#i hope i was coherent enough for you to understand my babbling

[more-profound-bond]

Please tell me I'm not alone.

I mean when I read a book or a story or watch a movie etc. I like to relate to a charaters a little. It feels great to be able to see myself in characters I love or even those I hate, cause it helps me reflect on myself. But there are times when I relate to a character a bit to much and then it actually gets scary.

I mean when a character (especially main) is too much like me I can't focus on what's happening. I usually end up giving up on this particular book etc. because it makes me uncomfortable.

Sometimes I end up despising and hating a character like this. It's not that I hate myself, it's more because I'd hate to see myself make some of the decisions the character makes or see myself in situations the character is in.

So anyway, sorry for this rant, but to sum it up:

Does anyone else like when a character is relatable, but not too relatable?

[glitchtricks94]

Senseless

Inguro Obanai and Giyuu Tomioka Sometimes, your love gets carried away and makes you lose all coherent thought. However, after a hard day, it's the least they can do, taking out all your thoughts and replacing them with all their love. This request was made by my dear friend, @desi-the-blue-eyed-kakushi, I hope you enjoy your men! Obanai my beloved Anyways, kick back, relax, mind the banner rule, and enjoy~ -Glitchtricks

Giyuu always knew if something was wrong with you. His quiet nature made him more observant, especially regarding his beloved lotus blossom. Your shoulders were sagging when you drudged through the door, a detail barely perceived before you forced yourself to perk up as you spotted your love approaching you. He noticed the saddened sparkle in your eye, the same he carried for a long time. Forcing a smile, you greeted him, a sharp pain shooting through his heart seeing you try to force yourself to put on a façade to try and hide your pain from him. He didn't want that. He wanted you to trust him to see everything, know everything. It upset him seeing you try and pull yourself away like this. "My love." Giyuu spoke, his voice as soft as a babbling brook. "I can see the sadness in your eyes. Do you want to tell me what's wrong?" You let your mask fall, looking at the ground as you shook your head. He enveloped you in a warm embrace, you melted against him, the scent of irises and freshly washed linen enveloping your senses. Giyuu always loved to soothe you like this. Giyuu was more than willing to help you forget your pain, too. You ended up confiding that you honestly just wanted to forget the world and all that happened to you that day, your beloved nodding in understanding as he took your hand and led you to the bedroom. That felt like hours ago. You were currently laying on your back with Giyuu's cock buried snuggly inside your cunt, moans being dragged out from your parted lips. Giyuu was putting his everything into his movements, your hands pinned to either side of your head by his own, fingers intertwined. He loved this feeling of intimacy, being able to stare down at your face, your body. Seeing the two of you connected in such ways made him feel like he was flying, and it always did wonders for making you focus on him and him alone.

"G-Giyuu! O-oh, fuck, Giyuu- Ah!" You cried out, squealing as the water hashira continued to plunge his cock into you, his tip pressing against your sweet spot relentlessly. "M-my lily, y-you- Shit- You feel so good...S-squeezing ne so tight, s-sucking me back in-Ah! Oh, gods I can't get enough of you..." Giyuu panted, leaning down and pressing his lips to yours, a muffled groan leaving him as you came, the man above you still pressing forward, intending on fucking you until you could only feel the pleasure he gave you, feel the love he held so deeply for you. He needed you to know. Giyuu only wanted you to know of him and his cock for the night, nothing else should be in your pretty head. Not while he has you wrapped around him so deliciously. He flipped you over onto your stomach, pulling your hips up so you presented to him with your ass in the air, the hashira thrusting back into you, somehow reaching deeper than before, whines and cries of delight flooding from your lips. You felt your mind go blank, pleasure being all you could feel, all you could register.

Obanai considered his keen eyes and ability to read others one of his crown jewels of strengths. His protective nature tended to add an extra edge to his skill, and he often exercised it on either the newest weaklings to see if they even had potential, which to him, most do not, and on you, his beloved. You were the serpent of his heart, the thrum of a heartbeat in his very soul. You gifted him the ability to feel as if he was normal and not some monster born of tarnished flesh. He always felt so safe in your care, in your warmth, like a snake sunning itself on a stone. You were his sun, he was your moon. One can only imagine the fury he carried when he saw you arrive home with tear stains tainting your cheeks, eyes red and puffy from crying. "And just who did this to you now, my sun?" The serpent hashira asked, his voice low and dripping with pure malice. His heterochromatic eyes softened when you reached out to him, taking his wrist in your hand. Kaburamaru instantly slithered down from your lover's shoulder, moving to coil gently around your arm. It was his form of a hug. "N-no one, Obanai...I just...it's been a rough day, and I don't wanna talk about it...I'd rather just forget." You sighed softly, your lover humming for a moment, Kaburamaru taking the hint and returning to Obanai's shoulders as the raven haired man led you to your shared bedroom, making sure to place his beloved companion in his own terrarium like cage, the albino serpent swiftly getting comfortable and falling asleep. "So, just to clarify, you wanted to forget, correct?" Obanai spoke, his voice soft, and gaze softer as he looked at you. You nodded, the man before you reaching up to remove his bandages. "Are you willing to try something? I have a plan, but I need input on your end." "I trust you with my life, my moon. I'm willing to try anything you want." You replied, Obanai appearing pleased by this response. "Good. Wait for me on the futon. I recently acquired something I think you would enjoy." He ordered, you following without question as he got to his feet, disappearing from the room for a brief moment. When Obanai returned, his bandages were gone, his scars on display for you to see and a strip of silk cloth patterned with red spider lilies rested in his hands. "I thought we could try blindfolding you." He spoke softly, seemingly amused by how wide your eyes had gotten before he approached you, kneeling down before you. "Do you trust me?" You always did, you told him, your voice hushed yet filled with excitement as he carefully wrapped the silk strip over your face... Obanai's hands felt as if they were everywhere; your hips, your legs, your chest, your stomach, no inch of skin was left untouched by his delicate and calloused fingers. He relished in every soft whine and honey sweet moan you let out. It was all simply magical to him. "Yes, that's it, my sun, lose yourself in this pleasure." Obanai hummed, dragging his palm all the way down from the valley of your breasts to your pussy, which was simply dripping with your need. He knew what you wanted, and instead of making you beg, he'd give you mercy. "H-hah! Obanai!" You moaned out, feeling your lover circling his fingers over your clit, sending jolts of pleasure zipping up and down your spine. You squirmed beneath him, the serpent hashira grinning with sadistic delight at your struggles. "And how does this feel, dear serpent of my heart?" "L-like- Oh! Like- mmmnnn- L-like you're d-driving me crazy....Oh fuck, p-please don't stop, d-don't!" You whined, your lover soon sliding his middle and ring fingers down to your weeping entrance, pressing them in with ease. You felt your mind go blank from the sudden intrusion, instantly screaming as your orgasm snuck up on you when he curled his fingers inside you. "Oh, you've cum already." Obanai cooed, his eyes dancing across your flushed form. "I hope you aren't too tired, we're only just beginning."

[foreverdolly]

ghost of you | austin butler x grieving!reader

this is a request for my little "three days of blurbs" event. might extend this event an extra day since work has really put a damper on how much i'm able to write ! i'm having so much fun getting to all your requests.

request: austin angst please? i want you to hurt my feelings :)

requested by: anon

word count: 860

warnings/notes: this is like lonesome tonight but with no happy ending. absolutely will gut you. 10/10 will make you feel something. i already had this partially written, and i decided that this is perfect for the request. austin would be such a good husband, and i can't imagine what losing him would feel like. i hope this hurts real good, you sick lil bastard ;)

The officers that had come bearing the distressing news had never heard anything like it before. It wasn’t just a simple wailing, or even the kind of scream that one might let loose right before they die. It was more painful, these screams. It was the cries of a woman that had realized that her lover was gone while she was not. It was the screams of a woman that had been newly cursed, forced to scramble in order to find some form of solace and comfort in her newfound solitude. It was almost as though she hoped to expel every bit of oxygen from her very blood. The men couldn’t understand a single word that she had said that night. It was more of a useless kind of babbling, any coherent words soon covered up by body aching sobs. Still- they could feel the meaning behind each labored breath. Could see the heart that she so evidently wore on her sleeve not just breaking, but dying right along with the man that they had just driven down to the local morgue. ‘Take me. Please god- take me with him.’ She didn’t speak a word that night, but all of the officers could see the way she craned her neck back towards the sky, as if to plead. To beg. 

It was almost as though her soul left her body through her lungs that night. It floated up past the ceiling, going to wherever her lover was. Following him. Never leaving him. Going somewhere safe. 

Somewhere kinder. 

Austin used to wipe away your kisses. His large hand, long fingers wiping away whatever gloss, lipstick, or balm that you constantly had on your lips. He’d stare up at you mischievously, though he’d try and make his eyes appear innocent. Blue eyes widened, lashes touching brow bones. So blue. Always so blue. “I think I might need another kiss.” And so you would do as you were asked gladly, eager for his love. You ate up the way that he adored you. Sometimes you’d just sit and watch him, liked the way he would turn his head to slyly look at you while the two of you were situated on the living room couch. It was almost as though he was checking to see if you were still there. Checking to see if you were still content. He’d hug you a little closer to his side, like he couldn’t get enough of you. 

Before work he’d stand by the front door, waiting for you to hand him his lunch. Without fail you’d move up to your tip toes so that you could place a wet kiss on his lips, and then he’d hold his palm out for you to kiss as well. Before leaving he’d place that hand on his cheek and then on his heart. “I’ll see you when I get home. Love you.” 

It was a simple way of life. It was the life that you had chosen for yourself, and you wouldn’t have had it any other way. You wished more than anything that you had taken a little extra time each morning to stare at him. His golden hair brushed back from his forehead, the tips of each wave catching the morning light. He glowed, your pretty baby. He glowed. He’d make conversation with you, eyes never leaving your form. You’d be wrapped up in a bathrobe or dressed in some pajama set that Austin thought you looked cute in. He’d often lay the compliments on thick, even at the crack of dawn. “What did I do to deserve such a gorgeous wife?” Or sometimes he’d brush up behind you, arms wrapping around your waist so that he could press his lips against your neck. Right against your pulse, as if the constant rhythm of your heart brought him peace. 

The memory of his voice was the first thing to fade. You found yourself curled up in bed, watching an old movie that no doubt reminded you of your late husband. You were mouthing the words to the old western fondly, though the smile dropped from your face when you realized that you had forgotten how Austin had sounded when he used to proudly recite the lines by heart. You had to pause the film and take out your old phone, swiping through videos just to hold the speaker up to your ear and press play. His voice came through, loud and clear, and for a moment you allowed yourself to feel relief. Because there he was, telling you happy birthday. There he was doing that signature Elvis impression of his to sing to you, making you laugh as he continued to film you. 

Then the guilt settled in. It sat heavy in your chest and nearly had you sinking even further into the old mattress. Because how dare you forget his voice? How could you forget how your name sounded in his lovely mouth- how his honeyed words never failed to sweeten you up? 

Because you were healing. God damn it, you were healing. 

What’s broken can always be fixed. 

But what’s fixed will always be broken.

@knoxvillesshoes@cosmorant@ol1viam@simply-sams-things@haim80s@gabbcabb@8hgel@slutt4him@busy-bee-angel-misska@kaitaesupremacy@dazedshoon @4rt3m1ss@cryingabtab@kittenlittle24@austinsrealgf@austinbutlersgirlfriend@clearbolts @dark-as-love@anni-secret-account-75@ab4eva@starcatchxr @julietamidala @obbsessivereader@gwuide@blurredcolour@the-little-red-haired-girl@meladollsims@poppet05@shrekstheloml@randomwriter888@idc123sworld@vane28282@mirandastuckinthe80s@girlblogger2002@rockerchick05@screechingstrawberrysong@simpforevery1@girlabirla@dre6ming@obetrolncocktails@fairyjanes@jensenswinchester@lo-bells @in-my-body-bag@fxntxsix@petrparkrslut@eliseinmemphis @lelifesaver @screaching-cookie@fantuhsise@areuirish @bcofl0ve@mslizziesblog@shynovelist@ssstrangersblog @harrysthecraic@hangmanswhore@jyvnho@mymamalife @melodydior

[missmaywemeetagain]

Pink Scarf Reimagined (pt 2)-The Aftermath 💗💒❤️‍🔥

Alllright, darlin’s! I’ve got something special in store for this Scarf Exclusive #2/request…

As you know, in Pink Scarf Reimagined—The Wedding, we left Reader and Elvis after they confessed some ✨BIG FEELINGS✨ and had some ❤️‍🔥HOT SEXY-TIMES❤️‍🔥 in church, right before Reader’s wedding to Jack. For Part 2—The Aftermath, we find out what happens next (…and, shocking to absolutely no one, I’ll be doing a Part 3, so don’t panic…)

✨JOIN HERE at the Sweetheart💕 level or above to READ NOW!!✨ (sneak peek below!)

ALSO, my lovely babies…

I severely underestimated how many people wanted some fluff for this part (because as we all are aware, ‘angst’ is my middle name…oopsies…🥹)

SO…

I’m going to Choose Your Own Adventure this sucker even more and turn this into a CHALLENGE!

So, to UNLOCK the alternate chapter of PS Reimagined (pt 2)—The Aftermath (fluffy version!): 

📖 Join my community on Patreon, if you haven't already! (you'll be so glad you did, darlin'...🥰)

🗝 Read this fic (or any posted on here!) and share the crap out of your thoughts about them/being a part of this community on your various social medias!

IF WE CAN GET AT LEAST 5 MORE PATRONS TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY in the next few weeks, I’LL POST A FLUFFY VERSION OF PART 2 as the next Scarf Exclusive!! 🎉

WOOHOO! 💗

✨JOIN HERE at the Sweetheart💕 level or above to READ NOW!!✨ (and help unlock the fluffy version of Pt 2!)

Anyhoo, I really hope you enjoy this version AND want to see the alternate version, too! Love you so much, babies! You make my heart singgggg! 🎶

xoxoxo, Madi 💗

SNEAK PEEK:

March 7th, 1960

Your heart flutters and your stomach clenches before you even open your eyes. There is a safety in the quiet softness of your bedsheets before anyone knows you are awake—a limbo where no one can disrupt the life you’ve created for yourself in your dreams.

But your body knows today isn’t just any other day.

Today Elvis comes home.

It is hard to pull in a breath with the way your lungs constrict and your throat closes, and for a moment you feel suffocated under the duvet. For a moment, you pretend the bed swallows you whole.

But it doesn’t and your burning lungs finally gasp for breath. Despite the smiling mask you put on for the world every morning, every day without him has made you feel confused and alone. You hate yourself a little for it, as though it’s solely your own fault and no one else’s.  

“Mama! Mammmmma!”

Your eyes blink open at the cry coming from the other room. A stark reminder that there is more to your life than dwelling in sorrow. It only takes a second for you to swing out of the bed, throw on your dressing gown and slippers, and shuffle to the next room—a well-practiced routine which has served to get you out of bed each morning even though some days you wish you’d never wake at all.

“Good morning, my little munchkin,” you singsong, opening the door. The gray morning light peeks through the curtains enough so you can see the big, familiar grin spread across your little boy’s face as he bounces excitedly in his crib at your presence.

Your heart could burst from the sight.

His chubby little hands raise up, clenching and unclenching as they reach for you. He starts babbling, only a few words being coherent at 17 months, and you nod along as if understanding. Hoisting him up and into your arms, his little blonde head instantly snuggles into your shoulder.

“Hungee, Mama,” he says, grabbing your gown.

“Oh, my lil’ Johnny-cake is hungry? Well, we better fill up that tummy, shouldn’t we?” you say, tickling his belly.

Johnny squeals in delight and bounces in your arms...there is no denying your beautiful son takes after his father more and more each day.

...

📖Join HERE at the Sweetheart💕 level or above to read the rest NOW!!🎉

Taglist Pt 1

@eliseinmemphis@russian-soft-bitch@tattywood

@sassanoe@thella @suspiciousmidge @hiddlepiddlediddlewiddle@carolinesbookworld @juggernort @aesthetic-lyss @stitchattacks @donnamarie23

 @littlebitofgreen@paigevis@bugg06@xhannahbananax03@artlover8992

@18lkpeters@frozenhuntress67@girlblogger2002@kendralavon7@misspresley

@be-my-ally @whositmcwhatsit @vintageshanny @ellie-24 @thatbanditqueen @powerofelvis @from-memphis-with-love

@precious-little-scoundrel @stylespresleyhearted @prompted-wordsmith @crash-and-cure @elvisgf @ohjustpeachy1 @lookingforrainbows @fic-over-cannon @godlypresley @ab4eva @whatstruthgottodowithit @elvisabutler @amydarcimarie@idontwanttoputanything @callieselvisobsessed @captainamerica1235-blog  @xenaspace3-blog 

@simplyamberj @claire-elvisgirl @everythingelvispresley @louisejoy86 @deniseinmn @madelynpresley

[fearofahumanplanet]

Concrete Riven Excerpt (11/01/2022)

This is a little excerpt of my WIP Predator: Concrete Riven, a long-fic set in Skid Row, Los Angeles, following an Irish mob enforcer, a homeless war veteran, and the Bad Blood that stalks them. You can catch up here!

CW: Gore, butchered canon reference (I had to fix the Spanish and make it correct, the original quote was driving me insane)

Excerpt Word Count: 502

Overall Word Count: 11,333

Clío and Henri find themselves amidst a war of Predators.

Concrete Riven Taglist (ask to be added!)

@aohendo, @athenswrites, @impaledlotus, @bardic-tales, @careful-pyromancer, @marinesocks, @writingpotato07, @hey-its-quill, @dogmomwrites, @andromedatalksaboutstuff, @bpdgotmelike

Please reblog and share your thoughts, it makes my day and motivates me to continue posting :)

Clío groans and decides she’s had enough observations, rolling over and dragging Henri with her, finding her eyes locked with the empty ones of some dead cop. Unfortunate, if she was the type to care. She wasn’t. Her stomach lurches as she tries to sit up, Henri babbling unintelligibly against her chest, but it’s not to be, not when another one of the creatures slides into view, like a mirage out of the mist. It plants its boot against her chest and shoves her down, the back of her skull cracking back against concrete, and she hopes she’ll have a single coherent thought left in her by the time she can see to this concussion.

She lets out a rattled breath, the air hissing through her grimy teeth, face-to-face with another of the Dullahan’s three hunters. Its red eyes glow malevolently, some sort of jagged, blade-tipped tail strapped to its arm. What was that, the remains of some other species as of yet unknown?

It props up her chin with the tail’s blade, almost shaped like a scythe. Another man, by the looks of it. This one – Scorpion, for Clío’s panicked lack of ability to find an inventive name – appraises her quietly, even as a battle rages beside it.

It doesn’t know if she’s a threat.

“El demonio que hace trofeos de los hombres,” Henri trembles, their breaths ragged. “It’s real.”

Scorpion hears their words, moving its blade from Clío’s chin to raise it above Henri’s head, preparing an execution.

Something roars from behind him, disturbing his kill. He looks over to Obsidian and the Dullahan’s conflict, the third of her assailants having joined the bloody street combat. His roars are directed at Scorpion above them, angry, urgent.

