#how to overcome the forgetting curve

[microlearningplatform]

The Science of Forgetting: Why Trainers Must Rethink Learning Strategies

The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers: How to Ensure Long-Term Knowledge Retention

Introduction

Have you ever attended a training session, felt confident about what you learned, and then struggled to recall most of it just days later? This phenomenon is explained by the Forgetting Curve, a concept introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. His research showed that without reinforcement, people forget nearly 50% of newly learned information within an hour and up to 90% within a week.

For trainers, this presents a major challenge. No matter how well-designed a training program is, its effectiveness is limited if learners quickly forget the material. The good news? With the right strategies, trainers can combat the Forgetting Curve and ensure long-term knowledge retention.

This article explores the science behind the Forgetting Curve, its implications for trainers, and proven strategies to make learning stick.

Understanding the Forgetting Curve

What is the Forgetting Curve?

The Forgetting Curve describes how memory retention declines over time without reinforcement. Ebbinghaus conducted experiments where he memorized nonsense syllables and tested his recall over varying time intervals. His results formed a steep, downward-sloping curve, demonstrating rapid forgetting unless information is reviewed periodically.

Key Insights from the Forgetting Curve

Forgetting Happens Fast – Learners forget up to 70% of information within 24 hours of learning if there’s no reinforcement.

Repetition Strengthens Memory – Regular review interrupts forgetting and moves knowledge into long-term memory.

Meaningful Learning Improves Retention – Information that is relevant, contextual, and engaging is remembered better.

Active Recall is More Effective – Actively retrieving information (e.g., quizzes, teaching others) improves memory more than passive review.

These findings highlight the urgent need for trainers to implement strategies that reinforce learning over time.

Why the Forgetting Curve Matters for Trainers

For corporate trainers, L&D professionals, and educators, understanding the Forgetting Curve is critical. If trainees forget most of what they learn, then training programs are failing to create lasting impact.

Common Training Pitfalls That Lead to Forgetting

One-and-Done Training – Single-session workshops without follow-up lead to rapid information loss.

Overloading Learners – Dumping too much content at once overwhelms learners, making retention difficult.

Lack of Reinforcement – Without periodic reviews, knowledge fades quickly from memory.

Passive Learning Methods – Traditional lectures and static e-learning do not engage learners enough for deep retention.

The Cost of Forgetting in Organizations

Reduced Employee Performance – Employees forget essential skills, leading to mistakes and inefficiency.

Compliance Risks – Forgetting critical compliance regulations can result in legal consequences.

Wasted Training Investments – Organizations spend millions on training programs, but without reinforcement, much of that investment is lost to forgetting.

To overcome these challenges, trainers must design learning experiences that actively combat the Forgetting Curve.

How Trainers Can Overcome the Forgetting Curve

1. Use Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to strengthen memory. Instead of cramming, learners revisit key concepts multiple times over days, weeks, or months.

How to Implement Spaced Repetition

Microlearning Modules – Deliver bite-sized lessons with follow-up reinforcement.

Automated Learning Reminders – Use AI-powered learning platforms to schedule personalized review sessions.

Reinforcement Emails & Notifications – Send learners periodic reminders or quizzes.

Example: Instead of a one-time compliance training session, provide weekly microlearning refreshers on key policies.

2. Leverage Microlearning

Microlearning platform delivers small, focused lessons that are easier to digest and remember. Studies show that microlearning can increase retention by up to 50% compared to traditional training.

How Microlearning Helps Combat Forgetting

✅ Short & Focused – Learners absorb one concept at a time, improving retention. ✅ Flexible & On-Demand – Employees can access learning when they need it, reinforcing knowledge in real time. ✅ Engaging Formats – Videos, infographics, quizzes, and interactive lessons enhance engagement.

Example: Instead of a 3-hour training session, break it into 10-minute modules with real-world applications.

3. Implement Active Learning Techniques

Passive learning (reading, watching videos) leads to high forgetting rates. Active learning, which requires learners to engage, recall, and apply knowledge, significantly boosts retention.

Active Learning Strategies for Trainers

Quizzes & Retrieval Practice – Asking learners to recall information improves memory retention.

Scenario-Based Learning – Present real-world problems that require critical thinking and decision-making.

Peer Teaching – Encourage employees to teach concepts to others, reinforcing their understanding.

Gamification – Use leaderboards, challenges, and rewards to make learning engaging.

Example: After a training module on data security, give learners a real-world phishing attack scenario to solve.

4. Use AI-Powered Adaptive Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) can personalize learning paths, ensuring that employees receive reinforcement exactly when they need it. AI analyzes learner performance and automatically adjusts training schedules to prevent forgetting.

How AI Helps Combat Forgetting

🚀 Personalized Reminders – AI identifies knowledge gaps and pushes targeted microlearning content. 🚀 Smart Adaptive Quizzes – AI-driven assessments help learners actively recall weak areas. 🚀 Just-in-Time Learning – Employees can access training at the moment of need for maximum retention.

Example: If an employee struggles with safety protocols, AI sends personalized refresher lessons.

5. Reinforce Learning with Real-World Application

Retention improves when learners apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. Trainers should create opportunities for hands-on practice and real-life implementation.

Ways to Reinforce Learning

On-the-Job Training Assignments – Give employees tasks that require applying new skills.

Role-Playing Exercises – Simulate real situations to deepen understanding.

Follow-Up Discussions & Coaching – Encourage knowledge sharing among peers.

Example: After a leadership training session, assign managers real coaching tasks to apply new skills.

Final Thoughts

The Forgetting Curve poses a significant challenge for trainers, but strategic learning reinforcement can dramatically improve retention. By incorporating spaced repetition, microlearning, active learning, AI-powered tools, and real-world application, trainers can ensure knowledge sticks—leading to more effective training programs and improved workforce performance.

🔹 Key Takeaways for Trainers: ✅ Combat forgetting with spaced learning & microlearning. ✅ Use active learning techniques like quizzes and real-world practice. ✅ Leverage AI-powered learning for personalized reinforcement. ✅ Reinforce learning with on-the-job application.

By shifting from one-time training events to continuous, reinforced learning, trainers can defeat the Forgetting Curve and maximize learning impact.

🚀 Want to improve your training programs? Explore how AI-powered microlearning solutions like MaxLearn can help!

[cece693]

WHY SHOULD WE FOLLOW THEM BLINDLY?

pairing: percy jackson x male reader synopsis: Percy was conflicted, you were a traitor, siding with Luke to overthrow the Olympians, yet while the camp mourned the loss of the son of Hades, Percy was overcome with grief for the boy whom he liked. However, he will soon see you again—this time, persuading him to join Luke's side—and you're not above using petty tactics.

The campfire that had once blazed beside the amphitheater still smoldered in Percy’s dreams. Every night the wind off Long Island Sound swirled the ash into pale halos, refusing to let the embers die—refusing to let Camp Half-Blood forget that the son of Hades had stepped onto Luke Castellan’s ship of his own free will.

Chosen darkness over the gods.

Chosen to leave him behind.

Percy jolted awake, skin slick with sweat, sheets coiled around his legs like sea-wrack. Across the cabin, Annabeth slept in the other bunk, moonlight silvering the plane of her cheek. Guilt hummed beneath his ribs. She trusted him, believed his silence was grief—but each night his thoughts circled only to you. He saw again the Princess Andromeda easing away from the dock, you standing at the rail in borrowed armor, and that single backward glance: a flash of molten gold in your eyes before the darkness swallowed you.

The cabins had mourned in their own fashions. Chiron spoke of “lost potential”; Clarisse spat curses; Annabeth catalogued tactics Luke must have used to twist you. Percy said nothing. None of them understood the fissure running through him—how Sally’s death a month earlier had already splintered his faith, and how your absence levered the crack wider each day.

On the next night, you watched the camp from the treeline, wrapped in shadows and Hecate-wrought mist. Summer fireflies drifted above the strawberry fields; sentinel harpies glided in lazy spirals, blind to your presence. Luke’s final instructions pulsed behind your sternum: He’s the key. Show him the rot beneath the marble, the blood that oils Olympus’s gears. Break him, or win him.

Break Percy? No. You intended to free him.

You crossed the border unseen. The Poseidon cabin was cool, damp with the hush of distant tides. Seashell lamps cast a nacreous glow over driftwood beams. Percy lay restless, one hand still curved around Riptide even in sleep. When the cabin wards shimmered at your entry, his eyes snapped open, sea-green and stormy.

“You—” His voice fractured. “Gods, you can’t be here. If the harpies—”

You closed the door; your shadow elongated and slid across the latch until it clicked. “If they catch their golden boy harboring traitors?” Your smile tilts, half dare, half invitation. “They already believe you untouchable, Percy. Perhaps it’s time we let them choke on their illusions.”

He sat up, knuckles whitening on Riptide’s hilt. “Luke changed you.”

“Luke opened my eyes.” You correct him before stepping forward, lamplight revealing what months aboard the Titan’s fleet had carved you into—angular cheekbones, smoke-dark crescents beneath your eyes, a confidence plated like iron beneath skin. “He grieves you, Percy. Calls you the storm that could scour Olympus clean, if only you’d stop letting them shackle you to prophecy.”

Percy’s heartbeat flutters; you can almost taste the thunder-sharp jealousy sparking off him. “Luke’s no hero.”

“Oh, but he is, Percy.” Your tone drips honeyed mockery. “Brilliant, unstoppable—fighting for every camper Olympus tossed to the wolves. He sees the cracks in the gods’ marble thrones and dares to pry them wider.”

You let the words linger like expensive perfume, then study Percy as though deciding whether to pity or covet him. “Doesn’t it burn, knowing the gods would rather parade Luke as a cautionary tale than admit their own decay?”

Percy’s shoulders knot; salt wetness beads in the air, a brewing squall. “Luke betrayed everyone who loved him.”

“And Olympus betrays everyone it claims to love.” Your voice stayed velvet, blade hidden in the weave. “Tell me this: when your mother begged the gods for help—when she lay dying in that apartment while they debated non-interference—did your father lift a finger?”

The question lands like a blade. Percy flinches, sea-green eyes darkening like a storm. “Don’t talk about her.”

“She's the reason you fight,” you say softly, stepping close enough that his breath stirs the collar of your jacket. “But she’s also proof of how little they value you. Poseidon broke a centuries-old pact to claim you, but he couldn’t spare a fraction of that defiance to save the woman you loved most. The same council that hails you as their savior let her die—and then handed you a prophecy written in your own blood.”

You lift a hand, fingertips hovering near his jaw, not quite touching. “What loyalty do you owe them, Percy? To gods who dole out favor like drachmae at a rigged game, then call it destiny when mortals pay the price?”

Percy’s breath hitches when your fingers graze his jawline, but you don’t linger—you turn away, prowling the cabin as though inspecting a prize you might soon claim. Moonlight skims the fine leather of your jacket and catches on a nick at your throat, the faint crescent a blade left during one of Luke’s sparring sessions.

Percy’s gaze locks on that mark. “He did that?”

You hum, pleased by the edge in his voice. “Training leaves reminders. Luke likes to work close—hand on your shoulder, whispered corrections against your ear. He says I learn fast.”

The muscle beneath Percy’s eye twitches; the air thickens with brine. Good. Let him taste jealousy before he tastes freedom.

“You really trust him?” he asks, softer than the surf outside.

“I trust that he’d carve Olympus open if it meant keeping me alive.” You pivot, meeting Percy’s stare. “Can Annabeth say the same? Or will she kneel the moment Athena snaps her fingers?”

Her name breaks loose like a reflex. Guilt flashes across his face—memories of quests survived, promises traded in hushed midnight watches. You stride forward, cutting off the thought before it can shore him up.

“Annabeth loves you, yes, but she loves prophecy more. She loves the architecture of a heroic story—the boy who saves the world on schedule. The moment you step off that blueprint, she’ll love the blueprint more than the boy.”

The truth lands like salt in a fresh wound. Percy’s shoulders tense; guilt and anger knot in equal measure.

“Don’t,” he begins, defensive, but you press a finger to his lips.

You laugh, soft and cutting. “Annabeth,” you echo, as though tasting the word and finding it bland. “kneels at Athena’s feet, Percy. She’ll follow the owl wherever it roosts, even if it roosts on your grave. Her brilliance is a compass the gods forged for their own convenience. She’ll point you north toward their plan every time. And what does that plan promise you? A war you might win only by dying.”

Percy flinches, and in the tremor you hear the shatter of a belief sliding out of place. You press.

“Luke doesn’t want your devotion, Percy—he wants your rage. The part of you that watched your mother die and felt the sea tremble with it. The part of you that already knows prophecies are shackles disguised as glory.”

Riptide still lies forgotten on the floorboards. You toe the blade aside, then produce a slim drachma—all polished silver, stamped with Poseidon’s trident. “Heads,” you murmur, flipping it. The coin arcs between you, catching lamplight, flashing judgment. “Heads, you stay their dutiful champion. Tails, you carve your own destiny.”

The drachma lands on the back of your hand—trident up. Percy stares at it as though it’s mocking him. You catch his wrist, turn his palm upward, and drop the coin into it. “It’s rigged,” you whisper. “Every throw is heads to them. But with us?” You close his fingers around the drachma. “We melt the currency and mint new gods.”

Something in Percy breaks—not like glass, but like a tide-wall giving way. Jealousy, grief, and a bright, vicious hope collide in his eyes. When he exhales, the candleflames shudder; the briny tang of storm retreats, replaced by the ozone-sharp scent of a sea about to change course.

“What do I do?”

You smile, triumphant and tender all at once. “Meet me at the beach in one hour. Bring nothing that ties you to this place but your sword—Luke will be waiting offshore.”

He hesitates only long enough to glance at the bunk Annabeth has used yesterday. Guilt flickers, but you step into his line of sight, eclipsing it. “She’ll be safer believing you died a hero than watching you live a pawn.”

Percy nods—a single, decisive dip—and the cabin seems to sigh with the shift in fate. You lean in, brush your lips against the shell of his ear. “And, Percy? Luke may have taught me to fight…” Your fingers trail down his chest, claiming the steady drum of his heart. “…but I came back for you.” You turn, open the cabin door and walk away.

However, the cabin door is still whispering shut behind you when Percy’s fingers clamp around your wrist—salt-rough, decisive, impossible to mistake for the boy who once apologized every time he breathed too loud. He drags you back inside, wards sparking like struck flint as they reseal.

“Leaving already?” His voice is low, serrated at the edges. Moonlight cuts across his cheekbones, turning the sea-green of his eyes to deep, tidal jade. “You come here, rip my life in half, and think you can just…walk out?”

Before you can answer, Percy surges forward and kisses you, hard.

It is not the shy, sun-warm press of lips you envisioned long ago. This kiss tastes of riptides and broken oaths—of a storm surge pounding through a breach in the seawall. He brackets your jaw, thumbs digging just shy of bruising, and swallows the gasp he drags from your throat. Power hums under his skin; you feel it the way sailors feel depth in their bones—a pull that could drown or deliver, depending on his whim.

When he finally tears back, breath ragged, saltwater beads along his lashes like dew. “Luke’s name on your tongue,” he growls, “shouldn’t make me want to drown him. But it does.”

Your pulse spikes—part triumph, part danger. “Jealous, Sea Prince?”

“Possessive,” he corrects, voice dark as the trench beyond the continental shelf. “And tired of being the gods’ obedient weapon. You showed me that.” His grip shifts to the back of your neck, heat and claim in every fingertip. “Now you’ll show me everything else.”

A ripple of power answers the promise: seashell lamps flicker out, water condenses on the walls, and outside the breakers slam the shore in perfect rhythm with his pulse. The air smells of ozone and undertow, of something vast deciding to turn its teeth inland.

