#just keeps teasing him and maybe blowing it out of proportion

[firebirdsdaughter]

But no…

… Seriously, that person is right and they should say it.

Even if it’s for a moment, that could’ve been a great character moment and made, for ex, Elena a less unlikable character for me (I get where she’s coming from, but goddamn she doesn’t exactly make it easy to take her side) bc it would’ve given an opportunity to have her see other people being effected/there being consequences of the way she tried to do things. Could’ve been some good reasonable tension between Ben and Elena where she’s unsympathetic/tries to make it about her and he’s upset w/ that, and she realises how single minded/obstinate she’s being.

Also good bonding for the trio, bc you know Kevin would get such a kick out of finding out Ben was emotional about thinking they were dead or something and never let him hear the end of it; or worse, bc imagine them getting there after Kevin and Gwen were forced to retreat or hide and seeing the car empty and being afraid that the chips took over them. Bc I do love the idea of Ben frantically running to the car he’d just called ‘the most obnoxious muscle car in the world’ looking for his family.

I mean, c’mon, the film’s not even seventy minutes, we coulda had some more!

[house-strong]

— THE LORDLING and the girl ʾ ⋆

summary ; requested by anon.

“So I want to request headcanons (or one-shot Idk) Luke with a fem! servant! reader (or else u can choose!) that absolutely loves to tease and fluster him, or maybe, just a relationship between them?? It doesn't matter actually I just want more stuff with Luke lmao.”

pairing ; lucerys velaryon x servant!reader

notes ; i can’t really write headcanons i hope a fic is alright 😭 for the sake of this fic, both you and luke are the same age and there will be NO sexual innuendos. just minor schoolyard teasing and kitty fluff. also this is kinda short, my apologies :(

lucerys velaryon was a short-sighted enigma.

one day, he could be playful; his laughter bouncing off the walls of dragonstone and bringing life to the dreary, volcanic castle. another day, he could be so serious and stone cold, almost like he was like another aemond targaryen reincarnate.

but one thing was for sure, he did like his mothers personal servant girl.

a pretty thing, without a doubt, you were drastically different to the white silver locks of hair he had grown accustomed to seeing. with a radiant smile and giggle that made his heart flutter a little faster and his face flush, he didn’t know what this meant.

i mean, he hasn’t even spoken to you himself.. yet. he hardly even knew your name.

he could go out and seek an answer to the weird feeling he was getting. maybe he was sick and you happened to cause it to become obnoxiously obvious? no, doesn’t sound like any sickness he’s heard of, at least. growing up in a family of mostly men was also difficult – he didn’t want to be jested or ridiculed, it was the one thing that annoyed him the most.

jace, without a doubt, would do such thing. he wasn’t always a reliable source of knowledge either – his elder brother would probably blow the idea out of proportion and involve their mother. thats the one person lucerys wants to keep out of this conversation. perhaps his step-father, daemon? he would be too enamored by rhaenyra to make jests of the situation, then again, he also didn’t seem like a reliable source to take wisdom from.

perhaps.. rhaena? who else better knew about this sort of thing than girls?

once luke had paced up and down his room, trying to formulate his questions without sounding.. odd, was weird. he left his room and greeted the the knight that stood at his door. he turns on his heel and makes haste to find rhaena.

he’s too busy walking briskly down the endless halls and corridors, that he doesn’t notice you holding a tray of desserts. his body collides with yours, the tray is thrown from your grasp and little cakes are sent flying. your arms flail desperately as you try to find something, anything, that will break your fall.

to no avail, you land on your back against the floor and lucerys’ weight on top of you is painfully obvious.

“get.. off me!” you say through a struggled breath, your hands moving to grasp his shoulders and roll him over to the side. he helps you and flops rather ungracefully against the cold floor on the other side of you.

he’s the first to sit up, eyes wide with horror and mouth open wide. he doesn’t even realize who had had.. oh no. he turns to observe your face, drinking in the appearance of disheveled hair and clothes that were now evidently marked yellow with cake. he looks down at his own clothes, a gasp leaving him as his hand scramble to swipe away the yellow crumbs. his mom is going to kill him.

there’s a noise coming from him and he’s sure that he’s hurt you. he tries to muster an apology, but his words come out in shuddered breaths and an uneven tone.

he only realizes by looking at your face that you’re laughing.

“wha–” the word of surprise doesn’t even fully come out and he’s struggling to find the source of why you’re laughing. he looks at the splattered array of cakes on the floor. “why are you laughing?”

“because it’s funny, little lordling,” you respond, pushing yourself off the floor and on to your knees. with a few more final laughs of realization, you move to pickup the pies off the floor. “does your mother know you have two left feet?”

little lordling. two left feet. see, if it was jace calling him these names, he and his brother would’ve been on the floor wrestling. no doubt jace would’ve been victorious as he was older and stronger. but, to his dismay, you were a girl. he couldn’t do much but respond back with equally teasing remarks. of course, he didn’t know how to do that.

despite your quips, luke tries to help you rid the crumbled pies off the floor, “i’m not a lordling,” he counters, disdain on the tip of his tongue. “and i’m not little.”

you rise to your feet, as does the heir to driftmark. your eyes meet, leveled and unrelenting.

“we’re the same height,” you say in disbelief. you watch lucaerys furrow his brows as if he didn’t understand. “i get called little.” touché.

lucerys opens his mouth to protest, but he’s interrupted by the sudden appearance of princess rhaenyra, his mother. she wears a shocked expression on her face, one that has the shadow of a smile.

“now, what happened here?” her words are like honey on the ears, compelling you to tell the truth.

you immediately move to give the princess a curtsy, “my apologies, my princess. it seems that your son and i both have two left feet. it will not happen again.” a formal gesture, one that the princess dips her head in response.

the princess mother gives a small chortle of delight, observing the way that lucerys shoots you a glare. his resolve softens though and his face betrays him. the soft flush of pink crawls up his neck and it seems that without any further evidence, she knows.

“luke, my love, why don’t you help (y/n) with gathering more cakes? we wouldn’t want to disappoint joffrey.” her jeweled hand moves to ruffle lucerys’ hair and he too sends a glare towards his mother.

“mother,” he tries to protest, but a raise of her brows quickly quiets his cries. he then mutters out a small, ‘okay,’ of defeat.

you pick up the tray and luke brushes away the remnants on his clothes, nose scrunching as he follows you blindly to what he assumes would be the kitchens. that’s where you get cakes.. right?

once you’re both out of earshot of his mom, “just so you know, i’m not a lord, i’m a prince.” he says the title almost boastfully – though his soft resolve does little to back up the proud statement.

“whatever you say,” you pause, walking through the corridor into the kitchens of dragonstone. each maid, cook, steward, and servant make sure to bow when lucerys passes by. you take a moment to share a look with him, the corner of your lips rising into a small, playful smirk. “little lordling.”

[theboywithburninghands]

Hello! I have brought to you today what is perhaps the sweetest and pile-of-sugariest Jesterbunnydoll chapter I have ever written. I spent all of today working on it. And I think it came out good! Definitely pure fluff and fun, no horror or heavy themes this time (apart from Pomni being a little upset she's short). Also features an important milestone in these stories that I won't spoil. Hope you like it, I had a blast writing it. T/W: None :D Lake Hair, Don't Care

Pomni was never thrilled with her appearance in the Circus. Sure, everyone around here looked ridiculous, it was a cartoon after all… But it was a lot easier to notice how dumb she looked when she was in a swimsuit. 

It wasn’t anything revealing, just a one piece swimsuit, neatly divided into red and blue vertically (of course), but… ugh, it just highlighted everything wrong with her proportions. Her arms were gangly and a size too long, and her bulbous head shouldn’t have been supported by her stick of a body. 

Pomni observed these things as she looked in the mirror in her room. She supposed it was a little entitled of her to complain about how she looked when Caine had actually let her wear a different outfit other than her little jester costume (sans her coxcomb hat, but that was now removable as well, and her shoes, which were swapped with a pair of aquadynamic ones). This was his way of apologizing after the whole House of Tricks fiasco. 

There was a knock on the door. 

Ragatha: Hey Pomni, you ready? Jax is already down at the beach. 

Pomni: *swallows* Yeah, here I come…

The jester took another moment to look herself over, blowing a raspberry through her lips before traipsing to the door and opening it up. 

Ragatha: Hey, there she is! Oh my gosh, look at you..! Ragatha put her hands together and beamed down at Pomni’s new outfit. The doll woman was in a one-piece swimsuit as well, the same indigo as the darker cloth patches on her usual dress. She was missing her hair bow and her shoes and socks, her feet unsurprisingly ending with no toes. Pomni thought she wore the swimsuit better, given her more humanoid proportions. 

Pomni: *weak smile* You look nice. 

Ragatha: So do you, hun! *tilts her head* Are you keeping the hat on in the lake?

Pomni: Oh. No, I can take it off now.

Pomni removed her cap. Her black hair stuck out in a few places, but overall kept to its bob-cut shape. Ragatha’s eye glimmered at the sight, and her mouth was open in a silent gasp of delight. 

Pomni: I know, I know… I look cute. I was hoping this outfit made me look… I dunno. Prettier?  

Ragatha crouched down to Pomni’s level with a gentle smile. Before the jester could utter another word, Ragatha planted a soft kiss on her lips, her cheeks dusted with pink. 

Ragatha: You’re the prettiest girl in the circus. 

Pomni: *red-faced but smiling* Funny. I only see one pretty girl around here. 

Ragatha: Is that what you say to the mirror every morning?

Pomni laughed sheepishly at the doll’s compliments and buried her face in her shoulder to hide her scorching blush, Ragatha scooping her girlfriend up in a hug. 

Ragatha: I mean it, you look incredibly pretty. Jax is gonna flip when he sees you. 

Pomni: Ha. He’ll probably say I belong in The Lollipop Guild. 

Ragatha: If he does, tease him right back. Have you seen what Caine gave him to wear? He looks like a candy cane. 

Pomni: *giggles* Really?

Ragatha: Trust me babe, just wait. Anyway, you know he loves you. He’s just shy about it. Come on!

Ragatha led her girlfriend out of the hallway into the stage area.

Pomni: You know, he feels the same way about you.

Ragatha: Psssh, come on, he and I have been bickering with each other for years now. 

Pomni: Yeah, I know. I remember how he acted when I first got here. But… I dunno, I think something is different. 

Ragatha: You sure he’s not just trying to stay out of trouble for your sake?

Pomni: Well, maybe at first… I don’t know. I feel like… You ever look at someone you know really well, and you can just… tell something’s changed? Not necessarily in a bad way, but… ugh, it’s-it’s hard to explain. 

Ragatha: No, no, I totally get it. It’s a really valuable skill. 

The two women left the tent and headed out onto the grounds.

Pomni: I don’t remember much of anything about outside, but I feel like this is sort of normal for me. It’s really fuzzy, but I think I had a lot of trouble with that. Back in uh… reality. Unless I was really close to someone I couldn’t… tell what they were thinking? But if I knew someone, like, knew knew someone, I was really in tune with how they felt. Almost to a fault…

Ragatha: *she thinks for a little while* Hm. I don’t know what I would call that. I know I like to help with people’s problems, but I’m not a qualified shrink. Maybe it’s like a hyperfixation?

Pomni: Huh?

Ragatha: A hyperfixation. Like I said, I’m not a professional, but… Oh, hold that thought. Hey Jax! Ragatha waved eagerly at the beach by the lake. Jax had already set up three lounge chairs for them under a large, cerulean umbrella. The rabbit crouched down, out of sight behind the chairs save for his long purple ears. 

Jax: Yeah, hey, what’s up. Where did I put that stupid thing..?

Jax climbed to his feet, hands on his hips. Pomni bit hard on her lower lip. Ragatha’s comparison to a candy cane was right on the money. Jax was in a one piece swimsuit like the girls, but one of those old fashioned ones with polo stripes. Pinkish-red and white horizontal stripes went from his hips to his shoulders. 

Ragatha: Did you lose something? Jax: Nah, I musta put it- *he turns, sees Pomni and looks at her silently for moment* …Weeell, look at you, Pompom.~

Jax’s usual half-lidded grin spread across his face. Pomni felt her face scorch again and she looked away, suddenly very interested in counting grains of sand. 

Pomni: Don’t call me Pompom…

Jax: You look great. *he snaps his fingers* Oh! I remember where I put it. 

Jax knelt down beside one of the lounge chairs and groped about under it. Ragatha beamed and gave Pomni a quick “told-you-so” elbow, the jester smiling and mouthing for her to be quiet.

Ragatha: So how’s the water, Jax? 

Jax: *stands up and dusts off his bathing suit, turning to the girls* I dunno. You tell me. 

Ragatha was doused with a vaporous jet of water, letting out an alarmed shriek. Pomni jolted and took a few steps back, looking from Ragatha to Jax. The rabbit held a bulky plastic water gun, orange with steely gray trim, in his left hand, his right on the gun’s pneumatic pump. His grin almost reached his ears as he pumped the gun a few times and took aim at Pomni. 

Pomni: JaaaAAAX! The jester made a clumsy but effective attempt at a dodge roll behind the lounge chairs, the plastic gun’s cone of water mostly ending spraying all over the chairs. 

Jax: Aww, Pomni! Look what you made me do! 

Jax began to pump again, but his follow-up volley was stopped by a pair of damp ragdoll arms seizing him about the torso and hoisting him up off his feet. 

Ragatha: So you wanna play like that, little man?~ 

Ragatha marched into the water, holding Jax like a squirming, six foot toddler. 

Jax: Hey Rags, c’mon, I was gonna give you a turn too, hey, WAIT, RAGATHA-!

Pomni peered out from over the lounge chairs, just in time to see Ragatha flash a grin of mock malice and toss Jax into the lake, the rabbit hitting the water like a bag of rocks and sending a geyser of water up into the air. Ragatha then held her nose and hopped into the deeper water, sinking under the surface. Her mane of red yarn hair vanished into the blue water in a hiss of bubbles, resurfacing in about three or four seconds.

Ragatha: Phew! It’s actually so much better when you’re already a little wet. It feels great!

Jax resurfaced not long after Ragatha, his demeanor more like a wet cat than a wet rabbit. 

Jax: Oh yeah, I sure wish I had that luxury. 

Ragatha smirked, picking up the squirt gun floating in the water and aiming it one-handed at Jax, spraying him point blank with a cone of mist. 

Jax: ACK-! Hey!

Ragatha: Whoopsie-daisy, how did that happen?~ *turning to Pomni* Hey, jump in, Pomni! It’s super refreshing!

Jax: Yeah, it’s only freezing until your nerves go into shock… 

Pomni gulped. She put her coxcomb hat on one of the lounge chairs. Nothing to be afraid of, just a little… water. Very cold water. She clenched her teeth and ran across the sand, making a steady groan of anticipation as her water shoes splashed in the shallow water. Her groan crescendoed into a squeal as she took a flying leap at the deep water, Ragatha and Jax both covering their faces to avoid getting drenched further.There was a splash and a whirlwind of bubbles. The deep blue lakewater engulfed her and she felt its chill set in. It was cold! But juuust teetering on the edge of too cold, a pleasant middle ground between brisk and comfortable. She resurfaced and spouted some water. 

Pomni: Oh-! Oh, this… this is… nice! It’s cold but… it hits the spot! 

Ragatha: Right? I forgot how good this feels! Ragatha sank backwards into the water and closed her eye with a content sigh, her braids of yarn drifting lazily on the surface. Pomni felt an unpleasant pang of self-consciousness when she realized that her boyfriend and girlfriend had no issue standing in this part of the lake while she still needed to tread water… although it was immediately quashed when she felt a blast of water vapor gush against the back of her head. 

Pomni: JAX! 

Jax: *holding the water gun* Whaaaat? You’re already wet. 

Pomni: Grrr… gimme that thing! Pomni dove for the water gun, Jax holding it over his head like an older student dangling a younger student’s milk money just out of reach. 

Jax: Oops, gotta be quicker than that. *winks*

Pomni furrowed her brow and sank into the water until she felt her feet touch the lakebed, pushing off of it with enough momentum to leap up and lock her legs around Jax’s torso. 

Jax: Woah-ho! *sways due to the extra weight* Easy there, slothgirl! 

Pomni: Give me the gun, Jax! Pomni reached her hand up towards the gun Jax still held out of reach, her fingers just barely able to brush the wet plastic. Jax, realizing the jester’s face was just about flush with his, grinned deviously. In a blink, he pressed his wet lips to hers. 

Pomni: MNN-! …Mmm. 

Pomni’s squeak of protest became a warm hum as she gladly accepted this little surprise. She wrapped her arms around Jax’s neck and deepened the kiss, the rabbit lowering his arms to support his girlfriend better. Ragatha put a hand to her mouth, laughing and turning slightly pink.

Ragatha: No complaints here. 

Pomni, opening one eye to check if Jax was fully immersed in their kiss. Upon seeing both of his eyes were closed, a tiny smirk crept to the corners of her mouth and she sprung her trap. Using her full weight, she suddenly pulled backwards towards the lake, yanking Jax, whose eyes shot open, face first under the water. Pomni wriggled free of his arms and weight and grabbed the water gun, giving it a few hasty pumps once she resurfaced and taking aim at Jax as he re-emerged from the lake, wiping blue water out of his eyes. He realized that he had been cornered and sighed, rolling his eyes and holding up his hands in surrender. 

Jax: Alright, alright, shoot your shot. Just don’t go for the face, yeah?

Pomni leveled the water gun, squinting one eye for a better shot…

Pomni: Nah. *tosses the gun aside# I’ve got hands. *she rears back and pushes the water forward, sending a small wave right at Jax’s face*

Jax: Gah-! Oh, you just made a huge mistake.. *he makes a fist, covers it with the other hand and gives a mighty slam to the lake in front of him, causing a massive burst of water to soak both Pomni and Ragatha* Pomni: ACK-! Ragatha: HEY, you got me with that one! Jax: Oh, I’m sooo sorry, my aim is just terrible… *he blinks innocently*

Pomni and Ragatha shared looks of annoyance, then turned to leer at Jax. 

Jax: Uh. Cr@%. 

Jax was promptly beset with a torrent of water from both Pomni and Ragatha. Sheet after sheet of blue lakewater hit the rabbit as he held his hands out in a feeble attempt to stop the deluge of splashes. 

Jax: Come ooon, two on one ain’t fair!

Jax took one of the arms currently blocking his face and held it out lengthwise beside him, dipping his hand into the water. With a grunt of effort, he spun in a full circle, water flying out in a crescent moon in front of him and hitting both girls, who cried out with delight as they were doused in water. 

Jax: Free for all rules. No more alliances. Fair? 

Ragatha: Fair. *she promptly splashes Pomni*

Pomni: HEY- why you-! 

Jax: Ahhhh, I love the smell of anarchy in the morning… *hit in the face by a rogue splash# EGH- pbbbbt…

—

The splash war ended up only being about a half hour of the three performers’ time in the lake. The rest of the time was spent in a pleasant cycle of air-drying on the lounge chairs, then getting back in the water once they were completely dry so they could feel the refreshing embrace of the lake in full once again. They repeated this routine until the sky had turned cotton-candy pink in the sunset. They toweled off, packed up their things, and headed back to the tent. They were tired yet merry, and ready to spend the rest of the evening relaxing. 

Pomni: …That was great. Thank you so so much, you guys.This is the happiest I’ve felt in… well… I think it might be the happiest I’ve ever been here. 

Ragatha: Aw, Pomni… I had a great time too. We should do something like this again sometime soon. 

Jax: I’m with Rags. In between the LARPing, we should find time for just… us. Doesn’t have to be at the lake. 

Pomni: I don’t really have a way to repay you guys, but…

Pomni stood on her tiptoes and pecked Jax on the cheek, then Ragatha. 

Pomni: …I’ll remember today for the rest of my life.

Pomni’s voice wavered ever so slightly before she went into her bedroom. Jax rubbed the spot where Pomni kissed him reverently. His chest felt tight, but it ached in a good way. 

Ragatha: So, what are you gonna do the rest of tonight? 

Jax: Eh. Who knows. I feel like I could go straight to sleep. 

Ragatha: Yeah… end today now while it’s still perfect, right?

Jax: …You know? I think I’m willing to take one more risk. 

Ragatha: Is that right? *she smirks, raising an eyebrow* What kind of risk? Jax: Yeah. I dunno. Something like this?

Jax closed the distance between them. He kept a calm expression, but internally his heart pounded like a broken washing machine. He slowly but deliberately reached out a hand towards Ragatha’s cheek. She could tell him to stop whenever she wanted and he would. But she didn’t tell him to stop. 

Her cheek was plush, her fabric-like skin a little rough from the lakewater. It was… warm. Ragatha gently leaned her cheek into his touch. His composure began to slip. 

Jax: Didn’t- Didn’t think I’d get this far… eheh… 

Ragatha: So now that you have gotten this far. What are you going to do?

Jax: Uh… wh-what did you want me to do..? 

Ragatha: Hmm. *she smiled and took Jax’s hand off of her cheek* I dunno. I guess next time you should plan further ahead. Ragatha turned to walk away, leaving Jax standing in the middle of the hall, his hand still half-raised. The doll paused, then turned back to the rabbit.  

Ragatha: But, just a suggestion? She pressed her lips to his, popping her foot out girlishly, ending the kiss with a short and chaste “chu~” sound Ragatha: For next time, something like that might be good. 

Ragatha trotted back to her room, this time actually leaving Jax standing in the middle of the hallway. He licked his lips, stood staring for a moment longer, then walked back to his room.

[materialgworlas]

HOLD ON- LEVI ACKERMAN X FEM READER

Loving and fighting, accusing, denying

“I’m sick of your shit Levi!” you yelled, rushing to pack your things in the shared bedroom. “What the hell Y/n?! What is it this time?!” he yelled right back. “THIS TIME?!” You Screeched “THIS TIME IT’S THE FACT THAT I COME TO SURPRISE YOU AT WORK WHEN APPARENTLY YOU’VE BEEN FCKING FIRED FOR 2 MONTHS!!... What’s that? Nothing? What I fucking thought.” you snapped, shoving more clothes into a suitcase.

By now Levi had stormed into the bedroom, a pit forming in his stomach seeing his heavily pregnant girlfriend packing her bags. But what could he say? You were right. He should’ve told you as soon as it happened but pride stopped him- and he could never find the right time to come clean since you were either tired from your work or tired from your pregnancy… he didn’t want to add to your stress, so the lies continued.

I can’t imagine a world with you gone

“You don’t fucking understand!” he growled, snatching your wrist from grabbing anymore clothes. “Get the fuck off me Levi Ackerman before I put you flat on your ass! There’s nothing TO understand; you lied to me- for 2 damn months!” “And in those two months you don’t think I’ve been trying to making things better? Get a new fucking job so I can provide for us and the baby?!” “How the hell would I know; you never talk to me about anything anymore.” “Because I didn’t want you to worry-“ “Well it’s too damn late for that!” you yelled yanking your arm out of his grasp.

“Fuck!” he yelled rushing his fingers through his hair whilst his heart beat wildly in his chest. “This is what you do, Y/n, you blow everything out of proportion- making shit seem bigger than it actually is. Yes, I was fired, but that hasn’t stopped me from paying rent and buying YOU things! I’ve been so fucking stressed with finding a new job that pays as well as my last. You wanna know why we don’t talk- because I’m so damn tired of this all!” Levi yelled, slightly shocked to find you stock still, listening to every word.

“…Your tired of it all?” You breathed out, “Tired of lying to me? or just me in general? or maybe it’s the fucking baby-“ “Don’t you dare blame our child!” he snapped storming over to you- getting right up in your face. You stumbled back a bit, shocked at his sudden movements. He froze seeing the fear in your eyes, feeling his heart break in real time. The two of you just sat there for a moment, staring at one another, horrified.

 How did it come to this?

The joy and the chaos,

The truth is You and Levi had a healthy relationship, starting out as friends before realising the feeling you had for each other were stronger that a friendship and started dating not long after you confessed to him. Hange and Erwin would always tease it was love at first sight and call you the perfect couple- and for the longest time you were. Both madly in love with one another, regularly going out on date nights and finding different ways to keep the romance alive. It seemed you couldn’t be more in love- but just wait until you found out you were pregnant; your man was in literal tears. Levi was so ecstatic to be having a child with you and vowed he’d to everything in his power to protect you both. You could tell he meant every word.

the demons we're made of

Which is why these last 2 months’ hurts as much as they did. It seemed you both weren’t yourselves. Of course you were still in love and all that jazz, but it felt like you were slowly slipping away from each other. Of course now you could blame in on Levi getting fired but you knew you’d become more distant in the relationship- especially when your belly was visibly showing. Your mind was plagued with insecurities, what if I don’t look the same after I give birth? Will I get stretch marks? Will Levi still love me if I get fat? What if he doesn’t want the child? What if I don’t want the child? What if I’m a bad mother? Normally you’d come to your loving boyfriend about your problems, but pride stopped you. Instead you chose to silently resent him. resent him for loving you.

“No…” Levi breathed out as a silent tear ran down your smooth brown skin. You felt your lips quiver looking at his heart broken face.  “I’m sorry.” You whimpered in unison before crushing each other in a tight embrace. You stayed like that for the better part of an hour, just holding each other in silence- wiping the stray tears that formed on your faces, feeling each other’s heartbeat.

I’d be so lost if you left me alone.