They are not your priority. Clío doesn’t need to know their language to understand the meaning.

The third one, a runt of a predator with a smaller frame, sleeker armor, and two shoulder-mounted cannons, pays the price for his distraction, taking the Dullahan’s fist to the face, his helmet cracking under the pressure. The bleeding Obsidian grabs one of her elbow’s spines, something cracking beneath his fingers like the crunch of a broken insect. She spins between them, severing Runt’s right arm with her shield as that combistick of hers finds Obsidian’s abdomen. The screams only solidify as Scorpion pulls away from the two humans, his own combistick expanding into action.

Clío doesn’t wait around for them to find them expendable again. She throws Henri’s arm over her shoulder and gasps as she forces them both to their feet, finding her friend’s second crutch in the rubble. “Come on, let’s go,” she spits, blood between her teeth.

“El demonio…” Henri murmurs, their eyes glassy, the side of their blooming with blood. “Always thought… shitty bedtime story…”

“What does that mean?” Clío demands, looking down the block, looking for somewhere to hide. “El demonio que hace… what?”

Henri’s eyes meet hers, fright without fetter behind their stunned sheen. “The demon who makes trophies of men.”

[justauthoring]

lacuna - chapter one.

*lacuna: a blank space; a missing piece or, “you’re my missing piece”.

word count: 4,026

a/n: here it is! (like four days late) my new series :) it will eventually be a kakashi hatake x reader, but im starting off things slow. i honestly have no idea how long this’ll be, we are just kind of going with the flow currently. nonetheless, i hope you guys enjoy this first chapter!

“Lord Third—!”

“We’ve set him up with an apartment, I’ve taken care of how his monthly expenses will work once he’s old enough. Y/N, honestly, there is no need for worry. The boy will be taken care of.”

“By who?”

The Hokage frowns, and you can tell by his lack of response that there isn’t specifically anyone.

Huffing, your shoulders fall. Your throat feels raw and the pure desperation flooding through your veins is making you lose sight of coherent thought. All you can think about is getting your point across, about trying to make the Hokage see reason—he had to see reason.

He had to understand.

“He’s just a child,” you cry out; forgetting yourself, forgetting who you’re stood before. “He shouldn’t grow up alone.”

“Y/N, you are a child yourself.”

Faltering, you shake your head, apprehension coursing through you as his words sink in. He was right, of course he was—you were just a child, no older than fourteen and by all rights, you were probably, realistically the least most qualified person to take care of a child. Of a baby no less. But he had nobody else. Not anymore, and certainly not when everyone who heard his name shrank away in pure terror. 

No one wanted to take care of him, a mere baby, because of what was inside him. It hardly mattered either way to you—Kushina had had the same ‘monster’ in her, and she’d been like a mother to you. A guiding figure in your life. Never once had she scared you, hurt you and rather, she’d comforted you, cared for you and loved you when no one else had.

You weren’t afraid of this monster and you certainly weren’t afraid of this baby.

What did it even matter that you were a child? You’d been taking care of yourself for as long as you could remember and had done just fine.

Besides, anything was better than growing up alone. 

You knew that better than anyone.

“Kushina and Minato took care of me when no one else would,” you whisper, the Hokage’s eyes widening at the mention of their names, a deep frown curling onto his lips. “Kushina was like the mother I never had and I know she would hate if her baby, her son grew up alone. With no one to love him. To hold him, care for him...

“I know I am just a child myself, Lord Third. But please,” steeling your gaze, you meet his own firmly, squaring your shoulders. “I don’t want Naruto to grow up not knowing what love feels like.”

His lips part, but words hesitate to leave.

“Like I did.”

Letting out a sigh, the Hokage’s head falls in defeat. It takes him a moment, a pause in thought, before his head is lifting and he’s pushing himself to his feet. You watch him closely as he rounds his table, before stopping before you, a gentle hand falling on your shoulder and a soft smile curling onto his lips.

“I will help with expenses and we will figure out how to work out missions for you.”

Your eyes gleam with hope, promise shining in them.

“But, Y/N, are you absolutely sure?”

And without hesitation, without even a thought of doubt, you nod.

“Of course I am.”

Before you know it, he’s in your arms. A bundle of giggles and blonde hair, wrapped up tightly in a blue blanket with small, chubby hands reaching out for you. You see Minato in him, the tufts of blonde hair and striking blue eyes, but it’s the expression in his eyes--just a baby, no more than a few weeks old--that you see Kushina staring back at you.

The tears well in your eyes before you can stop them, blurring your vision as he continues to babble on up at you.

Reaching out a finger, you poke at the whiskers marking his cheeks ever-so-gently, a smile curling onto your lips when he giggles at the touch. The sound is infectious and it warms your heart, love blooming in your chest as you sniffle.

“My names Y/N, Naruto,” you whisper, “and I’m going to take care of you for your mama and papa.”

—

“Naruto!”

His head is bowed so all you can see is his wild blonde hair staring back at you, hands folded in his lap as he brings his knees closer to his chest. You know it’s an attempt to hide himself from you; definitely, at the very least, hiding his face from your eyes. But you’ve been nearly out of your mind in worry for him, searching high and low through the village, that you don’t have the mind to care.

Falling to your knees before him, you let out a huff. “I’ve been worried sick about you, Naruto! You know you’re not supposed to--”

But your words fall silent as he slowly tips his head up, just enough to see his face and the scuffs marks across his forehead and his clothes, dirtying the freshly washed shirt you’d given him earlier that morning. However, that hardly bothers you and rather, it’s the large bruise across his cheek that catches your attention, eyes widening in panic as you instantly reach out for him, fingers softly brushing against the darkening mark as he winces.

“Naruto... What happened?”

Your voice is soft, a mere whisper; not a single trace of anger or frustration left in your voice as you frown deeply, chest tightening with panic.

Who could’ve done this to him? A little boy, no older than four--

Then it sinks.

“Naruto,” you call gently, a hand falling to his chin where you gently tip it upwards, meeting his eyes properly. “Did the villagers do this to you?”

His eyes instantly water, bottom lip wobbling as you feel your heart practically shatter. It’s not only the sight--a little boy, reduced to tears by cruel adults who sneer at him, say horrible, cruel things to him, and throw things at him hard enough to leave bruises. But the realization that no matter how hard you try, no matter how many times you’ve yelled and pleaded--falling to your knees, begging, in front of people--just for them to stop.

Stop terrorizing him.

None of it matters.

Their fear is too strong that they hardly care to see reason.

“I-I don’t understand,” Naruto babbles—words slurred and fumbled as tears stream down his cheeks and a sob wretches past his lips. You hastily wipe at his tears, the frown on your lips deepening as his tiny fingers grip onto the hem of his shirt, knuckles white. “I didn’t do anything!”

And he’s right of course. He hasn’t. Naruto, four years old, hasn’t done other than maybe break a plate or throw a tantrum for a silly reason. He’s a perfectly innocent child, maybe a little mischievous but nothing more than that.

But this monster, this thing inside of him—that was hardly in his control—had. More than just had; it’s killed people. Innocents. Terrorized the village. Killed Naruto’s own parents. And it’s just because it’s inside Naruto that he’s feared.

It’s hardly fair but you can’t do anything about it.

Mustering a smile to your lips, you hope it’s convincing enough as you lean back, pulling Naruto gently up to his feet. He lets you lead him, the tears having faded but still a frown on his lips as you dust off the dirt on his clothes, tidying him up.

“Come on, Naruto.” You call gently, brushing a hand over his bruise. “Let’s get you home, get you in some new clothes and how about I take you out for ramen tonight?”

Almost instantly, his face brightens. His eyes shine at the thought of his favourite food, especially from Ichiraku and not cup-style, and the pain is far from his gaze as he eagerly takes your extended hand, threading his fingers through your own firmly. His hand feels warm in yours, and like a perfect fit as you squeeze back, chuckling to yourself as he bounds ahead of you, skipping and pulling you along.

—

“You didn’t have to walk me...”

“It’s your first day, Naruto! Of course I had to.”

Blushing profusely, Naruto huffs, turning his head away from you as you merely sigh, shaking your head.

“Lot’s of other kids have their parents walking them.” You call out, hoping that he’s not actually that mad at you for your insistence to walk him—you knew it was slightly embarrassing, but you couldn’t help yourself! You remember your first day at the academy and how nervous you’d been. You didn’t want Naruto to have to go alone. 

Even though the young boy was the complete opposite of you and was the furthest thing from nervous.

Crouching down next to Naruto, you point ahead of yourself. “Look, there’s a pretty pink-haired girl walking with her dad. See?”

Naruto peeks slightly, behind his hand which he’s used to cover his reddening cheeks, and when seeing what you have, his shoulders slowly fall and his hand returns to his side. The red in his cheeks fade slightly and he takes a good look around, noticing that, yes, in fact, lot’s of kids were being walked to school by their parents.

“…Thank you, Y/N-nee-chan.”

Smiling softly, you ruffle the top of Naruto’s head, laughing as he quickly swats at your hands.

“Your hairs already a mess, Naruto. I’m helping.”

“No, I styled it this morning!”

“With what?”

“Water.”

Rolling your eyes, you snort—but still, you pull your hand away.

“Okay,” you inhale sharply, “you’ll be good, right?”

Meeting your eyes, Naruto huffs. “Of course.”

Quirking a brow, you raise a finger, starting to list of the rules you’d gone through with him before. “No pranks, no yelling or interrupting the teacher, stay in your seat until the end of class--”

“Yes, yes, Y/N-nee-chan! I get it!”

Huffing, you nod, a smile gracing your lips as you reluctantly stop. A quick glance to your right and you see Iruka-sensei calling forth the new students and know it’s time to say goodbye.

Ignoring the tightening of your chest and the worry, you turn back to Naruto, setting your hands over his arms.

“I’ll pick you up after school, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Right here.”

“Yes! I’m gonna be late.”

Knowing Naruto’s right, you nod, letting go of him with a nervous smile.

But, just before he runs off, Iruka’s voice growing louder, Naruto leans forward, pressing a firm but gentle kiss to your cheek. It’s quick and when he pulls back, he’s red in the face, but there’s also a bright, radiating grin on his face and you feel your heart bloom at the sight of him so happy.

“Bye Y/N-nee-chan!”

Waving back at him, you watch him run in to the building past Iruka, pushing yourself up as you press a hand to your cheek.

What a sweet boy.

—

“I can’t believe she would take in such a child.”

“She must be as much of a monster herself.”

Rolling your eyes at the passing comments, you clutch the bag of groceries tighter. At this point, it was easy enough to ignore the gossip that travelled amongst the village. People could hardly keep their opinions to themselves, and outside of your fellow coworkers, quite a lot of the citizens seemed to be puzzled by your decision to take in Naruto.

As if he wasn’t just a child.

Nonetheless, you weren’t as childish yourself to retaliate. Truly they could say what they want about you, it hardly—

“How does she know he won’t murder her like he murdered the Fourth Hokage and his wife?”

Stilling in your step, your body freezes.

Head turning over your shoulder, you glance around, looking for the woman who’d spoken. She’s easy enough to find; tucked into an corner next to a fruit stand, whispering with her friend like two school girls.

Eyes sharpening, you turn towards her, marching right her way.

The two woman’s eyes widen when they see you’re approaching figure, shuffling back slightly in uncertainty as you bound towards them. You’re practically huffing in frustration, anger and disbelief coursing through your veins at their complete lack of respect and decency.

“I’d appreciate if you kept your mouths shut on matters that don’t concern you.”

The woman who’d spoken, scoffs; “excuse me?”

“You know what I’m talking about,” you hiss, leaning further towards her. “You can say all you want about me, but he’s just a boy. I won’t tolerate you spitting such ridiculous lies—“

“Y/N-nee-chan?”

Pausing at the sound Naruto’s soft voice, your eyes widen at the sight of him stood slightly behind you, glancing at you with furrowed brows and a frown.

“Naruto…”

You hear a gasp and you just barely manage to catch sight of the two woman gasping in fright at the sight of Naruto before quickly turning around, running the other direction.

Scoffing, you roll your eyes. Pathetic.

“Nee-chan?”

Turning back to Naruto, you smile down at him softly, extending your hand out towards him.

“Come on, Naruto. Let’s get you home. It’s almost dinner time.”

“Oh! Oh! Can we have ramen for dinner?”

Laughing lightly you shake your head, “we had ramen last night, Naruto. You need a better diet for a growing boy.”

—

“Would you like me to help with shuriken practice today?”

The continuous sound of Naruto’s slurping suddenly stops, and with a quirked brow, you turn your head over your shoulder, brows furrowing at the expression on his face.

Frowning, you shake your head.

“We don’t have to--”

“You’d really help me, nee-chan?”

Frowning, you set the plate you’d been drying down, making your way over to the table and taking a seat in front of Naruto.

“Of course,” you say with ease, nodding. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Naruto shrugs. “Everybody in my class is always talking about their fathers and brothers training them... There’s this one boy, Sasuke-teme. He thinks he’s so much better than me and he always beats me at everything! And I saw him with his brother today after school talking about how excited he was for shuriken training, and I don’t think it’s fair that he has someone to train him.”

Lips parting, your chest tightens as you feel guilt flood you.

You hadn’t realized Naruto wanted someone to train him that badly. Sometimes you’re so wrapped up in missions and trying to make sure Naruto has everything he needs that you sometimes forget how he must be feeling sometimes. Or about the basic, day-to-day bonding he’d be craving as a young boy. You’re not his mother, and you made sure Naruto knew that—the Hokage doesn’t want him to know who is parents are, a fact you’ve fought tooth and nail for with the no avail. 

But you didn’t want Naruto thinking you were his mother—not when he had two parents who loved him deeply. And always would, even in death.

And even if you’re not his mother, you’re certainly (obviously) not his father—and you couldn’t give him that guidance that a young boy needs from one. You could hardly speak from experience, having no father yourself.

“I’m sorry, Naruto,” you sigh, shoulders slumping as you shake your head. “I didn’t realize how you must be feeling.”

Lips parting, Naruto moves to speak—but you don’t realize, and continue on before he can.

“I know I can’t be a strong father or a cool brother to you, and never can be, but I’d love to help you with your training. Whenever you need, okay?”

“Y/N-nee-chan.”

Blinking at Naruto’s oddly stern voice, you meet his gaze.

“I don’t care if I don’t have a father or brother,” he whispers, “I just want you to train me.”

Body easing, a warmth floods your chest at his words, a bright smile curling onto your lips.

“Finish your supper and then we’ll go out to train, okay?”

“Okay!”

—

“Good luck today, okay, Naruto?”

With a bright, shining grin, Naruto hardly falters just like he always does. Today was the day, the test that would confirm if he would be a ninja or not. He’s, unfortunately, failed two times previous today and the two have you have been relentlessly to help him sharpen his skills.

He was pretty good at most things... mostly good. But he seemed to struggle at producing a shadow clone, one of the basics that a child needed to know in order to graduate from the ninja academy. You’ve been working hard to try and help him at least create one semi successful shadow clone, but have yet to be able to.

Nonetheless, despite you spending the entire night worrying—Naruto had woken up with a bright smile, never wavering and not an ounce of doubt in his mind.

If there’s one thing Naruto had, it was confidence 

“Of course, nee-chan. I’m gonna pass the test today, for sure.”

Biting your lip, you swallow thickly. You smile lightly, meeting his eyes with a nervous laugh. “I’m sure you will. But... even if you don’t, I won’t be any less proud of you, okay?” Naruto’s face falters and he frowns down at you, not understanding your words.

“I just mean... there are lots of other things besides being a ninja, right? You don’t have—”

“Of course I have to!” Naruto sharply interrupts you, stunning you as you blink at him. His face has hardened and he looks suddenly ten times more determined than he had seconds prior. “I already told you. I’m going to be Hokage one day, nee-chan, and will make the world recognize me. Believe it!”

Shoulders easing, you smile slightly. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Naruto. I know you will.”

Grinning, Naruto sends you a thumbs up. “Today’s the day! I know it! I’ll be one step closer to being Hokage, and being able to protect you, nee-chan.”

Cheeks warming, your smile brightens at his innocent, warming words.

Reaching forward, you lightly ruffle his hair. “I know, Naruto. You’re gonna pass today, believe it!”

He shrugs your hands away, but grins at your words, his thumbs up never wavering as he shuffles back. 

“When I see you later today, nee-chan, I’m gonna have a headband, believe it!”

“Please, Lord Third, you have to understand! I’m sure he didn’t mean it. He’s a good boy, a really good boy. I know he plays pranks a lot and can cause trouble for the village but Naruto means well. If I could just speak to him, I know he didn’t do this—!”

The Hokage raises his hand and you still have half the mind to understand what that means and what your position is as a ninja. Wisely shutting your mouth, you ignore the tightening of your chest and the way you desperately want to plead and beg until you’re positive Naruto is okay.

Instead, you keep your mouth shut, waiting patiently.

You know the Hokage is not a cruel man and you pray he’ll have sympathy for Naruto.

“You misunderstand me, Y/N.”

Brows furrowing, you glance up to meet his eyes.

“I have no intention of bringing any harm to Naruto. I merely want to find him and the scroll.”

Eyes widening, your lips part; “I—!”

“Surely you understand why I cannot send you after the boy, Y/N. But I promise you, I’ve sent teams to find him already and I’ll bring him safe back to you.”

Shoulders easing, you bite back the argument about finding Naruto yourself. It’d be wise not to push the Hokage more—because at the end of the day, you know what Naruto has done is terribly wrong. Stealing The Scroll of Sealing... You can’t believe the boy would have the nerve to do so.

You honestly thought you raised him better than to do something so childish and stupid. An act like that would normally be considered an act of treason, and you have all the Gods to thank, and the Hokage stood before you that Naruto’s actions haven’t.

You don’t know what you’d do if they had.

Setting a hand on your shoulder, much like he had on that day twelve years ago, the Hokage squeezes it; as if already knowing the thoughts that swarm your mind relentlessly.

“Just wait here.”

And so you do. You do, and it feels like eternity has passed when really it’s only been an hour. You’ve dug welts into your palms from clenching your fists so hard, and you’re sure you’ve dug a whole in your own lip from biting it so hard. And you’re just about to disregard the Hokage ordering you to stay put and find Naruto yourself, when the door opens.

When you turn, eyes wide with hope and anticipation; the first person you see is Iruka. And for a second, just a split second, your heart plummets and you fear the worst, but then you see a peak of blonde hair and relief floods your entire body, easing the muscles that had been tensed since you’d heard about what Naruto had done.

With a gasp, you call out; “Iruka!”

He smiles at you, and distantly you notice the wounds marking his face. But you can barely think of asking him if he’s okay when he turns, letting Naruto slip past him and your eyes finally fall on the boy that’s sent you into a near panic attack with absolute worry and fear, your feet moving before you can stop them.

Naruto walks in slowly, head bowed, fearing how mad you’ll be. Especially when he wouldn’t expect anything else, knowing how severe of a mistake he’s made. However, he’s shocked when instead of hearing yelling or receiving lecture, he feels your arms wrapping around him tightly, pulling you flush against your chest as you press a hand to the back of his head. 

He’s frozen still with surprise for a moment. But then, as Naruto listens, his lips frown and his guilt-ridden gaze turns to one of concern when he hears how shaky your breathing is. He also, in that moment, notices how despite how tightly you’re squeezing him, he can feel you shaking against him and hear your heart pounding erratically against his ear that’s pressed against your chest.

