#when they're already settling in their roles and trying to fix things

[nanabanonana]

me: can i actually get away with not writing this part of the chapter…

me already thinking of adding it in as a sequel story and reasoning that it's not so important to the current plot: well…

[sea-moon-star]

Bangtan Village: Pregnancy Series || Hyung Line: 1

1: Deciding to have a baby

Pairing: BTS hyung line x f!reader, namjoon x lawyer!oc, seokjin x professor!oc, yoongi x chef!oc, hoseok x fashion designer!oc

Genre: Fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, husband!BTS, dad!BTS

WC: 4k (1k each)

Summary: The part of Bangtan's life where they're all living next to each other in a privately owned township that's just outside Seoul, it's close enough for them to get to their social & work lives but far enough to provide them with privacy as they've become global legends after the end of their most successful reunion, comeback & tour of 2025-26. While they continue working simultaneously on solo & group endevours, they take it slow to focus on their personal life, especially with their growing families taking precedence. As of now, all 7 members are married, with Hoseok & Jimin already having kids of their own. But they're nowhere close to done, the number of tiny humans in this village is yet to increase.

A/N: Here's me celebrating JK's BB All Kill, we did so good Army! Fandom hug & here's a gift for all of us 🌊🌙⭐️

Kim Namjoon x Im Mae-Hwa 🌸

Unlike most couples, Namjoon and his wife had the baby talk even before they were married, or rather on the day that they ended up becoming engaged to each other. It went all the way back to that day when she’d told him that they needed to “talk” just as things were getting serious and he worried that he’d lost her even before things had become official. Here, he sat with a ring in his pocket while she looked so pale and serious, with her feet rocking constantly under the table, that he was certain she was going to break up with him. He thought that the fame had caught up, the curse of it all was finally going to end up with him losing yet another of his simple joys. Another loss for Kim Namjoon even as RM of BTS peaked. He wanted to speak, to make a last ditch effort to salvage this, to do whatever it took to convince her to change her mind but she wouldn’t allow it, she put a finger on his lips, “Please, don’t. You’re far too much of a smooth talker and I’ll fall for your charm all over again and lose my will to do this. I need to, I have to do this. You don’t understand…” Even as he struggled to fight the words at the tip of his tongue, something in her gaze told him to swallow his pride and listen. Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at him and said, “I have been hiding something from you. I never wanted to, I wanted to tell you right away but it was never the right moment. It was too soon, then things were going so well that got swept away in the romance of it all and now it’s too late to fix it, but I have to come clean. I know you brought me here to propose to me, I heard you talking to the waiter as I stepped out of the washroom, but don’t. We can’t do this, not until you know what you’re signing up for. Icanthavekidsican’tbeamom.” She said without a single breath between the words, knowing that it was the only way to get them out without them dying in her throat. “I know you want kids, I do too. And I know your parents want them too, I know you’re old enough and you want to settle down more than ever. But… now you see why we can’t? You’d make a great father and I’d want nothing more but to raise children with you, I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else. You want a house full of kids, I’m not even sure I can give you one. So I’d understand if you change your mind, you haven’t even given the ring yet. It’s not too late, think it through.” But to her utter shock, he sighed and smiled like she hadn’t just given him the most devastating news of his life. He reached out to squeeze her hand as he got out of his chair and went down on one knee, pulling the ring out as he said, “It doesn’t matter. I love you. I want to marry you. If there’s anyone I want as my life partner, my best friend, my companion, it’s you. Mother of my children or not, that’s just one of the many roles. We could adopt, try IVF or surrogacy, or we could just not have kids altogether. I’m okay with whatever we decide, just as long as I get to decide with you beside me. That’s my only deal breaker, not this. Never this. So will you, do me the honor of being my wife and grow old with me by your side?” And as tears of joy and relief streamed down her face, she nodded her head off as he slipped the ring on. And on the day they signed their marriage certificate, they also decided to file their paper work for adoption, knowing that it would take it’s own sweet time to come but they were ready. They had a head start to baby planning, afterall. And he’d never given up on the hope that she would be his baby momma. 🌸

Kim Seokjin x Choi Yun-Hee 💐

Jin was on video call from set, as he rejuvenated himself from a busy day at work by watching his sister in law and you play with his nephew & nieces. As the phone got passed around the house like a hot potato with everyone wanting to talk to him, the one person he wanted to speak to the most was busy with the youngest addition to the family. She was putting the littlest one to bed, rocking his cradle with her eyes trained on the rosy cheeked infant and even as Ahreum passed the phone to her, before he could say a word, she shushed him. “Yaaaah! He’s sleeping. Keep it an octave lower.” The same person who had fallen in love with him for his high triple notes and silver voice was now telling him to be quiet. He found it hilariously ironic but followed her lead. How could he not? She had him wrapped around his tiny little pinky, even though it had been 3 years since they had gotten married and way past their supposed honeymoon phase. “Jagi, I know he has my genes and he’s cute and all, but you do remember, I’m world wide handsome right? I have to be back in 2 minutes, spare me a second, wont’ you?” He exclaimed and her cheeks matched the colors of her blush as she turned to him sheepishly and said, “Hi, Jinnie. You’ll always be my number one, you know that! How’s your day going, love? Have you been hydrating? Please take care, it’s been a long day. You look exhausted, when will you be back? What do you think will help you relax? I’ll keep myself free when you return, we’ll do whatever you want.” She bombarded him with questions as he cut her off and retorted, “Whatever I want? Do you promise? Then let’s make a baby tonight.” “Yes, sure.” She replied without even registering what he asked. Until it sank in a moment later. “Wait what?” She asked with a “o” framing her face as he grinned till his ears turned red and replied, “I know we we both wanted to focus on our careers and take things slow so we could enjoy each other’s company but don’t you think it’s time, jagi? Seeing you with him? I don’t think I can wait any longer. And I think hyung and noona are done having kids, if we start now, they’ll be able to grow up together. Won’t that be wonderful?” “You know I always wished I had a sibling, like you and your brother, I think you’re right. The baby fever is at an all time high and usually, I used to hold myself back because it wasn’t the right time, the right place, the right finances, always something or the other. But the way in which my body is reacting to this little bundle of joy, I think it’s time. This a sign, let’s do it.” She affirmed with a nod and he flashed her one of his trademark kisses and ended the call, fervently anticipating what was to come. 💐

Min Yoongi x Kang Deu-Lae 🌼

Min Yoongi & his wife were the kind of couple to plan everything down to the dot. They had a timeline for everything, from first kiss to living in, to getting married & down to the time when they'd start trying for kids. 2 years into their marriage, they'd promised each other. And as expected, as the date drew near, they had already mapped out the changes that were to be made accordingly- work schedules to be cleared, his wife had to stop consuming alcohol, he had to eat healthier & exercise, they wanted the best chance at conceiving. Yoongi carried a bottle of wine, the last one he knew his wife would have before they started officially trying. And she'd called him over to have a meal of his favorites at her restaurant, knowing that his diet would change too. This was a night to let go & mark the end of their honeymoon phase & enter the new era of their married life. As he got near the restaurant with a spring in his step, excited to get some quality time with his wife after a long day at work for both of them, he was surprised to see the number of light's on & cars parked outside. She'd called you after working hours & usually, you both would have the place to yourself but it seemed as if the staff hadn't left yet. To his utter shock, when he opened the door, what he didn't expect to see was you being paraded around the restaurant while the staff lifted you up on their shoulders as you made everyone around drink from a popped bottle of champagne. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits & celebrating that they didn't even realize you had entered.

It was only when his wife made eye contact with him that she quickly instructed her staff to put her down on the ground & dismissed everyone, they scampered away not wanting to bear the brunt of their head chef. They knew that the same jolly person celebrating with them was also capable of being a strict boss in a split second if needed. Yoongi loved that about her, knowing that while you were one of the most kind hearted & positive people in real life, when at work- you took on an alter ego that went hard & didn't compromise in the slightest. It helped him realize that there were others who'd understand the duality he himself faced both as Yoongi, BTS' Suga & Agust D. Although he loved her, that would never change but in this moment- all he could feel was anger & a sense of betrayal. He had no intentions of being the first one to make a move, seeing as she was the one who had ruined their night, not only had she decided to include others in what should've been their night alone, but moreover she had celebrated even without feeling the need to have him there. It was more like she had forgotten all about him, maybe this date wasn't as important as he'd assumed, perhaps she had changed her mind about wanting to start a family with him. He knew that her career was important to her, as was his to him. But if he could drop everything as per their planning & their timeline, couldn't she? It was something they had both agreed to before their marriage, so wasn't he only being fair in asking for that same effort to be reciprocated? As the room emptied out, with just the both of them left gazing at each other from a distance, she felt her legs go weak. They felt like jelly, she wasn't sure whether if it was the fact that she was been lifted around & now the floor didn't feel stable anymore or if it was the alcohol that was messing with her balance or just the way Yoongi was staring at her which caused her lose her mind, but she tripped over her own feet & stumbled forward. Yoongi rushed ahead out of instinct as he grabbed her before she hit the ground, lifting her up & making her sit on a chair. She was drunk, that was so unlike her that he felt another flare of anger but he swept it aside, knowing that she needed him right now & this would be better dealt with at a time when she was sober.

