#Mermaid grump

[astronomergrump]

Mergrumps

Tbh idk how truly far evolution would go or even if grumpuses could slowly evolve into mergrumps but it's a nice idea. Personally with how lore goes in mine and @axel-n0thing au, it can work out. Since there's already vampires, ghosts, beasts, ect ect.

But their names r Spikey and Oysteria

[tomatoart]

beach episode 🦇🪼

[felix-floyd]

(Day 45 of a Dan pic/lyric every day)

"’HEY, DO YOU WANT PIZZA?!’ I screamed loud as shit, then I grabbed a whole pizza, threw the fuck out of it. It soared through the air like some pizza-ass doves. Now marvel and witness the glory of love.”

- Courtship of the Mermaid, Cool Patrol

[jesseevelann]

Game Grumps: Ten Minute Power Hour - Playing DARE UNO with our own RULES (ft. RubberNinja)

[psychedelic-ink]

𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯 𝑬𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑮𝑯

pairing: dieter bravo x actress!reader x bodyguard!joel miller

genre: super duper explicit smut, actress & bodyguard au, minors dni

word count: 4.5k

summary: an afterparty, weed, drinks, a grumpy bodyguard, and an eccentric actor. What can go wrong?

warnings: mlm dynamics, threesome, blossoming feelings, messy two-person blowjob, piv, polyamorous, dieter has a praise kink, hair pulling, bdsm dynamics, high sex, getting high, this is an au where sarah was never conceived sorry, petnames all around (good boy/girl, sweetheart, darlin, honey), guidance kink, handjob, implied age gap reader being the youngest and joel being the oldest

a/n: you voted and here it is! This can be considered as a continuation of the drabble I wrote but you don't need to read that in order to read this. It just takes place in the same universe. enjoy! If you want to see more adventures of bodyguard!joel and actress!reader feel free to send requests xx

Joel is a grump. 

He knows this. Everyone does. He’s been called many things before in this industry: unkind, an asshole, a fucker, a bummer, a grumpy old man. But despite all the negative feedback, he’s never been out of a job. When it comes to feeling safe and secure, everyone realizes that pleasantries aren't really a priority. After a while, he learned to let those remarks bounce off of him. It’s not that he doesn’t enjoy having fun; it’s the fact that this industry is riddled with slimy, untrustworthy characters. You could be happily sharing a drink one moment, and the next you could find your drunken words being sold off to the highest bidder. He has a lot of stories, some of which he wishes he could forget about.

However, he's not a kid. Far from it, actually. So he also knows that not everyone fits the bill of assholery. He's met some nice people, worked for them, and thanks to those nice people, he met you— one of the biggest rising stars of your generation. You're actually quite kind— albeit a bit of a brat, but he's starting to realize that side of you might be reserved only for him. Most impressively, you've managed to knit yourself a loving, supportive circle. He met your family once and has a sneaking suspicion they had something to do with your good manners.

Family. He misses his. Tommy still lived in Austin, running a not-so-shabby bar. 

Joel used to pride himself on not getting involved in his clients' affairs, but with you, that proved difficult.

A sea of people crashes into him, pushing him in the opposite direction of where he's trying to go. These Hollywood parties, they're always the same - loud music, annoying lights, and foaming glitter always coming from somewhere. He catches a whiff of champagne and strawberries. Rolling his eyes, he helps a director he barely knows who stumbles and nearly collapses on the shiny marble floors. With one swift motion, he grips her torso and lifts her back up. She slurs a drunken thank you and moseys off.

He hates it when you drag him to parties, and he hates it even more when you disappear. By some miracle, he spots you sitting down within the awfully lit room. You're wearing a mermaid-style dress (at least, that's what you told him prior to the event), which hugs your curves in all the right places. The fabric is covered in pearls, giving it a shimmering, iridescent quality that catches the light and reflects it into his eyes - thank fucking god, or else he suspects he'd never find you in this crowd.

His relief in finding you is short-lived when he sees who you’re sitting with. 

Fucking Dieter Bravo. 

You know he doesn’t like the man. Of course, you would sit with him just to spite Joel. That’s what he hopes this is anyway, he’s praying to every god he can think of (which isn’t many) that this isn’t a blooming friendship, or something else. He doesn’t think he can handle seeing that man more than he has to. 

Ironically, Joel actually used to work with Dieter. It only lasted for about a week as Dieter was just too unpredictable and chaotic for him. A complete hedonist who was used to getting what he wants. Before Joel could resign, Dieter had fired him. Which was good, because Joel wasn’t sure if he would’ve actually gone and done it. 

Joel feels a mixture of excitement and anxiety as your entire face lights up upon seeing him. With an open smile, you wave frantically and point to the couch across from the two of you. It's a tight fit, and his knees brush against both yours and Dieter's as he sits. The actor is holding a joint loosely between his fingers, looking up to Joel and nodding in a way that resembles an informal greeting. Joel notices the vibrant pattern of his button-up, the chain around his neck, and the rings on his fingers. Dieter takes a drag then offers it to you. Your gaze briefly meets Joel's before you take it from him. However, you don't immediately bring it to your lips.

“Where were you?” Joel asks loudly, trying to get his words over the sound of the music. “You can’t bring me to these things and then just disappear on me.” 

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” you answer with an apologetic smile. Joel narrows his eyes and you bring the neatly rolled joint to your glossy lips. You take a deep, long inhale. He watches the way your body seems to melt unconsciously. You close your eyes. “I just saw Dee and you know his habit of disappearing as soon as you blink. Had to pounce him before that happened.” 

Joel’s eyes drop to where Dieter slides an arm around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. He rests his chin on your shoulder, his eyes fixed on Joel. Your eyes flutter open and much to Joel’s surprise, you extend the joint to him. 

“Don’t bother, sweetheart,” Dieter says, his lips too close to your cheek. Joel bristles unknowingly. “He has a stick up his ass.” 

“Dieter!” you hiss, glaring daggers. “Behave.” 

“I don’t smoke on the job.” Joel says, a bit smugly and enjoying the other man’s prominent pout. “Unlike some, I’m a professional.” 

Dieter scoffs. The joint still lingers between your fingers, your gaze snapping to Joel. You accusatorily point at him, your brows drawn together. “And you—” you warn. “Don’t act so high and mighty. You’re off the clock remember? I invited you here so you would loosen up a little.” 

What? 

“What?” he blinks rapidly. “Why on earth would I need loosenin’ up? And why would I want to loosen up with you lot? This ain’t exactly my scene honey.” 

“Because we’re friends, smartass.” you chide. The burnt tip of the cigarette is now closer to your fingers. With a sigh, Joel finally takes it, which provokes a burst of laughter from Dieter. 

“She has you on a leash!” Dieter points out, fingers digging into your hip and moving over the pearls. “That’s fucking adorable.” 

Joel grunts, “Shut up.” he takes the joint clumsily, holding it up to his lips. It’s been a while since he’s done this. When he does he usually prefers the privacy of his own home. Joel ignores the way your eyes are fixed on him, two wide eager eyes eating him up from head to toe. 