“Careful,” you murmur, though your own blood drums with fierce approval. “If you keep this up, they’ll call you the next great monster.”

“Let them.” Percy’s smile is a knife-flash. He reaches down—Riptide lies ready, bronze glinting—and snaps the pen into sword form with a practiced flick. But instead of angling the blade at you, he raises it to his own palm and scores a shallow line across the skin. Scarlet wells, bright against bronze. “Prophecies want my blood? Fine. I’ll spend it where I choose.”

He presses the cut to the nick at your throat—a mingling of salt and copper, oath and heresy—and you feel the cabin’s wards shudder as though something older than Olympus has been invited in.

[anas-aspiration]

Listen

Reader x ellie williams

Short drabble

Summary : A simple June walk in the woods can turn extra hot when you’re ovulating and annoyed. You don’t know how to talk about it but ellie notices the difference of attitude.

Warning: semi public sex, oral r!receiving, fingering r!receiving

“Mm- fuck ellie” you mutter, gripping the tree log beneath you.

Ellie had you leant back on a log facing the a shallow stream that she had just sketched in her journal. She dragged you outside of Jackson on a long walk to sit and draw you cradling your knees in front of this stream she found weeks ago, knowing you were on the first day of your ovulation cycle, and needy.

“You’re so wet baby, you really needed this didn’t you?” She was on her knees with her mouth placing wet kisses on your pussy, using your thighs as stability and softly massaging them.

“Mhmm..” you draw out.

“You want more? Hm?” You nod.

She gradually drags her slender fingers up your thigh, slightly massaging it along the way before sliding a finger into you. You whimper her name as she slowly pumps into you.

Overwhelmed, you glance down at the ground where her journal lies with the page of you and the creek sketched in. She drew you with such care and detail it turned you on even more to know she stared at every inch and curve of your body to make it look so flawless on paper.

She looks up at you and follows your eyes to find what you’re looking at.

“You like it baby? Did so well sitting still for me…you looked so perfect in that tiny top nd shorts..so perfect.” She brings a hand up to massage your boob softly, while adding a second finger to your cunt. “You like me looking at you like that don’t you?”

“Yes ellie” you gasp out.

She picks up the pace and you become taken over by the knot in your stomach and the lewd wet sounds overcoming the sound of the stream a few feet away from you.

“I-uhn..I’m gonna come. Fuck.” You whine.

“I knoww, i got you.”

Your knees begin to buckle and you buck into you hands when you throw your head back as your orgasm hits you like a truck.

“Fuck, look at that baby..” She helps you ride it out, not stopping until you begin to slide down the log.

“Thank you thank you..” You spew out breathless.

With a smirk on her face she assures you and helps pull your panties and jeans.

“We’ll finish this when we get home baby.”

All fucked out, you sigh, knowing exactly whats coming.

A/N! Sorry this is so short. I had a dream and three gingerbread cookies and just had to make some sort of magic happen. But theres more where this came from. And this is lowk bad, like whyd i actually forget how to write..

Please please request

[paddockbunny]

Green Eyed Monster

Summary : Lando is overcome with jealousy when he sees the one who got away with someone else Rating : 18+ Pairing Lando x Anonymous female pairing Word Count : 946 words - ONE PART BLURB Trigger Warnings : 18+, NSFW, adult language, no strong warnings but it’s not intended for minors. Images : curated from Pintrest

His envious eyes glowered at her as a large, dominating hand trailed down the curve of her spine. His palm ached in desperation. In complete burning, desperate want to touch her.

Fuck, the sheer torture of knowing what she felt like wrapped around his heart and constricted it like a slithering snake. As he watched them walking together he remembered how she tasted. He bit his lip in a weak attempt to rid himself of how he would risk everything for a second night of heaven with her.

Lando took a sharp inhale of breath and exhaled loudly. He was thankful he was far enough behind them that - neither of them knew he was there, for one - he didn’t have to suffer overhearing their conversation. What could they possibly have in common anyway? He thought. Carefully catching himself not to mutter the words under his breath. He’s old enough to be her dad. He probably can’t even get it up. Upon the thought entering his brain he laughed to himself just as a group of fans shouted his name and came rushing over toward him. Fuck!

With a phone shoved in his face and a pen thrust into his hand, he glanced up just in time to see the pair he had been cursing turning back from looking behind them. At him. He was sure of it. Her head lingered a little longer than his did and it sent something rushing through his body that he couldn’t possibly articulate. She barely looked at him so when she did he felt like he was about to turn into a puddle right there in the middle of the paddock.

Thankful the McLaren garage was before the Mercedes one Lando managed to duck into the teams hospitality before a crimson red blush grew upon his cheeks. He felt like an idiotic little school boy but the memory of how she trembled under him as she came made him regain a sense of manliness he wasn’t about to forget about in a hurry.

Lando coasted through the next two hours. He sat through pre practice discussions and small talk but the only thing he could do was daydream - or perhaps it was reminisce - of that evening after Silverstone last year. Of her.

His lips buzzed thinking of her sweet lips on his. A stifled groan was luckily caught before it escaped past Lando’s own parted lips. Before he could out his sinful, dirty thoughts of someone else’s girlfriend. The taste of her spit muddling amongst his as his tongue toyed with hers made him swallow instinctively. God, if that was all he could have once more he would take it. Just one more hungry, feverish kiss. But it wasn’t enough to satisfy his mind. No. He simply licked his bottom lip as he felt his fingertips tingle while thinking about her soft skin. The smooth, buttery feeling of her flesh as he trailed his thick digits down her arms (pulling the black strap of her lace bra down as they went). Fuck! The flesh of her thighs. Long and lean. Oh how he wanted them wrapped around his waist again. Lando remembered the curve of her back and Jesus, that damn ass. Lando ground his teeth just remembering her damn ass. The memory of how she so effortlessly sunk down onto her knees and took him in her warm mouth. How she moaned against his cock as he hit the back of her throat. He twitched in his jeans instinctively. Flickers of their hot, ravenous night flashed in front of his eyes as he blinked. Her pussy glistening as he licked, lapped and devoured it. The elicit moans that he pulled from her as he slid himself inside and how she felt gripping around him. She was so wet, so tight, so perfect. If he could only have her again.

Lando shifted around in his seat. Painfully uncomfortable due to the throbbing erection now pressing against his jeans. He hid it as best he could as he headed to his drivers room to get ready for practice. For once, he wished he was anywhere else in the world than at work. How was he supposed to go out there and do a good job and put fast times in when all he could think of was the girl who got away. The girl who got away and the man she was now fucking. The thoughts of him being so lucky to be so carnally intimate with her swirled around his head had now suddenly been replaced by the galling images of her fucking Toto Wolff. Toto fucking Wolff.

He thought about Toto kissing her and his huge, overbearing frame engulfing her as he did so. He could imagine how she would sink to her knees for him and struggle to take his length. He could almost hear Toto encourage her to make all of those sweet unholy noises - the ones he liked to think about when he had his own pulsating member in his hand or he was lucky enough to have taken a different girl home. And Lando wondered if she came as hard for Toto as she did for him. But as much as he couldn’t help but think about them together and how he knew he was a catch, Lando knew he couldn’t compare to a man like Toto. He was just a driver. Toto was, well, Toto. He was a billionaire. He was tall, dark and handsome. He had it all. He had her and all Lando had was his own green-eyed monster.

[elllisaaa]

skz as love songs

-> pairing : skz x fem!reader

-> words count : 3.1k words

-> genre : fluff, hurt/comfort

-> sorry for any mistakes, english is not my first language.

-> reblogs and feedbacks are appreciated !

-> author's note : i really enjoyed writing this, and i might have some ideas for longer fics based on songs because of this event lmao ! hope you will like this as much as i liked writing it !

-> masterlist | skz masterlist | 1k event masterlist

BANGCHAN

-> All of Me by John Legends  

"love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections"

→ You know that everytime you doubt yourself, you can count on Chan to remind you of your value, of how beautiful you are. In his eyes, you’re the prettiest girl in the world, the prettiest girl he’s ever seen. So he never understood how you could not see how incredible you were, how you could not see how perfect you were. 

“- But I’m not perfect…”

That’s what you always answer him everytime he tells you that, and everytime, he argues the same thing. 

“- Yes, but even your flaws are perfect, because you work on yourself and try to be a better person every time you make a mistake.”

And what can you say ? If you’re perfect, then Chan always has the perfect word to remind you of that, and the perfect hugs to comfort you. 

"‘cause I give you all of me, and you give me all of you"

→ Because when Chan loves, it’s with his whole heart, his whole soul. When he falls in love, he falls in deep, he falls in forever. Just like he throws himself in work because he’s so passionate about it, he gives his all for his relationship, he does whatever it takes to treat you right. 

“- Channie, you didn’t have to do all that…”

You were surrounded by candles and rose petals as you walked into your kitchen, your favorite meals on the counter, apparently homemade, and Chan standing in a suit in front of you, a warm smile on his face. 

“- Yes, I had to. I had to show you how grateful I am to spend another year with you, because you make me so happy.”

And that’s an understatement. Everytime you kiss him, he feels like the luckiest man on earth. One day, he knows that he’ll marry you. One day, he knows that he’ll have a family with you. One day, you’ll really hold his whole life in your hands, even if you already are with the way you make his heart beat and come alive. 

LEE MINHO

-> Cardigan by Taylor Swift

"you drew stars around my scars, but now I’m bleeding"

→ Minho has always watched you very closely, knows every little shift in your mood just by your body language. He had learned every little part of you like the moves of his favorite choreo, one he’ll never get tired of, one he’ll never forget. He had taken care of you when you were at your lowest, always reminding you that it was okay not to be okay sometimes. 

“- I’m sorry…

- You don’t have to be sorry for that sweetheart, it’s normal to be sad sometimes but just remember that I will always be there to support you.”

It’s like his words were magical, as if without you needing to tell him all about what you had been going through, he already knew it all. Sometimes, you wondered if Minho was an angel, because one touch from him, one word from him, and suddenly it was like you were healed. 

“- Being weak is not a bad thing, it’s what makes you stronger.”

If only he knew how grateful you were to have him, because he was truly helping you become more confident and overcome your past. 

"I knew you’d come back to me"

→ Sometimes, he’d have his bad times too. And even if he encouraged you to open up about it, he couldn’t follow his own advice and distanced himself from you. Minho would not be very talkative, nor would he seek your affection like he normally would. But just as much as he’s patient with you, you are with him and he’s grateful that you understand that he needs time for himself. 

“- Can I be the little spoon tonight ?”

You smile at his question, and that’s all Minho needs to bury his face in your chest, sighing in relief when you hold him tight against you and run your fingers through his hair. 

“- Are you ready to talk about it ?”

Mimicking you, he nodded and took some time to think before telling you what was on his mind these past days. Minho’s love was like a little cocoon, a shelter far away from the world, where you could be honest with each other and spend everyday basking in each other's presence. Sometimes, love doesn’t need words. 

SEO CHANGBIN

-> I Think I’m In Love by Kat Dahlia

"I didn’t think it could be true, let alone that it would be you"

→ It’s not that Changbin doesn’t believe in love, that’s quite the opposite actually, but more so that he doesn’t have the time to think about it because of his job. But the day he met you, it was like fate giving him a sign, telling him that love wasn’t going to stay out of his life anymore. And as much as he tried to contain himself, he came to realize that maybe, he should let you enter in his heart. 

“- Do you feel the same ?”

Your glazed eyes plunged in his, and even if Changbin knew you were a little drunk, he couldn’t help his heartbeat to fasten.

“- I don’t know, what are you talking about ?

- Love.”

You out of all the people he knew was the least he expected to fall for, and even less to feel the same about him. But he wasn’t mad about it. In the end, love was never logical. 

"baby, I’m falling, I hope you catch me when I’ll land"

→ It’s how it felt to be with you : falling. Changbin never thought that the expression falling in love could one day find a literal meaning, but he was wrong. And Changbin also never thought that he would love this sensation, and he was wrong again. 

“- Are you okay Binnie ?”

He lifted his head to look at you, smiling at him so sweetly he felt like a teenager all over again. 

“- Yes… I was just thinking.

- About what ?

- How grateful I am to have you by my side.”

It was Changbin’s turn to smile when he saw your cheeks redden. But he had never been more serious. Because yes, it was a little scary to dive into the unknown like that, but it was also exciting to go for new adventures. Moreover, it was the firm conviction that you would be there with him, that you were falling with him, for him, that made it so beautiful to be in love with you.

HWANG HYUNJIN

-> Infinity by Jaymes Young

"baby this love, I’ll never let it die"

→ Hyunjin had always been a hopeless romantic, dreaming about living a fairytale since he was child. He viewed love as something enchanting, thrilling and ultimately beautiful. Nothing could ever deter him from chasing after you, because he knew for a fact that you were the love of his life, his soulmate. He knew it since the day you met, knew it since the first time your eyes crossed.

“- Don’t cry princess, I will be back in no time.

- I know, but still… I’m gonna miss you like crazy.”

It was the same thing every time he prepared to leave. No matter if it was for several months or just a few days. Everytime, it felt so wrong to be away from him, and he felt exactly the same. It was just another proof that you were made for him.

“- Me too, but we’re stronger than that, you know it. We’ll always figure it out, we’ll always find a way. As long as you’re mine and I’m yours, everything will be alright.”

Loving Hyunjin was like that sometimes, like the feeling of having finally found your home.

"‘cause you’re the reason I believe in fate, you’re my paradise." 

→ As an artist, Hyunjin had tons of sketchbooks filled with drawings of you. He liked to say that you were his muse, because even though he was not representing you, every piece of art he made was ultimately inspired by your person. It could be something you loved, some art style you told him you appreciated. In the end, everything was linked to you. 

“- Thank you for doing this for me princess, it means a lot to me.”

You kissed his cheek with a big smile on your face, admiring the painting of you he just finished and for which you posed for hours, sparkles in your eyes.

“- I’m always happy to help you create, and everytime it turns out amazing. I’m honored to be your inspiration !”

But you were so much more than that. You were his reason to live. You were his other half. You were the reason the colors were so bright in his world. You were the reason he felt everything so hard. 

“- You’re not my inspiration, you’re my muse.”

And he meant even above art. He would do everything in his power to keep you by his side forever. 

HAN JISUNG

-> It’s U by Cavetown

"if you’re hurt, then I’ll fix you, if you’re blind, then I’ll describe the view." 

→ Life has not always been peaceful for Jisung. Sometimes, it was hard to even go out and see other people. Sometimes, it was hard to even talk to someone else. But when it came to you, everything felt so easy, everything felt so natural. You were always willing to help him, to support him through his worst states. 

“- I’m bothering you, you have work to do. 

- Baby, look at me.”

Jisung obeyed and stared at your soft gaze, feeling tears pricking his eyes again. He wanted to stay here in your arms forever and never have to face reality ever again. 

“- You’re more important than everything else. I’ll always be there for you. Whenever you need me, just call, and I’ll be right by your side. You can count on me.”

And you knew you could count on him too. When you were too tired to do the dishes or the laundry, he’ll do it for you. When he was too tired to wash his hair or take off his makeup, you’ll do it for him. Everything you did for him, he’ll do it for you too. 

“- Thank you.”

Jisung often felt the need to tell you how grateful he was to have you in his life. Loving you was like being all cuddled in a warm blanket with a hot chocolate during a cold winter day. Loving you was comfortable. 

"it’s always been you."

→ He always made fun of his friends who loved to watch these silly romantic movies where the main characters fell in love at first sight, believing that it was not real and could never happen, especially to him. But you came into his life like a hurricane, and suddenly, everything turned upside down. 

