#i had a dream about meeting someone for the first time and it was super cute ngl

[fanderficreader]

The best birthday gift.

A/N: Ok I know it wasn’t actually on my birthday, but let’s pretend like it was, ok? Ok.

Words: 2,686

I had been on tumblr for a while now, and have made many friends. But I never found the one.

Y’know, the one. The ler, my ler. I mean I’ve dm’d with plenty of people but never found that one person that just clicked. Until now…

July 1st was when I met Rosey. We had met through a tumblr mutual and I decided to dm her. Best decision I could’ve made.

There were a few times where I’d make lee heavy posts or reblog things that’d get her attention and then we’d go from there. But I didn’t want it to just be a guilty pleasure thing; Something Id do sometimes and then forget about.

No, I wanted this to actually be something. So one day I decided to be brave and make a post about her. The post read:

“How do I tell them?”

“It’s almost like a dream, it’s too perfect to be true…”

“I’ve never found someone like them, someone who works this well with me.”

“Who knows just what to say, and who knows when it’s time to stop.”

“It’s like a match made in heaven, that I feel super cheesy for even thinking about…”

“What would they say if I asked them… would they think it’s weird and back away completely?”

“Would I lose the only one I’ve ever had? I don’t wanna risk it so maybe I shouldn’t say anything…”

“But the way they make me feel… I get a wave of fluttery butterflies when they say hi, cause I know immediately what happens after that.”

“They make me nervous sometimes but in a good way. The way they talk works perfectly in a way to make me spudder and step on my words…”

“Do they know I want this? Do they know I know they know I want this?”

“Do they know I want them to be mine? Do they want me to be their’s?”

“Do they want me to be their lee? Do they want to be my ler?”

“God… all of this is so stupid… but I just want to have… this finally.”

“It’s so perfect I want it to work… will it?”

I panicked just writing that post, and when they saw it they were delighted to be my ler.

So, it’s been like that ever since.

About two weeks later, we were talking and she said she had something to tell me. “What is it?” I asked. “You know how we live far from each other?” I was wondering where this was going.

“Well we kinda don’t… I lied. I actually arranged something so we can meet up!” She said cheerfully. I was both excited and nervous. If she was anything like how she is over text, I’m in for it…

“Oh, cool!” I responded. “And maybe I can even tickle you when we meet up~” I looked at the text and got butterflies as a wave of anticipation washed over me.

The day had finally came, and I was scared out of my mind. What if I don’t react the same I do over text… what if I screw it all up… what if I make a fool out of myself… what if-

“Hey!” She came walking up to me. We decided to meet at a park for optimal space and activity. “Oh, hey!” I was already waiting for it. When was it coming…

“So, do you wanna sit at a table or is the ground good?” She asked the simplest of questions yet I was too in my head to hear them. “Uh- huh? What?” She looked at me with a bit of concern.

“Are you ok? Is something wrong?” I came out of my worrisome trance again and responded. “Oh, no… I’m fine.” I stated flatly.

“Are you sure? If something’s bothering you, you can tell me.” I looked at her for a second before saying something. “It’s just… I’m a little nervous cause this is our first time meeting and I was wondering if you were gunna do the thing and if I was gunna screw it up…” I said quickly.

She was a little taken aback at that and smiled. “Oh? You’re nervous? It’s ok to be nervous. Also, what do you mean ‘do the thing’?” Even if she didn’t mean to, I could still hear the teasiness to that last part.

“Well, you know… the thing…” I say as I look away a bit not wanting to look her in the eyes right now. “No actually, I don’t. Please enlighten me.” She said with a smirk.

I knew the game she was playing, and there was no way I’d fall for it. Because I couldn’t. That’s something she knows about me is that I can’t say the word ‘tickle’. She knows I can spell it and type it, I just can’t say it.

“I- no! I know what this is and I’m not falling for it!” I looked at her suspiciously. “Oh? And what am I doing exactly?” She had the teasiest smirk on her face that made my heart pound with anticipation just looking at it.

“Don’t pretend… I know you’re trying to get me to say the word, and I can’t so it won’t work.” I pointed out. “Oh really? Well, what if I make you say this forbidden word you can’t speak of?”

My eyes widened as I realized what she meant. I tried to suppress a giddy smile as I slowly backed up. “What’s the matter? Don’t feel like talking now?” My heart pounded faster as she inched closer.

“Come on~ don’t be shy, I won’t bite. But I will tickle…” she then brought her hands up and made them into claws as she got closer. At one point I finally bumped into something and couldn’t go any further.

“W-we can talk about this… right?” My face started to flush more as the anticipation set in. “Lemme think about it…” She pretended to think it over in her head as she stood there.

“Nah.” She was then close enough to scoop me up and bring me over to the grass to lay me down on my back. Once we got there I covered my face with my hands, too flustered to look at her as I bring my knees up slightly.

She sits down next to me and lifts up my shirt just enough to show skin. “Ooo! What a lovely tummy we have here. I wonder if it’s ticklish~” I shake my head to her statement and whine in my hands.

“No? Are you sure it’s not just a little bit ticklish? Not even an eensy weensy bit?~” As she says that, she traces one finger on my stomach as I try in vain to not laugh.

“Nnnope…” I manage to say, while suppressing giggles. “What about this little button right here? What happens if I just…” she then pokes my bellybutton. All while I’m still trying not to giggle.

“Ah, come on… you’ve gotta laugh at some point. I know you want to~” she then swirls her finger in my bellybutton and the dam breaks, as I wiggle around. “Hehehe! Nuhuhu! EEheheHEE!”

“There we go… Aww! Your giggles are adorable!” She then takes out her finger and traces circles on my sides, making me twitch back and forth as she alternates. As I giggle I take my hands off my face to clutch my middle and kick out my legs.

“Th- HEEhehehe! Theheheyre nohot adohohorable! Ehehe!” I protest through my giggles. “Oh yes they are. They are the most precious thing, and so are you!” To emphasize her point she booped my nose, and I scrunch up from the playful gesture.

She then starts gliding her fingers gently up and down my sides, to which I squirm and drum my feet on the ground. “Oh, this is a good spot huh?” She had a teasy smirk on her face but her eyes showed real compassion and care.

“I could just stay like this forever~” I squirmed a bit under her fingers, as I went to grab her hands she grabbed mine instead. “Trying to stop me? But why would you when you’re loving this so much?~”

She moved both my hands above my head and held them with one hand while she gently raked her nails on the other one up and down my side.

I wiggled and whined and giggled under her fingers. It was amazing. All the nerves from before were gone and I could laugh freely.

A week had passed and we’ve gotten closer. I communicated more about my likes and dislikes with tickles and my favorite spots, she even got to be lee for once, or twice…

We had also started bonding over our shared love of cuddles, which brings us to today. We were having a chill sit in and relax day at her place.

We decided to watch bluey and snuggled up on the couch. “Let’s watch butterflies!” I knew what I was getting myself into, and boy was I happy about it. “Alright.”

The hide and seek scene plays with bingo in the hammock, to which I light up knowing what comes next. The song. “Oh! This scene has the cutest little song to it!” She looks at me with curiosity. “Hm? Really now?”

I start singing the beginning of the song. “Poor little bug on the wall, Ding Ching! No one to love him at all, Ding Ching! No one to… umm…” I trail off knowing what comes next and don’t look at her.

She continued it. “No one to tickle his toes~ No one to blow his nose.” She made a spitting noise to copy the orange healer on screen. “Heh… yeah, that.”

I bring my knees up on the couch and continue to watch, not looking at her anymore. She then smiles and gently pokes my side before looking back at the screen innocently.

“EE-“ I jump at the poke and twist to look at her, but see nothing but a blank expression and turn back to watch. She giggles quietly at my reaction, thinking I can’t hear her.

She pokes my ribs this time, twice. Before going back to watching the show, she gives a giggle and a smile, not hiding it this time. “Ehehe!”

I turn and see a tiny smile, as I cover my ribs. I know what’s happening, but still nonetheless I go back to watch the show. She then reaches over and scribbles at my neck, giving a silly smile.

She forgets to turn away this time, as I turn to her giggling and scrunching up. “Ehehehe! Hey! I know you’re doing that!” I then fall backwards on the couch and scoot away a bit.

“Yehea…? And?” She gives me an evil smirk. “Whatcha gunna do?” I looked away with a bashful smile forming, not wanting to look at her. “Hehe… I dunno… but- I’ll figure out something…”

She holds her hands up in a claw motion and crawls closer. “Sure you will~” I try to scoot back more but am stopped by the arm of the couch.

“Heh… we, we can talk about this… right?” I look up at her nervously still with that bashful almost smile. She smirks at my reaction. “Yeah, you either try tickling me or we continue this~”

“You know the first ones not gunna happen! I don't think I have any ler left in me…” She stalks closer to me. “Did you ever?~” She then scribbles gently into my sides.

“Ack- Hehehe! Ehehe!” I kick my legs out at the sudden sensation and start squirming around, to maybe dislodge her hands from my sides.

“Cutie. I’d be shocked if I ever saw you being a ler~” That smirk never once leaving her expression, as she speeds up the scribbling but keeps it light.

“Ehehehe! Ihihit happens! Hehehehe!” I keep wiggling and kicking out, as her hands explore and tickle every inch of my sides and even bottom ribs.

“Oh yeah, when? Hm?” She goes a bit higher on the ribs, slowing it down a bit. “Ahaha while ahago! Hehehe!” I respond through my giggles.

She moves the light scribbles onto my tummy with one hand and neck with the other. “Oh really?” She asks in a teasing tone.

“Yehehehe!” I scrunch up and roll around, giggling to no end as my legs keep kicking out. “Shocking!” She then wiggles a finger in my belly button and gasps.

“EEEYYhehe!” I slam my head back and arch a bit, wiggling more now. “I never thought you could be a ler! With who?” She smirks and speeds up a bit.

“Hehehe! Ihihit was juhust teases thohohough!” I roll onto my side to block the tickles and start kicking my feet at the back of the couch, as I curl into a ball.

“Just teases? You didn’t actually tickle them? Oh please~” She grins at me rolling her eyes, as she leans down to nibble gently at my neck.

“Ehehe! Hehehe! Ihihit still cohounts!” I scrunch up and bring my legs up more and start kicking them a bit gentler, as she’s making nom noises at my neck.

She picks up her head to look at me. “To you~” She goes back to nibbling. “Nuhuhu uhuhu!” I try to push at her head, but it doesn’t work.

She starts talking, vibrating her tickly voice into my neck. “Such a cute lil lee aren’t you? Sooo cute!~” She smirks and goes to nibble at my ribs.

“Ehehehe!” I cover my face with my hands and continue to kick my legs out. “Hold still, I want my snack~” She blows a raspberry at the middle ribs and continues nibbling.

I let out a brief belly laugh at the sudden raspberry and then dissolve back into giggles, kicking my legs more now. “Awww, does it tickle?~”

She changes to slowly trace at my palms. “Hehe…” I get more butterflies, as my hand twitches at her movement and I let out breathy almost giggles.

“Do your palms tickle?” She looks up at me with a warm smirk. “Maybe…” I cover my face with the one hand she’s not tracing. “Let’s test then!”

She brings my other palm over and traces that one. I smile as my hand slightly twitches at a few touches, and I let out little under the breath giggles.

“Not many giggles… maybe-“ She changes to tracing with her nails and scribbling them gently I’ve r my palm. “Hehe…”

My hand jerks once or twice, as I let out slightly more noticeable giggles. “There we go gigglebug! There we go!” She smiles at me and speeds up a bit.

“Hehehe! Hehe-snrk-“ I shot my other hand up to cover my mouth with wide eyes, as I continue to nervous giggle in my hands.

“Aww… nonono, we can’t have this~” She snickers quietly and watches my face, as she slowly crawls her fingers down to my knees. “I think these need a massage!”

“Hehehe! Nuhu they dohont!” I uncover my mouth to cover my whole face, not able to watch this without getting butterflies. “You sure? They look tense!”

She gives them a gentle squeeze. I try to hide my face more as I giggle endlessly. “No? More massage it is~” I curl in and panic.

She then starts gently massaging my kneecaps while tracing behind. “Ehehehe! Hehehe!” I try to wiggle around as much as possible. Then I hear my stomach growl.

She stops. “Is someone hungry?” I nod at her still hiding my face. “Ok, well you go eat something, I think you’ve gotten enough tickles for now.” I squeak at ‘for now’ and get up.

“Heh… ok, I’ll go get lunch. Then can we finish bluey?” I look at her happily, with a bright red face. “I’ll be waiting.” She responded and gestured me off.

So far today was turning out to be a really fun day.

[ainsworthluv]

Daughter of a Legend | Lando Norris

Lando meets the daughter of Formula One's greatest legend

Sorry everyone, but there was no way I could let you choose the name on this one.

Everything about Ayrton is true, Disney, the car, what Adriane thought.

Viviane Galisteu Senna da Silva — Vivi, to the lucky few—entered the world only a handful of months after that fateful first of May. Her hair, the color of sun-kissed sand, was Adriane’s through and through, as were the generous smile and warm, bronzed skin. But the eyes—those deep, espresso-dark eyes — were pure Ayrton. They reflected everything around her and, more importantly, everything within: kindness, determination, a stubborn refusal to look away when someone needed help.

Vivi had grown up well outside the camera flashes. She nursed a quiet, slow-brewing resentment for Formula One, the sport that hoisted her father onto a pedestal and then snatched him away. Strangers still approached her with reverence shining in their faces. “Your dad was the greatest driver who ever lived.” Vivi would smile—small, practiced, polite—and swallow the rest of the sentence she wanted to say.

She knew the legend, of course. Everyone did. Brazil’s unbeatable hero, Ayrton Senna. But Vivi also knew the backstage version—soft-spoken stories her mother shared in the half-light of their living room. Their apartment was a museum of love: a McLaren helmet in the hallway, the little Fiat Uno with the lovingly Brazilian vanity plate DR I (for “Dri”) tucked in the garage, ticket stubs and photographs everywhere. Yet the same memories carried warnings in their margins.

“No one loved racing like your father,” Adriane would murmur, tracing the outline of his grin in a photograph. “He gave his whole life to those cars. He wouldn’t even take a day to visit Disney—said it would steal training time.” The words landed like gravel in Vivi’s heart. Her father had lived for speed, and speed had taken him apart in a race that should never have happened.

That story defined her childhood. Adriane had just learned she was pregnant and told Ayrton—his joy nearly burst through the telephone lines. Hours later, the phone rang again. Brazil fell silent. Ayrton Senna was gone.

Six months afterward, Vivi arrived—no father, but a name he’d chosen himself: Viviane, in honor of his eldest sister, founder of the Ayrton Senna Institute and creator of Senninha, the cartoon boy who taught Brazilian kids to dream.

Engines made Vivi’s skin prickle for years; she’d change channels the instant she heard them. Yet today—thirty years since Imola—she stood in the paddock at Interlagos. This wasn’t about her hurt feelings. It was about him. And if Ayrton had taught the world anything, it was to keep driving forward.

•••

“Mate,” Lando whispered, jabbing Charles in the ribs while Charles chatted with Alexandra. “Tell me I’m hallucinating, or is that Senna’s daughter?”

Charles tilted his head, sunglasses glinting. “Looks like her.”

“She’s stunning—exactly like her mum,” Alexandra said, all effortless cool.

“Remind me who her mum is?” Lando asked, eyes still glued to Vivi.

“Adriane Galisteu. Super-model status, Brazilian icon.”

“I cannot believe she’s actually here,” Lando breathed. “She’s practically mythological—never shows up, never does interviews.”

“Probably here for the tribute,” Charles reminded him. “Hamilton’s taking the MP4/8 out for a lap. Big anniversary.”

“Right.” Lando nodded, brain clearly screaming focus, heart equally clearly ignoring the directive.

Alexandra snorted. “You’re practically drooling, Norris. Go talk to her.”

“Are you kidding? She’s Senna’s daughter. If Ayrton was the god of Formula One, that makes her, what, a demigoddess? I’m mortal at best.”

“Bring offerings,” Charles deadpanned. “Maybe a double espresso and a smile.”

Lando swallowed. He could handle 300 kilometers per hour and wheel-to-wheel combat, but apparently not a single conversation-speed approach to a girl with legendary eyes.

Still, every great race started on the grid. And Vivi—demigoddess or not—had just wandered into his pit lane.

•••

Vivi hadn't meant to sit down. Not really.

She had arrived at the paddock out of obligation—at least, that’s what she told herself. She wasn’t here for nostalgia. She wasn’t here for closure. She was here because someone had to remember her father as more than a highlight reel and a pitlane ghost. Someone who loved him had to be present.

So she sat, almost defiantly, in the corner of McLaren’s garage. Not drawing attention, but not exactly hiding either. The helmet—his helmet—rested in her lap, the colors still bold despite the passing of decades. Red, yellow, green. A symbol, a relic. A memory.

She stared out toward the track, half-lost in thought, half-holding herself together. Until a familiar voice cut through the buzz of the paddock.

“…and we’ll tweak the rear suspension, but otherwise it felt good,” Lando was saying, casually, like it was any other day. His engineer nodded, distracted. But Lando’s words trailed off when his eyes landed on her.

He froze.

There was no mistaking her. She wasn’t surrounded by cameras, she wasn’t giving interviews—but she didn’t need to be. Her presence said enough. The cheekbones, the sun-kissed skin, the unmistakable quiet pride in the way she held that helmet.

She caught him staring.

Instead of pretending not to notice, she tilted her head slightly and gave him a half-smile. It wasn't shy. It was amused.

“You’re Lando Norris, right?” she said, her voice low, steady. The kind of voice that made people pause.

“Yeah,” he replied, mouth already dry. “That’s me.”

“I’m Vivi.”

“I know,” he blurted, too quickly. “I mean—yeah. Everyone knows. You’re—” He stopped, because how exactly do you tell someone they’re famous for being the daughter of a legend?

“The daughter of Ayrton Senna,” she said for him, with a tired, soft smile. “It’s okay. You can say it.”

“I didn’t want to be weird.”

“You’re already weird,” she said, teasing. “But I don’t mind.”

He laughed, awkwardly brushing his hair back. “I’m a huge fan of your father. I mean, who isn’t? I think it’s basically mandatory if you love F1.”

“I always joke about that,” she said, eyes twinkling. “But you might be right. It’s probably a legal requirement.”

“I’m serious. They should put it on our FIA licenses: ‘Must worship Senna.’”

Vivi let out a real laugh—short, surprised, warm. “You’re not what I expected.”

“Oh? What did you expect?”

“Something colder. More serious. Maybe a little arrogant.”

“Well, ouch,” he said, clutching his chest in mock pain. “But fair.”

She glanced sideways at him, then back at the helmet in her lap. “You drive for McLaren, right?”

“Yeah. Feels surreal most days.”

“Are you happy?”

He nodded, a little more seriously. “I’m living my dream.”

Something in the way he said it made her shift slightly on the bench, creating a small space beside her.

She didn’t say anything.

But he understood.

Lando sat beside her, close but not too close, his eyes never leaving the helmet.

“Is that really his?” he asked, voice lowered like they were in a cathedral.

Vivi nodded. “Yeah.”

“Can I…?” He trailed off, unsure.

She handed it to him without a word.

Lando took it like she was passing him something sacred. And maybe she was. His fingers traced the edge of the visor, the curve of the shell. “This is incredible,” he whispered. “I never thought I’d even see it up close, let alone hold it. I think I might faint.”

Vivi laughed again, and Lando’s stomach flipped. That sound was magic.

“I’m giving it to Hamilton,” she added, gently.

“Careful,” Lando grinned. “He’s old. That much emotion might kill him.”

She laughed louder this time.

“He deserves it,” she said. “The tribute he’s doing for my dad… it’s beautiful. My father would’ve liked him.”

There was a pause. Not awkward—just heavy enough.

“Can I ask you something?” Lando said quietly.

“You just did,” she replied, lips tugging upward. But then she nodded. “Go ahead.”

“You’re the daughter of the Ayrton Senna. But you’ve kept your distance from all this. Why?”

She inhaled, then exhaled slowly. “Anger, mostly. Grief too, I guess. Formula One didn’t just make him—it took him from me.”

Lando didn’t speak. He didn’t rush in with reassurances or cliches. He just listened.

“My father gave everything to this sport,” she continued. “And in the end, they repaid him with a mechanical failure. A stupid, pointless error. A race that should never have happened. And now… all I have are stories. A name he chose for me before he died. A helmet. A country that mourned louder than my mother ever could.”

Her voice cracked on the last word, and Lando glanced down at the helmet in his hands.

He wanted to hug her. Every part of him itched to move closer. But instead, he just said,

“Your dad changed Brazil. He changed all of us.”

Vivi nodded, blinking tears from her lashes. “I know. And I’m proud. It’s just... complicated. In Brazil, people live and breathe football. We cancel school for World Cup games. We cry over it. But no one expected the country to stop for a race car driver. And yet—my father made that happen. He made a nation care about something no one noticed before.”

She paused again. Then smiled—wistful, broken at the edges.

“My mom told me once that his dream was to go to Disney.”

“Disney?” Lando echoed, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah,” Vivi nodded. “Silly, right? But he never went. Said it would steal time from training. That’s how much he gave to this. His life. His time. His joy. And it killed him.”

Silence fell. Except it wasn’t empty. It was full—of love, of loss, of a million unspoken things.

Lando handed the helmet back to her gently. “He would be proud of you, you know.”

“I hope so,” she said, brushing her thumb over the visor. “I really do.”

•••

Later, when the tribute finished and the engines fell silent, Hamilton completed his final lap in Ayrton’s McLaren, waving the Brazilian flag just as Ayrton once had. The crowd was louder than thunder.

Vivi stood near the pit wall, eyes wet, heart full. She watched Hamilton remove his helmet and break into tears. She had already given him the old one—the one—and he’d held it to his chest like it was made of his hero’s spirit.

Lando found her hours later, long after the crowd had left and the champagne had lost its fizz.

“Think he did okay?” he asked, voice softer now.

Vivi turned, smiling gently. “He did more than okay. I think my father would’ve been proud.”

“You heading out?”

“Yeah. I came, I remembered, I cried. Mission complete.”

“No after-party for you?”

She shook her head. “Not really in a party mood, to be honest.”

Lando hesitated. And then—well, bravery had won him a few races before.

“What about dinner?” he asked. “Just us. I mean… you’re Brazilian, I’m not. Maybe you can show me something new.”

Vivi blinked, surprised—but amused. “Dinner?”

“Strictly educational,” he said, grinning. “Cultural exchange.”

She looked at him for a beat longer than necessary. Then, finally—finally—smiled.

“Okay, British boy,” she said. “But only if there’s dessert.”

“Deal,” he said, holding out a hand like he was sealing a contract.

And just like that, Vivi stood, tucking the helmet beneath her arm. Grief would always live with her—but maybe, just maybe, joy had room too.

