#like I don't get it. is it my personality or something? am I too sour and people are taking that as a moral judgement

[neganium]

sometimes I worry that I'm asking for too much money for my services, but then I actually look at what I'm asking for and am reminded that, oh yeah, I'm probably not asking for enough!

[inkskinned]

the car broke down by the denny's where you used to work and therefore could never return to. i am trying to pick out the satisfying parts of my life, one-by-one, like i am 12 and in a frog dissection. everything in my life all viscera and formaldehyde. if i can sort the good things from the bad things, i will have a nice clean pile.

i call you and make it sound like i am happy and hangin' in there! when really i am kicking a rock and i am outside without a jacket and i am so in love with you it makes the little bones in my ear shake. someone called my tinnitus an angel choir. i like that it means i carry the echo of every concert.

this isn't the right setting for love. this is a roadside, and a denny's, and i am nauseous and ashamed i never escaped the town where i grew up. the clouds here are this strange yellow, like spilled sour milk. "someone once told me that the orange coating on the teeth of a beaver is due to the particularly high rate of iron in their enamel," i tell you. "the beaver is the largest rodent native to north america."

your voice is crackly on the other end. i'm going into a garage soon, i might lose you.

what i should be doing is calling the tow truck and explaining that my brother's car (that i'm borrowing) (that i broke now, i guess) needs to be lifted by another, bigger, stronger car (which is love too, i guess).

i shouldn't say so much. i should wait, and let you ask about my mom, and ask if i ever got over that cold, or how it's going at work. i should let you lead the conversation, for once, so the love doesn't leak out of me into the gravel. i open my mouth anyway. "if you had to choose between being a beaver with very few trees or being a tree around a bunch of beavers, which would it be?"

i don't know. your voice always has this warm cast to it when you talk to me, but maybe i am just imagining that - i am a poet, though, so i imagine things sort of chronically. through the static, you sound like you're laughing. are you the beaver?

i know, like, logically, not to fall in love with a girl-that-is-your-best-friend. like, who would i even call if we broke up? you're my best friend, you're the person i'd want to speak to. so what if these last few months we keep sleeping over at each other's houses, calling each other for hours, sending each other poems. so what if you keep wrapping your fingers into mine. no best friends. that is the first rule. what you are supposed to do in that situation is leave the situation.

but my car broke down, so. where exactly am i going to go? the car is a very-old chevvy and also where i almost-but-not-quite kissed you after you'd raised one shoulder and looked up at me and said i don't know, i think i'm straight, but for the right person - i'd try anything. the music had been good and it had been raining and your thick eyelashes had made me feel god crawling up my throat like a spider. and i didn't kiss you, because i am a coward.

anyway on the chevy the whole exhaust pipe fell out, and is now scraping on the ground like one silver finger stroking the back of the highway. recently we were watching netflix in my bed and you pushed my hair back from my face like you were making the slowest, most desperate prayer, and then your boyfriend called. i remember us both jumping. i couldn't look at you in the eyes for like a week after. i kept feeling the heat of your fingerprint; computer science, you'd unlocked something dark in me.

google says the closest tow (joe's pick up) is 50 minutes away and also closed permanently. so that's not great. you live in another state and i should be calling my insurance company. i should be calling anybody else. this is not helping. i need an uber. i need to get moving. instead i say: "i need three words for a poem."

yesterday i said love you, goodnight after our 2 hour call like always and then you just, like. paused. all i could hear was your breathing. and then you'd said what a pretty three-word poem. i love you too, sweet thing. the words made my tinnitus act up again, and i must have some kind of synesthesia, because the sound travelled into my mind until it became the shape wedding rings.

orange, you say. the static is now chewing through most of your words and i only catch - borrowing the chevy -

the call dies. i have 12% battery. i never get the 3rd word, but i know you're still going to get a poem from me. actually this rest stop is kind of pretty, and so is the exhaust pipe, and so is joe's pick up, and so are the clouds. the light here is the color of a glue trap. before you worked at the denny's, we used to get milkshakes every wednesday and called it a friend date. you said you'd wanted to work there because it reminded you of me.

the sign's gone dim. the letters now spell out deny. and isn't that something.

[joonipertree]

idea for the Boxer!Katsuki and Artist!Reader AU! What if, ON TOP OF a rly bad day w college and being overwhelmed w work, we lost our paints :( n we luv our paints so we cry, but katsuki’s there to make us feel better and get us a new set :3

Thank you so fucking much for this. Idk if you knew but I'm actually making a portfolio for art school and Ive been crying every other night because of how stressed I am and how much I feel like I'm a bad artist. So writing this was cathartic

Part 1, Part 2

Tags: Dom/sub undertones, reader acting out and Bakugo being stern, a peak of what kind of shit I want with older men hsjsjsj, fluff, hurt/comfort, soft katsuki

Katsuki was one of the last people you wanted to see when you're in a bad mood. And that might sound terrible but it's because you never wanted to show such a harsh, negative side of yourself to someone you cared about. You were very much a 'feel and then reappear more regulated' type of person. But Katsuki never let you go home on your own anymore, picking you and dropping you off even on days where he had something to do.

So you trotted towards him with a scowl and no energy to fake anything and he noticed instantly, his own concerned scowl mirroring yours.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." You said and opened the door, closing it a bit too loudly. You cringed at the sound but buckled yourself in and turned away before the man got in the driver's seat.

"You're shit at lying."

"Fuck off."

Instant regret, a deep inhale from your part as you tensed.

Fuck.

His large hand came on your thigh and you stiffened, all he did was give it a warning squeeze before pulling away. The message was clear. 'Watch it'.

"I'm not willing to discipline you until I know nothing horrible happened but you do know I don't like that shit from you right?"

You said nothing.

"Give me an answer, doll."

"I'm an adult."

"Yeah, you are. And you're a smart one that knows that we have rules. That I'd be taking you over my lap if you talked like that."

Tears pricked your eyes but you blinked them away, not willing to turn your head to show him.

He knew anyways and he dropped the subject, starting the car and driving off.

Katsuki pulled to a stop at a place that wasn't anywhere near your apartment. You were confused as he got out of the car. Your eyes followed him just as he entered a boba shop.

Oh.

A couple minutes later, he came out with a drink for each of you. You remembered when he said that there just wasn't any point of it, that it seemed stupid and too sweet. But pretty soon, he had his own usual order, which was just Brown Sugar boba tea with the sweetness to a minimum.

Katsuki gave you the drink without even looking your way, sipping on his own. You stared at it for a total of ten seconds before timidly taking a sip. The sweetness broke you out of your sour mood, eyes blinking as you focused on the flavour of your favourite tea. The boba was chewy and soft and it grounded you a bit.

Only after you took a sip, did Katsuki start the car and drive.

When you reached home, the apartment the two of you had started sharing a month prior, Katsuki only gave you time to take off your shoes and put down your bag before he had you over his shoulder.

You struggled, hitting his back and asking him to let you go but he didn't listen...not even feeling it.

And when your ass plopped itself onto the couch, your attempt at running away failed when he easily manhandled you in place.

"I'm not patient enough to coax it out of you, so tell me why you're upset. I'll make it better."

You wanted to refuse but the tears were already dripping down your face.

"I'm so bad at art. I'm so f-fucking bad at it. I don't-" you sobbed and his arms were instantly around you, pulling you onto his lap as you cried into him.

"There's so many deadlines and so many things I have to do and nothing is working. And I don't even know if I'm cut out to be an artist. I'm not good enough, I was never good enough for it. I'm gonna fail-- Katsuki I'm so tired."

Your boyfriend rocked you back and forth, giving you kisses everywhere he could reach, on the side of your face and your head and your hair. And you let the tears fall, hiccuping violently and sobbing without restraint.

"I even lost my fucking paints and I can't live without them and I saved up for them and I'm just doing everything wrong."

You let Katsuki envelope you, squeeze you and warm your inside as you let it all out.

When your sobs died down, Katsuki didn't stop peppering kisses everywhere. It took him a second to speak.

"I didn't know shit about art. It all seemed like fancy, time consuming pictures to me. Hell, even now I don't know shit. But when I saw your art, I felt stuff I thought I didn't know how to feel. And that was the first time I realised that maybe life didn't have to be as shitty as it was. Maybe things didn't have to be ugly."

"When we went to those art galleries, yeah they were cool and pretty but not gonna lie, nothing ever left me speechless like your art did. And yeah...I'm biased as fuck, especially because I thought that the look in your eyes was the prettiest out of everything. That sounds cheesy as shit but you make me feel cheesy as shit."

You had stopped crying, left drained and nuzzled against Katsuki while you looked for an anchor to hold onto. And he held you.

"I like seeing you paint the most though, I like how you focus...I like how you curse under your breath, I like how you grin when something looks right, I like how you scan art supplies before you buy them. I like your paint stained hands and your paint water mugs even when I've accidently taken a sip from them. I like that how you laugh when I do that shit. I love that look of pride you have when you're done and staring at it.

It makes you happy so even if I don't understand the point of it, it means a lot to me because of that. So, whenever that thing stops being fun for you, and really stops being fun for you, I'll support you if you wanna stop. But I gotta keep seeing your work, baby, cuz it's like the inside of your head and it's really neat."

You let a few more tears drop, sniffling and looking into his eyes. There was no ingenuity, only pure emotion. And you let him kiss your tears away, you let him pat your head and you let him make you drink water and feed you.

Because it was never a burden for him to do those things, but a priveledge.

The very next day, the same set of paints were in your bag. Brand new and untouched. Along with three different watercolour paper books. 100% pure cotton, 350 gcm.

With a note that said 'you're still down for a spanking for that shitty mouth of yours. Don't make it a habit.'

[gguk-n]

Growth & Realisation (Oscar Piastri x Reader)

Summary- In a world where you are destined to be with someone forever, a hopeless romantic lives her life in hope of finally finding her soulmate.

Part 1 Alt ending

ENDING Oscar's POV

I left that day, leaving my soulmate for good or so I thought. That's the funny thing about fate you see, you can't avoid it. If it was meant to be then it was meant to be. Things between me and my girlfriend soured after that. It was like we fought about the smallest of things and couldn't see eye to eye. All I could think about was my soulmate in the moments we fought, would she also get angry at me the same way my girlfriend did. Her name sounded so pretty, that interaction embedded in my heart. But every time I tried to remember her voice I would also remember the heart break I caused. It served me right. The relationship I held onto to let her go was falling apart right in front of my eyes and I didn't know how to fix it.

