feeling I was his Christmas present, more than the electric razor. "Let's get some food in you, buddy. And we can take our time with the rest, OK?"

I got up. Granddad handed me one of his T-shirts and a spare pair of sweats. I loved wearing his clothes, and I loved that he trusted me to start a fire in the fireplace while he made us some burgers. Granddad is particular about the fireplace being set up and lit the proper way.

Even if the meal was casual, washed down with cans of cold lager, it felt like the most special date night I could imagine.

Maybe I was a little too silent as I ate. Even when I was done, I sipped my beer and looked at Granddad Paul's handsomeness and felt like the luckiest man.

"What are you thinking, Drew?" he asked softly.

I blushed. "Just crushing out on you a little, sir. Sorry."

He shook his head. "Don't be sorry. I'm crushing out on you, too, buddy. More than a little."

I felt flush hot with desire and emotion now. I threw hard, I couldn't help. Granddad noticed and chuckled. "Just be patient with me, Killer, I'm an old man and don't have the sex drive I once did."

My turn to laugh. "You do just fine, sir." This time I took the initiative, setting down my beer and moving over to kiss him.

I lost track of time again. Both of us did. I never fished my beer. I was tired enough anyway, when Granddad wordlessly led me back to his bedroom. Our bedroom for the week. No more sex that night, just spoon naked against one another. But Grandad Paul was right: we had all the time we wanted to take together.

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @steddieholidaydrabbles.

Let Your Heart Be Light

Prompt Day 17: Lights | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: None | Tags: Post S4, Eddie Munson Lives, Pre-Steddie, Steve & Wayne, Good Uncle Wayne Munson, Everybody Working Together

"What in tarnation?" 

Steve nearly falls off the roof of the trailer, but somehow finds purchase and hangs on for dear life, barely escaping toppling over the edge. His heart is pounding in his chest. He really thought he'd be able to do this without being caught.

But no, Wayne is standing there looking up at him.

"Christmas lights!" Steve hollers, as if that isn't blatantly obvious. 

"Figured that on my own, kid," Wayne drawls, and then takes a drag off of his cigarette. 

"Sorry," Steve says, holding onto the strand of lights, not wanting them, or himself, to fall. "Do you want me to take them down? I just wanted to surprise him when he comes home."

Wayne shakes his head, and Steve doesn't really know how to interpret that. No, don't take them down, or no don't stop? Wayne starts climbing the ladder, which wasn't even among the options Steve envisioned being possible. 

Eddie hasn't even been here before. He went from the hospital, straight to a rehab facility that Steve raised holy hell about until the government paid for it.

They created this mess, and Steve wasn't about to let them get by with their obvious plan to just let Eddie just suffer, barely slapped back together. He may never be good as new, but Steve was bound and determined to get him as close as possible. 

And it's been months. It's not quite Christmastime yet, but Steve thought this might be a nice sight when Eddie finally gets home.

Wayne leans against the trailer, and points a finger, "You'll need to secure those a little bit better, or the wind will get 'em faster than you can put 'em up."

Steve just nods like he totally understands what he's being told.  

He's not exactly sure how he'll secure them to metal any better than he already has without doing permanent damage, which he was obviously trying to avoid.

"Hang on, I think I still got the clips I used when Eddie was little. Out in the shed, maybe. I don't know where anything is these days after the move," Wayne mutters, like Steve should know about the clips, or where they might be. 

But Wayne disappears down the ladder, and it takes a long, long time, but he finally comes back with clips that he'd obviously made himself at some point in the past.

They're magnetic. 

Gutters aren't magnetic, and Steve learned that the hard way when he dropped the first one, but Wayne slides a washer inside the gutter, and like magic – magnetic.

And that's kind of brilliant.

"Did you make these?" Steve asks, holding it in his hand, looking at the magnet that's glued on the back.

"Yup," Wayne says with a nod, snapping the magnet in place, then running the strand of lights into the clip. It's perfect. "Old trailer didn't have guttering, but it had eaves."

Steve doesn't know what that means, but he nods.

And they work together, outlining the whole trailer, one clip at a time. It's relatively painless.

"You should sell these," Steve says, "like, the hardware store should stock them right next to the Christmas lights."

Wayne chuckles. 

Steve's serious.

"I'd help," Steve says, and Wayne laughs some more.

But Steve would, he really would. 

It's getting dark, and Wayne plugs the lights in. They look great. They'll be better when it's fully dark, even.

"Thanks for helping, kid," Wayne says, and it's not until Steve is pulling away that he realizes that Wayne made it seem like he'd done him a favor, and not the other way around.

"Well, look at that," Eddie says as Steve holds open his car door. He smiles up at the lights, and mission accomplished.

Several days later, Eddie's on the couch while they all bustle around the trailer.

Dustin is folding over the printed cardstock toppers. Smoothing the crease with a butter knife.

"Will drew this logo," Dustin says, and Steve knows that. They all know that. 

It's an assembly line they've got going after making more clips. Wayne only intervened once he realized they were trying to use a hot glue gun and not the J-B Weld he'd used. 

Once he'd straightened them out, showing them how to make them correctly, they got to work. Now, they're packaging them up. Counting them out and putting them into clear bags, then stapling the cardstock label to the top. 

They look good. 

The hardware store, Melvald's and the Big Buy all agreed to carry them. 

Nancy was persuasive, and didn't mention that they were designed by Wayne Munson. She'd just insisted they were invented and made locally, which they are, and that was that.

Steve hopes half the town buys a few sets to put up their holiday lights, and in the process, helps Wayne and Eddie recoup at least a fraction of what was taken from them after half the town lost their fucking minds, trying to pin everything evil that's ever happened in this hellhole on Eddie's shoulders.

"How many do we have?" Nancy asks, notebook and pen in hand. 

"Two hundred and fifty sets," Robin answers.

Maybe this will work, but if it doesn't, well, they tried. He bought the materials. Wayne insists he'll get his investment back, plus a cut. Steve's not interested in that, but agreed, just so Wayne would let them proceed.

Dustin did the math, and yeah, the mark-up is pretty great, without making them too expensive. 

Nancy already made Ted use them on their house, and she swears he's been telling his friends how easy they went up, no more staples ruining his shingles.

Steve himself lined the entirety of his own house with lights, and sold his neighbors on the clips after they saw the finished product. It really does look great. His dad never hung lights, never had the time, but the house finally looks like a home with them up there, Steve thinks.

It's crazy, but this scheme just might work.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun! 💡

Notes: Looks like a least one type Christmas light clips were patented in 2002, so Wayne really could have been cutting edge. Never, ever underestimate redneck engineering and ingenuity. I can remember the heavy duty staple guns coming out to hang lights, so if there were clips, they must not have been widespread. (I love a good research rabbit hole, but this seemed like a goofy place to spend any real time digging, haha.)

[caeunot]

johnnie guilbert x reader

➷ breeding kink plus some fluff :3

PSA: the johnnie ive written about is the fictional version we all have in our minds, we truly don't know how he actually is and it's good to make a balance to avoid any uneasy or parasocial feelings when writing about a real person.

you and johnnie have been dating for around three years and you already decided that he is the man you are going to marry, you two are both almost 30 now which is terrifying but it also is making your baby feaver worsen.

you have always wanted kids and johnnie knows that, he never was fully against it but he always looked a bit awkward when you two would talk about it.

johnnie also knows that you have an extreme breeding kink, which has led to a lot of roleplay in the bed but you feel it's time to do something a bit more official.

when one of your friends asked to babysit their 17 month old baby you agreed! one part because you love kids and other so that you can give yourself and johnnie (mainly johnnie) a feel for how it's like to be a parent.

"thanks so much you guys! we haven't had an actual break for so long we need this.", "it's our pleasure I promise we will take good care of lil jess". your friend passes her into your arms and johnnie bends down and pokes her arm. "hey jess! I'm Johnny and I'll help look after you for the next few days :D"

you start unpacking all the baby stuff like diapers the toys and milk, johnnie watches you in awe and for almost every item asks you questions about it. "and what about this?" he says pointing to a cream. "that's for diaper rashes! their bums are super sensitive so it's important to add after changing a diaper". " so u gotta like.. rub it on and stuff...".

you laugh at him and he laughs back, but his laughing stops when you mention how he will have to try change her a few times himself. eventually you two settle everything in and you teach him the basics like how to feed them and how to make the bottles.