"Here, drink this. You'll feel better. Have you eaten yet?" He gave her a glass of water & noticed her stomach rumbling. He knew only too well how ironic but common it was for chef's to be the ones to be surrounded by food but constantly neglecting their own hunger pangs. He knew how often you worked full shifts without managing to eat yourself, sustaining a kitchen at one of the most popular restaurants in Itaewon wasn't an easy job, after all. He sighed & entered the kitchen himself, looking for food that he could give her, even though he hadn't eaten dinner either. He grabbed a pack of bread sticks with butter & gave them to her, intending to go back to the kitchen & cook them a meal. But her hand caught his wrist, holding him back from going back in, as she whispered,"Yoongs, please don't go. I'm sorry... I can explain." "Y/N, let me go... I need to get some food in you. Some real food! Let me cook us some pasta quickly, & then I'll be back. I'm not going anywhere." "You're mad at me, I can tell. You called me by my name, you only do that when you're upset with me. I'll cook you a meal, I'll make this up to you." She exclaimed as she got up from her chair & felt dizzy a minute later, seeing stars before her eyes as she tried to make it to the kitchen. Yoongi shook his head & took matters into his own hands, quite literally- as he lifted her up in his arms, even as she protested & took her to the kitchen, placing her on the counter top. "Okay? Now you can see that I'm not leaving you? I'm right here, I'm going to cook while you sit there quietly, alright? Please, baby?" He included the last bit for emphasis, knowing that she wouldn't be reassured without it otherwise. As he handed over the bowl of pasta to her, she gave him the first bite & he took it begrudgingly when she added, "You must be hungry too, you always say we shouldn't take our anger out on our food, so please eat with me?" When they'd finished eating, both of them feeling an improvement in their moods with their bellies full, she decided to break the silence by getting straight to the point, knowing that he wouldn't have any patience for her stories. "We know from unofficial sources that we're getting a Michelin star! I know what today means & I had all the plans to focus on that, on us but... you know how huge this is? I just got swept away in..." "Wait.. what? You're now a Michelin star chef? OMG, I'm so proud of you, love." He said immediately, cutting her cut off & catching her off guard. "You are?" She asked, as she pinched herself on the arm, checking if this was a dream or not. He let out a whoop of excitement & did a little dance around the kitchen, as if to show his happiness. "Baby, I know we had plans & yes, I was a little bit agitated but now that I know why... it doesn't matter. None of it matters. I'm so overjoyed for you, I'm proud of you! We can put everything else on hold while you focus on this yeah? Don't worry, I'm on your side, I'll support you in every way you need." Tears glistened in her eyes as she heard him express his love, & she smiled as she reached out to hug him tight & he lifted her through the air, getting her off the table onto the ground. "I appreciate what you just said, what you're offering me is something that I could only dream of. But as kind as you're being, I can't take it. I don't want this to change our timeline, today was an exception. But none of this success matters if I don't have you by my side to celebrate. I want to grow in my career but only if I also get to come home & share my wins with you & our kid... And before you object to what I'm saying, I'm going to quote you- you just said that you'd support me through anything I need- well, this is what I need. So are you in, you did promise you'd be on my side?" She said as she tilted her head & gave him her best puppy eyed look, which she knew would work.

Sure enough, he nodded in the smallest possible way, "I still don't think it's a great idea but we can think it through & if that's what you really want, then I guess we can make it work..." His lips betrayed him as they turned upwards to form a smile when he saw her fist pump into the air as she grinned from ear to ear at his answer. This was a strange turn of events despite all your planning, but if anyone knew of how life can turn out unexpectedly, it was him. And despite all the possible pain & loss he'd been through, he was also a firm believer that good things would come his way too- after all, that's how he'd found BTS, how he'd come across you.🌼

Jung Hoseok x Baek Hae-Baragi 🌻

Hobi was the first of the Bangtan brood to have a kid with his fashion designer, wife who he’d met through his sister-Jiwoo. Geum-hee was the first child in the family and rightfully spoilt with love by everyone. His daughter who’s name meant brightness, had truly brought light into the family with all her Samchuns & Imos doting on her, never leaving her alone for a second. She was pampered in a way that she wouldn’t even sleep without someone rocking her in their arms & as she grew up- she had Jimin’s eldest daughter, Ae-Cha who was the same age as her, alongside to do everything. However, in the recent times with the birth of Jimin’s second daughter, Mi-Cha, their attention had shifted & play time with Ae-Cha had reduced drastically. Even as adults kept her company at all times, she missed having someone younger who could keep up with her speed & interests. And today was no different, as soon as Hobi picked Geum-hee from pre-school, Geum-hee’s slouched & sulked in the back of the her car even as Hobi tried to get her to frown to turn into a smile. Usually singing alongsider her dad in the car, cookie dough ice cream from her favorite parlour, some cuddles from her dad & painting her nails were enough to distract her & make her happy but it had been hours since Hobi had been trying but all in vain. He’d been clinging to her, desperate to not leave her side as she moped around but she took that split second of his distraction to run into her room & close the door behind her. The sound of the slammed door shook both parents, Hobi’s wife widened her eyes at him, wondering what could’ve gone so wrong in her absence. “You try, I’ve done everything possible but nothing. She hasn’t said a word since she got back. I don’t know what’s wrong.” Hobi said as he tried to appear calm & nonchalant but it was obvious in the way that he clenched his jaw & paced around that he was anything but relaxed. The only thing that kept him going was the reassuring smile of his wife as she made her way to her daughter’s room, he trusted her to get through when he couldn’t. She knocked softly on her daughter’s door, only to be answered by the soft sobs that quite frankly broke their hearts. Hobi was one step away from knocking the door down, hearing his daughter’s wails pierce the silence at home. But his wife stopped him, gesturing at him to be patient until she’s tried. Geum-hee’s mother knew her daughter well enough, she saw the flutter of shadows from the cracks beneath the door. She knew that even if her daughter didn’t speak, she was here, she was listening. And so she sat down with her back to the door, hoping that her daughter would do the same on the other side & give her a chance. “It’s okay to cry, sweet girl. I know bad things happen, and it’s better to get it off your chest than to hold it in. I’m sorry you had a rough day, little one. Mommy & daddy have those too… but you know what keeps us going? We know that we’re not alone in it, as long as we’re together, everything will be alright… we have Hope on our side, how could it not?” Hobi admired the way his wife spoke to their daughter like she was her own person, not like a child who didn’t understand nor like an adult that was in a smaller body, but like someone who was young & yet who had her own choices to make & voice to be heard. “That’s the thing, I don’t have anyone. Everyone has someone or the other, mommies & daddies are together, siblings at school are together, I always get left alone.” Their daughter mumbled, as both parents train their ear to the door, to hear her soft words. “But you have us, cutie. You know appa would never leave you alone…” Hobi prattled anxiously but his daughter, hoping she knew that he’s always put her first. It was his wife & his rule that no matter what, Geum-hee had to come first. “But that’s not fair, appa. You shouldn’t have to choose between your girls. At the rollercoaster, you sat with me but even mommy was scared but she was all alone.

That always happens, you always take my side, never mommys.” The color left Hobi’s face when he heard that & realized the message he had been passing onto his daughter, he lip synced a “sorry” to his wife & his face sank into his palms, in regret. His wife quickly tried to repair the situation as she said, “But baby, omma doesn’t mind. Appa always asks omma if she’s okay, & only when I say yes, does he do that. Your appa loves me a lot & he takes care of me, you don’t have to worry.” “I know that but I don’t like you being alone. And sometimes, when you & I have girl’s nights- appa is alone. When we travel, we’re alone in the compartment with the other women, when we shop, he’s never there in our section, he should have a boy to give him company too.” Geum-hee shared & Hobi’s heart melted at the concern in his daughter’s voice for him, he lifted his face from his palms & leans against the door frame, as if willing the door to disappear so he could touch his daughter. “I know dad has his brothers from BTS, but they’re not always here. You both are not always with me. So the best solution is if we get me a brother. That way, everyone has someone- just like Jiwoo Imo & Appa.” She added, her voice getting louder & firmed, as if she was proud at having landed at this solution all by herself. “Is that what would make you, happy? If you had a sibling?” Geum-hee’s mom asked with bated breath & her loud resounding, “YES” made the answer quite clear. It was a split second decision, Hobi & his wife spoke soundlessly as he arched his eyebrow, asking her if she agreed with their daughter’s demands & her shrug as if to say that she had no choice but to do what their daughter asked. They both loved their daughter more than anything & although it was far from the right time to have a kid, they had gone back to using protection & birth control, their careers were in full swing, a 5 year gap wasn’t even ideal, until now they’d been of the opinion that one child was more than enough. But this changed everything, she changed everything. “Baby, if we say yes, will you open the door?” Hobi asked gently & his chest heaved in relief as he heard the click of the lock opening & his daughter put her arms around him & his wife. “Geum-hee, even if we have a baby, it may not be a brother… that’s not something appa & omma can decide, it’s upto luck. Is that okay?” Geum-hee’s mother tried to explain, not wanting there to be any misunderstanding. She knew how big of a decision this was for her family & wasn’t willing to go ahead until she got full clarity & in this case, approval from her daughter. “Does that mean I’ll have a sister? Like Ae-Cha has Mi-cha? That’s okay too!! Daddy will be still be alone but atleast you can give him company while I enjoy with my little sister… or brother. I don’t mind, I’m just excited to be a big sister!” Geum-hee squeeled & her parents smiled warmly at her answer & kissed her senseless, surprisingly happy at the turn of events. 🌻

To Be Continued... 🌊🌙⭐️

[grilledkatniss]

(Julie’s back! it’s kinda been a minute hasn’t it?) What was the last thing you cooked? Does life need to have a purpose or can you just live, purposeless? Why is it called a building if it’s already built?

I'm sorta back as well!!! The last thing I cooked was probably either oatmeal or thAT CHARCOALED BANANA BREAD that mind you was very yummy despite its exterior's extra crunchiness.

I sometimes wish we could just exist without reason but I've come to realize you sorta have to settle on a purpose to make living sustainable? Like not even natural resources are free. What's the point of living if you just exist to need what you can't afford to even want in the first place? Exist to be a hole in someone else's pockets cause it all comes back to money you are gonna wind up owing, and the people are gonna hold that debt over your head and look down on you, even when it's not necessarily a money issue. Like acts of kindness are not random and uninterested anymore, they're currency as well. And they'd say it's reciprocity that you owe, but to put someone in your debt by doing something "nice" for them or attending to their needs when they can't manage on their own and call it a favor, even when you haven't been asked to interfere at all, is actually so manipulative and nasty.. cause then they get to assume the higher person role and get offended and call you ungrateful. So as long as you manage to make your purpose out of something profitable, or make enough profits to sustain your purpose, you just feel like a burden and like your actual purpose in life is to be in the way of the the people you feel unfit to care about, cause them caring about you ends up being a problem for them.. and can you really have a purpose in life if just being alive is a matter of daily no-profit work and trying to make yourself less of a burden to society for just existing? Doesn't surviving yourself become your purpose? Giving yourself a reason to exist and being able to see it as a work in constant progress collective project, kinda makes every effort you make and every bit of work other people put in you feel like it's all an investment for something bigger than yourself. It just makes it more bearable. Cause it turns out that just you by your lonesome self with your empty hands is not enough to justify your existence, and if you can't justify the human needs that have to be met($) in order to be alive with the reason that it is with the intent and goal of being of service to something outside of yourself, then you don't deserve it. Can you tell I've been in my head a lil about this? ANYWAY.