After 6 months of back and forth me and my girlfriend finally broke up. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I spent most of my time wallowing in my own pity. I didn't know where she lived or what she did. How was I going to find her? All of this had started to affect my racing. Charles had really taken on the role of a big brother after the adoption that happened as a joke. He had noticed my turmoil.

Charles sat me down one day, "Hey Oscar, is everything alright? You've been so out of it lately." he said. I didn't know what to tell him or where to start but I knew one thing he was/ had been in a similar predicament. "What did you do when you found your soulmate while you were dating your ex?" Charles seemed to understand where this was going, "I broke up with her and started seeing my soulmate." he said. "Was it that easy to leave the person you loved for your soulmate?" I asked. "It was a no brainer, she was the love of my life. We were fated to be together for the rest of our lives." He answered. I let out an exasperated sigh.

I ran a hand through my already messy hair, I muttered, "Fuck" and kept rubbing my eyes which were now raw from all the rubbing. Charles sat there quietly waiting for me to talk to him. He didn't push me. I slowly began speaking, "6 months ago, I met my soulmate." I breathed out while he waited for me to continue. "I was in a relationship at that time and I didn't want to give up that comfort for something new. So I rejected my soulmate. But every day since then I've been in turmoil. My relationship ended. I can't drive properly, I can't think straight. Every waking moment is occupied with the thought of my soulmate. Even sleep wouldn't grace me to end my misery." I spoke. Charles patted my back, "Mate, you fucked up. I don't know what to say but you should try to find her. That's the only way. She is supposed to be the one. That's why your heart is like this. You shouldn't have rejected her. I am not sure if she will take you back but you can try. Meeting your soulmate is a once in a life time thing and you just blew it. Let's hope for your sake, you get another chance." I felt like crying, this can't be happening I thought.

10 years later

It has been so long since that incident, but I hadn't stopped looking. I went back to the city we first met every once in a while in search of Y/N. I knew the city like the back of my hand at this point. I travelled the world more than necessary in hopes of meeting her. My racing career was slowly winding down, having won a lot of races and finding success that I always dreamt of. The one thing missing was the person I could share this with. I dreamt of our kids and them becoming racers too.

On an uneventful day in autumn, I was back home for the weekend. The morning swim was quite refreshing but a good coffee would really wake me up. I went to the new cafe that had popped up near my parent's house. As I neared the cafe, I saw something peculiar. My red string of fate had become visible again, after 10 years. Maybe fate was really giving me another chance and I wasn't going to fuck it up again. I followed the thread to finally see her. She looked beautiful as ever, I started to walk towards her when she saw me and bolted. I ran after her, calling out her name. She was fast but after a few minutes I was able to finally catch her. "Y/N, Hi! I'm Oscar Piastri, your soulmate." I said, the dichotomy of the statement. She blinked at me thrice before freeing herself from my grasp. "What do you want?" she spat. I could feel the hurt. "I-I-I, uhm, we're soulmates. I've been searching for you for so long. I'm just happy we met." I said scratching my neck. She looked at me confused, "I thought you had a girlfriend and we couldn't be together" she said. "That was a long time ago, and I broke up with her soon after we met. I just, I'm sorry for being an ass. I just wanted us to give it another go. I searched every country for you. It's funny how you are here, the last place I would look." I laughed. "You don't have to forgive me immediately. But I really want to be with you. If you'll let me?" I rushed to complete my sentence in one breath.

Tears started to well up in her eyes, I quickly reached to wipe them off. My hands cupping her cheeks. "You know I've been watching you everyday since then, making sure you were ok, celebrating your wins and crying at your loses. I watched all of your content and held onto all the merch and memorabilia but I couldn't get myself to go to another race. This feels like a dream. You've broken my trust for sure and I can't let you in immediately, but you are my soulmate at the end of the day." She said. I was crying at this point. She wiped away my tears. "I'm so sorry Y/N. I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life. I promise." She smiled for the first time since we met. "Can I kiss you?" I whispered. "I thought you'd never ask." She said as she pushed herself up to meet my lips. The moment was perfect and I was going to cherish this and her for the rest of my life.

I hope you like it. There is an alternate ending if you like angst.

[universaln0b0dy]

Hello I was wondering if there can be a part two to Monster where the boys confront the reader about their overblot? You can ignore this if you to.

here we go!

(Aftermath of this: Monster

Summary: They saw what you're capable of and now you fear that they might hate you....

Note: angst n fluff (Leona, Floyd and Rook), very ooc- also I apologise if this isn't what you imagined or if it's too cringe. I finished writing this at three a.m.-

Leona:

You had tried your best to ignore the lion after the Overblot, the way he had fixated you while you were in your overblot form scared you. You decided to yeet your feelings for him in the trash and ignore him, so he wouldn't ask questions.

After a week of successfully avoiding the lion your lucky strike comes to an end and you found yourself in a kinda funny position. Trapped between his arms.

"Herbivore, why are you ignoring me?" Leonas tail flkvjed from one side to the other, hid green eyes staring into yours. Your poor heart was shattering into a thousand pieces as you realised he would question you about your monster form.

"Because I don't want to be questioned about my Overblot form. I can't explain it either." You mumble coldly, trying to free yourself out of his grasp, but Leona seems disappointed, like he wanted to hear something else. But the fleeting gaze was soon replaced by his usual grumpy frown.

"I don't care about that Overblot form of yours, I would just don't like being indebted to people." He snarles, moving both of his hands away from you. You could just make a fun for it, but you don't, so you decide to play abit obvious.

"What debt, there is no debt." You mutter, avoiding Leonas eyes. The male sighs. "You saved my life there, of course I am indebted to you." Something about the way he said that made you confused. Leona wasn't the type to admit he owed someone something, or come to that person to talk about said debt.

"How about I let you stay in my dorm over the winter. As far as I know Ramshackle can get very cold." You were about to slap yourself in order to check if you were dreaming or not.

"Are you sure? I don't think you would like a monster like me staying in your dorm." You mumble looking to the side, only to hear him chuckle.

"I have seen your Overblot form and let me tell you, your not a monster.... if I am honest you looked kinda hot."

"WHAT?"

Floyd:

"SHRIIIMPY~"

You had barely finished fighting Jamil and you most definitely weren't in the mood for explaining about your Overblot form. It made you uncomfortable how Azul and Jade looked at you, keeping their distance. You were exhausted and their judging gaze didn't help your case.

Floyd on the other hand had other plans. You should have expected this, he would be mad you kept such a big thing from him after all. You lean against a wall, breathing heavily. The eel stops right in front of you, looking at you with curiosity, but also a sour mood in his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me you could willingly Overblot shrimpy?" Just as expected he sounded disappointed. You shrugged slightly, trying to keep your eyes open.

"I thought it would be better if I didn't tell anyone I was a monster." You mutter, leaning to the side. Floyd isn't content with that answer, as if he could sniff out the fact you were lying.

"That still doesn't explain why you didn't tell me shrimpy, I thought we had something special!" Hearing that takes you of guard and you look at him with tears. You were trying to fight them, but that didn't stop them from flowing.

"I'm sorry Floyd, you're right, I should have told you.... it was wrong of me to keep it just because.... I.... you.... stay.." you couldn't complete the sentence and your voice breaks in between. You were selfish, yes, Floyd was a moody eel and many people considered him a monster, but why should he be forced to continue to like one, just because you couldn't get your sorry ass to tell him about everything.

"I should have told you I was a monster, than you wouldn't have wasted your time on me." Floyds expression softens for a second and he pulls you into a hug.

"Dawww! Shrimpy! I still like you! You're still my shrimp, even once you are covered in ink!"

The only thing you can do is squeeze him back.

Rook:

Rook was eccentric and that was why he still liked you. There was a subtle shift in his behaviour after you had helped fight Vil, he stopped being overly entranced with Vil, going over to shower you in compliments. You didn't know how long that shift would last, but you enjoyed every second of it.

"Trickster! That was un suprise! You looked manifique!" You lean your head towards the side, cheecks burning with embarrassment. Vil eyed you both, smiling softly.

"I hope this will finally stop Rook from barging into my room just to talk about the fact that the prefect developed a new habit."

You heard Vil, luckily. If you hadn't you might would have expected Rook to just revert back to his old self, but this gave you hope, hope that you would be more than just his current intrest. You looked around, everyone seemed chill with the fact you just overblotted and turned back like it was nothing. It didn't matter that Rook was eccentric, you could always trust his gut feeling.

"Rook, are you sure that a monster like me looked... manifique?" You ask jokingly, Rook grasps his heart in an over dramatic motion. "Oui, oui! Mon dieu, If I ever hear you say something like that again I will make sure to cut you off before that sentence can get to your head!"

You chuckle a bit, before going back to serios. "No Rook, I really want you to know that it's okay if-"

You blink a few seconds trying to comprehend what just happened. Did Rook really just kiss you, or did you just imagine that? Your knees get wobbly, maybe because you were exhausted or because you were embarrassed, you didn't know.

"OMGWHYDIDYOUDOTHAT?" You manage to squeal and Rook chuckles. "I warned you trickster and mark my words I will do it again."

Vil, please get your hunter under control, the prefekts heart might explode if it has to endure this any longer.

[a-aexotic]

✫𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆, i can see you.

✫ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 cursing, mention of partying, lecturting, sarcasm ✫ 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 hey guys! i hope you enjoyed the prologue. please show your love by liking and/or reblonging, they are very much appreciated. i am so beyond excited for this series and hopefully i meet my deadline lol. everything will be complete as of october 1st, 2023! ✫ 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 (send an ask or comment to be added!) main masterlist. gilmore girls masterlist. playlist.

Manhattan was the type of city where you either love it, or hate. There is no in-between and depending on if you love or hate it, describes who you are as a person.

Y/N Cromwell loved Manhattan. She was as classy and sophisticated as they come, she doesn't own anything that wasn't designer or specially made for her. I mean, if you lived like that, you would sure as hell love it as well.