Eventually you had to get up, explaining you had to pee quickly and shuffled to the bathroom. Levi just sat there, anxiously waiting for you to come back. 10 minutes, 20, 30- “Y-y/n?” your boyfriend croaked, slowly approaching the bathroom door. Silence. “Y/n?” he repeated, with more panic in his tone. Still, nothing. “Y/n are you okay?” he yelped. A small groan made its way to him, making his heart drop.

It only took him three tries to break through the door, only to find you lying on the floor unconscious, your braids had spilled from the messy bun they were in, dried tear marks stained your face- but what stopped your boyfriend dead in his tracks was the copious amounts of blood that pooled out from under you- staining your white night gown.

In an instant your man was on his knees, scooping you into his arms- placing his head on your chest to feel your present but weak heartbeat. He left sick. Physically sick, seeing you in this state- knowing he was probably the cause. A pained sob ripped through Levi’s throat as he begged and begged over and over “Please don’t leave me.”

He took your limp hand giving it a strong squeeze before he lifted up your whole body as gently as he could. Levi Ackerman was a smart man- he knew the ambulance would take too long and time was of the essence. He steadily made his way out the house and skilfully unlocked the car door whilst cradling you in his arms, before placing you gently in the passenger seat. Hold on, Levi thought, I still want you.

Levi drove like a mad man, speeding down the long endless highways with you silent beside him- driving through a nightmare he couldn’t escape. Running red lights, making dangerous turns, all in the name of love. Levi wasn’t a man of God, but in this moment of desperation he began helplessly praying that the light, your light, wasn’t fading. All while his bones violently shook- as if trying to fight off the horrible shocks and chills that came in waves over his body. A weak sob escaped your lips, which almost made him break his neck trying to look in your direction. Attempting to sooth you with kind words while you mumbled incoherent sentences.

A sense of relief washed over your boyfriend as the medical staff sprang into action when he’d brought you in- both drenched in blood. He was desperate to follow you, wherever they took you. It took a gaggle of staff to hold him back as he helplessly watched them take you away on a table. The man restlessly paced back and forth in the waiting room, an image of you lying still on the floor plagued his mind. He’d imagined the deafening beep of you flat lining followed by doctors swarming your body shocking you over and over with a defibrillator- desperately trying to pull a heartbeat out of you.

It was all too much, right there in the waiting room Levi broke down. On his hands and knees again screaming “Please don’t leave me!”

Hold on, I still want you

Come back, I still need you

Let me take your hand, I'll make it right

I swear to love you all my life

Hold on, I still need you

He wished it was all a horrible dream, a sick joke his subconscious was playing on him. Levi didn’t want to let go of the love of his life. he believed he wasn’t strong enough to raise a child by himself. All he wanted was to hear your voice one last time saying “Baby, let’s go home.”

Let’s go home.

“I just want to take you home.” He whimpered, cradling his son, your son, whilst looking at your lifeless body through the glass

Hold on, I still want you

Come back, I still need you

[batmanrogues-scenarios]

Ooh! I got an angsty one! Since Riddler always is boasting about his intelligence, he’s always talking down to others, and calls everyone morons and idiots. What if this extents to his behavior with his s/o. He might not even be trying to be mean or hurt them, he’s just used to viewing everyone as an less than him. Either way, it is NOT okay, and his s/o knows this. And they eventually get fed up, and they just let him have it. They have a breakdown and start yelling at him, tears in their eyes that THEY. AREN’T. STUPID! Maybe they’re not as smart as him, and maybe they have their moments of being a ditz. But they are by no means an idiot. They tell him every single thing they CAN do and HAVE done. They bring up that unlike everyone else in Gotham, they can actually solve his riddles. They even tell him they don’t know why he keeps them around if he really thinks that little of them, and that they should be thanking them for putting up with his behavior for so long, because no one else is going to.

Oof

Riddler realizing he's a dick

Riddler was so used to calling everyone else idiots that he might accidentally move this behavior to S/O

S/O knew how highly he things of himself so they weren't suprised but man it still hurted

One day Riddler did another of his "Oh you wouldn't understand sweetie" and since they already had bad day they snaped

Just screams at him to stop calling them that, that they actually helped him in his plans they aren't stupid!

Riddler doesn't understand why they're so angry, he was teasing them; beside no one is as smart as him so it's normal to talk to people that way

They bring up that they can actually solve his stupid riddles

Then he gets angry cause his riddles aren't stupid if they were everyone would know answer

Thinks they're blowing it out of proportions and need to see bigger picture

S/O tell him that the bigger picture is that they stayed with him despite his behavior and he should be thankful since no one else would

He just 'Hah' them and tells he has henchmen for that

S/O just starts crying and says if he thinks of little of them and he shouldn't have kept them if that the case and storms off

He just screams "Maybe I shouldn't have!" after them

Just angry for the rest of the day and cannot take this fight out of his mind and keeps overthinking it

When he goes to sleep he has nightmares of S/O leaving him and wakes up in cold sweat with realization that he fucked up

Runs to their apartment ringing bell to talk

He heard footsteps but door didn't open

"Excuse me, I'm looking for most intelligent person I've known are they there?"

"...And what if they are?"

"I need to thank them for staying with me even though I was the biggest asshole imaginable and thinking anyone would be as loyal."

S/O opens door slightly and he grabs their hand saying sorry and promising to never call them stupid again

They come to agreement and spend rest of morning cuddling

[meownotgood]

i keep seeing a lot of himeno hate recently and i wanted to ask some questions and kinda vent ig?

himeno offering a kiss to denji was supposed to just be her teasing him but did she explicitly know he was a minor at that point? even then, since she was kidding and no serious intention to romantically engage with him, shouldn’t that be okay? like it’s weird? but not im going to call the cops on you weird??

people saying she’s 30????? is that like kinda ridiculous, she gives me 2-3 years older than aki and aki in present time is like 21-22?

my question is something in regards to what ive seen so much online “himeno met aki when he was a teen so falling in love with him is gross” and “himeno only likes aki for his looks”

himeno commented on aki’s looks when he was a teen and she literally said she doesn’t like the whole stoic, cold people energy. she also is the only person that has a firm grasp on aki’s entire character?? so falling for him based on solely his looks is super surface level to me.

also himeno never expressed romantic feelings for aki when he was a teen, it developed throughout their time when he became an adult. it’s probably not even just a romantic love, but more platonic even as she built such an emotional connection and attachment around the idea of protecting him and keeping him safe simply bc she DOESNT want to lose him.

i think the bigger thing about himeno that people forget is how she doesn’t want to build friendships and memories and connect herself with people that will just ultimately leave. that’s why she asks aki about the new recruits and what he thinks about whether they will live or die. she’s scared about losing them.

himeno also prioritizing aki’s safety and her “love” and connection to him is probably one of the only motivations in her life and the thing that keeps her going ESPECIALLY in the line of work that she is in.

when he was a teen, she just cared about keeping him alive. her falling for him was most likely during when he became an adult. so is knowing him when he was a teen like really bad? / gen

the stuff about denji too. like it’s inexcusable. even if you’re drunk, you’re still responsible for the decisions you make. but as explanation (not an excuse) she did not want denji, apologizes the next day because she was not in her senses, and commented that she would have gotten arrested. she also NEVER wanted denji in the slightest. like yes she made a terrible choice and regardless of circumstance, it was gross and i would not be cool with it. but is she really a pedophile when she WOULDNT have made those choices without the influence of alcohol. she doesn’t want to date children.

i dunno thank you to reading this i needed to get my thoughts out. i DIDNT mean to pile this on you. i think himeno is a tragic character that plays a huge role in the story when looking at it at a literary standpoint. im a bit disheartened that she’s reduced to JUST this.

I totally understand why people dislike or even hate himeno, I just think a lot of people take it a bit too far, or fail to see the aspects of her character and writing because they hate her. I'm not even the biggest fan of her character honestly, but it's clear to see that people blow things way out of proportion

when himeno offered to kiss denji, she didn't know he was a minor (he didn't reveal his age to anyone until the drinking party). I definitely think it's weird, I don't think it's difficult to tell that denji is a teenager. but I don't think it was her trying to be weird towards him, she was just messing with him, probably like she does with all of the new recruits.

in terms of her age, it's definitely debatable. in my opinion, based on the flashbacks we see with her and aki, I think she's maybe 24-27? but obviously it's subjective (wish fujimoto would just confirm the actual ages....). I don't necessarily think her attraction to aki is weird or wrong, I just think it would be a bit of a toxic / codependent relationship, and I think perhaps himeno is too old for him? although, they're both adults so it's really not that big of a deal, not worth losing your mind over people shipping it, imo. save your energy for people who are shipping characters who are minors with adults instead of people who want to ship two grown, fictional adults together...

I think himeno never had romantic interest in aki when he was a teenager — I talked about this in length in a himeno analysis I did, but basically I feel as though himeno latched onto aki from the start because of her attachment issues and because of aki's determined personality. I agree with what you said: she became attached to aki because she was so terrified of losing another person. she only fell in love with him much later on, when she was able to see a different side to him.

also the thing about his looks? that's from the scene where denji and himeno are talking after denji stayed over at her house, and when denji asks why himeno likes aki, she answers simply: "his looks". I think it's pretty obvious she's only saying that to give an excuse to denji, not that it's her actual feelings. people who think "his looks" is the only reason himeno likes aki were possessed by the lack of reading comprehension devil

and obviously the stuff himeno did to denji is inexcusable. like I'd never try to defend it. being drunk is never an excuse. but yes, it wasn't because she specifically wanted to manipulate or hurt denji. it was a mistake — a horrible mistake that she needs to be held accountable for, but a mistake nonetheless. people saying she was after denji from the start or something like that are just plain wrong.

she's a very flawed character, and a very flawed person but sometimes people just take things way too far because they can

[voiceshearingyouloud]

TW: mentions of teacher/student relationships

I'm safe and not experiencing exactly that right now, but it is something related, and I'd like some advice if anyone doesn't mind reading the post and telling me what they think.

At the start of the year I had the weird thing that happens to me sometimes which is when I get a ‘crush’ on some unattainable much older man. In this case, it’s my English professor. It’s pretty distressing to me because it contradicts my lesbianness and makes me feel like I’m cheating on my partner, so I’ve dealt with it in the past by just ignoring it and usually the other party (it’s happened with a friend of mine who is also coincidentally a professor, at a different university) doesn’t let it get out of hand by just treating me like a friend and having boundaries (like about the way we talk to each other, I would never actually like, come on to someone in a situation like that, just to clarify) so things don’t get weird.

But this professor keeps like… I hesitate to call it flirting because of all the factors mentioned above including him having a wife, but he’ll like jokingly tease me about something, or make a comment about how he knew I’d say that, or wondered if I, in particular, would notice something he wrote in the course notes, or making jokes that only I would get, or body language related things like smirking when I say something. None of my other professors do things like this with any students and my older friends like the one I mentioned before only started doing things like joking or teasing once they knew me really well and there was no power dynamic at play. Also I’ve never felt so knocked off balance by it even when I’ve felt this way, even when it’s happened with other teachers of mine because they just don’t act like this.

This professor just has no sense of professional boundaries I think. He’s one of those ‘cool’ teachers who makes you call them by their first name, and comes and sits on your desk when talking to your group. He even leaned right in front of me to reach something so we were like six inches apart which was odd, he did apologise and looked pretty sheepish after but it alarmed me quite a bit. I’ve even noticed other students in the class finding it unusual, like when he comes over to our group he’ll say something and they’ll look surprised or weirded out.

I feel so much shame about it though because I feel like since I have this ‘crush’ on him it’s what I want to happen, or that he’s picking up on it and that’s why he’s doing it or that I’m encouraging him by talking to him after class (which I only did because I found him interesting to converse with when I had something to add after class, I’m definitely not going to keep doing it.) It’s like… embarrassing somehow to have this happen in front of the whole class like I’m making a fool of myself. I always feel awful after I leave that class, like really jacked up on adrenaline because I’m so hyperaware of this happening the whole time. Or I beat myself up the rest of the day because I said something stupid or encouraged it.

I feel like I’m blowing it out of proportion cause this is such a stereotype/common fantasy, but it’s really freaking me out and I don’t know how to deal with it. I don’t genuinely think he’s trying to go any further, like I really don’t think he’d ever sleep with a student, but it’s messing with my head. I don't really feel like switching out of the class because I find it really interesting and I like my group and I'd have to switch into an academic writing version rather than literary analysis which would be pretty horrible. Not to mention I'd have to report this somehow, cause I'd have to have a reason to switch this late. Also maybe that's overreacting? Idk.

[frozenprincessshay]

Our Puppy, Our Firework- Bakudeku X Reader

Prompt: Your boyfriends, Katsuki and Izuku, want to punish you for not denying that you’re not in a relationship with Hawks. 

Tags: Polygamy, Jealous Bakugou, Jealous Izuku, Polyamory, Bondage, Punishment, Voyeurism, Blowjob, Explosion Play, Hair pulling, Double Penetration, Aftercare

You enter your house, feeling exhausted from the major fight you’d been a part of earlier today. You had stopped the villain, but not before he’d managed to propel you into the sky. Your quirk was useless against the gravitational pull bringing you closer and closer to your death.

Luckily, your mentor, Hawks swooped in and caught you in his arms. Your mentor and you had a less than professional relationship, having only a 3-year age difference. He’d teased you lightly as you landed and you’d laughed, grateful for the save. A reporter had pushed their way to Hawks and you and asked, abruptly if we can confirm that we were a couple.

You always preferred to keep your personal details to yourself and normally would have just replied with a nonchalant ‘No comment’. Hawks was different, “It’s a secret.”

The growing crowd had cooed and you laughed it off as nothing, knowing full well that Hawks was just having some fun. He knew that you were in a committed relationship with two pro-heroes… who were probably sound asleep just at the top of those stairs.

You sighed, you figured you’d have a quick shower before you joined them.

You tiptoe up the stairs, opening the door to the main bedroom to catch a peek of their peaceful sleeping faces. What you did not expect was to be yanked into the room and slammed into the adjacent wall.

Your eyes widen to meet the glaring ruby eyes of your boyfriend, Katsuki. “So, you’re home. Maybe you can explain what the fuck this is about?!”

Your gaze shifts to your other boyfriend, Izuku, seated on the huge bed with a frown. He held up his phone, playing a video recording of Hawks saving me and the short interview with the reporter. From here I could have easily seen how everything was taken out of context. Hawks, being the playful touchy person he was, also hadn’t let go of me through the recording.

“Aw come on, Katsuki, Izuku,” You meet both their eyes as you speak their names,” Hawks just saved me from a make-out session with the cement. You know how reporters blow things out of proportion.”

Izuku pouted, “He made it seem like there was a thing going on between the two of you.”

“And you, fucking dumbass, didn’t even try to deny it!” Katsuki finished.

“I work for his agency! And I didn’t want to be rude, especially since he just saved my life. If he wanted to have a stupid joke, I wasn’t gonna stop him. There’s always rumors circulating about Hawk’s potential girlfriends. I give this a week before there’s a new sidekick, he’s having an explicit affair with.”

Katsuki leaned over you, causing you to press yourself into the wall, but you hold his gaze. You didn’t want to admit that, his fiery glare intimidated you. “I still think you need to be punished. Don’t you agree, Deku?”

“I’m sorry, Puppy, but Kacchan is right.”

Suddenly, Katsuki has both your wrists clamped firmly in his hand and is tying them above your head against the wall.

You all agreed to have a hook on the wall for experimenting, but now the angry glint in Katsuki’s eyes spiked fear in you.

“What are you doing?”

“You’re going to stay there and watch.”

Your eyebrows scrunch in confusion until Katsuki walks away from you to a patient Izuku sitting on the bed. His legs were already partially open to let Katsuki slip between them and swoop down for a kiss. Katsuki’s hand caressed Izuku’s face, his right hand slipping down to his throat and squeezing gently.

You swallow, already feeling a warmth at your core. Watching Katsuki choke Izuku conjured a phantom hand around your neck. Where you wanted Katsuki’s hand to be.

Katsuki’s hands traveled lower to the hem of Izuku’s shirt, tugging at it until it was thrown to the floor. Katsuki kissed down Izuku’s toned chest, simultaneously unbuttoning his pants. Izuku’s head hung back, his hands grasping the edge of the bed, but his eyes fixed on yours. He wanted you to see him so flustered because he knew it turned you on. God, forbid he starts moaning and you’d be done for.

Katsuki pulled out Izuku’s cock, shooting a taunting smirk at you as he gripped it. Then he licked the tip. Izuku gasped, “Ah!”

Officially, done for.

And Katsuki continued. He placed Izuku’s cock in his mouth, bobbing his head, each time pushing Izuku deeper into his mouth. Izuku’s moans flooded the room and wet your core, “Kacchaan~”

Katsuki let up, but continued pumping Izuku with his hand, “Why don’t you describe everything I’m doing to you for our little firework over there.”

With that statement, he was back to Izuku’s cock. Deep throating it like the pro he was.

Izuku groaned, “Kacchan is -ah- sucking my cock. He -ah- does it so good. When he pulls out, he swirls his, -ngh- tongue-” Izuku clutches the bed tightly, breathing heavily, “His tongue around the tip before taking it all- Aah~.”

Your core was practically on fire from watching your boyfriends go at it. You shift and rub your thighs together, trying to get some friction. Your hands grip the bonds suspending you and binding you to the wall.

Izuku’s keen observation didn’t fail him even as he was being deepthroated, “Kacchan, I can tell she’s already so horny- Ah!”

Katsuki lifts off Izuku’s cock and turns to you. His smug expression showed you that this is exactly what he wanted. “Is something wrong, little firecracker?”

You gulp, unable to speak, you just shake your head. Not wanting to give in.

Katsuki glares and in a low growl, he orders, “Deku, take your fucking pants off!”

Izuku doesn’t hesitate, he slips his pants right off. Katsuki grabs Izuku by his waist and flips him onto the bed. Izuku’s plump ass stuck up as the side of his face was smushed against the bed. Katsuki hovered over him, then delved right into his butt. He licked and gripped his ass with bruising force.  

Izuku couldn’t contain himself, his moans pitched high and louder. Each one strikes your core like a whip with fire. Izuku pushed back against Katsuki’s active mouth.

That just about did it, “Okay, okay you got me. I’m sorry, just let me join. Please?”

Your eyes didn’t leave Izuku’s flustered face. Katsuki sat up but replaced his tongue with 2 fingers.

“I don’t think you mean that apology. Do you, Deku?”

Izuku panting and clutching onto the bed covers, moaned out, “No, Kacchan~”

“No, I really am sorry. It won’t happen again, I promise.” You plead.

Katsuki stared at you a long moment, his fingers still thrusting in and out of a squirming Izuku.

“Not good enough.” He said, finally, and you almost whined in disappointment.

Katsuki pulled out his fingers and ordered, “Deku, suck my dick.”

Izuku trembled and you wondered if he was close to cumming. Nevertheless, he rose, throwing a glance at you. You could see the daze of lust in his pools of green.  He then turned and engulfed Katsuki’s cock in his mouth.

Katsuki groaned, his hand gripping Izuku’s head, buried in curls. This time you do whine from the conflict of whether you would want Katsuki to be pulling your hair while you go down on him, or whether you’d want to be pulling Izuku’s green curls while he goes down on you.

“Katsuki, please,” you beg, “Let me join you, I’ll be a good girl.”

Katsuki glared straight at you, as Izuku bobbed on his dick. His flushed face driving your sanity away.

Katsuki spanked Izuku’s ass, causing him to gasp out and Katsuki’s dick to fall out of his mouth. “Izuku, please, let me join you.” You plead, with the sweeter one of your boyfriends, “I really am sorry, sweetheart.”

Izuku looks to you with sympathy, “Kacchan, she really does seem sorry.”

Katsuki scowled, “Fine,” he pushed off the bed, walking over to you until he was directly in front of you. His body so close, yet purposely not touching, “We’ll take pity on you since you’re such a needy brat.”

He unlatches you from the hook but kept the restrains. He tugged you forward before pushing you harshly onto the bed. He leaned down, barely brushing against you, and growled lowly, “But you’re not getting off easy, Firecracker. You’re going to have to earn it for what a little whore you were being today. Serve us, slut.”

You gulp, “Yes, sir.”

A gentle hand takes your chin, turning you away from the aggressive man in front of you to meet soft green eyes. Izuku smiled down at you, slyly, “Come here, Puppy, don’t let my faith in you be in vain.”

His hypnotizing gaze beckoned you forward as he leaned back. Almost on instinct, you sank lower to face his cock. Leaning on your elbows, you lick a long line up Izuku’s cock while keeping eye contact.

His lips parted, slightly, before you latched onto his tip and sucked like a lollipop. Giving Izuku’s cock your full attention, you’d almost forgotten the angry blond behind you, tugging your pants down and away.

The explosive fingertips at your ass reminded you and cried out with Izuku’s cock still in your mouth.

“Don’t you dare stop sucking, slut. Don’t forget this is your punishment.”

You engulf Izuku’s cock again, enthusiastically bobbing your mouth around it. Licking and sucking just the way you knew he liked it. Listening to his moans of encouragement egging you on, “That’s a good Puppy. Such a good bitch sucking me off like that.”

You whimper against his cock at the word. Loving the praising degradation. Another array of fingertip explosions went off at your rear and cry out around Izuku’s cock.

“You’re enjoying this way too much, Slut.”

Katsuki grabbed onto your upper thighs and spread them. His grip is dangerously close to your core making you squirm. “Deku, this little whore is soaking wet from sucking your cock.”

Izuku looks down, adoringly, “Is that so, Puppy?”

You hum, desperately, around his cock and he let’s out a delicious gasp. His fingers slide into your hair, gripping it gently, “Naughty Puppy. You want to be stuffed with cock?”

You whimper against him.

“I think she’s wet enough to take us both.”

Your eyes widen, Izuku suddenly yanks you off his cock by your hair.  “Don’t look so surprised. You just admitted you want to be full of cock.”

“No, wait, guys-” A piece of fabric suddenly came around you, gagging your mouth and tightening around your face.

“Shut up! We’re going to fill you up and show you who you really belong to!”

Katsuki pulls you back by your hips onto his lap and slowly pushes into you. Your eyes shut in pleasure as inch-by-inch slip into you. Katsuki growls as you clench around him.

Izuku, who’d been watching mesmerized from against the headboard, rose. He undid the binding around your arms before placing his hands over Katsuki, pulling you up carefully to ensure Katsuki didn’t slip out.

You were on your knees, balanced by the two men’s grip on your hips.  Izuku leaned down to your ear, “My turn, Puppy”

Your eyes blow wide as Izuku guided his cock next to Katsuki’s and started to push in. Your hands fling out to grip Izuku’s shoulders and you cry out into the gag. Izuku stops.

“Are you okay, Puppy?” he asks with a look of genuine concern in his eyes. Even Katsuki, who found it hard to voice affection, was rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs at your hips. A silent question if they should continue.

You take a few deep breaths in to calm the overwhelming feeling. Slowly, you nod for them to continue. Katsuki laughs in your ear, “I always knew you were a cock hungry whore.”

Izuku smiled down at you with admiration, “You’re taking us so well, Puppy.”

And he slowly slid in, causing you to grip his shoulders and shudder, trying to bear it all. When Izuku and Katsuki were both in, stretching you to the fullest you could possibly be, they paused to allow you to adjust.

Katsuki rubbed small circles into your hips and peppered soft, encouraging kisses at your neck. Izuku leaned on your other side, whispering praise, “You’re amazing, Puppy. Taking us all in like that.”

They waited for you, not rushing, just enjoying being connected. The three of you.

You lean forward on Izuku’s shoulder, before surprising both boys by lifting your hip up and down.

A moan from Izuku,

A growl from Katsuki,

A whimper from you.

“Fuck.” Katsuki groans, gripping your hips tighter and pulling you up and down. You grip Izuku’s shoulders. Your legs were shaking way too much to support you.

Pressure is added at your sides as Izuku presses over Katsuki’s hands, helping guide you to fuck yourself on their cocks.

Nothing else registers in your mind but the fullness of your having both your boyfriends inside you, pressing against your inner walls and hitting every pleasure spot. Strangled, pleasurable noises spill from your mouth. Your brain couldn’t process anything beyond the euphoria you were experiencing.

You were tugged backward, falling against Katsuki’s chest and head lolling onto his shoulder.

He grunted, breathing labored, “Show us your fucking face, slut.”

You barely processed his words.

“Come on, puppy. Look at us.” Izuku panted in front of you.

You struggle to process the words they spoke but in your fit of moaning and vertical movement, you catch their eyes. First Izuku’s, holding his gaze until a special spot was hit with more force, causing you to throw your head back and cry out.

One of Katsuki’s hands slid up your body, tugging your boob on its journey before gripping your jaw. He turned your head to face him, “Look at me too.”

He leaned down, his ragged breaths mixing with the beautiful mewls leaving your lips as your lips met.

The tempo of the movements increased. Your voice rose higher and higher in pitch.

Katsuki swore in your ear, “We’re gonna fill you up, Firework. Fill you up so good, you’ll be dripping cum until next week. Everyone will see you dripping our cum and know you’re ours.”

Izuku mumbled a little softer in your other ear, “Hear that, Puppy. Fuck, I can’t wait to see how much more your tummy will bulge when all our cum is warming your precious cunt.”

Those words they spoke shoved you over the edge. Falling into the most intense orgasm you’ve ever had and clamping down on both men’s cocks.