“I was so worried,” you breathe, voice a gentle whisper.

Iruka slips out of the room then, but neither of you notice.

“Don’t ever do that to me again.”

Slowly easing in your grasp, Naruto shakes his head in your grip, pulling away enough to meet your gaze. “You’re not mad?”

“I was,” you admit, nodding at him with a deep frown. Naruto falters, guilt flooding his gaze once again, avoiding your gaze, but you just shake your head, letting your hands fall on his arms. “But I’m just happy you’re okay and safe and—“

Pausing, your eyes catch a glint of silver and your lips part.

“Is that—?”

“Oh,” blushing, Naruto chuckles faintly, bashful. “Iruka-sensei gave it to me. He told me I’d proved myself as a ninja.”

Eyes widening, it’s take you a second to process Naruto’s words before a full fledge smile curls onto your lips. You have no idea what had happened tonight, but you know Naruto and his infectious ability to help everything and everyone around him. You’re sure he’s barely aware of it himself, but him simply just being apart of your life has healed you in ways you’d never thought possible. 

You figure that he’d done that tonight, and proved he was ready to be the ninja you’d always knew he’d be.

A squeal of excitement leaves your lips, stunning Naruto, before he finds himself wrapped tightly in your waiting embrace once more.

“Nee-chan!” He sputters, startled.

“I’m so proud of you, Naruto! So, so proud!”

And after a moment, seeing the genuine pride shining in your eyes and the bright, radiating smile on your face, Naruto returns your embrace, smaller arms moving to wrap around your waist as he presses his head into the crook of your neck.

He relishes in the moment, eyes falling shut.

“I’m gonna be Hokage one day, nee-chan, and I swear to you, I’ll protect you for the rest of my life, believe it!”

[storytellerofuntoldlegends]

an icarus and his sun: chapter 12

A/N: another shorter chapter here, a bit of an uneasy calm before the storm :)

Warnings: injury, fever, infection/corruption, unconsciousness, talk of possession, talk of death, crying

AO3 Link - Tumblr Masterpost

-

The last few days had been horrendous. Jimmy hardly got any sleep, staying at Scott’s side and comforting him through the horrible fever and corruption. The few times Scott was awake, he wasn’t super coherent- the fact that he kept clinging to Jimmy and borderline whining whenever Jimmy wasn’t right beside him proved that. Everyone was trying their best to come up with solutions for Scott. While Joel, Lizzie, and Pixl hadn’t seemed too keen on helping Scott at first, they quickly changed their tune when they heard about what Fwhip had said about Scott, how he had really cared about Jimmy, and left the Wither Rose Alliance because of it. Joel and Pixl tried offering golden apples and health potions, but Gem and Shelby sadly explained that they hadn’t been doing much good, only somewhat combating the fever and doing absolutely nothing to the corruption. Then they tried to remove the corruption- but Scott woke up screaming in pain, and that was a sound that would haunt Jimmy forever. They stopped trying to remove the corruption pretty much instantly, as it was clear that it was far too intertwined with Scott. They would just find another way, there had to be another way.

With Gem’s magic, they had managed to get the corruption to stop spreading across his skin- and it seemed like it had worked. Even Shelby seemed optimistic- her people were never able to stop the corruption from spreading. Scott’s fever went down, and he woke up, seeming far more coherent than he had been in the past few days. Well, maybe not super coherent, he looked extremely baffled and wondered if he was dead. But he wasn’t, he was awake and for once his icy blue eyes weren’t glazed over with fever or pain… but then just like that, everything went wrong again. Scott started shaking and hyperventilating, babbling out apologies- then he tensed, eyes turning red before they fluttered shut and he went limp.

“What happened?!” Gem asked as she burst in, followed by Pearl, Shelby, Katherine, Pixl, Joel, and Lizzie. Jimmy was still standing at Scott’s side, hand tightly gripping Scott’s.

“I don’t know, he seemed fine and then he wasn’t- and his eyes went red, the same red as the corruption,” Jimmy explained, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

“Oh no,” Shelby gasped, eyes going wide as she scrambled back from Scott’s bed. Jimmy looked at her in confusion.

“Shelby, what’s wrong?” Jimmy asked. Shelby swallowed nervously.

“There- there was something else that could happen to people because of the corruption- but it was rare, not many people lived long enough for it to happen.. but we got it to stop spreading, so why would his eyes…” Shelby’s rambling trailed off as she continued backing away from Scott’s bed, eyes wide with horror.

“Shelby, what aren’t you telling us?” Pixl asked, voice gentle yet firm.

“They would become like puppets, the corruption would control them so it could spread- but Scott shouldn’t just be lying there, if his eyes really went red then he should have killed us all by now,” Shelby explained shakily. Various gasps and shouts of alarm filled the room.

“You knew what the corruption did this whole time and didn’t tell us?!” Jimmy demanded.

“Jimmy, yelling isn’t going to solve anything,” Katherine reprimanded, but it was lost on Jimmy as he glared at Shelby instead.

“Becoming a puppet to the corruption was rare! And I didn’t think it was happening to Scott- most times, before someone got under the corruption’s control, they were in a much better state than Scott. But it was like that was what the corruption wanted sometimes. It would weed out the weak ones and keep the strong ones to spread it. And… well, with how Scott was doing, it seemed like the corruption saw him as weak. But then you said his eyes went red, and that was a surefire sign that the corruption took over someone- but he should have started killing people or trying to spread the corruption… it doesn’t make sense,” Shelby rambled, her terrified expression completely directed at Jimmy now. Jimmy’s shoulders sagged, and he dropped his glare to instead sheepishly grimace at Shelby.

“I… yeah, okay. That- that makes sense. Sort of. Sorry for yelling,” he said, giving her a weak smile. Shelby gave a trembling smile back.

“It’s okay. And who knows! Maybe Scott passing out means that he’s still fighting off the corruption,” Shelby said hopefully.

“I don’t think we can afford to be that optimistic,” Pearl said with a wary glance to Scott’s still form.

“Maybe we should lock him away somewhere, until we find a cure,” Joel pondered.

“I have a secret meeting room- Fwhip and Sausage know about it, but it’s probably the most fortified spot in my empire,” Gem offered.

“We could always set up a guard rotation, maybe have someone stay in the meeting room with Scott as a last resort,” Pixl pointed out.

“I’m staying with Scott,” Jimmy blurted. Everyone’s gazes snapped to Jimmy with varying expressions of fear and concern.

“Jimmy, that’s suicide,” Lizzie said softly, eyes slightly glassy. Jimmy felt his eyes watering as well.

“I don’t care, I’m not abandoning him. Not again. Besides, maybe Shelby’s right, maybe he’s still trying to fight it off. And if anyone can beat it, it’s Scott,” Jimmy said firmly.

“Jimmy, this isn’t your fault,” Lizzie said softly. Jimmy gave her a grim trembling smile.

“If I hadn’t pushed him away, then he wouldn’t have had to deal with Fwhip and Sausage on his own. Then maybe none of this would have happened,” he replied, guilt laced throughout his tone. Lizzie let out a frustrated scoff.

“Then you both would have ended up like this! Jimmy, we can’t lose you either!” she exclaimed, hands gesturing wildly as she began to cry. Jimmy let out a sound that was half laugh, half sob as he reached out to take Lizzie’s hands.

“Lizzie, what if it was Joel in this situation?” he asked softly. A look of understanding came over Lizzie’s face, but she shook her head, still looking like she wanted to protest.

“I- but-”

“So you know why I have to do this. I can’t just… give up on him again,�� Jimmy continued. Lizzie let out a sigh of defeat, nodding at Jimmy.

“I told you these land boys were trouble,” she teased weakly.

“Didn’t think it would be this much trouble,” Jimmy said with a nervous laugh. Lizzie gave a watery laugh in response, and hesitated for only half a second before letting go of Jimmy’s hands to hug him tightly.

“You’re not allowed to die,” Lizzie murmured into his shoulder. Jimmy chuckled.

“Understood, Ocean Queen,” he said solemnly, swallowing the lump in his throat before letting go of her to look at the others.

“So you’re sure about this?” Gem asked. Jimmy nodded firmly.

“We should still keep a guard rotation outside too, that way Jimmy can call for help if he needs it,” Pearl added. The others nodded in agreement, and Gem fiddled with something around her neck before taking it off and holding it out to Jimmy. It was one of her amethyst shards on a chain, gently glowing with her magic.

“This should protect you from the corruption. The crystals are what helped me slow the spread of it in Scott, maybe it will help it from spreading to you. I’m sorry I don’t have a more definite solution,” Gem explained, pressing it into Jimmy’s hand. The crystal shimmered in his hand, glowing a bit before going back to its usual purple hue.

“Thank you- it’s better than nothing,” Jimmy replied with a smile as he put on the necklace.

“At the very least it looks nice on you!” Shelby chirped, relieving the tension in the room slightly as the group laughed. But the laughs dissipated quickly, and they began preparations to move Scott to the secret meeting room.

-

The wall closing in front of Jimmy felt like a finality. Realistically he could open it whenever he wanted, but that was only if the situation got dire enough, or if it turned out that Scott was okay. He had hugged each of his friends- even Gem, Pearl and Shelby, even though their friendships were relatively new- and it felt too much like a goodbye. But it wouldn’t be, surely Scott would be alright.

Jimmy looked over to the bed they had set up in the room, where Scott was still peacefully asleep. That was a good sign, right? Unless it wasn’t, and Scott would just… never wake up. Forever trapped in the clutches of the corruption, eternally fighting its control. Jimmy shook his head. He couldn’t think like that. Scott would wake up, eventually. But whether or not Scott would be himself when he woke up was another issue. Would Jimmy really be able to fight him off? Would he even have enough time to call for help? And even if he did, would he want to? If he asked his friends for help, they would have to kill Scott in order to keep the lands safe from corruption. He just had to hope that Gem could figure out a cure before it got to that point. And maybe this worrying was for nothing! Maybe Scott’s willpower was strong enough to fight it… but there was no way of knowing that. Instead, all Jimmy could do was sit at Scott’s side, holding his hand and praying to whoever was listening that Scott would be alright.

-

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[divinesouldariax]

number 14 from 75 random dialogue prompts ("If you truly believe you can get me out of bed before ten a.m. then you’re delusional.") for Ashton please!

Thank you! This was very fun to write! :D

*

Bang, bang, bang!

Ashton opened their eyes. “What the fuck?!”

“You need to see this!” Milo yelled outside the door.

“What fucking time is it?” Ashton was exhausted. It definitely hadn’t been more than a few hours since they had fallen asleep.

“Like, six. I’m serious, get up!”

"If you truly believe you can get me out of bed before ten A.M., then you’re delusional!” called Ashton.

“Fuck you, get up! It’s Letters!”

Ashton got up. Passing a hand wearily over his eyes, they stumbled to the door. Now that they were awake enough to analyze tone of voice, they could tell that Milo sounded worried. That couldn’t be good. He opened the door. “What?”

Milo grabbed the collar of his shirt (they knew better than to grab his actual body) and started leading him down the hall. “Got up to work on stuff, walked past where Letters parks for their stasis, they’re freaking the fuck out. Eyes blinking on and off, wheeling back and forth a few inches, babbling stuff I can’t understand. Like sleep-talking. Like they’re dreaming. And not a good dream.”

“Huh? FCG doesn’t dream,” Ashton said, confusedly. “I’ve asked them.”

“Explain that, then.” They rounded the corner and pointed to Fresh Cut Grass. The little automaton was in their usual spot in the corner of the hallway where Milo’s workshop met the almost-a-functional-living-room. Sure enough, they were shifting forwards and backwards, tilting like someone rocking to calm themself down while in distress. A light was flickering behind their eyes, and a soft, halting voice emanating from within.

“Tried--tried to--just tried to--tried--doing--stop them--help them--”

“Holy shit,” Ashton muttered. “You try to wake them up yet?”

“Talked at them a bit. Nothing.”

Ashton stepped a bit closer. “Hey. Fresh Cut Grass, wake up. C’mon, stasis over. Wake up.”

The stammering continued without pause. “Dancer--tried--leave--tried--dark-- failed--”

“Fresh Cut Grass!” Ashton said louder. He knelt down a couple feet away, snapping his fingers a few times. “You with me? Wake up!”

“Purpose--tried--tried--failed. Failed.”

“Shit.” Glancing up at Milo, they said, “How do we wake them up?”

Milo threw their hands up helplessly. “They’re your robit buddy!”

“You’re the one who knows fucking artificing, though! Fuck!” Ashton thought he might be making a mistake, but he reached out and put his hands on either side of FCG’s…chest? Somewhere in the torso area, careful not to stick their fingers near any moving parts that might pinch. They held on tightly enough that FCG stopped moving, though something whirred in protest at the forceful stop. Ashton winced, hoping he wasn’t hurting them. “Wake up,” he repeated.

“Do you need something, Ashton?”

“Ah!” Ashton almost yelped. “Are you awake?”

Fresh Cut Grass’s eyes were glowing solid blue now, not blinking anymore, and they weren’t straining against Ashton’s hands. “You just got me out of my stasis, yeah. Everything okay? What do you need?”

“You were…” Ashton frowned. “Do you remember what just happened?”

They looked around. “We got home late, you went off to sleep, I went into stasis, you just got me up. Why? Was there something else?”

“Uh…you were…sleep-talking,” Ashton said slowly. He let go of them.

Their head tilted to the side.

“Freaking out,” Milo added helpfully. “I swear it looked like you were having a nightmare. You don’t remember anything?”

“I…don’t dream,” Fresh Cut Grass replied. “I don’t know what that could have been, I…was I talkin’?”

Ashton nodded.

“What was I sayin’? If you don’t mind repeatin’ it, I’m…really curious,” they said.

“Disconnected words, wasn’t much coherent in there,” Ashton said. “Mostly…you just said ‘tried’, a lot. Um…’dark’.”

“‘Stop them’ and ‘help them’ a couple times,” Milo said.

“‘Dancer’,” Ashton recalled.

“Ah, yeah. And ‘failed’,” finished Milo. “Lotta ‘failed’.”

“Huh.” FCG was quiet for a good long minute, their eyes going just a little dim. “I don’t know what that could have been,” they repeated. "I'm sorry if I distressed you. I--"

"Don't worry about that, are you okay?" Ashton demanded. "You sure you don't remember it? Did something get knocked out of place, do you need to fix it? I didn't think you'd gotten hurt today, but maybe you did. Does anything feel off?"

Fresh Cut Grass shifted back just an inch or so, like they were overwhelmed by the questions.

Ashton sighed. "Did you take damage you haven't fixed up?" they said, trying to make it easier by giving one question at a time.

"I don't think so, I feel fine," they answered.

"And you remember nothing?" Ashton checked.

FCG nodded. "Sorry, I just don't have any memory of it. I wasn't aware of anything out of the ordinary during my stasis."

"Don't apologize. Alright, well…" Ashton tried to think of what else to say. "Did you get a whole rest?"

"I did not, no. Should I...not try to stasis again? If there's something weird going on?" A higher-pitched voice betrayed FCG's understandable anxiety, or whatever passed for anxiety for an automaton.

"Milo?" Ashton said.

"I've got no idea," Milo said ruefully.

"Huh. Well…" Ashton thought for a second. "No, you need to finish your stasis. And so do I. I'll sleep on the couch--no, Milo said they were getting up to work on something, it's gonna be loud."

"Yeah," said Milo. "Sorry."

"Fucker. Come down to my room," Ashton told FCG. "If something weird happens again, I can...well, not help, clearly, 'cause what the fuck do I know?"

Milo was already heading over to their workbench. "Moral support, 'cept you haven't got morals."

"Fuck you."

"You want to...be by me? If something weird happens?" Fresh Cut Grass asked. "To help?"

Ashton stood up, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't make it a thing. C'mon. Would fucking love not to be awake at 6 in the morning anymore. Fuck, that's not even a real time."

FCG followed them out and down the hall. "Ashton? Thank you for that. I don't know what happened, but I know that waking someone up from a nightmare is considered a kind thing to do, so I really appreciate it. And I'm sorry you were woken up so early."

"What did I just say? Don't make it a thing. Don't thank me, don't apologize, don't try to turn this into a moment." Ashton ushered FCG into the room, closed the door, and went over to collapse onto their low bed.

“A-alright. Sleep well.”

“‘Night.”

There was a minute of quiet with just the distant sounds of Milo hammering at something a few rooms away, and then Fresh Cut Grass said, “Ashton? Do you think this is gonna be a problem?”

“Honestly, I have no fuckin’ clue,” mumbled Ashton. “Didn’t seem t’ be hurting you, far as I could tell. Just gonna have to wait and see, I guess.”

“Yeah, I-I guess so. Thank you.”

“Try not to worry about it,” they said. They were a little worried about it. “In my experience, when something’s killing you, you’re aware of it. This is weird, but…”

“Probably not dangerous,” agreed Fresh Cut Grass.

“Exactly.” Ashton stifled a yawn and stuck his head under the pillow to block out some of the noise Milo was making. FCG seemed to take the hint and didn’t ask any more questions. Eventually, trying not to dwell on whatever the fuck had just happened, Ashton got back to sleep.

[masterjedilenawrites]

What about a reader that is drunk, going to do some nonsense, so both Tech and Crosshair stop her, and in the next day there’s a climate btween them? Pretty please 🥺

I wasn't sure what you meant by the last part of your request so I just let the scene play out in what felt like a natural direction, I hope that's okay! I'm happy to write something else if you'd like!

Tech & Crosshair & Reader | 1.8k words

You tried to hold back your giggles as you gathered up as many helmets as you possibly could. This was going to be great. You couldn't believe you hadn't thought of this before, it was probably one of the best ideas you'd ever had in your life. Your whole body seemed to shake with excitement. Or maybe that was just the alcohol. Nah... you hadn't had that much to drink. This was a genuinely good, smart idea.

You stumbled out of the closet and down the hallway, dropping a few helmets along the way but not even noticing. It was like the edges of your vision were out of focus but surely that was just the dim lighting of 79's. It'd always been hard to see in here.

"What are doing?"

The voice came out of no where, even thought its owner was practically standing right in front of you. Arms crossed, scowl on his face, eyes studying you as you juggled a half dozen clone trooper helmets in your arms for seemingly no reason.

"Back off, Crosshair," you slurred, trying to push past him quickly. Why was he always in your business?

The sniper was too quick for you even on your good days. He took hold of your arm and pulled you back before you entered the main bar area, keeping you in the relative privacy of the hallway.

"Why are you stealing the 501st's helmets?" he rephrased his question.

"It's not stealing, it's a prank," you protested, trying and failing to get your arm out of his grasp. Another helmet tumbled to the floor in the effort.

"Oh there you are," came a new voice. It was almost as if you were moving in slow motion as you tore your gaze from Crosshair and over at the newcomer.

"Tech, tell this jerk to get out of my way," you thought you said. But whatever actually came out was apparently not as understandable. Tech looked between you and Crosshair, confused.

"Um, okay. Why are you stealing the 501st's helmets?" he asked the same question as his brother.

