#in mid autumn after going for a walk i need to like get them out of my hair and off of me and try and dodge the swarms

[thueenz]

i looove late autumn. when the air is crisp and its nice and cool. heaven

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 || 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

summary_ Joel’s mother arrives for the weekend, she wants you to break up with him, even trying to set him up with his real state gorgeous agent. But Joel only has eyes for you.

warnings_ NO OUTBREAK, age gap! (20s/ late30s) but not specifically stated so do what u want, angst, fluff, mentions of dildos and inappropriate use of nightgowns, implied sex. NO PROOFREAD

notes_ Am I the only one who thinks good graces from Sabrina Carpenter is very pre-outbreak Joel! ????? HAPPY SEP 1! JOEL’S BIRTHDAY MONTH AND WE’RE CLOSE TO 🍂 AUTUMN 🍂

✰ 𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙓 (𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚)

♪ ♫ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙋𝙚𝙙𝙧𝙤 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀

Eating cheap burritos, and sitting on the stairs of your parent's porch, by the end of the summer, Joel Miller asked to be your boyfriend.

“Can we be together?” you nearly choked at his words.

“Like… a couple?” He nodded, smiling shyly.

Truth is, you were shocked. You felt the tension since you met him in winter, but actually hearing from him that he wanted to be your boyfriend, being older and wiser than you, it was very shocking.

“Yeah… I’d like that, Joel”

And with that, he gave you the first kiss you had received in years after a hateful relationship.

You were in your twenties having a boyfriend in his mid-thirties, with a teenage daughter, and a hilarious brother, and his mother hated you.

But that wasn’t a worry at the beginning of the relationship.

-

You literally ran to the sidewalk as soon as you heard the mail bus speeding away.

Immediately you collected the package that landed in your grass. Because, since your parent's house was comfortable and big enough, they were not in a rush to kick you out. You were a local in the state university so… Why find a place away from your family and boyfriend?

Before you could have even thought about rushing inside, you heard Joel’s truck pulling into his home. Your hot neighbor had arrived.

Already blushing, you said hi to him.

“Hey, pretty one… Whatcha got there?” You looked down at the package in your hands.

“Books…” Joel noticed your shy smile, so he knew you were hiding something else.

“If you had let me find you a junk car, you could have avoided ordering them online” you rolled your eyes.

“Joel… we’ve talked about this, when the time comes and I feel confident, I’ll get that fucking license” he nodded, smiling widely at the sight of his girlfriend. He thought he was already too old to be into dating. But you hadn’t even tried, it was him who couldn’t get you out of his mind. And while he was embarrassed at the beginning, especially with your parents because of the age gap, now he was thankful.

“I know, baby. I’m not pressuring you, and certainly, I love being your chauffeur whenever you need me to…” you had told him you had been in a little car crash when you were eighteen, making you feel some panic about being behind the wheel again. And now, you weren’t afraid anymore, you just didn’t want to pressure it, the time would come naturally, it always did.

“So, I will go and open the package. I’ll come later to watch a movie with you and Sarah” you said walking towards the door, but Joel came hurriedly to grab you by the waist and hold you tightly.

“Sarah is having a sleepover with her friends. Tommy is doing extra hours at work. Why don’t ya come and show me what’s inside the box, darlin?…huh” you blush harder.

“Why are you implying there’s more inside the box?… other than books?” He smirked, his fingers were playing dangerously across your hips and you watched around to see if there wasn’t any nosy neighbor around.

“I know you like the palm of my hand, baby”

“Okay, you got me, Joel. I bought two cheesy romance books, a naughty nightgown, and a hearts dildo” he laughed, grabbing your hand and guiding you inside his house.

“You got to be kiddin’ me” you went straight to his kitchen to grab a knife and open the damn box.

Joel saw you very thoughtful, avoiding his gaze and noticing the shy smile resting on your face.

He got closer and almost choked once he saw the contents inside the box.

“You’re gonna kill me, y/n…”

There were indeed two books, a hot pink nightgown with lacy orange cleavage, very y2k. And the damn dildo, made of plastic that simulated being made of crystal, pink with a big pink heart handle.

“I told you…” you said playfully, Joel chuckled.

“Naughty girl…” Before you could blink, Joel picked you up, making you sit on his table and kissing you immediately.

“Are you gonna let me see you in that nightgown? Maybe let me watch you use that little toy?” Your cheeks were on fire as you listened to your boyfriend.

“God, Joel… shut up,” you said giggling.

“You cannot expect me to simply ignore what’s on the table, darlin’…”

“This is what we’re gonna do… we’ll seat and read one of my books while I wear the nightgown, I’ll be in your lap and you’ll get hard, so then… I’ll consider giving you a show with that fucking dildo."

“Fuck, baby…” Joel literally moaned.

“Let me tell my parents I’m staying and that Sarah is here,” you said, sliding off of the table. Joel knew your parents respected your relationship with him, but you still find it awkward to be publicly romantic in front of them. And he respected it as well.

“Fine, I’ll order Chinese food and we are taking a shower together”

“I can’t wait,” you said with your phone in your ear, watching your boyfriend disappear in the hallway.

-

Two weeks passed with simplicity and the summer was officially dying. You noticed that overnight you were slightly cold and the same in the morning. However, the days were still warm.

“Have you seen my everyday shirt?” Joel asked wandering in his closet, which made you giggle.

“I have it…”

“Darlin’…What am I gonna wear for breakfast then?” you hid under the sheets of his bed, feeling how he slowly made his way towards you.

In the sudden quietness, you tried to stay still, hoping to hear his footsteps approaching. You couldn’t lie, it built some tension and panic.

In a second, Joel finds his way to wrap his arms around you and captures you in an invasive embrace.

“JOEL!” You yell, being a little too dramatic.

He started tickling you, making you squirm and yelp, Joel couldn’t stop laughing.

“Hey, weirdos…” suddenly Sarah called from the doorframe. Joel uncovered you, lifting the bedsheets from your face and body, letting you see his daughter holding a phone in her hand.

“Grandma called, she’s coming this Friday.” The girl said, smiling at you.

“Oh… that’s nice.” You said, brushing Joel’s arm and trying to stay chill.

“I’ll call her later…” Joel muttered.

“Are you staying for dinner, y/n?” Sarah asked you.

“If you want to…” the girl nodded at you and then disappeared through the hallway.

You sighed, throwing yourself into the soft pillows. It was then that you noticed Joel hadn’t said a word and hadn’t touched you in at least two minutes, which was odd.

“Why do you suddenly look constipated?” Joel rolled his eyes but chuckled.

“We had plans for this weekend and you know my mother is not very… fond of you” Slowly, you nodded.

Mrs. Miller was quite young, Joel following her steps of being a parent in their youth. The woman made it clear the first time she met you that she didn’t like you. There wasn’t an actual confrontation but she usually ignored you.

“Why is it though? Because I’m younger?”

“Dunno, baby…” Joel said shrugging.

“But do not worry about her. We’re still havin’ fun. I won’t let her make you feel weird”

“I know that, Joel” he finally kissed you, soothing you in the way.

You won’t worry about that, because you immediately forget the moment Joel puts his arms around you and kisses you deeply.

-

It amazed you how fast things changed in two days. The moment Mrs. Miller arrived, she barely gave you a glance. She pleaded with Tommy, Sarah, and your boyfriend to have a family private dinner. Joel literally begged you to go with them but you wanted to be a reasonable girlfriend, so you said it was fine.

The following morning, you asked Joel if he wanted to have breakfast with you alone but her mother suddenly claimed she wanted to see some of the most famous spots of Texas. And in the afternoon, she made Joel take her to the mall because she wanted to crochet something for Sarah. Why didn’t she ask Tommy?

“Mrs. Miller, good evening” you greeted her, looking at how she was already perfectly styled, drinking a coke. She only gave you an awkward smile.

“Hey, love…” you then greeted your boyfriend giving him a little kiss on his cheek. The way his mother was staring made you feel odd.

“Are we going, son?” Mrs. Miller asked. You frowned confused. It was so strange to feel like the older woman was competing with you for Joel's attention.

“Uh-…” Joel stood there unsure of what to do.

“I promised Sarah that I would crochet a plushie for her…” The woman finished her drink while looking attentively at Joel, waiting for an answer.

“Fine, but it must be quick”

“I’ll get my jacket” Mrs. Miller finally disappeared.

Feeling irritated, you turned to face Joel.

“We were supposed to watch a movie together…” the man was visibly stressed out. And you didn’t want to annoy him but it was getting tiring to get dodged because of his mother.

“I know… I just…-“ you sigh, trying to be once again the comprehensive girlfriend.

“It’s okay, Joel. Enjoy having your mother around. Just let me know before making plans…” he nods, hugging you as if thanking you.

Through the door, her mother appeared once again, this time, holding the house wireless phone.

“Joel… Nani is calling you” Joel steps away from you and frowns.

“Who’s Nani?” You ask, crossing your arms and hoping to not sound too jealous.

“The real estate agent that works with Tommy and me. I just don’t get why she’s calling the house number” he sounds honest as he answers.

Your heart pounds a little faster and insecurity fills you in. You trust Joel, but you didn't like how nice his mother sounded about that girl named Nani.

“That’s the type of woman my son needs. You know?…” Mrs. Miller whispered as you brushed past her.

The only thing you did was to side-eye her and finally leave. You would call Joel in the night apologizing for leaving without saying anything. Although you weren’t in the mood to give explanations. An odd feeling grew in your guts, and that night, you couldn't sleep well.

Maybe the woman hadn’t been mean to you, but your blood was already boiling by the way Joel was handling the issue.

It was the day you were supposed to go with Joel and Sarah to the pumpkin patch. But with her mother being added to the plans, you weren’t so excited anymore. At least she would arrive later.

“Are you going to get ready anytime soon?” Your mother asked in your doorframe.

“I’m not excited to go anymore.”

“Let me guess… Joel’s mother?” You nodded at her. Your mother took a seat beside you in the bed.

“I’m gonna ask you something, okay?” Once again, you nod at her.

“You love Joel?”

“Very much, Mom”

“Then fuck off her mother, respectfully. You only have to be a good partner for Joel, not to prove anything to his mother, y/n”

She had a point.

“Now get ready and enjoy your evening with your boyfriend. If her mother joins, you are not there for her, remember…”

So you chose a cranberry sweater, you make a Smokey brown eye look that matches your gorgeous fall boots and 2000s coach handbag.

-

The sky is baby pink, which contrasts with the trees and their drying leaves. There’s a lot of series of lights decorating the pumpkin patch and making the place feel like it’s already later than it already is.

The laughs of Sarah and Tommy pull you back to reality. You spot them making fun of Joel who had bought a slice of pumpkin pie and the whipped cream of it was spattered across his face. How on earth did that happen?

“What are you doing?” You asked when your boyfriend stood beside you. He had a green and caramel open flannel with some white tee and jeans. He looked so fucking hot.

“My wallet fell and when I grabbed it, I forgot I had the cake in the other hand” you started giggling, whipping some of the cream with your pinky finger.

“Silly baby…” he rolled his eyes at you but then fixed his eyes on your lips. He couldn’t resist you, so he had to lean and kiss you.

Your fingers trace the little heart where his beard doesn’t grow as usual, and his big calloused hands find their usual spot between your neck and shoulder while the other softly grasp your chin.

“We can see you from here!” Both of you heard Sarah playfully yelling, which made you giggle and move away from Joel.

Sarah comes enthusiastically, gripping her father’s arms before also grabbing your hand.

“Hey, Tommy and I will go around and play…” you nodded at the girl, noticing the beige sweater with a pumpkin print. You wave at them one last time before turning to see Joel licking the rest of the whipped cream from his face.

His mother hasn’t appeared yet, claiming she would arrive later because she wanted to take her time. You haven’t told Joel about what she said last time you saw her. You also avoid prying about Nani. You just wanted to enjoy some quality time with him, only to remember how happy he made you.

“We should go to the haunted house and let me finger you in the mirror room”

“Joel, you’re disgusting” you answer laughing so hard at the unexpected comment.

“I was kidding, let's go and buy more food, I don't think I want to share my pumpkin pie with you”

“I like that plan” you answer, kissing his cheek. He offered his hand, which you gladly took.

“JOEL!” When both of you turn, you see his mother alongside a tall gorgeous woman.

“What the fuck?” Joel whispered.

“I found Nani!” Mrs. Miller said excitedly.

Nani was at least 5’7, with long dark hair, tanned skin, and green eyes. She had the thin body of a model and her clothes looked expensive. She also had a perfect smile.

“Joel, I was expecting you to call me,” the woman said giggling.

"Isn't she lovely, Joel?" His mother questioned with a fake smile.

Your heart stopped. You didn’t even know how to feel. You just stood there, ignoring the way Mrs. Miller was probably celebrating your downfall.

Joel turned to look at you, half pleading you and half panicking.

“Are you Joel’s daughter?” Nani asked and you wanted to cry.

Your eyes watered and you gripped your bag with violence to beat the anxiety.

“No, I’m not. Please excuse me… and nice to meet you” you said to the woman before bolting from there.

You heard Joel calling you but you ignored him.

-

That night you went out to take out some trash. The trash cans near your dad's car gave you the perfect view of Joel's porch, where he was smoking a cigarette. He had said in the past that he found himself smoking whenever he was under pressure or stress.

You remember his face when his mother appeared with Nani. He looked confused and annoyed as hell. But you also remembered the way he had barely put effort into trying to make you feel comfortable around his mother.

"I can see you, y/n..." You heard him calling you, but you had already turned around to go back inside the house.

"You know I love you so much, baby..."

Tears prickled in your eyes. You sighed.

"Seems like you can't love me enough when your mother's around" you spitted back, facing him, watching his hurt face before entering your house again.

-

The tranquility that filled your house was impressive. Your parents went out to a concert and then, they would have dinner, so they left you alone. And since you were ignoring Joel’s calls, your homework and chores were done, and there wasn’t anything else to do. Opting to play Lesley Gore in a low tone, you decided to bake something. It was colder, the neighbors had already begun hanging fake ghosts on their doors, some carved pumpkins decorated the grass and the smell of cinnamon was in every coffee shop.

But in your house, you started by placing all of the ingredients in the little island of the kitchen. Oat flour, granulated sugar, condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon and pumpkin purée.

The second day you didn't appear near the Miller’s house, you found Sarah and Tommy on your floor demanding to know why the hell you were mad with Joel.

You told them, avoiding some parts to discuss alone with Tommy but they both understood you. And it was obvious that Tommy would go and tell everything to Joel, but you actually hoped he did.

They also shared Mrs. Miller was officially gone. Tommy and Joel had a big argument with their mother. You couldn’t help but think it must’ve been hard for Joel. But then you remember how little effort he did to soothe you. Although Tommy promised you Nani and your boyfriend had nothing to do together, you were still mad.

And then a sudden knock on the door made you look away from your progressing baking. You weren’t expecting anyone, your parents had their keys and you didn’t order anything.

On the other side of the door, there was Joel. Looking nervous, holding a box of takeout and another bag with flowers peaking.

“Joel…” you weren’t expecting him. At least not on that day.

“I’m truly sorry, baby…” he said pleading.

“I wanted to enjoy having my mother around but I wasn’t expecting her to behave that way and it wasn’t my intention to lose you over that” You tilted your head.

“You haven’t lost me, dumbass. But I’m far from being happy…” he nodded.

“Can I come in? I brought your favorite noddles and tempura.” A little smile appears on your face.

“I was about to bake pumpkin and cinnamon rolls”

He had his dirty dark blue shirt, disheveled hair, and cozy joggers. Even when you weren’t pleased with him, you could feel the strong love you felt for him running through your veins with eagerness.

He followed you to the kitchen, where he placed the takeout and the other bag, then turned around to see you.

“Before anything else, I want to be clear and discuss what happened”

“Okay…” you answered.

“When Sarah’s mother left… I had nobody. Tommy was still a boy. Only my mother saw everything” Slowly, you offered him a cup of warm tea made of apples, cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. You were open to hearing him, just hoping he’d apologize.

“My mother helped me a lot eventually. But she knows how much I struggled… I was confident about not wanting to be involved with another woman. I even ignorantly started to believe all were the same” he says, drinking from his cup and watching you attentively.

“But thankfully I met you. We became friends before anything, you always showed how much you liked my family. And you turned out to be an amazing partner. You’re more than I could have ever wished for, y/n” you blush, nervously smiling at him. But he rushes to grab your hand as if he needs to confirm to you his words.

“I thought my mother was going to be happy for me finding the love of my life” he means it, you can tell by the way his brown eyes look up at you.

“Before this, I hadn’t even talked to Nina. I knew she was around but that was it. My mother had given her my number, Can you believe it?” For some reason, you laugh which results contagious for him.

“She said she wanted a woman like Nani for you” you admitted.

Joel sighed, rolling his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I can’t believe her…”

For Joel, it had been difficult after you left the pumpkin patch. He apologized to Nani, explaining that it was a mistake and that had a girlfriend. Then Tommy and Sarah arrived home mad at him after visiting you. It was when he decided to have a talk with his mother. It didn’t end very well. And that was what tore him the most. Joel expected his mother to respect his relationship.

But he hoped she would understand one day. At the moment, it only mattered to him to make you feel loved and secure.

“I can easily see a bright future by your side, darlin’… I won’t let some stupid shit to ruin it.”

You knew very well Joel’s heart was too big and warm. You trusted him and you knew he never wanted to hurt you. Contrary to what his mother said, Joel was the type of man you needed. And you had him apologizing, promising to be good, and hoping to build a future along you.

“You haven’t lost me and I doubt you ever will, Joel….” you said hugging him tightly.

“See… I’m so lucky to have you, baby” Stepping on your tip toes, you kissed him deeply. Finding comfort in his embrace as usual. The memory of his mother is long gone.

“Love you…” he said in your ear.

“Love you more…” you whispered back.

And with that, the rest of the afternoon consisted of baking the fluffiest and softest pumpkin and cinnamon rolls, made with much love by you and Joel. And to his mother’s dismay, you would marry Joel Miller the following spring.

______________________________________________

I’m writing a new fic for Pedro’s Reed Richard’s and another Marcus Acaius based on the infamous emerald ring <3

[reiderwriter]

🌞 Just Hanging Out 🌞

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female Reader

Genre: Fluff, suggestive MINORS DNI 18+

WC: 3k

Summary: To kick off your vacation, you find yourself at Rossi's mansion with your team for a big summer barbeque. A hammock in the garden catches your eye, and you enlist Reid to help you have some fun in the sun.

Warnings: reader is a tease, shy Spencer, sexual arousal (M and F) no physical smut (god I wish we still used the citrus system).

A/N: Here's my second entry to @imagining-in-the-margins CM Summer Sunshine Fic Challenge! Thanks to everyone who helped my pick the plot for this one :) I was also intending for this to be a reply to one of my requests for more BAU reader, but unfortunately tumblr deleted that request so 🤡 I'm tagging the account below anyways, and I have three more BAU reader fics coming in the next two weeks-ish, including my new series That's What You Get, so I hope you like this fic and be sure to look out for the others! Enjoy~

Here's my masterlist and my requests are open!

It was mid-August, and thankfully, the serial killers of America had given up crime for one week of the year to allow you to enjoy some much needed vacation time. The entire team had been put on annual leave, and you were determined to enjoy it to the absolute capacity of your ability.

Despite being together year-round, you actually enjoyed the company of your coworkers, so when Rossi announced he was planning a summer barbeque at his place to kick off your vacation time, you were ecstatic. If Rossi’s barbecuing skills were anything like his pasta making skills, you were expecting to eat yourself into a food coma and not wake up for the next seven days.

“Not a single one of you will touch this grill, stand within a 1 foot radius of this grill or even dare to look at this grill, so help me God, are we understood?” Rossi announced as soon as you arrived, the last of the BAU team to gather in his self-proclaimed mansion. The gardens were beautiful, and the kids were already running riot on the slip and slide that he had set up for them, screaming and giggling in delight.

