#AND THEY’RE SO MUCH SMALLER THAN HIS HAND AND IT MAKES ME SO EMOTIONAL

[peaches2217]

Things that make me weak: a comprehensive list

1. Any and all references to and/or visuals of Peach’s soft, small hands in Mario’s large, strong hands

2.

[roturo]

⋆⭒˚｡⋆ SHE'S BACK! PT2

GUESS HE COULDN'T KEEP IT IN, SO HE HAD TO KEEP IT INSIDE! (again)₊˚⊹♡ dilf!gojo satoru x teacher!reader

tags: smut, unprotected sex, breeding kink, size kink, jealous!reader, jealous!gojo, fluff, creampie, squirting, matingpress, age-gap, reader is described as way smaller than gojo, tummy buldge, teasing, use of nickanmes, overstimulation, dumbfication, fluff, gojo has an ex-wife, yuuji is gojo's son...

PART 1

Life is fun.

To say you’ve been having the best months of your life would be an understatement. Starting to know Go- Satoru Gojo has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Mostly the age difference. It wasn’t that big, but 7 years was enough for people to talk. And now that he’s turning 32 people have been checking on him for no stop. You guess he was pretty famous when he was younger, at least more than now. 

Even though he is older than you, he’s a ray of sunshine full of brightness for this sad gray world. He finds fun in the sadness, and that’s why every time you see him, not only his eyes shine because of his beautiful blue orbs, but he makes your life shine with how good he makes you feel.

Another day being a teacher wasn’t like any other- But now you have this pink haired kid running across the classroom, and even though you don’t let your personal ‘persona’ interrupt in your job life, you couldn’t stop from falling into your lover son’s cuteness. But you don’t have favorites! At least you don’t say it out loud…

Satoru always trusted you to keep Yuji Itadori with you whenever he had some extra work to do– and he would spend time with you, sometimes at the classroom while you finish some work, or on special days both of you go out for some ice-cream.

But now Satoru hasn’t called or sent a message. 

You were kinda nervous- Your turn was over and you were waiting for everyone to go home, but you were still wondering what was going on with Yuji.

“Hey cotton-candy, is your daddy coming for you?” You asked the little boy, leaning down to have his attention. Not that you needed it much, you know this kid was about to be as tall as his dad.

“Uh, well…” the kid looked up, shifting your gaze too, looking towards a beautiful woman with pink-ish hair and hazel eyes. holy shit- she really looked like Yuji- maybe she was his-

Mom. Standing next to fucking Yuji’s daddy.

Gojo Satoru.

“Yeah?” He called out your name, you were too lost staring at the couple that you never realized you said his name out loud. Shit. Giving the fakest smile to ever exist in this universe you bowed to both of them, while saying your greetings towards Yuji’s mom.

The little kid called your name, losing the soft grip from your hand and while he ran towards his parents. Real. Real parents.

“Look! Mom and daddy are together! They’re taking me to an amusement park because of my birth-day!” His birthday is next week. You know- you have it in your calendar. But you suppose he wanted to spend a day with both of his parents at the same time.

Does she know you’ve been fucking her hus- ex-husband? And you guess she knows about you by the way she looks at you with a sour face, masked with the hypocrisy of a ‘capitalism smile’

“Oh! You must be Yuji’s favorite teacher- Him and Gojo love talking about you.” The sound of her voice almost made you puke, but the moment she places her hands on Gojo, you swear something inside you exploded. You couldn’t tell how he was feeling- your mind full of how you’re getting yourself out of this situation, and maybe out of the city too.

Are they getting back together? Does he still love her? Is he playing with you?

Does he also have that ‘capitalism smile’? Do you have to be at their economic level? The fuck.. why you’re feeling like this! You and Gojo haven’t even officialized any titles for your…. relationship?

Gojo sensed the change of atmosphere once he saw you staring at them with a lost face. He didn’t intend to come here with her. But he didn’t trust her with you. Your shoulders were tense, that fake broken smile you give to people that have hurt you but way too afraid to speak up towards his way. That kinda broke his heart. 

And what angered him the most, was when the witch laid hands on him. He also felt like he was about to puke, way too disgusted with this encounter that it was almost an instinct when he rapidly moved his body- But at the time he did that, a voice called out your name, making you shift your gaze to the sudden voice.

A tall blonde (not as tall as him), buff, (not as buff as him), with formal clothes he could easily identify that were old but classic- nothing like his style. He was not boring. Came walking towards you, waving at you and later placing his hand in your fucking lower back before both of you paid attention to the family infront of you again.

“Oh- I’m sorry. This is the school principal, Mr. Kento.” He might be overreacting, because a principal shouldn’t be this close towards a teacher, his blue eyed-gaze piercing holes into his face, clearly criticizing any aspect that came from him and fit his mind.

Everything after that was like a bullet piercing his head. Getting in automatic mode to survive this awkward encounter and finish the day as soon as possible. Obviously missing the fact Mr. Kento was married and you were his bridesmaid. 

Gratefully the next was saturday- not losing the chance to get drunk and convince yourself that yesterday didn’t happen. You kinda have problems.

Gojo was worried you didn’t answer any of his calls in the morning. Instead, he went looking for you at your house- using the extra pair of keys you gave him. He was practically married to you. At least what he thinks. 

But he couldn’t understand you. Not once he entered the room and found you staring at the TV, your phone long forgotten somewhere. He called out your name, obviously worried about you. Thank god you showered and cleaned yesterday’s mess. “Baby- Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

“Are you getting back together?” 

“With who? What are you talk-”

“With her.”

Gojo gave you a breathless laugh after the last words came out of you before embracing you with his arms. Feeling the heat radiating from his body, the sun to your moon. “With that witch?-- Ppft”  His chest pressed against yours while he chuckled at your assumption. “Why would I ever go back to her, or even meet other women when I have you?”

He felt the tears coming out of your pure eyes wetting his shirt, before his hand traveled and caressed your cheek– kissing away those awful tears that he hated. If he ever has to see you cry it should be– one, because he fucked you so good, or two because he gave you a ring to be by his side for eternity.

“Are you with him?” It’s now his time to ask questions.

“With who?”

“Blonde old guy from yesterday…”

“Oh, Mr. Kento? He’s my best-friend's husband and he's younger than you Satoru” You said while a giggle came out of your mouth and hit his chest with your hand in a light way. 

“Ouh- You tiny thing- How can you hit so hard?” His movements were fast, caging you as fast as possible in his body while he laid you again on your back into your mattress, filling your face with kisses. Seeing you like this was something different to Gojo, it was… more intimate. Your beautiful smile is all for him to adore. Seeing your small body compared to his affected his brain chemistry, leading his blood all down into his cock. 

“I can’t stop wanting to kiss you when you smile, because I want to steal it from you.” His words went straight to your heart, making you blush and avert his gaze from you. “Don’t hide my love, please- let me show you how much I need you.”

His kisses were tender, starting as pure pecks until those pecks turned into trying to claim you as him all over your neck– making you whimper only by his touch. “Maybe we should fullfish Yuji’s wish of giving him a small sister- what do you think?”

“Satoru…”

“What? He keeps rambling about you even when his biological mother is around. Kids his age don’t know how babies are made- but I would gladly show you how and keep you full of my cum everyday just to make sure, y’know?... fucking you here, at mis house… ffuck- at your desk… whenever I have the chance baby.”

Whimpers became moans once his hand reached your trembling core searching for release. Moving your panties to the side– “Sshit baby- You’re so.. wet.” A moan came out of you when his fingers went back to his mouth and he thrusted his covered hips into yours– also searching for friction.While he undressed you and himself too. “Wanna keep you full and nice f’me. So everytime you sit down you think of me. I would love to see your body once I get you pregnant– Ffuck- Scratch that. I would love to wake up every morning by your side. Wake up because of the cries or sounds of our kids. So be a good girl f’me and get pregnant and wifey just f’me, yeah?... fucking yyeah…”

His voice echoes inside your brain, being a trembling mess once he ponders inside of you. Keeping it there just for a moment and feeling him twitch because of how good you make him feel. His thrusts went feral once he truly realized the size difference and the bump forming in your tummy every time he thrusted inside you. Leading one of your hands to rest on your tummy. “Ya feel that? Yeah baby honey… I’m gonna fill this up with my cum- and you’re just gonna take it.” You were a rambling mess once he pressed hard in that spot- Trying to move his hand away from there because the abuse your g-spot was receiving.

The only coherent thing coming out of you,’ah, ah~, ah’ while he dumped his cum inside of you. Still rock hard and full to do it again. His arms engaged with your legs to have better accesses to your pussy, feeling his cock way goo deeper than the first time– taking you in a masting press.

“Fill me up again ´toru…” And oh shit. That made him go feral. His thrusts were erratic and unsynchronized, but each time you swear you could feel him inside your throat. He knew how to use his thing. Your orgasms were not like the other ones you had before. Coating your sheets and Gojo’s pelvis with your liquids– heavy breathes trying to accompany you while Gojo reached his high while you received him like a good girl even when he could barely fit it in again because of your intense orgasm. 

He would always whisper cute things in your ears after sex. Making the both of you laugh with adventure you were slowly creating with him. The family you were creating. And now? His talk while cleaning you up was about baby names 

A/N: this was an experience... the sex was A LOT for me, i never want to hear the word cock again.

taglist: @sirachano0dles @4imhry @chimmysoftpaws @philiatothephobia @xthatpottahfanx @chaotic-tnt

[rxzennia]

sex with aventurine of strategems

✎𓂃 top aven (bottom aven will eventually be served too dw except im hoping to make that emotional so it’ll take a bit hehe), i finished 2.1 yesterday and i’m not fine… angst fic/ character deep dive coming soon (idk when tbh bcs im busy); in the meantime, thirsting for foul legacy: star rail edition boss aven

aventurine in this form is so much bigger than you, it’s so easy for him to just pick you up and manhandle you like you’re nothing. and he loves doing that, picking you up effortlessly and tossing you onto the bed as you spread your legs for him.

his fingers are way, way longer and girthier

loves shoving them up your hole because you squeeze around them so sweetly

also loves hearing that squelch when he pushes three fingers deep into you

oh, you want to touch yourself? nu-uh, he’ll keep your hands above your head

it’s so easy for him restrain you, you’re so much smaller compared to him

and he will tease you to high hell with his fingers

he loves seeing the way you move your hips, trying to chase his touch

but no, darling, he decides what you get, how much you get, and when you get it

your cute whimpers won’t change his mind, even if he loves hearing them

or eating them up as he shoves his tongue deep into your mouth

loves having you moan into his kisses

he won’t stop using his fingers until you’ve wet the bed enough

like, dripping, squirting, anything, until you’ve soaked through the sheets into the mattress

he’s overstimulating you already and he hasn’t gotten to actually fucking you yet

he wants you a mess under him

he wants you to get addicted to his touch

he wants you to not be able to function without him

those are thoughts he has on a regular basis, but they’re amplified so much more when he’s in his boss form

he wants to “preserve” you, so that you’ll never be harmed, or taken away from him…

“please, please, please,” you cry, writhing and squirming desperately as you cum for the umpteenth time, “just, just fuck me already, please,” you push against his hand that has long since been drenched in your arousal, “please, your fingers aren’t enough, hngh…”

“not yet, darling,” aventurine coos in his distorted voice, “not yet. let me play with you, ‘kay?”

he’ll pull his fingers out very, very slowly and watch your expression twist into one of pure agony

you’re arching your back and trying to chase his fingers

he presses your hips back onto the bed, holding you still as he enjoys the sight of your gaping hole

and how you’re completely naked under him, while he’s still fully clothed

he loves the power trip he feels at that moment

he makes sure you can see all the slick on his fingers, and his tongue licks them clean

then he slowly traces your body with his claws, from your cheek all the way down to your inner thighs

if you’re still conscious enough to look, you’ll see the monstrous tent straining against his pants

(if whatever he’s wearing are even pants to begin with)

your hole twitch as you feel yourself getting hungrier and hungrier for him

and he sees that, of course he does

instead of giving you what you want, he’ll keep touching your body

avoiding your hole, though

if you cry, he might change his mind and give you what you want

although chances are he’ll say something like “you’re so hot when you cry” instead of finally gracing you with his cock

he will definitely taunt you and degrade you

“hmm? my darling can’t take it anymore?” he chuckles as his fingers circle your hole that has been clenching around nothing for the past few ten minutes, “look at you, so eager for me… so horny, so dirty…”

when aventurine finally frees his cock, you let out a soft, shaky breath when you realize how much bigger he is in his semi-emanator form. but you’re into that, you’re into everything that he is, anyway.

you try to touch him, obviously, seeing how hard and how much precum is already leaking

no. he won’t let you, not this time

he wants your hole, and only your hole

he grabs your hand and pushes it down

flips you around into doggy while he’s at it

he rubs his tip against you, grinding his hips into yours as he fucks your thighs

you can feel him on your entrance, but he just isn’t slipping in

no matter how much you wriggled around or tried to line him up

“agh, shit, please,” you start, the heat in your stomach slowly becoming unbearable as he teases you with his thick cock, “please, put it in, put it in?”

he does not put it in

until you actually burst out in tears of frustration and pulled your legs apart for him

“f-fuck me already…!” you whine, and he can see how ready you are for him, “please, please, i want you so bad, please, fuck me…”

he loves how pathetic you get when you’re all needy, it feels like you’re really addicted to him

he takes his time enjoying the sight

your hole is so, so, so slick, and he can see your every twitch and spasm

he can’t hold back anymore, you’re just too tempting

“just what i wanted to hear.” he finally grabs you by your hips and slowly pushes his way in

it’s a very, very tight fit even if he’s stretched you with his fingers

he stays still for a bit to let you adjust as he moans breathlessly into your ears

does not help you stay still at all

“mmh,” you sigh and try to move, but damn, it’s such a stretch that it burns a little. still, you’re not going to give up; you’ve been waiting for this for the entire night already, if you wait any more you might lose your mind. “hnngh, you’re so big!” you push against him, fucking yourself on his cock, “ah, ahh, you’re so deep…”

your whimpers are so loud, so shameless! aventurine shudders at the sight of you, on all fours, drooling and crying for him.

his claws dig into your skin as he snaps his hips into yours

you yelp at every movement he makes

you feel like you’re breaking whenever he hits your sensitive spots

which, let’s be honest, is practically wherever he touches

he’s fucking you into the mattress so good, but his hands are also roaming all over your twitching body

which means you get scratches everywhere

he changes positions so that you’re sitting on him, back to his chest

because this way he can rest his head on your shoulders as he abuse your hole

his mask is poking at your shoulder, but he’s trying his best to rest his chin on you instead of his mask

cut him some slack, he’s focused on fucking you silly

he’s looking at you the whole time he’s pounding into you

taking in how your eyes roll back, how your back arches and your toes curl

how, slowly, he’s taking away all your ability to reason and replacing it with his cock

he will lick up your drool and tears

but just his pounding is not enough – you need more stimulation!

you try to touch yourself because he just doesn’t want to touch you the way you want

he will smack your hands away

or interlock his fingers with yours so that you can’t touch yourself

“no touching,” aventurine groans loudly as he slams into you, “i want you to come only on my cock,” he hisses, “only from how good i’m fucking you, hmm?”

though, he sees your teary eyes and your half-open mouth, about to beg.

“aww, can’t take it? then, how about this…” he chuckles darkly, “let’s make a bet, shall we?”

[dyeher]

Warnings: single dad! baji, preschool teacher! reader.

Notes: this one right here could be- I mean- maybe…unedited read at your own risk.

Keisuke is panicking.

He keeps glancing in his rear view mirror at his little girl who’s happily humming along to whatever is playing from her iPad.

She doesn’t seem to share the same bone chilling fear as him. His grip on the steering wheel is tight enough that his knuckles have gone white.

They’re fifteen minutes away from his daughter’s official first day of school and Baji is five seconds away from turning this car around and taking her to work with him.

She giggles in the backseat and Baji swallows a lump of emotion and sighs when it settles in the pit of his stomach like lead.

“You excited princess?”

Her little head bobs, her pigtails (and the giant bows tied around each one) sways with the motion.

“Words Kaori, remember to use your words,” he reminds her.

“Yes daddy,” she replies, eyes falling to her iPad once more.

Baji gulps when the gates to the school come into view. He takes a deep breath and pulls into the driveway. The parking lot isn’t full because he’s twenty minutes early. When he finds a spot however his panic mounts.

This is real. This is happening. His daughter is starting school.

“We’re here!” she squeals when she finally looks up from the screen. She wriggles in her car seat, clearly wanting out.

Baji frowns.

“Daddy!” she insists. “Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Baji wants to cry. “Okay, princess. Okay,” he resigns himself to being miserable for the rest of the day. Perhaps for the rest of his existence. This is where it all starts. With school.

He hoists her out of the car seat and grabs her backpack and lunchbox. Keisuke is extremely proud of the fact that he, Keisuke Baji, despite his questionable past, has raised a daughter on his own.

He’d had to learn to comb and take care of hair other than his own (a lot goes into having healthy hair apparently), accept the color pink (of which there were over fifty shades), pretend tea parties didn’t make him uncomfortable (it’s the chairs), wear glitter make up (glitter can never be cleaned correctly), sing and dance (he’s a performer but only for her) and of course, what self respecting father of a girl hadn’t perfect mani/pedis.

His life had taken a dramatic three sixty when Kaori was born. But there wasn’t a single day since then that he regretted. He loves her more than he can actually put into words.

Which explained why he was on the verge of tears as he fit his arm through the strap of her sparkly, pink backpack and wrapped his hand around her much smaller one.

On the steps leading up to the front doors stood Kaori’s teacher. He’d met you previously when he’d registered Kaori and even then, dressed in jeans and a t shirt you’d been beautiful. His panic subsides a little when you give him a small smile.

“Mr. Baji,” you barely spare him a glance and Baji might have been insulted if not for the way your gaze immediately drops to his daughter. “And you must be little Kaori,” you squat to her level and Baji’s heart stutters. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you! Your daddy has told me so much about you.”

“He has?” Kaori asks, and Baji lifts a brow at her when she turns to him with a skeptical look on her face.

“I have,” Baji replies. “This is your teacher Kaori,” he holds his breath as his daughter eyes you. Kaori Baji isn’t shy. In fact she’s one of the most outspoken kids he’s ever met. It’s easy to know when she dislikes someone or something because she has no problem pointing it out. It’s whether she likes someone or not that’s the real issue.

“Do you like tea parties?” Kaori asks, and Baji knows this is the million dollar question. One wrong answer and today could easily turn into a shit show.

“Oh,” you gush. “I love tea parties! Do you wanna see my tea set?”

Baji blinks, eyes widening when Kaori releases his hand and takes a step toward you. She nods and then as though catching herself she responds. “Yes, please.”

“Fantastic! But you’ll have to say goodbye to daddy,” you say carefully. “Is that okay?”

Baji’s breath leaves him in a pained rush. His panic coming back full force. He purses his lips, eyes glued to Kaori as she considers your request.

She turns to Baji motioning for him to come closer. He squats. “You have to go,” she says, and Baji’s heart shrivels.

“I know princess,” his throat burns, as he pulls the backpack from his shoulder and helps Kaori into it. “Will you be okay without me?”

Kaori gives him a look like she’s offended and Baji might have laughed under different circumstances. She frowns, stepping into his arms when he spreads them for her. Her little arms wrap around his neck tightly. Baji’s eyes close briefly, his heart thundering as he squeezes her. When he opens them he finds your eyes on him.

Kaori steps out of his arms. “I’ll be okay,” she confirms.

