#his ass is eternally guilty !!!

[ningadudexx]

saving you from yourself 🫧

[thatsdemko]

without you there’s nothing to live for - l.norris

masterlist

pairings: lando norris x fem!reader

warnings: jealousy + insecurities + fluff + build up(kinda long I’m sorry about that) + some errors here or there

a/n: while I had bits and pieces of this work in millions of other lando drafts I think I have to give credit where it’s due to @userlando and her anons ☺️🫶 I’m in such a shit mood so i figured posting this might make me feel better. enjoy xx

Lando Norris was annoying. a childhood friend of yours that somehow stuck throughout the years and never seemed to vanish. he was like a a piece of gum stuck to your shoe, he just never left.

and while you’re thankful he’s the longest lasting friendship you have; did you fail to mention he could be annoying?

his hands drum against the kitchen island, a distraction worthy of you flicking your pencil in his direction, but he’s too quick the pencil would just end up behind him, so you result in throwing him a very pointed look that shuts him up.

“is that pencil up your ass too today?”

you give him another look before staring down at the empty grocery list you failed to create, because lando has claimed your flat as his flat. the lavish lifestyle penthouse was abandoned at the instant call of your arrival to Monaco, and now all of his expensive taste clutters your space.

“did you put eggs on the list? I need eggs. it’s good protein—“ he shuts up to the sound of you breaking the pencil in half, another annoyed look tossed his way.

lando could be a lot. but there was no one who could keep up with you. there was no one like him in your corner, and while he pushed your buttons you were eternally grateful for his loyalty despite your rather jaded friendship.

“let’s just go to the store? I’ll drive.” he says like there’s another alternative to the store. ever since he got his license and moved in, you’ve never even put your foot on the accelerator. you’ve almost forgot the thrilling feeling of driving.

“eggs have been added to the list.” you finally say, typing up your notes of a grocery list once you were finally able to think straight without lando tapping away or chatting your ear off.

god was he annoying, but you loved him for him.

—

his wallet funds are bigger than what you have. you feel guilty every time he buys, but it’s not like you have the funds to do so. he knows that guilty look across your face when he ends up paying for 10% groceries and 90% female hygiene products. he doesn’t mind, just shoves his card in the machine and says a thank you for the person who bags your things.

“you have to let me pay you back—“

“no, nonsense.” he cuts you off, the conversation goes like it always does. you beg, and beg, to try and wiggle in a payback, but he refuses. all those years of your parents giving him shelter, taking him to races, or letting him play in your backyard it’s the least he could do.

“but the price adds up, and you’re paying for most of the rent—“

“I won’t have this conversation with you. just get in the car.” he says it without letting you have another word in. it’s his turn to shoot you down with pointed looks every time you try to mention money.

“y/n?! is that you?”

lando’s heart nearly drops to his stomach at the sound of that voice—that voice, being your ex boyfriend. he came out of nowhere, like the stalker he is, and finds himself walking around lando’s spiffy mclaren with wide eyes and confusion at your presence with the formula one driver. he must’ve forgotten lando was your best friend.

“you going to introduce me to your new boyfriend?”

before you can protest lando shakes his hand. you can tell by the grip lando has on him it’s a firm hard handshake. one to prove a point about the 2 a.m calls of you crying to your best friend from across the world. he was a shitty man, and maybe showing lando off like that would put him in his place.

“this is lando, you guys met awhile back.” you say.

you watch the two of their eyes glimmer in the sunlight with hatred for one another. lando was the guy you told him not to worry about— and he still was— and he was the guy lando was desperately wanting to kick ass.

“don’t remember that.”

“I actually remember, didn’t you spend half the night snogging another girl?” lando’s gentle reminder makes your ex’s face flush pale. you watch a little smile lift to lando’s lips before you both excuse yourselves to head home.

“my new boyfriend is so cool.” you say in a sarcastic tone once it’s just the two of you in his car.

lando let’s out laugh, and just puts the car in reverse. the simple act makes your head spin. his hand reaching behind the head of your seat, the way his eyes quickly glance on you before he looks back to ensure no one is coming. these thoughts were never present until this run in. would lando be a good boyfriend?

you can’t help but explore those thoughts in the twenty minute car ride home in pure silence.

your mind wanders to the idea of waking up to him in your bed. his legs tangled with yours, lazy soft kisses pressed your cheeks. you could melt at just the thought of it.

or maybe he’d make you eggs. you’d wake to the smell of bacon grease and him shirtless—like he always is in the kitchen— creating a masterpiece meal that you devour in minutes.

what switch has suddenly changed in you? because now when you look at lando, your heart does things it never did before. your head spins of ideas of him as your boyfriend and it’s so sickening you could throw up.

“I’m going to unload the groceries, you’re more than welcome to sit and stare into space for as much as you need.” his words spook you. a little yelp escaped your lips that he’d caught you. your eyes bug wide—like they always are when you get into your daydreams— and mind so full you lose track of time and often forget your surroundings. you had no clue you’d been sitting in the driveway this whole time.

“where do you want the tampons again? I seem to forget.”

“under the bathroom sink please.”

you wonder if you can shove your thoughts under there too. a nap is needed to clear your mind of whatever seems to be boggling it all about lando.

—

a nap certainly did help, however, waking up to lando shirtless in your bed also napping? yeah, all that hard work of suppressed thoughts came right back.

you think about taking your finger and running it all over the divots, curves, and muscles of his body. you think about how much stronger he’s been looking lately and how the little hair on his chin is growing onto you. what is going on with you?

it was common for lando to come in your room and sleep with you. nightmares were rare for you, but they happened more often than you expected and lando always wanted to be there for it. but this was just a nap? why did he have to come in and sleep with you? he could’ve just slept in his own bed, that certainly would’ve helped your heart if he did.

you roll out of bed and tip toe around your bed, until your heart makes you stop. you stare at his peaceful state. the way his curls fall over his forehead, the thick long lashes you desperately want, the soft smile on his lips— his eyes are opening, shit, you think to yourself.

you quickly book it out of the room to save yourself from the embarrassment of him catching you watching him sleep. what a creep you were becoming in the matter of hours. this is why you shouldn’t like your best friend. hell, this is why you shouldn’t let your man best friend live with you. it was destined for one of you to fall in love.

but it was also destined for you to most likely get your heart broken.

lando doesn’t date women like you. you’ve seen his roster of women rotating in and out of your place, none of them looked like you: an average woman with average looks. who’d want that?

a little part of hope lingers in your chest when you see him enter the kitchen. his lips press against your temple as he mumbles a good morning.

“how was your nap?”

“not long enough.” you admit watching him type away on his phone. his elbows are pressed against the granite counter tops, his fingers work vigorously against the screen. a little smile appears on his lips that make you nauseous. it could just be max, but it could be another girl.

almost two hours ago this wouldn’t of mattered to you. you wouldn’t of cared if lando invited a girl over and you stayed locked up in your room, but now all of a sudden it’s bothersome.

“what’s got you all smiley?” you ask, partially out of curiosity but partially to just kill your heart with his response. he sets his phone face down on the counter resting his chin in the palm of his hand, “max is coming over, and so is pietra.”

“exciting.” you grin, though the words disagree with your expression making his face drop with worry.

“are you worried max is going to take your best friend spot? he could never, y/n.”

best friend. yeah, that’s all you’ll ever be when girls like ria and pietra exist. deadly beauty that could put a man in his place. when was yours ever going to show up?

—

you’re tipsy off the expensive bottle of wine max brought. your body is pressed against lando’s for support as you all laugh about something max said. you can’t help but wrap your arms around his strong bicep, resting your head against his shoulder listening to pietra expose Max’s recent mess up.

lando doesn’t take notice in the way you’re seated. he knows you’re beside him based off the heat that radiates off your body. you always got overly warm when drunk, and sometimes a bit too affectionate, but he didn’t mind. he actually loved it when you wanted to be beside him.

“so when did this happen?” pietra points her finger between you two, a bright smile pressed against her lips as she cozies herself up to her own boyfriend.

lando clears his throat. he practically yanks his arm out of your grip leaving you to fall back against the cushions beside him. you hide your face into his back out of embarrassment suddenly becoming aware of how you two look. “oh umm—“

“oh gosh! I’m so sorry. I think it’s the wine talking in me.” she quickly apologizes, a blush filters her face similar to yours.

“it’s not the first time today that’s happened.”

“do tell,” max sits on the edge of his seat listening to lando explain the run in, your face is still pressed into his back. you’re hoping that maybe if you just stay there you would disappear into thin air or end up in your bedroom sound asleep away from all of this.

“I still want to kick that guys ass—“

“wait,” pietra cuts off max, her voice demands all the attention in the room. you pry your head from out of lando and peer behind him at her, “you didn’t even tell him you are just friends? you let him assume that you’re dating?”

lando’s mouth opens and closes. nothing seems to come out making max throw his head back in a laughing fit, “oh god! I owe ria money for this, you like y/n!”

Lando’s face is flushed red, a similar color to the glass of wine in his hands. there was nothing he could say. he couldn’t even protest it when it was true. he hadn’t even realized he never corrected your ex boyfriend, because truth be told, he wanted to be shown off as your boyfriend.

“come on pietra, let’s leave these two alone.”

they leave as quick as they came, leaving only the half full bottle of wine for yourselves. you both sit in silence, no one musters up the courage to speak.

you both get ready for bed like nothing happened. the awkward silence eats you up. you want to speak up and tell him you feel the same, you want things to go back to normal. you just want annoying lando back.

when you finally finish your nighttime regiment, you’re ready for bed. you turn the corner into your bedroom and see the silhouette of lando reflecting against the wall. your night light was on, and he was laying in your bed, cozied up under the covers.

“sleeping in here tonight?” you ask slipping under the covers beside him, he moves himself closer to you occupying the middle of the bed.

“you don’t mind, do you?”

you shake your head curling your body against his, “I like it when you sleep with me.” you say making a sense of pride soar through his chest. he likes the way your body molds against his.

“your new boyfriend will protect you.” he smiles down at you, carefully place a kiss to your forehead before reaching over and turning off your lamp.

“thank goodness he’s here, I can’t sleep without him.”

“you know I’m talking about myself right?” he lifts his neck up, face looking down at you, your eyes closed practically half asleep already.

“goodnight, boyfriend.”

“goodnight, girlfriend.”

tags: @oconso @xcicix @imsorare @weasleyswizardwheezes-blog @monzabee @lpab @frreyaa @motorsp0rt @lovelytsunoda @smoothopz

want to be apart of my tag list? let me know here!

[onyourowndaisymae]

don't mind me... just thinking about the demon brothers slowly dropping the rest of their roster for you as they fall head over heels...

lucifer // mammon // levi (you are here) // satan // asmo // beel // belphie -- others coming soon, NSFW warning below, gn!reader

leviathan, who doesn't have time. time for himself, for his hobbies, for his brothers, and certainly no time for you. he's sick of your meddling, honestly. he never even wanted a pact with you. you're just some lousy human trickster that managed to back him into a corner. whatever. just because he has a pact with you doesn't mean he has to spend time with you.

leviathan, who isn't jealous at all, of course. he's not jealous of the way mammon is so far up your ass that he doesn't know what day it is. he's not jealous of the way beel's sitting on the floor between your legs. he's not jealous of the way asmo and satan cast you curious glances, like they too want to see what's so special about you. it's not fair. why does levi always get the leftovers? why did he have to come to your side after mammon, dooming himself to an eternity of decency lectures from your "first man"? sure, he didn't want you at the beginning but... things change. now he can't help but curl into himself as jealousy boils in his chest.

leviathan, whose days are spent lost in rpgs and whose nights are reserved for filthy hentai games. obscene moans and slick slaps of skin against skin blare from his headphones behind the safety of his locked door. usually, these games have him panting, dick in his hands as precum dribbles down his fingers, but for some reason they feel... lackluster? he's aroused, of course, but he just... can't get into it. or at least, he doesn't think he can-- not until someone that looks like you pops on screen. suddenly he's wide-eyed and hard as a rock. the character gets bent over a table and fucked senseless, and levi's feverishly tugging at his cock to match their pace. is that what you'd look like? he plays the scene over and over until he's spent, until even resting a hand in his lap makes his thighs tremble.

leviathan, who feels so incredibly guilty for masturbating to the thought of you. but he can't stop himself. it's all he can think about these days. nothing is as alluring, as magnetic as you are. he's memorized the way the collar of your uniform sits on your neck, the curve of your soft lips, how you smile at him and listen so intently and-- dammit, he's hard just thinking about you. the hentai games are not enough. he hardly plays them anymore, trading time in front of the screen with time next to you, watching your face focused as you weave your motorcycle through other players while racing in devilcart, hoping that the scent of you, your presence, will linger long after you head to bed for the night.

leviathan, who can't believe how lucky he is right now, how the stars aligned perfectly and time stopped, just so he could have your tongue running across the tip of his cock like that. he's trembling under the weight of your heavy gaze, as you wrap your lips around the head and suck. a sharp cry leaves his lips, and he slaps both of his hands over his mouth to muffle the sound. you grin. it's the best you've ever looked. he can't believe you're here, with him, on your knees between his legs, hand pumping his length while you run your tongue up the underside, holding eye contact to watch him become a blushing, squirming, whimpering mess. his hips jerk against his wishes when you finally take him in your mouth, but you take it in stride, your warm hands pinning his bare hips against his chair. your head bobs across the length of his shaft but all he can feel is heat-- so warm and incredible and soft-- and fuck if he isn't about to cum just from looking at you. his hands grip the arms of his chair as you take him to unbelievable heights of pleasure. this, he thinks, is much better than anything on a screen.

taglist for this series (hopefully i'm doing this right lol): @the-demonus-aunt // @scienceisfornerds

[yelshin]

NEW KITTEN?! | MLIST | ♡

An: Rethinking my life decisions rn

Tw/Cw: Scarameow being insecure

It was a normal day for you and Kuni well not really after he heard a shocking news.

You're gonna adopt another kitten. He was sad because he thinks that you might replace him soon.

If it wasn't for your friends stupid idea you wouldn't have to feel bad be guilty while looking at the sight of your kitten sulking at the corner. 'if i need to take a punishment for hurting his feelings ill gladly take it because i deserve it.' you thought while eyeing his movements.

He rolls on the ground and hit the wall. You immediately stand up and start rubbing circles at his head while he keeps sulking; still thinking about the new kitten that you're gonna adopt "god are you okay? Do you want food? Toys? Anything to cheer you up?" You bombarded Kuni who still didn't answer you nor look at you. But your heart wasn't prepared for what will he pull.

Kuni look at you with those big eyes with his pupil becoming big as if he was begging you to not do something 'OH MY GOD I'M GONNA DIE' You eternally screamed. Trying to avoid his tempting pleading eyes "I swear you're gonna be the death of me..." You grumble, picking him up and grabbed your (empty) wallet.