As if on queue, another helmet slipped out of your grasp, though you hadn't moved. At least, you didn't think you did. You huffed and ignored Tech's question, turning back to Crosshair with pleading eyes. Both men were standing between you and your chance to pull one over on the 501st, a battalion infamous for their clever pranks. And you were not going to be stopped.

"Come on Cross," you drawled. "I'm pranking the regs, you should be proud."

Even through your crazed senses, you were still able to pick up the amused twitch of his lips. But he quickly suppressed it and turned back to his usual grouchy grimace.

"Normally I would," he said, "but not like this. Not tonight."

He took a pair of helmets from you and handed them over to Tech, ignoring your whiny sounds of protest.

"He's right," said Tech, placing the helmets on the floor in the corner. "Wrecker already upset some of them tonight, I don't think they'd find this very humorous. Besides, in your drunken state..."

"I'm not drunk!" you exclaimed, probably louder than you intended judging by the flinch both men gave in response.

"Your cheeks are flushed and your eyes are bloodshot," said Tech matter-of-factly.

"And I saw exactly how many drinks you had," added Crosshair.

Tech nodded at him. "Yes, we could go on, but that should be indication enough that..."

You cut him off again, this time with tears. You couldn't help it. The whine that had almost been perpetually eking out of you during this whole conversation grew into actual cries and whimpers. Before you knew it, your cheeks were wet and your lips trembled uncontrollably.

"You're both so mean, you never let me have fun, the one time I come up with a great idea and you shoot it down like I'm an idiot, it's not fair, all I wanted was to show you that I belong here with you guys, but none of you let me, you don't care about me at all, you're such fun-busters..."

You babbled on and on, only barely making any sense to the two men who'd now freed you from your armful of stolen helmets and were gently guiding you out of the bar. You clunked along between them like a baby learning to walk for the first time, unaware of where you were going or what was happening. You could only focus on your emotional speech, and then after a few minutes, your focus was redirected to the queasy feeling in your stomach.

Thankfully the boys got you back onto the Havoc and into the refresher before you spilled your guts. Crosshair held your hair back and rubbed a hand soothingly along your spine until the worst of it passed. You fell limp next to the toilet, unable to form any coherent thoughts in the aftermath.

"Come on," Crosshair said softly by your ear. He tried pulling you up, but when it was clear you weren't going to stand on your own, he picked you up altogether and carried you over the to bunks.

Tech had pulled out one of the cots, the one everyone on the ship agreed was more comfortable than the others and thus fought over the right for almost every night. He had it set up with blankets and pillows, and he stood nearby holding a bottle of water as Crosshair laid you down.

"Just small sips for now," Tech said, holding the bottle up to your lips and helping you get down a few quick swallows, enough to calm the burning in the back of your throat. You were vaguely aware of his thumbs wiping away the remnants of your earlier tantrum from your eyes.

"Fun-busters," you muttered before curling up on your side.

Tech looked over at his brother, who only rolled his eyes at your stubbornness.

"Good-night to you, too," he said just before you lost consciousness.

* * *

The next morning was... rough, to say the least. You'd been tipsy a few times in your life, but never full-on drunk, which meant you'd also never had to deal with a full-on hangover.

Your head was splitting open, you were sure of it. Every turn of your neck made you feel sick. There was a pressure behind your eyes and a lightness to your stomach. You wanted to stay in bed forever. But even more painful than your hangover symptoms were the memories of your behavior the night before, and the urge to make amends eventually propelled you to get up.

You found Tech first, fiddling with his holopad in the cockpit. He eyed you as you carefully lowered yourself in the chair next to his, keeping a hand up to shield your eyes from the rays of morning sunlight that crept through the windows.

"I'm sorry," you said in a low, raspy voice, getting right to the point. You knew Tech appreciated when people did that. He wasn't a fan of small talk and segues, not when there was clearly something important to discuss. "I was kind of a dumbass last night, wasn't I?"

Tech set down his holopad with a shrug. "You had too much to drink. You weren't in control of your mental faculties."

You smiled at his uncomplicated way of viewing things. But then came a cough from behind, from a particularly unamused sniper leaning against the doorway.

"You were a dumbass," he said just as plainly as his brother. Well, at least they were both honest, even if it was in contrast to each other.

"I'm surprised you remember," said Tech, quickly trying to move past his brother's more negative comment. "From what I've read, memory loss is common after heavy intoxication...."

You shook your head, immediately regretting the action as it made your head ring. "I don't remember a lot, just enough to be embarrassed. If I said anything nasty to either of you, I really didn't mean it, I swear. I was just...."

You trailed off, not sure what it was you were really trying to do. You'd wanted to pull a prank, but there'd been something else driving you forward, some other motive to want to do something so stupid.

"You called us fun-busters and cried because you didn't think we cared about you," said Crosshair through the customary toothpick in his mouth.

You looked at Tech, who gave you an apologetic look that confirmed his brother's words were true. You let out a little groan and slumped into the chair. A part of you was glad you didn't fully remember.

"Do you really think that?" Tech asked. "That you don't belong here?"

You shrugged. You still weren't sure about your feelings.

"I dunno... I guess, maybe sometimes... it does feel like you treat me the way you do the regs." You spoke slowly, discovering your own thoughts as you said the words. "Like I'm just along for the ride. Just a normal person who doesn't matter. I thought if I did something to them, you'd see I wasn't part of them. At least, that's what my drunk alter ego thought, anyway."

You gave another shrug and tried for a laugh but it didn't feel quite right.

Tech looked thoughtful for a moment. "You do realize most of the regs in that club were inebriated, too. But we didn't carry any of them to bed for the night."

"Or watch as they puked their guts out," added Crosshair with a slight wrinkling of his nose.

"Yes," Tech nodded at you. "We knew you've been feeling down lately, that's why Hunter suggested we all go to that bar in the first place, to give you a chance to have some fun. Crosshair and I kept an eye on you, and Hunter and Wrecker made sure those regs didn't get upset over your, ah, attempt at a prank."

Tech let his words linger for a moment as you finally raised your throbbing eyes up to meet his.

"You belong here. And we do care. We care because, well..."

He looked over at his brother and you followed his gaze. Crosshair took out his toothpick and pointed it at you.

"Because we're your family."

He put the toothpick back in his mouth with a wink and then turned to leave, showing that that was the final word on the subject. Tech looked at you with a soft smile, one that made you finally feel at peace. You hummed as you laid back against the chair and let the feeling really take hold within you.

You belonged with the Bad Batch. They were your family.

It was a very nice feeling.

[kpop-zone]

Change of Mind pt.3 | Mina

CEO!AU | meet messy | “You confuse me.” 

Wordcount: 10,451

Part 1 Part 2

“I don’t care how busy he is! Get him on the phone and clear things up!”

Mina huffed into the phone before hanging up in annoyance. There was nothing worse than unreliable business partners.

Could this day get any worse?

The answer was yes. Just when Mina was about to take a sip of her steaming hot coffee to calm her nerves, someone ran into her full force, making her spill her beverage all over herself.

“Are you serious??”

She yelled exasperated, looking down on her beautiful blouse that looked like she had crawled through the mud with it now. The person who had run into her mumbled some apologies, but Mina didn’t even listen. She was so done with unreliable people.

“Do you know how expensive this shirt is?! You shouldn’t make other people pay for your obvious incapability to manage life.”

Desperately, Mina tried to clean her shirt with a napkin; she didn’t really have time to get changed, but she could impossibly attend all the meetings today with a stained shirt. It was truly always the same kind of people that made her life harder. Maybe it was unfair to take out all her pinned-up anger on that poor soul in front of her right now, but this incident had made Mina lose all sense of rationality.

“A diligent and decent person wouldn’t have to run anywhere. That’s what differentiates the successful from the scum. I would-“

She was about to give the person another piece of her mind when she finally averted her gaze from her blouse to look at her opponent, causing her to stop abruptly. Not only did that person look like a beaten puppy drowning in guilt, but also turned out to be the most stunning person that Mina had ever seen in her life. In awe, Mina shamelessly scanned your body, knowing that you were too speechless to stop her anyways. Everything about you was simply perfect. Therefore, Mina took her sweet time studying every detail of your body until her eyes met yours again. Your face was suddenly flushed, and it was obvious that her intense gaze was making you nervous. Mina, however, enjoyed seeing you this flustered, wherefore she decided to torture you a bit longer before clearing her throat.

“Aren’t you late to something?”

She asked, remembering that you had been running somewhere before bumping into her and she didn’t want to be the reason for you to be even later. A shocked gasp escaped your throat like you had totally forgotten about your appointment, causing Mina to giggle. You had to be really clumsy, but somehow that made you even more attractive.

“Um...I- yes. I- your shirt.”

You stuttered while rummaging your bag for your purse. Your gesture showed that you had manners and Mina liked that, but she didn’t want to have your money; you looked like you needed it more than she did. Therefore, she rested her hand on top of yours to stop you, causing you to look at her with wide eyes.

“Go.”

Mina ordered with a stern face in order to nib any backtalk in the bud. And her strategy worked. With a slightly bewildered face, you bowed hastily before rushing off.

Curious about where you would go, Mina decided to not go her way yet, but to look after you, realizing to her delight that you were entering her company.

Were you working for her?

Having the urge to know more about you, Mina quickly followed you, but waited a little at the side when she saw that you were talking to the receptionist. As soon as you were picked up by another employee, Mina rushed to the counter.

“Who was the person that you were just talking to and what is their business here?”

She cut straight to the point, much to the confusion of the receptionist.

“What- oh my god, Ms. Myoui!”

When her subordinate realized who was standing in front of her, she leaped to her feet in lightning speed and started searching for the demanded information.

“That was...um...Y/N L/N. One of the applicants for the open position in Mr. Gwan’s team in the sales department.”

When Mina heard this new piece of information, she almost squealed in joy. So you could indeed be working for her soon which meant that she had the chance to see you again.

“Thank you.”

Hastily, Mina thanked the receptionist before rushing to the elevator to pay the sales department a visit. Of course, it was Mr. Gwan’s decision who he wanted to have in his team, but maybe a recommendation of hers would help him to make his decision...

As soon the elevator door opened on the ninth floor, a murmur went through the sales department, causing Mina to smirk in amusement. It was always the same. She was well respected in her company, maybe even feared by some. But she didn’t mind. She enjoyed the nervous glances and the dignified bows of her subordinates. Therefore, she strutted down the hallway with her head held high, knowing fully well that all the team leaders were having a little mental breakdown right now, wondering whether they had messed something up. If they only knew that Mina couldn’t care less about their work right now...

Without any detours, she walked straight to the conference room where your job interview was happening and pressed her ear against the door. She just wanted to know whether you needed her help to get the job or whether you were doing fine by yourself. But instead of hearing a professional conversation, Mina heard something that made her blood boil.

“Who do you think you are? Do you think I’m only waiting for you? And then you appear here looking like that?”

She heard a man, who she assumed to be Mr. Gwan, yelling, causing an inexplicable fire to light inside of her. Mina knew that she shouldn’t be affected by this. You were a complete stranger and she should not get involved in affairs that weren’t in her field of duty. But for some reason the thought of someone yelling at you made her lose her cool. Without knocking, Mina teared open the door to the conference room and stormed inside.

“Is that how you deal with all of our applicants? Do you think that’s good publicity for my company? My god, you must have been raised by animals. Your incompetence is truly astonishing.”

She yelled without a warning, causing Mr. Gwan and you to look at her in shock. Immediately, Mina got lost in your helpless puppy dog eyes again and she completely ignored Mr. Gwan’s useless babbling. Something about you just sparked an incredible urge to protect you inside of her. If you could make everyone feel this way, Mina had no trouble believing that you had the whole world whipped for you.

Mr. Gwan kept going on and on until Mina had enough of his annoying voice and interrupted him rudely.

“Well, I don’t really have time for your irrelevant babbling. For your sake, however, I hope that you will quickly fill this position with the right person. Otherwise...well, I think I will not be having any use for you.”

The dumbfounded expression on Mr. Gwan’s face conjured a smile to Mina’s lips and she had to refrain herself from laughing. She was sure that this poor man had gotten her hint and would make the right decision regarding you. Therefore, she turned around wordlessly and left the room with a victorious smirk on her face. Her job was done here. Instead of instantly making her way to the long-overdue appointment of hers though, Mina decided to wait in front of the room. She assumed that the meeting probably wouldn’t even take fifteen minutes and she wanted to talk with you one last time for today. Gladly, her assumption turned out to be right and the door to the conference room opened ten minutes later.

You stepped out of the room, looking like you had had the worst day of your life and Mina had to hold herself back from pulling you into her arms. Instead, she went for a more professional and appropriate approach.

“Congratulations.”

Mina exclaimed happily, causing you to flinch. Only now you seemed to have realized that you weren’t alone in the hallway and turned around with a confused expression on your face. Once you saw her, you tensed up again and Mina didn’t know whether she found it adorable that you still got so flustered around her or irritating that you seemed to be almost scared of her.

“I- thank you. It’s just-“

You stuttered and Mina looked at you expectantly. This would be the first time that you would communicate a coherent sentence with her. But once again, your courage left you and you stared at her helplessly. Therefore, Mina calmly got closer to you in hopes that she could show you that there wasn’t just this loud, aggressive side to her that she had already demonstrated you twice today.

“It’s just what?”

She chuckled, encouraging you to finish your sentence.

“It’s just...I don’t understand why you’re doing this for me. You confuse me.”

Your sudden confession came unexpected, but Mina liked your straightforwardness. But judging by the expression on your face, you hadn’t planned to be so blunt, causing her to laugh.

“You’ll figure it out soon.”

Mina answered mysteriously, wondering whether you had truly no idea yet why she was being so nice to you. It wasn’t like she made her attraction towards you a secret. But to give you another hint, she stepped closer to you, managing to bring her own heartbeat to an unhealthy frequency. It would be so easy to close the gap now, but Mina wasn’t so sure whether you were ready yet. Therefore, she decided that she had teased you enough for the day.

“Anyways, see you Monday.”

Nonchalantly, Mina stepped away from you again and gave you a cheeky wink before turning around and strutting away while stifling a laugh.

Oh you were so adorable, she couldn’t even wait for your next encounter.

---

But unfortunately, the day of your next encounter was tainted by an unpleasant incident beforehand. Like any logical human being would have done, Mina had of course arranged your relocation to her floor. Mr. Gwan was clearly a bad team leader and she didn’t like her current assistant anyways. Therefore, it was only plausible to make you her new assistant. Unfortunately, there was an array of people who thought differently about that.

Mina had already noticed the day of the job interview that people were whispering more behind her back than usual but after she had ordered her assistant to move to the sales department, the rumor mill exploded. It needed a while till the rumors ended up on the top floor, but as Mina made her way to her first meeting of the week on Monday, she got a taste of what her employees were saying about her.

“So I’ve heard you hired a new assistant. Rumors have it that they are more than just you’re assistant though. Who are they? A relative? A fling?”

Mr. Jeon, a high-ranking board member, smirked as he sat down next to Mina at the conference table. His question surprised her; she hadn’t thought that the news would carry quite that fast. But Mina didn’t let her surprise show, calmly she faced him and feigned a lack of knowledge.

“You should know by now that most rumors are just the product of too much fantasy. I simply didn’t get along with my assistant and needed a new one.”

Mina lied with a fake smile on her lips, but the arrogant expression on Mr. Jeon’s face told her that he wasn’t done interrogating her yet.

“Sure...Is that why you yelled at a senior employee of ours and -how should I say- stole his new recruit? Come on, you can be honest with me. I won’t judge, I know that assistants can be quite...tempting. It would be totally normal if one of them made you weak.”

Disgusted, Mina’s gaze fell on the wedding ring on his finger and she had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. She hated that people were associating her with someone like him.

“I yelled at the employee because he was out of line. And I didn’t steal his recruit. This is my company, I can’t steal what’s already mine.”

She said sharply and Mr. Jeon’s grin faltered.

“Yes of course. It was obvious that all those rumors were just made up.”

He quickly uttered and Mina had to distract herself with the documents in front of her, because otherwise she would have to tell him how much his spinelessness disgusted her.

But despite knowing that Mr. Jeon was nothing but a blithering idiot, Mina couldn’t manage to ignore his remarks. They were stuck in her brain and during the whole meeting, his words bothered her. For one, she didn’t want her whole company to talk badly about you. You hadn’t even started working yet, but everyone still knew your name by now. But above all, there was one word that Mina hated more than any other. A word that instantly caused her to fly off the handle if people used it to describe her. Weak. Mina knew that she wouldn’t be so bothered by Mr. Jeon’s words if she didn’t secretly think that there was some truth to them.

Were you making her weak?

Mina couldn’t say in good conscience that all her actions in the past week had been right. She shouldn’t have compromised a good senior employee like Mr. Gwon and she definitely shouldn’t have transferred her assistant to the sales department without a warning. Those decisions weren’t made after thorough consideration and in favor of her company like she usually did; they resulted from a selfish desire. With every minute that Mina sat in that conference room, she got more upset about herself. How could she have acted so recklessly? If she had only been more considerate, the whole company wouldn’t be talking about her love life right now.

Mina was so lost in her thoughts that she only realized that the meeting had ended when she was the last person remaining in the room. Quickly, she packed all her stuff while cursing when she realized that her next meeting would start in less than two minutes. Annoyed, she ran to the next room. You were really bringing her nothing but trouble. She had to focus on her company again. If she could, she would even rewind to the day of the job interview and make everything undone. But that was just wishful thinking now. Nevertheless, there were other measures that she could take: she had to cleanse her mind from you. Therefore, she tried to clear her mind before sitting down at the head of the table at her next meeting, intending to pay better attention this time around. Her good resolution was put to the test, however, when the door to the conference room suddenly flew open to reveal you.

The root of all the chaos in her life right now.

Like the first time, her heart immediately started fluttering when your eyes met; especially when you waved at her awkwardly. You were such a dork. Mina could have sat there forever, just looking at you, but when she felt the gazes of the other participants of the meeting on her, she got reminded of the annoying rumors that were circulating in the company and her expression changed quickly. Instead of flashing you a wide gummy smile like she wanted to, Mina rolled her eyes, feigning to be a ruthless boss.

She needed to nib those rumors in the bud.

The look on your face, however, caused Mina to regret her decision in an instant. You looked so confused and she wished to be able to apologize to you. But that wouldn’t be fair. She had to stop with all that hot and cold treatment. Her company came before everything else. Therefore, she needed to focus again and if that was only possible by cutting you off, she needed to show you the cold shoulder for now.

A task that turned out to be harder than she had thought.

Your little insecure glances throughout the whole meeting didn’t go unnoticed by her, even if she forbade herself to stare at you. It was pure torture. Mina would love nothing more than to flash you a smile or to give you an encouraging thumbs up to tell you that you were doing fine for your first day. But the eyes of the others were glued on her today. Even when the meeting was over and the two of you made your way to her office on the top floor. All the assistants whispered behind your back, causing you to insecurely scan your surroundings. You were clearly uncomfortable, and this was all her fault. She needed to make it up to you; even if her good intentions would be absolutely invisible to you.

