#i’m just adding fuel to the fire here

[colduncrustable]

the martin antis working so hard to make waves is so funny. like, you are very much allowed to like/dislike any character you please! but making it your whole personality or acting like you’re cooler for it is a little bit silly. you are not morally or intellectually superior for hating on a fiction character.

not to mention all of the characters in tma are very nuanced and complicated, just like real people (!), and erasing all of that to serve a certain narrative is a complete disservice to the entire body of work. jon and martin’s relationship was never meant to be easy, they first and foremost worked closely together as boss/employee, and in a workplace that was actively putting them in dangerous and horrible situations. the whole point is that they’re both super fucked up but they have each other anyway. they both have flaws, they both have gone through a great deal both with and without each other, but they found love anyway. the idea that the dynamic change in s5 is due to martin just being this villain is so wild? like he’s not a doormat anymore but he also loves jon so fiercely and stands by him over and over again?

jon hated him, jon ignored him, was verbally horrible to him again and again, literally sent him on a dangerous investigation and said if anyone had to die might as well be him, jon accused him of murder, screamed at him, jon was on the run, jon died. martin was his number one defender through everything, even when honestly? he didn’t do a lot to prove he deserved it. but martin was strong in his loyalty and did his best to be a supporter anyway. he picked up extra work, he thought of him kindly when no one else did, he mourned him, and he put himself directly in the line of fire for jon. for everyone, yes, but especially for jon, he says that. because after everything, protecting jon is still his number one priority.

it’s so important to his character that he isn’t s1 martin anymore—that he learns to be a real person who has thoughts and feelings and a backbone. jon wanted that, and does it not say something that they don’t work out until martin learns to have a little bite? there’s a difference between being a real complicated traumatized human person, and just straight up being evil, or an asshole. jon had to learn how to be a lot of softer things but martin had to learn how to square his shoulders and stick out his chin. they had different arcs, and that doesn’t make either of them inherently evil or bad. it makes them real and not perfect and very multilayered, yeah.

martin didn’t handle every choice or action perfectly, he made a lot of mistakes, and he never claims to be the best person ever. but jon also fucked up, a lot. it isn’t a competition or a comparison, that’s really not how that works. but they work because of their flaws. that’s a big part of them fitting together. martin represented the humanity they were saving, with all his good and bad. jon was well beyond that, and while that doesn’t inherently compromise his character, it does mean he’s viewed in a much different light.

(meaning i think jon’s sins are seen very very different to martin’s.) (to be clear i think both deserve to be looked at critically, but hating either of them devoutly seems sort of silly.)

i’m not sure how you can listen to tma and all the ways it dissects and reflects on humanity and turn around and run blogs or make posts in the fandom about how you hate one of the main characters for being all of that.

jon never would’ve made it through without martin, even if martin wasn’t the key to everything, he was the reason to push through and not give up. martin is why jon didn’t go full monster mode, why he held onto who he was and his humanity, even with the whole ‘kill bill’ thing. martin gave him a reason to keep going, to try, to care so deeply. obviously there were other factors but jon says it himself, martin you are my reason.

if you can’t handle the fact that martin isn’t a grade a soft boy by the end of the show that’s a lot more about you than it is about him. he grew and maybe not always for the better but he could be a real person for jon instead of some kind of mirror or blank slate to be reflected on. i genuinely don’t understand how he can be misunderstood so deeply.

they’re both fucked up ! and if they are alive Somewhere Else you bet your ass they’re having long talks and going to therapy and fighting and making up and pacing the floors and figuring it all out together. it isn’t clean or easy or necessarily enjoyable all the time, but humanity isn’t either, love isn’t either. they went through unimaginable trauma, and expecting either of them to be holding it together any better than they already are is wild. context, it’s important. but let’s not turn multi-dimensional characters into flat one word answers.

it’s very human to like and dislike, love and hate based off of bias and experiences and perspective. but also opinion does not make fact. everything is relative, everything is subjective, everything everything everything. it’s an open discussion yada yada idk i’m just screaming into the wall about all the nonsense.

and beyond all of that, discourse is so useless. criticism and constructive conversations are really really important but discourse is pointless! oh you ship these people? well that inherently threatens my ship! oh you like this character that i hate? well that makes me feel invalid for hating them. like what you like, hate what you hate, have your feelings. but if you post shit on the internet you will get people who disagree, sorry, that’s how it is. partaking in little arguments over who is right or wrong when it doesn’t actually have to do with anything harmful or unhealthy makes no sense though. posting on the internet about all the hate you have in your heart when the world is already so full of it doesn’t actually do anything but add more bad to an already very large pile of bad.

things can be discussions not arguments sometimes, i promise. it’s not always tooth and nail, and let’s not forget, most of it is over things that never need to be fought over.

[autumnrory]

ik the vibes of “harry styles responds to gay rumors by creating more gay rumors” are different but that’s genuinely what happens when i see louis or taylor address these things like you are literally just bringing more attention to a subset of fandom that would probably barely be known about outside of the internet but you insist on bringing it up when you could just ignore it like nothing you say is gonna make it go away so like i think setting the record straight (lol) one time is fine but after that oh my god just let it go beyond larries and gaylors there are lots of untrue things that float around fandom and you don’t respond to every one of them like even if all the speculation is completely untrue you really do not have to do this and dig yourself into a deeper hole

[inkandapex]

fan favourites

Summary : Fans compiled clips of their favourite moments between Lando and Aston Martin driver!reader.

Words: 2.2k

Warnings: swearing

Speculation continues to swirl around McLaren’s Lando Norris and you, Aston Martin’s young star, with many fans convinced there's more than just friendship between the two of you. Though neither you, nor Lando had confirmed anything, and no solid evidence had surfaced—your playful interactions and unmistakable chemistry have only added fuel to the fire.

these moments do not help your case.

The water bottle

It was post-race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lando, Max and you, sat slumped on the nearest sofa, drained after securing P1, P2, and P3 respectively. The heat still clung to the air, even off-track, and your race suit stuck uncomfortably to your skin. The podium made it all worth it—but right now, all you wanted was a cold drink and a second to breathe.

You reached for the bottle water baside you lazily, hand sluggish and aching, half-listening to Lando as he answered a journalist's question about race strategy. The exhaustion weighed on your limbs, making the simplest takst of uncapping the bottle feel like such a challenge.

“The team knew what was needed to stay ahead of Max and—ugh, sorry. Here, let me.”

Without skipping a beat, he set down his mic, reached over, and easily twisted the cap open before handing the bottle back to you. You blinked in surprise, lips parting, but all that came out was a quiet, breathless “Thanks” as you took a sip.

Max let out a snort of laughter beside you. “Sorry, let’s pause the whole interview for this sweet little moment,” he teased, shaking his head.

Lando just rolled his eyes and grabbed his mic again, continuing as if nothing had happened. But judging by the grins from the journalists, and the certainty that the clip would be everywhere within the hour—it hadn’t gone unnoticed.

---------------------------------------------------------

Champagne problems

Lando is known for his champagne celebrations on the podium. Sure, it looks glorious, basking in victory, champagne flying through the air—but no one ever talks about the reality: it burns your eyes, floods your nose, and leaves your skin and hair sticky.

You stood tall on the top step, your first-ever win still sinking in. The crowd roared as your national anthem played, and you could feel your heartbeat thundering in your chest, pride swelling with every note. On either side of you stood Lando and Lewis, but it was Lando’s cheeky grin that caught your attention just as the anthem reached its peak.

The second it ended, chaos began.

Corks popped. Champagne exploded. And Lando, of course, immediately slammed his bottle down and aimed it straight at you.

You barely had a second to react. The cold spray hit from both sides, soaking you instantly as you struggled to open your own bottle. It poured down your face, into your suit, burning your eyes and blurring your vision. Lando’s laugh, loud, carefree, unmistakable, rang out over the madness.

You blinked rapidly, trying to wipe your face, unable to see a thing. Your expression probably said it all: somewhere between shocked and helplessly amused.

Then, through the chaos, you felt his hands on your face, gentle and steady. Lando’s fireproof sleeves brushed against your skin as he carefully wiped away the champagne from around your eyes, his thumbs moving with a softness that contrasted sharply with the wildness around you.

“You good?” he asked, laughing quietly, his grin now more sincere than mischievous.

You nodded, finally able to meet his gaze again, still catching your breath. “I swear, I’m never letting you near me with champagne again.”

Lando’s smile widened as he gave you a pat on the back. “I had to make it memorable!”

And God, he really had.

---------------------------------------------------------

Dinner with the Sainz Family

This video clip sent your's and Lando's shippers into a full-on spiral. After the Mexico Grand Prix, where Carlos Sainz and Lando secured an electrifying 1-2 finish, the pair were spotted celebrating with Carlos’ friends and family over dinner. A few lighthearted posts even made their way onto social media.

But what really caught fans’ attention was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it detail in one of the photos. In the background, seated next to Lando, was someone who sharp-eyed fans quickly identified, you. Wearing the same distinctive sweater you were seen in earlier that day when leaving the paddock, and the unmistakable bracelets you frequently wore throughout the season.

There was no official mention or tag, but that didn’t stop the speculation. For many fans, it was another subtle breadcrumb confirming what they’d suspected all along. The internet lit up with theories, edits, and speculation, convinced that yet another quiet public appearance had just taken place this time, tucked into a cozy moment with the Sainz family.

---------------------------------------------------------

daniel.jpg

Lando and you have made several unexpected appearances on Daniel Ricciardo’s iconic JPG Instagram account. While it wasn’t unusual for the three of you to be seen together, given the tight-knit friendship between Daniel, Lando, and yourself—fans didn’t hesitate to dive deep into the posts, convinced they were subtle clues feeding the long-standing theory that there’s more between you and Lando than just friendship.

One photo showed the three of you in a mirror selfie inside an elevator. Daniel, played photographer, camera in hand, while you and Lando stood casually beside him. At first glance, it looked like a typical group pic, until fans zoomed in. Slung over Lando’s shoulder was your bag, resting there like it belonged, as if it had found its place without either of you thinking twice about it.

Another upload showed a moment at a karting track. You were standing beside your kart, preparing to head out, when fans noticed the figure next to you. Though his helmet covered most of his face, there was no mistaking it, Lando. He stood close, hands carefully adjusting your helmet strap, focused and steady. The gesture was small, but intimate, and the natural ease between you didn’t go unnoticed.

Within hours, the comment sections were flooded with theories and heart-eyed emojis. To the internet, these weren’t just photos, they were proof.

---------------------------------------------------------

Driver's Parade

The truck moved at a crawl, weaving past grandstands packed with fans shouting your names and waving flags like their lives depended on it. You kept your sunglasses on, smile practiced, waving just enough to look friendly, nothing more, nothing less.

Lando stood beside you, doing the exact same thing. Waving, smiling, keeping the conversation low between the two of you. Like you weren’t both trying not to laugh at the stupid inside joke he’d just whispered about a guy holding a "Marry Me, Lando" sign.

He’d helped you into the truck earlier, hand out like a reflex, fingers brushing yours a second longer than necessary. No one caught that. At least, you thought so.

And then came the moment. You were both waving, smiling, still laughing at something only you two found funny, when Lando’s hand casually dropped to the small of your back as the truck began to make a turn at a corner. Barely there. Light. Familiar.

Too familiar.

It lingered for just a second before he suddenly realized. His hand flew back like he’d touched something hot, and he looked ahead like nothing happened. But you could see the panic flash across his face for a split second.

You didn’t say anything, just smirked.

Unfortunately for both of you, Charles did notice, and so did your fans. From the truck behind, he leaned over dramatically and yelled, “Oooohhh! I saw that, penalty for Norris”

Lando groaned under his breath. You tried, and failed, not to laugh, biting your lip as your shoulders shook.

“Smooth,” you teased him, still smiling to the crowd.

“Tiny slip up, just a friendly hand” he whispered, eyes still forward like a guilty schoolboy.

He glanced over his shoulder, then muttered with a grin, “If this ends up on a fan cam—”

You bumped his shoulder playfully. “Please. They’ve already made ten TikToks about us just from this truck ride alone.”

---------------------------------------------------------

Rain

The rain had been relentless, hammering down onto the track, forcing a red flag that left drivers scattered around the paddock like bored students on a rainy field trip. Some retreated to their garages, napping, listening to music to stay focused, while others found creative ways to pass the time. A few were even caught playing football with balled-up tire warmers.

You, Lando, and Carlos had ended up in a quiet corner of the paddock, chatting while waiting out the weather. The broadcast cameras, desperate for content, eventually found their way to your little trio, panning slowly toward the three of you laughing at something Carlos had said.

Then the focus shifted—subtly, but noticeably—to just you and Lando.

Lando stood close, holding an umbrella tilted almost entirely your way, rain spattering off the edges while he stayed mostly outside the shelter himself. His hoodie was already damp, but he didn’t seem to care. You nudged him at one point, trying to shift it so he wasn’t fully out in the wet, but he just gave you a boyish grin and said something that made you laugh.

That’s when the Max Fewtrell, Lando's good friend, side eyes his running twitch stream, knowing full well the moment the camera just caught would send fans into a full blown spiral.

Max paused. Blinked. And then, slowly, looked straight into the camera with the most dramatic, expression he could manage.

“Right,” he said, eyes wide, the corners of his mouth twitching with a grin. “So it’s that kind of weather delay, huh?”

The chat exploded within seconds, fans already reading into the umbrella, the body language, the fact that Lando didn’t seem remotely interested in moving.

Max leaned in, voice dropping and thick with teasing. “Alright chat, calm down—cut our boy some slack and give him a fighting chance.”

Back on screen, Lando caught the camera out of the corner of his eye, shifted the umbrella just enough… and casually rested a hand on your back, if only for a moment.

Carlos caught it. You caught the smirk.

Max definitely caught it.

“Look at these two—already causing more buzz than the race itself.”

---------------------------------------------------------

Secret Santa

To this day, fans swear the annual driver Christmas gift exchange was the clearest sign that something more was going on between you and Lando Norris.

It was already suspicious enough that, out of all the names in the bucket, you and Lando somehow ended up picking each other. But what truly sent the internet into a frenzy were the gifts—thoughtful, personal, impossibly specific. The kind of presents only two people who knew each other too well would give.

Lando was mid-unwrapping, his usual excited grin slipping into a confused frown as he rotated the box in his hands, trying to make sense of it.

“Oh, sh—” His eyes widened. “—Sorry, cut that out,” he added quickly, glancing toward the crew with a sheepish grin.

Inside the box: a 1:1 LEGO replica of Lando’s first-ever karting helmet. Every detail was there—from the exact color scheme to the little decals only a handful of people would remember. Attached to the side of the box was a small envelope. He opened it and read aloud:

“From someone who knows how much this still means to you.”

Lando went quiet. Just for a second. The camera zoomed in slightly, catching the subtle shift in his expression.

“Who do you think your Secret Santa was?” someone asked off-camera.

“Oh, I know exactly who it was,” Lando said, chuckling softly. “Still kinda freaky how she managed to pull this off—I’m guessing my mum or dad helped her out.”

“Did they do a good job?”

“It’s perfect,” he said, smiling as he gently patted the box. “I love it. Definitely looking forward to building it and putting it on display.”

“And do you think the person you got will like their gift?”

Lando laughed under his breath. “I mean… I got her. And she’s already beaten me in the gift department—but yeah, I really hope she does.”

The video then cut to you, sitting just outside Aston Martin’s hospitality unit, carefully unwrapping a paper bag handed to you just before filming began.

“Who do you think your Secret Santa is?”

You glanced up, laughing as you peeled away the last bit of tissue paper. “Charles, maybe? He’s been asking me about my hobbies recently—like, weirdly specific questions.”

Your eyes dropped to the contents of the bag: a vintage film camera and a leather-bound journal. Your race number and initials were engraved on the cover in gold. You flipped it open slowly, revealing a message on the inside page:

For every moment you want to remember, and the ones you think you’ll forget.

You let out a breath, covering your mouth with your hand. “No way. This is so—” You shook your head, smiling. “This is so nice. You guys… best Secret Santa season ever, I think.”

Then you paused, adding with a laugh, “No offense to Alex—he got me that spa voucher last year and it was amazing.”

“Any idea who your Secret Santa was?”

You smiled, chuckling as you hugged the journal to your chest. “Yeah, I do.”

“Still think it was Charles?”

“Nah, I’m pretty sure he was just genuinely curious about my hobbies,” you laugh.

“Any other guesses?”

You shake your head with a grin. “Nope. I know exactly who it was—and I really hope he liked what I got him, too.”

[backtothefanfiction]

First Impressions | Joaquin Torres

Summary: the first time Sam introduces you to Joaquin

Warnings: flirting, fluff, playful banter

A/N: I fell in love with this man during Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Completely forgot about him until I watched the new Cap the other night. So here’s this little before going to sleep drabble. As you will quickly be able to tell I love the idea of a Carol Danvers niece reader given the whole air force thing. Hope people enjoy. May write some more in the future.

Joaquin was smitten the second you walked into his house. When Sam said he was headed over with “some new recruit” he hadn’t expected you. A roughed up baseball cap on top of your head, faded baseball jersey, baggy oversized jeans and sneakers, dripping from head to toe and almost shivering.

“What happened?” Joaquin asked Sam as you tentatively stepped through the sliding door, not wanting to drip too much on this strangers carpet.

“He dropped me in the lake.” Your voice blurted out, completely unamused, shooting daggers at the still newly appointed Captain America.

“Yeah, well, still better that than a 40ft drop onto hard ground.” Sam retorted.

“Or you could have just not dropped me at all?!” You stressed, hands raised in the air, still in complete disbelief over this turn of events. “That’s the last time I’m ever flying with you.” You muttered and you saw Joaquin let out a little chuckle over the situation.

That’s when you really took him in. The guy who Sam sung the praises of. His supposedly best recruit, not that he would actually tell him that.

“Come on, I’ll get you a towel.” Joaquin said, leading you upstairs and to the bathroom.

“You wouldn’t happen to have anything I could change into, do you?” You asked him, as he handed you a couple towels.

“Umm, yeah, of course, I’ll just go find you something.”

You didn’t wait for him to return before you whipped off your clothes and immediately jumped in the shower to wash the murky lake water off of you. You were grateful that it was an old tub and shower curtain situation and not one of those see through glass cabinet shower situations, not that it didn’t stop Joaquin from blushing when he came back into the bathroom a few minutes later with some clothes in hand.

“Oh, sorry- I didn’t realise you were- I’ll just leave these- uh- yeah.” He rushed out before quickly shutting the door again.

He hesitated a moment as he stood with his back to the door, his brain fixated on the small glimpse he got of your naked back from behind the shower curtain. He could feel the flush in his cheeks. The smile that threatened his lips. He fought to hide it as he went back down to Sam in the kitchen.

“So who is she?” Joaquin asked as he grabbed a fresh cup of coffee and passed it to Sam before picking up his own previously discarded mug to finish.

“She’s a Danvers.” Sam said, as if the surname alone held a lot of weight, but Joaquin still didn’t bite. “As in Carol Danvers… Captain Marvel.” Sam said, walking him through it slowly until Joaquin’s face began to flicker with recognition. “Carol’s her aunt. Before she became Captain Marvel she was one heck of an Air Force Pilot. Kid saw what her aunt did and decided to pick up the mantle.”

“And she’s good?” Joaquin fished, a flame for the woman upstairs really taking hold as Sam kept adding more fuel to the fire.

“Yeah, she’s fucking great. Best female pilot I’ve ever seen.”

“So you looking to set her up with a pair of wings?” Joaquin asked, even though he had a hint of jealousy to his tone. He enjoyed being the only person other than Sam who had access to the now not so secret military wings, but he also couldn’t deny the new found need to go flying with you on a sunny afternoon and treat you to a picnic on the top of a mountain or something.

“We’ll see.” Sam said sceptically, but Joaquin knew from the way Sam had even brought you to meet him he thought you had what it takes.

“What are you two girls talking about?” You asked as you came striding back into the kitchen in a pair of Joaquin’s joggers and his old air force T-shirt. You were using a towel to squeeze out your hair and Joaquin couldn’t deny you looked right at home in his house, wearing his clothes.

“Lover boy here was grilling me about you.” Sam joked, taking in the way Joaquin looked at you.

“Was he now?” You asked feigning interest and playing up to the little bit in order to embarrass him, but as you sat across from him at the table and really took him in for the first time, you couldn’t deny he was handsome- and if the T-shirt he gave you had anything to say, you definitely had a lot in common to bond over.

“Uh- um- no- I-“ Joaquin began to stutter bashfully.

“It’s all cool dude,” you reassured. “I know he’s just messing. You really shouldn’t let him rile you up like that.”

Joaquin sighed before he leaned in closer to you, “How do you stay so calm around him?” He asked as if Sam wasn’t there and you had all the secrets.

“Eh, when you grew up being told about your badass aunt with actual super powers, some guy in a read white and blue bird costume is nothing.” You joked.

“Hey!” Sam pointed at you, “don’t you dare turn him against me or I’ll drop your ass in the lake again.”

“So you admit it! You did it on purpose.” You said, slamming your hand on the table animatedly.

“Maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t. What are you gonna do about it?” He asked back, but you didn’t say anything more. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

You rolled your eyes at him before fixing them on Joaquin instead as Sam’s phone began to ring. You both turned your eyes on him as he checked the caller ID. “I need to take this.” He said, before getting up and dismissing himself, stepping out the back door to take the call outside.

“Would you like coffee?” Joaquin asked to break up the silence the two of you were left in.

“Umm, yes, that would be great.” You said with a smile and he got up to pour you a cup full from the pot.

“It looks good on you.” He said as he came back over a moment later and handed you the mug.

“What, now?” You said confused.

“Uh, my shirt,” he said with a shrug, as he committed to the statement. “It looks good on you.”

You couldn’t help but blush slightly under his gaze. He was cute and confident and oddly endearing. “Thanks.” You smiled, as he sat himself back down. “I guess I’ll keep it then.” You joked.

“The only way you’re keeping that thing is if you were my girlfriend.” He replied, half as a joke, half as a way of informing you just how much that shirt meant to him.

“Well I guess you better ask me on a date then.” You smirked playfully as he took a sip of his coffee and he almost choked as he spat it back into his cup. But before he could say anymore, Sam came back through the sliding door.

“Alright lovebirds, you can stop having your meet cute moment now, we gotta go,” he said to Joaquin.

“And what about me?” You said indignantly, feeling a little put out.

“He’ll be back in time to take you out on a proper date later.” Sam retorted, marching back through the house to get his shit from where he’d left it by the front door.

“And what am I supposed to do in the meantime?” You asked, completely brushing over the rest of what he’d said. “I don’t even live anywhere near here!” You stressed. “You just brought me here and now you’re gonna up and leave me here!” You said indignantly.

Joaquin froze in the middle of the hallway next to you, looking from his mentor and back to you as he tried to keep up with what’s going on. He felt conflicted. “I mean, can’t she just come with us.” He offered. “I mean, you brought her out here because you wanted to see what she could do. So I say let her.”

Sam looked between the two of you slowly, before he conceded. “Uh, fine. But if anything happens with her it’s on your head.” He warned but you were both smiling.

“So, is this technically our first date?” You ribbed him as he began to usher you out the door so he could lock up.

“We’ll see. Depends if you like it or not.” He mused and you had to admit, his cheeky smile did make you swoon.

“And if I don’t?” You asked with a playful twinkle in your eye.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured you with just as equal playfulness and innuendo, “you will.”

[amourquinn]

( short fic ) 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌

pairing : boyfriend!quinn x fem!reader wc. 1.5k

genre : angst, fluff at the end no warnings

summary : a late-night argument forces you and quinn to confront the vulnerabilities in your relationship

「 author’s note 」 this one was inspired by the song mad by ne-yo !

the apartment was eerily silent, save for the occasional hum of the heater and the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. you tossed and turned in bed, trying to find sleep, but it refused to come. the argument with quinn earlier in the evening replayed in your mind like a broken record.

it wasn’t even a big fight—nothing earth-shattering, but the frustration lingered. it had started with something trivial, as most fights do. quinn had been stressed from back-to-back games, and you were juggling a heavy workload. his short responses had grated on your nerves, and your sharp words had only added fuel to the fire.

now, as you lay staring at the ceiling, the weight of the unresolved tension felt unbearable. quinn was on his side of the bed, his back to you, his breathing steady but not quite deep enough to suggest he was asleep either. the air between you was thick, but neither of you had made the move to bridge the gap.

with a sigh, you pushed the covers off and swung your legs over the side of the bed. the hardwood floor was cool beneath your feet as you tiptoed out of the bedroom, careful not to make too much noise. the faint glow of the kitchen light guided your steps as you made your way to the fridge.

you grabbed a glass of water, sipping slowly as you leaned against the counter, your mind still racing. the stillness of the night only amplified the ache in your chest. you hated going to bed angry with quinn, and this was no exception.

the sound of soft footsteps broke your thoughts. you turned your head to see quinn leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. his hair messy from tossing and turning, his tired eyes meeting yours. he wore a simple black t-shirt and sweats, his shoulders slightly hunched as if weighed down by something unseen.

“hey. couldn’t sleep either?” he asked quietly, his voice raspier than usual.

you shook your head, taking another sip. “no.”

for a moment, silence stretched between you. he crossed the room, opening the fridge and pulling out a water bottle. he unscrewed the cap and took a sip, his eyes glancing at you briefly before flicking away.

you leaned against the counter, arms wrapped around yourself, while he lingered by the table, his hands resting on its edge. the space between you felt impossibly large.

“about earlier…” he started, but his tone was cautious.

you shook your head, cutting him off. “quinn, i don’t want to fight right now. i’m tired.”

his jaw tightened, and you could see the effort he was putting into keeping his emotions in check. “i’m not trying to fight,” he said, his voice quieter now. “i just… i don’t like how we left things.”

you exhaled sharply, setting your glass down on the counter with more force than you intended. “neither do i, but we both said things we shouldn’t have, and now here we are, not sleeping and avoiding each other.”

quinn ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his movements. “you think i like this? i hate when we argue. i hate going to bed like this.”

“then maybe you shouldn’t have—” you stopped yourself, biting your lip to keep the words from spilling out. you didn’t want to make things worse, but the sting of his earlier comments still burned.

“shouldn’t have what?” he pressed, stepping closer. his tone wasn’t angry, just tired, like he genuinely wanted to understand.

you hesitated, looking down at the floor. “you shut me out, quinn. every time something’s wrong, you close off, and i’m left guessing. it feels like i’m fighting to get you to let me in, and tonight… tonight it just felt like you didn’t even want me to try.”

his expression softened, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. “that’s not true,” he said quietly. “i’m just… i don’t always know how to deal with things, okay? and i know that’s not fair to you. i know i should’ve—”

“communicated?” you interrupted, your voice sharper than you intended. “yeah, you should’ve. instead, you snapped at me like i was the problem.”

quinn flinched, guilt flashing across his face. “you’re not the problem,” he said firmly. “you never are. i just… i had a bad day, and i took it out on you. that’s on me. i’m sorry.”

the sincerity in his voice caught you off guard, and you felt your defenses start to crumble. you hated how easily he could disarm you with just a few words, but at the same time, you didn’t want to stay mad at him.

“i didn’t mean to push you,” you admitted softly. “i just… i worry about you, q. i hate seeing you like this and not knowing how to help.”

“i know,” he said, stepping closer until he was right in front of you. his hand hesitated before resting lightly on your arm. “and i’m sorry for making you feel like you can’t. i’ll try to do better, okay? i promise.”

you searched his face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but all you saw was the man you loved, tired and vulnerable, but trying.

“okay,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

the sincerity in his tone chipped away at the wall you’d built up over the evening. you bit your lip, crossing your arms over your chest. “i’m sorry too. i know you’ve been under a lot of pressure lately.”

he let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “it’s not an excuse, though. i shouldn’t take it out on you.”

you nodded, the tension in your chest easing ever so slightly. “i just… i hate it when we fight. especially over stupid things.”

“me too,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. he set the water bottle on the counter beside your glass. “i hate the way it feels—like this distance between us.”

you looked up at him, your eyes searching his. the vulnerability in his expression softened the last bit of anger you’d been holding onto. “me too. so much.” you murmured.

for a moment, neither of you spoke. the quiet hum of the fridge filled the space, but the air between you felt lighter now. he reached out hesitantly, his hand brushing against yours where it rested on the counter. it was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

“let’s go back to bed,” he said softly, his thumb brushing against your knuckles.

you nodded, letting him guide you back to the bedroom. the warmth of his hand in yours was comforting, and the tension that had once felt suffocating now seemed to dissipate with each step.

once back in bed, you slipped under the covers, your back turned to him out of habit more than anything else. you felt the mattress dip as he settled in beside you, and for a moment, the silence returned.

then, slowly, tentatively, you felt his arm snake around your waist. his body pressed gently against your back, his warmth enveloping you. it was an unspoken apology, a gesture that said more than words ever could.