"I'm sorry but pets are not allowed-" "Do i look like i CARE?" You glared at the guard who's trying to stop you from bringing Kuni inside the mall "but ma'am im just following the rules-" he keeps on insisting and then you decided to gave up... Well actually the opposite of that. "Fine then." You walked away from the mall and hid beside the building.

"if they don't allow pets, then how about this huh.." you smirked at your silly idea; putting him inside a plastic bag and put some unnecessary light weight items inside and pretend its full of your groceries. "God why am i so smart"

You walked at the building again but this time the guard doesn't care about people entering in the mall 'WOW LATELY HE'S MAKING A SCENE ABOUT BRINGING MY ANGEL IN AND NOW HE DOESN'T GIVE A FUCK IF SOME PEOPLE ENTER WITH THEIR PETS' you glared at the guard before entering the mall; ready to spend everything

"now then for the new kitten, maybe a same treatment with Kuni will do" hearing the word "new kitten" Kuni's head pop out of the plastic bag while looking at you, but you didn't seem to notice the poor kitten.

Now here you are, standing Infront of the ATM; staring at your bank accounts amount of money. Seeing a low number made you laugh at yourself nervously "haha... Did i spend too much? hahaha..." You scratch your cheek while looking around if thr coast is clear enough for you to pull your black card

'just once...' you thought but you knew that "just once" will turn into amounts of spending. Clearly not just once. "Let's just pray this shit still have money inside after what i did last month"

You checked the plastic bag thinking that Kuni was still inside,but to your horror he wasn't there. You immediately panicked and search the whole bag but still no sight of Kuni 'How am i gonna find him with this big ass mall...' you went for 10 minutes breakdown beside the ATM before gathering all of your energy and find your small kitten while praying that no one will adopt him.

Meanwhile your Kuni...

A young man with indigo hair that covers his ears, as well as indigo eyes look around the mall trying to find a glimpse of teal hair but he didn't noticed someone bump to him.

While you are busy finding your kitten you suddenly bump into someone; you apologize and the man who you bumped with reminds you of you Kuni but you quickly shook off the thoughts and apologize again "im sorry!" Before running away.

Scaramouche froze in his spot... Not only you didn't recognize him nor know about his secret (that he can turn into a human) you didn't recognize him. He muttered something before going to a empty place; transforming back into a kitten once again, on his way to find you.

You were going insane. You searched every corner, every store and even asked every person in the mall if they found your kitten. You were close to give up but not until you felt a soft fur rubbish on your feet, you looked down and almost screamed when your beloved kitten finally appeared "Thank goddess! I thought you got kidnapped!(kittennap)" You hugged your cat; promising yourself not to let him go. "Now lets head home, i heard the new kitten is already in our house!" You exclaimed and run out of the mall.

Opening the door of your house, you gently dropped kuni to the ground and immediately search for the new kitten. While you're busy roaming around your house Kuni was staring at something under the couch. He hiss at whoever or whatever creature is there hiding under the couch. Kuni stared at the glowing yellow eyes of the new kitten while displaying his sharp nails as a sign of threat.

"ah! There you are!"

An: if y'all guessed whos the new kitten i would continue this fic🤭

@thetwinkims @sunsethw4 @etherisy @kunikuzushicandegrademefr @Heiijoxz, @eliciana @naritecs @kkazuyass @itztaki @makilovescofi @louise-rosita-leroux @w9vyy @lystaaa @midoriapologist @lilithticalx @red-chester @yushiu @raideneiari @scaraapologist @kxr0mi @sakiimeo @shizunxie @yanfeimainn @just-simping-over-genshin @thenightsflower @eunchaeluvr @ohmyfinggod @misomiis @spookyqueenduck @chalksdreams

[sluttywonwoo]

indulgence || vampire!c.sc x f!reader

summary: dating a vampire gets... complicated when you're on your period

warnings: swearing, menstruation, blood, smut 18+ (additonal warnings under the cut)

word count: 4k

a/n: this contains some cross-posting from my main blog so if you recognize some of it that's why!!

masterlist + ko-fi

[additional warnings: fingering, shower sex, unprotected sex, period sex, blood drinking-- BUT NOT *THAT* BLOOD]

Seungcheol groans, tongue running across his fangs. He tries to convince his brain to retract them... but no dice. So he keeps his mouth shut and hopes the problem will solve itself on his own. He’s wishing in vain, of course he is. His fangs aren’t going to disappear unless he quenches his thirst which is out of the question tonight because he’s stuck at work. 

For a vampire who hasn’t tasted a drop of alcohol in the last half a century, he’s a pretty good bartender, at least that’s what people tell him. The tips he made backed up his suspicions as well. Although, he wasn’t sure if that had as much to do with his mixology skills as it did his shameless flirting. That’s how he met you, after all.  

Only, you were completely uninterested which meant that Seungcheol just had to have you. His flirting with customers was usually empty, just a means to rack up cash and pass the time. Usually, it worked like a charm. But you were unimpressed. He was eventually successful, winning you over with his sparkling personality… and his dick. 

Now you’re at the home you share, waiting for him to get off of work. Seungcheol felt guilty leaving you home alone on a Saturday night, but the two of you had bills to pay and weekends were the most lucrative shifts so it was a sacrifice he felt he had to make. You understood, of course. You always did. But tonight he could tell you were a bit disappointed. Hell, he was too. 

You had been in the middle of undressing each other, about to fall into bed together, when Seungcheol’s phone went off, reminding him of his shift. 

You had been needy all day and Seungcheol hated making you wait even longer but his boss had already been on his ass for being late this week so he couldn’t finish what he started. He promised you that he would come straight home after work, though, so he wouldn’t be able to hunt until after making you cum a couple of times. Not that he minded, obviously. Everything paled in comparison to sex with the love of his (after)life, even satiating his infernal thirst. 

Cheol knew you would be more than happy to kill two birds with one stone; you had offered to quench his thirst on more than one occasion, but he always had to turn you down. It’s not that he didn’t want to drink from you, it’s that he knows he wouldn’t be able to stop if he did. 

The first time Seungcheol got you alone, away from the crowd and the noise of the bar, he almost pulled a Twilight ala the first time Edward met Bella in biology class. He hadn’t been able to pick up your scent in the midst of all the chaos, but as soon as he stepped outside with you he was overwhelmed by it. You’re irresistible, in more ways than one, and resisting the urge to sink his fangs into you every time he sees or smells you is a torturous battle he puts himself through daily. 

But it’s worth it. It’s all worth it to be able to spend part of his eternity with you. He would walk through hellfire, invoke God’s name, drive a wooden stake through his own heart just to be by your side. 

-

Seungcheol works until close, counting down the minutes until he can finally kick all of these people out and get home to you. Once they close all of the patrons tabs and turn off the neon OPEN sign, Seungcheol helps Soonyoung restock behind the bar and tip out the other employees until they’re the last two left. 

He watches as Soonyoung pours bourbon into a low ball glass for himself. He points the bottle towards Seungcheol. 

“Wanna drink?” 

Seungcheol rolls his eyes. “Very funny.”

“You know, it kind of sucks that vampires aren’t able to consume other things. No pun intended.”

“We are, it’ll just make us sick.”

“You know what I meant,” Soonyoung says flatly. 

“Yeah, well, believe me, I know. I’m the one living in these conditions.”

“You’re not technically living.”

“Now who’s getting hung up on the details?” Seungcheol points out, grabbing his coat and folding it over his arm. “Anyway, I’m out of here. I already stayed longer than I promised I would.”

“Alright, well, don’t forget to take your cut of the tips. You made the most tonight, as usual.” 

Seungcheol smirks at his friend and pats his front pocket. “Way ahead of you.”

-

You’re not in the living room when Seungcheol arrives at home but the fire is still going in the hearth. It’s dwindling now, left untended for who knows how long. Had you already gone to bed? Seungcheol knew you weren’t much of a night owl, but you had been so eager when he left, and you had been texting him throughout his shift, so he assumed you would still be awake. 

He finds you in the bedroom, curled up in a ball underneath the blankets. You’re not asleep, just lying in bed. You lift your head from the pillows just slightly to greet him. But instead of smiling you pout at him.

“Baby?” he asks, hurrying to the edge of the bed in concern. 

“I started my period,” you whine and burrow further under the covers. 

Oh. Seungcheol is surprised he didn’t pick up on it as soon as he got home. Granted, he had been distracted, but still. The scent of your blood, your scent, has always been so overwhelming to him that you usually don’t even need to tell him these things. It was like the first night he met you all over again. Now that you’ve said it, though, all he can smell is you. Everything else ceases to exist, blending together in the background like white noise. It’s like the first night you met all over again. 

He stiffens and clears his throat, blinking away the self-indulgent thoughts that threaten to overtake him. 

“I’m sorry,” you add when he doesn’t respond. Evidently, you think he must be disappointed so Seungcheol is quick to explain his lack of reaction. He kneels onto the bed, situating himself at the edge of it where he had been standing. 

“You scared me, I thought there was something actually wrong with you!”

“There is something wrong with me!” you cry dramatically. 

He cocked his head to the side in confusion. “Hm?”

“I ruined our plans.”

“Baby, what are you talking about?”

You roll your eyes as if you’re annoyed you have to spell it out for him. You probably are. “Our sex plans! We were both looking forward to having sex and now we can’t anymore.”

“Says who?”

You lift yourself up, eyes wide and blinking. “Cheol... we can’t.”

“Why not?”

“You know why. You won’t even let yourself feed off of me, you really think you’ll be able to control yourself when it looks like a crime scene down there?” 

“I’ll be fine,” he insists. “As long as I don’t drink your blood, there won’t be a problem.” You look skeptical, but seem to be considering it. “I just want to take care of you,” he continues, “I feel bad having worked you up just to leave you hanging.”

“I’ll manage,” you assure him. 

“But you don’t have to. I’m offering.”

“Seungcheol, I don’t know...”

“Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“Period sex?”

“No, well yes, but not like that. I meant does period sex with me make you uncomfortable?” Seungcheol pauses and reaches out to touch you, laying his hand over yours. “Does it scare you?” Do I scare you?

It’s as if you can sense the question he’s actually asking and answer accordingly. “Of course not. You could never scare me. I trust you. God knows how many times I’ve begged you to drink from me. I just don’t want you to put yourself through torture just so I can get off.”

He squeezes your hand and smiles weakly at you. “Nothing is torture if it’s with you.”

You fall back onto the pillows, groaning. “You’re so cheesy!”

“You love it.”

“I do love it,” you admit easily. 

“Let me make you feel good?” Seungcheol asks, bringing your hand up to his mouth so that he can kiss the back of it. He trails kisses up your arm slowly, making you shiver as the chill from his lips sets into your skin. He looks up at you when he reaches your elbow, waiting for your answer. 

“Only if you want to.”

“Baby, I want to. Do you want me to?”

“Yes,” you confess, finally letting your eyes flutter shut as you succumb to the feeling of his lips on your body. 

“I’ve been thinking about this all night,” Seungcheol tells you as he peels back the covers to reveal your body. You’re still in your pajamas, but at least now you’re not a formless lump underneath all of those layers. It gives him better access to you, more to work with. He knows he’ll have you naked soon enough. “It was so hard to focus at work knowing you were waiting for me at home. I kept having to run off to the bathroom to adjust myself just so people wouldn’t notice I was hard.”

“Fuck,” you whisper, sounding defeated. 

“And those fucking texts you kept sending,” he growls, “you’re a menace.”

“I wouldn’t have to be if you had finished what you started,” you tease. 

Seungcheol knows you’re right, he had left you high and dry tonight after all. 

“I guess I deserved that,” he sighs. 

“Mhm.”

“Still, you played dirty.”

“It got me what I wanted, didn’t it?”

Seungcheol rolls his eyes at you but can’t help smiling at the same time. He loves when you’re a little bratty- or a lot bratty- but he’ll never tell you that. Not like you don’t already know. 

He shifts upwards so that he can hover above you, cupping your face with one of his hands. You lean up into the kiss and let him slip his tongue into your mouth. Seungcheol takes the lead more often than you, and tonight you’re letting him have total control. You allow him to set the pace, not wanting to further test his resolve when it was already so thin. 

Seungcheol moans into your mouth and you reciprocate. He rolls his hips into yours and you whimper at the friction, arching your back and pushing your hips up to chase the feeling. He chuckles but gives in, letting you rut against him. 

Then, you break away to catch your breath, staring up at him with longing. Your pupils are blown, making your eyes look almost as dark as Seungcheol’s get when he’s hungry. He figures it’s kind of the same thing, bloodlust and well, regular lust.

“Should I take a shower first?” you ask. “Would that make it... easier?”

“Sure, if you want. Whatever will make you comfortable.”

“I think I will,” you decide. “That way I won’t feel as icky.”

“Do you want me to join you?” 

“Do you want to join me?” you counter with a smirk. 

“Always.” 

“Predictable.”

“Like anyone would ever turn down the chance,” Seungcheol reasons with a shake of his head. “But I figure this way we can kill two birds with one stone. It’ll make less of a mess, if that’s something you’re worried about.”

You nod immediately and visibly relax a bit. So you had been worried about that. Seungcheol pats himself on the back for knowing you so well.

“Can I... can I rinse off a little by myself first, though? I know it’s not gross, I’m not gross, but I still feel a little embarrassed-”

“Of course, baby. You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

“I know, but I just didn’t want you to think it had anything to do with you.”

Seungcheol just has to kiss you again when you clarify. You were always thinking of him, putting him first. He didn’t know what he had done in his lifetime to deserve you, but whatever it was surely couldn’t be a viable concession. He can’t even conceive a noble deed that would suffice as payment for your partnership. Planting hundreds of trees, saving a family from a burning building, fostering dozens of rescue animals, none of it would ever be enough to equivalize that kind of trade-off. It was pure luck and nothing more.

You giggle against Seungcheol’s lips and he melts into the kiss even more, leading you right back to where you started. Eventually, you manage to break away again. 

“Cheol!” You push his chest lightly. “C’mon, we don’t have all night.”

He eases himself onto his side so that you can get up. You roll out of bed and scurry off into the bathroom. He hears the water start and a few moments later he hears you humming. He waits until you call him in and even then he’s still sure to knock on the little rolling door that separates the bathroom from the bedroom. The mirror is so fogged up already that Seungcheol wouldn’t be able to see his reflection if he had one. You like your showers hot, but he wasn’t sure if you had always been that way or if it was something you’d picked up after spending all of your time with someone whose body was perpetually cold. 

Seungcheol is quick to undress, setting his clothes in a pile on the floor with yours and then joins you in the shower. 

“Hi,” you say shyly.

“Hi,” he responds and closes the gap between you. 

He pulls you close, wrapping both arms around your waist. You let him hold you like that for a minute and then shift so that he’s able to get under the stream of water. You laugh as his hair begins to fall in his eyes, but you’re quick to sweep it out of the way and Cheol thanks you with a kiss. 

This time, he draws back first, wanting to take a moment to admire you. 