He takes a deep inhale, his lungs expanding with smoke. Joel can taste the champagne you left behind. Goosebumps rise over his skin, a tingle, and a buzz making him groan. He allows the smoke to linger inside him, then, without parting from the joint much, he exhales. It’s very subtle, but he notices both you and Dieter taking deep breaths, filling yourselves with his breath. He’s amused. His lips twitch as he takes another drag. Then he extends it back to Dieter. The actor doesn’t waste much time and wraps his lips around the butt of the joint deliberately slow. Joel fights the urge to roll his eyes. Dieter takes a deep breath, exhaling cannabis in a way that the smoke doesn’t move forward, it pours from between his lips, like a dragon’s mouth. 

Joel doesn’t think much of it, now feeling more relaxed than ever, he says, “You look surprisingly cleaned up. They groomed you well.” 

“Does it look like I care what you think?” Dieter snaps back, and Joel frowns. 

“I think the word you’re looking for is thank you,” you say, words directed at Dieter. Your eyes flit between the two tense men. “Also I'm starting to think you two have some history together.” 

“Didn’t your knight in shining armor tell you?” Dieter grins, rather smug. “He used to work for me.” 

You turn to Joel, brows pinched together with confusion. “You did?” 

Joel rolls his eyes, ignoring the way his cheeks heat up under your gaze. “It was a long time ago.” 

“I fired him.” 

“How come?” 

“Too distracting.” 

Joel breathes a little too fast, the air catching in his throat. He clears his throat, his veins alive with tension. It almost feels like it’s the only three of them now. The rest of the room fading and turning black. Joel leans forward, the already tight space becoming even tighter. 

“Excuse me?” Joel asks, his speech slurred. “What do you mean “too distractin’”?” 

Neither of them answers you. Actors, he thinking begrudgingly, a puff of air parting his lips. Dieter brings the joint to your lips and without taking it from him, you look at Joel. He watches as your lips brush against the length of Dieter’s fingers. Annoyance brews in his stomach. 

“Is he like this with you too? Oblivious?” Dieter asks you. You grin, teeth shining under the dim lights and you nod. The actor’s tongue pokes out from between his lips and swipes over his bottom lip. “Poor baby.” 

“You two are startin’ to get on my nerves,” Joel grumbles, crossing his arms across his broad chest. 

You stick your tongue out and Joel has half the urge to grab it between his fingers and teach you a lesson. He hadn’t noticed, but the joint had made its way back to him. Slightly confused and disoriented, he finishes it off. The last bit of it burning his throat and lungs. He’s incredibly flustered, heat crawling up from his chest to his cheeks. He doesn’t miss the way you and Dieter steal glances at each other, smiling giddily. 

Finally, you find Joel’s gaze, a Cheshire-cat like grin plastered on your face—he’s slightly creeped out by it actually. 

“How about we show you what we mean?” 

Joel should’ve said no. This is the last time he’s ever coming to one of these damn parties. 

Joel wasn’t thinking much when Dieter led all of you to one of the many bedrooms in the residence. Your hand was clutched tightly around his, and per instinct, he had held on to you just as tight. And as soon as the three of them entered the stupidly large bedroom with an equally stupidly large bed, he found himself sitting on the edge with his pants down. The two actors knelt between his legs, eyes hungry and mouths flooded. 

He has to admit, it’s a rather enticing view. 

Dieter wraps his fingers around the base while you kiss the inside of Joel’s thigh. Heat settles at the base of his spine, his cock twitching and growing thanks to Dieter’s slow strokes. You drag your lips up, kissing his shaft before swirling your tongue around the head. A strangled moan leaves him. Joel’s gaze drops, only to see Dieter staring back at him. He holds his breath as the other grins from one ear to the other. 

“You like that?” he coos, darting his tongue out. He licks a clean stripe up, the curve of his nose brushing against yours. “God, the number of times I came in my pants thinking about this. . .” 

Joel’s quick to follow up, “You thought about this?” 

Your sudden bubble of laughter makes him frown. His lips become a tight line, his teeth clenched as he grinds the molars together. He watches as you ignore him and pull away. You cradle Dieter’s cheek, and as if he read your mind, the actor leans in, capturing your lips in a hungry kiss. Joel tenses. His skin taut over muscle. His cock stands with attention, beads of precum rolling down his length. The thought of his taste lingering on your tongue, being passed to Dieter—his chest heaves, maybe he is too old for this. 

He sees Dieter shoving his tongue between your lips and you moan into his mouth, Dieter swallows the noises you make eagerly. Joel is surprised he’s not feeling any jealousy or protectiveness. Usually, when the actor attempts to make passes at you he puffs up like a rooster. But not his time. Dieter cups your face with two hands, tilting your head so he can kiss you deeper. Only then it dawns on Joel that the reason he was bothered before wasn’t that he hated the actor—though he still found him annoying—but because he wanted to be included. He almost laughs. Loneliness truly is a bitch. His fingers twitch and he makes a move to cup himself, he pouts when his hand is batted away by no one other than you. 

“No,” you say wetly with swollen lips. “We’re going to take care of you. Isn’t that right, Dee?” the second half of the sentence is directed at the actor who looks just as debauched. But he manages to nod anyway. Then your gaze moves back up to Joel. “Okay?” 

He’s lost for words for a brief moment, mouth opening and closing before he can find his speech again. “Okay.” 

It’s messy. Debauched. Downright sinful. And Joel is ninety percent sure this is all a dream and his alarm is about to burst through the speaker of his phone. Dieter purses his lips and spits into his palm, coating Joel’s shaft with a generous amount. You kiss the head and swallow him halfway, your nostrils flaring as you try to take more of him. Joel’s hand lifts to comfort you but Dieter beats him to it. The actor leans into your ear, smiling slyly. He pulls down the straps of your dress and exposes your breasts. Joel’s mouth feels dry all of a sudden. 

“That’s it, sweetheart. You’re doing so well,” Dieter purrs, Joel can barely hear him. “Just breathe through your nose, don’t rush it. He’s a big boy, isn’t he? Flatten your tongue and swallow. That’s it. . .” Joel’s arms buckle as you do what you’re told, his eyes rolling back. Dieter kisses your cheek and kneads your breasts, thumbs wiping over the pebbled nipples. “You’re making him so happy right now. Such a talented girl.” 

“Oh, fuck,” Joel groans, slightly thrusting into your mouth. Dieter meets his gaze and winks, a wide grin spread across his handsome face. 

Handsome. Joel finds Dieter handsome, always has. Though he always assumed he found him handsome in a more general way, the same way he found Oscar Isaac handsome. Some people just are. But he’s starting to think he might like the infuriating actor a bit more than he thought. Or maybe it’s just from the heat of the moment and the weed still buzzing in his veins. Regardless, he’s enjoying the view very much. God, what has he gotten himself into? 

You swirl your tongue and hollow your cheeks. More praise drips from Dieter’s lips. Without thinking much of it, Joel reaches out and touches the side of Dieter’s face. The actor stills for a moment, brows furrowing, a delicious shade of red coloring his cheeks. Joel drags the pad of his thumb down Dieter’s cheek and then cups him tenderly. 