Keisuke glances from her to you and then back to her. “Okay,” he presses a kiss to her forehead, and stands. You stand with him and Kaori takes your hand.

“First days are always the hardest,” you comment.

Baji can only smile weakly at you as you guide Kaori deeper into the school. His daughter turns and gives him a short dismissive wave before turning her full attention on you.

Baji stands there long enough that the parking lot starts to fill up.

She’ll be fine he tells himself when he finally forced himself to leave. She’s a big girl he repeats as he forced himself not to think about what could be happening to her now.

It’s only a couple of hours, she’ll be fine.

[pls-hold-me-im-justa-weeb]

Hello love 💗 I hope you’re doing well! Are your requests open? If so I was wondering if I could request how the Strawhats react to you having to sit on their laps. Mostly looking for Zoro’s reaction 😭😭 he’s my currently fixation and I had a dream last night that he let me sit on his lap so I’m just obsessed. But if you plan on doing headcanons then maybe you can include Luffy and Sanji as well? Or whoever else you’d like to write for ☺️.

Perhaps they’re in an awkward/cramped situation and they have nowhere to go other than on his lap. And reader can be in a relationship with him or not yet. That’s up to you :D I hope this makes sense and thank you in advance if you’re able to write this! If not, then no worries ☺️ have a lovely day!

Omg I love this so much. And yes! my requests are currently open! (also I love Zoro too and i'm so jealous of your dream). Thank you for your request :) It ended up not being exactly your request because it ended up being confession scenarios when you're on their lap, and I'm sorry about that and I hope you still enjoy what I wrote. I tried to make it up with the amount I wrote lol.

I made this pretty fluffy, because I wasn't sure you'd be comfortable with anything spicy. Reader/character do end up kissing though. . Also I headcanon that Zoro would be so soft at first with his S/O because he might not have the confidence in emotions like that.

I am so whipped for Ace and I wanted to write him for so long but didn't know how to start so thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to.

Warnings: Small spaces, kissing, confessions, swearing (Ace part - suggestive, angst if you squint)

Monster Trio's + Ace's reaction to their crush confessing while sitting on their laps

Soft!Zoro, Luffy being Luffy idk what to say, Smooth!Sanji, Flirty!Ace

Running from the marines was exhausting, you had to admit. Ducking into alleys, climbing over walls and gates, knocking over crates and barrels, and zig zagging to avoid gunfire was more exercise than you ever wanted in your life. Yet, here you were, running for your life from the marines. Again. You glanced to your side, looking at the cause of the chaos. Even though you had a huge, fat crush on him, that didn't stop him from being a pain in the ass in moments like this. You opened your mouth to scold him, but fresh blasts of gunfire from behind you lead to him looping an arm around your waist and hauling you suddenly to the side, down a skinny alley. It was a dead end- or at least looked like it.

"Now what-" you broke off your hissed annoyance with a quiet yelp of surprise as he yanked you down another smaller alley, hidden around an unnoticeable corner at the end of the previous alley. A small, ornate wooden door was hauled open by your crush's hand before you even noticed it. He shoved the both of you inside and slammed shut the door. You ignored the musty damp smell of your surroundings as you tried to catch your breath in the dark, tiny closet.

You heard boots echo down the first alley you went down. You readied yourself to fight as you heard slow steps approaching the door that was nearly pressed to your nose. You felt your partner in crime shift behind you, readying to fight as well. You held your breath, lungs burning from the effort as a hand on the outside jiggled the handle. You heard the distinct clang of metal breaking. Your heart dropped into your stomach. Did that marine really just break the door? How is that even possible? How the hell can we get out?

You barely registered the marine reporting that he didn't find you two as he walked off. You felt your crush release a breath at the retreat of the Marines.

"He broke the door" you muttered to yourself. You ran your fingers over the door, finding no latch or handle on the inside.

"Why did we have to get locked in a closet on the one island with weird fucking doors? Those damn local craftsmen are too good" you groaned. You heard shuffling behind you, and suddenly a light from a small lantern exposed your surroundings- a tiny forgotten utility closet. You glanced behind you at your crush. He held the lantern up, and looked at the door that was nearly pressing into your nose.

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

Zoro

"I hate you so much right now" you hissed as you let your head thud against the door.

"Not my fault. Now open the door" he said with a shrug you felt on your back. Seething, you glared at him over your shoulder before running your fingers over what could be the latch. As you suspected, it was broken. You weren't getting out of here unless someone came and saved you from the outside. You huffed a sigh.

"I can't. The marine broke it"

"What do you mean the marine broke it? If the door's broken, you should be able to open it!"

"Do I look like an expert in fucking doors? You know this island has incredible craftsmen. It doesn't even have an obvious lock!"

"Don't yell at me, it's not my fault the doors are so weird in this place!"

You took a deep breath. Bickering wouldn't get you anywhere.

"Would you be able to cut through the door?" you asked hopefully. Zoro shook his head.

"If it were just me in here, yeah. But with you here as well, I can't even draw my sword fully without cutting both of us." You nodded, understanding, but disappointed.

"Do you have the baby den-den mushi?"

He nodded, and his chest pressed heavily against you as he rummaged around. You breathed a sigh of relief as he produced it. You quickly called the Sunny, reporting the situation to Robin, who had just gotten back from exploring the town. She said she would send a clone to start looking for you, but it would be best to report it to Luffy. You thanked her, hung up, and called Luffy. You reported the situation, and Zoro had to yell at him to shut up to get him to stop laughing. He hung up with the promise of searching for you, though he didn't ask where you were. Not that you would've been able to tell him when Zoro was leading the way.

You groaned, letting your head thud against the door.

"Tired?" the swordsman asked. You nodded, shifting your legs slightly. They ached from sprinting and dodging bullets, and there was nowhere to sit. Zoro cleared his throat and shifted an overturned bucket behind him with his foot.

"You... you can sit on my lap" he suggested. His face was flushed in the lantern light, and it was unusual for him to stutter over his words. His reaction and his words made your heart skip a beat.

"Uh.. sure" you said shyly. He pulled you to his chest and sat on the bucket. You shifted your legs so your ass was on one of his thick thighs and your thighs draped over his other thigh. He seemed unsure where to put his hands. You snorted, grabbing one and winding it around your back, and guided the other to rest in your lap. You could feel the heat of his flushed face, and could smell the faint sweet freshness of sake and tang of metal. You relaxed into his embrace, leaning your shoulder on his chest and letting yourself imagine for a second that maybe, he liked you too. You felt him shift a little.

"You okay?" you asked. You looked at his face, and he almost looked like he was scowling, lost in thought.

"Yeah... just..." he trailed off. Thinking he was uncomfortable, you went to stand again. His hands tightened on your waist, holding you close. You looked at him questioningly. You almost felt like his heart was being faster against your arm

"Just?" you prodded. He looked away, and swore under his breath.

"Just... this is nicer than I thought it would be" he admitted quietly.

"Yeah, it is"

You both froze at your unconscious agreement. He looked at you, blush still tinging his cheeks red. You babbled on nervously, your face heating.

"I-I-I mean... without being locked in a tiny closet or uh... the weird old smell in here... not that you don't smell good... you do! Like sake and metal and that's hot... I mean hot like... people could be attracted to it! Heh. I mean you're really attractive and a great man so you could get anyone you wanted... but yeah I guess sitting on your lap is nice? Not in a sexual way though... just being close to you... right? Being close to people you like is gr-"

You were cut off by heavily calloused fingers guiding your chin so slightly chapped lips could close over yours. It took you a moment to be able to relax into the kiss, letting him set the pace and guide your movements. Eventually, once air became a necessity, you broke apart.

"I like you too" he said gruffly, as if the words had never left his lips before. You stared at him, meeting his serious gaze.

"Be mine." It was a demand and a question.

You nodded, so incredibly glad you ended up locked in a forgotten, tiny room with him, sitting on his lap, and sharing kisses and jokes.

Or at least, until Luffy managed to bust down the door with his sandaled foot. Zoro protected your body with his own, easily flipping you so you were under him.

"Luffy! Be fucking careful!" Zoro snapped at his captain. Luffy waved him off, questioning you about whether or not you were hungry. You giggled, nodding. As the three of you walked back to the Sunny, Luffy noticed something strange.

"Hey, Zoro. How come you said you couldn't get out? You easily could've broken that door down with your bare hands."

Zoro's responding blush had you snorting and giggling, and he playfully gently shoved you away.

"Shut up Luffy!"

"Huuuhh? What did I do? You could've easily broke it down!"

You broke into loud laughter at this, responding before your new boyfriend combusted from embarrassment.

"He wanted to spend extra time with me, Luffy"

"OH! I didn't know you two were such good friends!"

"We're more than friends now. He's my boyfriend" you announced. Luffy stopped and blinked at the two of you before a wide grin split his face.

"Okay! If you're with him all the time maybe he won't get lost as much. Now lets go! I'm hungry!"

You grabbed Zoro's hand and chased after the captain's sprinting figure, a grin plastered on your face.

Luffy

"Are you going to open the door?" Luffy asked. You let your head thud against the wood.

"I can't. The marine broke it." you replied despondently. You heard Luffy hum.

"Lemme try!"

You felt his stretchy arms slither beside you. He felt around on the door, but suddenly slumped forward against your back.

"What's wrong?!"

"Sea prism stone" he slurred, head tucked on your shoulder. Your heart thudded as you felt his breath whisper on your neck, but dragged your focus back to the issue.

"Sea prism stone?! In a door to a storage room?!"

You felt him nodding against your back. You sighed. Damn it.

"Okay. Sit down. Let me see if I can take a better look at it"

You helped him slide off your back, ignoring the electrifying feeling of his skin against yours. I really have it bad for this man. He clumsily sat down on an overturned bucket behind him, but his knees knocked into the back of yours, sending you falling backwards onto his lap. His arms wrapped around your waist, catching you against his chest.

You froze at the contact. You could feel the heat of his bare chest and stomach through your shirt, and you really wanted to blame that on the heat that flooded to your cheeks. But you knew better.

"S-sorry" you stuttered out. You felt Luffy shrug behind you before holding you closer.

"It's fine. Now we get to cuddle!"

You giggled nervously.

"You cuddle with everyone on the crew?" you asked lightly, turning your attention back to the door in front of you. The space was so small that your shoulder was still resting against the captain as your fingers brushed over the door when your arm was held out in front of you.

"Not really, I mean I'll hug them, but I like you so I want to cuddle with you."

Your gaze snapped back to the captain, who was already looking at you with a soft smile. You couldn't believe it, so you tried again.

"You like the rest of our crew though" you said softly.

"Yeah, but not like I like you. I feel funny when you're around. Like my stomach drops like I'm falling when you touch me, or laugh at my jokes. I want to hold you and kiss you, if you'll let me".

You blinked at him, a happy smile curving your lips.

"I'll let you do that, Luffy. I like you more tha-"

He cut you off with a sudden bruising kiss. It was a messy clash of lips and tongues and teeth. It was too wet and messy. But it was perfect, because it was Luffy. He was messy and chaotic, but at the same time, a ball of calm sunshine. He broke the kiss, breath quickened.

"This means you're mine now" he murmured, running his hand over your hair. You smiled.

"It also mean that you're mine" you parroted teasingly. He grinned at you, chuckling. You pressed a palm against the side of his face, thumb brushing gently over the scar under his eye.

"But that doesn't solve how we're going to get out of here" you muttered. He hummed.

"Let's call the Sunny, see who can come get us" he said, producing the baby den-den mushi after some rummaging and shifting.

The two of you called, and Sanji picked up. Luffy reported the general situation, and you filled in important details.

"Oh! Also, the two of us are dating now!" Luffy proudly proclaimed. You lightly smacked him upside the head.

"Ask me before telling everyone that!" you chided. Sanji started nagging him too about asking your partner before doing some things. Luffy sulked, and you couldn't stand those puppy dog eyes. You sighed.

"Fine, fine. You can tell the crew".

His answering grin made you blush and giggle. Sanji sighed at the captain's antics, but offered his sincere congratulations, muttering something about how it was damn time. Bringing the conversation back to the issue at hand, he promised to call Robin to help search for you, but he didn't know how long it would take. He was watching the ship while the others went out, but he would notify them as well. You were about to thank him when you were interrupted.

"Oi. Curly Brow. Is that you?" came a deep voice through the door. Your new boyfriend perked up.

"Ooohh! Zoroooo!! You found us!"

"Luffy?!"

"Zoro! We're locked in! Can you cut the door open? There's not much room in here, so be careful! Oh and there's sea prism stone somewhere in the door" you called. Sanji sighed on the den-den mushi, grumbling about how Zoro's ability to get lost finally came in handy for once. You thanked Sanji and quickly hung up. With a warning to stay back, Zoro sliced easily through the door.

"How in the hell did you get stuck in there?" the swordsman demanded. Luffy poked his head over your shoulder, grinning.

"We were chased by marines and then one of them accidentally broke the door, but the inside of the door had sea prism stone or somethin'" he recounted.

"What the hell kind of door is that?"

You shrugged, stretching upwards as you freed yourself from the cramped space.

"I dunno. It was stupid. But at least I got to confess and we kissed!" Luffy added on excitedly. Your face heated with a blush, and you hid a grin. Zoro laughed, smacking your new boyfriend on his shoulder.

"See? I told you just to do it!"

"You knew?!" you exclaimed. Zoro smirked at you.

"Everyone but you knew. He's not exactly subtle."

You groaned, shoving your face in your hands. Apparently, you had some things to catch up on.

Sanji

He looked at you, his visible blue eye shining with regret.

"I'm sorry I handled you so rough back there" he muttered, breath whispering against your cheek. You swore you saw tears of regret brimming in his eyes. Your heart skipped a beat.

"Hey hey, it's okay. You saved me from the marines. I probably would've gotten shot and captured if you hadn't done that" you soothed. He scowled at the idea of you getting captured. You smiled at him, hoping the dim light didn't expose your darkened cheeks.

"C'mon. See if you can get this door open. I didn't have any luck" you muttered. You shifted to the side, trying to get him to pass by you, but the space was too small. You ended up chest to chest. Warmth bled through his buttoned shirt, jacket left unbuttoned for once. You cleared your throat, sure you were going to combust from embarrassment. You smelled the cloying smoky sweetness from his preferred cigarettes, the fresh scent of his cologne, and hints of what he cooked for breakfast. You looked to the back of the closet, away from his gaze, willing your heart to stop beating so fast against his obviously chiseled chest.

"S-sorry. Can you get it like this?" you muttered. The vibration of his considering hum echoed through your chest. Were you breathing? Oh god why did he smell so good? He's so warm.

"My fingers may be skilled, but I can't get it. The only way to open the door now would be to break it down from the outside, seeing as there's no room for me to kick it open"

Your face was flaming, and you stopped listening after the first sentence. You'd dreamed about what those fingers could do, and he just unknowingly admitted to it.

"Are you okay? You feel warm" he said, raising the hand opposite the door to your forehead. You squeaked at the touch.

"If you're claustrophobic, I'm sure I can find some way out of here quickly."

"No, that's not it" you admitted quietly.

"No? Look at me" he said. He sounded worried. You held back an embarrassed groan and tilted your head to look at him.

"What's wrong? Did you get hit? Are you in pain? Those damn marines-"

"Sanji. I'm fine" you finally interrupted. You felt the hand he used to feel your forehead nudged your shoulder slightly so you could stand in front of him again. You followed the silent request, and he kept you facing him. You let his gaze roam over your form, resolutely looking away towards the door over your shoulder as if you were studying the mechanism.

"You're not bleeding" he observed. You snorted.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little tired" you said with a small smile, finally gaining the confidence to look back at his face. His worry disappeared with a relieved smile.

"Sit on my lap then. There's a bucket I can sit on behind me" he suggested. His cheeks became rosy, but you brushed off the reaction. It would be a cold day in hell before you passed up such an opportunity, so you nodded shyly. He wrapped you in his arms and spun you around, guiding you in what felt like a short dance as he took a seat. You shifted until you were comfortable on his lap. His legs were pure, solid muscle, you noticed quite happily.

"Better? We did run quite far from the marines." His breath tickled your ear, and you nearly choked on your spit at the intimacy of the position.

"Y-y-yeah"

"Your heart is still pounding and your face is red. You sure you're okay?"

This time you let out a groan, and his arms tightened around you.

"I'm fine, Sanji! I just have feelings!" you blurted. You slapped a hand over your mouth immediately.

"Feelings?" he echoed. Oh no why did I say that? He doesn't feel that way about me. Just look how he is with Nami and Robin!

"Romantic feelings? For me?" he asked. You were too focused on your internal panic to register the shocked excitement in his voice. You groaned, hiding your face in your hands as you nodded. Too late to back out now. One of his hands gently removed yours and tilted your chin so you were looking at him.

"Mon amour. I'm yours for as long as you'll have me. How can I say no to perfection, to the one I've loved since I first saw you?"

"...what?" you squeaked. This was insane. He... He liked you... like that? Like you liked him? Loved you? He smiled broadly at you, his cheeks tinging pink.

"I wish you had let me confess in a more romantic setting, but anywhere with you is paradise"

That was all the confirmation you needed. You slowly leaned towards him, your gaze flicking between his lips and his visible eye. He looked surprised, but met you halfway. He let you guide the pace, keeping the kiss chaste and loving. You broke away eventually, needing air. Your eyes slipped back open.

"Sanji. Your nose is bleeding."

"Ahn~~~ I just can't help it! You're so amazing!"

You giggled. This was the Sanji you knew - hearts in his eyes and his fawning words. You hugged him, planting a kiss on his cheek. He swooned.

"So... maybe, do you want to go on a date later?" you asked in his ear. His nose bled more, and you started laughing.

"I'll take that as a yes. Now give me the baby den-den mushi so I can call the Sunny so someone can come get us out of here. I'm getting kind of hungry."

That snapped him back to his senses.

"You're hungry? My love, I will make you only the best food!"

"Thanks babe but we need to get out of here first"

"Of course! Anything for you! Hold onto my neck" he instructed, holding your body bridal style. He stood, and your arms wrapped around his neck. You felt his balance shift, before a vicious kick to the door sent it flying off its hinges and crashing into the far wall of the slim alley.

You looked at the door in shock before looking at him. He shrugged, a blush coloring his cheeks.

"It was a good excuse to spend time with you"

You laughed loudly, hiding your face in his chest.

"Lets go back to the Sunny, lover boy" you teased. He looked like he was desperately concentrating on not getting a nose bleed, and managed to smirk at you instead.

"Of course, my love"

Ace (slightly suggestive, angst if you squint)

"You have got to be fucking kidding me" you hissed, letting your head thud against the door.

"In my defense, he left his plate unsupervised"

"It was a REAR ADMIRAL! You and your stupid shirtless torso got us in trouble AGAIN!"

"Hey! I'm proud to wear the old man's jolly roger!"

"I am too, Ace! But sometimes we need to be subtle around Marines!"

Ace sighed heavily.

"You like that I'm shirtless though" he teased. You stubbornly kept your gaze on the door, fiddling with the broken mechanism as your blush ran wild.

"Shut up and see if you can open the damn door" you muttered. He reached around your waist, but immediately retracted his fingers once he brushed against it.

"Sea prism stone" he hissed. You thudded your forehead harshly against the door. Why the hell is sea prism stone in a storage room door??

"Once we get out of here, you're fucking dead" you hissed.

"I'd prefer if I was just fucking" he joked. You glared at him, reigning in your indecent thoughts. You sighed heavily.

