#just wait till you see what i'm doing to the next chapter because it's changing entirely from the snippets i've given actually

[ghost-proofbaby]

I'm gonna cheat because I don't listen to TS but you know how much I love our pair from Maroon. can you tell us which of her newest songs you most associate with them right now. any tidbits you feel like sharing

^ it's me pleading for special treatment because I love you

abi babe i will always give you infinite special treatment always. however i apologize for how long this is because, uh, this is the couple who i specifically think dominates my brain while listening to TTPD.

i've already covered "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart", so that one 100%.

besides that, though...

Down Bad. the entire premise of the song being compared to being abducted by aliens and when you're returned to earth being like "actually i liked it better up there take me back" as a metaphor for love feels very much like when you had a good relationship, something you expected to last forever, and it just gets taken from you. however, to spice things up - i think it works better applied to how eddie feels. the whole 'fuck it if i can't have him' is exactly how he feels as he's completely destroying himself in the aftermath. and just for fun, so you don't necessarily have to listen to the songs if you don't feel like it my love, i'm adding the specific lines from each song that i feel apply the most.

"how dare you think it's romantic, to leave me safe and stranded? 'cause fuck it, i was in love. so fuck you, if i can't have us."

^ it applies to both reader/sugar and eddie. first half feels very her, because he left her behind to not risk exposing her to a life that had begun to decay him. but second half feels very him cause... fuck it, ya know?

So Long, London. this one is about just being sad and mad about the end of a relationship, and that's where both eddie and sugar still are mentally. to build something so sacred up only to watch it be burned down by the other person. sugar is far angrier than eddie, though, since she's not really taken the time to work through how she feels with the end of it all.

"i didn't opt in to be your odd man out. i founded the club she's heard great things about. i left all i knew, you left me at the house by the heath. i stopped cpr - after all, it's no use."

also.... honorable mentions to the entire goddamn bridge, but specifically "you swore that you loved me, but where were the clues?" and "i'm just mad as hell 'cause i loved this place for so long"

I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can). it's a bit of a spoiler, and a bit of a reach, but i think it's a good perspective from the others looking in. the media, but also specifically corroded coffin. this really only applies to post break-up them story-wise, too. he's wrecked himself, destroyed all that he was, and sugar is the only one seeming capable of bringing him back to what he once was.

"i can fix him - no, really, i can. and only i can."

loml. i guess what i'm saying is basically every single song where taylor got very vulnerable and terribly sad about the end of an important/long relationship. this one speaks for itself quite a bit because of the theme of the guy saying "you're the love of my life" repeatedly, only to leave. which is exactly what eddie did, in the grand scheme of things. and taking it a step further? the small implications of a breakup and attempt at rekindling? yeah, yeah that's them alright, your honor.

"who's gonna stop us from waltzing back into rekindled flames, if we know the steps anyway?"

^ literally what they are doing as we speak ^

The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived. this one i would mostly apply to all of sugar/reader's anger pre-reunion. that anger of a man who simply ghosts you. she didn't let herself feel the 'breakup' much, but she did go through some of the stages of grief - and she got stuck at anger.

"you kicked out stage lights, but you're still performing. and in plain sight, you hid. but you are what you did."

^ all his self-destruction when she sees it at surface level :) just seeing him as doing nothing more than throwing a tantrum :)

this is getting a bit out of hand now, but when it comes to the double album bit, there's even more. i don't want to bore you to death so i'm just going to list those songs but. yeah. this album felt very maroon coded to me. the losing and the anger and the sadness and the clinging to what once was. should've expected it, in all fairness.

from THE ANTHOLOGY, i'd say that 'the black dog', 'chloe or sam or sophia or marcus', 'how did it end?', 'i look in people's windows', 'the prophecy', 'peter', and 'the manuscript' are the ones that fit best for maroon. some are a stretch, some it's solely based off of one line that i couldn't get over, and some i just simply think it's the vibes. a true matter of the illness that is "they're my blurbos so i'll apply whatever song i want to them".

i'm sure we'll see a few of these as chapter titles going forward, including the anthology ones, so that'll probably be when i dig in a little deeper about specific lyrics. or when i post ominous music posts.

anyways if you made it to the end (especially you abi) i love you so fucking much and thank you for enjoying my absolutely insane ted talk i just basically did on how TTPD is very very sugar x eddie coded <3

[hwaslayer]

project: make you love me (jyh) | sixteen.

♣︎ spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: yunho can’t stand how you’re so wrapped up in the notorious campus fuckboy, park seonghwa. he would gladly love you the way you deserve, despite being shy, awkward and the complete opposite of seonghwa. thus, when he finds himself spending more time with you over literature reviews and random study sessions, he decides to take on the challenge to win you over.

—pairing: jeong yunho x f. reader

—genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers/friends to lovers, college au | fluff, angst, smut

—word count: 3.6k

—chapter content/warnings: cussing/mature language, seonghwa, physical fighting, mingi calling his friend out on his stupidity, crying, sorry if i missed anything.. quickly edited this lol, yunho is just mad and overwhelmed with his feelings rn 😭

yunho: baby

yunho: wait at the science building later, please? i'll come get you so we can walk to my car together

you: okee ☺️

yunho: ☺️ see you later? enjoy the rest of your classes

you: you too, my bighead!

Yunho smiles at his phone before tucking it away, slowly following Yeosang to their group study session.

"Should I even ask why you're smiling like that?" Yunho looks up at Yeosang and chuckles.

"Just Y/N."

"Of course. Is she in class?"

"Yup. She's in the back row being all distracted."

"Perfect way to pass time in my honest opinion." Yeo clears his throat. "I've been meaning to ask you out of curiosity."

"What's up?"

"Have you guys told each other 'I love you' and everything?" 

"Mm, no. Not yet at least."

"Not yet?" Yeosang smiles. "You feel that way for her, don't you?"

"I do. I just.. I don't know? I don't know if it's too soon. What if I scare her off?"

"Nah, doubt that. You can't put a timer on these things."

"True. Plus, it sounds cliché and like it's out of a movie, but I truly wanna wait 'till it feels right to say it to her."

"That makes sense."

"Trust me, I really do feel that way for her." He lets out a breath as they look towards the library building, the sun from behind slightly blinding them as they approach the doors. "She has literally become my bestfriend. It's crazy how life works."

"I know. I remember when you first told me you were helping her out for literature." Yeosang chuckles. "Or when you'd save her in the back lot."

"Still can't believe that was even real." Yunho does a tiny head tilt. "He's really something."

"What was up with Y/N's birthday thing? How did he even know?"

"I don't know. Word gets around fast. Why wouldn't Seonghwa know? Especially since it has to do with Y/N."

"Can't wait till the day he leaves you two alone. Must be fucking annoying to deal with."

"I try not to mind it. Though, I think he's been getting bolder lately and I can't put my finger on it."

"Has Y/N said anything?" He shakes his head.

"No. Maybe I'm just overthinking. She just seemed a little weird about him at her birthday party."

"Well, yeah. It's Seonghwa." Yeosang waves at their study group sitting at the far end of the library in the loud section.

"Yeah, but, I don't know. It was different. She seemed bothered about something but she hasn't told me anything. I assume it's not a big deal."

"Hm. Well, I'm sure it's not either. Just Seonghwa being himself, maybe."

"Mm, whatever though." Yunho greets the study group as they approach the table. "She's my girlfriend now, and that won't change." Yeosang gives him a small smile before they settle with the group and begin their long study session together.

"Remember, we have a test next class. Make sure you study everything I included in the study guide. Don't skip on anything just because you think it's a minor detail! Nothing is minor!" Your professor says before dismissing the class. You let out a sigh, already stressing over the next test. You didn't do bad on the first test, but you also didn't do the greatest. Thankfully, you're still at a good point in the semester, which gives you enough time to pull your grade up.

Once the initial rush of people leaving the classroom dies down, you pack up your things and head out the door. You hurry out of the classroom and down the steps, excited to see your boyfriend after yet another long day. For a split second, the building is crowded with other students leaving their classes and heading to their next destination— whether it be the next class, the library or to their cars. It's a sudden swarm of people that you don't even realize Seonghwa had stepped out of his own class, following you down the corridor.

"Y/N." You hear Seonghwa's voice behind you. You try to mind your own business, subtly rolling your eyes as you walk out of the science building to reunite with Yunho. 

Except, he isn't exactly there yet and Seonghwa grabs you by the wrist.

"Y/N." He repeats, turning you to face him.

"What are you doing?" You question him.

"Just a second." You let out a loud, heavy sigh. "Why are you being like this?"

"Like what?"

"Like you ignoring me. You haven't answered any of my texts or calls—"

"Why do I need to?" You raise a brow. "You're not actually serious, right? I have no reason to respond to you, Seonghwa. Don't you have places to be, people to see?" You pause. "Don't you realize you're a little too late? This was something I needed from you way before. I don't need it from you now."

"I know it's late, but I don't wanna give up on this."

"This? This has been done for a long time, you and I both know that. You're only worried about losing the only safety blanket you've ever had. Why can't you just move on and let me be happy?"

"Happy?" Seonghwa almost scoffs. "With him? Okay, baby." He shakes his head. "Listen. Enough of this for real. Can you please just hear me out, I'll explain and apologize properly—"

"Seonghwa, stop calling me that. What don't you understand about no?" You say almost at a whine, his hand still having a grip on the edge of your wrist. You truly don't want to entertain this, but Seonghwa almost gives you no way out, no way around his bullshit, and unfortunately, that'll be the root of everything that unfolds tonight. Yunho is happily [and eagerly] making his way down to you after the long, heavy study group session, while Yeosang decides he's gonna stay behind in order to hit the gym and get his workout in. Yunho is a few minutes late, but he knows you'll still flash him that beautiful, million-watt smile he adores so much before wrapping your arms around him.

He can't wait.

But, Yunho slows in his steps just as he's close to the front doors; familiar voices filling the surprisingly empty, quiet space.  It's you, and he already feels himself boiling with anger when he hears who else is occupying your time right now.

"Why haven't you even said anything about the flowers and the card I gave you? Did you even get them?" Yunho overhears Seonghwa ask you, and he furrows his brows. What flowers and card? You don't answer right away, and Seonghwa is quick to follow up. Yunho doesn't even get to hear your response about it and the most upsetting part of all this— is that this is how he finds out about everything.

Not from you, but from Seonghwa.

"You couldn't even send me a text? I was worried you didn't get it. I wanted to talk to you afterwards."

"What is there to talk about?"

"Yeah, what is there to talk about?" You and Seonghwa turn towards Yunho, who stands there with his hands dug deep into his pockets. His jaw is slightly clenched, head titled to the side while he waits for a response. Seonghwa lets out a pathetic chuckle, hand slipping down your wrist as he fully faces him.

"Loverboy sounds upset over a little talk."

"A little talk? Is that an add-on for the flowers and card you sent her?" Yunho sounds more stern, more angry. You can't even blame him, but at the same time, it's unusual for you to hear him this way. You're not sure what could come out of this and you don't necessarily want to find out.

"I'm sorry, should I have sent you some, too?" Seonghwa steps closer to him and the panic starts to settle in for you. You wish someone, anyone, was around to help. Because although you don't think Yunho will let this blow out of proportion, you aren't 100% about your answer. You're not sure how Yunho manages his anger in these situations and you're not sure what triggers him; what tips him over the edge and is the 'cherry on top.' Seonghwa has always rubbed him the wrong way and you don't think this could end remotely pretty. "I'll take note of that for next time so you don't have to sit there and stare at Y/N's."

How you wish Seonghwa had just gotten the point. Why couldn't he just let you be? Why was he out to ruin your happiness so badly?

"Seonghwa. This is done. Let it go." You warn him, but it doesn't clear anything. You aren't getting through to any of them.

"Back up. I'm not asking." Yunho clenches his jaw as he comes face to face with Seonghwa, making him give off a small scoff.

"Aw. Loverboy's mad—" And that's exactly the tipping point for Yunho. He's not sure why, he usually has a lot of patience. He usually brushes things off easily, doesn't hold a grudge or stay angry for long. But, Seonghwa? He was a different story, especially because of the history you have with him. Every little thing about Seonghwa pisses him off— down to the way he moves, breathes, acts like he can always get his way so easily, so quickly. Before he can even think about the consequences, or how you'd feel, Yunho swings at him, making Seonghwa stumble backwards. 

"Yunho!—" You gasp, Yunho's initial punch is pretty rough that it had Seonghwa in shock before being able to register what just happened.

"Fuck you—" Is all Seonghwa spits out before going at Yunho. The two continue to go at it, pushing and gripping at each other's shirts, rough attempts at landing punches;

They're almost successful with tearing each other's heads off until you step in between and get involved.

"Stop!" You step in between to try and prevent the fight from escalating even more. "Stop it!" You push Seonghwa back when he tries coming for Yunho, a campus security guard dashing towards all of you to completely break up the scuffle.

"Knock it off! The hell are you two doing acting like this on campus? I suggest you two part ways now before we call the cops over!"

"Yo, what the fuck?!" Mingi comes from around the corner, grabbing at Seonghwa's arm to pull him back. "The fuck are you doing, dude?" He looks at his bestfriend in disbelief.

"Why don't you ask your friend who fucking started it—"

"Me?" Yunho spits, while Seonghwa wipes the blood at the corner of his lip. "I wouldn't have had to if you just knew how to back the fuck off!" Yunho is angry, continuing to raise his voice. "Let me catch you sending shit to my girlfriend one more time and see what the fuck I'll do—" 

"Yunho." You say softly, tugging back at his arm.

"Are you serious?" Mingi looks at Seonghwa. "You don't go messing around with people's relationships, Hwa. You need to let this go, you look crazy!" 

"Oh, so all of a sudden you're sticking up for your friend?"

"Yeah, because he is my friend and it's just shit you don't do! What the fuck don't you understand about that?! You fucking deserved that shit!" Mingi shakes his head before pushing Hwa forward, pulling him off to the side to continue talking to him. 

"Babe." You turn to Yunho after Mingi and Seonghwa create good distance, hand coming up to cup Yunho's cheek. But, he turns, slightly shaking his head at you. You pull your hand back and feel your heart drop, the look in Yunho's eyes being one that you've never experienced before.

Sadness, hurt, anger. 

Mostly sadness, hurt.

"What flowers was he talking about, Y/N?" His chest is still rising at a somewhat uneven pace, doing his best to calm down after the adrenaline rush.

"H-he left them at my doorstep after we came back from the snow. I'm really sorry, Yunho, I didn't tell you because I tossed it out and—"

"But still, it's the fact that you didn't tell me after all this time." Yunho's brows are tightly knitted together, and the look causes your heart to sink even deeper. "Why did you have to let me find out this way? Were you going to tell me about this too if I hadn't come right away?"

"I just didn't get around to telling you because I didn't think it would matter— Seonghwa doesn't matter."

"If he didn't, then wouldn't you be able to tell me without questioning it so much?"

"Yunho, no. I'm sorry, no." You repeat, tears pricking your eye lids. "I didn't mean for it to seem like that. I really didn't mean to hide this from you."

"Did you think about keeping them?"

"I—I, no. I thought—" Yunho hears you stuttering and his throat suddenly feels dry. Why can't you just tell him? Even if Seonghwa didn't matter to you, why couldn't you trust him enough to tell him? 

Why couldn't you feel comfortable enough to tell him?

"Be honest with me, Y/N. That's all I've ever asked. Did you or did you not think about it keeping it?" Silence. And god, it is the most gut-wrenching silence Yunho has ever endured.

Yup. Got it. 

The answer is clear.

You did think about Seonghwa. You thought about accepting the flowers as his apology, you thought about the possibility— even if it was for a brief, splitting second. Seonghwa did matter for one fucking second, and that's what bothers him.

"Yunho, please. I just thought—" You can barely get through your sentences.

"Did you, or did you not?"

"I thought about keeping it, but it was so stupid. I was just blinded for a second, and I realized it didn't matter to me. He doesn't matter to me. At all. I promise. Everything just caught me off guard." You try to grab for his hand but he steps back. "Yunho, it was all stupid. I tossed it out so quickly. I wasn't going to do anything, I wasn't going to text, nothing."

"But, why does it feel like after everything he's put you through, you still believe he'd genuinely change? Why does it feel like a part of you is still actually holding onto that?" Well, when Yunho says it to your face like that, you feel dumb. Not once did you ever think about running back to Seonghwa and leaving this behind. But, you were blinded in that quick second from your history with Hwa, being close and sharing moments for months. Asking Seonghwa for little gestures like this, for more attention; even though it was a ride, you still had history.

And yes, maybe at one point you wanted to be the girl that changed him.