“Good boy,” Joel says before his filter kicks in. “You’re doin’ so well too.” 

Dieter’s face is priceless. He’s stunned into silence, eyes wide and round, lips parted. A low chuckle trembles within Joel’s chest, he continues to trace his thumb up and down the contours of his cheek. Dieter leans into the touch ever so slightly, eyelids fluttering. You must notice the change in the air because you pull away and drag a pointed tongue down Joel’s length. Then you grip Dieter’s chin and guide him down. 

“Have a taste, Dee.”

Joel watches with bated breath as you guide Dieter down towards his aching member. The actor's lips part and his breath hitches as he takes in the sight before him. He looks up at Joel, his eyes dark, before finally taking him in his mouth, tongue swirling and lips tight. The actor's eyes never leave Joel's as he bobs his head, taking more and more of him into his mouth. Joel’s legs shake, his lungs expand, it feels too much, everything tumbling onto him like an avalanche. 

Joel's head falls back, his eyes closing as he feels the warmth of Dieter's mouth. He can hear the wet sounds of his mouth moving over him, the way his lips slide up and down his length, and he can't help but let out a low moan.

You reach out and grab Joel's hand, entwining your fingers. Your touch electric. Leaning over you capture Joel's lips with your own. He moans into your mouth, the pleasure almost too much to bear.

Dieter pulls back, a thin line of saliva connecting his lips to Joel's length. He looks up at Joel with a wicked grin, before taking him back into his mouth. Parting away from you, Joel groans, hips bucking up involuntarily. But when he sees Dieter grinding into his palm, his cock hard and aching under his pants, Joel tugs on his hair, fucking his mouth with shallow strokes. 

Joel’s eyes go wide when the other man chokes, the sound of it equivalent to someone raking their nails over his body. His stomach flips. Something raw and visceral awakening inside him. He thrusts deeper, the head going down the other’s throat. Dieter chokes again and Joel moans, loudly. His heart beating too fast. 

With the corner of his eyes, Joel watches your movements with a parted mouth. You dip lower and drag your lips up his shaft, your mouth meeting Dieter’s. You both mouth at him simultaneously, your tongues dancing. Joel fists the sheets. His eyes fixed where his cock disappears and reappears between their lips. The two moan at the same time, the reverberations seeping into the sensitive skin of his cock and making him shudder. His muscles grow taut. Precum heavily coating both of their lips. Dieter dips his tongue into the slit groaning at the taste, and you unbutton the actor’s pants, sliding your hand under his boxer briefs. 

“Oh god,” Joel swallows thickly, his voice hoarse. “I’m gonna come—” he can feel his body tensing, his breaths coming in short gasps as he gets closer and closer.

You pull away and Dieter follows. Instinctively, Joel pulls at Dieter’s hair, willing the other back to his cock. His cock twitches when Dieter’s eyes roll back at the blossoming pain. You climb up the bed, cradling Joel’s face before slipping his tongue into his mouth. It’s a quick one but leaves him breathless nonetheless. 

“I want you to fuck me,” you mutter, lips moving over his beard. “Will you, please?” 

Joel helps you up to your feet, his hands still shaking slightly as he pushes down your dress, finishing what Dieter had started. He dips down, sucking a nipple into his mouth. His cock drips at the way you moan for him. Dieter stands behind him, his fingers trailing down the center of Joel's back as he helps him out of his shirt. 

You reach for Dieter's pants, feeling the heat rising in your chest as you gaze into his eyes. He watches you intently, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. You slide the zipper down slowly, your fingers brushing against the growing bulge in his boxer briefs. 

Joel steps back, allowing you to guide Dieter towards the bed. He climbs up first, propping himself up against the headboard, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding in front of him. You kneel on the bed beside Dieter, your fingers reaching for the waistband of his underwear. You tug them down slowly, revealing his cock, already hard and throbbing. 

Joel's breath catches in his throat as he watches you take Dieter's cock into your mouth, your tongue swirling around the head before sliding down the shaft. Then you pull away from him with a pop and lay down next to him, your head resting on his hip. Dieter’s hands smooth down your body, spreading your thighs. He holds Joel’s gaze as the older man’s mouth suddenly feels dry at the sight of you. 

Joel moves between your legs, his fingers tracing over your slick folds, making you moan softly. He positions himself at your entrance, his eyes locked onto yours as he slowly pushes inside you. He can feel you getting wetter with every inch. You claw at Dieter’s bicep and he shushes you, one hand moving to the swell of your breasts and holding it gingerly. The small hairs across Joel’s body stand up when you let out a sharp whimper. 

“Dieter,” you whine, eyes glossy. “H-He feels so good.” 

God, you’re shaking around him, your pretty pussy squeezing him. Joel grunts. 

“I bet he does,” Dieter murmurs, eyes looking at where you and Joel connect. He’s only halfway in. “Want me to play with your pretty clit, baby? You’re taking him so well.” 

You nod quickly and Dieter doesn’t make you repeat yourself. Joel swallows. Dieter begins to draw quick, tight circles around the sensitive bundle of nerves. You gasp, your lips barely touching Dieter’s shaft. Joel feels you clenching around him, walls fluttering thanks to the actor. Dieter makes a point of brushing the tips of his fingers while attending to your need, and every time Joel feels it, his cock throbs. He buries himself deep inside you, forcing the air from your lungs. Your back arches beautifully, your nails leaving crescent moon-shaped marks into Dieter’s skin. 

Joel's breathing is ragged, his eyes locked onto yours as he pumps into you harder and harder. Your eyes flutter closed. His fingers dig into your hips, anchoring you to the bed as he pounds into you. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room. 

“Hold me,” you cry out, head turning to Dieter. Joel’s thrusts become harder, faster. “Shit—He’s in so deep.” 

Dieter obliges, wrapping his arms around your trembling frame as your body sways back and forth with the strength of Joel’s thrusts. 

“You’re taking him so well, sweetheart,” Dieter groans, his own cock heavy and dark between his legs. “You look so beautiful with him buried between his legs.” suddenly his eyes snap to Joel’s, and the older man falters a bit, his pacing becoming uneven. “Doesn’t she?” he asks him. 

“She does,” Joel grunts out a response. 

You let out a whimper, Joel can feel you convulsing. Your body growing taut and tense, you’re close. Joel’s not that far from it himself, dangling over the edge.  

“She’s such a good girl,” Dieter continues, eyes never leaving Joel’s. “Isn’t she?” 

“Jesus, she is. So fuckin’ good to me. Always.” 

And with that, Joel witnesses your fall from heaven.

He watches with awe as you writhe and convulse around him, your head thrown back in ecstasy. Your body trembles with every pulse of pleasure that courses through you, and your breaths come in short gasps. You arch your back, a low moan escapes your lips, and your body tenses up around Joel's length. Your fingers dig into Dieter’s forearms s as you ride out the waves of ecstasy that ripple through your body. Joel can feel your inner walls squeezing him tightly, and he groans.

Joel can feel your wetness coating his cock, and the slickness only intensifies the pleasure he feels. He continues to thrust into you, his pace quickening as he chases his own release. Somewhere in the distance, he can hear Dieter praising you both, though mostly you, and he shudders. 