It's called a building because no interactive work of art is ever finished. People are living in it and wearing it off, and adding to it and fixing and renovating constantly. This is me trying to make it make sense.

You got me a bit existential there lmao. Why does something like a man-made abstract concept and more often than not completely immaterial that is money™ have to dictate people's accessibility to the option of being alive as opposed to plainly surviving their imposed existence?

Been reading too much sociology bullshit for class. Let's talk instead about puppies' ear shapes and how they flop and bounce when they walk gkbcjnfh

[teddy-the-queer-wizard]

gonna talk a bit about my super hero characters

This is cannon for the universe i need to build for them and not necessarily how ive been role playing them.

There's Noah Really. He's Caucasian and got a nose with a big arch, green eyes, and long blonde hair. His power is prehensile hair - if you had a power null on around him itd still work because its just another muscle. He's gay and came from a very large conservative family. They kicked him out as soon as legally able and he's been managing on his own since. While he loves his siblings and had a large part in rasing many of them as the second eldest, hes been completely cut off from his family. He made a new one though. a bunch of other young supers who needed/ need help. He's talkative, flirty, flamboyant, but despite that he very rarely dates. He has too many platonic people relying on him to settle for anything less than a real deep snd long lasting connection.

Jo Everbody is an Asian American kid with shaggy, ear length black hair and brown eyes. They're non binary but look and dress masculine, though the carpet dont match the drapes so to speak. They're younger than most of the rest of the group though only by a couple of years. they have a home though, they lost their parents when they were ten and their sister Cecilia "Cissa" had just turned 18 and was allowed to take care of them. Their power is they are a very powerful empath, when they were younger they got overstimulated by this frequently. Now that theyre older they have better control and regulation of their power... but they crave deep emotional attachments and often date and get dumped seeking them. Theyre quiet and studious outside of their flings and dont know how to handle ofher people's emotions without fixing it for them - something theyre loath to do. But they do like doing emotional feedback during romantic encounters. if they feel good and their partner feels good it can create a positive feedback loop that feeds on itself.

"Deb" Debrah Beat is an African American woman with brown curls, dark brown eyes, and a great smile. Shes very active and physical and would like to be a physical therapist but.... her power is she heals. From everything. Anything. Since it's basically a horrible power she designed and built - with the help of her girlfriend - some large robotic gloves. She can punch like the hulk with those on and she never lets slip her power is healing herself.

"Abby" Abhi Normal is a trans woman. She dyes her hair pink and favors very feminine clothing, rarely wearing pants. She likes costumes and trying different fashions but mostly she is creative. Her power is being able to control what she creates. So she creates everything from paper dolls to mannequins. Shes very handy. She is pansexual and in a very committed and loving relationship with Deb Beat.

Dan Gnabbit is a trans man. Hes a bit of a nerd, bit of a slob, but his power is opening doors. if it looks like a door he can make a portal between it and a place he knows that also has a door like area to anchor to. the fun thing is its all in his head - it doesn't have to be a door like structure. he can just make portals. but hes still learning to control his power and needs the mental connection.

Varie Nearly is a... difficult person. Shes Aromatic but into sex. thats not why shes difficult shes... kinda a bitch. very much a kick you while your down sort of person. very insulting. she like punkish clothing and has died red hair and wears heavy purple makeup. the thing with her is she might be an asshole but shes *our* asshole. surprisingly very loyal to the group. her power is she can talk to birds. youll find her up trees when shes not harrassing someone already having a bad day.

Seren Deputy is a hispanic american woman who really really wants to become a doctor. only problem is that her power is opening old wounds. She wouldve killed deb by accident had deb not been a healer. shes actually extremely smart, very kind, and is working her way to med school. shes just also feels bad that she could have killed deb that one time.

theres probably more to this but I'm tired

[aventvrina]

@halothes

-continuing from here ;

"I will persist."

A smile blooms without restraint, for once it is genuine. But how could he contain himself when Sunday keeps meeting his expectations. He's glad he's not broken. Lesser men would tumble and weep for their hard work crumbling, for their backs stabbed harshly to hide the truth, for their lives shaped in falsehood to be crushed by reality. He's glad they're of the same cloth, unwavering, unbending, in spite of it all, persevering. Maybe Sunday would fit with the Preservation, a senseless thought but one he still entertains. The halovian has the look of a misplaced ghost, a soul haunting the wrong body waiting for the time he can be released from the flesh. Being denied the entry to the dreampool must be weighting on him heavily. It's amusing to witness.

"Don't fret, luck may still be on your side." The Family isn't as harsh as the IPC, even with Sunday being the scapegoat, the chances of him just getting a slap on the wrist due to Robin and the Nameless intervention are so high, he hardly figures the notion of the opposite. But he can understand the thought, after all, Sunday's the one who grew up in such an environment. A false, idealized one, but still the very thing that shaped him to be what is today. Like a baby dove, he's still opening his eyes anew, only gazing at the world from the nest. Eventually, he hopes, he'll take flight.

"You're not wrong for wanting change." It's the most innate thing to humanity, to be restless, to be unsatisfied, to be hungry. The never ending urge to move forward, destroying the past if needed, using it's ruins to take a step higher than before. Sunday is no different, despite his role in the game, his aspirations are just the same as everyone, it's just his sight that is shorter.

"But you're changing the wrong thing." He glances at his wristwatch. Aventurine's not about to start an argument when his own time is so severely counted. Perhaps he should request some days off after the dust settles, there's still quite a hurdle before it happens, but having future plans is what solidifies his will. Just like Sunday, against all odds, he too will persist.

"Unfortunately my time is up." The Ranger should be almost figuring out where he went, although he had promised cooperation, disappearing momentarily isn't going to win him any favors, he still needs Boothill manageable even if for that he'll have to take the gun aimed to his head. He gets up slowly, fixing whatever folds and dents might have happened with this little stunt. He is somewhat stalling, almost reluctant to admit that he'd rather indulge in whatever cheap conversation they're having than returning to the status quo. But then again when will it be the next time he'll have the chance to play with a kindred soul. One who's just about to get his footing.

He's already by the door when he pauses. There's nothing owed between them, nothing left to be repaid, but still, he can give the other one last piece of advise.

"What you seek is not there. A fake world can only give fake answers." Try as he might, Sunday would have never gotten what he wanted in the end. Delusions do not make truth, and sweet dreams are meant to be just that, dreams. To be born, to live and to die under eternal ecstasy, is more hellish than existence itself. But who is he to tell him that, this is something Sunday has to learn by himself. What happens afterwards, well, that Aventurine is also trying to figure out.

"When you're ready to stop burying your head in the sand, call me." It wouldn't be him if he didn't throw one last gamble. For all he knows this could very much be the last time they interact. Even if by a sheer miracle Penacony retains it's status and all bad blood is washed between them, there's still nothing that would warrant them meeting again. Aventurine has his path, death awaits him with each step, one he is carefully nursing to greet him only at the right time. There's still so much he has to do. Sunday on the other hand, may as well be free, and if he were him, no, if he could wish something for him, he wouldn't want him to walk with the same person responsible for his downfall. Such a curse should only be for those blessed by destiny, those who can afford to get their hands dirty in the name of something selfish. Yet, he still extends the invite.

"I'm always looking for new friends." And with that, he leaves.

[casspurrjoybell-27]

Claimed by the Beast - Chapter 43

*Warning Adult Content*

Vibes - Part 2

"Even though you already know the way, please follow me," Everett whispers to Knox with a mischievous grin.

He places his drink down and grabs the man's hand, leading the way to the basement-turned-bedroom.

"Damn, I forgot how bright it is down here." Knox chuckles, collapsing on the bed beside Everett.

"How you feelin' so far? Just gotta make it through dinner and I think I'll have earned that handshake from your dad..."

"You're amazing."

Everett straddles his man within seconds, cupping Knox's face and kissing him until they're both breathless and hard.

"Seriously. I know all this is out of your element, so I appreciate you a ton for playing along with the whole boyfriend charade. You're a damn good actor."

"What if I'm not acting, kitten?"

Knox squeezes Everett's hips, their eyes locked, his tone sincere.

"What if this is what I want with you?"

"I..."

Everett blinks, trying to process everything he's hearing.

"What?"

"B-But I... You get into a fucking shootout it feels like every five minutes. And I still have school to finish... We'll be apart for months..."

"None of that matters. We can figure it all out when the time comes."

Did Knox meet God two weeks ago when he very narrowly succumbed to his injuries?

Did the two have a heart-to-heart that rewired Knox's brain, ultimately shifting his priorities and emotions?

That's the only explanation Everett can think of because nothing else makes sense for why Knox is talking this way.

Talking about commitment and their future together when, previously, the only thing he was focused on was keeping Everett alive and killing everyone who claimed to be a Jackal.

"Who even are you right now?"

Everett laughs, nervously.

He sits up, resting both hands on Knox's chest, the man's heart is beating almost as fast as his own.

"Did your soul get swapped with someone else's when you almost died and came back to me?"

Knox playfully rolls his eyes.

"Gotta give me more credit than that. You think a man like me is immune to changing his ways?"

Yes.

"No, it's just... You're essentially asking me out right now. Like, officially."

"So?"

"And it's not quite the same as you claiming me, that's a biker thing. This, us being boyfriends for real, means a hell of a lot more to me."

"It means a lot to me too, kitten. I wouldn't be saying all this shit if I was just fucking around. I'm dead serious about you, enough to kill, which I've already proven. But it's okay if you still need time to think."

"Knox, I..."

"Everett? Knox?" Gary calls from the top of the stairs after opening the door to the basement.

"You two better be fully dressed down there."

"Oh my God, Dad? Can you not, please?"

Everett gives Knox an apologetic look for leaving their conversation hanging off a cliff before climbing off him and rushing toward the stairs.

"Dad, you are literally embarrassing me to death right now..."

The trio make their way back to the kitchen.

Gary leads the way, Knox following closely behind as they start up a chat and he rolls up his sleeves in preparation for the task ahead.

Everett trails off a little, his gaze fixed on his phone as he settles at the kitchen table.

His fingers idly swipe the screen, yet his focus is entirely on Knox.

His father begins to lay out the ingredients for their meal... three thick, juicy steaks and an assortment of seasonings and vegetables.

