#but if you agree and want to ADD something to the conversation to Further this point you'remore than welcome to

[hueseok]

it was always you.

for as long as you remember, you’ve always had the fattest crush on your childhood friend, jeon jungkook. it never blossomed into something more though, because that’s what happens when life naturally takes it course—you grow up, you move on, and you pretend that those feelings never existed in order to maintain the good friendship that remained between the two of you over the years.

so when he visits you after work one day, asking you to marry him, you do everything you can to refuse, because the reason he’s asking you isn’t due to the fact that he finally realized that he loved you after all this time, but because he thinks he’s doing you a big favor.

or at least, that’s what you think.

pairing: jungkook x reader

word count: 13.2k

rating: 18+

content: fluff, semi-angst, childhood friends to lovers au, pining au | ft. naval aviator!jungkook + brother’s best friend!jungkook; professor!reader + editor!reader | inspired by purple hearts

warning/s: swearing, potentially wrong medical & military information (i’m sorry but i tried to do as much research i can 😭), mentions of having type 1 diabetes, making out, heavy petting, implied sexual content: oral (f. receiving), fingering, penetrative sex, unprotected sex (this is only fiction!)

MINI PLAYLIST: ♫ die with a smile — lady gaga, bruno mars ♫ juno — sabrina carpenter ♫ selfish — *nsync ♫ nandito na ako — benj pangilinan, angela ken

opening note. omg this is my first full length fic in two damn years i think??? certainly took a long time before i had the motivation to write again but i hope y'all like this! to my og readers who still keep up with my shenanigans, this one's for you 🥹💗

“Any questions?”

A boy wearing half-rimmed glasses raises his hand and you gesture for him to speak. “Can we get an extension on the Save the Cat project due tomorrow?”

You sigh, just as several of your students begin agreeing with him and muttering reasons of their own why the extension should be approved. It’s the week before finals, and you’re aware that the class must be packed with assignments and projects for several of their classes because of it, hence the rather last minute request. They look tired and pleading, a complete reflection of how you were when you were the one in their position nearly a decade ago, begging for an extension from a professor who you thought was kind enough to be swayed with the proposition.

You scan the crowd. “How many of you are at least 70% with it, hm?”

More than half of the class raises their hands.

“Okay, that’s honestly unexpected,” you say, pleased to know that they aren’t slacking on your subject. “Does Monday sound good? That’s three more days, to be fair. I don’t want to extend it further because I have to read everyone’s work and you guys know I don’t like rushing it before turning in your final grade.”

A chorus of relief and thanks echoed in the room, all of your students either dramatically sinking in their chair or erupting in an animated conversation with their seatmate or making crying faces to portray how grateful they are.

“Thank you so much, Ms. ____!”

“I love you, Ms. ____!”

“Ms. ____, I will offer my first child to you,” one theatrically adds and you smile a bit, rolling your eyes at students like this one who is now opting to flatter you way too much for your act of kindness.

“Alright, alright. Just get it done and I’m expecting quality work, alright? Class dismissed.”

The whole class begins to gather their things at the cue and you don’t stay there a minute longer after your announcement, exiting the lecture hall to head to the faculty room where you’re certain half of the teaching staff have gone home already. It’s already 8:47 p.m., and all you want to do is head home to get the rest you deserve after an eventful day.

There was a time that having a schedule from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. wasn’t the norm for you. You used to value work life balance so much—it was even a nonnegotiable you used to say in interviews, saying that if you didn’t get enough rest within the week, then the job most likely wasn’t for you. But things have been very different for the past months; you have definitely grown out of that mindset due to the fact that you’re simply in need of another source of income to pay for your monthly rent, utility bills, and now your medication. You’re in a stage of your life wherein you consider working part time as a professor was a blessing rather than a big nuisance.

Making a right turn to where the hallway to the faculty room is, you’re too busy rearranging the papers inside the folder you’re holding to notice a man sitting on the bench placed just beside the entrance. He notices you the second you appear in his line of vision though; he straightens his posture and proceeds on standing up immediately upon seeing you closer, calling your name softly when you failed to look at his direction, too preoccupied with the thought of finally coming home that you’re oblivious that the man trying to catch your attention is Jeon Jungkook.

“____,” he calls again and this time you notice him, your eyes widening instantly.

“Holy shi—” You stop yourself from finishing that sentence. “Jungkook?”

He grins. “Hey, lamb chop.”

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Is that how you greet an old friend?”

“Oh, fuck off.”

He laughs, following suit to you who’s already giggling just by his presence alone, outstretching his arms then. “You gonna hug me or what?”

You beam and step forward to embrace him. He returns it without hesitation, muscular arms circling around you and squeezing tightly that it lifts you up from the ground for a quick second. The faint smell of fabric conditioner on his clothes enters your nostrils and you feel like a teenager again, warmth rushing to your face while your heart hammers loudly in your chest. Regardless of how old the both of you are, you think your hopeless crush on the guy will forever live on and constantly transform you into a middle school girl whenever opportunities like these to have him near arise. You’re just happy you’ve trained yourself to be better at hiding it now compared to when you were younger.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in base or wherever it is that you’re designated?” you ask, the first to let go from the hug.

“Actually, I returned from deployment three days ago. I’m on leave for two weeks.”

“Wow. Two weeks, huh?”

“Yep. It’s the longest break I’ve gotten in a while.”

“That’s good. Everybody needs a break from time to time.”

“Says the girl has a day job and a night job.” He points out with a smirk; your heart does a little leap at how handsome he looks doing that. “When the hell did you get into teaching, by the way? I never pegged you to be the kind who can tolerate it. You hate kids.”

“You’ll find yourself tolerating lots of things in this economy.” You snort. “And my students aren’t kids. They’re in college.”

“Yeah, which you graduated from six years ago. Still technically kids.”

“Are you seriously jabbing at my age when you’re two years older than I am?”

He rolls his eyes at that one, an indication that you won the argument. “Anyway,” he starts again and you grin, “I didn’t come here to compare how old we are—”

“You didn’t?”

He sends you a look. Your grin gets even wider.

“I’m here because I was hoping to treat you to dinner.”

“Dinner?” you repeat, not masking the surprise from your voice.

Let’s get the facts straight before we proceed to this conversation.

It isn’t a lie when you say that you and Jungkook are great friends. You have been since you were 7 and your family just moved into the house next to theirs. He was a natural playmate, a companion when you couldn’t tolerate the antics of your older brother, the boy who looked out for you aside from said older brother, and the person you’ve shared significant history with throughout your youth that you can never seem to forget nor disregard.

It’s just that you never deemed that you were great enough friends for him to go out of his way and visit you at your workplace, offering to treat you for dinner. Gestures like that were reserved for your older brother, Seowon, who’s the same age as he is and who you’re sure is considered as his best friend. Compared to them, yours and Jungkook’s dynamic shifted slightly after graduating from college. What once was a really close friendship turned into a casual one, with mostly just teasing, light talks, and the occasional welfare checks at times you hear certain news from the other that’s worth speaking directly about.

At the mention of that, realization dawns on you on why he must be here.

“Jungkook…” You’re trying not to sound mad but you can’t hide the exasperation from your voice. “That’s not the real reason you’re here.”

“Of course, it is. Why else would I be here?”

“He told you, didn’t he?” you ask, not willing to drag this out. “You’re just going to give me another lecture that I definitely don’t need.”

Jungkook frowns, like he’s dismayed that you caught on pretty swiftly.

“I’m right, aren’t I?” You pressed.

“He meant well, ____.”

You scowl. To remark that Seowon is unnecessarily nosy and coddling would be an understatement. That man hasn’t left you alone the second he was aware of your condition. Usually, whenever he gets into his ‘big brother tendencies’, his girlfriend Winnie steps in and helps you lay him off your back. However, it’s different this time; no matter how much you reinstill your independence and insist that you’re fine, it’s like you’re talking to a wall.

“What exactly did you hear from him?” you query.

He seems hesitant in answering that. “That you got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.”

You wince.

“Look,” he steps forward towards you, “I wasn’t going to bring it up unless you did, okay? I’m just here because I’m genuinely worried about you and I want to know how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine.” You murmur. “You don’t need to worry.”

“Worry doesn’t vanish magically just because someone says so.”

“Well, it should—because I’m fine.”

“You sure? I heard that you’re struggling to buy insulin among other things you’re having a hard time paying.”

“Fuck. Seowon told you that too? That’s private.”

“My parents know. He just filled me in because he wants you to have as much support as you can get.”

“I don’t need that. I’m an adult. I’ve lived by myself for years. I can fend for myself just fine.”

“It doesn’t look like it from what I’ve been hearing.”

“All you’re hearing is a warped and exaggerated version of the story told by Seowon who won’t listen to a word I say.” You huff. “I’m fine and I’ve been doing everything I can, alright? I’m taking care of myself. I’m going to the doctor whenever I need to. I’m making ends meet, buying treatment for this goddamn disease and regulating my sugar levels all the fucking time. Why do you think I’ve been working two jobs for the past year? It’s because I’m doing everything I can to stay alive.”

Jungkook doesn’t reply, he only remains gazing at you.

“If you’re here to offer me money or whatever because of what he said,” you add, already embarrassed that you can’t even look at him anymore, “then I don’t want it.”

“That’s not what I’m here for,” he says.

“Then are you really just here to treat me to dinner?” you question sarcastically.

He laughs and you dare return your eyes at him, catching him peering at you with a fond expression. “Yes. It’s my way of doing a welfare check.”

“Welfare check.” You echo with squinted eyes. “Well, in that case, here I am—alive and healthy.”

“I can see that, and I’m glad.” He smiles. “But I need more than just seeing you. I need a conversation and an apology.”

“An apology?”

“For being the last person to know about your condition.”

“And we’re still talking about that apparently.” You mutter under your breath. “Sorry. I didn’t think that you wanted to know.”

“Of course, I would have wanted to know. It’s you we’re talking about here.”

Something about how he said you causes your lips to twitch as you fight off a smile. This isn’t a good time to dive into your romantic feelings for your childhood crush, but when he’s letting go of lines like that which are sure to have your heart soaring out of your chest, it’s hard to keep on a cool and unfazed facade. You just convince yourself that he sees you as a little sister and that’s why he’s so worried; you should already be past your ‘delulu’ phase at this age to be affected by such statements.

“I didn’t want to add to your worries,” you reason. “You already have your life to think about. Add to the fact that you’re a naval aviator—so you literally have your own life first to think about.”

“I can make space for you.”

Is he flirting? Is this a normal thing to say between friends?

You blink. “Okay, uh, that’s… that’s completely up to you, I guess.”

“I just like knowing those things first hand. It makes me worry less.”

“Got it. Next time I learn I’m dying, I’ll tell you.”

“____,” he says your name in warning, and you know he’s serious.

“Sorry.” You heat up. “I couldn’t resist.”

“Don’t be a pain in the ass.”

“I promise that’ll be the last time I make a dark joke, Lieutenant.”

Jungkook’s nostrils flare. You prevent yourself from grinning like a fool again in success of getting on his nerves.

“Are you done here? Because I’m hungry and would really like to get going now.” He changes the subject and gestures to the faculty.

“Yeah. I’ll just get my things and then I can get out of here.”

“Great. You’re letting me take you to dinner, right?” 

“Do I have a choice?”

“No.”

“Fine.” You deadpan.

This time, he’s the one who’s beaming at you. “I’ll wait for you here and we can go.”

“Okay.”

****

When Jungkook discovered that you had type 1 diabetes through a phone call with Seowon, he spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, ignoring the snores of his squadmates and overthinking what’s supposed to happen to you now that you had an autoimmune disease which he was told didn’t have a cure. He was assured that you were okay despite it, that there was medication to treat it, and that you had access to them and have been very careful with your lifestyle due to the diagnosis ever since.

He still couldn’t be put to ease though. As ridiculous as it may sound, he had this overwhelming realization that life truly was short, that you had to make certain decisions all the time because you need to adjust to what the universe is only willing to give you. It was funny coming from a person who risked his life for a living. He thinks that perhaps he never understood the philosophy of the quote ‘time is gold’ until he had a loved one on the same trajectory, always one step closer to possible death.

And so that same night, he decided to file a leave for two weeks, effective immediately after his deployment. 

He wasn’t sure what his game plan was exactly in filing that two-week leave. Was he supposed to barge in your life and force you to let him take care of you? Was he supposed to demand why you ended up having diabetes? Was he supposed to act as a big brother like your actual big brother because he was that worried about you? But if Jungkook was going to be truthful, he already had an idea on what he wanted to do in the back of his head—he just didn’t want to execute it because it was absolutely insane.

Until he heard Seowon suggest it himself when they met up at a bar to share a drink together.

“She would never say yes,” Jungkook said, beyond doubt that you won’t be persuaded that easily with a plan like that.

Seowon made a face. “I know. That girl is so hyper independent—she’d rather die than accept help.” He scoffed. “She needs it though. It’ll help with her medication and she won’t have to pay rent for that shit apartment she’s living in. Plus, she'll actually get the chance to take care of her body if she’s not juggling two jobs to have sufficient income.”

“You’re right.” Jungkook shrugged.

“You’ll do it then?”

He took a sip of his beer. “Yeah. I’d do anything for ____, you know that.”

“Even as crazy as marrying her?”

“Sure.”

Seowon stared at him, narrowing his eyes and morphing his expression into a teasing one. “Are you sure you’re not just considering this because it’s a perfect excuse to marry my sister? I know you like her.”

“I don’t like her.” 

“You’re in love with her.”

“I don’t—” Jungkook began to deny but Seowon was staring him down. “Fuck you, man. Don’t make me some kind of pervert who’s trying to lock her into marriage because he likes her. You’re the one who brought the idea up.”

Seowon laughed out loud. “I know, I just can’t believe you’d agree. It’ll benefit ____, that’s for sure—you, on the other hand? It’s career suicide.”

He shrugged. “I’m okay with the thought that she’ll be okay.”

“Because you love her, man.” Seowon pushed. “Why on earth would you consider this if you weren’t? It’s a fraudulent marriage. You’ll be thrown in the brig and be dishonorably discharged if you get caught.”

“We don’t even know if she’ll agree to this whole thing. You said it yourself, she would never say yes.”

“Yeah, unless maybe you’re the one who tries to persuade her.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to buy her a ring and kneel down before her or something?”

“That can work.”

“What?” Jungkook laughed.

Seowon raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you don’t know how she’s been crushing on you since we were kids.”

He barked out a laugh again. That he knew; it was impossible not to when a lot of friends and cousins kept on teasing you before, especially at instances Jungkook was in the very same vicinity. “We’re not kids anymore and I barely see her though.”

“Still, it ought to count to something. It raises the chances of her agreeing.”

“You’re really cool with me marrying your sister, Won?” Jungkook asked.

Seowon placed down the beer bottle he’s consuming on the counter. “Yeah. You’re a good guy. You’re not perfect, but I know you enough to know that you won’t do anything that will purposely hurt her. Besides, if this sham marriage ends up to be a real relationship and then for some reason, you fuck up and decide to break her heart—I’ll easily know what to do, where to find you, to fuck you up.”

Jungkook pressed his lips together to stifle a chuckle.

“Noted.”

****

It’s always been a big wonder to you how no matter how long it’s been since you saw each other, it still feels like no time has passed between you and Jungkook. You think that’s why you can never get over him; he always had this comforting and familiar aura that you appreciate—something that you sought for in every other person that you liked. Maybe it was impractical, maybe it was the reason you can never hold a relationship for more than two years, but unless you gain the courage to confront your feelings and tell Jungkook about it, then you constantly dispel any doubts you might have whether this was good for you or not.

You don’t want to lose him. Admitting that you harbored romantic feelings for him would just make it awkward for everyone: your brother, your family, and then his family. You don’t think you can ever trade his smile, the sound of his laughter, and all the good things about him for anything in the world. 

“Are you dating anyone?” he asks.

You choke on your drink, having just poured yourself and Jungkook a glass of water after the server arrived with the pitcher. You’re in a Japanese restaurant near the university, aware that the cuisine was a favorite for the both of you hence why it’s what you recommended when he asked where you wanted to dine. The place is packed with people from the workforce and students; you’re thankful that you don’t see any of your students within the mix.

“We’re getting straight to it, huh?” you say.

Jungkook smirks. “I’m just making sure I’m not upsetting a boyfriend by meeting you tonight.”

“Don’t worry, you’re not upsetting anyone.”

He nods in understanding. You don’t want to add more meaning to his actions for the evening but he seems glad about the information.

“How about you?” you ask back. “Are you dating anyone?”

The ends of his mouth lift a bit upwards. “Nope.”

“Why? You don’t have the time for it?”

“Precisely.”

“It must be really hard dating when you’re in the Navy then”

“Kinda. We’re away a lot and stationed in different places most of the time. It can get really dangerous for us too and people don’t like the stress that comes with that.”

 You bob. “Does it get lonely?”

“Sometimes, but when you’re on duty, you don’t get to think about those things.” He chuckles. “Besides, I don’t know if this sounds fucked up or not—but it can get exciting. Flying a plane can be fun, you know. Not to mention that it helps when you’re surrounded by good men in your squadron.”

“You’ve always been an adrenaline junkie.”

“And you’ve always been a scaredy-cat.”

You scoff at the declaration. “No, I’m not.”

“Remember when Seowon and I forced you to ride that ship in the amusement park that sways left to right and as it goes on it falls from a higher standpoint?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

But you do, and Jungkook knows you do, it’s evident by how your expression is trying to feign innocence. That memory is your villain origin story; the whole pretext of why you refuse to ever visit the amusement park or ride an exhilarating ride again. Yet you can’t help but recall that it’s one of the rare instances wherein you got to hold Jungkook’s hand when you two were younger, as his hand was the one you were clinging for dear life when it happened while the other was too busy slapping Seowon in irritation.

He snickers, appearing like he’s replaying the scene in his head. “We should do that again with Seowon during my break.”

“Hell no.”

“I thought you weren’t a scaredy-cat?” He challenges.

“I’m not.” You give him a kittenish glare. “But I am busy. I have to send the final manuscript of this book I’m editing to the chief editor next week and it’s about to be finals week for my students as well.”

He fakes a shiver. “I don’t know how you can do two jobs like that, ____. Truly.”

“You work as a naval aviator so I’d say we’re pretty even.”

The waiter arrives with your orders not long after, and you and Jungkook carry on with your conversation, jumping from topic to topic without difficulty. You’re not certain when was the last time you saw each other like this to have so much to talk about—was it last Christmas? Or was it more recent or longer than that? Nevertheless, it feels good and you find yourself blushing multiple times throughout the night, whether it’s because of how his words can have two meanings or how his eyes are staring at you so intensely whenever you’re the one who’s talking.