"Yeah, well, me too. Now call for help on the baby den-den mushi. Hopefully someone can find us before you get too hungry again" you ordered. He quickly dug it out and reported the situation, along with a rough set of directions. You turned to face him, studying him. You knew now why he was the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates- he quickly could take stock of a situation, plan, and escape or fight. He recognized his surroundings and could communicate them to others, but was also incredibly strong and a great fighter. You didn't realize you were staring until he met your gaze after ending the call.

"What? Like what you see?" he said with a smirk. You shrugged.

"I think there's a lot to you that you don't show people. You're lighthearted and funny, but you have a lot of... hmmm... depth? Yeah. I was completely lost following you around, but you got the general location, and reported all the necessary details, including the sea prism stone. You're kinda impressive"

He blinked at you, a blush tinging his tanned cheeks red as you talked, and a humble smile curving his lips.

"Thanks. I guess" he mumbled. You nodded. He shuffled his feet a little, and jolted when his boot kicked an overturned bucket. He ran a hand through his black hair.

"Mind if I sit down?" he asked. You shook your head, knowing he could fall asleep at any given moment, and you really didn't want him to fall on you. He took a seat on the bucket, but his knees knocked into yours, and you pitched forward with a small yelp. Warm hands caught you easily around your waist.

"Whoops" he said, grinning. Your breath hitched. The two of you were nearly nose to nose... if you just...

"Looks like you'll have to sit in my lap." He maneuvered your body so you were sitting sideways in his lap, his knees spread so you were balanced perfectly.

"T-thanks" you stuttered. He hummed an affirmative.

"Ace?"

He looked at you, a smile playing at his lips.

"I... I understand why you're the second division commander. And... I'm happy you are"

He tilted his head curiously.

"Where's this coming from?"

"I... I dunno. I just feel like you need to hear it sometimes."

You felt him stiffen at your words before he relaxed with a chuckle and held you closer in a hug.

"'s why I like you, ya know"

Your heart thudded, and your breath hitched. For a second, it sounded like he was saying he liked you. Romantically. But you shook your head. The two of you were friends, and that's probably all he would see you as.

"You like a lot of people" you said, shrugging as if your own words didn't make your heart clench with loneliness.

"Sure. But..." he sighed, and you could feel tension seeping into his body again. He felt warmer, as if he was trying not to catch on fire.

"I don't like them the same way I like you..." he muttered quietly. He started nervously babbling as you stared at him, incredulous.

"I know you won't ever see me the same way, but for our friendship, you know... it's only fair that I tell you so I can get over these feelings. But god. Fuck. You're just so... amazing. Strong. You make me laugh, and make me fucking weak. I love you, more than a friend. I'm made of fire but damn if you don't ignite something in me. I love you in a way I've never experienced before and it's so scary because I know there's no hope but-"

You cut him off with a hand tilting his head towards you, and swiftly covering his lips with yours. He tasted like the smell of heat, his lips were chapped, and he didn't kiss you back. But you knew why. You pulled back with a smirk, sliding your hand back to tangle your fingers in his black locks. You couldn't help the giggle at his blank, shocked expression.

"Kiss me back, firefly. I love you too."

This time, at the pull of your hand, he met you halfway. He took control of the kiss, kissing you desperately like he was making up for lost time. His large, warm hand cradled your jaw. You broke the kiss eventually when you started laughing giddily. He started peppering tiny kisses all over your face and down your neck.

"Remember earlier how I said you'd be fucking dead once we got out of here?"

"Mmmhmm"

"Do you remember what you said in reply?"

"...huh? Oh. Yeah"

"Well, once we get out of here, you can show me what you can do, cowboy"

He gazed at you, eyes wide with wonder. Without another word, he picked you up bridal style, and launched a vicious kick at the door. It went flying into the far side of the wall of the alley, and he staggered a little from the sea prism stone, but quickly darted out of the closet. He quickly put you down and then picked you up so you were on his back. He sprinted past part of the crew that was obviously on their way to find you, shouting quickly over his shoulder that you were both fine now.

You could only wave and laugh at their bewildered looks as he carried you away.

[imsosleepyofyourbull]

AU where Tachihara is de-aged before the Hunting Dog reveal and everyone in the PM expects to be dealing with a rowdy little boy only to be met with one the quietest and most skittish kids ever. He only speaks when they approach him first, and spends the rest of his time staring at the ground or playing with his hands. Maybe he’s clutching his older brother’s dog tag in them, wondering if his parents are going to come pick him up or leave him there.

Maybe he’s not old enough to know who Yosano is and lights up when he sees her for the first time because “my brother made that hairpin, right?”

Maybe he does know, and the violent reaction he gives is the most emotive they ever get to see him for however long he stays that young.

Part of me wants him to not understand that he’s currently in the future, and hearing everyone talk about the “older Tachihara” just makes him fold in on himself as if trying to become smaller. He can’t fathom the idea that so many people would know and care about him enough to be so stressed out when he suddenly changes, so he just assumes that they’re actually talking about Shunzen or something. The other part of me wants him to end this de-aging experience comforted by the fact that he might not feel good enough in the moment, but that he’ll grow up better than he thinks he will.

There’s just so much potential in this kind of development with a character like Tachihara, who seemed so clean cut and simple and yet turned out to be one of the most intentionally secretive characters in the series.

[goosewriting]

One last chance III

summary: third and final part to one last chance! the long awaited reunion :3 

relationship: Rise!Leo x gn!reader

warnings: mentions of blood

word count: 3.1k

A/N: at long last, here it is! since there’s a bunch of hopping between worlds, i added clarifications for when the story changes into another timeline (NY: new york aka main timeline / KR: krangpocalypse timeline / TR: triceraton world). that way you can differentiate if there’s an actual change of place or if it’s just a time skip! i really hope you like it :’) 

Navigation: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (you’re here!)

(english is not my first language. constructive criticism and grammar corrections are very appreciated!)

— — — 

The very next day, Leo and you gathered the other turtle brothers and Casey at the dinner table to tell them your plan. Mikey would have to open two more portals; one to get the older Leo from Casey’s timeline, and one portal to go place him in the Triceraton world with the other older you. 

You two watched as everyone processed your words, displaying different emotions in their faces. Your gaze fell on Mikey, who furrowed is brows, fidgeting with his fingers.

“I don’t know if I have it in me,” the youngest turtle admitted. Raph placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“It does sound dangerous,” the eldest said.

“I don’t even know how to find those dimensions again,” Mikey added.

“Just do the same thing you were doing last time,” you offered. “What were you thinking about when Leo fell through?”

Mikey scratched his chin as he thought it over.

“I don’t know, dino nuggets?”

“Makes sense,” Leo said with a serious nod. You playfully rolled your eyes.

“How will you find my timeline, though?” asked Casey. 

“With you, actually,” Donnie chimed in, bringing his hands in front of him with touching fingertips. “Your quantum signature should be unique enough to pinpoint it. I’ll build something to amplify Mikey’s powers.” 

“Sounds like we have a plan, then,” Leo concluded, placing his hands on the table and standing up. “Let’s get started.”

– – –

Mikey trained with smaller things first, making portals from one room to the other, and catching things mid-air and safely placing them on the ground. Meanwhile, you and Leo prepared a place where older Leo could stay. One portal already took a lot of effort; you didn’t really want to overexert Mikey and have him make two big ones, one right after the other. Also, future Leo might be hurt, so Raph helped you gather supplies for a little first aid kit as well.

The night before the big day, when Mikey would open the first portal, you were way too excited to sleep. You looked over at Leo, both of you in his bed, and it seemed he wasn’t feeling much differently, nervously tapping his fingers on his chest.

“It’s gonna work, right?” he asked in a low voice. 

“I think so, yeah,” you replied genuinely.

“Do you think I- he’ll be… mad?” You propped yourself up on your elbow at his question.

“You’re asking me? Shouldn’t you know better than anyone?” 

“Iunno,” he mumbled, and you gave him a sympathetic smile. 

“Well... If everyone you knew were gone, and you had the chance to spend more time with them, even if they’re technically a different version from another dimension, wouldn’t you want to see them?”

He thought it over for a moment. 

“I think so, yeah,” he replied.

“I know I’d want it too.”

For a moment, you two just looked at each other in the dim light of his room, then a giggle escaped you.

“What?” he asked with a suspicious smile. You sighed, lying back down properly and cuddling into his side.

“It’s like a tragic love story. Two star crossed lovers, promising to find each other in any universe.”

Leo took your hand, giving it a squeeze.

“I’d look for you in every universe,” he whispered. You hid face in the pillow with a groan.

“You’re so corny,” you laughed.

“And you love me for it.”

“Hmm, I do,” you said, stretching your neck to place a kiss on his cheek, then went back to getting comfortable.

Finally feeling a little more at ease, sleep slowly started to take over.

“I just hope he’s… still there,” Leo said so lowly you almost missed it. “The way Casey described the future, it was super bleak. I hope nothing happened to–”

“Shush,” you interrupted him, hugging his torso to reassure him. “It will work, I know it.”

“Hmm, yeah. It’ll work.”

With that, you both drifted off to sleep.

– – – [NY]

Donnie had built a hollow box of sorts, big enough to stand in it, with two wires coming out of either side. He put it on the floor, told Casey to step into it, and he activated it with his own nimpo, one wire connecting to Mikey, one to Donnie. The rest of you held onto Mikey’s arms like last time.

“It’s go time,” Donnie said with a wicked smile of sorts as the device started glowing.

– – – [KR]

Leo tried to hold back a pained groan between his pants. He looked at his leg; that’s a lot of blood. That krangified creature had got him good.

He tried getting back to his feet, but his leg gave out under him, and he was back on the ground, leaning onto the broken pieces of what used to be a building, sticking out from the dark sand that had taken over everything, transforming the urban landscape into a wasteland.

This is it, he thought, and bitterly smiled to himself. I’ve had a good run. Wish I had done some things differently, but…

Images of you flooded his mind, his brothers, Splinter, April, Casey… Ah, he really hoped the boy made it.

A  growling noise tore him out of his thoughts, and he saw the creature that had got him in this situation in the first place, approaching him slowly, about to pounce. With a deep exhale, Leo accepted his fate, finding no more fight left in him. He looked at the handle of his sword, now donning three coloured bands.

“Just get it over with!” he called out to the creature. Just as it was crouching down to build up its energy to jump, there was an all too familiar sizzling sound between him and the creature. 

Leo tiredly opened his eyes, and his brows rose in disbelief at what he was seeing. It was one of Mikey’s portals, moving towards him.

“What the—”

He got swept through the portal like a fish getting caught by a landing net. Gone was the coarse sand under him, replaced by something soft and warm and inviting. In front of him, figures he fully believed he’d never get to see again: his brothers, all alive; his younger self, looking at him with the same shock; Casey, and… you.

Mikey collapsed on the ground with a grunt. Raph picked him up and Donnie took them to his lab. Casey stepped out from his little box, which had deactivated the moment the portal disappeared.

“M-master Leonardo?” the boy asked in a mix of disbelief, surprise, and happiness. 

“Casey Junior,” the older Leo greeted him with a tired grin. “You made it.”

“Found the key, stopped the Krang,” Casey replied with the instructions his master had made him repeat back then. As his eyes started welling up with tears, Casey ran up to Leo and hugged him, which earned a groan of pain from the older turtle, but it turned into a chuckle. He hugged him back to the best of his abilities.

That’s when you noticed the turtle’s leg.

“O-oh my goodness, that looks very much not good,” you exclaimed, pointing at the wound covered in blood and debris.

“Yeesh,” younger Leo cringed after following your eyes.

You got to work cleaning up his wounds, disinfecting, and bandaging everything up. Older Leo was too exhausted to protest.

As the three of you were cleaning the grime off of hte turtle with a wet rag, you came to his right shoulder, and what you had thought was a giant glove, slid off slightly. So you took it off to be able to clean him better, except that instead of sliding the garment off his arm, the whole thing came off, leaving only a stubble reaching to just above where his elbow would be. Leo audibly gasped behind you.

“I- you- what happened to your arm?” Leo asked, turning to the boy on the patient’s other side. “Casey, you didn’t tell me I lost a whole arm!”

“There’s a lot I didn’t tell you, and it was for a reason–”

“Guys,” the older turtle interrupted.

Everyone got their attention back to the man on the pile of blankets.

“As much as I’m glad that you’re all okay, what am I doing here?” he questioned, his eyes jumping from Casey, to Leo, to you. 

“Don’t worry about it, just rest up,” Casey instructed.

“Yeah, we have a plan,” you added with a smile. “Just… get your energy back. We’ll explain everything later.”

He was too tired to argue, so he just let himself drift off into the welcoming embrace of sleep, and with a deep exhale, he passed out on the spot.

“Casey, stay with him,” you told the boy. “We’ll check on Mikey.” 

With a nod you instructed Leo to follow you, and you went to the lab, where you found Mikey on a makeshift cot. He was fine, also napping. Donnie assured you he just needed some rest. 

You all took turns for the next several hours to watch over the two; you caught pieces of conversations here and there, depending on whether older Leo was awake and whose turn it was to keep him company. But you tried not to eavesdrop, as you were sure he was telling them important but personal things. The one you were very curious about was the conversation older Leo had with Splinter. It seemed to be very emotional, but you kept your distance to give them some privacy. The boys’ father retired to his room for most of the day after they talked.

When it was your turn to take care of Leo, you brought some food and a change of bandages for his legs. 

“No one’s told me yet what’s going on,” he said after you handed him his food. “They told me it was your idea?”

You were kneeling next to him, and squirmed a little in your seat. 

“Are you sure you want to know now?” you asked, your gaze falling to your lap. “Don’t you want to recover a little more? You’re still in pretty rough shape–”

Leo interrupted you by calling your name. Your eyes darted back up to him and he raised a brow at you as he took a bite of the sandwich. You smiled to yourself. Some things really never change; that’s the same look young Leo would have given you in this situation.

With a sigh of defeat, you told him how after you had had your encounter in the alleyway, your timeline’s Leo had a similar one with an alternate older version of yourself, in a world where a different alien species had invaded Earth, but they were at peace now. Their Leo had died in the process, though.

“So,” you concluded after your retelling. “Leo and I, I mean my Leo, I mean…” You couldn’t help the heat creeping up to your cheeks, and the turtle gave you a knowing smirk. “Me and this world’s Leo; we thought we could help you guys out. You were left alone in a world that had no hope of being saved. And my other self is in a world worth living in, but is missing you. So, you know. 1+1=2 and here you are.”

Older Leo seemed genuinely surprised by your words. Whatever it was he had expected, this was not it. 

“I mean, you’re also free to stay here if you want to,” you offered, pointing over your shoulder. “There’s already Casey, so… I’m sure he’d like it if you stayed.”

“No can do,” Leo said with a sad smile, and you frowned. “I don’t really like the idea of playing with the timelines; my Donnie would have been vehemently against it.” He smiled nostalgically as he looked to the side for a second, then brought his attention back to you. “But in the end, he probably would have come to a similar conclusion. It’s obvious I’m not gonna ask you to bring me back to my timeline…. You were right on time, you know? A moment later and I would have been a goner.”

You gave him a worried look, but he dismissed it with a gesture of his hand.

“But,” he continued. “This isn’t my place to stay, either. I’ll take you up on your offer.” You perked up at that. “A different world at peace sounds pretty nice right about now.”

“From what Leo told me, everyone else seems to be alive there, you know,” you told him as you took out a fresh roll of gauzes from the supply box. “Raph, Mikey and Donnie. I’m sure they all miss you.”

Leo smiled, taking another bite of his sandwich as you started working on his leg. 

“And I miss them.”

“And I know it’s not the same because you won’t have the same memories and stuff–”

“Hey. It’s okay,” he calmed your doubts, holding your hand. “I appreciate it. Thank you.”

You merely gave him a nod, your heart racing at the gesture. His hand was so big, his whole presence made you feel so safe; you couldn’t wait to see your Leo keep growing and become the man you had in front of you now.

Not long after, when Mikey started feeling better, you all started preparing Leo’s departure.

– – – [TR]

You were taking your evening stroll through the park as you’d usually do. It had been raining all day though, and the cool wind seemed to make the droplets seep further into your clothes. As per usual, your feet brought you to the memorial statue by themselves, like they always did when you were lost in thought. 

Your grip tightened around your umbrella. It’s been so many years. Maybe it was time to finally let go. This grief was getting you nowhere. Leo wouldn’t want you to waste away like this just because he wasn’t there.

Standing in front of the statue, you let your eyes wander over it, looking at all the little details, discovering some new cracks in the rock. You did your best to keep it clean and all, but time, wind and rain seemed to chip away at it, no matter your efforts. Kind of like you felt, too, you concluded with a defeated sigh. 

Bringing your gaze back to the turtle’s heroic face expression, you tilted your head lightly. Just what were you supposed to do now?

– – – [NY]

Everyone got into position just like for the other portal, but you stayed back this time. You were facing away from where the yellow ring of light would open, as you didn’t want to see your older self.

“You sure you don’t want to see?” Leo asked. “The dinos looked pretty cool?” You chuckled.

“Nah, it’s okay,” you answered, looking up at him with a smile. “I don’t need to see other worlds, I have everything I need right here.”

You placed a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. The turtle wasn’t able to reciprocate, but blushed as he spotted his older self a couple of steps away, giving him a thumbs up. 

– – – [TR]

You took one last look at the statue, some droplets hitting your face in the wind, which was starting to pick up. Just as you meant to turn around to leave, you heard some zaps behind you.

Just like last time, a flurry of yellow lights materialised out of nowhere over the gravel path of the park, expanding and clearing up until you could see through it. Young Leo hopped into your world, calling out to you with relief, as it meant he didn’t have to go look for you.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” he said as he jogged the short distance to where you stood.

“Wha- You’re back?” You were shocked to your bones, as you really thought you would never get to see any Leo ever again. “Why? How?”

“Doesn’t matter, I won’t be long either,” Leo informed you, taking your hand that you had stretched out to him. “I just came to say hi and bring you a gift.”

He let go and stepped aside. From behind him, another figure stepped through the portal. Your hand came to your mouth as you gasped, your umbrella dropping to the ground. 

Mikey groaned from the effort, the glowing yellow cracks expanding further over his arms.

“Hurry it up, guys!” Raph called from the other side of the portal. “Mikey can’t hold it open much longer!”

Turning to you, younger Leo held your hands one last time, and you dragged your eyes from one blue clad turtle to the younger one. 

“Give him the happy ending you both deserved, alright?” he asked, and giving you and older Leo one last hug, he hurried back to the portal, which started becoming more unstable by the second, the zaps threatening to collapse any moment now.

And not a second too soon, younger Leo left the scene, the portal closing right behind him with a loud crackle. 

Leo and you were left alone in the rain, looking at each other and just taking each other in.

“Hey,” Leo spoke first, taking a couple of steps in your direction.

“... Hi,“ you greeted him, your voice almost inaudible, as you looked him up and down repeatedly in disbelief. 

“The kids had a crazy idea and… it worked.”

You let out a shuddering breath, looking at your hands, opening and closing them in an attempt to ground yourself. 

“What timeline are you from?” you finally asked. Leo had to take a moment to think how to even answer that.

“The bad ending, I guess?” he settled on. “One where the world ended. I lost everything.”

He looked up at the statue of himself and smiled.

“This one didn’t lose an arm though, huh.” 

His attempt at lightening the mood was short-lived, as the small smile that had formed on your face disappeared just as quickly.

“No, but he lost everything, too,” you said, your hands clenching into fists as you dragged your eyes back up to meet his warm ones.

“You think I can fill the vacant spot he left open for this world’s coolest Leonardo?”

You couldn’t help but snort this time. 

“Yeah,” you offered, relaxing visibly. “I think he’d be okay with that.”