"okay can u put in microwave for 20 seconds! she prefers it warm". johnnie put the bottle in and started staring intensively into the microwave, you can't help but let out a laugh by accident making your hand immediately smack your mouth. "okay what was that for!! I thought I was doing this properly.." you walk over to him and put your arms around his waist. "I laughed because you looked so cute doing it baby, I'd love to make you a dad"

that comment made him turn his head to the side as his face went a bit red, you remove your hands from his waist and use it to guide his face to yours and you two share a deep kiss.

that night after putting jess to sleep in her fold out crib you and johnnie cuddled on the bed while watching some tv when johnnie turns to face you, "do you think I'd make a good dad?". " johnnie are you kidding?! you would make an amazing dad! you have such an sweet nature and you are the perfect mix of playful and serious, baby your the blueprint for a perfect dad" he let out a big gummy smile after that and pulled you on top of him and you two start making out for awhile before falling asleep in each other's arms.

at the end of the weekend you two had learned a lot, you learned that johnnie actually is really good with playing with babies.. not so much the unfun stuff like diapers and spit but that's something you get used to over time. and johnnie learned that there was nothing more than he wanted at that moment than to make you a mom, the way you were to gentle and sweet to the baby and the way you knew exactly how to do everything with her. honestly he found it really hot. that's why that night after jess went back home he took your hand and started to gently lead you to the bedroom.

"johnnie you weirdo what are you doing!" you say jokingly as he closes the bedroom door and pushes you onto the bed. he leans over you and whispers in your ear, "im ready" knowing you would know exactly what he ment. you immediately reached for his face and you two share a deep kiss and slipped tongue, he picked you up slowly to push you further onto the bed and immediately took off his shirt and pants as you do the same.

he crawls towards you like a hungry animal, while sitting on your thighs he starts kissing your belly and slowly gets higher and higher till he's finally kissing your face. in between the kisses you moan out, "fuck me johnnie, fuck a baby into me". you could see how much those words did something to him because with no hesitation he immediately starts pulling down your panties, but instead of what you expected he slipped his hand in between your legs. he slipped 2 fingers in making you shudder and hold the sheets as he went back and forth inside of you before letting one finger out and using it to rub your clit slowly.. enough to where it's making you go crazy but not enough to orgasam just yet

after a few minutes he takes his soaking fingers out and licks them, "are you ready darling?" he asks you in a sweet whisper without actually giving you time to answer as he slips it in almost instantly

he starts grinding back on forth inside of you and leans forward to start kissing you and grabbing your boobs to keep him steady, after a little bit of him going slow you decided to speed things up by pushing up your hips making his dick go deeper inside you, taking him off guard he let out an accidental whimper. this was enough to make him go harder and faster.

and harder and faster he did

the whole bed was screeching as you two rocked it back and forth, you have never seen johnnie like this before, he normally is really sweet and gentle but this time he's being really rough, he's digging his nails into your back and leaving bite marks all over your chest.

"after this your all mine y/n.. this is me claiming you" and as he says that he moans and grips onto you harder and you feel his warm seed filling you.

when he took it out he immediately stuck his finger back inside to make sure you don't loose any of the baby batter he gave you.

❣

[wongyuseokie]

Theories & Heartstrings | k.m.g

Chapter 4: Speaking First and Thinking Much Later

Summary: As a writer with a mildly cynical take on love, you’ve always believed people have a “type”—a pattern they never stray from when it comes to dating. And Kim Mingyu? He’s the textbook definition of someone who wouldn’t go for someone like you, nor would you go for him. But you test your theory when a fateful run-in with your charming neighbour sparks an unexpected attraction.

The plan? Go on dates with him and count how many it takes before your heart gets involved—if it ever does. But Mingyu is unpredictable, effortlessly breaking down your carefully constructed walls with every smile, every late-night conversation, every moment that feels too easy to be just an experiment.

The real problem? Secrets never stay secrets for long. And when Mingyu finds out the truth behind your so-called theory, will it prove you right, or that love doesn’t follow the rules you thought it did?

☆ 18+ minors dni |☀︎fluff | ☁︎ angst | ♕smut

Word Count: 10,645 words

Pairings: Neighbor! Mingyu x Journalist! Female Reader

Genre/Trope(s)/AU(s): Neighbours AU! Fake Dating AU! (but only one is fake dating. It’ll make sense when you read it, lol). Non-Idol AU!. 

Content Warnings: honestly? its just all around a bit weepy and sad yn just feels very isolated and granted she did most of it to herself girlie is sad. men being creepy, nothing too serious just men being gross, but mingyu is the bestest. alcohol consumption, mentions of food. not really infidelity, but someone is deffos kissing someone they shouldn’t. yn is just not very good with her words. more angst because its me hehehehe Smut Warnings:  handjob, mountain sex (it’ll make sense when you read it, dont worry its not anything super precarious) cum licking, handcuffs, sex toy use, nothing super crazy, overstimulation for them both, multiple orgasms, unprotected sex. morning sex, he gives her oral to wake her up which is such a wonderful thought. oral sex. fingering. squriting. yn doms him for a secon its nothing too serious. mingyu whines because ofc he does. not really orgasm denial, more orgasm control. amazing aftercare because duh.  Author's Note 1: I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the lovely people who helped beta this monster of a story. thank you @lovetaroandtaemin @nebulousbrainsoup @strxwberry-skiess for your patience time and love thank you guys so much!! Author's Note 2: welp here it is guys my last fic, ever, but good news, this is only chapter 4, and if i can finally learn to stop adding more and more, then we're going to almost be at the homestretch very soon. heheh. Series Masterlist

A couple of days later, you were in the grocery store. You were looking for something sweet but also adding some vegetables to your cart, because you told yourself that this is what adulting is, quietly scanning the aisles, when you heard someone call out behind you.

“Hi.”

You jumped slightly and turned to see Seungcheol standing next to you in the cereal aisle, a carton of oat milk in his hand and a hesitant smile on his face.

“I just—look, I wanted to apologise,” he said. “I shouldn’t have been so aggressive the other night. I was being protective, but... I won’t lash out at you again. Not in the name of protecting him.”

You blinked at him, unsure how to respond. “Why?” You asked, the word slipping out before you could filter it.

Seungcheol gave you a knowing smile. “Because he still likes you. And I don’t want to hurt someone he cares about.”

Your heart thudded painfully. “You think he—?”

“He’s a stubborn ass, but he’s not a lost cause,” Seungcheol said with a grin. “You just need to give him a reason to trust you again.”

You nodded slowly, watching him disappear into the next aisle. You stood there for a long moment, mind spinning, until finally you made your way to the checkout. ~~

Later that evening, you found yourself at a nearby bar. Not drinking. Just seated in a booth, laptop open, trying to map out your next article. The bar was quiet and half-empty, the way you liked it. You didn’t even realize how much time had passed until the sunlight was gone and the neon signs outside flickered on.

“So,” a voice interrupted. “How can I convince a girl as beautiful as you to get a drink with me?”

You looked up from your laptop and instantly regretted making eye contact. A stranger had slid into the booth opposite you, reeking of cologne and entitlement.

“You can’t,” you said flatly. “Now, please leave.”

He grinned, undeterred. “Oh come on, pretty girl. You look good. Way too good to be single.”

You glared at him. “I’m not.”

“Oh really?” He asked, eyes dropping to your hand. “Then why are you all alone on a Friday night?”

“Because I have things to do,” you snapped.

But before the man could say anything else, a familiar voice cut through the space between you.

“Baby, I’m so sorry I’m late.”

Mingyu slid into the booth beside you with practiced ease, wrapping an arm around your waist and planting a kiss on your temple. His hand brushed protectively over your lower back as he turned to the guy.

“Do you mind?” Mingyu asked, voice low and cold. “My girlfriend and I are busy.”

The stranger muttered something unintelligible and stumbled away. You were still frozen in place when Mingyu turned to you.

“Did he try to touch you?”

You shook your head, and before you could stop yourself, you leaned in and kissed him.

It wasn’t a fiery, messy kiss. It was gentle. Hesitant. Warm.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” you said, pulling away.

Mingyu was breathless, lips slightly parted. “Yeah, but I kissed you back.” He smiled a little, reaching up to tuck your hair behind your ear. “Thanks for letting me play knight in shining armor.”

You gave a small laugh. “You didn’t have to.”

“But I wanted to.”

You both sat there, the tension quietly humming beneath the surface, until finally you both spoke at once:

“Look—”

You both stopped and laughed, a little shy, a little sad.

“I guess…” Mingyu began again, voice softer now. “I guess no matter what happens, I always end up running into you.”

You smiled. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“No,” he said quickly. “No. It’s not. Look, you messed up. A lot. You hurt me. But I still care. I still like you.”

Your chest ached as he continued, “I want to believe you. I want to trust you again.”

You hesitated—then slowly reached for his hand, your fingers lacing with his. “I can show you. Everything. The journal. The article draft. All of it.”

He looked at you for a long time, then nodded. “No more lies?”

“No more lies.”

“Okay,” he said, standing up and pulling you to your feet. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“Yours,” he said simply. “We’re going through that journal.”

You laughed, following him out into the night. The car ride was filled with easy silence, the kind that felt like progress.

When you reached your apartment, Mingyu threw you a teasing look as you stared at his thighs again. “You drooling or just admiring?”

You glared at him. “You know ripped jeans are impractical in this weather, right?”

“They’re for accentuating purposes,” he replied smugly.

You rolled your eyes. “Okay, I’m grabbing wine. You make yourself comfortable.”