They walked off together—not as legend and fan, not as symbol and driver, but as two people learning what it meant to be seen.

[no-144444]

hii can i request something with Oscar that maybe reader is just so insistent on having a boyfriend and that no boys pay attention to her , and then is Oscar who is her best friend who is just so in love and obsessed with her, it’s painfully obvious to everyone but her and then in the end Oscar just runs out of patience and just confessed, super cute and fluffy in the end. Idk if it was too specific but i hope you understand 😭😭😭

lovefool- o.piastri

꩜ summary: oscar piastri has been in love with his best friend for years. she's buried all her feelings for him for years, and has set her sights on finding love elsewhere. what happens when he finally (accidentally) confesses?

꩜ pairing: oscar piastri x fem! best friend! reader

꩜ a/n: this is...6.7k+ words... hehe. thank you for requesting I love the idea!

It’s not like you were obsessed with love. You weren’t. You were perfectly fulfilled in your life. You had good friends. You’d escaped your parents. You had your dream job. You’d turned your nightmare into your dream life. You travelled the world with your best friend, and watched as he surpassed his wildest dreams. You just… wondered. Why weren’t you in a relationship? Why didn’t someone like you enough yet? Why hadn’t you found someone yet? Everything else in life was perfect, you were happy. You just… wanted something else, someone to care about you, someone to love you. 

It probably didn’t help that you had a scary guard dog best mate in Oscar Piastri. He knew you better than anyone, listened to you, and he was kind. You were glad you’d met him and gotten so close, he was now a huge part of your life. You remembered meeting him like it was yesterday; a shitty day in a new school. Somehow you’d expected more from your parents. You thought they’d listen, but why would they start that?

 Haileybury is a new start. Haileybury is a great school. 

It didn’t matter what you wanted, it never had. It just mattered that you wouldn’t bother them. Your talent spoke for itself, your family name spoke for itself, but no one saw you. People saw the name. They saw the ability. Then they watched, like hawks. Waiting for you to fuck up, so they could run back to your parents and remind them of the mistake that you were. Show them exactly why they shouldn’t waste their time with you. In all honesty, you wanted to run. The tall gates of Halieybury came into view, and behind it, the behemoth of a school sat, waiting, taunting you, as Headmistress Graham, a tall woman with the largest glasses you’d ever seen, explained the rich history of the area, and told you how you’d ‘love the library, it’s world class!’. You feigned interest. You smiled through the tour. You were polite to every person you met, even those girls who were already sizing you up, on your first fucking day. You wished your parents a safe flight home with about two metres distance between the two of you. There were no hugs in your family, no space for warmth. You walked into your bedroom, and you fucking screamed into your pillow. You just… you had to endure. That’s what you told yourself. With your brain, you could graduate early, then you wouldn’t be stuck in this fucking hellscape, a million miles away from home. You wanted those walls you knew so well, even if they were silent now. You wanted the ability to walk around freely. You wanted your home back, even if it was irrevocably changed. 

You didn't bother showing up to breakfast. It was a bank-holiday Monday, only very few people stayed back, their rich parents were too wealthy and important to bother seeing their children before they’ve already become adults. You walked around the grounds. Perfectly manicured. Perfectly used. Everyone walked the same path here, literally and metaphorically. They would get their education, and they’d go on to work for their parents until they realise working (if you could call it working), isn’t as fun as they make it out to be. Sometimes it requires effort, and they’re not used to getting their hands dirty, so they push it onto someone else. Someone else always has to take their shits for them, and wipe them up after. You rolled your eyes when a group of girls were waiting at the front gate, for what, you had no idea, but it was blatant whatever it was could only be something that gets Year 7’s out of bed on a day they could spend gossiping and whining about having homework. Hats off to whatever it was, that was impressive. You walked on, the cold air invading your lungs as you listened to the crunch of the ground beneath you. It was melodical. You thought back to home, back to the wild gardens and overgrown trees you loved to climb, and you felt that pull again, the one telling you to go home. You swallowed it down, and you walked back inside, looking for those rehearsal rooms Headmistress Graham had been banging on about. 

You sat on the stool as softly as possible. Your hands hovered over the keys. You pushed down. Careful. Cautious. Calm. Controlled. That’s what you’d been taught to be. That’s what you had to be. 

A ruckus from just outside the hall pulled you out of your playing, and you stared at the door, half-expecting someone to run in. 

He did. A tall boy with brunette hair and two huge bags on his shoulder, his eyes wide as he locked the door behind him. “Fuck’s sake,” he mumbled to himself. You sat there, impatient and annoyed. This was your practice room, it was booked out for you, for the year. He probably played what? Guitar? He didn’t need a fucking reharsal room, he needed a common room and an arsehole with enough ego to assault the lyrics of ‘Wonderwall’ with his voice. He looked flushed, and- had he been running? You guessed he was what the Year 7s were fawning over, and became increasingly more annoyed. 

“Alright?” you questioned, turning to face him. His head snapped up and his jaw dropped. You shook your head. Boys. “I’ve booked this room, sorry.” You turned back to the piano in front of you, expecting him to do the regular thing and walk out with a muttered apology. He didn’t. He came closer, walking up to you. Crossing the hall as quickly as he could without running.  “Hi,” he smiled, and you rolled your eyes. “I’m Oscar.” 

“Hi Oscar, I’m trying to rehearse,” you bit out. Of course, you couldn’t just get one moment of peace. “Please leave.” You weren’t fighting him on this, you had to rehearse, and he had to leave. 

“What year are you in?” he asked, approaching the piano, under some transe. He snapped out of it. “I’m Year 10.” He looked up as you rolled your eyes and turned to the boy as he stood beside you, looking at you or the piano like it was some ancient relic. 

“Year 10,” you mumbled, your eyes sharp and staring at him, hoping he’d get the message. Newsflash, he didn’t.

“Cool,” he mumbled, his eyes stuck to your hands as they hovered over the keys. “I’ve never seen anyone use this before.” So he wasn’t exactly a conversationalist, brilliant. 

You raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never seen anyone play a piano?” you scoffed, and he went bright red. 

He scrambled to think of a response, and his brain came out with utter shit. “I mean, this specific piano. E-everyone thinks it’s a bad piano, so no one plays it, and we have other pianos in the school so they all prefer that- I’m just going to stop talking actually,” He shook his head at your amused expression, mortification rising in his body. Fuck, he could talk to Daniel Riccardo about tyre deg for hours, only a day after meeting him for the first time, but a pretty girl with a piano was his downfall? Fuck’s sake. You let out a small, confused chuckle and the sound rang out in his head, making those butterflies that had awakened the second he saw you, fly around his stomach like they were on fucking acid. He held out his hand to be shook. “I’m Oscar.”

You took it with an amused smile on your lips. He felt his entire body ignite when you touched his hand, though he’d never tell you that. “You’ve mentioned that, Oscar,” you teased, that beautiful, small smile on your lips. Holy shit he could’ve sworn he was having a heart attack with how fast his heart was beating now that you were looking at him. “Year 10, Form B.” You held out your hand to be shaken, and he shook it with fervour, probably letting his hand hold yours for a moment too long. 

“Right,” he nodded, his hand still around yours. He was fucked, completely and utterly head over heels embarrassingly fucked. He snapped back to reality. “Form B? Me too.” 

You nodded, your eyes falling down to the rest of him. HP Turners hoodie, baggy trackies, oil-strained shoes. He smelt like a fucking petrol station which deodorant section had exploded. You were curious, and really, you could practice whenever. It was more fun to mess with socially-averse teenage boys. “What’s with the bags?” you questioned, pointing at the comically large bags slung over his shoulder. He looked confused for a split-second, almost so small no one would’ve noticed, like he’d forgotten they were there, and then he dropped them on the floor in front of the both of you. 

“What they are is killing my fucking shoulder,” he mumbled, rolling his shoulder. “My racing bags,” he explained as he took out his helmet. “This is my helmet bag, holds, well, my helmet, and this,” he held up another bigger duffle bag. “Is just all the other shit I need for races like my suit, shoes, tyre strategies, my homework, all that boring shit,” he smiled. You smiled too, for some reason.

You nodded. “Interesting. What category are you in?” 

He looked stunned that you even knew what question to ask. “Umm, British Formula 4,” he smiled. “You know racing?”

“My brother used to race,” you shrugged. You were both quiet, despite both wanting to know more about each other. He saw the way you deflated, noting down your words, ‘used to’. He didn’t pry, he never would. “Well, Oscar, I’d better get back to rehearsal.” He frowned slightly, but nodded and started walking towards the door. 

“I’d like to see you again, and maybe get your name.” he chuckled before he opened the door and walked back out. You quickly realised Oscar-who-smelt-like-petrol was a big deal here. He was a racer, and everyone cared. You were used to it, with what your brother used to do, so you didn’t really care. 

Just a week into school and a group of girls had adopted you into their group and you were slowly beginning to enjoy their company, but not without some troubles.  One girl, Rachel, was in love with Oscar. She could speak of nothing else. It was either his hair (entirely mediocre), or his face (you understood that one), or his arms (lanky?), or what he wore (t-shirts and trackies), or him in his cricket gear (pathetic and prissy). She drove you mad with her constant pestering, always asking about him, since you two were apparently friends now. So what you teased him in form, who cared? Rachel cared. But anyway, soon, your friend group was intrinsically interchangeable with Oscar’s, as his friends became yours after weeks of teasing him. He pretended he didn’t love it, and you pretended not to notice. You tried for literally a year to get Oscar interested in Rachel, just as a favour to her (and yourself), but he wouldn’t bite. Everyone made those jokes that girl and guy best-friend duos always get, the dares to get together, but both of you stood still in your decision. He was your friend. You were his friend. 

That was all. 

Finally, summer break rolled around. The British Grand Prix had been a test of everything that Oscar was. No only had he fucked up his race with a penalty, he could see the way Lando was talking and looking at you, and it made him sick. In the normal, best-friend way, of course. He just… knew the kind of guy Lando was, and it wasn’t what he wanted for you. Anyway, Belgium had gone in his favour once again, a P6 to win after a red flag caused by an Alpine in quali, and Lando accidentally crashing again, giving him a stronger lead in the championship. You’d been there too, sitting pretty in the garage, giving him all the support he’d needed to get those overtakes done. And now, Greece for 2 whole weeks, full Piastri family, friends, and an all-inclusive resort to yourselves. It was all he needed. 

The breeze was slight, and not doing much for the sweat dripping down his back. It was 11am, too early in his world, but Duke had texted him and told him where you were, sending a photo of you swimming in the ocean with the caption “looking for her merman, you might want to be there!”, and yes, it had gotten him out of bed. Everyone knew about his crush (which was really nearly a decade of yearning), and everyone knew about your longing for love. They begged him to just… say something, satisfy both of you. He thought about it every fucking day, every moment between you two, he longed to be more than your best friend, more than the guy you rely on, more than he was. 

But he couldn’t bring himself to do it, not when it risked losing you. Still, he walked to the beach with three water bottles and a peach (your favourite snack in the world, so much so that the nickname had stuck) in hand, ready to pretend he wasn’t dying inside every single time you touched him. 

“Finally back from the dead?” Rachel snorted, watching him approach. He smirked back, blocked out the sun with his right hand as he let himself shamelessly take you in beside her. Fuck, you were gorgeous. Skimpy bikini clinging to you, still wet. You had those ridiculous snorkel glasses on the top of your head, your hair back and out of your face, sunglasses covering your eyes as you read your favourite book for the hundredth time. A small sense of pride bloomed in his chest when he realised it was the copy he’d given to you, fully annotated, at the ripe age of 17. He didn’t understand it then, but he made it a yearly tradition to read it again and rehash all your favourite arguments. Rachel watched as he stared at you, and rolled her eyes. “A-hem,” she added, bringing you both out of your busy minds. “Oscar’s here.” 

“Osc!” you smiled, scooching over on your beach bed and tapping the spot beside you. You were halfway through the book already, of course, he smiled and sat beside you, handing Rachel over a bottle of water, and started pulling the peach apart, removing the pit, then offering you a piece. You opened your mouth and he popped it in, feeling much too domestic for a best friend. “So I was rereading-” 

“Obviously,” he finished for you, taking a bit of another piece as you rolled your eyes. 

You swallowed down your piece and opened your mouth for another. He placed it in and you chewed, then spoke. “And I was thinking about the setting, and I know these are old annotations-”

“I was 17 and I barely understood the thing, please let me write you a new one,” he begged, genuinely embarrassed of the book in your hands. All of his annotations were subtle confessions, even ones that were outright “I like you”, but you’d never taken them seriously. It haunted his dreams that you still had it. “I’m begging here, Peach.” He nudged your arms but you shooed it away. 

“I like this! It’s old! It’s funny, it’s very you,” you pouted, and he’d never take it away for you if he knew it made you this happy. He shook his head, laughing. “Plus your handwriting was so much better when you were 17, I can barely read it now,” you laughed and he rolled his eyes, scoffing. “But yeah, the setting, I was thinking that maybe-”

Just then, Hattie and Peter (her boyfriend on his first year of the Piastri family getaway), bolted by, running into the water as they giggled. You watched them happily, but felt a twinge in your heart. You groaned and dropped your head into his lap. “When will I get that?” 

Rachel gave him a look that screamed SAY IT!, but he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t risk losing you. He shook his head and ran his hand from your collarbone down to the middle of your back and sighed. “Soon, I’m sure.” It killed him to say, but he genuinely did hope you found someone. Even if it destroyed him. He’d given up on love long ago, and he just hoped he could stay close to you once you found your perfect prince charming. 

“How about we go clubbing tonight and you can meet some men?” Rachel suggested and a cold sensation filled Oscar’s veins as he gave her a side-eye. She’d never been the best sport about Oscar not choosing her, but he knew she was just trying to do what was best for you. You wanted love. Just… not from him. Which was fine. That was alright. He’d accepted it. 

“We have family dinner tonight,” you looked up at Rachel from Oscar’s lap. “But after?” you looked back at Oscar, trying to gauge his reaction. He shook his head. 

“Not for me, but I’ll drive you there,” he offered, ever the giver. You frowned. 

Your hand rested over his stomach and he tensed, his abs underneath your hand rock-hard. You didn’t even notice. You’d never noticed, just laughed when he said his clothes didn’t fit anymore and called him lanky anyway. “No, we’ll get a taxi, don’t want to make you drive on your time off,” you pouted. Oscar had been different in recent months. He’d been off about something and you couldn’t figure out what. He wouldn’t go out on nights out anymore, wouldn’t bother to celebrate after big moments like wins or your awards. He always wanted to stay in, cuddle on the couch and head to bed to talk for hours, like you used to do at school. It was fine, you enjoyed nights like that just as much as anyone would with their best friend, but still, it rubbed you the wrong way that he would never go out with you.

He sighed. “You sure you want me to come?” he asked, looking down at you, fingers running up and down your thigh now. It had no effect. He cursed himself. You nodded vigorously in his lap and he smiled. Anything to make you smile. “You sure I won’t be too guard-dog-y and scare all the guys off?” You shook your head and rolled your eyes. 

“You’re not scary in the slightest Oscar, look at you, you’re fucking lanky,” you held up one of his (very much) not-lanky arms, and faltered for a second. Shit, he was bigger. He was taller. His neck was fucking huge, and you could feel a torso full of abs under your hand. He smirked down at you like he knew what he was doing and you gulped. “See!” you finished, giggling at him. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head as you stood up. “Come on, you need some water time,” you dragged him up (which seemed much harder than before with his added strength). “No fun playing mermaids by myself!” you started jogging off into the water, and he got the most perfect sight of your smile, then the back of you. He cursed internally and pulled his shirt off, a grimace on his lips. Rachel shook her head behind him and they both thought the same thing. 

How was he going to survive tonight? 

Oscar didn’t like going to clubs with you, because it was torture to watch you flirt with other guys. He hated the way they looked at you, like you were just another girl, like you weren’t a piece of sunshine taken and given to the world. 

But now, apparently that extended to the swim-up bar in the hotel. He was just behind you, waiting at one of those stupid half-submerged tables, after listening to your rant about the setting of the novel for actual hours. A guy went up to you, harmless, right? Wrong. The way he was looking at you, like you were a piece of meat, or something to be won, it made Oscar sick. He stood to his full height, puffing out his chest just a bit. It felt a little silly, but the surprise in the guy’s eyes was worth it. He came up behind you, a warm hand on your hip as he leaned down and whispered in your ear. “You alright?” he asked, lingering over your shoulder as the guy backed off, nodding at the sight in front of him. You crossed your arms and walked ahead, grabbing your drinks off the bar in a huff. Objectively, he felt bad. He knew how much you wanted it, that novel-worthy love, and he wished he could give it to you. It physically hurt him to know he couldn’t. 

You frowned as you sat down at the table. “That wasn’t fair. He was going to give me his number before you walked up,” you sighed as you stirred your cocktail. Day drinking was like a sport on these holidays, and you were already feeling a bit tipsy. Oscar rolled his eyes and sat across from you, placing his hand on your arm as the other held his G&T. He had that stupid pity-smile on his lips and it made you want to scream. “Seriously!” you gaped at his audacity. “He could’ve been the love of my life.” You huffed, deflating. You’d had this conversation with him too many times, but he was always so stubborn, always saying the same thing. 

The love of your life isn’t going to show up at a bar.  The love of your life isn’t going to show up at your gym.  The love of your life isn’t going to show up outside your friend's apartment.  The love of your life isn’t going to show up outside one of your concerts.  The love of your life isn’t going to show up in the orchestra of one of your concerts.  The love of your life isn’t going to show up shirtless on a tinder profile. 

“Peach, the love of your life isn’t going to show up at a swim-up pool,” he said matter-of-factly. You hated that. He was so sure, so fucking aware. Like nothing else could ever be true, because of course not. He was Oscar Piastri and he had the final say. His thumb pressed soothing circles into your arm as he frowned. He knew it was wrong, fuck, he knew it. But he couldn't let you go off with someone else, someone who wasn’t him. Not when he knew his heart fucking beat and bled for you.  “How about we go for a dive?” he offered, trying to wipe the frown off your face. 

“What if the diving instructor touches me?” you hissed, annoyed. “Are you going to drown him?’ you scoffed before swimming off and joining another table, one with Rachel, Duke, Tara, and Eoin. Oscar sighed, his head dropping to the table as he watched you go. He was sent many unappreciative glances from the tale, half of them mouthing the same thing at once. TELL HER! but instead, he stayed over at his table, then joined his sister for a game of marco polo, which he continuously lost.

It was an hour to dinner and he hadn’t seen you. He’d swam until he was sure he’d reached his cardio goal for the day, gone to the gym and did some weights, then walked back to your shared room for a shower. You weren’t there. He got dressed into a linen shirt and slacks which was pretty fancy considering the fact that he’d been showing up to dinner in his togs and a tank most of the days. His phone rang with a message, and almost wasn’t bothered to get up and grab it, but he did, fearing it would be from you.

Rachel: Peach’s in here getting ready, still mad about earlier, but it’ll be smoothed over with a PROPER apology. For fuck’s sake just tell her!!!!!!!!!

He gathered his things, and your handbag, and stalked down the hall to Rachel and her partner, Evie’s, room. He knocked once. Then twice. 

Then your face was in front of his, all wide-eyed and smiling with those dots of contour going unblended on your cheeks. Your face fell when you realised it was him, and it would’ve been a mood killer if you didn't look so stunning. The hotel robe over his favourite dress of yours, he could see the colour spilling out beneath the white, and his smile somehow perked up even more. That fucking dress with the spider web on the back an the dangerously low neckline, the one that had almost made him say it the last ime. On his birthday no less. It was maddening, the way you’d been dancing in it all night, and your smile, god your smile drove him insane. The way you pushed him to do new things and try new things and evolve, that was his favourite thing about you. You constantly challenged him, and he’d never get tired of it. “Oscar,” you cleared your throat. “Evening,” you nodded and let him into the room, some Olivia Dean song you loved playing from the speakers of your phone. The room was tense, Rachel and Evie watching you two, silent for the first time in god knows how long. Fuck, you couldn’t fake being mad at him that well, and soon the facade slipped with one tiny giggle. He laughed too, wrapping his arms around you from behind as he whispered apologies into your hair. You looked at him through the mirror, and something about the way his eyes lingered on you made you squirm. You liked it, the thrill of him watching you, you always had. 

“I’m sorry, Peach,” he said again, definitively. “I was only worried about your safety, but it was a dick move and I promise it won’t happen again,” he smiled that wolfish smile, and you knew it was a lie, but you believed it anyway. You nodded and curled a hand around his own giving it a squeeze before detaching and sitting back down to your vanity and resuming your makeup. “Are we good?” he asked, and you nodded with a smile. 

“We’re good,” you parroted, putting his fears to bed as Rachel rolled her eyes. Christ it was exhausting watching you two walk around each other in circles like idiots. To think she once liked Oscar was wild.  Now, she saw him as what he was, a pathetic lapdog that would follow you to the ends of the earth. It was kind of funny actually, watching as he fell over himself to be as close as he could to you. You two were so perfect, fitting together like two pieces of a jigsaw, but you just couldn't see it. Mostly, it was Oscar’s fault for not stepping up and admitting his feelings, but you were also to blame for not noticing the way he lit up around you. She shook her head as he entertained you by throwing popcorn into your mouth. Hopeless. 

God, if that interaction with Mr. Muscles earlier wasn’t going to send him over the edge, Hattie trying to set you up with one of her friends from college would. His name was Freddie, and Oscar already hated him because he was perfect for you. Smiley and surfing, long hair and completely Melbourne, tall and muscly and a brian full of smarts. He even had little sisters he took care of. He seemed perfect. Oscar just begged the universe to tell you that your heart wasn’t in it, to remind you of the boy who sat beside you who looked a lot like a man now, but still kept those foolish, boyish dreams alive, those ones of you waking up beside him or walking down the aisle towards him. He held his breath as you scrolled through his photos. 

He was everything you were looking for. Fuck’s sake, his name was Freddie, what was cuter than that? Osc- No. You stopped yourself. You’d buried that when you turned 18 and watched him with his tongue down the throat of one of the popular girls, and you promised yourself it wouldn’t come up again. Oscar wasn’t yours. He didn’t want you. But you stacked everyone up against him. The way he introduced himself, dorky and too strange to be anything but fate. The way he wouldn’t leave you alone, not until you finally agreed to be his friend. The nights he’d sneak into your dorm and listen as you told him about the horrors that awaited you during break. The night he’d promised you that, while he wouldn’t be able to magically make your brother appear again, he could hold your hand through any tough moment you needed him. The way you believed him. That stupid night when you were both 17 and told yourselves it wasn’t a big deal, and you kissed him and you understood. Understood what it meant to be loved and taken care of. Have someone care. 

You blinked it all back. All those moments and memories that you stowed away for those days after dates when you realised that while Oscar was who you wanted to be your forever, he couldn’t be. He wouldn’t be, because he didn’t want you. “He’s cute.” you smiled, but anyone could tell it wasn’t real. Hattie smiled back and promised to send on his number, and you thanked her. 