“- When did you start liking me ?”

You pretended to think about it for several minutes, too long for Jisung who whined at you for being so mean to him, making you giggle so cutely. 

“- I’m joking baby ! I have liked you since Chan introduced you to me. You were very charming, you know… 

- You were more charming, gorgeous, beautiful. I was starstruck.”

Jisung grinned as you blushed from his compliments, but deep down, he felt butterflies erupting in his stomach all over again, just like the first time he saw you. He needed reassurance often, but when you said that type of thing, he was convinced that destiny had plans for the two of you. Even before he had known you, it had always been you. 

LEE FELIX

-> In Luv With U by Finn

"I’m in love with you, more than summer and afternoons."

→ You came into Felix’s life like a sunset on a warm morning, with the sound of waves crashing on the beach echoing in the distance and the scent of the sea. It was like summer love. It was soft, natural, without overcomplication. You didn’t think too much of what was happening between the two of you, and neither Felix did. All he wanted was to make the most of your time together.

“- You can open your eyes.”

As you listened to his whispered command, you discovered that he had laid a blanket on the sand and that a picnic was laying on top of it. You turned around to smile at Felix.

“- You prepared all that just for me ?

- Why wouldn’t I ?”

You only kissed him by way of answer, running excitedly to sit on the blanket while Felix contemplated your figure from where he was standing behind you. Yeah, why wouldn’t he do that for you when you brought sunshine back in his life ? And to say that he didn’t do the same to you would be a lie. You were a perfect match. 

"I don’t know where I belong anymore, I belong to you."

→ There were times during which Felix didn’t know if he made the right choices. He was the most positive person you knew, but sometimes, doubt overcame him anyway. But even when he was lost, Felix knew that he had someone to rely on, someone to talk to, someone to ease all his worries. Everytime, it felt like he was letting you see his raw emotions, but you never made him feel ashamed for that. 

“- It’s okay to feel like that sometimes Lixie, and I know that you’re strong and that you’ll figure it out. You always figure it out.”

Even if he wanted to believe it, you could see that a shadow was still casting the beautiful light of his eyes. 

“- And if I don’t ?

- Then I’ll be there to help you, and we’ll do that together.”

You smiled when you saw his own tugging at his lips. You were always here to remind him that no matter what happened, you would always be there. You were his focal point when he was lost, reaching out a hand for him to take and bring him back home, bring him back to you. 

KIM SEUNGMIN

-> Paris in the Rain by Lauv

"‘cause anywhere with you feels right, anywhere with you feels like Paris in the rain."

→ The first time Seungmin got to Paris, it was because of work, and he knew that you would love it here. So the next time he came to visit the city, it was with you. He spent the whole trip looking at you all excited about all the things you wanted to do, looking at you like you were holding his whole world in your hands. And you kind of were. 

“- Isn’t the view incredible !? I can’t believe some people get to see that everyday…

- You’re more pretty to look at, and I’m so lucky to be the only one seeing you every morning and every night.”

The blush creeping on your cheeks didn’t hold you back from returning the compliment. Seungmin didn’t know if it was the atmosphere, or the fact that it was the first time he had the chance to take you on a trip, but he felt his heart swell just knowing that he had you all for himself, that you were here with him and only him. 

“- You’re so cheesy…

- Yeah, but you love me.”

And neither of you could hold back the smiles stretching out your lips. 

"I look at you now and I want this forever."

→ It wasn’t rare for Seungmin to call you his wife in his head. In fact, he referred to you as that a lot as a joke, even when you were with other people. And everytime, both of you would laugh it off, even if you couldn’t help loving the idea of this silly little antic becoming reality. Because you knew your boyfriend like the back of your hand, you noticed how his ears and cheeks grew red as he introduced you to some of his friends as his wife. You smiled sweetly, not correcting him, but waited until later to talk about it.

“- So… Where’s my ring ?”

Again, Seungmin felt himself blush and whined, burying his head in the crook of your neck to hide his embarrassment. 

“- I’m sorry love, it just slipped from my mouth.”

He knew that he was going to marry you one day, but he didn’t want to rush things and scare you, hell, he didn’t even decide on a ring to buy you. He wanted to wait a little longer to be sure that you weren’t a dream that will soon vanish.

“- Well, I don’t mind it as long as I really become your wife.

- I love the sound of that.”

And you did too. Seungmin couldn’t wait to be yours forever, because that’s all he ever wanted. 

YANG JEONGIN

-> Dancing in a Daydream by Roses & Revolution

"it’s you and me, dancing in a daydream, just you and me, lost in the clouds."

→ Pushing open the door of your apartment, the smell of food hit Jeongin as soon as he stepped a foot inside, a smile spreading on his lips as he heard you greeting him from the kitchen. He quickly discarded his jacket and shoes before joining you, sliding his arms around your waist and spooning you into a back hug as you continued to chop off vegetables. 

“- How was your day baby ?

- Exhausting… All I wanted was to be home with you, couldn’t stop thinking about coming home.”

You nobbed your head along, sliding the vegetables in your pan before turning around and cupping his face.

“- Well, you’re with me now, nothing to worry about anymore.”

Jeongin hummed happily, burying his face in your hair and holding you tight against him. Yes, just you and him, it was all he needed. 

"and if I open my eyes, if I open my eyes, will it all unravel ?"

→ Jeongin tried to be as sneaky as possible in order to not wake you up as he got out of bed and went to the kitchen. He grabbed a glass and filled it up with cold water, hoping that it would help him get over this bad dream. It happened rarely, but when it did, it was always very frightening. He almost didn’t notice when you joined him, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

“- What are you doing awake baby ?

- I… I just had a nightmare, don’t worry.

- You want to talk about it ?”

You sat down with him on the couch, straddling his lap and running your hands through his hair to soothe him.

“- It’s stupid really… I was coming home and you were not there, and I searched for you everywhere and couldn’t find you. It was as if you never existed. It was so scary, I felt so lost without you.

- But I’m here, yeah ? I’ll always be there, I promise, I’m not going to disappear.”

Jeongin smiled at you before he kissed you softly. Sometimes, it was hard to believe that you were his, because you were such a dream come true, and he wished to keep you by his side as long as you’ll let him.

-> i don't allow any copies, reposts or translations of my work.

skz taglist (fill in this to be added) :

@binwons @minnies-babie @yoongles2025 @thicccurls @caitlyn98s @hildaortara @sharonxdevi

[seokmn]

chapter XXIX : too much love

wc: 462 words + screenshots

“everything was perfect, thank you” you said with a smile on your face while looking at seokmin, who was looking back at you with such a loving smile.

“dont need to thank me, you deserve the best and the best only,” he squeezed your hand, “and i’ll try my hardest to provide you the best always”

you felt like you were going to become a puddle because of his words. you leaned your head against his chest and his free hand immediately found its way to your hair, caressing it softly.

“this feels like a honeymoon”, he said softly and you nodded, “it does feel like a honeymoon.. im totally loving it”

seokmin smiled while looking down at you, “do you think our relationship will be like this forever? i mean, of course we’ll argue, maybe even fight.. but things are going so well, even when we argue. i really want our relationship to keep like this” you sighed after listening to him and you looked up at him, “i dont know.. i hope so? months ago id be sure that eventually we’ll part ways, but now, i think that we can overcome anything together if we really want to. you made me change my mindset, i truly believe we’ll end up together forever if we fight for it,” you sighed, “so i guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but im willing to fight for us no matter what”

seokmin smiled and chuckled, “you sounded just like me right now!” you laughed and playfully hit his chest, “shut up..! is it bad that i sounded like you?”

“no! of course not. i found it cute”, he pinched your cheek and you giggled. god, he loves your giggles so much, hearing it made his heart melt and suddenly everything around you two just disappeared and it was like there was nothing but you in his arms.

he kept looking at you, mesmerized with your shiny eyes and your facial expressions, like he was taking note about how you looked, scared of one day forgetting your face. “yn,” he said while still looking at you, “one day i’ll start calling you my wife”

you looked at him surprised, widening your eyes, but the curves of your lips were curling up in a gentle smile, “and one day i’ll start calling you my husband”, he smiled and gave you a kiss, chuckling when he broke the kiss, “yknow, i truly think youre my soulmate, but the universe doesnt know about that”

“yeah.. its our little secret and i learned how to love this secret. the universe doesnt have to know about our connection. its too much love!”, he caressed your cheek before speaking, “youre right, its too much love”

prev - next

INVISIBLE STRING

in a world where when you turn 18 you share an invisible string with your soulmate that only you and your respective soulmate can see it, seokmin, also known as dokyeom, is an actor in the musical theatre world that doesnt have a soulmate and keep it as a secret. meanwhile, yn works in a bookstore and doesnt seem bothered at all by the fact of not sharing a string with someone. is it possible to change the destiny and find your soulmate even tho you dont share the invisible string with anyone?

[goorehound]

Viktor / Silco - Glow

ao3

Rating: 18+. Not explicit but hinted NSFW.

warning: description of Viktor’s body may be uncomfortable for those with body image issues, it is described to emphasize his illness. But please take care of yourself and don’t read on if that could be upsetting <3

Summary:

Silco’s early morning contemplating while Viktor sleeps on.

The light peeking through opened curtains, speckled with dust, poured over the slumbering figure across from him. Silco dared not move lest he disturb the glow casting across the pale expanse of skin, illuminating the harsh edges of a too thin frame. The curve of a small waist, a knobbed and crooked spine. Breaths shallow and occasionally halting, ribs inflating to offer extra space for battered lungs to draw in the air. He seemed fragile in this lighting, frail in a way Silco knew he would be ashamed of.

When he reached up to allow himself a touch he was given pause, the stark dichotomy between the shadow of his hand and the ethereal form it leaked upon. The illumination interrupted, unkind hands polluting the beautiful scene before him. He was overcome with the want to wrap Viktor further up in the shadows, cover him until every inch was shielded from the sun and replaced by a Silco’s vast darkness. To refuse to acknowledge how strongly Viktor belonged to the light, to drag him down into the depths alongside. To hold him. To keep him. To dig his nails in like some snarling, feral thing that did not want to share its capture.

Perhaps, if he shrouded Viktor in the shadows, he may forget the touch of the sun. He may be happy to fester beside him, until their inevitable ends. Perhaps he could keep this glow all to himself, and cradle it in his filthy, greedy palms. And perhaps, when he woke, Viktor would not venture back up above the smog to continue his life beneath the rays.

How poetic, Silco mused to himself as he finally closed the distance. Tips of fingers tracing lightly over those dastardly vertebrae, watching the body shift underneath the ghostly touches as he moved his outstretched hand along the length of Viktor’s side. Their destination ending to perfectly slot against light, finger shaped bruises around his hip. A brush of lips over a sharp shoulder blade in apology, only to be met with a resounding sigh.

“It is early.” A muffled voice complained, and Silco was helpless to resist a smile when the lithe body squirmed back to meet him. “Go to sleep.”

Silco gathered Viktor in his arms, now that it had been silently demanded of him, something pleased unfurling in his chest as he blocked the warm lighting from meeting that skin any longer. And it had been at Viktor’s insistence. He offered an appeasing hum, even as he propped himself further up on an elbow. With one arm supporting his weight, the other continued its exploration, starting at the worryingly concave space below where ribs met. Then, upwards, to rest over a beating heart.

Silco’s crooked nose ended up behind a soft ear, but was slowly dislodged as the man beneath him turned. Bleary eyes wavered on Silco’s face, ever the slowest to wake up. Groggy, comfortable, sated. It was a pleasing sight, even as those arched brows furrowed up at him.

“You are thinking too much.” Viktor insisted hoarsely, nimble hand stroking over a scarred cheek in an attempt to draw him down into a chaste kiss. And who was Silco to deny? Especially when his lips met a pliant mouth, still sluggish from his slumber. They may have been kissing for mere moments, perhaps hours, it was impossible to tell. But they did eventually part in spite of Silco’s reluctance, and Viktor shoved his head forcefully into his collarbone. Enough to convince him to lay on his back so he could be clung to, receiving the treatment of a living body pillow.

“Sleep.” Viktor commanded, and it could have held much more weight had his mouth not been smothered awkwardly against Silco’s chest. He did not call him on it, and let his eyes slide shut to avoid any further nagging - content to bask in the moment until sleep did eventually come to claim him as well. Soothed by the gentle snores that had started up beneath his chin, lulled into a light nap.

[marsplastic13]

'Complicated' (part 12) - Kaz Brekker x Reader

Idea - Kaz Brekker hires a prostitute to overcome his touch aversion, and be a better man for Inej, but things take an unxepected turn. Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Prostitute!Reader, (had to use y/n because I'm bad at names) Genre: modern AU, slow burn word count: 7.4k notes: didn't realize how many things happen in this part until right now, take a long breath

@millercontracting @coldmermaidhologram @syd649 @luffysprincess @cryptidghostgirl @beekeepingageissome @hufflepuff-16

tw: panic attack, mention of past abusive relationships, mention of past abuse

The next few days were chaotic for Kaz. He was working around the clock on a crucial deal, frustration mounting as complications arose. The thought of kidnapping everyone involved and locking them in a room until they reached an agreement crossed his mind more than once. His phone buzzed constantly, mostly with messages from Inej, urging him to join her in some remote corner of the world. Meanwhile, Jesper was relentless in his demands for attention, insisting on planning their joint birthday party. If being best friends wasn’t enough, they even shared the same birthday.

In the midst of this whirlwind, a message from Y/n made him pause. She had sent him two pictures of herself in different swimsuits, asking, 'Can’t decide the color'.

Kaz took a moment to study the images, appreciating her form and the swimsuits that highlighted it. The first one, a sleek black number, hugged her curves in all the right places, exuding a sense of sophistication and allure. The second, a vibrant red, contrasted beautifully with her skin, giving her a playful yet seductive appearance. His eyes traced the lines of her body, lingering on the way the fabric accentuated her waist and the gentle curve of her hips. He could almost feel the texture of the swimsuits under his fingertips, the thought sending a shiver down his spine.

Without much thought, he transferred 800 kruge to her, labeling the transaction ‘Both.’

Almost immediately, she replied, ‘I don’t think you know swimsuit prices.’

Kaz smirked at her response, typing back, ‘Do you need more?’

‘It’s too much!’ she protested.

‘I’m sure you’ll find something else to buy,’  he replied, feeling a rare sense of lightness.

‘:)’ was her only answer, but it was enough to make him smile.

He leaned back in his chair, momentarily forgetting the pressures of the deal, Inej’s incessant texts, and Jesper’s party plans. The thought of Y/n in those swimsuits lingered in his mind, a welcome distraction from the chaos.

With a sigh, Kaz returned to his negotiations, determined to push through the obstacles. But the images of Y/n, and the playful banter that accompanied them, stayed with him, a reminder of the choices and feelings he needed to confront.

***

Finally, after days, the deal was closed, and Kaz could breathe. As the car started moving, he undid his tie, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. The pressure had been immense, and now he just wanted to share this victory with Y/n. He dialed her number, anticipation buzzing in his chest.

“We fucking did it, love, I’m free,” he announced, his voice filled with excitement.

“I’m so happy for you, baby,” she replied, but her voice was strained.

Kaz immediately picked up on it. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “Due to poor scheduling, I had two very… demanding clients one after the other, and I’m exhausted.”

Hearing her talk about her job always stirred a rush of jealousy in Kaz. He hated the thought of her with other men, even if it was just for work. He clenched his jaw, trying to push the feeling aside.

“I wanted to take you out for dinner,” he said, hoping to distract himself with the idea of spending a relaxing evening with her.

“Can we do tomorrow, baby? I can’t move,” she sounded genuinely worn out, and his heart softened.

