#he needed a breather because of the embarrassing old men and I respect that

[kqluckity]

how some people can look at Zhongli and Venti's dialogue during this Lantern Rite and interpret it as beefing instead of, you know, flirting truly blows my mind? like it's not just what they're saying, but also the way they're saying it. it's flirting, they're flirting. and even if they aren't flirting, that's obviously an inside joke? look at Venti's face when Zhongli acts like they're strangers, does it look like someone who can't stand the other and isn't willing to play along with the other's dumb idea? please. I don't understand how people can still think they hate each other even tho it's established that they're friends, not only through items lore and their own character stories (I really doubt someone like Zhongli would let a guy he hates forge his sigil, let him destroy his precious vase, let him pour wine on his head, and then yearn for him for 500 years bffr), but also in the first Liyue Archon quest Zhongli talks about "a friend from Mondstadt" who used to bring him wine all the time, and Venti has a "refined gentleman friend from Liyue" he wishes he could spend more time with. a friend he still visits often, so much so that madame Ping commissioned Tubby to make a Mondstadt-inspired house for the teapot with good acoustics so he could play inside with no problem.

[curiosity-killed]

evidence of a lost past part 3

(chronologically before part 1 or part 2)

“Xie-gege?” Lang Ying calls from behind the cold storage. “You’ve got some friends here for you.” Frowning, Xie Lian straightens up from where he’d been crouched to organize the oatmeal shelf and dusts his hands off on his jeans. He doesn’t really have friends, to say nothing of people who would surprise him at work. He steps around the shelving unit at the same time that Lang Ying brings the visitors through the crowded entry hall. Spotting them, Xie Lian freezes. Skepticism is painted in broad strokes across Lang Ying’s face as he looks up at the men beside him before turning toward Xie Lian. “So,” he starts, eyeing the two sidelong again. “Nan Feng,” Feng Xin blurts out, as if answering a question, “and Fu Yao.”

Lang Ying’s eyes narrow a moment, but he just gives a slow nod. “I’ll be in the pantry if you need anything, Xie-gege,” he says. Xie Lian smiles reflexively, a silly sense of gratitude easing through him at Lang Ying’s quiet protectiveness. Aside from the cold storage, the pantry is the closest room to this back storage. “Thanks, a-Ying,” he says, waving him on. When he’s left, Xie Lian takes a bracing breath and turns to his old friends. He doesn’t know if there’s a polite way to tell them that no one in this community center would recognize the names of ballet stars, no matter how prominent. If anything, their fake names and…disguises make them far more suspicious: Mu Qing is wearing a suit, clearly tailored and accented with silver metallic embellishments, while Feng Xin wears a windsuit set that would better belong to a 90s boy band. “Ah,” Xie Lian says, struggling to think of anything to say, and rubs his forehead with the knuckle of his thumb. “Hi.” “You work in this place?” Mu Qing demands. His arms are crossed, bunching up his jacket, and the tail of his long ponytail catches on his shoulder. The last few inches are a surprising platinum blond, and Xie Lian vaguely recalls hearing something about a commercial deal last year or so. “Why do you have to say it like that?” Feng Xin demands. “So what if he works here? What do you have against a—a…” “Community center,” Xie Lian offers when it’s clear he doesn’t know what to call it. “And I do. Puqi’s been my home for the past year or so.” Feng Xin’s face does something complicated at that which Xie Lian can no longer wholly read. He thinks part of it at least is embarrassment, which is alright. It must be strange for them, to see him here in jeans stained with gravel dust around the knees and a t-shirt with a tubby cartoon tiger declaring ‘STRIPES ARE BEAUTIFUL.’ “Here, would you rather sit? There are some chairs in the lounge we could pull in,” he says. The lounge isn’t really a lounge so much as the storage room for donated furniture. Still, sometimes he and Lang Ying will take a breather back there and split a sweet bun from the bakery down the block, and it feels like a secret spot just for the staff. “No,” Mu Qing says immediately. His lip has pulled back a little, as if disgusted by the prospect. “We aren’t staying.” Oh. Xie Lian can’t quite help the disappointment that sinks through his chest at that. It’s not like he expected them to stay or try to be friends again, not after how he left things, but—well, with them coming here, he’d almost thought— “Oh, that’s alright,” he says with a bright smile. “Is there something I can help you with?” The two of them share a look that Xie Lian really can’t read at all. Back when he left, Feng Xin had only been speaking to Mu Qing to tell him to fuck off, and they certainly hadn’t been sharing any meaningful looks unless they were glares. It’s…it’s good, that they’ve found a friend in each other. He wishes they’d gotten along better when they were young, but it’s nice that they can be friends now. “Jun Wu said you were here,” Feng Xin says, grudging, dropping his gaze. “And we just—well, it’s been a long time. Figured we should check on you.” That phrase again. Eight years feels like a millennium, long enough that his past life feels more dreamlike than real most days. Long enough he certainly wouldn’t expect them to check in on him. He smiles. “Ah, that’s very kind of you,” he says, “but there’s no need to worry. I’m quite well, and you two must be so busy. Rehearsals for Nutcracker must have started by now, haven’t they?” He remembers when they were all young and dragging through endless rehearsals, when Feng Xin would grumble about having Tchaikovsky’s score stuck on his head all hours of the day and Mu Qing would scowl at him from across the costumes he helped sew as an after school job. “Yeah,” Feng Xin says. “They have. We get Sundays off for now.” Xie Lian nods, maintaining his polite smile. He’s really not sure what they want from him or why they’ve stopped by. This stilted half-conversation can’t actually be it. “You really live like this?” Mu Qing demands. “Puttering around this concrete floor, looking like…that.” Blinking once, Xie Lian folds his hands together and firms his spine. He’s gotten used to the trajectory of his life by now, and it doesn’t bother him even if no one else understands it. He knows why he’s here, knows he made the right choice for himself. Before he can answer, the bell over the front door chimes, and bootheels clip across the concrete floor. There’s a polite rap at the doorframe leading into the storage area where only employees are allowed. “Gege?” Xie Lian flushes at the way Mu Qing and Feng Xin stiffen and whip around toward the door and silently exhales a breath of relief at Hua Cheng’s timing. Probably his arrival won’t make it less awkward, but he’d rather have Hua Cheng here than handle this alone, even if that makes him a coward. “Ah San Lang, come in,” he calls. “There are just a couple visitors.” “San Lang?” Feng Xin echoes, twisting to gawk at the door. It’s obvious the moment he spots Hua Cheng, because his entire back goes tight and still, and Mu Qing bristles like a cat, fingers digging into his jacket sleeves. Hua Cheng passes around the far wall of shelves and doesn’t pause even as he gives the two of them a quick, unimpressed once-over. “Hey gege,” he greets, brushing past them to smile at Xie Lian. Xie Lian can’t help returning the look, delight bubbling up in him at the easy happiness Hua Cheng wears in his expression. “Hi San Lang,” he replies. “These two are—um. Nan Feng and Fu Yao. Old…school friends of mine.” Hua Cheng doesn’t bother looking at them before turning to Xie Lian with an eyebrow arched as if to ask ‘are you serious?’ Xie Lian is helpless to respond except for a casual shrug. If Feng Xin and Mu Qing insist on using false names, he’ll respect their wishes no matter how nonsensical it seems. “You—!” Feng Xin hisses, hands balled up into fists at his sides. “Me,” Hua Cheng agrees flatly. “Gege, are these new volunteers? I bet that one could sweep out the storage rooms while I take you to get lunch.” At the obvious look Hua Cheng sends him, Mu Qing’s lips pull back in blatant disgust and indignation. Biting his lip, Xie Lian holds in laughter. It isn’t nice to tease like that, but—well, it is kind of nice to have someone willing to do it for him. “Ah there’s no need,” he says quickly. “They were just stopping by to say hi.” He thinks. He’s still not really sure what’s going on here. “Oh?” Hua Cheng says. “So you’re leaving, then.” He says it straight to Feng Xin and Mu Qing, and despite their spluttering, Xie Lian has to hold in a startled laugh. He tugs gently at Hua Cheng’s elbow. “San Lang,” he scolds without any heat. The grin Hua Cheng tosses him is carefree and boyish, and it makes something funny and bright burst in Xie Lian’s chest. Maybe it’s alright to tease a little, if it earns him such cute looks. “Fine,” Mu Qing says. “Whatever. I have work to do.” He pivots on his heel and starts stalking toward the door without waiting to see if Feng Xin is following. Left behind, Feng Xin hesitates a moment, lips parted as if to speak. Finally, he swallows and purses his lips. “Just—be careful, okay?” he says like an order instead of a request. “If you need anything—I mean. I still have the same phone number.” A softer smile slips across Xie Lian’s lips at that, and he gives a little nod. “Me, too,” he admits. “Be safe getting home.” Feng Xin grunts and waffles a moment longer before hurrying after Mu Qing, his windsuit pants rustling away. Xie Lian can hear him all the way to the door. When the bell chimes, he sighs and turns back to see Hua Cheng leaning against the corner of the wall with his eye narrowed in amusement. “You get such interesting visitors, gege,” he says cheerfully. “San Lang ah,” Xie Lian complains, helpless. It’s impossible to feel at all cross when the whole situation was so absurd and Hua Cheng seems so childishly pleased. His grin broadens and turns brighter, more honest, as Xie Lian finally lets himself laugh at it all. “Ah, enough,” Xie Lian says, covering his eyes briefly. Shaking his head, he drops his hand. “Have you eaten? I brought some leftovers we could share, if you want.” “Gege’s cooking?” Hua Cheng asks, offering out his arm like a gentleman. “It must be my lucky day.” Xie Lian laughs at that, bright and easy, and lets himself be led.