“i love you,” he murmured into the darkness, his lips brushing against the back of your neck. “i hate when we fight. i hate when there’s even a moment where it feels like we’re not okay.”

your chest tightened at his words, the raw emotion in his voice making your heart ache. you turned slightly, just enough to look over your shoulder at him. his eyes were soft, his expression open and unguarded.

“i love you too,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “even when we fight. even when i’m mad at you. i’ll always love you.”

a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. his arms tightened around you, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you.

for a long moment, neither of you spoke. his hand rested lightly on your hip, his thumb tracing soothing circles against your skin. it was such a small thing, but it carried a quiet kind of intimacy that made your heart ache.

“go to sleep,” he whispered against your skin, his voice low and soothing. “we’re okay. i promise.”

you nodded, closing your eyes as the steady rhythm of his breathing lulled you into a sense of peace. the warmth of his embrace, the weight of his arms around you, felt like home. and even though the remnants of the argument still lingered faintly in the back of your mind, you knew they would fade with time.

© amourquinn

[little-diable]

Tell me everything – Carlisle Cullen (smut)

This is what I'd do as a historian, ask Carlisle all about his past. So I had to push (y/n) into this scenario. Please like and reblog if you enjoyed reading this, your comments keep us writers motivated! Enjoy my loves. xxx

Summary: The reader asks Carlisle to read her paper on Europe in the 1680s, asking him for his insights as somebody who has lived through these times. It's only a matter of time until their talks about history turn into something completely different.

Warnings: 18+, smut, piv, oral (f), quite some fluff

Pairing: Carlisle Cullen x fem!reader (2.7k words)

“Doctor Cullen?” Her voice trembled as she knocked on his door. With her heart in her throat, she held her gaze focused on the door, almost forgetting how to breathe as Carlisle opened it. 

“(Y/n), how many times have I told you to call me Carlisle?” His soft chuckles rang in her ears as he stepped aside to let her into his office. She had known Carlisle for a while, had been introduced to him months ago after befriending Alice and being invited to come visit the mansion. It hadn’t taken long for everything to fall into place, for (y/n) to see through the lies and stories, and yet she still wasn’t used to accepting that her closest friends were the way they are.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you, but there is something I need your help with.” She sat down on the leather couch he had pointed at. With an encouraging smile shot her way, Carlisle urged her on to keep speaking. 

“If I remember correctly, Alice told me you were born in the seventeenth century.” She was close to letting go of a laugh, it felt all too unreal to even speak this sentence. “And I was asked to prepare a paper on Europe in the 1680s, I was wondering if you could read it and share your experiences with me?”

As a history student, (y/n) felt like she had to seize this very opportunity, trying to ignore the excitement flushing through her system at the mere thought of listening to his stories. This felt like she was time travelling, being offered a one in a million chance, she simply had to take. 

“Of course, (y/n), I would love to help you. Did you already write the paper?” She tried to ignore the heat flushing through her, fuelled by the strength of his gaze. (Y/n) wasn’t blind, she was all too aware of his attractiveness, and the undeniable attraction she felt for him. And yet she had always been too shy, too scared to even try and be close to the man who seemed to have an all too pure heart.

“I did, here, I printed it out earlier.” His golden eyes followed her every move as she reached for her bag to pull out her paper. Sparks shot down her spine the second their fingers brushed together, leaving her torn between the coldness of his skin and the heat of his intrigued gaze. 

“The others will be out hunting tomorrow, but if you don’t mind being alone with me, I could read it today and you could come back tomorrow for a chat?” She had to look away for a moment. It was just a handful of seconds, seconds he picked up on all too easily. Carlisle's smile began to grow wider, adding more fuel to the fire burning inside of her, threatening to burn her right in front of his piercing eyes.

“That would be great, thank you, Carlisle.”

……

“Carlisle?” Her voice echoed through the mansion as she slowly took off her shoes. She heard him call for her, guiding (y/n) up the stairs and into the kitchen, where he seemed to be cooking. 

“Alice told me you haven’t eaten yet, so I thought I could make you something.” Her heart skipped a beat in her chest, something she was sure he easily picked up on. It took her a while to move closer, touched by the sweet gesture. With a soft “thank you” rolling off her tongue, (y/n) took the plate from Carlisle to let the heavenly aromas surround her.

“Where did you learn to cook like that when you don’t even eat that stuff?” Carlisle’s hearty laughter filled the room. Pride simmered inside of her, taking every laugh rumbling through him as a big win. The food tasted better than everything she had ever eaten before, sure that she’d now ask him to cook for her whenever she was around.

“With endless time on my hands, I find myself picking up hobbies. I’ve always enjoyed cooking for others.” (Y/n) let go of another satisfied sigh before picking up her empty plate to carry it to the sink, shooting Carlisle a warning gaze as he tried to stop her from cleaning it. A comfortable silence filled the room, it wrapped itself around them like the soft morning breeze, tying them closer together with shared moments they wouldn’t tell the others about. 

“Come, let’s go to my study.” He reached his hand out for her to take. It was a simple gesture, accompanied by a bright smile that made her feel as if she was dreaming. Her hand trembled while finding his, allowing Carlisle to lead her through the mansion she had been in too many times to count, making it feel like her second home. 

“I have to say, I’m very impressed by your paper, (y/n).” Her eyes grew wider as she pondered over his words, staring at the man who sat down on the couch next to her. Carlisle had his eyes focused on the pages, thumbing through them again while (y/n) seized the seconds to study the handsome man, the face she’d see in sleepless nights whenever her mind started to wander. 

“Can you tell me a bit more? It’s nothing I will add to the paper, I promise. But,” she struggled to put her thoughts into words, pondering over every syllable she feared could make her appear stupid. 

“It’s alright, love, speak to me.” His hand found its way back to hers, leaving (y/n) torn between the touch and the way he had called her. A shaky breath left her, forcing her body to calm down before she could let him in on the thoughts buzzing through her mind. 

“It’s just - I struggle to understand you have lived through all these things I study. And it feels surreal to have you so close and I want to ask you about every detail, which is probably stupid and invasive.” She didn’t dare meet his gaze, focusing on his cold hand rather than the eyes that always managed to draw her in. His other hand let go of the pages, only to reach for her chin, tilting it back up for (y/n) to get lost in his golden pupils. 

“That’s not stupid, (y/n). I’m honoured you want to hear about my past and my experiences. I am happy to tell you all about it.” A soft smile tugged on her lips, growing even wider as he matched it. For a few seconds, no words were spoken between them, drawn closer by the returning silence with a comfortable touch both longed for. It would be easy for either one to close the distance between them, unable to fight against the pull that made them feel like two magnets made to fit. 

“I’m afraid our time together is about to be cut short.” It only took a few more seconds for (y/n) to hear the sounds of the others returning, making her heart drop in disappointment. Slowly, Carlisle let go of (y/n), he rose to his feet only to watch her mimic his movements with an unreadable expression widening on her features. “Here, why don’t you read through the comments I left and if you have any more questions, we can chat about it some more?” 

“That would be great, thank you, Carlisle.” She wasn’t sure what was guiding her at that moment, but before (y/n) could stop herself, she had shifted her weight onto her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. And without sharing another word, she disappeared from his office with heat clinging to her like a second layer of skin. 

……

“No, that’s also a lie.” Carlisle’s laughter reverberated through her apartment, echoing off the walls of her living room. She had called him a while ago, wondering if he’d be up for another chat about her questions. It hadn’t taken him long to find his way to her, making himself comfortable as one question after another left (y/n) – something they had been doing for the past hours. 

“How can that be? You just destroyed everything I know about the past centuries.” Another laugh left him before he pulled (y/n) closer. She found herself sitting closer to him, staring up at Carlisle who cupped her cheek with his cold hand. The electricity she felt whenever he touched her was back, buzzing down her spine to leave her heart racing. 

“I’m sorry, it’s not my intention to disappoint you, love.” His thumb brushed over her warm skin, leaving her tingling and buzzing while shuffling even closer to him. No further word managed to leave (y/n) while she focused on Carlisle, letting her gaze flicker between his eyes and his lips. The pull she felt was growing stronger by the second, urging her on to close the small distance between them. 

“Carlisle,” (y/n) whispered his name as if she hoped that he could understand what she was about to ask of him. And then he finally moved. Their lips clashed together urgently, perfectly fitting together as if they had been created for one another, having to endure years and centuries even while waiting for her to find him. 

The kiss wasn’t interrupted once, not as she crawled into his lap, not as he tightened his grip on her neck to keep her close to him. It felt as if he was tasting her blood, high on the taste and scent that had never influenced him this much, begging him to own every part of her body. And for her it was a similar sensation, just as intense even though she had nothing to compare it to, not used to feeling this dizzy from a simple kiss.

“Don’t stop, don’t ever stop, please.” (Y/n) mumbled the words against his lips. Carlisle’s cold hands found their way beneath her sweater, carefully touching her skin while trying to keep some distance between them and that last line they were craving to cross. 

“Talk to me, love. What do you want?” His mouth found her neck while he focused on the sounds of her racing pulse, of her pounding heart and her trembling breaths. He had her trapped, lured into his darkness as if he had always counted on her weakness. 

“Everything, I want all of you.” Carlisle rose to his feet without a warning, tearing a squeal from (y/n). Within seconds he had carried her into her bedroom, only to toss her down on the comfortable mattress she was now laying on. She watched him pull out of his sweater, exposing a simple shirt that clung to his muscular upper body, a sight (y/n) would forever remember, taking it to the grave with her. 

“If you want me to stop, you have to tell me. Don’t ever stop talking to me.” Their eye contact grew more intense after he had spoken his words, leaving her nodding. Carlisle helped her out of her clothes, moving all too slowly for her liking even though she appreciated him for offering her yet another way out. 

“Touch me, please, Carlisle.” With only her panties left on, she felt exposed, vulnerable almost. But the second Carlisle exposed most of his body to her, she could no longer focus on herself, only on him, the cold skin she wanted to feel pressed against her, the body she felt like claiming. Carlisle settled between her thighs, eyes focused on her face as he kissed his way to her heat, pushing her damp panties aside to marvel at her. 

“The most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.” His praise left her chuckling with glee, a sound that turned into a moan the second he brushed his tongue through her slit. Choked moans left (y/n) while her hands tugged on his golden roots, trying to pull him even closer. It felt as if she was about to make it to heaven, touched with such an urgency, she feared that this was nothing but a trick of her excited brain. 

“Fuck, Carlisle, you’re so good at this, shit.” Two of his fingers were pushed into her, curled against her swollen spot while he took care of her pulsing bundle. It wouldn’t take her long to fall over the edge should he keep on touching her like this, making her feel as if she was his most prized possession, the only woman he’d ever touch with this much passion. 

“I have you, love, give yourself to me.” The words gave her the sudden push, forcing her first orgasm through her while Carlisle kept fucking her with his fingers. Her sounds left him smirking, telling him that she had always wanted him as much as he had wanted her, drawn together by something neither could put into words until now. 

“Carlisle,” she drew him closer, up her body to greedily kiss him. Their tongues fought for victory, while she tugged on his underwear, begging him to fully undress so that he could fuck her. Minutes passed by, minutes both used to prepare themselves for what was about to happen, to cross the last line that would keep them connected from this moment on. 

“Are you sure about this? This will change everything.” Carlisle brushed her hairs out of her face, smiling down at (y/n) who looked at him as if he was her saviour, the one she’d forever fight for and love until her last moment on this earth. 

“I’ve never been so sure of something before.” With a small nod thrown her way, Carlisle got rid of the last layers between them before he positioned himself at her entrance. He reached for her hand to interlace their fingers, holding her close while slowly pushing into her. Both moaned in unison, letting go of their sounds that clawed through them without giving either one a chance to hold back. 

She felt perfectly stretched, full by everything he offered to her. (Y/n) never wanted to get out of this moment again, she could die a happy death like this, fucked by the man she had been crushing on, lured closer by her racing heart. 

Carlisle didn’t hold back, he didn’t treat her as if she was close to breaking, no, he fucked her like he meant it. Every thrust was symbolic for the sensations they felt, the love growing stronger, the longing they no longer could deny. A perfect match that left them hungry for more. 

No words managed to leave (y/n), she was already too far gone, fully concentrating on the feeling of Carlisle fucking her. His cold fingers took care of her pulsing bundle, adding just enough pressure to leave her trembling beneath him. Carlisle dipped his head down to kiss her, to swallow some sounds while his cock brushed her swollen spot with every calculated thrust. 

“I won’t last long, Carlisle.” Her confession left him chuckling against her lips. Carlisle didn’t reply, at least not with words, but his thrusts grew faster, pushing her towards the edge once again. (Y/n) tried to scratch at his skin, desperate to hold onto him, but the second her orgasm clashed through her, she lost control of her body, giving herself fully to the sensation. 

He kept fucking her, faster with every thrust. Carlisle drew some more moans out of (y/n) while groans kept leaving him, set on burying himself deep inside of her when he came. And with his forehead pressed against hers, he finally let go. 

“Who knew sex with a man who is over three hundred years old could be this good?” (Y/n)’s whispers left both laughing. She allowed herself to keep studying him, letting her fingers brush through his strands, while promising herself that she’d live this to the fullest, wherever their path together would lead them.

[footballuver]

Where Do Babies Come From, Daddy?

pairing: mason mount x reader

word count: 2.6k

overview: one bedtime question turns into chaos when Leo decides he needs all the baby facts - so he asks his parents the big one: “where do babies come from?”

authors note: thank you so much for the kind comments on my last post! here's another fic for you, and please feel free to send requests, i've got way too much time on my hands!

The curtains fluttered as a breeze swept into the bedroom, the faint hum of London life drifting in with the morning light. You stirred in bed, buried beneath the duvet, one leg tangled in Mason’s. His arm was slung over your waist, face half-squished against the pillow.

“Babe,” Mason mumbled into your shoulder, voice hoarse with sleep. “You’re breathing too loudly. It's aggressive.”

You snorted, elbowing him lightly. “Your snoring sounds like a tractor having an asthma attack, but please—by all means, lecture me on breathing etiquette.”

He cracked one eye open, a slow grin creeping across his face. “You love my snore. It’s like white noise. Sexy white noise.”

“More like nightmare fuel,” you retorted, rolling over to face him. He reached up to brush a strand of hair from your face, letting his fingers linger against your cheek.

Just as his lips brushed yours—

“MUMMY!!! DADDY!! WAAAAAAKE UUUUUUP!”

A tiny, determined voice shrieked from the hallway. Seconds later, the door burst open, and a blur of curls and Paw Patrol pyjamas flew onto the bed.

“Leo, mate—” Mason started, narrowly avoiding a headbutt to the jaw. “You’ve got to stop launching yourself like that. You’re gonna break my ribs one day.”

Leo grinned mischievously and wriggled between the two of you, plopping himself dramatically in the middle of the bed. “I missed you both,” he said, curling into your side.

“It’s been nine hours,” you said, ruffling his hair.

“Exactly. Forever.”

Mason laughed, rolling onto his side to face Leo. “You’re such a drama king. Wonder where you got that from.”

You both turned to look at each other, raising your eyebrows.

“I don’t know,” you said innocently. “Certainly not from me.”

Leo sat up suddenly. “Can we have pancakes today? With the chocolate chips that look like footballs?”

“Only if Daddy makes them,” you said quickly.

Mason threw a pillow at you. “Oi! I made them last week!”

“And the week before,” you added sweetly.

“And they were burnt,” Leo chimed in.

Mason looked wounded. “It was one time!”

“Three,” you corrected, holding up fingers. “Three times. You literally set off the smoke alarm and blamed it on the toaster.”

Leo giggled. “You said it was haunted!”

Mason buried his face in the pillow and groaned. “You two are impossible. Fine. Pancakes it is. But if I burn them again, it’s on purpose.”

Leo leapt off the bed. “YAY!”

He tore down the hallway like a rocket.

You turned to Mason, raising an eyebrow. “So what’s the plan, Chef Mount?”

“Plan is,” he said, stretching, “we get through today without setting the kitchen on fire or telling Leo how he was made.”

You laughed. “Why would we need to do that?”

He gave you a knowing look. “He’s four. He’s been hanging out with our nephew. That kid knows too much.”

“Oh God,” you whispered. “Not Charlie.”

“Yep,” Mason said, already heading toward the kitchen. “Charlie’s been giving Leo The Talk, and we’re probably a day away from getting asked how babies get inside tummies.”

You gasped. “You’ll handle it.”

“Nope,” he said cheerfully. “That’s a mummy question.”

The kitchen smelled like cocoa and chaos.

Mason stood at the stove, trying to flip pancakes while Leo sat cross-legged on the counter beside him, nibbling a rogue chocolate chip he’d sneakily stolen from the bowl.

“Leo, mate, you can’t eat all the chips before they go in the pancakes,” Mason said, trying to be firm.

Leo grinned, cheeks full. “I’m the taste-tester.”

“You’ve taste-tested half the bag,” you said from the sink, rinsing off blueberries. “At this point, there’ll be more chocolate in his belly than in the batter.”

Leo shrugged. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Mason said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. “You just had a banana.”

Leo leaned toward him dramatically. “That was like four years ago.”

You burst out laughing. “He’s got your sense of time. Remember when you said your nap lasted ‘a century’?”

“That nap felt like a century,” Mason defended. “You two talk a lot.”

Leo gasped. “You said naps were boring!”

“They are,” Mason whispered like it was a secret. “That’s why Daddy needs extra snacks too.”

Leo giggled as you shook your head. “Great. Now he’s going to start requesting a ‘Daddy snack’ during every nap.”

“Good,” Mason said. “More snacks in this house. It’s a win for the people.”

Leo threw his arms in the air. “Power to the snack people!”

You put your hands on your hips. “Okay, Snack People. Who’s cleaning up this chocolate chip explosion?”

Silence.

Leo looked at Mason.

Mason pointed at Leo.

Leo immediately pointed at you.

You rolled your eyes. “Of course. I do everything around here.”

“You said it,” Mason grinned, tossing the spatula in the sink. “Come on, let’s eat these before Leo taste-tests the table.”

Later that night, after bath time and one too many rounds of “Ten Little Dinosaurs,” Leo lay curled up in his bed, hair damp, fingers curled around the corner of his blanket. You and Mason sat on either side of him.

“Can I ask a question?” Leo asked suddenly, voice muffled against the pillow.

“Of course,” Mason said, brushing back his curls.

Leo blinked up at both of you, eyes wide and curious.

“Where do babies come from?”

The air went still.

Mason’s hand froze mid-stroke on Leo’s hair.

Your eyes locked with Mason’s.

Leo blinked again. “Like… do you grow them in the garden? Like sunflowers?”

Mason made a choked noise.

You cleared your throat. “Um. Not quite, sweetheart.”

“Because Charlie at nursery said he came from his mummy’s belly, and I was like, what? That’s not where people come from!”

Mason laughed nervously. “Well, it’s… sort of true.”

Leo sat up a little. “Did you plant me in mummy’s belly?”

You opened your mouth. Closed it. Mason looked like he wanted to sprint into another dimension.

This was it. The moment of reckoning.

Leo looked between you both with genuine innocence.

“I just wanna know if I came from seeds or magic.”

Mason exhaled loudly.

“Right,” he said. “Okay. So…”

Leo sat cross-legged on his bed, freshly bathed, curls still damp, and the most serious look on his little face.

“So,” he said again, like he was conducting an interview. “Where do babies come from?”

You and Mason exchanged a look — the kind of silent, panic-infused glance only parents mastered.

Mason cleared his throat. “Well, mate… you see, that’s a big question.”

Leo blinked. “Is it a secret?”

“Kind of,” you said carefully. “It’s something people learn when they’re a bit older.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed. “Charlie said grown-ups don’t like telling because it’s weird.”

Mason gave a strained smile. “That’s… not entirely wrong.”

Leo leaned forward. “So was I planted in Mummy’s tummy like a seed? Did Daddy just drop me in and water me with apple juice?”

Mason let out a snort-laugh and quickly disguised it as a cough. “No, no apple juice watering was involved.”

“Then how did I get in there?”

You were now frozen in place, holding Leo’s Paw Patrol pajamas like they were your last line of defense.

Mason rubbed his jaw like he was trying to conjure wisdom from his stubble. “Right. Okay. Time to be brave.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You sure about this?”

Mason gave you a nod that looked more like a flinch.

“Alright, Leo,” he began, turning toward your son like he was about to give a press conference. “So, babies… they start in a mummy’s tummy. But! They don’t just appear. Mummies and daddies work together to make them.”

Leo tilted his head. “Like a science project?”

“Exactly!” Mason said, relieved. “A very special one.”

“Do you use glue?”

You bit your lip.

Mason shook his head. “No glue. There’s… a special kind of love that helps the baby grow.”

Leo stared blankly. “Like a love potion?”

“Sort of?” Mason glanced at you for backup.

You jumped in. “When two people love each other, their love creates something called an embryo, which is like the tiniest, tiniest baby.”

Leo’s face lit up. “A baby seed!”

“Kind of, yes,” Mason said quickly. “And the baby seed grows in the mummy’s tummy until it’s big enough to come out.”

“How does it come out?”

You and Mason froze.

Leo, unfazed, added, “Charlie said it comes out your belly button.”

You took a deep breath. “Well, some babies do come out of a special door that doctors help open. And sometimes, doctors help take the baby out from the tummy with a special surgery.”

Leo sat back like this was fascinating news. “So I’m not from the garden.”

“Nope,” Mason said. “You came from Mummy. And it took a long time and a lot of effort. And her ankles looked like footballs.”

You slapped his arm, laughing. “They did not!”

Leo gasped. “Mummy turned into a football?!”

“No, no,” Mason said, trying to fix it, “her ankles just puffed up a bit—”

“Because I was kicking her from the inside?”

You nodded. “All the time. Like a little ninja.”

“I was practicing!” Leo said proudly. “For my real football debut!”

You leaned down and kissed his forehead. “You were worth every swollen foot.”

Leo yawned and cuddled back into his pillow. “Okay. That’s enough science for now.”

Mason pulled the blanket up to his chin. “Sleep now, future football ninja.”

Just as you turned to switch off the lamp, Leo added dreamily, “Daddy?”

“Yeah, bud?”

“I think when I’m big, I’ll plant a baby seed too. Maybe two. I’ll use apple juice just in case.”

You stuffed a hand in your mouth to keep from cracking up.

Mason grinned and gave you a sideways glance. “Well, that’s… something to look forward to.”

“Night, Mummy. Night, Daddy.”

“Night, Leo,” you both said in unison.

As soon as the door was closed behind you, you both burst into quiet laughter in the hallway.

“Oh my God,” you whispered, clutching your chest. “He wants to water his kids with apple juice.”

Mason shook his head. “I knew Charlie was going to corrupt him. This is just the beginning.”

You grinned, tugging Mason toward the stairs. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to plant one in the backyard tomorrow.”

Mason sighed. “I’m hiding the watering can.”

The house was quiet. Finally.

You were curled up in bed under a thick duvet, your head on Mason’s chest, one of his arms draped lazily around your shoulders. The baby monitor sat untouched on the nightstand — because Leo was officially too big for it now. The nursery had turned into a dinosaur-themed “big boy room,” and Leo had declared himself “the king of bedtime” just two nights ago.

It lasted until exactly 8:47 p.m. when he got up asking for more water.

Now it was nearing midnight, and the house was blessedly still.

Mason’s voice was low, almost tentative. “You ever think about having another one?”

You lifted your head slightly to look at him. “Another what? Banana? Nap? Brain cell?”

He laughed softly, tugging you closer. “Baby.”

You blinked, resting your chin on his chest. “Are you serious?”

“I mean… yeah.” He traced slow circles on your arm. “Leo’s growing up so fast. Sometimes I think... maybe it’d be nice to have a tiny one again. A little sibling for him.”

You tilted your head, considering. “Would this new baby also think bees are ‘angry fairies’ and try to glue googly eyes to the dog?”

Mason smirked. “If they’re ours? Definitely.”

You stared at the ceiling for a moment. “I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it.”

His eyes lit up. “Really?”

You smiled softly. “Don’t get too excited. I said thought about it. You were not the one who carried a watermelon-sized Leo and waddled like a penguin for nine months.”

“You waddled very gracefully.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” you muttered, poking him in the ribs.

He laughed, catching your hand and kissing it. “We could do it better this time. Not that Leo isn’t perfect — but we were clueless.”

You sighed contentedly. “Still kinda are.”

“But we survive,” he said.

You nodded. “We do.”

There was a beat of silence. Peaceful. Warm.

Then—

Creeeeaak.

Your bedroom door opened just a little.

You both turned your heads.

Leo stood in the doorway, hair tousled, one sock on, and his stuffed dinosaur clutched under his arm like a weapon.

“Mummy. Daddy,” he whispered loudly. “I think I’m having a thought.”

Mason sat up, rubbing his eyes. “A thought?”

Leo padded into the room, serious as a scientist. “Yes. A big one.”

You reached out your arms, and he immediately climbed up into the bed between you, curling into your side.

“What kind of thought, baby?” you asked softly.

He looked up at the ceiling dramatically. “If babies come from love… then what happens if you love someone SO much you get, like, three babies at once?”

Mason blinked. “Wow. Going straight for the multiples, huh?”

Leo nodded. “And where do those babies come from? Do they grow in different corners of the tummy? Or is it just one big baby that splits like a biscuit?”

You pressed your lips together to stop from laughing.

Mason rubbed his jaw like he was trying to be scientific. “Sometimes, Leo, some mummies do grow more than one baby at a time. They’re called twins, or triplets.”

“Triplets,” Leo whispered like it was a sacred word.

“They all grow in the same belly,” you added. “Very cozy in there.”

Leo gasped. “Like a baby sleepover!”

“Exactly,” Mason said, smiling. “But without snacks.”

Leo shook his head. “That’s boring.”

You leaned back on the pillows, tucking the duvet around all three of you. “It’s very late, sweet boy. Can we save the rest of the science talk for tomorrow?”

“One more question?” Leo pleaded, blinking up at you.

You sighed, already knowing you’d say yes.

He looked up at Mason. “If I came from love, does that mean if you and Mummy love me too much… I’ll make a baby by accident?”

Mason nearly choked on thin air.

You smacked his chest. “Breathe.”

Leo looked between you both, eyes wide. “It’s just… I don’t want a surprise baby falling out of me.”

You pulled him closer, trying not to burst out laughing. “Leo, sweetheart. Boys don’t have babies. That part is just for mummies.”

He looked relieved. “Oh, phew. Because I hugged Mummy super hard earlier and I was worried something started.”

Mason wheezed beside you, completely red in the face.

“I promise,” you said gently, kissing Leo’s forehead, “you didn’t start anything.”

Leo yawned, finally relaxing between you both. “Okay. But if you do make another baby… can I name it?”

You raised your eyebrows. “That depends. What name were you thinking?”

He didn’t even hesitate.

“Apple.”

You blinked. “...Apple?”

Leo nodded, eyes already drooping. “It’s strong. It digs things. It’s perfect.”

Mason buried his face in a pillow to muffle his laugh.

You groaned. “We are not naming our baby Apple.”

Leo snuggled deeper under the covers. “Please think about it.”

Mason grinned, whispering, “She’ll think about it.”

“I will not.”

“You said that about naming the dog Waffles and now—”

“Do not bring Waffles into this.”

Leo was already dozing off, face relaxed, little fingers curled around the collar of Mason’s shirt.

Silence returned, warm and familiar.

Mason whispered into the dark, “So... still thinking about it?”

You stared down at your sleepy boy, his feet somehow under your thigh, like a puzzle piece he’d slotted himself into.

You said sarcastically. “Yeah. Apple's got a lovely ring to it.”

[hvnlygrl]

hii can u do rafe cameron

can u pls do soft!rafe cameron or soft!jj maybamk where reader and him get into an argument and then he storms out and then the next morning reader gets her period, and when he comes home he just sees her lying on the bed eith a heating pad so he decides to make her a cookie skillet with nutella in it and ice cream on top of it and when he gives it to her she immediately starts sobbing and covering her face with the back of her hand telling him how shes so sorry and that she wished she never foughr with him and then he just comforts her and helps her eat while they watch a movie

⌞ I TAKE IT ALL BACK ⌝

જ⁀➴ pairing | rafe cameron x fem!reader

જ⁀➴ word count | 1.3k

જ⁀➴ warnings | lotta cussing, reader gets a little mean, argument between rafe/reader, hurt/comfort.