You came back with a bottle and two glasses, setting them by the bedside table before digging out the journal. Mingyu had already poured the drinks when you sat beside him, handing over the small black book like it was an offering.

He patted the space between his legs. “Sit. Makes it easier to read.”

You did, leaning back against him with the journal open in your lap. “Okay,” you said. “Forget the article for a second. How would you have rated me on our first date?”

Mingyu smiled, lips brushing the shell of your ear. “You? A ten. Even with the lava cake accident.”

You laughed. “It was so dramatic. I had to rate you a six to keep myself from falling too fast.”

“And how’s that working out for you now?” He asked, chin resting on your shoulder.

You didn’t answer. You didn’t have to.

The warmth of his body behind you, the weight of the journal in your hands, and the taste of wine on your tongue told him everything he needed to know.

It had been an hour of Mingyu simply reading, and you couldn’t take the silence any longer. You exhaled deeply, nerves fraying with every word.

“You asked me to be your girlfriend,” you said quietly, voice tight, “and the joy in your face... I didn’t want to ruin that. And I know I did.”

Mingyu didn’t say anything right away. He just reached over, took the wine glass and the journal out of your hands, and set them on the bedside table. His movements were careful, like he didn’t want to make you flinch.

“I never meant to hurt you,” you continued, eyes locked on your lap. “I wanted to fall for you. I knew I felt something. In hindsight, it was a terrible idea. But the more I saw you, the more the article faded. I almost forgot why I even started writing it.”

“I could kind of tell,” Mingyu said, a soft smile flickering at the corner of his mouth.

You looked up, startled. “Really?”

Mingyu nodded. “Your entries... they went from bullet-point lists of ‘what he did right’ and ‘what he said wrong’ to what basically looked like love letters. Rambling sermons about how whipped you were.”

You let out an embarrassed groan. “Oh god.”

“I’m serious,” Mingyu said, hand returning to your thigh, “you went from ‘dresses well, smells nice’ to ‘he made me laugh so hard I cried, and I felt like my chest was full of sun.’”

You covered your face, mortified. “I shouldn’t have used you as a story.”

“No,” he said softly. “You really shouldn’t have.”

He leaned in and kissed your cheek, gentle and light—like something fragile had cracked open again but hadn’t quite healed.

“I want to see the draft,” Mingyu said, pulling back.

You hesitated, then nodded and reached for your laptop.

When the document opened, you scrolled down to the only paragraph that had made it onto the page.

“Blah, blah,” you mumbled, trying not to cringe. “All I know is this may have been a stupid way to test how much I like someone, but I’m glad I did. I know deep down I’m falling for him. Hell, I think I fell for him the first time he kissed me. But now I know that I’m well and truly head over heels for him. And a deadline shouldn’t dictate that.”

Mingyu went still.

“Why is this the only thing you wrote?” He asked quietly.

You shrugged. “I guess I didn’t need to write the rest. I already knew how it ended.”

He stared at you for a long moment, then smiled to himself and closed the laptop gently. “So... you liked me from the first time I kissed you?”

You rolled your eyes. “‘Like’ is a strong word. But yeah, something started then.”

Mingyu chuckled. “Butterflies?”

You groaned. “Ugh, you’re never going to let that go.”

“Nope,” he said, laughing as you smacked his chest lightly.

In one easy motion, he pulled you around so you were facing him, legs straddling his lap, and his arms wrapped around your waist.

“Finally, one more thing,” Mingyu said, his voice lower now, more serious. “If I can’t bring myself to trust you again, please... allow me that. Don’t push.”

You nodded. “I get it. I won’t pressure you.”

“But I won’t drag you through ten dates to test my feelings either,” he teased.

You smiled and pressed your forehead to his. “Can I ask for one thing then?”

“Anything.”

“If we do this—if there’s even a small chance—we start fresh. You don’t throw the article at me every time you’re upset, and I don’t beg you to forget what I did just so I can sleep at night.”

Mingyu was quiet for a beat, then nodded. “Fine.” He pulled you in tighter for a moment before slowly letting go.

He stood up, brushing off his pants and stretching his arms overhead. “When do you plan on taking me out then?”

You laughed. “Tomorrow night?”

He grinned. “I’ll be in the studio, but I’ll need to eat. So yeah. You’re on.”

You walked him to the door, your fingers brushing his as he stepped out. “See you tomorrow?”

Mingyu smiled. “Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

And with that, the door closed behind him, and you leaned against it, letting the quiet echo of hope fill your chest.

~~

You hadn’t expected to see anyone else there.

You knocked softly before stepping into Mingyu’s studio, the takeout bag in your hand still warm. You were smiling—nervous but hopeful—until you saw her.

She was stunning, lounging on the studio couch like it was her own, one hand tucked under her chin, smiling softly at something Mingyu had said. He stood near her, camera slung around his neck, laughing as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

They looked close. Too close.

You cleared your throat. “Hey.”

Both of them turned. Mingyu straightened when he saw you. “Hey.”

The woman stood, brushing imaginary lint from her clothes. “Oh. I see you’ve got company,” she said lightly, casting a glance at the takeout bag in your hand. “I was heading out anyway. See you tomorrow, Gyu.” The nickname slid from her mouth with practiced ease. And then she was gone, breezing right past you.

“I brought noodles and stir-fried beef,” you said quietly, holding up the bag like an awkward offering.

Mingyu motioned to the couch. “Cool. Have a seat.”

You hesitated, eyes flickering to the exact spot she’d just vacated.

Mingyu clocked your expression instantly. “We didn’t have sex if that’s what you’re thinking.”

You blinked.

“So if you’re wondering whether there’s some trace of her left on the couch, there isn’t,” he snapped. “She’s my work partner.”

“Right,” you muttered, sitting down stiffly.

“She’s helping me with a concept shoot. We’ve been collaborating closely—nothing more.”

You crossed your legs and tried to ignore the sting behind your ribs. “Didn’t look like nothing.”

Mingyu rolled his eyes. “Look, I don’t mean to be harsh, but photographers get close all the time. It doesn’t mean it’s personal. You’re being dramatic.”

You flinched. “Not like you have a right to be mad.”

He looked at you sharply. “Excuse me?”

“You said it first,” you said tightly. “I don’t get to be upset, remember?”

Mingyu looked away, jaw ticking. “So is this our date? You coming here to glare at me and sulk over something you imagined?”

You exhaled slowly. “Do you want to play a game or something?”

“No,” he said. “Your jealousy already killed the vibe.”

Silence stretched between you. The food sat untouched.

“I had something else in mind,” you said after a moment. “Saturday. Are you free?”

He didn’t look at you. “What time?”

“Seven.”

“Seven AM?”

“Wear trainers.”

You grabbed your bag and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Mingyu asked, still seated.

“This was a terrible date,” you said honestly. “You’re right—I got jealous for no reason. I’ll see you Saturday.”

He stood slowly, brushing a hand through his hair. “Okay. But text me before you come. I sleep like the dead.”

You gave him a small nod. “Text me the code to your door.”

You hated how stilted it all felt, how far from the natural rhythm you used to share. But you weren’t going to let one awkward night ruin the rest.

You were determined to try—one slow, imperfect step at a time.

~~

“Gyu,” you whispered, gently nudging his shoulder. “Wake up.”

It was 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, and Mingyu was still buried under a pile of blankets, curled in like a child avoiding the world. His long hair was a mess of waves across his cheek, his plush lips parted slightly in sleep. The only reply you got was a soft grumble and the blanket being tugged tighter around him.

“Five more minutes,” he mumbled.

“You said that ten minutes ago,” you replied, already trying to peel the blanket off him.

“No,” he groaned dramatically, “too early. Regret. Everything is regret.”

You smiled, despite yourself. “I brought coffee.”

That got a response. Mingyu cracked one eye open, squinting at the light. “You’re evil,” he muttered, but slowly began to sit up. His limbs stretched out stiffly, and he blinked blearily at you. “What time is it again?”

“Early. Come on, lazy.” You tugged at his arm. “You promised to let me plan this date.”

“Was I drunk when I agreed to this?” He asked, but he allowed you to drag him out of bed anyway. You handed him his coffee as he stumbled toward the bathroom, muttering curses under his breath. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

You were waiting by his door when he came back out, clean and dressed but still half-asleep. “You’re in workout gear,” he said, eyes scanning you. “It makes your ass look incredible.”

“Romantic,” you muttered. “Can I drive?”

“Sure, but if you scratch my car, I’m ghosting you.”

You snorted, accepting the keys and tossing him a breakfast sandwich. “Eat. You’ll need it.”

The drive was quiet for the first fifteen minutes, Mingyu alternating between sipping coffee and dozing with his head tilted toward the window. But as the city began to fade behind you, he suddenly spoke.

“Can I ask you something?”

You glanced over at him. “Sure.”

“Do you remember once, you told me the reason you had trust issues was because he cheated on you? What were the signs?”

You tightened your grip on the steering wheel. “Straight to trauma at sunrise, huh?”

