#Anyways thank you for the ask I'm keeping up unusually well with answering people on this blog ahah

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

A Guiding Hand 5

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, parental neglect, depression, inference of self harm, violence, abuse, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: your online academics are affected by your personal struggles but your professor won’t let you give up so easy.

Characters: Raymond Smith, Lee Bodecker in the background

Note: I'm a sleepy baby.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Another unit done. You’re not certain how you’ve kept it up but you’re just waiting for your motivation to fizzle out. Each activity, each page, you teeter on the edge of oblivion. Workbook Five is almost complete and Six will be the final for the course. There’s a shell of disbelief around you. You really did it. 

Well, not quite yet. 

You sit back and stretch your neck and shoulders. Your teachers always told you to stop hunching but your shoulders always curled forward and your neck sunk anyway. Not out of defiance, just to make yourself small, maybe even, invisible. 

You stand, fingers cold and slightly numb. It’s a rainy day and the cold seeps in as your mother keeps the radiator off. You tuck your hands into your hoodie sleeve and find your slippers, a faded old pair that used to be somewhat fluffy. 

It’s quiet. You haven’t heard your mother at all. It’s not too unusual. After a binge, sometimes she just sleeps all day and night. You don’t like it, you don’t like that it’s normal, but it’s just how she is. How it is and always will be. 

Well, you’re trying to change yourself. You can’t change her or this place. 

You open the door slowly and peek out. A habit. You emerge quietly and rub your nose with your cuff, sniffing behind your sleeve as you shuffle into the kitchen. You do your best not to make too much noise as you fill the kettle. You have a few more bags of green tea, the you’re all out. You need to go back to the grocery store but the food credits won’t come until next week. 

You turn the dial on the stove and lean against the front as the kettle sits on the back burner. You close your eyes, groggy and slightly dizzy. You’ve been staring at numbers for so long, you don’t even know what time it is. Morning at night, you can’t tell by a glance through the gray window. 

You yawn again. Maybe chamomile might be a better choice. You lift your head and lean back on your heels as you mull the decision. The floor creaks with your weight as you shift indecisively. You’re not even sure you have any left.  

As you back up, you collide with something, someone, else. You grunt as suddenly there’s a clamp around your neck and you’re shoved forward against the stove. You brace the edge, careful not to touch the top as the heat from the burner radiates across the metal. 

Lee’s chuckle brushes over your hair, “there you are, girl. You been hiding.” 

“Eek, no--” you squirm and writhe. 

He’s too strong. He pushes harder and you’re forced to bend, precariously hovering over the stove, the kettle not far from your cheek. You squeak as your slippers scuff on the floor between his feet. 

“Please--” 

“You should be begging,” he snarls, “little girl like you, messing where she shouldn’t be.” 

“I’m sorry,” you squeal, “you were hurting her--” 

“Ain’t none of your business, is it?” He jolts you and you nearly hit your head off the back of the stove. He grabs your wrist with his other hand as he pinches your neck tighter. “Your mama likes it rough, don’t ya know? Walls ain’t that thick.” 

You whine and struggle to resist him as he brings your hand up, angling it towards the kettle as you hear that water starting to hum. You can feel the heat roiling from it. You push back against him, pressing your hand to the back of the stove to get better leverage. 

“Want me to hurt you? Is that it? Tired of just listening,” he snorts, your hand shaking close to the kettle as you babble, “suppose like this, won’t be too bad.” 

He wiggles his pelvis against you and you hiccup in fear. You twitch and he shoves your hand against the kettle. You cry out as it scalds your skin, steam hissing through the spout and towards your face. Your eyes well and you gnash your teeth. 

“Pl-please,” you plead and he lets go of your arm, framing your hip instead.

He pulls you back against him, “Mmm,” he shakes his hips again, “think I could. You ain’t bad from behind.” 

Horror erupts up your throat as you scramble desperately, trapped by his weight. You grab onto the handle of the kettle, even as your burnt flesh screams, and you hurl yourself back. He staggers as you swing the heavy vessel in his direction but it only splashes on your slippers as he dodges away from you. A flare of anger lights up his blue eyes. 

“Ha,” he sneers at you, “you’re funny, girl. Got a whole lotta fight for nothing. Far as I can tell, ain’t no other man around to want you. Not even your daddy.” 

You lower the kettle, breathless and terrified. The sting of his word wounds more than the blistering flesh on your fingers. You shake your head. 

“Leave me alone,” you croak. 

“Hmph,” he curls his lips, “just you wait,” he eyes you up and down. 

You stand, paralysed by the stove. He stomps away and you watch him go, not daring to move. When you hear your mother’s door slam, you shakily set the kettle on the countertop. You turn your hand over an examine your palm, the sight of it adding to the agony. 

You don’t know how you can write now. 

📓

You tap the mousepad twice to get it to react. Your poorly wrapped hand makes everything double the task. You huff as you switch hands, awkwardly navigating to the email icon. You expand the window and find a new email. Professor Smith. 

‘Thank you for your last submission. I have reviewed your work and would like to provide feedback via Zoom if possible. Please provide times which work for you. 

Looking forward to speaking again. 

Take care, 

Raymond’ 

As usual. He is very direct. You can almost appreciate that about him and yet it does not rein in your paranoia. Feedback via Zoom? Why? Can’t he just write it down? Did you do something wrong?  

Ugh. You slump and stare at the keyboard. It can’t be avoided. You haven’t even started Six because of your hand. Maybe a review would be helpful. Besides, it would be a waste to give up now. It wasn’t so bad before, was it?  

You hit reply and key in your response slowly with one hand. 

‘Hello Professor, 

I can do anytime tomorrow.  

Thank you.’ 

It isn’t the most academic or professional response. You don’t know what else to say. You have no schedule to adhere too, you can only hope your mom isn’t making a racket. 

You send and close up the laptop. You have to rewrap your hand. It’s really hurting but you’ve been rationing the Polysporin. You just want it to heal quick so you can finish your work. 

📓

Professor Smith confirms for nine in the morning. You make sure you’re awake but your head is pulsing. Your sleep schedule is all off. You opt for a plain long-sleeved tee over the hoodie, trying to appear as presentable as you can. Nothing you own can compare to his tidy attire; you recall his sweater and stiff collar. Often, you find yourself wilting over how he must think of you. Just like everyone else does, you suppose. 

You get set up. Your room isn’t too bad. You’ve been trying to keep up on it. Your laundry is in a basket although the bookshelf is getting a bit cluttered again. Oh well, he won’t be able to see much around you. 

You open the laptop. Ten minutes to go. You can hardly sit still. Your anxiety peaks as you hear your mom’s voice from down the hall. It’s early for you, but even earlier for her. 

There’s a knock at the door, “honey, do we got any coffee left?” 

“Mom,” you get up and go to the door, cracking it open, “I left enough for a pot in the tin. I’m still waiting on the credits.” 

“Oh,” she smiles through the narrow space, “Lee musta used them the last of it.” She smiles. She’s drunk. She hasn’t just woken up, she’s been awake all night. She turns and waddles away unsteadily, “baby, we got no coffee.” 

You sigh and shut the door. You go back to the computer. Please don’t make a ruckus. You don’t need another scene. 

You click the meeting link and fidget. You’re not ready. Are you ever? Life is just doing things you’re unprepared for. 

You wince as Professor Smith appears on the screen. He greets you by name and you return a ‘hello, professor’. 

“Good morning?” He asks brightly. 

You shrug, “yeah, I guess...” you look one way then the other, uncertain, “how are you, professor?” 

“Great, thanks for asking,” he reaches for a tall mug and takes a sip before exhaling, “so, I suppose you would just like to get this over with.” 

“Um, no, er, I...” 

“Not saying anything about you,” he assures as he leans forward, crossing his arms over the desk. His eyes scan through his lens and you realise he must be reading something on the screen, “you’ve done wonderful work. I especially wanted to high light a few things.” 

“Oh, uh, yeah, I probably made some mistakes,” you clumsily click around as his image remains in the corner of the screen. You hiss as your fingers throb and open the workbook. 

“On the contrary, it’s perfect. In fact, you’ve managed to bring my own error to light. I was certain at first it wasn’t me but I went in a redid the work for Problem Eight. Clever.” 

You sit back and nod, surprised.

There’s a thump and your mom’s voice, met by Lee’s rumbling timbre. Muffled enough that their words can be deciphered but you worry it is still heard through the microphone. You clear your throat and move closer, sitting up as you bring your injured hand to rub your neck. 

“A lot going on?” Smith wonders. 

“No, sir, sorry, I wasn’t expecting it,” you shrug and scratch your cheek, the gauze rough and loose. 

“Oh my, what’s happened there? Are you alright?” 

You pause and jerk as another bang sounds and your mother’s cackle erupts, stopping sharply 

“Yes, sir,” you quickly hide your hand, “I had an accident. Um, I was going to ask... it’s taking me a while to type...” 

“By all means, we may discuss accommodations,” he assures, “I am, as ever, patient. Most importantly, you must take care of yourself.” 

“Sir,” you nod and your door rattles in the frame. “Um...” you glance over your shoulder. Why now? 

“Are you certain this isn’t a bad time?” 

“I’m sorry,” you face the laptop, “I didn’t think--” 

“Hey, you lazy bitch!” A hard rap shakes the door behind you, “get out here.” 

You go wide-eyed and stare at the screen. No. Please. Not again. 

Professor Smith’s brow ripples and his jaw squares, “it seems you’ve got some chaos over there.” 

“It’s just... I... one sec,” you bring the call full screen and search for the controls and hit mute. You stand up and go to the door, trying to block it out with your body. You open it as Lee smirks back at you, “we’re all outta coffee. Why don’t you go and get us some?” 

He holds up a ten dollar bill and flicks it against your nose, “y’ain’t got nothing else to do.” 

“I’m busy,” you say, “can it wait a few minutes?” 

“Busy?” He snips, “with what? You can watch your damn TV when you get back.” 

“Sorry, but I can’t--” 

“Lee, she’ll go in a bit,” your mother preens from down the hall. 

“I got a damn headache, she can drag her ass out right now,” he barks back at her, “it’s my money, ain’t it?” 

“Please, I’m... just after.” 

“Why? Whatcha hiding?” 

“Nothing, it’s school--” 

He shoves the door and you stumble back, hitting the bookshelf with your shoulder. He bulls past you and looks around, his eyes narrowing on your laptop. You turn to see the professor watching intently from his side of the call and you scurry to catch up with Lee and stop him. He elbows you away, tossing you against your bedframe. You hit it and crash to the floor. 

“I see, you entertainin’,” he scoffs and hits the keys several times. 

“Who are you, sir?” Smith asks, his tone cool but dangerous. 

You hear the little blip that signals the mute is off, “should ask ya the same. Whatcha doin’ talkin’ to young girls, eh?” 

“Is she your daughter?” Smith challenges and gets a chortle in return. 

“Nah, just a whore like her mother, ain’t she? You’d know better than me.” 

You get to your knees and grab at his hand, “please, he’s my professor.” 

“Don’t lie to me. Irene,” he spins as he hollers for your mother, “come see what your daughter’s doin’." He pauses to grit over his shoulder, "If ya gonna be whorin’ on the internet, you should at least try to get some money outta it.” 

“Huh, Lee, leave her alone,” your mom appears in the doorway and you crawl past Lee, keeping low as you reach up to keyboard and feel around. 

Professor Smith says your name but you hold the power button until the laptop fan slows and quiets. You sit back on your heels and look over as Lee peers around your room. Your mom sways in the doorway. 

“Who was that?” She asks. 

“I told him, it’s my professor--” 

“You ain’t smart enough for all that book stuff,” Lee growls, “go on and keep lyin’.” 

“Why do you care?” You sniff. 

“Honey, don’t be rude.” 

“Mom,” you whine, “he shouldn’t be in here.” 

“Lee, baby, I’ll go get the coffee,” she redirects. You hang your head. 

“I want her to go,” he turns and throws the ten at you, “the way she leach of ya, it’s the least she can do.” 

You wince, “it’s okay, mom, I can go.” You grab the desk and stand, swiping up the bill. You need to get out of this apartment. Staying will only make him angrier. Staying will only make she shame worse. 

[espinosaurusrexex]

*intensely thinking of final answer*

*game show waiting music*

I think I'm going with miscommunication with Bucky.

*presses button to log it in*

*game show celebration music* congratulations! You have a Bingo!!! 💗 This was fun. I'm hoping it counts as Miscommunication because, technically, it's only one-sided. But I loved it so much I had to write it. Anyway - enjoy! 🥰

summary 'cause it's a little longer: You’re the new recruit with mind-controlling abilities and Bucky hates it. But after avoiding you for a while and being responsible for several dangerous situations because of it, Bucky is asked to resolve his issues with you. He’s not amused, but amazing things can happen when people are trapped in elevators and it makes Bucky realize that, maybe, you’re not as awful as he thought.

Miscommunication (Bingo Game)

!BINGO ASKS CLOSED!

BuckyBarnes x Enhanced!Female!Reader

word count: 3.3k

warnings: enemies to friends (for now?), grumpy!Bucky, angst, swearing, sassy reader, arguing, and me trying to be funny

“Can you make people cry?”

“Sometimes.”

“What about making them dance real good.” Another man chimed in. You remembered him introducing himself as ‘The Falcon’.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Are you a good dancer?” You smirked. 

“Is that a challenge?” He raised his eyebrows. 

“What about farts, can you make people fart,” The ant guy asked with enthusiasm. 

“I... I haven’t tried that yet.”

“Well, it would be a great prank.”

“I guess?” It wasn’t the weirdest thing you’d been asked before - you’d never forget that day your niece brought you to school for your magic talent... kindergartners asked the most unexpected questions. But hearing them from an adult was still a little unusual. 

“So you can just make people do things?” The youngest of the group asked.

“Pretty much.”

“How?”

“It’s hard to explain.”

His eyes lit up. “Woah, so you could make Mr. Falcon go and get me a bowl of popcorn right now?”

“Careful, spider boy.” The man - Sam, you believed - warned. 

“I could, yes.”

“I’ve never had this much power!” Peter rubbed his hands with a bright smile - his name was easy to remember with all the questions he fired at you.

“You still don’t, kid. Keep it down a little will ya?” The goatee man tapped his shoulder with the twitch of his brow. 

“Oh, yes Mr. Stark. Sorry, Mr. Stark.”

“Tony,” he corrected.

“Right. Mr. Tony, sir.”

You’d been here for thirty minutes and everyone was all over you. You didn’t mind, really. On the contrary, you enjoyed that the people you would work with were actually interested. Well, all except for one. It didn’t go past you that one person had been watching you from the corner the whole time, not losing a word, simply staring ahead broodily with his arms crossed 

“Alright, everyone,” Tony clapped once, “last question. I still have to show the rookie the rest of the compound.”

“Oh me, me, me!!!” Peter raised his hand and almost picked Tony’s nose.

“Barnes, do you have anything? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I don’t need to know shit, Stark.” The brunette pushed himself off the wall, revealing a couple more inches to his height you had not noticed before. 

“Don’t be rude, Mr. Barnes,” Peter pouted; he seemed to be adoring you already. 

“I’m not rude. It’s just a stupid power that no one needs. It’s fucking dangerous and shouldn’t be part of the Avengers,” he exclaimed and proceeded to leave the room, making you feel a little sad and the rest of the team look baffled. 

“Well... okay.” Tony turned to you, rolling his eyes as Peter’s desperate noises reached his ears again. “What’s your question, Peter?”

“Miss, I don’t think your power is stupid. It’s super mega awesome and I seriously wish I could tell Flash about it, he would be so jealous!” You laughed. 

“The question, kid.”

“Oh, yes... can you make animals talk?”

-❁-

That had been about four weeks ago, and Bucky had been avoiding you ever since. He had heard what you could do the first day you got introduced, and thanks to Peter he had more than enough knowledge about how vastly your power reached. 

Mind control. That was the fucking last thing they needed on the team. How fucking ridiculous. Bucky didn’t want to have anything to do with it, or you for that matter. It was enough that Wanda had the ability to read minds, he didn’t need someone controlling them on top of it. 

So Bucky didn’t like you or your power or the danger that came with it, and he put a huge amount of effort into showing you his disdain. When you entered the room, he stood to leave. When you were assigned on a mission together, he tried to switch with someone else - earning him weeks worth of laundry duty for Sam and dishwashing chores for Nat - but that was worth it. And when he wasn’t able to, he communicated with you as little as possible, earning a couple of scoldings from Stark and Fury for not warning you of threats in time - but really, nothing bad ever happened, so Bucky didn’t know what the problem was.

And soon, much to Bucky’s relief, you started reciprocating the hostile behavior he displayed toward you on a daily basis.

Constant bickering, dangerous situations, and death stares were your new M.O. but Bucky knew it only meant for you to finally back off. Because you had tried to be nice to him in the beginning, and Bucky felt a little bad for making you sad, but it was nothing to how sorry he would be if he ever let you in. 

A gunshot sounded through the crackly speaker.

“Fuck!”

Followed by a round of grunts and hits of which a fair amount landed in Bucky’s ribs and face.

“Oh right, there’s a hostile headed your way. Sorry, must’ve slipped my mind. I’m a little ‘careless’ at times.”

Yep, that one had hurt. But he’d rather pack a punch than retract his comment about your being careless. Because that’s what you were - or rather your ability. Careless and dangerous.

Bucky watched as Steve crossed his arms after pausing the recording, his captain stare in full force as he watched his best friend lean back in his chair unimpressed.

“Buck, you know I don’t want to do this but it's also my job to make sure my team is conducting missions safely. So, what’s wrong? You don’t usually act this way - even with people you don’t like - so don’t even try.”

Bucky just huffed, crossing his arms as well. He didn’t feel the need to respond. This was ridiculous; everyone should see how dangerous you were.

“You got a chance to solve this the easy way here. Help me out a little, pal. If you don’t cooperate, I need to apply official protocol. So tell me, please, what’s the problem?” Steve’s eyebrows were raised in anticipation, but Bucky was too sulky to help. To hell with this ‘I’m your friend-‘crap - he should go ahead and apply official protocol, maybe they’d see that your ability alone probably violated six paragraphs of the Avengers’ Oath. 

He bit his tongue before losing another comment swirling in his head, looking out the window to distract himself from the unfortunate situation he found himself in. Bucky hated when Steve became all professional with him. It was stupid. 

“You’re putting yourself and the team in danger,” Steve tried again, “there must be a reason for your behaving like this. Let me fix it. Let me help-” 

“I don’t need fixing!” Bucky snapped, his eyes finding Steve’s in a heartbeat as he leaned forward in his chair. 

“Then what is it? Do you like her? Is that why you're being so...” The blonde’s hand flailed in the air as he tried to find the words to describe Bucky’s behavior. 

“Fuck no.” He leaned back again. 

“Language,” Steve warned, only to earn a side eye from his friend. 

Bucky knew exactly why he avoided you. And so should Steve. He was his best friend for fuck’s sake. This was the most unnecessary conversation he’s ever had. If anything, Steve should have his back and not try to ‘fix him’.

“You should talk to her.”

“Funny.”

“I’m being serious. What’s the issue?”

“You know damn well what the issue is, Steve!” Bucky rose from his chair but Steve didn't flinch. He merely scolded him for his cursing again. 

But after a minute of blank staring at each other, Steve broke the silence again. “You’re scared.”

And Bucky exhaled a long breath before training his eyes on the ceiling. “Of course I’m scared, Steve! There is nothing worse than not being in control.” He looked at him. “Im gonna hurt people. I have before. And being close to her... It just makes the possibility of the winter soldier returning a lot more likely.”

“She wouldn’t do that.”

“You don’t know that. She’s had no training; it could happen accidentally.

Steve was quiet for a while, just looking at his friend, assessing his comment. Bucky could see the wheels turning behind his eyes and after a while, he just stared out the window again until the blonde would present another righteous monologue to him. 

“You should tell her,” Steve finally said and Bucky wondered why it had taken him so long to come up with a sentence he’d already said. 

“I don’t need to tell her shit. Just keep her away from me.” He rolled his eyes, but he was desperate at this point. Bucky just wanted to go - leave and stop being bothered by everyone. 

Steve just shook his head in defeat - Bucky had done it again. Successfully shaken the unavoidable for today. He smiled to himself as he turned to leave the conference room. But before he could reach the last chair on his way, Steve held him back one last time.

“She’s a very nice person, you know? And your attitude towards her is affecting everyone on the team. Maybe, if you could look past your issues with her... You’d see how nicely she fits in with us.” Steve cocked his head to the side with a small smile. “I’m sure you’d get along if you just took the time to get to know her...”

But Bucky only replied with a bitter ‘shut up, punk’ before averting his eyes again. He didn’t like this at all. 

Steve sighed. “Just promise me you’ll do something.”

Bucky shot him one last look before turning and leaving without another response. 

-❁-

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Bucky looked at you through hooded eyelids upon your entering the elevator. 

You just ignored him. You had tried to be nice long enough, tried to make him your friend one too many times, each one teaching you just how vain the attempt had been. Because if you had learned one thing about Bucky Barnes over the past month, it was that he hated your guts and that he was not willing to try and be civil with you. So, you saw no reason to be nice anymore. 

