#if the massage itself doesn't hurt then it's not going to do anything for us is what we've learned

[chalk-homunculus]

My shoulders have been incredibly sore today, bad enough that I'm in pain when I move my neck. I would do almost anything for someone to actually properly massage our shoulders/neck/upper back for as long as it takes to fully work out every knot.

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

X♡X♡ [SEVEN DAYS] Day 3

If you gave him your heart, your soul, your body- what would he do to those things? Maybe it's time to see if he can handle your love for once, and not just the other way around.

Tags/Warnings: Porn with a lot of plot basically, inexperienced!reader, Dom!Jungkook, BDSM themes and elements, mild Angst, fluff, slow burn but we'regetting somewhere, they have mad chemistry but mc has trust issues, mentions of past domestic abuse (mental), Outercourse (basically non-penetrative sex except with a dildo), toys, Cumplay, it's messy smh, hand kink? Increased authority from kook

Length: ~5k words

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜.♡

A/N: you'll never be able to imagine how much I struggled reconnecting with this fic. This was torture. I hated this fic so much at some point. I'm not proud of this part but if I don't get this out I'll never be able to continue this series.

-> Masterlist

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Jungkook has really nice hands.

Not just in a sensual or sexual sense, but in general. They're big but not intimidating, because the way he uses them is never in a mean or hurtful way. They're soft, and kind, and they also look very nice. Masculine, and strong, veins underneath the skin sometimes a bit more visible than other times, but they also hold a certain softness to them. His nails are well taken care of, only his thumb sometimes giving you a hint of a nervous habit.

They're uniquely Jungkook. Rough, but not to be feared. Gentle, but with the potential to lead. Capable. Handsome.

They're his main way of exploring your skin too- his fingers often used to make shivers run up your spine, palms warm as they feel every curve of you. He doesn't need to look at what he's doing ever it seems like, hands having minds of their own every time they touch you.

Like a separate entity almost, listening obediently to their master's command.

You slowly wake up from your nap, feeling actually refreshed, when Jungkook walks in from the door, giving you a hint to what must've woken you up. "Oh- You're up." He smiles, walking closer with a plastic bag, though his first mission is to press his hands into the softness of the couch before he kisses your cheek. "Here- let me show you something." He impishly chuckles, sitting down on his shins, before he opens the bag on the bed.

You're in a state of shock for a good moment, not even having noticed him move.

He's got the audacity to laugh over your shoulder, front pressed into your back, hands teasing your sides as they sneak up your loose shirt.

"Bought one that's about my size." He purrs sensually, almost like he's mocking you. But it's not malicious- playful, if anything, but not mean in any way. "So you can call it.. practice." He explains, while you stare at the nearly clear pink dildo that's staring at you, still packaged together with other things in the black plastic bag in your lap.

"Jungkook.. when did you even buy those things?" You wonder, feeling almost scared to touch any of the things inside.

"Earlier, when you were napping." He shrugs easily, hand reaching past your body to shamelessly dump the contents of the bag on the bed, bag flying somewhere on the floor. "Anything look like an absolute no-go to you?" He asks curiously, and you look without touching.

There's an egg-shaped item there you're not too sure of what it might be. The dildo explains itself, clearly- and the other massage wand is also pretty self-explanatory. There's two bottles of lube- one pink, the other blue. A.. plug, with a pretty pink gemstone on one end of it. Leather handcuffs, with soft looking fur on the inside. Overall, nothing immediately makes you uncomfortable.

You don't know what gives you the confidence for your next comment you blurt out though. "Don't you have any toys?" You ask him bluntly. "Like, for yourself? Or do you just.. use your partner's body for stuff?" You wonder, and he looks at you with a sharp gaze, a smirk growing on his lips.

"I wouldn't mind using your body, that's for sure." He flirts, leaning his head a bit to the side. "Why would I need toys if I've got you?" He fakes innocence as he asks that question without expecting any answer- And for a moment, you don't give one.

But something about his flirty comment bothers you.

Maybe because you hear someone else in your head again- all the men who've degraded you over the course of time. Your ex. Your friends. Your father. You hear them laugh yet again like you're pathetic and worth nothing.

"I don't want to be used." You deny with a flat tone, and it's clear from the slight change in his eyes that he's now on high alert at your every word spoken by mouth and body language, so he can figure out what happened to change your mood like that. "I don't just want to be.. a toy you get bored off and toss away at some point just to pick it back up once you're interested again." You say, drawing a clear line.

You're not sure how he might react to this. You didn't want to make a statement like that, but you can't mask the truth. You really are scared of getting hurt at the end of this- you don't want him to just play around and then let you go.

You don't want to go. You want to stay- You want him to want you to stay.

He says your name to gain your attention, voice low and steady, horribly gentle- and it makes your eyes sting as you realize that this is the first time a man has ever spoken in such a tone to you. He notices the way your eyes begin to gloss over- and it hurts him too, the fact that you're hurting.

"This isn't just something fun to me. I think I might not have made it clear." He says, staying away from you as to not invade your little bubble you're in, letting you have your safety. "I don't know what happened to you in the past to be so full of distrust towards anything good offered to you-" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "-but I promise you, this isn't just a game to me."

"Then what is this." You say quietly, scared. "I'm scared that we're not on the same page here and that we're walking down to entirely separate paths." You complain pitifully with your back hunched over and head hanging low.

"That's because we are." He chuckles softly. "I'm trying to hold your hand here so we don't lose each other- but you're not holding it." Jungkook offers.

"I don't understand-" you shake your head, when as you look up again, his face is right in front of yours, eyes looking at your lips.

"Then let me help you." He hums towards you, before his lips press onto yours. And your body freezes.

Because he's never kissed you like this before- tender, calm and without any lust in it whatsoever. In fact, your realize only now that you've never been kissed without any hidden intentions or something to gain in mind. This kiss is soft, it's no words needed, it's love confessed in physical form. You've never been kissed like this. Ever.

And even more so, you're pretty sure he hasn't actually kissed you at all either- not until now, at least.

And it's all so confusing now, because you want to trust him, you want to just lean into him and let him have his way with you- but the fear inside you is still there, clutching your limbs, leaving you with no way to move anywhere- neither away from him, nor closer. You're currently stuck in place, and it's only a matter of time until he grows tired of you and your constant push and pull behavior.

You're hurting him, you know this.

Especially because you're kissing him back, giving him hope for something you might not be able to give him. You're cruel, aren't you? And the worst is that he probably knows even that.

Because once you start to cry, once you sob and cling to him like a touch-starved pet, letting all of those pent up emotions out because who cares, he doesn't say anything, doesn't ask what's wrong. He just holds you, gives you that moment, keeps your pieces collected in his palms for you to put back together later with his help. And you're not sure how many times you can do this.

Or how long he's willing to participate in this.

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Since Jungkook didn't make a move the entire morning, you've been spending it entertaining yourself as to not get bored. Not in a sexual way-

but by simply trying to see how strong his patience is.

It's a new feeling you've developed after just two days of being with him- confidence, and trust in that he won't ever hurt you whatsoever. No consequences he could come up with would ever truly put you in harms way, you absolutely believe in that. But what's disappointing was how he didn't ever get past a clench of his jaw, or a tilt of his head. He'd just.. let you do whatever, and never do anything to somehow discipline you.

It made you wonder. Is he even such an intimidating 'Dom' at all, or did he just make that up?

However, after talking about it after lunch, he's finally opened up to you too- having told you that he's gonna trust you too, that he'll be more open with you and his own desires, while you'll have to be honest about when he's going too far or too fast. And you agree- you want him to trust you too, want him to relax more around you as well.

After all, he wants to get to know you too, right? Not just the other way around.

What you did not take into account though, is that now, your actions actually will have consequences- and he will indeed put you back into your place in one way or another. And even if in that very moment where you piss him off he isn't reacting- he will remember those actions to remind you of them, later, when you don't even expect it.

Just like now, as he's finished some calls he had to make, finally finding time again for you. "I'm sorry- I technically told the studio not to contact me on my break." He hums into your hair, as you sit with him on the small sofa in his office, having practically demanded his attention back on you the moment he'd put his phone down, and he'd been visibly amused by it. Unbeknownst to you, he's more than just excited- after all, it feels like your week is finally gaining traction, as you no longer step around in the dark trying to navigate around obstacles that aren't even there.

He's just been too scared to scare you. But by now, it's clear that you're not. And it makes him eager to explore now that he can actually see where he's going with you.

There's a hand under your shirt, cropped top and cotton shorts nothing more than decoration really, considering he's already seen you naked. It's nothing too sensual technically- but at this point, you feel like something might be wrong with you. Because even a simple touch like this makes you.. needy.

He reaches over to the side, plastic bag rustling- and now you're actually starting to get antsy. Because there's only one bag next to the couch- the one that's containing all the different items Jungkook had bought this morning as he'd told you. And that's exactly what he's grabbing for it seems like, as he moves his arms a little to take out one of the items you weren't too sure about- already unpacked for some reason, as he holds it out for your hand to take.

"What is that?" You ask, fingers running over the smooth, silicone surface, while he chuckles behind you, since you're still halfway laying against his chest.

"Something I always wanted to try." He simply jokes. "It's really fun, according to a friend of mine. I've never used it with anyone before, but I think you might like it.." He hums, taking the toy away from you again, before his free hand pats your thigh once. "..scoot to the side for me, yeah?" He asks, and you do so, sitting next to him now while watching how he finally reveals what this.. object might be used for.

He has to adjust the belts multiple times to fit around his thigh, plastic clipping into place, before his eyes find yours, lips turned into a suspicious smirk. "Alright.." He starts, leaning back against the couch, and it's obvious that he's now demanding respect and most of all, your obedience. He points at a spot in front of him, and without words, you know exactly what he wants you to do, his expression one of almost.. pride, as he watches you stand in front of him, instinctually knowing what to do.

"Undress." He simply says, a straightforward command that you follow easily, because shame is something that you refuse to let yourself feel. He's not one you need to be hesitant with- he's promised you his honesty, after all, and he's promised you that even if things get awkward, it'll never change his view on you.

And his view of you is one of love, that's very clear to see and feel.

So it's not weird to stand in front of him all bare, clothes on a small pile next to your feet now, as he smiles. "Come here." He urges with a softer voice, having clearly realized that you've accepted his invitation into a scene now- for the first time not having needed any cues. "Take a seat, princess." He almost teases, and you do so, sitting on the soft silicone toy hugging his thigh.

It's pastel colored, multiple hues swirling together into one another, creating wave like patterns. "There you go... So pretty." He chuckles, hands running over the length of your arms, causing goosebumps to erupt from the sensation of his warm palms. He's feeling your skin a lot more sensually now, clear intentions as he touches your hips and waist, thumbs almost massaging the skin of your lower stomach, moving from the inside towards your hipbones before repeating the action.

His hands are so close to where you'd love to have them, and yet, you try and be patient. Because if you're good, he'll reward you, right?

It doesn't take long for you to notice the way your arousal makes movement a lot easier- your core by now slipping around with every little jerk of your hips, making you anxious to move more. And finally, as his fingers grip your hips, he gets into a more comfortable position himself- the unoccupied leg casually stretched out, while his back rests against the sofa, giving him a good position to watch you. "Show me how those hips can move." He urges, and you instantly take that invitation, slowly moving to test the waters.

You don't care what you look like, or about the wet sounds coming from the toy between your legs- because the feeling is insane.

He clearly let's you enjoy yourself for now, giving you free reign to figure out yourself how you like it. Your hips are squirming from side to side, ridges and bumps of the toy an odd but definitely pleasant sensation as you roll your core over it, uncaring of your arousal already leaking onto his grey sweatpants.

And neither does he care.

Watching you chase your own pleasure on his leg is just such a treat to witness- especially when he holds onto you, before he lifts his foot, forcing you down onto the toy without any warning, earning a surprised whimper from between your lips as he lets you down- just to repeat the motion a couple of times, simply to entertain himself. You're just too cute, even while doing such a sinful act. And especially when you clearly reach your orgasm is when he truly can't help himself-

hands guiding your hips to keep moving despite your clear sensitivity, just to see you struggle a little, thighs trembling and hands gripping his arms.

He's letting you lean against him, hips occasionally moving just a little, clearly still needy to feel more- and he's actually quite surprised when your hand curiously runs over the inside of his thigh, hesitating just shy of his very obvious erection that's only somewhat contained in his underwear and sweats. "You can touch me, you know?" He chuckles, making you look up at him. "I'm all yours." He tells you, and it feels like he's offering more than just his body to you.

But you don't get to think for long, because he's already helping you lay down on your back on the leather couch, unclipping the toy from his leg before he looms over you, hand running through your legs. "You didn't think I've forgotten, right?" He chuckles darkly, while his hand explores your still clenching core.

"You don't think I'm just letting you act like a brat and not put you into your place?" He purrs, leaning back on his heels, before he takes out something from the bag, his phone as well from the table close by. You're pulling back your legs, unaware that you're still exposed to him, lower lips plump and red from the friction of the toy, skin glistening with your arousal.

It's playing right into his desires, seeing you so clueless about your own appeal.

You're watching him press a hidden button on the toy, the pink object buzzing to life once, red light blinking while he taps away on his phone. "Oh~" He hums, trying out somethin it seems like, as the toy buzzes in different patterns before it stills again. "Interesting.. That'll be fun in the future." He chuckles, before he leans over you, kissing you with playful intent.

You're not sure what he's up to when he pushes your legs back down to stretch out, running the smooth object between your legs to cover it in your slick. "You're always so worried you can't take it.." He teases, looking right at you before you notice him push the object inside-

the egg shaped vibrator slipping right in, almost suddenly, core taking it inside greedily- only the elongated part staying outside, something resting right on your clit. "Oh?" He jokes, brows raised. "Where'd it go?" He jokes, making you laugh now, entire nature of this whole scene awfully light in that moment, lifting your overall tenseness entirely at this point. And for a moment, all is fun and games-

until he leans back, sits down in the corner of the couch, finger on his phone suddenly doing something-

The toy inside you buzzing to live, and not on an easy setting, that's for sure. He's obviously amused by the way you squirm, hips jerking whenever you move in a way that forces the part resting against you to move. And he's having the time of his life, trying out different settings and rhythms while watching you suffer under his antics.

"You still need to learn." He chuckles, watching your legs jerk whenever the piece that's resting over your clit moves just slightly. "I don't have to touch you to gain my fill." He says, simply scanning your body with a warm, hooded gaze. "Hm? You've had such a smart mouth the entire day." He coos, almost feigning innocence as he looks at you racing towards your final high-

Generously turning down the intensity so that it's not that harsh.

You're slowly catching your breath, when his lips tilt upwards, and his finger taps around- buzzing intensifying again, catching you off guard, causing a yelp to escape you as your hips lift off the couch.

This is too much. Or not enough? You can't take this, there's something strange happening with your body as it moves without your permission, turning over into all fours, front laying down as your hands frantically touch the inside of your thighs.