Izuku and Katsuki suddenly pressed their bodies onto you, sandwiching you in, and let out their own roars of pleasure. Their grip tightening and hands still fucking you through the orgasms as they filled you. Your moans quieted but your body still spasmed with pleasure as the warm cum filled your insides and never seemed to want to stop.

The high started to die and Izuku and Katsuki fell back onto their ankles, catching their breath.

Exhaustion overtook you, you tilted to the side, falling onto the disturbed covers of your bed. Izuku and Katsuki both slipped out causing a small sound in your throat. You felt cum trickle from your core, but you were beyond caring. In your post-orgasmic state of exhaustion, your eyes closed and you blacked out.

Not too long after, as you slept, strong arms slipped under you and hoisted you up. You groan in dismay from being removed from your comfortable bed.

“Shut up, you’re a mess.”

You open your eyes only a little to see Katsuki’s blurry form. “Katsuki,” you say, your voice raw and drowsy, “You know I’d never cheat on you, right?”

You look up at him, as much as you could as you fought your eyes shutting.

Katsuki’s ruby eyes found you, softer than their usual setting, “I know, Firework.” Then after a pause, he grumbled, “Just fucking get stronger already so you don’t need bird lice to come and save you.”

You didn’t have the energy to laugh but a tired smile graced your lips.

The harsh light of the bathroom caused another groan of discomfort from you.  You pushed your head further into Katsuki’s bicep, trying to escape the light.

“Suck it up.”, Katsuki said.

You were being lowered down; your eyes still tightly shut until you felt warm water against your skin. Hands went around you from under you and you knew it was Izuku helping you into the water.

You settled down slowly in between his thighs, submerged into the soothing warmth of the water and Izuku’s chest against your back. Your eyes had already closed again, ready to sleep in the mirror of her comfortable bed. Soft splashing made you aware of Katsuki entering the bath.

“Don’t sleep, Puppy. We need to clean you.”

You let out a small sound of protest, already sinking into sleep. A hand pulls your leg partially out of the water. The sudden rush of water added to the calm you felt. You feel a hard object glide over your skin. Without opening your eyes, you reason it was soap.

Part by part, Katsuki meticulously soaped and washed your body. He took care in massaging as he went. Izuku, behind you, hummed so sweetly and trailed his fingers up and down your arms. You couldn’t imagine how he expected you to not fall into sleep’s clutches.

When they had washed you and finished washing themselves. Katsuki exited the tub and not long after, you were being pulled out of the water.

You whimper at the cold as the air attacks your wet skin. “If you stay there, the water will get cold anyway. Hurry up if you want to be warm, dumbass.”

“Kacchan! Don’t be mean.”

Your feet touch the ground but won’t support you. You nearly fall, but Katsuki readily caught you. His hands at your waist steady your shivering self.

Izuku had left the water himself and after drying himself hastily, encircled his arms around you, allowing Katsuki to towel you down.

Satisfied that you were dry, Izuku swung you into his arms. Cradling you against him to share his warmth for the short walk back to the bed.

He laid you down, carefully, onto the bed.  You relax into the long-awaited comfort of your beloved bed. Izuku’s muscled arm wrapped around you, “Are you okay?”

“Mmm.” You reply.

You feel a soft kiss at your temple, “I’m glad you got out of there safely. I was worried about you, Puppy.”

As tired as you were, you pulled enough energy to reply, properly, “I’m okay, Izuku. I’m safe, here with you. And Katsuki.”

He tightened his hold, as though to reassure himself that you were indeed here.

In front of you, the bed dipped as Katsuki joined them. You feel a cooling burn on your butt and without thinking, you know it’s gel for the explosions Katsuki had set off.

When Katsuki is finished, he lays down and places his arms around you, just under Izuku’s.

Feeling well-taken care of, safe, and loved, you finally let your fatigue pull you into nothingness.

[jade-parcels]

Gift giving

With Xiao, Kaeya, Childe and Albedo :)

—————————

Xiao:

He isn’t that great at finding things you’ll like. Xiao is super attentive, he knows what you like but when he’s standing there in front of a jewelry stand or patch of wild flowers he feels like an idiot

He just overthinks things, blows them way out of proportion in his head. This is all new to him still! And he feels like a jerk when you bring little trinkets to him cause you make it seem so effortless :(

“Xiao, look at this! Its a necklace made of a geovisap tooth! Isn’t it beautiful?” “Mhm” “I got one for you too” See?? See?? You always just find things like that! Probably because you’re more social than he is

One day, while clearing a hilichurl camp, he finds a lizard and remembers you talking about them. You went on and on about how some lizards lose their tails or camouflage with their surroundings (he listened to your entire rant about it) So he snatches it up and heads back to the Wangshu Inn, demanding a glass jar from Verr Goldet so he can keep it contained.

When you’re done with your commissions and make your way up to his room, he pretty much shoves the lizard jar into your hands the second you open the door

“What’s this?” “It’s a lizard” “Right...But why are you giving me a lizard..?”

Now he’s flustered and embarrassed “You said you liked them. Whatever, give it back I’ll go put it outside-“ “No! No, thank you very much. I love it”

He scoffs and crosses his arms, leaning into your hold when you hug him. Even though you liked it, he feels ridiculous . And his chest feels all warm inside...maybe he is turning into a softie...

Kaeya:

Kaeya loves being romantic with you! Any kind of grand gesture like giving you flowers or bringing home a fancy bottle of wine are common when you’re together

He’ll bring home flowers at the end of the week so you always have fresh ones! Flora has started setting aside flowers in advance cause she knows Kaeya will stop by and ask for the same bouquet of cecelias as he does every week

You’ll be walking along the streets of Mondstadt, running errands for Glory and collecting payments from Katheryne, the warm summer breeze in your face...And you’re yanked into an alley between houses “There you are! I’ve been patrolling all afternoon looking for you, beautiful~”

He’ll press cool kisses to your face before pulling back to look at you again “I have something you might like” there’s a mischievous glint in his eye as he pulls a ring from his pocket. The gemstone in it matches the one in his earring. When you ask where he got it he just laughs and winks “Aha, let’s just say it’s from a ‘friend’”

Most material gifts he gives you will be from ‘friends’ (or informants) but if that bothers you, you can always tell him to knock it off pffttt

Otherwise the gifts he gives you will be flowers, wine and food. Why? Because those are things you get to enjoy together :’) he loves spending quality time with you! So when you get to sit back together and enjoy each other’s company??? He wishes he could bottle up that feeling of warmth and love he feels towards you uuugh

Be careful though cause when you start buying him expensive things, he’ll try to one-up you lmao

Childe:

Ah yes, our favorite rich boy! He has plenty of mora to spend on you! Trust me... He’ll spoil you

He spoils his family back home because he loves them so that’s exactly what he’ll do for you! You like those shoes? They’re yours! You like the food from that little stand? He’d buy the whole thing if you’d let him

He’s also famous for coming home from long work trips with a bunch of boxes full of stuff for you! Clothes, trinkets, anything he thought you’d like “Childe, you didn’t have to spend so much on me” “Aw~ Don’t worry about it!”

Childe can be a bit overwhelming at times so tell him if he’s stressing you out with his spending!! I mean, he probably won’t stop anytime soon and just tease you about it but he’ll think it’s cute that you’re worried about his bank account ;)

He tries so hard to make things for you but they almost always fail so he hides/throws out his attempts! It would be so embarrassing if you saw Tartaglia, the 11th Fatui Harbinger struggling so hard with knitting needles lmao poor guy!! This is why he just buys things

If you were to make him something though, he’d probably get emotional. It doesn’t matter what that thing may be! A pair of mittens, a painting, arrows for his bow, it really doesn’t matter! If you took the time to MAKE him something?? He’s gonna be totally speechless.

“Woah! Babe, this...This is...wow. I didn’t know you were so good at this” he’ll inspect every inch of it, eyes wide with childish excitement “I can’t wait to take you home to my parents, they would get a kick out of this”

Albedo:

Most of the gifts Albedo gives you will be made by him! So if you’re into handmade things, he’s your man!

He paints and sketches in his free time so when he has to be away from you, he’ll paint landscapes of the places he goes to give you when he comes home

He’ll also paint portraits of you and your friends/family if you ask! If he can make time, he’ll get everyone together to paint a big portrait of you all :)

You’re the only one allowed to see his u finished paintings. Albedo loves it when you come keep him company while he paints or works. He’s used to a nice, quiet lab but now that he has you, the quiet isn’t as nice anymore :( he likes having you with him to tell him stories about your adventures or complain about commissions, anything to fill the silence

Oh oh oh another thing he loves is this: the two of you sit on the ground beneath a tree, the sun in your faces. You between his legs with your back against his chest and you paint together on the same canvas :’) you’ve got birds chirping, wind blowing and you’re talking...Ugh, he feels so at ease and loved when you’re here

Your presence is the greatest gift you could give him! “You should stop by again tomorrow evening, I could use your help with an experiment or two” that’s a lie, he just wants you to get you alone lol

[mrsbrookegillespie]

-Chapter One- Teacher!Charlie Gillespie x Single!Mom!Reader

(Not My Gif)

This Story Was INSPIRED By @boyfriendskywalker Who Deactivated Their Account While Writing The Charlie Gillespie Kindergarten Teacher Story. I Have Taken It Upon Myself To Write My Own Version With Some Of The Storyline They Used. So, ALL Credit For Part Of The Storyline Goes To Them. This Will Be A Series, And I Will Finish It.

Description: Just Read It While I Try To Come Up With One--GOT IT! Okay, so Y/N L/N is a single mother of her daughter Y/D/N. Having it been four years since the father walked away. Y/N taught herself to never trust a man, but when Y/D/N’s teacher uses his charm to worm his way into her life, will she finally be able to open herself up to love again?

Warnings: Language, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of mental abuse, and as the story goes on I’ll think of more. But, be prepared for some angst.

-Chapter One-

“One, two, three, four--”

“Mama?” Y/N looks down at the doe-eyed 5 year old. “Why are you counting?” 

With a head shake, she presses her fingers onto her temples, gently massaging them. “Mama’s just tired, baby,” she explains, calmly. “And has a migraine.” Now flashing her daughter, Y/D/N, a fake smile, she starts the car. “Are you ready for school? Not gonna cause trouble again… Are you?” 

“I don’t cause trouble!” Y/D/N argues, lightly kicking the back of the passenger seat. “My classmates also cause trouble, I just resolve it differently than others.” She crosses her arms with a huff.

Y/N furrows her eyebrows at her daughter's words. “Are you sure you’re five?” 

“I like to say I’m six,” she says, casually.

The seriousness of the young girl’s demeanor was enough to make Y/N fall into a fit of laughter. “Well alrighty then. Six it is.” She pulls into a parking space. “We are here,” she announces, unbuckling her seat belt.

“Finally!” Y/D/N wrestles to get out of her car seat. “Could you help me out?” 

Y/N gets out of the car, rushing to grab her majesty from the backseat. “Do you have everything?” she asks, setting Y/D/N down on the pavement. 

Y/D/N shrugs, but resorts to saying, “Yes.” 

“Good.” Y/N takes Y/D/N’s hand, guiding her into the colorful building they both grew to love and hate. 

“Ms. L/N,” a female teacher says, only giving a stiff nod towards the women.

“Mrs. Winchester,” she replies mimicking the gesture. Both her and Y/D/N shiver when she passes by. “She scares me.”

Y/D/N nods dramatically, agreeing. “I think she’s a ghost,” she stage-whispers.

“Definitely.” Though Y/N’s tone might’ve been teasing, she wouldn’t be surprised if she actually was. 

“Hello Y/D/N!” Another young female teacher waves before meeting Y/N’s eyes. “Ugh…” She continues to walk without giving Y/N a proper greeting.

“Good morning to you too,” she mumbles under her breath. 

Only a couple more awkward encounters were experienced until she heard the loud shrill of-- “Mr. Gillespie!” Y/D/N lets go of Y/N’s hand, sprinting towards the man that she called her teacher.

“Good morning Miss Y/D/N!” he greets verbally, along with a big hug. “And look who’s with you.” He moves from his crouched position to stand as tall as he could next to Y/N. “Good morning, Y/N.” 

“Good morning, Mr. Gillespie,” she responds. “Nice to feel welcomed.” Her tone turned a little colder than what it was. “I swear it was either just someone saying my name, or a judgement glare.” 

“You’ll warm up to them,” he assures. 

“Like I warmed up to you?” she questions. “Don’t put me under the impression that you actually like me, please, it’ll just blow my ego right out of proportion.” She uses her hands to demonstrate.

He doesn’t respond, only showing her a bright smile.

The bell rings, signaling both of them to go their separate directions. “Mr. Gillespie the bell rang,” a student calls out. 

Y/N snaps out of her little daze. “And I guess Y/D/N already went to her seat. See? I knew she wasn’t that much of a troublemaker, but you know--” she cuts herself off seeing his amused expression. “You have to teach,” she blurts. “Right! Sorry, I’ll let you get to that. Bye Y/D/N!” she shouts into the filled room, Y/D/N’s face going into a look of horror. “Love you, stay safe and…” She salutes Charlie. “Good luck.” With a turn on her heel she goes to leave the building, mentally face palming herself on the way.

When in the safe space of her car, she allows her head to fall forward, which only led to her accidentally setting the horn off. It wasn’t like she’s not used to people. With being a hostess at a restaurant, all she did was talk, see, and meet a variety of different personalities and personas. But, after having to raise a daughter on her own you can say her cool way of talking, and the ability to form well rounded sentences went downhill. Baby talk does that.

“So, what you’re trying to tell me is that you like your daughter’s hot teacher?” her friend, Madison, asks. Madison was a little bit younger than Y/N was, Madison being seventeen and Y/N being twenty-four, she couldn’t help but bond with the girl. 

“That’s not what I said,” Y/N remarks, wiping down a table. 

“Then why are you blushing?”

“Because you’re embarrassing me!” Y/N whines.

“And I’m the teenager,” Madison snickers.

Y/N blows some of her hair out of her face. “I won’t deny that he’s… Decent looking, but the problem is in the question. ‘Daughter’s teacher’,” she repeats the words Madison said earlier. 

“You told me that Y/D/N can’t get enough of what you only call ‘Mr. Gillespie’, I don’t even know his first name.” She scrunches up the right side of her face. 

“Because it’s informal.” 

“He calls you by your first name,” Madison replies back, bluntly. “But, back to the point. If Y/D/N really likes him then what’s the problem?” 

Y/N stops her movements, giving Madison a blank stare. She opens her mouth to answer, but closes it. “I just can’t, okay? Can we please drop it?” 

Madison’s eyes soften when seeing Y/N’s pleading ones. “Yeah, sure.” She leans against one of the tables. 

“Hello!” someone calls out from a few feet away. “We’ve been standing here for like ten minutes, can we be seated?” The annoyance on the man's face was evident.

Y/N sends Madison a cheeky smirk. “You’re on, Mads.” 

She stomps her foot, discreetly, going to the group of people who are most likely ‘hangry’. Y/N glances at her watch, seeing how it was about time she headed out for her break and got Y/D/N from school, only to have the last minute babysitter she found that morning watch her for the rest of the day, so Y/N can finish her shift. It wasn’t the most ideal schedule, but it worked. It paid the bills, it put food on the table--could it be the reason Y/D/N throws fits, and tantrums in classrooms, and seeks attention? Maybe.

“We need to set up a meeting.” 

Y/N gapes at Mr. Gillespie who for the first time she’s seen with a stern look on his face. “Wh-why?” she stutters.

“I know you aren’t blind to see that Y/D/N is…” His voice fades off. “The Principal wants to set up a conference with you, me, Y/D/N, and the counselor after school one of these days.”

Y/N’s frown gets wider, glancing over towards Y/D/N in the seat next to her. The girl only kept her eyes glued to her shoes. “The only days I’m off of work are Saturdays, Sunday’ and Wednesdays.” She pulls out her phone, scrolling through the calendar. “Yeah, only those days, I don’t know if any of those days would work but…” 

“You work all those other days?” He raises an eyebrow at her.

“Yeah,” she answers, not thinking too much about it. She gasps loudly, when it hits her. “Work!” She looks at her watch. “I’m gonna be late going back.” She stands up. “I’ll send you an email tonight on what time works best for me, and then you as a faculty can talk amongst yourselves if it works for you. I’m gonna take my kid now, and go, so I don’t have to keep being stared at with that look you and all the other teachers give me.” She takes Y/D/N’s hand, the slight pull of it noticeable enough to have Y/N make a mental note.. “Have a nice rest of your day, Mr. Gillespie.

“Bye, bye,” Y/D/N finally whispers towards him. With a weak wave they both leave the room, once out of sight running for the door. “Why were we running?” she asks, when Y/N starts to speed to their house.

“Because Mama’s gonna be late to work, and is now stressed because we have to talk to adults who don’t like her very much,” she pauses. “You and I need to have a very, very, serious conversation when I get back home on where your behavior is coming from.” 

“But, I don’t wanna,” Y/D/N cries.

“I know you don’t want to, I don’t want to, but it’s one of the cons of being a parent, I have to be strict at times when you don’t follow the rules.”

“But--” 

“Don’t make me yell at you,” Y/N warns. “You and I both hate yelling when you’re in trouble, so I think we’d both appreciate it if you promise to be good until I’m back, no arguing.” 

Y/D/N slowly feels the tears come to her eyes. “Mr. Gillespie never yells at me.”

The name made Y/N freeze a little. Was he a part of the reason? 

Taglist

@yagorlemmalyn @justxfolio @charliegillespiewife

[simpsiren]

jaehyun x reader

description. With my mother forcing me into a relationship with the son of a rich man to open my gates of a promising future, I was successful in having Jung Jaehyun wrapped around my finger. But none of my feelings for him were real. I didn’t know how he found out, but when I came back from London after two years, he completely changed. And I didn’t know what he planned to do. But I knew one thing for sure. He’s torturing me for not having true feelings for him in the first place.

genre. angst!!!, fluff in the end i guess(?)

word count. 14.5k~

warnings. really just bunch of angst and play of feelings 

“You’re coming back tonight.” Jaehyun said for the hundredth time. And maybe more or less, I’ve lost track. I plopped myself onto the silk sheet bed and rolled over for my stomach to be pressed against the mattress. I placed my phone in front of me with Jaehyun being annoyingly up close to the screen like he always does whenever we video call. Though, I so hated doing this.

I forced a smile, trying my best to keep up with the good image of a loving girlfriend in front of him. “How many times do you have to say that, Jae?” I giggled, so desperately wanting to roll my eyes in disgust at how high pitch I sounded. Jaehyun looked away from the screen for a brief moment while humming, eventually adverting his gaze back to me with a cheeky smile. “Well I don’t know... Until you come back.” Jaehyun chuckled lowly and ran a hand through his hair. I breathed out a light laughter in response and sighed. “Babe I’m gonna walk around London one more time before I head to the airport. Can I call you later? Maybe before I depart.” I suggested, already wanting to throw my phone away for me to faint off to sleep.

Jaehyun hummed in agreement, his smile still as bright and happy from the time we started video calling two hours ago. “Have fun, alright? I’ll be waiting at the airport for you.” Jaehyun whispered, leaning in to give a quick peck to the camera and giggling after. I simply responded with a light smile and nodded before lazily waving goodbye and finally ended the call. I placed my phone screen down on the bed and turned over, my legs and hands spread out widely like a starfish. I never intended to the walk around London. I’ve done that for the past two years here. Sure this place was a breath of fresh air, being away from Jaehyun. But just when I hoped to explore another country, my mother decided it was a good time for me to reunite with my boyfriend.

I turned my head to the side, eyes making contact with the wide window that revealed the sunset with streaks of orange and pink casted in between the clouds, light from the bright sun lowering itself dawning into the room with a orange hue. I sighed. I didn’t want to go back to Korea. I would never do that if I wasn’t forced to. I didn’t want to see Jaehyun. I didn’t like how my mother forced me into this relationship with him just so he could provide me a bright future. I groaned and sat up, shaking my head from all the stress I’ve collected just from thinking about having Jaehyun’s arms around me.

I shivered in disgust and even gagged from the thought. I wrapped my arms around my chest, instantly widening my eyes as a idea popped into my mind. I quickly grabbed my phone from my side and searched my contacts, instantly clicking on the one person I could trust in the whole country. And practically the only friend I ever had here. “Taeyong! Cafe, thirty minutes. Emergency.” I didn’t give him time to respond nor time to explain. Though I heard him let out a confused hum on the other end, I ended the call and bounced out of bed, running for the showers to get ready.

I waited at the usual table, the one that was seemingly always vacant whenever Taeyong and I went to the café that we’d call it our own spot at this point. I had my head tilted down to look at my phone that was on the table, occasionally switching between social media apps and eventually ended up scrolling through Titkoks out of pure boredom while waiting. The bell above the entrance’s door sounded, making me shoot my head up so fast I could have possibly given myself whiplash.

As if the whole world had gone dark, Taeyong made his way through the door. All the sunlight seemed to be captured by his bright pink hair, keeping all of it for itself. And I had to admit, it felt as if only he could rock such a colour. He only came wearing a loose white tee and black jeans, but it accentuated his perfectly proportional and lean physique. It was the simplicity of his that had me staring throughout the time he spotted me and came walking over. “So what is such an emergency that we had to meet hm?” Taeyong questioned, already sitting opposite from me.

I blinked my eyes and shook my head in rapid small movements before clearing my throat. “You being a doctor could actually be of use right now.” I leaned in, arms crossed on the table with my shoulder naturally lifting itself up and I got close to Taeyong. A slight smirk unintentionally crept up my face, resulting in Taeyong giving off an utterly confused expression with his eyes narrowing down on me with his brows raising just a fraction and a tilted head. “Wait what? Are you injured or something? Is that why it’s an emergency?”

I groaned, proceeding to let my body fall back into the seat and slamming a pal to my forehead. I shook my head vigorously and ran a hand down my face. “Look. You know I’m going back to Korea soon. But the thing is, I don’t want to.” I quickly explained to Taeyong, hoping he’d catch on. Taeyong let out a soft “Ah” while nodding his head. “Is your mother forcing you to go back just to be with Jaehyun?” I downshifted my head as an answer. Taeyong glanced sideways, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. “Then what? You want me to pretend you’re sick just so you don’t have to see him?” I bobbed my shoulders, the evil smirk making its way back to my lips.

Taeyong had his lips form a thin line, somewhat in a unsure and having second thoughts manner. He’d normally agree to whatever I asked him to do. But this clearly had him thinking twice. After awhile, Taeyong hissed in uncertainty and smacked his lips. It was now his turn to lean in, eyes so fixated on mine as if he was trying to hypnotise me. “I don’t even get why you don’t like him. He seemed nice through the phone, not to mention he is deliciously hot.” Taeyong commented, practically fawning over Jaehyun as he looked out in a way to picture Jaehyun in his mind. I snapped my fingers in front of him, resulting in Taeyong to chuckle in suspicion and shaking his head to clear slate of Jaehyun.

“How many times do I have to rant about him?! I practically do that 24/7, Taeyong!” I scolded him, a upsetting frown settling on my lips. And indeed it’s true. I’d always mention Jaehyun during our outings and meetups, that was due to the fact that Jaehyun would be blowing up my phone with texts and calls, which is why I always had to switch my phone off every time I went anywhere with Taeyong. But either way, I’d never pass up an opportunity to blow my head off in anger and annoyance when Taeyong unintentionally brought up Jaehyun. “Honestly I can’t do anything. You know your mother would come looking for you anyways.”

With a shrug Taeyong laid back into his seat, resting both arms on the armrests, a teasing smile cracking up. “You think I don’t know that? No matter how much I want to run, being here is the furthest yet I’m still trapped.” I complained with a whine of a little child. “I don’t like how my mother’s forcing me into this. I never liked Jaehyun. He disgusts me on levels I never knew existed. He’s just too clingy and...” I shivered just like how I did in my room to physically show my thoughts of Jaehyun. Taeyong sighed and shook his head. “Sucks to be you. But you still have to go back. You can call me whenever, you know that right?” Taeyong flashed a smile of reassurance, one that never failed to make my heart flutter ever so slightly and bring warmth to me in a matter of seconds.

I hummed and nodded. “I’ll miss you.” I whispered, looking at Taeyong straight in his eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment and when his eyelids fluttered back open, his eyes formed a thin line, showing that he was smiling so wide that his eyes could disappear. “I’ll be sending you to the airport, love. Miss me then. Taeyong stood up and leaned forward to pat my head with his hand. “See you later, okay?” Taeyong reassured me once again before he flashed his boba eyes to me one last time before turning around and making his way out of the café. As he walked past, he glanced at me through the window and downshifted his head in a silent greeting with me doing the same till he was completely out of view.

Later that day, it’s as if I blinked my eyes once and I’m already here at the airport with Taeyong. I kept wishing for this day to never come, wanting it to be further into the future so I’d have more time to spare here in London. But of course, everything had to come to an end, that includes my freedom. I had a slight frown on my face as I looked up to the board stating the flights, seeing the flight to Korea being the first at the top. I turned to Taeyong, instantly pulling him into a hug with my arms around his torso. “Thank you, for making my two years here an amazing one.” I said, words getting muffled as I snuggled my face deeper into his chest. Taeyong gently combed my hair through his fingers.