But today, you can't even imagine going back to that point. Not after being with Yunho, not after the happiness he's brought you.

Not after you realize how much you genuinely and truly love Yunho. 

You don't wanna lose him.

This is all so stupid, and a huge misunderstanding. But, you're the only person to blame here— if you hadn't given Seonghwa the time of day, if you had just told Yunho right away without second-guessing it, if you hadn't hesitated; you wouldn't be here right now.

"I'm not!" Your tone raises and it sounds like a whine at this point. "I'm not, Yunho. Please."

"Look, tonight was a lot." He sighs, running his hand through his hair before wincing and looking down at his knuckles. "I was excited to see you after a long day, Y/N. I was really looking forward to being with you. I wasn't expecting all of this and honestly, I don't know what's worse? Stumbling upon all of this the way I did, or not knowing at all."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was stupid and fucked up of me, and I'm sorry." You repeat, tears streaming down your cheeks.

"Maybe you just need to think about what you really want." Yunho shrugs. "I thought you were over the whole thing with Seonghwa, but clearly not if you're still considering on giving him the time of day."

"No, no, Yunho. Please don't. It's not that." You try to lace your hand with his, but he gently brushes it off with a shaky sigh. He doesn't wanna leave you. He never wants to be without you. But, tonight was a lot for him to handle, and it is overwhelming. He hasn't really felt this protective over someone. Of course, it's only natural since you're his girlfriend. He'll always protect you. It's just that Seonghwa brings something out of him that he doesn't necessarily like, and he wants it to be gone for good. It feels unhealthy and icky;

The anger, the frustration, the anxiety.

He hates it. And he doesn't want this to be a thing in your relationship. Plus, he still feels himself fuming with anger and he just can't possibly talk to you while he feels that way.

So yes, he's overwhelmed and he needs to get over this.

"No, seriously. You really should think about it. I know where I stand but I'm not so sure you do." He lets out another disappointed sigh. "I'll take you home, but we should probably just be in our own places tonight."

"Okay." You say close to a whisper, sniffling as you wipe away at your face. You don't even try to fight it anymore simply because you know Yunho needs his space right now. He begins to walk off with you slowly trailing behind, head hung low after everything that happened tonight. Everything happened so fast you're also having to process it all on this walk over to the lot. Suddenly, you're pulled out of your thoughts when you hear footsteps picking up behind you, followed by a familiar, deep voice.

"Yo, wait up!" Mingi says. "You good? I'm sorry about him, he's actually losing it."

"You're sorry? Mingi, when the fuck is your friend gonna grow up so that you're not apologizing on his behalf?" Mingi lets out a breath as his eyes dart from you, back to Yunho's. "Seriously. I don't mean to throw that your way, but it's not even just about tonight. Your friend knows no boundaries and that's crazy to me."

"I know, he's got things to sort through but that's his own problem now. I already told him multiple times. Me and San did." Mingi shakes his head.

"Doesn't take much to grow the fuck up and take ownership of your own fuck-ups once in awhile."

"Let him keep learning the hard way. He will, eventually. He deserved that tonight."

"He can try all he wants, nothing's gonna change between me and her. Hope he understands I'm not going anywhere after tonight."

"Of course." Is all Mingi could respond with because of course Yunho wouldn't go anywhere— why the fuck would he let Seonghwa get in the way? He shouldn't. And Seonghwa needs to know that. "Anyway, just wanted to see if you two were okay. For real." Yunho sighs.

"Mmyeah. Thanks." He responds as Mingi daps it up. "We're just gonna head home."

"Drive safely. Text me if you need me." Mingi gives you a small smile before running off to tend to his friends, San now also getting dragged into all his mess. 

The walk over is quiet, but Yunho still opens the passenger door for you when you finally get to his car. You hate the silence that falls between you two, but you understand Yunho is upset and needs his own time away from everything, from you, even. You can't help but cry even more into your hands when he pulls into the apartment lot, Yunho letting out a breath as he puts the car in park. He looks over at you and his heart breaks because he truly hates to see you cry, and he never wants to be the reason behind you being sad or hurt.

"Hey. Don't." He says softly, hands coming up to pry your own hands away from your face. He gently wipes the tears away, making sure no drop is missed. 

"I'm sorry, Yuyu." You repeat.

"I know, it's okay."  He says, even though right now, it's not.

"Is it?"

"Let's get you home, okay?" He just looks at you with a soft expression before unbuckling his seatbelt. He comes over to open your door, locking his car when you step out and slowly make your way to your apartment. When you get to the steps, you turn towards him with a small pout. Yunho pulls you into a hug and kisses the top of your head, wiping any remaining stragglers from staining your cheeks. He's not happy, but he's trying to send you off on a calm note— hoping this could at least ease you for the night. "Get some rest."

"I'll see you tomorrow, right?" He doesn't say anything before he pulls away and takes a few steps backwards. "Yunho." You call for him in that tone of yours that always makes him so weak.

"Y/N, please. I just need to shake this off. That's all. Goodnight." All you can do is simply walk away before running up the steps and into your apartment. Chaery is the only one home, cleaning her dishes after cooking a good meal for all of you to share.

"My love is home! I cooked!" She says happily, but her smile dies when she sees you set your bags down and cry into your hands. She drops everything and rushes over, throwing her arms around you while guiding you to the couch. "Hey, what's wrong? What happened?" She brushes the hair away from your face while you continue to cry. You don't respond for a bit, signaling for Chaery to just hold you and let you be.

You cry, and you cry.

Because you already miss Yunho, and you feel so dumb for overthinking the entire thing, for not being honest with him. It was a stupid mistake, but you hope Yunho knows you truly weren't out to hurt him. 

You hope he can forgive you and move past this— with you, together.

Because today and so on, he's all you want. You love Yunho, and there's no one else that completes you the way that he does.

♣︎ taglist: @s-nsanshine @soupbinlily @tyongff-ff @jiminiscricket @g1g1l @staytinyinmybpack @woomyteez @gfksz @bitchwhytho @savluvsmingi @thisisntmyrightera @hyukssunflower @miriamxsworld @tmtxtf @kuromibabe04 @lmnhead @carrietwrites @tournesol155 @persphonesorchid @txt-yaomi @mxnsxngie @h-nji @mundayoonimnida @jalapeno-princess @nakiiko @asjkdk @kunikku @idkwgoh @kyeos4ng @agust-d2 @araknoid @bintificreads @primoppang @betray-the-light @aurorasjoongie @wineyoungie @yunhotteokkk @yungigiggles @jaerisdiction @ignoretheskies @luminouskalopsia @naeviscall @vixensss @choisansplushie @arya9111 @my-lightspirit @dazednconfusion @astro-doll-the-star @faesmingi @idfkeddieishot @startinystay @emily505 @mgdixon @mcsalterego @cheynalexilaiho @svintsandghosts @mismatchfluffysocks

[buryhny]

One Night Stand ; 32

➥ rundown ; as if the unexpected twist of a one-night stand turning out to be your CEO boss wasn't surreal enough, the situation takes a more challenging turn when both of you discover that you're expecting his child.

→ genre ; enemies to lovers | CEO au | pregnancy trope | slowburn

→ Jungkook x y/n → contains smut, fluff and angst → chapter thirty two ; wc | 6.8k

primarily on Wattpad

index ⇢ next chapter

Silence envelopes the three of you, standing in the middle of a convenience store down the lane as each one of your gaze shifts from one to the other.

you weren't ready to encounter anyone so you've got nothing to say, the words don't come out of your mouth because you don't know what to say and it wasn't just you, Jungkook seems to be uncomfortable too as he stands beside you, holding the bag of pasta as he shifts from one foot to the other.

"Hobi... I'm sorry that you had to see me like this-" You mumble under your breath, feeling the tension in the air thickening. If none of you speak up now, the silence will become suffocating. Jungkook glances at you and frowns,

'why did you apologize? Why does it matter that an employee of his office and a past colleague of yours deserve an apology—for simply passing you at a general store?'

Hoseok shakes his head as he looks down at his feet. "no- no Y/n you don't have to be" "Yeah, you don't have to be sorry. it doesn't make any sense now, does it, Mr Jung?"

Jungkook intrudes as Hoseok speaks and you turn to meet the man beside you, for some reason is being too defensive. Hoseok frowns and puts his head down at Jungkook's words because whatever it may be, he's still an employee that works for Jeon. "I'm sorry that we had to meet like this, especially after I've been avoiding you for months. That's what I meant." you gaze at Jungkook who now clenches his jaw as he looks straight ahead.

the tension that surrounds the air was unknowingly too heavy, and for what reason? you three don't know or maybe you do. Jungkook's defensiveness and annoyance come from the bond that his employee and you share, his mind shows flashbacks of how you giggled and laughed at Jung's antics and how you were often called 'cheesecake' by the man.

On the other hand, you felt embarrassed to meet Hoseok like this—pregnant and not because of the bump itself, but because you had kept your friend in the shadows and avoided him intentionally. Hoseok's visions were right, you are pregnant. "Hey Hobi, I- 'm sorry for not responding to your texts. you... don't deserve that." you felt guilty for your actions, he was kind and would always text you about your well-being and if you were doing okay but you left him on seen. "hey, that's okay. I know you have your... reasons."

he looks down at your bump as takes your hand in his and caresses the back of it with his thumb, a soft smile on his face, it suits him. you think. only a smile suits Hoseok's face, you've forgotten how beautiful he looks. you nod your head, a 'yeah' leaves your lips and a tightened smile follows after. "you know, I'm an expert in desserts now and I think I make better ice cream than Ben & Jerry's." "that's for me to judge."

you laughed and Hoseok's grin got wider. Jungkook sighs, waiting till you are done with this conversation. "trust me. my chewy gooey ice cream is better than store-bought." Jungkook's eyebrows knit together when he hears something familiar. that's your favorite ice cream. he realizes as he presses his lower lip with his teeth, he can't take this conversation anymore.

"please!!! don't say it to me when you can't make them!" you pout suddenly craving his handmade delicious sweets. "who said I can't? of course, I would love to make them for you." he says softly, his eyes light up at the way you speak to him like nothing ever happened as if nothing changed. he's so glad that you're cool and what happened a few minutes ago hadn't ruined anything. "you can?"

"of course, y/n. you don't know how much I've been wanting you to try them out." you chuckle and look at your feet before meeting his eyes. Jungkook can't believe what he's seeing and hearing. 'have they forgotten that I'm right here?' he thinks and heaves a sigh as he interrupts you both. "it's too late, let's get home y/n." Hoseok scowls and looks at his boss before you. "home-?" "yeah home."

Jungkook mutters as his palms find yours. "let's get home." your lips part at his words, you can't believe how easily the man beside you speaks like.. wasn't this whole pregnancy thing to be hidden? so no one would know that it's Jeon Jungkook's child? "Hobi, I'll text you later." your voice trails as Jungkook takes your hand in his and guides you to the cashier, not forcibly but he's being slightly rougher than you've felt him before. "hey? what was that?"

"This isn't the place to talk, y/n." is all he says as he begins to place the items on the counter so the cashier bills them, he carries the plastic bags by himself and tells you to stay by the exit, so he can get his car. but you didn't want to stay there, fully aware that Hoseok could walk out any moment and after Jungkook's last words, you just didn't want to face your friend now.

"What were you on about, Jungkook? I thought you didn't want anyone to know that I'm pregnant and that I live with you." you speak, your tone lingers with urgency and anger. "get in." he stands in front of you as you lean against his car, he sees the frustration on your face, your eyes express it all but he wasn't having it, he just needs to get home. "I won't, not until you tell me why you behaved like that."

Jungkook nibbles on his lips, scanning the parking lot as he attempts to calm himself. He knows that if he doesn't keep his patience and stay composed, a fight between you two is inevitable, and that's the last thing he wants right now. "come on, tell me." "you're coming with me or not?" you gasped when you heard him ask you that, he's asking you if you're coming with him or not?!! "no, I'm not coming with you."

you push his chest away as you walk mindlessly to the corner of the store just so you could relax your mind for a while, Jungkook deeply exhales and walks after you. "baby, let's go home and talk about this." "I'm not your baby, Jungkook." "y/n, come on please." He stops in front of you, his eyes wide and round, filled with both concern and exhaustion. "let's get home."

he whispers and you nod as you walk beside him to his car. it's not just the whole Hoseok situation that's bothering you but what makes it worse is the scan and how Jungkook paid no attention to you or the baby and it worries you that maybe he won't accept the little one. he cares for you but there's never been an instance where he cared for the one inside you.

and that scares you and worries you so much. Hoseok watches as Jungkook's car drives by, catching sight of you in the passenger seat.

:

the drive was quiet and uncomfortable, you know that there's a lot you both got to talk but you're unsure if now is the best time. you're tired and so is he. The two of you enter the house in silence. Jungkook places each grocery bag on the kitchen counter before heading to his room to take a shower. You quietly move to the kitchen, starting to arrange the items in the fridge and pantry to keep them from cluttering the space.

"just leave it there y/n, don't trouble yourself." he says before he leaves but you don't pay heed. this is your home too, that's what Jungkook said and you can be of some help at least. you walk upstairs with a bag of chips in your hand, leave it on your bed and decide to take a shower. The mirror reflects your image—

your growing bump and the faint stretch marks that have begun to appear. Your breasts have grown fuller, and your curves are more pronounced than ever before. You can't help but admit that you look beautiful during pregnancy. There's a radiant glow on your face, and with your puffy cheeks, you feel like you look gorgeous overall. that's one of the personality traits that you love about yourself,

you know yourself and you know that self-love is important so you often take the time to appreciate yourself and glitter yourself with compliments when you need it the most. like today. you need to tell yourself everything going well, so you do.

"hey bun, it was so nice to see you today, it had been a long huh? you look, adorable baby, mama is over the moon that you're healthy and safe. I'll always protect you, I'm the only one who's gonna be with you, no one else. Mama and baby against the whole world!!"

you say and giggle as you rub oil on your bump to help heal the stretch marks and prevent them further. Your sweatpants are oversized and baggy, making you look incredibly cute—you can't help but admire yourself. The crop top ends just below your ribs, leaving your entire bump on display. Jungkook, who was standing out your door heard you mumble every word to yourself and although he feels a tinge of guilt, He doesn't want to acknowledge his feelings;

he's new to this and has never been good with handling anything outside his comfort zone. he knocks on your door and waits for you to let him in, which you do after a few seconds. "hey... I think we need to talk."

you nod, and Jungkook takes the moment to admire you in this outfit, you look cozy almost like a teddy bear, and he can't help but bite back a smile. you sit on the bed and he follows you by sitting on the edge of your bed. you gaze at him, capturing his look while he fiddles with his fingers in nervousness. his hair isn't styled with gel, it's free and covers his forehead,

his bare face looks puffy because he's tired and he's dressed in casuals and he looks way too comfy, you just wanna forget everything and fall into his arms. "about Mr. Jung's issue, I was-" "can we talk tomorrow." you mutter and he looks at you to find for any signs of anger. his doe eyes search your face in concern, you can see the way his tongue nibbles the inside of his cheek in nervousness. all you wanna do is kiss him so badly. "it's- I'm just tired and I wanna sleep."

You're certainly feeling exhausted after walking more than usual, and with the added stress about the baby and Jungkook's lack of response and reactions, all you want to do is shut your mind off and rest. "but you didn't have dinner." 'you never skip dinner!' Jungkook thinks. "I had chips, so I don't feel hungry.."

he has no say anymore so he just nods and stands from your bed to give you space, he doesn't want to force anything on you so he will speak when you want him to. your eyes narrow as it follow his movements. "hey, where are you going?" you ask curiously, Jungkook looks over his shoulder to take a glance at you as he runs he lifts his beanie and runs his hair with his hand.

"back to my room.... you can sleep Y/n. good night." "but I want to sleep with you." you mumble with a pout on your lips, not wanting him to be away from you right now. Jungkook sighs and turns to face you, he doesn't look like he always does. there's a serious expression on his face and judging by the look of it, you can tell that he's tired and he's got a 100 things running through his mind but he still walks closer to you. "you want me to stay?"

he questions you softly and you nod quickly like a child been asked if she wanted a candy bar. he chuckles before gesturing you to lay down. you move to the left side of the bed because you know that he sleeps on the right. Jungkook turns off the main lights and leaves the night lamp on. you make yourself comfortable and turn to face him while he lifts the blanket so he can get inside. he faces you and just... watches you for some time, all he finds is the beautiful smile that you show him. "I'm... sorry about today okay."

he stutters at the beginning before he fully forms his apology as he whispers it to you. he's genuinely sorry about everything that happened today and he means it, not just the whole Hoseok situation but mainly the pregnancy scan, he feels wrong to have not been there with you emotionally. he avoids seeing your eyes and you can say that he feels uncomfortable since you both haven't entirely cleared things out.