Oscar stiffened beside you, and he had to stop himself from putting a possessive hand on your thigh. He reminded himself, she’s not yours. She won’t be yours. He swallowed back the bile in his throat. Dinner tasted like cardboard, but it wrapped up anyway, and five of you bundled into the rental car, a heavy silence between you and Oscar for the second time that day. The rest of the group were too busy singing whatever showtunes Duke had insisted on to notice, but you did. 

The club was cool, this half-inside-half-outside deal with strobe lights and far too sensual music playing. In the least ironic way possible, it felt like a movie scene. The Hills by the Weeknd blaring from speakers as you were dragged into a dance with Evie. You just needed to stop thinking about him. You’d gone years keeping these feelings at bay, and there was no need to ruin the best thing in your life with selfish feelings. The red strobe made him look sinful though, already at the bar, already getting you a drink, like he was your boyfriend. Fuck, it was ridiculous. He acted more like a boyfriend than any of your past boyfriend had, opening doors, perfect chivalry, holding hands, knowing you. Knowing what you wanted. The flashing lights made him look even more delicious than he usually did. You kew he was an athlete, and you knew he looked good, but fuck, seeing him shirtless and now in that stupid linen shirt that strangled his biceps made you want to fucking swoon. He searched for you in the crowd until he found you, then sent you a wink and a smile. 

Fuck if it didn’t go straight to your core. 

He stood at the bar, the perfect bodyguard, an eye on each of his friends. Rachel and Duke were already chatting with some locals, always able to make friends wherever they went. You were out on the dancefloor, his brain short-circuiting. Evie sent him an evil look while you spun around, gaining the attention of a few guys around you. He felt that same protectiveness, that voice in his head that screamed ‘mine’, but he stayed back. He laid off it. He didn’t want you mad at him again, and he could always try to convince you he saw they do something shady. Sure, it was unethical and completely unfair to you, but his chest physically hurt to not be stalking over there and kissing you, showing you that you had someone who loved you more than anything. He didn’t. He just watched. Watched how you looked in that fucking dress. Watched the way your eyes lit up when you saw him at the bar. Watched as his heart broke for the fifteenth time that day. 

Duke walked up beside him, his best friend for years.“Look man, just fucking do it. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t, and you know Y/n, she’d never hold it against you and you might get some closure,” he shouted over the music, directly into Oscar’s ear as his resolve slowly chipped away with the way you were dancing. Shit, it was fair. You looked so beautiful out there he didn’t know what to do with himself. “Stop torturing yourself.” He clapped a hand on his back and nodded, his wisdom for the night, now imparted. Oscar’s hand shook as he moved through the sweaty bodies of the dancefloor, one thing on his mind. Duke had a lot of bad ideas, but also a lot of good ones, and he decided that he couldn’t live like this anymore, and he’d dance with you one last time before forgetting. Forgetting his feelings. Releasing you to find someone who hopefully loved you like he did.

He cleared his throat, and smiled when he reached you, then held out a hand. “Care for a dance?” Evie sent him a look, and he nodded. She scurried away as quickly as possible, as you took his hand with a smile. His other hand went up to your waist as you slowly rocked your bodies together, anticipation filling the air. “You’re gorgeous,” he whispered in your ear. “Any guy here would be lucky to have you.” The words felt foreign in his mouth, he’d always been the silent supporter of your search for love, but now, he was going to try and help. You smiled up at him with that gorgeous smile, that fucking dress that drove him insane, and just you. You being you. You being your wonderful self. The lights flashed again, and suddenly he was kissing you. 

FUCK. He thought, but he didn’t stop. He hadn’t kissed you since he was 17, and he was making up for it. His hands grabbed at your waist, pulled you as close to him as possible, as he kissed hard. Hoping that everything he felt could just be seen in the kiss. All the desperation, all the passion, all the… love. He wanted you to feel it, to know it had been torturing him since he was 15 years old that he didn’t get to do this everyday. He was so in his own head that he’d barely realised you were kissing him back, and then he just groaned into your mouth, kissing you harder. You wanted to savour the moment, your hand cupped his cheek as the other splayed out against his chest, fisting his shirt and bringing him impossibly close. You buried this, you told yourself. He’s not yours. He’ll never be yours. So you pulled back, and you ran. You couldn’t entertain someone who wasn’t ever going to be yours, especially not when it was Oscar, the guy you’d been embarrassingly in love with since you watched him fall over at a cricket match, but still get up and smile at you with a thumb up. 

Oscar stood there, stunned for a minute. He had no idea what he’d just done. He was just frozen for a solid minute. Someone bumped into him and suddenly he was in motion, fighting through the crowd to find you. He had to tell you, explain, make you understand. It was just a mistake. He didn’t mean it. Everything can go back to normal, he told himself. She’s still your best friend. The balcony looked out over the entire city, the warm Mediterranean air engulfing him as he stepped out. You were out there, leaning against the glass as you watched the last light disappear from the day. He stopped and admired you for just a few seconds, hoping this wasn’t the last time he’d speak to you. Then he decided to do the one thing he’d been putting off for almost half his life, be honest. 

“Peach I’m sorry about that, but-” he started until he realised you were crying. Fuck. He’d really cocked this up, hadn’t he. “Peach, I’m sorry,” he shook his head, leaning against the barrier, leaving too much room between the two of you. “I shouldn’t have done that.” 

“No, you shouldn’t have,” you sniffled, your voice raw with emotion. He passed over a tissue from the packet he always brought with him, for you. “Do you think it’s fun to play with my emotions? Is this like a little game that gets you off? You’ve been fucking playing it since I was fucking 17, and I understand that you probably felt obligated when I asked you when you were 17, but you could’ve said no. I just… this isn’t right,” you scoffed and his eyes widened. You shook your head. “It’s not fair, Osc. Not at all.” He stopped thinking, stopped fucking breathing. You liked him back, this whole time. He could’ve been kissing you every fucking day. He could’ve been your real boyfriend for 7 years now. He cursed himself for not being brave enough before, and for not seeing it before. 

“I’m in love with you,” he whispered, and your world stopped for a second. “I’ve been in love with you since I was 15,” he admitted with a defeated chuckle. “I was just too scared to tell you,” he sighed. “I love how you dance when something is delicious, I love how you cling on to me every fucking day. I love your smile and your hair. I love how fucking smart you are. I love how brave, and strong you are to have gotten through everything with your family. I love you. You’re just… you’re everything,” He explained, tearing up. “And I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before. I’m sorry that it came out in jealousy and possessiveness, but I just couldn’t let you go. I can’t. I won’t. And I’m aware that this might be too much too late, and I understand that, but I just need to make you hear me now. Nothing I’ve ever done for you has been out of obligation, not when we were 17, and not now. I kissed you in there because I couldn’t imagine not doing it. I can’t imagine anyone else being the woman I want. You’re the coolest girl I know. I love you so fucking much, peach, my chest fucking hurts.” He sniffled, then chuckled sadly at himself for crying. 

You turned to him and shook your head. “You’re such a fucking moron,” you smiled before pulling him in for another kiss, this time with your arms around his neck, and a shared understanding that, yeah, you two were in love. And yeah, that was fucking wonderful. You pulled back just enough to rest your forehead on his. His pretty wide eyes under the moonlight as the first round of this evening’s fireworks display began behind you. You smiled. “I love you too,” his grin somehow got bigger. “So fucking much-” you could barely finish your sentence before he kissed you again. But you were both thinking the same thing, we have years of kisses to make up for, might as well start now. 

You both tried to ignore your cheering friends, but you broke away (much to Oscar’s annoyance) and smiled at them, celebrating the almost decade-old crush you’d tried so many times to bury. It didn’t bother Oscar when it meant he got to look at you being so happy it made his chest ache to know it was him making you that happy.

Maybe you hadn’t ever buried it. Maybe he’d made it too hard. Maybe all of that didn’t matter now because he had his arm around your waist and your taste on his tongue and you were smiling brighter than ever.

mclaren masterlist

navigation for my blog :)

[sunflowerdigs]

Writers generally write plots in order to take a character from point a to point b. For instance, for Buck's bisexual discovery episode, rather than thinking "I'm going to have Buck meet this hot pilot and see what happens", Tim probably thought "I want Buck to come out as bisexual. How do I believably do that?"

People keep saying that if 911 is going to move forward, it needs to start bringing on new blood and integrating it into the cast. Well, this season, Ravi has been spotlighted multiple times. But in order to bring on someone new, someone else has to leave or fall back a bit. Technically, Tim could move one of the younger characters to another shift, but I doubt any of the younger actors want their screentime cut. However, Peter has stated that he's not into doing all the stunts anymore (and he looked super miserable shivering under a towel shooting the cruise line story) and that he might want to spend less time shooting generally. After all, he's getting a nice, fat producer cut now. He could probably shoot part-time and still make the kind of money he wants, and that would free up some budget for another character.

Additionally, unlike all of the other characters, Bobby has options that would keep him within the world of the firefam and would give 911 the opportunity to explore new parts of the first responder world. He is senior enough to run or be nominated for a senior position in LAFD, one that operates more behind the scenes, structuring budgets, communicating with news outlets, creating trainings, etc. That's a whole new world for the show. It keeps Bobby in the mix enough that we could occassionally see him show up at the firehouse for dinner, but creates a much less demanding shooting schedule for Peter.

But Bobby would never go for that. He would have to retire and then get bored. So, the question becomes "How do we take Bobby from gung-ho fire captain to someone who voluntarily gives up his post?" After all, s7 ended with him finding new energy for the job. A near-death experience like the one with the car pile-up wouldn't cut it. Because Bobby has faced those multiple times over the course of the series and hasn't considered giving up. It just wouldn't be believable to the audience and wouldn't be dramatic enough to cause the kind of shake-up that Tim wants to do. So, what would be?

Well. What if Bobby and everyone Bobby loves had to think he was dead for multiple days? What if the audience had to think that? What if viewers and the firefam had to watch Athena and her children (including Clifford) grieve him? If Bobby came back after something like that, absolutely, both the audience and the firefam would buy his wanting to finally retire. Especially if you throw a dream house into the mix? And Bobby suddenly desperately wanting to live as he's dying? Folks may end up messaging Tim on Facebook demanding that Bobby retire RIGHT THE FUCK NOW.

So. That's just some food for thought as to why Tim might do a death and resurrection. Additionally, whenever any character has a drawn out near-death experience it gives the writers permission to make big character shifts very quickly as characters process their grief. Characters are allowed to look at their lives, realize tomorrow is not promised, and choose things they may not have before the death. Those changes are even more believable if the audience has to mourn the character who almost dies with the characters experiencing a shift. So. You know. If, say, the show was going to have a character, I don't know, recontextualize his relationship with his best male friend and realize that choosing him would be choosing joy? Or if another character who had never stood up for a leadership position before were to suddenly want to do that? A major death that the audience felt alongside those characters might ease those transitions.

Think about it.

[live-love-be-unique]

P. R Nightmare

Series summary: A public relations job typically involves managing an individual or organisation’s reputation and building relationships with the public and media. It generally does not include superheros, terrorist organisations, middle-aged Russian super soldiers who breach media regulations and crushing on a client/ coworker.

This is a Robert (Bob) Reynolds x fem!reader series

Warnings: fem!reader, afab!reader, no specific details about reader appearance are given. Specific warnings will be provided at each chapter.

After battling the New York subway system — which you’re pretty sure had a vendetta against you — you’d made it to your office later than you’d liked. There had been no time to stop and grab a coffee and breakfast from your favourite little cafe near your office, so you’d have to contend with a stale granola bar that you were hoping was still buried in your desk behind some notebooks and a coffee from the communal kitchen.

“You’re late,” your assistant whispered as you walked in.

“I know, I know.”

“There’s someone in your office.”

“What? Who?” You were certain you didn’t have any meetings until at least 11am, you glanced towards your office where you could make out the shape of someone sitting in front of your desk.

“Congressman Barnes, he’s even more handsome since the last time he came by.”

“Aren’t you married, Dorris?” You smirked, she’d been nursing a crush on him since he’d last stopped by your office.

“Barry doesn’t need to know,” Dorris waved her hand dismissively, smirking as she answered her phone.

While it wasn’t uncommon to find someone waiting for you in your office most mornings, most visitors didn’t come bearing a steaming hot cup of coffee, “You join a new team and you’ve given up on the suits? You’ll break Giuseppe’s heart.”

“He’ll live, I’m sure you’ve referred other senators to his tailoring and I’m pretty sure you get a kick back on each suit he makes,” the man chuckled as he watched you walk around your desk and take a seat. “Hi kid.”

“What do you need Barnes?” You lean forward, resting your head on your hands, offering a wry smile, “I doubt you’re here to discuss the finer points of haberdashery?”

“I’m here to offer you a job,” Bucky says, placing your coffee in front of you.

“Last time you offered me a job, you wanted me to help you impeach Valentina de Fontaine,” you eyed Bucky as you took a sip of your coffee. Valentina had been a little too good at covering her tracks for anything solid to actually stick, the hunt for anything incriminating had dragged on for months. “Is this caramel?” you asked, savouring your first mouthful of good coffee.

“Of course,” Bucky sighed, running a hand through his hair. “This time it’s a little less…political. The team needs an assistant, someone to handle the public relations.”

“Really? You were all doing so well,” you smirked. “I saw the Wheaties boxes.”

“Alexei’s idea.”

“The Russian guy?”

“It was his dream,” Bucky shrugs. As he stands he places a file on your desk, “Think about it”

You watched him leave your office before picking up the file, it contained a dossier for every member of the Thunderbolts.

Bucky’s was first, heavily redacted as you’d expected. You knew a little of his past, or at least what he had shared with you while you had helped him with his campaign, but he had kept the details of what had happened while he was under control of Hydra to himself.

John Walker. Former decorated army ranger and Captain America for a short time before the murder of a civilian in a public setting led to his less than honourable discharge.

Yelena Belova. Former Red Room trained assassin with the Black Widow, working as a contract killer for Valentina before the Thunderbolts.

Alexei Shostakov. The Red Guardian, Captain America’s counterpart in Russia. The one behind the Wheaties box…and ‘encouraging’ people in supermarkets to buy them.

Ava Starr. S.H.I.E.L.D operative turned mercenary who could phase through objects due to a constant state of molecular disequilibrium. You made a mental note to look that up later.

And…Bob? You turned Bob’s, Robert Reynolds’s, part of the file over to find that the page in your hand, containing next to no information about the man, was it. There was a picture — he was cute in a boy next door kind of way — and a few sparse details about the man but nothing more.

You quickly closed the file as your office door slammed open, your 11am meeting had finally arrived. Some trust fund baby who wanted you to fix his public image to keep him out of prison. He was charged with several assault counts, all of which he argued were the other person's fault and daddy’s money had brought him two hours of your time.

After his time was up, he had offered you his number like it was some kind of reward. You declined and dialed a familiar contact.

“Barnes? When do you need me to start?”

[writingsonsaturn]

i love these tim bradford x sunshine!reader but what if they had like a really not sunshine job, pathologist or something and the others found out.

the idea is probably really stupid, do whatever you want or just pretend i never sent this

sun-kissed shadows

{ masterlist }

🪐 - this is so freaking cute, I loved writing this!!! thank you anon <33

wc - 1.4k

content warning: reader is a blood spatter analyst, descriptive talks of dead bodies and things that go along with being a forensics tech, gore? kinda? its not for the ones with a super weak stomach pookies

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

Tim has always felt some sort of force field pulling him toward you, the way your smile could light up the darkest of rooms, or how your voice is always so soft and airy. He knew he had to introduce himself that night in the bar, Tim asked if he could treat you to a drink and you just couldn’t resist his wide, hopeful smile and agreed. Tim was in love the moment your voice reached his ears, suddenly three years later, your warm body is what he wakes up to.

His eyes studied your face, every little detail that gently lay across your face had been mesmerized since the first time you slept over. Tim’s fingers delicately traced his hand over your cheekbone, a soft gesture he used to pull you out of your dream ridden state.

You stirred slightly, becoming aware of the small disruption. 

“Good morning, pretty girl,” Tim whispered in a sleepy tone.

“Hi,” you smiled widely while stretching your arms, creeping open an eye only to see a smiling Tim staring right back at you.

“Are you aware that it’s creepy to watch someone sleep?” you jokingly said, a smirk making its way onto your face. “I can’t help it, you’re just so beautiful,” Tim explains in a jokingly defensive way, throwing his hand over his chest and fighting a grin. You only giggle and pull yourself onto his chest, resting your chin gently on top of him and looking up into the eyes of your lover.

The two of you laid together, soft spoken words floating around the confined bedroom. Talking about what the day ahead looks like, then finally after some convincing, Tim agrees to get up and make you breakfast before you need to leave. You both worked at the station, however you tend to clock in earlier since you usually have deadlines to meet and paperwork to file. 

Your career wasn’t what people expected you to be a part of, it was a rather dark job - well you didn’t think so, but to each their own. You worked as a blood spatter analyst, reconstruction of crime scenes and helping determine what sort of weapon was used at the time of the attack and or homicide, and most importantly you helped with figuring out how a victim was hit. 

You loved your job, but it was always fun to see the cogs in a person's brain start to rapidly spin when you explain what you do for a living. 

Now, although you work at the same place, nobody actually knows what you do. There has only been a handful of conversations about work considering Tim’s friends very obviously do not want to talk about policing when they are off-duty, which you understood. Everytime you were asked you would simply just say you helped at the crime scene after they all had left, and the crew would just let it go.

Personally, you weren’t sure talking about how far brain matter had flown out of a victims head was a dinner worthy conversation. 

Once you clocked into work for the day you immediately started on the leftover paperwork from last week's case, an elderly man who had been bludgeoned by his caretaker. It was a gruesome shift that day, all the red yarn and pictures taken were horrible, sometimes you wished for the ability to erase memories from your brain's hold. 

You were also aware that once the trial started you would have to testify to the science of how you figured out what was used to kill the man, and how you knew. 

However, not long after lunch - thankfully after - you were called into a scene that was horrific. Blood coating a once white wall, a man on the ground already in rigor mortis, and way too many bodily fluids. 

This case was already different, you were informed that it was a high priority and all hands on deck type of situation. 

That being said, everybody was there. 

Looking around you caught Tim talking with Angela and Nyla, likely because he was the first officer on scene and needed to give an account as to what he saw. You were in full gear, white suit that covered you head to toe, goggles and a KN95 face mask that helps prevent you from breathing in any unwanted fumes that expel out of a deceased human’s body.

Chen, Nolan, and Juarez were all there. Going through the steps of securing the scene, one talking to the housekeeper who found the body and another rolling tape around the front of the property. You walked over to where Tim was standing with the two detectives to get an idea of what needs to be collected into evidence, and what time the body was found.

Taking off the hood of your suit, along with the other two items blocking your facial features to give you better access to communication, you noticed Lucy freeze as she looked your way. 

“Hello detectives,” you smiled kindly, to which they both offered one back. Nyla and Angela knew what you did, they were really the only ones to know, you worked with detectives very closely.

 “Hey bloody, what’s the diagnosis?” Angela joked.

“Pretty standard stuff, was shot directly in the face by shotgun most likely, shrapnel is imbedded into the skin-” you start to explain while pulling up the notes you were taking, “-had to be pretty up close to produce the amount of damage that was done, found a shoe imprint in the blood as well,” you finish and look up, to now see a small crowd of stunned faces contributed by Lucy, John, and Celina.

“This is so not what I thought you did” Celina gaped, looking at you like you grew a second head.

You laughed at the shock, “guys this really isn’t that crazy,” shaking your head you begin to put your equipment back on so you could make your way back into the house. “What are you talking about? This is insane!” Lucy exclaimed, gesturing to your get-up with over exaggerated hand motions. 

Tim couldn’t help but snicker at the over-the-top reaction perpetrated by your mutual friends, they once explained you were the sunlight to their dark, and traumatic jobs, and here you were getting up close and personal to bloody body parts and foul stenches. 

Before putting the mask on you gave Tim a quick peck, saying you’ll see him tonight for dinner and made your way back into the crime infested home.

The shift had been long, and rough. You spent nearly 45 minutes trying to decipher if there was actually a fingerprint or if it was just a smudge, luckily for you it came back as a partial print, which could give you nothing but it could also give you everything. 

You also had to pick out a couple of pieces of the shrapnel that were stuck in the victims face and place them in evidence bags, for you to also test later at the lab. Different shrapnel comes from different ammos which can be used in different weapons, it was a very significant job you held.

Finishing the day, you turned in reports of today’s findings and got the things ready to be tested in the lab tomorrow morning, because that was tomorrow you’s problem, tonight’s you was leaving and heading to eat dinner at a nice restaurant that Tim surprised you with yesterday. 

Bringing a duffle bag to work always came in handy, especially because you were able to fit a nice pair of date clothes into it making it to where you didn’t have to stop at home to change. 

“God, I am starving” your voice echoed through Tim’s mind, his thrill hard to hide as he got up to greet you. “It’s a good thing I already ordered an appetizer for us then, huh?”  Tim led you to your seat, pulling the chair out for you, then sitting down himself. 

The two of you caught up on the rest of the day, you explaining the frustration game of is it, or is it not with a partial fingerprint and Tim telling you about the women who attempted to flee while handcuffed only to fall head first into dog poop. The laugh you expelled caused other customers to look at you with judgement, but you couldn’t care less. 

By the end of the night, both of you were just admiring each other, “you know, I don’t think our friends imagine me as this light in their life anymore,” the smile on your face was large and knowing.

“You’re still my sunshine,” Tim whispered, sending you a wink.

[junkissed]

ocean view

member — junhui x f reader genre — romance, smut, strangers to lovers, soulmate au word count — 8.8k synopsis — an all expenses paid trip to greece for your friend's wedding seems too good to be true, but it gets even better when you meet a handsome stranger on the beach. with the help of a mysterious old lady, her magic deck of tarot cards, and one too many coincidences, you're starting to believe things really do happen for a reason. warnings — descriptions of female anatomy, unprotected sex, fingering, marking, an oddly romantic one night stand, mentions of past hookups, reader wears dresses, way too much yearning, happy ending ! notes — my part for the @svthub world tour collab; check out the masterlist here! thanks to @multi-kpop-fanfics for answering all my questions and the biggest thanks ever to @onlymingyus for proofreading & helping me brainstorm throughout !! inspired mostly by the spell mv but also a little bit from nana tour and in the soop bc of the vacation vibes. disclaimer i know nothing about tarot but i did a ton of research so i hope that part makes sense anyway :) this fic was a huge challenge to write so please please reblog if you enjoyed reading, the feedback is super appreciated and it helps me keep writing!! read bonus material here!

they say time flies when you’re having fun.

it felt like just days ago when your best friend had announced she was flying everyone to athens for her destination wedding. between helping prepare for the wedding and getting yourself packed for the trip of a lifetime, a weekend on the beach sounded like exactly what you needed to unwind.

but now that you’re here, you’ve quickly realized that your dreams of lazy spa days, massages, and lounging on chairs in the sand with cocktails aren’t on your friend’s itinerary.

what is on her itinerary, however? clubs. lots of clubs, and bars, and raves.

the night before the wedding, you’d showed up at the place you had all planned to meet at for her bachelorette party, a popular bar right on the beach in the center of everything. you hadn’t been sure what to expect, so you’d worn your swimsuit underneath your sundress just in case. between wedding plans and jet lag, you hadn’t yet had the chance to explore the beaches, and you weren’t about to let your favorite white strappy one-piece go to waste without wearing it the whole trip; especially not when you’re surrounded by gorgeous clear waters you don’t get to see while you’re at home.

you tug at your dress a little awkwardly, a simple off-white piece with buttons all down the front. cute and casual, the perfect thing for an evening on the beach. except an evening on the beach is not what you’re getting.