And Jungkook relishes in the scene you present to him, because there's a reason your fingers hesitate to touch your core, and he knows it.

You can't take it out. Not physically- that you can, if you really wanted to- but mentally. You know he's put it there, and he's the one in control. This is your punishment, and in an odd moment of realization, you accept it, thighs trembling as your body reaches yet another, warmer orgasm that causes you to cry out, voice sounding foreign to your own ears as your hips jerk, your knees pressed into the leather below the only thing holding you upright-

Or maybe it's Jungkook, who's leaning over your back, arm keeping your front elevated as it rests against your collarbone.

When did he move?

When did he shed his top?

Your core feels empty, and your legs feel wet. Is ge not wearing pants anymore? You can feel something touch you, hot and heavy against your thigh, and it must be him.

You want him. Where'd that toy go that was inside you seconds ago?

You’re still breathing heavily, cheeks still wet from the tears you didn’t even realize had fallen from your eyes. Your lashes are still coated in them, wet and heavy, when Jungkook kisses your neck from behind you, a reminder that he’s still there.

Just like he always promises. He never let’s you feel lonely.

“That's it.” He praises. “Hold onto me like that. I’ll keep your body safe while you let go.” He chuckles, and only now do you notice the iron grip you have on his forearm over your chest, nails digging into his skin. You feel a bit bad for it.

Though you just lessen your strength a bit, not letting go.

Suddenly, his other arm moves, grabs something out of sight, before he runs the object through your slick-coated cunt and thighs, covering it in your arousal before it prods at your still clenching hole.

“You think I won’t fit?” He purrs against your neck, and you swallow thickly, a strange cocktail or anticipation and worry mixing in your body. “You think I won’t claim this cunt as mine at the end of this week?” He asks again, and you can feel the wave if cool excitement wash over you- starting at your very neck, before it ends in the tips of your toes.

“I’ll teach your body to take me..” He almost chuckles, pushing the very tip of the clear pink toy inside, before he moves it back out- Pushing it in a little further each time. “I’ll make sure to get you all ready for me..” he hums sensually, by now having learned of your little kinks you have, as the hand from his arm still keeping your upper body pressed against his own finds one of your tits, groping the soft flesh before his thumb flicks the sensitive bud once to see you squirm.

“I won’t let you forget any of this.” He threatens almost, and you whine when you feel him push the toy even further now.

You feel so full. How much more is there to go?

“Jung-” you whine pitifully, eyes closed as your hips can’t stay still, all of it a stark difference to the fast paced, almost aggressive orgasm he’s given you just moments prior. “I cant-” you start, and he laughs.

“Oh you can.” He tells you, before he gives the toy another push. “And you will.” He purrs, and its then that you feel the base of the toy against your lower lips.

You swear you can feel it in your stomach- and for some odd reason, you like it.

"You're made for me." He chuckles, kisses at your neck and cheek before he bites, toy leaving your cunt with only the tip before he moves it back in, feeling of a Rollercoaster ride making your insides jump and eyes roll back. You can't think anymore, you can only feel- and right now, you feel just so used in the best kind of way.

Somehow, he makes your worst nightmares come true- but they're not nightmares anymore, just dreams, vibrant and pleasant. Exciting. New.

It could be so easy to replace the toy with himself right now- but he doesn't, because that's one of his own rules he will never break. Your trust in him is precious, it's a gift- and he won't tarnish that by simply being greedy for more than you want to offer.

"Jung.." you huff, swallowing down saliva before you can say anything at all. "Jungkook-.. please-" you beg, unsure how to phrase it.

"What is it?" He asks, moves to nuzzle your neck so softly- a stark contract to his constant push and pull with the clear pink dildo he's using to give you a taste of his own length one day doing the same. Filling you up. Probably even better? You can imagine him all warm and slicked up from your wetness, stretching you open and making you feel so full you can hardly breathe.

"More.. f- faster-" you request. "Please?" You add on, and he chuckles.

"See?" His breath fans over your neck. "You can be such a good girl." He teases, pressing the replica as deep as it can reach inside you, base pushing against your skin. "Where were your manners today?" He wonders. "Will I always have to ruin this cunt to remind you where your place is?" He asks, and you nod, shamelessly so.

"Yes!" You whimper, mind somewhere else by now entirely as you struggle to keep yourself still. "Yes- I.. I forget-" you huff out, and he laughs as he runs his lips over your shoulder, piercing a distinct contrast to his softer lips.

"Then let me remind you, darling." He hums against your jot and sweating skin. "You're mine, in this moment. And I decide what to do with you... or to you." He tells you, and you nod, legs quivering.

Only for him to move the toy back to have it slip out, hole gaping at him, closing around nothing. The sigh is everything he ever needed or wanted- cunt all red and flushed, lower lips swollen and glistening, and he has to imagine his own seed staining your skin, mixing with your own arousal staining the couch and your legs.

His cock twitches at the sight, a drop of precum escaping him without control.

But what he does have control over is the rest of himself, as he pushes the toy back inside, causing your toes to curl, especially once he moves it in a faster, steadier pace. It short-circuits your brain, everything around you smelling of sex as he uses the replica to give you a taste of what he could give you.

Your arousal foams up around the base of the pink silicone, creating a ring of white as you cream up from his pace.

The orgasm you reach from this is different, as if it happens somewhere else in your body- though his hand is quick to flick your sensitive pearl to send you off with a proper goodbye, soil leaving your body as you quiver and lose all control one last time, body giving out as he lets you lay down now, muscles twitching from the overuse.

And it only takes him one good pump on his own cock to make him spurt his release onto your back, where his lips kiss up your spine in his post-orgasmic fever.

He's drunk off of you. He's never even had full on sec with you yet- and he's already addicted.

You've got no idea what you're doing to him.

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In the bathtub, his hand is a lot softer as it runs over your body, cleaning you and nurturing this blossoming feeling you're growing for him.

You're both back from your respective highs, world slowly bleeding back into reality as you simply exist in the warm water for now. "Was that alright?" He asks you, and you nod.

"It was.. new." You say, voice echoing in the bathroom, together with the sound of water sloshing everytime he moves. "I didn't think I'd enjoy what you did- but I did."

"How so?" He wonders, wanting to know hour thoughts now that your brain is functional again. Feedback is important now more than ever after all- he has to still figure out how to navigate this new experience with you.

"I thought.. it would feel, you know, degrading." You explain. "To be used." You clarify, and he nods, carefully moving your hair to see the side of your face better. "But it didn't. It felt more.. as if I was.. of service? Is that the right word?" You wonder, and he chuckles.

"Its how I feel in my position as well, you know." He answers. "Knowing that what I offer gives you pleasure.. is enough for me." He shrugs, and you stretch your legs, cramps finally letting up. "You looked so pretty.." he teases, and you whine.

"I was crying like a baby!" You argue, turning around a bit-

Though you're caught off guard by the terribly soft look he offers you, hand reaching out to hold your cheek.

"Thats because you are my baby." He says-

Making you cry once more.

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[spacebarbarianweird]

Alright fic request! (Either reader or named Tav, whatever sparks joy.)

I HC that since Baldurs Gate has such a low population of elves, a lot of Astarion's previous sexual experiences did not involve his ears. They are probably the least "used" (his feelings) part of himself.

Maybe Tav isn't an elf and doesn't know, so they eventually just casually reach out- because they are so cute and Astarion's been OK with casual touches like that now they are in a relationship. But he just flinches away- very uncomfortable and hurt this happened.

Tav is obviously going to apologize and try to accept they hurt Astarion by mistake. Maybe not that night, but sometimes later after Astarion got to see them be sincere about his boundaries (maybe even OK woth him having a "bad" reaction) he puts his head in their lap and asks them to touch his ears in a quiet voice.

Basically a story about navigating rough waters with love.

I finally got to your request! I know it's been a while, thank you for waiting!

Synopsis: Astarion has very sensitive ears, you've never touched them. Until today.

Tags: fluff, Elven language and culture.

Thanks @bunnidarling for beta-reading! Your notes are super helpful!

Read on AO3

Masterlist

Headcanons

Pointy Ears

Moon washes the meadow in silver light. As he sits by the campfire, Astarion's skin looks almost marble to you: white and perfect. You glance at him from time to time to detect a hint of disturbance, that his mind has dragged him to some unpleasant place.  

But it seems like he is at peace with himself.

His pointy ears twitch a bit when invisible facial muscles move. They’re probably your favorite part of his body: long and sensitive, with a delightful pinkish hue. The elves, Tel’Quessira, have the most amazing ears. 

But you suddenly realize you’ve never touched them. You often massage his scalp and have kissed almost every inch of his body, but the ears remain untouched.

The scars and the bite mark? It took months for him to relax enough to let his guard down. You still remember him muttering “Tav loves me, Tav won’t hurt me” while you were caressing his back. You pretended you didn’t hear that. As for the more intimate parts of his body, you two agreed on an “ask before putting a hand into the trousers”.

But his ears… You are a non-elf, a lesser being in the eyes of elves, and know nothing about them. But you remember how many years ago someone told you “Never touch their pointy ears, they hate it”.

“Astarion.”

Silence. 

“Astarion, are you with me?”

Silence yet again. He looks somewhere into the woods, mentally far away from your small camp. Suddenly, his eyes squint and you see anxiety on his face.

Nine hells, again. 

It happens to him often. He just sits motionless as if someone has cast a “hold a person” spell on him. He can stay like that for hours oblivious to the world around him. As if his mind shuts itself down. Sometimes he returns, surprised it’s already sunset “I thought it was still morning”, he says.

He describes it as a dark wave that just pulls him under into the nightmare, and he can’t do anything, only to keep drowning.

You approach Astarion and sit behind him. Then you touch his curls, slowly brushing them with your finger.

“I am here. I am not going anywhere,” you whisper. “Return to me, please.”

No response. 

You keep caressing his head, intensifying your touches as you try to return him to reality.

And then your fingers accidently brush along his left ear.

Astarion flinches, forcing you to take your hands away.

“I am sorry,” you mutter.

Astarion covers his ear with his palm and stares at you in shock. He looks like a person who has been woken up in the middle of the night in some weird and violent way.

“Did I hurt you? I am so sorry!”

“No… you didn’t…” He still looks startled. “I just… Seldarine… How long have I been like that?”

“Since sunset. It’s almost the middle of the night.”

He snatches his shirt from the ground and puts it on. You still feel guilty.

“Sorry… I won’t touch your ears again.”

“Darling, you’ve touched me in much more intimate places and done much more lewd things to my body than this.”

You blush.

“It’s just… unexpected.”

“I am sorry.”

“Stop it! I hate it when you apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s just… Fuck it. I want to take a walk.”

You nod. “Take a walk” means “I want to wander the woods on my own''. Sometimes he hunts small animals and drains them dry. More often he just walks enjoying the freedom of being in nature. Even a person who loves cities would go insane, forced to spend 200 years within its walls.

You are still embarrassed by your actions, so you return to the tent. You are feeling sleepy and doze off on your bedroll hugging a pillow. 

You wake up a few hours later when Astarion returns to the tent. His shirt is bloodstained and his trousers are dirty, but he looks happy.

“Good morning, darling”, he kisses you. “It’s sunrise, time for the mortals.”

“Unless they travel with vampires,” you mumble as you sit up, feeling more or less rested. “I see you are in a good mood.”

“I am always in a good mood when I see your face, my dear.”

You scoot over, making more room for him. The tent is small but enchanted with darkness which fully protects Astarion from the sunlight. You would love to spend a couple of days in the inn, but the nearest town has no such place and you have to stay at the camp.

“Listen… about what happened…” He stumbles over his words. “Could you touch my ears?”

You giggle and invite him to sit between your legs. He presses his back against your chest and you wrap your arms around his body.

“You have leaves in your hair,” you say, brushing his curls with your fingers before kissing the crown of his head. “How sensitive are your ears?”

“Very sensitive, he admits. “That’s why… I… we… don’t like unwelcome touches.”

You carefully touch the tip of his left ear, then move your finger along the edge of the shell. 

He closes his eyes and smiles.

You get braver and use your other hand to caress his right ear. You lean forward and kiss the tips, and as you do you feel an electric impulse coarse through Astarion's body.

“Why don’t you wear any adornments? You like rings and necklaces, but all the elves I have ever seen wear something on their ears. I mean, I understand why Tel’Quessir don’t pierce them…”

“Darling, never suggest to pierce the ears of the elf, it’s fucking painful.”

“But are there other ways? Without damaging the skin?”

He shrugs. “Never found anything proper I guess.”

He softly touches your finger and you understand he’s signaling you to stop. You press Astarion tighter. 

You sit like that for a while in silence before you make yourself return to reality.

“I need to go to the town to see if they have some job for us.”

“I doubt it. We’d better return to the road at sunset,"he said.

“Yeah, this place is unbelievably peaceful.”

“I would say boring”, he takes out a book from his sack and you recognize Gnim, the language of the gnomes. Noticing your stare, he chuckles. “I prefer to know the enemy.”

You kiss Astarion’s cheek and leave the tent.

The town looks sleepy as if its residents exist in some weird world without troubles and worries. The townsfolk look at you with suspicion. Adventurers are rarely guests since there's almost nothing to do. 

You ask here and there about a job, but as Astarion said there is nothing to be found. No troubles. No dangers. No reward. 

Suddenly something catches your eye: a small building different in style from the rest of the houses. It is more elegant, with intricate runes on the wooden door.

Elven. 

You enter carefully, opening the door as if you are afraid you may break it, 

It’s a Jewelry store.

There are dozens of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. They are simple and delicate, but you just can’t take your eyes off them. 

“Do you want anything?” A golden-haired elven woman waves her hand over the adornments. “Maybe for yourself?”

You shake your head. “I wouldn’t want to wear such things on the road. I will either break them or lose them.”

“Pity. Maybe for someone you care about?”

Astarion would love something like that. No matter what happened to him, he is still an elf. Nothing will ever change it.

“Yes...” You say with some hesitation. “What do elves put on their ears?”

The woman smiles. “We wear ear cuffs. Like these”, she points at her own ear, showing a golden adornment that looks like flowers. “You want a gift for an elf, don’t you?”

You nod.

“Can I ask what kind of bond you share?”

You blush a bit and the elf smiles again. “It’s not an idle question. Elven culture is very complicated”.

“He is my… love.”

She points at the ear cuffs. “Then, this. Only lovers can give such things to each other. Received from a friend or, worse, a stranger, would be considered an insult.”

“Why so?”

“Oh, poor N'Tel'Quess. So bad of him not to tell you such important things.”

You pretend not to understand that the word she’s used is an insult. You speak some Elven.

“And how important is that?”

“Have you wondered why elves don’t like their ears being touched?”

“Because it hurts?”

Her laughter sounds like bells chiming. “The same way lovemaking hurts when nonconsensual.”

Fuck.

“It’s intimate. Even lovers sometimes don’t do it because they don’t fully trust each other. We allow this only to our aestara, our thiramina.For us, it’s a form of sex. But even regular sex might be less intimate. So, tell me, does he allow you to do that?”