Your orgasm starting to subside, he feels your body relaxing against him. He slows his pace, savoring the feeling of your hot, slick walls wrapped tightly around him. He wants to make this last as long as possible, to make you feel every inch of him. However, Joel knows nothing lasts forever. 

He’s right at the edge when he pulls out, spilling over your stomach. His hot breath slides over your skin, his head buried between your breasts. Unthinking, he presses heavy, wet kisses. The tremors of his orgasm slowly fades and Joel realizes that among the three of them, there’s still one person left unsatisfied. 

Joel looks up to Dieter. Despite his cock still being hard, the head an angry shade of red, he looks content with just peppering the top of your head with kisses. But he must’ve sensed the bodyguard staring because Dieter’s eyes meet his. 

“You didn’t come,” Joel states. 

Dieter rolls his eyes, “No shit,” he follows it up with a shrug. “But it’s okay. Seeing you two going at it was satisfying enough.” 

Joel moves his jaw, thinking, contemplating on what to do. Your lids are heavy as your eyes move back and forth. Watching. The older man comes to a decision and peels himself away from you. 

“Can I?” he asks, pointing at Dieter’s dick. The actor flushes. 

“Can you what?” he answers, voice squeaky. 

“Um. . .Jerk you off. It’s only fair.” 

Joel reaches out a hand and tentatively wraps it around Dieter's shaft, giving it a gentle squeeze. Dieter lets out a small moan. His fingers start moving up and down, slowly at first, getting a feel for Dieter's size and shape. Joel has done this with another once or twice before and he can sense his confidence that was already hanging by a thread slowly dissolving. He looks up at Dieter who is already staring at him with half hooded eyes.   

“Is this good?” Joel asks, licking his lips. 

“Fuck yes. I’ll take whatever you give me.” 

Joel’s eyes widen at the admission. He tightens his grip and strokes him faster. Your hand comes up to Dieter’s chest, caressing flushed skin with a smile. You lean closer and kiss his neck, which Dieter hums gratefully. Joel feels the heat emanating from Dieter's body, and the slight tremble in his legs as Joel picks up the pace. 

"Good boy," Joel murmurs, watching as Dieter's eyes close and his mouth falls open. "So well behaved than from what I give him credit for."

Dieter lets out a soft whimper, his hips bucking up into Joel's hand. Joel adjusts his grip, tightening his fingers around Dieter's cock as he works him harder. Dieter drips all over his fingers and he uses it to lubricate his movements.

"You're so hard," Joel whispers, his mouth suddenly feeling incredibly dry. His gaze falls on you with slight envy, a tingle spreading throughout his lips. A desire to lay his lips on the other man and feel his frantic pulse for himself is a strong one, but he swallows it down. "You want to come, don't you?"

Dieter nods frantically, his breathing ragged. Joel can feel his own cock twitching. 

"That's it, let go," Joel encourages, stroking him faster and swiping his palm over the head. "Come for us."

With a loud groan, Dieter's body tenses, and Joel can feel the hot spurt of cum as it lands on his hand and on Dieter's stomach. Joel keeps jerking him through his orgasm, murmuring words of encouragement as Dieter's body shakes with pleasure.

Finally, as Dieter's breathing evens out, Joel releases him, wiping his hand on the bedsheet. Dieter looks up at him with a dazed expression, a small smile on his lips.

"Thanks," he says, his voice hoarse.

Joel exhales a stuttered breath, not really knowing what else to say. "Anytime."

“Awwww,” you chime in giddily which gets on Joel’s nerves. “Look at my two boys getting along.” 

[johnwickb1tsch]

bittersweet ~ a yandere!John Wick x fem!reader sunshine/grump coffee shop AU... Part 39 all chapters

WARNING: NSFW, SEXUAL CONTENT, VIOLENCE, YANDERE SH!T. Plz take care. I luv u all. 😘

39. pool time  

You float in the pool, cooling off after a day of training. Not so much your body, as your head. 

John yelled at you earlier for not clearing a chamber jam fast enough for his liking–and you are tired of all of this. 

Mariko continues to kick the shit out of you every other day–but you are learning a lot, so you take it. Just when you think you might be earning her begrudging respect–she finds some new way to put you in your place–and on your face.

John drills you at the range and on the speed course, and you didn’t think you were doing too bad, until about an hour ago. But the slide stuck and the spring was tight and the checkered metal hurt your sore fingers and the guns are heavy…you’re over it.

You don’t even want to go to Argentina anymore. You just want to go home. 

The only one in the pool, you swim back and forth aimlessly, underwater and above, changing your strokes every few passes then floating again. 

This situation is wearing on John too. If they don’t show soon…you don’t know what he’s going to do. Something that will probably mean leaving you here, in safety, while he goes off to do what he does. 

Which according to Winston, is starting fires in the Underworld he doesn’t quite know how to put out, without killing everyone. 

The thought of him going on another rampage terrifies you. 

You sense the shadow of someone standing over you at the side of the pool. Expecting John, you right yourself in the water, looking up.

“I did not know the New York Continental boasted its own mermaid.”

So. Not. John.

You immediately sink again in the water, peering up at the newcomer with narrowed eyes. You’re not sure which clue put you on edge immediately: the wolfish way he looks down at you, his elegant yet flashy manner of dress–or his Italian accent. 

You say nothing in return, your heart in your throat. Somehow, you just know. 

“Allow me to introduce myself. Dante D’Antonio.” He squats down at the side of the pool, paying you a cruel little smile. A lock of his dark, curly hair falls down over his forehead; he’s handsome, but there is something missing in his hazel-green eyes as he stares you down. You’ll admit it. He scares the shit out of you. 

“Your fiancé killed my mother.” 

“Prepare to die?”

“What?”

“Sorry, I thought we were quoting The Princess Bride here.”

“What?” 

“It’s good that you’ve come, signor D’Antonio,” you say more carefully, kicking yourself for being a smartass in this world where everyone spoke carefully and in metaphor, because crossing the wrong person could literally mean losing your head. “My fiancé has been getting impatient.” 

“It was never his strong suit, so I’ve heard.” 

“And yet, you harass him. There are a lot of dead people who would tell you that’s not a smart move.” 

He waves you off with a flourish of his wrist. You are so tempted to splash him. “John Wick is an old man whose time has passed. It is a shame, he would involve a pretty little innocent like you in the crossfire.”

You glare at this man, sinking up to your nose in the water. What is he doing here, talking to you?

“D’Antonio.” 

John’s low voice draws you like a beacon. He stands at the other end of the pool, a dark pillar of death. The air positively crackles with tension, and then it dawns on you that this is d’Antonio’s purpose. Rile John Wick to the point of doing violence on Continental grounds, and make him sign his own death warrant.

Again.

You might have missed it once, but now you can see the bulge under John’s expertly tailored suit jacket. You know he’s wearing a loaded Glock on his hip, and that he could end this troublesome young man in about 1.5 seconds.

That would just be the beginning of your troubles. 

