#lightning was a challenge here but I like how it turned out in the end

[veroinfaciem]

[kajibunny]

✶⋆.˚꩜ it's not what it looks like, i swear!˙⋆✶ w/ the wind breaker boys

✿ featuring: haruka sakura, ren kaji, hajime umemiya, hayato suo, jo togame, toma hiragi (first time writing for hiragi! yipeee) ✿ contains: suggestive dialogues, crack, mutual pining, some established relationship, a lil bit of fluff ✿ a/n: heads up, please do not read this while drinking coffee because you’ll probably end up like sakura in the banner ( ≧ᗜ≦)  ✿ wc: 2.4k

— what happens when perfectly innocent scenarios with them turn suggestive once they are taken out of context? well, you're about to find out one way or another. 

ʚɞ kaji -

how did you two end up in this position?

kaji was sprawled on top of you, his hands braced on either side of your head with his knees straddling your legs. his face was so close that you could feel his breath against your skin, your cheeks burning pink as his eyes locked with yours.

"kaji, you were supposed to be chasing the cat, not me!" you exclaimed, feeling the heat rise up your cheeks. 

"you were in the way." kaji responded, with a frustrated sigh.

"you were the one who knocked me over!" you shot back at him.

he tried to move aside, but the way your breath hitched, your lips parted and your cute face so flushed left him momentarily frozen.

when you offered to help kaji find risa-chan, you had no idea how things would spiral. chasing the cat with the pink ribbon felt like trying to catch a bolt of lightning. 

as you both darted around in pursuit, kaji eventually found her on a bush and made a desperate lunge to grab the elusive feline. instead, he ended up accidentally colliding into you, sending you both tumbling into an unexpectedly intimate position.

"kaji! that’s not the cat you’rrre supposed to be chasing! arrre you two fooling arrround with each otherrr now?" enomoto’s voice rang out, breaking the spell. beside him was kusumi who covered his eyes with his hands—though the gap between his fingers betrayed his curiosity.

"we weren't—"

"this isn't—"

neither you nor kaji could find the words to explain how you two ended up like this, tangled up and breathless, both of you too flustered to speak. 

finally, kaji regained composure and got up, dusting off his clothes before offering you a hand, still refusing to meet your gaze as you took his outstretched hand to pull yourself up. you two continued your search without uttering a word to one another. 

although, the way kaji fiddled with his lollipop and hurriedly put on his headphones while turning his blushing face away everytime he saw you spoke volumes. why did you have to look so adorable in that vulnerable position? 

kaji did end up catching something else that day, and it was feelings of undeniable romantic attraction for you.

ʚɞ umemiya -

"there, there, let me put it in, i'll a be a bit more gentle this time, okay?" umemiya said, his voice calm and reassuring. "oh no, it won't go in." you exhaled in frustration. 

"ah, it's because your hole is too tight." he said with a slight grin. "what? i-i thought maybe it was just too big to fit in my hole." you replied, a hint of embarrassment in your voice. 

"don't worry, i've got you. i'll help you ease it in - there we go, nice and deep, just like that." umemiya groaned softly as he helped you lift and position the pots in their rightful place. 

"you're so good at this, ume!" you praised him, giving umemiya a pat on the back, your eyes lighting up in admiration as he gave you a wide, proud smile.

gardening together with umemiya was definitely hot. literally. the sun beaming down on you both, with little shade to protect your skin from the heat. 

as you wiped the sweat from your forehead, you wondered how he managed to convince you to be his gardening assistant for the day. maybe it was his irresistable charm, or that infectious smile. 

either way, you were here now, knee-deep in dirt, struggling to transport seedlings - a task that was proving to be far more challenging than you anticipated.

meanwhile, the tamon squad had gathered outside the rooftop garden, their faces flustered as they listened in on your conversation.

"are they-?" nirei whispered, his voice filled with disbelief. 

"but...on the rooftop of all places?" kiryu added, equally shocked. 

"what are they doing, it sounds so-" sakura began, but hiragi cut him off. "okay, that's enough. everybody back to patrol-" hiragi declared, but then the weight of everyone leaning on the rooftop door caused it to whip open.

they all accidentally burst into the garden, only to be met by the sight of you and umemiya...calmly arranging pots. nothing more, nothing less. 

oh, so that's what it's about. the tightness, and the holes, and the depth. it all made sense now.

suo bent forward and whispered to both of you: "sorry, we kind of misunderstood and thought you two were doing something else up here." 

you and umemiya exchanged confused glances with flushed faces, completely oblivious to what they were insinuating. 

upon looking back and gaining realization of what you and umemiya might have sounded like to them, your only wish was to be a transported seedling buried beneath the soil of umemiya's garden.

ʚɞ sakura -

you pressed the back of your hand against sakura’s forehead, feeling the unmistakable heat radiating from his skin. "you’re burning up, sakura." you murmured, in a concerned tone.

he tried to brush it off, his cheeks faintly flushed. "what are you talking about!? i’m fine...!" he protested, but his hoarse voice betrayed him.

you shook your head, a determined look in your eyes. "take off your top."

sakura’s eyes shot wide open. "w-what? no! why are you trying to undress me?!"

you stifled a laugh, and tried to ease him. "to give you a sponge bath, silly. don't worry, i'm used to taking care of sick people. it'll help lower your temperature."

despite his protests, he eventually allowed you to help, his face burning brighter as you carefully sponged his fevered skin, your touch both soothing and embarrassing him.

when dinner time rolled around, you placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of him. "here, umemiya gave me the recipe. it's his special soup!"

sakura, still flustered from earlier, reached for the bowl with shaky hands, but you gently stopped him.

"say ah." you instructed, holding a spoonful of soup close to his lips.

his eyes widened again, his voice shaky. "w-what are you trying to do this time?"

you tilted your head. "you’re too weak to hold the spoon, sakura. let me take care of you." you smiled gently at him.

"i’m...i’m fine!" he insisted, his face a mix of embarrassment and defiance.

you leaned in closer. "sakura, let me do this for you. i’m not taking no for an answer." 

he eventually reluctantly opened his mouth, allowing you to feed him. this feeling was all so foreign to him, as no one ever tried to care of him like this. 

however, the real challenge came when it was time for him to take his medicine. sakura outright refused, turning his head away with a stubborn glare.

"be a good boy and take it." you insisted, holding the medicine out to him.

"no way." he muttered, crossing his arms defiantly.

a sigh escaped your lips. "sakura, don’t make me give it to you by force."

his eyes widened for a moment at your insinuation, but he still refused to budge. so, with a determined look, you gently pushed him back onto the bed, pinning him down.

"open your mouth." you commanded, in a firm voice.

sakura’s blush deepened as he squirmed beneath you. he hesitantly opened his mouth, allowing you to administer the medicine, his cheeks burning with both the fever and the flurry of emotions he couldn’t quite name along with the intrusive thoughts running in his mind.

as he finally swallowed, you wiped a stray drop from his lips and smiled softly. "see? that wasn’t so bad."

but instead of cooling down, you noticed sakura’s face was only getting redder, his body temperature seemingly rising even higher. you frowned, pressing your hand against his forehead again.

"hm, strange. this medicine is supposed to lower your temperature...why are you heating up even more?" you murmured.

sakura turned his head away, hiding his flushed face in the pillow, his voice barely above a whisper. "i-i don’t know either..."

you couldn’t help but wonder what was really causing his temperature to spike. maybe the medicine just needed more time...or maybe it had nothing to do with the fever at all.

ʚɞ togame -

you had asked togame to teach you self-defense, and who better to learn from than togame himself, shishitoren's second-in-command, whose fighting style was totally unpredictable, and could knock a dozen opponents to the ground.

it took a lot of convincing, but eventually, he agreed once you promised him you'll buy him a whole crate of ramune. it also didn't help that you threw him puppy eyes and a pleading face that even the togame jo himself is not immune to.

during your sparring sessions, togame tried his best to go easy on you, since he didn't want to hurt you, but you told him you wanted him to go full-force. 

"is that all you’ve got?" you teased, dodging another swipe from togame.

"nah, i’m just getting started." he shot back, as he lunged at you. you barely had time to react before togame grabbed your wrist, pulling you down onto the floor. you twisted away, but togame was quicker, pinning you beneath him.

"got you now." togame says, his voice low, leaning in close as you struggled under him, his weight pressing down just enough to keep you in place, the warmth of his body making your breath hitch.

"not yet, you don’t." you countered, managing to free one of your arms. with a swift motion, you flipped togame onto his back, your faces being inches apart, as you could see the evident blush on his face from being too close to you. 

his hands found your waist, holding you in place as you both caught your breath.

anyone who caught you two in that position would have thought you were fighting for dominance in a different sense.  

"okay, you win." he chuckled, togame's eyes looking directly into yours. "but only because i let you."

"oh, really?" you replied, unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips. "i think you just like being in this position."

he blinked, the room and your faces suddenly feeling warmer as your words sunk in. before he could respond, you leaned in slightly, bringing his face even closer to yours, the air between you thick with tension. he was close enough to kiss, and it certainly didn't help that he wasn't trying to make any attempt to stop you.

togame told you he wanted a round two with you, saying he wasn't going to let you off easy this time. 

ʚɞ suo -

you had agreed to help suo and sakura bake a cake for nirei's birthday, as you three were nirei's closest friends, and you wanted to make it a special celebration for him.

suo, who was quite skilled in baking, took charge and offered to teach you, while sakura assisted from the sidelines, helping the both of you in preparing the ingredients. 

it was going well at first, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and chocolate, but as you and suo began working closely together on the cake, things turned into a bit of a spiced up situation.

first, you and suo mixed the batter.

"oh, you’ve really got a knack for handling the sticky stuff, huh?" suo watched you pour in the ingredients, with a playful smile on his face.

"do i? maybe it's because you help me out all the time." you say to him.

"i'm glad. here let's help you out with this, too." suo approaches you and helps you steady the mixer from behind. "thank you, suo. it's quite big so i might have a hard time doing it alone."

when sakura glanced over, from his angle it looked like suo was pressing you up against the counter, and a furious blush crept up on his cheeks as he swatted away his unwanted thoughts.

"oh, dear. it might be too wet." you turned to suo to ask for his advice.

"it looks good to me, but here, stick this in." suo says, handing you a stick of butter, which sakura had to do a double take on to make sure it was just butter and not some other kind of stick.

then you helped prepare the frosting. 

"it tastes amazing, suo!" you exclaimed, sampling the frosting.

"mind if i have a taste too?" suo said, leaning in closer. "of course, here, try it." you smiled and offered up the spoon to him. 

"ah, you have some on you, here." he pointed at your hand, which had splashes of frosting on it which escaped the piping bag. "oh no, it squirted out. i'll just lick it off, then." you replied, smiling and darting out your tongue to taste the sweet frosting.

sakura was close to absolutely losing it because of you and suo's interactions.

lastly was assembling the cake. 

"are you ready for this? it might get a bit messy." he asked you, as he brought the baking pan closer. 

"it's alright. i know you will help me clean up the mess after!"   

sakura's face turned as hot as the pre-heated oven as he listened in from the sidelines, feeling his face flush as he heard what sounded like a heated flirtatious exchange between you and suo. 

sakura silently vowed never to help you two bake a cake ever again.

ʚɞ hiragi -

hiragi was always juggling so many responsibilities as one of the four kings of bofurin, that stress had become a constant companion, often forcing him to rely on his stomach medications just to get through the day. 

so when you offered to give him a quick massage to ease his aching joints, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief.

you were very skilled with your fingers, expertly working out the tension in his shoulders, digging into every tight spot with just the right amount of pressure.

"ah, that feels so good." hiragi murmured, his voice heavy with relaxation.

"yeah? you like it there, 'ragi?" you teased, your fingers finding a particularly tight knot.

"mhm. that’s the spot..." he groaned, his eyes fluttering shut as he surrendered to the pleasure. 

"you’re so stiff." you giggled, leaning in closer. "you really need to relax more often."

as the two of you were chilling in the cozy corner of pothos café, completely absorbed in the moment, across from you sat umemiya, who looked like he was about to choke on his food.

umemiya shot you both an incredulous look. "please, not in front of my salad!" he quipped, his tone half-joking, half-bewildered.

you glanced over at his plate, unable to suppress a laugh. "umemiya, your food isn’t even a salad!"

"yeah, well, it’s hard to focus on what i’m eating when you two are…whatever this is!" he shot back, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his amused smile.

hiragi opened one eye, as he shifted in his seat. "you seem tense. maybe you could use a massage too, umemiya."

umemiya quickly held up his hands in mock surrender. "nope, i’m good! you two just keep that over there, and leave my...omurice in peace! thank you!"

if only you could see what kind of face hiragi was making while you massaged him, his eyes fluttered closed while his brows knitted together in a moment of pure bliss, then maybe you would have choked on your omurice too. 

© kajibunny 2024 / all rights reserved

[paucubarsisimp]

ice bucket challenge

pairings: pedri x reader, pablo gavi x reader, ferran torres x reader, pau cubarsi x reader, hector fort x reader, alejandro balde x reader, lamine yamal x reader, marc bernal x reader

summary: in which you do the ice bucket challenge... with a twist!

warnings: none

୨ৎ pablo gavi

pablo stood beside you in the backyard, arms crossed with a smug grin. “you sure you want to do this? that water looks freezing.”

you looked up at him sweetly. “that’s the point, cariño. it’s for charity.”

he rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the way he softened around you. “fine, i’ll hold the bowl. but don’t say i didn’t warn you when you start screaming.”

the camera rolled. you gave your intro with a bright smile, thanking people who nominated you, hyping up the challenge—and then you turned around, facing away from the camera so pablo could lift the bowl.

“ready?” he asked, already chuckling.

“oh, so ready.”

just as he lifted the bucket above your head, you spun around lightning-fast and shoved it upwards—flipping the freezing water directly over him.

the gasp that ripped from pablo’s mouth was nothing short of cinematic.

“ay dios,” he shouted, water pouring down his face, hair drenched, shirt clinging to his chest. he just stood there, blinking in shock, while you doubled over laughing, barely keeping upright.

you were crying from laughter. “oh my god—your face! i wish you could see your face!”

“i trusted you,” he said dramatically, his accent thick with betrayal, even as he cracked a grin.

“you looked too dry,” you teased, poking his soaked shirt. “had to fix it.”

he lunged forward and scooped you into his cold, wet arms, making you shriek. “now you’re getting soaked too!”

you laughed and clung to him, the both of you shivering but grinning like idiots.

off-camera, the video was still rolling—capturing every second of the chaos, the laughter, and the way pablo looked at you like you were the best thing that had ever happened to him.

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୨ৎ pedri

pedri stood beside you in the backyard, hands stuffed deep into the sleeves of his hoodie, visibly tense like he was already bracing for winter. “¿estás segura?” he asked, eyeing the bucket with a look of sheer dread. “that water looks like it came straight from the glaciers.”

you grinned at him. “it’s for charity, amor. you want the internet to think we’re heartless?”

he squinted at you. “i want to not get pneumonia.”

you just laughed, stepping back toward the camera. “relax, you’re not the one getting wet.”

“i’m freezing just holding the bucket,” he muttered, dramatically cradling it like it was an actual block of ice.

you tried not to laugh. “amor, it’s like 20 degrees outside.”

“exactly. i need a blanket and hot chocolate just standing here.”

the camera was rolling. you turned to it with your usual charm, thanking the people who nominated you, hyping the challenge, giving it your all—and then you turned around, hair tied up, standing tall like a warrior about to face the storm. pedri sighed and stepped forward behind you, bucket in hand.

“ready?” he asked, sounding like someone about to commit a crime.

“oh, so ready.”

and just as he started to lift the bucket above your head, you spun like lightning and shoved it up hard—flipping the entire icy contents directly over him.

the sound that came out of his mouth was not human. “¡ay, por favor!” he gasped, stumbling back a step, arms out, face frozen in a look of betrayal so pure it could’ve won awards. “¡qué frío!”

you burst out laughing, nearly doubling over as he stood there, dripping and stunned, his hoodie clinging to him like a second, soggy skin. his curls were plastered to his forehead, and he looked—honestly—like a very sad, very cold kitten.

“i’m—oh my god—i’m dying,” you wheezed. “you look like you just got hit by a tsunami.”

“i can’t feel my hands,” pedri muttered, staring at his fingers. “is this how it ends? death by novia?”

“you’ll live,” you teased, poking his chest. “probably.”

he shivered violently and glared at you. “esto no se olvida. this betrayal? burned into my memory.”

then he stepped forward and wrapped you in a hug that was nothing short of vengeance. cold, soaked, and relentless. you shrieked, trying to escape, but he held tight, laughing now too.

“pedri! you’re freezing!”

“you started this,” he whispered smugly, nuzzling your cheek with his wet hair.

you squealed and clung to him anyway, both of you shivering, soaked, and completely useless from laughing. off-camera, the video kept rolling—capturing every second of the shrieks, the chaos, and the way pedri still looked at you like, cold or not, he’d let you do it all over again.

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୨ৎ ferran torres

ferran stood beside you, bouncing on his heels with a grin that was a little too excited. “are you sure about this? that water looks way too cold.”

you gave him a teasing look, eyebrows raised. “that’s the point, ferran. it’s for charity, remember?”

he rolled his eyes, but the smile never left his face. “fine, fine. just don’t say i didn’t warn you when you’re regretting this.”

the camera was rolling. you gave your usual intro with a big, bright smile, thanking people for nominating you and hyping up the challenge—then you turned around, positioning yourself perfectly so ferran could lift the bucket behind you.

“ready?” he asked, practically bouncing in place, clearly enjoying this way more than he should be.

“oh, i’m so ready,” you replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.

as soon as he lifted the bucket above your head, you spun around quickly, smirking as you grabbed the bucket from his hands and lifted it high above his head instead—drenching him with the freezing cold water.

his eyes went wide, and the look of shock that crossed his face was almost comical. “¡madre mía!” he yelled, his voice cracking as the water poured over him. his hair was plastered to his forehead, his shirt soaked, and his body completely frozen in disbelief.

you were dying of laughter. “oh my god, ferran, you look like a drowned rat!”

“i trusted you,” he said, his voice muffled as he shook water out of his hair. “this is what i get for being nice.”

you stepped forward and poked his wet shirt. “you looked too happy, i had to fix it.”

he shot you a playful, dramatic glare before suddenly grabbing you by the waist and lifting you off your feet. “you’re getting soaked too now,” he threatened, laughing as you squirmed.

“no, no, ferran!” you shrieked, but it was too late—he spun you around in his arms, both of you slipping and laughing, the cold water making you both shiver uncontrollably.

the camera was still rolling, capturing the full chaos—the laughter, the soaked clothes, and the way ferran’s eyes lit up as he looked at you, like he was glad to be part of the madness. even with the freezing water and the ridiculousness of it all, he couldn’t stop grinning.

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୨ৎ pau cubarsi

pau stood beside you, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to the other, his cheeks flushed from the chilly breeze. he was never one to back down from a challenge, but you could tell he wasn’t exactly thrilled about getting soaked with freezing water.

“are you sure about this, princesa?” he asked, glancing at the bucket like it was a beast about to devour him. “it looks like… like antarctica in there.”

you giggled at how seriously he was taking it. “oh, come on, pau! it's for charity! plus, it'll be fun. i promise.”

he smiled at you, though there was still a hint of doubt in his eyes. “you always say that…”

“trust me,” you said with a playful wink. “i’m a professional at this.”

pau sighed dramatically, but the smile never left his face. he took the bucket in his hands and lifted it carefully, looking like he was getting ready for a big mission. you could practically hear him muttering under his breath, trying to psych himself up.

the camera rolled, and you gave your intro, thanking your followers, hyping up the challenge, and all the usual stuff. but as soon as you turned around, you felt pau take a step closer, and you could hear him let out a nervous laugh.

“ready?” he asked, voice trembling ever so slightly.

“so ready,” you replied, giving him a playful grin.

just as he lifted the bucket above your head, you spun around quickly, grabbed the bucket from his hands, and dumped all the freezing cold water over him.

pau's eyes widened in shock as the cold hit him, and he gasped, looking like he might freeze on the spot. “¡ay dios mío!” he exclaimed, water dripping down his face, hair sticking to his forehead. his shirt clung to his chest, and for a second, he just stood there blinking in disbelief.

you burst out laughing, clutching your stomach as you tried to catch your breath. “pau! you should see your face! it’s priceless!”

“you promised me this wouldn’t happen,” he said, his voice dramatic, but you could see his lips twitching into a smile. “this is what i get for trusting you, princesa?”

“well…” you teased, poking his drenched shirt, “you looked too cute to leave dry. had to fix that.”

pau gave you a playful glare, though it was impossible to hide how much he was enjoying it. “this is definitely going to be remembered.”

before you could react, he pulled you into a tight hug, his cold, wet arms wrapping around you like he had all the intentions of getting you soaked too. “now you’re getting soaked, preciosa,” he whispered in your ear, and you squealed, trying to wiggle free, but it was no use. he was stronger, and you were laughing too hard to resist.

“pau, no!” you giggled, your voice muffled as you buried your face into his soaked hoodie. “we’re going to freeze!”

he held you tighter, his warmth still somehow managing to cut through the chill. “it’s worth it,” he murmured, and for a moment, everything felt just right. despite the freezing water and the chaos, you could feel the softness in his arms and the way he held you close, as if it was the safest place to be.

the video was still rolling, capturing every second of the laughter, the chaos, and the way pau looked at you with nothing but warmth in his eyes, as if you were the best thing that had ever happened to him—even if you’d just drenched him in ice water.

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୨ৎ hector fort

"are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty, but the smile playing at the corners of his lips was enough to tell you he was more than willing to go along with whatever you had in mind.

you grinned, holding up the bucket of ice-cold water. "oh, i'm absolutely sure, precioso. it's for charity, and you'll love it."

he raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but then his eyes softened as he let out a little chuckle. "you always say that."