“Sure,” he said, trying to hide his disappointment. “Come here?” she asked, her voice softening.

“Already on my way,” he replied without hesitation.

Y/n was wearing his underwear and a white crop top with ‘Virgin’ written on it. Her hair was up, and her eyes were half-closed, and Kaz thought she had never looked more beautiful. She got on her toes, linking her arms behind his neck to kiss him. “Hi,” she murmured against his lips, and he felt his knees ready to give in.

“I got you pizza. I think it’ll be here in 10 minutes,” she said, leading him to her room.

“Thank you, love. You didn’t have to,” Kaz replied.

Y/n shrugged, collapsing on her bed. Only in contrast with the white sheets he notice the bruises around her body. “What happened to you?” he asked, concerned.

“Very demanding clients, I told you.”

Kaz sighed, torn between wanting to know more and not wanting to know anything at all. “Y/n, did they hurt you?”

“Well, not intentionally. Don't worry, Kaz; it was really good,” she said, closing her eyes and resting her head on his lap.

His hands gently brushed against her bruises, trying to keep his thoughts in check. “Were you enjoying it?” The question came out harsher than he intended.

“Yes,” she said simply.

‘More than me?’ The words were on the tip of his tongue, ready to dangerously roll out, leading to really uncomfortable conversations. He sighed; they were both too tired for meaningless fights. Yes, he could get mad about her job, but then what? There was no point.

“Were you safe?” he decided to ask.

“Of course. I trust them. I don't do certain things with strangers or with new clients.”

Kaz hummed, stroking her hair. “Tell me about your deal, come on,” she encouraged him without opening her eyes.

He told her a summary of what had gone down in the past days, and she looked genuinely interested. They opened the pizza in bed, accompanied by a very expensive bottle of wine that surely deserved to be tasted on other occasions rather than with greasy pizza, on a bed, drinking directly from it.

“There's cheese on it. What are you going to eat?” he asked, shoving half a slice into his mouth.

“I'm just going to inhale deeply the smell and drink wine.”

"Y/n, cut the bullshit and eat," he said firmly, his concern for her health evident in his voice.

"Rude," she retorted, but he could hear the weariness in her tone.

He leaned forward slightly, meeting her tired gaze. "Y/n," he began softly, "I know you're tired. But you need to eat."

"I'm not hungry," she insisted, her voice quieter now, almost defeated.

Kaz pinched the bridge of his nose, frustration and worry mingling within him. "Don't make a scene, love," he murmured.

Y/n sighed, exhaustion and resignation crossing her features. "I won't eat that; it looks disgusting," she protested weakly, avoiding his gaze.

"Just get something from your fridge," Kaz suggested, trying to keep his tone gentle despite his growing concern.

He watched as Y/n finally relented, disappearing into the kitchen. When she returned with a banana, Kaz felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Happy?" she asked, her tired eyes meeting his.

"Very much," Kaz replied, smiling softly.

After finishing their meal, Kaz and Y/n settled back into bed, finding comfort in each other's presence. Y/n lay on her back with Kaz's chest as her pillow, both absorbed in watching an episode of House on her tablet. Kaz absentmindedly traced patterns on her body, his mind finally relaxing after the past long days.

Lost in his thoughts, Kaz slid one hand under Y/n's shirt, a gesture that had become familiar between them. But this time, unlike before, he felt her flinch, a subtle but unmistakable reaction that instantly brought him back to the present.

“Y/n, is everything okay?” he asked gently, withdrawing his hand immediately.

“I… I won’t be able to have sex tonight, or anything else,” she blurted out quickly, her words rushed and tinged with anxiety.

Kaz remained calm, his concern growing as he sensed her distress. “It’s fine, Y/n. I’m pretty tired too,” he reassured her, trying to keep his voice steady despite the unease stirring within him.

But Y/n's breathing quickened, each breath coming in shallow gasps as if she couldn't get enough air. Kaz's worry deepened. “Hey, what's going on?” he asked softly, reaching out to gently touch her arm.

“I’m sorry, I can try if you want, but I-” Her voice trembled with panic, her eyes darting away.

“Are you listening to me? I said it’s fine, love,” Kaz insisted, shifting slightly to try and meet her gaze. He could see the fear in her eyes, as if she had seen a ghost.

Y/n suddenly moved away from him, her eyes fixed on him but seemingly unfocused. She started repeating apologies frantically, tears streaming down her cheeks uncontrollably.

“Everything is fine, you’re with me,” Kaz tried to reassure her, his voice soft and soothing, though uncertain of how to handle the situation.

“I know what you want from me, and I can’t… I can’t-” Her words were choked with emotion, her distress palpable.

“I don’t want anything, Y/n,” Kaz said firmly but gently, reaching out to hold her hand. “Just try to breathe. You’re safe here.”

Her panic seemed to intensify, her breaths erratic and shallow. Kaz's heart sank, feeling utterly helpless as he watched her struggle.

“Y/n, you’re not breathing properly. What is going on?” he asked urgently, his concern deepening into a knot of worry in his chest.

Finally, she managed to focus on him again, her tear-streaked face etched with anguish. “I… I can’t do this,” she managed to say between sobs.

Kaz's mind raced, trying to piece together what could have triggered such a severe reaction. “It’s me, Y/n,” Kaz said softly, his voice unwavering despite the turmoil inside.

Tears continued to fall from her eyes as she struggled to regain control. “I am nothing for you,” she muttered, her wide eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. “You just want me for sex and tonight I can’t-”

Kaz's heart raced as he watched Y/n struggle through the grips of her panic attack. Her words cut through the air with a sharpness that betrayed her fear, leaving Kaz feeling utterly helpless. He knew that touching her might worsen the situation, but he couldn't bear to see her in such distress.

“Y/n, you’re having a panic attack,” Kaz interjected gently, hoping to ground her in reality. His voice, usually steady, now quivered slightly with concern as he tried to reach for her hand again.

Her breathing remained erratic, each gasp tearing at Kaz's own nerves. “Don’t touch me. Please, let me go,” she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Kaz withdrew his hand immediately, a pang of guilt and worry twisting in his chest. He felt a surge of anxiety rise within him, unsure of how best to support her through this overwhelming episode. The sight of her pain, both physical and emotional, weighed heavily on him.

“I won’t hurt you, Y/n,” Kaz reassured, his voice a whisper amidst her sobs. “You’ll be okay. Just breathe.”

Her panicked words continued to spill out, trapped in a loop of distress. “I can’t give it to you, I can’t- I'm so tired, please,” she repeated, her gaze unfocused and terrified.

Kaz's mind raced, desperately trying to understand what had triggered such a severe reaction. He knew Y/n's job was demanding and often brought emotional challenges, but this level of panic was new and alarming.

“I know I’m nothing for you, but please, I don’t want to-”

Before things could escalate further, Kaz made a quick decision. He needed help, someone who knew Y/n well. Without another word, he left the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing in the hallway as he sought out her roommates.

He found one of them in the living room, concern etched on her face as she saw Kaz's distressed expression. Without hesitation, he explained the situation, his voice urgent yet measured.

“It’s Y/n,” Kaz began, his voice catching slightly with worry. “She’s having a panic attack. I don’t know what to do.”

Y/n's roommate nodded understandingly, her face softening with empathy. “I’ll come with you,” she said firmly, leading Kaz back towards Y/n’s room.

Together, they entered the room where Y/n lay curled up on the bed, hugging her legs, her breathing still uneven. Kaz hovered anxiously in the doorway, feeling both relief and apprehension at having someone else there to help.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Y/n's roommate spoke softly, her voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere. “We’re here for you.” 

Kaz stood back, grateful to see Y/n in the care of someone she trusted. He was about to speak, but his words caught in his throat when Y/n's tear-streaked face turned towards her roommate. There was a mix of fear and relief flickering in her eyes.

“Please let me go,” Y/n's voice was weak and shaky. “I am not an object.”

Kaz felt shock ripple through him at her words. He hadn't expected this plea, hadn't realized the depth of her emotional turmoil. His heart skipped several beats, feeling guilt and concern pressing heavily on him. He stood frozen in the doorway, feeling helpless as he watched Y/n's tear-streaked face, her distress palpable.

“No, you’re not, baby,” her roommate's gentle voice broke through the tense air. “You’re home now, it’s safe. No one wants anything from you.”

Gradually, Y/n’s breathing began to steady, the intense panic subsiding as her roommate guided her through calming breaths. Kaz remained by the doorway, silently observing, his worry for Y/n still palpable. He felt like an intruder in this intimate moment of vulnerability.

“Are you coming back to us?” the roommate asked softly, and Y/n nodded faintly.

“Kaz is here, do you want him to stay?” Y/n turned towards him, her eyes searching and uncertain. She nodded again, and Kaz felt a mix of relief and trepidation at being allowed into her space during such a fragile moment.

“Can I leave you alone with him? I’ll be just outside,” the roommate offered, and Y/n nodded once more.

“Yes, yes, I’m coming out of it,” Y/n murmured weakly, her gaze still distant but slowly regaining focus.

Kaz stepped cautiously into the room, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He approached Y/n slowly, unsure of how to comfort her but wanting desperately to do something. He sat down gently beside her on the bed, keeping a respectful distance but close enough to offer support if needed.

He could see the embarrassment etched on her face, her cheeks flushed with shame. She avoided his gaze, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap.

“Hey,” Kaz began gently, breaking the uneasy silence between them. “There’s no need to feel embarrassed. You don’t have to apologize for anything.”

Y/n let out a shaky breath, still not meeting his eyes. “I’m sorry, Kaz,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I didn’t mean to... I just lost control. It was such a stressful day.”

Kaz reached out tentatively, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Y/n, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain yourself. I’m just really worried about you.”

She finally looked up at him, tears still lingering in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, her voice cracking with emotion, “My ex-boyfriend… he wasn’t the only abusive relationship I was in. I’m not used to people wanting to stay with me for more than sex.”

Kaz's heart sank even more, the weight of their complicated relationship pressing down on him like never before. He couldn't bear the thought of Y/n feeling used or undervalued, especially by him. The realization hit him hard, making him confront his own shortcomings.

Every promise he had made about leaving Inej, spoken in moments of vulnerability and passion, yet never followed through—each one now felt like a betrayal. He saw now how those empty assurances could have chipped away at her trust. Each time he had let Jesper's jokes about her job slide, dismissing them as harmless banter, he had unwittingly contributed to her feeling like she was only valued for her body.

The guilt was suffocating. He had been so caught up in his own struggles, his own fears, that he hadn't fully grasped the depth of hers. It wasn’t just about his complicated relationship with Inej or his clandestine meetings with Y/n. It was about seeing Y/n for who she truly was, beyond the surface, beyond the physical.

“Y/n, if I ever-”

“You didn’t, don’t worry.”

Kaz took a deep breath, steadying himself as he looked into her eyes. "I care about you. It's really important that you know that. For me, it's not just physical, Y/n."

"It would be so much easier if it was," she replied, her hand gently caressing his cheek. "Then you would hurt me, and I'd forget about you."

"I don't want this to end," he whispered back, his voice raw with emotion.

"Can we sleep now?" she asked, her voice small and tired.

"I just want to make sure you’re okay," Kaz insisted firmly, his concern unwavering. Y/n nodded slowly, her shoulders relaxing slightly under his touch.

“Are you sure nothing happened today?” Kaz pressed, his worry evident.

“Yeah, it was just heavy. I pushed too much, triggered old memories,” she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Are you sure they didn’t hurt you?” he asked again, his eyes searching hers for any signs of distress.

“Yes, Kaz, they were just both into violent stuff, and I screamed my lungs out all afternoon,” she explained.

Kaz frowned, puzzled. “Are you into it?” he asked, trying to understand.

“Sometimes,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Are you sure that you like sleeping with me?” He couldn’t hold it in any longer. “You’re used to all these weird things that I don’t know anything about.”

“Of course I like it, love,” Y/n finally smiled at him, her expression softening. “It’s totally different having sex with a client and doing it with—” she stopped, uncertainty written all over her face.

“With?” he encouraged her, pulling her into his arms, hoping to give her the reassurance she needed.

They stared at each other for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. “With a friend,” she offered softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Kaz nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Bet they don’t cuddle you after.”

She laughed, the sound like a balm to his worried heart. Tracing his jaw with her fingers, she continued, “You’d be surprised at how many of them just want simple things. Take all those men that take me on trips—they don’t have time to have an actual girlfriend, be there for her, build a family. So they just pay me to do it. Laugh at their jokes, praise them in front of their colleagues. They just want a wave of fake normalcy. And I like being a girlfriend for a week or two; it’s all I can handle.”

Kaz listened intently, his heart aching for the life she described. He realized how different their worlds were, yet how much he wanted to be a part of hers. "I get it," he said softly. "But with me, it doesn't have to be fake. You deserve more than just a week or two of normalcy."

Y/n looked at him, her eyes filled with hope and fear. "I don’t know if I can handle more," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

Kaz held her closer, his resolve strengthening. “Nothing to decide right now.”

“I'm too tired to remind you how stupid this is.”

“Then shut up and go to sleep.”

Kaz woke up to what must have been the twentieth message she received. “I swear, I’m going to break your phone,” he muttered. Y/n had been awake for some time already, and he was resting his head on her stomach. With every new message, she giggled, making his head move slightly.

“Sorry,” she said, her voice full of amusement.

“Who is writing you all these messages at fucking sunrise?” he asked, annoyed, without opening his eyes.

“First of all, it’s 9 a.m.,” she corrected him. “Second, it’s Mother’s Day.”

“And you have a lot of children or a lot of mothers?” Kaz’s sarcasm was evident, his annoyance clear.

“Neither of them, actually. I have a lot of clients,” Y/n replied, playfully.

Kaz made a disgusted face, raising his head to look at her. “Hey, gorgeous,” she said, tilting her head to look at him before getting her attention back to her phone, giggling again.

“They’re really wishing you a happy Mother’s Day? It’s gross,” Kaz said, his tone laced with incredulity.

“It’s kind of sweet that all the men who sucked my tits feel the duty to wish me a happy Mother’s Day. You have no idea of the tips they’re sending me.” Y/n turned her phone to let him see the pile of notifications—messages and money transfers, one after the other.

Kaz stared at the screen, a mixture of shock and jealousy coursing through him. “It’s still weird,” he grumbled, resting his head back on her stomach. “And annoying.”

Y/n laughed softly, running her fingers through his hair. “I know it’s strange, but it’s just part of the job. They feel a connection, even if it’s superficial.”

Kaz closed his eyes, trying to block out the steady stream of notifications. “I don’t like it,” he admitted, his voice muffled against her skin.

“I know,” she said softly, her tone comforting. “But you don’t have to worry about them. They’re just clients.”

Kaz’s grip on her tightened slightly, his fingers tracing small circles on her side. “Sometimes it’s hard to remember that,” he confessed.

Y/n put down her phone and cupped his face, making him look up at her. “You’re not just a client, Kaz. You’re my friend, and you mean a lot to me.”

He nodded, feeling a bit reassured. “Okay,” he said softly, leaning into her touch.

“Good,” she replied, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “Just go back to sleep.”

“Okay,” Kaz agreed, a small smile playing on his lips. “But if that phone goes off one more time…”

Y/n laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ll put it on mute, just for you.”

“Thank you,” he mumbled, closing his eyes again and settling back down, feeling a bit more at ease.

“Come on, Kaz, wake up. It’s already past 11. How much are you going to sleep?” Y/n asked, her voice carrying a blend of impatience and amusement.

“All day,” Kaz mumbled, burying his face deeper into her abdomen.

“Oh, you’re even drooling on me. Disgusting,” she said, shoving him away gently.