જ⁀➴ synopsis | after a fight with rafe due to your hormones during that time of the month, he goes out of his way to make you feel better.

જ⁀➴ notes | sorry i kinda went in a little bit of a different direction with this i hope that's okay! but the general idea is still the same... thank you for the request! it's such a sweet idea <3

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

it had never bothered you before, the sound of rafe on his game in the spare bedroom, but for some reason the loud sounds of him on the headset with his friends were driving you up the wall while you tried to watch your show in the living room. 

you sighed out in annoyance when you heard him for what seemed like the 20th time in 5 minutes, “GO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? TOPPER GET HIS ASS!” 

you clicked the volume up on the t.v. in front of you, head beginning to ache from the loudness of the show mixed with the loudness from the game room. you were unsure of how to handle the situation. you didn’t want to ruin rafe’s fun on the game, and you surely didn’t want to start an argument with him but you couldn’t take it anymore. 

you paused the show, stood from the couch and stomped your way down the hallway. you didn’t bother knocking on the door since you knew he wouldn’t hear it, instead opening it as soon as you reached it. “rafe,” you called out. no answer. he continued clacking at the keys on the p.c., shouting orders at topper and kelce over the headset. “rafe,” you called out again, quite a bit louder this time. still no answer. 

at this point you were fed up. you were unsure of where the blind rage came from, but before you knew it you yanked the headset from his head. 

“what the-y/n? what the fuck are you doing?” he shouts at you, his eyes flitting back and forth between the computer screen and your angered expression. 

“can you shut the fuck up, dude? i’m trying to watch my show,” you grumble at him as if it's obvious. 

“woah,” he cocks his head back at your statement, “chill out.” 

now you’re really pissed. “don’t tell me to fucking chill out!” 

“babe, it’s not that serious,” he continues clacking at the keys on the game. 

“it is that serious. you try watching your favorite show and listen to me hooting and hollering from the next room. it’s fucking aggravating and i can't take it anymore right now.” 

rafe rolls his eyes. “i don’t know what you want me to tell you, y/n, it’s really not that serious. i’m doing my thing and you’re doing yours. you don’t see me busting through the door to get on your ass about the t.v. being too loud.” 

you can hear the oohs and ruh-rohs coming from the headset, only adding fuel to the fire. 

“oh my god, dude, can you just act like a fucking adult for five minutes? you don’t have to play fortnite every single night with your gay ass homeboys. maybe you could spend time with your girlfriend instead of being on the game from the second you get home until hours after i fall asleep.” 

“that is so not true and you know it, bruh.” 

“if you’re gonna play the game and not even interact with me, then just go do it at your own damn apartment. i’m not fucking dealing with this right now. i have a migraine and i don’t want you here tonight.”

rafe can't ignore the pang that shoots through his heart at your words. “seriously? you’re kicking me out?” 

“yeah,” you mutter softly before leaving the room and heading back to the living room. cramps begin overtaking the muscles in your stomach, only adding to your agitation. you breathe out shakily, your throat beginning to tighten as you watch him grab his bag and storm out. 

once the door slams behind him, a wave of guilt washes over you, your eyes watering as you smack yourself for kicking him out. all you wanted was for him to stop being so loud and now he’s on the way back to his apartment, pissed at you for embarrassing him in front of his friends and for sending him home.

you lie down on the couch, allowing the tears to stream freely as your thoughts get darker and crueler toward yourself. you sob deeply, arms wrapped around a pillow until you finally fall asleep. 

about an hour or so later you wake up, shuffling into the bathroom, you notice your appearance in the mirror; cheeks puffy and eyes swollen from crying. the sight only makes you feel worse. you sit on the toilet, letting out a harsh sigh when you notice the blood that pooled in your favorite pair of panties. after already feeling like a piece of shit both physically and mentally, here was mother nature three days early, ready to screw you over even more. 

you couldn't help but tear up again at the inconvenience, suddenly realizing what happened tonight. you wanted to slap yourself for being so stupid and not noticing the signs, but you knew that it was too late now. after heading to your bedroom to find a new pair of underwear and shorts, and spotting the dirty pair before throwing it into the wash, you head back to the living room. 

your heart beats in your throat as you pull out your phone to text rafe. 

after the conversation with him you felt a lot better about the situation, but you were still feeling pretty upset. you rummaged through the kitchen, checking the cabinets and the fridge and freezer for any type of food that would satisfy your cravings. of course, you had absolutely nothing that would help. you sighed as you shuffled back toward the living room, opting to just lie on the couch and watch your show until you fell back asleep. 

you knew the thought was dramatic, but you couldn’t help but wonder when your life turned into this; alone in an apartment that was too big for you with nothing you wanted and no one to share it with. 

and then you heard a knock on the door. despite it being his signature knock, you couldn't stop yourself from checking the peephole, heart fluttering when you saw the blonde on the other side of the door.

you quickly opened it, a soft smile on your lips. “what are you doing here?”

“did you really think i was gonna let you be alone on night one?” rafe raises a brow at you before revealing two grocery bags he’d been hiding behind his back. he had made a run to the local store for all your favorite sweets, chips, icecream, drinks, and anything else he could think of. he even bought you a heated stuffed animal that could be thrown into the microwave and used as a heating pad.

“baby,” your lips curl down into a frown, eyes watering at the gesture, “you’re too nice to me.” 

“of course i am,” he chuckles as he sets the items down on the coffee table, “you’re my girl.” 

you watch in awe as he grabs your favorite cup, fills it with ice and pours your drink into it. then he grabs the stuffed turtle (your favorite animal) and heads to the kitchen to throw it into the microwave for a couple minutes. 

“get comfy, babe,” he calls out to you, “get your show set up, do whatever you gotta do.” 

you smile at him sweetly. “you didn’t have to do all this, rafe.” 

“i know,” he shrugs nonchalantly. “i wanted to.” 

“thank you,” you whisper when he brings the warmed turtle over to you. you moan happily when you stick it onto your lower abdomen, the sensation immediately easing some of the pain. “i don’t deserve you.” 

“sure you do,” rafe huffs as he kicks his shoes off and gets comfy next to you, “how many times have you taken care of me? saved my ass without me even thinking to ask you for help?” 

you nod, “yea, i guess you’re right. i’m sorry about what i said earlier baby, i take it all back.” 

“don’t stress,” he holds his hands up, “water under the bridge, my girl.” 

you smile at him, admiring his features before turning your gaze back to the t.v. and snuggling in closer to him. “i love you.”

“i love you,” he parrots back, hand rubbing at your lower back in the spot that he knows typically bothers you. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

hvnlygrl 2025 ©️

taglist — @lanasb0ngwater

[svt-zaneri]

Game Caterers x SEVENTEEN 1-1 ⊹܀˙

Synopsis: Seventeen appears on the 'Game Caterers' for the first time as a whole group. Follow seventeen as they play games, introduce themselves, and have a blast with all 14 members.

A/n: I’m sorry this took so long. Guys, writing the subtitles, adding scenes, fixing grammar, etc., was so hard and time-consuming, but alas, I’m finished. I hope it’s good, and I hope my writing is good as well. Hopefully there aren’t much mistakes either. My ask/comment box is open! Also, should I make a tag list?

Additionally, certain words are underlined (specifically clothing items), which are links that can be opened and will direct you to Pinterest, allowing you to view the item. However, if you just want to imagine the item for yourself, you can ignore the link.

English is in bold, and everything else is in Korean unless stated otherwise.

⤷𐙚 Masterlist ⤷𐙚 1-800-zaneri (ask/comment box)

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Spring.

The cool air that came with spring, along with the kaleidoscope of flowers, was the perfect time to film the long-awaited collaboration of Seventeen and The Game Caterers 2.

Outside, the fourteen members had walked along the walkway up to the entrance under the beautiful serenity blue sky, their eyes were glued to the rose quartz colored cherry blossoms blooming all around the picturesque neighborhood. Everything seemed to perfectly align just for this day.

They entered one of the beautiful brown houses that was lined up with the rest. The bright light from the sun bled inside through the open windows, highlighting the neatly done interior. A banner with their logo was placed in the center, and a beautiful balloon arch where thirteen of the fourteen members were waiting was placed at the entrance.

All members of staff were eager to film such a fun event, and they made sure to fill the room with the perfect cameras, lighting, and decorations so everything would fit perfectly and every moment would be captured for an inclusive experience.

Over by the entrance, the excitement of the other thirteen members was palpable as they stood by the arch watching their leader stand awkwardly alone in the center. The conversations between the members were quite festive as they waited patiently for their leader to kick off the day.

"This is so awkward." S.Coups' awkwardness in front of everyone was evident as he expressed his slight discomfort with being the only one starting the intro. Zaneri couldn't help but smile at how nervous their leader seemed. You would never guess that he's spoken in front of thousands of people before.

(The leader S.Coups starts the opening by himself)

"Your fans like this!" A writer shouted from her position on the ground in front of them. The members laughed a bit at her outburst and decided to tease him further.

"Wow, S.Coups!" Mingyu exclaimed softly. "It's S.Coups!" Jun added on with an oddly cute voice.

"Don't tell me you're nervous, S.Coups!" Zaneri smirked, adding just a bit of fuel to the fire. Her tone was playful, watching him tilt his head back with an embarrassed smile.

(His members are watching him)

"We're here as an entire group." He said after a minute, staring at them with a smile. It's really rare for a group of 14 members to be invited to a variety show at once. So they were really grateful that they got to experience this together.

Zaneri was especially excited and grateful to see all the members here in one space. Especially since not everyone could join The Game Caterers x Hybe event, including herself.

But of course, this wouldn't be a good Seventeen introduction without them teasing and putting pressure on the one in the center. It would actually be unusual if there weren't at least one member who said something.

"It's really hard to act cute Infront of all 13 people." Mingyu started the teasing first as he bent down beside Hoshi, a small grin on his face.

"My embarrassing leader." Seungkwan added on, making sure to not miss out on the opportunity to tease their leader.

And....

"Depending on how you start it, it's going to affect the flow today." Woozi glanced at him from behind the arch, his comment no doubt adding even more pressure onto S.Coups.

"Wow, you guys really aren't giving him a break." Zaneri murmured faintly, hovering a hand over her glossed lips, she couldn't help but release the laugh that she had been holding in from earlier. Especially since everyone joined in and started adding to his already absurdly long nickname list.

"Our leader!" "Go, S.Coups!" "Our center!" "S.Coups the jeans!"

(His 14,587th nickname)

By now, S.Coups' face was red and his expression was probably the funniest that Zaneri had seen in a while. She loves it when he gets all shy and embarrassed, completely different from how he is on stage. Her bashful older brother.

Zaneri's smile remained intact as she stood beside Jeonghan, her arms wrapping gently around his waist. He shifted slightly as he placed his head on top of hers. "I hope today is as fun as it looked when they filmed the Hybe version. Do you think it'll be Hannie?" Zaneri's voice was quiet but genuinely intrigued as she spoke into Jeonghan's side.

"I'm sure it will. Our team always manages to have fun no matter where we go." He muttered back softly, to the point, but with a comforting type of reassurance in his tone.

She hummed in agreement and continued listening as her members said a few more things. Every second with every new nickname, S.Coups looked like he was ready to get the day started already. The members were relentless when it came to teasing, all harmless fun, of course.

'Poor S.Coups...' She shook her head with a mildly amused smile stretching across her face. She gets teased all the time; it's nice seeing someone else get it for a change. She can see why the members laugh at her expense, seeing S.Coups' shy behavior now.

Just then, amidst the chaotic scene, S.Coups suddenly cleared his throat and all eyes quietly fell onto him. They stared ahead eagerly to see how he was going to begin their fourteen-member introduction and how high he'd raise the bar of expectation for the others to follow.

"I'll hit the slate now." He stretched one leg behind him and extended both his arms in opposite directions.

"1, 2 , 3!" He clapped his hands and there signaled the beginning of the show.

(Let's start The Game Caterers SEVENTEEN Special)

(From now on,)

(14 SEVENTEEN members)

(will appear)

(in order)

(with their hit songs)

The well-known instrumental for 'Clap'  filled the space as everyone started cheering. "S.Coups! This is your song!" Zaneri clapped excitedly, watching as he got into his stance. Everyone cheered him on as the song started.

"Applause!" Dokyeom and Mingyu sang as S.Coups started the choreo. He gave an embarrassed smile but continued the dance regardless.

"Clap!" Zaneri and Hoshi sang simultaneously, exchanging a playful glance with each other. While S.Coups was doing his short intro dance, Jeonghan began playing with one of the sleeves of Zaneri's blue vintage Christian Dior sweater, a smile on his face as he watched their leader perform.

"Great way to start the day, S.Coups!" Zaneri praised, giving him a thumbs up. PD Nah and the writers looked at Zaneri with a smile. "You're good at this." He commended, to which Zaneri responded with a small smile and waved off the compliment.

"I try my best, but—"

"It's okay to accept the compliment, Zan-ah." Dino butted in, a cheeky smile on his face. Everyone started laughing at his comment, knowing that Zaneri loves compliments and is quick to accept them. However, since she's on a show with someone she doesn't know well, she doesn't want to present herself arrogantly.

Zaneri closed her eyes for a second and scoffed playfully, "I'll deal with you later." She replied, not bothering to look at him as she turned to the camera, waving with a tense smile on her face. Everyone around them started laughing at the unexpected (expected) moment between her and Dino.

(They truly are like siblings)

(Anyhow,)

(1. S.Coups) (The general leader)

(The leader of the Hip Hop team)

(It's about time to remember my name)

As S.Coups walked away, he signaled for Jeonghan to come to the center for his turn. "PRETTY U" with its melodious sound came through the speakers; however, Jeonghan didn't think it was his turn. He continued unconsciously playing with Zaneri's sleeve, waiting for one of the members to go to the center for their introduction.

"Jeonghan, it's your turn..", one of the members told him, but he denied it. Zaneri shook her head a bit with a small smile before giving him a slight push to the center. "It is your turn, Hannie."

The look of realization flashed across his features for a second before he stepped out into the center and did his part of the chorus. Even though he missed the first part, he still looked so good.

(2. Jeonghan) (Vocal Team)

(His birthday and nickname are 1004)

(He's mostly lying down rather than flying)

"So handsome, Hannie!" Zaneri cheered loudly, fanning her face playfully, watching as he winked at the camera and then turned to her, blowing a playful kiss which she pretended to catch.

(Pro entertainers...?)

"In order." Dino clarified so that there would be no more confusion starting from now.

"Is this 'VERY NICE'?" Mingyu asked, clearly excited to see what Joshua was going to do. Zaneri looked at Joshua eagerly as he walked to the center. His walk was confident and relaxed; she knew he was going to do something crazy just by the look in his face. People tend to think that Joshua is one of the calmer ones in the group, but they couldn't be more wrong.

(He enters as he savors his highlight)

'AJU NICE' blasted through the speakers, and as predicted, Joshua set the bar really high as he immediately started the dance for the chorus. Cheers erupted from everyone in the room watching him dance. Zaneri let out a soft snort, shaking her head in slight disbelief. Joshua always found a way to make everyone's attention fall on himself.

When Zaneri watched Hybe x Game Caterers, she realized Joshua could not be trusted with the younger members as soon as their introduction began. She had to give them their kudos though, because it was very funny, and as renowned variety stars, it was important to keep up their image. There's nothing seventeen seems to enjoy more than being funny.

(3. Joshua) (Vocal Team)

(The gentleman in SEVENTEEN)

(Latest nickname: Shua)

"Nice!" Dokyeom cheered, laughter bouncing off the wooden walls in the room. Joshua really knew how to brighten any room he stepped into with his charming personality.

"Good job Joshua!" Hoshi praised from his crouched position as the song came to an end.

"Okay. Make some noise!" Jun ran to the center, jumping and hyping up the expectant crowd. Zaneri took out her phone and began recording him with a huge grin on her face. 'HIT' echoed through the speakers, and the energetic feel of the song matched Jun's movements perfectly.

"WOO!!!" Zaneri jumped, her phone still in her hand, as Jun began dancing. His moves were precise and powerful, definitely putting on a performance for everyone there as if they were performing for an award show.

(4. Jun) (Performance Team)

(Playful cat)

(The former child actor)

(He put on a musical for the self-produced content)

Zaneri joined in as the rest started chanting "Moon Junhui!". Their cheers were loud, and Jun was clearly having a blast. Zaneri turned to look at PD Nah and accidentally made eye contact with him. She gave him a smile and he returned it. He seemed to be having the best time out of everyone there.

(The happiest man in this moment)

Jun quickly went to the side as Hoshi ran to the center, 'HOT' now playing.

(He appears sharp on time)

Zaneri went to the front of the arch and cheered for Hoshi. His moves were sharp and powerful. She adores the way he moves, such an incredible dancer with amazing skills. She truly understands why he's the performance team leader every time he dances. It's not like everyone else isn't an amazing performer, but Hoshi is just simply on another level.

(5. Hoshi) (Leader of Performance Team)

(A member of BSS)

(Brainwashing tiger)

(He's actually a hamster)

Hoshi's introduction finishes with amazing energy, and 'Fear' begins playing. Zaneri watched as Wonwoo walked quietly to the center, bowed, and put on that 'red carpet smile'. Zaneri blinked at him, half-amused, half-baffled. The calmness of his entrance compared to the powerful song that was playing was comedic.

(Gentle Gaits)

(The red carpet smile)

(6. Wonwoo) (Hip Hop Team)

(He likes ballad)

(Good at games, but not our games)

"Bite the flowers like on MAMA," Dk suggested, referencing one of their MAMA performances. Zaneri tapped his shoulders in agreement. "Wait, that's a good idea!" They watched as Wonwoo recreated the scene, more refreshing than sexy compared to the original version.

(Detox)

Woozi, who was standing comfortably enjoying the members' performances, walked out to the center, sort of baffled as 'Don't wanna cry' started playing. "Should I kneel?" He questioned bemused, but kneeled regardless.

(Another member of the 1996 line)

"Don't play around," Zaneri sang simultaneously with the music as Woozi's voice filtered through the speakers. Woozi got off the ground and opted for the 'red carpet smile' route.

(Flustered by his own voice)

(7. Woozi) (The leader of Vocal Team)

(He writes and composes most of Seventeen's songs)

(The member of Korea Music Copyright Association) (Amazing)

The cheering continued as Woozi made it to the other side, the chorus coming up.

(Right now he feels: Don't wanna cry)

(Dancing automatically)

Woozi, Jun and Wonwoo started dancing to the chorus, their moves in perfect sync as Woozi's introduction came to an end.

'HOME;RUN' was the next song to play on SEVENTEEN's hit songs introduction playlist, and Minghao walked out right away. His steps were calm but sure, singing along to the lyrics. His movements were graceful and careful to not injure his collarbone further. 

(8. THE 8) (Performance Team)

(The funny person approved by Producer Nah)

"Xu-ah!! I'm a big fan!" Zaneri yelled, watching as an embarrassed smile crept onto Minghao's face. Mingyu playfully shoved her to the side, both laughing at her sudden outburst. The chorus quickly approached as they cheered once again for their member.

(Speaks clear Korean when he's in trouble)

Zaneri watched happily as Minghao started dancing to the chorus, a contagious smile on his face. 'He looks so happy right now.' She thought, feeling her own happiness increase, seeing him have such a good time.

(Despite the collarbone injury, he moves like the spring breeze)

As 'HOME;RUN' came to an end, Zaneri turned to Mingyu with anticipation, watching as he wasted no time with his introduction. His movements were confident and striking as 'BOOM BOOM' resonated through the room. Mingyu obviously did not come to play or be outdone as he made eye contact with the camera.

The cheers were loud as the members "ooh" -ed and "ahh" -ed. "Boom Boom!" Some of them sang along, watching Mingyu's no doubt memorable introduction. "So cool, Mingyu!" Zaneri cheered, watching as he gazed passionately at the camera, opening his jacket.

(9. It's Kim Influence)

(Fans are worried that he doesn't eat much)

Some of the members covered their mouths in awe, watching him. Zaneri cocked her head to the side with an awestruck expression, "Why is he so good?". The confusion laced in her tone made Seungkwan laugh at her unexpected comment, lightly shoving her.

Mingyu's confident gaze fell a bit as he suppressed a laugh from hearing Zaneri's comment. He continued on with his performance nonetheless, focusing on finishing it. His intense gaze fell back on the camera.

(He's dancing with his eyes and heart)

As 'BOOM BOOM' ended, Mingyu turned to Zaneri with a finger pointed in her direction, "Why did you say that so suddenly?" His tone was playfully pouty, but Zaneri simply laughed and waved it off.

"I'm sorry, but why did you actually look so cool?" she teased, making her way to the center of the room just as the last lines of her verse in 'Mansae' began to play. Jeonghan hurried over too—Zaneri’s final part included a short duo dance with him before the whole group would join in during the performance version.

Cheers erupted from the members as Jeonghan caught Zaneri’s hand, spinning her gracefully before pulling her close until their noses nearly touched. They exchanged quick smiles and held eye contact before letting each other go, with Jeonghan dashing back to his spot just as the chorus hit.

(Mansae!)

Behind the cameras, PD Nah and the other producers were visibly surprised by the unexpected duo dance, even though it hadn’t been the full routine. But shock quickly melted into excitement as they watched Zaneri flow seamlessly into the choreography for the chorus. Her expressions felt bright and refreshingly feminine, making hearts skip a beat.

(10. Zaneri) (Hip Hop Team)

(The Nation’s IT Girl!) (Obsessed with Iced Vanilla Bean Lattes)

“Neri-ya! Why are you so good?” Mingyu called out, playfully throwing her own teasing words back at her in an equally baffled tone. Laughter rippled through everyone, even Zaneri, who almost wanted to scold him but held back with a grin. She spun around in her knee-high heels, turning towards the camera to blow a kiss and throw in a playful wink as her intro began to wrap up.

"Riri-ya, you're so pretty!" Jeonghan praised, and the other members quickly chimed in, clapping and cheering in agreement. Zaneri walked over, lifting her hands into the air, prompting everyone to wave along for the chorus’ ending part. Then, she strolled up to the camera crew, the PD, and writers, and they couldn’t help but mirror her playful gesture.

(The Social Butterfly)

(Can be quite persuasive)

Her introduction ended on a lively note as she ran over to the rest of the group. While everyone's introduction thus far had been fun to watch, whether funny, lively, or refreshing, Dokyeom's introduction was by far the best in terms of sheer entertainment.

'THANKS' blasted through the speakers, and he immediately fell to his knees, bowing unashamed. No one could resist laughing; there's just a certain charm about Dokyeom that people just can't help but love. Zaneri gripped onto Joshua's shoulder to keep her from toppling over from how much she was laughing at his over-the-top performance.

(To CARAT) (Thank you and thank you again)

(Grateful choreography)

"Nice Dokyeom!" The members cheered for him, enjoying his introduction. After probably his 3rd bow, he got up, walking along the cameras with an expression seeping with gratitude and extending his arms out to truly convey his thanks.

(11. DK) (In Vocal Team, but also a good dancer)

(The leader of BSS)

(He sings nonstop)

After he got a close-up with the last camera, he walked back and finally began dancing with vigor just as the chorus played. "Yes DK!" Zaneri cheered from the sidelines, watching Dokyeom put in effort to give a soulful performance.

(He expresses gratitude head to toe)

He gave one final heart to the camera as the song finished and 'LEFT & RIGHT' started playing. Seungkwan wasted no time as he began dancing like his life depended on it.

(It's very tough for the next person.)

"Ayeee!" Some of the members said simultaneously as Seungkwan danced to the center. 

(It's Seungkwan the variety show expert)

Mingyu and Woozi began teasing him, but Seungkwan continued confidently dancing and doing his best to put on an entertaining introduction. The song switched to his verse suddenly, but he quickly adapted. Zaneri continued cheering him on, watching him execute the choreo flawlessly.

(12. Seungkwan) (Vocal Team) (BSS)

(Jeju Island specialty) (The K-pop professor)

(With his best..)

Zaneri stared, a disbelieving smile tugging at her lips as she watched Seungkwan do a b-boy pose. Unfortunately, the reactions weren't that great as he got up from his position. Zaneri walked over to him and gently pulled him to the side. "Did I do too much?" He whispered.

"No, no..." She responded, waving him off but then sighed after a second, giving him a playfully pitiful expression, "Just a bit." She placed her thumb and index finger closely together to emphasize her words.

"--but that's why you're the best entertainer here." She tapped his shoulder to provide a bit of comfort, which didn't last long as Vernon began his introduction, and there was no way Zaneri was missing it.

Seungkwan scoffed and stared at the camera with a bewildered look. PD Nah began laughing, watching the exchange between Seungkwan and his members, especially that last conversation with Zaneri. "That must be painful." He laughed, amused.

(Seungkwan + Zaneri= diss sessions)

Vernon coolly walks to the center, vibing to the lyrics and melody of 'Darl+ing'. Zaneri smiled, showing all her teeth, unknowingly showing off her tooth gems, watching Vernon do his introduction. 

(The next in line comes in)

(13. Vernon) (Hip Hop Team) (Mr. Know-It-All)

Vernon turned to one of the cameras, smiling, and Zaneri couldn't help herself.

(What was that?!)

Everyone turned to the source of the squeal, which was quite loud. Zaneri, noticing all the eyes on her, bowed apologetically, "I'm so sorry." The members laughed a bit before turning their attention back to Vernon, who was still focusing on his performance.

(Vernon's biggest fan might be in the room) (When he's focused, he can't hear anything.)

While Vernon was doing his introduction, some of the members turned to Seungkwan, pointing out the fact that Vernon's introduction was way cooler than his. The endless teasing that Seungkwan has to endure daily is truly admirable.

"He's cool."

"He looks cooler."

(The older ones just love Seungkwan)

'_World'  began playing as the 13th and youngest member stepped forward with a bright smile to do his introduction. He began dancing, and everyone cheered, watching his endearing movements. "Why are you so cute, Dino-ya?" Zaneri yelled softly, clear enough for him to hear but not loud enough to disrupt yet another introduction.

(Cute)

(The older ones welcome him)

(with a shriek)

(If he yields to it, he can't be in SEVENTEEN)

He dances to the center full of conviction as he's energized by the loud cheers in the room, everyone's attention solely on him. He gives the audience a cheerful smile while finishing up the choreo. 

(14. Dino) (Performance Team) (Youngest)

(Advantage: 13 older siblings)

(Disadvantage: 13 older siblings)

His introduction finishes on a vibrant note with cheers.

(It took 6 minutes and 10 seconds to introduce all 13 members)

Now that the individual introductions were complete, everyone began moving to their positions to dance to 'Super' except for Minghao, who unfortunately couldn't participate. Zaneri bounced slightly and adjusted her black framed glasses while they waited for the music to start. 

(The Game Caterers with whole SEVENTEEN)

"We never give up!" Dokyeom suddenly shouted just as the chorus rolled in. All the members danced in perfect sync, not one person off beat, which is further proved by their shoes hitting the ground in perfect simultaneity.

They perform like a single unit, not to mention how mesmerizing their sharp and powerful movements are to watch. Zaneri smiled to herself, hearing one of the female writers cheer, it brings her so much joy when their group can put on an amazing performance for others to enjoy. 

It's amazing knowing that from trainee days till now, Seventeen as a group continues to have perfect harmony, and they continue to put in effort into every single one of their performances without ever giving up or calling it quits. 

As the song finishes, all the members strike their final pose with heavy breaths after putting on such an energetic performance. 

(Exclaiming)

The PDs, writers, camera crew, and other staff members all cheered in admiration. The members thanked them for their support as they caught their breath. "Good job, guys!" Zaneri commended rubbing some of their backs comfortingly before going to stand beside Jeonghan, who was calmly clapping at the back.

(Warning: There are elks in the audience)

(Nah the CARAT enjoyed it in the 1st row)

A smooth hand gently tucked behind Zaneri's hair, a curly piece that had fallen from her messy almond colored bun, streaked with molten gold highlights. She turned to Jeonghan, who had a smile on his face, "Are you having fun?" 

"Yeah, as you said, it's always a fun time with all of our members together." She responded, a sweet smile of her own tugging at her lips. Jeonghan nodded and pulled her closer throwing an arm over her shoulders. 