Knox steps into the role of sous-chef with ease.

"What would you like me to do, sir?" Knox asks.

"Season and cook."

Gary slides the steaks over to Knox, choosing the simpler job of chopping up the vegetables.

"You don't have to be an expert but a man should know how to cook a steak properly. My son isn't going to be doing all the work around the house and he damn sure isn't going to live off fast food while y'all are living together."

"Dad," Everett groans.

"Just saying."

Gary shrugs.

"You know where I'm coming from, don't you, Knox?"

Knox chuckles.

"I do and it's fine. I'm a decent cook." 

"Good. Let's see what you got."

Gary smiles, passing him a pair of tongs.

Their conversation bounces from topic to topic and Everett sometimes jumps in to add his two cents.

Unsurprisingly, despite Gary grilling him about his intentions with his son, Knox holds his own and remains calm.

A few laughs here, a pat on the back there... Seeing the two most important men in his life forming a bond in real time feels absolutely surreal to Everett.

Is it selfish of him to want to have more moments like this?

"I still can't believe you like your steak well done. You know that's an actual crime in America, right?" Knox teases Everett while he and Gary bring the food to the table.

"I feel like I barely know who you are anymore."

"Same here," Gary jokes.

"Hold on," Everett laughs, then retorts with a mock-serious expression.

"How am I getting put on trial because you two enjoy biting into bloody meat? You're the weirdos here, not me."

As they dig into their meal, the conversation continues to flow easily.

It's been a while since Everett felt real panic in his chest out of fear his father or Knox ended up saying the wrong thing to one another.

Laughter and innocent teasing are interspersed with more thoughtful exchanges until Gary, seizing a quieter moment, turns to Knox with a more serious inquiry.

"Did you grow up around here, Knox? How are your  parents?" Gary asks.

"I'm sure Everett has already told you his story."

Everett and Knox exchange a brief, loaded glance.

Everett opens his mouth to speak and change the subject but Knox gently places his hand on Everett's thigh under the table, a silent signal for him to let him answer.

"I was born and raised here but my parents have passed on. My father..." Knox's voice is steady, albeit tinged with sadness.

"He wasn't a good man. But my mother, she was an angel and my best friend. I think about her every day."

"My condolences." Gary offers a solemn nod of understanding.

"My late wife, Everett's mother, she was an angel too before she passed. Ever since then, I kept Everett close, fearing something bad might happen to him if I wasn't always around."

He pauses, smiling softly at Everett.

"I can't imagine how suffocating that must've been for you."  

"You loosened the reins eventually," Everett jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

"But I understood why you were overprotective, Dad. We're good now."

Gary looks back at Knox, continuing.

"I'll never lie to you, Knox. When I first saw you, I didn't get the best vibes. But the more we talk, the more I see you interact with my son, the easier it is to look past that tough exterior of yours."

The moment Gary extends his hand towards Knox, a gesture of acceptance and trust, is a poignant one.

Everett feels a lump form in his throat as he observes the exchange.

"I don't know what it is about you but something in my gut tells me you'll keep my son's best interest at heart," Gary finishes.

"Is this true?"

"It is."

Knox firmly shakes Gary's hand, gratitude evident in his voice.

"Thank you for giving me a chance and for trusting me with Everett."

"Break his heart and I'll kill you."

Gary smiles, half-serious and half-joking.

"Arthritis or not, I can still work a gun if or when the moment calls for it."

Everett grumbles something under his breath while resting his head on the table face down, blushing from embarrassment and being the center of attention.

Knox chuckles, glancing at him briefly while running a hand up and down his back.

"If a day like that ever comes," Knox says to Gary...

"Then I'll load the gun and will hand it to you myself."

[heathercollinsmd]

do u think theres was any way for derena to have a happy endgame? or how would u write it for them to have a happy endgame?

i don't know if you planned this, since I'm in the middle of writing a post-derena divorce fic lol, but I'll try and summarize briefly what I'm exploring there.

i wish i could say yes they could be happy (surprising, i know) but no, I don't think they could make it work in any truly fulfilling way. and honestly, people more fond of derena might be able to write a convincing happy ending for them, but to me they just don't have a foundation I'd write to begin with?

let's say you only watch season one, when they have most of their high points. still, by the course of a few months, they have the constant argument of not being able to accept each other for who they are. Serena wants a white knight, Dan wants a golden construct he created in his head before he ever met her, and neither can seem to admit to themselves that the other isn't fit for that role in a black and white way.

in 1x18 when they break up, serena says "so we're back to where we started. I'm not who you thought I was".... but neither is Dan for her? she wants to look past him and georgina because she doesn't want to be abandoned, but his hooking up with georgina doesn't exactly fit her narrative where he's "always the good guy"

in 2x03 when they break up for the second time, for literally the same reasons (their words!) as 1x18, Serena says "I'm scared, when we step out of here [the elevator] it's over" and Dan says "I think it already was, it just took us this long to get used to the idea"

in the same season, serena admits verbatim that at this point in their relationship, she wants to believe the worst of him, because she wants them to be over and that they try and forgive each other for things they can't actually get over too often.

in s4 Serena tells him, "I think that maybe sometimes I test you. You know, I keep thinking that if things get too hard, you'll give up on me but you never do." which just. isn't completely true? there's merit in that he'll always try to be there for her and he'll always love her. it's why they circle back to each other.... but he's almost always the one who's ready to leave their romantic periods behind first.

and i guess maybe with therapy, and I mean LOTS of therapy, they could work past those particular issues, but I just don't think they're compatible outside of that in the first place?

Serena loves travel, adventure, didn't seem to show an interest in settling down or having kids when she was at her happiest. I think when she does mention having kids of her own, usually it's in opposition to Lily and how she would fix whatever Lily had done to her and Eric vs an actual inherent desire for them?

Dan, on the other hand, has always been shown to want a more muted private life, or at least the option to not attend so many parties, rather... After milo he still talks fondly to a pregnant blair about becoming a parent, when he should arguably be jaded whether or not he's trying to comfort her.

so while I think they could have maybe a year or two of happiness as a married couple if I'm being generous, with how Serena could travel when Dan can write from almost anywhere, there's an expiration date on how long that could last.

[willsimpforanyone]

Can you write a percabeth smut where they're dating but they're also in a bdsm relationship where percy is the dom and annabeth is the sub? And there's lot of bdsm hardcore stuff?

i can certainly give it my best shot! sidenote 'girly' is now percy's name for people, idk how it happened it just did lol and yes percy has a god complex bc he deserves it

"Girly?"

Annabeth's nickname rolled off Percy's tongue as he heard his girlfriend close the door behind her.

The thump of her bag in the hallway was followed by her footsteps, and within seconds she was in front of him in the living room. "Hey, Perce, what's up?"

Percy gently shook his head. "No, darlin', not 'Perce', try again."

Annabeth straightened her back and folded her hands behind her back. Okay, it was gonna be like this. "My god?"

He smiled wryly, pleased at her immediate understanding and obedience. "That's better." He patted his thighs. "Sit."

Legs slipped either side of his, and Annabeth shifted comfortably into his lap. "I have a proposal for you," he rested his hands on her waist as she slung her arms round his neck. "You up for a scene?"

Annabeth eagerly nodded her head. "Please, today has been stressful and I need to... get out of my head, please." There was a hint of desperation in her voice that Percy put away for later.

"That's my girl," he grinned. "Go to the bedroom, put on your favourite lingerie and sit on the bed for me, got it, girly?"

She ignored the flush that settled on her cheeks, and almost ran to the bedroom. The dark grey lacy thing that could only just be considered lingerie was grabbed from the drawer and she raced to put it on. The bed was comfy under her and Annabeth allowed herself a moment of exhaustion. Today was long and stressful, and more than anything Annabeth needed to not be in control.

Obediently, she sat on the edge of the bed, hands folded in her lap and eyes fixed on the door. It only took one more minute for Percy to open the door and walk up to her, belt in hand.

"Wrists out."

Annabeth held out her arms and allowed Percy to wind the belt over her skin, pulling tight enough to forbid movement but loose enough to allow bloodflow.

Percy hooked his arms under her knees and behind her shoulders and threw Annabeth to the head of the bed. "Keep your arms above your head." She pulled her arms above her head, touching her wrists to the headboard. "Well, aren't you a good girl today."

Keening under his praise, Annabeth bit her lip to keep from smiling. She felt the goosebumps rise on her skin as Percy ran a finger down her stomach.

"Will you keep being so well behaved when I'm tearing you to pieces?" His voice was low, reverberating through his chest.

Kneeling between her legs, Percy took his time trailing his fingers up her thighs and hooking them on the elastic of her panties. He tugged them down, tossing them somewhere unknown. "I haven't even touched you, girly, and you're already wet?"

"Oh, shut up." Annabeth rolled her eyes, but squeezed them shut when a sharp slap was administered to her thigh.

Opening her eyes, she was met with a piercing green-blue gaze, not a hint of humour on her boyfri- her dominant's face. "Use that language one more time, girly, see what happens."

She swallowed. "I'm sorry, my god, it won't happen again."

"Good," he leaned down onto his elbows, arms circling her legs to anchor her to the bed. "Now, I'm going to eat you out the way you deserve, and you're going to stay silent until I say otherwise, understood?"

Annabeth's head was already going woozy, and Percy's commanding tone only just managed to cut through the fog. "Yes, yes I understand." He had taken on a completely dominant role now, and she was more than ready to give in to anything he wanted.

Percy's tongue met her pussy and it took everything in her to keep the whine in her throat. She arched her back as best she could while keeping her hands above her head, Percy's strong grip keeping her hips still while he continued his movements.

The moans that threatened to be vocalised were swallowed as best as she could, and given the humming that came from her god, Percy was pleased with her effort. "Mmm, you're doing so well."

He relented his efforts, letting go of her hips and knelt back on his heels. "Up." Annabeth shifted uncertainly, her foggy brain struggling to work out how to get up with her hands still up. "Aww," Percy pouted mockingly. "It would be cute, if it weren't so pathetic."

Grabbing the belt that bound her wrists, he pulled her up bodily and dug his nails into her waist to keep her upright. "Get off the bed and kneel."

Annabeth did as she was told, the carpet scraping slightly on her knees. Percy stood above her, a hand stroking her hair. The rational part of Annabeth's mind, the part that still had some pride, wanted to fight against him. The louder, stronger part wanted to feel her god's hands on her, and nuzzled into the hand on her head.