“Don’t act like it's my pleasure either.” You turned and faced the door after pushing the buttons to your floor. 

Bucky just huffed behind you and you held your head a little higher, trying to let the seconds pass until you could leave again. It’s only an elevator ride - how hard could it be? But time seemed to pass slower than usual, and the unsteady rattling of the glass chamber going up the tower made the whole ordeal that much more unpleasant. 

That was until it suddenly stopped, a screeching sound echoing through the small space until the elevator halted abruptly, making you lose your balance for a brief moment. 

“What the-“ you muttered and pressed the floor button another time. Then again. And again. But nothing happened.  

You tried the emergency call button, but again, nothing. You were stuck. Several hundred feet in the air with Bucky Barnes. Great.

You took a deep breath, there were worse things, you tried to calm yourself, but upon stealing a glance over your shoulder, only to see Bucky glaring at you, that attempt disintegrated. Still, you chose to ignore him. You’d get out of here eventually. Someone would notice you were missing and look for you, check the security cameras, maybe - do something and finally break open these damn elevator doors. 

But then Bucky began to shuffle behind you, his steps clicking on the tiled floor of the lift, and uneven pace interrupted by the confines of the small room and it agitated you. It was enough you were stuck in an elevator when you had work to do. Now you couldn’t even concentrate. 

“Would you stop pacing?” You finally snapped and turned around only to see Bucky staring at you with wide eyes.

But he caught himself quickly. “What’s it matter to you?”

“It’s annoying. And as much as I hate to be stuck in here with you, we need to find a way not to kill each other until someone comes to help.” You turned back around taking another deep breath and enjoying the silence.

It didn’t last long though because the shuffling picked back up again soon. You waited another minute, but when Bucky made even more noise, a thudding sound coming from behind, you whipped around again to yell at him. 

But you stopped in your tracks as you saw him kneeling on the floor, his head tugged beneath his arms as his shoulder heaved rapidly. 

“Wha-“You moved forward to help but-

“Stay away from me!” He spat with fire in his eyes and then his head was back between his knees. 

You took a step back and assessed the situation. The posture, the heavy breathing, the slight shudder in his hands, the constant rocking. He was scared. He was having a panic attack. 

And as much as you wanted to avoid him, you were not cruel. When someone needed help, you helped. “Bucky-“ 

“I said stay the fuck away!” He crawled back into the corner.

You held your hands up in surrender, carefully trying to speak again. “I just want to help-“

“Well, I don’t need your help. Just back off!” The elevator shook with the boom of his voice, making your breath hitch. 

That was it, the last straw. All the pent-up anger of the past weeks bubbled to the surface, desperation and cluelessness balling up in frustration. You could barely feel it crawl up your body before you opened your mouth and screamed back. “What's your problem Bucky? I want you to feel better! What did I do that makes you hate me so much?!”

Your chest heaved in anger, your hands balling into fists as you watched Bucky get up slowly - eyes darker than you’d ever seen before. His arm whirred but he didn’t move it. He merely stepped a little closer to you, towering over you when his husky voice mumbled into the space between you. 

“I don’t hate you.” You swallowed and stared up at him, he was intimidating. “I’m fucking scared to lose control and-“ his vibranium arm shot up towards you but you stopped it in its tracks. Bucky’s fist was hanging in the air above you, your power holding him off and it took a fair amount of strength to do so. His eyes shot from his fist back to you, jaw tensing. 

“I would never do that.”

“You’re telling me I’m irrational?” He hinted towards his arm still held back by your control and you immediately let it fall back to his side. “...that it couldn’t happen by accident?”

“You underestimate me, Bucky.” You pressed with spite, willing him back a step to leave you space to breathe again. 

“I don't know you.”

“And who’s fault is that?” That shut him up. 

Bucky flexed his vibranium fingers, testing his own control again before his eyes found you again. 

“Let me show you.” You tried softly. Maybe this was the gateway to a start-over. At least now you knew the issue, now there was only solving it left. 

Bucky looked at you questioningly.

“Let me show you why you don’t need to be scared.” You smiled and somehow it softened the tension around you. 

Bucky’s shoulders relaxed when he stood up straighter. “And why would I want that?” He was stubborn.

“I’m offering an olive branch here. And after all that you have pulled, I suggest taking it. Because I cannot guarantee I’ll feel this nice again if you don’t.”

Bucky watched you carefully for a moment. As if he was trying to detect a joke in your statement, he analyzed every inch of your body suspiciously. And then after another minute, he sighed in defeat. 

“Then we need to get out of here.”

-❁-

Bucky was still a little wary now that you had dragged him outside. The sun was shining in the bright blue sky but having you stand so close to him was still making him nervous. He had no idea what he had just signed up for. 

There were a few people outside as well, all going about their days and when he turned his head to you, he noticed you watching them intently. 

“I can feel their energy,” you stated, making Bucky check if anyone was behaving as though he was influenced by you in any way - they weren’t. 

“And, yes, I can make living beings succumb to my will, but when I do, I feel their pain, their mental wars...” You looked at him and Bucky could feel your eyes pushing through to his deepest fears. “I wouldn’t make them do anything I wouldn’t want to endure myself... unless, of course... it’s necessary.”

Bucky thought back to a mission a while back. You had been utilized to make a hostile talk using rather unorthodox strategies. This time you actually had to hold them in place - position their limbs in places they shouldn’t be. He closed his eyes when he remembered your death cries. They had been hunting him for days. But other than you, the hostile had been killed. 

“You’re mentally linking with them,” he whispered almost ashamed for not noticing it earlier. Everyone on the team probably knew it already - he had just never taken the time to listen. 

“Yes.” He swallowed thickly, watching as you turned to him fully and he mirrored your action.

“If I were to make you- if I..,” you trailed off, took a deep breath, and shook your head. “I wouldn’t do that.”

And that’s when Bucky finally understood. All this time he had avoided you, fought with you, and despised you for thinking you’d be cruel for fun. He felt awful.

Your name slipped from his lips for the first time, calling your attention to his sorrowful eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

You nodded. “It’s okay. I understand it’s scary. I was scared of it, too, when I first found out... But I had a lot of time to learn. And now... I actually know how to utilize my power - control it. It even has some perks.”

Bucky’s eyebrows raised intrigued. A silent question to which you only responded by carefully reaching your hand out so his flesh one. 

“Can I?” You asked before actually taking it and Bucky just nodded while watching you carefully.  

He felt a lot calmer than he had before. And when you finally touched his calloused fingers, there was no urge to pull away like there had always been. You smiled at him and then nodded up to the sky, urging him to follow your stare.

“Look,” you whispered, and then Bucky felt his spine tingle. All of a sudden, it felt like his feet were lifted off the ground - smooth and subtle - almost comforting, he was engulfed by the feeling of floating - no - flying. 

His eyes followed the birds in the sky, which were now rounding effortless constellations several feet above his head and Bucky just knew that they were feeling the same - exactly the same. It was amazing, and even though it was a little strange and scary, your hand holding his made him feel unusually safe.

After a while, Bucky felt the feeling subside, the birds in the sky stopped flying above him and continues their journey east again. Your hand left his but he still felt lighter than he had ever before. 

His smile found you. “That’s actually pretty amazing,” he beamed before looking at the birds passing him and then back to you again. 

“Yeah... it is.” You smiled as well and Bucky felt all his doubts about you float away with the feeling this extraordinary experience had brought him.

Maybe mind control wasn’t as ridiculous and careless as he had thought it to be...

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[yeonjuns-beanie]

Halo Pt.2

warnings: less plot, but still plot, 18+, smut, unprotected sex, biting, light blood(play), light hair pulling, body worship, oral(f receiving), light degradation, yandere themes, dub-con, think that's it

summary: in your free time you do freelance writing, doing interviews with people most would consider strand and unusual. when you recognize that one of the regulars in your coffee shop only visits in the evening, you pose the question of where you can interview him, upon his agreement, you realize this is unlike any other interview

a/n: holy shit, i am alive actually. i feel kinda horrible that i last posted in september. life got kinda crazy, i was slammed with uni and work, and had intense writer's block. anyways, i hope those of you who enjoyed the first part enjoy this one even more! i'm not entirely sure how active i'll be this semester, but i'm not going to make any promises lol. as always, i hope you enjoy and have a great day! :D ~nero

word count: 5.4K

Vampire!Seonghwa x female reader

pt.1

Seonghwa looked off to the side, inhaling a calculated breath before he spoke. 

“The nightlife. Where I was before was too prosaic and mundane. It lacked character. But here? There’s a flame that ignites when the sun goes down.” 

You scribbled down his last sentence wanting to maybe use it as the title for the piece when you finished. Looking back up at him, you felt your body relax and suddenly everything felt easy. 

“Where were you before?” 

“Everywhere. I’m a bit of a nomad, you see? I can’t stay chained to one place for too long.” 

“Did you find your last locations to grow boring, or was it something else?” 

“Something else. Rather of my own doing, but needing to keep my needs satiated is a necessity.” 

You paused for a moment and glanced at your notebook littered with questions trying to find the next avenue you’d walk down. You hadn’t been faced with someone so careful in their speech. He was answering your questions, yes, but not in the full detail that you desired. He was making you work. 

“Being a nomad, you must have a flexible job. What do you do for work and what’s your haven for play?” 

A smirk formed on his face, like he knew he was stumping you. Running his fingers through his onyx locks, he went to lick his lips and you noticed the length of one of his canines peeking from behind his upper lip. 

“Ah, yes. For work, I was lucky enough to benefit from years of generational wealth, but I hated the fact of that being my only accolade. So I sought after art. I always rendered an interest in building things so I thought, why not extend that to an artistic field?” 

“What’s your medium?”

“Sculptures and charcoal portraits. I love capturing time in a piece. I don’t know how long this life will grant me so I enjoy partaking in affairs that allow me to immortalize that time. Remind me to show you some of my portraits.” 

Nodding, you remembered the busts you saw when you entered his home, the question crossed your mind if those were his art.

“Those busts that you have in your entryway, did you make those as well?”

“So you really were quite entranced. To answer you, yes, I did create those as well. They’re of my family who have since passed on. I don’t have many left in my life so it aids me in keeping the memory of them alive.” 

Moving your hair out of your face to look at him, you furrowed your brow feeling sorry for him as you processed his statement. 

“Are you all alone out here?”

The concerned look on your face quickly fell to anxiety as you feared you may be prying too much into his personal life. Getting ready to speak again, Seonghwa stopped you with the gentle raise of his hand and smiled. 

“You’re not overstepping any boundaries, my dove. When I agreed to sit with you, pen in hand with the recorder running, I alleviated all forms of privacy for you. You may ask me whatever you feel called to ask. I’m yours for the evening.” 

A soft smile pulled at your lips as you silently acknowledged him, and thanked him for being so tender with you. His velvet voice pulled you from your thoughts. 

“To answer your previous question though, yes, I am all alone. It was lonely at first, but after a while it became comfortable. Perhaps preferred. I did find that recently though, the exigent desire for a partner has been pulling at my heartstrings.” 

“With your interest in the nightlife here, surely it shouldn’t be too hard to find yourself a companion. Not to mention if you’re speaking romantically, I’m sure you’d find yourself plenty of options.” 

You regretted it as soon as it left your mouth, but it was already in the air now and you just had to hope and pray that he’d let it slide.

“What are implying?” 

Of course, he wouldn’t. 

“I’m just saying…that, you know, you are an attractive guy. It seems like you’d have a particularly easy time…weeding through people.” 

“You think I have a lot of suitors?” 

Seonghwa had his arms folded across his chest now, gaining pleasure from making you squirm. 

“I’m saying that I think you’d have a fair amount of people to choose from, not necessarily that they’d be worthy of your time.” 

You brought the pen up to your lips, feeling your anxiety swirl in your body as Seonghwa continued to hanker down on you. You glanced over at your notebook again, seeing what you could ask to divert the subject but before you had the chance to speak, Seonghwa was prying. 

“Worthy of my time?” 

“From first impressions, you seem…difficult to entertain. Not to be impressed by the bare minimum, which if considering this town, there is a lot of.”

Seonghwa leaned forward, smiling without showing his teeth. His aura radiated a slimy smugness that irritated you but also ignited a fire within you. 

“I’d beg to differ. There are a select few I’ve come across. I wouldn’t be so certain in your statement.” 

Your mind was swarmed with questions, most of them centering around who he was entertaining and if you even spared a shot with him. 

“Have you found a lover yet then?”

With Seonghwa still hovering over the desk, he looked so much larger than usual. He commanded even more attention and you couldn’t bear to tear your eyes away from his as he stared you down. When he spoke, he raked his eyes over your form and was begging whatever deity was out there that you’d pick up on his hints. 

“I’ve found who I want to be mine, she just doesn’t know it yet. I’ve been leaving her clues, paltry I know, but I beg that she pick up my scent soon.” 

“Like a secret admirer?”

“You can call it that, yes. What I feel for her though is more than what a secret admirer could possess.” 

You felt your heart drop, not even letting the delusion have time to manifest to let you think that this “she” was you. You nodded your head and looked toward your notebook again scanning over your questions to see where you wanted to take the interview next. As you went to look up at Seonghwa again, you noticed that unabated gloss cast over his eyes again. The other thing you noticed was that his eyes seemed to change color. It was hard to tell for sure in the dim lighting of the study, but you swore you were seeing flecks of red in his irises. 

As you inhaled to speak, you felt your body freeze and an indistinguishable tingle ran rampant through your limbs. Panic registered across your pupils as you tried to move but soon recognized that you were glued to the chair. Your limbs were attached to the wood of the desk as if your skin were made to melt into the surface. Suddenly as you looked at Seonghwa, you realized that you recognized this feeling, the energy that was emanating across from you. It was all too familiar.

It wasn’t sleep paralysis. It was him.

“Ahh, yes it was, my dove. I’m disheartened that it took you this long. Thought the journal would’ve been clue enough.” 

Feeling that static in your fingers trail up your arm and down through your body, you felt control over yourself again. You pressed your back flesh against the chair, a feeble attempt at creating space between you two. Your vision was unfocused for a moment and in the blur created, you understood that the man across you was the figure in the corner of your room last night. Your breath quickened with fear, but something else mixed in with your emotions that you couldn’t quite place yet. 

“Y-you we’re in my room last night?… Why?” 

Seonghwa stood up slowly, his hands planted firmly on the desk. His frame which was at first sleek and inviting was now imposing and ravening. His eyes were boring into you making you feel so minuscule under his gaze. His tone was low, almost near a whisper, but his next words sent a chill down your spine. 

“Because I can’t bear to leave you alone.”

Your eyes blew wide in panic, fear present in your features. You wondered how you could find a way out of this, a way to remedy the situation but you felt completely and utterly trapped. You looked behind you to the door of the study and defeat enveloped you as you came to the conclusion that any attempt you made to escape would prove to be fruitless. As you returned your gaze to Seonghwa, he was shaking his head, a grin cast on his face. 

“How could you even think about leaving so early when we haven’t finished the interview yet, y/n? I’ve looked forward to this all day, I’d hate for it to end so soon.” 

Seonghwa furrowed his features into a pout, persuading you to swallow your fear and sit forward. Maybe, if you indulged in him he’d let you leave. As Seonghwa sat back in his seat, a new wave of questions ran through your brain. Whether or not you’d include this in the posted interview, you needed closure for yourself. Asserting yourself in your spot, you sat taller, your gaze piercing his as he did to you moments before. Your voice carried a dominance that hadn’t been present all evening. 

“How long have you been following me?” 

“Fiesty are we?”

“Hwa, how long have you been on my tail?”

“My dove, I’m disappointed. How could you not realize all those rotten feelings you felt when you stepped out of your car were because of me?” 

His face was sickening, he was enjoying this. The smile that painted his face was sardonic and it made acrimony bubble within you. All those weeks where you felt like you were going brainsick were because of him. 

I can’t believe him right now

“Better start believing y/n. At least you have the comfort of knowing you’re not demented.” 

“Stop doing that!” 

It was freaking you out that nearly every thought you had about him he had a response to. He was inside your head and you couldn’t place how he was doing it. 

“Doing what, darling?” 

“That! Being in my head! How are you doing that?!” 

Your fear was making you hostile and agitated. You felt completely out of control and you hated every second of it. You were in a stranger’s house, agreeing to come based on the hopes that you’d get something out of this and now you were shackled in this room with a stalker. You stared down at your notebook trying to fit the pieces of all of this together. The thought finally dawned on you that he knew where you lived, and it was no mere coincidence that the journal you found at your front door perfectly matched the pen he gave you. Your eyes landed on a bookshelf behind you and you noticed a horrifying similarity between what was sitting on the shelves and what was resting underneath your hands.

“Ask me.” 

Your head whipped to Seonghwa’s voice, not daring to disrespect him for you were fearful of the consequences. 

“Ask you what?” 

“Ask me how I know your thoughts.”

You inhaled a deep breath, trying to prepare yourself for the answer you were about to be given. Sighing you looked straight into his eyes, and that’s when you noticed the color of them changed. A deep carmine colored his irises now. Your eyes squinted, trying to understand his motive now. 

“How do you know what I’m thinking.” 

He inhaled a breath, mocking you. He smiled at you, something sickeningly sweet about it. 

“Vampirism. Vampirism is how I know. Vampirism is also how I’ve been able to stalk you without the thought of me ever crossing your mind. It’s the reason why I was in your bedroom, why I could never leave your thoughts, why you were entranced by me. By design, you were meant to be allured by me and you were. Which is why you’re sitting across from me.” 

You were stunned. You always entertained the idea of supernatural creatures, but never did you think that were actually real. Never in your lifetime did you think that you’d be face to face with a vampire and with that knowledge you were now more fearful of your situation. Your next words flew from your mouth without any chance to filter. 

“What do you feed on?” 

Seonghwa leaned forward and smiled, the tip of one of his fangs peeking out onto his bottom lip. 

“Whatever I can get my hands on. I have to say though, the more fear that exudes from my dinner makes the taste that much more delectable. And you, my sweet y/n, are absolutely intoxicating right now. Almost as sweet as last night. Gods, it took everything in me not to devour you then.” 

You held your composure, but something stirred in your lower stomach. Radiating heat between your thighs. 

Arousal. 

You were feeling aroused by his words, and you were ashamed by it. Here you were, at the mercy of a stranger and yet, you were aroused by the transparency of his truths. You tried to push the feeling to the back of your mind, but something was bringing your innermost fantasies about Seonghwa forward. His eyes were indulging in you in sheer gluttony, looking at you like prey and you couldn’t help but think that he was holding back on what his inner monologue consisted of. 

“What are you thinking about right now?” 

You leaned forward, asserting yourself now that a lustful wave crashed over your body. 

“So that’s what gets you off? Carnal urges, is it?” 

“That’s not what I asked.” 

“While true, it is what I heard prior to you speaking.” 

Rolling your tongue across your teeth, you were through with the antics. 

“What’s on your mind now, Hwa?” 

He smiled flashing his teeth, his fangs on full display. 

“Truthfully, I’m running through all the ways I want to consume you. To make you mine. And it’s becoming quite painful to ignore.” 

You wanted to call his bluff, to catch him off guard even with the disadvantage of him invading the privacy of your mind. You stood up from the chair, the legs creating a painful scratching sound across the wood. You walked around the edge of the desk and positioned yourself in front of him, gently laying your hand on the table in front of his, your fingertips barely touching. Leaning down, you stared into his piercing garnet eyes damning yourself to cosset in the feelings that were licentious in nature. Wetting your bottom lip with the tip of your tongue, you felt your eyes blow in temptation and you knew he was aware of every second of it. 

“Then do something about it. Live up to this lavish vampiric character you’ve laid out for me.”

With the passing of a second, the roles of power drastically shifted. His body moved with a swiftness that you hadn’t experienced and before you had a chance to register what happened, you were caged underneath his frame with your hips nailed against the side of the desk. His slender hand snaked its way to your neck, wrapping his deft fingers around your face and forcing you to look at him. 

“Careful, pet. I don’t think you understand the gravity of your words.” 

Eyes darkening with lust, you smirked at him feeling a sense of power as you watched him lose control in front of you. Moving your body to sit on top of the desk, you rolled your neck, exposing your most vulnerable space of skin to him.

“You reek of luxuria, have you any shame?” 

“Not any more than you.” 

Wrapping your legs around his waist, you trailed your hand up to the nape of his neck, goosebumps forming in its wake. You curled your fingers into the hair resting on his neck feeling fulfilled as you watched his body shiver in unabashed desire for you. His chest heaved heavy breaths as his lust for you was becoming harder to control. Seonghwa let his head fall into the conjunction of where your neck and shoulder met, his breath creating an intense humidity that only aided your arousal. 

Pulling at his hair, you positioned him to look at you head-on. His eyes were blown wide, the red of his irises nearly covered up by the black of his pupils. His breathing was still heavy and you could feel a small bulge prodding at your inner thigh. Rolling your hips into his, you watched his eyes roll to the back of his head, only the white of his sclera showing. As he breathed out, a small whimper was swallowed in his throat. Pulling at his hair, he opened his eyes to look at you. 

“Devour me, Seonghwa.” 