Mingyu shrugged, sheepish. “Sorry. Just curious.”

You exhaled. “He came home late, smelled like someone else. I walked in on him once—literally walked in.” Your voice was flat. “It wasn’t subtle.”

Silence.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “That’s… messed up.”

“It was,” you agreed. “But I’m over it.”

Mingyu placed a warm hand on your thigh, squeezing gently. “I’d never do that to someone. Even when I was mad at you, I never thought about it.”

You glanced at him, his brows furrowed in sincerity, and nodded. “I know.”

The rest of the ride passed in silence, but it was no longer uncomfortable.

“We’re here,” you said, nudging him awake as you parked.

Mingyu blinked rapidly. “Oh my god, we’re hiking?”

“You said you like outdoor dates,” you replied, grabbing your backpack.

“I meant like coffee-on-a-patio outdoor,” he muttered, dragging himself out of the car.

You led the way up the trail, the morning air crisp and biting at your cheeks. Birds chirped overhead, and sunlight broke through the trees in patches, warming your back.

“You’ve been quiet,” Mingyu said after a while, trailing a few steps behind you. “Uncharacteristically so.”

You stopped abruptly, and he bumped into you.

“Okay, maybe warn me next time,” he said, rubbing his chest.

“I just…” you turned to face him. “I didn’t want this to feel like pressure. I wanted to do something that made you happy, and now I feel like I’m failing again.”

Mingyu blinked, taken aback. “What? No. I’m just groggy. I’m sorry.”

You looked away. “You’re allowed to not be into it. I just—wanted to try.”

“Hey.” He stepped closer, brushing your wrist with his fingertips. “I like it. I do. I’m glad you remembered what I said. I was sleepy and grumpy.”

You nodded, feeling the tension melt a little. “Okay. Then follow me. I want to show you something.”

You led him further up the trail, the path narrowing slightly. Mingyu didn’t speak again, just stayed close behind, his eyes fixed on your back until you reached the final turn.

“I brought you here for the view,” you said, pointing to the clearing ahead.

Mingyu stepped up beside you. The trees fell away to reveal a sweeping valley bathed in soft morning light, gold and green stretching endlessly beneath a powder-blue sky.

“Wow,” he whispered, the breath knocked out of him. “It’s beautiful.”

You looked at him. “I wanted to do something that wasn’t about guilt or apologies. Just… us.”

Mingyu turned to you, his gaze softer now. “Thank you,” he said. “Really.”

You smiled. “So… worth waking up for?”

“Not the waking up part,” he said, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. “But this? Absolutely.”

“Oh.” Mingyu stayed silent as you both got to the peak.

“Sit,” you said, motioning to a patch of rock.

“Here.” You handed Mingyu a granola bar.

“Fine dining?”

You laughed, “I’ll feed you later, I couldn’t exactly carry a whole meal up here, could I?”

Mingyu nodded, taking the granola bar.

“Okay, this view is worth waking up for.”

You smiled at his words, “How did you find it?” Mingyu asked.

“Joshua told me about it, and he dragged me here twice, so that I’d appreciate the trees.”

Mingyu smiled at you. “So why’d you bring me?”

“I wanted to bring you somewhere serene and calm.”

Mingyu nodded, looking out at the sunrise stretching wide over the valley.

“It’s beautiful.”

He patted the spot between his legs. “Come here. Cuddle me.”

You laughed but obliged, settling between his legs as his arms wrapped snug around your waist. 

His chin rested on your shoulder.

“I’m thinking you might be the koala in this relationship,” you teased, running your hands over his fingers.

Mingyu turned his head toward you, eyes dark. “Fuck. I meant…”

You tilted your head toward him and caught his lips in a kiss. It was soft, lingering, like neither of you were in a rush to let go.

“I know,” he murmured, forehead brushing against yours. “But in my defense, you dragged me out of bed, and you’re very nice to hold.”

“I’ve never seen the sunrise with anyone before,” Mingyu added, pressing a kiss to your shoulder as the sky began to shift from gold to a pale orange. “I like this date.”

He pushed your ponytail aside and kissed your neck softly.

“It’s not over,” you whispered, “I haven’t fed you yet.”

You felt the grin on his lips before he spoke.

“I have something I want to eat.”

You groaned, smacking his thigh.

“Not on a hike.”

Mingyu just pulled you closer into his lap, and you could feel the heat of his body and the hardness pressing against you.

“I swear to god,” Mingyu muttered as he pulled you back into his lap, his voice already strained with need, “these yoga pants should be illegal.”

You raised a brow, smirking. “They’re literally for exercise.”

Mingyu slid his hands over your thighs, up to your hips, and then cupped your breasts, tugging lightly on the hem of your sports bra. “No. They’re for driving me insane. From the moment I saw you today, all I’ve been thinking about is this—” His fingers tugged gently on the fabric covering your chest, then rolled your nipple between his fingers. You shivered, your breath catching.

“My tits have been killing you?” You teased, your voice breathy despite your attempt at sarcasm.

“And your ass. And you,” Mingyu said with a soft groan, his thumb brushing over your other nipple. “Every inch of you.”

You gasped as he pinched gently. “What if someone sees us?”

Mingyu just grinned. “Then they’re in for a good show.” He shifted you in his lap so you were straddling him, chest to chest. “But seriously,” he murmured against your neck, “tell me to stop, and I will. No games.”

You tilted your head slightly, giving him better access as he pressed soft kisses along your skin. “Not even tempted,” you whispered.

Your hand slid down to palm him over his sweats. He gasped against your neck, his hips twitching into your touch.

“Let me take care of you,” you said softly, your lips brushing his jaw as your fingers slipped into his waistband and freed him from his boxers. “Let me do this for you.”

“Fuck,” he groaned as you wrapped your hand around him and started to stroke. One of his hands slipped under your top, fingers splaying across your lower back while the other resumed toying with your breasts.

The sounds he made were low, needy, the kind that made you ache. You picked up your pace, thumb swiping over his tip, and he let out a ragged moan.

“Oh my god, that’s—shit,” he gasped, his voice unraveling as you reached down to cup his balls, your other hand still stroking him. “Fuck, Y/N—I’m not gonna last.”

You leaned in and kissed him, open-mouthed and messy, as he finally came in your hand. His body trembled under yours, and he moaned into your mouth as you milked him through it, not stopping until his hips jerked in overstimulation.

“Well, fuck,” he breathed, blinking up at you with glassy eyes.

You grinned. “Breakfast served.”

Then, because you’re wicked, and you knew he’d like it, you licked your hand clean slowly, and Mingyu let out a strained groan.

“You’re evil,” he muttered.

~~

A few moments later Mingyu speaks up, “This was nice, and right now it’s the first time I’ve felt happy with us in a while, and I’m not just saying that only because you made me cum so hard.”

You turned your head and looked at him. “Me too.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The wind rustled the trees gently, birds called in the distance, and the only warmth you needed came from the boy who held you like he never wanted to let go.

You stood up after a few more minutes, stretching like a cat. “Come on. Let’s eat before I drag you back to the car by your hair.”

“Are you my breakfast?” He asked, his voice half-playful, half-sincere.

You laughed, already walking away. “Keep up, Gyu. Race you to the car.”

Mingyu groaned, grabbing his hoodie as he stumbled to follow. “This is so unfair.

“I’ll drive,” Mingyu said as you both reached back to the car, “so, where are you taking me?”

You smiled at him as you keyed the address into the GPS. “It’s a surprise.”

~~

“Acai bowls?” Mingyu asked skeptically as you both stepped into the café and saw the menu.

“Do you not like them?”

He shook his head. “Never had them.”

You gasped, clutching your chest in mock horror. “You’re a twenty-something who hasn’t had acai? That’s blasphemy.” Mingyu rolled his eyes. “Should I grab us a table, Your Majesty, Queen of Acai?”

You laughed and nodded. “Go on, peasant. I’ll order.”

You came back with the acai bowls a few minutes later and prompted Mingyu to take a bite first.

“Oh, it’s like ice cream,” Mingyu said as he took a bite.

You smiled at him.“Okay, I’m crap with dates, but how’s this one?”

Mingyu grinned. “Let’s see—you dragged me up to a mountain at the buttcrack of dawn, and made it better by making me cum, and now you’re feeding me.  You’re doing just fine.”

You smiled at him, “Thank you.” ~~

“Hey, I’ve got to head to the studio tonight,” Mingyu said as you walked back to the car.” 

“Want to come? I have a solo shoot, just me. No assistants or models.”

You smiled. “Sure, and then we can get dinner after?”

Mingyu nodded. “And a movie. Or two. I’m not getting tired of you anytime soon.”

You beamed. ~~

You had planned to surprise him at the studio, but your steps froze when you saw him. He was on the couch, locked in a kiss. With the same photographer from the last time. The one who smiled too much and lingered too long.

You backed out of the studio and quickly slipped out of the building. Your phone buzzed relentlessly with his name, but you replied once—urgent work call, can’t talk, see you later for the movie.