“next round is on me!”

all the girls let out a cheer, clapping and whooping as they raise their glasses. you’re still not even halfway through your first drink; the night is young, but your friends are more enthusiastic partygoers than you are.

you lean away to check the time on your phone, trying not to feel defeated when you see how early it still is. you’ve been trying to hype yourself up for tonight all weekend, but it doesn’t help that your friends are bigger partiers than you. that isn’t to say that you dislike parties, or that you never go out; but parties like this, huge events with hundreds of people packed into a small space with loud music and flashing lights, aren’t really your ideal way to spend a saturday night. even for such a special, rare occasion like a bachelorette party in another country, you can’t bring yourself to get lost in the scene. you should’ve known how this would go, and yet here you are, standing at a cocktail table by yourself surrounded by drunk women.

you turn back around and suddenly the bar is a sea of unfamiliar faces, everyone around you lost in their own worlds jumping and dancing to the music that booms from the speakers. you stand up on your tiptoes to see above the crowd, trying to push your way through in search of someone you recognize, but it seems like they’ve all vanished.

the pounding of the music is starting to give you a headache, so you down the last of your drink and head away from the bar, pushing past people until the crowd eventually starts to thin and you break out into the open air.

it’s still light outside, but the contrast from the darkened bar makes it feel like stepping into another world. the noise gets quieter the farther away you move, and you find your feet carrying themselves down the beach. you walk backwards, turning to look over your shoulder one more time to see if you can spot your friends, but all you see is a crowd full of strangers.

it’s easier to breathe out here, feeling the freshness of the ocean breeze and the salty air in your lungs as you get further and further from the people and the businesses. you turn around again and almost run straight into a man walking from the opposite direction, and you stumble into his arms before you realize what’s happening. you let out a little squeak in surprise and jump backwards, almost tripping over your own feet but his hand instinctively shoots around your waist to help keep you upright.

your cheeks burn with embarrassment, an apology already ready on your lips, but he beats you to it. “sorry,” he says with a shy laugh, slowly letting go of you and offering his hand for balance as you slip your sandal back on that had come off. he steps back and gives you a polite smile, trying to move out of your way. “you look like you’ve got somewhere to be.”

“the opposite, actually. escaping my friend's bachelorette party," you explain. 

"we're in the same boat, then," he chuckles, tucking his hands into the pockets of his shorts. "trying to ditch the bachelor party. it’s a popular place for weddings, huh?”

“seems like it.” you hum, turning to look out over the water. the setting sun glints off the surface, a clear and bright sparkling blue, and you lift your hand to keep the glare out of your eyes. “i just didn’t think it’d be so…”

“…hectic?” he asks, and you laugh a little.

"yeah, you could say that.” a warm breeze ruffles through your sundress, and you cross your arms over your chest. “i guess all weddings are like that, though.”

he nods, following your gaze off into the horizon. you go quiet, listening to the music still loud in the distance and the sound of seagulls cawing above your heads. "i was hoping to get a chance to explore more of the beaches while i'm here. i don’t get to see it often."

"wanna go for a walk?” you ask suddenly, uncrossing your arms. maybe it’s the fresh air of a new place, maybe it’s the comfort of finding another person wanting to get away from it all, but some part of you wants to stay here and find out. you’d wanted to see more of the landscape anyway, and now seems like as good a time as any, especially now that you’ve got company.

he looks over at you, judging your expression before his face softens. “that sounds perfect.”

it’s still early enough that the beach is still mostly full of tourists, adults lounging on towels while reading books and kids splashing water at each other and playing in the sand. you walk further down the beach, passing in front of a grey haired old woman sitting cross-legged on a towel, shuffling a deck of cards in her wrinkled hands.

"always lovely to see couples enjoying the islands,” she calls out to you. there’s an almost rhythmic lilt to her voice, and it’s so sudden that it makes both of you pause and turn around, having paid her no mind as you walked past before. she gestures down at the deck and you finally notice that she’s holding a set of tarot cards, a deep matte black that seems to glitter and sparkle even while shadowed. “would you like a reading?”

your cheeks start to warm, and you push down the butterflies that flutter to life when she assumes you’re together. "oh, no, we're not—”

"sure," jun says over you, and you sneak a glance up at him when you think he's not looking. "how much?"

she clucks her teeth and shakes her head, staring directly at you although she’s answering his question. "no, no, no, my dear. just offering a bit of friendly advice. won’t cost you a thing."

jun nods, but she seems like she’s waiting for your answer so you quickly nod, too. “okay. what… do we have to do?”

she places her palms over the deck and closes her eyes, falling silent. you stand in front of her, feeling a little awkward to be hovering over her like this, but she it’s like she doesn’t even notice. you share a look with jun, but after a beat he grabs your hand and grins as if to say, just go along with it.

her eyes suddenly fly open and she seems pleased with whatever she was doing. “i knew i could feel it,” she says cryptically as she begins shuffling the cards. “but let’s just see what fate has to say about it.”

she stops and pulls the top two cards from the deck, placing them face down on the towel as she motions at them with her hand. at her signal, jun bends forward and turns over one of the cards, reading it aloud. “ace of cups.”

“ace of cups,” she repeats. “an invitation. the open, uninhibited flow of emotions, creativity, and love; the awakening of your spirit. this is a new beginning for you, the start of a new season. trust yourself and your feelings, and embrace the opportunity to grow with your emotions.”

jun nods seriously like he’s taking in her words, but you can see the hint of a smile at the corner of his lips that he’s trying to suppress.

she looks at you expectantly, and you hesitate before realizing she’s waiting for you to flip over the second card. you cheeks heat as you read it, but you try not to let it show. “the… lovers?”

she smiles, and although her face looks kind you have a sense that there’s something she’s not telling. “the lovers,” she says, almost solemnly. “many people think this card is strictly about romance. and in some ways it is, but what it really represents is a choice. two diverging paths, two responsibilities. will you choose with your head, or with your heart?”

she stares at you for another moment, then looks back at jun. you both stay quiet and still, subconsciously hanging on her every word as she pauses, clearly having more to say. “having these two cards come up together… now, that’s fascinating for you two, isn’t it?”

you find yourself nodding silently, although you have no idea why. you feel jun’s hand in yours, warm and soft and grounding, and the smallest shiver runs down your spine.

“the lovers and the ace of cups are the potential for new beginnings and the fulfillment that comes with following your heart,” she says, her eyes locked with yours. “this is a very powerful and meaningful connection, but only if you make the choice that is most heartfelt. you must be willing to be your most authentic self and hold nothing back. keep your eyes open, and you will be rewarded with profound joy and happiness.”

immediately you turn to look at jun to see his reaction. he looks just as confused—but is that a hint of excitement in his eyes?—as you do. the woman’s words are… cryptic, to say the least, but it stirs up a feeling of excitement in the back of your mind that you’re trying to ignore. it probably doesn’t mean what you think it does, right?

"hey, wait, so what does—”

you turn back to look at the woman for another explanation, but there's no one there. the beach is empty except for you and jun and the slowly setting sun, a few boats tied up at the dock. you’ve walked so far down the beach that even the distant music has faded into obscurity and you’re left standing alone together, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the waves. even the wind has died down, and it feels eerily quiet but in an almost comforting sort of way, to be alone together in a place like this.

"you believe in that kind of stuff?" you ask curiously as jun starts to walk away.

"mm… not really. but she seemed like a lonely old lady. i thought it'd make her day." he looks down at your entwined hands and squeezes lightly, almost teasing as you look up and see the grin on his face. "why, do you?"

you can't help the butterflies that instantly flutter to life in your stomach when you feel his warm hand in yours, but you shrug. "why not?"

jun doesn't reply, just nodding thoughtfully as you continue to walk hand in hand. 

with the way the atmosphere has suddenly changed, it feels like time has stopped as you meander your way along the edge of the water. you chat off and on with jun, but there’s a hefty amount of silence that neither one of you feels obligated to fill. talking to jun feels like talking to an old friend, and maybe it’s the beautiful scenery or maybe it’s the way both of you had found yourselves here looking for company.

after a while you come to a stop just below the rocks where you’d started. your footprints from where you’d run into each other are still visible, little indents in the damp sand, and it reminds you of what you were running away from in the first place. maybe you don’t want to run anymore. 

"well…”  jun says, inhaling slowly. "we should get you back to your friends. i'm sure they're looking for you."

"would it be so bad if i said i didn't want to find them?"

he pauses to gauge your reaction, and you don’t miss the flicker in his eyes as he looks at you. after a moment nods and points up the shallow cliffs, towards a little stone staircase worn down from years of being travelled on. "my hotel is just up there. if… if you wanted to stay a little longer? with me?"

you pull your lip between your teeth, looking up at him and the way the fading sunlight shines through his soft brown waves, and it only takes a second to make your decision. “i’d really like that.” 

it turns out that missing out on your friend’s party for a few more hours is an easy price to pay for more time with jun.

the door of his hotel room barely has time to shut before your hands are on each other. you tug him closer by shirt with an eagerness you rarely allow yourself and he immediately reciprocates, pulling you by the waist until you’re pressed chest to chest.

his hand skims over your collarbone towards your neck, and you shiver at the warmth of his fingers caressing the side of your jaw. he angles your chin upwards and leans in as you meet him halfway and your lips finally touch, a low sound escaping from your throat as his nose brushes your cheek.

he makes a soft noise as he inhales, deepening the kiss until you feel your knees go weak. his hand cups your jaw harder, trying to draw you further into him, unwilling to break apart. he kisses you so softly yet you can still feel the intensity behind every movement of his lips, exploring your mouth with a gentleness that feels more natural than anyone you’ve ever kissed before.

jun curls his arm around you tighter, and you’re sure he can hear how fast your heart is beating as he kisses you again and again until you’re breathless. you slide your hands away from his chest and start to undo the buttons at the front of your dress, but he stops you. you look up and meet his gaze as his hand on your cheek moves to wrap around your waist, carefully walking you backwards until the backs of your knees hit the bed and you let yourself fall back onto it.

he lets out a quiet groan as you pull him down with you, landing on top of you and catching himself on his forearms beside your head. his face is inches away from yours, staring into your eyes for a beat before he presses down to capture your lips again.

his kisses feel like magic, and you almost forget exactly what you’re here to do. you’d be content to spend hours with his lips on yours and nothing else, but you’re quickly pulled away from it when he sits back and starts to slide his hands down your body, his nimble fingers skillfully undoing the buttons of your dress one by one.

he pulls the fabric away and lets it fall to the floor before leaning to kiss you again, and a grateful sigh slips from your lips at his touch. your fingers tug at his shirt and he breaks away once more to quickly pull it off over his head, tossing it behind him without a second thought.

your hands slide earnestly across his body, your fingertips trailing down his torso and the deep lines of his abs. his fingers brush over your swimsuit in tandem, tracing the cutouts of the fabric where your skin is visible and making you prickle with goosebumps at his touch.

he seems equally as content to just continue doing this, but eventually his hands make their way upwards and gently slip the straps off your shoulders. he doesn't move any further than that, waiting for you to move instead, his fingers resting at the base of your neck just beneath your chin. 

you follow his actions and shimmy the suit down, letting it bunch up at your hips. only then does he finally break apart from you, moving his mouth down to your exposed breast and letting his tongue glide over your peaked nipple. your skin tastes like salt and sweat, like sunny days and warm breezy nights, and he can't get enough of you.

the first moan you let out is like music to his ears, and immediately he craves more of them. he wraps his mouth around your other nipple while keeping his hands attached to your body like magnets, desperate to be the one to draw more of those pretty noises from your lips.

you lift your hips just a little and he quickly gets the hint, wordlessly pushing his fingers between your skin and the fabric of your swimsuit before tugging it all the way off. he pulls it down your legs and you help him kick it away, leaving you completely bare beneath him.

your hands slide across his shoulders and up the back of his neck, tangling in his hair with another moan that sends a shiver down his spine. you can’t help but roll your hips upwards against his body, squirming for more friction as your nails scratch at his scalp.

his face stays buried in your chest for a long time, moving between your breasts and planting wet kisses all along your skin. your head is spinning at the sight of this gorgeous man working his magic on your body, his hands wandering up and down with a tender purpose. you don't even know his name but you already know you're gonna be thinking about this night for months, probably even years. you're shocked at how good he is at this; there's a melancholy feeling looming in the back of your mind, knowing that this is probably the first and only night you’ll get to spend with him, but you don't have time to focus on that when you have the tingly feeling in your stomach to focus on instead.

despite not saying anything aloud you can tell exactly what he wants from you, and something about how easy this is sends a feeling of relief through you. all of the mistakes of your past hookups feel like a distant memory. there’s none of the empty conversations meant to do nothing more than fill the silence and the awkward, tentative movements that you’ve become accustomed to from strangers who aren’t familiar with your body. 

but something about the way jun touches you does feel familiar, like you’ve been waiting all your life for it, for him. his silence, something that most of your partners in the past had fought so hard to avoid, now only leaves more room for you to enjoy the sounds that often go overlooked: the wet hum as his lips connect with your skin, the distant crash of waves outside the window, the quiet whir of the ceiling fan.

jun leans down and kisses you again, shifting on top of you as his hand wanders down your hips. you pull him closer and let your hand travel a similar path, and you bite your lip in excitement when your fingers skim over the bulge straining against his shorts.

he lets out a strangled noise almost like a whimper at the contact but the sound only encourages you to add more pressure, soaking in his reactions. he whines again, pushing his hips into your hand and exhaling a shaky breath as you continue to palm him, feeling the hard outline of his cock as he struggles to keep his composure.

his knee is against your thigh and he repositions himself to press it higher between your legs, returning the favor and giving you something to grind on. instinctively your legs widen a little to give him easier access, and he rewards you with another hot, messy kiss.

you groan at the feeling, pushing your hips down towards him and rubbing yourself on him. it’s a little rough at first, but you’re already so wet that it doesn’t take long before his knee is coated in your arousal and you slide along him easily. 

after a minute he pulls back just an inch, giving you room to breathe, but one hand is still on your hip and the other curled behind you to support your neck. “good?” he asks breathlessly, and even though it’s clear as day that you’re enjoying this as much as he is, you still nod and give him an encouraging smile, and he returns it with a smile of his own. “just let me know,” he says, and the sultry yet sweet tone of his voice makes your heart skip a beat.

at your approval his hand begins to wander again, trailing over the top of your thigh. his finger slowly make their way down and you shiver, your hand stilled against his abdomen as you anticipate his next move.

you take this moment to get a good look at him; you’d been too shy to stare earlier on the beach, unsure how things were going to go. but now that he’s on top of you, shirtless and obviously just as eager as you are, you let your gaze roam unabashedly across his body. your eyes glide over his torso, the hollow slope of his collarbones and his hardened nipples, the deep-set grooves of his abs and the faint lines of his ribs beneath his skin. you want to reach out to touch him and run your hands over every inch of him, but you’re trying to be patient. and although you know your time here is limited, it seems like jun is only just getting started.

his fingers finally make it to your inner thighs, tracing the area around your pussy, but it’s still not close enough for your liking. you wiggle a little to try and encourage him, whining softly and letting out a little plea. his lips quirk up and he nods, his grip on the back of your neck tensing and tangling in your hair. 

his fingers finally brush against your entrance and you gasp, writhing at how gentle his touch is. he dips his middle finger into your heat before pulling it back out, trailing upwards to your clit to circle it for a moment before heading back down and repeating the process. it’s barely enough, yet it leaves you breathless almost instantly.

he’s staring down between your legs with an intense focus, spreading your arousal around before sinking back into you for more. and just when you think you can’t take it anymore, he pushes his finger in deeper, holding it still for a second even though you’ve already adjusted to it. he waits until you start moving, arching your back and trying to get him to go further, before he adds his ring finger and begins slowly thrusting both fingers in and out together.

you whimper and curse under your breath, trying to roll your hips to match his rhythm. he starts to curl his knuckles and you swear you see stars, despite the fact that he’s barely moving at all.

after a moment when you’ve regained the ability to breathe normally again you start to move your hand back against his bulge, shaky fingers dipping beneath the waistband of his shorts. you wrap your hand around him and your eyes widen at the thickness, the heavy weight of him in your hand and how you’re sure he must be aching by now. you feel the way his cock jerks when you squeeze ever so slightly, his fingers inside you freezing for a split second as his brain tries to process before he plunges them in even deeper, curling into you with even more fervor than before.

you hold him tighter and run your thumb over his tip, swollen and leaking with precum. he gets a little noisier with every move you make, unable to contain the pleasure he gets even from this. even the smallest touches from each other have both of you on edge in a way you’ve never felt before, drawn to each other like no one you’ve ever had before.

his clothes in the way are starting to frustrate you, so after another second you release his cock and move your hand up to the waistband of his shorts instead, trying to tug them down but it’s difficult from the position you’re both laying in.

“please,” you pant out desperately after having little success, and he obliges, pushing his shorts away as fast as possible before resuming his motions. he’s still almost completely ignoring himself as he continues to focus on you and only you, and his complete devotion gives you another boost of confidence.

now freed, his hard cock slaps against your thigh and you moan happily at finally being able to see all of him. it looks even better than it felt, thick veins bulging out across his length and his tip flushed a deep red. you wrap your hand around him once more, flicking your wrist as you start to jerk up and down.

his fingers curl upwards to massage the spot that makes your eyes roll back, and if you had any functioning thoughts left you would’ve marvelled at the fact that he was able to find it so easily, but you’re too busy arching your back against his pillow to think about that.

he can feel you starting to clench harder around him, making his fingers stutter inside you, so he pushes his other hand down on your hip to stop you from moving so much. he pulls his fingers out and your eyes dart back up to his face for an explanation, unable to stop the whimper that escapes from you at the loss, but the look in his eyes instantly puts you at ease. you can already tell he knows what he’s doing, and somehow he seems to know exactly what you need, so for once you don’t mind sitting back and letting someone else call the shots.

“can i fuck you now?” he murmurs, and it takes you a second to even hear what he said because you’re shocked at how low and rough his tone is since the last time you heard him speak. he wipes his fingers against the inside of your thigh as he waits for your reply, and you shiver at the cool wetness on your skin.

the best you can manage is a stuttered “yes”, and without a word of acknowledgement he pulls you off the bed, guiding you off your back and onto your hands and knees.

you let out a squeak at the sudden change but you let it happen, and a second later you hear his voice beside you, his breath warm against your ear. “still okay?” he asks, and despite the gruffness in his voice you can still hear the soft edge to his words.

“yeah,” you repeat, suddenly losing the ability to say anything else to express your pleasure, but somehow you know he understands. your stomach flutters at the low tone of his voice, steady and calm but so full of warmth and lust.

you feel the heat from his face move away from your skin, and you know he’s sitting up on his knees behind you. his hands slide down your sides, reaching under you to cup your boobs with both hands as he groans at the feeling. you let out a matching whine, pushing your hips back against him to feel his hard length against the soft flesh of your ass.

his hands still holding your breasts, he leans down over you to keep you flush to his body, your back pressed against his chest. he presses a kiss in between your shoulder blades, letting his tongue trace lightly over the ridges of your spine.

you grind backwards against him harder, your body on fire from his kisses as he starts to suck gently at the back of your shoulder. you’re not sure if it’s hard enough to leave marks, but you kind of hope they do, because then you’d be sure this encounter wasn’t a dream. what other explanation is there for the fact that you’ve not only met the most handsome man you’ve ever seen in your life, but that you’re currently on your hands and knees in his bed as he runs his lips over every single inch of you, waiting for him to fuck you? it’s too good to be true.

but it is true, and you know it when he pulls away to brush your hair to the side and expose more of your back for him. his fingers are still so gentle against your skin, his touch heavy but soft, and it makes you even more desperate for him.

after a while he lets go of you and leans back, taking his cock in his hand and gently tapping it against your ass. you groan and fall forward, pressing your face into the pillows and arching your hips up into the air. his hands slide down your sides, gripping your waist with a low groan as he leans forward to kiss the side of your neck again.

he finally pushes all the way into you, and it feels so good it takes your breath away for a second. you can feel your walls throbbing around him, struggling to adjust to the feeling of being so full in the best way, a way you haven’t felt this strongly in so long. it’s a feeling like no other, and it makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything else before this.

his hands are all over you like he can’t decide what to do first, but after a while they settle at your hips and give them an encouraging squeeze, waiting patiently for you to set the pace. finally you bring yourself to move, tipping forward to let him slide out of you just a bit before you lean back into him.

he adapts quickly to your rhythm, thrusting in and out and matching your pace, using his grip on your waist for leverage to push himself deep inside with every stroke.

“fuck,” he moans under his breath, finally breaking the silence, and with just that one sound you feel yourself starting to let go.

the words tumble out of your mouth and you ball your fists into his sheets, clinging to the bed to keep you grounded while your head is spinning. “please, please, yes—”

everything finally hits you all at once, like a tidal wave pouring over you as you fall forward and bury your face into the pillow with a broken whimper.

“don’t stop, please,” you whine breathlessly. your words are muffled by the pillow, but you can tell he’s heard them because his grip on your hips tightens even more, slamming into you with just as much force as before and carrying you through your orgasm.

jun has to bite his lip not to sail right over the edge with you, focusing all his energy on holding himself back until he feels your body go limp all at once, the waves finally subsiding and you let out a deep, pleasured exhale. he’s so close he can practically taste it, his skin flushed and damp with sweat and his abs burning with exertion. only once he’s absolutely sure that you’ve finished cumming does he let himself break, pulling out as fast as he can and wrapping his fist around his length with all the energy he has left.

he moans weakly at the loss of your tight, warm walls hugging him so perfectly, but the view as he jerks himself over you all but makes up for it. the sight of your ass pressed flush against his thighs, your lower back arched and on display like a gorgeous blank canvas, and it gives him such a rush until he can’t hold on anymore.

the warm, sticky liquid hits your back and you whimper into the pillow, instinctively lifting your hips even more towards him. his cum spurts out in thick ropes, painting your skin and pooling in the little divot at the base of your spine, running down your ass until it feels like you’re soaked in it.

he finally pulls back and lets out the breath he didn’t know he was holding in, groaning as he sees you sitting still on the bed with your hips in the air. you feel the bed shift with his weight as he gets up, but you don’t pay any attention to it as you focus on trying to steady your breathing instead. something in your gut tells you to stay put, and sure enough, a minute later you hear the sink running and then feel the cool fabric of a damp washcloth brushing over your back.

he lays his hand on your ass and gently gives it a little squeeze to signal that he’s finished, and you finally fall over onto your side. you’re coasting on cloud nine, and everything feels both dulled and hypersensitive at the same time. the whir of the overhead fan is a little more prominent now, and the quiet drone echoes around in your brain.