You remember what Winston cautioned you, about what John might do to a perceived threat of you. Fuck. 

“John…” you caution, swimming quickly for the ladder that is conveniently situated between the two men, intending to put yourself between them. Dread floods your system, as you fear you’ll be too late.  “Save it for the parlay,” you beg between strokes. 

If Dante d’Antonio was here, surely the others were on their way? It would be madness, otherwise, for the boy to show his face to John Wick?

“Yes, John. Don’t do anything rash,” taunts Dante with a smarmy grin, one hand stuffed casually in his waistcoat pocket.  

It all happens so fast. 

John rushes the kid, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. 

Dante balks, clearly not having thought through his life choices, facing down the John Wick with no bodyguards and no weapon to his name. 

You don’t think John actually touches the young man, but Dante manages to stumble over his own Gucci-clad feet in his panic–into the pool, in that beautiful silk suit. 

You watch this transpire open mouthed, half-hoisted up on the ladder. 

John’s iron grip on your arm pulls you out the rest of the way from the pool, snatching your towel from a chair as the two of you power-walk out, draping your dripping form with the soft terry cloth as Dante d’Antonio hurls angry Italian expletives after your retreating forms. 

“Are you going to get into trouble for that?” you hiss, your teeth chattering from the temperature change and the adrenaline. 

“I didn’t even touch him,” defends John, bundling you into the elevator. “What a little bitch.”

You snort at that. You are weightless for a moment, as the elevator rises. 

“Go to the room,” John orders you at the fifth floor. 

“Where are you going?” You try not to sound like a scared little girl, certain you fail. You’re not mad anymore. Just anxious, and you realize, a bit excited. Finally, something is happening.

“To talk to Winston.” 

Of course. 

“Hurry back to me?” 

He presses his lips to yours, then gently nudges you towards the hall. “Always.”

[beni-twst]

人魚姫と海の王子✨

Leona x Asami mermaid AU 😳❤️

I've always wanted to draw this. I did last year I think but it stayed a sketch until last week, I'm so happy to finish this concept for these two 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I sketched my Twisted Wonderland Yume art featuring my best girl OC Asami and the king of grumps, Leona Kingscholar as mermaids last year🥺✨💕💕💕💕💕

I didn’t know how I could make this concept more concrete than just a sketch but it’s finally here!!! It’s not perfect but it’s here, it’s breathing (under water) and I am so happy 💕✨

What AU do you have of your oc and your OTP?😳✨

[factual-fantasy]

29 asksss

Yes

@britneyt

Aw! Thank you! :DD

@gilbertsphotography

The elven style ears are meant to make them look less human and to match the Wario bros. :0 My AU's Peach and Daisy are these tall elf like creatures, not humans. They are the same species as the Wario bros.

Jangles would prepare himself for this brutal duel in "put em up" type battle stance. Ready to give this fight his all.

Only to be squashed by Jangle. Alas, he is made of plastic <XDD

@pinkpenguin88888

XDD Thought that was a bunny at first-

:DD Thank you! But hey, nothing's stopping you from book marking the post or saving the link to it somewhere :0

@whereismycupofcoffee

Honestly I have no hope. I'm thinking its gonna bomb like the Ruin DLC did, lore wise. Calling it now there's gonna be a character named VANESSA and her nickname is VANNY even though this movie is about the first game and has NOTHING TO DO WITH VANESSA. There's gonna be a kid named Cassidy, another kid named Gregory, circus baby is gonna come out of nowhere, there's gonna be a nightmare animatronic reference, one kid is gonna look like the crying child for no reason, Springtrap is gonna talk a lot and take away the horror- its gonna be a mess. The lore will be a terrible. mess.

Horror wise it might be awesome but I am NOT looking forward to all the crap they're gonna mix in with the lore. Its soooo simple, just make a spooky movie that captures the terror that the first game created. Recreate the mystery and horror. Bonnie disappearing, Foxy running down the hall. Freddy's music. Maybe Golden Freddy?? Hints of a darker past with dead kids. It would be awesome. They don't gotta complicate the lore by adding all the other games into it but I know they will-

@palettepainter :DD Thank you!!

@randox-talore Nope! The flowers don't make them bigger. They just give the bros ice/fire powers :}

@devastatorst

Pretty much XDD

@andysalleyway

:DDD Thank you so much!! Honestly I'm surprised by the number of my followers that are into the same fandoms I'm into. Sounds like I've found my people! XDD

Thanks, I'm hoping it finally gets through to people and they'll just leave me alone..

It is! But ya gotta DM me for it so I can sus out your blog :x

I need to have some idea of who I'm letting in-

:DD Thank you so much! Also sorry, I don't take requests :/

@montygatorshusband

THANK YOU! I don't support any ships from any fandoms, I just personally don't like them. So having people harp on me and my AU because a "canon ship" isn't in it was really annoying.. 😓

Glamrock Bonnie and Foxy would be thinking "Wow, they look different/great! :00"

Glamrock Freddy and Chica are like "WHY IS BONNIE SO LARGE"

Oooo that would be cool! All my versions of Bonnie are slow, so having him throw things at Gregory would be terrifying-

@ocinstituterep

The reason why I haven't drawn any classic mermaids like that is because it felt kind'a weird to add a half human creature into the Octonauts universe. Considering humans don't exist in it.. Now that post with the mermaid thing actually has the creature looking humanoid for sure. Because it would look more alien if it was human. But I kept the scales because a straight up half human mermaid would just feel out of place-

@mashmellowy

Firealpaca! :}}

@oddesto

XD Thank you!! Also my WHOLE BLOG?? Dang. I apologize for all the Gravity falls cringe you had to see-

XD Factual Fanta, that's great 🤣🤣

@citrusfruitman

I think those people are just salty because they wanna draw my stuff but I wont let them. My true fans will have basic human respect and just not draw fanart without sending me hate and rude comments.

@danman22ful

Monty is much more mellow and kind in the Partial swap. Although he still can be a bit of a grump sometimes. The way Bonnie is treating everyone (mostly Foxy) really angers/upsets him.

Roxy hasn't changed a whole lot tbh. Full of grief and self loathing. Except I don't think she'd have this "I'm better than you" attitude. Her thinking that Freddy's death was her fault would crush her. Just like Monty was crushed in the OG au.

:DDD Thank you!! Also really? :00 Wow, great minds do think alike! XD

Aw, I'm sorry that you relate to Bonnie's struggles, <:(

I was thinking he would do 1 of 2 things.

Either this bombshell that his late friends of 10 years are alive, would be so emotionally overwhelming that he would completely shut down. Literally. They would break into his room and Bonnie is collapsed on the floor. And cannot be reactivated. And when he does eventually reactivate, he absolutely refuses to acknowledge or speak to anyone in anyway..

OR, hearing that Chica and Freddy are alive, would completely drown out any other feeling. They're alive, he would rush out of his room to go see them. All of his stress, all of his anger would be swept away in favor of his anxiousness to see his friends again. And finally, he would talk to people again somewhat. Every day would get easier knowing that once its over he can go see Freddy and Chica again.