“He did let me do this… today. For the first time. ”

“Then, give him an ear cuff. Choose.”

They all look equally beautiful and you try to picture Astarion wearing them but nothing is quite him. There are smaller and larger ones, golden and silver. Some resemble flowers, and some are more like stars.

Noticing your confusion, the shopkeeper sighs.

“Tell me about him.”

“He… is very kind. To me, at least. Very brave, but never admits it even to himself. He is smart, can learn a whole new language within a week, and can persuade people to do anything he needs. He can do a lot of things with his hands – embroidery, lock picking, you name it. But… he’s been through a lot. His past is very dark and he is still overcoming it, learning how to be with people, how to live this life.”

You carefully avoid details, trying to sound as vague as possible.

“It’s called srinna. The one who tests limits and establishes new boundaries.”

“Yes, it does sound like him”

The woman hands you a metallic ear cuff. It is simpler than the others but you notice small details like crescents and birds. It will look nice with his curls, you think.

You pay and as you leave the elf laughs again. “If I were you, I would scold him!”

You return to the camp at sunset. Astarion is still inside the tent engrossed in the book. He hasn’t been through too many pages. Gnim is difficult for someone who can’t stand its speakers.

Astarion smiles joyfully as he notices you. He always looks like this when you return. Pure happiness.

“So was I right about these peaceful people?”

“Yes. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why didn’t I tell you what?”

“About your ears! The elven jeweler gave me a lecture about them! You could have at least explained this to me before I embarrassed myself!”

He disarms you with his puppy eyes. They say: ‘Oh, darling, you can’t be really angry with me, can you?’

“Stop making that face. You know I can’t resist it!”

Astarion sighs. “My apologies. Never really took it into account. But yes, touching ears is a form of showing affection.”

You take out the ear cuff and hold it out to him “I’ve brought a gift for you.”

Astarion puts the book away and takes the cuff. He is silent and you are afraid he doesn’t like it.

“Srinna”, he says. “The one who establishes boundaries. Thank you”, Astarion doesn’t try to laugh it away or mask his emotions. His smile is goofy and sincere; he rarely shows it even to you.

“Put it on!” you encourage him. “I want to see how it looks!”

“You’ve given it to me. You must put it on, not me.”

You lean to Astarion and carefully adjust the adornment to his left ear. To your surprise, it fits perfectly and doesn’t show any indication it can fall off. You think it must be easier to lose regular earrings than elven cuffs. 

“How does it look?” he asks.

“Gorgeous.”

He cups your cheeks and kisses you. You feel like floating, forgetting about everything. You touch his ears and caress them with your fingers. Then he lets you go and presses his forehead against yours. “Salen arivae.”

“Salen means ‘my’, what does “arivae” mean?”

“Sunshine”, he answers after a short pause. 

--

Seldarine - Gods! N'Tel'Quess - not people. A derogatory term referring to non-elves. Aestar- love Thiramin - soulmate

--

Tag list

@tugoslovenka @marcynomercy @wintersire @vixstarria @not-so-lost-after-all @ashiro20 @theearthsfinalconfession @herstxrgirl @starlight-ipomoea @micropoe10 @astarion-imagine-archive @veillsar @elora-the-slutty-songstress @fayeriess @lumienyx @astarion-beloved @tallymonster @caitlincat-95 @tragedybunny @valeprati

[kuromi-hoemie]

how do you personally view sex/sexual attraction? what differentiates it for you, and what was your journey like? also your hair looks so good im jealous 😩❤️

im p stoned n in the middle of ori so i don't wanna rant(too much, but also oops) abt it rn lol, but I don't have sexual attraction 0:

ppl just b looking real pretty and i am looking affectionately. sex itself is just part of a shared experience to me and its a lovely way to be affectionate (❁´◡`❁) ♡⁠

there's a level of passion that ppl only really show when they're having sex with someone and if i could just have that without the sex that'd also be really great. i can and have made out all day, i love being handsy, i love being close in each other's embrace, i love the sounds and faces people make when they're losing themselves, i love Everything about when ppl cum, i also get a kick out of making someone as horny as possible bc it's fun, i love BITING people ☝🏾😤💕 i love the feel of our skin pressed together

idk i think it's all very fun and passionate and sweet! but then on a more casual note i got a huge oral fixation and if i know you like that, eating pussy's as casual as a kiss on the cheek and is more like me just stroking your back 🤧 it's just There ykwim i salivate over it.

the root of why i do things isn't because I'm horny and I Want You like that but more so from a place of wanting to take care of you bc i know you enjoy it 🤝🏾 and seeing/making you like that is enjoyable to me bc i know ur feeling good physically and emotionally.

tldr i move with my heart not my dick 🫡 but that's not gonna stop me from making someone cum as many times as they can handle bc I'm having fun and it's hot. as far as most ppl are concerned u still get to hit so whatever. if i think you're cute I'm trying to put u in a series of situations..

the only hurtful recurring issue I'd have before was ppl assuming I'm trying to have sex w them just bc we're making out like.. I'm just having fun and spending time with u, it doesn't have to be more than this. but then i let ppl escalate it and happily follow along but would always be confused and hurt low-key when they'd stop being as affectionate one day bc we've been having too much sex and like. i didn't know why those things had to be bundled together 🙈 it wasn't a big deal but i didn't get it, and it's hard to know u are missing a whole ass kind of attraction when you've never experienced it before!!

there are a lot of other slight disconnects that'd come up here and there over the years internally as i tried reconciling how i (didn't) feel with what the norm seemed to be and what ppl wanted of me, i only Really truly found out what being ace was in the past year as i tried answering the seemingly simple question of “do i like sex??¿” to which the answer was basically i love everything about it as a shared experience but as just a kind of affection it's also very besides the point To Me. enjoying sensations and connecting with each other are very 🤌🏾✨💕

coming from a more emotional/affectionate place this also makes me very flexible w kinks bc idk why not i would do anything for you.. but there are definitely simple physical things that make my brain go fuzzy, and i like to shut off and enjoy myself 😵‍💫😵‍💫 anything with my mouth is a big one but i like to be touched and grabbed too and being the dom is nice. why not lose myself in sensation 💆🏾‍♀️ i have a very sensitive body and i enjoy it.

but also as far as losing ourselves in sensation goes, that extends to everything (❁´◡`❁) ♡⁠ i cook and bake with decadence, i love to give massages of all sorts, i love being cuddled up and warm, i love putting on something fun for us to watch or do, i want to go on beautiful hikes and picnics in the garden with you, i want to experience Everything w you and enjoy all of life's pleasures. being polyamorous this also extends to friends bc there's nothing I'd do for a lover i wouldn't for a dear friend of mine 💁🏾‍♀️

um. i could talk in all directions and probably go in circles about the topic for a lot longer/more in depth but u get the gist of it 🫡 it's very easy to participate in and enjoy sex as an experience without that layer of sexual Attraction being what guides you To Me. ur still very lovely and seeing you naked is even more beautiful and I'm going to take my time exploring all of u ♡⁠ no matter what we're doing exactly I'm just trying to share a good time w you.

figuring out I'm ace made every disconnect make sense and everything clicked and it make me more sexual bc i firmly know where I'm coming from and what i actually get out of sex in general now👍🏾 there's an indescribable layer of hesitation in how i move and interact w others that's not there anymore, but that starts to bleed into self confidence and polyamory and other off topic stuff so yeah. good stuff. sorry my high rant was a lil long (⁠｡⁠ﾉ⁠ω⁠＼⁠｡⁠) consider this some sleepover talk lol

[doublejango]

Some Sinday-themed heacanons for Blitz, under the cut:

-Blitz doesn't have any body hair. It's not that he removes it, he just doesn't grow it. He has eyelashes and that's it. Sometimes he envies people with hair, but he also enjoys being smooth, and he knows that it's normal for imps to have really different body types. (He's also got genuinely thick skin that's fairly abrasion-resistant, but that's not necessarily Sinday-y, other than that it's tough to leave marks on him).

-He also does not have nipples, at all. He's got a liiiiittle belly-button you can barely find, but despite being mammal-adjacent (and very hot blooded), he doesn't have nipples. When he talks about being strapped nipple-first to a car battery, he's just saying it that way because the vast majority of mammalian people, including demons, have them and will understand what he means. He just doesn't happen to be one of the people who has them.

-Blitz is not gay; he is Pan. Gender doesn't matter all that much to him when it comes to attraction and sex. What matters to him is that they are fully capable of consent, and how they want him to treat them. He gives a shit about respecting gender identities, including in bed; if someone has a clitoris, for example, and they want him to call it their cock? He will, no hesitation. As far as he's concerned, they have a cock. Period.

-Blitz has custom sexytime gloves. His hands are so muscular and his claws so sharp that he will always use claw-covers in bed, but after having had a finger-only claw-cover slip off once and he hurt a partner? He has fully switched to using silicone gloves with reinforced claw-covers, they just are hard to find in his size so he gets them custom-made. Blitz really likes to use his hands in bed, so if he knows there's a good chance he's going to get with someone, he will always bring his glove.

-Blitz uses his tail a lot during sex, so he will scrub the heck out of it when he showers beforehand, to make sure it's as clean as the rest of him. His spade is firm, but he has excellent control over it; his tail itself is fully as strong as any of his other limbs, and he will use that for fun and games in bed.

-That being said about his tail... his tail is not an erogenous zone, nor are his horns. He is happy to let a partner grab his horns if he trusts them and it'll make them happy, but having his horns stroked or grabbed does nothing for him, same with his tail, even at the base. He deeply dislikes people grabbing his tail and yanking on it; don't do anything to his tail at all, unless he specifically offers to let you, and he will be way more likely to come back for seconds with you.

-But what is an erogenous area for him is the spines on his back. The spines between his shoulders attach in the muscle, they're not attached to bone like his horns are, and he very much enjoys being massaged around them. It's an incredibly intimate experience for Blitz; those spines are a pretty good indicator of how he is feeling about things, and can swell around the base when he is aroused (or ready to fight), and the muscle around them will thicken up and radiate more heat as well. There are a lot of nerves around the base of these spines, so if you want to undo him with foreplay? Specifically play with the spines between his shoulders. (If you mess with the little spines on his head, you can probably put him to sleep purring). The shoulder spines also good for after-sex-affection if he's letting you take care of him, although he'll more likely be trying to take care of you. Massaging very gently around them afterwards, with no expectation of sex to follow, will make him purr.

[lockedupgooner]

i am 24 and want the same life style... how did u do it?

I started very young with a porn addiction, and realized I found it very hot that I was addicted. I eventually stumbled across gooner porn! I would recommend getting into that first, getting used to gooning for hours on end, every single day, edging yourself stupid. Make sure to watch as much hypno as possible as well, and some JOIs (jerk off intructions, in case you're unaware) for good measure. Shibby is one of my favorites for hypnosis, but for gooner hypno specifically there's plenty of sites. Goon constantly and listen to lewd hypno audio files in public, until all you think about at all times is porn. (Stay safe with this, only do these things in public if you know it will be safe, and you won't actually be disturbing others. It's about the risk, not the exposure itself!) Learn to cum from anal too, buy some buttplugs, dildos, prostate massagers, some good lube, (I recommend Passion numbing lube,) and maybe a douche for cleaning yourself out beforehand. Eventually I would discover chastity on accident, but it doesn't have to be for you. Buy a nice cage, start bigger and slowly work your way to cute little nub cages. Anti pullouts are important! You can get spiked ones if you're into that as well, though I personally wouldn't recommend wearing them for very long periods of time. The smaller your endgame, the better, but don't make it permanent until you're truly comfortable with the one you choose. No pinching or anything like that. Make sure it's easy to piss though it too. I think being locked up after you're used to constantly gooning is one of the sweetest forms of denial you could possible feel. But that doesn't need to stop you! Get a nice vibrator, any will do, and learn to cum in chastity! It can hurt a bit, but I find there to be no better feeling! I broke my keys and have been permalocked for as long as I've had this account, and I've loved every second! I've come to prefer being in chastity personally. If you prefer, you can find yourself a keyholder, but it's not entirely necessary. It just makes things easier to not cheat. Keep watching porn, but instead of stroking, you're gooning with a vibrator! That's the locked gooner side, the findom stuff is optional and usually reserved for wealthier crowds, and the sissy stuff, you just have to find your own style and tastes really. I wanted to wear girly clothes before I even knew about any of this, and later discovered myself to be nonbinary, but all of that boils down to searching deep within yourself and knowing who you truly want to be. Shave, go thrifting for clothes, learn to sound and act however makes you feel happiest. One more thing, weed makes everything better! But don't get in trouble over it, make sure it's legal, or at least that you don't get in trouble over it. The most important rule of all though, is to always love yourself before anything else, and NEVER, EVER do anything you don't want to do. Hope this helps!

[csa-survivor-confessions]

?

does it get better? does the hurting go down? can i stop feeling dirty?

Hello,

It can get better, you can lessen the intensity of the pain, and you can change your hurtful beliefs about yourself.

I don't believe that time heals all wounds by itself. Time just passes it doesn't have a definitive effect. But all survivors can use that time to make their life better.

No abuse survivor is responsible for the harm that was done to them through abuse. We don't control how our brain and body were affected by the trauma. But we do have the power to change where we go from here! You have that power.

You can move from just surviving to living. You can feel, sad, scared, angry, frustrated, lost, and overwhelmed going through those emotions will happen, and there is nothing wrong with that. You will also feel excited, happy, peaceful, creative, engaged, and comfortable. Loving others and being loved in return is possible.

Learning to reframe and see ourselves with neutrality can be done and we can change that.

You are capable and worthy of getting to a better place in life. It's not easy, it can take time and energy. But it's possible I promise.

Uner the read ore is some things that might help you start your healing journey.

Starting with psychoeducation and learning some of the basic coping skills can be useful. 

The psychoeducational portion can help us make sense of what's going on with us. It can help us feel more in control and give us the foundation to heal, as well as help us understand why coping skills might work. It can also make us feel less like we are "going crazy". I suggest against binge-reading these or anything else. Take your time going through these articles and any other information you want to learn about.

Informational Article: Being Our Whole Selves Brain & Body

Informational Article: Define Trauma

Informational Article: Hyperarousal & Hypoarousal

Informational Article: Implicit Memories and Memory Systems

Diagnosis Primer: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Basic coping skills might seem stupid or a “not everyone is neurotypical Karen” type of information. And there is truth in that, not all coping skills are going to work for you. But that doesn’t mean no coping skills will work for you. It’s also annoying but true that it takes using a skill for some time before it will have full efficacy. And that's okay! It’s also important to use coping skills during minor upsets to make the skills muscle memory during serious stress. 