“Sorry,” he replied, sitting up and wiping his mouth, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“You know I have a life other than spending time with you, right?” she teased, getting up and disappearing into her wardrobe.

“I thought you spent your days waiting for my texts,” he retorted, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Yeah, you wish. I have lunch with a friend, then I have to throw paint to a monument to protest against climate change, throw tear gas at the police, and I start work at 5,” she listed off, pulling out clothes and holding them up for inspection.

“Please don’t get arrested,” Kaz said, his tone carrying both genuine concern and exasperation.

“I can’t, I have to work. Are you listening to me?” She picked out an outfit and turned to him. “Do you think this works for lunch and saving the world?”

“Sure,” he replied absently, not really paying attention to the clothes but rather watching her with a fondness he didn’t often show.

“Do you want to come to the protest?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Absolutely not,” he laughed, shaking his head. “Climate change is not my problem.”

“What about your children? Or the children of your children?” she countered, raising an eyebrow at him.

He chuckled again, getting up and moving closer to her. He kissed her temple softly. “I’ll make sure not to have any.”

“Selfish,” she commented, rolling her eyes but smiling.

“What time are you off?” he asked, watching her as she finished getting dressed.

“Eight, I think,” she replied, checking her reflection in the mirror.

“Great, don’t make plans,” Kaz said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Y/n turned to him, a playful smirk on her lips. “Oh? What do you have in mind?”

“You’ll see,” he said cryptically, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

***

‘I’m outside,’ Kaz texted her at 8 sharp, and waited, leaning casually against his brand-new bike. A smirk played on his lips as he heard the sound of her footsteps descending the stairs.

When Y/n saw him, she stopped in her tracks, her mouth falling open. “What in the mid-life crisis is that?” she exclaimed.

Kaz’s smirk widened. He stood proudly next to his bike, a sleek, black Ducati with gleaming chrome accents and a matte finish. 

“Kaz, you’re too young to have a mid-life crisis, you know that?” she teased, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Do you like it?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Y/n circled the bike, taking in every detail. “Yeah, it’s so beautiful,” she said, admiration evident in her voice. “Oh, you even got the thing to hold your cane. I think we’re watching too much House, baby.”

Kaz made a crooked smile, appreciating her attention to detail. “Just an early birthday present from myself,” he shrugged nonchalantly, then offered her a helmet. “Want to go for a ride?”

Y/n looked at the helmet, then back at Kaz, her expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Yeah, but I’m fucking scared,” she laughed nervously. “Are you sure you can drive this thing?”

“Of course I can,” he assured her, his confidence unwavering. “Come on, trust me.”

She hesitated for a moment, then took the helmet from him, her fingers brushing against his. “Alright,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”

Kaz helped her with the helmet, making sure it was secure before putting on his own. He mounted the bike with practiced ease and extended a hand to her. “Hop on,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

Y/n climbed onto the bike behind him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. She could feel the powerful engine rumbling beneath her, the vibrations sending a thrill through her entire body.

“Ready?” Kaz asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Ready,” she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

With a rev of the engine, they took off, the wind whipping around them as they sped through the city streets. Y/n’s initial fear melted away, replaced by exhilaration as they wove through traffic and took on the open road. Kaz’s confidence and skill were evident in every turn, every acceleration.

They rode for what felt like hours, the world blurring around them, a sense of freedom and adventure filling the air. Finally, Kaz brought the bike to a stop at a scenic overlook, the city lights twinkling below them.

Y/n removed her helmet, her hair tousled and her cheeks flushed with excitement. “That was amazing,” she said breathlessly, her eyes shining.

Kaz smiled, his own heart pounding with exhilaration. “Told you it’d be fun,” he said, leaning in to kiss her softly.

She kissed him back, their surroundings fading away, leaving just the two of them in that perfect moment.

Kaz wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as they both took in the breathtaking view. The city lights below twinkled like stars, casting a serene glow over their moment of quiet togetherness. 

“Will you come to our birthday dinner?” he asked, his voice soft but hopeful.

Y/n glanced at him, then away, her gaze settling somewhere distant. “It would be weird, Kaz,” she said softly, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

“Why?” he pressed gently, not wanting to let the idea go just yet.

“Well, Jesper doesn’t like me, and it’s his birthday too. All of your friends will be there… I just don’t fit in the picture,” she explained, her voice carrying a trace of sadness.

“We’re friends, and it’s not true that he doesn’t like you,” Kaz tried, though even he knew his argument was weak.

Y/n raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in her eyes. “Come on, Kaz. You’ve heard the way he talks about me.”

Kaz sighed, knowing there was some truth to her words. “Jesper can be... opinionated. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.”

“He thinks I’m a distraction, that I’m not good enough for you,” she insisted, her voice tinged with frustration.

“Jesper has his own issues,” Kaz said, trying to placate her. “He doesn’t always understand other people’s choices. But that doesn’t mean he dislikes you.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know anyone apart from you and Jesper. It would be weird,” she insisted, the hesitation clear in her eyes.

“I won’t leave your side,” Kaz promised, his grip tightening slightly, a subtle plea in his words.

“It would be even weirder. You’re still in a relationship, Kaz,” she reminded him gently but firmly.

He sighed, frustration mingling with resignation. “Me and Inej haven’t talked in days,” he said dryly, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. Come on, you know it too. They would start asking questions we don’t know how to answer, and it would be embarrassing. They’ll make me feel like shit,” her voice became smaller, a hint of sadness creeping in.

Kaz felt a pang of guilt and frustration. He didn’t want her to feel like an outsider, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. The complexities of their situation, the secrecy, the unspoken feelings—all of it created a tangled web that made simple things complicated. But he really wanted her to be with him on his birthday, to share that day with her.

Kaz pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. “I wish things were different,” he whispered, the words heavy with unspoken emotions.

“Do you really?” she replied softly, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Admit it, love. The lies, the sneaking out, the secrets—you’re enjoying it.”

Her words struck a chord within him. He opened his mouth to protest, but a wry smile crept onto his face. She knew him too well. The thrill of their clandestine meetings, the adrenaline rush of stolen moments—it was intoxicating, and he couldn’t deny it.

“Okay, you caught me,” he admitted with a chuckle. “There’s something about it that makes everything more intense. But it’s not just that.”

She tilted her head, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. “I know. I feel it too. It’s exciting, and I like that it’s not serious. It takes the pressure off.”

Kaz felt a pang of frustration. “At least think about the party,” he urged, trying to keep his tone calm and persuasive.

“Kaz, your birthday party with all of your friends is a girlfriend-kind-of-thing, not a whatever-we-are-doing thing,” she replied, shaking her head. “If you broke up, I might have considered it, but come on, it’s too much even for me. And one time I babysat the kids of the married man I was hooking up with.”

He winced at her bluntness, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. “I know it’s complicated,” he admitted, his voice softer. “But I want you there with me. It would mean a lot.”

She sighed, her expression softening a bit. “I get that, Kaz. But I’m not ready to be paraded around in front of your friends, pretending everything is fine. Especially not when things between us are so... undefined. What are you going to say? Who am I?”

Kaz hesitated, searching for the right words. “You’re someone I care about deeply. Someone who means a lot to me. Isn’t that enough?”

Y/n shook her head, her eyes filled with doubt. “It’s not that simple. Your friends will want details. They’ll want to know who I am and why I’m there. I don’t want to be put on the spot, and I don’t want to be judged.”

“I’ll handle it,” Kaz promised, his voice firm.

“Baby, please, it doesn’t make any sense. You know it, I know it, just let go,” Y/n pleaded, her tone gentle but resolute.

He sighed, a mixture of frustration and disappointment evident in his expression, “Fine.”

***

The day before his birthday, Kaz waited outside Y/n's apartment, glancing at his watch every few minutes. There was no sign of her car, and she was already pretty late. After a while, her familiar Mini turned the corner, and she parked almost straight, skidding slightly to a halt.

As soon as she got out of the car, Y/n started apologizing profusely. “I’m so sorry for being late, Kaz.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a tennis racket?” he asked, puzzled.

“Oh, yeah. I’m seeing this guy who thinks tennis lessons count as dates. I'm pretty good too,” she replied nonchalantly, though she was still catching her breath.

“You’re pretty late,” he noted, trying to keep his tone light but failing to hide his annoyance.

“I know, baby. I’m sorry,” she said, taking his hand and leading him towards her flat. Once in her room, she started rummaging through her wardrobe, pulling out various outfits to find the perfect one for dinner. “I’ll be super quick, I swear.”

Kaz smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out four concert tickets, holding them up proudly. “Look what I found.”

Y/n’s eyes widened in delight. “Oh, saints, you found them? I’m going to kiss you!” she exclaimed, rushing over to him. She cupped his face, planting kisses all around it. “You’re amazing,” she kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” another kiss. “Fantastic,” she kissed his forehead. “I love you,” she kissed his lips.

Y/n turned to leave, Kaz gripped her wrist, pulling her back gently but firmly. “What did you just say?” he asked, his voice betraying curiosity and surprise.

The girl froze, slowly turning around, her eyes wide and her lower lip caught between her teeth. “What?” she asked, her voice unnaturally high.

“Care to say that again?” Kaz’s tone was gentle, but there was a serious undertone that made her heart race.

“Uh, thank you for the tickets?” she tried weakly, her eyes darting around the room, avoiding his intense gaze.

“Y/n,” Kaz repeated, his tone firmer, drawing her attention back to him. His eyes searched hers, filled with a mix of curiosity and determination.

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Oh, you know what? I was lying, 100%. Can't stand you,” she said, the words coming out in a rush. “Can I go have a shower? We're late,” she added, turning to leave again.

Kaz tightened his grip on her wrist, not letting her escape so easily. “Y/n, stop,” he said softly but insistently.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. “Kaz, please. Can we just drop it? It was a slip of the tongue. I didn't mean to say it.”

“But you did say it,” he countered, his eyes never leaving hers. “And I need to know if you meant it.”

She looked at him with wide eyes, clearly conflicted. The usually confident Y/n was visibly shaken, and for the first time since he had known her, Kaz saw her properly blush. “No, not as you think,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “It was just a slip up.”

Kaz let go of her arm, still in shock. He watched as she hurriedly gathered her things, her movements quick and deliberate. Y/n really did get ready in record time, disappearing into the bathroom and emerging not much later with her usual confident demeanor restored. It was as if the vulnerable moment had never happened, and Kaz knew better than to push her with uncomfortable questions.

Hours later, the conversation was just a blur in the back of Kaz's foggy mind. “Stay on your knees, lift my hips,” Y/n instructed, arching her back in satisfaction. “Fuck, how can this feel even better?” he said, following her guidance. 

Y/n extended one of her legs to rest it on his shoulder. He barely registered the shift, too focused on the overwhelming sensations coursing through him. “Come closer, love,” she said between moans. Kaz immediately leaned in, marveling at her flexibility when her knee and shoulder almost touched under his weight. “Pilates is paying off, right?” she teased, noticing his amazed expression.

“Fuck, Y/n, please be mine,” he groaned, desperation lacing his voice.

“Yeah? I—” her smart reply died in her throat as his tongue began playing with her nipple. 

“I want to be with you, every day,” he murmured against her skin.

“Every day?” she echoed, her voice trembling with pleasure.

“Every damn day, Y/n. Please, let’s try it.”

“Why do you become so needy during sex?” she asked, her breath hitching as he continued.

“Because you deserve all of it. Move in with me,” he said, assaulting her neck with kisses, his pace never faltering.

“Sure, baby, whatever you want,” she replied, her voice heavy with lust and affection.

“I want everyone to know you're mine.”

“Am I?” she challenged, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Yes.”

“Did I agree on that?”

“Since you can't make a decision, I'll take one for you,” he said with a possessive growl, his hands gripping her tighter.

Y/n smiled between quick breaths, cupping his face and kissing him deeply. “Then what?” she teased.

“Then you'll leave your job and spend the days throwing my money away,” he said, his voice low and intense.

“I don't know if it feels better what you do or what you say,” she admitted, her body arching into his touch. “Harder, love. Don't be scared, I won't break.”

Kaz obliged, increasing his intensity, his mind and body completely consumed by her. Every touch, every word, every shared breath solidified his desire to make her his in every way possible. He moved with purpose, his grip tightening on her hips as he thrust deeper, his eyes locked onto hers, drinking in every expression of pleasure that crossed her face.

“More, love, please, don’t stop talking,” she pleaded, her voice a mixture of desperation and ecstasy.

“You're everything to me, Y/n,” he murmured, his words punctuated by the rhythm of their movements. “I need you, every day, every night. I want to wake up next to you, fall asleep holding you.”

Her hands clutched at his back, nails digging into his skin as she pulled him closer, urging him to go harder, faster. “Yes, baby, just like that,” she moaned, her head falling back against the pillow, lost in the sensations he was giving her.

“You’re mine,” he growled, his voice rough with emotion. 

She responded with a cry of pleasure, her body trembling beneath him. Her voice hitched as a wave of ecstasy washed over her, her muscles tensing and then releasing in a shuddering climax.

He watched her, mesmerized by the sight of her unraveling beneath him, and it pushed him over the edge. With a final, deep thrust, he followed her into bliss, his own release crashing through him with an intensity that left him breathless.

For a few moments, they lay tangled together, their breaths mingling as they came down from the high. Kaz’s hands caressed her skin, his touch gentle and reverent. His mind was a mix of intricate thoughts, emotions swirling within him like a storm.

“Y/n, I—” he began, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

“Don’t,” she cut him off harshly, her tone sharp enough to slice through the intimacy of the moment.

Kaz sighed, looking at her. Her hair was a wild mess on the pillow, a halo of disarray framing her face. Her neck bore a small constellation of his bites, each mark a testament to their passion. It was really difficult to concentrate on rational thoughts when she looked so utterly captivating.

“But—” he tried again, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

“I’ll run away if you say it,” she warned, her eyes flashing with fear and determination.

Kaz paused, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the war between her desire to stay close and her instinct to push him away. He knew this was a delicate moment, one that required careful handling.

“Alright,” he conceded softly, his hand tracing a soothing path along her arm. “Would you? Move in with me?”

Y/n sighed, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “Why do you want to rush things?”

“We could be roommates,” he laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “I promise I’m not that messy.”

“Yeah, sure, let’s complicate things a bit more,” she replied, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“That’s the spirit, love,” he said, grinning at her.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “I won’t leave my job, Kaz. You know that, right?”

“I’ll keep checking,” he replied, his tone serious despite the playful banter. He wanted her to know that he was committed to supporting her, no matter what.

Y/n hummed softly, resting her head on his chest. “I can’t stop thinking about all the fun things I’m going to teach you. I’ll make you my perfect toy boy.”

Kaz chuckled, running his fingers through her hair. “Toy boy? I’m older than you, you know.”

“Shut up,” she retorted, smacking his chest lightly. “Age doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ll learn.”

“Learn what, exactly?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, so many things,” she purred, her voice taking on a teasing edge. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Kaz felt a rush of excitement at her words. Despite the complexities of their relationship, the idea of exploring new experiences together was undeniably appealing. “I’m looking forward to it,” he admitted, his voice low and sincere.

“I am crazy for how talkative you become once you start to get loose,” she said, tracing patterns on his chest with her finger.

Kaz laughed softly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I suppose you bring that out in me.”

“Good to know,” she replied with a playful grin, leaning up to press a kiss against his chin.

He captured her lips in a gentle kiss, savoring the taste of her. 

***

Kaz waited anxiously through the entire birthday dinner, hoping that Y/n would change her mind and show up. Even that morning, she had assured him she didn’t, but still, he held onto a flicker of hope. Throughout the evening, everyone kept asking about Inej, and Kaz did his best to dodge the questions. Their texts had grown increasingly sparse, and she had only called briefly to wish him a happy birthday while Y/n was still asleep next to him.