“You’re so pretty,” he murmurs quietly, moving one of his hands down to squeeze your ass. You can only moan in response. With one arm still around you he begins to kiss his way down your body until he reaches your tits, taking one of your nipples in his mouth and humming around it. 

You arch your back, pushing your chest into his face.

“S-sensitive,” you whine. 

Seungcheol chuckles against you, stimulating you even more and you gasp, bringing your hand to the back of his head to hold him in place. 

“I know,” he manages to get out with your boob still in his mouth. 

“Please, don’t tease.”

At your request, Seungcheol releases his hold on your ass and begins giving attention to your clit instead. He uses his thumb to rub slow circles on it and you can feel him smile when you shiver. He switches his mouth to your other breast as he continues to play with your clit, picking up the pace ever so subtly. 

He knows it’s not enough to get you off, which is exactly why he does it. It’s not that he doesn’t want to make you cum- he just prefers to tease you first. He lets you rock into his hand, chasing the feeling. He thinks you’re grinding against his hand, but in reality you were trying to get him to move his fingers lower and lower until they were inside of you. Eventually, he picks up on this and gives in, but not without teasing you a little more. 

He slides two fingers into your cunt at once, but only up to the first knuckle before he’s pulling them back out. He repeats the motion a couple of times, turning your knees to jelly. Thankfully, he’s able to hold you upright with his free hand to keep you from falling to the shower floor. 

You whimper and push your hips forward to try and get him to go deeper, but he just tsks at you and shakes his head. 

“You could use your words, you know.”

“You know what I want,” you grumble. 

“Do I?”

“I think you have a pretty good idea.”

“Yeah? And what is that?” You groan and Seungcheol retracts his hand fully, holding it out of reach. He tries not to look at his fingers, tries not to think about sucking them clean. “Want to hear you say it, baby.”

“Want your fingers...”

“Where do you want them?”

“Inside of me. Please, Cheol.”

“Fuck,” he hisses, dick twitching noticeably against your thigh. 

Your answer had satisfied him, but now you can’t stop talking. You ramble even after he’s pushed his middle and ring fingers inside of you to the hilt. 

“Want you to stretch me out so I can take your cock... please, please, need it.”

“Your mouth gets so filthy when you’re like this, huh? So desperate to be full.” 

“Can’t help it,” you rasp out, fucking yourself on his hand now. “It just happens...”

“Happens when you feel good?” he finishes the thought for you and you nod. “Must be doing something right, then.”

“You’re doing everything right,” you moan. 

Seungcheol knows he’s found your g-spot when your body seizes up and you whine his name. He tugs you upright and hooks his fingers inside of you, repeatedly pressing into it. 

To make it even better for you, he spins you around so that your back is to him and hugs you close. In that position he can easily rub your clit at the same time he fingers you. The only drawback is that he can’t see your face. It’s a small price to pay in exchange for making you cum all over his hand, though. You lean back against him, letting him support most of your weight.

“Close?” he mumbles, kissing your neck. He can feel your pulse right beneath his lips, can feel your heart rate spike as he rubs your clit a little harder. He opens his mouth just slightly, letting his fangs brush against your skin. He knows that if he were to apply a little bit of pressure, if he would just sink his fangs into this spot on your neck, he’d be able to taste you. The idea is tempting. But Seungcheol is more than used to resisting temptation. He wouldn’t be fucking you right now if he wasn’t. 

The teasing drag of his fangs makes you shudder and clench around his fingers, effectively answering his question. “Gonna cum for me?”

You start to nod but then stop abruptly, yanking on his arm to get him to stop. 

“What’s wrong?” he asks, unable to hide the panic in his voice.

“Nothing, nothing, just didn’t want to cum before you fucked me.”

“What, why?”

“Because I wanna cum on your cock,” you say like it should be obvious. 

“You can cum more than once, you know.”

“Yeah but... I just want your dick inside me, is that so wrong?”

He laughs. “You should have just said so!”

“I’m saying so now.”

He’s been hard for so long now that he’d be an idiot to argue any further. “Fair enough.”

Seungcheol pulls his fingers out of you and rinses them underneath the showerhead. His throat tightens and his stomach churns as he watches your blood disappear down the drain but he pushes it all down in favor of focusing on the task at hand. 

“You sure about this?” he asks, hoping it doesn’t sound as strained as it feels.

“Positive. How do you want me?”

“Here, just lean your back against the wall. I’ll do the rest.”

You position yourself as he’d instructed and take a deep breath in preparation for the stretch. Seungcheol wraps an arm around you and hoists one of your thighs up to his hip so that he can push himself inside of you. You both sigh in relief when he bottoms out, and you tilt your head back, letting it rest against the cool tile wall. 

“If you feel like you’re gonna fall, just hold on to me, okay?”

“Okay,” you squeak. 

Seungcheol knows he’s pretty big, and he tries not to be too cocky about it, but it’s hard not to be when you can barely speak just because he’s inside of you. You give him the go ahead to move so he begins to thrust shallowly. Immediately, your eyes roll to the back of your head and your body practically goes slack in Seungcheol’s hold.

The extra lubrication helps you adjust to his size fairly quickly. You urge him to go faster with a squeeze of his bicep and Seungcheol obliges easily. He’s stronger than the average human even when he hasn’t fed in a while so he’s able to hold you in place as he fucks you, slamming his hips into yours again and again. 

“So full,” you mumble.

“Just like you wanted, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Fuck, baby, I’ve been thinking about this all night.” He’s telling you what you already know but he knows you like hearing it anyway. “You’re so good to me, letting me fuck you like this. Trusting me, loving me, fuck baby, I’ll lose it...”

This is supposed to be about you, but Seungcheol’s already dangerously close to the edge. He’ll cum if he keeps talking about how much you love him, about how much he loves you, so he decides to shut up. 

“You’re the one that’s good to me,” you say breathily. 

“Don’t,” Cheol rasps out, knowing if you elaborate any further he won’t be able to hold back.

You pull Seungcheol into a kiss instead. It’s desperate and hungry, exactly what you’ve been feeling all day. This time your tongue ventures into his mouth against your better judgment. Against Seungcheol’s better judgment. He doesn’t think to stop you until your tongue catches on his fangs and suddenly his mouth fills with blood. Your blood. 

You both freeze. You draw back, eyes wide, blood trickling from your lips.

All this time. All these years. He’d been so careful. Had exercised self-control even though every fiber of his being was constantly screaming for him to give into his instincts, his carnal desires. Allowing himself to indulge in sex with you tonight had been a mistake. 

He could spit it out. But what would that do? It was still too late. He’d still be able to taste it, would always be able to taste you lingering on his tongue no matter what he did. How would he be able to resist you now that he’d crossed that line?

“Swallow it.” Your voice snaps Seungcheol back to reality, back into the moment here with you. You bring a hand up to his face and cup his cheek gently. “Swallow it, it’s okay.”

His resolve fractures in that moment, threatening to shatter completely as he does what you tell him and swallows. 

It’s like something inside of him snaps. He groans at the taste of you, rich and sweet and addictive. He’s cumming before he can register what’s happening, burying his head in your shoulder with a hoarse cry of your name. 

His orgasm triggers your own, likely heightened by his venom that was now in your bloodstream. You cling to him, nails digging into his back as he weakly fucks you through it. 

The water is starting to get cold by the time you both come down, panting like you’d just run a marathon. You’re beaming at Seungcheol, clearly proud of him for not killing you. He’s not sure that feat is necessarily deserving of your reaction, but he doesn’t want to kill the mood so he keeps that particular opinion to himself. 

“Does this mean you’ll drink from me now?” is the first thing you say to him, which to be fair, he should have seen coming. 

Seungcheol sighs, shaking his head as he grabs the bottle of shampoo off the shelf to wash your hair. “Baby steps.”

lmk what you think i always appreciate feedback!!

forever tags: @haven-cove @tantofaz123-blog @lee-hjyjn @ateez-star @baesgyus @likexaxdaydream @sunniesoobin @thefairwhitelight @pretty-thoughts @yutayoongi @redamancygnf @hoe4wonwoo @yeostars @i-might-be-in-love-with-hao @camrenrodrigoswift1 @nichobins @bfwonu @arikimtanapon @ammcg0119 @redspider267 @fwess @horangipowerr @soobzao @kuleo26 @k00kiemonster99 @poutypoutybin @jeonghanspinkhair @jadiekinzz @yo0nspoon @djj6112 @drama-1998-girl @kjdlashes @5xiang @yeritheloml @slut4seokjin @nc-teen @jungkookswife24069 @tannieflix @romromthedeer @urvashi435 @aurumness @sunghoonth @y00nzin0 @saatans @ksy-horanghae @haogyuslut @crushonwoo @rinshabitat @ivivz @cixrosie @princessofallthatsweird @friseealamode @candidupped @joshuahongnumbers @bxby-bloom @guavagyu @zhangyixingxing1 @foxdaisy @emotionalwreckkk-blog @imonanotherlebel @vern0nsworld @cyjsfairy @jihoonliker @freakyfriedrice @yeosayang @myaerii @lenireads @itbtoblikethatsometimes @vernonburger @soonhoonietrash @tinkerbell460 @shmooooo @tweetiebirb

add yourself to my taglist(s) here!!

[cultpastorkevin]

Kevin Day & Grief:

how can you grieve the loss of an abuser?

aight let’s just get right into yet another psycho-analysis of Kevin Day and his messed up life; I’ll be using quotes from the EC

“Kevin does not react well to Riko's death at all, and this is a problem for a while considering what Riko's done to the Foxes. But Kevin & Riko have a long and complicated history.”

It is a very heavy and sharp type of grief to carry, when the person you mourn is someone who did terrible things to you and others. It’s not easy. It makes you feel guilty for missing them, makes you full of regret and “what ifs”. Grief is not rational, it’s something that tries to drown and take everything it can with it. Kevin is aware of what Riko was like, was well versed in the things he did and said. But he knew Riko before it all, he knew Riko when they could barely put their own shoes on. He saw Riko’s changes firsthand. He’s grieving everything that Tetsuji stole from the both of them. He remembers Riko in ways no one else ever will. The burden of seeing someone you love turn into the very thing you’re afraid of, is a heavy one to bear. It is even more heavy to know that everything that was good about them, dies with you.

Anger is always quick to rear its ugly head after the initial shock and the tears wear off, and it’s an emotionally bloody affair. Anger caused by sadness is one of the most gut wrenching kinds of anger, because there’s really nothing you can do about it but let it pass. You’re stuck feeling it, you have no choice. So yeah, Kevin was definitely angry. Angry at what Riko did to him, angry at the fact he’s outliving him, angry that he’s gone and angry because fuck, he shouldn’t be feeling this way, it’s not fair to everyone he’s harmed. For the first time in his life, he might’ve even hated Exy. All it has done is take from him the people that he loves, and playing is an eternal and constant reminder that he has succeeded Kayleigh and Riko. Picking up that racquet reminds him of his hand, and in turn, of Riko, who even at his worst was still loved by Kevin. And at the lowest points of his grief, seated in a bathtub and drunk off his ass, sorrow sometimes made Kevin wish it had been him instead.

“Wymack has to send the rest of the team back to South Carolina with Abby. Kevin is too numb to be moved yet.”

Kevin was so devastated he could not be moved; whether this is meant literally or in a “he didn’t have the energy to leave the house” kinda way, it’s still sad. Being so crippled by an emotion as heavy as grief that you cannot leave the home is hard. It’s painful. You’re dissociated and everything is a blur. You don’t register time passing. Eating, drinking, doing basic things all go out the window. And we all know what Kevin is like. He’s a routine oriented, night practice, calorie counting health nut who lives and breathes exy. He was so distressed that this man did not move and that means most likely, he did not fucking practice either. Kevin’s life ground to a halt for a second time because of Riko.

“It's a problem for a while because the Foxes' knee-jerk reaction to his devastated reaction is ugly. It'll take time for them to try and understand where he's coming from. Even Aaron has an awful opinion on the matter since he knows Riko was behind Drake. Renee attempts to play peacekeeper, but Wymack is the one who has to break his rule to stay out of their personal lives so he can try and fix things. He, Abby, and Betsy bring the Foxes to Abby's place two & three at a time to let them react and tirade in private. It's not enough, but it's a start.”

Kevin is not allowed to grieve without being guilted or punished for it in some way. He has never known a grief experience where he was completely supported during it. When his mother died, he was stuck with Tetsuji and Riko. He never learned how to grieve properly or healthily, and being attacked by the foxes for even feeling something didn’t fucking help. Wymack is the only (and probably first) person in his life who stayed by his side for this. Wymack went to the funeral, he stayed until Kevin could handle going back home. Wymack saw Kevin shatter and knew that he needed time to try to glue himself back together before the team inevitably caused him to crack again.

Wymack, Abby and Bee having to step in is all kinds of upsetting. Imagine having to basically set up impromptu vent sessions for your entire team because they cannot keep their personal feelings to themselves and can’t let a teammate grieve in peace. Granted the foxes aren’t exactly pinnacles of emotional regulation or maturity, but the least they could’ve done was leave Kevin alone (and let Neil and Andrew handle him)

“By the time they meet up again in the fall, the Foxes have attempted to forgive him his issues, because they understand from a logical standpoint that it's conditioned devotion.”

The foxes have every right to not grieve Riko, they have every right to hate him. They didn’t have the right to take it out on Kevin and isolate him even further from the group. It is a jarring feeling to be looked down on for mourning a loss. He did not need to be forgiven for his mourning. He did not need to apologize for missing Riko. His grief wasn’t something to be loathed. At the end of the day, Riko and Kevin were everything and nothing to each other. They operated on a delicate line of balance that shouldn’t have been able to be created. Their push and pull dictated every breath both of them took. Yeah, it was conditioned devotion in the end. But it didn’t start that way.

“Kevin Day goes on to be hailed the best player in the sport, the striker all future generations are compared to. The Jackie Robinson, the Wayne Gretsky, the bend it like Beckham. When the ERC constructs a Hall of Fame, Kevin Day is the first player to be honored.”

When Kevin received this honor, for a split second, he wished Riko was alive to share it. They started this dream together, after all. Only one of them being alive at the end is perhaps the biggest anguish of all.

[chvoswxtch]

Hey I have a Dark Matt x reader smut request.

Matt comes back from patrol and relieves his stress with reader but is rough and reader has bruises everywhere the next day when he notices the bruises he has a guilty conscience.

hello love! thank you so much for the request! I hope this is close to what you were looking for. ❤️

warning: contains explicit sexual content, minors please dni. word count: 1.9k

marks.

Dainty patches of violet and navy had begun to bloom on various patches of your skin. Along the column of your throat, down your arms, across your thighs. Matt’s fingerprints were embedded on your hips as if he’d stamped them with ink. You could even make out the perfect outline of his palm on your ass. He’d left various marks with his teeth on your collarbones, shoulders, and several across your neck, causing varying hues of maroon to rise to the surface. Last night had been…intense.

