#He's got a few extreme tastes since he can't get off that easily

[masquenoire]

😉 What are my muse’s fetishes/kinks?

💗 Has my muse ever been in love?

🍬 Is my muse a sub, dom, or switch?

👮 Has my muse ever had sex in public?

💑 What are my muse’s requirements for a potential partner?

💘 What are the ways my muse says ‘I love you’ without actually saying it?

sex + romance headcanons!

[ Aright, gonna throw these under the cut because there’s a few to answer... 😂 ]

😉 What are my muse’s fetishes/kinks?

At this rate, it would be quicker listing what he’s NOT into. Anything unhygienic is a no go as well as kinks he considers to be ‘creepy’ such as age play. Roman might like being called daddy but his tastes lie firmly in partners around his age or even a little older. His preference for mature lovers stem from his experiences in that inexperienced bedmates tend to be a pain in the ass to handle - somebody who knows what they’re doing and has an idea of what they like will always be picked over a blushing violet since he doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with naivety unless he’s really into them. It’s also because some of his fetishes/kinks tend to involve rougher stuff such as breath play, BDSM, edgeplay and orgasm control/denial. He’s a sadist (with a few masochistic tendancies) so not everybody is equipped to handle what he can dish out and craves in return, though he’ll usually try anything at least once so long as it doesn’t skeeve him out too much. Honestly, Roman just wants to get off and if he’s got to get a little creative, he’ll do just that.

💗 Has my muse ever been in love?

MANY TIMES. Roman’s fallen in love not just with people but things as well. His very first love was his father’s suits, how classy and stylish he found them to be to the point where he wanted to wear nothing else for the rest of his life. His love of quality men’s clothes persists to this very day with him having deep pride in his collection of luxury clothing. When it comes to people, he’s had many relationships over the years and grew infatuated with a variety of lovers but his most significant partners were his first and second girlfriend/s. Circe was a top model working for his father’s cosmetics company back when he was still a teenager. She was the first person who accepted him as he was and gave his virginity to her, but she ‘abandoned’ him a few years after the death of his parents when Janus Cosmetics ran into serious financial problems. Roman might not have been nearly so hurt if he hadn’t found she’d already hooked up with another wealthy lover, having moved on to somebody else who could provide the lifestyle she craved. Tiffany, his second girlfriend, was much more genuine in her affection for Roman despite being a drug trafficker. Her untimely demise at the hands of the Joker cut their relationship short however, making it difficult for Roman to open up and become romantically attached to anybody again. He’s grown infatuated with various individuals, usually after a good one night stand but his issues regarding trust and commitment currently prevent him from taking those relationships to the next level.

🍬 Is my muse a sub, dom, or switch?

He is hardcore dominant. Due to past trauma, Roman has trouble dealing with trust and it takes a LOT of effort on his end to willingly cede control over to his partner. Sexually he’s more lenient; he doesn’t care nearly as much whether he’s giving or receiving so long as he’s having a good time but he’ll always strive to be dominant over other men compared to women. It gives him a kick having so much control over somebody who perceives (or is perceived) to be powerful, putting them in their place by showing them he can strip all that power away however he wants, whenever he wants. In a healthy relationship that’s taken time to develop, he’s totally a switch but any relationship can be expected to start with him firmly in control barring significant differences between them (i.e: his lover is metahuman and/or has superpowers since he’s just an ordinary human at the end of the day.)

👮 Has my muse ever had sex in public?

Has Roman had sex in public? Does his office count? Looking like he does, Roman tends to stand out in a crowd unless it’s from before his mask fused to his face or he’s found a way of concealing his masked features. He wouldn’t mind the thrill of having sex in public, not even caring if he’s got a spectator or two but he’d really rather not deal with members of public calling the GCPD on him and sticking him with charges of public indecency on top of his already lengthy list of crimes. He’ll settle for sex in his office, maybe even hiding a partner under his desk and pretending nothing of the sort is happening while he’s getting some fun from beneath. Paperwork gets boring sometimes.

💑 - What are my muse’s requirements for a potential partner?

As long as you’ve got a pretty face but aren’t two-faced, Roman’s willing to roll. He couldn’t care less what race his partner is nor would he care if they have superpowers or not just so long as he’s able to trust them. He can’t settle down with somebody he cannot completely relax around and in his line of work, trust is a very fragile thing to place in another’s hands. He knows he’s a difficult man with a lot of problems so somebody who is understanding of that and is willing to give him his space, yet respect he has feelings and is only human at the end of the day is ideal. Roman’s got a bad temper but he’s got enough self-control not to lash out at his loved ones, something which both Circe and Tiffany understood and therefore didn’t try to ‘change him’ for the better.

💘 - What are the ways my muse says ‘I love you’ without actually saying it?

Roman can be a demanding man but he can be very giving too. He’ll rarely ever openly admit he loves somebody since words are cheap (plus crime lords have plenty of enemies) but he’ll make an effort to show just how important somebody is to him, typically through spoiling them with expensive gifts and praise. He’ll list off all the things he loves about a person, ranging from how good they look to how talented they are, buying them pretty (or desired) gifts to please them. He has good memory for things people (who are important to him) like, including subtle things they might have only mentioned in conversation once or twice. While he has difficulty showing affection due to how uncaring his parents were, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. With somebody that he loves deeply, Roman will actively walk into danger and even take a bullet if he has to. He’ll swear vengeance on anybody whose hurt somebody he’s close to, making it a priority to hurt them right back even if he’s got to spend thousands doing it. This is a man who told the Joker to his face he was going to kill him for what he did to his girlfriend, holding onto a bad grudge until the end of his life.

[letstrip13]

✈️ - mile high

reader x matt

summary: when you and matt can't wait to get off a long flight home, you end up joining the mile high club

warnings: smut, unprotected sex, use of "baby," public sex, kind of getting caught

word count: 1,033

author's note: i've already posted my masterlist and about me by the time this is out. i don't think i'll have much time to write this week because i'll be busy with school but i have lots of fics coming up eventually

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it had been a long week for you and the triplets, especially for you and matt. you went home to boston with them and you got to meet your boyfriend's parents for the first time. it went even better than you had expected, you guys had gotten along really well. but there was just one thing. during your stay, they had a clear “no sex in the house” rule, which was understandable. but the thing that bothered you most about it was the fact that you and matt couldn't sleep in the same room. of course you weren't going to put up a fight with his mom and dad about this since you were a guest in their house, so you just slept alone.

you were able to spend time with matt but you rarely got a moment alone. if you did, it was very short-lived. with so many people in the house, you two couldn't find time for yourselves. by the end of the trip, you were both extremely sexually frustrated.

now, you're on a flight back home. all four of you in the same row; matt in the aisle seat, you beside him, nick next to you, and chris in the window seat, snoring lightly with his head on nick's shoulder. you'd already been on for a couple of hours and you would be for a couple more.

this whole time, matt had been really touchy, constantly rubbing your thighs or holding your hand or placing light kisses on the exposed skin of your neck and shoulders. you hadn't reacted too much, just giving his hand a squeeze or occasionally kissing him on the cheek. you knew that if you did, things could easily escalate. you'd both been waiting to get home and rip each other's clothes off for a while now. you just had to hold out for a few more hours.

you soon grow bored of the movie you were watching and you give matt the same sort of lingering touches he was giving you. your hand starts on his thigh and subtly inches upwards until you can feel the bulge tenting his sweatpants. he squirms in his seat and you can hear his breathing getting heavier. you make sure nick isn't paying attention to you two, luckily he's clueless as to what's going on. you turn your attention back to matt and you tease him by rubbing him through the fabric. he bites his bottom lip to stifle any noises as he grabs your wrist to stop you. he leans in close and whispers in your ear, “i can't wait until we get home. meet me in the bathroom.” without waiting for you to respond, he gets up and walks in the direction of the bathrooms.

you watch him go into one, shutting the door behind him. you quickly follow him, leaving his oblivious brothers behind. you barely have time to lock the door before matt picks you up and sits you on the counter, giving you a heated passionate kiss. you two are immediately lost in the moment, pulling at each other's hair and moaning into the kiss. “i missed this,” you whisper against his lips. “me too,” he whispers back.

“i need to taste you, baby.” he tugs your pants down while you help him by lifting your hips. he pulls your panties down just as fast and crouches down quickly, burying his face in your pussy and eating you out like a starved man. he doesn't waste any time, licking all your most sensitive spots. “fuck, matt-” you moan. he pauses and looks up at you. “shhh, i need you to stay quiet for me. can you do that?” you nod and he goes back to what he doing.

after about a minute, he stands up and tugs his sweatpants and boxers down just enough to free his hard cock. “i'm sorry, baby. i can't wait anymore.” “it's okay, i can't either. i need you inside me. it's been too long.” he enters you without hesitation and captures your lips in a heated, messy kiss to keep you both quiet.

he doesn't give you any time to adjust to his size after the week-long break from this, his thrusts immediately getting quick and sloppy. he reaches down and starts rubbing your clit to bring you closer to the edge. his kisses swallow your moans and vice versa.

since tensions were so high between you, it doesn't take long to finish together, your walls clenching around his cock as he's shooting his release inside you. he whispers in your ear, “i'm sorry i finished so fast, baby. i'll do it better when we get home.” “it's okay,” you whisper back, “you still did good.” you press a quick kiss to his lips before he pulls out. he cleans you both up with some paper towels then pulls his boxers and sweatpants back up. you get off the counter, fixing your own clothes.

he gives you one more kiss before exiting the bathroom, you following about thirty seconds behind him to not seem so suspicious. you both return to your seats and nick gives you a weird look. “where were you guys?” “bathroom.” “taking a walk,” you answer in unison. “okaaay..” he goes back to his movie.

suddenly a man's voice comes over the speakers, making an announcement, “hello, passengers. just a reminder, the bathrooms are only meant for one person at a time, and we strongly advise you to follow the flight rules,” you and matt look at each other, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. “but congratulations to the couple who joined the mile high club.”

nick puts two and two together, realizing that you and matt are the couple. “ewww! you guys really couldn't wait until we got home?” matt chuckles and shakes his head. chris wakes up and rubs his eyes. “what happened?” “these weirdos fucked in the bathroom.” you hit his arm lightly. "nick-” “what? everyone knows already. you two weren’t subtle about it either.” you bury your face in matt's shoulder out of embarrassment and you both do your best to block out his brothers’ teasing for the rest of the flight.

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[d6volution]

plss more mean jax x reader smut i live off your writing 🙏🙏🫶

of course ! i love writing mean jax , 😋

tags: mean!jax, rough oral sex, face fucking, possessive!jax, pervy kinger mention.

You fiddled with your hands nervously, Jax was notorious for getting jealous extremely easily every since you two.. became a 'thing.' It was all sunshine and rainbows until time passed and he became more.. possessive over you.

Even in this small circus with only a limited amount of people he found ways to keep you secluded, if not that then following him like a little lap dog.

But once again he found something to get upset over, leaving you in this predicament now.. waiting for him to finally speak and alllow you to release the breath you'd been holding.

"Ya know doll, I thought we had a good thing goin' here." Jax paced in front of you, and despite his hardened voice ...his smile didn't falter. His pacing was more akin to a vulture stalking it's prey somehow.

"Jax, I—" You tried to defend yourself but he cut you off by laughing, his head briefly falling into his palm.

"Save it, toots. Ya know how much I hate sharin' yet here you are waltzin' around in this skimpy outfit." His hand gestured to your body and you shrunk into yourself in embarrassment. Cheeks flushed. He was right.. but in your defense you were doing it for him.

"And before you say you wore it for me, wouldn't explaining ya being bent over in front of kinger earlier." He said dryly, arms crossed over his chest. His smile finally dropped, and you felt small under his gaze.

Your eyes darted to the door behind him out of pure instinct. Sat at the edge of the bed you felt trapped in this room with him. It caused your heart to thud and a sweat to grow on your brow.

"W.. Well, that was.. he asked me to grab something from under his bed for him!—" Now that you were saying that outloud it did sound kind of.. sketchy.

Your lips suddenly puckered as the bunny grabbed your face with a gloved hand, "Are ya really that dumb, doll? That old man hasn't had action in who knows how long of course he asked ya to do something like that."

Your eyes shyly searched for something else to focus on, which was rather hard given your close proximity.

The grip on your cheeks got stronger, causing you to wince and finally make eye contact with him again.

"There ya go." His grip eased up, "Do I needa remind you who you belong to?" His voice was laced with anger which he had been controlling up until now.

"Only I get to see ya bent over all pretty like that doll, ya hear me?" His voice got low and you shook your head yes, your thighs snapped together in anticipation of what he'd do to you.

He noticed that and just smirked before standing to his full height once more. Arms crossed over his chest.

"Now be a doll and suck me off." He looked down at his nails nonchalantly.

"H.. Huh?" You were caught off guard.

"Let me say it slow for ya toots,"

He leaned down to your height again and you swallowed, "Suck. my. dick. I need to forget about how stupid you were a second ago,"

Your cunt throbbed, and you rubbed your thighs together and with his help his overalls were removed and his semi hard dick was revealed. He simply stared at you expectantly.

Your soft fingers wrapped around his cock and you stroked it a few times before lining it up with your lips, a few inches sliding into the warm depths of your mouth.

He groans, a hand working its way onto the back of your head. "Did ya like givin' kinger a show, babe?" You tried to pull back to answer but he didn't allow you, so you opted to shake your head.

"Oh really?" He mused, "Come on you can multitask can't ya? move your head."

You took him a few inches deeper, nearly at the base but you started moving your head to and fro, slick noises escaping your lips as you got into a decent rhythm. His taste was always addicting, it was hard to not completely lose yourself in it. But, you couldn't.. you knew this was punishment, which means there would be a catch.

There always is.

"Mmn.. and you're sorry for actin' like such a slut as soon you leave my sight?" You nodded, gagging a little as he pushed your head , forcing you to take him deeper. The sound made a chill run down his spine.

"Mn.. good, then ya won't mind if I do this." He slammed your head down to the base and started using your mouth as nothing more than a warm hole. with no regards to your gagging or pushback against him.

His balls slapped against your chin, nose bumping against his pelvis. You swore his tip was bruising the inside of your throat.

Tears sprung at your lash line and you clawed at anything for purchase.

"What's mn—.. the matter doll? Too much for you?" He grins as you look up with teary eyes, "Answer me and maybe I'll go easy on ya.." He said while practically holding you in place against his pelvis. He knew you couldn't answer him like this and just grinned down at you triumphantly.

"That's.. ngh.. right ya can't.. mn, take it." He thrusted in and out quickly, hardly giving you time to even catch your breath before he held you to his pelvis again. Making you choke on his dick. Pathetic garbled moans escaped your full lips.

Your name rolled off his tongue as he sighed in pleasure. Twitching against the constricting walls of your throat.

God, the way you felt around his dick was too much. Your groans vibrating against his cock. "Nngh.. just.. stay just like that babe.. almost..—" You were straining against him, but he wouldn't let up until you felt warm cum filling your throat.

He groaned and finally pulled back, causing you to sputter and cough. "Hha.." You panted and he reached down to caress your face. A hand tilting your chin up. He got a good look at your messy face.