"trust me," you teased, giving him a wink. "i’m a professional at this."

"yeah, sure," he muttered under his breath, but you could see the excitement building behind his calm exterior. "i'll believe it when i'm drenched in ice water."

with the camera rolling, you gave your intro, thanking your followers, hyping up the challenge, and throwing in a little shout-out to the friends who had nominated you. all the while, héctor stood beside you, looking like he might just bolt at any second. but you could see the way he was trying to keep his cool, though his eyes were flicking toward the bucket nervously.

"ready?" you asked, turning to him with a mischievous grin.

he sighed dramatically, but there was no hiding the smile now. "oh, i'm ready, princessa. just don’t make me regret this."

the moment the bucket went over your head, you spun around faster than he could react. with a swift motion, you shoved the freezing cold water directly onto him.

his eyes went wide, and for a second, he looked like he might actually freeze on the spot, his entire body stiffening. “¡ay dios mío!” he exclaimed, his usually composed face completely drenched, his hair clinging to his forehead, and his shirt clinging to his chest.

you were doubled over in laughter, tears streaming down your face. "oh my god, you should see your face!" you gasped between laughs.

“you promised me this wouldn’t happen,” he said, still blinking in shock, but his lips were curling into a grin that betrayed his annoyance.

“well,” you teased, walking up to poke his soaked shirt, “you looked too perfect to stay dry.”

he gave you a dramatic, but playful look, then lunged forward, wrapping his cold, wet arms around you in a surprise hug. “now you’re getting soaked too, princesa,” he whispered, and before you could protest, he pulled you into him, the cold water now seeping into your clothes.

you squealed, laughing as you tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but it was impossible. “hector! i’m freezing!”

he laughed too, a deep, warm laugh that made you forget all about the chill. “maybe you should’ve thought about that before you drenched me, hermosa.”

you couldn’t help but smile, snuggling into his damp chest despite the cold. “this is a disaster,” you giggled, but there was no stopping the warmth that had suddenly spread between you two.

“best. challenge. ever,” he whispered, his voice soft, and in that moment, everything felt perfect—drenched in ice-cold water and laughing, but somehow, so warm.

the camera was still rolling, capturing every second of the chaos—the laughter, the playful shoves, and the way héctor looked at you like you were the best thing that had ever happened to him, even if you had just drenched him in freezing cold water.

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୨ৎ alejandro balde

“you sure about this?” he asked, his voice smooth as always, though you could catch that little hint of hesitation beneath his words. “it’s freezing, you know.”

you grinned, giving him a playful look as you readied the bucket. “oh, absolutely. it’s for charity, precioso. you’ll love it.”

“yeah, right,” he muttered, eyeing the bucket like it was a grenade. but even so, there was that lazy, teasing smile creeping onto his lips. “i’m going to regret this, i can feel it.”

you stepped in front of him, giving him a little wink. “it’s going to be epic, trust me.”

“sure it will,” alejandro said, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms, leaning back slightly. "you always say that, princesa."

you started filming, talking to the camera, thanking your followers and hyping up the challenge. meanwhile, alejandro stood beside you, acting like he wasn’t at all concerned about the freezing water you were holding. but there was that playful tension in the way he kept glancing at the bucket.

“ready?” you asked, turning to him with a wide grin, already knowing what was coming.

“always ready, princesa,” he replied, his tone smooth, as if he was about to do something heroic. “but don’t say i didn’t warn you.”

before he could even finish his sentence, you spun around quickly and dumped the entire bucket of freezing water right onto him, grinning like a devil as it splashed everywhere.

he froze for a moment, his eyes going wide, then a dramatic gasp escaped him. “¡no, no, no, no!” he yelped, but it was too late—his hair was drenched, his shirt clinging to him in all the wrong places. he stood there, blinking, trying to process what just happened.

you were bent over laughing, unable to stop. "oh my god, alejandro—your face! i wish you could see it right now."

he wiped the water from his eyes, looking at you with a smirk, though there was no hiding the way his lips twitched. “you really just did that to me?” he asked in mock betrayal, but his tone was all teasing. “i trusted you, princesa. i thought we had a deal.”

“you looked too good to stay dry,” you teased back, walking over to poke his soaked shirt. “had to fix that.”

alejandro just shook his head slowly, still looking like he was trying to process the cold. “i knew i shouldn’t have agreed to this. but—” he said, that mischievous glint back in his eyes. “—since you’ve already ruined me, might as well make you pay for it.”

before you could react, he lunged toward you, wrapping his cold, wet arms around you in an almost too tight embrace. “now you’re getting soaked too, princesa,” he murmured, his voice low, playful, and way too dangerous.

you squealed, trying to squirm out of his grasp, but his hold on you was like iron. “alejandro, no! i’m freezing!”

“good,” he said, pulling you closer so you couldn’t escape. “now we’re both miserable together.”

“you’re insufferable!” you laughed, clinging to him despite the cold water that was soaking through your clothes.

“that’s the fun of it,” alejandro whispered in your ear, his tone softening as he pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes soft and sincere. “besides, you look pretty cute all wet.”

you rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your lips said it all. “you’re ridiculous.”

“best. challenge. ever,” alejandro said, his grin wide, and you couldn’t help but agree, even if you were both dripping wet and freezing. it was perfect.

the camera was still rolling, capturing every second of the chaos, the laughter, and the way alejandro looked at you with that perfect combination of warmth and mischief, even after you’d just drenched him with freezing water.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ .✦

୨ৎ lamine yamal

you were in the middle of setting up for the ice water bucket challenge when lamine walked into the frame, holding the heavy bowl of ice water with that playful glint in his eyes.

“are you sure about this?” he asked, his tone teasing, clearly enjoying the moment. he gave the bowl a little shake, making the ice cubes clink. “this is gonna be cold.”

you shot him a mischievous smile, stepping closer, feeling the excitement build up. “i’m sure. you’re going to pour it on me and make it quick, right?”

lamine smirked and nodded, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. “yeah, quick. don’t say i didn’t warn you.”

you took a deep breath, preparing yourself for the cold shock of water. you couldn’t wait to get it over with, but lamine was making it hard not to laugh at how serious he was acting about it.

just as he was about to pour the water over your head, a little voice broke through the tension.

“look!”

you turned to see kenye, his little hands outstretched as he ran toward you, his face lighting up with excitement. you smiled and bent down to pick him up, lifting him into your arms.

lamine’s eyes followed his younger brother, and just as he turned to see what kenye was pointing at, you saw your opportunity.

kenye, not fully understanding what was happening but sensing the perfect moment, pointed to something on the other side of the room, his voice a soft, excited squeak. “look, look!”

lamine, trying to keep things together and focused on the challenge, glanced over his shoulder to see what kenye was pointing at, momentarily distracted.

you seized the moment.

with a grin, you reached up, quickly swiping the ice bucket out of lamine’s hands, and before he could even react, you poured the ice-cold water right over his head.

his shocked expression was priceless. “wait, what—?” he started, but his voice trailed off as the freezing water drenched him.

the camera kept rolling as your followers’ comments blew up, laughing along with you.

“you…!” lamine sputtered, wiping water from his face, his hair dripping as he stared at you with mock disbelief. “you really did that?”

you couldn’t help but burst out laughing, holding the empty bowl triumphantly. “gotcha!” you teased, feeling proud of your quick thinking. “you were distracted, amor.”

kenye, clearly pleased with the outcome, giggled, clapping his hands in delight. his little eyes sparkled as he looked up at his big brother. “you got wet!” he laughed.

lamine shot you a look, still dripping wet, but there was a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “i can’t believe you just did that,” he said, shaking his head. “and here i thought i was the one pranking you.”

you shrugged, keeping a cheeky grin on your face. “what can i say? i’m full of surprises.”

lamine took a step toward you, his wet hair falling into his eyes as he reached out, his hand gently brushing against your arm. “oh, you’re definitely getting payback for this,” he murmured playfully, his voice low and flirtatious.

you raised an eyebrow, your heart racing at the way his fingers lingered on your skin. “we’ll see about that,” you said with a wink, leaning in slightly. “but for now, i think i win this round.”

he gave you a look that made your heart skip a beat—half playful, half affectionate. “you’re lucky kenye distracted me. next time, i’m making sure you’re the one getting soaked.”

kenye, sensing the playful atmosphere, wrapped his little arms around both of your legs. “play! play!” he demanded, tugging at you both as he giggled.

you and lamine exchanged a smile, both of you kneeling down to scoop him into your arms. kenye’s infectious laugh filled the room, and you could feel the warmth between you and lamine, even with the freezing cold water still dripping from his hair.

the rest of the live stream was full of laughter and fun, your followers loving the prank, the playful dynamic, and the adorable chaos of it all.

lamine gave you a soft, knowing smile as he pulled you close, his wet hair brushing against your cheek. “you’re lucky i love you,” he whispered, the warmth of his words making your heart flutter. “but don’t think i’ll forget this.”

you leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek, the cool water on his skin still making him shiver slightly. “next time, i’ll be ready,” you said with a soft smile, your voice full of affection.

lamine just grinned, clearly not bothered by the prank. “we’ll see who gets the last laugh.”

and just like that, the ice water bucket challenge became an unforgettable moment, full of laughter, warmth, and the sweetest little moments between the two of you.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ .✦

୨ৎ marc bernal

you were all set to do the ice water bucket challenge, ready to bring some fun to your followers, but there was one catch: your boyfriend, marc bernal, was nominated to pour the freezing cold water over your head.

"are you sure you're ready for this?" marc asked, holding the huge bowl of ice water, looking at you with a teasing smile. his voice was light, but you could tell he was enjoying the suspense.

you grinned, stepping toward him with confidence. "oh, i’m ready. just hurry up and do it already!"

he raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the teasing back and forth. "you sure? 'cause this is gonna be really cold."

you gave him a playful nudge. "bring it on. i can handle it."

with a chuckle, marc moved closer, holding the bucket above your head. "alright, don’t say i didn’t warn you."

just as he was about to pour the ice water over you, you heard marc’s phone buzz in his pocket. distracted for a moment, he glanced down to check it. that was your cue.

without a second thought, you reached up and grabbed the bucket from his hands, lifting it high. before he could even register what was happening, you poured the ice-cold water right over his head.

"wait, what—?" marc gasped as the freezing water hit him, his eyes widening in shock. he stood there, dripping wet, looking completely caught off guard.

you couldn’t help but laugh, holding the empty bucket in the air. "gotcha!" you teased, your voice light and playful.

marc blinked, wiping the water from his face, his hair dripping down. "seriously?" he said, his tone mixed with disbelief and laughter. "you really just did that?"

"oh, i totally did," you grinned, feeling a rush of victory. "you were distracted."

he stared at you, his eyes narrowing playfully. "you’re lucky i love you," he said, his smile giving away the fact that he was more amused than annoyed.

you took a step closer to him, your heart racing a little as you felt the warmth between you both, despite the cold water still dripping from his hair. "next time, maybe keep your attention on me, huh?"

marc reached out, a hand grabbing your waist and pulling you closer. "oh, i’m definitely paying you back for this," he whispered in a teasing tone, his breath warm against your skin.

you leaned in slightly, your lips just inches from his. "we’ll see about that," you replied, the playful tension between you both palpable.

he grinned, his hands still gently resting on your waist. "just wait. next time, it’s you who’s getting soaked."

you laughed softly, enjoying the banter and the easy closeness between you. "i’ll be ready," you said, smiling up at him. "but for now… i think i win."

marc pressed a quick kiss to your forehead, his damp hair brushing against your skin. "you’re lucky i love you," he repeated, a little softer this time, his eyes full of warmth and affection.

"yeah, yeah," you teased, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "but that’s two points for me now."

marc pulled you close again, his smile warm and genuine. "i’ll catch up," he said with a wink, the playful edge in his voice never fading.

the rest of the live stream was filled with laughter and love, your followers enjoying the fun dynamic between you both. you could feel the happiness and comfort between you and marc, and as the video ended, you knew this ice water bucket challenge would be one you’d both always remember.

taglist: @barcapix, @universefcb, @nngkay, @joaosnovia, @ilovebarcaaaa, @levidazai

[woodland-gremlin]

Summoning Your Secret Boyfriend Pt. 7

This part was brought to you by the amazing @megasweetbones . They wrote this part, I simply edited it. Go check them and their work! Show them some love!

First Previously AU Summary

“Were you the ones that summoned me, freeing from the bane that is paperwork?” the being asked.

Constantine was momentarily thrown for a loop, but the Brit was able to right himself more quickly than any of the other heroes.

"We summoned you to make a deal. I'm offering my soul-"

"Let me stop you there." The King's smile was mocking. And probably terrifying to everyone else, given his fangs. His lichtenberg lightning marks spasming in a way that could be mistaken as agitation. "I know who you are, John Constantine. Many hold claim to fragments of your soul. But, even if that was not the case, I am the one who holds claim to all souls. As all souls have , and will, pass through the Infinite. Your soul holds no weight here. Neither does your mind or body. Do not bargain with them. And do not bargain with me. Simply tell me why it is you summoned me, as I already know what I want from you."

Constantine looked like he didn't know whether to be offended or not. But it seems fear won out, as well as desperation.

"Forgive me, please, your majesty. Trigon has threatened to destroy our universe, starting with Earth. We have summoned you here to ask that Trigon be forced to return to the Infinite Realms. Or, to at least be stopped from devouring our universe."

It was as if everything paused. The billow of the wind, crackling ice, the flicker of the candles, the shifting of the lightning scars and cape of stars.

"He has threatened... what?" Quiet, almost shocked, the words passed from the Ghost King's lips.

Lips which twisted into a snarl. Fangs elongated. Flickering candles became green blazes. Wind roared back into whipping gales. The King's body distorted with his rage. Unfathomable and nightmarish.

"He dares to Challenge me?!? My Rule? My Authority? He knows of how this world has those under my protection and, yet, still believes he can touch what is MINE?"

If Red Robin and Supernova hadn't already been exposed to this Eldritch madness and the Realms, frequently, they'd probably be near catatonic. Like the other heroes. Most were on the ground or leaning against something. Aquaman looked sea sick. Flash was shockingly still for once. Even Batman couldn’t handle the madness the King oozed.

Supernova can smell that at least two people have pissed themselves. Euwh. What an awful day to have a nose. Especially with his heightened sense of smell. Phantom could probably smell it too, though was uncaring in his rage.

At least Constantine was able to speak in the face of an angry Ancient who Rules the Infinite. His experience with powerful otherworldly beings that could end him at any moment coming in play.

"Please, let us know what deal it is you wish to make in order to have Trigon stopped. He will be here very soon."

"I want you to abolish the Anti-Ecto Acts and free the souls of my citizens, who were captured and experimented on under such heinous laws." Phantom turned to look at Red Robin and Supernova, who should have pretended to be affected like the others. As it stands though, they were standing there. Unshaken and unaffected. "There are those among you who have already worked to undo the damage. But they should not be forced to work alone. I want all of you to support them and my people you have wronged. I want my people returned, safe and sound."

Phantom was finally able to calm down as he spoke. Wind slowed down and candles went back to but a flicker. He turned back to look Constantine dead in the eyes.

"Make no mistake, I would have fought for the Earth, and this universe, the moment I was made aware of Trigon. I have my own reasons for protecting this world and its people. But I expect the same in return. In that you are protecting the health, well-being, and safety of your people? I must do the same. Free my people and erase the laws that allow your kind to hunt us for sport and science. This is not a deal, as it's my job to prevent my people from destroying the Balance. No, this is a warning. My people may question why I'd save yours, given these laws. My people want war. While I deal with Trigon, you will undo the mistakes of your government. Or else, banishing Trigon would be for nothing."

With that, the King left. Ice and the haunting aura leaving with him.

Constantine looked over at the two young men who stood, casual and unmoving. He, as well as every other person in the room, was still shaking. The whole situation called for a drink, or a dozen. But he knew that he needed to get everyone in order to fulfill their end of the deal. The Bat would just knock down any liquor once he was aware and the Anti-Ecto Acts were too important to deal with while drunk. Bullocks.

To be continued?

Note: Hoped you guys enjoyed that! @megasweetbone really out did themselves. Now the question is this a good place to finish? There isn't much more I would add but some aftermath so I want you guys to tell me if I should just leave it as is or not. Once it is finished I am going to ask the others who helped with the story ( @fanfics-or-dragons and @megasweetbones ) if I can post it on Ao3! After all I want to properly credit them so knowing if they have an account so I can add them as a guest writer or credit them another way. Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

-Gremlin

Edit: I have decide to post it on Ao3. If I decide to add anymore it will be in an epilogue or another story. Thanks for your support!

[greenwitchfromthewoods]

unfulfilled order. l Din Djarin

💔 a few ways to break your heart 💔

Summary: you didn't follow his orders, but you didn't think it would end like this

Warnings: angst, one grumpy Mandalorian, tears, being abandoned on a planet, team breakup

A/N: the second season of broken hearts. new character.

your feedback is very important to me and I thank you for all the reblogs, comments and likes. 🖤 sorry for all the mistakes

a few ways to break a heart [masterlist]

The rain was falling so hard you could barely see more than a few feet in front of you. It wasn't until lightning streaked across the black sky that you saw the Razor Crest in the distance. You were close. The heavy footsteps behind you indicated that Mando was still with you. You hadn't spoken since the incident, but you felt a conversation was inevitable. Not after what had happened.

“You were supposed to stay on the ship,” he growled as soon as the Razor Crest’s bridge closed and you were standing in the dry, warm interior.

You took off your wet jacket and threw it on the floor. “You needed help. Those guys were dangerous.”

“You were supposed to stay on the ship,” the Mandalorian repeated. You glared at him.

"I already told you. Those guys were..."

The warrior took a step towards you. He towered over you, his armor making him seem even larger. Meanwhile, your clothes were so wet they stuck to you like a second skin. The cold slowly seeped through your body, freezing your bones. But fire burned in your eyes, and Mando could see it clearly through the visor in his helmet.

"Once again, you disobeyed my orders," he said. He sounded calm, but you could sense that he was overcome with emotion. "I can't work with you if I can't be sure that you'll listen to me."

“I’ll listen to you if your orders aren’t so idiotic,” you hissed. “You were one against four guys in uncharted territory. Yes, that’s very smart.”

"I've dealt with situations like this before."

"But now you have me. I'm here to help you!"

"So far, you've only caused problems!"

The Mandalorian's last words hung in the air. You stared at him as if you were waiting for him to say more, as if you were challenging him to take up the fight, but he just turned around and disappeared behind the cockpit door.

"Dank Farrik!" you hissed, feeling tears welling up in your eyes. This wasn't how it was supposed to end.

You had been traveling with Din for quite some time now. You had been useful, or at least you had liked to think so, although he had never told you so. You had helped him care for Grogu, you had occasionally done minor repairs to the ship, and in reality you had accompanied him on his quests. You had made a good team. Until now.

The Mandalorian had been cold towards you for some time now, speaking even less and avoiding situations when you were alone. Maybe you had done something wrong? Maybe you had offended him somehow? You weren't sure. The code he upheld was respected by you, the orders he gave were carried out, almost.

“Din?” You noticed him twitch slightly when you entered the cockpit some time later. You were already dressed in dry clothes, but your hair was still damp. “I… I won’t apologize. I did what I thought was right, just like you’ve done many times.”

Silence. His hand, hidden in leather gloves, moved over the panel, pressing some buttons, but he didn't say a word. You folded your arms across your chest and took a deep breath.

"They could have killed you. I couldn't let that happen."

"Baskar protects me. And what protects you?" his voice sounded like a machine, completely devoid of emotion.

"I managed. I managed on my own for so many years. I didn't suddenly become useless because I met you!"

"I don't know how you survived so long being so thoughtless and irresponsible."

You unconsciously dug your nails into your arms harder, feeling your heart pounding in your chest. Mando had never spoken to you like that before. He ignored you, and that was even more humiliating.

You wanted to say something. You wanted to make him look at you. You would rather have him yell at you than treat you so coldly.

Finally he spoke, but it wasn’t anything you wanted to hear. “I’ll leave you on Nevarro. Greef Karga will find you something to do. Something that won’t pose a threat to others.”

"You're not serious." You gasped out in surprise. "And you? You'll leave me there? Alone?"

"You'll manage. You've always managed, right?"

You looked at the reflection of his helmet in the cockpit window, not believing what you were hearing. You didn't deserve to be treated like this! You wanted to say something. You were overcome with the urge to shake him, to make him understand that you were only doing this out of concern for his safety.

Mando must have seen the expression on your face in the reflection, because he spoke before you did.

"You should get some sleep."

The soft sound of the automatic doors let him know you had left the cockpit.

"Good to see you! Still hanging around with that armored guy?" Greef Karga's cheerful and deep voice reached you as soon as you set foot on the Nevarro landing pad.

The warm sun was shining on your face, and a pleasant light wind was playing with your hair. The man approached and shook your hand, but after a moment he frowned.

"What happened?" he asked with concern. "Is something wrong?"

"Ask him." You grumbled, nodding towards the Mandalorian exiting the ship. "Maybe he'll tell you more."

"But..."

You adjusted your backpack and headed towards the city buildings. You didn't feel like spending another second near Din. You didn't want to be humiliated any longer.

It wasn’t until an hour later, after you’d showered and prepared a meal, that someone knocked on your apartment door. Karga slipped inside with an uncertain smile on his lips, looking around the modest room. “You know you could always move in here, but I thought you’d choose Din’s house. That’s where you lived before. With him and Grogu.”

“I have no intention of forcing myself on him.” You replied a little more nervously than you intended. “Besides, he made it clear that he didn’t need me.”

“He would never say that.” Greef snickered, but looking at you, he immediately became serious. “He said that? Oh, you didn’t believe him, did you?”

“He was quite convincing.” You were chopping vegetables so hard that at the last second you pulled your hand back so you wouldn’t cut your finger. “I think our partnership is over. If you could help me find something new here, that would be great.”