"Who's are you, darlin'?"

The words took a second to register, but there was no hesitation otherwise. "I'm yours, my god."

"So good for me, such a good girl," Percy twisted his fingers in her hair and pulled, tilting her head back to meet his eyes. "You want me to fuck you, huh, girly? Fuck you so good you can't think?"

God, Annabeth wanted nothing more. "Please, please, my god, I want that so bad."

It took a moment for Percy to control himself, determined not to show how much her whine affected him. Instead, he gripped her under her arms and threw her back on the bed, her front landing against the sheets.

"You ready, darlin'?"

Annabeth teasingly pushed her hips back, and was rewarded with another burning slap against her skin. "Behave."

She had half a mind to retort, but before her dazed mind could even begin to conceptualise a response Percy had slipped on a condom and pushed inside her.

A heavy breath was pushed out her lungs and to her immense relief, Percy leaned down to her ear. "You have my permission to make noise, sweetheart."

The brutal pace her god set tore a choked groan from her throat and she went almost completely limp, allowing Percy to manipulate her body exactly as he wanted it.

"Shit, darlin', you're unbelievably gorgeous, you know that?" Percy's voice was low and primal, settling through the room. "You look so fucked out, my dumb girly, where's all that brain power gone, hm?"

Annabeth didn't care, there was nothing he could say that could get her to give a fuck. Her mind fogged with pleasure and her eyes pricking with tears, she revelled in his control.

Heat was building up in her lower stomach, and her moans grew uninhibited. "You're doing so well, beautiful." Percy's thrusts were unrelenting and the only way she could think to communicate she was getting close was to bang her bound wrists on the bed.

"Aww, my girly getting close? You gonna come for me, pretty girl?" Percy dug his nails into the soft skin of his girl's hips, feeling a coil in his lower stomach. "Hit the sheets twice."

Annabeth immediately smacked the bed twice as best she could, and Percy forced himself to maintain his pace and strength. "Good, that's my girl, you're doing so well..."

Percy squeezed her hips as his own juddered, and he smoothed a hand under her body and down to her clit. His middle finger drew circles and in only a few seconds Annabeth was coming just after him. She came hard and fast and any energy she had vacated her body.

Collapsing as best she could, she didn't even wince as Percy pulled out of her. The change was immediate- Percy gently lifted her again onto her back, taking care to undo the belt that had bound her wrists and massaging the slightly raw skin.

"You need anything?" He asked, but Annabeth could hardly string together a sentence. "Okay, no worries, I'm going to get water, a snack, then we'll get you into the shower, clean clothes and then proper food." He smiled at her dozy state. "Nod if that sounds good."

Annabeth nodded, and Percy vanished into the kitchen. Annabeth relaxed into the pillows, slowly coming down from her floaty headspace. All her worries had left, nerves were calmed and she knew that Percy would do anything to make her comfortable.

For now, all she had to do was chill, and she was okay with that.

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

okay i tried? i'm not great at proper hardcore bdsm but i still hope you liked it!

thank you for requesting!!

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

White Lies (Pt. 13 of 21)

Pairing: Keanu Reeves X Reader

Word count: 2.7 K

Summary: Keanu found the girl almost dead, in the wrecks of what was once her car. While she was in surgery, stuck in a coma, he gathered the best doctors of New York to attend to her. They told him she is likely to have some kind of brain damage, what may lead to memory loss. And this possibility added up wit the fact that she's pregnant, made the council come up with an odd idea. They asked Keanu to pretend to be her husband, since the stress of finding out everything that happened could put the baby in danger. He reluctantly agreed, but only if she does has some kind of memory loss. He still goes she'll wake up soon, with her memories intact.

But when you finally wake up, there's nothing inside. You're quick to find your head is empty, void, like a blank canvas. The only thing that brings you some relief, that makes you feel less lonely is the mention of a husband. And you can't wait to meet him, because you know you can't deal with this by yourself.

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{Keanu Reeves Masterlist}

{John Wick Masterlist}

×

Change Of Heart

“You and Daniel were in a relationship that ended sometime before we met,” Keanu says, gathering his stuff as you do the same, both starting to take the baggage to the living room. “He is Mrs. Davis' son, and I guess she didn't like much when you two broke apart.”

“And where is this Daniel now? I'd like to meet him if he's part of my past.” You stop by the door, as Keanu checks on his phone for the car he just called.

But he puts his phone away, eyes on you. “Daniel passed away a week before your accident.”

“Oh...” You whisper, looking down. “So that's why Lucia got so sad when I said we weren't considering the name.”

“Yeah.”

Furrowing your eyebrows at his weird expression, you step forward and tiptoe, placing a kiss on his lips. “Let's go home, babe.”

•••

Going back home happened without any incidents. But the next days were filled with medical appointments. You assure him you're fine, but Keanu seems to be in an urge to make sure you're completely fine. You try not to complain about it, but things get weird when you notice a strange expression on his face. For too many times to count you caught him looking like he was just about to say something, but for some reason, he gives up. It makes you confront him a couple of times, but he assures you he's just worried as the pregnancy goes on.

Some weeks go by, and you're getting impatient to find out the baby's sex. On your many ultrasounds, they're always on a position that makes it impossible to see it. But you're hopeful for today, and, as you lie on the bed with Keanu, your back against his chest, you take in the soft morning light.

Keanu has an arm around her waist, a hand caressing her belly. Her bare back keeps his body warm, and despite the constant feeling that time is running short, he places kisses on her neck.

He was supposed to tell her the truth weeks ago, the moment they got back from Miami, but he just couldn't. This went too far, he went too far. In every possible aspect. Keanu didn't only fell for her, but he was intimate with (Y/N) too many times to count, and that makes him feel more guilt than anything else.

Her second trimester is just about to end, and now, he's caught in between. Again, for the millionth time, Keanu is caught in between two feelings. His love and his morals.

In his defense, Keanu did try to break the news several times. The words, the destructive, dangerous words were at the tip of his tongue, ready to desolate his life. But they got stuck, and he was too weak at the thought of losing her. Of losing the baby that he loves so much. It doesn't matter how many times he reminds himself the kid isn't his, he's failing to get this fact to grow roots in his heart. Keanu loves the child as if it's his own.

Guilt threatens to devour him entirely sometimes, but right now, in this moment, happiness suppresses everything else. This is his personal paradise, with her, the baby, healthily growing inside her.

Keanu always wanted a family. Settle down, take less and smaller roles. But nobody ever made him feel like he could. Of all the women he dated, nobody ever made him feel like he would give up everything. He thought he knew what love was, and he thought it wasn't as strong as people say... But now, life proved him wrong. This is love, a wrecking ball that came and destroyed his walls, his heart, his wrong perceptions. If only it happened some other way. If he wasn't caught up in this web of lies.

Dr. Harris wasn't happy to know he was sleeping with her. (Y/N) told her, of course, and even though it was in her usual shy and reserved way, the psychologist got the meaning behind the words. And she confronted him, very harshly, and Keanu could do nothing but listen and agree. Because this is wrong. This is the worst kind of betrayal.

(Y/N) moves a little, breathing deeply as she wakes up. A hand finds his, pulling it to her chest, placing a soft kiss on his fingers. “Morning.” She whispers, voice still clouded by sleep. She's used to it now, Keanu is always awake first.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He replies, fingers caressing her chin. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, but I miss lying on my stomach.” She complains, turning around and snuggling into his chest. “What time is it? We have an ultrasound.”

“I know. And we should probably start getting ready.”

“Alright.” (Y/N) mutters, but doesn't give any signs she'll move anytime soon.

But he knows what today is all about, and it will certainly make her excited. “Hopefully we'll finally find out if this little one is Sophie or Liam.”

“Yes!” Immediately, she pushes herself up, an arm sustaining her weight as she looks down at Keanu. And he tries not to stare at her nude figure, even though this is silly compared to everything they're done. Still, he thinks he should at least try. “The baby must be in a good position today. I can't wait anymore.” With that, she's up, smiling as she makes her way to the bathroom.

And Keanu is left behind on the bed, surrounded by his bad decisions. Maybe this is the right time. Maybe, being this happy, she won't hate him so much.

With a lump in his throat, he goes on with his routine, until they're almost ready to go. Keanu waits by the bedroom door frame as she fixes her hair, the bathroom door half open. This is way too sudden, but if he doesn't do that now, if he waits any longer, he'll never be ready. He'll never be brave or strong enough to do this. He took too long already. Now, he can only hope, pray, that this will somehow end up the way he wants.

That he won't lose her.

The moment he sees (Y/N) walking out of the bathroom, Keanu gives a step forward, arms crossed, heart beating so fast it threatens to jump off his chest. The words are at the top of his tongue when his eyes take in her posture. (Y/N) holds the skirt of her blue dress up, all the way to the top of her thigh with one hand, and on the other, there's blood. Bright and red, staining her fingers and the palm of her hand. His eyes turn to her face, blank, scared as she looks at him.

Without thinking too much, his mind on the verge of collapsing, he forces himself to move, quickly making his way over her.

You hate the smell of the soap they have here. You hate this hospital and what it means when you're brought here. It's only far worse now. You're still trying not to burst into tears, trying not to break down again. There's no pain, so that's good. And no more bleeding, which is even better. The feeling you got when you found blood on your underwear was the worst thing in the world. For a moment, a desperate moment, you thought you were going to lose the baby. You wanted to yell, but you didn't have it in you.

If it wasn't for Keanu, you don't know what you'd do.

Now, still walking terribly slow out of nervousness, you leave the hospital bathroom, finding Keanu seated on the edge of your bed, already looking at you.

“Hi, beautiful.” He says, and you remember this was one of the first things he said to you. “Come and lie down. Why did you put the dress on again?”

“Because it's clean and I don't want to stay here.” Instead of doing as he said, you stand before him, your forehead on his chest. “I thought I was going to lose our baby.” Your voice cracks as some tears roll down, arms around his midsection.

“I already spoke to the doctor.” Immediately, you pull away, just enough to look into his eyes. “He assured me you're both alright.”

“Are you sure, Ke?” You plead, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I almost lost my mind.”

“He wants you to rest and that's all. He–” He's cut short by the door being open, and you see Dr. Wright and your obstetrician.