"Ya, good babe?"

"M.. Mnhm..." You nodded, eyes glazed over a little.

"Hm.. good.." He actually squatted down to your height this time, "Because next time ya pull a stunt like that, I'll do more than take your breath away for a few seconds."

He grinned and lightly tapped your face before audiovisual standing to his feet, adjusting himself and leaving you and that throbbing between your legs alone in the room to sit and think about what you'd done.

[skeleton-mischief]

Nightmare Sans

Oh sinful child, wash off your bones but never forget that blood is thicker than water. Nightmare, was it all really worth it?

Headcanons below. Warning though, I changed some stuff up for the og story to fit how I like it teehee

- Official height changes, but he can be from 5'7 to 6'6(Jesus 💀)

- He/They

- Nihilist, he despises Fate and the Creators

- The embodiment and King of Negativity/A God if you will

- His castle was created when he was corrupted, and later on decided to make it himself

- Naturally cold to the touch, he's not easily affected by temperature

- Has synesthesia, he can see and smell others emotions/aura

- He likes sea animals, they're odd and yet so pretty and mysterious

- Has khopesh blades for weapons because they're twin blades

- He dreams of other versions of him, but he can never find them and often he is haunted by them

- An angry crier, hyperventilates and gets frustrated. Tries to be quiet, but sometimes ends up being loud anyways

- Pessimistic, cynical, observant, responsible, sarcastic, serious, assertive, untrusting, cunning, ruthless, manipulative, reserved, blunt, bitter, intelligent, patient, authoritative, cocky, and stubborn

- He is outright nasty to others, the type to jab at others when possible

- He grows more exhausted overtime once his resentment and bitter anger starts to fade over time

- he is more emotionally driven when his brother is involved in fights that he gets involved in, while more logical otherwise since Dream is the only one to get him like that

- He knows he's fucked up and deep down wants to repent for the wrongs that he has done towards the multiverse. And yet, he has his duties to fulfill

- He fears being vulnerable and doesn't get close to others as a result

- He makes deals and can "play" with his victims when he chooses to. Alliances are all well and good as well, but he is only loyal for as long as the contracts are fulfilled and as long as the other is loyal

- Time thaws his heart, in truth he can feel just as much as a child as Dream at times

- They have a giant library that they read

- Has wonderful manners and speaks very formally. Due to their origins, they also happen to have an accent of some sorts

- His goo tends to always return to him so one ability of his is flicking goo before it can harden and sharpen like spikes at a location

- He can be hit with anything and not get affected unless it's a weapon from his brother

- Strong positivity makes him nauseous, lightheaded, and weak

- Can sense other people's emotions but has the most influence on negativity

- Can analyze others extremely well, reading their body language and analyzing their words

- Hobbies of theirs include reading and writing, or even playing piano since he has a fondness for it

- His magic smells of something akin to earthy scents and moisture, like oak with wet dirt that carries a faint sweetness of decay. His magic tastes something akin to apple

- He's intolerant to children being injured, bullied, or abused. It reminds him of his childhood and thus he is protective of them

- Despite scaring most children, he refuses to harm them and is quite patient and kind to them

- He misses his brother, he does. He tells Dream things he doesn't mean in moments of anger or to get at him, but he doesn't mean pretty much most of it. He doesn't actually blame Dream, at least since he's matured over time

- He never got closure when Dream turned to stone, so those wounds opened up easily when he found out that he was alive. He tried to bury his past but his brother, whose bone is of a porcelain memory to his origins, haunt him

- He can't stand the color yellow, it reminds him of Dream. But, he has secret items that are of a yellow color

- He is fond of flower language and his favorite flower is the purple hyacinth. Fun fact: hyacinth blossoms under full sunlight, and they have wonderful symbolism. Dahlias, orchids, and hydrangea are those he is fond of as well

- He treasures the few things he's gifted, but rarely does he receive anything

- He gets slightly uncomfortable around stone, even if he knows that no one is inside. It just makes him secretly nervous

- Loves animals, but he won't touch them due to his goop and negativity

- His teeth can form into sharp fangs and he has clawed hands, his bone sharpened over time

- He avoids water because if he's fully submerged you can see the inner body that negativity possesses. Aka his original one

- He usually is covered in goop but rarely does it remove around him as a sort of venom situation. In fact, the two are separate entities in some ways, working as one

- Funnily enough he's a perfectionist who likes his things organized, especially when it comes to plans

- Does not use or understand slang

- He is a wonderful strategist, he even plays chess and can use the pieces as a visual understanding of it

- Hates sleep and avoids it until it's impossible to do so

- Can go into other people's dreams and cause intense nightmares, but he cannot do the same for his own and he is forgotten the moment the individual awakes

- He actually cares deeply for a lot of things, but he refuses to acknowledge this under most circumstances. If he vocalizes it, he threatens others to not do anything towards it

- He doesn't hate Error or even Ink, but he finds both to be a pain in the ass. Ink is one of the few he can't wrap his head around and he is one of the few who suspects Ink, especially because his emotions and aura seem....odd

- A more quiet and reserved being, he doesn't talk much unless he has to address someone or when he chooses to respond

- He's hard to read due to his air of apathy, he has learned how to avoid others detecting how he feels

- Even after eons, he won't let anyone else harm Dream

- The stronger the negativity, the larger he grows

- His original name is Night, him and Nightmare are separate but very much intertwined

- His original job was to protect those from negativity and also balance emotions in hard times to guide others, allowing sadness to occur

- Used to Call Dream Sunny as his nickname, and he refuses to let anyone call him Nighty since only Dream called him that

- People like to think of Night being manipulated by negativity but also it's important to note that what if that negative entity actually did feel that pain Nighty went through and was a source of comfort for him when Mother Tree wasn't? Yes, it eventually hurt him by convincing him to eat the apples to be corrupt, but if it's a parasite in my interpretation? I'd want to be maybe like- a situation where the corruption was also genuinely caring of Nighty while simultaneously being the reason Nighty indulged in his anger and hurt

- Multilingual, he knows every language fluently

- He had time to learn how to read and write, he forgot that Dream didn't the first time he saw a tree inside an AU carved by Dream with horrible writing underneath. That realization sort of made his "soul" crumble at the thought

- He has severe thanantophobia, he actually is deeply afraid of dying despite his circumstances. It's something he stresses out about and when Dream became more dangerous, he grew more nervous

- He's actually insecure about his aura at times, especially near those he doesn't wish to harm. He worries if they don't want to be around him because of it, which just worsens his aura

- He thought Dream died long ago, as he was disoriented and was too busy grieving. He didn't actually want Dream to die, and I actually hc that he threw the cloak over Dream to protect him as an apple happened to fall underneath with Dream. He was ashamed when Dream saw him again, and saw who he became. Still, he didn't want to change his ways because of the resentment he still held at the time

- He used to visit Dream and would cry next to his statue before he went off to feed off negative timelines. Even then, he would visit on their birthday

- He destroys mirrors and refuses to look at himself. He doesn't want to remember what he used to look like or who he's now become

- He has a secret painting that he was able to create deep inside his castle, one of Dream. He has destroyed previous ones due to finding them imperfect, a disgusting reminder, etc. this one though, this one he keeps

- His favorite fruit is pomegranate, he can perfectly deseed it and it's his favorite snack other than apple pie

- He used to be great with animals, barely do any of them approach him however

- He likes forests, the scent and even the sensation. He just wishes that he could feel Mother Tree again

- He enjoys herbal tea, actually much more than coffee and his favorite is lavender tea

- He avoids anything related to apples or fire, it reminds him of his past and in fact he grows nervous about it

- Doesn't realize that his tentacles react to his emotions, going so far as to flick with irritation at times

- His tentacles often just appear at will or with extreme emotion, but when they do appear to be actually quite painful since they tore through his back bones. Nowadays, he's numb to it and the bones have attempted to grow back due to magic healing he's attempted to find

- His tentacles actually can act like tree branches or at least resemble them. Firm, shaped similar, etc

- Genderless but prefers masc pronouns

- He actually never lies, but twisting the truth so hard involves enough intellect and leaves him to be a dangerous figure

- on the aroace spectrum

- Gets really goopy when sleeping, to the point he looks boneless

- Out of respect and guilt after coming back to his senses after the incident, he used parts of Mother Tree as custom furniture inside his castle so that she doesn't go to waste at all.

- He actually could hear her screaming when he was corrupted, and that sound haunts him

- He forgot what a hug feels like, the only time he was ever hugged in his life was with Dream. Time caused him to forget

- I feel that his form, present, isn't his true form but he keeps it up because it not only was the turning point in his life, but what protected him. It's why I think it works as something else when it detached itself. The goop at this point is a different part of who he is, and only when he is alone does it detach to speak

- Even if he causes nightmares and enters inside other monsters minds, he actually just has dreams. He dreams of what would've happened if they were happy, being raised by the mother tree, if he and his brother grew up without being guardians. It haunts him, makes him question if he was actually just justified in what he did. Was his actions worth it?

- He hates losing control of situations, absolutely throws a fit

- Struggles getting drunk, so he only drinks wine and magical drinks. Smoking doesn't please him, goop covers it anyways

- He doesn't discriminate, fools. Useless hatred feeds him, sure, but that doesn't mean he agrees and even will react violently towards blatant hate crimes

Closing Notes: no one talk to me, no one look at me. I don't exist, these two are the reasons I need therapy

[tallymonster]

Memories of Us chapter 8

So here we go!!!! First time cross posting AO3 and Tumblr! This is exciting 😏 anyway, I wanna give a giant thanks to my friends over at the Astarion Brainrot discord, you all have helped me out with figuring out AO3 and now both places I'm posting to are caught up! Only took the whole week 🥲😅

Well anyway, as always many thanks to my bestie @micropoe10 I appreciate everything you do for me babe 😘 many many maaaaany thanks to @cheesy-cryptid for their artwork ❤️ I literally look at it each time I have to think of something to write.

Chapter 8

Stay and watch me fall

 After the fundraiser, the museum had gotten into its busy season. The warmer months made it so that more people were coming in to get away from the heat.

 Which meant more reasons to finally solve this damn mystery that's been hanging over Octavia's head for the last few weeks. She's gotten as far as she can without having to go consult Astarion on the source of this book. There was only so much trying to convince Gale to use his magic to try to restore the book without him lecturing her about misuse of his studies, magic, and family line. 

 

Ever since they shared their secret and the fact that he woke up in her house with a nasty hangover and some embarrassing flashbacks, they've become much closer as friends.

Eventually he confides in her that her rejection of him was not unexpected. "To be perfectly honest, I see the way you look at him...it's fine, because I also see the way he looks at you. Just because you can't see his eyes, doesn't mean I have not. I know him, I know how he looks at you." 

 Gale kept his gaze in the book he was reading, "Besides, I can't resist it sometimes either. He's got this way of twisting things to his benefit. I can only imagine how he uses that to his advantage." Octavia looks up somewhat shocked, Gale is giving her a challenging glare, as if he's given her all the help he would give her in this particular situation. They smirk at each other and keep working.

—-------------------

Following the little routine she had gotten herself into, Octavia does her rounds surveying the first floor of the museum. She reaches into the pocket of her cardigan and plays with the silk handkerchief she never returned. She's been meaning to give it back to Astarion, but he was 'traveling for work' whatever the hells that meant.

 Octavia continues her stroll, going up to the office corridors. Out of the corner of her eye she sees something peculiar. The giant ornate dark wooden door that leads into Astarion's extremely off limits office is cracked open. She could knock and see if he's in there, but she takes the opportunity to give him a taste of his own nosey medicine. 

 She walks up, tiptoeing slowly to the door, she gives it a small push and it easily flows open. It's as of the room itself is inviting her in. She steps through and gently closes the door, leaving it unlocked. 

 As she turns she begins to take in the room. A full suit of armor is put together next to a massive bookshelf, candelabras stacked with melted wax and softly lit candles.

His desk is at least twice the length of hers and Gale's combined. There's books, papers, art, and all sorts of random things all around. Each square of wall is crammed with trinkets. Much to her advantage, the room is still fairly dark due to the heavy curtains covering the window behind his desk, a small slit of the last beams of sunlight peeking through them.

 A faint smell of gardenias, moonflowers, and primroses filled the room. Seems like he's close to their gardens, but as she looks towards the window, she notices a small bundle of them as if they've been recently cut. 

 She comes up to one of the dusty display cabinets and peers through. As she eyes some gemstones, she can hear faint footsteps coming towards the office. The only way out is to hide and wait, so she sprints over to the only alcove she can slip quietly into. There's a spot between the armor and the bookshelf, she takes her place as her heart travels up her throat. 

 Astarion opens the door, speaking to someone and trying to make his departure. "Yes yes, I'm very honored that you have donated sooo much money to our esteemed institution, but I really must get back to my research, you understand right?"

Octavia hears the door open and close, her breath shudders a bit and she regulates her breathing. She can still see what he's doing, thankfully shrouded in partial darkness. 

 Octavia watches as Astarion sauntered over to his desk, he sits with his arms dramatically thrown behind the headrest of the chair, his legs stretched out in front of him. Octavia never noticed how svelte he was, the suits paint a clear picture, but this was a new angle. 

 He lets out an exasperated groan and takes off the glasses on his face. Octavia takes another sharp inhale, was she about to see what he fully looks like after three godsdamned months? Astarion leans forward and has his face in his hands, he's clearly stressed out about something.

He turns the chair to face the window, takes one of the flowers into his hand and sniffs it deeply. He lets out a soft sigh and Octavia swears he said something behind it. 

 "I should have seen this all with you, my moonflower. I was so foolish to not accept your offer, I can't let our past get in the way, not this time." He speaks softly as he walks towards the window, pulling on the heavy fabric. Swinging open the window and looks out as the sun's final light turns to dusk. "To have planted all of these flowers for you, and I can never share them." 

 He sighs deeply, taking a long inhale."Fuck, I keep seeing her, now I'm smelling her too? It's like this ghost has come to haunt me yet again." He closes his hand on the small flower bud in his hand, crushing it. 

 It's become a little difficult for Octavia to see what he was doing. As she tries to get a closer look, she balances on the suit of armor, making it swing a little. She gasps and pulls away immediately.

The weight of her back hitting the wall causing a sound loud enough to alert Astarion, whom she can hear mutter a disguise spell. 

 He turns and she can see his eyes clearly at last. They're gorgeous, an orange hue with a reddish ring near the pupils. "I know you're there…" Astarion's voice sounds eager, threatening yet alluring, like a cat chasing a bird. 

 He stalked around the room slowly, Octavia's heart was thundering in her chest; her breathing quick and shallow. She pressed herself into the corner she was tucked in, shutting her eyes tight as he approaches her.

 "Come on, I really don't think you want to play this game with me..."

 She trembles as he stops in front of the bookshelf, her eyes open wide, they're practically face to face and somehow he doesn't react. He's just staring absentmindedly.

 Astarion takes a sharp inhale, and exhales in a shudder, his face warps into a mix of emotions. She watches as he goes through anger, confusion, fear?

 The way his whole body tensed as he glared at her, past her, it was startling. He takes another deep inhale, a wave of emotions passes through him. She watches as his chest rises and falls rapidly. His pupils are blown and he seems elsewhere. 