A large, warm hand touched your shoulder as the man patted you fatherly. “Din must have meant something. He’s changed a lot since you flew with him.”

You turned around, looking at your friend with tears in your eyes. “Do you really think so? For the past few weeks, he’s made me feel like I’m nothing but a nuisance. He doesn’t say anything, and when he does, he just criticizes me.” Your voice shook, but you quickly regained control. “I couldn’t let those thugs hurt him or kill him, I would do it again if I had to. But he… He treats me like I’m just a nuisance or a problem. It was different at first, but now… I have no idea what’s changed.”

"Din can be stubborn. But he never does anything rash."

“Oh, thanks!” you snorted, smirking. “Just find me someone. I’ll hook up with some crew and soon I’ll be completely out of his sight.”

Greef cleared his throat, then added quietly. "Din cares about you, you know that, right?"

"I don't think any of us knew him. I thought I did, but as soon as I did something... Kriff! Just find me a job, okay? I want to get this over with."

Finally, the man nodded, said goodbye, and left you alone. You felt awful. It wasn't until you were alone that you allowed yourself to cry. If you meant nothing to Din, if you were just unnecessary ballast, what were you supposed to do now to deal with all these feelings? You'd never seen the man's face, but you were sure you'd recognize him on the street without a problem.

“Never mind. You’ll forget…” you mumbled quietly to yourself, wiping your cheeks with your hand. “He’s already forgotten about you.”

[tetragonia]

A Wave of Feelings

Rafe Cameron x F!Pogue!Reader

Blurb: Rafe and (Y/N) got into an argument for God knows how many times, about literally anything when they breath the same air, ranging from a small accident to a heated one about their cultural beliefs. But something in the air was different this time. Or was it only in the air? Not something in their heart and mind when the two of you finally realize something big that could change your lives?

Note: I have always wanted to write an angst especially for this character and it has occurred to me one day that arguing/miscommunication plot is kind of my fave trope so here we are lol.

Warning: angst, hurt/comfort, miscommunication, argument, bad writing lol English isn't my first language. also, soft!Rafe in the end!

Words: 1490

The sun hung low over the Outer Banks as Rafe Cameron and you found yourself embroiled in yet another heated argument. This was clearly not the first time you both got into an argument. Some of them were heavy like that one time when your best friend asked you to go to the party just to talk to Rafe (which she did) but then he dumped her after the party and she cried for weeks on your shoulder, or some Kook-owned properties that limited your access, or some insulting banter between Rafe and your friends (that got you realized how much he hated JJ).

But most of the time it was just about silly things: when he knocked up your beer accidentally, when you sailed in front of him and accidentally splashed some water (it didn't even make his already oily hair wet), or when you were napping in a near beach and he claimed that it was his territory (he was in the Cut area, for God's sake!). You two always found a way to argue.

This time, your voices clashed like crashing waves, echoing off the walls of the old shipwreck where you had sought refuge.

"You're impossible, Rafe! Always acting like you own this place, roaming around thinking that you're so much better than us Pogues," you exclaimed, your voice tinged with frustration. Pogues always owned this place, not some rich snobby kids like him, you thought.

Rafe's jaw clenched, his temper flaring and pride wounded. He hissed, "Maybe if you Pogues have some ambitions, you wouldn't be stuck in the same place your whole life!"

Oh, this was definitely one of those heavy arguments.

Your fists clenched at your sides as took a step forward. Your voice trembling with emotion. "You have no idea what it's like to struggle, Rafe. You've always had everything handed to you on a silver platter."

For a moment, you needed to convince yourself that you saw Rafe's gaze softened. You wanted to believe that a flicker of remorse crossed his features before he quickly masked it with a defiant glare. "At least I don't have to scrape by just to survive. Maybe if you Pogues worked harder, you'd actually amount to something."

His words struck deep, a painful reminder of the challenges you and your community faced every day. You recoiled as if struck by a lightning, your eyes stinging with unshed tears and your face was red, "You don't know anything about me, Rafe. You don't know what I've been through."

Your argument drew the attention of Sarah who was nearby with John. She was one of your best friends and you felt nothing but pity every time you realized that she shared the same blood with Rafe. With a furrowed brow, she stepped between you two, her hands raised in a gesture of peace trying to calm you down.

"Hey, what's going on here? Can't you two go five minutes without arguing?" Sarah pleaded, her voice filled with concern and annoyance. She must be tired with all these arguments, you thought. But those were all about Rafe's incapability to control his temper! And that might or might not be your issue as well...

Rafe shot you a scorching glare before turning his attention to Sarah. "Stay out of this, Sarah. This doesn't concern you."

Your eyes flashed with defiance as you stepped forward beside Sarah. "You're the one who concerns everyone with your existence!"

"What did you say to her, Rafe?!" Sarah looked at you with a concern. You were one of her strongest friends and she rarely saw you tremble like this. "Come on, talk it out like an adult, will ya!"

Rafe's fists clenched at his sides, his frustration boiling over. "Talk? What's there to talk about? I said, stay out of this, Sarah."

His gaze turned to you, "You think you know everything, (Y/N). Being the weaker one of the community, blaming us for having some money. If you said that I don't know anything about you, then you also don't know anything about me!"

His words cut like a blade across your pain. Your expression softened, a hint of hurt flickering in your eyes and you were not sure whether Rafe realize that or not. "Let's just cut it out. You would never understand what I've been through. What we have been through. Let's go, Sarah. Let's get out of here."

Sarah watched the exchange with growing concern, her heart aching for her brother and her best friend. She knew there was something deeper at play here, something that neither of them wanted to admit.

"Come on, you two. Let's take a step back and calm down, especially you, Rafe," Sarah suggested, her voice gentle yet firm. She glared at his brother. His face was as red as you, his forehead frowned deep.

You and Rafe exchanged a wary glance before reluctantly exhaled a deep breath. As much as you hate him, as much as you didn't want to admit, you really want him to apologize. The tension in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a palpable sense of unease.

Sarah sighed, running a hand through her hair as she tried to find the right words. "Look, I know things have been tense lately, but I really can't bear another sight of you guys bicker over things. If you still want to do that, please not where I can see you. I need you two to be in your best behavior when I'm around. Especially with you, Rafe. I have enough of you already."

Rafe's gaze softened as he looked at his sister, a pang of guilt tugging at his heart. "You're right, Sarah. I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier."

Sarah still held her concern, but she relieved to see them finally finding common ground. "It's okay. Now I'll leave it up to you. I can't mom you around like this, geez."

She walked away from you both. She lived long enough with both you and Rafe and there was no way she did not realized that beneath the surface, there was a different kind of tension simmered—a tension born from unspoken feelings and unacknowledged desires.

You stood still, refused to meet his gaze. The wind blew your hair as the sun began to set. You started to feel the chill and instinctively hug your own body, fixing your shirt together. You accidently drew a sharp breath when a cold wind sent chills down your spine. You sniffed and looked over the horizon. Refusing to take even the tiniest glance at him, you kept looking at the sea while stroking your upper arm.

Despite the heat of your argument, Rafe couldn't ignore the way the cold seemed to seep into your bones, making you appeared small and vulnerable against the vast expanse of the beach. His heart ached at this view.

You didn't see that he wanted to reach out, to wrap his arms around you and shield her from the biting wind; his hesitation to offer you warmth and comfort in the midst of your argument.

But his pride held him back, a barrier he had built long ago to protect himself from vulnerability and pain. Yet now, standing on the windswept beach with you before him, he couldn't ignore the truth any longer.

With a heavy sigh, Rafe took a step forward, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke. "(Y/N), I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. I was out of line."

Your eyes widened in surprise at Rafe's apology, your anger momentarily forgotten as she regarded him with cautious curiosity. You had expected him to be stubborn, to be the usual Rafe: to dig in his heels and refuse to back down. But instead, here he was, standing before you with such humility you'd never seen before.

For a moment, the two of them stood in silence, the only sound the crashing of the waves against the shore. And then, slowly, hesitantly, you took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

"Rafe," you said softly, your voice barely audible above the wind. "Thank you."

And with that, Rafe's resolve crumbled completely. Ignoring the voice of doubt in his mind, he opened his arms and pulled you into a tight embrace, provided you with the warmth of his body against yours. He could feel the softness of your hair against his cheek and he kissed your head softly it almost gave you a heart attack.

So you were not hallucinating all this time. The glances, the gestures, the underlying concern for her.... He felt the same way, too.

In that moment, with the cold wind whipping around them, you knew that he had finally acknowledged his feelings for you. And as you stood together on the windswept beach, you both vowed to never let your pride stand in the way of your connection again.

[coco-loco-nut]

Barnstormer

pairing: charles x reader

summary: charles can’t help but to fall for your small town charm

a/n: so @vitalverstappen and I have been grinding on this prompt for a while (i sent the jumble of ideas to V.V. after this being in my drafts for a few months). read the sister story linked at the end!

masterlist requests open

——————————

Once again, you are in your home country to race, only this time it’s in Austin. You spent the break on your family’s ranch back in Montana, riding your horse and reconnecting with nature. You always joked that you are the racing version of Hannah Montana.

“Y/n, it must be nice to be back home. You certainly look the part,” Laura starts your interview with F1TV.

“Ah, well Austin is much different than Montana. Two different types of cowboy, I’d say,” you are dressed like you just came from the stable. Boots, jeans, hoodie, hair in a braid, and your hat. A quick look says you aren’t a driver.

“How so?”

“Well, they like the spice down here much more, and I’d say that we are much more equipped to deal with snow. One thing I do know is that we both love a good rodeo,” you feel your hat be removed from you head as you speak. Turning to your left, you see Charles put it on his head.

“Yee haw, little lady,” Charles does what might be the worst Texas accent you’ve ever heard.

“Charles Leclerc, you did not just grab my cap by the brim. I don’t think you know what you just did,” you take your hat back, by grabbing the crown - you aren’t an animal, holding it at your side as to not make fans think anything of it.

“Well, I’ll let you sort that out,” Laura turns to the camera. “Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Y/n and Liam Lawson as we discuss being rookies, Lightning McQueen, and more,” Laura says, letting the camera cut away.

“Sorry we couldn’t get more of an interview, I gotta explain cowboy culture to Charles,” you cringe, pulling the Ferrari boys away. Charles listens as you ramble about how it’s rude to touch a hat, then straw versus felt and why despite it being past labor day you are wearing straw, and finally that his act of taking your hat could be seen as a sign of flirting. You reach the Alpine home and quickly dart inside.

“Mate, I don’t think she got it,” Carlos shakes his head as Charles groans.

“I’ve been trying all season, she just isn’t getting it,” Charles whines, sure you will never pick up on his flirting.

That night you take the boys to a bar just outside Austin that some friends back home recommended, they said it was where a lot of rodeo cowboys go. It does not disappoint, the neon offsetting the wood with Tim McGraw crooning on the speakers. You practically run to the bar to order your favorite cheap beer.

“Some of my friends said this is the best bar in town,” you yell over the music.

“Logan? He was your childhood best friend right?” Franco says, hoping that he got it right.

“Logan? No, although he is my friend. You really don’t know how far Montana is from here and Miami, huh,” you swig your beer before narrowing your eyes at the Argentinian. “Are you even old enough to be here? How did you get in?”

“Franco is 21, barely, but he is,” Alex says, a little put off by the place. Most of them did try to fit in, but everyone in the bar can tell they are tourists based off them wearing felt hats when it’s blistering hot outside.

“Oh, they have a bull,” your eyes light up as you quickly make your way to the mechanical animal. You don’t care if it’s embarrassing for you or the guys, you want to see them fall off.

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Max asks, wary of the old machine.

“Sure, that’s what makes it fun. Why don’t you go first?” Your eyes challenge Max as a small crowd watches on, interested at the goings of your group.

“I, uh,” it doesn’t take you more than a second to realize that the boys are scared. You square your shoulders, finishing off your beer.

“Alright, but you’re missing out, it’s mighty fun,” you shrug, taking your hat off and setting it upside down on a table beside the operator. You hand him cash as you step onto the worn blue mats, eyeing up your worn, red competitor.

“Don’t you think this is a bad idea? I don’t want to explain to the team how you got hurt,” Pierre’s panic is evident even as the guys pull out their phones to film.

“Yeah no, I learned from the best. My hometown best friend is a champion rider,” you expertly mount the mechanical bull, unphased as it starts bucking. You hang on much longer than the boys would’ve, and when you feel yourself be about to get thrown off, you dismount with a flourish.

The guys are speechless beyond cheering for you as you put your hat on, heading back to the bar for another beer. Men tip their caps to you and you blush, a little overwhelmed by the attention.

Charles knows enough to know that you put on a show and have the interest of even more guys now. It doesn’t help that your boots and shorts show off your legs just right, and the tee you chose fits perfectly. Your hat adds a layer of mystery as it helps hide your eyes, but not your beautifully curled hair.

You don’t do much the rest of the night other than drink the guys into a hole, get violently drunk, and stand on a table singing Dolly Parton.

You pull up to the paddock the next day wearing a college football jersey, the school you’ve supported since you were a young kid.

“Texas or Georgia?” someone yells at you and you can’t help but step back in disgust.

“Neither, I’d rather die,” you yell back, despite not having a team in the SEC.

“How are you alive and still manage to look good,” Franco groans, walking beside you.

“Sheer will, and a bit of my mama’s secret recipe,” you grin.

“How does he do it?” Charles asks Max, watching Franco effortlessly flirt with you, even though Franco doesn’t realize he’s flirting.

“No idea. Have you talked to Mick, he’s pretty close with her. Maybe he has an idea,” Max shrugs.

“Mick? Like Mick Schumacher?”

“Yeah, they karted together. You could also just talk to her,” Max suggests, pushing his friend in your direction.

“So you are actually a cowgirl?” Charles asks you once Franco drops back to yap with Max.

“Yeah, my parents have a working ranch. I help out when I can, since they helped find people to house and train me throughout my career,” you smile.

“That’s so cool. You have your own horse too, right?”

“Yeah, do you want to see him? He’s a feral mustang that we domesticated, I’m thinking of breeding him with a quarter horse soon,” you pull up photos as Charles tries to understand everything you said.

“What a pretty rider,” Charles hopes you might pick up on an obvious flirt.

“Thanks,” the compliment barely registers in your mind.

“Maybe you could teach me how to ride sometime,”

“Oh, I was going to have Mick, Pierre, and Logan come up after Brazil. You should come too, hopefully we will beat the snow. There’s already been some, but if you bundle up you will be fine,” your smile melts Charles’s brain.

“Snow? Already?” Charles can’t imagine it, it hasn’t even been Halloween.

“Oh yeah, nothing like a warm cider and a fireplace though,” Charles can hear your accent come through.

“So are they dating?” Franco asks, observing how close you and Charles are standing.

“No.”

“But he likes her?”

“Yes.”

“And she likes him?”

“Hard to say,” Max shrugs.

“I am so confused,” Franco stares at you and Charles, it’s obvious you both like each other.

“Me too,” Carlos agrees, having come to retrieve Charles when he overheard Franco’s conversation with Max.

“Y/n is a smart woman, but she certainly cannot pick up on flirting,” Max shakes his head, walking off.

Charles did join you at your ranch before Las Vegas, with strict orders from his trainer on how to keep up with his training. Charles wasn’t expecting a whole complex of barns and houses. You could almost call it an operation.

They were all shoved in the back of your pickup, luggage safe on the bed of the truck, as you and a ranch hand chat in the front of the car.

“You boys are lucky there’s room in the main house during your stay,” the ranch hand had joked. Because the group arrived so late, it’s straight to bed for everyone. Everyone except you.

Charles is restless, and despite his better judgment, gets out of bed for a change of scenery. He walks into the living room, looking at family photos, school yearbook photos, and pictures of your races. Some of your first trophies are proudly displayed above the fireplace, as well as a picture from your first time in the points in F1. He takes in everything, it’s clear how proud your parents are of you.

Charles finds you on the porch, with a steaming mug and quilt thrown over your legs. You are staring at the sky, not really paying attention. He’s freezing, wearing more layers than you, but he sits beside you anyway. You hand him a spare quilt, which he thanks you for.

“It’s nice, to slow down out here, the open skies and quiet,” you break the calm silence.

“It seems busy around here,”

“You have to be. It’s a hard business, no days off. I’m lucky that we are a larger ranch and my family can afford things like my career. Most of my friends stay and work full time, some work for us now. The guys out there are just going in for the night to the bunk houses, they will be up at dawn ready to work,” you explain. Charles was right in that this is a business, and a large one.

“Makes me feel bad that we are here on a break then,” Charles rubs the back of his neck.

“Don’t be. Plenty of ranches book out guest houses for tourism, it’s good income. Plus, you are here as my guest. The town will love to meet new people,” you reassure him, reaching to pat his hand.

“So, I guess you really don’t know every city that we visit?” Charles grins. None of the drivers ever bothered to look up where you are from, so they joke that you know Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas like they are your home town. However, they’ve been taking it more seriously as of late.

“No,” you whisper, a hint of a smile on your face as you watch the snow fall. You find yourself tucked under Charles’ arm before you bid him goodnight, going to bed.

You are up early, eating breakfast with your family.

“What’s your plan for the day?” your mother asks as you help clear the table.

“I think a trail ride then go into town, I don’t want to impose too much, but I’ll probably show them around,” you say, thinking of a schedule.

“Why don’t you do a late lunch in town? I have some things for you to pick up,” you agree with her idea.

“Go ahead, Mama, I’ll clean up,” you say, knowing there is administrative work to do.

The boys meander down about an hour later as you are finishing baking a bread you started yesterday.

“Morning boys,” you wipe your hands as they stand cluelessly in the kitchen. “Take a seat, I’ll whip you up something quick,” you motion to the kitchen table as you head to the fridge.

“Do you need help?” Logan asks, but your look quickly tells him to shut up.

“Coffee’s in the pot if you want some, milk in the fridge, food will be ready in a few minutes,” you wave the offer off.

“What’s your plan for today?” Mick asks, quickly taking to the coffee.

“I’ll take you on a trail ride and tour around some of the ranch, then we will go into town and grab lunch. After dinner we can go to the bar if it isn’t too bad out,” you look out the window, most of the snow has melted off already, but you can never be too careful. The boys quickly eat what you serve them and you take them out to the barn.

“Need help?” Charles asks as you blanket and saddle four horses, one he recognizes as yours. It’s impressive, watching you easily sling the heavy saddles on.

“Hold these, stand still,” you hand him the reigns, making sure he is in a safe position.

“Are you wearing chaps?” Mick notices the tan leather covering your jeans.

“Yes, and you all should too. You will thank me later when the wind isn’t biting at your legs. We should have some extras, hang on,” you grab a few pairs and tell the boys how to wear them.

“This is quite fashionable, I should’ve worn them in Austin,” Charles twists his legs, looking at the western wear. You just shake your head and continue getting the saddles ready.

“This is weirder than I thought,” Logan says, a little uncomfortable in the gear as you help him mount the horse.

“Sit up straighter, and widen your legs a little,” you fix his feet as you speak, adjusting the saddle and stirrups. You help each of them mount the horses you saddled before mounting your own horse.

You start with the tour before the trail ride, and the boys are feeling a little sore from the trotting as they dismount.

“I’m impressed your hat stayed on,” Mick says as he feels his muscles ache.

“That’s the point of a proper fitting hat. You can tell your trainers you had your workout for the day. Come on,” you make them follow you to the truck. As you get into town, you get stopped every other minute, being asked how you are and who your friends are. The boys look around the small store as you pick up your mother’s order.

“You and your boyfriend make quite the handsome couple,” the clerk, a church friend of your mother, says. She observes your startled face and smiles. “The one with brown hair, he seems very protective of you,” you look at Charles and catch his eye, causing both of you to look away with a blush.

“We aren’t dating, he’s a friend that I race with. They all are,” you deny, but you can’t help but wonder why your heart skipped a beat at the accusation.

“Sure honey, but you should see the way that boy looks at you,” you take the package, mind spinning.

“Thank you, Mrs. Anderson,” your voice is quieter as she pats your hand.

“You take care now, don’t forget about your roots when you become a big star,”

“I’ll dedicate my first win to you all,” you smile, taking a step away from the old oak counter.

“Good girl. Watch out on the roads tonight,”

“Yes, Ma’am,” when you approach the guys you notice how you and Charles naturally gravitate towards each other, but you are quick to distract yourself before you think too much about it.

“Everything alright?” Mick asks, poking your head. You swat away his hand as he goes to poke you again. Logan and Charles are trailing you, talking about something that you couldn’t care less about.

“Yeah, just thinking about something the shop owner said,”

“That Charles likes you?” Mick says, you huff and walk a little faster.

“He doesn’t though, Mickie. We are just friends, he’s never even flirted with me. Besides, I don’t even like him like that, and I would NEVER date someone on the grid,” lies, well mostly. The grid part is pretty true, that’s a mess you don’t wasn’t to touch. Mick can read you like a book, he’s your best friend and basically your brother. He wraps an arm around you and pulls you into a side hug as you walk.

“He flirts with you endlessly, you are just too blind to see it. Meine Liebe, he is so in love with you that he would crash someone out for you,” Mick looks at you, watching the gears in your brain turn.

“Well, if he is flirting with me that much, he really needs to step up his game,” you look at the sky, then to Mick.

“It’s a shame you are basically my brother, why can’t we date?” you groan, Mick loudly laughs.

“Alpine would hate that, can’t have two of their drivers dating,” Mick lowers his arm, poking your side.

“They are separating us, but our love shall prevail,” you carry on, enjoying the antics.

“Even Mick flirts with her easier than me,” Charles groans, looking at Logan for backup.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, but they are literally the definition of siblings separated at birth. They joke like that all the time, he’s just her best friend,” Logan shakes his head.

“So there’s a chance?”