"I'm sorry too, for being stubborn." you apologize because by now you're fully aware that being stubborn always makes the situation worse than it already is. "hey, don't be." he caresses your face as you get closer to him and lean to his warmth. his eyes sparkled when you said you were sorry and you just wanna ease him and tell him it's okay and that he doesn't have to be worried about what happened.

"you're so warm you know, I love it." you mumble, so he would focus on what you say instead of his mind. "am I?" you nod and he giggles, getting closer to you and bringing your head to his chest. you don't feel comfortable because your bump gets in the way, and your smile slips away when you realise you can't get any closer to him. he sees your dull face and frowns.

"what's wrong baby?" "the bump gets in the way, I can't cuddle you." this makes Jungkook laugh, he didn't think you could be this cute. you seem to be getting cuter as the day passes. "hmmm what can we do about it?" your brows knit together as you look up to see his face. "I don't know, do something."

he lets out a deeper laugh, you're both super tired so there's no time for playing around. "be the little spoon then." "huh?" "Be my little spoon, come on. Turn to the other side." you do as he says and turn to face the closet, Jungkook waits until you've made yourself comfortable then he wraps his arms around you, getting closer to you so his chest presses on your back.

he realizes that his hand has to wrap around your waist and now that the bump stays, he's unable to do that. you sense the way his hand tries to find a suitable area, this may have cracked your heart a little bit knowing that he doesn't want to lay his hand on your bump but you smile and take his hand so he places it right under your breast. "you comfortable?"

you ask and he sniggers. "I should be asking you that." he breathes near your neck, and you feel the warmth radiate from his chest and his lips. "mm hmm, I feel so....warm and cozy." he chuckles and places a kiss on your ear as he gets closer and places his head deeper inside your neck. "good night darling."

"good night.. Jungkook."

:

you wake up to an empty bed, the rays creep through the curtains and signal you to wake up. you reach your arm to get your phone to check the time, the screen shows noon and your eyes immediately widen. you slept way longer than you had to. the notification panel shows texts from Jungkook, Hoseok and your mom.

[ from Jungkook; ]

left for work, please take your meds on time and call me if you need anything. I mean, anything!!

[ from Hobi; ]

are you at home during the weekend?

I wanna bake you some desserts :)

[ From Mom; ]

dadand I are planning to visit you, when are you free?

your eyes widened when they reached the bottom of the notification panel that showed your mom's texts. you immediately began cursing under your breath. they can't visit you now, you don't stay at your place and... how can you possibly explain to them about your situation. you took a deep breath and decided to shower first, then phoning your mom.

As your mind raced a million thoughts, you eventually had a very long shower. but there was no plan, neither could you think of ways to tell them. you're afraid to open up about this to Jungkook, he didn't seem like he was interested anyway and this reminds you, you both still have that conversation to talk about.

when you turned to see his reaction to the screen that showed the baby you both made, he looked lost, more like he zoned out as he stared at the image, it didn't seem like he noticed your glances too, he was consumed by his thoughts and wasn't what you'd expected him to be, if anything it made you confused, angry? and maybe even worried. Jungkook and you aren't involved in anything serious.

You could call it friendship, but friends don't typically kiss, do they? it doesn't matter, because you know there's nothing more than what's already happening. besides, you've started thinking about what you would do once you give birth. Jungkook didn't seem like the fatherly type, and he hasn't shown much interest in the baby either. Now, you come as a package deal, and you're unsure how many people would be willing to embrace that in a relationship.

you caress your bump as you look down at it. "mama will figure a way out, for now...we have to see what we can do with granny and grandpa." You speak in a baby voice and giggle at how adorable 'Granny' and 'Grandpa' sound. Maya the helper, prepares lunch for you as she was told by her boss, a turkey and avocado wrap along with a creamy mushroom soup.

the wrap was a wrap of joy and an outburst of flavor, and you could have 3 of them in one sitting. ( it was a massive wrap ) and the soup, you downed it in 10 minutes while it was steaming hot. You thanked Maya a hundred times for cooking such a delicious meal.

this is the outcome if you don't have dinner the previous day. you let out a deep sigh and sit back on the couch while rubbing your bump. "fuck I'm so full, I can't even move."

you reached out for your phone and called your mom to have a quick chat and to also inform her that she should not come to visit you, anytime soon. "y/nnie, are you free towards the end of the month? Dad and I would love to pay a visit." you bit your lip and tried to tell her calmly without panicking because she would panic too. "nah Mom, I've...got work. don't bother yourself and Dad, I'll.. I'll visit you!"

you make your voice high-pitched so your mom can get the excitement from how you sound. maybe you will have the courage to meet them, with your baby still inside you. "you miss home?" Your mother asks softly, and you never imagined her words could make you miss home so deeply, but now they do.

It's as if her words touched a part of you that you've been neglecting lately. your smile fades and you look at the bump that pops out of your crop top, remembering all the times your mom would kiss you on your forehead before she sent you to college. "lot.."

you murmur, you can hear the sound of your mother's smile as she speaks. "fine then, visit us. soon! we miss you too."

-

Hoseok can't get the image of you out of his mind. He always knew you were beautiful, but seeing you during pregnancy stunned him—he didn't think anyone could be more perfect than you are now. you've got that glow on your face, a radiance that lights up when you smile and your cheeks lift.

you're gorgeous is all he tells himself. But whenever Hoseok tries to remember more about you, he's always frustrated by Jungkook's presence. it manages to ruin his mood when he thinks of how Jungkook and you share a relationship.

it rubs on him more when he meets his boss at the building. Mr Jeon glances at him and looks away the next instant like Hoseok doesn't even exist in his business. it makes him feel small and angers him, how Mr Jeon has all of you and still manages to get jealous of a simple man like him. he knows that Jungkook is jealous, it is evident. but who wouldn't anyway?

:

Jungkook wraps up his work early, preparing for a meeting with a major businesswoman who has a strong dislike of formal settings. She's made it clear that she prefers a more relaxed environment for their discussion. Although Jungkook would have much rather hosted the meeting in his office or a café,

he finds himself with no choice but to have her over at his place. He needs this contract—it's a huge opportunity that could bring in massive profits and a lot of recognition. Even though Jeon Industries is already doing well, Jungkook knows that if there's a chance to improve and make things even better,

he has to seize it. So, despite his initial hesitation about the informal setting, he's determined to make it work and ensure that everything goes smoothly. he leaves his building to get home prepare all the necessary documents and do more research on her- 'Min Hyein.' Jungkook is greeted by you sitting on the couch as soon as he walks in.

"hey.. how was your day?" he asks as he places his bag on the single chair and takes off his coat. "good, and you?" you ask and watch him sigh in relief after he takes a deep breath of the scent of his house. "Good, the place smells like you," he mutters, noticing your frown. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

you ask, sniffing your top and looking back at him. "It's..." He walks towards you, taking your hand to guide you to stand in front of him. "It's the best thing to be greeted by after a long day of work." you smile and let off a short-lived laugh before wrapping your arms around his neck, he's got that sly smile on his face too. he loves it when your hands are around him, just touching him anywhere gives him the chills.

"I've missed you," you whisper. It's not what he was expecting, but it takes him by surprise. he examines your face and sees your tired eyes. "everything okay?" there's a lot in your mind and you're unsure of which thoughts you could share with him, especially since.. it deals with the baby. "yeah, just.. worried."

his eyebrows knit and as he scans your face more and then sighs, "is it about yesterday? we've yet to talk." "part of it is." you say and he nods. "I'll shower and then we can talk over dinner okay? I'll make you something you want. any cravings?" you shake your head as a way of saying 'no'. he smiles and walks upstairs to change. you sit back down and think of what exactly you can talk to Jungkook about.

he listens and he's kind but it's uncertain, how he will take your words especially since he doesn't seem to be interested in anything dealing with the baby. you lean behind and gently stroke your bump, deep in thought until you feel a subtle shift inside your bump like someone is lightly brushing against the inside of it.

it's almost like a bubble and a tiny pop. you sit upright and frown, as you place your palm over your bump, your eyes fixed on the ground as you try to feel whatever you felt again. 'was it a kick?' you think but it felt more like a movement. you grab your phone and type out exactly what you feel and Google says it's the baby moving. you've not got anyone to tell you about this, no one experienced it around you,

your mom isn't here either but when you pay more attention to yourself, you feel the delicate flutters, like butterflies dancing but not romantically. you smile and giggle. "did you just move baby?" you murmur and rub your bump more. since it's your first pregnancy, Dr Sohee, mentioned to you that you will feel movements but you won't know exactly what it is because this is your first baby and she was right.

it feels too good to be true, you can't stop giggling at how it would feel when the baby kicks. "good mood now?" you hear Jungkook and turn to face him, you get on your feet so you can tell this to him. "I think the baby just moved, I felt it!" you say excitedly.

He notices the sparkle in your eyes, your cheeks lifted and round, flushed with pink, and your wide smile revealing that little extra tooth. Jungkook does not know how to take this information, he's unaware of how you want him to react but he doesn't seem himself jumping in excitement like you.

"that's.. that's amazing. wow." he mutters with a hesitant smile, trying to match your enthusiasm even though he feels a bit out of his depth. He's unsure of what to say next, feeling the pressure to respond in a way that matches your joy, but the reality of it all seems overwhelming to him. "I'm happy for you..."

he adds, his voice wavering slightly awkwardly and it takes away all your excitement. your face falls as the joy in your eyes dims. The excitement you felt just moments ago fades, replaced by a wave of uncertainty. You were hoping for a shared moment of happiness, but his awkward voice leaves you feeling disappointed.

You force a small smile, trying to hide your disappointment, but the magic of the moment has slipped away. 'It's okay Y/n..' you tell yourself. "Yeah... it's pretty amazing," you say quietly, the energy in your voice now subdued as you look down, your hand instinctively resting on your bump.

Jungkook's eyes look away as he doesn't know what to do now. "uh... what would you like to have? I was thinking of bibimbap and meat. how does that sound?" "nice... makes me hungry." he chuckles and walks, you heave a sigh and put up a tightened smile as you follow him into the kitchen.

:

it's quiet, a little too silent for your liking but it doesn't bother you too much especially when you're too busy watching the man cook. his outfit is basic, but it's still so cool. a simple white North Face t-shirt paired with off-white graphic denim bottoms. his tattoos are on display as he chops the meat and seasons it while he plates the bibimbap into small bowls.

he doesn't speak a word either and that's because he's trying to process his mind with the new information that you shared with him. the movement of the baby. it's new to him, too much for his shoulders, he doesn't think he can carry any more than what he already does. When he took on his responsibilities, he likely didn't consider intimate moments like this.

He wasn't prepared for how to respond, and now he's beginning to second-guess his decisions. once he's done, he places the dishes in front of you and hands you chopsticks, as he takes the seat beside you. you were starving and seeing him cook it, made you more eager for the food. You were so quick to grab the piece of meat and put it in your mouth that you didn't notice it was still hot from the cooking.

"fuc- ow." "hey?" Jungkook was quick to notice your flinch as you tried to blow the food inside your mouth as you coughed. he cupped your face and blew inside your mouth to cool down the heat so it brings you ease, he was so close to you. you missed him, you missed his lips. you love how he genuinely cares for you and is always ready to help without hesitation.

"is it okay? does it still burn?" he asks curiously, his eyes search your face in concern but all he sees is how endearingly you watch him. Jungkook sighs and melts at the look of your eyes, he wishes he was there for you more, in many more ways but he can't.

he just doesn't know how to. he's reminded of how you're always so excited about recent changes and milestones but.. how can he digest all these new experiences and changes so quickly? he didn't prepare himself for this, mentally. you manage to swallow the meat but you don't break eye contact with the man, he looks too good to be true and you miss him,

even though he's right here, you still miss him. when he sees the sadness in your eyes, he can't help but give in to you. He draws closer and closer until his lips gently meet yours. Both of you instinctively close your eyes, savoring the warmth and intimacy of the moment. it's been a while since he last kissed you and now, this moment. You feel a deep sense of completeness, and a part of you feels wonderfully fulfilled. Jungkook feels a sense of ease when he gently kisses you and moves in deeper.

your lips mold so perfectly with his, they fit so naturally. The softness and warmth of each other's lips release euphoria to your nerves, it's like you needed this. you didn't just want it, you needed it and maybe the lack of this was what made you worry and stressed but finally, your mind relaxes as his touch soothes you. his lips slightly part as he breathes in your air,

he places a peck and then pulls away. Jungkook feels calm and you feel comforted. it's like he tried to convey his apology to you with the kiss and it worked. "let's have dinner first, okay?" you nod and smile as he mirrors it too.

:

the night passes, Jungkook and you have dinner without any serious conversation. he mentioned how guilty he felt for lashing at Hoseok at the store and although you demanded a better apology, he gave it to you with his words and communicated to you how wrong he felt. You both choose not to discuss the baby or the scan, keeping it away from the spotlight for now.

You recognize that you're not yet on stable ground to talk about the child, so you decide to give it time and space. You tell yourself that it's not very important right now, even though deep down you know it truly is.

The reality of the situation feels overwhelming and frightening, so you choose to avoid discussing it for the moment. you fall asleep on the couch after the complete meal you had so he woke you so you could have your meds and then guided you to your bed.

The following days come and go with little change, except for the noticeable movements of the baby. The baby's movements are becoming more pronounced, and it's increasingly evident that this new life you bear is active and growing healthy. you spend hours talking to the little one inside you.

you've always come across many gender reveal parties and it sounds tempting but who's gonna plan it, if not you? no one. you've been texting Hoseok lately and he's a fun guy. you would love to meet him but not in this state, you just don't wanna be careless.

you've been craving all the desserts that the man shows off but you've got no way to meet the man. It would be straightforward if Hoseok could deliver the package to Jungkook at the office, but you're uncertain if Jungkook would accept it there. You also can't shake off how Jungkook reacted at the convenience store; his apology didn't seem as sincere as it did for other matters. But you can't stop your cravings!

"Hello? Everything alright y/n?" The urgency in his voice makes you laugh, the man frowns at the sound of it and then relaxes. "Tell me, what's the new craving?" He asks, a stupid smile decorates his face as he twirls the pen between his fingers.

He's happy to have calls from you during work hours, it somehow calms him from all the work stress. "Well..." you draw patterns on Bam's fur as you take time to think how you're gonna word the sentence. "Go on...." You can tell that Jungkook is happy, even without seeing his face.

The warmth in his voice over the phone is unmistakable, a gentle lilt that tells you he's in a good mood. But as you listen, you can't help but feel a little anxious. Your craving has been nagging at you all day, growing stronger with every passing hour, and you know you have to share it with him.

"I was craving some desserts by Hoseok..." your voice trails and although you can't see, you're aware of Jungkook's change in expression. His smile fades, and he swallows hard as he starts to doodle on the blank paper on his desk. "I can cook too, remember?"

he says, making an effort to sound pleasant or at least polite, but you can tell it's insincere. You can sense the tension beneath his words. The forced politeness doesn't mask the frustration in his voice. "Yeah, of course, I know that! You know that I love the food you make but like... I'm craving for his desserts..."

you pout, something that Jungkook easily catches on, always. He knows your cravings happen to be diverse and change many times but he doesn't like the fact that you're craving for someone else's food that being specifically Mr Jung's but he can't disappoint you. you're gonna be sad. "Alright, just.. tell him that. And ask him to place it on my desk tomorrow."

"Oh! He's already got them, all he has to do is give it to you." Jungkook's eyebrows knit when he hears you speak excitedly.

'So she already asked him to make them for her, all she wanted me is to deliver it home.'

Jungkook thinks. "Okay." He murmurs and declines the phone saying that he has a meeting to leave which you know was a lie but you don't want to brush on it anymore, in fact, you're only excited to have those sweet treats that you've been dreaming of the past few days.

[ Y/n ]

you can leave them on Jungkook's desk

[ From Hobi; ]

Okay that's scary but sure-

Hoseok leaves the bag of sweets on the desk after he sees Jungkook leave for a meeting, he doesn't want to face his boss again, now knowing how he's in a relationship with you. As Hoseok steps out of the office, he can't help but feel a mix of frustration and unease. He tries to shake off the tension,

but the thought of how his gesture might be received adds to his anxiety. With a deep breath, he heads back to his workspace, hoping that things will smooth over in time.