 The way his gaze is boring down on her makes her knees weak, all the choices she made up until this point shooting alarm bells into her limbs. "Little mouse, I've caught you." 

 Octavia gulps loudly, she feels his hand grab her arm, pulling her out of the shadows onto his chair. "Your turn now, speak." Astarion's voice was harsh and pointed. "Well?" He kept his gaze on her, his bright eyes seemed to change into a fiery hue, the orange quickly dissipating into a red shadow. 

 "I- I-" she reaches into her pocket and pulls out the silk square of fabric. "I've been meaning to return this to you, but you've been gone. I saw the door was slightly cracked open and I came in hoping to find you." Octavia glances up, the humiliation clearly on her face. "You came in so fast, I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't hear anything, I'll leave." 

 Octavia puts the handkerchief on his desk and tries to stand. Astarion puts his arm across her on the chair, pinning her to the chair. "We are not done here." He lifts her head with his hand, he's looking down at her as if he's reading her mind. "That's not all you want. Talk." She breaks away from him, the electricity from his eyes was far more intense when he was mad. 

 "I- I haven't seen you since the night of the opening, in my yard. You've been gone and you're so damn secretive when you're here. Why do you make it seem like you're so easy to talk to and trust when you're the most shut off person I have ever met?" She feels the heat from the embarrassment and annoyance growing into anger. Her body trembles with the adrenaline rushing throughout.

 "If that was all, you didn't need to be sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and I certainly don't need you slinking around in my private office." He hisses the last words, releasing the grip on the desk he held.

 "Next time you desire to speak to me, come to me, don't decide for me. Is that clear?" His voice is grating and deep, vibrating through Octavia. She gulps and nods, her breaths hot and shallow.

 "Speak up. I'm having trouble hearing you." He calls mockingly back to their time in her garden, Octavia shakily replies "Yes." He lets out a dark chuckle "Good girl. Leave." 

 Octavia hesitates a little, she was breathing heavily, their eyes locking onto each other "Did I fucking stutter?" He glares daggers into her, she's finally able to see his whole face and gods, he's gorgeous.

 "You're- your eyes…they're beautiful. This is the first time I've seen you.." she trails off, his face starts to shift as the anger melts away. 

 Astarion and Octavia stare into each other's eyes for a few seconds, he slowly creeps closer, his fingers trailing up her neck turning her towards him again. He keeps his burning gaze on her, she's right here and he can smell the familiar perfume he picked up earlier.

 He shudders, the sweet scent is intoxicating and nostalgic. Octavia lets out a soft gasp, he's so close to her lips, their eyes stay locked on each other.

He leans in closer, ghosting his lips on hers. She takes a sharp inhale, thinking he'd close the distance. Instead, he rubs his nose on hers and whispers into her mouth,

 

"Get out before I do something we'll both regret." 

tag list:

@justporo

@satanicspinosaurus

@sleepy-timaeus

@tragedybunny

@davenswitcher

@wayward-hel

[zoroara]

For the headcanon ask game for Fran/Flan, Caladrius, and/or Lancia! Course, you can pick and choose which you'd like to answer for :D

🥇 - A headcanon about what they're best at 🍫 - A headcanon about food 💤 - A headcanon about their sleep 🏳️‍⚧️ - A gender headcanon

I hope you enjoy ^^

Oh the fool you are thinking I will pick and choose. It's Ironically easier for me to do them all than sitting there to decide. So lets get to it shall we?

Okay for Fran

The thing Fran is best at? Well other than getting on people's nerves- He's actually really good at the jobs the Varia gives him, being perfect in stealth and trickery. But instead if your were to ask him he'd instead just say he's very good at pranks. and, well he isn't wrong.

Fran isn't actually all that picky though he does tend to take his food away from the table to eat. He's used to being alone a lot of the time so when he can get away with it he takes his plate with him an eats in silence. Since a good portion of time people are distracted at least when he's over at the Varia it's one of the few times he can get some fucking quiet.

Since Fran has passive illusions that he needs to keep in check I don't think it'd be a surprise that if he's deeply dreaming or having a nightmare that things from said dream get illusioned into reality. Thankfully both groups he stays with have very strong illusionists that can correct it when this happens, but the Varia had to once deal with water up to their waists and monetary negotiations with Mammon at the same time because of it.

Next Gender! Well here's the interesting thing, I think Fran has as much gender as mammon as in like none. But he also just doesn't have any preferred pronouns, so when people say "he" he just goes "Oh guess I'm a he rn" He would likely have the same thought process if any pronoun was used to refer to him, but because most people just use he since he never said anything about it.

I'll do Lancia next just cause I want to organize Canons first and then OCs last in these asks.

We'll need to get fighting out of the way, the poor man got turned into a mind controlled weapon over it, of course that's one of the things he's best at. But in terms of non-combat he genuinely seems like he's good with people when he's finally allowed to relax and chill.

You know it's kind of hard, I imagine that because of what he was forced to do he had to learn to not be choosy when it comes to what he got, since given the circumstances (Looks at the fact his entire family is dead because of him among other things) He probably happily accepts anything given to him. He probably cried the first time he was given a home cooked meal after that time.

Probably an infamously light sleeper, probably on guard a lot and easily has nightmares about the times he's been mind controlled. He probably rarely has any good sleep since that time. Even long after it's been over.

He's definitely a dude but he is extremely gender. I don't think there's a lot going on there other than being just some guy. Got some great vibes though. good presentation.

And finally Caladrius

He's great at pattern analysis and has very quick reaction time. Which while very useful in battle he actually just uses more often to break highscores in the local mall's arcade. He and Squalo don't know it but they have a rivalry for keeping the first place spot on all the cabinets there for the same reason.

Cal really really can't stand if a food has an off flavour. It's made him extremely good at cooking because he can taste minute differences but trying to serve him anything is a nightmare. Thankfully he's very polite about it and will typically bring his own food.

Cal is an incredibly deep sleeper but has trained to wake up by the specific sound that the alarms that play at the archives. You cannot wake him up any other way. God himself could come down with a clap of thunder and it would not wake him but the moment that alarm sounds? he's out the fucking door fully dressed in seconds.

Gender! What gender! Who fucking knows Cal won't tell me. I only know he has he him pronouns. Is he a trans man? a butch Lesbian? something else? I don't know. He simply is. Does he know? Probably. But good luck getting the answer.

[vigilethefabulous]

Attempts to fight my extremely sensitive sense of smell

I kinda want to documwn this for my friends, since I'm the first one among us to get pregnant.

Oh and yeah, I'm 14 weeks pregnant. :) But announcing it here is OK because there isn't really anybody else around.

Anyway, back to the point of this post. Starting at 8 weeks, I've been having an extremely sensitive nose. Anything that is cooked in our apartment somehow sticks to the walls and stinks to high heaven for days. I can't even enter the kitchen anymore without gagging (though I've learned that breathing through my mouth helps if I really have to venture into the kitchen).

Just the other day, my husband and I went for a walk to the nearby bakery to have some cake and beverage because he noticed that I have an appetite for sweets (and nothing much else). It was tasty, the cake. And we were both pleased that I finished my slice - I haven't been finishing anything savory recently. But when we got back to the flat, the moment he opened the door and the odor of yesterday's cooking hit my nose, all that good cake went down the toilet.

That story actually indicates that my attempts at combating my hypersensitive nose has yet to be successful. But let me at least tell you about the things I've tried:

Airing the flat

Charcoal

Citrus fruits

Airing the flat

Airing the apartment is a very common practice in Germany. Most landlords insist that tenants "luften", i.e. air their whole apartment, multiple times a day. And by airing, I mean opening all the windows for at least five minutes. The purpose is to allow stale air to leave the apartment and fresh air to come in, and also, to let all the moisture inside the flat out, avoiding molds. Molds are a big thing here in Germany, and can cause health risks - something I learned the hard way.

Similar to airing clothes to remove unpleasant smell, airing the apartment is usually good enough to remove an unwanted stench... When you're not pregnant. In my case, airing the apartment does nothing, except make me cold (winter is no excuse not to luften).

Charcoal

Something my mom suggested was to place bowls or charcoal around the flat. Apparently, charcoal can absorb unpleasant odors. An easy Google search will tell you that activated charcoal is the most effective for odor removal, but I didn't know how to get that so I settled for normal charcoal.

My husband and I went to the nearest depot and bought a medium-sized bag of charcoal from the grill section. We thought that was a lot of charcoal. But actually, it only filled several bowls. The big bowl I left inside the kitchen, and the rest I spread around the hallway, the second stinkiest part of our flat.

Did it work? Well, I guess a little. But it wasn't really enough to make be breathe easily in the apartment without gagging. But maybe I also did it wrong. Maybe the air near the floor was fresh, but not further up. Maybe, I should've put the bowls at nose-level? That would require some furniture shopping since we didn't have that many tables in the apartment.

Long story short: operation charcoal was a failure. (And suddenly we had all this charcoal that we didn't know what to do with - grilling in the winter isn't really a thing.)

Citrus fruits

My mom also suggested: when there is something that smells icky, that I get myself a citrus peel (like a clementine or lemon peel) and smell it. It works. The downside is that I'd always have to have a fresh rind with me, and would have to smell it constantly.

At the beginning, it was not such a big downside, because clementines (aka. ponkkan in Filipino) were one of the few things I actually could eat a lot of. Whenever I got hungry or nauseous, I'd eat a clementine. Which means, I always had clementine peels nearby. And many of the rooms I stayed in had peels lying around, which probably made the room smell like oranges.

Gradually though, I started getting tired of clementines (after eating dozens a day), and the fiber in them started to leave a bitter taste in my mouth. So I waned off of them for a bit, and had less and less access to citrus peels. Seems like a waste peeling a clementine only for the skin, and I can't expect my husband to eat it (he already eats everything else I can't finish). So smelling citrus peels works, but wasn't a very sustainable solution.

My mom-in-law, however, suggested another way. She said I should try peeling and slicing lemons and placing them in bowls around the house. A similar concept to the charcoal, except it's not to absorb the bad odor, but to cover it with a pleasant smell.

I thought that might work, because I recalled that the rooms where I ate clementines in did have a nice orange-y smell shortly after. The question is how long the smell will last, and how many fruits do I have to cut up per day to keep it up.

I only started this strategy a few hours before writing this, so I can't tell you yet whether it is successful, or for how long. I can tell you though that a few hours after placing two small bowls of peels and slices of one lemon, it still smells stinky in our hallway, and I don't smell anything citrus. Maybe it takes more than a few hours to work. Or maybe I have to peel the lemon in the hallway instead of in a relatively odor-free room. Or maybe, it has to be nose-level. I'll test the different theories, with different amounts of lemon, and give an update. 👍🏽

Fingers crossed!

[landothemuppet]

Far Longer Than Forever (p.p)

Word count: 4737

Pairing : peter parker

Request: YES! ANON I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. The Swan Princess is one of my childhood movie and this was so fun to write. I can’t stop listenning the soundtrack now ! I’m so sorry for the time i took to write this, i had so much work to do with school. But it’s over now and i hope you will like this ! 

N/A:  First, gif not mine but i don’t know who i’m gonna credit on this, i have no clue...This is my first Peter Parker x reader and i hope you all will like it! As always, I remind you that English is not my native language. Don’t hesitate to tell me what you think of the fic! Like, reblogs to support. You can Love you all! xx

Taglist: @angeliquekalampoka @harryhollandsgirlfriend @cedricdiggorysimpp​ - if you want to be notified of all my future writings you can add yourself in my taglist : here

______

As far as you can remember, you've always hated summer. Well, it was partly a lie. You loved the sweltering heat of Queens, the cherry popsicles from Delmar's, not having to worry about what time you had to get up. You liked it but hated the idea of ​​the last two weeks of August.

 This year was no exception. You looked at your half-finished suitcase, a grimace on your face. August still meant the same thing, the same routine: having to spend the last three weeks of his vacation with Peter Parker.

summer 2009

Peter Parker had lost his parents very early on, two years ago. He had lived since then with his aunt May and his uncle Ben. It was your mother's idea to introduce you to each other. Aunt May and your mom were friends from college and luckily, they lived in the same neighborhood. Your first meeting with the one who, many years later, would become Spider-Man, took place on his eighth birthday. You were invited to the party when you weren't even at the same school. Aunt May had simply shared his fears about Peter's difficulty making friends after the trauma he had experienced. Your mother, as the perfect friend that she was, had suggested that Peter and you spend time together.

 There were 3 kids in total at that birthday party, you, Peter - obviously - and a boy from his school whose mother had forced him to be there, too. It was a fact; you were the only girl and you didn't know Peter at all. Your mother walked up to you, got up to your eye level and whispered

 "Can you be nice? May told me she invited Peter's whole class and only this boy came"

 You wanted to please your mother so you nodded before approaching the two boys. Peter and his friend were in the corner of the room, their backs turned to the adults. When you tapping the young boy on the shoulder to make you notice by him, he turned to you with a guilty expression. He had buttercream all over the corner of his mouth and he was holding a cupcake in his hand that looked delicious.

 “My Aunt May tried to bake a cake, but Uncle Ben bought some cupcakes in anticipation. Do you want one?” Peter asked you in a friendly voice

“Why? Is May's cake not good?

“Uncle Ben says that she is not very good at cooking.”

 You let out a little laugh and nodded your head before grabbing the cupcake with a smile. You thanked him and began to taste the little pastry with envy. It was so good! The buttercream was lemony, the cupcake was slightly lemony too but there was a taste you couldn't recognize. You were almost sure you had tasted it before, but you couldn't tell what it was. Peter and the other boy suggested that you go to Peter's room. He wanted to show you the LEGO set his uncle Ben had given him ahead of time and you followed them even though you weren't more excited about the idea.

 And you were right. For several minutes, you were pushed aside while the two young boys spoke spiritedly. You complained several times that you wanted to do something else but Peter didn't seem to listen to you, too excited to finally be able to chat with someone who appreciated Star Wars as much as he did.

 So you were annoyed and slightly angry with Peter but what broke the camel's back is that you started to not feel so good. Your throat was itching and you felt like your tongue was taking up a lot more space in your mouth, getting drier. Peter gave you a distracted look before his eyes widened. He let go of everything he had in his hands before running to his aunt.

 "Aunt May, Aunt May! Y/N's tongue looks like a big, desiccated steak!"

"Peter, don't be rude!" she exclaimed, shocked by her nephew’s words

"No, no come see, she has a huge tongue! I think something is wrong"

 Meanwhile, you ran into the bathroom at Peter's reaction. You weren't sure why he had looked at you like that, but you felt that a few things were wrong. In addition, you were more and more thirsty, your eyes also hurt. And that's when you saw your reflection. You were puffy, your tongue had tripled in size, hence this feeling of dryness and discomfort. It was the same with your throat. You started to cry and when May called you through the bathroom door, you fervently opened it.

 May and your mother's expression of horror was instantaneous and your mother knew exactly what was causing your condition.

 "What did she eat?"

"Nothing..." he tried to escape from being grounded

"Peter, this is very important. What did you eat?"