You like the undivided attention, the back and forth that’s occurring as you discourse, the subtle touches one of you does when something funny arises, how your knees are touching underneath the table. You wonder what’s so different with this encounter that the energy feels so bizarre in a good way? As far as you’re concerned, you’re positive that you’re acting like you always have in his presence—lively, smiley, sarcastic—and aside from the little touches of flirting here and there, Jungkook’s acting like he always has too.

When dinner was done, Jungkook offered to drive you home. You obliged, no longer in the mood to annoy him for you were tired to make the effort. Before stepping outside the restaurant however, you excused yourself to the restroom first, checking your blood sugar with the glucose meter you brought along wherever you went. It’s a hassle but it’s necessary, largely because you’re still in the middle of saving up for the insulin pump that would help you regulate your sugar levels easier.

After administering yourself with the insulin injection you have, you spend a few more seconds inside the enclosed room. You should be past the point of feeling sorry for yourself, but it’s times like this wherein you’re with a loved one that the dejection hits and you wish that you’re in a better predicament than you are right now. You’re close to being broke, you’re overworked, you’re somehow fatigued all the fucking time—those factors aren’t soothing your worries at all. It’s a miracle how you manage to keep an optimistic mind amidst everything.

“Ready to go?” Jungkook smiles at you once you’re back at the table and you nod, clutching your bag tighter against your body and following him to his car.

He drives you to your place, turning the radio on, and letting it play while the both of you sit in silence. You’re both tired and you almost even sleep during the ride. It’s only when Jungkook gently shakes you awake that you realize that you’ve arrived in front of your apartment building.

“I’ll walk you up,” he insists as you’re unbuckling the seatbelt. 

“That’s no need, Kook.”

“Of course, it is,” he says. “I’ll walk you up. That’s nonnegotiable.”

So, you allow him.

It takes five minutes tops to reach the door leading to your apartment. As you rummage through your bag to grab your keys, Jungkook patiently stands there, occasionally glancing around the hallway and even smiling when the old lady that resided in the same floor got out of her room to throw out the trash. He receives a smile in return which you notice and grin fondly at.

“Well, this is me.” You turn to him, done unlocking your door. “I’d invite you inside but you should probably get going. It’s quite a long drive back home.”

“Yeah.” He breathes out a chuckle. “Hey, tonight was fun. It made me realize how I missed you.”

Your brain temporarily malfunctions; you force yourself to recover quickly. “Me too. I had fun tonight. Maybe we should do this again whenever you’re on a break.”

“Agreed.”

You flash him a smile. “You can go now. Goodnight.”

Jungkook nods, however doesn’t move a muscle. He’s looking at you, like really looking at you, his eyes moving from one feature to another, as if he’s memorizing your face or having a hard time arranging the words he wants to say. You guess it’s the latter, familiar with a tongue-tied Jungkook that it takes you a few good seconds before you’re demanding why he’s impersonating a mannequin.

“There’s something I want to say,” that’s what he utters and you almost snort due to your assumption being right.

“Okay…” The smile is still on your lips. “What is it?”

“Promise me you won’t get mad first.”

“Well, if you’re making me promise that then it’s probably worth being mad about.”

“It’s not as bad as you think.”

“That’s not convincing at all.”

“It’s just…” He begins and trails, biting his lower lip, “it’s… it’s why I went here. Why I went here to see and meet you, I mean.”

You unconsciously recoil at the revelation. It’s certainly a rookie mistake to believe that there was no ulterior motive in Jungkook meeting you today. You just didn’t reckon you’d actually be truly disappointed at that—at the idea that he just didn’t randomly decide to visit and be with you earlier until now.

You draw a long breath. “Well, I knew you weren’t just feeling generous and wanted to treat me to dinner out of nowhere.”

There’s a pause and then he resumes. “Just—before I say it, you have to hear me out, okay? You have to let me explain before you berate me.”

“I can’t promise that either.”

“You have to.”

“Why do I have to?”

“Because what I’m about to say is for your own sake. You know I always have your best interest at heart, don’t you?”

You wrinkle your forehead in further confusion. “Can you just get on with it? The vagueness is making me more annoyed.”

“I just don’t want you to misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand what?”

“What I—and Seowon—genuinely think is the best option.”

“Oh, and Seowon is in on this too?” You bellow. “Have you and Seowon just been conspiring behind my back the whole time?”

“Calm down.” Jungkook puts his hands on your shoulders, a chuckle inevitably escaping him. “I’m sorry for dragging it out. You should know I’m high key afraid of you, that’s why.”

“You should be.” You grumble.

Another chuckle, but he’s back to appearing anxious. You want to shout that this isn’t healthy, that you’re close to giving him a real reason to be afraid of you—yet once he blurts the confession out, you’re speechless, gawking at him and staggering backwards in complete shock. Perhaps you would have bolted as far away from him as possible if not for his solid grasp.

“What?” You hiss.

He swallows hard.

“I want you to marry me, ____.”

You don’t bolt away running. You shake off his hold on you though, and before he gets another word in, you’re hastily rushing inside your apartment and slamming the door to his face.

****

Jungkook was your first kiss.

It happened in a game of truth and dare. You were at a party of a mutual friend and when the bottle miserably pointed in Jungkook’s direction, the person who was tasked to think of his dare when it was his pick said that he dared him to do 7 minutes in heaven with you. 

He profusely refused at first, especially since Seowon was in the same party, but everybody began booing and next thing you know, Jungkook was agreeing as long as it was fine with you. When you nodded to make your consent apparent, your friends were quick to shove you both in the closet, some of them pulling Seowon back who was complaining how it wasn’t right to bully you into doing 7 minutes in heaven with Jungkook. They calmed him down once they bullied him into agreeing too.

“We don’t have to do anything,” Jungkook told you in the darkness, his breath fawning over your face. “You don’t have to feel pressured. It’s just a stupid game.”

You blushed.

Secretly, you were hoping that he’d kiss you or touch you. Who didn’t want to do anything with their crush at the age of 15? A lot can happen in 7 minutes. You were aware that sometimes people made out, went as far as third base, and although you didn’t want to go that far with Jungkook, you wanted something to happen while you were stuck in this small closet with him. There weren’t a lot of instances that put both of you in this kind of situation; you wished that you were brave enough to ask him to kiss you or do the first move yourself.

5 minutes in, Jungkook turned towards you.

“Is it true that Taehyung kissed you last week?”

You whipped your head so fast that you might have given yourself whiplash. “That’s—that’s not true. Where did you hear that?”

“During homeroom. Some girls were talking about it.”

Your cheeks burned. “Oh.”

“So, it’s not true?”

“No.” You shook your head. “I haven’t even had my first kiss yet.” You laughed weakly.

It was his turn to seem stunned. “You haven’t had your first kiss yet?”

You shook your head again, then realized he might not see you doing so. “Not yet.”

“Want me to change that?” he asked, grinning.

He said that with a boyish grin and teasing tone, but you sucked at social cues (plus, you really couldn’t see shit that much) that you started nodding.

“Okay,” you told him.

“Huh?”

“You can kiss me.”

“Oh, oh, shit—I didn’t—” He was blabbering, about to take back what he offered. “I mean, I was just joking but—”

You widen your eyes. “You were? Oh my God, I’m sorry, I thought you were—”

“No, it was my fault. That was a little out of line for me. I’m sorry.” He was laughing and you felt like burying yourself 6 feet under. “It was a stupid thing to say. But if you want me to kiss you, it’s cool.”

“It is?” Hope sparked within you.

“Yeah. It’ll just be a peck anyway.” You can tell he was smiling through his voice. “Just don’t tell Seowon because he might punch me in the face for kissing his sister.”

You cackled. “Deal.”

56 seconds before the 7 minutes were up, Jungkook leaned down to match your level and placed his lips on yours. 

****

You’re seething with rage, the embodiment of Godzilla, channeling the God of War, Ares, in your body; you harshly press Seowon’s number on your phone to call him and he answers after three rings.

“What’s up?”

“I will fucking murder you,” you snarl.

A beat. You hear shuffling. Then he answers, “you already talked with Jungkook?”

The nonchalance and calmness in his voice drives you to be more frustrated than you already are. “Yes, I have! What is wrong with you? Why would you plant that idea on his head?” You yell, not caring that your walls are thin and that your voice can probably be heard by the couple that lived next door. You’re feeling a mixture of anger, embarrassment, and every negative emotion that exists at the moment. You’re comparable to a bull who just saw the color red.

“____, it won’t be a big deal if you don’t make it to be.”

“Are you hearing yourself right now?”

“Did you even let Jungkook explain?”

“I don’t need him to spell everything out. I know why he’s asking me to marry him.”

“Then you know too that it’d be good for you.”

“Marrying him won’t be good for me.”

“Why not?”

“It just won’t!”

“You’ll get health insurance benefits that you don’t get with your current jobs. You can pay less rent once you move in at Jungkook’s place—there’s a huge chance he won’t even let you pay him while you stay there too. He’s away most of the time anyway, so staying there wouldn’t be a problem. Plus, you can start studying for a masters degree like you’ve always wanted.”

You groan. “Not like this. This is crazy.”

“The both of you can divorce once you’ve saved up a little. It really isn’t that complicated.”

“It’s a sham marriage!”

“It’s a sham marriage with Jungkook.”

“That doesn’t make it better.”

“Are you sure? Your grade school diary might disagree.”

“Oh my God, that’s fucking low of you to bring that up. You just gave me a reason to hate you.” You stomp around the living room, acting like a teenager because of your brother’s behavior. This isn’t the first time he revealed that he’s read your diary before; that doesn’t mean it’s less infuriating to be reminded that he has. “I swear, you better fucking sleeping with one eye open tonight. I’m choking you to death.”

Seowon laughs out loud. “Just marry him. He’s surprisingly amicable with the idea.”

“That’s because you’re pressuring him! I bet you and Mom devised this entire thing together.”

“Mom doesn’t know. To be far, she’d probably have the same reaction as you. It’s all me and Jungkook.”

“Wow. You have two brains and yet none of you thought this was goddamn stupid?”

“It’s not stupid. It’s genius if you come to think of it,” he says. “Jungkook just wants to help you, dude. He wants to make sure you’ll be okay and all that shit. You’re the reason he filed for a two-week leave, did he tell you?”

Your heart does that jumping thing again. “No.”

“Well, he did. He’s on a break for two weeks because he wants to convince you to marry him and actually marry you within that time frame.”

“This is nuts.” You sigh, finally flopping down the sofa and rubbing your face with your free hand. “The both of you are nuts. How are you okay with this?”

“It’s Jungkook. I trust him. Don’t you?”

“Of course, I do, I just—” you cut yourself off and frown, “I just feel like it’s unfair for him. I’m marrying him because of military spouse benefits and what does he get?”

There’s a long pause, and you almost check your phone to see whether Seowon has already hung up on you or not.

“It’s better that Jungkook answers that question,” he tells you finally.

“Why? You can’t answer it on behalf of him?”

“Something like that.” You can imagine him shrugging. “All I know is that he’s genuinely concerned about your health and your financial status right now. So, just think about it, okay?”

“God, fuck it, fine. I’ll think about it.” You grimace.

You hang up and glance at the door.

You don’t think the conversation you just had with Seowon took that much time. The initial rush you had upon having your longtime crush propose to you is wearing off and you’re realizing that it was a dick move to literally slam the door right in Jungkook’s face earlier, leading you to stand up from your seat and look through the peephole to check if he’s still there.

He isn’t, which you sigh in relief at.

As you lean against the door and regulate your breathing, you think how funny it is that Seowon is right about one thing—and that was grade school you would have been delighted at the thought of getting married to Jungkook. He’s your dream guy; your parents loved him, his parents loved you, the both of you got along very well, and his personality and looks are everything that you’re looking for in a partner. It sucks that you live in a world where the only reason he wants to marry you is because he’s afraid you’ll die because of self-neglect. 

Your phone pings and you unlock the screen to look at the message that flashes on it.

Jungkook: hey, seowon just messaged me to say that you two already talked Jungkook: i’m sorry for jumping on you with a topic like that… Jungkook: i’m shit at confrontation lol Jungkook: also it’s the first time i’m proposing so give me some slack

You scoff at his audacity to joke about it this soon.

You: it’s okay You: i’m sorry too for what i did You: the answer is no btw

Jungkook: already??? Jungkook: let’s talk about it first

You: no need You: i don’t want to marry you

Jungkook: oof that’s harsh

You: sorry not sorry?

He doesn’t respond and you think you’re safe. Maybe Jungkook does take no for an answer and you’re confused because you’re a little disappointed that he’s not falling on his knees, begging you to marry him like what your imagination is supplying you.

However, after you took a shower and went to check your phone again, you see that Jungkook messaged you a few minutes ago in response to your last message.

Jungkook: give me 10 days and i’ll change your mind

You have the urge to go take a shower again because of how hot your body is feeling at the statement.

You: hate to break it to you but you’re not matthew mcconaughey

Jungkook: 🤣🤣🤣

****

It’s not part of Jungkook’s branding to chase a woman. Typically, women chase him; they chase him in every city and country that he gets stationed in, flirting with him and hoping that they’ll get the chance to take him home for the night for a mindblowing one-night stand. They never succeed though, for despite their pretty faces and sultry gestures, Jungkook only smiles and declines every offer, saying that he had a girl waiting back home that he loved very much.

He used to think that he only used that as an excuse because he’s not the type to hook up with every attractive girl he meets. There are times when he succumbs, when he gives into the temptation of a little fun, especially after a life threatening or highly stressful mission—but most of the time, he thinks he declines and use that pronouncement of his because his mind reverts him to the idea of you, to what would happen if he just gained the balls to ask you out.

Evidently, although asking you out and asking you to marry him are two completely different things, he’s a bit afraid that your answer will always be a hard no. It’s what you’ve been literally spelling out to him since the day he presented the idea, regardless of how he’s trying his best in swooning you or explaining how this is the perfect plan to help you gain an upper hand with your diagnosis.

“I’ll file a restraining order against you, I’m serious,” you say to him when he appears yet again outside the faculty room, waiting for you to gather your things and head home. You’re wearing a white button up shirt and pinstripe wide leg trousers, an outfit combination that he ogles at before he goes down to business.

“You wouldn’t.” He glares at you. He gestures for you to let him take your backpack, and despite what you said, you let him. “Also, what the fuck is in this thing? You’ll break your back if you keep using this.” He swings your backpack on one shoulder.

You laugh. “My laptop, its charger, a couple of notebooks, books, pens, then the outputs of my students.”

“Aren’t they supposed to submit virtually? What happened to Google Classroom?”

“I still use it, but sometimes I like to have their work printed out so I can write the comments better. How do you know Google Classroom?”

“I have a squadronmate whose kid uses it for class.”

“Ah.” You nod in understanding.

You two continue walking forward.

This has been your program for the past few days. Jungkook goes to the university you work at, he’ll wait outside, you’ll threaten him with something ridiculous, he’ll take your bag, he’ll offer to take you to dinner, you’ll decline, and then he’ll drive you home anyways. Before that routine ends, he’ll lean on your door frame and give you his best puppy eyes, asking you to marry him for the sake of your welfare, and you’ll scowl at him, insisting that you don’t need his help to survive.

“Dinner?” he asks, right on schedule.

You glance at him. “No. I want to go home and sleep for 12 hours.”

“Busy day?”

“Yep.”

“You know, if you marry me, you won’t have to work two jobs and overexert yourself.”

He doesn’t need to turn to you to know that you’re giving him a dirty look. “I won’t marry you, Jungkook.”

“Why not?”

“Because marriage doesn’t work that way.”

“It does. Billionaires do it all the time. The mafia does it too. It’s always been some kind of transaction.”

“Well, if I marry you, what do you get?”

“The assurance you’re taken care of.”

“That’s cheesy.”

You share a laugh and he grins.

“It’s true,” he says. “I’ll be fine as long as you are.”

He waits for you to quip back a reply, flickering his eyes to you when it takes longer than usual. Instead of the sneer he’s expecting, you appear to be flustered, an expression that is very recognizable for him who’s known you since forever—an expression that makes it too obvious for Jungkook that the crush you had on him that he thought has been long gone was still there. He’s been seeing it a lot lately, particularly when he’s uttering lines that sound flirtatious on purpose; he’s positive that you’ll threaten to kill him when you discover that he basks on the fact that he can still make you all flustered and cute, which encourages him to do and say anything that would elicit a reaction from you. Was it unethical to seduce you into marrying him? He might have to rethink that part too.

Reaching the parking lot, he unlocks the doors to his vehicle and places your bag inside the backseat. He watches you walk around the car, about to go to the passenger’s side, but then you wobble a bit and his attempt to get inside is instantly forgotten.

“Hey,” he strides to where you are, gazing at you as you now hold onto the hood, “you alright?”

You raise your chin up. “Kook, can you get my bag?”

Jungkook doesn’t need to be told twice. He’s swinging the door again and getting your bag from the other end of the backseat while you get on the passenger’s seat, keeping the door wide and placing your legs outside, your feet planted on the concrete.

“What do you need?” he asks, crouching in front of you and zipping the bag open.

“Glucometer.”

He halts. “What does that look like?”

“It’s in the yellow bag. There.” You point at it right when he rummages through a certain part.

He brings it out and you take it from his grasp. Your movements are sluggish but he can discern that you’re doing your best not to be too slow; he’d present to help but he knows that he might prolong what you’re doing due to his cluelessness, so he just observes, noting how you’re pricking your finger with a device and then pressing it lightly to the glucometer which shows that your blood sugar is low.

“Blue bag,” you mutter to him and he finds it faster than the last one.

It’s the insulin this time. You grab the unopened syringe, rip it out from its packet, insert it to the vial of insulin—then your hand shakes, preventing you from continuing.

“Let me do it,” he says.

You don’t fight him, you just slump against the seat as Jungkook picks up from where you left, and the moment he administers the insulin through your shoulder, a huge and long exhale escapes you.

“How are you feeling?” he whispers. He didn’t notice that he was holding his breath the entire duration of the scene.

Another sigh. “Better.”

“Does this happen a lot?”

You seem to hesitate. “Not a lot. Just when life gets a bit too hectic.”

“____—”

“Just take me home.” You don’t give him the chance to lecture you. “Please, Jungkook.”

Defeated, he nods. “Alright.”

“Thank you.”

He helps you position yourself properly on the passenger’s seat. “But we’re talking about this at your place.”

Before you can protest, he closes the door.

****

Lee Hyunwoo was the name of the guy that you brought home for Christmas Eve eight years ago. It was the first time that you did, and Jungkook hated how Hyunwoo was considerably handsome, intelligent, and kind—the exact kind of person he always imagined you deserved.