:

Jungkook arrives home, carrying the bag of desserts, his expression a mix of confusion and anticipation. He opens the door to find you seated on the couch, your eyes lighting up with excitement at the sight of him. As soon as you notice the bag,

you jump up from the couch, your excitement evident. "You're back!" you exclaim, eagerly reaching for the bag. You quickly open it to reveal an assortment of pastries and sweets. Without waiting for a moment, you grab a piece and take a bite, your face lighting up with delight at the taste.

Jungkook stands beside you feeling a bit awkward. He shifts from side to side, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, He tries to smile, but it looks forced. Which you notice but ignore because the sweets are too good to focus on anything else. "Want some? They're really good!" you say, holding out a chocolate pistachio-filled pastry. Jungkook takes a bite, trying to relax because there's no point in being mad at you,

he's just mad at himself so he bites into it, which makes you smile wide. "Yeah, they are good," he says and walks upstairs to get some documents. "Mmhmm, I know you're happy too baby. Because I sure am!!!!" You dance and laugh at yourself, chocolate smeared around your mouth.

These small moments bring you so much joy, filling a part of you, almost like magic. Your body longs for something, and when you finally get it, it brings a euphoria that transports you to another world. Jungkook gets his papers and he hears you singing some random song that he's sure,

he heard on the radio. he walks out of his room and looks down to see you singing while you gently move in rhythmic steps as you softly roll your hips on the couch with a pastry in each hand. he can't help but let out a chuckle, You're just so adorable, how can a man stay mad at you for long. he walks downstairs with his files. "enjoying?" he asks and you nod fast. super fast.

"i...I'm having a client over so, I won't be able to have dinner with you." he informs you so you nod. "okay!!" you take your boxes of leftover pastries and walk to the library so you can read a book while you wait for the man. you waddled your way to the room and he sniggered under his breath as he walked behind you with some pillows to help you be more comfortable.

Min Hyein sent a text that she'd be there in a few minutes so Jungkook helped you settle on the couch until the woman arrived. "all good? call me if you need anything okay? Don't hesitate, I'm just right here." "Okay!" he walked back to the hall and was met with the woman at his doorstep.

The woman exuded authority, her presence alone commanding attention and respect. Jungkook had prepared well for this meeting, fully aware of its importance for his future ventures. "nice to meet you Hyein." "nice to meet you too, Jeon," She wears a classy black suit and dull red lipstick, her features sharp and intimidating. "please take a seat."

Jungkook gestured for her on the leather couch as he took a seat too. Hyein nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping the room before she sat down gracefully, crossing her legs with an air of self-assuredness. As she settled in, her eyes met Jungkook's, cool and calculating, assessing him with the same meticulous scrutiny she applied to all her business dealings.

the conversation began smoothly as both parties exchanged their thoughts and ideas on this project that they'd been planning, Jungkook outlined his and presented his ideas confidently while Hyein listened to him sharply, her sharp eyes never leaving his face.

As the discussion progressed, however, it became clear that Hyein was not someone who would easily agree to terms. She questioned every detail, her tone growing more assertive with each point she made. Her quick thinking and firm attitude challenged Jungkook, making him respond just as strongly and think on his feet. Despite the pressure of the negotiation, Jungkook stayed calm and composed

meeting Hyein's challenges head-on. He knew that this was a game of power and control, and he wasn't about to let her intimidate him. meanwhile, you who had been patiently waiting in the library downstairs, stepped out to get a glass of water. The discussion had been lengthy, and you needed a moment to stretch her legs and hydrate, all the chocolate had been too sweet.

As you quietly made your way to the kitchen, you didn't realize that Hyein had leaned behind her chair as she listened to Jungkook speak. her eyes immediately fell on you. She paused, her gaze drifting over you, your bump hidden behind a sweater. "hey you." Hyein called out, her voice cold and dismissive.

"Get me a glass of water." you were caught off guard as you stopped in your tracks and turned to face her. "Excuse me?" you responded, your tone calm but with a hint of disbelief at the woman's rudeness. Jungkook turned to look at you and couldn't believe how the woman in front of him, called you out in such a tone.

Hyein's eyes narrowed, "What?" she snapped, irritation flaring in her sharp features.

"I asked you to get me a glass of water."

next chapter ⇢

[passthroughtime]

oh what the fuck, what an unfortunate virus you got. hope my pc won't catch it too!

re: tags from tumblr.com/jichanxo/773101415990231040 -> save that wall for later, i think you'll need it more when i'll publish the chapter 🌚

ok cool i'll get back to making a dent in this wall in a few months then

[tothosewholisten]

Forever Healed | TUA insert

Chapter: 09

<<previous chapter | next chapter>>

Masterlist

…

I went downstairs to see two of my estranged roommates, Allison and Luther with somber looks on their faces. I was about to speak up but stopped once I saw who they were looking at. It was Grace, who no longer moved or sang or comforted us.

She was dead, and I know robots aren’t alive but this felt like another death I'd have to witness.

“The two guys last night, the ones with the mask, did this to her,” Allison said to Luther. The two didn't look up to see me, both were in their heads at the death of their mother.

Grace was sitting in the painting room chair, the space we kids dubbed as her bedroom because she didn’t sleep or have one of her own. The only thing that was missing from her was her signature smile and her normal pale arm. Instead, her arm was sliced open by what looked like a knife and oozed out wires of all different colors.

I don’t remember the two gunmen carrying knives last night but who knows they could've gotten crafty. But It's sad to think If she was a real person, I would’ve been able to save her.

I made my presence known by stomping my shoe and moving closer to the pair. Allison's eyes slightly lit up once she saw me. “You’re okay!” She sighed happily.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I giggled with my arms open as she ran over to embrace me. Luther did not move from Grace's body though, his face was cold and distant. I didn't want to ask but I started to think, what happened last night?

“Oh god, have you seen Mom yet?” She whispered. “This has to do with Five somehow. I mean they were looking for him..”

I frowned. “I haven't seen him or Klaus in some time now and I'm starting to get nervous.”

Allison reassures me that they'll turn up but she turns back to Luther who has something to say. “I know I was arguing to turn Grace off, but it doesn't make seeing her like this any easier.”

“Poor Diego.” I blurt out. “This is gonna be so hard for him.” I couldn’t see eye to eye with him, like ever. But I did see him a bit differently after yesterday.

“Yeah, it's hard on all of us.” He says while walking out of Grace's room.

“Hey, wait,” I called out to Luther before he left. The giant man turns to look at me, uncertainly. “I know it was you last night, the one who saved me. I just want to say thank you for pulling that guy away from me.”

“You’ve saved me in my lifetime more times than I can count. I can tell something is off about you guys today and I don’t think I was awake to hear it but. I just wanted to say thanks.” I smile at him.

“But anyways you guys should talk. I'm going to go look for Klaus.” I shoot Allison one more goodbye before heading out.

“I'm glad you're okay, Y/n” I hear one of them mutter as I leave.

..

“Klaus?” I yell all around the mansion. By now I've checked all his normal spots. His room, my room, Ben’s room, the kitchen, Reginald’s bar, all the bathrooms and all the random nooks and crannies we'd hide in as children with Ben.

Ben.. to think I've been so preoccupied these past days to think about him. And I think about him all the time. He'd know where Klaus was instantly, he was just that type of person.

I go back upstairs to my room to change before heading outside. To check Klaus's frequent spots around town.

First, the alley where he'd buy drugs and all kinds of things. It was dingy and dark but I'd find him here a lot back when I was younger. I left the mansion but never left him. Even let him crash with me at my ex's house whenever he needed to, which my ex was never happy about. We found happiness in walking the streets and laughing with each other till sunrise.

But it wasn't always good, sometimes I'd catch him in a rough spot due to drugs and he'd push me away. I never stopped trying, I would never give up on him and he wouldn't if i was in his spot.

Next was my actual apartment. I hadn't been back in forever, maybe he got tired of the academy and came here? But my apartment was small and didn't have many places for him to hide, it was clear he wasn't there either.

The last place I could think of was a park we used to go to as kids. There'd be days when Reginald was less diligent about watching us, and after dark all of us kids would escape to come here. And have at least a few hours of solace before returning to hell.

I took a seat against a large tree that blocked the sunlight from shining in the park. He wasn't anywhere I'd known he would be. I thought he wouldn't leave town without telling me, but I'm not even sure. I let out small huffs of frustration as I buried my head in my hands.

Suddenly there were more tears on my head than there were in my eyes. I sniffle while looking up. The once-cloudy sky has turned into pouring rain and I'm outside without an umbrella.

..

14 YEARS AGO

“Are we ready to go?” Asked Klaus.

The three of us, Klaus, Ben and I decided we were leaving for the park. After a particularly hard day and mission, it was clear I needed out. Ben asked everyone if they wanted to go, but they all looked at each other then us and snickered.

They told us we should go just the two of us. We actually were about to leave, but Klaus was the only one stupid enough to join us. Just kidding.

The sky was clear this day but dark, meaning it was a clear indication that it was time. Diego and Allison told us they'd distract Reginald if he asked anything. We knew we couldn't go out the front door, instead we went out my window.

Klaus was the first one to jump down; he insisted that he was the bravest out of all of us. And Ben slowly followed after him.

That left me in the window, looking down at the very tall jump I'd have to land. I shook my head at the two. “Why couldn't we have left down Five's window? There are actual steps there!” I whisper yell.

Klaus chuckles. “We're already here, just jump!”

I know when jumping from a high distance without a cushion landing spot, it would help if you didn't look down. But my eyes were glued to the ground anyway. I would be fine if I jumped, any scars would go away but just the thought of it made me shake.

“Unless you're a chicken! That's okay, me and Benny will go without you.” He yells.

“Keep your voice down,” Ben says, elbowing him in the stomach. “Ow!” Klaus cries. Ben looks up at me. “But he's got the right idea! You'll be okay just jump.” He says stuffing his hands in his black jacket.

“Just go without me! I'll go to bed.” I reply, trying to smile at the pair.

“Y/n, listen to me. You'll be okay, jump and..” I didn't hear the last part of what he said.

“What??!” I yell.

“He said he's gonna catch you!” Klaus snickers. “Shut up Klaus,” Ben whispers back. “I will though, if I have to!”

I sigh not wanting to ruin their fun, I'm the one who wanted to go out anyway. “Okay, I'll jump.”

I take a small running start before leaping out of my large window. The wind in my hair felt great, it made me feel like I was almost flying. Until I looked down at the floor I was about to land on. I closed my eyes as I was about to scream and go head-first into the ground. But as I opened my eyes I saw that the cement never smacked me in the face. Instead, I land on someone else.

Ben tried his best but he is still a boy. He held his arms open but it ended with him knocking into the cement and me gripping onto his black hoodie for dear life. I quickly get off him and pull him to his feet as Klaus hollers in laughter at us.

Once he got up I could tell that Ben's head looked a little bruised as well as his hands. I placed my hands on his and watched as yellow wisps of light reached all of his bruises. "Thanks." He smiled and I nodded back. I stopped holding his hands when I heard Klaus almost falling back in laughter.

"You guys-" I cut him off before he embarrasses me by kicking him in the shins with all my might. "Not another word," I mutter.

He held onto his legs and whimpered in pain, now it was our turn to laugh at him on the way to the park. I did eventually heal him that day but seeing him embarrassed was too funny to see go away. We did this several more times, just the three of us. And honestly, it was probably more fun than the whole group.

..

PRESENT DAY

I laugh underneath the now suddenly wilting tree at the thought, but it slowly turns into sobs. I don't have Ben anymore but I've somewhat come to understand that, but now I lost Klaus too. And Vanya is gone, I'm truly all alone. I sit there for what I think is hours, thinking back. Until the constant pour turns into drizzling and I stand up to go back to the academy. Maybe take a bath.

I slowly made it to a crosswalk so lost in thought that I didn't even see that it said I can go. But I am brought back to reality by the sound of a honking car. Some dick in a van was honking his horn at me?

What I did to piss this guy off I do not know, this was above even a catcall. He was demanding I move. Deciding to ignore the shithead I start to cross the road, until he almost runs me over.

“There's a crosswalk sign, do you see that?” I yell at the van. But the ugly vehicle would not stop honking at me, after being soaked in the rain I'm starting to lose my sanity. So I walked over to the van, thinking I was going to lay into this man and give him all the rage I'd been feeling. And maybe kick his car a few times.

I look at the man's window to see it's not a man at all. It's a boy? I know this shithead. “Five? Why are you honking at me!” I scream at the pubescent boy.

“Get in.” He yells back.

..

The two of us sat in silence for a while. I watched this fake teenager drive around and honk at people who were being stupid like a full-grown adult.

“Why are you here?” I ask, feeling uncomfortable in my wet clothes. “I'm looking for someone, I saw you walking.” He mutters.

“Oh okay..” I pause.

“I was calling your name before I started honking at you. You should really look where you're going.”

“I was fine. Aren't you the one who tried to run me over?”

“...”

“I have a question. Where'd you steal this van?”

“I didn't steal it, I borrowed it from a man in an alley.” he insisted. “Very likely story Five,” I remark back.

“I'm going to give it back. whenever I'm done with it.

“Okay new question, how do you know how to drive?”

“I can do everything.”

I scoff. “Yeah okay.”

“Well, I have a question for you. Why are you walking alone without an umbrella?”

“Just for shits and giggles, I'm looking for Klaus, have you seen him?”

“Can't say that I have. Where do you want me to drop you off?” He says while taking a familiar path that will lead us back to the academy.

I turn to look at him with my eyebrows furrowed. “Can't I stay? Join you on your spy missions?” Five looks at me, clearly not keeping his eyes on the road. Almost in shock about me wanting to stay with him. To break the silence I force a cough. “I mean I don't know what else to do right now. I can leave If I'm cramping your style.”

“Okay” is all he says while turning in the opposite direction from the mansion. “Well, that means we are going to find someone.”

“Who?” I ask.

“You'll see,” Five tells me.

Five parked us in another familiar part of town, where Klaus, him and I were not even a day or two ago. “Oh no, Five we're gonna terrorize these people again?” I said while looking around.

“No, we're just going after the main man. I need more answers.” Five peers out the side window to look at a different busy street.

“You really think he's going to give you more information if you just barge into his office again?”

He turns back to me. “We're not going in, we're going to him.”

“Oh my god..”

Five explains that he plans to corner the man in his own car after he comes back from whatever hobby he does while out of the office. I try to tell him that this plan is going to go wrong but of course he doesn't listen. He reached into his glove compartment and grabbed a small pocket knife, and I'm sure he didn't just grab it to look cool.

“You told me you're going to ask for more information, Five,” I questioned while reaching for the knife.

He grabs the weapon back and holds it higher in the air. “Let's see where the night takes us.”

..

Five blinks him and I next to a tree, like the one I was at earlier. The tree faces a blue car that must've belonged to the guy whose name slipped my mind.

Not long after he walks toward us, with a tiny puppy in hand. He looked almost unrecognizable out of his lab coat, but not in a good way. His clothes reminded me of a jogging outfit they also matched his blue car.

He opens the car and places his puppy into the back seat then he starts to get into the car himself. Before he can sit down Five pulls me with him when he blinks into the car. Sitting me down in the backseat with the puppy who surprisingly is not barking at me yet.

Five blinks into the front seat, but the man doesn't even notice him. Only flinching back when Five lunges at him with his pocket knife.

“Oh, Jesus!” He cries out. Five doesn't even give him another moment to think before going straight into grilling. “One chance. That's all you got. One chance to tell me exactly what's going on in that lab.” He yells, putting the knife up to the man's throat.

So much for the peaceful approach. The man moves his eyes towards me for a split second and then back to the terrifying Five. “I… I manufacture prosthetic devices for fake patients. I bill the insurance companies and then sell them for cash on the black market.” He stutters.

“including eyeballs?” Five asked.

The man gulps. “Yeah, they're my biggest seller. I mean they sell like hotcakes. I--I've got a list, a waiting list, probably twenty buyers.”

“So the serial number, my uh, brother gave you..” He finishes my sentence. “Could've already been bought. Yes, off– off the books.” He says.

Five huffs like he's a chain smoker and starts to get more tense, letting the knife get centimeters away from the man's skin.

“I needed that list, Lance. Names and numbers, and I need it now!” Five screeches.

I take my eyes off them to turn to the dog that's nearing closer to me. At first, I tried to keep my distance but this puppy insisted on getting close. Which shouldn't be a big problem. It's a small dog, but something was off. I'm squeezing myself practically against the door to get away from this dog but he keeps getting closer. I close my eyes and I'm back to that day so many years ago.

I'm not there anymore, it's time for me to move on but I can't. My hands start to shake and my body runs cold. I couldn't help but think that this dog knew what I did to the other, way back when and wanted to take revenge.

While taking deep breaths I turned my head slowly to get a better look at the pup.. this dog wasn't going to hurt me, it didn't know what I did, and I was okay. So why do I feel like this?