“Glad to know you’ll miss me. I’m unforgettable after all.” Taeyong teased, which only made us let out breathless chuckles. “Quit flattering yourself.” As if on cue, the announcement for my flight to Korea was made like a bell toll in my head. I looked up to Taeyong one last time, placing a friendly peck on his cheek before finally letting him go and walking away. I could feel that his eyes never left my back but I was too scared to look back, afraid that I’ll miss him more than I already was.

On the plane, I slept through most of the time. I didn’t even bother eating the food provided. Luckily for me, I had the my favourite seat of being right by the window. Though it was night and I could practically see nothing but my very own reflection, something about sitting at the window gave me a sense of calm and peace. Though I wasn’t feeling it right now as I tried to sleep off the fact that I’ll be seeing Jaehyun in an hour’s time.

The moment I landed in Korea, the first thing that caught my eye was Jaehyun, who was already standing right there, just for me. Don’t get him wrong he is attractive with his all back outfit and ashy grey hair that stood out the most. I just never saw him being my potential lover. I actually felt bad for him, as I walked up to him. But something about how he stood— with his arms crossed and a lazy posture— that had me somewhat worried. He seemed out of place, not the usual all rainbows and sunshine like I knew him to be. From a far distance, I could already tell something was off. And that sent a unnerving shiver throughout my body.

The closer I got, the more Jaehyun’s eyes were locked on mine, his gaze trapping mine in a matter of seconds. I finally stood in front of him, no words exchanged. We simply stared at each other. The air around us growing uncomfortably thick in the scariest ways possible. Deep in his eyes, there was something negative lodged in his pupils. His aura was hitting me like a huge wave of unknown feelings. I hated it. Something’s wrong, and I couldn’t figure out what. “Hey.” I finally said to break the silence, a smile forming on my lips in an attempt to look happy, even after whatever staring contest went down.

Jaehyun cleared his throat and straightened his back, me doing the same to rid the thoughts of him until later. “Hi.” He simply said. Funny, he would’ve talked a lot more like he did on the phone. Now that I’m here, I expected him to bombard me with whatever I missed out on his life. Seemingly enough, he’s silent. And it was giving me a vibe I deeply disliked. He bent down to grab hold of my suitcase beside me. It took me a split of a second to find his face so close next to mine, and his eyes gave a glance that could make me shudder if I didn’t stay still and held my breath to keep my composure under control. What even was that...?

That short motion of his had the impact of a meteor on me, but he was just fine. He stood up normally, his fingers wrapped around the suitcase handle, and he simply began walking, not another word said. I wanted to stand there and get my mind gears going, my calculative instinct begging to kick in just to know what’s with Jaehyun’s odd and out of place behaviour. But I knew it wouldn’t do me any good. I was tired from the flight and what I needed most was sleep, a whole day’s worth of it.

And so I quickly followed behind to catch up to Jaehyun, eventually ending up on his side. But with the long strides he made with his long legs, I fell behind a couple of times and I was getting irritated at how I needed to constantly catch up. “Slow down.” I muttered to him, swiping strands of hair that flew into my mouth away from my face and behind my ear. Jaehyun didn’t respond at all, keeping his head and eyes straight for the exit to the parking lot. The silence was unbearable and I knew it’ll only get worse when we enter the car.

Once we reached the parking lot, Jaehyun took his key out from his pocket, unlocking the doors. Without giving a glance or any form of eye contact whatsoever, he went straight for the trunk to put in my luggage. Jaehyun would always open the car door for me. But I knew all too well he wouldn’t be doing that now he had that attitude of his, so I opened it myself and entered the car, getting myself settled in. Jaehyun eventually came in as well. One thing I noticed while he got ready to start up the car was the fact that he tried to keep his actions as calm as possible. I could see the urge from his veins popping out of his forearms that there was a form of anger he was desperate to let out, but he was compressing it as much as possible.

Beford Jaehyun could turn the key to start the engine, I placed a hand on top of his, right where the keys are. “Jaehyun?” I called out in a whisper, my eyes trailed from his tensed hand to his face. He was clearly avoiding eye contact, looking away and out the window. “Baby...” I said again, this time lowering my voice much more. “Are you okay? Are you mad? What happened?” I felt like I was asking too many questions at once and I was scared that he would explode into rage. But he didn’t. Jaehyun instead flashed a smile. But I knew this smile. It was fake, forced. I knew him long enough to know his habits, obvious and not so obvious.

“Don’t give me that look. Why are you like this? I thought you’d be happy to see me.” I gave a frown, acting desperate while I tried to register his every move and expression change, down to the little fraction change of his features. He raised one brow up, and the side of his lip quirked up. I widened my eyes and my expression was slowly turning to a shocked and confused one when he scoffed. “No I was happy. But whatever. Everything’s fine.” Jaehyun gave out the forced smile again. But this time he did it so well, it could have covered whatever amused face he had on moments ago if I wasn’t observing.

“Reminder that my parents and yours wants us to have dinner with them tomorrow night. Get settled by then. And I’m picking you up at six.” Jaehyun’s voice was monotonous, so monotoned that it was creepy. He was giving out every information I needed to know, not giving me a chance to question him in a way to start a conversation. He was full out blocking up and giving me the silent treatment. I would have had an interrogation on him just to know what was going on in that pretty head of his. But I was nothing but tired and would fall asleep instantly on any bed.

Once the sunlight hit my face as we exited the underground parking lot, I instantly squinted my eyes closed on instinct, head tilted in wards and looking down. I relaxed my eyelids soon after. But before I drifted off to sleep, I opened my eyes just a few fractions, seeing Jaehyun having his hand on one thigh and the other on the steering wheel. He had his eyes on the road as if driving was all that mattered to him at that current point. I closed my eyes back fully and went to sleep.

It felt like hours had pass by the moment I fluttered my eyes open. Still half-asleep and in the motion of trying to fully waken my mind, I looked around to take in my surroundings. I squinted my eyes in the pure darkness to clear my vision even the slightest bit. I was in my apartment. But something felt off. I tilted my head down, my eyes meeting with my outfit from the airport now changed to merely a short silk black nightgown dress with thin lace straps. I touched the silk between my fingers and gasped to myself crawling backwards and having my back make contact with the headboard of the bed on impact. I winced and placed a hand to the small of my back, shaking my head.

I took a second look around my room. My luggage was at the door, my valuables were taken out of my purse and placed on my night stand. And the door was barely opened. I turned to my night stand, my hand having to slam it mindlessly to find my phone in the complete darkness. The light from my phone almost blinded me and I quickly adjusted it to lower the brightness. I then looked at the time on the lock screen. “Five?” It was 5:34AM. I grunted softly and moved my body to sit at the edge of the bed. I had my eyes at the opened door for awhile, suddenly realising that there was a sliver of light that shined in the space between the ever so slightly opened door.

I gathered my energy to rise myself out of bed and took small lazy steps to the door. I placed my free hand on the handle, that was cold to the touch and pulled it for the door to swing fully open. I was greeted with more light. This time, the light came from the living room, illuminating the hall in front of me a orange hue. I had to bend forward to strain my ears, but I could hear a faint audio coming from the living room. I glanced at my phone that was lazily wrapped between my fingers for a moment before adverting my attention back to the living room. I took long strides to get there with my head hung loose.

As the living room came to view, the orange light was now brighter as the source of it was the lamp beside the tv. And in front of the tv sat a shadowy figure that would take me no time to notice. Jaehyun was laying on the couch, his head on the side of the couch where he could see me the moment he noticed my presence. He had his phone close to phone face but before I could even process more, he already had his phone tilted away and down from himself and had made eye contact with me almost instantly. “You’re awake.” Jaehyun said in a low tone.

I hummed and ran a hand through my hair. I felt uncomfortable walking around wearing something this revealing. Especially in front of Jaehyun. I made an attempt to clear my throat to get his attention, which I now wondered why I did so since he already had his full attention of me, eyes scrutinising my every move. I stood in front of him, arms wrapped around my body as if I was exposed of my bare body. “D-Did you have to change me to this?” I specifically raised my tone slightly on the last word, downshifting my head to the dress before looking back at Jaehyun.

“It’s not the first time guys have seen you wearing that, I’m sure.” Jaehyun eyes were locked on mine, but it slowly began to trailed down my body. They were keen and focused on my dress, the way it cupped my curves elegantly and also the exposure it has made. I was thinking about how he kept staring too much that I didn’t fully digest what he just said, absentmindedly letting out a “What?” in question. To which he responded, without an answer at all. Instead, he added another sentence. “It’s not the first time i’ve changed your clothes either.” Jaehyun shot his eyes back to mine instantly at his word, a cunning smile appearing on his lips as he licked his lower lip. He jolted himself out of the couch, which got me to take a step back in response.

“My mother asked me to stay here till you wake. And now that you are, I’ll get going. Don’t forget about the dinner.” Jaehyun began grabbing his wallet and other necessities off the coffee table. And just before he could take a step to the door, I grabbed hold of his wrist. “Baby why are you like this?” He was doing it again. He was being straightforward. He was leaving no room for us to converse. The tension he gave off was high and obvious. Jaehyun smacked his lips and flatten them into a line. “I’m playing a guessing game with you, if you have yet to catch on. Think long and hard.” Jaehyun grumbled lowly under his breath, almost a whisper when he turned his head to me to answer.

Jaehyun jerked his wrist free of my hold and sauntered off, sliding his wallet into the back pocket of his jeans in one swift motion. He opened the door. And when I thought he wouldn’t even bother to look back, he stopped in his tracks with one foot out the door. He didn’t bother turning around completely, simply looking at me over his shoulder and saying, “Oh. And you can stop calling me baby. It disgusting to my ears.” I narrowed my eyes on his back as he disappeared. I still had them on the closed door, Jaehyun’s actions and words replaying in my head one more time which made my eyebrows furrow and creases to form on my forehead. “What did he mean by that?”

That question had been on my mind the whole day. While I unpacked, did my laundry, ate breakfast and lunch at home with ordering takeout. I lost count at how many times it kept resonating. Along with that, I kept thinking of whatever possible meanings his words could have. “Jaehyun couldn’t be acting like this without a reason. I know him. He doesn’t act carelessly.” I muttered to myself as I played my food around with my fork. I eventually grew frustrated and stuck my fork into the chicken breast with force and groaned, tilting my head back.

From the time I knew Jaehyun, despite me disliking him, I never failed to take note of his actions and behaviour like I do with everyone else around me. I was always calculative in that sense. I took time to mentally note their habits, attitude, know when are the times I should keep a distance or if they’re in need of comfort. But right now, I couldn’t tell any of that about Jaehyun. I recalled every single thing Jaehyun has said to me. I knew for a fact that he never did anything without reason.

“Everything had meaning. But what the fuck is it?” I grunted and placed my palms on my cheeks, leaning forward and resting my upper body against the table. The longer I thought and tried to form a map in my head, I realised that it had something to do with me, or something I did. And that’s the very thing. I didn’t know what. Time felt as if it flew by fast like the wind when I saw that I needed to start getting ready for the dinner. I quickly cleaned up my food and headed for my room, all while thinking about just how much time I wasted having to wrap my mind around Jaehyun.

I was on my couch, laying around while waiting for Jaehyun to come pick me up. However, as time went on and I began to realise he might me late, I tried to spam him with text messages, hoping he’ll receive them and reply immediately like he always did. He didn’t. I gazed my eyes to the clock on the wall and I began to panic. My heart began to pick up its pace as I realised that I was going to be late. And my parents had a thing for being punctual.

With no options left, I went to the Grab app to try and pick up a ride. Luckily I was able to get a ride. But I had to ride it with strangers. And that wasn’t the best thing ever. I felt uncomfortable in the sense that I was overdressed in a car with people wearing regular home clothes. The amount of times the woman beside kept staring at me was unbearable but I tried my best to keep my eyes to the window. The restaurant finally came to view and I quickly paid the driver and got out to get rid from the prying eyes from the passengers.

Of course the restaurant had to be a high class one. The outer was all nothing but gold with wide windows to show off what it had to offer inside. The bright sign above the door had never flickered once each time I came here and it’s no surprise that I still see the restaurant as new as it first opened. I could already see my parents and Jaehyun’s at a table near the inner corner of the restaurant. I squinted my eyes and tiptoed in an attempt to spot Jaehyun, but he was no where to be seen. I took in a deep breath and straighten my back and shoulders. And with confidence and not a single look of weariness, I stepped in.

“Mother.” I greeted once I arrived to the table. Mother offered a kind and sincere smile as I downshifted my head to greet the rest. My mind was still at where Jaehyun could be. “Where’s Jaehyun?” Father questioned me and I instantly came zinging back to reality. I shook my head to clear the slate of Jaehyun. “Um I’m not sure...” I trailed off, an unsure expression on my face but I quickly remove it to replace back my kind smile. Jaehyun’s parents were at my surroundings, as if trying to find Jaehyun. In the end they shrugged it off and I took an empty seat next to Jaehyun’s mother.

“How was London, dear?” She placed her utensils down and turned her head to me. I immediately adverted my gaze to her to reciprocate her attention. “It’s been amazing. It’s such a beautiful country.” I said with an amicable smile. Jaehyun’s mother was the only one who practically showed the most genuine love for me other than my parents. I favoured her more and I liked talking to her instead of seating there in silence. She and I chatted about my whereabouts in London and after awhile, my food came. Yet Jaehyun didn’t.

I was slicing at my steak with my head down when I suddenly spotted pointed black polished shoes right beside, a large shadow looming over me. Everyone turned their heads, including me in unison. Jaehyun was here, in a all black suit and tie. His hair was slicked back and he looked professional. That in itself made me swoon over his attractiveness. He didn’t bother to even take a glance to me, he simply had his attention to my parents. “Sorry for being this late. I had an urgent meeting and I had something private to take care off right after.” Jaehyun explained. I could tell he was panting from the way his chest went up and down in rapid motions, but thsy were so small it might have been invisible to the parents. Hus voice was able to cover his up well too.

Jaehyun took the only empty seat next to me and adjusted his blazer, moving himself closer to the table as his food came to be served. “Where the fuck were you?” I whispered in a hushed tone, leaning in to his neck. One thing was different, I noticed instantly. His scent was the first thing I noticed. But what came along with it was a strong scent of a woman’s perfume. And it would never be one of mine. Lines formed between my brows and I eased myself away from Jaehyun when I didn’t get answer. He wasted no time to dig into his food to avoid my questioning.

Some hours have passed and now it was mostly our parents talking about business and other nonsense I wouldn’t have a care in the world to hear. Jaehyun and I ate in silence for the longest time. And what made it worse was the fact that they’d try to pull us into the conversation once in awhile to get us to talk. We simply nod, flash a smile and went on to eating. The air between Jaehyun and I wasn’t to my liking. And Jaehyun looked relaxed and calm. Something about it was chilling and unsettling.

“Am I able to excuse Jaehyun and I? I need to have a private chat with him.” I finally let out after thinking it through my mind this entire time. I had to confront him one way or another. Better now than later. I pushed my chair back and rose up to my feet. I looked at the parents for their approval.Everyone nodded their heads. “Don’t worry dear. You two can go home. We’re leaving soon anyways.” Jaehyun’s mother informed, cracking an amicable smile to her lips which I greatly admired. I smiled back and bowed in respect before gripping Jaehyun’s wrist, shooting a glare to him and dragging him out.

Once we were out of sight from the restaurant, I let go of his wrist and folded my arms, raising an eyebrow high. “Why were you late to pick me up?! You know my parents hate me being late. I’m about to get an earful through the phone soon.” I ran a hand through my hair and let out a huff. Jaehyun was nothing but motionless. He stood with his legs rooted to the ground and he stared at me with folded arms as if none of what I said went into his ears. “Jung Jaehyun!” I quietly shouted, the anger that I tried to hold in now seemed to be bubbling.

“I had somewhere to be.” Jaehyun said in a way where he thought it was obvious. Technically it was. I knew it from the get-go. “Okay where?” I specified further, shifting my weight from one leg to the other. Jaehyun took one step closer, that step was enough for him to be so close our bodies were barely touching. I had to look up at him, my eyes now filled with fury. What angered me more was his calmness. “I’m pretty sure I don’t have to say it out loud.” This whisper was low and his breath lightly brushed against my neck. I would have melted but I tried to keep my stern posture. “Ah. But you wouldn’t feel anything even if I did, right?” His question had me clueless. I was asking more in my head and I stared him with a calculating gaze.

Jaehyun must have noticed the gears turning in my head. And with a smirk as if wanting to plot a plan to ruin me whole, he takes a step back and left a gap of thick air between us. My lungs were clenched and no air would enter. “You’re fun, really.” Jaehyun slides his hands into the pockets of his dress pants with one swift motion, glancing down to his shoes with a strand of hair falling on his forehead that he chose to ignore. “Shall I take you home now?” Jaehyun grinned widely, as if whatever happened left no trace in his memory. I thought long and hard, but in the midst of all the anger and rage, I scoffed loudly and shook my head, showing attitude. “No.”

Jaehyun copies my expression, this time it was sarcastic amusement. “You’d rather take the train home? Never seen you do that in a long time.” Jaehyun breathed out. He was right. Ever since I dated him, he’d always offer a ride in his expensive cars. I never had to ride public transport ever again. I thought about it again, how I’d stand out in a crowd of regular people in an outfit this divine. “You showed attitude and now you want to offer me a ride? What sick game are you on?!” I pinched the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes. I couldn’t handle it. He’s been acting arrogant and had been nothing but rude ever since I landed here. He was making me run around like a blind mouse trying to find the reason for his sudden personality change.

“That’s the thing. If you want to know, you have to play the game.” Jaehyun slid out his car keys from his pocket and threw it in the air only to have it catch in his palm with much skill and fast paced motion. He let out a sly smirk in the process and turned on his heel and walked to his car. I swear I could see him bouncing on his heels ever so slightly as if he’d succeeded in playing me. And the sad truth was, he did. He had my mind messed up and I haven’t even been here for long.

I had just finished my lessons for the day at my University. I was able to catch up quick in the past few days. But although I had my mind now set on my studies, there were moments when I’d spend even the faintest of times on Jaehyun. I didn’t get into contact with him after that day. And I felt like that was the best of it. I never liked him. So why should I bother? We’d only have to act like a couple in front of our parents. So whatever he does shouldn’t be of any business to me, right?

I was on the phone with Taeyong. My one and only listening ear. I wondered if there was even a time he had never not been able to answer my calls. “Do you see what I’m saying now?! It was just so-” I balled a fist with my hand that was below the stack of books I was carrying. I groaned silently to keep my composure as I walked through the hall and out of the entrance. With people walking by, I wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself by acting like a total maniac. “He said to play the game. Then don’t play it. Don’t do what he wants you to do.” Taeyong suggested freely. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Easy for you to say. I actually want to know what he’s been up to.”

I could hear Taeyong whining over the phone like a child, a loud groan piercing my ears as he huffs into the speaker. “Then be some undercover agent and find out! Act like you aren’t when you actually are!” Taeyong shouted and I swear if I was able to slap him through the phone to quieten down, I would. “Wait why do you even care? Thought you hated to this guy to the bones. Isn’t it good now that he hates you too? It’s not like he’s bothering you by being the perfect sweetheart you despise.” Taeyong’s words resonated in my mind. He’s right.

“There’s nothing wrong in being curious, okay?” I retorted to bounce back quick from the long pause of silence. I could almost feel Taeyong shrugging when I heard shifts through the speaker. “I have to go now. Call you soon? And do what I say. I want to know what Jaehyun does!” Taeyong giggled like a tease, making me huff loudly. “I swear you’re cutely annoying and I hate it.” I breathed out a chuckle. Taeyong said his last goodbye and ended the call. And the moment I looked up, something caught my eye.

I instantly ran into the shadows of the hallways to hide myself. I slowly but surely crept my head out to take a peek. I didn’t need to squint my eyes for confirmation. It was as clear as day. And he wasn’t even trying to hide it. “Who the fuck is she?” I muttered, my mouth gaping ever so slightly at the sight. Jaehyun had his body close to a girl, and needless to say she had her hands all over him. I exhaled sharply. After a moment of confusion, my feelings quickly flickered from being surprised to pure amusement and annoyance.

I kept my eyes on them, fixated and direct. I couldn’t tell how Jaehyun was reacting to be very honest. There was something to him. Like he was being stoic and I wasn’t able to recognise any emotions through his actions or facial expressions. He was standing there like stone with his hands in his pockets, sometimes offering a smile for a brief moment but quickly changing his expression to a stoned and cold one. But the more I stared, the more I had this feeling in my chest. A feeling I thought I’d never feel towards this man.

I breathed a sigh and slapped a palm to my forehead, shaking my head slowly. “Why are you even feeling this way?” I scolded myself quietly. I swallowed and stood up straight from my peering posture, face fierce and on front. After throwing those thoughts out of my head, I turned around and walked away. I had to get out of there before those thoughts swallow me whole. But that attempt didn’t work. The moment I went home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. How whoever that girl was had her hand brushing against Jaehyun’s arms. The way Jaehyun stood there as if nothing she did had any affect on him. I had to say, that was attractive on some level.

I slammed my pen down on the table and frowned deeply, pressing my palms against my cheeks as I leaned forward on my study table. I stared down long and hard, seeing my papers of assignments scattered and in disarray. I wasn’t able to get anything done properly with Jaehyun blocking my way of thinking. It was driving me insane at how he could possibly keep me up for hours on end if I don’t stop this. I groaned and pulled the hood of my hoodie over my head, rubbing my eyes. I took my phone from the top right hand corner of my table and headed to Twitter, the only place I could let out my steam.

I had already posted the tweets. The tweets where I talked about how stressed I was about Jaehyun. I didn’t even bother to censor his name I was that angry. I hated how he was causing my head to spin, making me feels things I never thought I’d feel. But it was only when I read over my bursts of anger that I realised Jaehyun could have seen them. He does follow me on Twitter. I widened my eyes and threw my phone out of my hands, letting it land hard on the table. “Shit.” I muttered under my breath. My chest was going up and down as my breathing quickened its pace. I picked up my phone and in frantic motions, tried to get into Twitter to delete them. But just when I turned on my phone, the doorbell rang. And I shivered in shock.

I shot my head to my room door, as if I got a sight of the front door. I placed my phone down on the table, trying to get my breathing back to normal as I made my way for the door. Thinking it could just be a delivery man, I didn’t bother to check through the peephole and simply opened the door. I could’ve jumped out of my skin at the sight if I wasn’t trying to keep my composure. “Saw your tweets. You seem pissed.” Jaehyun breathed out, raising both brows and bringing his phone up beside his face, showing me the thread tweets I posted before shoving his phone back into his pocket. “Why are you here?” A lot of questions were running through my mind at that very moment, but the only thing I could let out was the obvious.

“Want ice cream?” Jaehyun’s question had me stunned to the point where I wanted to reply with anger but instead had my voice left my throat. My mouth was moving yet no words seemed to be coming out. “W-What?” I asked, still utterly confused. Jaehyun exhaled sharply and glanced down before meeting my eyes again, this time he was looking at me different. His eyes were soft and gentle. It looked genuine. And I was genuinely surprised. “Your tweets are telling me you are stressed and you seem to be in need of ice cream.” Jaehyun tilted his head just a fraction. “It’s late and last minute but-”

“Sure.” I didn’t even know how I was able to let out that word. It’s as if I had no control of what to say and it simply fell through my lips. But hey, free ice cream was certainly what I needed. That was one of the few reasons why hanging out with Jaehyun was even the slightest bit bearable. As long as I had free food and had no worries, it wasn’t actually the worst thing life could offer. We went to our the ice cream shop. It was late at night and we were sitting on the road pavement. The stars were shining bright and the moon was shining brighter with its light radiating down on us. The cool breeze that swept by softly made the air between us unexpectedly lighter.

The silence wasn’t terrible either. It took us no exchange of words for us to have a calming night. Needless to say I needed this breath of fresh air. “I saw you.” I finally let out out after looking up to admire the ink black night sky for so long. “I know. I planned for you to see it.” I slammed my now empty cup of ice cream on the road in between my feet, shooting my head to him so fast I almost gave myself whiplash. “You fucking planned that? And for what?! The fuck’s been going on with you lately? Why are like this? This is why I’ve been-”

Jaehyun leaned in, so close that I could feel his breath on the skin of my face. And for some reason, there was a brief spark of electricity that was begging to have him go closer. “Be honest. Do you like me?” I blinked my eyes rapidly. Why would he be asking that out of the blue? We sat there in silence for the longest time. I didn’t know what to feel, nor what to say. My mind just went blank for a moment. Jaehyun raised his eyebrows and I forgot the fact that I needed to answer him. I guess my expressionless face had him thinking I didn’t hear him the first time. “Um...” I trailed off, not having an exact answer.

“If you don’t like me, say so. If you do and don’t mind my presence, say so.” Jaehyun’s voice was low and monotonous. I felt my breath abandon ship like its saying “Good luck to you, you’re on your own.” I had to look him in the eye— something that made me even more uncomfortable than this conversation. “It’s confusing.” I began, not knowing where to start and how to string my messed up feelings into words. I swallowed a huge lump to get my throat to clear, but I already knew I’d be slurring through my words. His face was still close to mine and it really had my breath hitched for the longest time.