“Trust me, you’re not getting me near that thing today, Rossi,” you laugh as you pour yourself a glass of wine from the refreshments table. “Last time I was anywhere near a grill I almost died.”

“I don’t remember encountering any unsubs who used grills as their weapon of choice,” JJ laughed at you as she held out her own glass and you gladly filled it for her.

“That’s because it wasn’t on a case, it was a family barbeque when I was 17 and my grandfather thought I should learn some ‘practical skills,’” you shot a grin at her as she rolled her eyes at you and walked away.

You grabbed your glass and looked for somewhere to perch yourself while you took in the sun. Morgan and Prentiss had already grabbed the two sun-loungers on the patio and were both sitting shirtless (with a bikini top on in Prentiss’s case) taking in as much sun as they could. Garcia was similarly sprawled on the deck sofa, and JJ joined her their after grabbing her refreshment, Will stood by the edge of the deck watching over the kids. Hotch had the amazing foresight to bring his own camping chair, and was set up similarly with one eye on Jack and the other on a book in his hand.

And just where you were expecting him, Spencer Reid was stood awkwardly at the edge of the house, in the only spot of shade he could find, leaning slightly against the door, and squinting into the sun.

“Rossi, you got any other chairs I can grab for me and Reid?” you called out to your host.

“There should be some over by the shed, they might need a bit of a dusting down though.”

“Come on pretty boy, you can’t just be standing all day, you’re going to make me feel tired just watching you,” you laughed up at him and caught the flush of his cheeks as he finally caught that you meant him to follow you.

“I’m really fine here over in the shade, I don’t do too great in the sun, anyways. More of an autumnal person, really…”

“I’d feel bad seeing you stand all day, and besides, what if I need a big, strong man to help me carry my chair over?” As he gaped his mouth open and closed looking for a retort, you felt the small flash of victory spread warm your chest. It wasn’t that you liked messing with Reid, it’s that he was an easy target and actually you loved it.

Having joined the team only the year prior, you’d quickly found the genius incredibly endearing, loving to listen to his little monologues about whatever topic had popped into his head that day, often earning groans from your other colleagues as you encouraged him to keep going.

You’d discovered your love of making him squirm a few months into the job, when you had to interrogate a submissive partner of an unsub together. After theorising that the submissive personality had a thing for women who looked like you, especially ones that were pretty dominant and controlling, you’d decided to give him what he wanted. You’d popped the top button, walked into the room and given him your best shot before having to re-strategize.

“What if we send Reid in there with her?” Morgan was the one to suggest, “Have him act a bit touchy, show him something he’s missing out on. We already tried giving him what he wanted, let’s see how he reacts to someone he doesn’t view as a threat getting everything he thinks he’s entitled to.”

It was a good guess, and it worked. You’d walked into the room, and let Reid start asking the questions. He’d gently laid a hand on your thigh, just high enough for the suspect to notice, and you’d done nothing but quietly whisper directly into his ear, watching the entire time to see how the man in front of you would react. He’d cracked in ten minutes and started spewing misogynistic drivel, so angry that he accidentally confessed to the crime and gave away his partner’s location.

It seemed Reid had cracked just a bit too. He’d avoided eye-contact with you for an entire week after that, and whenever he talked to you in that time, it was like his brain short-circuited. You’d bought a genius with an IQ of 187 and an eidetic memory to his knees with a few whispers in his ear, and you loved the rush of power you felt remembering it. The memory of his strong hand on your thigh did nothing to quell your growing attraction towards the man.

“If you wanted someone big and strong, you should’ve asked Morgan,” Reid snapped you out of your thoughts as he diligently followed you in the direction Rossi had pointed. It was a pretty secluded spot in the garden, a little bit away from the action and you were glad to be out of earshot so you could begin your teasing of the Good Doctor.

“I’m sure you’re big and strong in certain places, Spencer,” you smiled at him, and began looking at the chairs.

You spotted it in the corner, then, the perfect tool for your torment. It seemed relatively new, barely used but still pretty sturdy, and you knew this was it.

“Hey, Rossi, what about this hammock in the corner, can I set this up, too?” you shouted back over to the group and grinned up at Reid.

“Do you have a death wish? Because if so, go ahead and tangle with that devil.” Rossi shouted back, not even looking up from the miriad of sausages and burgers he was working on.

“That sounds like a challenge to me, Doc.” You say and you start pulling it out into the sunlight, Reid steps behind you sighing in defeat. He knew that once you had your mind set on something, you were pretty stubborn about completing it.

“Okay, can you give me a boost?” The bed of the hammock fell to about your chest height, and whilst you knew you were probably able to climb in by yourself, you were wearing a particularly short sundress, and as much as you teased Reid, you didn’t exactly want to give the rest of your team and their families an eyeful.

“You want me to try to lift you into this thing?” Reid squeaked out, a look of confusion passing over his features.

“Yeah, just grab my hips and give me a boost and I’ll swing my legs over and straddle it. Then we can see what’s it's like.” He moved cautiously up behind you, letting his hands graze your waist.

“Reid, you’re going to have to hold me a bit tighter than that if we’re actually going to get anywhere.” You placed your hands over his and pushed his grip down stronger; you could practically hear him gulp from behind you. He pushed you up, and you almost had it, but you couldn’t quite pull yourself up and into it.

After a few attempts, you realised it wasn’t going to work. Reluctantly pulling yourself out of Reid’s grip, you turned to face him.

“New plan, you get in first and pull me up.”

“What? I don’t want to go anywhere near that thing, didn’t you hear what Rossi said?”

“Come on Reid, just this once, for me? We have to try at least!” you pouted up at him now with pleading eyes, hoping that you wouldn’t have to resort to batting your eyelashes at him to get him to agree.

“One attempt, and then I’m grabbing a normal chair and leaving, okay?” He negotiated, but you didn’t care and excitedly wrapped your arms around his neck pulling him in for a hug.

“Yay, thank you! I love you, Reid, you know that?” you pulled back slightly to deliver that last line, your arms still around his neck, watching the redness spread upto his cheeks.

He mumbled a quick whatever and pulled away to begin his attempts.

Perhaps it was his few extra inches of height or spindly frame, but Reid managed to climb up quite easily, not even rocking the hammock that much in his ascent.

He sat up pretty steadily, and you lifted your arms to him, and that’s when it all started going wrong. You’re combined weight wasn’t enough to break the hammock, but it was enough to set it off into an unsteady rocking that made your stomach lurch slightly. You swung your leg as best you could over Reid’s, already in the hammock, and as soon as you found some purchase there, he lowered one hand to pull your lower body up as well.

It was just unfortunate that the place his hand landed was directly over your ass, and you let out a sharp gasp as he grabbed it tightly and hauled you up to sit directly over him, chest to chest, practically straddling his entire body in the cramped space of the hammock bed.

“Shit, I’m sorry, I meant to grab your hip.” He tried to let go of you and push his hands up where you could see them, but the sudden movement made the hammock lurch dangerously so you snapped your hand over his and forced them back to their previous position.

“No sudden movements, Spencer, I don’t particularly want to be the butt of all jokes for the next year if we fall out of this thing.” You panicked slightly and squirmed a little in your position, trying to explore your range of movement.

“How are we going to get out of this if we can’t move?” he shot back at you, a look of mild discomfort on his face, and an I-told-you-so begging to escape his lips.

“If you just give me a minute to explore our options, maybe I would be able to figure that out.”

“If you keep squirming like that we’re going to have more problems than just how to get down,” he huffed under his breath, but he was so close that it was impossible for you to miss it.

It was your turn to blush now, as you caught his insinuation. With his hand firmly on your ass, and your legs either side of his, you could feel the entire length of his body below you. Each squirm you made the dampness between your legs pool a little bit more and then you in-turn squirmed even more in a vicious cycle.

After a few minutes, there was no denying that the thing prodding your core was Spencer’s sizable… appendage.

“Shit, Y/N, I’m sorry, it’s just a natural reaction,” he groaned out from below you when he realised you could feel it too, and you’d never heard anything so beautiful as the moans he was accidentally vocalising.

“It’s my fault, I’m sorry for being so stubborn about this. Let me see if I can figure something else out,” you cautiously slid your hands up his chest, and he screwed his eyes shut. Pushing against his shoulders, you slowly pulled yourself up to a seated position, doing your best to not rock the hammock too much. The new position did nothing to dampen the friction the two of you were feeling, and you knew that you were a few seconds away from a point of no return. Your hips bucked slightly against him against your will, and you really hoped he hadn’t noticed that was totally not to the benefit of you getting out of the hammock.

You looked down to the ground so you could see how far the descent would be, and if you’d have to call for backup anytime soon. Luckily you thought you’d be able to make it if you just swung your legs over the side and got out as quickly as possible, but fate had other plans.

“Spencer, Y/N what are you two doing over here?” came Emily’s voice from behind you. Spencer’s eyes shot open and he pulled his head up slightly to look at her. However, his movement had rocked the hammock a little bit harder than before, so he had to grab your hip to steady the two of you, pushing you further down into him. You did your best to stifle the moan, biting down hard on your tongue as you did so.

“Oh you know, just hanging out,” he managed to get out in reply, his voice notably higher than it usually was.

“You sure you guys don’t need any help? That doesn’t look like the safest of chairs.” Emily’s questioning stare never lifted and you knew that if she caught wind of what was actually going on, you wouldn’t be able to look her in the eye for an entire year. You couldn’t accept the help.

“Yeah, we were just going to climb down in a second, we’re just checking to see how… sturdy it is right now.”

“Sturdy. Right. Well, Rossi said the food would be ready to start serving in a few minutes and asked me to call you guys over.”

“We’ll be right there, thanks Emily.” You smiled at her and she made to walk away, a suspicious look still on her face.

“What do you mean we’ll be right there, I can’t go over there like this!” Spencer whisper yelled into your ears.

“What else was I supposed to say to get her to go away,” you whisper yelled back. You ran a free hand through your hair, and shifted again, your legs beginning to cramp up a little in the awkward position.

“Okay you get down, I’ll make a break for the bathroom, say all this moving around made me need to pee or something, and then we meet up again on the patio and pretend this never happened?” he said and you nodded quickly.

You began to lift your body weight up and remove your legs from the tangle you were stuck in, and that’s when the hammock reared it’s ugly head for the final time. As you lifted your leg slowly, you accidedntally got your foot stuck in the side of the fabric, and pinned there but still moving, the hammock toppled and spat both of you out unceremoniously.

Reid landed ontop of you with a hard thud. You let out a sweet curse, just as Reid pushed his body weight onto his hands, taking some of the pressure off of you after the fall. You stared up into his eyes as you realised you’d found yourself in yet another compromising situation and you deepeded to a scarlet red as you realised your sundress had blown up completely in your descent, and he was now neatly nestled in between your legs, with your damp underwear on display for him.

Looking down at you, he took a beat too long to react, and you squirmed under his gaze, feeling appropriately trapped, before he sprung up and offered you a hand up.

You took his hand and rearranged your dress, thankful that the smell of the food had distracted everyone from your embarrassing fall.

“Okay, we’re out.” You were flustered and you didn’t know what else to say.

“Yep, that was certainly one way to do it,” Reid replied, as you avoided his gaze. You wrapped your arms around yourself, and he made to do so similarly, trying his best to rearrange himself so the bulge in his pants wasn’t so noticeable.

“You should get to the bathroom.”

“You should get to the food.” He retorted and you finally made to move, but stopped yourself turning around quickly to face the man again.

“Before I go,” you said and you pushed yourself up on your tiptoes and pressed a kiss into his mouth, feeling as giddy as a teenager braving her first kiss. You turned away just as fast and made your way back to the party, leaving a flustered and spluttering Reid behind as you made a beeline for the food.

“So, what’d you think of the hammock?” Rossi asked you as you began loading your plate up. You put on your best poker face and begged noone had noticed anything out of the ordinary.

“You were right. That thing is dangerous,” was your only response, and you retreated into the corner to finish your food. You sat there waiting eagerly for Reid to return, not just so you could be in his presence again and see how he was reacting to your kiss, but also so you could get the image of him dealing with his situation out of your mind.

It seemed that being a tease and working him up hadn’t quite ended so well for you that day.

You blamed the hammock.

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

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[kykyonthemoon]

Full Moon

You’re on the mission to approach a target at a banquet, and that’s all it takes to drive him crazy.

This is the second part (Caleb & Sylus) to the story Moonlit (Rafayel, Xavier & Zayne).

── .✦ Character (Caleb, Sylus) x Female Reader|MC

♡︎. Tags: R16, MDNI, suggestive themes, possessive, marking and biting, established relationship (Caleb's part), making out in deserted public space, no y/n as always

♡︎. Word count: 2k5

♡︎. Ky Ky's note: This is a special fic for Seremoon, or also known as Mid Autumn Festival.

Header images from LittleBunnyCC

── .✦ Masterlist ♡ Request a fic - currently closed.

Caleb

The celebration had already begun when you entered the vast hall. You arrived at Skyhaven on a covert mission, and your target was there in front of you. After a while, using some of your tricks, you were able to learn a lot of useful information. While conversing with enthusiasm, boasting about your identity to earn the target's confidence, your gaze wandered across the hall, beyond the group of individuals dancing. Standing there was a very recognizable face. Those amethyst eyes had also discovered you. At that moment, surprise and confusion appeared on both faces.

Why was Caleb there? You wondered. You assumed he was on a mission far away. Despite your heart's desire to go to him right away, the mission at hand prevented you from doing so. Thus you spent another half an hour pretending to laugh and getting close to the strange man - your target - while your gaze inevitably shifted to Caleb on the other side. He donned a pilot uniform and looked awfully handsome that night, as opposed to the other guests' formal attire. You had seen him dressed like that before, but seeing him among his colleagues, in his own work environment, was the first time. Needless to say, you were astonished and overwhelmed. Your eyes were focused on him, to the point that the person next to you had to call you a few times to get some of your attention back.

Aside from indulging your eyes and letting them appreciate Caleb's professional elegance, you suddenly felt terrible. You arrived at Skyhaven without telling him in advance, yet you still seemed to be overjoyed to be with this stranger. Caleb was still discreetly watching you from the other side of the hall, sometimes drinking and conversing with the other guests. But you knew he was also focused on you. He did not go over to greet you because he assumed you had something important to do there, which was true. You would explain to him when you returned home.

After gathering all of the necessary details, you refused a dance and walked out of the banquet hall. Outside, you encountered a path leading into a green maze submerged in a thin layer of clouds. The full moon poured golden nectar onto your figure as you clicked inside.

You immediately felt as if you were being followed. Your pace became hurried as the black shadow got closer to you. You needed to cut off the person who was following you first. However, after strolling for a bit, you found yourself lost. You used your skills to gradually advance into the heart of the maze, where you could hear rippling water. When you arrived, the black shadow emerged from the opposite side as well.

Under the moonlight, that person's face became more visible.

"Caleb?" Before you could exhale in contentment that it was Caleb, you observed his grim countenance. He was not pleased to discover you here, unannounced.

You suddenly realized that you had just fallen into real danger.

“Are you going to just leave without saying a word to me?” Caleb stopped walking a short distance away from you.

“Ah, well… Hello, Caleb…” You mumbled. “I thought you were busy with the guests at the party so I didn't bother you… I came for a mission. It's over now… See you later, then?”

You hesitated before turning your heel. Immediately, you felt a powerful force tighten around your hand. Looking down, you noticed the silver bracelet around your wrist pulling you in one direction. Your back quickly collided with the wall made of plants from the maze. Your hand was securely restrained in the lifted posture, while the other attempted to remove the bracelet but failed.

You stared at Caleb, who was steadily approaching you.

"Let me go, Caleb!" You yelled out.

"As you wish." He responded with a smirk. The force on your wrist lessened and vanished, but he immediately put his massive hand against yours, locking it hard. Caleb's other hand was around your waist, forcing you towards him.

"But first, you owe me an explanation."

You swiftly gazed into Caleb's eyes before carefully pushing him away.

"Stop fooling around. I already told you, I'm here for a mission..."

“And you're wearing this to go on a mission?” Caleb growled. He peered at you in a dark gown with exposed shoulders and a chest cut so deep that just by lowering his head, he could easily see all the delights from your body revealed under the moon. 

“This… Tara chose it for me!” You moved her free hand to conceal the flesh that felt hot beneath Caleb's intense gaze. Your cheeks were crimson under his heated breath, which smelled faintly of alcohol. But he was not drunk, and neither were you. That was why it felt a little embarrassing standing here with him, in this romantic pose you could only see in movies.

Caleb took your hand and clutched it firmly. "Dammit! Let me see you." He grumbled softly. You stopped resisting and glanced up at him. The moon cast a beautiful halo over his hair and back, but you had never seen him so aggressive before. As if he was jealous.

"I won't ever interfere with your missions," Caleb remarked after a lengthy silence. "But at the very least, tell me what you're doing. I do not like seeing my girl having fun with someone else."

"I'm sorry…" You murmured. "Because I thought you were on a distant mission, I didn't want to make you worry…"

"Seeing you here in such a seductive gown doesn't make me worry any less, right?" Caleb frowned. His breathing became heavy, causing a burning sensation in your neck and shoulders. He squeezed his body into yours, pushing you deeper into the soft wall of leaves that supported you from behind.

Then, Caleb began kissing you. Unlike usual, the kiss was much more urgent and intense. He softly nipped your lower lip before pulling away, leaving a tiny silver thread under the enchanted moonlight connecting the two of you. Before you could say anything, he continued kissing you. On your neck, on your shoulder. Wherever the moonlight touched you, he left a trail of red kisses, as if terrified that if he did not leave his imprint on you, someone else might steal you away.

You shuddered in response to Caleb's sudden and fierce attack. He was not his normal compassionate self, but somehow you were drawn to the possessive side of Caleb. When he drew away to gather his breath, your fingers ran lightly into the knot on his tie around his neck, loosening it and drawing him closer. 

In the maze, Caleb and you together, immersed in the light of the full moon.

Sylus

You traveled to N109 Zone to carry out a secret mission. Of course, at the lavish party, you were an uninvited guest. But you were welcomed there because of the brooch on your chest, which featured a raven grasping a ruby. Since Sylus had given it to you, this was the first time you had returned to N109 Zone with its aid.

Without letting him know, you went to this extravagant party by yourself. You did not want to owe him any more. Nonetheless, thanks to his brooch, you were able to access another event in N109 Zone. You meant to keep this a secret so that he would not compel you to pay off a fresh debt.

Everything went quite smoothly. The target you approached was from a major organization in this region. As soon as he spotted the brooch on your torso, he recognized you. You took advantage of the chance to boost your profile by claiming to be from Onychinus. You even said you were Sylus's. The target had no suspicions and was very comfortable conversing with you, even offering you some wine. You had acquired a lot of information, but not enough to report right away. So you purposefully lingered for a bit longer. The clock struck midnight. The guest by your side was a touch drunken. He invited you to join in the dance. You intended to accept the offer to continue gathering more information. However, as you extended your hand, it was tightly grabbed by someone else.

A large, rough hand sent warmth to you. Astonished, you raised your head and beheld a pair of fiery red eyes, similar to the gemstone you had on your attire.

"Sylus?!" You attempted to maintain a cool demeanor, but your heart began to race.

"This lady already has a dance partner." He spoke to the other person, but his gaze never left you. When your target noticed Sylus approaching, he immediately greeted him before disappearing into the crowd of guests.

You exhaled. You only had a few to report then.

“Where are you going, kitten?” Sylus's voice rang out, very close to your ear. He leaned down. The light scent of perfume wafted through your nose, intoxicated you despite the fact that you had not had a lot of wine just now.

“Hello, Sylus.” You smiled. “I didn't expect to see you here.”