“I don't have it. I mean, not on me. The only copy is in my safe at the lab.” Lance's words break my deep breaths and I try once again to focus on their conversation. This is for Five, as well as saving the world. Letting my depressing nature go is what I need to do now.

“Well, you start the car, then.” Five whispers. “Cause we're going on a field trip.” He slowly takes the knife off Lance's throat.

“O-Okay...” Lance tries to put himself back together at least enough to put his seatbelt on.

“Now.”

“Okay..”

..

Lance drives us back to the MeriTech headquarters which is also where Five’s van is. I'm the first to hop out of the car with Five and Lance a few steps behind me.

But I stopped in place once I saw dark smoke coming from the building. “Something’s wrong,” I told five. But he never stopped walking, and without a second thought, he rushed over to the fire. “Five wait!” I called out while chasing him down. Leaving Lance to his own devices.

The angry flames weren’t just in one room, it had spread throughout every single room in the building making it impossible to go inside. Five stopped at the entrance of the building when I caught up with him. We both stared at the building on fire.

“Get down!” I screamed over the sound of burning rooms as I tackled him to the ground. The flames rose from not just the building but towards us, causing an explosion of fire that could’ve killed him.

He wailed out at the sudden burst, but safely hit the ground. Me on the other hand, I was covered in marks. But thankfully my clothes were no longer wet, just slowly catching on fire. I dragged him out of the way more towards the street as I heard sirens in the distance.

“We need to move now,” I stress to Five but he doesn’t reply back. His eyes never break from the fire. “I know, I know but let’s go,” I say again hoping he would budge this time. But he didn't, so I grabbed him and pulled him back over to the van.

Once we get to the van without Lance, it is clear that whoever had lit the building on fire knew we were there. And I knew that because the front window was fogged with a message.

It read. “Your brother says hi.. brother? Which one.” I say out loud while thinking. Five finally started to move from his motionless state when I looked over at him. But he wouldn't be any help right now. The look on his face and the dullness in his eyes was a look I've seen on many people's faces before.

But then it hit me. “Klaus.”

…

Would you wanna be on a taglist for this story? Say taglist in comments

[space-mermaid-writing]

Of monsters and men [IronStrange]

Summary: Some kidnappers fucked up big time and now Tony is bonded to this strange demon he continues to summon by accident.

Tags: demon!Stephen Strange, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst, Whump, body horror, protective Stephen Strange, Stephen Strange needs a hug

Author's note: This is one of those chapters that started with an idea of what I wanted to write but somewhere in between I lost control of it. I'm innocent, I swear. Just like Tony I couldn't prevent these things from happening like they did. Beta by@harpywritesfic and @kvjjjjjj.

Read it on AO3 | Masterlist | Word count: 3.3k | Previous | Next

Chapter 10: Demons of the past

“You said you wanted to show me something?” Stephen asked.

Tony had summoned him into his lab. The engineer had thought long and hard about it; if it was a good idea. In the end, he came to the conclusion that it wasn’t his choice to make.

“Yes. You see, you said you have trouble remembering stuff. You have these bits of your memory, and none of them explain how you became like this,” Tony vaguely gestured at the demon.

Stephen looked down at his own body. The cloak sat calmly on his shoulders. As soon as Stephen moved within proximity of Tony, it reached out to the human with its corner. Like greeting family; or like a curious cat.

The last few times they had met, Stephen had been fairly human looking – or at least more human looking than the demon Tony had seen back when he had been kidnapped.

There were no horns and the blur of his outlines was kept to a minimum. He looked almost recognizable from the photo in the file waiting for him to open.

“I think I found you,” Tony continued. “Your human life. I’m pretty sure, actually.”

Because Stephen said he had been human once. And the name matched as well as the photo.

“Jarvis and Friday put everything he found in a file. You can read it right now if you want. Or store it away for later. Or delete it altogether. It’s your call. I just thought you might want to know.”

Stephen had listened silently, his blue eyes piercing Tony. No matter how the demon’s appearance changed, his eyes maintained their intensity. It was reassuring as well as unnerving. Tony had never felt such a gaze in his soul before he met Stephen.

Stephen considered it, before he nodded. “I would like to read it now.”

Tony made a sign to one of Friday's cameras and several files appeared as holograms, scattered in front of Stephen.

It was everything the A.I.s had found about Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange, MD, PhD. From birth till when he vanished in Nepal.

Stephen’s eyes were immediately drawn to a photo that had been taken for some kind of medical magazine. He exhaled softly. “Oh.”

There was recognition in his voice; and sadness.

Tony knew the struggle of getting confronted with his own past. Only in his case, he made his peace with it. He tried to learn from his past self and thrived to do better.

It wasn’t the same for the demon.

“I was a doctor,” Stephen remembered.

“Yes,” Tony confirmed. He had read all of Stephen’s published papers. The man had been brilliant in his field. “A neurosurgeon. And a pretty impressive one.”

Stephen read the files backwards in the timeline, wanting to know more about his past, about his early human life. He soon forgot about Tony's presence and the engineer gave him space.

Piercing blue eyes darted over the paragraphs of texts, reading with incredible speed and absorbing information faster than humanly possible.

His eyes were moving almost frantically, but the rest of his body stood still like a statue. But the cloak on his shoulders was all the more active. It was writhing, almost nervously vibrating.

The air got colder with every passing minute.

Then Stephen reached the file about his family. “I had a sister,” he murmured.

Tony had read the file; he knew what had happened to that sister.

Something changed in Stephen's demeanor. His sound was commanding, when he spoke to Friday. “Show me the very last entry you’ve found about me.”

A hologram of the photo lit up with Stephen in the background. The doctor’s hair was shaggy, his beard long and unkempt. He wore a blue parka.

“It was taken in Nepal,” Tony chimed in.

“Kamar-Taj.”

“Not quite. Kathmandu.”

Stephen didn’t listen to him. It all came back to him now. Images were flashing in his head, snippets of his past life.

There was grief when the Ancient One had died.

Fear when the Sanctums had been attacked. First, London. Then New York and Hong Kong.

And then…

“Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain.” It was nothing more than a pained hiss. The sentence he had repeated so often. Over and over again, in every single time loop. The sentence was carved into his mind.

The Eye of Agamotto had been heavy around his neck. He still felt its weight – it was burned into his chest.

Tony spoke. Stephen heard something, but the white noise in his ears was louder. The edges in his field of vision flickered black and he had the feeling that something was pulling him off his feet.

Tony watched in horror as Stephen lost control.

Although the demon had a peculiar habit of altering its appearance every time he traversed the boundaries of his own dimension, it had remained a constant that once he set foot on Earth, he mostly stayed the way he was – apart from his height, which he adjusted from time to time.

But now, Tony watched with horrified awe as a startling change began to unfold before his very eyes. Horns began to sprout from Stephen's head, curling upwards and glimmering dark against the bright lights of the lab. They were imposing and regal for just a heartbeat – before they changed their form into a gnarled and jagged version.

Stephen's arms were morphing frequently, rippling and twitching in grotesque fluidity. One moment they appeared as muscular appendages. The very next, they twisted into the sharp and sinewy limbs of a predator.

From that they contorted further, now resembling the jagged limbs of an insect, before his hands were claws again.

“Dormammu, I’ve come to bargain,” he repeated, his voice oddly distorted.

“Stephen?” He didn't respond, so Tony, worried, tried again, this time louder. “Stephen!”

The cloak flared, crawling like a corrupt shadow. It grew like a plant that smothered and devoured everything beneath it, covering the tables of the lab with Tony's work.

Gone were the jittering tentacles or the recognition whenever it came near Tony.

The demon grabbed the table in front of him to have something to hold on. Suddenly, his head burst into a flame.

Tony jumped back in surprise. “Shit!”

There was still the outline of a head within the flame; a mouth and two eyes. Yet there was nothing human left.

“Dormammu, I’ve… ƀɇȼømɇ ɏøᵾ.”

DUM-E approached with the fire extinguisher, but Tony stopped him by raising a hand. He had no idea what was going on with Stephen and he didn’t want DUM-E to get any closer to him.

The hairs on the back of Tony's neck stood up. Everything about Stephen screamed danger. He was more demon-like than ever before.

Stephen must have noticed the bot's movement because he turned towards it. His body seemed to have slowly settled on one appearance. The constant shifting had stopped and he looked like he was more in control of himself again.

It was yet to be determined if that was a good thing or bad.

Tony moved in front of DUM-E, protecting his child. “Are you alright, Stephen?” he asked warily.

“Sŧɇᵽħɇn?” It sounded like several voices overlapped. The sound vibrated aggressively in Tony’s bones. “Ɨ Ⱥm nøŧ Sŧɇᵽħɇn. Nøŧ søłɇłɏ.”

“Who else are you then?”

There was a grotesquely wide grin from the flaming head. The demon approached Tony and the engineer had to force himself still and not stumble back.

“You wouldn’t be able to grasp the concept of me, łɨŧŧłɇ møɍŧȺł.”

That wasn’t ominous at all.

“Try me,” Tony said, because – as established – he had no sense of self preservation in the eye of this dangerous creature.

Stephen – no, the demon laughed and the sound clawed at the edges of Tony’s sanity. It felt like nails being dragged on a chalkboard. “You amuse me, ħᵾmȺn.”

His voice was oozing with malign sophistication that made Tony’s skin crawl.

With deliberate steps, the demon closed the distance between them, invading Tony’s personal space in a way that felt suffocating.

Tony couldn’t help but to instinctively take a step back.

It was unnerving. He had grown accustomed to a version of Stephen that was gentle and kind – a version who sought companionship.

This creature in front of him was unrecognizable from the demon he thought he knew.

The demon’s eyes glinted with a cruel satisfaction as he observed the unease radiating from Tony. He seemed to enjoy the engineer’s display of discomfort.

“Đøn’ŧ ƀɇ sħɏ, Ŧønɏ,” he cooed mockingly, leering closer. “I’ve tasted your blood. Ɨ knøw ɏøᵾɍ sɇȼɍɇŧs.”

There was an unsettling edge to his words. A reminder of the unholy connection that linked them.

Tony tried to think of a way to make the demon either give him his Stephen back, or to leave altogether.

Showing Stephen the files had obviously been a mistake. Yet Tony wasn’t sure, at which point it had gone wrong. Whatever had happened, it had triggered Stephen into becoming this.

Once again, it all came back to being Tony’s fault.

“Why don’t we take a moment to explore the true extent of the bond that ties us together?” the demon suggested. His tone was delightfully mocking and laced with a hint of allure.

However, Tony was aware of the underlying danger emanating from this creature.

"I'm curious how much power you really have over me. Stephen played nice in the past. Ɨ'm nøŧ łɨkɇ ŧħȺŧ."

The demon reached out with his now claw-like fingers. He lifted Tony’s chin, forcing their faces close enough that the heat radiating from the flickering flames of the demon’s head washed over the human.

"I command you to leave," Tony pressed between his teeth.

"Nice try," the demon responded with a throaty laugh that echoed off the walls. “I haven’t even been of sɇɍvɨȼɇ to you. Ⱥnđ Ɨ wøn’ŧ Ⱥȼȼɇᵽŧ Ⱥnɏ łøøᵽħøłɇs ɇɨŧħɇɍ.”

As the demon’s words hung in the air, the cloak’s tentacles slithered around Tony’s body, tightening their grip ever so slightly, asserting their control. Each movement emphasized how easily the balance of power had shifted between them.

“And just to be clear, you better come up with something good, something worth my time and energy,” the demon continued, his voice dropping into a dangerously low rumble. “Otherwise, I may decide that you have broken your side of the bargain. Now, that would end… nøŧ wɇłł for you."

Tony knew he had to think quickly and strategically; something he was usually good at. He didn’t trust this demon. Like a genie in a bottle who will twist his words and use them against him.

His mind raced like a computer, calculating his options. Until – finally – he had an idea. Admittedly, it wasn't a very good one. But there were worse.

“How about you provide some knowledge? That’s a service, right?”

The wide grin was back on the demon’s face. “That’s quite fitting for the DaVinci of our time.”

It looked like Stephen got his memories back. Tony’s face hardened. But is words actually helped Tony to distance his personal feelings for the former doctor from this creature in front of him. This was a business transaction. And this wasn’t the first shark Tony had done business with.

“What kind of knowledge could a ǥɇnɨᵾs want?”

It couldn’t be anything random, Tony knew that. It needed to be something that would entertain the demon. Something personal. Tony had just the thing. He didn't want to dig it up from the back of his mind, but at the same time this was an opportunity to get some actual explanation.

“It’s something I literally can’t ask anyone else.”

Intrigued, the demon crept closer. “Do tell. Are you asking Stephen the Mystic?”

“I’m asking you. New York, 2012. The portal to space.” It was still difficult for Tony to talk about it. Difficult to even think about it.

He had nightmares about drifting alone in space with no oxygen.

Tony got trouble breathing just thinking about it.

“I want to know what I saw on the other side.”

The army of aliens… everything…

“You have carried that question for a while with you. I can feel it weighs heavy on you,” the demon acknowledged.

Good, it seemed like Tony had made the right choice.

However, the demon’s next words made him pause.

“Let's re-watch what you saw.”

“What? No! …”

The engineer’s protest came too late. The demon performed some kind of magic and suddenly the lab around them disappeared, everything now pitch black.

Tony’s breath hitched. He noticed the faint light of stars all round him. Even under his feet. Was he even standing on solid ground, or was he floating in space?

Then he turned around, and saw the portal. Surrounded by the army, who were still waiting for their turn to attack Earth.

He remembered the portal being huge from up close. Big enough for the Chitauri’s ships to pass through. And it had swallowed Tony whole when he had pushed the nuke through.

Now it looked small, a little blue circle in the vast space.

Yet that fact did nothing to stop Tony’s panic from rising just from looking at it.

“This isn’t the first attack the Chitauri have fought for their general,” the demon explained, but Tony was barely listening. His throat was too tight to say anything anyway.

Suddenly he saw something appear from the other side of the portal: it was the Mark VII hanging onto the nuke.

He remembered the sudden difference in air pressure as he flew through. It had taken its toll on him, even in his suit. Back then, the Iron Man armor had not been designed to withstand deep space. His connection to Jarvis was broken, the A.I.’s voice merely a distorted sound until there was only silence.

The eerie silence in which he had fallen. He had let go of the nuke, it had continued on its own, while Tony had stayed behind. Slowly drifting in space.

Tony knew what was about to happen. He didn’t want to watch, yet he couldn’t avert his eyes. He forced himself to keep staring, to take it all in.

He had seen the Chitauri’s mother-ship. Bigger than he could have ever imagined.

He had seen the nuke explode; an orange beacon of destruction and hope. It was beautiful and terrifying. His brain had shut off somewhere in between.

But now, Tony was transfixed, unable to take his eyes off the aftermath he had never witnessed back then. He saw the burning ships and the aliens dropping dead. It was sort of a chain reaction.

The portal was closing and it didn’t look like his past self would even make it in time. Tony realized it was the shock wave from the explosion that had helped him make it home at the last second.

The portal was gone. The dead bodies of the aliens remained.

“Did you like what you saw, MɇɍȼħȺnŧ øf ĐɇȺŧħ?” The demon’s voice cut through the silence.

Tony was void of any emotion. He was empty, having split off the memory and the pain that went with it. It was as if he were just a bystander to the whole thing.

It felt like some of his senses shut off partially. He barely registered as the space disappeared and they were back in his lab.

The images were burned into his mind. Sure, the Chitauri had attacked Earth, it was only natural to fight back and defend his home. But what had happened up there had been a massacre. Thousands of lives wiped out in a single strike.

The nuke had been meant for New York. The hairs on the back of Tony's neck still raised at the idea that someone had been ready to sacrifice a whole city – not that it would have closed the portal and prevented the army from coming through.

It had been Fury who had warned them of the nuke. But Tony had made the decision to redirect it.

He had killed an entire army.

And he would do it again, if it meant it kept Earth safe.

His legs no longer held him up. He stumbled, tried to hold on to a table, but to no avail. He landed on the floor. Some tools he had accidentally swiped off the table landed loudly beside him.

“Boss,” Friday spoke up, concerned. “Your heart rate is jumping to 170 beats per minute and your adrenaline level is spiking.”

Tony didn’t breathe. There was air in his lungs, he just couldn’t get it out.

Mentally, he was still in space.

“Tony?” Stephen’s normal voice cut through the fog in the engineer’s brain.

Being a doctor first and foremost was anchored into the very core of Stephen's being. He might be a monster, but at heart he was still a healer. And it had been Tony who had guided the man who got lost in the Dark Dimension back to his core essence over the past few months. It had been Tony, who had shown him what it meant to be human.