Throughout the week, Mina could see how your frustration grew with every day. She was punishing you with ignorance and criticism, no matter how accurately you were working. It was cruel and hurting Mina probably exactly as much as it was hurting you, but she told herself that you would thank her in the end. Nevertheless, she had never been looking forward to the end of the week like this week. Only one more meeting and she could send you home and recover from this horrible week. She would be in dire need of a breather after this meeting. Not only because of you, but also because this meeting was essential for the future of this company. If she could close this deal, no recession in this world could bring her down. She would rise above all the competition. Therefore, she was equally looking forward to this meeting as she was also dreading it. Nervously, she had paced about in her office before strutting to the conference room, pretending to be confident.

“Mr. Park, I’m glad that you could make it.”

With a wide smile on her face and an extended hand, Mina approached the older CEO and bowed to him politely while shaking his hand.

“Shall we?”

She pointed towards the conference room where everyone took a seat around the table. It didn’t take long till you entered the room as well and headed straight for the guests.

“Good morning. Is there anything that I can get you?”

You asked politely with a soft smile and Mina felt how a bit of her nervousness disappeared. Maybe you were causing her to make crazy decisions, but she couldn’t deny the calmness that she felt around you either. That was as long as everyone behaved around you, which Mina couldn’t really say right now. The way all those conceited prigs were rudely spitting out their orders without showing any sign of gratitude was causing this certain familiar irritation to crawl out of the dark inside of Mina. But you handled the situation with grace, so she took a deep breath and tried to let it go. This was neither the place nor time to make a scene; this customer was really important. Therefore, she pushed all the thoughts about you to the very back of her head and started the meeting with her eyes on the price: walking out of this room with a closed deal today.

If just everyone had been as focused as her...

Unfortunately, it seemed like the Mr. Park really wanted to test her patience though.

“Why isn’t my coffee iced?”

He snapped at you, when you returned to the conference room and placed his order in front of him. Irritated, Mina looked up from her notes in front of her, feeling like someone had just dropped a matchstick into an oil drum inside of her. Her grasp automatically tightened around the pen that she was holding, and her eyes darkened.

“I-iced? Because you ordered a hot cappuccino…”

You stuttered and Mina could hear how you were struggling to stay polite.

“I did not. Go get me a new one. Iced. I hope you’re able to keep that simple order in mind this time.”

Mr. Park rudely shoved the cup into your hands and Mina needed to physically bite her tongue in order to stop herself from stepping in. She could taste blood in her mouth and she quickly averted her gaze from the scene in front of her. The company comes first, she told herself in her head over and over again in a desperate attempt to bring her heartrate down. Only when she heard the door of the conference room being opened and closed, she dared to look up again, seeing that you had left the room.

“It’s so hard to get competent assistants these days...”

Mr. Park scoffed and the other men at the table agreed with him, but not Mina. He could be glad that she didn’t just rip his head off; she surely wouldn’t suck up to him just to please him. Therefore, she simply cleared her throat to catch the attention of the others and continued with her presentation.

“Where were we? Ah right, the targets of our partnership.”

Mina smiled, ready to focus on the benefits that Mr. Park brought to the table again, although they were harder to see with every minute that passed. There was barely a sentence that she could finish before Mr. Park interrupted her with a stupid comment. Maybe Mina could have endured them better if there wasn’t a flame already flickering inside of her, but it was increasingly hard for her to keep her cool. Your appearance was just the final straw to make her explode.

You walked into the room with a fake smile on your lips and the coffee that Mr. Park definitely didn’t deserve. It was hard for Mina to listen to another one of his dumb remarks while observing you in the corner of her eye, but she tried her best to stay focus. That was until a really unfortunate event caused her breath to catch in her throat.

“YA!”

Mr. Park yelled after you had spilled his coffee all over him. Deserved, Mina thought to herself while feigning to be shocked although she was actually trying her hardest not to laugh. Her amusement, however, disappeared a second later when Mr. Park leaped to his feet in order to yell at you.

“You incompetent idiot! What is wrong with you?! Did you just spill the coffee all over me to get back at me?? Do you know who I am? I’m going to make you pay for this, you ungrateful scumbag!”

The company comes first, the company comes first, the company comes first, the com- how dare this asshole?!

Mina had tried her hardest to keep her cool for the sake of her company, but enough was enough. No one, absolutely no one was allowed to yell at you. Anger replaced every single bit of rationality in her body and she leaped to her feet while slamming her hand on the table.

“Out.”

Was the only word she managed to choke out without absolutely losing her temper. But no one moved and Mr. Park even had the audacity to smirk victoriously. Did he think that she had meant you? In that case, she had to make herself clearer...

“I said out! The deal is off the table. My company doesn’t make deals with petty tyrants like you.”

She yelled now, unable to keep her emotions in check. The jaws of everyone in the room dropped and Mina would have probably laughed if her anger weren’t still consuming her completely.

“Excuse me?”

Mr. Park stuttered and Mina was starting to lose her patience. She couldn’t stand to see this man a second longer.

“Out.”

She growled and this time, Mr. Park seemed to have gotten the hint. In disbelief, he scoffed and looked at his associates before straightening out his stained suit.

“Very well. But don’t think that these ties can ever be mended. I’m going to make sure that you’re going to regret this.”

He stated arrogantly and it took everything from Mina not to jump across the table to grab him by his collar and to throw him out of the building herself. Making her regret this? He didn’t have that kind of power, if any Mina would make him regret ever having lived. Breathlessly, she supported herself on the table after Mr. Park and his associates had left the room as it hit Mina what she had just done. Even if Mr. Park was the biggest asshole on this planet, the deal with his company would have still been huge. But that chance was gone forever now, and Mina couldn’t believe that she had robbed her company of it just because of you.

“This is all your fault.”

She hissed angrily before finally looking at you.

“This was a million-dollar deal. Damn it.”

You flinched in shock when she swept the portfolio off the table, making her regret her action in an instant.

“I-I’m sorry.”

You stuttered and Mina chuckled bitterly.

“Oh thank you, that makes everything better.”

She exclaimed cynically, although she knew that it wasn’t fair to let her anger out on you. None of this was actually your fault.

“Of course not. I’m sorry, I will get my stuff.”

You mumbled in defeat, causing Mina’s heart to break. Get your stuff? Were you still not able to see that she was willing to sacrifice everything in order to have you in her life?

With slouched shoulders, you walked to the door and Mina knew that she should let you go. You were turning everything upside down. But she couldn’t let you slip out of that door and out of her life. Not after everything that she had already given up for you. Therefore, she quickly chased after you and grabbed your arm just as you wanted to press down the door handle. With a strong pull, she managed to spin you around, causing you to helplessly stumble into her arms. Once again, Mina instantly got lost in your eyes and she didn’t waste another second before grabbing your neck and crashing her lips into yours. She had wanted to do this since your first encounter. Starving for your taste, she ran her tongue over your bottom lip and finally you seemed to wake up. Hesitantly, you granted her access and Mina had to suppress the urge to hum into the kiss. She had kissed so many people in her life, but never had she ever felt so high before. Your taste was addicting, and she wished that she could keep standing there with you forever. But this was a highly frequented room; anyone could walk in here any second, so Mina pulled away reluctantly. Despite the risk, however, she couldn’t get herself to step away from you. Her hands kept cupping your face and she gently stroked your cheeks with her thumbs while letting this feeling of comfort wash over her as she got lost in her eyes. How did you manage to make her feel so many things in just a split second? Desperately, Mina sighed before resting her forehead against yours.

“What am I supposed to do with you? You drive me crazy.”

---

Mina’s words were causing you to chuckle. You were driving her crazy? What were you supposed to say? Gently, you put your finger underneath her chin and pushed it up to make her look at you.

“Well...you could stop pushing me away. Because you are driving me crazy too.”

You replied and Mina sheepishly hid her head in the crook of your neck.

“I’m sorry.”

She mumbled against your skin and you laughed.

“It’s ok, now that I know that you like me too, your behavior is more bearable.”

Your statement caused Mina’s head to shoot up and she looked at you in disbelief.

“You only know now that I like you?? I made it so obvious!”

She gasped and you held up your hands defensively.

“You didn’t talk to me for one whole week and when you did, you yelled at me! How should I have known?”

You argued, remembering how this week would have been the worst of your entire life if Mina hadn’t just made it up to you.

“Ok...if you say it like that, I see where you’re coming from.”

Mina said innocently and you shook your head in amusement. You liked this kind of interactions between the two of you a lot better.

“Yeah you should definitely make it up to me.”

A light smirk tugged on the corner of your lip as you stepped closer again and Mina mirrored your expression in anticipation. Just when you were about to lean in for another kiss though, the door of the conference room suddenly swung open and Mina jumped away from you as if you were toxic. Completely oblivious to what was going on, a man entered, seeming to be fuming in anger.

“Is it true? Is it true that the deal with the Park corporation is off the table?”

The man’s voice cracked, and Mina avoided his gaze before reluctantly walking closer to him.

“Yes, it’s true. Mr. Park was highly uncooperative.”

She answered calmly, but the man looked like she had just said the most ridiculous thing on the planet.

“Uncooperative?? It was your job to make him cooperative! Do you know how much this deal would have meant for this company?”

It was cruel to watch Mina getting scolded for something that you had messed up, but you felt like it wasn’t your place to step in.

“Mr. Jeon, please calm down. Let’s go to my office.”

Mina stayed professional and gestured towards the door whereat Mr. Jeon sighed and left the room. Helplessly, you stood there, looking at Mina who flashed you an apologetic gaze before stepping into the hallway as well, leaving you alone in the conference room. Since meeting Mina, you felt like you were living in an alternate universe; everything seemed to be way too crazy to be real. But today was a step in the right direction. At least you knew now that you weren’t delusional. Mina truly liked you and seemed to be just as helpless as you. It was high time that you sorted things out with each other. Maybe the two of you could use the weekend to meet outside of work and talk about everything. Therefore, you followed the two board members to the top floor and sat down at your desk in front of Mina’s office, waiting for a chance to talk with the CEO. Through the glass walls, you could see that Mr. Jeon and Mina were discussing agitatedly for almost an hour before they eventually seemed to have come to an agreement. While glaring at you angrily, Mr. Jeon left Mina’s office and disappeared in another one further down the hallway. Mina, on the other hand, tiredly sat behind her desk and stared into the void.

Maybe you could cheer her up by asking her out...

Therefore, you took a deep breath and walked over to her office. You knocked shortly before letting yourself in without waiting for an answer.

“Hey.”

You greeted Mina shyly, but she only gifted you with a short glance. Instead, she turned her attention to some papers on her desk and started to rustle with them busily.

“Um...I was wondering whether you had some time to talk?”

You piped up while awkwardly shifting your weight from one foot to the other.

“No.”

Mina simply replied without bothering to look up from her desk. Dumbfounded, you stared at her, not knowing how to react to her sudden coldness.

“Maybe later?”

You tried your luck once more, but you ran against a wall.

“No, I’m busy.”

It seemed like you had accidentally traveled back in time. Instead of talking with the woman that had kissed you senseless in the conference room earlier, you were faced with the old Mina again that punished you with ignorance for one whole week. Your headache instantly returned again, and you stumbled out of the office in pure disbelief. How could one single person have that many mood swings? Exhausted by the events of the day, you plopped down on your chair and pretended to work on some papers that Mina had given you this morning, while replaying the kiss in your head over and over again. All the emotions that Mina had put in it, couldn’t have been fake, right? You martyred your brain for almost an hour until a movement in the corner of your eye ripped you from your line of thought. It was Mina who finally left her office.

“You can leave early today, Y/N. See you on Monday.”

She said emotionlessly while walking by, leaving you even more confused than before. You didn’t even have the chance to talk back before she was already gone. For at least fifteen minutes, you simply stared down the empty hallway while trying to make sense of Mina before packing up your stuff in slow-motion. Usually, you wouldn’t have minded a long weekend, but under these circumstances, you dreaded it. A bad feeling was beginning to spread in your guts.

What if the kiss hadn’t changed anything? What if everything would stay the same?

---

Mina felt like punching herself as she rushed down the hallway. She was playing a cruel game with you; she was painfully aware of that. But she couldn’t stop. You were somehow messing with the chemicals in her brain and cutting you out of her life wasn’t an option anymore. But at the same time, she had responsibility for her company and Mr. Jeon had just made it clear to her what would happen if she didn’t fulfill her duties. Yes, she was the CEO of this company, but if the shareholders would work together, they could still remove her from her position. It was maddening and she needed time to think. Therefore, she had sent you home early. She couldn’t stand to be around you a second longer and to be reminded of the highly unpleasant talk with Mr. Jeon. You probably already had a whiplash from her mood swings, and she needed to use this weekend to come up with a solution.

But no matter how hard Mina martyred her brain, she couldn’t find one. Before she knew it, the weekend was over, she was sitting in her office again and you were driving her insane, just by looking at some papers. Half of the morning was wasted already because Mina hadn’t been able to concentrate. Instead, she had been staring at you. The way you knitted your brow when you concentrated was extremely adorable and the moment you bit your lip while filling out some form, Mina knew that she had to do something about her desire. Not wasting another second, she leaped to her feet and strutted to your desk.

“I need your help.”

Without waiting for your answer, Mina walked to the copy room, hearing how you followed her hectically. The moment you had entered the room, she slammed the door shut before pressing you against one of the photocopiers to your surprise. Utter confusion was written all over your face, so Mina decided to give short shrift. Just like the first time, she simply pressed her lips on yours, trying to let you know how much she wanted you even if she couldn’t always show it to you. She hadn’t been so sure whether you would forgive her after she had sent you home on Friday, but to her delight, your lips soon started to move in sync with hers causing her to sigh into the kiss. She had missed you tremendously, even if she only hadn’t seen you for two days. But apparently, you were feeling the same. Needily, you were pulling her closer even though there wasn’t even space for a single piece of paper between the two of you. Mina couldn’t help but to smile into the kiss while teasing you by pulling away several times, only to have you leaning forward to capture her lips again. It seemed like you were two magnets that simply belonged together, but unfortunately the knowledge that there was probably already another client of hers waiting in her office was annoyingly pinching her and Mina had to pull away despite the overwhelming attraction.

“I have an appointment.”

She whispered while softly stroking the outlines of your jaw.

“Skip it.”

You grinned, causing her to chuckle. She was very tempted to agree to your offer, but she knew that she couldn’t. The only thing that she could offer you right now were fleeting and secret moments like this. Her duties as CEO still came before you.

“I can’t.”

After pressing another kiss on your lips, she pushed herself off you and fixed her clothes.

“It’s a very important meeting. Oh and I need you to print the documents that I’ve sent you per mail.”

Sheepishly, Mina smiled at you, knowing that her timing was terrible right now, but you didn’t seem to mind.

“Yes, ma’am.”

You saluted dorkily, causing her to laugh before turning around to leave the room.

Maybe it wasn’t much that she could give you, but she would make sure to make those times worthwhile... and plenty. Mina just couldn’t help herself. You simply looked so kissable when you typed away on your computer or prepped her for one of her million meetings. So, in the following weeks it became a habit that Mina abducted you to an empty room whenever no one was around to express her affection even when she had to show you the cold shoulder most of the time. Because as soon as other people were around, Mina pretended to be your ruthless superior who mercilessly bossed you around. It was hard to be mean to you, but it was a necessary evil to prove all the people wrong that had spread rumors about the two of you. And Mina’s plan seemed to work. After a few weeks, no one whispered behind your back anymore and Mr. Jeon stopped eyeing you suspiciously. Mina even had to stop herself from becoming cocky and acting foolish again due to the naivety of everyone else. It had almost been too easy to find a solution to her problems...almost. Because what Mina hadn’t considered in her perfect plan were your feelings. You had played your part in her scheme so perfectly until you suddenly didn’t anymore one day...

---

People bumped into you left and right, but you didn’t care. Despite being an obstacle in the busy stream of employees that were trying to get to their workplace on time, you didn’t pick up your pace. Your initial euphoria about your new job was long gone and by now you just dreaded to go to work. You were so tired of Mina’s games. Even if her little ambushes had managed to help you get over her otherwise rough behavior, they simply weren’t enough anymore. You wanted to be more than just her little secret during her five-minute breaks between two meetings. Or maybe you would even be able to bear the secrecy if she wouldn’t grumble at you because of every little mistake. But the combination of both was just slowly killing you. Therefore, you took your time every morning to get to work. You knew that Mina would discover your daily tardiness one day, but she yelled at you anyways, so why should you bother?

Like always, you arrived five minutes late and barely managed to plop down on your chair before Mina rushed past your desk.

“Y/N, did you print the documents that I asked you for yesterday? Bring them to my meeting.”

She demanded before disappearing in her office, only to storm out of it again a second later to get to her meeting on time. You, on the other hand, weren’t prepared to go there yet, because horrified, you realized that you hadn’t printed the demanded documents yesterday. You remembered that Mina had asked you for them five minutes before your finishing time and you had simply waved her request off. Little had you known that she needed them so soon. In lightning speed, you opened the attachment of her last mail from the day before and hit the ‘print’ button. To your dismay, however, it seemed like the document was 100 pages long and with every second that passed you knew that your death inched closer. On wobbly legs you eventually ran to the conference room, managing to arrive only a minute after the official start. Relieved, you sighed silently when you entered the room and heard that Mina was still making small talk with the other participants of the meeting. Unfortunately, though, your happiness didn’t last long.

“Are you incapable of telling the time?”

You didn’t need to look at Mina to know that she was staring at you with one of her terrifying gazes that seemed to be able to set you on fire. With your head hanging low, you put down the documents in front of her and lightly bowed to her.

“I’m really sorry. It will never ha-“

Before you were able to finish your apology, Mina cut you short.

“I’m so tired of your sloppy work! Everyone would be grateful to have your job and you allow yourself to play games? I gave you this opportunity and I can take it from you again if I want to. I should have known better. You have been unreliable from the start.”

She scoffed and your head snapped up. Somehow Mina’s comment suddenly caused your blood to seethe. You were unreliable? You had never asked her to get you this job and you had done all your work diligently despite her antics. In order to be close to her, you endured everything silently and were willing to put your own needs below hers. But now you were beginning to ask yourself if it was all worth it. Did she even appreciate you? Because right now it didn’t sound like it. If there were so many people who would be grateful to be in your shoes, you shouldn’t be selfish, right? While tightly clenching your fist to stop yourself from making a scene, you bowed deeply before firmly looking into her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I will not upset you again.”

You stated emotionlessly before turning around and leaving the room. You would indeed never upset her again. But neither would you ever reward her with your presence again.

Furious, you stormed to your desk where you paced up and down the hallway. Could you really quit? You had dreamed about working in this company for ages. Besides, you also depended on the salary and you weren’t so sure whether you would immediately find a new job. Frustrated, you plopped down on your chair and weighted your options. Should you swallow your pride, or should you risk becoming homeless? It was a tough decision but in the end, you knew that only one of those options would come into question. You could no one longer knuckle under to Mina; not if you still wanted to be able to look at yourself in the mirror. Therefore, you quickly packed up all your stuff, hoping that you could disappear before Mina would be back.

Unfortunately, however, you were just halfway down the hallway when the elevator door opened and your soon to be ex-boss stepped out. When she spotted you, she quickly looked around to make sure that no one was around before approaching you with a smirk on her face. As soon as she noticed the box with all your belongings in your hands though, she started frowning.

“What are you doing, Y/N?”