“Not with your flirting,” Logan pats Charles’s shoulder as they approach your truck.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here, there is a storm coming,” you turn the key in the ignition, watching the boys get in the truck. Logan calls shotgun, leaving Charles and Mick in the back.

“Who let dying cats sing?” Mick teases you and Logan as you sing along with a country song, earning him the bird from both of you.

“Alright boys, wash up and then be down here for dinner. We won’t wait for you,” you say as you park the truck. Charles grabs the package for you, carrying it inside.

“I’ll take that, son,” your dad grabs the package from Charles as you walk through the door. “Y/n,” you follow his beacon, leaving the boys alone.

“Well, I will see you all in a bit,” Mick heads to his room, it’s obvious that he’s visited before.

Much to Charles’s dismay, he makes no progress on the flirting end for the rest of the week. When you get to Las Vegas, you are swept up in media and team duties. Charles sees more of Pierre than he does of you that weekend. He does notice when you post on Instagram.

instagram

y/username brought the boys home with me, still wouldn’t call them cowboys

mickschumacher to be fair, Logan and I fit in pretty well, Charles though…

charlesleclerc hey!

y/username charlie… you still don’t know how to wear a hat correctly

alpinef1team we 🫶 our cowgirl (and Cowboy Mick)

mercedesamgf1 our* Cowboy Mick 🤠

scuderiaferrari it’s okay Charles, even if you aren’t a cowboy, we still love you (Mick was ours first, back off)

charlesleclerc hey! you are supposed to be on my side

mickschumacher love the support guys 💙🩵❤️

user29 the shared admin parenting 😭

y/username charlie, it’s okay, not everyone is cowboy material

user aww, she brought Logan with her. best former grid friendship

user4 so we are ignoring the part where she got them all to wear chaps?

logansargeant you hear that mick? i’m better than you

mickschumacher impossible, i’m literally her best friend

y/username and they looked wonderful in them 🥰 (i love you two equally)

user2 poor charles, always forgotten even if they weren’t friends until recently

charlesleclerc best cowgirl and teacher in Montana ❤️

y/username only Montana? i’m wounded, you’re uninvited from the next trip

Mick hung around, pulling double duty for Mercedes and Alpine. He watched the race from the Mercedes garage, a tense place to be during the race. The Mercedes team qualified poorly in Q3, leaving them in the midfield. Logan accompanied him, an odd sight for most fans.

You had qualified well, with you and Pierre in P6 and P7 respectively. A crash up front took out Max and Lando, leaving the two of you in a battle with Oscar, Charles, and Carlos. A late safety car and a well timed undercut allowed you to move into P2, fighting for the win with Pierre right behind you. With five laps left to go, you find luck on your side once more. Oscar locked up, giving you just enough room to overtake him. When you cross the line five laps later, you feel tears running down your face.

“We did it, holy shit! Great work team, I’m so proud of you guys. This win is for the huge support network I have back home - I told you I’d dedicate my first win to you, and it’s for this team who has struggled and fought to be in the position to win races again,” you say on the radio as you take your cool down lap, waving to fans as you drive past.

The feeling of standing on top of your car is like nothing else, the crowd electric with you first win, a home win.

Pierre pulls into P3, quickly hoping out to embrace you, rubbing your helmet.

“We did it! You are amazing!” Pierre cheers.

“Finally a podium for us,” you agree, joining Pierre in heading to the barricades to celebrate with the team.

Charles makes his way to where you are putting on your team hat and sipping water a few minutes later.

“Welcome to the home win club,” he hugs you, wishing he was on the podium too.

“Thanks, Charlie. Sorry, I’m just so overwhelmed,” you smile but tears start to flow out of your eyes again. This is likely the only win you will ever get, and you know that.

“Amour,” his voice is soft and sympathetic as he wipes the tears off your cheeks. “You deserve every bit of this win, you drove so well,” he reassures you as you nod, sniffing the tears away.

“Interview time, champ,” Pierre grabs you, pulling you towards Guenther. He quickly shoots Charles a look that says he’s talking about this later. Pierre is protective of his teammate, and he isn’t scared to rip into his childhood friend if needed. You watch Pierre speak, then Oscar, before it’s your turn. They wait for you, not wanting to leave you vulnerable to the media.

“Y/n, first off, congratulations on a monumental win. How are you feeling?” Guenther asks, his voice jovial. He watched you grow as a driver in the Ferrari program, so he feels a bit proud.

“Overwhelmed, mainly,” you laugh, taking a moment to gather your thoughts. “I, uh, carry the legacy of many women before me, those who drove, served as test and reserve drivers, and affiliated drivers. I really hope this win made them proud and make the girls driving in lower formulas know they can succeed here too,” you say, still breathing a bit heavier.

“That was one heck of a drive, how were you able to take the win?”

“A lot of luck, and confidence. I knew that I had to take some risks, especially on that overtake and defending the last few laps. I’m glad that Max and Lando are okay, those collisions aren’t fun,”

“One more question and then I will let you get your trophy. How will you take this confidence into the last two races?”

“Just keeping the energy up with the whole team. They’ve worked hard to get Pierre and I on the podium, and it’s nice to see it pay off, especially at my home race. You never really know when you will get to the podium, so I think we will just cherish this and hope the points keep coming,” you say, relieved to be done with interviews for now.

“Thank you, congratulations again,” Guenther says, letting you go. You give a wave and disappear to where Pierre and Oscar await.

“An all Alpine podium,” Mick teases, waiting around the bend for you.

“Former, but I guess it counts,” Oscar smiles as you launch yourself at your best friend.

“I’m so proud, meine Liebe, and I know Dad is too,” he hugs you tightly. Mick lets you go a moment later, promising to see you after the podium.

The cooldown room is nice, you relax in the chair as Oscar and Pierre chatter, watching the race highlights.

“Nice defending, you were a brick wall against Charles,��� you fist bump Pierre.

“Ready?” Oscar asks, dragging you out of your seat. Pierre is the first out and onto the podium. “Just breathe, this is your moment,” Oscar reminds you before stepping out. Before you know it you are being drenched in champagne.

“This is just the start of the celebrations, mon amie,” Pierre says, wrapping an arm around you as you head back to the motorhome.

“Drinks on me tonight,” you cheer, ready to shower off the champagne and get media over with.

You are one of the last to arrive at the club, mostly because your phone died and you had to wait on it to charge. However, that just means you had more time to pregame, and you did.

“Oscar!” you drunkenly cheer, wrapping your arms around the Aussie.

“When did you get here? Are you already drunk?” he asks, trying not to laugh.

“Mhmm,” you nod, “I drank with Logan,”

“Logan is here?!” Oscar looks around the room, trying to spot his friend.

“No, silly, he’s in Miami. He was on the phone, duh,” you walk towards the bar, ordering a round of shots for your friends and you. You don’t hesitate in downing it, ordering a drink to take with you back onto the floor.

“How much have you had to drink?” Franco asks, wrapping an arm around you to keep you steady.

“Mmmm, five shots,” you giggle then poke his cheek, pushing his face a bit due to your sloppy motions. “You’re cute, just a babbyyy,”

“You are very pretty as well, how’d you know I have a thing for older women,” Franco flushes, the flirting coming out of nowhere. He honestly thought that you and Charles were dating, but he can’t help that he’s a natural flirt.

“Pierre! George!” you walk away before he can even process everything. You are off to do more shots, intending to get fucked up.

“You okay?” Max asks, quickly replacing you at Franco’s side.

“Y/n was just here, she’s an odd drunk, can she even drink that much?” Franco asks, very confused.

“She brought Tennessee moonshine to a race last year and she out drank Valtteri. I didn’t realize she’s been here,” Max looks around, searching for you.

“Whatever she drank earlier was strong then. Aren’t she and Charles dating? Why was she flirting with me?”

“Who knows,” Max shrugs, leaving Franco confused and alone as he spots you back at the bar in the VIP section the drivers reserved.

“You are cut off for now,” Max shakes his head as he stands beside you, taking the drink from your hand and keeping it for himself.

“Charlie! Tell Max to give me my drink back,” you pout, crossing your arms as you lean back against the bar, stumbling a little as your back hits the edge.

Charles’s eyes rake across you in concern as he quickly reaches out to steady you. He looks away at Max to get a silent read on the situation.

“Amour, how much have you had to drink? Didn’t you just get here?” Charles is more worried that you may have been drugged, no one acts like that after one drink.

“Five shots,” Charles watches you count on your fingers, holding up seven of them.

“And here?”

“Um, three shots and a drink. I just got here fourty minutes ago,” your words slur together as dizzying lights flash around the bar. The change in music tells everyone that Lando got behind the DJ booth.

“You are cut off for the hour, go dance some of it off then I will buy you a new drink,” Max says, winking at Charles. Before he can respond, you are dragging Charles onto the dance floor.

“You are a terrible flirt. You know who told me that you like me? Mickie,” you poke Charles’ chest as you dance close to him. Charles wraps his arms around your waist, keeping you close but providing support.

“It must’ve worked if you know now,” Charles leans down slightly, voice low against the pulsing music. You tilt your head up more, looking at him through hooded eyes, his body moving against yours as the bass builds up.

“No,” you say, lips centimeters away from brushing against his as the beat drops. “You need to work harder to earn me,” you slip out of his arms, going to find your aforementioned friend, leaving Charles alone and horny.

You find yourself back at the bar, no one there to stop you from drinking more. Well, that is until Mick shows up right before the bartender walks back over to you.

“Let’s celebrate the win, if you drink any more right now you will puke in 10 minutes,” Mick pulls you away, back to the other drivers. Fuck Charles, the bar is your one true love and Mick is denying you it.

“Here,” Lewis hands you a drink which you happily take. It’s just a mocktail, but you don’t know that.

“To our cowgirl and her first win!” Carlos toasts, cheers ringing out across your group. You catch Lando sneaking away back to the DJ booth, and you quickly follow.

“Lando, let me play a song,” you beg, and who is Lando to deny you after your first win? The grid gravitates towards the two of you as Lando helps you set yourself up.

“What are you playing?” Lando yells as you quickly pull up your song. Your devilish grin tells him everything as he helps you blend it into the song currently playing. The song slows as a low “tu tu tu tu” rings out, the lights turning in to focus on Max.

“Is this because I took away your drink?” Max yells, embarrassed and a little annoyed even though he thinks it’s funny. The rest of the guys are singing along, teasing Max. That’s the last thing you remember.

You wake up groggy on the couch of your hotel room, Mick in the bed. Based on the weird feeling in your mouth, you were puking before you fell asleep. Stumbling, you cross the room and crawl into bed beside Mick.

Mick wakes you up a few hours later, cup of coffee in hand.

“How much do you remember of last night?” he asks as you lightly groan, launching into your past memories.

You virtually sit down for a podcast later in the week to discuss your win.

“How does it feel going viral?” The one podcaster asks after you discussed your career and fighting in the midfield.

“Viral? Honestly, I’ve been so busy since the win that I haven’t been on social media,” you laugh, very confused.

“Gen Z has taken to you, you are all over TikTok and Twitter,”

“That’s wild, thanks Gen Z,” you smile, giving the camera a little salute.

“The after party seemed fun,”

“From what I remember, it was. It’s always a good time going out with the guys. Can I confess something?”

“Please do,” the podcaster says, eager for some gossip.

“I thought Franco was too young to be out with us. The first time he showed at the bar in Austin, I genuinely thought he was about to be thrown out,” you say, letting the conversation stay of that for a bit.

“So, a photo of you and Charles dancing at the club after your win went viral. We asked him about it and this is what he had to say,”

“Oh yeah, we’re dating, didn’t you know?” Charles says, looking quite serious, but you know it’s a joke, at least you think it is.

“Haha, yeah we are engaged, almost got married in Vegas. Didn’t you know?” you joke, stifling a laugh.

The podcast blew up and Alpine ate it up. The media team was quick to partner with Ferrari to do a couples challenge in the Alpine motorhome. You quickly leave once it’s done, escaping to your driver’s room. Charles follows you, sitting beside you as you take a deep breath.

“Sorry, it’s all a bit overwhelming. I am from a small town, I’m just not used to this type of attention,” you say and Charles holds your hands, providing comfort as electricity courses through you.

“You don’t have to be. Your fans think you are perfect, I think you are perfect,” Charles says, your eyes meeting his, searching for signs that he isn’t telling a lie.

“You do?”

“Of course I do. I’ve been in love with you forever. You are beautiful, and kind, and smart,” Charles trails off as his eyes flicker to your lips. His right hand finds itself moving from your hand to your cheek. He leans in, lips brushing yours as he hesitates - waiting for you to take action.

You tilt your head up, mind spinning as you take in his scent and the moment. You don’t waste another moment, pressing your lips to his. Charles tenderly pulls away after a minute, resting his forehead on yours.

“I didn’t lie in that interview, amour, you are my cowgirl,” he says softly, a hint of relief in his voice.

“Yours? Oh no, Charlie, you will have to work harder to win that,” your sly smile tells him that the challenge isn’t over yet as he leans in to kiss you again.

“My stubborn, stubborn cowgirl,”

Can’t get enough? Check out @vitalverstappen’s sister story ⬇️!

[haroun31]

Where the hell is your caretaker, Manjiro Sano!?

(A chapter from my book 'Kitty cat run run run' featuring MC and Mikey beefing like children because they share one braincell.)

°○°

A challenging look, the air inside the shop began to heat up, as if the artificial lights were about to explode at any moment. Customers strolled through aisles of shelves and food, completely unaware of the storm that was brewing just moments inside the store. Foolish them! If only they had paid more attention, if only they had paid more attention to detail! 

They would then have made the wise choice to run away so as not to be entangled in the dispute between two hungry middle schoolers too stubborn to back down from a challenge. Oh! The worst combo! 

The poor clerk is already blankly looking at the two little demons on the verge of shredding each other to pieces for a sweet treat he probably has more in the back. But is he gonna do something? 

Hell no. Free drama made by petty middle schoolers? He is not paid enough to solve their problems.

And that's how you and the cute blond boy ended up in a cold war. Your fingers curled around the plastic of the Dorayaki, while his directly over yours so as not to let you run away with his beloved treat. You both smiled, but the atmosphere around was anything but friendly. A bolt of lightning passed between the two of you and your eye twitched "Oh look. . .it looks like you're blocking my hand, good sir, if you'd be so kind could you let me go? 

Mikey didn't move a muscle though, his smile shifting into a pout "No way! I got here first, this Dorayaki is mine" if that were possible, a vein would have popped on your forehead at his ABSURD statement, but your smile didn't falter, instead it stiffened even more. "I don't think so" who does this kid believe to be? Whining and pouting like a child. He might be as adorable as you want, looking like that, but his cuteness won't make your hunger go away fast enough to let him have YOUR Dorayaki.

"My hand clearly touched the plastic wrap first"

"My eyes fell on it first though"

"Does not matter"

"Then your hand doesn't matter either"

The air got even more tense around you two, who at this point were butting heads together. For a second it felt like you were back at the day you first met Baji for the first time and were fighting over Makkya. . .this time however you are not willing to share shit. It might have not been visible but all the clients were finally sensing the extremely dark aura coming from you two and hurriedly scrambles away. 

Middle schoolers fighting? Yea, no one would like to be near one of those Spawn of Satan.

"Give me one good reason why I should give you what's mine?" you asked, pushing his head with your forehead "Because I'm hungry! And I want to eat this!" the boy replied, pushing your head with his forehead in return "I'm not giving you my lunch! I skipped breakfast this morning and I'm starving" it was your turn to push him back again, gaining ground "That sounds like a you problem to me" blondie argued back.

You two shared a long lasting eye contact in the most tense silence ever. Not far away a couple of people peered around the corner, curious about who between the two of you will come out as winner but too scared to actually come closer. The clerk simply blinked and took out a magazine before placing it over his eyes and fall into a deep sleep.

Could those two middle schooler destroy the shop? Probably.

Does he care? . . .Nha.

After a couple of seconds of your deep stare, both you and Mikey jumped back, searching inside your pockets something before taking it out and placing it between the two of you "There!" You exclaimed at the same time, opening your hands and both showing 200 yen. . . "How is that possible?!" This is not good! You can’t decide who deserves the Dorayaki if you have the same money!

"Alright!" You both declared, taking out your ID and letting who is older take the sweet treat. . .only to find out that both of you were the same age!

You eye twitched before you lowered you gaze, letting your bangs hide your eyes "There is only one solution. . ." The blonde boy followed you suit, also lowering his head "It seems so. . ." The people behind the corner all held their breaths, already imagining these two kids throwing hands at eachothers.

"Let's settle this!" You lifted your head with a determined look, raising your fist "It's the only way!" Mikey agreed, also lifting his fist. The clients covered their mouths, some eating popcorns, and the clerk placed an ear bud to drown out the chaos around him just as you two threw your hands.

"Rock! Paper! Scissors!" You two screamed, only to choose scissors at the same time "Rock! Paper! Scissors!" You tried again, matching the rock this time "Rock! Paper! Scissors!" You opened your hand, just to see the pretty boy do the same "Rock! Paper! Sciss–"

"Mikey?"

Your challenge was suddenly interrupted by a soft, almost dulcet voice, making you freeze in place, your hand ready to form a pair of scissors while his was a piece of paper. Your eyes shifted to the side to then fall on a blonde girl, probably a little younger than you. She was holding a bag full of groceries in her hands as she looked at Mikey with a look that screamed disappointment. 

She seemed completely done with whatever stupid shit his brother was doing at the moment and you could only pity her. If you had to deal with this childish grown ass man too you would have jumped out of the nearest window. 

"Oh Emma" the blondie pouted, puffing his cheeks and battling his eyelashes like a doll "Can you tell this mean person that they are stealing what's mine?" At the accusation you snapped your head toward him with a baffled expression, ready to bite him back before hearing the poor girl letting out a deep sigh, she sounded so tired.

You felt so bad about her.

. . .

Sigh, you are gonna do it, aren’t you?

“Whatever, you can take it,” you tsked, lifting your hand from your Dorayaki with a scowl, before stuffing them into your pockets and walking away. You passed by the sweet girl, who gave you a little bow and muttered an apology, while her brother was celebrating his victory behind you, which made the loss feel even more bitter. 

But you ignored him, pushing your way through the crowd (who had rushed to pretend they hadn't spied on you until a few seconds ago) and made your way out of the shop. 

Once your shoes hit the pavement, Makkya was already there to greet you with a loud meow, before tilting his head at the lack of sight of food on your part. Soon enough your eyes got shiny and your shoulders started shaking before you fell to the ground and a dark cloud formed above you.

"Damn the cute guys!"

•●•

Your first meeting with Toman has not been the best one so far.

You bolted out of there as soon as an argument between Manjiro and Draken exploded, opening a way for you to run away before any of them could notice. To say that you jumped both Baji and Chifuyu the next day to choke them, was an understatement. They both apologised (*cough* *cough* only Chifuyu *cough* *cough*) but alas damage was already done. You have been caught into the sight of Sano Manjiro and your life, will never be as paceful as before. . .

Not when he would randomly barge into your classroom, in the middle of the lesson, demanding to have your attention. 

How the hell did he found out what was your classroom? Your school? You in general?!

Being kidnapped by a childish over excited golden retriver was definetely not on your bucket list, nor was finding out that your teacher JUST LET HIM?! "O-Oi! Aren't suppose to reprimand him? He is dragging me away in the middle of the lesson!" You gasped out, holding for dear life on the corner of the door while Mikey was trying to drag you away with his arms around your waist and Draken by his side was pinching the bridge of his nose like a tired mom.

Your teacher ignored the commotion, leafing through her book nonchalanty "Remember to bring them back by the last period, Sano, they have a test" she waved him off earning a deadpan from your classmates and a flabbergasted expression from you. Why are all adults so goddamn irresponsible these days?! 

"You don't have to worry miss!" Mikey beamed, giving her a closed eye smile and tightened his grip on your waist who, in contrary, stubborly held on the door. If no one wan't to help you then you are gonna save yourself all alone! 

"Oh For god sake" Draken grumbled, stepping on your hands with his shoes and making you let go in pain, allowing Mikey to hoist you up on his shoulder like a sack of potatos and run away.

"Remember to bring them back by the last period" 

"This is why you are underpaid, you hag!" 

You have no idea why Mikey suddenly evolved such interest in your regards and you almost don't want know what's going on in his head, but he seemed awfully determined in making you join his damn Gang. "Why don't you join Toman, Stalker-chin?" he would ask every single time, getting awfully in your personal space while you loudly, denied him, only for Draken to back him up "Mikey said that he want you in his gang, so join us" 

Who do they believe to be?! Your parents?? Be cute as you want but you will not join them! 

"Then show me your cool skill, stalker-chin!" he made a point to drag your awful nickname as long as possible. Maybe it was this that drew Manjiro Sano to you. Your unique ability, which you guess IS pretty amusing "I want to talk with Baji, but my phone is dead. Can you find him for me?" he would ask, scrolling through his obviously charged phone and you would deadpan ready to refuse his absurd request "We won't let you go until you do as Mikey said" Draken would nonchalanty add, leaning the back of his head in his hands as he laid on the grass.

You looked at the two boys blankly before cursing under your breath ". . .you bastards. . ." before starting to walk in the direction you were sure your black-haired friend was, without waiting for them to catch up. Though, despite how much you whine and curse the man- child and his care-taker, they weren't such a bad company. Whenever they weren't trying to kidnap you or join their gang that's it. 

"We are terribly sorry _____"

"No, we are not "

God, Chifuyu had to held you back from punching Baji in the face, while he was playing with Makkya "You have no more choices, doggy. You earned Mikey's interest" you groaned, letting Chifuyu sitting you down on the ground with him behind you, arms around your body and chin on your shoulder to make sure you wont jump the black-haired boy.

"Still with this dumb nickname?" you grumbled with a sigh "The first time I met you, you were soaking like a wet dog and you tried to bite me" he simply said, showing off his fangs "And you look like one" was your argument "With those fangs of yours and demeanor of a guard dog. I can already see the ears and tails"

"You both are dogs now quit it"

Oh Chifuyu, the mouth of the truth. 