"I'm always right." He added playfully, which earned him a gentle punch to his side. He feigned a wince, though it didn't really hurt, and turned to her with a small pout, to which she just ignored. She turned to him after a minute and tilted her head to the side slightly, "You're annoying."

"You love it when I annoy you." He answered, and she turned away from him with a smile because it was true. She loves his personality and everything about him; he's a premium package.

(Is he bothering you queen?...)

"That was honestly really cool." PD Nah expressed his awe for their performance as the members of Seventeen stood in a line. Everyone was breathing hard, but they were glad they could put on a great performance for the audience.

"I'm tired after the 1st verse." Dokyeom breathed out, his voice breathless. The grunts from the others were also prominent. 

"That was the first time after the music video shoot." Seungkwan voiced, also clearly tired from doing the dance. They agreed with him, as if trying to give a reason as to why they were so tired after doing just a verse of their new song, but it was totally understandable.

(That's how good they are to dance for the first time after the music video shoot)

"Let's say hello," Everyone straightened up as S.Coups started their formal group introduction. "Say the name, SEVENTEEN." and then everyone joined in unison, "Hello, We're SEVENTEEN." They bowed, and a round of cheerful claps rippled through the group, hands coming together in sync. The rest of the crew applauded as well, not only excited to have a fun-filled day with SEVENTEEN but also applauding their diligence and commitment.

"Finally!" Hoshi began, his tone laced with anticipation, followed by Seungkwan echoing the same comment. 

"Finally!"

"As a whole." Dokyeom continued,

"With everyone," Seungkwan said, their dramatic, drawn-out introduction coming to an end. "We're on," He paused for a moment, his gestures exaggerated to create even more suspense. "The Game Caterers!" He finally said, walking to the center with arms high in the sky as the rest of the group cheered happily.

(It's a party for The Game Caterers)

"Thank you for having us," Zaneri spoke up, her voice friendly and polite, bowing as she clapped alongside her members. PD Nah smiled at her and returned the gesture with the same polite and friendly energy.

Seungkwan fanned his face, evidently tired from all he's had to do since they've been here.

(He's getting exhausted fast)

"That was wonderful. Congratulations on your comeback." PD Nah commended, his tone clear and bright. "We're going to have a simple interview," He added, "If you take a rest, we'll prepare the chairs."

The members nodded and clarified they understood as they all branched off to take a break from the lively morning they've had so far. They all thanked the staff for their hard work and their dedication to make sure that Seventeen's time on 'The Game Caterers' is not only exciting but also comfortable and welcoming.

(They never forget to say thank you)

Zaneri walked over to the entrance where their manager stood with a familiar bag and drink in his hands. She thanked him and peeked inside the bag to see a croissant which smelled heavenly, and also took a sip of her everyday latte. Normally, she makes them herself, but today she didn't get the chance to, so their manager offered to buy her one. The croissant is an extra treat.

She set her latte on a cute wooden table beside the entrance and took the croissant from the bag. She then took a bite and moaned as the flavor practically melted on her tongue. The croissant, unfortunately, did not last for a minute as one by one, each member came over and had a piece. 

"Why didn't you ask for more?" S.Coups grumbled as he took the final piece of the croissant. She shrugged and walked over to the bin, throwing away the brown bag it came in. "I don't mind sharing. Besides, how was I supposed to know you guys wanted anything?" Before he could reply, Zaneri took out her phone with a grin.

"I want group pictures, let's go"

(Soon)

Mingyu walked in, seeing fourteen chairs placed neatly in two rows. 'Where do I sit?' he motioned at the chairs, thinking they'd probably have a designated seating arrangement; however, the writer told him to sit wherever he wanted.

"You can sit next to whoever you like." She clarified, and he nodded in understanding. Both he and S.Coups, who came shortly after, sat on opposite sides, furthest away from one another. To others, if they weren't aware of the group dynamic, they might think that S.Coups and Mingyu either don't like each other or have an awkward relationship.

"You don't like each other, do you?" One of the writers asked, and Zaneri, who was walking in to get a seat, grinned at the rightfully asked question. S.Coups denied it quickly with a laugh and an explanation, "I like to stay on this side. I feel better here."

"He's lying; he doesn't like Mingyu." She denied his explanation quickly, and everyone walking in began laughing, including PD Nah and the writers who were sitting in front of them. Zaneri laughed at S.Coups' bewildered expression and then turned to the camera. "I'm joking, guys. They totally love each other."

(Loves to tease her members)

"Sit next to your friends." A female writer stated and Hoshi, who sat beside Woozi, suddenly held onto his hand, which Woozi quickly removed. 

(One way)

Zaneri, who was still deciding where to sit, made eye contact with Mingyu, giving him a cheeky smile, but he looked away quickly, obviously not wanting her to come next to him. Most likely because of her comment this morning. Zaneri happily walked over to Mingyu, sitting beside him, staring directly into his face.

"Mingyu-ah, let's be friends, okay?" She reached out her hand for him to shake. He sighed playfully but shook it regardless. They heard laughing coming from the front, seeing Producer Nah and the writers watching their bizarre interaction. "Is this normal between you two?" One of the writers asked, and the members chimed in.

"It happens every day."

"They argue practically every day."

"They're probably the most sibling-like here."

(Sibling style reconciliation?) 

After a minute, one of the female crew members walked over quickly, placing a white fluffy blanket over Zaneri's denim skirt. She thanked her before she walked away, taking out her phone to scroll through her messages. Jeonghan walked over and took a seat beside Zaneri, who now had her attention on him.

He turned to her, staring at her for a minute before looking down at the drink in her hand. Before she could ask any questions, he held her hand that was holding the latte and brought it up to his lips, drinking some and then letting her hand go. "How is it?" She asked, bringing the drink up to her lips to have a next sip. He wore a thoughtful expression before turning to her with a smile as their eyes met, "It's good, but you make them better."

"Really?" She asked sort of surprised, "Should I open up a cafe?" She looked at him genuinely considering if she should open a cafe or not. He gave a her a fond smile with his hands folded Infront of his chest, watching as she stared at him expectantly. 

"Why not? Just make sure I'm the first customer." 

"I might reach there before you Jeonghan." Mingyu interrupted, giving the two one of his signature toothy grin.

(Zaneri Cafe opening soon)

(You might have to arrive early though, she's probably going to have 13 excited customers there before dawn)

For about five minutes, the members talked amongst themselves. Praising Dokyeom and Joshua for their entertaining entrance, which was no doubt the best among the 14 members. Then, moving on to talk about Dokyeom and Joshua's appearance on 'My Alcohol Diary'. But of course, if two members didn't engage in playful banter, something was off.

Zaneri shook her head lightly as she listened to Seungkwan and Mingyu go back and forth before Jeonghan intervened and put a stop to their conversation.

(The peacemaker comes in)

(This is what SEVENTEEN is like. They renewed their contract. Don't worry)

"They're all waiting for you," Jeonghan told Mingyu who turned around, surprised to see all the crew members patiently waiting to start; however, they didn't seem to mind listening to the 14 members interact.

(We were enjoying listening to you)

"Now," PD Nah began, seemingly ready to begin the interview he mentioned earlier. "Let's start with the simple interview. I'm not going to ask any important questions."

"I love it." Jeonghan cheered softly. Zaneri smiled when she heard the sounds of relief from the other members. She's glad this interview isn't going to consist of important questions and they can just answer freely.

"Good," Minghao uttered with a small smile gracing his lips. "I'm pretty sure you answered those questions in other interviews," PD Nah continued casually, which the other members agreed to.

"After the simple interview, we're here to play games. So the interview doesn't matter." PD Nah's final comment cemented the fact that they didn't have to be too serious while answering the questions nor would they feel pressured to give a good answer.

Everyone was relieved and felt much better going into the interview with this in mind. "Life is game!" DK said suddenly, and Zaneri giggled a bit at his English, not because it was bad or anything, but simply because he was always so random with it.

(Advanced English)

"Let's keep it short and move on." Zaneri sat up straight as PD Nah began the interview section of the day. "Let's start with S.Coups."

(#1. S.COUPS)

"Sure," S.Coups replied.

"Let's start with a simple question. You're the leader." PD Nah pointed out as he read off his script and then looked at S.Coups for further clarification.

"Yes." S.Coups responded with a nervous smile gracing his face. The next question was unexpected, and S.Coups was clearly caught off guard, as were the members, who laughed at the question. "The leader of Seventeen. What's your role in the group?"

(Leader) (Is this an interview)

"Does he do anything?" Woozi chimed in, looking at the rest of the members. Zaneri suppressed a giggle, her shoulders shaking briefly.

"As soon as you got here, you played with a ball." PD Nah commented, Zaneri clapped her hands in amusement as she remembered sitting on the bleachers watching him kick the ball around on the open field.

(We saw you erasing the Seventeen symbol we worked so hard to draw, when you were playing with the ball)

After a second, S.Coups spoke up confidently, "I'm in charge of saying hello."

(Greeting team)

"Show me," Mingyu quipped, and S.Coups immediately demonstrated. "Say the name!"

"SEVENTEEN. Hello, we're Seventeen." All the members said simultaneously and did their signature hand sign. It's natural at this point that whenever their leader starts the greeting, they follow suit.

(Automatic reaction)

(He can make 12 people say hello)

PD Nah and the others watched happily, "So they say it automatically."

"Yes, they say it automatically." S.Coups smiled, answering his question. "He's in charge of 'Say the name'. " Minghao stated.

"When you say hello, everyone relies on the leader." PD Nah noted thoughtfully, to which everyone agreed. "They rely on you mentally."

"A few members made a mistake while saying hi." S.Coups pointed out, "They didn't say it right."

"Did you yell at them?" PD Nah responded. "Ah...but I do that too many times." S.Coups replied playfully.

"So you can't yell at them." PD Nah said, and S.Coups agreed. Then he moved on to the next question he had for S.Coups, "I heard you have a unique habit."

Zaneri looked at PD Nah, intrigued, as he looked at the paper he was holding. "When you go on the internet, you look up your name first?" When he finished the question, everyone stared at him, shocked that he knew that sort of information.

"How did you know?" S.Coups asked shocked, "Wow, you guys really do your homework." Zaneri added on which got a few laughs from PD Nah and the writers.

"Of course, we researched it. We didn't want to meet you unprepared." He replied, Zaneri nodded in understanding, taking a sip of her latte. Now she's really interested to see what he's going to ask her and the rest of the members.

"Why do you do that?" He asked after a moment, "What do you want to know?" As the questions were getting asked, the shy smile on S.Coups' face grew as if he couldn't believe they found out about what he does. "Why do you look up your own name? Can you tell me?"

"Oh," S.Coups began, "Because I'm curious if there are any articles about me." He said after a moment, and the members let out understanding noises, "And, if I type my name, I get articles on SEVENTEEN too."

"I have a question." PD Nah followed up, his gaze curious. "If you're curious about Seventeen, then you should look up Seventeen."

Everyone laughed, and Zaneri could already guess the answer that S.Coups was going to give. "I move to Seventeen after me. I love myself first and love Seventeen."

"Ah, you love yourself first and the team." PD Nah echoed with disbelief laced in his tone. "Yes," S.Coups replied proudly, and a few members laughed at his comment.

"Among us, he's the first one to know how the fans feel or how the situation is going," Seungkwan added lightly, and all the members nodded in acknowledgment.

"He gets information the fastest." Dokyeom slipped in, "Because he looks it up?" PD Nah questioned.

"Yes," A few members replied, "He can really find out what we're doing just by searching us up," Zaneri added, pointing at S.Coups.

"The social media team in Seventeen." Vernon joked, "He's faster than HYBE social media team." Seungkwan joined.

"He's really fast," Mingyu stated.

"Okay. S.Coups, when I ask others questions, if there's anything you know, please share your information with me." PD Nah smoothly interrupted and nodded at S.Coups.

"Okay, I'll add to it right away."

"Was there anything you found in your recent search?" PD Nah wondered, and everyone turned to S.Coups, curious as to if he had found something and what that might have been.

(curious meerkats)

"When I looked up my name, I only saw articles on Seventeen's pre-order sales and the album sales." S.Coups responded.

(They recorded the highest early sales)

All the members exclaimed expectantly, "How is it compared to previous albums?" PD Nah questioned curiously.

S.Coups looked up thoughtfully for a moment before adorning a shy but pleased smile, "We're successful."

All the members cheered at the great news regarding their pre-album sales. "That's good to hear." PD Nah replied with a smile of his own.

"The next question is for Jeonghan." PD Nah progressed smoothly, truly a seasoned variety host.

(#2. JEONGHAN)

"I'm getting nervous." Jeonghan turned to Zaneri, a nervous laugh leaving his lips. Zaneri brushed her fingers against his gently, "You'll be fine. Besides, it's not a serious interview, just have fun."

He gave her a grateful smile and turned to PD Nah as he was getting into the first question, "You sang 'Super' only briefly. You didn't sing the whole song."

"Yes," Jeonghan verified, sitting up.

"You sang the highlight. I noticed Jeonghan was out of breath afterwards." PD Nah pointed out and some of the members including Jeonghan himself started laughing.

"I thought your nickname was human battery." PD Nah began, "Let me ask you, from 1 - 100, where are you at now?" He finished.

"Right now," Jeonghan thought for a moment, "Maybe 8?" he replied and everyone stared at him in shock.

"Hannie, 8? as in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8?" She furrowed her eyebrows, counting on her fingers, baffled yet uneasy. "Would you like more of my latte?"

(Concerned)

"8? You've used up 92?" PD Nah was clearly shocked as his jaw literally fell when he heard Jeonghan's answer. The question from earlier seemed to finally click as a look of understanding could be seen on Jeonghan's face.

"Oh, up to 100. I thought you said 10." He explained amidst everyone's shock and laughter. "About 80%."

"That's pretty high." Dokyeom acknowledged, and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. "It's too early to shoot." He continued his explanation.

"I agree," Zaneri whispered with a sigh.

(The battery dies fast in the morning)

"Did you lose 20% just by going to the hair salon?" PD Nah questioned lightheartedly.

"I did. So I divide it." Jeonghan verified, "Little by little." He said whilst he pushed some of his hair behind his ears.

"You have to save it for later." PD Nah replied, understanding.

"Yes," Jeonghan said, seemingly happy that PD Nah understands.

(He's always on power saving mode)

PD Nah reached behind him and held up a Ziploc bag with sweets and another bag of sweets, stretching them out for Jeonghan to receive. Jeonghan walked over to him and gratefully took both unexpected gifts.

"Thank you."

(A passerby CARAT got them snacks)

After hearing that comment, some of the members looked at PD Nah surprised.

"Really?" Joshua exclaimed surprised but a hint of excitement could be heard.

"Aww, that's so sweet." Zaneri cooed, her gaze softening as she stared at the gifts Jeonghan received.

"That's from Carat?" Seungkwan asked, surprised.

(The mafia Carat)

"There are Carats everywhere." PD Nah responded, "Maybe there's one in here."

"Thank you." Jeonghan smiled warmly.

(Carats, raise your heads and check your faces)

"Oh, I also heard this." PD Nah followed up, his gaze held interest as he looked at Jeonghan.

"You have two questions?" Jeonghan quipped, moving in his chair slightly. A few members laughed at his playful question.

"You're Seventeen's mother." PD Nah started again, "You're Seventeen's counselor. That's what the rumor says."

The members let out sounds of agreement as Jeonghan really does play a big part in keeping Seventeen together and making sure everyone's mentally and physically well.

"I don't do much in the team," Jeonghan responded humbly, but was quickly met with the members' strong disagreements.

"Do you hear yourself?" Zaneri asked him incredulously, "You do way more than you give yourself credit for, don't downplay yourself." She scolded him gently. The members nodded in agreement.

(No one would take that)

"So I decided to listen to them at least. I thought I should listen to what they have to say." Jeonghan clarified, "So I listened to them and became their counselor."

"Who's your golden child lately?" PD Nah asked curiously, using the yellow finger on top of the stick to motion between the members. Everyone looked at him, anticipating what his reply would be.

"Lately, Dino is..."

(The golden child)

"He drinks every day." Jeonghan said, and Dino quickly disagreed, his tone strong, "They keep saying that, but it's not true." Zaneri clicked her tongue, tilting her head shortly, obviously not believing him.

"Zan-ah, are you trying to completely ruin my image?" Dino asked earnestly, the whole room now filled with laughter. She stretched across Mingyu and playfully apologized to Dino who was beside him.

(The golden child is getting worked up)

"He seemed upset lately." Jeonghan stated.

"Aren't you the youngest?" PD Nah questioned, turning to Dino.

"Yes," He verified.

"Did something upset you?" PD Nah asked curiously, and Zaneri sighed, because she knew exactly where the conversation was heading.

Dino didn't miss a beat as he immediately spoke his mind, "Actually, lately, I had a fight with Seungkwan." He motioned to Seungkwan, who had an incredulous look on his face. The mention of the fight between them had all of the members laughing

(Attack)

"They had a fight." S.Coups interjected with a grin of his own, most likely excited to hear the retelling of the petty fight between Dino and Seungkwan.

"We had a fight, and we kept talking to Jeonghan about it." Seungkwan responded. Jeonghan, who was listening closely, opened the bag of sweets and rolled up his sleeve, ready to add his comment.

"Are you getting tired already?" PD Nah looked at him, bewildered, his shocked tone making some of the members laugh.

"No, no," Jeonghan assured, "I need to recharge twenty percent." He chucked, tossing one of them into his mouth. "My heart is beating so fast."

(When the interview is delayed, Jeonghan's HP drops by 5)

PD Nah's attention shifted back to Dino, "Why did you fight?"

"Because he didn't get me anything for my birthday." Everyone started laughing at the petty reason for their fight. Zaneri knew it was petty, but honestly, she'd probably be upset too; it doesn't have to be anything expensive. It's the thought that counts, right?

"That was the main reason?" Dokyeom asked, puzzled, and the members who knew confirmed that it was in fact the main reason for their fight.

"Really?" Vernon questioned, shocked.

(Everyone knows they had a fight)

"On the show, I said he should look forward to my gift for his birthday, but I hadn't bought it yet." Seungkwan uttered softly, providing further explanation.

"But he said he bought it already, and I should wait for it." Dino butted in. "If he didn't say it, I wouldn't have looked forward to it." Zaneri nodded in understanding, "I didn't say anything, but every time he was on the show, he kept saying he'll get me a gift."

"But on my birthday, he didn't say anything. I wondered if he was using me for the show." Dino finished, his voice low and accusing. All the members around let out sounds of understanding with a hint of sarcasm. Finally getting the full picture.

(Tragic end)

"No wonder he was upset." Dokyeom acknowledged with sarcastic pity.

"He only talked about it on shows?" Hoshi asked, more to add fuel to the fire than to sympathize.

"The reason I drank was you!" Dino pointed at Seungkwan, his voice rising a bit with a playfully accusatory tone.

(You made me drink) (Dino's tear button)

Zaneri turned to look at Seungkwan, placing a hand on his knee. He kept silent licking his lips like he had something to say but before he could say anything Jeonghan spoke up.

"Seungkwan came to me drunk. He said Dino was disappointed big time. He was preparing something nice." He said, smoothing things out, "They worked it out."

"He got me a real nice gift," Dino revealed.

"It worked out because Jeonghan listened to us." Seungkwan pointed out, praising Jeonghan's mediator skills.

"So did you get it?" Mingyu asked turning to Dino.

"I did. It was a very nice one." Dino nodded happily.

"I wonder what it is." PD Nah questioned, eager to know the gift that Seungkwan bought Dino.

"He got me a jacket. It's a jean jacket." He replied, feeding everyone's curiosity, "He said he bought the style I liked 10 years ago."

"But I don't like it anymore." He said seriously and everyone began laughing at his final comment.

"It was still five times more expensive than the gift you got me." Seungkwan began. Again.

(2nd battle begins)

"The price doesn't matter," Dino replied with a grin, his body fully turned in Seungkwan's direction.

"I went to Galleria for that." Seungkwan argued.

Zaneri sighed, drinking her latte as she listened to the two do their daily back-and-forth banter. Jeonghan took a sweet from the bag, offering it to her. She took it with a warm smile and thanked him.

"Let's stop here," Dino said, interrupting whatever Seungkwan was going to bring up next.

"You never stop fucking complaining," Seungkwan uttered with a mocking smile. Everyone laughed at the unexpected comment, which would no doubt get blocked out in the released version.

(Mic drop) (Used to it)

"After the shoot today, there'll be a line in front of your room, Jeonghan." PD Nah joked, turning to Jeonghan, who smiled and nodded his head, "They're welcome anytime."

"Okay. Good luck with that." PD Nah smiled.

"This is funny." Mingyu turned to Zaneri, grinning. "I can't wait for everyone else." She responded with a grin of her own.

PD Nah's gaze fell to the paper he held before looking at Joshua, "Joshua. I have a question for you."

(#3. JOSHUA)

"When we met last time, I thought you were an upright guy." PD Nah began, "You're calm, nice and you're good-looking."

"He was faking it." Jeonghan, S.Coups, and Zaneri interrupted, all three smiling, knowing the true nature of the gentleman of their group.

"That's the impression I got that day." PD Nah continued, "I thought you were a polite and nice guy."

"You're right about that." Joshua shamelessly said, leaning forward with full confidence. Everyone started laughing at his comment as PD Nah stared at him, shocked.

(Blinking)

"You saw through me," Joshua added pointing to himself.

"He never says no." Dokyeom chimed in, resting a hand on Joshua's shoulder from behind.

"You really have no shame," Zaneri uttered, her eyes widening slightly in mock disbelief as she looked in Joshua's direction. Everyone began laughing again at Zaneri's comment, as she sat there now staring ahead, still baffled.

(Baffled at his shamelessness)

"That's how I saw you. But according to my informants, apparently that's never who you are." PD Nah stated, and Joshua laughed at the comment.

"You're not just slightly mad, but completely mad." Zaneri nodded her head earnestly, sharing the same sentiment about Joshua.

"It was evident in the opening." Woozi pointed out.

"You were walking around with your legs spread." Mingyu added to Woozi's comment.

Joshua wore a soft expression as he sighed for a moment before speaking, "I kind of want to be funny."

"More than before." Dokyeom added.

"I was rather discouraged in the past. But now they support me. That makes me want to do something." Joshua explained, "I think that's how I got those rumors."

A quiet snort left her lips after hearing Joshua's explanation, but his saying that the crazy side people talk about is just a rumor is what really got her.

"I think that's a general problem in Seventeen." PD Nah pointed out and some of the members started laughing. "Why be funny?"

(Is that really necessary?)

"I've never seen a group want to be funny this bad." He continued, and everyone started laughing. Seungkwan and Zaneri suddenly interrupted, ready to object.

(Objection)

"You should think before you speak. You created the opening song for us." Seungkwan started first, "We couldn't just walk in."

"Exactly!" Joshua and Zaneri agreed.

"How could we ignore it when you gave us so much pressure?"

"We felt like we had to do something," Dokyeom added.

"'Show what you've got.' " Dino said.

"Not to mention the HYBE special," Zaneri turned to PD Nah making eye contact, "Even as just an audience member, it was giving very much," Zaneri paused for a moment, standing up,--Jeonghan holding the blanket for her--she pretended to hold a mic with a sickly sweet smile on her face.

" 'Don't feel pressured, but just know that you have to be funny or else, this whole thing is going to be boring and no one is going to watch. But of course, don't feel pressured and have fun!' " Zaneri finished, and the room was filled with laughter and cheers as the members and crew agreed with her comment.

"Right!" Some of them echoed with laughter, still flooding the room. Zaneri sat down, and Jeonghan placed the blanket back onto her lap, fixing it, a grin on his face still present from Zaneri's impersonation.

(We just wanted Seventeen to be free)

"Exactly! I couldn't be like," Seungkwan said, pausing before getting up and doing an awkward greeting. "Hello"

(For example)

"We had to do this," Seungkwan added, doing Joshua's exaggerated 'AJU NICE' intro dance. "I'm saying we'll continue doing our best," he finished, going back to his seat with a reassuring voice.

PD Nah and the others sat there smiling brightly, listening to the members explain why they need to be funny. "A lot of Carats love you for that reason."

(Back to Joshua)

"The man who doesn't match his kind face." The members stared ahead as they looked at pictures of Joshua's unique habit, which involves drenching himself in water.

(It's hard to believe, but it wasn't a penalty)

(It wasn't even a challenge. He just wanted to do it)

"I like water," Joshua commented with a gentle voice.

"You can't wait to go into water," Dino added, amused, as he listened to Joshua explain his unique habit.

"Right." Joshua agreed with a smile.

"There's water right here." Dino pointed out and Joshua looked down to see his water bottle beside the leg of his chair.

"Shall we start fresh?" Mingyu teased, and Zaneri scooted closer to Jeonghan to hopefully avoid getting splashed if Joshua truly decided to go through with Mingyu's suggestion. She wouldn't put it past him if she's being honest.

"It's too early. I'll show you later." He responded, and Zaneri let out a relieved sigh, thankful he didn't decide to drench himself in water yet again.

(He never said he won't do it)

"I noticed when you opened it, people around you were like," PD Nah paused, demonstrating some of the members bracing themselves and moving away.

(Social distancing)

"Even Zaneri, who's at the corner, inched further away." One of the female writers pointed out with a laugh.

Zaneri nodded with a now relaxed posture, "Shua is unpredictable. You have to be careful around him."

A few members began laughing and letting out sounds of agreement.

"He looked like he was going to do it for real." Hoshi said, still laughing.

Joshua suddenly held up the bottle and tilted it a bit, "I'm ready to pour it on me." He jokingly said.

"No, no, not right now." Jun said hurriedly.

(Someone has to stop him)

(Hair team is on standby with a dryer)

"Zaneri's right. He's dangerous, he might really do it." Woozi commented, fixing his white shirt. Joshua corked the water after taking a sip, giving a smile to the camera.

(Let's hope he keeps this look until the end)

"Next is Jun," PD Nah moved on. "I'm here," Jun replied, sitting forward, ready for his questions.

(#4. JUN)

"I'm here." Vernon mimicked behind him, finding Jun's reply funny.

"We've met before." PD Nah stated.

(He was on HYBE special)

"You played the game quietly last time." He continued, "After that, the comments said, 'That's not how he is.' 'There's been a misunderstanding. He's noisy.' " He repeated the comments, reading off the script.

"Some said that. Is that true?" PD Nah asked curiously, Jun seemed to collect his thoughts for a moment before speaking, "There were a lot of people I've never met before."

Zaneri hummed in understanding. Jun isn't the type to act all crazy and outgoing when he's around unfamiliar people compared to how he is with them.

"It wasn't just us. There were other singers from my agency. So I stayed calm." He explained why he seemed so different on the special compared to how his fans see him normally.

"He wanted to look cool." Joshua chimed in, jokingly. "Since he's a senior, he wanted to look cool.

(The world outside of the self-produced content is dangerous)

"Everyone there was young, so I pretended to be a big brother," Jun revealed part of his reasoning for sort of dulling his eccentric personality.

(He is a big brother)

(He sat there like a big brother)

"You should've seen him that day." Seungkwan commented, his voice light and everyone looked towards him curiously, "Do you know how condescending he was?"

(Getting interesting)

Everyone stared at him, interested in where he was heading with this. He then demonstrated how the others normally greeted people and then said, "Because of a few people who pretended to be cool..."

He trailed off and did a mock serious greeting, imitating Jun, and everyone began laughing, "That's totally something Jun would do." Zaneri laughed, replaying Seungkwan's imitation in her head.

"Who did that?" A few members teased, already knowing the prime suspect.

"We needed at least one sane person," Jun argued, trying to defend his out-of-character behavior. "The whole team isn't normal!"

(Extraordinary summit)

That comment really had laughs rippling through not just the members but the game caterers crew as well.

"We need at least one normal person," Jun argued again.

Seungkwan looked around confused before staring at Jun, "Why are you getting mad at me?"

(Not normal pt. 1)

"Why are we not normal?" Dokyeom asked in one of his exaggerated voices, "Why are you saying we're not normal?" S.Coups added on laughing, clearly finding this conversation funny.

The room was getting increasingly more chaotic as more people started talking and never ending laughter only getting louder.

"What makes us not normal?" Joshua spoke up, directing his question to the accuser, Jun.

"Watch it again," Jun replied, his own laugh bubbly.

(Who's not normal?)

(Watch Going Seventeen for the answer)

The laughter quieted down momentarily.