[dumb-ology]

Of Gods and Men (Series)

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Notes:

This is a fantasy one-shot. The story forms part of a group of short stories set in my fictional world of Iabis, a world I hope someday will be finished and be good enough to publish.

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Summary:

When he first had been brought before them, the young prince could not say that he was impressed with the ways of the people of Ker... . Or at least that was what he wanted to believe as he silently sipped from his chalice in an attempt to calm the erratic beatings of his heart, distracted as he was under the shameless scrutiny of his betrothed.

Of the Moon-borned and their Barbarians

When he first had been brought before them, the young prince could not say that he was impressed with the ways of the people of Ker. They looked intimidating, too powerful for his own comfort, with strange markings and an even stranger language. They bowed to no man or woman when they entered the halls of his house, and they knew nothing of the manners of his people nor seemed to care.

But as night came, and the stars above them shone brightly against the vast darkness of the sky, his fascination only seemed to outgrow his fears and reservations.

Instruments for which his people had no names began to sound throughout the halls. Exotic and foreign-sounding, hypnotizing in their primal origins, inciting all those who listened to jump and twirl and laugh. And so did the people – crying vibrantly into the night in a mixture of two completely different languages, two completely different cultures. And by the gods did Baekhyun joined them right away in their merriment.

Fire breathers were in action, their flames reaching the night skies as if they were dragons. Delicacies came and go from the kitchens to the tables – skewers, soups, sweet and juicy fruits, spicy meats of mouthwatering smells, vegetables that even he had not seen before – They had all been prepared for the celebration of the new found alliance between the Ker and the Huemor. The gods of the skies and their spirits had at long last blessed both their peoples, and now the Horse Lords and the Riukae sat together and shared the same bread – and yet, for as many Huemor those danced and drinked with the Ker, there were many others that did not looked pleased with this new reality.

But the Matriarchs had been firm. They had insisted at length and multiple times that the end of an era of war was to begin through an era of love, through the union of blood under the blessings and the ever-watching protection of the gods. The Matriarchs made their will known through their most faithful spiritual guides, and although reluctantly, it was becoming more and more obvious throughout Telandis that the proposal to these unions was being accepted by the people – either by fear to the gods, because of love or in order to avoid any more bloodshed, the young prince could only speculate.

And so, their old traditions and their way of life had begun to change.

The Ker respected the ways of the Huemor at first, married their sons and their daughters according to their sacred laws and under the blessings of the All-Seeing, but it was no surprise that once the relations with the Empire began to be more cordial, that they brought with them their own – insisting much to the surprise of a few incredulous, and ill-mannered Huemor, that the marriages amongst the Ker were held between equals. Their ways were to be respected, just as they respected theirs.

Baekhyun’s people called their most popular courting tradition the Reaping – A witty name that some bard in a lively tavern had attributed to the event, and that since, had become its official term. It was a simple tradition, one that required the consent of both participants in the courtship, and while at first frowned upon and misunderstood, Baekhyun knew of only a few participants that had not been… satisfied with the aftermaths: During a night of celebration, the Huemor partner was to be locked in their chambers, awake and ready to defend themselves alongside their family as they waited for their Ker betrothed to break into their rooms in order to take them as their partner.

It was a strange thing in the beginning.

The Reaping sometimes didn’t even happened at night, taking place in broad daylight and in very public places, with men and women alike coming into the markets without any type of ceremony or warning, only to choose their selected partners and slung them over their shoulders, running away from the city while being cheered on by their clan members.

It was a strange thing, but not without reason, as Baekhyun had come to find – The deserts and the steppes that the Ker lived in were dangerous places, life was rough and so they had to adapt to it, and marriage, as many other of their traditions and rituals that were of great importance, took a deep meaning that sometimes the Huemor seemed to have forgotten. The Ker saw themselves forever bonded with another, gifted with the responsibility of another’s life, with the responsibility of another’s clan’s safety, and so strength and bravery was demanded of their own and of their partners.

A Ker that failed to reap its partner was considered weak, and a partner that didn’t put up a fight was shamed as well. It was expected of both to be able to defend themselves, to defend their families and if possible, their future children. The survival of their clan demanded it.

Now however, as the Ker held no wars against the Empire or the Nomads, the Reaping had almost become symbolic amongst the clans from these lands. More reminder than a need to prove their strength in the eyes of their brethren – and as the Huemor started to see the importance of said traditions and saw the appeal of being, as Baekhyun’s sisters fantasized, ravished by a stripling and attractive Horse Lord, the Reaping had become romanticized, desired, and many were the Huemor interested in learning more of the Ker’s culture be it in search of passion or raw curiosity – it was no secret that as ravenous in its search for new knowledge as the Empire was famed for, the Riukae were also known for their depravity and decadency, and the courtship of one from a different culture was a way of satisfying both interests.

Baekhyun however, was tying his destiny with a Ker as it was his duty.

An alliance was needed to set an example, to afford protection for his sisters, for warfare as the second-born children of his Imperial majesty was their trade and their curse. Marrying one of the so-called Horse Lords could avoid tying his sisters onto a life of living by the sword. Or at least that was what he wanted to believe as he silently sipped from his chalice in an attempt to calm the erratic beatings of his heart, distracted as he was under the shameless scrutiny of his betrothed.

The man had been watching him all night, almost like he was studying him. Golden eyes that had lingered in the curves of his body and in the free expanses of flesh that his fusatan could not cover. Long hair that had grown darker as the night had closed in covered in a golden halo of jewelry that had crowned him in the same fashion as the paintings of the Gods he used to marvel at in the temples when he was but an Eyas.

The man held himself proudly, almost like he was exposing himself for his eyes, His posture screamed of a man who knew of war and action.

Through the transparency of his clothes, Baekhyun caught a glimpse of his muscular chest. His arms were marked with strange signs of pale red and brown that seemed to extend around his exposed skin like wildfire. The man was attractive, that much was true, in a wat that he could not explain but appealing to the eyes nonetheless.

Sharing his bed with him was not going to be an unpleasant experience.

Almost as if he had been reading his mind, the rider offered him nothing but a slight quirk of his lips upwards as he stood up and walked towards him, and for a moment Baekhyun felt as if all noise fell silent. It was as if for a moment, he was again a child, hiding himself against the strong legs of his Third Mother, swallowing hard and blinking fast in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.

“If it weren’t for the dark colors of your robes and your breathtaking beauty I wouldn’t have noticed the difference between your Highness and a member of the Sun-borned” He simply said in a thick Ker accent. A shiver ran down Baekhyun’s spine at his words, but it was far from unpleasant. “But then again, beautiful things in the desert tend to be murderous… Say Saikhan, do you bite?”

Baekhyun’s breath hitched slightly as his words, hoping that the fire surrounding them could hide the color painting his cheeks. Oh, I could bite, he thought, you need only ask. By the gods, he was such a horny bastard.

“I am honored to meet you at last, Bey Jongdae”

The man seemed amicable, smiling broadly at his poor intent of addressing him in his language, moving to the next topic of conversation gracefully.