I haven't decided which one is better <XD

@burningmusicfunnygiant (Post in question)

Oh a whole mix of emotions. Mostly joy and sadness though.. Joy to see them alive after all these years. But sadness too see the horrible states they're in.. Mostly Freddy's state-

<XD Don't worry I wont. I know some of the angsty bits of Bluey but not enough to draw stuff and traumatize you all-

You are spared this time! XDD

[ghostlyfleur]

I saw you reposted that mermaidcore moodboard and it just got me thinking of Prince!Steve Harrington x Mermaid!Reader and how absolutely magical it would be 🩵🫧🤩

s h i t

i think about that sometimes too, but not in a little mermaid au, y’know? more in a she’s-sorta-witchy-so-she-can-change-between-tail-or-legs kind of way. a little bit like the mermaids in pirates of the caribbean too! a little evil and manipulative and likes playing mean tricks on people, sorta like fairies, and sorta like tinkerbell in that pouty / grumpy way of hers.

but she falls for stevie and he’s the only one she’s ever soft for… instead of playing tricks on him, she leaves him little gifts. instead of manipulating him into things, she praises him constantly. instead of using him, she becomes his protector. definitely plays evil pranks on whoever is mean to him.

“think you got a soft spot for me”

“you should be so lucky”

she’s a grump, always serious, doesn’t socialize with anyone, maybe giving off some wednesday addams vibes? yeah, i like that. but she melts for her stevie, even though she tries to hide it— he can see right through her.

[aspureasamelody]

I saw your post about "photos of happy memories"!

So adorbs! Especially these! The initial bad guy team and good guy team both have framed group shots (featuring one grump to boot!)!

Which other groups do you wish had their own framed photos that we got to see too?

I would have liked to see a photograph from:

Jack's Army of Evil (They even all have matching jackets! And Ashley, Vlad, Tubbimura, and Jack would love to take a photo, they know they look good. Cyclops would probably mess up and photobomb the whole affair, but that's what would give it extra character!)

The Black Vipers (Jesse and her girls posed all together for a classic old Western WANTED poster shot would be so cool!)

Dashi and Chase and Guan and Dojo (There are pictures of Dashi in the scrolls, so they had a way of making pictures back then! Granted, I feel like Guan and Chase might have burned any group photos of them and records of their time together already...)

Chase and Omi (So many possibilities for how they could stage it!)

Kimiko and Keiko (Just give me a scene of Kimiko forlornly looking back at a cute selfie of her and her bestie when she's feeling lost or lonely!)

Klofange and his former team before the mermaids took them out (For heartwrenching purposes and for a "we can be your family now?" moment from Omi please!)

Bailey Family photo! (Make it super awkward. Dressed in Sunday Best. Featuring Daddy and Momma Bailey and their kids of course, but also the grandma that Clay is deathly afraid of. I want the wildest, most dysfunctional family moment ever captured on camera and framed.)

[novashelby]

Non-Spoiler Excerpt: "My father was a merchant," she said as they both laid flat on the hardwood floor. Tommy thought it strange, but he never met a girl with thoughts like him. So, he followed her lead and laid down on the floor, facing the yellow stained ceiling. "An illegal one...steal fish, rope, net, hooks...They say in my district, men who go missing at sea are taken by mermaids."

"Probably got drunk," Tommy said, a bit more realistically. "Fell overboard."

She leaned up on her elbow, eyes peering at the older man. "Aren't you a grump."

"I prefer the term realist," he sighed, side eyeing her. "Is that what happened to your father? Mermaids." Nani's smile faded from her face and she slipped back down on the floor looking up at the same dreary ceiling.

Ao3

[astronomergrump]

eating my skin, ripping out my hair

[scarah-screeeaaammss]

meant to post these sooner but I have been soooo busy putting off crafts to think about posting pictures lol

ANYWAY as a late Xmas gift to myself I got two mystery boxes of these girlies from kikagoods and tbh I love them so much.

Like this is almost what im looking for in mermaid dolls, and they feel so good in my hands. My only complaint really is that the little one is SO FRICKING LOOSE she is so wiggly and hard to pose but shes cute so ill forgive it for now. Also her hair doesn't totally sit right but whatever.

I was finally comfy ordering these girlies bc I had picked up my grump bump boy at a toy show and he's so fantastic, literally one of my favs, so natch I needed more. Might order another of the bigger one when I have money again, bc even if I get a repeat I can just modify her bc I enjoy how her tail is made so much

[ewritesfanfics]

The Little Merman Chapter 2: Return to the Sea

Chapter 2 for MerMay!

The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea but make it Krexie. Featuring in the role of Melody, my Krexie child OC, Cori!

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53213449/chapters/142192249

She frantically pulls out all her bits and bobs, throwing on shoes and ripping the now wet towel from her mostly dry hair. Varvatos holds up her sash for her—even though he’s a grump, he still cares—and she takes it, hastily tying it around her waist before jamming her tiara on her head. She looks around frantically and spots the bag as she hears her mother approach. There’s no sign of Varvatos, so she figures he must have made himself scarce. She kicks the bag underneath her vanity, behind the step stool, just in time for Papa to open the door.

“I’m ready,” she says with an awkward curtsey, trying to conceal her heavy breathing. As she bends, though, her tiara falls from her hair and gets caught in the tangled mess that is her hair.

Papa smiles fondly and comes over, sitting her down in her vanity chair and picking up her brush after carefully removing the tiara. “I think you might need some help.”

As Papa starts to run the brush through the strands, she hears the door open again and looks over to see Dad has popped his head in.

“Bad hair day?” he asks. “I know all about those.”

“So, are you here to help fix it then?” Papa asks, a teasing lilt to his voice.

“Unfortunately, I’m playing host,” Dad says. “Unless you’d rather be doing that, in which case, I’ll happily take over things here.”

“No way,” Papa says.

“Thought so,” Dad says.

“So, why are you up here?” Papa asks. “Is there an issue?”

“I’m just popping in to remind you that I’m stuck by myself entertaining a lot of people who are all waiting for the party to start,” Dad says.

“Just give us a few minutes, we’ll be right down,” Papa says.

“Alright,” Dad says. “Just, please, don’t leave me alone down there much longer.” He then closes the door behind him.

Papa carefully brushes through her hair, working some sort of magic Cori’s yet to figure out to get all the knots to loosen and fall out. She watches in the mirror, and her mind returns to what she heard. Why does she even bother?

“Just put down the brush,” she says. “It’s hopeless.”

“You look wonderful, Cori,” Papa says, placing his hands on her shoulders and crouching to her level so they meet eyes in the mirror. Papa then returns to working on her hair, pulling it back to start pinning it up.

“Do I have to do this?” she asks. “Everybody thinks I’m weird.” And that’s putting it lightly.

“Everyone has trouble fitting in at your age,” Papa says. “I did. I still do. I’m a regular fish out of water.”

Well…she can’t exactly argue with that one. She’s seen how Papa interacts with the court. He’s not exactly blessed with people skills.