•●•

One

Two

Three 

"Stalker-chin!"

The door of your classroom was slammed open but no one flinched. Black void-like eyes shifted around the room, as you were contemplating if you should just jump out of the window, before they fell or your figure. His smile widened while you tried hard to ignore him. He is not real, he is not real, he is not real, he is not rea–

"Let's go for a ride"

He was alone today, his care-taker (Draken) nowhere to be seen which made you responsable for this man-child. 

"You have a bike?" you tried to keep your bubbling excitment down, desperately hiding it under a veil of nonchalant. Despite not being in a gang there is something you always found fascinating. And those were motorcycles. 

You always admired people who could ride bikes, whenever they were gangsters or not, every time feeling jealously bubbling in your chest. You also want to ride those gems, to feel the wind ruffling your hair, the smell of gasoline as you rode through the streets of Tokyo. Alas they were too expensive for your mother to buy one, she never said anything about money but you always noticed the checks and slightly twitch of mother's lips at the end of the month.

And you were too young to work and buy it yourself. So all you can do is being patience until you can put your hands on your first bike ever–Ah! You already thought of the color and the name! The way you will decorate it and your first place where ride it!

Everything–will be perfect!

"You seem excited" Mikey pointed out 

"I'm not" you denied with a straight face as sparklers in your eye betrayed your words 

"Sure you aren't " he motioned to hop on his bike and you didn't let him tell you twice before teleporting behind him and wrapping your arms around his waist as he started the vehicle, speeding off. You felt the wind ruffling your hair, your heart beating widly as you imagined yourself in Mikey's place, feeling the engine heating up and the tires eating the cement 

"Enjoying yourself?" the blond boy inquired, earning a nod on your part "I will be be honest, Mikey. Since I was young I always dreamed of riding a motorciclye myself" you admit, observing the scenery passing by "You do?" the young Sano asked, not keeping his gaze off the road "Yea but I can't afford a bike yet. I already rode with both Baji and Chifuyu before, but neither of them would let me drive their precious gems" 

At your wonds Mikey chuckled and you kept going "Baji sald that he will let me use his baby the day I beat him in a fight, but between us two I will never be able to. No matter for how long he trains me" it came out as a grumble and it made the boy in front of you laughed harder. Then an idea spawned in your head and you put on your best cute smile "Hey, wouldn't you be a dear and let me try your bike?" 

However all you get where more laughs "Only if you join Toman!"

"Ugh" you exhaled, leaning your cheek on his back and closing your eyes, letting a paceful silence settle between the two of you. Which was weird, because Mikey never shut up. "Ne, why are you so against joining a gang?" he finally spoke after a couple of minutes, his tone strangely soft "If you are scared of being hurt you don't have to worry, I will be there to protect you" at those words you scoffed, turning your head until your forehead was against his back. 

"I'm not a newborn, I don't need protection, not after Baji's awfull training" you groaned, rolling your eye. Your eyes lowered, finally deciding to answer his questions after a couple of minutes of silence. "You know, Mikey, there are only two way a Gang can end up as. 

Either it get disbanded.

Or it turns into a criminal organization"

°○°

(The fanfict is available both on Wattpad and Quotev)

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Vampire Captures Vampire Hunter to Use as Bloodbag part 1

Warnings: death, blood, vampire night club, kidnapping, human occasionally referred to as 'it'

A vampire hunter ambushes a vampire club with his crew -- but little does he know, the tables are about to turn, and not in the human's favor.

It was a day like any other, a group of friends hanging out at a top-notch club -- only this was a vampire club, exclusive to bloodsuckers alone. But somehow, news must have gotten out about it, because everything took a tragic turn. Vampire hunters came storming in right as the night was coming to a close. Those blasted party-crashers.

Alex assumed they must have been newer and more inexperienced hunters though, because no sane human would charge right into the middle of a group of predators. Because even with backup, and even armed to the teeth with silver and stakes, the hunters never really stood a chance.

A few unlucky vampires were killed during the initial attack, before the surprise wore off and the vampires retaliated. It was a bloodbath.

Human bodies littered the club floor by the end of it, and some of the vampires decided to take advantage of the opportunity for fresh blood. Others were still dispatching the last few surviving hunters, taking their sweet time. And Alex was one of them.

At the moment he had a young man pinned against the wall by the throat, but he didn't kill him quite yet. He merely watched the human struggle uselessly in his grip, clawing at his arms and snarling with teeth bared -- like a feral animal. He found it rather entertaining, how he still fought back even with no hope of winning.

"Alex! You gonna eat that one?" Alex craned his head to the side and flashed a fang-filled grin at Jack, his closest vampire friend, as he came up next to him.

"I'm certainly considering it," he chuckled, attention shifting back to the hunter in his claws. He saw a flicker of genuine fear in the human's eyes, so delicious and exciting as its wide eyes flicked between the two predators.

"Tonight turned out to be a disaster," Jack mused, running a hand through his hair. "I wonder who ratted us out to the humans. How did they get our location?"

"It could also merely be people sticking their noses where they shouldn't," Alex pointed out. "Only vampires are allowed access here. Why would a vampire rat out other vampires?"

"What if they caught one of us and tortured them into giving us away?"

Alex gave the hunter in his hold a rough shake. "Is that true? Did you interrogate one of us to find this place?"

The human just glowered venomously at him, a permanent glare etched into his features. Alex couldn't help but laugh at the petty show of defiance. It was cute, like a kitten spitting fire at a lion.

"...I think I actually have an idea for this one," he suddenly rumbled.

"What's that?" Jack asked.

"I think I might prefer to keep this one alive for now. Maybe turn him into a house pet or something."

Jack howled with laughter. "Keeping a hunter as your toy? That's pretty dangerous, my friend. They know how to kill us. It could turn on you at any second."

"I know. But I think it would make for a great challenge to break him in," Alex answered. "And it would prove beneficial to me as well. I'd have a constant food source at my disposal, so I wouldn't have to go to the trouble of catching fresh prey."

"I'm not going to be your pet," the hunter finally snarled, breaking his silence.

"Oooh--hoo! It's a feisty one, too!" Jack whistled. "Good luck trying to tame that spitfire!"

The human's face twisted with rage, and he suddenly kicked a leg out at Alex, aiming for his stomach to kick him away, but Alex snatched his ankle lightning-fast with his free hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Bad idea, young one," he scolded mockingly, and tightened his grip around the hunter's throat, reveling in the panic that flashed in his prey's light brown eyes.

"The only advice I can give to you is to be careful, Alex. Who knows what this little beast is capable of." Jack giggled and ruffled the human's hair just to show he could, humiliating the creature further before he wandered off to talk to some other vampires.

Alex's sharp gaze swept over his catch, slow and appreciating. If he had to make a guess, he'd say the man was in his early twenties, a bold and impulsive individual from the looks of it. Didn't think things through before acting.

"I think we'll have a lot of fun together, don't you?" Alex cooed, and let go of the human's ankle to trail his fingers down the side of his soft neck, lingering over his skittering pulse. So fragile, so delicate a creature, so easily broken if he wasn't careful. He'd have to make sure to be gentle if he wanted the human to last. "What's your name, runt?"

"Curse you," the human spat viciously.

Alex cocked his head to the side, an amused smile playing across his lips. "Well, mister 'Curse You', what do you think about going on a little car ride?" he said smugly.

Next ⏩️

Masterlist

@scoundrelwithboba @lumpofsand @isikedmyself878 @iamheretohurt @fleur-a-whump

@ay5ksal @otterfrost @sausages-things @i-don't-know-sal @togzy

@whump-till-ya-jump @cravesunconditionallove @whumpwritinglover222

@why-not-ask-me-a-better-question (Saw your post about wanting to be tagged in new writing, so thought I'd share mine! Hope it makes your day!)

[choikanghuening]

Reversed Roles (or simply “Love Story”)

now playing: Love Story (originally by Taylor Swift) — Tomorrow x Together

synopsis: Soobin is a young man who has always followed his family’s expectations, living a life of duty and tradition. However, everything changes when he meets you, a bold and confident woman who challenges his beliefs and stirs desires he never knew he had. As his feelings for you grow, Soobin finds himself torn between the life his family wants for him and the love he feels for you, forcing him to confront difficult choices about his future.

pairing: soobin x female!reader

trope: forbidden lovers (what can i say, i love this trope)

genre: angst, fluff, some funny moments near the end.

wc: 8.4k

warnings: not proofread, lots of drama, gender roles are reversed here, loosely based on romeo + juliet, feat. the rest of txt. lmk if i forgot anything (i probably did).

elle speaks: english is not my first language, so sorry for any typos and mistakes. also im too distracted, so i probably repeated lots of words. ill correct it later. feedbacks/reblogs/likes are appreciated.

elle speaks²: princess Soobin, you'll always be ✨famous✨. Get well soon, my baby 🥹

elle speaks³: when i listened to their Love Story cover for the first time, i knew i had to do something and this idea hit me like lightning. ngl, i was giggling and kicking my feet while writing this.

fic below the cut

The gentle air of that night brushed Soobin's skin as he leaned against the small balcony, which on one side overlooked the grand ballroom and on the other, the vast garden. His eyes were lost in the illuminated view of the garden, which he knew well, but now, for the first time, he felt at peace. Much of that, he thought, had to do with the person by his side in that moment, the only one who could make that scene seem so perfect. He couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia washing over him. Every obstacle, every challenge, now seemed like yet another victory won. He smiled with pride as he thought of how much he had grown with his significant other, both individually and together, and how this moment finally stood as a clear sign that everything had been worth it. He closed his eyes for a moment, a vivid memory of all the battles fought to get where he is now flooding his mind.

It was a summer night like this one, warm and vibrant, where the stars competed with the lights of the grand hall. The sound of the orchestra filled the air, while the scent of fresh flowers mingled with the perfume of the masked ladies.

Mr. Choi, Soobin’s father and an influential engineer in the city, was hosting a lavish masquerade ball to celebrate the construction of another grand project. Soobin was on the balcony, his hand gliding along the cold stone railing. The fresh air might have relieved the suffocating heat of the hall, but not the burden on his shoulders. He didn’t enjoy these parties. His father insisted that events like these were crucial for “keeping up appearances” and strengthening ties with influential families, but Soobin didn’t see the point. To him, everything there seemed like a calculated dance, a performance where every step seemed rehearsed.

He watched the garden, with lanterns swaying in the wind, and let out a sigh. He was bored and would rather be in his room playing video games if he were honest. His mask was long forgotten in some part of that party, and he honestly didn’t care.

“Hyung, you're going to turn into a statue out here,” Kai said, appearing behind him along with Yeonjun. Soobin turned, meeting his friend's smile.

“It’s just… hard for me to feel comfortable with all this,” he admitted softly.

“You never feel comfortable anywhere,” Yeonjun teased, but without malice. He took a step forward, gesturing to the ballroom. “You know what fixes that? Dancing.”

Soobin let out a short, humorless laugh. “You know, I don’t like dancing in front of people I don’t know.”

“Then at least pretend you do,” Beomgyu interrupted, appearing with Taehyun right behind him. “That’s what it’s all about, after all. Pretending you belong.”

Taehyun shrugged, sipping something from a tall glass. “Or just wait for time to pass.”

Soobin looked at the ballroom. The music had shifted into a soft, almost hypnotic melody. The masks, the dresses, the flickering lights—everything seemed distant, but there was still something about that night that kept him there. Something was about to happen; he could feel it. But what?

“I’ll be going in a bit,” he murmured, finally ignoring his friends' satisfied glances. He didn’t know what he was looking for, but something was pulling him back into the crowd.

The ballroom was full of sparkles, the golden chandeliers casting a soft glow over the guests. The women wore extravagant dresses; the men, elegant suits. Everything seemed like part of a grand spectacle, but Soobin barely noticed the scene around him. His gaze was now fixed on one single point—you.

You entered the ballroom in a way that no one else did. While everyone was impeccably dressed, you stood out with something entirely different: a simple yet striking dress in a deep shade of red. It wasn’t the typical attire of a masquerade ball, but something that reflected your bold, defiant personality. And to break expectations even further, you wore black combat boots, and with every step, the heavy soles echoed on the marble floor.

The silver mask you picked from the decorations and placed on your face covered only part of your expression, accentuating the mystery without hiding the intensity of your gaze. Moving through the room with unshakable confidence, you seemed impossible to ignore, as if you were there to challenge the unspoken rules of the event, even though you hadn’t been invited. Every step you took exuded assurance, as if you knew everything and everyone, despite being a stranger in that setting.

Soobin was almost hypnotized, his eyes following every movement you made with an intensity he couldn’t explain. He had seen many people enter the room, but no one like you. It wasn’t just the contrast of the outfit that drew him in, but the way you seemed completely uninterested in following the place’s norms, as if you were a storm amid a calm sea.

As you walked through the room, some curious gazes turned toward you, but you didn’t seem to care. Your posture was nonchalant, as if you weren’t there to please anyone. When you heard about the party at the Choi mansion, you didn’t hesitate to show up—if not to mock the rich and arrogant who only thought of themselves, at least to enjoy the free food.

Your presence was commanding, but not arrogant. It was natural self-confidence, radiating in every move. Soobin simply couldn’t take his eyes off you.

You passed by a group of guests whispering, throwing uncomfortable glances, but kept your course, ignoring them as if others’ ignorance was trivial. You weren’t part of the show; you were just there to observe that circus.

Soobin, not quite knowing why, felt an immediate curiosity, as if, somehow, you weren’t there by accident. When your gazes met, you gave him a discreet smile, almost as if you knew exactly what he was thinking. A smile full of mystery, but with a hint of provocation. His heart raced, a strange sensation coursing through his body, as if something were about to happen.

When you approached, you looked him up and down with a challenging smile that bordered on cheeky.

“Hello,” you said in a soft, calm voice, as if you were alone in the room despite the surrounding crowd. That simple word, spoken with such certainty, stirred him in a way he never thought possible.

Soobin stood there, paralyzed for a moment. What was he supposed to say? How could he talk to someone who seemed so distant from conventions, so… different from everything he knew? He wanted to ask why you were there and what had brought you to that ball, but the words just wouldn’t come out.

“I don't think… we know each other,” Soobin finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was quieter than he wanted, but sincerity was clear. “I’m Soobin.”

You looked at him with curiosity, the mask reflecting the soft light from the chandeliers, making your face appear even more enigmatic.

“Ah, Soobin,” you repeated with a small, confident smile. “I’m YN. Pleased to meet you.”

Your tone wasn’t that of a formal introduction, but more of a casual exchange, as if you already knew he was only there out of curiosity. It was a mutual acknowledgment, unhurried, as if both of you were just observing each other.

“Well, I think I’ll keep walking around here,” you said, finally breaking the eye contact but not really moving away. “But we’ll see each other, Soobin. After all, the night is young.”

And with that, you turned, your steps determined and your presence still striking, as if there was no doubt about your importance in that place.

Soobin stayed still, watching you walk away, still trying to understand exactly what had just happened. His heart was racing, and your words echoed in his mind, leaving him completely absorbed in the moment. He knew, with almost undeniable certainty, that this wouldn’t be the last time you met. Something about you, the way you moved, said it—something he felt but couldn’t explain.

When Soobin finally realized, he noticed his friends watching him with curious glances.

“Wow, Soobin, you’re fast,” Yeonjun teased, a sly smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He had noticed something in the air—the way Soobin had looked at you.

Kai gave his friend a light shove, grinning casually. “You were lost, huh? What happened? You couldn’t even speak properly.”

Beomgyu, always more observant, crossed his arms with a slightly concerned expression. “You were almost hypnotized, Soobin.”

Taehyun, as quiet as ever, smiled faintly, saying nothing. He knew that encounter meant something for Soobin and preferred to respect the moment.

Soobin was still dazed, the memory of your smile vivid in his mind. He tried to respond, but the words just wouldn’t come out. “I… I don’t know.”

Yeonjun laughed. “Uh-huh, I get it. You’re looking like a hopeless romantic. Who is she?”

“I don’t know,” Soobin replied, his mind still spinning.

Beomgyu and Kai exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the spark in Soobin’s eyes. Something was changing. Meanwhile, Taehyun, with his usual silence, kept a small smile, as if he already knew what was coming.

You, on the other hand, had no idea about the impact you had caused. But at that moment, Soobin felt something stronger than he had ever imagined. The way you moved through the room, your direct gaze, and that almost arrogant confidence… everything seemed so far removed from what he knew. In his mind, everything felt like a tangle of sensations and questions. How were you so at ease in that place, so ahead of everything and everyone? And the smile—that smile—seemed like it was made just for him. It was the beginning of something. Soobin could feel it.

Your direct gaze and bold smile had stirred something unexpected in him. You seemed to simplify everything he had always found complicated, and now he just wanted to be near you, understand more about who you were, and feel more of what made him long for a closer connection. 

He leaned against the balcony railing, trying to organize his thoughts, but nothing seemed clear. He looked over at his friends, still lost in his thoughts, and Kai, who noticed the silence, wasted no time giving his opinion. 

“You really aren't here, Soobin. Since she walked in, you haven’t taken your eyes off her,” Kai said with a mischievous grin. 

Yeonjun, with his laid-back posture, added, “Haven't seen you like this in a while, my friend. Looks like the night just got interesting for you.”

Beomgyu watched the scene silently, his eyes narrowing, attentive. He seemed to notice the intensity with which Soobin was lost in his thoughts. “Yeah, he's more distant than usual,” Beomgyu commented, then teased, “I wonder if he’ll do the right thing or hide behind another excuse.” 

Soobin ignored them for a moment. He was in turmoil. He didn’t know what to do with what he was feeling. But one thing was clear: he needed to see her again. He needed to understand what was happening between them, even if it was just a feeling. 

“I… I think I’ll go find her,” Soobin finally said, making up his mind. His voice was firm, but there was an apprehension he couldn’t hide. 

Taehyun smiled and patted his back. “That's the spirit. Go ahead and see where it leads.”

Soobin took a deep breath, and without further delay, he descended into the ballroom. The warm air and the glow of the candles created a suffocating atmosphere, but he was determined. With each step, he felt his heart beating faster, almost as if the music were a reflection of his inner self. And then he saw you again. You were in a corner of the room, drinking something that looked like juice. Though alone, you were completely at ease, as if the ball was your place. 

When you noticed Soobin approaching, your eyes locked onto him unexpectedly, as if you had been waiting for this moment all along. You smiled again, this time in a more intimate way, making Soobin’s heart skip a beat. 

“You again,” you said. “I thought I’d lost track of you.”

Soobin felt a warmth rise to his neck. He tried to compose himself, but something in your gaze seemed to leave no chance for him to escape the situation. “I… I wanted to get to know you better,” he said, more sincerely than he had intended. “Why are you here? Who are you? Why are you so different from everyone else, yet make everyone seem lost?”

You laughed softly, never breaking eye contact. “Sometimes, what makes someone lost is their own fear of being found, Soobin. And you, my dear, were as lost as I was when I first came in here. Only you don't know it yet.” You gave a small smile, almost like a provocation, removing your mask. “I’ve found my way. Now, you have to find yours.”

You were beautiful, he thought. Your messy hair, your shiny yes, your plump lips… Besides that, you seemed smart. Your words were like a riddle, a puzzle he needed to solve. But there was something between the lines that made him want more. He wanted to know what you thought, what you felt, and what made you so bold and confident in yourself. 

“You…” Soobin tried to speak, but his voice failed him. “Do you always talk like this?”

You looked at him for a moment, your eyes shining as if you knew exactly what he wanted to know.

“Only with those I like,” you got closer and whispered in his ear, “And I like you.”

Your action sent a shiver down his spine, and noticing how tense he got, you laughed, looking at him. “I can see you’re scared. What are you afraid of, Soobin?” The question hung in the air, an echo of a truth he wasn’t ready to accept yet. 

Soobin felt the weight of those words, and for a moment, he thought he could stay there with you, in that instant, until the end of the night. But he knew he couldn’t. His life, his family… everything was keeping him from following his instincts. 

“I…” he tried to respond, but once again, he felt lost for words. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything, Soobin. Sometimes, words aren’t necessary.” You smiled, but this time it was a softer smile. Noticing the presence of security, you put on your mask again, preparing to leave. “It was really nice talking to you. I hope we get more chances in the future.”

You then walked away, leaving him once again lost in his own thoughts.

A few days later, Soobin was getting ready to go out with his friends when he was surprised by a call from one of his father’s employees, asking him to come to the office. Soobin hurriedly finished combing his hair and quickly made his way to meet his father, knowing he didn’t like to wait.

Upon arriving at the office, he knocked twice on the door and entered when given permission. His father was sitting at his desk, surrounded by papers that he was either reading or signing. Soobin sat across from him, nervousness evident on his face.

“You wanted to speak to me, father?” He asked, his voice trembling slightly. His father continued to look over the documents, not lifting his gaze.

“Yes, Soobin,” his father replied, direct and impersonal. “The night of the party, we had an unwanted guest. I spent a fortune on security, and this should not have happened.”

Soobin furrowed his brow, confused. He didn’t understand how this concerned him. “Hm… yes, I guess…”

“I’m telling you this because I think you know who I’m talking about: Y/N.” The name hit Soobin like a thunderclap, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. His father continued, still focused on the papers. “This girl is always organizing protests in front of my buildings, claiming I’m destroying the city. She’s an inconvenient activist.”

Soobin swallowed hard, trying to remain calm. “I… I don’t know who she is, father.”

“Don’t play innocent.” His father’s cold gaze now fell upon him. “You two were seen talking at the party. Stay away from her, Soobin. She’s trouble.”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Soobin sat there motionless, his stomach churning and his heart heavy.

“You can go now,” his father ordered, turning his attention back to the documents. Soobin nodded mechanically and quickly left the office, feeling suffocated.