~~

“Hey, you okay?” Mingyu asked as you sat stiffly at the far end of the bed, watching the movie from what felt like a separate timezone.

You nodded. “Want to cuddle? Or I can grab a blanket?” He asked.

You shook your head.

He paused the movie and scooted over, pulling you in.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

But you didn’t pull away either.

“I saw that girl, the one you told me not to worry about?”

Mingyu sighed. “So I thought I saw you, and running out.”

You looked down. “I know I don’t have the right. I know I’m the last person to get jealous. But it hurt.”

He paused the movie. “She kissed me. She asked if I was single, I said yes—because we’re not official—and she kissed me.”

You nodded, silent.

“I pushed her off and told the director I need a new lighting tech. One that doesn’t flirt with me.”

You laughed quietly. “Is there even such a person?”

“Well the new one is married to a woman, so I don’t think I’m her type.” You smiled as you finally curled into his side.

“We’ve had a lot of roadblocks, but you’re worth it,” he whispered.

“Whatever it takes, Gyu,” you said softly. “I’ll make you trust me again.”

Mingyu tightened his arm around you. “Just don’t break me.”

“I won’t,” you whispered. “Not this time.”

~~

The following week with Mingyu was…surprisingly smooth. No arguments, no awkward tension, and no stormy silences. Just a steady, gentle rhythm that felt dangerously close to peace.

Which is why it felt like a slap when his phone wouldn’t stop ringing in the middle of your very heavy makeout session on his couch.

You were straddling his lap, flushed and breathless, when he sighed, muttering, “Sorry, I just need to reply to a few messages—it’s about the new showcase tomorrow.”

You climbed off him reluctantly, brushing your hair back. “Ah. The big one?”

Mingyu nodded distractedly, texting. “Yeah. It’s kind of a huge deal. And sold out already.”

You blinked. “Sold out?”

He glanced up at you sheepishly. “Yeah. I can maybe see if someone has a spare ticket, but—”

You shook your head before he could finish. “It’s okay. Don’t worry.”

Mingyu set his phone down. You leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I’m happy for you.”

He smiled. “Thanks.”

“We can hang out after, maybe?” He offered.

You nodded, but it didn’t sit right. If he wanted you there, he would’ve said so. You didn’t want to beg for a place you weren’t invited to.

You stood, gathering your clothes. “I should get going. I’ve got work tomorrow.”

Mingyu stayed silent as you dressed. “So…what are you writing now?” He asked finally.

You smiled faintly, tucking your top into your jeans. “Nothing yet. Guess you’ve taken up all my recent material.”

He nodded slowly, biting his lip. A strange look crossed his face—like he didn’t know whether to be flattered or deeply uneasy.

You leaned in and kissed him goodbye, murmuring, “See you later, handsome.”

Mingyu caught your wrist, tugging you into his lap. “You know, you could stay.”

“Do you want me to?”

That was the wrong question.

Mingyu's jaw clenched, and he let go of you, shifting away. “You know, I get that you’re trying to rebuild my trust, but you’re playing this so safe it’s like you’re scared of me.”

You sighed. “I’m trying not to push. I didn’t want to overstep.”

“But you had no problem shoving your hand down my pants earlier,” Mingyu snapped.

You blinked. “You think this is about sex?”

“Who initiates it every time?” He said, standing now, pulling his sweats on.

“You do,” you said quietly. “I just…follow your lead. I’m trying to be careful.”

Mingyu exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. His voice dropped. “I just want us to be okay again.”

You stepped closer, wrapping your arms around him from behind. “We will be. I’ll keep trying, Gyu.”

He turned, wrapping you in his arms. “Yeah?”

You nodded. “Yeah.”

Mingyu leaned in, brushing a kiss to your forehead. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”

You smiled. “Only if you let me shower first. I can barely feel my legs.”

Mingyu chuckled, releasing you. “Do you need help walking?”

“No. But I’ll take cuddles after.”

He grinned. “Deal. I’ll leave out a shirt for you to wear.”

“Thanks,” you said, disappearing into the bathroom, already feeling a little steadier.

~~

That evening, you were finishing up your dinner when a knock sounded at the door. Mingyu stood there, beaming, holding up two showcase tickets like they were a prize he’d just won.

“Got one!” He grinned. “You’re still down to come tomorrow?”

You wiped your hands, trying to hide your excitement. “Absolutely.”

You leaned in slowly, testing, giving him the space to pull away. But he didn’t. His hand slipped to your jaw, thumb brushing your cheekbone, and his lips met yours with a quiet, aching certainty.

It was soft. Warm. The kind of kiss that made time blink out around the edges.

When you finally pulled back, both of you were breathing a little unevenly.

“So,” you whispered.

“So,” he echoed, grinning, “does this mean you’re staying?”

You smiled at him. “Only if you give me something comfier to sleep in.”

Mingyu stood up immediately. “You want the grey hoodie or the black one? Wait, no — I have that really soft tee that’s a dress on you—”

“Dealer’s choice, Gyu.”

He paused and then turned back to face you, suddenly shy. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Your smile softened. “Me too.”

And just like that, you stayed — brushing your teeth with his spare toothbrush, folding into the right side of his bed, and his warmth behind you as the room faded into quiet.

And for the first time in a while, things felt like they were just right. 

~~

The following day, you were awakened by a wet and warm sensation ghosting over your inner thigh.

“Gyu?” You mumbled, your voice hazy with sleep.

There was no answer—just the slow, sinful drag of his tongue against your folds. Your body jolted fully awake, your hips twitching as he used his hands to lift your ass slightly, pulling you closer and locking you against his mouth.

“Mingyu—fuck,” you gasped, your fingers threading through his damp hair.

He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. His mouth was reverent—almost lazy—as if he had all the time in the world to worship you. He licked you slowly, like he was savouring the taste of you, letting your soft moans guide his pace.

But just when your legs started to tremble, just when you were teetering on the edge, Mingyu pulled away.

“No—why did you stop?” You whimpered.

He only smirked, eyes dark as he slowly slid your shirt up and over your head, tossing it aside.

“I stopped,” he said, voice gravelly, “because I want to do this properly.”

That’s when you realised he was naked—he must have ditched his sweats—and now he was crawling over you, his body all heat and pressure and weight. He hovered above you for a second, pressing his forehead to yours.

“Okay?” He asked softly.

You nodded, too breathless to speak.

Then he pushed into you with a low groan, filling you. You bit your lip to keep from moaning too loudly. His thrusts were deep and slow at first, and you could feel how badly he’d wanted this—how long he’d been holding back.

“You’re so warm,” he whispered against your neck, “so perfect.”

You held onto him as he began to move faster, his rhythm sure and desperate. When his hand slipped between your bodies to rub your clit, you gasped, barely able to hold yourself together.

“Come with me,” he panted. “Come on, pretty girl. I want to feel you fall apart.”

You cried out softly as your orgasm hit, clinging to him as your body clenched tightly around him. A moment later, he groaned against your shoulder and came inside you, his thrusts slowing, more tender now.

When it was over, Mingyu didn’t pull away. He stayed where he was for a beat longer, breathing hard, then kissed your forehead gently.

“Morning,” he murmured.

You laughed breathlessly, nuzzling into his chest. “God… that was a really nice way to wake up.”

He wrapped both arms around you and let out a low chuckle. “Mm, I agree.”

~~

“What do I wear?” You asked Mingyu later that morning, he was over at your apartment, helping you decide what to wear, you felt overwhelmed by just glancing at the mess of clothes scattered on the floor.

Mingyu gave a nonchalant shrug. “It’s in a club, so… heels and a dress you don’t mind getting a little messed up,” he said, his voice dipping lower as his hand traced a line down your stomach.

You raised a brow. “Why?”

He smirked, leaning in closer until his lips brushed against your ear. “So I don’t feel bad when I rip it off you,” he whispered, and before you could process his words, his hand slid between your legs, fingers brushing against your core.

Your breath hitched. “Mingyu…”

He pushed a finger inside you, his eyes darkening with desire as he watched your reaction. 

“Good?” he asked, his voice soft and attentive.

You couldn’t even form a proper response, just a breathy moan slipping past your lips. He added another finger, his movements slow and deliberate. “Come on, baby. I asked you a question,” he teased, his thumb pressing lightly against your clit.

Your body arched into his touch, and you gasped, “S-so good.”

He leaned down to kiss your neck, his breath warm against your skin. “That’s what I like to hear,” he murmured. He didn’t rush, taking his time as his fingers moved in and out of you, his other hand resting on your hip to keep you grounded.

Your hands gripped the sheets as pleasure built inside you. Mingyu’s lips ghosted over your collarbone, his thumb tracing lazy circles over your clit. 

“You’re shaking, baby,” he whispered. “You hear how wet you are? So pretty when you’re like this.”

You barely managed a nod, your legs trembling as his fingers curled just right, hitting that spot that made you lose your composure. Mingyu kept his eyes on you, drinking in every little gasp and whimper.