“Other Clans have taken Huemor brides and grooms, and in doing so, they have brought the prosperity of our Gods to their lands. I offer you and your house the protection of my clan and my Golden Army. They are strong and their devotion to me will extend to your people, this I swear to you”

Baekhyun hid his surprise as best he could. He hadn’t expected for negotiations to come to this point so quickly, but he stood beside him, tall and regal. “I swear to you that your battles will be ours, as well as your struggles. We will share feasts and your people will be welcomed as if they were our own, the colors of our houses seen as one.” – Anything for his people. With joy, anything they asked of him.

Jongdae laughed, throwing his head back and allowing his hair to fly out of his face. He was beautiful, with lips forming a sly smirk as he composed himself, and a sharp jaw that hid the tiniest of scars. “Your people are so formal, so serious. Fear not, I am aware of what I was promised, I have only come here to introduce myself and make my intentions for tonight very clear…”

Jongdae smirked and stepped closer to him, daring to see how close the young prince would allow him into his personal space. He had been told of the Huemor’s courtships, of the gradual desire that was supposed to grow in between them, but as his eyes roamed Baekhyun’s body in fascination he found the entire thing absurd.

The prince was painfully breathtaking, adorned in silver and shimmering blue fabrics that had move through the crowd with the delicacy of one born amongst royalty. Alluring eyes painted with kohl that had lingered on his own tentatively, allowing him in, inviting him to drink down his face as if it were water and Jongdae hadn’t had a taste for it in weeks.

He was no fool, much to Minseok’s disagreement.

He was aware of his husband-to-be’s beauty since it was his face that had kept him sane during the long waits in the desert. Baekhyun’s fair features, more boy than man, barely an adult when he first saw his lilac eyes. A tease, he learned after, a reminder from Baekhyun’s father for the long nights, small snippets of caresses that only piled up and burned him when he aroused alone at night and realized that his dreams were not tangible.

But standing now, chest to chest as they were, he realized that not even the most lucid of his dreams could ever do him justice.

“Intentions?”

“Yes. I needed to tell you that I have never seen hands as delicate and slender as yours. They are beautiful, and I long to become familiar with their touch and warmth”

“Wha-what?”

The Ker reached out to take a hold of his right hand, and Baekhyun couldn’t help but blush as he took a step back. Enough to give himself some breathing room as his eyes wandered to the thick and strong hands of the Bey, covered in small scars and calluses on his palms.

Better that, than the desire on the eyes of the man.

“My Gods would be displeased if I didn’t tell you how handsome I find you, how smart and capable I know you to be… How brave, how cunning” Baekhyun gasped and felt his blush deepen as the rider’s right hand tentatively descended towards his hips, asking for permission to touch him as he desperately seeked to keep his body pressed against his.

He smelled like leather under the aromatic oils he was bathed in, and he could feel the hot, hard press of his cock against him. Baekhyun bit his lip and looked into his eyes, only to be met with the intensity of a predator considering prey. He made him feel small, overwhelmed, two things that Baekhyun was not used to as he was never the one at the receiving end of such bold compliments.

But they were to be married, and that meant that two could play this game.

“Your charms can only help you so much”, Jongdae’s breath halted when he felt Baekhyun’s hand brush over his member. He stood still, and when he opened his eyes again they were shining with an expression that the prince understood perfectly. “We aren’t even married yet, and already you are behaving like a bitch in heat. How shameful”

“Baekhyun” The rider purred. The skin his golden rings touched felt like it was tingling. For a moment Baekhyun swore he could smell humidity in the air, as if there was an incoming storm nearby. No one had said his name like that ever before, and he liked the way it had fallen from his lips.

It was different, very different, but he found that he could enjoy hearing it being said like that daily, and also in other more… intimate circumstances.

“You have sharp eyes”, he whispered. Jongdae smiled softly a swift rise of his left eyebrow answer enough for him to continue. “We believe that the eyes tell much of a person. Yours are sharp, much like a cat’s; it means you’re cunning, smart… I eagerly await to see how you will try and steal me.”

He was quick to push Jongdae’s hands away from his waist as soon as his words loosened his grip over him. He stepped back, away from the rider and into the crowds, a blush setting his cheeks and neck on fire. Nervously he reached up to press his hand against his chest, hiding amongst the dancing and the drinking, everything to get away from Jongdae as his mind was awhirl with the things he wanted to do to him, his cock itching inside his pants.

All-Seeing curse him, he was already a mess.

----

Sleep, like a mischievous lover, was escaping Baekhyun’s mind.

Any other time, he would have been sleeping heavily, exhausted after a long night of feasting and dancing, assured that all in the palace was calm and that the loyal guards of his family were watching out for their safety. But this was no ordinary night. He was to be stolen, and the excitement of the act kept him awake, his heart hammering fast against his chest.

He was dressed in one of his best attires, a long pastel blue tunic thin and soft to the touch, decorated with silver threads intertwined in the hem and sleeves, slightly transparent in the right places. An outfit designed more for the aesthetic than practicality. But tonight, practicality mattered not.

Even if he was lulled by the sound of the fountains coming from the gardens outside his window, he felt the air shifting, a tension rising through the night. He saw how the curtains surrounding his bed swayed just the slightest bit, righting themselves almost immediately.

Baekhyun’s heart pounded faster. This was it, he thought, he has bested them all. He was careful as to not move, he was prepared.

The locks to his doors jiggled and gave, but once more, only the sound of flowing water blanketed his rooms.

So far, he believed, his stealing was going remarkably well. Suppressing a grin, he pulled his blankets higher up on his shoulders, grasping the small blade hidden amongst his pillows, and waited for the door to open.

And he waited.

And waited.

And wait-

A pair of strong hands grabbed his ankles and pulled him out of the security of his blankets. As fast as he could, he reached up into the abundant pillows and grabbed his blade. The grip of Jongdae’s hands was tight, but Baekhyun knew how to fight as well, and as he was being pulled out in a stunningly fluid movement, he maneuvered himself to rose up on his two feet bringing Jongdae down in between his legs. His heart was pounding wildly in his chest, and he couldn’t help but to get momentarily lost in the golden eyes that were flashing under the moon light.

He smirked triumphantly as he pressed the tip of his blade dangerously close to the skin of Jongdae’s neck, before grabbing him by his hair and tilting his head backwards.

The Ker panted when he felt Baekhyun’s lips bite onto his neck, and he felt his member coming to life rapidly. The touches and kisses that the prince peppered in all the skin his lips were able to find were only adding to the fire that was rapidly growing between them. Tentatively he allowed his hands to rest against his rear, and Baekhyun felt as if fire was searing his skin as Jongdae’s fingers fidgeted with his tunic.

Magic hummed around them when Jongdae decided to attack his lips. A tiny bolt of electricity making them separate to catch their breath, the Ker gasping in delight as Baekhyun looked down at him with a smirk.

“I told you that your charms could only help you so much”, He whispered, before taking the chance to flee away from him. The chase was on.

Some people awoke at the commotion, jeering and hollering as they saw the Ker chasing after his husband. Some of the soldiers of Jongdae’s famed Golden Army were amongst the people, marveling at the strength and agility of the young prince, joining in the reverie and going so far as to offer lewd suggestions on what exactly their Bey should do as soon as he had his feisty little Huemor husband tamed in his rooms.

Baekhyun laughed loudly as he was being chased around the palace, dancing out of his reach, and laughing again as he felt Jongdae get close. He allowed him to reach him, coming again and again tantalizingly close to grabbing him, but every time the prince would just turn a different direction, managing to pull far enough for him to not be able to do anything to him anymore. Jongdae knew that he was playing Baekhyun’s game, and the realization was driving him mad with want.

He was going to be his. His and only his to ruin.

They soon entered the gardens and their magnificent pools, and it was here where the chase was cut short.

Baekhyun miss-stepped – purposefully or not, he didn’t know – But he was quick to take advantage of this mistake, reaching out to grab him by his wrists and submit him into the soft grass. Baekhyun tried to keep him away, swinging his blade to try and cut him until his back soon hit the cold floor. Soon he was pinned in by Jongdae’s arms and legs, pinning him on either side of his waist and taking control of his wrists, his blade thrown out of his reach.

The prince was breathing heavily while Jongdae loomed over him, his face barren of any emotion before throwing him over his shoulders to move them both to one of the chaise-lounge of the gardens left for resting under the sun.

Baekhyun was a work of art, splayed only for his eyes to see on the soft cushions and in the most seductive of poses, kicking and squirming as he tried to get away. But the prince didn’t fought back as Jongdae’s hands found his hips and moved to squeeze the skin of his butt, forcing him to rub himself against his member, still painfully trapped inside his pants. They kissed ardently, moaning when Jongdae stopped, hovering again over his body and taking in the view of his disheveled hair and pouty lips.