Y/N lived her life to the fullest, taking YOLO a little too seriously. Her mother, Nancy Cromwell, is a world-renowned fashion designer and she is never home. And when she is home, she is usually tucked in her office, away from the world and her daughter. But, she learned to adapt without her mother and she was slightly okay with her not being around as much as she used to.

Filling her closet with expensive purses and even more expensive perfumes, she lived like royalty. Her mother never set financial boundaries for her, so she spent as much as she wanted. She usually got away with everything. Key-word being, usually.

Y/N sat at the edge of her huge bed, tuning out the lecture she was getting from her mother. She tried to listen and nod but it wasn't an easy task to do for more than 5 minutes.

"—an irresponsible girl! I am tired of it, Y/N. Always going out with those girls, not playing attention in class or-"

That was where she stopped and corrected her. "I do play attention mom, how else would I have a 4.0?"

Her mom stopped her lecture and sighed, rubbing her temple frustratedly. "Is that the only thing you got from my whole talk?"

She sat up with a bright grin. "Well I'm not gonna let you sit here and lecture me about something that I hadn't done. I do pay attention."

"This isn't about school-"

"Then don't bring it up." Y/N said simply, smiling at her mother's vexed expression.

"Listen, Y/N, one more mess-up and you're done I'll send you to live with your father in Connecticut."

Y/N had no reaction whatsoever to the meaningless threat. Her mother always throwing that threat left and right, there was no way she'd actually go through with it.

Y/N feigned understanding and her mother sighed with a nod. "Got it, young lady?"

"Got it, ma'am." She mocked slightly before her mom finally gave up, walking out of her room. That was when Y/N finally let out an agitated groan, before taking out her flip-phone and clicked her friend's contact.

It rang before it finally picked up. "Hey, honey!"

"Are we going to Daniel's party or what?"

"I thought you were grounded, Y/N/N."

Y/N rolled her eyes. "That's not stopping me, Lindsay. We going or what?"

The black Prada glasses and sour expression sitting on Y/N's expression was very telling. She was either hungover or high right now—but unfortunately for her, she was neither at the moment. She was sitting in Hartford Airport waiting for her father's, now late, arrival.

Her mother's words kept replaying in her head. "One mistake in Connecticut and I'm sending you the Netherlands. And no, not the cities—the countryside." That alone sent shivers down her spine, having to live without electricity and texting. How can anything be worse than that?

Y/N had to get her act up. If she didn't, she would have to live among cows and pigs. She decided she was going to try her best to sell the 'good girl' act to everyone, whether they believed it or not.

She finally sees a familar face walking up to her. She let out one last annoyed groan silently before getting up and putting on her best smile. "Daddy!"

Her father immediately grinned, opening up his arms to give his finest bear hugs. "Sweetheart, how've you been?" He immediately paused. "That's, uh not a good question. Nevermind. How are you dealing with everything?"

He knew how dramatic his daughter could be. She loved New York and getting sent away would surely spark some anger in her and he did not want to be on the receiving end of it.

Y/N slid up her sunglasses to face her father. "I'm doing well. I think this is good." God, this sounded unnatural and wrong. She wasn't happy and she sure has hell doesn't think this will be any good for her. "To be away from the City will some good for me, being around my old... friends will surely make me feel better."

Her father looked surprised at her somewhat mature response. "Wow, well I'm glad that's how you're viewing this experience. Good for you, Y/N. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, dad. I really am trying, I'm glad you see that." Another lie. She almost felt bad for deceiving her father.

Well, that was until she got home. As they pulled in the house—it was exactly how they left it. Her father usually spends the summers with her in Manhattan so she hasn't seen this house in almost two years. It brought back so many memories. But she couldn't sit on the nostalgia because it quickly flooded away as she was struck with confusion. There was a slightly familiar woman standing outside the home, waiting for their arrival.

"Who's that?" Y/N sat up a little straighter in the passenger seat, her eyebrows furrowing.

"Well, uh honey I've been waiting for a right time to tell you this..." Her father swiftly put the car parked in driveway, turning face to face with Y/N. "I'm—well, we... we're engaged."

"Who’s we?" I asked I look outside the window to the mysterious woman standing on the porch.

Her father paused as his expression changed from excited to slightly agitated. "Your mom hadn't mentioned me dating Kristian?"

"You hadn't mentioned it either." You swallowed nervously. Her father was dating (and now engaged) to someone she'd never heard about from neither of them. She felt a little dread because she suddenly felt out of the loop.

Her father sighed. "Let's talk inside, honey."

Her father got her luggage and the lady greeted her politely and she did the same. At this point the only facts she knew was A. her name was Kristan, B. she looks a little familiar, and C. she's blonde.

As her father put her stuff back up in her old bedroom, they both sat in the living room awkwardly waiting for her father's arrival. He finally walked down the stairs and sat next to Kristan, putting an arm over her shoulder. Wow, he's really serious about her.

"So..." Y/N started the conversation. "You're engaged."

He cleared his throat. "Me and Kristan have been engaged about two months now and we've been dating a year and a half." And he somehow failed to mention anyone when he called or visited.

Y/N kept her slight disappointment to a minimum as she nodded politely. He seemed genuine about her and she knew she'd be an even more terrible daughter if she started a fit. He was happy and that's all that matters... at least that was what she was trying to convince herself.

Y/N got up from the couch and cleared her throat, putting on her pageant queen smile. "I'm, uh Y/N Cromwell."

Kristan laughed softly before doing the same while extending a hand. "I know that, sweetie. I'm Kristan Dugray, pleased to meet you."

Dugray... Dugray... Where had she heard that name before? Y/N furrowed her eyebrows as she thought until her question was finally answered.

The front door opened suddenly and she whipped her head to make eye contact with... Tristan Dugray? Oh, so that's where she's heard that name!

Y/N couldn't control as her mouth flew open. She also couldn't control the words that came out of her mouth as she saw him. "Oh, you've gotta be shitting me."

[hungharrington]

this might sound a bit weird, but personally i find comforting someone and like. boosting their confidence really fucking hot. like i get off to fixing someone’s insecurities

like maybe an insecure steve about how he’s not the same person he was in high school, thinks he’s lost his charm and attractive looks or whatever due to his scars as well as change in body (he’s not 16 anymore, he’s gonna have a bit of pudge)

just like body worship and, in the best way i can describe it, fucking the belief into him that he’s still gorgeous. like lots of praise

hot or not?

HOT !! HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT!! i'm not sure if 'fix' is the right word for it but i am GOBBLING up what you are putting down my god <3 lots of praise is my fuckin JAM MDNI this entire blog is 18+

i actually don't think that steve is overly that insecure, especially to do with his appearance-- most of the insecurities that pop up with him are to do with his abandonment issues :( but that does not mean there aren’t little moments, yknow?

sometimes it’s a comment, sometimes it only takes an old photograph, especially something something from his earlier years when it was just sport after sport after sport— and look, he likes that he's not as lean as he used to be but then, well sometimes old jeans just don’t fit right and his tummy pushes over the waistband and steve doesn’t hate it, he swears he doesn’t, he just spends a couple extra minutes in the mirror.

he thinks you won’t notice— thinks there wouldn’t be any way you would be able to tell and honestly, he thinks he gets away with it- his usual charm gets all the laughs and you seem to be more giving with your kisses tonight, on his neck and cheeks whenever you can, but he doesn’t make the connection at all. but then back at his, when the kisses get more heated and you’re sprawled in his lap, both of you half undressed, steve starts to notice the extra attention. the lingering lovebites on the inner of his thighs, the nuzzling along his happy trail and tummy — these these motions that draw attention to these parts, these fickle little moments of insecurity, all while you douse him in pleasure.

steve doesn’t mean to let you lead, to let himself squirm on the sheets while your hot tongue licks up his cock but you have a determination in you tonight that he’s far too willing to submit to. every moment your lips aren’t stretched around him, not making him cry out and tremble with how good it feels, you’re whispering into his skin— “feeling good, baby?” you murmur sweetly, pulling your mouth off and pumping the length of him in your hand, teasing at the top. steve nods quickly, arching his back as you speed up your hand. you kiss the skin where his thigh meets his pelvis, your free hand soothing up to his tummy.

“mm, good,” you hum, lightly tonguing his vein, as your hand slides back down from his tummy, gripping into the flesh of his thigh. “s’want you to feel good, stevie— want you to feel good always, cos you are. so fucking good and so fucking beautiful, hmm? my beautiful boy.” and god, steve knows what you’re doing now, a loud whimper slipping out his throat at the realisation - that you’d somehow picked up on his own disappointed looks at his appearances and taken them in stride, showing him in a way he’d understand just how easy it was to love all of him.

steve moans loudly, the noise all high pitched and pitiful, his hands pawing at the sheets for one of your hands to hold, that familiar hunger in his gut boiling hotter and hotter— you release your hold on his thigh in an instant to reach out and lace your fingers together, squeezing tight, and when you take him back in your mouth, steve whines again loudly— feeling hot, feeling loved, and the sour thoughts about the extra pudge on his tummy far far from him now <3

[the-masked-ram]

Fics for Gaza

Here I am taking the plunge. I'm a small blog but fast writer even when it comes to my slower times. So might as well put it to good use.

Planning on joining this fundraiser run by @ficsforgaza and help make everyone happy with some content in the process. Here is my plan of action for my wip and donation costs.

To participate- please make a donation to a vetted fundraiser and send a screenshot/proof of your donation to me in a DM. PLEASE MAKES SURE TO CENSOR ALL YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. (internet safety and all that jazz). In the message also let me know what fic you are donating to and I will adjust expected word counts. These screenshots are merely for keeping things as honest as possible and will be shared with @ficsforgaza

-I obviously will not be taking the money myself. Please send it to one of the vetted fundraisers mentioned in the link below.

$5.00 per 800 words or a full drabble series installment

Link to vetted places to donate here! More fundraisers here!

As soon as 50% of any of the fics are sponsored I will automatically start on them.