“I don’t know, okay? It’s not that I don’t like you. I just don’t like how my parents are forcing me to marry you. I mean don’t you hate it? You know we don’t see each other that way. And to be honest, I have no control on who you hang out with anyways so I don’t even know why I feel-” Jaehyun’s chuckle caused me to stop my rambling. I had my eyes wide opened at his reaction I didn’t see coming at all. I was again at a loss of words. “Where are you getting at?” Jaehyun questioned me. I couldn’t keep my eyes on him, and so my gaze slowly trailed down to his face, unintentionally stopping at his pink, smooth lips. That wasn’t helping my fast beating heart at all.

“Who said I hate it? And who said we don’t see each other that way?” Jaehyun’s questions were left hanging in the air for some time. I could feel his eyes on me, observing every inch if my face while I simply had my eyes stared down on his neck and collarbones that were peaking out of his shirt. “Wait you...” I was left speechless yet again. But Jaehyun didn’t bother and proceeded talking. “You’re getting late at knowing what I’m trying to do. Which is a shame since I wanted to make this fun but now it’s annoying.” Jaehyun licked his lips and smacked them against each other, the pop sound that came out of it sent a shiver down my spine and my eyes never left his lips for the whole second of that action.

Jaehyun exhaled as a smirk rose up his lips. “I’m making you regret that you don’t like me the way I liked you.” My eyes went up to him quick as the words took no times to sunk itself into my mind. The realisation hit me but it put my frozen in my spot. Well he had me stuck since the very start, but now it felt as if I wasn’t able to move an inch. “I know you never liked me. And it grew annoying that our relationship’s entirely staged. I liked you once, but never again.” Jaehyun smiled with the intention of wanting it to hurt right at the perfect spot of my heart where it’d have the most effect. And his arrow of words didn’t miss even a spot away.

“How can you not believe me?!” I shouted to my iPad that was propped on my kitchen counter. I took out two slices of bread with frustration and shoved them into the toaster, pushing them in and closing the lid for it to begin toasting. I huffed and turned my head to the iPad, seeing Taeyong sitting on his gaming chair and happily dancing to songs as if I wasn’t even there.

“Because you hate Jaehyun and I refuse to believe he’s that bad.” Taeyong replied casually with a shrug, glancing down to adjust his pyjamas before going back to his computer. My mouth gaped open so wide my jaw could’ve reached the floor. “What?! Excuse me but Jaehyun just turned into a demon and he’s out to get me. He’s torturing me, Tae!” I wanted to simply drop and let my soul leave my body. But just when my legs gave in, the toaster sounded and I had to take out the bread.

“Torturing because he’s making you regret that you didn’t have feelings for him in the first place?” Taeyong questioned, I didn’t answer. Taeyong laughed for moment and sighed out loudly. “Well hope you’re starting to regret because he really is a catch.” I shot my head from the fridge and to him at his words, taking out the butter and slamming the refrigerator door shut. “I don’t know how but Jaehyun became ten times hotter and it’s driving me insane.” I grumbled, forcing the lid of the butter open and beginning to spread some on the toasted bread.

“Not surprised.” Taeyong clicked his tongue and chuckled. I rolled my eyes and narrowed my eyes down on Taeyong, which made him jerk back at the sight. I guess I looked scary. “You aren’t helping.” I growled like a dog that was about to attack. Taeyong shot his hands up in defence. “I don’t know, okay? You just need to do something. If you don’t, he’s going to keep playing you around like a toy.” I stood there in silence. He was stating the obvious. But hearing it out loud, it affected me in a way I couldn’t describe. “Yeah whatever. I’ll think of something. Text you later.”

“Aight.” Taeyong ended the call. I lifted up my toasted bread very slowly, deeply in thought. As I took the first bite, it was as if a light bulb that hovered over my head switched itself on. An idea popped into my mind. I grabbed my phone and pressed Jaehyun’s contact to call him. Long beeps pass. And finally after the fifth one, he picked up. “What do you want?” Jaehyun’s voice wasn’t welcoming, but didn’t sound bad either. “I want new books. Can you pick me up and we can go book shopping?” I tried my best to sound lively to bounce back from his dark and low tone. There was no answer, merely his breathing. It felt as if I was waiting forever till he breathed in and finally said, “Okay. Thirty minutes.” I smiled softly and ended the call.

“What’s with the sudden book shopping?” Jaehyun asked as we walked into the bookstore. Eyes settled on us instantly, but it was more to Jaehyun. I clicked my tongue and slid my arm to wrap around his smoothly, swiping all my hair to fall on my right shoulder and revealing my collarbones. “What’s wrong with it? You know I love reading. And I need new books.” I tilted my head up and flashed a smile to his expressionless face. Jaehyun’s eyes scanned the place. He knew he was being watched by the eyes of public. All attention was on him. It’s something normal to him anyways with a face like his.

Jaehyun hummed as I dragged him to the fiction fantasy section of the bookstore. My eyes lit up with joy as I saw the spines of all the books on the rows of bookshelves that went on. My arm let go of Jaehyun’s, but I intentionally held his hand and interlocked my fingers with his, pulling him to stand beside me in front of one of the bookshelves. “Should I try to make you read too?” I asked after I glazed my eyes over the books for a long while. Not getting an answer, I looked down to Jaehyun, seeing that he had his gaze down. I trailed my eyes along his line of vision, realising that he was staring at our interlocked hands. I smirked and called out to him, to which he responded with a quick snap of his neck to look at me. “What?”

“Do you want to try reading with me?” I rephrased my question to make it sound more personal. To make things better, I leaned in to lower my voice to a whisper. Jaehyun’s reaction was unrecognisable. I couldn’t tell what was going through his mind, whether he noticed my attempts at getting him to like me, or that he simply had to affect to them. “We read together?” Jaehyun asked back, somewhat with a tone of needed confirmation to what his ears have heard. I pursed my lips for a moment, quickly changing it to a bright smile and nodding my head. Jaehyun kept silent for awhile as I impatiently waited for his answer. “Okay.”

I reached my hand out to the bookshelf, hovering my fingers over the spines of the books as I slowly walked down the aisle. I could feel Jaehyun’s presence behind me, but I could hear him keeping a distance with his footsteps being far away from mine. It’s as if his eyes were observing me, down to my every detailed movements. His eyes were drilling deep into my back but I ignored it. Once I found a book that seemed to have an interesting title, I placed my hand firmly on it. But I soon realised I was on my tippy toes. Looking up to the book, it was only then did I notice that the book was placed so high up on the bookshelf.

I stood back normally from my reaching posture and turned to Jaehyun. He simply had his arms folded and eyes darting to me like it was nothing. But it felt like I was being exposed just from his stare alone. “Don’t you see I need help here?” I asked, copying his posture with a tilted head and a raised brow. Jaehyun stared at me, but flickered his eyes to the book I wanted and back to me again, a laugh escaping his lips. “Shortie.” I frowned deeply. It’s not the first time I’ve heard that comment. But something about the way the word rolled smoothly on his tongue and left his lips. It gave off a different feel. One that got the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up like soldiers.

It was only made worse however when Jaehyun took a step closer. So close that I stumbled back out of shock and hit my back against the bookshelf. I sucked in my lips as I felt my lungs clenching. My eyes didn’t move. In fact, in that one brief moment, my whole body was frozen, and it felt like it’ll stay that way forever. His height in comparison to mine caused his neck to be right on my face, his chest just slightly lower. And the thoughts of his body suddenly became appealing. I wanted to slap myself in the face for even thinking of such things, but how could I not when I could smell his perfectly scented perfume right under my nose?

I gulped, wondering just how long I had to stay in my tensed up position. I didn’t want to look at him, but my eyes were slowly trailing from his neck up, till I saw his face. I widened my eyes. Jaehyun was looking right down at me. He already had a grip on the book, but he wasn’t pulling it out of the bookshelf. And I don’t think he intended to do so for long as the smirk from his sly action slowly appeared on his lips. I exhaled sharply and mentally shook my head, proceeding to gaze up at him and intending to hold the eye contact. I furrowed my eyebrows in an attempt to seem annoyed. “Aren’t you going to bring down the book or will you stay there till your body gets sore?” My words were added with a hint of having the desire to fight back.

Jaehyun quirked an eyebrow up in a questioning manner, his lips forming an ‘O’ while his eyes were filled with surprise and perhaps even admiration? “Oh really now?” I could feel Jaehyun’s breath on my skin as he spoke. His face was inches away from mine that one movement from either of us could land with our lips touching. I cleared my throat and rolled my eyes, attempting to reach my hand out past his face to grab the book. However, due to his advantage of having way quicker reflexes than me, he grabbed a proper hold on the book and brought it down. He stood in front of me, confidence and arrogance being radiated off him. I really had the urge to punch that cheeky smile off his face.

While I envisioned myself letting my anger out on Jaehyun, I didn’t notice that he actually bothered to read through the back synopsis of the book. “Seems interesting. You picked a good one.” I blinked my eyes rapidly once his voice registered into my mind and I came back to reality. I turned my head to the side, realising I still had my body stuck to the bookshelf. Jaehyun chuckled and I shot my head back to him. I’m feeling my cheeks burning and I knew it was glowing a bright shade of pink. I really wished he would never see me in such a state. “Let’s go. I’ll pay for it.”

Jaehyun swirled around on his heels and sauntered down the aisle. As his back grew smaller and smaller, I couldn’t help but have that scene replayed in my mind. And with each time it resonated, my heart seemed to speed up its pace and Jaehyun was running in never ending circles in my memory.

I was on my bed tonight. I decided that today would be one of the very rare days I would allow my brain to rest from all the work I had to complete for Uni. I’ve spent the night watching Netflix and took a nap. I missed days like these, when I could simply shut my brain off and do whatever. I’m treasuring every second of it. But the thing that keeps obstructing me from doing so with utmost happiness was Jaehyun.

Just when I was at the kitchen to cook up some popcorn for myself, planning to watch a movie, I got a call from the one person I didn’t want to think about. “Why’re you calling out of the blue?” I questioned, a hint of annoyance shining through my tone. I could hear Jaehyun laugh in response and my face scrunched up at his voice. “You sound annoyingly cute.” Jaehyun teased, letting out a breath at the end that for some reason caused goosebumps to appear on my arms. “You didn’t answer me.” I grumbled, fidgeting with the popcorn packet I was just about to open with my free hand.

Jaehyun hummed, a cheerful one as if he wasn’t interrupting my valuable time. “I’ll send you an address. Come by at five evening?” I didn’t know what to think about his suggestion. It was so sudden, and skeptical. “Will I be in danger at the address you’re about to send?” I smiled to myself when I heard Jaehyun laughing out loud. I gaped my mouth and hovered my free hand over my mouth, shocked that even his laughter was having an effect on me. “What’s he doing to me?” I mentally questioned myself. But Jaehyun was quick to butt in and answer my previous question. “No it won’t. I’d never put you in danger anyways.”

Jaehyun’s sweet words which I couldn’t decide if they were whispers of nothingness or not, rang through my ears. Why did it feel like I was being put under a spell? His spell, that’s making me attract to him a whole lot more. But I knew that’s what he wanted. He wanted me to fall for him as a way to get back at me since I never had feelings for him. Our relationship was like playing with fire.

Despite all that back thinking and careful calculations, my mouth was still able to mutter the words, “Alright, see you there.” I ended the call quickly and slammed my phone down on the kitchen counter, groaning to myself as I balled fists into my hair. “How are you so dumb!” I whined loudly, practically having a mental breakdown right then and there as I caught myself falling into Jaehyun’s plan. I rolled my eyes and shook my head that was hung low. I covered my eyes with my fingers and took in a deep breath. “Whatever.” I finally said to myself, looking at the time and heading out of the kitchen to my room.

I looked at myself in my full length mirror one last time. I have yet to see the address he sent so I decided fo wear something casual, a simple oversized sweater and wide legged jeans. I grabbed my purse with all my necessities. I slide my phone off my desk and went to look at the address Jaehyun sent. I squinted my eyes. It’s not a restaurant, or a hangout spot. I would’ve expect anything else but a childcare. “Why would he want me to go there?” I asked myself in a low whisper under my breath. I sighed and shrugged, looking up from my phone and going out.

On my way there, I couldn’t stop thinking about the countless reasons why Jaehyun would ask for my presence at such a place. I searched it up. It was a childcare. Of all places, a childcare? It was a place I’d never expected to be headed, especially on Jaehyun’s request. My calculative mind wasn’t able to come up with a possible reason and it frustrated me to the core. But in the end I gave up, not wanting to waste my mental energy trying to find out a reason I’d soon get to know once I met Jaehyun.

I arrived at the childcare. And the moment I entered, I could already hear the happiest screams and laughter of the children in each room. The receptionist seemed busy as I slowly walked up to the counter and tapped my knuckles against the hard wood. “Um excuse me? Where can I find Jaehyun?” I asked, unintentionally letting my uncertainty surface through the opened cracks of my words. The woman looked up from her computer at the instant of my voice and flashed an amicable smile. “Oh he should be done with his class soon. You want wait for him in the staff room.” She gestured her hand out to the door just behind me. I gaped my mouth open and breathed out, turning back to her and reciprocating her smile before downshifting my head and heading into the staff room.

There wasn’t a lot of people there. There weren’t a lot of office cubicles either. I already knew at first glance that this childcare seemed to be a private one. I guess the working staff would be limited. Although I thought I’d feel uncomfortable at the awkwardness I’d meet when I step in, it was quickly eased when I realised that none of the teachers took notice of me at all and were simply minding their own business. I kept my presence as low key as possible by taking light and brief steps to the sitting area on the other end corner of the room. I sat down on the couch and didn’t take long to sink my body into it. If people weren’t going to notice me, I might as well make myself comfortable. I assumed they wouldn’t be able to see me due to their cubicles unless they stood up so I didn’t bother looking too professional.

I took out my phone from purse, playing with it for awhile till I heard the door swing open. The door wasn’t opened in a harsh manner till the doorknob would slam against the wall, but the swoosh of air from the force was what caused me to lift my head up in mere seconds. Jaehyun walked into the room, and suddenly all the woman staffs were exchanging whispers and murmurs that filled the air in the room almost instantly. Jaehyun was wearing his blazer and dress pants, hair slicked back with just a few strands of hair falling out of place. It’s something he’d wear to the office. But my biggest question is, what was he doing here wearing that outfit?

I guess I was too in my thoughts that I didn’t even notice Jaehyun standing right in front of me and I had to tilt my head higher to meet his face. “Why did you invite me-” “I’ll explain if you stand up and follow me instead of straining your neck like that, baby.” Jaehyun taunted with a vicious happy smile. I stood up, quickly noticing that my force from doing so caused my chest to bump into his. He didn’t stumble back an inch as if he had his feet rooted to the ground. I guess I stood up too hard, I almost fell back when Jaehyun swiftly held my elbow to keep my stability.

Jaehyun jerked his head to the door and moved himself aside, that smile of his still stuck on his face. i furrowed my eyebrows at him as I walked past, glancing to the office cubicles for a moment and I instantly felt a hard whack of jealously and suspicion going right at me in that brief moment. I blinked my eyes rapidly that shook my head almost in an invisible manner and walked out quickly, Jaehyun following a few steps behind. Once I was walking down the hallway, not even sure if I was on the right path, I heard Jaehyun closing the door behind up and taking few large steps to walk beside me. “Explanation still needed.” I said.

“Well. I work here. On my free days from working in the office.” I widened my eyes so much that my eyeballs could have possibly dropped out of my eye sockets as I turned my head to meet his eyes, searching for even a single bit of lie. I didn’t see anything but the truth as he bored his eyes into mine with seriousness. “You? With kids? That’s the most unexpected combination I’ve heard yet.” I commented, my mouth still wide open from being shocked. Jaehyun chuckles, glancing to my mouth for a moment and placing two fingers under my chin to close my mouth shut. That touch alone sent electricity throughout my body and giving me the shock of a different kind.

“I’m working here because there’s this girl I saved one time. Her mother suggested I look over her here.” Jaehyun slid his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, bobbing his shoulder and shifting his head slightly. Questions sprouted in my mind with each word of explanation was being registered into my mind. I would’ve asked what happened to the girl, why he saved her, since when he had a kind heart to do such a thing, and many more. But the only words I could let out were, “I’ve never thought of you like that.” Jaehyun stopped in front of one door, making my clumsiness almost bumping into him from his abrupt stop of motion. He swirled around till his body was completely facing me. “Thought of me like what?” Jaehyun echoed, a brow of intrigue and surprise raising high up.

I licked my lips, avoiding his searching eyes for a moment before shakily meeting his gaze. “Just didn’t think you’re the kind of person to do that.” I swallowed and shook my head vigorously, waving a hand at him loosely. “You know what? It’s nothing. Just my perception on rich people.” Jaehyun opened the door and made way for me to enter. I smiled softly at him for a second and went in. It was a classroom. All the chairs and tables were small, the walls covered in lots of artwork that the kids have done. There wasn’t anyone else, except for a little girl sitting at one of the tables.

Her head lifted from the table and her eyes didn’t even bother to flicker to mine, it went straight for Jaehyun. The moment she saw him, her face lit up so much it could possibly light up the whole world. There were stars sparkling in her eyes and her smile was wide it could blind everything around her. She slid off her backpack from her shoulders and ran with much speed towards Jaehyun. She wrapped her arms around his legs and tilted her head up to look at Jaehyun. “Jaehyun!” She squealed, the high pitch voice of a cute child ringing through my ears.

Jaehyun laughed loudly and squat down to even his eye level with hers. He smiled bright at her. A smile that was genuine and true. A smile that felt like a promise to protect the girl from the world that have his love wrapped around her forever. “I wasn’t even gone for long, Lily.” Jaehyun said, his hand lifting up to stroke her hair. It was only now that I realised just how small she was when Jaehyun’s palm held her tiny head. “Lily, I want you to meet my girlfriend, _____.” I wanted to turn to him and give him a confused look. But I knew that if a kid were to see that, they’d immediately start questioning like curious cats. And so I simply played along, waving a hand at her and smiling widely.

“Hello, Lily.” I greeted, trying to sound as kind and bright as possible. Lily went up to me and had her hands held out. I blinked my eyes and picked her up in my arms on instinct. Luckily I didn’t need to try so hard to carry her. She didn’t feel too heavy. She wrapped her arms around my neck, causing me to let out a “Oh.” I took a close look at her as I saw her doing the same. She was extremely cute. Big eyes and chubby cheeks. Anyone would be charmed by her cuteness. “You’re very pretty.” Lily complimented, which only made my smile grow so much wider for her. “You too.” I said with a giggle.

I shifted my head to see Jaehyun behind Lily in my sight. He had his arms folded and there was a smile of admiration on his face for a split second but it disappeared into nothing when my eyes met his, as if to hide the fact he even made such a face. “Where’s her mother? Shouldn’t she be going home now?” I asked Jaehyun. He took a step closer and gestured to Lily. I raised my eyebrows and passed her into Jaehyun’s arms. He was strong enough to carry her on one arm. I wasn’t at all surprise. “Her mother’s running late at work and she asked me to take care of her in the mean time. I was hoping I could use some help.” He flashed his signature smile. And though I would have refused in the midst of not wanting to see his face, I couldn’t help but swoon at how Lily was practically begging me to stay.

We did a lot of things in the span of a short few hours. Jaehyun offered to take Lily to an ice cream shop nearby for a treat. I never thought Jaehyun would be so good with children. The way his touch was so gentle and soothing, the way he was always attentive to whatever Lily would say and had no trouble carrying a conversation with her. He somewhat took care of her like his own child. We went to everywhere she wanted to go. I did have fun, surprisingly enough. Perhaps it was because Lily was there to entertain me, or maybe I couldn’t stop watching the way Jaehyun was taking care of her. Either way, a long night had now passed and Lily was strapped in the front passenger seat next to Jaehyun, her sleeping figure letting out subtle snors as we drove to take her home.

“That was fun.” I said out of the blue, the silence in the car was staring to get a little unbearable when all I could do to soothe myself down was staring at Lily. I looked to the mirror above, seeing the reflection of Jaehyun’s eyes looking right at me for a split second before adjusting back onto the road. “I’m glad you had fun. She definitely did too.” I chuckled, nodding my head. “Of course she did. Look at all the stuffed toys you got her from the arcade.” I jerked my head to side where the pile of stuffed toys were placed in a hug bag. Jaehyun turned his head to the back to take a glance at it, briefly meeting my eyes and turning back front. “You still suck at arcade games.”

“Shut up.” I grumbled, a smile unconsciously forming on my lips as I smacked Jaehyun’s shoulder lightly. That action seemed to have some effect on him, one I didn’t intend to make, with his frozen form for a split second before relaxing back his body into the seat. We’re now where I assumed would be the neighbourhood, with Jaehyun slowing down the car and looking around to find the correct house. The car was halt to stop in front of a house. I grabbed hold on the bag of stuffed toys while Jaehyun stepped out to go to the other side and pick up Lily. I exited the car and waited for Jaehyun. Jaehyun carried Lily as if she was a little baby, both his arms wrapped around her like she was the most precious thing in the world. I frowned at the soft thought.

Jaehyun and I went to the front of the house and I knocked on the door. There was a brief pause before the door opened, revealing a happy woman at the doorstep. “Jaehyun! Glad you’re here.” She exclaimed with glee. Jaehyun smiled amicably and took a step closer to her to pass Lily into her arms. “She seemed to have a good time with you. She’s sleeping so soundly.” The mother lowered her voice to a whisper as she brushed strands of hair off her daughter’s face. “You must be the girlfriend he talks about too much.” The woman acknowledged me and I quickly straightened my back to offer back a kind smile. “Um yes, I am.” I replied. She sighed peacefully and nodded her head. “Alright. I’ll put her to bed now. Have a goodnight you two.” She smiled widely till her eyes formed thin lines as the two of us downshifted our heads and the door closed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked, my attitude changing in the blink of an eye. So fast that Jaehyun turned to look at me with a quizzical expression as we walked back to the car. “What?” He echoed. “You have no intention with taking me out with Lily today?” I asked again, hoping he’d catch up to where I was heading with the conversation. Turned out he wasn’t, or maybe he was just faking it. He still had a confused look. “There’s nothing wrong in wanting to take you out, is there?” There is. It’s your stupid game I’m worried about. “Besides, it seems like you could use some time off from Uni.” I was shocked that Jaehyun even cared. Now I was doubting if he meant any of that.

I cleared my throat, throwing away my furious aura. “Oh well, thanks.” I simply said, and no words exchanged between us from that moment on all the way till he sent me home. It was calmly quiet and the scene of the night was able to relief some of the awkwardness as I got lost in the way the lights dimly lighted the streets along with the blank dark sky. But the moment I got home, I had to call Taeyong. “Help!” I screamed the moment he picked up. I propped my phone a stack of book I had on my study table and took a seat. Taeyong had a brow raised questionably. “What your emergency?” Taeyong said with much sarcasm, as if he already knew what I ranted about wouldn’t be important.

“Jaehyun. It’s Jaehyun. He’s making me fall for him. I’m going insane.” Taeyong scoffed loudly without a single care for my feelings and looked me at through the screen. “What did he do this time?” Taeyong asked, ruffling his hair as he adjusted himself on his bed. “He took me out, but with a child.” I replied, my words being spoken out at a slow pace to try and make Taeyong realise what I’ve been thinking. “So? You like kids don’t you?” I blinked my eyes rapidly. “I do! But don’t you know what I like better is when I see fathers taking care of their kids!” I screamed, wrapping my arms around my balled up body.

“Ah so he’s using that against you?” Taeyong questioned again and I nodded my head aggressively. Taeyong frowned and rolled his shoulder in a couldn’t-care-less kind of manner, which made me wish I could reach my hand through the screen and slap him in spite. “I’d say just lose. You know you liked him. Even before he started this. Can’t deny any of it.” Taeyong advised, his words lazily rolling off his tongue. “Yeah then what about Jaehyun? He doesn’t have feelings for me anymore.” My voice slowly lowered and softened, eventually becoming inaudible at the end.

Taeyong groaned and rolled his eyes, placing his face closer to the camera. “That’s what he wants you to think, _____. Use your brain a little. He still likes you and it’s obvious. You two should stop the games already.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead, now deep in thought as silence made itself comfortable. The video call was still left on with Taeyong getting out of bed to do some work while I sat there as if I’d never be able to sleep if I kept thinking of Jaehyun.

It’s been like this for awhile. Days and weeks of my head inconsistency thinking of Jaehyun. Some days I was mentally strong enough to push him away and did my assignments like my life depended on if. And other days, I’d be thinking too much to even function. There was something to Jaehyun. No matter what he did, whether it’d be taking me out on spontaneous dates, or reminding me of his game, he left impressions on me I’d never be able to describe in words. I was getting sick of it. This to and fro pattern. I hated how he’s been playing me. And I seemed to always fall in his trap.

Today I was reminded of the conversation I had with Taeyong. About how I had buried feelings for Jaehyun, and how he was trying to bury his but it seemed impossible. Or at least that’s what I would assume. I’d never know what’s going through that head of his. I had to do something soonee, right? I’ve had enough of us not having a clear direction in our relationship, if we even have one at all. I slowly reached my hand out for my phone that was hidden under my pile of papers that were scattered my study table. My hand was reaching out, and with bits of hesitate in the process, I finally picked it up.