He slowed down just a little, teasing you, and you whined in protest. “Think you can squirt for me, baby? Hm?”

Your head fell back against the pillow, his words pushing you closer to the edge. “I-I can’t,” you stammered.

“Yes, you can,” he whispered, his voice coaxing and gentle. “I’ve got you. Just let go.”

With that, he increased the intensity, his thumb circling your clit with more pressure. Your vision blurred as you cried out, body shuddering as waves of pleasure overtook you. Mingyu held you through it, murmuring soothing words as you rode out your orgasm.

When you came back to your senses, you saw him grinning down at you, his hand still resting gently on your thigh. “There she is,” he teased, brushing some hair from your face.

You shot him a half-hearted glare. “Don’t look so smug.”

He chuckled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to your forehead. “You made a mess of your sheets,” he teased, but his tone was light, clearly proud.

You rolled your eyes, still catching your breath. “Shut up.”

Mingyu just laughed, the sound warm and reassuring. “Come on. We both have to get ready, don’t we? Let’s get cleaned up,” he said, scooping you up effortlessly and carrying you to the bathroom.

In the shower, he was surprisingly gentle, helping you wash up and pressing soft kisses to your shoulder every now and then. Even with the limited time, he couldn’t help but slip his hands around your waist and kiss you deeply, his lips slow and unhurried despite the morning rush.

“Can’t help myself,” he murmured when you gave him a playful glare.

You couldn’t help but laugh, resting your head on his chest as the warm water cascaded over both of you. “Neither can I,” you admitted.

When you were both dressed and ready, he kissed you again before heading out. “I need to get there earlier to set up,” he whispered, his forehead pressed to yours.

You nodded, “Mm, I need to go into the office too, just for a bit.”

“So, I’ll see you tonight at the showcase?” Mingyu asked, lazily draping his arms around your waist while you changed into your work clothes.

You nodded. “And I’ll have you all to myself?”

He smirked. “Not entirely, but most of the night, yeah.”

You leaned up to kiss him, only for Mingyu to deepen it into something slower, lazier, like he had no intention of letting you leave.

You pulled away with a laugh, fixing your hair. “Go, I need to make sure my legs are still working for tonight. I already know I’m going to be limping, thanks.”

Mingyu just smirked wider. “I’m proud.”

You rolled your eyes, grabbing your bag. “See you tonight.”

~~

“Y/N! Just the woman I wanted to see,” Keira called out as you walked into the office. She shut the door behind you like she’d been waiting.

“You’ve been very bubbly lately,” she said with a grin. “Things good with the infamous Mingyu?”

You gave a sheepish nod. “We’re… trying. Slowly.”

“Well, I was thinking—” Keira’s smile widened, “maybe you could write something about how a stupid article led you to the love of your life.”

You raised a brow. “Keira.”

She shrugged, unbothered. “I’m serious. The Mingyu profile did great. And I was thinking… a follow-up. Maybe something a little deeper?”

You blinked. “You want me to write about him. Again.”

Keira leaned forward. “Think about it. Not just a profile—something personal. A retrospective. How it started, where you are now. People would eat it up.”

“No,” you said, firm.

Keira blinked at your sudden shift in tone. “You sure?”

“I’m not doing that again. Not for any readership numbers or viral engagement.” You stepped past her and set your bag down. “Mingyu and I barely recovered the first time. I’m not jeopardising it just to feed the same cycle.”

Keira exhaled. “Look, I get it. But you’ve only written light pieces lately, and this would be something—”

“I said no,” you interrupted. “I’ll write something else. But I’m not writing about Mingyu again.”

Keira stared at you for a beat, then slowly nodded. “Okay. I’m not going to push.” She turned toward the door. “You’ve just never turned down something like this before.”

You smiled tightly. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”

~~

Later that evening, you stepped out of the cab just as you applied a final swipe of lip gloss. The buzz of the crowd outside the showcase venue was electric, pulsing with camera flashes and music.

“Ticket?” The security guard asked.

You froze. Your heart dropped.

“Oh no,” you muttered, scrambling through your bag. “Shit. Shit.”

The ticket was still on your desk at work.

“I left it at work,” you said to the guard. “I’m supposed to be inside.”

“Sorry, we’re at full capacity,” the guard replied. “No entry without a ticket.”

“I know, I just—let me make a call,” you muttered, stepping aside as you tried calling Mingyu. “Gyu, pick up,” you hissed. You tried again. And again. No answer.

So you sat on a nearby bench, watching the lights flicker from inside the venue. You played Candy Crush. Checked your texts. Nothing. You waited. One hour passed. Then another.

Eventually, you gave up.

~~

You trudged back to your apartment, heels clicking against the pavement, still checking your phone with every step. You looked up and stopped in your tracks.

Mingyu was sitting on your doorstep with a bouquet of roses in hand.

“What the hell?” You said, completely thrown.

Mingyu looked up at you and smiled. “Hi to you, too.”

“You’ve been here?” You asked, bewildered.

“My phone died,” he said, rising to his feet. “I couldn’t get inside. I figured if I couldn’t find you, I’d wait.”

You stared at him, silent momentarily, before unlocking the door and heading inside. Mingyu followed, still holding the flowers.

Once in your room, you kicked off your heels with a sigh. “I forgot my ticket. It’s at work. I was texting you for two hours. And the whole time, you were just... here?”

Mingyu shifted awkwardly, holding out the bouquet. “I just wanted to spend the night with you. The showcase didn’t feel right without you there.”

You sat on the bed, tired. “Keira asked me to write about you again.”

Mingyu looked at you, curious. “What did you say?”

“I told her no. I told her I couldn’t. That I wouldn’t.”

Mingyu blinked. “You… you said no?”

You nodded. “Because I couldn’t be objective. And because I wouldn’t risk hurting you again. I want us to be real, Gyu. Not words on a page.”

He smiled slowly, his entire expression softening. “So… you said no to a cover story about me because you like me too much?”

You nodded. “And because I already did that once. I want this to be real.”

Mingyu stepped closer and handed you the roses. “They’re for you. I know I missed the performance. But I meant it when I said it didn’t matter.”

You smiled, placing the bouquet on your desk. “Please tell me you didn’t fight the bouncer.”

Mingyu laughed. “Almost. But I decided not to get banned from the venue.”

You sat down beside him, leaning your head on his shoulder. “I spent the whole night wishing I could be in the crowd. But now I think… this is where I was supposed to be.”

Mingyu leaned in and pressed a kiss to your cheek. “I get you to myself now anyway.”

You turned to face him, grinning. “I’m not mad about it.”

Mingyu smirked, kissing you again—slowly this time, with no audience, no cameras, no pressure.

Just you.

Mingyu's fingers gently threaded through your hair as he leaned his forehead against yours. “You smell like overpriced lip gloss and takeout,” he murmured. You grinned. “You smell like sweat and roses.”

“I showered,” he protested.

“I know. I was complimenting the roses.”

Mingyu laughed softly, his breath ghosting over your skin. For a moment, there was nothing but the quiet hum of your apartment and the way his hand moved lazily over your back.

“So,” he finally said, his voice low, “no more writing about me?”

You shook your head, “Nnope. No more story. No more experiments. Just us.”

“And if Keira offers you a book deal tomorrow?”

“I’ll say I’m not interested… unless it’s fiction.”

Mingyu raised a brow, smirking. “So if I show up in a smutty romance novel one day, should I be flattered or worried?”

You laughed, tucking your face into his neck. “Flattered. Very flattered.” “God, I want you, but I’m so tired. Can I first just cuddle you, darling?” Mingyu

“Yes. Let me just shower first.” You said as Mingyu nodded and started to strip, “You go first.” You smiled as you headed into the bathroom.

The water beat down over your shoulders as steam curled against the shower glass. You let yourself exhale, just a little, trying to shake off the day's weight. It was warm, soothing — the kind of shower that melted tension from your bones.

Mingyu didn’t mean to look at your open laptop, but his eyes landed on a word document with a few sentences, and he couldn’t help but notice the phrase “the most unlikely encounter.” His chest tightened as his mind raced, trying not to overthink. He took a deep breath, deciding to just simply ask you. 

When you finally stepped out, wrapped in a towel and rubbing at your damp hair, you poked your head into the bedroom — and there he was, lying in your bed. You changed into a large shirt and joined him in bed. 

You immediately wrapped your legs around his waist, snuggling into him without hesitation. Mingyu’s lips curled into a fond smile. “Cute,” he murmured, brushing his nose against your forehead. You hummed contentedly, pressing a soft kiss to his chest.

“So,” Mingyu started, trying to sound casual, “are you working on anything new?” His tone was light, but there was an edge of curiosity that made you look up at him.

“No,” you replied softly, nuzzling closer. Mingyu hummed again, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. Maybe he’d just misunderstood.

“Gyu,” you said, turning to meet his gaze, eyebrows slightly raised. “Why do you ask?”