In the short time Hyunwoo spent with theirs and your family that night, everybody loved him and was already inviting him to the next gathering, all the while Jungkook avoided him at every cost, puzzled by this strong dislike he was feeling for your guest. He was annoyed at the manner in which Hyunwoo had an arm around your waist the entire evening, how you grinned up to him, eyes sparkling and all that shit. Hell, you used to look at him like that.

“Honey, can you get the mango float we have in our freezer?” Jungkook heard your mother tell you, and without thinking, he stood up from his chair and made a beeline to where you were, telling you he’d accompany you to your house.

“That’s fine,” you told him. “It’s literally next door.”

“Yeah, but it might be heavy.”

“It’s not.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

You rolled your eyes and agreed then, excusing yourself from Hyunwoo who was in an engaged conversation with Seowon. The pair were geeking out because of their mutual love for the MCU and the next film slated to be released the following year.

Upon arriving at your home, you dashed to the kitchen with Jungkook trudging behind you. He wasn’t sure what his next course of action should be now; all he wanted was some alone time with you, away from the presence of that college boyfriend of yours, but now that he had that, he couldn’t think of anything that he wanted to say or do. He wasn’t even sure why he was feeling a bit jealous—was it because of that saying? Wherein people are bound to want what they can’t have? Or was it that you only appreciate what you had when you’ve already lost it?

“How long have you and Hyunwoo been dating?” he asked, leaning against the counter as you pulled your freezer open.

“Four months, I think.”

“Four months? And you already brought him home?”

You snorted at his tone. “His family is in another country so I thought it’d be nice to invite him.”

“You must really like him then.”

“Yeah, but I’m not in love with him or anything.” You placed the mango float on the space beside Jungkook on the counter. “He’s nice, and he likes me too.”

“Does he treat you well?”

You flashed your eyes at him, amusement dancing in them. “What’s with that question?”

“What’s with it?”

“Nothing, it’s just that…” you trailed, a smirk etched on your face. “Wait a minute, are you… you can’t possibly—” Jungkook was widening his eyes, ready to deny your accusation once you questioned whether he was jealous of Hyunwoo or not— “are you pulling an overprotective brother skit on me, Kook?”

Fuck, thank God, he thought.

“I prefer ‘overprotective friend skit’,” he said.

“That doesn’t have a nice ring to it.”

“But I’m not your brother.”

“You don’t have to be, I’m just saying that you and Seowon have been acting similar since Hyunwoo and I arrived.”

“Nonsense. Seowon likes him.”

“Oh, so you don’t?”

He pressed his lips into a tight line.

“Did you just admit that you don’t like Hyunwoo?” you asked, chuckling. He was grateful that you didn’t seem to be offended by it.

“I didn’t say I didn’t like him.”

“Instead you implied it.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You kinda did.”

He heard you laugh and he couldn’t help but allow himself to laugh as well.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “Maybe I’m just not used to you dating anyone. You are chronically single.”

“Can’t say you’re wrong.” You snorted and picked up from the mango float, marching back to his house and gesturing for him to follow you.

He did, no words spoken between the both of you once more. Though when you were entering their place again, with Jungkook holding the door open for you, he mentioned something he never reckoned he’d have the guts to mention out loud.

“When you open my gift,” he began, “don’t do it in front of Hyunwoo, okay?”

“Why not?” You weren’t paying attention to where you were going, intrigued by his warning.

“He might not like it. You’ll see.”

That night, at the comfort of your bedroom, Hyunwoo nowhere near but instead sleeping at the coach downstairs in your living room, you opened Jungkook’s gift and saw that it was a necklace with your birth flower as its pendant.

You smiled, rolling your eyes to yourself, and slept with that giddy look never leaving your face.

****

“Not so fast,” Jungkook grunts.

Did he think that you were going to be less difficult since he was helpful earlier? Yeah, he did. He likes to think that if it wasn’t for him, you would have taken longer in injecting yourself with insulin, so he at least wanted a thank you in the form of your willingness to have an adult conversation with him tonight. However, that clearly isn’t the case because when he walked you up to your apartment like he always did, you’re attempting to lock him out, shutting the door as fast as you can once you’re inside, thus trying to prevent him from initiating that talk he wanted the two of you to have.

“Seriously?” He successfully pries the door open and you scowl at him.

“Jungkook—”

“No, you don’t get to reason your way out of this. I’m done hearing you out. It’s your turn to listen to me.” He steps inside your apartment.

You groan, striding to the sofa and throwing your bag there. “You can’t force me to marry you.”

“Is marrying me so fucking bad that you can’t get over it for health insurance benefits that can really help you?” He demands, infuriated. 

“That’s not the issue.”

“Then what is?”

“You can get arrested!” you exclaim. “And so can I! Does that not freak you out?”

“We’ll only get arrested if we get caught.”

“I’m not willing to take the risk.”

“I’m not willing to see you die.”

You scoff out a laugh. “Who the fuck said anything about dying? I’m not dying.”

“You almost passed out on me. You almost—”

“It’s an error on my part, I admit.” You sigh. “When I get busy and preoccupied, sometimes I forget to check my sugar levels regularly throughout the day. I’m sorry.”

“And you expect to be convinced that you have everything handled?”

“God, I’m not a child. Stop treating me like I can’t do shit for myself.”

“Please, ___,” he approaches you with the most pleading expression he can muster, and he watches as your hard expression crumbles, “just accept my help. It’s really not a big deal—you won’t even see me often, so keeping up with the whole marriage ploy wouldn’t be difficult. We’ll divorce in two years, we can pretend we never got married after that.”

“You just don’t get it, don’t you?”

“What do I not get? If you think I don’t understand something, then explain it to me—”

“I can’t marry you,” you say. You do so like it’s final, like there’s no point in arguing with you because he can never change your stand on this. As he’s pleading with his eyes to urge you to agree, you’re communicating with your eyes in a similar way that’s wishing he would just drop this. “It’s wrong.”

His eyebrows furrow. “This isn’t the time to go on your high horse and decide what’s wrong and what’s not. It’s a fraudulent marriage—of course, it’ll be wrong to some degree.”

“No, I mean…” You turn away from him, rubbing your face in exhaustion. “It’d be wrong of me to marry you. I’m taking advantage of you if I do, and I don’t like that.”

Jungkook shakes his head, frustration worsening at the childlike excuse. Surely, you weren’t that naive, were you? “You’re not. I’m not doing this against my own will. Besides, we get extra pay just for being married. If it makes you feel better, I won’t split it with you.”

“That won’t make me feel better.”

“Then what will?”

You flop down on the coach and lean back, closing your eyes. He knows he’s being a pain in the ass but he can’t just stand here and do nothing. He thinks he’s already come too far in convincing you, he isn’t going to back out now. Every single day spent together, he can feel you warming up to the idea of marrying him for health insurance. Your connection and entirety of your relationship has been off the charts recently that it’ll be harder for him not to be assured that before he leaves for his job, you’ll be taken care off.

Jungkook goes to the spot beside you, sitting down. Your knees bump together, he keeps on gazing at you, waiting for you to focus on him; a minute passes and his gaze moves to your hand that’s laying on the small space between you.

Without overthinking, he stretches out and clasps it, allowing his fingers to play with yours that finally captures your attention. The moment he glances up, he sees that you’re staring at him and he doesn’t let go, he even smiles, a quiet promise that he’s always willing to listen to whatever you want to tell him.

You hesitantly smile back. “You know,” your eyes train back to your intertwined fingers, Jungkook reveling in the warmth of your skin, gaining more confidence in acting out his feelings, “there was a time wherein I would have said yes immediately if you asked me to marry you.”

He smirks, can’t deny how hearing that inflates his ego a bit although this route in the conversation isn’t where he expected to go. “What changed?”

“For one, I grew up.”

“Ouch.”

You laugh. Then you stay quiet for a while before speaking. “Can I confess something?”

That piques his interest. “Anything.”

“But you have to promise not to make fun of me.”

“That’s impossible.” He teases. “What is it?”

You stall, readjusting your position so that you can directly face him. Jungkook doesn’t let go of your hand, he keeps it in his grasp, his thumb rubbing along the expanse of your knuckles.

“I like you, Jungkook. I really really do,” you finally say and he blinks, startled.

It shouldn’t surprise him, considering that it’s been long established that he knew of your crush already, though he doesn’t seem to have anticipated for you to boldly admit it when all these years, it’s only been some kind of unspoken understanding that neither of you downright acknowledged.

You continue speaking. “In fact, I like you so much that maybe it developed into love at some point—I’m not sure. I’m at this stage of no longer being afraid of what I feel, I think? Most of the time, I just let it occur like it’s something so natural. Like it’s a feeling that I can never get away from? Like whatever I do, there’s no way to shake you.” You chuckle half-heartedly. “Though never in a million years would I have thought that I’d confess all of this. What for anyway? I don’t want you to be burdened with what my teenage heart couldn’t rub out.”

His mind is racing; hundred thoughts, hundred scenarios, hundred experiences he’s spent with you since the day you met. Jungkook never realized how much he needed you to say that you liked him—that maybe you even loved him—until he heard it from your very mouth that you did, causing every inhibition and doubt he had to vanish. Now, he only wants to engulf you in an embrace and shout Yes, I feel the same way! Sorry for being a fucking corward and not doing this first!

He would have done all of that in a flash if it didn’t appear that you still had something to say. Based on your rather constipated posture and the hand he’s holding that’s becoming clammy, he discerns that you’re just in the first part of what you wanted to admit.

“Actually, that’s also why I can’t let myself marry you,” you say. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but I don’t know… it feels really icky somehow. I feel like I’m holding you hostage, or that I’m tricking you because of an ulterior motive, or that I’m defying the laws of the universe by having the chance to marry you. I’m not sure. I just know that I don’t want to marry you if it means I’ll only get to do so because you think you’re doing me a huge favor. I don’t want to be your charity case, Kook—I deserve to be more than that, you know? I’m not traditional or whatever but if it’s not for love, I’m not keen on getting married.” You abruptly pull away from his clutch, embarrassment washing on your features by what you stated. “Plus, two years might not be that long but what happens when you meet someone and you like her? How can you explain that you’re only married to me because I need it for my medication? It’ll just be unnecessarily messy. I don’t want to hold you back from those kinds of things. I don’t want to be a hindrance.”

That’s his cue. That’s when he knows he’s supposed to kiss you and take your breath away, to admit that he’s certain that he has loved you since that one time when he was in the Naval Academy and although the training was hard as fuck, the thought of you gave him strength and he didn’t want to see anyone as much as he wanted to see you after—that when you and Seowon visited him, that familiar urge to have you alone was all he felt the entire time, solidifying the idea that perhaps he didn’t just see you as a friend.

“You’re unbelievably dense, ___,” he murmurs, smirking at the play of events, and you glance at him, expression showing disbelief that he’s somehow treating this matter lightly.

“What?”

“Do you honestly think I go around and offer marriage to every woman out there who can benefit from being a military spouse? Do you think I’m that generous? I’m not. I wouldn’t ask anyone to marry me for the same reason if they weren’t important to me—or if I didn’t like them. I’m not that much of a saint,” he adds. “I mean, I’m taking a two-week break to convince you to marry me. I’m spending time with you every single day. I’m driving for almost an hour and a half, enduring the traffic to get from my apartment to the university you work in to do that—and you think this is because I want to be charitable?”

Silence. Your forehead wrinkles. He thinks you’re still not getting the point.

“I’m in love with you, ____,” Jungkook says.

Your breath hitches in your throat. You’re opening your mouth, then closing it, then opening it again, then pressing it into a thin line. He thinks you look cute, being taken aback like this, and he’s wishing that he’s done this sooner so that the last five days of him chasing you around like a lost puppy was spent with talking more about what’s possibly waiting for yours and his relationship next.

“Are you serious?” you ask after what seems like forever. “Or are you just saying that because you’re that desperate to have me on board with the whole fraudulent marriage thing?”

“God—” He’s inching closer to you now, laughing, watching your lips twitch at his reaction— “I’m convinced that you were born into this earth to drive me fucking crazy.”

And just like that, he no longer restrains himself from kissing you.

It takes you a few good seconds before you will yourself to move. You can’t seem to process the reality of Jungkook admitting that he was in love with you and then taking the liberty to plant his lips on yours. You’re not complaining, of course, but you are a bit overwhelmed that it literally makes you freeze, unaware of what you’re supposed to do now that your fantasies are coming into life.

However, once you feel him angle his head to the side, doing so to deepen the kiss, your reflexes kick in and you’re kissing him back, encircling your arms around his neck and leaning towards him, Jungkook sighing in what appears to be relief. He grips your hips to support you as you try to straddle him, but your movements are so clumsy that you end up sprawling against his chest instead, perched on a leg of his that provides pleasure on the spot you need him the most. He chuckles at your lack of gracefulness, gliding his lips to your cheek and down to your jaw, nipping.

“This okay?” he whispers with a palm drifting to your bottom.

You nod and Jungkook’s mouth is back on yours in an instant. He squeezes your ass, takes his time in fondling with it, cheekily slapping whenever you get brave yourself and push your tongue past his lips, before he skims his hand lower to your thigh and signals for you to mount him. Upon being properly sat on his lap, you get an immediate feel of his hard length through his jeans, prompting your imagination to run wild and induce the filthiest things he can do to you if neither of you stops.

“Holy shit,” he curses, your kisses roaming to the base of his throat where you lap and suck.

It becomes a dirty pattern for a while. The both of you will take a brief pause from making out to remove a piece of clothing or kiss every other exposed skin there is: the cheek, the jaw, the neck, the collarbones, the shoulders. Then one of you hauls the other back for another passionate kiss, hands skating everywhere on your bodies, sounds of arousal echoing inside the room; you’re starting to get lightheaded but you’re positive it’s not because of your sugar levels running low.

“I hate that it took us so long to get to this point,” he mutters.

You grin. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m the man—I should have confessed long ago.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t know. ‘Was afraid to lose you, I guess.” He draws his head back and admires your blissed out expression. “But then when Seowon told me you had diabetes, I panicked and thought that I might lose you either way.”

You go back to making out, Jungkook guiding your hips in grinding on his clothed length. It’s addictive—the intimate feel of him, how he’s not shy in making sure you know how much he’s craving to be as close to you as you are to him. You think you can spend the whole night just doing this and be okay with it.

“Fuck, Kook,” you groan against his mouth, a hand descending to his stomach and to his manhood, “you’re so… so fuckin’ hard.”

You’re palming him now, tracing the erection evident under his boxers.

He lets out a grunt. “Yeah, baby, I know.”

“Do you… do you want me—” You’re breathless, not able to continue whatever it is that you want to say.

He understands you just fine though. “No.” He shakes his head. “Don’t do anything.”

You’re not sure what Jungkook means by that. How are you supposed to do nothing when you want to do everything to him? You soon comprehend what he means when he guides you to lay down on the sofa, when his lips skim lower and lower, passing your breasts, giving them the attention they deserve, until he goes lower than that and discards your underwear, kissing you in between your legs.

It’s like he’s releasing all the pent up emotions he’s been keeping all these years. His tongue and fingers are relentless, his voice is telling you that he’s eager to coax an orgasm out of you, and as he lifts himself up to return to his previous position, face hovering yours, you’re positive that he’ll get everything he wants because without a doubt you’ll give him everything he wants from you too. Hell, if he uses this opportunity to ask you to marry him again, you might answer yes straight away, no longer bearing in mind the worries you expressed to him earlier.

Although did that even matter anymore? Jungkook said he loved you. He said you drove him crazy. You never thought you’d come to see the day he’d utter those words but here you are. The man of your dreams is kissing you, pleasing you, and looking damn enthusiastic as he does all of that.

“Last chance to stop me,” Jungkook teases. His eyes are glassy and you can feel his cock nudging on your thigh.

You giggle, bringing his head closer to press another long kiss on those pink and plump lips of his. “Please never stop.”

“Never?”

“Never.”

“I’m going to take you up on that.”

“Please do.”

After this night, you’re certain that you’ll never allow yourself to be with another man aside from Jungkook. At the back of your head, you always thought that you were his, regardless if that wasn’t true or that there was no real relationship to prove that—however, at this moment, as he thrusts in and out languidly, you unquestionably know that you’re his. You belong to him now and he belongs to you; he lets you know through his love-filled gaze, his passionate kisses, and the manner wherein he moans your name.

“I love you,” he says, like he’s still in deep longing for your touch and affection.

You hum, tangling your fingers through the strands of his hair. “I love you, Kook.” You stare at his eyes. “I can’t remember a time I didn’t.”

A boyish grin erupts on his features.

Time passes by quickly. In a few more of his kisses, of the intoxicating slam of his hips, of his seductive whimpers, you’re coming beneath him, Jungkook pulling out and jerking his length until he too comes, his seed landing on the base of your tummy. You have the nerve to giggle at that, grinning at him with low-lidded eyes, and Jungkook hastily wipes his cum off your skin, attacking you with another passionate kiss that leaves you breathless.

“There’s no way you’re not marrying me after this,” he murmurs.

You teasingly graze your teeth on his bottom lip. “I’ll think about it.”

He groans. “Don’t think about it. Just say yes.”

“At least let me sleep on it, Kook.”

“Fuck—fine.” He grabs your sides and pulls you flush against his body. “Guess I’ll have to keep on convincing you until you agree.”

****

“God, why is this so difficult?” Jungkook whines, keeping you in his embrace, head tucked between your cheek and shoulder.

The air is very humid and Jungkook’s in his naval aviator uniform, which doesn’t look cool in a sense that air is properly flowing through the material. He doesn’t care though, doesn’t care that it’s sticking to his skin as he refuses to let you go, not even when you complain playfully.

“Kook, I’m fucking sweaty.”

“I don’t care.”

You laugh. 

He’s leaving to return to his duty and you’re here with him outside the base before he enters, being with him until the last possible minute because that’s how much of a good wife you are.

Yes, you and Jungkook did get married. Three days ago in fact, at the city hall’s courtroom. Neither of you invited your parents; they didn’t know about the occasion and you refused to tell them, afraid that they may be critical about yours and his choices when they discover the true reason why you’re rushing to be wed. The only people that remained to be aware of it was Seowon and his girlfriend, Winnie, who served as the witnesses, which was fine by you. In your understanding, this was just for the papers and your health, and not the real deal yet to be celebrated lavishly.

“I’ll propose to you again after a couple of years,” Jungkook promised after the ceremony. “Let’s renew our vows and I’ll give you an amazing wedding.”

You would have told him that there was no need, but who were you kidding? You did want a proper wedding with Jungkook. The previous week didn’t even feel like you were newlyweds. Yes, the both of you compacted all of the dates you could have if one of you weren’t such a chicken in five days, and yes, though the honeymoon stage was experienced and practiced—it was only because you were a new couple who after years of hiding their feelings for one another, was now finally free to express it as much as they desired.