“do you need water? or do you want a snack, or something?” jun asks, and while his voice still has a touch of shakiness as he’s recovering himself, you can tell his tone is back to the gentle and polite sound you’ve become used to hearing from him.

you shake your head, and he hums softly in acknowledgement as he points to the nightstand on the side of the bed closest to you. “there’s an extra water bottle there, if you need it. i haven’t opened it.”

you nod against the sheets, suddenly too tired to even think about forming words. jun climbs back onto the bed next to you, stretching out his long limbs and leaning against the headboard with a satisfied sigh. 

you surprise yourself when your body automatically reaches out for him, curling into his body and laying your hand across his forearm like a weight keeping him close. but what surprises you even more is when he mirrors the action, scooting closer to you and letting your head rest against his stomach. your first thought is that he makes a very comfortable pillow, and you let your eyes fall shut for a moment as your breathing returns to normal, wanting to savor this moment as you collect yourself and prepare to leave.

you open your eyes what feels like minutes later, but when you reach over to check your phone you realize you’ve been asleep for more than an hour. you inhale slowly and swallow, blinking a few times as the sore feeling in your hips reminds you of where you are.

instinctively, you start to panic a little. your friends are probably looking for you. you disappeared without telling anyone, and now you have to get back to your hotel and make sure you have enough time to sleep properly and get ready for the wedding in the morning. never mind that it was probably the best night you’ve ever spent with another person, and never mind that your friends are probably still out partying and haven’t even noticed you missing yet.

you slide off of the bed as quietly as you can, stumbling a little when your feet hit the floor. you crouch down to pick up your swimsuit off the floor and put it on, hopping on one foot as you slip each leg through the holes. it's darker outside now, but the street lamps and the moonlight shining through the sliding glass door that leads to the balcony of his hotel room are bright enough that it still feels like day. you're so focused on getting dressed and mentally running over your to-do list that you completely forget there's another person in the room until you hear his voice cutting through the silence.

“you don’t have to do that, y’know.”

you freeze and look up, your half-buttoned dress hanging loosely from your shoulders, your cheeks burning at the realization you’ve been caught.

jun swings his legs off the bed, crossing the room in a couple of strides before he’s standing in front of you. he’s wearing nothing except for the boxer shorts he threw on right before you fell asleep, and your cheeks flush even harder at the sight, despite the fact that you’ve already seen much more of him than this.

it takes every ounce of restraint you have to keep your eyes from straying, locked on his face before your gaze falls quickly to the floor where your sandals are left in a heap.

you didn’t mean to sneak off. but what else were you supposed to do? you hadn’t meant to fall asleep and stay as long as you did, either, and now you were stuck with the awkward conversation that always comes afterwards. the inevitable hurried goodbyes and uncomfortable tension as you try to put yourself back together and leave as fast as possible.

jun takes a small step closer to you, and despite all the confidence you know he has, it feels almost… tentative. as if you’re meeting for the first time and he isn’t sure whether or not he’s allowed to touch you yet.

there's a lingering feeling that you can't quite put your finger on yet. it's conflicting, because you know you can't stay but everything in you is screaming not to leave. maybe there's something you can do, anything you can do. is it all worth it? to turn your life around in a complete 180 for someone you barely even know— and yet, the last few hours that you’ve spent with him have been incomparably the best of your life.

after a moment he reaches out and starts to finish buttoning your dress for you, his fingers working them back through the loops with just as much care as he did when he was taking them off earlier.

“sorry,” you manage quietly, though you’re not even really sure what you’re apologizing for. a lot of things: sorry for running away, sorry for having feelings you probably shouldn’t be feeling, sorry for knowing this won’t work out despite the way you really, really wish it could.

but he just shakes his head as he finishes buttoning the last button. “i took it off. i can help you put it back on, too.” you can tell he knows what you had actually meant, but he’s ignoring it either for your sake or his. something about his words feels so easy, like all the problems in your head don’t mean anything anymore. here you are, an anxious and awkward and confused mess, and there he is, smoothing out the wrinkles in your dress like it’s something he’s been doing all his life.

he adjusts the strap on your shoulder with a gentle pat, but his hands linger for a few seconds longer than they should, and you lift your eyes to meet his. “can i kiss you again?” he asks quietly, and for some reason his choice of words sticks with you. not one final kiss, not a goodbye kiss, just again. like he’s refusing to admit this will probably be the last time you’ll ever see each other.

and you nod, and his hands slide up to cup your cheeks and pull you back into his lips, just as warm and just as soft and just as familiar as the first time. there’s something so innocent about kissing him, even in the midst of a complicated and confusing mess of emotions that makes you second guess everything. somewhere in the back of your mind you vaguely register that this is the last time you’ll ever kiss him, but as long as his lips are on yours it doesn’t matter. you’ll figure out how to deal with all that later; for now, the only thing you’re concerned about is the way he grips your chin and pulls you even closer.

it feels like hours later when you finally pull away, letting out a slow exhale as you try to blink yourself back to reality, and you know what has to happen now. “can you find your hotel on your own? do you want me to walk back with you?” jun asks, and you can feel the hesitancy in his voice.

“it’s not far,” you sigh quietly, turning away to slip your feet into your sandals that wait by the bed where you’d taken them off earlier. you should’ve said yes. “but… thank you.” your words hold a sincere weight to them, and it’s silent for a few seconds as you cross the room quicker than you want to.

“you could stay,” he says finally, but his hand is already on the doorknob and you both already know the answer. you hate that you have to be the one to tell him no, even though it’s been clear from the start what the outcome would be. you give him a small shake of your head, and he pulls on the knob. 

he stands and stares for a minute, watching you walk down the hallway and praying you’ll turn around. and then you do, glancing back at him over your shoulder, and he almost allows himself to have a little bit of hope that you might come back, even though you both know you can’t. when you find him still standing in the doorway your eyes light up just the slightest bit, and finally you disappear with a tiny little wave.

the door clicks shut again, and the silence that follows is louder than anything he’s heard all day.

“and you didn’t even get this guy’s number?!”

you wince at the tone in jeonghan’s voice, rubbing the back of your shoulder guiltily. “his name, either.”

“even after the magic old lady said all that shit about soulmates?”

“she didn’t say that!” you huff. your tone rises almost defensively, although it probably has no reason to. she didn’t say anything about being soulmates… right? “she said something like, ‘keep your eyes open for stuff around you’. but he said he didn’t even believe in it, anyway.”

a waiter carrying a tray of champagne glasses walks past, and he snags a couple of them, holding one out to you. “well, it doesn’t sound like you’re keeping your eyes open. it sounds more like your eyes are closed, actually. are you blind?”

you scowl and take the glass from him. “my flight home is tonight, hannie. i’m not gonna see him again.” you take a sip, letting it sit in your mouth for a second before you swallow. “and besides, he said he was here for a wedding, too. he could be from anywhere in the world. it would be impossible to find him.”

“doesn’t hurt to at least try.” you both stop in front of a circular table covered in flowers, with a little placard next to one of the plates with jeonghan’s name on it. “i guess this is my table. you want me to help you look for yours?”

you shake your head, pointing to a table a little ways away. “i saw mine on the way in, it’s over there.”

“whatever,” he hums at you, but you know he’s just teasing. “i still wouldn’t blame you if you ditched and ran off to try and find him.”

“not happening!” you call over your shoulder as you walk away, matching his playful tone. but you can’t help but feel like maybe he’s right.

jun taps his fingers against the table, staring mindlessly at the bubbles floating in his glass of champagne. he’s stuck in his head— no, that’s not right. that’s not the problem. you’re stuck in his head. it’s nearly a full day later and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about you, the taste of your lips, the feel of your breasts in his hands, the scent of the shampoo in your hair. if that wasn’t the most perfect hookup in the history of hookups, then he doesn’t wanna know what is.

he still feels bad for not even paying attention during the ceremony, because he was too busy imagining you and him up there on the altar kissing instead. god, what he wouldn’t give for another kiss like that. but just like you, he knows it never would’ve worked out, and despite the what-ifs that are chewing him up inside and the fact that he definitely, absolutely, totally would’ve tried to make it work however large the distance was, he knows it’s probably for the better. even if it means he’s gonna spend the rest of his life pining after a girl he met on vacation for less than a single day, and he’ll never even know your name.

he takes a swig of his champagne and tries to put on a cheery face. this is a wedding, after all, and he can’t afford to spend all his time pouting when he’s in a beautiful city by the seaside enjoying delicious food and near perfect weather.

and then he sees you.

not really, of course, because it’s probably the champagne going to his head after chugging the majority of his glass like a frat boy at a college party. but then he blinks, and it really is you, wandering around for a second before you sit down at a table on the other side of the venue, wearing a soft blue dress that’s even prettier than the one he saw you in yesterday.

he blinks again, not fully believing that it’s you and not just the combined effect of the alcohol and his daydreams, but you’re still there when he opens his eyes again. and he knows it’s you, because he can see the faint hickies on your back and shoulders that you clearly tried to hide with makeup but couldn’t fully reach.

the chances that he’d see you again—not even that, but the chances that you’d be attending the very same wedding he was—must be one in a billion. maybe even more. yet there you are, picking at your nail and staring wistfully at your empty plate as you wait for the reception to start.

he stares for another minute, just to make sure you’re actually real, before he stands up and makes his way to the terrace at the back of the venue where the groom is standing next to a tower of cupcakes.

“gyu,” he greets him, “hey. are we allowed to switch tables?”

“i… don’t think so?” mingyu hums, a little off guard by the sudden question. “i made sure we put you next to hao, but—”

“if i give you twenty bucks, can you put me at table 8 instead?” jun’s eyes flicker with desperation, and he has to force himself not to look back over at you.

mingyu whines apologetically and hesitates, glancing at his bride a little ways away as she talks to a table full of guests. “she did all this planning, jun, i can’t just change everything now…”

“it’s not changing everything.” jun pulls his wallet out of his pants pocket, already rifling through the bills. “i’ll make it a hundred. mingyu, please, just switch me,” he says.

the whine in jun’s voice makes him pause, and he bites his lip as he considers it. on one hand, he could have his brand new wife a little bit mad at him for a while (who’ll probably forgive him the second she gets in bed with him tonight), plus get to help his friend and get an easy hundred dollars out of it. or, on the other hand… he could not help him, and his wife would never know, and jun would probably hate him for some unknown reason even though he doesn’t think jun has a single bone in his body capable of hating anybody. the decision is easy.

mingyu takes the bills from jun’s hand and stuffs them in his pocket before anyone can notice. “go ahead,” he says, tossing his head in the direction of the table. “i don’t know what it is you want, but don’t let anybody see you.”

“thanks! i owe you!” jun grins and hugs him, letting out a noise almost like a squeal before he turns and dashes away.

you’re barely paying attention to the reception anymore as you sit with your chin in your hands, again mentally running over all the things you need to pack and how on earth you’re going to be able to board your flight tonight and leave everything behind. the beaches, the city… and him. how are you supposed to just get on a plane and get on with your life, knowing that he’s out there somewhere in the world, and you’re never going to see him again. 

you’re trying not to sulk, but you can’t help the way your mood has been sour all morning, already filled with regrets and you haven’t even left yet. maybe you should’ve skipped the wedding altogether and spent another day in his bed, wrapped up between his sheets and lying in his arms. but then the rational part of your brain reminds you that he was also in town for a wedding, so even if he’d wanted to or even been okay with doing that, he probably had other plans anyway.

you’re still trying to figure out what to do about your hopeless situation when you hear a sound close behind you. it startles you into putting a smile on your face, preparing yourself to socialize although you really aren’t in the mood to.

“is this seat taken?” jun asks as he pulls out the chair to your left and sits down.

your brows furrow in confusion, trying to place the familiar voice, until you turn around and your jaw drops when you see who it belongs to.

you stare at him in shock, your eyes darting back and forth between his trying to figure out what to say. “you’re not joshua,” is the best you can come up with as your mouth hangs open and you whip your head around to check the list of names assigned to this table. you recognize them all, yet here he is: the nameless stranger you’ve fallen so helplessly in love with in so short an amount of time.

he smiles at your reaction, and it’s such a genuine smile that you know he’s feeling exactly the way you do right now. “i guess you’re right. i’m not.” he brushes the name card in front of him to the side and sets his own down in its place instead before he holds out his hand to shake. “it’s nice to meet you. i’m jun.”

you pause for a minute, staring at his hand. you can’t believe this is real, you can’t believe he’s real; you’d almost been able to convince yourself that the whole encounter last night was a fever dream, if you hadn’t woken up in the morning with a soreness between your legs that screamed that it definitely was not a dream.

finally you reach out and take his hand, and even in that little touch you can tell it really is him, from the way your heart picks up when you feel the familiar softness of his skin and the gentle squeeze that sends goosebumps down your arm.

“it’s nice to meet you, too.”

i hope you enjoyed this!! if you did, consider reblogging or leaving a comment or an ask :) it shows me this is something people want to see more of, and knowing people like this makes me want to write more of it! thanks for reading!!

if you want to be notified when i post a new fic, you can join my taglist here!

taglist — located in the replies

[mercurial-chuckles]

✨ I'm super grateful you stopped by ✨

Requests are open! | Wanna be tagged?

Come take a dip in my Hot Bucky Summer indulgence

Join the SMUTTY SEPTEMBER FEST/SMUT-BER FEST🥳🥵❤️Check out the MASTERLIST of all the stories for Smutty September Fest

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♡ Weeklong Thingamajig ♡

Delirious Decisions

Note: Do not Steal, Copy or Plagiarize any part of my work! Banner Credits to me. Photo Credits to the internet. Thank you :)

Just FYI: Masterlist is undergoing major editing!

Updated: January 25, 2025

Indulge Away!

Don't Flip your Wig, Steve

Steve and you time traveled. Your Steve is not happy meeting the old Steve because he shows interest in you.

His Fiore

Steve smexy Rogers moves into the neighborhood, and one evening, he catches you sneaking into the building opposite his through the fire escape. He watches curiously, slightly amused and, quite frankly, amazed by you. Guess what he does next? He writes a note, signs it with his middle name, Grant, and slips it under your door. How will you discover that Grant is none other than Captain America?

Love's Sanctity

Steve is there when you feel like you're falling apart, when the weight of stress becomes overwhelming. He sees right through you and always knows exactly what to do to make you feel better.

Berserk Captain Rogers

Steve has gone feral, and you are the only one who can calm him

Subdue

Alpha!Steve is giving a preview on what happens when someone dares to harm his mate.

Drugged Delusion of Mrs. Rogers

Some angsty goodness with the misunderstanding arc, and Steve fucking the misunderstanding out of you.

Wise Men Say

100-word drabble for Flash Fiction challenge

Not so Vanilla Man

Steve proves to you he is far from Vanilla. You catch my drift? This is just overloaded fluffiest smut. (My first attempt at Smut! :D)

Fortuitous Fate

You travel to the 40s, and meet Steve Rogers. That meeting marks important in their journey

Havenbrooke Trails

To finish your novel, you go to Havenbrooke for inspiration on the insistence of your editor. However, you find more than some inspiration for your novel there.

Oblivious Heart

Summary to be written

Hide 'N' Boink

Summary to be written

Drugged Courage

Steve gets drugged on a mission and inhales sex pollen, but no one notices any difference as he is very impassive. He has been craving y/n, and he takes her to his quarters as soon as he returns from the mission.

A Tale of Timely Interventions

You were sent on a mission in the 40s. It was highly unusual, and you play a bigger role in Captain America's life than you can even remotely comprehend. You also had no clue that Steve Rogers feels strongly for you. (Final Part Jan, 2025)

Snowed In

You were not supposed to be on that mission, but you were, and it was a trap. There was also a snowstorm, and you were stuck. Steve is furious when he learns about this and goes to lengths to reach you.

Starlord Ruffles Steve's Feathers

Steve jealous of Peter Quill flirting with you.

Captain's Boinking Escapades

Guess what Tony has found!

Crimson Tranquility

There is more to your husband than meets the eye.

Giddy Affairs

A congressman drabble!

On the qui vive

A fluffy drabble (ft. mafia!Bucky)

Yield to me

A fluffy drabble (ft. adventurous Alpine)

Strings

Bucky's housewife kink gets activated!

Pluvial Kisses!

Tooth rotting fluff, Bucky being the absolute fuckin dream of a man! *heavy sigh*

Catharsis

Summary to be drafted

The Time Thor Third-Wheeled

The title sums about it!

Confessions of Mr. Grumpaholic

I really need to draft a summary for this. :D

Enlivened Mornings

Summary to be drafted

Bucky Barnes vs Ethan Stark

Dad!Bucky fic set in the Sappy Sunday Thought universe.

Your Restive Man

This is a simple fluffy blurb. Clingy Bucky who cannot stay apart from you.

Stranded & Succored

You were having a bad day and decided to drive to calm your nerves. However, you get stranded in the middle of nowhere with no phone. And this tall, gorgeous man is pulling up in his truck and claiming your heart and body.

Wish Come True

100-word drabble for the Flash Fiction challenge

Stucky x Reader | Steve x Reader x Bucky

Captain Softly Stern and Sergeant Toughly Tender Vignettes

Collection of oneshots set in a universe.

Unwaveringly Homebound

100-word drabble for the Flash Fiction Challenge

I met them, and now I'm their queen

Angsty fluff & confessions to get it off their chest before the new year starts.

Half-baked, damn

Easy peasy, sweetheart. They’d said. It’s for the people. They’d said.

Permanence (F!Reader version)

Love transcends time.

Permanence (OFC version)

Love transcends time.

Sneaky & Sly

A blue hoodie, a sly man, and domesticated bliss

Blissful Summer Bruises

Some domesticated bliss with two hot super soldiers

The Pantry Affairs

A day in your life with two extremely wonderful and protective men

The Curious Affairs of Mr. Holmes

Waltz Into My Heart

This is the chaos corner. I'm still figuring out an efficient way to organize these. So, don't mind the mumble jumble.

Flash Fiction Challenge

Weeklong Thingamajig

SMUTTY SEPTEMBER FEST

ASKS

Alpha Steve

Blissful Adventures of Mr. Softly Stern & Mr. Toughly Tender

Bucky QuotesJust Wondering 01 Wanna be Tagged?

[akawifeyy]

so american | smau (OP81)

description: you might not be australian, but oscar piastri loves you just the same.

tropes: yapper x listener, he falls first and harder, celebrity actress!fem!reader (you’re the daughter of matt damon, please tell me you all know who he is)

face claim: addison rae

trigger warnings: suggestive content, swearing

| note: sorry for the long wait between posts, i'm not feeling the best right now and i've also had a jam-packed schedule. but anyways! here you go! this is based on ♪ so american / olivia rodrigo, which is one of my fave songs of all time :)

@ f1gossip: The daughter of Matt Damon, Y/N, is reportedly dating McLaren's F1 driver, Oscar Piastri. Thoughts?

tagged: @ f1, @ f1yaps, @ f1talk

comments (5862):

@ user1: she's so pretty omg 😭

-> @ user2: First thought was, "She's everything, and he's just Ken." Y/N is absolutely gorgeous.

@ user3: even though i've been an oscar girlie since day 1, i support this. if this is real, i wish them the best of luck <3

@ f1yaps: Has a hot new WAG entered the paddock? Only time will tell

@ yourusername: howdy, cota 🤠 had a great time

tagged: @ f1, @ mattdamon, @ yourbffusername

@ user4: prettiest cowgirl there is 🤎

@ oscarpiastri: It was nice meeting you!

-> @ yourusername: ditto! hoping to buy tickets for las vegas :)

@ user5: Why is Oscar lowkey lurking in the comments... 🤨

-> @ user6: read @ f1gossip's most recent post

@ yn.updates: during an interview for her upcoming movie, "riptide", y/n was asked about the gossip concerning her and mclaren f1 driver oscar piastri. with a big smile, she replied, "he seems like a great guy, but let's be for real. i've met him one time. let's not get too far ahead, please!"

tagged: @ yourusername, @ oscarpiastri, @ f1, & 2 more

comments (1257):

@ user7: That dress is stunning 😩

@ user8: they'd be cute together as a couple ngl. i'd love to see more of them

-> @ user8: but, they deserve their privacy

@ user9: ynoscar is adorable ❤️❤️

Text messages between Oscar and Y/N (2025):

@ yourusername: las vegas was a hit! congrats to the papaya boys, p2 and p3

tagged: @ f1, @ mclaren, @ oscarpiastri, @ landonorris

comments (9374):

@ yourbffusername: super cool! miss you xoxo

-> @ yourusername: miss you too, i'll be back home soon 💗

@ user10: Twinklaren tagged!!

@ oscarpiastri: Thanks for coming!

-> @ yourusername: of course, i wouldn't miss it for the world 😁

comments (539):

@ user5: Have any of you seen Oscar's most recent Insta story?

-> @ user11: the way i ran to check and SCREAMED 😳

-> @ user5: IK, they are so evil for soft-launching, they're torturing us. *Sobs*

Oscar's Instagram Story:

comments (7521):

@ yourusername: might not be good at legos but it was still fun being with you!

@ user12: ADORABLE 🥰

@ user8: how does it feel to live my dream 😞

Press Conference Interview Excerpt with Oscar (2025):

Interviewer: Congratulations on your podium in Qatar, Oscar! We noticed a special someone was missing, would you like to tell us more about them?

Oscar (smiling): If the special someone is Y/N Damon, you wouldn't be wrong. She means a lot to me, and I'm very lucky to be with her. Anyways, she sadly wasn't able to make it because she is back in America for the time being. She's about to have her red carpet debut for her movie, "Riptide"! I saw a few clips from it and she does a flawless job.

Interviewer: Is this an acknowledgement of the relationship between the two of you?

Oscar: Yeah.

Interviewer: How long have the two of you been together?

Oscar: A few weeks after COTA.

Interviewer: Well, best of luck to the new couple!

Text messages between Oscar and Y/N (2025):

@ oscarpiastri: What a way to end 2025! See you all next year

tagged: @ landonorris, @ f1, @ mclaren, @ yourusername

comments (4898):

@ user13: ahhh omg y/n mention!! 🥹

-> @ user14: They're so cute

-> @ user9: best couple in a long time

@ landonorris: Always glad to be with you, mate

-> @ oscarpiastri: 2026 three-peat is on its way!