Sylus gazed at you for a moment, then he smirked as if curious about what you were up to.

“You came to my area, attended the party I was invited to. Are you certain you don't expect to see me again?”

The truth was, you had no idea that Sylus was invited. While perplexed, you noticed him pulling you to the center of the banquet hall, just as the music began.

“Sylus? I don't want to dance..."

"Oh? You don't?”

Unfortunately, it was too late. He gripped your hand and waist, directing each move for both of you. While dancing, he whispered in your ear: 

“Good thing, I came to this party just in time to see a little kitten trying to seduce Onychinus's business partner.”

"I was only doing my job. But you showed up and drove my target away."

You had no idea if it was deliberate or not, yet you stepped on Sylus's foot. His brow wrinkled, then instantly relaxed. He softly pulled you closer to him, lowering his head a little. His breath turned your ear crimson and ticklish. "Was it my fault then? If that's the case, I must assist you complete the mission. What would you like to know about their organization? I can offer you whatever piece of information you require. In exchange, think of me as a target you're supposed to approach. Seduce me."

Your face was burning. Your breathing was erratic, and your heart pounded louder than the music. You pushed Sylus aside and this time stepped on his foot, hard. You flashed him a furious glance and turned to leave while the song was still unfinished.

Sylus's expression revealed a tinge of disbelief, which was quickly replaced by amusement. He went after his kitten. As soon as you left the dance floor, he caught up with you and hoisted you with one arm.

"Ouch!"

Sylus seized you tight, your thighs resting on his muscular arm and your entire body dropping into his shoulder as you lost balance. You hurriedly held Sylus's neck to avoid falling, but it appeared that he had no problem lifting you up like that.

"Sylus! Put me down!" You cried out in a failed attempt to break free from Sylus. Many guests in  the banquet hall turned to stare at the two of you. "People are looking!"

"That's even better. Didn't you just tell someone that you're mine? Now the entire N109 Zone will be aware of this."

You remained dumbfounded for a while. He hoisted you in one arm and marched straight out, while you scratched his back.

Sylus brought you outside to where his car was parked. The full moon, crimson as blood, surveyed you from above. You fiercely bit Sylus's earlobe and yelled, "Put me down!"

Finally, he listened. He put you down right next to the pitch-black automobile and said: 

“I expected you wanted to do business with me? Scared now, kitten?"

You stared at Sylus. His ear which you had just bitten was red and swollen. If you had to think about it, it would have been much easier to ask him directly for help. But you did not want to owe him anymore. You thought dealing with him was always a very dangerous thing. Not for his status, but because you were always irresistibly drawn to him. And it drove you crazy.

"There's no way to please you." Sylus responded after hearing your silence. "You didn't want to ask for my help, yet you took advantage of my name to get in here. You don't want anything to do with me, yet you told people that you’re mine.” With each step Sylus took forward, you retreated further. It was not until the rear door of his automobile hit your bare back that you realized you had no way out. You replied without looking directly at him:

"I had to do it to gain the target's confidence... I apologize for borrowing your name…”

Sylus grinned faintly. He leaned towards you and whispered:

“Why should you apologize for telling the truth?”

You stared at his half-joking, half-serious demeanor with wide eyes. It made you uneasy. There was a tingling sensation on your wrist, where Sylus’s fingers were messing around and finally squeezing yours.

“Sylus?…”

Before you could regain your composure, he kissed you. A gentle kiss that only brushed your top lip before drawing away. He observed your reaction before proceeding to devour your red lower lip. His fingertips found the exposed back of yours and danced there. You shuddered, pushing him away somewhat yet just making him grasp you closer. Sylus's hand grabbed your thigh and raised it, slamming your body into the automobile. You pulled away from his lips.

“Sylus—”

He was silent, but when you cried his name, he appeared to grow even more ardent. He placed deep, wet kisses against your neck and shoulder. You turned aside, frightened to confront him and succumb to the temptation. But in that instant, you noticed yourself and him in the rearview mirror.

It was Sylus; his entire body crushed on yours, his hand not obediently grabbing your thigh and squeezing it against his body. You were unable to see his face as he was rubbing it all over the crook of your neck, leaving his marks there. But you saw yourself. It was you; a complete mess in his hands. You were absolutely shaken and unkempt. Your lips were glowing red, yet you longed for more. You inhaled deeply, unable to believe the way you appeared anymore. But Sylus caught your reflection in the mirror. His hand remained on your neck, forcing you to see the way you were craving his every touch. 

"You have to be responsible for your words, kitten." Sylus’s voice echoed through the sound of his kisses.

[bellaxgiornata]

Under the Weather

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader Word Count: 2.2k

Summary: Despite the fact that he's coming down with a cold, Matt refuses to heed your advice on staying inside instead of running around Hell's Kitchen in the freezing autumn rain. In the morning, you're left with an even sicker, more stubborn Devil.

Warnings/tags: 18+; Nothing but fluff and a stubborn, flirty Devil

a/n: Yet another little fluffy fic for Mandy's Sweater Weather Challenge by the lovely @she-likesorchids! Can you tell I had to make sure all my boys got a fic? This one was for the prompt "Let's just stay in bed." Feedback is always appreciated!

Finally finished with the after dinner cleanup, you washed your hands in the kitchen sink, the pounding of the rain outside the apartment a persistent backdrop to the evening. As you turned off the faucet and reached over to grab the towel from the nearby hook, you heard the bedroom door slide open. Glancing up from your place at the sink as you dried your hands, you spotted Matt exiting the bedroom dressed in his black suit, his black mask on his head but not yet pulled down over his face. You frowned at the sight of him, eyes focusing back on the windows covered in rainfall as the light from the billboard across the street flooded through them, coating the living room in a dark blue.

Focusing back on Matt, you hung up the towel before you began to make your way through the kitchen towards him. You noticed how he'd stopped mid-step on his way to the stairs leading to the roof access as you walked, his head shifting over his shoulder towards you. 

"Matt," you said, tone lightly chastising. 

It didn’t escape your notice how he'd instantly stiffened at the sound of your voice. You could also tell by the way his shoulders were slightly slumped forward and the faint red tinge visible on his nose that he still felt a bit under the weather. But of course, Matthew being Matthew, he apparently was still planning to go out. You should have known as much.

"Maybe you should stay in tonight," you suggested carefully, eyeing the thin material of his shirt as the rain only continued to dump onto the roof of the apartment. "You know, like we talked about earlier? At dinner?"

He turned fully towards you, straightening his back as his sightless gaze landed on your chest. His eyes narrowed a bit and you knew he was about to pretend the big bad Devil wasn't sick, but the faint sniffle from his stuffed up nose ruined whatever effect he thought he was about to have on you. 

“I’m fine, sweetheart," he told you.

His voice was a little distorted because of the congestion and you scoffed immediately. Crossing your arms over your chest, you quirked a brow at him.

"You're sick, Matt," you pointed out. "You need rest. You said yourself earlier that nothing was going on tonight in Hell’s Kitchen. So stay in and take care of yourself. You'll be no help to anyone in the city if something actually happens and you're even sicker."

Matt shook his head at you, that stubborn expression still on his face. Of course he wasn't going to listen. He was going to ignore what he needed to do for himself for the sake of the people of Hell’s Kitchen, and as much as you loved and admired that about him, he really needed to learn one of these days that he was still only human. He needed to take care of himself. 

But getting that through his head was damn near impossible. 

"I don't get sick," he countered, voice still noticeably off. "I’m completely fine, sweetheart. I'm just going out for a bit to keep an eye on things. You don't need to wait up for me."

“Matt, it’s barely above freezing outside right now!” you exclaimed, throwing a hand towards the living room window. “And it’s raining . Ten degrees less and that would be snow right now! What you're wearing isn't even remotely warm. You’re going to make yourself incredibly sick if you go running around rooftops tonight dressed in that !”

Matt’s lips drew into a devilish smirk, a smug expression overtaking his features. The look might have had the desired effect on you if he hadn’t sniffled loudly yet again, his red nose scrunching up as he did. 

“You like this suit,” he countered.

“No,” you said, holding up a hand as you corrected him. “I like how you look in this suit, Matt. I absolutely hate how little protection it offers for knives, baseball bats, and cold weather. There’s a massive difference.”

“I’ll be just fine,” he assured you.

Matt reached a hand up, pulling his mask down until it covered his face, leaving only his lips and chin visible. The gesture was meant to end the conversation, you were aware of that. Sighing in exasperation, you rolled your eyes at him. You knew damn well he was going to be miserable come morning.

“We all know you’re just going to do what you want anyway,” you grumbled, crossing the rest of the way over towards him. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t need you bleeding out and sick later.”

“I’m not sick,” he countered immediately.

“Mhmm,” you hummed out, leaning over to plant a kiss on his cheek, just below the black fabric of his mask. “Sure you’re not, babe. I’ll remember that when you’re clinging to me tomorrow and complaining about how awful you feel.”

You could tell by the way his lips pursed and the fabric had shifted along his face that he was shooting you an irritated look. The corner of your own mouth quirked up into a smirk. You’d seen Matt sick a couple of times before and he was always absolutely desperate for physical comfort–though you figured with his heightened senses, being sick felt a whole lot worse to him. And you figured it probably muted his usual ability to navigate the world as he was used to, especially with a stuffed up nose affecting his sense of smell.

“I do not get clingy ,” he disagreed with obvious distaste.

“Whatever you say, Matty,” you replied, lightly patting him on the arm.

You turned, making your way over towards the leather couch. If Matt was going to run around outside in the equivalent of tissue paper while he was sick, you were going to relax and watch some television while being smart and not going outside in the freezing autumn rain. 

“I do not get clingy!” he stated again.

Abruptly he turned, storming his way over towards the staircase. You settled into the cushions of the couch with a shake of your head. 

“Alright, you don’t get clingy when you’re sick,” you told him.

As you picked up the television remote from the coffee table, you saw Matt had paused yet again at the sound of your voice. Head turning just over his shoulder, cocked a bit to the side, you didn’t miss the deep frown spreading over his lips.

“You didn’t mean that,” he pointed out, tapping a gloved hand to his ear. “I could hear your heart.”

Rolling your eyes playfully at him, you flashed him a grin before you focused on the television across the room. “Of course I didn’t,” you told him, turning on the TV. “Because you do get clingy when you’re sick.”

Matt rumbled out a noise of frustration, stalking his way up the stairs and towards the roof access without another word. He obviously knew he wasn’t winning this argument with you. You began scanning through the channels, looking for a fall baking show to watch as he pulled the door open, the sound of the rain outside briefly louder until the door closed with a sharp clang after him. Shaking your head again, you finally settled on what you were looking for. 

“You’re going to be so miserable in the morning,” you muttered under your breath, aware he could still hear you.

°•°•°•°•°•°

Something ice cold landed on your bare stomach and your eyes immediately snapped open, the chill pulling you straight from your sleep. A miserable, muffled groan met your ears over the sound of light rain pattering outside as your barely conscious mind tried to quickly piece everything together.

You were in bed with Matt curled up against the back of you. Apparently it was his icy cold hand on your stomach that had woken you. He shifted behind you, his frigid hand on your bare stomach drawing you further towards him just before he buried his face against the back of your neck. You shivered at how cold he felt against you–Matt was usually a furnace who kept you warm.

“Matt, you’re freezing,” you whispered, trying to glance over your shoulder at him.

“I know,” he groaned, pulling himself in tighter to the back of you. “You’re so warm, though.”

You frowned immediately at the thick, congested sound of his voice. He sounded far worse than he had last night. And that was the only thing keeping you from your usual reaction to Matt’s nearly naked body wrapped so tight around yours.

“You’re sick,” you pointed out.

He groaned again, shaking his head against the back of your neck. “Don’t say it,” he begged, his voice almost a whine. "Don't even say it, sweetheart."

Sighing at his plea for you to not rub the consequences of his actions in his face, your hand dropped down to cover the one he had on your stomach. You did your best attempting to warm it up, rubbing your hand back and forth across his large one. Matt hummed out a pleased noise in response, the sound quite nasally.

“Fine, but you’re sick, Matt,” you pointed out. “I need to take your temperature. See what medicine we still have in the apartment for you to take because I might need to run to the store." You paused when he pitifully moaned in protest at that. "And you’re not going into the office to help Foggy with that thing this morning. I’ll call him myself. Him and Karen can handle things on their own. You need rest.”

“Only if you stay with me,” he murmured, his arm tightening around your waist. “You’re so warm and comfortable. Don't want you to go. Let's just stay in bed .”

Clearing your throat, you pitched your voice lower as you grinned and said, “I’m not clingy, sweetheart.”

Matt groaned again, burying his face further into your neck. “ Not funny,” he muttered.

“Maybe to you,” you countered, still grinning, “but I think it’s quite pertinent.” Patting the back of his hand that was holding you firmly to the front of himself, you said, "I need to get up, Matty. Need to call Fog for you and find the thermometer. And check the medicine cabinet to see what we have. Maybe make us both some hot tea while I'm up."

You felt the way he shook his head once again against you, muttering out a noise of disagreement. He began shifting behind you in the bed, soon tossing one of his legs over the top of both of yours. It was so easy to forget how muscular and powerful Matt was sometimes because you were so used to seeing him walking around the apartment in barely anything most of the time, his muscles often on display. But his single leg was solid and heavy , easily trapping you beneath the weight of it as he refused to release his hold on you and let you up.

" Matt !" you laughed out, reaching your hand down to playfully swat his thigh. "I'm trying to help you!"

"No. Don't want it," he muttered, words muffled against your skin. " Mine ," his congested voice nearly purred as he curled possessively around you.

Your eyes widened in surprise, another little laugh falling out of you. That was new. 

"Matt, I at least need to call Fog and get your temperature–you're positively freezing," you told him. "Let me help you. Please?"

He grumbled discontentedly in response, not making any attempt to move. You shifted as best as you could in his restricting embrace, trying to get a look at him.

" Please ?" you tried again, drawing the word out. 

It was a moment before he released a resigned sigh beside your ear, his warm breath brushing over your shoulder a sharp contrast to his cold skin pressed against you. 

"Will you come back to bed after?" he asked. "Stay with me?"

"If that's what you want, I can stay with you for a bit longer this morning," you relented. "But only after I get all of that done."

Matt hummed out a noise of disagreement, shaking his head. "Uh uh," he mumbled. "I'll give you ten minutes."

You laughed once again, unable to help yourself. "Excuse me? You'll give me ten minutes?" you asked him. "What happens if I take longer than that?"

Gradually he drew his thick thigh from off the top of you, his cold hand retreating from your stomach soon after. Your brows briefly furrowed before he gave your ass a light, unexpected smack. Instantly your eyes widened in shock at the gesture. 

"The Devil will bring you back to bed," he warned. 

That familiar dark, gravelly tone of his was hard to miss, even with how congested he sounded. A jolt of something shot through you at his threat, the hair on the back of your neck raising. Matt rumbled out a noise behind you in response to your body's reaction. 

"Better hurry," he teased. "Time is running out, sweetheart."

Tossing the covers off of yourself, you climbed out of bed and grabbed your phone from the nightstand. Though as you headed to the bathroom to check the medicine cabinet and grab the thermometer, you admittedly found yourself curious about what a sick Devil might do to you if you took too long. 

[eggluverz]

— MASTERLIST

hi there and welcome to my blog!! i’m sof and here are my writings :> hope u enjoy ur stay !!

© eggluverz — all rights reserved. reposting, modifying, copying, or translating of any kind is not allowed. do not plagiarize. thank you and have fun reading!

DAN HENG

i. operation: dog food

modern au. in which you are trying to save a stray dog and dan heng sees you lurking around front of his door.

ii. the interns

modern au. in which you view your internship as a competition and dan heng is simply attracted to all your hard work and determination.

iii. hot and cold

roommate au. in which dan heng runs hot and blasts the air conditioner to keep cool, and you feel like you’re living in the arctic.

iv. starry night bakery

bakery au. in which the cute baker down the street catches your eye and you decide to become a regular to keep seeing him.

v. blind dates & hidden feelings

march 7th sets you up on a blind date with gepard and dan heng finds himself feeling jealous when he sees the two of you on a date together.

vi. we really were timeless

dan heng does not want to remember his previous reincarnation, but there is one part he doesn't want to let go of forever— you.

vii. like me better?

you want to braid dan heng's hair and he wonders if you like him better in this form.

viii. something shiny this way comes

dan heng wants to face part of his past by walking around xianzhou luofu with you, but he freaks out when he notices you are no longer by his side.

ix. after all this time

you were the great imbibitor lunae's disciple. he trusted you with his life and you with his. but when the time came, you weren't able to save him. what happens when you run into his reincarnation years down the line?

x. no time to waste

school au. dan heng's a workaholic, you're the only one who can get him to look away from his work, and jing yuan thinks the two of you just need to get together.

xi. should've been there

you and dan heng are exploring the xianzhou luofu and you get surrounded by a group of assassins who want to hurt you to get to dan heng. you decide to teach them not to mess with your partner. 

xii. stars fading but i linger on, dear

dan heng has been having dreams about you. they started off good—like a fairytale even. but soon he’s been getting the feeling something is wrong. you’re trapped and alone and can’t escape. dan heng wonders if his dreams are telling him something. and if they are…what is there for him to do?

xiii. dragons and daffodils

you impulsively walk into a tattoo shop, see a gorgeous man with blue eyes and a dragon tattoo along his arm, and immediately decide you need to get a tattoo from him now. 

xiv. light in the darkness

dan heng has an extreme fear of the dark and the astral express experiences a power outage. thankfully, you are there to help him through this.

xv. gifts from the heart

dan heng sees a plushie of him at a vendor booth at belobog. he doesn’t understand that craze of “cute” things himself but perhaps you will like the gift.

BLADE

i. not a weirdo stalker [smau]

modern au. in which you are a college student trying to vibe and blade thinks you are crazy obsessed with him.

ii. everything i need

idol au. in which you’re feeling down about not seeing your boyfriend in a few months and blade takes time out of his busy tour schedule to surprise you.

JING YUAN

i. taste of the universe

in which jing yuan occasionally gets tired of being general and you are there to cheer him up.

ii. lady fu’s matchmaking service

fu xuan thinks the lonely general needs to go on a date, and you are just the person she wants to set him up with.

iii. the general needs a break… and a mooncake

the general is drowning in work, and the mid-autumn festival is the perfect excuse to take a break.

DAN FENG

i. a stare worth a thousand words

you and dan feng were just friends. close comrades who challenged each other. but you were starting to suspect that just friends don't stare at each other like this...

HEADCANONS

❀ dan heng x f!reader college au

❀ halloween with dan heng, jing yuan, and blade

— tags + info

❀ request guidelines

# ❣️ rambles: for when i like to blah blah blah

# 💌 asks: received in my ask box <3

# 📚 fic recs: works i’ve read and enjoyed!

member of @masked-fools 🫶

[guess-my-next-obsession]

Fade Into You, Chapter Two: Holy Ground

pairing: nyc bookstore owner au!ezra (prospect) x f!reader

rating: M (nothing much here really besides reader’s pining and ezra’s charm, definitely ooc ezra but it’s an au so who cares!, talks of money/wealth/privilege, a situationship forming in front of our eyes)

wc: 2.7k

a/n: just as a disclaimer, these chapters are going to range in length. i know some people really love short chapters and some really love long ones, but i’m trying not to focus so much on word count anymore, just gonna try to stop when it feels right (to me)! but i’m sure once we start seeing their relationship evolve, so will the length of each chapter.

series masterlist | previous chapter | FIY PLAYLIST

Mid October

“I feel like these are only ever good straight out of the oven.” Jay was standing in your tiny kitchen, taking a tray of store bought frozen Halloween cookies out of the oven.