"We just ate the cupcakes Uncle Ben brought back"

 Ben looked at May with guilty eyes. May had put so much effort into Peter's birthday cake and she felt hurt that they had bought some pastries in anticipation. Your mother was impatiently stamping her foot. It was important to know exactly what you had eaten and above all, you shouldn't waste any more time. Peter felt completely helpless. He had only given a cupcake to his guest, that’s all. What was wrong with giving someone a cupcake?

 "What were those cupcakes flavor?" your mother said impatiently ...

"With lemon and almonds." he said in a very small voice.

 You were panicked. And the eight-year-old that you were was not coping well with stress. Plus, your feeling of being sidelined by Peter and his friend made you feel even worse. So you frowned. You couldn't see a thing but you could feel the torrent of tears escaping your cheeks. You pointed at Peter with rage

 "You tried to kill me !!!" you said somehow with your tongue as big as a little tangerine.

"It's not true!"

"Yes! You are a murderer"

 And you cried even more before your mother takes you to the emergency room as quickly as possible, apologizing for the scene.

 The week later, May forced Peter to apologize for giving you a cupcake, while justifying that he didn't know about your allergy. Your mother forced you to apologize for insulting Peter "a murderer" and accept his apologies.

 But you spent the rest of the vacation arguing with the little guy. After all, you didn't want to be friends with a murderer.

 Summer 2013

Aunt May and your mom didn't let go, however, and every summer you spent three damn weeks with Peter. The summer of your twelve years, you did not thus escape this eternal masquerade but this year, the tide had turned in your favor.

 From the start, you never liked Star Wars. It really wasn't your world. You had always preferred Harry Potter and although Peter had read the books and enjoyed them - which he would never admit to you as that would amount to listing the commonalities you had - he was much more invested in the galactic universe. But on that day, Peter had particularly bothered you. He had first replaced the sugar in your hot chocolate with salt. He kept chanting silly nursery rhymes about you and the downstairs neighbor, insinuating that you were in love: which was not the case. Yes, Peter had been extremely annoying. This time Peter was getting on your nerds by bouncing a small ball against the ceiling as you tried to read your book. Uncle Ben was in the living room watching the sport - you weren't sure exactly which one since it didn't matter to you - so you couldn't go anywhere else to be quiet.

 "Peter, stop it."

"Stop what?" he asked by bouncing the ball once more off his ceiling. You could even make out the smirk on his lips.

"That. Stop it! I can't read."

"This is nothing new."

 You threw him the first thing you found on his desk, c.e, a banana, which he easily dodged. You groaned in frustration. May and your mother didn't understand when you talked about Peter's attitude towards you. He was a calm child, far too shy at school and interested in everything, especially science. He was looking forward to entering Midletown High School in two years. You hated that nerd side about him. Secretly, you were a little jealous of him for being the smartest in the room.

 “I'm gonna hit you so hard you won't know your name anymore”

“ try me, dumbass.”

  A few minutes later, he had finally stopped throwing that damn ball, but obviously Peter's boredom was driving him to find everything the most boring thing than the previous one to drive you crazy. This time, he had simply taken his favorite lightsaber - because he had several - and he was poking your shoulder to get your attention.

 "Parker, stop!"

"Don't you want to drop this book and watch a movie?"

"What do you want to watch? Star Wars? No thanks ..."

"Oh come on, Y / N! I'm sure you'll like it!"

 He patted you on the shoulder once more with his lightsaber.

 "Do you want to play this, Parker?" you said before grabbing one of his other lightsabers

"What are you going to do? I'm sure you don't know how to fight with" he mocked.

 You have lit the glowing plastic stick and you are placed in the guard position.

 "Do you want to bet, knothead?"

 He smiled at you and attacked you first. Strangely, this is what most resembled a moment of bond between Peter and you and deep down, you appreciate it. But you also appreciate that possibility of kicking his ass after he's been so irritating. You responded to his lightsaber attacks with ease and joy. It was playful, childish, but it was one of the few times you had fun with Peter. And you really appreciate it. Your two laughs mingled, echoing in the room.

 But suddenly, as you were trying to dodge an attack from the brunet, your elbow made contact with his face. Peter's muffled cry of pain echoed and you froze. He was holding his nose with a grimace and when he took his hand away you both noticed in horror that he was bleeding.

 "Fuck…"

"Pete..." you started talking

"You blew my nose!" Peter shouted

"I did not do it on purpose!" you defended yourself.

"Of course, you do! You fucking blew my nose!"

"Peter, I swear ..."

 But Peter interrupted you by rushing out of his bedroom looking for his aunt who was in the office as she tried to file the important papers, that Ben and her had received this week. You were livid. First, because you didn't mean to hurt Peter on purpose. Second, you couldn't stand the sight of blood and it was literally everywhere. Peter was leaving trails of droplets on the floor of the apartment.

 "Aunt May?!? Y/N blew my nose! Damn, I'm bleeding!"

 After a brief stint in the ER, the rest of the stay was peaceful as you and Peter avoided each other until the end of the summer.

 Summer 2017

Peter was not the Peter you had always known.

 Since the death of his uncle Ben, the young man had closed in on himself and was even further away. Always so intelligent and discreet but much more distant. He had stopped teasing you or doing things that got on your nerves. He was minding his own business. And even though you had tried to be there for him, not denying him any of the offers he made to you during your stay ... you found him really ... overwhelmed. Which was still understandable.

 But this year was worse than the last. May told your mother that last year Peter got an internship at Stark Industry and attended a seminar in Germany but came back with a black eye. He had been acting most weirdly ever more since then. And you could have witnessed it. In the afternoon, when you were busy, and when it was too hot, when you tried to rest, Peter would disappear for hours. When you caught him sneaking back several times, he made you promise not to tell Aunt May.

 And you were starting to have theories about his nighttime getaways. After all, you were 16 and you too had started dating a few boys. But it never really worked. who knows why?! And when you wondered if Peter had a girlfriend, and who she was - he had to have one in view of all his sneaking out - your stomach twisted in a strange feeling. You didn't understand why the thought of Peter having a girlfriend bothered you so much. Over time, you had learned to be friends. It still happened sometimes that you quarreled but the events of the life made you grow up. Your parents had divorced, Peter had lost his uncle. You could tell yourself that you both had grown.

 And it was one night when Peter was sneaking back in again that you discovered two secrets.

 The first one: He was Spider-Man.

 It was around midnight when you heard the sound of the window opening. Since your childhood and this Machiavellian plan of your mother and Aunt May, you had always slept in Peter's room during holiday and more recently in his bed. The noise alerted you and you got up in a sitting position. But the only thing you saw was a foot, placed on this said window, closing it gently. How the hell was that possible?

 You were ready to scream but your gut told you to look up at the ceiling. A figure hung on it and you were paralyzed. Were you having one of those weird experiences called sleep paralysis? Delicately, silently, you grabbed the first blunt object within reach. A chemistry book that Peter seemed particularly fond of. The figure stepped on the ceiling as you were paralyzed. The form turned to land on the ground and then stood up, still with its back to you. You got up gently from Peter's bed and walked over. The man in the suit whose color you couldn't see took off his mask and you hit the air in an attempt to shoot him down. Peter turned around so quickly and blocked your gesture easily, like a reflex.

 "What the ..."

"Bloody hell".

 You both said at the same time. Your big surprised eyes mirrored Peter's. The curly man let go of your hand with an apologetic expression as you walked away from your friend. You turned on the bedside lamp before you discovered his blue and red costume. A very recognizable costume since it was that of Spider-Man. You winced, a look of judgment and incomprehension on your face. Not bothering to look at his face covered with bruises and traces of blood.

 "What the ... are you sneaking out to go to a costume party?"

"What?! No…No Y/N I’m…”

“Spider-Man? Great costume by the way” you joked.

 For a moment, you completely forgot that you just saw your friend glued upside down to the ceiling. Peter looked at you a little jaded, by the tone of your voice your guess was far from a sincere question but more of a mockery. And right now, the young man needed to be honest with you. He needed you.

 "But, I am."

"Yeah that's it. And I slept with the Winter Soldier. You can't imagine what he can do with his metal arm."

 Peter cut you off by pulling a web with his web shooter, tying your hands. The feel of the canvas was unpleasant, sticky but above all resistant. You let out a little cry of surprise, not powerful enough to pass the walls of Peter's room. Your eyes looked like two big golf balls, realizing that your friend was telling the truth.

 "Omg, You're Spider-Man" you almost spoke too loud.

"Yes and don't make me web your mouth. May doesn't have to know"

"damn, peter. What happened to your face!"

“yeah about that…I need you Y/N, please…”

  And without warning, Peter squeezed the spider in the middle of his costume, at chest level. He winced at the action revealing his bruised chest. He staggered a bit from the action, unsure of his legs and the pain in his sides fierce. You might see several bruises and cuts on your friend's body. You were having difficulty swallowing before you told him you were going to the bathroom to get what you needed. Before leaving the room, he made you promise to be discreet and not tell May anything if she ran into you. When you walk back into Peter's room, he's sitting half-lying on his bed, grimacing. You sit next to him, your heart pounding. You never noticed that he was so built. After all, as a superhero, he had to keep fit. But you couldn't deny that it intimidated you. Your cheeks were burning with embarrassment and a desire you never knew before. He had his eyes closed, as if trying to make the pain go away. And there, looking at him, you found him pretty. he was so cute that you couldn't help but run your hand through his curls to signal your presence and soothe him a bit. But Peter already knew you were there. He had heard your footsteps, he had smelled your scent, a sweet scent he had grown used to in his later years. He sighed softly, more relaxed. You started to clean the few shallow wounds.

 "Does it hurt?" you asked quietly

"Mhmm no, not really."

"Did you win?"

"Ouch..No. Not tonight."

"Sorry." you said more for your gesture rather than the fact that he didn't win the fight against the bad guys.

"No, it's perfect ... it's just a little sensitive"

 You smiled but something was wrong. A feeling you've never felt before. You've finished cleaning up Peter's wounds, but your gaze has darkened. As you were about to get up, the brunette gently grabbed your wrist to hold you back. He could hear your calm breathing and yet your heart was racing. He could feel the heat on your cheeks. He too felt that the tension was at its height. Your mind was muddled, he didn't know why, he wasn't a telepath, but he could see it, feel it. Your body betrayed your mind.

 "Y/N, what is it?"

"I..I don't know." you lied.

"You can tell me everything."

"I ... Well…Seeing you like this ... makes me ... makes me realize that I ... I'm afraid of losing you."

"You won't lose me ... I promise"

 You are ashamed of your vulnerable state. How did you go from hating this boy to having an overwhelming fear of losing him? You looked at those chocolate eyes in confusion and distress. You were now fully aware that the little neighborhood spider was none other than your childhood friend. The one you once loved to hate, tease, fight with over trivia. He was also on the youtube videos, who stopped cars with his bare hands.

 “Y/N… you won’t lose me, I promise.”

 Peter dared to walk slowly towards you and in a surge of courage, one of his hands circled your burning cheek, his lips rested on yours. The brunette had always had a crush on you without actually admitting it. After all, you had known each other since you were children but... your relationship had been rather confrontational. But for two years now, everything had changed for him. He appreciated more and more your little arguments, your teasing. His thoughts would sometimes turn darker when you lick your lips or when your fingers scratched that point behind your ear, when you were a little stressed.

 Your lips moved between them in a harmonious dance and you were now clinging desperately to Peter's slightly sweaty brown curls. Your heart was pounding at a speed close to the point of no return, reluctant to stop suddenly in the face of this overstimulation. But all good things came to an end and you slowly walked away. You bit your lip to get the taste of Peter's back. Your mind wandered, lost in the haze of rushing feelings.

 "You..you should rest ..."

 You ended up pulling away, swallowing hard. That night you didn't sleep. You have studied every facial feature of Peter, thinking of every event since your friendship. The next day, you fooled that nothing had happened. Too scared of what that kiss meant to you.

 Summer 2025

It all happened so quickly. After that summer, the summer of your kiss, you promised yourself that you understood your feelings towards Peter. You weren't going to the same high school and even though you were both on social media, you never dared to contact him. You needed time.

 But you haven't had this time. Peter became full-time Spider-Man and then the aliens came to earth, again. The threat of Thanos hovered and within moments, days, hours ... you were gone under his snap.

 When you returned to your childhood apartment, you were alone. Well, alone in front of the family who lived in this place now. The man in his forties simply believed you were a drug-hunting teenager squatter. Five damn years had passed. 5 years where your mother had a new life when you had been eclipsed. You were distraught, alone and it was by happy coincidence that you found May at the F.E.A.S.T project. It was a relief for you to find a familiar face again. She had suggested that you come and live in her new temporary apartment, allowing you to finish high school without having to move to the other end of the United States, with your mother. You declined your offer. You wanted to fend for yourself. And surprisingly, you did pretty well.

 To be exact, Mr. Delmar was looking for a student to work in his store and was kind enough to greet you in the bedroom of one of his daughters who had gone to college. By the greatest of luck, you've never seen Peter. Or rather, you managed to avoid it for an entire year. You had caught a glimpse of him one day, trying to speak Italian to get a travel adapter and a dual headphone adapter. Did you feel foolish thinking that after so long - could we consider those 5 years to be 5 concrete years? - would it still focus on the kiss you shared? After all, you got away from him after that. And then, everything went in a state of madness.

 Every time you turned on the television, you learned that elemental monsters had attacked a different country. They had first started with Mexico and then moved to Europe. Italy, Prague and then London. A certain Mysterio seemed to be taking care of this matter, but you couldn't help but think of Peter. May told you he was supposed to go to Italy. In fact, every time she went to Delmar's for a sandwich, she gave you an update on her nephew's trip. But it wasn't the craziest.

 Upon his return ... Spider-man's identity was revealed. You had watched in horror the video of Mysterio, which appeared on the Daily Buggle newspaper, accusing Peter of wanting to be the new Iron-Man. You were listening to J. Jonah Jameson falsely accusing Peter of being a murderer. You knew Peter, and there was no way he had done such an act. The video was bogus, you were sure. When you tried to reconnect that summer, you noticed Peter's girlfriend. Michelle Jones and ... and that's what kept you from approaching him. He was already supported. He had his best friend, Ned. His girlfriend, MJ. And he had May. It was enough, wasn't it?

  It was the following year, after a new incredible adventure that you met again.

You worked at the store in the evening. Mr Delmar had asked you to help him out urgently because his youngest daughter had a health problem. You accepted with pleasure. You had offered to babysit his daughter but the loving father he was wanted to be with her. And it was precisely this evening that a thug decided to steal the fund from you.

 You were at gunpoint with your hands up in the air when you saw a red and black mass fall behind the thug.

 "Hey buddy, I think the bank is across the street"

 Spider-Man tapped the thief on the shoulder and dodged a punch.

 "But I think I'll arrest you anyway if you went to the bank. You don't seem like a nice guy." Peter joked.

 You were paralyzed as your friend, your best friend if you were honest, chained or avoided them with agility. You swallowed hard, unable to move or run away. A gunshot rang out and you smelled a scared little vintage. Peter squeezed the barrel of the gun in his hand, deviating from his course. It made sense now to say that he had simply defended himself against the assault. After a few seconds that seemed like an eternity, Peter stared the offender against a fridge door, immobilizing him. He then turned to you, oblivious to your identity at the time.