@ yourusername: so so proud of you 🥳

-> @ oscarpiastri: Thank you, I'm proud of you too. Can't wait to be with you again 😘

─── ୨୧ ─── THE END ─── ୨୧ ───

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

i cant really tell if yuu's involvement in ace's character is more for fanservice reasons or because they really did play a part in his character development.

like in nbc we have malleus choosing to focus on finishing the task at hand as quickly as possible so that they can then find the prefect rather than drop everything there at that moment and prioritizing finding yuu. (iirc) and compared to that we have ace who does put a lot of emphasis on finding yuu especially when no one seems to remember it during the halloween event it feels very traditionally fanservice-y ? and i cant really tell where the line is drawn for ace anymore. and you did mention a lot of other points in another post that you made esp with ace's dream recently dropping and the fact that hes the only guy whos dream yuu was actively involved in idk its a little confusing for me i hope im making sense TT no shade to the shippers im just a little slow in comprehending it all bvbvsjdj

your posts are always really neutral and accurate it just helps to clear up a lot of my confusions and questions i have when playing so thank you for your hard work!

[Referencing this post; you might also find this related post useful in the discussion of Ace and Yuu's relationship!]

DISCLAIMER: I do not mean to invalidate or detract from Ace x Yuu or Malleus x Yuu shippers or anyone who may interpret their relationship as romantic. You should ship what you like and have fun doing it. My reply aims to be more objective, but that should NOT impede on your enjoyment or whatever it is you choose to ship.

iufipaerasfeao Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you find my posts helpful. I try my best to be objective when it comes to analyzing the story and characters, but there's no true way for someone to be completely neutral. There are definitely times when I have an aside to insert my two cents on a situation or I get super heated about a particular topic. Hopefully I still leave enough space for everyone to come to their own conclusions.

I think it's both fanservice and because Yuu actually plays a big part in Ace's character development? Like, it's technically fanservice but it does not feel egregious because it fits Ace’s teasing nature and Ace's bond with Yuu has been established from the start. He was the first student we met at NRC and we spend so much time with him since then; there's no way Yuu wouldn't have had an impact on him, especially when book 7 is now paralleling the two as people with insecurities about being weak/unable to do anything + not contributing enough and Yuu encouraging him when he finally gets his UM.

I commonly see people joking about Malleus having "missed the meeting about Twst not being a dating sim" and holding him up as "the main love interest". (And to be clear, Twst isn't a dating sim, nor do all Twst fans see the characters romantically; I am only speaking about this in a romantic lens in the context of this post.) However, I think there's a very strong case to be made for Ace as well. The thing is, I also feel that Malleus and Ace fundamentally appeal to two different groups of yumejoshi. Malleus is the tall, dark, and mysterious type you can "fix", the type of guy that would burn the world down for you. Ace is the teasing and approachable boy-next-door that has your back and supports you even when the entire world is against you. This is also evident in the ways they're set up in the main story; Malleus is introduced in a way that encourages much more "filling in of the gaps" due to how little he actually shows up in front of Yuu in the main story. It gives the player a lot of space to imagine what their relationship with him is like because there isn't a ton of interactions in canon to go off of. Meanwhile, Ace has many more canonized interactions with Yuu (eating lunch, doing homework, watching movies, playing video games, etc.), so the effort of thinking about what they actually do over the course of their relationship is already done for you. There is an established friendship and connection with Ace, but you barely see Malleus enough to truly have a strong impact on him or to change him. Does that make sense?

IADUPADF9A9FSBdb I do find it sort of funny that Malleus is basically like, "Oh, something unexpected happened (ie Yuu is missing). We'd better solve this." Not really showing much emotion about them being gone in Nightmare. (Malleus only gets annoyed when Leona begins to take charge; he is not mad at the fact that Yuu is gone.) Meanwhile Yuu is missing in Endless Halloween Night and Ace is the FIRST person to excuse himself to check Ramshackle for them.

If you consult the fandom and the fandom alone, you'd think the situation would be reversed. Edit: Malleus does have his moments of intimacy with Yuu (which I won’t be getting into here because then I fear this post would veer into shipping wars), but the English speaking Twst fandom has a VERY strong bias for Malleus x Yuu. Because of that, there is a tendency to misinterpret or misattribute every little thing that Malleus says and does to support the idea that "Yuu is his most important person". (For example, even though Malleus provides no reaction at all when Skully kisses the back of Yuu's hand, many Malleus fans claimed that he would be very jealous or would harm Skully for doing such a thing. In another Halloween event, Glorious Masquerade, people believed he was angry at Rollo for harming Yuu even though this was not the case; the event states that he was mad because the invitation he had been extended was a fake one.)

It is because of thinking like this that a lot of English speakers genuinely believed Malleus would OB in book 7 in a desperate attempt to prevent Yuu from returning to their original world. Misinterpretations, headcanons, misattributions, and personal projections were conflated with canon, leading to many people to believe that Malleus was closer with Yuu than they actually are. Instead, Malleus ended up OBing because he feared Lilia leaving and he barely even considers Yuu after he OBs. And, ironically, Ace is the character whose dream prominently features Yuu and a scenario in which Yuu doesn't have to leave them forever. It was always Ace that we had a strong relationship with, not Malleus.

Ace is often overlooked even though he has far more canon interactions with Yuu in the main story. I think this could maybe to chalked up to a combination of him being "boring" compared to the literal DARK FAE OP CROWN PRINCE M. Draconia over there and the fact that so many of those "gaps" are already filled by the main story. There's less room for imagination because the game has already defined what Ace and Yuu's relationship entails. Malleus is just so much more appealing when it comes to intrigue and mysteriousness. When you look at it objectively though... Yuu only meets Malleus face-to-face like 5-6 times for brief conversations. (Edit: I’m not counting voice lines because those are arguably directed at the player, not Yuu, to endear the character to you and/or all characters get similar voice line fanservice. The canonicity is questionable since the same familiarity in voice lines is not carried over to the main story.) 5-6 times… That's not nearly long enough to make a huge impact or change in his life (unless you as the player extrapolate and imagine more Malleus and Yuu interactions outside of the ones we see in the main story). At best, I think you could say Malleus is glad he can have a special little friend who doesn't know of his name and status? He doesn't really change because of that relationship though. Malleus doesn't even show up until book 2. But Ace has literally been there since the beginning, canonically spends tons of his free time with Yuu, and has been through several near-life experiences with them (several OBs). He has the chance to bond with Yuu. Malleus does not. (He has given Yuu advice once, sent them a card once, and reassembled a stage for them once; all other interactions in the main story are short talks.)

It makes a lot of sense that Ace would be the one "touched" by Yuu's influence, whether you see it as romantic or platonic. Both he and Malleus (and all the other characters, really) get their moments of fanservice--but very few characters' development is directly impacted by Yuu's presence. Yuu might be there for most of the main story, but they actually get only a few moments to engage with the other boys in the cast to the point of actually changing them. It feels like the changes that occur are more often the result of the other boys (Trey standing up to Riddle and holding his hand afterwards, Epel and Deuce bonding on the beach, the twins telling Azul he's lame but also being the first to check up on him following the OB, Idia finalizing his farewells with Ortho, etc.) Ace just so happens to be an exception to that, as Yuu very clearly plays a big role in his development.

[nxuvillette]

"I THINK YOU DESERVE A PROMOTION"

ASSISTANT HEADCANONS W/ GENSHIN MEN

synopsis: becoming an assistant for your hot boss is a dream come true, no? it sounds even better when you both are up to things that might land you a promotion.

❥- including : cyno, neuvillette, baizhu, wriothesley

❥- note : aaaa! my first post! i’m super nervous but i hope you all enjoy <3 reblogs are appreciated!!

content warnings : nsfw [17+], fem!assistant!reader, ageless + blank blogs dni, office sex (cyno , wriothesley), creampie (all), car sex (neuvillette), mentions of food (neuvillette), mentions of medications (baizhu), brief spanking (baizhu), use of pet names (good girl , baby , darling, pretty girl), brief dacryphillia (wriothesley), belly bulge (wriothesley), public sex (baizhu).

♡ CYNO

you were just supposed to be revising some documents for your boss, cyno. after all, he had a meeting had to attend not even thirty minutes from the current time. you thought it would be simple enough, right? this wasn’t the first time he had asked you to do such a thing for him, but what was going on was something that wasn’t exactly professional.

cyno had you bent over his creaking desk. his hand was lying against your hip while he rutted himself into your squelching cunt that was squeezing him so perfectly he thought he would cum the moment he pushed into you. you were just too hard to resist with your cute black mini skirt that showed a little too much of your thighs. you were just too pretty. how could he possibly stop himself from completely ravaging your cunt?

“ah..! cyno, please..!” your cries echoed across the room, making him shove his fingers into your mouth to make you quiet down. the last thing he wanted was for someone to hear him fucking the absolute shit out of his assistant. 

he leaned towards your ear, his breath fanning against the shell. “better keep quiet.. or else i’ll stop right now and leave you wondering what might have happened..” he whispered, which earned goosebumps to litter your delicate skin.

cyno’s pace began to suddenly quicken. he could feel himself growing closer to his orgasm. his cock twitched inside of you and that delicious high he had been chasing finally came over him. his cum seeped into your womb, filling you completely. you took it so nicely. it took everything in him to not want to go for round two. 

he pulled out, adjusting his pants and leaving a small kiss on your cheek. “get dressed.. we still have a meeting.” he said, heading towards the door.

♡ NEUVILLETTE

being tasked with picking up lunch for the office sounded like a simple enough task. neuvillette had even offered to go with you so you didn’t have to carry all of the food items by yourself, so you happily agreed since he was your boss. he also drove so you didn’t have to use your own vehicle to transfer everything over.

it was fine, up until you both arrived into the parking lot of your office building.

your thighs were on either side of neuvillette’s lap. his thick cock was bullying your walls, reaching the most sensitive spots inside of your pussy. you hadn’t expected such a scene to unfold, but there was just way too much tension circling between you both to just leave the car without anything happening. 

“n-neuvillette! ‘so good.. fuck!” you sobbed into his shoulder when you felt his thumb toying with your puffy clit. 

neuvillette’s thrusts were erratic. he craved you for so fucking long that he wasn’t about to let the opportunity to fuck your brains out slip through his grasp. after all, you were his gorgeous assistant that he just couldn’t help but sneak glances at. “keep going, just like that, darling. fuck.. you take me so well..” he cooed, grunting a bit as your cunt squeezed his cock with such delight.

his arms went to snake around your waist. his pace became brutally quick as his high slowly crept upon him. all he wanted was you in that very moment. 

he practically growled when his orgasm washed over him. his body trembled and he squeezed your ass hard enough to possibly leave a mark on your pretty skin. you were a complete mess and you weren’t sure how you were supposed to walk into the office afterwards.

♡ BAIZHU

becoming an assistant for a well known pharmacist was like a dream come true. he was a great boss, and you honestly hoped to become like him someday when you finally became a pharmacist for your own company. baizhu was truly great at his work.

he sent you on the way to fetch a prescription that was specifically just for him. this wasn’t an unusual occurrence since baizhu had some underlying illnesses that needed certain medications to treat, but you weren’t anticipating that something like this would be occurring instead of him taking his meds.

baizhu had you pressed against the wall. his cock was buried inside of your dripping pussy. you were both trying your best to remain quiet as your other coworkers were around making prescriptions for the other customers. you couldn’t deny that you and baizhu had thrown a few flirty comments towards one another. you just remained professionally due to the fact that he was in fact your higher up.

the tension eventually snapped, and you two pounced on one another. he pushed you into the closet and made your body burn with passion. “baizhu..! o-oh, god..” you whined, arching your back against his body. he was just too damn good.

he chuckled, dragging his fingertips along your flesh. he was honestly playing such a dangerous game right now. it was almost as if he was itching to make you cry out his name. “heh.. you’re such a pretty girl.. i never thought you would feel this great..” he smacked your ass harshly, making you wince from the contact of his palm.

his grunts began to increase in volume and his grip on your body had become much tighter. the way his balls slapped against your clit sent waves of pleasure over your body. you gasped as that white hot knot inside of you finally snapped, allowing your orgasm to fully pass over you. it was also at that moment baizhu finally came, letting his cum fill your walls. 

the two of you both were completely messy and there was this lingering odor of sex that was wafting around the room. baizhu only laughed at your fucked out state. “you did great.. maybe i’ll promote you full time, hm?” 

♡ WRIOTHESLEY

you were asked by your boss wriothesley to stay after hours to work on some other paperwork that needed to be done before the next week. it wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to ask you for such a request. plus, you were being paid overtime for doing it, so why the hell not? 

however, your extra work wasn’t exactly what you thought it was going to be.

you were lying flat on your back with wriothesley thrusting himself into you. all of the papers that were on his desk were now scattered around and pushed over so you wouldn’t possibly ruin them. he was so big. wriothesley could see a little bulge every time he pushed himself into you. he thought it was so cute. you sprawled out on his desk with your pussy clamped around his big dick. your moans were the best part. there was no one around, so you could be as loud as you wanted without a single interruption.

“w-wriothesley! f-fuck.. you’re so big!” tears formed at your lash line from how intense the pleasure was. you hadn’t felt something like this in such a long time. it was unbearable.

he couldn’t hide the smirk that appeared on his scarred features. he couldn’t get enough of your sweet voice screaming in pleasure for just him. “you like this, baby? you’re so fuckin’ cute when you say my name like that..” he pressed his palm against your navel, feeling his cock stuffing you full. “so deep.. no wonder you’re a mess.”

his balls twitched, signaling that his orgasm was just around the corner. his pace then picked up, sending you over the edge. he was probably the best you had ever taken. there was no way you could ever sleep with someone else better than him. a groan rumbled in his throat as he reached his peak, squeezing your hips as his cum flooded your walls. he left so much, it made you shiver from the warmth.

he panted, chuckling as he came down from his orgasm. “heh.. we’re still alone, wanna go for round two?” 

© NXUVILLETTE ┆ all rights reserved, do not repost, translate, or claim as your own.

[lej222]

Supernatural Involvement and Ominous Signs in ASLFUA

For a while, many readers have theorized that there is some kind of a higher power/higher being in ASLFUA, and looking at the latest episodes it seems to have been confirmed. With this post, I've tried to gather every instance of the higher power's implied presence and all the ominous scenes in the story. I also included foreshadowing scenes that could have made Miae aware of certain things if she had paid attention because coincidences are important in the story, and certain moments that were defining in the plot. The list contains spoilers for the newest KR episodes and it keeps being updated.

Episode 2 :

Miae is reading a book in the library about how the last day of 1999 will be the end of the world: "'1999, a terrifying overlord is coming...the end of the human race.." -> this might be a reference to the famous prophecy of Nostradamus in which in the 7th month of 1999 a great king of terror would descend from the skies (which makes me think...is it July in the story right now?)

The Hwang family's phone stops working

Miae's dresser breaks and therefore she has to take out the trash, where she sees Cheol crying

"This boy is about to be this girl's most special person, someone whom she will never be able to forget."

Episode 3

Miae and her mother visit the Buddha statue and Miae's wish is not to be in the same class with Cheol - it doesn't come true.

Miae, Cheol and Jisu all become classmates in their last year. Miae and Cheol become deskmates by coincidence.

Episode 4

Cheol's furniture becomes Miae's, along with the contents of his dresser, something only he knows about

Episode 5

Yunhui calls Miae on their new cordless phone, the line is interrupted by another conversation, "Did you get the present I sent you?" - it sounds like a message to Miae from the higher power about Cheol

Episode 8

Miae ruins her bangs, her mother says she should do something about her hair - the first time we are told Miae should go to a hairdresser to fix it

Hwanggeum Academy uses corporal punishment - might be relevant later on?

Miae has to go to karaoke so she gives up on going to the hair salon (this foreshadowing is super crazy btw)

Episode 9

Cheol is compared to the protagonist of the comic Miae reads, 'My First Love Next Door Is Number 1' - gets into trouble and transfers, fights the school bully and wins, nicknamed Lucifer, has a facial scar, lives next door

As Miae is thinking about Cheol, her thoughts are interrupted by a cockroach in the classroom

Episode 11

Miae notes how strange it is that she keeps seeing Cheol while they didn't bump into each other the previous year (just like how Jisu later keeps commenting how strange he keeps meeting Miae) - Miae acknowledges the higher power

Yunhui's pager says "between friends goodbye"

Episode 12

Miae has a weird feeling when she's talking to Cheol's shoe as if it understands what she's saying

Episode 15

In her dream, Miae remembers Cheol crying and her making a wish with a stone tower about how she wants to be his friend. The phone suddenly rings, the TV becomes static and there's a storm outside despite the weather forecast not saying anything about it. The other end of the phone is silent and the lights go out.

Episode 17

Cheol's shoe gets smudged with ink so Miae cannot give it back to him. She cannot concentrate on her practice test, foreshadowing her involvement with Cheol's academy.

Episode 21

Miae again remembers some memories about Cheol saying he doesn't want to be her friend while she's sleeping

Side note: while Soonkki is a great writer, there's some inconsistency about Jisu's seating arrangement. I think she always meant him to sit in Block 1, that's why we got limited panels of that area of the classroom, but his position kept changing until his official introduction. Here, he should have been sitting in front of Seonghan, but there's another boy in that seat. In episode 23, we get a panel of Block1 again, and there's a boy who looks like Jisu from behind in that.

She again remembers her time with Cheol while sleeping on the bus

Episode 24

Daebak Academy notebook says "The teacher is spoon-feeding you, so why can't you pass" -> the higher power is giving hints to Miae, why can't she understand them?

Episode 29

Miae thinks about how she doesn't bump into Cheol as much as before, we get a close-up of the shoe and the Daebak Academy notebook

Episode 37

Miae falls on Cheol while playing soccer

Episode 39

Miae and Cheol are arguing but still bump into each other because of their parents

While Miae thinks about how Cheol should smile at people, she almost gets hit by a ball but Cheol saves her.

Episode 40

Cheol goes to Miae's house to do their homework. Miae's mother says she wonders if it will rain before she leaves. Cheol tries to change the lightbulb in Miae's room, but the lights go out because of the storm. Miae thinks "again?" and they fall on each other. She tells Cheol they should be friends.

Episode 41

Cheol agrees to be Miae's friend and we see a flashback of young Miae wishing they would be friends. While they are doing their homework the rain stops. Miae says planes even fly in the rain and Cheol replies that airplanes fly above the clouds.

Episode 42

Miae answers their phone and the line is interrupted again. Someone thanks their boss for the present and says they will do well on their own from now. -> is it a sign Miae should do well on her own after the hints?

Interesting to note that every time Miae might be involved with the higher power, certain objects in her room are highlighted - Cheol's shoe, the lamp, the notebooks. They all give signs to Miae that she keeps ignoring.

Episode 43

Cheol and Yonghui point out that Miae should get a haircut. Miae ends up cutting it herself instead of going to a salon.

Episode 45

Miae wishes upon a star instead of a plane so that the presentation in class will go okay. This actually comes true, as also noted by the narrator in ep 46.

Episode 46

Daebak Academy booklet says "nothing comes easy"

Episode 47

Something I've noticed is that throughout the story Miae keeps thinking she forgot something, and there's usually a situation that seems like the answer to it. Here, it turns out she forgot about Jinseop's homework. And Taekwang's song is about how someone cannot do both things at the same time. It was the same when she forgot about her homework while playing soccer. Forgetting about things is a recurring plot point for Miae, which culminates in the Jisu subplot where we learn Miae completely forgot about his existence even though she didn't have many friends who were boys.

Episode 50

Cheol's father wants to take a picture of Cheol and Miae, but Cheol refuses

Episode 51

Miae again cuts her own hair and wonders if she cut it too straight

Episode 55

Cheol kicks Miae's pencil into Jisu's chair (side note: you can see here again how Jisu's seating arrangement was inconsistent, he should have been closer to the window)

Episode 56

Miae gets sent out to the corridor with Jisu

Miae's friends talk about handsome boys and someone mentions the number1 student (Jisu)

Episode 60

Jisu becomes Miae's folk dance partner - the first time Cheol and Miae are not doing something together

Episode 61

Hwanggeum Academy booklet says "there's nothing you can't do if you put the work in, do not expect a miracle" when Miae is struggling with the dance

Episode 65

Cheol's father takes a picture of Cheol and Miae after the sports festival

Episode 66

In Miae's dream, Cheol's sister says for a while means 5-6 yrs, Miae counts she will be in middle school by then. There's also a memory of Miae running after Cheol, saying "wait for me".

Miae's mother tells her to get a haircut but Miae replies she needs a bigger allowance for it.

The narrator says Miae should watch where she's walking after she bumps into Cheol.

Episode 67

Miae loses her name tag and Jisu finds it

Episode 70

Miae wonders how her wishes never come true, but remembers she also made one with the stone tower as a kid, but cannot recall what it was about.

Episode 71

Miae's mom notes their phone keeps ringing since yesterday. That day Miae wanted to tease Cheol with how she heard him saying he "loved her" in the shop and she saw him shirtless the same night.

Miae doesn't realize it was Jisu who called her a pervert

Episode 72

Miae notices someone wearing her name tag (Jisu), but doesn't find the culprit

Episode 75

Cheol wants to ask Miae something, but the homeroom teacher interrupts. Miae and Jisu get called to the teachers' room and have to do cleaning duty together for a week.

Episode 76

We see Miae's mom at a hair salon - could the lady in orange be Jisu's mother? who knows

Episode 77

Cheol stands up for Miae, but when Honggyu asks if they are dating, they both vehemently deny it. It suddenly starts raining.

Episode 78

Miae and cheol promise to be friends for real, forever. The narration comments, "But will they end up regretting their promise?". The rain stops. "1999, the final year of the century is half over" -> Miae's story is half over at this point. I have pointed out this before, but the series seems to be about the transition period between childhood and young adulthood, symbolized by the last year before the new millennium. Hence the title, 'green apple academy'

In her dream, Miae remembers asking Cheol if they are friends. She is awoken by their phone. the Daebak Academy notebook says "you are in danger if you are relaxed" and we see a girl talking to Cheol.

Episode 81

Cheol and Miae fall on each other and almost kiss, but the phone rings. Later, they do end up in the same position with an accidental kiss.

Episode 82

Miae wants to confront Cheol about the kiss and gets embarrassed, but her actions are interrupted when the trash bag she gave Jisu splits open, spilling its contents. Miae runs to him to collect it.

Episode 83

While Miae talks to her friends, she thinks back on her memories with Cheol and the narration says "I always liked.." and Miae looks surprised by it.

Episode 86

Interesting detail that Cheol doesn't know why Miae keeps looking at airplanes. If we assume she has a reason for doing it from the past, it's likely not related to Cheol.