“Yeah, as soon as they get room temperature they get hard as a fucking rock,” you agreed, sitting cross-legged on your beat up leather sofa with a bowl of popcorn on your lap. Halloween was queued up on your TV, the big light off with only the orange and yellow glow of the string lights you’d hung on your TV to illuminate the room. As Jay walked over with the entire pan, setting it down on the coffee table, their phone started to ring, the sound of a generic banjo filling the room. “You gotta change your ringtone.”

“It’s for the bit,” they said, tugging their phone out. “It’s Ezra.”

Your head whipped up to look at them, your eyes wide with interest as she pressed her screen to accept the call, putting it on speaker.

“Hey Ez, you’re on speaker,” they said.

“Hey, just calling to see what you’re up to,” he replied.

As Jay filled Ezra in on the movie marathon the two of you had been having since noon, you mindlessly shoveled popcorn into your mouth, watching the screen as though his face would appear if you willed it hard enough.

“Is that the girl you were telling me about?” he asked after hearing Jay mention you by name.

“Yeah, you two need to finally meet,” they said, giving you a wink and a nudge with their elbow.

“Well, I just got back in town and was going to invite you to meet me for a showing of Practical Magic in the park in an hour, but if she’s up for it, she can come and we can finally introduce ourselves properly.” Your eyes widened and head began to shake in a silent plea for them not to accept as Jay turned to look at you with a wide smirk, their amusement over your crush evident in their voice as they ignored your anxiousness and let him know that the two of you would be there before hanging up.

“Oh, I’m gonna puke,” you groaned, squeezing your eyes shut as you let your head fall back against the sofa. “I don’t have any time to prepare myself! I don’t even—what do I even—fuck.”

“Jesus, it’s just Ezra. He’s just a forty-four year old man who’s scared of commitment, not the fuckin’ messiah,” they teased.

“Yeah…you’re right,” you nodded, taking a breath of composure before standing up to walk over to your closet. “Alright. Super chill. ‘Hey Ezra, totally haven’t been fantasizing about you for the last month or anything. Super chill to meet you.’”

“Oh lord. I really do not get straight people,” Jay sighed teasingly, and you gave her a cocked brow as you turned around.

“Who said I’m straight?”

The city had finally started to cool down, the brisk autumn breeze hitting your cheeks caused you to shiver as your navy knitted sweater did its mediocre job at keeping you warm while you walked through a lamplit Central Park with Jay at your side, their pale skin turning pink on their cheeks and at the tip of their nose.

The park was still full of life even in the pale moonlight; lovers strolled together hand in hand to the soundtrack of giggles from children on the playground as their parents looked on, or a few lonely souls sitting in contemplation on the park benches, wondering where they lost that childish joy. You liked to try and imagine their lives, the happiness and the sadness looming in their history weighing on them in a way you could only ever imagine and never feel. Sometimes if you thought enough about these faces without names, you could feel your heart breaking for them and tears would swell in your eyes, but tonight you couldn’t muster the energy to ruminate on anything but your own life—of the anxiety you felt over finally meeting this character you’d created in your mind.

“Oh, there he is.” Jay’s finger pointed at a park bench where a lonely looking man sat scrolling through his phone, the blue light glowing on his face. “Ez!”

Ezra looked up, a smile growing on his face as he stood, tucking his phone away into his back pocket.

“Jay bird,” he greeted them, pulling them in for a fatherly hug. “Missed ya.”

“Missed you too, old man,” they teased, pulling away to point at you.

“Hi,” you smiled, holding your hand out for him as you gave him your name.

“Ezra—nice to meet you.” You felt a stab of insecurity in your stomach as his eyes bounced across your features for a beat, suddenly feeling all-too aware of each flaw you picked apart in the mirror just that morning. “This isn’t a line, but the way your eyes are sparkling right now is making it hard to look away from you.”

“Oh?” was all you could manage, your heart’s quick patter making it hard to think of anything clever to say, Jay’s chuckle finally pulling his attention away.

“Quit it, she’s shy,” Jay scolded, swatting his shoulder playfully.

“Is that right?” he asked, one side of his mouth lifted in a smirk as he turned back to you.

“Unfortunately,” you blurted nervously, earning a deep, crackly chuckle from him that helped to warm you up better than the wool covering your body.

“Hang out with Jay’s crowd long enough and soon you won’t be,” he said, turning to Jay. “Let’s go find a place to sit.”

You walked beside Ezra, Jay on his other side, and found yourself counting each step and breath as his warmth radiated against your arm. You wanted to lean in, slide your arms beneath his leather jacket and hold him so close that you could hear the beat of his heart, but for now, you stuck to counting your steps.

“So fill me in,” he said, his elbow nudging yours. “Who are you?”

You took in a necessary breath and shrugged.

“Not sure yet,” you answered honestly. “I’ll be sure to let you know when I figure it out.”

Ezra chuckled and nodded, a permanent smile on his face as he kept his eyes forward.

“Well, tell me what you know so far,” he urged before pointing at an open spot in the grass in front of the large projector screen.

“Uh, well, I’m a writer—“

“See, that’s good information,” he grinned, shrugging off his backpack to unpack a blanket. “What do you write?”

“Some poetry, some fiction,” you said, watching as he and Jay laid out the blanket.

“I’m going to go get some food from concessions, you two want anything?” Jay asked.

“Yeah, just a beer,” Ezra said, tugging out a twenty and handing it to her. “And whatever our writer friend wants.”

You smiled at him before looking to Jay. “I’m okay, thank you. Are you sure you don’t need help?”

“No, you two get acquainted, I’ll be fine.”

You gave them a subtle look of terror, only earning a reassuring nudge of their head towards Ezra as he took his seat on the blanket.

“So you’re a writer,” Ezra said, his eyes following you as you awkwardly sat down at the furthest corner from him, crossing your legs to take up as little space as possible. “Is that how you met Jay?”

“No, I actually met her in your shop,” you said, finding the courage and confidence to meet his eyes.

“And we haven’t crossed paths yet?”

“Well, we sort of did once—the first time I came into the store, but you were leaving so it makes sense—“

“You must’ve caught me on a bad day,” he interrupted. “Those eyes aren’t the kind of eyes I’d normally forget.”

“Still not using a line?” you chuckled.

Ezra smiled, looking down at his lap before meeting your eyes again.

“Not a line if it’s sincere,” he said, shrugging with a smile as he turned to look around at the crowded park, each group talking amongst themselves like the world consisted of just them, just like it felt with you and Ezra. “Are you from the city?”

“No, I just moved here,” you said, continuing on about your hometown and the stark contrast in environment.

“How are you liking the change?” he asked, leaning back to rest against one elbow.

“It was overwhelming at first, but in a good way.”

“How do you mean?” he probed, full of sincere interest.

“Just…the thought that I could be anybody here—it’s overwhelming but an exciting kind of overwhelming. I’ve just been trying to figure out where I belong in the midst of all this energy.”

Ezra’s smile grew into a grin, his eyes batting fondly at you as he watched you mimic his position, your body now achingly closer to his than it had been just seconds prior.

“What about you?” you asked in a whisper, turning your eyes to face the projector screen that started to glow with the start of the movie.

“Too long of a story to tell right now,” he whispered back with a smile.

“Make room for me,” Jay said as they returned with two beers in one hand and a tray of nachos in the other, nudging their chin at you to scoot closer to Ezra. You obliged with both hesitance and eagerness, once again counting your breath as his arm brushed against yours. “Here, can you pass Ez his beer?”

“Sure,” you said, grabbing the cold bottle and handing over to Ezra who sat on your other side, his warm fingers brushing against yours as he accepted it.

“Thanks, honey,” he whispered, and although the endearment caused your head to buzz, it seemed to be something casual to him, as if he called all of his friends these pet names. A good chunk of you hoped that wasn’t the case.

After the movie, Jay made up some excuse about going over to a girl’s house, leaving Ezra to walk you to the subway, his jacket over your shoulders even though you insisted you were fine (you weren’t).

“So,” you said, breaking the silence between you as you walked through the park to get to the 96 Street Station to catch a subway headed for your neighborhood in Harlem. “Are you from here?”

“I am,” he nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Born and raised. My family is sort of…I guess we’re old money. Or, they were. I’m just a bookstore owner.”

“With more money than God,” you added, earning a laugh.

“I’m trying to get rid of it,” he replied, shrugging.

“You don’t like being rich?”

“I recognize it’s a very privileged problem to have,” he chuckled. “But no, I don’t really care for all of it. I just don’t see why one man with no kids, no family, should have so much while other people are struggling. So, I spend every single day trying to pawn it off on other people, try to help distribute the wealth.”

“How’s that working out?” you asked, your eyes fixed on his profile as you walked, the streetlamps illuminating his skin every few steps, bathing him in yellow glow.

“It’s a surprisingly difficult thing to accomplish, at least with an accountant like mine,” he chuckled. “Sometimes I just settle for not making any more money. I price my books specifically so I don’t make profit, I let people stay in the apartments my family owned rent free. My father’s rolling in his grave, I’m sure.”

“How did you guys get so rich?”

“Prospecting,” he said, glancing over at you. “My great-grandfather owned a lot of land that had a lot of minerals and stones, or…something. I never cared enough to ask questions.”

“What an odd life you live,” you teased, earning a playful nudge from his elbow as you rounded the fence to walk into the subway tunnel.

“Tell me more about you,” he prodded, keeping his body close to yours in a display of protection as a strange man began to stare at you too much for either of your liking. “What are you writing?”

“Well, it started as romance, but then I scrapped that once I started really thinking about the character and what she wanted. I figured it wasn’t love she craved. What she really wanted was to prove to her mother that she was capable of being loved. So, that led me to where I am now, just a story of a mother and a daughter and all the traumatic shit that goes into that relationship.”

“What a beautiful mind you’ve got,” he said, his eyes on you as you looked down at your shoes with a bashful smile. “Do you know how it ends? Do they heal? Or does it stay broken?”

“Well,” you lifted your eyes to meet his, a playful smirk on your face. “I guess you’ll have to wait for me to write and publish it to find out.”

“My best friend owns an indie publishing company,” he shrugged. “Just let me know when you’ve got it finished and I’ll help you get in contact with him.”

“Oh, you don’t have to—“

“I like helping people who are passionate about what they do,” he interjected. “And I can see how much you love what you do, it’s what makes your eyes sparkle like that, even in this shitty subway light.”

“Are you always this good with your words?” you asked, bumping your shoulder into his.

“I sure try to be,” he smiled.

“Well,” you lifted and dropped your eyebrows. “Makes it hard for a girl to tell if you’re just being friendly or if you’re flirting.”

Ezra studied you for a minute with that closed mouth smile that he always seemed to wear, his eyes bouncing across your features even when you looked away from him in a fluster.

“I’m not…a partner,” he said, a careful lilt to his voice. “I don’t believe in…lasting things, at least in lasting love. I can’t be a partner to you. I’m the guy people sleep with until they find their partner.”

“I’m not looking for a partner,” you said, unsure of where you found the courage. “So, if that’s what you’re worried about, don’t. I’m new to this city, to all of this. I don’t want to jump into anything, I just want to…I don’t know…live a little.”

“Well, here,” he said, reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone. “Let’s trade numbers and just…see what happens. No pressure, no expectations, just call me when you need a friend, or…something more if you feel like it.” He smiled. “Whenever you feel like it.”

You only grinned and nodded as you typed your number into his phone, feeling as though you’d stumbled onto some sort of prize you weren’t qualified to win. You tried to silence the voices inside that screamed at you for even daring to believe that a handsome, kind, self-aware, rich man like Ezra, with a world of opportunities at his fingertips, would want you. You knew that you had your own value, your own beauty and intrigue—you were a prize, too.

“Can I take the subway with you?” he asked as you handed his phone back. “Not—I’m not trying to follow you home or anything, I just don’t want to stop talking yet.”

“You want to ride all the way to Harlem and back with me? Just to talk?” you laughed.

“If you’d let me,” he smiled. “I think you’re interesting, and hard to read, and…well, I guess the best word for it is captivating.”

“Where does ‘beautiful’ fit in to all of that?” you joked.

“I knew you were beautiful the second I saw that sparkle in your eyes,” he said, his eyes flickering to your lips. “That’s not what captivates me, that’s obvious. What I find uniquely interesting is your mind, your thoughts and where they come from, and especially the way you string those thoughts into words. That’s…that’s captivating.”

With no room to argue and no words to describe what his words meant to you, you offered him a simple smile and nod before the two of you were filing into the subway, that dirty tile floor becoming holy ground in the matter of a second.

[random-thought-depository]

A TV channel in my area plays Star Trek TOS episodes on Saturday night, last week's episode was the one about how the writers were scared of hippies lol.

Anyway, in the episode they go the anvilicious route of making all the plants on that planet incredibly poisonous (and the hippies I guess too technophobic to wave a tricorder over a bush before deciding they want to settle there), but before they found out about that there was a line about the planet having no animals and, wait, even if the biochemistries were compatible, wouldn't a planet with no animals logically be pretty difficult for humans to survive on, especially if the humans are going to go full anprim and live as gatherers?

Obviously getting enough protein might be a problem. And I think there's some vitamin you can only get from animals? You only need tiny amounts of it IIRC, small enough that preindustrial vegetarian Jains were able to get enough from insect contamination in their food, but on a planet with no animals at all that would be a huge problem!

But also, no animals would logically mean no fruit, right? Fruit exist to entice animals to move a plant's seeds around for it. If there's no animals, there's no reason for plants to expend energy on growing them. Plants on a planet with no animals would probably mostly propagate by wind-blown seeds, and have seeds similar to dandelion fluff, small and very light to easily disperse in the wind.

That basically leaves tubers. Which probably would exist; they might be even more useful on a planet where there are no animals to plunder such rich stores of energy (though I guess there'd probably be parasitic fungi and stuff evolved to exploit them). On the other hand, on a planet with no browsers or grazers the main selection pressures driving the evolution of tubers would be winter, drought, and fire, so if "Eden" has a nice climate it might not have a lot of tubers either.

I don't think it'd look nice and pretty and park-like like the planet in the episode either. For one thing, I think, just like it has no fruit, it'd have no flowers except things similar to dandelion puffs; there'd be nothing to pollinate them. With no animals with eyes, there'd be no reason for plants to evolve parts with dramatic color contrast. Its vegetation would be rather visually monotonous, mostly greens and browns. But also, and more importantly in terms of its potential (or lack of thereof) for human habitation, that kind of lush but open park-like landscape is what you get when vegetation is being regularly pruned back by people or animals or fire or some combination of those things. I think a planet with no animals would have very different vegetation growth patterns, more like...

In areas dry enough for burning seasons, I think you might get a fire-adapted ecology where fire does some of what grazers and browsers do on Earth. With no grazers and browsers and the main selection pressure being competition between plants, you'd get a dense tangled profusion of growth and lots of slowly decomposing dead plant material (cause there's no animals to help break it down or prune the leaves before they get a chance to die and fall off, just bacteria and fungi). It'd probably be rather difficult for a human to walk through, a forest choked with a dense profusion of undergrowth and dead stuff; at least there are no thorns, and nothing like poison oak; with no animals there's no selection pressure for thorns or poison. In dry parts of the year, this accumulation of living and dead plant material becomes a tinderbox for wildfires. If a planet like this looks idyllic from orbit, it's cause you arrived in mid-spring/mid-autumn; come in summer/winter, when dry seasons are in full swing, and you would see huge wildfires and skies stained with smoke. The oldest and biggest trees are tough enough to usually survive the burning, but the undergrowth is cleared. After the burn, seeds sprout and saplings grow quickly, competing to take advantage of the cleared ground, quickly filling the forest back up with a tangled profusion of growth and an increasing accumulation of slowly rotting dead material, completing the cycle.

On the other hand, on the same planet, in the places with lots of rain and conditions favorable to evergreen plants, there might be forests of enormous trees with forest floors that are pretty open but rather dark, barren, and muddy, with most light being blocked by a dense cathedral-like canopy far above. They'd smell of mud and rot, as the forest floor has accumulated large amounts of slowly decomposing leaf litter fallen from the canopy far above and has a mostly decomposer-based ecology of fungi and bacteria that slowly feeds on that. This is an ecosystem of trees and rot, and the trees make no fruit, they reproduce by seeds like dandelion fluff, small and very light to float on the wind, and they don't even produce much of that; they live a very long time and reproduce very slowly, partially because they're Cronuses; their dense canopy starves their own offspring of light along with everything else. For all the green lushness of their canopies these forests are low-energy ecosystems, conservative ecosystems, defined by the almost total victory of ancient, mighty incumbents; these are the Cronus forests, the lands of the Cronus trees.

There's very little energy available to humans in these Cronus woods. Some edible mushrooms, maybe; that'd be about it. Very possibly humans simply could not survive here, except perhaps in tiny numbers and by living in almost hermit-like isolation and dispersal. The Cronus forests might be almost as hostile as the Sahara or Antarctica, a place where the likely fate of some unfortunate stranded human explorer would be to die of hunger lying on the roots of some sequoia-size Cronus tree that was ancient when Julius Caesar marched into Gaul, staring up into cathedral-like dense green canopy through which only a dim twilight illumination filters even at mid-day, their nose filled with the reek of mud and rot.

Humans might try to terraform the Cronus forests by opening them, but I think that might be quite difficult for low-tech humans. The obvious efficient strategy for attacking the Cronus trees would be to set fire to them, but fire would be one of the primary natural threats to the Cronus trees, and a strong selection pressure on them, so I expect them to be well-adapted to resist it, with fire-retardant chemicals in their bark, wood, sap, and leaves so they resist ignition, and with their sheer size protecting them. The floors of the Cronus woods would receive almost no direct sunlight and therefore be cool and probably damp, and they would have very little undergrowth; fire would probably not spread easily through such an environment. It might be more effective to set torch to the canopies, but they would be dozens or maybe even hundreds of meters above the ground; quite a climb, on a tree that's probably more-or-less a branchless trunk much of the way up, and you've got to climb back down after setting the tree on fire.

That leaves tediously timbering them one by one. With, say, Medieval technology, this might work! The Cronus trees look mighty and their rule assured, but they are actually quite vulnerable. They are slow. Their defenses are purely passive. They literally could not make a single motion to defend themselves as an enemy attacked them with steel saws and axes. And they reproduce very slowly; if they could be timbered efficiently, it would be easy to destroy them faster than they reproduce. An enemy that can think and move is an outside context problem for them, something that never existed in their environment and therefore something they are totally unprepared for. Humans with steel saws and axes might be very efficient killers of these ancient titans.

But steel axes are pretty high-tech if you think agriculture was a mistake. Without metal tools? Imagine trying to bring down a giant sequoia without metal tools, so the axe is something delicate like obsidian or bone, or it has to be very tediously ground to a blade, or you're basically trying to bring the (big and structurally strong!) tree down by bashing it to a pulp, and big saws are probably impossible. Now imagine having to do that over and over again. Imagine trying to clear a forest that stretches from horizon to horizon that way.

If very low-tech humans can inhabit the Cronus forests at all, I think it might be as, like, highly dispersed small families who move around constantly and rarely meet each other, living on the occasional patch of edible mushrooms or other tid-bit, cause there just isn't enough energy to support anything denser. And even then, they might have to stick to the edge, where other ecozones are accessible, cause, like, would mushrooms even have all the nutrients you need?

I mean, I guess there would be some kind of open woodland areas? I think a planet with no animals would have more forest than a more Earth-like planet with the same climate, cause you've removed a major inhibition on plant growth. Think of how places like highland Scotland used to be forested, but when humans with livestock were added to the mix it became more-or-less an open grassland landscape. I think you'd see a similar effect comparing Plantworld to a version of the same planet that had animals; places that would be marginally viable forest without browsers would be grassland or open woodland with them. But a planet with no animals is probably going to have areas wet enough for plants but too dry for forests, so it'll probably have some grassland equivalents. But...