The engineer gasped for air.

“Tony, you have to exhale.”

Stephen tried to regain control of his body. He took a step forward, but it felt like he was moving through sludge.

Dormammu clawed at his mind. He was having fun with the whole situation. Stephen felt it, and it made him angry. Stubbornly, he held his ground.

He hated that he couldn’t help Tony like he wanted to. Friday was doing her best to pull the engineer out of his panic.

“It’s 1:30 pm. The weather is at a pleasant 68 degree Fahrenheit with scattered clouds. You’re currently in your lab, Sir. Peter Parker agreed to come over after school, and Miss Potts is still waiting for your signature on those contracts she sent you.”

The A.I. was non-stop talking, trying to ground her creator.

Stephen crept closer to Tony. Suddenly, it was easier to move, and it made Stephen wary. He kept his guard up for whatever Dormammu might have planned. He felt him still watching. But Stephen's main focus remained on the engineer in front of him.

“Tony,” he gently said. “Breathe. You’re alright. Løøꝁ Ⱥŧ mɇ, łɨŧŧłɇ ħᵾmȺn.”

He curled back at his own distorted voice. Still, his urge to help Tony was stronger than any self-hate – for now.

He kneeled next to Tony.

“You still have eight episodes left of ‘Better Call Saul’ to watch, Sir. I took the liberty of restocking your popcorn supplies.”

Stephen put his hand on the small space between Tony’s rib cage and his arm. It was a technique used to guide unresponsive patients while they were on their feet.

With a panic attack such as Tony’s, Stephen normally put his hand on the patient’s chest, to shift their focus on breathing. But not with Tony Stark and the arc reactor in his chest.

Regaining most of his memory, Stephen remembered that some of the man’s medical files had been leaked. Of course he had taken a look at them out of curiosity, back when he still practiced.

Tony reacted instantly to the touch. He whipped his head to him; big, frantic eyes looking at him. The demon’s head was still aflame, with a vaguely skull shape in it.

Tony let out a pained noise and jerked back – but it had him finally breathing. It was short and ragged, but air flowed in and out of his lungs.

The engineer backed away until a lab table hit his back.

“Don’t…” he rasped, his voice no more than a hoarse whisper.

Stephen could smell the fear and the adrenaline in the air. It was sour and sweaty.

“Please…” Tony pleaded.

Those single words hurt Stephen; yet he understood. This was his fault. He wanted to help, but right now Tony was afraid of him. The only help he could provide was if he removed himself from the situation entirely, so that Tony would feel safer.

Stephen wasn’t a doctor anymore. He wasn’t even human. He was a monster.

“Friday,” he spoke up to the A.I. “Please inform Pepper.” Tony had often spoken of her. She could handle Tony in any situation. “He might need further medical assistance.”

He couldn't help noticing how Tony was watching him like the threat he was, while he tried to be as small as possible.

Stephen refrained from making another attempt to approach.

Instead he vanished.

[nomatterwhatnomatterwhere]

What a ( Not so) Strange World XV

A. N: …I really don't know what to say this time. It's not that I don't like the chapter eh, let's be clear, it's just that nothing extremely relevant really happens, it's obvious that it's a passing chapter, and I don't know how to feel about it.

Having said that, I hope you guys don't mind anyway, so let me know what you think.

Soo until next time?

Gotta dig a little Deeper (Is what I'm hearing)

PartXIV PartXVI

Heartslabyul was certainly a peculiar place, and everything, from the colours to the décor to the division of space made it quite clear who the inspiration behind the dormitory was.

You weren't sure if the Queenie you knew and the Queen of Hearts of this world were exactly the same person - you hadn't had time to read the book about the Great Seven yet - but you were pretty sure Queenie would have liked it.

( There were too few red roses around, but she wouldn't have been too unhappy. Maybe she would have had more clocks added).

Who she certainly wouldn't have appreciated was Frau Grimhilde: you could very distinctly hear her voice lamenting the tackiness and general untidiness of the place.

(Still better than Madame Tremaine, who refused to even comment on the bad taste of Wonderland's ruler).

In spite of everything, however, you would have agreed with Frau Grimhilde on one thing: the place was extremely confusing, and you would not have been able to live there.

You didn't know how much of this could be considered the fault - or merit - of the great sense of organisation that had distinguished your guardians, in both worlds, but being a student at Heartslabyul would have tested your patience - more than two dormitory freshmen were already doing, that is.

You could certainly appreciate its uniqueness, but between crooked stairs that went up and didn't come down,and stairs that went down and didn't come up, hallway floors that turned out to be walls that turned out to be ceilings, yep, that place made you seasick

(Not to mention all the crooked furniture - in the very structure - that you had seen).

In your - desperate - search for Riddle, you had managed to come across a group of students whom you asked where you could find Riddle.

"He's a little bit busy right now, with all the preparation for the tournament, but he should be here soon... Um...would you mind waiting in the common room? Maybe?"

You accepted the offer, as long as someone walked you to the Lounge Room because you were sure you'd get lost.

"Yeah, I get it, some first years still get lost. But it used to be even worse"

"Oh don't remind me! Till last year there were some horrible direction signs: they had the oddest direction, like, the one for the maze was ‘that way’ but every tuesday it changed to ‘the other way’ "

"The Housewarden decided to remove them because everyone would get lost and end up being late for class. But yeah, it's still a little tricky"

They had been very kind, offering tea and biscuits, albeit outside the time recommended by the rules, because Riddle wouldn't have been angry, not about that, not any more

You were happy to hear that the situation with Riddle was more relaxed, to hear his classmates talk about him so lightly was heartening: they were seeing how hard he was working to improve.

The students who had accompanied you had stayed with you for a while, but then had to excuse themselves to go to their activities, but had left you in the care of the students who were studying there in the hall

At first you had refused, saying that it wasn't really necessary, after all you were just waiting for Riddle, but they had replied that it wasn't a burden at all and then they owed you one.

( You didn't really understand what they owed you, you didn't feel like you had done anything to win their trust, even during the Overblot.

You had no idea how obvious it was how comfortable Riddle felt with you, how he was physically more relaxed, but it had been obvious to them from the first time they had seen you interact with their Housewarden: you were somehow cut from the same cloth)

Eleven minutes and 37 seconds had passed - if you had read the pendulum clock on the wall correctly - when Riddle entered the lounge room with a slightly worried expression and tense shoulders.

He wasn't the first one to enter the room looking like that, actually: a couple of guys had come in a little earlier with a rather dejected attitude, but you hadn't given them much thought; they'd come in to say something to some of their friends and then they'd all left together.

Now that you thought about it though, maybe you should have paid more attention.

The redhead's attitude relaxed slightly as you smiled as you met his gaze.

You hadn't missed the doubtful look he'd given the almost empty cup of tea you held in your hands, but you hadn't missed the moment he'd stopped himself from saying something about it either

( He had looked like a goldfish to you, he was adorable)

"I was told you were looking for me. What can I help you with?"

"Hmm" you nodded, getting up from the small couch - much more comfortable than Ramshackle's, you should have asked Crewel where they bought dorm supplies while you were at it - cup in hand as you looked around for where you could put it " I wanted to ask you for a copy of the schedule for the tournament, I know you Housewardens had an organisational meeting"

He nodded as he took the cup from your hands, tapping twice on the saucer: the cup was gone.

You doubted it had really disappeared into thin air, it was still part of a set: it was more likely to have been transported elsewhere. It was an interesting application, you hadn't felt any magic coming from the object, so whoever had cast that spell must have had an intangible magic trace

"It is common custom to tap the object twice once you have finished using it" Riddle told you bringing you back to reality, he must have seen how you were studying his hands " this way it is directed to the most suitable place, in this case the kitchen sink"

Oh. So the dishes washed themselves? Or, as there was a kitchen sink, there were cleaning shifts?  In Ramshackle it was you and Yuu who did the dishes, but because A) Yuu couldn't use magic B) you were convinced the magic in that dorm was ‘exhausted’ so you hadn't even tried

‘’The schedule will be posted on the noticeboard in each dormitory, in the cafeteria, and on the main school noticeboard starting tomorrow. I'm not sure it will also be distributed in the classroom, I'm not in charge of that, but I think I have a few extra copies I can give you."

Riddle had felt almost a little guilty answering the question you'd come for: you were reflecting on the vanishing spell you'd just seen - you'd whispered something very similar to ‘magic trace’ and ‘cleaning rounds and in doing so you'd assumed a small, but adorable, pout.

You must have loved magic, given how committed you were to understanding the concepts and reasoning behind a single spell, but as interesting as that sight was, he still had to ensure Trey's condition,

"That would be awesome. Also" you moved closer to Riddle than he expected,"There's something I'd like to talk with you. Would that be possible?"

"If you don't mind coming with me to check on Trey...’"

You had already started moving when Riddle had mentioned the older boy, and your alarm bells had started ringing

"What do you mean ‘check on Trey’? Has something happened?"

Riddle had tensed his shoulders and, albeit for a single moment, had lowered his head before answering

"‘He....tripped over the stairs....It's my fault."

"Not everything that happens is your fault" you were dead serious as you said it, you didn't want Riddle to go back to feeling responsible for someone else's actions too, it wasn't healthy at all 

"But this time it is. I was the one who was tripping, Trey just...tried to help me"

Your bells were ringing louder

"I know it's a strange question, but um are you in the Spelldrive Team perhaps?"

He studied you for a moment

"Is this somehow related to what you wanted to discuss earlier?"

You let out a small sigh: Riddle was really sharp.

You informed him of what Crowley and the injured students had said.

‘It really seems that someone is targeting the players so... “the redhead sighed heavily, shaking his head ” I made their job easier"

At his statement you raised an eyebrow: sure, you felt sorry for Trey who had been the victim of a very bad prank that you hoped hadn't hurt him too much, but you couldn't see how Riddle could have made whoever was responsible's job easier... unless

"Is Trey also on the team?"

"One of the best."

Now you understood: it didn't matter which one got hurt, the important thing was that someone got injured.

Ahh. Despicable person. Whoever it was, it was despicable.

Entering Trey's room, you realised there were more people than you expected, with Grim having jumped up at the sight of ‘ragin Riddle’.

As Riddle also told them how the accident had happened you couldn't help but notice the crutches at the side of the bed; you really hoped that Trey hadn't been hurt too badly, but apparently your wishes hadn't been granted.

( You also noticed the can of tuna , a gift surely from Grim, and that made you smile slightly: the little weasel was not so tactless perhaps.

Maybe you too could have brought something next time).

Once out of the room, you all headed for the Lounge where Yuu also informed the others of what the Headmaster had said

"I knew it. Grim coming by for a get-well visit? That's just plain sus."

"I mean... he brought a get-well tuna as a gift? Doesn't that count?" you whispered, making the older boy giggle.

"I must admit that I found the circumstances odd as well. I've had Cater looking into it for me."

 You gave Riddle a dirty look which he ignored, but which had certainly not gone unnoticed by the others, who, however, had no idea what it was due to

 Ace suspected that, as when you had slapped him, Riddle had also said something that had struck your delicate nerves. 

( You should have hit him too, then, you were being unfair!)

Cater had also had a similar thought, knowing you, something must have happened between you and Riddle that had led you to take offence

Deuce was a little worried: that was the same dirty look he and Ace got from you every time they did something stupid, but Riddle didn't seem the type to do something like that

Yuu had been the only one to notice how Riddle had deliberately avoided your gaze during the entire conversation

"You think someone is causin' accident to take out threats from the tournament?"

"The whole world will be watching. A good performance can make a player's whole career. It's no surprise that someone would resort to underhanded methods to even the odds"

"Sure but it doesn't make much sense. I mean you'd know if you got pushed off the stairs by a gust of wind magic or somethin', right?"

 You nodded to what Cater said

"I mean, if someone had cast any kind of spell, someone should have seen it? No?"

"The culprit can tell us all about it when we capture him. And we intend to help you do that"

That statement made Grim suspicious, while it made you smile at Adeuce's shamelessness in trying to take the place left by Trey.

On the way to the Hall of Mirrors you stood back, a little behind the group, glancing at the information Cater had gathered: you had no idea how he had gathered all that information in such a short time, but knowing him, Cay was a resourceful guy.

You weren't sure if RIddle's plan completely convinced you, what if while you were tracking one of the possible targets, the culprit had already hit someone else? What if your being a big group on the lookout for something had made you take notice of the culprit himself?

You didn't want to think about that.

But you had to, you doubted that this quest would trigger another Overblot, but considering the strange incidents, it was pretty obvious you'd all put yourselves in danger if the culprit realised you were investigating.

It was only when you crossed the borders of Pomefiore that a little alternative plan began to take shape in your mind.

You just had to hope for the best, which was as much as to say, considering the precedents

@jessiegerl

(Again, if you want to be added in the taglist just let me know)

Diveders by @sweetmelodygraphics

[danieyells]

I'm the anon who asked for the Taiga lines, thank you so much for sharing!

I did not have much thoughts on Taiga before, other than him being surprisingly chill despite being a lil freaky but omg seeing his max affinity line along with his line on the ditched future.... the angst is unmatched.

You're stuck with him till death do us part? Whether you like it or not? Especially in a time loop situation, imagine that either of them have a high likelihood of dying within the year. One or both of them have tried to fix it, to no avail. Maybe they were a thing in one of the loops but only Taiga (vaguely) remembers it and that would make the max affinity line extra bittersweet because he's only succeeded at freaking out MC in the current timeline lol.

Maybe Taiga was invested in saving (everyone? himself? mc?) before but no matter what he does nothing changes? iirc he was an exemplary student going on a ton of missions to find anomalies, maybe he thought one of the random anomalies out there had something to do with their situation? But at some point between then and now he stopped giving a shit.

Also I find it interesting how the ghouls are constantly destroying anomalies instead of capturing them. It could be that they just don't give 2 fucks but also can't help but wonder if maybe the older ghouls have some kinda truce like don't bring back any anomalies if you can help it, nothing good can happen by giving the academy/institute more info on these things (bc at the very least Leo in the prologue implies the people up top are responsible for whatever messed up situation they were in, and he's the most likely person to uncover a conspiracy with his skillset + Jin and Tohma want to dethrone his dad as director or whatever his position was, possibly also found out smth behind the scenes)

It's all just speculation but god they are so good a pulling me around by the nose with this mystery when I had 0 expectations of this game (I mean, it still kinda sucks gameplay-wise but the story is so good)

Can't wait for new chapter soon, tho rn I am in gacha hell with wuwa, 18trip and gakuenmas.......

Thank you for being patient about them! I love Taiga so much hahaha

Yeah, the potential is there for this to be something big and for Taiga to be heavily involved in it, or at least the person who's most aware of it so far(Jin's "i know this won't last forever" line also kind of carries the implication that he knows but that has many other explanations.) It would probably be more angst-heavy if his memory weren't garbage lmaooooo THEN AGAIN maybe he'll remember you forever now that he loves you as much as he does haha. He definitely didn't remember you before this, or he didn't show any sign of remembering, so if he knew you in another timeline or you were together in another timeline i suspect he forgot, just like with everything.

As for dying, the PC is going to die within the next year if their curse isn't lifted and the prologue shows that someone else dies in the destruction of the school with the pc still alive(so either before the year is up or after the curse is lifted). So they both definitely have the potential to die in that period of time, if nothing is done to change the future. . ."if death do us part" is something Taiga very well might know will happen eventually. In fact, if his stigma actually does allow him to see the future like I'm beginning to suspect, he might know that that's what going to happen. I mean everybody dies eventually but I mean outside of a natural death.

From what Hyde says(I checked both Japanese and English) Taiga used to play more of an active part in the past, so yeah it seems like he's lost some of his enthusiasm. . .although it's very likely he's referring to that Sinostra's on probation and he can't go on missions at all right now, considering just a few months prior he was on a mission and seemed plenty enthusiastic. But as far as operating as captain goes(he's only been captain for around 6 months as of the start of the Sinostra chapter) it seems like he doesn't put any effort in. . .according to Romeo he only cares about anomalies and gambling, but if that were true he wouldn't care to tell you about the spy because he wouldn't even know. (Romeo also says he doesn't go after humans anymore which is. . .not true, so Romeo may just be blissfully unaware since their relationship is so bad these days.)

It'd make sense if this lack of enthusiasm arose from seeing an unfavorable future and thinking it isn't worth it to try at this point. He does say he's been telling someone(likely Romeo) that things will fall apart if they keep going the way they have been but since that person's been uncooperative with making changes he doesn't see a way things will change. . . .so why should he put in work? I assume he can see the future, not travel through it--hence 'ditch this future' he's simply refusing to play any part in impacting it. Even when he jumps from the ledge in the prologue if you choose to save him, he asks what he could have done to change things. I wonder how long he's been trying.

he doesn't even talk the same was he normally does, so you know it's kinda serious. He would love to know how to prevent this.