Any suppression of his feelings turned into a zealous carnal display of affection. His lips were on yours in a second, hot and impassioned. His hands roamed over the exposed flesh of your thighs, indenting the skin with his fingers each time he squeezed. Your head was squirming with floating ideas and wrestling with the plain fact that you were getting exactly what you wanted. 

As Seonghwa swiped your bottom lip, silently asking for permission, you parted your mouth just enough to grant your tongues the freedom to fight for dominance. With one roll of your tongue into his mouth, the side of your tongue was swiped by the point of his fang. It sent a chill down your spine but excited you even further. Feeling bold, you closed the space of your lips and bit down on his bottom lip, pulling away from him as you watched him with hooded eyes. 

Letting your hands snake down his torso, you hooked your fingers into his belt loops pulling him closer to your clothed center. Gently rolling your hips, you were thankful that you wore a skirt as your aching cunt ghosted over his jean covered cock. Looking up at him, your eyes were blown and you could feel the sexual adrenaline raging through your body. 

“I want you, Seonghwa. I want you to make me yours.” 

Seonghwa looked down at you, a knowing smirk painting his mouth as he gingerly put his finger under your chin. 

“Aww, how sweet. But darling, you were mine the moment I laid my eyes upon you, don’t you get that? I just needed that sweet invitation to fall from your pretty lips.” 

In the blink of an eye, Seonghwa’s hands found their way underneath the fabric of your shirt. His hands were like ice, but the contrasting temperature soothed the raging heat dancing across your skin. There was an uncontrollable need and you felt like you couldn’t get close enough to him. Your body kept rolling into his and you couldn’t quell the small moan that escaped your throat. 

“Excited, hmm?” 

Your eyes were pleading, needing to feel something other than his hands roaming your body. 

“Do something, please. I’m begging you.” 

Seonghwa brought his face to the side of yours so that his lips grazed the shell of your ear. He was breathing slowly, almost methodically and it made your heartbeat race. When he spoke, your eyebrows furrowed at his lower tone.

“Just something?”

You mewled at him, tired of the teasing, but what he did next was not what you expected. One of his fangs made contact with the sensitive skin of your neck and you moaned out as the tip of it impaled your skin. Seonghwa pulled away, his tongue swiping at the tiny drop of crimson staining his tooth. His eyes darkened as he smirked at you and indulged in your metallic taste. You felt him roll his hips into yours, his cock growing harder as he imagined how it would feel to feed off of your naked body. 

Growing impatient from the wanton ache that settled in your cunt, you pushed Seonghwa away from you and your body off of the desk. Making yourself as big as possible, you guided his body backward until his knees met the lip of the couch in the study. As his form gracefully plopped into the cushions, you tore your top off throwing it on the floor behind you. You straddled Seonghwa’s thighs, grinding your hips down into him as you made contact with his lap. You cupped his face as you let your body control your actions rather than your mind. Pulling him close, your lips danced a dangerous waltz of spit and tongue as he began to feel dizzy from the intensity.

Seonghwa was enjoying this obscene side of you, his nimble fingers gripping at your skin any chance he got. Pulling away from his lips, his mouth chased yours not ready for the kiss to end so soon. Placing your hands on his chest, you allowed yourself the time to admire his form. His perfectly sculpted body that was encased so delicately by the mesh he wore. You sucked your bottom lip behind your teeth as you gripped the fabric into your fist grinding down into his erection. 

His hips rolled up into yours and his breathing quickened as he devoured you with his eyes. 

“Enjoying yourself?” 

“More than you know.” You panted out

Seonghwa patted your thigh and nodded his chin behind you. 

“Up.”

You pushed yourself off of him, suddenly hyper-aware of your insecurities. They didn’t have long to manifest as his voice pulled you from your thoughts. He grabbed your hand leading you out of the study, down the hallway, and guided you into his bedroom. 

“Never. Think such dreadful things about yourself, my dove.”

Seonghwa gently placed you down on the edge of his opulent bed, his bedroom far too extravagant for you to fully appreciate right now. Nodding his head behind you, you understood his cue to scoot back and your eyes never left him as he crawled over your body. 

“It’s simply just, if I’m going to ravage you in the ways I’ve dreamt so vividly, it wasn’t going to happen on that vapid couch.” 

He placed gentle kisses on your jawline, nipping slightly at the skin near your earlobe. Seonghwa then dragged his nose down the valley of your breasts and stopped at the hemline of your skirt. The heat and your arousal turn near suffocating under the constraints of your panties. 

“You deserve to be tasted, worshipped. To be given a night of passion. And I, my sweet y/n, am going to give you all of that and more.” 

His voice turned more gruff the more his sentence trailed on. What you failed to realize was that due to the angle he was at, your arousal was like his personal parfum and it was dreadfully intoxicating. He acted with no haste as he dragged your skirt down your legs, taking your underwear with it. You felt embarrassment quickly wash over your body as you felt the stick of your arousal stretch between your needy lips and the ruined cotton. 

Now fully exposed to him, you had nowhere to hide and it excited you. He pressed his nose against your clit, the action sending a savage bolt of lust through your body. Your body shivered as he took a deep inhale of your scent, his tongue following soon behind with a flattened lick across your folds. The moan that left you was covetous and echoed off the walls of his bedroom. 

Seonghwa lapped at your folds like a ravenous dog and your sounds only egged him on. Your hips were riding his face, unable to get enough of him. When your hand found refuge in his inky locks, he moaned into your pussy, the vibrations bringing you to the precipice of your orgasm. With one hand gripping at his hair and the other fisting the sheets, you were moaning like a rapacious whore. 

“Hwa, fuck! Hwa I’m gonna cum!” 

Seonghwa gripped his hands tighter around your hips, shoving your cunt as close as possible to his mouth. Seonghwa focused on your clit, fluttering his tongue against your sensitive bud before sucking your orgasm right out of you. 

“Fuckfuckfuck!” 

Seonghwa didn’t give you a chance to ride out your first orgasm, instead, he continued sucking on your tender rosebud and let the aftershock of your second climax wash over you. Your body shook in intervals of vibrating lust. Chillis littering your body as you relished in the feeling he just bestowed upon you. Lifting himself from between your legs, he hovered over you with a satisfied smirk plastered on his lips. Soon his lips were on yours again and the tangy taste of yourself swept across your tastebuds. Pulling away from you, he began unbuttoning his shirt. 

“You taste even better than what I dreamt of.” 

You couldn’t quite wrap your head around the fact that he wanted you just as bad and your mouth moved quicker than your mind. 

“Y-you’ve dreamt of me?” 

An airy chuckle left his throat. 

“Darling, if you question my likening for you one more time tonight, I’m going to have to chain you to my bed and fuck any trace of doubt out of you.” 

Your hole squeezed around nothing and courage found itself in you again. Flipping your bodies over, you sat on top of his lap, your arousal spreading all over the top of his jeans. Undoing his belt, the sexual tension was fervid and it was as if you couldn’t move your hands fast enough. His cock was straining against the layers of fabric and you needed it straining against your walls. 

Pulling his jeans down his legs with his underwear, you knelt down, prepared to offer up all your oral skills known to man. Before you could ghost your lips over his tip, Seonghwa’s hand found your chin and titled you to look up at him. 

“There will be plenty of times for you to taste me, tonight though is about our collective ecstasy. To lose ourselves in one another.” 

His hand pulled you closer to him and you straddled your legs over his. His leaky and libertine cock teasing your entrance as you hovered over him. His hair lay disheveled across his face all thanks to your hands and he somehow looked even more desirable than before. With puffy lips and heavy eyes, you needed him in every way imaginable. 

Lowering yourself down onto his cock, you weren’t prepared for how big he’d feel as you took him in inch by inch. He thickened as you reached his base and made you feel so full. As you bottomed out on him, both of you moaned in harmonious synchrony that made you wish you could have it on repeat. 

“Hwa~! You’re so—so big.” 

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as you squeezed his length inside of your velvety walls. You placed your hands on his shoulders needing something to ground yourself on. Seonghwa’s hands purchased themselves on your hips awaiting your movements. 

“Call me that again.” 

You rolled your hips, your walls fluttering as you looked down at him. 

“Hwa~” 

You let your forehead rest against his as your body began to ride his perfect cock. Your moans creating the quintessential licentious atmosphere. 

“Hwa, baby…you feel so good.” 

Your mind was racing, not really paying attention to the words that left your mouth. But you wished you did. 

In seconds, the use of the pet name rendered you at his mercy. Only for a moment did his cock leave your seraphic cunt as your bodies were flipped once again. Seonghwa entered you with such a force that you could only describe as concupiscent and raw. Your nails immediately dug themselves into his back and the sounds that left him were more obscene. 

“Oh, God!”

“God is nowhere in this room, nor will he ever be, Pet.”

His moans were tantalizing, hypnotizing you even more so under his spell. His thrusts were deep and calculated, abusing your G-spot with every hit. If God wasn’t in this room, all that Seonghwa was making you feel definitely felt like it. You’d never felt euphoria like this before, it was sinful in every sense of the word and made it feel like there truly was a reason for Him to have died for our sins. Feeling a pool of heat begin to settle near the bottom of your stomach, you wrapped your legs around his waist caging him to you. 

“Y/nnn, I can’t hold myself back much longer.” 

As your walls fluttered around him one more time you shook your head, your voice coming out with more air than you anticipated. 

“Me n-neither.” 

You kissed him again, impassioned and frenzied. Panting against his lips, your nails found solace in his back again. His breath was creating humidity in your neck and you enjoyed every second of it. Looking into his eyes, there was more swimming in them than just lust. 

“I want all of you. I want to feel every part of you Hwa. I need you. I need you so bad, H~wa!” 

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head and your nails dug deep crescents into his skin. As you begged him for all he had to give he did just that as his mouth snuck its way to your neck and his fangs sunk into your skin. 

The feeling of the puncture was just what you needed to peer over the horizon of your orgasm and crash into the sea of its entirety. Seonghwa was still pumping his hard cock into you and then you felt a familiar warmth flood your walls. Your body squirmed underneath him and slowly your vision began to blur. Before you had the chance to completely lose consciousness, you watched Seonghwa slice his tooth into his wrist and felt the crimson drain over your lips as he pressed his wrist to your mouth. 

“Drink, my sweet dove.” 

His voice was so sweet. Like a siren’s as you drifted into a slumber that was filled with nothing but pleasure. 

~*~

When you awoke, you were still lay in his massive bed, but your body was covered in a black silk nightgown and you smelled faintly of sandalwood and frankincense. You turned your head to the left and then to the right only to find that the bed was empty. 

Where did he go? 

You pushed yourself up to sit in the bed only to be met with the worst headache in your life. It felt like your entire body was pounding in pain and the drumming of it only kept getting louder. Wincing, you heard the handle click open on the bedroom door, revealing Seonghwa with an assortment of food, water, and a glass of red liquid. Wine maybe? 

“I could hear you worrying from across the house. Trust, I’ll never be far from you. Now—I know you’re probably in a decent amount of pain right now, but it’ll soon fade in the next few days. Your body can still take normal food just not in large quantities. Here.” 

His voice trailed off as he tore a piece of the croissant laying on one of the few small plates on the tray. Holding it up, he raised his eyebrows encouraging you to open your mouth. Obliging, you gently took the piece of bread from him, chewing slowly as you tried to make sense of your reality. 

“Did you…did you turn me?” 

“Yes.” 

You nodded. 

“So that means, I’ll be like this forever? Like you?…With you?” 

You saw something like fear flash in his eyes for a moment. Or maybe it was regret?

“Yes. And if you’d like to spend your days with me then it does seem that way my sweet dove. If you feel otherwise I will not hold you back. Although, I will admit I will have a hard time staying away from you.” 

He smiled, almost jokingly in a way that softened your heart. 

This must be who he is behind that mask

“Forever with you doesn’t sound so bad.” 

You blinked up at him, a smile spreading across your own face. 

“I was hoping you’d say something like that.”

taglist: @blackswann-53098 @tunaasan @bellamuerte1987 @seonghwasstar

[bonny-kookoo]

Yoongi: Eat The Rich (1)

In which Yoongi isn't actually interested in you. And you're absolutely not interested in him.

Tags/Warnings: cat hybrids Yoongi & mc, Violence, murder, strangers to lovers, blood, angst, graphic descriptions of violence, adult themes, fluff, romance, suggestive themes such as making out and dry humping haha but no smut in this sorry

Length: Long

Next ->

Series Masterlist

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He's seen you around before.

You usually just.. exist all by yourself, as if the world around you simply doesn't. You don't have a place to stay- he knows this, because you just told him so as he sits next to you, cigarette between his lips while you snack on a small bag of crunchy and salty snacks. "Where'do you keep all your shit then?" He asks, flicking the burning cigarette, red hot bits flying off, glowing brightly in the dark of night.

"Nowhere." You answer quietly. It's another thing that's stuck with him; your voice is so soft and quiet, something he himself isn't used to anymore, or has ever been. It haunts him just like your scent, your tail faintly brushing against his own absentmindedly. "Don't have anything." You shrug, licking your fingers before diving back in for another piece in the bag.

"Why?" He asks, unsure. Everyone has things. Clothes at least, or maybe a blanket, anything to sleep on- where do you sleep at night anyways? He's not sure why he's so interested in you these days. Maybe its because you're one of the rare hybrids that follows the idea of independence- something he does himself as well. It's illegal, considering a hybrid can't live on their own without a human owner- but he, his group, and many others offer protection to any hybrid wanting to follow that idea.

It's your right, his right- and so it's only natural he does what he does, even if he has to use violence often. It's not a part he enjoys a lot. But it's what it is, down the line.

"They can't take what you don't have." You simply mumble, licking your lips as you adjust the bag, shaking it to collect the crumbs to pour them into your mouth.

Yoongi quietly shrugs and nods in agreement. You probably have it a lot harder as a female hybrid on the streets. He's offered a place to sleep at one of the warehouses his gang uses- but you've refused, explaining that you've been too trusting in the past, now tainted forever with the fear of being betrayed again. You don't know him, he doesn't know you- so it's not that dumb of an answer, he has to admit.

So he doesn't offer it again, but rather tries to keep an eye out for you whenever he can.

"You wanna have another one?" He asks you, referring to your little bag of snacks- but you shake your head, standing up before stretching, tail curling up before relaxing. Yoongi is sure the night won't be comfortable in that dress of yours, temperatures not exactly warm at all.

"No, thank you." You shake your head. "I'm getting tired, so I'll be on my way to find a place to sleep." You explain yourself, and watch him look at you intently.

You know that look by now, You know he wants to ask you, but he doesn't. It's something you appreciate and enjoy about him- he respects you, and it's unusual for you to be on the receiving end of such an act. He's bad news, you know he is- but he's also one of the only somewhat nice men you've ever met, be it a hybrid or a human. "At least try and stay somewhere under a roof. It's probably gonna rain soon." He mumbles more or less to himself, lighting another cigarette.

And you just laugh a little to yourself as you walk off.

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You're staring into nothingness, and he wonders what you might be thinking.

He's currently downtown to scare some people that have been awfully nervous these past few days, just to make sure everyone stays in line for now until he can do something about those ongoing investigations. It's always a rather stressful situation whenever law enforcement gets a whiff of him anywhere- but Yoongi is usually on the longer end of the rope, considering the amount of people in pretty high up places he's got bribed and tied into his own noose.

They know that if Yoongi get's caught, everyone will be pulled with him. And those people he's got under his claws are all too obsessed with their own wealth and comfort to really realize the bigger picture that's being drawn here. Yoongi might be called nothing but a streetcat- but he's the real apex predator here, simply playing with his prey.

You however seem tired.

He wonders if you've slept at all in the last 24 hours- probably not, if he has to make a guess. There's a huge festival currently going on, people partying till late night and early mornings, to there's really no way for you to find a quiet or secluded place to sleep at. And you also don't want to go with anybody for favors- you're not yet at that stage, he assumes.

They've not broken you yet, but it's only a matter of time.

"Just give him a fake hint, something to buy me some fucking time." Yoongi gruffly says to one of his members, irritated by the latest developments of his situation.

"I'm sorry Yoongi-" The man offers. "-but I won't be doing that."

It all happens incredibly fast. Suddenly he's on the ground, hissing while his presumed gangmember tries to stab him, knife impaling the floorboards next to Yoongi's head before the guy rips it out to try again, a hand on the hybrid's neck now cutting off any air supply, effectively choking him. It's then that he can see something like a rope being used to pull the guy off of him, and Yoongi uses that moment to catch his breath, painfully drawing in air as his ears ring for a moment, vision white and unfocused.

Only when his senses return does he notice the commotion going on, a noise he himself has heard all too often happening, before something clatters to the ground. He can only watch helplessly for a moment as you're being dragged away by your hair, something happening outside he can't tell.

You were ready to kill for him. Willing to save his life, even though Yoongi has never done anything for you in return except talk to you sometimes.

And now you're paying the price, as he blacks out for what feels like just a second.

"Yoongi!" Someone calls out, multiple other gangmembers flocking inside the storage room to check on the situation, helping him sit up. He shakes them off with a short nod, simply silently telling them that he's alright, before he makes his way over to the knife that's left on the scene, blood splatters on the ground clearly proof of damage being done, and he internally hopes dor a second that none of it is yours-

though his sense of smell tells him that there's a trace of you here as well.

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He's pretty much on the hunt for you.

Combing the area with one of his most trusted friends who's also a licensed doctor, having formerly worked in an emergency department at a hospital in another town. He's a little on edge, considering the fact that he finds blood traces of you here and there- but they're all cold and dried. "Are you sure she didn't like, hide in an apartment or something?" Namjoon questions, and Yoongi shakes his head.

"I'm sure." He reaffirms himself, sighing in frustration as he looks around. He doesn't know you well enough to be able to tell where you might've gone- but as a cat hybrid himself he can completely understand your behavior. It's natural for him as well to hide away if he's been injured, instincts forcing those actions onto him, so it's no wonder you've vanished.

And worse for him; considering that you're a hybrid avoiding law enforcement, you're pretty damn skilled at hiding.

Time, however, is ticking. It's only been a few hours, but he himself knows from experience how fast you can be fine before your body crashes. He's got to find you, pay you back somehow by saving your life in return, or at least attempt to help you, because he's promised himself no one would ever have to die for him.

And he's not going to break that promise anytime soon, not if he can change it.

He's roaming around the quietest outskirts of town, searching abandoned sheds and small shelters, when he stops in one of the larger abandoned factory halls. There's a trace of your scent, mixed with the irony smell of blood-

When a drop hits his shoulder, making him look up.

"How the hell did she even get up there?" Namjoon asks no one in particular, astonished, having found you as well. You've somehow managed to climb onto the large metal support structures a little higher up, but for Yoongi, it's not really about how you've gotten up there-

But how he's gonna get you down.

"Hey-" he calls up, and your ears move for a second, tired eyes looking down at him as you look away almost grumpy about his presence. "How- I know you don't want to but you gotta get your ass down!" He tells you, though all he gets is a swipe of your tail, some blood on the very tip of it being tossed onto the ground below at his feet. "Come on, you're hurt- I just wanna help!" He tries again.

"Dont want it." You rasp quietly. You don't say you don't need it- because you're not stupid. You know you need it. But in the past every single time you've accepted it, help has always come with some sort of shit for you to do afterwards. It's never just a kind gesture, but rather a business exchange almost.

And all you ever had to offer was yourself.

"Just lemme.." you don't continue your sentence, suddenly awfully sleepy. It's like you're drunk, pain momentarily lifting as you close your eyes.

"She's unconscious." Namjoon notices, the sight of you having instantly switched on his medical instincts to access the situation. "Very pale, shallow breathing. There's a large stain of blood on her right side and-"

"Yeah yeah do that later, how the fuck do we get her down?" Yoongi cuts him off angrily, already looking around to find a way to get to you. "Fuck.!" He curses to himself, before a noise is heard from above him.

"She's slipping-" Joon calls out, but thankfully, Yoongi had already noticed, catching you somewhat without causing more harm.

Thank God you weren't that high up.

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Yoongi is watching with crossed arms how his best friend is wiping your blood off of his hands.

Namjoon had tried to convince Yoongi to bring you to an actual emergency room- but the cat hybrid knows you'd never forgive him if he did. They'd immediately put you in government care, lock you in and keep you there, taking your freedom away from you.

He won't be doing that. He knows he himself would rather die than be put in a place like that ever again.

"I was right, thankfully." Namjoon nods after a little while, watching how you breath a lot more deeply now. "None of her injuries were life threatening yet- but a few more hours and I'd say she'd be in a different position." He offers, sighing as he watches you breathe calmly, sleep holding you hostage especially with all the pain relief Namjoon had been offering you just in case.

Yoongi nods, as Namjoon moves to clean up the stitched cut on your tail, wrapping gauze around it carefully.

He trusts his friend after all, having been saved from the grasp of death by this young man. He's his most vital member, because without him, things would've gone entirely south at this point in time. "Do we have any info on where the fucker is yet?" Yoongi asks Jungkook, a young dog hybrid walking in.

"I've traced him back quite a good while, but I've lost his scent in the city. He most likely showered somewhere and discarded his clothes." The youngest member of the group offers a bit defeated. "Sorry."

"Better than nothing. Give Jin a rough location where he might've changed, and tell Hoseok to keep an eye on the area. He might not have gone that far yet." Yoongi mumbles, his own eyes focused only on you and your softly rising and falling chest.