 "Are you okay there?"

"Peter!"

 You didn't give him the chance to realize and you rushed into his arms, hugging him so tight to feel the comfort of his body against yours.

 "Uh, yeah, you're welcome. Cuddles are nice but ..."

 He paused for a moment and his automated eyes widened. He knew his perfume. The flowery, sweet scents that he had missed so much. Is this possible?

 "Y/N?"

 You let go of him and immediately put his mask back on. Adrenaline was controlling your actions and god damn it, you needed that touch. You kissed him, bluntly. Your lips crushed against his in impatience, in ardor, but too bad. You needed to feel it against you, to regain the feeling that you had felt, years ago. After a few seconds, you felt Peter's hands encircle your waist, pulling you closer to him. Your heart was exploding, the ardor was present in your kiss. You were even frustrated that you couldn't grab her brown curls with full hands, settling for only the base of her hair. You let out a moan before pulling away abruptly. He had a girlfriend.

 "I… I'm sorry. I… Sorry, I didn't mean… MJ… and… please don't blame me."

 Peter silenced you with another kiss, shorter this time but so good.

 “There is no MJ .... Just you and me ... Far Longer Than Forever”

 You looked at him hopefully and then burst out laughing after his words.

 "I didn't know you were so romantic, Parker"

"Shut your mouth."

"Make me"

"You are impossible."

"But obviously, you like"

 He was going to say something to nag you, he was looking for it but you caught him off guard, placing your lips on his again. You could feel his smile in the kiss and you couldn't help but do the same. Anyone living in the neighborhood present in the street would have a view of Spider-Man kissing the student cashier from Delmar. But you couldn't care less. You had waited too long and the joy you were feeling now was so intense, you didn't want to stop feeling this. It is reluctantly that Peter moved away from you apologizing for the fact that he had to go on patrol again.

 "Go save the Spider-Man neighborhood"

"Only if you promise me you'll be there when I get back."

"I was thinking of going to say goodnight to May instead ... But if you want, I have a sleeping bag in the storeroom."

"You are incorrigible .... See you later ..."

"See you later."

 You smiled, in a misty state of bliss as Peter disappeared from view. This time, you weren't planning to escape, you wanted to fall into the webs of Peter Parker. You closed the store after the police visit and headed to May's flat. It was late but with her kindness she welcomed you with open arms.

 This summer ... was the best in years but the others to come were going to be even more wonderful.

[tea-rae]

Dancing is a Dangerous Game: Chapter 1

Authors Note: Combining my absolutely raging Teacher/Student kink and my love of Obi-Wan seemed like a no brainer. A million thanks to @wickedscribbles for the encouragement! Enjoy!

Summary: Your last semester at Coruscant University, you find yourself faced with a choice; risk losing your hard earned internship, or agree to assist your cheeky, insufferable, and extremely attractive Professor that you can't stand.

Pairing: Professor Obi-Wan x Reader

Rating: Explicit

Tags/Warnings: Sassy Obi-Wan, some light teasing, no smut yet sorry guys!

Word Count: 1.9K

Also on Ao3 here

“God, ‘Soka I don’t think I can do this”

“Oh don’t be a baby, it’s only 9am, I’ve been up since 6.” The voice of your childhood best friend and roommate Ahsoka, who is always up before the sun, chides you from the open bathroom door.

“No, not that. I can handle mornings, I just don't like them.” You look out the window at the blanket of snow covering the ground below your apartment building and hold your hot coffee cup closer. You sigh, “It’s just the-”

“-Philosophy class, I know. I figured as much.” Ahsoka finishes your thought for you as she walks out of the bathroom, her long hair freshly braided into its signature ropes down her back.

You groan as you finish the cup of coffee. “I’ve never failed a class before, what am I supposed to do!?”

“A D+ isn't failing-” Ahsoka starts.

“It might as well be!!” You almost yell in frustration as you set down your mug a little harder than intended and stalk off to your bedroom. The plush Porg that Ahsoka got you for your birthday several years ago sits on your bed as you bury your face in its soft belly.

Ahsoka’s voice follows you into your room and you feel her sit down on the bed next to you.

You lift your face from the large stuffed animal and say in a small voice, “What if they kick me out of my internship?” Your accomplishments have led you to secure a highly coveted internship at the Kamino Lab Co. a few towns over. K.L.C. is world renowned for their advancements in gene pool research and biochemistry and you were thrilled to be accepted.

“Listen Bee,” Her voice is more sympathetic this time and you smile inwardly when she uses your childhood nickname. “You just have to get through this one semester, and then we’re done! Free! Who cares if you don’t get a good grade in one stupid humanities class? Professor What’s-His-Bucket won’t stop you from doing your internship, and if he does so help me I will straight up fucking deck him.”

You sit up smiling, knowing that Ahsoka would 100% keep her promise if it came down to it. “But this isn’t just any Professor, Snips, it’s Professor Kenobi we’re talking about here.”

Professor O. W. Kenobi. Respected head of the Philosophy Department, and a notorious stickler. With an unforgiving grading system and a penchant for assigning essays over holiday weekends, he is certainly an acquired taste. However, longtime students of his adore him and insist that you’ll warm up to his dry humor and passionate lectures.

You can’t stand him.

At the beginning of your senior year at Coruscant University, your academic advisor, Padme Amidala, informed you that you were short two humanities credits needed to meet the requirement for Biology. You groaned and mentally chastised your younger self who always thought; “I'll just do it next year.”

“Padme there are no Humanities classes open, I'll have to take a summer class and miss my internship!”

“Hey now, don’t worry, you won’t miss your internship, I know how important it is to you. I’m sure I can squeeze you in somewhere. Professor Kenobi in the Philosophy Department is a good friend of mine, I’ll see what I can do.”

You were optimistic at first, after all how hard could Philosophy be? It was just thinking about other people thinking, you could make that shit up easily. You believe in things that are real, that have physical attributes and things you can see or observe. That’s why you liked Biology so much, everything had hard, factual evidence to back it up and you knew it was real because you could physically see different cells and organisms.

Philosophy turned out to be a lot harder than you thought. Professor Kenobi singled you out as a skeptic almost immediately and never relented in his analytical breakdown of your beliefs, much to the amusement of the rest of the class. You were so frustrated with him and the whole class that eventually you stopped going altogether. When finals came around it was so far off your radar that you nearly forgot about it until the night before, which resulted in an all night cram session with Ahsoka. You turned in a barely comprehensible essay about the “integral truth of good and evil” or whatever, promptly came home and slept for 12 hours straight. When you got your grade back you were shocked that you had a (barely) passing grade, so much so that you didn’t stop to think about how strange it was when you certainly should have failed.

Now it’s the first day of second semester and you are absolutely dreading showing your face in Professor Kenobi’s class again, especially after last semester’s disaster.

__________________________

Come lunchtime you’re ready to ditch the idea of heading to the class altogether.

Per your tradition, you meet Ahsoka at the local cafe for lunch. Your freshman year the two of you had gotten lost on the way to the dining hall on your first day and somehow wound up here. The owners, Owen and Baru took pity on you and gave you a free cup of coffee each and some directions. Nearly four years later you still go to lunch on your first day every semester. Owen waves to the two of you from behind the counter.

“Ah look who it is, I was wondering when you would show up. I’ll get your coffee ready.”

“Thanks Owen!” Ahsoka calls cheerfully, looking hungrily at the display case of baked goods. You follow her gaze to the fresh muffins and pastries and begin discussing what you’ll order.

A few minutes later Owen comes over with your steaming mugs of fresh coffee, which you gratefully accept. “On the house as usual ladies” he says with a clumsy wink. “I can’t believe this is the last time you take advantage of my hospitality, the two of you alone cost me tens of dollars a year!”

Ahsoka laughs, “oh don't worry you won’t get rid of us that easily! Besides, someone has to keep you in business!”

Owen sighs, and chuckles on his way back to the kitchen. “I’ll have your food ready soon.” he calls over his shoulder.

You and Ahsoka happily reminisce over coffee and pastries, your upcoming Philosophy class far from your mind.

Almost on cue your phone pings. An email. From Professor Kenobi.

You nearly throw your phone at Ahsoka. “What the fuck is this!!!!” you whisper-yell at her.

“Okay calm down, it’s probably just an email to the whole class, relax.” She puts a hand on your arm to ground you before you spiral.

“Yeah. Yeah okay you’re probably right. I’ll just open it to make sure.” You take a breath to recenter yourself and shake your head involuntarily. “Ugh this class is getting to me more than I thought.” You open the email and as soon as you read the first sentence your heart drops to your stomach. In disbelief you read the email aloud to Ahsoka.

Hello there,

Please see me after class today. I have an opportunity for you that may prove beneficial to us both. Glad to see you in my class again!

Prof. Kenobi

Ahsoka’s eyebrows threaten to disappear into her hairline as you finish the email.

Your good mood thoroughly shattered by the email from Professor Kenobi, the two of you spend the rest of lunch dissecting what he could possibly mean. Your philosophy class approaches faster than you want it to and before you know it you have to head out.

“Listen it’s gonna be fine, maybe he just wants to give you some tips for this semester. Either way, I’ll have a bottle of wine and some pizza with your name on it when you get home.”

“Thanks Snips.” You take a deep breath and give her a hug before shouldering your bag and making your way back to campus.

__________________________

By the time you reach the philosophy building you’ve thoroughly psyched yourself up to the point of mumbling comebacks to imaginary arguments with every person you see. Climbing the series of stairs to the building, you’re in the middle of telling someone off for asking about your sour expression,

“Yeah thanks for asking me to elaborate on my already shitty day asshole” you shoot a dirty look at the passerby who had the audacity to look in your general direction. Stewing in your bad mood, you don’t even notice the door opening in front of you.

“Oh, excuse me!” says a slightly accented voice from in front of you, but it was already too late. Your concentration broken after being pulled out of your head so abruptly, you trip over your own feet and go crashing to the ground. Your backpack cushions your fall to a degree but the concrete steps dig into your ribs and upper arm hard, nearly knocking the breath out of you.

“Motherfucker!” you gasp as you clutch your ribs, knowing you’ll have a nasty bruise come tomorrow.

“My, my such language. That won’t be tolerated in my class I’m afraid.” The bemused voice laughs to itself. “Although you were never shy about breaking my rules last semester.” A strong hand presents itself to you with a gentlemanly flourish. “I do feel as though I am partially to blame, do you need a hand?”

You feel heat rush to your face as you realize who you’ve just ran into. Swallowing your pride like a pincushion, you take the hand and come face to face with an extremely smug looking Professor Kenobi. “Sorry, I- um... Sorry, thanks.”

You duck your head and make your way through the door before he can make another sassy comeback. The bathroom seems like an appropriate refuge to compose yourself, and you rush to safety. God, you hate that he has this effect on you. You’ve always had a sharp tongue, throwing out insults and comebacks with ease, never letting anyone get under your skin. But then he seems to take your words right out of your mouth and leave you looking like a fool. It doesn’t help that he always looks immaculate. A freshly pressed button down with the sleeves rolled up, showing off freckly, pale forearms that you have no doubt are stronger than they look, combined with well tailored slacks that hug his ass almost indecently seem to turn your silver tongue into a ball of knots. Bright blue eyes that twinkle with mischief and a tantalizingly fluffy beard make it very difficult to form complete sentences.

You groan and lightly tap your head on the bathroom wall. Yes, Professor Kenobi is undeniably handsome, hot even. Luckily your vehement hatred of him overrides your attraction, but that doesn’t stop your hormones from wreaking havoc in your brain at the most inconvenient times. Like right now, how you’re thinking about how big his hand was, pulling you up with no effort at all and his calloused fingers brushing over yours for just a second too long. He could have easily pulled you in closer to him and-

“No, no, no! Stop it! I do not need this right now!” Standing in front of the mirror you shake your head and try to ignore the arousal that has been slowly pooling in the pit of your stomach ever since you ran into him on the stairs. “Ugh, it’s fine, I’m fine, everything is fine.” You say to your still furiously blushing expression in front of you, who doesn’t look convinced. Not wanting to be late, you shoulder your backpack and steel yourself for what’s to come.

[spencers-dria]

Turn for the Better

Someone To Stay Ch. 1

Spencer x fem!reader

Spencer POV:

I open my eyes and glance around the room. It's darker than I remember. I must have fallen asleep reading on the couch again. I glance down and see a pile of books on the rug. Oh yeah...I only made it through about four books this time before I nodded off. I sigh in frustration that I'm awake. Might as well get up I suppose.

I wander into the kitchen and pull open the fridge only to be met with a jar of peanut butter, week old left overs, and a half empty jug of juice. Next.

I try again with the pantry. Almost completely bare. I guess this is what happens when you stop going to the grocery store. I settle on a cup of apple juice and a bag of chips... better than nothing right?

I slump back down onto the couch and pull my green wool blanket over me. As I stare up at my ceiling, as I begin to let my mind wander. But this was dangerous territory. I have to keep my mind occupied, I just have to. So I quickly sit back up and turn the TV to one of my favorite Dr. Who episodes. They say that anxious people re-watch the same shows because they find the familiarity comforting. I could definitely understand the feeling.

It was the weekend, which meant I wasn't called into work. Cases had been slow lately, as we spent quite a bit of time doing paperwork back at the office. Unfortunately for me, this meant less distractions. Distractions were good. Distractions were necessary. They are the only way I make it through the days anymore.

Things had finally returned to normal for me back at work. I was going into the field, and it felt like my coworkers were no longer tiptoeing around me. I hate when they do that, and it bothers me more than any amount of teasing ever could. I'm not so delicate, so easily breakable. Look at everything I have been through, everything I have endured. Yet here I am, still alive, still doing my job. I didn't need to be babied. So it was a relief when I felt the regular rapport I shared with my friends return. They had gone back to the sarcastic remarks and silly nicknames. I was grateful for it. They did, however, continue to check up on me. This was something that I did appreciate. They've seen me go down a dark road once before. I have no intentions of ever returning. I was stronger than that... I think. All I know is I have held on this long without resorting to any unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Coping mechanisms...oh how I wish I had something to make the healing process easier. Having a fairly empty social calendar left me alone often. Normally I would find comfort in the peace and quiet of my solitary apartment, but not quite so much lately. I couldn't very well make plans to go out, and I wouldn't even know how to begin to do that. Who would want to hang out with me right now anyways? I'd be a damper on the fun, and everyone knows it. That's probably why my friends stopped inviting me to the nights at the bar.

There I go again, letting my mind slip into a dark hole of anxiety. Its not a safe place to be. I quickly turn my attention back to the show in front of me, letting it drown out all other thoughts.

The ring of my phone quickly draws my attention away. Finally...another case! I jump up to answer, seeing the name on my screen: Derek Morgan. That's odd. Usually Hotch or Garcia call to notify us of a new case.

"Hello?" I answer, confusion lacing my voice.

"Pretty Boy! Buzz me up!"

Well now I'm even more confused. Derek never comes to my apartment. I quickly press the button letting him into the building and opening my apartment door, waiting for him to arrive.

As he comes up the stairs, he gives me a grin shouting, "Come on man! Get dressed. We're goin' out!"