She asked with concern resonating in her voice.

“I’m done.”

You spat out, wanting to simply walk past her, but she grabbed your wrist to stop you.

“What do you mean?”

Genuine confusion reflected in her eyes and you wondered how she could still be so clueless. Did she really not know how wrong her little games were?

“I quit. This job and whatever this is between us. I’m tired of you and your games.”

With a strong arm movement, you ripped yourself free of her grasp and rushed to the elevator that was still on your floor. As the doors slowly closed, you could see that Mina was staring at you with an open mouth in utter disbelief and you almost felt sorry for her. But then you remembered that exactly this weakness for her soft side had gotten you in this trouble in the first place and you quickly pulled away your hand that reflexively wanted to stop the door from closing. Instead, you pressed the button for the ground floor and averted your eyes from Mina before you could change your mind. This rollercoaster ride needed to end now.

---

Mina felt like she was stuck in a bad dream when she watched you stepping into the elevator. She had truly thought that the two of you were doing fine and those news were hitting her like a truck. The moment your words had left your lips, her heart had stopped beating and her whole body was frozen ever since. Only when the display above the elevator showed a red 1, the stinging pain in Mina’s chest slowly started to spread in her body and managed to rip her out of her trance.

You were gone.

Indecisively, Mina turned in circles while grasping her hair, not knowing whether she should chase after you or act like a CEO. Why did everything always seem to come down to the conflict between her love for you and her responsibility for her company?

“Ah Ms. Myoui, I was just on my way to you. Do you have a minute?”

Mr. Jeon’s voice caused Mina to jump in shock. Dumbfounded, she turned around and saw that he was standing in the door of his office with a smug smile playing on his lips. Her gaze immediately darted back to the elevator where her heart was telling her to go.

“I-I have to...”

She stuttered, pointing to the elevator, but Mr. Jeon cut her short.

“Please, it’s important.”

He countered, causing Mina to sigh in defeat. She had sworn to him that she would never let her feelings interfere with the success of this company again. Therefore, she reluctantly followed him into his office where she listened to his babbling with only half an ear. Your words just played in her head over and over again.

I quit. This job and whatever this is between us. I’m tired of you and your games.

Only after hearing your words Mina had realized that she had never officially asked you to be hers or taken you out on a real date. In hindsight, she couldn’t believe how selfish she had been. Had she really dared to martyr you every single day without giving you anything in return? Without noticing, Mina huffed loudly, causing Mr. Jeon to stop his monologue and to look at her in confusion.

“I’m sorry, please continue. I was just thinking about...a client.”

Mina lied and Mr. Jeon eyed her suspiciously.

“It’s ok, I don’t want to steal any more of your precious time. And we can continue talking tonight. You’re coming, right?”

He asked and Mina stared at him for several seconds, trying to remember what he was referring to until she remembered the red cross in her calendar that was labeled ‘Annual Business Partner Gala’. This time the loud huff that slipped past her lips was directed at Mr. Jeon who looked at her offended, but Mina didn’t care. She really had better things to do tonight. But of course, she couldn’t just skip the gala. She was the face of the company and her business partners expected her to give a speech that would assure them that Myoui Holdings was still yielding the money that they expected. Therefore, Mina put on a fake smile and looked at Mr. Jeon.

“Of course, I’ll be there.”

She assured him before leaping to her feet and leaving his office, not being in the mood to pretend any longer to be listening to his unimportant babbling.

With her thoughts racing through her brain like on a racetrack, Mina made her way to her own office. As she passed your desk, however, her movements halted, and she looked at your seat with regret tugging at her heartstrings. If she hadn’t been so selfish you would still be sitting there. She just had made it too easy for herself and now karma was making her pay for it. With every second that she was standing there, it became harder for her to breathe, because it cost her every bit of strength in her body to suppress the tears that were threatening to spill. Maybe she had missed her chance to make you know how much you meant to her, but she herself was painfully aware of that fact which made it unbearable to stare at your empty desk. Therefore, Mina did what she had promised Mr. Jeon not to do and let her feelings get the better of her. Although you had left her several sticky notes on her desk that were telling her what she still had to do today, she couldn’t manage to free her thoughts from you. So in order to prevent having a breakdown in front of all the board members of her company, she grabbed her belongings and rushed out of her office.

She needed to put distance between her and this mess.

The car ride to her apartment didn’t take long but it seemed like it lasted hours. Even if her driver was obliged not to spill anything that happened in the car, Mina didn’t want to cry in front of him. It would absolutely ruin her reputation. Therefore, she held back her tears until her key card unlocked her door and she could finally stumble into her safe space. The hours that followed were a blur. Mina knew that she had to be calm and composed again for the gala tonight, so she tried to let out all her bottled-up emotions, resulting in a tearful breakdown.

What was she supposed to do about you? Was it selfish of her again to want you back?

Not only her brain and her heart seemed to disagree on the answer to this question. No, her heart alone seemed to be torn too. On the one hand, it told her to give in to her love for you. She didn’t want to live without you. She wanted to make it up to you and show you that she could do better. But on the other hand, the same love told her to stay away. Didn’t you deserve someone who treated you better? Even if she would stop with the secrecy and the blowups, she still wouldn’t have a lot of time for you. Her company demanded a lot of time from her and she wasn’t sure if you were willing to endure that. The dilemma was killing her, so Mina was almost glad when it was time to get ready for the gala and she could distract herself. Although it was hard to ignore her problems when her puffy face demanded almost twice the amount of makeup that she usually needed and to make things worse, even her dress reminded her of you, because she had chosen it specifically for you to impress you. Tears immediately started to pool in Mina’s eyes when she looked at herself in the mirror and she quickly rushed to her wardrobe to search for another dress. One that wouldn’t remind her of her failure throughout the whole night.

Just as Mina was about to make a terrible mess out of her closet though, the sound of her doorbell caused her to head to snap to the side.

“Y/N?”

She whispered absentmindedly before stumbling out of her room and to the front door. Maybe you were here to take the decision that was tearing her apart off her plate. Full of hope, Mina swung open the door, only to feel her heart break all over again when she stood face to face with her guest. Another guest than she had expected.

“Are you ready?”

Seongmin asked with a bored expression and Mina huffed in disappointment. She had totally forgotten about him. Business partners liked to see that their partner was doing well- both in business as well as in their private lives. Therefore, Mina had started to take her old school friend Seongmin to official events. For some reason, a single, successful woman apparently didn’t fit into the norm of the world that she was operating in. So she faked to be in a relationship with Seongmin to fulfill their stereotypes. It was degrading and Mina didn’t know why she allowed the board members and business partners to have so much power over her.

“What am I even doing?”

She sighed frustrated, causing Seongmin to look at her in confusion.

Was this really the life that she wanted to live? Did she really want the be the board members’ and business partners’ puppet? Mina’s gaze fell on the dress that she was wearing, and she wondered whether the two of you would still be together if she hadn’t allowed the opinions of others to mess with her head.

“You are getting ready for the gala. Where you are going with me. Your date.”

Seongmin answered hesitantly, still not being able to make sense of Mina’s weird behavior. His words caused her to look at him and she suddenly felt how her annoyance took control over her. Your date. This was just wrong. She shouldn’t have to fake a relationship to please others. And even more so, she shouldn’t have to hide her real one. She could be a good CEO and a good girlfriend. Maybe it had taken her a while, but finally Mina knew what the right thing was to do.

“No, you’re not my date. I already have one.”

She replied before rushing back into her apartment to grab her shoes and her purse. When she came back to the front door, Seongmin was still standing there dumbfounded and she quickly pressed a kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you for coming, Seongmin. But I don’t need your services tonight. You can go home.”

Mina smiled before running to the elevator. Her newfound determination suddenly washed away the lethargy from before and a wave of energy was electrifying her whole body. In lightning speed, she made her way to her car while calling the head of HR in hopes that the poor devil was still working.

“Ms. Myoui?”

He picked up the phone with uncertainty resonating in his voice, but Mina cut straight to the point, not having time for any explanations.

“Jinyoung, hi! Listen you have to do me a favor.”

She panted into the phone breathlessly while speeding out of the underground garage.

“You need to get me the address of an employee. The name is Y/N L/N.”

Jinyoung was audibly confused by Mina’s request and voiced concerns about confidentiality. But after repeating her request a second time in the sharp tone that made all her employees bow down to her, Mina could hear how Jinyoung typed something on his computer before sending her the address via text message.

“You are the best! Thank you!”

Without losing any more time, Mina hung up the phone and fed the address to her GPS that spit out the supposed shortest route to your apartment in return. Unfortunately, though, this time of day was not the best to drive from one part of the city to the other and Mina groaned loudly when she saw the time of arrival. Nevertheless, she didn’t let this little setback get her down and used the time that she was stuck in traffic to practice her apology in the rearview mirror instead. As soon as she was standing in front of your door, however, all her practice appeared to be useless. What if you didn’t want her back? She couldn’t resent you for that. The way that she had treated you in the past weeks had been absolutely unacceptable.

“Maybe I should come back another day?”

Mina mumbled to herself, remembering that she had learned in her years as CEO to never enter a negotiation unprepared. What were her arguments to convince you to take her back? What were her counterarguments for your accusations that you surely wouldn’t spare her? Before Mina could come up with a fitting strategy, however, the door to your apartment suddenly swung open and she found herself face-to-face with you. The moment your eyes met hers, your jaw dropped, and you stared at her with wide eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

You gasped, not seeming to have expected her in front of your door. Dumbfounded by your sudden presence, Mina opened and closed her mouth wordlessly in search for the right thing to say. Apologies weren’t her strong suit. Her reputation as ruthless and unapologetic CEO had gotten her where she was now. She wasn’t good at showing her vulnerable side. Therefore, before she knew it, her instincts took over and told her that there was only one applicable strategy right now: Offense is the best defense.

“I’m picking you up. We’re going on a date.”

Mina stated determined with her head held high, causing you to frown in confusion.

“No, we’re not.”

You scoffed, looking slightly offended. But Mina held her course.

“Yes, you are.”

She countered before brushing past you in order to walk into your apartment. For a second, she was disoriented in the unfamiliar surrounding but then she spotted her target and headed straight for your bedroom.

“W-wha... Do I get a say in this?”

You stuttered perplexed while watching how Mina rummaged your closet for something pretty for you to wear tonight.

“No.”

Mina simply answered as she pulled out a shirt that had looked like a perfect fit at first glance. But now that she was holding it in front of you, she didn’t really think that it highlighted your features that well, so she wanted to put it back into the closet. Before she could turn away from you again though, the utter look of disbelief in your face caused her to halt her movements.  Maybe this wasn’t the right strategy to demonstrate you that she was more than just a cold tyrant... How could she make the same mistakes over and over again? Disappointed in herself, Mina sighed before turning to you in order to switch her strategy.

“Of course, you have a say in this. But...I would appreciate it very much if you’d let me take you out on a date. I know I’ve behaved like the biggest asshole in the past weeks and I’m really, really sorry about that. But I know that I can do better. I think I forgot how to function like a normal human being over the years while making the company my top priority. But I don’t want to live like that anymore. I want to make you my priority too. You have made me so happy in the past weeks and I want to make you happy in return too from now on.”

She explained, trying to take off the cold and unapproachable mask that she had gotten so used to wearing in the past years.

“And how is that supposed to work? I know how much this company means to you...”

You countered, sounding sad and angry at the same time.

“You’re right, it means a lot to me and I will not lie and tell you that I will be a prefect girlfriend. Because I won’t. I will spend a lot of time in the company and I will not give you the attention that you deserve at all time. But I promise that I will never let my work life interfere with my private life again like I did before. I allowed the board members to have way too much power over me. But I don’t care what they are saying. I have a right to be with the person I love and...that’s you.”

Once again, you looked like you had just seen a ghost and Mina sheepishly turned her gaze to the floor because she felt way too vulnerable right now to stand the silence that followed her confession.

“I really can’t believe you. I’ve never met someone who has that many mood swings. You confuse me!”

You huffed frustrated and Mina slouched her shoulders.

“I’ve just decided to wish you to hell and now you come around, being all cute again and making my heart flutter.”

Angrily, you crossed your arms, but your words gave Mina hope and she looked at you expectantly.

“One. I give you one more chance to change my mind.”

You held your pointer finger up in the air and Mina squealed in joy, but you nudged her chest threateningly, causing her to contain herself again.

“I’m serious Mina. If you treat me unfairly one more time or if I feel that you will always choose the company over me, I’ll quit for real.”

Mina instantly nodded in agreement, knowing that she was completely undeserving of this chance.

“I promise, I’ll be better.”

She whispered as tears were choking her up. This relationship was far too precious to her; she would make sure not to mess it up this time. Maybe it would still take her some time to let all her guards down, but she was willing to let you take the lead. Insecurely, she looked at you, waiting for you to make the next call, afraid that she might patronize you again.

“Come here...”

You sighed eventually while opening your arms and Mina didn’t waste a second before crashing her body into yours. A few tears of joy rolled down her cheeks as she buried her head in the crook of your neck and savored the feeling of comfort that instantly washed over her again.

She would make sure to repay you forever for your change of mind.

[corpseblouse]

dumb little baby

warnings!!: hard dom!iwa, face fucking, aheago face, c!nt slapping, choking, spit kink, hair pulling, mating press, dacryphilia, dumbification, minor size kink

includes: f!reader, hajime iwaizumi

a/n: also, this is my first time writing a smut so pls be nice to me :)

navigation

you feel your cheeks flush, noticing the prominent bulge in iwaizumi’s pants. you look up from the floor with a small smile on your face, the grip on the back of your hair getting tighter.

iwaizumi is towering over you, lips pulled into a tight line, eyebrows furrowed, and a red tint to the top of his ears and cheeks.

he yanks your head back, eliciting a guttural whine from the back of your throat, “look at you, staring at my cock with that dumb fucking look on your face,” you feel his hand reach down and squeeze your jaw, ultimately opening your mouth. you take it upon yourself to slowly bring your tongue out begging for his spit to coat your tongue, but too shy to say anything.

iwaizumi scoffs and let’s go of your jaw, smacking your right cheek, “if you want something, use your words dumb slut.” you whimper, slightly shying away from his hard gaze. you feel his hand lightly tap your cheek, silently telling you to open your mouth wider. your smile grows, knowing you’re going to get what you’ve been wanting.

“aww, does the dumb little baby not know how to use her words?” he coos with faux sympathy laced into his words.

“i guess i have to give you what you want in order for you to stop fucking whining.” you clench your thighs together, listening to the way his tone falls octaves lower with each passing second.

you let your mouth go slack, pushing your tongue farther out. iwaizumi rolls his eyes while collecting spit into his mouth. your eyes roll to the back of your head, hearing the lewd noise of iwaizumi spitting into your mouth. “don’t fucking swallow.” he demands, you keep your mouth open, tongue wet with both his and your spit. it was truly a sight seeing the way your tongue was slowly dripping with his spit, iwaizumi knew he had to ruin you. you look up at him with pleading eyes, wanting to feel the taste of him linger in your mouth but knowing he won’t go easy on you.

“look at you, you’re such a messy little thing,” you whine, still not wanting to verbally ask for what you want.

“stop fucking whining, slut.” he says as let’s go of the back of your head. iwaizumi begins to unbuckle his pants and your mouth waters at the slight wet spot found on the front of his boxers. he slips his cock out, stroking it in front of your face.

his cock was something he surely took pride in, it was thick and long with a large vein running underneath. the tip of his cock was always a beet red and is extremely sensitive, especially after orgasming more than once.

often times, you would find yourself begging for, “just the tip.” because you adored how needy he would become to push the entirety of his length inside of you. but, of course respecting his baby’s wishes, he stretches you out with the tip of his cock while rubbing your swollen bud; hoping to elicit orgasm after orgasm out of you, even if it took all his will power.

you notice precum slightly leaking from the red tip of his cock, his thumb gathers it from the head and spreads it down the shaft. you make eye contact with him, wanting it in your mouth.

he grabs the sides of your face, pulling you towards his length. you keep your mouth open, anticipating his cock entering your awaiting mouth.

“keep your slutty mouth open and your head still,” he grunts, thrusting his cock into your mouth.

you shut your eyes, fighting the tears threatening to fall down your face, and a violent gag rising up your throat. his grip around your head tightens as he stares at your face, tears are rolling down your cheeks, spit drooling out of your mouth, and your cheeks and neck are adorned with a slight pink tint.

it was quite a filthy sight for iwaizumi, he took a moment to relish in how stupid you went for his cock. eyes crossing, tears streaking down your face, drool dripping down your chin, and his hard cock in your mouth.

“fuck,” he groans, snapping out of his haze.

he pulls his cock almost all the way out, tip still lodged between your lips, and snaps his hips back at your face.

you tightly hold your thumb into your fist, trying to alleviate the gag fighting it’s way up your throat from iwaizumi’s cock constantly pushing past your gag reflex. your eyes begin to blur with tears as iwaizumi pushes farther down your throat.

he growls, pulling your head back slipping his cock out of your mouth. you gasp for air, constantly blinking back tears desperately hoping you’re able to see his aroused face.

his flushed cheeks grow darker witnessing your doe eyes staring up at him with a fucked out face, he can’t help thinking about how stupid you’ll look being fucked wide open on his cock.

you feel yourself zoning out, staring at his throbbing cock. the head’s an angry red with beads of pre-cum dripping out of the tip. you lean your head forward, trying to lick at the tip, but you’re instead met with a sting on your right cheek.

“get up, and get on the bed,” he groans out, your eyes travel up his toned body where you meet each other’s eyes.

you get up from the floor and lay yourself onto the plush bed on your back, you clench your thighs together needing to alleviate the throbbing of your core.

iwaizumi kneels on the bed, placing his hand on your knee roughly separating it from the other. he catches the sight of your dripping c!nt, slick from the man handling and rough face fucking.

his thumb finds your cl!t easily, calloused finger rubbing the bud in slow circles. you keen, finally feeling some relief from the small amount of pleasure he’s providing for you.

he sits back on the back of his calves, admiring how your juices flow out of you in an obscene way. his eyes travel up to your breasts, noticing your n!pples hardening from your arousal.

he snaps out of his daze, slightly raises his hand up and smacks it onto your hardening cl!t. the slap makes a lewd noise from the constant arousal drooling from your quivering hole; the mixture of pain and pleasure causing your eyes to roll into the back of your head.

“you liked that, huh?” he teases.

“such a dirty slut, you like when i rough you up like a little slut?” you whine and nod in response, not being able to form a coherent sentence.

not being satisfied with your answer, he raises his hand again and slaps it back down onto your c!nt with much more force this time. you feel your lower half jump out of surprise, silently begging for more stimulation.

“i asked you a question, use your words and answer me.“ he growls out, much more frustrated than before.

you whine, meeting his eyes and shying away not having the confidence to say anything.

“yes,” you meekly whisper out.

“louder.“ he presses, slapping your c!nt once again. you try to push your thighs together, feeling your high coming faster than you expected. iwaizumi growls, roughly grabbing the back of your thighs and forces them back open.

“yes! i like it!” you say, this time much louder and with a newfound confidence in your voice.