(Anyway, Jun is quiet depending on the situation)

⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆

Next on the ‘Game Caterers 2 x SEVENTEEN’ ʚଓ (1-2)

⤷𐙚 Masterlist

[xetlynn]

arcane imagines- claggor

don’t go

[arcane] [main page] 🔞⚠️content warning⚠️🔞: SMUT prompt: Claggor is jealous of an old friend of yours who rarely comes into town. He doesn't hide it either. containing: afab reader, fem receiving oral, unprotected sex, pull out method, vanilla tbh.

“I’ll be right back.” Claggor tells you, going off further into the market to get the both of you drinks as you were looking over artwork. “Okay, I’ll be waiting!” You beam, now left alone to admire everything. 

The two of you have been flirting for a while, it honestly feels like a game of tag. The only reason he’s at the market with you is because you lied about needing a new mirror for your room and needed someone to carry it for you. You’ve been waiting for this man to make it official. Or at least end this so you can move on with your life. You knew for a fact though that you weren’t going to be the one to say a single thing. 

As you were looking over a booth full of mirrors of all different shapes and sizes you felt someone come up from behind you. Confidently thinking it’s Claggor you turn around with a grin. “I think this is the one- oh… Caspian?” You furrow your eyebrow. “[Name], I was hoping I was right when I saw you!” He laughs, opening his arms expecting an embrace. You eye him up and down but then eventually give into it. Squeezing him. “I haven’t seen you in forever!” You exclaim excitedly. 

“Yeah, been off doing random quests.” He jokes, pulling away with a lopsided smile. “Right, how has that been?” You fold your arms, curious to know. “Eh, y’know. A lot, maybe I can tell you over dinner. Tonight?” He boldly asks and you purse out your lips. 

You really didn’t have anything to do. You were kind of hoping to have a night with Claggor but you also haven’t seen Caspian in three years. You can always spend time with the boy tomorrow. With Caspian you never know when he’s going to stay or leave town. With a shrug of your shoulders you answer him. “Yeah, I know the perfect place to go!” You say, pulling out a little notebook and pencil from your bag you scribble down the address before ripping the page and handing it to him. 

You didn’t see Claggor there, holding both yours and his drinks with a scrunched, annoyed expression. Slowly making his way over as the two of you talked. “Hey! Who’s this?” Claggor speaks up, handing you your drink and you thank him with a cheerful countenance, immediately taking a sip of the beverage. 

“This is Caspian, the one friend I told you about! He travels overseas.” You remind him, subconsciously leaning into his arm. Your friend notices this between the two of you and holds back a small grimace. “Ah, sorry, don’t really remember. I’m Claggor.” He sticks his hand out, the boy in front of both of you places a fake smile upon his lips. Taking Claggor’s hand bitterly. Giving it a rough grip. “Nice to meet you, who are you to [Name]?” 

“[Name]’s… boyfriend.” He hesitantly answers and your eyes widen, utterly shocked by the words. “Oh no way, man. Congrats to the both of you. I was just telling [Name] here how we should chat over dinner tonight.” Caspian finally rips his hand away from Claggor’s. Both men seething with irritation. 

“Really?” Claggor glances down at you and you nod your head. “You should come! It’d be so fun!” You gleam, taking another gulp of your drink. Oblivious to the two’s behavior as you’re still caught up in the fact that Claggor called himself your boyfriend. “Ah, we’d understand if you couldn’t though.” Caspian comments, only adding fuel to the fire. 

“I’ll be there. No worries about that!” Claggor stands up straight, he toward over your friend. “Great! Can’t wait to see the both of you later tonight then. Say, 6pm?” He cocks his head to the side and you nod your head. “Perfect! See you then, Cas!” You say as he’s already walking away. You turn around back to the mirror you had your eyes on. 

Claggor watches your demeanour, did him calling himself your boyfriend scare you off? Was that an idiotic move? Did he ruin this between the both of you? 

But those thoughts quickly disperse at the next couple of words that exit out your muzzle. “So, boyfriend of mine, carry this mirror for me.” You teasingly smack his arm, pointing to the object with your drink in hand. He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re fine with it?” He questions and you stick the tip of your tongue out as you pretend to think. “Mmm, I’d like to be properly asked out but I’m fine with it.” You hint to him as you head over to the booth owner, giving them money for the mirror before leaving. 

Claggor carrying the body mirror in one arm as the other is snaked around your waist. Listening to you yap about how excited you are for later tonight. Only causing his chest to ping with jealousy. He doesn’t know why, genuinely he’s not a jealous person. But seeing you with Caspian who was clearly trying to flirt with you just… bothered him. 

And as you unlock the door to your apartment, letting him in first and you tell him to just place the mirror down against the wall. Needing to figure out a good place to put it in your room. 

“Want to hang out until tonight?” You offer, throwing your bag on your couch as you head to your kitchen. “Of course I do.” He scoffs, awkwardly standing in your living room as if he hadn’t been here plenty of times. 

“No need to be so sassy.” You giggle, searching around in your fridge, boredly. You didn’t know what to do, with a sigh you closed the door. Standing straight up to now see Claggor behind you. “Have you ever had feelings for Casper?” He tilts his head and you give a confused guise.

 “Caspian? Haha! Are you jealous?” You poke his side. Going to move past him but he doesn’t let you. “Answer the question, Angel.” He lowly orders and you look taken aback at first but then you attempt to hold a smirk threatening to appear on your lips. “So what if I have?” You ask with an “innocent” expression. 

“I don’t want to go to the dinner.” He suddenly pouts, his strong standing demeanor suddenly vanishing. You chuckle, holding onto his arm. “Claggor, I have never felt a single romantic feeling for Caspian. He’s a friend and nothing more. But if you don’t want to go to dinner tonight. That’s okay.” You pat his chest, finally able to move around him, heading back to the living room. 

A frown still graces his face as he follows after you. “But you’d still be going?” He inquires and you look back at him with raised eyebrows. “Yes.” 

“Could I change your mind?” He traces a hand up and down your forearm and shivers shoot through you. “And how would you do that?” You ask, intrigued now. “It would be worthwhile… I promise.” He takes your hand, lifting it to his lips. 

You bite your bottom lip. “Your jealousy is making you think very lewd… things.” You whisper as his lips now hover over your own. Your breathing was ragged and racing. “Not my jealousy, only you.” He disagrees before pulling you into a kiss. Closing the gap in a quick motion. You gasp against his mouth. 

The two of you have kissed before, it was always short and sweet. Nerves within the both of you always cut things before it could lead into something further. You lift yourself up, holding onto his shoulders as your leg swings to the other side of him. Now straddling his lap. 

Your lips lock with one another, impatient and expectant of more. Your hands glide up his neck to his hair as his own grasp onto your hips. Subtly roaming down… and down… until they’re holding your ass. You giggle into the kiss, peaking an eye open. Feeling his own smug smile against your lips. 

Your perk your ass out even more, indicating that you wanted more but it also causes your core to gingerly rub against his already semi-boner. He grunts quietly from the friction. You feel it too, it was too pleasurable to not do it again. Discreetly you make your hips rock back and forth, lolling onto him. 

Your fingers massaged into his scalp, feeling through his hair as you continue to grind your pelvis over his clothed private. His large hands knead your doughy, globular ass, finding true enjoyment in it. He can’t help but think how Casper… or whatever his name was would love to be in his position right now. 

You withdraw from his mouth, puffing out air as your eyes examine his face. “I need you.” You murmur, pecking his parted lips. “Need me?” He quizzes as you fervently, eagerly nod your head. “Mhm, please.” You mewl out, plantering kisses all over his jaw. “So greedy.” He pops his hips up to get closer to the edge of the couch. You let out a small noise at the movement causing him to smirk. “Let’s go to the room. More comfortable.” He holds the bottom of your thighs. His fingers were close to your aching cunt. 

You nod your head but you go straight to his neck, ambushing it with kisses and little suckles. Definitely leaving faint marks. 

Entering your room he lays you down on your bed but your legs still wrap around his waist. Your hips in the air. He laughs at you and you reach your arms up. “I wasn’t done!” You complain but he just gently pushes your wrists away, throwing his shirt off. 

Your mouth shuts, you want to clench your thighs together but can’t. 

You do the same, ripping your own shirt off, not wasting time as your bra goes with it. He gawks down at your naked chest as you proudly show it off. “Touch me.” You whine, wiggling your hips on his. He obliges, leaning down to give you what you want. His hands go straight to the mounds on your chest. His mouth latching onto your nipples as well. Taking turns with the both of them. You lay your head back on the bed. Closing your eyes at the feeling. 

He was subtly rutting his hips against you like before and moans escape past your lips. 

“So pretty” He mumbles, his hands sliding down your body to your pants. “I want to take these off.” He huffs, forcing you to release your hold on him with your legs. He roughly yanks the clothing off, not even a warning before he does it. You were bewildered by the boy. You haven’t seen him act so… horny before. He’s teased you on countless occasions, but he was so respectful. Tasteful? Right now he is full of yearning and ferventness. 

Your legs were still spread to either side of him so he could fit perfectly between them. Giving him the view of his dreams. He didn’t give you time before his face was right in front of your soaked pussy. You lifted your head to stare down at you. Claggor peers up to you before smiling. 

“Can I?” He asks and you glare at him. “Don’t make me wait. It’s rude.” You sternly tell him. Partly joking but mainly serious. You were antsy now. There was no backing out. There was no stalling. You wanted it. Needed it even. And so did he. So without skipping a bit he dives into his delicious meal ahead of him. 

His tongue swirls over your folds and your hands immediately find their way to his hair. “I’m so glad you got jealous!” You cry as he begins to eat you out. 

It felt like whatever you thought of heaven to be like. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Toes curling. You wanted to feel angry with how he held this from you. The magic of his mouth. You truly were ecstatic that he couldn’t handle his own grown boy emotions of being jealous of a childhood friend of yours. 

He hums into your pussy at your words, grumbling about what you had just said to him. 

But even with how good it felt you had to push his face away from your cunt. “I need you inside me, I can’t handle it.” You roll your hips forward, almost off of the mattress and he snickers at your neediness. “I need to prep you, angel.” His thumb rubbed up and down your thigh and you jut out your bottom lip. “I can take it. Promise.” 

He clicks his tongue, bearing his teeth. “As much as I want to, no, [Name].” He shakes his head and your face falls in disappointment. His mouth was coaxed with your juices and his eyes fell back down to the reason for it. “I’ll be quick” He swears as his fingers go to your cunny. 

His middle and ring delicately sliding down from your clit to your hole. Purposely antagonizing you by being slow. 

As his digits enter inside you his tongue reattaches to your clit. Playing with it. His fingers scissoring inside of you, stretching out your walls. 

Your liquids make squelching noises, starting off quiet but growing ever-so-quickly. He focused on your gratifying spots. Hooked on them, not giving them a break. He learned and adapted quickly to you. Studying every fidget, every moan from your vocals, every twitch of your cunt. Educating himself on what you enjoy. And what’s going to get you closer to your sweet, sweet release. 

“Sweet angel, that feel good?” He mutters against you and you let out an incomprehensible bunch of words. Nonetheless answering his question though. Your muscles tightened in your thighs as you held them in the air. Tummy flexing and you wanted to scream out from how you feel. 

“I- ‘most there!” You squeal, your nails puncturing your own skin on your hips as you hold yourself. “Good girl, cum all over my fingers.” His fingers thrust in and out of you, going back to sucking on your nub. “F-fucking- idont- mmm…” You babbled consistently, not able to do anything else as your body squirmed the closer your orgasm approached. 

And as that wave hit, you were seeing stars. Your mouth held open, the air in your throat not even able to exit. Your cheeks are flushed and warm. 

And even as you cum he’s lapping up every ounce of it. Not letting any of it go to waste. 

As you calm down from what felt like a once in a lifetime ejaculation you lay there almost lifeless. Numb to his mouth that wasn’t letting up. “Claggor…” Your hands grasp at him, weakly shoving him away. “S-stop…” You whine. 

“Alright, angel.” He coos, going back up, kissing you sweetly as his hands worked on pulling his pants down. “Before I give you what you want… Tell me we’re not going to that dinner tonight.” He gazes down at you and suddenly the post-orgasm drunkenness you felt completely dispersed. Your eyes landing on him. “What?” 

“I don’t want you to go.” He tells you truthfully and you giggle. “Claggor… fuck me and I’ll give you an answer.” You wrap your legs around him and push him forward. His weight landing atop of you and you grin. “[Name], but I said-”

“Fuck, Clags. Please.” You interrupt him. 

He couldn’t deny you at that. Swiftly he pulls his cock out. Spitting in his hand before rubbing it on his member. “There we go~” You sing, mouth watering at the sight as he lifts himself back up to line up with your tight, glistening hole. 

He scoffs but still gifts you precisely what you crave and wish for. Sheathing inside of you, inch by inch. 

Your walls clenching and unclenching on him. He swallowed down roughly at the feeling. Still tasting you on his tongue. Once fully inside of you he keeps himself in place until you tell him to move. 

And as those words hit his ears he’s moving at a delectable pace. And as he does his hands roam all over you. Squeezing all over your curves. Getting to feel what he only thought he could imagine in his mind. Getting to experience it was something he had only wished for. 

Your smaller hands grasp onto his. Bringing them to your chest. His eyes were dark, glossed over as he admired every inch of you. Your eyes were shut, it was too much. 

“Look at me, please- wanna see your beautiful eyes.” He begs, squishing your boobs within his hands. Kneading and playing with them. You did as told, sheepishly smiling up at him. His heart fluttered and the only thing he could think to do is forcefully kiss you. Lifting your left leg over his shoulder. 

“Deep! ‘S deep, Clags!” You sob, claw at his arms. “Sh-shit! You’re really squeezing me, angel.” He groaned, this angle had him fighting for his life. 

“S-sorry…” You mewl, bringing your other leg over his other shoulder. Having a hard time keeping it in the air yourself. “Gonna cum soon, where do you want me?” He grunts as he asks you, sweat dripping from his forehead. 

“My mouth, wanna taste you.” You say, and seconds later you feel empty. Your hole gaping, clenching onto nothing. 

You hurriedly get off the bed, sitting on your knees, mouth open for him. Your own hand went to your pussy, swirling around your clit to reach another high. Your eyes were closed as you await Claggor. 

Tongue on display, he jerks himself off. “O-oh fuck!’ He crumbles forward as his semen spurts out. Velvet ropes of cum splattering your face. Barely hitting your tongue where it was supposed to go. 

At the same time your body trembles at your own orgasm. You smile as you lick up the cum around your mouth. 

As he catches his breath, he looks down at you. Now embarrassed at what he did as his ejaculation was in your hair and all over your beautiful face. Your already drenched fingers go and wipe at some of it. Putting it in your mouth and you sucked on them. 

“T’s real good.” You inform him, standing from your spot and plopping down on the bed. He joins you with a huff. “Sorry, gonna have to thoroughly wash that out.” He tried to pick it out of your hair and you laughed. “Guess we might miss that dinner then.” You say with a knowing smile and he perks up. He looks over at the time and it’s only 3. 

He knits his eyebrows together, confused. 

“I thought you wanted to go?” He quizzes and you shrug your shoulders. “Found something more worthwhile.” You press a lip to his cheek. Getting his nut onto his face. 

You were going to have to call Caspian, hoping that he has the same phone number and let him know you weren’t going to make it. 

[aleksatia]

April Just Plans 🌷

First off — massive thanks to everyone for the reblogs, comments, likes, and requests. Last month’s activity was honestly insane (in the best way possible) and I’m beyond grateful! 💛💛💛 All of your support really fuels me to keep writing more of those delicious little stories. I always stick to one rule: only write what I’d want to read myself. So! With that in mind, here’s a little peek at what I’ve got planned for April:

🎵 Songfic Game

🌷"Six Days" Series

✅ Posted: Xavier Solo Story (Sequel)

📝 Planned: Rafayel Solo Story (Sequel)

📝 Planned: Sylus Solo Story (Sequel)

💌 Solo stories for Caleb and Zayne haven’t really been requested, so for now I’m not planning to write any (even though I adore them both — especially Caleb). I’m feeling like it’s time to step away from "6 Days" for a bit and explore something new.

✅ Posted: As a continuation–slash–alternative for all the LADs from “6 Days”, you can check this one out. It’s a bit AU, written by request.

🌷"After You, there was nothing" Series

✅ Posted: Sylus Solo Story

✅ Posted: Rafayel Solo Story

✅ Posted: Caleb Solo Story

✅ Posted: Zayne Solo Story

📝 Planned: Xavier Solo Story

🌷Your Requests:

📝 Planned: "One Day for You, Years for Him" — angst/drama with time skip

✅ Posted: "Not How We Planned It" — pregnancy trope with high-stakes birth: Drabbles | Xavier's Part

📝 Planned: "Something That Wears Her Face" (wanderer-mimic)

✅ Posted: Five Times the Kitchen Caught Fire (and So Did They)

📝 Planned: What-if: Energy Drink Overdose

📝 Planned: What-if: Nervous Breakdown at Caleb’s Grave (and of course, he finds you)

Any new requests will be added to my May lineup — I’ve got work and other things going on too 🙃

[bullet-prooflove]

Boo Fucking Hoo: Frank Langdon x Reader

Tagging: @kmc1989 @julessworldd @yousigned-upforthis @travelingmypassion @julius-ceasar

Companion piece to:

Hypocrite - Frank struggles to make amends for a past wrongs.

Crash - Almost getting you fired wasn't the lowest point of Frank's addiction.

Rock Bottom - Frank hits rock bottom when he sees the devastation his addiction's caused.

Little Black Dress - Frank starts to spiral when he realises you're dating.

Every Damn Day - A drunk text leads to a confession.

Wet Dream (NSFW) - Frank sometimes dreams about the life you had together.

War Stories - A realisation about your coping habits leads you to Frank's door.

The Three Cs - Frank and you finally discuss your issues and pave away towards the future.

The Wall - A date at the climbing wall leads to a revelation from Frank.

Commitment - You create a fun way of showing Frank your commitment to the relationship.

All In (NSFW) - You and Frank take a big step forward.

Slut (NSFW) - Frank gets a little bratty after a bad day.

Nightmare Fuel - Frank's been waiting for the fall to come.

The fight starts when the partner of one of your SA patients attacks you outside by the ambulance bay. You don’t see it coming, you’re too busy scrolling through your phone, catching up on the group chat when you’re slammed against the brick work of the building. Your head bounces off the wall, your phone shattering on the concrete, as a huge hand encloses around your throat, choking off your air supply. Something warm trickles down the back of your neck, blood you assume from a scalp laceration.

“She fucking left me.” A man you’ve never met before spits in your face, his fingers dig into your tender flesh as his grip tightens and stars dance across your vision. “I wanna know where the fuck she is.”

This, you think, this is why we shouldn’t put staff pictures on the website.

You have absolutely no clue who he’s talking about. You’ve examined dozens of women over the past couple of weeks and 50% of their injuries were due to partner violence.

You rasp something and his grasp loosens as he leans in close struggling to hear you. “Spit it out bitch.”

“Go to hell.” You snarl, smashing the crown of your head into his nose just like you were taught in self-dense class. A loud crunch erupts through the air as he reels backwards, blood ejecting from his nose. You follow up with a knee strike, driving it into his groin so hard that he’ll be singing soprano for the rest of his life. His knees go out from underneath him and he crumples to the floor, one hand cupping his balls, the other cradling his broken nose.

“Not so fucking fun when they fight back is it asshole?” You hiss, your throat raw from the choking. “I don’t know who the fuck she is but I’m glad she had the strength to put you in her rear view.”  

“You fucking bitch, I think you ruptured something!” He curses at you, his cheek pressed against the concrete, beaten and helpless.

“Boo fucking hoo.” You respond as the automatic doors hiss behind you open and Ahmed, the security officer rushes out into the bay.

“I saw the whole thing on the screens.” He informs you pointedly, snatching up the radio off his belt. You know what that means, he’s got the footage to back you up when this asshole inevitably tries to sue you. He presses the button down on his radio, holding it up to his mouth. “We’re gonna need a doctor out here in the ambulance bay, police too.”

His dark eyes catalogue the bruising on your throat, taking in the blood that’s now soaking into the back of your scrubs from wound in your scalp. “You want me to get Langdon?”

“No.” You whisper, touching your fingertips to the back of your throbbing head, trying to gauge your injury. “I wouldn’t, not unless you want a murder on your hands too.”

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[artstennisracket]

Fire and Ice read Thirst Tweets! ib: all the thirst tweet videos buzzfeed makes art donaldson x patrick zweig x tashi duncan :)

big shoutout to the lovely @diyasgarden for editing the thumbnail and making my idea come to life <3

cw: nsfw (18+), no smut but suggestive content

The bright lights of the studio were something Art had become accustomed to over the years. Many interviews and photoshoots later. But for Patrick this was all new. He wasn’t sure why so many people had gained interest in him after the challenger, but he wasn’t complaining about it. Now that Tashi was coaching him, and he and Art were playing doubles again, it definitely added to that garnered interest.

Today they’d be doing an interview together but it was completely unlike anything Art has ever done before.

“Hello! I’m Art Donaldson”

“And I’m Patrick Zweig”

“And we’re here with Buzzfeed to read your thirst tweets” Art finished.

When the Donaldson’s publicist had presented this opportunity originally, Art was confused . Who would be thirsting over two 30 something tennis players? To which Patrick responded, “We’re hot Art. Let’s just give the people what they want.” Tashi okayed it as long as they were on their best behavior, and with the stipulation that she gets to go over the final edit. Throuple rumors were at an all time high and while they weren’t necessarily incorrect, Tashi needed these rumors to die.

“I’m actually excited for this,” Patrick says leaning forward in his chair. Shuffling the cards with twitter screenshots in his hand.

Art shrugs, looking at the stack of cards in his hand, “I’m nervous? Why am I nervous?”

A producer off screen calls out, “Which one’s fire and which one’s ice?”

Art starts, “I-“

Only for Patrick to cut him off, “What do you think?” He smirks.

Cut.

Patrick reads his first card.

“@tennisluv3r says I need to climb Patrick Zweig like a tree. That was a pretty tame one, I don’t think that’s the first time I’ve heard that one,” he chuckles.

Art reads his first card.

“ @gaeulchild says Thinking about Art Donaldson backshots once again. Oh that picked up very quickly. I can’t tell if that means they want me to do that to them or they want to do that to me?”

“Probably both,” Patrick chimes in.

Cut.

“ @itoldyatshirt says Patrick Zweig is the kind of guy who would eat your food and your ass. That is bold accusation.” Patrick says, not being able to help the smile spreading across his face.

“But they’re right,” Arts adds nodding. Only for Patrick to start cracking up. That’s when Art realizes how that sounded, “About the food part!!!! About the food not the, yeah you get it.” Art sighs, faint blush dusting his cheeks. They were right about both parts.

Cut.

“@atpalltheway530 says Art is soooo fine, i need him BAD. Thank you but I think need is a strong word. There are so many other things you actually need like food and water.”

Patrick shoots Art an amused look, “Don’t invalidate their feelings man. Not cool.”

Art scoffs, “Whatever man.”

“@artstennisracket says I want my man to look at me the way Patrick looks at Art’s ass when they’re playing doubles,” Patrick laughs because it’s not not wrong. But he was under specific instructions from Tashi to not add fuel to the throuple rumours that were circulating. “That was a good one, I’ll give you that.” What else was he supposed to say?

Art shakes his head playfully, “So that’s what you’re doing back there? Instead returning serves like you’re supposed to?”

Patrick shrugs, “I’m only human.” He’ll deal with Tashi’s disappointment later, he was having fun.

Cut.

Art’s face contorts when he looks at the card, “Oh I can’t read this.”

Patrick shoves him playfully, “You have to, that's the challenge.”

Art looks over at Patrick, “There’s no challenge we’re just reading—“

“Just read it.”

Art sighs asking off camera, “Are we allowed to curse?” He gets a thumbs up from the producer who says, “We’ll bleep it out later.”

He takes in a breath, “@atptruther says I want Art Donaldson to fuck me with a tennis racket until I cum all over it and then he makes me clean it up… I don’t even know what to say to that.” He looks down at his hand, mimicking his grip on a tennis racket to remember the width, “I feel like that’s not even anatomically possible.”

Patrick wants to say That makes two of us, but that would mean certain death from Tashi. So he opts for the safer option, “Anything’s possible if you believe.”

Cut.

“@tacobacoyeet says Need to lick the sweat off Patrick’s abs post match, can I be his designated sweat licker? Is that a thing? While I am extremely flattered I don’t think that’s a thing,” He chuckles before signing to the camera and mouthing Call me.

Art laughs as he can’t even begin to comprehend the logistics behind any of these tweets but the next one is so astronomically long he has to ask, “You want me to read this whole thing?”

The producer replies, “As much as you want but reading most of it would be appreciated.”

He clears his throat before he starts,” @sceletaflores says no lube, no protection, all night, all day, from the kitchen floor, to the toilet seat, from the dining room table, to the bedroom, from the bathroom sink, to the shower, from the front porch, to the balcony, vertically horizontally, quadratic, exponent, algorithmic, while I gasp for air, scream and see the light, missionary, cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, doggy, backwards, forward, sideways, upside down, on the floor, in the bed, on the couch, on a chair, being carried against the wall— Okay I think I’m done. I have no response I don’t even know what half those math words mean.”

Patrick grabs the card from Art to read the rest, “Wow they were not playing around. I’m sorry I can’t stop laughing. So much effort went into this Art you should be appreciative to,” He glances at the card again, “Sceletaflores. C’mon tell them.” He says gesturing to the camera.

Art sighs side eyeing Patrick before he looks back to the camera to say, “Thank you @sceletaflores. I appreciate the effort you put into typing that out.”

Cut.

“@Anon5376 says All three of my holes are for the use of Patrick Zweig and Patrick Zweig only. I would let him use me everyday of the week and twice on days that end in Y. He definitely seems like the kinda guy who presses on your lower stomach while hes in you just to feel how deep he is ,” He hangs his head for a second to hide how much he’s smiling. It’s just funny because well, it’s true he does do that.

The faint blush on Art’s cheeks isn’t helping but it’s not Art’s fault. The sex flashbacks are running through his brain now. So Art laughs and hopes people assume that’s why his face is flushing. From all the laughter.

Patrick looks up at the camera forcing himself not to look at Art, “Wow I love the enthusiasm in that one.”

“People really tweet these? Like on the internet? For anyone to see?,” Art says.

Cut.

The producer starts, “Since everyone knows you two dormed together for 6 years at boarding school, we have a few tweets relating to the both of you so you guys can alternate reading them.”

Art and Patrick have a new stack of cards in their hands. So Patrick goes first, “ @artdonaldsonbabygirl says someone needs to invent time travel so I can give Art head while Patrick fucks me in their dorm room asap. I swear some of you guys are psychic. How’d you know?” Patrick laughs.

Art smacks Patrick’s shoulder with the cards he has, “Stop. We never did anything like that ever,” He turns to look at the camera, “He’s joking.”

Patrick nods smirking but holding up his hands in defense, “I’m joking, I’m joking.”

Cut.

Art goes next, “ @artdonaldsonbabygirl, wow two for one, says best believe if I went to that academy I'd have left a teen mum and wouldn't know which was the baby daddy. Okay well,” Art laughs this time. “Okay this was funny, but everyone should be practicing safe sex. And regardless we had no time for shenanigans at the academy. It was just school and tennis.”

“Who even calls sex shenanigans? What are you 80 years old?” Patrick snickers before he continues, “Yeah maybe you didn’t have enough time Mr. Goodie Two shoes, but I had more than enough time,” Patrick winks at the camera.

“And that’s why your grades were the way they were.” Art jokes.

Cut.

“Okay gotta save the best one for last,” Patrick says holding up the last tweet. This one had a picture attached to it.

“Oh my gosh, how did you guys even get this picture?” Patrick bursts out laughing, “I completely forgot about this specific moment. Even though, this was one of the best days of my life.”

Confusion leaves Art’s face as Patrick turns the card so Art can also see the picture. “Wait yeah how did you guys find this? I don’t remember anyone taking a picture,” Art asks chuckling.

“@compress1repress says Why were you doing missionary on the court in 2006? Well as you can see we’re just not big on doggy.”

If Art had water in his mouth, he would’ve spit it out, “Patrick!”

Patrick is itching to make a comment about how they actually did both this morning, missionary with Art and doggy with Tashi, but he refrains.

Cut.

“Thank you so much for having us Buzzfeed. This was really fun. You guys are so incredibly creative, we love it. Right Ice?”

“No this was actually very fun, I’m glad we agreed to do it. And you guys are amazing. We love you all. And I’m not calling you fire.”