Coping Skills: Ditching Value Judgments

Coping Skills: Emotional Flashbacks

Coping Skills Masterposts: Panic Attacks, Flashbacks & Dissociation

Coping Skills Masterposts: Self-Care

Drawing, music, narrative writing, painting, poetry and many other artistic expressions are super important. It’s mentioned in some of the above articles but this is important in connecting with ourselves and dealing with overwhelming emotions. It can also be useful to externalize our feelings when we do not have words. Not having words for our experiences can be super common for trauma survivors. Art is great for dealing with that. It also just feels good to create things and exercise our creativity. Don’t limit yourself to only expressing emotions we know are trauma-based, but any emotions you are dealing with. Remember you never have to share this art with anyone unless you want to. There isn’t a judge or a customer to please, it can be just for you. 

It’s mentioned in some of the linked articles, but connecting with our body is very important. Skills like body scanning, PMR, and engaging in practices like Yoga or martial arts practices Ti-Chi are great for this. Making a regular practice of this can help break through the way we feel disconnected and antagonistic with our bodies. If you have access, massage can be helpful as well other bodywork can be useful as well. Also, having a toolbox of other coping skills for panic/flashbacks/general stress is a good idea, some bodywork can be triggering. 

Working with self-forgiveness can be very powerful in breaking down negative core beliefs. Meaning the ideas we hold about ourselves fundamentally and the outer world. Starting with negative self-beliefs can be done very powerfully by working with your inner child. (This is not referring to child alters/parts in DID but a concept of viewing the hurts and needs we carry since childhood)

One way to start this is when you find yourself judging yourself negatively, like believing you are dirty, to imagine what you would say to a young child who is telling you they are disgusting for being abused. This can start to break down the snap judgments and ruminations you carry. 

Another important way is to give yourself time to play! Letting yourself get some enjoyment without judgment can help the parts of you still experiencing the world as a child does not feel as trapped.

Imagine a visual depiction (if something your mind does) of a child and speak to this child (either imagine it but you can also speak out loud) with love and kindness. Even hugging yourself can be useful here to help you start to carry compassion for yourself. 

Talking to someone you trust about your struggles can be very healing. And if you are not ready to talk about abuse directly, just trying to form close relationships is important. Humans are relational beings and having someone who we can connect with is super important. Being in the same space as another person can help regulate our nervous systems all by itself without talking. And having someone to listen to when we are struggling is important. 

Relationships can be of any kind and any level of intimacy you are comfortable with. I'm not saying you have to have "BFFs" or any sort of romantic relationship. Just that human connection is good for us.

Therapy can be useful for some people. Not everyone has access to this but if it’s something you want to try there are different forms of therapy. It can be good to look into it and see if there is something that might be useful to you that’s not general talk or CBT therapy. When looking for a therapist you can look at their page for what their specialities and modalities are. You can also call and ask what kinds of therapy they do. 

Hopefully, some of this helps

[gamenu]

         [ stumble ] –  for the sender’s muse to catch and help the receiver’s muse keep balance.

                                                 -- @ninjassin

          He hadn't seen anything, there was no way he could have seen anything.

          This wasn't her first rodeo by any stretch, and Nicole was nothing else if naught but a master at discretion (self imposed). A little yokai she had befriended was visiting, and they were a bit low on the energy side. A young dream eater, it described itself as. And while most people couldn't see them, Nicole could. It was a great deal of pity upon first meeting that it had been so stressed and what could be considered malnourished for a yokai.

          Nicole was special in her own right, psychokinesis is not an easy thing nor is it common. She herself still does not fathom how she's capable of doing it, but she is and she uses it to help when needed.

          Did she need her dreams? She didn't remember them anyway. Carefully, oh so carefully, she pulls a small mist of energy from the depths of her subconscious. Shit she doesn't even know is there or why it exists. There's no recognition, no love lost for it as she now offers solidified dreams to the youngling.

          Rampant gratuity is shown from her little friend, before running back into the forest rather quickly.

          Ah...Timmy was there. Greeting her like usual and offering to work on their projects...but what was she doing there?

          It's with a tired smile that she stands from the spot she had been kneeling, squinting just slightly.

          Her head was throbbing.

          A combination of not only using her unstable abilities, but pulling from her own mind as well was a task and a half that left her feeling unwell. But she could ignore a migraine, right? She'd have to, just until she could get home.

         "--Was lookin' fer my neighbor's dog. I was tryna see if I saw tracks."

          There's a small shrug of her shoulders as if to say she had come up empty handed. Nicole took a step forward, and stumbled. There wasn't even any attempt to balance herself, she was pretty sure the ground and the cool grass would feel like heaven right now anyway.

          Yet, she felt Timmy holding her up when she could finally process there wasn't coolness, but warmth around her. There was just a small thought of how fast he must have been. He closed the distance between them so quickly and kept her from hitting the ground. But her head was hurting too much to actually think much on it, and instead she used him for support to stand up once more, eyes squeezed shut and a hand trying to massage her temple.

         "Actually...can we go home? My head is killin' me...I think tha' hot dog I had is finally gettin' ta me..."

[tarnishedxknight]

Carter supposed it was rather fitting she went into labor in the middle of the night, given how often she used to stay up so late before her pregnancy, but it still hadn't been a pleasant thing to wake up to. But, it was better than it happening while she was out, and better that Basch was there when it happened. Because, despite his reassurances, she was... scared. It wasn't that she was afraid of finally meeting their twins or her ability to be a good parent to them, but she was afraid of the birth itself. Of something going wrong and something happening to her or their babies. She was careful not to dwell on it, and did actively share it with Basch and her therapist to keep it from eating away at her, but it was something she just... hadn't been able to shake.           

But, after god knew how long - though, probably not as long as it could've been, especially seeing as their birth was a bit early - it was over, and...       

God, maybe she could understand why some people said they'd go through it all over again.      

Her vision was blurred with tears of joy despite her exhaustion and the steady ache throughout her whole body, and she couldn't hold back the delight that danced over her expression and drew her grin. As small as they were, their twins were perfect. They were healthy, fortunately, and didn't need to be taken care of for long before they were brought back to them. She looked up to Basch with a beaming smile as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. Her hands trembling slightly as she cradled one of their twins close as he held the other. Her heart practically bursting with the love it held for them already.

"They-they're so pre-precious," she whispered - her voice raspy as she looked back down to the baby in her arms. Still smiling brightly as she gently brushed her finger against their cheek as they slept. "It- it almost does-doesn't feel real..." Well, it wouldn't if she didn't hurt so much, but... frankly, that pain was more than worth it.

Never in his life did Basch think he would get to this point. Fatherhood was always something he felt he didn't deserve, something he thought he should never have. But oh, he'd wanted it. He loved children, loved interacting with them, and having a family had always been this deeply desired but unattainable dream for him. Ever since Landis, since he abandoned his mother and brother, Basch had punished himself with solitude and loneliness, telling himself that was the only way he could ever atone for what he'd done. Carter... had taught him otherwise.

Somehow, she'd been able to love the flawed and damaged person he was, despite five millennia separating their cultures. She'd taken his starving and sad heart in her hands and massaged new life into it. He was a different person now, and for the better, for he no longer engaged in self-deprivation in the name of atonement. She'd shown him how that wouldn't solve anything, and that despite what he'd done, he was deserving of love. Basch, in turn, had tried to do the same for her, lifting her up whenever she was hard on herself, and supporting her in her worst moments.

What had begun as a friendship that developed as easily and organically as breathing for him had become a deep and fulfilling love. He would do anything for Carter, and after she became pregnant with his children, he only loved her more. Twins. It was as if life was coming full circle in the best of ways. He'd done his best to help Carter through her pregnancy and any insecurities and fears that came along with it. He was happy to, for he loved her with all his heart.

And then one night... he was jostled away by Carter during the wee hours. Thinking she'd had a nightmare or something, he'd sleepily begun to stroke her hair and tell her it was all alright, but her urgency quickly woke him. It was time. Instantly he sprung into action, grabbing the little bag they already had packed for this moment to take with them to the med bay. Slinging it over his shoulder, he helped her out of bed and assisted her all the way there. It was a bit chaotic, and there were so many nerves and worries, but everything had gone so well, and... and when it was over...

...they had two beautiful babies. He was a father. They were a family.

Basch had not been ashamed to cry when he heard his firstborn do the same. The younger twin followed soon after, and before he knew it, they were each holding one of their babies, smiling at each other as tears trickled down their cheeks. "They are..." he whispered, his gaze moving from Carter to the baby he held in his arms. Nothing compared to holding his own flesh and blood, to knowing he was now responsible for the well-being of these two small, innocent lives. It was a responsibility he was excited for, and one he gladly accepted. "They're beautiful. Perfect."

"If all of this is but a dream, then I shall pray never to wake from it, my love," Basch said. He leaned close to her and kissed her temple tenderly, having such respect for her and the arduous natural process that she had just gone through to bring their children into the world. "I vow to you now... that I shall strive every day to be the best partner and father I can," he said to her with all the knightly honor he possessed within him. "I love you, Carter... with all that I am and more."

[bestsincedayone]

💕//Cedes and Iyo!

send "💕" + a ship for me to fill out this. . .

combining this ship meme [ x ] with this ship meme [ x ]

FIRST DETAILS.

How did they meet? i believe it would've been royal rumble 2019. they obviously knew about each other beforehand but that'd be the first show they worked together since cedes challenged ronda and masami was in the rumble itself.

Who flirted with who first? masami probably.

Was it love at first sight or a slowburn romance? slowburn.

Did they start dating right away or were they friends before things became romantic? i can't say they were ever friends. co-workers, yeah. but i don't think there was a time when they would've called each other friends.

What was their first date? cedes took her out for sushi.

Who kissed who first? cedes kissed masami first.

Who started the relationship? cedes started it.

NEXT STEPS & HARDSHIPS.

Monogamy or Polyamory? monogamy. but i also wouldn't put it past them to try out something polyamorous. idk i just got those vibes.

Are they/do they plan on getting married? maybe?

Who proposed? Was it a yes or no? no proposal yet.

Do they want kids? Who brought it up first? no idea if either want kids. both are too obsessed with wrestling to think about having a child right now.

Do they already have kids, together or from previous relationships? no.

How often do they fight? What about? they fight pretty often. it's typically about masami and her struggles with love. but mercedes isn't fighting her about that. she's fighting for them to work through them.

Have they ever broken up? they've gone on a break for like a night or so but they've never broken up. mercedes refuses to let that happen.

Messy breakup, amicable split, remain friends, ride or die or til death do us part? it'd be this weird mix of being messy but both understanding, not being friends but always agreeing to be supportive of one another.

SEX.

In the bedroom - Vanilla, a little spice, or kinky af? a little spice.

For applicable ships - who is more dominant/submissive? they both lean more towards switch but i often feel like masami is more dominant than cedes.

What is their favorite sex position? sixty-nine.

Do either of them enjoy bringing sex toys into the bedroom? yep.

Favorite place to have sex? probably on the beach. idk. i can just see it.

Most adventurous place they’ve had sex? ... on a beach in puerto rico. i mean, cedes was there the same time wwe was there for backlash. sooooo.

Do they do anything else in the bath/shower other than wash? How often? they'll lie to you and say it doesn't happen but every time they share a shower or bath, even if they claim they won't start anything... they start something.

What are some of their favorite things about their partner sexually? probably when mercedes goes out of her way to learn dirty talk in japanese. even if it sometimes isn't said perfectly, it turns her on.

TOGETHER.

Do they have any routines/rituals in their relationship? sushi dates. it started with that and both of them love them. masami is typically good at finding the more genuine japanese places and they always make sure to go there.

How do they take care of each other when they are sick/hurt? typical stuff really. they make soup, massage tense areas, let the other vent, etc.

Who is the better dancer? mercedes.

How do they like to spend time together? traveling is their number one thing but it doesn't always get to happen, of course. second place might be nature walks.

What are their favorite non-sexual forms of intimacy? masami loves helping mercedes with her japanese.

What are some of their favorite things about their partner? cedes' stubbornness. sometimes it's annoying but it goes to show that when she wants something, that woman isn't giving up no matter what anyone says.

How do they comfort the other when they are upset? masami will just hug mercedes and let her let it all out.

Who buys the other spontaneous gifts? lately it's been mercedes. she loves buying masami stuff from japan when she goes to visit since she knows how homesick she gets when she doesn't get to go home.

What position do they sleep in? cuddling against one another.

Do they bathe/shower together? yep.

What are their favorite things to do on date nights? just spend time with one another. what they're doing really doesn't matter. just being able to spend the night with the other is their favorite part.

Do they still go on dates after being together for a while? yep

What is their love language? words of affirmation (mercedes speaking japanese to iyo) and quality time (when iyo gets home from being on the road)

Who’s a cat person and who’s a dog person? ... don't ask masami about getting a cat. let them just stick to having ryu.

Who likes the outdoors more and who likes the indoors more? both like outdoors but i feel like mercedes likes indoors more.

Who’s more social? both in a way. mercedes more on average though.

Who makes the bed every morning? masami.

Who likes to keep the house cold and who likes to keep the house warm? both like the house to be a little more on the cool side. not cold but cool.

Who takes longer getting ready? mercedes.

Who likes scary movies and who likes funny ones? both prefer funny.

Who screams when they see a bug and who ends up killing it? both.

Who is more technology challenged? masami. but she's not really that bad. she's just not on it as much as mercedes is.

Who would be more likely to burn something in the oven? mercedes.

Who talks in their sleep? mercedes.

Who leaves the cap off the toothpaste? mercedes.

Who likes getting dressed up more? mercedes -- going back to the sushi dates, i think she's probably bought some traditional japanese robes for the occasion.

Who’s better at tying ties? neither?

Who recorded the answering machine message on the house phone? ... lmao do you expect them to have a house phone?

Who’s better at planning romantic things? it's a team effort since they have to figure out when they're home at the same time.

Who takes up more space in the closet? mercedes

Who has more of a sweet tooth? masami

Who drinks more often? mercedes lmfao

Who is most likely to laugh during a serious situation? mercedes

[florestmoon]

Can I please request Pyramid Head getting his first massage from his S / O? Like, he probably doesn't know what she's trying to do to him so he's a little cautious at first. But then he realizes how good it feels and quickly caves in. thank you very much. :)

Poor pyramid head always gotta be carrying that big ass knife and helmet…and a fatty so he deserves a nice massage <33

Everyone could notice the awkward position Pyramid Head was stuck in as he dragged the huge knife behind him. The way his body was bend backward at an angle that you knew wouldn’t be comfortable for more than a few minutes, while he was like that for most of the duration of trials.

So you had came up with a brilliant plan. A spa day! Expect instead of all the supplies that one would see in a spa, you only had your hands. And, instead of an actual spa setting, the entity only granted the creepy elementary school that he resided in between trials.

Okay..you can still make it work ?

Or maybe not, with the way this gigantic man was watching you struggle to move him. Helmet tilted as you huffed after another failed attempt to force him to sit down on the large desk that was placed in front of a classroom, directly in front of a chalk board.

“Can you please just..sit down ?” You sighed impatiently, hands gripping onto one of his forearms. Your fingers couldn’t even fully grasp his arm, while one of his hands could easily wrap itself around both of your arms and keep them secure.