A whimpering, moaning and breathless mess with a beautiful erection that needed to be tended to. All his. His to touch and to take. He licked his lips when lilac eyes met his. Baekhyun’s expression was far from soft, as it was rather defiant, wanting as his cheeks flushed and perspiration covered his forehead.

“Did I say you could stop kissing me?” He whimpered, and Jongdae felt like he might have come right then and there. “Do not force me to flip you and ride you harder than you have ridden your mare in years”

His brattiness’ disappeared once Jongdae’s lips took over the tender skin of his thigs. His breath catched itself inside his throat, words dying to be replaced by whines as he felt the warmth of his hands sliding around his legs, a warm wet tongue darting quickly to lick up his shaft. He let out a choked moan, eyes shutting tight.

“Such a sharp tongue, little prince” Jongdae tsked, parting Baekhyun’s thighs again as he stood up and pressed his body against his, kissing his chest and creating a path of sloppy kisses down to his belly. Baekhyun was burning up, tangled up as they were, the heat of Jongdae’s skin providing comfort from the soft refreshing air of the night. The rider had slathered his fingers with abundant saliva, cupping one of his butt cheeks as he circled the skin that lay hidden within them.

“Ple-please…”

Jongdae obliged him by sliding a finger knuckle-deep, earning a long, deep breath from the man underneath him. He massaged in, quickly adding fingers as he found the spot that took Baekhyun’s breath away. He felt and saw the thick thigs of the prince begin to tremble in the pale light of the moon, sweat pouring out of him as he moaned lowly and untamed.

Jongdae kissed him and his hair covered the both of them as his hands ripped the cotton undergarments of the prince and freed his hardness from where it had been previously trapped. His cock hung low and thick, twitching as he took one more look at the man under him, thighs spread wide and his hole prepared.

He was going to fuck him properly, like a Ker was supposed to get fucked.

Baekhyun grabbed ahold of his shoulders when he felt the head of his cock against his entrance. He pushed inside him and he couldn’t hold the sigh that escaped his lips when he felt Jongdae’s cock stretching him and moving deep inside. His legs were trembling in the most delicious of ways, one that he had been craving the entire night, but then again, he had to remember that Jongdae hadn’t started to move yet.

The rider pressed his forehead against his, and he waited in silence for Baekhyun’s breathing to calm down. He kissed his neck, his chest, gently taking his hands and licking his fingers. Baekhyun kept looking up at him, too eager for his own good, and his hands found themselves sliding up to his black hair. His expression soft as Jongdae removed the ties from his hair, running his fingers through them until his braids broke loose and his hair was set free.

“You said you wanted to ride me” Jongdae murmured, and in a swift movement, he allowed Baekhyun to be on top as a cry of pleasure from his lips was drowned by sudden surprise. “Then ride me”

Baekhyun’s hole clamped around his cock, one of his hands curling around his neck delicately. Jongdae found himself smothered, suffocating, but he enjoyed the sensation far more than words could explain at the moment. His fingers dug into Baekhyun’s hips and he closed his eyes when he felt his inner walls clamping down around his cock as the prince rode him in a rhythm that only he seemed to know. He opened them again, and they locked in the way his cock moved inside Baekhyun. The pulling out only to swiftly ease back inside. The image was such that he had to concentrate himself to not lose control so soon. He grabbed his hips roughly and kneaded into them, rolling his hips in an attempt to meet his bounces. Baekhyun started to ride him with abandon, taking his hands and placing them over his chest for support.

He rides him. Deep and hard movements that rock him as well as the chaise. Baekhyun moves roughly, lost in the feeling growing in his member, lost by the desire and the power he feels as he sees Jongdae digging into the skin of his hips. Their voices are mingling together under the stars, Jongdae’s deep gravelly moans and Baekhyun’s song-like whimpers.

“Ma’ar, Ma’ar!” Baekhyun screams, as Jongdae’s rough hand takes care of his member while his hips worked their magic. “I’m close-“

Warm liquid cascaded between Jongdae’s fingers as Baekhyun’s back arched, his grip on Jongdae increasing as he loose his breath. Jongdae’s voice is choked off as he grunts and whimpers. His cock throbbing inside him as Baekhyun burns him in the most pleasurable of ways, squeezing around him as he releases himself over Jongdae’s stomach.

Baekhyun hears a loud grunt escaping the Ker’s lips soon after, and he cries out, panting and twitching too as he feels every pulse and shudder of Jongdae’s release. His seed is thick and hot, and he savors the sensation of feeling full once again, of having him so deep inside him, a small convulsion of pleasure causing small tears of absolute satisfaction to escape from his eyes, now stained with silver-colored kohl.

Baekhyun’s thighs and stomach feel wet as he drops exhausted against the cushions. He can see how his essence spills down Jongdae’s legs, staining the chaise underneath them, and feeling pity for whoever would have to clean up after their mess, he rolls and lies down, leaving his ass exposed to the air, breathing deeply as his eyes find his husband’s.

“I can’t feel my legs…” He licks his lips “I think I want more… After some rest”

Jongdae closes the distance between them, biting his lower lip while looking at him. His hair falls like a sheet of black silk over his neck and shoulders. “Good.”

Baekhyun scoffs happily, but the sound gets caught on his throat when he feels Jongdae propping up on his elbows, placing soft kisses on the skin of his back, fingers softly sliding through his hair. “My intentions were honest before” He begins, kissing and stroking the exposed skin before his eyes. “Every one of my soldiers and their swords is at your command. I will only think of you, live through another day only for you. This is what I am swearing to you, not to your father or anyone else, but you”

Jongdae shuts himself up and Baekhyun’s heart beats harder as he closes his eyes when Jongdae’s lips kiss the skin behind his ears, biting and licking the skin of his neck soon after. “I understand”, he whimpers, still sensitive as Jongdae’s hands find themselves wrapped around his reddish member.

“Good.” The rider smirks. “Because I plan on having you bedridden by the time I am done with you…”

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All Right Reserved

Copyright: ‘Of Gods and Men (Series)’ including all its associated content is COPYRIGHTED. All rights reserved by the owner and creator of this work, Liss (Dumb-ology) and any authorized copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution, or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of copyright is punishable by law.

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[damn-behzinga]

Losing The War Against Himself

Ethan Payne (Behzinga) Centric

summary - Ethan is losing the war of depression but other soldiers are going to fight beside him and help him win

warnings - depression, self harm, suicidal thoughts, angst, panic attacks, swearing, my terrible writing

masterlist and request info

Sometimes, Ethan didn't want to talk about his weight loss. Sometimes, Ethan looked in the mirror and still felt disgusting and fat. He would feel terrible about himself and work out more and eat less, trying to get rid of the fattiness he felt but couldn't see.

The other sidemen knew that something was off with Ethan on these days but since he hadn't told them, they remained in the dark and confused about the situation.

Ethan was pretty open about how he looked up to the other sidemen and their lifestyle, especially JJ. JJ who was so strong and fit, who looked like how Ethan could only dream of.

Ethan just stood in front of the mirror and cried, he felt so disgusting, every way he looked at himself, he looked distorted. Ethan wanted to vomit when he looked at himself, ignoring all progress he made from the last two years, only seeing himself as the fat man he knew from before.

Ethan dried his tears, there's no way in Hell he would let his friends see him like that. So weak and sensitive. And so, to stop them from seeing him in any way that showed weakness, Ethan slowly went back into his shell, becoming a shell of their best friend. The sidemen were confused to put it simply and hurt. They had spent months getting Ethan to open up to them and all of a sudden he went back into that shell. The last time he felt like that was in 2015 and they did not want to go back down that route again.

Ethan's habits worsened. He'd show up for shoots, complete them and then leave. If it was an all-day shoot then he'd arrive on time and leave during his breaks, even if it was just for a walk around the block. He would go out of his way to avoid his friends, hardly interacting with them and not commenting on much during filming. He was like a zombie. His friends knew they had to find out what was wrong and helped him before it was too late.

Ethan was at his flat when the guys came over to confront him. He was simply lying in bed, not having the energy to get up or do anything productive. The men knocked on the door but Ethan didn't answer, too lost in his head. Ethan had given them all a spare key when he first moved so Tobi used it and they all entered the flat, searching for their friend.