Roughness was not essentially new between you and Matt. Some nights when he came home from patrol, he was too amped up to even attempt to wind down. He only found calm in the release that you granted him with your body. Only after he channeled all that excess energy into bringing you both several rounds of pleasure was he finally spent enough to find peace in sleep beside you. You never really minded. Sometimes you even craved it. Making love to Matt Murdock, or even playful sex with him was one thing. But being fucked by the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen? That was a whole other realm of rapture. It made your heart swell with pride and excitement that you were his calm amongst the chaos; that you could subdue the devil with the portal to heaven between your thighs. But last night had been…different.

It started off normal. Matt slowly descended the stairs as he pulled off his gloves, a seductive smirk on his sinful lips as he took note of the way your heart rate increased with every step he took. You could tell by the look on his face what he wanted, and God if you weren’t ready to let him take it. Matt had been staying out extra late this past week, and you had missed him terribly. It had felt like an eternity since he’d last touched you. He wasted no time capturing your mouth, letting his hands roam all over the parts of you that weren’t covered by his shirt and then slipping them underneath to feel the rest of you. Everything seemed to be normal until he had you pinned beneath him on the mattress, and then it was like something inside him snapped.

Matt’s kisses became more rushed and forceful, almost bruising. He bit down on your bottom lip so hard, you swore he’d drawn blood and could taste the metallic tang on your tongue. His grip on your waist was rough, fingers digging into your flesh like blunt daggers. He had you completely trapped beneath his body, surrendered to his mercy, both of your hands imprisoned above your head in one of his as he fucked you at a brutal pace. The coarse growls that sounded in your ear sent shivers down your spine, but it was nothing compared to the feral look in his eyes. The normal golden honey had been eclipsed by onyx, and it felt like you were staring up at his devil mask rather than him. You couldn’t hardly recognize the face above you.

“Who’s pussy is this, huh? Who’s fucking pussy is this?”

“Y-yours.”

“Louder.”

“Yours…”

“Say it, louder.”

“Yours!”

Something about it felt off. You wanted to say something, but you couldn’t find your voice. He flipped you over without warning, and before you had a chance to feel the sting of his withdrawal, Matt was burying himself inside you to the hilt. He roughly shoved your face down into the pillows and set a brutal pace behind you. Your body jolted forward with every powerful snap of his hips, and every harsh slap of his palm against your ass. Matt reached forward and captured one of your nipples between his thumb and index finger, squeezing so hard it caused you to yelp. 

“Ah..Matt!”

“That’s it, let everyone know who’s fucking you this good. Let everyone fucking know.”

Matt fucked you mercilessly, but you weren’t enjoying it like you normally did. Something didn’t feel right. It felt like he was mad at you for something, like he was punishing you for something you weren’t aware of. You squeezed your eyes shut as you felt his pace getting sloppy, the guttural grunts behind you letting you know he was close. Matt let out a loud, animalistic groan as he came and it made you shudder. Your legs gave out when he released your hips and you fell onto your side on the mattress, curling up into yourself. Matt panted as he laid beside you, resting his hand on your waist.

“Fuck…sorry, I couldn’t hold it. Give me a second and I’ll help you finish.”

“N-no, you don’t have to.”

“You sure? You didn’t-”

“It’s okay. I’m really tired. Let’s just go to bed.”

You felt Matt tense up behind you, and you wondered if he realized just how rough he’d been. He silently wrapped his arm tightly around your waist and pulled you back against his chest, nuzzling his face into your neck and pressing a soft kiss to your skin. All night you laid there in his embrace trying to figure out what the hell had just happened. If he was mad at you, why was he cuddling you? Wouldn’t he have said something? What would he even be mad about? What had you done? You racked your brain tirelessly for an answer, but nothing came to mind. 

You could hear Matt cooking in the kitchen when you woke up. For a minute you thought maybe you had been wrong last night. Maybe you had read everything wrong. Maybe you were reading into things too much. But then you looked at your reflection in the mirror. Matt had certainly left marks on you before, but never anything like this. You nervously ran your fingers through your hair as you tried to figure out how to approach this. A light grasp on your arm had you flinching, and you turned just in time to catch the smile on Matt’s face drop into a pit of worry.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Matt sighed as he took a step closer, taking one of your hands into his.

“Sweetheart, don’t do that. You know I can tell when you’re lying.”

“I’m just…sore. That’s all.”

“Sweetheart-”

The hiss that escaped your mouth when Matt touched your shoulder had him freezing immediately. He tilted his head to the side slightly, eyebrows furrowing in concentration as his eyes darted blankly back and forth. Your heart started to race once you realized what he was doing.

“Matt-”

It was too late. His eyes widened in horror as he took in the state of your body. You sighed softly as you reached out to place your hand against his bare chest.

“It’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad? Y/N you’re covered in…fuck. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I’m okay, Matty. It doesn’t hurt-”

“Don’t lie to me. If it didn’t hurt, you wouldn’t flinch when I touch you.”

“It’s just sore, that’s all. I’m okay. I just-”

Matt tried to fixate his gaze where your eyes were, his chest rising and falling a little quicker as he waited for your response.

“Just what?”

“I…are you mad at me?”

Matt’s eyebrows rose to the center of his forehead, staring at you incredulously as a dry scoff escaped his mouth.

“Am I mad at you? Are you-why would you ask me that?”

“Because that’s what it felt like, Matt.”

Matt’s mouth hung open for a second as he studied you, taking a cautious step forward and lightly wrapping his arm around your waist.

“What do you mean?”

“Last night…it…it felt like you were mad at me for something.”

“What? No…no sweetheart, of course not. Why would I be mad at you?”

“I don’t know, that’s what I couldn’t figure out. You know I-I don’t mind when you’re…last night just…it felt different. I don’t know-I just…”

“Was it too much?”

You hated the somber look on Matt’s face right now. You hated the guilt you heard dripping from his voice. 

“It was…just…not what I was expecting. I mean, did something happen? Were you upset about something? It didn’t seem like it when you came home…but I-I don’t know. Maybe I missed it.”

“You didn’t miss anything. Nothing happened. I wasn’t upset. I guess I…I lost control”.

Matt dropped his arm from around your waist and took a few steps backward, leaning against the bathroom counter as he nibbled at his bottom lip. He exhaled deeply as he rubbed his palms against his face.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to-”

“No. No, I-maybe I…maybe it was me. Maybe I…I don’t know. Maybe I thought I was in the mood for that, and I wasn’t.”

“I should’ve checked in with you first.”

“You did, Matty. I wanted to, okay? God I really wanted to. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why it felt different, it just…I don’t know.”

“I pushed you too far. It’s my fault. I should’ve paid more attention last night. I should’ve caught that…that it was too much. I should’ve realized when you told me you didn’t want me to-I’m sorry.”

You cupped Matt’s face in your hands and brought his head down to press your forehead against his, lightly stroking your thumbs along his cheek bones.

“Hey, I know you would never intentionally hurt me. I know that. Maybe you lost control, maybe I was in a weird headspace. I don’t know. But either way, I know that and I trust you. I love you, Matty. It’s okay.”

“I love you, Y/N. So much. I’m so sorry-”

“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. I just…wasn’t sure what was happening.”

Matt sighed deeply as he gently wrapped his arms around your waist and held you against his chest.

“It won’t happen again. I promise.”

“Matty, I don’t mind when you leave marks. You know that.”

“Not like this. Not again.”

You shook your head slowly as you lightly trailed your thumb along Matt’s bottom lip.

“Matty, baby, I don’t mind them. Yes I’m a little sore, but that’s not why I was upset. I was worried I’d done something to upset you-”

“And that I took it out on you, like this. That doesn’t make me feel better.”

You sighed softly as you tilted your head back to look up at him, knowing this was a battle you were not winning anytime soon.

“We have got to do something about that Catholic guilt of yours.”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Matt’s mouth, shaking his head slowly as he nudged your nose with his own.

“Good luck. No one’s found a cure for over two thousand years.”

“Hm. Well, I bet D doesn’t feel guilty about having his fun.”

“That’s because he’s kind of a dick.”

“But so much fun to play with.”

Matt arched one of his brows at your seductive tone, pushing lightly at your waist to put space between the two of you.

“No.”

“Aw c’mon, Matty-”

“Absolutely not. Come eat your breakfast.”

“But-”

“Do as I say, or I’m not letting him out to play again.”

“You don’t have that kind of self control.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised what I can commit to sweetheart.”

There was a taunting smirk on Matt’s lips and a flame of challenge flickering in his eyes. If there’s one thing Matthew Murdock was good at, it’s being fucking stubborn. You grumbled as you brushed past him, huffing as he chuckled deeply behind you.

“Good girl.”

[quitealotofsodapop]

Wukong may have not even meant to tell then about his pregnancy and the reason he had been seeking immortality. Like, he was probably not used to talking to people outside of his newfound family (something he and Sandy have been working on) and the last time he'd probably seen even half of these people was probably either when he was thrown in the Furnace, sealed under the mountain, or dealing eith some other negative event. Be had exactly 0 friendly memories with most of these people who now hold the fate of his long lost mate's soul in the palms of their hands. So he panicked when a bunch of the nobility started digging up his past crimes, all crimes he had been pardoned for by going onto that Journey mind you, and may have been trying to find a way to e plain it when he accidentally blurts out the truth.

Prosecution: Are wr really going to listen to a monkey who caused so much having and destruction!? Who stole the immortality peaches, and wine, and Lao Tzu's own elixir of immortality!? Who attempted to perform a coup!?

Wukong, bit really he was speaking aloud: It's not like I even wanted to actually perform the coup. That was Azure's crazy ass idea, I just wanted the fucking immortality so the cub would be born safely...

Prosecution: ...What cub?

Wukong *The most guilty and horrified look as he realizes the entire court had heard him*: Oh shit...

Referencing.

Wukong forgot from years of semi-isolation to keep his thoughts to himself. The gasps and loud arguing that erupted amongst the court was almost deafening.

Luckily the Monkey King's mate was too shocked to stay tight-lipped as he normally would;

Macaque, from the prisoner dock: "That's why you were collecting immortalities!? Peaches, why didn't you tell me?"

Wukong: "Because I knew you'd try stopping me if I told you!"

Macaque: "DAMN STRAIGHT I WOULD'VE! Having the cub could still kill you! I don't want to have to choose between you and our infant!"

Wukong, emotional: "I had already experienced half an eternity without you Plums... I thought if I could have this baby, I'd at least be able to tell them the stories of The Hero and the Warrior in your stead ."

Macaque: *stuttering with a deep blush* "Y-you remembered my plays...?"

Wukong, smiling fondly: "It was always the troops' favorite story. You tell it better than I ever could though."

Macaque: *too in-love to comment* ( *///•)

The Gods and Celestials: *surprised/aww'd telenovela noises*

Gold Star (judge): *has to quickly call for order less the arguing continues and derails the trial*

Everyone present in the court room is immediately fixated on the defence. It's literally the most interesting thing they've seen/heard in milennia.

[msmargaretmurry]

18 matthew/leon

18 - things you said when you were scared

(cw for being outed)

In the video, Matthew is instantly recognizable: his curls, wild and golden in the sunshine; his dimpled grin; that stupid Elbo Room t-shirt. His companion is less recognizable, all swim trunks and thick muscle, dark wet hair slicked back from the pool. Over the course of the nine-second clip, Matthew, in the video, tugs this man in and kisses him briefly, then pulls back to say something, then laughs as he’s kissed by the man, longer and more thoroughly. The man has a great ass, and Matthew’s hands find it eagerly as they shift out of view. The cameraperson tries for a moment to find a new angle that works through the foliage and fencing, then gives up. That’s it.

Apparently the Bahamas aren’t far enough to go for some privacy.

While Matthew paces in the bedroom of their rented condo with what seems like his entire family including his uncle-agent on speakerphone, Leon sinks as deep into the couch as is humanly possible, watching the video on repeat in the Tweet that gave it to the world. Leon knows the exact moment it was taken, because it was only yesterday. It would be a hot video if it weren’t so horrifying. They look good together. Matthew looks so happy.

It should be more of a relief that the video doesn’t include a good shot of his face. Instead Leon just feels guilty that Matthew’s the only one getting blown up about it. Feels anxious, waiting for someone to figure it out. Feels nauseous, waiting for what Matthew will say when he emerges from his conference call. Most of what Leon gets through the door is Matthew’s side of the conversation — “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he keeps saying, his voice pitched high, tight with stress. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he keeps saying. “That part doesn’t matter,” a bunch of times in a row, then in an exasperated burst: “That’s none of your business. That’s nobody’s business.”

Leon has no idea who Matthew told his family he was going on vacation with. He just knows it wasn’t him. That’s fine. That’s how it’s supposed to be. 

After an eternity, the bedroom door flies open and Matthew stomps into the main room to start furiously gathering his things.

“I’m going home,” he bites out. 

Leon sits up so quickly his head spins a little. “Sorry, what?”

Matthew doesn’t even pause. He grabs his hoodie from the back of the sofa, his flip-flops from by the door. “There’s a flight tonight, I can make it if I pack fast.”

“”You’re leaving.”

“Um, obviously. My mom’s upset, my dad’s confused, we need to figure out what to do next—”

“Okay, yeah, but what about me?”

Matthew finally whirls to look at him. “What about you?”

It’s like a slap in the face.

“Wow,” says Leon. “Fuck you, too, I guess.”

Matthew deflates. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he says, and rubs a hand over his face, through his hair. “Fuck.”

“No, it’s fine, I get it.” And he does get it, really. Matthew’s life just got rocked, not Leon’s. And it’s not like this is serious, between them. If it was serious, Matthew’s parents wouldn’t be asking who the guy in the video is. Leon’s parents would know where he is right now. When they’d made the plans, Matthew had laughed and said, a lot of effort just to fuck. Leon had grinned and said, yeah, but I’ll make it worth your while.

Leon rocks to his feet and heads for the bedroom. He might as well start packing.

“Leon—” Matthew says, following after him. “I’m sorry, okay? I don’t have time to have this fight right now.”

“We’re not fighting,” Leon says. “You’re leaving, so there’s no point in me staying, so I’m leaving, too.”

“Fuck you,” says Matthew. “You don’t get to be pissed at me right now.”

He’s right. And Leon’s not pissed, not really. Not at Matthew. At whoever did this. A couple of barely-famous hockey players aren’t the kind of people this shit is supposed to happen to. Barely even barely famous. Matthew was right on the phone with his family — it’s not anyone’s business.

“You’re right,” Leon says with a sigh. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Come here.”

Matthew is tense all over, but he lets Leon fold him into a hug. Leon rubs his back, kisses the side of his head, tries not to wonder if this is the last time they’ll ever do this.

“Sorry,” Leon says again.

Matthew exhales wetly against his neck. “I have to leave. I can’t be here. You know I hate people getting in my business. I can’t—”

“I know, I know, I know,” Leon says. He hugs Matthew tighter as his stomach ties itself in knots. 