“good girl,” you smile, finally getting the praise you’ve been wanting.

iawaizumi pulls his hand away from your c!nt, spreading your juices onto his cock. you whine, missing his touch, which results in him grabbing your chin roughly prying your mouth open.

iwaizumi, once again, spits in your mouth but this time let’s you swallow to give you some satisfaction while he preps his cock for your awaiting hole.

he lets go of your face, lining up his cock with your entrance.

iwaizumi purposefully didn’t prep you, because he knows you like to feel the stretch of his cock entering your tight c!nt. that’s just how much of a slut you are for him.

he brings your legs up, knees touching your chest painfully, and slowly pushes his tip inside of you. you already feel your walls straining around the head of his cock, trying to stretch around him to fit.

“come on baby, let me in, relax.” he coos into your ear.

you feel his abdomen lightly graze your clit, causing you to cry out at the little contact you receive.

“that’s it, let me in baby,” he pushes himself in deeper, ignoring your whimpers and cries.

“p-please.” you whine out, feeling the coil in your stomach slowly start to tighten painfully. iwaizumi feels your c!nt fluttering around him, squeezing him incredibly tight.

“are you about to fucking cum?” he chuckles out. you whimper, nodding your head but barely keeping the tears from falling from your eyes. his big hands press against your abdomen, thumb finding your clit, and starts rolling the bud between his finger, increasing the pace gradually.

he continues pushing himself inside, enjoying your spasming c!nt sucking him inside and your already fucked out face.

“come on, baby. cum for me.” his fingers speed up at the same time as his hips meet yours.

your eyes roll to the back of your head, and you come undone around his cock. the orgasm left your ears slightly ringing, and your poor cl!t swollen under his touch.

the aftershocks of your orgasm almost send iwaizumi over the edge, but he holds himself together wanting to properly fuck you silly.

not waiting for you to come down from your high, iwaizumi wraps his hand around your throat effectively cutting off the blood flow to your head.

he starts off with a brutal pace, not showing any mercy to your sensitive c!nt. you feel the tip of his cock nudging your cervix, bringing you the mix of pain and pleasure that you can’t get enough of.

“right there!” you almost scream out, not recognizing your own voice. he growls, pistoning his hips into the one spot that has your eyes crossing and c!nt drooling non stop.

his hand squeezes your throat a little tighter, making you lightheaded. you start babbling nonsense that even you couldn’t understand, but iwaizumi feels satisfied with how fucked out you’ve become.

“aw, look at that, the poor little baby can’t even speak properly,” he mocks, pounding his hips a little harder into you.

“have i fucked you that silly? you have that dumb fucked out look on your face.” he lets go of your throat and chuckles as you desperately gasp for air. he feels your c!nt fluttering again, knowing you’re close to your second orgasm of the night.

“who’s my little slut? say it for me baby,” he says as you moan out, reaching a hand down between your legs and touching your needy cl!t.

“i-i’m your little slut.” you yell, squeezing around him unbearably tight feeling your high coming faster as the seconds pass.

“good girl, such a good little girl for me. now come for me.” he growls, feeling his own high coming too.

you finally feel the coil in your abdomen snap, letting your orgasm wrack through your body. the hand on your clit is still rubbing furiously, desperately trying to ride out the high. iwaizumi stills inside you, watching your juices gush out of you and onto the sheets was enough for him to cum inside of you.

you both come down from your highs. you, a fucked out mess, and iwaizumi still incredibly hard from watching as his cum mixed with yours flowed out after slipping his cock out.

you both knew the night was far from over.

© all works belong to corpseblouse 2021, do not repost or modify.

[themultiimagines]

Could you do 47 and 54 with Valkyrie 👉👈 I can’t remember if you write for her or not but if you don’t I’m always down for Carol as well fjskkdwkdkje -✈️

(I feel lowkey bad requesting smth from the smut prompt list bc I sent in that Wanda one a few days ago but I simply adore your writing)

OFC!! Anything for my fave anon!! (this will be short tho)

47:  “You deserve a reward for being so good today, what would you like it to be?”

54:  “These walls are pretty thick, which means you and I can be as loud as we want.”

Warnings: smut lol

There were a lot of perks of being the girlfriend to the Queen of Asgard. You wouldn’t even know where to begin with how many perks there were. One of your favorites was watching Brunnhilde be a good and kind queen to her people. You know it was hard for her to transition into being a queen after Thor left. Her traumatic past often coming to haunt her, you were her light in the dark tunnel and helped her take on the harder tasks of ruling Asgard. You loved watching the woman you love grow as a person and a queen, it always gave you butterflies. 

Your second favorite, first being able to just date her and be in love with her, was being railed by her. That woman can get it. You never realized what you were missing until Brunnhilde first made love to you. It was passionate, slow, and almost made you cry. But after a couple of times she started getting rougher, you definitely weren’t complaining either. So when one night, after a huge festival that seemed like it went on for hours--probably because she had been teasing you all night--she leans into your ear and whispers,

“Shall we take our business elsewhere?”

You couldn’t help but grin, shivering slightly at how hot her breath was next to your ear. You nod, seeing her lips turn into a devilish smirk in the low light of the fire. She interlaces her hand with yours and pulls you away from the crowds, back to her house in the village. Both of you giggle as you do a mix of kissing each other and running to her house. Once you got in the house you were pressed up against the door, lips on your neck, hands on your hips, and a knee trying to separate your thighs. You moan, desperate to cling to her as she marks your skin.

“You were amazing at the festival tonight,” she mumbles, still soothing the bruises she put moments ago on your neck. Your brain is too muddled for an actual response so you just mewl and hope she’ll understand. She does.

“You deserve a reward for being so good today, what would you like it to be?” An electric bolt goes through your body and straight to your core and all you can think about is one thing.

“The strap-on,” you say hoarsely. You bite the inside of your cheek at what your about to say next. “My Queen.”

You didn’t know how you were on the bed but moments later your being pushed into the soft pillows, Brunnhilde straddling you with determination and lust shining in her eyes. She starts by taking off your shirt quickly, button by button but with immense speed. She kisses a trail from your lips to your collarbone to your sternum and down your stomach, stopping at the top of your pants. She growls lowly, almost like she was angry your pants stopped her from what she truly wanted. 

Unbuttoning your jeans, she strips them off, humming approvingly. You finally look at her, eyes lidded but you had a grin. 

“Like what you see?” She didn’t even notice you looking at her looking at you because she quickly tilts her head up, grinning as well. 

“Of course I like what I see. You’re not questioning the taste of the Queen are you?” You laugh, making Brunnhilde’s smile brighter. 

“I would never. Though, I am questioning why you are still in clothes,” you reply, making the queen look down. With her grin turning into a smirk, she slowly slides off the bed, taking off her clothes one by one. This time, very tediously whilst holding eye contact. She manages to take it all off, finally breaking contact when she reaches for the harness. You instinctively clenched your thighs together at the gorgeous sight. 

She also takes this moment to turn off the lights and light a few candles. With your breathing getting heavier at the heavenly appearance of Valkyrie, she climbs on top of you, the tip of the strap touching your entrance and rubbing against your clit slightly. You gasp, seeing your lover hovering above you like this made you impossibly wet. 

“These walls are pretty thick, which means you and I can be as loud as we want.” She smirks, slowly lining up the cock with your entrance and pushing her hips forward ever so slightly. You moan loudly, letting everything come out as you feel the hot, searing pain of being stretched out. Your nails dig into her back as you held on for dear life, but also encouraging her. Soon enough, the whole toy is in and your both panting, getting used to the feeling once again. 

She pushes a strand of hair out of your face before she completely pulls out. Before you could complain her hips snap back, pushing the whole thing back in with ease. You throw your head back, allowing access to Brunnhilde as she greedily kissed and sucked at your neck and collarbones as she fucked you hard. She set a pretty brutal pace, the sounds of slapping and grunts filling the room, only to be outweighed by your whimpering and moaning. 

“How does this feel, my love?” She whispers, not slowing her hips at all. 

“It--oh my fuck--yes! Fuck you feel so good,” you babble, unable to form any coherent thoughts. You feel her hand trace down all the way to your clit, her finger moving in a circle, pushing you further to the edge. 

“Harder!” You scream, both of you knowing you’re close.

“Yes, come for me. Come for your Queen,” she growls, grabbing your hips and pounding into you. It was like a semi truck hit you over the edge, a white hot flash of light running through you as you came around her cock. You swear you blacked for a second, because all you remember is her fucking you and then her laying next to you. 

“D-did you come?” You mumble quietly. 

“Hmm? Oh yeah, baby after how you came, I wasn’t far behind you,” she chuckles, making you smile and feel warm inside. 

Yeah this was definitely a perk. 

[teletraan-meets-jarvis]

Monster - Part 1

AO3 Link

Characters: Commander Fox (Main), Captain Rex, Commander Thorn, Corrie Medic Triage (OC), Anakin Skywalker, Fives.

Summary: Fives' death through the eyes of Commander Fox.

Warnings: 16+, swearing, mentions of death.

Word Count: 1.6k

Click here for Part 2

Author’s Notes: First trip on the angst train folks. I've had this in my head for ages because I wanted to try something that wasn't relationship focused and I'm still not over this whole storyline with the chips, they were so darn close to exposing ol' sheev. Fox deserves some spotlight but i'm very sorry it had to be on this. I have got a part 2 practically written up already but wanted to test the waters with this bit first. Let me know what you think!! Fic below the cutoff :).

The title is from the song Monster by Starset. If you're after some good sci-fi related songs for the feels, Startset is where it's at.

Under the knife I surrendered The innocence yours to consume You cut it away And you filled me up with hate Into the silence you sent me Into the fire consumed You thought I'd forget But it's always in my head

Each step was quiet, calculated as CC-1010 moved into the storage bay. His men following his lead as they prepared to surround their target. General Skywalker was verbally defending the Chancellor from where he was captured in a ray shield. The target was unaware of their presence, time to move in.

Set to stun.

“Stand down, soldier! Get on your knees!” CC-1010 commanded, surrounded by his Shock Troopers. The target looked over at the unattended pistols. “Don’t do it solider.”

“GET AWAY FROM ME!”

“FIVES NO!”

Threat. Eliminate the threat.

Good soldiers, follow orders.

Set to Kill. CC-1010 never missed.

No.

Rex was screaming.

General Skywalker was ordering the Guard to lower the ray shields, not that CC-1010 could hear him over the ringing in his ears.

No.

The Captain was at his ARC-Trooper’s side, cradling his head. The blaster wound a disgusting contrast to the pure, shiny, white plastoid of his armour. The blaster wound that CC- no, that Fox inflicted.

No no no no no no.

The pistol fell from his hands and clattered to the ground as Fox came back to himself, the only sound which could be heard among the silence apart from Rex’s begging to Fives to stay with him.

Fox tore off his helmet. He couldn’t breathe. Fuck. The weight of what he just did crashed into him like a tsunami, threatening to take him down, tear him apart.

He stared at his gloved hands which shook uncontrollably. He tried to stop them but his brain didn’t have control of his body anymore. His men were looking at him, he could feel their gaze tearing into him like a jury to a defendant. Watching as their Commander fell apart.

He fell to his knees. No longer able to support his own body weight alongside the weight of his actions. He’d just killed another clone. One of his own vode. His own flesh and blood. That’d never happened before. Sure there had been traitors before among the clone ranks, but they’d never been executed on site. They’d never been pursued by Fox. Lucky them.

The chancellors’ orders echoed in his ears. “Eliminate the threat, Commander.”

Not bring him in for questioning. Eliminate him. No court hearing, no hearing Fives’ side like Slick and others before him. Just execution. And Fox was his executioner. Fuck he was going to vomit.

“Rex” Fox didn’t realise he was speaking until Rex’s eyes met his over Fives’ lifeless body, which he continued to cradle like his last hopes in this war.

Rex’s eyes were cold as ice, the power behind them attempting to freeze Fox to his very core. He didn’t blame him.

The heartbreak at losing another member of Torrent Company cracking the Captain’s usually unshakeable composure. As it fell apart piece by piece in front of Fox’s eyes, he was left staring at his little brother. His Rex’ika. Distraught, heartbroken, empty. He wanted nothing more than to protect him like back on Kamino, when Rex was a young cadet who feared the thunderstorms of their home planet. But Fox couldn’t protect Rex from this, Fox was the reason behind his brother’s agony, his loss. Fox was the monster.

“I-…” he couldn’t get the words out. He couldn’t explain himself. What could he say? I didn’t have a choice, I had to follow orders? That wasn’t going to fix the hole left in Rex’s heart. For losing Fives and for losing Fox too, because the Commander was sure he was dead to him.

Rex finally pulled his eyes away and it broke Fox’s heart. The Captain looked back down at his friend in his arms, his brother. He brought his forehead forward as he raised Fives’s, meeting him in one final Keldabe as he recited the Mando’a that had become far too familiar for them all. Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la. He cradled Fives close to his chest and hooked a hand under his legs as he got to his feet.

Rex’s face was stony, emotionless as he carried his fallen brother out of the storage bay. He held himself together as he brushed past the helmet-less Shock Troopers who stood stock still around their shaken Commander. He didn’t even spare Fox a glance. General Skywalker was hot on his Captain’s heels, going to offer support where he could. Just like that they were gone.

“Sir-“ one of the troopers went to place a hand on his Commander’s shoulder.

“Tell the Chancellor it’s done” Fox snapped out, the words tasting like bitter bile in his mouth. He did his best to regain himself as he grabbed his bucket, re-securing it and his emotions behind as strong a wall as he could fortify in his current state. Still shaking hands clasped around the dropped blaster and Fox finally returned to his feet, slightly unsteady.

“Return to base” his orders were flat as they came through the helmet. His soldiers didn’t react for a moment. He looked each of his men over, their shock at watching what happened bared to the world on their faces. He couldn’t take it. “Now.” Finally they nodded and made the move to leave the Gods-forsaken place.

Everything was a blur; people, places, all fading into nothingness behind Fox as he paced back to his office. His safe space. His feet carried him while his mind drifted, almost leaving his body in an attempt to protect himself from the internal horrors that threatened his grasp on reality.

Next he knew he was back in his office, no idea what route he’d taken to get there. The door had barely shut behind him before he stumbled to the small refresher attached and vomited. Choked sobs wracked his body as he emptied his stomach, tears creating salty tracks down his cheeks.

Once his body stopped torturing him, he finally backed away from the toilet and crawled to lean against the ‘fresher wall. His legs sprawled out in front of him as he threw his head back against the cool tiles. The sharp pain from the action doing nothing to bring him back, to distract him from the agony in his mind.

————

“Fox, Fox!! It’s Thorn, are you there?” The heavy gunner shouted from outside, his fists banging on the door demanding entry.

Nothing.

Thorn had heard what had happened, half the Guard already knew by now. Fox had been ordered to execute another clone by the Chancellor. As soon as the confirmation reached his ears, the Commander dropped everything to find his superior. He’d been friends with Fox long enough to know when he was nearing his breaking point, and he knew that this would throw him off the edge of his sanity.

“Kriff, Fox. I’m coming in!” He announced before punching the code in and rushing in to find his friend.

What Thorn found wasn’t pretty. Fox was propped up against the fresher wall, his head covered in a thin sheen of sweat, his amber eyes glassed over as he sobbed. He looked absolutely wrecked.

Thorn dropped to his side and took hold of his hands in an attempt to ground his friend. “Fox, hey Fox, can you hear me?”

Nothing.

“I heard what happened. I need you to come back to us, yeah. Maker, we need you Fox.” That got his attention, Fox’s watery eyes met his, but the Commander wasn’t fully present behind them yet.

“It wasn’t me” Fox choked out in barely a whisper, tears flowing freely again. Thorn moved forward and pulled the Commander into his arms, their armour fitting awkwardly against one another but it was enough. The broken man clung to his brother as he continued to repeat his words in a tear filled mantra against Thorn’s armour.

After what felt like forever, the shudders that tore through Fox’s body eventually died down to something more manageable. Thorn took that as his moment to try and get his Commander sat up again, maybe even get some water in him. He began to pull away slightly so he could look him in the eyes but as soon as he did, Fox started babbling again. At least it was a few more words than before.

“I set the gun to stun, I swear. I don’t know what happened. Once I saw Fives, everything went dark.” He tried to explain with as much coherence as he could. “They’ll never forgive me for this.” Thorn knew who he was talking about, his batch mates. Cody, Wolffe, Bly, Ponds and Gree. Fox had felt that their relationship was strained ever since he joined the Guard and his brothers went out to fight on the front lines. He’d become the cold leader of the Coruscant Elite Guard, he had the ‘cushy desk job’ while they had to watch their men die day in and day out on the battlefield. The sad truth was that they’d never understand the things the Guard had to go through each day. One night after a particularly tough day, he’d listened as Fox admitted that he wished he could provide his men with honourable deaths in battle to save them from their fates within the Guard.

Thorn’s chest felt like a vice as he cradled his friend, trying to absorb some of his pain as if it would help make things a bit easier on him. He’d never seen Fox like this and it was killing him. Why did the Chancellor always place the worst jobs on the Commander, why did he have to keep him so close, right under his thumb ready to make him do the dirty work. Never thinking about the aftermath, because the clones didn’t matter. So long as Fox kept showing up and performing admirably on the surface, the day to day pain and suffering wasn’t of concern to the Republic, least of all to the Grand Chancellor.

“Fox, I’m going to call Triage alright? He’ll know what to do.” Thorn announced softly, not getting much of an acknowledgment for his words as Fox started to drift off in his arms, his body’s exhaustion overtaking him for a blissful moment.

Continue to Part 2

Back to Masterlist

[janumun]

You’re Still Here (MLQC Victor - Letter)

Well then, friends, if you’ve ever been curious to learn of Victor’s thoughts in the aftermath of the events of Chapter 18, this here is my attempt at turning my entire barrage of tears (at those awful chapters) into something coherent and hoping to give you a glimpse into what went on in that man’s mind post Chapter 18. 😂

Merry Christmas to you too @pamakali​ . I see and hear that sadistic streak of wanting Victor Li down on his knees, emotionally and physically shaken 😂 

While I’ve not kept to a light-hearted date-bust scenario, this letter does contain a Victor burdened by the regret of hurting the one he loves and perhaps emotions he keeps so well under wraps from her. 

Summary: Victor Li is not a man burdened by many regrets but the one he truly wishes to rectify is the one he can never hope to, ever again. 

Warning Tags: spoilers for MLQC Chapter 18, grieving and heartbreak, Victor’s POV, slight alteration of the main storyline

[Transcript Under The Cut]

— Hey you’ve reached my voicemail! Please leave a message after the tone and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! —

Dummy, are you still not going to answer my calls?

A soft, soughing sound; it trembles. A sigh barely audible before it breaks.

…I guess you aren’t. You’re no longer here, are you? Because… I was the one who—

The voice tapers; that strong essence of it— so assured once — as if crushed underneath a great, terrible weight.

Before it continues, as if it’s splintering were mere figment of an over-active imagination.

Christmas is just around the corner in Loveland now; I guess it’s been six months since I last saw you? I haven’t had the time to call as often but I trust you’ve been eating well and not just snacking on the usual take-out junk you so seem fond of. Don’t get a stomachache over the holidays, dummy.

LFG’s been going through a busy few months since you’ve been gone. I’ve had to revise and finalize a few particularly irritating contracts with some of our partners in Shanghai this month.