The thought always brought a weird feeling to spread inside him. You being so small compared to him, just a tiny human while he could easily crush you in a heartbeat. But he never did. He never could. You were already too important to him.

Despite the amusement of watching you struggle to move an inch of him, he was a bit weary on why you had came to his realm in a hurry and insisted on him to sit down and “relax”. Why would he want to relax when he could be wandering the realm with you and holding your hand ? He found that relaxing.

But seeing a frustrated look on your face, he took pity and allowed himself to sit on the teacher’s desk. The wood creaking under his weight did nothing to stop the smile that crept on your face.

“Good! Now, please place that stupid sword against the wall..”

Sword? Huh.

He hesitated before reaching to the side and leaning his knife against the chalkboard before turning his heads towards you again. You nodded and pulled yourself onto the desk behind him, placing your hand on his helmet with a small “Nuh uh.” when he tried turning around to see what you were doing.

The positions was weird with you on your knees behind him as he sat at the edge of the desk. But with the size difference and the lack of anything else but desks in the abandoned school, you had to work with what you got.

“Look forward.” You demanded. “Trust me okay? You’re always walking around with that damn knife and I’ve never see you actually sit down..or even sleep? Does your body not hurt?”

You didn’t expect an answer, of course, so you ran your hand up his back slowly. His body tensing underneath your touch.

“It’s okay.” You murmur, pressing your fingers hard against a knot that caused him to go rigid and reach a hand behind to grab your wrist. His tight grip didn’t stop you though, your other hand reaching his shoulder. You massaged it slowly. “It’ll feel good. I promise.”

His grip loosened as you continued to massage his shoulder, allowing you rub your fingers along his back. You weren’t going to lie, the feel of his hard muscles was turning you on a bit..

We must stay focused brothers, we must stay focused

“This would probably feel better lying down honestly,” you chuckle, his posture relaxing as time went on. “And with lotion. But hey, better than nothing right?”

Your small fingers against his skin had him melting against you instantly. He didn’t understand what you were doing to him. Was this magic? Were you some type of witch that was using their powers to keep him subdued and at your mercy?!

Even if it was true, he didn’t stop himself from submitting to you and allowing for the pleasure to take over his body.

A deep rumbling sound vibrated around the small classroom. You blinked once you realized it came from him. Oh, that’s cute.

Smiling, you move off the desk and place yourself in front of him. His hands not hesitating to wrap around your waist as you continued to massage his shoulder and the front of his chest.

“Feels nice huh?”

A small nod of the helmet was your response.

You begin to massage his arms, rubbing and kneading down to his wrist before grabbing his hand and rubbing tiny circles along the palm. His content sounds only growing louder as you moved to the other arm.

The hand you finished massaging came up to your face, cupping your cheek as you focused on his other hand. The gesture clear enough of what he wanted to say.

Thank you.

[ddejavvu]

bestie honey sweetie —

so if u remember i’m a massage therapist and i just had a horny thought of the day—

best friend!steve (or eddie) always begging for a massage but you always say no bc u know that if you were to massage him it would wreck you and your self control but one day you give in,,, 😵‍💫

today is multiverse monday! send me any au you can think of :)

--

"Come on," Steve pleads, tugging at your arm, "It hurts so bad! Just five minutes," He bargains, puffing his lower lip out as his eyes adopt a glossy sheen, "For me?"

"That's not gonna work on me," You wave him off, turning back to the book in your hands.

"You're so mean," Steve huffs, lifting your feet off of his lap and sending them falling to the floor, your weight shifting because of it, "Put your stinky feet somewhere else then."

"Hey!" You nearly tumble off the couch, your hands coming to brace themselves against the cushions.

Steve realizes his mistake a little too late, his own hands flying around your waist and interlocking at your stomach. He hauls you up against the back of the couch, his breathing erratic, "Shit, Y/N, you okay?"

His eyes search yours frantically, his hands warm on the skin of your belly that's exposed by your ridden-up shirt.

"I swear I didn't mean to do it that hard," He adds when you don't answer, "I just wanted to tease you!"

"Steve," You let a soft smile curve over your face, "'S okay. You didn't hurt me or anything."

"Shit," He repeats, his eyes fluttering shut as a relieved sigh left his lips, "You scared me there, honey. Now my back really hurts."

He says it while intentionally slumping over, his face nearly in your lap. You groan at his terrible attempt at being casual, hauling him upright with a finger hooked beneath his chin.

"Five minutes." You begrudgingly scold him, "Shirt off, do you have lotion?"

It's a command you'd find brazen under any other circumstances. And honestly, it feels a bit brazen now, as Steve peels his shirt off like it's nothing more than a spiderweb he's clearing from a path. Like it doesn't mean anything to discard it. Like his chest isn't on display now, full and broad and decorated with hair.

"It's on my nightstand." He gestures to his room, "Don't, uh.. don't touch the pump."

"Steve!" Your stomach churns, "That's so fucking gross! How am I supposed to use it?"

"I'll pump it for you," He snaps, cheeks flaming red, "Just go get it!"

You handle the lotion bottle with great care, coming back out of his room only seconds later. You're thankful that the bottle itself isn't sticky, but you let Steve handle the pump so that a fair amount of product pools in your palm.

You grumble something that he can't quite catch, suspiciously sounding like 'fap lotion' as you set the bottle down on the floor beside the couch.

Steve stretches out at your command, but instead of draping himself over the couch, he drapes himself over you. He rests his head in your lap, your thighs pillowing his cheek as his lips squish against your jeans.

His back is now fully exposed, and though it may not be the cover of a fitness magazine, lathered in oil and overaccentuated, but it's a sight you can't look away from. His skin is smooth, freckled though. There's notches by his shoulders and down his spine, shifting and changing shape as he settles himself in your lap. His muscles tense and relax depending on where his arms are, and each one surges beneath his skin like the volts of electricity thrumming through your veins.

"This good?" He speaks softly, gruffly against your leg. It's not, it's everything you've ever feared when Steve has badgered you about getting a massage, but you don't have the power to say that.

All you do is nod, swallowing what little saliva is in your mouth.

He catches the movement from the corner of his eye, letting them drift shut as your hands spread lotion over his back. You're hesitant to touch him at first, your slick fingers ghosting over his flesh, but as soon as you've got a taste for the warmth of his skin, you're losing control. Your palm smooths over his back naturally, your fingers kneading firmly into his tense muscles. It draws an insanely guttural, raw groan from his throat, and you instantly decide it's the most pornographic sound that you've ever heard. It makes your stomach tense, and he feels the movement against his head, peering up at you concernedly.

"Y'okay, bug?" He brings his arms up from his sides, curling them around your back and squeezing himself tighter against you. You feel his head press against your thighs, nearly between them, and you shudder.

"Mhm," Is all you can muster, your eyes glued to the slick skin of Steve's back that's warm to the touch as your hands make easy work of his knots and cramps.

"Thanks for this, sweetheart." Steve breathes, his voice raspy and low, "Feels really fuckin' good."

"I'm glad," Your voice is barely there, lust barely contained in your tone, "Just relax, Stevie, 'gonna make you feel better."

[loversindevildom]

hello! I'm not that anon but thank you for the other period-related hcs, if it's okay, may I ask for the brothers' reactions to an MC who doesn't have painful ones, but bleeds A Lot and is terrified of getting communal/the brothers' stuff dirty? people with monster uteruses unite

((Definitely!! Currently on my period while writing this and felt it-

((Also would you look at that, the me is posting again-

Masterlist

The boys x MC with heavy flow

Lucifer

It all began when one of your worst nightmares came true.

You woke up early in the morning having bled all over his sheets.

You were panicking. Badly.

Lucifer was still sound asleep on his side of the bed, having noticed nothing.

Without thinking, you immediately get out of bed and go fast towards the wardrobe to grab some sheets.

You had no idea how you were going to change them without waking Lucifer up but one step at a time.

But he was already awake as soon as he felt you get off the bed. "MC?" He mumbled your name quietly before opening his eyes.

You wished a hole could open underneath your feet and the earth would swallow you. You also happened to be wearing white pijamas and so the blood was obvious all over you.

Lucifer had just woken up and was not thinking straight so his first thought was that someone attacked you or that another demon attempted to eat you and immediately rushed to you and pulled you in his arms. "Who?"

"what?"

"Who hurt you?"

"no one... I'm so sorry!!" You cried in dispair and that's when Lucifer started understanding what was going on.

"It's your menstruation? I thought someone attacked you... It's alright. I'll go fill in the bath for you."

Thankfully you changed the sheets before he realized you got them dirty.

Or so you thought. In reality he had noticed but didn't want to embarass you.

Mammon

He knew you were on your period.

You had told him the moment it came.

But it didn't matter to him much. He didn't know many things about it, only that you're in pain.

"Hey, come on, sit with me." He patted the couch beside him in his room.

He knew you were hurting and he wanted to cuddle you and watch some movies with you and spoil you with chocolate he stole from Beel.

When you shook your head in return, his heart shattered. "I'm not really in that mood."

"B-But! It's your favourite!"

"I'll just go to sleep."

"We can sleep together here."

You sighed and he felt the world twist. You didn't want him anymore? That's it? It was over?

"What did I do?"

"nothing! I just don't want to get blood all over your couch!"

"Ohh..." He felt relieved. That was all. Truth be told, this couch was pretty expensive but you were worth ten times that couch...

"Don't you wear that pad thing you talked about?" After you nodded he added. "Then it's fine. Get your stupid pretty human ass here now. You don't wanna miss the beginning."

Leviathan

He wanted you two to cosplay today.

You had been planning to go to that convention for months.

The day had arrived and he had excitedly changed into his costume only for you to come out and say you're not going.

And he's ???? So confused ????

He thought you wanted this as much as he did.

Did you fake your interest?

"look, Levi, I'm sorry. I was really looking forward to the con but I got my period today."

Ohhhhhhh it was because of that thing. That was a relief.

"it's fine! The con is a week long, we'll go by the end of it. And we can wear the costumes inside and cuddle!"

The idea horrified you.

"NO!" The costumes were amazing and Levi had paid of them. You couldn't ruin it.

"why?" He was confused again.

"I'll get blood all over it. I always get things dirty. You should keep me away from your stuff." After all you knew how much he valued his merch.

Leviathan rolled his eyes and walked over to you. He grabbed your wrist and pulled you down with him. He wrapped a TSL blanket over you and proceeded to play games with you all night.

After all, you were more valuable than all these together.

Satan

You two had visited Devildom's public library to get a book he had ordered for you.

He had seen how fascinated you were as soon as you heard it came out and immediately ordered it for you.

You were looking around the shelves with him while the staff was going to bring you your book when you felt an intense pain on your lower parts.

Looking down you realized blood was leaking everywhere.

Panicking, not sure what to do you hid behind a bookshelf.

Satan panicked as soon as he realized you were gone.

What if another demon had fetched you and eaten you?

"MC?" He called out your name. Once, twice, thrice...

"Here..." You said in embarrassement. You had the idea of using a jacket to cover the mess in your pants. But you had accidentally grabbed his...

When he finds you he was relieved. "There you are, I was worried..." Then he scanned you. "My jacket looks good on you."

You weren't sure how to tell him, so you continued and went all the day back to the house of Lamentation when you immediately put it in the washing machine.

Of course, he had noticed. You had been dripping on the floor.

But being aware this was a normal thing, he decided not to embarass you and make a big deal out of it.

Asmodeus

You were screwed.

You were seriously screwed and not in the good way.

This had been a lesson to you to always keep in mind when your period was coming.

Because the one time you had forgotten, you had wore Asmo's clothes to sleep.

He told you you could use them whenever you wanted.

It made him very happy to see you wearing his clothes and it made you feel very comfortable so why not?

This was the reason not to.

Because waking up that morning, you had gotten blood all over his clothes.

"Shit."

Your exclaim and panic woke him up, but he was too focused on your face to notice the blood at first.

"What happened, my love? Are you okay?"

"I'm so sorry, Asmo!!"

It took him a few seconds but then he realized exactly what you were talking about. He took a deep breath. This was a disaster, but you didn't do it on purpose.

"It's fine. It's your time of the month? Come on we should get you changed. Wanna run a bath together? I can give you a massage too." He winked as he got up to get the water running. He prefered to focus on you than his ruined clothing.

And this, my friends, is called love.

Beelzebub

You were always careful when it was your time of the month not to get anything dirty. Always.

However, the unfortunate day had arrived.

You were in his bed, playing on your DDD while Beel was picking up some food from the kitchen.

And then it happened. The major pain. And you realized you had been bleeding all over his sheets. You should change them before Beel-

Speak of the devil....

Beel walked in happily and let the food down on the tray next to the bed. As he leaned down to put them there he noticed the blood and frowned.

You were scared you had disgusted him.

"are you hurting too badly? I'll bring you some medicine."

Cause he's that sweet.

Diavolo

Yes I will say this every single time I write about this one;

He's busy.

So even if you do get blood in his stuff you'll certainly have time to clean it.

However, fate isn't very nice...

When Diavolo is in his study, he likes to work with you sitting on his lap.

When you felt the sharp pain in your stomach you immediately jumped off his lap and fell on the floor.

"MC? What happened!? Are you okay?" He asked worrily.

You didn't answer him, instead you run towards the bathroom.

Yes, you didn't get anything on him but it was big a jumpscare itself.

Diavolo knocked on your door once. "Dear? What happened?"

"nothing! It's fine, my period just came!"

He was silent for a bit. You thought he left but as soon as you opened the door he was standing right there and he hugged you. "I see... Come on, let's go back. I promise we'll cuddle when Im done."

"I'll get blood all over you!" You argued back.

In response he picked you up and walked back to his chair where he made you sit on him again.

Simeon

Simeon is such a sweetheart.

He probably has already noted your circle on his calendar.

He remembers when it's that time of the month always.

Usually, so do you.

Usually.

You had miscalculated this time. You thought it was due for next week and so you had wore a nice white dress for your date with Simeon.

He wasn't sure what to say. He thought you looked gorgeous in that one but...

"Sweetheart, are you sure? I love the way the dress looks at you but I don't want you to feel bad if it gets dirty."

You were so confused. "What?"

"You said you avoid wearing white when it's that time of the month... Unless you're late? Oh my lord, are you late?" His eyes were shining and that's when you realized what he meant.

"shit! No I am not! Wait here!" You rushed back into your room to get changed and indeed found blood between your legs.

You couldn't find yourself feeling bad tho.

All you could thinking about was the way Simeon's eyes had shined at the thought of being a father.

Solomon

As a human like yourself, he treats it much more normal than the others do.

He doesn't treat you any different then really, unless you're in pain.

Then you're getting backrubs.

You were sitting on the couch with him and he was telling you a story about how he first formed a pact.

When he was finished you felt the need to go to the bathroom.

Then you noticed the red stain in your pants.

Shit that was a lot of blood. Had you gotten it on the chair too?

Thankfully, when you returned it was gone.

And thankfully, Solomon knew magic to clean it quicker.