“Call me everyday?” you ask when he finally pulls back, Jungkook pecking your lips one more time.

“Definitely.” He smiles. “Visit me whenever possible?”

“Of course.” You kiss him too.

His smile transforms into a grin. “Take care of yourself, alright? Keep me updated all the time. No sugarcoating allowed.”

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

Rolling his eyes, he gives you another kiss and engulfs you in a tight hug, lifting you off the ground that causes you to giggle.

“Okay, pack it up, love birds!” Seowon shouts.

The two of you turn to your brother who’s leaning on his car, the vehicle that was used to transport the three of you today. You’re still in the middle of moving your belongings at Jungkook’s place and Seowon was kind enough to volunteer helping, always dubious that you could do stuff on your own. Despite your reluctance, you let him assist you, mostly because you’re trying to make a conscious effort in not upsetting him again.

Let’s just say that when the judge hailed you husband and wife at the civil wedding, Seowon wasn’t thrilled to see that the kiss shared between you and Jungkook wasn’t as fake as the supposed sham marriage, leading him to the conclusion that in the middle of Jungkook’s ruse of convincing you to be his wife, something must have happened that led to your approval and that rather 18+ rated kiss. Mostly though, he’s just offended that neither of you thought of telling him that you were an official couple before the wedding.

Jungkook unwillingly places you down.

“I think I need to go,” you say.

He nods with a sigh. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

“Call you tomorrow?”

“Yes.” You affectionately caress his cheek, bringing his face down for the very very very last kiss. 

He leans into it. “Fuck, I don’t want to leave.”

“Seriously—hurry up!” Seowon shouts and you pull back.

“I will kill him,” you tell Jungkook.

“He’s your brother,” he says. “And now, my brother-in-law, so I can’t let you do that.”

“That might be your very first red flag, Jungkook, insinuating that you’re choosing my brother over me.” You cross your arms. “Tell me, if the both of us were drowning, would you save me or Seowon?”

“You,” he answers without missing a beat.

You narrow your eyes. “Is that the truth?”

“Of course. Seowon would probably undrown himself anyway and you’re shit at swimming. It’s an easy choice.”

You punch him hard on the shoulder and he feigns hurt, snickering. “For the record, I don’t think anyone can ‘undrown’ themselves—but fine, you pass the test.”

Jungkook faces Seowon’s direction and does a final salute, your brother returning it swiftly, and just like that, you and him share your last farewells. You watch as he goes through the entrance of the base and sends you a wave of goodbye; you weakly copy the gesture and stand there for a few seconds, just watching him fade from your view the further he trudges inside. You don’t think saying goodbye to him ever felt this heavy, and you blame it on the fact that after all this is the first time you’re saying goodbye to him with the assurance that he loves you too—and that alone weighs millions.

You spin on your heel and go to Seowon who’s already in the driver’s seat. As soon as you get in and wear your seat belt, he’s giving you a dirty look.

“What?” you ask.

“Please never do that in front of me again.”

His statement makes you smirk. “Why? Didn’t you want this?”

“Want what?”

“Me and Jungkook to be together.”

“When on earth did I say that?”

“You previously admitted that you were lowkey playing cupid by suggesting that Jungkook marry me for health insurance.”

A short pause. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I have to watch you two reenact a porno every fucking time.”

“We’re not—”

“You are. Don’t deny it.” He grumbles. “God, every time I see you two, it’s like I’m Ross from that one Friends episode where he accidentally sees Monica and Chandler doing it from the window of his apartment.”

“Yeah, I remember that.” You laugh. “In my defense, you haven’t seen me and Jungkook actually do the deed so—”

“Wait, so the two of you have?”

Your expression drops. His tone is approaching older brother protectiveness territory and you’re quick to attempt diffusing the situation. “I will not dive into that. All I’m going to say is that I’m a grown adult and so is Jungkook.”

He grimaces before starting the engine. “Yeah, never dive into that. I don’t need to hear the details.”

You share a laugh and then silence fills the car.

You press your lips together, looking at him while he backs out from the parking spot. “Hey, thanks, by the way. For driving today, and for offering to help me later, and maybe for also never minding your own business.”

You recall how Seowon was the one who couldn’t stop worrying about you and finding a solution when you told your family that you had type 1 diabetes. Your parents were concerned, they pestered you for months to force you to accept financial assistance from them, but they gave up soon after. Seowon though? He never did. He persisted through every outburst you had; he tolerated your bitchiness and your dirty looks all the time. Out of everyone in your life, you always felt like regardless of how stubborn and prideful you could be, Seowon was worse—in the best way possible.

A crooked smile illuminates his face. “You’re my kid sister. It’s my job to never let you experience peace in your whole life.”

You scoff. “Well, you’re damn great at what you do.”

When you reach Jungkook’s apartment, unloading the boxes and arranging your stuff to its designated places, your heart swells in happiness as the reality sinks in that your life is heading in the right direction after months of feeling hopeless. It drives you to be more thankful to the little things, to the people who were always by your side, to your previous circumstance that although wasn’t ideal was still manageable. A lot don’t get to have that kind of privilege and you promise yourself that you’ll make an effort to find more things to be grateful about from this day forward.

“Oh, I forgot to mention,” Seowon approaches in the middle of you arranging your books on Jungkook’s near to empty shelf, “Winnie wanted to give you this. She would have handed it over herself but she’s going to be busy for the next few days.”

You take the frame from his hand and see that it’s the picture Winnie took of you and Jungkook after the ceremony. It’s in the restaurant that you ate at to celebrate the civil wedding. Jungkook was grinning at you with an arm around on the backrest of your chair, you were leaning towards him, smiling at the camera—and the absolute selling point of why this was the best picture ever taken was because of how cake icing was scattered on your faces, places on spots in an artistic manner like it was planted there on purpose for the picture and not because the both of you were being silly that instance.

You think it showcases your relationship with Jungkook marvelously. It’s playful, it’s sweet, and most of all, it demonstrates how you two are clearly great friends.

“This is so beautiful, Seowon,” you say.

You immediately send Winnie a heartfelt thank you message for the gift and continue to take a photo of the frame, sending it to Jungkook as well.

Once you hit send, you type out a message to accompany it.

You: look how cute we look 🥹

You’re certain it’ll take hours before he replies so you keep your phone again, going back to staring at the picture which is now placed on one of the shelves. It’s the sole picture frame you have with Jungkook. In fact, it’s the only picture that Jungkook has in his apartment, and you like to think that this might be the mark of the new beginning you’ll have with him. Even though your relationship wouldn’t be traditionally explored given his occupation and how he’s most likely going to be away a lot, you don’t mind.

If there’s one thing you really believe in, it’s that waiting for Jungkook—whether consciously or unconsciously—always brings out the best outcomes.

thank you for reading! as i live for positive reinforcement, feedback is always appreciated ♡

[saltnsugarbear]

the ones I picked out for you in Tokyo (18+)

summary: Carmy wants to be pretty for you!

title from: "Guess" by Charlixcx featuring Billie Eilish

word count: 3.1k

content warnings: smut MDNI!!!! Boys in panties, afab reader genitalia, sub!carmy I suppose technically, probably maybe ooc carmy but I don't care oh well, palming, not quite oral but close (m!receiving), dry humping?, reader is called baby several times, smallest pinch of praise kink, I think I got everything?

side note: dedicated to my beloved @carmenberzattosgf !! approximately three to four months ago this was the first idea I'd pitched to her, and now I am here! kisses for my dear <3 ily darling olive!

Carmy had already approached you about the idea. Not very smoothly, you'd add. And it's not that he approached you, you had to sit him down in order to get an answer.

You already had some sort of inkling to the idea. The way he would eye the underwear section of a store or your underwear in the drawer or laundry.

At first you thought he just had a particularly active imagination and specific preference for what he wanted to see you in.

And sure, he loved seeing you in a soft lace pair, little bows on the side. It drove him crazy.

Carmy just didn't have the same yearning look in his eyes when he saw you in them.

You actually brought this up to him a handful of months into your relationship. He very quickly assured you that wasn't the case, and further proved how much he loved them. By spending hours between your legs.

When Carmy would look at the lacey underwear on a display he had this look of wistfulness instead of imagined hunger. He made certain faces at a texture he didn't like and shook his head as if he had been considering them.

More recently you had addressed it during lunch on one of his days off.

The two of you were sitting together at the table when you decided to brace yourself for the conversation.

You had gotten up, taking the dishes from your lunch with you to the sink.

When you came to sit back down, you took his hands in yours and rubbed your thumb over his knuckles, being mindful of his most recent knick.

Carmy looks at you, furrowing his brow a little and tilting his head, fighting a smile.

"Can I ask you something, bear?"

Carmy hums and nods as he studies your face. You can see some of the anxiety working its way into his features.

"It's not bad. It's not bad." You start to reassure him. "Just um... Just something I wanted to ask about... And you don't have to.. feel obligated into answering.."

You worry your lip between your teeth. Carmy taps his own thumb against your knuckles and you swallow your own nerves.

"Would you..." You take a deep breath in. "Do you want to wear panties?"

You study Carmy's face as you finish your question. His face goes through several different emotions, you can see the anxiety in his eyes.

"I'm not trying to corner you, or make you upset. I've... I've just noticed that there's a different look in your eyes when you see them on a display, which you assured didn't have to do with me, so this seemed like the only other option?" You bite the inside of your cheek and can see understanding dawn on Carmy.

"So I figured, if we had a talk about it, and if you agreed, I could take some of your measurements and get you a few pairs... If that's what you wanted. But I don't want you to think-"

"Yes." Carmy says it so assuredly that you're almost shocked. You watch as he swallows down any reservations he might have had before and nods.

"I um.. Yeah, I- I would.." Carmy inhales deeply and nods, for extra affirmation.

You smile at him and nod, "Okay.. Okay, I can get that down."

Carmy nods and looks at your conjoined hands.

"This... This doesn't change anything, by the way." You tilt your head to try and catch his eye. Carmy looks up at you, and you nod at him. "There's nothing wrong with this."

Before he can argue, and to solidify it, you give him a short kiss on the lips. You quickly move to place kisses on his nose and cheeks and around his eyes.

Once you start placing kisses on his eyelids Carmy starts giggling under you.

You smile at him and bring your hands to hold his face.

"I love you so much, Carm." You study his eyes. "So, so much."

"Love you too, baby.. So much." Carmy moves to kiss you sweetly. Slowly he pulls you onto his lap, causing the kiss to become a little sloppier. He moves his hand too quickly, not accounting for the table and you can hear when he hits it.

"Fuck-" Carmy pulls away to look at his hand. "Son of a bitch.."

"Aw, poor baby." You look down at his hand and then back up at him. "Want me to kiss it better?"

You let a little bit of amusement slip into your voice.

"As if.." Carmy mutters as you giggle a little. He gives you a glare that has no heat to it as you smile at him.

"Come 'ere.." He cups your jaw, swallowing your giggles in a kiss.

You cannot wait to get him dressed up.

You suprise him with his first pair a week and a half later. Using the measurements you had taken of him you found one you thought would fit him nicely as well as a color that would compliment his features.

You got it packaged in a slim black box, wrapped with tissue paper on the inside of it. A simple, sleek silk black bow tied it together.

You left the box on your bed, with a card that had his name written on it. Carmy wasn't expected to be back until late in the afternoon a you had some errands you needed to run for the house. Ideally it would be timed for you to arrive home after Carmy did, in time for him to take in the context of the box.

When you did arrive home, you found Carmy sitting on the bed, box in his hands. You discarded your wallet and keys on your dresser as you made your way over to him and stood between Carmy's legs.

Carmy looks up at you, letting the box rest against your legs.

"Have you opened it yet?" You asked as you brought your hand to his head and carded your fingers through is hair.

"Uh... Yeah." Carmy whispers as he leans into your touch, face a little flushed.

"What do you think?" You tilt your head to the side when he drops his gaze down to the box. Carmy moves his hands to the backs of your thighs and pulls you closer to him. When he looks back up, he's able to rest his chin against your stomach.

"I like 'em." He says softly, averting his eyes as you watch the blush work it's way to the tips of his ears.

You smile down at him and move your hand so you can rub your thumb along his cheekbone.

"Do you wanna try them on?" You whisper, offering him an out in case this isn't something he wants.

Though you're pretty sure it is.

Carmy nods as he leans into your touch. You smile down at him and kiss him, soft and sweet. When you pull away he trails after you, you tug gently at his roots to keep him in place.

"Go put them on, baby." You give him a quick kiss on the cheek before you pull away from him.

Carmy watches you for a moment as you head over to your dresser, unbottoning your shirt and putting on an old t-shirt.

Once you start to remove your jeans, Carmy gets up and crosses to the ensuite, closing the door behind him.

When you're done, only in your t-shirt and own underwear, you sit down in the same spot Carmy had been in. You can hear him shuffling around in the bathroom. There's a muttered, "Fuck.." before you hear the lock click and watch the door start to open.

The view that greets you is greater than you could have ever imagined, and you had imagined it a lot.

You drag your gaze across Carmy's body. He's stood in the door frame to the bathroom, awkwardly fidgeting with the waistband of his underwear.

His panties, to be more specific. The ones that match his eyes perfectly and look beautiful against his skin.

It's mouth watering, the view of a little bow right above where he's managed to cover his half hard cock with thin blue lace.

"This is weird.... I- I don't know why-" Carmy starts, every obviously anxious under your gaze.

You're quick to stop him though, bolting up from the bed and holding your hands out as you walk towards him. Carmy puts his hands out for you to grab and you hold them gently before you move them behind his back.

"You look so pretty, bear." You tell him, and start pressing kisses along his jaw, moving down to his neck.

"Re-" Carmy clears his throat and you can feel the vibrations on your lips. "Really..?"

"Mhmm.." You hum as you slowly begin to trail the kisses down his shoulders.

When you reach his chest you make sure to pay extra attention so his pecs, pressing kisses and suckling on his nipples briefly until he groans above you. You make sure to leave bites and kisses along his abdomen as you move down to his waistband and rest on your knees.

You make sure to pay extra attention to the skin around his waistband; along his hips, stomach, and thighs. Leaving little kisses and bite marks that will bruise in the morning. Paying special attention to the vein along his right hip, you hear him moan quietly above you. You duck down to start leaving kisses and bites along the plains of his thigh.

"Fu- Fuck.." Carmy inhales above you when you leave a particularly harsh bite along his inner thigh. Quickly, you place a soothing kiss over it before moving to his other thigh and repeating the same action.

When you're done, you lean back and take in his face looking down at you. Carmy has moved his hands to hold on the doorframe, using it to keep himself upright.

Carmy's eyes are half-lidded and his mouth is out as he breaths heavily above you. The view is pure sin, from the look on his face to heaving of his kiss bitten chest to his happy trail leading you to the baby blue bow of his panties.

You bring your hand to his hip, sliding your thumb under his waistband to rub over the soft skin there. Carmy shudders as you start to place feather light kisses around his happy trail. When you look up, you can see his stomach flexing as he keeps himself from rutting against your face.

You smile up at him, knowing you have that glimmer in your eyes that drives Carmy insane. Before he can process the look properly, you drag your tongue from where the head of his cock presses against lace to the base of him. This time Carmy can't help himself as he bucks up into your mouth before you quickly remove yourself.

The whine Carmy lets out has you adjusting yourself to apply some sort of pressure to your core. This man is going to be the death of you.

From where your thumb sits under his waistband, you pull it taut before letting it go, letting it snap against Carmy's hip. The way Carmy inhales is delightful and you can't help but grin up at him.

"Go lay down for me, pretty boy.." You pat his thigh softly and move out of the way for Carmy to walk past you.

Carmy is awkward in his movements, you can see the slight embarrassment in them still. The view of his ass in the panties is almost as good as the one from his front. The lace fabric barely covers all of him and you can see where it digs slightly into the flesh.

When he sits down is when you stand back up. You watch as Carmy lays back, bringing his hands to fidget with the little bow when he looks at you.

You can hear him breathe in and shudder when you sit on his right side. As you brace yourself on your hand, you don't think you've ever seen Carmy this malleable. It was very rare when Carmy let himself give up control like this, but you were patient in waiting for him to get to this point in your relationship.

The color of Carmy's eyes no longer match the color of his panties, but you can hardly seen them with how diluted his pupils are. Carmy leans into your touch when you weave your right hand into his hair, bracing yourself on your forearm.

The noises Carmy makes as you trail your hand down his chest are nothing short of heavenly. By the time you tug at his waistband he's panting, you can feel the air on your lips whenever he exhales.

"You're so worked up and all I've done is kiss you..." You tease him with a tug at his roots. Carmy's face is flushed and its making it's way down his neck and shoulders.

You take in the way his eyes roll back into his head when you begin to palm over his erection. The strangled groan he lets out is sinful and has you shifting your hips slightly.

Carmy brings you into a sloppy kiss, letting you quickly take control of it. He whines softly when you nip at his lower lip and gently suck along the spot to make up for it.

You pull back from the kiss, taking in Carmy's expressions. When you tug gently at his hair, the whine he let's out is hungry.

Carmy breathes heavily against your lips as you grind your palm over his bulge. When you grip him through his panties, you watch as he bucks his hips into the friction.

When you start to mimic jerking him off through his panties, the moans he lets out are positively filthy. It's endearing the way Carmy tries to keep kissing you between the moans he's releasing.

"Please.. Fu-Fuck, please baby.." Carmy doesn't even know what he's begging for at this point.

"You're so pretty like this Carm..." You whisper, massaging lightly at his scalp. The praise mixed with the actions of both your hands makes Carmy whimper next to you, his eyes shut as he leans up in an attempt to kiss you again.

Your heart feels like its going to burst as you take in the sight. Carmy giving himself to you completely, letting himself be in such a vulnerable situation makes you want to smother him with kisses.

Which you start to do. You start placing little kisses along Carmy's jaw, making sure to only leave a bruising kiss in the juncture under his ear. Carmy sounds breathy is damn near whining above you as you move to start leaving sharp kisses along his neck.

"Holy shii-" Carmy gasps when you accidently scratch over his bulge with your nails, the friction of lace dragging against his skin almost overwhelming. You look up at his face, his head pushed back into the mattress

"Holy fucking shit... Holy sh-" Carmy cuts himself off when you drag your nails along the head of his cock through the lace. He's all but gasping for air as you watch him lose his mind over the friction. You can tell he's close to his end with the way his hips stutter against your hand.

"Aw, bear, you're gonna make a mess of your pretty panties.." You pout at Carmy and watch his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallows. You drag some of the lace over his slit and watch as he keens, hips bucking up into the friction.