... Grass in natural prairies often gets pretty tall, doesn't it? And that's with grazers. A grass-equivalent that evolved on a world without grazers would be more selected by competition against other plants. I think no selection by grazing but more selection by competition against other plants might favor more investment in individual stalks. And instead of looking like our grass, these plants would have a cluster of little branches and leaves at the top, for better light interception - and to shade and thus inhibit the growth of any rivals growing near their base!

So, maybe... The experience of walking in a grassland in no animals world is very different from walking through a lawn or even the kind of knee-high or less wild grass I see around the Bay Area. The grass is tall. It's taller than you. The stalks are thick too; finger-thick and hollow; it's more like a forest of young bamboo. It feels more like walking in a cornfield. And it's surprisingly dark. Each stalk has a little crown of small branches and leaves, and together they make a surprisingly dense canopy not far above your head. The effect is claustrophobic and eerie. It has a vibe a little like the Cronus woods. And that's not an accident; these plants are essentially much smaller versions of the Cronus trees; tighter constraints, similar strategy. This place replicates the Cronus woods in miniature. This is the Cronus prairie, the land of the Cronus grass.

This probably doesn't sound like a place you'd like. If it's any consolation, if the Cronus grasses had minds they probably wouldn't like you either. Unlike the Cronus trees, the Cronus grass is small and vulnerable enough to experience you, fast-moving muscles-having thing, as the outside context problem you are on its world. You move through the Cronus grass and break a stalk. What a calamity to that plant! All the energy and resources it poured into building that stalk, all that work, the work of its life, undone in an instant! Now it has no crown to drink the sun, and its luckier neighboring competitors will close over it, and it will die without ever having a chance to scatter its gossamer seeds on the wind. Or maybe it's a different, longer-lived sort of Cronus grass (Cronus grass and Cronus tree aren't species, they're strategies and niches), and in the soil below the base of the stalk, where the long-lived part of the plant lives, there is a tuber, from which it can pull stored energy to regenerate the stalk, but this only prolongs the failure cycle; that energy was supposed to be used to regenerate the stalk after the Cronus prairie burns in the dry season and is reduced to a horizon-to-horizon smoldering plain of bare earth and ash; now its energy stores will be depleted when the fire comes, and afterward it will not be able to keep pace with the growth and regeneration of its neighbors and rivals, and they will close over it and it will die.

Those tubers make the Cronus prairie the best place on this planet for humans to live. Some of the Cronus grasses are annuals and live only one year, dying in the fires of the dry season and leaving only seeds to continue their lineage, but many are long-lived, with root systems that survive the fires, and these all have tubers that store energy to regenerate their stalk after the burn. In the competitive scramble after the burn the advantage offered by such a pre-existing storehouse of caloric wealth is huge, and these plants evolved in the absence of any animals that might raid them. Think of the Cronus prairie as a vast field of turnips and potatoes, with multiple edible plants in every square foot of soil, stretching from horizon to horizon. Here, at last, is something like the promise of Eden; food provided abundantly by nature with no need to work the soil, simply waiting to be dug up, available in such quantity that there would be little motivation for hard toil or war. That is, if you don't mind a monotonous diet of bland and nutrient-poor tubers, every day, every year, almost every meal, from the day you are weaned to the day you die. Low-tech human inhabitants of the Cronus prairie would have plenty of calories, but getting enough protein and other nutrients to stay alive and healthy might be a very hard struggle for them, and they might often suffer from malnutrition.

The abundance of the Cronus prairie would also be fragile. The tuber-growing Cronus grasses are long-lived and reproduce slowly, and digging up the tuber would probably destroy one. All the defenses they use to protect their precious hordes of carbohydrates are against enemies as slow as themselves, bacteria and fungi and specialized "vampire plants" without chlorophyll; they are not evolved to deal with raiders with muscles and eyes who can simply physically dig up the tubers. It would be quite easy for humans to slip into harvesting them faster than they reproduce.

Imagine what life might be like for a low-tech inhabitant of the Cronus prairie, a few hundred or a few thousand years after establishment.

Your staple food is something like turnip soup (the stalks of the Cronus grass furnish the fuel for cooking). No animals in your world have yet developed the ability to breathe on land, but there are things a little like insects you can find in creeks and rivers; they are enough to supply your people with the nutrients you absolutely must get from animals. Your people wean your babies late, because mother's milk is one of the precious few foods available to you that is not Cronus grass tubers and is much more nourishing. You've learned to feed your children small amounts of human feces to establish the gut microbiomes they need to process food. Finding enough food that isn't Cronus grass tubers to get all the nutrients you need is a struggle, but you know if you eat only Cronus grass tubers you will get sick and die slowly. In fact, your people are chronically malnourished and chronically ill, but you live long and most of your children grow up anyway, because your world has few bacteria and viruses capable of infecting humans, so your immune systems don't have to be very strong. In a desperate measure to increase protein consumption, your people have incorporated cannibalism of the deceased into your funeral rituals (your people view the practice as loving and reverential and normal, not desperate; it is done only to people who have already died of natural causes and allows their flesh to still be part of the tribe while their bones are shallowly buried to nourish the Cronus grass). Water bugs and human flesh are the only meats you've ever tasted. It is the beginning of the dry season, and the sky is stained with high-altitude smoke from the vast wildfires already burning hundreds of kilometers to the north. Soon your people must move northwest to the island of barren rock that rises from the Cronus prairie or southwest to the Cronus woods; there is little food in those places, but the fire stops at their boundaries, and to be caught out in the Cronus prairie when the fire walks across it is death.

You know, if you're going with "hippies have an overly romanticized view of nature and therefore don't deal with it well," I think I'd kind of prefer this. Just making the plants on "Eden" super-poisonous is just kind of an arbitrary fuck you, but... "Planet with no animals and sufficient abundance that you can survive as a gatherer without much effort" is totally something I could see as a hippie fantasy; no need for hard toil or alienating technology, little temptation toward war, no dangerous animals that might hurt you, and no temptation toward carnivory. But it's an ecologically incoherent fantasy! You are also an animal! A world with no place for animals has no place for you! It will probably not be an easy world for you to survive on! Of course, it'd be difficult to portray this in a one hour TV episode; would probably work a lot better with a novel.

Also, you could flip this around: if you think about it, it's actually really weird that a planet with no animals has fruit (even super-poisonous fruit). Maybe it's not a natural wilderness. Maybe it's somebody's food forest.

Suggestion: "Eden" is actually a heavily gardened world maintained by one of those state-repelling cultures James C. Scott talks about. Its inhabitants are not humanoid and have totally different biochemistry from us, so the local food's perfectly edible, palatable, and nourishing to them. They mostly live as gatherers at a low level technology, doing the sort of proto-agricultural ecosystem engineering lots of hunter-gatherers do on Earth. They maintain just enough technology to tell them when a starship is dropping by. When that happens, they crawl into little hidey-holes and go into a deep hibernation, which makes starship sensors not register them as alive. They come out of hibernation a few days later or something, which is usually enough time for visitors with more galactic-normal biochemistry to realize the plants on the planet are poisonous to them, lose interest in it, and leave.

Something something people who reject the value system of settler colonial society but don't reject the terra nullius myth.

Also, I might use these ideas for a planet in my own sci fi, cause it has a premise that easily lends itself to such a scenario happening somewhere in it.

[esorxy]

word of honor ep31 is something else entirely

they get intercepted on their rescue mission and just as the assassin people were about to rush forward and start stabbing, guess who appears spinning out of nowhere to save his beloved one true soulmate its wkx wearing hot red robes with sexy red eyeshadow, who boomerangs his little paper fan and slices their throats all in one go, does another little spin for dramatic flavour and slowly flutters down like an autumn leaf in the wind, successfully making the most replayed segment of the episode 🍃

and then everything he says from this moment on is like "fuck you, im better than you, eat shit" and DPJ is like "yeah ur cool and all but you're only one person" as if he didnt just kill half your men in one swipe while flying. anyway then zzs is like "who said hes alone" and steps out of his little carriage looking like hes about to die. like bro!! you cant even stand chill tf out. wkx comes over and holds his boyfriend and gets full on whiplash from switching too fast between (1) gazing lovingly at zzs and (2) murderous stares assassin gvng.

then like 3000 ghosts come out from the forest looking for a nice fight with 20 men, half of whom are dead, and the rest of them just dip like nope not today

they all kneel for our favourite gays and then wkx kneels as well and zzs, who still looks like hes abt to collapse and die, is like "fuck yeah im still influential" and awkwardly pats wkx's head like hes some overgrown puppy, which is not entirely inaccurate ykwim

so our power couple gets like 20 more kids for the price of none, and head back to god knows where to meet 😱 some more gays😱 one of them is a healer and the other looks like asian robert sean leonard so... whats new 😮‍💨

wkx finds some time to wipe off his eyeshadow and everyone is ready to die for zzs suddenly, and wkx goes from 🥺 "a-xu is gonna live??" to walking back into ghost valley in the blink of an eye without even changing clothes. scorpion king is also there 😱😱 i didnt even know they were working together cos i skipped all of the boring old people scenes. the twinks face off in some intense power play conversation where everyone wants to top, wkx has a mid life crisis in his pajamas featuring genocide and suicide but then hes like but SOMEONE taught me to live love laugh aka im in love, finishing off a killer episode that fully lives up to the drama part of chinese drama. my man needs to be locked up. in a mental hospital.

bonus: zzs in ep32, freshly injured from having metal hooks stabbed through his shoulders, is like "noooo little girl don't you know i need alcohol to live???" huge announcement everyone youve dedicated your lives to following an alcoholic 🤦

twink healer is like "bro u cant even taste shit" and james wilson is like "remember when u wanted me to find u a cute gf... but turns out... (ur gay)"

omg i wanted to stop, but like the dramatic clown ass scenes just keep coming what can a girl do 🤷

so zzs goes back to serving face (not that he ever really stopped) and he overhears that wkx is about to be forced off a cliff 😱. so flutters into this 50v1 fight with about 2% of the dramatic flair that wkx has, steps up to kiss him except they cant cos censorship, and is like "me n u against the world babe." 🤦

yby comes too cos this drama is tiresome and neverending, and wkx is like "im tired, kill me 🫠", which is so relatable, but then he puts up a damn good fight before falling off the cliff from one tiny needle through the heart. zzs also jumps after him and everyone is like 😱 even though they can literally fly.

but hes dead (not rly) so zzs burns his corpse by kicking a lamp at it and sits at the cliff to reminisce the good old times when he was a hobo and wkx followed him around like a clingy wife. he relapses into alcoholism and pulls all his nails out aaaand this is just romeo and juliet with gay and dramatic flair 😮‍💨

when do they stop serving face honestly like im fed up 🤦

[redhairedwolfwitch]

Chaotic Autumn Vibes - Leila Ouahabi x Reader

Summary: very much enjoying the autumn vibes even though my legs are freezing. Last third or something of the fic is a little spicy but not in the way you think? Idk, I felt bold, I will imply and suggest, but directly writing? absolutely not.

Once it reached mid-September on the calendar, you could feel the shift in the air, the taste of cold as its bitterness crept into your lungs. Your skin danced with goosebumps during training, the cold wind on your bare skin reminding you that summer was over, and autumn had arrived.

Some of your teammates were already wrapping up warm, and a post on instagram had you chuckling at your girlfriend, already in sleeves and warmer trousers, whilst you were in your jersey and shorts. Your thighs aching with the cold suggested to you that you might need to bust out the warmer training gear, but the taste of the cold was delicious as excitement for autumn energised you.

“Are you excited to see her?” Ona enquired during a break between drills.

“Always. Are you?” You grinned back, vibrating with excitement as everyone began to start the next drill, Ona grinning back as she nodded.

///

It was a cold September morning but there you were, running around the park with Ona and Tooney, chucking a frisbee to each other and waiting for the City players Ona had invited to arrive and hang out.

“Where are they?” The four city players chatted amongst themselves, glancing around the park that they had been told they’d meet you all at.

“Wait, I see Ona!” Laia called out, spotting Ona staring up at a large tree, her back to the City players.

“Where are- Ay dios! Get out of the tree!” Vicky immediately shouted, spotting you and Ella up in the branches of the tree.

“I’ve got it!” Ella announced, making her way down the tree with the frisbee in hand, but you didn’t respond, gaze locked onto something as you reached forwards slightly to grab what you were after.

“Hermosa!” Leila called out, spotting you only holding on with one hand now whilst Vicky began to get ready to call the fire brigade to get you out of the tree, or an ambulance in case you fell.

“I’m coming down now!” You explained, holding onto what you had grabbed as you began to climb down, giving the others a heart attack as you jumped the remaining, rolling into the landing with a grin.

“You just gave everyone a heart attack!” Ella exclaimed, about to whack you with the frisbee but you had already moved, heading over to Leila with something in your hands.

“Look. Acorns,” smiling as you revealed the small branch you’d removed, the oak leaves and two acorns in their little hats attached.

“You climbed the tree for that-” Ella was cut off as you took the frisbee from her hands with a smirk.

“I like autumn.” You shrugged, turning to smile at Leila again as a cold wind washed over you all, and all seven of you shivered slightly in the bitterness of the cold.

///

Walking through the park to head to a cafe one of the others had chosen, Tooney headed off to meet Alessia to go shopping at this point, so the group decreased to six. Deyna, Laia, Vicky and Ona were walking slightly further ahead as you walked hand in hand with Leila, arms swinging slightly with each step.

Leila felt you pull away first, making a dash to the side.

“Hermosa?”

“What’s-” Vicky’s hands went to her hips as she raised an eyebrow, walking back to where Leila was standing, watching you rummage through leafage and kick spiky green objects around, stamping on them with your heel.

“The tree.” Your explanation was lacking as you crouched down to sort through the green spicy pieces to reveal what you were after.

“European horse chestnut tree. Break the spicy shells to find one or more, but sometimes they break when they fall from the tree, here, conkers!” You walked over, passing a handful of the horse chestnuts between the City players, turning around to look for Ona only for her to launch a conker from the floor at your face.

“That’s not how you fight with conkers, Ona!” You called out, about to throw a conker back at Ona when you spotted the look on Vicky’s face, the annoyance contrasting Leila’s amusement as she watched you with a sparkle in her eye.

“Fine… no more autumn vibes… unless the cafe sells autumnal drinks.” You sighed, slipping the conkers into your coat pockets.

///

Sitting in the cafe with two pockets full of conkers and two acorns, you were given a warning look after eyeing the pumpkins in the front of one of the stores you walked by on the way, Leila taking your hand and gently nudging you past, whilst Laia, Deyna and Ona walked ahead. Vicky walked between the three and you two, keeping an eye on everyone.

Sipping on your drink, you smiled as you met Leila’s eye, sticking your tongue out as Ona smirked at you, about to flick a napkin at your head when Vicky let out a sigh, asking for just one relaxing day, but instead you had turned it into a quest for chaotic autumnal vibes, whilst Laia and Deyna had secretly been photographing it all and uploading to their socials.

You grinned as Deyna held up her phone to take a group photo, leaning into your girlfriend as she wrapped her arm around you.

///

Heading back to hang out at Leila’s, you disappeared once again when the girls decided to pop into a shop, having run out of pasta or something. You weren’t sure, Leila was with Laia looking for what was needed while Vicky found you by the box of gourds.

“Do you even know how to cook one of those?” Vicky raised an eyebrow, watching as you held a tiny white pumpkin in your hands.

“You peel them then cook them somehow?” You looked at Vicky hoping that it was correct as she stared back at you.

“Get one of the big ones instead.” Vicky gestured to the large cardboard box with the larger pumpkins, which were often used to make jack o’lanterns instead of cooking.

Vicky rolled her eyes as you made a beeline for the box, reaching in to find the perfect pumpkin, turning as Leila walked over, followed by Ona.

“You’re dating a child.” Vicky deadpanned as you produced a pumpkin from the pile with a grin.

“They love autumn.” Ona chuckled, nudging Leila so she’d stop eyeing you so intensely in a public space.

“I can carve it then roast the seeds.” You explained as you walked over with the pumpkin in your arms.

///

Curled up on the couch with Leila, you hummed slightly as you buried your face in her neck, feeling her arms tighten slightly around your waist and her nose brushing against your head as she readjusted to kiss the crown of it.

A cushion hit the back of your head, Leila grumbling as you stirred from where you’d been snuggling your girlfriend, laying on top of her to keep her warm in the cold September evening. Her personal hot water bottle, so to speak.

“What?” You raised an eyebrow at Ona, who smirked at you slightly before smiling softly.

“We should get going. We have training in the morning.”

“Fine…” you replied, letting out a huff as you stood up, kissing Leila quickly before another cushion was directed at your head.

“Wait…” you whispered, going from picking up the pumpkin you’d bought to hurrying back to Leila to whisper something in her ear that left her eyes widening and biting her lip in thought.

“Did you just-”

“What did you say to her?” Ona enquired as you both headed out, with you carrying your pumpkin in your arms as you walked towards where the taxi was picking you both up.

“Oh, I may have given her some motivation for City to win their next match.” You smirked, grinning as Ona’s confused look turned into a grin.

“What motivation?”

“I’d wear blue for her, after.” You chewed your lip, hoping Ona would get the hint and you wouldn’t have to explain the taxi, where the driver could hear.

“After? But… oh!” Ona’s eyes widened and you hummed in acknowledgement, before Ona retorted.

“If they lose?”

“Red. For United, and well, they’re playing Liverpool so…” You smirked as Ona grinned, wiggling her eyebrows as she realised what you were saying, before she whacked you slightly on the arm.

“What was that for?” You frowned, looking at your arm as Ona stared at you.

“We have a game at home too! We’re playing West Ham!”

“Yeah, I totally didn’t forget that in all the talk about underwear.” You deadpanned as Ona rolled her eyes again, whacking you again as the taxi stopped at some traffic lights, making you stick your tongue out at her in return.

Putting your hands in your coat pockets, you let out a laugh as a few conkers fell out, landing on the floor of the taxi and moving around as the taxi went around a corner.

"Whoops?"

[danotits]

up her skirt

louis ives x reader

summary: louis has been feeling a bit down, so you take them shopping for some new clothes

warnings/content: hurt/comfort, dysphoria (only a lil), smut, semi-public sex, fluff, gn!louis (she/they pronouns), gn reader

length: 1k

♡♡♡♡♡

Your girlfriend had had a hard month. With autumn just settling in, there'd been a cold blast coming through, and New York was coated in thick, depressing fog. She only had summer clothes so far, so on the days when wearing her suits to work didn't spark joy, she didn't even have anything affirming to put on when she got home. They still enjoyed their suits, but clearly the lack of weather appropriate dresses and skirts and blouses had been wearing her thin. 

You decided, one afternoon when the fog had lifted and the sun was peeking through the clouds, to take her shopping. They were still nervous about going shopping, especially when they were wearing baggy sweatpants and a hoodie (the least offending cold weather items she had in her closet) and didn't feel like she belonged in the women's section. So you took her to a bougie department store and set her up in a dressing room while you scoured the racks for something nice for her. There were lots of great tartan skirts this season, so you picked up some mid-length ones that swished pleasantly when you took them off the rack. Louis loved full skirts. 

The next rack housed some unassuming women's pants, in similar tartan prints to the skirts. You hesitated before picking them up in their size. They might be able to get away with these at work. The fitted ones would have been a bit awkward, her shape being so straight, so you got straight leg ones and hoped she'd like them. Next you beelined to the blouses section. Before you walked in, she'd been looking longingly at one in the window display. You found it and sifted through until you found the color from the display: a soft sage green. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was made of a thicker material and had long sleeves that were slightly puffy. 

Before you went to your girlfriend's dressing room, you stopped and hauled a bunch of sweaters in your arms. These should keep her occupied while I look for some nice winter jackets, you thought, and went into the dressing rooms and knocked on her door. 

"Lou, darling?" You said softly. 

They unlocked the door and you unceremoniously dumped the sweaters on the stool so you could hang up the rest on the various hooks. Louis stared at the pants. 