“I’ll figure out what to tell people,” Matthew mumbles, his fingers curling into Leon’s shirt. “I can just say it was some guy I met here — maybe I wanted a vacation alone or something, I don’t know— I mean, my parents will hate that, they want me to have a secret nice boyfriend or something so we can trot him out and be like, look, still totally wholesome, nothing to see here—”

“Okay,” Leon says.

There’s a beat, and then Matthew pulls back to look at him with a frown. “Okay what?”

“I just mean, if it’s easier that way.” Leon’s brain catches up with what’s coming out of his mouth, and his cheeks are suddenly hot. “I mean. If you need me to be a boyfriend. If that would help. I can do that.”

Matthew stares. “I don’t— I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Did you ask?” Leon says. “No. I’m just saying. If you want.”

It’s probably a very stupid offer. The kind of offer that could blow up Leon’s life in ways he’s only ever thought about as vague, distant what-ifs. The kind of offer you’re supposed to offer only if it’s serious. Definitely the kind of offer he should think about for more than five seconds, but none of that seems particularly important right now.

Matthew sags into the hug again, holding on even tighter than before. Leon squeezes him, kisses his hair, breathes in the smell of the ocean.

“At the very least let me help you pack,” he murmurs. Matthew lets out a long, shaky breath, his fingers digging into Leon’s back.

“Maybe I can fly out in the morning instead.”

[incorrect-house-of-nine]

God, when you think about it, Harrowhark Nonagesimus is a very loved person. Just by being her brilliant gremlin self.

The Fourth are in awe and bravely willing to risk damning their eternal souls out of fidelity.  The Seventh, though never met, come in clutch because of kindness shown in lieu, and avenging them in their absence. The Fifth, parental guidance and protection given. Marta, again, vengeance delivered Ortus. His whole ass deal.

None of them had to come when they were called, but they did. The Sixth are so kind an patient with her, whilst treating her with nothing but respect and looking after her with such tender loving care.

The Third, the way Corona handles Nona/Harrow's body (though she says, she knows what Nona is, even if the others don't.) Ianthe, for all her bluster, seems genuinely willing to risk everything and perhaps burn the world in the process. Gideon -- the whole point of me is you. My very existence hurts without you. Pyrrha: trying to give Nona/Harrow some sort of childhood knowing full well she never received it on the Ninth.  (On arrival on the Ninth. She wasn't talking about Nona here.)

*Do you think she's ever had any presents? ///// This place was always grim, even back when Ana first started it and its only gotten worse: *paraphrasing*  Even Crux calling her his girlchild. And she referring to him as her nurse maid. How he spoon fed her when she was so mentally unwell she couldn't feed herself. AND THEN THERE’S GIDEON: Pyrrha: though rebuffed, trying to be a parent, proving that its never too late to start. Possibly even heart sore that she never got to raise this kid, guilty that Wake's kid had to grow up thinking there was no-one out there that would love them. Aiglamene willing to throw all propriety and decorum out the window, station be damned, willing to commit insubordination and to tear her lady a new one and black her eyes because she failed to protect Gideon. THE FUCKING FACE TOUCH!!!!!! Corona's tenderness with Gideon's body. The loving touches. Cam and Pal's patience and kindness/understanding, even in the face of Gideon being a massive dick. Paul's continued trust/understanding. (though Kiriona is being an asshole) *"Ninth, where have I seen this before? I can’t piece together my memories."* Ianthe: *Yo bestie! Crafting time!"* Jeannemary. *"Tell Gideon I said hello!"*

Harrow: sacrificing the most important thing to her, her brain, her intellect, in order to give Gideon a life she was owed. To return that which the Ninth tried to take from her time and time again. Because she loves her, cherishes her so fucking dearly. With this series: 

Addition. Also finding out that Gideon Prime actually really liked Harrow makes John's orders to assassinate her all the more painful. (Pyrrha says it somewhere.)

"I find the responsibility a hard one to bare." hits so fucking differently after the admission by Pyrrha. (If reblogging, please use #nona the ninth and #nona the ninth spoilers. Cheers and thankyou.)

[fuckthemforthis]

And what if... Ne Bi Smel isn't about the kind of cheating we think? What if it's actually about "cheating" the band and especially Kris?

We know the second album consists of more authentic Bojan's experiences, but we also know he once emphasised he never cheated. Yet the song feels highly personal, so...

Rad bi vedel kaj lahko nardim

Da mikro kozmos tvoj nazaj dobim

(I would love to know what I can do

to get your microcosm back)

-> We've noticed, especially lately, Bojan singing these words to Kris directly. We also know it was their creative differences behind pausing the band, and that the band "wasn't really cohesive and harmonious" before the pause. Hence the wondering how to get their little universe back. Both the band's, and Kris'.

Ni besed pravilnih, celo noč sem jih iskal

Razen, da iskreno rečem da neskončno mi je žal

(There are no right words, I've searched for them all night

Besides honestly saying that I'm infinitely sorry)

-> When talking about it, he looks serious and melancholic. And I can imagine him tapping his pen all night when realisation hit him, just to write this, because really, what else can he say? Even with this song, he can't find a way to take away the pain he feels he caused. And he still looks at Kris while singing this part, because again, it was their creative differences and he's possibly putting most blame on himself. Even though it's behind them now and they're stronger for it, it's probably one of the hardest experiences they shared and that bond makes him look at Krisko with all the love.

Čez resnico sem potresu svoj pepel

Večno kriv, nikoli cel

(I sprinkled my ashes over the truth

Eternally guilty, never whole)

-> He repented privately and publicly, maybe even through this song. Without getting back his band and the full depth of the relationship he shared with Kris and the rest, he could never feel whole. Like he said, he realised loneliness and solo career weren't satisfactory for him and repentantly came back.

Vem da ne bi smel, a drugače nisem znal

Ugasniti tišine, bežati od bližine

(I know I shouldn't, but I knew no better way

To turn off the silences, run away from closeness)

-> Even while writing "solo artist appropriate songs", he knew he shouldn't have been doing that. But instead of music, the band's unsynchronization provided silences that haunted him. He needed to turn them off, and rather than working on getting back their mojo and closeness, he chose the seemingly easy way out and ran away from trying.

Rane puščam si odprte, da jih objame sol

Če ne vrneš se domov

(I'm leaving my wounds open for salt to cover them

If you don't come back home)

-> He chose to not only accept - but invite the pain if he doesn't get his band back. The safety of their bond and mutual understanding prior to these mistakes felt like home. His weird ass dynamic with Kris felt like home. And if he somehow couldn't get him to fall back into what they shared, get him to forgive and come home, Bojan wasn't going to try to heal, because he believed he would deserve to suffer.

Izdal te za trenutek lažne sreče

Zdaj pa spet me k tebi vleče

(I betrayed you for a moment of false happiness

But now I'm drawn to you again)

-> He betrayed the band, and most of all Kris for what he though would be his big break and make him happy, but he realised quickly enough it was the opposite - very superficial and not doing it for him. And that is when he was drawn back to where he belonged. Kris playing Gola for him only helped cement it. Their creative differences may have helped put the band on pause, but it was probably only them that also could've - and have - resumed it.

So yeah. This is my headcanon now. Anyway...

[miquella-everywhere]

Miquella and the Carian Royal Family

Okay so, I read somewhere in cut content(which i cannot find for the life of me 😢 if anyone knows what in talking about plz help me out lol) that it was apparently Radagon who introduced Miquella to the Carian Family. Which is... a pretty damn awkward situation all around lol

Like really, can you imagine being Miquella? Going into your fathers previous family and seeing all things that he had done to stifle them; the Preceptors mask, their step-siblings(Ranni and Rykard specifically) hostility to the Golden Order, Rennalas declining mental state... Like what sort of feelings would Miquella have had in that situation?

Could they have been indifferent perhaps? Maybe they felt pity or guilty for Carias decline? Or maybe it was the beginning of a budding disdain for Radagon and Fundamentalism altogether?

Either way, it's evident that Miquella spent quite a bit of time there, what with the Miquellan Knights Sword being based off of the Carian Knights Sword and even the Haligtree Knights, the absolute pain in the ass they are, know a few Glintstone Sorceries meaning Miquella was heavily inspired by the Carians and clearly respected them.

And the Carians also seem to have respected Miquella as well, so much so that one of their own Knights, Loretta, would switch sides and swear fealty to Miquella and their Haligtree, but also remain loyal enough to leave behind her spirit to defend Caria Manor.

So with all of this I can't help but wonder about the relationships that Miquella may have had with the rest of the Carian family, and I plan on discussing it in this post!

Keep in mind that some of this is speculation along with a few personal headcanons, so take all of this with a grain of salt please lol

Rennala

Just... Rennalas whole deal with her grief surrounding Radagon and her obsession with rebirth and the scholars that come from her amber egg is already pretty heavy. And then for Miquella to come in and potentially meet his step-mother(who's mind may or may not have been declining at that point) could lead to a very awkward confrontation.

Could Rannala had resentment towards Miquella? Or could she have been utterly enamored with the eternally young Demigod and treated them as one of her own?

Rennala: My little Sweeting :)

Miquella: Well I guess I'm a little sweeting now 🤷

akdhhsajdh Either way, regardless of her true feelings it's clear that Rennala allowed Miquella residence at Caria Manor, and it's from there that Miquella became acquainted with their other Carian Step-Siblings.

Ranni

Ranni and Miquella are both two characters that, at a glance, seem like they wouldn't get along at all considering the canon lore.

Ranni was a Carian Sorcerer, Miquella was a Golden Order Fundamentalist. Ranni murders Godwyn to further her own agenda, and Godwyn was Miquella's beloved older brother, someone who they loved very dearly, going so far as to concoct a plan to revive his soul somehow. So at first you'd think that Miquella and Ranni would be hostile towards one another considering everything, but as I digged more into the lore and Ranni's passing mentions of Miquella it became apparent, at least from Rannis viewpoint, that there is no ill-will between the two Empyreans.

At the very beginning of the game you encounter Ranni at the Church of Elle and she asks you if you are riding a Spectral Steed called Torrent, and, if you say yes, Ranni seems pleased by this and gives you a Spirit Calling Bell and the Lone Wolves Ashes, both items that were entrusted to her by Torrents former Master to hand off to you. (which also implies that Miquella knew Torrent would choose a Tarnished like what???? 😳)

Later on she specifically says that she is pleased to see Torrent hail and hearty, and when you hand her the Finger-Slayer Blade she extends her thanks to Torrent in his part in all of this.

So, CLEARLY, there is much more going on here than we're being allowed to know, with Torrent likely acting as an extension of Miquellas will while they slumber.

But the important thing that can be gathered from all of this is that Miquella and Ranni seem to be pretty okay with each other for the most part. And if you subscribe to the theory that Miquella sent Malenia to fight Radahn to free the moon and their fate, like I do, then it becomes fairly obvious that Ranni and Miquella have quite a bit in common, and perhaps even have a shared fate.

But unfortunately we'll have to wait until the DLC to get any concrete confirmation for any of this lol 😭

Radahn

The most important thing you need to understand about Radahns character is that he is kind. He is a good man who was respected by his Generals and Soldiers alike, and he was a man who loved animals as well. So if you think that he didn't see his two cursed younger siblings and thought, "Wow these two need a role model," then you are wrong.

jk 😂

But really, I can't really find much of a connection between Miquella and Radahn, other than the locations of Miquellas Lily in Redmane Castle and Sellia, which indicates that Miquella did spend time there, but the more important connection to focus on is the relationship between Malenia and Radahn.

Malenia likely always aspired to be of use to Miquella, especially with how dedicated they were to finding a cure for her, so she probably trained to be able to weild a sword from a young age despite the Rot essentially crippling her. And Radahn most likely found that to be very admirable of his younger sister, so my theory is that while Miquella stayed at Redmane and studied at Sellia, Radahn probably taught Malenia a few things or two about combat and the art of war, before she ended up meeting her Blind Master later on.

And if anything this just makes their final confrontation in Caelid all the more tragic :'(

Rykard

While Miquella was famed for blessing the low and the meek, Rykard was infamous for his cruelty and blasphemy. You wouldn't think that these two would have anything in common, but they actually have quite a few parallels to one another:

They are both sons of Radagons (who both became estranged from him later on)

They both have a proficiency for mechanical engineering i.e Rykards Iron Virgins, Miquellas Pulley Bow/Crossbow and Prosthetics

They both have a form of disdain for the Golden Order: Rykard and his blasphemy, and Miquella outright rejecting Fundamentalism

So with all this I can imagine that their relationship/interactions would have been... Interesting to say the least.

Now this part is speculation/headcanons, but with Miquella's arrival to Caria Manor Rykard would definitely have felt disdain for his prodigal half-sibling, and would have likely ribbed Miquella as eloquently as possible. But Miquella, an Empyrean, steadfast and determined, would not have backed down from Rykard.

Cue the most intense discussion about Religion and Science in the Lands Between ever. Everyone within earshot of these two are terrified 😂

So I can imagine that despite their differences Rykard and Miquella probably had a mutual respect for one another. Heck, it hasn't been posted yet, but in my Lily Hunt in Mt. Gelmir you can find several Miquella's Lily's in some pretty unlikely places, meaning that Rykard did allow Miquella to be on Mt. Gelmir doing... whatever it was that they were doing there lol

Also

Wouldn't you say that the Tonic of Forgetfulness is a little too floral for Rykards aesthetics???? 🤔

I mean, in cut content, if Miquella/St. Trina had the ability to make Dream Brew, which doubled as alcohol and a way to peer into someones deepest secrets, it wouldn't be too farfetched if Miquella could craft a brew that could erase someones painful memories.

If this theory is correct then it definitely puts an interesting spin on Miquella and Rykards relationship; two characters who are complete polar opposites to eachother.

But if Rykard commissioned Miquella to create a tonic that would give Tanith the option to spare herself from the potential pain of Rykards blasphemous path, how could Miquella refuse such a request? After all, they know very well about the desire to relieve someone of their pain and suffering.

[archivernon]

1:33—anong gagawin kung wala ka?

wrong time, wrong place, wrong person?

notes: a little (big) inspired by my situation in real life 🥲 not proofread! grammar and typo errors r expected

here you were again, sitting on the planes of the grass with a sketchpad on hand.

the graphite on the pencil disappearing as you finished your piece of art, each piece decorated with love and detail for your friend, jeon wonwoo.

it's been a few months since you confessed, and a few months since you talked to each other too; and now you regret that you ever took the risk in the first place.

music blasting in your ears as you lay down on the pointy grass, not caring if it stings your delicate skin. closing your eyes briefly before looking at the clear sky, it was noon when a mutual friend of the both of yours invited you to a picnic date.

you look from afar, looking at wonwoo with soft but melancholy eyes, a smile appearing on your face as you admired his features. your good looking boy.

you anxiously ranted to your friend, spewing the possible what if's in your head when you gave wonwoo your confession letter.

you'd been crushing on him for a while, more than a while now.