I roll my eyes and retreat back into the apartment, Derek close behind me.

I sink back onto the couch, my eyes glued to the television as I tune him out.

"Aw c'mon. Don't be like that. How long have you been sitting there watching TV? Have you done anything else today, at all?"

I don't answer, I don't even look at him.

"Oh, let me guess. You've been reading all day, huh?"

"Wow, can't get anything past you huh?" I say dryly, regretting my tone as soon as the words left my mouth.

"Alright that it. You've been cooped up in here too long. Like I said before, we're going out. And I'm not taking no for an answer" he says sternly, raising an eyebrow at me.

I finally look up at him as I roll my eyes.

"You know I can kick your ass right?" Derek smirks.

"Fine" I concede. "Well...where are we going? I don't know what to wear unless you tell me what our plans are."

"Don't pretend you don't wear the same fancy button ups no matter where you end up going."

I let out a small laugh...he's got me there.

"Dinner at Rossi's. I know pretty boys are high maintenance but, hurry up or you'll make us late!" I smile at the nickname. Same old Derek.

Y/N POV:

You let out a sigh of relief as you watched your coworker approach you, ready to receive report. It had been a particularly busy shift, and you were ready to get some much-needed rest. You walked to each patient room, giving Clementine summary of the day and the latest updates on labs and vital signs. You stepped into each room with her, checking one last time to make sure each of your patients was doing well and didn't need anything else before you left. Normally you and Clem would spend some time catching up and making jokes, but she could tell you were tired and needed to be home more than anything. You wished her good luck on her shift as you made your way to the break room. After putting away your stethoscope and the large collection of pens, pencils, and markers you kept in your pockets, you finally headed towards the elevator to leave for the day.

You opened the door to your apartment to be greeted by your dog, Juneau. She was a rescue you adopted a few months back. She still needed to make progress, but she had really warmed up to you and your friends and seemed much more comfortable in her new home. After feeding her dinner and taking her for a short walk, you heated up a quick frozen dinner and sunk into your couch.  Curling up in your blanket, you spent a few minutes browsing through different streaming services only to land on The Office, as usual.  Your mind drifts to what your next few days might consist off. You just so happened to land 4 days off in a row, but you had no idea how you would spend your time. You glanced down at your phone as it lit up.  It was your Uncle Will.

"Hey, whats up!" you chimed, glad to hear from your favorite uncle.

"Hey, (Y/N). I'm actually calling to invite you to a dinner some friends of mine are having tomorrow night. I know your schedule is real busy. But I haven't seen you much since you moved up here to Virginia! I know you haven't met many people here yet, but I think I can help you make a start. "

The kind gesture made you smile. You had always been fairly close with your father's side of the family. He had grown up in Louisiana and met your mother at a college in Texas. You spent your childhood in Houston but frequently visited the Cajun half of your family. Uncle Will had moved away once he fell in love with Jenifer Jareau, his now wife, and you hadn't seem much of him the past few years. But as luck would have it, your nursing career had lead you to a hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. You felt extremely lucky to have family nearby, or else you would have been completely alone. But sometimes you still felt that way, which is why you were so grateful for his offer.

"That actually sounds great! I am off for the next four days, and I didn't really have anything planned. Who will I be meeting at this dinner?"

"Well it's some of JJ's coworkers. They're like a second family to us, and I know they'll be just as welcoming to you. I already told them you moved up here, and they've been begging to meet you."

"Aww I can't wait to see Aunt JJ and my sweet little cousin, Henry! Its been so long since I came to visit you guys. I think Henry was barely two years old the last time I saw him."

"Well we all hope to see you a lot more now that you're here. You're like a daughter to us, Y/N. You are welcome to visit any time you like. I know nursing is a stressful job, and it can take a toll. Its important to have family and friends around you when things get tough." You could hear that this was a genuine offer and you fully planned to take him up on it in the future. Being alone in a new state was taking its toll.

"So where and when should I plan to meet for dinner?"

"I'll text you the address real quick. Everyone is planning to meet around 6. It shouldn't be too far of a drive. It's one of JJ's coworker's houses. David Rossi. He's a real easygoing guy, and he loves cooking for everyone. He loves meeting new people even more, so you should feel right at home!"

"Sounds like a fun time. Thank you again for thinking to invite me. I'm really looking forward to it!"

"Alright boo, talk to you later."

You smiled at the pet name used by the entire Louisiana side of your family. I guess the north had yet to steal his southern roots. You hung up the phone. You finally had plans. It would be nice to talk to someone who wasn't a coworker.  It would also be your first excuse to dress up since moving and starting your new job. Too excited to wait, you jumped up from the couch and began to rifle through your closet for something to wear. You didn't want to be too over or underdressed. You grabbed a black spaghetti strap fit and flare dress and throw it on with some black panty hose, a lightweight maroon cardigan, and some black heels. You snapped a quick photo in the mirror and shoot a text to Aunt JJ.

Y/N: Apparently I'm joining y'all for dinner tomorrow night...is this too much???

Aunt JJ: I heard! I can't wait!

And oh my goodness, no! You look gorgeous! It will be perfect.

Also...Henry is so excited to see you!

You smiled, more confident in your choice. Aunt JJ had great taste. You had only had the chance to meet her in person a couple times, but the two of you had clicked right away and stayed in touch over text and Facetime. Sometimes she felt more like the sister you never had.

Starting to feel the effects of your particularly difficult shift, you start to get ready for bed. You wanted to be well rested for tomorrow. You say goodnight to Juneau and crawl into bed, snuggled under all the blankets. You fall asleep with a smile on your face, with the feeling that things in your life are about to take a turn for the better. You couldn't explain it...but somehow you just knew.

[watchinglikeafangirl]

Kiss Me Again - first reactions

Out of boredom, I started watching Kiss Me Again also because I've already watched Dark Blue Kiss. I saw many people saying both shows should be seen as two seperable things because some important details got lost on the way of making spin-off.

Let's see how much of a difference there actually is. From what I've heard, Pete is going to be very different. Anyway, here are my first reactions during the watching process:

Episode 1

Oh well, Pete is so different. He's a whole other person here. He's the typical cool guy who just wants to show off but at the same time, he's a bit socially awkward and I love it. This faked boredom and annoyment are only there because he doesn't know what to say when Kao is around and especially when they are alone because the atmosphere is just weird between them. Acting all annoyed is his way of socializing and I like it because I believve we all have weird tactics to try to lighten the mood or find a topic with peopl we don't know. Here, Pete is "annoyed" to look cool but I guess, he does this because he tries to find something they both can agree on and annoyment is the simpliest way. You can easily agree with people on negative emotions concearning a topic, so it's the easiest choice to pretend to be annoyed. What's funny here is that Kao is really not impressed by it and already knows Pete just wants to be cool. I think, Kao just doesn't like Pete in the beginning because he sees Pete is just pretending and is never true. I guess, that's why he will fall for him later, because they will probably have real talks and bonding moments.

Episode 2

Okay, Pete and Kao shared an awkward kiss and now things are even more weird. Here's one difference to the Pete I know from Dark Blue Kiss: he's not honest. Now, whenever Kao wants to address the kiss, Pete gets defensive and aggressive. Yes, it's probably because of his confusion but in Dark Blue Kiss, Pete always addresses everything - even the uncomfortable or negatively loaded topics - but not at this moment.

And also, I know, Pete is not the nicest person at this moment but he is really respectless. After the kiss, he stares into Kao's eyes in surprise, pulls away and then wipes his mouth in disgust more than once. As if Kao's lips and the taste of them are dirt on his lips and that's so disrespectful. Kao is obiously hurt by it and I would be too. Of course, you are allowed to not like a kiss but reacting so disgusted is very harsh.

Episode 3

And now, Pete is bullying Kao by isolating him from the group. He makes the others believe Kao doesn't like them, so he will end up being the king of the group since Kao is not the kind of person who talks about such things and just accepts the circumstances.

The scene between So and Sansuay in the parking lot was obviously not right bahavior on So's part because Sansuay was clearly uncomfortable being pressed against another car. She had no way out and I love the random dude walking by and just checking if she is okay. No romanticizing. Just a statement that this behavior is wrong.

Episode 4

Pete and Kao now claim to be "annoyed" of each other and all the other ones are still left wondering what the real problem is.

But at least, Pete confides to Sandee and confesses he only gets angry because of the kiss. I mean, we as the audience understand him better but I just find Sandee's frustration very amusing. Pete is obviously not realizing his feelings and is just helpless. Sandee is such a mood.

Until now, I really don't like R at all. He is pushing Sanwan around and invades her ersonal space all the time while saying he cares. Dude, if you care, don't force her, don't drag her into your car and especially don't kiss her when she doesn't want to.

Episode 5

Its just my speculation but I'm pretty sure Pete is bisexual because he has an ex-girlfriend (we know of) but seems to be attracted to both gender and he's not the kind of guy who falls for the personality or character of someone. The gender matters to him, I would say. But it's nice to see a bisexual character because mostly shows want to tell me that people are either homo- or heterosexual but there are obviously many other sexualities in between. Living in a gay relationship doesn't mean you define yourself as homosexual, real life doesn't work like that and I like they give us a character who is neither homo- or heterosexual.

What's going on with the men in that show? WHy are there so many red flags? Except for Kao, Mat and Sun, everybody pushes the women around and invades their personal space in a very uncomforting manner. Are they all going to "change"? I don't know if I will be able to believe them...

Episode 6

Mat's mother wants Sanson to "turn her son straight"? Okay, just gonna leave that there because I don't have words how wrong this thought is.

Oh, the scene which I saw many gifs of, happened. But I thought Pete and Kao would spend more time laying in the grass. I though this was a very romantic scene. But it's just a second long. But who cares, their relationship took a next step. They stop fighting and come to some sort of agreement (the agreement being that fighting is pointless). But somehow this scene feels like they broke the ice and finally found peace.

Episode 7

And again, a scene I've seen very often: the hospital. But it's really sweet they all went there because of Pete and wait all together until he can go home. That's real friendship and I think this show portrays their friend group really accurate because they are so natural with each other. They are a bunch of people thrown together who bond over weird fun talks at night and getting home drunk. Even though they are so different, they are loyal and trustworthy. It's heartwarming to see a group of friends be portrayed like this because mostly in shows, the protagonist has one really good friend and just a few people they know but are not very close to. but a group of friends is exactly this and it's rare on TV because showing a whole group bonding is difficult and also because they dynamic is totally different.

Episode 8

Kao (giving me the chills): Mint, even if he doesn't like you back, it doesn't mean you are not good enough. No matter how beautiful you are, no matter how good you try to be to him, if he's not into you, he's not the one for you.

I can't believe So gets away with stealing Sansuay's phone. She will never know it was him. I don't know what to think about him.

Epsiode 9

Sun flirting with Kao over coffee makes me cringe so much right now. This is uncomfortable and not as romantic as Sun may think it is. And then, Kao is scared Sun meant him, this is uncomforting to watch. Also, I really don't think Kao and Sun are a match. It doesn't fit at all and I hope it will be over soon.

What? Wayu wants to rape Sanwan? Did I miss something? How did we get here? I thought this was a warm show for teenagers. Now there's rape? I could deal with the sexual harassment even though that was not fine to watch, but rape? I'm confused how we got there? But of course, R saved her.

Not Mork casually cleaning his gun...

Episode 10

I love the fact Pete and Kao just quietly accept the fact they spend a night together. It happened and they can't change it. They don't even mention it and I'm relieved there's no "don't ever tell anybody" or something. It just happened and that's it. Nothing further to dicuss about it. Also, they made pretty clear already they have certain feelings for each other. The wuestio now is just how they are going to deal with this and if they will be in a relationship.

Kao: I will stop seeing other people when things between us become clearer.

Episode 11

I can't believe they actually address the bullying I mentioned before. Kao is very right when he says Pete needs to earn his trust because of the past. This is just right because you can't forget the past just because of romantic feelings. If you don't address the other person made you feel ad, you won't be able to move on from that and relationships are about trust, so I find this very mature and good for both of them. Pete needs to understand he hurt Kao in the past and can't just change his mind over night and Kao will say yes right away.

A planned engagement? Isn't that a bit old-fashioned? Sanwan and R don't know each other at all and why would their parents decide this for them. It doesn't look like it would be good for family's business or something. This seems so random.

And Wayu tries to rape Sanwan again? How? Why? And what is wrong with Sindee for initializing this? But of course, R saves her again.

Episode 12

Oh Mint. I always had mixed feelings about her and now i know for what reason. Is she fine? Making someone feel bad for leeting her go by threatening she would hurt herself is not healthy or normal or anything. That's a serious matter. No wonder, Pete feels like his life is messed up and is extremely stressed about it. And then, Mint woders why he's not comfortable at all and doens't see Pete just let her stay out of fear her threat might be the truth. Because he's a nice person. But Mint is just crazy and plays mind games.

I've never seen a drunk kiss be that cute and meaningful. They are just pure. Now, I really know why people love Pete and Kao so much. I already fell in love with their dynamic in Dark Blue Kiss but seeing the beginnings of their relationship tops that. This script is too good. They both know, the kiss meant a lot and I like they are way past the regretment state. Or at least, they don't regret the kiss. They regret they are not in a relationship which makes the atmosphere afterwards more sad and hurt. Again, they are so mature about this.

Mint took a picture? I can't with this woman.

Episode 13

Why did tehy not report Wayu? They are covering up a crime. And Sanwan doesn't seem to be traumatized which makes me wonder a lot. She is more than fine and I'm not buying Wanyu's apology at all.

And now Mint send the picture to Pete's dad. Does she have no shame? It's not her right to out Pete. That's a thing between Pete, his dad and Kao. Mint has and nothing to do with it and shouldn't have ever. She took Pete's power away by letting his dad now. Things were in Pete's hands and I hope Pete will tell mint very clearly she had no right to do that and her behavior is wrong.

Wow, Pat has guts. Telling your best friend you like them even though you know they don'yt like you is very brave. I love Mat being so cool with it because it's obviously a hard moment for Pat to outlive.

Episode 14

I love Pete's dad. They both were so scared but he doesn't say anything and I like what he says. He talks with them like they are adults (which they are) and doesn't talk to them like they are kids who don't know anything. They don't need to be lectured by their parents. They are adults already and make their own life decisions. I like very much he has this calm talk with them and then drops the topic.

Sanson being the first to confess fits very good because mAt is alway the wuieter one of them. This scene is so bittersweet and Sanson is so vulnerable, it hurts my heart. If it stays like this, then it would be a strong statement of the show because not everything works out in the end. You can try, you can ask, but in the end, maybe your efforts were all for nothing.

Finally, Pete calls Mint out. But he forgives her?... But at least, he doesn't want to be her friend any more.

Of corse we have happy endings all over the place.