Cut.

taglist: @artdonaldsonbabygirl @tacobacoyeet @newrochellechallenger2019 @antxnxlla

[lucy-literates]

Oh the Gif you used for the Lewis x Teammate is just 🥺 loved it :)

Soo next one could be best friends to lovers, this would be so could :)

Have a nice day :)

A/N: I’m so glad, thank you! Hopefully you love this one just as much! Inbox is open :)

Unsupervised

The paddock was electric—alive with the hum of music, champagne-fueled laughter, and the kind of rich, easy glamour only Monaco could deliver. You were perched at the edge of the bar, fingers curled around the stem of a half-empty cocktail glass, the salt of the rim still lingering on your lips.

Lewis had disappeared into a sea of photographers and sponsors twenty minutes ago, pulled away by obligations that came with being Lewis Hamilton. You didn’t mind—this wasn’t your first time being left to your own devices. Still, your eyes flicked across the room every so often, searching for the familiar calm of him in the chaos.

And then—

“Fancy seeing you here, amiga,” Carlos said, sliding into the space beside you with his usual brand of effortless charm.

You grinned, shaking your head. “Carlos, you're in Ferrari red. You’re contractually obligated to only speak to people wearing matching outfits.”

He laughed. “Good thing I break the rules sometimes.”

Before you could fire back, another voice joined the mix.

“Oi, don’t let him steal all the charm points,” Lando quipped, appearing on your other side with a mischievous grin and a drink in hand. “You promised you’d say hi to me.”

“I did not,” you replied, laughing. “But go off, king.”

They both leaned in—playful, too-close, and just drunk enough to be bold. Carlos’s fingers brushed your arm as he passed you a napkin. Lando winked over the rim of his glass. It was harmless fun… mostly.

But then you felt it.

A shift.

A presence.

Your eyes flicked toward the edge of the crowd.

Lewis.

He stood a few feet away, gaze fixed on the scene before him. His jaw was set, brows low, expression unreadable. You knew that look. He wasn’t just watching—he was calculating. Jealousy didn’t suit him often, but when it did, it dripped off him like heat.

Carlos leaned in again. “If you get tired of seven-time world champions, call me.”

It was a joke. Clearly. But before you could respond, Lewis was suddenly there—quiet but stormy, every inch of him dialed to protect.

“I didn’t realize I left her unsupervised,” he said, voice low but cutting.

Carlos raised a brow. Lando snorted into his drink.

“You sound like her boyfriend,” Lando said.

Lewis didn’t flinch.

Carlos narrowed his eyes, amused. “Are you?”

Lewis didn’t look at them. He looked at you. Direct. Honest. Like there was nothing left to hide.

“I should be.”

Silence. A beat. Then another.

Carlos let out a quiet “madre mía” and backed off, tugging Lando with him. They retreated with cheeky grins, throwing glances over their shoulders.

But you weren’t watching them.

You were staring at Lewis like he’d just rewritten your entire friendship in one sentence.

You swallowed. “What… what was that?”

He stepped closer, gaze still locked to yours. “I saw the way you looked at them.”

“I was laughing.”

“I know. And it wrecked me.”

You blinked, heart suddenly slamming in your chest. “Lewis—”

“I know we’ve always said we’re just friends. And maybe that was true once. But somewhere along the way, I started waking up wishing I could call you mine.”

Your breath caught.

“I didn’t plan to say this tonight,” he added, softer now. “But seeing someone else make you laugh like that… I couldn’t do it. Not when all I’ve ever wanted was to be the reason you smile like that.”

You felt dizzy. Not from the drink, not from the party—but from the weight of finally hearing everything you’d been too afraid to say yourself.

You stepped closer, until your hand brushed his.

“Then you really should’ve kissed me first,” you whispered.

Lewis didn’t miss a beat.

He leaned in slowly—giving you a chance to pull away, to change your mind. You didn’t. Your eyes fluttered closed, and when his lips met yours, it was soft. Steady. Full of everything he’d been holding back for years.

When you finally pulled away, your forehead rested against his.

“I think you just scared the hell out of Carlos,” you murmured.

Lewis chuckled, his hands settling on your waist. “Good.”

[lucysarah1875]

Mounting Spring Ch. 12

Summary: Paradis has opened its doors to the world, and the Rumbling has not yet occurred. The military board insists, "We need more Ackermans!" to avoid ruining Mikasa's life. Levi agrees. Arranged marriage, explicit consent, Omegaverse. Alpha! Levi x Omega! Y/N. Mentions of underage marriage but it doesn't happen, the reader is over 21. Age gap but they are both adults. (I would say enemys to lover but they don't even know eachother to be enemys lol.) Warnings: Omegaverse, age gap, arrangemarriage. Ao3 link to the whole work.

“Did you hear the screaming?” A cadet whispered to Floch, voice barely above a breath, yet just enough to make Armin and Jean glance over.

Floch scoffed, arms crossed. “Who didn’t? Sounded pathetic.” Then, with a sneer, he added, “Did you catch the smell on her? Disgusting.”

“Are they talking about Y/N?” Sasha asked under her breath. Armin only shrugged, uncertain as a beta, but Jean gave a slight nod—so small it was almost imperceptible, careful not to draw attention.

“She needs to learn her place,” someone muttered through clenched teeth, the words laced with quiet resentment, as if the situation irked them more than it did Captain Levi himself. “If she were my omega, she wouldn’t even think of stepping out of line like that.”

The men murmured their agreement, though none dared to raise their voices. No matter how much they sneered at the Captain’s supposed weakness, none of them were stupid enough to let him hear.

Armin sighed, his exhaustion laced with quiet sympathy, while Sasha murmured uneasily, “So… they’re still fighting?” The tension had lingered in the air since their return from the capital.

Nearby, Levi stood, papers in hand, issuing orders as he scanned the lists before pointing ahead. Yet his focus wavered. His mind was elsewhere—everywhere except here.

“Sir.” A cadet approached briskly but without urgency, saluting politely. Levi gave a curt nod, granting permission to speak.

“We retrieved the supplies from your chambers as ordered, sir.”

Another nod.

“Uh…” The cadet hesitated, hands clasped behind his back, legs stiff in a formal stance. His voice wavered as he searched for the right words. “Your… wife.”

The last word came out uncertain, as if the young man sought confirmation.

“Yes,” Levi replied, clipped and impatient, unwilling to waste time on semantics.

“She insists that the pet be taken with her.”

“Yes.”

Silence settled over the group like a thick fog. Several scouts exchanged glances, some rolling their eyes. Even among those who had transferred into the Survey Corps from other divisions—many seasoned soldiers—doubt simmered beneath their obedience.

“Sir…” One of the older soldiers stepped forward, his voice calm but edged with unspoken challenge. “If I may speak freely?”

Levi didn’t grant permission. He simply stared, dead-eyed, daring the man to continue.

The soldier swallowed but pressed on. “The horses may not take well to the animal’s presence.”

More silence.

“And… she doesn’t know how to ride. This could slow us down.”

Levi remained silent, letting the words hang, waiting—because he knew the real reason behind this sudden concern. And sure enough, the soldier cracked under the weight of his stare.

“I’m only suggesting, sir, that if you need us to step in and handle the matter—”

“Are you implying I’m incapable of handling it myself?”

Levi’s tone was flat, unimpressed, yet laced with quiet danger. One hand rested on his hip while the other held up the clipboard, flipping through pages as if this was any other mundane conversation.

A flicker of unease spread among the men. They weren’t stupid. Levi knew better than anyone how quickly rumors spread about high-ranking officers. The moment he raised his voice, the moment he let this conversation turn into an argument, it would become fuel for the fire already burning around him.

He could already hear it. Every alpha who had come across her since their return had caught on to the scent. And Levi… Levi was in no mood for this nonsense. He hadn’t been for months.

His ego had taken a hit—whether he admitted it or not. And no matter how much restraint he practiced, he wasn’t about to let vultures circle, thinking they could pick at his pride like scraps.

“We’re only making a suggestion, sir,” the soldier tried again, this time more cautious.

Levi’s gaze sharpened.

“Limit yourself to doing what you’re told,” he bit out, each word precise and edged with resentment. His patience was already paper-thin, and after recent events, it had only frayed further.

He had explained it to her once—the night they first met. Being Humanity’s Strongest had its perks. One of them was that he couldn’t care less what people whispered behind his back. But another was that very few had the guts to say anything to his face.

That had been true—until now.

For the past two months, the whispers hadn’t stopped. His name, her name, their relationship—it had all become the military’s favorite new topic.

She’s still unclaimed.

She comes and goes as she pleases.

Her scent isn’t his.

It smells like someone else.

The rumors even reached the higher-ups. The military board had questioned whether he was being “demanding enough.” His own soldiers whispered that he was too weak to keep his own mate in line.

For a long time, he had considered himself her only ally in all this. Perhaps she didn’t see it that way.

And maybe—just maybe—he wouldn’t have minded enduring the scrutiny, the judgment, if he felt they were working toward something together. If he believed they were striving for mutual understanding.

But now?

Now, his instincts were livid.

‘Walking up to me, stinking of that brat.’

His inner alpha snarled. The same part of him that had allowed her freedom, that let her choose what she wanted from the kitchen, that had tolerated her sitting beside him during training—because she had willingly smelled like him once.

That same part of him was now furious.

Brat. That was all the younger, lesser alpha was to him. Barely past adulthood, and yet still bold enough to challenge him for her.

And she let him.

She had asked for freedom. He had given it. And in return, she had betrayed it. And now, openly, she was challenging him.

His rational mind should have focused on his duties. But instincts didn’t listen to logic. His alpha was restless, pacing like a caged lion, ready to lash out.

Somewhere, the distant part of him—the one that still functioned as a human rather than a territorial beast—whispered that he needed to sit her down and talk. Rationally. Like adults.

But that voice was distant. Faint. Like an echo in a dream that held no weight, no power.

Maybe this was why. Maybe it was the years without a mate. The ruts that came and went without relief. The absence of an Omega in his life.

And now?

For his body, a potential mate in the peak of her youth had waltzed into his territory, an he had provided for her. He had made space for her. He had given her security.

She had shown signs of choosing him.

And then, another alpha—younger, weaker, insignificant—had walked in, pissed on his territory, and acted like he had a rightful claim.

‘You’re one lucky bastard I don’t have you within arm’s reach.’

Alpha monogamy was a curse to some, a blessing to others.

To Levi, at this moment, it was nothing but a slow-burning rage.

Inside Levi’s chambers, the air was thick—not with tension, but something heavier. Something that sank into the skin, clung to the bones.  

Y/N sat on the window frame, perched like a defendant waiting for sentencing. Absentmindedly, she broke off a few crumbs of her bread, leaving them near the sparrow’s nest she had once drawn. The first bit of art she had created here. Now, it held three newborn pigeons, fragile and unaware of the world beyond their small sanctuary.  

She watched the courtyard with a slow, detached melancholy. The sheer number of soldiers outside was surprising—only a few years ago, the Scouts had never been this many. Her gaze trailed to the office, where Levi’s door swung open and shut like a revolving door. Soldiers came and went, carrying boxes, blueprints, stacks of reports.  

They moved freely.  

She hated it.  

Perhaps it was the way they carried themselves—so sure, so certain of what to take. Of what belonged to them. Perhaps it was the simple fact that they had a freedom she couldn’t even dream of.  

A scoff escaped her lips, bitter and quiet. Her forehead pressed against the glass, its cool surface slightly uncomfortable, probably leaving an oily smudge that Levi would notice. That would probably irritate him.  

But by the time he returned, this window—this entire room—would be nothing but a memory.  

She let the thoughts settle, accepted them even as they cut deep. She had ignored every warning sign, every uneasy shift in the air. Maybe a wiser woman would have noticed it sooner.  

A wiser woman—or a better wife?

Wives always knew, didn’t they? The old stories said so. They knew from a stain on a shirt, a change in scent, a hidden bank account.  

Would a better woman—a better mate—have realized that Levi had been planning this all along?  

What was I supposed to compare him to?

The Levi of the past two months was the only Levi she had ever known. There had been no “before” for her to measure against. No habits to track, no patterns to decipher.  

If he changed his scent, how could she be sure it wasn’t just preference?

If he came home late, wasn’t that just his duty?  

If he hid something, how would she even know where to look?  

If Levi had a secret account somewhere, she wouldn’t even know the name of the bank.

But just then, she remembered her last fiancé. A smile tugged at her lips — not one of joy, but of bitter amusement, as if laughing at herself.

‘Maybe I really am as foolish and naive as everyone says.’

Even all of Levi’s wisdom, she thought, might never have led her to any different conclusion.

‘I never thought I’d miss this place.’

Not this place exactly. She had packed quickly, but most of her belongings had remained untouched since the day she arrived. Nothing here had ever truly belonged to her. It all felt borrowed, like slipping into her mother’s heels as a child—too big, too foreign, an illusion of something she was supposed to grow into. Usually kids forget that dream by the time they grow old enough to fill them.

Except this time her mother had long since sold those shoes, and the dream had been lost with them. The dream had vanished before she could outgrow it.

She wouldn’t miss these chambers. What she would miss was the fragile hope that one day, she might have fit into them.  

And now, it was happening all over again.  

The same suitcases. The same hairstyle. The same clothes. The same long journey to yet another unknown destination.  

It was like reliving a nightmare she couldn’t outrun.  

A small bag of essentials sat at the base of the window, packed and ready for the trip. She hadn’t moved in what felt like hours, curled in on herself, knees to her chest, fingers gripping the letters from her siblings.  

‘I’m doing this for you.’

The words echoed in her mind, but the strength they were supposed to bring never came. 

Then, the door swung open.

The shift in sound was subtle, but enough to pull her out of her thoughts. Slowly, she turned.

Levi stepped inside, appearing distracted as he moved toward his belongings, intent on putting away the last of them before their departure. When their eyes met, he opened his mouth—only to close it again. He exhaled sharply through his nose, his expression unreadable.

He hated this. Hated being met with teary eyes and resignation. Anger, he could handle. Defiance, frustration, even hatred—those were easier. But this? This quiet, lifeless acceptance?

Clearing his throat, he finally spoke.  

“You done packing?”  

His voice was steady—too steady. The forced calm surprised even him. Avoiding the conflict was either intentional or instinctive. Addressing it would require emotions he didn’t have the time—or the willingness—to offer.  

Too angry to talk.  

Too tired to pretend.  

“Yes, sir.”�� 

The words made him freeze.  

For the first time in a long time, his body went completely still. A sharp, unbearable frustration clawed its way up his throat. For a moment, an absurd, childish urge consumed him—to throw himself on the floor, kick, scream, cry like a sleep-deprived toddler.

‘I wish I could just sit there, with watery eyes and expect the world to fix itself. But since I can’t—since I don’t—I'm the bad guy.

Fine. Whatever.’

“Alright,” he said finally. “Let’s go.”  

Y/N slid off the windowsill, her feet meeting the ground. Levi moved around the room, checking everything—closing doors, locking windows, securing whatever was left behind.  

She stood in the middle of the office, watching him move, just as she had on the very first night.  

Curious eyes, like a kitten watching something it didn’t understand.  

Back then, she had stood in this same spot, watching as he rushed around, setting things up. Now, she watched as he dismantled it all.  

Hidden drawers she had never noticed before appeared as he pulled them open, retrieving money, keys, and even a gun. Small things, tucked away in places only he knew existed.  

The only sound breaking the quiet was the restless scratching of her cat in its carrier, desperate to be freed.  

Levi slung his pack over his shoulder, shutting the last of the windows. As the room fell into darkness, the finality of it settled deep in her chest.  

This was it.  

She bent down to grab her bag—but before her fingers could close around the strap, Levi’s hand shot out, gripping it first.  

“Give me that,” he said, hoisting up both her luggage and the pet carrier without waiting for an answer.  

She hesitated before moving toward the door, glancing back to see if he was following. He was—only pausing briefly to shut off the master valve in the bathroom.  

With a final patting at his pocket for the keys, he stepped out into the corridor and locked the door behind them.  

She stood there, waiting.  

It was an odd, familiar feeling. The uncertainty of standing in a hallway, waiting for someone to tell her where they were going.  

‘Like a pet.’

One that would develop an inexplicable fear of luggage.  

‘Or more like a dog,’ she corrected bitterly. ‘One whose only trick is to wait and follow.’  

As they moved through the halls, soldiers instinctively moved aside, pressing themselves flat against the walls as Levi passed. Some carried heavy crates, others stacks of paperwork, but the entire facility buzzed with urgency.  

Outside, the courtyard—once a training ground—had transformed into something else entirely. Carts. Horses. Boxes upon boxes of supplies waiting to be loaded. It was chaos. A military carnival.  

“Wait here,” Levi instructed before disappearing into the crowd.  

‘See? I just need a leash.’

The thought was sharp and cruel, cutting through her remaining pride like a dull blade.  

She watched the organized disorder unfold around her. Soldiers had direction, purpose. Even the ones running back and forth with last-minute additions knew where they were going.  

She did not.  

She was just standing there. Again. Watching life happen around her, but never to her.  

The comparison shifted from a cruel coincidence to an outright insult to her sanity. Levi had left—probably to retrieve the horses—and she was still here.

Just there.

It felt eerily familiar. Like standing on the chapel porch that day—only there was no chapel this time. No empty streets of a forgotten town. No rain.

Instead, the world had been replaced with this—a bustling military facility, an endless sea of strangers, the scorching heat of early summer or late spring (whichever name you preferred).

And this time, there was no blissful ignorance to shield her.

This time, she knew.

She knew that Levi would not—could not—suddenly pull a pretty house out of nowhere. That there was no hidden well of romance waiting to spill from him. That any unconfessed devotion was likely never there to begin with.

At least… that’s what she told herself.

A sharp voice cut through her thoughts.

“Wait—I’ll do it, just—UGH.”

A soldier dropped a box near a cart before rushing off to help someone else.

For a brief moment, Y/N’s eyes flickered with purpose. She glanced at the small package, then at her own luggage. Levi’s luggage.

“I can do that.”

The thought came easily, naturally. It wasn’t as if their belongings were unbearably heavy.

So she moved, loading what she could onto the wagon.

The small box was the last thing left. She reached for it—

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

The scream tore through the air. The shock snapped her out of her daze, and she looked around frantically for the source, nearly dropping the box in her hands. But the moment she realized the scream had been directed at her, she caught herself—tightening her grip just in time to keep it from falling. The soldier, startled, had instinctively reached out in fear, but now ran his hands through his hair, as if trying to comb away the surge of adrenaline.

“Don’t touch that!” he barked, nearly stumbling over himself as he rushed forward. “Those are—”

He snatched the box from her hands with practiced urgency, holding it as if it might bite.

“Thunder Spear munitions,” he hissed, setting it down with exaggerated care. “They’re primed and unstable—one drop and we’re all just a stain on the dirt, you get that?”

Y/N froze, hands mid-air, as if still holding the weight that was already gone. Her breath caught in her throat, and heat rushed to her cheeks—not from shame, but from something sharper, smaller, meaner. Like being scolded in front of a classroom full of strangers.

“I… I was just trying to help,” she said softly, but the words felt like paper in a storm. Insufficient. Drowned out.

The soldier scoffed, checking the box for damage with exaggerated flair.

“Yeah? Try helping by not getting us killed next time.”

“I didn’t know—”

“Clearly,” the soldier snapped. He glanced around with a sneer. “Where the hell is the Captain, anyway? Or is Levi just letting you wander around today?”

That one hit lower than the rest. Her lips parted, but nothing came out. The need to defend herself tangled with the guilt crawling up her spine. Searching for Levi around, as if she was a toddler painting someone’s wall. 

Footsteps behind her. Heavy. Sharp.

The soldier noticed before she did. His spine straightened. His mouth snapped shut.

Levi’s voice cut through the silence like a blade. “Who the fuck are you talking to like that?”

He closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. Despite the height difference, the other soldier averted his gaze and bowed his head in submission.

“I asked you a question.”

“I’m sorry—sir, she—”

“She?” Levi snapped. “Who the hell leaves artillery unguarded in this fucking mess? That’s your job.”

His voice sliced through the tension, putting the soldier in check. The few onlookers who’d dared to glance over quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. No one wanted to be next.

“It won’t happen again, sir. I reacted badly, sir. It got the best of me—”

‘Sir,’ she added silently, noticing how the word clung to the man’s mouth like a nervous tic. She stayed quiet behind her husband, watching him take control. Even though the soldier was the one being scolded, the guilt still pressed heavy on her chest.

“I’ll get the best of me if I ever catch you talking to her like that again — you hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

As if multitasking was a reflex, Levi’s eyes caught something near the cart to their left. In one swift motion, he moved over and snatched up the item she had mistakenly loaded. The way he grabbed it — firm, frustrated, controlled — made it clear: he didn’t want the other soldier to have the satisfaction of seeing her get reprimanded.

“When I tell you to do something, I expect you to follow it,” he muttered as she hurried to keep pace with him across the field.

“That wasn’t our cart. It’s this one.”

He tossed the belonging into the correct wagon.

“Get in. You’re riding here too.”

“I’m not riding?” she blinked, confused. From what she understood, the carts were meant to travel behind the formation — slower, delayed. For a second, panic surged through her. Was he really leaving her behind to ride with strangers and supplies?

“You don’t know how to drive it, and I’m not testing your endurance under the summer sun for hours,” Levi said flatly, doing something far too ordinary for his rank as he adjusted the loaded goods.

“You’re going with the groceries,” he added with a faint huff of air as he secured the final piece.

“I’m… not going with you?”

The fear in her voice made him freeze mid-motion. He looked back and frowned.

“Don’t be stupid,” he said bluntly, as if the answer should’ve been obvious.

She tensed, ready to protest — Alone? With them? Her heart began to race. She knew he was still angry, but—

“Of course you’re coming with me,” he added, as though any other possibility was absurd.

‘Maybe if your face gave anything away, I’d have known that,’ she thought, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

She climbed into the cart, still unsettled. The wood creaked under her as she sat, eyes narrowed toward Levi as he adjusted a strap near the front.  

"You said the carts were leaving later," she said, testing the water.  

“They are,” he replied without looking up.  

“But we’re taking some now?”  

“Obviously.”  

"Then why are we leaving now?"

He didn’t look at her. "Some go early."

"Some?"

"Necessities."

She blinked, trying to put the pieces together. "So... the rest catch up?"

He gave a nod. Not a word — just that small, stiff movement.

She glanced around at the bundled supplies, the sacks, the wrapped crates. “How far are we going?”  

“Far.”  

She paused, unsatisfied. "Far like... how far?"

Levi's jaw tensed. "Far enough."

“That’s not an answer,” she muttered. “If we need groceries, this isn’t just a patrol, is it?”  

He stood and turned to her. “No.”  

Her brow furrowed. “Then what is it?”  

Silence.  

“Levi.”  

“Maybe.”  

“Maybe what?”  She folded her arms, lips pressing together. "You’re really committing to this one-word thing, huh?"

He exhaled through his nose, clearly deciding whether or not to humor her. “Maybe not a patrol.”  

“You’re exhausting,” she grumbled. “So… how long?”  

He looked at her. Really looked at her, dead eyes whispering ‘Drop it now,’. As he was far too busy for this almost toddler interrogatory.

“Three weeks.”  

Her mouth parted. “Three—”  

Her breath caught in her throat. Three weeks. On the road. She’d packed like they were going to camp out for a weekend, not half a month in motion.

Before she could respond, he tugged the last strap tight and stepped back from the cart.

“Wait at the cart.”  

“What?”  

He was already walking away, back straight, steps purposeful.  She blinked. "Wait, like—wait until when?"

“I mean it. Stay here,” he called over his shoulder. “Don’t move.”  

She opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself. He was already gone.

Reluctantly, she sank back into the cart. The curved arch of the roof offered more than just shelter for the food; it gave her a break from the blistering sun too.

“Shh, Clauwy. Behave,” she whispered, nudging the crate where the cat was kept. Sensing the sudden lull in motion, the feline let out a loud, annoyed meow and began rustling around in protest.

‘Three weeks?’ she thought, resting her head against the side of the cart. ‘We’re really going to the end of the world, aren’t we?’

"Knock knock."

The fake door knock made her peek out from behind a stack of crates.

Hange leaned casually over the edge of the cart, grinning. “Enjoying your suite? First class, huh?”

It coaxed a laugh from her, soft but genuine. “Commander.”

“Oh, please. It’s Hange,” they waved off with a dramatic roll of their eyes. “Here, scoot over. I brought you stuff.”

She half-crawled toward them — the roof too low to stand — and held out her cupped hands. Hange, still dressed in their full formal trench coat despite the sweltering heat, began unloading their pockets like a magician at a festival: chocolates, candies, gummies, tea bags — a strange but generous collection of comfort.

She blinked, surprised. “You brought all this… for me?”

“Of course. It’s going to be a long trip, and you’re going to need the calories,” Hange said matter-of-factly, still digging in their coat like a bottomless satchel.

A blush crept to her cheeks as she looked down at the pile of sweets in her hands. “Oh, um… I’m not expecting. Yet.”

Saying it aloud felt like pressing a finger to a bruise.

To her surprise, Hange burst into laughter — warm and unfiltered. “Please! Haha — of course you’re not! I do know how babies are made, you know.” They grinned. “And believe me, you'd be surprised how much Levi actually tells me.”

She flushed deeper. “But—why—?”

“Why am I bringing you snacks and tea like you’re already nesting?” Hange shrugged, smile softening. “Your body’s still adjusting — with the season change, the sudden travel, the stress. Hormones don’t wait for invitations. Eat a lot.”

They gave her a few affectionate pats on the arm and reached into the cart again. “Also brought you a pillow and some blankets. Once we’re past the walls, it might get cold at night.”

She moved aside to receive the bundle — the pillow softer than any military issue she’d touched, the blanket too gentle to be standard gear. “Thank you,” she murmured, touched. “You really didn’t have to—rearranging all this and—”

“Oh no,” Hange interrupted, waving their hand. “That wasn’t me! Levi’s the one who sorted the cart so you’d have space. The pillow and all that? Also from him. Most of those chocolates?” — they nodded to the pile in her lap — “He swiped them from the banquet at the Capital. I just saved them in my coat.”

They tapped the side of their nose playfully. “Don’t tell him I told you. He’s shyer than he looks.”

“Ah...” she didn’t blush this time — didn’t even smile at first. Just let her fingers brush the soft fabric of the blanket, her eyes drifting to the little wrapped chocolates. Most likely free offerings at one of the hangouts.

‘He really did all that?’

She exhaled a tiny, amused breath. “Alright,” she said softly, a smile blooming at the corner of her mouth. “I won’t.”

Hange leaned in closer, resting their arms on the cart’s edge so they were at eye level. Their grin faded slightly into something more sincere.

“Could you do me a favor?”

“Of course,” she said quickly — too quickly — eager to help, or maybe just glad to be asked.

“Don’t disappear like that again, okay?”

And suddenly, it wasn’t a friendly favor anymore — it was a reckoning.

Her gaze dropped, fingers tightening around the edge of the pillow in her lap. Her spine straightened instinctively, posture stiffening the way it had back when authority meant punishment.

“Yes, Commander,” she said quietly, the words shaped by shame more than obedience.

Hange sighed. Not impatient — but as someone tired of watching two people tiptoe around their own hearts.

“That’s not what I meant,” they said, softer now but still steady. “I’m not giving you a demerit.”

Still, she couldn’t look at them. Not yet. She straightened a little, spine going stiff — as if she were standing at attention rather than sitting in a hay-lined cart. “It won’t happen again,” she said quickly, automatically. Her tone clipped, formal — the way a soldier would answer a reprimand.

But Hange didn’t smile. Not this time.

“You know…” they started, still casual in posture, but there was something in their voice — a line tightening. “Levi was very worried.”

Her gaze dropped. She didn’t say anything.

“I know why you left,” Hange continued. “And honestly? I don’t even blame you. It’s a lot. Everything’s a lot right now.” Their tone remained quiet, “But next time, let him know where you’re going, alright?”

She swallowed, her fingers fidgeting with a corner of the blanket.

“And I would appreciate,” Hange continued, with a pointed raise of their brows, “if you didn’t make my best soldier that stressed again.”

There was a pause. Just enough for her to feel the weight of it.

Then Hange softened — just a little. The teasing spark in their eye faded, replaced with something quieter. “He’s not just my subordinate, you know. He’s my friend.”

The words landed with surprising gentleness. “I don’t like seeing him like that.”

She looked up, startled by how sincere the words were.