"Ethan?" Simon called lightly, looking around the living room. When the men came up empty, Tobi nodded towards Ethan's door and so the group stood at the doorway and saw their best friend in bed.

"Go away, lads." Ethan's voice was hoarse from the lack of use but the emptiness was evident.

"We can't leave you alone like this," Josh said softly making his way through the messy room.

"Where's Charlie?" Tobi asked, noting Ethan's missing roommate.

"He moved out with his girlfriend," Ethan muttered. "He left, why can't you?"

"Because we're worried about you man," JJ answered honestly, his voice rarely soft.

"You don't have to be. I'm not worth your time." Ethan argued weakly.

"Ethan, when was the last time you showered?" Vik asked.

"I don't know. After the last shoot, I suppose." Ethan shrugged.

The friends exchanged looks, that was five days ago.

"When was the last time you ate a proper meal?" Harry questioned.

"I don't know," Ethan answered. "What does it matter guys? I'm still the fat kid I'm losing some weight now at least."

Both Simon and Tobi flinched at Ethan's words.

"Okay," Josh whispered. "You're gonna shower or have a bath and we're going to get you some food. Is there anything you want specifically?" 

"I don't care," Ethan said back, voice breaking slightly. "You guys shouldn't either. All I do is bring you down. Can't you go home and leave me alone, please?"

Harry wanted to give in and leave Ethan alone and hope that he would get better the next day and return to good old Ethan they knew and loved. But Harry knew that he needed to stay, that if he left his friend then the results could be tragic.

"We can't do that, mate," Tobi whispered. "Just go take a shower and take a breather. We're staying right here."

Ethan couldn't be bothered to argue, so he pushed himself up in bed, joints clicking after not being used for however long. JJ helped Ethan up, seeing how weak he was. Holding an arm underneath his shoulders to support him to the bathroom.

Despite the stumbling, Ethan made it to the bathroom. He turned and looked at the men and closed the door behind him and soon the men heard the water running. Josh turned to the group and started planning things.

"Okay, Simon and JJ will clean up Ethan's room. Vik and I will take the living room, and Tobi and Harry will knock out the washing up in the kitchen. I'll order us all some food." Josh explained. Everyone nodded and went to their respective rooms to clean up.

About fifteen minutes later, the rooms were clean and Ethan stepped out the bathroom, feeling clean for the first time in days, wearing a new pair of jogging bottoms and a long sleeve top. Josh was the first to greet him, having stood outside in case anything happened.

"What do you want to do now?" Josh asked.

"I want you guys to leave me alone," Ethan grumbled, walking to his room.

"Well, I was thinking about watching a movie or something?" Josh replied, completely dismissing Ethan's idea.

Ethan ignored his friend and sat on his bed. Throwing his towel into the laundry basket. He stayed silent and started searching through his drawers.

"What are you looking for?" Josh asked.

"My fags." Ethan sighed.

"I hid them," JJ answered, shrugging slightly.

"Why the fuck would you do that?" Ethan asked. "For fuck sake." Ethan slammed one if his draws shut. "I need them."

"You don't need them," JJ argued. "You need something else, those fags are gonna kill you."

"So?" Ethan growled. JJ and Josh were left speechless as Ethan ran out of the room to search the rest of the flat.

"What are you looking for?" Harry asked as Ethan looked in the cupboards.

"My cigs," Ethan answered briefly as he came up empty.

Harry let out a small, 'oh' and Ethan continued to search. Ethan's hands started shaking as he urged for a cigarette.

"You don't need them, Ethan," Simon explained.

"You just need to try and calm down. Let us help. You're going through a rough patch and that's okay, let us help." Tobi said softly. Ethan huffed out and breath and turned to face the friends.

"Please, Ethan." Vik pleaded.

"Don't any of you fucking understand?" Ethan yelled, his depression causing frustration and anger. "No, you don't. So fuck off and leave me alone."

"Not whilst you're like this," Simon exclaimed.

"Can't you just leave me alone?" Ethan begged. "Please, I'm fine by myself."

"Ethan, it's okay to admit you're not okay." JJ took a step forward causing Ethan to take a step back to avoid contact. 

"Go." Ethan pleaded, eyes watering with tears. He was trembling, close to a panic attack.

"Hey, Ethan. It's okay." Josh tried to ground Ethan, calling him by his name. He stepped forward and Ethan pushed himself against the counter. He slid down the counter and placed his hands on either side of his head. 

Panic was clawing at his throat and Ethan couldn't focus on anything, he started scratching at his arms, hard enough that red lines were becoming noticeable. Fast-paced breaths escaped Ethan as his scratches didn't calm him, he started to punch at his head, angry for being so weak and he just wanted to go back to normal. He couldn't breathe. He didn't want to let anyone down and yet here he was crying like a baby.

He was shaking, crying. He couldn't focus on anything, he continued to punch his head harder, as he sobbed. He couldn't breathe. Why couldn't he breathe? His breaths escalated, shallow breathes escaped him, unable to focus on taking proper deep breaths. The men watched in agony not knowing how to help their friend. Josh made the first move.

"Ethan?" Josh touched Ethan's arm lightly. Ethan immediately retaliated and threw his arm out, punching Josh on the cheek.

Josh fell back.

It was like Ethan could suddenly see what was happening. He looked down at his fists and then at his friend who was now being looked after by Tobi and JJ. Ethan let out a 'sorry' before running into his room and locking the door.

"Fuck, I'm so, so, sorry." Ethan sobbed, hands covering his eyes.

He backed away from the door and sat on the bed, calming himself down. Ethan eventually calmed down and heard knocking on the door.

"Ethan. Can I come in?" It was from Josh.

"No," Ethan muttered.

"Please?" Josh continued to beg.

"I hurt you, Josh. What kind of friend am I? I'm horrible." Ethan mumbled.

"What if I hurt you again?"

"You didn't hit that hard, Ethan. It barely hurt. You were scared, Ethan. It's okay." Josh smiled. 

"Is it?" Ethan asked. "All I wanted my fucking cigs and yet I hurt you instead."

Ethan heard some shuffling outside the door and finally accepted that his friend had left as he deserved.

There was a knock at his door and Ethan stood up and wobbly walked to the door and unlocked it. He poked his head through and saw Josh holding out a packet of cigarettes.

"As much as I hate it." Josh frowned. "You can quit but I know it's hard. I'll give you time and we can work on that together but you need to focus on getting mentally better before quitting."

Ethan nodded and took the packet of cigarettes and the lighter. He walked out and thanked Josh quietly. He made his way to the balcony and kept his head low as he walked past his friends, ashamed and embarrassed.

He took out a fag and started smoking. He watched as cars drove past and the boats in the Thames. He often thought about how much it would hurt if he jumped off the balcony or if he drowned himself in the Thames. He quickly finished the cigarette and realised he had nowhere to put it out. Before he crushed it on the floor or put it out in his sink, he rolled up his sleeve and pressed the cigarette against his arm, allowing the burning sensation to take over him. He took a sharp intake of breath before throwing the cigarette on the floor and crushing it under his foot.

He walked back inside the flat and looked at his friends who sat on his sofa.

"Did you hurt yourself with the cigarette?" Vik asked.

"I'm sorry," Ethan whispered before sobbing.

The men frowned at their friend, emotional at the idea of their friend hurting himself.

"I just hate myself so much. I deserve so what's the point?" Ethan shrugged.

"Why are you worried? All I do is bring you down."

"Ethan, you do not bring us down, at all. We love you so much more than what you could imagine." Simon smiled.

"If I died, the sun would still rise, the channel would still exist, people would continue living. It wouldn't change anything. I am insignificant." Ethan explained. "I hate everything about myself."

"You're acting as though we would still upload on the Sidemen channel if you died," Tobi said.

"Why wouldn't you?" Ethan asked.

"Because it wouldn't be the same." JJ immediately interrupted. "You say that everything would stay the same but it wouldn't. We would all be heartbroken, your viewers would be heartbroken. What about your mum, huh? How would we have to explain that to her? You've said it yourself, she's already lost so much."

"But I deserve it, Jide," Ethan whispered. "That's the difference between you guys and me. You guys help people and solve problems, I am the problem."

"You are not a problem, and I can promise you that," Vik whispered. "Yes, you can cause problems but so do all of us, we're human. But, you are not the sole problem."

"If you were we would tell you," Harry said honestly.

"I want to die, guys and I don't think you realise that," Ethan whispered sadly.

"We can get you professional help, and we can help," Tobi said. "You aren't alone, Ethan."