[fangirlings-things]

He's just too much — Part. 3

A/N: hey guuuys, thank you for all the positive feedback on the previous chapter and I'm sorry for the waiting, but here I am finally with chapter 3!!! I'm thinking about doing a final part 4 so, as usual, let me know what you think

Pairings: Michael Gray x reader

Warnings: a few curse words, mentions of smut

Summary: Michael Gray is just too much for (Y/N) to not fall in love with him

Word count: 1913

Part. 1 Part.2 Part. 4

"Here" Tommy poured a glass of whiskey and gave it to you, watching with his eyebrows raised while you drank all the liquid in a matter of seconds and returned the glass to him, to be filled again, not even flinching by the strong taste. "Wanna tell me what's going on, (Y/N)?" the dark haired then asked, turning around to refill your drink. 

"I'm fucking stupid, that's what's going on" you said with your eyes fixed on the floor, while passing your fingers on the arm of the chair you had seated on as soon as you both had walked into that room of his house and he closed the door behind you two. 

Tommy sighted, then turned around and gave you the glass of whiskey again. While he saw you take this time only a sip, he knealed in front of you so that your eyes were on the same height. He inspected your face little by little, searching for the answers he wanted there, because he most times sucessed using that strategy. He knew you extremely well; maybe more than anyone else. You realized what he was thinking by the narrowing of his eyes and sighting, you tried to force a smile for him. 

"Everything's fine, Tommy. No need to worry about" you said, trying to hide your lie by taking another sip from the whiskey that had been burning your throat. It still burned less than the words that left your mouth during your argument with Michael. Suddenly you wondered what he had done. Was he still in the corridor you and Tommy had left him? Did he got back to the party and to that blonde girl? It was better, if you didn't knew. 

"You were crying, (Y/N). You never cry in public. And I always worry about you" he stated, touching your face with his right hand softly and you couldn't help but lean in to that touch that was always so comfortable. "It's something about Michael, isn't it?" he asked, and you felt your heart skip a beat on your chest. He noticed the shocking in your expression, then got up and walked to the chair that was in front of yours. Sitting down, he gave you a little smirk. "By the way you were arguing, anyone could see that you two had unfinished business"

"Great, I ruined your event with my screaming" you said before finishing the content of your glass again. Embarrassment took a hold of you, as well as guilt. Tommy had worked so hard for making that happen and you threw his work in the trash. 

"You didn't, it's everything ok. Polly is hosting the whole thing while I'm with you" he said and you felt relief fill every inch of you. You had ruined your night while screaming like that, not Tommy's. "And I think that deep down, the guests were kinda expecting a scene like that. After all..." 

"We are the Peaky fucking Blinders" you completed his phrase and he gave you a nod in agreement. You both set in there quietly for a few minutes that seemed like hours and after giving it some thought you realized that after all Tommy, was your best friend. He was the one you always could talk to about anything and everything. You loved him and if you lost him someday, it would break you so hard that you doubted that you would ever be able to rebuild. Saying to yourself that you owned him some explanation, you decided to tell him the truth. "You're right. About Michael. He's the reason I was... crying"

"Did he hurt you?" Tommy's voice was low and controled, but the threat behind it could easily be noticed. 

"Yes" you said with a laugh empty of any humor, playing distractedly with the glass that was still in your hands. You saw the way Tommy's expression had gotten immediately dangerous and you took a deep breath. "I mean, he didn't. Not physically anyway" getting up, you walked to the wooden stable that was on the center of the room and put the glass upon it. You heard footsteps and when you turned around, you saw the black haired man staring at you completely serious. 

"(Y/N) you have five minutes to tell me exactly what happened before I go downstairs and beat the shit out of Michael" he stated firmly and as much as you were angry at Michael and wanted him to feel some of the pain he had caused you, you knew that it wouldn't be fair to do that. 

"I like him, okay?" you said hesitantly, staring at Tommy who didn't move or said anything. You frowered your forehead at him. "You're not surprised?" 

"Your not as difficult to read as you think, (Y/N). For quite some time I have been noticing the way you acted around him; how you fancied the guy" Tommy admitted, and you felt ridiculous. It must have looked like you were completely stupid for liking someone who didn't gave a shit about you. You wished that no one else had noticed. 

"Well, even if the whole fucking neighborhood knew about how I felt, Michael didn't. He never realized, I guess anyway. So when I went to talk to Polly the other day about some advice..."

"You asked the mother of the guy you like for advice?" Tommy raised his eyebrows, momentarily seeming to forget the seriousness of the conversation and looking confused. 

"Don't judge me, I was desperate!" you replied, feeling extremely uncomfortable in your dress, like it was suffocating you. Add this with your hurt and anger, you almost wanted to rip out your own skin. "This stupid shit!" you screamed losing control and started taking off the dress angrily. 

"Ahn... (Y/N)?" Tommy kept his eyebrows raised, watching as you got completely out of of your dress and threw it away with your left hand. 

"What?" you putted your hands on your hips, now wearing only a bra and panties along with your high heels. Out of that black piece of clothing, you already felt better. Your mental state must have scared Tommy, because he didn't say more. And the fact that your relationship was so strong and genuine, didn't even made you bother about being almost naked in front of him. "Look Tommy, not much happened. Polly wasn't there in that night. Michael was. He kissed me and then left. And today, he kissed a rich blonde girl and I got pissed so that's why I was crying"

"Have you tried to speak to him?" Tommy seemed less stressed now, that he knew that Michael's actions weren't perverted or evil towards you. 

"What you saw down there is our way of trying to speak" you said sadly, because you knew that Tommy was right. The attempts of talking to each other normally had gone extremely wrong and if you guys could get to an agreement, to an understatement about not interfering in each other's lives anymore, maybe you both could move on. Even if you secretly didn't want to. 

"It'll be ok, little one. I promise" Tommy's voice was gentle and you were able to smile after hearing those words. 

"You know you can't promise me that. But thanks anyway, Tommy" you saw him looking back at you with a smile too on his lips and when a cold breeze entered the room through the nearest open window, you shivered. "Give me your suit"

"I knew you would ask me that" he laughed and then took off his suit, putting it on your shoulders next. Instantly, you felt warmer and safer. "I'll tell the maids to arrange a room for you to spend the night, ok?" you nodded and then after hugging you tightly for a minute he left, closing the door behind him. 

Alone for the first time since your argument with Michael, you thought about your words. His words. The hurt in his face. The sadness you thought that took a hold of your own features. In a twisted way, you had liked the fact that you two actually talked. Or tried to before starting to yelling. If things were more simple, you maybe could have a chance. Maybe. 

You were practically asleep when you heard knocking on the front door of your apartment. Even though it could be a strange thing to someone to be at your door on the middle of the night, it had happened before. Maybe Arthur had gotten drunk and your place was the nearest he could get to before passing out or maybe, Jon had a fight with Esme and wanted to crash in your home for the night. 

Wondering what of those things would be the one, you got up from your bed and walked to the front door wearing only your nightshirt. You opened the door and your eyes instantly widened when you saw Michael Gray standing on the corridor of the building, his eyes immediately fixing on your eyes. 

It had been five days since the whole argument in Tommy's house and since then, you hadn't seen each other. You took those days to think, to set your head in place and try to assimilate the fact that you wouldn't have him because he didn't want you. Simple as that. But now he was at your door, and all the emotions came rushing back like a hurricane. 

"What do you want?" your voice got out harsh, and your hand was gripping at the door firmly. You felt tempted to just shut it right on his face. His stupid beautiful face. You held back that urge though, accepting the possibility that he could be there for bussiness. 

"We need to talk" he replied, jaw clenched. The shadow of frustration could be seen on his features and it got you intrigued. 

"About?" you questioned, raising your eyebrows at him with that same harsh tone on your voice. 

"Don't play dumb, (Y/N). We need to speak about... us" he hesitated but completed his statement, taking his eyes out of you for only a second before turning them back at you. 

You couldn't help. You laughed. A genuine loud laugh that made him blush from embarrassment and something else. As soon as you were able to stop laughing, you gave him a serious look. "There is no us, Michael. And it's fun that in less than a week I got from bitch to dumb. Think I'm making progress on your raking" and with that you tried to close the door, but he pushed it with his hand and gave you the most fierce look he ever did. 

"Don't you close this door. We need to speak" he held it open. There were so many emotions expressed on his face at the same time that you couldn't even identify them. 

"What do you wanna say? You're planning on telling me how you fucked that blonde after the event? How she's perfect for you?" the irony was clear in your words and that made him lost control. 

With a hard push he opened completely the door and then got in your apartment, shutting it with a kick of his right foot. The door bang and you took a deep breath as he walked in your direction and stopped millimeters away. His breath on your face was hot and his smell of cigarettes and cologne never seemed so dangerous and so good.

"Now, we are going to talk"

[milknette]

day 03 - time travel

this time we had, i will hold forever.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

BUNNYX warns him that he shouldn't stay for too long.

It's a simple mission, after all— get in, ensure Master Fu meets Marinette that day on the street, and him outside the school, and that the two of them receive their Miraculous. All he really has to do is maybe put up a roadblock or a stop sign, but he can't find it in himself to leave so soon.

Instead, Adrien Agreste walks toward the Dupain-Cheng bakery.

"What are you doing?" Bunnyx's voice rings in his ear— a telepathic talent she'd developed over years of training in costume (and one that he personally finds quite irritating).

"Calm down," he replies instead. "This is all part of the plan."

"No, Chat, the plan is that you get Master Fu to the bakery. Not you." She sighs, and her voice shifts to a softer tone. "Look, Adrien, I know you want to see her but you can't do this. It's too dangerous."

Adrien's eyes shift downward, and he takes a deep breath in. "I won't do anything," he says. "I swear. Besides, I know for a fact that she won't be there yet." He laughs softly to himself. "It's too early; she'll still be asleep."

"But we can't take that risk. What if her parents recognize you?"

"It's been almost fifteen years, Alix. I doubt they'll recognize me now. And at this point in time, I haven't even met them yet." Adrien tips his shades downward, and shifts the tie along his black trenchcoat. "I'm disguised, too. Trust me, I just need to order something to get this plan moving, okay?"

He hears her sigh, audibly exhausted, but she caves. "Fine," Bunnyx finally says. "Just be quick, alright? And no small talk either." Her voice quiets down. "This is important. Please don't do anything to jeopardize this."

"Thank you," Adrien replies. There's still a lot of things left unsaid, things that hang heavily in the air, but they choose to ignore it.

Now isn't the time.

He enters the bakery.

.

.

It's the smell that hits him first—

That unique blend of scents from freshly-baked goods and sweets that waft pleasantly across the room. Sure, the bakery still stands years into the future (something he's always been thankful), but there's something new and at the same time nostalgic about entering the place it was years before.

And he sees them: a small, tout, woman lightheartedly berating her husband, an almost-gigantic man who would've been intimidating if not for his kind smile and altogether too-sweet demeanour.

Adrien's mind flashes back to a few years later, with him bowing down to them, nervously asking for their blessing to have their daughter's hand in marriage.

Being held in the token Dupain-Cheng family hug.

His mind's distracted as a familiar voice rings through the store: "Well hello there, what can I get for you today?"

"Ah," he coughs. "I'll take anything you recommend. I'm not really in the mood for anything specific."

The small lady nods as she looks along the shelf of goods, before retrieving a single tray of macarons from the fridge. They're bright pink, and he recognizes them as soon as they enter his sight.

They're hers. She made them.

"Now these aren't actually our creations, but our daughter, who's extremely talented at great at baking, is—,"

"No need," he replies, quickly retrieving his wallet. "I'll take it."

(It takes a few minutes for him to retrieve bills that were still used in the period he was in, but he does have enough.)

"Great! Then I'll get that right out for you." She smiles brightly. "Will you be eating it on the way out?"

"Yes, thanks Miss Dupain-Cheng."

As soon as the statement escapes his mouth, they both pause in surprise— Adrien, even more so. "I mean, that is you, right? Since this is the Dupain-Cheng bakery…"

To his relief, the adult woman simply smiles at him. "You're right. I'm Sabine," she replies. "And this is a family-owned business. You've heard of us, then?"

Adrien scratches his head. "I've heard that your family makes the best sweets in all of Paris."

Sabine laughs. "Well, I don't know about that." She says easily, before winking. "But I'm glad someone seems to enjoy our food to that level."

He nods along absentmindedly. "So even your daughter bakes, then? That must be great."

"It is!" Sabine replies, softly humming along as she carefully reheats the macaron. "She helps out sometimes— that is, if she wakes up on time." The parent laughs to herself, suddenly looks at him, then wonders aloud. "Do you have kids?"

Adrien smiles back at her, though it's a little less genuine. "I wish I could've been so lucky, but no, unfortunately."

"Oh," Sabine replies, sympathetic. "Sorry if I was intruding."

"No, no," Adrien's quick to reply. "It's okay! I did want kids— me and my wife, but we were never blessed with them."

"Well," Sabine hums. "It's not too late to keep trying! Marinette… my daughter, she was a little surprise to our family. Our little miracle."

Hearing her name escape her mother's lips is a little too much to handle.

A flash of her father, oftentimes towering, hunched downward, head buried in his hands, never looking smaller than he'd ever been then. Her mother's aghast face, kneeling beside him, holding onto his frame like it was the end of the world.

(And maybe it was. He felt like it was. They all did.)

Adrien swallows down the sudden rush of emotion, and instead plasters on a happy expression. "I'd love to try again. It's everything we ever wanted."

"Then I wish both of you luck." Sabine smiles, kind, full of good intent, as she passes him two macarons— one ready-to-eat, and the other neatly tied into a box. "For your wife," she winks. "I hope you'll come again."

Adrien smiles, again, and whispers, "thanks," before immediately walking away.

Bunnyx was right, after all. It was too much.

.

.

After his visit at the Dupain-Cheng bakery, Adrien immediately makes his way to Master Fu.

The experience is a whole other mess of emotions— he wonders if it's because he's been thrown so far into the past, but the memory of their guardian sacrificing himself to save them becomes a fresh wound, and he actively has to shake off the feeling.

He doesn't introduce himself, of course; it's too risky, but he finds a way to catch the older man's attention.

With Marinette's macarons.

(Even now, she still finds a way to help him. It's a strange feeling, like she's right there, working with him to complete the mission together.)

As Master Fu steps outside his shop, Adrien strategically walks past, bumping into him as they both tumble into the ground; dropping the macaron box as near as he can to the guardian.

"I'm so sorry!"

"Please don't worry, it's okay." Master Fu's quick to respond— quite agile for his age, and easily picks himself back up. He bends down and picks up the box, offering it to the younger male. "Here, I believe this is yours?"

"Oh, thank you so much," Adrien replies, taking it into his hand. "The Dupain-Cheng's have the best sweets in town; it'd be a waste if they were ruined."

"The Dupain-Chengs…." Master Fu hums, leaning over his cane as if in thought. "That's the bakery in Rue Gotlib, is it?"

"Yes, I love what they make there," Adrien continues, as if hooking in bait. "It tastes delicious—," then, as if in thought, he suddenly returns the box. "Please, try some."

"No, that's alright…"

"I insist," Adrien presses on. "Take it as my apology for bumping into you."

"Well, I'm not one to say no to a free meal," Master Fu laughs, then pops the macaron into his mouth in one gulp. His face lights up almost immediately. "That is lovely! And they're currently open?"

Adrien smiles. This was child's play. "Yes, just got these fresh off the oven earlier today." Then, he drops the hint. "These macarons are actually made by the family's daughter— she seems really sweet, and talented too."