"I thought you could wear them to work." You said. 

"They're lovely, but… no, I think everyone would notice." You patted her shoulder comfortingly. 

"That's ok. I'm gonna go find you some jackets." You replied. 

♡

After successfully finding three jackets that would look perfect on Louis, you returned to the dressing room. She was analyzing her outfit in the mirror. She was wearing one of the skirts, the blouse and a big white fluffy jumper. You couldn't help it, you turned her away from the mirror and kissed her. As they melted into it, you pushed them back into the mirror, and they let out a soft moan as you pinned them there. 

You let her go but stayed pressed close to her, and brushed her hair back from her face. 

"You look so beautiful, sweetheart." You cooed. Louis looked down, smiling bashfully, and you gently used your hand to bring her eyes back to yours. "You really do." 

You kissed her again, long and slow, and before either of you knew it your hands were up her sweater and gently tugging the blouse out from the waist and of the skirt. They looked so warm and sweet and you needed to feel their hot skin on your fingers. She shivered lightly as you made contact, fingers still a little cold as you hadn't worn gloves outside. You trailed up to feel the lace of their bralette. She didn't always wear one, but the feel of it was familiar, and you knew how to get exactly where you wanted. 

Louis sighed as you brushed your fingers over her nipples. It amused you how sensitive they were. You had to shush them as you started to rub circles. As you did this, you pushed your leg between hers, and you could feel her getting hard through the skirt. She moaned again as you used your leg to rub up against her cock. You put your mouth back on hers and did it again. 

It was hard work lifting the long, heavy skirt but when you finally got your hand up there, you were rewarded with Louis' fully hard cock straining against her underwear. You clamped your other hand over her mouth as you stroked a finger along the outline, then dipped your hand into her panties and rubbed your thumb along the slit of her cock. 

"Honey, you're so wet for me." You whispered as you felt their precum. Taking her into your hand, you started slowly pumping. You knew it wouldn't take long to get her there, so you wanted to savor this. Louis mouthed something against your hand, so you let go for a moment. 

"More, please." was all she said, voice breathy. How could you deny them when they asked so nicely? You started going faster, as her cock twitched in your hand and you could hear breathy moans escaping the confines of your hand over her mouth. She was so close already. You stroked her faster and faster, until you could feel her all but drooling, and as you swiped your thumb over her slit again, she came. 

When you let go of her mouth, she reached up and wiped the spit from her lips. You tucked her back into her panties and gave her a sweet kiss. 

"Good girl." You whispered as you pulled away. 

Louis leaned back against the mirror, coming down from the high as you suddenly laughed. They looked at you, confused. You laughed harder. 

"I hope you like that skirt," You said. "'Cause we kinda got it dirty." 

Louis smiled at you, adoration in their eyes, and huffed a small laugh. She pushed herself away from the mirror and came over to enclose you in a hug. The material of the sweater tickled your neck as she kissed you on the head. 

"Thankyou." They said. 

♡

Louis proudly carried their new clothes to the counter. The cashier smiled as they rang it up, and gave Louis an encouraging thumbs up as she left the store with you, holding the bags as you walked back out into the brisk street together. 

[bihansthot]

So, I posted this on my RP blog a few years ago and I decided I would share it on my main blog too because it’s cute and we’re getting close to that time of year again. It’s written with non Scorpion Kuai Liang in mind but I suppose it fits the current timeline too so however you want to look at it is fine. It’s just a fun little fluff story about the Mid-Autumn Festival before Bingbing was born. I’d like to maybe, hopefully write a sequel to it but what with MK1 coming out and all the requests I have I don’t know if I’ll be able to be self indulgent, but maybe I should be. I need to find a good balance between writing what others want and what I want or else I’ll get burnt out again and take two years off again and no one wants that. Anyway hopefully you loves will enjoy this little snippet of daily life in the Sub-Zero household. 💙💕

Magic In These Moon Cakes

I make my way back home from the market, hands full of dishes and sweets for tonight, and sigh loudly as my swollen ankles protest my actions. I’m barely through the door when I’m faced with a very cross-looking cryomancer.

“Qīn, where have you been? I’ve been worried about you,” Bi-Han says sternly, grabbing the bags from me with frightening ease. He ushers me into our apartment as he sets the bags down on the kitchen counter, not even bothering to acknowledge his brother sitting on the couch.

“Kuai Liang-Gēgē, I didn’t know you’d be here so soon, my apologies for taking so long at the market, the lines and crowds were crazy,” I greet my brother-in-law and rest my hand on the small of my back to try and give it some more support.

“Sit,” Bi-Han commands as he pushes me gently down onto the couch before pulling my legs up and onto the ottoman, giving them immediate relief. “All this walking and stress of shopping and carrying all those bags aren’t good for the baby, why didn’t you just wait for me to get back home from picking Kuai Liang up?”

“Polar Bear, I’m pregnant, not made of glass, besides you hate shopping when the crowds are this bad,” I try and reason with my stubborn husband, but it’s halfhearted at best since I know he’s right. “Besides I felt so bad for not preparing the meal myself this year I felt like I needed to do something at least,” I sigh and rub my ankles.

“The Mid-Autumn Festival happens every year qīn, who cares if we miss moon cakes one year, your health is more important to me,” he grumbles even though I can see him eyeing the boxes of various moon cakes.

“It’s important for the boys, they love the Mid-Autumn Festival, you know the boys all take turns being Hou Yi and defeating all the demons not to mention stuffing themselves full of as much duck and crab they can. Besides they’re not the only ones who wanted duck,” I mumble and slouch down in the chair.

“Don’t forget brother it’s also an important time for families to gather together and appreciate the beauty of the moon,” Kuai Liang pipes up in an attempt to help defend my insistence at celebrating this year.

“Who exactly invited you again?” Bi-Han shoots his younger brother a look before turning his attention back to the groceries, “which ones need to be refrigerating qīn?”

Kuai Liang sulks at his brother’s playful malice, “your wife invited me thank you very much, and my nephews actually enjoy spending time with me.”

“Someone has to,” Bi-Han scoffs as he starts looking through the bags. “How many boxes of moon cakes did you buy qīn?” Bi-Han exclaims in disbelief as he pulls box after box of moon cakes out of the bags.

“Red bags need to be refrigerated and I six boxes, one of each of us, there are so many different varieties now I wanted to try them out. They have Oreo ones now! Oreos! I can’t wait! Oh! Oh! I can’t forget about the custard-filled ones! I also got some of the traditional ham and nut ones since I know your brother likes those ones, and some sesame paste ones for you, I don’t know I just wanted to go all out for the baby. I know shes’ not here yet but it’s technically her first Mid-Autumn Festival and since I’m too far along to really stand on my feet long enough to bake moon cakes and boil crabs and roast ducks and all the other dishes, I maybe went a little overboard.” I excitedly explain to both Bi-Han and Kuai Liang as I affectionately cradle my round belly.

“Well when you put it that way I guess I can’t be too upset, but I still wish you had just waited for me so I could carry everything for you, or at least you could have taken the twins,” Bi-Han grumps while putting the raw crabs in the fridge and the various containers of roasted duck and vegetables.

“Bi-Han I wasn’t going to make the boys get up early on a rare day off of school, they deserve to sleep in,” I yawn and lean back in the chair before I’m startled by a loud shout.

“Gotcha Shūshu,” my youngest announces as he flings himself in Kuai Liang’s lap with a pitiful handful of snow to the face.

“Shìxuě,” I scold him, and no sooner does his name leave my mouth than Kuai Liang’s hands come up to masterfully deflect a punch from Xiǎo-Hán and a kick from Xiǎo-Bīng, “boys!”

Kuai Liang chuckles as he pulls the twins next to him ruffling their hair, “it’s ok Sol, they’re getting much better! Your father must be doing a good job training you boys.”

Xiǎo-Hán is the first to break free from Kuai Liang’s gasp, “we’ve been working hard in between school lessons and soccer practice, look!” He exclaims excitedly as he begins forming an icicle in his palm.

“Yes, very impressive! I trust you’re putting the same effort into your studies too,” Kuai Liang questions quirking an eyebrow.

Xiǎo-Hán gives him a sheepish grin, “I’m doing a lot better this semester than last, so that’s got to count for something right?”

“Yes,” I smile at him knowing how hard he’s been trying, “it hasn’t gone unnoticed.” I turn to Kuai Liang, “Xiǎo-Hán takes after his Father maybe a little too much in the sense that he cares far more about his cryomancy than he does his studies.”

“Who wants moon cakes?” Bi-Han comes into the living room with a tray piled high with the pastries as the boys clamor for the treats.

I frown at him momentarily, “you boys can have one before dinner, and I mean you and Kuai Liang in that too Bi-Han. I don’t want anyone spoiling their dinner.”

“Deal,” Bi-Han agrees as he sets the tray down on the coffee table as he reaches for one of the sesame-filled ones and stuffs it in his mouth.

The boys all grab theirs before Shìxuě toddles over to me with a custard-filled one, “here mama. I brought it to you so you don’t wake up Mèimei and she doesn’t make you grumpy.”

“Thank you my little pumpkin,” I smile and pull him into my lap before taking a bite of the sweet, flaky pastry. I sit back and enjoy my happy little family as I can’t wait for our newest little one to join in next year’s festivities.

“Mama, will you tell us about Chang’e? I wanna hear the part about Hou Yi again,” Shìxuě asks as he bites into his moon cake and snuggles against my growing stomach.

“Would you rather watch Over the Moon again?” I ask grinning at him and humming the opening tune to the movie knowing full well what my son will choose.

“Yes!” he grins, with Oreo cream already all over his face.

“Boys, do you mind turning on the TV and getting the movie set up? We can watch it together before dinner,” I turn to ask my twins who are still trying to wrestle with their uncle. The boys do as I ask and we all settle in to watch the movie before enjoying dinner and basking in the beautiful glow of the full autumn moon.

[blackswan446]

CORRUPTED || ten.

𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ✩✩✩

for an autumn day, it was unseasonably warm. it felt more like a beautiful mid-spring afternoon. the landscape didn't match the temperature; the fall air brought a burst of new color to the normally-green tree leaves, to paint one last vibrant picture before they would plunge to the ground and succumb to the harsh conditions of winter.

you sat on the edge of the fountain, making sure not to let you or your bag fall into the pool of water and coins below. although the mall was crowded, you could've sat for hours and just watched the world go by. all these people, they all had their own lives, their own friends and enemies, successes and heartbreaks, yet all you would ever know them as is random people from the mall, and all they would ever know you as is the girl who was sitting on the fountain.

you were broken from your philosophical moment by someone taking a seat next to you on the cool marble bricks. that person was hoseok, clad in his fashionable streetwear, styled hair, and...holding flowers?

you must have been visibly confused, because the first thing he did, rather than greet you, was explain the bundle of flowers in his hand. "don't get the wrong idea, i passed a shop on the way here. i thought you'd like them, that's all." he said, holding out the small bouquet to you. you smiled, and took them slowly. "thank you..what kind of flowers are they? did the owner tell you?"

he nodded. "gardenias. apparently this is the last bunch the shop was selling, i think the growing season for them is over." he explained, looking proud of himself and his good deed. you held the velvety petals of the delicate white flowers between your fingertips, and you didn't need to lean closer to smell their sweet fragrance. you smiled fondly at the small posy, and looked back to hoseok. "thank you, i love them." you said gratefully, not bothering to hide your cheesy smile. he beamed at your appreciation and his heart swelled with pride.

'looks like my research paid off. who knew flowers could have so many meanings?'

✩✩✩

it was a few hours later, and you were walking side by side with hoseok in the shopping mall. you cradled the elegant bundle of gardenias gently in one elbow, and the other was holding a few shopping bags. hoseok was carrying a few of his own, plus a to-go cup of iced coffee. "i'm glad we were able to go out today." he said, "you know. before the holiday rush."

you nodded your head in agreement. "yeah, i am too. this place will be packed a month from now. all the stores will be empty, too." you complained, shuddering at the thought of returning here and fighting with the old ladies over the last candle and swimming through a sea of middle schoolers, all looking for their mothers.

"we only have a few more stores to hit, right? my feet are tired." he whined. "hey, i want to get my holiday shopping done early. you can't rush me. i only have to get something for my aunt, my father, and yoongi."

hoseok cringed internally at the mention of his name. "yoongi, huh? what are you going to get him?" he inquired. you shrugged your shoulders. "oh, i don't know yet. he's so hard to shop for. i have to make sure i get him something good, though, because he'll already be mad that i'm out today." you stated.

hoseok felt his heart sink as you mentioned that detail. "how come?" he gritted, trying to keep his cool as he fought the little red devil on his shoulder, screaming in his ear for him to do something, to say something. you sighed. "i don't know. i think it's because we're getting into flu season, and he doesn't want me to get sick." you said. hoseok nodded stiffly. "good to know he cares so much." he fumed, careful not to let his response come out sarcastic.

you nodded and sighed again. "yeah, it is. even if he's strict, i'm glad to have him." you said contentedly.

✩✩✩

after a long day of shopping, joking, and talking, you were finally walking through the deserted parking lot to your car. "god, how long were we here?" hoseok joked, looking around the desolate plot of concrete. "six hours, maybe?" you said, thinking back to what time you had gotten here and when you had last looked at the clock on your phone. "i'm exhausted."

he nodded tiredly. "what are you doing after this?" he questioned, the both of you stopping when you reached your cars. you thought for a moment, considering your dinner options and the commute home. "i'm probably going to go to bed. i'm exhausted." you repeated, thinking of the fluffy pillow and cozy comforter waiting for you at home. "sleeping already? but it's only six o'clock." hoseok said, surprised.

"i know, but i haven't really been sleeping well these days. i always wake up more tired than the night before." you admitted, remembering also the sleepless nights and when you would jolt awake randomly. "i see." he said, nodding his head. "well, i hope-"

hoseok stopped talking, watching as the light around the two of you dimmed. the golden rays of the sun were suddenly gone. looking up, the both of you saw the reason for the abrupt darkness: a huge, grey cloud, that had moved through the sky and covered the sun, killing the bright light that came with it.

"what the hell?" you blurted, wondering where in the world that cloud had come from. "i didn't see that when we came outside." hoseok said, his tone sounding bewildered and a little scared. you shook your head. "i don't like this parking lot when it's this dark or empty. it makes me feel like something bad is going to happen. i'm leaving." you said, flinging open your drivers side door and jumping in.

hoseok, who found your superstitions amusing, laughed as you shoved the key in the car's ignition. he tapped on your window, and made a cheesy 'call me' gesture to you through the glass. you rolled your eyes and laughed, clipping your seatbelt into place and driving out of your spot. hoseok waved you goodbye, and it wasn't until you were gone that the smile fell from his face and he got into his own car.

✩✩✩

as he laid in bed that night, his thoughts were fighting with one another, darkness imposing itself into the corners of his mind and seeping into his brain. he look a deep breath, and laid still for a moment, before lunging off of the mattress and flying to his desk. he rifled through the drawers, desperately trying to find the paper he needed. finally, his fingers brushed over the smooth envelope he had been searching for. taking it out of the drawer slowly, he lifted the flap and removed the sheet inside.

he read over the unsent letter, rereading some sentences over and over. there was a lot more where this had come from, as he had been writing them for well over a year now. however, with the recent influx of emotions he had been feeling the past few months, and his internal battle between good and evil, the volume of letters written had shot up.

his feelings terrified him to the core, and these letters served as reality checks, as something to ground him and point him back in the direction of happiness and peace. were they the honest to god truth?...

he liked to think so.

whether or not these letters were an honest record of his emotions wasn't important. what was important, was the fact that these letters contained the right answers, and also proved to both you and himself that he knew what the right answers were. they were like reminders for him, whenever his mind started to stray away from what was right, he could reread them and get himself back on track.

he had to make sure he didn't act out, because if he said one wrong word, did one wrong action, gave one little indication that this darkness even existed,

you would run

so fast

and so far

and you wouldn't

give it

a second thought.

✩✩✩ 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃

[lovebillyhargrove]

Wake me up when July is around

Chapter 22/? Half in hate

Billy is listening to Scorpions "No-one like you" (1982) and Ratt "I'm insane" (1984)

***

Ugh, fuck this cow-turd town, fuck

Every! fucking! thing!

FUCK !!

..

So yeah .. the news. Billy gets rejected in all three California universities he applied to - Los Angeles, Berkley and

San Diego.

The fucking irony. It's like the state he was born in, doesn't want him anymore, the city he's lived all his life in, takes revenge in him for leaving.

Like it was Billy's fault.

Goddammit.

God-fucking-dammit!

There goes the dream. Grease monkey, that's all you're gonna be, Billy.

And, that's fine. He likes grease. It just sucks to hear a no. Three of them, in a row.

Of course, the places he was striving for are all super-top-notch-level. Like he said, the high GPA, impressive SAT results that he got in his junior year - Billy had it all, but he lacked fucking recommendations and the stuff he couldn't really scrape here, in a new town, new school, as early as autumn.

Thanks dad, for making me change schools in my fucking senior year, really like .. I appreciate the hell out of it.

Fuck this shit. Billy is sitting in the camaro, waiting for Maxine, smoking and listening to nothing. He got the news from Berkley on Monday morning, right after the party, and from San Diego - in today's mail, bright and early, and all day he's been suppressing fucking tears. Feels unfair, somehow, his state turning him down like that.

Jesus, what kind of kindergarten snot is that, Billy?

Everything is the way it is, in life.

To each its own.

For him it'll be a job in San Diego when he gets there. Maybe he'll reapply next year, maybe he'll aim not at such prestigious places, he'll need to think of a plan, get his full focus on it. Everything now has kinda lost its clarity

Since he's been uprooted and torn away from his ground.

He needs to get back to himself. Needs to stand steady on his feet again.

Billy sees Harrington walking towards the beamer, his girl's already waiting for him near the car. He's putting his peachy ass on its wing, takes out a Parliament, lights it.

He looks so hot taking a drag, hollowing his cheeks, cupping his hands to shield the flame of the lighter from the wind. Steve's wearing a dark gray light jacket, and the colour becomes him.

The nose looks a bit bashed in huh, well .. doesn't make him less pretty. He's still

The prettiest.

Fuck, stop it, dumbass, avert

Avert the stupid unruly eyes. Don't let them run wild.

But I haven't taken even a peek at him all day .. three days.

Is Harrington going to bring Tammy to her house, and they are going to kiss in the beamer, and then say bye for the rest of the day? Or are they driving some place else? To the king's castle?

The rich boy does fuck all. No need to have a job, studying isn't his forte .. the hell he does with all the time on his hands?

Fucks around, that's what he does.

For Steve, life must be so easy. To each their own. For Harrington it means daddy's money, probably a cushy job in his big important business. Very possibly, a trust fund. His life is taken care of. Billy's never liked rich kids. Fucking entitled, believing they are better than everyone else. Too clean, too uninteresting.

University of Chicago accepted him and - guess what, the fucking Purdue - Billy doesn't even like the sound of the name - waitlisted him. Yeah, fuck you and your waitlist which nobody cares for. He's not gonna go to either of these places. Billy needs to get to the coast, away from here, this Mid-fuck-western state.

He craves warmth, he craves air, it's an absolute SOS situation for salty water to wash his wounds.

Max waves good bye to her friends, but comes to the car with the bunker girl.

"Billy, Jane is coming home with me. She's staying for the rest of the day. We're having a sleepover, actually. You're bringing us both to school tomorrow morning."

Bossy much?

Like fuck I care.

"Hi, Billy."

That Jane girl always looks at him like he owes her a thousand bucks. She's an odd bird.

Don't talk to the driver. Get in and let's go already.

Billy grips the steering wheel, and the knuckles on the hand he'd smashed a car window at the junkyard with, hurt.

The girls jump in the backseat and start chirping excitedly.