"calm down y/n, it's not like you're gonna die if he doesn't reciprocate."

your friend tries to calm you down, hand on your shoulder to stop, letting you take a deep breath.

"here he comes." your friend whispers with a mischievous smile then left you behind. "hey!—"

"y/n? it's yours right...?"

you nodded, too embarrassed and defeated to even look at him, fidgeting on your fingers, he thanked you.

"thank you... i've been err, noticing your feelings about me but i didn't pry further but it looks like i'm right. i'm sorry, but i'm not ready for a relationship." he looked guilty, why would he be?

"h–hey! that's totally fine don't be sorry pshh! as long as you're not gonna be awkward with me or... stop talking to me."

"don't worry, i'm not that kind of person." he smiled.

he never said if you had a chance, he never stated if he liked you or not, or is that him lowkey rejecting you? nevertheless you were willing to wait for him for eternity.

his smile was intoxicating, 'i'm not that kind of person' my ass, you cursed mentally. he's been avoiding you since that day, you understood but it's been more than months, he wouldn't talk to you unless you do the first move but at times you'd have to repeat your sentence then he'll reply, it made you look like a fool.

he was a total different person now.

you would've understood why he was avoiding you if he opened up about his feelings, you'd willingly stop talking to him if he said anything or... is he trying to give me signs?

you sighed, your feelings all over the place. sometimes you wonder maybe it's your fault that you're feeling this way or maybe that you're making him uncomfortable.

he was like the light in your life that you needed to walk around to find the right path, the comfort that you needed in times a meteor strucks you. he was always there, before.

or maybe he was just too friendly, a little too friendly that made you fall in love with him in the first place

then you wondered.

what would happen if he was gone in your life? what would happen if the signs connected together and he cut you off his life for good?

what would happen to you?

[no-psi-nan]

Based on that previous anon ask, I started wondering what could possibly motivate Saiki to be the one actually wooing Toritsuka, given his general passivity and the Inherent Cringe of liking Toritsuka.

And I think it would almost have to be a life-threatening situation for Saiki to do it hsfjdlshfks. His disastrous ace ass would really rather suppress eternal pining for Toritsuka to making a move on him than actually admit to having feelings lol. Maybe after like 5-10 years of Toritsuka being clueless would Saiki start making moves!

Here's the premise for a situation I thought up though, that would be fun:

Okay so in manga chapter 109, the occult club trip episode, Toritsuka shows off his bedroom, which has been outfitted with the latest in trendy goods.

Where'd he get the money for it? The monks were definitely not financing this, and the only time we see Toritsuka make money is afterwards, in chapter 130, when he charges tourists money to ring the new year's bell.

Toritsuka is obviously not working any sort of job, and it's unlikely that he's straight-up stealing money, so my explanation is that his dad has $$$$$ and occasionally feels a little guilty about sending his son to superhell a random temple, and can be convinced to fork over cash sometimes.

So anyways here's the actual situation: Toritsuka's dad is actually hella rich but Toritsuka has no clue that when his dad kicks the bucket that he's in for a mega inheritance.

However, there's a woman who's figured that out, and she's thinking that if she can trick Toritsuka into marrying her, she can get his dad killed off and then take everything in the divorce by making it seem like he was cheating on her or abusing her or something.

Saiki finds this out when Toritsuka excitedly presents his new girlfriend to him. Saiki would normally just tell him that she was evil, but he catches onto Toritsuka's excited and happy thoughts about finally feeling wanted instead of always being considered trash, and his hope that he'll finally get over his impossible crush on Saiki.

Now Saiki is stuck, because he knows Toritsuka will be completely crushed if he reveals to him that he's still garbage and that girl only wants him for financial reasons. Even if Saiki can trick the girl into admitting the truth, or if he can terrorize the girl into abandoning her scheme and dumping Toritsuka, the end result will still be Toritsuka feeling like shit.

The only way to save Toritsuka's newfound self-esteem would be to convince him to dump her on his own, at which point Saiki can get rid of her more permanently.

And at first, Saiki tries to make her look bad in front of Toritsuka, but this accomplishes nothing because Toritsuka is really determined to hang onto the only girl who's ever accepted him and he's also trying really hard to get over Saiki.

Saiki knows if he just bluntly tells Toritsuka that he likes him, Toritsuka won't believe it, and will (correctly) think that there's some ulterior motive involved. Toritsuka's not THAT stupid.

So there's basically no option left, except wooing Toritsuka so he dumps the girl in favor of Saiki. Saiki has to make it obvious that he really likes Toritsuka and would be open to dating him, but make it subtle enough that Toritsuka doesn't get suspicious.

And you could do this by having Saiki as himself or having Saiki go one step further and approaching Toritsuka as Kuriko, with a different enough look that Toritsuka won't recognize Saiki (and then have a moment where Toritsuka ends up recognizing her anyways because she keeps reminding him of Saiki).

"How would Saiki attempt to woo someone" is already a hilarious question to ponder, but adding in an oblivious Toritsuka makes that even funnier.

Adding this idea to the free real estate pile in case anyone wants to write this lmao.

[wuffgang-ameowdeus-moozart]

spiritual sequel to this <3

He gulps, his adam's apple pressing against the broken bottle. For a second he is transported back to an eternity ago, when he and Nance had still been together. The weird freaky loner was suddenly imposing, a real threat that could be enacted upon at any moment. His heart is beating too fast but he knows it isn't just out of fear. First Jonathan Byers, now Eddie Munson. He clearly has a type.

And then he thinks: no. And he simply refuses.

See, Steve has learnt over the years that he is very good that. Refusing. His parents commanded him to maintain an upstanding reputation, rebellious and neglected as he was he obviously refused, and somehow they never found out about the parties he used throw in their residence. Tommy and Carol - his closest friends since kindergarden - told him again and again to drop Nancy, and he refused. Billy almost killed him because he refused to let him harm his kids. Robin told him she was a lesbian, so he refused to have romantic feelings for her and now she is the best friend he has ever had and his literal soulmate (platonic with a capital P, of course)

So he remembers how disappointed Lucas looked when he didn't see any of his friends - or even his sister - on the stands. He remembers how much fun Lucas always has playing D&D, how his eyes shone when he talked about Eddie and his awesome campaigns. He remembers how much of a jackass Jason Carver - who somehow managed to become team captain - had been back when he'd first started basketball (and from what Robin tells him, he only got worse). He hadn't even instigated this particular bout of violence by insulting Munson's little brother who had recently disappeared and been presumed dead (his insides still try to tear themselves to pieces in shame every time he thinks about that) so he doesn't need to feel guilty.

Suddenly it is much easier to focus on the ugly raw desperation in those eyes instead of their warm brown color. The strong grip on his arm is nothing but uncomfortable (and no, definitely not in that way). Eddie's self-care routine must be awful judging by the chapped state of his lips (no, the fact that Jonathan Byers did not own a single moisturizer when he'd had a crush on him does not come into play here. Neither the fact that Munson's lips are very close to his). And, most importantly, he must be an awful person because not only did he steal Steve's kids away, but he doesn't even do the bare minimum and properly take care of them. On the contrary, he had the audacity to turn Dustin and Mike against Lucas. Who had been best friends since before middle school.

(Steve doesn't even have to actively suppress any details this time. He remembers how Lucas tried to hide his disappointment when Steve and Robin had been the only ones from their little gang who came to congratulate him. The thought alone makes him angry enough that the only thing he can see is red.)

Dustin pleads for Eddie to let go and it is even easier to ignore how "weirdos who look like they haven't slept in a week and can absolutely kick his ass" seem to really do something for him while not feeling the other's warm breath against his face. They have a short discussion that ends with them leaving Eddie behind for now. Alone. Doesn't feel too good, huh?

It's not like he thinks that Eddie committed the murders. The tremor in his voice and tears in his eyes remind him of his own first few days after finding out about the upside down, and he doesn't think that Dustin and Mike would be so blinded by their adoration that they'd miss the fact that the dude they worship is a literal serial killer, nosy little shits that they are. And sure, the guy doesn't deserve to have the entire town call him a satanic serial killer and chase him like a wild dog. And sleeping in a fucking boat can't be really comfortable.

However.

Eddie is also the reason that Lucas had to celebrate his victory with a bunch of strangers he didn't feel comfortable with. Eddie is the reason that Lucas isn't here right now, where Steve can keep an eye on him. The upside down is making their move once again and Hopper is dead and Joyce is gone and at least Mike flew away into safety (please be safe) but Max is gone and Lucas is gone and he has to take care of Robin too and also fucking Eddie Munson who is the fucking reason their group isn't complete right now and he can feel his nerves fraying and he is losing his fucking mind.

So maybe he resents Eddie for being able to befriend the kids without having to go through multiple traumatic experiences with them. Maybe he resents how obsessed Dustin and Mike are with him even though he doesn't even care for them. Maybe he resents how Lucas' disappointment reminds him so much of when he still searched for his parents after a good game: that stubborn glimmer of hope he couldn't erase even if he knew how foolish it was. Maybe he resents how Eddie never felt the need to pretend to be someone else, how he was always loud and weird and a freak and stood to it no matter what people said. Maybe he resents Eddie for being another person he has to look after even though he is the eldest (it is his responsibility to keep everybody safe but he isn't sure he can do it and why is Eddie allowed to be scared when Steve has also seen death and blood and guts and Eddie is just as close to the kids and he's even older than him and it isn't fucking fair). Maybe he is just tired and terrified and fucking mad because they don't fucking deserve this. Eddie was the one thing that made school less unbearable for the kids, and the upside down had to come and taint that, too.

Well, it doesn't matter either way. This isn't about him. This is about Robin and Nancy and the kids and now also Eddie Munson. Maybe he doesn't like him, but that doesn't matter. Because he is the protector, and it is his job to keep everybody safe, and he has already failed way too often. Protection - the right to live and not be ripped into pieces by terrifying monsters from another dimension - isn't something that has to be earned.

The door falls shut behind them. The last thing he sees are wide terrified eyes.

He can't stop thinking about Lucas and Max.

[animeniacss]

So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 9 - Special Visitors

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 6.9k words

Chapter 9 - Special Visitors

Mingyu and Joshua stood in silence for what felt like an eternity. Joshua was used to eternity. As he stared at Mingyu, he watched his features change. He was shocked; eyes wide at the seemingly calm individual shouting something so out of nowhere. He was confused; eyebrows narrowing as he tried to infer exactly what Joshua meant. It took a second, but he was soon angry; eyes narrow as he looked at Joshua once more. “I’m sorry…what?”

           “You need to leave her alone.”

           “Joshua.” Jeonghan tried one more time, but it was like he suddenly turned invisible.

           “And who are you to tell me that?” Mingyu asked. He stepped closer to Joshua, who said nothing as he continued to stare right at him. “If anything, I’d like to know what happened so I can fix it. Weren’t you the one who was so eager to help me just the other day?”

           “That was then and this is now. You’re the one who lied to her and made her upset. You seem to have been selfish the entire time and she’s the one suffering. And she won’t even tell you why because she knows it’ll cause you to feel guilty.” Mingyu hesitated a bit, his angered expression not once faltering. When he saw Joshua’s hand rub his shoulder, jaw clenching a bit as he continued to stand tall in front of him, Mingyu shook his head. 

           “Joshua,” Jeonghan repeated, but Joshua wasn’t done.

           “She clearly doesn’t matter to you, since you have no problem swooning many girls across Asia so they drop everything and follow you home. What did you even give to Mina that had her run after you when you left?” 

           “What are you even talking about?” Mingyu asked. 

           “You know,” Joshua said simply. “And now Jeonghan and I are here trying to pick up the pieces and make her feel better because you have been seemingly nothing but secretive.” He scoffed. “I don’t know what she sees in you.”

           “I can kick your ass, you know that?” Mingyu asked.

           “Tch. You won’t. Not only because you don’t mean that, but she’ll never forgive you.” Mingyu’s eyes darted away for a second at the sassy remark, and Joshua shook his head.

           However, Joshua only had one second to feel a new wave of confidence, because Mingyu blurted back with: “What? Do you love her or something?!” Joshua’s breath caught in his throat, and piercing pain shot from between his shoulder blades. It bolted down his shoulders and to the tips of each finger, before going back again. Over and over, the ping-pong sensation of this lightning bolt moved, trapped in his body and trying to get out. Joshua’s grip on his shoulder tightened before finally loosened. He dropped to his knees, taking a second for his entire body to let out a shaky gasp. “Woah. Shit.” Mingyu gasped, stepping back. “What the…?”

           “Joshua.” Jeonghan hurried to his side, kneeling. Joshua looked over, using his free hand to rub ever-growing sweat off his brow. Jeonghan leaned close. “Stop it. You’re going to make a big mistake.” He quickly muttered a bitter yet terrified hiss between his teeth. Joshua nodded, shaking his head to bring himself back to reality. Slowly, he could feel his body calming down, the convulsing pains slowly dulling before disappearing to a numb pounding between his shoulder blades.

When he looked up, he saw a hand sticking in his direction. He followed the arm until it reached Mingyu’s face. His expression was neutral, no longer angry or ready to start a fight. Reluctantly, Joshua took his hand and stood to his feet. “Whew.”

“Are you okay?” Mingyu asked, clear confusion still written on his face like an open book.

           “Yeah.” Joshua gasped out, nodding his head. He had no energy to continue being jealous of Mingyu. The idea of that feeling alone made his back throb in pain. He immediately felt Jeonghan take his arm.

           “Let’s go.” He said. Joshua could not even argue, rubbing his shoulder as Jeonghan led him away from the swarming eyes of the crowd. Mingyu watched the duo disappear out of the view of the public eye, and for a second, Mingyu was tempted to follow to make sure Joshua was ok. Feelings aside, the pain on Joshua’s face felt thick, contagious even. Any who got close could catch that pain for themselves, taking some of it from his burdened shoulders. It made Mingyu shudder. Just then, he heard a voice behind him, pulling him from his thoughts. When he looked over, he saw you and Hoshi exiting the library. It took a second for both of your eyes to meet, Hoshi not taking long to see the both of you lock eyes as well. He put a hand on your shoulder, smiling sweetly at you in what seemed to read as reassurance. You looked back at Mingyu, waving your hand in his direction. Mingyu raised his hand as well. God, did he want to say something to you? He wanted to talk and walk with you on the way to class like you usually did. However, even from a distance, he could see hurt in your eyes, and he bit his tongue as he simply made his way to class, quietly holding back all of the things he so desperately wanted to say to you right then and there.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           Jeonghan waited mere seconds for the duo to be alone to turn to Joshua, who still seemed a bit disoriented, before shouting: “Are you kidding?!”

           “Huh?” Joshua asked, looking at his friend.

           “You almost got in a fight with Mingyu. Why?”

           “He upset her.”

           “Don’t make excuses. You’re jealous.”              