He stopped at the top of the stairs, his face pale, the echo of the conversation still reverberating in his mind. You. The confident smile, the boldness in every gesture—the memory of that night burned intensely in his mind. But now, those words kept haunting him: “She's trouble.”

Leaning against the wall, Soobin covered his face with his hand, trying to hold back tears. It wasn’t just sadness. It was frustration, helplessness. Why did something so natural, so right, have to be so complicated? He wanted to live this—he wanted to live you.

“Soobin?”

The soft, familiar voice pulled him out of his trance. He looked up, surprised, and saw you standing on the stairs.

“Y/N!” His eyes widened, and he quickly pulled you into his room, his heart racing. “What are you doing here? If my father finds out…”

“I know, I know.” You shrugged, rolling your eyes with a mischievous smile. “The all-powerful Mr. Choi is going to want my head. But he really needs to improve security, right? This is the second time I’ve gotten in here uninvited.”

“You’re crazy,” he laughed, discreetly wiping away the remnants of his tears.

“For you? Probably.” Your smile grew as you moved closer. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I didn’t get to say goodbye properly that night, so I thought I’d stop by to see you. I just didn’t expect you to be a Choi.”

“Sorry… I guess,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. You laughed, amused.

“Look, we should probably exchange numbers. That way, we can meet up in less risky situations, okay?” You extended your phone, and he typed in his number with shaky hands.

“Now, I’ll go, before we get into trouble,” you said, but Soobin instinctively grabbed your hand.

“Please, don’t go,” he whispered, barely audible.

You blinked, surprised, but then smiled in an enigmatic way. “Relax, I’ll be back.”

Before he could say anything more, you headed for the balcony and, with an unsettling ability, jumped down into the garden. In an instant, you vanished into the darkness.

Soobin stood there, staring at the spot where you had disappeared. His heart was conflicted—full of fear but also something stronger. He knew he wanted you close, even if it meant defying the entire world. And somehow, he felt like destiny still had a lot to say.

“Hey, man, you, okay?” Yeonjun was the first to approach, his concerned gaze fixed on Soobin as he entered the café, his eyes red and swollen, his expression drained—clearly a reflection of the evening’s earlier events.

Soobin took a while to respond, his gaze lingering on his friends, the weight of the situation pressing down on him, rendering him speechless. Taehyun, ever the observant one, noticed the emptiness in Soobin’s face and stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “What happened?”

Beomgyu and Kai exchanged quick glances. Something serious was going on; Soobin, although shy, had never been this distant from them.

Soobin exhaled deeply before he spoke, recounting the difficult conversation with his father, the tension that had consumed him as he listened to his words, and what had unfolded when he found you later. His friends listened intently, each word sinking in, their silence the only response.

Taehyun was the first to break the quiet. “She’s not the problem, Soobin. It's not her who will hurt you. But maybe you need to face this in a different way.”

Soobin turned to him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“It’s a tough situation, but what’s your heart telling you?” Kai asked calmly, his steady voice offering a sense of comfort that Soobin found hard to grasp.

“It’s telling me I want her,” Soobin whispered, barely above a murmur, as though afraid of his own words.

“Then your answer is right there,” Yeonjun said, resting a hand on his shoulder, trying to give him the confidence Soobin wasn’t yet feeling.

Soobin looked at his friends, the weight of their words sinking in, but he still felt lost. What he wanted most was for you to know how he felt, but everything seemed impossible. How could he go against his father’s wishes? How could he fight his own feelings without destroying everything around him?

“But it’s so hard.” Soobin ran a hand over his face, visibly drained, unsure of which path to take.

“Love is effort, Soobin,” Beomgyu said simply, but with a sincerity that made it clear he understood. “She broke into your house just to see you. The least you can do is go after her.”

The boys chuckled lightly, offering momentary relief to Soobin’s heavy heart. The pressure felt a little less suffocating, simply because they were there. If it weren’t for them, Soobin wasn’t sure where he would be.

The night had grown late, and the stillness of the house felt heavier with each passing second. Soobin stood by his bedroom door, the key in hand, hesitating. He knew what he was about to do and the risks involved. But, for some reason, courage flowed through him, fueled by the thought that, tonight, the outside world didn’t exist.

His fingers clenched around the key, the cool metal a stark contrast to the warmth swelling in his chest. Every beat of his heart echoed louder than any sound around him. He moved carefully through the dark hallway, his steps muffled by the soft carpet, as though even the sound of his presence could betray him. The house, usually filled with expectations and rules, now felt like an oppressive maze. But at that moment, all he wanted was to escape from that reality and be with you. Without the weight of his father’s legacy, the pressure, the distance between you and him, side by side, with no one to tell them how to be.

As he opened the door with an almost excessive caution, the cool night air rushed in, mingling with the warm breath that escaped his lips. The garden outside glowed softly under the moon’s light, and the trees swayed gently in the wind, as if the world itself acknowledged the urgency of this moment. Each leaf seemed to whisper something, but nothing was louder than the pounding of his heart. He knew that what he was doing was risky, dangerous even, but he couldn’t ignore the pull to be with you.

At the end of the garden, in a small clearing, you were waiting, leaning against a tree. Your delicate silhouette stood out against the silver glow of the moon. The black pants and gray top you wore contrasted with Soobin’s baby blue pajamas, and a wave of tenderness washed over him as he saw you there, waiting. The smile you gave him when you saw him approach was the same smile that always filled his heart whenever he thought of you.

“You came,” you said, your voice soft yet carrying an unspoken truth Soobin knew all too well.

He smiled shyly, his sweaty hand tightening around yours. The feel of your skin so close, so real, made his chest tighten even more.

“How could I not come? I can’t stay away from you.”

“Be careful, don’t make any noise, or we’re dead,” you laughed quietly.

“Sorry,” he said, though he didn’t let go of your hand, causing you to laugh even more.

The sound of your laughter caressed the air, bringing a lightness that made Soobin lose himself for a few seconds.

“You’re risking a lot for me, Soobin,” you said, but there was no reproach in your voice. It was simply recognition of his bravery for being there.

Soobin squeezed your hand tightly before pulling you into an embrace that took them both by surprise.

“You too, YN. And I’m so grateful for it.”

You stayed there, wrapped in silence, as if the world around you had disappeared. The wind rustling through the trees, the gentle beats of your hearts, and the presence of each other filled the space in a way nothing else could.

Then, you looked at him, your eyes glowing with something deep, something Soobin didn’t know how to put into words.

“Close your eyes, Soobin,” you whispered, and he immediately did as you told. He trusted you completely, more than anyone else. “Now imagine a place where nothing can reach us. A place where we don’t have to hide, where we can just be who we are.”

“I just want to be with you, YN,” he finally said, his voice soft but filled with a truth he’d never confessed before. “No matter what happens. I just want to stay here with you.”

You smiled again, this time with a smile that wasn’t just joy but understanding.

“I do too. I want you to stay. But for now, let’s just imagine for a bit. Even if it’s just for one night. Imagine what it would be like if no one else mattered, if there were only the two of us in this world.”

Soobin obeyed, breathing deeply, letting himself be carried away by your request. In the darkness, the world around him seemed to vanish, and he felt the weight of the universe leave his shoulders. For a moment, he imagined what it would be like to live in a place that was only for you two. No expectations from his father, no judging gazes. Just Soobin and you.

You stayed there in shared silence, until something shifted. The tension between you two became palpable, and Soobin opened his eyes just in time to see you lean slightly forward. Your lips brushed against his, and at that moment, it felt like the world had stopped. You both closed your eyes and enjoyed the moment.

The kiss began gently, hesitantly, but soon grew more intense, as though both of you were trying to reclaim something lost. The heat of the touch, the forbidden taste, and the need to lose yourselves in that instant overtook you both.

When you pulled apart, your faces were still close. Soobin could feel his rapid breath mixing with yours, the echo of the kiss lingering in the air.

“I don’t want to go back home,” he murmured, his voice low but filled with emotion.

“Neither do I,” you replied, with your eyes closed for a moment, savoring what had just happened. “But let’s focus on here and now. That’s all that matters.”

The silence returned, but now it had something new that felt stronger than any obstacle. Under the moonlight, the wind caressed both of you, and for the first time, the world seemed small and insignificant.

The days passed, and to avoid further trouble, you and Soobin decided to meet on the outskirts of the city, away from the watchful eyes that could expose you. These stolen moments were small refuges, like pieces of a dream only the two of you shared.

That afternoon, Soobin had told his father that he was studying with Yeonjun, but instead, he headed straight for a quiet park. Sitting on a bench beneath the shade of a tree, your head rested gently on his shoulder, while his fingers slid through your hair with a tenderness that made the world outside seem irrelevant.

To you, Soobin was a breath of fresh air amid the chaos and harshness of a world that always seemed ready to judge and punish. To him, your forbidden presence was an impossible flame to extinguish, even when all the rules and expectations whispered the opposite.

“My dad would kill me if he knew I was here right now,” Soobin murmured, his voice low and tense, as he gazed at the horizon, avoiding your eyes.

“He doesn't need to know,” you responded firmly, looking directly at him. Your eyes sparkled with determination, the light in them reflecting a certainty for which he was still searching. “What matters is what we want, not what he thinks.”

“But YN…” he began, his voice faltering, as if every word were harder to say than he could bear. “I'm… just someone who follows orders, trying to do everything right. And you… you’re everything I’m not. Strong, brave, questioning… a wrong choice in his eyes.”

“Wrong?” you repeated, a sad smile curving your lips. There was something fragile, yet unbreakable, in your expression. “And do you agree with him?”

“No!” He hurried to answer, desperately, gently holding your face between his hands. “Never! But he made me believe that I cannot want something that goes against what he expects. And wanting you… wanting us… that's all I want.”

“For the record, I don't think you're weak, I just think you're scared” Without hesitation, you leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips—a simple gesture, but one full of meaning. “Your life is yours, Soobin. The actions, the consequences, the choices… they’re all yours. I just hope one of those choices is for me, because I won't give up on you.”

He fell silent, the conflict written in his eyes like a storm on the horizon. The wind played with the tree branches, filling the space between you with a soft melody.

“You mean everything to me,” he finally confessed, each word heavy with emotion. “When they tell me to stay away from you, it's like they're tearing a part of me away. I stay quiet because… because I don’t want to cause more problems.”

“I understand, Soobin,” you replied with a knowing smile, your eyes filled with affection.

“But I don’t want to leave,” he said, and this time his voice was firm, almost a declaration. “I just… don’t know how to face all this.”

“You don’t have to face it alone,” you said, squeezing his hands between yours. “I’m here. I’ll always be. And I’ll fight for you if you fight for me.”

The words echoed in his heart like a promise, an anchor amid the storm. He looked at you, and at that moment, something changed. You were not just a forbidden passion; you were a promise, a future he was willing to build, even if it meant destroying everything he knew to get there.

“Then promise me one thing,” he asked, his voice soft but filled with emotion. “Promise that you’ll never leave me.”

“I promise,” you replied without hesitation, your voice firm and sincere. “But you have to promise too, Soobin. Promise that you won’t give up on me.”

He nodded, and this time his gaze was resolved. “I promise. No matter what happens, I will never give up on you. I… I love you, YN.”

“I love you too, Soobin.” You smiled, hugging him. “More than anything.”

And so, as the wind danced among the leaves and the moon witnessed your pact, the decision was made. No matter what the world said or what the future held. At that moment, both of you were ready to fight together.

But things would never be simple when it came to the Choi family. Mr. Choi, ever watchful, found out about Soobin’s escapades and was furious. Determined to put an end to the relationship, he summoned you to a meeting at the mansion, hoping for a direct confrontation. When Soobin entered the office, he froze when he saw you sitting there.

“YN?” His voice trembled. “What are you doing here?” 

“I was called to organize a protest or something,” you replied, scratching your head. “But I think it was just an excuse. They brought me straight to this room… and here I am.” 

Before he could say anything else, Mr. Choi entered, his footsteps echoing in the room. His eyes fixed on you, full of judgment.

“I knew this would happen,” he began, his voice controlled but filled with disapproval. “You’re destroying my son’s future. This must end now.” 

You remained calm, despite the palpable weight of the situation. Standing up, crossing your arms, you responded firmly, 

“I’m not destroying anything. I love your son, and I won’t give up on him.” 

Soobin stood silently, torn between admiration for your courage and fear of the consequences.

“Love?” Mr. Choi scoffed. “What do you know about love? This relationship is a distraction. Soobin has a bright future ahead of him, and you’ll only ruin everything.” 

You narrowed your eyes, facing him without hesitation.

“What I know about love is that it’s real. And Soobin feels the same way about me.” You turned to Soobin, who avoided your gaze, clearly conflicted. “But this decision isn’t up to you. It’s his.”

Mr. Choi fell silent, studying your words. For a moment, he seemed more challenged than genuinely concerned. Finally, he pointed to the door.

“Leave my house. Now.” He said it dryly.

You took a deep breath, grabbed your bag, and began walking toward the door. Soobin stepped forward, grabbing your arm tightly, his eyes pleading.

“Please, don’t go,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

“Wait for me,” you replied softly, forcing a smile. It was more a promise to yourself than to him. “I’ll figure it out.” 

After you left, Mr. Choi started to speak again, but Soobin interrupted him, his voice filled with frustration. 

“Dad, enough! I can’t take it anymore!” He exploded. “Leave me alone!” 

Soobin ran out of the office and found you outside the house, standing on the sidewalk. You were staring at his bedroom window, lost in thought. Being with a Choi went against all your principles, but one thing you had learned early on was that the heart wants what it wants. Yours wanted Soobin, and if that was the desire, then that is what it would be. Hearing footsteps, you turned, facing the owner of your thoughts and heart. He was out of breath, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.

Soobin stopped in front of you, his face still clouded with the conflicting feelings that consumed him: fear, love, anger, and hope. His eyes, now locked with yours, seemed to beg for something he couldn’t put into words.

“YN…” he began, his voice low and hesitant. He seemed to be searching for the right words, but nothing seemed enough.

“Let’s go somewhere we can be alone,” he finally said, breathless. “I just want to be with you. No matter what happens.” 

You smiled, your gaze overflowing with confidence.

“I would take you anywhere, Soobin,” you replied, your hand gently touching his arm. “What matters is that we’re together.” 

He took a deep breath, feeling your words dissipate the fear that had held him captive.

“I choose you, YN,” he said firmly. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I… I love you.” 

The declaration hung in the air, heavy yet incredibly light. His eyes shimmered with tears he didn’t try to hold back.

“I love you in a way I cannot explain; that scares me, but… it’s the only thing that makes me want to fight. You are everything to me, YN.” He said, without fighting back the tears.

You were speechless for a moment, feeling tears on your face from the impact of Soobin’s honesty. Then, a soft smile lit up your face, and you took a step forward, gently holding his face.

“I love you too, Soobin,” you replied, your voice firm and full of certainty. “And I’ll keep loving you, even if the world tries to tear us apart. You are my choice, and you always will be.” 

He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to etch those words into his heart. You moved closer, your lips meeting his in a kiss that started soft but quickly became more intense. The kiss carried promises, certainties, and, above all, a love that you both knew would need protection.

When you pulled away, he pressed his forehead against yours, holding your hands tightly.

“I don’t know what will happen from here on out, but… I don’t want to live without you.” 

You smiled, your hand gently caressing his hair. “Then don’t. We’ll work this out together. I won’t give up on you, Soobin. Not on us. Just give me some time to sort things out, okay?” 

“I’ll wait for you,” he replied, silent tears running down his face.

You smiled, took one last look at him, and walked away, your heart determined. 

“I’ll fight for us both.” You repeated to yourself as you walked.

Soobin stood still, watching you disappear. He knew you two weren’t just challenging his father; you were trying to create a story, just for yourselves, against everything and everyone.

But time passed, and with it, Soobin's hope began to wither, like a flower deprived of sunlight. The days blurred into one another, and the nights stretched endlessly as he wrestled with an ache that refused to fade. He distanced himself from people, his laughter becoming a ghost of what it once was, and even the comforting presence of his friends felt intrusive. Lost in his own thoughts, he wandered aimlessly, retracing the paths you had once walked together.

The familiar streets that once had echoed with your shared laughter now seemed hauntingly quiet, the memories lingering like shadows in the corners of his mind. The café where you used to sit, the park bench where you shared stories, the bookstore where you both got lost in conversations about fictional worlds—they all stood as silent reminders of what was no longer there. Each step he took toward these places felt heavier than the last, as if the emptiness was growing, swallowing him whole. The anguish of waiting for something—someone—that felt like it would never return gnawed at him, leaving behind a hollowness that even time couldn’t seem to fill.

Soobin walked distractedly, his feet dragging as though carrying the weight of his thoughts. His mind wandered through the haze of “what-ifs,” each step feeling as if it led nowhere. But then he stopped. Something—or someone—caught his eye. There, standing just a few paces away, was you. His breath hitched as he blinked, unsure if his tired mind was playing tricks on him.

You were there, unmistakably you, yet somehow different. That confident smile tugged at the corners of your lips, warm yet resolute, as if you carried a secret triumph. Your posture was firm, your eyes unwavering and full of determination, radiating a presence that was impossible to ignore. Soobin felt his chest tighten. Every detail about you—the way you stood, the way you looked at him—spoke of someone who had faced storms and come out stronger.

His feet froze, the world around him dissolving into a blur. His heart raced, the sound of it roaring in his ears, louder with each passing second. Was it a dream? A cruel mirage conjured by his longing? His lips parted as if to say something, but all the words he’d rehearsed in his mind over countless lonely nights scattered like leaves in the wind.

Then you moved—a single step closer, and it was enough to ground him in the moment. He stared at you, still caught between disbelief and the undeniable pull of your presence.

“YN…” His voice wavered, barely more than a whisper, yet heavy with emotion. His eyes searched yours, trying to confirm what his heart already knew. “You… You’re here.” 

It wasn’t just a statement; it was a fragile, desperate hope wrapped in three small words. You stopped in front of him, the smile still on your face, but with a seriousness that left no doubt.

“Of course I’m here, Soobin.” Your smile was wide. “I’m here for you.”

He lowered his head, the weight of the longing squeezing his chest. “I waited for so long… so alone… I thought you had gone forever. That you would never come back. That you gave up on us.”

“I could never, Soobin. I promised you I’d never leave you, that I'd fight for us.” You, with a soft voice but undeniable strength, replied, “And I did. I was just waiting for the right moment for you to understand that.”

Soobin lifted his head, his eyes misty. “I waited… so much. I felt lost, as if everything we lived was just… a dream, one that would never happen again.”

You stepped closer, touching his chest, the place where the emptiness still remained. “We were both waiting, Soobin. But now there’s no need to wait anymore. It’s time to act.”

Confused, he looked into your eyes, lost in the whirlwind of emotions. Then you kneeled before him, a gesture of total surrender. Soobin froze.

“YN, what are you doing?” he asked, his voice shaky.

You took a small ring from your jacket pocket, and Soobin saw the silver gleam of the jewelry under the soft light of the evening. His eyes widened, and his hands went to cover his mouth, completely shocked.

“Will you marry me?” You asked with teary, but firm and determined eyes and a huge smile on your face.

Soobin’s heart was racing so fast he felt it could explode at any moment. You didn’t even give time to him before talking.

“I'm sorry I disappeared, but I needed to organize things for you to come live with me.” You said quickly, as if you had rehearsed those words but were still afraid of stuttering. “You will never be alone again, Soobin. I love you, and that’s all that matters.”

“YN…” He couldn’t hold back the tears.

“I talked to your dad.” You said, and his eyes widened even more, if it was possible. Your voice, serene but filled with undeniable intensity, made Soobin feel a mix of relief and terror. He kneeled in front of you, surprised.

“You… talked to my dad?” He murmured incredulously.

“Yes,” you replied firmly.

“And how it went?” He asked curiously.

“Well…” You started recalling the conversation from days ago.

Flashback

With the help of Kai, Taehyun, Beomgyu, and Yeonjun, who made sure to stay with Soobin, you crossed the gates of the Choi mansion, determined to say something particularly important to the patriarch.

Upon entering Mr. Choi's office, you sat down, and the man raised his gaze from the countless papers on his desk to analyze you.

“Why are you here?” He said it impatiently. “What do you want?”

“I won’t take much of your time, sir,” you replied. “I just came here to inform you that I’m marrying your son.”

The man almost choked on his own saliva, coughing.

“What did you say?” He said, trying to regain his composure.

“That’s right. I’m marrying Soobin.” You simply said it as if you were saying something natural and common.

“You must be completely delusional if you think I’ll accept such nonsense,” he said, incredulous at your audacity.

“With all the respect I don’t have for you, I don’t care if you accept it or not,” you shrugged. “But I’m willing to stop disturbing your work and everything else, for Soobin.”

“What?” The man was outraged by your words, but you ignored him and kept talking.

“I’m not a homewrecker, and I know how much your son loves you, even though I have doubts about whether you really deserve his love,” you said nonchalantly. “That’s why, for him, I’m willing to put our differences aside.”

The man was so stunned by your speech that he could barely formulate a sentence.

“Well, that’s all.” You stood up, adjusting your clothes. “I know you don’t like me, but your son would like to have you at our wedding. I will send the details later.”

“You’re completely crazy, girl,” he finally said, astonished.

“For your son, oh yes, definitely.” You smiled, turning to leave. “Have a nice day, Mr. Choi.”

And with the most unapologetic look in the world, you left. What you didn’t know is that, as you left, you left behind a stunned man. But he couldn’t help but remember his ex-wife, Soobin’s mother, who was just as impetuous as you, whom he had divorced years ago, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She also didn’t accept things passively, which often led to massive fights.

“Maybe it’s the fate of the men in the family,” he let out a weak laugh, reflecting.

“Long story short, he gotta accept it because I’m ready to face whatever it takes to be with you,” you said, determined.