"Just tell us one thing that is bothering you," Josh suggested. "We can help you solve that problem and work with you on it." 

Ethan bit his lip and wrapped his arms around his torso, quickly becoming aware of each one of his insecurities. He thought over every single one of his insecurities and chose the one he knew his friends could agree with.

"I hate the way I look." He whispered. "I look in the mirror and I feel like I could throw up."

"What specifically?" Simon asked.

"I don't like how much skin I have. I'm still fat, my face is ugly. My smile is annoying. My nose is crooked and I have such boring eyes. My legs are an awful shape and my arms are so awkward that I've started covering them with tattoos."

His friends all felt sadness run over them at the idea that Ethan pointed out all insecurities one person could have.

"You aren't fat, mate," JJ stated firmly. "You've made so much progress from what you did look like."

"I look in the mirror and I still look like what I did three years ago," Ethan growled. "I'm still the fat kid who doesn't have any other personality trait apart from the fact that I'm fat."

Josh frowned at his friend. "I get it. I didn't have as big as a transformation as you but to fat kid from the other fat kid, I get it. Sometimes, you look in the mirror and you feel like you've made no progress at all, or too little progress. But I promise you that you should feel proud of the progress you've made now."

Everyone looked at the two friends, all of them had been relatively fit all their life or when they did gain weight, it didn't affect them. They never clicked how much someone could hate themselves even after as big of a transformation.

"Ethan, can't you see how much you've changed?" Tobi asked and, as he was pretty fit all his life, he had a fast metabolism, and he would never fully grasp the idea of not liking any mind-blowing changes that you make to yourself. 

"It's not enough, the skin is still hanging off me. Every time I look in the mirror, I see the fat guy I've been for the past ten years." Ethan sighed. "It makes me want to vomit. How could I let myself become so disgusting? I'll never be good enough."

"You're good enough no matter what size," Simon affirmed. "No matter what you look like. As long as you stay true to yourself I don't care."

Ethan rolled his eyes and stayed silent, he couldn't be bothered to argue back. What was the point? All he does is ruin every situation so why should he argue again? 

"I think you're handsome," Harry said honestly. "You're the most handsome one out of all of us."

Ethan ignored his friend's comment, unable to understand how his friends could perceive him in any way that wasn't a horrible and gross man.

"Can we stop talking about it please?" Ethan whispered, tired eyes watching his friends. They all nodded softly.

The group all started doing more activities with Ethan, eager to show their support during hard times. Simon would go to Ethan's flat and help him clean up. After Ethan had mentioned to the lads that sometimes he couldn't find the energy to do anything and that life seemed to go by faster then he was aware of, Simon decided that every Monday and Thursday, he would help Ethan out with basic chores. Ethan insisted that he didn't have to clean up but seeing his friend so enthusiastic about cleaning wasn't something he wanted to ruin. A weight was lifted off his chest when he realised that he didn't have to live in a dirty environment due to the fact he couldn't find any energy to clean because Simon was there to help.

"You don't have to clean after me, Si."

"I enjoy it though! It helps you out and I like doing it. It's fine honestly."

JJ encouraged Ethan to go to the gym with him. It started twice a week because Ethan wouldn't get out of bed otherwise. It started with JJ encouraging Ethan to go on a run with him, and then into the private rooms of the gym, and then the normal gym. JJ let Ethan go at his own pace for things before slowly going faster and adding more to his workouts. JJ made sure to emphasise that it was okay that Ethan wasn't as good as him but that he should keep trying. Ethan felt a great sense of achievement every time JJ pointed something out that he did well. Ethan didn't tell JJ explicitly how much he helped but JJ knew, he always knew.

"Jide, I can't do it. I'm so weak compared to you."

"Mate you got to 70KGs. That's something to be proud of. You are not weak at all."

Josh showed up every few days and sorted out every one of Ethan's emails and business calls that Ethan couldn't find himself to sort out. Ethan got a lot of letters and emails from potential sponsors and his managers. Josh helped Ethan sort through them, taking business calls that Ethan got too much anxiety from. The two of them sat at the table as Ethan sorted out whether or not he wanted to get involved with sponsorships or how to reply. Ethan often told Josh that he was the best at organising and so Josh came forward to help him sort everything out. Ethan was usually relatively organised but he couldn't find it in himself to sort business stuff out. Josh pulled through with emails and helped Ethan sorting through his mail. Ethan would have been in a lot of shit if Josh hadn't helped, a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"So GymShark want you to promote a few new items, I've had that be sorted to deliver for next Tuesday."

"Thank you, Josh, I couldn't do this without you."

Harry's way of helping as he came over to Ethan's flat he helped Ethan with some self-care. Both Harry and Ethan would sit on the sofa with facemasks and a movie on TV. Harry would order food and tell Ethan to have a bath. Harry and Ethan would sit on the sofa and, if Ethan wanted to, they would talk about whatever was on their minds. If not, they'd chat shit and Ethan would listen to Harry rant about something stupid. Ethan would smile and feel all his worrying thoughts float away as he listened to the younger rant about whatever he wanted.

"And then she said I was being ridiculous, can you believe that?"

"Careful, Harry, you're smudging the facemask." 

Vik often asked Ethan to go out with him. Whether it was shopping for groceries or just for a walk, Vik always offered for Ethan to come along. And if Ethan didn't want to, Vik would pick up the usual shopping for him, supplying him with necessities. Ethan would try and use the items that Vik brought but when Ethan couldn't find the energy to get out of bed, Vik would come round and cook him food. On other days, Ethan would go out with Vik on small days out to the aquarium or zoo. Although it wasn't his kind of day out, hearing Vik talk about his week grounded Ethan in a way he couldn't describe.

"I got a few videos edited yesterday so I'm ahead of schedule if you need any help."

"I'd appreciate the help, Vik, thank you."

Compliments were where Tobi shined. He would send daily compliments to Ethan and, when they saw each other in person, he would compliment Ethan more. Although the other's did compliment Ethan, Tobi went out of his way to come up with something original every time and think outside the box. It started with small things, an outfit or video idea, and then snowballed into much more. Tobi would compliment the way Ethan held himself or a personality trait Ethan had. He would also hype him up on social posting pictures of the two of them with heartfelt captions and compliments.

"I love the way you see things, gives us a better perspective."

"You think so, Tobi?"

The fans were confused with the sudden appreciation for Ethan going around on social media. Ethan felt loved by his friends which were a big change in his original depressed thoughts. Depression didn't leave hi straight away and it wouldn't ever but his friends helped him out of most depressed holes that came his way. Ethan wouldn't get better overnight and they knew that, so each day they would remind him how precious he is and he was worth it. And, after a while, Ethan started to believe it too.

[marshmallowprotection]

Chasing the Sky

AO3 | FNN

Pairing: Choi Saeran/Reader

Summary: You wanted to become the next Pokemon Showcase Queen, but something pipelined your quest! Actually, it was someone. It was this mysterious boy that you kept running into. His green eyes bore into your heart like nothing else, and his voice invaded your dreams every night. Who was he? Why did trouble follow him? All you knew was that you wanted to learn more about him. POKEMON AU!

Chapter 1 (Right Here!) | Chapter 2 

I

"Game Start."

As long as you could remember... you had always loved Pokemon.

So when you turned ten years old it was easy for you to get your license and start training. For a few years, you stayed determined and kept fighting to win and prove yourself to be a capable trainer... but every time you reached near the end, you failed to get high enough in the championship. Someone was always stronger, or smarter than you. It didn't upset you because you respected everyone who fought hard to make their dreams come true! Something in your gut every time you failed it made you feel like something was amiss.

Like, this just wasn't what you cut out for!

It didn't click until just recently when you bombed out in the top sixteen of the Kanto League.

When everything felt like it wasn't worth it anymore... and you were on the edge of your ropes, unsure of what you should do next: go home, or keep trying to win? It was overwhelming to just think about, but it was something that you had to do. You headed out into the city and just started wondering, looking, searching for something that would make the uneasy question go away. Thinking long and hard, you found yourself standing in the middle of town, in front of the theater with a small crowd rushing inside to get a better look at what was happening on the screens, or on stage.

"Huh? What's that?" Suddenly, those thoughts that were bothering you were shoved to the side and you found yourself walking forward to find out what was going on. Girls and boys, women and men, children, and others alike, all sorts of people packed the stadium to watch a performance. You didn't know how to think.

You just went with it.