"Please, please, please baby, please.." At this point Carmy is just babbling. You can tell he's moments from his climax in the way he's begging and writhing. One of his hands is holding your wrist in place and he ruts into your palm, simply using your hand as a means for his release.

The sight is beautiful. Your boyfriend using your hand to get himself off, the only thing on his mind is to chase his own orgasm at any means.

The groan Carmy lets out is loud and borderline pornographic when you feel his cum shoot into the lace fabric. Begrudgingly, you tear your gaze from Carmy's face to take in the sight of him releasing his load into the baby blue panties, now becoming a deep cerulean.

As you help Carmy ride out his high, you watch silently as Carmy comes undone. His mouth is agape, some of his curls sticking to his sweaty forehead. Once it seems like he's pushing his hips farther into the mattress from overstimulation, you remove your hand and wipe any excess release onto your t-shirt.

Carmy lays still on the mattress afterwards, his pupils blown and lips puffy. Slowly he reaches for you, and you can see his thought process on his face.

It makes you chuckle, after having a mind numbing orgasm, all he can think about is your pleasure. Having his mouth on you, letting you know how much he loves you and appreciates you. Worshipping you, his altar between your thighs.

You grab his wrists, bringing them to rest against his chest.

"So.." You take in Carmy's appearance, he looks thoroughly fucked out. "What do you think?"

All Carmy can do is nod at you vehemently. He breaks your hold on him and gently grabs at your waist. You let him maneuver one of your legs over his hips. He lets out a little moan once you're straddling his hips, sitting right above the waistband of his panties.

"Need your words, bear.." You tap his cheek softly as he stares up at you, with what could only be named as love and adoration in his eyes.

"S good. So, so good, baby.." Carmy's words are a little slurred. "Made me feel.... fuckin' incredible.."

Carmy sits up, causing you to slide back on his half-hard erection. You inhale and chuckle at his enthusiasm.

"Could make you feel even better though.." Carmy whispers against your lips, his eyes half-lidded. You can't fight the grin that makes its way onto your lips.

"You really think so?" You challenge him.

"Know so..." He responds before bringing you into a kiss that has you groaning into his mouth.

With the way Carmy is kissing you, you already know it's going to be a long night.

[m00nh1gh]

JEALOUS

Lee Know x reader

Your boyfriend is good at making you mad, especially when he keeps talking with his particularly beautiful coworker at a business dinner.

Contains: Spanking, fingering, multiple (2) orgasms, Minho is a piece of shit, subtle mentions of squirting, dacryphilia.

Word count: 2.4k.

You bitterly sipped on your wine as you stared at your boyfriend in front of you, talking with one of his coworkers. She was beautiful and he was smiling at her the whole time. Your legs were crossed and one of your feet was so close to Minho's leg. You'd been wanting to give him a little kick for a while now to grab his attention.

But, you decided to stay calm and as professional as you could be, given that you weren't even an employee of the company your boyfriend worked in, you only agreed to accompany him because he'd been clinging onto you the whole day. Yet, he wasn't even talking to you, and instead, he was having a seemingly fun conversation with the girl next to him, who'd been biting her lower lip a little too much tonight.

You weren't mad at Minho. You knew he loved you, but it was so clear that the girl next to him wanted your man and he didn't seem to get the hint. She was the problem. You wondered why you didn't sit next to him. Instead, you were seated next to his boss and another coworker. They made boring jokes and the boss’ hand brushed against your arm too much to your liking. Maybe you were both in the same boat, after all.

You sighed in relief when Minho finally looked at you and smiled sweetly. You returned it rather unenthusiastically, and he raised an eyebrow. He stood from his seat and he excused himself to the bathroom. Not wanting to further force your laugh at his boss’ rather misogynistic jokes, you followed him and waited outside the door with crossed arms.

You heard the muffled sounds of water running, and you guessed Minho would come out soon. You tapped your finger on your arm, not because you were impatient, but because you were in deep thought about the way the girl kept tugging at your boyfriend's sleeve to keep his attention on her.

“Y/n? You didn't stay at the table?”

You looked at Minho as he wiped his hands on his trousers. He was looking at you with a surprised expression. He didn't expect you to be waiting for him here.

“Is everything alright?

- Can I switch places with the girl next to you?

- Why?” He furrowed his brows a little and you stared at him, dumbfounded.

“She's been flirting with you and touching you the whole night.

- My boss has been doing the same with you and I didn't plan on saying anything about it.

- But I'm talking about it. I don't wanna have your boss’ hand on me and I don't want to see that girl all up on you the whole night.

- Are you mad at me?

- No?” It was now your turn to furrow your brows. You weren't sure if he was just teasing you, and you weren't mad, truly. But, if he kept talking like that, you might be.

“You don't trust me? You haven't seen how I've not been returning her suggestive glances all along?

- I trust you, Minho. I just want to be next to you.”

He grabbed your wrist to pull you closer to him and now you were angry. How could he assume your mood and to add fuel to the starting fire in you? You could very well just go back home at that point.

“Talk to me when you don't have that attitude anymore or I'll make sure to do something about it,” he said at a low volume just for you to hear, as if you were in a crowded room.

He let go of your wrist and you followed him back to the table just to grab your coat and make up a lie to leave. You didn't even share a glance with Minho, you completely ignored him and you called a taxi since he had the keys to the car.

Oh, if he dared to talk to you like that again when he'd come back, you'd slap him across the face. No regrets.

Once you were home, you stormed into your bedroom to change into your nightgown, not even bothering to take your makeup off. You only wanted to sleep, to forget that woman who stole all of your boyfriend's attention. You also wanted to forget about him for a while.

“He's the one with an attitude!” You said out loud in a sudden outburst of frustration and you kicked the bed sheets off of you. You turned the lights off and you fell asleep with a visible frown on your face.

“Why'd you leave like that?” Was the first thing you heard when Minho turned the lights on, making you groan and hide your face with your arm.

“Fuck, Minho. I was sleeping,” you complained, but he didn't seem to feel empathy about it.

“I don't fucking care, you made everyone think that I'm not good to you. You were seriously mad about the girl?” When you finally opened your eyes, he was still standing by the door with his arms crossed and the sleeves of his button-up shirt rolled up.

“If you keep talking to me like that, then I'll start thinking you're not good to me either.

- Oh, really?” He shut the door before walking over to you. You were still lying on the bed, so he leaned down to properly look you in the eyes. “You wanna try it out? Fucking make me mad and you'll see how bad I can be.”

Oh, right now wasn't the time to be turned on. But his clenched jaw and sharp eyes just above you made you shift uncomfortably in your position and you shifted your gaze away from him in shame.

“Look at me,” he snapped his fingers to grab your attention back and you looked up at him with big eyes, empty of any defiance they had before. You hated how shy he could make you because that meant he'd always have the last word with you. But he radiated dominance, especially when he was annoyed like this.

“You see how stupid it was to start all this? I'm not in another woman's bedroom right now. I already told you I don't give a fuck about anyone else but you. I'm the one who has to make sure you're not being stolen away from me. Haven't you seen how all my coworkers looked at you? Probably not, mmh?” He was stroking your cheek slowly and it made you shiver. “That's just how good I am to you. I make sure you stay with me and that no man can touch you.”

You batted your eyes at him without any answer. He was hard to read. You didn't know how serious he was, but it made you squeeze your legs together. He leaned further down so his lips would only ghost over yours before he whispered to you:

“I can tell you're turned on right now. I'm not giving it to you tonight. Brats like you don't deserve to get dick.

- Min!” You whined in protest, but he only scoffed before straightening up. He walked over to the full-length mirror, undoing his tie and carelessly throwing it to the floor. From the reflection of the mirror, he could see you were now on your knees on the bed, waiting in silence for him and he raised an eyebrow at you as he undid buttons of his shirt after having untucked it from his pants.

“What? I told you, I'm not fucking you tonight.

- Please.

- You have to learn to talk better with me. You can't just get anything you want like that. Besides, it's late.

- I'm sorry, I- I was just insecure. Please, Min, I need you,” he loved seeing you desperate like this and he did want to fuck you, but he also wanted to stand by what he told you.

He didn't bother to undress further before walking back to the bed and your eyes filled with hope.

“I want you on all fours. Take your panties off.”

You almost immediately obliged and your panties were eagerly tossed to the floor before you did as he asked, lifting your silky dress just a little so he could get a good view of your ass and already wet pussy.

“Look how easy it is to be a good girl,” he softly rubbed your ass before giving it a firm spank, making you yelp and bury your face into the pillow to muffle your whines. He lifted your dress further up with both hands. He was slow at doing it and it tickled your skin. He was on the bed too now, just behind you and his thigh was just against yours.

“But you know you still got to do better, right?” He soothed the spot he had just slapped as he kissed your shoulder too before leaning away again and giving more attention to the lower part of your body.

“You can and will be satisfied with my fingers only. You don't need more,” he slid one finger along your folds, spreading your wetness all over your pussy as he found your sensitive clit. You moaned into the pillow in desperation while he roughly rubbed it, his other hand squeezing your ass before spanking it again and easing the pain by stroking the reddening skin.

You were already whining loudly and squirming, trying to get away from his hands to stop yourself from cumming already. He tutted at you and slipped a finger into you to make you stay where you were and a sob escaped your mouth. He curled it to reach your g-spot and you bent your knees a little more to the pleasure before going back to your initial position to bury your face in the pillow again. He was going so fast already and your ass stung due to the slaps he landed on it.

“Min, please,” you tried speaking, but you were so unable to talk properly that your words got stuck in your throat.

“Shh, baby. It's alright. I'll make you cum, don't worry,” he added another finger to add precision to his actions, his free hand snaking down your lower abdomen to find your clit. You shook under his touch and you could feel you were close; you felt as if you were going to pee, which made you sob a little louder. You were completely writhing and Minho savored every second of it, the sounds of your moans and the squelch of his fingers working on your pussy making him smirk and lick his lower lip.

“You close? Gonna be good and cum for me? You can do that, right?”

You moaned loudly in response, he could feel you clench around his fingers and right when you were going to go over the edge, he removed his hands from you, making you cry in frustration and reach for his hand. You were literally so close to orgasming that you figured if you made the slightest move, you'd cum without him even touching you. You heard him laughing behind you and he lowered his head to your aching pussy to blow at your clit, making you fall apart and moan uncontrollably.

“Fuck!” You sobbed as your arms and legs shook, they would soon give in and you'd fall flat on the bed. But, before that could happen, Minho turned you around and your back hit the mattress instead of your chest and you were met with his almost evil smile.

“Aww, look at you. Your makeup’s all smeared, baby,” he wiped your tears with his thumb. “Why are you crying? Not satisfied?”

You weakly wrapped your hands around his arms to pull him closer and he trailed his lips from your cheek to your lips, his tongue occasionally tangling with yours as a hand subtly made its way back to your swollen pussy.

You gasped and your whole body shook when he pinched your clit, making him redirect his kisses to the corner of your lips. You could feel his smile and he pressed his thumb against the sensitive bud, slowly rubbing it.

“Min, ‘m too sensi- ah,” you choked out a moan and your legs closed around his wrist. Nonetheless, he continued what he was doing and he shook his head as he pulled away from you.

“Gonna make sure you sleep after this. You can handle it.

- No, I can't,” your eyes got watery again and he spread your legs forcefully. It was safe to say that his dick was throbbing in his pants, craving you, but his self-control was crazy. He'd just have to go jerk off in the bathroom while thinking back at your tear-stained face, your dripping pussy and at the way you clenched around his fingers. He'd be satisfied with only this.

“You gonna cry again? My baby's too sensitive? Too bad she's been disrespectful with me. Now she has to live with the consequences,” you weren't even listening to what he was saying. One sentence entered by one ear and directly left from the other. You were spasming with every time he'd touch you at a certain spot, then you'd let a moan and a sob escape your mouth as he pinched your nipple through your dress.

“I like seeing you like this,” he captured your lips with his, biting softly on the lower one from time to time. It was fast for your second orgasm to build up and this time he didn't want to ruin it.

“Min!

- I know, I know,” your nails dug into the skin of his arms, probably leaving marks that would leave after a few minutes. He hadn't fingered you, he'd only been abusing your clit the whole time and it felt just as good as anything he could've done to you. In fact, you'd never been crying like this during intimate times.

“I'm gonna… Gonna- ah-

- Go on,” he buried his face into the crook of your neck, putting more pressure on your clit, making you shake and squirm again, but this time you were way louder. Your back arched as much as it could, your chest was pressed hard against his and he guided you through your second (and last) orgasm of the night.

You were a panting mess. He stayed close to you for a few minutes so you could both organize your thoughts in your heads and he left one last kiss on your neck before pulling himself away from you with an apologetic smile.

“I'm sorry I made you mad, baby,” he put a strand of your hair behind your ear and your eyes fluttered closed. “You should go to the bathroom before sleeping, okay? I'll help you take off your makeup.”

[veritasangel]

Planets aligned

⋆ ｡⋆ any pov ୨୧˚ warnings: one suggestive mention ↣ {wc: 1.1k}

↣ 141 fluff, with some gaz x reader / hints of ghoap and babysitter price / 141 reader!

↣ been in a writing slump, so sometimes you just have to write something shit to get over it, hopefully...

In hindsight, this probably should've been thought out more.

You were all out on an open field in the middle of the night. You had some makeshift tents around you, that were actually a pretty embarrassing sight, considering they were put up by a group of trained soldiers. 

“Remind me why you dragged us out ‘ere in the freezing cold.” Soap grumbles as he huddles up under a blanket with a hot chocolate, looking more like a whining child than anything.

“I told you this already, Johnny. I wanna see Jupiter and tonight’s a great time for it.” you smile, a slight gleam in your eye that Simon chuckles at. 

“Let the poor dove enjoy their hobbies, you mopey bastard.” Simon tells him.

“I’m just sayin’, why out here? I’ve seen planets, ya ken? It’s called google.” Soap says defensively.

Kyle sighs, as he finishes helping you put the telescope together. Opting to ignore the stupid words coming out of Soap’s mouth and instead saying, “Well I, for one, would like to see them too... You can always leave us to it.”

“Well I dinnae say I wanted to leave. ‘sides, we came down in Price’s truck and unless he gives me his keys-”

“Not happening.” Price interrupts Soap, and you almost forgot he was there. Sitting a little further back with his cigar, watching over the group like a parent forced to watch over their kids sleepover.

A comfortable silence settled over the group not long after that and it was nice for you guys to have this moment of peace to yourselves.

Kyle was meticulously double checking the telescope whilst looking back at the instructions he’d deemed ‘stupid and unreadable’. Though he was insistent on making sure it was all perfectly set up for you so he quietly focused on it.

You couldn’t help but admire him as he did so. His forearms flexing subtly as he tightens the adjustments. The faint glow of the moonlight across his skin, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline and the gentle curve of his lips, slightly parted in concentration.

Lips you only had the pleasure of kissing one time when you were both tipsy at a christmas party. Honestly you could hardly even call it a kiss, it was just a messy attempt at one.

Simon, smirking at you who's obviously checking Gaz out, can’t help but say, “More than happy to be here ‘an all, love, but couldn’t this have just been a date for you two?”

“I agree, because now we’re third wheeling.” Soap huffs dramatically.

“Third wheeling? Fuck off, you’re practically sitting on Simon’s dick.” you scoff.

“Am not!” Soap blurts out.

“I mean you kinda' are.” Kyle adds in, turning around to see how close the two of them are, eyebrows raising curiously at Simon. “So if anyone’s third wheeling here, it’s Price.”

Price snaps out of his momentary daze, “What?” he grumbles, seeing you all turn to look at him.

“Doesn’t matter-” you begin, “Look, I thought it would be nice for all of us to see it, you know, a bonding experience.”

“We’ve been on the verge of death together more times than the average person, ‘think we’ve bonded plenty.” Price finally engages in conversation.

“Well sue me for thinking we could bond in a more pleasant way, such as me sharing my hobbies. This is my love language.” you sigh with a small laugh and the guys just smile at your antics.

After a few more jokes at your expense and some dramatics from Soap, the five of you all eventually settled down, gathering around the telescope as it got later into the night. They wouldn’t outright admit it, but they were enjoying the time you were spending together and were definitely getting in the spirit of seeing the planet. 

Price and Simon were debating over who could read a compass better as they wanted to point the telescope in the perfect direction. Meanwhile, Soap was reading through an article that dated the possible planet sightings for the rest of the year. Whilst you and Kyle were peacefully waiting, his arms wrapped around you as he reiterated that it was just to keep you warm.

You smiled as his eyes met yours, neither of you saying anything out of fear of the group’s teasing but you didn’t really need to. You just knew what the other was thinking with that small look. One of his hands drawing patterns on your arm that you’d notice were hearts if you could pay attention to anything other than how he was looking at you.

“Well ye, because the book says this one with Jupiter is visible today, on wednesday.” Soap rambles on.

You weren’t even paying attention to the others as you shared this brief moment with Kyle, him grinning at you cheekily. His eyes, dark and sparkling with mischief, seemed to shine even brighter. There's always been an effortless magnetism about him that just pulls you in. Your breath catches for a moment as you realise just how much his smile affects you, how it makes you feel so comfortable and safe.

He notices you staring, and his smile grows, his dimples becoming even more pronounced. "What?" he asks, voice teasing but gentle, his eyes searching yours.

You shake your head slightly, a smile of your own tugging at your lips. "Nothing," you reply, though you know he can see right through you. He’s always been able to, ever since that day you first met when you were both just clueless rookies.

God, how many years has it been of you two just pining after each other?

Wait a minute....

“Hold on- Johnny, did you say wednesday?” you say, snapping out of it and sitting up to look over at the others.

“Aye.”

“Fuck.” you mumble, glancing down at your phone.

The guys all look confused until Simon looks down at his own phone, facepalming as he laughs, “It’s Monday.”

The groan that follows is instantaneous as they realise you’ve dragged them out here and had all of this set up only to realise it’s the wrong day. And of course it is, because when can you all do anything smoothly together.

“Soo, about that…”

Price shakes his head as he stands up. “You’re lucky we love you.”

“Where’ you going?” Kyle pipes up as he sees Price heading towards one of the tents.

“Well, we’ve set this all up now, might as well have a ‘bonding’ camping experience.” He jokes, emphasising your earlier choice of words.

So you guys do exactly that. And well…it’s an interesting camping experience to say the least.

༄ cod m.list

© veritasangel ↣ 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴

[heedmywarnings]

On Their Knees

Chapter 3 - 《 》 - Chapter 5

Navigation

"What?"

"What do you mean the Impostor has returned!?" Ven- Barbatos tightens his grip on the bow gifted to him by the Impostor Creator, "Barbatos," Ei murmurs, "Thid Impostor is no ordinary lowlife, they are.. something extraterrestrial," she adds.