           Joshua’s eyes went wide at the accusation. “Jealous? Are you out of your mind!?”

           “Me? Aaaah, Joshua. Are you stupid? If you do this-.”

           “I’m not doing anything,” Joshua said. “He needs to know that she’s upset for hiding secrets from her!”

           “Yeah, and you acting like a jealous boyfriend is not the way to do it! You didn’t even ask me before you started talking to him!”

           “I was able to handle it.”

           Jeonghan snorted, shoving Joshua back by his right shoulder. Joshua flinched at the pain. “Yeah. Right.”

           As you were heading down the path, you wondered where Joshua and Jeonghan were so close to your next class. It was surprising not seeing them by the library after class ended, ready to chat you up with their new ideas on how to fix your relationship with Mingyu and get Mina out of the way once and for all. The more you thought about it, the less it felt possible. You didn’t know how talking to Mingyu would feel going forward knowing that he held such a big secret from you, with no intention of you ever finding out. Without Joshua and Jeonghan checking on things in ways only they could, would you have figured it out?  

           “You’re getting angry over nothing! It’s fine.”

           The sound of an angry, yet familiar voice, stopped you in your tracks and turned your attention towards its source. The trees surrounding the nearby picnic area that few students occupied were thick, but you saw what looked to be two figures at the top of the hill, close in proximity to one another as they talked. You stepped closer, and the yelling got louder:

           “You almost flew into a jealous rage over the guy we’re trying to get someone set up with.” Jeonghan clapped his hands ferociously to the beat of his rant. “Not only that, if your body didn’t reject all that negative emotion, you probably would have punched him.”

           “No, I-.” Joshua stopped himself, tongue pressing the inside of his cheek in annoyance.

           Being correct was not something that felt rewarding at this moment, and Jeonghan groaned. “Envy is a sin, idiot,” Jeonghan said.

           “I know that,” Joshua said. “Stop lecturing me. You’re not Seungcheol.”     

           “Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not!” He said. “If he finds out…”

           “Don’t threaten me, Jeonghan.” Joshua crossed his arms. As you got closer, your shoulders slumped as you finally recognized the duo fully. I wonder what made them decide to get into one of their silly arguments here? You thought, especially when you saw that nobody else was around to witness the fight. As you hurried closer, it seemed the duo didn’t even notice as they continued shouting at one another.

           “Guys?” you called. No response. “Hey.” You stuck your hands in between the duo, much as you always did. “Hey.” You said once more time.

           “You’re going to ruin everything!”

           “I am not!”

           “What are you going to ruin?” You asked, hoping that if you inserted yourself in the conversation, it would snap their attention back to you. It did.

           “STAY OUT OF THIS!”

           The silence you so desperately wanted hit the three of you like a truck, and your hands dropped to your sides. Joshua and Jeonghan looked at you for a moment, then at one another. You nodded your head, before fixing the backpack strap that was digging into your shoulder from how hard you were gripping it.

           “I’m sorry.” You muttered, before turning around and heading back down the path you came from.

           “Wait,” Jeonghan called, but it fell on deaf ears, your walk picking up into a brisk jog as you hurried straight into the building of your next class. “Oh, no.” He looked at Joshua, who stared in the direction you hurried off to with an absolutely stunned expression.             

           “Oh, okay this really isn’t good, huh?” he muttered to himself, hand running through his hair as he tried pacing, hoping it would come up with a plan to help them solve this.

           Nothing came to him, and he wished he could simply curl up in a ball and sit with that debilitating pain in his side. It hurt much less.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           Instead of going to class as you had intended, you found yourself sitting on one of the concrete ledges that led to the open practice field. The campus soccer team was out there now, practicing while the sun was still high in the sky. You pulled your knees to your chest, chin resting in between your knees as you watched them play. The image of Joshua and Jeonghan, the literal epitome of beauty, elegance, purity, and grace, in a screaming match, made your heart hurt.

           “I didn’t think angels had it in them to fight like that.” You mumbled. “I hope I didn’t do anything, and everything is okay.”

           “For what?” You heard a voice call from behind. When you looked up, you saw Mingyu walking over. His pace slowed just a bit the closer he got, but he motioned beside you. “Hey. May I?” You were hesitant, sure, unsure what the both of you would talk about. However, it beat feeling alone, and you nodded. Mingyu plopped down beside you, his feet dangling over the large wall that dropped to the very edge of the field. He was silent for a moment, resting his palms behind him like a podium and reclining back a bit. “Did you find Joshua and Jeonghan?”

           “Yeah.” You said. Mingyu tilted his head as you squeezed your knees even tighter. “I think they’re upset with me.”

           “What? Why?” Mingyu asked. You shrugged.

           “They were arguing. I tried to stop them but they didn’t seem to want me involved.”

           Mingyu thought back to how roughly Jeonghan pulled Joshua away a bit ago. He shook his head. “I don’t think that means they are upset with you.” Mingyu assured. “You just have to let them figure it out. They seem pretty close. I’m sure it’ll be ok.”

           “I hope so.” You agreed, a solemn tone still lingering in your voice. As you glanced over at Mingyu, you saw his head tilt up to the sky. The glow of the sun tickled his features, eyes squinting a bit to not let its rays sting them too much. It got to the point where he raised a hand, using it as a shield to cover his eyes better. When he looked back at you, he seemed shocked to see you staring back. However, that didn’t stop a smile from creeping onto his face.

           “You know.” He began. “Finals are coming up soon.”

           “Oh, great.” You muttered. “That makes me feel so much better.”

           Mingyu smiled. “I promised to give you a great birthday this year when they’re over. Even better than just chicken.” You remembered parts of that conversation, the both of you laughing in the car after a delicious and filling meal together. It felt so foreign thinking back. “I know you’re upset with me.”

           “I’m not.” You quickly interjected. Mingyu frowned.

           “You seem upset with me.” He stated.

           “You didn’t do anything to warrant me being upset with you.” Mingyu smiled.

           “I know that’s not true. You’ve been avoiding me for an entire week.” He confessed.

“It’s finals. You said so.”

“When had that ever mattered?” he asked. “I figured you needed space. I told the others to give you some too. I was worried someone like Seungkwan would try to meddle in and make it worse.” You shook your head, Hoshi’s smiling face flashing in your mind. “I must have done something. You don’t look at someone with so much pain in your eyes unless they’ve hurt you.” Immediately, you turned your face from his view, allowing him to laugh in amusement. “See? Told you.” The sound of him gliding along the concrete caused you to turn back in curiosity about his movements. He was sitting closer to you, and you looked up at him. “Whatever I did to upset you, I’m sorry. Please, let me make it up to you by giving you a good birthday.”  You seemed hesitant as your eyes wavered. “I promise that I’ll make it worth a million apologies.”

           “Why didn’t you say you were going to Japan to meet for an arranged marriage?” The words spilled out like warm liquid from a dropped glass, causing you to look as shocked as Mingyu did. He blinked, staring down at you as he tried to find the right words to say. “Mina told me.” You added.

           “I had intended to turn her down from the moment I knew I was going.” He said. “I don’t know why she followed me here.”

           The fact that you knew the reason clear as day made your heart speed up just a bit. “You didn’t tell any of us.” You said softly.

           “I’m sorry.” Was all Mingyu could muster, the hurt in his voice once again obvious. “I didn’t know how to. It’s not as easy to share as a ‘sudden business trip’, you know?” a smile formed on your lips, and the beaming grin that formed on Mingyu’s face in return could have most likely been seen from a mile away. “Aah, perfect. I got a smile.” He took that as a sign to stand up, grabbing his bookbag and looking down at you. “Let’s change the topic. I hope you’re ready for the best birthday of your life.” He said. “I already planned the entire thing.”

           “No, you did not!” You gasped, standing up beside him as he roared in amused laughter.

           “Did to. It’s going to be awesome.” The both of you turned, ready to head back to class, when two more individuals stood in your way. Mingyu’s playful smile turned to a frown of disinterest, seeing Joshua and Jeonghan standing there in silence. When Mingyu stepped forward, you reached out and took his arm.

           “I’ll see you later. Okay?” you said. Mingyu seemed hesitant, offering one more look at the men who had long since stopped their bickering, and had resorted to not speaking at all.

           “Fine.” He said. “I’ll come by and see you at the café when my classes are done.” You agreed, waving Mingyu off as he brushed past the two angels and headed off down the path he was originally on, leaving the three of you alone. You knelt, picked up your bag, and put it on your shoulder. No words were able to come out of your mouth as you watched the both of them approach you, visibly upset by what transpired moments before.

           When they stuck two strawberry milks in your direction, you looked up at them with a cocked eyebrow. You immediately caught their guilty expressions, motioning the drinks closer to you.

           “Sorry.” They both said.

           “Are you done fighting?” you asked.

           Like twin parrots, they said: “Yes.”

           “Promise?”

           “Yes.” The parrots squawked.

“Even if it’s a joke?”

They hesitated there, finally sharing a glance since the three of you reunited. “…No.” You laughed a bit. Reaching out, you took both of the strawberry milks into your hands.

           “I guess I will have to accept that, then.” The duo seemed relieved, and you looked between them once more. “Can I ask now what you two were even fighting over?” Again, the duo shared a look, seemingly unsure of how to respond. Your smile faltered just a bit before Jeonghan finally spoke up.

           “Joshua got hurt.” He said. Both you and Joshua seemed shocked by the comment. When Joshua looked back over to you, you were already approaching him. You reached out, putting your hand on his arm, your gentle touch an attempt to help with whatever had happened. You felt Joshua tense at your touch, immediately looking away.      

           “What happened?” you asked. Seeing how worried you were, Joshua felt himself get flustered. Forcing himself to take a deep breath, he tried to provide you with an answer that would work.

           “I just got dizzy.” He assured. “I’m okay, now. I think yelling with Jeonghan woke me up a bit.” Though he laughed, you did not seem convinced.

           “Well, I have to work after class.” You said. “Promise you’ll go home and rest. Okay?” Joshua blinked. “If you got dizzy, you need to rest and eat well. Angel or not, you can’t let yourself get sick.” You turned to Jeonghan. “Make sure he rests when you get back to my apartment. I should have some painkillers.”

           “Roger,” Jeonghan said. You nodded, turning back to Joshua.

           “Rest.” You repeated in an almost motherly tone. “I can’t get through finals or celebrate my birthday if you two aren’t there to help me out.” You smiled. Joshua saw the tips of your cheeks tint pink as the next words left your lips. “Mingyu’s planning it.”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           Back at the house, Joshua was lying face up on the couch, eyes at the ceiling. You had long since gone to work, sending the duo back to your house with Joshua promising he would rest. And rest he did. He could hear Jeonghan in the kitchen, the liberty he’s taken using your appliances never once seeming to end. Jeonghan walked over, setting a steaming cup of tea on the coffee table. Joshua’s eyes fluttered around the room as he sat up. He couldn’t tell what felt hotter: the steam of the tea or Jeonghan glaring daggers into his back.

           “Are you alright?” he asked.

           “Yes,” Joshua said, taking the cup carefully into his good hand. He took a long sip, allowing for the liquid to course his body and hopefully overtake the still lingering pain once and for all. When he looked at Jeonghan, he saw him pacing the door. “What are you doing? She’ll probably be home soon.”

           “I’m not waiting for her,” Jeonghan said simply. The stillness in his voice, one he hadn’t heard from his friend in a long time, made a shiver go up Joshua’s spine. He looked over, rising from the couch.

           “Then who…” when Jeonghan turned his head, Joshua immediately blinked. “Jeonghan, no.”

           “I had no choice,” Jeonghan said, and it seemed like it meant it. “You need to be reminded of what we’re trying to get back to instead of…whatever it is you’re thinking of now.” Joshua ran a hand through his hair as he began to pace the floor.

           “Well, you can’t tell them anything!” Joshua said. “You’ll worry them for nothing!”

           Jeonghan was silent for a minute. Then, he nodded. “Fine. I won’t tell them anything.” Joshua’s sigh of relief was heavy, and he nodded. As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Jeonghan stepped aside, allowing Joshua to go and answer. He took a deep breath, shaking out his hair and assuring there was no longer sweat on his brow as he went and opened the door.

           In front of him stood four men, all of them wearing a white button-up and a pair of slacks. Simply standing there allowed them to ooze elegance and ethereal beauty, without so much as speaking a word. Joshua scanned the four of them, the one in the center immediately getting his attention. His striking dark black hair stood out among the other's lighter hair tones, which varied from blonde to brunette. Not only was his dark hair noticeable, but Joshua had to dart his eyes up just a bit to catch a glimpse of his face. He had pouty lips and striking eyes.

           “Seungcheol,” Joshua said simply. The leader of the group immediately grinned.

           “Heeey, Joshua.” He said. Joshua sighed as the group walked in. He caught glimpses of his other brothers as well. He immediately got hugged by Seokmin, his smile incredibly wide.

           “Hyuuuung~. It’s been too long.” He said, the excitement making Joshua unable to hold back his own. He saw the others follow in, Wonwoo quietly examining the area with curious eyes while the youngest, Chan, strolled in last.

           “Is she here?” Chan asked curiously.

           “Ah, no. She’s at work, but she should be back soon.” He turned to look at Seungcheol as he headed deeper into the apartment, hands in his pockets. He saw Jeonghan standing by the couch. It didn’t take long for Joshua to catch that Jeonghan suddenly had something in his hands, what seemed to be a piece of paper grabbed from your home printer. Joshua was still being hugged by a cheerful Seokmin as he headed back into the apartment, Wonwoo offering to close the door behind him. “What are you guys doing here?”

           “Jeonghan called for us.” Seungcheol simply explained.

           “Besides, it’s been a while since we’ve left heaven. We needed a break.” Chan stretched his arms over his head. “I said we should all go out to eat but got rejected, as usual.” Joshua hummed, nodding as he finally released himself from Seokmin’s loving hold. As his eyes fell on Jeonghan, he saw him grip what was in his hands. “What is that?” he asked.

           “A welcome card?” Chan grinned in amusement. “You’re so thoughtful, Hyung.”

           “Sure,” Jeonghan said. Without missing a beat, he looked Joshua dead in the eyes and flipped the card over, revealing text written in dark marker, one he must have found buried in your junk drawer. The room went silent as everyone read its words to themselves.  

           He’s fallen in love with her.

           Joshua blinked. He glanced over at Wonwoo, who had wide eyes behind his rimmed glasses. He glanced at Seokmin and Chan. Seokmin had his mouth covered in shock, while Chan’s face held the anticipated grin of a younger sibling about to watch the eldest get scolded. The next thing Joshua knew, he was at Jeonghan’s side, gripping the paper and Jeonghan’s wrists in his hands. He saw Jeonghan flinch at the pain of Joshua’s tight grip, but only looked up at his friend with a straight expression.

           “You said you wouldn’t tell, Jeonghan.” He hissed, voice trembling.