“First of all, you must know the baby is alright.” Dr. Williams says as she comes closer, a tablet on her hands. “Sometimes, such discharges happen, mostly as you progress from the second to the third trimester.” She kindly smiles. “Everything you two need to do is keep up the good job. Make sure to rest, eat healthily, and exercise. But I'll recommend you to lie down for the rest of the day, ok?”

“Ok.” You quickly agree.

“It would be good to avoid surprises. The bad ones at least.” Dr. Wright adds, oddly staring at Keanu. But that's normal, he still needs to look after you, so some things are directed to him. “But we have good news today, right, Dr. Williams?”

“Yes.” From under the tablet, she takes a picture from the ultrasound and hands over to you. “The baby was in a good position and we already know the sex.”

“Oh my God.” You exclaim, smiling for the first time since the incident. “What is it?”

Dr. Williams smiles, exchanging a glance with Dr. Wright. “Mr. and Mrs. Reeves, you'll be having a baby boy.”

“It's Liam!” You yell, throwing your arms around Keanu again. “I was right!”

“You were right.” He agrees, a second before you kiss him, not minding the audience.

“Well, you're free to go home. And call me if you need anything.” Dr. Wright says and the obstetrician agrees before they both leave.

At least something good happened today. You'll finally be able to paint the blank white walls of the baby's bedroom, and buy what you still need.

“I was right.” You repeat, smirking at Keanu. “But we can try again and maybe it'll be a girl. I mean, if we ever spoke about having more than one kid.” Blushing a little, you bite your lip. There are still a lot of things you need to be updated on, and you still get a little sad when it happens.

“I'd love to have more kids if that's what you want, sweetheart,” Keanu says and you smile, kissing him again. “But now let's go home. You need to lie down for the day.”

“Can we stop and buy the paint for Liam's room? We already know the color so it'll only take a minute.” You know you have to rest, but you can't help but feel excited for finally being able to finish off the baby's bedroom. “Please? I'll stay in the car.”

Keanu gives you a look because sometimes you don't always do as you said you would. “Fine, but you won't be painting anything. I can do it myself.”

Nodding, you watch as he takes your bag and guides you out of the hospital room you hate so much. Hopefully, there will be a day you won't have to keep coming here, not because of some incident and not for any appointments.

You did wait in the car this time, and as much as you wanted to hit the mall and buy everything blue and green, Keanu forces you to give up the idea and head straight home. And when you get there, you have his undivided attention. He doesn't only make an incredible lunch, and an incredible dinner, he gives your legs a massage, and it takes a lot of effort to just lie down instead of jumping on him. But this is peaceful, slow, and sweet.

In the weeks that follow, nothing bad happens. You feel great, but you also heavier. Liam is growing fast, and you can't wait any longer to meet him. And neither can Keanu. He gets even more protective with time if that's even possible. And after you almost slipped in the shower, you're not even allowed to shower by yourself. Of course you pretend you're annoyed, but the truth is that you love it.

Despite feeling uncomfortable during this period, Keanu makes everything perfect. There are still no signs you'll get the memories back, and that's a fact now, but you'll follow your psychologist's advice. And Laura's advice, since they're pretty much the same. Living in the past will only get in the way of what's happening now. You have an amazing husband, who loves you deeply, and a child on the way. The present is wonderful, and you won't let anything ruin it.

You're around week 37 now, marking it on the calendar on the fridge door, a hand on your back as you make your way to the kitchen table. Keanu is still upstairs, and you take this chance to pour some honey on your plate. You're still eating the awkward combination when he comes to the kitchen, and you try not to let him see. But Keanu sees everything, and when he takes his place across from you, you feel his eyes burning.

“What?” You innocently ask, shrugging your shoulders.

“Are you eating bacon with honey?”

Biting your lip, you raise an eyebrow at him. “I happen to love honey. And bacon. So it makes sense.” He giggles and you kick his leg under the table. “Don't mess with the pregnant lady.” Warning him, you push the plate away. “I'm done anyway. I'll move to the couch if you don't mind, my back really hurts.”

“Sure. I'll join you in a bit.”

“Ok.” Dragging yourself to the living room, you lie down, hands on your swollen belly. You're almost drifting off to sleep when you feel Keanu sitting down, lifting your legs so he can move closer, caressing your thighs. “Ke, I'm huge.” You complain, eyes on the bump.

“You're beautiful.” Bending down, he places a kiss on your exposed belly, since you have the shirt pulled up. “Absolutely gorgeous.”

“Yeah, I doubt that.” Pouting a little, you try to hold back the giggle when you see his eyebrow raised.

“I would love to show how beautiful I think you are, but Dr. Williams told us to give it a little break.”

“Don't even remind me.” You never complained about anything with your obstetrician, but when she told you and Keanu should probably avoid sleeping together, you had to speak up. Even though your cheeks were burning. But in the end, you did comply. And you wouldn't have much of a choice anyway, since Keanu does everything the doctors say. “I heard your phone beeping. Everything alright in Arch?”

“Yes. That was just Lucia.” He says, obviously a little annoyed. “She just moved here. She's renting an apartment not so far away.”

“What the hell.” Sighing, you roll your eyes. This woman won't leave you alone, it doesn't matter what you say. “Why is she doing that? Isn't it obvious we don't want her around?” A couple of weeks ago she showed up again, and another argument happened. Keanu had to kick her out because the recommendations were that you shouldn't be put under any kind of stress.

“She loves you and the baby. That's why she wants to be around.” You don't get it. Keanu doesn't like her either, so why does he still speak like this?

“I know you can't stand her, you don't have to fake it with me.”

“But this isn't about me, sweetheart, it's about you and the people who were in your life before.”

The kindness in his voice makes you sit up, wrapping your arms around his neck. “You're amazing, did you know that?” Placing kisses on his face, you smile. “I love you. I'm worried to death and I'm trying not to get anxious with the labor, but you're making everything perfect. You're the best husband I could ever have.”

“I'm just trying to be the husband you deserve.” With a hand caressing your cheek, Keanu kisses you full on the lips, and you take no time before kissing him back. You don't know what you'd do without him, but luckily, you won't ever have to find out.

×

@multific @inumorph @aestheticallywinchester @bvbwestfall @liviiii98 @allie1804-fan @gian-giannina @playboygeniusphilanthropist @partypoison00 @mariafetamina @fortheloveoffanfic @trin303

[askmerriauthor]

Rampant spoilers for the anime "Super Cub" after the jump, for those of you who want to avoid such. As much as it should be obvious, below are my personal opinions and what I experienced in watching the show, so YMMV.

I've had a few days to mull over my thoughts on the whole matter since that initial kneejerk post (ie, ramble at my ever-patient roommate about stuff she barely tolerates). My thoughts have come to the conclusion that I'm more annoyed with the writers' direction than the protag Koguma herself. As I thought back on it, I felt as though Koguma suddenly went rather out-of-character for how she'd been depicted thus far shortly after the introduction of Shii. It felt as though Shii took on the role that Koguma had previously filled while Koguma became more like Reiko, which is two Reikos too many if you ask me.

From the get-go I was all rooting for Koguma. She was a very sympathetic character dealt a brutally raw deal, and I was keen on seeing her finally get a break. The show did a great job of highlighting those moments of sedate depression and momentary surges of happiness that covered her day-to-day life. Given how much I outright hated Reiko (seriously, this girl is an inconsiderate pain in the ass), having her around made Koguma all the more likeable. Doubly so when Koguma started calling out Reiko on her bullshit as they settled into an old-married-couple sort of dynamic. Reiko is like some kind of weird inversion of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope, where all her antics are just self-indulgent rather than a mere plot device to fix the protag's life. While she undeniably has a positive influence on Koguma's life and the two make a good pair, I can't shake my constant annoyance with how selfish Reiko is. Koguma was a hard counter to Reiko and it made their interactions a lot more fun.

So then we have the introduction of Shii: the purest of cinnamon rolls. Shortly after Shii's arrival into the story, Koguma suddenly started acting more like Reiko. Both Cub-riders acted aloof and superior because of their Cubs (normally it was just Reiko doing that, but Koguma started too), Shii was constantly being left behind, and despite her efforts to be their friend they just blew her off whenever they pleased. I started to get that sinking feeling when Koguma and Reiko visited Shii's family cafe when they stuck around just long enough to have a free cup of coffee, then immediately bailed and ditched Shii when the urge to do something with their bikes came up, leaving Shii confused that they weren't going to stick around and visit any longer. That struck me as this sort of "wow, they're being extremely rude and taking her for granted..." kind of moment. And it just kept happening! I get that we only see glimpses of the overall progression of time throughout the girls' year and there were surely plenty of off-screen visits where they actually hung out together. But all we as the audience get to see were these highlight moments that made Koguma and Reiko seem like lousy friends just taking advantage of Shii's kindness.

Things really came to a head in the pivotal winter episode, since that one rang weird against everything building up to it prior. The writing had made a big to do for a good three episodes prior about how winter is a major problem and dangerous, especially for bike riders. The Cub-riders spent that entire time worrying about it and taking precautions to protect themselves from the cold. Then, in the spirit of having a good time, promptly went and frolicked about in the snow on their Cubs while discarding all their protective gear down to t-shirts (because falling off your bike at high-speeds is just good fun, apparently?). Which didn't do any favors toward the whole "not being good friends to Shii" when Shii voiced disappointment on them not even thinking to invite her at all. Then, later on in the episode when Shii crashes into the river, Koguma is massively foolhardy and channeling the full force of the Honda marketing team with the idiotic "My Super Cub is coming to the rescue" bullshit. Friend potentially injured and suffering hypothermia after being stuck in an ice-cold river in the middle of winter for hours? Just strap her to the front of the Super Cub like Mad Max: Fury Road! Wind chill by driving at high-speeds in the middle of the night in winter isn't a problem to someone who's already soaking wet and chilled to the core, right? Call an ambulance? The police? Her parents? Nah. Who needs that? We have "THE SUPER CUB". I mean, seriously, Koguma couldn't have at least ditched her storage bin off the back of the bike and let Shii actually sit on the bike to hold onto her, or given the freezing, injured tiny girl her winter coat to try and protect her, or do anything beyond the bare minimum to show some level of emotional concern and willingness to sacrifice for her supposed friend?