Soobin swallowed hard, never imagining that you had such courage. “YN… you’re amazing. I… I don’t know what to say.”

“I hope you say yes, because it would be pretty messed up to get dumped after all this.” You nervously laughed, and he joined you with a soft chuckle.

“Of course I do!” He said, smiling, and hugged you tightly. Then you took his hand, slid the ring onto his long finger, and smiled, your delicate hand touching his face.

He looked at the ring, confusion mixed with something deeper in his chest. Instinctively, he looked into your eyes, as if something inside him had finally aligned.

“But… I don’t understand. How did you plan all this without my knowledge? How did you know I’d be here?” Soobin asked, still trying to piece it all together. “Was it your idea?”

You laughed softly, Soobin’s confusion only adding to the charm of the moment. “I wouldn’t do anything alone, Soobin. Your friends helped me.”

That’s when Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Kai emerged from behind the trees, chaotic as usual, shouting and making a racket, running toward the two of you.

During the time you were apart from Soobin, organizing the house, saving money for the ring, and preparing to confront Mr. Choi, you stayed in contact with his friends. They kept you updated on everything happening to him. More than anyone else, the four were rooting for his happiness, since they had never seen him so radiant since you entered his life.

You had planned it all, with Soobin’s friends' help, without him knowing. You knew that the park on the outskirts of town would be the perfect place. And so you arranged the meeting. You weren’t going to wait anymore. The time had finally come.

Soobin’s eyes widened when he saw the guys, and you both got up from the ground. “You guys knew everything?”

“Obviously!” Kai said, enthusiastically hugging his friend.

“And of course we’d help.” Taehyun smiled, amused.

“Seriously?” Soobin, still surprised, ran his hand over his forehead, trying to process.

“Of course, dummy!” Yeonjun gave him a light tap on the head.

“We want to see you happy; we love you. Maybe not as much as YN does; after all, heaven forbid I ask you to marry me; there’s a crazy person for everything; yours happens to be YN.” Beomgyu said, and Soobin rolled his eyes, laughing.

“Everyone was rooting for us, Soobin. They want to see you happy, just as much as I do.” You nodded, smiling warmly.

Soobin looked back at you, a smile beginning to form on his face. He didn’t know how, but everything felt perfect now. You were there with him now, with a radiant smile on your face, placing a hand on his chest and looking directly into his eyes.

Meanwhile, the four friends were discussing the details of the future wedding ceremony.

“I’ll help you pick the suit, Soobin!” Yeonjun puffed his chest out, proud.

“They grow up so fast!” Beomgyu pretended to dry tears, and Taehyun punched him in the arm. “Ouch!”

“Respect Soobin Hyung!” He laughed.

“Beomgyu, we could play at the ceremony; what do you think?” Kai suggested, and the boys got excited about the planning.

Meanwhile, you and Soobin exchanged sweet kisses, hugging tightly.

“Now the story is ours, and it will be the most beautiful of all,” he said, his voice calmer now but filled with confidence he had never known he had. “I love you, YN.”

“I love you too, Soobin,” you said, pulling him in for a kiss. “Let’s see where this takes us.” The kiss that followed was everything you had always dreamed of and more. There were no more barriers, no more fears. Just pure, simple, strong, and unbreakable love.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Soobin said, breaking the silence. “So, let’s see if I understood correctly: was Soobin Juliet?”

“Yeah…” You scratched the back of your head, trying to act casual while a storm of nervousness brewed inside you. “I know it's pretty different, and I'll understand if you find it weird or…”

You had been working for weeks on your new book, pouring every ounce of creativity and emotion into its pages. Late nights at your desk, countless cups of coffee, and a desk cluttered with notebooks filled with scribbled ideas had all led to this moment. Writing wasn’t just a job for you—it was a piece of your soul laid bare for the world to see. So, sharing it with Soobin, the person who mattered most to you, carried its own weight of vulnerability.

You had poured so much into this story—not just words, but reflections of yourself, your relationship, and everything you had dreamed of. Turning Shakespeare's iconic tale on its head wasn’t just about flipping roles; it was about challenging the expectations that came with them. But what if he didn’t understand? What if he thought it was silly?

“Are you kidding me, YN?” He cut you off with a grin, leaning back in his chair. “This is really cool!”

“You mean it?” A wave of relief washed over you, but it was tempered by the anticipation of his next words.

“Yeah, I really liked it!” Soobin said, the sincerity in his eyes undeniable. “Especially the happy ending.” His shy smile melted away your lingering doubts, and for a moment, he looked at you with such admiration that it felt like the world had stilled around you.

“I’m glad” You smiled, pecking his cheek.

“I was just trying to figure out these gender swaps, you know?” he continued, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “How Soobin becomes Juliet, and you become Romeo… It’s a pretty unique way of telling the story.”

You laughed, the sound a mixture of relief and excitement. “Oh, it’s just a way to play with the story. I wanted to show that, in the end, feelings are universal. It doesn’t matter what role you play; what matters is how you feel. And I thought it would be interesting to flip things around a bit.”

“Definitely interesting,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief but smiling warmly. “The publisher will love it, babe.” He paused, his expression shifting to something playful yet contemplative. “You know, it would be funny to live something like this.”

“Oh, really?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind being the maiden if you were my prince,” he said, chuckling as he stood up and stretched. “I’ll make something to eat; do you want anything?”

“Yes, babe,” you replied, barely able to suppress your grin.

“I won’t be long,” he said, leaning down to give you a quick peck on the lips before heading to the kitchen.

As he disappeared around the corner, you leaned back in your chair, your gaze lingering on the spot where he had just been. A warm calm settled over you, but your fingers absentmindedly brushed against your pocket, finding the small ring nestled there—a secret you had been carrying for weeks. You bit your lip, feeling the cool metal between your fingers as a mix of joy and nervousness bubbled within you.

The irony wasn’t lost on you. Here you were, writing a story about flipping roles, challenging traditions, and redefining love, while your own life seemed to mirror those very themes. You closed your eyes for a moment, letting the excitement course through you. Maybe, just maybe, what you had written on the pages of that manuscript wasn’t just fiction. Perhaps it was a glimpse of what your own story could become.

elle speaks⁴: this was the cutest shit i've ever written, im completely in love. hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading ♡

disclaimer: this is a fanfiction created by me. the characters of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), as well as the song mentioned are used for creative purposes only. this story is not affiliated with BigHit Entertainment or TXT, and all content is fictional and does not reflect reality. The song “Love Story” is owned by its creators and used here without profit.

© CHOIKANGHUENING 2024. do not plagiarize, translate and/or post on any other site.

[mrmoldavite]

What Does Venus in the 8th House Truly Look Like?

As a man with Venus in the 8th house, I resonate deeply with the interpretation I am about to give you. Venus in the 8th is not just a placement; it’s a story of constant death and rebirth, an intense spiritual and emotional journey that leaves no part of you untouched. I also have Venus square Pluto which makes things a whole lot more intense😭.

Here’s my breakdown of how this placement has manifested in my life over and over:

Emotional Intensity at Its Peak

Having Venus in the 8th house means that emotions are never light or surface-level; they’re all-consuming, transformative, and at times overwhelming. Love for me isn’t a feeling—it’s a force of nature. It’s obsessive, passionate, and magnetic. I don’t just like someone; I’m compelled by them. My relationships are secretive and private, often unfolding in ways that are invisible to the outside world. Falling in love is almost like being struck by lightning—instantaneous and undeniable, yet unpredictable.

Romance Meets Death and Rebirth

Venus, the planet of love and connection, resides in the house of transformation, taboos, and the underworld. Every relationship I enter is a crucible—a process of destruction and renewal. They don’t just challenge me; they tear me apart, only for me to rebuild myself stronger. Love, for me, is not casual. It’s a deep alchemical process.

Falling into Obsession

When I fall for someone, it isn’t just affection—it’s obsession. I lose myself in the connection, in the fantasy of who they are and who we could be. In this state, it feels as though I’m drowning in my own emotional depths, a tempest of passion and vulnerability. Love is a storm that colors everything red—the color of blood, passion, and sacrifice.

The Depths of Emotional Connection

Relationships with me inevitably move into uncharted territory. It’s not just love; it’s soul-baring intimacy. I find myself sharing the darkest parts of myself, the hidden traumas, the secrets I wouldn’t dare tell anyone else. There’s a desire to bond on a level so deep that it feels otherworldly. But this level of connection isn’t for the faint of heart. I pour all of myself into the relationship—emotionally, spiritually, even psychically.

The Illusion of Love

Here’s where the twist lies: my Venus in Pisces the 8th house means that I don't always see my partner clearly. I fall in love with the idea of them, the idealised version I’ve created in my mind. I project my deepest desires and fantasies onto them, often failing to see who they truly are.

Revelation and Betrayal

The 8th house doesn’t let anything stay hidden forever. At some point, the veil lifts. Sudden, shocking revelations about my partner—or even about myself—can leave me reeling. Betrayal is a common theme, whether real or perceived. The person I thought I loved turns out to be someone I never really knew. The disillusionment is as intense as the love itself.

The Aftermath: A Broken Heart

Breakups with Venus in the 8th house are not ordinary; they’re catastrophic. They leave me in emotional ruins, questioning everything. The grief feels endless, and trust—something I value above all else—is shattered. I’m left to navigate the darkness alone, carrying the weight of my pain.

The Descent into the Psyche

After the heartbreak comes a period of deep introspection. I obsessively analyse the relationship—what went wrong, why it ended, and what it all meant. This isn’t just about the other person; it’s about uncovering parts of myself I’ve hidden or neglected. It often draws me to astrology, psychology, and the occult as tools to understand my own depths.

Transformation Through Pain

Venus in the 8th house doesn’t let me stay broken. The pain becomes a crucible, burning away the parts of me that no longer serve my growth. Slowly, I begin to rebuild myself—emotionally, mentally, even physically. The obsession with love turns inward, transforming into a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

A New Me Emerges

With every heartbreak, I become someone entirely new. The old me dies, replaced by someone stronger, wiser, and more self-aware. I change my appearance, my outlook on life, and even my approach to relationships. This transformation isn’t easy, but it’s profound.

Isolation and Rebirth

Before I can re-enter the world, I retreat into solitude. Isolation is where I shed my old skin, where I rebuild myself from the ashes. During this time, I develop new skills, explore new interests, and grow in ways I never imagined. When I re-emerge, I carry a new sense of power and magnetism—a blend of sophistication, depth, and mystery.

Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future

Even as I step into my new self, the memories of my past linger. I look back at the person I was—the one who loved so recklessly, who gave everything without holding back. I honour that version of myself, even as I move forward. The journey of Venus in the 8th house isn’t just about love; it’s about transformation, healing, and rediscovering the self.

This is what Venus in the 8th house feels like for me: a constant cycle of destruction and renewal, love and loss, heartbreak and healing. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a deeply meaningful one. Every experience shapes me, helping me uncover deeper truths about myself and the world around me.

[ladylooch]

Nico's Best Girl - [Nico Hischier]

A/N: It has been a hot minute since I wrote Nico Smut.. or at least it feels like it? But the people spoke, and they were desperate for Nico and some spanking 🤭 So let me introduce you to Nasty Nico and all the things he does to his beautiful wife on the occasions he comes out.

Word Count: 2.1k

Read more Lexi and Nico Here.

Nico Hischier is so far in my dog house, he can’t even see our house anymore. 

This is a rare occurrence between the two of us, but I’m livid. Seething. Visualizing myself smothering him with a pillow.

Why?

Because he walked into our daughter’s room after his latest road trip and woke her up, then fell asleep next to me. So now, I’m the one up at 5 am in the living room, watching god awful toddler TV and sucking down my second cold brew of the day. Huge bags are under my eyes, purple and blue, for the three hours of sleep I managed to get.

It’s well into the late morning when Nico emerges from our bedroom. I’m still mad, but at least Lucie is taking a nap. My shoulders tighten when he leans down to kiss my head next to my dilapidated bun. He stays there for a moment, breathing in the smell of me after being gone for so long.

“Good morning.” 

“Mmm is it?” I mutter back as I stand. I begin gathering some of Lucie’s toys, starting by putting one of the puzzles back into its home.

“I think so?” Nico wonders. “I am so tired. I might need a nap later.” He says through a huge yawn. I look up at him, scowling at the back of his head. “Where is LuLu?” He asks, scratching at the hairs on his chest. 

“Sleeping.”

“Aww.. I wanted her to nap with me later.” A disgruntled pucker hits his lips. Nico goes to the fridge, pulling out orange juice and pouring himself a glass. I watch him, standing still and flabbergasted in the living room at his lack of attention. He turns back to make eye contact with me as he drinks. “Hm?” He asks between slurps, bushy eyebrows raising in question at me.

“If you ever do what you did last night again, I am going to blow an airhorn in your ear.” Nico pauses from drinking. He seems to take me in more, then grimaces.

“I’m sorry.”

“You think, Nico?” I question, shrugging my shoulders with attitude. He cringes and brings a defensive hand up.

“I’ll make it up to you.” I start grabbing the couch pillows Lucie threw on the floor, tossing them back into their places. I reach for the knitted throw blanket next, beginning to fold it back aggressively. “I missed her so much. I didn’t want to wait until morning to give her a hug.” 

“Well, now I’m missing the five hours of sleep I need to function.” I toss the blanket back onto the ottoman, adjusting the ends so it drapes over the side the way I like.

Nico watches silently from the kitchen while I stalk around the living room, trying to repair the disaster of our living room. My displeasure is obvious. Whenever I glance at him, I can see Nico’s mind calculating which fix he needs to pull out to move us forward.

“Lex.” Nico’s quiet call reaches where I am tucking her Lightning McQueen ride-on toy by the side of the couch. I look up at him and startle. He decided the fix is sexual. “You need me to wake you up?” His voice is husky, gone is the rough coating of sleep, replaced by the burning desire. It’s a reminder of how long that road trip really was- almost two weeks without each other, filled with FaceTime calls that barely grazed over the itch.

“Not sure you can, cap.” I quip back. Nico’s chuckle is low, accepting of my challenge. He pushes off from the kitchen counter. I bite back the desperate whimper in my throat at the sight of his hard cock straining his black pants. My lips part as he stops by the couch. He gestures for me to get on it. My cheeks are pink, eyes wild, chest fluttering as I take slow, teasing steps. 

“The longer you take to get over here, the more angry I’m getting… the harder your lesson will be.” My green eyes sparkle. A slight smirk pulls one side of Nico’s lips up, reminding me he is still there even as Nasty Nico is beginning to take over his body. Nasty Nico doesn’t like when I’m an ungrateful brat. Or when I whine at how hard he fucks me, or pulls my hair, or shoves his fingers into my mouth. He demands for me to be a good girl, his best girl, while I take him so well.

My folds are slick as I come to stand next to him. His hands reach for my big t-shirt- an old one of his he won’t wear anymore, from a playoff series that didn’t result in a cup. The old fabric teases my nipples when his fingers work it over my head. His thumbs come up, probing the puckered skin until I sigh. Nico kisses along my cheek until he gets to my ear. He tugs the lobe with his teeth, then continues with his lips down my throat. 

He lowers himself to the couch. Then he grabs my fingers, tugging me to bend down so he can suck a nipple into his mouth. I grip the back of his head, working to straddle his lap. Nico’s hand wraps around my waist, releasing my nipple. He jerks me forward, pinning me down to his side with my ass in the air. The harsh vibration of skin hitting rips through our living room. I moan, savoring the feel of my ass cheek tingling beneath his hand. His palm rubs over the area, then he digs his fingers in to heartily grip the muscle.

“That what you want baby, hm? You frustrated with me?”

“Yeah, asshole.” I sigh.

SLAP!

“Oh.” I moan. 

“Keep it up.” His tone is searing. He pins me down harder, gripping the waistband of my leggings. I turn my face out of the couch cushion, unable to see him, but the coolness of the room strokes against my wet, pulsing heat. 

His finger prints bleed into my ass, then pull apart my cheeks to hear the crudeness of my wet folds splitting open from his force. Despite his profession, Nico’s hands are relatively soft, no callous or hard points, so the smoothness of his palms over my bare ass have me closing my eyes. It’s a hard distinction, between how good his skin feels on me and how hard his next slap is. I jolt, screwing my eyes tightly shut. Those same fingers get soft again, going to explore my folds. He gathers my wetness on his fingers, then slides his middle finger into my entrance. I’m more than ready and pulse my muscles around him.

“Mmm, greedy girl today.” He stuffs another finger inside, fucking me hard with them as I try to press my hips back into his hand. His thumb rolls over my clit. 

“Cap.” I groan, “want your cock.” My hips buck back, finding enough momentum to thrust his fingers deeper into me. Nico steadies me for a moment, curling his fingers up, rolling them over the velvet spot inside of me. I quiver around his appendages.

“You can have my cock when you cum.” 

Everything gets wetter at his dirty words. Nico's free hand finds my nipple, rolling it between three of his fingers as he fucks me with his hand. I moan, wiggling under his pin and bucking my hips again. Nico lets me this time, groaning as I take over. The distinct slurp of wetness from each rock into him has Nico cooing encouragement to me.

“You looks so sexy right now.” He praises me. 

I moan loudly, then cum. Nico takes over, gently riding me through the orgasm. He pulls his fingers out, releasing me from my position and letting my knees straddle him upright again. I grab his wrist and before he can even demand, I wrap my mouth around his middle finger. The sweet, tanginess of myself explodes in my mouth. Nico’s pupils blow wider at the sight, mouth dropping ajar. I close my eyes and hum. His breathy moan dances across my face. 

“I taste so good for you. Only you.” I confess after finishing his ring finger.

“Mine. Forever.” He grabs the back of my neck to pull me in for a hot, wet kiss. We moan into each others mouthes. Nico helps me work my pants the rest of the way off. Then he drops his sweatpants and underwear to the floor. I watch, intoxicated, as his thighs tighten while stepping out of them. Fuck, I want those thighs slamming into the back of mine.

“Hard, Nico.” I request as he strokes his cock in front of me. The tip of him is swollenly pink, oozing already. “So hard.” I moan as he puts that same head against my clit. He slaps it there. I bruise my bottom lip with my teeth. Another small whimper pushes out. Nico smirks, slapping my clit again. A bead of his pre-cum sticks there, creating a thin line of connection as he pull himself away. 

“My pussy.” He reminds the room as he bottoms out inside of me. I groan at how tight the fit always is at first. He works his way all the way out, then does the same push forward. Nico moans this time. “So wet for me. Know how much you like it when I slap your ass.” 

“Mmhm.” He brings his fingers up oo my mouth, the same ones that made me this wet, and he stuffs them back into my mouth. He watches them slide in and out, pressing down on my tongue as he presses his cock deeper inside of me. 

“Look how good you are for me today. Even though you’re mad at me. Such a good girl, Lex. My perfect wife.” The last praise gets me and I moan loudly through the room. He pulls his fingers out of my mouth, bringing them instead to my clit as he leans farther forward. “Kiss me.” He demands. I curl up, pressing our tongues together, then allowing his to hurriedly enter my mouth. 

“Right there.” I moan, shivering, feeling the tightness in my body coil to an unbearable point. My face scrunches up in pleasure and I put my forehead to his big shoulder as I scream out his name in ecstasy. Bright hot white explodes across my eyelids as Nico fucks me faster and harder. “Oh my god!” I yell, feeling myself tighten up again, instantly. Nico picks me up off the couch, fucking hard and fast. His balls slap against my ass as those powerful, hockey thighs take me to heaven again. This time, he comes too. He curses in his languages, almost dropping me as his powerful orgasm explodes inside of me. His fingers bruise me in his desperate grasp to keep me upright.

A freight train of blood rolls through my ears, trying to regulate me after two incredible, back to back orgasms. Nico lays me on the couch, staying on his knees between my spread legs as he curses again to the ceiling. After a few moments, I hear the faint call of a little girl.

“Daddy?” Lucie’s small voice comes from the monitor in her room.

Nico’s brown gaze come back to me. We are both panting, barely breathing. Lucie cries on the monitor again, then Nasty Nico disappears completely, and in his place is my sweet husband. He reaches from my hips, flipping me so my ass is in the air again. Nico leans down, kissing the red marks he’s left on my flushed skin. Once he is satisfied they have been fully covered with his appreciative mouth, he leans forward, connecting his chest with my back.

“I’ll get her.” He murmurs. “I love you.” He closes his eyes as he says it like a grateful prayer. “You need help getting to our room?”

“Mhm.” I respond. He chuckles, pulling my naked body up into his arms. He hands me my clothes before we move towards the hall. I lay my cheek on his shoulder.

“One minute, LuLu.” Nico sweetly calls to her when we walk past her room. “Gotta take care of my number one girl first.”

“I am not your number one girl.” It’s light hearted and I chuckle as I say it. Nico hates it and makes me look at him.

“What? Yes you are.” Nico is confused. 

“It’s Lucie.” I shrug like it’s obvious.

“No, it is not.” Nico shakes his head insistently. “It’s you, baby. No matter how many girls we have in our life, you’ll always be first.”

I know better than to argue further with Captain Nico Hischier.

[letmetellyouaboutmyfeels]

Fic Author Self-Rec

I was tagged by @qqueenofhades mwah dear!

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love. ❤

I know what I would pick for the five if I was being fully honest - it's the same five I've repeatedly picked before (Reincarnation AU, Hades!Buck AU, Zombie Apocalypse AU, Ghost!Buck AU, and Hades!Eddie AU). But I wanted to challenge myself and pick five fics from this year, 2024, since it is the end of the year and it would be nice to look back on it.

I wrote far more fanfic than I planned (728,600 words), including a threesome collection and a rarepair (77k words for a Midsomer Murders fic what is wrong with me). I had hoped to surprise post my big Xedgin fic as a new year's gift but that ended up not happening, alas. I haven't forgotten it though and while I am now 100% focused on my original novels I promise to find time to post it.

Anyway enough navel-gazing, here are my five favorite fics from this year!