           Jeonghan seemed completely unfazed by Joshua’s sudden panicked voice. “I didn’t,” Jeonghan said simply. Then, it hit.

           “Hong Jisoo…” Joshua looked over, seeing Seungcheol practically staring him down. His eyes burned with intensity, the intensity of a leader and that’s why they addressed him as such back home. As Seungcheol got closer to Joshua, he could feel Jeonghan slither out of the way, practically protecting himself behind Wonwoo as the group waited to watch the scene unfold before them. Wonwoo turned his head, watching as the older angel rubbed his wrist.

           “We’re about to witness history,” Wonwoo said. Jeonghan nodded.

           Seungcheol took a deep breath before he finally spoke again. “Let me see…” he said.

“Huh?” Joshua looked confused. Seungcheol simply spun his finger in a small circle.

“Your wings.” He said. Joshua, not wanting to cause any more tension in such small quarters, turned around. He felt Seungcheol lift his shirt, exposing his back to all those behind him. The cold air made him shiver a bit in surprise, and he bit his lip. He waited to see what Seungcheol was going to do.

           He did not expect Seungcheol to press a thumb to Joshua’s back, specifically in between his shoulder blades. The stinging sensation that coursed through his body mixed with the already dull throbbing he had, and made Joshua gasp, immediately turning around and yanking his shirt down.

           “OW!” He shouted.

           “Your entire back is red.” Joshua could hear a mix of disappointment and worry within the serious tone he forced himself to carry. “What were you doing just before this that it looks like that?” When Joshua didn’t answer, Seungcheol turned to Jeonghan. Jeonghan could feel that angry stare hit his chest next, and he blinked.  

           “Aaah, uhm.” Jeonghan pressed a finger to his chin. “Well-.”

           “Don’t lie.” He practically begged. “I can’t help either of you if you lie.”

           Jeonghan avoided Joshua’s pleading expression in order to get the words out. “Joshua almost got in a fight with Kim Mingyu, because of some events that caused her to get upset.” Joshua let out a defeated sigh, running a hand through his hair. Seungcheol looked back at him again. Despite not looking right at him, Joshua could see Seungcheol’s hand reach down to the couch, grabbing the throw pillow you had used the day before to sob into. If it was still damp, he had no idea. Seungcheol took a minute to examine the pillow.

           THWACK.

           “OW!” Joshua shouted, hands immediately going up to over his head as it ricocheted side to side. “SEUNGCHEOL!”

           Laughter roared behind him – mostly from Seokmin and Chan – as Seungcheol continued hitting Joshua over the head with the pillow once. Twice. Three more times. “Are you out of your mind!? Do you want to stay stuck here forever?! Do you want to end up a fallen angel like-?”

           “No!” Joshua shouted before Seungcheol could finish uttering a name Joshua was desperate not to hear. Finally managing to escape, he took a few steps back from Seungcheol. “It’s not like that situation at all. Nothing is going to happen.”

           The amused laughter had stopped. Nobody looked convinced.

           “Out of the both of you, you’re not the one I thought this would happen to.”

           “Hey!” They heard Jeonghan shout, and his friends snickered in amusement.

           Seungcheol sighed. “How did this even happen?”

           Joshua sighed, shrugging. “I have no idea. I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I’m trying to help her.”

           “You’re a terrible liar, Hyung.” Wonwoo pointed out, and Joshua groaned.

           “Not only do you two fools get kicked to earth for running around distracting other angels with your ridiculously stupid pranks.”

           “Jun’s wings still haven’t recovered, by the way.” Chan made sure to intercept. Jeonghan shook his head at the youngest angel’s comment.

           “But now just as you’re about to solve the problem and come back, you pull something like this.”             

           “Seungcheol.” Joshua tried to speak.

           “It’s like you don’t want to come back. How does this even happen with a girl you’re supposed to be helping get with someone else?”

           “I know. I’m not trying to jeopardize that.”

           “Clearly you are,” Seungcheol said. “You’re supposed to be a role model to humans, not try to romance them.”

           “I’m not trying to do that,” Joshua assured.

           “According to Jeonghan, you almost threw a punch at her boyfriend.”

           “He’s being dramatic. I did not.” Joshua clarified. “Besides, he’s not her boyfriend.” Seungcheol scoffed, shaking his head.

            “I cannot believe you just said that.” He muttered.

           “Hyung we should trust him,” Seokmin spoke up, hoping to break up any tension. “If he said he won’t do it, he won’t do it. They’ll come back to us.” Seungcheol rubbed his temples in response as he nodded his agreement with Seokmin.

           “I don’t think either of you guys realize how hard he stares at her,” Jeonghan said. Joshua looked at his friend.

           “Why do you keep talking?” he asked. Jeonghan crossed his arms, his usually light and gentle face growing an annoyed pout.

           “I’m not leaving without you.”

           “You won’t,” Joshua said sternly.

           “It doesn’t seem that way.”

           “Oh, my-.” Wonwoo nudged him before he could utter the last word in frustration. Running his hands through his hair, he gripped the strands tightly, the brown tufts curling around his fingers as he was now the one to pace the room. For a second, he looked at the door and realized you hadn’t come home yet. When his eyes darted to the clock, he realized it was much later than he would have expected from you. “Where is she? She should be off work by now.” 

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Work had never felt so long, especially knowing that Joshua was home recovering from whatever it was that hurt him in the first place. You had no idea angels could even get hurt, thinking it was simply impossible with the power of heaven or whatever. As you walked down the street, 15 minutes into your 30-minute walk, your mind kept racing with the events that happened just today. Joshua and Jeonghan’s fight, Joshua’s supposed injury.

I planned the entire thing. It’ll be worth a million apologies.

Mingyu’s warm smile popped into your head as those words enveloped you like a hug, attempting to wipe away all of your worries. You sighed in relief, hugging yourself as you continued walking. In the corner of your eye, you saw the lights of a 24-hour convenience store. Feeling your stomach rumbling, you made the abrupt decision to go inside and get a snack. Hopefully, that would help make the long walk home feel a bit easier, or at the very least, distract you. When you stepped inside, the teen worker quickly greeted you, finally taking a second to look away from his handheld game. The store seemed pretty dead. The first thing you did was grab a small bag as you scoured the aisles for something that tickled your stomach in just the right way. I should get all three of us something. You thought. Ice cream, chips, grab-and-go lunch boxes, and chocolate snacks were tossed into the basket to be purchased. Nothing seemed to tickle your interest in those aisles for what you wanted now, and you were starting to get discouraged.

 Just as you were about to turn the corner one more time, into the milk and yogurt sections, another individual was standing in front of you. It seemed he had just popped up, but it could have also been his shorter stature that made you miss him in your frenzied search for something to fill your belly. “Oh.” You took a few steps back, and he looked over at you. “I’m sorry.”

           “It’s alright.” He said simply. You turned your attention back to the aisle, but it seemed were still looking in your direction. The both of you stood side by side for a quiet minute. It was very quiet, probably even the longest minute of your life. You tried to act natural, eyes glued to one snack. Then another, and another, hoping he eventually would go away. However, when you took one risky glance in his direction, you saw he was looking back at you. He had very porcelain skin under a set of jet black hair, half tugged up in a bun that left the rest dangling freely by his shoulder, and matching with his deep black tee-shirt and jeans. He had very defining features, and when he offered you a very simple smile, you saw his cheeks puff out just a bit. “You look lost.”

           You shook your head. “Not sure what to buy.” You said. He wasted no time pulling something off one of the shelves, and handing it to you casually. When you took it into your hands, you saw that it was a large banana-flavored yogurt, covered in a green foil top. You looked over at him once more, and it seemed her had the same thing in his hands.

           “I’m a fan of those.” He said.

           “Thank you, uh-.” You stopped yourself when you realized you didn’t know his name.

“You can call me Woozi.”

“Woozi?” You arched an eyebrow in confusion. “Is that a biblical name, or-?”

He seemed to laugh at your joke, shaking his head. “No. It’s a nickname.” You immediately noticed him look away as a look of longing – one you knew all too well – trickled into his eyes.

           “Ah, ok. Woozi.” You said, nodding your head.

           “You can call me Jihoon if you want, too. I don’t mind.” He shrugged simply, popping a straw directly into the yogurt and sipping it, turning his head to the counter. You nodded, deciding not to press any further. After a second, Jihoon looked at you for a final time, seemingly wanting to ask one more thing. 

“Do I have something on my face?” you asked when the quiet stare you were getting felt a bit unnerving.

 “This might be rude, or random, or both, but…you look familiar?”

“Do I?” you smiled at him. Jihoon nodded. “From where? Do you go to my college?”

“No.” Jihoon pursed his lips to think for a minute. It took a second, but his fingers snapped together and his eyes sparkled. “Oh. You crying in a café a few days ago. About a 10-minute walk from here.” Your mind immediately flashed to the scene. You recalled unfamiliar hands trying to help you contain the coffee spill, but your eyes were so blurred and your brain was so foggy that you could hardly recall it. As the blurry image reformed in your mind, it smoothed out just slightly, the squiggly lines that once acted as features smoothing out to reveal Jihoon’s face. “I couldn’t place it at first, but….”

“I uh…” you trailed off as embarrassment, covered your cheeks. “Oh jeez, now I’m flustered.” You heard Jihoon emit a humored laugh. “It’s just a small world, I suppose.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes.” You said. “Thank you for your help, I guess.”  He put his hands in his pockets as the both of you headed to the counter to pay for the milk.

           “Don’t think anything of it. I was stunned nobody else got up to help you.” Jihoon said simply. “Could you help me with something?” You turned to him again, surprised by his sudden request as you took out your wallet. He immediately raised his hand, before pulling out his own and setting what was clearly way beyond the price of the yogurt onto the counter. He thanked the man, walking out the door before you could even utter a ‘thank you’. “I heard there was a bar nearby. The Corner Tavern. Could you point me in that direction?”

           You thought back to the fuzzy, yet memorable night when you first met Joshua and Jeonghan. You could still feel the tingling in your fingers as they pressed into the cool glass. “I actually live right there.” You smiled. “I’ll show you. Especially since you just bought all of this for no reason.”

           Jihoon seemed relieved. “Thank you.” Escaped his lips as the both of you headed to pay for your belongings and headed in the direction of your house. The walk was quiet, with you unsure of what to say to this stranger. However, you felt a calming aura from him. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, hands in his pockets as he strolled alongside you, admiring the late-night scenery as the sun finished settling along the skyline. Or, maybe it was the knowledge that he performed a random act of kindness less than a week ago.

           “Where do you live?” you finally thought to ask. Jihoon seemed startled by the question; he didn’t expect it. However, without missing a beat, he raised his finger and pointed down the first street you passed.

           “That way.” He said simply. “You?”

           You pointed in the opposite direction. “That way.” Jihoon nodded. “Have you lived around here long? I feel I’ve never seen you before today. I’m pretty good at getting to know the locals.”

           “I’m not outside often,” Jihoon admitted. “I just was craving a drink.”

           “I bet your friends would come if you asked.” You said. Jihoon shrugged.

           “I don’t have many of those.” He admitted simply, sticking his almost finished yogurt back into his mouth and finishing it up. The pain in his voice made you frown. You felt how hard it had been the past week or so prepping for finals without your friends by your side, despite that being your own decision. Hoshi approaching you with advice made you feel that. You could only imagine not having any of that at all. He broke your train of thought by asking: “Can I buy you a drink?” The absolute forwardness of this man made your cheeks flush hot, and you looked away from him. All you could hear was his amused laughter. “Not like that, not like that.” He assured before you finally looked back in his direction. “Just to thank you for showing me the way over. Like I said, don’t go out much so it’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

           “I have to get home...” You motioned.

           “Ah, right.”

           “But if you live as close as you say you do, we should hang out.” Jihoon glanced in your direction once again. “My friends are really nice. They always welcome new people into the group.” Jihoon watched as you pulled out your phone, scrolling through it a bit before turning it to him. He squinted at the moment, eyes adjusting to the bright light that hit him in the darkness as he studied the picture. It was a group shot of everyone mushed together in your latest study group. Joshua and Jeonghan poked their heads from the back as Mingyu knelt behind you, giving a thumbs up. Seungkwan’s face poked in through the corner just barely, and Minnie offered a peace sign beside Joshua. As Jihoon scanned the picture, he caught the image of a hand with fingers curled into a paw, and cheeks crushing eyes into crescent moons. “They’re really nice.” You said once again. “I haven’t been kind to them for a short time, but I know they’ll still be around when I need them.”

           Jihoon seemed to really take in that last comment, nodding his head. “Wow. They must be nice, then.”  

           “Maybe I can text you one of these days and we can hang out.”

           “Uh-.” Stunned by your unwavering kindness, Jihoon pulled out his phone and handed it over to you. You were quick to tap a few buttons, before handing it back to him. When he looked down, your name, phone number, and email were all stored inside. “You hardly know me,” Jihoon said. When you tilted your head, Jihoon added: “It’s not in human nature to trust easily, is it?”

           “Mmm…” you hummed. “Are you trying to say you’re not to be trusted?”

           “Heh, no,” Jihoon said.

           “Then I don’t mind. Besides, if you turn out to be untrustworthy, the boys in the picture will beat you up.” After a moment to reconsider, you pursed your lips. “I think.” Jihoon had to laugh at the last comment. “I have to go now. For real. But I hope you think about it. I know we only met today but it feels recently I’ve been meeting new people left and right.”      

           “Haha, now who is the one getting flustered?” You laughed a bit at his comment, before waving.         

           “Goodnight.” You called. “Have fun.” Jihoon waved, stuffing his hands back in his pockets as he watched you head down the path you had pointed to. He was silent the entire time, holding his phone tightly in his hands as he watched you turn the corner once more, disappearing from his view under the cloak of the night sky. His mind went back to that picture that you had shown him of all your friends. Specifically, the one with the ridiculous-looking hand paw. He ran a hand through his hair, nodding his head as he muttered to himself:

           “Not how I expected this night to go.” Spinning on his heel, he simply strolled down the first street he faced, the tavern becoming smaller and smaller over his shoulder.

           When you arrived back to your apartment, carrying the bag in your hand, you overheard muffled chatter coming from behind your door. A brow arched in confusion, you strolled closer, hearing as what seemed like familial bickering getting louder and louder. “What the…” you were quick to open the door, swinging it open. “Hello?”

           When six sets of eyes looked in your direction almost immediately, you flinched in surprise. Your eyes scanned every face, each more shocked than the last. When you landed on Jeonghan, he breathed a sigh of relief. When you looked at Joshua, he looked incredibly flustered and panicked. When you looked at everyone else….

           …who the hell were they?

           “Joshua….” You mumbled, eyes continuing to bounce between the four men scattered in your already cramped house. “Jeonghan…”

           “Hm?” They said in unison, even the ones whose names you didn’t call, much less know. “What the hell are four more attractive men doing in my apartment?”        

Return to K-Pop Master list Return to 97/98/99z Master list

Next / Previous