“Just... curious.” He offered you a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Would you tell me if you were working on something new?” His voice was steady, but you could feel the subtle tension.

You smiled but faltered when he continued, “I saw your laptop earlier. Are you... writing another dating article? About me?”

You froze, heart thudding against your ribs. “You snooped?”

Mingyu’s expression shifted, jaw tightening. “No. Don’t you dare get defensive. I didn’t snoop. Your laptop was open, and I couldn’t help but see. What’s the article about?”

You sighed, trying to keep your voice steady. “It’s just a fluff piece about dating. It’s got nothing to do with us.”

“Show me,” Mingyu said, voice a little firmer. You hesitated but eventually reached for your laptop, pulling up the document. You pointed to the part he’d seen. “See? It’s just about how people can meet in unexpected ways.”

Mingyu scanned the text, his frown softening. “Oh.” He let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding, guilt flickering across his face. You shut the laptop and pushed it to the side, lying back down.

He bit his lip, clearly unsure how to navigate his own feelings. “Look, I’m sorry. I know I should trust you, but... I have a reason to doubt. I just... I didn’t want to get blindsided again.”

You didn’t respond, your back still turned to him. Mingyu hesitated before calling your name again. “Y/N?” No answer. A little louder, he tried again. “Y/N?”

You finally turned, your glare cutting right through him. “What?” you muttered, clearly still irritated.

Mingyu softened, leaning back against the headboard. “Fair enough. I deserved that. I just... I got scared. But you’re right, you promised you wouldn’t lie, and I shouldn’t have pushed you like that.” His hand reached out, hesitant, but you eventually scooted closer, crawling into his lap.

He wrapped his arms around you, holding you a little tighter than before, as if silently apologising. You huffed, the tension slowly dissipating as you rested your head on his shoulder.

Mingyu kissed the top of your head, murmuring, “I’m sorry for doubting you. I really am.”

You didn’t say anything, but the way you buried yourself deeper into his chest was enough for him to know you were ready to forgive.

“Good,” he whispered, his voice dropping. “What if I just show you how sorry I am?”

You pulled back with a smile. “I thought you were sore and drained from the showcase?”

“I was.” He leaned in to kiss you again, slower this time. “But you’re kind of a miracle cure.”

“I won’t hurt you again. I promise,” you said softly, crawling onto his lap. 

Mingyu nodded quietly at your words, his eyes lingering on your face, then trailing down your bare skin pressed against his. “You know… not to kill the mood,” he murmured, “but you’re looking insanely gorgeous, and now you look so cosy and comfy? I’ve just wanted to take you from the second I saw you.”

You didn’t answer with words. You simply rolled your hips against him, slow and deliberate, watching the sharp exhale leave his chest.

“I guess we both have our priorities in order,” you teased, pressing your lips against his neck. “Let me take care of you, Gyu. Just… let me.”

You undressed quickly and Mingyu followed suit as both your clothes hit the floor in a trail behind them, until skin met skin and nothing else remained between you two. You then got back onto the bed, this time straddling him. 

Mingyu’s breath caught. He nodded. “What—do you want to tie me up or something?”

You bit your lip, eyes gleaming with mischief as you reached for your bedside drawer. “Maybe.”

When you pulled out a pair of fluffy handcuffs, Mingyu blinked, then burst into laughter. “Oh my god, are those—?”

“I was a naughty tiger for Halloween once. Don’t ask.”

“Kinky,” he grinned, letting you cuff him to the headboard. “Very kinky.”

“You know what?” you smirked, sitting back on your heels. “Maybe you can just watch instead.”

Mingyu groaned in protest. “Wait—no. That’s just cruel. You said you’d take care of me.”

“I will, baby,” you murmured, settling between his legs with the vibrator in your hand. You spread your legs, deliberately letting him see the shine of your arousal. “Just not how you expected.”

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” he rasped. “Please let me touch you.”

You leaned forward, close enough to kiss him, but didn’t. “I never pegged you for a whiny sub,” you whispered.

“Pun intended?” He muttered, breathless.

You laughed softly and straddled his lap, your lips finally brushing his. He kissed you back hungrily, groaning when you tugged his hair and slid, sliding your tongue into his mouth. Then you shifted your hips, letting your slick folds glide along his cock—slow, teasing pressure that made him writhe beneath you.

“Ah, fuck. Please, baby. Please fuck me.”

“Gladly.” You sank down onto his cock in one slow, indulgent motion, watching his eyes flutter shut. You stayed still.

“Wait—why aren’t you moving?”

You turned on the vibrator and pressed it to your clit. “Because you’ll like this.”

Mingyu whimpered. “Fuck. You’re getting so wet. You’re clenching around me—baby, please—”

You reached for his face, kissed him softly. “Don’t move. You cum when I say.”

His eyes fluttered shut, his body trembling as you moaned louder and louder. You came first, your body shaking as you clenched around him, and he gasped as if he was about to break. You slowly lifted yourself off him, undoing the cuffs with care.

“Y/N,” he whined. “Please—baby—”

You smiled and pulled him into your arms, letting him rest his head against your chest. “Lean back, Gyu,” you whispered, stroking his cock with long, slow strokes. “I’ve got you.”

His moans were soft and desperate, his hands trembling on your thighs. When you brought the vibrator to his balls, he practically cried out. “So good. So fucking good—”

You kept your strokes steady, pressing kisses to his temple as you whispered, “Cum for me.”

He unravelled in your hands with a broken moan, your name leaving his lips like a prayer. His body shook from overstimulation, but you kept stroking him gently through it all.

“Too much,” he whimpered. “Fuck, too much.”

“Want me to stop?”

He shook his head. “No. But—fuck—I’m gonna cum again—”

And he did, spilling into your hands again, eyes screwed shut, mouth slack with pleasure. You kissed his shoulder and wiped him down gently, the moment soft and hazy.

“You made me cum twice,” he breathed, blinking up at you in wonder. “You’re unreal.” 

“Tired?” You asked. 

“Mm, nope, besides I still need to make sure you fall apart the way you made me.” 

He didn’t let you think much flipping you over, and sliding his fingers into your soaked cunt. It didn’t take long, he the way he moved his fingers inside you and thumb rubbed your swollen cunt until you came again, hard, gasping his name as your body went limp.

“Gyu,” you whispered, eyes fluttering shut as he kissed your forehead before carrying you to the bathroom. 

He sat you gently on the counter, filling the tub with way too many bubbles and bath salts. You smiled, too fucked out to tease him.

“Come here,” you pouted.

Without a word, he lifted you into the warm water and slid in behind you. You turned to lay on his chest, melting into his embrace as he gently washed you. When the bath was done, he dried you off, changed the sheets, and tucked you in with a soft kiss.

“Way too much cum on those sheets,” he muttered with a smirk.

You laughed sleepily, curling into his chest. “Gyu?”

He hummed, rubbing your back.

“I love you,” you mumbled.

His heart stopped for a second, but you were already asleep.

He groaned softly and kissed your forehead. “Please let that be real,” he whispered. “Please.”

~~

The next morning, you barely noticed Mingyu’s presence behind you until his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you back into his warmth. His voice was low, almost sulky. “You left me alone.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his tone, still focused on scrambling eggs. “I’m making us breakfast.”

He buried his face in the crook of your neck, his breath warm against your skin. “Still, you’re cuddly,” he mumbled, holding you tighter, as if afraid you might slip away. You felt a gentle tug in your chest — the kind of ache that came with knowing someone wanted to hold on to you.

“Sit down, Gyu,” you whispered, squeezing his hands before nudging him towards the table. “I’ll plate this up.” He sighed dramatically but finally obliged, plopping down at the small kitchen table.

Mingyu glanced down at his grey sweats and smiled. “Glad I left these here,” he mused. “Otherwise, Joshua and Wonwoo would’ve gotten a free show.”

You smirked as you set the food in front of him. “I wouldn’t have minded.”

He shot you a look, lips curving upward despite himself. “Of course not. You can’t get enough of me.”

You shot him a playful glare before sitting down. “How do you feel?” Mingyu asked, his voice softer now, a little hesitant. “Last night was... a lot.”

A flush crept up your cheeks, and you couldn’t help but smile. “Sore, but... a good sore.”

His eyes flickered with concern. “I didn’t go too far?”

You shook your head. “No. You were perfect.”

Relief softened his features, but he didn’t touch his food, just absentmindedly pushed it around on his plate. You furrowed your brows, leaning in closer. “Gyu? Why aren’t you eating?”

He hesitated, his shoulders tensing, as if he was waging a war with himself. “Just... thinking.”

You reached out, placing a gentle hand on his. “About what?”

His fingers tightened around yours, and he looked at you with an unreadable expression. “You said something last night.”

Your stomach dropped. “What did I say?”

He pushed his plate away, his eyes fixated on the table. “You said you loved me.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and your heart pounded against your ribs. “Oh, I... it didn’t mean anything.”