Drabble series-

Sweet and Sour- Ren Kaji x Fem Reader Drabble Series

Your the new girl in the city. You are tough, sassy, but don't know a lick about the gangs, and if your honest you couldn't care less. But something about Ren Kaji catches your eye. He may snap and bark like a feral dog, but you can see through it and he knows it too. Slowly, you become his sanctuary even though you are the one person he's most afraid won't accept him. And he thought he was past all that. (NSFW)

5.00 for full installment

Read Part One here!

False Immunity- Hiei x Fem Reader Drabble Series

Where Hiei learns the ins and out of human courtship. (NSFW)

Find Part One-Six on my masterlist here! 5.00 for full installment

Multichap Fics-

Flawed Hope- Astarion x OC (BG3)

Brit was a paralegal, someone who had a normal life and enjoyed what she did for the most part. Yet, the only true excitement she felt lately was when she played Baldur's Gate Three. A simple video game brought her more joy than her friends or fleeting romances. One night as depression crushes her she wishes to live one day in BG3. Her wish is granted, however the world of BG3 needs her far longer than her wish had originally intended. And the worst part? She does not get along with her favorite vampire in the slightest. (NSFW)

Read the first four chaps here! WC: 1961/4000

Falling for Frogs- Sebastian x Fem Reader (SDV)

You are game developer about to make their debut into the market. The world you are about to venture into isn't exactly friendly to those of the feminine persuasion and as such you have flown under the radar using a masculine alias online. After a complete mental break down at a very important convention in Zuzu you realize you need to get away from the city for a bit so you can finish your game. Your best friend who runs a farm in Stardew Valley invites you to come stay with her. However as you stay there and get to know the locals, you realize the cute boy you saw at the con is her neighbor. What's even worse is he remembers you and just to add salt to the wound, he's one of your Kickstarters. (NSFW) WC: 309/3000

Read the first three chaps here!

The Unseen and Those Forgotten- Dabi x Fem Reader (BNHA)

The age of the Greek gods is long past. Dabi is one of the few left, his name in the ancient days had been Hades. Now he skulks among the humans, as a deity at half strength. With the old gods dying, the new ones have taken control of the humans’ feeble minds. There is a storm on the horizon though, quite literally, the end of days is nipping at mortality’s heels and the key to unlocking Kronos’s resting place, the only creature strong enough to put a stop to the apocalypse, is you. Sadly you have no idea what part you will play, after all, you are just an office worker who has an affinity for plants.... WC: 0/2000

Find the first three chaps on my masterlist here!

The Hellebore Rift- Hayato Suo x Fem Reader (Wind Breaker)

The town of Makochi has changed and so have all the gangs within it. Gone are the days of allies and rival schools. Gone are the days of delinquents battling for top spots and coming home with happy smiles from good fist fights. Now the world has been ripped apart by rifts that tear the very dimensions in two, spewing forth gigantic blood-thirsty monsters. It has forced the gangs to protect only their parts of town from everyone. Even the civilians, even those they once called friends. With those rifts and monsters, humans were gifted with powers, yet everything good always comes with a fall out. You are one of those few, blessed with the ability to Guide, to save those Espers from the toxicity that their own powers created within themselves when they protect their parts of town. You live in a small section Makochi outside any of the gangs control with a scant few Espers to call your own… or well you did until the day Hayato Suo found you. WC 313/2000

(Chapter one just started)

Oneshots-

Dog Park with Megumi (no title yet)- You don't have dogs but you find yourself at the dog park everyday because you can't have pets. That's where you meet Megumi Fushiguro (NSFW)WC: 0/15000

A Bouquet of Deadly Thorns- Hanahaki Soulmate Gojo x Fem Reader

The world now is riddled with the phenomenon known as soulmates. You don't know yours but before you can even think about finding them, you must get rid of your growing feelings for Satoru Gojo, the only problem is they've grown suffocating and you've started coughing up blood and flower petals. (NSFW) WC: 3098/8000

Tetsuro Kuroo bar night (no title yet)- The first night you meet Kuroo he was celebrating with his friends who'd just won their volley ball game. You were drinking away your sorrows yet again from another shitty date. Fate had a funny way of making you forget things when he gets dared to make a move on you. (NSFW) WC: 0/10,000

My name in your mouth- Professional Poker Player!Suo Hayato x CardShark Fem!Reader Suo Hayato is well known in the gambling circuit, he strikes fear in all his opponents. Terrified that they will lose all the winnings and perhaps even worse to him. You however are a dark horse, a rising star lurking in the shadows among the tables, and you have the arrogance to back it up. You take Suo on and surprise him in more ways then one. But he's desperate to wrest back control from you and the rising sexual tension between the two of you gives him the perfect excuse. (NSFW) WC: 0/7000

Single Drabbles- 5.00 for a full drabble

Jo Togame festival day (sfw) - Link

Jo Togame the baths (NSFW) - Link

Nobara/fem! reader (jjk) (NSFW) shopping day, in the dressing room

Himuro tatsuya/male! reader (knb) (NSFW) pining, street ball rivals

Seishiro Nagi/gn!reader (blue lock) (SPICEY (not full nsfw)) comfort, lazy day, reuniting after long distance for a while

Sebastain/fem! reader (SDV) (nsfw) phone sex

Astarion/male!reader (BG3) (NSFW) dry humping, semi public sex Suo Hayato/fem!reader (wind breaker)(NSFW) overstimulation

[useramor]

May I perhaps ask why you don’t like Taylor?

You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, in just curious! Either way I want to say I love seeing your posts and I just think you’re the coolest❤️

let me start by saying that you don't need a moral reason to not like something or someone. sometimes they're just annoying. that being said, while i do think taylor is annoying, i also do dislike her for moral reasons. disclaimer over. on with the reply.

honestly i used to like her!! if you scroll far back enough i'm sure you'll even find some taylor swift posts, or me talking about the speak now listening party my cousin hosted that she roped me into participating in (and the fob themed bracelets i made). what really put a sour taste in my mouth was the show in rio.

she's a rich white person. i shouldn't have expected better. but i did, because it's taylor swift, and people love her. and then the show in rio happened. the girl – ana clara – died, and her response just angered.....everybody i know. i'm brazilian, i live in brasil and to go on twitter, to talk to my swiftie cousins, and find out that people were creating a gofundme to pay to get ana clara's body to her parents because they're from the interior do rio and couldn't afford to do it themselves? all the while this billionaire was on stage saying she didn't want to talk about it?

meanwhile, in the us, when a white fan passes out during a show taylor's mom shows up at the hospital and takes pictures with the fan and gives them taylor merch. it's such a sick double standard. and she's not the only celebrity to treat poc fans this way, but she's the only one you can't say a word about, because it's misogynistic. because taylor's untouchable.

and then there's the private jet thing, and the silence on palestine thing, and the sexual assaulters she's friends with thing and just. i'm supposed to ignore and excuse all of that for mediocre albums?

don't get me wrong, i don't think she's a horrible musician. i don't even think people should stop listening to her and hate her and harass her. i'm not your mom, i'm not here to boss you around. she's even got songs i really like, but i don't love august enough to ignore everything else.

and then also she's a huge raging capitalist and a billionaire and i hate both capitalists and billionaires on principle.

that's it. i don't usually talk about her because i don't care enough to be making anti posts, but it's one am and i'm not worried about the consequences right now so :P

also thank you!!! you're the coolest too :)

[bountycancelled]

monster trio + sensitive/angry reader who's pmsing

opla x reader

requested: yes, but reqs are closed right now<3

genre: headcanons, no pronouns used, no use of y/n, reader has periods but gender isn't specified.

a/n: not taking reqs for now since I'm writing my finals and also working on an smau. but I am taking commissions if anyone is interested, totally not a must at all♡ unedited, no caps on purpose, its also a little short, but I hope you enjoy it!

☆luffy☆

–1000/10. brushes off your sour mood with a cheery smile and nothing floating around in his eyes.

if you were hoping that he would act a little more... sensibly during this less bearable part of your cycle, then you're dead wrong. boy is completely clueless.

everytime you lash out at him or otherwise act way more emotionally than you usually do, he genuinely doesn't think anything of it.

if you explain to him that your hormones are the reason for your behaviour, he'll just shrug and carry on as usual.

he doesn't necessarily understand how your body works, but he'll do anything you ask if it means making this time for you better to manage.

cuddling with you when you're in pain, comforting you when you get overly emotionally or giving you space. (this one's really hard for him, not because he can't be away from you, he just keeps forgetting and walking into the room your in to talk to you)

overall, this brown-eyed, straw hat wearing pirate may not be a pms expert, but he'll sure as he'll try his best for you. (no sharing food though, so don't ask.)

☆zoro☆

extremely perceptive, so he notices something is off about you, but shares that same lack of knowledge that luffy has.

he's also not the most emotional or confrontational person, if you want to talk about whatevers bothering you, then you know where to find him. he's not going to actively seek out answers.

he can take you attitude and mood swings like a champ too, so it's only when he overhears you chatting with nami about your period pain kicking your ass that he puts 2 and 2 together.

again, he's not exactly sure how to help you, this isn't a problem he can solve with his swords. so, he offers you the next best thing in his opinion, sleep. and lots of it.

if you're sad, he'll let you cuddle him until you eventually pass out (he's as stiff as a cardboard box when you're wrapped around him, but he's trying, okay?) if you're angry, he'll train with you until you can't get a word out, let alone think pissy thoughts, and you'll both nap on the closest comfy surface.

he always falls asleep before you tbh, buuuuuut. he always wakes up before you, still as he can be, making sure that you don't stir in your sleep, seeing as it's one of your only respites to the highs and lows of highschool footba– I mean, of your hormones. its not much, but he hopes that his presence serves as a comfort to you.

☆sanji☆

out of the three, he's the most likely to be hurt by your change in behaviour.

knowing sanji, he probably thinks that he's done something to encite your sudden moods and he'll seek you our immediately to apologise for whatever he's done that's made you act like this.

when you explain to him the actual situation, he calms down for a split second because now he knows he hasn't done anything to upset you, and then immediately goes into caring partner mode.

although he prides himself on knowing women better than most men, he's a bit clueless in this regard. but, if there's one thing he truly does know the ins and out of, it's you. your likes, dislikes, dreams, pet peeves, he'll pull out all the stops, each and every single action of his that you've ever talked about in a positive manner, he'll do.