Billy gets going, but doesn't even turn the music on to wipe out the cheerful noise. He's lost in thoughts.

He's still thinking about Harrington. He's trying not to, but he can't control it. You can't throw someone out of your head completely in a matter of days. The only thing that he succeeds in is

At school, Billy doesn't let himself look at Steve. Okay, today in the parking lot he slipped a little, but in classrooms, in the hallways he doesn't. This week there aren't any basketball practices, which is very convenient, coach Nelson is on a sick leave or something.

Billy looks at everything and everyone BUT Harrington.

The

I'm not a cocksucker

Still burns.

Sometimes he can feel something hot scraping all over his back

And he knows

That's the asshole's stare.

Fuck him.

Billy needs to get the fuck away from here, this place is like quicksand

Sucking him in.

It's trying to tie him down, make him stay. Why did he even send the fucking applications to the nearby universities here if he was never planning on going there? Hargrove doesn't know. He doesn't always make the best and most rational decisions.

Quicksand. Step back, get away, a-fucking-sap.

School still has to be graduated from.

***

Alright, one thing here has become bearable. April in Indiana truly marks the irreversible arrival of spring. The bitter cold that lasted through the winter and still showed its frosty face in March is now mostly a cursed memory.

Hargrove's outside. It's close to midnight, and he's slowly walking down Cherry Lane, a cigarette between the fingers. April is starting to feel really fucking nice. Cool still, but nice. Soon everything's gonna bloom and hustle. The sun shines every day now. Rains pour. The sky, with or without clouds, is marvelous and gives hope.

Billy's taking advantage of warm nights. He sometimes leaves the house when everyone is already sleeping - either walks out of the door when he is sure he won't disturb anyone, or climbs out of his window - ground floor, easy as pie.

It's dark, windless and serene, and Hargrove just needs to clear his mind. Street lights are flickering slightly, and it's misty, the night air is damp and thick, especially after the recent evening rain, with a promise of fragrance of blossoming flowers soon.

Billy's watching his boots step heavy on the wet gray asphalt. Right, left, right, left. He's not gonna let Harrington do it to him. He's not gonna fall for this rich fucking asshole.

Like,

F

A

L

L

for real.

They've fooled around, Billy got knocked down a notch from his wuthering high, enough. Did he seriously think that Steve's on the same wavelength as him?

It's ridiculous.

Hargrove's following the movements of his knees. Right, left, right, left. He likes the way his solid thighs sway. Billy needs to get his shit together. Feed the anger. Stay in the right lane. Double bag his dick, it's always been a rule with girls. In the case in question, extra precautions seem necessary. Triple bag his heart. He just needs to hold out for three fucking months, and then he's on the road, driving west. Southwest.

Billy's nurturing his fury, replaying in his mind over and over again

Steve's voice, Steve's raised eyebrows. The word, the phrase, the meaning of it

I'm better than you

The fury grows, bursts in acrid flames,

Lets him think for a moment that he can be in charge.

Billy tightens his fist, and the knuckles hurt again. Good.

He turns around and slowly walks back to his car. He didn't park it in the driveway, he usually leaves it at a distance from their house now.

Hargrove gets in, turns the music on, makes the volume down. Lights up a cigarette and savours a long looong drag. Watches the smoke drift around and up in the dark sky, listening to Scorpions' "Rock you like a hurricane." Shit, isn't that the song that was on when he first set his foot in the Hawkins High parking lot?

It is.

Billy remembers the moment, how jittery he felt, how miserable, the whole move still making FUCK sense to him. That was the first time he ever laid eyes on King Steve.

It was in September. Now the school year is almost finished.

Girl, it’s been a long time that we’ve been apart

Much too long for a man who needs love

What in fucking hell ..?

Billy wants to turn the song off but then changes his mind.

There’s no one like you

I can’t wait for the nights with you

I imagine the things we’ll do

I just want to be loved by you

No one like you

Other thoughts come to mind. Billy puts his head on the headrest, shuts the eyes and remembers their kisses, all of them. Remembers how they held each other's bodies, the absolute, utter frenzy. Why has he never felt anything like that before, what is the secret, what is the fucking sorcery.

The fury, well-fed and groomed, is still present but it steps away a little, letting sadness and .. something like yearning? .. seep through the tiniest cracks.

Girl, there are really no words strong enough

To describe all my longing for love

I can't wait for the nights with you

I imagine the things we'll do

There's no one like you

No-one like you

Remembers the first and only blowjob, and how strange and amazing it felt. He would do it again. He wants to. Kiss and touch Steve again. All of him. Starting from the pinkie toe and going up to the guy's mane of hair.

It's not gonna happen.

When Billy's finally done with his midnight brooding, and gets home, slips under the coolness of bedsheets and drifts off to sleep, he sees a very vivid dream.

He's amidst the ocean, clear warm dark waters all around, light waves rocking him softly,

Lovingly.

It's dark because it's night time.

He sees a beautiful light purple jellyfish, swimming in the near

It looks otherworldly, gently propelling its umbrella-shaped body through the water. The jellyfish glows in the dark, and, naturally, Billy wants to touch it. He is aware that these creatures can be dangerous, the tentacles are covered in millions of stinging cells, holding venom that can be very painful, even deadly.

Billy is extending his left hand, and the jellyfish touches him gently. It is the prettiest one in the whole wide ocean.

Hargrove keeps playing with it and notices that the tentacles start growing longer, the body is stretching itself, and the colour changes from purple to transparent and then light blue.

It is still glowing, and it's by far the most beautiful thing Billy has ever encountered.

Suddenly the tentacles are grasping his hand tighter, and they claw their way up Billy's arm,

Despite the intensity - or because of it - it's still such a pleasant sensation, he lets the jellyfish twine itself all over his limb,

When immediate piercing pain shoots through his body and the skin on his arm starts burning

The pain stings viciously, Billy is trying to set himself free from the tentacles

In mad realisation that he might actually die right now. It's like something is drilling holes through his veins, going for

The heart.

The jellyfish loosens its hold, caressing the boy, soothing the burn.

Billy understands that he must swim ashore, get some kind of medical help

However, he doesn't distance himself from the stunning ocean creature, against all reason, against the sense of self-preservation.

He doesn't swim away but stays close, gazing, admiring the beauty

Mesmerized.

Blood bringing venom to his core.

***

On ao3

[aamalaaa]

sunrises & liquor (m) | myg

the wedding

pairing: min yoongi x reader

series: sunrises & liquor

rating: m; cursing, alcohol consumption, future smut

genre: bar workers au, barman yoongi au, (kinda) forbidden relationship, angst, future smut, fluff

summary: after a failed academic pursuit and a few meaningless and disappointing relationships, you decided to go back to what you never thought you would: the bar industry. There you find a family, friends, heartache, misunderstandings and one particular barman who just won’t get out of your head.

a/n: well hello lovelies, I welcome you to another chapter of s&l. I’ve loved writing this and have been wanting to share this with you guys for a long time. It’s a shorter one, since I wanted to focus solely on the wedding. Happy reading&lt;3

warnings: cursing, alcohol consumption (duh), misunderstandings, its all a bit sad, they both kinda stupid?

chapter word count: 5.8 k

previous | next

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It’s sunny.

So sunny you’d think it’s warm outside.

It’s not. It’s so fucking cold you can’t help but shiver.

So much for autumn.

And like the whiny baby you are, you can’t help but complain, again and again.

“Goddamnit it’s so fucking cold!”

Taehyung rolls his eyes so hard you can almost hear it. “Yes, it is. Anything else of value to add to the conversation?”

You pout and cross your arms. “No” 

Jimin chuckles, that chime-like laugh of his that can make almost anybody laugh along. “You should’ve gone with that pantsuit I showed you.”

“But this dress is cute. I like the dress.” You whine.

“It is cute, you’re cute.” He flicks your nose playfully.

You glare at him so intently that you stumble upon a hole in the concrete and almost fall face first on the ground.

“Yah, be careful you’ll break an ankle. I need you to be able to work on wednesday.” Seokjin says, catching you mid fall.

You groan loudly.

“I don’t know why you insisted on wearing high heels, you’re a walking catastrophe, a disaster waiting to happen.” Taehyung sighs.

You slap Seokjin’s arm off, the one that’s holding your arm up, and start walking again, tilting your chin up and strutting proudly to try and regain a bit of dignity. Which seems to prompt loud giggles out of your friends.

You swivel around and glare at them. “Are we here to critique my fashion choices or are we here to attend a wedding?” 

Taehyung catches up to you and tackles you in a bear hug. “Cranky pants,” He leaves a gentle kiss on your temple, holding one side of your face with his large palm and you take the opportunity to stick your tongue out and lick his hand.

He jolts away, grimacing. “What in the actual fuck. you’re so gross” 

You grin mischievously and Taehyung takes the moment of inattention  to wipe the back of his hand on your own. 

Then ensues a slightly disgusting war of ‘who can wipe the most saliva on the other’ while Seokjin and Jimin stare in horror. 

Ok, scratch slightly, it’s fucking disgusting and you’re both children.

The venue is at a vineyard on the countryside. The building is modern and its facade is adorned with large windows, the roof overhanging above them in clean asymmetrical lines. It’s extravagant and classy.  Not that you’d expect any less from Soobin and Yeonjun. 

 It’s only when you get inside that you notice your other friends waving you over, some of them standing, the others sitting casually on a deep sapphire colored bench.

They all dressed up for the occasion, Jungkook and Namjoon are sitting next to each other, wearing matching suits and you almost coo at how adorable they look. If these two don’t admit that they’re absolutely whipped for each other soon, you might have to smack some sense into them.

Sam and Hoseok came together, he’s wearing an elegant navy suit while Sam looks absolutely splendid in a pastel pink dress that stops right at her ankles.

Then there’s Yoongi, looking absolutely criminal in a black loose fitting suit, a plain white t-shirt underneath and black and white sneakers. You don’t notice you’re slightly shaking until Jimin puts an arm around your waist in a steadying motion. You have to bite your tongue to stop yourself from saying something very inappropriate and terribly embarrassing

Yoongi’s eyes widen for a fraction of a second when he spots you and you feel your neck heating up at the attention. 

Yoongi’s eyes widen for a fraction of a second when he spots you and you feel your neck heating up at the attention. 

It’s not that you didn’t secretly hope for this reaction. It’s just that you would never admit it aloud. It’s too shameful and absolutely not even remotely ok to be pinning for someone else’s man. 

You can’t help it.

Especially not after spending so much time with the barman during the last few weeks, to prepare for next weekend’s gig. You tried to keep yourself in check. And for the most part you did, exhibiting almost nothing but pure self control. You both rehearsed at the bar, outside of opening hours, with Seokjin’s  permission. 

And it’s been very fun, though a bit awkward at first considering it had been so long since the last time you rehearsed with someone. But Yoongi’s calming presence and quiet confidence made you feel at ease very quickly and you found yourself enjoying the process more than you thought you would, considering your mortifying crush on the man.

But you’re content being his friend and only that. (What’s wrong with thinking about a friend at least twenty times a day and freezing up every time he comes remotely close to you?) Yoongi’s an attentive and caring friend, he listens intently to every word you pronounce, even when it seems like he’s not. He brings food to your practice sessions, homemade food, and it’s absolutely delicious and heartwarming. 

He always makes it a point to be honest, gives you tips and tells you about details he thinks you could improve. But it’s never from a place of superiority, it’s from one musician to another, one friend to another.

You wonder why Sam and Yoongi didn’t come together, the thought soon replaced by you mentally berating yourself for even wondering.

Maybe it’s none of your business, you remind yourself.

“Yoongi-ah, who knew you could look this proper?” Seokjin exclaims, nothing short of utter surprise in his tone. 

The former shuffles awkwardly from feet to feet, hands deep in his blazer’s pockets. “Enjoy it while it lasts, it’s the first and last time you’ll see me like this.”

“Not even at your own wedding?” The older man retorts.

Yoongi smirks nonchalantly, “Who says I’m getting married?”

“So pessimistic Yoongi-hyung!” Hoseok wraps him in a side hug that the blond quickly tries to break free from.

“He says that but watch him be the first out of all of us to get married,” Jimin rolls his eyes.

“So dramatic, all of you,” Yoongi hisses.

The ceremony is beautiful, Yeonjun and Soobin are so in love it physically hurts and you may or may not have shed a few tears while they were reciting their vows.

When it ends, you all wait a bit to congratulate the newlyweds before heading to the reception hall.

First stop is the open bar, of course. 

You get a cucumber gin and tonic, sighing as soon as you feel the cool liquid on your tongue, closing your eyes and swirling it in your mouth to relish in the flavor before swallowing slowly. It’s so damn good. 

It’s only when you open your eyes, that you notice a pair of dark charcoal orbs staring at you, gaze heavy and conflicted. 

And god why is it so hot in here? A shiver runs up your spine, in contrast with the scalding heat you feel all over your body. But you can’t bring yourself to look anywhere but deep in the dark eyes that are setting you aflame. 

The guitarist’s mouth is slightly agape and when he notices that he’s staring he visibly gulps before looking away.

A nervous giggle escapes your mouth, which you realize a little too late. Namjoon arches his brow at you. “You okay there?”

Yoongi's gaze finds you again and you swiftly look down, hiding your flushed cheeks behind your hair, wishing that a hole in the ground would appear and swallow you whole right this moment. Spare you the agony of living with your humiliating self.

Alas, nothing like that happens. “Y-yeah,” You shakily reply.

Namjoon simply shrugs and continues his explanation on the intricate ways beer is made to a wide-eyed Jungkook, a seemingly distracted Yoongi and an obviously bored Jimin who instead of listening keeps darting his eyes toward Hoseok.

The latter doubles over in laughter at something Seokjin says, Sam desperately tries to keep him from falling face first on the ground and you’re not sure if the joke is actually funny or if Hoseok is simply the best public to have ever existed.

You feel a hand tugging at your elbow, making you stumble a few steps behind where you were standing.

“What’s wrong with you?” Taehyung whispers, scanning every inch of your face, concern and confusion lacing his words.

You rake your throat and take a sip of your drink before replying. “Nothing’s wrong,” Your voice comes out whispery and squeakier than you intended it to be.

“You’re acting weird,” Taehyung eyes you suspiciously and you roll your eyes at him.

“I’m telling you I’m good Tae, don’t worry,” You pat his cheek lovingly.

“You literally look like you’re gonna pass out any moment now.”

Why couldn’t you inherit the ability to hide your emotions instead of your useless talent at remembering every band album and their release dates? 

“You know how I am in social situations, I’m fine really,” You clear your throat “Shouldn’t you be spending time with your date anyway?” 

If Taehyung notices your poor attempt at changing the subject, he doesn’t say a word about it.

“I will, soon. Spent the whole day and night with him yesterday anyway. He can manage without me for a few minutes,” He winks.

“Oh my god please spare me any details, that’s my boss Tae” You stare at him in horror.

He shrugs, a smirk playing onto his lips. “He’s a pretty good boss in bed too.” 

You can’t help the bout of nausea that dangerously threatens your throat at the unwanted information. “I’ve learned enough for the next century or so, thanks.”

He pats your back before making his way over to Seokjin, who immediately wraps his arm around Taehyung's waist, pecking his cheek in the process, an almost reverent look in his eyes. 

How does Taehyung manage to make every single person he meets worship the ground he walks on? And as much as you’re happy for your friends, being so enamored with each other already and all that good stuff, you also suppress a gag. 

When the waiter finally brings wine to the table you and your friends are sitting at, you chug all of your glass in one go. Anything to distract you from the criminally handsome blond man sitting directly to your right.

It does not help whatsoever. 

You feel a tingle at the back of your neck, as if your body knew that Yoongi’s staring at you before you did. You turn your head towards the source of your anxiousness, noticing his perplexed expression as soon as you do.

“What,” You ask flatly.

He smiles amusedly. “Is the wine that good?”

“It’s exquisite, truly. Almost as good as the one I get from the convenience store,” You sarcastically say.

He smiles playfully. “Ah yes, the great convenience store red, an inevitable delicacy.”

You smack his arm, albeit very softly. “Don’t diss it, it’s a Tuesday night must.”

He fakes a gasp. “I would never,” He laughs, the sound light and comforting. You can’t help but giggle along.

Your food arrives shortly after, it’s a three course service and each of them is more delicious than the previous. You can barely eat half of the duck serving Jimin had chosen for you, rendered too full by the previous courses. So you settle on playing with your fork, stabbing a piece of meat here and there.

“You’re not gonna eat it all?” Jungkook asks.

“Nah, you can have it if you want,” You reply, knowing very well that the question was coming. Jungkook could eat a whole pig and still have enough space for dessert.

The young man lets out a happy cheer before taking your plate. “Thanks, I’m so hungry.”

You nod, a fond smile making its way upon your face.

“I don’t get how you can eat so much,” Jimin sighs, rubbing his belly in circular motions.

“Our Jungkookie is very active, he needs to eat well.” Hoseok responds, filling Jungkook’s glass with more water. The latter grins, stuffing his mouth to the brim with meat.

“Have all of you already forgotten that I beat him at the hot dog contest we had last summer?” Seokjin pronounces, indignantly. 

“Oh god, not this again..” Samantha sighs exasperatedly.

Taehyung chuckles lightly, caressing the older man’s wrist soothingly. “I’m so proud of you Jinnie, I wish I could’ve seen that,” He almost purrs.

And just like that, your nausea is back. 

“We could do it again for you babe.” Seokjin says, a proud look in his eyes.

“Oh absolutely not, I almost threw up the first time,” Hoseok blurts out, looking just as close as you are to puking all over the table. Taehyung pouts.

“I demand a rematch, I was sick that day, it doesn’t count,” Jungkook snarls. 

Namjoon tucks a stray strand of hair behind Jungkook’s ear. “You really did seem sick.”

“Lies!” Seokjin exclaims, prompting a loud laugh out of Jimin who almost falls off his chair in the process.

Then ensues a petulant verbal fight between Jungkook and Seokjin about the credibility of the older man’s victory.

“Do I even want to know how all of this happened?” You mutter, bewildered.

“Believe me, you don’t,” Yoongi mumbles slowly, sparking a shiver down your spine.

A sharp echoing sound distracts everyone from the argument at hand. 

“If I may have your attention,” A young man you don’t recognize says, microphone in hand. “I propose a toast to the newly weds, I wish you nothing but happiness and prosperity in this exciting new chapter of your life.” 

You and your friends exchange a look before you pick your glasses and clink them together loudly, you hear other tables do the same.

When you put your glass down after taking a long sip, you notice Yoongi ogling at you, a strange look in his eyes and a small smile etched upon his beautiful face.

As much as you try to shrug it off as nothing important, something he did in the heat of the moment, you still feel something fluttering around in the pit of your stomach. 

And this time you decide to appreciate the feeling, maybe it’s not a big deal.

Maybe today, just today, it’s ok.

As the day blends into night, every single one of your friends goes from sober to tipsy, or drunk in some cases. You take a sip of the coffee you had ordered earlier, wincing at the taste. It’s not good, not at all. But you need something to sober you up a bit.

You glance at the dancefloor, noticing Hoseok and Jimin dancing together as if no one’s watching. And you feel oh-so happy at the sight, knowing how fucking whipped Jimin is for the man.

“Hoseok is the sun.” He had said, and you couldn’t agree more, seeing his thousand watt smile, aimed at Jimin. And at that moment, you think that maybe, Jimin’s feelings may be reciprocated.

Maybe.

You’ve been blanking for, well, probably far too long because when you focus again, Hoseok is nowhere to be seen and you notice Jimin waving his finger at you, in a motion that says come here. And you oblige eagerly, dropping your now cold cup of coffee on the table.

You and Jimin dance, and it’s fun. So fun. Your mind is empty, there’s nothing but here and now. No existential questions, no guilt over something you can’t control, no worries for the future. Just you and Jimin dancing together, Jimin twirling you playfully.

Nothing else.

Yes, he’s staring. 

As always, he’s fixated on you, looking at you like a starved man would look at a piece of bread. Like you’re a life line. How could he not?

He’s given up on trying to hide it long ago, can’t bring himself to care anymore.

You look so free, so happy, dancing at the center of the room, laughing sheepishly as Jimin twirls you around.

He cannot recall for the life of him what it was about you that had drawn him in at first.

Maybe it’s how you don’t understand the power you hold, how every time you walk in a room you look disoriented, lost.

Maybe it’s the way you try to make yourself small in any and every situation you find yourself in, only to fail each and every time because how could you ever be small, when you shine so brightly? When you hold all of the answers in the palm of your dainty hands?

Maybe it’s the witty sharpness of your tongue that’s drawn him in, or the way you manage to attach so much importance to trivial things like playing guitar around a campfire or watching the sunrise on a balcony early in the mornings.

He thinks he could search for a thousand years and yet never pinpoint exactly what it is that made you so special in his eyes.

When did Min Yoongi become so goddamn whipped?

It’s only when a glass of clear liquid is pushed right in front of him, on the table he’s been leaning on, that he breaks free from his train of thought. 

“Water for all that thirsting you’re doing,” 

He sharply whips his head towards his interlocutor with a pointed look.

Samantha laughs while taking a sip of her, by now, diluted Rum n’ coke. “If you’re trying to hide it you’re absolute shit at it.” 

Yoongi snorts, well aware of his condition. “I’m not trying to hide anything” 

The woman puts down her drink gently. “You’re not? You look like a love sick puppy, I know that look” Yoongi stills completely at that, mind going a thousand miles an hour. 

It’s not like that. Is it?

He grimaces. “I’m merely observing. It’s not what you think.” 

Samantha shoots him an incredulous look. 

“Oh but it so is,” No it’s not. “You haven’t texted me in weeks Yoongi.” 

His heart aches a bit at her words, guilt rushing through him like poison, burning his veins. “Yeah I’m.. I’m sorry. I’ve been busy, you know how it is..” He knows he shouldn’t lie, knows he’s being a dick. He should just tell her that they’re just buying time, time that they don’t have. 

Yoongi always prided himself on how straightforward and honest he is, always telling it like it is and shitting on people who aren’t. He only now realizes how hypocritical that is. Sure, when it comes to relatively easy things to say, he’s honest and unforgiving. When it comes to his own mistakes and hurting the people he loves the most though, he fails miserably.

“Yoongi..” She looks at him pleadingly. “Please, don’t lie to me..” She repeatedly rips the poor napkin that was innocently laying on the table, unaware of its fate before it was too late. “I know it’s over. You and me. We both know.” He stares at the table, unable to look his once lover in the eyes. Silent like a fucking mime. He’s a dick. 

She sighs. “I- I guess I was hoping it wasn’t over, you know?” He forces himself to shift his gaze to her soft face. Her delicate traits look harsher under the neon lights. “I know we said it wasn’t anything but sex.. It was selfish of me to think it would go back to what it was..” She trails off, voice cracking a bit. 

He can’t handle her crying, never been good at it. Especially when it’s because of him, he doesn’t deserve her tears.

“I love you, you know?” She drops what’s left of the napkin and looks deep in Yoongi’s eyes, blinking back tears. “I  also know you dont love me anymore.” 

I’m so fucking sorry.

She laughs, a sound rendered hoarse by emotions. “Don’t feel sorry, I know you didn’t mean to.” She takes his hand in hers.

“I’m sorry..” He still whispers. He has to at least say it.

“I know.” She smiles sadly. “I also see the way you look at her and I think-“ She stops, a pained look on her angelic face. “I think I have to let you go?” He stares at her, tears prickling at the corner of his eyes. He doesn’t want to cry, he hates crying.

 He can’t help it.

When the blond man speaks again, his airway feels constricted and his voice comes out raspy with emotions. “I-.. I never meant for it to end this way,” He clears his throat. “I’m sorry I didn’t treat you better.. You deserve better.” 

Samantha laughs, the sound tainted by sadness. “Nobody ever does Yoongi, we do the best we can.”

She suddenly gets up, smoothing her dress before bending down to leave a gentle kiss on Yoongi’s cheek. His heart aches again at the affectionate touch, he doesn’t deserve it.

“You know, you used to look at me that way.” She spares a quick glance at the dance floor. “Don’t let her get away before it’s too late, yeah?” Her tone is gentle, smooth. Like she already accepted it all. He wonders how long it’s been since she came to the realization. Before him, that’s for sure.

And just like that she’s gone, in more ways than one. And it’s good, Yoongi thinks. She’s much stronger than him, he’s a coward. Couldn’t tell her he doesn’t want her anymore, afraid to hurt her, so he ignored her instead.

In the end he hurt her more by doing so.

It seems that Yoongi has a knack for hurting the people who mean the most to him. Like he doesn’t know how to navigate relationships properly. He doesn’t want to, hates wounding people because of his actions. And yet, he did it again, and he loathes himself for it.

It takes him a few minutes to regain his senses. His chest stings, akin to the cold winter wind on bare cheeks. He searches for you on the dance floor, but you’re not there anymore. He has to scan the whole room before he notices you, waiting in line at the bar. 

You look a bit disheveled but still absolutely radiant, like all the bright lights in the room couldn’t compete even if they tried.

He sighs, picks up his now empty glass and heads towards the bar, determination permeating his every step.

Determination for what? 

He doesn’t know.

When your heels end up hurting your feet unbearably, you decide to head off to the bar to get another drink and give them a break for a bit. You’re waiting for your drink and desperately trying to smooth your hair when you feel a hand on your waist and freeze in your movement. You glance to your left.

Yoongi’s smiling softly at you and he drops off his arm as quickly as he had put it around you. You almost whine from the loss of physical contact but, thankfully, manage to swallow it down. You’d die from embarrassment otherwise. 

He orders a whiskey on the rocks before clearing his throat, eyes fixed on the liquor bottles decorating the shelves behind the bar. “Wanna get some fresh air?” You notice his eyes are a bit red, like he’d just been crying. Your heart sinks at the bottom of your stomach. “I know it’s not sunrise, but it’s still nice out.”

You gulp shakily. “Yeah of course, let me just grab my coat.” You head to your table and grab your things while Yoongi heads out the back door. You follow him.

The cold air hits you as soon as you step outside, making you shiver instinctively. Yoongi’s perched up on the white wood railing overlooking the immense vineyard. 

He wasn’t exaggerating, it’s absolutely stunning.

Rows and rows of grape vines supported by wood trellises, bathed in the cold, white moonlight. You slowly approach Yoongi with small steps and avoid looking in his direction, peering curiously at the fields in front of you instead. From the porch, the only sound you can hear is the muted conversations mixing with music from inside the building. And for a little while, that’s all there is. The both of you not uttering a single word.

And it’s not like usual, when the both of you are silent. In other instances you would feel calm and comfortable with silence. Silence is always comfortable with Yoongi. But not today, today you feel restless, anxious, and you can’t pinpoint why. It annoys you to no end, not knowing what to say. Then again, he’s the one who brought you outside. Let him talk first.

You fidget with the hem of your skirt and tap your fingers on the glass of wine in your right hand before taking a long sip. Which is exactly when he decides to break the slightly tense atmosphere. 

“It’s over between me and Sam,” He declares, a coarse quality to his firm tone.

And you can’t help the way your heart rate picks up at that, though you certainly do berate your inner self for the inappropriate and insensitive reaction. You swallow, not lowering the glass in your hand but letting it hang close to your lips.

You swiftly peer at Yoongi, whose gaze is still fixated on the horizon. “Oh,” A thousand questions come to mind but you won’t prod. “I’m sorry..” You whisper, lowering your head.

The man chuckles, which is definitely not what you expected. “Nah, don’t be. It’s been a long time coming, I’m glad.” You look back up to examine his expression, finding mostly serenitude and maybe a bit of regrets too, in the outer corner of those profound obsidian eyes. 

You ponder a bit before replying, unsure what to say, what’s an appropriate response to something like this? You don’t even know the details of their relationship.

“Then, why..,” You trail off, suddenly very shy. 

He cuts you off before you can continue. “Why what? Say what’s on your mind love”

You feel heat creeping up your neck at the cursed nickname, it never fails to throw you off tracks, each and every time.

You anxiously bite your bottom lip. “Why were you together, if you feel this way?”

There, it’s said, it’s out. No going back, he asked for it.

Yoongi sighs, straightening up a bit. "We were very much in love at first. Or I thought I was,” He takes a moment, seemingly pondering his next words carefully. "But I could never give her what she needed. That’s when I realized I had never been in love with her, and I broke it off a few months ago.” He takes a sip of his drink.

That’s a lot of information, more than you thought you’d get from him, with him being a pretty fucking private person and all. Something doesn’t add up though, which is why you ask the next question.

"So why were you still seeing each other then?” You know you’re asking questions you maybe shouldn’t. But he’s being open and sincere, offering answers so freely. There’s never been a better time than here and now.

"Why does anybody keep seeing their ex if they've broken up?” He chuckles bitterly. ”But it was selfish and I didn’t realize she was hurting,” He slumps down on the railing. "Or maybe I did and I was only thinking of myself.”

"Oh,” Your heart pinches a little at his confession, you’re not sure what to make of it. The thing with relationships is that things are never black or white, people fuck up time and time again, trying to be the best version of themselves, acting desperately and selfishly without realizing it. You’d be a hypocrite if you said you didn’t act this way once, or maybe multiple times. Relationships are messy, people are messy, emotions are messy. 

There’s no villains or victims. Only players, and they always end up losing one way or another. They also win too, there’s no clear prize. Only painful and happy moments, intertwining together in an intricate mess. That’s love, it’s not only beautiful and happy, it’s also sad and heart wrenching. Both at the same time.

You pause a long time before you reply, voice soft and hopefully soothing. "We’re only human, we’re greedy and self centered. Sam acted upon her own motives and you did too. There’s no one at fault here,” You explain. From your peripheral vision you see Yoongi turning his head towards you. 

Then there’s silence, long and charged with contradicting emotions. You wait patiently, you’ll always wait.

"I don’t want to be selfish, not if it hurts people.” He whispers hoarsely.

You turn your head and stare into his eyes tenderly. He looks pained, torn between two realities. You find yourself wanting to put the man in your pocket and hide him there, shield him from the harsh reality that you’re both living in.

"That’s okay. It’s the best we can do. It’s enough Yoongi. And it’s okay to be selfish from time to time too, you can think of yourself first sometimes. You deserve it.” You murmur gently, he looks so fragile, blond hair sweeping smoothly upon his forehead, the right side of his face bathed in soft moonlight, the other half hidden in the shadows.

And you think that’s what he is now, open and unprotected. But also subdued and concealed, like he’s not completely ready to divulge all that’s going through that bewitching mind of his. 

Maybe he never will be and that’s okay too, some things are better left unspoken. 

He leans a few inches forward, just enough to make you aware of his movement and looks away, gaze scanning the field in front of you both once more. "Do you think you’ll get married one day?” He asks.

You grab the railing with the palm of your hand. "I don’t know,” You sigh. "I never really thought about it when I was younger, you know? I was too busy running around left and right trying different things, playing new games, meeting new people,” You chuckle, recalling your adventurous childhood. 

"Then, in high school, I focused on my classes, lessons and hobbies. I didn’t even date anybody like most people do, but I didn’t mind. Maybe I missed out on the high school experience or something like that I don’t know,” You pause, smiling amusedly. "And then life happened and things got complicated and I never managed to keep a healthy relationship. So yeah, I don’t know. It’s not something I aspire to, you know?”

Yoongi hums before replying. "You didn’t miss out on much, high school sucks.”

You laugh light heartedly. "Yeah, you’re probably right.” 

You take another sip of your drink. "What about you?”

He shruggs. "I dunno. It’s not something I aspire to either. People ruin marriages so easily, like it adds an unnecessary pressure to stay together.”

You hum in agreement."Yeah I get you. If you start to feel forced to maintain something, that’s when it starts to collapse.”

"Yup.” He turns back to you, getting closer in the process. "Plus, like you said. People are selfish aren’t they?”

You let out a tiny chuckle. "Yeah, we all are.”

No one speaks after that, silence lingering on except for the quiet laughter and music from the people inside. It feels like in the matter of a second, the air gets denser and it’s harder to breathe. Like suddenly something very important is about to happen, or is already happening. You catch Yoongi’s eyes observing you curiously.

Before you can even comprehend what’s happening, his right hand is hovering just above your cheek, almost caressing it but not quite. And he’s looking at you, a vulnerable glint in his eyes. You take a shallow breath, and that’s all you can do not to crumble on the ground.

"Is it okay if I decide to be selfish right now?” He barely whispers, hand still hovering above your face. And you nod weakly, words are simply not an option at this very moment.

It happens slowly, his hand coming into contact with your over sensitive skin, thumb tracing the outer corner of your mouth. You can only sigh, closing your eyes for a moment, only a brief moment.

When you open them again, he’s drawing closer at a leisurely pace, like he’s got all the time in the world. Maybe he does.

And then it dawns on you, that he’s going to kiss you. You’re very aware when your heart picks up its pace at a maddening speed. And you can only listen to it, unable to move, too enraptured in his dark eyes and delicate touch.

He tilts your chin, now barely a few inches away.

Your breath hitches in your throat, and you brace yourself for what’s to come. Something you’ve dreamed about more than you’d like to admit.

You can feel the ghost of his lips on your own, and you can almost taste the expensive wine on his shallow breath. It’s excruciatingly long, the moment before he closes the distance completely, and you impatiently wait, very close to completely losing it.

"Hey Yoongi we’re about t-” You push Yoongi off and his back almost hits the wooden pillar, propelled by the sheer force of your movement. You blush profusely, cursing at yourself in the process.

"Oh I’m- I’m sorry.. We’re just-” Namjoon stops, rubbing his neck in a motion that clearly indicates he’s feeling very awkward. "Me and Jungkook were looking for you, just-” "When you’re done with,” He trails off motioning to the both of you. "Come see us, yeah?”

Yoongi groans and sharply nods, visibly irritated.

Then Namjoon goes back inside, leaving you both to ponder on what the fuck almost happened.

You gulp loudly, avoiding his burning stare. "We should probably-”

"Yeah let’s go back inside.” He sternly says, making you wince involuntarily.

The shift in his tone and mood gives you whiplash. Did you do something wrong? You didn’t mean to push him away, it just kinda happened. Like a reflex of some sort. Is that what he’s mad about? 

You timidly nod, the both of you head inside quickly.

The rest of the night is long and anxiety inducing. You keep glancing at Yoongi, who seems like he’s refusing to meet your eyes. And you almost tear up a few times, what the fuck did you do?

You keep looking out for moments to talk to him, one on one. But you’re both always surrounded by friends. You catch Namjoon shooting you an apologetic look once or twice, though he has nothing to apologize for. 

Then the night finally draws to an end, and you go back to Seokjin’s car with the latter, Jimin and Taehyung. They drop you off, the last two being so drunk they eventually pass out in the car on the way.

When you unlock the door to your apartment, you kick your heels off and head straight to the shower, feeling more like a zombie than an actual person. Like you’re on autopilot, barely there.

And it’s not until your head hits the soft downy pillow that you allow yourself to shed a tear, or maybe two.

Maybe more.

You stopped counting.

a/n: it can’t be fluffy and cute all the time okay, OKAY?

thanks for reading and see you next time, byyyyyye :-)

// to be added to the sunrises & liquor tag list click right here and interact with the taglist post, thank you for reading <3

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[robingurlscorner]

Mad Hatter Halloween Thing?

So I really have no idea where I was going with this but I truly am loving it and wanting to continue this. I'm going to have to bug Miles (friend) and ask her if she remembers where I was going with it.


Wayne Manor had been thoroughly decorated by Aunt Harriet and Dick Grayson that weekend, the house was covered in scary Halloween decorations: fake spider webs hung off the giant windows of course donning the fake plastic spiders, the table clothes on all the tables had been changed to orange, red or some other Autumn/Halloween color. When Bruce arrived back from his weekend out with the Millionaire’s golf club he was surprised, ducking under a spider web he headed towards the main room but stopped in mid step when he smelled the faint scent of pumpkin pie.

Following his nose, Bruce wound up in the giant Wayne Kitchen to see Dick’s Aunt peering over a stove, behind her Dick was at the table hovering over his homework. “Well, good afternoon!”
Dick looked up, face brightening. “Bruce! You’re back!”

“My manor has been transformed into something out of the Munsters.” Bruce exclaimed setting his bag down on a chair and taking off his jacket.

“Do you like it? It took us two days.”

“I love it.” Bruce then glanced to Aunt Harriet who was looking quite pleased with herself. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek before taking another whiff of the baking pie. “And what’s this? We are making pies?”

“Yes, these are for the women’s circle tonight but I will make some for the rest of us tomorrow while Dick is at school and you are at work.”

“She thinks we’ll try and steal some otherwise,” Dick finished for her trying not to smile.

“Dick Grayson, you would be in here stealing bites left and right if I didn’t send you to school and Bruce, you wouldn’t be any better, after all you encourage the boy.”

“Why, I do nothing of the sort.” Bruce raised his eye brows with clear amusement trying his hardest not to look at his ward knowing full well he’d burst out laughing if he did. “Dick, want some help with that homework?”

“Yes, please. Take him out of here, the pies are distracting him and he needs to pass that mid-term.” Aunt Harriet walked over to the table and gathered Dick’s books, paper and pencils thrusting them in Bruce’s hands. “Be a good dear and go finish your work, I’ll have some cookies finished by then for you and Bruce to snack on.”

~

Elsewhere in the outskirts of Gotham City a devilish plot was beginning. The giant hill that stood hovering over all of Gotham was home to many of Gotham’s richer citizens but farther from the city were the run down houses and shacks that were no longer used.

Except one.

Everyone in the city just knew her as crazy old Agatha, a senile old woman who thought she was still living back in the twenties with her husband, Charlie. The kids thought she was an evil witch and therefore not get near her. The adults just sighed when she passed feeling sorry for her.

“They all laugh at me…” a voice muttered in the darkness of the run down shack. A hand reached out from the darkness pale and wrinkly with a match struck. The other hand reached out to grab a candle, lighting the candle it set it back down and the mystery figure blew out the match watching the smoke float in the air and disappear.

"Yes they laughed at you," another voice interjected. The candle light didn't show the second figure's face either. "But not for long my dear, with your help Gotham will know the true meaning of fear."

Another candle was lit and a warm glow broke through the cold darkness illuminating the two figures, one was  a woman with a hood over her face, the other a man with a top hat. "You still haven't told me what you wanted with me anyway."

"Let's just say at midnight on Halloween Gotham City is going to fall to it's knees." The man responded crossing his arms then grinning, his teeth glowing in the dim lit room. "And missing a few hats."

~

"I'm really glad you liked the decorations, I was afraid it may have been too much." Dick said as he and Bruce sat down in the Study. "Halloween just reminds me of my parents and home so Aunt Harriet always out does

herself."

"Dick, really, it's wonderful." Bruce squeezed the teenager’s shoulder reassuringly getting a nervous smile in return.  "Now, about this homework." Just as Dick was opening up his school book the batphone started to beep.

Glancing at each other they hopped up and Dick watched Bruce answer it. "Yes Comminsor?"

Dick leaned further towards Bruce and heard the voice on the other line, "Mad Hatter is back in town claiming if we don't follow his demands all of Gotham will be under his mercy."

"Oh does he then? I'll be interested in seeing what he's planning, don't pay any attention to him, Robin and I will be there shortly." Bruce put the phone down and looked down at his young ward, "Well, guess that math will have to wait." Dick responded by putting down his book and pulling down the head of Shakespeare. Bruce turned the switch, "To the bat poles!"