Mingyu’s gaze snapped to yours, hurt flickering through his eyes. “It didn’t mean anything?”

You could feel the air between you tighten, and you winced. “I mean... I just... it was in the heat of the moment, you know?” Your voice sounded small, and you hated how unconvincing you sounded.

His jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened. “No, I don’t know. I don’t know what you mean.”

Your hands were shaking, and you couldn’t meet his gaze. “I was about to say it back,” he admitted, softer now, like he was confessing a secret. “But you fell asleep. I thought... I thought I’d say it to you in the morning.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, your heart squeezing painfully. “Isn’t it... too soon?” you whispered, trying to make sense of the turmoil in your chest.

His expression hardened. “Why? Do you need more dates to fall for me? More proof that I’m serious about you?”

Before you could answer, Joshua’s voice cut through the tension. “Hey, what’s going on? You two wouldn’t stop last night, and now you’re arguing?”

You hadn’t even realised how loud your voices had gotten. You figured Joshua probably popped into the kitchen concerned when he heard the raised voices. You gave Joshua a tight smile. “Nothing, just... a little misunderstanding.”

Mingyu scoffed bitterly, the sound sharp enough to cut. “Just like your confession, right?”

Joshua glanced between the two of you, eyebrows knitted in confusion. “What happened?”

You shook your head, forcing yourself to stay composed. “It’s nothing, Joshua.”

Joshua hesitated, clearly worried. “Okay, well... I’ll be in my room.”

Once Joshua was gone, Mingyu’s shoulders slumped, the anger melting into something raw and vulnerable. “I was ready to say it. You think I’m impulsive? Maybe I am. I take risks. I believe in just saying how I feel. But you... you’re worse. You impulsively wrote a story about me, lied to me, and I still gave you a second chance. Why? Because I’m an idiot who fell in love with you.”

His confession hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Tears pricked your eyes, and you barely managed to breathe out, “Mingyu, I—”

He shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “I thought I’d wait until I could trust you again. But I’m starting to realise... I can’t. I can’t keep risking my heart like this. Not when I keep feeling like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Your voice came out shaky and small. “So... that’s it?”

He took a shaky breath, struggling to keep his composure. “I think... we’re done.”

Your legs felt weak as the reality of his words sank in. “Mingyu, please—”

He looked at you one last time, his face a mixture of heartbreak and resignation. “Don’t. I’ll get my clothes and go.”

You watched helplessly as he walked to your room, your mind racing with every possible way to fix this. When he returned, he stopped in front of you, his expression softer but still pained. “Take care, okay?” He hesitated, then pressed a light, lingering kiss to your forehead before turning and walking out the door.

You barely heard Joshua come out of his room, his face etched with concern. “Y/N?”

Your voice cracked as you whispered, “I think... I just got dumped.”

Joshua wrapped his arms around you, holding you tight as you sobbed into his shoulder. “It’s okay. Just let it out,” he whispered, his hand stroking your back gently.

Later, sprawled on the couch with Joshua and Wonwoo, you numbly took a sip of wine. “Is it a record to get dumped twice by the same guy in two months?”

Wonwoo sighed, pulling the bottle from your hands. “That’s enough. You’re just making it worse.”

You pouted at him. “Why aren’t you comforting me?”

Wonwoo’s expression hardened. “Because we’ve been doing that for months, and you keep repeating the same mistakes. You keep acting without thinking, and it’s hard to feel bad for you when you won’t own up to it.”

His words stung, but deep down, you knew he wasn’t wrong.

Joshua shot him a look. “Wonwoo, that’s a bit harsh.”

“No, it’s honest. She needs to hear it.” Wonwoo crossed his arms, refusing to back down. “Y/N, you said you loved him and took it back. That’s not fair to him.”

Your hands shook as you muttered, “Since you started dating Mia, you’ve only been on his side.”

Wonwoo huffed in frustration. “It’s not about sides. It’s about being honest with you because you keep hurting yourself and him. You never take responsibility. You just run away and play the victim.”

Joshua gave you a sympathetic look, but he didn’t disagree. You couldn’t help but wonder if you were the problem all along.

You didn’t know how to respond. Your chest felt tight, and your throat burned from holding back the sob threatening to break free. The truth in Wonwoo’s words hurt, but not because they were harsh — they were just real. It was one thing to mess up repeatedly, but another to have someone you cared about lay it all out so plainly. You felt exposed, raw, and more than anything, ashamed.

Joshua glanced between you and Wonwoo, clearly uncomfortable with the tension. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Hey. I know it feels like a lot right now, but maybe some space will help. Just... think about it, okay?”

You nodded numbly, your fingers gripping the edge of the couch. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right. I just... I don’t know what to do with myself.”

Wonwoo’s tone softened just a fraction. “Take some time. Figure out what you actually want. Stop acting on impulse and hurting the people around you.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to argue. Instead, you slowly got up, murmuring something about needing air. Neither of them stopped you. You ended up in your room, the door closed behind you, finally allowing the tears to flow freely. You felt like you couldn’t breathe — like all the air had been sucked out of your lungs. You hated feeling this way — guilty, embarrassed, so painfully aware of your own flaws.

For the next two days, you avoided everyone. You could hear the occasional muffled conversations through the walls, but you couldn’t bring yourself to face them. You couldn’t face yourself. You spent most of your time in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling or scrolling through your phone without really looking at anything.

You replayed the scene over and over in your head — the way Wonwoo’s voice had cracked just a little when he told you how hard it was to be your friend. You’d never considered that before — that you could be difficult to be around. Sure, you’d made mistakes, but it had never felt this bad, this suffocating. You wished you could rewind time, take back the careless words and the impulsive actions.

Eventually, the suffocating feeling became too much. You needed to get out, get away from the constant reminder of your mistakes. So, you decided to go home — to your family. A change of scenery, even for a little while.

Because just maybe, you thought, distance could help you all heal. 

[suusoh]

I'd like your thoughts on Eddie Gluskin with a shy s/o, please. 💖

DELUSIONAL. DELUSIONAL. DELUSIONAL. and did i forget something.... oh yea- DELUSIONAL!!!

we've seen eddie's lines just from his chase dialogue alone, so I think we all know he'll relish and love a shy darling so much! Would give playful and flirty comments such as asking if they're all shy just because of him? he's honored

sum hcs:

(cw: yandere (it's eddie gluskin we're talkin about lol), slight nsfw)

It's perfect for him if you're shy because now he doesn't have to discourage you from seeing other people, you're doing that on your own <3

Takes you being shy as a sign to double- no... TRIPLE the amount of affection for you. Maybe if you see how much he loves you, you'll come out of your shell? like how you go pspspsp to a stray cat to show you have good intentions; of which eddie holds nothing but only the best and loveliest intentions for his sweetheart!

You being shy gives him so much cuteness aggression it's insane. So much cuteness aggression. Get ready for him hugging you so tight to the point you can't actually breathe for a few seconds; or him picking you up by the underarms, lifting you in the air for a moment... before just shaking you like a snowglobe. Cuteness aggression might get too much though, where he has to go out and shake off the excess energy by stabbing and carving a buncha people.

Ah, ah, ah! But don't be getting too shy on him. He still needs his daily (hourly, minutely) dose of affection from you as well. Being shy to the point of completely avoiding him and refusing to make eye contact or to speak with him will make him slightly... agitated.

Might even confront you upfront about it. Why does his darling hide from him?... AVOID him? Is he that unbearable to you? What does a man have to do to get the love of his life to just spare ONE measly GLANCE at him, since apparently he's not deserving of such affection?

If the avoidance seriously gets too serious and long for his liking... you might notice he comes back a little more on edge, a little more bloody, and a little more messy from his kills. He'll assure you he is fine with that cheery smile, but you can see his shaky hands clenching and unclenching.

Don't worry though, the remedy literally costs almost nothing for this man. Just sigh and give him... maybe one small hug, and he is BACK to normal. Better even. He is back to having heart eyes, and singing from the top of his lungs about how his darling loves him! they love him! and he loves them so as well <3 Afterall, there is a saying that the greatest thing you'll ever learn, is to love and be loved back! <33

nsfw:

Your shyness turns him on actually lol. He gets so hard.

Will toy with and relish on your shyness. Finds the way you try to stifle and quiet down you moans or avoid eye contact with him cute and unbearably endearing.

Besides, he can always just hold your hands down and pick up the pace if he wants to hear you loud and clear <3

Will do mirror sex and hold your chin in place so that you have nowhere to look but at the reflection of him taking you. Will absolutely not break eye contact with you. Ever.

The day when you're under him, and you look up at him and hold eye contact willingly, WILLINGLY looking at your dear husband with pleasure.... he might actually start tearing up. Will make the both of you cum the hardest than ever before.

Might keep a diary entry about it LMAOO. Along with all your other milestones with him <3 oh diary he's so excited!!!! maybe he can expect you to start initiating hand holding next? Maybe have you start hounding your dear ol' eddie now?? Oh he truly has found the one <3