Hange gave her a small shrug, as if trying to lighten the mood but not quite managing to push the emotion aside. “Levi’s not a bad man. He may be... emotionally constipated, sure. Grumpy as hell. But if you want something — and if it’s even remotely within his power — he’ll do it.”

They tilted their head, smirking faintly. “He’ll complain the whole time, because that’s who he is. But he’ll still do it.”

She couldn’t help the small smile that slipped through.

“He’s not that type of man,” Hange said firmly. “He’s not out to control you. Or trap you. Or make you smaller than you are.”

Her breath hitched at that last part. Something in her chest loosened — and hurt — all at once.

"Shorty would rather skip the two hours of sleep he gets to take you wherever you want to go and make sure you’re safe, than forbid you from doing something," Hange said. "So… next time, just ask him. Alright?"

Silence lingered for a moment between them, warm and heavy like the air before a summer storm.

“...Okay?” Hange added, as if not sure whether to break the weight of it or not.

She nodded slowly. “Okay.”

”ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!” The brunette gave a few loud strong pats on the omega’s upper arms making her open her eyes open up in shock. “I’m glad we could set this straight! I leave you to settle in!”

Shaken slightly by the motion of the gesture, she chuckled to herself. Just for a second, it all felt a little less heavy — a tiny reprieve from the unresolved tension still pressing on her chest.

She waited. Longer than she expected. But eventually, the telltale sounds of horses shifting and soldiers mounting echoed through the camp. The Scouts were moving. Through the crowds, she began to pick out the figures of the Special Ops squad preparing to lead.

“Y/N!” Sasha’s voice startled her as the girl ran up to the cart, bright-eyed and already energetic. “Since you’ll be in the cart... share your snacks with me?” she asked with a hopeful grin.

“Don’t give her food,” Eren interrupted flatly, walking past with his hands in his pockets. “It’s a trap.”

The titan shifter barely looked interested but somehow still managed to side with the omega.

“No! Don’t listen to them, Y/N!” Sasha cried in protest.

“Did you bring the baby?” Mikasa leaned into the cart, scanning for signs of movement. Her face fell slightly when she saw no sign of the cat.

“Clauws? He’s in his carrier for now,” Y/N replied. “At least until we’re on the road. Maybe you can give him a walk if we stop somewhere.”

That thought made Mikasa light up immediately.

“What are you all doing here?” she asked, genuinely confused.

Jean puffed out his chest, dramatically smoothing his hair with one hand. “I’ll be your driver on this fine journey,” he said, adopting a terrible imitation of a Mitras nobleman. “At your service, m’lady.”

She laughed. “Thank you, Jean. You’re a sunshine.”

“Heh—thank you, thank you,” he said, bowing slightly as if awaiting applause.

Connie and Armin watched him with secondhand embarrassment, as the two male betas of the team. ‘We can see his tail wagging’, they both thought silently.

“Are you excited, Y/N?” Armin asked, shifting the focus with his usual calmness.

Her smile faltered. The tension returned, creeping in under her skin. She turned toward him slowly. “Huh?”

“You’ll be the first civilian to see the ocean!” Armin explained, visibly thrilled. It seemed like he was more excited about it than she was. Maybe because he’d been dreaming of it for years. “It’s the largest body of water in the world. And it’s salty!”

She blinked. “Salty?”

“Yes! And the fish are incredible!” Sasha added, clearly impressed with her own contribution.

“The sea snails are pretty too,” Mikasa chimed in softly.

“They’re called seashells,” Armin corrected kindly, unable to help himself. “You’ll love it, Y/N. It’s breathtaking.”

She nodded slowly, trying to absorb all the information. It still didn’t feel real.

“The animals outside the walls are huge,” Sasha added. “The deer, the bears—they’re way bigger than what we’re used to.”

“Big?” Her stomach dropped slightly. “Like... how big?”

“Oh, nothing compared to titans,” Connie jumped in quickly. “You might find a few old footprints, buried deep in the ground—but no worries. The wild makes everything feel tiny by comparison.”

The excitement turned into unease. Her expression shifted.

“Wait... how far are we going from the walls?” she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice. “I thought we were only going a few meters out.”

Jean laughed. “No, silly! We’re going all the way to the coast. End of the island. We’ll be there for the rest of the year!”

Mikasa’s eyes widened as she realized the others might be saying too much. She started signaling them from behind Y/N’s back—but it was too late.

“We’re building a port and a railway line,” Armin added eagerly. “It’s part of the coastal expansion. Once the ships start arriving from overseas, we’ll have a chance to negotiate with them, explain our intentions—”

“What?” she asked, stunned. “And... What about titans?”

“We eliminated them all,” Mikasa cut in quickly.

But Armin and Jean chuckled, clearly confused by the panic in her voice.

“I mean, yeah,” Jean said. “But some might come from Marley, so you never really—OW!”

Mikasa pinched his side sharply, twisting the skin through his jacket.

“No titans,” she said flatly.

“None. Whatever you say, Mika,” Jean gasped, rubbing his ribs. “Message received.”

The rest nodded awkwardly, pasting bright smiles on their faces.

“Yep! Not even one!” Connie agreed quickly.

“What do we do?” he whispered to Jean as Y/N’s face twisted into a mixture of fear and shock.

“Wait... so we’re not coming back? For a year? GUYS?!”

Before anyone could say more, Levi’s voice cut through the tension like a knife.

“Everyone to your places. We’re leaving.”

The cadets scattered immediately, disappearing like guilty roaches. Levi, unaware of what had just unfolded, approached the cart with calm exhaustion in his posture.

“Come on,” he said, voice quieter now. “Get in.”

But she didn’t move. Instead, she stepped down and approached him.

“Levi, please,” she whispered. “I don’t want to go. Not for that long.”

He sighed loudly. “We talked about this. It’s final.”

“Please, Lev—” She gripped his arm, trying to meet his eyes. “Please.”

He froze. His whole body went stiff. He hated this — public attention, the eyes shifting toward them, watching. Her watery eyes, the pleading voice, the touch — all of it made him feel exposed, vulnerable, off balance. “Don’t do this in public,” he muttered. “I already told you — it’s decided. Don’t beg me.”

He placed his hands on her upper arms and gently pushed her back, forcing her to release him. “Don’t make this harder.”

“Levi—” she tried again.

But the pressure was too much. His already-fraying nerves, the constant watchful eyes — it tipped him over the edge.

“Enough, Y/N. Get in the cart.”

There was no softness in the words. Just steel.

The cadets, now a few meters off, watched in silence.

“We fucked up,” Armin whispered.

“Great,” Sasha muttered, “They’re divorcing. We’ll be motherless again.”

“You have a mom,” Jean replied dryly.

“Yeah, but she’s sick of my ass.”

“I wonder why,” Connie added.

“She can’t divorce,” Eren said flatly. “It’s not even legal.”

Legal or not — wanted or not — the formation began to move. Levi and Hange led at the front, just like always.

“What’s the matter now? You two are fighting… AGAIN?” Hange emphasized the word as if the couple’s inability to make it work was taking a toll not just on them but on the general public. Like two parents who refused to let it go, their constant bickering only produced more harm than they believed splitting up would.

The brunette was nearly exasperated—they thought they’d taken a step forward on the Captain’s behalf by giving the girl the items Levi had gathered during the weekend meeting. They’d seen him stuffing everything that was offered for free into his pockets, and when they asked why, Levi’s response had been a mix of muttered excuses—tinged with irritation, pettiness, resignation, and just a bit of shame. The look on his face as he picked things up, claiming he’d give them to her once he got back to the hotel, said it all: “Yeah, I said something bitchy—true, but bitchy—and I don’t know how to fix it.”

Of course, her sudden disappearance—and everything that followed—left the improvised apology gift completely forgotten. Hange had thought they could smooth things over in his favor with the gesture, only to realize their attempt at a single step forward had somehow become three steps back.

”Fuck me,” they muttered exhausted.

Levi, exasperated but in a rush, kept walking, pushing soldiers aside as he slipped through the crowd. “She thinks this is a matter of begging me!”

Hange did their best to keep up with the short man—who, despite his lack of height, was mighty even for brisk walks. “She thinks I’m enjoying this bullshit, that if she keeps begging, I’ll eventually give in!”

“Well—Oops, sorry,” the commander interrupted whatever half-hearted, empty advice they had been trying to come up with, their social obligation as the Captain’s friend momentarily overtaken by nearly colliding with a cadet carrying Thunder Spears.

“I’m not doing this on purpose! It’s not like I’m holding back what she wants just for the sake of it, as if it’s some sick power play. She keeps begging me, like that’s all it takes, like I’m refusing just to be an ass. I don’t enjoy hearing her beg—”

Levi stopped abruptly—not just walking but talking, frowning deeply.

“I’m listening,” Hange affirmed, as if the short man had stopped for lack of feedback.

“Yeah, I know. I just never thought I’d say that about a woman.”

The commander closed their eye and scoffed a chuckle. “You for real? That’s what’s throwing you off in all this?”

“Give me a break,” the Captain said before cursing under his breath. “It’s like hearing Erwin say he doesn’t like being seen as a paternal figure or some shit. Goes against every single fucking kink I’ve ever mentioned before.”

As they walked out to take their place in the formation at the front, Levi somehow picked up the conversation without needing a cue.

“I told you to tell her beforehand,” Hange said, adjusting the strap on their horse.

“I was planning on it,” Levi snapped, yanking his own strap tight. Their faces barely visible over the saddle as they moved, but their tone carried. “I was planning to tell her everything in detail—until she decided to lie to me and disappear for hours with another man!”

“That’s exactly why I told you to tell her sooner!” Hange repeated, echoing words they’d said nights ago. “She’s confused.”

“She’s confused?” Levi scoffed. “Imagine how confused I was, finding out she lied about where she was.”

“You lied too.”

“I didn’t lie. I… avoided certain parts of the truth.”

Hange rolled their eyes so loudly, it was almost audible. “You’re sounding so much like Erwin right now.”

“Don’t bring Eyebrows into this,” Levi muttered, as if the comparison alone—especially in anything remotely romantic—was a mortal insult.

He said something under his breath, but it was completely unintelligible.

“What?” Hange asked, leaning over their horse’s neck with a squint. “I can’t hear you when you grumble like a sewer rat.”

Levi repeated it. The exact same way.

“Stop grumbling and just say it, dammit.”

Finally, after one last gritted attempt, the sentence came out clearly. Hange’s eyes (if they’d had two) would’ve gone wide.

“You didn’t hug her back?!”

“What was I supposed to do?” Levi shot back, climbing onto his horse in one swift motion.

“HUG HER?!” Hange nearly screamed, following suit and swinging onto their own. “WHY the hell did you push her away?!”

“Because it’s hard for me, alright?!” His voice cracked under the weight. “For fuck’s sake—it’s hard. I felt everyone looking at me and I couldn’t — I just fucking couldn’t, okay?”

Hange threw their hands to their face in mock-sobbed despair. “How did a man like you manage to get married with these social skills?!” They asked, sarcasm layered thick. It was meant to tease—one of their usual back-and-forths, laced with roasting affection.

But Levi didn’t fire back. This time he didn’t give a smartass reply, rolled his eyes or doubled the bet.

Instead, he gripped the reins so tightly that the leather creaked under the pressure.

“Because they forced me into this,” he muttered, and for once his voice wasn’t sharp. It was bitter. Broken. “You think I don’t know I suck at this? That maybe I’m aware I don’t have the time or the emotional availability to give?”

Hange went still. That pulled the humor out of the air.

But inside the moment, everything quieted.

“I know I’m fucking it up,” Levi continued, voice low but trembling with restrained fury. “Everyone and their damn mothers keep reminding me. But I’m trying. I’ve been trying since I stepped into that chapel and waited there for hours.” His jaw clenched. “I know it’s shit. But this—” he looked away, swallowing hard— “this is me trying.”

He let out a low, guttural curse. “Fuck.”

The field fell into a quiet so stark it was almost unnatural — the kind of silence that is deafening. The grass rustled. Hooves thudded softly against earth. Somewhere, cicadas droned in the heat.

But all she could hear was Levi’s ragged breathing, uneven and fast, slowly evening out as the fire inside him cooled to ash.

Ashamed, he looked away — not from Hange, but from himself. As if just saying it out loud made it all worse.

But maybe… maybe it didn’t.

Maybe it was the first right thing he’d done.

Hange, who knew all too well what it felt like to be forced into shoes they never asked to wear, finally said, quietly:

“I know.” Just that.

They reached out and clapped a hand on his shoulder—firm, grounding, comforting.

“I know,” they repeated.

One deep breath. Then the formation began to move.

At first, the journey was rough. Every part of the cart rattled and shook with intensity as they made their way through the forest, crawling slowly along narrow, uneven paths. The terrain forced the convoy to a near crawl.

Eventually, the structure of the Scouts’ facility disappeared behind them — the same way it had once emerged from the fog during a spring rain. Now, it vanished into the trees with no fanfare.

She remained inside the cart, tucked away in its protective shell. There wasn’t much to hear aside from the rhythmic rustling of wheels grinding over dirt. Then, finally, they broke through the forest and onto a wide, open road.

With most of the road ahead now paved or packed smooth, she opened Clauw’s carrier and let the cat out. Still, she clipped on his harness and leash — just in case. Tight as it was around his furry frame, it didn’t alter his appearance much. Clauw was long-haired and thick underneath — he had never skipped a meal in his life, and it showed.

Despite his newfound freedom, he curled into her arms and stayed there. Maybe because he was old now. Maybe because, for all his size, Clauw had always been a timid cat. He seemed used to traveling — a product of having been dragged with her everywhere since childhood. Their bond had only deepened with time, and his presence calmed her more than she’d realized.

She bent down and kissed the side of his face. He purred in her lap, and she clung to him like an anchor — something steady in all this unfamiliar motion.

Peeking out from the cart occasionally, she began to recognize the route. They were taking the Trost road — the same path described in old newspaper clippings about the retaking of Wall Maria. First Trost, then the elevators leading up to the restored gates.

“Y/N!”

Jean’s voice called out from the front seat, where he’d been driving. “Come on out! We’re about to pass through the only Wall of the trip. It’ll be fun!”

At first, she ignored him. But then, with a sigh, she changed her mind and crawled out to take the seat beside him.

Jean greeted her with an exaggerated grin. She couldn’t help but chuckle.

As a child, passing through the walls had always thrilled her. They broke the monotony of endless countryside views and the mindless rounds of I Spy — back when the entire world outside the window was just varying shades of wheat-gold ochre.

Now, the strong wind funneled by the tunnel blasted against her face. She instinctively held her head and her dress down as they passed beneath the towering gate. She squinted up, just catching a glimpse of the battlements — and then they were through.

The town of Trost greeted them with crowds. People clapped and cheered, shouting wishes for safety and luck. The formation slowed at the checkpoint, where the sealed gates loomed tall and final, the sun already sinking.

To her surprise — or perhaps not — children ran through the streets chasing after the wagons, hoping to catch a glimpse of the infamous figures in the lead.

“Captain Levi!” they called. His name echoed with Hange’s and Eren’s, cheers overlapping into one noise.

She noted, unimpressed, the way young women in the crowd blushed and swooned. Her brow arched. ‘From far away, he’s a masterpiece. Up close? Monet.’

As they approached the front gate, the formation halted.

“Are we stopping for the night?” she asked, climbing down to stretch her legs. Jean hopped down too.

“Nope,” he replied. “We’re pushing through. Gonna ride straight through the night and reach Shiganshina by tomorrow afternoon.”

She frowned. “All day? Isn’t that exhausting?”

Jean shrugged like it was obvious. “We’re soldiers. If we can’t pull one all-nighter, we’re in the wrong profession.”

The rest of the squad gathered nearby. Mikasa approached with hopeful eyes.

“Want to let him walk a bit?” she asked gently, already reaching for the cat.

“Please. Thank you,” Y/N murmured, handing Clauw over. The relief on her face was subtle but present.

“Y/N,” Levi’s voice cut through from ahead.

He was a few paces forward, hand extended, arm out — waiting for her.

She took a steadying breath and followed.

“Riko will show you the garrison’s girl restroom so you can freshen up,” he said, barely glancing back. “I’ll bring something for dinner.”

“But...” she glanced around the formation. “What about the rest of you?”

“We’re working.”

“And food?”

“We’ll eat crackers on the move. Just go with Riko.”

His words left no room for negotiation. The grey-haired soldier appeared beside her, already ready to escort.

She nodded and followed.

After washing up with cold water and wiping herself down with a damp cloth, she emerged to find Levi waiting, arms crossed. Without a word, he handed her a wrapped pair of jam-and-cheese sandwiches and a water flask.

She blinked in surprise but accepted them.

The rest of the journey blurred. The sight of Wall Maria — long since restored — was haunting. She’d been old enough to remember its fall and now, seeing it again, there was something almost sacred about it. The ruins that remained felt ancient. Ivy clung to shattered buildings. Window frames sat empty. Still, people worked in the fields nearby, greeting the formation with quiet gratitude.

Compared to Trost, there was a peacefulness here. A kind of countryside calm that felt stolen from a dream.

She stayed awake into the night. Not tired, not hungry — not really anything. Just empty. The summer air was lukewarm, not cool enough to need a sweater, not warm enough to bring comfort.

She shared one sandwich with Sasha and nibbled on the other. It was tasteless, but she forced herself to eat. Eventually, she curled back into the cart — but sleep never really came. Everything woke her: the scratchy blanket, the movement of the wheels, the constant voices outside, the birds, the owls, the night insects.

By the time they reached the next sealed gate, dawn bleeding into the sky, something shifted inside her.

She looked back, trying to see the walls they’d left behind.

But Wall Maria was gone.

Just like that.

Swallowed by distance.

And then the thought came — plain, quiet, terrifying in its honesty:

‘That’s how far I am from home.’

As soon as the realization hit her, it became undeniable—unstoppable. Her chest tightened, her hands trembled. The broken gate had been sealed by Eren’s titan form, and the formation was now being lifted to the top of the walls, preparing to descend on the other side. The very same elevators that had brought them up would now take them down into the unknown.

For the first time in her life, she was seeing beyond the walls.

Fear struck hard.

‘Don’t look down,’ she told herself.

But, of course, she did.

Her breath hitched as she took in the staggering drop from the top of the wall to the endless stretch of grass below. The sheer height made her stomach twist.

And speaking of colossal things—her mind, in a cruel act of betrayal, reminded her of all the horrifying stories she’d grown up with. The monsters beyond the walls. The titans. Every worst-case scenario she’d ever been taught came rushing to the forefront of her thoughts.

Instinct took over. In a blind scramble for safety, she backed into the elevator shaft, clutching her cat against her chest like a lifeline and gripping the column beside her as if it were the only thing keeping her from plummeting into the abyss.

Armin, always perceptive, noticed immediately and approached with concern.

“Y/N… are you okay? You look a little pale.”

“I just need some fresh air,” she said quickly. But her wide eyes, clenched teeth, and bone-white knuckles gripping the metal told a different story.

Like ducklings following their leader, the rest of the squad trailed after Armin, equally curious and confused.

“Fresh air?” Jean muttered, frowning. “On top of the walls?”

You could practically hear the collective thought process: ‘There’s no place with more air than fifty meters above the ground, standing on the last wall of Paradis.’

Mikasa knelt beside her, eyes scanning her carefully. “Are you dizzy? Is your blood pressure dropping?” she asked, noting how Y/N was slowly sinking to the ground.

Between ragged breaths, Y/N choked out, “I can’t go out there… I’m not going out there.”

Sasha’s eyes widened in sudden understanding. “Oh! You’re scared! But there’s nothing to worry about! We’ve been in Levi’s squad for a while now!”

Connie nodded enthusiastically. “The Special Operations Squad! Nobody better than us!”

Y/N looked up at them, still unconvinced. Armin added, “We’ve been serving under Captain Levi for nearly two years. You’re safe with us.”

She hesitated, frowning. Something about that number didn’t sit right. “Two years?” she repeated, voice barely above a whisper. “What happened to the last squad?”

The air shifted.

The six teenagers exchanged glances.

“Uh…”

“Ehm…”

Mikasa, deciding it was time to intervene, stepped forward, smoothly pushing Armin aside as if shielding Y/N from whatever dumb thing he might accidentally say next.

“Don’t worry, Y/N,” she assured her with quiet confidence. “Captain Levi and I are the strongest. If anything happens, I’ll protect you.”

It was meant to be reassuring. But it had the exact opposite effect.

Y/N’s eyes widened in alarm. “So… there’s a chance something will happen?!”

—

“Captain…”

Levi turned, still mid-discussion over last-minute battle plans when Mikasa’s voice interrupted.

“What?” He frowned, hands on his hips. Whatever it was, it had better be important.

Mikasa hesitated, glancing toward the elevator. “We think you should check on Y/N.”

—

“I’M NOT GOING.”

Y/N clung to the elevator’s frame like her life depended on it, legs locked, refusing to step foot outside.

Levi stood beside her, “I told you, you need to come with us,” he repeated, voice low and firm.

“NO.” She shook her head wildly, gripping the metal tighter. “I don’t want to die!”

Levi exhaled sharply, trying to keep his patience. “I already told you, there are no more titans. I wouldn’t take you out if there were.”

“How do you know?! Have you even looked outside?! IT’S HUGE OUT THERE!”

Levi stared at her, deadpan.

He had spent more time outside the walls than inside them. And yet here she was, explaining it to him.

His pride crumbled. His instincts as an alpha did, too. Only adding to the recent events.

His inner alpha bristled slightly at the scent of her fear. It stung his pride—not just as a soldier, but as a mate. Alphas were supposed to be a source of security, a symbol of strength. Omegas chose alphas based on their ability to protect them and their offspring. Normally, his reputation alone was enough to reassure anyone, let alone his own wife.

Yet here she was, outright terrified, and his presence wasn’t helping at all. But right now, standing beside his mate, all he could smell was her fear.

It was a blow to his pride.

“Y/N,” he said, this time searching for any grain of patience, love and support inside him. His voice sounded almost soft and calm. “I wouldn’t take you if it wasn’t safe.” His tone was measured, steady. If she was his, then she needed to trust him. “Don’t you trust me?”

Without hesitation—without even thinking—she blurted out:

“NO.”

Silence.

Dead. Absolute silence.

Hange, who had wandered over to investigate, let out a wheezing laugh so intense they had to clutch their stomach.

Levi, meanwhile, just stared.

A sharp "Tch—" escaped him as he scratched the back of his head, trying to mask the sting. Ouch.

Hange, still gasping for breath, spread their arms dramatically. “Ah, no worries, my dear! Your fear is simply due to the unknown! That’s perfectly natural! But have no fear—I’ll teach you everything about titans, and I will keep you safe!”

As if spring had just arrived and they were a pair of rutting bucks trying to prove themselves, both alphas now stood in front of her. There was an unspoken challenge in the air. Two alphas—Hange and Levi—instinctively competing to reassure the terrified omega. A display of dominance in its most ridiculous form.

Y/N blinked. Then, in the flattest, most unimpressed tone imaginable, she deadpanned: “How are you gonna keep me safe? You can’t even spot titans—you’re missing an eye.”

Hange’s proud smile froze. Their face fell into an expression of sheer offense and heartbreak.

Levi choked on a laugh. He tried to hide it—tried so damn hard—but his shoulders shook, and a muffled snort escaped before he could stop it.

“Don’t laugh, you asshole,” Hange hissed at him, glaring.

The three alphas—Levi, Hange, and Mikasa—stood together, momentarily humbled. If this were the animal kingdom, they had just been denied their mating rights.

“She’s in shock…” Hange sighed, observing the omega’s state. Her breathing was rapid and shallow, her face drained of color despite the summer heat, and her translucent eyes darted around in panic.

“Tch. Let’s just get this over with.” Levi’s voice was monotone, unreadable, his plans undisclosed.

The girl’s grip tightened where she sat, her head shaking in frantic denial. Just as Levi shifted slightly, Armin stepped forward, planting himself between them with his arms stretched wide.

“Give her some air!” he urged, casting a firm glance at Levi before turning to the trembling omega. “I’ll handle it. Let me talk to her.”

To everyone’s surprise, Levi didn’t argue. He simply muttered, “Alright,” and walked away.

That threw Armin off. He had expected resistance—some insistence that Levi knew best how to deal with the situation. But the Captain left without a fight, leaving Armin no time to dwell on it. Instead, he turned back to the girl and knelt beside her.

“I’m NOT going!” she cried, her voice raw with fear.

Armin placed a gentle hand on her back, his tone soothing. “It’s okay. No one’s going to force you. I just want to keep you company.” He paused, studying her trembling form. “Would it help if I talked? Maybe something to help you breathe through this?”

She gave a hesitant nod.

While Armin searched for the right words to comfort her, Levi continued on, ignoring Mikasa as she trailed after him.

“You’re seriously not going to do anything?!” she snapped, as if Y/N were her own mate in distress.

Levi, accustomed to the cadet’s insubordination, didn’t even spare her a glance. He crouched by his belongings, retrieved a thermos, and poured steaming tea into the lid, which doubled as a cup. Then, from a small travel pouch, he scooped in sugar. More than a few spoonfuls.

Mikasa grimaced at the excessive amount. “Ugh.”

Meanwhile, Armin kept speaking. “You know… I froze in shock too. Back in Trost, during my first real battle.” His voice was calm, almost nostalgic.

She blinked, still breathing unevenly. “Really?”

Armin chuckled softly. “Yeah. Some soldier I was, huh?” He shook his head, offering her a small smile. “It’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not going,” she repeated, though her voice wavered. “I want—”

Her lips parted slightly, the hint of a response forming before Levi interrupted, pressing the makeshift teacup into her trembling hands.

She blinked at it, then at him. "What—what is this?" she asked, her voice shaking almost as much as her hands. She looked utterly confused, and Armin, just as baffled, shot Levi a questioning glance.

"Drink," Levi instructed flatly.

Hesitantly, she brought it to her lips and took a small sip—only to immediately grimace, pulling away in disgust. "Ugh! It's sweet. Even for me."

"Good. It'll keep you from fainting," Levi said, crossing his arms as if that settled it.

Armin caught on first. It wasn’t just tea—it was a calculated act of reassurance, a way to ground her and replenish her sugar levels after the shock. Levi was helping in his own way. Armin nodded, subtly encouraging her to drink. Levi, satisfied that his job was done, turned away and resumed his duties.

Minutes passed. The soldiers began to hurry as the descent was imminent. Armin continued talking, filling the space with calm words. “The sea is beautiful, and—” He trailed off, noticing the familiar tension creeping back into her frame. Her breathing swallowed again.

“It’s alright,” he assured. “I’m not going anywhere. Even if you’re not ready, I’m sure everyone will underst— Wait, are you okay?”

She hunched forward suddenly, making Armin’s stomach drop.

“I just… feel really tired…” she mumbled.

Armin exhaled in relief. “That’s from the hyperventilation. You’re finally calming down—”

She had started to slump forward.

Alarmed, Armin reached for her, only to watch as Levi reappeared out of nowhere, catching her effortlessly before she could hit the ground. Her head lolled against his stomach, motionless.

Panic surged through Armin. "Levi—?! Should we—"

Levi, calm as ever, merely shifted her weight with practiced ease. Placing his hands under her arms, he hoisted her up, adjusting her against his chest. One hand supported her back while the other slid beneath her legs, holding her as if she weighed nothing at all.

"Problem solved," Levi declared smoothly, his tone entirely too casual for the situation.

Still carrying her effortlessly in one arm, he reached down, grabbed a small cat that had been loitering nearby, and plopped it over her back.. The cat barely protested, curling into her limp form.

"You too, little shit," Levi muttered at the feline, then turned on his heel, striding toward the designated departure zone.

Armin could only gape. "What—what did you do?!”

Levi didn’t even look back. “Gave her what we give soldiers when they’re severely wounded.” He shrugged. “By the time she wakes up, we’ll be too far for her to freak out.”

It was quite the sight, though the rest found it obvious. Levi, walking around with her perched against his chest as if she weighed nothing—settled along one of his forearms—grabbing his own equipment and barking orders, all while balancing her and the cat on his left arm. He took his place to descend on the elevators, each gust of air that hit them making him scoff and grimace in pure disdain.

Every single time the strong wind swept across their faces—which, considering they were fifty meters above ground, was rather frequent—he caught the stench. The lingering scent clinging to her like a brand, a reminder of his failure. She being asleep, unable to find peace because he hadn’t been able to give it to her. His incapacity to speak the truth. Her scent muddled with someone else’s. Having her so close—her neck right beside his face—was torture.