He knows, deep down, there's a connection to you that's undeniable. But he also knows that he doesn't want it to force anything onto either of you.

Time will tell what will happen to the both of you.

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"I have no idea.." namjoon sighs, just as surprised and horrified as Yoongi is looking at the scene.

They've left you alone for the night, and today, early morning, you're gone. "She's just as wild as you it seems.." Namjoon says, carefully picking up some of the fallen down equipment that had been attached to you at some point.

It didn't surprise him all that much, the more he thinks about it.

You've shown yourself to be extremely cautious, and in some way, it makes him a bit less worried about you being out there all on your own. He's tried to help you- and you clearly don't want the help, so when Jungkook asks to go out and track you down, he shakes his head at the young dog hybrid. "She'll reach out when she wants to." Yoongi simply says. "No use in forcing it."

And so he lets you go, doesn't search for you, because in the end, you do end up reaching out to him all on your own.

Silently, he holds out half of a peeled tangerine to you, who quietly sits down next to him, some space in between you both. You take it, without saying anything, your tail curling around you securely as you eat the sweet fruit.

"You could've stayed, you know." He says after a moment, watching together with you how a human women yells something at another guy about him buying the bread she wanted.

"Hmhm." You hum. "Cause I'm your mate n' all.." you mumble quietly, making him click his tongue, crossing his arms while his cat ears turn back in annoyance.

"No." He denies. "Cause you saved my life." He reminds you, and you lean your head to the side, seemingly having to think about it.

"Dont remember." You shrug, though he can sense you're just making a joke. The gauze around your tail is still in place, after all, scratches on your cheek still visible as the blood scabs still remain.

"Dont care." He argues back stubbornly. "I do."

"Must've dreamed it." You answer, picking away the white from the piece of tangerine. "You're old after all." You jab. "Can't tell apart what happened and what didn't."

"I'm not fucking old." He growls, a little caught off guard by your playful attitude tonight. "...not even thirty." He mumbles to himself, making you laugh.

That sound, soft and quiet, makes his ears snap towards you to catch all of it as it happens.

Maybe he's more caught up in this whole mate-thing than he thought he was.

Maybe he's got a crush on you.

Maybe.

Just a little.

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[goldendoodledenny]

Requested by anon, hope y'all like it!

(bruh I had to rewrite this 3 times bc it didn't save right T-T and I rewrote it AGAIN because I didn't like that I made y/n a gobball player at first)

Adamai x fem reader-Dense muscles (sfw)

Reader is female/uses feminine pronouns and is referred to as y/n

She is weak-looking, but is actually incredibly strong

Adamai works at Alibert's inn in this bc I'm not able to watch season 4. T-T

Adamai went about his business, taking orders at the inn, like usual, then he saw a woman at one of the booths. She looked very polite and lady-like, and he didn't know her... He was intrigued by this and went over to her.

"uh... Hello there, can I get you anything? Also, I don't think I've ever seen you around here before..." He asked her.

"oh, I'm y/n, I've been traveling around and decided to pop by, who are YOU, Mr. Dragon?" She responded kindly.

"im Adamai, it's nice to meet you, y/n," he responds, holding his hand out for a handshake.

Y/n shakes his hand and warmly states, "it's nice to meet you too, Adamai," and as they shake hands, Adamai notices that her grip is unusually strong for a woman of her stature.

After they shake hands, he asks, "now, y/n, do you want to order anything?"

"oh? Yah, I do!" Y/n answered, and then she started her order.

By the end of it, Adamai is extremely confused. Was she ordering enough gobball stew for a gobball TEAM? She had ordered 20 bowls of stew. 20! Sure enough, he looked around, and she was alone, no one else at the table except him.

"uh... Is that all?" He asked, clearly confused (and maybe a bit concerned too).

She responded with a nod, as if it was normal, and smiled.

He murmured a got it and walked off to tell his brother and Alibert her order.

........

"what!? All that!? And for HOW many people!? Just one!?" Alibert yelled, not believing it, and also startling Chibi, who had been eating some raw steak.

"yah... It's strange..." Yugo stated, questioning if it was true.

"yah... Y/n must have a BIG appetite..." Adamai responded.

"y/n? That sounds familiar... Oh! I've got it!" Yugo said, having figured it out.

Yugo turned on the radio and changed the channel until he reached the one desired, the radio saying, "Aaaaand once again, y/n has beaten yet ANOTHER dojo! Will she beat every one of 'em while she continues to travel the World of Twelve? Will she keep kicking Iops butts and win thousands of Kamas? Will she beat all of them, winning the ultimate prize of five million Kamas? Who knows? Anyways, next up-"

Yugo turned the radio off, looking at his dragon brother. "Is THAT the y/n you're talking about? The one traveling, beating dojo by dojo for a thousand Kamas each?"

"no, no that's silly, that CAN'T be her!" Adamai responded incredulously.

Alibert looked out the window. "I beg to differ, Ad, that's her alright," Alibert confirmed.

"but she looks so weak..." Adamai muttered, but soon remembered how strong her grasp was, despite her weak-looking body.

"well... Whatever, take her order to her, Ad," Alibert ordered after he finished making the food.

"ok, Alibert," Adamai responded, taking the food to y/n.

..........

"here you go, enjoy, y/n," Adamai stated, lost in thought, as he gave her the food.

"thank you Adamai!" She squeeled, happy she is finally getting her food.

As she started wolfing her food down like a boowolf, Adamai walked away, taking other customers orders.

..........

Not even 30 minutes later, y/n calls for Adamai so that she can pay the bill. He walks over, expecting her to have only partially eaten it. Much to his surprise, all there is, is empty bowls. "W-woah... You ate... ALL of that?" He questioned.

"o-oh... Ya... I forgot that my eating habits are considered abnormal..." She responded, embarrassed.

"n-no, it's fine, I've just only seen a FEW people who eat that much in so little time! It impressive!" He told her, trying to comfort her.

"oh... Thank you, Adamai," she said with a smile.

She payed her tab, and as her and Adamai parted ways, he asked, "oh, uh, y/n, wait, o heard that you travel around, defeating dojos, and I wanted to test how strong you were, you know, later..."

"oh? You wanna fight me later? Is that what you said?" She questioned.

"yes, if that's ok with you?" He responded.

"yes, it's more than ok! I've wanted to fight a dragon for a while, so I'd love that!" She exclaimed.

They both talked and agreed on a time and place for the brawl to begin, and then finally parted, both excited for the fight.

..........

Adamai was the first to show up. The meeting time was the next day, at noon, in the Sadida forest. Soon, y/n showed up, waving to Adamai, "I'm here, Ad!"

He waved back at her, and after the greetings they take stances and started.

Kick! Pow! Bam!

Y/n inflicted a few blows on Adamai, throwing him off balance. All the hits were strong, and her small body was perfect for dodging. "Goddess..." He murmured, eyes wide in realization of how darn strong she was.

"How's that, Dragon boy?" She teased.

"dragon boy? Don't you have any better insults?" Adamai mocked back, regaining his balance.

Wam! Boom! Pwah!

He landed some hits back, missing a couple due to her great dodging capabilities. "Is that all you got, dragon?" Y/n teased.

"nope! I'm just getting started!" Adamai announced.

The fight went on, both seemingly tied. After a while, y/n collapsed to the ground, exhausted. "Y-you win... Adamai..." She admitted.

"thanks y/n, now let get to a doctor," Adamai stated with a lot of pride in his voice, picking up y/n.

She looked up at him, blushing slightly, remembering she had an attraction to him before, and now figured out what it was... Love. It grew during the battle, even though she was defeated.

Adamai looked at her, their eyes locked for just a second, before she had turned her head away. This split-second interaction let him to believe he felt it too... Love. He realized that even though they have not known each other for very long... He loved her.

He looked back at the road ahead of them, still walking, both of them hoping that the other felt the same...

The end💙

(this took SO LONG to write, but it's FINALLY DONE. Hope u enjoyed! Also, I changed y/n from a gobball player to a martial artist because I wanted her and Ad to FIGHT)

[kwillow]

Answering Some Asks!

Forever ago, I said I'd try to answer more of the asks I get with text, so I don't have them sitting around for years on end. Then I didn't do that. Well... gonna try to do a few now!

Character Stuff

Probably not, since it's solid all the way through, so there's no space for the air to vibrate and make cool sounds. It'd be like flicking a column of glass or gemstone, probably just make some tapping or "thnk" noises and that's it. Alas!

Beggars can't be choosey.

But more seriously, probably words of affirmation/compliments or quality time. Though he doesn't believe compliments often even if he wants them - he's more apt to believe he's just being mocked or manipulated unless he already trusts someone (and even then, he has his doubts).

I talked a bit about this in the tags of this drawing, though I can elaborate in a bigger font size as well, haha.

As his story stands now, he has exclusively pursued women as partners. I tend to think of him as straight.

That said, I'm not opposed to his hetero being flexible if, in the future, a story opportunity popped up where he'd need to be curious about a man. (Jack, another character of mine, started off as straight and then slid inexorably to "bisexual, heavy on the girl" so it has happened before, haha.) AND if other people want to write/draw/think of him as straying from straight n' narrow that's obviously fine with me. :P

He's not a royal - he wishes, haha. He is nobility, though! His father his a marquis, which gives him the courtesy title of count (or "comte", using the French variant) until he inherits his father's title (though the Old Kingdoms are destroyed before that ever happens). Tough when he's much older he just assigns himself pope-kingship so I guess that counts as self-appointed royalty.

BUT ANYWAY

Yes he's had crushes, infatuations, love affairs and flings. Too many. Though it's interesting you bring up status - as a lot of his crushes tended to be on people from lower societal positions than he was. His first crush, and one of his longest (and most tumultuous) relationships was with a stablehand's daughter. When he did get infatuated with well-born women, it tended to be women who were already engaged, married or otherwise unavailable for him to marry. He's just got a taste for things he can't have...

It was extremely infuriating for his father.

(Of course, another part of his lack of discrimination between noble and common ladies might be due to him seeing himself as above ALL mortals, so what's the difference between a peasant and a noblewoman, really?)

Non-Character Stuff

Hahaha well I welcome that! Ambroys should be bullied on as many fronts as possible.

Thank you! It's a combination of purposeful research while also ignoring what I research for stuff I think just looks fun. Admittedly, I also am bad at drawing things consistently, so in some ways it's easier for me to just put a character in an entirely new outfit instead of trying to draw an old outfit the same way again, ha. xD

Not to sound like a soccer mom, but I'm a fan of Pinterest for browsing and collecting reference images of outfits that just "feel" like a character, so you have a broad visual library to draw from. You should also pair that with research into how the clothes you want to draw are supposed to fit. For historical outfits, you can get a lot of mileage out of the blogs of historical fanatics who enjoy eviscerating movie costumes from their period of interest. For modern day clothing, you can look at style blogs and tailoring information to learn how clothes are supposed to fit - and then break those rules if you want (for example, in mens' suits, the pants are not supposed to be bunched around the ankles, but I draw Theo's trousers that way to emphasize that he has unusually short legs).

My secret tip for coming up with lots of outfits for characters while keeping them cohesive is to determine a few things about their fashion sense (using Theo and Ambroys to contrast with each other):

What cuts/kinds of clothing do they wear often? What's their "taste", basically. For example, Ambroys wears tight pants/breeches, ostentatious coats and vests, lace and lots of jewelry. Theo, on the other hand, always wants to wear formal clothes that cover most of his body. From that, you can find other clothes that fit that mold and take inspiration from them, expanding what kinds of clothes they wear while still making it feel like "them".

What color palettes do they tend to wear? Theo wears dark colors and red and purple pretty much exclusively, while Ambroys wears a lot of colors, but only in light shades.

What thematic elements can you incorporate into their outfits as decoration? For Theo, I tend to include blood-drop designs and heraldic symbols like the ermine spot, while Ambroys is associated with flowers (especially roses), eyes and wings. You can add these elements to outfits to add a little extra spice (there are a lot of Ambroys' outfits that are really the same thing, but in one I put daffodils on him and another I put feathers on him, for example).

I hope any of that is helpful!

Thank you so much! I honestly have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to rendering, so I'm glad it's looking okay, heh!

I've heard Gravity Falls is great, but like many shows that I've heard are great, I have never made time to watch it. I know vaguely of Stanley Pines, though.

But thank you so much for saying you like Theo. He's a nasty little guy but he's very near and dear to my heart, and it really touches me that you see complexity and charisma in him. I do aim to make characters that are textured, weird little bastards.

And I don't mind you roleplaying with Theo, I think it's sweet. xP I'm glad he got to enjoy some pizza.

[bonesandthebees]

YEAHHHH LMAOO that was the only time I've sent an ask on anon idk why I was so anxious that day LMAOOO

Tho I will say I've debated asking this one question to u so many times and everytime I wanna go on anon but then I realise it would not. Make any sense . If I was on anon so I've just refrained from asking lmaoo (which wow brain as soon as I typed this I've forgotten the question. Good job brain)

ANYWAYS MHMHMHM it's of a strawberry flower!! It's genuinely just such a gorgeous tatt I'd want it for myself even if it wasn't matching so I feel very comfortable getting it in the case we ever split up or anything <3

OOHHH THANK YOU YES PLS FEEL FREE TO GIVE ADVICE I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE both for traveling solo in another country (I am Scared) and also tattoo after care?? Like. It's gonna be above my ankle how careful of socks/pants should I be :000

I mean if you ever wanna go on anon to ask me something that's totally fine I get it, and also if you're ever worried about asking me something just know that if I ever don't want to answer a question for any reason (ie: the answer isn't something I want to divulge publicly, I don't feel comfortable talking about that subject, I feel like I just don't have a good answer, etc.) I just won't answer it. it doesn't mean I'm going to hold a grudge against someone who asks me something I don't wanna answer. I get it, people are curious or have questions or whatever and that's fine! if I don't wanna answer I simply won't and that doesn't mean I'm upset or annoyed or anything like that

oooo a strawberry flower sounds so pretty!! I'm sure that's gonna look amazing

okay advice time for travel + tattoos under the cut bc it got long

oh yeah I was gonna say you're from canada right? I think going through customs is a bit easier for US/Canadian citizens traveling between the two countries, but still good luck with the lines. other advice I have for traveling in another country solo... while you might consider getting your currency exchanged, almost everyone and everywhere takes card these days so as long as you have a card that can be used internationally (I believe mastercard and visa are pretty much usable in every country, although I'm sure if it's just between the US and Canada most cards are fine, just make sure to check). but also if you do wanna do currency exchange, wait until you're in the US to do that or else you'll get ripped off. once you're in the US just go to an ATM and withdraw cash from your bank account, and it'll come out in US dollars without the additional fee you'd get from going to a currency exchange place

OKAY TATTOO TIPS

I think most tattoo artists these days use second skin after giving someone a tattoo. it's basically a sticky thin sheet of plastic that the artist will put on top of the tattoo after it's finished, and usually your artist will instruct you to leave it on anywhere from 24 hours to several days. any artist worth their salt will properly explain how long to keep it on for, what to expect and look out for, etc. the second skin will protect the tattoo so you won't have to worry about it rubbing against fabric in the initial few days after getting it. although I'll say taking that stuff off is a BITCH it's like peeling a bandaid off but so much worse

however, your artist might not use second skin. out of my five tattoos, only two of the artists I've been to used second skin which is apparently unusual because from what I've heard from tattoo artists is that it's pretty much standard at this point to use it. however because only my latter two tattoos used second skin, I didn't realize that I have reactions to second skin that make it not suitable for me to use. you might have a reaction as well and that's ok! for me at least my reaction wasn't anything bad, it's just that I noticed a lot of redness around the second skin and when I took it off (earlier than I was supposed to) it left marks around my tattoo that didn't go away for 6 months. so yeah in the future if I go to an artist and they want to use second skin, I'm going to refuse because I've healed 3 tattoos perfectly fine without it. so if your artist doesn't use second skin (and tbh even if they do because you'll need this once you take the second skin off) buy some aquaphor. your artist is probably going to instruct you to wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap 2-3 times a day, and afterwards you should put a thin layer of aquaphor on top of the tattoo to protect it and soothe any dryness or scabbing. it might seem annoying to wash a tattoo so many times a day, but trust me once it starts scabbing you're going to want to wash it because it itches and the aquaphor calms it down.

having the tattoo on your ankle might be tricky since it's too cold to wear shorts, and the hem of your pants might rub against it. try to wear pants that are looser around your ankles (no skinny jeans or leggings) so that the fabric doesn't irritate it. and try to wear socks that don't touch the tattoo.

above all though, your tattoo artist should be able to tell you everything I just told you. don't be afraid to ask them questions. they want your tattoo to heal nicely bc that's their work! and just in general don't be shy to talk to your artist. my first two tattoos aren't bad by any means, but I don't love them because I was too anxious to properly communicate with my artist about what I wanted. don't be afraid to ask them to change something in the design, or if they put the stencil on and you want a different placement tell them! your artist is there to work with you so just talk to them :)

okay that got so much longer than I meant it to hope that helps!!

[idyllic-affections]

002 DANDELIONS

< previous | next > DANDELIONS :: PROLOGUE ACT II . . . for a tomorrow without tears . . .

     "[Name]," Sara mused, "I'm sure you have better things to do right now than help me clean up, and that's completely okay."

     "I suppose I do," they replied, gently taking the broom held in one of her hands, "but nonetheless, I did say I'd help. I may be a little forgetful sometimes, but I always keep my promises, don't I?"

     Their friend smiled softly, dragging a wet rag over one of her tables that'd somehow stayed in place despite the winds, ridding it of any stray dust or dirt. "Yes, you do. That's one of the things everyone likes so much about you, I think. You're reliable. Thank you."

     "Anytime."

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     By the time they were done helping Sara clean up the Good Hunter, the sun had already risen to the middle of the sky.

     The restaurant did look good as new, though.

     "How could I possibly repay you for this?" Sara wondered, a hand placed tenderly on their shoulder.

     "Think nothing of it," they dismissed kindly. "However... do you happen to have an apple on you?"

     "That I do. Wait here a moment."

     She disappeared into the restaurant briefly, before returning only a few moments later with what they'd asked for. They thanked her before heading off through the streets in the direction of the cathedral.

     Though the on-edge, borderline skittish behavior of the people was unusual for those of this generation, they knew all too well that this is what Mondstadt looked like way back when it'd first risen from nothing. This was truly something they were all too familiar with, and that was something they absolutely did not like. The Mondstadt of this generation was not meant to be so bleak and gloomy. It was not at all meant to resemble what that tyrant had built. This was not what freedom should look like, shackled down by the unbearably heavy chains of looming anxiety and fear.

     However, ruminating in those thoughts and feelings was impossible upon hearing the gentle tunes of a lyre. Such a melody seemed to have a calming effect on them as they gravitated towards the familiar source. They were glad to join the small crowd the green-clad bard had attracted.

     Soon enough, the crowd dispersed.

     When Venti met their gaze, they smiled, handing him the apple they had gotten from Sara. "Take it as an apology for being so busy today."

     "Aww, [Name]—"

     "Wait, wait, wait, hold on a minute!" Paimon interrupted, looking between the two incredulously. "You two know each other? This guy was talking to the dragon! Super weird."

     "I'm aware," they replied nonchalantly. "I was meant to go with him for that, but I had already told Amber I'd go with her for her task."

     "How can you be so casual about that?! Suspicious!"

     "I get that quite often, believe it or not," they chuckled. "Anyway, it's completely normal to have friendships with the Winds, I believe. Hehe... Lord Andrius is quite a fickle being. He never can admit his evident fondness for me."

     "...These two are so weird!" the girl whisper-shouted to Aether.

     "Oh, that's right," Venti suddenly mused. "You're the ones who scared Dvalin away."

     "Wait, Dvalin?" Paimon wondered, "Who's that?"

     "Stormterror," they answered. "It's his real name."

     "Don't you remember?" Aether asked the floating girl. "Lisa already told us about that."

     "Huh?... Oh, right. Most people seem to call him Stormterror." She turned back to Venti. "Why do you call him that? Are you two meant to be close or something?"

     "Oh, so close!"

     "...Hey, Aether, Paimon thinks this guy has a screw loose. She thinks [Name] might too."

     "Ahh..." Aether trailed off, looking between them and their friend. "Hi. How exactly do you two know each other?"

     "Good day, outlander," Venti greeted without missing a single beat. "It seems we meet again. I'm Venti the bard. Three-time winner of the Most Popular Bard of Mondstadt, to be precise. [Name] here is my closest friend in all of Teyvat, of course!"

     "I'm honored," they chuckled, "but I cannot lie and say the feeling is not mutual."

     "So!" the bard chimed. "What do you need from me?"

     "Given you recognize us, Paimon doesn't believe we need to explain any further! Of course it's about Stormterror!" she huffed incredulously.

     "Storm..?"

     "Hey!" the girl hissed. "Cut it with the amnesia act! Aether, show it to him!"

     Aether held out a teardrop crystal that was undoubtedly consumed by abyssal energy at one point, yet it was completely clean now.

     "Oh. Isn't this—"

     "What?!" Paimon gasped. "The crystal has been purified?! When?!"

     "Dvalin, he..." Venti trailed off briefly. "The anguish he feels has brought him to tears."