It's an outright miracle/convenience of the plot that Shii didn't suffer massive consequences as a result of her accident and Koguma's foolishness. After the fact, while Shii is recovering at Koguma's apartment, neither Koguma nor Reiko show the least bit of concern for her even when she has an outright emotional breakdown; hell, Reiko's selfishness is on full display throughout, both toward Koguma and Shii regardless. Reiko actually has the poor taste to celebrate the whole mess when Shii's parents give the girls free food for a year out of gratitude for saving their daughter! Then afterward, when the girls go on their Spring-seeking road trip, it wasn't even framed as a way to try and ease Shii's trauma from her experience but just as something they wanted to do because they were sick of the winter interfering with their ability to ride their Cubs as much as they pleased. By the final episode, when Koguma's inner monologue echoes the sentiment she'd voiced throughout - that she has no family, no friends, no hobbies or goals - I was expecting the obvious change in her acknowledging that, yes, she now did have at least some of those things. In that scene she was literally riding alongside her new friends on their Cubs, which certainly qualified as a hobby. But, nope! She reiterated that her situation hadn't changed at all, but that it was okay because she had her beloved Super Cub to give her life some meaning, and any improvements she experienced were solely due to it.

It just... it all left a really bad taste in my mouth. I get that the anime was ostensibly a big Honda commercial at its core, sure, but it really felt like the writing sacrificed the quality of both characters and story for the sake of pushing how amazing their bikes are. Koguma herself shifted from being a no-nonsense, methodical sort of person to being reckless and callous like Reiko, then stopped being an actual character and just a vehicle - pun always intended - for talking up the Super Cub. The last time Koguma felt like Koguma, to me, was right when Shii was introduced and she wanted to try and help out using their bikes to solve a problem, which she never would have/could have done prior. The overall shift away from Koguma's core and into some kind of semi-Reiko/overt Honda shill got ridiculous and frankly really annoying for me.

[tartxglia]

Post-Concert Depression - Hwang Hyunjin

Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x Reader

Genre: Smut

Words: 2,629

Requested: kinda on twt

-

The strong bass travelled through the entire venue, making your whole body vibrate in excitement as your favourite nine member supernatural boy group Stray Kids jumped, danced and sang their songs right in front of your eyes. It was one thing to see them behind a screen, and a completely different surreal experience to see them right in front of you, in real life. It was unfair how much more gorgeous they were, the things their beauty did to your heart. Perhaps it was also the supernatural side in them that made them so appealing–who were you kidding–it was most definitely one of the largest factors that made them so hot. A supernatural boy group with members ranging from fallen angels to incubi to vampires, werewolves, and even demons. This group had a wide variety and their fans went wild for it–who wouldn’t? These were nine super hot and super cute supernatural boys; imagine the things they're capable of that regular humans aren't. 

Your thirst train of thoughts are interrupted by Hwang Hyunjin who jumps around the stage near your area, hyping himself and the crowd to one of Stray Kids’ older tracks YAYAYA. Hyunjin is a demon–though his angelic visuals make you think otherwise–and holds the role of lead rapper and main dancer. Oh god, dancer, you were always a sucker for dancers. The control they had over every part of their body, the fluid yet sharp movements they trained to achieve, and their hips–you could only wonder what a dancer’s hips were capable of doing to you. 

Hyunjin never hesitates to flaunt his dance skills, he walks past your section slowly, his each move a result of a slow sensual body roll as he lets his body ride the rhythm of the loud music pumping through his veins. He gives your side of the standing pen lots of attention, walking past while trying to make eye-contact with as many fans as possible and sending them waves, winks, heart fluttering smiles you name it. He pauses in his track when he happens to make eye-contact with you, his next step forward immediately halting his body as he backtracks to the edge of the stage, closer to your section. He squats down at the edge, settling down as he peers forward to get a closer look. Seeing him just a couple meters ahead of you has your breath stuck in your throat and your heart skipping beats as your eyes take in all the beauty that is demon Hwang Hyunjin. 

The stage lighting from the centre stage shine all the way down, hitting one side of his face and fittingly painting one half of him in a hazy bright red light. As if Hwang Hyunjin wasn’t already sexy enough with his demonic aura of confidence, his tall body proportions, the sensuality of the red light further intensifies it. The pure white choker he has on doesn’t help. The brightness of the colour otherwise associated with pureness and innocence is a stark contrast on the skin of a demon who oozes sexual confidence. The sight nearly has you whimpering, your knees already beginning to feel weak but you refuse to take your eyes away from him who is continues posing for the cameras. 

You watch as his eyes stay fixed onto you, the two of you holding strong continuous eye contact, and you watch as his eyes then stray up and down your figure, taking in as much of you as he could from his position. When he connects his eyes with you once again, you see the deep pool of brown flash a bright red before reverting normal. The colour change sparks a curiosity within you, and you wonder whether it was a trick of the light–the stage was shining red light after all–but you don’t have long to theorise because of the stunt Hyunjin just pulled in front of you. This boy just brushed his hair away from his face in the most sexy way possible dn posed with a v sign in front of a crowd. It would probably be completely okay and normal if he had put up the v as a victory sign next to his face, or his eyes, anywhere but over his mouth. With his tongue sticking out in the valley of his fingers. With his hair still a mess after having run his hand through it just now, Hyunjin stares directly at you as he poses with a v. Over top of his mouth. Then sliding his tongue out his mouth and directly at the valley of his fingers for a brief second. 

The sight has you in shock, your whole being frozen as you process the sexual gesture he had just made in public, in front of his fans. You look side to side, checking the faces of the other fans in the standing pen next to you, only to see them cheering him on as normal and no qualms. You’d think they’d have a more aggressive reaction to such an act. You look back up to the stage, finding Hyunjin in the same spot but now he has his mic up, singing his part of the song and letting his gaze roam around the crowd and no longer staring at you. You feel a twinge of disappointment and immediately Hyunjin’s eyes find yours again, looking down at you with hooded eyes as he rapped his section to the mic he cooly held in one hand, the other holding his hair away from his face. He smirks mid-rap but continues on still strong in his vocals, maintaining eye-contact with you once again but this time he winks. He sends you a wink and that’s all it takes for his eyes to switch back to the gleaming red you caught before. Except now, it’s constant. You don’t even know it but you’re staring at him with a gaping mouth, your eyes and mind finally registering what had been happening the past few seconds. His bright red eyes, the suggestive gesture, the lack of reaction from surrounding fans–

“What’s wrong, angel? You never experienced telepathy before?”

Hwang Hyunjin, one of the demon members of Stray Kids, was using his demon side to use telepathy on you with his blood red eyes and fangs out for only you to see. Fuck, that was really hot. His voice was husky and echoed within your mind, the deep bass of his voice reaching every corner. And the pet-name didn’t help. The demon himself, calling you an angel. If it weren’t for the barrier in front of you, you’d be on your knees already. 

Following his question, Hyunjin sends you a flurry of images all passing by too quickly to grasp details but just enough to recognise the figures. Big hands with long slender fingers on bare skin, trailing up and down, tracing very curve. Pink pouty lips pressed on a neck, leaving soft wet kisses over the developing hickeys. A hand with a single band ring on one finger, and a thicker triple band ring on another dipping down past the hem of black shorts with a studded waistband–wait those were the shorts you were wearing. The realisation has you snapped out of a haze, and you come back to Hyunjin who is still pumping up the crowd in your section, still sitting squatted in front of you. Your eyes scan his hands, trying to look at his fingers for sign of any accessories and–oh my god. A single band on his pointer finger. A triple band ring on the finger next to it. Those were the exact hands you saw in the images Hyunjin projected to you. And the shorts were yours. 

You can feel your cheeks flame up in embarrassment as you catch on to what Hyunjin was suggesting. Your mind is in a state of shock, a jumbled mess of thoughts the result of what he had just shown you. Were those his thoughts? Is that what he was thinking of right at this very moment? Mid-performance? Fuck, you can just feel yourself get wetter at the revelation, your pussy throbbing with need.

“Babygirl you gotta use your words or I’m gonna leave~” Hyunjin’s gravelly voice enters your mind once again. His tone teasing as he side-eyes you with a glint in his eyes. As much as you’d like to give him a reaction, you’re left speechless at what you had just experienced. What he had just shown you. Your mind being a mush, you can’t do anything else but continue gaping at him, your lips parted to form a response but only producing silence.

Hyunjin enjoys the fact that he’s left you speechless, it feeds his ego, feeds him power. He loves the stunned expression of yours, your mouth agape and lips forming in an ‘o’ that sends his mind down another sinful spiral of thoughts. For some reason you’d caught his eye among the hundreds. He didn’t know why and he didn’t care to search for the reason. He just knew that he liked you and that was enough. Wanting to play with you more, he sends another wave of his thoughts over to you. The content just as sensual and suggestive, but this time he puts a little extra bit of his power to channel the physical sensations too. 

The second wave of images Hyunjin sends you is even more intense–in your opinion anyways–because this time you could feel the physical sensations matching the images. You can feel the cold of his metal ring as his hand sits underneath your shorts, the sensation sending a shiver up your spine. You can feel the elongated incisors that make his fangs that he lazily drags up the side of your neck. The feeling scares you, he could bite you at any moment and you’d just let him, but damn it was attractive. The tingles you felt as Hyunjin teasingly played with your neck. The last thing Hyunjin gives you is the sensation of your hands, running through his soft silky hair all clean and dry after the shower he took following the concert. He smells good, he smells alluring, and the strands of his hair feel like heavenly clouds, slipping through the gaps between your fingers as you tug and play with them. 

You revel in the experience given to you by Hyunjin, even despite the fact that it was fabricated by pure imagination and mental stimulation alone but you'd take it. You were cut short, however, when Hyunjin suddenly cuts the telepathic link, his eyes reverting back to chocolate brown. With the lack of verbal response as he had demanded from you, he tuts in mock disappointment and gets up from his squat. Seeing him walk away sends your heart racing as you prepare to give into his demands. He walks a couple steps before stopping at the sound of your whimper. It was a miracle how he heard you despite the loud overwhelming ambient sounds, even considering his demon side and heightened senses. He turns his head with a smug expression, side-eyeing you to watch as you pout up at him with innocent doe eyes that conveyed sinful messages and desires. He seems to have gotten the message because he backtracks. 