Leo finally approached you, carefully stroking over your cheek with the back of his hand, and you leaned into the touch. The rain hitting your face mixed with your tears.

“Okaerinasai,” you welcomed him back home as you placed your hand over his. He leaned down to touch his forehead to yours.

“Tadaima.”

— — —

Bonus:

“You think they’ll be okay?” you asked Leo after the portal closed.

“You said it yourself,” he said, placing his arm over your shoulder. “Star crossed lovers: they’ll always find back to each other because they belong together.”

~~~~~

🐥 taglist: [link to join in my pinned post!] @theoriginalmintyyyshake, @DyByNyght, @Lieutenantlashfaz, @galaxtic-writings, @Lovestruckfictionadict, @salty-s-r, @sleebykei, @miso-sopas, @duckanon, @wings-of-sapphire, @ashtheboookworm2, @xxnoxx, @crystal-crax, @lunaramune

also tagging the people in the comments in the second part who wanted to see a reunion! feel free to ignore 🙈

@koalaray, @catr4dora, @mialettt, @flowerloves, @franbowidk, @warrior-girl, @nessarolla-in-constant-flux, @crystal-crax, @kitkattzz

[pursuedbyamemoryy]

ೃ༄ willow 🍂

about : being in a relationship w charlie head canon dump!!

warnings : gn!reader, i go on for a while LOLLL

author’s note : he has been plaguing my mind, i have so many thoughts about him RAAAAAAGHHH somebody sedate me. ALSOOO i was listening to willow by taylor swift while writing this ( hence the title ) that song is sooo charlie

- no matter how long y’all have been together, he’ll always be flirty with you. he’ll compliment you all the time. they’re always genuine though, no matter how dirty they may be sometimes ;)

- he loves you and he’ll make sure you know it!!

- i like to think he’s clingy with you. like secretly. if you’re cuddling he will not let you get up. or at least will be very reluctant to let you go

- especiallyyyy when he’s tired. if y’all are napping together and you need to get up for any reason it’s going to be very difficult to get out of his grasp

- he will definitely ask to cuddle for “five more minutes” with you in the morning

- that five minutes often turns into twenty. or even longer when he’s especially tired

- i love the thought of you comforting charlie sosososoos much. him letting himself be vulnerable around you because he trusts you sm <33

- he always acts confident and outgoing around others, but he’s just a boy, he has his moments too

- he does his best to comfort you when you’re upset, although he isn’t always sure how to and just ends up distracting you, but in a good way. he gets your thoughts off of whatever is bothering you

- if you return the favor he’ll appreciate you more than anything. he rarely lets people see the real side of him. he’s vulnerable around you because he loves you so much

- you’re the one person he feels like he can be himself around. his true self

- he drops the nuwanda act when he’s alone with you. he’s still confident and outspoken, but he has his moments where he’s softer, quieter.

- it takes him some time to get to the point where he’s comfortable being vulnerable around you, but once he is, you’ll be his person, you know?

- when you don’t make fun of him for being more emotional with you, he knows he can trust you

- that doesn’t mean he won’t play the nuwanda act around you because he definitely will, especially when he’s around his friends or others

- he’s biiiiig on pda. he loves it, or more specifically, loves you. you’re his and he’s yours and he wants the world to know

- he always has a hand on you. either holding your own, on your waist, thigh, shoulder, or wherever, he just likes touching you in some way

- will kiss you in public, anywhere, anytime, no problem. hugs too, of course

- only if you’re okay with it though!! if you don’t like pda he’ll try his best to tone it down a bit <33

- he’ll opt for holding your hand under the table or having his leg or shoulder touch yours while you sit together. smaller touches that still mean the world to him

- hand in your back pocket while you’re walking together. that’s it, that’s the thought

- he’s a big kisser. i just think he loves kissing

- his favorite place to kiss you is on the lips, but he also loves kissing your forehead, cheeks, neck, and hands

- he likes it when you kiss his nose and lips

- plays the saxophone for you!!!

- he’ll learn any song you request, and will compose original ones for you

- he’ll invite you to dead poets meetings in the cave, and he gets excited when you agree to go

- writes poems for you of course!!! they’ll range from silly flirty ones to sickly sweet love confessions

- if you ever write poetry for him he’ll keep every piece of it. he’ll hide it away somewhere and he definitely rereads them often

- he’s definitely stubborn

- once you start dating you’re his designated study buddy whether you like it or not

- he looooves joking around with you, and if you’re okay with it he’ll love play fighting

- he’s just so boyfriend AUHGHHHFHDHD

[unofficial-writing]

Promise

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Maybe the tiniest ounce of angst, so much fluff I’m sick

Summary: After the battle you two stumble upon the mirror of Erised and now’s a good time as any to propose.

Word count: 856, short and sweet

༺═────────────═༻

You stood back by the doorway, gazing out the slim hole in the stone. Dirt and blood painted your face, likely covering smaller wounds that hadn’t been tended to yet. Even with your current appearance, Fred was completely taken by you.

His lips turned into a smile, allowing his eyes to move drift away from his girl to scan the room. “As surprising as it is, I’ve never been here before.” He announced, his green eyes landing on the object in the center of the room. A tall golden mirror. It shined as if it were new, yet had a weathered look to it at the same time.

“I haven’t either.” You responded, turning on your heels to catch up with Fred, who moved around to the front of the mirror. He fumbled with the ring in his pocket— which was surprisingly still on his person after all that had happened. It seemed so long ago that he was at his desk, engraving “I promise” onto the inside of it.

Fred stood before the mirror, seeing both you and him in horrible shape. You were both bruised, bloody and exhausted. But despite all that, your smile never failed. Smaller but never gone. The sight of it summoned a warm feeling to his chest.

He turned away from the mirror, glancing at you just in time to see your expression completely change. Your mouth fell open, staring at your reflection in awe.

Confused, he followed your eyes and his heart jumped at the picture. It had completely changed. Where you both were looking practically homeless, you now stood completely cleaned up. Fred was in a sleek black suit staring down at you— you. Oh my god, you were breathtaking. You were in a flowing white dress, a vale draped over your h/c hair and the biggest smile he had ever seen.

His lungs failed him. Seeing you in a wedding dress sparked thoughts. Just the thought of getting to marry you made his head spin.

“Are you seeing this?” The real you took his focus back, but he could only nod. “They’re beautiful! Are they ours?” His brows furrowed and your question and he pulled his eyes back down to you.

“Who?”

“Well, probably the little ginger you’re carrying! And the one George has over his shoulder.” You went on describing the scene and it sunk in what you saw. Both of you saw the perfect future together. it made his mind drift to the ring he carried.

He slipped his hand back into his pocket for it, hesitant. You smiled up at him, making up his mind for him. Throwing his big plans out the window, he pulled the ring out gently, as if it could break under his touch. “Y/n.” He started, glancing from the ring to its future wearer.

“This is less extravagant than I had hoped it would be.” He was aware that his tone gave away how nervous he was but you didn’t care. You were shocked and through your face, that was given away too.

“Since we’ve met, we’ve probably been through more than most couples, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. During these past few years, I’ve fallen in love with you in every way possible.” Your smile was brighter than the one in the mirror.

“I want to be yours as long as I’m alive, if you’ll have me.” Fred beamed. “Y/n Y/m/n Y/l/n, will you marry me?”

You were pretty much in tears now, which immediately prompted him to copy you. “R-really?” You got out. You didn’t even wait for a response before dropping to your knees with him and throwing your arms around him.

Fred managed to get out an emotional laugh, as your shaking body settled into his arms. You lifted your head to meet his eyes but he interrupted and pressed close to a thousand kisses all over your face, finishing with a sweet kiss to your lips.

To you, this was all you wanted. Whatever Fred’s elaborate plans were didn’t matter at all to you. You were overjoyed to be able to marry him. After all the jokes and teasing, it was finally real.

“Looks like I’m finally going to be a Weasley.” You smiled at your new fiancé, who pulled you back to him, wrapping his arms around you.

He exaggerated a sigh. “We’re gonna have to dye your hair now.”

“Absolutely not.” You replied while Fred slid the ring onto your finger.

“We’ll see, love.” He teased, running his fingers through your hair. You kissed the spot just under his ear and buried your face there.

There were a few moments of silence as both of you processed. Fred breathed deeply, holding you tightly. “I’m yours, Y/n.” He whispered, smiling when you melted into his embrace.

“Forever?” Your voice sounded like music in his ears.

“Forever.” Fred responded, brushing his thumb over the ring, which was now occupied by your delicate finger. “I promise.”

[lolabangtan]

05 | pair bond

Jimin throws a party at the office to celebrate the project’s success – too bad you’re stuck with your boss in a shabby motel during a storm because he wanted to buy some stupid local sweets.

index • previous • next

Word count: 7k

Warnings: smut, heavy alcohol consumption.

# sub!Taehyung, very very gentle dom!reader, hand job, nipple play, some dry-humping, drunk sex, Kim Taehyung Taetae, a lot of sexual tension and a lot of bickering, it high key turns him on tho, forced proximity?, she’s such a girlboss.

People arguing, phones ringing, shoes clattering on the floor in a hurry, anxious fingers tapping on a computer keyboard.

In short, the office is in chaos.

Han’s next-generation cookware project was launched a week and a half ago, and work has been in full swing ever since. You have not stopped organising reports and scheduling meetings, picking up the phone and jotting down messages, caffeine is pumping through your body aggressively. No one has time to even take a toilet break – and you really should get one.

“No, wait, listen— just tell them it can wait till tomorrow.”

You let out a groan. “To Marketing?”

“I have the board meeting first,” Taehyung mumbles; “they really want to know how the project has gone.”

“Well, if that’s your priority, let me tell you, it’s not going to go well,” you can’t help but say.

Your boss looks up from his hands and stares at you in disbelief; honestly, he should be used to it already. You struggle with keeping your mouth shut, and he struggles with finding people who can actually tell it like it is. To you, that’s a win-win.

“And I can’t delegate that?”

You cross your arms and sit on his desk, making him shift his eyes to the curve of your legs— okay, this is not the time to think about that. Not ever, actually, but if he mixes the sight of your thighs in that raked-up pencil skirt with your nagging tone, the result will be a cocktail of emotions that Taehyung is not willing to make public.

“Well, you can, but should you?” you insist.

Taehyung squints his eyes, confused. “I should… not?”

“Very well!” you then exclaim mockingly, like you’re talking to a dumb puppy, and he revels in it. “All the departments need you now, their communication needs to be better more than ever to know how the new products are going. If you go to the board first, that sends an awful message. ‘Thank you for your time and effort, but I need to tell the old men how much money they’re gonna make this quarter’, basically.”

Great, now he feels guilty. But you’re right, he has a duty to his employees since everyone has been working their asses off for the project to succeed.

“Okay, can we rearrange the meetings as you said?”

“Already on it,” you say without even looking up from your mobile phone.

“And when we get back from Gwangju this Friday,” he continues, “we’ll throw a company party. To celebrate the project’s success.”

Ah, right, the trip to Gwangju; Taehyung has to meet up with some small business owners to close a deal and grow the top line in smaller areas. Of course, with your outstanding talent, you were the one to come up with the idea in an attempt to spend less time together and get rid of this ridiculous infatuation, but you forgot that, as his assistant, you’d be coming with him.

So, in your attempt to stay away from him, you actually got to spend four hours locked in a car, four more on the way back, and all the hours in between stuck too, checking in at the hotel, from meeting to meeting.

Honestly speaking, you have no idea why you feel like this; it’s not like you consciously like him. Maybe it’s just the attention that gets you, or the amusement of having a crush.

The meetings are going well and reassure the staff. Everyone is exhausted, of course, and an important person telling you that you’ve done a good job is probably relieving. By the time the first round of meetings ends, it is lunchtime, so you grab your purse and head to the cafeteria after telling Taehyung.

You eat your lunch in silence, with your phone in your hand but not really looking at it.

In all this time, you haven’t got a single call from your company. Not one message, not one desperate ring because there is an emergency and they know they are resting but please, they need your help.

Now, seeing everyone praising Kim Taehyung and getting so happy with his praise makes you crave the same attention. Everyone wants a piece of him. And here you are, scheduling his meetings and getting his calls while no one wants yours.

You scroll down your message menu; the last text you received was from Seokjin a couple of hours ago, but only to see how you were doing. The usual; rest, don’t you worry about a thing, everything is fine here, the company is running smoothly without you, you’re completely dispensable. We don’t even want you back. We’re better off without you. I hope that your holidays last forever.

“Y/N?”

Your thoughts were too loud, and you didn’t hear the voice calling you.

“Oh— Mr Park, good—” You rush to get up and bow your head, feeling your face red and your chest heavy. “Sorry, I was… thinking. Good afternoon.”

“Mind if I eat with you?” Jimin asks.

He’s already sitting in front of you, but you frown. “You’re not having lunch with President Kim?”

“Not feeling like it today…” he murmurs and stirs his soup.

“Of course.”

The two of you munch in silence for a while, not even pretending to scroll through your phone; you just sit there, silently staring at your food and having a bite from time to time. It seems like both of you have a lot on your mind at this moment.

“We’re not very talkative today, I see. What’s on your mind?”

Jimin’s question takes you by surprise. You babble for a second, first to come back to reality, and then to order your thoughts. But, how dangerous could it be? He should be a mastermind to figure out your real identity by your troubles alone, if he has not already by your looks. And, honestly, you need to let some steam out.

“Don’t you ever feel… that the whole world would be better off without you?”

He chuckles dryly and plays with the heap of rice. “I very much doubt that you really think so, Miss Shin.”

“Hm?”

“What are you worried about?” Jimin insists, watching your puzzled face. “That things will work out without you—? Even better. Being needed is not the same as being wanted.”

“That’s not—” You let out a sigh, and he grins again. “Being needed means that I’m doing things right.”

But Jimin tilts his head. “If it scares you not to be needed, that’s only because you think there’s no reason that they’d ever want you.”

You have the feeling that Jimin thinks you’re talking about this company, and even if your main insecurities are far from that, they can indeed put down roots elsewhere and make you feel like shit. Your job could be done by anyone with two brain cells and a minimal sense of order.

“You’re very serious about your work,” he continues. “Why is that?”

“Can’t a woman be serious about her work?”

Jimin makes a thoughtful face. “Well, most women your age are busy looking for a man.”

“Ah, and I’m not, that’s true,” you respond with a laugh.

Park Jimin is such a mysterious man. Sometimes you’re sure he’s just genuinely a dick, but sometimes you get the feeling that he’s messing with you and it’s all a façade.

“Do you think I should quit this job and get a husband?” you ask, determined to play along.

Jimin smirks. “Well, I don’t think you should have to quit to find one.”

“And how am I going to make the time to meet men?” you inquire then, already finishing your food. You’re not hungry anymore. You want to see where this is going to get you. “I’m not good at blind dates, and I don’t trust my family to arrange anything for me.”

“Oh, yeah, families never care about whom the daughter marries, as long as he has money and a position…” You get the feeling he’s half-convinced, half-doubtful of his own words. “But then again, you can meet handsome, rich men here, can’t you? Just let me know who’s in your interest. What about my brother? Wouldn’t you want to marry him? Wouldn’t that be a match made in heaven?”

You blink, surprised by his shameless proposition, and you feel your face turn red and hot. Have you been so obvious? You tried to control yourself around him. It’s just an infatuation, after all – it’s nothing serious, nothing to lose your head over, nothing important. He’s cute, and you’re bored.

“I don’t think it’d be appropriate.”

“And yet I can think of nothing more fitting.”

Is he messing with you again? He must be. He’s being sarcastic, and a bit cruel, too. A businessman and his little, gold-digging secretary, very funny.

Fuck it, you don’t have the mental strength to put up with this jerk. Let him fire you if he’s got the fucking audacity. “Don’t you have anything more interesting to do than looking for hook-ups for your brother?”

His dumbfounded face is a sight for sore eyes, but it soon turns back into his amused grin.

“How romantic of you, Miss Shin,” Jimin finally responds with an infuriating chirp. “And even if I have to admit that Taehyung needs some help getting dates, I was talking about something deeper, something with feelings. His assets are worth more than a fuck.”

Ah, you get it now. He is not playing with you; he is testing you. How touching, such a strong brotherly bond. Jimin must think that you’re after his brother and is trying to see if you’re willing to put your wishes into action. Alas, he’s wrong – you don’t plan to lay a finger on Kim Taehyung today— or ever. He’s a sweet, playful, kind man, even if he comes off as cold sometimes, but marrying a man like him would be like proving your grandmother right.

“I’m not interested in him—”

“Don’t lie.”

Your heart sinks into your chest, and suddenly you’re short of breath.

“You could say you’re not going to do anything about it, and I’d believe you,” Jimin continues then, “but don’t say you’re not. He’s blind, but I’m not.”

You let out a tired sigh. “I really don’t understand where you are trying to get with this.”

“You’re wasting your time. He’s right there.”

The idea that Jimin can read your thoughts and knows who you are crosses your mind again, but you try to think of something else. It doesn’t make sense. Why is he so insistent? If he wants to protect his brother, he’s tickling the wrong bone.

“Now that we’re friends,” you joke just to avoid crying, “I can confess that talking to you is a guaranteed headache.”

“I’m flattered.”

Looking at him, you can’t help letting out an unbelieving laugh, and the few people left in the cafeteria turned to look at you. Some lean into each other to gossip, and some others just keep staring with curiosity. Regardless of that, you rub your eyes, careful not to smudge your mascara, and sigh again.

“I’ll be off now,” Jimin says, getting up. “Have fun in Gwangju.”

“Are you sure?”

He raises his eyebrows, surprised and amused, and walks off to leave the empty trail and leave.

There must be something up with him. For a half-sibling, they’re pretty close. And you don’t how much older he is than Taehyung, but he either has an amazing skincare routine, or he’s not more than three or four years older than him. You don’t know who his mother is, although it is true that Mr Kim has always kept his life private.

Whatever, it’s not like you care. He came to you looking to tickle you off, and he managed to do it again. It’s not worth it.

God, you’re trembling. With rage, with anxiety, you don’t know – but you’re certainly not unfazed by Park Jimin’s antics. Now you have other things to worry about, like your job, and your lunchtime is over, so you get your tray and leave too.

Just as you’re washing your hands, your phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Uh, where are you? The meeting with Finance is about to start.”

“Oh, crap—” At Taehyung’s words, you hurry to dry your hands and grab your bag. “Sorry, I got held up. I’m on my way!”

You can hear his angelic laugh on the other line. “Don’t worry, I’ll stall them. There’s always a first time for everything… Even you can be late sometimes.”

Even you can be late sometimes.

Is that the image he has of you—? A workaholic neat freak. A person who is never late, who is always watching, always listening. Someone who never lets herself go. How could Park Jimin ever think you are a gold-digger worthy of his concern? When working is all you’ve ever done. Even if no one ever thanks you for it, even if no one appreciates it. You’re always there. But perhaps he’s right, and you’re not needed. And since you’re not needed, you’re not wanted, either.

“During these weeks we have seen a very positive reaction from the public. Sales of other earlier products have also improved, and we have plans to expand overseas sales. Now Mr Min will give us a detailed report.”

Min Yoongi gets up giving himself a shy clap along with the rest of the room and starts his speech by thanking everyone. Taehyung returns to his seat next to you and lets out a quiet puff of air, and you harp him with your elbow, trying to show him an encouraging smile.

“You did great,” you whisper.

“Uh?”

He didn’t hear you.

“I said, you did good,” you repeat, this time a bit louder. “Good job.”

Oh, fuck, he’s blushing. You made him blush. This is not good, abort the mission, this is not good. This is, in fact, very bad. He looks so cute, he’s like a puppy.

You look away before Taehyung’s cuteness gets the best of you and glue your eyes to the PowerPoint.