[r0b0-writes]

Ah may I request a fluffy shot of Sweet inspecting devil!Cakes’ horns in our modern AU

Maybe the two be having coffee and Sweet just got curious and wants to take a closer look, Cakes summoning them and Sweet holding dem wicked points ever so gently aueueueueeue

As soon as I saw that doodle u did w/ the two I was like “oh yeah, Sweet definitely wants to hold those horns” So this is so, so funny to me cuz I already have this scenario in my head

Title: Devil’s Triumph Words: 1,295

Cakes sipped idly on the mug in his hand. A breakfast confection sat on a saucer by his elbow. 

He wasn’t a morning person, but he enjoyed being the first one awake. He liked seeing the other two sleepy-eyed and groggy as they joined him in the kitchen. Sweet would stumble in an hour or so before Cap’n, barely conscious until they had coffee in their system.

They were so cute. 

Speaking of the speaker, he was sitting across from Cakes at the small kitchen table. Already done with their coffee, they sat quietly. However, they couldn’t hide their nervous glances his direction or the bouncing leg under the table. Sweet always got antsy when he was nervous. It was something Cakes found joy in noticing. Finding all his small little signs of worry or happiness, keeping the information close to use. His mortal was so cute.

Cakes giggled to itself, “something wrong~ ?” Sweet looked up sharply, “n– no,” they shook their head, eye darting. 

Cakes smiled and took another sip of its coffee, “so why do you keep looking at me?” He grinned innocently, “like what you see~ ?”

Sweet’s face erupted into a blush, “I– I was just– I was thinking, uhm…”

Cakes waited patiently for them to collect themselves, another sip. 

“C– Can I… touch your horns?”

That certainly wasn’t what Cakes had been expecting. 

“Excuse you?”

“O– Only if it’s okay! I– I don’t know if it’s like, a… no-no thing where you come from. Like, I don’t want to be disrespectful– Uh, just forget I said anything.” Sweet pushed away from the table, hurriedly standing up. “I need to go to the shop early anyway, so bye–”

A hand grabbed his wrist, turning him around. 

“That’s not what I meant, silly~” Cakes’ hold loosened. “I just wanted to make sure I heard you right.” Sweet tapped a foot behind himself, “... so, it’s okay?” “Mhmm~ !” he responded cheerfully. 

Sweet took a hesitant step forward.

“Why so nervous~ ?” The devil laughed, bringing them closer. To that, Sweet just looked down, trying to hide the painted blush appearing on their face. “Why do you want to feel them~ ?” Cakes pushed, slowly massaging their hand with his thumbs. 

“I… I just… they look cool and I– I think they’re… pretty,” Sweet admitted. “They fit you well, you look pretty with them out.” 

Cakes beamed at the confession, his horns already materializing. “Really? You think they’re pretty?” He felt the underside of one of the horns. He’d had them called intimidating, scary, even vile before, but never pretty. 

Sweet’s expression said it all, his eye immediately gravitated to the pair of horns. Staring at them with amazement, wonder. If Cakes wasn’t so in control of his own emotions he’d be blushing. No mortal’s ever looked at his horns and been taken aback like this before. 

Stuck in awe, Sweet could only stare. A light aura outlined its horns, electricity bounced back and forth from the tips. They were so pretty. The light bouncing off of them, the clean polish– did Cakes even have to maintain them? Or were they perfect on their own? 

“Go on,” Cakes smiled, “you can touch them.”

“This... doesn't hurt you, right?” Sweet asked, barely above a whisper.

Cakes gently shook his head, humming his response. He closed his eyes and bowed for the smaller one to reach.

Sweet was hesitant, despite Cakes’ willingness. Their eye looked down at their face, eyes closed, a gentle smile.

“I can feel you staring~”

Sweet looked back up at the horns, heat growing up his neck. His hands slowly approached the horns, so close and–

“Ouch!”

Sweet jumped back at Cakes’ outcry. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry– What’d I do? I’m–”

Cakes was laughing, a hand on his forehead, “sorry~ ! Sorry~ ! You were taking so long!” He chuckled. “Awe~ What’s with that face? I’m sorry, c’mere,” he outstretched his hands at a very embarrassed Sweet.

“I thought I hurt you!” He said as he walked back to it. “Oh, Sweetie~” Cakes soothed, picking them up and placing them in their lap. “You couldn’t hurt me if you tried.”

Sweet wasn’t sure if that was meant to make him feel better or even more anxious. He decided to roll his eyes, “whatever, lean down.” 

Cakes grinned at the order and did as told without any word.

This time, Sweet wasn’t as hesitant. Their hands gently clasped around the base of the horns. Slowly traveling up the length. The horns were perfectly smooth, slight electricity danced from the tips around Sweet’s hands. “Woah,” they looked at their hand, it was like... feeling fuzzy water.

Cakes felt his spine shudder with each gentle touch. It was kind of silly. His horns weren't fragile enough for a mortal’s hands to break. He kept his eyes closed, wanting to focus on the pressure building in his chest. 

It wasn't vulgar, but this was intimate. 

His horns weren’t just for decoration, they were connected to his magic. Having Sweet’s hand so close to something so personal, so intwined in what made him, him, was a feeling he couldn’t describe.

“Do you have to file them?” Sweet asked. “No,” Cakes responded immediately, entranced.

“They feel kind of… fuzzy with the electricity. I like it.” “Thanks.”

“Should I stop?” “Please, don’t.”

Cakes had never had this happen before. It felt so nice to have a section of his body be treated gently. With care and hesitancy, even if it didn’t need to be. It was relaxing, he could almost fall asleep like this. Sweet in his lap, their hands gently ushering him to a peaceful rest. Even if he didn’t need to rest, this made him want to. He wanted to be held and to hold. 

Body grew slack, head teetering.

“Cakes?” “Hmm?”

When Sweet pulled his hands away the pressure in Cakes’ chest released. It became just a little easier to breathe. Blinking, he was suddenly more cognizant of his position. It sat up, ignoring the minor confusion in Sweet’s eye. “So, what’d you think~ ?” Cakes smiled, desparate to hide how he’d melted in the hands of a mortal. 

“The electricity didn’t even hurt. How’d you do that?” Cakes hummed, his head still a little cloudy, “they only hurt when I need them to.” 

Sweet gulped, “can we… do this again sometime?” Cakes grinned, “you can touch my horns anytime you want.”

“Are you sure?” Sweet fretted. “I really don’t to make you uncomfortable or anything.” Cakes took their hand to his lips, lightly peppering a kiss to their knuckles. “You can touch them, Sweetie~, anytime~” its voice fell off as he moved their hands to cup his face, leaning into their touch.

Sweet gulped, “I– I uh, okay, well, I need to go to the shop, so, uhm… thanks, again.” They crawled off his lap, pushing his hoodie up to cover the blush on his cheeks. “Th– Thanks,” they repeated, “bye.” 

Cakes watched as they practically ran out the door. At that moment, the angel appeared. 

“Did I miss him?” Cap’n yawned. “Yeah,” Cakes replied.

The sound of the coffee maker sounded behind him.

“Cap,” Cakes began. “Hmm?” “Is it supposed to feel like this?”

Cap’n paused, glancing over his shoulder at the devil. He could see in his eyes what he was talking about. 

“What’s it feel like?” He asked, turning back to the waiting cup of coffee. 

It took Cakes a few moments to form the words, “it’s a good kind of terrifying,” he chuffed. Cap’n nodded, taking a seat across, “yeah, it feels like that.”

He pushed another cup of coffee across the table, “extra cream,” he winked. Cakes nodded, taking the cup in hand.

‘A good kind of terrifying’ Yeah, that was a good way to describe it.

[crguang]

How do you think a relationship between Ajak and reader would be if reader was a vigilante/superhero? Maybe not Avengers-level, since Ajak doesn't really get involved, but I think it'd still be interesting to see their dynamic. Thank you!

ouhh that was interesting to think about. here’s what i got:

• Your selflessness is what catches her eye first. Your desire to help those who can’t help themselves, to keep them safe even if that mean putting your own life on the line, is a character trait that Ajak adores about you.

• She’s long given up on dissuading you whenever a particular case proved itself too dangerous for you to deal with on your own, and that stubbornness is both admirable and aggravating at times. You know she doesn’t get involved in human conflicts and you have no issue dealing with stuff yourself, but the sheepish smile that you give her when you come home wounded after ignoring her warnings, her eyes narrowing in both worry and displeasure, hurts your pride just a bit.

• Ajak never requires explanations in these moments. Her fingers graze your skin around the wound, assessing the damage, before pouring her cosmic energy into your body. The relief is instant, and the sigh that escapes your lips grounds her, reminding her that you are here with her, alive and well.

• Humans are fragile. She doesn’t have to say anything for you to know what she’s thinking when she trails the tip of her fingers over the spot where the wound was previously, brows pinched together. She admires your courage but the thought of losing you haunts her every time she has to use her powers on you.

• Sometimes, when her feelings gets the best of her rational mind, she follows you on some of these missions. At first you complain about not needing a chaperone, but you quickly understand that she’s only there to soothe her own mind. Your abilities are not doubted, she just can’t help but worry.

• Ajak isn’t a fighter, but her reflexes are still sharper than any human and her body more resilient than even the toughest animals. Sparring is a must, because you want to know what she’s learned over the centuries, eager to see her step into your world, and also because you like using the rare days she gives in to your begging to show off a little. You may be mortal, but you weren’t defenceless. She surprises you by wielding the wooden staffs you used for training like they were an extension of her body, leaving you to stare at her as would a clueless child.

• Her pain tolerance is incredibly high. You learned that the hard way.

• “Had enough, yet?” She asks when you hit the ground for the fifth time that day. Ajak still hadn’t moved from where she’s been standing for the past 30 minutes. So far, you had landed exactly two well placed hits on her.

• You look up her, eyes narrowing. “…You’re going easy on me, aren’t you?”

• “I’m surprised you noticed.”

• As a fighter, your body is in good shape. Ajak shamelessly stares it down at times, gaze lowering to your thighs before looking away with a small smile and a raise of her eyebrows. She loves tracing your back muscles with her hands, unhurriedly.

• Massages. Absolutely. Cosmic energy sometimes slip through her fingers to untie the knots in your shoulders and neck. What you do can be very stressful and Ajak is always there to relieve you of some of that burden.

• Your street smarts often prove themselves useful and Ajak likes how witty you are. You think quickly on your feet, you’re calculated and always prepared… it reminds her vaguely of Phastos. Praise easily falls from her lips, boosting your confidence, eyes lighting up in the adorable way she loves.

• Overall, I think you’d make a great team. Ajak is used to staying back and observing, assessing a threat and finding the best way to defeat it while others are on the field. You don’t mind being her muscles when she needs them. She offers her input even if you don’t ask for it and it is never useless.

[sorryimananti-romantic]

Mist | Choi San | Chapter 1

Pairing: Choi San x OC (Seohyun)

Genre: supernatural (ghost), romance, high school

Trigger Warnings: paranormal, death mentions, violence

Words: 7.2k

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my original character and the story. I do not own any gifs or pictures used.

Full story on Wattpad (don’t spoil here if you read there too)

chapter directory

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Seohyun kicked a pebble with her boot, sending it flying in the air. The black cat following Seohyun meowed as it wandered between her legs, rubbing itself along her naked legs. Seohyun kicked another pebble, and the cat meowed louder.

"I know, I know," she said, sighing, "I shouldn't have helped him."

The cat's grey eyes twinkled and it jumped a little to keep pace with Seohyun. She adjusted her sunglasses with the tip of her finger and tucked her long hair behind her ears, keeping her eyes fixed to the ground in hopes of finding more pebbles that she could kick.

Seohyun's hands went to the straps of her school bag on her shoulders as she finally found one, and she smirked. "Hey kitty, I'm gonna kick this one real hard."

As if the cat understood, it sat near her to watch the scene. Seohyun aimed her foot, sending the pebble flying with full force as a short laugh escaped her. She waited for the satisfying sound of the pebble hitting something hard, but a wail of pain answered her instead.

"Oops," Seohyun grimaced as she motioned the cat to follow her, trying to flee before she was caught. However, luck was rarely on her side.

"It was you, right?" She heard a boyish voice call out. She sneaked a peek, seeing a group of colourful heads belonging to boys that grew larger and larger as more joined them.

"I thought I hit one? Why are there so many..." she muttered, then turned back, bowing her head in a quick apology and turning again to run away, almost tripping on the cat and it howled in pain before following her.

"Hey, stop!" She heard voices, and she just sped up. She had enough to worry about.

"Where are my ghost friends when I need them.." Seohyun muttered under her breath as she sped up, cursing mentally. She could hear steps draw closer by every second, and she finally turned abruptly, making the group of boys stop dead in their tracks, bumping at each other.

"I apologized, what do you all want now?"

"You never apologized," the blue haired one said.

"Why do you think I bowed? To thank you?" Seohyun retorted. The blonde snickered, earning a kick in his ribs from not one but two of them.

"We couldn't see from so far, at least apologize properly!"

"Alright, alright. Was it you who got hit?"

"No, it was-"

Seohyun sighed out loud. "What got you so worked up then, if it wasn't even you?"

"He's my friend?" The blue haired boy said, making it sound more like a question.

"I told you all not to make a fuss, it's not like she did it on purpose," Seohyun heard one of them say, and her eyes shifted towards the boy with black hair, the eyebrow slit further defining his sharp features. Indeed, he was hurt. There was a painful scratch where the pebble must have grazed his cheekbone.

"Ah, so it was you..." Seohyun bit her lip. She thought she should apologize properly, so she bowed properly this time, and got up. "I never meant to hurt anyone. I'm sorry."

His eyes burned holes in her even though she wore sunglasses. He pursed his lips, nodding. "It's okay, just be careful next time."

She nodded. "Can I go now?" She didn't wait for an answer and turned, motioning the cat to come along, who meowed.

"Wait!" The eyebrow-slit boy sat down on one knee, motioning the cat to come to him, who gladly obliged and Seohyun rolled her eyes. He smiled at the cat, rubbing its head and offering it a biscuit, which the cat graciously accepted, munching right into it.

"Do you even give your cat food? It's so thin."

"It's not mine," Seohyun said and the boy's head turned up to look at her, curiosity in his eyes obvious. "It followed you rather gladly."

Seohyun just shrugged, looking away from his gaze and observing the group now. They were all dressed in school uniform like her, but it looked like it was a different school. She internally smiled at the interesting mix that stood in front of her.

"San, let's go," she heard the red-head call out. San, she thought.

"I need to go now too." Seohyun said, waiting for the boy to stop playing with the cat.

The boy- San- got up and said, "You said it's not yours. Can I take it then?"

Seohyun almost said yes, but hesitated. It was true the cat was not hers, but at this point, she could call it hers, the way it always followed her around whenever she was out. She had rather grown attached to the constant presence of her black furry friend.

"Uhh, I mean you could, but..." she bit her lip as she looked back as if for help, and then turned back to the boy. "This cat is my only friend."