     "Who can blame him?" they mused. "I certainly don't. Abyssal energy is agonizing, should it enter the bloodstream. Worse, it clouds the mind and feeds off of negativity..." They paused, seemingly trapped in a daze, before snapping out of it. "Anyways, come here, Venti. You look like you could use a hug, yeah?"

     The bard immediately lept into their arms, sighing contentedly when their cloak fell around him. They hummed, draping their arms around his shoulders caringly.

     He was shorter than them by quite a lot, as was the boy his vessel was based off of. They both seemed to like the feeling of being swaddled in their arms like little children.

     "Dvalin was once such a gentle child," Venti lamented softly from his place in their arms, "now so full of rage and suffering. I also came across a teardrop crystal." He held out the crystal, which was absolutely dripping with abyssal energy. Though it was slightly suffocating to be near, they were certain it was worse for the average vision bearer. They'd been through worse. The sight of him holding something outwards from being swaddled in their cloak would be funny, cute even, if not for the current circumstances. "Can you purify it?"

     The impurities drained away, and soon, the crystal sparkled as if the toxins had never been there in the first place by simply being held in Aether's hand.

     "...Fascinating," they murmured. 

     "You... really do have some wonderful abilities," Venti complimented, untangling himself from their arms. He did latch onto their hand though and made it a point to intertwine their fingers. "Someone like you is going to end up getting written into a bard's poem. Oh, a hero so bright, should he stand in the light. Though stand in the shade, and you'll be met by a blade... alas, I've really not the time to compose a melody for you at this moment. Anyway, even if Dvalin is not taken down, his life will still wither away in the breeze. He'll burn himself out in the flames of anger."

     A somber silence befell the group for a long, heavy moment.

     It wasn't until Aether replied that the tension thinned. "...Is there anything I can do to help?"

     They couldn't help but smile softly at his concern.

     "I really must thank you for purifying the teardrop crystal," Venti said, "it has helped me greatly, but [Name] and I have already come to devise our own plan."

     "Oh? And what plan might that be?" Paimon asked, shooting the two of them a suspicious look.

     "I already anticipate the direction this conversation is going," they said. "Save yourself the trouble of asking. I don't think you'll get a good answer at this particular moment."

     "Ehe," the bard beside them laughed, his amusement and delight at both their oh-so accurate statement and their willingness to go along with his antics shown blatantly on display. "Seeing this tear has brought to mind a friend so dear."

     'Vennessa, definitely,' they mused mentally, peering upwards at the sky. 'The darling Lionfang Knight... I wonder how she's doing these days. Perhaps I should visit her temple sometime soon..?'

     "Friend?"

     He only laughed again. "We must be going now." Before they could object—not that they really would have, anyway—he was already dragging them along by the hand. 

     "Hey! Where are you two running off to?!"

     "To the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero," he replied cheerily. "Bye-bye!"

     Their eyes softened with fondness for the so-called absentee Archon. Subconsciously, they found themselves squeezing his hand, and didn't even flinch when the gesture was returned tenfold. 'Ah... as expected. What am I ever going to do with him?'

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     "You aren't hurting anywhere, are you?" they wondered softly, hands placed firmly on Venti's shoulders. "I know that, as an elemental being, you may have greater tolerance for abyssal energy, but—"

     "[Name]," he called, smiling up at them. They went quiet. "I'm not hurt... ehehe, uh, not anymore, at the very least. Dvalin didn't mean it."

     "Obviously not," they stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world—to them, it certainly was. Dvalin was not a violent being. He never was. "The abyss has clouded his judgement with lies. I know that. I just don't exactly like knowing that those toxins reached your blood."

     "It's alright. They're gone now."

     A sigh left through their nose, and their hands dropped to their sides. "...Alright. If you say so."

     After a brief, comfortable silence, they spoke up again.

     "Our intention, if we can't borrow it, is to, ah... reposess the Holy Lyre, right?"

     "Yep!"

     "...Do you mind if I borrow the one you're currently using, then?"

     Immediately, the bard's eyes narrowed with theatrically overdramatic suspicion as he inched away from them. "Oh? Do tell me why you need it?"

     "A simple gut feeling. Something tells me attaining that lyre is going to be a little more complicated than one might think, so should I need to make a, uh, sacrifice..."

     "No! No way! Even this wooden lyre was really expensive, you know!"

     They deadpanned, "Yes, Venti, there is no need to remind the person who literally taught you how to play the majority of the instruments you know that instruments are, in fact, expensive."

     He pouted at that. They were half-tempted to squish his cheeks between their hands akin to how an elderly woman might. "You just don't want to sacrifice your's."

     "...Well, you should know why I'd rather not lose my lyre, even if I don't play it anymore."

     There was a time during which a boy dreaming of and longing for freedom had poured hours of work into carving the intricate designs on their lyre, all just as a gift for every time they got punished for things he did: inspiring rebellion, spreading songs that spoke of free will, everything. They always took the blame for it. They were more than familiar with the cold concrete floors of the prison cells in Old Mondstadt. The least he could do was create something for them—inspired by one of their own gifts to him—during one of the nights that they were gone, locked away from home.

     To lose something like that...

     It was unimaginable. They'd held onto it for over two and a half millenia; how could they possibly let it go now?

     His face softened significantly. "I know. I was only teasing, I promise—I wouldn't dare to ask you to give it up. I'd hate to see it go, too."

     It was then that he handed over his beloved instrument. They tucked it away into their bag for the time being.

     Venti wiped away nonexistent tears, sighing despondently, "Oh, for a bard to part with his dear lyre... you had better make it up to me!"

     "Dont worry. I will." At the crunching of grass underneath someone's steps, they turned, only to see Aether and Paimon approaching.

     The Archon followed their gaze. "Oh? What are you doing here? Though I was just wondering if you would happen to follow us..."

     "I want to know more about the Anemo God," Aether replied.

     They would gladly admit to being curious about how Venti would answer, as if he was not talking about himself.

     "You speak of the God of Anemo, Barbatos? He already disappeared from Mondstadt a long time ago. Liyue and Inazuma's respective gods of Geo and Electro are still present, but Mondstadt has seen many a moon since they last saw their own god. Why do you wish to know about the God of Anemo? Does it have something to do with Dvalin?"

     They were not at all disappointed.

     "Oh..! Ahh..." Paimon stuttered. "It's because gods... um..."

     "Yes," Aether replied. "Someone told me about Dvalin's past."

     "Oh? Was it Lisa?" they inquired.

     The blonde nodded. "Actually, yes."

     "I'm not surprised, then," they hummed. "She's quite well-read, a true scholar, a true Spantamad student at heart. It's a wonder that she chose to return to Mondstadt..."

     "Spantamad? Return?" Aether echoed.

     "Ah, nothing." They waved him off. "Don't mind me. I have a tendency to think out loud."

     "Just how is it that everyone sees Stormterror? I'm quite curious. That said, there's no need to rush... I have not been back in a while," the bard sighed. "It seems there are a few who are... unhappy with my arrival."

     Though it would be easy for either of the immortals, really, to get rid of the Eye of the Storm, both seemed to prefer the idea of seeing the extent of the strange outlander's abilities.

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     "As expected," they mused. "It seems I was right not to doubt your combat abilities, Aether."

     A soft pink tinted the traveler's cheeks. "Thank you."

     "It seems the dragon wasn't the only thing affected by the change in the wind," Venti hummed. "Now then, you were saying Lisa had told you about the dragon?"

     Aether went on to explain what the librarian had told him.

     "Is that so? As [Name] said; quite the scholar she is, that Lisa," the Archon stated. "She's not wrong. The conflict has reached this point only because both sides have resorted to the use of force. His hate, however, did not arise from people not making tribute to the Four Winds, nor was it born from his own nature, but instead came about as a product of his degradation."

     "Degra... dation?" Paimon echoed.

     "The black blood flowing through his heart has been torturing him for years," he elaborated. "That is what allowed him to be led astray by the lies of the Abyss Mage."

     "I think I've heard of them before in Mondstadt..." Aether mused.

     "It would make sense, for they aren't exactly uncommon," they said. "They are from the Abyss Order, an organization composed of various nonhuman beings, all who share an unwavering hatred for humanity. It's not exactly known when they emerged or where they came from, but they simply aren't fond of humanity. It's common for hilichurls to take orders from them."

     They were not keen on lying, but sometimes, it was necessary to. Some things—some ancient nations—were simply not meant to be discussed.

     "[Name] has had their own experiences with the black blood. Before arriving here, I too was like Dvalin, cursed and left to waste, but now before us stands the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero, the place from which Mondstadt rose. The wind amongst the branches is good. I love the way it smells. Being here with you beneath this great tree feels like when the tear was purified earlier. Like the poison is leaving my body... feels much better now."

     "So..." Paimon began. "How exactly did you two get poisoned?"

     "I was poisoned in a completely separate incident a long time ago. However... I hear that some strange outlander and his emergency food interrupted Venti's meeting with Dvalin earlier. Now, who could that have possibly been?" they mused teasingly.

     "As a result, not only did I not manage to help Dvalin break his curse, but was instead infected myself!" he added, perhaps a bit too cheerily.

     "Oh," Aether squeaked. "Ah... that..."

     "Yes, that was you," they chuckled. 

     "So, to make up for it, you're coming with us to the Cathedral," the bard decided.

     "The Mondstadt Cathedral?" the floating girl repeated. "To do what exactly?"

     A grin spread across their friend's face. "To claim a certain Holy Lyre der Himmel."

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     "So this Holy Lyre der Himmel is..." Paimon trailed off, looking between the two for an answer.

     "It's regarded as one of the most treasured items in Mondstadt, as it was the lyre that Barbatos used to play," they explained. 

     "With it, perhaps I can help Dvalin draw his gentle nature back out of this nightmare he's going through," Venti said.

     "Will it really stop Stormterror from causing more damage?" she wondered.

     "Of course," the bard chimed. "I am the best bard in the world! There's not a single song I do not know, no matter if it's from the past, present, or future. Look me in the eyes. Do you not find me trustworthy?"

     "Look into my eyes," Aether replied. "What is it that you're hiding?"

     "...Look into [Name]'s eyes! Do you not find them trustworthy?"

     Aether hesitated, gazing upwards into their soft yet lusterless eyes for a few moments—this is when he took note of the way their right eye moved slightly out of sync with their left eye; was it a prosthetic?—before nodding. "Fair enough, I guess."

     "So how can we get the Holy Lyre?" Paimon asked.

     "I mean, there is an option to get approval from Master Jean, the Seneschal, and the Community Representatives, and I know they all trust me enough to give me that approval," they sighed, "but the paperwork can take days to process. It's such a bore, and time isn't exactly on our side."

     "Agreed! It's said that it's enshrined deep within the Cathedral, somewhere safe," Venti mentioned. "[Name] and I will go take a look around. You can come if you want."

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     "Let me handle this," the bard declared, approaching Sister Gotelinde.

     "I'll bet five mora that whatever he's planning won't work," they whispered to Aether, who laughed into his palm in response, while Paimon giggled more openly.

     "Hello there, sister!"

     "May the Anemo God bless you, young bard," she greeted sweetly. "How can I help you?"

     "Actually, I know a secret that can save Mondstadt from it's current predicament."

     "Oh, what a blessing from the God of Anemo!... But you should report that to the Knights of Favonius. Why have you come to me?"

     "Ahaha, because you, dear sister, are able to help! I'd like to borrow the Holy Lyre. With it, I'll be able to help Stormterror—"

     "Please see yourselves out."

     "What?!"

     "It's a vicious dragon indeed, but once the Acting Grand Master makes up her mind, nothing can stand in the Knights' way."

     "That's simply not acceptable," Venti objected. "Wouldn't Stormterror end up getting killed that way?"

     "That foolish beast betrayed the Winds! Not even the God of Anemo themselves would forgive it."

     They frowned. "That is no way to speak of one of the Four Winds, Sister Gotelinde, especially as a member of the Church. You should know better."

     Said woman flinched slightly, before clearing her throat. "Yes, I... suppose you're correct... my apologies. My— uh, my point still stands, however."

     "Ugh... please, I beg of you!"

     "I'm afraid not, little bard."

     "Then... I guess I'm left with no other option," the bard sighed. "I cannot hide anymore! My disciples, rejoice! Behold, the God of Anemo, Barbatos, has descended! Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the God you've been serving?"

     Gotelinde looked unamused. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to handle the Cathedral's paperwork now."

     "Wait, Sister Gotelinde," they called. "Please, won't you reconsider? For me?"

     She hesitated, seemingly not keen on denying them after being so sternly reprimanded. "...I cannot, [Name]. As much as I, like the rest of Mondstadt, do respect you, if you do not have the necessary documents, I cannot help you."

     "Wait— ugh..." the Archon sighed defeatedly as she walked off. "She didn't even bat an eyelid." 

     They replied, "She didn't even consider it for my sake... I feel betrayed."

     "Well, I have at least learned what I wanted to know," Venti chimed. "She didn't deny that the Cathedral is enshrining the Holy Lyre. Now, Aether, since you're the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius... maybe you can give it a shot!"

     They lightly patted the Honorary Knight's shoulder. "Best of luck. You'll need it."

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     As expected, Aether failed to retrieve the Holy Lyre. 

     "It didn't work..." Venti sighed. "I knew it."

     "You knew it?" Paimon scoffed.

     "I just wanted to know how influential Aether—the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius—is," he admitted. "You see, the best warrior should always be presented with the best sword, and yet here we are... does the story not make for a fitting ballad?'

     "So what are you trying to say?" Paimon huffed, "That we're not good enough?"

     They chuckled at her blatant offense. She was so easy to irritate. Aether, on the other hand, seemed much more wistful and calm.

     "No, that's not it," Venti denied. "More of a commentary regarding Mondstadt's inability to see the warrior standing right before its very eyes. Very well! Looks like borrowing it is not going to be possible. We're simply going to have to steal it. Today we stand for free will!... any suggestions on just how we steal it?"

     Aether and Paimon only stared in silence.

     "Come now, there's nothing to be afraid of," they hummed. "I already anticipated this situation, and have come up with a plan of my own. Sneaking in late at night is the most ideal."

     "I—" Aether stuttered. "I don't want to steal anything!"

     "It's for the best, Aether," they reassured. "It's not like we aren't going to bring it back, and I don't expect you to go steal something like that alone. I'd be glad to accompany you. Even if we get caught, you are the Honorary Knight and I am Mondstadt's beloved. Talking our way out of it would be simple. So, what do you say?"

     Aether blinked. "I— I'm sorry, wait, hold on a minute." He looked to Venti. "Did you just say you're Barbatos? Did he just say he's Barbatos?"

     "Ah, yes," Venti chuckled. "Seems I did mention that... your point being?"

     "...If you really are a god, then we can't simply abandon you."

     "Interesting," they mused. "Why exactly is it that you're seeking out The Seven? Why should this decision depend so heavily on who or what Venti may or may not be, if you don't mind me asking?"

     "Paimon'll fully fill you in on his background story when we get the time..." she said.

     "Even if you're not a god, I'll help Dvalin anyway," the traveller decided.

     The bard blinked. "Huh?"

     "I will bring you the Holy Lyre der Himmel."

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     Aether found that they were surprisingly good at avoiding the guards' gazes.

     They walked with light, silent steps, despite the heeled nature of their boots. Their breaths were steady and even and came out equally silently. He couldn't help but wonder just how they managed to remain so calm—they were literally stealing what was probably the most heavily guarded item in the nation. What, he wondered, could they have possibly been through to become so skilled at such a thing?

     With their calm leadership, it took barely five minutes to reach the lyre.

     "Pretty, isn't it?" they mused softly, almost nostalgically. Aether could only nod. It was slowly becoming clearer and clearer that they perhaps were not what they seemed.

     Before they could grab it, a Fatui Cicin Mage did.

     "Huh?!" Paimon gasped. "Who're you?!"

     They dashed towards her much faster than Aether or Paimon could, delivering a hard hit to her nose. Though they couldn't see her eyes—courtesy of her mask—they were certain they were watering. They'd been hit hard in the nose before, after all. It was a surefire way to briefly disorient nearly anyone.

     They were quick in switching out the Holy Lyre held loosely in her hands for Venti's wooden one. 

     Thinking she still had the correct instrument, the Fatuus speedily teleported away with a cocky bow and laugh.

     "She disappeared!" Paimon exclaimed frantically.

     "Freeze! What are you doing here?!"

     "That's our cue, traveller!" they exclaimed, pulling their cloak's hood over their head before snatching Aether by the wrist and sprinting off.

                         — flower of the universe !! 🌸

     "Oh no!" Paimon shouted as the trio burst out of the front of the Cathedral. "We're busted! Run!"

     "What?! Follow me!" the bard exclaimed, leaping off of the railing. They, Aether, and Paimon followed closely behind, those who couldn't fly naturally like Paimon deploying their Wind Gliders.

     After a series of aerial twists and turns, they landed in front of Angel's Share. The small group burst through the door.

     "Hi, we'd like a seat at your... ahh... least conspicious table," Venti requested.

     "Uh..." Diluc began, eyeing the group suspciously. "The second floor has fewer customers. You'd be less conspicious up there... but aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center?"

     The Anemo Archon laughed, "Let's save the paid performance for next time! We'll be heading up now, see you in a bit!"

     After he said that, they ushered the group upstairs, gently leading both Aether and Venti along by the dips in their backs. They peered downstairs when they heard the door slam open again. Two guards belonging to the Knights of Favonius burst into the tavern.

     "Ah, Master Diluc! Have you seen three thieves around?"

     "What happened?" the man questioned. "Why have you mobilized so many guards?"

     "Haven't you heard, Master Diluc?! Three thieves were trying to steal the Holy Lyre!"

     "Oh? How odd," Diluc commented in response ro the guard.

     "Isn't it? The Holy Lyre is a treasure that was played by the God of Anemo themselves! Such a precious piece of cultural heritage—"

     Diluc cut him off. "Why would one want to steal something they can't sell off? Would pay better to steal from my cellars..."

     Immediately, an annoyed huff left their lips, but they said nothing. Venti only pat their back in an attempt at soothing them.

     "Huh?"

     "Sorry, off topic. I belive they headed that way."

     "Understood! Thank you, Master Diluc!"

     The guards left as quickly as they appeared. Venti descended the stairs first, with them and Aether following.

     "Today I think I'll have a glass of..."

     "You can put down that bottle you stole from behind the counter."

     The bard turned to face the man with a grin. "...something cold."

     "Right," Diluc scoffed. "I want answers."

     "...Let me finish my drink first? I'll pay you— well, with a performance. Oh! Better yet, [Name] will pay you with mora!"

     "Hm, maybe I will," they hummed teasingly, "or not. Who knows? You can't rely on me for mora all the time, Venti."

     "It's not about the money," the man dismissed. "You seem too young to be drinking."

     "No need to worry," Venti interjected, "When I started drinking, you were still—"

     "I assure you," they cut Venti off, shooting him a look of warning, as if telling him to choose his words more carefully, "Master Diluc, that Venti is of age. I wouldn't allow him to so much as walk in the direction of your tavern if he wasn't. Surely you know that I don't take those things lightly?"

     Aether spoke up before Diluc could. "How about answering my question first?"

     "Oh, you wanna ask, 'who's this?' Am I right? He is Master Diluc, the boss of... ah, the owner of this tavern. He's very famous," the Anemo Archon introduced. "By the way, his dandelion wine is one of my favorites."

     "I'm the only reason he can ever afford it," they mentioned. "He's too broke to buy it on his own."

     Aether and Paimon both chuckled.

     "I just heard about some thieves from the guards," Diluc stated, arms crossed over his chest. "For the record, I like your guts for trying to steal the Holy Lyre der Himmel, even if you are fools... but we don't often get to see people like you."

     "It wasn't us that stole it!" Paimon shouted. "The real thief is still out there!"

     "Oh," they laughed, gently taking the Holy Lyre out from their bag, mindlessly plucking a few notes on the instrument out of habit. "I'm sorry. It seems everyone's still under the impression that I failed to steal the lyre."

     "What?!" Paimon squealed, shocked. "How?!"

     "Ah... while I am glad you managed to steal it, [Name], I guess I won't be getting my lyre back?" Venti asked, gingerly taking the lyre from their hands.

     "Unfortunately not." They smiled apologetically. "My apologies. I'll replace it."

     Diluc obseved the interaction in shocked silence, before sternly demanding, "Now then, answers. Why did you steal the Holy Lyre?"

     "You sure you wanna know?" Venti teased. "It could implicate you in the affairs of the Knights of Favonius!"

     "That's fine." Diluc sighed, "I somehow always end up implicated in their affairs."

     "If I tell you the story with a performance, will you believe me?"

     "It depends. I'll make my own judgement."

     "Hm, very well, then! Let me put on a show..."

< previous | next > this chapter has 3k words. do not repost my work on other sites (wattpad, ao3, etc). cross-posted on quotev.

[evereinefaust]

. . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞? ࿐ྂ

Pairing: Killua Zoldyck X afab!Reader

Sypnosis: A fateful incident was what allowed them to be true to their feelings.

Word Count: 2,453

Hey, um say... Can you hear me?

Ehh? What did you say?

Liar! Don't lie to me. Take out your earbuds!