Since he was still standing up, you had to crane your neck up to look up at him as he stood over you. His long legs and thighs were in your direct line of sight and was it wrong for you to want to bite them? You trail your eyes slowly back up to make eye-contact with him, finding him already looking down at you. His expression hasn't exchanged much, but you can just tell how much he's enjoying this–seeing you at his mercy, begging for him to come back, begging for his teases. He thrives in the power that you give him and standing above you, him looking down at you and you up at him, paints the perfect representation of the power dynamic between the two of you. And holy fuck do you find it hot. 

"This is exactly how it should be... You looking up at me from your place on the floor. Don't you agree, babygirl? Are you a demon's whore?" You shouldn't be surprised that he can tell what you're thinking, he's a demon after all, but it still doesn't stop the small jump of shock you make at the sound of his sensual voice echoing within your head once again. You make a move to respond to him, your lips parted to give him a response but you're still reeling from the shock of the situation. Hwang Hyunjin, the demon, had you in a private telepathic link with him. Showing you all his sinful thoughts of you, showing you all the promises he was capable of fulfilling. 

"Y-yes," you manage to croak out through the shock. Your voice can barely be heard to yourself, but Hyunjin's heightened senses catch it with no problem.

"'Yes' what?" He's quick to demand, his tone authoritative and waiting on edge for you to hand him the reigns, give him full control over every inch of you. 

"Yes, sir." You gulp away any last bit of nerves, you had signed yourself off to the devil–literally. But the burst of confidence that filled your veins was only temporary as Hyunjin sends another flash of images to you. 

An image of him wrapping his long fingers around your neck, overlapping all the bruises that marked you as his possession. The pads of his fingers squeezing the sides of your neck as your mouth falls open, chasing for both air as well as a release. Eye contact is held as Hyunjin looks down at you squirming underneath him, his eyes dark and drinking in every emotion that crosses your face, the lust that swims in your own eyes. A flash of his hips slapping against you, the heat of his body against yours for one second then gone the next only to return in the second following and so it repeats. He’s grabbing your chin, making you face him head on so he can enjoy the blissful look on your face as you unravel at his mercy for satan knows how many times within the past few hours.

“Enjoy the rest of the concert, doll." Hyunjin's voice floats in among the midst of the flashes of thoughts he continues to send to you. It briefly brings you back to reality and you catch him straightening up again to head to the main stage where the rest of the members gathered. You don't have any time to feel any disappointment because he sends you another thought. This time you watch as Hyunjin sits on his ankles, kneeling down in front of you who is pressed up against a wall. He knelt for you but he was still the one holding all the power. 

"Back alley, 15 minutes after the end."

Despite being the one on his knees, he still has the cockiest and smug expression in his face. His eyes hooded in a sensual gaze as he oozes a sexual energy. He loves the whiny mess that you are all because of him. He loves the look the desperation on your face as he sits so close to your pussy that you can feel his breath on your lower lips. Teasingly, he blows air directly on your naked vagina and you can only gasp, melting further into submission, into his control, giving yourself to him. Then suddenly, he jerks forward, his mouth attach to your pussy in a strong suck and a slow, long, dragging lick of his tongue on your clit. 

"Don't sorry, angel. I'll make your post-concert depression go away."

[pooma-unvolunteers]

Ways to Teach Your Children a Great Work Ethic

The principle that hard work is intrinsically virtuous or worthy of reward…. is WORK ETHIC.

Why is it IMPORTANT TO HAVE A GOOD WORK ETHIC ?

Your good work ethic tells, in future what people might expect from you ...Good attendance and punctuality are two important pieces of a good work ethic –and they're easily addressed and accomplished..

IS IT A SKILL?

Good work ethic, problem solving, time management, communication skills and team work ability are all skills that can make you a great student/ employee. Leadership skills make you a candidate to be more than that.

Here are the few ways for the Parents to teach your children a great work ethic:

Just as it’s not enough to tell your slacker co-worker to work harder, it’s not enough just to tell a child about the importance of a good work ethic. No, the teaching of a good work ethic begins with good boundaries and a little one-on-one assistance.

Parents play a large role in shaping their child’s home and academic work ethic through interaction and support. By knowing how to change your expectations toward your child, you show your child how to change his outlook toward work.

1.Understand the fact that you always teach, regardless of intention:

The question when it comes to teaching at home is not “if?” but “what?” It’s important to understand that home is a natural and continuous learning environment. Everything we do instructs our children – so the question is always “What am I teaching?” and “How can teach the right lessons?"

Start Early…Lay the groundwork early. When our three-year-olds beg to peel carrots, or our four-year-olds plead to sweep the floor, our tendency is to say they’re not ready. But teach them when they’re eager and they’ll be more likely to step up to the plate later on.

2. Example, example, example:

If parents own a positive work ethic, then we’re already halfway there. This is a great opportunity for “do as I do” supporting “do as I say.” Be a Role Model…So much of who our children turn out to be is a reflection not of what we try to pour into them but of what they see in us. It’s not the big occasions our kids will remember most, but the everyday stuff that revealed what their parents were really made of – how we handled frustration, whether we were on time and kept commitments, whether we did our own work with a smile or a frown.

Know Your Children…..There’s a difference between a 5-year-old who doesn’t know that plates have backs and a 10-year-old who neglects to wash them because he’s in a hurry to play. One needs teaching, the other needs accountability.

Parents also need to know how to motivate each child. Young children are often motivated by verbal praise. Older children may need more: money or privileges.

3. Balance is job one:

Every family has their own take on how much is too much. But it’s essential that we teach our children balance in terms of work. Deliberately teach them that family time is the priority. A work ethic that sacrifices family turns out to be all work and no ethic.

4. Keep family priorities in order:

The simple, “fun after the work is done” associates relaxation with completion rather than relaxation as escape. Kids experience more satisfaction in their leisure when it is paired with satisfactory job performance.

5. Work with your children whenever possible:

Question: how is a “guide” different from a “boss”?

Answer: a boss typically barks out orders and waits for results – whereas a guide is willing to walk alongside. As dads, teaching a work ethic, our role is that of guide.

If your child wants to rake leaves, be ready to knock on doors with him. If she wants to walk dogs, help her place an ad in the paper. Be ready and willing to help your child start working, and you’ll be amazed at the life lessons she’ll learn.

6. Take your children with you when you volunteer:

Pick up garbage together on the side of the street; join a team that fixes things at the park; hook up with volunteer efforts at church or other community groups. Work associated with service is a key building block to the value of work across the board.

7. Expose them to stories about heroes who learned the value of work:

There are hundreds of great stories to reinforce this point. Movies, books, articles. Read them together and then live them, day by day.

8. Make chores at home a shared responsibility:

Every member of the family should have assigned chores on a routine basis. Change them around; help each other out; take turns with the ones no one really enjoys. Doesn’t wimp out on the chores, and don’t let your kids wimp out either. Accept What You Get. When faced with less-than-perfect results, graciously praise the effort. For example, when seven-year-old son surprised the family by cleaning the windows, her mom ignored the smudges and smears. “What hard work!” she said simply, “I love to clean windows too. Next time let’s do it together!”

9. Reward your child for productivity.

Give praise or small gifts to your child when he’s made improvements in his work ethic. Remember to ignore the guilt that naturally comes in the form of the question, “Am I bribing my child?” In fact, these are expressions of pride in him . So go ahead and push your child forward via praise, hugging and the occasional small gift. Paying children to participate in family life sends the wrong message. Work in the family is an intrinsic value and is fundamentally worthwhile.

Compliment; encourage; throw in the occasional treat. “Because you- kids, it has been so amazingly responsible week!”… Admire their good work, but don’t re-assign the value of expected work to the false value of cash.

10. Have a “chore chart” on the refrigerator: And feel free to use.

11. Establish limits:

Create boundaries that will push your child away from distractions and toward his work. For example, a child who watches television while he eats his after school snack , might lack the willpower to turn off the television after one show. In his mind, he likely knows he has homework to do but thinks, “Just one more show, and then I’ll get started.” The “one more show” might then turn into three more shows, keeping him from getting started on his homework until an hour before dinnertime. Set a limit on problematic behavior like this, such as by restricting television after 4 p.m. Follow up on limits.

Explain the reason the limits are in place, emphasizing the importance of chores and academics over playtime or other distractions. Avoid using the timeworn “because I say so” reasoning, which only tells children something they already know: You’re the one that sets the rules.

Instead, express the importance behind setting the limitation. Further emphasize this importance by explicitly stating the consequence of breaking the limit. Engage in this discussion either when you first set the limit or the first time your child breaks the limit thereby giving him a second chance with an added explanation such as, “I said no TV after 4 p.m. because school is more important than TV.

I’m disappointed that you broke this rule, and if it happens again, I’ll just unplug the TV.

Teach Delayed Gratification Establishing a pattern: we work, and then we play. You might say to your child, “I know you want to play outside. Let’s pick up all these blocks and fold the clothes and then we can go together.” Or, “Let’s get the house cleaned up and then we’ll make some popcorn and watch a movie.”

12. Help your child with his chores and homework, but don’t do them for him.

Show him the importance of planning before jumping into a room-cleaning project or study session haphazardly. Doing so shows him not only the importance of time management but also of organization in planning and studying.

For example, if your child doesn't know where to start with cleaning his room, help him devise a plan of action, listing in order the areas that should be cleaned and how to clean them. Likewise, if your child is studying for next week’s test, help him devise a study plan. Outline the areas of the text on which he’ll be tested and create a schedule with learning goals attached. Your goal should be to perform this activity with him to help him complete his academic tasks on his own, thereby relieving yourself of your job as his study planner.

First teach them to pick up their clothes, to crush the cans for recycling, or to vacuum out the car. We need to give them extra time to make them do something when we could have done it faster and better ourselves.

It’s the real life test of our everyday efforts to raise children with a work ethic. Believe me, it is not easy.

Dr. Ruth Peters, a psychology contributor to NBC’s Today show and author says: “Daily in my practice I see parents who have made the mistake of not taking the time and attention to teach their children to be workers and achievers. These kids have learned to settle for less rather than to face and challenge adversity, to become whiners rather than creative problem solvers, and to blame others for perceived slights and lack of success.”

The ability to work hard, to tolerate frustration, and to take responsibility doesn’t just happen without a push from parents.

Like all good things, building a strong work ethic in your child takes constant effort. But you’ll know it’s worth it when your child comes home from the first day of his first job looking tired and satisfied and grown-up and says something like :

“My boss said I did a good job, Mom. Thanks for everything.”