Racing with the Brakes Cut

My Fast & Furious AU that I wrote in a burst of inspiration after I was made to marathon the series with friends. I had a lot of fun writing it. There's a very particular feel to the first F&F film - a vibe of Los Angeles in the dog days of summer, a sense of desperate people living in the beautiful grit of the city, a feeling of messy found family, and a particular brand of homoeroticism, that I wanted to capture. I like to think I succeeded.

Held Up a Lightning Rod (Wonder Why I'm Struck)

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO JUST BE A FUN SUGAR BABY AU. I predicted it would be around 60k words and it turned out double that number. But I'm really proud of how I wove seasons one through four into this canon and ended up incorporating Buck and Eddie's alternate relationship into the canon. This is also a fic I posted chapter by chapter and the responses I got from everyone along the way were delightful. I think this might be one of my most popular fics, actually. I just had a blast writing it and responding to everyone's comments, it really felt like a community, and that's what fic and fandom are all about.

Connected the Dots in Reverse (But Still Completed the Picture)

This is a Ghost Files/Unsolved AU and that proved to be a challenge. How do you capture the feeling of watching a video in a written work? How do you replicate the banter and the humorous editing? I also had to watch the entire two series over again to pick what locations and quotes I wanted to incorporate into the fic, so that was a lot. But I had a lot of fun writing it. It was especially fun to get to lean into Eddie's sassy, goofy, Buck-enabling side.

The Blood Between My Teeth is My Own

I am so proud of myself that this was only 32k. YAY, ME! I love the 118 as werewolves, and it was great to finally dive into that with a fic that had a proper plot. It was fun to explore Eddie's personal issues through the lens of lycanthropy, and I enjoyed depicting werewolves as properly monstrous rather than just big wolves or slightly-transformed humans. I wrote this in the span of about 72 hours and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

I’m Not Breathing Unless I’m Giving You CPR

YES I KNOW THIS IS FROM 2023 BUT BEAR WITH ME. I wrote this fic as an experiment and was extremely nervous about its reception. I didn't think most people would read it or enjoy it. But if you look at my stats page for 2023, it has the most hits, second-most kudos, second-most bookmarks, and second-most comments. I'm floored, absolutely floored. Over the last year I've repeatedly gotten really lovely comments from people talking about how this fic has affected them, and it's really meant more than I can say. Especially as I dive into my novels which feature characters who are various levels of disaster and do often mess up, or are hard to love, or who make wrong or bad choices, or are mentally unwell, it's so encouraging to know that this darker fic that I really was nervous about has been so loved.

Tagging @extasiswings @tripleaxeldiaz @peridotglimmer @givemeunicorns and @princessfbi. No pressure but I hope as this (terrible) year comes to a close you all have a chance to look with pride at some of your writing!

[ay0nha]

When shall we meet again in thunder, lightning, or rain? | S.G. (I)

SUMMARY: You avoided addressing him directly, not quite due to fear but rather apathy. It took coaxing for you to even allow him to stay and now, without thought, you unknowingly beckoned him closer.

PAIRING: Satoru Gojo x Fushiguro!reader (Megumi's aunt/Toji's sister)

WORD COUNT: 2.2K

WARNINGS: Found family vibes atm, slight enemies to lovers, reader and gojo figuring out their dynamic through emotion constipation, angsty convos and feelings, canon-typical things, kid megumi, rushed ending, etc.

A/N: This took longer than I thought, but I want to take my time and really put effort into this one, so I hope you all enjoy. BIG shout out to @benzywenzymeowmeow this wouldn't have happened without your help. Much love. Again, based on/inspired by @stsgooo's post (here!). Let me know if you'd like to be tagged for future parts.

COMMENTS ENCOURAGED. PLEASE.

prologue part ii

The bliss was idyllic.

Your wrist balanced on the windowsill as you lazily tapped the ash of your cigarette. The cool air caressed your arm and gave you goosebumps that reminded you that you were still alive—human. 

Your senses were perked. 

The city outside kept you attentive as your head rested back. The day was long, but hearing the taxis carrying bubbling people made it worth it. You imagined how some were on their way to find warmth in their home while others were dressed for an endless night of laughter.  

You loved how you contrasted the city; your living room was empty and quiet. You could no longer hear Megumi’s shuffling feet above you. The tranquility was still a fresh oddity. The new life created was a semblance of happiness. You traded hyper-vigilant nights for bedtime stories, cooking meals only for the kids for family dinners, and Gojo’s scarcity of communication for peaceful nights like tonight.

The privilege that came with Gojo’s name made your stomach churn. It was simple at first, pushing Gojo into a subconscious level. However, the task became daunting; an ache emerged from so deep within that it took months for you to realize he was responsible. 

You were overdue for an interruption. You answered the door after the third knock. 

“Gojo.” The cigarette dangled from your lip and bobbed with every syllable. “Megumi’s asleep.”

“Already?” Gojo feigned surprise; his intentions were obvious that he wasn’t here for your nephew. “It’s only—

“Midnight.” You sucked in a crackling breath. With pointed eyes, you took his presence in. On your breath out, the smoke clouded his face, “What do you want?”

“I didn’t know you smoked.” He used your question as an invitation, pushing past the threshold. He was always amused learning more about you, able to store away the details for later torment. 

With a chastised drag, you smothered the tobacco on the closest thing. “I don’t.”

There were reasons habits quickly morphed into vices, something immoral and wicked. You turned to smoking when you were young, disappearing seamlessly into a crowd that did the same. It grew into something that was seen as an extension of yourself—something nervously born only to be counterintuitive. 

You had gone to the store tonight for something so trivial that you struggled to remember what it was. The itch on your palm was a distraction from it all as you pointed for the pack behind the counter. It seemed like the right thing to do to combat stress, especially as you purchased a cheap lighter to follow through. 

It hadn’t been a comfort you thought it would be, but it was the only way you knew best to preoccupy yourself. You weren’t used to such repose surrounding you. You felt—safe. 

Now, each push forward felt unreliable and fuzzy. You didn’t like the way you felt so exposed. 

“Megumi’s getting stronger.” You couldn’t stand the idle silence, mainly when its weight rested on your shoulders. “The other day, this place was flooded with rabbits.” 

Gojo’s laugh flittered against the walls, challenging the warm breeze that swept through the place. It was apparent you hadn’t settled into the home completely; it was still devoid of personality and belonging. 

You hadn’t realized how each of Gojo’s visits revealed more. Something about seeing dishes in the sink and mail littering the counters lightened him. It was a simple indication that he was finally doing something right. 

“He’s a clever kid,” Gojo said lowly as if the neighbors would hear. His voice followed you even when you resumed your sedentary position, “He’s holding back, though…” 

“Isn’t that a good thing for you?” You were critical. You barely lifted your wrist, making a vague gesture of importance. “...and your so-called destiny…”

The constant friction between clans failed to excite you. It served as a reminder that those below them would most feel the repercussions. The day would come when the six eyes would meet the tenth shadow, and you would be left to clean up the mess. 

“It could be...” He answered so casually. You knew it’d be a lie if he promised you anything different. “...but that doesn’t mean Megumi shouldn’t reach his full potential.”

“How noble,” You cooed. 

Silence settled after the soft scoff to your chide. Often, you sat in silence, something Gojo was still learning to adapt to. If he had it his way, you would sit in rapture in his company. Yet, it was far more welcome than before. 

But the obvious question was still floating between you. 

Gojo could have entertained you with lies of being nearby. However, what drove him to your doorstep was a new sensation. It started in his chest, an unassuming feeling that he ascribed to staving off sleep. There became lesser justifications when it infiltrated every extremity. 

It had only become unbearable when missing posters began to overlap, the various faces becoming warped from exposure. The curses responsible were low-grade, but Gojo couldn’t ignore the threat even then. As they drew closer, he employed crows to line the telephone wires. Yet, he could only keep his distance for so long. 

“You’re stalling, Satoru…” 

You avoided addressing him directly, not entirely due to fear, but instead apathy. It took coaxing for you even to allow him to stay, and now, without thought, you unknowingly beckoned him closer. 

“Tired of me already?” His smirk could be felt. 

“Something like that…” You sighed. “If you’ve come here to hide more of those things—” You sat up, reaching for the dingy box that stored a gifted cursed object. “—don’t.”

The object mocked you daily, occupying space it wasn’t meant to atop the living room’s end table. Although it was sealed deftly with layers of protection, you were convinced whatever was within was alive—living and breathing to torment you. The house felt heavy with something that breathed down your neck, and praying, you turned to face it. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Playing coy wasn’t a strong suit for Gojo, not when he’d already hidden another cursed object just above the door frame. 

You hadn’t thought your paranoia was shared despite its contrast. For you, the odds were that harm would find you, and you’d be vulnerable to it all. However, Gojo could handle anything but never fared well with things threatening his control. His thoughts would begin to loop, slowly morphing into images that haunted his nights. 

It drove him to unassigned missions based on rumors of the whereabouts of cursed objects. The more he found, the deeper he placed them into the bones of the building you slept within. It took time for you to catch on, only finding these items when you cleaned, behind old books, in forgotten drawers, or in places just out of your reach. 

“Look—” Gojo started again, denying you the chance to argue. “Megumi’s getting stronger; you said it yourself.” He paused, treading carefully. “There will be a time when you wish these were enough.” 

—

Time passed fiercely. 

Megumi grew at a pace you could hardly keep up with. His sleeping figure was becoming too heavy for your hip, your dexterity failing as you felt for your keys. Then, you felt the weight shift on the opposite side of the door. 

Your struggle ended when it opened. 

“What are you—

“Shh—” Gojo held a finger to his lip, a smile imminent under it. “You’ll wake him.”

With your arms tucked under Megumi’s legs, you held him tightly to your chest as if the person before you was an intruder. Gojo watched as you slowly regained your composure, shoulders reflecting relief and the indent between your eyebrows evaporating.  

Even over the rim of his opaque glasses, Gojo knew better than to think his presence was welcomed. You readjusted your sleeping nephew lightly, frowning as you pushed past Gojo. You felt his footsteps copy your own, closely as if teasing the thought of bumping into you. 

The home was warm as if Gojo had been there for hours. Perhaps he was; you’d lost count of how long you’d been out. Especially as your arms grew tired and the river’s humidity still clung to your skin. 

“It’s late, Satoru…” You murmured over your shoulder. Your body melted from the exhaustion it carried, leaving droplets of yourself as a trail. “Whatever it is can wait…”

Gojo had always been blunt, frequently tactless in his childish rapport. However, he stood before you uncompromisingly as if your absence was a grave mistake.

“The door was unlocked—” His opaque glasses could shield his annoyance, but his words dripped with accusation. “—you weren’t here.” 

Your hold on Megumi remained secure. “He’s been having trouble sleeping.”

Megumi exchanged sleep for taming shikigami. He was diligent in understanding the world of jujutsu. You expected that alone to intimidate him, but he was already above it all, jaded about the idea of becoming a sorcerer. 

Although young, behind Megumi’s neutral expression was immense introspection. Despite his disposition, his morals weren’t laid bare yet, but he knew he wasn’t that person. That alone was enough to weigh him down.  

As his mentor, Gojo failed to notice. His focus was on your oversight. “Someone—something could have—”

“It was just a walk,” You sighed. 

The lights streamed in from the street you’d just wandered on. It cast shadows against the mess of the place. Your stress unravelled into the discarded, forgotten jackets sprawled on random chairs. 

Every surface had some mark that Gojo indulged in. They told stories he could piece together; the stains of coffee on the counter attributed to your tardiness. He could picture how you hurried before school, toast in your mouth as you fitted Megumi’s school tie and ruffled a free hand through his unruly hair. 

“He’s fine.” You promised with resignation. Gojo blinked back to the present, ignorant to how you misinterpreted his wistfulness for further criticism. “The walks help, I think.”

“You realize it’s the middle of the night, right?” He scoffed, pedantic with his dry laugh. “All my efforts, just for you to dangle yourself—

“Come on…” Your hum was half-hearted, looking at Megumi. “Lately, your efforts seem to be only convenient for you.” 

Walking away from the conversation, you did your best to keep busy. You were afraid that if you stopped moving, your world would collapse. If you stopped moving, time would consume you. 

The Zenin clan didn’t take Gojo’s loophole lightly. He responded with a few years worth of nurturing Megumi; money was siphoned to you for his care, a place was already carved for him at the school, and any sugar craving was indulged. 

That left you counting the seconds you still had with your nephew. The walks calmed you, holding Megumi so closely. His arms wrapped tightly around your neck to loosen as he was rhythmically rocked to sleep. 

You weren’t afraid to walk alone. With your whole words encased in your arms, there wasn’t anything you weren’t willing to do. Even if that meant letting go at the end of the night. 

Despite uncanny perception, Gojo was blind to how crushing that felt. 

“I can’t see what he sees, what you see.” You continued aloud. Gojo was wise to hold back on an ill-timed wind-up, able to hear your admission clearly. “But I can feel what it does.”

Megumi groaned lightly, eyebrows furrowing from your chest’s vibrations. You paused, waiting for him to settle again. The night was almost over, and you weren’t sure how long your posture could support your position. 

“Let him be a kid.” You whispered. 

Gojo’s heart had dropped to his stomach, the curtains behind you rhythmically moving in a dance that mocked him. The few words made his fingers twitch. The thought of turning into his worst nightmare was comforted by a tight breath. 

If he genuinely desired to foster the next generation—to have Megumi be his equal—any unsympathetic cruelty didn’t have space to exist. Gojo’s breath deepened, filled with promise. 

Pushing the brief turmoil out, a lightness took over him. “Are you inviting me over for a playdate?”

“He may have a funny way of showing it…” You started. Megumi could be aloof and quiet, but you knew him better than anyone else. His eyes lit up even when he complained about Gojo. “...but Megumi—

“My head’s big enough already.” Gojo stalked toward you, saving you both from something neither of you was ready for. “Let’s make a deal, hmm?”

Carefully, Gojo’s hands brushed under your arms. Their coolness made you prickle, almost taking a defensive position as he offered help.

“These strolls of yours.” He mused. “Call me.” Any protest was lost; all you could do was nod. “I’m overdue for fresh air.” 

The transfer was seamless as he took the weight of your responsibility into his own arms. Megumi was deep in sleep, unaware of how the strength of his mentor was enough to hold you up as well. 

Gojo jutted his head toward your room, hold confident on Megumi. “Go get some rest.”

[8figurehustler]

Why Influencers Won’t Make A Lasting Fortune | 💰💰💰

Let’s be honest—being an influencer looks like the dream. Free stuff, brand deals, followers hyping you up, and money just for posting a cute pic or trendy video. But here’s the thing that nobody talks about enough: influencing isn’t built to last.

Don’t get me wrong—some influencers are making big money right now. But if we’re talking about long-term, generational wealth? I have a strong belief that most of them won’t get there. Here’s why

1. Trends Fade. Fast.

The internet moves at lightning speed. What’s trending this week? Forgotten next week. Whether it’s dance challenges, aesthetics, or audio clips, things go viral and die out just as quick. That’s the whole point in a trend, it’s momentarily.

If your whole income depends on staying relevant and trendy, then you’re basically building your future on shaky ground. The second your content stops hitting, the money slows down too. You’d have to constantly chase trends which sometimes can result in you having to change your aesthetic or niche, which then results in having to bring in a whole new audience.

2. They Don’t Own Anything

Let’s not forget—Instagram, TikTok, YouTube… none of these platforms belong to the influencer. One algorithm switch, one random suspension, and boom—your visibility and income are gone. Just like that.

It’s risky to build your entire career on a platform you don’t own or control. You’re literally playing by someone else’s rules. Remember when TikTok shut down for a day and all the influencers had a meltdown, some of them moved to instagram or blue or X, they had to find a new platform to continue working but think about it, what if there was no other alternative…then what happens?

3. Brand Deals Are Short-Term

Sure, brand deals pay well. But they’re not guaranteed. They come and go based on your numbers, engagement, and how “hot” you are in the moment.

That means your income isn’t steady—it’s based on how many brands want to work with you right now. And let’s be real, brands move on fast when you’re not the current It Girl.

4. It Doesn’t Scale

Influencing ties your income to you. Your time. Your energy. Your appearance. Your ability to keep showing up and performing online.

There’s only so much of you to go around, and there’s only so long you’ll be able (or willing) to keep up the grind. If you stop posting, you stop earning.

5. No Real Assets

Unless an influencer turns their platform into a business—think products, services, investments, or digital assets—they’re not building anything that can survive without them.

Attention fades. And when it does? If there’s nothing solid behind all the hype, there’s nothing left to profit from.

So What’s The Move?

If influencers want to really build wealth, they have to stop treating influence like the end goal. It’s just a springboard. Use the attention to launch something bigger—like a brand, an online business, a product line, a faceless digital asset—something that can outlive the trends.

For example, a few influencers who utilised their fame instead of surviving off it. Look at Huda Kattan: she didn’t rely on clout, she built Huda Beauty, which she fully owns. Emma Chamberlain used her online fame to push Chamberlain Coffee and her podcast, barely even posting anymore unless it’s to market her businesses. Charli D’Amelio branched into TV, she appeared on Dancing With The Stars; Addison Rae moved into acting, music, and film; Jackie Aina started her own luxury candle line.

You’ll notice a lot of viral names start to fade from your feed—but that doesn’t mean they’ve fallen off. It means they took their attention and turned it into something real. They’re building wealth off-screen, and that’s the real flex. Because pretty posts and paid ads are cute for now, but real wealth? That’s about ownership, strategy, and building something that lasts after the spotlight fades.

Read Why I Would Choose Faceless Digital Marketing Over Becoming An Influencer

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[dreadlock-detective]

Having replayed every (mainline) DMC now, my ranking is:

DMC5 (but the story is reliant on past game knowledge)

DMC3 (just as good as it was when it released)

… DMC2??? (as far as pure entertainment value is concerned anyway. The game is bad but, like, funny "oh this was cobbled together from table scraps" bad)

DMC4 SE's extra campaigns (Vergil and Lady/Trish all have tools to make the obnoxious parts of DMC4's enemy design more bearable)

DMC4 (I want to like it but it has parts that make me want to stop playing, mostly due to enemy design, and Dante just not being built to fight the enemies design for Nero, which is basically all of them)

DMC1 (would have been #3 if not for Mission 16 and onward. Nightmare 1 is a low point for the entire series almost entirely due to horrific camera issues. Game falls apart HARD at the end as far as fun is concerned)

Overall if anyone wants to get into the series, I'd suggest starting with 3 (its the prequel anyway, but ALSO damn good) and then skipping to 5 and watch the in-game summary of the series.

Just to note, i replayed these in a totally arbitrary order, going 5->3->2->4->1. No idea why~

More specific rambling below the cut

If you play DMC1, die, turn on Easy Automatic and spam items just to get through the game faster. The gameplay isnt deep so you wont lose anything. Get Air Raid as soon as you can after getting the Alistor sword and just fly in the sky and zap everything with lightning. The atmosphere is great in the game and i'd love to recommend it more full-heartedly but the end game just pissed me the hell off way too badly.

Play DMC2 if you like shitty B-movies. It actually does add a lot to the combat from 1 despite its reputation as "game where you just shoot things". I mean that CAN be true but aside from a few bosses that basically demand it that's just deciding to make the game boring for yourself. Also know that this game wanted to be HUGE and AMBITIOUS and FELL APART HARD in development so just, like, enjoy how cobbled together and weirdly nonsensical it is. Dante also has the most sword combos here than the entire rest of the series. They're also jank to pull off, not very distinct, and they hadnt figured out the Style Ranking system just yet, but its fun seeing how many animations they made for him.

for DMC3, dont be ashamed to turn on Easy mode after you die, Cerberus kicks people's shit in. Series has a habit of the first boss being a rough fight for how little abilities you have at the time. I do think it gets easier after that for a while and the game isnt too tough but if you're not used to the series it can be challenging. Dante and Vergil's movesets are definitely a more limited here than in later games but far greater than the previous two games and theres more than enough for it to be a fun time styling on enemies with enough tools to deal with everything you're put up against. Leveling up the styles is a grind so just pick one and stick with it (dont pick Royal Guard for your first playthrough)

DMC4.... 4 i'd also love to be able to recommend but it's the OTHER game in the series that basically got halfway finished. Unlike 2, it's far more coherent. The story is mostly good (Nero's love interest being 1 dimensional and generic being a low point but she's barely in it) but halfway through the game you've seen basically all the content in it (including bosses) and now you have to play through it all again backwards as Dante (including bosses), but Dante feels half-finished with far fewer weapons than the other games and without Nero's Devil Bringer arm straight up lacks mechanics to deal with the enemies. And the enemies have a LOT of obnoxious design choices. People love to say 2 is the game where you just shoot enemies but there are MULTIPLE enemy types in 4 where you are either required or heavily incentivized to shoot them instead of melee, especially with Dante.

in 4's favor, its apparently the one with the deepest combat mechanics and you can do some crazy stuff in it but, like, that doesnt really apply to people playing casually at all. Nobody is going to go around Guard Flying casually, yknow?

4's Special Edition extra characters fair better, but have no story, so at least the game goes faster too. Vergil's Trick moves are nerfed compared to 3 and 5 but he's still stupid powerful. Trish has her own fun style of gameplay involving throwing the Sparda sword and vortexing up enemies, even if its a fairly linear gameplay loop. Lady is... just what people say DMC2 is. All Guns. Fully upgrade the shotgun, charge it up, MELT EVERYTHING. Extremely linear but also kinda enjoyable to just obliterate all these enemy types that have been annoying me the past few playthroughs.

DMC5 is peak. I love DMC5's Dante and Vergil the most and 5's Vergil is the one that made me actually fall in love with the nuances of DMC combat. To make me want to learn to be not just capable of winning but to style all over everything. Series gameplay and overall enemy design at its best. Only real downside is if you havent played the earlier games the story aint going to mean too much...