Sorry, sorry! It's just that I love seeing your adorable expressions~

Adorable?!? What are you talking about, I'm not cute!

Huhu~ Or so you think!

For some reason, hanging out with her always made my day. She always smiled, no matter how lame or boring something was, she'd always smile. At least more than 2 times a day. She always had these earbuds plugged into her ears, listening to who knows what. But she could always hear me or Gon even from a distance, so sometimes I think that she's not listening to anything at all. I'm always asking her, can you hear me, but she always responds with a yes. I really can't understand this mysterious girl.

After all of the commotion seized, Gon and I left our old selves behind to start a new. We went back to Whale Island, where it was peaceful like always, and lived the rest of our youth there in peace. Well, to be honest, we are still teens and we aren't quite.. You know, peaceful. Gon went fishing like always, catching that giant fish over and over again, I actually feel bad for all of the holes Gon has put through it's mouth! But, regarding that, we actually met a girl who was around our age, she's pretty tall for her age! Around an inch or two taller than me. She's just recently moved to Whale Island, so now Gon-- and I hang out with her I guess. She's actually pretty cool and collected.

Birds chirping, blue sky with no clouds, bright green grass... What's not to like about this nice weather? It's not like me to say this but the weather is unusually really nice!

"Hey, Gon! Let's go to the forest!" I called out to my best friend. He shouts back from inside the house, most likely the kitchen. "Sorry, Killua! I promised Mito-san that I'll help her in the kitchen today!" He says, rushing to the opened door and pressing his hands together in apology. "You can go hang out with (y/n) though!" He grins such an innocent smile and starts heading back towards the kitchen. Popping his head out of the door frame so that I could still see him, he says, "I'll catch up if I finish cooking with Mito-san!" I sigh and smile right back at him. "Alright! I'll go look for her!" I stood up, walking towards the house that she lived in.

Crossing the busy main street, there was a lot of people talking to others, from what I could tell, they looked very... Worried? I didn't pay much attention to them though. Meeting up with (y/n) and what we were going to do was all I could think about. I arrived at the house, and somehow, it had... A weird aura around it. I go to the right side of the house and throw a rock at the middle window. "Heey! You in there?" I call out to the girl. "(y/n)? You there!?" I say a little louder. No answer? I thought of climbing up the wall to get to the window but ehh... No thanks. I decided to go to the front door like a normal person. I knock on the door. "S'cuse me! Is (y/n) here?" I ask. The house is weirdly dark, though it's not unusual to see a dark house when it's still broad daylight outside. "Excuse me.." I mumble and walk inside.

Hearing two pairs of footsteps from behind me, I turn around, my eyes falling upon a young woman and a child. "Oh! You must be.." says the taller one. "Killua!" The little girl who looks very similar to (y/n) shouts. They approach me. They don't seem very dangerous, but I keep my guard up anyway. "Yes... I am Killua. Is there anything you need?" I ask. The older one speaks up. "Ah! I'm Yulia, (y/n)'s older sister... This is Noir, her younger sister..." She trails off every sentence she says. "But, have you seen (y/n)? She's been missing since last week, I thought she would have come back sooner or later but she never leaves over than a week before telling us.." Yulia has clear signs of worry in her expression, but (y/n) missing?! She's rather cautious of her surroundings, why would she be missing?! "Uh- Ms.Yulia? Do you remember the last place you've seen her?" I ask. That idiot! What in the world is she doing?!

"No... I remember her leaving the house and that's it.. K-Killua, if you can, please help us find (y/n)!" She pleads. Well duh, why wouldn't I help!? I might as well just find her myself! "Don't worry. I'll find her." I find her room inside the house and look around for any clues. "Nothing seems out of the ordinary.." I mumble. Snooping around more and figuring out there's nothing here to learn about makes me leave the house. "Where could that idiot be?! Arghh she's making me so irritated!" I ruffle my hands in my hair, trying to think of possible places she could be. "Whale Island isn't that big. Let's start by searching the island, then going on the boat to see if she's not on the island." I mutter to myself.

I arrive at the lake where Gon always fishes. "(y/n)! Are you here?" I call out once before scanning the water and scenery. "Not here."

I look around the shopping area, but still no signs of (y/n). I asked around, but they all either said they hadn't seen her or that she'd gone to a different place. Where is Gon when you need him? Why is he still working in the kitchen?! It's been hours already!

I've looked all over Whale Island, but I still can't find her. "What, are my assassin skills fading away when I need them the most?!" I yell in frustration. "All that leaves is another place... Where would that place be?" Why is (y/n) so mysterious?! But if I think about all the places (y/n) might be... Mm... Wait. No way... She can't be! If you think about it..!

I rush to the dock where the boats are being loaded. I hop on and have it take me to my destination.

I arrived at a town, running to the top of the hill where a big tree lived. "Kirikos! Are you there!?" I call out. "It's Killua!" "... Killua?" An unfamiliar boy peeks out of the door of the house I was standing in front of. This is the son of the Kiriko if I can recall correctly. "Ah! I remember you! What are you doing here by the tree?" He asks with a smile. It's been quite a long time since I've seen him. "Ah, well, do you think you could take me straight to the Hunter Exam?" The Kiriko tilts his head in confusion, well, of course, he wouldn't know why I need to go back to the hunter's exam. "I- Uh... It's a long story... Do you think you could!? Please!" I bow. I need to hurry! A sudden chuckle from the Kirko jerks my head up. "Ahaha! Sure, why not?" "...! Thanks, man!"

I arrive at the Hunter Exam, looking around frantically for that (h/c) hair-colored idiot. "It's starting..!" "Yeah! So excited!" I hear bunches of people whispering about the Hunter Exam starting... It shouldn't be starting right now right? Shouldn't there be another day left or so?! I start to squirm through the crowd. Is she really not here...? I spot a familiar shade of (favorite color) at the corner of my eyes. "(y/n)?!?" I whisper, keeping my voice down. I follow the familiar color, finding the one I need to look for. As I'm in her hearing distance, I reach out my hand to her. "(y/n)--- TONPA?!?!" I go to (y/n)'s side, smack the juice out of her hand, and put my hands on her shoulders. "Tonpa! What the heck do you think you're doing to her!? Don't give her a freaking laxative!" ".... A laxative?" I face (y/n) and shake her. "What did your parents and sister teach you?! Didn't they tell you to not take anything from a stranger!? What are you doing at the Hunter Exam anyways?!" That fatty decides to speak up, remembering my face somehow. "A-ah Killua! What are you doing back here at the Hunter Exam? Ahaha..." There was a small 'tch' that came from his mouth but I ignored it. "We're leaving!" I say and pull her to an emergency exit that only us Hunters know about.

"Killua! What are you doing!?" "What am I doing!?! What are YOU doing!?!?" "I'M DOING THE FREAKING HUNTER EXAM OF COURSE!" She yells in anger, pulling her arm away. "I want to stand on the same ground as you and Gon! You don't know how it feels to be the one who always seems and needs to be protected!" I stand in place, listening to her yell. It's like they've frozen me to stay in one spot. Is.. is this how she's always felt...? But.. she's always smiled? She smiled every day... "I.. (y/n)--" "SHUT UP! I'm going back to the Hunters Exam!" She turns around and quietly mumbles some words I can't hear quite clearly. "(y/n)..! Wait!" I ran towards her and took hold of her wrist. She pulls her arm away and runs away, definitely not in the direction of the Hunters Exam. "(y/n)!" I started to chase after her, being faster than her, I caught up to her quite quickly. "(y/n)! Stop!" "Stop chasing after me! Go away!" She starts to run faster, but I bet her legs are pushing themselves. She hasn't run this fast before, especially during long distances. Flashing lights start to appear, and I notice that we're now in the city part of the place. She starts running into a busy street. There's absolutely no way that she's conscious right now! She's going to get hit! "(y/n)! Move!!" I scream at the top of my lungs, running faster and faster before I can------

Beep.. Beep... Beep.... Beep....

All I can see is black. Black there, black here... Why is there this annoying beeping sound in my head... It's so annoying! ... Just like.. that idiot.. (y/n)... Always smiling when things are rough. Thinking that she can do something when she clearly can't... Haaahh... Why am I so tired just thinking about her. Might as well sleep.

I don't know how long it's been, but I've been in this pit for a while now. Sometimes it's black, sometimes it's white.. Can't it make up it's mind? I'm getting sick of it. There's nothing to do.

I.. can't wake up. Why is it so hard to wake up..! All I have to do is open my eyes, yet why won't they open!?

Hey, um say.. Can you hear me?

Ehh? What did you say?

What is this strange memory? Who's speaking?

Liar! Don't lie to me. Take out your ear buds!

Sorry, sorry! It's just that I love seeing your adorable expressions~

Adorable, huh.. I'm envious... They seem like they're having so much fun. I wish.. I could have fun like that too.

Adorable?!? What are you talking about, I'm not cute!

Huhu~ Or so you think!

"... Killua, I'm sorry." A voice says. "It's been a while since I've seen you, huh. You've.. gotten a lot skinnier..! Ahaha.." ... (y/n)? Is.. that you..? "I'm sorry that I haven't come at all before, it's just- how can I ever face you again? I've done something so stupid, and I've gotten you hurt. Because of me.." There's this warm liquid falling onto my hand. I wonder what it is..? "I'm sorry..!" Why is she saying sorry? It feels so.. weird. "... Killua, can you hear me..? I.. have always wanted to say this, but I've never said it because I wanted to stand on the same ground as you. I'm... sorry. But, I've always loved you, ever since the day we first met. Maybe it was just love at first sight, but, after spending lots of time with you, I've noticed I've fallen head over heels for you.." She trails off at the end. She walks away..? Love.. huh? Maybe... "Killua, can you hear me?"

"Yeah... Loud and clear." I say with a hoarse voice. I finally open my eyes, seeing that familiar hair color of hers, her shade of (e/c) eyes that I've always noticed. "Killua...!" I find her rushing back towards me and embracing me in a tight hug. She lets go so soon, it felt.. nice to have someone hug you though. After being in the dark for so long. "You.. didn't hear me right...?" "Of course I did. 'I love you Killua!'~" I laugh and smile at her red tomato-blushing face. I.. missed it. A lot. "S-s-so! Y-y-your answer?" She stutters, hiding her face behind her hands. I take one of her hands and lightly place my lips on there. "Of course, milady~" I sweetly say, teasing her. "K-k-k-Killua! I-I-I-I need to go and tell the others that you're awake!! E-excuse me!" She whimpers and immediately runs out of the room. So I'm in a hospital huh... I wonder how long it's been.

A chuckle escapes my mouth as I slowly close my eyes and rest them. "Can you hear me..? It's been too long since I've last heard that sentence."

[elderflowergin]

2022 kdrama/movie roundup!

It was a tough year for keeping up with anything because life, toddler, etc, but here are the things I watched, in part or whole, that I remembered. Hot Takes Incoming!

Sell Your Haunted House - Jang Nara in boots. Kang Mal-geum in dark lipstick. Touching, gay, many mother issues. The girls were fantastic. The boys weren't bad.

25 21 - I was dropped back into the 90s. Surprisingly, I didn't hate it. The girls were fantastic. Na Hee-do was correct to dump Baek Yi-jin. Moon Ji-woong, perfect boy. Ji Seung-wan for PRESIDENT!

Why Her? - Someone thought it'd be a great idea to throw Seo Hyun-jin's ex-client (shudder) current-student (TRIPLE SHUDDER) Hwang In-yeop into the romance mix when billionaire CHOI YOUNG-JOON and Crown Prince Bae In-hyuk were already there. And they thought it'd be funny if Hwang In-yeop won. NO.

Eve - The superior commentary this year on the horrors of capitalism. It ends with reparations (Park Byung-eun hands over his entire empire to Seo Yeji, who promptly divests it), rich people dying in horrible ways and Seo Yeji doing the tango. Were the makjang knobs dialled up so high they're broken? Yes. Was it fun? YES, because I got to see Park Byung-eun's range, which includes Pained Hottie, and Seo Yeji running men's feet over in cars wearing couture. We can ask for no more.

Juvenile Justice - No one asked "What happens if we take three of the most charismatic working actors in Korean entertainment today and squeezed the life out of them?" But someone answered anyway.

My Liberation Notes - Lee El, a revelation. Mr Gu, a revelation when he started talking, and not the good kind.

Grid - Kim Mu-yeol. Kim Ah-joong and Jang So-yeon had a great year. I didn't understand the time thing at all. This is a me problem, but probably the only time I'll face it this year. Right? RIGHT?

Bloody Heart - Jang Hyuk has done nothing wrong, ever. The girls were fantastic. Lee Joon, I heard your script was meant for Lee Joon-hyuk. Sorry.

Pachinko - The girls were fantastic. Kim Min-ha, baby, you're gorgeous. JUNG EUN-CHAE was everything. Sorry to Lee Min-ho, who had the tough double role of acting as Ko Hansu and also like he belonged to this cast of greats.

Our Blues - Great acting, but my own blues were sufficient for me. The girls were fantastic. Unwanted to wanted pregnancy storyline: no thanks. This is a me problem, but probably the only time I'll face it this year. Right? RIGHT?

Extraordinary Attorney Woo - 75% love; 25% NOT THIS AGAIN.

Little Women - The girls were fantastic. I ran out of air by this point in the year. I'll come back for you, gothic interior design, poison orchids, and Song Joong-ki in the best role he's played all year!

Through the Darkness - Almost too many twirling moustache psychos and dead girls. I did it for Kim Nam-gil because he's so pretty in this and in case it wasn't abundantly clear by now, I don't think with my brain. The lone living girl - Kim So-jin - was fantastic. Jin Seon-kyu, well-adjusted stealth hottie!

Reborn Rich - Samsung owes Lee Sung-min its entire semiconductor business as @rain-hat said. Lee Sung-min owes me reparations for making me watch this show for him primarily (secondarily Park Hyuk-kwon, Kim Shin-rok, Park Ji-hyun and Kim Nam-hee for their acting; Kim Young-jae because he is THE DILF). I'm manifesting NO TIMESLIPS in 2023 dramas.

Under the Queen's Umbrella - Kim Hye-soo pushing up her hanbok sleeves to carry babies and do embroidery should be projected onto my tombstone unto eternity. The girls were fantastic. And I know this is unusual, so bear with me, but: the boys? FANTASTIC ALSO.

Movies:

Vikram - Fahaadh Faasil, my thoughts are nasty and you don't want to hear them. The girls might have been fantastic had they been permitted to live and not be dumdums. That was never going to happen, of course. There was torture and a baby in significant peril, but it was also the most fun I'd had in a while. I should get my head checked.

Ponniyin Selvan - The sheer scale of work and sweat that has gone into the enterprise of making Vikram seem taller than Trisha Krishnan for the last twenty years! Iconic. The girls were fantastic.

The Naked Kitchen - This is sold as a story of a woman choosing between two men. That is a lie. It's about a man coming to terms with his marriage drifting into polyamory, and enjoying it. Shin Min-ah and Ju Ji-hoon fuck in a museum, which was also weirdly sweet.

Asura City of Madness - AHJUSSHIS WHY. Hwang Jung-min's shirttails worked very hard in 2012. Jung Woo-sung ate glass and has pathological issues about being as handsome as he is. We love him for it. We did not love this.

Hunt - Love is your bestie learning how to write and direct just to write and direct you in the role of a lifetime for you, personally. I don't know if that's what happened here, but that's what love is. And chemistry is whatever these two guys have in this completely ordinary movie that did not give any feelings. Hwang Jung-min, pussy OUT.

Decision to Leave - A well-deserved love letter to Tang Wei, just beautifully shot, gorgeous.

Il Mare - Absolutely lovely little film, reliant almost entirely on the star power of two actors who are so charismatic they don't need to meet in the movie to convince you of their romance.

Laal Singh Chaddha - There was a very beautiful wedding at the end. Aamir Khan's face must hurt.

Darlings - A movie that appreciated and respected noted hottie Shefali Shah.

[countenanceblog]

Chapter 61

Chapter 61

A manhole somewhere on the outskirts of Monolith popped open from the inside. It glided to the side an inch above the ground. From inside emerged Rufus, Karen, Jack, Nook and Corey. The five of them looked around.

Jack nodded to himself. "I know this neighborhood."

"You really had us guessing, Corey," said Rufus. Corey couldn't help but crack a sinister smile. Karen scoffed.

"You killed a hundred people, or so you say. Are you proud of yourself, Corey?," she intoned. Nook nodded.

Corey shrugged. "If you inflict enough losses, you win by default. You think these men will keep fighting?"

Jack perked up. "We should get out of the road. If we walk fast, we could get to my friend's house before anyone notices we're out in the open. It's possible, anyway."

Rufus chuckled. "And what? Get them killed, too? Anywhere we go, people are going to die. You saw the Most Wanted list. We're right up there with Aleister."

Karen surveyed the empty yards and windows in the neighborhood. "Jack's right, we can't stay in the open. You're sure they haven't killed this friend of yours?"

Jack smiled. "They can't have gotten all my exes. C'mon, I'll lead the way." With that, the five of them got onto the sidewalk. Soon enough they arrived at a white matchstick house. "This is it."

Jack, seemingly taking a moment to collect himself, walked up to the door and rang the bell. A woman with a very unusually curvy body, and tall figure answered the door. She was dressed in a black bralette, black skirt, and thigh-high black boots. Her roots needed to be dyed. "Jack!," she cried, a bit too loud. "Come in."

"Emilya," said Jack merrily. "Thank you so much."

Inside Emilya's house, the white furnishings created a serene and calming atmosphere. As they settled in, Emilya's gullible nature came to the forefront while she looked at the group with wide-eyed excitement. "Oh my gosh, you guys! You won't believe this! I saw you all on television! People are saying you're part of the Resistance and that you're gods in human form! Is it true?"

Rufus rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, you got us! There's nothing godly about us, right, guys?"

Karen held up a finger dramatically. "Well, not entirely true, Rufus. We do have our...special qualities."

Nook blushed at the attention. "I-I think Emilya is referring to our alter egos, the ones with abilities beyond normal human capabilities."

Corey sighed and clarified, "Yes, it's true. We're more than just ordinary people. Each of us has unique gifts and responsibilities. For instance I just killed a hundred guys."

Jack, the brainy maverick, chimed in, "But we're not the only ones with powers. There's another one in town, Raj Dubey, people think he's the god Helion. And more still, in Spain City there's Grindall with his lightning."

Emilya's eyes widened even more. "Whoa, really?"

Karen nodded with a mysterious smile. "Indeed. But we try to keep a low profile to protect our loved ones."

Jack added, "Yeah, it's not all fun and games. Being part of the Resistance comes with its challenges."

Rufus glanced around the room, taking in the quirky decor. "You know, Emilya, you should probably keep this on the down-low too. We don't need everyone knocking on your door, thinking you're friends with the Gods."

Emilya giggled, oblivious to the gravity of the situation. "Oh, don't worry! My friends know I'm a bit spacey. They won't believe me anyway."

Jack, failing to respect any boundaries, looked Emilya up and down rather hungrily. "Are you still single?," he blurted. "Sorry, it's just. You're so good-looking."

"What's your power, Jack?," a candid Emilya asked.

Jack pouted. "Threatening people with a gun."

Emilya smiled and nodded. "That's really cool Jack. I'm not single, actually, but my girlfriend was looking for a guy we could have a threesome with, and I think – "

Jack's eyes widened. "Girlfriend?," he cut in. "Three way?! Are you fucking kidding me right now?!" He pounded his fist on the chair and stood up. "God, you just made me so horny I can't believe it. Sorry, guys."

Rufus nodded. "Yeah, me too. You're going to have to come back here later if any of us survive, Jack."

Emilya piped up. "What do you mean, if you survive? You guys will be okay, right? All you have to do is kill the vampires." She smiled and nodded reassuringly.

"Oh right," said Jack. "You believe in vampires, huh? You always did. Damn it, what a gal you are, Emilya. Thank you for letting us inside."

"Anytime," said Emilya. "You guys wanna watch the news? We can figure out what's going on by not believing whatever they say, all the time."

"Yeah," said Jack. "Turn on the TV." Emilya walked over to the aged television set and turned the dial away from the 'off' setting. The set flickered to life.

Redheaded Amanda Cairn was at it again. "Griffith, who blew up his own headquarters killing over a hundred brave Elite Tactical members, was caught in a shootout with Elite Tactical near the intersection of Diamond and – excuse me, here is our President, Robert Mayflower."

"Damn," said Jack. The others shushed him. An older man with a turkey neck flashed onto the screen. He wore a dark blue suit and tie. Everyone leaned in their seats.

"Good afternoon, my fellow Agarthans. With the death of David Griffith, we invite a new dawn for our country. Though our sacrifices have been great – "

Jack snarled. "Fuck me. They got to Mayflower too. I thought he was from Brownsville, what a sellout."

Karen nodded. "It seems we have few friends left in this world. For that reason, I have to thank you, Emilya. You let us into your home in a time when many would have turned us away. You have my eternal gratitude."

Emilya beamed. "It's not just me. A lot of people have heard about the man who escaped the earthquake in Cortez. Everyone saw it live, and then they heard Apollo talk about it live, and then, well. They've been killing too many people. They made themselves look bad."