"We've already lost the trust of our to that... poser..." Morax says, "I suppose a hidden execution could truly silence them..." he proposes as all the other Archons agree in unison.

Except one.

"Okay what the fuck is that," you utter as you see a large shadow loom over you, "Oh? Who knew I'd see such a notorious figure here?" A familiar, purple haired carebear anemo allogene lands near you, "You looked large when you were in the air, and now you're uhm... funsized," you stated earning a 'tch' from the Wanderer.

"But hey, you're the first one to talk to me, I guess," "Weren't you killed?" Huh? Oh yeah, you were executed publicly, didn't know he was there, "Yeah, but I'm.. alive, I guess?" You shrugged awkwardly.

"So uhm, why isn't anyone killing me or trying to capture me like they used to do?" You asked, putting your hands on your hips trying to look at the shorter male yet failing to do so, "What, want me to hunt you down?" He mocks at you, to which you quickly shaked your head.

"Well, maybe because you exposed some of their dirty little secrets. They've lost a chunk of their faith in them, some even believe you're actually the creator," He says, placing a hand to his chin, "Now, tell me... How are you able to resurrect? This is just further evidence you are the creator."

"Uhm, I don't know. I don't wanna interfere with this creator bullshit-" "But you already did, didn't you?" Scaramouche practically gave you a reality check, you're now tangled in this mess you unconsciously tied and now you have to untie it... but how? How are you able to pull the right string to free the knot? What if you pull the wrong one and make the knot tighter?

"Okay, I just went to sleep and them bam, I'm back here," You say making a little bomb effect with your hands (you know when you spread ur hands or smth) "That's it..?" He says, expecting a bit more but was met with disappointment, "Yeah I didn't go meet some all-knoeing galaxy being guy and told me some wise words if that's what your thinking," you mused, "Yeah no, I'd never," He replies.

"So like... they're not killing me because they're disapproving the judgement of the Archons..?" You confirmed which earned a nod from Scaramouche.

That conversation was nice, you wished you ran when Scaramouche suddenly flinched, saying he sense danger yet you teased him about having spidey sense. So fuck, you're now in a dungeon, the six archons had left you to rot, a truly painful death.

You were On Your Knees.

Before you was a short girl, with white hair.

She'll help you untie that knot.

[harmonysanreads]

giving many kisses to 🕯️anon for their neuvillette masterpiece xx If 🕯️anon has anymore thoughts on yan!neuvillette, I’m begging for more. please allow me to add my own brainrots in the conversation <3

Imagine if neuvillette put on trial someone from a foreign nation. Maybe a sumeru scholar traveling to fontaine for their thesis or a liyuean opera trope performer recently gifted a trip to fontaine. someone deeply engrained with their nation’s culture.

Only to be imprisoned under false charges all under neuvillette’s direction. Once under false charges, they’ll never be allowed to leave fontaine again, either imprisoned and under guard or in debt in neuvillette and reliant on his word to maintain their innocence.

Imagine being forced into a perpetual cycle of Fontaine’s latest fashion trends, their old thin silky robes being traded for layers and layers of billowy skirts. To engage in daily rigid suffocating etiquette every second rather than the causal and loose atmosphere of their home. Listening to fontaine’s ballet and opera rather than Nilou’s free spirited dancing or traditional Liyuean opera.

All the cultural whiplash and rigid etiquette of both neuvillette and the public watching their every move with no support, no family would break anyone.

Perhaps while they feel as if they are alone, burning the midnight oil to polish over a mistake neuvillette harshly critiqued earlier, they hum a little melody. Something reminiscent of their homeland, a lullaby passed down from parent to child. Humming turns into small sobs until their tune is a cohesion of broken choking and nostalgic memories, crumbling under the weight of neuvillette’s now very present shadow next to their desk.

They say, home is where the heart is and you've never resonated with a sentence more in your life.

Before, the meaning of home used to be simple, mundane, something you wouldn't even consider that gravely. Home used to be the buzzing of the busy populace at the ports and streets, it used to be dishes dashed with spices of all kinds, it used to be the reassurance of familiar faces. These blurs of happenstances once made your heart flutter with solace, solace that home was at your fingertips. Now, they only torment you with regret for not cherishing them more — because as it is, humans only understand the value of something once that has been snatched away.

Your ears almost don't pick up the soothing hushes leaving Neuvillette's lips, his arms pressing you further in his embrace. Your tears stain his night-robe but he doesn't seem to mind. You allow it as well, your mind too broken to think, your body too numb to push and your being too desperate to let go of this gesture of affection. You should be furious at him for the things he's done, you should scream, kick, curse, hit —and he'd agree that you wouldn't be guilty of that. Normally, he'd take initiatives to harshly criticize this ungraceful behavior and then the lengthy programs to correct it and it'd go on and on til one of you broke (it's always you).

Even when Neuvillette initiates affection, it's never to actually comfort you. They're delivered as rewards because you followed his wishes. But at this night while the rest of Fontaine slumbers and you break, his arms feel secure for once. So you don't struggle and let him coo and hold you tight, you wonder if he adjusts his intentions precisely because you offer no resistance.

Your words sink in his clothes, only a ‘I want to go home’ escapes with enough coherence for it to catch the judge's attention. He lifts your face up to meet his gaze, fingers brushing away stray tears.

“You are at home, this is your home now.” you expected the words to be plain and stern, but they come off as whispers as well. You would've known even if he didn't bother to say, because he's inscribed them in your heart time and time again and tonight, at last, you've accepted it.

[mxnsterbabe]

Male FaunFemale Reader

SFW

Wordcount: 1,671

Commissions | Ko-fi | Masterlist

You always see the strange faun playing flute outside your flower shop. Turns out, it’s been a show of love this whole time.

ou stood by the window display, carefully arranging a new bouquet. The delicate scent of lilies and roses filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the potted plants scattered throughout the shop.

 

Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm, golden glow over the vibrant flowers. Your fingers worked deftly, adjusting the petals and leaves to create the perfect arrangement. It was a peaceful routine, one you cherished in the midst of the bustling town.

The familiar notes of a flute floated through the open door. You smiled to yourself, recognising the melody. Every day, without fail, the strange faun would sit outside your shop, playing his flute. His music had become a part of your daily life, a soothing presence that brought charm to your little corner of the world.

You glanced outside and saw him there, as always. Cedar, the faun, sat on a low stone wall, his legs crossed and his eyes closed in concentration. His skin had a light tan, with a subtle shimmer that reminded you of sunlight filtering through the trees. His hair, a rich chestnut brown, fell in loose waves around his shoulders, adorned with small leaves and twigs.

You often found yourself pausing to listen to his music. There was something enchanting about the way he played, each note filled with emotion and a sense of longing that resonated deep within you. It was as if he was trying to communicate something through his melodies, something beyond words.

The doorbell chimed, signalling the arrival of a customer. You turned your attention back to the shop, greeting them with a warm smile. The elderly woman returned your greeting, her eyes bright.

As the customer stepped further inside, the door remained open, allowing the music to drift in more clearly. She paused, listening to the melody with a look of pleasant surprise. "What a beautiful sound," she remarked, turning to you with a smile. "Who is that playing outside?"

You returned her smile as you walked over to the counter. "That's Cedar. He's been playing outside the shop for weeks now. I don’t know much about him, though. We've never actually spoken."

The elderly woman raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Really? He seems so dedicated. The music adds such a lovely touch to your shop."

"Yes, it does," you agreed, feeling a warmth spread through you. "It’s become part of the shop’s charm. People always comment on it."

She nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, it certainly makes for a unique experience. I can’t help but feel drawn to the music every time I pass by."

You turned your attention to the bouquet she had selected, carefully wrapping it in delicate tissue paper. "Is there a special occasion for this bouquet?" you asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

The woman chuckled softly. "Just a little something to brighten up my home. Flowers always lift my spirits."

You smiled, tying a ribbon around the bouquet. "I couldn't agree more. There’s something magical about having fresh flowers around."

As you worked, the music continued to float in through the open door, its soft notes creating a peaceful ambiance. The woman watched you with interest, glancing occasionally towards the entrance. "Have you ever thought of asking him why he plays here?" she inquired, her tone gentle.

You hesitated, considering her question. "I’ve thought about it, but I guess I’ve been a bit shy. It feels like he’s in his own world when he’s playing, and I don’t want to interrupt."

She smiled kindly, her eyes filled with understanding. "You never know, he might appreciate the conversation."

You nodded, feeling a flicker of determination. "You’re right. Maybe I’ll find the courage to talk to him one day."

Finishing the bouquet, you handed it to the woman, who accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you, dear. The flowers are lovely."

"You're welcome," you replied, ringing up her purchase. "Enjoy!"

As she left, the door chimed softly, closing behind her. You turned towards the window, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Cedar was still there, his eyes now open and watching you with a gentle smile. When he saw you looking, he raised a hand and waved.

You felt your heart skip a beat. Waving back, you couldn’t help but smile at the simple, friendly gesture. 

The shop was quiet, giving you a moment to yourself. You wandered through the rows of flowers, your fingers brushing gently over the delicate petals. As you looked over the selection, you noticed Cedar often wore shades of yellow. You thought about the meanings behind the flowers, considering which one would be most fitting.

Your eyes landed on a beautiful yellow daffodil. Its bright, cheerful petals made you smile. You carefully picked a fresh daffodil, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement as you turned towards the door.

Stepping outside, you were greeted by the familiar, soothing notes of Cedar’s flute. He glanced up as you approached, his green eyes lighting up with warmth. Up close, he was even more striking. His hair, adorned with small leaves and daisies, framed his handsome face. The light tan of his skin seemed to shimmer, reflecting the golden sunlight. You felt a twinge of nervousness.

You held out the daffodil, your voice soft but steady. "I thought this might suit you."

Cedar’s eyes widened slightly in surprise before he smiled, a bright, friendly grin that reached his eyes. He took the flower from your hand, his fingers brushing against yours in a way that sent a pleasant shiver up your spine. "Thank you," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "It’s beautiful."

He tucked the daffodil behind his ear, the yellow contrasting beautifully with his chestnut hair. The sight made your heart flutter. Cedar looked up at you, his expression playful. "You know, I’ve been out here for weeks, playing my heart out, and you’re only just saying hello."

You laughed, feeling some of your nervousness melt away. "I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been a bit shy."

Cedar’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "Shy, huh? Well, I’m glad you finally decided to talk to me. I was starting to think I’d need to compose an entire symphony just to get your attention."

A laugh slipped from your lips, sudden and startling. "What do you mean?"

He tilted his head, giving you a curious look. "Do you not know? I’ve been trying to get your attention this whole time. Initiating a courtship ritual and everything!"

You blinked, genuinely confused. "Courtship ritual?"

Cedar grinned, his expression both amused and a bit sheepish. "Playing the flute like this is a way to express interest in someone. I’ve been playing outside your shop for weeks, hoping you’d notice and maybe ask me out."

Your eyes widened as you processed what he was saying. "So, you’ve been... serenading me?"

He nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. "Exactly. Is that not how it works for humans?"

You couldn’t help but laugh, the situation suddenly clear and incredibly charming. "No, not exactly. Most of us just try to strike up a conversation or maybe ask someone out for dinner."

Cedar’s eyes widened, rich skin turning a beautiful shade of pink. "Oh, well, that explains a lot."

You grinned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and delight. "I’m sorry, I had no idea. Now that I do... how about that date?"

Cedar’s smile widened, his eyes lighting up with genuine happiness. "I’d love that. How about tomorrow evening? We could meet here and go somewhere nice."

You nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. "That sounds perfect."

Cedar's smile softened as he took a small step closer. "I’m really looking forward to tomorrow," he said, his voice gentle and sincere.

Before you could respond, he leaned in, his eyes searching yours for any sign of hesitation. The world seemed to slow as his lips met yours, a sweet and tender kiss that sent a thrill through you. For a moment, you were too surprised to react, caught off guard by his forwardness. 

As the initial shock wore off, you found yourself melting into the kiss, feeling the genuine excitement behind it.

When Cedar pulled back, his expression was a mix of hope and concern. "I’m sorry if that was too forward," he murmured, his eyes earnest. "I just couldn’t help myself."

You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth in your chest. "No, don’t apologise. I enjoyed it."

Emboldened by your words, you leaned in and kissed him again, this time more confidently. As your lips met, you felt a sense of rightness, as if this was where you were meant to be. You reached up, gently tucking the daffodil behind his ear before it could fall, your fingers brushing through his soft hair.

When you finally pulled away, you felt breathless. Exhilarated. "See you tomorrow," you whispered, your voice filled with anticipation and excitement.

Cedar’s eyes sparkled with joy as he nodded. "I can’t wait."

With one last smile, you turned and headed back inside the shop, your heart racing with a mix of emotions. As you stepped through the door, the familiar notes of Cedar’s flute began to play again, filling the air with a tender tune. This time, knowing what it meant, the music felt even more special.

You moved back to the counter, a smile tugging at your lips as you resumed your work. The sweet melodies of Cedar’s flute wrapped around you like a warm embrace, filling you with a sense of anticipation. You smiled to yourself, knowing that Cedar's music was for you.

The flower shop felt even more alive with the music, and you found yourself humming along, the excitement of your upcoming date with Cedar making everything seem brighter and more vibrant. As the afternoon wore on, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something truly magical had begun, all thanks to the enchanting faun who had serenaded his way into your heart.

[coffeebeanwriting]

What Bores a Reader The Most?

I asked my followers to answer the question “what bores you the most when reading a book?” 

Please keep in mind that these are all opinions and you’ll find yourself agreeing and disagreeing with some. Personally, I think this is amazing insight into the minds of unique readers all around the globe! I decided to keep reoccurring answers instead of merging them, just so people could see the repeating themes.

“Predictable conflicts or character actions. I want to be surprised.”

“When there’s no clear plot. When it looks like the book is leading nowhere.”

“Endless description. Nothing makes me more prone to skipping ahead.”

“When it feels like what you’re reading lacks purpose and there is no meaningful contribution to the plot.”

“Characters with less personality than a wet paper towel. Main characters with zero personality.��

“When I can’t picture anything in my head or what I understood changes randomly.”

“When a conversation is happening and I can’t follow which character is saying what.”

“Daily routines in a story. Like, I do not care.”

“When the world doesn’t move if the main character doesn’t interact with it. This applies to t.v shows, too.”

“Something that does not have a build up like a sudden relationship out of the blue.”

“When I’m so confused it doesn’t make sense anymore.”

“When there’s a 3 page description of some random object.”

“Wayyyy too much detail.”

“When the big plot twist is revealed and I guessed it ages ago.”

“Too slow or too long.”

“When the author unnecessarily drags the story and takes ages to advance to the climax.”

“Fan service that doesn’t contribute to the plot.”

“Useless descriptions and/or actions.”

“Over description of a landscape (cough old literature cough).”

“No action, no violence. I don’t like when characters talk for too long.”

“Long descriptions.”

“Too much descriptions when you are in a exciting moment. It breaks immersion.”

“Lack of imagery.”

“Constant usage of archaic vocabulary.”

“When the main character is extremely passive and doesn’t act or react.”

“Excessive description that doesn’t further the plot or meaningfully add to characterization.”

“Overly predictable plot, overly crude language for the sake of it, cringe/pompous scenes.”

“Long and boring exposition dumps.”

“Characters that never loose 😴.”

“When the world building starts out great and is really immersive until later on when things don’t add up.”

“When a character has too much internal dialogue.”

“Explaining “the science” behind magic systems in unnecessary detail.”

“Over description. I will skim and skip a lot of it.”

“Too much background info at the beginning.”

“When there’s small talk about a topic I don’t understand. It get’s sooo boring.”

“Too much inner monologue.”

“Slow plot.”

“When it’s just dragging on and on with the backstory.”

“Having to reread a sentence/paragraph a billion times because my brain got distracted.”

“When there’s no action, suspense or something similar for the whole chapter.”

“Things that aren’t relevant to the story.”

“Too much dialogue.”

“A lil too much fantasies.”

“Over drawn setting descriptions.”

“Overly long chapters, repetitive scenes, lots of complicated worldbuilding.”

“When it’s too simple or too detailed.”

“Long, long expositions.”

“Repeating phrases, plots ,etc.”

“Infodumps, especially in the beginning.”

“Too much history.”

“Overly descriptive settings.”

“Slow plot. I need drama!”

“Long chapters.”

“Slow pacing.”

“No major plot twist.”

“Miscommunication trope.”

“Massively long descriptive paragraphs.”

“Too much exposition in the beginning.”

“Long and confusing story building.”

“Repeating plot points. For example: the hero learning to trust his friends a million times without any real progression.”

“Training scenes that show nothing special. Especially sword fighting or head to hand combat.”

“Generic plot developments unless it’s written well.”

“Overuse of complicated words and sentences.”

“Long paragraphs.”

“I’m so over the bubble sunshine and extra grumpy trope.”

“When a character is overthinking.”

“Romanic subplots bore me. Having too many love interests.”

“When it switches between characters/subplots and one of them is awfully boring.”

“When too much information on a character is given one at a time.”

“Clichés.”

“When it takes a long time before the story gets interesting.”

“Long, long, long descriptions particularly of places that aren’t all that important.”

“Descriptions of unnecessary things.”

“Too much side character’s story. They’re a side for a reason.”

“I love beautiful writing so there must be some lovely descriptions... but don’t drone on.”

“Flat characters.”

“Scenes in which my favorite characters do not appear.”

“When the characters have no clear goal or the goal is too weak.”

“If most or all of the characters are unlikable. Then I don’t care what happens to them in the story. Being an evil/mean character is different from being unlikable.”

“When the plot does not move forward.”

“Writing unnecessary, irrelevant things that don’t have an effect on the story.”

“No real plot. The protagonist has no fire to them.”

“When the protagonist needs to figure out a love triangle and which person they like the most.”

“When the interesting parts happen right at the end.”

“When there’s too much info dumping with no easy transitions.”

“No progression after chapters and chapters. Characters not having development.”

“Too much description and a slow start to the story.”

“When characters are too oblivious to something.”

“Oblivious main characters, lazy plots, stereotypical encounters, main character is a god trope.”

“Unnecessarily long amounts of monologue or dialogue.”

“The second chance trope bores me.”

“Slow beginnings... like, get to the action in 3 chapters of less please.”

“Chapters being too long with small writing.”

“If the characters go through the same conflict over and over again.”

“Classic books... I don’t understand a thing, haha.”

“Being bombarded with unnecessary detail.”

“Bad boy meets good girl trope bores me.”

“Too much landscape descriptions like Tolkien or Stephen King.”

“Bad dialogue, too much excessive background details and too many character tags.”