Episode 87

Miae uses the trashbag as an excuse to run away from Cheol, repeating how she has to throw it out. All of a sudden, Jisu appears and takes it out of her hand, giving her a chance to run. It's just my personal theory that the trashbag here symbolizes Miae's vulnerability and reluctance to face her feelings, and Jisu takes it from her hand. It makes sense when we remember how his words made her think about her actions when she wanted to interrupt the confession. It's a great early foreshadowing that Jisu might play an important role in Miae's growth story as her voice of reason.

Episode 89

Cheol and Miae take photos together in a photo booth, first with Jinseop and Song-I, then the two of them alone. We don't know if Miae still has her pictures, but we can assume she somehow lost them during running around from the bullies because we never see them again. Cheol gives her a new name tag in the next episode.

Episode 95

Cheol gifts Miae an airplane model for her birthday. I personally believe this episode marks the end of the first part of the story and it's a turning point, but more about this under ep96.

While Miae leaves for school, their phone suddenly rings and her mom answers it. Miae sees posters about love on her way to school. For the first time, Jisu arives early for cleaning duty.

Episode 96

The series has had 2 symbolic illustrations at the end of 2 episodes. The first one was at the end of ep2, when Cheol and Miae's story started in the present:

Miae is offering a green apple to Cheol - a biblical allusion, here, the green apple probably signifies how Miae helps Cheol in the first part of the story to mature and grow as a person with her own knowledge.

This illustration comes at the end of ep96. Like I mentioned, I believe this marks the start of the second half of the story which focuses on Miae's growth as a person. Space is an important concept in the series, Miae also has planet stickers on the wall of her room,has a charm on her bag, etc.

"16 years old. An age much like the universe." "16 years old. An age where it's like you're thrown into space." - highlights the narration.

But why is it compared to space? We have the illustration right after Jisu splashes water on Miae's face and Cheol wakes up from his dream. In my opinion, it's because this is where these kids' limited worlds start to expand. In part 1, Cheol and Miae were mainly together, but as you grow up you start to feel like you're just one insignificant part of a greater whole. You might feel like you're the center of the universe when you're a teenager, and that the world is ending when you experience negative emotions, but as the illustration shows us, it's not just Miae and Cheol standing alone in the universe. There are other people, facing different directions, but they are all interconnected by an invisible force. Miae is looking at Cheol, but Jisu is standing in her shadow- because even though she was not aware of him, Jisu had his own life happening parallel to what we saw in part1, and this is where he starts to have an intersection with Miae. If there is a higher power in the story, it is aware of all these connections and talks about youth in a nostalgic way. The sense that these moments are fleeting is always present in the story, however, connections formed between individuals will always have a lasting impact, just like how the universe will continue to exist. Being thrown into space might feel like losing your footing, but here it's the personal relationships that ground these teenagers and make them stay close to Earth.

Episode 98

The teacher tells Miae to cut her hair after Jisu takes the blame for ruining the plant.

Cheol is acting strange because of his dream, and while Jisu looks at Miae the narration box says: "16 years old. An age riddled with the unknown, just like the universe."

Episode 99

Miae's hair gets stuck in the zipper of Cheol's bag and he pulls it out, ruining her bangs in the process. They go to the infirmary after Miae gets scratched by the zipper.

Episode 100

At the countryside, while Miae picked a flower she thought how nice it would be if Cheol came to her school - and it became true. She thinks how it was so strange -> Miae again unknowingly acknowledges the higher power when it comes to Cheol

Episode 101

It's raining and the TV is not working in Cheol's home. He remembers taking a picture with Miae in the countryside. He asks his father about the picture on the sports day -> the data was lost. Miae gets grounded by her mother and she wants her to quit the academy.

Episode 102

I've mentioned symbolic objects in the story, but this one was noted by other readers as well: in ep 101, Miae accidentally drops the chalkboard eraser out of the window and Jisu fails to catch it - but Cheol does. However, in this episode Miae tosses it back to Jisu before saying she hopes they'll never see each other again (it's the first, but not the last time she declares it).

Cheol fails to convince Miae's mom about the academy -> Miae's mom points out Miae's grades have been dropping since last year. She makes her stance clear - she wants Miae to study.

Episode 103

It's raining and Miae cannot open Cheol's drawer in her room.

She tries to cut her hair, but the phone rings. On the other line, Miae hears someone saying "I only did what I did because you wanted it so bad, but you screwed up that chance! You don't deserve that project, I'm going to hand it to someone else." -> the first time the higher power tries to directly say Miae is late

Miae's mom cuts her hair instead of sending her to a salon...

Miae loses the name tag Cheol gave her

Episode 104

Jisu says "see you again" to Miae (and will keep saying for a while lol). Miae points out she never wanted to see him again.

Episode 106

After the teacher discovers their conversations in class, Miae and Cheol get separated and Miae becomes Jisu's deskmate. Miae and Cheol are not allowed to interact until the final exams are over.

Hwanggeum Academy's notebook remarks "Do you regret it now?"

Episode 107

Miae dreams about the flower from the countryside and a voice says she should hurry up and do what she wants about her wish if she remembers. She doesn't remember and the voice gets angry, Cheol appears and crushes the flower, telling her if she doesn't remember she should just forget it. The voice remarks Cheol is angry because Miae is late.

Episode 111

Jisu, who has also become aware of the coincidences, tells Cheol he's not the only one having something special with Miae.

When Miae calls Jisu her friend from the same class and tells him he should learn for himself, Jisu tries to say something, but he is interrupted by Cheol.

Episode 112

Miae thinks about their bet and how she should ask something serious, something more than friends do from Cheol, and we get a bunch of error messages. Cheol's dream is all fuzzy.

Jisu wins the bet, but we never get to know his wish because Miae gets angry at him.

Episode 115

The narration points out Cheol has changed and matured a lot, is it Miae's turn?

Episode 116

We see some posters about a summer festival, the forest in Midsummer Night's Dream and how everything is the product of coincidence.

The forest in Shakespeare's play is dominated by the supernatural - what we have in common with this story is the forest Miae and Cheol played together as kids, and obviously the involvement of a higher power. The coincidences poster is possibly a reference to Carl Jung's Synchronicity, a concept that states that seemingly meaningful coincidences have a deeper meaning, they don't have a rational explanation - almost like destiny, a deeper order in the universe. It's a connection between one's psyche and the material world (so you have to notice and acknowledge the deeper meaning of these coincidences in order to experience synchronicity). Jung used this to argue for the existence of the paranormal. For example, if you cannot decide something, you might come across a book on the topic. What a coincidence, right? In this interpretation, everything is interconnected in the universe, and we are a part of this web of connections. So those coincidences...were actually not coincidences. -> Hmmmmm.....I wonder.....meaningful coincidences, the universe, connections...why do they sound familiar??? BECAUSE OUR STORY IS EXACTLY ABOUT THIS NOTION! Who notices these coincidences? Miae about Cheol, Jisu about Miae....One has to be open to the possibility of the connection between our inner world and the outside world, only then they can start to notice the signs the universe is sending them. Soonkki, you deserve my applause! Because it was exactly what I said about the art at the end of ep 96 and the placement of the characters. Mind? Blown!

Miae thinks that she feels something is wrong

Yunhui's pager says friends goodbye

Jisu gets involved in the Yonghui-Yunhui storyline by coincidence

Episode 117

We see all the coincidences from Jisu's perspective and how he became aware of them. And what does he say about them? That they are fascinating and kind of funny! My boy Jisu got the synchronicity message.

This is the 3rd time Miae and Jisu didn't hold hands. The first time Miae pretended to help him up, only for him to fall back. Then Jisu held out his hand after the exam, but she didn't take it. Here, he again reaches out and Miae doesn't take his hand. Remember this later!

Episode 118

Someone steps on Cheol's bag, and he's worried it might be Taeuk

Jisu wants to join in another bet in exchange for his help

Episode 119

Jisu gets involved in the Shim storyline, and as we know from later he picks up the cigarettes to get revenge on him

Episode 122

Miae learns that Cheol rejected Seonyeong and the lights flicker in her room

She cannot remember her dream. The narration says that she should have realized that something changed.

Episode 123

Miae notes that she experienced the kiss in the comic book with Cheol

Jisu almost catches her, but Cheol pushes him away

Episode 126

The parents are having dinner together at a pig feet restaurant and toast for the future of their children. The TV is not working, and a boy who looks like Jisu tries to fix it.

Miae kisses Cheol

Episode 127

Miae has a dream again in the white dress. As she realizes she might like Cheol, the voice says she's too late and there's no use regretting it.

Episode 129

Miae remembers that they took a picture in the countryside together and wants to take one now. She makes a wish to an airplane about how she just wants one photo, and remarks that the planes never granted her wish before. Spoiler, they won't this time, either.

Miae chooses to take the picture with Cheol. The narration box says "she's always done whatever she sets her mind to. That has always been one of her better attributes. But Mi-ae, it seems as though you keep forgetting something. I told you, you're too late."

The pager's message means idiot, cancelled and it suddenly starts raining. Maie and Cheol cannot take their photo and Cheol cannot give her back the hairpin she dropped a few eps ago.

Episode 132

Graduation photos were postponed until the second semester

In Miae's dream, the voice says she's all over the place and cannot decide what she wants from Cheol. In her memory, Miae wishes at the stone tower that Cheol would like her back. The voice angrily remarks how it must not mean much to her.

Episode 133

While Cheol and Miae are looking at each other, Miae is smacked in the face by a flyer. Later while they are riding the bike, Cheol almost says she looks pretty but he is hit in the face with a flyer that belonged to Jisu.

Episode 134

Miae takes the cigarettes from Jisu and puts them in her backpack

While Jisu and Miae look at each other, the narration box says "Well. this is what we would call fate. What do you think?" Miae can sense the voice and dismisses it.

Jisu again says "see you later" and Miae answers let's not, but Jisu replies they never know and it would be fun.

On the radio in Miae's room there's a voice speaking, asking if it was a success and how there is something you can't stop thinking about. "A friend? The fact that you weren't wrong? Whatever it is, I don't think it's such a bad thing to obsess over it a little bit. I hope you have no regrets about it."

Episode 135

Miae's eyebrow and bangs are so ruined she has to finally go to a hair salon. Yunhui gives her money and says there's a cheap place where she can go. It turns out Jisu's mother is a hairdresser and after realizing she is Jisu's friend, she doesn't ask for money. So if anyone ever wondered why Miae kept ruining her hair in the story, here's the answer....

a little bit of strange wording here:

The narration says "Now that I think about it, this was about the time..wait,no, it was a little bit earlier that things started to go wrong, little by little. You two were completely oblivious, though. Just you two."

Miae's mother goes to the academy. One theory I can give on this is that Miae's family might be moving. She wished for it at the start of the story, mentions it in a later episode as well. Who knows ~

Episode 138

Miae doesn't tell Cheol her feelings because of her pride as she feels like she would lose first

Miae has a feeling as if something is trying to make her look bad in front of Cheol and her gun suddenly starts working

Everybody forgot to buy the picture they took together in ep 139

Episode 140

After conveying their feelings indirectly to each other, Miae tells Cheol they cannot date right now because her mom wouldn't allow it. She plans to go to the same high school, university, everything and thinks there's no one to stop them so nothing can go wrong.

Episode 141

Cheol imagines high school together with Miae and their friends

Every time Cheol is flustered, he accidentally drinks his sister's coffee and he cannot sleep at night..in a story where dreams are relevant I'm sure this is just a coincidence, right???🧐🙃😏

Miae says they should not be obvious before the entrance exam and they start to think of it as a competition

Someone watches them from the street

Episode 144-145

We get everything from Cheol's POV

Cheol got his scar because he wanted to give Miae the romance book she liked before they left and he fell on the stone tower

The picture his dad took of them is about a young Cheol accidentally kneeling with flowers in his hands, the same flowers from Miae's dream, in front of Miae. This picture was in the book Cheol and his family kept.

Cheol realized the book was in his dresser that is now in Miae's room, the one she couldn't open before

Episode 146

Miae sees two flyers in the newspaper, one is about how a student still didn't give it up, the other is about changing one's car

On the street, the same car ads keep flying after her in the wind

Miae goes with Yonghui to wait in a line and the same flyers are all over the place

Episode 147

Miae wants to call Cheol, but Jisu stops her. Miae notices how often they have met during vacation, and Jisu says these coincidences are fun. He remarks it's almost like as if some higher power is involved (!!). Miae is standing on the car ad, they look down on it with Jisu, then she kicks it away. Jisu tells her he has a feeling they will meet again, but Miae hopes they won't.

The academy is also full of the car ads and Miae falls on them

Miae thinks that for a while she's had a feeling as if something wants to get between her and Cheol, but brushes it off

Miae ends up with a bubble gum in her hair and goes to Jisu's house to fix it. Jisu tells her she should stay because he is bored, and there is a car ad on a stool.

Episode 148

We see some of Jisu's childhood memories and he was called a magpie by Miae which was a symbolic choice (I also made a post about it). Jisu in this story is the grateful magpie.

Miae and Jisu "touch hands" for the first time when they high-five (I wrote about how their hand hold never happened before)

After spotting some men smoking, Jisu tells Miae to go inside (one of them might be his father?)

Episode 149

Miae finally remembers Jisu

the narration boxs keeps saying how Jisu is cool and showing heart-thumping sounds and Miae is confused about these strange things

Miae not remembering Jisu was an important plot point considering she recalled everyone else from her past. As I theorized, memories and fate seem to be intertwined, the synchronicity theory also supports this. Synchronicity happens when seemingly unrelated events coincide and they become significant to you. It's easy to see why Jisu was aware of this notion, but Miae was not - because Miae had no idea about those coincidences other than meeting Jisu randomly. Him being her classmate, being the one who found her pencil, who helped her in the crowd, found her name tag, etc. - only Jisu knew about these. But right now, Miae was made aware that they knew each other in the past - a pretty big coincidence.

So now that Miae might have kickstarted her own fate, the question is whether she will be able to fight it or if there are certain things bound to happen no matter what. Is the narrator omnipotent and omniscient? So many questions that will hopefully get answered.

Episode 150

For the first time, Miae says she and Jisu will see each other again sometime. Before this, it was always Jisu who said it and Miae would reply that she didn't want to meet him again.

Miae remembers Jisu transferring, but doesn't know why he singled her out (so she will probably recall more memories later)

As Miae leaves Jisu's house, the car ads are flying in the air around her

Jisu enrolls at the academy and for the first time he says it's not a coincidence

Episode 155

Hwani tells her mother it would be great if they could keep being neighbours with Miae because she's fun. After a pause, Cheol's mother agrees.

Jisu keeps telling Miae she's a "traitor" or "bat" (depending on the translation, meaning she keeps secrets from others like the Yonghui Yunhui situation and the fact that she went to Jisu's house) and she might get into trouble because of that

Episode 156

The narrator directly communicates with Miae again, and informs us about Miae's thoughts. It makes heart-thumping sounds when she's with Jisu just like in previous episodes, but Miae ignores them.

Jisu again says how the coincidences are so fun. He counts to three until the teacher interrupts Miae and Cheol's bickering (similarly to Taekwang in ep 158)

When Jisu tells Miae he'll go out of the room to let her talk with Cheol, Miae thinks she'll talk to him regardless of anyone's interference and we get a close-up of an academy notebook saying 'NO' and a plane flying in the sky.

Episode 158

Flashforward in the episode to a scene with Cheol leaving Miae at the academy while a storm is coming and Miae looks like she's about to cry

An hour earlier in the story the dark clouds are already gathering (I mentioned how rainy weather is always connected to the change in Miae and Cheol's relationship, and how it's usually an ominous sign). After seeing Jisu's flustered face, Cheol tells Miae that he wants to change the lightbulb in her house before she gets hurt. The lights at the academy are highlighted as they keep vibrating. (I also noted how the lights are signs of the supposed higher power, they get their own panels in Miae's room, and they went out 2 times when Miae and Cheol's relationship changed)

After Jisu reveals that Miae was in his house and Cheol gets angry, Miae's pager starts buzzing (again, the pager messages always appear when the higher power wants to communicate with Miae).

Taekwang is an interesting character because the things he says are sometimes connected to the greater theme of the story. Like when he listened to his music and said how Miae cannot choose two things at the same time (come on, it was the foreshadowing for the current conflicts!), he smelled Jisu on Miae (???), Jisu even said he's the one he cannot deal with, and now he was counting the seconds until Miae got another sign. Is he used as a medium? (who knows lol)

Miae wants to check the pager message but the fluorescent lamp(?) breaks. Jisu shields Miae from the shards while they fall on the ground, making it his first successful attempt to save Miae in the story. The pager lands in the corner of the room.

Episode 159

Miae goes to a phone booth to check her messages and it's filled with the car ads so she kicks them away

The first message is a loud noise of a song recording. I personally think if there's a higher power in the story, this message came from it. The other is about Miae's friends telling her they'll visit her at her academy which gives Miae a sense of panic knowing Yonghui and Yunhui might meet.

Miae sees an airplane in the sky and the narration says Miae has a feeling that something is interfering with her and the panels get fuzzy with flashbacks to phone calls earlier in the story (omg this is actually crazy)

It starts raining and we get a glimpse of the last countryside memory we haven't seen yet about Miae running after Cheol at night. In the present, Miae trips just as she did as a kid, but instead of Cheol she meets Tae Uk.

[donvampiro]

hii ! this is my first time making a request>< I've been super fascinated by law recently ( just finished dressrosa arc !) and I thought of a scenario that might be cute ? or super weird depending on how you see it . what if reader/yn has insomnia and listens to asmr to help them sleep, however it's specifically medical/doctor personal attention rps. how would law react to finding out this little detail and realizing that is why reader is always so excited to come to the monthly examination checkups on the ship?

hi Anon! hope you're doing good and congrats for your first request :D i like this idea! listening to asmr to help you sleep is so relatable lmao thanks for your request Anon. hope this lil scenario will meet your expectations! Love <3

MASTERLIST - Welcome

Read it on AO3! -> here

***

'Sweet dreams'

Trafalgar D. Water Law x (insomniac) gn!reader

“Open your mouth.”

– “Sure!! Aah~”

Law slightly tilted his head, his brows furrowed in confusion as he still held the small lamp between his fingers.

“Why do you sound so excited about this.”, he deadpanned. “I’m literally looking at your tonsils.”

Keeping your mouth open, you didn’t answer, but your squinting eyes betrayed a widening smile. Law didn’t ask for more, just sighed and shook his head, silently continuing the routine checkup. After a few seconds of observation, he turned off the lamp and threw the small wooden stick he had used to press your tongue into the trash.

“Do they look hot?”, you asked teasingly, drawing another confused sigh from him.

– “Do you even know what tonsils look like?”

– “Well, if they’re mine, they must look hot anyway.”

– “If they’re hot, that means they’re inflamed”, he simply corrected, unfolding the armband to take your blood pressure. “Which is everything but a good sign.” he gave you a small nod. “Now give me your arm.”

You extended your arm to him without flinching, still with that mischievous smile of yours. For some reason, you were always so enthusiastic about getting examined. Not that Law was complaining — it was always better than terrified or whiny patients — but it was just odd.

You never asked any real questions that might have shown any particular interest in medicine, so he didn’t really understand what you could possibly find amusing. Routine exams like these are important, but boring because they’re repetitive. Law knew that perfectly well. Yeah, really, your attitude was… enigmatic. And it made the consultations surprisingly more personal.

He unclasped the armband from your arm and, when he noticed that you were about to speak again, he immediately raised his index finger to your mouth.

“Don’t”, he commanded. “No more cringey remarks.”

He then began to put away his various things, and you pursed your lips so as to stifle a giggle as you slid off the auscultation table.

“Okay Doc”, you eventually replied.

– “I said— … ugh, whatever.”, he mumbled, without looking at you. “You can go now. Guess you have a month to learn more about tonsils.”

You only hummed in response before leaving the room. The medical examination always went by too quickly for your liking. Yes, how nice it was to have someone give us their full attention, examine us gently, focus on our good health and well-being. These were quiet, restful moments — just what you needed, as rest was often difficult for you due to your insomnia.

So, you seemed to enjoy this kind of situation, but you'd been careful not to mention it to Law until now. It wasn't that you didn't like him, or that you didn't trust him, it was just that... well, you already had an idea of ​​how he'd react. And you could tell it would be an awkward moment, to say the least. The medical check-up was always a pleasant moment for you, as paradoxical as that might seem. So you didn’t want to make it too awkward or come across as weird.

So you kept all of this to yourself as you headed towards the kitchen to grab your plate, before noticing Penguin gesturing wildly for you to come sit next to him. He patted your shoulder energetically as you plopped down on your seat.

“Hey (y/n)”, he greeted as he continued to devour his own food. “Back from the medical checkup already?”

– “Yup”, you simply nodded before starting to eat. “Went good.”

Penguin kept eating greedily for a while before abruptly placing his plate back on the table, making you jump a little.

“Figures”, he grinned. “You’re always smiling from ear to ear when you leave the consulting room. Makes me wonder if it’s really medicine that’s being practiced there.”

– “What— Penguin!”, you instantly replied, turning towards him and punching  him in the arm, but he didn’t budge and just chuckled, proud of his remark.

Not coming across as weird. Not coming across as weird. Not coming across as…

… but, if other crew members besides Penguin already had these kinds of ideas in mind, it wasn’t going to make things easy. What was so bad about not being afraid of the medical examination? About enjoying this moment of attention, this moment when you could finally let go, rest while someone checked that you were okay? You’d like to see them all there if they were in your shoes. Sigh. You looked away, pouting as you absentmindedly twirled your fork in your plate.

“C’mon, (y/n), m’just messing with you”, he smirked. “s’good if you’re not afraid of examinations.” He went back to eating while you also tried to finish your plate without worrying too much about what the crew might or might not think. Once Penguin had swallowed all the food in his mouth, he turned to you again, and his tone was different. “By the way— you look less tired than usual. Have you found anything to help with your insomnia?”

– “Kind of”, you conceded thoughtfully.

Your insomnia was no secret to anyone on the ship. The “cure” you found, though…

Without thinking about it anymore, you continued to twirl your fork around your plate, taking a bite every now and then while Penguin kept staring at you, waiting for you to finish your answer. You didn’t; he therefore allowed himself to ask.

“That’s good to know! ‘Cause it’s often quite hard to get rid of insomnia… So, what’s your magic recipe?” he questioned, his tone progressively becoming more bawdy. “... is it the time spent with the captain?”

– “You’re so annoying,” you sighed heavily. “I just listen to some ASMR. It’s relaxing. Helps me sleep.”

Penguin simply nodded, his lips pursed in a small, approving yet intrigued pout.

“And how does that thing work?”, he asked before a deeper voice answered him.

– “ASMR means ‘autonomous sensory meridian response’. It is a technique based on different sensory stimuli to help you relax naturally.” 

You and your crewmate suddenly shuddered, then abruptly turned to face… Law.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked doubtfully. Faced with you and Penguin’s silence, he shifted his gaze to yours. “I didn’t know you listened to ASMR. It must be for your insomnia, right?” You nodded, and he nodded back. “Mmh. It helps me too.”