"A daughter, hm?" Master Fu looks deep in thought, then nods to himself. "Then, maybe I should order a box for myself. Thank you, sir…"

"Just a friendly stranger passing by," Adrien finishes on for him. Master Fu nods in understanding. (If anything, he was the expert on secret identities, after all.)

"Maybe you'll allow me to treat you some time? I'm sure that macaron was meant for someone else."

"Maybe in the future," Adrien responds, still smiling at him. "And it's completely okay— I don't think she could've eaten them, anyway."

At that, he excuses himself, making up some half-baked excuse about having somewhere else to be.

Adrien doesn't really remember.

His heart feels heavy and it's becoming so much more than he can handle.

He doesn't belong here.

Not anymore.

.

.

The next, and final, task involves much less talking— simply needing to follow Master Fu around and ensure that the Miraculous end up in their hands.

Adrien's relieved to find that he doesn't have to do much to get his own Miraculous, seeing the guardian quickly end up at their school after finding out about Marinette.

He watches with slight awe as the younger him helps Master Fu without a moment's notice, with his expression souring as he's escorted back into the limousine.

Things were never easy back then. (They never got easier even after he was 'free'— but Marinette always had a way of making things seem much better than they were. She always knew what to say.)

As soon as the Younger Adrien leaves, Bunnyx's voice rings in his ear. "Good job, Chat. Now it's time to go."

"Wait."

"What do you mean wait, it's done. The Miraculous are in the right hands. You need to go."

"Wait."

His voice is soft, almost too quiet to be heard, but it's so set and determined that even Bunnyx pauses in her tracks.

Then: "I just want to see one thing."

"Adrien, you know I can't…"

"Please." He whispers it, but she can hear the crack in his voice. Hear the crack in his heart. "I just want to see her."

Bunnyx sighs.

"How long do you need?"

"Just give me the end of the day."

.

.

Adrien spends the rest of the afternoon walking around Paris.

It's strange, being somewhere so familiar yet unfamiliar, somewhere so new yet so nostalgic, all at the same time. He decides to stay away from the school and all the places he knows she'll be, simply because he's not ready.

Not yet.

Just a few more hours.

.

.

It's raining.

Adrien watches from outside, as the dark clouds serve well to cover his grown frame. Students are walking outside as the bell signals the end of classes for the day, and he waits.

He waits until they slowly fill out until only two people are left in the entire school building.

He's not sure if he's ready for this.

She walks out of the building.

He knows he's not ready for this.

Adrien almost slips over the concrete. It feels like the wind's knocked out of his lungs; seeing her all over again, he can't help but gasp for air. She was right there. Standing plainly like there wasn't anything wrong in the world.

Like she hadn't destroyed his own.

He has to stop himself from running to her. From confirming for himself that she isn't fake; not another figment of his imagination coming to haunt him after months of nightmares and night terrors.

Instead, he breathes in.

And he waits, as a Younger Him walks next to her.

Adrien's not close enough to hear their exchange, but it doesn't matter because he already knows those words by heart. Their first conversation forever carved into his memory as the first time he ever spoke with his soulmate.

He watches as his younger self extends his hand to give her umbrella, and how she reaches out to take it.

"You know, I felt something when our hands touched," Adrien begins, fully aware that Bunnyx was watching the whole spectacle from her burrow. "I just… I didn't know what it was yet. It was a new feeling… but I know my body knew before my mind did: that I had met my soulmate."

He laughs as the umbrella closes over Marinette's head.

"Apparently that was when she fell in love with me." Adrien continues, smiling forlornly. "Can you believe that? No normal person would fall in love with someone that quickly. We spoke less than a hundred words to each other. And we just��met."

He pauses, watching as the Younger Him drives away, and as Tikki flies out from Marinette's bag to speak with her.

"But I think subconsciously, she knew too. That we were meant-to-be. That I loved her, and that she loved me. We just didn't know it at the time… not yet."

The tear rolls down Adrien's face before he can stop it.

Then they don't stop at all.

A torrent of tears, unstoppable. He can't breathe. He can't speak. He can't stand. He exhales deeply, and desperately tries to rub away the sadness. The grief. The loss.

Adrien only realizes he's no longer in the past when Bunnyx's arms wrap around his body.

He feels lost.

And Marinette's no longer there to guide him.

.

.

Adrien kneels down onto the soil, and sets down a bouquet of flowers.

He lights a candle— scented, sweet, and lays it on the grass.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

"I miss you."

Beloved friend, daughter, and wife.

"I love you."

Our Everyday Ladybug.

"I'll never forget you."

May she rest in peace.

"Goodbye."

[btsrmono]

Trial & Error | chapter 1.

A/N: hey guys ik this is really random for my page but i got bored lol pls enjoy?? 

Main Pairing: (jimin): student/idol x (main): foreign student

Side Pairs: main x taehyung,, main x (nct) jaehyun 

CHAPTER 1

"I still can't believe you're moving."

 You sighed, leaning your head on your boyfriend's shoulder. "Don't remind me."

 It had been a month since your parents had told you about the big move and school would be starting the next week, which is when you'd be moving.

  Ryan lied his hand on your thigh as he squeezed it a bit. "I was thinking, you know," he started, "since you're moving and all... y/n, don't you think it'd be better if we--"

  You already knew where this was going. "Break up?" you finished for him. He didn't say anything, causing you to chuckle a bit. "It's alright," you told him. "I've been thinking the same thing."

 "You have?"

  You took your head off of his shoulder, looking him in the eyes. "Yeah. I mean, it only makes sense, right? What would be the purpose of staying together?" You gave him a small smile of which he returned. You and Ryan had only been together for 5 months, not really making it a big deal.

"You know I care about you, right?"

"Yes," you confirmed. "Same goes here. Just because we're 'ending this', doesn't mean we're ending us. I'll still keep in contact with you and check up here and there."

 Smiling at you, he stuck his pinky finger out. "Promise?"

 You quickly interlocked your pinky with his. "Promise."

                                                              ~~

  Turns out, saying your goodbyes to your friends wasn't the hard part. You already knew this was going to be a problem but you had been in Korea for over two hours and still had yet to find someone that spoke English. You guys began to settle in your apartment with the help of moving guys, and you had decided that you wanted to take a look around, maybe buy a snack.

  Little to no avail, you couldn't find many American snacks like you were expecting to, and when you did, they surely didn't taste the same. Anyway, you was trying to make your way back to your new home when you realized you didn't know where you were going. Google Maps was acting up, and you were too afraid to attempt the Korean you actually did know with local natives. Therefore, you tried to ask, using as much broken English as you could to make it simple on them. However, they weren't very helpful but at least they all seemed nice. You thought maybe if you made one more attempt, you could have hit the jackpot. "Uh, excuse me sir."

The older man stopped in his tracks and stared at you. "Uh... Yes?" He asked, sounding quite nervous.

Right then and there, just from his tone, you knew he wasn't going to be much useful. You politely smiled. "Never mind." You bowed and he went on with his day. Ugh, why were you so scared to speak Korean. You were actually pretty good at it at some point due to your childhood best friend, Shi Ah. Practically her sister, you two were around each other all the time and you easily picked up the language. It was fun because you guys would always say things about people with them right there without them knowing what you two were speaking about.

 But, unfortunately, Shi Ah had to move to China Freshman year due to a job opportunity for her journalist parents. The goodbye was extremely hard but you both eventually moved on, you becoming best friends with Mariana and Riley, her doing God knows what. You even fell out of touch so you had no idea what she’d been up to the past few years. It was sad but it quickly became your new normal.

 Anyway, you knew, eventually you were going to have to get over your fear of speaking Korean but until then, you sighed and took in the scenery surrounding you to see if anything looked familiar, but nope. You stood there, deciding that maybe it was time to call a parent. As you went to dial your moms number, you suddenly become very distracted.

"Lost?" you heard a voice say.

You looked up from your phone to the girl that now stood in front of you. "You speak English?" you stupidly asked. The girl laughed. "I'm sorry," you apologized, realizing how rude you probably sounded.

"Don't be, it's understandable. What can I help you with though?" The girl was really pretty. She had perfect skin with long blonde hair and bangs that made her wide eyes stand out.

You let out a breath, looking down at your phone. "I need help getting back home."

She giggled. "Already? Come on." She then proceed to walk ahead of you as you, confusingly, followed.

"But wait, you haven't even asked where I live."

"Its alright, we're in the same neighborhood. I saw you earlier," she explained. It then made sense. However, you had not seen her. The girl was gorgeous, you must admit, so you would have remembered seeing her.

"So we're neighbors," you stated.

"Yup."

"What's your name?"

Still walking, she looked back at you and smiled. "Jinsoul. But my English speaking friends call me Zoè. Say which ever you'd like."

You nodded, repeating her name in your head a few times. A habit you picked up in order to remember people’s names. 

"And you?" she asked.

"Y/n."

"That’s pretty," she complemented you. “It’ll be hard to forget.”

Only a short block later, you guys were back into the neighborhood. "Thank you so much," you said as you began to reach your doorstep. "I owe you." 

 After exchanging numbers, she informed you that she only lived a corner away from you and that if you ever needed anything, you could just ask.

______

 The next day, you were starting school. You walked around the corner and saw your mom in the kitchen cooking breakfast. You knew that your Dad didn't leave the house until 9 am. "Morning, Mom," you greeted her.

She turned away from the pancakes she was in the middle of making and smiled at you. "Y/n! Morning baby, are you excited for school?"

 You shrugged your shoulders while smirking as you placed your back pack on the kitchen island table. "I guess. I don't really know what to expect though."

"Well if there's any advice I can give you, it's : Don't stress. Seriously, it'll make everything go wrong."

Instead of a reply, you sighed, still feeling sleepy. "Why are you up so early?" you asked her.

She then proceeded back to making the pancakes. "For you."

"Oh no, you didn't need to do that, Mom. I'm about to leave out."

She looked at you with a confused expression on her face. "Well then what are you going to eat?"

"There's a store around the block, I was just gonna grab a quick snack and head to the school early."

"Early?" she wondered.

You shook your head. "Yup. Want to get my schedule 100 percent accurate and get a mini tour of the building before it gets too crowded." Your mom kind of smirked, looking at you from the side of her eyes. You giggled. "What?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing, it's just nice seeing you be responsible and positive on the first day. I know you didn't exactly picture your senior year to go this way but I just want you to make the best of it and I think you're off to a good start so far, sweetie."

You smiled. She was right, you guess. You did feel very out of place but not in a bad way exactly. You'd rather be home but you weren’t. You were in Seoul, South Korea and what would you be able to do about it? Nothing. So why not do what you can and make it a good experience rather than a negative?

She then turned the stove off and fully looked at you. "Get going. Have a nice day of school!"

As soon as you left the apartment building, you saw the girl from the day before walking in your direction. She beamed widely at your appearance. "Y/n!" she yelled.

You gave her a gentle smile, waiting for her to catch up with you. Once she did, you both continued walking together. "You look nice for your first day."

"Thanks, you look nice too!"

You started to think that she was also going to the store. So you both walked in silence for a little bit until you arrived there. The bell dinged on the door as she opened it. The older cashier man looked at you strangely. She noticed this. "Don't mind him," she said. "He does this to everyone."

You shook your head understandingly. "Okay."

She went over to the fridge section and grabbed banana milk, as did you, then a pack of peanuts and you went up to pay for your stuff while she was still looking. Once she was done, you two stepped back out into the hot heat. Only a few moments later, a group of three good looking guys showed up, talking amongst themselves as they headed to school as well in their uniforms. This made you believe you were getting closer to the bus stop.

On the side of you, you heard Jinsoul let out a slight laugh, making you turn to her. She was looking at the boys. Next thing you knew, they were looking back at her and walking over towards you guys. "A-are they coming over here?" you stuttered.

"Looks like it," she replied cooley, a small smirk glued to her face.

You quickly gave your hair a little fix as you both suddenly stopped walking, waiting for the boys to join.

"Yah, Jinsoul!", one of them said. He continued to speak in Korean as you zoned out, worried about if they would try to speak to you too. Sooner or later, you heard your name being said by Jinsoul and the boys all kind of glanced your way, throwing you off track. 

They eventually turned their attention back to Jinsoul, continuing their conversation. All except the one boy, whom was the most adorable of them all. He blankly stared at you, his eyes even squinting a bit.

You shifted one foot to the other as you looked down at the pavement, slightly uncomfortable with this. You then heard him laugh and when you looked back up, he was smiling at you. You nervously smiled back before he finally went back to paying attention to Jinsoul. They spoke in some more Korean.

After a good minute or two passed, you heard them saying goodbye, the cutest one being the only one to wave at you. Once they were out of ear shot, you turned to Jinsoul. "Uh, Jinsoul?"

"Hm?" she wondered, nonchalantly.

"Who were they?"

She laughed loudly before covering her mouth quickly. "Really?" she asked. "You really don't know who they are?"

Of course you didn't know who they were, why was she expecting you to? You tilted your head slightly. "I mean, I'm not from here," you explained.

"True." She began to walk again, you following. "They're all idols."

"Idols?" you wondered. "As in?"

"As in 'famous', y/n."

 You slightly hesitated, letting this new profound information soak into your brain. "Famous as in?"

"They sing. Dance. Rap. They're idols. K-pop idols."

You knew of K-pop, you looked it up upon arriving to Seoul but were no expert at it and of course the only people you ever even slightly heard of were Psy, Exo and Got7. Other than that, you were completely ignorant to the Korean pop industry. "Are they all in the same group?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Two of them are. The other one, aka, my friend, is still a trainee, which means he hasn't debuted yet but he's training to."

"Interesting." You walked a few more seconds in silence until you absolutely had to ask their names. Specifically for the one guy.

She deviously smiled, already knowing what was up your sleeve. "I see what you're doing," she stated. "But if you insist. My friend's name is Bae Joon Young. We call him Jacob. The other one is Kim Taehyung and the one that you seem interested in is Park Jimin."

"Jimin," you repeated. "But wait. If they're all famous, why were they in uniform to go to school?"

"Because they have to," she told you. "They all made an agreement that if they ever dropped out of school, they are eligible to be dropped from their company. Plus Taehyung and Jimin just debuted so they have to listen to their company right now. It's a pretty logical idea if I do say so myself."

You guys finally arrived at the bus stop and she explained to you what you would do after being released at the first stop. You both went to different schools. While you went to a Foreign school, she attended a performing arts school with a ton of other inspiring and/or famous people.

Of course you saw the boys again at the bus stop but they did not bother you guys this time, instead, they met up with their other friends that were also at the bus stop. The bus eventually pulled up around 7:30am and everyone got on board. Since both schools were basically right across from each other, all students got off at the same spot too. The only difference is that you and about two other students had to walk an extra block before actually getting to the International school. Once you finally arrived there, you took a deep breath and headed inside.

A/N: Bruh, I’m sorry this chapter was so BORING but it was the 1st. It should get a lil more interesting moving forward since we got most introductions out of the way. More Jimin to come next chapter! 

ALSO: I’ll be putting a gif of a main character each chapter at the end! For this chapter, we have Jinsoul, the friendly neighbor and school bus buddy! 

STAY TUNED

PART 2