As for ghouls destroying anomalies, I think it's a matter of safety in the situation as well as a general lack of powers that can actually capture the anomalies. Most of them have weapons with destructive powers and stigmas that are destructive. But in almost every case capture wasn't much of an option due to safety concerns.

Frostheim had human children present. Jin's stigma only seems to work for a few minutes at best even with the PC buffing him. They didn't have a means to keep the anomaly contained and keep the children safe, not to mention the last living one was about to kill the PC and one of the kids. Like Kaito said, in a situation dealing with monsters it's hard to think to incapacitate and capture them, especially when someone else's life is at stake. To ensure their survival and minimize damage to civilians, the anomalies needed to be killed.

Vagastrom's anomaly was a tulpa and couldn't be captured in the first place. If people kept believing in it it would just reappear elsewhere. People no longer believing in it took it out of existence. No room at all for containment.

Jabberwock. . .well, they know Towa's unstable. Princess Oto severely injured Haru, and Towa wasn't going to let it get away with that. The Kraken and Calamari were allowed to escape because capturing them would do more harm to the ecosystem than good.

Sinostra had to destroy it theirs to prevent the destruction of the casino and prevent harm coming to the general students, Romeo, and the PC. Also Taiga's just a killing machine so--

Hotarubi. . .I kind of think I know what happens with them thanks to spoilers and one of Subaru's voicelines, but I won't spoil it.

If Obscuary doesn't accidentally kill their anomaly because it touches Rui I will be disappointed /joke

I feel like Mortkranken are going to successfully capture their anomaly simply because Yuri wants to run experiments on it. but it does depend on what their Stigmas are. We know that Jiro's chainsaw doesn't actually cut very well(Yuri told him to get them a Christmas tree and he said that his weapon doesn't cut stuff very well) and we also know that Jiro does all of the fighting in Mortkranken, whereas Yuri is ineffective in combat. They have the highest chance of capturing anomalies I think.

so like. I think that ultimately in those situations it was kind of the safest option for everyone present, killing the anomalies. Cornelius acts like 'just capture the anomalies it's easy!' but these are life or death situations. There were so many in Frostheim's case that they had to collapse a building to reduce the risk of them getting back out to the public. On the other hand, Jin probably could have teleported at least one of them back to Darkwick before they collapsed the building or instead of them killing one, but in the heat of the moment that probably doesn't occur to him as an option--also he probably wanted to make sure the pc was okay since he'd never be able to use his stigma again if she died, so going back in there to pull one of them out wasn't going to happen. Also he may or may not be rebelling against his dad, president of the Japanese branch of the Institution.

So I doubt it's something like an agreement between the third-years. I feel like it's just coincidence.

As for what Leo says in the pre-prologue, by then he would definitely be in on the situation simply because he's paying more attention than others and Alan is about as subtle as a firework no matter how hard Tohma tries to keep things secret. But maybe he gets roped in instead, since his power would be beneficial--they just have to make sure they can trust him first. . . . He does say that someone is responsible, but I think he means that regarding that life sucks, not the catastrophe occurring? Although that very well might be referring to the people at the top of the Institute too. . .on the other hand I would assume it's referring to whoever the spy is working with, and the Institute themselves aren't bad people(although Jin's dad sounds kinda like a piece of shit.) That or the Institute is the problem, or the prophecy somehow. . .if I could see the Japanese text I could see if there's a difference lol. . . .

Jin is going to inherit the position of president I'm pretty sure. I don't think that's a matter of usurping or anything like that where "Jin becomes the new president" is like, they take down Jin's father first. Like I'm pretty sure this is a familial inheritance thing--I feel like it's a "you're the eldest son so you're expected to take on the position of running the company" deal. You see it all the time in manga with office/business settings. Even Haku is supposed to take over the shrine his family owns. I don't think Jin and Tohma are dethroning Jin's father, it's just a matter of 'we need to prepare you to be in power here, you need to learn to be responsible and better than your father so you can do better than he does.'

BUT. YEAH. A LOT OF THEORIZING AND STUFF but I'm definitely surprised by how into it I ended up getting haha. My hyperfocus said "yeah I fuck with this" and now I'm stuck here. I don't really remember the abandoned concept they originally had(afair I was more unique than the current one, which is trying to stay in line with what's popular with the industry right now) but I really still would've loved to see it. . .but I'm still enjoying the current result and looking forward to the new chapters. (One week away for Hotarubi!!! Home stretch, just gotta survive one more week of work!) I feel like it's much less of a mystery as more. . .slowly growing suspense haha like it feels like a mystery because of the investigation we do as fandom, but the story itself is gonna reveal everything eventually. . .probably. So it's just anticipation on our parts hahaha. (And yeah the gameplay elements are uh nonexistent haha. Pretty sure the only reason I'm able to keep up with the chapters is because I spent money. 🙃)

Good luck with your other gacha games tho!! Fortunately the only other gachas I play I've got pretty good units for so I'm not so worried about what pulls I do or don't get. . . . I hope all of your future pulls are what you need them to be!!!

[daphwritesworld]

BMB CHAPTER 5 SNEAK PEAK !!

a/n: sorry y'all I got distracted with watching all the games that were on today….and then I got distracted by beer lol. anyways, I only have about 2k words left, so i'll get this finished up and posted first thing in the morning !! love you guys and thank you so much for being patient with me during this time. can't wait to see yall's reaction to this full chapter hehehe

FULL CHAPTER OUT NOW: READ HERE !!

!! 18+ MINORS DNI !!

"Have a nice day and good luck with Leah!" Keira calls out the window.

You laugh before turning your head around, "Thanks Mum, I'll make sure to stick to the plan!" And then you're off to head into the building. Thank god Keira picked you up so early, because it looks like only one other car is here…and that just so happens to be the blonde defender's Audi.

The beating of your heart accelerates with every step you take, and it rises till it drowns out your hearing. Just a steady thump. thump. thump. thumping that has you worried you might pass out. You're trying to think of what to say to her, but your mind is completely blanking. As you see the door of the changing room you are 85% sure you might throw up as soon as you see her. So you take a few seconds to calm yourself down, remembering Keira's words as you close your eyes and take deep breaths like earlier. When you reopen them you bite the bullet and walk in, and for the first time in a week…she looks at you.

It feels like your heart stops in your chest, and the words on your tongue suddenly get trapped inside your throat. Your eyes search hers, and then your mouth is moving before your brain can catch up. "You look like you haven't been getting much sleep."

She doesn't scoff or turn away like you except. Her eyes just soften a bit as she speaks, "I can say the same for you, y/l/n."

Ouch. Still on a last name basis? To be fair you haven't even gotten to step one of the plan yet, so let's allow room for some grace.

"I got you a tea!" You blurt it out like an idiot, jutting your hand out towards her with a blush dusting across your cheeks.

"You sure it's not for Russo? I mean, we're both blonde and apparently just your typ—" you cut her off with a kiss.

She freezes at first, and that makes you panic. You go to pull away as you start apologizing, "I-I'm sorry, Le—" but it's her that cuts you off this time. She kisses you with more force behind it, her hands searching out for your middle. But they stop just as she's about to touch you, hovering her hands as she pulls away to look you in the eyes. "Do you think you deserve for me to touch you?"

You can feel the heat radiating off of her body. A frown etches its way onto your face as you bite your lip, "No…but I can earn it."

Leah takes the cup from your hand as she sets it on the bench behind her, quickly turning her attention back to you. She decides to take a seat on the opposite end, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she does. "Come here," she licks her lips after she says it. You walk in front of her, leaving some space until she tells you what to do next. That must be the wrong move though, because then she's reaching out and pulling you to stand between her thighs. "Now get on your knees."

You swallow the lump in your throat as you follow her instructions, setting your knees on the cold floor as you stare up at her. She lets one of her hands rest on your cheek, "Open your mouth, y/l/n."

When you follow her orders, she shoves her index & middle fingers into your mouth. I mean Keira did say you'd have to kiss ass, and if this is what she meant? Oh you'd do it all day long. You gag at first, tears gathering as you try and relax your throat around her digits. She doesn't let you get used to the feeling, removing them after about 30 seconds. You don't expect what she does next though. Leah slides her own hand down her shorts, using your spit as lube for herself. She bites her lip as she starts rubbing circles into her clit, watching you squirm as the reality of the situation starts to settle in. You stay locked in a state of shock until she slips her fingers inside her pussy, moaning out a mix of curses and your name. You start to lay kisses on her inner thighs, but you're quickly stopped by her free hand gripping your hair. "You touch me again without permission, and I'll leave you here like this. Wet, untouched, and unsatisfied. So sit there and watch like a good girl. Prove to me how sorry you are."

"Yes ma'am," the grip on your hair gets tighter, and a small smirk flashes across your face from the action.You make sure to stay on your best behavior after that. Even going as far to sit your hands on top of your thighs so you aren't tempted to disobey. She looks absolutely stunning like this. Her chest starts to heave up and down as her fingers speed up inside her shorts, and her sounds of pleasure echo off the walls around you. "Take your shorts off," she says it breathlessly.

You hesitate a little, head snapping over to the door as your fingers linger on your waistband. "I won't ask you again, y/n." You look back at Leah,"Take. Your. Shorts. Off." She exaggerates with a tug to your scalp after every word, sending jolts of electricity flying through your body. Your hands finally start shoving the useless piece of fabric down your hips and you let them pool around your ankles. "Nuh uh— all the way off," Leah rasps out above you.

[okami-iris]

~♡Perfect Little Family ♤~ Hisomachi

Pic by me♡ credit to @itsmyara for the little Hisomachi icon🃏🧵 ⚠️⚠️ 15+⚠️⚠️ because of mature content💮 read at your own risk

YOU MUST READ THIS before reading this fanfic!! ➡️➡️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Again the post above is a MUST READ if you wanna understand the story 😭🃏🧵💖✨

Chapter 1: ~Machi's unfortunate surprise~🧵🃏

{A/N Forgive me for the OOC, AU, and cringe!😫🎐}

[Machi Komacine is a 23 year old woman who's apart of the Phantom Troupe. a group of thieves and murders but to her they were like family. well all except one... Hisoka Morow replacement number 4 he had joined the Troupe 4 years ago and him and Machi became...... teammates to say the least she didn't really like him but over time developed feelings for the stupid clown but she'd never say it. of course he had feelings for her too and told her all the time. but she always just took what he said with a grain of salt not sure if he's lying or not but regardless things were about to change.

April 10th the troup was all together celebrating a big heist they just pulled off. so they decided to have a party✨ most of them got drunk but not Machi nor Hisoka. although something did go down between them that night Machi blamed it on "I was drunk" she'd always lie or blame it on something she'd never amit to it. a few days later Machi noticed something... Different...but didn't say anything. a 1 week later some of the Troupe decided to move to the next city but they ALL agreed to meet up again in a month. they wanted to hangout more. (Look idk I just need a excuse 😭) when they got to the new hideout Machi had to know. and so that night she found out...she was pregnant.... she didn't tell anyone but she was having a heart attack she had no idea what to do....this made her feel weak. she let her gard down what was she to do?...but before anything. she'd wait till he arrived... The father of this baby.. now as I said before not all the Troupe came with Machi the only people at the hideout right now were Chrollo, Pakunoda, Shalnark, Shizuku, Kortopi & Machi. they were still waiting for the other members one of them being the father of this kid. and so a few days past and now everyone was there. everyone except Hisoka. now normally Machi wouldn't care if he showed up or not but this was different they needed to talk.... two MORE days later and the clown finally decided to show up. although Hisoka was only planning to stay a few days maybe a week that was about to change once Machi starts talking. Chrollo exampled that he'd be staying in this city for a few months because he was a bit tired of moving and he added that any other member of the troupe could stay with him and that was all.]

Hisoka: Hi Machi~

Machi: Hi...or whatever...

Hisoka: so how are you doing?~

Machi: what do you care!

Hisoka: oh my dear Machi I care because your my friend, Teammate, Fellow spider and maybe something more someday~

Machi: S..Shut up! we're teammates that's it!

Hisoka: oh ok...~ -_-...so how are you?...

Machi: ....[She really didn't wanna say but... he was the father... she had to...]

Machi: not great....

Hisoka: oh my what's wrong dear~?

Machi: ... nothing....

Hisoka: oh stop lying and tell me. my dear~

Machi: ... I'll tell you later...

Hisoka: oh ok~...but don't think I'll forget~

Machi: yeah whatever..//.....

-To Be Continued- 🧵🃏

....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†....†..[END of this chapter]🌙✨☁️☀️ A/N I hope you enjoyed I'll write part two soon🧵🃏🌸 anyway thanks for reading!!☺️ I know it sucked🍭 if you have anything you'd like to say/question's let me know 💙 again this is a AU✨🌹 and OOC!😫🙏,

Tagging people who voted to see this Story @thelovelyghostwriter @zillybusiness @rinhxh @jandeline190 @dekingcobra

[valeisaslut]

do you know who else will love you till the day i die? me.

i don't know if you remember me but i'm the french anon with the snoring best friend- i've literally put my alarm at 4 am just to read collide when it dropped in my timezone. and oh god. no words in the english language could explain how it left me. i was in shambles and it put me together again. but it still left me like a void, you know? i've been here only since chapter 5 (the best idc.), but i've been hooked since the first one. i loved waiting for every freaky/suicidal friday. life has been bad enough!!and reading collide was one of those things that made it better. and i can't believe it's over. the plot was original yet so well written, without falling into clichés. the characters were so relatable, real, beautiful with their own flaws. reader and ellie's love felt so real.. and you did it. you made me believe in love again. i don't know if i sound dramatic but god, i love your fic so much. kissing that brain of yours rn.

as someone who has a terrible father, those little moments with joel were EVERYTHING. i'm so glad ellie and him reunited. the internal scream i let out when she changed her stage name for miller???? currently imagining joel as a grandpa and sobbing.

and when ellie and reader finally collided after three years i was crying like a baby not gonna lie. i'm so, so happy they got their happy ending after the shit they've been through. and the wedding? SCREAMING.

once again i love the fact that you write for impact. fics like that are so fucking rare. it makes everything just better, just like your devotion for the fic </3

i also need to say that, when i first started reading it, i dealt with internalised biphobia and repressed those feelings sooo bad. collide was one of those things that made me accept who i was in a way, you know?? i don't know how to explain, but it made me more confortable in being who i truly am, and now i'm finally out??? #slay

and i understand that, little by little, you're going to let collide go - but trust me, i will reread it again and again. and i can't wait to see what will be next!! you are literally the best, genuine writer i've ever seen. i will always support your fics.

also, i have a random question: was reader's family present at her wedding? and will you still write some blurbs?

btw, can i be 🐛 or 🐋 anon? <3

i'm sorry it was long as hell but i had soooo many things to say - and i still think it'snnot enough. please take care of yourself, i hope you're doing good, don't forget to hydrate yourself and don't forget that you're very much loved <3

ps. i miss the purple strap.

🐛 ANON… 🥹 mon amour. oui. i remember you so well. the french anon. the snoring best friend. the 4am alarms. the dramatic flair. the pain. the healing. you are collide-coded. you’re basically a lyric in the soundtrack.

i read this with tears in my eyes and a hand over my heart because—you came out because of this story. because of ellie. because of love that survives. and now you’re here, proud, full of joy, purple strap memories and all, and i’m just… sobbing in lowercase.

the way you talk about joel too… i’m right there with you. the scene where she takes his last name? i wrote that through a lump in my throat. he never got to be a good dad when it mattered most. but now? he gets to be “grandpa joel” and cry at her wedding and call reader kiddo too. he gets to try again. and that means everything to me. to us.

also yes: reader’s family was there at the wedding. they said sorry, and reader stopped holding grudges against them. the mom cried. the dad stood awkwardly behind sunglasses until Joel came over and made him laugh. the cousins took selfies with Rachel. someone’s aunt posted a blurry Instagram story captioned “a very LA wedding.” there was drama about vegan hors d'oeuvres.

and YES. i will absolutely still write blurbs. you think i can shut up about these lesbians? NEVER. the purple strap lives on. the mansion still echoes with moans. the fireflies still tour. melody still sings in the living room. it’s not the end. it’s just the part where we exhale.

you are loved so deeply, 🐛 anon. thank you for trusting me with your heart. i’m kissing your bisexual forehead and wrapping you in a glittery gay french flag rn. je t’aime. forever.

ps. the strap says bonjour.

[theclockwitch]

Times like this I believe in Astrology because everyone I know? Their mental health has been in the absolute drainage tube for the last week.

Here's hoping things turn around.

Life update: still reeling from having to shell out $10K in less than a week for the electrical work. Spent most of last weekend putting together a lesson plan for a friend of mine to cover their EMT class for the night (it was about beestings and the difference between envenomation and anaphylaxis) only to have them change their minds and, ya know, NOT TELL ME till I showed up. And then wonder why I looked a little, ya know, displeased.

All I'm saying is that Gabriel Seth would not have tolerated that disrespect.

Tried requeening the Carniolans and...those bees have never read a single one of my beekeeping books and it shows. TWO opened queen cells? DId I have a secondary swarm? Some seemed stoked at the concept of a new queen, some less so. I can't go in until Sunday to see if she's released or dead. Meanwhile my junk hive apparently has a queen who is laying SHEETS of brood. (Fun fact: the post office does not love getting packages with stickers saying LIVE BEES on them--thankfully they know me by now).

My birthday passed unrecognized by anyone in my family. I guess I"m just that unlikable? IDEK.

Reading *The Death of Integrity* and like whoa gosh is that title a CLUE as to THEME Or something? And I should not find the Novamarines as hilarious as I do, but good lord your ship captain is named PERSIMMON? *wheeze* What drugs was Guy Haley ON?

Next fall, when it's persimmon season, grab you a couple, wait till they're so soft that the skin tears when you touch them, mush them up with a fork and sprinkle cinnamon on them: easy 'persimmon pudding'. Maybe by then I will lose the image of a giant persimmon cabled into a ship's command throne.

Anyhoo.

Candle - Tabby (hellkitty) - Warhammer 40.000 [Archive of Our Own] some garbage schmoop I wrote to break out of a funk once again using dorotero's OCs. (with permission).

And it's Friday so Celadon Sky - Chapter 9 - Tabby (hellkitty) - Warhammer 40.000 [Archive of Our Own] Cyprian is vindicated, Kessalt is sad, and I end on a cliffhanger.

FUN FACT I suck at titles. Celadon sky is named such because I'm synesthetic AF and oftentimes when I get a story I get a 'vibe' for what it should 'feel' like and use that as the identifier. Same reasoning was behind Alabaster White and Titanium Bare (an old TF NSFW kink meme fill)

[niabang]

The Summer it Came True

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Chapter 6

Pairing: Bangchan × black female reader named Kel

Word Count: 1514

Disclaimer: this chapter contains angst and kissing.

More under the cut!

You had decided you were going to tell chan how you felt about him. There was a possibility he felt the same way too because there was no way he acted the way he did towards you to just "be nice."

While he was getting plates to put the pizza into, you decided to make your move.

"Chan, can I tell you something?" You asked in the most none worrying tone you could pull out of your throat, but it obviously didn't work. Chan looked at you with nothing but worry on his face.

"Yeah, sure, what is it? Are you okay?" He asked. Just as you were about to make out another sentence, Chan's phone rang. It was his mom. He had to take the call. He used a hand sign to signal that he'd be back, and he dashed upstairs to talk to his mom.

You waited for a while, and Chan was still talking to his mom, so you decided that you couldn't just sit there and do nothing. You cleaned up a bit and decided to go upstairs to change into your night wear.

That's the mistake you made. You should have just stayed downstairs and waited for him. Why did you decide to go upstairs at that moment. What you overheard Chan telling his mom changed your perspective on things.

"Yeah, mom, I told you I bumped into Kel at a store, and I'm staying at the beach house with her till I come over to meet you guys."

You couldn't quite make out what his mom said, but it sounded like she said, "Make sure to take good care of her."

"Of course I will, mom. She's like a little sister to me." He replied.

Huh? Did you hear correctly? Did this man just refer to you as a little sister? You were both the same age, for goodness sakes.

Is that why he was treating you the way he was? Because he saw you as a "little sister?" His actual little sister was alive and well for all you knew.

God, you were so stupid. Look at you going to confess your feelings for this man, thinking he felt the same way because he was being nice to you and feeding into your delusions.

This was so embarrassing. A little sister? Was that all you were to him?

You were still standing by the door when Chan opened it and was met with your already tear filled eyes. He looked really concerned when he saw you. His expression changed from neutral to worried almost instantly.

"Kel, what happened? Are you okay?" He asked.

"Is that all you you think of me?" You asked with more tears welling up in your eyes.

"Huh?" He said, looking genuinely confused.

"You just told your mom that I was like a little sister to you. Is that what you see me as? "A little sister?" Your voice cracked a bit with that question.

"What? Were you eavesdropping on my call?" Was that even the appropriate question for him to ask you at this moment?

"No, I wasn't. I just came up to go change my clothes and I heard just that part. Now answer me. Do you see me as only a little sister?" You were trying so hard to hold your tears back from falling.

"Kel, what's going on? Where is this coming from?" Did he really not get it?

"I like you, Chan." You said without thinking.

"I've liked you for thirteen whole years, chan. I was going to tell you the way I felt years ago when we were still kids, but I never got the chance to because you were gone. Gone without a trace." You started your monologue.

"I know it's pathetic. Who could like someone for thirteen years? Me, apparently. I was never happy with any of the guys I got into relationships with because I was always thinking about you."

"I always hoped you would come back for me one day, and you did come back. You're here right now. But you didn't come back for me. I'm nothing but a "little sister" to you.

"I honestly thought you were treating me the way you did because you had some sort of feelings for me, but it turns out I was in the sister zone all along.

"Just to make one thing clear, I'm not your sister. I'm a grown woman. I'm a grown woman with feelings for you. I don't know if I should blame you or myself because I'm stupid for thinking I ever had a chance, but you treated me like you felt the same way. You put ideas into my head all for nothing."

"Here I was thinking the worst answer I could get was a no, but boom, I get hit with the little sister card. You know what? I'm just going to sleep it off. I shouldn't be mad. What did I expect?"

You were done talking, and you didn't bother to wait for him to say a word. You just turned the other way and began walking to your room. Chan was speechless throughout your monologue, and it appeared that he still was.

You expected him to call you back from the end of the hallway and pull you back towards him from your wrist, anything. But you got nothing.

You got into your room, locked the door, and started to sob, laying face down on your bed. You wished that he'd come knock on your door asking you to come out and talk, but he didn't.

After a while, you heard the front door opening. Was he actually leaving? You wanted to go downstairs and check, but you didn't. You weren't supposed to care.

You cried yourself to sleep that night.

When you woke up in the morning, chan wasn't home. His things were still in the room, but there was no sign of him. Where could he have gone? Did he sleep out last night? Was he okay? Should you call him?

No. You weren't supposed to be bothered with any of that. You didn't care.

It was the first time in a while you were having breakfast without Chan. It was quiet. Too quiet. You ended up not finishing your food, and you had nothing planned, so you decided to go continue slaving over the new designs.

Crazy how you almost forgot about work because of him. You made a few new drawings, and these still didn't stick out to you, but you kept them with the ones you made before and went back to the drawing board.

You didn't know when you fell asleep on your desk and you were woken up by the sound of the doorbell ringing. He was back. Probably to pick up his stuff.

You grudgingly made your way downstairs to open the door for him and when you opened the door and moved to the side so he could go in and pick his stuff, he didn't go in. He just stood there.

Had he lost it overnight, or did he have something to say to you?

"What do you wa-" before you could finish asking your question Chan had one hand on your cheek, the other wrapped around your waist, and he had pulled you in for a kiss.

His lips were so warm and soft against yours. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating. The way his lips moved against yours sent you to another place, and you didn't realise that you were barely breathing.

He wasn't breathing either, too, because when he broke the kiss, the two of you came up breathing heavily.

What were you supposed to say. Chan just kissed you. None of the wheels in your brain were rotating the right way.

"I'm sorry, Kel." Thank God he took the initiative to speak because you would have been a blabbering mess.

"I didn't mean any of the stuff I said to my mom. Truth is, I like you too, Kel. I knew I had feelings for you since the day we were forced to play together on the beach."

"I never told you because I knew I was leaving soon, and it'd be useless to tell you that. Plus, i didn't think you felt the same way. I honestly thought I had gotten over you till I bumped into you at the store, and I recognised you just by your eyes.

"You're the main reason I came back to Sydney instead of just going to Melbourne. I wanted to see YOU, Kel. I missed you."

"God, you're so beautiful. Do you know how hard it was for me to control myself while living under the same roof as you? It was driving me insane."

"I love everything about you. Your sarcastic remarks, the way your lips turn over at the corners when you smile, the way your eyes twinkle when you see junk food, the way your curls bounce with any sudden movement you make, the way you take out carrots from your food when you eat because you don't like cooked carrots but you use them to cook anyways because it makes the food look-"

You don't know what made you do what you did, but before chan could finish his sentence, you got on your tippy toes, wrapped your arms around his neck, and kissed him.

The other kiss was child's play compared to this. Chan wrapped your legs around his torso, and you guys were using tongue this time. Not just lips.

You had no idea the next step to take after the kiss, but you decided you weren't going to bother yourself with that and just enjoy the moment.

Other things could wait.

[wrongcaitlyn]

I. Am. Speechless.

I actually cried reading this chapter. This is perfect, everything about it is.

Omg the gang is all back together! I've been waiting for a reunion for sooo long!!!

The Darren nico convo, OMG! the understanding they both had of eachother without ever talking before was PERFECT! I hope we get to see more of their relationship grow!

OK I CALLED IT, YOU CAN GO BACK TO MY POST ABOUT CHAP 19! I NEW IT! I KNEW HE WAS PROPOSING! Omg reading that part was so weird, like I feel somehow really old reading how far these two have come. They also are the couple that def acts like a old married couple so their only strengthening that stereotype.

OMG I hope you do what you did for the skull ring and make his engagement ring the new focus piece for nicos brand, the fans will go crazy for that lol.

I'm so so so excited for wills pov of this, and get the thoughts/reactions of people who arleady knew!

Ok ok now that their engaged their going to go public soon right? Prob not. I am predicting that they won't go public on purpose they will just casually drop that "oh yeah wills my finace/husband" and not even realise. Or adding on to that nico reveals that he's engaged or hunts to it in a song, but doesn't tell his fans who he's engaged to.

This chapter was sooo worth the wait, tbh I LOVE the filler chapters! This one is def my new fav, I just eat up the fluff and friendships in this!

New lizzy song and new tyt chapter=best week ever

AHSDF THANK YOU SO MUCH <33 i definitely intend to write more of darren and nico!! it's so hard to find the space for these minor relationships because like i want to write them having these conversations, but they also don't really do much for the plot, so i just try to throw them in when i can find another reason to as well!!

AND I KNOWWJDSF AH i was trying to gaslight y'all so hard but it did NOT work i was throwing in the tiniest sprinkle of foreshadowing and you guessed it so easily😭😭 not like it's going to be changing much though bc they truly do already act like an old married couplesdjf

as for the public... no spoilers :)) i will just stick to my statement that it'll be a *while* till they come out. a long while. but definitely some teasing here and there!! i think there'll be more understanding of their plans in the next chapter bc they'll be able to talk a bit about the engagement and what it means to them - in the nico pov that i wrote he's fr just like "well i honestly haven't thought about marrying will since he brought it up once but like yes i love him so ofc. duh." he has no idea what this means, it didn't even cross his mind, but like, if will wants to gift him a ring and call him his husband he wouldn't be minding that at all!!

[arenabreadandbiscuits]

Been thinking and..

It'd be fun to do book commissions right? Where instead of just one shots we could make a story together that basically YOU make up and I just write. You can whatever you want however you want it if you pay.

Considering I'll need the money for when I rehabilitate further I love dough but even when I do eventually heal I'll still do commissions. Usually I fold to do requests just to get more attention but I'm gonna stand my ground this time.

So if interested in working with me for multiple periods of time just to get the story done then come and chat with me.

Prices would be based off my commission sheet already but to give a few examples of how I see this going lets say you want a 10 chapter story with 500 words each chapter. By the end of the book (chapter ten) that'll be 5,000 words which in total for what it is the whole book would cost $50.

Example 2:

10 chapter story with 5,000 words each would be $550.

Basically I'm doing my current prices by ten for these examples so you all should do that too when picking word count AND chapters. I'll allow up to 30 chapters though depending on circumstances and such this could be a monthly between me and you, the buyer.

More Examples:

5,000 words per chapter for a 20 chapter book would equal $1,100 by the end of the book.

5,000 words per chapter for a 30 chapter book would equal $1,650

Now I'm only going to say this once! If you don't have the money either wait till you do or find someone who will help accommodate you. I wish you luck on that.

You can set the timing!!

Granted at minimum these can be done by a month but be prepared for bigger orders to take just a bit more time than the smaller ones. With that said bigger stories could take longer than just a month but it all depends of course on how I'm feeling, the story we're making, characters, etc etc. Honestly you can keep up with me at any point and time and check in on the progress of things whenever you want.

~

I only take cash up front and before I start new chapters so you'll pay for the first, I'll show it to you when I'm done with it and if you want to continue you'll go ahead and pay for the next chapter and we can repeat that process. For people big banking though you could pay it all up front and I'll do everything without waiting on anything.

You can also post your story on your OWN account as long as you mention me (@ me) so people can find my account. Either you'll post it or I will and I'll mention you in the story as the one who paid for it. Either way is fine.

A lot of this stuff will take communication and adjusting, especially since this is my first time taking a step like this but if you all are willing to be patient with me I promise I'll make your story as perfect to you as I can.

Anyway,

I think I explained what I needed to BUT if confused anyone and everyone is always allowed to hit up my ask box or dm me personally.

Options available:

10 chapter story

20 chapter story

30 chapter story

Prices WILL change and WILL vary based on original pricing time word count of the chapters.

Available:

Canon x Readers

Canon x ocs

OCS x OCS

Canon x canon (depending on if I also like the ship or not.)

For more information look at my commission sheet HERE and if you have any questions PLEASE ask them. Considering commissions like these will make us partners for a while I want to make sure we both know exactly what we're doing and hoping into because I DO NOT allow refunds.

Let's have fun guys considering that's all fanfic is about! I also do art commissions but currently I'm more focused on the writing though if you want art you can always commission that as well.

If you've made it this far thank you for reading! Reblog, like and share if you can't give me money but still want me to grow my platform.

Everyone PLEASE have a lovely day!

~

[tasteoftheforbidden]

Hi hello! So I read False Pretenses again a third time when I saw you were updating the universe again. I don't read WIPs but couldn't help it so I read The Road to Sobriety. It's only at four chapters now but reading it made me feel more at peace with how FP ended. I desperately wanted to see how D & H and everyone else in the story heal and have a HEA.

Part 2 and some of the stuff you posted here on tumblr made me understand your vision for the story better. I hoped for a romcom ending where Draco changes his mind last minute or Hermione somehow finds Draco and convinces him otherwise but if that happened it would have been a cop out. It would have gone against the themes and messages you wanted to convey so I really admire how you held your ground throughout the story.

This isn't really an ask but just a show of encouragement and appreciation. Thank you for sharing your work and please know that there are many more like me who will be sticking to the FP universe till the end!

Hi hello as well ^^ First of all, thank you for that last part it made me feel fluffy! But do know that I will not take offense if anyone at any point drops any of my stories :)

As a person who also does not read WIPs, I do not understand how people can haha it's probably been more than a decade since I last read an unfinished fic mainly because I'm still not over the heartbreak from previous WIPs (probably now abandoned T.T but I'm still holding out).

I do have a very clear vision of the Universe of False Pretenses. Like I mentioned in the series description on ao3, it is cut in three-parts. Why?

1. I don't want to write a fic that is too insanely long. FP is way over the intended length already. 273500 words is crazy. I do want to work on cutting it down.

2. I want to create a main theme for each part. FP was for the fake dating arc. Now TR2S is about how everyone is going to heal. The last part... Is a secret for now, but I'm sure you have a pretty good guess ^^

The image I had was that of a TV series – when you finish a season, and they give you a preview of what happens next. That kind of thing. And I enjoy the whole jigsaw type of story telling where you flit back and forth between the past and the present so I wanted to continue that!

I'm not going to lie, I really considered ending the story right then and there and not making a series. Giving everyone a happy ending seriously would have made my life easier, but alas, that is not the case.

I can't promise when any of the updates will happen, so I highly recommend that you wait for the works to be finished before reading them! The Universe of False Pretenses is the type that is best read in one go, but hey, who am I to tell people how to spend their ao3 time? Read WIPs and live dangerously if it makes you happy ;)

Thank you for the ask, and I hope you are safe and well wherever you are ^^