Jack put his tongue in his cheek. "Maybe not. After all, they did get David Griffith. What a mess. That means they probably got everyone else, too." He put his face in his hands. "I can't believe they got him," he muttered.

Nook, sensing Jack's distress, spoke softly. "Jack, I know how much you idolized David. He was a complex man, and a hero. Losing him is a tremendous blow."

Corey interjected, "We can't afford to lose hope. David's death doesn't mean the end of the Resistance. We carry on his legacy, and we keep fighting."

Karen, channeling Nyx, added, "Death is an inevitable part of our journey. But it also fuels our determination to protect this realm and its people. They need us."

Rufus, being sarcastic as always, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, if we're gonna get all philosophical, I suppose it's our destiny to be the dysfunctional superhero team of Agartha. Except for me and Jack, of course."

Jack, still grappling with his emotions, nodded solemnly. "Yeah, sure. I can't help but feel responsible for not being there to help him. I should've been there."

Emilya, ever the optimist, put a comforting hand on Jack's shoulder. "You're doing your best, Jack. You can't save everyone, but you're doing more than most people would. I believe in you. I'm really glad you're here."

Karen chimed in, "We all do. We're a team, and we have each other's backs. We don't have to give up."

Nook, speaking with her quiet strength, added, "And we'll honor David's memory by continuing to fight for what's right. We'll take down The Monolith."

[mikaharuka]

Ooooh, yes now is my time to shine >:D

I'll go with 1, 9, 20, and 19!

Heyo Momo! Thanks for the ask and sorry for the delay~

Oooh, four questions, four pairs - and yep, I'm doing all four WL pairs! This'll definitely be a longer answer. Also, #20 is plot-important.

Feel free to send more asks my way! You can find the questions here and my other answers I've given in the 'mizuka's otp stuff' tag :)

-----

#1 - "who can outdrink the other?"

**So before I start... I'm answering with the assumption that alcohol has similar effects on vampires, just for the sake of the question. Probably not true (actually definitely not true), but just go with it~

Carlisle/Beau - Ooh... I don't know, because neither of them really strike me as the type to go wild about it. I guess I'll have to choose Carlisle, only because of the vampire advantage?

Edward/Mike - I feel Mike would be the type to hold the alcohol really well, once he's old enough to drink, of course :)

Rosalie/Elle - Probably Elle, just because I'm sure she's imbibed quite a bit of alcohol in her various culinary escapades and adventures~

Alice/Mina - Definitely Mina, for various reasons including past experiences that I will not be detailing at this time :)

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#9 - "who finds stray animals and begs the other to let them keep them?"

Carlisle/Beau - It would be so easy for me to point at Beau... but Carlisle's the one who'd been picking up stray siblings here and there over time, so honestly both of them lol

Edward/Mike - Definitely Edward, because Mike isn't really the type to beg. If Mike wanted something, he'd find a way to deal with it himself. That's probably a weakness of his - not being able to ask for stuff purely for himself.

Rosalie/Elle - I have to go with Rose here. She might seem stand-offish at first, but she's actually quite open with Elle, and Elle is quite indulgent of her and takes good care of her, so...

Alice/Mina - Alice for sure. Like Mike, Mina isn't really the type to ask for stuff just for herself, though she's better than Mike on this point.

-----

#19 - "who clings to the other for comfort when they’re sad or scared?"

Carlisle/Beau - I have to choose Beau for this one. Beau isn't the type to cling to people to begin with (not for those reasons, at least)... but Carlisle is even less likely to do this, so Beau wins by default lol

Edward/Mike - Honestly... I don't feel like either of them do so either? Edward might cling as a joke, but if he had a serious problem, he's not like to do that. Mike isn't likely to cling even as a joke, honestly. However, once they became close enough, they'd be more willing.

Rosalie/Elle - I'd say both of them. Both of them are quite open with each other about feelings, affection, and general needs (even if Rosalie is notably more shy about it if other people are around).

Alice/Mina - Definitely Alice. Alice is that bubbly dramatic lady while Mina is more stable and stoic. That being said, if stuff was serious enough, Mina does open up to and seek comfort in Alice.

-----

#20 - "who is more ‘physically passionate’? (hugs, kisses, or maybe more…)"

Carlisle/Beau** - this requires an explanation, so skip down for that.

Edward/Mike - Edward, since he has energy pretty similar to Alice's energy, and Mike is more of a private type. That being said, if Mike wants something of this nature, he's not the type to shy away from it either (assuming the distant enough future, anyways).

Rosalie/Elle - Same as question #19, for the same reasons too~

Alice/Mina - Alice by default, since she's the energetic, dramatic, physically demonstrative type. Mina doesn't shy away from showing affection when Alice isn't joking around about it or when she needs it.

-----

So... #20 for Carlisle and Beau.

it depends - there are two inflection points (X and Y). For what it's worth, X is coming up fairly soon, but Y is quite some time away.

Phase 1 (Before Point X) - Beau Beau's quick to accept his unusual crush and general situation, even as he's trying to figure out what's going on. He doesn't hide much from those in the know and he's... uh... quite enthusiastic within the dreamscapes. However, this feels like a celebrity crush for Beau, so it's not hard for him to be open about it in his dreams. Carlisle doesn't interact with Beau often, but when he does, he tries to be as politely distant and neutral as the situation lets him be.

Phase 2 (Between Points X and Y) - Neither of them Point X is when Beau realizes that his attraction is likely not one-sided and far out-there as he assumed it was. He becomes kind of awkward about it, as a result. While he's cordial and open about the situation as they all try to understand what happened, he's very nervous because of the Point X realization and clams up notably. Carlisle is similar to Phase 1, but more open for the same reasons as Beau (trying to figure out what happened).

Phase 3 (After Point Y) - Carlisle In short, Point Y is a major 'thing' that permanently changes Carlisle's and Beau's situation. Carlisle accepts the new circumstance, initiates a courtship, and becomes more open and "physically affectionate" as time passes. Beau's not 'closed off' - he 'accepted' this suit and is informed, so he's fine with what's going on... but he's still in disbelief at first. He's cautiously optimistic, opening up more as time passes, but Carlisle would still be the more "physically affectionate" one.

[apocalypticgargoyle]

Oh my god i just found you're writing and I'm obssessed. First of all, I'm in love with your edgy!karl series. Seriously, it's amazing. Second of all, I had a little idea that you can take as a request if you'd like. I was thinking edgy!dream/clay but with a shy innocent girl. And a hint of some fear play kink? Like she's all cute and he's so edgy shes scared and intimidated by him when they meet and it turns him on knowing shes both scared of him AND attracted to him at the same time so he uses it against her(consensually of course)

can we call him alt!dream? ;) also,,, i rly like this request...

𝐉𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐘𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐒. ♘ 𝐚𝐥𝐭!𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 (𝟏𝟖+)

pairing: alt!Dreamwastaken x fm!reader

warnings: smut (18+), fighting, smoking, language, oral (fm. receiving), fear play, asphyxiation, sight size kink & praise, dominance

The movie theatre dimmed, the beginning credits of the film reeling as a montage of a city played in the background. You settled back in your seat, accepting the fact that you had been stood up, determined not to let it ruin the movie you had already paid for. That’s right; instead of treating yourself to a new pair of shoes or a set of notebooks, you agreed to meet up with a sleazy guy from class after weeks of him pleading.

You sighed slightly, chewing on the inside of your cheek as you realized you hadn’t even wanted to see the film and had only agreed because he suggested it. Someone moved into a seat near you, his legs stretching as he slumped down, purely due to his towering height. You stiffened, crossing your legs to inch away from him at the sight of his various tattoos peeking out from beneath his dark corduroy jacket.

He carded a hand through his dirty blond hair, revealing an eyebrow ring as he swept his bangs off his forehead momentarily. You tore your eyes from him as you noticed the cigarette balanced behind his ear. Even with the seat between the two, you could smell the smoke on his clothes mixing with the faintest hint of vanilla.

You folded your hands in your lap as you noticed him give you a once over. He reached towards you, making you flinch slightly before you realized he was holding out his bag of candy to you. “Want a jellybean? You look upset,” he motioned, voice low as he whispered.

You shook your head quickly, muttering a thank you and playing with your fingers. He shrugged, watching you for a second more before turning back to the movie. He tucked his arm behind his head, chewing on his lip as if debating whether he should keep talking to you or just let you be. You weren’t really sure which outcome you preferred.

On one hand, he fit every one of your guilty pleasure fantasies, while on the other, he terrified the hell out of you. It was more of an intimidating feeling, residing in the way each of his movements caught your attention and the way you could barely keep your eyes off his grungy appearance. Your mind drifted from the plot of the movie and towards the images of his tattooed hands wrapping around your throat and giving you a reason to be scared.

“You here alone?” He asked, popping another jellybean in his mouth. The action made you think of your grandpa waning himself off of tobacco when you were younger. Those jellybeans were blue and a flavor of comfort for you now, while the man before you seemed to only fish for the red ones.

You nodded hesitantly. “I got stood up,” you mumbled, making him shake his softly. “What about you? Are you here alone?” You wondered where you had gathered the courage to talk to him, his demeanor making you want to run, but his voice was a symphony to your ears in the darkness of the movie house, drawing you closer with each of his lulling words.

He wet his lips. “So far,” he answered. He stuck out his large hand for you to shake, his skin was coarse against yours as his finger reached to brush against your wrist. “I’m Clay,” he added, his name rolling into your mind and nestling itself into your memory just due to the tone of his voice. After you gave him your name his mouth curled into a soft smirk. “It’s nice to meet you,” he remarked. You blushed for an unknown reason, thankful for the darkness to mask your emotions.

Someone entered the theatre, marching up to Clay and leaning down to his ear. “Dream, we have to go now,” the guy whispered into his ear, just loud enough that you could hear him. Clay's face twisted into an annoyed expression while the guy turned to leave.

Clay straightened his jacket on his shoulders. “Not to seem to forward, but can I get your number?” He queried. You raised your eyebrows at him, basking in the fact that despite his friend’s agitation, Clay was taking his sweet time making his move on you.

As if you were acting on instinct, you grabbed a pen from your bag as he held his hand out to you again. You found a bare spot on his skin and wrote your number as clearly as you could manage with your shaking hands at the way his eyes watched you alluringly. Without thinking, you blew on the ink, trying to keep it from smearing. You froze, realizing what you were doing as he bit back a smirk.

He was completely eating up your awkwardness.

He reluctantly took his hand back, being pulled up by his friend. “I’ll call you,” he whispered on his way out, heat rushing to your ears.

The movie ended shortly after he left, sending you back out onto the city streets and away from your cocoon where you had forgotten about the sleazy classmate and let thoughts of Clay weasel their way into your nerves. As you stepped through the doors, your phone began to ring, kick-starting your heart at the thought of it being Clay. Instead, it was a friend of yours asking how your date had gone. You tucked the phone between your ear and shoulder as you pulled a piece of gum out of your purse.

Her ramblings went deaf on your ears as a car violently pulled up to an alleyway a block from you. You squinted as you moved closer, your apartment being in that direction anyway. A few men got from the car and that’s when Clay stepped into view from behind one of the buildings, flicking his cigarette to the ground and snubbing it out with the toe of his heavy boots as he watched them get out. You could see your number still written on his hand, mixing with his tattoos.

He shoved his hands in his pockets, looking tiredly at the group of men that had come from the car as his friends began to shout at them. Clay chewed on his lip, looking around and away from the conversation before his gaze met yours. His eyes widened slightly before he turned back, an attempt to keep the attention away from you.

One of the car members grabbed for Clay’s jacket, yanking him closer as if to get him to pay mind to the man talking. Clay sent him a cocky grin, towering over him. With his normal height and his boots, he had at least a foot on the guy. One of Clay’s friends separated the two, breaking the groups into a brawl while shouting was accompanied with fists and elbow jabs.

You turned, walking in another direction as briskly as you could without bringing attention to yourself and the group of boys in the alleyway. Little did you know, Clay was watching you leave and kicking himself for it.

The next day, your mind was racing with Clay’s whereabouts. He seemed like he had his opponents under control, but what if one of them had brought a knife or another weapon? It wasn’t unusual for boys in the city to butt heads like they were, but the fact that you’d let one nearly pick you up the night before was boggling.

You gripped the strap of your bag as you crossed the street, stepping onto the sidewalk and adjusting your skirt. You kept your head down as you passed various people coming and going from their apartments before your ears picked up on a familiar voice. You picked your eyes up, spotting Clay and a small group of guys walking together. He popped a jellybean in his mouth after chiming into their conversation.

You held your breath as they neared you and that’s when you noticed his bruised face and scraped knuckles. Your number was faded on his skin, but still apparent on the back of his hand. He smiled at you, breaking off from his group and walking backward to match your pace. You bit back a smile. “Glad to see you’re okay,” you mumbled, barely able to make eye contact with him. His friends called out for him and he waved them off, walking in line with you.

He chuckled lightly. “Yeah, sorry. I would have called last night but…” he made a gesture to his torso as he trailed off. “I broke a rib. I didn’t really… I don’t.” He laughed sheepishly as you raised your eyebrows. “I’m fine. It’s good,” he brushed.

You picked your gaze off the pavement finally, focusing on his discolored black eye and busted lip. He didn’t seem to be too hurt, but he wore his wounds well. “You’re not scared of me, are you?” He asked, voice changing slightly. You drew in a sharp breath, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before it could get further knotted in the wind. A few people narrowed their eyes at the two of you and you wondered how you looked together. What kind of juxtaposition it was; his tall, dark figure looking like death in Doc Martens while you barely passed his shoulder in height with your less intimidating color scheme.

You debated how to answer him. Your eyes flickered to his dangly earring; a silver ankh. He ate another jellybean. “I was at first. I’m still kind of weary of you, I guess,” you muttered, making a smile bite into his features.

Clay ran his fingers through his hair, which you were beginning to believe was a habit when he was coming up with what to say. “Do you want me to leave you alone?”

You shook your head. A blush crept to your cheeks. “No, I kind of like it,” you mumbled, barely audible enough for him to hear. His hand slipped into yours and you could feel your chest tighten.

“You like being scared of me?” His voice was dripping with allure, making you bite your tongue in a flushed embarrassment. “You just keep getting better and better,” he teased, making your ears burn.

You weren’t sure how you ended up there, but God, were you thankful for Clay’s hands as they kneaded your ass, his lips pressing against yours. He ground his hips against yours, moaning into your mouth as your nails sank into his tattooed skin. His tongue pressed past your lips, his large hand moving to fist in the sheets beside you before dragging up your shirt to grip your breast.

You breathlessly moaned as he broke your kiss, lips trailing down your body as he sat back on his knees, dragging your underwear off as your shirt was also discarded to the floor. He looped his arms around your thighs, bringing you closer to his mouth as his concentrated stare shifted to your eyes before he buried himself between your legs, your body tensing as a groan ripped through your body. Your fingers carded through his soft blond hair, tugging slightly in appraisal as he pulled away from you.

Clay looked up at you again, slowly pressing one of his long fingers into you, you moaned his name, reaching one of your hands up to grip at the headboard above you. “Does that feel good, sweetheart?” He asked, voice deep with lust as his breath fanned against your wet core. He pushed another finger into you as you nodded. He pressed his lips to your thigh. “I can’t believe you’re scared of me,” he mocked, making you whimper as his fingers pulsed against your sweet spot.

He pressed his lips to your core again, tongue teasing at your nerves as you caught your lips between your teeth. You moved your knee further up his arm for a better angle, driving him deeper. He pulled away, his fingers speeding up. “So needy,” he chuckled, the sound enough to send you over the edge if you really thought about it.

“Clay, please. I want you,” you whined softly, your thighs threatening to close around his head. His eyes sparkled devilishly, leaning away from you before tugging your legs towards him. He pushed his fingers into your mouth, jaw tensing as you moaned around him.

He grabbed your hips, flipping your body and pushing your shoulders into the mattress. You heard him unbuckling his belt and your fingers knitted into the sheets beneath you. He pulled you back by the shoulders, hand moving to hold onto your neck. “Maybe I should give you something to be scared of,” he chided, making a shiver run up your spine as he pushed your thighs apart driving himself up into you. You were sure you would tear in half at the sheer size of him, but you bit back your whimpers at the pleasuring pain.

One of your hands moved to grip onto his arm as he thrust into you, his teeth threatening to dig into your shoulder as you moaned. His other hand moved to tease at your nerves, his determination to summon your orgasm sending your head reeling. You tilted back your head, resting against his shoulder as his hand tightened around your throat.

He let go of you, dipping you against the mattress again as his fist knotted in your hair. He steadied himself, leaning on one of his arms beside your head. Your hand wrapped around his wrist as he thrusted into you at an ungodly pace, lips hovering beside your ear as he grunted your name and how good you felt.

You pushed your hips up against him turning your head enough that he pressed his lips against yours, the vibrations from his moans sending heat throughout your body. Clay’s tongue slipped into your mouth roughly, tasting your whimpers and lust. His teeth dragged against your lip as you felt him throb inside of you.

He pushed your shoulder back, moving you on your side as your leg curled around. At the new angle, he could drive himself deeper into you; dark green eyes focused on yours as his warmed breath cascaded over your chest. His hand moved to your jaw, running his thumb against your burning lips as his sights were almost hungrily looking upon you. Your breathing became shallow as he smirked at you, moving his hand to your throat again.

He leaned down, slowing his pace to drag in and out of you as his lips were close to your ear. He applied pressure, your breath hitching in your throat. “So pretty. Good girl, taking me so well,” he praised, making you moan as he kissed you again before speeding up his thrusts. You moaned out his name again, finishing as your eyes fluttered shut. He chuckled darkly, pounding into you harder. “Fuck,” he hissed, lips pressing to the skin behind your ears, digging his face into your hair as he chased his high.

He exhaled, breath blanketing your skin before he kissed your shoulder, cheek, and finally your lips in a quiet appraisal. You pulled him into the spot beside you. He ran his fingers through his hair as you curled against his side, his other hand brushing softly against your arm. You knotted your fingers with his, brushing your thumb against where your faded number rested. “Didn’t you just break a rib?” You asked, finally noticing the slide bruising on his side.

Clay chuckled softly. “Yeah, I think I was running on adrenaline until a second ago,” he groaned.

Dream Tag List: (to join, follow this link :))

@karlkitten @pluto-dizzz @more-like-reyna @honk-izzie-was-taken @marrymetheonott @froggyy06 @ghoulandghost @savingpluto @marshmallow-babe @drunkpumpkincake

[thoughts-of-a-heathen]

Hello! I was wondering if I might ask a question? Growing up, I remember my family talking about how a person’s soul or part-of-the-soul or *something* would travel ahead of the individual in time. My mom and paternal grandmother always used to say that if your nose suddenly itched, then someone was thinking about you because their thoughts sent this -spirit thing?- to you; breath and a person’s soul were connected, so that’s why it sought out a person’s nose/airways. Sneezing an unusual amount of times was also considered a sign someone was going to visit, and sometimes it was thought that you might hear your name spoken in the other person’s voice and it was this -spirit- speaking that preceded the actual person’s visit, or else they were thinking of you. I also had/have family who thought they could send their own spirit out of their body while asleep to visit others or other places, or that instances of deja vu were of this spirit traveling ahead in time and already experiencing something. It could also be dangerous, as infatuated thoughts about another person could send that individual’s spirit to their crush and harm them by the obsessiveness of the person thinking. But there were also ways of inducing a love interest’s spirit of visiting you as well to find out who they were. I’ve read that there are very similar beliefs in Scandinavia(??)…but my question is, what is this spirit called if so (or are there different names?), or are multiple parts of the soul responsible for these different actions? I’m assuming this is another one of those things like the Vårdträd that my family somehow preserved from the family members who came from Scandinavia, but we don’t have a name for it anymore, just a vague idea that it was a part of a person’s spirit somehow. Thank you for your time and any clarification you can provide, I really appreciate it!

Of course! In my opinion, this sounds like the tradition of having a personal vård (like the one living in a vårdträd, but connected to a person rather than a farm). The presence of another person's vård can sometimes be felt like an itch in the nose (or other body parts, depending on who you're asking). When people can sense that their loved one has died/experienced life altering events before actually receiving the news about it, it is connected to the vård.

Some traditions have two vårdar: one good and one evil. Since the original practice only featured one vård, it is believed that the traditions with two have been influenced by Christianity. (Not that that would make them any less valid.) Anyway. Vården (or vårdarna, in case there are two) follow you from the moment you're born, and stays with you until you die. Vården can sometimes take a physical form. When they do, they can look like a strange light, certain animals, or even a human. Sometimes they turn into a kind of ghost after your death (if the deceased can't find peace etc).

Whether or not vården is part of your soul depends on how you conceptualise souls, honestly. But it's not exactly the same thing as what Christians are referring to when they talk about someone's soul. (Though it should be noted that some traditions treat it as such.) As with anything related to folklore, there are many conflicting ideas about this.

I think it's amazing that your family managed to keep this tradition going, as it seems to have died out here in Sweden (but I could be wrong). Thank you so much for sharing, I truly appreciate it 😊

I'm sure I'll update this answer eventually. The topic is featured in several of the books that are currently on my reading list.