“And if they think you’re weird, they’re worth no more of your time than it takes for a polite hello,” he continues. “It’s hard, but you’ll find your people. Look at me—I’ve got the social skills of a clam, but I have your dad, and Uncle Jim and Aunt Claire…” He trails off for a second, eyes sad and hazy in the mirror. “Yeah. If I can do it, you can do it. You’ll find your people, and they’ll love you for exactly who you are, awkward parts and all.”

That’s all well and good, but she’s also seen how Dad interacts with the court, and he’s amazing! And she knows he’s the one she’s genetically related to—they haven’t outright told her, but she looks too much like him not to be. So why can’t she be charismatic and likable like him?

Once Papa’s finished pinning up her bun and securing the tiara, Cori gets up from the chair and walks onto the balcony.

“I just…I’m going to make a total fool of myself, I know it!” she says. “That’s all I ever do.”

Papa walks over and places an arm around her shoulders to hug her gently. “Is there something you want to talk about? You can always tell me anything.”

She looks up at him, and the sincerity in his eyes is enough to spur her forward. Maybe she should take Stuart’s advice. “Well…I mean—”

“Please tell me you two are almost done,” Dad says, popping in again. “Lord Johnson is driving me—oh! Wow, Cori, is that you? You look beautiful.”

“He’s right,” Papa says.

“Your Aunt Claire picked the perfect color for the dress,” Dad says. “It looks wonderful on you.”

It’s a soft shade of cyan blue with darker blue trimmings and accents. It rather reminds her of the dark, deep blue of the ocean. Ironic.

“Now, let’s get going, spare your poor father,” Papa says. “We’ll talk right after, I promise. And you’re going to have a wonderful time. If nothing else, you can quietly heckle the nobles with your cousins.”

“We shouldn’t be encouraging that,” Dad says.

“Are you telling me the Lord Johnson doesn’t deserve it?” Papa says, and Cori can’t help but laugh.

Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all.

[kdramaxoxo]

What are some of your favorite dramas from this year so far?

Are there any specific ones you're looking forward to?

Oooh this is a great question! I feel like we were in a k-drama draught for a while so my list might be a little short.

My Favorite K-dramas in Jan-July 2023:

The Eighth Sense: A queer romance drama (debatable if it's a bl) that was a huge breath of fresh air! it felt like an indie drama and the character development, filming style and intimacy was soooo amazing.

See You In My 19th Life: This drama has all of the tropes I like and the destiny romance I live for. Shin Hye Sun is a godess and the secondary couples will also tug at your heart strings!! It hasn't finished yet but I'm too into it to take this back!

Crash Course in Romance: This romance between an uptight grump and a lovely ray of sunshine was so good!! The slice of life elements and the comfort healing were everything. The end was highly flawed but I still feel like it was worth the watch.

Our Dating Sim: A super cute and fluffy bl with a fun video game twist. It had me giggling and was just a cute short drama.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938: This is the first 2nd season drama that I enjoyed more than the first season! It's only 12 episodes long, which i think helped it feel less baggy AND the main romance was between our favorite half fox Lee Rang and a mermaid!! If you didn't like season one though, don't bother with season two. If you DID it feels so nice to see all of your favorite characters again.

Hit The Spot: This drama was wild yall! Two close friends sub for a sex podcast where different people write in and tell their stories, which are woven into the leads own romance lives. I loved it so much even if some of the parts were totally ridiculous. I still think parts of it were sponsored by a vibrator company lol. Heads up it's literally rated R with sex scenes, though I found the scenes much funnier than I probably should.

Upcoming K-Dramas I'm looking forward to (a.k.a featuring actors I love ;-)

Mask Girl: This is a comedy thriller but honestly I'm just going to watch it because Nana is in it lol. It could go either way but there are some solid people in it.

Destined With You: I love fantasy romances and this one has rowoon (haru i miss you!!!). It's about a romance revolved around a 300 year old forbidden book.

Carry Sun Jae And Run (air date unknown) Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon (extraordinary you!) are cast in a time slip fantasy romance drama (I love my fantasy dramas so I'm vibing with this!)

The Trunk: (air date unknown) Gong Yoo (!!!) is going to be in a contract relationship drama with Seo Hyun Jin. He's excellent at romance and comedy so I hope it has all of those elements. We NEED rom coms!

Cashero (air date unknown): Junho is back and this time he's a superhero! This king wants to try every type of role on the planet and I'm here for it. We all know I'll watch it even if it sucks.

[shyminmin]

༄𝐁𝐓𝐒 𝐗 𝐟.𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 | Fantasy, Mermaid AU | ༄𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 2.1k + ༄𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : Very mild angst and course language

Ok Y/n, you've got this!

All you've got to do is ask a bunch of strangers if they know anything about your tragic past. No big deal.

Nerves racked through my body as I stood, dithering outside the inn.

Looking up and down the street I sought out my first victim who would have to put up with my crazy, awkward self. Like yesterday, the town seemed almost deserted, the only company being the screeching seagulls flying overhead and the prickly innkeeper who I learnt was named Ms Jee.

I had attempted to ask her some questions first but she abruptly cut me off.

"Hun, I don't get paid to answer questions about this dingy old town, and the lowlives in it. Do I look like I want to be here?" She stared at me condescendingly.

Words were caught in my throat, not knowing how to reply.

Huffing she had waved me off and proceeded to continue doing her makeup, looking in her flip up mirror, all while saying "Life's a bitch, you can try but in the end, we all can't get what we want".

Sweat was dripping from my temples by the time I stepped outside away from her. A great start to my search indeed.

I slowly began to walk along the street hoping to come across someone. Luckily I wore a sunhat, otherwise the blistering rays of the sun would surely burn me to a crisp. Oh how you've got to love the summer heat. At least being right by the ocean gave me somewhat of a breeze.

I had been scanning the place for a few minutes thinking I was never going to find another soul until finally, up ahead, coming out of a building, I spotted a group of three elderly men. They were all carrying fishing poles and buckets, looking like they were about to go out and catch something. An easygoing conversation was getting tossed about between their raspy voices and every so often they bellowed over in laughter from inside jokes.

Maybe they would know, they seem like locals.

Mustering up some courage, I quicken my pace to catch up with them. They seemed friendly enough, so talking might be easier. The crunching of gravel below my steps alerted one of them and like dominos they all turned towards me.

"Good mornin' to ya lil lady, can we help you with somethin'?"

I blushed at their use of words, my shyness not letting me look them directly in the face.

"H-hello! Sorry to bother you. Would you happen t-to know where Mr and Mrs Yang live?"

They all looked between each other and back towards me gobsmacked, their eyes widening making sure I wasn't somehow messing with them.

"What would a young lass like you want with an old grump like Chinhae?" The one in the middle asked, lifting a brow.

"Well... I guess you could say he's the one who saved my life."

Silence fell upon the group, whether it was from shock or awe, I had no clue, their expressions too hard to decipher. The distant sounds of waves crashing on the shore was the only thing that could be heard.

I gulped, waiting in anticipation for a reply, wondering whether it would be positive or negative.

Then like a dam breaking, all three of the fishermen shouted out responses all at once.

"Oh dear Buddha, you're that baby!"

"You came back, you were so small, now look at ya!"