It wasn't like anything you had seen before. They called it a Showcase, and that's all you needed to know. It was so different than battling in a gym and proving your wit and tact with fighting alone. You witnessed the contestants not battling, but showing off their care for their Pokemon and having fun with them in trials that involved showing ingenuity and quick thinking. They displayed moves as something more than just attacks to cause damage, they showed the beauty and wonder that came from having fun and creating something from what most assumed could just be destruction.

You had assumed no different when you were young. You just assumed you could be a trainer. As for much of your childhood, you spent your time battling in the esteemed Pokemon League, but after countless attempts in Kanto, Hoenn, and Johto, your motivation had seemingly dropped. What used to spark excitement and overwhelming feelings, now just left you feeling like you were drained.

It turned out that you could be more than just that.

Seeing people doing something different for the time gave you hope that you could find a new dream to complete... a dream that might fit better with your heart.

The lights of the stage...

The intricate display of Pokemon beauty...

The happiness that it seemed to bring to everyone's face!

Everything all changed when you happened to encounter that Pokemon Showcase. You made up your mind that afternoon about your life. You were going to start out anew, and take your first steps in a new region on your journey to become a master class performer. Nobody was going to stop you from trying to do it, either.

You could not and would not stop this new dream.

This was going to be your next journey.

Seeing everyone smile and have fun breathed a new experience into you, and you decided that it was never too late to and find a new adventure. That was it. This was what you had been looking for all along. This would be your new passion and you were going to see it through to the very end if you had your way about it. Your Pokemon were just as enthralled with the scenario was you were; Your precious and trusted teammates seemed to understand that you had something different in mind for the first time. Things were going to different but in a very good way. Starting something new was going to change everything and it was possible that it might mend that uneasy feeling in your guts.

With your mind finally made up, you gathered all the necessary papers and booked yourself a flight to a new region.

"Make sure to call often," your mother said as you walked out the front door.

You turned and offered her a smile, "Don't I always make sure to do that, Mom? I'll call you as soon I arrive!"

"We'll see about that. Last time you promised me that, I was waiting for a week because you got so distracted. You're going to traveling all the way to Sinnoh of all places, that's the farthest you've ever been from home!" Mom said, shaking her head with an exasperated sigh. "At least make sure to eat your meals and go to bed at a decent time every night."

Your cheeks turned red in embarrassment. It wasn't your fault, exactly, you had gotten caught up in the sights and sounds of a new town. Your mind had a way of carrying you to different places. It wasn't a bad thing! It just made you a little scatterbrained.

"I promise! Don't worry about a thing. I haven't gotten myself caught up in anything dangerous before. I promise you'll hear from me soon! Just don't wait up for me! You know I won't stop once I get started," You said. Bidding your Mom a farewell, you gathered your Pokeballs, your bags, hat, and set out to start something new. The breezy weather greeted you once you left your home, and you took one final look at the town before you began walking to your next destination.

It all started here.

The entire flight, you were on the edge of your seat thinking of how many new and exciting you would be able to do once you arrived. You were feeling all kinds of things at that moment. You were happy, you were excited, you were anxious, and you were hopeful. There were always so many feelings to be had when you arrived in some place new. You could remember those moments when you first stepped into a new region and that sensation always stuck with you no matter what you did.

Staring out of the window, you could see the Earth below changing and shifting as you traveled. Places that you had visited and places that you hadn't yet visited. Fields of flowers, cities, towns, lakes, forests, all sorts of things that stuck out to you. It was lovely to witness. If you hadn't been on a plane, then you might've wanted to walk the entire distance to your destination despite the fact there was an ocean separating you from it. The call for adventure, and the chance to try something new... it called you strongly.

But... there was still that feeling that you couldn't shrug off... that trying something new might not work out either.

"I hope... I'm doing the right thing." You murmured.

The Pokeball attached to your necklace suddenly popped out and out sprang your partner, Eevee. He was staring up at you with a look on his face that told you he knew that you were anxious. Your partner had been pretty good about picking these things up as long as you had known him to be your Pokemon, and you knew there was no telling him to return to his Pokeball at that point. Instead, you let out a little sigh and shook your head at his mischevious nature.

"Eevee Eeee!" he barked at you, nuzzling his head into your head as you pet him.

Laughing a little, you smiled. "I know. I know. I'm worried about nothing, Eevee. This is going to be fun... and that's what matters, right? We're going to try something different and who cares if we failed at first, huh? As long as we're having fun with what we're doing it shouldn't matter. Thanks, buddy. Why don't you stay out your Pokeball so we can see Sinnoh together?"

You and Eevee stuck close together as the world beneath you changed and become brand new... and before either of you knew it, you had arrived at your destination. The plane landed and everyone started to gather their things. You did the same and headed towards the doorway. Exiting the plane, you got your first look at the area and grinned widely. There were so many sprawling green fields to look at and so many buildings with new people to meet in the close distance. You knew at that moment that this was going to be what you made to be; As long as you believed that this was going to be fun then it would be fun.

Sharing a look with your partner, you could only say what you felt, burning with enthusiasm, "Look out, Sinnoh, here we come!" you said, "Eevee and I are going to be the next big thing!"

Little did you know... this new adventure was going to be a lot more than you had expected.

AUTHOR'S NOTE.

This is a Reader Insert story with the inevitable pairing of Saeran x Reader, and I've been wanting to do this for such a long time. While I'm working on my other MM fic, I sometimes get writers' block and I don't know what should happen next... this story is going to be the one that I turn to get a breather from, and have fun along the way. There will be elements taken from the game, so there might be things that akin to spoilers but aren't exactly spoilers, just keep that in mind as you read on.

[fiftyeightminutes]

So I've been dying to give you prompts because I love your writing but I had zero ideas lol luckily the prompt thing you posted inspired me, so here it is: 10 "I might have had a few shots" where kala is drunk and cute and wolfie adores her? :) thanks!

Aww yes this idea is adorable.  Set after the cluster has rescued Wolfgangand right after they’ve left London for a new safe house.  This goes along with my headcanon that Litobrought both Hernando and Dani, and that Felix went looking for Wolfgang andthe cluster brought him into the fold.  Thereare mentions of Dani/Lito/Hernando because I apparently decided Kala andDaniela needed to have a conversation about their boys.  (There’s also some Daniela/Felix in here becauseI literally can’t help myself sometimes.)

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After a month or so in their new safe house, Daniela’sbirthday rolls around.  They can’t throwher a big party like she would normally have, but Hernando and Lito (and therest of the cluster) want to do something to thank her for everything she hasdone for them.  From being there for Litoto trusting him enough to fly across an ocean for people she’d never met, Danihad made an impression on them all.

Riley found one of her old contacts to get them aconsiderable amount of alcohol without drawing attention to them.  Nomi and Bug set up the computers so they’re readyfor Riley to mix some music.  After Will,Sun, and Wolfgang do some recon to double check that the area is clear,everyone lets loose.  Riley spins up thefirst track (not too loudly) and the fun begins.

Kala and Wolfgang are practically attached at the hip at thebeginning.  Kala walks from one group toanother, loving the rare chance to just relax and enjoy socializing.  Wolfgang follows, not saying much but glad tobe by her side.  At some point, they endup wandering over to Felix, who is currently going shot for shot with Daniela.

“Wolfie!” Felix shouts excitedly.  He pauses for a moment, already drunk, thenseems to realize that Wolfgang isn’t alone. “And Kala!  Beautiful Kala!”  Wolfgang grins and Kala smiles shyly.

“Hey, Felix,” Kala says, then turns to Daniela.  “Happy birthday, Dani!  I know it’s not what you’re used to, but Ihope this gives you a little bit of home.”

Daniela grins and pulls Kala into a hug.  “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had,”she says, kissing Kala on the cheek. (Kala’s not sure if this is because Daniela is drunk or if her affectiontoward Lito and Hernando was starting to spread.  Either way, Kala doesn’t really mind it.)  Dani lifts the bottle of tequila that sitsbetween her and Felix and adds, “I’ve got all the reminder of home I need here.”

“I’ll drink to that!” Felix says

Laughing, Daniela pours herself and him another shot.  They clink their shot glasses against eachother, then down the tequila quickly. Wincing, Felix grabs a lime wedge. Dani takes a moment to just enjoy the burn before reaching for her own.

“Ah, Dani.  Do youmind if I go for a smoke break before we do another?” Felix asks.

Daniela laughs again. “I understand if you need a breather.”

“What?  Hey.  Sometimes a guy just needs a smoke.”  Felix stands up and starts to walk toward thestairs to what had become the designated smoking area, then turns backaround.  “Wolfie, you coming?”