[btsxmalereaders]

♡ Meant To Be

Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x male reader

Fluff ♡ | Requested

Word Count: 2,8k

Masterlist

Don't forget to vote on whosfan and stream

"Aren't you even a little curious about it?"

You've heard this question thousands of times already; yet, the answer for it has never changed.

"No, not really." You shrug while your friend stares at you in disbelief. "Why do you ask knowing my answer?"

"I just had the hope that you changed your mind," Jeonghan says. "You know, out of everyone in our group of friends, you're the only one who hasn't found their soulmate."

You take one last sip of your tea and sigh, "And you're telling me this to make me feel bad?"

"No! It's just... I thought that would make you feel at least curious of the person whose name is written on your wrist ever since forever."

Your eyes immediately go to your wrist, and your other hand covers the name with your sleeve.

"And I still don't get your habit of covering it, as if you don't want us to know." He laughs. "Are you trying to ignore it and expect to find them like people picture it on dramas?"

Inevitably, you roll your eyes, "I don't know what to tell you. I just think that if we're really meant to meet, then it's gonna happen... someday. I'm in no rush."

Jeonghan nods in understanding, "I guess you're right."

"I am always right." You chuckle. "Now keep telling me about Injae, how is it going with her?"

That's exactly the way you would always dissociated yourself from the topic every time you were asked about it. It wasn't something you really cared about, unlike to your friends. You were happy with the way things are right now.

"... we are taking things slow, and it's all going great. I am really happy about it." He puts on a goofy smile and his ears and cheeks quickly covers in a tinted pink.

"Aw, my little Jeonghan is in love, who would've thought?"

"Shut up, who said anything about love?" He tries to act cool, but he's still smiling and feeling nervous.

"Please," You scoff. "That smile tells me you're head over heels about her. And the way your eyes shine whenever you talk about her? Seems like love to me."

"Ha, ha, ha, you really like to make fun of me, don't you?" He sarcastically blurts. "I am dying to see how you're gonna be once you meet your soulmate. "

"Mmh, we'll see about that..."

Just when you're about to continue reading your textbook, your phone buzzes over the table. You already got distracted by talking to Jeonghan when you both were supposed to be studying for the upcoming exams, but you decide to read the messages you received.

"What's better, keep studying or going out to grab lunch with Sihwan?" You throw the question in the air, to which your friend hums.

"Your friend that works at JYP entertainment?" You nod. "I mean, anything is better than studying for socials, so if I were you, I would go."

"You say that because you want to bump into an idol, don't you?"

"If you meet Twice, could you ask them to  autograph something for me?" He says with a pout, making you laugh.

"I am not that lucky." You say and quickly start gathering your belongings to put them on your backpack. "You're meeting Injae later, right? I'll catch you up at the dorm?"

"Sure, I'll see you later."

With that being said, you start walking to the building. Even when your friend has invited you a couple of times already, you couldn't help but feel nervous. That weird feeling in your stomach and the tingling in your skin, like chills. Trying to ignore it, you pass by a nearby restaurant and order Sihwan's favorite food, carrying the bags carefully until you reach the entrance of the building.

After a few messages letting him know you're already there and a few more minutes of waiting, your friend greets you with a smile and a pat on your back, helping you with the bags in your hands and guiding you to the elevator. Unusual, but you don't say anything about it.

"I have more work than usual today, I hope you don't mind eating in my studio."

"You won't get in trouble?" You ask, feeling concerned,  but he only denies with his head as he presses a button.

"Don't worry, it's fine."

You silently follow him, trying to not look at anyone in the eyes when you walk through the hall, all the way to the studio. Anyway, no one seems to be aware that you are a regular college student. Lots of people work in there and it's hard to keep track of everyone in there.

"Come in, seriously, it's okay." He chuckles by seeing how you look around and slowly walk inside. "I've been working on the melody and guide for a new group these past hours."

The door is closed and Sihwan sits on the office chair and signals the sofa behind it for you to do the same.

"You brought food from that new restaurant down the street? Sweet." He says and opens the bag, placing the food containers on the wooden table between you two. "I've been starving."

"Working for a new group, you said?" You ask with interest, grabbing what you ordered for yourself and start eating as well.

Sihwan nods, "A girl group, they've been working hard and will debut soon, I hope you can listen to them."

"I am kinda old school, but for you I can do it, I guess..."

You two continue having a conversation about music and how you've been doing at college while sharing food. The last time you met with him was a couple of months ago, so the conversation keeps going for a while until he decides it's time to go back to work.

"Well, in that case I'll leave you. I've got to go back to study too." You say as you stand up and clean the desk.

"Mmh, okay. Thanks for this, how about we go have dinner next week? It's gonna be on me."

"Sounds great to me. Text me the details later?"

"Sure thing." He promises and smiles. "You know how to get back, right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. See you!"

As soon as you step out of the studio, you look around to make sure no one is walking in the hall, so you almost run to the elevator, not expecting that someone would bump into you as they exit one of the offices.

You fall to the ground and start apologizing immediately, feeling embarrassed.

"I am so sorry, I didn't see you." You hear them saying.

"No, I am sorry, I shouldn't have ran here." You say, and as you try to stand up, they're extending their hand to you to help you up.

You take the help and do a reverence as a thank you and clean the invisible dust on your clothing, and as you're about to walk to the elevator, their voice stops you.

"Y/N L/N?"

You stop on your tracks and finally have the courage to stare at them in the eye and realize that it's a guy, and a very handsome one, you must add. Your legs tremble at the sight, clearly stunned by seeing someone so good-looking. Your immediate thought is that he's an idol or trainee.

"Uh, do we know each ot-?"

Your question is interrupted as he shows you his wrist, and that's when you see it clearly. Your name tattoed on his skin.

"I am Hwang Hyunjin... your soulmate."

You're at the loss of words. The only thing you can do is get lost in his eyes staring back at you, looking for whatever to say, but the situation feels unreal. It's like your body is frozen.

"Hey, Hyunjin, is everything okay out there?" A third voice coming from the office brings you back down to earth.

"I am sorry, I gotta go." You quickly say the second he is distracted, running as fast as your legs allow it and get in the elevator, pressing the bottons and seeing him run in the hall one last time before the doors finally close.

You exit the building and walk to the bus stop, looking back from time to time only to realise that Hyunjin has not followed you. With your heart beating like crazy and your hands shaking you get to text Jeonghan to let him know you were on your way back to the apartment and that you had big news. He was definitely not going to believe it.

"Ow! What was that for?" You groan as Jeonghan grabbed a pillow and threw it to you.

"You just ran away?!"

"I panicked, okay? You can't put the blame on me for that!"

"With all due respect, you're an idiot." He sighs. "You met your soulmate and just ran, oh god... What are you going to do?"

"Uhh... nothing?"

Jeonghan grabs the pillow again just to throw it at you, but your hands stop him.

"Okay, okay, I'll do something about it. I'll go see him again!"

"That's a big lie, you say that as if I don't know you." He rolls his eyes.

"Yes, I am a coward. I don't know what should I do, help me." You say with a pout.

"Your friend? He may know him, don't you think?" He states as if it's so obvious.

"Ooh, you're right! I am going to have dinner with him next week, I can ask him..."

"See? It's like the universe is conspiring for you to meet again... Properly meet, I mean."

You stop listening to him as he starts complaining and making fun of the way you reacted earlier.  Your mind is now finding a good way to reach out to him.

"...And I could finally finish that song." Sihwan says with a grin and takes a sip of his beverage. "I was practically isolated and had no proper human contact for a while, so thanks to our talk and delicious food I could finish in no time after that."

You giggle, "Really? Then I am happy I could be helpful, don't forget to add me on the credits."

He laughs at the joke and continues talking, "You didn't get caught on your way out, right?"

"Well... about that."

"Wait, are you serious? Did you get in trouble?" He asks, concerned.

"No, no! It's just that... Do- do you know Hwang Hyunjin?"

It's now or never.

Sihwan seems to think about it for a second, feeling confused. "Yeah, I mean, our team is not working with them, but I've talked to him and his group a couple of times. Why? You ran into him?"

"Yeah, but also..." You lift the sleeve of your shirt, letting him see the name written on your skin.

"No way! Really?" He says with a big smile. "Hell, congratulations! How- wait, why don't you look happy about it?"

"Because I panicked and ran away before I could say something to him." You say and hide your face behind your hands out of frustration. "I need your help, hyung."

"Okay," He chuckles. "Of course, what can I do to help?"

You sigh and take out a folded paper from the pocket of your ripped jeans, looking at it for a second before handling it to your friend. "Could you give this to him?"

Sihwan takes it and nods. "Of course, I'll give it to him as soon as I can."

Now all you have to do is wait.

You plop down in the sofa and stare at the screen of your phone for the millionth time today, feeling hopeless at this point. It has been one week since you asked Sihwan to give that letter to Hyunjin, and ever since, you couldn't help but wait for a message from him, or even a call, despite you don't knowing what would you even say.

"Hmm, you haven't heard anything from him?" Jeonghan asks and sits next to you. You deny with your head and sigh. "Maybe he's busy. I heard his group is going to do a comeback soon."

"A what, now?" You ask, and your friends looks as you in disbelief.

"Don't tell me you haven't looked up for him on internet. I mean, he was in JYPE for a reason."

"Uhh..."

"Oh my god, I swear you are..." He doesn't finish his premise. Instead, he takes the phone from your hands and looks up for his name on the web. "Stray Kids, you didn't look up for him? I can't believe this, are you even on social media?"

"Shut up, let me see this."

You quickly read their information, going directly to the names and pictures of the members, quickly finding Hyunjin and realizing your friend is right. How come you didn't think of it?

"Oh yeah, here says they're releasing an album in a few days..."

"Told you." He murmurs. "Are you still going to wait for him to text you?"

"Do I have another option? I don't think I can go around the building just looking for him, even if I am with Sihwan."

"Hmm, you're right. I hope you can talk soon, though. Imagine this: you and Hyunjin together, we become friends and he gives me a tour in JYPE to meet Twice."

You roll your eyes and stand up, "You're being delusional. I'll go to sleep now, goodnight!"

"That's rude!" He groans and sees you walk away. "I hope you panick and run away again next time you see him!"

The next morning when you wake up, the first thing you do is check your phone, and your heart almost stops when you see a new message from an unknown number.

You go clean your face and take a deep breath to gather the courage you needed to finally read the long-awaited message.

With trembling hands you unlock your phone and click on the notification.

It was no surprise to see how easy was to talk with him. You two started talking on regular basis, when he was free from his schedule and when you weren't studying, which happened really late at nights.

Soon, those thousands of messages became frequent phone calls and videocalls that lasted hours, and to say that you both trusted each other with your lives was an understatement. You were still getting used to the idea that your soulmate was an idol; and it was weird to see him constantly on the internet, as of course you started following every other fan account you found on social media. Hyunjin, on the other hand, was trying to be very supportive of your studies and kept sending you messages of encouragement as well as listening to your ramblings about your career and complaints about your professors.

"So you've caught feelings for him, right? It was about time, Y/N" Jeonghan says with a shrug. "I know some soulmates only work as friends and all that, but it was pretty obvious to me that you'd end up in a romantic relationship."

"Really?"

He nods and smiles. "Of course! Are you going to ask him out?"

"I was planning to, but what if he doesn't feel the same? What if he just sees me as the friend type?"

Jeonghan hums. "Well, I think it's gonna be okay. You're soulmates for a reason, don't you think?"

You hesitate to grab your phone and open the message bar, typing a question and hoping things will go well after pressing the send button.

"Hyun, is it okay if I ask you out?

Like, on a date?"

A few minutes later you receive an answer,  needless to say, you didn't expect him to reply now, so you feel as if your heart is about to make a hole on your chest right now.

Hyun ♡

God, I was really hoping I wasn't the only one feeling this way.

Of course it's okay

I would love to go out on a date with you, Y/N ♡

You now feel at ease, the butterflies flying in your stomach and your body feeling so light as if you were floating. Is that how being in love feels like?

"He said he'd love to go on a date with me." You announce with a smile.

"See? There you go, my plan of meeting Twice soon is going awesome." He says and you give him a deathly glare. "I am kidding! But I have to say, who's smiling and blushing like a dumb right now?"

"Jeonghan!" You groan and grab a pillow to throw it at him, but he's quicker to stand up and walk away, still laughing.

Hyun ♡

Now you're not being shy, eh?

You won't run away from me when we meet?

You're the worst, you text back.

Hyun ♡

I may be

But I am your soulmate, so pretty much you can't get rid of me

He was right, but you were not intending to do that.

Because, now more than ever, you were sure things were meant to be this way. Right next to him forever.

[sleeping-on-cracking-ice]

Hi! I'm a new follower and I just binged all of your stories today! And sooooo in love!

I just want to request a story, where chishiya is madly possesive of his S/O, where he gets jealous of anyone who would touch her.

S/O is a female.

Thank youuu so much!

Of course! Thanks so much for following and reading my fics! ❤❤

Possessive | Shuntaro Chishiya

{Alice In Borderland Masterlist}

Summary: You begin to notice Chishiya’s possessive behaviour around you when you start becoming more serious about your relationship

Type: short scenario

Word Count: 1.7k

*reader is female

Author’s Note: this is more like just a few scenarios of Chishiya being possessive. It isn’t that well written since I had to rush it a bit. I felt like I had to post something today cause I haven’t in a while, so I was a bit busy 😣

You never viewed Chishiya as the possessive type, especially when it came to relationships. The sly, manipulative character seemed to convey the vibe that he wouldn’t care less about who his significant other talked to or hung out with. But of course, during the first few weeks of dating him, you began to notice that your assumption was completely inaccurate.

It started with small gestures, like pulling you closer to him subtly when you were hanging around the pool area, or keeping a strong grip on your hand when walking down the hallways of the hotel together. You always thought it was him just being a good boyfriend, but over time you began to think otherwise.

Chishiya became more clingy towards you, both in public and private. Sometimes he would not allow you to leave his side at all, which always ended in a complaint from you. Even when you rolled your eyes and tried to walk away from him anyway, he would just grab you by your waist and pull you back to him, giving you a quick glare to warn you.

In private, like when you were in your shared room together, he always hid your shirts from you so you would be forced to wear one of his white t-shirts. He would become all happy and giddy when you saw you in his clothes, wrapping his arms around you like a little koala and not letting go for hours. There would be some nights when you would have to pry his arms off from your torso, as he simply refused to let you go.

************

One night, you both were sitting in a booth together outside around the pool area. Most of The Beach’s residents had made their way to bed, so it was just you and Chishiya having a few drinks together with the occasional small group of people walking nearby.

Chishiya had his lips against yours, moving slowly and intimately as he held the side of your face with one hand and rubbed the bare skin of your waist with the other. You were having a heated make out session, just enjoying being in each other’s presence without being disturbed by anyone.

“Chishiya,” you breathed out as you broke the kiss, making Chishiya pout unhappily. “Let’s head inside, it’s getting cold out here.”

Chishiya smiled and shook his head at your suggestion. “Can we just spend a few more minutes here? There’s too many people inside and just want some alone time with you,” he asked, tucking his head into the crook of your neck and lightly nipping at the sensitive skin. You winced as he kissed and bit along your neck and collarbones.

“I want to see Arisu. He said he wasn’t feeling too well today and I want to check up on him,” you said, pulling Chishiya away from your neck by his shoulders. Chishiya held a frown on his face.

“Why do you want to see Arisu? I’m right here, you don’t need him,” he groaned in an annoyed tone while tucking a piece of hair behind your ear. You pulled a sarcastic face and rolled your eyes.

“Yes I know, but I’m just worried about him, that’s all,” you insisted, pushing your hand underneath Chishiya’s chin and pressing your thumb against his lips lightly.

Chishiya gazed lovingly into your eyes as you traced your thumb across his cheek, closing his eyes in content as the feeling of your hand on his skin. “You’re so pretty,” you praised, giving him a short peck on his nose, making him chuckle slightly.

*************

A more prominent incident that conveyed his possessive personality was when you were in an executive meeting together.

You were a higher ranking member of the militants, so you were able to be present at meetings with Hatter.

Both you and Chishiya stood at the end of the large room together, leaning against the wooden wall and listening to the debate that everyone was holding. Hatter was trying to decide which executives to send to the next game, as he was expecting the game to represent a card that they had not yet able to achieve, and he wished to make sure that they were guaranteed to bring it back.

“Niragi and Aguni could go,” Mira suggested, gesturing towards the two taller men that sat at the table next to one another. “They have a 100% winning streak, so I think they’d be the best choice for a diamonds game such as this one.”

Your eyes broke from the rest of the room when you felt Chishiya’s hand run along yours, reaching for your hand and lacing your fingers together. You looked at his face, not even earning a side glance from him. It was unusual for him to act romantic towards you in front of the executives, especially during a meeting.

“Why doesn’t Y/N join then?” you suddenly heard your name. You looked back over to the table and saw Niragi eyeing you, making you tense immediately. “She can come with us, since she too has cleared a lot of diamond games.”

As everyone turned towards you and Chishiya, you felt Chishiya’s grip on your hand tighten.

Before you could even speak, Chishiya spoke for you.

“No,” he bluntly stated.

“No?” Niragi questioned, standing up from his seat and making his way over towards you and Chishiya’s position. “Why do you say no Chishiya?” Niragi asked, pressing the barrel of his rifle towards him.

“I’m not letting her go with you, not if I’m not there.”

You didn’t know what to say, so you just continued to glance between the two bickering men.

“She’s her own person, she can speak for herself,” Niragi growled into Chishiya’s face, turning towards you. Your heart stopped as he stepped towards your smaller frame. “So, what do you think sweetheart? We could really use your help.”

The way he ran his tongue along his bottom lip creepily at the end of his sentence made you uneasy. Before you could even answer, Chishiya had pulled you by your arm roughly behind him, putting himself between you and Niragi and shoving on his chest to get him away.

“Fuck off you perv,” he cursed at him, “she’s staying here. I don’t care how much you need her. I wouldn’t even let her in the same room as you or Aguni without me there.”

Niragi scoffed and gave you both an angered look before turning away. “Fine. Keep that personality up around her Chishiya, she just might get sick of you treating her like a possession you have control over.”

***********

Another incident occurred when you were both at the neon coloured bar outside in the party area.

Chishiya had to leave for a few minutes to look for Kuina, so you decided to wait at the bar for him to return, despite his protesting.

You were nodding your head to the music and sipping your drink, enjoying your time by yourself and having a nice conversation with the young lady who was the bartender. You suddenly were pulled from your thoughts when a cold hand was placed on your lower back, making you jump and spin your head around with an annoyed expression.

“Hey gorgeous,” he slurred his words, obviously drunk. “You’re looking awfully lonely. You want to come dance with me,” he pressed, running a hand through your hair softly. You swatted his hand away from your face and shuffled over in your seat to distance yourself from him.

“No thanks,” you declined politely. “I’m actually with someone, so I’m waiting for them right now,” you tried to reassure him.

He frowned and looked around the bar for someone who you might have been with. “I don’t see anyone. I’m sure your partner won’t mind if you have a little dance with me~”

His flirtatious tone made you cringe. He seemed awfully insistent. You declined once again and stood up from your seat to walk away, but you didn’t get the chance to when he grabbed you by your waist and pulled your back against his chest. “Stop being so hard to get. I just want to get to know you a little better.”

You tried to pull yourself from his touch as he ran his hands along the skin of your stomach a bit too intimately for it to be comfortable.

To your surprise, you heard a loud impact noise and the man’s grip left your body. You turned around to see what had happened to notice none other than Chishiya standing above the man on the ground, taser in hand.

“Piss off you horny dog,” he spat towards him, tucking his weapon back into his hoodie pocket. You noticed the people surrounding you watching the scene, making you feel uneasy, but Chishiya grabbed you by your hand and dragged you away from the crowd, heading towards the hotel.

After walking for a while, Chishiya turned around and looked at you, concern painted across his face.

“Oh my god, are you okay baby?” he asked, frantically checking your body for any signs of injury. “Did he touch you anywhere? I’m so sorry I left. I shouldn’t have left you alone like that, especially around all those intoxicated people.”

He was rambling as he rubbed your skin, trying to comfort you. “Chishiya,” you said, interrupting him. “I’m fine, it’s not your fault.”

You pulled him into a passionate kiss, running your hands through his hair, trying to calm him. Chishiya wrapped his arms around your shoulders to pull you closer, making you feel his warmth against you.

You snaked your hands underneath his hoodie and wrapped them around his back, scratching lightly through the material of his shirt. Chishiya sighed and pulled away from your lips, looking into your eyes.

“You’re all mine,” he whispered, rubbing his nose against yours playfully. You smiled at his statement. “You’re mine, don’t forget that.”

You nodded as he leant downwards to bite underneath your jaw. “Maybe I’m not making that clear enough,” he slyly said, making you chuckle nervously at his words. You gasped as he latched onto the skin of your neck, sucking on a single spot harshly. H.

“Chishiya, don’t!” you whispered-yelled. “You’ll leave a mark!”

Chishiya pulled away from your skin and admired the purple bruise that had formed on your neck, making him smirk. “That’s the point baby,” he said in a teasing tone. He leant back down and licked over the spot lightly to sooth the bruise.

You smiled and playfully hit his shoulder. “Idiot,” you groaned and rolled your eyes.