With a brief gesture of his hand, Law indicated that he wanted to sit next to you, so you shifted slightly as he took a seat.

“What type of ASMR do you listen to?”, he questioned lazily, his sharp eyes not missing the confusion that ran through your body, your face, your gaze.

– “Nothing special”, you blurted out. “Regular ASMR I guess, you see?”

– “No, I don’t.”, he cut short. “For example, I regularly listen to rain ASMR. What about you?” 

You raised your eyebrows. What was this sudden interest? Law wasn’t one to open up about what he did in his free time, what he might enjoy, or whatever, as far as you were aware. What was he looking for? Had he seen right through you? How? Or was he actually genuinely curious about it? You stared at him for a moment, and he arched an eyebrow at your stunned reaction.

“Oh, and why does it interest you so much? ~” you retaliated in a smirk, your tone playful to mask your inner panic. You didn’t know what kind of reaction Law might have if he found out what type of ASMR you preferred. And it was… disturbing.

– “I’m just curious”, he replied flatly. “What’s so bad about having shared interests?”

This guy…

“Well, I have no reason to indulge your curiosity. It’s my private life.”

— “I see”, he nodded with a smirk that made you frown in frustration. Penguin remained flabbergasted. “Guess you must be listening to strange things.” Your captain shrugged. “I understand why you want to keep this heavy secret to yourself…”

— “Stop it!” you roared, banging your fist on the table and rattling the dishes as you felt your cheeks heat up. His smug smile was unbearable, so you decided to make things happen yourself. It didn’t matter what he thought in the end, as long as he stopped making fun of you. “Alright, I’ll show you, since you’re being so whiny about it. But promise me this will stay between us, okay?”

Law had only been trying to tease you; he hadn’t thought it would bother you so much. But now it had somehow fueled his curiosity about it. He simply nodded, silently.

You shoved your hand into one of your pockets in a scowl, finally pulling out your phone and opening the app. You could feel your cheeks burning as you tentatively passed your phone to your captain.

“If you say anything, you’ll have me to deal with.”, you warned.

He didn’t reply. Law stared at your phone screen for a moment, his expression impassive. He scrolled through the playlists, each with… interesting… names, but always with similar concepts. His silence was deafening, and you just wanted to disappear. A smirk eventually crept across his face, and it was too much for you.

“So, are you done?”, you spat, flustered, before snatching your phone out of his hands.

– “Yes, and I get it now,” he agreed, closing his eyes as he stood up. “Thank you”

Penguin cocked an eyebrow.

“Uh? What are you talking about?” he asked in confusion.

– “Nothing special”, his captain replied playfully, paraphrasing your earlier remarks with sarcasm, before walking away to grab a plate and go back to his consulting room.

You were stunned by Law’s nonchalance facing all this, and it made you boil with frustration. You didn’t know what he would think of you now— so you needed to sort this out. Without further thought, you stood up abruptly and went after your captain, calling out to him determinedly until your eyes met.

Law didn’t seem particularly affected by what he’d just learned. His expression remained the same as he looked at you, and you weren’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. You bit your lower lip.

“What is it, (y/n)?”

“About the type of ASMR I listen to… uhm, you… didn’t you find it too w—”

— “Am I supposed to think anything of this?” he mumbled, cutting you off. His tone was the same as always, somewhat flat and disinterested, but you could tell he was focused on what you were saying by the way he stared at you. “If it helps with your insomnia, that’s all that matters. You can listen to whatever you want.”

Oh.

A wave of relief washed over you, a ghost of a smile playing on your lips as Law resumed his walk to his consulting room.

“Don’t forget to brush up on tonsils for next month,” he said without turning around.

It was quite flattering that you appreciated this kind of attention. And Law wasn’t entirely against giving it to you next time.

[mywritersmind]

pookieeee how are youuu 💗 I'm in NEED of a Franco fic where the reader is João Félix's little sister...

So she obvi speaks Portuguese and English (maybe some Italian in there too) butttt unlike her brother her Spanish is rusty. So when reader drags her brother (and of course some of the guys from the team) to support her best friend at a race, he's listening in to every little comment Franco makes about her in Spanish and trying to subtly give hints to reader that he likes her, and of course some good brother teasing! Just hardcore fluff, friend pining and good old family banter!

HE CAN UNDERSTAND - FC43

listen up : i used google translate don’t come for me. not proofread! super cute and fluffy! loved this request sorry if i didng execute it well😭

word count : 2281

⋆｡‧˚⋆

“Franco!” I jump into my best friends arms as he laughs. The moment I asked for three Grand Prix tickets, he sent them over immediately and went on a rant of how excited he was to see me.

“Y/n!” He grins widely at me, “I’m so happy you’re here!” He's in his race suit, his hair messy and extra wavy. I run my hand through it, fixing it a bit.

“You’re a mess.” I laugh as he pushes my hand away and rolls his eyes, “Oh!” I suddenly remember that my brother is standing behind me. “This is my brother, João! I can’t believe you two haven’t met!” I smile at both of them as my brother shakes Franco’s hand.

Oddly professional for someone he knows I love. “Nice to finally meet you. Y/n never shuts up about you.” I slightly blush at his words as Franco lets out a laugh.

“Good to know…” Franco gives us a mini tour. I'm so beyond happy for him. This has been his dream since forever, the first time I met him he even jokingly flirted and said I could be a WAG.

Franco is charming and hilarious so my brother likes him instantly. We end up in the William’s garage, everyone scrambling around and talking in languages I can’t understand.

Since it’s race day, i’m genuinely surprised Franco had the time to see us. Especially since Qualifying was earlier today.

But my best friend works in magical ways.

⋆༺

FRANCO

I watch Y/n talk to Alex’s girlfriend. I watch as her hair flows down her back and her hand covers her mouth as she laughs. “So,” João turns to me, sort of intimidating for his height but so far I think he approves of me. “You’ve known Y/n for a while, huh?”

I nod, “Yeah, she hasn't been able to shake me yet.” He laughs, nodding his head.

“You care about her?” Why do I feel like i’m getting interrogated?

I nod, “Of course. She’s my best friend.”

“I mean as more than a friend.”

I laugh uncomfortably, joking with him, “Are you asking me my intentions?” He does not find this funny. I clear my throat and breathe out, “We’re just friends.”

Y/n comes skipping back over to us. I’ve always been taught to not lie, but i’m not about to confess that I like her to fucking brother.

“J, you’ve got to see his car!” She takes his arm and pulls him away, “You coming, Fran?”

I’m about to follow after them but my engineer taps my shoulder, “Gimmie one second! Don't touch anything, Y/n, I know how you are!”

She gives me one of her signature smiles, making my pulse quicken and my smile falter. I catch her brother giving me an odd look before I sit up and wave.

I turn to my engineer who’s smiling, big, “Dios mío, te estás sonrojando.” (My god, you’re blushing.) I roll my eyes at him, turning to see Y/n point to my car and start asking questions to someone in blue.

“¡Cállate por favor!” (Shut up please!) Her Spanish is more than rusty. I've tried to teach her some but she gets distracted and she always ends up persuading me into something different. Still, it’s weird talking about her when she’s right there.

“Vamos, ¡te gusta! Es la forma en que la miras... como si fuera el sol.” (Come on, you like her! It’s the way you look at her… like she’s the sun.) I push his shoulder at his words. Christ, is it that obvious?

“Actúas como si fuera un cachorrito enamorado.” (You act like i’m some lovesick puppy)

“¡Porque lo eres! Siempre hablas de ella, tu pantalla de bloqueo es ella, ¡siempre le estás enviando mensajes de texto! Admítelo.” (Because you are! You always talk about her, your lock screen is her, you are always texting her! Just admit it.)

I cross my arms at him, not daring to glance back at her. “No voy a arruinar mi relación con ella…” I shake my head and tease him, “¡Ahora vuelve a trabajar!” (I’m not ruining my relationship with her… now get back to work!)

I join Y/n and João again, smiling and doing my duty as a tour guide. João gives me another weird look and i’m hoping it’s not because i’m losing his trust. I know i’m not her boyfriend, but I still want him to like me.

They are soon asked to step into the visitors area as I warm up for the race. Y/n kisses my cheek before she goes, “Good luck, Fran. Be careful!” I know my cheeks are red but all I can focus on is her so close to me, her lips on my cheek.

I nod, “Thank you. Have fun watching.” I wink at her and turn, getting ready.

⋆༺

YOU

“I’m so nervous! It’s so rainy!” I bite my lip as the cars go out on track in a second formation lap. The race hasn’t even started and someone’s already out!

My brother eyes me, he’s been acting weird all day and I hate it. He suddenly turns to me, “You don’t like Franco?”

It catches me off guard, “Uh… of course I do?” He rolls his eyes.

“I mean can you see yourself with him? I think you’d be cute.” I laugh out loud.

“João, when have you ever wanted me to date someone?” Especially Franco. I mean, maybe i’ve thought about it.

Okay maybe I've fantasized about it… a lot.

But what am I supposed to do? Confess to my best friend who’s always been there for me that I think he’s irresistible and criminally hot? No.

“I just think if you’re gonna date anyone… He’s a good option.” My cheeks heat as I shake my head, “You’re blushing! Come on, Y/n, why not?”

“Just shut up, the race is starting!”

The next time he brings it up is at a yellow flag, “He’s definitely nicer than your ex.” I give him a death glare and attempt to tune him out, “And who did you go crying to after he broke your heart….?” Franco. The answer is Franco because he’s always there.

It’s been hard recently because of his races, but he’s constantly texting or calling me. I think he just wants someone to gossip with.

“Again, he’s my friend. Just because you have a girlfriend now doesn’t mean you know everything!”

“No but I know everything about you, and you don’t look at your other friends like that.” I hate that stupid smug smile on his face. And I hate that he’s right.

My stomach drops when Franco goes into the wall. I grab onto my brother's arm who doesn’t look concerned at all and more happy that i’m so worried! I slap his arm, “You have no empathy!”

I cross my arms, biting my lip as I watch him exit the car. Thank god he’s okay.

Franco gives me a small thumbs up when he’s back in the garage. I can tell he’s absolutely gutted, the air is awkward and thick with tension since Franco’s crash meant that the whole team's weekend is over.

The race is long and honestly scary. Still, all I can think about is Franco.

Maybe this weekend, his attention to me, my brothers comments, and how Franco’s been looking at me, has finally sealed what I've been dreading.

I’ve known I like him for a while, but I don’t want to ruin us. I can’t be embarrassed by my closest friend!

I’m not an idiot, I see how he flirts with interviewers or even fans. Part of me wants to believe that’s just his personality, but the other part is screaming at me that he doesn’t like me.

His eyes though, he looks at me so deeply that sometimes I feel like I'm apart of some big trick.

“Hey,” My brother nudges me, “Race is over.” I snap out of whatever daze I was in and nod, “I gotta pee, go talk to Franco!”

When I look to where he points, Franco’s already looking at me. His race suit is unzipped and he looks so tired. “Hi.” He smiles softly but I can tell it’s forced.

“Sorry your first race with me sucked.” He frowns, leaning against the little barrier from the garage and friends and family.

“Hey…” I touch his arm briefly, “It did not suck! And It’s not your fault. It was scary though…”

His eyes look sad and I know it’s not just because he crashed. Franco feels so deeply and this weekend has been especially hard for him. I can tell he sees the worry on my face, “I'm really really happy you’re here. We’re getting dinner later, right?”

I go to the hotel with João first. We change and meet back at the restaurant. “I’m so hungry!” I groan as we sit down, Franco said he would be here soon but I am not above ordering early.

João sits across from me, “Gotta wait for your boyfriend.”

I eye him, “You better not say anything in front of Franco. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.” He laughs a bit.

“I really don’t think I will.” He’s so ominous today. “I can tell i’m making you uncomfortable though. My only question is… why?”

“Why?”

“Why can’t you accept that you like him? He’s obviously not going to turn you down. He’s practically got hearts in his eyes when he talks to you.” The waiter brings water which I gulp down immediately.

“I- No! I can’t like him. He’s my friend.”

“So you’ve said… but the best relationships start out that way.” Why is he pushing this so much?

“I just… I don’t want to ruin our relationship.”.

“Funny…” he mumbles something, “That's what he said too.” but I can’t hear him because Franco sits and starts saying hello.

Our dinner is amazing, the food is perfect and I can’t stop laughing at Franco and João. “You’ve gotta come to a match sometime!” My brother laughs, “The team would love you.”

Franco grins, “I would be honored! Y/n always talks about your games, you’re pretty good apparently.” This boosts my brother's ego far too much and we end the night while talking about football and childhood stories.

“He always teased me with his friends!” I roll my eyes at the memory, “They were all learning Spanish in highschool so I never understood them!”

Franco laughs as João shakes his head, “Why didn’t you take spanish in highschool?”

“I did! I just never caught on. Plus João became fluent after school anyway so his schooling barely helped.” I shrug as Franco’s expression turns odd.

He blinks, looking to João, “You’re fluent?”

“Si.” He looks almost smug about it as Franco nods slowly, swallowing.

“Así que escuchaste…” (So you heard…)

“Todo.” (Everything) Franco’s smile drops completely at my brothers words. But my brother still carries on with a smile, “Eres muy obvio, pero lo apoyo.” (You’re very obvious, but I support it.)

I frown at their communication that I can’t understand, “Okay, can you two stop gossiping? I’m ready to leave.” Franco smiles at me, nodding slowly as we stand.

Our walk back to the hotel is short and luckily no fans interrupt it. The warmth of the inside makes me smile and the ding of the elevator makes me yearn for my bed.

“Uh, Y/n?” I look back at Franco as he talks, “Could I speak to you for a moment…” I look at my brother who nods, a smile still on his face as he disappears behind the elevator doors. “Let’s go outside.”

It’s no longer raining so we venture out into the hotel's garden. It’s beautiful with tall plants and trees, a small path that we walk on, and flowers that I've never seen before.

“What did you walk to talk to me about?” I turn to him, he looks oddly scared and a bit chilly. He starts to speak but then closes his mouth and thinks, “Franco…?”

“I like you.” As soon as the words leave his mouth, I freeze, “I really like you and not just as a friend… like way more than that.”

I blink, “You’re kidding?”

The panic on his face is immediate, “No?”

“Shit. Okay!” I realize i’m so caught up in my own world that he probably thinks I don’t like him, “I feel the same.”

He breathes out, stepping closer, “You fucking scared me.”

I smile, not believing this is even real, “You really like me? Because my brother has been making me feel delusional all day!” He takes my hand in his and I swear my heart skips a beat.

“He heard me talking about you in spanish…” I raise a brow, “My engineer was teasing me and I didn’t know he spoke it!” I laugh, shaking my head at his story, “But I'm glad he did. I probably would be sitting in my room all alone if he hadn't.”

I grip his hand tighter, stepping closer, “I’m really glad too. I didn’t want to ruin anything but fuck I really like you.”

He grins and leans in, He paused before I nod. Franco presses a kiss to my lips softly, “I can’t believe you have a crush on me.” I whisper as groans and rolls his eyes, trying to walk away.

“No! No taking it back now!” I laugh, pulling him back to me, my hand going to his neck and my lips meeting his, “You’re stuck with me now.”

[miyaz6ki]

Kinich x fem! Reader childhood friends to lovers please? Some backstory of Kinich's childhood and reader being the only one who can give him great comfort

back when we were younger - grentperez ,, childhood lovers w/ kinich. purely fluff/romance.

when you both were younger, it'd often be just the two of you after the other kids went to their parents, or at least elsewhere. so you'd ask him things others usually wouldn't.

"hey, you!" your small figure suddenly showed up in the corner of his eye, he turned his head. "wanna play with me?" you took a seat beside him on the grass, the sun seemed like it was about to set, you both didn't have too much time left but... no harm in playing he supposed.

as you explained your little card game to him, you were honestly super proud, it was a game somewhat similar to the TCG you see nowadays in teyvat.

as much as he lost to you at first, he ended up winning right before he had to go. you waved him off with a soft genuine smile as he did the same in a more shy manner.

he always found comfort in anything you did for him. the time you spent with him, the effort you put into making him feel better after having lost to you, or those moments where he started to doubt his strength.

you made that same spot the place you both would always meet up at for years to come. always playing the same game and talking about hopes and dreams, but that was honestly mostly you. he liked hearing you talk.

he also liked other stuff about you though, like those moles on your thighs. or the acne that grew onto your face that one time, maybe even the times you've scolded him as you both grew into adults.

"kinich... you know we talked about this! stop being so careless!" you huffed and crossed your arms, the number of times you've scolded him over this, you still smacked his head like you did back when you'd win your little game.

"i know. 'm sorry." that day he was revived by the pyro archon, mavuika, acknowledging his strength and passion for his nation.

but.. why was he still surprised when you suddenly reached out to hug him? you've been friends for years, this should be nothing. he should be able to reciprocate it easy peasy... right?

yet it felt like his body was stuck, frozen even. your warmth quickly melted his cold exterior, causing him to shed a few tears. someone was worried about him. you slightly tackle him back down onto the grass.

"don' cry kin', i just- I don't want you to get hurt. I believe in your strength," you wipe off a few of his tears as you pull away from his arms. "but I don't want you to stop coming home... I don't want you to stop playing with me. you've made so many friends with me, we're supposed to be a package deal."

every word you uttered, you started to cry too. he brings you back into a hug.

ever since that day, he's tried to lessen the times he's had to die, but only further strengthening his will to fight and live to see another day. or more like to see you again.

it's been another two years since your little speech to him. you're finally already his significant other, and somewhat keeping it away from those who weren't close to you both.

before he could finally go home to you, he swung by the very same place you both would play your card game. tracing his fingertips on the wall nearby, looking at each of your scores back when you'd score them anyway.

"you wanted to come by here too, huh?" he turned his head almost immediately at the voice, he could recognize your tone from anywhere. you rounded a corner to take a look at the long list of tallies on the stone wall.

"you know, i always felt like we were something back then." you hum as you crouch to look at the measurements of heights for each year you both got older.

"pretty, you are aware we've been together for two years now, right?" "don't ruin our moment kin'!"

a small voice emits from nothingness; "can you two lovebirds keep it down?! a king needs his beauty sleep y'know?!"

"oh shut it, will you?!"

[just-j-really]

So I've been rotating this idea in my brain since December. It is WIDLY out of season but I am posting anyway. Time has no power over me.

Dream as the boyfriend who gets dumped 90% of the way through the Hallmark movie. Dream is, even in his own mind, this arrogant, moody guy who's a little too obsessed with his job (very high up in the publishing industry). He's not entirely sure how he managed to convince Hob, who's this cheerful, bouncy extrovert and has essentially been Dream's personal Manic Pixie Dream Boy the entire time they've known each other, to go on a SINGLE date with him, let alone be his boyfriend.

And Hob always goes home to see his family for like two weeks at Christmas, it's super important to him. Dream can't afford to be away from work for that long but says Hob should go before him, he'll be there for Christmas itself. Only, the day before Hob's supposed to leave, Dream stands him up for a dinner date (he was at work) and they get in a huge fight about it. The air between them is still very frosty as Hob packs his things and leaves the next morning.

And then Dream spends the next few days with his social media being just. Flooded with pictures of Hob doing Hallmark Christmas activities. He's clearly having a great time. This woman keeps popping up in his photos, and they look so happy together, covered in snow from a snowball fight, sipping hot chocolate at a crowded bar, one video someone else must have taken of them chasing each other around a skating rink, laughing so hard they crash into each other and fall over. Between the photos and the fact that Hob's still texting Dream this whole time, Dream puts together that this is Eleanor, Hob's childhood best friend who he lost touch with when her family moved away unexpectedly.

Hob's talked to Dream about Eleanor before, how close they were and how horrible it was that he never got a chance to say goodbye, or figure out a way to stay in touch (she had super strict parents). Dream has always kinda suspected that there was a layer of 'mutual first crush, but neither of us were really sure where to go from there and the whole thing got brutally ripped out from under us before we could figure it out' to the whole situation as well.

And here they are. They've found each other again, against all odds, they're so clearly happy together, and Eleanor's doing all this fun exciting stuff with Hob that Dream would only be a huge grump about. By the time Dream goes to meet up with Hob, he's already got a whole story in his head of how this is going to go: Hob will tell him he's found someone much better for him and dump him, as Dream deserves.

So when he approaches Hob's parents’ house at like 7pm on December 23rd, and finds Hob and Eleanor talking quietly on the porch, he's just resigned, and fully expecting to end up standing there and watching while they have a Hallmark-movie snow-gently-falling kiss.

Instead, Hob looks up, notices Dream, and immediately just BARRELS into him and hugs him so hard his feet lift off the ground, and before he's really processed that he's the one getting the snow-covered, end-of-the-movie, I-missed-you-so-much kiss. Hob's incredibly enthusiastic and smiling too hard to kiss him properly, and eventually they both wind up in a snowdrift.

And Dream’s just. Not entirely processing as Eleanor greets him (and seems genuinely happy to meet him). And then Hob introduces him to his parents (and they seem happy to meet him, too). And everyone’s acting like he's a wanted part of this gathering, and they're so happy he was able to make it, and Hob's gotten them tickets for some community theater Christmas Carol thing because he knows how much Dream likes earnest-if-amateur art… And a few hours later Dream and Hob are cuddled together on a couch with coco doing some excessively cute Christmas Activity. Wrapping the last few presents while a Christmas movie plays quietly in the background or something. Eleanor has gone home, Hob's parents have gone to bed, so it's just them when Hob softly thanks him for being able to make it at all, and apologizes for the way he left things.

And none of this is how the story is supposed to go.

And I think Dream just breaks down, and Hob's eventually able to get the whole ‘I assumed you'd want to break up with me and date your obvious One True Love, I am terrible’ story out of him. 

And there is a certain amount of genuinely upset ‘ok it hurts that you think I think something so horrible about you’ from Hob. But he pretty quickly figures out that no, Dream’s self-esteem is actually that low; he genuinely thinks ‘so terrible that you'd be morally correct to cheat on him’ is just. An objective fact about himself. 

Which leads to Hob being like “You realize I'm dating you on purpose, right? I like how passionate you are about your job. I like your confidence. I like that you keep me grounded.” And basically just runs down all these traits Dream assumes are his own flaws, only Hob’s talking about them like they’re desirable. As though Dream is his happily-ever-after perfect love.

So, just for a moment, Dream lets himself believe that he could be. And it gets easier and easier to believe as the welcome he received from Hob’s family and friends just continues for the rest of his visit, as he’s easily brought in to assorted Charming Hallmark Christmas Activities and realizes Hob was specifically saving the activities he thought Dream would like for when Dream would be there, as he and Hob return to their normal lives in the Big City and Hob is still happy to be with him, still willing to resolve whatever conflicts come up instead of just giving up.

(And he finds it very easy to believe on New Year’s Eve, when Hob goes for an absolutely over-the-top grand gesture stroke of midnight proposal.)