Seohyun hated how it had almost come as a whisper, but the boy looked like he understood as he nodded, taking a step back. "I'll see you around then," he smiled sweetly at the cat, who meowed at him.

Seohyun finally turned, not bothering to check if the cat followed her or that boy, San. She was too scared to check. But when she heard the cat meow and rub at her legs, she smiled in relief.

"I'll feed you more now, I promise," she smiled at the cat.

Meanwhile, San watched the odd pair walk away in the distance.

"So rude!" the blue haired boy said, and everyone laughed. San turned and shook his head. "Not my fault you decided to act like my parent, Hongjoong."

"Doesn't look like she's from our school, but isn't it the school near the place we usually go to eat dinner?" The blonde asked.

"Yeah, it looks like it. You're treating us to dinner there tomorrow. You remember, right Yeosang?"

"You're always hungry for food Wooyoung, how could I forget?" He answered.

The group started to walk their way, talking about their plans for dinner, but San couldn't stop thinking about the girl with the grey streaks in her hair, the girl who had no friends other than a black cat. He unconsciously shook his head, finally paying attention to his present.

----------

"I said I'm sorry!" Seohyun yelled, "Now you leave my hair, and I'll leave yours."

"You first," the woman replied.

"Together, okay? One, two, three- YOU! You lied!"

"You lied too!" The woman shouted, and pulled at Seohyun's hair, earning a satisfactory groan from her.

"It's not like you can feel pain! You're a freaking ghost!"

"Doesn't mean I'm not insulted," the woman smirked, "Alright, I'll leave you first, and you leave no more than a second after, otherwise I'll make sure you feel the pain you love." The woman let go of Seohyun's hair and Seohyun did so right after, taking quick steps backward as she massaged her head.

"Bitch..." she muttered, and the woman laughed out loud.

The woman- ghost- had been keeping Seohyun company for about two months now, occasionally popping out of nowhere and leaving just as abruptly. At first, Seohyun had tried to help her in some way, help her move on and come to terms with her sudden death by accident, but the young woman had quite a difficult death and she was the first of a kind- a ghost with amnesia. No memories of how she had died and why she hadn't moved on.

Seohyun had to admit that she had grown used to her presence. She often found herself narrating her uneventful day to her, just like today, when she had excessively complained how useless of a friend she was and how none of her ghost friends had ever done her a favour. Somehow that had turned into an argument and then to them resorting to pulling each other's hair our, except her ghost friend couldn't feel any pain since she was, well, a ghost. Dead.

"I mean," Seohyun continued, fiddling with her hair, "it would have saved me from embarrassment had you popped up and helped me out there."

"What could I have done?" The woman sat down on the pavement, the black cat gladly jumping on her lap as the woman ran her hands through her fur. "It's not like anyone else can see me."

"Hello? You could have made me disappear."

"You know it's not good for your health. Why do it unless absolutely, absolutely necessary?" The woman glared at her.

"YES! That was absolutely, absolutely necessary. There were 8 of them! I was alone!" Seohyun whined and the woman just ignored her.

"Unnie~" Seohyun sat down near her, and the woman slid away from her.

"I told you not to call me that. I have a name, and it's Jiwoo."

"How can I call you by your name? You're much older than me." Seohyun grinned.

"And that's why I don't help you. Because you're a stubborn one. Also, I'm pretty sure I'm not that old."

"That's rich coming from you," Seohyun retorted, ignoring the last remark, "I'm not the one refusing to move on just because I can't get enough of worldly pleasures."

"And that's my cue to leave you alone, like you always are. There's a reason you don't have friends, Seohyun." Jiwoo got up, putting the curled cat on the pavement.

"I do have friends-"

"I'm talking about human friends. Your sharp tongue and stubborn heart, it's about time you change that."

"I-" Before Seohyun could complete, Jiwoo disappeared. Seohyun sighed, her heart sinking a bit at her harsh but true words.

There was indeed a reason that she had no friends. And it wasn't her ability to see ghosts.

Seohyun pulled her knees to her chest, shutting her eyes. She wanted to disappear.

--------------

Senior year of high school was supposed to be tough, yes, but Seohyun had to face challenges other than academic ones.

And it wasn't just the fact that she had no social life at all; she only had a group of people she could interact with if need be, otherwise she was perfectly content on being on her own. She had no problem staying amused in her own company.

The problem was with Seohyun, though not directly. It was the problem that she could see and interact with some of the dead. And the dead made sure she got in trouble if she didn't hear their woes and skipped school to maybe find them something (or someone) they had an attachment to, or didn't take them to their loved ones immediately.

She had often tried to reason with them; she tried to explain that she was perfectly aware how bad they must have it, but she had it worse since she was still alive, and with life came unforeseen consequences, such as having to face her mother if they caused a scene (which they usually did), or if they tried to grab her attention by any means necessary, such as causing her desk to fall, her stuff to fly (where she would immediately have to either hold it or pretend to have thrown it).

She tried, oh she tried so hard to tell them to wait until she was free from school and then she would do whatever they asked her to, but no. Apparently whatever they wanted to do was more important than her school, her reputation (already in ruins), everything. There rarely was someone patient enough, and those she made sure she looked after properly. Like Jiwoo.

She wished Jiwoo was here so she could get rid of the old wrinkly man in front of her. She was trying to focus on her mathematics but it was hard to when a fat belly blocked her vision. And she couldn't even say anything out loud, so she just sent daggers through her eyes, the message in her eyes clear. But the old man just smirked, continuing to block her vision.

Seohyun sighed and turned the page of her notebook, scribbling in it, then turned the notebook to the ghost in front of her. The man was short so he didn't have to bend as he read what she had written.

"IF YOU COULD STOP PESTERING ME FOR A FEW MINUTES YOU WRINKLY OLD MAN I CAN'T FOCUS ON MATHS BECAUSE OF YOU"

The old man smirked, and Seohyun wished she could kick him somewhere he would surely feel pain even though ghosts couldn't feel pain. She was so absorbed in thinking of ways that she could make this ghost feel pain that she didn't notice him take her notebook and run away before she could snatch it back.

As soon as Seohyun noticed, she jerked in her seat, stopping herself from getting up and following him. He stopped a few feet away, teasingly coming closer and closer, the frown on Seohyun's face getting deeper and deeper until he stopped near the girl sitting in front of her, tore a page from her notebook and gave it back.

And then he did what she dreaded. He made a ball out of that paper, aimed at the teacher, taking one last look at the very satisfying horrified face of the girl who could see ghosts but refused to help them, and threw the paper ball at the teacher with considerable force, hitting him on his head.

The teacher turned, running his eyes across the classroom, not missing how everyone was glancing between the teacher and Seohyun, who folded her arms rather defensively, silently praying he wouldn't actually pick the paper ball. But the teacher bent down, and it so happened that he was also old, and a bit wrinkly, so when he read the scribbled message, his face went red.

"Who was it?!" The teacher pushed his glasses up his nose-bridge and watched as the students hesitantly pointed to Seohyun, who sank deeper into her chair, as if somehow a pit would open and swallow her.

"You meet me in my office after class." The teacher shook his head in disappointment and continued where he left.

Seohyun was given a warning, and it was her second. She had only one left before she would be kicked out of school (if something big happened, which usually did if she waited for the third warning) so she decided it was time for her to move on again.

And this time she dreaded. It was always a hassle to explain to her mom what had happened. Her mom knew she could see ghosts and when she was little, she had tried all sorts of methods, of almost all religions she could think of, hoping her only daughter would turn out normal, but she had failed. But now she liked to pretend that she had forgotten all about it, and when Seohyun told her she had gotten into trouble, she would silently nod and get her to change schools before something big happened and it got written in her school record.

So a few attempts from the old ghost trying to get her in trouble and a few days later, Seohyun was finally free of struggling. She changed schools. And tomorrow would be her first day, hopefully the last time she had to change schools before her senior year ended. Before high school ended.

Seohyun was still dressed in her old school's uniform when she went to her new school to submit her files and make sure everything was good before her first day. She had her baseball cap on this time, making sure she would hide most of her face since a lot of people would be staring at her. It was normal to stare when someone from another school came.

The black cat found her once again, following her as she walked to the building. Seohyun motioned the cat to stay and it obeyed, watching the girl walk into the building.

From a distance, San and his friends were watching the whole scene. They had recognized the girl not by her face, which was half-hidden anyway, but her cat and the grey streaks in her hair.

"Let's hope she doesn't attack you with a pebble again," Yunho snickered, and San smiled, his hand unconsciously going to the now faint scratch on his face.

"I'm not going to your rescue if that happens," Hongjoong said and Seonghwa chimed in, "Neither will I."

"I never asked you anyway..." San trailed off.

"The cat looks like it wants to escape," Jongho pointed his finger at the hoard of girls that gathered around the poor cat. "Poor cat."

"San, you should go bring the cat. It would recognize you," Mingi suggested and San considered. The cat was worth saving.

A few moments later, San was back with the cat in his arms. The cat did recognize him. He bought the cat to the boys, who lightly patted her one by one, taking turns so she wouldn't feel scared.

After about five minutes, the boys heard someone clear their throat right behind them. They turned to see it was that girl.

"Aren't you the same group from that day?" Seohyun wondered out loud.

"The cat was scared because people were gathering around her, so we brought her here," Yeosang said.

"That's... kind of you," Seohyun met eyes with each of them, and the boys got a proper look at her face for the first time without her glasses. She had light eyes. The shadows beneath her eyes were dark, which contrasted with her eyes rather strikingly.

"What were you doing here? You're not from our school," Wooyoung commented.

"Oh, I'll be joining from tomorrow..." Seohyun realized somehow she's ended up in the same school as the boys. "What class are you in?"

"Senior year, all of us," Wooyoung replied, and they didn't miss her groan.

"I'm guessing you're senior year too," Seonghwa asked, earning a nod of confirmation.

"How ironic. What if you end up in our class?" Yeosang wondered.

"God forbid," Seohyun shook her head, making them smile despite her remark. "Now, should I leave the cat here, or..."

"Does it have a name?" San asked, rubbing under the cat's chin.

"Uh, no actually," Seohyun faltered when she saw San give her a disappointed look, "I just call her kitty. You can give it a name if you want to."

"I'll think about it," San shifted his arms to hand the cat over to Seohyun, and she took it, placing the cat on her shoulders, waiting until she sat around her neck like she usually did.

"I guess I'll go now," she met eyes with San for the last time, noticing the mole on his eyelid. San nodded, and she muttered an awkward bye before walking past them, cursing at herself mentally for being so awkward with them.

"It's you who got me in trouble, you dumb cat," she muttered under her breath. The cat didn't even bother reply.

The boys watched her leave, and Yeosang finally spoke, "I have a feeling she'll be in our class now. Oh, how the tables have turned."

"Interesting," Jongho smiled, "Does San have a new friend now?"

"The cat? Sure." San smirked.

"Ah, let's see how that changes," Jongho retorted, smirking back.

---------------

Seohyun tried to calm her nerves as she looked at herself in the mirror of the girls' toilet in her new school.

The nerves always got the better of her whenever it was her first day at a school. It usually took her about three days to get comfortable with a new environment. Seohyun sighed as she wiped her sweaty palms on her black skirt, staring at her light brown eyes. She wished she could cover them with her sunglasses so she could avoid the excessive eye contact with humans and ghosts. Sadly, she couldn't do that in class.

She finally took a deep breath and somehow managed to make herself walk to the office, where she met her homeroom teacher, a middle-aged woman. She walked along with her to her class, and the teacher smiled warmly at her as she nudged her to come along.

They entered the class and watched as the boys and girls went back to sit at their seats, the room slowly falling silent. The teacher cleared her throat.

"Good morning class, we have a new student today. Please introduce yourself."

Seohyun, who had been looking down the entire time, finally gathered whatever courage she had and ran her eyes along the class as she finally spoke.

"Good morning, I am Lee Seohyun. I hope we can get along well."

"Alright, why don't you find yourself a seat?" The teacher said and Seohyun nodded, looking at the few empty seats and considering her choices.

Her first priority was to sit as far away as possible. Preferably by the window. There was one empty seat in the furthest row, but it was next to the seat by the window already occupied by someone-

It was one of those boys. She only knew San's name for now, and it was the blonde one. She quickly scanned her other options and decided this was the best for now.

As she made her way, she realized the 8 of them were all sitting around the empty seat that she was about to sit on. San was in front of her, the strawberry blonde on her other side, the rest around them too. She wondered if the seat belonged to one of their friends so she quietly asked the blonde, "Is this seat free?"

He shook his head and she internally sighed in relief as she settled herself, focusing on whatever the homeroom teacher said, trying not to stare holes at the back of San's head, until she left a few minutes later and she slumped back in her chair.

San finally turned, raising his brows, "What a coincidence."

Seohyun shrugged, straightening her skirt. "Ironic, really."

"Is there a reason you changed schools?" The blonde turned towards her, resting his head on his hand as he looked at her curiously.

"Uh," Seohyun hesitated as she tried to recall her excuse for every time someone asked her this, "for convenience. It's closer to home."

"That's an interesting reason to change school," he replied, earning a shrug.

"Maybe she doesn't want to tell you why exactly. Am I right?" San locked eyes with her, his smirk growing.

"Maybe," Seohyun teased back.

"How's your cat?" She heard someone call, and she looked at the black haired boy.

"It's not exactly mine, but it's fine. Probably."

"That's... reassuring. I'm Wooyoung by the way. This is Yeosang-" he pointed to the blonde next to her, "San, and that's Yunho next to you."

She looked at Yunho and he waved shyly. "That's Seonghwa," he pointed in front of him, and when Seohyun nodded, he continued, "The blueberry is Hongjoong, the red one is Jongho, and that's Mingi over there."

Seohyun nodded slowly, looking at them all slowly. "Yunho, Seonghwa, Hongjoong blueberry,-"

"I heard that!" Hongjoong shouted, turning around and making a pout at Seonghwa. Ignoring him, she continued, "San, Jongho in the front, then Mingi beside him, Wooyoung and Yeosang. I got it."

"You're quick," Yunho grinned. Seohyun wished she could tell him that it was because of the several hundred ghosts she had met and had promised never to forget their names.

"So the 8 of you are friends?" She asked, and San nodded. "Why was this seat in the middle empty then?"

"Mingi used to sit here but his eyesight got worse so he moved to the front."

"Well, that explains..."

Their teacher walked in, a man in his 30s, and she found out he was to be her math teacher. At least he's not old and wrinkly, she thought as she took out her notebook.

---------

The rest of her day was uneventful, except for the break when the boys asked if she wanted to join them but she didn't. She said she had to go to the office, but that was a lie. She wanted to take a breather.

When they left, she looked again at her options. She was already regretting sitting among the group of friends. She was going to be a disturbance to them, or something even worse. She didn't want them to think she was weird. Not yet.