‘This is stupid,’ he thought sharply. ‘Wasting brain space on this.’

But when he finally stepped into the cart to let her rest, he paused. He glanced behind him, as if someone might’ve followed, then let the intrusive thought win. 

Before he could talk himself out of it, he bent down and pressed his neck against the curve of hers, rubbing it quickly —first one side, then the other.

Then her wrists a bit too on both of his neck sides. Brushed them against his skin, just lightly. The places where pheromones lived most strongly.

One last sniff to her hair. A deep inhale.

His scent, now faintly tangled with hers, made something primal inside him settle.

His alpha—restless and bitter just moments ago—nearly purred with satisfaction.

The sensation made Levi want to crawl out of his own skin.

One part of him screamed victory, as though he had just reclaimed something sacred. The other part wanted to grab a mirror, look himself dead in the eye with a judgmental glare, and growl, “Why are you like this?”

Still, he did what he could to make her comfortable. He laid her down gently, adjusting the pillow beneath her head, and pulled a blanket over her sleeping form.

Then, without a word, he turned away and disappeared back into the chaos of duty.

—

‘The patent leather shoes as I jumped the rope, my muddy, stained knees, bruised as I ran through the park. Most of my friends and I would sprint down the streets after being picked up from the girls-only school, racing to see the displays in the fancy wedding dress store, to admire the new designs.

We were wealthy enough for my mother to take offense at the idea of my sisters and me learning how to cook, but not enough to afford private tutors. There was a time I was truly free, saving all my dreams inside the rooms of my dollhouse.

Little by little, I started to grow up, and my freedom disappeared—like the soap bubbles I used to pop in the backyard.

All children born of a traditional Alpha-Omega couple were born with three possibilities. There was always a chance the daughter would present as an Alpha too. A Beta child would be considered a disappointment—destined for the working class.

There was a time I stood a chance.

But little by little, without even realizing it at first, I was told not to run like a savage. That girls like me didn’t do that. That we didn’t ride horses, or climb monkey bars. But what never changed was the thrill of rushing with my friends to see the dresses. One day, it would be our turn. Each of us would have our own design, ones we used to draw in crayon on scrap paper. Mine were always the most praised.

Little by little, I forgot I was allowed to have bruised knees. Forgot I used to outrun my cousins. I began to shrink into the mold, just as the ruffles on my dream dress were ironed stiff into place.

The dress I tried on—the one that made my mother cry tears of joy—made me feel so pretty that I forgot I had ever wanted anything else.’

“Do what he tells you, alright? No sass-mouthing, Y/N,” her mother said, fingers weaving through her hair in the dim morning light.

The cart was already waiting at the front.

“Alright,” she replied, lifeless.

“And try to smile. A happy wife makes a happy husband.”

“Alright.”

“Show interest in what he does... but not too much. When they come home from work, they sometimes want peace and quiet.”

Her mother secured the final braid, her voice soft and far away. Her hands, though warm, moved over Y/N’s arms with a kind of absent care. “...How will I know?” Y/N turned slightly, glancing at her over her shoulder.

“You’ll learn, with time,” her mother whispered. “Learn what he likes, what he doesn’t. He’ll show you when you make a mistake. And you’ll learn.”

“Mom… I don’t want this.” Her voice cracked into a sob. “I’m scared.”

Her mother hugged her then—still her child, no matter how old. Kissed her face gently. “As your mother, it’s my duty to tell you: we don’t get to choose where we live. We live where they let us.”

‘I always thought it would be easy for me. That this was my place, and I’d learned it well. That this was my role by nature.

But if this is my place by nature... why did I have to be forced into it?’

The memories twisted, blended, folded in on themselves. She ran—ran in her little patent leather shoes down the street. Her friends ran ahead, laughing. But she couldn’t catch them. They had already grown out of her reach.

When she woke, she was sobbing.

Disoriented, she scanned her surroundings, panic swelling in her chest. She crawled out from the blankets, her body sluggish with sleep, and found herself in what looked like a campsite. A few tents around her. The sky glowed faintly—dawn was near. Trees towered all around, thick and tall, enclosing the clearing like ancient sentinels.

She turned in circles, barefoot, heart racing. Until she collided into something solid.

“Calm down. It’s all safe,” Levi muttered, standing in front of her. His hands hovered just over her arms, not touching—but close.

Her panic curdled into something hotter. Her eyes widened, her breath coming fast and sharp—and then the fear became anger.

“What did you do?!” she screamed, fists pounding weakly against his chest. “I told you I didn’t want to come! I told you!”

He didn’t stop her. The impacts were small. Harmless.

“There’s nothing out here. See?” he said quietly, like he was trying to reason with her. “You just needed to rest.”

“I’m not a kid! Don’t put me to sleep like one!” she shouted, her translucent eyes turning toward what she guessed must be north.

And there—where walls had once loomed—was nothing.

Kilometers and kilometers of nothing.

He thought the outburst was just anger — fear of being there, maybe. But for her, it was the collapse of everything she had ever known.

Her mind resisted the truth for even a second, but the cruel thought of having to stand this — this nothingness — for an entire year, tore her apart.

“No, no, no,” she repeated in raw denial, sobbing messily as the weight of it all crushed her.

The cries confused him. Finally, Levi gripped her arms — gently, with no real strength — as if trying to shake her out of the shock.

“It’s not the end of the world, brat. Come on,” he muttered, exhausted.

To him, it felt like watching a toddler refuse to go to kindergarten.

But as her emotional state didn’t seem to improve — not with anything he said, or did, or tried — Levi grew helpless.

No one likes watching someone cry like that. There’s no comfort to offer. No quick fix for despair. Just one salty stream after another.

“Don’t cry like that, damn it. No one died. It’s all fine,” he said. “You’ll like it. They’re building houses and all that shit. There’s nothing out here to be scared of anymore.”

But titans were the last of her worries.

And Levi had just said the word that nailed the issue — fear.

She imagined her life like this. Like the past few days — isolated, empty, in the middle of nowhere. With no one to talk to, unless she could tolerate the scrutiny.

“I’m scared,” she sobbed, “I want to go home.”

She was scared of returning home too late, of having missed everything with her mother. Of coming back without a child. Of never fitting anywhere again.

“Y/N, listen to me.” His voice rose, trying to snap her out of it. “There’s nothing out here. What are you so scared of?”

He shook her slightly — not hard, just enough to try and make her focus. But they were speaking two different languages. Living in two different worlds that could’ve been so easily connected, if only one of them had the right words.

His hands gripped her arms again — not roughly — but her skin was already bruised.

She was scared of what he’d do once they were alone, after the scene she was making. Scared of opening the wrong drawer in their shared quarters. Scared of living in a place she was merely allowed to exist in. Scared of stepping fully into her mother’s shoes, of hearing herself one day say the same resigned words.

It felt stupid — ridiculous even — that the very role she had trained her whole life for now terrified her.

“Of you,” she whispered.

Those two words echoed louder between them than any scream.

Levi’s hands, which had been trying to steady her, fell away. Slowly. Like he’d just been burned. Almost ashamed.

It hit him in the heart — a clean, precise shot — and silenced any argument he might have had.

A knot rose in his throat, nearly choking him. His lips pressed into a hard line.

A stupid thought crossed his mind: ‘This would be ten times easier if I were the asshole everyone thinks I am.’  Maybe if he cared less, her words wouldn’t have cut so deep.

The silence of the wilderness was all-encompassing.

“I didn’t want to yell at you,” he said finally, voice barely above a whisper. “Not the other day. Not in the bedroom.”

Her sobs quieted. She didn’t raise her eyes, but the words confused her—startled her enough to pause.

“The night with the ink mess,” he continued, “that was me bitching. I stand by what I said, but it was a shitty way to say it.” He exhaled, frustrated. “And my stubborn ass thought I’d find a less shitty time to explain all this crap. But then you lied. You disappeared. And I got so fucking angry—” He stopped himself. “I’m still fucking angry.”

Levi cut off, as if even trying to speak was pushing his limits.

“I know it sounds hypocritical, after I slammed a drawer and shout, but…” he hesitated, eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m not like that.”

The implication hung thick in the air. He ran a hand through his hair, then let it fall to the back of his neck, scratching absently—like he might find relief in tugging out a particularly stubborn hair. A bitter scoff escaped his lips.

“I guess I’ve gotta prove that,” he muttered. “Until death do us part.”

That line — half-joke, half-confession — snapped her out of the spiral she’d been in. It didn’t feel like a demand to trust him. Or a challenge. Or some dramatic vow. It felt like what it was: a quiet promise. One he’d have to prove every single day, not just once, but over and over — to her, to himself, maybe even to the kind of man he wanted to be.

For the first time in a while, she looked up. Met his eyes. And then, softly — her voice scratchy, like it hadn’t been used in years — she said, “I promise you… nothing happened between us.”

Levi let out a humorless breath. Almost a laugh. “I know,” he whispered. “I’m not naive.”

He didn’t smell anything on her. Nothing out of place. If something deeper had happened — more than a kiss, more than talk — her scent would’ve told him. But still… something in his voice hinted at how close betrayal had felt. How easily imagined.

The tone stung. She heard the hurt behind it.

“I… I’ve even been burning his letters,” she added quickly, like it might patch something.

“Letters?” Levi cut in sharply. “Die—? Some bullshit? Diederik? I thought he was a cousin or something with how often he sent them.”

She tensed, shrinking slightly. She hadn’t expected him to remember. Or connect it so quickly.

“You knew he was sending letters to my place and didn’t say a word?” he asked, tone sharper now but not fully furious — more baffled. “The fucking audacity of that asshole to send letters to my house.” He swore under his breath. “Is that how you arranged to meet him?”

“There wasn’t any arranging…” she mumbled. “He left me a note under the hotel room door. I told you — I’ve been burning the rest.”

Levi didn’t explode like she feared. Instead, he just frowned deeply, dragging a hand over his eyes and pressing into the sockets like the pressure might keep his temper down.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“You went to meet with a guy who sent you letters you didn’t answer, tracked you to a hotel, left notes under your door…” He trailed off, grimacing. “Holy fuck, you’re alive by a miracle.”

“Well… now that you put it like that,” she said, trying and failing to smile. Her voice cracked. “I—I just wanted to talk to someone. Like a friend. I didn’t know him like that.”

Talk to him… like a friend? Is she stupid? He was completely lost in her train of thought—because he couldn’t recall a single lifetime, or universe, where you could go talk to your ex-fiancé as a friend.

“Didn’t you spend the whole previous day at your friend’s house? Didn’t that help?”

But the moment the word friends left his mouth, she broke eye contact. Her face twisted in pain, sharp and unfiltered. Like he’d just stepped on something raw. As he tried to piece together the last few days, Levi realized he was unraveling a pattern of missing information.

“I don’t want to talk about that.”

‘Oh no. We are not doing that.’

He put both hands on her shoulders and pushed her gently backwards until she almost fell onto a loose log. The Scouts had sat there earlier that day. The bonfire was out, the pot left to dry with the serving spoon still in it—cleaned after they’d eaten the stew. Legs spread, Levi sat down beside her with a demanding presence.

“Why did you lie to me? Why’d you say you were meeting your folks when you weren’t?”

Facing each other, Levi studied her tight-lipped, apologetic expression, searching for something real beneath it. “I’m not throwing some shitty punishment at you or anything. I just want to know why you looked me in the eye and lied.”

She hesitated—doubt in her eyes, but no real reason to keep it in anymore, except maybe fear of what might come next. “I thought… if I told you my parents weren’t going, you wouldn’t take me to Mitras.”

“So your parents were never gonna be fucking there?”

She shook her head slowly. Then, as if something clicked, her mind reached for a memory—his words on their first night.

“No…” she murmured, “My family’s at the countryside house. It was too short notice for them to come to the capital.” Her words were sluggish, either from the exhaustion of a recent forced sleep or the weight of everything pressing down on her. “And… my mother’s pregnant.”

Levi frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing as the pieces didn’t quite fit. ‘I saw her, what—a month ago? She didn’t even look pregnant.’ Logic kicked in. A woman that far along shouldn’t travel, sure. But something still felt off.

“Ah,” he hummed, a vague noise of forced acknowledgment. “Congrats.” Then, seeing the sadness on her face, he quickly added, “I guess.”

“I need to go back,” she said, fiddling with her fingers in distress, picking at the skin beside her nails. “My mom needs me. She’s having a difficult pregnancy.”

Her voice was steady, but her reasoning made no sense to him.

“And what are you gonna do there?”

“Look after my siblings, of course.”

A hum of mild surprise echoed in his throat. “Ah… You got more than your little sister?”

“We’re seven in total.”

“Seven?!” He reeled back in shock. “Damn. How old is your mother?”

The question confused her. Most of her friends came from big families. “Thirty-nine… almost forty, I think.”

Levi did the math in his head, blinking. “Your mom’s six years older than me and has seven kids?” He looked genuinely thrown, while she just blinked at his reaction, like it wasn’t that strange at all. That only confirmed it. “Holy shit. Your folks really didn’t waste any time, huh?”

That earned a quiet chuckle from her. “The doctor said my mom shouldn’t be having more children… she’s lost too many pregnancies already. Mae was even born premature.” Her voice cracked. “I’m scared she won’t make it…”

Levi softened slightly, trying—awkwardly—to offer comfort. “I’m sure a good doctor’ll find a way to end the pregnancy and make sure your mom pulls through. Don’t worry.”

But the way she looked at him—confused, regretful—made something click.

“‘Cause that’s the smart thing to do,” he added. “Especially when she’s got a bunch of young kids who need her more than a newborn does.”

“My… family believes the more, the merrier,” she whispered. “A child is always a blessing.”

Levi let out a long, heavy sigh and rolled his eyes. The whole situation was simple and infuriating at the same time. “Right. Your dad’s allergic to wrapping it up and doesn’t give a fuck. That’s the real problem.”

Her face turned scarlet. She stammered, “Why would you say it like that? Gosh—” she dropped her voice, “They’re married, after all… it’s normal. Plus, they’re mates. What do you expect them to do?”

“Well, for starters,” Levi said dryly, “I know your family owns two houses. He could spend a week or two a year in the other one and not get her pregnant. Problem solved.”

But even he knew that wasn’t the real issue. That was just surface-level.

“Then again, that’s clearly not a solution for a man who doesn’t give a fuck about his family.”

The blow landed.

“He does care about us,” she insisted, defensive now—though he hadn’t said them, just her father.

“If he cared,” Levi said coldly, “he’d know that his other six brats need their mother a hell of a lot more than he needs to go raw for a week.”

For the first time in her life, someone had said it — had placed the blame on the other party in the relationship.

His words still hurt. Maybe because defending her family’s dynamics had been written into her since childhood, stitched into her with years of quiet teachings and expectations.

But somehow, his bluntness opened a door — just wide enough for her to voice something that had long lived in the back of her mind as nothing more than an intrusive thought.

“To be honest… I don’t think they should be having any more kids either,” she admitted.

The words felt light — like letting go of something she didn’t know she was carrying.

“But it’s done,” she added, quieter now. “And my siblings need me.”

“You know,” Levi said, resting an elbow on one knee, his voice low and rough, “I don’t usually say this to anyone but myself, but… that’s not your responsibility.”

Her head turned, brows creased. “How can you say that? They’re my little brothers and sisters.”

A soft, resigned scoff escaped his nose. Because in her, he saw it — for the first time. That same thing that lived in him. Blind loyalty. Crushing duty. That instinct to carry burdens that were never yours to begin with.

“Y/N,” he said, voice firm but not unkind. “You’re their sister. Not their mother.” He leaned forward, gaze steady. “I know it sounds fucking selfish. I’m sure it does. But if you let yourself become a slave to your parents’ bad decisions… then the day your mother dies, you’ll be the next one in line to be your father’s wife 2.0.”

She played with her ring, turning it around her finger without taking it off. It had become a habit since it used to be loose. Now it fit snugly—tightened by Levi’s makeshift fix. Her breathing was soft, quiet, as his words slowly sank in and took root in her mind. It would take a lot of care and time for that seed of self-identity to grow into something real, but it was a start. Like a frozen pond in midwinter—beneath all the thick, harsh layers of ice, there was still life.

She frowned deeply. “You’re right… it’s just—it’d be easier to feel less useless if I could help, at least like that.” But her voice cracked at the edges. Levi’s mind went straight to how he’d told her she needed to start helping around. He was about to tell her it wasn’t that serious—but then, like the final drop that overflows a full glass, she broke.

“I should’ve used my time in the capital—wasted on meeting Die—to go see the doctor my friend told me about.”

“A doctor? You feel bad?” Levi asked quickly, alert. “Oi—oi, what’s the matter?”

He bent down, trying to get a look at her face. She was sobbing again, wet and broken. She shook her head, unable to speak.

“Why would you go see a doctor if you’re not sick?”

“Because I lost my heat,” she whispered, “and maybe I can’t get pregnant… like my mom.”

“What?” he said. “Why are you saying that bullshit? Your friends told you that?”

She nodded slightly. “Well, fuck your friends,” Levi said immediately. “You’re young. You’re stressed. You don’t need a damn doctor.”

But his words barely scratched the surface of the storm inside her. Her hands clenched into fists in her lap.

“It’s just—” she sobbed, “I can’t even do the one thing I’m supposed to do right.”

“Oi—”

“No, but—” her words stumbled over themselves as her breathing quickened again. “It’s the only thing I’m meant to do and I can’t even do it! Why is my body betraying me like this? If I’m not a mother, then what am I supposed to be?!”

Her hands flew up to cover her face as her cries broke open again, muffled by her palms. She curled forward, shoulders trembling.

Levi sat there, speechless. His gut twisted. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. “I’m so bad at this.”

But then—he reached a hand to her back, steady, warm. “This is gonna sound cringe as hell,” he muttered, “but... you can be whatever you fucking want, Y/N.”

She flinched slightly, moving away—not to reject his comfort, but as if she didn’t think she deserved it. Like this heartbreak was punishment.

He kept going, even as she turned.

“Listen to me. You’re young. We’ve got plenty of damn time to figure out if your heat comes back, or if you can get knocked up. And if not? We’ll deal with that. And if nothing works? There’s still a whole lot more in life than pushing out kids. A hundred other kids out there who’d be lucky to have someone like you.”

“Don’t act like this isn’t an inconvenience,” she said bitterly. “An alpha with an omega who can’t even go into heat...”

That short-circuited something in him.

“You think I care about that?” he asked sharply. As she wouldn’t look at him, she wouldn’t answer either. He reached out and gripped her face, gently but firmly, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“You think I care that you lost a heat?” he repeated. Their faces were inches apart. The raw pain in hers answered for her.

“For fuck’s sake, Y/N. I haven’t even thought about that.” His voice was low and rough. “I don’t give a shit. I care that you’re a crying mess because of some bitch you call a friend.”

“Me?” He scoffed. “Do I look like someone who goes around saying shit to make people feel better?”

She blinked, caught off guard.

“C’mon, Y/N. Half the time I can’t even say the shit I should say. You think I suddenly got the social skills to lie?”

Between sniffles, she laughed.

Their eyes met. Her cheeks flushed—whether from crying or their closeness, neither could say.

“Don’t you think this all would’ve been easier if I’d had my heat in spring?” she asked, teasing softly now.

“No,” he said immediately. “Have you seen how damn controlling I am? The country’s a mess, and the thought of leaving you behind, knocked up with my kid, while I ride off to the end of the shitty world—” he quoted her, “—is already making me want to rip my hair out.”

She laughed again, and wiped at her face.

“I’m sorry about all this.”

“I’m sorry I wasted money on a cart for you to visit those bitches,” he said dryly. “Next time, spit in their faces.”

“Levi!” she scolded, laughing through the last of her tears.

After a rare moment of closeness, they both leaned forward, gently bumping their foreheads together in silent support. Her breathing was still uneven, but it was calming, slowly syncing with his. Breathing the same air, their scents mingled. His hand, still cupping her cheek, moved to stroke her face gently. He still couldn’t find the right words. But this was something.

They sat there a little longer.

Eventually, she leaned her head against his shoulder. Her fingers played with her ring again, but this time, there was peace in it.

The gold thread shimmered softly in the first light of dawn.

“I should’ve taken the ring to get resized when we were in Mitras,” Levi muttered, annoyed at himself for missing the chance.

But she just smiled, more tenderly this time. “It’s alright. I like it like this.”

Levi frowned, unsure if she really meant it.She held her hand up and spread her fingers, admiring it.

“They say rings match the marriage. That’s why people want the biggest, the fanciest. But I think ours matches us pretty well.”

Silence lingered for a few seconds as Levi squinted at her, trying to process the statement.

“Shitty?” he offered.

She laughed brightly.“No, you idiot,” she grinned. “It’s not meant to fit. But we try to make it work. And that’s more than a lot of people can say about their arrangements.”

He hummed softly, nodding. “Yeah… that sounds way more poetic.”

—

From a safe distance, just beyond the tree line, the remnants of Levi’s squad were half-huddled, half-loitering, trying to stay out of sight.

Or at least, most of them were trying.

Sasha groaned, arms crossed over her stomach. “Can I go have breakfast already? I’m literally dying.”

Behind the cover of a tall tree, Hange peeked around the bark like a spy in a bad disguise. “Give them some time,” they whispered, voice full of mischievous reverence.

Armin yawned as they were supposed to start their duties and squinted toward the couple at the camp’s edge. “Weren’t they, like, screaming at each other last night?” He tilted his head. “And now they’re cuddling? That kind of emotional whiplash causes unpredictable attachment models in kids. Has anyone considered that? I could develop toxic anxious attachment,”

“Dude,” Connie muttered, elbowing him, “don’t blame your anxiety on them. You already had that before the marital drama.”

The group snickered.

As the omega and alpha pair sat quietly under the early morning sky — heads bowed together, peaceful — as they waited for them to be over so they could carry on with their duties.

“So… how’d they make up?” Jean asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hange turned around from peeking, smirking as they casually raised both hands—left hand forming a ring with their thumb and index finger, while the right index and middle fingers thrust through the circle.

A chorus of gasps followed.

“No way,” Sasha whispered, nearly choking on nothing.

Mikasa frowned, blinking slowly. “But… we don’t have a bed here.”

“As if a bed’s ever stopped anyone, sweetie,” Hange said, not even glancing back.

“I didn’t hear anything,” Armin muttered, mostly to himself.

That made Hange turn fully around, eyes glinting behind their glasses. “Look at that,” they said with a satisfied sigh. “Levi was right. The shy ones are the worst.”

They smirked. “And why, dear Armin, were you listening in the first place? Hm? You little voyeur.”

Armin froze, color rushing to his ears. “Wait—what?! No, I— That’s not what I—! I was trying to sleep!”

“What’s a voyeur?” Sasha asked, squinting curiously.

“Eh…” Hange shrugged. “A type of bread.”

Author’s Note 💔: Hey friends 💌 I’m not gonna lie, writing this chapter was bittersweet because… Tumblr nuked my blog. Five whole years of headcanons, over 200 posts, and I was this close to hitting 10k followers. And yeah, I’ve never been one to obsess over numbers—some fics did well, some didn’t—but what I truly treasured was the community we built together 🥺💕 I’ve gotten the sweetest asks over the years. One person told me they used to read my fics while pregnant and now they read them to their kid. Like, hello?? That kind of thing stays with you forever. Losing all of that without warning? It broke me. And apparently, I’m not alone—Reddit is full of people saying their years-old accounts were randomly deleted too. Support won’t answer, and (get this) I even got banned from the support page for just asking why my blog got taken down 🙃 But despite everything, I’m still here. People always asked me, “Will you keep writing after the manga ends? After the anime ends?” And my answer has always been: “I’ll keep doing this as long as it’s fun for me.” And guess what? It’s still fun. So here’s a 15k word chapter because apparently I cannot shut up 📝💀 If you’re looking for me, I’ve made a new (very improvised) tumblr: lucysarah1875 And I also have a lil discord server in case you want to hang out/chat/cry about Levi with me 😭 Just shoot me a message at lucysarahc on Discord and I’ll send you a fresh invite link since they expire faster than Tumblr’s mercy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love, comments, and support you’ve given me. It means more than I can ever express T-T Okay okay, enough rambling. Enjoy the chapter 💕 — Lucy <3

Tag list! (Please, if you got this notification. I'll be using this blog until further notice): @nube55 @justkon @notgoodforlife @nmlkys @humanitys-strongest-bamf @quillinhand @thoreeo @darkstarlight82 @aomi04 @levisbrat25 @fxnnyackerman @secretmoneybearvoid @trashblackrainbow @l3visthighs @hum4n-wr3ckag3 @hannieslovebot @flxrartsstuff @feelingsandemotionsnotexplored @starrylevi @rithty @mariaace @ackrmntea @emilyyyy-08 @levisfavoriteteashop @katestrophes @katharinasdiaryy @ackermanswifee @levistealeaf @an-ever-angry-bi @youre-ackermine @searriously @blackdxggr

[ur-so-mine]

🕹️ “Crafting Chaos in the Cave”

Pairing: Damian Wayne x Female Reader

Genre: Fluff, humor, slice-of-life

Setting: Batcave game night

Word Count: ~1.4k

Summary:

Game night in the Batcave gets chaotic when the whole Batfamily jumps into Minecraft—expect laughs, disaster, and unexpected sweetness.

---

“Why are there six people on the same Minecraft server?” you asked, glancing at the screen as your poor little wooden house got blown up for the third time.

Tim didn't look up from his laptop. “Because Alfred said we can’t solve arguments with violence anymore, so this is our therapy.”

Jason smirked. “And because I wanted to push Damian into lava.”

“I told you to stop mining under me!” Damian snapped, glaring at Jason from the other side of the couch.

“Guys, I made a chicken coop!” Dick announced proudly, sending a screenshot in the group chat like a proud preschooler.

“Good for you, Grayson,” Damian deadpanned. “Meanwhile, I am trying to find diamonds and Y/N is punching a tree like a barbarian.”

“...I’m literally new here,” you muttered, still trying to remember how to craft a pickaxe. “I’m lucky I didn’t try to fight a creeper with a sapling.”

“That… actually happened,” Cass chimed in from the floor, where she was casually building a giant dirt sculpture shaped like a batarang. “She screamed. It was awesome.”

“I did not scream.”

“You did,” Damian added, but with a tiny smirk he didn’t quite hide.

You threw a pillow at him. He caught it.

---

Twenty minutes later, the chaos had escalated.

Bruce had walked by once, saw all of you in various positions—some on beanbags, some on gaming chairs, one (Jason) on the floor half upside-down—and just silently walked away muttering, "I’m too old for this."

Tim was trying to build a redstone auto-farm. No one knew what that meant except him. He looked sleep-deprived and slightly possessed.

Dick’s house was somehow already burned down. “I just wanted a cozy cottage!! Who set it on fire?!”

“Sorry,” you said. “I was trying to cook chicken. With lava. It went wrong.”

“I HATE ALL OF YOU,” he cried in the group chat.

---

Then came the lava incident.

“Why is there lava in my house!?” Damian shouted.

Jason started whistling.

You were trying so hard not to laugh. “Wait. Wait. Your little pixel dog is on fire—Damian! Save it!”

He immediately sprinted in-game with panic-level speed. “Titus NO—”

Everyone was laughing now. Even Tim paused long enough to wheeze.

Cass added fuel to the fire. Literally. “I gave the dog a flint and steel. I wanted to see if he’d protect the base.”

“She armed the dog,” Jason whispered like it was a war crime. “Respect.”

---

Then it happened.

Damian’s voice cut through the comms. “Y/N. Come to my coordinates.”

You stopped mid-tree punch. “What? Why?”

He said nothing.

You walked across the in-game plains, confused, until you spotted a small, perfectly crafted Minecraft garden. Flowers. Fencing. One white bed and one green.

There was a sign.

> "This is your base now. So you don’t keep dying."

– D.

“…Did you just make me a starter base?” you asked, heart doing things it should not during Minecraft.

Cass gasped, “DID DAMIAN WAYNE JUST ROMANCE IN BLOCKS?!”

Jason choked. “Bro you gave her a love shack?!”

“It’s not a—!” Damian started, but you smiled, typing a sign next to his:

> “Thanks. It’s ugly but cute. Like you.”

Tim fell out of his chair laughing.

Jason screenshot it.

Dick was already shipping it. “I’m building the wedding chapel.”

“Grayson—”

“BLOCK WEDDING, BABY!”

You leaned over and kissed Damian’s cheek. “I like your ugly little garden.”

His ears turned red.

“Shut up,” he muttered, but he didn’t stop smiling for the rest of the game.

---

END.