“When the book moves too slowly.”

“Over described scenes or characters.”

“Descriptions without inputs of what a characters is thinking about. I need a lens of character POV to make descriptions interesting to read.”

“A badly written romance subplot where the characters involved don’t have any chemistry whatsoever.”

“I get a bit lost when there’s too much details about an environment.”

“When the story doesn’t go anywhere for a really long time.”

Instagram: coffeebeanwriting  

[adventuringblind]

Drive With You Forever

Chapter 7.2: Lando's First Time

Max Verstappen x Charles Leclerc x Lando Norris x Reader x Oscar Piastri

Chapter summary: Title feels explanatory enough

Warnings: talks of sex, Dom/Sub dynamics, no actual sex occurs, this is a crack fic, lots of communication, talks of kinks

Notes: the start of Lando and his chaos

Masterlist

When Lando woke up this morning, he didn't think that he'd be spending breakfeast talking with Max about Sex.

His cereal had gone soggy. The shock of it all making it difficult to eat.

The worst part was that this seemed so easy for him. Sure, he'd taught the female about most sexual things she knows now, and he'd been through this with Charles. But this was completely new to Lando, and he didn't like that it was so... casual.

"-Again, I know this is probably a lot and of you don't want to-."

"I want to." The words tumbled out of his mouth faster than he could think about them. He could actively feel the blush on his cheeks growing.

"Okay then." Max smiles. "Let me go grab something, and you should probably get new cereal."

Lando decided it would be better to just wait until after this talk.

~

Max came back into the room with a notebook, a green colored pen, and Charles. "I was going to give you orange, but it doesn't show up well enough for me to read."

"Is y/n still asleep?"

"No, she's eating and cuddling with the cats. These conversations tend to... not embarrass her, but it definitely puts her in a place I don't want her in."

The two join him on the couch. Lando just looks at them with pure confusion. Lost in what Max is attempting to tell him.

Thankfully, Charles explains. "She's a pleaser and is still learning how to set boundaries. She will say yes to everything even if she doesn't want to."

"Why on earth would she do that?" Lando grimaces at his words. That sounded meaner than he was intending. The older boys exchange a look, and Max shrugs his shoulders.

"Well mate, as you will come to find out, the overwhelming urge to be praised makes it difficult for her to say no." Charles finishes woth a wink.

Lando's mouth falls open in an 'O' shape. Suddenly, everything clicked.

They'd gotten themselves into a sexually charged situation. It could and, probably would, have gone further if Max hadn't stopped them.

He'd dragged Lando out and sat him down for a talk. It was at this point that Lando agreed to add his blood panel to their ever expanding collection of them. Lando also learned at this point that Max is in charge and he quite likes the Dutch telling him what to do.

He'd also had to trade places with Charles because the girl in the room where he'd been dragged from was crying. Charles didn't tell Lando why as he sat in what used to be Max's chair. Just that she was feeling insecure after watching Max pull Lando off of her.

He'd also taken the time to explain that he didn't do anything wrong. Max is just fiercely protective and knows she will push her limits.

Now he's sitting between Max in Charles with a green pen in hand, looking at a list.

The notebook was filled with different things regarding their sex life. Again, Lando could see his blood work had been added to the list at the front along with the other two.

"No blood work for her?"

"I'd be surprised if it came back normal. Also, I took her virginity, and Charles is the only other persona she's had besides that."

Lando wasn't shocked, but hearing it aloud was still a little surprising. "Did she like... do other things?"

"I'm promise I'm not lying when I tell you she'd never been touched there before. At least that she remembers."

It's Charles turn to look at Max with confusion. "What? She said she'd never touched, non?"

Max sighs with a heavy sadness. "Her dreams and how her body reacts... I think there may have been things that happened that she didn't remember or was unconscious for."

"She did say she was drugged and unconscious a lot." Charles considers.

Lando didn't know what to think. His brain couldn't function, and the older boys beside him were incredibly normal about this. He was beginning to feel the insecurity creep up his throat.

"That's a discussion for another time, though." Max smiles at Lando again and snage the journal back from him. "Don't laugh, but this is how we keep track of things." Max turned the page to a list of names with various information beneath. "Mind if I ask a few questions?"

"Uh- no. It's a little odd that you think I would say no now that we're already here."

"Fair." Max simply shrugs again. Lando is grateful Charles is here. He loves Max, but sometimes he explains things in a way that makes his brain do cartwheels. He's also grateful because Charles lets him play with his rings. "Remember, there is no judgment. We have to be honest to make this work."

"What if I say something weird?"

"I said my first experience with a guy was at a sex party. If you can top that, I'd be impressed." Charles chuckles a little. He thinks fondly of that memory now, but at the time, he'd been miserable.

"First question: dom or sub? Or neither."

Lando blinks at him. "Bottom?"

"Not what I asked."

Lando inhales through his teeth. "Sub." His eyes immediately find the floor. Not for long, though. Max grabs his chin and gently brings his gaze back to his.

"Need to see your eyes. You've got nothing to be ashamed of." The gentle voice Max uses throws his head into a tizzy.

"Again, Lan, if it makes you feel any better, I've been the dom in most my previous relationships, and then Max had me screaming daddy for the neighbors to hear."

"Don't be fooled, though. Charlie still knows how to take control when I let him." Max winks, and Landos feels as if he's gotten in the middle of something.

"Next question: have you used the stop light safe words?"

Lando just shakes his head. "Isn't that universal?"

"Yes, which makes it easy to use and remember."

"We have a list of hard pass kinks. I'll let you look at it, and you can add any to the list." Max flips the page again and hands the book to Lando. He reads through it and ponders for a moment. The things they have written are anything super harmful or just unsanitary. A few others scattered in between that have their own categories. He hands the book to Max when he feels satisfied.

"Great! Now the fun part." Max wiggles his eyebrows, and Charles wheezes because of how comical it looks.

"Mon amour, please- your going to scare him!"

"Rude. But anyway." Max flips again to the page they were on previously. "Okay, a couple of things to go over and some rules. Do you like being praised or degraded?"

"...Both." Lando tries to move back to looking at the floor, but Max catches him and tuts. He moves his gaze once again, and Lando is forced to look at the memorizing blue.

"Any positions you either don't like or haven't tried?"

For fucks sake. He sounds like such a slut right now. Is it bad that he likes this? "Pretty sure I've tried everything, but I'm always open to new things anyway." This time, he doesn't look away.

Charles leans back a little amused. Watching the two go back and forth in discussion. The obvious hard-on that Lando has dragging his attention away. The Brit can see him staring. He finds it somewhat like a compliment.

"Rules time."

"I struggle to remember, so please be patient."

"No worries, Lan. That's what the book is for." Now Max actually closes the book. All of Lando's information has been jot down. All of his kinks are now documented.

"So for Charles, he is a switch. But like... a dom leaning switch, if that makes sense." Lando shakes his head, and Max hums in approval. "Obviously, I'm in charge, and I like it that way." Max winks horribly at him, and Lando can't help but chuckle at his attempt to keep him comfortable. "She is a sub. She will slip into a subspace within five minutes of any sexual scenario. It's a given. That's why we have to be a little cautious."

Lando cocks his head to the side. His questioning eyes find the Monegasque again. "There are times her mind puts her there because she thinks we're upset with her, and it's how she can fix it even if she didn't do anything. If she's on her knees, it's usually a tell tale sign. Her father used to put her there when he wasn't happy with her. Basically, if she's on her knees, then don't go any further. It's not her consenting, it's her mind telling her she needs to fix things and we don't want to take advantage of that."

Lando's heart hurts at the statement. It's terrible that she ever had to do that. He nods in understanding and appreciation of charles' explanation.

"On that not also, because she can go crazy far into sub space, she can drop hard. One minute, we're starting aftercare, and the next, she can't fathom being in her own skin. Like she did something wrong or wasn't enough or going as far as to hate that she went there in the first place."

"Lan, please be honest. Do you get deep in the headspace and drop?" Charles' voice is so nice that he almost whimpers at it.

"Yes, but I also do other things." Max and Charles eye each other for a moment. It would make sense why, they just listed all his kinks. "I find it fun not to do as told and rile people up."

Max looks at him with something mischievous. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun."

Charles leans in to Lando. His breath hot on his ear. "I tried it once. Never again. This is the time I cried daddy for the entire building to hear."

Lando looks directly at Max. "I like a challenge."

Max is breathing heavier now. Lando is now joined in his predicament.

"I think we should give him something to help his little issue. Don't you think cher?" The hot breath and low voice of the Monegasque does nothing to help him.

~

Charles had been sitting on the bed with her. She was lost in the sound of his voice telling her everything about Lando. What he likes, what he doesn't, the important things.

She's already fading, and she knows it. It's not just because of the soothing voice of a certain Monegasque, but also because she can clearly hear Lando whimpering.

Charles runs his fingers along her body. "Are you feeling fuzzy already?" She nods and curls up into him. "We don't have to join. I can take care of you here if you think joining them will be too much."

She shakes her head no and quickly stands from the bed to emphasize her point.

They completely disregard the fact that she's in nothing but one of Max's oversized hoodies. It's all just going to come off again regardless, and she completely trusts Lando anyway.

The sight on the couch is nothing that she was expecting. Why does Max have Lando over his knee already?

"I brought someone to join." Charles strokes her cheek, and she leans into the soothing touch. Any touch right now feels like heaven in her eyes.

Max manhandles Lando off of him and into a kneeling position. This is also new. They never let her stay on her knees.

Max gets off the couch and pointedly looks at Lando. "Stay put."

Max caresses the other side of her face when he reaches her. "Things are going to be different again because Lando is here now. Do you understand?"

She'd already learned that when Charles came along. But he is similar to Max in a way. Lando is very new. "Yes."

"Yes who?"

"Yes, sir."

Her words make Max smile. But it goes away as soon as he turns around and sees Lando sitting on the floor instead of kneeling. "Technically speaking, I stayed put!"

She looks to Charles for some sort of explanation. "Lando likes to misbehave."

Misbehave? That's an option? She'd always done as told without questions. Though she'd gotten punished before. It's not in the sex part. It's with the life part.

Max had started it after her unhealthy habits started getting worse. It helped her to break them. Even if they cone through because she gets in her head, Max and Charles have been there to pull her back with their bedroom tactics. The way the two tag team is terrifying sometimes.

Charles guides her to the sofa and Max is quickly back to manhandling Lando. The Brit is smiling like an idiot and she thinks for a moment that this will be interesting to watch.

She leans into Charles as they sit down. “why does he like it? I thought that misbehaving is a bad thing?”

“To you, yes. You like it when we tell you you’re doing a good job.” Charles points to where Max is teasing Lando. The Brits body being pinned exactly where Max wants him. “He likes making people lose patience and then people calling him, uh, degrading things.”

“Like the words we use only in scenes?” Charles hums a confirmation. the vibration tickling her skin.

"I'm shocked we haven't corrupted you you yet chéri. You're still so parfaite, so innocent." His voice sends a shudder down her spine. His finger still brushing the spots along her body that make her mind spin.

Their moment is interrupted by Lando, again, being tossed onto the couch. Effectively startling the two out of their moment.

“Max, amour, must you throw him around?”

“Better work out then just lifting in my opinion.” Max shrugs and laughs.

Lando readjusts himself, throwing his legs over the other two. “I think this I gonna be fun.” He smirks.

~

Tags: @styles-sunflower @purplephantomwolf @boiohboii @reblog-princess-blog @jayda12 @faithm120601 @eugene-emt-roe @lpab @yaaadii @80sloverry @spongebeck3101 @eviethetheatrefreak @chanshintien @vellicora @hollie911 @pretty-little-bunny382728 @be-your-coffee-pot @copper-boom

[blakeswritingimagines]

Having a sassy s/o

Aegon: He loves sassy partners, you're never predictable, always pushing you to be your best but with your own twist. He likes that he can tell you anything and you'll find a way to tell him your opinions on something. You make him feel like every conversation is something unique and special.

Aemond: He is not a fan of sass. While he can be quite a bit of a bully at times if you were to sass him, he would probably have to make an example of you. But just for the record, he doesn't enjoy being put in that position, but a man's got to do what a man's got to do.

Jacaerys: In addition to remaining calm, it is important to also be respectful towards a sassy partner. He knows it is not necessary to agree with you or to give in to you, but he does feel it is important to hear you out and to be open to your point of view. He would also try to stay away from any type of condescending or dismissive attitude, as this can only further the argument and make things worse.

Lucerys: It depends on the sort of sass being dished out. He can enjoy a good bit of banter, but a snarky or rude person is not something he would want to tolerate. In a relationship, both partners must respect each other and treat each other with care and kindness. If you were to lash out at him or insult him, it would be a deal-breaker. But if you're just joking around, that's a different matter entirely.

Rhaenyra: She has no problem with a sassy partner. In fact, sometimes she enjoys the banter. A good sense of humor is always a plus in her book. However, if your sassy attitude crosses a line and becomes outright disrespectful, then she will react firmly and let you know that it's not acceptable behavior.

Daemon: In the beginning it is frustrating, but it can lead to heated moments. Eventually, he begins to find joy in the sass. There is a certain excitement to knowing he’ll never quite know how you will respond to anything. It adds spice to the conversation, and I must admit, he enjoys a good spice.

Alicent: If you're simply sassy and enjoy teasing then that's fine. But if you are rude or inconsiderate then that isn't going to fly. A certain level of respect is necessary in any relationship. If you don't respect her, you don't deserve her respect.

Helena: She is a very patient person, so when she is faced with someone such as a sassy partner she is able to remain calm. She finds that it is better to discuss things openly and honestly, rather than to engage in petty arguments or to react in a passive-aggressive manner. She would aim to try and understand where you are coming from and to help you to see things from her perspective. Ultimately, communication is key and it is important to respect each other's opinions and feelings.

Harwin: That depends entirely on how 'sassy' we're talking. Some mild sass, perhaps in the form of playful teasing or flirtation, can be quite pleasant. But if the sass is mean-spirited, spiteful, and condescending, he doesn't have much patience for it. In the case of the latter, he would likely respond with stern words and/or silence, depending on the situation.

Cregan: He admires and respects a partner who can stand up for themselves. It shows you are confident, witty, and capable. He finds that sassy personality attractive, as someone who can handle his occasional teasing and banter will be a perfect match for him.

[kybercrystals94]

First Brothers

Read here on Ao3!

Angstpril 2024 | Day 6 | Prompt 6: This isn’t going to work. 

Rated: G | Words: 720 | Summary: Rex and Fives have a conversation about past brothers. | Character Focus: Rex, Fives, Echo 

“This isn’t going to work.” 

“Humor me.”

Fives sniffs at the steaming beverage and makes a face. “Ugh, why does it smell like that?” 

“Just drink it,” Rex says, patience wearing thin.

Fives takes a tiny sip. “It tastes worse than it smells!” 

“Maker, Fives! Drink it before I pour it down your throat myself!”

Fives glowers at the offending concoction a moment before he pushes it away, the glass bottom of the thick mug grating across the tabletop. “Captain, you can threaten me all you like, but I’m not drinking that. It’s disgusting.” 

“It’s kriffing Sapir Tea, Fives! It’s supposed to be soothing.”

“Well, I don’t feel very soothed with you yelling at me,” Fives grumbles. He pokes the mug of tea further in Rex’s direction. “You drink it. You seem to need it more than I do.” 

Rex glares at him, but takes the mug anyway, gripping it in both hands. The warmth against his palms reminds him of rainy nights on Kamino before he was deployed for active duty. A lifetime ago, sitting with his batchmates, speculating what the promised war might be like. He’d been so naive back then. All of them had. Flash training taught them everything and nothing. The stain of a brother’s blood on shiny, white armor was a lesson they’d not prepared for in the sterile environment of Kamino. 

Rex turns the mug in his hands. “I’m not yelling at you,” he mutters at Fives. 

Fives leans forward, folding his arms on the table. “I beg to differ,” he says, but Rex sees the mirth in the eyes identical to his own. “Did you call me down here just to bully me into drinking your weird boiled leaf brew?”

Rex sighs and decides to rip the bacta patch off. “When you mentioned you’ve been having trouble sleeping,” he admits, “I thought you might want to talk about it.” 

Fives groans, dropping his forehead to his arms. “Ah, c’mon, Rex. I’m fine. There’s nothing to talk about.”

“It’s been a year.” 

“I know.”

Rex brings the mug up and sips at the scalding tea, waiting. 

Fives doesn’t lift his head but a sigh sifts through the barrier like a hiss. “What do you want me to say, Rex? We lose brothers everyday. Good brothers. It’s the only sure thing in this war.” 

“It is,” Rex agrees. 

Fives sits up, rubs a heavy hand across his eyes. “Echo isn’t more important than any of them.” The ARC keeps his sharp gaze focused on the wall past Rex’s shoulder, not meeting his eye. 

“I never said he was.” Rex puts down his mug. “But he was one of your first brothers. That means something.” 

Fives’ expression softens at that. “I’m the last Domino,” he says, then chuckles bitterly and adds, “I always thought Echo would be.”

“Why?” Rex asks. 

Fives shrugs, but doesn’t explain further. He changes the subject instead, finally looking at Rex again. “I bet Echo would like your kriffing tea.” 

“That’s because Echo had taste,” Rex says. 

Fives barks out a laugh. “You’re talking about the man who read and memorized regulation manuals during his downtime.” 

Rex chuckles. “I didn’t know he memorized them.” 

Fives scoffs. “Oh, yeah. He was worse about it when we were cadets. Between parroting regulations and orders, he more than earned his name.” 

“That’s why his name was Echo?” 

“He tried to make us stop, but that just made the name more compelling.” 

The floodgates open, and Fives regales Rex with stories about his brothers, the ones Rex had and hadn’t met…and the one Rex had known well enough to feel his absence like a reverberating wound. Rex finishes his tea, but he and his little brother reminisce long into the night. 

|<<>>|<<>>|<<>>|<<>>|<<>>|<<>>|

“What’s this?” Echo asks.

Rex glances up from an intercepted report he’s been pouring over. Echo is examining Rex’s tin of Sapir Tea, turning it over in his hand. Echo doesn’t wait for an answer before he opens the lid and sniffs at the contents inside. “Smells good,” he comments, almost to himself. 

Rex grins. “Tastes better. Make us both a cup, will you?”

The last Domino smiles at him. “Sure thing, sir,” he says, even though Rex has told him repeatedly, like an echo, that he’s not a captain anymore. 

But old habits die hard. 

END

I can't believe we are already 6 days into April! I feel like it just started!! See below for links to all our stories thus far!