"Wow I can't believe that ol' Chin Chin sent you away!"

I stepped back, a little overwhelmed by their raised voices and comments.

"Y-you know about me?" I let out, baffled.

"Of course, my dear! A small town like this where everyone knows each other, my word we know of ya!" The one on the left said with endearment, a gentle smile adorning his wrinkled face.

"It's not everyday you find a poor lil baby washed up on shore in this boring ol' dump. Surprisin' how ya survived bein' in that cold water for so long! T'was a miracle."

Optimism was starting to surround my previous hopeless assumptions. Maybe finding the missing puzzle pieces to my life would prove to be easier than I thought. My heart pumped faster, eager to have every detail thrown at me right this instant. After all I have been waiting for a good 21 years, I think I deserve to say that I have been more than patient.

"I-If it's not too much to ask, w-would you mind telling me more about back then? Anything at all, it would mean the world to me." I was practically pleading at this point. Clasping my hands together, I did a respective bow.

Making out sounds of protest, I felt a hand draw my head back up so I was looking them in the face.

"Stop with this formal nonsense." The third man tutted. "It would be our pleasure to tell you what we know."

"As for getting the whole story, you were right in asking for Yangy boy. However I must warn you dear child, he doesn't take too kindly to company these days, not since he's been widowed."

"Oh..." my heart sank, "I had n-no idea."

All the newspaper articles and police reports only stated what happened at the time of the incident and the married couple who found me back then. I didn't take into account that they could've possibly moved or passed away.

God I'm so stupid!

"Don't fret lass, you couldn't have known" the elder pat my shoulder trying to reassure me.

"Ol' Chin Chin lives away aways north along the coast, about 10 kilometers yonder. If ye would allow, after our story tellin' we could give you a ride up there."

"No, I can't ask you to do that after you're already doing so much for me. A-And it looks like I've already interrupted your fishing trip" I said eyeing their gear.

"Well ain't ye the thoughtful one. Not to worry, our recreation can wait, not when a sweet damsel is in need of help. Lads don't keep the lady waiting and put our stuff back in the shop" The middle man ordered, making his two companions playfully scoff.

Splitting into groups of two we went our separate ways. The middle fisherman led me up the street a little further, eventually stopping in front of what I assumed to be a cafe of some sort if the name 'Seaside Chow' was anything to go by.

Being a gentleman he opened the door for me, ushering me in.

Sitting around one of the many tables in the almost empty establishment, the three men had called out to the waitress asking for their usual and insisted on paying for my order too, which consisted of a simple coffee and muffin.

I tried reasoning with them that they didn't have to but I guess it's hard to change older people's minds. They had firmly put their foot down and didn't even want to see me taking out my wallet.

The cafe held a relaxing ambiance, where anyone could come in and just turn off for the day if they wanted to. The same wooden theme that the whole town seemed to sport was showcased just as much within these calming walls, portable fans turned on to the highest setting as they tried to circulate the scorching summer air.

Once everything was placed on the table, I reached for my mug taking a sip of the bitter beverage, enjoying the sensation.

"Now where should we start?" The man who escorted me here asked to himself, rubbing his chin in thought.

"Ah yes, when Chinhae and Yeona brought ye down, the whole town pitched in to help, ye were a lil pint sized thing that's for sure, wrapped in all those blankets."

"Yeona, y-you mean Mrs Yang?"

"Ai, she was always such a caring gal, never understood what she saw in Chin Chin, he was always such a grouch. She was cradling you like her life depended on it when she came, handling you with such care. It was only natural that she insisted that they adopt you when your parents didn't show. She treated you like you were her own."

Clutching my cup tighter, I listened on, eager to learn more.

"As ye grew, we would always find you roaming around the town or carrying too many seashells that ye hoarded like anything" The middle guy spoke, making all of them chuckle.

"Yeona would always bring you with her whenever she came to visit the shop, ye were a quiet thing but you always had a smile on your face."

They smiled reminiscing about back then, as they continued to ramble on about all the little adventures my child self seemed to go on, making me second guess if the person they were talking about really was me. I never would've thought I was that outgoing and careless as an infant, but then again, I didn't really know much about myself to begin with.

"Everyone adored you. You were like a fresh ocean breeze, having such a bright, young soul running about in this forgotten town."

"What's with those flowery words, I didn't take ya for a poet, Dong Dong" one of the middle man's friends asked. "All that seawater has gotten to ya head."

"Dong Dong..." I sat there confused.

"Don't mind them lass, old age is gettin' to 'em, the name's Dongha but all the folks have other plans in mind."

"Oh... right... I-I didn't catch you other sir's names."

"Sir? Please." The one to the left of Dongha let out. "Call me Myungsoo, and this fella is Sungwon" He said, patting the last man's shoulder.

"And if my memory hasn't failed me, you must be Y/n."

"Y-yes, C-Cheong Y/n" I stated.

Raising a scruffy eyebrow, Dongha huffed, utterly astounded. "Oh I see the bastard didn't even let you use his family name, his wife had to give you her maiden name instead." He said, shaking his head in disappointment. "O'l Chin Chin only let you stay because of his wife if I'm correct. Said something ridiculous about you being a bad omen."

"Now now don't frighten the poor child" Sungwon butted in.

"No no it's fine, I can handle it" I interjected, "Please don't hold off on account of me."

The three men looked to me in sympathy, clearly not wanting to say anything that may offend me or cause me to get upset.

"Well... when Yeona passed, ye would've been around 4 or 5. Chinhae was void of life, shouting out superstitious nonsense to everyone, blaming her misfortune on you." He paused looking to see if I was still ok, when I nodded he continued.

"Us and the other locals were concerned for your safety, you had shown up on more than one occasion with bruising. We were even more devastated to see that he gave you over to the welfare system. Any one of us would've gladly taken custody, however by the time everything was finalized you were already on your way towards a big city."

And the rest is history, I concluded in my head.

Gently placing his old, calloused hand on mine, Dongha made me look up towards him, no doubt trying to provide some sort of reassurance.

"Know this lass, whatever the reasons things turned out the way they have, it is far from your fault, and we'll be damned if ya or anyone else says otherwise. No child should ever have to go through all the stuff you did."

Surprisingly, I managed to maintain eye contact, his words striking into parts of my soul that I thought would forever remain cold and numb.

What was this feeling? I felt warm, lighter. Was it because someone other than myself was having my best interests in mind? Providing support? If so then I don't want it to end.

Letting out a shaky thank you, for the first time in however many years, my eyes grew hazy, filled with the saltiness of well overdue tears.

We took some time to get through our food and drinks, all the while the three friends chattered amongst themselves, trying to include me here and there. They were a little worried and shocked when I had erupted into silent tears, however I assured them as they grabbed a loose napkin for me to dry my eyes with, that they were from the surge of comfort that I was feeling all of a sudden.

I was staring off in a light daydream after they had finally stopped, when the chiming of the bell atop of the cafe's entrance went off signaling that someone had arrived.

I looked in the newcomer's direction, simply curious and having nothing else to do at the moment.

Oh, I certainly wasn't prepared for what I would see.

| 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 | ༄⋆