Business gatherings, notably, have become somewhat of a chore, now that I don’t have a certain clumsy woman on my arm, attending as my companion. Laughing under her breath as she tells me of her day and the ‘funny’ incidents she’s encountered throughout. Your pointless babbling’s been amusing enough, so far, to distract me from the tedious boredom of that stifling, cut-throat atmosphere.

…Which reminds me; I happened to skim through a couple of annual reports. Your company’s, I see, is long over-due, as usual, and I just so happen to have an absent head of said company on my hands, as well.

You’ve always been your fair share of trouble, haven’t you?

But perhaps… I’ve been harsh in my words, more so than was appropriate. For why else did you seem so terribly upset the last time we spoke? Shaking me off as you’d asked me to leave, the tears in your eyes as you’d told me I was the idiot—

I did not understand then, I don’t think I still do but I do know our last encounter left me bothered.

Perhaps I am the fool; I should’ve acted then, taken you into my arms and comforted you as any other man might’ve upon making his partner upset. Told you I was sorry for having misspoken and that we could work through it together.

…All words I wish I could speak to you now.

But now… It is far too late.

A shuddering sound of pain released on a trembling exhale.

Damn it all.

The line’s abruptly cut off; soul-deep regret replaced by the monotone of the tinny dial tone.

End Notes: A voice mail felt more appropriate to me; I can see them as Victor’s ‘personal letters’ of yearning and regret towards the MC over the years since her disappearance [if she never managed to return that is]. 

[taishispit]

okok so I read (and absolutely loved) ur hcs!! could you possibly elaborate more on tais dumbification kink? 👁️👁️ either a drabble or hcs or whatever you think works best! tysm if you do!! <<333

I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE, TURN IT UP

NSFW UNDER THE CUT

warnings!!!: dumbification, slight degradation, swearing, overstimulation

this is most definitely a kink of his he prefers when domming and topping but he most definitely wouldn’t mind letting you pound his brains out

first of all, you’ll be cumming multiple times before he can even fuck you

loves using his mouth, tongue, and fingers to warm you up

when you’re ready for his cock he has to make sure you’re comfortable so when pass away out you won’t be sore in unnecessary places

he’ll shove your knees up to let your legs rest on his shoulders

he’ll have to prep you with lube, this mans cock is not gonna go in without complications no matter how much he preps you

WILL MOST DEFINITELY SPIT ON YOUR HOLE BEFORE HE FUCKS YOU JUST FOR THE MENTAL IMAGE THOUGH SLJDJFKS

has to slide in agonizingly slow due to his size

when he’s all the way in, he’ll grab you by the mouth to force you to look into his eyes

“who’s my dumb little cock sleeve huh?”

loves seeing the tears well up in your eyes while his fat fucking cock sits in you and stretches you out

when you finally adjust to him he’ll start slow

but before you’re even used to the gentle pace he’ll speed up gradually and fuck you as fast as he likes

the squelching sounds you make around him makes him go feral on the spot

you’ll start spouting nonsense between moans

‘can’t take it’ ‘too fuckin fast’ ‘feels too good’

will just smuggly grin at you and grunt out about how he’s gonna fuck you stupid

it doesn’t take long before your mouth is gaping and your eyes can’t stay open on their own

you’re babbling nonsense at this point

no more coherent sentences, just moans and scarttered words of pleasure

you can barely see straight, but there’s no way you can miss his satisfied expression

his face full of ecstasy as he looks at the squirming mess he made you into

it doesn’t take much more for him to cum than the sight of you looking like your brains turned to mush because of him

he cums so much it just fills you up by tenfold

your stomach feels so warm and full of love

you can’t help but reach out with stuttering hands, feeling his cock inside you, making you so full, and his cum making you feel so warm

he’ll pin down your arms, and give you a devious smirk with that big mouth of his

“’m not done with you yet, i havn’t finished putting you through the ringer yet, my stupid little plaything”

i hope you like not being able to walk for days at a time👨🏻‍🦽💨

“t-tai, please god, if you lick me there for hngh~ much longer, i’ll- i’ll go insane. fuck!” your pleas only push him to suck harder at your most sensitive areas. he’s so dedicated to turning you into putty. pressure on your abdomen, tongue to your sex, and two thick fingers inside you, you could feel your release hitting you like a slap to the face. your nails dug into his soft blond locks and your thighs clenched around his head. may god have mercy on you, cause taishiro never had any to begin with.

taishiro’s chin was soaked with his own spit and your cum, but that didn’t slow him down a bit. in fact, you could almost see hearts in his eyes as he swiped his tongue across your mess on his swollen lips. “you’re delicious sweetheart. wanna taste?” before you could even muster up a response, you could taste yourself on him. it never crossed your mind that your cum would taste so delicious to yourself, but having it from taishiro’s mouth made you all the more excited.

tai made sure you were comfortable before he continued on. he fluffed the pillow under your head, smoothed out the comforter under your body, and just all around made sure you felt safe and secure before he could fuck your brains out. “you okay sweetheart? i need to know ya feel okay before i destroy you, darlin’.” his whisper sends chills down your spine and the pressing of hips against yours makes your sex twitch with anticipation. you nod to him and spread yourself wider for his aching cock.

despite the overwhelming amount of preparation and lube taishiro used on you, it was still so hard to take him inside you, even though your hole was so greedy for him. “fuck baby, you’re so tight, i’m so sorry i didn’t loosen you up enough.” he did loosen you up, as much as he possibly could. you tried to tell him he did all he could, but his puppy dog eyes compelled you to pull him closer and kiss his forehead. “i’m okay tai, start slow, and then get as rough as you want. use me.” it wasn’t hard for him to comply without a second thought. he locked his golden eyes with yours as he spit directly where you and him connected before he started inching inside you.

he twitched and grunted as he bottomed out inside of you, making you let out a heavy whimper. your entire body shook at the feeling of your man completely filling you up, and your mind started to fog with lust. the pinching sensation was barely noticeable, but still there nonetheless. he carded his fingers through your hair soothingly. “‘m gonna start gentle, sweetheart. i’ll let you get used to it, but i can’t promise i’ll be kind the whole time. to be fair, that’s what you asked for ain’t it?” he grabbed your face, forcing you to look at him. “who’s my stupid cock sleeve, huh?” his smirk had your knees buckling. you were about to realize you unleashed a beast inside him that you couldn’t control.

he was relentless, each thrust had you shoved further into the mattress. the slapping of his skin to yours and the squelching sounds you made for him was driving him insane. taishiro didn’t take long to start fucking you as hard as humanly possible. the way he slammed into you was almost inhumane, turning you into a blubbering mess for him. “tai, i-i’m gonna lose my fucking mind.” you whimpered, barely above a whisper. he leaned in next to your ear as he continued wrecking your insides. “that’s the idea, angel.” your neck was soon occupied by your man’s mouth as he left his visible claim on you.

remorseless as ever, taishiro had you where he wanted you. your words were slurred and you were babbling on about how fucking good he felt and how he was so fast you couldn’t take it. with faltering eyelids, mouth agape, and drool rolling down your chin, you tried to keep your eyes from rolling back to look at taishiro. your sentence was so jumbled even you could barely understand it. even through the stars in your field of view, you could see tai’s satisfied grin plastered on his smug face.

not long after your words turned to some lust filled game of telephone, you felt yourself on the edge, and so did taishiro. your fluttering walls squeezing down on his cock was a dead give away, and it brought him closer to his own release. still sputtering out about how good taishiro fucked you, he took the opportunity to reach down and play with your sex. your broken moans and slurred words had taishiro’s chest swelling with pride. the sensation of taishiro filling you up and touching your most sensitive areas had you on a cloud of ecstasy, and it didn’t take much longer for another orgasm to take over your body. you had no idea how many this was, you’d lost track as soon as he had your legs around his neck.

not that much longer after you, taishiro reached his climax. his cum spilled inside you, filling you to the brim with his love. your shaky hands instinctively reached to your stomach to feel the warmth he left inside you. before you could completely feel the bulge in your tummy, your hands were above your head, pinned to the pillow wet with your sweat and drool. a devilish smirk spread across his big mouth that made you tremble. “‘m not done fuckin’ your brain’s out just yet, my little fucktoy. it’s gonna be a long night for you, dumb mutt.”

i hope you liked this, i think this is the best i’ve wrote in my entire life 👁👄👁

[hansolmates]

jjk; angel’s trumpet [bonus]

summary; one second, your life is flashing before your eyes and the next, you’re transported into a world exactly like your own. but the jungkook you meet in this world isn’t a renowned singer or your former almost-lover, in fact he has no clue who you are and why you know him so well. as you work to find your way home lost and confused, you conclude that you’re either dead or in the middle of the most wicked drug trip of your life. pairing; idol!jk x reader (f), alternatively film producer!jk x reader genre/warnings; fluff, angst, supernatural, idol!au, non-idol!au, alternate universes, themes of fate, language, alcohol consumption, in this chapter–nudity boobies! w.c; 2.2k a/n; why did a week go by so stinkin’ fast? i’m not ready to let go of this couple! that being said, i wouldnt mind posting some drabble babbles about these two or four. im utterly thankful for the love and passion my readers had for this, i had so many kind readers that kept me afloat through all of. i can’t wait to see you in the next one, and i hope you enjoy this little glimpse💕

[final] [bonus] -> masterpost

“You’re not Jimin.” 

Jungkook’s eyes snap open, and he takes note of the change in air. Chalk it up to the open window or the fact that the rain’s evaporated, but he can’t help the pinch of pain in his heart as he realizes that you’re far, far gone from this world. 

And in your place, is you. Not quite you, but it’s almost scary how easy it is to regard your visage and simple conversation. 

“Jimin,” he repeats, as if he heard you wrong. “As in, Park Jimin? Tiny guy with a big ego?” 

“Yes,” you reply blandly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Your eyes are sparkless, flickering between your state of nakedness and his state of nakedness. “I know I wasn’t exactly sober last night, but I distinctly remember telling him he’d be in my bed tonight,” and you regard Jungkook with a sort of pointed look, unable to decipher your situation, “but here you are. Still cupping by boob.” 

Out of reflex, he squeezes his palm. Yep, that’s yours. 

A little part of him also wants to yell to the heavens because you failed to tell him you were hooking up with Park Jimin before all of this. 

Okay technically you didn’t, but the person in front of him did. 

His heart is fresh and stinging like a hot cut on the asphalt. He watches you take in your surroundings, humming when you notice the new clothes on the rack and the way your desk has been rearranged. Jungkook is trying very hard to be patient, after all you’re a stranger and suddenly he feels like he’s the one that’s known you all his life. Oh, how the tables have turned. 

You stretch, testing out your limbs as they pop and crackle at your command. You run a hand through your strawberry-smelling hair, and Jungkook has to grip the sheets to not go by instinct and take you right then and there on this mattress. With a shameless groan of satisfaction, you flop against your bed. Jungkook tries, emphasis on try, to not watch as your breasts bounce and the way your hair flows around your pillow like the angel you are, but he’s rendered smitten. 

“Uh,” boobies boobies boobies. 

You pointedly ignore his piss-poor attempt at coherent conversation, staring up at the ceiling.  “Ho—ly shit,” you curse freely, heaving an exhausted sigh, “I feel so sore.” 

“S-sore?” Great, he found his voice. 

“Yeah, like I’ve been in a coma or something,” but you think nothing of it, summing it up as a crazy dream from alcohol poisoning. You sit up straight, reaching for your phone. It’s not on your desk, but instead you find something far more interesting. 

You reach for your Midnight Blue Citrus candle, frowning at the contents. The wax is nearly burnt to the end, the tips of the wicks charcoal black and frayed. Waving your used candle in Jungkook’s face you blame, “What the fuck, did you use all of this last night? I just bought this like, literally yesterday!” 

His face falls, “What? You’ve had that candle for forever—”

“And why the heck it is so hot in the middle of February?” 

Oh. 

Something dark and sad creeps up Jungkook’s stomach, and he hates to be the one to tell you. February was when it all started, and his life changed with the presence of you. Jungkook tells himself repeatedly that the woman in this room is simultaneously the person he’s loved since winter and the stranger he feels that he’s meant to love with time. Considering everything’s happening all at once understanding it is still hard, but he’ll try for you. 

It breaks his heart to see how you look lost and confused, like a child woken up from a debilitating nightmare. Your lips are bitten red and purple, trying your hardest not to show fear in front of him, a stranger. You’re frustrated as you try your hardest to shut the windows to block the incoming humidity from last night’s rain. 

He says your name, sweet and soft. “It’s almost summer,” he says, his voice calm and collected. 

“So are you telling me, that wasn’t a dream?” 

The two of you stare at each other, unmoving. He tries not to squirm under your gaze, you watch him intently, scraping at the edge of your brain for any ideas. You’re hugging yourself, arms wrapping against your breasts as if you’re trying to hold your body together in a way that alludes to any brokenness you felt over these past two months. 

Neither of you break the silence, and there’s a bang and a crash. Jungkook flinches at the tell-tale signs of the unwanted intruder, the fling of keys across your wooden table and a shrill call of your name. 

“Who’s that?” 

“Probably Hoseok,” Jungkook answers reluctantly, his thumb rubbing between his brows. 

He ignores the extra cool air against his naked bits when he throws the blankets off his lap. Ignores the way you pointedly, shamelessly check him out as he throws on his sweats and a t-shirt. To his dismay he can’t ignore the burn in his cheeks when he knows how you’re scrutinizing him like a one-night stand, trying to recollect any type of concrete thought that would seem plausible enough to explain why you woke up in bed with him. 

Throwing open your bedroom door and leaving you there, he cards a hand through his rogue bedhead to face a frantic Hoseok. 

“It’s so early,” Hoseok warbles to himself, impressed that he’s managed to cop fresh donuts and coffee at nearly 7AM. 

Jungkook sees nothing but an orange blob and Hoseok’s head, bleary and vibrating. Rubbing his eyes he says, “You just realized how early it is? Couldn’t you have stopped by a little later?” 

“No, I couldn’t!” Hoseok’s now invading Jungkook’s personal space, as if you weren’t the bridge between their threads of a relationship, as if he and Hoseok could be friends. “I woke up a few hours ago and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I felt it, Jungkook. It was like an episode of the Twilight Zone. The air shifted and I felt like I was between two parallel universes—I swear on my bad knee that I’m not going through a drug trip—and I felt the world turning and changing and it was so fuckin’ weird I had to come here as soon as Dunkin’ opened. Didn’t you feel it too?” 

“Yeah,” Jungkook exhales, not bothering to hide the disappointment. He smiles sadly, “it’s definitely not her.” 

Hoseok’s expression and excitement over the world’s converging falters, and he pulls Jungkook into a hug. They’re not particularly close and Hoseok’s smaller in size compared to Jungkook, but for those five seconds he feels comforted as he hugs him back. 

“Why don’t you go home and chill out, I don’t mind explaining things to her,” Hoseok offers, “and I’ll call you later and let you know how it went.” 

“Okay,” Jungkook replies, voice slow, “that sounds like a good idea, actually.” 

The situation is royally messed up, and he hates that he can’t blame it on anyone. Jungkook is a practical man, and he knows that he has no use when Hoseok is here with donuts and coffee. More importantly, there is no use torturing himself by letting his heart break in the presence of  you. 

“What is this, a party?” Taehyung’s bare feet smack against the hardwood, and he plops himself in the chair next to Hoseok, “did you get me coffee this time?” 

The two of them bicker good-naturedly, with Hoseok explaining a little kindness goes a long way and Taehyung muttering that kindness doesn’t happen without caffeine. Jungkook excuses himself, feeling very much out of place as he moves to your bedroom to pack his things. 

“You’re leaving?” you’re standing in the middle of your bedroom, now dressed in a long t-shirt and your hair tied clean and away from your face. You look pretty. 

“Yeah,” he says shortly, stuffing his jeans in his bag and making sure all traces of him are gone from your bedroom. “Need to sort things out,” he excuses, and while you may not buy it, he really does. He feels heartbroken, angry at the world. Maybe he could visit Yoongi today and get a demo in, put all this pent-up emotion to good use. “But Hoseok brought you breakfast, he’s a good friend, he’ll explain everything.” 

“But I don’t know Hoseok,” you mumble, picking at the hem of your band shirt. You’re pouting, stubborn. 

“But you don’t know me either,” Jungkook retorts, not unkindly, but not exactly gentle. “I wouldn’t want to overwhelm you.” 

There’s a hard rip at his zipper, putting in a little too much force as he seals away all his things into a compact backpack. Heck, he even went as far as to take back the hoodie he lent you last month, making sure the fabric is crisp and folded so he can stow it away from your curious eyes. He shoves on his denim jacket from last night, still lingering with the scents of sand and saltwater. It makes him sombre, and the selfish part of him wishes to bottle up that scent and tuck it away forever. 

“You’re wrong,” you blurt when he moves toward the door. His hand lingers over the knob, “I do know you.” 

He narrows his dark eyes, taking in your honest expression, “At Jimin’s job, maybe? I did a couple interviews in the beginning of February. Maybe we passed each other while you had lunch with him.” 

“No. You sang to me, talked to me, as much as you could up until this moment.” 

He remembers the stories you fed to him last night under the stars, shameless and full of love as you explained to him of his other self. The life where he’s a renowned singer, a Golden Boy, one of the most revered in his industry. A life he could only dream of, yet somewhere out there he’s living it in another body making that dream come true. 

Thoughts are running through his head, memories that aren’t his own. He could only imagine what you must’ve gone through, recovering in a hospital bed for two months, unable to move but actively aware of the pain and anguish. How confused you must’ve been, aching to figure out what the hell is going on, acutely aware of the voices constantly chattering about your well-being. 

One of those voices being Jeon Jungkook, who was probably taking care of you night and day. 

His head is starting to throb, and he feels like he’s five seconds away from spiraling. 

“I’d… I’d feel more comfortable around you, Jungkook,” you confess, reaching for his hand, “but if you need to, you can go,” you bite your lip, folding in on yourself once more, “if it hurts too much to be around me right now.” 

He gladly takes your hand, rubbing his thumb between your palm. The familiar sparks he feels when he holds it return, but tamps it down for the sake of your vulnerability. It’s not your fault you’re in this situation. “No… I’m just gonna go home for a bit, clear my schedule,” he gives you a little smile, and he inflates a bit when you give him one of your own. “I’ll come back for you after breakfast.”

“You promise?” 

“Promise.” 

You pull him into an unexpected hug, suddenly fearing he may never come back. 

“I always wondered what the man looked like behind the voice,” and you’re suddenly melting, feeling a sense of familiarity as you let your heart run faster than your brain when you let him hold you in his arms. He smells just like him, too. 

His embrace is tight, and his arms fit in all the little curves and spots that make you feel warm and safe. “And am I living up to your expectations?” it’s a half-joke, after all the both of you are  going simply by feeling and there’s no way in hell would he even attempt to compare himself to well, himself. 

You pull away to look at him, really look at him. Honest, clear eyes. Jungkook thinks he sees the world in your gaze. “Only if you eat a donut before you go,” you reply with a shy smile. 

At your defiant mention of food he can’t help but grin like a maniac, letting you tug him back out to sit at the counter with him and have breakfast. Like he said before, he can’t wait to fall in love all over again.