Prompts Completed:

@the-little-moment (1. Homesick / 4. Longing)

@just-here-with-my-thoughts (2. Frozen / 5. Self Surgery)

KyberCrystal94 (3. Broken Hearted / 6. This isn't going to work)

✨Let me know if you'd like to be added to my tag list!✨

Tag List: @followthepurrgil @isthereanechoinhere96 @amorfista @mooncommlink @arctrooper69 @nagyanna424 @proteatook @ezras-left-thumb

[doudouma]

“a new meaning to butterfly〜”

the butterfly girls with gn!close friend reader who’s knowledgeable on butterflies!

_______________________________________________

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

who would’ve knew the butterfly girls would meet gn!platonic!reader who’s a researcher. twice the odds that they’re infatuated with butterflies!〜

there are no warnings, my dear lotus.

i will keep it gender neutral.❀ 〜

a/n : reader is also a demon slayer! i actually conjured this idea up while scrambling on what to post! i thought it was very unique〜

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

kanae

you two aren’t on a mission, and is just chilling in her room.

trying to relax for the time being, she takes off her butterfly clips, and sets them down gently〜

she notices you admiring her clips, and puts them on you! the two of you laugh about it, and you look in the mirror. (how amazing you look〜)

you explain what pink butterflies symbolize (inner peace), and compliments her on the fact that it suits her so well!

kanae is astonished at your statement, and compliments you for knowing it!

until you two get something else to do, you take the time out to show her your journal of sketches of your butterflies〜

to her, you’ll add a new meaning to the butterfly girls now that shes very knowledgeable on them♡

shinobu

you two are sitting in her research room, doing regular demon research and making medicines〜

she starts to look a bit tense, because she can’t find the answer to something.

in a attempt to try to make her feel better, you compliment her butterfly pin!

she says thank you, and agrees that butterflies are beautiful♡

you decide to go further with it and inform her on rare few purple butterflies, and telling her about butterflies that matches your colors too!

surprisingly to her, she felt much more relaxed and calm, and kind of had the urge to research about butterflies!

now, almost every time you two are doing research, each time shinobu will say a different butterfly she wants to know about from you.

live up to the name, butterfly girl!

kanao

to start off, you two would meet because of the butterflies.

you saw her butterfly clip and got intrigued. especially since she gives off such a calm butterfly demeanor!

you ask her if she knows anything about butterflies, much to your surprise, she shook her head a little.

you sit down next to her, asking if you two can talk about it, and she says yes〜

although, the conversation is much one-sided, but she’s listening to your every word!

kanao would actually keep a journal of butterflies you teach her about, or try to find them in the wild and report them to you!

as time goes on, she eventually asks questions about butterflies or brings one to you♡

aoi

she would be really surprised on how you’re so well informed on butterflies!

sadly, she’d question if she’s smart enough to be your friend.

you pick up on those behaviors, and offer to share everything you know about butterflies with her, so you two can be educated on them together!

she practically unofficially made you a butterfly sister (regardless of your gender)〜

how can someone who’s so knowledgeable on butterflies just not join?

as a thank you, aoi often bakes you treats in the shape of a butterfly! she always does your favorite type of butterfly too!

maybe she teaches you her best baking recipes and even shares her favorite baking techniques〜

she even gets you your own clip, and gifts it to you on your nightstand while you’re sleeping♡

BONUS

sumi, kiyo, naho

the cute little girls would definitely see you as one of their cool older siblings!

when you guys are cleaning, they would ask to teach them about butterflies, and would be so interactive!

you would have no idea how much that would mean to them, they view it as bonding time♡

sumi, kiyo, naho would love to know if their blue, pink, and green butterflies have any cool or pretty meanings, and and would feel so proud once they know〜

in their free time, they’d draw you butterflies, and explain to you what they mean.

certainly, they want to know everything you know about butterflies, too!

and maybe even more, to tell you something cool someday♡〜

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

wow! these were quite quick to write, and they were very cute too. i really hope you like the bonus too! i worked hard for such a short amount of time it took. i try to write often, but i run out of inspiration, my apologies. my precious flowers, as always, thank you for your patience❀〜

[angstywildcats]

it’s been a hot minute since ive read warrior cats so i just wanted to ask what the relationship between ferncloud and brightheart is? and in turn the general premise of your coming surrounding them? im really interested!!

It has been a hot minute since i've touched a book too, anybody is free to correct me but. In canon, they really just were apprentices at the same time.

If you wana pepe silvia it up, it should be noted that the books however included that:

Fernpaw and Ashpaw's mother is killed by the dogs

Swiftpaw would invite Fernpaw (and Ashpaw) to find out what's been out there hunting down Thunderclanners (It should be stated that Swiftpaw, I think, did this for his Warrior name and wanted support. I don't know if there was ever any mentioned other noble cause on saving his Clan or specifically his apprentice denmates)

Brightpaw and Swiftpaw leave, that whole tragedy happens.

Fernpaw is the one to confess to Fireheart (and Cloudtail, I think?) about where the missing Swiftpaw and Brightpaw's whereabouts are. Which, theoretically helps Brightpaw be found in time.

The book never really shows them interacting otherwise, as far as I can remember, but Ferncloud and Brightheart also most likely shared time in the nursery together since they have kittens around the same era... which you never see because that's in between The Prophecies Begin and The New Prophecy, and Whitepaw is an apprentice by then.

Basically I'm making mountains over underdeveloped molehills over side characters, but I think with what's given, there's a lot of emotional exploration to be had over it, while still feeling in-line with canon!

I should say as well, I was all particularly inspired by this because a couple of Warriors videos ('Danse Macabre', 'No one, Everyone, Your mama') both included a shot of Fernpaw watching them leave in the night. It's such a simple thing to include, but there's a lot of weight to seeing your friends the very moment they leave to go on a suicide mission and one of them never coming back! What would have happened if you broke their trust and just told on them to not leave! Is it your fault they died!?

Soooo with all that being said, and my absolute hunger for just... more interpersonal relationships between characters in Warriors (which they fail me for even the main characters), there's a lot of strong potential in this.

With my take on Brightheart and Ferncloud, I just see them as really good or bonded friends who grew up together. They go through a lot through shared trauma, and based on the tidbits of personality given for both of them, I think they also would get along. Fernpaw being timid, Brightpaw being caring for others. In my comic I've added a bit to also imply Brightheart agreed to go with Swiftpaw not only to support him but to do it for Fernpaw/Ashpaw as well. I hesitate to put any further label on it since... well, their children get together romantically so it would add to the tangle of bloodlines, but I def can see it as how some childhood friends have sibling bonds.

For the comic... you will have to see exactly what happens! It's short, chill. Mostly conversational, just like the Shrewpaw/Ferncloud one but i hope it still hits emotional beats. I think something just fun to chew on while I make it is... How would it feel to watch your friends try hunt something that killed your mother, and only one survives, coming out of it extremely shaken. What would seeing her again feel like.

Perhaps I have talked to much, but I actually planned to do an extension of this comic where it timeskips further on where all the apprentices, grown up, visit Swiftpaw's grave.... but I decided against this because. 1. This is already a lot of work to do this many pages. 2. It's gonna be pretty long already, and I do not like making extremely long posts on tumblr. 3. I found a different way to end the comic I preferred.

Here's the script. Perhaps maybe I'll touch on it another while but admittedly after this I may be tired of exploring the Dog Incident for a bit.

Thank you for being so kind and inquiring! It's very fun, I enjoyed explaining this.

[intheheartoftheking]

Higher. Faster. Further (Bird of Prey Series)

Jacaerys Velaryon x Aunt!Targaryen oc x Aemond Targaryen

Pt2. (pt.1)(pt.3)

strangers to lovers, targcest (reader is aunt), semi angst(?), aemond being aemond, diplomat!jace,

summary: After Aegon seized the throne, Jacaerys and Aemond were dispatched to ensure the loyalty of House Arryn and the Vale. However, their mission took an unexpected turn when they encountered Lady Jane Arryn's ward, leading to a tangled web of lies, deceit, and power struggles.

word count: 965

a/n: part two of HFF (Birds of Prey) this was originally supposed to be the smut I forewarned but Tumblr isn't letting me post the full thing so its been split. I hope you enjoy my brainrot and please leave comments and suggestions to add in future chapters. this is a short ishstory (I think.) let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! ill also be adding a playlist soon but the theme song for this whole series is basically Middle of the Night by Elley Duhe ! xoxo 

Daella sheepishly asked her aunt, gesturing down to her feet. Her aunt nodded. "Forgive us, my princes. My niece is not accustomed to dancing."

Daella looked up through her lashes at the princes as she curtsied.

"That is not necessary for me, Lady Daella," Prince Jacearys said as he kissed her hand gently on the back.

Prince Aemond said, "Perhaps I could escort the lady back to her chambers. The hour is late, and it doesn't seem safe for a beautiful woman to walk alone."

Daella chuckled. "That hardly seems appropriate, Prince Aemond; you could be seen as a potential suitor, which could cause whispers." Aemond furrowed his brows. "I see," he grumbled. He had hoped to get her alone and convince her to swear allegiance to Aegon. Aemond believed that once she chose her side, her lady aunt would quickly agree, and this business could be over with so that he might return to the Red Keep.

"Perhaps if Prince Jacearys would be so kind as to walk with us, that would be seen as more appropriate," Daella suggested, snapping Aemond out of his thoughts. Both men glanced at each other, uncomfortable with the proposal, but this seemed to be their only chance to try to speak to Lady Daella alone. Aemond hummed in approval but stared at Jacearys with annoyance as he extended his arm to her, which Daella gladly accepted. Both men bid their goodnights to Lady Jane Arryn and made their way out of the great hall with Daella sandwiched between them.

The walk to her chambers was quiet, but as they approached, Daella spoke up, "I want you both to come inside." Aemond stopped abruptly, causing Daella to be tugged back along with Jacearys. "What?" They both chimed in unison, the confusion laced in their voices. "When my ladies leave my chambers, I wish you both to enter. I believe there is much to converse about away from prying eyes." Daella spoke in hushed whispers. The two men stared at one another, concerned. First, she talked of propriety, and now she's inviting the two most influential men in the realm to her chambers. "And what of the whispers?" Aemond repeated her words from earlier. "While I hate to agree with my cousin, he's right; what of the whispers?" Jacearys echoed in agreement, but something else ate at him. Something else ate at both of them. This invitation felt like a trap.

Daella rolled her eyes. "To seven hells with the whispers," she snapped, breaking her facade of a perfect lady. "You both know the season we've entered, and that's why you are here. I wish to know more of you before my lady aunt does."

She pulled her arms away from them. "The invitation remains, and I shall wait for you if you choose to accept it."

In his chambers, Aemond bit at his nails nervously. This alarmed him. No one had made Aemond nervous since he was a child. Was her proposal really to speak of potential alliances? And why would she want to share his and his bastard nephew's company?

He knew Jacearys was desirable due to his position should Rhaenyra capture the iron throne, but their children would always face doubt about his father's parentage. As for himself, he was known as Aemond one eye, and marriage was a hard enough prospect not simply because of the loss of his eye but also because of his brothers' additional teasing. These whispers made Aemond weary of anyone remotely willing to show affection or interest for fear that all they wanted from him was his proximity to Aegon or his title.

A door opening and closing across the hall pulls him from his thoughts as he hears footsteps descending the hall in the direction of Daella's quarters. "Jacearys," he growled. If his strong nephew has gained the courage to seek out Lady Daella alone, Aemond knew he also had to follow. After all, he knew he couldn't lose the Vale all because he was too afraid of rejection.

Meanwhile, Jacearys was mentally cursing himself for indulging in Daella's invitation. Did she mean to speak, or was this an invitation for something more? Daemon once told him of ladies who used to seek him out for pleasure or in hopes of capturing his crown. He also heavily warned Jacearys against fathering any bastards since his claim was already shaky due to the vicious rumors fueled by the greens. He knew better, how he knew better, but she was just so beautiful, and unlike any of the ladies he had ever met, she had him enraptured. As he approached the door, he saw the guards had been sent away. Jacearys raised his hand to knock the door cracked open, and a hand emerged, wrapping around his wrist and tugging him inside abruptly.

"Forgive me, my Prince. I'm just trying to be as careful as one can be not to be seen," Daella stated, turning away. "Tea?" She offered, gesturing to the set on a small table. There were cakes and small bites on display, and it almost seemed as if she was sure at least one of them would come.

He shook his head as he realized she was in her nightclothes; however, her hair remained pulled in a tight braid. The fire illuminated her face, highlighting the flecks of gold in her ember eyes. If there was something that was for sure, she was one of the most stunning women he had ever met. It was as if the gods themselves had come down to craft her. Her heavy door opened slightly, causing both of them to turn and hold their breaths. Sounds of relief were emitting from them once they saw a head of a silver hair sliver inside.

Taglist: @damewritesalot

[foundfam2754]

garvez thoughts after cme s17e6, "message in a bottle" (kind of an essay)

yesterday's episode left me with a lot thoughts on where erica and the team is going to take garvez going forward in the show. it left me kind of conflicted. after downloading with another fan-friend of mine, here's a post on how i feel.

please please please don't be mad if you disagree - in fact i'd welcome conversation with other garvez shippers on this :) dm me, reblog or comment!! also, pls note when i refer to us as the audience, or use the royal "we", i'm generalizing.

thoughts (and spoilers for 17x5 and 17x6) below the fold:

-----------

overall, i think it sucks that they're floating a potential new love interest for luke in teresa; it seems like one more step away from seeing penelope and luke together on the show for real and we've already seen this kind of relationship play out with luke & dr. lisa. i'm ready for him and penelope to get together. plus, this frickin' love square cannot and SHOULD not get more complicated than it already is (anyone else who's seen gossip girl getting nate, serena, blair, chuck, dan vibes? everyone's dating everyone).

plus plus shamefully i kinda love the tyler/luke bromance and luke / teresa could put a dent in that

however, and perhaps a more hopeful outlook than most fans have after 17x06, they've never leaned this explicitly into pen and luke as a couple on CM before. s17 feels like the first time. it's been implied, they've hinted at it, they've even gone on one terrible date, but the words (three words, eight letters for my GG fans) have never been said out loud by luke or pen before. so, to have them actually have the romantic and sexual tension between them be blatantly addressed (even if it is by elias) and for luke to say the words "i love her" (in a manner of speaking, of course) is a big deal to me. it's development of this storyline, even if slow. that gives me hope that there could be something that gets played out in the future.

adding onto this, i do think we have to acknowledge that when it comes to criminal minds, they've never done a romantic relationship within the team before (with the exception of spence and jj, but we can all agree that it was poorly done, rushed and abrupt). also, that it's the chemistry and camaraderie of the team and the friendships that go back 15+ seasons that make the show special. so from the perspective of the writers, i understand that they may feel it risky to play with the luke / pen relationship further than they already have. i'm not saying that having pen and luke dating would mess up the team dynamic, but i am saying it's a change and anything can happen. they know that flirting works with audiences (luke and pen, derek and pen), but they've seen that actual romantic feelings may not (spence and jj). overall, i understand if they want to take introducing and establishing penelope and luke as an official couple slowly

(i do understand that for us it's not been slow and we recognized the dynamic between garvez immediately, but s15 was really the first time the show addressed the possibility of a romantic relationship, and for the writers it may not be a long time coming)

i also think that if the writers are playing the long game, a relationship between teresa and luke may be interesting just to play with the dynamic and maybe get penelope to take some action. plus, i think it adds nuance to the love square. in an universe where we believe teresa's destined for tyler and penelope for luke, each member of the group may need to take their time realizing who they really belong with (but i'm still going to harumph at romantic!teresa/luke or romantic!greencia).

this is all to say that, we may have to just be a bit more patient. it can still happen and the eventual outcome may be even better if we let the writers play it out, now that they're actually addressing the relationship. i'm hopeful, in the meanwhile, we can revel the little nuggets of garvez love that adam and kirsten and erica throw our way and the incredible fanfics that writers in our fandom create.

now, pessimistically and on the other hand, it's very possible that luke's "she knows I love her" and teresa's "but she's still into tyler" were said because the creative team has decided that they played around with garvez enough and they're happy with how they are, and luke's ready to move on...with teresa. luke's feelings have been addressed and said out loud, so now may be his time to move forward. add on to this that PG wasn't too bothered by a luke/teresa relationship and that luke and teresa talked about how it's a bad idea to date coworkers, it's a possibility.

so really, my conflict isn't resolved, and i'm not sure on which side i stand. but, i really love this show, these actors, this ship and this fandom so i wanted to share how i feel.

man, i usually hate slow burns, but this show and garvez are worth it.

[deathsbestgirl]

i've seen some detour & plus one tweets recently and maybe some of you will agree/appreciate the way i see it lol

so this scene comparison is one of my favorites. on this post:

i made this observation of the last detour gif and kae took it a little further — her connection to small potatoes & milagro (and i think i would add tithonus, the conversation about life & love with fellig) is exactly what i'm always going on about. the ways in which they understand each other (and need each other).

then there's this detour post, of their conversation in the woods.

something about this always reminds me of quagmire too, the cotr & the end where she tells him "people want to believe." it's something she appreciates about mulder, loves him for even — as much as it frustrates her at times, similar to mulder + scully's skepticism. something they do for similar reasons.

but to my real point. i love love love that scene in plus one. mulder's been dropping hints, they've already slept together in this episode. he says "knock three times" and leaves her to go to bed, trusting that she's ready for a change and accepting that she's going to make him squirm first. it's a little payback for ditching her in detour — where he knew what she was getting at.

i've said before these two move at their own pace and there's always so much respect for that. something i love about them so much. scully swallows it down, she affirms his choices even when it isn't what she wants (she's ready but she wants him to be ready too.l).

most of the revival is about scully needing time. it's so focused on willliam, their loss, her regrets & guilt & fears. mulder being the one to ground her and catch her, letting her do crazy things while he has her back. doing the things she can't because now he can (thinking about closure here). a beautiful reverse to the original series. so before, mulder wasn't ready. now it's scully's turn!!

and it's still not that they're together here. this was getting them ready for plus one, and this leads to date night in rm9 and their whispered conversation in nothing lasts forever, where she talks about how she fled. she doesn't want to fail william again, fail mulder again. season ten, scully first has a journey about her fear of going back to the x files. what it means for mulder & her, that she can't face that darkness (meanwhile, being a doctor is so much harder for her). it's when she has her reason that she gets on board, mulder & their son. that reason is critical. then she has to remember why she loved her job, and mulder affirms it in mulder and scully meet the weremonster. then when her mom dies in home again, so much more is reaffirmed. she has to fix her mistake with william, take responsibility instead of running from it or burying herself in work that won't fix anything. and that's when she's able to slowly let him close. as she depends on him to hold her together.

(perfect time to say i just can't hate the my struggles because the scully we get is so intense & raw & reckless.)