The meeting unfolds as expected, everyone thanking the hard work and revelling in how well this quarter is going to go. Then there’s a small speech on future projects, deals, and changes, and everybody ends with a round of applause. Now you have to prepare the meeting with Sales, and then with Marketing. Taehyung says goodbye and follows you down the corridor.

You stop by his office’s door. “Okay, give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”

“Sure, just hand me the reports.”

“What reports?” you ask.

Taehyung blinks. “Uh, sorry… I thought you’d have them under control?” he says, and you think he’s somehow afraid of your reaction. “I apologise if it—”

“It’s okay,” you reply with a sigh and start looking for them.

But Taehyung insists, “No, you’re right, I always put too much pressure—”

“I said it’s okay.”

His hand, already moving to touch your shoulder, halts at once and retracts. Certainly, he got it all wrong; he’s not close enough to you to try and reassure you. He’s your boss, and you’re his secretary, his employee. Nothing else.

“That was my job to do,” he insists, but suddenly he’s cold and solemn. “I apologise.”

Why are you angry at him? You don’t understand. He’s been nothing but kind and hardworking despite your initial idea of him.

“You look a bit tired; you’d better stay here. I can go to the meeting on my own.”

And his words pierce your brain like a bullet.

He doesn’t need you either. What’s more, he’s probably been waiting for weeks for a chance to get rid of you. If you don’t do your job well, what need is there for you to accompany him? He doesn’t need you. Nobody does.

“Don’t you want me there?”

“Of course I do.”

You miss the way Taehyung regrets saying that so hastily because it makes a flower bloom in your chest. The noisy shadows in your head clear away, and you watch him kneel in front of you while you stay seated on his boss’s chair. Taehyung looks away in search of encouragement and unconsciously puts his hand on your knee.

“Of course I want you to come with me,” he continues. His hand hasn’t moved away. “But I think I’ve been leaning on you too much. I made you work too hard. And— I know you can handle it and all, but I, uh… What I want most of all is for you to be well.”

You’d kiss him right here. You’d grab him by his fancy white collar and push him against his desk, and you’d kiss him and fuck him right here. Until his lips would bruise, until he came with a grunted whimper, like those he let out when he moved the heavy bookshelf in his office so that you could drag your chair next to his. You’d pull at his hair until he begged for more, and you would ride his cock until you were coming all over him.

Those fingers should be creeping up into your legs. You’d tell him how to do it, and you’d reward him for making you cum.

“Y/N-ssi?”

You just find him cute, your ass.

Taehyung sees you staring down at his hand on your knee, and embarrassment washes over him as he pulls it away with an apology. You must think he’s a creep now. Oh, he’s always messing up when he’s with you. But maybe…

“Just… stay here, okay?” he says, mustering the courage to continue, “I can manage on my own, I’m a good boy.”

Your heart skips a beat, and you’re melting inside— “I know you are.”

He gets up, and you watch him leave, still breathless. Perhaps you’re actually overworking yourself, even though you never thought you could reach that level. Good heavens, you’re a mess. Did you just think about fucking Kim Taehyung? You never had found him hot; you weren’t supposed to find him hot.

The rest of the day passes excruciatingly slowly.

At last, you are back in your quiet, dark flat. You kick off your heels and collapse onto your bed when the horrible memory that you have a company trip first thing tomorrow morning dawns on you.

Honestly, you’ve always liked business trips; you explore new places, but not too idly. You meet people and work, and you always stay in a nice hotel from which you never leave until it’s time to check out. Who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy this one too, even if you’re not going to do anything besides organising Kim Taehyung’s schedule. Perhaps this time you will have the time to enjoy a nice coffee in a quiet, pretty spot.

“I want to die.”

Careful not to smudge your makeup, you sink your head into the pillow with a heavy sigh. You should have a shower and get ready to get to bed.

Before you even look at it, your phone is in your hands, searching for a contact. You need to hear the voice of a friend. You need, in a way, to remember who you are again; O Y/N, an important and capable person. Someone they can rely on.

“Hey, I was just about to go to bed. How’s everything going?”

Seokjin tells someone off and returns to you. “Hey, how are you? We just finished… something.”

“I miss you. It feels a bit lonely here.”

Silence. The ruckus from the office comes to you through the line, but your friend is quiet. You wonder what he’s thinking about right now. Maybe he’s too busy to talk. Your heart pounds against your ribcage.

“Are you busy?”

“We’re all working hard,” he says, “you know, to cover for you. Don’t worry about a thing.”

“Cover for me?”

The day of the accident, which your grandmother remembers as the day she almost lost her granddaughter after losing her son and daughter-in-law, your heart was beating like this too. Your body was tense like this, and you were sweating just as much. Breathless whimpers, a piercing urge to cry even though you could shed no tears. In a second, your vision went blurry. For an instant, your brain went black, and your arms swung the steering wheel to the side of the road. You don't know why you did that; it was an instinct. You wanted to crash.

You have never told anyone about this, nor do you plan to. It was stupid, and you were out of your mind. For everyone else, you didn't sleep much that day, and your eyes closed for a second.

You are still wondering what caused the mental fog.

I can’t forgive them. If I do, I’ll miss them.

“Yeah, cover for you.” You hear Seokjin chuckling from the other side. “I have to admit it, you’re made of tough stuff! I don’t know how you put up with this. I want to kill HR, and the board, ugh they’re so—”

“Thank you,” you murmur, staring at the ceiling.

“Uh?”

More silence.

“Y/N, are you really okay?”

You let out a shaky breath. “I thought you wouldn’t want me back, you know, since you haven’t called,” you confess then as you play with your nails. “Ha, how stupid is that? Sorry, I just… I’m just feeling a bit sad, I’m tired.” From being on vacation? Sure. “I’m glad to know I’ve got such a capable team by my side.”

“Jesus, that was— thank you. We’re doing our best.”

“How’s Grandmother?” you suddenly ask. “Have you seen her lately?”

“Busy with plots and intrigues, as usual. But she’ll be glad that you asked,” he responds with a loud cackle.

“Do you know” – you change the subject, and he doesn’t feign surprise – “that I’m crushing on someone? It’s just a silly crush, but—”

“Oh, God! Your frozen heart melted!”

“Very funny.”

Seokjin clears his throat, and you hear him shuffling and sitting down far from the ruckus. “No, really, I’m happy for you. Who’s the lucky guy? Are you serious about it, gonna bring him to the big city so we can meet him?”

“I… probably won’t,” you murmur. “He’s cute and all, but… I’ll have to go at some point.”

“Ah, yeah. Then, enjoy it while it lasts. No regrets.”

His words make you frown, throwing you into a spiral of thoughts and pondering. Yes, he’s right; no regrets. You can always pretend to be crazy and fake a reasonable physical resemblance if you ever meet again in society. At the same time, you’ll get this bugging craving out of your head. Just a kiss, perhaps, since you only have a couple of weeks left in the company. Just a couple of weeks left to spend with him.

“Hm, I might do that.”

Seokjin tries to respond, but someone starts yelling in the background. You figure they’re in a meeting, so you thank him and say goodbye.

With the phone in your hand, you set the alarms for tomorrow’s trip and go to bed.

You wake up in a chaotic haze of a ringing headache, the aggressive buzzing of your phone, and a dry throat. With a frown, you reach your arm to grab your mobile phone and check, realising that Taehyung is calling, as he has been doing for the last thirty minutes, judging by his four missed calls. You stare at your phone in silence until it stops ringing, and then you snap out.

“Oh, fuck—”

There won’t be any trouble if you’re able to get dressed, brush your teeth, do your make-up, and get to the office in twenty minutes. Come on, you can do that and more. Three minutes for getting changed, another four to brush your teeth and wash your face, and seven minutes to do your make-up. You’re leaving your flat when your phone rings again; it’s Taehyung, and you have to pick up this time.

“I’m— I’m sorry, I fell asleep,” you pant.

“Uh, really?”

You stop at the door and frown at no one. “Yeah…?”

“Sorry,” he says then. He sounds flustered. “Sorry, hm, that’s just so… not like you. I thought something happened.”

“Uh.”

“So, you’re okay?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in the office, then? Don’t go in a hurry with the car, drive carefully…” You’re catching your breath on the lift ride until the doors open and you walk out into the car park. “It’s a one-day trip, so you don’t need to bring anything with you. We’ll be back for the party.”

Fifteen minutes and a crazy race against a bus later, you rush out of the lift and go to his office only to find it empty. With a groan, you almost feel tempted to simply flake out on the floor and cry, but a voice distracts you:

“Mr Kim is already in the car park, Y/N,” says the woman as she stares down at you. “He said he’d wait for you there.”

“I… didn’t see him.”

Your phone buzzes.

Kim Taehyung, one (1) missed call.

“Oh, really?” you groan at the air again, already calling him back. “Thanks— Mr Kim! I’m up at your office, yes— I’m on my way, sorry about— o-okay, yeah, drove safely…”

Rushing out of the lift and down the last pair of stairs, you put your phone back in your purse and finally spot Taehyung waiting for you. He’s casually leaning on his car with his arms crossed, checking his phone until he hears your wheezing pants and looks up. Then he smiles, his eyes light up and, damn it, why does he have to smile like that?

“God, I’m so sorry about all this!” you say.

But he just chuckles, perhaps amused by the mess you are. “Don’t be, I should’ve just texted you.”

Again, Taehyung laughs softly as the two of you get in the car; he opens the door for you, like a proper gentleman, and the fluttering feeling in the pit of your stomach returns. Oh, in some way, you hope you’re giving him the same feelings.

The ride is silent at first; Taehyung is making sure you’re going in the right direction while you look for the most comfortable way to recline the back of your seat.

You’ve packed water bottles, snacks, and a blanket, and now you’re getting on with the music.

“You can sleep if you want,” he suddenly says; “you must be tired from yesterday if you woke up late…”

You’re not entirely sure if he’s messing with you because in your head he clearly is, but then again, why would he? That’s not much like Taehyung.

Whatever. Four hours and two naps later, you arrive at Gwangju; why didn’t you go by train, like any other normal person would’ve done? Good question. Unfortunately, your boss had to love driving and, in his own words, ‘I haven’t had a good car trip in a long time. It’ll be fun!’ So, here you are, staring at the door of a restaurant’s bathroom well past your usual eating time while he has lunch with a bunch of small business owners. He handed you his personal card to – his words – ‘eat at a nice place and relax.’ As if you needed to? Is he implying anything?

You finish peeing and wash your hands.

The afternoon passes quietly; you had a late lunch at the cutest café you could find, went window-shopping, and had a walk around a park.

By the time it gets dark, you leisurely sipping a coffee on a park bench.

Your phone buzzes. “Yes?”

“Sorry, the meeting just finished.” It’s Taehyung. “They wanted to go for a drink, but I told them I had to be back in Seoul for an event.”

“Yes, Mr Park said he’d take care of the preparations for the launch party,” you murmur in response.

He goes silent for a second.

“Where are you? I’ll pick you up.”

After telling him, you hang up and sigh; why can’t you figure out why he does the things he does? Everyone else is so easy to make out. But not Kim Taehyung, no, he’s a mystery. Does he like you? Does he not? Is he at least attracted to you? What for—? If you’ve resolved not to like him.

True to his word, Taehyung shows up at the entrance of the park to pick you up.

“Here, take it back.” You hand his black card back to him as you get into the car and sit next to him. “Don’t worry, I didn’t buy anything crazy,” you say with a chuckle at the sight of his puzzled face.

He snaps out of his confusion. “Oh, I just— I forgot you had it. Thanks.”

The conversation goes no further, and the ride back home begins. To break the silence, you turn on the radio. The presenter’s voice announces that rain and strong winds are expected in the late evening. However, you don’t pay much attention, too busy being overwhelmed by how little you want to attend the impending launch party.

“A penny for your thoughts?” you suddenly ask; he looked so engrossed in his thoughts, you’ve grown curious.

Taehyung glances at you, almost like a child hesitating to ask for a treat. “I was wondering… There’s a place that sells these famous handmade sweets. It’s a bit of a detour, but I don’t want to turn up to the party empty-handed…”

He doesn’t even dare to finish his request – or rather to finish his plea, judging by his cute-ish tone— damn it. Well, he doesn’t dare to finish talking, but you can tell he really wants those sweets. The party is a poorly thought excuse. But his eyes are sparkling, and his lips are pursed in a pout.

“Do you want to buy some?” you decide to ask.

“Really?” Taehyung blurts out, eyes open. “You don’t mind?”

“Well, I don’t think taking an hour or two longer will make much of a difference…”

“Please, don’t be—”

“If you ask me not to get mad one more time, I swear, Taehyung, I’m gonna— turn!”

Taehyung turns the wheel in time, and you manage to avoid crashing into the guardrail. Once the car is stable again, you let go of the grab handle with your heart still pounding.

“I’m sorry!” he cries out. “I can’t see and it’s getting on my nerves!”

“You are getting on my nerves!”

But it’s true; with rain pattering against the windscreen and droplets dripping under the glass in the dark of night in the background, headlights can only do so much. You’re risking a car accident with every second you spend on the road, and the mere thought makes you shiver.

If only you hadn’t gone out of your way to buy those stupid sweets, the storm wouldn’t have caught you before you reached Seoul. But you did, so now you just have to take on the consequences.

“Taehyung, this is pointless. We have to pull over,” you groan.

Finally, he drives the car to the side of the road. The rain taps noisily against the windscreen, and for a long moment that’s all you can hear.

“The storm could take hours to calm down,” Taehyung murmurs as he lets go of the wheel. “Isn’t there any place where we can pass the time? Like a restaurant, or a café…”

You take out your phone, which barely has any signal, and scroll through Naver maps in search of anything similar. “Nothing, just a sleazy motel. You know, the kind of spot teenagers go to lose their virginities.”

His silence is loud.

“What do you think? Should we give it a go?” you insist.

“I guess it’s either that or rot in the car.”

Fortunately – though unsurprisingly – they have rooms available. After pulling up in the car park, you check in, and Taehyung pays for the room while you take a look around the small entrance hall; it’s discreet and dark, so you doubt that even the receptionist can take a good look at your faces. It’s understandable, considering that it’s a motel completely isolated from society.

When the young man asks for your ID, you freeze.

“I’m the only one staying; she’s coming upstairs with me for a moment.”

“I’ll have to charge you extra if you don’t want it to appear that you’re staying with someone," says the receptionist with no emotion in his voice. “But she won’t show up anywhere. It’s to cover extra expenses.”

Taehyung agrees right away – the difference isn’t much after all, and he doesn't have the energy to argue with a burnout worker.

“Thanks,” he murmurs, taking the code from his hand.

“Thank you, enjoy your stay.”

As you make your way to the lift, you let out a giggle. “I think that boy thought we are lovers.”

“Uh, yeah, I wonder why…”

Actually, you find out as soon as you walk into the room; the walls and bed sheets are a tacky red, and so are the dim lights. There’s a welcome pack but, instead of maps and amenities, it’s filled with condoms, lubricants, toys, jars of cream and chocolate, and a pair of handcuffs. The smell of heavy perfume hits you, and so does the realisation that this is not a wacky motel but a common love hotel.

“We can always leave—”

“Come on, it’s only until the storm stops,” you say, trying to ignore the lump in your throat and the heat up your cheeks.

You won’t lie, though – you’ve always died to stay at a love hotel. The shabby kind. It’s kinkier.

“Don’t you feel hot in that suit?” you ask. You’ve noticed Taehyung adjusting the neck of his shirt a few times already. “Since it’s so damp and warm.”

“I have nothing to change into. I didn’t pack.”

You let out a sigh. “Of course, it was supposed to be a one-day trip…”

As the minutes pass, you make yourselves comfortable; shoes and jackets off, you both look for something to spend the time with. You put your phone to charge while you idly browse through the channels on TV. When you find an interesting show, you lie down on the bed next to him.

“The party must’ve started already,” you hear him murmur.

“I guess. We would’ve got home by…”

You shut up, not wishing to upset him; you know he’s very aware of the fact that this is all his fault, in a way. Were it not for those silly sweets…

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung says then.

Without thinking, you put a hand on his upper thigh and stroke up and down to comfort him and make him understand that you are not really upset with him. However, your touch is not comforting to him; perhaps quite the opposite, judging by the way he stiffens immediately. However, you don’t notice.

“I know you are.”

Not even television can make the time pass any faster, and the storm doesn’t seem to be abating any time soon. By the time you start to get impatient, it’s eleven o’clock at night and neither of you feels remotely sleepy.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to drink myself to sleep,” you suddenly say, getting up to make your way to the minibar. “Otherwise, this night will never pass.”

Taehyung sits up on the bed. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay for it.”

“That’s not what I… Uh, just pass me whatever there is, please.”

With a grin, you grab a bottle of wine and two glasses and walk back to the bed. You don’t notice the way his eyes light up or the way he stares at you. As if he was expectant, and as if his imagination was giving him a hard time. But he watches how you walk back to the bed, to him, with the bottle in your hand and that dashing smile, and he so feels weak in the knees that he’s glad he’s sat. For a second, you two are lovers, not strangers.

The alcohol – because after the wine came the whisky, and then a few beers – takes its toll on you; not too into the early morning, you are drunk and laughing at an absurd show about people dodging obstacles and falling into the water.

Taehyung has got rid of his suit jacket and tie; the collar of his shirt is open almost halfway to let air in, allowing you to enjoy the view of his collarbone and bronze chest. His sleeves are rolled up, relieving his arms from the humid heat of the room. For your part, you haven’t stopped to think that shedding most of your clothes has caused a similar effect on him.

You notice him staring when you turn around.

“What?”

“Nothing,” Taehyung says with a boyish giggle. “I just… I would never have guessed the kind of person who gets drunk on beer and watches game shows.”

You let out a sigh, suddenly put off by his words, and he instantly regrets ever opening his mouth.

“I—”

“You think I’m a stuck-up too, don’t you?” you ask.

Before Taehyung has the time to react, you’re sitting up and turning to face him. It’s a mixture of frustration and pride that you’re feeling, and it’s heating up your already warm cheeks. You’re not hearing another person saying those words, especially not Kim Taehyung.

“Y/N is a control freak, Y/N is never late, Y/N always has it all done like a good girl… That’s what you think, huh?” Shit, you’re too close, he can feel your hot breath against his face. Your arms are caging him against the mattress and, he’s certain, you haven’t realised that you’re practically straddling him. “Well, maybe I’m sick of being good.”

Taehyung tries to help you keep your balance and perhaps steady himself, but unfortunately, his hands end up on your bare bottom, as your position has caused your skirt to hike up.

“Fuck, sorry—”

His hands move away in a jiffy.

This can’t be happening, not like this, not with his secretary. But it’s you, after all. It’s the woman who has been plaguing all and each of his thoughts, who fills his brain from the moment he wakes up to the minute he goes to bed, and beyond.

Do you feel the way does? – like you’ve fallen ill with feverish want.

“Taehyung,” you call his name, and it sounds soft and sweet.

“Y/N, I…” he tries to say but gets caught up staring down at your lips, so close to him. “I don’t think… you’re a stuck-up.”

“Why not?” you ask, leaning into him. “Everybody does.”

He lets out a shaky breath. “I-I just don’t. That’d really be the last thing I think of when I see you.”

“Oh?” You chuckle, getting too turned on for your own good, still on top of him, and the sound sends a shiver down his spine. “So, what do you think of when you see me?”

“Couldn’t say it out loud.”

That’s it, he’s crossed the line. Why did he say such a thing?

You can’t help but rush up to kiss him hard. The wet contact as you quickly get over the initial shyness and start rolling your tongues over each other only shoves you deep into a red mental state. Your hands grip the collar of his shirt, popping a few buttons, but neither of you notices.

Taehyung reciprocates the kiss while blowing his common sense and principles to hell. You’re nothing but Y/N. That’s all he cares about right now. To hell with literally everything if that means he can finally allow himself to enjoy your warmth or the nonchalant weight of your gaze on him or the shivers of your lips brushing together.

You fit perfectly sitting on his lap.

Catching him off guard, your lips move down to his neck to leave a trail of wet kisses behind, and Taehyung lets out a whimper.