“Oh.” I let out unconsciously, seeing a notification from Jaehyun asking me to meet him at a park. The park. Specifically the one I’d remember to be the most vividly beautiful park. It was perfect at night, to watch the city skyline. It was the one trip I didn’t care if I was with Jaehyun, since I had the scenery to admire. When I realised the texts were sent thirty minutes ago, I sprang up from my chair, exerting too much force that it was practically flying away from me. I quickly grabbed a coat, not exactly caring about what I currently wore and rushed out. “He still has to be there.”

I was so stupid for not thinking of wearing any thicker coat. It was the cold season, something I didn’t even bother to take into consideration when I ran out. Was this what Jaehyun was capable of doing to me? Something simple like that had me realising that he really has taken over me. I lost myself, my safety, for him. Or at least I can hope not entirely. I entered the park, sprinting my way through the cold winds of the night to head to where I knew Jaehyun had to be waiting. He had to.

My heart sank. No one was there. No voices heard, no sight of Jaehyun to be seen. I stared at the bench where I hoped to see Jaehyun sitting on. But it was empty. I stepped close to it, letting my fingertips touch the wood. It was cold. Jaehyun was never here to begin with. I swallowed back a tear, wondering why my body was even reacting like this. Why my emotions were clouding my way of thinking. I wanted to hate Jaehyun. But why is it so hard to do so? I turned around and sat down on the bench, digging my hands deeper into my coat. I took out my phone to check, no more texts. Did Jaehyun lie?

I wished I could slap myself at how ridiculous I was looking right now. Waiting in the freezing night for someone who’ll never come. Again I fell for it. I fell for him. Any exposed part of my body was bit with the cold. But if anything could ease me right now in the wait, it would be looking up at the dark sky, ink black canvas freckled with a million droplets of white paint that shined over top. The moon was glowing and had its moonlight shining on everything. I closed my eye shut after getting a good look at the view that the bench provided, my head dropping down and having it hang loosely on my neck for the longest time.

But that was when I heard footsteps. Specifically two, right in front of me. I still had my eyes closed, thinking it was just someone who was walking by. Until I heard the leaves rustling under their feet. I fluttered to my eyes open, bringing a hand up to rub my eyes to clear my vision. I didn’t need to. I knew who it was. And it was Jaehyun. “You idiot.” Jaehyun’s voice was a faint whisper, but a sharp one. When I was about to stand up, he had a firm grip around my waist, pulling me up till our bodies touch and I felt his warmth instantly. With his grip still on me, he brought me closer, pulling me into his embrace. I let myself melt into his touch and bury my face into the crook of his neck. All to feel the warmth, or maybe not.

The tears were beginning to well up, and I eventually let it fall, drying it with the sleeve of Jaehyun’s shirt. “Why weren’t you there?” I cried out, my voice muffled. “How long have you been waiting?” Jaehyun questioned, making me look up to have a proper thought. I shrugged. “Fuck you.” I muttered under my breath, but of course I did it for him to hear. The tears that were falling and making its marks on my cheeks one by one fell. But Jaehyun was there to brush each and every one away expertly with his thumb. The warmth of his palm rest against my cheeks, and I closed my eyes yet again.

“I’m sorry.” Jaehyun finally said after a long silence between us. I furrowed my eyebrows. “Sorry for what?” “Everything.” Jaehyun answered almost instantly, upfront and out there with nothing to hide in his tone. I rolled my eyes, making an attempt to pull away from him but his strong hold prevented me from doing so. “Why would you wait for me?” Jaehyun asked, and I had no energy to answer. “I’m sorry, baby.” That shocked me. Everything about it did. His words were soft and gentle, as if not wanting to harm me a single bit, wary of what came out his mouth. The eyes that looked into mine was genuine, true. His hold around my waist got came loose slightly.

“So? I mean you succeeded. You really did play me. I like you. And if you don’t, please don’t be like this. Right now.” That was my denial talking. Wanting all of this to be unreal. For this to be a dream. “It wasn’t fake. None of it was. Except for that one time I said it.” I knew what he was referring to. “Please. All this while. I never let go of my feelings for you. I’m sorry.” With each word making me feel like I could crumble to my feet, it was as if Jaehyun was still holding me there. Still making me stand. Jaehyun brought his face closer, so close that they were brushing against mine.

“Forgive me.” Jaehyun slowly landed his lips on mine. We didn’t move, and so did the world. His lips were warm against mine, soft and slick to the touch. Mine must’ve been rough from the cold, but it didn’t seem to bother him one bit. I slowly went closer as I got comfortable, pulling myself to him and resting my body on his. The world froze in its place and it seemed that nothing else mattered but me or him. With everything I went through, I was still shaky in my feelings for him. But for now, just for now, I think the two of us had the same thing running through our minds, the same heartbeat and the same love.

[duskholland]

Mob!Tom is a little mad at you for something n the reader is keep on saying sorry but he's just too hurt to let this go rn. Then reader tries to kiss him but he turns away but she begs him to kiss him n in the end he gives in and kisses her really hard n he's like you do something like that ever again I'll never forgive u n they're both in tears n then they kiss each other n cuddle for hours.

cute! also sfw! contains mob themes and brief references to violence.

— it’s mob monday !! —

“Tom, I’m sorry.”

Silence.

“Tom? Tom, c’mon. Look at me.”

There’s a frown on your face, and as you reach out to rest your hand on your boyfriend’s shoulder, a soft sigh slips past your lips. Tom’s blanking you - sitting on the edge of the bed, looking straight at the wall. He gives no indication that he’s listening to you - shows in no way that he feels your fingers as you press them to your shoulder. He is, simply, ignoring you.

“Seriously? The silent treatment?” 

You’re frustrated now, tetchy and curt. Pushing back the irritation that simmers in your chest, you release a breath and kneel at the bottom of the bed, shifting your hands to his knees. The material of Tom’s expensive jeans feels nice beneath your fingertips, and for a few moments, you drag your touch over his thighs. 

“Please, baby.” You look at him with as much strength as you can muster. “I’m sorry.”

It’s only when you reach up to touch his face that Tom snaps to action, one of his hands going to wrap around your wrist and keep your palm away from his cheek. His fingers are cold, but his grip is soft, and the pained sigh that slips past his lips makes your heart pang.

“Stop it,” Tom says. He looks at you, eyes cool, lips pulled into a straight line. “I don’t want to hear it.”

You grit your teeth. “I don’t understand why you’re making such a huge deal out of this,” you mutter. “I didn’t do anything that you haven’t done before.”

Tom’s eyes bulge, his eyebrows shooting up his forehead. “Are you being serious?” He drops your hand, standing from the bed. You move out of the way, sitting up on the edge of the mattress and watching as your boyfriend paces the carpet in front of the bed. It’s late - 11pm, the outside world shrouded in darkness. Tom’s in a bright white shirt, bloodstains marring the fabric over his right arm and chest. The stains match the blood on your dress. He’s breathing heavily, running a hand through his hair, Rolex glinting.

“Tom,” you try again. “You’re blowing this out of proportion-”

“Am I?” Tom pauses, turning to face you. He pulls his arms across his chest, looking at you with such an intensity in his gaze that it makes your guilt increase by tenfold. “You- you- went straight in there and tried to take out a fucking dealer, love. You almost got yourself killed.”

You wince. The evening… Well, the evening hadn’t exactly gone as planned. Your fault? No, but neither was it Tom’s. 

You’d gone as his plus-one to a club, and things had been fine until one of Tom’s rivals had come out of nowhere and pulled a knife on him. Forgetting rule number one of dating a mobster - always wait for backup - you’d stalked right after them. You’d swung a very expensive bottle of champagne at the goon’s head, and then spent a terrifying five minutes with Tom as their backup had arrived, and he’d tried to keep you from falling victim to their attempts at retribution.

So maybe it’s fair that he’s angry, but you’d done it for him, out of love and concern. 

“I was trying to protect you,” you say. You look down at your hands and pick at the golden bangle wrapped around your wrist. “I didn’t do it to annoy you.”

Tom sucks in a deep breath, his eyes closing as his jaw twitches. He’s fuming, you can see it. See it in his clenched fists and his deep breathing and his reluctance to look you in the eye. He’s holding it back, but you can see it, burning away, bright beneath the surface. He wants to yell or storm out, but he’s staying. You take that as a sign that he’s open to you.

“Tom.” You stand up from the bed, a little wobbly on your feet as you approach him, softly. He’s still as a statue as you put both of your palms on his shoulders, but you feel him relax a little bit when you touch him. Tom opens his eyes, and you meet those beautiful golden browns, a little softer, now. “I’m sorry, alright? It won’t happen again.” A small smile finds your lips as you shift a palm up to cup his cheek, his face cool to touch but soft and familiar. 

“It can’t happen again,” he mutters, voice clipped. “You can’t be so reckless.”

“I know, I know.” You’re a little distracted by the curves of his mouth, and bite your lower lip as you look up at him, smirking softly. “Kiss and make up?”

Tom frowns, his eyebrows pulling together. “No.” 

“No?” Hurt seeps into your tone, and you step a little closer, puckering your lips. “Don’t you want to kiss me?” You have both of your hands on his face now, and slip one of them back to rest in his curls. Tom smells of faded cologne. 

“Y/N.” Tom’s tone is still tight, and he sighs again. “We’re not finished talking about this, I’m not- We’re not just going to sweep it under the rug, you almost died-”

“But I didn’t.” You lick your lips, looking at him with wide eyes. “C’mon. Kiss me.” You need it. You need the reassurance that you can get through this, that he isn’t really mad, just upset. You feel as though you’re floating in the clouds, your mind left back in the club, caught up in the exhilarated fight. “Tom, Tom, Tom-”

Taking a shot at it, you try to dive in to kiss him, but Tom side-steps, ducking away out of your grasp as he weaves around you, groaning. 

“It’s not that easy!” He says. Tom walks over to the dresser, unclasping his watch and throwing it onto the wooden desk with a clatter. He turns to look at you, fire in his eyes. “We can’t just kiss and make up, love. This is… This is more than just an argument.” Next to go are his cufflinks, shiny and bright as he presses them into the jewellery dish. “This is serious.”

Tears prick at your eyes, and you reach up to massage your temples. You don’t know what else to do. It’s been an hour since you got back from the club, an hour of trying to break him down from every angle. You’re at the end of your tether. 

“Please,” you ask, voice coming out a lot weaker than you’d intended. Your tone cracks and Tom’s head snaps back up in your direction. “Kiss me.”

There’s a pause. The air between you crackles, and you find yourself rubbing at your eyes, trying to push down the nervous tears that threaten to spill down your cheeks. You can’t bear to think about what you’ll do if Tom continues to be so cold and detached, feel horrible even thinking about it. Your heart shakes in your chest. 

Tom walks to you, finally, pushing your hands from your face and replacing them with his own. Two warm palms cup your cheeks, and he kisses you - hard. 

It’s deep, passionate. Salty tears mixing with your mouths, a force behind his kiss so pronounced that it pushes you back a few steps. Your top teeth knock together and you whimper, grabbing onto the back of his head and anchoring yourself in his loose chestnut curls. Your fingers shake, but he continues to keep his lips on yours, his thumbs padding over your face. 

Tom pushes his forehead to yours when he breaks the kiss, staring at you with deep, concerned eyes.

“I love you so much that it terrifies me, Y/N,” he murmurs. He’s speaking so calmly, so deeply, like his words are some kind of sanctified secret. “If anything ever happened to you, I don’t know what I’d do.” 

Your nose presses to his as you nod against his head. “I’m sorry,” you say again. He’s holding your cheeks so tightly that they ache. “I didn’t want to mess things up, I panicked. I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

Tom hums. “I know, I know, darling.” One of his hands goes down to your waist, and he pulls you in closer, winding his touch around your back. “I know.” 

You bury your head in his neck, exhaling a deep breath as Tom strokes over your back. For a few moments he holds you, but then he walks you back towards the bed. You trust him well enough to let him manoeuvre you - even go so far as to let him gently push you down onto the bed and lie opposite you, pulling you in close. It’s a tight hug, a hug with your face pressed into his chest, his arms wrapped around you, and it’s quiet. So quiet you can feel his heartbeat against your ear. 

“Never scare me like that again,” he mumbles, spacing the words with kisses to the top of your head. “I will never forgive you if you get yourself hurt for me.” 

You peer up, tilting your head until you’re looking at him straight on. Tom’s hair lies messily across his forehead, but his eyes are cooler now, softer. They grow warmer too when you lean in and kiss him again, the touch gentler than before. 

“Okay,” you agree. “I won’t be so reckless again. Promise.” You shuffle in a little closer. “But I’m always going to fight for you, Tom. I will never, ever, sit by if you’re in danger.” When he opens his mouth to argue, you cut him off. “No, don’t you dare tell me that I’m wrong for that.” You raise a stern eyebrow. “You can’t lay there and tell me to sit by when you’re in danger because both of us know you’d set the world on fire if anything so much as grazed me.” You run your fingers through his hair. “I love you just as much as you love me, and I will never let you get hurt.”

Tom’s quiet for a moment, but then his mouth sags into a smile. He sighs, looking at you through tired, loving eyes.

“I love you,” he says, “for all your stubbornness and persistence.”

You chuckle, leaning in to kiss him gently. “You wouldn’t have it any other way,” you tease.

“No.” Tom kisses your nose, eyes sparkling. “I wouldn’t.”

[eliemo]

2 and/or 17 with logince? maybe with logan angst?

(this one got long whoops. past abuse tw)

Roman couldn’t even remember what Logan had done to set him off. All he knew was that he was annoyed, a small spark of anger alight in his chest, and he was pacing their apartment, ranting about how ridiculous his boyfriend was.

He wasn’t angry yet, it took a lot to get him truly angry, but annoyance and frustration was easy to pile up, and he had a habit of blowing little things out of proportion at times. Logan knew he tended to be dramatic, he teased him about it constantly, and his boyfriend was apparently content to sit quietly while Roman let everything out.

It had been an exceptionally long and stressful day, he and Logan bickering all the way back home until Roman decided his boyfriend’s nitpicking and exasperated tone was just a little too much for him to handle, pacing the length of the living room and letting his voice take over the entire room.

“Could you just give me a break? I can’t believe you sometimes!” Roman flung his arms out for emphasis, whirling around to face the other man on the couch. “You’re so—”

He stopped in his tracks, words dying in his throat when Logan flinched. Hard.

His boyfriend’s shoulders hunched, Logan curling in on himself as his hands flew up to protect his face, trembling as he watched Roman with wide eyes.

Roman lowered his own hands, frozen. “Lo?”

“I’m sorry,” Logan said instantly, like he’d done something wrong. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to start a fight, I’m so sorry.”

“No, I…” Roman trailed off, realization dawning and guilt settling in his gut. “I’m overreacting. This is- this got blown way out of proportion.”

Logan slowly stopped blocking his face, but he didn’t look any less on edge as he wrapped his arms around himself, hunched over on the couch like he was waiting for a blow.

It was the exact same position he’d been in when Roman had found out what Logan’s ex had been doing to him.

“You’re mad.”

“I’m...annoyed,” Roman admitted, choosing his words carefully. “But I’m not mad.”

Logan just held himself tighter, terrified. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Roman said. “I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have raised my voice at you. We can just...talk about it? If that’s alright.”

Logan hesitated, warily glancing at Roman like this was all some kind of elaborate trap. “We...we can do whatever you want.”

“I’m sorry, Lo.” Roman’s shoulders sagged, recognizing his boyfriend’s words for what they were- a desperate attempt to appease Roman and calm him down. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Logan said, sounding a bit confused. “I started a fight.”

“An argument,” Roman corrected. “We’re just arguing.”

Logan blinked, brow furrowing like Roman was speaking a different language. “That’s...the same thing, isn’t it?”

“Technically, yes.” Roman ran a hand through his hair, moving slowly to keep from frightening Logan again. “But I’m not...mad at you. It was just a silly argument.”

“Oh,” Logan said, still quiet and scared. “I don’t...understand why you’re not angry.”

“This isn’t something to be angry over.”

“Yes it is,” Logan argued, then froze like he would be punished for it. “I...I was being annoying and inconsiderate and I was talking too much and now you’re...you’re…”

“I was a little upset,” Roman said. “And that’s ok. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“You could though,” Logan pointed out. “You should, logically. We were arguing.”

“I won’t,” Roman said, and his heart broke when Logan only started trembling more, choking on a sob as tears gathered in his eyes. “Oh, Logan I’m so sorry. Please don't cry, darling. It’s alright.”

He took a careful step forward, stopping immediately when Logan flinched again. His eyes were wide and cloudy when he looked at Roman, plagued with hazy fear.

“I…” Roman didn’t know what to do. Logan had been doing so much better but...but they hadn’t fought since getting together a couple months ago. “I promise I won’t hurt you Logan, I would never.”

“But you were upset,” Logan insisted. “And we’re dating now so I...I wasn’t supposed to...with him, I wasn’t supposed to argue—”

“I know, Lo.”

“We’re alone,” Logan said, like he was trying to rationalize the need for violence in a relationship. “Nobody’s around and this is your apartment and you’re...you were angry.”

Roman’s heart sank when the tears started falling, streaming down Logan’s cheeks as he hastily tried to wipe them away. Roman took another careful step towards his boyfriend, lowering himself to a crouch.

“I know,” he said. “But I won’t hurt you. I won’t ever hurt you, Logan.”

Logan swallowed, still looking like he was trying to figure out if this was a trick. “Even if you’re mad?”

“Especially if I’m mad.”

“Oh.” Logan wiped his eyes again with shaking hands. “What are you going to do if we fight, then?”

“We’ll work it out,” Roman promised. “I’ll talk it through with you like a mature adult. We’ll communicate and work together. I would never even think about hitting you.”

“Oh,” Logan said again. “I’m...so sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Roman assured. “I promise it’s ok.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I shouldn’t have- I should never have assumed, I’m just...I am used to arguments always being violent.”

Roman’s heart clenched, and not for the first time he wanted to get up and drive right over to Logan’s old house and give his ex-boyfriend a taste of his own medicine. He was bigger than that asshole, and filled with enough righteous rage for a lifetime.

Those thoughts hadn’t gone away since he’d first seen the bruises littering Logan’s skin, months ago now.

“Well,” he said, pushing his anger down. That wasn’t what Logan wanted or needed right now. “That’s something we can work on together.”

Logan still had his arms wrapped tightly around himself, and Roman had known him long enough to know when Logan was trying to work up the courage to ask for something.

He’d always had a hard time voicing what he needed. It had only gotten worse after the two years spent with his ex.

“Are you still annoyed with me?” he asked. “I understand if you are.”

“I’m not,” Roman said. “We’re ok, I’m right here. Can you tell me what you need?”

Logan didn’t speak for a moment, refusing to meet Roman’s eyes as he desperately choked back more rising sobs, and for a moment Roman was worried his boyfriend was still scared of him. He didn’t know how to fix this if he was.

“I just…” he trailed off, taking in a trembling breath before starting again. “If you don’t hug me right now I think I might fall apart.”

Roman didn’t waste any time after that, his own heart breaking at the terrified vulnerability in Logan’s voice. He still moved slowly, careful not to spook Logan again, sitting on the couch beside his boyfriend and wrapping his arms around him.

He pulled Logan to his chest, holding him tight as he buried his face in Roman’s chest and sobbed, the tension leaking from his shoulders.

“It’s ok,” Roman whispered, one hand rubbing Logan’s back, the other in his hair. Logan didn’t stop shaking, clutching desperately at Roman’s shirt as he broke down. “We’re ok. You’re safe, Lo. I promise you’re safe now.”

“Thank you,” Logan said, muffled by sobs. “I’m sorry, I’m—”

“It’s alright, darling.” Roman adjusted his hold, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to Logan’s hair. “You’re okay. Nobody will ever hurt you again, I promise.”

With Logan trembling in his arms, his terrified breathing the only noise in the living room, his voice still tainted with so much pain and disbelief, Roman knew he’d do anything to keep that promise.

[whimsicallyreading]

Eight Second Ride

Part Three-

(Part Two)

“So you are telling me-“ Aedion scowls from the other side of her bed, “you ditched me for a sweaty bull rider and didn’t even last an hour into the date?”

Aelin shoves a spoonful of cookies and cream ice cream into her mouth and sniffles. “That’s all you got from my story?”

He slings an arm over Aelin’s shoulders and she lays her head on his chest gratefully. She’d caught an Uber back to her apartment where Aedion was already camped out waiting for her.

One look at her mascara smeared face, and he’d made a pillow fort on her bed. Complete with ice cream and “Little Women” playing on his phone.

“No, I got the whole chauvinistic asshole, bit.” Aedion stabs his spoon into the container and breaks up a particularly large piece of Oreo. “I just decided to focus on the part that doesn’t make me want to leave you hear and go and kill him right now.”

“I thought cowboys were supposed to be classy.” Aelin watched Jo play with her sisters in their attic on Aedion’s tiny screen. “Take city girls into the country to ride a horse and show them a bigger purpose in life, kind of shit.”

“Hallmark is such a liar.” Aedion huffs and squeezes her shoulder a little tighter. “I’m sorry, Lin. I know going out tonight was a big step for you. It’s a shame he acted the way he did.”

It was rare Aelin acted on a whim these days. Not like she used to do when she was in high school. She felt a pull to go with Rowan, but her gut had led her into a situation that could have gone south very quickly.

It’s a hard thing when you can’t trust yourself.

“No. I shouldn’t have gone. Especially not alone.” Aelin’s feels her thoughts drifting. Creeping towards that iron box of memories she keeps locked tight. “It’s my mistake.”

“No.”

The fervor in Aedion’s voice draws her attention up to his face, and Aelin is jarred by the intensity of his expression. “Aedion-“

“It’s not your fault.” His voice is gravely, and his blue eyes flicker like the heart of a flame. “I don’t give a shit what that bastard thought you accepting his invitation meant. You don’t owe him sex because he buys you a drink.”

“Aedion-“ Aelin tries to interrupt again. A new wave of tears burns her eyes, but Aedion is on a roll and he isn’t going to quite down until he gets out what’s on his mind.

“You don’t deserve to be treated like an object that can be bought.” Aelin can’t look him in the eyes any longer, but a calloused hand guides her face to the crook of his neck.

“His friends are shitty. He should have made them shut up. Ogling you, and making you feel unsafe and uncomfortable aren’t funny jokes.” Aedion goes on as Aelin sniffles into his shirt.

“You deserve respect. It doesn’t matter what you are wearing, what he buys you, or what his expectations are. His behavior isn’t your fault.” Aedion whispers against the top of her head.

Aelin wraps the arm that isn’t squished under her, around his waist. “I love you, Brother Wolf.”

“I love you too, Fireheart.” Aedion kisses her forehead and tugs her closer, the old terms of endearment are exchanged between them with ease.

“I know you are still dealing with everything that happened a couple years ago. I’m happy to remind you how worth it you are whenever you need.”

Aedion was an island of safety in the turbulent ocean of her life. Even when Aelin was small, she’d often go to him before her own parents with her problems. He was steady, and calm. The exact opposite of her own personality.

After the incident, he hadn’t rested until she was safely at his side again. Aedion stood by her faithfully as she picked up the broken pieces of her life and held her hand as she tried to make something new from them.

“How come you already had this movie downloaded onto your phone?” Aelin teased lightly, trying to lighten the mood. “Did you suddenly develop a sense of taste?”

Aedion purses his lips. “Lysandra said this movie is, and I quote, the most accurate depiction of the female experience.” He shakes his head. “I’ve tried to watch it three times, and I still can’t figure out what it’s even about.”

“You are a simple minded creature, cousin.” Aelin grabs her spoon and scoops a melty bite of ice cream into her mouth. “Thank you for coming over.”

“Anytime, Lin.” He leans his cheek on her head as the scene on his phone shifts from the cooler grey tones of the present, back to the warm colors that represented better days. “Anytime.”

~~~

The day started off better than she expected.

Aedion was gone when she woke up- he had to rise at an ungodly hour to make it to the fire station on time.

Yet, he set her alarm clock for her so Aelin woke up in time to get ready for work. He’d also set a glass of water and an Advil tablet on her bedside table to curb the headache she was sure to have from crying.

Aelin made it out the door with enough time to stop and get coffee on the way. She even splurged and got a chocolate hazelnut Frappuccino with enough sugar to smooth her wounded feelings.

It was going so well, Aelin should have known it was the universe winding up to screw her.

It was only a couple hours before she closed shop when Lorcan Salvaterre stepped through her front door.

“Holy shit, it’s you.” Were the first words from his mouth. His dark eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Rowan is going to flip when I tell him I actually found you.”

“What are you doing here?” Aelin’s slammed a stack of books on the counter.

Lorcan looked pensive. “Rowan said you mentioned owning a book store-“ he drags a hand through his dark hair. “I felt like I ruined his chance with you, so I thought I maybe if I apologized-“

“Let me stop you there,” Aelin didn’t bother looking at him as she labeled books and organized them into stacks. “You didn’t ruin anything, you didn’t help, but he screwed up all by himself.”’

“He realizes that,” Lorcan quickly defends, his voice gruff with irritation. “If I can give him your number I’m sure he will grovel for himself.”

Aelin rolls her eyes and slides another stack to the end of the counter. “You don’t get it.”

“Get what?” She can tell he’s losing his patience with her. Lorcan’s remorse only went so far, apparently.

Aedion’s words from earlier rang in her ears as she repeated them back to the man. “He was overbearing the entire time. Had double standard opinions about my life, and disrespected my boundaries.”

Aelin watched as Lorcan shifted on his feet, itching to say something but obviously refraining. Measuring his words carefully he looked her dead in the eye. “Look. He was just trying to impress you. Rowan doesn’t go out often. Don’t you think you are blowing this a little out of proportion?”

Red. Aelin saw red. Tasted it. Like iron in her mouth. Or maybe that was just the blood from biting her tongue so hard. “I’m working right now. You don’t strike me as extremely literate, but I have to ask for you to either buy something or leave.”

Lorcan glowered at her. “Fine.” He turns to walk out, but Aelin hears him call her a bitch under his breath.

Just then, Elide walks inside the shop doors. A backpack slung over her shoulder, finished with her classes at Rifthold U and prepared to work the evening shift with her.

Aelin is relieved for the interruption and about to take full advantage of it, when the small, brown-haired girl catches sight of Lorcan and beams like a rutting lighthouse.

“Lorcan! I didn’t know you were coming into my work, what a surprise.”

Elide. One of her best friends, runs up to the six-two tower of misogynistic cow boys and flings her arms around him. Hugs him.

Ellie she recalls the name being thrown out last night. She hadn’t put two and two together. Ellie was a common name. Of all the people in this city it had to be Elide, Aelin mentally bemoans.

She wonders if Elide knew how her cowboy behaved when she wasn’t around.

It doesn’t matter. Lorcan is all too aware of Aelin’s eyes boring into his skin, and knows he needs to make a quick get away.

“Ellie,” Lorcan pulls away from her. “I just had to see this book shop you are always talking about.”

He kisses her head, and looks at her with feigned remorsefulness. “I must have gotten your shifts mixed up in my head, though. I’m afraid I have to go. We booked a training time for six and I need to brush down Nettie before we start.”

“Oh,” Elide says, a look of genuine disappointment on her face. “That’s fine. Are we still on for a movie tomorrow?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he promises. He pecks her one more time on the lips and tips his chin towards Aelin. Anger still bubbling in his eyes. “Good day, ma’am.”

Aelin releases a breath when the doors close behind him.

“I’m so sad I missed him.” Elide frowns, tossing her back pack behind the counter. “At least you got to meet him. What did you think? He’s absolutely dreamy, right?”

Aelin chokes back a gag. “Yeah. He was really charming.”

“And get this,” Elide smiles. “He’s a cowboy. Like an actual, real life cowboy. He rides pulls and does team roping. It’s sexy.”

Aelin can’t hide the grimace this time. “You are like my baby sister. I never want to hear the words sexy from your mouth again.”

At least, never in the context of Lorcan. They’d had plenty of boy talk before.

“He even carries a rope.” Elide wags an eyebrow. “Better to tie me up when we-“

Aelin holds a book over her face. “I’m not listening to this! I will file a report with HR.”

Elide laughs. “You are the boss, Lin. You know we don’t have an HR.”

“I need to get one now,” Aelin grumbles. “I don’t need an image of yours and Lorcan’s naked asses in my head.”

She wanted Lorcan out of her head entirely. Along with Rowan and the rest of their cadre.

“Fine,” Elide sighs wistfully. “One day you will be in love and I won’t hold it against you when you want to talk about whatever babe you wind up with.”

Her eyes get a mischievous glint. “Actually- Lorcan has some really cute friends. I could set you up with?”

Aelin’s brain banks. “No. No thank you. I like being alone. I’m more than enough company for myself.”

“Come on, a double date would be fun!” Elide whines and tugs on her arm. “You never go out any more. We could have a great night out.”

An image of the twins cutting lines on the bar flash across her mind and make her shudder.

“I said no, Elide.” Aelin says a bit more harshly then she intends, but Elide gets the point and backs off.

“Sorry. I won’t mention it again.” Instead of anger she looks at Aelin worriedly.

She kind of hates that more.

“Thanks.” She shakes her head and tries to clear the residual stress from her head. “I have to set up a new shelf display. Want to help?”

Elide lights back up at the prospect. She loved designing and organizing. They have a great time setting displays up together and Aelin knew it would take her mind away from the tension she’d created.

She just really hoped that Elide dating Lorcan wouldn’t drag any drama into her own life. Aelin didn’t care what half asses excuses Lorcan made, she wasn’t interested in seeing Rowan again.

Hello! I’m so glad I got this posted today. 😂 I’m hoping to get the next chapter of DRNS out tomorrow. After that, my birthday is next Tuesday and I reaaallly want to do a mass update of all my fics then as a hooray to 21. (Yes. That is what I’m doing for my 21st 🤣) Hope you enjoyed it!

Tag List- (Let me know if you would like to be removed or added!)

@charincharge

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[astaroth1357]

How to Calm Your Demon Boyfriend; Vol 2

So You Pissed Him Off, Have You?

Notice: Due to an impending lawsuit for libel and misinformation, Mammoney, Inc. has filed for bankruptcy. All past guides from their company have been revised and re-released. All future printing will be handled Solo Man, Press.

Oh? Is there trouble in your devilish paradise? Well, there’s bound to be a spat or two between lovers but things can get... complicated if one half of your pair could easily wipe out a nation. Attempting to calm down your demon can be tricky, however in this volume of How to Calm Your Demon Boyfriend we will be covering the best methods available for you to do just that! With our instructions and a deft touch, you’ll manage to avoid your boyfriend’s hellish rage and get right back to enjoying that tender, sacrilegious relationship you’ve come to love!

This volume only covers if your demon boyfriend is mad at YOU. If there is SOMEONE ELSE making him mad, please consult Volume One!

Lucifer’s mad at You

You are in a very tricky situation so treat your next actions with the utmost care…

First, ascertain who is at fault for what has occurred. If it’s you, then figure out the severity. A minor infraction can be smoothed over easily enough with some explanation and sincere apology.

More severe breaches of trust will be harder get past. Plead your case but don’t attempt to excuse your actions. Acknowledge fault and, again, apologize. If he seems receptive, attempt to touch him in some way like on the hand or arm but no higher. This a literal demonstration of your attempt to reconnect.

This is the best that you can do for now, but he should acknowledge your efforts as long as you approached it correctly.

If it’s his fault… as far as he’s concerned it’s still your fault, unfortunately. It’s the pride in him speaking. 

Ask him what he believes you’ve done wrong and assess from there. Some things may be better to give a brief apology to, but no more. You don’t need to explain yourself for something you didn’t do. It may be best to leave him for a few hours after this and let tensions cool.

If the accusation is too egregious, you have the option to not apologize at all. This will likely anger him further if you give no explanation, though. Explain why you don’t think you should have to say sorry, then leave. Call for his brothers if you need someone there to intervene.

Now you wait. Unfortunately, it's an inevitability. Lucifer will need time to process and do a post-mortem on what happened. If he was truly the one at fault, he’ll acknowledge it to himself but never admit it out-loud. He may extend an olive branch in the form of a gift (the size and expense of which will be directly proportional to how much he messed up) but that will be it.

If you forgive him, then life can return to normal. If not, consult our other material: Can I Breakup with My Demon Boyfriend?

Mammon’s mad at You

It is first important to discern between his usual “anger” and actual anger.

If you see any of these signs: Blushing, stuttering, overly defensive denials, general tsundere-ness then you are likely only dealing with “anger.” Feel free to tease appropriately.

If these signs are not there then something is very wrong. Find out what it is, he will be forthright with a little persistence. (i.e. bug him until he says something. He will likely want to tell you anyway)

Attempt to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. This will no small matter. A truly upset Mammon should not be ignored.

If you have done something wrong, an apology may be in order. Do be sincere if you can because Mammon will appreciate the effort.

Cheer him up with either compliments or physical contact, head pats and cuddles work most effectively. If his face is red, though, you’re likely on the right track in general.

He isn’t one to hold a grudge so this should settle any brief irritation that’s derailed your relationship. Take care not to upset him this much again in the future.

Leviathan’s mad at You

Again, he’s probably jealous but now he’s going to be jealous and possessive. Admittedly, not the best combination.

Stay. Calm. If he’s already hysterical then adding onto the situation won’t do anyone any good. Patience may be difficult to hang onto, but it’s crucial to getting through this on the other side.

Physical contact is still important but NOT TOO EARLY. If he has his guard up he may just slap away your attempts to touch him.

Chances are he’s already built up a narrative in his head. This will not be easy to combat, especially if his suspicions aren’t true.

Denial will be tricky. You don’t want him to accept his false narrative as truth, but there’s going to be only so many times you can say, “No, that didn’t happen” before he stops believing you.

Deny his story first, firmly and with no room for doubt then redirect the conversation to asking why he’s so worried about it. Get to the heart of what’s making him feel so self-conscious and start soothing him from there. He’ll be feeling vulnerable, so a delicate touch is necessary.

NOW is the time for physical contact. He still needs to know you’re there so you should get as close to him as possible. He’ll probably be holding onto you pretty tightly. He won’t mean to bruise you if he does. 

Hold him close and don’t even think about letting him go until he’s ready. He needs to know that you'll stay with him even if this is what he has to offer. Your embrace is not just reassurance, it’s a promise. I hope you're prepared to keep it.

For more on how to comfort Levi, please seek out: How to Comfort Your Demon Boyfriend.

Satan’s mad at You

Oh my, aren’t you in a pickle? The focus should be on the immediate concerns first, then the long term. Don’t try to resolve both at once.

The immediate concern is that you have a very ticked off Wrath in front of you and he will make his displeasure known. Apologize. Apologize now. Is it actually your fault? Who knows. That's a long term concern and you should focus first on getting him to calm down fast.

Satan will not listen to reason right now, especially not if you're the only one offering it so don’t even try.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to touch an angry Satan. He's going to be far too gone for cuddle time to smooth things over.

You should give him space. He likely doesn't want to be mad at you and is very aware of just how dangerous this situation is for you both. If you take a step back, he'll do what he needs to in order to calm himself down (which is probably going to involve property damage of some kind but better it a bookshelf than you).

Wait until he is no longer shouting, then you may approach and carefully plead your case. You better have some airtight logic if you want to convince him he's actually the one in the wrong about something, but if he is he will apologize.

Of course, if you are at fault then you should apologize and attempt to explain. Even if you don’t have the best justification, you can still win him back if you can prove you had good intentions.

Unfortunately, even if he understands your reasoning he may still be a little miffed... Speaking candidly, if there's still residual anger left it may be best just to f*ck it out. This is not a joke, it's a legitimate way to redirect lingering negative emotions in a relationship. So have at it, I suppose. Just have a safe word ready because you'll need it.

Asmodeus’ mad at You

Again, reason and logic will fail you, especially at the very start. He WILL be upset and he WILL lash out. Likely verbally.

DO NOT engage in a fight of insults with Asmodeus. Not only will you lose but the situation may escalate to the point that your relationship will suffer permanent damage.

Remain calm, but you need not take the abuse. You are well within your right to tell him that you will leave the room if he does not cease the hostility. Don’t mean this idly either because your presence will be very important to Asmo. He hates to be ignored.

If you must leave, do so. Don’t turn back even if he pleads. Wait for him to come to you, because he will, and then a civil conversation can commence. Apologize if necessary.

After his initial anger has passed, Asmo will be very quick to feel remorseful. Despite his ferocity, he should be rather forgiving (at least to you anyway).

He will want make-up sex, for his own comfort if nothing else, but as always he will not force the matter. It may be much sweeter than usual, though, because that’s his way of saying “I’m sorry.”

Beelzebub’s mad at You

Oh dear.... You have either denied/stolen his food, hurt his family, or somehow just really ticked him off...

If you denied him food, get more.

If you hurt his family, plead for mercy.

If you’ve just really, really ticked him off, I’m not even sure what you did but you probably ought to apologize and maybe rethink your life choices... They must not be very good.

Belphegor’s mad at You

This will happen, but again Belphegor is pretty lazy. He’s more likely to give you the silent treatment than he is to blow up in your face.

Your challenge now is to get him to talk to you. Unlike with Mammon, he won’t be itching to say anything so a slight nudge isn’t going to cut it.

Start by trying to be frank about the situation. Attempt to sit him down and say that you wish to talk things out. Be empathetic, approachable, and sincere. This should elicit at least some attention from him for most issues.

If he intends on holding out further, then you have already done your part to the best of your ability. Leave the door open to that discussion, but go about your day until he’s ready for it. It won’t be easy, nor will it feel good, but it’s important to set boundaries and not allow his silence to punish you when things could be worked out more productively.

I assure you, Belphie does love you and he will miss you. It may take a little time, but he will eventually approach you to have that talk. Resolve what happened together and then things can return to normal, cuddles and all.

If you are looking to calm down your demon before he hurts someone else, please consult Volume One: Tame Demons, Save Lives!

[dancingthesambaa]

The Smell of Plum Blossom Tea Ch 16

Summary: Just like a butterfly wing, a single act of kindness can change the course of the future, it certainly did for MK as a black furred monkey put out a hand towards him.

Rating: Teen and up

Chapter 16: The Ex From Down Under

“Bye dad! I’m heading out!” MK called as he rushed to the table and quickly stuffed his bag with all his stuff that was lying around.

“See ya,” he poked his head out of the kitchen. “If you're coming back again, I’m making some Mapo Tofu for dinner tonight if you want to stop by.”

“The mouth searing one,” he questionly asked as he continued packing without even looking at what he was putting in.

“I’ll have a milder one on the side,” he chuckled as he watched his child's fist pump the air.

“I will totally be here.”

“Alrighty, and you can ask Wukong if he wants to come,” he nonchalantly said as he wiped his hands on his apron. He then noticed MK staring at him and he raised his eyebrow, “What? By the gods know when that dumbass ever had a good meal that wasn’t from his own hair.”

“Uh huh,” was all he said as he tightened his bag then he gave him a wide grin. “Well I’m off,” he ran up to his dad and gave him a big hug before leaping out of the window free falling before stepping on a branch and hopping from tree to tree.

“…I may have enabled his window hopping habits,” he mused to himself before shrugging his shoulders and walking off.

“Remember, don’t let your body tighten so much when you get into the swing, ease up before snapping, giving you more momentum,” Monkey King lectured as he demonstrated with a staff. It was always a bit of a struggle to teach his student new techniques when he already had a style in place. Macaque always leaned more towards the silent route with swift strikes and keeping the body low, while he kept more towards the louder method of quick feet and aiming high. Each monkey had incorporated their style to fit themselves and they have taught their own moves to the other just to get more variety and not to be so predictable. Once he had learned that Macaque had taught MK his own fighting style, it was much easier to incorporate his own style into his as well.

MK focuses as he did exactly that as he jumped up in the air and landed a hit on the training dummy high in the sky. “Yes!” He fistbumped the air, it had taken so long to actually complete that move, but he has finally done it!

“Nicely done kiddo,” he grinned and ruffled his hair. “Now how about we take a small break.”

“Sounds good to me!” He stretched out his limbs as he made his way to his bag. He paused as he quickly caught the water bottle thrown at his head, “Thanks!”

“No problem,” the monkey said as he sat down next to him. “So how has everything been? I heard you got into a gang turf war the other day.”

“By the gods,” MK groaned, “that had to be the stupidest fight I have ever seen and I’m friends with Mei! So here I am minding my own business and delivering some noodles to this random dude when all of a sudden gunshots ring out and the man begins to rave like an absolute lunatic.”

As Wukong listened to the story he couldn’t stop his eyes from wandering over to MK messy hair as he instinctively scooted over next to him and began to smooth out his hair.

“-then the leader on the opposing side decides to step in cause why not?! And declares that-,” he paused as he finally felt his mentor grooming his hair after he was ranting for ten minutes. “Uhhh?”

“Go on, I’m still listening,” he said as he continued to thread his fingers in his hair.

The teenager only blinked once before going with it, “And do you know what he declares? He declares that the bowl of noodles is actually for him and guess what?! Now we have both sides gearing up for a fight over a goddamn bowl of noodles!”

“Don’t swear,” he murmured then let out a soft purr as he untangled a particular spot.

“Dad says it’s fine as long as I don’t do it in front of kids.”

“…yeah that seems pretty like him.”

“Speaking of him, you're invited to dinner tonight if you want to come,” he said.

“Yes!” MK blinked at the immediate response, but then the Monkey King quickly settled down and casually said, “Yeah, that would be fine.”

“Coolio, I’ll text him,” he waited for him to release his hair before he got up, but it didn’t seem like it hit the monkey until he saw MK eyes staring at him.

“Oh right, I should probably let go,” he gave a forced chuckle.

“Don’t worry Dad is a lot worse,” he reassured him as he made his way to his bag, “he sometimes would take hours on grooming and wouldn’t release me until he had deemed it worthy.”

“Sounds nice,” the Sage muttered.

“To you, but I was so bored sometimes that I would fall asleep just to pass the time,” he said as he was about to grab his phone when he noticed a paper. “What is this?” He took it out and saw that it was a letter, but it wasn’t addressed to him, but rather all it said on the envelope was the phrase ‘My Love.’ “Well this is weird?”

“There’s a lot of things that are weird bud, but I think you need to be a little more specific,” he smiled at his student's confused look.

“Well I have a letter that I’m pretty sure isn’t mine,” he held out the mail.

“It looks like someone has an admirer,” he teased seeing the words.

“Noooo,” he softly whispered. He already had his experience with one crazy fangirl and it took both Mei and Red Son threatening the living hell out of her before she finally backed off. He really doesn’t want anything to do with that anytime soon. “It’s not for me.”

“Well open it and see whose it is for then.”

“Isn’t that like an invasion of property and technically a crime?”

“How else are you gonna know whose it for then?”

“…touché,” so he did exactly that and carefully opened the envelope and took out the paper that was just full of writing. He felt his stomach drop as he saw who it was for on the first line. “To my dear Macaque.”

“What,” Wukong's tone was dead flat as he processed what MK just said.

MK said nothing as he continued to read and the more he read the creepier it got.

To My Dear Macaque,

It’s been so long since I have seen you, I hope you have been receiving each and every one of my letters. If not, that’s okay. I'll keep saying this as many times as needed.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

I will forever say this even when you don’t believe out of connection anymore, for you have stolen my heart and doused it with the most burning of acids that the two of us have created. It burns like the hellfire consuming my soul, it stings like the little needles digging through each and every last one of my smallest injuries and gently tearing it apart. It hurts and it hurts and it hurts and you hurt me. You hurt me and left me to my despair after I have given all of my love to you and only to you. You left and walked away after denouncing our burning heart we made together.

You left it there and it’s still burning.

But I forgive you.

I forgive all that you had done to me because I know that deep down you still feel the same. But don’t worry, once I see you again I’ll show you that the two of us were meant to last far longer than even the stars. I’ll show you that we are meant to be together even if I have to drag you away by force and give you my medicine to show you that all we need is each other. You have tasted the sweet elixir before and you were more than agreeable once the potion had set in and shown my love for you.

But I’m sure it won’t have to come to that.

We will meet soon my love, until then, please take care.

From your heart, Shun

“Who the f- who is Shun,” the monkey let out a low growl as he finished reading the creepy ass letter. “And why does he know moonlight? And what is with the creepy letter?!”

“That’s Dad's creepy ex boyfriend!” He said in a panic as he began to pace around.

“His WHAT?!” He couldn’t stop the small burst of energy erupting from out of him as his eyes glowed a dark gold and the ground slightly cracked beneath his feet.

“This is bad. This is bad. This is so so so so BAD!” MK began to panic as he kept pacing around the area and gripping his hair. “So very bad! How long has this been happening? How long since he has been receiving his creepy letters?! It’s also ready bad enough he mentioned the potion, but now he’s implying he’s coming here?!”

“Kid, kid,” Wukong managed to wrangle down his enraged emotions (hello jealously how have you been) and moved towards his kid in an effort to calm him down. “MK, it’s okay, everything will be okay,” he said as he gently pried the stubborn fingers from his hair. “I’m sure he will be fine, this is Macaque we’re talking about here, and sure that no potion he could dish up could stop-”

“It’s a love potion,” he blurted out.

“That devil concoction,” he hissed out. But took a deep breath in and reluctantly pushed the rebranded slave poison to the side of his mind…for now. “Like I said, I’m sure he will be just fine.”

“Maybe I’m freaking out. I mean he’s probably not even here or anywhere near here. Maybe dad even told him off and he’s probably not even coming. Maybe I’m just blowing this whole thing out of proportion,” MK tried to reason out.

“There we go, now breathe with me.”

“I will I will…right after I call dad!” He immediately shot towards his phone and dumped almost everything before he found it. He quickly called his Dad's number and waited for the call to go through.

BZZZZ

BZZZZ

BZZZZ

BZZZZ

‘I’m not in right now, if you're calling for medical treatment or prescriptions then leave a voicemail. If you're anyone else, why? Just why?’

Beep

“He’s not answering! Time to panic!!”

The figure had just made it to the edge of the Plum Blossom Forest and out in the distance, he saw the tallest Plum tree he recognized.

“It’s been so long my love,” he lovingly whispered as he gave a few licks to his arm before quickly moving through the trees.

Happily ignoring the hisses and snarls close behind him as they all were not happy at the intruder.

Inside said home, a certain monkey's whole body twitched as he slammed his items in hand and began to match to the door.

“Fuck me, I thought his creepy ass wouldn’t be anywhere near here until next week, at least then MK would be back at Pigsy shop,” he hissed as he materialized a two sharp bladed tonfas in hand. “I had no appointments, all my stocks are good, all I literally wanted to do today was to make food, drink some tea, and enjoy a family dinner with Sunshine included but I guess not the fuck today! I guess it’s a good fucking thing I have the perfect target to direct my anger I suppose.”

He gave out another snarl that was amongst the long line to come as he dipped into the shadows once more and took off towards the intruder that every creature in the forest, whether it be animal, demon, or creature alike, no one liked the intruder roaming in their home.

He quickly ventured through the shadows, roaming from plant to tree, animal to grass, until he finally saw a ring tailed lemur with a soft smile upon his face as he paused and his eyes lit up

“It’s been so long my love,” he cooed as he tried to find the humming presence. He didn’t have time to dodge the blow coming from the front as blades sliced into him, but his smile didn’t falter as he took in the sight of his beloved. “You're still as beautiful as ever”

“And you're still as creepy as ever,” he snarled as let his tonfas glow brighter. “I thought I told you to fuck off and away.”

“It was a mere trifle the both of us had, words were said, but I forgive you,” he gently smiled.

“Ughh I really hate when you do that,” he grimaced at his former horrible choice of a partner. “I will give you one fucking chance, leave before I show you once more why you should have stayed gone.”

“I’m sorry, but I will show you with all of my heart and being just how much you truly need me,” Shun only needed to drag a foot back in preparations as a sense of eagerness thrummed deep within him. It’s been so long since he had physics contact with his love after all.

Macaque forced down the shudder as he once again disappeared into the shadows as soon as he sent some clones towards him to attack.

Some creatures of the forest were spectating as this whole fight went down, eager to watch the intruder fall, maybe if the Guardian is generous enough he’ll allow them to feast on what remains.

The forest was about to become a little more wild when first blood was spilled.

“What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?!” MK was clutching his phone as he attempted to call his Dad a few more times, but his heart picked up each time he didn’t answer.

“Kid,” he attempted to once more calm him down when he shot up.

“Yanyu! I should call Yanyu!” He quickly dialed her number and his legs began to shake in anticipation as the number rang.

BZZZ

BZZZ

BZZZ-

“What’s up short-”

“EMERGENCY!” He shouted out.

“GHA! What do you-”

“Big problem! Huge problem! So I was packing my bag cause I was in a rush to get to training and I was talking to Dad so I didn’t notice what I put in my bag. So I went for trainingandwhenbreakdtstartedIfounditinmybagandIcantbelievr-”

‘MK BREATHE’ it wasn’t just the bluenette, but two other voices that joined her.

“Mei, Red, what are you guys doing with Yan?” He questioned for a moment before shaking his head, “Wait, not important, there is a big problem!”

‘Well spit it out then,’ Red huffed.

‘I think he’s trying,’ he could hear Mei's amused voice in the background.

‘Both of you hush,’ Yanyu turned back to the phone, ‘Now what’s happening?’

“Shun contacted Dad. He's almost here and Dad won’t pick up his phone!”

‘WHAT!!!’ They all screamed with both Red and Yanyu being significantly higher as the adult continued, ‘What do you mean creepy fucker is coming?!’

“Fuck Fuck Fuck this is bad!’ He could hear the prince in the background slowly freaking out. ‘I thought his crazy ass wouldn’t come back!’