She surprised herself at the thought. Why did she care? She had never cared before. But she told herself it was probably because she had a few encounters with them before and it would be weirder if they found out now. That she was strange. They'd probably stop talking to her very suddenly. That part always hurt her, which was why she always avoided making friends.

Seohyun shook her head and looked at the empty seat in the middle of the room. The spot was out of question. Being in the middle of the room meant she could be surprised from anywhere by those damned ghosts.

Then there was one in the very front with the wall. She could go there, but...

She felt more comfortable here. The spot was perfect. The problem was the boys. They were in for disappointment.

She saw some girls staring at her. They were probably considering if they should talk and make friends with her. But Seohyun was in no mood for friends, so she just put her head on the desk and closed her eyes.

She almost drifted to sleep when she heard someone put something on her desk. She got up and saw that it was San. "We figured you didn't have time for lunch, so."

Seohyun looked from the bread and juice to San, and back at the food presented to her. "Thank you, that's uh... very kind of you?" She looked at San and Yeosang, and they laughed shamelessly at her.

"You don't sound so happy," Yeosang commented and she shook her head, sipping at the juice to prove her point as she said, "No, actually I'm glad, but it wasn't necessary."

They just shook her head at her, smiling as they absorbed themselves in some discussion. Seohyun silently ate the bread, wishing she could disappear because she didn't even know how to thank people properly.

At that moment, Jiwoo the ghost appeared, and Seohyun muttered, "About freaking time."

Jiwoo laughed and said, "I see you're having a good day."

"And I don't expect you to ruin it, so please live up to my expectations for once," Seohyun hissed, keeping her voice as low as possible, but it still made Seonghwa look at her once before he focused back on his friends.

Seohyun sighed. She couldn't write in her notebook now because they would definitely see it. And she couldn't talk. So she just folded her arms as she slowly sipped on the juice while Jiwoo danced around the classroom.

As soon as the bell rang indicating the end of the day, Seohyun sighed in relief. The day was over without any incident. She slowly packed her bag, thinking about her promise to meet a new ghost after her school. It was a girl about her age, and thankfully she understood what school demanded of her, so she had promised to not disturb her.

"You look ready to go to your bed and fall right asleep," Yeosang commented.

"Tell me about it," Seohyun muttered, wearing her bag and making her way out of the class, the boys not far behind.

San watched Seohyun walk as if she was in a hurry but couldn't care less at the same time. She would speed up, then slow down again, and repeat.

"Are you in a hurry?" Wooyoung asked her, falling in step with her.

"Uh, not really. Just can't wait to get home," she said, but her voice didn't match what she said. She sounded the least excited to do that.

"Long day, huh?" Wooyoung said and she finally passed him a smile. "So you know no one at this school?"

"Well," she said, "I am new."

"Well, you can be our friend. Only if you want to."

She stopped in her track, making San almost bump in her, and she muttered a sorry to him as she continued walking again. San decided he would join them now.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

"Not sure you'd like me as a friend."

"And why do you think that?" San looked at her curiously.

Seohyun sighed, "I'm... how do I put it? I don't think I need friends. But that sounds rude. I don't mean to sound rude, it's just... better if you all don't mind me. I'd only be a bother and make everyone uncomfortable."

"We don't mind. We weren't all friends from the beginning. The group grew larger with time."

"And why do you think you don't need friends?" San asked.

Seohyun looked at him, then looked away, trying to avoid his steel gaze. "Not the type of person anyone would like as a friend."

"We won't know until we try though," Wooyoung said and smiled at her, making Seohyun wonder why the world didn't have more Wooyoungs.

"No harm in trying, right?" Yunho, who was behind her, vouched in.

Seohyun stopped to look at the odd group of friends, who were all smiling cheekily.

"You sure, blueberry?" She asked Hongjoong, who gasped in surprise. Yunho laughed out loud.

"If you don't call me blueberry, then why not?"

"Blueberry." Seohyun said and turned to walk away, hearing everyone laugh and make fun of Hongjoong. She saw the familiar figure of the ghost she had decided to meet, and she motioned with her eyes to turn to their left.

The ghost understood and it waited for her to turn left too. Seohyun looked back once at the boys who were now a good few steps behind, and she turned left, hoping no one had seen her, saw the empty road and joined hands with the ghost. She felt the familiar feeling of her heart sinking and her stomach flipping as the ghost teleported her to where it wanted to go.

The boys, who did notice her turning left in a hurry, followed soon after, only to find a very empty road with no where she could have gone or hidden.

"She did turn left. Right?" Mingi asked.

"She did. Didn't she? Or am I losing it finally?" Jongho muttered.

"Maybe it wasn't her?" Wooyoung suggested.

"But it was her. The grey in her hair..." Yunho said. "Maybe she turned right?" He looked at his right, where a few students were walking too.

San had been watching her and he was very sure she had turned left. Where she had gone... was a mystery.

"Strange..."

---------------

"That's... horrible."

Seohyun stood in front of a small house, the white walls glaring back at her. The ghost, a young girl only her age, had just teleported her to an empty alley near this house, which belonged to her best friend. The ghost had just finished telling her how she had died; a road accident by a drunk driver. Since she had died an untimely death, she couldn't do anything about it except mourn over her own death.

"But... people who die in such accidents usually like to make sure justice is served, and get the perpetrator punished. Don't you wanna do that?"

"Oh, I did," the girl pushed her long black hair back, "my parents are doing a good job there, so I wanna let them continue. I don't... want them to know that I'm still here. They should find their peace with all this."

"Wow," Seohyun couldn't help but be amazed at how thoughtful this girl was, "that's very wise of you actually. So what are we doing here?"

"I checked on my friend, Chaeyoung, and it seems like she's not... doing well. I want to somehow let her know that I'm okay. I think that's when I'll be able to move on."

Seohyun, for once, felt actually sorry for the friend. She didn't have a best friend so she couldn't relate, but having someone like that in your life and so suddenly losing them... must be very sad.

"Okay, let's do this," Seohyun said, taking a deep breath and taking off her baseball cap off. She smoothened her uniform and finally rang the bell.

"What if someone else is home, and she creates a ruckus-"

"I checked, she's alone for now." The girl said, and again, she mentally applauded the girl for being so thoughtful.

"Hey, what was your name again? I mean how do I introduce-"

At that moment, a tall girl sporting a bob and puffy eyes fresh from crying opened the door.

"Hi," Seohyun said.

"Do I know you?" Chaeyeong asked.

"You don't, but I'm here to talk to you. I heard your friend recently passed away-" Seohyun paused when Chaeyoung rolled her eyes and attempted to shut the door at her face.

"Wait!" Seohyun said and Chaeyoung paused.

"My name is Soojin." The ghost finally said, and Seohyun looked at her once, catching her nervous stance before turning back to Chaeyoung.

"You might not believe it, but Soojin is here," Seohyun said, and Chaeyoung pursed her lips. "And I don't have all day, so I'll just prove it. Soojin told me some stuff only the two of you would know. How you had a crush on her brother for the longest time, how you want to meet your childhood best friend who's moved to the States, how-"

"Wait," Chaeyoung stepped out, "How- when did Soojin tell you this? Are you Soojin's friend?"

"My name is Seohyun. and I'm sure you've never heard of me from Soojin," Chaeyoung nodded and Seohyun continued, "Soojin is here. She hasn't been able to move on to the afterlife or whatever it is ahead because she can't stand seeing you in pain and blaming yourself because you invited her over to meet with you. She wants you to know that her parents are doing a great job at making sure the drunk driver gets punished, and she wants you to know it's not your fault."

Seohyun watched Chaeyoung's eyes fill with tears at that, and she put a hand in front of her mouth as tears fell, "She's really here?"

"Right here," Seohyun pointed towards where Soojin stood.

"Can't I see her?" Chaeyoung asked, "I want to see her one last time. If I can."

"I'm afraid not," Seohyun sighed, "I don't know if that's possible. But she can see you and hear you right now, just like me. So I'll leave you to say your last goodbye. You can call me when you're done, okay Soojin?"

Soojin nodded and Seohyun went into the little garden in the house to give them some space. She watched as Chaeyoung cried and spoke to her best friend for the last time, falling to her knees. Soojin couldn't touch her, but she patted her head and it was like Chaeyoung could actually feel it.

Seohyun looked up at the cloudy sky. For once, she wished it was sunnier.

After a few minutes, Soojin called out to Seohyun. She awkwardly patted Chaeyoung on the back, and Soojin started speaking as Seohyun told Chaeyoung that Soojin loved her, and yes, it was her who kept sticking their photo back at the wall to give her a sign, and she wanted Chaeyoung to stop talking to the walls because she won't be there to listen to her anymore and that would only make her look crazy (at which Chaeyoung laughed).

"I don't have a best friend, but you guys, you both had something special. And I'm saying this from my self, that I hope you cherish the bond you both had in your heart and really move on. Do what you want to, because life is short," Seohyun said and smiled.

"Thank you. I'll do my best," Chaeyoung wiped the last of her tears.

"She's going now," Seohyun said, "She wants you to smile so that's the last thing she sees."

Chaeyoung smiled as tears fell from her eyes, and Soojin said, "This fool. I told her to smile."

"Stop being so petty, Soojin, she is smiling!"

"What did she say?" Chaeyoung asked.

"She said she asked you to smile, not cry," Seohyun said and Chaeyoung burst out laughing.

Soojin thanked Seohyun for helping her, and she watched as she shut her eyes, and disappeared in an instant.

Seohyun sighed, and Chaeyoung understood. "Thank you, Seohyun. I hope we can meet again?"

"Oh, you don't have to do that," Seohyun shook her head, "I just hope you'll have a good life ahead."

"I feel bad for not doing anything for you, maybe I could take you for some coffee next time?"

"Well, actually," Seohyun looked around, "there is something you can do. Can you tell me where I am? And can you call me a taxi?"

-----------

It turned out Seohyun was actually quite a while from home, so Chaeyoung ended up paying for the taxi because she felt bad for Soojin being so thoughtless when she teleported her here (at which Seohyun admitted Soojin was one of the wisest ghosts she had encountered). About 40 minutes later, Seohyun decided to drop by at a food street, because she was starving.

Seohyun walked through the hustling street, various food carts lining the street, several restaurants and cafes amidst them. She decided jjajangmyeon would do, so she sat alone at the table in the street, waiting for her meal. She was too tired to look at her phone so she just watched the people walking and eating.

She wished Jiwoo was here. Better than having no company. She wouldn't admit it, but she had grown quite used to her company. Jiwoo still hadn't been able to recall her memories of who she was and how she died, and why she was still hanging around. So Seohyun had left her at it.

Seohyun was so lost thinking about Jiwoo that she didn't notice Seonghwa, Hongjoong and Mingi approaching her until they stopped right in front of her.

"Of all the places," Seohyun wondered out loud, not caring how it might sound to them.

"It seems like we were meant to meet today," Mingi said dramatically, and Hongjoong slapped his arm as he said, "It looks like you haven't gone home yet. Isn't it very late?"

Seohyun sat back in her chair, putting one leg on top of the other. "And what do you care?"

"Ah, so that's what you meant when you said people don't like to have you as a friend," Hongjoong said, and Seonghwa gasped at his friend as he scolded him, but stopped when Seohyun laughed out loud.

"Since you're here, are you gonna take a seat or will you be continuing to walk aimlessly?"

"I guess we'll take a seat," Mingi said, and they all sat and decided to order food first.

"Aren't you cold?" Seonghwa asked, as he noticed how Seohyun put her bag on her bare legs.

"I am. But I'm okay," she said, and Seonghwa shook his head as he started to take off his jacket. "Oh please, I'm okay, I'll feel really bad if you do this."

"Nonsense, this is an extra layer anyway," Seonghwa handed her the jacket and she realized it was true; he did have many layers on him. So Seohyun put his jacket on her legs, muttering a thank you.

"So what's your story?" Hongjoong asked, and Seohyun raised her brows as she said, "You first. I'll talk after I have some food."

"Alright then," Hongjoong said, and told her how they all had been classmates since elementary, with Seonghwa and Hongjoong being friends since that time, until Wooyoung and Yeosang who had also been friends joined, then one by one the group grew.

"Interesting," Seohyun said, "And the 8 of you... How do you get along peacefully? I can't even get along with one."

Mingi pfft-ed at her. "We aren't exactly saints ourselves, but with us being 8, it becomes hard to take anyone serious."

Seohyun scoffed, "So the reason you all get along so well is because you all don't take anyone serious."

"Basically, yes," Mingi answered proudly, and food was served. Seohyun hungrily dig in, and Seonghwa scolded her for eating so quick.

"So with Seonghwa as a mother figure of the group," Seohyun began, "I can imagine why there is peace among all of you."

"Ha. ha. Very funny," Seonghwa rolled his eyes but Hongjoong and Mingi laughed, agreeing with her as they said, "She's not wrong."

She watched them bicker back and forth and wondered if this could really work out. They seemed very tightly knit, and she felt like an intruder. She wasn't even sure if they would feel comfortable with her. Why had they even asked her to be their friend?

"It really does show. That you've been friends for a long time," Seohyun commented, fiddling with her noodles.

"It does, huh?" Mingi smiled at her.

"Can I ask you something?" Seohyun said, and they nodded, "Why did you ask me to be your friend? I mean, you guys look okay as you are now. You don't need an extra friend in this group of yours. So why ask, and why me?"

"Well, how do I put it..." Hongjoong wondered out loud.

"You've got good aim," Mingi said, and for a second, Seohyun was lost before she realized.

"I didn't do that on purpose!" Seohyun's eyes were wide, and Mingi told her that he, of course, was joking, But he winked right after, which made her wonder if that was actually one of the reasons.

"Our group needs a girl. There are too many boys." Seonghwa said, and Seohyun raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure there's no lack of girls in your school."

"There isn't... but they are too... girly?" Hongjoong seemed to think how to put it, and Seohyun folded her arms.

"And what if I am girly too?" Seohyun countered.

"You're just the right amount of weird. Yeosang already clicked so well with you. San loves your cat. You sit in the middle of us. You have no friends. Now you can't avoid it."

"Wow, okay," Seohyun finished her noodles as she thought about what they had said. "And what if... we don't get along?" Seohyun asked.

"We're not exactly forcing you, are we?" Hongjoong asked and she nodded, "If you like to stay alone, then fine. But Wooyoung, it was his idea. And he really knows when a person needs a friend."

"Oh," Seohyun realized what he meant. She looked like she needed friends.

"Plus, we do get along well, don't you think?" Mingi smiled.

"Well, what can I say, except that you'll find me really weird. And okay, I can try. But one day, you're gonna wonder why you even thought we could be friends. You'll wish you'd never asked me."

The three of them stared at her. Seohyun stared back and once again, the three of them burst out laughing.

"We're already regretting. Was it so hard to make friends, Hongjoong?" Mingi asked.

"I don't even remember. Wow."

Seohyun couldn't help but laugh as she thought how it was gonna be. It was true. No one took anything serious.

Maybe they'll never find out about her ghost problems then.

Or maybe they'll never believe her.

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