Although he closes his mouth immediately, feeling too embarrassed, you can’t help rubbing your thighs together; you hope you’ll get to hear more of those if the night goes on well, and if you do, you’ll end up soaked down there, that’s for sure.

“Don’t shut them up,” you whisper in his ear. “I wanna hear you.”

Honesty is the best policy, or so you’ve heard.

Your request makes him gasp and buck his hips into you. The growing tent in his crotch is a pleasant surprise.

Taehyung swirls his tongue around yours while his hands grope from your upper back down to your ass, now totally careless. He hikes up your skirt until it looks like a wrinkled belt around your hips and begs you with puppy eyes to take care of him as well. So, you undo his belt buckle, and he’s quick to raise his hips off the mattress and pull down his pants enough, but the mere feeling of his hard-on against your clothed core makes you shove your hips together.

“Shit, Taehyung—” You gasp for air. “Take this off too.”

Without even waiting for him to do it, you undo the few buttons that survived your earlier attack and reveal his chiselled chest. Your hands move to revel in the firm warmth of his flesh, but then you move away to unhook your bra.

But you get mixed up with the straps and the sleeves of your blouse, so you give up and just ruck it up, revealing the sight of your breasts bouncing back into place.

Of course, Taehyung has never seen anything more tempting.

It’s always thrilling and scary to get naked in front of someone for the first time, but this time it feels especially weird, and you’re especially hungry for his reaction; Taehyung delivers, though, by pressing his lips against the skin between your breasts with a gaze lost in thought and hugging you hard against him.

The moment you go for his underwear, though, he stops you.

“I…” Taehyung looks away, losing the courage to speak up. You’re still staring at him as you catch your breath. “Just, uh—”

“You can tell me.”

He looks up at you. “Be gentle, please.”

That does the trick for you, and it does it immediately; between passionate kisses, you assure him that you’ll be ever so gentle as you slowly push him down on the bed and shove your hand down his underwear.

“S-shit—”

Dipping your tongue into his collarbones, your thumb strokes his head only to find it leaking. His cock feels hot and heavy against your palm, but it only pumps you up with the prospect of having it fuck you open. So, you stroke up and down, using his precum to ease the friction, while Taehyung’s breath hitches and his fingers sink onto the flesh beneath your buttocks. It makes you spread your legs on his lap and move to kiss him on the lips.

“Fuck, Taehyung—” you grunt, and he can’t believe his name can weigh so much in his mind coming from you. “Why a-are you so handsome?” you whine then. “It’s so unfair.”

His heart does a flip. “Could ask you the same—”

“So handsome and sweet and cute,” you whisper before kissing him again, splaying your free hand across his chest.

His cock feels about to burst, and he’s too turned on to pretend he’s not dying for you to pamper him more. So, he bucks his hips up and starts fucking your hand, painting against your mouth like a dog.

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself,” you whisper between kisses as you cup his face with both hands. “Be a good boy and take your pretty cock out first.”

With a whimper, Taehyung grabs your forearms for balance. Those two words stick with him as he fumbles with his underwear while you shove your ruined panties to the side. His heart is beating like crazy, but he wants to be a good boy for you; he’s a good boy, truly.

“Oh, Tae,” you moan.

You’re saying and calling him things that are too dangerous for his sanity.

But then you align his tip with your slit and sink down onto him, shutting off any kind of thought. A strike of pleasure rips your bodies as it works you open and puts them back together as soon as you start bouncing on his cock, feeling it massage your inner walls and hit that sweet spot. You’re dripping wet, he can feel it as he watches his cock disappearing into you, unable to utter a word besides heavy breaths and whimpers.

“Fuck,” you let out again, closing your eyes and working thigh muscles, “you feel s-so good, Tae, so fucking good—”

Taehyung writhes beneath you, not entirely sure about what to touch or where to kiss, and not exactly rational enough to stop and think about it.

Suddenly, you feel his hands cupping your breasts, thumbs brushing and playing with your hard nipples before the wet heat of his mouth engulfs one of them. You let out a groan as Taehyung sucks on your nipple and pinches the other, making you ride him faster. His whimpers are muffled against your skin.

“That’s it, baby, suck on my tits,” you moan, raking your nails through his hair, “good b-boy.”

Sounds of smacking flesh echo through the room while your ass strikes his hips again and again, squelching noises from the way his cock fucks into you. Your body is exhausted, but you’re in a frenzy, caught in a merciless tempo as you chase pleasure.

The ache between your legs only grows, and Taehyung’s lips move around your nipple, sucking, nibbling, letting a dribble of spit trickle down his chin.

“Oh fuck,” he suddenly cries out. “D-don’t stop, please—”

You let out a chuckle. “Wasn’t planning to— shit, Tae, you like my tits that much?”

“I’ve pictured this moment many times,” Taehyung says, leaving a trail of kisses up to your neck.

The mere idea that he’s noticed your breasts, let alone fantasise about them sends shivers down your spine and makes your face grow hot. How sly. Guess all those times you subconsciously picked the most revealing blouses and the best-fitting shirts have paid off; his hands really can’t decide what part of your body to grope.

“You’re so hot, shit,” he whimpers.

This time you cup your cheeks and slow down, riding him softly, drawn to his eyes; you’re staring into his pretty, dark eyes, and suddenly time feels slowed down as well. If it weren’t for the way your heart is pounding in your chest, you’d think you’ve frozen.

But the warmth of his palms on your back as he helps you up and down his cock grounds you.

You want to make him come hard inside of you. You can’t bring yourself to care about anything else right now that’s not his or your pleasure, his touch, his soft gaze, his pretty sounds.

Taehyung ducks his head in shame. “I-I’m close, I’m sorry—”

“It’s okay,” you cut him off with a whisper and kiss his cheek. “Let go for me, baby, come for me.”

Heat spreads under his skin, and soon he’s holding back his moans, rutting into you without any self-restraint. His golden skin is flushed and covered by a thin sheen of sweat, chest rising and falling. But it’s too much, and Taehyung starts letting out breathy moans until he goes still, and his gut tightens. He dissolves into pleasure, emptying himself inside of you with a choked sob and his arms wrapped tight around you.

You help him ride out his high before raising your hips. His cock slides off along with a trickle of his release, and you feel it go soft between your cheeks.

“I’m not done yet,” you murmur.

Then you start riding his pubic bone, amused by the way his spent cock twitches at the passive friction. But you’re too turned on, and your clit is too swollen and sensitive to bring you to care, and soon you’re coming around nothing.

“I’m sorry,” he whimpers. “Fuck, I’m— I don’t know what happened, usually I…”

You cut him off with a long, deep kiss that pushes him back to the bed. At some point – you don’t remember – and tangled in each other’s arms, you fall asleep.

Don’t hesitate to like, reblog, and leave some feedback if you liked it! It’s always good and encouraging to know what you think <3

“LOVE: undercover” is copyright ²⁰²³ Lola Bangtan, all rights reserved.

[whiskeynwriting]

I can’t help but imagining jack and baby cakes getting a tiny little cowboy hat for their baby

This is seriously such a cute idea, omg

A Blessing

Agent Daddy Whiskey x Female Reader

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Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: 18+ (minors DNI)

Dirty talk, praise kink, size kink, daddy kink (what’s new), breeding kink (ooh this is new), lactation kink (this is new too!), talk of pregnancy, unprotected vaginal sex, soft dom daddy whiskey, very brief mentions of loss/death

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A/N: I'm so in love with him I can't stand it.

Not beta-read, read at your own risk my friends

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In your opinion, there wasn’t a better way to tell him. After you found out yourself, it was only a matter of time before he found out, too. And you didn’t want it to be by accident, and you didn’t want him to wait. The moment just flowed so freely, his words sparking something inside of you.

“From now on, sugar,” When he looked up into your eyes, your smaller frame sitting snugly on his lap, you were able to see everything. Every bit of your husband’s love and genuine care on display. “It’s just you and me.” 

Swallowing, you felt your anxiety fizzle through your veins, excitement and worry all wrapped into one. And he noticed your change in expression, his own now frowning a bit. “Well… maybe not just you and me.” 

Almost nervously, he laughs. Feeling unsure. “What do you mean? Teddy?”

Your new puppy is already asleep in his crate, though it pains you to see. You can’t wait until he’s old enough to sleep on the bed with you.

“No… not exactly.” Giggling nervously, you sigh, looking down. 

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

“Jack,” Looking back up into his eyes, you take a deep breath, deciding to be forward with him. “I’m pregnant, baby.”

Immediately, the muscles in his face drop, a look of tender shock washing over him. Slowly, his head moves back, getting a better look at you.

“No, you’re not.” He says blankly, eyes searching your own for any sense of hesitation.

Smiling brightly, you nod. “Yeah, I am.” 

“What, I mean, you…” Those warm brown eyes then drop down to your tummy, staring dumbly at you. “Really? Are you s-sure?” 

Internally, his heart is racing, throat going dry as he processes this. I’m gonna be a dad?

“Yes, baby. I’m sure. I took like ten tests.” You’re laughing now, hands holding his cheeks to lift his eyeline to you. “I told you I’d give you babies, honey.” 

“I can’t believe this.” All at once, his emotions hit the surface, a gentle wetness forming on his lower lashline. “Baby, oh my god.” 

Leaning forward, he wraps his arms around you, face resting against your chest. It’s a tight embrace, forcing your body against his. He can’t even describe all of the emotions he’s feeling right now. Something between pride and disbelief and gratitude and love. Always so much love for you.

“How, how far along are you?” Chuckling, he shakes his head, kissing your covered chest. “Babycakes, I can’t believe it. I can’t believe this.” 

“I’m not sure.” Lowering yourself, you turn, resting your cheek on the top of his head while stroking his hair. “No more than a few weeks; a little over a month, probably.” 

“Well, let’s schedule you a doctor’s appointment, sweetheart. Let’s make sure you’re okay, that everything is ready.”

“Ready?” You giggle, looking down at him. 

“Well, yeah! We gotta make sure they’re healthy, make sure you’re healthy. Figure out how far along you are and start planning. You know, I’ve always thought about a ranch-themed nursery.”

This time, a big-bellied laugh escapes you. “Of course you have.” 

“Honey, we’re gonna have a baby.” 

While the two of you have talked about kids before, he never really came to terms with the fact that it would happen again. Ever since losing his first wife Anna, and their unborn son Rhett, he didn’t think it was possible to be gifted such a blessing again. But here you are, giving him everything he could ever want, giving him the entire goddamn world. 

“I’ll always be here, sweetheart. I’ll always protect you, provide for you - you know that, don’t you?” Immediately, worry consumes him, worry and determination. He won’t let what happened to them happen to you. You’re the most precious thing he’s ever had, he won’t ever lose you. 

“Of course, I do.” Kissing the tip of his nose, you smile. “You made those promises to me on the day of our wedding. But I knew it before then, too.” 

Your husband then sighs, sucking in a deep breath shortly thereafter. He’s holding onto you like he’ll never let you go. And he never will. 

“I know this is obviously really soon, but…” 

Jack’s eyes are on you as you speak, his attention unwavering. He can’t believe you’re his wife, can’t believe you’re going to be the mother of his child.

“Do any names come to mind?” You’ve discussed names before, but you’re wondering if any stand out to him now.

He nods, smiling. “You know I like Henry and Jasper.” 

At this, you hum. You’ve always loved the name Henry, and have had a fondness for the name Jasper since he introduced it to you. “And for a girl?” 

“Rowan or Violet.” Jack says firmly, “I love those names.” This makes you grin; you’d introduced him to both of them.  

“Jack?”

“Hm?” He’s still gazing up at you, resting his chin gently on your chest. The expression on his handsome face is entirely lovestruck, in absolute awe of the vision of you. “What is it, baby?” His hands are caressing your back, fingers tracing small, delicate circles.

“I love you.”

“I love you more than anything, baby doll.” He looks like such a puppy right now, staring at you with an incredible amount of adoration. “I can’t believe you’re giving me a baby.”

Grinning excitedly, you whisper, “What do you want it to be?”

“I don’t care.” Comes his immediate answer, shaking his head briefly. “I don’t care at all, not a single bit, baby. I just want ‘em, want a little kid runnin’ around here that’s half you, half me.”

“Just one?” You tease, smiling. And you’re still running your fingers through his hair, heart beating profoundly.

“As many as you’ll let us have, honey.” He tells you wholeheartedly. And then he releases another breath, and quite dramatically. Dropping his head, he kisses your chest, more passionately this time. “Honey, you’re going to look so beautiful with our baby.” 

One of his hands then retracts, sliding over your pelvis, thumb brushing against your lower belly. Truly, he can’t wait to see it, your stunning body growing from his baby. He can’t believe you want this; if only he knew how proud you were to have it. What a blessing.

“You think so, daddy?” 

Something about the moment shifts from sweet to sensual, Jack’s mouth slowly moving over you. Mhm is all he says in response, mumbling against your chest. 

“You know,” He then says, that southern voice growing deep. “I was wondering why you weren’t drinkin’ tonight.” 

“Yeah, it’s because I’m carrying your baby.”

“Oh, honey.” Closing his eyes, he forces out a heavy breath. “Say it again.”

“What? That I have your baby in me?” It’s said in a teasing voice; you love how he’s responding to this. 

Lifting his head, he captures your lips in a passionate kiss, one you return with overt happiness. Jack is absolutely overjoyed to hear this, all of it. And if it’s even possible, it’s made him fall that much harder for you. 

“Babycakes,” Just like that, his hands are sliding down to your ass, gripping your firmly while he groans. Sliding his face over your clothed breasts, he coos quietly. “Daddy wants you.” 

“Yeah?”

Now that you’re thinking about it, tonight was the perfect time to tell him - on New Year’s Eve, on the one-year anniversary of your engagement. You swear, life with him is like a fairy tale. 

“Baby, come here.” Jack’s mouth has moved up to your neck, his hands securing themselves to the bottom of your thighs while he stands up. 

Lifting you with him, he revels in the way you cling to his body, holding onto the sturdiness of him. You can feel the muscles in his upper back and arms, your own wrapping around his neck. Your thighs squeeze his waist, feeling the broadness of his palms slide up to your ass. 

“You’re mine? Huh?” He asks, turning his head to kiss your cheek. 

After striding down the hall, he nudged open your bedroom door, now lowering you to the bed. But his body doesn’t leave you, it covers you, crawling over your smaller form. 

Breathing out a deep sigh, he gazes down at you, a predatory look in his eyes. “Say it.” 

“I’m yours.” Already, you feel drunk on him, on this new feeling. Reaching out, you hold his face. And because of your compliance, he leans into your hold, coming down to kiss you. 

“Oh, baby, let me love on you.” Turning his head, he rubs his forehead over your chin, a gentle and loving nudge. “Daddy wants to touch you.”

Right now, all he’s thinking about is the beauty of your body. You were a gorgeous thing before, and he never thought you could be more amazing than you already were. But somehow, you are. Somehow, you’ve managed to mesmerize him even more. 

You let him move you, let him do whatever he wants. Gentle hands remove your clothing, leaving you bare while he remains clothed. He’s not focusing on himself, he’s focusing on you. 

Jack’s strong hands run down your sides while he sighs, eyes trailing over your naked form. Immediately, he leans down, lips meeting your lower belly. He kisses you softly, humming happily, rubbing your hips while he does it.

“Baby…” He’s already being so sweet, you can’t wait to see how he acts when you really have a belly.

Reaching down, your fingers slide easily through his hair, Jack’s handsome face relaxed in contentment. He feels warm, touching you softly. To get closer to your skin he leans back, lifting his shirt from his body. And then he’s returning to you, face snuggling into the slope of your neck. His one arm keeps him up while his other lays over your body, keeping a hand on your tummy. 

“You’re my girl, honey.” The curve of his nose slides along your neck, knocking your head to the side ever so gently. “Say it to me.”

Smiling, you lift your hands, holding the sides of his face. “I’m your girl, baby.”

“That’s right, honey.” He’s smiling that gorgeous smile, the one that made you fall for him. “You’re so pretty, babycakes. So beautiful, you know that?”

“Mhm.” Nodding, you keep your grin, melting beneath his praise. 

“Then say it.” He softly demands, whispering into your ear. “Say it to me.”

“I’m pretty,” Jack grunts slightly when you don’t say it all, shaking his head against you. But it makes him happy when you complete the phrase. “I’m beautiful.”

“That’s my girl, my good girl. Say it to me, honey. Let me hear you say it - you’re my good girl.”

“I’m your good girl.” He’s never done this before, never made you repeat his praise. But he wants you to know it, wants you to say it until you truly believe it. Jack wants you to know how wonderful you truly are. 

The hand on your stomach lifts to your chest, touching you kindly. He cups you, massages you, turning his head to press those plush lips to your cheek. And he continues, going on for who knows how long, making you repeat his wonderful words and feeling pride bloom in his chest when you say them. 

You’re the love of my life. 

Your body is amazing

You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen

You’re the person that completes me

“I want you to know it, honey. I always want you to know it.” 

The love Jack gives you is on an entirely different level than the love you’ve received from others. It’s like you didn’t even know what love was before him. 

“Mm…” He hums, hand dropping from your chest to rub between your legs. “Sugar, you’re wet?”

“Yes, daddy.” You’re nodding, whining slightly, heart skipping in its beat. 

“You want me, baby? You want it?” He’s kissing your cheek again, sighing against you. “Because daddy wants you.” 

Nothing would make Jack happier in this moment than to claim you, to mark your body as his all over again. Spiritually, emotionally, physically, you're his. And he is yours.

Your words allow him to move easily, shifting his pants off his hips and down his legs until they’re discarded somewhere behind him. Jack’s body keeps you down, the warm skin of his chest pressing into your own. This is when he finally meets your lips, his hungry and passionate. Your husband swallows every sound you make, every moan and high whine as he positions himself to slide inside. 

“You’re so pretty like this.” His breaths are already hurried, speaking when he pushes himself into the space between your legs. “When you let me lay you back, when you let me take care of you…” 

“I always want you to.” Reaching for his shoulders, you cling to him, walls stretching around his girth. 

He’s moving so slow that it’s becoming agonizing, finally deciding to lift your hips to speed up the process. And it works, Jack’s punched-out gasp fanned across your face as he looks down at you, down at where the two of you connect.

“If you think I spoiled you before…” He says, grabbing onto your hip with a grin. “You have no idea what’s comin’.”

“I know you’ll always take care of me daddy,” Something emotional overcomes you, one hand lifting to cup his handsome face. “I need you.”

Instantly, he’s diving down, bringing himself back to you. He lets you hold him, both arms wrapping around his neck. Keeping his one hand on your hip, he begins a gradual pace, ducking himself into the crook of your neck to suck sensually on your skin. 

“Daddy, faster, please.”

Already, you’re whining for him, and he fucking loves it, he always has. You succumb so easily to him. Since the first night you saw him, you’ve been addicted. 

“Uh-uh,” Shaking his head, he keeps himself against your neck. “We’re gonna go at daddy’s pace. Don’t wanna hurt your body, baby.”

“Baby, I’m fine. I promise, I just, I want it.” You haven’t even had your first ultrasound yet and he’s already treating you like glass. 

Dropping his forehead to your chest, he groans. “You think you know what’s best?”

At this, you whimper, his simple words putting you back in your place. 

“You’ll do what daddy says, babycakes.” Shaking his head, he sighs, continuing to slide in and out of you at a gradual pace. “Don’t make me say it again.” 

Your tiny okay daddy prompts him to lift his head, praise floating from his lips as he leans in to kiss you. Opening his mouth, his tongue slides against your own, tasting you with a sense of urgency. The way he moves his mouth is entirely opposite to the rest of his body. He’s still going slow, the firm drag of him along your walls making you cry out for him. 

“Oh my god, baby. You’re so fucking sexy,” Jack is panting, his hips rutting into you repeatedly. And you’re still clinging to him, lifting your pelvis to meet his every thrust. 

Sliding your hand down his back, it lands on his ass, pushing him closer to you, urging him to dive deeper inside you. 

“You can’t do that.” Feeling your nails scratch down his back, he bares his teeth briefly, feeling a surge of adrenaline kick in. “I’m gonna cum too quick if you keep doing that.” He’s referring to the way you’re moving your hips, and the way you’re touching him.