“Apparently he did!’ Mei yelled out.

“I don’t know!” MK hysterically said as he began to almost hyperventilate, but the Monkey King began to run his back.

“Okay everyone breathe,” he firmly told the centuries younger children on call. “You are forgetting, this is Macaque you’re talking about here, I’m sure he will be fine.”

“The Monkey King is listening to this?!” Red hissed as he accidentally showed weakness to one of his greatest enemies.

“I know he will kick his scrawny ass, but that doesn’t alleviate my fear of him getting poisoned again and being put under an eternal sleep to be used as a god damn porcelain doll again!” Yanyu shouted, bypassing the fact that she was talking to the Monkey King.

“Again!” Everyone bar Red shouted together.

‘Yeah! And you thought the love poison was bad, this is just fucked up! Now do you see why I’m freaking out!’

“Why do you think we don’t want uncle anywhere near him!” The Bull prince continued.

“Okay that’s it,” Wukong summoned his cloud, “Hop on, we’re heading over there. Even if he’s not there, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“Thank you!” He leaped onto the cloud.

‘We'll meet up with you as fast as we can on Mei ride,’ Yanyu said with a rush to her voice as the trio quickly went to the motorbike which thankfully has a side seat.

“Okay,” MK muttered as he held onto the fluffy cloud.

‘Oh and Monkey King.’

“Yes?”

‘You better not fuck it up,’ she said with an ominous grin in her voice as she sat in the sidecar and Red held onto Mei as she quickly revved up her engines.

“…I’ve been hearing a lot of those lately.”

‘Good! See you real soon,’ she finished as he heard the motorcycle take off and the call ended.

“I guess we will,” he said to himself as they took off for the Plum Blossom Forest.

“I really hope Dad is okay,” MK muttered as he gripped tighter.

“He will be,” he firmly stated. ‘You better be okay mango,’ he privately thought. ‘Else I don’t think your kid would take it….fuck your better be alright else I will be kicking your ex boyfriend ass and making sure he knows the meaning of pain.’ He silently hissed out in his mind as he got the cloud to love even faster as it soared over the ocean.

“What is up with the forest right now,” Mei growled out as the group sprinted through the trees with Yanyu leading them.

“I don’t know, it has never done this before,” MK confusingly shouted out as they ran through. For some reason, when the two were about to go over the forest, the cloud suddenly dropped until it was underneath the treetops, making it near impossible to travel by cloud. Luckily they spotted the others a little ways behind them and grouped up together.

“It’s part of Mac magic,” the bluenette said as she paused at one tree before darting to the left.

“What do you mean?” Monkey King asked as he tried to locate Macaque's aura using his golden eyes, but all it showed was the entire area covered with a faint pulse of violet energy.

“So you know how he planted basically all the trees in the forest right,” she got affirmations from them as they continued. “Well in the process he put his own energy into the plants, because apparently he wanted to make sure they grew up okay. Thus making this whole forest basically under his control.”

“So that's why it felt familiar,” the Monkey muttered as he remembered back to the first time he saw the forest. “It also makes sense why my true sight isn’t working.

“That would be more awesome if we weren’t currently lost in this!” Mei said.

“I know the way, he showed me after the last time Shun showed up. This forest was on a complete lockdown and nothing was recognizable like now,” she emphasized the land around them. While it seemed that nothing at first glance changed at first, if you really looked then they would notice that each tree looked almost identical to each other. No distinguishing marks, no distorted branches, not even the groves held any difference.

Each and every tree that they saw were the exact same.

“Okay that is disturbing,” Red muttered.

“Like I said, his little magic is intertwined with the forest and even with some of the creatures living here. It was supposed to be made for protection for not only the creatures living here and to anyone who may accidentally wander in, but to keep out the intruder that seeks to harm. He taught me to seek out the odd spots and openings left open in case something like this happened again. Though I don’t think he literally meant this exact scenario,” she grumbled. “He’ll probably teach you guys this after this whole thing is over.”

“We’re getting closer,” Wukong stated.

“What makes you say that,” MK asked without taking his eyes off Yanyu's back.

“The animals running,” he pointed out several animals, birds, monkeys, and insects alike, all fleeing from the same direction.

“We’re getting close,” she said as they continued to run.

It was only twenty minutes later did Red speak as he tried to look ahead, “I’m not the only one who can hear the sounds of growls right?”

Everyone nodded their ahead and just up ahead they saw a rather large crowd of mythical beings, spirits, and demons alike all grouped together and waiting as they kept their eyes firmly on what’s ahead. They follow their gaze and can faintly see, just between gaps a bright violet glow followed by a form of black mass.

It was Macaque.

“Dad/Pops!” Mei and MK yelled out for him, but he didn’t react to them as he pushed back against something else.

Monkey King wasted no time in climbing up one of the trees to get a better view with MK and everyone else quickly following him. There they witness Macaque fighting against an agile lemur who seemed to be trying to throw himself at the monkey, but he keeps dodging out of the way in time.

“Fuck it is Shun,” Yanyu groaned as Red let out a soft “noooo.”

“So how do we go about this,” Mei questioned as she fingered her sword while she watched her pops dive back into the shadows only to get pulled right back out, “cause I say we go in swingin.”

“We will not be doing any of that,” Red hissed as he grabbed hold of Mei's collar, “We have to play this smart, while Shun is a certified psychopath, he is a very smart psychopath.”

“No kidding, it’s how the two of them got together in the first place,” the doctor muttered and smirked as she saw her former teacher trip up the lemur and slammed him to the ground, but that didn’t stop her from noticing a certain brown furred monkey twitch as she mentioned that.

“Okay, we are getting a full explanation on how even when this is all said and done,” Mei grumbled and settled back down on the branch. “So what do we do?”

“We just have to wait and see what happens,” the bluenette got comfortable, “I doubt he’ll need our help, but I rather not take chances.”

“Nice plan, nice plan, just one flaw with that,” both demon and human glanced at Mei. “Two certain monkeys didn’t get that memo.”

Both of them blinked, then dropped their heads and sighed.

“Of course they would, cause why not,” Yanyu uttered as she turned her attention back to the fight. At least she won’t have to worry too much about stepping in, not that she thinks she could stand a chance, with both Monkey King and Doc's son charging in.

“You know it would be so much easier for you if you just fuck off you know,” Macaque mocked as he flicked off the blood from his blades. “Maybe you’ll still have a working arm if you run fast enough.”

“Aww you worry my dear-,” he smiled as he didn’t even flinch at the blood dripping down his arm.

“Not in the slightest.”

“Don’t fret, it will soon be over, but I will admit that I am getting a bit agitated,” his voice echoed out, which didn’t seem to do much at first as many spectators cackled at his attempted intimidation.

But then a weird smell filled the air, it seemed to have always been there as they hadn't taken notice of it before, but it got stronger as it smelt remarkably of a flower. They couldn’t quite put what kind of flower it was before-

EYES EYES EYES SO MANY EYES

EVERYWHERE

NOWHERE

CANT HIDE

NOT FROM IT

WHAT IS IT

WHAT IS PREDATOR

WHAT IS PREY

WHO IS WHO

WHERE ARE WE

WHERE ARE WE RUNNING

WHERE WHERE

Many creatures fell victim to this as they froze in place and whimpered out as they barked their necks in hopes to quell the predator or maybe grant them a quick death.

It was imposing.

It was encompassing

It was frightening.

And this only made Macaque still for a moment of the sudden smell before he got his bearings back, but that was all Shun needed as he leaped towards him with arms and mouth open wide.

Here’s a fun fact that not many know about lemurs, while they are known for being quick on their feet and agile to escape predators, there is one species who have, through a long process of evolution, developed another way of warding off predators or capturing their prey.

It was a toxic bite.

Apparently a certain species called slow lorises poison is so deadly that it can kill humans with a single bite and guess which lemur has that lucky parent.

‘Finally,’ he thought to himself as he closed the distance between him and his love. ‘I have finally got you back with me. Don’t worry, with my new potion I’ll make sure this time we won’t part,’ he lovingly thought as he tasted the special mixture in his mouth. He should really send his carrier a fruit basket when his love is properly back with him, she was the one who taught him everything he needed to know about potion making. Without her expertise, then he would have never known how to make the love potion, after all that was how she managed to snag his sire to mate with her.

Everything would finally be perfect…except for one little detail.

Not every creature was affected by the smell.

Ní merely flicked her tails in annoyance as she calmly watched.

Shui Gui took a huge breath of the smell in and puffed it out after a few seconds to reveal a green miasma cloud.

Xianglu merely shook their heads as they tried to rid of the foul smell in their nose.

BaBa just hissed at the inferior attack before nestling down.

Even the Faeries were tittering away at the pathetic illusion the demon tried to submerge them in.

These creatures, deities, demons, are just some of the few with a long history backed by so much experience that the infant lemur cannot comprehend. It was quite amusing to think that such a being could even equate to their level, even their Guardian was merely humoring him, but quite funny nonetheless. Regardless though Shun did possess the quality to allude himself to being much scarier to those around him with his…disturbing methods that he tends to use and hides himself behind his illusion. Unfortunately for him, it’s quite easy to bypass with multiple tools in hand, either physically and mentally. But more often than not, there is one sure fire method that most people tend to turn to if they don’t know which is correct.

Determination.

Which embodied a young adult as he bashed his staff against the lemur head, and a Sage monkey who punched him so hard that he left a crater when he finally landed.

Both beings were very determined to at least brutally maim the creep by the time they were finished with him.

“DON’T TOUCH MY DAD!/MOON!” Both MK and Wukong respectively shouted as they stood in front of a sighing Macaque.

“You know I had this handled right?” He looked towards the both of them, not bothering them with the possessive form both monkeys said. Though the same couldn’t be said for Shun as he was still in his spot and didn’t know who to first turn his attention to until his eye settled on MK.

“You have a child,” he said wonder in his voice as his whole face lit up.

“I’m not liking that look,” MK muttered to Wukong who nodded.

“No, no, please don’t say-” Macaque practically begged him not to say what he was about to dread.

“We have a child.”

“Nooooo,” he whispered out as he wished he could just knock himself out after hearing those words then shook it off and said with a growl. “Not your child, my child. You are not part of this equation, you're not even a variable that was left out, you are nowhere near part of any of this.”

“But my love-”

“Not my/his love,” all three monkeys stated.

“Despite our brief separation, you know it has always been a dream of mine to have a child of our own. Remember the time we spent out in the town as we laid our eyes at a beautiful family,” he almost cooed at the child's awkward face. “Two parents and two children, a boy and a girl, they looked very lovely together.”

Macaque did remember what he was talking about, he remembered his eyes lingering on the family as they were in town on a date. He couldn’t stop his eyes from lingering on them as he let a small smile play on his lips as Shun shared that same sentiment and wrapped his arms tighter around him. It used to be comforting, that small embrace used to mean ‘he is here for him, he won’t let you go’, but now all it means now is ‘he will not let you go, no matter how much you beg.’ It has turned so very confining. But he kept his mouth shut and let his former boyfriend ramble, trying to look for another way not to get bitten from his ‘love bite.’

“It was pure bliss just the two of us, those small moments we shared to the nights laid up in our nest as you laid under me as I enraptured your mouth and slowly move-.”

‘Never mind!’ He quickly burst forward and sent a high knee to the underside of his jaw that was followed by a staff to the side of the neck and a claw to the stomach courtesy of both child and friend. ‘He is not about to go there!’

“I do not want to hear any of that!” MK shouted as he backed away from the lemur after his attack.

“That makes two of us,” Wukong lowly growled as only his self control was the only thing stopping him from ripping the bastard in front of him. And even that was by the hair as he learned that new little tidbit that he did not want to hear.

“I have been a bit curious,” Shun simply stood back up and looked towards the Monkey King, “Who are you to him?”

“I am the Monkey King, you may have heard of me,” he said as he stood up straight as his golden eyes flickered in his eyes.

“How quaint,” he merely said, “but you didn’t answer my question,” a tinge of aggression laced his voice. “Who are you to him?”

Now at this point Wukong self control was almost completely gone since the first time he heard about this creepy ass bastard (which he so needs to interrogate Mac on why the fuck he would even date someone like him) and it was not looking so good. So to hear this black and white knockoff of a two legged beetle that deserves its tongue to be torn out, implies that he was the outsider in all of this rather than the other way around. Well, he decided right then and there that this nasty little bug needed to learn a few things first before he became a rotting corpse for the rest to feast upon.

“Wukong don’t you dare,” Macaque saw that look in his eyes.

“I was his friend long before you ever thought of,” he taunted and wrapped his arm around Mac's shoulder. “I have known him longer than even the mountains have formed and before towns became cities. He knows me longer than some of the forest was ever formed and before kingdoms have reached their destruction. We know each other very thoroughly, both inside and out, and seen the other at our best of times and our worst of times. It feels like eons have passed since then, but when it comes down to it you can say the two of us are made up of the same soul.” He finished his dramatic speech with a nuzzle to his black fur as he gave a soft kiss on his head. He opened one golden eye and grinned mockingly as he said, “So how long have you known him?”

Silence filled the air as they all locked eyes on a stiff Shun who didn’t even move an inch since Wukong started it. But what they could see was the underlying darkness in his eyes as he slowly blinked. Then he smiled, teeth bared and all, as he stated. “It will be a great joy when I tear out your throat and rip that nasty little tongue right out of your mouth and force you to watch as I consume it.”

“Try me,” he said with teeth bared.

Both Lemur and Monkey locked eyes with each other as you can almost see lighting shoot out of their eyes from the sheer animosity the two had with each other despite not even knowing the other for ten minutes.

The black furred monkey muttered, “And they said I’m the dramatic one,” to whom he was referring. It may never be known as Wukong and Shun leaped at each other at the same time. Macaque just groaned and decided to walk over to his son instead of the fight that was happening. “So, you met Shun.”

“I hate him,” MK instantly said as he got closer to his Dad. “I really hate him.”

“You and me both starlight, so why are you here anyways? Aren’t you supposed to be training right now?”

“So this morning I may have accidentally grabbed the letter while I was stuffing everything into my bag,” he said as he cheered when his mentor used his tail to choke the lemur while he had his arms pinned.

“Damn it, I thought I trashed them all. Must have been one that just came in,” he grimaced.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you?”

“That your creepy ex was back,” MK said with a twinge of irritation in his voice. “I could have helped.”

“Nice thought comet, but I had it handled,” he smirked as he watched Shun attempt to break Wukong's arm only to get a vicious claw to the face. “This isn’t my first time dealing with his creepy ass.”

“But I could have helped,” he almost whined, “Mei has tons of ideas for retribution and I got a very powerful stick that tends to hurt…a lot.”

“And I believe that, but I got it,” he ruffled his kid hair, “but thank you for looking out for little ol me even when I don’t need it.”

“Like how the Monkey King is doing right now.”

“He’s just an impulsive idiot right now,” he grinned sharply as he watched Shun stagger in place from his wound as Wukong taunted him as his hand dripped red. He is not totally blind to see that his friend has a protective streak wider than the Earth when it comes to people he cares for. He has certainly seen it when his leg was broken by an uppity pack of Tiger demons. Needless to say, when the Wukong got back and saw him lying there and surrounded by demons, well let’s just say that the food was pretty good that day and even had some warm blankets to go alongside with it.

So to see that this still applies for him despite their long separation, he couldn’t stop that warm burst of feeling brew from inside of him.

Wukong, on the other hand, was feeling the blood pump in his ears with each hit he landed on the bastard. And while he unfortunately can’t go full Sage mode on his ass (the forest probably won’t be able to stand if he did and he actually likes this haven his mate had created) he is still enjoying kicking this disgusting little lemur ass.

“Bet you really feeling it now,” he taunted as he broke another rib. “Can ya feel it? Each little bone in your body breaking? It must fucking suck!” He viciously laughed, “But that’s what you get when you don’t fuck off when someone tells you no, especially Moonbright.”

“Stop calling him that,” the lemur growled for the first time.

“Oh what Moonbright,” he received another growl in return. “Or maybe Mango? Moon? Moonlight? My heart?”

“YES!” He hissed out as he recklessly leaped towards the monkey.

“Nah, can’t do that,” he smirked as he grabbed the lemur arm and tossed him back towards the growing crater. Then he let a wicked smile show on his face, “I mean, he is my other half,” he emphasized. Was he making this worse? Yes, yes he was. Does he care in the slightest? No he does fucking not. He’s been wanting to let loose some of those words out for quite some time, albeit it’s under an illusion that he’s just riling him up, but damn does it feel good to say.

Before the lemur could leap back up a charge at him once more another force came into play.

“Having fun without me!” Shun felt a pain burst from his back as he saw a pig tailed girl leaped off of him with blood dripping from her sword. “That is a damn shame.”

“I had this handled you know,” Monkey King petulantly said.

“Oh I know,” she slings her sword over her shoulder, “but I really wanted to land a hit on this bastard at least once for what he did to Pops.”

“Fair enough.”

“Another child!” He said with glee despite his broken bones and blood dripping down his face.

“He is seriously messed up in the head,” she muttered as she couldn’t help but step back at his gaze though she did raise a brow as Wukong stepped beside her while he kept his eyes on the lemur.

“Okay fuck this, I’m ending it,” Macaque huffed as he stepped forward.

“Actually Dad, can I do this,” he paused at his son's words as his eyes were locked firmly onto the agitated lemur.

“MK, I’m not about to let you-” he was cut off.

“Please,” he pleaded as his brown eyes flickered to violet ones.

“…fine, but if things are looking bad then I will step the fuck in,” he huffed as he subtly sent some more shadow clones in the foliage of trees and amongst his son's shadow.

“Oh don’t worry,” he began to spin his staff as he walked forward. “I won’t even need to leave your line of sight when I get done with him.”

MK continued forward as he neared the lemur, passing by both Mei and Wukong who gave him a glance.

“I’m ending this,” he simply said.

“You need help?” The dragon's successor looked to her brother.

“Nope,” said the doctor's son.

“Well holler if you do.”

“Always happy to lend a hand,” the Monkey Sage joked as he wiped off his own bloody hand. He wouldn’t mind another round of beating to the lemur…maybe a couple more just to be fair.

“Oh trust me, I won’t,” he darkly chuckled, which surprised the other two.

MK was done with Shun, he was already creeped out before he met him, disgusted by the letter, nauseated when he first saw him, and down right pissed when he heard him speak to his Dad like that.

It was time for his Dad to be protected for once instead of the other way around. Shun is gonna regret ever breathing by the time they're done with him.

Shun's eyes lit up when he saw MK approach. “It so good to see you for the first ti-”

“Shut the fuck up,” he cut him off.

“Wha-”

“I said shut the fuck up.”

“…excuse me?”

“You're not excused,” he shrugged his shoulder.

“That is no way to talk to your parent-” he was interrupted once more.

“Well it’s a good thing that you aren’t then isn’t it, I mean if you were then I would willingly go back to my deadbeat sperm donors than you,” he mocked him.

“I’m sorry what?!” Wukong was already taken by surprise by his student's sudden shift in attitude, let alone this new heaping pile of info.

“That’s a whole nother story for later,” Mac patted his shoulder.

“But here’s what’s gonna happen, you will either die in this forest or flee from here by the skin of your teeth,” he bluntly stated.

“Oh? And what makes you say that?” He let some amusement drip in his voice.

“Have you not seen the entities that live in this forest?”

“Indeed I have and they are truly a magnificent feature, but they are no match for me,” he arrogantly said.

“…hey Red! I thought you said he was smart?” He yelled out to the tree he had previously jumped from.

“Smart as in he knows some pretty advanced science that even leaves me confused,” the Bull prince said as sat down on the branch next to an anticipating bluenette.

“Oh, well that makes sense, cause if you were really smart then you wouldn’t have even stepped foot in this forest with the intent to kill, even Ever is dangerous despite his looks,” he concluded. Ignoring the faint chuckle from the trees.

“What is that supposed to mean?” He got increasingly agitated at the despairing remark upon his intelligence.

“It means that you have an overinflated ego stuff in between your ears that replaced your brain a long time ago.”

“Meaning?”

“If you had any brain cells then you would have known that you signed your name personally upon Yama book when you stepped foot in this forest, cause let me tell you.” It was at this point that the pressure began to dip as Shun suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe as the trees seemed to loom above him and glowing eyes were gazing upon him from the shadows. “You would have known that we don’t take kindly to people trying to harm our own, especially Dad.”

One by one, the demon, creatures, mythical and animals alike all began to emerge from the shadows with a nasty snarl fresh on their faces.

The Faeries' smiles were sharp with their fanged teeth wide with glee.

Qianglu slithered forward as they let out a terrifying hiss that thrummed in his ears.

The Monkey tribe all had their teeth bared in face of the intruder.

The Shui Gui was grinning happily as he licked his lips in anticipation.

Ní elegantly walked forward as her tails flickered behind her, but her hazel eyes only had sight for the prey.

Even amongst the trees BaBa, much too large to entirely fit in the clearing, kept her bright yellow eye, larger than all the beings in the area itself, gazed upon the scene.

As more and more beasts gathered around, for the first time in a long while, Shun felt fear.

“Welcome to the neighborhood,” MK casually slung the staff over his shoulder as he gave him a parting wave, “Let us show you how we handle intruders.”

Shun ran and ran and ran as fast and as hard as he could. But they followed.

And then he slowly vanished back into the woods as all the creatures that he thought were prey were the predators chasing after him. He really did forget that not creatures show who they truly are at first look, they like to pretend their fickle little insects that scatter at first sight of danger. But if you take a peek beneath the shell then it turns out that there are monsters lurking underneath with their jaws wide awaiting their first morsel.

So, he didn’t leave with a grand finale nor his deserved epic fight to the death. No, he simply blew out like a candle amongst a sea of lights cause in the end he knew what he really was.

Not the feared predator.

No, he was the prey and it was his turn to be feasted upon the monsters.

“Well that was easy,” Yanyu said as she jumped down from the tree.

“You're telling me,” said Red as he followed, then he turned to MK, “Who is Ever anyways?”

MK snapped out of his former personality shift as his cheeks blushed, “It’s Shui Gui, you know, Kappa.”

“Right, right, but what does it stand for?” He pushed, “cause you wouldn’t be blushing like that if there wasn’t something else.”

Mei turned her head to hide her smile.

“It..it stands for Whatever,” he whispered, but Wukong still heard that perfectly clear.

“His name is Whatever?” He confusedly asked for such a strange name.

“I was like seven! You can’t blame me!” He defended himself with arms crossed.

“Huh?”

“Ah the Shui Gui cares not for names,” Red nodded, “so he usually will respond to any. My question is why did you call him whatever out of everything?”

Yanyu snorted loudly.

“I was a kid and I was getting really frustrated with him that I blurted out the first thing in mind! How was I supposed to know that he would actually respond to it! Now he won’t let it go!” He threw his hands up.

At this point both girls are full on laughing at MK's frustration.

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” the prince nodded at his various times meeting Kappa. He was indeed the strangest creature in the forest.

“I’m lost,” Wukong deadpanned.

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell you later,” Mac said as he leaned into the simian. It felt good finally having that bastard out of sight once again.

Wukong did the same as he wrapped his arms back around the other monkey, pulled him a bit closer, and wrapped his tail firmly around the other waist. “You better,” he faintly purred in his ears.

Macaque could barely stop the shiver at the lips so close to his face, but he managed to make it off by just shifting his body to get into a comfortable position.

Though that didn’t stop the Sage from gazing at him as he looked at his long fur once more and just when he was about to open his mouth.

BOOM!

“Alright! Whose ass am I kicking!” Daiyu screeched out as she scanned the scene for the ex boyfriend from hell. They had gotten a call from Yanyu earlier about his ass potentially showing up and they booked it there.

“God fucking Damnit,” Wukong cursed as he reluctantly move slightly away.

“He appears to not be here, Dai,” said Ahmed as he walked into the clearing with Minsheng and Bohai.

“Seemed he had left the coop,” chuckled Sheng as they looked towards everyone, “gave him a good ass kicking I'm guessing.”

“That and he is now currently running from almost every beast in the forest,” MK happily said.

Bohai gave a low whistle, “So he’s not leaving this forest alive then.”

“Nope,” came the response from all.

“That’s what he gets for messing with the King of the Forest,” Mei jokes, earning a groan from Mac.

“Don’t you even start on that.”

“What do you mean your royal highness,” the rabbit cheekily said.

“Don’t!”

“Is there something wrong your majesty,” the vulture said.

“Are you actually-”

“Did we speak out of your magnificence,” Yanyu mockingly bowed.

“Out of place your grace,” Mei courtesy with a sly grin.

“Out of turn your excellency,” MK did something with his hands as he bowed low.

“I swear-”

“Guys let’s all calm down before we get on our imperial majesty's last nerve,” Red casually said.

“Thank you-I swear to all things!”

“Our deepest of apologies your kingliness,” Wukong teased as he pressed closer to him.

“I expected nothing less from you,” he barked at him.

“Alright let’s all settle down,” Ahmed chuckled, “we don’t want to get his reverence too worked up.”

“…fuck it, I’m done for the day!” He threw his hands up and began to march back home. “If any of you guys want food then your ass better be helping me do some shit. It either helps me in the kitchen or checks on the state of the forest, more specifically how everything and everyone is holding up. Preferably the ones going are the ones that don’t mind fighting cause there’s gonna be a lot of those bastards still on edge and need to let loose some steam.”

“Yes, dinner sounds great right about now,” Daiyu said as she spread her wings and took off.

“Count me in!” Minsheng said as they began to hop into the forest.

“Same!” Mei yelled as she raced after them.

“Let me just check in on my gremlins and I will for sure help you out in the kitchen,” Yanyu replied as she took out her phone.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing what else lives in this forest,” Wukong said as he stretched his arms.

“I’ll help you Dad,” MK said as Ahmed followed close behind.

Red Son stood there as the other began to walk away with a bit of uncertainty before Macaque called back to him.

“Are you coming or not?”

“Wait me too?” Red said with some hesitation.

“If I’m letting those lunatics join in then why not,” he raised his brow.

Red gave a slight smile as he caught up and walked beside MK, “What are we making?”

“Mapo Tofu,” said the young adult.

“Will there be any spicy?”

“He has a whole tray filled with them,” MK can almost taste it.

“Yes!”

Also a shout out to Pen-Woman for the lovely idea of Protective kiddos!!

Also longest chapter yet!!! Just over 8000 words!!!