And as much as Wolfgang doesn’t want to leave Kala’s side,after the few beers he’s had a cigarette does sound nice.  Even though they’re on blockers, Kala can seehim hesitate.  She leans up on her toesand kisses him on the cheek.  “Go,” shesays with a smile.  “I’ll be right here.”  Wolfgang nods and then joins Felix to gosmoke.

When they leave, Kala realizes she’s never really talked toDaniela alone before.  (She’s been therewhen Lito has, of course, but that was different.)  For her part, Dani either doesn’t mind or istoo drunk to care.  Kala’s not surewhich.  Daniela easily smiles at Kala andmotions toward the seat Felix has just vacated.  Kala sits down and smiles back.

“So,” Daniela starts, eyeing Kala mischievously.

“So?”

“Wolfgang looks absolutely delicious.  You’ve done well, girl,” Dani says.  Kala laughs. “Strong and silent type, too.  Notnecessarily my thing, but I can respect it.”

Kala grins.  Talkingto Daniela doesn’t look like it’s going to be so hard after all.  “I didn’t think it was my thing, either.  But here we are.”

Daniela gives her a knowing nod.  “Mm, isn’t that always the way?”

“So what is your type?” Kala asks playfully.

“No, no, no,” Dani replies, shaking her head andlaughing.  “I am not drunk enough forthis.  Or at least, you’re not as drunkas me, and that’s just not fair.”  Kalaraises an eyebrow.  “We have to both bedrunk if we’re going to start asking questions. That way we’re both as likely to forget the answers in the morning.  What’s the point of drunk confessions if onlyone of you is drunk?”

Kala laughs again.  “Ihad a drink earlier.”

“One drink?  You’renowhere near my level,” Daniela says. She picks up the bottle of tequila, pours a shot, and passes the glassover.  Kala eyes it warily.  “Come on, it won’t bite.”

She’s done shots before, but usually she prefers a glass ofwine or a nice mixed drink to nurse over time. It’s Dani’s birthday, though, and Kala figures why not have some funwith the birthday girl.  “Oh, alright,” Kalasays, accepting the shot and throwing it back in one fluid motion.  The tequila burns her throat and brings tearsto her eyes, but she grabs one of the lime wedges sitting on the table and itssour juice makes it a bit easier to handle.

“Alright!  Like achamp, Kala!” Dani hoots.  “Okay.  So that earns you one question.  You wanna know my type?”  Kala nods. “I have terrible taste in men,” Daniela says with a laugh.  “Everyone I’ve ever dated was an asshole.”  She looks over to Lito and Hernando on theother side of the room.  “Or gay.  Although gay seems to be working for me rightnow.”

Kala looks over to Hernando and Lito as well, a fond look onher face.  “You could certainly do worse,”she says with a grin.  “But you reallydon’t mind just watching?”

“Ah, ah, ah,” Dani replies. “That’s a new question.  Are youwilling to take another shot for that?”

She thinks for a second, but then Kala says, “Sure, why not?  It’s a party, right?”

“That’s the spirit!” Daniela says as she pulls the shotglass back to her, pours more tequila, and passes it back over.

Kala takes a deep breath, then downs the next shot.  This one doesn’t hurt quite as much, but theflavor is still harsh and she goes for the lime wedge all the same.  “So you really don’t mind?” she asks as shelowers the wedge from her mouth.

“Honestly?  For now,it’s perfect.  After Joaquin….” Danielatrails off, not quite looking at Kala for a moment.  Then she shakes her head, as if to bringherself back to the present.  Danismiles.  “Lito and Hernando areamazing.  They took me in when I hadnowhere else to go, and they love me unconditionally.  They let me into their family, with all ofthe benefits that has,” she says, smile turning into more of smug grin.  “And they never ask anything of me that I’mnot willing to give.  It’s not like Ihaven’t thought of finding someone more, you know, for me.  But right now, I’m happy.”

Looking at Daniela’s bright face now (and comparing it toLito’s memories of her bruised face after her last stay with Joaquin), Kalathinks she understands.  “I’m glad.”

“Alright, now my turn,” Dani suddenly says.

Kala is caught off guard. “Don’t you need to take a shot first?”

Daniela laughs.  “Oh,sweetie.  I’m already five in.  Plus, I don’t want to give Felix an unfairadvantage.”

Nodding, Kala accepts this. She can already feel the alcohol affecting her, slowing her thoughts andeasing her tensions.  She can’t imaginedrinking as many as Daniela already has, let alone adding to that count, so whois she to argue.  “What do you want toknow?”

“Honestly, what’s Wolfgang like with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, he seems nice enough, for a big scary German guy,”Dani says.  Kala can’t helpgiggling.  “But I’ve only heard him saymaybe three sentences the entire time we’ve been here.  Do you just do all the talking, or is theremore to him than meets the eye?”

Still a bit giggly, Kala replies, “He doesn’t talk a lot,but there is definitely more to him.  Alot more.”  She knows she’s at least alittle drunk now, because she finds she wants to just keep gushing about Wolfgang.  “He says more when it’s just the two of us,but even then it’s not a lot.  Butbecause of that when he does talk, you know it is worth listening to.  Overall, though, he’s just a much morephysical person.”

Dani wiggles her eyebrows. “Oh, really?” she asks suggestively.

When she realizes what she’s said, Kala brings her hands tocover her face in embarrassment.  “Notlike that!”

Now Daniela just leaves one of her eyebrows raised.  “Some of the noises I’ve heard at night begto differ.”

Kala has not had nearly enough to drink for thisconversation.  “Okay, but that’s not whatI meant,” she concedes.  “I think I’m going to need another shot if youhave any more questions.”

Dani shakes her head, now giggling herself.  “No, no, you’re okay.  I’m more curious about what you did mean.”

Smiling softly, Kala explains.  “Because of the…the connection between us,”she starts, not sure how to explain the irresistible draw she feels toWolfgang, “Talking is not usually necessary for him to convey what he means.”

“I thought you were making those pills for all of you guys?”

“I am.  But even so,after a year in each other’s heads, it’s not hard for me to still understand.”

Daniela nods evenly for a minute, looking like she’sthinking it over.  “I guess that makessense.”  She gives Kala a smirk.  “But he isgood in bed, right?”

Kala buries her face in her hands and giggles again.  Possibly because she’s sitting like that, shedoesn’t notice that Wolfgang and Felix have come back downstairs.  Wolfgang walks up and puts his hand on hershoulder with gentle affection, startling her slightly and then bringing onfurther laughter as a result.  He raiseshis eyebrow at Daniela in confusion, who also starts to laugh.

“What did we miss?” Felix asks, wanting to know what’s sofunny.  He notices the shot glasses havemoved since he last left.  “Get startedwithout me, Dani?”

Daniela gives him a smirk. “You wish.”

Rather than letting Felix bring the conversation backaround, Kala stands up and lets him back his chair back.  When she gets up, the world spins a bit andshe leans hard onto Wolfgang.  “You okay?”he asks with a knowing grin.

“I might have had a few shots,” Kala answers, smiling backup at him.

Wolfgang chuckles and wraps his arms around her.  “Might have?”

“Okay,” Kala concedes. “Definitely had a couple of shots.”

He leans down and kisses her gently.  “I like you when you’ve had a couple ofshots,” he whispers in her ear.

Kala feels her heart flutter a bit, and she grins up athim.  “You like me all the time,” shesays cheekily.

He chuckles again.  “You’renot wrong about that.”  She beams up athim in response, and Wolfgang’s stomach flips. He’s not sure he’s ever going to get used to that smile of hers beingfor him, but he doesn’t know if he wants to get used to it either.  If he does, he might risk taking her forgranted, and Wolfgang never wants to do that.

They stand there for a bit while Felix and Daniela get backto their competition.  Kala sighscontentedly against Wolfgang.  She’s notsmashed, but drunk enough to be comfortable nuzzling into him right there in frontof the others.  After a moment, she leansup so she can kiss him again.  He holdsher to him still, wanting to just commit this to memory.  

When she pulls away, he’s smiling at her.  “Not that I mind, but what was that for?”  She wasn’t necessarily opposed to publicdisplays of affection, but they weren’t exactly Kala’s style either.

Kala smiles back.  “Talkingto Dani reminded me again just how lucky I am to have you.”

Wolfgang shakes his head, but the smile doesn’t leave hisface.  “I’m pretty sure I’m the one wholucked out here.”