I'm talking cuddles, compliments, cooking meals for you odd hours of the night when you're craving something specific, he'll do it all, if it means making this a little easier for you to deal with.

and though it pains him deeply to be away from you for any reason, he's grateful that you distance yourself whenever you're a bit snappy. he's sensitive by nature, and he'll come sprinting to you once you've cooled off a bit, ready to smother you with love once again.

[lelengerine]

helloo!!! I am so glad you are back again,really missed seeing you on my dash:(

also,from your mini drabble list, the arranged marriage au really caught my eye! can you please write it with jeno as the main protagonist? I don't have anything specific in mind except that I am obsessed with the opposites attract kinda trope but you can write it anyway you want! thank you in advance <3

love, lee

pairing | prince!jeno x princess!reader

genre | royalty + arranged marriage au, jeno uses a nickname for reader (love), no pronouns are specifically used for this, lmk if there’s any i missed!

wc | 0.9k

notes | i think my love for royalty aus are really stating to show now TT this is my first jeno work and there were actually multiple entries for jeno with the arranged marriage trope so i hope this suffices for now (maybe i’ll make a part two or follow another req if i can !!) it’s not exactly the same as what anon mentioned because i tried to condense the ideas to the size of a drabble as much as possible but i love all ur brains so much LIKE TELL ME MORE 😭😭 anw likes, rbs, and feedbacks are very appreciated ;0;

this is part of my drabble req event here!

m.list

there’s this prophecy that landed upon your kingdom just as its walls were newly established, one that spoke of prosperity if two individuals coming from royal backgrounds were to be wed under every full moon.

of course, that hasn’t come true (and you don’t believe it ever will), but both the civilians and the royal family hold onto that sliver of hope ever so dearly. though, in the position of being someone forced into the position of marriage, you can’t help but view the tradition as something simply bizarre and unnecessary.

moreover, you haven't a clue who you are about to marry. the thought irritates you to the core, and your mother’s repetitive words on how this was ‘something she experienced too’ not making you feel any better — in fact, it was dampening your already sour mood even further.

just why hadn’t this been dropped centuries ago? the answer to that question doesn’t seem to be keen on revealing itself to you.

and so here you are, behind tall wooden doors in a dress you struggle to move in — much less breathe in — that will soon reveal a banquet hall filled with your and your groom’s relatives, a plethora of aristocrats that you couldn’t even dare to name no matter how long you stared at them, and reporters who were ready to swarm you with questions whenever they’d get the chance.

“there’s no need to fear, my dear.” your mother states by your side, and a scoff is the first response she receives.

“i hope you understand that what you’ve said lacks any sensitivity for my situation.” you bitterly reply with a blank expression, not even turning to face her once. with that, she decides to keep silent, not wanting to aggravate you any longer.

the doors open, finally placing you on display for everyone to see, and the first person your eyes search for is your husband-to-be.

he stands in front of the beautifully decorated altar in a navy blue suit and fur coat that looks just as uncomfortable as the white gown you’re wearing, and you start to feel a little sympathy for him knowing he probably didn’t have any plans of marrying you either.

you were both victims in this grand scheme, after all.

a step, two steps, and before you know it, you’re meeting his gaze for the first time. he offers a soft smile that puffs up his cheeks ever so slightly, pupils shining beneath the lights that brighten up the entire hall, and for a moment, you forget how much you’ve detested this day to come.

‘get a grip, it’s definitely for show’, you mentally tell yourself as your lips return the kind gesture.

the ceremony soon starts, and the words spoken by the priest pass through your ears like static fuzz, not paying attention to the prophecy that was being retold to the audience.

“i assume you were forced into this?” you begin in a whisper, wanting only the person beside you to hear your voice.

you turn to gaze at him and he looks a little surprised you actually started a conversation. “sure.”

sure? what kind of response was that? the least he could do was respond with a decisive yes or no to not leave you hanging like this. perhaps that smile from earlier really was to fool the reporters on a loveless marriage

“could you at least tell me your name?” you try to reach out once more, “it’s laughable as is to know we are in the middle of being wed and i have not a single clue on who you are.”

“lee, jeno.” he responds, and though it technically is an answer to your question, you’re oddly left unsatisfied at how perfunctory it was. “yours?”

“l/n, y/n.” you state in the same manner as if you wanted him to feel the same as you did just moments prior. “how does it feel to get married to a stranger? because i surely find this unsettling.”

you tried to play into humor, hoping to get a better reaction out of him, but what he says shocks you instead. “we aren’t strangers though.”

“what-” you start to sputter, however the priest cuts you off at the mention of announcing your respective vows.

“i’m sure you’ll recall it soon enough.” jeno’s expression finally shifts from his icy facade to a sly smirk that perfectly exemplifies his features, and you’re not sure whether to find the sight unsettling or absolutely breathtaking. “because i’ve known you my entire life, love.”

the nickname has your mind reeling in circles, paying no attention to the vows jeno was now dictating like a memorized poem of sorts. there was ever only one person who’s called you by that name, though it could never be someone like him… could it?

you snuck out of the castle to one of the town’s bakeries back when you were younger, meeting a boy who told you he was doing the exact same thing because he swore their garlic bread was absolutely out of this world, and that’s exactly why you came in the first place. it was like you both clicked, and that meeting became the first of many. though, as you grew older, your hectic tutoring schedules made it difficult for you to frequent the bakery as much as you used to.

still, you remember he suggested exchanging letters as a means of keeping in contact, and he’s the only one who’s referred to you as love. his love.

you’re abruptly taken away from your thoughts as the priest repeats your name, “princess, your vows if you may.”

“oh um, sorry.” you quickly apologize, trying to gather yourself back up.

jeno’s gaze on you looks much more animated than before, almost as if there was a playful glint that replaced the cold ones from earlier. where was the man you met moments ago as the event started? “i suppose you remember now.”

“yeah.” you breathe out, “yeah, i do.”

[cerezzzita]

Hi, i saw you have your request open so here i go, requesting some hcs for Dante, Vergil and Trish having a short sweet-toothed s/o who also loves to bake.

notes: heeey there, anon! In advance sorry for the waiting, it took long enough but at least here we are! I hope you like it, because I surely did loved writing these headcanons, and with Trish being included? Better than ever!

Enjoy the reading and thanks for requesting! <3

⠀🍓 ˖ . ᵎᵎ Dante, Vergil & Trish with a short sweet-toothed S/O

♡ tags: gender-neutral reader, no use of pronouns (you/yours only), no description of reader's appearance, short!reader, use of petnames, three devils being soft af, Vergil and Trish might have been sorta ooc pardon in advance.

ⓘ gif's not mine!!

Dante

Perfect match, to be honest.

Calls you "shortcake" or "shortie" most of the time and if you're annoyed by that… he'll keep doing it, sorry. He loves you enough to annoy you as well. 

Being as sweet-toothed as he is, no wonder he'll ask you constantly to make some desserts with strawberries or red fruits in general such as raspberries or cherries. 

And please don't let Dante get one inch near the kitchen, this man will eat as many of the berries plus he's catastrophic at cooking.

At least let him add some of the ingredients and mix them together here and there, he'll be satisfied and happy enough. 

He'll eat the batter when you're not looking, by the way. 

Still on the ingredients topic, doesn't this bitch (affectionately) loves when you ask him for help to reach something you can't? He's all smugly smirks, towering you with that huge figure of his and in the best of the cases, lifting you so you can reach it by yourself. 

Dante's personal favorite dessert made by you became The Devil's Cake, but instead of being fulfilled of chocolate only, there's lots and lots of strawberry jam and fresh strawberries on top of it. 

Late night munchies are a must! You two can and will be watching whatever series or movies while cuddling and devouring almost all of a whole damn bakery because Dante has a black hole instead of a regular stomach. 

Saw a recipe for dessert pizza once, got obsessed with it, asked you to make it, you made it, he's even more in love with you. 

"Babe, you're a sweetheartie. A candy angel, I love you so much," said Dante, mouth full of sweet pizza and eyes full of tears of joy and passion. 

ⓘ gif's not mine!!

Vergil

Vergil strikes me as a cinnamon roll enjoyer. That's it, that's the post. 

But really, I don't think he has a sweet-tooth or enjoys sugary foods that much. He likes it, sure, but at moderate bits. 

Unlike Dante, he does not make fun of your height… Yet he finds it quite endearing. 

Calls you "little bird". Let me have him be affectionate and lovely for a sec, okay? 

Vergil also gets worried by the amount of sugar you consume. 

"You'll get plenty of cavities if you keep eating desserts at that level." 

He helps you with your recipes too. I'm kinda sure that Vergil knows a thing or two in the cooking field, correct me if I'm wrong (I am wrong). 

As previously said, he likes more, hm, refined flavors, such as cinnamon and vanilla and if you're baking cinnamon rolls, count him on it! 

Don't ask Vergil to chop the ingredients unless you want him to put on a show about it. 

If you like drinking tea, you better prepare a bunch of sweet treats because you're having regular, calm silent tea evenings ft. Vergil and his poetry book. 

ⓘ gif's not mine!!

Trish

Oh my, what can I say about Trish?

She's not a sugary-sweet person. Instead, she's mostly on sour candies and neutral fruits field. 

With that being said, I hope you're ready to constantly bake lemon pies and banana cakes. 

Trish does not know how to cook for her dear life, she prefers watching you instead and maybe teasing you along with it.

"Trish, I could use a little hand." "Pardon me if I can't help but think you're all cute on your own, sugar."

Speaking of teasing, this devil surely knows how to make you fluster with her little comments about your height, but of course, always keeping it comfortable enough to not get you mad or sad. 

"Need some help there, honeypie?" "My, if you ever get trouble reaching that shelf, you need to wear some of my heels."

And although Trish is not your sous chef, she is certainly your personal tasting critic, which is an advantage mostly to her. 

"So, what do you think?" "Hm, I liked the caramel on top of the fruit, and it's sour just in the way I love. It's a ten out of ten, honey." 

Brought you some silly clothes like sweaters and shirts with some candy motif and oh, sure, fruity flavored lip gloss. 