“It’s okay, daddy. I want it,” Leaning in, you whisper to him, “I already have it.” 

“Oh, honey,” And just like that, he’s thinking about the pregnancy, about how beautiful you’ll look with your belly. “Will you let me lick you?”

“Hm?” 

His free hand rises to your chest again, gripping your left breast. “When these get big ‘n full…”

Those brown eyes then look down, gazing at your chest with a sense of hunger you’ve never seen before.

“Will you let me taste them?”

Fuck, you never even thought about that. It’s never been brought up before, Jack having any kind of lactation kink. But it makes sense, he does love your soft, plump chest. 

“Baby, that’s so sexy…” Watching him dive down, he sucks your nipple inside his mouth, moaning. “Yes, of course I will, daddy.” 

Just thinking about it makes him throb, his imagination pushing him to the edge. He can already picture it, your sensitive tits spilling from the nipple, leaking down your chest. It would taste so sweet, the milk dripping from you. He’d massage them in his warm, strong hands, squeezing more out of you. 

“Fuck me, sugar, I’m…” Pinching his eyes shut, he groans. “Jesus baby, I’m gonna cum.”

You’re not sure if you’re feeling sensitive from your early pregnancy or just from the moment, but you feel like you could cum, too. It didn’t always happen, experiencing your high solely from his length. But the way he’s fucking you right now is making your body shake. 

He bites into your shoulder, groaning, hips jerking harshly into the space between your legs. Jack lets you guide him, your hand on his ass pushing him in even deeper than he already is. With your other hand, you grip his hair, your body rolling up against his. The feeling of him spilling inside you is what does it, and it shocks you both, your orgasm riding through you in waves. And then Jack slides his hand up the bed, holding the back of your head and kissing the bruise he left. 

The way he cums is something else; it’s like it has a different purpose now. Holding your body close, he wraps both arms around you, thinking about the life the two of you have built. He’s never been more confident that you’re the one for him. 

Jack’s aftercare was always top tier, you’re truly blessed to have such a doting partner. After cleaning you, he brings you a clean set of pajamas, placing a pillow beneath your head. He knows your nighttime routine pretty well, so he brings you your hairbrush and a hair tie, watching you brush and then braid your hair. When you’re done, he puts everything back, returning to your side in no time. Smoothing his palm over your forehead, he kisses it, doing the same to your belly. And it makes you grin. He then jogs downstairs, grabbing your water bottle so he can fill it and also bring up some snacks. 

“You wanna watch somethin’, baby?” Setting your bottle on your nightstand, he sighs, grunting slightly as he rounds the bed to get situated on his side. “Brought you some fruit and popcorn.”

“Baby, you didn’t have to do that.” Smiling brightly at him, your eyes dazzle with admiration. 

But while you’re looking at him, he frowns, eyes narrowing. Darting slightly to the side, he looks at your phone screen, now grinning. 

“What’s that?” He asks, nodding at your phone. 

Turning your head, you look back at your Google search, cheeks burning from your grin. Looking back at him, you nibble on your corner lip. 

“What do you think about a tiny cowboy hat?”

[bradshawsbaby]

Letters to My Love // Part IX

Dream A Little Dream Of Me

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Pairing: Bob Floyd x Female Reader

Summary: When you signed up to volunteer with the USO, you never anticipated that you would meet a man like Ensign Robert Floyd. Fate brings you together one balmy spring evening in Charleston—the night before Bob is set to ship off across the Atlantic. Pen and paper become your only means of sharing your heart with the naval aviator who’s captivated it, igniting a correspondence that spans the distance between you. Can love blossom even as war rages and thousands of miles keep you apart?

Word Count: 3.2k

Author’s Note: Bobby and Peach’s story continues! Hope you all enjoy this latest installment!

Set the Mood: If you’re looking for some 1940s vibes, check out the playlist I made to pair with the story.

The title of this chapter comes from the popular song of the same name. Click here to listen to the first ever recording of the song from 1931!

Dedication: As always, this story is dedicated to my dear friend, @luminousnotmatter​. Clara, thank you, thank you, thank you for your support of this story!

Warnings: Alternating POV, allusions to the physical and emotional cost of war, lots of sweet fluff.

April 28, 1943

Dearest Peach (or is it Cookie now?),

I have to tell you, this game of tag might just be the best version of the game I’ve ever played. I sure was surprised—and pleased, believe me—when I opened your last letter to find another photograph inside. The other fellas on the carrier are starting to grumble about how they hardly ever get photos from their girls back home, so you’ve managed to make me quite a big shot around here. Tommy Boy told me just the other day that word’s spreading about how “Floyd’s always getting these pictures from a pretty girl back stateside.” In all honesty, I think they’re just shocked that a gal as pretty as you would be writing to a boring guy from the sticks like me.

Now I don’t want you to think I’m gloating or anything when you send me photos, Peach—although your pretty face DOES deserve to be on billboards, in my humble opinion. It’s just that carriers are smaller than you’d think, in terms of news spreading around, It doesn’t help matters that Benny is always looking over my shoulder during Mail Call, and that when I opened your most recent letter, he stood up on our bench and shouted “Bobby Boy’s got another picture, fellas!” Don’t you worry, though. I tucked your photo into my pocket, right over my heart, and wouldn’t let any of the others see it, no matter how much they begged. Serves them right for being so nosy.

All that to say, it’s a wonderful picture and it brought a big old smile to my face to see how happy you all looked at Christmastime. Please send my highest compliments to Dottie. You and your sister look so much alike, you could both be Hollywood starlets. I especially love your matching smiles—prettier than the angel on top of the Christmas tree. And Frankie is the spitting image of Paddy, my goodness! It’s funny, Paul, Jr. looks just like Paul, too. Maybe the boys will both grow up and go to Annapolis together. You know, following in their fathers’ footsteps and all that. Wouldn’t that be something if they both joined the Navy one day?

Speaking of us “squids,” as our Marine brothers are so wont to call us, I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the photos that I sent with my last letter. Tommy Boy and Benny have been bragging to anyone who will listen that you have our pictures displayed on your desk. I made the mistake of letting them know that you think they’re very handsome, but don’t worry, I kept it just between us that you think I’m the most handsome. They’re good guys and I wouldn’t want to go bruising their egos or anything like that.

Mike is the name of the fella on board who has the camera and took the pictures for us. He’s hoping he can get his hands on some more film soon so that he can take some more photographs while we’re over here. He likes to send them back home to his fiancee in Arkansas. He’s a solid guy, Mike is. He even told me he’d be happy to take some more pictures for me to send to you when he’s able to—if you’d like that, that is.

I’m glad to know that you don’t mind me writing a little bit about you to my family. I received a letter from my mother the same day I received your letter, and she said you sound like the loveliest girl and that you’re more than welcome on the Floyd farm anytime you happen to find yourself in Linn County, Iowa. When I was writing back to her, I didn’t have the heart to tell her that nobody just so happens to find themselves in Linn County, Iowa. But the offer still stands! My mama would be more than happy to bake you all the pumpkin pies your heart desires. And she’d be more than happy to hear about that peach cobbler recipe, too!

Paul wanted me to tell you that you have no reason to be embarrassed about the punch spill, and that, in fact, you should put it out of your mind completely. He’s sitting across me from right now as I write this, writing his own letter back home to Natasha and the kids. Clara’s just learning to recognize her letters and read some basic words, and Paul, Jr. can’t read at all yet of course, so Paul includes little drawings for them when he writes. Natasha says they love them, and that Clara always carries his letters around when they’re running errands to show off to all the neighbors. “Look at Daddy’s pictures!” she tells them. He really is a good artist, you know. One of these days, I’m going to have him draw something for you. Anything in particular you’d like to see?

Oh, please don’t be embarrassed about my overhearing that conversation! That’s the last thing I want you to feel. You have no reason to be embarrassed, Peach. If anything, it’s that Eddie guy who should feel embarrassed for doing that to a lady. But like you—and Dottie—said, everything happens for a reason. I believe that, too. And I believe that good things can come out of even the worst circumstances. Take this war, for example. It’s awful. There’s no sugarcoating it or making it sound better than it is. It’s just plain awful. In the time I’ve been over here, I’ve seen and heard things that I’ll never be able to forget, things that make you question how human beings can do such things to one another. But I’ve also seen instances of such heroism and bravery, of people doing all they can to stick their necks out for each other and see each other home safely, and I think that that’s got to count for something, too. Don’t you think so, Peach? I know you’re all doing your part back home, too, and that means the world to us over here. We can feel it, and we appreciate it more than you can know. So you see? Good things can still come out of the hard times.

Like you and me meeting, for another thing. I can’t say that I’m grateful for this war, but I am thankful that it brought us together and allowed our paths to cross that night in Charleston. I’ll always be thankful for that, Peach. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my lucky stars that Paul finally convinced me to go to that dance that night. It was the last place in the world I wanted to be, but it turned out to be just the place I needed to be. Everything happens for a reason, right?

Speaking of that night at the dance, I had a dream the other night about dancing with you, Peach. We were at the USO dance at first, but then we were suddenly on the beach. As a farm boy from Iowa, you can imagine that I haven’t spent much time on the beach in my lifetime. But I suppose my subconscious remembers all the beaches I saw in Charleston, because there we were, dancing in the sand while the waves were crashing in. Do you like going to the beach? Like I said, there’s none in landlocked Iowa, but I’d be more than happy to let you be my tour guide when it comes to the best beaches South Carolina and Georgia have to offer.

It’s funny, I don’t usually remember my dreams, but I remember that one quite vividly. I woke up thinking I could still taste saltwater on my tongue and feel you in my arms. Maybe that sounds a little silly, but it’s true. It was the best dream I’ve ever had, I’m sure of it.

It does sound like little Frankie is quite the mischief-maker! Hiding keys already? Something tells me he’s going to give Dottie and Paddy a run for their money when he gets older! From everything you’ve told me, I really do think he and Paul, Jr. would make the best of friends. I imagine the two of them would get into even more mischief than Paul and I did when we were growing up!

Gosh, I wish more than anything that I could be there dancing with you, Peach. But I’m holding the thought of you dancing to “We’ll Meet Again” real close to my heart until we really can meet again. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear that song without thinking of you now.

Please do keep me updated on your Victory Garden efforts! I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. Believe me, no one could have a browner thumb than me—just ask Paul, Natasha, and pretty much my entire family—so I’m sure you and Dottie will do a wonderful job!

And Happy Belated Easter, Peach! I hope you had a lovely day with your family. We actually had a bit of exciting news that reached us on Easter Sunday. The Royal Navy sent word that they managed to sink a German U-boat off the coast of [REDACTED], which is hopefully a good sign for all the rest of us. I hope this war comes to an end soon. It feels like we’ve been fighting forever.

I hope that the South Carolina sunshine is treating you right, and that you’re safe and well. I can’t wait until your next letter arrives (I’ll try to keep Benny from looking over my shoulder next time).

Most Truly Yours,

Bobby

May 24, 1943

My Dear Bobby,

Don’t worry, it’s still Peach to you, and it always will be. Frankie is learning so many new words every day that I’m sure I’ll only be Aunt Cookie for a little while longer. But I’d like to stay Peach for a good long while, if that’s alright with you.

I’m sorry to disappoint all the fellas on the carrier—particularly Benny—by not including any new photographs with this letter. I’ll try to amend that next time. But I absolutely do not believe that it should come as any kind of shock to anyone that you and I write to one another, Bobby. Boring? Who would dare call you boring? I’ll not have you talking about yourself like that, Robert Floyd, do you hear me? I could just as easily say that the people back in Charleston would be shocked to learn that a handsome naval aviator is writing to a girl as shy and mousey as me, but I know you wouldn’t like that. Just like I don’t like hearing you talk badly about yourself. So let’s promise one another we won’t do that anymore, hm?

Dottie sends profuse thanks for your sweet words about the Christmas photo—she actually blushed when I told her what you’d written! And I could tell that Paddy was all puffed up with pride when I told him that you thought Frankie looked just like him. Dottie agrees with you wholeheartedly, by the way. “Both my boys are so handsome!” she declared. I think Paddy blushed a little bit at that, though he’d never admit it.

My goodness, imagine Frankie and Paul, Jr. both joining the Navy when they’re older? I think you’re quite right that they’d make excellent friends—but heaven help the Navy with the double trouble those two would bring with all their mischief-making!

By the way, I asked Paddy about that nickname you said the Marines like to use—squids? I’ve never seen my brother-in-law turn so red so fast! “Oh, what do they know?” he demanded, waving his hands in the air. “They’re just a bunch of jarheads!” Squids? Jarheads? I never realized there was such a rivalry between you! No wonder the sailors and the Marines seem to stay on opposite sides of the room whenever the USO hosts an event! I hope you know that I don’t think you’re a squid, Bobby. But if you were, you’d be the cutest squid in the seven seas.

You’re very considerate not to bruise Tommy Boy’s and Benny’s egos, so thank you very much for keeping our little secret. Emily came over the other day—she’s still so excited about the wedding and she wanted me to help her go over some details—and she saw the pictures of you and the boys on my desk. She remembered Paul from the night of the dance, and she thought the rest of you looked familiar, too. She said to pass along her best wishes, and I passed along your congratulations on her and Eddie’s engagement. I hope you don’t mind.

That’s very sweet of your friend, Mike to offer to take more photos for you! Of course I’d love for you to send more, if you’re able to! Being able to see that you’re okay, even with all the miles and a war between us, makes me so happy.

Your mama is most generous and kind to extend that invitation! While I can’t say that I have any reason to be in Linn County, Iowa at the moment, I will be certain to look up the Floyd family farm if ever I should happen to be in town. And please let your mama—and all of your family—know that, should they ever find themselves in Charleston, South Carolina, the Sheridan residence is always open to them. Your mama and I can swap recipes. I know Dottie would love that.

I couldn’t help smiling from ear to ear when I read the part of your letter where you talked about Paul’s drawings for Clara and Paul, Jr.! What a wonderful father he is! And an artist, too? I’m very impressed! Not to mention thankful to him for his unending kindness. I can see why the two of you are the best of friends—you both have the same good hearts. Hmm, now as for what kind of drawing I would like, I suppose that would depend on what Paul specializes in. Does he do portraits? In that case, I’d like to see him draw one of you. Does he draw cartoons? I can only imagine how he’d portray a conversation between Tommy Boy and Benny. If neither of those, then perhaps Paul can draw me some peaches—I always think of you now, Bobby, whenever I eat them.

Oh, Bobby. Yes, I do believe it counts for something when people try to hold onto their goodness in the midst of so much evil and bad. We know so little of what you’re facing over there beyond the small bits that we read in the newspaper or hear on the radio. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to be living in it every day. I wish that I could hold you tight and make all the bad memories go away. But since I can’t, I’m glad to know that you’re able to find the glimpses of good where you can.

Without a doubt, everything happens for a reason, and I believe there’s a reason that you and I met that night, Bobby. Maybe a reason that’s bigger than you and I can ever understand. I’m grateful that our paths crossed, too. So, so grateful. I know this might sound silly considering we’ve only actually been together in person for a few hours, but you’ve helped me come out of my shell more than you can know. I’ve always been so shy, Bobby. Painfully so. It’s not easy for me to talk to new people, or people that I don’t know very well. It’s especially not easy for me to talk to handsome boys like you. But that night at the dance and during our walk on King Street—you made me feel seen, Bobby. And heard. Hardly anyone outside my family has ever made me feel that way. And then we started writing letters to each other and you’ve just been so easy to talk to, so easy to share my heart with. Thank you for that, Bobby. It means more to me than you can possibly imagine. So yes, I thank my lucky stars for that night, too.

Did you really have a dream about me? I’m blushing to think so, but now I don’t feel so shy to tell you that I’ve dreamed about you, too. In my dream, we were back at the ice cream parlor on King Street, sharing an ice cream sundae with lots of whipped cream and cherries on top. When you come home, we’ll have to take a drive to Folly Beach and get ice cream on the pier. I’ll be counting down the days until it happens!

Now speaking of our Victory Garden, Dottie and I are quite proud of the effort we put in this year! You’d think the two of us were a couple of regular old farm girls. We spent about a week or so clearing out the beds from last year and resoiling them. One of our neighbors, Mrs. Patterson had a beautiful garden last year, so she gave us a lot of helpful advice. We ended up planting beans, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It’s still a little too early to tell how they’ll end up, but they look promising so far! I think you’d be proud of us!

Things here on the homefront have been a little tricky as of late. I’m not sure if word has gotten over to you boys across the Atlantic, but some of the coal miners went on strike last month. It caused a bit of a crisis with regard to production and manufacturing. President Roosevelt delivered a fireside chat discussing the crisis earlier this month. He tried to remind all of us that it’s our patriotic duty to continue working and to do what we can for the war effort. I think Paddy was a bit worried about it, but the government has since taken control of the coal mines, and so we haven’t heard much more about it.

I want so badly to do my part for the war effort, Bobby. I think of you and Paul and Tommy Boy and Benny and all the others, risking your lives across the ocean to defend all of us back home. I want to do something, no matter how small, that can contribute and make a difference. There have been lots of women going to work in the factories ever since we entered the war. Some of them are filling their husbands’ and brothers’ positions while they’re off fighting. Paddy mentioned that they’re actually looking to fill civilian positions at Naval Air Station Charleston. It’s harder because of the background checks required, but I’d have a leg up, being Paddy’s sister-in-law. I’ve been thinking about asking Paddy to help me apply for a position. Do you think I should, Bobby? If it could be of any help to you and all the other men, I’d really like to give it a try. What do you think?

That’s wonderful news about the Royal Navy! Every time I hear about the Allies pushing further into Europe, or defeating our enemies in some way, it gives me a thrill of hope that maybe this all really will be over soon. I hope so, Bobby. I really hope so.

Even though there’s a few thousand miles between us, I hope you can feel all the good thoughts I’m sending your way. I can’t wait until I get your next letter. I always look forward to them.

Until next time, Bobby!

Most Affectionately Yours,

Peach

TAGLIST: @teacupsandtopgun @saturnsbabe69 @gigisimsonmars @marchingicenotes7 @high-speed-r @toobouquet @up-thereinthesky @lostinthefandoms11 @strangerparks @sweetwhispersofchaos

[nikutsuneart]

I've been admiring your art, while consistently struggling myself to keep Sora and Riku's faces consistent...whether that's bc of emotion or angle or how soft their features are, I'm not sure. You'd think that after 2 decades of looking at these characters I could draw them properly.

Can I ask what facial features you think makes them distinct?

*RUBS MY HANDS TOGETHER* This is the best question you could have asked me and I am frankly STOKED to answer it (even if it took me a hot minute). It's something I've personally made notes of and have thought about a lot, SO! You came to the right dude.

For starters, it helps that Sora and Riku were made to be complementary. Riku was specifically designed counterbalance to Sora (as stated by Nomura in the KH1 Ultimania Gallery comments) and is something they’ve continued to lean into over the years. So thankfully it’s really easy to single their features out when compared to each other, specifically.