After dinner, the plan was to meet at the Crow Club. Naturally, the birthday boys went together, and that year it was Kaz’s turn to stay somewhat sober and drive. They were halfway there when Y/n called him. Kaz answered from the car, his heart skipping a beat. “Y/n, you’re on speaker. Jesper’s here.” He really hoped that she had changed her mind and was ready to join the rest of the party.

But her voice trembled, sending a chill down his spine. “Aleksander, where are you taking me?”

Kaz and Jesper exchanged puzzled looks. “Relax, doll, it’s just a drive,” the unfamiliar voice replied.

“You kidnapped me, you’re pointing a gun at me and driving like a madman. I tend to worry in these situations,” Y/n’s voice quivered with fear.

Kaz’s blood ran cold. He exchanged a worried glance with Jesper, who was now just as tense.

“You know I would never hurt you, doll,” Aleksander said with a sinister calm.

“I’m pretty sure you already broke two of my ribs,” she shot back, the fear barely masked by her sarcasm.

Kaz and Jesper paled at the sound of a sinister laugh on the other end of the line. “I did it for you, so maybe you’ll stop being a stupid slut.”

“Where are we going?” Y/n asked, her voice a mixture of fear and defiance.

“To our place, of course.”

“Maybe I need a reminder. You know, I have so many boyfriends to keep track of,” she said, trying to buy time.

“You know where,” Aleksander responded ominously.

“Alex,-” her voice cut off sharply.

“Are you on the phone with someone? You fucking whore,” Aleksander snarled.

They heard the noise of a commotion, then Y/n’s piercing scream, “It’s at the old lighthouse, Kaz, please help me!”

The phone call ended abruptly, leaving a deafening silence in the car. 

[microlearningplatform]

The Forgetting Curve in Action: Why Traditional Training Fails and How to Fix It

The Forgetting Curve and Its Relevance for Trainers: How to Maximize Knowledge Retention

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges trainers and learning professionals face is ensuring that employees retain and apply what they learn. The Forgetting Curve, a concept introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, highlights a harsh reality: people forget nearly 50% of newly learned information within an hour and up to 90% within a week if the learning is not reinforced.

This article explores the impact of the Forgetting Curve on corporate training and presents science-backed strategies to help trainers design programs that enhance retention and performance.

Understanding the Forgetting Curve

The Forgetting Curve visually represents the decline of memory retention over time. The steep drop in recall occurs because the brain prioritizes information it deems useful and discards the rest.

Why Does the Forgetting Curve Happen?

🔹 Lack of reinforcement – Without reviewing or applying knowledge, learners forget it quickly. 🔹 Information overload – Employees often receive too much content in a short time, making it difficult to retain. 🔹 Passive learning methods – Traditional lecture-based training lacks engagement, leading to lower retention. 🔹 No real-world application – If employees don’t apply what they learn, the brain doesn’t encode it as important.

The Impact of the Forgetting Curve on Training Programs

For trainers and L&D teams, the Forgetting Curve has serious implications:

🚨 Wasted Training Investment – Organizations spend millions on training programs, but if learners forget most of the content, ROI plummets. 🚨 Decreased Employee Performance – When employees can’t retain critical information, errors increase, and productivity suffers. 🚨 Compliance & Safety Risks – Forgetting key policies and procedures can lead to regulatory violations and safety hazards.

So, How Can Trainers Combat the Forgetting Curve?

To ensure long-term knowledge retention, trainers need to rethink how they deliver learning. The key lies in reinforcement, engagement, and personalization.

5 Proven Strategies to Overcome the Forgetting Curve

1. Implement Microlearning for Continuous Reinforcement

Microlearning—delivering short, focused learning modules—perfectly aligns with how the brain retains information. Instead of overwhelming employees with long training sessions, microlearning delivers content in small, digestible chunks over time.

✅ Why it works: Spaced, bite-sized learning strengthens memory recall and helps employees retain knowledge better. ✅ How to implement:

Use AI-powered microlearning platforms like MaxLearn to break down training into 2-5 minute lessons.

Deliver content in multiple formats, such as short videos, interactive quizzes, and infographics.

Ensure learners revisit key concepts at spaced intervals to reinforce knowledge.

2. Use Spaced Repetition to Strengthen Retention

Spaced repetition is a scientifically proven technique that involves reviewing learning material at increasing intervals over time. This resets the Forgetting Curve, reinforcing memory before it declines.

✅ Why it works: Helps the brain move information from short-term to long-term memory. ✅ How to implement:

Schedule follow-up quizzes at 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days after the initial training.

Use AI-driven adaptive learning to personalize review schedules based on individual performance.

Send automated knowledge reinforcement nudges via mobile apps or email.

3. Make Learning Interactive & Engaging

Active learning significantly improves retention compared to passive learning. Gamification, interactive content, and real-world scenarios keep learners engaged and improve recall.

✅ Why it works: Active participation improves focus, motivation, and knowledge application. ✅ How to implement:

Use gamified learning platforms with quizzes, badges, and leaderboards.

Create scenario-based simulations where employees practice real-world situations.

Encourage peer learning and collaboration through discussion forums or group challenges.

4. Leverage AI-Powered Adaptive Learning

AI-driven learning platforms can analyze learner behavior and deliver personalized reinforcement based on knowledge gaps.

✅ Why it works: AI ensures learners receive targeted support exactly when they need it. ✅ How to implement:

Use an AI-powered LMS like MaxLearn to track learner progress and adjust content dynamically.

Deliver automated quizzes that adapt in difficulty based on the learner’s performance.

Provide AI-driven content recommendations to strengthen weak areas.

5. Integrate Learning into the Flow of Work

Employees learn best when training is embedded into their daily workflow rather than being a separate event.

✅ Why it works: Learning in context ensures immediate application, reinforcing memory. ✅ How to implement:

Provide on-demand microlearning resources accessible via mobile devices.

Integrate learning reminders into collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Offer real-time performance support tools, such as chatbots and digital job aids.

Case Study: Beating the Forgetting Curve with MaxLearn

Companies using MaxLearn’s AI-powered microlearning platform have reported higher knowledge retention and training effectiveness. By leveraging spaced repetition, adaptive learning, and gamification, organizations have:

✔ Increased retention rates by up to 80% ✔ Reduced training time by 50% while improving results ✔ Boosted employee engagement and performance

Conclusion: Training That Sticks

The Forgetting Curve presents a significant challenge for trainers, but with the right strategies, it can be overcome. By implementing microlearning, spaced repetition, AI-driven personalization, and in-the-flow learning, trainers can ensure that knowledge sticks—leading to better performance, higher ROI, and long-term success.

Ready to Defeat the Forgetting Curve?

Explore MaxLearn’s AI-powered microlearning platform and transform your training today! 🚀

[apomaro-mellow]

Demon Eddie is based. But did we think to incorporate priest Steve ?

OOOOOOOHHHH

Steve was on his knees, prayers muttered under his breath. He kept his eyes closed. If he didn't seem him, then it didn't exist.

"I don't go away just because you ignore me~"

It was right into his ear but Steve had learned not to flinch. If anyone had learned he was being haunted by an actual demon-he'd never seen an exorcism up close but they didn't sound fun. This apparition had appeared to him suddenly one night. Steve had awakened in a sweat, body warm yet unsatisfied with just the whisps of a dream when he saw red eyes in the dark.

"What delicious desperation..."

Steve had started to tell his elder that a demon walked among them but quickly found that he was the only one who could see and hear it. This evil meant to consume him personally and he wouldn't let that happen. It had been triggered by a moment of weakness. By thoughts of depravity.

So he prayed harder. If he proved his faith, he would honor his Heavenly Father.

"If it's a daddy you want-"

"Leave me alone!", Steve hissed. Thankfully he was alone at the altar right now but people came and go. He didn't want to appear a lunatic or worse, marked by the devil. He got up and walked out, seeking sunshine. It seemed cruel that his demon would also enjoy bright sunny days, basking in the bench next to him.

Steve didn't have to guess how his devil was made. It was unfortunately very clear to him. He had been tasked with taking over Father Brown's duties while he had been under the weather, which included sharing the good word with the inmates of the local prison. He thought he'd been unaffected by the lewd catcalls thrown his way and the prying eyes, but apparently not.

The men had all looked different but there was something about their intensity that had intrigued him. Steve had only gone once he found it hard to forget their features. It only made sense that his demon would be an amalgamation of them all. Dark, curly hair that was too long for a man nowadays, an attractive nose, deep brown eyes when they weren't glowing red in the dark.

Steve might've been able to appreciate his handsomeness in a completely normal way. But the curved horns and pointed tail showed what he really was. That and the visions that haunted him at night revealed the demon's true intentions.

Every night was the same. He'd wake up with a start at the first rays of light, left with just the ghost of sensations and the vague memory of the dream. Hands adorned with rings, touching him in ways no one ever had. A voice, a familiar once now, whispering sweet nothings.

Sometimes Steve wished he remembered what he said. But then he reasoned that not remembering was a blessing that he shouldn't take for granted. He was still being shielded by the Lord's light, even if a tiny sliver of darkness got through. It was Steve's fault, it had to be.

He worked with children sometimes and it was a little amusing how most of them imagined a literal fistfight with the devil. How could he tell them that the devil didn't attack that way? That it all came down to mental fortitude?

His demon never left him, even at night as he settled in for bed. Oddly enough, he was courteous enough to give Steve privacy as he dressed down. Perhaps because he's already seen everything Steve had to offer. But he never put laid a hand on him, at least not while in the waking world. He laid his head down, rosary clutched tight in his hand.

Tonight would be the night. This time he would overcome his impure impulses. He'd dream of something else, he'd be sure of it. This demon would bother him no more.

"You can just call me Eddie, sweetheart. That suits me just fine. Sweet dreams."

Steve rolled his eyes but kept them on him as he sat in a chair at the edge of the bed. He never imagined it would have a name but he didn't care. This demon, this Eddie, would be gone before morning.

When instead, he awakened, a moan on his lips that sounded suspiciously like a name, well that was just another secret he would keep to himself.

[studywithmith]

What is the forgetting curve and how do you combat it?

The Forgetting Curve shows the process by which forgetting occurs. It demonstrates that if we learn something new, but then make no attempt to revise that information, we remember less and less of it as the hours, days and weeks go by. The forgetting curve is a memory model created by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. In fact, according to the curve, you forget:

50% of all new information within a day.

90% of all new information within a week.

HOW TO BEAT THE FORGETTING CURVE:

1) USE SPACED REPETITION

The easiest way to overcome the forgetting curve is by using spaced repetition. This means to reinforce your knowledge of whatever you are learning, by reviewing constantly at periodic intervals. There are multiple techniques such as flash cards, active recall and blurting.

2) OVER-LEARNING AND CLARITY

This means using far more intensive memory techniques to put more amount of effort in whatever subject that you are learning. This enables deep work and broadens your understanding, which creates clarity.

3)KEEP THINGS RELEVANT

This means to make an effort to make the material that you need, to be clear, concise and meaningful without anything that is irrelevant from an exam point of view. This involves also using various techniques for your notes. Rather than writing everything down in lengthy text formats, present information in diagrams or graphics where possible. This makes it easier to learn and improves retention.

4)MAKE LEARNING MORE INTERACTIVE

People learn better when they’re actively involved than when they’re just passive observers. This involves using various resources and gamifying your learning experience through flash cards, mini quizzes and mock tests to reinforce your learning and making it engaging.

Love,

Mith<3

[neonscandal]

9 Anime to Watch to Feel Like This 👇🏾

I love how long it's been since I've done any rec's lists before pushing two new ones out. Since my blog tends to have a bit of a reputation, this one felt necessary. In no way is this an exhaustive list, but if you're looking for some LGBTQIA+ representation this month, consider tuning into any of the below. While shonen ai and yuri will of course have representation, I tried to focus on mainstream stories where possible with characters that tackle their identity or where it's not necessarily a plot point but simply a recognized component of who they are. Bonus manga recommendations at the end! Happy Pride, beloveds. ✨

Zombieland Saga (series) - Something, something about stars burning brightest not lasting as long. This is the story of an idol group of zombies who were inexplicably resurrected to bring attention and culture back to the Saga prefecture. Enter Franchouchou forged by starlets who'd died far too young, seeming victims of some unspoken curse. Follow along as each of the girls reconcile the loose ends of their human lives while making the best of their second chance at stardom. ✨

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll

Blue Period (series) - Who you are isn't something that's readily apparent especially in your teenage years. For Yaguchi, he starts a bit behind the curve realizing in his junior year that he wants to pursue art. While the story centers around his journey to catch up with his peers, there's an element of self exploration and vulnerability that he can't quite tackle alone.

Sub/Dub | Netflix

Komi Can't Communicate (series) - Arguably the first slice of life romance to hit the list but the character who inspires the series' inclusion is not involved. This is the story of a girl trying to overcome crippling social anxiety and the boy who patiently helps to expand her social circle (even though the girl's actually really popular??). Yea, it's one of those shows. While I haven't specifically tried to out characters in describing recommendations, I included this show specifically for Najimi Osana who, while their sexuality is not particularly explored, still has very Be Gay, Do Crime energy with the way they are always looking for an ever so slightly sheisty angle. Like, good for you. The fact that they are also extremely popular and accepted by their millions of friends is just another reason to adore them.

Sub/Dub | Netflix

Ouran High School Host Club (series) - This particular throwback is a dicier inclusion than the last, namely because of the antiquated (and, at times, offensive) language that doesn't particularly hold up in a rewatch today. The show centers around a group of affluent "boys" who cater to the whims and fantasies of well connected girls at their high school. This frequently involves a bit of overdone fetishization of their own questionable sexualities and, while most of the gang is referred to as the "homosexual supporting cast", I can't dismiss the feeling that there is some earnest representation specifically with the lead that most of the hosts have a romantic soft spot for. It's a cult classic but undeniably outdated; however, I think, in the representation it does well, there is diversity. In what the series does poorly, it opens up dialogue especially for conversations people simply weren't having back when the show dropped.

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll, Hulu

Sailor Moon (series) - Can't forget the OG. I think what, inherently, inspires the inclusion of Sailor Moon and OHSHC above is the fact that, even then, there were small rays of hope in media. How well or poorly it was executed goes to show the evolution of that representation. Spoilers but, for context, in the US, the couple above was censored and portrayed as unusually close cousins rather than romantic partners. Granted, there were a lot of other choices that were made back in the 90's that have since been corrected as the series has been remastered.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Prime Video, Pluto TV

Ranma 1/2 (series + movies) - OKAY, I know I called Sailor Moon the OG but.. for all intents and purposes. Ranma 1/2 precedes even Sailor Moon. I would say the series, at times, may teeter a bit on whether the representation is positive or not but, I maintain that a significant portion of the cast is queer as hell. The series follows eponymous person of legend, Ranma Saotome, in a quest to become a "man amongst men" as though their life depends on it.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Prime Video, Tubi

Stars Align (series) - While I think most of the above can be considered positive or negative representation, they are at least not trauma porn in nature. Enter: Stars Align, a moody coming of age story set as an underdog tennis club tries to defy all odds and avoid being disbanded. While I wouldn't classify this as trauma porn either, it does delve into some viscerally heavy topics while also tackling the act of Becoming for a group of young boys and what that can mean with a support system of unlikely peers.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Crunchyroll

Wonder Egg Priority (series) - As we've departed to delve into darker themes, the premise of this show centers around teens who have dealt with instances of suicide and, subsequently, learning to stand up for themselves in real life (while violently battling it out in a dream world).

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll

Jujutsu Kaisen (series + movie) - wholesome inclusion to remind you that you should never let your sexuality nor your gender identity stop you from pursuing world domination. Representation is equal opportunity and of little consequence to this story and, yet, considerably diverse for a shonen series. Don't get me wrong, it's a battle horror anime where kids are battling curses and plot armor is hard to come by so prepare to get your heart broken.

Sasaki and Miyano (series and movie) - There will never come a time where I don't recommend watching this series. Actually wholesome romcom wherein there's a patient level of acceptance and support as Miyano navigates the confusion of his feelings for a clingy senpai. Because there should be more unproblematic love stories in the world. 💕

Sub/Dub | Crunchryoll

BONUS MANGA

Is Love The Answer? by Uta Isaki, completed

While the main story focuses on a character navigating their way under the Ace Umbrella, the story features additional characters on their own journey of self discovery with resources for Questioning readers sprinkled throughout. It's also a great example of how broadening your media intake can create a better sense of understanding with who you are and how you identify with grace so you don't have to be so quick to label yourself.

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All by Sumiko Arai, ongoing

Adorable story of opposites that find a middle ground together which drives home the idea that you should never judge a book by it's cover.

[jungwondazed]

hi my love!!! I'm so touched u were thinking of me 🥹 I feel like we both have such similar thoughts and opinions so it's so fun being your anon hehe

And to the jungwon porn preferences post goddddhdhfh corruption and public quickies 10000% he just exudes such an air of (valid) cockiness in the bedroom where any excuse to be a bit condescending and controlling he would absolutely milk. even if he's inexperienced he would be such a quick learner that you'd forget you're his first partner bc he just has a natural skill and talent.

On the same note, do u think he would be into any dacryphillia or somnophillia?? For dacryphillia I see it more being when his girl is crying from being overcome with emotion, rather than humiliation or degradation, but it tugs at his heartstrings bc ur just so cute and precious he just can't help the way his cock twitches at the sight of ur glossy eyes :(

- 🤍

i think dacryphillia and somnophillia is exactly what he'd be into. jungwon is one of the most genuine and caring guys any of us have probably ever seen, and i believe that genuine kindness manifests into his fantasies.

he walks by the room before taking a few steps backwards, catching you fast asleep on the bed after a long, tiring day. he stands still for a moment, smiling softly at how you deserve all the rest you can get. his thoughts start pure, noticing how beautiful you look even after a rough day, to how every hair on your head frames your face perfectly. when his eyes start raking down your body, observing the curves of your hips and thighs, to how your chest rises up and down, under nothing but a thin t-shirt, his thoughts turn a bit more twisted. he lets out a breath as if in disbelief and shakes his head, taken aback by how he started to sexualize you in your sleep. he walks away but only makes it a few steps before backtracking again, his body leaning on the door frame, debating a bit with himself before slowly making his way over to you.

seeing you cry from being so empathetic about something, tears streaming down your face, makes jungwon kind of stop in his tracks and think "god, this girl's heart really is made out of gold isn't it?" and although in a moment as wholesome as this, he cannot help but feel just a bit turned on... you're too precious for anyone's good, and all he wants to do is kiss you everywhere and worship your body, fuck you so good you forget about all the bad things in the world

[arminsfavoritepookie]

Gojo's infatuation with the idea of touching you was maddening.

Every time your skin brushed against his, his entire body felt alive with electricity. It was as if the air crackled around him, and he could barely contain his excitement when he felt your fingers accidentally intertwine with his own.

Even watching horror movies together sent him into a state of nervousness and delight - not just from the scares on screen, but from the sensation of your warmth pressed against his side. Gojo's senses became hyperaware in your presence, honing in on every detail. He felt the soft touch of your breath against his skin and the quickening of your heartbeat when he wrapped his arm around you. Your head would rest against his shirt, and he'd become enthralled by the smell of your shampoo.

Each time you squeezed his arm in fear or excitement, Gojo was overcome with a wave of blissful euphoria. But as much as Gojo wanted to revel in these sensations forever, he also yearned for something deeper. He wanted to hold your hand without fear of it being misunderstood, to feel the warmth of your body against his without hesitation. Yet he never dared to act on his desires, content to simply exist in the realm of possibility that was your friendship.

In those moments of quiet intimacy, Gojo found himself daydreaming about all the ways he could touch you. He'd imagine tracing the curves of your body with his fingertips, kissing the soft skin of your neck, and playing with your pretty curls. Each touch he imagined was so vivid, it was as if he could feel your skin beneath his fingers already. Even beyond his daydreams, the mere concept of touching you fascinated Gojo.

He couldn't help but wonder how your body felt beneath his own, or what your lips would taste like if he kissed you. When he was around you, his mind became a cascade of imagery, painting vivid pictures of a future where they could explore each other's bodies without hesitation. Despite the possibility that these fantasies would never come to fruition, Gojo couldn't help but continue dreaming about them. Each touch felt like a tiny spark of magic, and he relished in every accidental brush of your hand against his.

For Gojo, the thought of touching you was a portal into a world of sensory bliss - a place where he could forget about everything else and bask in the sheer radiance of your presence. It wasn't fear of rejection that held him back, for he was more than capable of bearing the weight of unrequited love. It was the fact that he cared for you more than words could ever convey.

The very thought of putting you in danger by pursuing anything more than a friendship with you made his heart constrict with dread, as if it were being strangled by the weight of his emotions. He knew that he needed you, craved your presence, your laughter, and the gentle touch of your fingers against his flesh. But as much as he wanted to bask in you, he couldn't fathom risking your safety in the dangerous depths of his job.

The mere idea of you being in harm's way was enough to make him lose his breath, as he imagined the myriad of ways that the cruel world could snatch you away from him. You were his weakness, and he couldn't let himself be blinded by the illusion of safety that his love for you promised. For as long as he could remember, Gojo had been living in the shadows, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by danger. And he knew that he could never let that darkness seep into your life, could never let you be exposed to the horrors of his world.

He cherished the innocence that shone through you, the purity that you exuded with every breath you took. And he vowed to keep you safe, to guard you with all the strength that he could muster. But when he watched you smile, oblivious to the danger that lurked around you, he couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweet pain. For he knew that he could never have you, that his love would remain unfulfilled, forever etched in the depths of his soul. He reveled in your presence, drinking in every moment as if it were his last.

For he knew that one day, the shadows would claim him, and he would have to leave you behind. But until then, he would cherish you, love you from afar, and be completely infatuated with your touch.

For Gojo Satoru, you were the light that kept him going, the beacon that shone in the darkness, and the only thing that gave his life meaning.

[pursuitseternal]

“Cleansing:” bathing smut and surprises in “Our Blood is Thicker”

Astarion x Named Tav (F!OC) | E | 4.6K of the calm before the storm

Summary: Securing rooms at the Elfsong was the easy part. The harder part, overcoming the wash of memories from their separation before. They both need a good cleansing, one where they will indulge each other.

CW: angst, banter, bathing handjobs, I was told to “let them fuck like rabbits” which is implied, one more memory flashback, and danger.

Previous ch | ao3 link | Masterlist

Chapter 16: Cleansing…

💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞🗡️💞

“Does it… have to be here?” Cordehlia turned her cute little nose up at the smell in the tavern. To the rest of her party, it just seemed like she didn’t enjoy a stay at a public inn.

To Astarion, now he knew, it was sheer loathing, disgust, and almost a century of pain this place forced her to confront.

The Elfsong.

“Gale said the keeper is giving us the rooms for free, since we…” Shadowheart whispered behind her hand, all sneaky, “know about the murder upstairs…”

“It seems cheap here,” she shrugged beneath her armor. “Seedy, disreputable.”

“Sounds like you’re describing your intended, Cordehlia,” Gale taunted with that friendly smile. Even though it didn’t meet his eyes. Still that lingering jealousy and doubt she knew.

“Please,” Astarion laughed off the slight even as he put his arm around his love’s shoulders. “I was the son of a High Lord once, Gale,” he grimaced at the name on his tongue. “Cordehlia’s right, however, a place for disreputable debauchery and plotting, the Elfsong,” he laughed with a wave of his elegant hand. “We will all fit right in, I’m sure. Besides, we can't beat the price, and I won’t be sleeping on the streets.”

“Well,” Gale grinned again, perhaps a bit forced, “Can’t argue with that. Keeper said up the stairs.”

The party moved ahead, barely noticing that Cordehlia lingered back, rigid in Astarion’s arm. “Why here…” she huffed. “Won’t the keeper recognize his regular?” she hissed with spite.

“Darling, I haven’t hunted here for decades. It’s not even the same innkeeper.” He placed a kiss on her temple, feeling how her jaw clenched. “Maybe it’s time we make some pleasant memories here… together,” he purred right into her pointed ear, tracing up its delicate point with a feathery touch of a single digit.

She giggled at the tickling touch. “Fine,” she huffed. “But don’t expect me to spread my legs so easily. You’ll need to work for it if we stay here, my love. You have many years to make up for, you know.”

“Oh I know,” he smirked, one hand sliding to pull her in for a kiss by gripping the curve of her ass. “I am well aware of that fact, and that you will never let me forget it, my darling.”

He followed her up the tavern stairs, letting her slip from his arm’s hold. Lungs burned as he held his breath, worried and plagued with his old memories of his place. He tried to force them back down in the dank dungeon where he kept all those feelings from his centuries of torment. From all the targets, victims, hazy moments of disgust he had endured. He could swear it made his undead heart rap with dread. Calmly, slowly he stilled his breath, even as it grew more rapid and ragged as he climbed those same fucking stairs as he had a thousand times before.

This time was different, instead of trailing after some miserable wretch, some target, all he could see was the sway of Cordehlia’s hips and the way her ratted, unkempt, fiery red hair matched that rhythm down her back.

That made the panic subside.

As long as he had her, he would survive this.

The hall opened to a massive suite, a grand chamber filled with a dozen beds and every amenity. It was off limits to the likes of him before; he had only ever been here once, fortunately not on Cazador’s business. That night was fuzzy in his mind, a jumble of fear and exhilaration he recalled, slipping in the shadows with his contraband before being compelled back to the palace. A few moments to himself to steal a moment of respite…

Shaking his mess of curls, he followed Cordehlia towards a corner bed, one tucked away at least a bit, a few slatted screens here and there for privacy.

He smirked as she set her pack down, her toned shoulders rolling themselves out finally relieved of its weight. So graceful and lithe, she made quick work of her armor, dropping back a step at last to see him waiting at the foot of the bed.

“Make yourself comfortable,” she gestured to the massive collection of rooms.

But he only slipped his bag from his shoulder, dropping it on the mattress beside her from a great height.

Letting it fall, his claim to her space.

“Oh, my love,” she tugged its great weight over the covers with effort, “this one is mine…”

“But darling,” he grinned, snatching the bag from her hold and letting it rest at their feet, “what’s yours is also… mine.” Growling that last word, he swept her in his arms, pushing her back into the feathered bed. She yelped and giggled as she fell to his attack, his thin elven armor flexible enough for him to cover every inch of her unbound body. He kissed her, there in front of them all, pushing her legs apart even covered in the light metal that clung to his frame. Her hands dug at the bare skin at his nape, lips dancing with his, all in time with the buck of her hips.

“Insatiable minx,” he rasped between her pumping lips. “Why do you pretend?”

“I’m not, my love,” she chuckled, “you can have the neighboring bed…”

He hissed at that, caging her into the bed all the harder. Mouth trailing quickly to her neck, he sucked on the supple flesh, the skin already scarred from his fangs, bringing her blood to pump there all the faster before he…

“Ah,” she moaned, her skin giving way to teeth, sending her right to the edge of her climax in an instant. He sucked loudly, lapping and popping his lips from her flesh just to draw attention.

“For fucks sake, get a room!” Karlach guffawed from across the space.

“We have one,” Astarion laughed, sarcastic and dark as he raised his blood-drenched face to speak. “You just happen to be in it.”

“In all reality…” Cordehlia pushed her palm against his turned cheek, shoving him up with all her might. “You stink, my love.” She laughed, managing to lift him only slightly from her frame. “You need a good cleansing bath.”

“Tch,” he huffed and frowned in indignation. “I would never say such a thing, even if it were true.”

She scowled, “How loving of you…” Teasing, with just that hint of sarcasm behind it, she doubled her effort, a smile on those rosy lips of hers before she braced against his neck and lifted.

Crimson eyes wide, Astarion smiled wickedly in return. Obeying. Relenting as he raised himself from her body, his own muscles ached to return, taught with the need to do what they always had done in this tavern, longing to fuck her until she was incoherent, this time for pleasure and not from coercion.

But instead he huffed, sliding the plates of his armor off, watching her bare feet tread across the wood floorboards. He could smell her, as he said. But it was more than pleasant. That scent of her sweat, the way her arousal’s musk instantly filled his nose the moment he bit into her neck…

But first, he gathered himself, glancing around to ensure a moment of privacy before he adjusted his growing erection at her scent still in his nose. “Fucking hells,” he groaned as he dug out of his pack to get his cleanest clothes, all the way at the bottom of his bag. Finally, he fought with all the trinkets and loot in his sack to pull out a fresh set of trousers, when something heavy landed on the floor with a thud. One delicate hand reached to gather it up next to his feet, the green, leather bound tome right in her pale palm.

Cordehlia narrowed her eyes at the title embossed on the side in gold. “The Curse of the Vampyre?” she scanned the book and then locked those silver eyes with his, questioning, mischievous and suspicious. “Some light reading while I bathe?”

“Just a little research, darling,” he slipped it from her grasp to tuck it in with his clothing.

“How to kill Cazador?” she speculated, turning to head towards the now-steaming tub in the side of the room. That look she threw him from over her shoulder sent an instant shudder of warm desire to his groin.

“I think I’ll follow my instincts on that one, my love,” he chuckled, dark and tickled with the promise of violence. “No, no,” he hummed as they stopped at the side of the tub, watching as she closed the slat-screen separator, just a bit of privacy despite the wash of voices that floated around the suite. “I’m just… preparing for what it might be, between the two of us.”

Cordehlia slipped from her trousers, that hem of her undershirt barely covering that sweet apex of her thighs. Astarion swallowed the huffing moan he could have made. “Hmm,” she tossed him a smirk before turning her back on him. That little cream shift tugged up over her head as she let her voice lilt and flirt, “and what might that be for us? An eternity in love as Mistress Cordhelia Ancunín?”

“Close, my darling,” he set his clothing in a jumbled mess at his feet. The clean ones, too. And Cordehlia rolled her eyes as she watched him. Arms crossed over her bare breasts, she gave him a rueful yet desirous smile. He made no extra show, tugging his ruffled shirt off from over his one head, juggling the book between his grip. “You see, there’s a difference for a Vampire Lord in the creation of their servants or equals, whoever they should choose to make their own… to make them powerful like them…”

“Whatever fits their fickle, half-formed plans?” she taunted, stepping herself into the water, dunking her long, gnarled hair into the water.

Suddenly, tenderly, two hands fished her long hair from the water. Cordehlia turned slightly, his smirking face grinning with total mischief as he used those skilled hands of his to work the snarls from the end of her hair. A little rose scented oil on the tips of his fingers, and he worked them each out. No noise but the rasp of his breath down the back of her neck as he leaned over the tub. Warm water barely heated his touch, the pads of his touch brushed her cheek. Her head leaned into his palm, but a gasp from her lips slipped out as she felt his other hand close around her breast. His teeth scored over the sensitive shell of her ear, a whispering laugh tickling the inside. “Who’s to say I would be fickle… or have half-formed plans, if I were a Lord?”

A fang dragged over the soft curve of her earlobe, making her sigh, half-swallowed as her back arched at the sensation. “So… if you turn… if you can ascend, that’ll make you…?” she whispered, voice thick in that milk white throat of hers as she turned, water splashing in that tub as she swiveled.

“Lord Astarion….” He sighed, an intense and dreamy look in the dark red of his eyes. “Vampire Ascendant.”

“Is that what’s in your book, my dear? Is that what you’ve been researching?”

“No,” he rasped, standing as he slowly brought his hands to the waistband of his leathers. Pale fingers slipped the small buttons barely holding it closed free one at a time. “If you can’t tell… it’s you and your wellbeing that’s on my mind, darling…” Hands tugging that flap apart, his cock sprang free, and he couldn’t help but give a low, rumbling chuckle as she bit her lip at its sight.

Cordehlia slid over a smidge, her own lithe fingers massaging through her damp hair. Silver eyes were locked on his every move, the way he slipped from those leather pants, the way he slowly sank into the waters beside her.

The way his own right fang peeked out as he chewed his lip and wrapped his arms around her body at last. “I’ve never met one before, never even heard aside from rumors of their existence among my kind. They are rarely created, the perfect match for a Vampire Lord, the perfect threat to them too. But they say there is no greater love than a trusting Lord and his loving… Bride.”

She shivered in his arms, shaking her whole body despite the swirling steam that surrounded them.

“That’s what you want… isn’t it?” he purred right into the folds of her ear again, a single hand stealing underwater to run down her belly. “To be mine… forever?”

Her mouth opened, he could hear it, feel it in her jaw, but no noise came out but breath. Not until he slunk two fingers between her thighs, finding the even warmer, wetter slick that gathered there.

Her legs bent under the water, feet braced on the side of the cloth and wood of the tub. But he slowed his hand, dragging a single fingertip, a single nail even, over that hard little clit of hers. “You have to tell me, darling, if you will be mine… no matter what…”

Her hand reached behind her, clawing into the mess of his own damp curls and slotting her body between his own clenching legs. “You know my answer. It’s the same. It’s unchanging. Constantly beating yes when it comes to you, Astarion, for two-hundred years.”

“I’m so pleased to hear it,” he hissed, gratifying the little bucks of her hips by sinking his long fingers deep inside her channel. “Best keep it quiet though, I would hate to offend the rest of our group’s sensibilities…”

“You would love to give them offense,” Cordehlia snarled back, pulling him by his hair to whisper back in his own ear. Giving him just what he gave her. “You would love to make me give little whimpers, make me moan your name just loud enough to have one of them chastise you, hmm?”

“For what?” he growled back, starting to pick up his pace as he stroked her and crooked his touch inside her. “For being the consummate lover I am? For making you, the great warrior, whine for me, my little pet and darling?”

A hand reached behind her, her fist closing firmly around his cock, making a noise not unlike a moan come from his own throat through his gritted teeth.

“So are you going to share your research…” she pumped him, hard in grip and slow in measure, as she rode his fingers. A smile on her face. “Going to tell me more about what you think might happen?”

“Three bites,” he panted, those fingers of his working inside her, determined to make her squeal and come first. “And then… I drink you almost dry…” His voice in her ear is feral, more monster than man, and Cordehlia shivered, rapture taking hold at his touch and words and… all of him.

“Go on…” she murmured, voice thick in her throat, even as he hand gripped tighter and sloshed more water as she tried to keep up with his own fingers fucking inside her.

“I give you my blood, letting it fill you and make you mine. They say it will be far more pleasurable than anything you have ever… ever… experienced.” He panted, her thumb sweeping right over that spot only she knew, beneath the dip of his head. His thighs clenched, his balls tightened. “Gods,” he groaned, too close now to back down.

“And then I would be your Bride?” she replied, trying so hard to sound perfect and calm, hiding her own approaching pleasure with a pressed and quiet tone.

He held his breath, scoring a nail over that patch inside her, the one he knew always pushed her, careening towards her climax. “Yes,” he finally ground the single word out, definitely louder than he had hoped. “You’ll be your own being, your own set of powers linked to mine. We will walk in the sun, share our minds, share every bit of pleasure and … pain.” He whimpered loudly, too loudly, as she tugged and fondled him mercilessly.

A knock sounded on the divider, Shadowheart’s lyric voice only a bit muffled from the other side. “Can you hurry it up? The longer you take, the longer the rest of us poor peasants need to wait until it’s our turn…. And we obviously need to get fresh water now…”

“Shut up,” he growled, that hand on his cock not slowing a second even as their moment was invaded.

“Shh, play nice,” Cordehlia corrected him, hand leaving his shaft for a moment to clutch those smooth, hard balls in her palm, tight and ready to burst any second now. “Two people in one tub deserve twice as long, logically. Give us five more minutes.” She called so politely.

Their cleric huffed and stamped away, but not before her fingers stroked that flushed, fleshy head in their touch. Once, twice more, she pulsed that grip and stars covered his vision. Coils of heat burst inside him, spurts of cum sullying the water, and best of all, her own cunt flared and clenched in time. Her freehand flew to her mouth, covering it tightly to not make a sound. But he had her, the extra oily slick of her arousal shot around his fingers, her thighs shaking in the water as she bucked out her climax on his touch. And just when she neared the supple pleasure after, fangs sliced into her.

Her shoulder was pierced once, twice, three times. Nips in rapid succession until the final one. That, Astarion let his teeth sink fully into the crook of her shoulder, savoring the sweet, almost floral bouquet of her blood on his tongue. Filling his belly.

Her head rested back against his chest, body limp and warm. A comforting weight against where his heart would have beat, a sad smile on his lips as he released from her neck. Tenderly, he didn’t want to disturb her, he nuzzled into her damp red hair. As he breathed in, that rose-scented oil barely masked her own floral scent.

He didn’t want to disturb her, but maybe she needed to know….

“There’s a bit more to the Dark Kiss… umm the way that a Bride is made…” He trailed off as she turned. Her face was lined with confusion as she wrapped her legs around him in the water, looking hopeful, worried, waiting on his every word.

Astarion sighed. “It’s a bit dangerous,” he continued at last. “Once you wake to feed for the first time, you… you won’t be yourself. You will be feral, ravenous,” he paused, realizing the weight of his words, “dangerous. I’ll have to subdue you to make sure we both remain safe…”

“Alive you mean,” Cordehlia nodded, sage and slow as his meaning took hold. She looked over his shoulder, eyes distant as she thought for a moment. “More than anything, Astarion, I trust you.”

He closed his eyes and pressed his lips tighter, hiding the way tears stung behind his eyelids and the way his jaw wanted to tremble.

“Besides,” she shifted closer to him, running a hand down the ridges of his belly to grip him by the balls again. “You will love the chance to subdue me for once, even if it’s in unfair circumstances.”

Astarion swallowed the grunt at the delicious pressure she put on him, turning it to a laugh. “You're no different you know, not letting me bend the rules so I can win, just like when we were children.”

“Never,” she shook her head, coy smile and flirtatious glints in her eyes. “I’ll never let you off free, not even if you are some exalted Lord.” Those lithe fingers clutched one more time harder around his manhood. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way, my love.”

“Whatever makes you happy, my darling,” he purred, still hiding that lump in his throat. That niggling guilt over what he had done before, now that he knew. Now that he remembered. “I’ll try to be worthy of all that trust you have in me.”

She leaned against his chest, arms wrapping around his neck to bring him closer. A tender smile turning one corner of her lips, she kissed him. “I know you will.”

There was so much to be done… but for this evening, for tonight, they all rested in comfort for once. Every other member in their group gave them a massively wide berth, treating them like newlyweds, letting them hide behind the dividers around their bed, ignoring the little noises that came from behind it. Only once a meal was brought out did Cordehlia leave their little hideaway, just long enough to avoid everyone’s knowing smirks and make a simple plate of cheeses and breads.

Then her bare feet hurried back, for a moment of silence before the subtle and constant rustling resumed from behind those partitions.

A few hours later, silence finally fell. Night in the city was still so loud, too loud. And Cordehlia just couldn’t trance no matter how hard she tried. Even as Astarion fell into easy rest beside her, one arm braced behind her head and the other resting on his belly as it rose and fell. He was comfortable here, his home away from her for almost two centuries. That old pang of bitterness flared in her chest, and she sat aright. All she could hear was soft breathing in the night.

She looked out the window, dawn just starting to break with light. Climbing from the bed, she slipped into her clothing, that fresh cream undershirt, sensible black leathers. She would be quick, that pain from her past pushing her to return one more time to that place where agony had taken root.

One more glance to his beautiful, pale, naked body resting in their bed, she kissed her fingers and pressed it featherlight to his forehead. She’d be right back. One last visit to his grave to close the pain of the past.

Boots on her feet, she reached for her dagger. Just the one, her most favorite, if only to make her feel completely dressed; it would just be a jaunt around the corner to the graveyard, a couple of turns in the safety of the sun before she would return. And after all the ways he’d had her last night, she was sure he’d trance his way through that time.

She stepped silently through the dim room, paying no heed to anything other than that door, than her mission to bid the past farewell for good.

Astarion turned in his trance, his sleep restless and uneasy, the memories of being in the Elfsong mostly inflicting those little cuts and wounds of torture from his past as Cazador’s spawn. Except that one time he had been in this suite of rooms….

His dream swept him back to that time, the way his feet hurried away from the other spawn sent there with him to hunt. That little piece of paper in his hand secreted beneath his arm as he hurried silently up the stairs, picking the lock quickly into this empty set of rooms. It hadn’t been hard to find a dark corner, a loose floorboard…

He didn’t know why it was so important to him, but he had known he wanted to keep it. Even if he couldn’t bring it back to the palace, even if he knew that stealing away from his siblings and coming home empty handed tonight meant a spell in the kennels and a session with Godey. His chest rose and fell with the thrill of insolence. That parchment, that news flier unfolding in his hands made him smile.

Eyes scanned the words too quickly to really take in the story, some account of a battle… some fearsome tale of this warrior goddess… All he could do was stare at the printed likeness of her face on the paper. Black and white, just ink and fading parchment, but he had wanted it. And when Petras had tried to tug it from his fingers, he had snarled and disappeared into the crowd. Now he could savor his treasure, enjoy his stolen goods.

She was alluring, that long hair drawn to tease behind her, that sculpted body covered in dark armor, her face hard and fearsome and yet… something about her lips taunted him. Coy and teasing, beckoning him to look closer.

And closer he did look. His mind had raced over the words, no memory of them now almost a century later… but he remembered clearly what he did with that image in those few stolen moments. How his cock had hardened instantly, how it had been only a few moments of rough and dry handfucking for him to come.

How he had wiped himself clean quickly, breathless from actual pleasure for once in his long, broken memory, before he stashed that flier with the pretty She-elf on it under the floorboard.

Astarion bolted awake at last. Hardly noticing he was alone, he scampered from the bed, tripping as he slipped on his trousers too quickly and scuttled across the suite to the opposite corner.

“What in the hells are you doing, Fangs?” Karlach huffed a laugh, amused and annoyed as she had to hurry out of his way.

He said nothing, fingers pulling the wood up to free that long lost, buried treasure. Flinging himself against the wall, he shook his head. If he didn’t have company, he would have, could have cried.

Victory of the Bone Picker.

Clear as the day that dawned outside the window, he finally took the time to look at the words. To look into the printed eyes of his love.

He knew, somehow all those decades ago, he knew.

“Damn, Fangs, is that Cordehlia?” Karlach peered from the other end. “You knew that was here… you saved it here after all this time, didn’t you?”

“I guess so,” was his honest reply. Those crimson eyes looked up wide and shining wet. “Where is she?”

Karlach shook her head, taken aback. “Isn’t she sleeping her climax marathon off in your bed?”

“No,” he suddenly went rigid. Standing, flying to his feet to peer around the rooms. “Has anyone see Cordehlia?” he couldn’t hide the desperation in his voice now.

Gale looked up from his book at that. “She went for a stroll early this morning, first light. I don’t think she saw me here… not that she pays me much mind at any rate…”

“Shh, shh,” Astarion hushed him right up once he sounded as if he would start another one of his diatribes. “Not now, Gale,” he snipped. “That must have been an hour ago already, so where is she?”

“You could always use our little friends,” Gale suggested, two fingers tapping on the side of his head.

“You mean reach out?” the Vampire frowned.

“Wouldn’t hurt,” the Wizard gave a terse reply. For once.

Astarion closed his eyes, feeling the waves of the tadpole’s power emanating from his mind, searching for the other end.

Something faint returned. A flash of a cemetery, a headstone with his name on it, and a pair of glowing red eyes and stringy black hair staring down at her before… darkness.

Silence.

Nothingness.

🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️

Our Blood will update again in 3 days, so your arms don’t get too tired hanging from that cliff 💞💞

[juni-aldaine123]

CHEER/ knh ; jinmao

・❥・fluff . cute . oneshot . canon universe . canon compliant . sad jinshi . worried maomao . maomao tries to make jinshi smile . cus he has had a bad day . and maomao wants to cheer him up . cus it's weird to see him not smile

༶•┈┈┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈┈•༶

Jinshi is frowning.

And Maomao doesn't like it one bit. Though there is nothing undoubtedly wrong with frowning.

But Jinshi never does that.

He always has that dopey smile on his face that makes Maomao's skin crawl and sometimes threatens her to show her own. So it is surely concerning when she sees him unhappy. She won't ever admit, but his unhappiness also affects her as if it were her own.

"Would you like to hold hands, Jinshi-sama?" Maomao would've never, even in her wildest dreams, thought she would make such a proposal, but now it is too late to back away from the offer she had stated because Jinshi is already reaching out for her outstretched hand.

If she remembers well (which she does, because Maomao never forgets her lessons) Xiaolan had once told her what to do when one's loved one feels upset or disturbed. She'd told her that simply holding hands works. Maomao was unconvinced back then. After all, how could something so simple as holding hands turn the tides of one's emotions? What's the price for such an offer? Surely it can't be free, right?

But Xiaolan, despite being much younger than her, has always taught her that simple actions to show love needn't be asked for a price. "Love must be given away freely after all!" she'd cheered.

But isn't love expensive? Not many can afford it. Maomao was never able to.

That is, until now.

Because now that she thinks about it- isn't her affection for her papa love? Isn't her longing to see her sisters at the pleasure house love? Isn't her tolerance for Jinshi's antics love-

Maomao tries not to dwell on the last thought. It never does any good so she solemnly shakes it away.

She'll only do this once, just to help Jinshi.

And herself.

Because a sad Jinshi doesn't bode well on her mental health.

It isn't her position to decide what would help Jinshi overcome his sadness. But she finds herself unable to rest until she sees the annoying sickly sweet smile back on his.

Sometimes she thinks that smile turns into something genuine whenever she's around. Does he do it for her?

'No no Maomao! Now's not the time to think about all this. Just focus.'

This is the first and the last time she'll help Jinshi so intimately and without any prior request, she decides. Once he is back to normal she'll forget about this incident and never again will she make such hasty offers that will threaten their reputation. Should anyone ever catch them- the moon prince and his humble apothecary- holding hands, who knows what the rumour mill will spread? She can stand to see her image tarnished- there isn't much of it anyways. But what of Jinshi's? 

She surprises herself once again when she thinks she won't stand it should anyone ever trouble him.

When their fingers brush and Jinshi finally takes her hand she realizes how warm his is as compared to her cool one.

'Just like him....'

 Seeing his lips curve, his happiness restored, Maomao feels as if she has finished a grave mission. 

Maybe her reward is the sound of Jinshi's laughter.

She doesn't find it as overbearing anymore. She might just even like it!

Just a little though....