Anything for her honeybun~

cerezzzita©, 2023 · all rights reserved ⓘ do not edit, copy, steal or claim as yours | reblogs and comments are appreciated!

[marshmallowprotection]

I have a feeling I've definitely sent a similar ask years ago but if so, I am once again in need of Suit sitting on my lap. He belongs there. Let me hold this silly man pleaseplleaspeasepllsleplea

That sour look on his face couldn't hide his true desires. You knew that as well as he did. As much as he tried to pretend he was some dangerous wildcat that could bite your hand off if he wanted to, he was far from it. He was more like a feral house cat that realized the inside of a house felt comfortable and cozy compared the streets—and decided the best thing to do would be to stick around for that.

He didn't always know how to interact with other people, but what Saeran couldn't deny was the yearning in his eyes for a soft place to lay his head. You knew he wanted to be taken care of, spoiled just as much as you spoiled Ray, but in a way that validated his comfort and personal boundaries. He didn't need a one-for-one remodel of what you shared with Ray, even if that was his only benchmark for gentle affection.

You wanted to give him something to affirm you cared about him just as much as you cared about Ray, and his idea of comfort didn't have to be the same as Ray's. He could have anything he wanted to feel so much better than he felt when he was alone in his office with nothing to do fester in his thoughts and wait for the Savior to harass him with more fruitless plans of destruction.

Which is how you ended up in this predicament.

With your outstretched hand beckoning him forward to join you at your desk. His wild eyes were exhausted, and even if he tried to tell you off and act as though he was put together, you knew he wasn't, and he knew you knew that. You didn't want him to play pretend in this room. You wanted him to stop pretending and unclench his jaw before he returned to the lion's den.

He wasn't a lion.

He was your house cat who had to fight like a lion to survive.

"Come on, Saeran," you said, patting your lap. You weren't logged into the messenger, so he wouldn't have to worry about that. You were on the only functioning game on your cell phone, a puzzle game of sorts that kept your mind busy and focused when you didn't want to spend the rest of your day finding the CCTV cameras or staring out into the courtyard.

He huffed. His eyes leaving yours as he glanced to the side, muttering under his breath, "No way."

"Well, I'm not going to force you to do something you don't want to do," you told him. "I figured I'd put the offer on the table. If you want to sit in my lap and relax for a little while, my offer stands. If you want to go back out there with the guards and cause a ruckus instead, I'm not going to stop you. You're the boss, Saeran."

You listened to him pout, grumble, and groan. You weren't going to make him uncomfortable. You knew the Savior did that to him quite enough already.

People put him in predicaments against his will. He had to do things whether he wanted to do them or not, and you weren't going to put yourself amongst those who pressured him. Even if he wasn't in his right mind at the moment, you wouldn't stoop as low as everyone else in his life did.

He needed to know somewhere in his terrified life was safe, and you’d decided long ago you’d do that for Ray, and now him, too.

Saeran deserved the opportunity to take matters in his own hands. If he wanted to do something, he could do it. You weren't going to push him one way or the other. Even if he couldn't believe that, even if he wanted to believe it but wasn't sure if he could, you knew better than to push him. If he wanted to do something, he would do it. He wasn't the type to mince his words. He did things differently than Ray did in that regard.

It took a moment of silence before he acted.

Wordlessly, he strode across the room and crammed himself into your lap without a second thought. You didn't scold him for moving so fast, instead, you scooted your chair back enough so he could get comfortable against your thighs. His legs hung over either side of the chair as he did so, and you noticed how his fingers twitched against your sides as he debated with himself with whether or not to wrap his arms around your torso.

His face was buried in your throat before you could ask him if there was anything you could do to make him more comfortable. He had something in his mind, though, since the quiet nuzzle of his forehead against your collarbone showed just how badly he yearned for those gentle touches he once "mocked".

"Can I touch you?"

He grunted a half-hearted response to give his consent.

So, giving him what he wanted, you wrapped one arm around his waist and the other tangled itself in his hair. He tensed up at first, but quickly melted as you brushed your lips against the side of his head. "I've got you, Saeran. You don't need to pretend when you're with me. We can stay like this as long as you want."

He would be safe here.

You wouldn't dare let them hurt him when he was in your arms.

[tonkatsubowl]

coffee beans.

blade x trailblazer!fem!reader sfw themes (some cursing ig). read at your own risk. english isn’t my first language, so please don’t mind the grammatical errors. (っ◞‸◟ c)

⪩ our beloved trailblazer and blade meet up at a cafe behind everyone's backs. a little secret date.

TERM DIRECTORY ◖y/n: your name ◖e/c: eye color ◖h/c: hair color

one thing you always ask yourself on the daily is...

am i a bad person?

you were a pure person at heart, being a trailblazer and all. you were sent out to different worlds and universes under the command of himeko and welt to save them and to learn more about yourself. and never once had you done anything ill-intended. you probably did some trolling here and there, but you never once did anything that was truly evil...or anything that's remotely considered as evil. you ask yourself that because you are in a relationship with blade. the man that is the archrival to dan heng, and the enemy to the astral express.

how you got here was a different story; how you fell in love, how you and blade were able to establish a relationship somehow, yet you both were considered enemies. you always told yourself that it wouldn't work out because of his association and the team that you practically live and die for.

but, in a way, kafka was getting suspicious, or she knew of it, rather. knowing kafka, she did things that she believed were best for her own sake...and perhaps yours. maybe that is why she is never truly involved in trying to separate both you and blade, but you knew if the astral express team found out, you would most likely be...well, doubted. feared. and yet, blade tells you not to worry, and if they had touched you, he would kill them all.

the worst part about that is that he was serious. dead serious.

but you sigh, looking down to your favorite drink that you ordered in a cafe located in belobog. you and blade (mostly you) decided to meet up here in the cafe for a date. you told the astral express team that you wanted to take some time away for yourself and to just relax...and also, you had some personal duties to attend you. of course, they respected your privacy.

and now here you are, trying to stop yourself from overthinking about everything. you wanted to physically slap yourself in the face to just stop these thoughts. stop overthinking so much, y/n. everything will be fine.

"overthinking again, are you?"

a familiar voice snaps you out of your own inner prison, saving from the turmoil that you would suffer from at night. your eyes dart towards the direction of the voice, feeling your shoulders relax and your body easing itself when you see the love of your life. he walks over to you, placing a hand on top of your head, his fingers gently caressing through your scalp.

"ah-" you began, "i...i guess." you murmured, looking down to the drink that blade had ordered. a black coffee, you would assume. he wasn't much of a coffee drinker, and adored tea. but when it came to you, he would want to try something similar to what you drank...but nothing too sugary. but blade can read you like an open book. if you seemed stressed, tired, sad, angry...or anything, he can read you. and he would be there for you to the best of his abilities.

he raised a brow, looking down at the drink that was in between your hands. retracting his arm from your head, he sits across from you, looking a bit sour.

"you bought a drink? you need to stop doing that and at least wait for me to buy you one," he murmurs, a quiet sigh leaving his lips, "now i really know that you are overthinking, y/n."

you huff, "look, i don't want you to spend money on me."

"too bad."

well, you couldn't exactly fight against blade's wishes. if he wanted to spoil you, he will do so regardless or not you like it.

"what are you overthinking about anyway? same stuff?" he would say, taking a sip from his black coffee.

"well...yeah." you say, slumping back against your seat.

"i'm telling you. i don't give a damn if they find out. if they hurt you because of it, then it only gives me another reason to put their hands on a silver platter. do you understand that, flower?"

and he wasn't wrong. he would hurt them. he would maul them. even if you didn't want him to do it, he would do anything in his power to ensure your safety and to kill those who try to harm you. the man is extremely protective of you, after all. never once had he shown this side to anyone else but you. you were special...and you were his. a man's treasure, pride and joy should never be touched.

you were silent, looking down to the latte heart of a cat that was destroyed from you sipping at the mug. now it was just an awkward foam that is sitting on top of the surface, staring up at you in its own shame and disgust from ruining its art.

you hear a sigh from blade as he sips once again from his black coffee, eyeing at you carefully. "anywho, i saw your 'adorable' little wanted poster here in belobog. at the walls."

he changed the subject, and that's when you smiled a bit, laughing softly to yourself. yeah, when you, dan heng and march first got here...you were chased by the silvermane knights, causing you three to get a silly portrait of wanted posters. it was quite funny, and adorable.

and best of all, blade loved hearing you laugh. but he would never admit it.

"they gave you a big nose for no reason," he said, his lips tugging to a faint smirk, "and they messed your hair up. makes me wonder if my wanted portraits are drawn by little brats, too."

your smile widens a bit, "i don't think i've ever seen a wanted poster with your face on it, but i hope you're way uglier than me in those," you tease, "maybe i should draw one and slap it here too..." then you pause, realizing you should add, "ah, right...i think they forgot to take those down. they cancelled the bounty and everything on my head after i helped this world."

"they better." his tone stiffened, freezing itself, almost threateningly.

one thing you loved about blade is that he was very protective of you. a man capable of destroying worlds and universes on his own would make anyone feel safe if he decided to ally up with you. but it was a little scary at times. but you couldn't help but admire his strength and dedication to you, anyway.

"...u-um," you began, "do you... want to go on a walk? well, i mean it's...cold outside."

blade nodded his head, standing up. he crushed the empty plastic cup in his hand, tossing it into a nearby trash can. unfortunately, you had a glass mug, so you couldn't exactly just...toss it. instead, you would leave it on the table for the baristas in the cafe to pick up.

"cold, hot. doesn't matter to me."

as long as he's with you, it didn't matter.

hiding your smile, you got up, shyly inching your hand towards his. he looked at you with a mildly puzzled look, watching as your fingers playfully inch at his own. then, he would take your hand with a sigh, looking away as he began to lead you outside of the cafe.

being hit with a cold, wintry breeze was something you would never get used to. but it seems blade was already used to fighting under extreme weathers and temperatures. the man was a killing machine, after all. a machine that was adjusted to many environments, worlds, its laws and more. you would cling to his side, holding his arm for warmth. the scent of his herbal cologne, the warm that protruded from his limb...everything about him was just so perfect. you felt so safe. you felt so...at peace.

the two of you were walking in silence, basking in each other's presence. sometimes, you two didn't always need to talk but to just enjoy each other's companies. blade took you somewhere, anywhere in the city. you both watched as the snow began to fall, as it decorated your hair like little stars sprinkled throughout the night sky. you both would stop a little food trailers, being served hot and warm foods...and of course, blade would pay for all of it. he disliked you taking in charge of everything, after all. he would rather do everything for you.

night fell, and the man finally spoke, shattering the silence that you both shared amongst each other, "don't go home yet."

you blink, your eyes darting to him with confusion and surprise. his eyes soften as he looked towards you, admiring the snowfall as he observed the beauty that was laid before him.