To boot, I have a lot of fun trying to boil down designs into an easily recognizable visual language just in general. Developing visual shorthand for a character, boiling them down to their bare essentials, etc. How low can we go? It’s a fun exercise and great for strengthening silhouettes!

And from what I’ve found, to put it simply; Sora is Round. Riku is Angular. Where Sora is short, Riku is Long! Like this;

Simple, right? You can tell which is which? Just zhuzh it up a little and you’ve got the boys!

Perfect.

While these are very simple examples, reducing them down and still being able to readily tell who is who even as little circles is the point! It let’s you know what to focus on as you shift from little caricatures to more detailed drawings at any level. And you’ll see how much these simple little rules/identifiers carry all the way thru!

Let’s start with their faces; Round vs Angular.

Soft vs Sharp.  

Sora’s cheeks are more prominent and rounded, sloping lower on the face and pinching in to a smaller round, pointed chin. It makes his head look more round and short! His Jaw is also softer, less defined, which is an easy way to make somebody look youthful. (this is a tip I learned from tf2 actually?? lmao) He’s got a bit of that baby face!

With Riku, his cheek bones peak higher up and cut in cleanly down to a more prominent chin. This leaves a lot of space for his jaw which can make his head seem taller. It also affords his features more space which can serve to make someone look “more mature”. His jawline is also sharper and more defined, cutting inward compared to sora’s outwards slope. He’s just a handsome guy!

But it doesn’t stop there!

When it comes to their noses, I really like to lean in to the little things.

With Sora, I like to accentuate the upturn (hence the accent lines) but his nose is shorter and more rounded with a prominent tip pointing up and out. Some might call this a pixie nose

Riku’s is broad and straight (haha) and one of my favorite features of his. It’s a strong shnoz, longer than Sora’s and with a flat bridge. A detail of which I’ve always really liked and make sure to include. Gives it that strong handsome look.

I’m sure you’re getting the idea, but every feature follows these rules! Short and Long! Round and Sharp!

The eyebrows are something I feel always go missed, so I wanted to bring them up specifically. Riku’s eyebrows are longer and have a high arch to them as they wrap around his brow. Sora’s are short and much thicker towards the bridge before quickly tapering out.

You can see this along with their eyeshape a lot more clearly on their models. (Sora’s eyebrows are my favorite i love em I think they’re just the cutest thing. Really adds to his expressions, especially his pouts.)

What’s fun is that these are all things I’ve observed in official material in one way or another (namely Nomura’s art, the 3d models tend to round things out more.) Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot their consistent features. I’ve grabbed some fun examples;

Sora: upturned nose, round cheeks pinched in to a pointed chin, rounded jaw

Riku: Harder jaw, prominent chin, straight nose

You can see here how the curve of riku’s jaw goes in towards the face as sora’s goes out.

Riku: The Nose even more clearly, chin pointing out, and though mostly covered, you can see that strong jaw.

Sora: the same as above, really, but it’s consistent. Who says you can’t draw characters facing slightly to the left for a living.

You’re starting to see a pattern I’m sure.

And here you can see the flat bridge on riku’s straight ass nose! A flat of which Sora doesn’t have by comparison. You can also see here the different points their cheeks turn in, Sora’s being notably lower than Riku’s.

Anyway, you get my point!

For a generalized ending statement; Riku is always drawn with harder, yet graceful masculine features. He’s both very handsome and beautiful, wow. Package deal. Sora has a more boyish cheekiness. He’s got a baby face he’ll probably never outgrow along with other “cute” features. His can be a harder balance to strike, he’s cute but he’s also a dashing young man, a little charmer!

Focus in on those details n just remember compared to each other; Round vs Angular Short vs Long Soft vs Sharp They’re complimentary opposites, both in concept AND design! I love it!

I hope this was sufficient, kind anon. Good luck to everyone and I hope to see more strong Riku noses in the future.

[crazylittlejester]

I come forth with some fluffy headcannons this time around.

Groose has already planned Sky and Sun's wedding without either of them realizing. The entirety of Skyloft is currently holding their breath for when Sky proposes, some even are holding bets for when he does.

Time cries every single time a baby animal is born on the farm. No matter how many times he has seen it before, he is a mess of sobs as he lovingly praises the mama and holds himself back from cuddling the newborn baby. If Malon seen him cuddling Epona and the mare she had, she never mentioned it.

Warriors and Artemis love each other so much that they are oblivious to the other. It not even funny, and Impa is forced to witness them be idiots all the time. Somebody save that poor woman.

Twilight goes to Wind for pointers on dealing with a little sister since at this point the daughter Uli and Rusl had would be 4. He just wants to be a good big brother.

Wind collects all kinds of trinkets and collectibles to give to Aryll and Grandma. His bag is just full of them.

The fight Hyrule and Legend had when they first met (the one Jojo talked about) Hyrule won.

Four likes watching the sunrise, so he often takes last watch to do so.

(I hope you're doing good! You better be having a great day and taking care of yourself.)

These were wonderful to read!! Thank you!!

- I think its so funny that all of Skyloft is probably just so involved in those two, they probably have bets placed on when Sky will propose

- Time is SUCH an emotional guy when it comes to baby animals, I can see him carrying around little guys because he loves them so much (and he definitely gets super sad when he can no longer physically carry them)

- Poor Impa is probably sitting there ripping her hair out, those two are idiots 😭

- THATS SO CUTE, i imagine Twilight is one of the best at handling kids, he’s already a big brother to like all of the village kids, but the idea of him asking Wind for pointers is so cute

- Wind and Legend are the biggest trinket collectors, they just have HOARDS of trinkets

- Oh Hyrule definitely won that. To me, Hyrule looks like a thin 15 year old, but he’s actually 18 and has quite a bit of muscle hiding where you can’t see it because his clothes are a bit baggy on him at first (he definitely fills out more during the journey and grows into them), making him look much smaller than he is. So when Legend runs into what he perceives as a child who looks small, he underestimates him and gets his ass handed to him. Hyrule is deceptively strong, him and Wars both, they don’t look it, but they’re just as strong as the others, and the other members of the group don’t doubt their strength at all once they actually get to know them

- I can see Four battling people for that last watch so he can watch the sunrise, and I can see some of the others joining him sometimes :)

I hope you’re doing good and taking care of yourself as well!! :)

[parisawr]

John Dory x King Trollex

Word Count: 1.8k+

Part 2/?

—

John makes his way to pop village that morning in order to get everything set up in Branch’s bunker. He’s nervous, to say the least. Even though they did make up, he knew it would take some time for them to really become brothers again. The journey would be long, and would probably involve a lot of crying, but for his bros, he’d do anything.

Contrary to her owner, Rhonda doesn’t seem nervous at all. In fact, the armadillo was practically vibrating with excitement as she walked through the village, happily sniffing at the trolls that passed by, even kicking a few. Of course, John Dory was watching her the whole time, due to her tendency to straight up swallow some. Thankfully, there’s only been one incident since they’ve arrived, and he plans to keep it that way.

Unsurprisingly, he and his precious Rhonda are being led there by an enthusiastic Poppy, who talks her mouth off on the way there.

“Originally, it was Branch’s lil’ survivor bunker because he used to be SO paranoid of the Bergins attacking! But now that they aren’t eating trolls anymore, he redecorated the place a little?” She rambles lighting-quick, following her words with exasperated hand expressions. “It’s way less depressing than it used to be, and let me tell you, that place was such a BUMMER. Impressive, but a BUMMER.”

JD laughs, and thinks to himself how his little bro takes so much after him.

He listens intently along the rest of the way, taking in as much info as he can. He and his brothers still had a lot of catching up to do, especially since even after they’ve somewhat settled down, they hardly manage to get a real, long time to chat. Hes pretty sure that they’re chill for now, but his brothers wouldn’t probably want answers, and some apologies. Like, a LOT of apologies. Especially towards Floyd

Even now, John still remembers the painful feeling in his chest when he watched his little bro limp along with the help of a crutch. Just made the realization that he had failed as an older sibling hit that much harder.

If he hadn’t been so concerned with being perfect, would Floyd have been safe?

He doesn’t get the chance to ponder on THAT emotional rabbit hole before he’s startled out of his thinking by a loud ‘we’re here!’, courtesy of Queen Poppy. They’ve stopped in an a small, open patch of grass, a part of it taken up by a large, outlined circle, a welcome mat placed neatly on top.

“And here’s the bunker! The entrance used to be, like, way smaller, but like I said, no more Bergens trying to eat us!” She quickly explains before skipping on top of the cropped circle, gesturing for JD to come forward.

But it’s as if all the anxiety in the world decided to make John Dory their newest home. He was hesitant to reach out, but it lasted only a second. It reminded him of when he first went to perform for the first time. Goosebumps, shortness of breath, his entire body feeling as if it were on fire. A terrible feeling that was all too familiar, so a feeling that he knew how to deal with.

He and his brothers were on better terms now. Speaking terms! Within like, 2 weeks! That was something he didn’t think he’d even be alive to do! So if that was possible, speaking and chillaxing with his brothers and Queen Poppy would be a breeze.

So he smiles at the Queen and steps into the circle too.

The second he does, the Queen stomps her feet two times, and the next second, their being lowered down into the ground. He stumbles a bit, not expecting the sudden movement, but beams a little in both astonishment and pride. Branch was most definitely his brother.

—

When they get in there, Clay, Floyd, and Branch are all in the first floor kitchen, chatting lightly with one another. Of course, when JD arrives alongside Poppy with a toothy grin on her face, his brothers run over to say hello, bright smiles on their faces that contrast greatly to the expressions they first had when they met him during their journey.

The happiness he feels at that moment just about makes him explode.

—

The rest of the day is filled with lively chatter all around. All of the brothers, as well as Poppy, get to work on moving their stuff inside. Although the initial debacle of attempting to get their stuff inside resulted in a broken chair and JD getting a handful of splinters, they eventually managed.

Once everyone had gotten their rooms situated, everyone met up in the dining room to have a chat and a snack before either leaving or heading off to bed. They take turns, going Bruce had to leave the next morning to get back to his wife and kids, but Clay and Floyd were staying the night.

When it came to JD’s turn, he didn’t fail to notice the slight apprehensive look in his youngest brother’s eye. He felt a pang in his heart at that, but at the same time, understood why.

“We’ll after years living off the road, I think I’m about ready to settle down.” He confesses. The others nod in understanding, and Branch seems to light up, but it’s so subtle that really only John Dory notices. Reminds him of when Branch was just Bitty B.

John Dory smiles too.

“Now, I know you probably don’t want me here, so I will stay the night. But the next day? I’ll be living in ole’ Rhonda for the time being ‘till I get my own pod.” He explains.

He then shoots Branch a sympathetic look.

“No offense, little bro, but it’s a little embarrassing living in your little bro’s house, y’know?” He loudly whispers, and giggles are heard around the table.

—

That night, when JD meets up with King Trollex, his concerns fall out like word vomit.

“And I guess— I don’t know… what if I do fail them again?” John Dory did usher after a long, winding rant.

The King nods in understanding, and he places his hand on John’s. He feels him tense, his hand fidgeting into the sand, and thinks to himself that the guy must be nervous. And he wouldn’t blame him.

When he looks up, he meets JD’s gaze, and for a moment he sees something sparkle in his eyes before they quickly dart to look away.

“The fear you have is understandable, but you shouldn’t let it consume you.” He starts, never once breaking eye contact with the troll in front of him. JD wishes he could tell him then and there that staring at him like that makes his face stupidly hot, but knows that doing so would only ruin the moment, which was the last thing he wanted.

“You’ve already told me that, despite a few bumps here and there, you and your brothers have grown pretty close after everything with Velvet and Veneer. And that just proves that whatever conflict comes your way just makes your bond stronger.”

“Never let yourself doubt that, never just assume that your brothers still hate you. You’ve changed, man! And if your brothers can see that, and I can see that, then you can too.”

When he finishes, John is looking at him as if he’s the most beautiful troll in the world. And to John Dory, he definitely is. His jaw is slack, and his eyes glisten under the moonlight as tears well in them. He doesn’t know why, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away. As if some sort of invisible force had his head in a lock and was forcing him to stare dead on at the king, whose lips were still curled into that same, beautiful smile.

He just looked so… beautiful at that moment. It sounds corny, he knows, like something straight out of those cheesy rom coms he and brothers would watch when they were younger, but it was true! There was just something about the guy, possibly his looks or his genuine sincerity (likely both) that just made John Dory stop everything just to take it all in.

Unfortunately, John Dory knows he can’t go staring at the king as if he was a masterpiece (which he was) for too long unless he wanted the king to think he was weird, which was the absolute last thing he wanted! So he blinks a few times and nods his head curtly.

“…Thanks man.” Is all that follows after a long, 5 second silence. His voice is hushed, but sincere.

King Trollex smiles, and before JD can react, he’s embracing the pop troll in a wet hug. John Dory practically freezes in place. The heat on his face increases to a point where he think he might just explode.

“Don’t just do nothing, idiot! Hug him back!” He screams to himself, and quickly moves to reciprocate the hug as tightly as he could without squeezing the life out of the Techno king.

The aquatic troll pats his back, soothing rubbing circles, and whispers gently into his ear that “everything is gonna be okay.”

John Dory wishes that that hug could last for eternity. Despite the fact the king was cold from the after, the embrace was just as warm as a summer evening, and with each passing second he just melted into it more and more.

But, all good things must come to an end, and John Dory has to stop himself from whining when the king pulls away.

“I’ve got to head back, now. But I’m glad that you trusted me enough to talk with me about this.” He starts, approaching the water. John Dory, unconsciously follows. He doesn’t want his voice to fade away, not yet.

“You ever need to talk with me again, you know when and where you need to go.” John Dory nods despite the fact the king can’t see him, still following. He’s ankle deep in the water now, with the king just about fully submerged.

Trollex turns around, and he doesn’t seem too surprised when JD is standing just a few inches away. Just before he dives into the ocean, he reassures John Dory one last time.

“Remember, you’ve got this.”

And then he’s gone, diving headfirst into the waves and disappearing underneath them. John Dory watches the glowing colors of his body grow duller and duller, until they blend seamlessly with the endless blue.

He silently wishes he’d have more than just a night to spend with the king. Underneath his breath, he whispers a “thank you.”

As he approaches his precious Rhonda, the wet sand sticking to her like glue, he comes to a sudden realization that he felt stupid for not realizing sooner.

He loves King Trollex.

—

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52544056/chapters/135643774

[moonwaterart]

______________________________________________________________

Here's another short ficlet, this time for Leshy since there isn't much Leshy love out there. He's a good little worm

______________________________________________________________

The One Who Mourns

“Leader, you seem like you’re stressed. Is something the matter?”

The leafed worm heard a familiar voice ask. Most of his followers would wait to be talked to since his loss of eyesight, but not them. This follower was always making sure he was okay. Making sure things were still being taken care of.

They’ve always been like that since they joined his sect of The Old Faith years ago. They were never afraid to ask him things or to chat. Their smile was always a welcome sight to Leshy until he lost his vision. Since then they made time to help him with menial tasks and keep things in line at the temple of his sect.

“The red crown defeated another of my high priests.” He commented. “I fear I must step in soon in order to stop them from advancing further.”

“But… what if… what if the red crown defeats you too? What will happen to us here?” He couldn’t see them anymore, but he could hear them fidget slightly as their words laced with worry.

He knew that that was a possibility. He would be using the power he had left in order to stop that lamb in their tracks, but what if he didn’t succeed? What would happen to his other followers?

“That’s… something I’ve thought about… yes…” he turned his head downward towards the approximate place he could feel their presence, crouching in order to at least try to be smaller in order to comfort his loyal follower. “If that were to happen, I would want you to take care of this place. Don’t allow my name to die with my body and soul. You are my most loyal follower… and what I’m going to do… I would never want you to suffer. So please… my most loyal… promise me that if it comes down to it, you will continue to be loyal even after I am gone.”

There was a pause, soon followed by a choked back sob. “You sound… so absolute in your words.”

Leshy let out a soundless sigh and extended a hand carefully towards them. He let it hover before a smaller pair of hands took it in their own and brought it closer to themselves, pressing their forehead to his palm “but if that’s what you request… I’ll follow your request faithfully.”

A pang of sadness struck the bishop. The possibility of never talking again felt worse than anything he had faced up to that point. They never realized it up to that point, but their most loyal follower being upset by his words yet still promising to follow them hurt him as badly as when he lost his eyesight. He could feel the sting of ichor around what used to be his eyes. He hadn't been able to cry for years yet here he was, upset that they were upset.

His siblings always said he was weaker than themselves when it came to emotional connection, yet that’s why people followed him. He was willing to be vulnerable around his followers before they lost their brother to greed and power. He was always the bishop getting into trickery and prankster trouble. Always fun loving and full of joy. Yet as he felt their sobs against his palm, it dawned on him how much he had changed.

“My most loyal follower… Please don’t cry. There’s no need for such sadness while I’m still around.” He carefully moved his hand to wipe a tear with his thumb. “How about we take some time to enjoy the time we have? You can show me around the new additions to the temple or maybe you would like to go gather flowers from the woods beyond? They’re in full bloom this time of year, are they not?”

He took to bringing them close before starting to walk again. “Those who mourn early miss out on remembering the good of the past and present as they fear for the future and probable outcomes. When the time comes for you to pass on you would rather be celebrated for your accomplishments, yes?”

“W-well yes.. but-“

“Then, my most loyal follower, let’s celebrate what time is left. Mourning has its place, but that is neither here nor there and definitely not the time for that. Until it is time for me to depart, let us take the time to celebrate, the stress will disappear, I promise.”

Their follower was silent, but nodded, wiping more tears away. “I… I suppose so. How about I tell you about those new temple additions?”

“I would want nothing more at the moment.”

—

“The Red Crown comes for the chain I guard.” Leshy declared to the followers that gathered. “In order to stop them I must use every fragment of power I have left. In order to access that power, a great sacrifice must take place. A life in exchange for power. A life in the name of justice and our faith.”

The followers that gathered started to offer themselves to him as help with his showdown against the lamb who represented The Chained One. Tents were being emptied and giving their belongings to followers staying behind. As they did that, a hand tugged at Leshy’s robe which made him turn his attention to whomever did that. “What do you need? Now isn’t the time to-”

“Great Leader… I have a departing gift for you.” At their words his demeanor softened.

“Of course… I apologize for my tone. What is it, my most loyal follower?”

“Let me see your hand, just real quick.”

Leshy complied, extending a hand to receive what he thought would be a trinket or maybe something they wanted him to feel; instead something was wrapped around his wrist and secured. “It’s not much, but I hope you keep it with you to know I’ll be here praying for your safe return.”

Their words stung him, but he knew they meant well. They’ve talked before about this. They know what to do if he did not return. The most inevitable possibility and one he wished it didn’t come down to. He felt the bracelet with his other hand, the flowers and grass chained together perfectly. “Then I will try not to keep you waiting.”