"give them excuse. that you're too tired to leave. stay the night here. i'll buy an inn room."

you blink. what was with this sudden change of behavior? retrieving your phone from your pocket, you look at blade with wide, curious and surprised eyes. you weren't against it, so you sent a text to the groupchat that was shared between you, dan heng, march, himeko and welt.

➜ y/n: hey, i'm a little exhausted from running errands here... i think i'll stay here for the night and come back to the express. zzz

➜ march: huh?? damn, what have you been doing?

➜ y/n: enough for my legs to scream at me

➜ welt: i'm not surprised, considering every world we go, you're always running errands. feel free to rest for the night over there. let us know if you need anything.

➜ himeko: oh geez. learn to say no to these errands sometimes, okay? you need to have some time for yourself.

➜ dan heng: rest up, y/n.

to your relief, you gave a nod to blade, assuring him that you would stay the night here in belobog. but one thing that concerned you was...

"what about kafka and silver wolf? wouldn't you need-"

"don't worry about them. they already know not to disturb me for a bit."

you blinked, letting blade rest a hand on your shoulder as he gestured you to the direction of the inn building.

"come. let's get some rest."

the rest of the night was peaceful and loving. the two of you shared each other's warmth in harmony, snuggling up in each other's arms holding each other close. you would talk away at blade's ear as he sat there in silence, listening to every word that left your lips. he listened to every story, every rant that left you, and everything that you just wanted to talk about towards blade.

the one thing you loved about blade was that you can talk his ear out about anything, and he would always listen to you in silence, and speak his thought if it was needed. never once would he show disinterest towards you. he loved hearing you talk about your day.

finally, letting out the bundle of emotions had tired you out, as well as the fun you had today with your significant other. his arms were wrapped around your waist as your were deep asleep against his chest, quietly listening to his heart beat as he protected you from everything in the universe. aeons, the supernatural...nothing would be bold enough to face a man who was capable of annihilating it all. nothing would separate you both, and best of all...

...blade wouldn't want to let go of you, ever.

as you remained deep asleep against his chest, blade's eyes were still awake, thinking about situations, future decisions and other things related to your... no, to your and blade's future. unbeknownst to you, he would most likely have to plan to get rid of the astral express team if it meant to have you as his...and his only.

your presence was everything to him.

and nothing else would matter.

unexpected yandere tendency at the end oops ♡(>ᴗ•)

[perseephoneee]

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓥

In which, you, a lady of the ton, are forced to participate in courting season. Except that courting season comes with one particularly silver tongued Prince who is making it his mission to drive you absolutely insane.

↳ fic masterlist  ↳ ship exchange ↳ taglist

a/n: i'm so sorry for the delay in this. i was in spain this past month, and then i was finishing out my classes before i graduate!!! i am graduating this next Saturday with my bachelors which is crazy. and then i'm off to Columbia journalism school for the summer. i'm basically just rory gilmore at this point. anywho...thank you for being patient with me. i love you all.

Vulnerability was not something you often expressed, and unfortunately, it opened a floodgate of emotions you weren't ready to approach. Every night that passed was plagued with the same sly grin or those mischievous green eyes. You felt yourself going crazy, waking up with a beating heart and shaky hands. You needed to get your act together and fast. Even your family was starting to notice your strange behavior.

It was already evening, and you had another dreaded dance to attend. Apparently, there were professional dancers this time. Anything to entertain the Queen, of course. You stared at yourself in the mirror, a sage green dress hanging from your figure, delicate beads embellishing the bodice. With gentle hands, you also put on a golden locket, one of the last things you had of your mother. Sometimes, you wished it was societally appropriate for women to wear breeches. They were much more comfortable anyway and made for a better escape.

Ivy was already waiting in the carriage when you arrived. Grandmother liked to always take her own carriage, something you appreciated more often than not. It allowed you to be left alone with your own thoughts. You sighed deeply when your back hit the cushion, and the horses carried you off. Ivy shot you a look. 

"I thought you would be more excited to be seeing your lover," she cooed, slapping your knee playfully. 

"I find these events exhausting," You sighed, brushing your hair out of your face. "And he's not my lover."

"That's not what I've heard," Ivy said. "The grapevine whispers of an imminent engagement. I heard Grandmother discussing it with a representative from the Odinson home."

That was news. News that caused a pit in your stomach rather than butterflies. Marrying Thor was the goal, was it not? He was kind and respectful and would make a suitable husband. Still, you couldn't help but feel resent the idea. Ivy noticed the look on your face. 

"You don't want to marry him."

"I didn't say that," you tutted, folding your arms defensively. 

"It's evident by the sour look you wear," she frowned, but not from disappointment. More so, concern. “Y/N.”

"I will do my duty; is that clear?" You hissed. Any other person would've recoiled from your sharp tone, but Ivy had known you too long. She placed a hand over yours, every part soft and nurturing. 

"It is alright to say no," Ivy said softly. For the first time in a long while, she felt every bit your older sister and not the ditz your Grandmother loved to portray her as. "You have permission to say no."

You didn't get the chance to respond as the carriage pulled to a stop. Her words soothed your heart in a way you didn't expect. Permission to do something for yourself wasn't anything you'd heard before. It was always the expectation that you would protect your family and secure your future. No one had ever told you that you were allowed to choose otherwise. 

Entering the ballroom, cream gauze adorned the walls, accompanied by flickering candlelight. The mood was intimate, and everyone seemed to twinkle like the fountain in the middle. A performance was occurring with scantily clad dancers, but you weren't fazed. You're sure the ton would have something to say about it, though. Unlike them, you found being able to see their bodies to make the movements captivating, and you envied how they moved with such freedom. You were so enraptured by the dance that when you eventually noticed the Odinson brothers across the room, you froze up. Ivy hadn't left your side yet, and you grabbed her hand, hoping she'd stay by you. She gave you a worried look, but you ignored her. You were insanely nervous. If a proposal was imminent, then your anxiety was going to get the best of you. This is what you want; you kept chanting to yourself, hoping to believe it.

You saw Thor try to make his way over to you, and you quickly ducked behind a couple, dragging Ivy along with you. You kept finding ways to have someone blocking the path to you and the blond prince. At some point, you fetched a drink and had it in one go, smiling kindly at the waiter, who looked at you bewildered. You let Ivy's hand go when you reached for the drink, and she maneuvered off despite your protests. Hiding in the back, you allowed yourself to grab a second drink right as the dance ended. Unfortunately, that meant the path to you was straightforward, and Thor quickly approached. 

"M'Lady, it has been an adventure to reach you all night," he smiled. You quickly put the glass back on the tray and looked him in the eye. 

"Apologies, your grace, the…dance was quite enrapturing," you choked out, feigning a smile. 

"Dancing can be quite entertaining; I always fancy myself a dance with a beautiful woman when I can," Thor looked out to the crowd with his hands clasped, returning your gaze fondly. You heard the orchestra ready a waltz as Ivy walked close to you. You cut off Thor right as he was about to ask you to dance. 

"My sister is an excellent dancer; you should give her a twirl," you grabbed Ivy as she walked by, forcing her in Thor's direction and quickly maneuvering away. You couldn't deal with suitors at this point. That meant potential marriage proposals, and frankly, you were terrified at the prospect of getting proposed to right now. 

Your quick escape led to an unfortunate collision with the only other prince you were hoping to avoid– Loki. He stabilized you before quickly pulling his hand away as if you were a fire too hot to touch. His green eyes look at you inquisitive before his lips pull up into a smirk. 

"Running away from the ball? Scandolous." He cooed. Your brows draw down at his smirk, rolling your eyes. He gives a glance at the waltz. "Care to join me?"

"Excuse me?"

"Typically, when a gentleman asks you to dance, one answers' yes' or 'no,'" Loki chides. "So, care to join me?"

You paused, taking him in before giving him a slight nod. He extends his hand and leads you out onto the floor. You can feel Ivy's gaze on you, but you ignore her as you both bow to each other. The music starts, the cello reverberating through the room as you take the first step into the movements. Loki never takes his eyes off you, something that would unnerve you if you didn't live in a fantasy world. His eyes were a forest in which you could perpetually wander. His hands reached for yours, twirling you around before capturing you close. You felt your breath hitch at your proximity and, luckily, could move away before you showed how his presence affected you. When the dance ended, you bowed before leaving, looking for any exit outside. 

You sighed in relief as the cold air touched your skin, caressing your cheeks. You heard the door close behind you and couldn't tell who you hoped it would be more. 

"Lady Chilton," Thor's voice spoke, disturbing the quiet of the night. You turned around, taking in his gentle expression. 

"Your grace," you breathed, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "You startled me."

"Thor, you can call me Thor," he chuckled, hands clasped behind his back. "I was hoping to talk to you." Your heartbeat picked up, but you nodded, brows furrowed. 

"You can always talk to me."

Thor pauses. 

"I had planned to ask for your hand in marriage."

Your brain processed his words. It took you a second for them to register. "You had planned?"

"It has nothing to do with your character," Thor reassured. "I find you quite intelligent."

"But you no longer plan to propose?"

"You don't want me to propose; I can see it clear as day," Thor, for his part, doesn't look upset. "I am not the one you want…I respect that."

"The one I want?"

"I admire you deeply, which is why all I wish for you is a love match," Thor smiled. "I never would've been able to keep up with your wit anyway."

"I'm…sorry for disappointing you," you say, feeling immense guilt. 

"You could never disappoint me, Miss Y/N," Thor smiles. You soften, taking in the tall prince. Thor was kind and gentle but masculine. You should be head over heels for him for all intents and purposes. But you just couldn't find yourself to feel that way. 

"I hope we can continue being friends," you say sadly. 

"I expect you will be more like family," he nods. "I wish you the best, Lady Chilton."

"Thor, I'm not sure I know what you mean."

"You will; my brother is not a patient man."

And with that, he left you alone in the courtyard. The door closed with a click, and an owl hooted overhead. The sky was a navy blue, the clouds obscuring the moon hanging over your head. As the breeze picked up and the leaves rustled, you pondered over Thor's parting words. 

My brother is not a patient man.

taglist: @gruftiela @eleniblue @iwrite-things @youneedanap @huntress-artemiss @linaax @pisces-celeste @marygoddessofmischief @saay-karani @choki.laufeyson @foxherder @lover-of-books-and-tea

[xelasrecords]

The Final Night

Han Jumin x MC

NSFW

V has betrayed RFA for Rika and sided with Mint Eye. Jumin believes he can change V's mind in the confrontation tomorrow, while MC prepares to leave her forbidden love for duty. Tonight is the last night they get to share their life just as they are.

Words: 1.9k

Masterlist Read on AO3

"We don't have much time left," she said to the ceiling. Oppressive darkness swathed her and Jumin as they lay in bed. The unlit bulb blinked every few minutes. It had been faulty since she was forced to move into this apartment.

Jumin clasped his hands on his stomach, wringing them before clenching them into fists. Even in bed, he was dressed to prepare for emergencies and so was she. Restful sleep was a luxury robbed by the other side's onslaught of attacks against them. "I'll talk some sense into his head. I'm V's best friend. He would hear me out when given the chance."

"He's too far gone." Her tone was flat. "I'd thought of myself as his good friend too. But look at how he left me poisoned just to flee with Rika." She shared none of Jumin's delusions; that innocence had been shredded when she found the secrets in Rika's apartment that V had warned her against ransacking through.

"He was in a state of panic. Tomorrow will be different."

But the V who would meet them tomorrow was the same person who had betrayed them all.

"He puts Rika above us, Jumin. His protection is for her, first and foremost. He would hurt us if it could ultimately save her. He had chosen her over me." The sour taste that twisted her gut was a live snake coiling around her, spreading venom through her organs. She had thought she meant more to V, but if he had the heart to betray Jumin, she supposed decimating her friendship was nothing to him.

Jumin held her hand on top of his chest and she exhaled a deep breath. His heart was beating fast, each thrum strung with worry for what the next day would bring. She knew, because hers pattered to the same rhythm. Jumin was the only person left worth staying for. She was already overstaying her welcome. Her involvement with RFA was never meant to be permanent.

Just until Jumin was stable, she promised herself. She needed him not to shatter when she left.

"I am afraid." Jumin traced along the bruises mottling her arm, an aftereffect from the poison injected into her. Seven had flushed it out of her system with the antidote she concocted, but the marks remained. Mint-Eye's elixir and poison production was improving faster than she could break them down for the remedy. "There will be a time when everything comes to an end, I know that. Nothing lasts forever. I thought my connection with V would be the exception, yet his very hand was the weapon that severed it."

"I thought the connection was still salvageable to you."

"What choice do I have left?" he said. "I provide security so he knows there's still a chance for him to turn around. I'm here for him. It's not too late. I have to believe there is a part of him that cares for me enough to stop this destruction. Because if it was gone..." Jumin gritted his teeth as his neck grew taut. "No, I won't allow my mind to stray to the worst possible outcome. I don't wish to be consoled by logic at this moment."

It pained her to see him like this. His hurt would only increase tenfold when he realised his belief alone couldn't bring V back. "You're hinging your hopes on something with no basis, an uncertainty that's very likely to go wrong. You're logical in all things but love."

With his thumb, Jumin softly tilted her chin up. "Perhaps I'm hoping that one of my optimism for love will not prove me wrong," he said quietly.

She wished she didn't understand his despairing gaze. He loved her, he adored her, but she couldn't let him have her forever. This very thing between them wasn't allowed to be solidified into existence. Optimism might nurture love into something that lasted, but they couldn't afford it in the face of so many people at risk.

They were living on borrowed time. Tomorrow, they wouldn't be able to so much as to brush their fingertips. There was no future for someone who slithered in the shadows to be with someone born to withstand the spotlight.

She bit her tongue and held her silence as a shield and punishment. If there was nothing she could say to mollify him, then let him curse her in his mind. She would not tell lies.

A glimpse of defeat passed across Jumin's face when she kept her expression unyielding, but he caressed the top of her cheekbone with a light touch. "You do mean a lot to V, I can assure you that," said Jumin, changing the subject. "He's just blinded by love. Before Rika came along, the bond between the three of us was real. Its importance can't be erased by his mere misguided infatuation."

She closed her eyes. "Does any of that matter in the end?"

"For your sake, I can only hope it does." He leaned in and kissed her forehead. The gesture was so tender that it sawed her heart into two bleeding halves.

If she could keep him forever in the darkest nook of her being and hide him where she could keep him safe, she would. She wondered what it would take for her to become completely selfish and put love over the safety of countless who had entrusted their lives to her hands.

"You're here with me. That's enough for now. At least I'm not alone." Gently, she combed through the wayward hair that fell across his forehead, the black of it intensifying the darkened ring around his eyes. "Please don't leave me alone," she murmured.

It was as if she pulled a lever in Jumin. In a blink, fierce determination replaced the resignation in his grey eyes. A storm stirred in them despite his palpable exhaustion. His fingers slid down her collarbones to her back and he yanked her against him, his quick breaths fanning her face. She almost forgot this was how he looked when he was desperate; they'd been too busy channelling their energy into quelling V and Rika's Mint-Eye agenda. She refused to imagine the moment when time eventually barged in and ripped her away from him.

Please let me stay with him.

"I won't leave," Jumin said, a hard resolution in his voice. "So long as you want me, I will be right by your side."

She swallowed and flattened her trembling lips. That was the toughest choice; she wanted him always, but rarely in her life did her desires and responsibilities align. There were always things bigger than them, duties she had to abide by that would put him at great risk if he ever found out about them.

She couldn't put him first.

She couldn't tell him she wanted him either. The moment the words left her mouth, she knew there would be no way back. Jumin wouldn't let her go, and she needed him to leave her for his sake. How could she ask him to let her go after his best friend just stranded him? She would not put him through another torture to choose. She would decide for him.

Please.

This wasn't an ideal time for them to be together. RFA was going haywire, the reputation of Jumin's company had taken a nosedive, Seven was relying on her to aid in their mission to infiltrate Mint Eye, and she needed to take some weight off Jaehee's overworked shoulders and make sure Zen could be there for Yoosung when she couldn't because the youngest boy was crumbling and she couldn't stand that—

Jumin captured her lips with a kiss. She chased after him when he leaned back into his pillow, bringing her on top of him with his arm around her waist. How many times left could she kiss him without restraint? She kissed him harder and gasped when his grip tightened.

She could have this. She could desire him where no eyes were prying. She could act as if she were his.

Her hands moved to Jumin's tense shoulders, bunching his shirt and pressing her torso against him. His hand trailed up her chin and jaw and ear before burying itself in her hair. He pulled her head back to expose her neck and latched his mouth to her pulse point.

She moaned. He wanted her, he wanted her. It was the chant her blood sang to with every touch and every kiss he bestowed her. His touch burned her, paving a charred path for his love to make its way in.

She shifted her leg across him to straddle him and she leaned down on him, nipping at his earlobe and kissing his sharp jaw. With a groan, Jumin stripped them both out of their pants and bucked up to her. He slid into her easily, while his hand moved along beneath her top and squeezed her breast. He bounced her against him in swift, repetitive motions, toppling her onto him, their harsh breaths intertwining.

She wanted to be his. She wanted to give in and let Jumin take over her body and mind, to follow his desires and have it be enough to protect him. Let him possess her so thoroughly that she wouldn't be comprehensible on her own anymore. Maybe then she wouldn't be expected to perform up to her duties. She could be a nobody, invisible to everyone except him.

Jumin was the only person who saw her without any expectations. V wanted her to be good for everyone's sake, but she was only ever herself to Jumin. She was enough.

She wished she could give him enough.

"I love you," she whispered. This was safe. Love was not a plea to stay.

"I know you do." Jumin kissed her and caught her lower lip between his teeth, pulling it back softly. "I love you too."

Her lungs constricted. Somehow, without her planning to, love had become something so small compared to the stakes around them. She could no longer embody the naive girl she had been when she first met Jumin and V, one who was vehement in her belief that love and friendship could conquer all. She had thought she could fight against the burden she was forced to carry, but all it did was crumble her into nothingness. She had lost V, and soon she would lose Jumin.

One more day. She could stay for one more day. Until dust had settled on the wreckage that V and Rika's twisted obsession created, until RFA had learned to stabilise themselves, until Jumin was strong enough to stand on his own.

And then one more day.

Please.

Jumin laid her on the pillow beside him and tucked the blanket around her. "Promise to remember me when you leave." His voice cracked, and her blood froze at the thought of hurting him yet again. "Take me with you. That's all I ask."

Emotions had greater power to destroy than construct. When she left, she would not leave with her whole heart intact. It was her penance to live out her life pining for what she shouldn't have. She didn't deserve happiness from abandoning the man who had been abandoned by everyone he held dear.

Reaching out her arms, she invited Jumin to sleep with her in the quiet for one last time. The confrontation tomorrow would change everything—she could feel doom rattling her bones. She sank her head into the crevice between his neck and his shoulder, and he rested his chin on top of her head, a gesture that nearly made her sob from the familiarity of it. She would lose this as well. There were many fragments of him that she had tried to keep, but they all ended up spilling out of her grasp.

Love was not enough. In a fight where people had to be sacrificed for the bigger cause, love would never be enough.

-

Footnotes:

I just wanted to write about the anxiety in the calm before the storm.

I find it interesting to pair Jumin who's in denial about V's change of alliance with an MC who's accepted her fate so she only bargains internally for more time. Jumin who cannot be logical in love vs MC who's practical to save her love. In the end, none of it changes anything.

Upholding my tradition of inserting I-love-you's and smut into angsty scenes. Let's see when I'll break free from this c: