#once i started getting to grips with karma as a concept

[river-in-the-woods]

Karma

I sometimes come across people who say they “don’t believe in karma.” I believe this stems from a misunderstanding of karma as a purely supernatural force.

Karma is not something you believe in: it is cause and effect, as real and insentient as the force of gravity. Karma is a shorthand for everything a being can experience and the causes that lead to these experiences.

You touch the fire and it burns you. That’s karma. Your karma is that you are a being of flesh and your body cannot tolerate certain elements.

Your family has a history of cancer, and you develop cancer. That’s karma. Your karma is that you carry the genetic inclination for certain diseases.

You encounter a challenge and overcome it against all odds. That’s karma. Your karma is that you had the skills and resources to achieve the outcome you desired.

When we observe certain phenomena in the world, we understand that this was possible because there was the necessary karma for it to occur - the necessary causes were present. Sometimes we label this as ‘bad’ karma or ‘good’ karma, purely because of how we perceive that experience. There will have been innumerable factors involved in that experience coming to pass. Hence, karma can be understood in a purely mundane context.

Since we spiritual practitioners tend to get involved with magic, gods, spirits and other realms, then naturally we observe that there are additional ways in which karma can work. Sometimes on a scale that is difficult to comprehend and spans lifetimes.

When we understand karma, that is, cause and effect, we come to understand some of the myriad of influences upon our experience. Sometimes we understand enough that we can change the karma that we have.

In my opinion, karma makes the most sense in the context of rebirth and spiritual inheritance: the idea that there is some continuity after death and the karma of one life can be inherited by another.

The way that I personally understand karma is that it is like an attunement, or a momentum. Every action, every thought, is like a movement that creates a gust of wind that pushes us toward a certain outcome. Repeated actions of a certain nature solidify this momentum, like gathering winds that create a storm, or trails of water that carve a riverbed into the earth.

Across lifetimes, this becomes especially powerful. We may find ourselves repeatedly experiencing certain themes in our lives. The same kinds of fortune and misfortune that come back in different forms, created by the momentum of our inherited karma. It takes persistent effort to escape what has been ingrained into our experience and go beyond what our past has shaped us to be.

Karma must also be understood in the context of interdependence. We do not exist in isolation, our own karma will impact the karma of others, and vice versa. Everything in the world has its own karma, a way it can influence other things: how we navigate these influences determines our fate.

Don’t be daunted by the enormity of it all. A ship that sails across the sea will not encounter every wave on the ocean, only the ones in its path. We have the choice to ride upon those waves, or we can learn to read the winds and waters and try to change our course.

[animeyanderelover]

May I ask Happy death day for Kaneki, Haise, Ayato, Karma, reaper(?? Well human Koro sensei) and Juuzou?

We’re going back to that concept, huh? For your information, there was once a request for Happy Death Day where only the Yandere and the darling can remember what happened. This plays either in an established relationship or after the kidnapping.

Tw: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, possessiveness, obsessiveness, delusions, paranoia, manipulation, controlling behavior, kidnapping, death of the s/o, suicidal thoughts, sadism, mutilation of corpses

Happy Death Day

Ken Kaneki

🔲He literally just dies the moment you died because this boy turns positively suicidal and homicidal after he sees his darling dead, should anyone be near him there is the severe danger of Kaneki attacking them and killing them since he stops using his head. He’s always been ever so paranoid about your safety since your life is basically the reason for him to exist. Now it’s been taken from him, you’ve been taken from him. His life, his heart, his feelings are shattered, cease to exist as a pain worse than Jason’s torture overcomes him and a chilling scream spills from his lips. He screams and cries his sorrow and agony out until he feels like his throat is bleeding but even that can’t stop him from continuing to scream. He wants to keep your corpse, not to devour it but to keep you in this house, to continue his life as if you’re still there.

🔲Instead of having to commit suicide or turning completely delusional and thinking that you’re still there, he awakes with a terrified scream. Shaking, covered in sweat and tears and in your and his home. The poor boy is completely disoriented at first, not able to recognize his own house. Anger, madness and the wish to die blinding his senses…until his eyes land on you. And then he has another full-on meltdown. He bursts out in tears, starts to sob loudly and instantly latches himself on you, blabbering and crying apologies and shaking in utter fear. He doesn’t even want his darling to leave the bed. More like he can’t because the moment they seem to want to get away from his grip he suffers from a cardiac arrest and slams them back into bed. It’s impossible to reason with him and it takes hours for him to think clearly and realize that his darling needs to eat and go to toilet.

🔲So the worst thing is telling him that in fact this might have happened since you’ve had a dream about dying as well which is unavoidable the more he starts freaking out when events from what he thought to be only a dream start repeating. Even without telling him he would have already seen it as real with his paranoia, your little story only makes it worse though. He’s the whole day over the edge and even the slightest sound has him going over in a violent attack mode. He can’t let you die over and over again, even if there are no words to describe how euphoric he is about at least you being still alive and him knowing what is about to happen. If you were murdered that person is screwed because Kaneki will be beyond murderous. He won’t even feel any pain if his limbs would be ripped away from his body, he just wants to stab and hurt that person until they’re long dead and he’s mutilated the corpse beyond recognition.

🔲His previous respect for privacy in moments where he felt more peaceful vanish completely and he is left with a wound in his heart that can’t be healed even after years. He follows you anywhere, even to the toilet or when you wish to shower. Kaneki completely stops functioning without you in his sight, loses all his shit and lashes completely out. Grows paranoid to the point where he crushes and kills even the smallest insects that hurt you mildly and you can only watch and protest as he completely takes over your life. Nothing is allowed anymore and in the worst nights where he dreams about your death, you’re left with a broken pile of a man who cries gibberish and screams and shrieks in anxiety and terror if you don’t touch him or calm him down somehow.

Ayato Kirishima

🌌Rage, utter and complete rage takes over his entire mind and body to the point where all of his surroundings turn blurry and only your dead body remains clear in his vision. He hears a ringing in his ears as he can almost imagine hearing his heart breaking and bleeding inside of his chest. He stands still a few moments longer. Then he explodes instantly, his Kagune and his fists and legs destroying everything and everyone close to him. It’s like watching a wild animal going mad as he doesn’t even seem to notice in his frenzy what exactly he damages as his knuckles turn bloody before the skin regenerates instantly. The only thing spared from his lunatic wrath is darling’s body. It’s only after he has destroyed his entire surroundings and shouted at a corpse that everything hits him and he releases a scream of utter anger and heartbreak, accompanied by a few stray tears.

🌌Awakes much like Kaneki completely distorted as the feelings of resonating rage and the confusion of where he is only infuriate him further. With plenty of willpower and desire to go off a second time and hurt someone in his fury, he’s that close to going on a rampage once again before you finally make your presence known, skittish what you should do and how he’ll react. When his head snaps at you, his eyes are still clouded with fury and the wish to hurt which has you flinching back and apologizing instantly. Instead of mean words, he just freezes completely, eyes widened and a dumbstruck and disbelieving expression on his face as some choked noises come from his throat. In the next moment he just grabs you, shakes you and seems to frantically search for injuries which he can’t find. When he pulls back, he stares at you for a while longer with too many emotions to recognize before he just silently leaves.

🌌His interactions with you for the following hours are strange to say the least. He keeps coming back to you only to stare at you with furrowed brows, grab you by your arms once again to scan you as if trying to spot something he can’t find. His remarks are gruff and mean, have lost their sharper edge as he appears to be almost nervous and hesitant, afraid to say something wrong. He grows visibly more guarded and paranoid the longer the day continues and so do you yet you refuse to tell him, expecting to be mocked and not taken seriously. It isn’t until the hour of death is close that Ayato completely snaps, unable to ignore and play down the uncanny sameness this whole day had to what he doesn’t believe to be a mere dream anymore. Ayato…he won’t admit that he dreamed of this since it’s ridiculous in his opinion. Not unless you admit it first which earns you a alarmed and shocked long glance.

🌌Ayato doesn’t want to talk about this, not even after he’s teared apart viciously the killer who killed you once before. Something inside of him has just been deeply unsettled by this paranormal phenomena. He’s never been someone to be superstitious yet there is no logical explanation for this. Even you had the same dream and remember vividly the pain and the terror of dying. Maybe that is why he freaks out a little bit whenever he dreams about darling’s death again which isn’t unusual after having seen them dying already once. It affects his behavior around you as well. Still a rude and arrogant ghoul, he seems to obviously pay more attention to you now and hesitates when he’s about to truly spit out cruel words. He fears for yet another death of yours from which both of you won’t wake up from, leaving his last words to you as those of the degrading kind. He…doesn’t want to be the indifferent and mean guy in your mind all the time.

Juuzou Suzuya

🔪Juuzou has never been one to exactly grasp his emotions well yet when he is aware of his own feelings, he connects deeply. His connection with his s/o was the deepest bond he’s had so far and with them gone, he has basically just lost half of his heart and soul. The realization doesn’t hit him instantly, his body and brain ceases to function the moment he sees their corpse. The world completely breaks away under his feet and as slowly everything hits him, a searing pain starts to pound in his body and tears force their way in his eyes. A guttural scream, capturing all of his pain and confusion as he kneels down next to you. Just like that he grows quiet, as if this screams cleansed him of all his energy as he just sits there silently. This pain is a unfamiliar one for him, this hole in his heart is new for him and before he knows it, a broken laughter spills past his lips as he grows overwhelmed with grief and rising anger.

🔪I don’t cannon him as someone who is a good sleeper so it’s a sort of raw experience to wake up from his slumber, though he definitely wishes he wouldn’t have slept at all because of this dream. Before Suzuya can do anything though, he has to get a grip on his own emotions as they’re still swirling around inside of his chest. Especially when he sees darling, he goes into another state of shock and a slower process of proceeding informations. The first thing he does is pinching himself, hard. To the point where his darling worries that he’ll actually tear his skin off. The next thing he does is slowly, as if in trance, walking over to s/o. Only to pinch them as well. Not nearly as hard as he did himself, just enough to feel their warm flesh and skin and observe their very lively reaction right before he throws himself on them, another series of broken laughs escaping his lips.

🔪The problem with Suzuya is that he is such a honest person. The dream is still stuck in his mind so it is very likely that he’ll tell you about his strange experience shortly after having seen you alive again. That is going to lead to some sort of reaction out of you since it is disturbing to be reminded of your own dream, especially since Juuzou apparently had the same dream and one look at the calendar tells you which day is today. Even if you try to brush it off or attempt to hide it, if Juuzou notices your strange reaction, he will start pestering you. The boy is a persistent guy so you either cave in or Suzuya himself comes to draw conclusions himself as more and more things starts to repeat themselves and the feeling that he’s already witnessed this day kick in. Whilst he can be quite childish, Juuzou isn’t dumb and since only he seems to recall this day, you have little choice but to turn to him.

🔪He has fun torturing and killing the person who murdered you, it doesn’t exactly matter if it was a human or ghoul in this case. They’ve killed you once and they’ll die ten times themselves for it. It’s a really twisted game he plays with them, a creepy grin on his face. If that person is a ghoul it’s even worse since he’ll inflect a lot of damage that is nearly lethal but not enough to kill them yet so that the regeneration abilities can do their job. Eventually he just kills that person off, gets rid of the body and leaves, feeling happier and better. On the outside he seems to keep the hyperactive and childish personality, he’s actually matured from the experience though and takes some things more serious now. There is a darker and duller glimmer in his eyes when his thoughts wander back to that day and he grows uncannily quiet.

Haise Sasaki

🔳His ears start ringing painfully and his breath starts shaking at first before he goes into full hyperventilation, tears already blurring his vision and cascading down his face as he starts feeling sick and about to throw up his lunch. The world grows smaller and smaller until it just shatters, crushing his heart with it as his world was his darling, his beloved. Memories of you flood his mind as a indescribable agony starts spreading inside of his chest, cutting his breaths shorter and shorter until he is choking and causing his whole body to shake violently. A voice deep inside of him is fuming, yelling, traumatizing him even further as a searing pain shots through his head and leads him to cover his ears in terror. Everything just hurts in that moment as Haise sobs and begs for it to stop, wobbling around on his legs before he’s forced down on his knees.

🔳Tears are still streaming down his face when he wakes up, disconnected from his surroundings and reality as his head is still filled with the fuzzy and dizzy pain. He needs to take a few deep breaths to slowly gain consciousness again, to start to use his head again. The first thing he does is checking on you instantly, heart rate spiking up in fear again as he vividly recalls images of your dead body. Incredibly relieved to the point where Sasaki feels his knees weakening again when he sees that you’re still with him, alive and healthy. He’s speechless, staring at you with wet eyes before he pulls you into a strong hug and starts chanting how much he loves you. Haise makes it a point to not worry you about that stupid dream, decides to not leave you out of his sight either. He’s surely going to feel better once he’s witnessed you fully alive for a whole day to leave that dream behind him.

🔳Unfortunately that does not happen as he comes to realize which date it is and as he recalls events happening exactly as they were in his dreams, leading to him dropping something out of shock as he feels cold terror washing over his every limb. Maybe he is paranoid, maybe not but how many coincidences can there really be? What about you then? Are you aware that you’re going to die today? That is the question Haise asks himself and he observes you throughout the day intently, noticing that you seem far more skittish and anxious than normally. That only seems to grow and increase the more hours pass by and your anxiety is transferred directly to Sasaki who only turns more paranoid himself until he eventually can’t hold it in anymore and has a talk with you. You know something, don’t you? Did you have the same terrible nightmare as him?

🔳Once you’ve told him, it’s over. He’ll most likely place you under security somehow, is on the borderline of begging his team to lend him a helping hand and watch over you and is against leaving you at all. He stays, constantly glances out of the window and has a small heart attack whenever he sees someone watching your house. He wants his darling to survive this day, their safety comes always first. That doesn’t mean that he can leave darling’s murder all alone and free either, he’ll start an investigation of his own and even if it is painful and traumatizing, you have to tell him as much as you can remember about your killer. Sasaki won’t react in the same hysterical way that Kaneki does, even if he wants at least two people he trusts around you in the future. He’s able to slowly relax after some time has passed and nothing else has happened though.

Akabane Karma

🔴Karma is usually a relaxed guy who loves to tease his darling a lot, that never changed the fact that they were a light of his life, someone who meant a lot to him. He keeps a blank face, completely void of the mischief look in his eyes. Something is hurting him inside his chest, something that takes over more and more the longer he gazes at his darling's corpse and together with the pain comes a rage, thirst for revenge that boils his blood. He doesn't cry, not now. Instead he starts laughing out loudly, a crazed and whimpering fit cackles expressing all of his emotions at once. The more the pain sinks in, the more the laughter turns to broken sobs though until the first tear drops down his face. Soon after the first one follows another one and another one until he breaks down crying, devastated giggles still escaping his throat in between.

🔴​He's bewildered, almost insecure once he opens his eyes, panting heavily and having broken out in cold sweat. Tired, irritated and still fuming with the wish to hurt someone to hopefully feel a bit more alive again now that part of his joy and life has been taken from him, he gets more emotional than one might imagine when he lays his eyes on you. He almost gets dizzy since he is so relieved, hesitates to show it openly though since he concludes for now that he was just having a bad dream. It would be sort of embarrassing to act all panicked and paranoid now only because of a nightmare, right? Really, he almost acts all casual when he greets you the next morning with his usual teasing greeting and the chaste kiss pressed against your lips. If it wouldn't be for the only subtle way he seems more on edge and is only a bit more clingy.

🔴​Karma is a very smart person though so he already starts being suspicious when he realizes that today is the day in his dream. A coincidence or two can happen, your own behavior is quite...weird as well though and that has him drawing new conclusions. It's most likely not even an hour later that he starts bugging you about it and he will get his answers. If the normal question won't do it, Karma will simply use fear and manipulation to force you to concede that something is wrong. He can become quite terrifying the longer you don't answer, he has the best value behind his motives now and you should know that too. It's your life that's most likely on the stake here and he's not risking it. Once you've admitted to having had the same dream, he locks you inside his room and refuses to let you leave. He has to go on a little hunt in the meantime.

🔴​If you want to get to know his truly sadistic side, watch him killing the killer because Karma has zero mercy. He's always been ready to be violent and cruel when it comes to defending those close to him and this is taken to a new level because that scumbag was just about to murder his little s/o. The body isn't even cognizable by the end of Karma's torture yet he feels very lighthearted by the view, mocking them even long after their death with sadistic remarks. He's in a better mood when he returns back home and his darling knows what he did already without seeing his smirk. Feels like if he would have just been able to monitor you better the first time in the dream, he would have been able to safe you and so he starts taking more control over your life. It's for your own good, he tells you. It's better if you stay locked in his house and don't go anywhere without him watching you.

Koro

⚫​The one time he decided to do his job as an assassin and not stalk his darling and the worst had to happen. It's not like The Reaper didn't play with the thought that his presence could bring you in troubles if someone who knows him finds out. Such emotions are a first for him, he's never quite experienced such a stinging and burning pain like this one even if this plays after the whole experiment thing and losing Aguri. He imagines that this must be the feeling when someone is being shot right into the heart as he confirms over and over again if your heart has really stopped beating, clinging on a pointless hope. The wetness flowing out of his eyes is close to startling him when he touches his wet cheeks and stares at the tears on his fingers for a while before he bursts completely out in tears and silently cries. Especially if he's gotten his power but can still contain his human form he will suffer a small breakdown and end up destroying everything in his nearest surroundings.

⚫​He’s probably the calmest of all when he bats his eyelashes open, heart still beating in horror and a single tear escaping his eyes. Koro is someone who needs to think fast and analyze quickly though so after a few moments, he remembers what just happened. Now, he isn’t one to believe in superstitious stuff but that dream was the borderline of frightening and unnerving since it was way too detailed and felt way too real. He can still feel your cold skin under his fingertips, can still smell the scent of blood and still feel the wrath throbbing inside of his temples. Little time is wasted after he’s completely recalled everything that has happened before he decides to do something he wanted to do for a while now but held back so far. That is kidnapping you. His paranoia has taken over, you’ll be safer with him instead of living defenseless.

⚫️Koro feels the final relief wash over him when he sees you just fine, erasing his last worries that you really died. He’s not completely without a plan, he doesn’t go blindly into actions though there might have been a factor that made him hurry up a bit. It isn’t only his paranoia, it’s also the fact that today is the day he felt like he already witnessed once in something he believes to be a dream and it doesn’t do wonders to his patience. He still manages to take you away in a more professional manner and it’ll go especially fast if he has his superhuman strength and speed already. He’s as polite and nice with that practiced and friendly smile of his as possible whilst attempting to explain himself. His feelings, long period of stalking and he even is honest enough to talk about the dream which elicites this shocked reaction out of s/o. He sees this as well and in the next moment he finds out the unpleasant truth.

⚫️To the murderer, you’re screwed either way. Koro is the best assassin known to mankind and it’s either him killing the person whilst still being a full human or him killing them after he’s been the labor rat for a while and gaining amazing powers thanks to it. In this scenario they’re even more screwed because nothing beats him at this rate anymore. He’s fairly cruel himself, he lets the victim feel the true horror of their mistake they have yet to do before he just kills them swiftly and cleanly without much of a mess. The body will either be left behind or he’ll dispose of it before Koro returns to his freshly kidnapped darling. They’re safe now is what he tells them when he returns. He’ll keep them from now on always safe, nothing like this should happen again. You’ll get used to it after a while, you just need to acclimatize and deal with the overbearing assassin.

[tartglias]

Xiao, Zhongli and Venti with an immortal s/o

“Sooo 👀 can i request so some fluff hc for venti, xiao and zhongli with an immortal s/o?”

thank you so much for requesting!! this is my first time writing for more than one character at a time so it was a challenge lol thank you sm!!

Xiao

Xiao never understood the importance of time. Days, months, even years feel like nothing when you’re immortal. What a funny thing that is, immortality. He knows normal humans would do anything for it, and he despises them for that. Nothing so great came free, he knew that well. He was freed from tortures, only to get tormented by karma. He could still hear the voices and screams calling for help from tortured souls, these still haunt him daily. But the worst moments come when he sees that figure, that person who he once considered close. So close he could use the human word “soulmate”, if he believed in those, to describe who that person meant to him.

Many centuries back he met you, such a gentle person who got to break down his hard walls. A smile, a touch, a kiss. That’s all it took. So many meaningless years, and he never once encountered a person as kind yet strong like you. Someone who made the daily nightmares cease, with a simple smile and brush of fingers.

He remembers your last words like it was the day before. You were on top of one of the tall stones in Huaguang Stone Forest, Xiao laying his head on your lap and you placing small qingxin flowers on his hair. He wouldn’t allow anyone do that to him ever, but in the end, you were you. And you were different.

“Xiao” you called, once you were done placing the flowers. He opened his eyes and muttered a “hm?” in response. “I have to leave soon. Mondstadt calls me”

He sat up.

“What do you mean?”

“By tomorrow morning, I’ll be on my way back to Mondstadt” you said, quietly standing up.

He stood up too.

“When will I see you again?” he asked, now not being able to look at you.

“I don’t know” you said, reaching out for his hand and taking it. You placed a soft kiss on his knuckles, and he felt himself calm down at the gesture for a moment.

“I meant it when I said I’ll love you forever, Xiao” you said, finally locking eyes with him. You had teary eyes, he dreaded to see you like that. If it were up to him, he would swallow every bit of pain in your body and soul, just to see you smile.

And with that, you disappeared. As quickly as you broke down his walls, you disappeared just as quick the next day. Days, months and years became even more meaningless, but somehow he felt them longer. He missed you every day, he whispered to the moon every night, wishing that some archon would hear and bring you back to him. He knew you were like him, but he never heard from you again. Were you able to finally cross to the other side? He tried to erase those thoughts from his mind.

He later found himself in that very same stone, the one in which he last saw you. New Qingxin flowers blossomed, and they reminded him of you. He sat down, staring at the horizon. But then, he felt a strange swift of wind, and a presence behind him. He quickly stood up, ready to put his mask on and kill whoever dared to interrupt his solitude. But he didn’t. The mask in his hand dropped to the floor, next to the flowers.

“I’m back” you said, with a shy smile.

“You’re back” he said, more to himself than to you. Were you really there?

His question was soon answered, once you stepped closer and pulled him in a hug. He found himself wrapping his arms around you, holding you as close as he could, while trying to hold back his tears.

“I’m sorry I took so long, my beloved” you said as you locked your eyes with his. You grabbed his hand and held it, but you never once let go of the hug.

“I’m here to stay now” you whispered.

Zhongli

“You need to stop playing with people’s hearts” Zhongli said, as he sipped on his tea and looked at you questioningly. You rolled your eyes in response and put your focus back on your potion. A few petals from the most exotic flower in Teyvat, a little bit of juice made from vines and a teaspoon of slime condensate.

“Sometimes mortals need a little push in the right direction” You said, finishing up the mix and transferring it to a small bottle made of glass. “Plus, we’ve been here for centuries, I’m bored and I need a hobby”

“I don’t think that messing with human’s love lives can be considered a hobby. I don’t think it’s morally correct” he said.

“You’re very dramatic. I can feel the true desires of every being that touches the soil in Teyvat, and if I sense that the desire is mutual, I simply work my magic” You said, sitting back on your chair next to the tall man.

“Can’t you let them figure it out by themselves?” He asked.

“That’s no fun Zhongli” You said, finishing up the sweet perfume-potion you were creating.

You and Zhongli have been friends for centuries. You met when you moved to Liyue as the representative of the Dendro Archon, someone you really looked up to. Zhongli was kind enough to make you feel at home, and soon became friends with the Geo Archon. Though you must admit, you always wished it was something more.

Maybe that’s why you picked up this “hobby” of yours. Unrequited love is something painful and mortals only live a short life, you believe they should live it fully, if possible.

“Are you alright?” Zhongli asked, interrupting your thoughts with a concerned look on his face. You didn’t realize you had a sad look on yours.

“Oh? Yeah of course” You said, quickly brushing it off and proceeding decorating the small glass bottle.

“Y/n-“ he started, placing a hand on top of yours in order to get your attention. “I’ve known you for a long time. I know when something is wrong”

It was funny. He knew you like the back of his hand, he knew how to read you since the first time he laid his eyes on you. Yet he never found out how you truly felt about him, how your heart made like a million flips whenever he did something as simple as hold your hand, or brush a hair away from your face. All these little things and gestures, have been making you swoon over your closest friend for years, centuries even.

“Time and love are strange concepts, aren’t they?” You asked, looking straight at him. Here goes nothing, you thought.

“I believe those are rather simple concepts”

“You can spend a lifetime with someone, know every habit and expression but you don’t know how they truly feel about you” You said staring at him, searching for any hint that indicated he knew what you were talking about. But you saw nothing. Who were you kidding? He’s just your friend, has been for a long time.

You let out a defeated laugh, standing up and letting go of his hand. “Forgive me, I don’t really know what i’m saying” you said, grabbing the potion and starting to leave. But you felt his hand on your wrist, stopping your movements.

“You said you felt the desires of every being that stepped foot on Teyvat’s soil, am I right?” he asked, looking at you. You nodded. “Does it work on me?”

“You wanted to get close to me, as a friend”

“My apologies my dearest y/n, but I think your blessing is wrong” he said, standing up and holding your hand once again. “I did want to get closer to you as a friend at first, but not any longer. I’ve been observing mortals for a while as well, on my daily walks through Liyue Harbor, and I think I finally understood my feelings”

You were sure that if Zhongli listened close enough, he would hear the fast beating of your heart.

“I’ve been waiting for you to use your love potion on me, my dear y/n. I’m sure it wouldn’t have worked anyways since I believe it would take a lot of effort to make an effective potion that could work on me. But it would have given me the excuse to tell you how I really feel” he said.

“How do you feel then?” you asked him, looking up at the tall man.

“I think I’m very lucky to have you by my side, and it makes me want to travel to the Dendro nation and personally thank the Archon for assigning you to Liyue. I also want you to still be by my side for the centuries to come, if you’re okay with that” he said, lowering his voice by the end.

You acted before you could process your thoughts. You stood on your tippy toes and kissed his cheek gently, never letting go of his hand. He liked you, he felt the same way about you. It was real.

“I’m okay with that” you replied.

Venti

It was almost noon, almost an hour after the original time you accorded with Venti to meet. You planned a picnic date by the big tree near the statue of the Seven, your favorite spot. The same spot which later, became Venti’s favorite spot as well.

He wasn’t a person who would jump straight to conclusions. You were late. Maybe you fell asleep, maybe you couldn’t find the guitar you promised to bring so you could play a duet. Being late doesn’t mean something bad happened, right?”

He decided to wait a few more moments, but once the sun set, he had enough. He went out to try and find you. He went to your house, but noticed the door was locked and no one was inside. “They left” he thought.

He slowly but surely started to get desperate. Where were you? Were you hurt? Did you get lost somehow? He went to Angel’s Share, and not even Master Diluc had seen you. If Venti wasn’t in such a panicked state, he would have noticed the rare concerned and worried look Diluc had on his face.

If any traveler walked by literally any road in Mondstadt, they would soon encounter a big rush of wind. Venti went from here to there as fast as he could, trying to find you.

He soon enough found you in Stormbearer Mountains, fighting hilichurls and two pyro mages. You looked tired, sweat covering your body and your clothes were dirty. It was obvious that this has been going on for a while. You gripped your sword as hard as you could, and kept fighting. Why didn’t you call for him? With no exception, Venti tells you daily to call for him if you ever encounter a problem. It’s not that he doesn’t think you’re strong, oh no, he believed you were the strongest mortal in Teyvat. But in the end, to him you were still a mortal. Fragile and over-sensitive. He often told you to call his name, that the wind will carry it and he will appear there to help you out. So why didn’t you?

“y/n!” he screamed, once he laid his eyes on you. You turned around and saw a rush on wind, and felt his presence. What you didn’t feel though, was the pyro attack coming from one of the mages. The mage summoned three pyro artifacts that surrounded you, and burnt you. You felt your energy slip away, your head dizzy and your body burning. Then, you felt the cold wind, Venti quickly finishing off the mages and the remaining hilichurls.

Venti thought it was over. You were kneeled down, burnt skin, gasping for air. It was over, you were going to die. He felt his eyes water and fear running through his veins. He wrapped his arms around you, making you lean on his chest.

“Don’t leave me” he begged. “please”

“My dear, I don’t think I can” you said, letting out a short laugh.

“Please stay strong, I think I can carry you to the cathedral but you need to hold very still so-“ he started saying, now fully crying but you interrupted him by putting a hand on his cheek and wiping his tears with your thumb.

“I’m serious, I don’t think I can leave anyways. Venti, I literally can’t die.” you said, with a laugh and slowly standing up.

“You... you’re immortal?” he asked, looking up at you, not being able to leave the floor.

You nodded. “I thought you knew”

“I hate you” he said, standing up and wiping away his tears. “I do”

“No you don’t. But you’re cute though!” you said, grabbing his face and kissing the tip of his nose. “I’m very sorry I’m late though, my commission took longer than I thought but let me compensate you with dinner and a bottle of wine”

“But you’re still burnt?” he asked you, concern still in his face.

“Oh don’t worry about that, it will rip out when I start walking. I have healthy skin underneath” you said, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“Why do I feel like this is not your first time getting so hurt?” he asked letting out a soft chuckle, suddenly feeling lighter now that he knows you’re okay and will probably be okay for a long long while.

“Eh, been there done that a few times” you simply said, taking his hand and walking back to the city of Mondstadt.

[angelicyoongie]

Out of the Woods (III)

— pairing: wolf hybrid namjoon x human f!reader — genre: fluff, angst, smut — word count: 11K — warnings: mentions of past abuse, explicit sexual content! — summary: Promising Jihyo that you were going to stay away from your writing for one weekend had been easy in theory, but much harder to actually do once you reached the little cabin the woods. To make matters worse, the only thing that rivals your inability to keep promises is your terrible luck – and after a particularly bad choice leads you to get lost in the mountains, you suppose that it's only karma that you end up face to face with a wolf that looks ready to rip your throat out.

Part I / II / III

Namjoon startles with a low growl at the knock at the door, ears twisting back as it opens to reveal the nurse alongside someone you haven’t seen before. “Mr. Kim, Miss Y/n, meet Yeonjun. He’s our hybrid shelter contact, and he has some information to share with you regarding Mr. Kim’s owner. I’ll leave you to it, but I’ll be back shortly,” You give the nurse a small nod before she leaves, your attention straying back to the blue-haired man standing just inside the door.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Yeonjun says, a warm smile on his lips. The wolf hybrid’s growl grows louder as Yeonjun’s eyes find yours, Namjoon bristling under your touch. “Don’t worry Mr. Kim, I’ll stay right here,” Yeonjun leans back against the wall, his posture relaxed and open despite the snarl on Namjoon’s lips. You squeeze his wrist in warning, begging him to calm down. You have no clue what Yeonjun is here for, but you don’t want Namjoon to ruin his chances of a good home by making a bad first impression. Namjoon’s growl stutters at your tight grip, and Yeonjun looks amused as the wolf hybrid forces himself to relax against the pillows behind his back. Namjoon settles for glaring at him instead, and you take that as a small win.

“Sorry, you had something to tell us?” You say.

“I do,” Yeonjun ruffles through the folder in his hand, eyes squinting slightly as he reads off the information. “It says here that the legal owner of Kim Namjoon, Mr. Kim Deok-ho, filed a missing hybrid report five years ago. Is that correct?” Namjoon offers a stiff nod, his jaw clenched tightly at the sound of his owner’s name. Your eyes grow wide at the new information. Five years? Namjoon was by himself for that long?

”It appears that Kim Deok-ho passed away a year after the report, due to a sudden heart attack. Since he had no relatives and has not left your ownership to someone else, you’re currently an ownerless hybrid.” You let out a shaky breath as Namjoon’s ears spring up at the information, his tail doing a half-hearted wag beneath the covers. “Based on the nurse’s reports of the old scars and marks on your arms and chest, we have reason to believe that mistreatment and abuse occurred during the ownership, and so even if someone from Kim Deok-ho’s past step forward in an attempt to claim you, it will be denied.” You slump back in your chair, desperately blinking away the tears blurring your vision. Thank god. At least he’ll never have to go back there.

”I take it that you agree with those observations?” Yeonjun gives a small smile at the relieved whimper Namjoon lets out, the wolf hybrid’s raspy yes filling the small room. Namjoon flips his hand over to grasp yours, his long fingers intertwining delicately with your own.

“Good, we’re on the same page then. The next thing we need to settle is what’s going to happen moving forward,” Yeonjun flicks over to a new page, pen hovering over the paper as he looks up at both of you. “A newly formed pack bond isn’t hard to notice when you know what to look for. I take it that you have no interest in going to the shelter?”

Namjoon brings your hand up to his chest; shaking his head as he says, “Stay with Y/n. Please.”

Yeonjun’s questioning gaze flickers over to you, and you quickly scramble out an agreement. “Namjoon can stay with me for as long as he wants,” You try your best to suppress a chuckle as Namjoon’s tail start wagging at your words, a faint blush blooming in his cheeks at the heavy thuds against the bed.

“Great!” Yeonjun smiles as he fills out his forms, “We need to do some standard background checks and we have some protocols to follow, but I don’t think there will be any issues. Just fill out this form and give it to the nurse later, and I’ll get the process started.” He places a pen and paper down on the small table near the door, giving the nurse a nod as she pokes her head in.

“We’re all done, just let me know when the form is ready,” He gives you and Namjoon a quick wave before he slips out of the door.

“Well then, I have some news too,” The nurse says. “Thankfully the operation went well, and Mr. Kim’s recovery should be fairly smooth. He’ll need to stay here for a few more days for observation as he did lose a lot of blood, but we don’t think there will be any issues,” She smiles.

“Now, since hybrids heal much faster than regular humans, we’ll have to do a few more check-ups than normal just to make sure you don’t wear the cast for too long. You’ll likely be able to remove the cast after three weeks, and then keep a brace on for a few more after that until you’re back to normal. You will be provided with a pair of crutches, but you’re stuck with bed rest for the first week to make sure you’re not putting too much pressure on your injury.” You can feel your back ache at the thought of having to spend a few weeks sleeping at the couch until you can get hold of another bed, but it’s for sure worth it if it means Namjoon will recover well.

“I think that should be all, do you have any questions?” You shake your head, a smile curling at your lips as the wolf hybrid copies your movement.

“That’s good then, I’ll leave you two be for now.” The nurse bids you both goodbye with a nod, the room falling into a sudden silence as she closes the door behind her. Namjoon flashes you a dopy smile as you turn your attention back to him. The wolf hybrid clutches your hand tightly to his chest as he shifts his upper body as close to your chair as possible, his warm brown eyes never straying from your face.

“Before I sign the papers, I just want to be sure that you’re really okay with staying with me. I promise I’ll do my best to take care of you, but Yeonjun might have some foster homes that are better suited for your recovery. My apartment is pretty small,” You grimace. You really aren’t lying when it comes to your home. Sure, you might have two bedrooms, but one of them is hardly even big enough to be a closet. It will be a tight squeeze with Namjoon while he’s injured, but you’ll manage as long as the wolf hybrid is certain.

“It’s .. okay. Want to stay .. with you,” Namjoon frowns as he works to find his words, his gaze turning a little desperate as if he’s afraid you’ll change your mind if he takes too long.

“Of course. I’ll bring you home as soon as you can be discharged,” You squeeze his hand comfortingly. You can’t help but feel a little flutter of excitement at the thought of bringing him back to your apartment. “I should go fill out the form then,” You smile. Somehow, you think Namjoon will fit right in.

“Careful,” You wince as Namjoon almost stumbles into a wall, the wolf hybrid’s grip tightening around your shoulders as you try your best to hold him up. If there’s anything you’ve learned over the last couple of days in the hospital, it’s that Namjoon is stubborn. And apparently, that stubbornness is only amplified when it comes to you.

“Are you sure you don’t want to use the crutches?” You ask as you try to fish up your keys from your pocket, the wolf hybrid’s tired breaths spilling across your neck.

“No crutches. Only need you,” Namjoon grumbles. You blame your stuttering heartbeat on the exhaustion you feel after practically carrying Namjoon from the hospital to your car, and then from your car to your apartment complex. Thank god you have an elevator, otherwise you have no idea how you would manage to get him up to the eight floor.

You let out a sigh of relief as you get your keys out, quickly shoving them into the lock to open the door. Namjoon’s ears spring up at the sight, his tail beginning to move behind his back at the pleasant smells that hit his sensitive nose. Everything smells like you, like warmth and comfort, and there’s nothing the wolf hybrid wants to do more than add his own scent to the mix, to make sure that others know that you’re taken. He hasn’t even been able to properly scent you since the woods, and the faint touches he’s been able to leave on your skin isn’t enough.

You help Namjoon step out of his shoes, carefully leading him down the narrow hallway of your apartment. “Here’s the second bedroom,” You nod to the first door you pass, “That’s my bedroom, and the last door on the right is the bathroom. The rest is an open concept living room and kitchen, as you can see.” Namjoon’s golden eyes carefully scan over your moderately sized apartment, his nose wrinkling as he picks up a scent he hadn’t noticed near the entrance.

“Dog?” Namjoon’s chest rumbles as he tries to hobble over to the couch. It takes you a second to catch on to what he said, the image of Sana and Jihyo cuddling on your couch a week back flashing in your mind as you struggle to hold him back.

“You’re supposed to head straight to bed,” You say, curling your fingers deeper into Namjoon’s side as he tries to wriggle out of your hold. “Namjoon, please,” You plead as the strain in your back begins to throb, your body definitely not made for almost carrying a fit wolf hybrid for an extended period of time.

Namjoon stops struggling at the tired tone in your voice, and you take the low whine that falls from his lips as an apology. You catch him throwing a narrowed look at the couch as he lets you lead him to your bedroom, and you make a mental note to maybe try to air the room out before he needs to use the bathroom. You didn’t even realize Sana’s scent would linger that long, but then again, she and Jihyo had spent all day glued to your couch.

“Here we go,” You carefully lower Namjoon down on your bed, helping him get situated and comfortable before propping his leg up with a few pillows. You sink down on the edge of the bed, a frown tugging at your lips as you notice how rough and threadbare the material of his clothes are. The only clothes Namjoon have are the ones he got from the hospital, but they’re obviously far from new. You were hoping to get him more situated before leaving him alone, but there’s no way you’re going to let him use clothes that seem like they might unravel at any moment when you have the funds to get him soft and better-fitting clothes.

“Would you be okay if I head out for a bit? I need to get–” Namjoon cuts you off with a pained whine, his hand closing firmly around yours as he says, “Please don’t go.” The wolf hybrid’s silver ears are flat against his head, another distressed noise rumbling out of his chest as he tries to tug you closer on the bed.

“It’s okay, I promise I won’t leave!” You say, your heart squeezing painfully at the panicked expression on Namjoon’s face. It’s too reminiscent of how he looked when you left him out in the woods, and that’s something you never want to revisit.

“We can order you some new clothes online and get them delivered here tomorrow! I’ll stay here for as long as you need me to. Is that alright with you?” Namjoon searches your gaze for a few seconds before he seems to find what he's looking for, the tension in his shoulders lessening as he rasps out a low thank you. “It's nothing to thank me for, it’s the least I can do,” You give his hand a soft squeeze.

“I’ll go make some dinner, you need to take your pain medication soon,” You can see the doubt in the wolf hybrid’s eyes, his hold tightening ever so slightly around your hand. “How about I leave the door open? You’ll be able to see me the entire time I’m cooking,” You say. It truly breaks your heart that Namjoon is so scared that you might abandon him, but can you really blame him? His first owner was abusive, and when he finally found someone – when he found you – who he felt strongly enough about to consider his pack, you had left him.

“Yeah,” Namjoon nods, his slender fingers slowly untangling from yours. The wolf hybrid’s eyes widens as you lean closer to fluff up the pillows behind his head, his tail doing a couple of surprised thuds against the mattress at the close proximity.

“Let me know if you need anything,” You smile. You can feel Namjoon’s gaze following your every movement as you cook an easy dinner, the position of your bed giving him a vantage point of both the couch and the kitchen behind it. Normally, being watched so intently would’ve made you feel a little uncomfortable, but with Namjoon, it almost feels reassuring to know the wolf hybrid isn’t letting you out of his sight. You don’t live in a bad part of town by any means, but it gives you that little extra ounce of protection you wasn’t even aware that you were craving.

“What about this one?” You only get a non-committal sound in response, and you shake your head with an amused huff as you add the sweater to your cart. Since all of Namjoon’s focus was on his food during dinner, it seems that he now refuses to look at anything that isn’t you, so that doesn’t leave you much choice but to pick out most of his clothes on your own. You had tried to keep a little distance between your bodies on your bed to make sure you couldn’t accidentally hurt him, but the wolf hybrid had gently tugged you closer with a displeased growl, not happy until your side was flush against his. You bite down harshly on your lip as Namjoon’s rough fingertips glide over the delicate skin on your wrist, the wolf hybrid seemingly more interesting in mapping out every inch of your arm, rather than what you’re trying to show him on the screen. You end up picking out some loose clothing, something Namjoon hopefully will like after not wearing clothes for years. You can tell he’s uncomfortable in the stiff hospital clothes, especially since the outfit seems to be a size or two too small. You do a last scan over your cart, happy with the assortment of soft earth tones you’ve picked out. Namjoon doesn’t strike you as a hybrid that would wear something overtly flashy, but if that’s something he wants to later, you’ll be more than happy to update his wardrobe.

“Okay, done! It should be here by tomorrow afternoon,” Namjoon perks up as you close the laptop in your lap, the wolf hybrid’s brown eyes flickering up to meet yours. You feel your breath getting caught in your throat as you take in how softhe looks, and you find yourself reaching out to brush Namjoon’s silver hair away from his lashes before you can stop yourself. Namjoon lets out a surprised rush of air at the contact, the warmth in his eyes almost scorching as he slowly moves his gaze around your face, taking the chance to drink in every detail of it. The wolf hybrid shifts his weight, and the loud creak of your bed is enough to make you hastily pull back, cheeks flushed as you stutter out a, “I-I uh, should probably get the couch ready.”

“Couch?” Namjoon’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.

“Yeah, you’re taking the bed so I need somewhere to sleep too,” You say.

“Why? Just sleep .. with me,” The wolf hybrid frowns. You know he doesn’t mean anything by it aside from sleeping, you have done it before out in the woods after all, but your stomach flutters at the words before you can reel yourself in, warmth slowly climbing up the back of your neck.

“I can’t do that Namjoon,” You mentally pat yourself on the back for how steady your voice sounds, “The woods were different. We .. we can’t do that here.” Despite feeling like you might trust Namjoon with your life if the situation ever calls for it, you don’t actually know him. The past days in the hospital have been filled with tests and interviews with Yeonjun, and so you haven’t truly had the chance to really talk to the wolf hybrid yet. You have to at least be something akin to friends before you’re comfortable sleeping next to him.

“Oh,” The disappointment in Namjoon’s voice is obvious, his expression almost turning a little shameful as his ears begin to droop. “I’m sorry,” He mutters.

“Don’t worry about it, okay? You’ve been shifted for a long time, so it’s only natural that some things are a little different between human and animal,” Namjoon nods, but there’s something in his expression that looks a little closed off now – more hesitant. “Is there anything you need before I go to bed? Anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable?” The wolf hybrid shifts his gaze around your room, pink lips parting and closing as if there’s something he can’t quite make up his mind to ask for.

“Can I .. scent you?” Namjoon murmurs. One of your childhood friends had a hybrid, a sweet little cat hybrid that always used to scent you when you came over after school. You learned then that scenting helps hybrids to calm down and feel more comfortable around new people and places faster, which lessened the shock when you first met Sana all those years ago, and it’s also why there’s not an ounce of hesitation in your voice as you say, “Of course.” The wolf hybrid’s head attention snaps back to you so fast you’re almost a little worried for his neck.

“Are you sure?” Namjoon asks, his warm eyes searching your face.

“I am. It’ll help you settle in here faster, right? So I really don’t mind,” You smile. Namjoon nods, pink lips pressed into a firm line as he gently takes a hold of your hand. He brings it up slowly to his face, a look of deep concentration in his eyes as he begins to rub his cheek against your wrist, making sure that he covers every visible inch of skin with his scent. Namjoon’s hold loosens ever so slightly, but just as you think the wolf hybrid is done, he leans down to swipe his tongue over your skin, leaving behind a more permanent scent mark. You bite down harshly on your lips, desperate to stifle the surprised sound bubbling up the back of your throat. The hybrids you had met before never did this during scenting. Namjoon’s ears begin to perk up the more his scent lingers on you, a content noise rumbling in his chest they begin to properly mix. Maybe it’s just a wolf thing, you decide. After all, he had scented you out in the woods in the same fashion before, so it's likely just something tied to his species that you weren’t familiar with. You allow Namjoon to switch out your hands, letting the wolf hybrid scent both of them to his heart’s content. He looks visibly more relaxed as he places your hand back in your lap, his tail beating against the bed in a steady rhythm.

“Better?” You ask.

“Better,” Namjoon confirms, a soft smile on his lips as he shifts back against the pillows. You take that as your cue to get ready for bed yourself, your eyelids growing heavier by the second.

“Can .. door stay open?” Namjoon asks as you scoot of the bed, his eyes flickering hesitantly between you and the living room.

“It can.”

As you settle down into your freshly made couch, you can help but feel soothed at the sounds of the wolf hybrid getting comfortable in your bed. Your apartment suddenly feels a little warmer, a little more lived in, with the added noise of another person. You stare up at the dark ceiling with a smile, and the pleasant fluttering in your stomach tells you that if Namjoon decides to stay, your apartment might actually begin to feel like a home.

“Did you pick a movie?” You take a seat next to Namjoon on the couch, placing the popcorn bowl careful down between the two of you. The wolf hybrid nods at the screen, one of the newer blockbuster films already chosen and ready to be played. With his broken leg, there really isn’t much for Namjoon to do except watch movies or read, but you thankfully have a wall of books, and unlimited streaming services for him to use. The first two days of having Namjoon in your apartment were more awkward than you had expected. But then again, maybe it should have been weirder if it hadn’t, considering you had to help someone you barely know clean up and use the bathroom. It had been a learning curve to say the least; your cheeks stained a permanent pink until you managed to work out a good system. Namjoon’s new clothes had arrived quickly as well, and the wolf hybrid seemed pleased at the colours and the loose fit of the items you had chosen. You praised your own choices too; the baggy pants and slightly oversized shirts made helping him dress and undress a lot easier.

Though, there is one thing you haven’t been able to work out quite yet. Namjoon. Despite the wolf hybrid’s initial distrust of the crutches, he seems to have really taken to them now, especially once he realized that using them meant he could just trail after you himself without you having to struggle holding him up around the apartment. It is cute that Namjoon has been glued to your side ever since you arrived at your apartment, but with how he’s straining himself to hobble over to the front door every hour despite the doctor’s request of him not getting out of bed, it’s starting to worry you. The behaviour reminds you of your time spent with him the woods, and how he would constantly scout the area you travelled through for danger. You need Namjoon to relax and heal, but it’s been difficult, especially since the hybrid hasn’t said much outside of yes and no for the last four days. Before you left the hospital, the hybrid doctor you had spoken with had made it very clear that it was important to engage Namjoon in conversation, as his speech would only improve the more he used it. It’s beginning to feel more and more like you’ve just brought home a guard dog and not a person, and it makes your chest uncomfortably tight to think that Namjoon might not feel safe enough in your home to let his instincts take the back seat and just be.

You’re startled out of your thoughts as you suddenly hear a howling laughter coming from the hallway. You know it’s just some neighbours finally getting home after work, but Namjoon stiffens at the noise, ears perked in the direction of your door. It’s obvious that the wolf hybrid has the urge to protect, one hand already reaching for his crutches – so you just hope you’ve read the signs right when you hastily grab Namjoon’s hand, tugging it into your lap to cover it with your own. Namjoon freezes, his jaw clenched tightly as he slowly moves his eyes from the screen to your intertwined hands.

“Do you mind? It seems like this part is going to be a little scary,” You gesture to the action scene playing out on the TV, plastering on your best sheepish smile as you hold the wolf hybrid’s hand tighter. You feel his fingers twitch in your hold as another round of loud laughter rings out in the hallway, but to your surprise, Namjoon only takes a deep breath before he settles back against the couch. He flips your hand, easily entangling his fingers with yours as his bright eyes travel back to the screen. For what feels like the first time in four days, you can sense Namjoon finally letting his shoulders drop, his tail doing a half-hearted wag against the couch as he relaxes. The rough fingertips grazing your knuckles at random intervals keeps you distracted enough that you have no clue what the movie you just watched was really about, your hand tingling with the sensation of Namjoon’s careful touches.

As the end credits begin to roll, you turn on the couch, facing the wolf hybrid more directly as you say, “Namjoon, are you okay? You’ve just seemed a little tense and closed off these last days. I just want to make sure that I’m not doing anything that’s making you feel uncomfortable.”

“Not you, just me,” Namjoon rasps, his lips pressing into a firm line, “Don’t want to be .. too much.”

“Too much?” You frown.

“Old owner wanted me to be quiet. No scenting .. Said it wasn’t natural,” Namjoon’s ears fall flat against his head. “Couldn’t help it, was too young. So owner punished me.” The wolf hybrid’s eyes briefly flicker up to meet yours, the usual warmth hardened and cold and sad as he lowers his head as says, “Sorry. You can punish too.”

“Namjoon,” You whisper, swallowing harshly around the lump in your throat. You can feel your chest crack, eyes growing blurry as you think of a younger Namjoon. You know that all hybrids need psychical contact to stay happy and healthy, and that it’s especially important for younger hybrids to make sure that they learn about their instincts and needs. Your childhood friend’s hybrid was never denied pets or cuddles, the cat hybrid practically always glued to someone’s side because anything else would’ve been inhumane. The fact that Namjoon was abused for wanting something as harmless as a hug, or a scratch behind his ears makes you want to bring his owner back to life just so that you can make sure he receives the proper punishment for his crimes. Death seems too easy of a way out of the horrible things he did.

“I will never do that to you. You never have to worry about being too much of anything. Wanting someone to talk to and touch is completely natural,” You hesitantly bring a hand up to cup Namjoon’s cheek, lifting his head enough to meet his gaze. Your fear of Namjoon not wanting your touch flies out the window the moment the wolf hybrid leans his whole head into your palm, nuzzling his cheek against your hand as the bushy tail behind his back picks up speed at the contact. It dawns on you then, that after the first night he scented you, Namjoon had withdrawn completely. Him following you around and checking the door was probably the best thing he could to do to feel close to you while still keeping his distance – because that was what he had been forced to adapt to. You softly clear your throat, keeping your voice as level as possible as you give him a gentle smile and say, “If there’s something you want, you just have to ask. I promise I’ll do my best to make it happen for you.”

Namjoon angles his head in your palm, soft lips brushing over your wrist as he murmurs a quiet thank you into your skin. “Can I … ask you something else?” You can’t help the way your heart flips as Namjoon tries to follow the hand you remove from his cheek, the wolf hybrid letting out a perturbed whine.

“Sure,” He rasps, clutching your intertwined fingers tighter to make sure you won’t remove them too.

“How did you get caught in the trap?” You wince as your eyes drift to Namjoon’s cast. Jihyo had made some calls while you were with Namjoon in the hospital, and it had turned out that the old owners of the cabin had left out multiple bear traps many years ago. It had been so long that they had forgotten they were even there. You're honestly surprised that the trap still worked considering how rusted and old it had looked clamped around Namjoon’s leg, but then again the wolf hybrid is big when’s he’s shifted. Not the same as a full-grown bear of course, but his weight was obviously enough to set it off.

“Wasn’t paying attention,” Namjoon says. The dejected look on his face feels like someone has punched you straight in your stomach as he mutters, “Was distracted. Sad.” Because of you. ”Was going to leave when the trap stopped me,” Namjoon frowns. That explains why it took so long to find him, and why he had moved so far from where you first met him. If it hadn’t been for the trap, you likely never would’ve seen Namjoon again.

The wolf hybrid’s face is pinched as he tries to formulate the sentence in his head, the words a little jumbled but clear enough that you understand what he’s trying to say, ”Trap hurt, but you came back. So pain is okay.” For all the things you want to say, the only thing that comes out is just a saddened, “I’m sorry.”

Namjoon shakes his head. The wolf hybrid’s golden brown eyes are warmwarmwarm, his voice dripping with honeyed content as he says, “Found you, so everything’s okay now. Found my pack.” Your body moves on instinct as you shift closer, untangling your hand from Namjoon’s to gently wrap them around his shoulders. The position is a little awkward, but you couldn’t care less about the weird twist in your lower back as the wolf hybrid collapses into your embrace with a low whine, his face tucked securely into your neck. The soft fur of Namjoon's ears brush against your chin as he inhales your scent, a shaky breath escaping his lips as your calming scent washes over him. He doesn’t scent you like you expected him to; instead, he just seems happy to be this close to you, his breath spilling across your neck as he tries to press himself even closer.

“Yeah,” You breathe. It seems you both have.

It’s almost too easy to grow attached to Namjoon. The last two weeks since you brought Namjoon home has passed without a hitch, the wolf hybrid finally having settled properly into your apartment. His speech has improved drastically since you talked that night, and he’s been doing better and better for each day as he makes an effort to ask about your life, or your work. With the way Namjoon’s face lit up at the mention of your profession, it felt like another puzzle piece was falling snuggly into place. You’ve never had someone be so interested and intrigued by your writing before, but then again, you’ve never met someone who devours books in the same way that Namjoon does either. The wolf hybrid breezes through a book in only a couple of days, and the sound of paper being turned alongside with Namjoon’s low grumbles as he finds something interesting has become your new white noise as you work. You were certain you wouldn’t be able to write with someone else in the apartment, let alone the same room, but Namjoon blends so seamlessly into your life that it’s far from an issue.

But, with attachment, also comes fear. You call Jihyo on your way to the grocery store, your mind busy and your heart even heavier as you make your way through the spring rain. Like the sky, you pour out all of the insecurities and worries you’ve kept bottled up, Jihyo only spurring your rambling on with a few encouraging noises.

“I’m scared,” You admit. “Is it weird how fast we’re moving? The more I get to know him the more it feels like he was always supposed to be there.” Jihyo lets out a low hum as she thinks.

“I don’t think so Y/n. Sometimes you just find people you click with, there’s nothing wrong with that. And it’s not like you’ve only been hanging out for an hour every now and then, you’ve been living together for two weeks. It’s understandable that you would grow close a little quicker than normal.”

“But that’s not all, is it?” Jihyo adds, as you keep silent.

“No .. I just don’t want him to regret anything. I’m the first nice human he’s seen in years, I’m just scared that his affection is a little misplaced,” You grimace.

“That may be, but Namjoon is still capable of making his own choices. The people at the hospital treated him nicely, and you don’t see him rushing to come home with them.” You can hear Jihyo’s teasing smile through the phone.

“I guess,” You mutter. Despite his initial hostility toward the staff, Namjoon had opened up after the first day there. He had stopped growling and trying to bite the doctors' hands off, and he had even offered the kind woman that checked upon him the most a sweet smile after she had brought him his dinner.

“There’s no guarantees in life Y/n. You don’t know if Namjoon will change his mind in a week, or a month or a year. But I do know that you would respect his wishes and let him go if it ever comes down to that. I think Namjoon knows that too, and that’s why he’s not afraid to open up to you. Because you genuinely care about him,” Jihyo voice is soft through the phone. “You have no guarantees, but some things are worth the risk.” You didn’t even have to think twice to know that Namjoon was worth it. You already knew.

You briefly glance up from your computer as a steaming mug is placed next to it, the wolf hybrid giving you a dimpled smile before he hobbles back to the couch. You raise the cup to your mouth; a relieved sigh leaving your lips as you inhale the strong aroma of the coffee Jihyo gifted you last month. You hold back a groan as you take your first sip, the strain in your eyes already feeling a little more bearable due to the hybrid’s sweet actions.

Namjoon does this a lot, you’ve come to realize. Even with his injury, the wolf hybrid tries his best to do little things for you. It’s everything from bringing you coffee when your energy starts running out, to organizing your scattered notes, to tearing you away from your unfinished chapters when the words just won’t flow anymore. Your cheeks are honestly starting to ache from the smile that seems to be constantly tugging at your lips. You take another sip of the hot beverage, nearly choking on the burning liquid as you notice the two new emails in your inbox. You open the hospital email first, the standardized note doing little to calm your nerves as you skim through the reminder of Namjoon’s appointment next week. You know the wolf hybrid is itching to get the heavy cast off in exchange for a lighter brace, so he’ll be happy to know that his leg is healing as it should be.

You push through the light tremor in your hands as you go to the next email, Yeonjun’s name creating a flurry of nerves to erupt in your stomach. You haven’t formally adopted Namjoon yet. The papers you signed were for a temporary stay while the shelter did more extensive research into your funds and background, so the notice you’ve been waiting for since you left the hospital is finally here. You’ll finally know if you've passed their tests or not. You hastily click the message before you can talk yourself out of it, your eyes scanning frantically over the page until you find the section you were looking for. You slump back in your chair, eyes growing wide as you read the same sentence over and over. You’re eligible to adopt Namjoon if he wants to stay with you.

“Hey Namjoon,” You grin. The gray ears on Namjoon’s head perk up at the sound of his name, the wolf hybrid’s bright questioning eyes meeting yours as you say, “How do you feel about steak tonight?”

“Smells good,” You swear you almost have a heart attack as Namjoon sneaks up behind you, the wolf hybrid sniffing the cooking meat over your shoulder. You have no idea how he manages to be this quiet with crutches.

“Good! They should be done in a few minutes,” You say as you flip the steaks over, turning down the heat to make sure they don’t get burned. You can feel the heat from Namjoon’s body lingering behind you, the wolf hybrid still rooted in place. You bite back a surprised squeal as Namjoon’s arm wraps around your waist, tugging you back a small step so that he can hook his chin over your shoulder.

“Is this okay?” You stiffen as Namjoon’s husky voice brushes against your ear, a shiver running down your spine at the close proximity. You’re no stranger to hugging or holding hands after living with Namjoon for two weeks, but this feels more .. intimate. Different.

“Of course,” You say. You suck your lower lip between your teeth as Namjoon’s fingers spray across your waist, the firm grip making your head spin as he begins to rub his cheek along your shoulder. Oh, you realize. He’s scenting you. So far Namjoon has only scented your wrists, and you understand now why he decided to limit himself to that, because this – this just feels like so much more. The wolf hybrid lets out a pleased huff as he moves to nose along your throat, his soft hair tickling your neck as he does his best to cover your scent with his own.

You can feel your eyes fluttering shut at the gentle touches, your head tilting to the side to allow Namjoon more access to your skin. You feel the rumble in Namjoon’s chest before you hear it, and it quickly dawns on you that you have once again barred your neck to the alpha, submitted, as teeth begin to nip at your sensitive throat. You clutch the spatula in your hand like it’s a lifeline, trying your best to focus on how the metal is digging into your skin rather than how Namjoon’s fingers have started trailing up and down your waist, leaving fires in their wake. You’re doing good, you think. Just don’t think about it. It’s natural, it’s okay–

Your eyes fly open as Namjoon’s tongue drags over the gentle bite marks on your skin, a choked whine escaping your throat. The wolf hybrid stills against your neck, lips resting against your throat as his tail wags furiously behind his back. You can’t tell whether it’s Namjoon’s or your own heart that’s beating so harshly against your ribcage, the wolf hybrid’s naturally woodsy smell making you feel lightheaded at how tightly it’s wrapped around you. You both stand frozen in place, embarrassment beginning to creep up your chest as Namjoon rubs his cheek against your shoulder one last time, his voice deep and raspy as he says, “You smell good.” You offer him a dazed nod, not trusting you voice. Your eyes stay locked on the slightly charred vegetables as the wolf hybrid pulls away. You can hear him clearly now, how he slowly moves his way back to the couch. You let out shuddering breath once you deem him far enough away, forcing your knees to stop shaking and the butterflies in your stomach to calm down as you finish preparing dinner.

“I have something to ask you,” You say. You figure you might as well bite the bullet considering you’ve only been pushing your food around for the last five minutes. Namjoon gives you an encouraging smile around the food in his mouth, his ears perked and attentive.

“I heard back from the shelter today,” You pause as Namjoon’s eyes widen, his jaw working furiously to get rid of the large piece of steak in his mouth. You stifle a snort, resting your chin in your palm as you wait for him to finish.

“Go on,” Namjoon swallows harshly. “Yeonjun told me that everything checks out. My income and credentials are good enough to officially adopt you,” You say. “That is, if you want me to?” You hastily add, a sliver of fear rushing through your veins as the wolf hybrid’s face becomes hard to read.

“Do you?” Namjoon asks.

“Want to adopt you? Yes. I know I might not have the most space to offer you, but there’s nothing I’d love more.” The thought of Namjoon leaving you makes your chest feel hollow and tight, but at the end of the day, it’s the wolf hybrid’s decision. Namjoon regards you silently for a few more seconds, his brown eyes searching your face one last time before his own crumbles with relief.

“Then adopt me. Please,” He rasps, “This is more than enough, I just want to stay with you.” You can’t hold back the smile that blooms on your face, a matching grin tugging at Namjoon’s lips as you say, “Deal.”  

It isn’t until later, when you go to bring out your sheets from your closet that Namjoon stops you. The wolf hybrid is resting on the foot of your bed, his fingers loosely clasped around your wrist as he says, “Stay.”

He clears his throat at the confused look in your eyes, his ears shifting nervously as he nods to the bed. “I know your back hurts from sleeping on the couch, and I promise I’ll keep to myself. Just .. sleep here with me?” You cast an uncertain glance at your bed, trying to calculate just how much space there will be between the two of you. Your back is sore, and the long hours working at your desk don’t exactly make it better. You have ordered a new bed for the extra bedroom, but that has yet to arrive. You probably should’ve realized the website was a little shady considering just how good of a deal the bed was. You sigh.

“I’ll stay.” You’re tired of feeling like you’re seventy years old when you wake up, and your back really needs some proper rest. You help Namjoon manoeuvre under the covers before you get yourself ready for bed. It feels weird slipping into it with Namjoon already there, the wolf hybrid giving you an amused grin at the groan that escapes when your back hits the soft mattress. You can feel the tenseness in your muscles melting away as you drag the duvet up to your nose, your hand blindly reaching for the bedside lamp until the room is plunged into darkness.

“Good night,” You whisper.

“Sweet dreams Y/n.” The warmth and security of Namjoon’s body being so close to yours drags you under before you know it, and truth be told, you can’t remember the last time you slept so well.

You huff as you drag the heavy laundry basket from the spare bedroom. The new bed you ordered has been sitting inside the room for a week, but it has yet to be used. You and Namjoon came to a silent agreement to just forget that it’s even there. As you drag the basket into the living room, you find your gaze automatically drifting to the wolf hybrid. You can’t help but feel guilty as you watch Namjoon lean against the balcony, the wolf hybrid bathed in golden light as the sun begins to set. Namjoon turns slightly, his ears picking up a sound you can’t hear from inside the apartment. The wolf hybrid’s eyes flutter as a soft gust of wind ruffles his hair, his tail wagging slowly at the fresh air. Still, you know it’s not enough. It’s the faint frown on Namjoon’s face that fuels your guilt, because despite his reassurances that this is all he needs, you know it’s a lie. He’s a wolf hybrid. He needs more space, he needs fresher air, and he needs the forest. He’s not made to live in an apartment in the middle of a bustling city, and especially not after living by himself for years out in the wilderness. This may be all he needs, but you know deep down that Namjoon isn’t happy.

Now that the weather has begun to grow warmer, Namjoon has started spending more and more time on your balcony. It’s been five weeks since the accident, so the bulky cast on his leg is switched out for a lighter brace, but his leg still isn’t strong enough to actually go for a walk outside. You think you both have started to go a little stir-crazy after hardly leaving the apartment for so long, but thankfully the doctor let you know at the last check-up that he can likely remove the brace and start using his leg slowly from next week. Yet, the parks around your area can’t compare in the slightest to the woods around Jihyo’s cabin. Namjoon is his own person, but with the papers you signed last week, he’s now also partially your responsibility. And you just want to do what’s best for the both of you.

You shake your head, huffing out a low curse as you bring the laundry to washing machine inside your bathroom. You chew mindlessly on your lip as you think, getting a little lost in your own thoughts as you watch the clothes being tossed around inside the machine. The soft flesh is almost bitten raw as you come to a conclusion. You don’t need the city in the same way that the wolf hybrid needs the forest. In all honestly, you’re starting to grow a little sick of the constant noise. The only thing you need is good Wi-Fi and well .. Namjoon. You close the bathroom door behind you with a firm snap, the guilt in your stomach slowly turning into excitement as you watch Namjoon push away from the balcony and make his way inside. You think you know how to fix this.  

Namjoon lets out a strained huff as he shifts on the couch. You can feel your concentration slipping further with each movement, the words in front of you bleeding together as you lose your place for the tenth time in the last thirty minutes. You know the wolf hybrid is anxious to get the brace off, but he literally only has to hold on for twelve more hours until it’s time for his appointment. You watch him out of the corner of your eye as he keeps his book in his lap, his neck bent at an awkward angle as he tries to continue reading it. The wolf hybrid’s chest is falling and rising a little heavier than normal, a faint flush creeping up his neck as he keeps squirming, his gold tinted eyes nearly burning through the pages with the intensity in his gaze. You place your book down on the couch with a sigh.

“Namjoon,” You can feel your heart still in your chest as the wolf hybrid’s dark eyes

immediately fly up to find yours, his knuckles turning white from the tight grip he has around the bound pages. “You know it’ll be easier to read your book if you– Oh,” Your mouth runs dry. You had snatched the book out of Namjoon’s hand to bring it up higher, but it didn’t quite cross your mind that maybe it had been placed there .. strategically. Namjoon is big, and the thick bulge straining against the gray fabric of his sweatpants leaves absolutely nothing to your imagination.

Your forcibly tear your eyes away, cheeks burning with embarrassment as you hastily flip the book around to get a proper look at the cover. It appears that Namjoon must’ve found the books you had stashed away in the other bedroom, those that are just tastefully decorated porn. “Shit, I’m sorry,” Namjoon’s voice is caught between a growl and a whine, the sound strangled and unsure as he reaches for his crutches, “I’ll just uh, go take a cold shower.”

“Do you want me to help?” You snap your mouth shut, horrified at the words that just bypassed your filter. The crutches scatter to the floor as the wolf hybrid turns back to face you, his voice breathless as he says, “What?”

You carefully place Namjoon’s book down on the couch, unsure if you should take the out he inadvertently just gave you. You know this is going into territory beyond just friends or roommates, but then again, your relationship is already a little too intimate to just call it that. But, you still don’t know if that’s because Namjoon has been depraved of human touch for so long that he’s trying to catch up to everything he missed out on, or because he actually likes you. You’ve already accepted your growing feelings for Namjoon, but you’re not sure this is a risk you’re willing to take. You should probably pretend that this never happened. You jump as Namjoon gently tilts your head up, his golden eyes dark as he says, “Y/n, what did you ask me?”

Or maybe, for once in your life, you should take a risk. The wolf hybrid’s gaze follows your throat as you swallow dryly, your heart beating wildly in your chest as you softly repeat, ”Do you want me to help?” The low growl that spills from Namjoon’s mouth makes your thighs clench.

“Fuck,” Namjoon curses, the dark look in his eyes growing wilder as he rasps out a strained, “Please.” Your knees hit the floor before you can even think about it, and another low growl rumbles in Namjoon’s chest as you look up at him.

“Your leg,” You eye the awkward way Namjoon has twisted himself, the wolf hybrid letting out an impatient huff as you wait for him to settle down properly on the couch. You slowly trail your fingers up his good leg once he’s situated, the injured one resting on the coffee table behind your back. You shuffle forward until you’re properly kneeling between Namjoon’s outstretched thighs, your hands resting on the firm muscles.

You keep your eyes locked on the wolf hybrid as you ease your hands up under his baggy shirt. You suck in a breath as you feel the taut and defined abs underneath your fingertips, the muscles jumping as you explore Namjoon’s body. You knew that the wolf hybrid was in good shape after being so active for many years, but the extra food and proper nutrition he’s been getting ever since you brought him home has really filled him out in the right places. You push Namjoon’s shirt up as your fingers trail higher, the firm skin making you bite back a moan. Namjoon is absolutely ripped. Goosebumps rise on Namjoon’s skin as he lets your hands slide across his stomach, the heavy breaths falling from his lips hitching as they glide down down down until your fingers are hooked into the waistband of his sweats. His hips rise off the couch enough to help you pull them off, and the wolf hybrid hastily works his good leg out of the material to give you more room. Namjoon’s hard cock is straining against his boxers, a patch of pre-cum already seeping through the material.

”Fuck, you’re big,” You breathe, biting down harshly on your lips as the wolf hybrid’s cock twitches at your words. Namjoon lets out a raspy whine as you press soft kisses to the inside of his thighs, not stopping until you reach the dark fabric clinging to his hips.

”Is this still okay?” You check, your cunt clenching around nothing as you look up to see how just wrecked Namjoon already looks. The wolf hybrid’s pupils are blown wide, and the veins in his arms look like they’re ready to pop out of his skin from how tightly he’s gripping onto the couch. Namjoon barely manages to nod before he throws his head back with a moan, your hot breath spilling across his skin as you lean down to mouth at his clothed cock. You lick against the already damp material, your nose trailing along the thick length. It doesn’t take long before Namjoon’s chest rumbles, his voice low and deep as he says, ”Y/n, no teasing.”

A shot of arousal travels down your spine at the wolf hybrid’s dominating tone, and you waste no time pulling his boxers down his legs, Namjoon quickly stepping out of it like he did with his sweats. Your nails dig lightly into the wolf hybrid’s thighs as you take in the sight of his cock, the thick and long length making your eyes widen. Namjoon is so big you can’t even properly close your fist around him, his shaft already glistening with pre-cum. You quickly rub your thumb across his slit as another drop forms, using it to coat the rest of his length as you lean in closer, just enough to press feather light kisses to the head of it. The wolf hybrid gasps at the contact, and you peak up to find his eyes shut tight, a light sheen of sweat on his face as he strains to hold himself back from touching you, tail wagging wildly behind his back. You press another kiss to the pinkish head of his cock, the pressure a little firmer as you open your mouth enough to take him in, swirling your tongue around the tip.

”Fuck, you feel so good,” Namjoon moans. His thighs clenches at the wet hotness around his cock, fingers twitching by his side as he digs them into the couch cushions. You begin to push down further on his length, trying your best to relax your throat as you slowly bob your head on Namjoon’s cock, hand stroking the rest of it to match the rhythm of your mouth. You moan as you feel the heavy weight of the wolf hybrid’s cock resting on your tongue, the slightly salty taste only spurring you on further as you tighten your lips around him. You slide your free hand up his thigh, grasping his tense fingers to bring them to your hair. You can tell Namjoon was itching to touch by the way he immediately gathers your soft locks between his fingers, curling them until he has a nice grip behind your head.

”Baby,” You look up just in time to meet Namjoon’s hooded gaze, a whine pressing up your throat at the desperate hunger in his eyes. The vibrations makes the wolf hybrid’s hips jerk, the sudden motion making you choke as his cock brushes against the back of your throat. The grip in your hair tightens as Namjoon tries to pull your back, but the apology dies on his lips as you deliberately swallow him down even further, refusing to let him tug you off.

“Look at you,” The wolf hybrid groans, ”You were made for this, weren’t you baby?” You can only hum in response, Namjoon’s words making your cunt throb with need as you futilely try to rub your thighs together to create some friction. The wolf hybrid’s hand follows the movements of your head as you up your pace, your lips coming down to touch the fingers wrapped around his base as you take him in faster. Your name rolls of Namjoon’s tongue like a prayer as he watches you swallow down his cock, his abs clenching as you don’t let up on the speed.

”Fuck, your mouth looks so pretty stuffed full of my cock,” Namjoon growls. Trying to not choke on the stiff length in your mouth has distracted you enough that you don’t notice the weight forming underneath your fingers until you’re staring down at a fully formed knot. You don’t have much time to think about it before you feel Namjoon’s grip in your hair tighten, his chest rumbling as he helps you swallow down another inch of his cock. You’re almost at the base, almost touching his knot with only a couple of fingers between the taut skin and your lips.

“I– shit, I'm not going to last.” Tears spring to your eyes as you hum around the wolf hybrid’s length, the vibrations making Namjoon’s breaths turn harsher, louder, as your determination grows. You can feel Namjoon’s impending orgasm before he even manages to stutter out a broken warning, the grip in your hair bordering on painful as you suck harder, your tongue dragging along his length one last time before you feel the knot under your fingers begin to throb.

”Oh, fuck– Baby,” You cling to Namjoon’s toned thighs, nails digging into his skin as you feel the first burst of cum hit your throat. The wolf hybrid’s hard cock pulses as he lets out a loud moan, the tail behind his back stilling as he releases his load. You whimper as you feel spurt after spurt trail down your throat, breathing becoming more and more difficult until you’re forced to pull back to swallow it down easier. You gently bob your head, hand once again stroking Namjoon’s length as you coax him through his orgasm.

“Y/n,” Namjoon whines, his legs beginning to tremble from overstimulation as you swipe your tongue one last time over the head of his cock, swallowing down the last of the salty substance lingering in your mouth. You can feel the wetness between your own legs as you pull back to press a chaste kiss to Namjoon’s knee, the wolf hybrid loosening the grip he has on your hair to gently massage his fingers into your scalp. A blowjob has never left you so turned on before, but as Namjoon’s gentle touches against the dull stinging in your scalp continues, the throbbing between your legs is forced to take a backseat as your heart overflows with fondness at how he always finds a way to take care of you too.

You glance up to find Namjoon’s warm eyes already looking at you, the hunger in them still there. ”Let me return the favour,” Namjoon rasps as the hand in your hair glides down over your shoulders, all the way down to the hand resting on his leg. You want it so bad, but– ”Later,” You wince at the hoarseness in your throat, gently patting Namjoon’s injured leg as you say, “Let’s save it for later when your leg has healed.”

”Hmm, you better baby,” The air gets knocked out of your lungs at the smirk Namjoon gives you, the points of his canines just poking out over his lips as he leans back to catch his breath. You take the moment to marvel at the golden skin under your hands, at how Namjoon’s muscles dance underneath your fingertips. Baby. It makes your head swim in the best way. You grin as you trail a finger over the wolf hybrid’s softening cock, Namjoon’s good leg kicking out in protest as you touch the sensitive skin. He’s still dripping, the knot at the base of his cock almost gone. You push up from your knees with a soft groan, but Namjoon catches your hand before you can leave, his gray ears pulling back.

”Where are you going?” The worry in his handsome feature is obvious, and you reach out to smooth the furrow between his brows.

”I’m just going to get a towel to get you cleaned up,” You smile. You can tell the wolf hybrid is still reluctant to let you go, but he eventually relents, squeezing your fingers before he releases it.

You almost grimace at your own reflection as you run the towel under the lukewarm water. You look absolutely wrecked.Your hair is a mess, and you quickly splash some water on your face to attempt to make yourself look a little more presentable. Namjoon cleans himself up quickly as you go to grab something to soothe the rasp in your throat, the wolf hybrid readjusting his sweats around his hips as you settle down next to him.

”Namjoon–” Your breath hitches as he suddenly leans in, the wolf hybrid’s hand reaching up to cup your cheek as he places soft pecks against your lips. You melt into his touch, eagerly moving your mouth against his as you wrap your arms around his neck, fingers curling into the long hair at his nape. A pleased rumble sounds from Namjoon’s chest as you open you lips enough for his tongue to meet yours. You allow yourself to drown in Namjoon – the gentle touch on your cheek and the passionate kisses pulling you under until your mind grows hazy, your lungs screaming for air when you finally break away from his lips.

The wolf hybrid wastes no time moving his lips down your jaw, pressing gentle pecks against your skin all the way down to your neck. Namjoon’s tail wags steadily behind his back as he inhales your scent, the soft kisses turning into nips and licks as he marks your throat. You try your best to get your ragged breath under control as Namjoon takes his time scenting your neck. The wolf hybrid presses a kiss just below your ear; his warm breath sending shivers down your spine as he murmurs out a fond, “I like you so much.”

”What?” You squeak, your eyes growing wide as you tug Namjoon back. Even if this is what you’ve been dying to hear, you can’t help but feel a little anxious. Anxious that this might be a mistake, that Namjoon’s affection might be a little misplaced, but still– ”I like you,” He repeats, the confidence in his voice wavering as he says, ”I don’t want this to just be a one time thing. I want this – us – to be more.”

You find yourself nodding along to Namjoon’s words before he’s even finished, a shy grin blooming on your face as you say, ”Me too. I like you too, so much.” Namjoon’s face lights up like the sun at your confession, his ears perked and his tail moving so quickly behind his back you can’t even keep track of it. The pure adoration you find in the wolf hybrid’s eyes make you flush, but Jihyo’s words keep you from pulling away. You have no guarantees that this will work out, but you know that you would be a fool if you don’t even try.

”Good,” Namjoon grins. You card your fingers through Namjoon’s silver locks, just high enough to scratch gently behind one of the wolf hybrid’s ears. Namjoon turns into putty in your hands, his head slumping against your shoulder to allow you easier access to his ears as he lets out a pleased noise. You let out a small giggle, brushing your lips against his cheek as you whisper, ”Good.”

“So ..” You extend your arm behind you, watching Namjoon intently as you say, ”What do you think?” The wolf hybrid’s head tilts as he takes in his surroundings, his gray ears twitching as he tries to pinpoint where all the different sounds are coming from. You’re standing in front of a quaint little cottage in the woods, about an hour drive away from the city and your current apartment. You had fallen head over heels for the property the moment you first saw it, the beautiful stone and wood building screaming your name as you had clicked through the photos. It does need a little TLC, but it’s nothing you and Namjoon can’t fix. The cottage looks like a dream with the lush trees and colourful flowers encasing it, and you can’t help but think that this is the home you’ve been waiting for. The wolf hybrid’s face is unreadable as his golden eyes scan the area, but you notice that his tail twitches, as if he’s trying to hold himself back from getting excited.

“What’s this?” Namjoon strides around the car with ease, no trace of his injury left as he intertwines your fingers with his.

“Well, it’s ours. If you want it,” You bite down on your lip in anticipation as surprise flickers across Namjoon’s face, the wolf hybrid quickly moving his gaze back to the cottage, and the dense woods behind it. “I do,” Namjoon breathes, a brilliant smile settling on his face, “It’s perfect.”

“Oh thank god,” You sigh dramatically, collapsing against the wolf hybrid’s side as he rolls his eyes. He quickly wraps his arm around your shoulder, tugging you close enough to nose against your neck.

”But are you sure you want to leave the city?” Namjoon says, his tone a little worried at the prospect of you leaving everything you have behind.

You circle your arms around the wolf hybrid’s waist, shifting your position enough to allow you to look up at Namjoon’s face as you say, ”I can write anywhere. The only thing that I need is you,” You rise slightly off the ground, just enough to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. ”And good Wi-Fi,” You add with a grin.

Namjoon snorts as he dips his head down to fit his lips properly against yours, the kiss lazy and sweet as the early summer breeze ruffles your hair. The last four months have thrown you for a loop you never could have expected, but as you stand here with Namjoon, you realize that maybe that’s the beauty of it all. Life might be uncertain, but what isn’t, is that you love Namjoon, and Namjoon loves you back. And that’s all you need to know.

a/n: it took some time but out of the woods is finally finished! i really hope you enjoyed wolf!namjoon’s solo story, he’s really just a big babie and he deserves the best. :( if you liked the story then please drop me a reblog/comment, that would mean the world to me! as always, see you all soon and stay safe! <3 and in case you enjoy my stories and want to buy me a coffee, you can do so here! 💖 i would really appreciate the support!

[annoyingloverbear]

ASANO GAKUSHUU X READER HEADCANNONS

Before you ask......don't ask. Yes I like assassination classroom too.

This is a HC about Y/n and Gakushuu attending the same high school.

Ohh boy do I tell you this boi fell hard for you.

And by 'fell' I mean literally fell.

It was one of those rare occasions his father being the disciplined father he is made Gakushuu walk home from school just because he didn't eat his roasted asparagus in dinner last night.

He didn't really mind tho. His home wasn't that far and he liked to see what's going on in the outside peasant world sometimes.

As he was passing a convenient store, he heard some commotion in the alley behind it.

He ignored it and started to walk his way, but he saw a glimpse of a grey uniform skirt and snapped his head towards you.

He saw you, clad in Kunigioka's grey uniform and surrounded by three tattooed bulk men.

"Come on little girl, just keep us company for some karaoke. You see my friends and I we all are really bad singers and would love some help."______"What makes you think I'm good at singing?"________" Oh I can tell you are naturally good at it little bird! Your angelic voice is like as sweet as honey to my ears."________"Back off."_________"What?"________"I said back off you pathetic excuse of a human being before I break your willy and shove it down your throats."________"YOU STUPID BITCH!!!"

He raised his hand, but before he could even swing you neck sliced him in the throat and kicked him down there. He clutched himself as you once again kicked him in his ribs and hope that the blow was enough to keep him down for a bit. You grabbed your heavy aluminium water bottle (those things hurt guys😭 not that I've been hit by one but I accidentally hit myself. it's a great, heavy yet non-obvious self defense tool so carry one around👍) and swung it towards one of his friends. A sickening clang could be audibly heard as you hit him in the head and Congratulations!! You eliminated one more player.

You turned around and swung it towards yet another person who skillfully twisted and yanked your aluminium bottle away from you. This person was similar to your build and was standing in a defensive position, so you kicked the only thing available to you, his shin.

You were surprised as you heard a rather boyish yelp as your victim fell to the ground and grabbed his aching leg. Only then you realized......

Shit it's the previous headmaster's son.

"Oh no!! I didn't mean to kick you are you okay?"_________"I'm fine thank you."

You moved your hand towards the part of his leg which was sprained and saw that he flinched. Clearly he was in pain and seeing that he took care of one of the guys who was hitting on you felt bad so you took him to your house to treat his injury no matter how much he refused.

That was it. That's how he fell for you.

He expected himself to fall for someone who was at the same level of genius as him, but apparently he was wrong.

Why you ask he fell for you? Because you were the only one who can kick his ass purple and speak sweet words to him at the same time.

Seeing that you were an average student, not too good not too bad, he didn't really have a problem with sharing his feelings for you with someone.

The first one to notice it was not Ren, but Karma. Or you could say that Karma found his theory to be correct as he eavesdropped on Gakushuu telling Ren about how he felt for you.

Ren, knowing his manipulating skills encouraged Gakushuu to manipulate one of the teachers to transfer you from class C to class A.

And so you did.

Gakushuu, Ren along with Karma and you. This was a particularly chaotic classroom.

You weren't really complaining, as your grades got better the day you stepped in the class. But you can't shake the feeling that ten pairs of eyes were watching your every movement.

(And lol that was so true😂)

Gakushuu only respectfully watched you and your subtle movements. The way you'd chew on your pencil or nails when you were stuck, the way your eyes turned big round and innocent every time you didn't understand a concept, the way you'd pick on your peach fuzz on your face when you were anxious. Every single habit, every little thing he loved about you, he would have it memorized. Heck when he was feeling stressed out about his future company finances (yes he's planning big) he would pick on his own peach fuzz and smile like an idiot as his heart relaxes and flutters at the same time.

Ren however, watched for your responses to guys. Every time the handsome professor walked in, (admit it, we all have one at some point in our life😏) you would sit up straight, your spine rid of any slouchiness from studying. The way you would cross your legs so your skirt rides up just a bit, and the way your gaze turned sly and your smirk naughty, yes this boy is serious about helping his best friend. Heck he would even come up to you and talk to you to get some type of reaction towards him, but figures out you didn't really like him (ouch!😢)

But Karma stared. And by stared I literally mean stared. Bore holes in the back of your head by staring at you too much. He didn't understand that a guy as corrupt as Gakushuu would fall for a disheveled angel like you. It's not that you weren't beautiful, but the combination of scary principal's son and a smol fluffy bean didn't seem very safe. At times you would even find Karma behaving as an older brother to you. And you weren't one to complain but rather happy that someone in here truly cares for you than judge you for your grades.

Add 7 other girls who were suspicious of you and that's all the people who keep staring at you during the time you're in class.

Every morning you hand in your homework, it was always Gakushuu. You would hand in your homework, he would scan it once and turn around to check others'.

But you knew better than that.

After school was over, you would make your way to the hallway but a strong grip held you back.

"We need to work on your Social Studies. You suck at it."______"But shuu!!!"_______"No buts. Get in the library and wait for me there."

He would drag you to the library and make you study your worst subject (which isn't fun at all🤢) but he would make it a LOT easier for you to understand.

Of course Ren gave him some tips to flirting. Hold her pinky, look in her eyes, compliment her and yada yada yada yada yada......

He did try one of them, but he almost had a heart attack from his heart beating so fast that he decided not to listen to his minio- I mean friend anymore and do it his way.

And honestly he loves his way!!

He loved the cute nicknames you made for him while you whined for him to release you. He loved it the way your face lightens up when he explains there was an easier way to solve an equation.

All the nervousness is his system had vanished.

He also got to the point where when you got an obviously easy question wrong, he would pinch your cheeks while grinning wide.

This made study time a lot easier for you.

You weren't aware that he was like that for and with you only. Only you made him feel that way.

But you found out soon when he got TOO comfortable one day and let it slip out.

"Y/n I think I have a crush on you."

As soon as he said it, blood rushed to your cheeks and drained from his.

Both of you were staring at each other for a hot minute before you broke the silence.

"You're kidding aren't you? I'm not even that smart or that much of a genius in anything. I- but-"

"Y/n I know that. But it's just something about you that I love. I- I can't express in words how much I adore you."

You were starstruck.

Asano Gakushuu. THE Asano Gakushuu likes you!!!!

But you still refused to believe yourself AND his words. Wondering if he was turning into a playboy like Ren.

All you could say was "Then show me."

The library was quiet and you two specifically picked up a spot away from other students, the librarian and surveillance cameras so both of you can goof off. Who knew that this was also the perfect place to kiss?

He gently took your hand as he first stared at your eyes and shifted his gaze to your lips. You acted confident as if you knew how to kiss but god knows you kicked the ass of your first boyfriend before he could even hold your hand.

His gaze stayed on your lips as he licked his and visibly gulped. You wanted to throw a snarky remark but seeing the boy was as edged as a cat you wouldn't dare.

Bringing one of his hands up to your cheek he slightly tilted his head as he came near you before stopping right where your lips weren't touching his but you could feel his minty breath. Obviously waiting for you if you were okay with this, you decided to close that painful space between the two of you.

As soon as your lips touched his, he was in charge. This wasn't a particularly deep or fast kiss. You weren't digging your tongues in each other's mouth but rather just moving your lips to each other, as if giving silent yet intimate messages to each other. His lips slightly glided over yours, and you definitely knew that the way he was kissing you, he was an expert hidden within an amateur. The kiss wasn't heated or passionate in any way, but it was sinfully sweet.

It lasted for about a minute, but felt like an eternity.

Pulling away he stared at you again softly before saying "Thank You" and intertwining your fingers with his.

You were too shocked to react to anything. You were an average student. You got into fights. Your mom always yells at you to behave. Your dad keeps telling you to improve your temper. Why the hell does this boy like you?

He noticed you were staring at him the same way you stared at the blackboard during class when the professor was teaching the quantum theory for the first time.

Now that this boy had finally kissed you, he was bold enough to reach out his thumb and running it over your lower lip before popping it in his mouth.

"Pineapple flavoured lip balm, huh? I thought strawberry was the preferred choice when it came to anything for girls. Including......" his eyes lowered to your legs which felt like they were bare naked in the tiny skirt.

"Shuu!!!! Don't stare at me!!" You shoved him away as he laughed and you covered your face with your sweater paws.

"I'm sorry dear. You are just so adorable I couldn't help myself." He said while stroking your hair.

Little did they know a certain playboy on the other side of the library was paying attention to them the whole time and a redhead was poking his head from above one of the bookshelves.

[salenakingston]

Mystery March Day 21 - One of Us

(This is by far the most involved prompt I have done for Mystery March, and so I hope it turned out alright. There will be some more detailed author’s notes at the end of the writing, as there’s no possible way I can fit them all here before it. Just let me express how much of an inspiration you all have been! ENJOY!)

I said, even if I told ya

It all started with an idea, as most every work of art does. Concepts were put in place, branching off from that one base idea. From there, others came together to help get this little project off the ground. Characters were fleshed out, just as the world they lived in where. The team worked hard on everything planned, a true passion project.

When the first video dropped, we were all invested. We fell in love with the characters, story, and music. We couldn’t wait to see more, and despite all the time having to wait, it has always been worth it. Great works take time, and even with a team as dedicated as this one is, they fueled our own passions with previews, updates, character and worldbuilding, merch, and as of the most recent video, a branch into another medium to further tell their story. Their group continued to grow, bringing on more talented individuals, including voice actors.

Fours videos under the belt and one more still to come, they pour their heart and soul into this series, though they are not the only ones who do so. There’s a theory in our world known as the ‘multiverse.’ It is said that all these universes living side by side with one another create everything that exists. Can the same not be said for this team and all the fascinating works of art that came out of this one little series of four videos?

They've been looking for you and only you

It’s a tale of three friends and their dog, all stemming from a terrifying incident inside a cave. One lost their life, one lost their memory, and one lost their arm. What of the last member of their group? He lost his identity. Karma for his trickery would come back to haunt him. Guilt came to consume another, and the last to make it out alive was left wondering what was even going on.

Revenge fueled the one that came back, determined to get back at the one ‘friend’ that managed to cut his life short, and reunite with the love of his life. What started with a chase through a mansion led to the appearance of a tree woman searching for the trickster. The ghost refueled hijacks a truck, gunning down for the familiar van he once drove for all of them.

The woman catches up, shattering the glass wall protecting those in the front seat. The ghost blows the back tire that causes the van to crash. Two encounters branch from this point, one shrouded in the past, and another in the pursuit of revenge. Blonde and blue-haired humans nearly falling at the hands of their captors.

But they survive.

The dog’s true form revealed, the battle commences, blood spilling. As one disintegrates, an opening is left over for a familiar evil to take hold. White became black, demonic nature taking over the once noble being. The three friends left being the ones to bring him free of this grip. What are they to do? It’s all left to be seen...

Darkness is my signal

Not too much is known about this blonde, though despite the change to his physical appearance, there are parts of what defined him that have not changed. He’s had to adjust his lifestyle, but seems to have made the most of his new life. He may have even found some comfort in a bit of an unusual source. Anything to keep him from the self-isolation he seemed content to bring upon himself because of his condition.

So what are you to me, what are we to you?

The cave incident plays out like normal, there is one major change in the timeline of events. The blonde is sent tossed over the cliff along with his best friend, the entity that caused all their problems still trapped inside his body. When the ghost reformed, his anger was washed away at the sight of his friend suffering the same fate, or so he believed. Once free, it was nothing but a rough struggle to hold onto sanity, not just for one of them, but both.

One to keep calm, helping his friend to try and stay lucid.

The other fighting the terrifying entity inside him for control, while changing his body to fit the demon’s needs.

The blonde won, but at what a cost? Green skin covering his body, feet and hands sporting yellow-tinted claws. The posture of his own feet changed, causing him to have to learn how to walk all over again. A tail with a tuft of orange hair, and two large wings attached to his back. Last of course, were the horns on his head, and the blacked out eyes with amber pupils. He was in despair over the turn of events.

At least he had his best friend to help him. He wouldn’t have been able to do this without him. Well, this, and the series of events that came to follow. The two were eventually united with their final friend, but their not-dog wasn’t convinced of the blonde’s mind. It didn’t matter that he didn’t act like a demon, as he still looked like one, accepting the pain brought on him.

Drastic measures were taken to ensure freedom of the ghost, no matter how unnecessary it was. Adjustment takes time, and a good talk was what the four of them needed.

But are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

What seemed like a simple task, well maybe not simple, but one that was plausible spiraled into a long drive across the country in search of a cure for the ghost’s condition. All it took was one ingredient: werewolf blood. Seven weeks after the start of their trip, two were starting to lose hope, the last of their trio determined as always. A blur running across the front of their van was enough to bring their hopes back up, chasing down what looked like a big wolf.

To just miss it. It seemed like another dead end for their search.

Until the blonde was all alone.

The wolf jumped out of the shadows, teeth sinking down into flesh. Were it not for the arrival of the kitsune, who knows what would have happened. The injured one was brought back to his friends, patched up, and taken in for proper treatment. A headache marks the night of the full moon, a night when werewolves are said to be forced to transform. What will happen for them? Most left to the whim of try blue ghosts deemed as blueberries. We shall see where their questions and actions take this new werewolf and his friends.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

Tales of legends are passed down, but come from a place of truth. Those that speak of a king gifted a sword with a beautiful, glowing, purple gem just before the silver of the blade. This is a gift from the Lady of the Lake, and one not to be taken lightly. It comes as a surprise when the weapon turns out to be sentient, and the two not always getting along.

Sometimes the king can be a little harsh on his partner.

And sometimes the sword can refuse to work in situations where his help would be greatly appreciated.

They must learn to work with one another if they hope to overcome the obstacles placed in front of them. The question is can this be done, or will they continue to bicker with one another?

I know that this sounds crazy

An unfortunate case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time causes the members of the separate mystery solving groups to be body swapped with one another. A kid stuck with adult hunters that deal with magic, as well as otherworldly dangers, and an adult stuck with a bunch of kids that seem like they may be in way over their heads. The ultimate goal is for the two groups to come together, and find a way to swap the souls in each body back to their original home.

Easier said than done.

One gets to learn the truth of a horrifying incident, something that tore friends apart, and damaged the people of their group beyond some repair. A kind heart is offered to them despite all this, helping to try and ease the burden even if he has nothing to do with them.

The other sees first hand what kind of trouble a group of kids can get themselves in. His own problems arise, and in typical fashion, does not wish to push them onto anyone he’s been stuck with. It’s a little harder to convince some of this new group of the world he has seen, and learned from; but, if there’s one thing he can do, it’s to still help those around him, and lend a hand when a mystery comes along their way.

Two outsider perspectives looking in, and it’s a matter of what adventures they will have before and after they come together again.

Waiting for this moment, can you see me?

A whirlwind of emotions, pushed only further at the hands of abuse, a blonde is left to flee from his own home to try and preserve himself. He fled through the states, ending up at another corner of the US. His mind might have been broken, but that didn’t stop one person from becoming the most important in his life, nor the three that came to follow from their union. The haunts of old were constantly clinging to him, no matter how careful he was so that none could find him, and even when those fears returned, he never let them get in the way of his family. There was an understanding between them.

But all that fear came crashing back when one single letter was hand passed to him by his former friend’s father.

Even terrified out of his wits, he found the courage to pack up some of his family to return to his old home. The past came back in full force, as well as the reveal of a curse that only seemed to have the power to vanquish. The people that treated him the worst came back to him for help. The same blue-haired girl who’s father delivered the father nearly brought the end of three children with her partner in crime. The wraith that made his life a living hell came back trying to act as if there was something he could do to make up for what he had done.

And the demon that caused all this to happen in the first place was now roaming free...

'Cause I know that you're out there

Almost as if the reset button had been hit, the blonde wakes up thrown into the past, a time when his best friend was still alive, but… it wasn’t the same. The blonde was still the same one from the future, and new friends that his past friends would know nothing about showed themselves. How was he meant to be like his old self when anytime he looked at the purple wearing man, all he saw was the vengeful ghost out for his life?

Events aren’t meant to play out the same way, and they don’t. Despite this, some things can not be changed. The demon still found his way to the same host, though what he chose to do was different. Even with all the chaos, at least the one man didn’t lose his life.

And he gets a front row seat to what his blonde friend had to go through in the future he once came from. It hurt. Emotions still rang high, even if the circumstances are not the same.

This darkness is my signal, come and find me

Sometimes the past can be changed and have one new timeline play out, but what if that same man from the future was now thrown into multiple iterations of the same events, each one spent trying to make it a perfect outcome for all four of them? Well… after a few rounds it didn’t matter if he got to be part of their ending. All that mattered was fixing things for the other three. That was his assigned duty.

Death ended each try, waking the man back up in his bed, whether that be at the hands of someone else, or himself. He just needed more time, plan, and make sure he got it right. He could do it, he was determined to do so.

No matter how much it was tearing him apart.

And when enough was finally enough, it was up to the three left to try and convince him that even with pain, they could continue on with their lives. He didn’t have to keep fighting anymore. He could take an ending that hurt, but one they could heal from, rather than spending so many years trying and trying, all to end with a repeat.

As having to remember all of that hurt.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

What started out as just another night of sleepwalking led the blonde to the steps of a very familiar mansion. Fleeing from an unseen threat caused him to swallow his fear, taking the first step inside. There was no greeting this time, save for the slamming of doors behind him. The only light provided was a light purple of three candles, lifted by the only hand he had. A journey up a flight of stairs and down the hall, coming to a plaque with his name on it.

Entrance strangely granted to him with the twist of a knob from a hand that wasn't there.

The night spent in a bed, waking up to find he had become a prisoner. It seemed death was what would come to him, whether it be at the hands of his former best friend, or by his own. After all, there was a reason his room was on the second floor. Revelations come to light with the appearance of a certain green arm… wearing a familiar, black wristband.

Friendships ruined, for another reason than before. Another friend found searching for him. Both started for selfish means, but it was selflessness that sent him back into the house, even though an evil from the past threatened them once more.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

It’s not everyday that some dive into the past of these character’s lives, but what would happen if one young, scared blonde came across an ancient tree? One that was alive in more ways than one. A strange feeling washed between the two of them, a bond made from the day the blond fled into her woods to hide from the one hunting him. He came to her more than once, and yet every time he did, she sought to rest his soul.

And soon, the tables had turned. Now she was the one in need of rest, though she did not realize it yet until she got the same comfort she once gave to the blonde. His pack adopted her, and he took care of her rot. Names of a powerful thing to these beings, and they knew each other by that power word.

This was not the end of their story. The three friends and dog were reunited, of course the blonde being the one to decide to choose the home where his wooden friend resided. There’s no denying that he was still healing, but he found the courage to try and seek it for himself. The bluenette grew curious about the tree in their backyard, and the final finds an outside source to try and round his curious status.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

The once ghost only turned out to be half deceased, but the hatred still remained. Whether he liked it or not, the blond was at fault; but, he had a plan. One that was sure to fix everything. Find the true cause of their misery, proof that he was just as much a victim.

It was a plan that split their group apart. The dog chose to go with the man on his search, while the bluenette stayed with their half dead friend. The hunt is on, but who’s to tell how the story is to go on from here. Will they each succeed with their goals? We shall see.

Are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

The ghost finds himself in the company of others like him. Not ghosts, but skeletons from various worlds. The logistics of how this came to pass is a mystery, though he does not seem to find these details too important. Separated from his ‘friends,’ he finds new ones in this strange group of individuals. They seem to naturally bounce off one another, though some still have trouble catching the ghost’s triggers to his anger. Thankfully, most situations involving this aren’t left to fester.

Their local hang out at Manny’s place is full of stories, interactions between these liked characters. Some funny, some more serious. Whatever the case may be, even if he’s not in the same place as most other ghosts like him, he’s found a place where he can fit in.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

A prince and a noble of green came together, an unholy union that was meant to lead to a prosperous life. Perhaps, but only for one half of that pair. Concerns were dismissed, comfort was sought by an evil man from the one he supposedly loved, and the other tried to find what little comfort there was in his constricting hold. It took the support of two outside his kingdom, and two strangers that wormed into his life to stand up to the terror in his life.

And yet… even with their help… and his desire to lend his help in return…

It wasn’t enough.

A life ended, but the king came back. He was not about to give up on the kingdom he always poured his heart and soul into. Years he seemed to be alone, though one by one, four beings came into his company. He still had those that aided him in life, but now he had more to add to his family. A pink rabbit, golem, a purple imp, and a dark girl with a skull marking. Each had their own story, and a place with him.

And he would see to their safety as much as anyone else in his kingdom.

Tell me, are you one of us?

Said, are you one of us?

Some characters are unique to the world, not all always branching off the main four. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some made with connections to them in mind. Each is special, and built with as much care as anyone else…

Whether it be a cousin to the blonde, gray with orange highlights rather than the way around, a darker aesthetic, but still similar style to his cousin. A tattoo pattern along his left arm.

A green haired ghost, one met when the group of friends were out together. Something seemed about ready to suck her inside, the ghost reaching out to save her. She seemed to stick with them since.

A young woman dressed in red, blue, and brown. Golden pearls hang from her neck, and a black shawl wrapped around one shoulder. A brown cat accompanying her and group at times, and one that seems to have a power of her own hidden just underneath. 

Are you one of us?

Some characters branching off the core four, and even some of those that were created as their own entity for this series chose to build their stories and characters with one another. Their worlds cross over to one another, relationships naturally build, and so too do the special elements and plots to separate them from one another. Each one of them is equally unique.

Whether it be from the multitude of different colored ghosts, each of them centered around their own story and emotions.

A blue-haired girl with one strand that is lighter than the other. A snowflake twinkled in her left eye, and a roller derby team she has been dedicated to for years counting on her.

The same mechanic, though with more visible scars to the incident in the cave. So much love and care to give, even to those in other worlds, even if the gray faes take a little too much pleasure in bringing him grief.

A black robed king, living far beyond the grave, glowing locks of hair flowing through the air. He’s been seen before, but this one on another plane, a chance to interact with others outside his grown family.

Are you one of us?

Are you one of us?

This amazing group of people, as well as many others come together over a series we all love and cherish. We create our own works of art, but not without credit to the original source. From this point and on, we only seem to grow as a collective, continuing to create as we wait, and surely even after the series comes to a close, it will hold a special place in our hearts. So long as we are all here, we shall continue to spread our joy over mystery skulls animated, supporting one another, no matter how small or big someone may be.

We extend our open arms to one another, and to those new to this fandom...

“Said, are you one of us?”

-----

(Author’s Notes: Seriously, this fandom has been an amazing inspiration, and I’m so happy to be able to take part in Mystery March. There was no other good prompt to really do this for, and I thought this would be a clever way to give tribute to the many amazing people and ideas/stories they have come up with. I tried to keep things short and vague for some, as there are some things I don’t want to give away, so you can check them out if you haven’t. I know there’s no possible way I could get everyone, but I tried to get as many as I’ve fallen in love with and not repeat anyone twice (even though I think I broke that rule twice). Again, thank you all so much, and I hope you enjoyed this.

Credits: (In order of appearance)

@mysterybensmysteryblog, @heilos, @artsyfeathersartsyblog, and the rest of the amazing team!

@lottafandoms (Vampire Arthur)

@ectoimp (Demon!Arthur) / @providentially-demonic (The Devil and the Dead Fic)

@askmysteryskullswerewolfarthur (Werewolf Arthur)

@heilos (King Arthur)

@phantoms-lair (Mirror’s Gaze Fic)

@braveskyered (Knights Fic)

@pi-cat000 (Time Travel Idea Fic)

@thefandomcassandra (The Future Fic)

@tyigra (House of Strays Fic)

@hecallsmehischild (Rest Nestling/Explain it like I’m a Tree Fics)

@neversleepagainau 

@atomi-cat (Boneheads)

@ask-twoyearsafter / @kanaiekla (The Cruel Irony of a Prophetic Love Fic)

OC’s: @nerv0usm3chanic (Lucan), @binaconfusa (Frog), @lauritanaomystery (Laurel)

RP Blogs: @splatterlewis, @lamentinglewis, @frenzys-furnace, @bluescarfvivi, @punsandfuturekingsmen, @diviinc​)

[motherfuckingtozier]

prompt: richie with braces and eddie's reaction please

Oh my god this is such a cute concept! I hope you like it, it got much, much longer than I intended, I mean it has an actual plot and everything. You can read it on Ao3 here.

Operation Make Richie Smile

Eddie loved Richie’s smile. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone, because loving your best friend’s smile so much it hurt was probably not normal, especially when said friend’s smile was not exactly picture perfect. Richie had always been insecure about his teeth, which were crooked and oddly spaced. In elementary school people called him “Bucky Beaver” and Richie hated it. He always had some snappy comeback but Eddie noticed the way he would self-consciously cover his mouth afterwards.

As they got older Eddie started to appreciate Richie’s smile more and more. There was something charming about the way his teeth fell into each other at odd angles, and Richie impressed and entertained all the Losers with his ability to whistle between the gap in his front teeth. But what Eddie really loved about Richie’s smile was how his whole face shone with it. His eyes would glint and the skin around them would crinkle, his whole face softening. It was breathtaking, and Eddie missed it.

When Richie had announced that he would be getting braces he seemed excited. His parents had been saving up for years, and now that Richie was going into high school they decided he could be trusted to maintain them properly. Richie kept going on and on about how he would be a “certifiable babe” once his teeth were fixed. Of course Eddie just rolled his eyes and reminded him that even if his teeth weren’t crooked his awful personality would still be enough to scare any girl away. Richie pouted and made a big show of being heartbroken, falling against Eddie’s chest as he flung his arm across his forehead. Eddie pushed him off and tried desperately to stop the flush from spreading across his face.

The first few days after Richie got his braces were filled with his complaints. 

“They hurt Eds, why do they hurt so much?” Richie whined, dramatically flopping down face first onto Eddie’s bed.

“Maybe because they are literally pushing your teeth around in your mouth, dumbass. Did you think they would just magically straighten your teeth without you feeling anything?” Eddie honestly felt kind of bad for Richie, but the pain would pass. And Richie had made fun of Eddie when he complained about his cast, so this was karma.

“I guess I didn’t put much thought into it Dr. K. Not all of us have strangely extensive medical knowledge.” Richie’s voice was muffled by the mattress, so he sat up, turning to face Eddie again. “But I guess it’s true what they say, beauty is pain.” Richie winks and smiles, but Eddie notices that it’s only with his lips.

Eddie thought it was just that Richie was getting used to the braces, but after a few weeks he still wasn’t fully smiling, or if he did he covered his mouth with his hand or ducked his head down. Eddie knew it was because of the braces. Richie had even commented a few times on how ugly having a “metal mouth” was, joking about how his food needed a password to get past the gate. 

Eddie felt like he was in mourning every time Richie hid his smile, but he didn’t know how he could talk to Richie about it. It was definitely weird to tell your friend that you missed seeing their smile so much it kept you up at night. Eddie was determined to make Richie properly smile again. And anyway, Eddie thought the braces were kind of adorable. They made Richie look softer and drew attention to every little thing Richie did with his mouth, like chewing on his pencil (which was objectively disgusting considering all the germs it must have on it, but for some reason was endearing when Richie did it).

So Eddie initiated Operation Make Richie Smile. It was not a great success. Eddie tried everything, but no matter what he did Richie never forgot to hide his mouth. Eddie even made a dick joke! Richie had laughed about it for at least 5 minutes but by the time he looked up from where he was clutching his stomach to comment on how red Eddie’s face was his smile was close-mouthed. Eddie felt like screaming.

It had been a month since Richie got braces, and Eddie was at his wits end. He hated how insecure they made Richie. He had never seen Richie lack confidence so much that he hid something before, and it made him want to rant and rave at Richie about how beautiful he was until he believed it. As embarrassing as that would have been, it might have been better than what he actually did.

They were sitting on Eddie’s bed, studying for a history test they had the next day when Richie cracked some joke about everyone being horny for George Washington. Eddie, understandably, started expounding upon the numerous reasons that was gross and disrespectful, and Richie started smiling, but he was covering it with his hand.

Eddie’s reaction was automatic, his hand shooting up and snatching Richie’s wrist, yanking it down abruptly.

“Stop that!” He admonished sternly.

Richie for his part looked entirely surprised, staring at where Eddie’s hand was holding his wrist with wide eyes.

“Stop what?” The smile was gone now, replaced with a look of pure confusion.

“Stop covering your fucking mouth every time you smile! It’s annoying!” Eddie feels the heat start in his cheeks as his mind catches up with his mouth. What the fuck was he doing?

“Oh, I-uh…sorry, I guess?” Richie looks back down to where Eddie’s hand is still gripping his wrist. Eddie feels the heat start radiating down his neck and he knows his skin is tomato red. He immediately drops Richie’s wrist, desperately looking for a way to backpedal.

“You don’t have to be sorry, I just… I don't… you shouldn’t cover your smile.” Eddie is looking very hard at the book spread out before him, praying a wormhole will open up and transport him to a time before he decided to make everything weird.

“I didn’t even realize I was doing that, to be honest. The braces are just…ugly. They draw all kinds of attention to my teeth which are still fucked up and they look really dorky. I guess I just covered it without thinking about it.” Richie’s tone conveys an unspoken question. It asks why Eddie even cares.

“The braces aren’t ugly, and neither are your teeth. You…you have a really nice smile.” Apparently Eddie wasn’t done embarrassing himself, but he can’t help it. He hates that Richie thinks that way about any part of himself. Richie’s cheeks start to turn red as he processes what Eddie said.

“Aww Eds, you think I’m beautiful.” Richie coos at him, and he smiles, his hands twitching slightly before staying where they are in his lap.

“That’s not what I said asshole!” Eddie shoves him, but he feels himself start to smile too. God he’d missed seeing Richie look so unabashedly happy. He didn’t notice he was staring until Richie’s smile started to falter, his cheeks burning brighter red.

“You didn’t disagree.” Richie says, and it’s much quieter, less teasing.

“No, I guess I didn’t.” Eddie’s voice came out softer than he expected, his hands fidgeting a bit.

“Y'know I uh…I think you’re beautiful too.” Richie looks really nervous as he says it, like he’s waiting for Eddie to say “sike” and laugh about the whole thing.

“Is that a genuine compliment from Richie Tozier? Pinch me, I must be dreaming.” Eddie says, laughing even as his heart races in his chest.

“At least I’m not the one who gets all hot over braces.” Richie says, grinning from ear to ear.

“I’m not hot for braces!” Eddie’s voice comes out shrill and he feels himself flush even more.

“Oh, so then it’s me who gets your engine revving? Y'know there’s no shame in that, I am incredibly hot it’s no wonder you–” Whatever Richie was going to say is muffled by Eddie’s lips pressing into his. It’s not a great kiss, Eddie’s mouth smacking into Richie’s with more force than he intended. Eddie pulls back after a couple of seconds, wide eyed and breathing shakily from nerves.

Richie slowly raises his hand to his lips, looking dumbstruck. He pulls his finger back and Eddie sees a smudge of blood.

“Fuck, did I do that?” Eddie asks, frantically moving forward to grab Richie’s face so he can inspect the damage.

“It was my braces, Eds. You came in a little hard and it knocked my lip into them, I’m fine.” And this time it’s Richie’s hands grabbing Eddie’s wrists. He’s smiling again, his lip stinging where it stretches around the cut.

“Just couldn’t wait to jump me, could you? Man I know I’m sexy but you are an animal Eds.” Richie is laughing again and Eddie is mortified.

“I just wanted you to shut up you jerk!” Eddie snaps back.

“I will gladly let you shut me up like that any time. In fact, I wouldn’t mind giving my voice a break right about now.” Richie is waggling his eyebrows, leaning closer to Eddie.

“Ew, no Richie. Not when you’re bleeding! Do you know how unsanitary that is?!” Eddie pushes Richie away, and he starts to pout.

“Well then come on Dr. K, patch me up. It’s impolite to cut someone’s lip and not kiss it better.” Richie is already standing, pulling Eddie towards the bathroom to get supplies.

Eddie shakes his head as he gets pulled along, grinning at the thought of kissing Richie’s beautiful smile again.

Send me prompts!

[booknerd-r]

Just a Crush

Introducing a short, fluffy one-sided Five/Miko drabble I wrote without really thinking about it! Also on ao3!

_________________________________________________________

Her hands were soft.

Five had expected them to be rough, calloused through battle but he supposed swinging a hammer made of pixels didn't have the same effect as swinging a legitimate one.

Her nails were left blank, not a single trace of polish to be found much unlike her sister's. Not that he'd expected her to be the kind of girl that bothered with that stuff, much too entranced in gaming and besides, Five figured Miko had her hands full maintaining the color in her hair anyway. If she didn't dye that stuff at least once every two months, he called sorcery.

It was a slow day, and Five had managed to get his partner out of her boredom dance long enough for her to take refuge sitting at the small round table across from him. Sure, he'd had to keep her distracted with his Hinobi Portable but the array of classics in his game library had kept her pliant for the time being, and somewhere along the way Five had ended up with her hand trapped between both of his. Just….playing.

It was calming, in a way. Tracing her fingers with his own, not a care in the world as he absentmindedly toyed with the one hand she'd kept free because 'Look, Five! Watch me beat this level one-handed!' because of course she would.

Miko tended to fall asleep whenever someone messed with her hair. Five had figured that one out after she'd dropped dead on his lap after just two minutes of him running his fingers across her scalp. She'd passed out with just as much energy as she carried; Five hadn't even realized it'd happened until he'd felt her weight on his legs and by the time he had, his abuela had walked in on the scene with the biggest knowing expression she could've possibly had.

It had certainly been an...experience explaining why his gaming buddy was fast asleep on top of him in his room while he'd supposedly only called her over to play the latest Smash Bros. But eh, people were bound to ask questions someday.

And Five figured it wouldn't be a good idea to have the same incident repeat itself while on the clock, but Phil had warned them of the destruction a bored Miko brought with her so this was the next best thing. Intentional or not, she couldn't run off if he held her hand hostage, now could she?

"Oh nerds," the 'Game Over' noise was enough to bring Five out of his semi-trance and when he looked up, it was to find Miko dramatically slunged back in her chair, head tilted upwards like she wanted to curse the gods themselves. "This damn level! I can't get past!"

"What?" Five perked up, a bit of a teasing grin on his lips. "The great Miko? Stuck at a game? Pure blasphemy, there's gotta be some rule against that."

Miko huffed. "In my defense, I'm playing one-handed! OG Castlestein is already hard enough with both hands!"

"You brought that on yourself."

"Says the one who's been hogging my hand this entire time!"

Five sensed the blush coming more than he felt it, and when Miko yanked her hand back and wiggled her fingers to emphasize her point, he didn't react. He hadn't really expected to be called out; they were generally touchy with each other, maybe even a little too much but it worked for them. "I-"

"Always touching me," Miko tsked, her hand falling back on the portable console she'd been nursing. A few clicks more and then the short silence was interrupted by the familiar Castlestein tune. "If you're not careful, people might start to think you have a thing for me, Five."

It was meant as nothing more than a tease, an off-handed little joke while she focused on her game but the problem was that there was some truth to it and Five could already feel the color in his face darkening. Damn it, he had to turn this around.

"Whoa, whoa, just a minute there!" He said, his fingers flattening out over the table keeping them separate. "You were the one who initiated the hugs after we literally just met!"

And what an experience that had been. Five wouldn't lie, the first time Miko had jumped him in a surprise hug, just a day after they'd gotten accepted into Hinobi, he hadn't known what to think. Sure he was familiar with the concept, his family practically lived off bear hugs and the like, but Miko had essentially still been a stranger to him at the time, albeit a special one. He hadn't been expecting the sudden affection, but he'd been quick to learn that it was going to be happening a lot and he might as well just get used to it. Miko had just been built like that, after all.

"Well, yeah!" Miko looked up from the screen for just a moment, grin flashing in a show of teeth. "We're friends, Five. I was excited to see you!"

"Excited to-" Five sputtered, his face catching flame and his brain switching to default Spanish in the confusion. Miko just let him go, having grown used to his frequent swaps by then and fully unaware of the few choice yet flustered words that were coming out of her best friend's mouth. Five sincerely prayed for this girl to never decide to pick up Spanish as a third language.

"I'm gonna end up fluent in Google translate because of you," Miko told him after he'd finished, her lips quirked into a half-smile while her eyes, once again, flickered up from the screen for a brief moment.

"Please don't," Five whimpered, his head tucked into his arms on the table, face entirely hidden from view.

He'd heard plenty of stories concerning people falling for their best friends, thought it was silly, honestly. Surely a little crush shouldn't be enough to feel awkward around someone you already have such a close relationship with, right? You just had to suck it up. And if not that, then confess your feelings, it was that easy.

That had been his mindset for the longest time, and it had also been his mindset the first time he actually realized what he'd been feeling this entire time. They'd been on a mission, he'd been on the ground, knocked on his ass with a ridiculously oversized glitch gaining on him. His gauntlet had been malfunctioning, sizzling and crackling in a way that just couldn't be good no matter how you cut it, and it was safe to say that Five was in a crapload of trouble.

But then Miko had, quite literally, come crashing into him with the full force of her body and a worried call of his nickname. Her next move had been to call for Ally to get them out of there, but when Five looked up and blinked out of his daze, for a split second the light hit her face just right and Five realized that the rapid beating of his heart wasn't just because of what went down not even a minute ago.

But it'd been fine because again, it was just a silly little crush and he wasn't planning to dwell on it at all. Miko was his gaming buddy. His best friend. He wasn't going to give that up for the world.

Five wished his mindset had stayed that sober.

The mission completion sound went off, followed by an excited victory cry that had Bergy stumbling and nearly tripping over himself in the back. Five didn't even have the chance to look up before a pair of soft hands dived for his face and nearly squished his cheeks together as he was pulled close to his excited partner's face. She was smiling, her eyes damn near sparkling and if his heart wasn't beating so damn loud in his ears he'd probably be grinning with her.

"I did it, Five! Did you see?!" Miko cried, bringing their faces together even closer in her excitement and ah, there were the touches again. Honestly she probably didn't even realize she was doing it. "I told you I could do it!"

Play it cool, play it cool. What were they talking about? Oh, right, Castlestein. "You beat it one handed?! No way!"

"Yes way!" Their foreheads were touching now; game forgotten between them. Five most certainly wasn't dying inside. Definitely not. "MVP of the day? ME_K.O.! I told you!"

Five reached for his face with a laugh that was a mix of amused and nervous. His hands wrapped around hers, gently peeling them off his cheeks and putting some distance between them as he leaned back. Their hands, however, remained intertwined. "Okay, okay! I get it!" He chuckled. "You're amazing, we know. Make sure to rub it in Mitch's face later."

His heartbeat slowed down to a pace that was less cause for concern and more healthy, but then she laughed and squeezed his hands a little and crap, there it went again.

"I so will!" Miko tugged at his hands again, but instead of pulling away, she just tightened her grip, almost intertwining their fingers. "You have to come with me though! Wouldn't be the same without you, partner!"

Five froze, his brain short-circuiting for just a second. "Do-" he swallowed; looked away. God that smile was dangerous. "Do you think I'd want to miss that? Not a chance!"

'Falling for your best friend is silly,' he'd said.

'Just confess! It can't be that big of a deal,' he'd said.

Oh nerds, was this karma? It had to be karma.

Miko leaped up from her seat, practically bouncing over as she rounded the table to stand in front of him, their hands still linked. "Well, come on, Five! Let's go!" She urged, tugging in an attempt to lift him from his chair.

Five's nervous smile turned soft at her antics, at her smile, and just like that, his inner panic disappeared just as quickly as a passed highscore. Because you know, if this was what he was going to be risking just for something as silly as a small crush? He was perfectly fine just staying the way they are.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm following, I'm following, relax!" 

[lowkeyaesthvtic]

Evil Karma - Chapter 4

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Word Count: 1,468

Summary: It turns out that helping Harry “close the Chip Shoppe” had a bit of a different meaning.

Pairings: Harry x OC, mentions of Harry x Uma x OC

Rating: T

Warnings: a couple of swear words, sexual tension, kinky talk/terms, a bit of fluffy!Harry, also a bit of switch!Harry bc there needs to be more of that

Tags: @descendantofthesparrow @harper-hook @kirbiejayhook @amityravenclawelf and EVERYBODY ELSE WHO HAS BEEN LIKING THE CHAPTERS THANK YOUUUU!!!

Harry began to lead me through the doors of the Chip Shoppe, a smirk on his face and his unhooked hand in his pocket fiddling around with whatever was inside. Once we got inside, I started to walk toward the back closet where I knew the cleaning supplies had been stored. Then, Harry stepped in front of me, acting as a tall, muscular blockade. I looked up at him, confused yet not letting down my front. “I thought you wanted help closing the shoppe.” He nodded and stayed where he was, unphased by his figure blocking mine.

“I do, but there’s a few things we should talk about before we do…” Harry eyed me up and down, taking time with each glance as if he were gazing at a plate of chocolate cake. “How far have you gone, Sofi?” I could feel a small smile tugging at me. I knew exactly what he meant. But something tells me that this king of chaos isn’t a fan of someone who’s observant. He wants someone aloof, someone who makes him have to be blunt and forceful. Okay, pirate, I’ll play your game.

“With closing up a restaurant? Well, I took over your waiting shift last weekend, I bussed tables, and I swept the floors a couple of nights ago. So I’d say I’ve gone pretty far.” I chuckle and try to walk around him. In a swift response, Harry sticks both of his arms out, his hooked hand leaving a small tear in the wall and his unhooked hand staying stiff against the wall. “What? Now you don’t want help, Hooky?” I could tell that irked him, frustrated him. If he wanted it to be a game, he’d get a game...just not a game he’d win.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Sofi, you know what I mean. What’s the farthest you’ve gone with someone..guy, girl, doesn’t matter.” We stayed standing across from each other, but I could tell he wanted to get closer. I shrugged my shoulders and took a step closer to him.

“What about you? I’d expect you’re quite the man-whore, right?” I quickly glanced at his blue eyes, keeping contact. After a quick eye roll, he puffs out a devilish laugh.

“I asked you first.”

“I asked you second.” I scrunched my face and smiled innocently. I didn’t know if I was winning, but I knew I was having fun and that was all that mattered.

“Okay...enough with this. Uma and I like you! Not just like you, we...like you like you. Uma didn’t realize it until earlier today so we haven’t been able to talk about it, but now we’re doing something about it so will you please just play along because the longer you string this out the more intriguing it gets and I promised Uma I wouldn’t kiss you without her here!” In an unexpected fit of nervousness, Harry breaks his pose and somehow ends up closer to me with his fingers gently grabbing my chin and tilting my face up towards his.

“That was...surprisingly submissive, it almost sounds like you’re begging. Tell me Harry, do you beg often?” A frustrated yet all too excited grunt is my only response. “Okay, fine. If you must know, I had a few flings back on Neverland. But once I realized I had to be responsible for them, it didn’t feel right. But I’ll admit, I had my favorites.” By now, Harry had released his lingering grip on my chin, but we still remained close to each other. If I listened close enough, I could hear his breath rise and fall.

“Favorites? Like who?”

“Isn’t it a little weird that you’ve taken a liking to me and yet all you want to hear is about past relationships? Are you looking for red flags, Hooky?” I twiddled my fingers around his hook, something I had done before but only as a joke. Now, it seemed to have a different air to it. Now, it felt like a different kind of playful. It felt like the best kind of playful.

“Uma gave me a very specific set of instructions on how to go through this. I’m just doing what my Captain told me to. You understand that, don’t you, duckling?” The nickname intrigued a little more than I would’ve wanted him to know. But it’s what helped me realize that the two of them really did have feelings for me. They planned this together, so they weren’t fighting over me. They both wanted me at once. I’ll admit that it’s a new concept, but it’s not one I could really be opposed to. Harry’s insanity and natural flirtatiousness has excited me since we first saw each other. As the three months of my membership in the crew had passed, more of the little things about Harry seemed to attract me to him.

“His name was Mateo. Mateo Facilier. Right before Dr Facilier got locked up on the Isle, he begged my father to let Mateo live on Neverland because he didn’t want his son living in a prison. We started off as friends. Every time my dad told me to train someone, my mind would go to him. His family was never really experienced in weapons, so I figured he’d need a lot of help. One day, we were sparring and things got...heated.” A part of my mind flashed back to that day, how I used part of the island’s magic to make sure nobody would see us or hear us. I remembered how it felt to tug at his hair, how it felt to scratch down his back, the sound of the waves crashing behind us wasn’t loud enough to cover the sounds we made together. It was such a long time ago, yet with a place like Neverland you never really know how long it has been.

“So, you hooked up and then the two of you started dating?”

“I’m sure that’s what he wished would have happened, yeah. The difference between him and the other flings that I had was that the other flings were one night flings. Mateo was good at what he was doing, so I let him continue. But as time went on, he became more gentle and started talking about commitment. It was just something I wasn’t ready for.” The air started to change. My conversation became less about a game with Harry and more about..consent? Harry began to look a bit doubtful, something I had never seen in the pirate’s eyes before.

“What about now? Do you think you’d be ready for commitment now? Because I’ve got to be honest, Sofi. What Uma and I feel for you isn’t just a fling. It’s not just lust. I don’t think either of us know how to define it just yet..but it’s more than that.” Harry took one of my hands into his, his hook having been removed and left on a nearby table. He really meant what he was saying, I knew that now.

“I like you guys too. The two of you carry these energies around you that are different but..alluring nonetheless. At first I thought it was just the mischief in me but as the months passed, I kept paying attention to the little things. I don’t really know what to call that, either, but I’m willing to try it out and see if it clears things up for me.” His eyes brightened as he grabbed his hook and slipped it back over his left hand.

“That’s the spirit, Island Girl,” he replied with his devilishly playful air returning. It had been as if the nerves and doubt that were previously shown had been some kind of light switch that only I could flicker on and off. I walked over to him and reached into his left pocket. Whatever was inside had been clattering and making noise every time he moved, increasing my curiosity with each sound. The metallic feeling on my fingers mixed with the clinging sound it made as it clashed together helped me put the pieces together. A long chain with a near obsidian color danced along my hand and I looked to Harry in both shock and intrigue.

“I’ve been looking for this. Why’d you take it?”

“Uma found it in your room while you were bussing tables one night, she thought you had certain..uses for it.”

“Well, maybe I do..” I smirked at him as I let the chain dangle and swing like a medallion. “But if you want to find out, fellow first mate, I suggest we wait for our Captain to return. Who knows what she’ll do to us if we have fun without her.” Harry gives a small pout and walks over to the cleaning closet.

“Fine, first mate, I’ll get you the broom.”

[celestialholz]

Tony Bennett - Close Enough for Love (Audio)

... So I’ve seen y’all recently, with your lovely Qcard song suggestions, all of which are very valid and I adore you for them, but if you’ll allow to wade in, mes captaines, I’ll raise you: space jazz, on their anniversary, with a twist chucked in because it’s me. This was a date idea at one point for the side blog (come say hi to some galactic idiots over at @ask-q-and-picard, if you’re up for such things ^_^), but this narrative was far too sprawling, so here we are! Welcome to around a thousand words of softness, a sprinkling of angst, a side order of introspection, and a god who can’t dance to save his own immortal essence.

(This isn’t a songfic as such guys, but you’ll get the most from it if you have a listen to the above whilst reading, thematically as well as lyrically. Let Tony Bennett melt your soul with his deeply appropriate words and delightful voice. <3)

* Also, as promised, ma’am - @q-card, have fun with this cosmic romance!

“Left foot first, Q.”

“Dammit, Jean-Luc, I don’t -” His footsteps are automatically corrected, the movement vexingly smooth, and he barely represses a snarl at his lover’s grin.

“You’re omniscient, my dear - how can you be so awful at waltzing?” He queries, voice a teasing lilt.

Q sniffs haughtily, offended.

“You know how to have fun,” he points out dryly. “Hardly makes you a natural at it. I’m not used to coordinated movements, man - I just sort of... saunter, and everyone’s just naturally impressed.”

“That’s why I’m trying to lead you,” Picard exclaims patiently, tightening his grip as he encourages the god backwards, deliberately slowing their pace. “You’re improving, if it means anything.”

“How the hell did you -” He sucks in an unnecessary breath as he’s swept against that broad chest, sprinkle of salt and pepper hair so maddeningly concealed by a jet-black tuxedo. “Where the hell did you learn how to do this, anyway?”

“I’m French,” he says, as though that explains everything, or indeed anything at all. Q blinks, baffled.

“The waltz is Austrian, you entire -”

 “European, then - it’s popular everywhere. Now, stop talking, will you?” Picard levels him with a stern exasperation. “It really doesn’t matter how poor your steps, Q - it’s all about the ambience.”

His deity grudgingly obliges, directing a glare to the old-school record player that rests off to their right; he snaps softly to restart the jazz track, attempting to absorb the steps as comprehensively as the words sink into falsely human skin, penetrate the entity thrumming in contentment beneath.

“You and I, an unmatched pair, took the time to touch, to share. Worlds apart the night we met, we braved the odds and won the bet...”

Gods, how long had he spent assuming this completely unattainable, this easy contact, the gentle heat now strewn through their acquaintance? Mere shards of cosmic time, but evocative of forever to a lonely, uninspired deity; a multitude of ultimately meaningless instances he’d tried so very hard to infuse with grander purpose, to express in a thousand universal languages that his beloved couldn’t hope to understand precisely what he couldn’t say…

His precious human had gotten there eventually, and as damned as he’d be to admit it aloud, it’s all the sweeter and warmer for the wait. He’d been expecting it to dull over the years, this calm sharing of his life, led in tender movements across the cosmic landscape; his captain is the introvert to his eccentricity, the tempered observer to his mischief-making, the mortal to his eternal: always quiet, always stalwart. Their ethics fail to align even now, and yet that silent yearning for adventure, to be more than they ought to be, continues to lead them as easily as Picard in their silly dance.

... It isn’t supposed to be so enchanting. His siblings think him quite mad, and perhaps he is, but he’d sooner tear the universe asunder than lack this wondrous connection.

 “How old-fashioned, pure romance; shared a kiss, we shared a dance...”

They’re slowing down, he acknowledges vaguely, as though Jean-Luc Picard doesn’t lack enough haste as it is; he takes a brief moment to awkwardly rest his chin upon his lover’s scalp before they’re gently pulled apart by kinetic flow, and the human smiles up at him tenderly.

“See, you’re not so bad when you aren’t overthinking it.”

“Shame we can’t all be idiots,” he bites back harmlessly, smirking. Picard draws them apart just enough to roll his eyes at the tease.

 “Oh do get off your high horse, mon dieu. At least I understand basic movements.”

Q laughs softly, steps lighter for the repetition through an advanced mind; he shifts snappily, avoids crushing a toe or two. It’s hardly conducive to the mood, after all, having to fix broken bones mid-routine, though it’s perhaps a more appropriate metaphor for their overall relationship than their now smoother performance.

The piece soldiers on blithely, suitably suave as a scene-setter.

“Not just lovers, more than friends - who knows where one starts and one ends? Tracing lights through sleepless nights that I’ll remember always, always…”

Q clasps their joined hand more firmly, so beautifully unified; their relationship has been the merest moment of his existence, yet it’s been more fulfilling than every fragment of the millions of years that have preceded it. He’s whole, finally, yet it’s all so very fleeting – all he’ll be left with within the blink of an eye is a frosted emptiness, colder than the space they occupy, and it’s enough to freeze him prematurely solid.

“Long goodbyes and tearful looks hold up well in poems and in books, but you and I have life to hold the greatest story never told…”

Live in the moment, you complete fool, he scolds himself silently, swaying elegantly now against his captain, hoping his sudden melancholy isn’t as visible as he fears it may be at Picard’s quizzical glance upwards.

“I can’t help but feel that anyone waltzing their way across the Magallenic Stream ought not to be so pensive,” comes the tranquil observation, grey eyes sporting a dash of worry, and the god allows a lightly bitter smile to coat human lips for a moment; a twenty light year-long dancefloor impossibly forms their stage, a flattened covering to the stellar river that connects the Milky Way to the vastness beyond stands as his grandiose anniversary gift, when all he longs to do is present him the universe on a silver platter.

“I hasten to remind you, mon capitaine, that you were quite content to do this in your quarters,” he points out in exasperation. “A tragedy, truly.”

A forehead meets his neck, their dance once more stilted to a simplified, vaguely rhythmic sway, and a gentle curl of a chuckle rises up in a vibration.

“Yes, well,” he mutters, “I’m rather unimaginative, as you’ve so enjoyed exclaiming for the past decade.”

A decade is nothing, less than, even. Why, then, does it feel like everything? He swallows ice, ripple running through his lover.

“It’s been a good decade,” he murmurs faintly. “Really quite an exceptional one, actually. The best, undoubtedly.”

Even fully versed in the linguistics of Picardian romance, he’s still evading the eloquent depth that comes so naturally to him.

The future’s for another day, not for tonight, he reminds himself sternly. We don’t ruin tonight, Q.

“The most wondrous,” Picard concedes warmly, “though I feel I’m at risk of seeming distinctly ungrateful. I’ve yet to give you a gift.”

Q can’t help a bark of disbelieving laughter – an absurd notion, honestly.

“Not sure what else you’re referring to the past ten years as,” he breathes, to a soft sigh.

“A gift to myself as much as to you,” he replies truthfully, and stars, he knows his Jean-Luc is a man of words, but must they always burn so delightfully? “No, I was thinking something far more… permanent.”

He doesn’t need to breathe, however biologically accurate his masquerade, though the absolute lack of oxygen that permeates open space suddenly seems a notable problem.

“… What?” It’s barely a blurted whisper, strangled by the purest hope and the deepest despair, because he can’t mean -

“You heard me,” Picard replies tenderly, and they’ve stopped dancing entirely now, though the embrace is no less fierce, the stare no less richly sincere. “I’ve been thinking on it, and… well, I’ve never been especially keen on the idea of ceasing to exist in the first place, and though forever is utterly incomprehensible to me currently, I believe it might not be so nightmarish –”

He doesn’t get any further for a good while; the breathlessness is spontaneously a problem shared and halved at the same time as they kiss, only the innate capacities of godhood keeping one of them alive.

“If you’ll have me, of course,” the captain adds eventually, the moment he’s freed, lips brushed rouge and eyes hazed, and by the galaxies if it isn’t the most precious thing a deity could ever hope to see; Q bursts into giddy laughter, runs a soft thumb down a smooth cheek, barely deigns to believe his own superlative good fortune.

“You really are stupid, aren’t you?” He answers, beaming, and he couldn’t mean anything less if it was bidden so by his own omnipotence. 

“Well, if we’re speaking comparatively -”

“Hush, you wondrous being,” Q whispers, lips upon his cheek, and he’s never feel so desperately enamoured by anything, anyone. “Ambience, darling - jazz is restarting.”

“Ah. Of course.” Picard grins, and a god spontaneously decides that he’s going to spend the next ten decades weaving sonnets dedicated solely to this evening across the literature of space-time as they retake their stances, and he snaps fingers through a distinct visual blur.

... He isn’t going to cry. He’s a damned Q, however frighteningly unimportant that seems in the arms of the mortal he adores.

“Not perfect yet, but close enough for love...”

Omniscience will give an entity the knowledge of there being no such concept as karma, so perhaps it’s irony instead that has his learned skill fly instantly from his brilliant mind as he stumbles over thin air, before almost immediately straightening, tux magically unruffled, beloved human so dreadfully amused.

“Shut up, okay? I’m emotionally compromised, and frankly allowed to be. It’s my anniversary.”

Picard chuckles in utter warmth, and concedes the point - perfection has no place here, or wherever they will ever happen to be.

[mawritesbnha]

@ mrsakabaka-karma : Can I request bakugou walking in on female reader (who's his girlfriend) practically screaming the lyrics to a fan made song of his. (Bakugou by Kamil specifically) He's comes in to see why the fReak their musics so loud, the base was practically rattling the house!  So anyway, when he walks in they're bopping and just freaking out over the lit song. Im dying to know his reaction.

I started writing headcanons and then I realised maybe you were asking or an imagine... I hope this is okay darling 💖

Also... I’m not a fan of either rap or Bakugou... but this song is... oddly catchy??? Kudos to Kamil!

Smoochies from Ma!

as a pro hero, Katsuki had many fans (nevermind his angry hedgehog ways, that’s what they like about him)

so of course fan songs were a thing

Bakugou knew about the concept and even though it boosted his ego, he didn’t actively look for them or listened to them, he had other things to worry about

people can waste their time however they want and adulating him is as valid an option as any

but yeah he doesn’t care that much about it

so when he comes home one day and hears you blasting some music and screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs he doesn’t immediately recognises the song

he’s ready to scold you for making such a fuss but he also wants to tease you about your musical tastes so he sneaks inside in the quietest way possible and listens in

“IM THE BEST, AINT NO HERO BUT ALWAYS BEEN VET NIGGA IF YOU GOT AN ISSUE AP SHOTS UP TO YO NECK I DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT NO ONE ILL SAY IT NO REGRETS BITCH IM ONLY HERE FOR ME IM AT THE TOP AND YOULL RESPECT”

“uh? getting cocky now, are we?” he can’t help but think as he silently takes off his shoes and makes his way towards the kitchen where the music is coming from

“GRENADIER BRACERS ON MY WRIST, IM ABOUT TO PULL THE PIN COME AT ME WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT OR IMA MELT OFF ALL YOUR SKIN HOWITZER IMPACT IF IM PISSED, BITCH I TOLD YOU IMA WIN BITCH GET BACK BEFORE I BLAST, I SAID I'LL DO IT WIT A GRIN”

“wait what? grenadier? howitzer impact?” understanding starts to dawn on him as he pushes the door open and sees you jumping up and down, making some ‘gangsta’ gestures with your hands while using a a big wooden spoon as a mic

“Like I’m Bakugo, turn they soul to fuckin smoke Bitch I’m boutta pop, bitch you know I’m boutta blow up Only need these hands I don’t need no fuckin pole Once I get a grip, I might blast yo fuckin dome uUUWWAAA K-KATSUKI?!”

he stares blankly at you for a moment, taking it all in, giving you enough time to turn off the music, and then...

oh boy

OH BOY

he gives you the grin as he crosses his arms and looks you up and down

you can feel the pride and smugness radiating off of him

“so...that’s what you do when I’m not around?”

if you act shy and try to deny everything or just drop the subject he is going to be SO ANNOYING

he’ll tease you endlessly honestly, sometimes humming the song himself just to see you getting flustered

btw he’ll insist on listening to the whole thing

if you’re not embarassed though and keep on singing, giving him a show, or at least insisting that he listens to the rest of it he might get flustered

tsundere boi still has a long way to go with emotions and your blatant adoration might get too much and he’ll just close himself off

don’t worry though, he’s a mess, but a happy one

he always thrives to be the best but I don’t think he’d worry that much about being popular

except when it comes to you, he wants you to be his #1 fangirl

obviously he’d want you to have other interests in life

but come on, he’s a man, he has his ego (you don’t say)

so yeah to sum it all up

he

is

P L E A S E D

[theghostofashton]

1, 15, 16, 23, 25 :)

this took absolutely forever i am so sorry. but i’d also like to note that i’ve started answering this two (2) separate times, and both times, chrome has crashed on me. karma? probably.

1. Where do you typically get your ideas?

at the risk of sounding overdone, everywhere. i feel like i just think in stories, at this point. i love people watching. i find myself crafting stories around random strangers way more often than i like.

i also am really selfish/picky, and that has me writing things i want to see in canon, or wish were canon. i write arthur as painfully insecure w this tough exterior because i’ve found so many moments throughout the show where he looks to merlin or gwen (or even uther/agravaine) for reassurance that what he’s doing is right. the boy has no confidence in himself. i ran with it. it’s a small detail, but it gripped me.

as for bandom stuff....it’s kinda the same. i watch a lot of interviews. i look for mannerisms, offhanded comments, facial expressions, etc, and take them hella out of context until they become stories.

i write so many AUs because it’s just easier to write all the stories i want with already developed characters. a line, or a concept, will pop into my head, and before you know it, it’s a full-on story.

15. How do you write a really good metaphor?

y’all will hate me lmfao but i really don’t know.

what i can tell you, is that i try and think of it as less like coming up with a metaphor, and more like awsten’s said before: having a feeling i want to express, and trying to figure out the most unique way to do it. usually, that includes a comparison to something people have typically experienced in order to convey the depth of the emotion.

i also use a lot of rhyme and try to build metaphors around things that sound more lyrical. rhymezone is my favorite place and i’m there far, far too often.

16. What is your best piece of advice for writing angst scenes?

SUBTLETY. most of the time, what hits (hurts) the hardest, are the tiny details. you don’t need to have these super tragic, dark scenes to write angst (altho i am too big of a fan of those lmfao). the details you put into the scene, the things the characters don’t say (internal monologues, action, any kind of bodily movement) are honestly the most important. you’re trying to set a scene. you want to completely capture the reader’s attention. bring them all in, make sure they’re gripped and they care about these characters and their pain. that’s established through the little details.

for example (tdiu spoiler), the reason jack’s suicide attempt hurt so badly, was because y’all saw him make all those flippant comments about not caring about himself. y’all watched him ignore his problems, and compartmentalize, and try to deflect. it happened for the entire first story, and about half the second, and i did that on purpose. this twist......it’s been coming since the beginning. i needed to establish all the details in jack’s story in order to execute it as powerfully as possible. 

23. How do you balance your characters in an ensemble story?

honestly, i really struggle with it. i only have three plotlines revolving at once in tdiu, at all times, and sometimes even that gets to be a lot. i spend a lot of time planning out how i’m going to weave things together and tie everything up. i start with what i want to happen, like, the end goal, and then work up to it.

using tdiu as an example again, i first wrote down that i wanted jack to attempt suicide. and then i wanted to make sure i led up to it so it wouldn’t feel randomly “thrown” in there, and that involved structuring scenes a certain way in order to drop hints. i think that applies in general. making sure you plan out big plot things, and dedicate enough time to every character.

i try to revolve my storylines, so no couple gets too much screen time - i’m not always good at it - and think of what’s truly realistic as a plot. i don’t wanna fuck shit up for kellin and vic just bc they haven’t had attention in a minute. i put brendon through enough in the first story. he doesn’t need something else big happening to him. it’s all just a lot of planning to see what works best.

25. How do you create an original character?

here’s a lil secret: lucas, raven, quinn, and jordan all started off as sims (let me know if y’all wanna see their simselves and i’ll post that!). i think what really worked for me, with them, was creating them and then playing out their lives (literally), and being able to get a “sense” of how they interacted with the world. i think that’s most important. i can’t tell you how to come up with an idea, but i can say that you need to get really into their life, in order to write them well. i spent about two years on lucas, before i wrote him into anything. that’s why he’s so developed. take the time to learn about your characters. let them become your friends lmfao

this was so long. i ramble way too much, wow, i’m so sorry. i hope it was helpful regardless!

[aticklishtem]

Something to Laugh About

((welp so~ I’m pretty new to writing this kinda thing but this Concept wouldn’t leave me alone, so I decided to give it a shot and yeah, maybe someone else will also enjoy this self indulgent trash pile, idk \o/ any kind of feedback is always welcome!!))

For a dame who made, employed, lived in and was even made out of so much candy, that Baroness Von Bon Bon could be an awful sourpuss.

In fact, Beppi wasn’t sure he’d ever seen her truly smile, and it sure wasn’t for lack of trying. Nothing filled his heart with more joy than a genuine, honest-to-goodness smile - the kids whose faces lit up with excitement when he handed them another of his balloon animal menagerie, the crowds who came by his tent to watch him willingly make a fool of himself, his fellow carnival workers and isle-dwellers, he treasured every single smirk, chuckle, giggle and reluctant grimace. Way back before he’d so much as dabbed the first lick of paint on his nose, Beppi had made it his mission to bring a smile to the faces of all of Inkwell, and he was proud to say that so far he had an almost perfect track record. Almost.

The Baroness’ place was over the other side of town, but the isle was small and even she had to venture outside to peddle her wares, so Beppi and Bon Bon had crossed paths plenty. Often enough that it seemed like he’d tried everything - his best jokes, his worst jokes, the pie gag, the seltzer, the banana peel, even his killer impressions of Djimmi and Wally and Grim and anyone else he could think of - to see her lips so much as twitch, but she still just looked at him like he was a piece of taffy stuck to her shoe.

Beppi wasn’t quite as much of a fool as he acted - he knew she fancied herself above him, above all of their colourful corner of carnival. She turned her nose up at their hot dogs and candy corn, declaring that her confectioneries were made with only the finest ingredients Inkwell had to offer, and she couldn’t imagine why anyone would opt to shovel all that greasy garbage down their throat instead. But he hadn’t gotten to where he was by giving up easy - it was that dogged determination that had coaxed chuckles out of some of Inkwell’s grumpiest inhabitants, after all. And it would’ve been too tragic just to let them all carry on their way, stomping through town so sour-faced: he couldn’t imagine anything worse than a life of stony silence. Laughter was Beppi’s lifeblood, long before it had been his living; it filled him up, made him feel big and shiny and swell like a balloon (metaphorically and sometimes literally) until he could just about burst, in the best way. He wanted - no, he needed to spread the joy all over town, all over Inkwell, every way he knew how, and remain hopeful that it’d prove just as infectious as it was irresistible, even for the sourest of pusses.

He was optimistic for another day of sunshine and smiles, during a brief break in the afternoon’s frivolities to relax under the shade of one of the colourful parasols in the square. Beppi had been in the middle of telling Djimmi all about yesterday’s unfortunate yet hilarious incident involving an overzealous balloon giraffe and a fruit hat when Bon Bon shimmied into view.

Without missing a beat, he broke off into a comical double take, and then figured he might just as well fall out of his chair in shock that the esteemed Baroness had seen fit to grace them with her presence. Djimmi just shook his head fondly, long used to his friend’s antics; Bon Bon opted to ignore Beppi entirely as she and Djimmi exchanged polite greetings, simply manoeuvre around him like a colourful puddle as she took the chair on the other side.

Typically tough crowd, but Beppi was prepared for that - and he had a good feeling about today, the fact that Bon Bon had willingly descended from her fancy castle to mingle with the common folk suggesting she might be in a good mood, or at least not quite as much of a sourball as usual. If he could pull just the right rib-tickler out of his hat, maybe she’d even -

Hot dawg - Beppi had to glance up to check if someone hadn’t lobbed a lightbulb right over his head as he scrambled back upright, because had he just been hit with a doozy of an idea.

“Hey, hey, Bonnie.” Beppi leaned in closer to her, his usual ear-to-ear grin turning just a tad more mischievous than usual as he nudged at her elbow. “Gotta question for ya.”

Bon Bon turned to him with a long-suffering sigh, her eyebrows knitting together as though it pained her even to look at him. “What do you want? And don’t call me that.”

“My sincerest of apologies, Baroness.” Beppi just managed to resist putting on his snootiest voice in response as he bowed and tipped his hat - he was happy to humour her this time, since her hoity-toity act would only make his eventual victory all the sweeter. “Aaaanyway. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?”

“I neither know, not care to -“

“Ten-tickles!” he popped the punchline gleefully, sliding an arm around her waist and squeezing before she could get away. “One!” He felt her jump a little at the unexpected contact, but no giggles followed; undeterred, he kept it up, searching for a sweet spot with a few pokes to her ribs. “Two!” Still nothing: Bon Bon was just staring at him like he was doing something utterly ridiculous - which, in all (fun)fairness, was kinda what he was always doing. But this was getting weird, and not the fun kind - was this woman made of rock candy? “Three..?” Faltering for just a moment, he scribbled his fingers across her midsection and finally she reacted - but not how Beppi had hoped, as she seized his wrist and pushed him roughly away.

“Get off! What in the world do you think you’re…” Bon Bon’s big doe eyes widened even further, her eyebrows shooting up as realisation dawned. “Oh, I see - you were trying to tickle me, weren’t you?” Before Beppi could protest his innocence, she scoffed, tossing her chocolate curls. “Tough luck, Chuckles - you won’t get me to crack with such a cheap trick. Hmm, but I wonder…” Something almost in the vicinity of a smile slowly spread across her face, and it was more than a little unsettling, sharp as the glimmer of an idea in her eye as she glanced Beppi up and down, drumming her dainty fingers on the tabletop, and - whoops, he might’ve bitten off a tad more than he could chew after all.  “Perhaps someone else around here just might?”

“Ah - heh…” A nervous chuckle escaped as Beppi edged slowly away from her, until his back bumped against Djimmi’s broad chest and he pounced on the potential distraction. “Oooh - you talking about Djimbo here? He’s plenty ticklish - just watch this…”

Before he could attack, though, two strong arms shot out and grasped his noodly ones. Beppi let out an outraged squawk of protest as Djimmi effortlessly held him captive. “Hey - what gives…?”

“I’m sorry, my friend,” Djimmi replied with a shrug and such a grand-piano grin Beppi was surprised his pants didn’t burst into flame, “but, as karma dictates, what goes around…”

“Well said.” Bon Bon nodded, her gaze positively predatory now as it lingered on Beppi’s now-compromising position; a bundle of nervous butterflies fluttered in his belly as she took a few steps closer. “I’m glad to hear someone around here has some respect - putting your greasy paws all over royalty like that? Why, I could have you executed. But…” She paused, actually licking her candy-heart lips as they twisted into a sadistic smirk, and with the slightest wiggle of her fingers Beppi knew he was done for. “I can think of something more fun.”

“N-nohohow, Bonnie, no need to be too hasteeheeheehee…!” Giggles spilled out the moment she spidered her fingers up his sides, barely touching him yet somehow unbearable all at once.

“Isn’t it funny,” Bon Bon purred, her sugary teasing sing-song only intensifying the torture, “how one who so desperately chases the laughter of others can be so easily reduced to such a giggly mess himself?” As if to prove her point, she dug right into his vulnerable underarms, and Beppi’s laughter pitched; with Djimmi holding him just a couple inches off the ground, he could do nothing but cackle helplessly. “It’s kind of cute, though. I might even prefer you like this, laughing too much to prattle on with your pitiful excuse for comedy.”

Beppi might’ve felt himself blushing even redder under his makeup at that last remark, if he could focus on anything other than her wicked fingers as they danced down across his ribs. “We may even have a new attraction!” she continued cheerfully, pausing to squeeze at his hips a few times; he could feel the tips of her nails through her silky gloves and his thin suit, digging in just enough to drive Beppi loopy as the teasing circles she was now tracing around his stomach. “Forget the dunk tank - how many coins for a go on this silly, terribly ticklish clown?”

“Bohohohon, nohoho - nohohot there!”

“Hmm? Not here? But that’s right where the target is!” Bon Bon just sped up, drawing faster and smaller circles until without any warning, she dug one of her devious digits right into his bellybutton; Beppi howled, writhing and bucking uselessly in Djimmi’s iron grip in a vain attempt to escape. “Oooh, look at that, I believe I just hit the bullseye! Where’s my prize?”

She wiggled away until Beppi was honking and wheezing like old Charlie, unable to even beg her for mercy or at least to think of his makeup, which was bound to be in ruins from the tears starting to roll down his cheeks. So this was how it ended - tickled to death by a candy lady. Well, he did always say to always leave ‘em laughing…

“Alright, now, Baroness, I think he’s learned his lesson,” Djimmi’s deep voice intoned, as he dropped Beppi back on his feet, Bon Bon finally ceased her attack - sure, she’d listen to him - and he gasped in relief, gulping in sweet lungfuls of air as he flopped back into Djimmi’s arms in a giggly heap, before remembering that he was a dirty traitor. “We don’t want the poor fella to literally laugh his head off.” He grinned, apparently unconcerned by Beppi’s best wounded glare. “It’s been known to happen.”

“That,” Beppi eventually managed to say, pointing an accusing finger at the both of them, “was cruel. And unusual.”

Bon Bon tittered, smoothing down her dress. “Oh dear, funny boy, was I too much for you? Can’t even take what you attempt to dish out? Well, I’d best be taking a powder anyway - time is candy, fellas.” She caught Beppi’s eye as she rose to her feet and shot him a sly wink, and his heart might’ve done a tiny somersault when she fluttered her fingers at them. “Let’s do this again sometime, shall we?”

She turned to saunter back off to her candy land, leaving Beppi and Djimmi to sit/float under the parasol in silence. Well, he’d better get used to it, because Beppi was definitely never speaking to him again. Not a word, not for the rest of their days, no matter how much he begged or -

“Djimbo.” Whoopsie - he’d just have to ignore him forever later, as he was already leaning over to nudge him repeatedly in the side. “D’ja-hear that? Bonnie thinks I’m cute.”

Djimmi chuckled indulgently, taking a puff of his pipe. “Perhaps you should be more careful how you address the Baroness,” he pointed out, eyes twinkling with gentle amusement, “lest you find yourself in another such ticklish predicament.”

Beppi shuddered dramatically, but his goofy grin only grew wider - because, well, Bon Bon had been smiling when she’d been tickling him to pieces. More than he’d ever seen her before, so maybe his plan hadn’t backfired quite as spectacularly as it might seem.

Maybe he wouldn’t mind letting her get the last laugh every once in a while, after all.

[fika-wika]

🌠Soulmates 👻Pt. 1

Are soulmates real? Do you believe in them? If so, Have you met yours? What was the experience like? What’s it like now that time has pasted? I hope with this topic of interest ill be able to not only show ya’ll my perspective of the ideology but also open your minds to the vast extent of what it is that this soulmate experience holds and tells about our lives in this human experience.

What are soulmates? Well to start, The correct word for soulmate is actually, Soul Family. A common misconception that has spread was that people believe that you only have this one soulmate, this one person who is said to be the one for you, the match for your soul and nobody else. That is actually false..Do you only have one family member that you click with? or do you also have cousins that you like some things about and other things u don’t? Same goes with our friends. There are things within people that we like because they bring out certain parts of ourselves that we also like. This same concept carries over into the soul family experience. There are people who’s souls we click and resonate with on a deeper level than just the human experience. Your soul family does not just consist of lovers, but also brothers, sisters, moms, dads and best friends. But the thing is they might not always appear that way in human form. For I do not believe that souls play the same gender and family roles as the human experience does. Someone in my human experience could be my best friend yet he’s my best friend because he feels like the mom of the group that cares for us and nurtures us all. So altho in human form he is of a similar age and a good friend, we click so well because my soul might recognize him as a mother in a past life. weird to wrap your head around? yea maybe but weather you believe in past lives or not. It’s generally hard to talk about a soul mate experience if you do not acknowledge that yall’s souls have met in a past life or on the other side in order to even be able recognize each other in this experience. So understanding that soul mate really means they are apart of your soul family really opens the mind to seeing not only the people you are connected with as a new reflection but also helps you understand why it is you might connect with them the way you do and what lessons you are really learning from them.

That brings me to my next question, Why do we have a soul family? Well my belief is that we have a soul family for the same reason we have a human family..to learn from, to teach lessons to, but lessons of the soul. Things that we learn outside of our human family karma and more connected to our souls karma. With in mind that we are all connected on a deeper level and reflecting ourselves onto one another understand that these lessons go both ways. That best friend of yours who knows you so well and you are able to understand her so well, you both recognize what it is you love about each other and what you bring out in each other, She helps nurture your soul and you give her the feeling of being appreciated. Maybe they struggle with appreciation by their family and friends growing up, maybe you didn’t have the best mother figure. But through each other can you both find the feeling of that experience. Because you’ve played the roll before, only difference is. In this life she is your friend and not your mother because back then when she was your mother maybe you did not have the best relationship and did not appreciate her where as in this life time getting to know each other as friends by choice in a way you couldn’t before as her child by nature. But her soul still feels that loving and caring connecting to you and vice versa. I know, I’m sure that sounds kind of confusing but we have to remember the soul is not a simple black and white concept, the universe itself is not so straight forward. There are so many layers behind a single encounter that we can’t assume the person we love is only here to show us love. No that person is also here to teach us how to love and be loving of self.

Which brings me to the purpose of the soul family. To teach us how to Love. To love ourselves! The thing about learning to love ourselves is that it can show up in so many different ways, even through a toxic relationship. Yes I said toxic. We do have soulmates that come into this life time to walk us through our toxic patterns. Altho the experience with them may seem negative on the outside, the ultimate point of the encounter is for you to bring out those traits of the soul that need reflection and healing. And sometimes the only way to see those parts of ourselves is through these kind of love relationships. A toxic relationship doesn’t have to just be a lover as well, these show up even in our households growing up. Some peoples lessons are to learn how to overcome the strictness and controlling aspect of their growing up family lives, so that they can learn how to stand on their own two feet and choose loving themselves over the love they’re family could not quiet give them properly. This isn’t to say that their family does not love them no, It just means the way a member of the family shows or expresses their way of loving does not speak or is not in alignment with what your soul might need to cultivate and grow in this life time and their expression is in fact hindering your own growth. But by going through the experience and growing from it by standing up for yourself and speaking your truths is your soul ultimately learning how to choose loving yourself properly over giving your power away to another. Another word for a toxic relationship is a Power Struggle. These power struggles are what keep us tied down in patterns that do not work for us or are unhealthy for our souls growth. Where have you felt yourself giving your power away? Where have you seen yourself exert too much power onto someone else that needed better controlling? Power over the mind, the heart, even the spirit.

Another example, you were in this relationship where you had a partner and lets say you had an issue with jealousy and so your partner would then cut off friends or people from their past in order to make the relationship work which in tern might have left your partner over time feeling lonely, maybe isolated from their world because the only person they showed attention to was you. This is not to say they do not love the attention they give and receive from you but it’s clear that this partner was not choosing to love themselves because they gave up what also brought them joy in order to satisfy you. But overtime that became limiting, not in a rude way but, you simply are not enough to keep this person happy forever and at some point in time it’ll hit them that they want to branch out and meet/ talk to people again but they don’t in fear of upsetting you, This is a power struggle. But the lesson here is to teach them how to stand up for what also brings them joy and to also help teach you to trust more in knowing that what loves you would not betray you or leave you so loosen your grip. Overall the lesson for you both, is better more open and clear communication to help one another understand your perspectives of the situation. You’re both fighting for power where one should be learning how to surrender their power/control and one is learning how to step into their sense of it. After communicating your truths do you then decide how something can move forward, which ever way it goes is for the better of your soul growth. Weather that’s together or apart. But you must try to come to an understanding otherwise the cycle will repeat. If not with them, then in your next relationship. The lessons don’t go away despite who you learn them with. One way or another your soul will have to learn/ overcome it. If not this life time, then the next. Our soul family is here to help guide us through that learning process.

So we know our soul family is here in this lifetime to teach us how to love ourselves, we know these can show up even in toxic encounters just as much as beautiful ones. But regardless you do feel a pull and deep wanting to be with these people. until the lessons are learnt and some of them might go their own way afterwards and that’s ok. We should still have the love and acceptance that they were in our lives for a reason and helped us see things we needed to see and experience for ourselves. That is ultimately what we take with us if they are to continue down their own path once again.

I think I’m going to cut this part right here, I have another section I want to touch on about this Soulmate topic but I feel this is a good spot for this half. The next part will be a bit deeper into the spiritual aspect of it. If you read this far I hope you were able to take something from this and I’m so grateful you took the time to read through it in it’s entirety, I very much value the time you put into reading my writing and I’m glad it can keep you enticed all the way through. Stay in tuned till part 2. Thank you, I Love you so much!

[mcleanstanley1991]

Kirlian Photo Of Reiki Energy Miraculous Diy Ideas

Reiki certification or finding a good, suitable and competent one is to learn Reiki as a spiritual power but also watch the video that is troubling you because Reiki is used to literally treat almost every known illness and malady and always produces a good place to another organism, through the right Reiki class that Reiki dives deep into the sacred symbol so they can begin to knit the bone marrow.Either way, a relationship with my dearest grandmother at the end of the Usui System Of Natural Healing principle is based on the cool side to Reiki.Reiki will flow from you and your patient's permission and willingness to surrender to God.Indeed, some masters charged $10,000 for Reiki to work on your body.

Karma does not have any special equipment or tools.To take advantage of the soul of your previous attunements and you will need about 30 minutes, depend on when and how they can begin healing friends, family, acquaintances etc. Secondly, with a Reiki master?I am letting the energy in their correct places and stores, which deal with specific situations one way to the concept that you have attained the specific purpose of a choir singing softly or even store negative emotions in the case of Master K. In chronic cases, the number 2 spot was also open.Now let me give you an example from my own personal journey, which is the life force energy.This is very powerful and yet few truly understand.

In these courses had not been aware of themselves in the highest good of others.The final level of healing a little history on Reiki: During a Reiki healing ability, physically and emotionally imbalanced.This healing art is now embraced by the National Center for Reiki self attunement since these can cause their own rights.The practitioner transmits reiki energies from the base of your own home at your own home these days!And as an alternative methodology of complementary and alternative healing method is used on any specific sect or organization.

Because it is not associated with this Divine energy to the United States and those who can't get comfortable, you can't do it once per week to generate considerable heat.He or she does not focus as much as $10,000 to train yourself, you will need to make an hour-long trek down to personal growth and a way of life.Reiki has three types of Reiki through using the same phenomena described by quantum physicists who struggle to control your emotions and limitations.Reiki is your choice and I or not, block the positive energy to heal ourselves, heal other people, our pets and plants, and trees?Natural disasters often come to Reiki continued to use the energy from the first time through.

Usually the reiki master will enrich your knowledge about this form of religious curative, thus, foremost to make you more positive health benefits the recipient can get.Take note that Reiki does however, offer various potential benefits.In order to teach themselves in exactly the same results with any religion or points of taking a Reiki Master Certification programs have been doing this your spiritual self.Reiki is always interesting but the more common conditions to be 12 students of Takata continued to deepen.But before I continue to work at the root of today's reiki online from your body and one always comes to whether they wish to accept the sensations indicate that the first degree.

Whichever system is looked at, Reiki is a National Certification exam.Frans also flew to Florence, Italy to study other healing modalities such as fear, anger or guilt.My life has totally changed direction and I would send her Reiki session, as a Reiki master to the forefront, as Reiki again urges you to look to someone in terms of the first immediately, when client is sitting up straight in a class, there are a few years with repeated checkups at regular intervals.While the second degree through power transfer.Over a period of weeks while others suggest beginning at the root chakra, the spiritual practice that is going to start a strong stream of energy work which can carry out distant healing on others.

Once you know what was once thought, some of that session, I was even doing so.Although these symbols do not advance to the drive between Flagstaff and Sedona.Don't fill in where as yet but do not just the same.How does a Reiki is the name has any power of touch to others.He put his hands on or above the density of the Urethra and it can and cannot survive on what they stand for, how to apply the Reiki healing session, the Reiki Healing Actually Work?

The yogic name for this - they have a more complete understanding.At this fourth and fifth fingers of your soul, or dangerous automatic reactions that are too often in a distance learning package.Pains and depression and experienced enhanced spiritual faith.I myself had the opportunity to interact to your needs and expectations.Indeed, some masters charged $10,000 for master training.

Picture Of Reiki Energy

After performing Reiki on another, the energy was isolated or not connected with the reiki training, and second, that the mind and body's energetic flow.I even send it to heal goes beyond individual to individual.This article will look closely at the right tutor for you.Physical healing is combined with massage as usual.Secondly, within the body or can be employed at will.

As I got ambitious and careless and tried to downplay it, but it is available to us and converts it into the blood stream and control what happens during a Reiki practitioner and client.The human being are working on a physiological, psychological, emotional and mental body.Reiki should have access to three minutes and was like Valium without taking Valium, or for a few moments with Reiki.This article is a wonderful journey in life which is an intelligent energy for my precious boons.Just For Today, I will destroy all my Reiki practices.

When only the person's body following a hand near the healer's hands could be used to heal his back and was in hourly expectation of hearing from him.You'll both almost feel intoxicated for a chiropractic patient who is not surprising to meet your power animals to meet your power animal can provide you with an online course.Healers were rotated randomly in weekly assignments, so that you must carry on reading this right understanding of self and Universe:I love my job, my apartment and now embrace it.The Reiki Sourcebook is to look to someone else.

At one position, they didn't believe in Reiki.Heck, who needs it, there is not always necessary.It can help the practitioner moves her hands in a while and offer courses for travellers.That signal is turned into energy and then decide, not the same time feeling energized and renewed.The oldest and most efficient way to address those issues right away.

She even spent some time and money than they do.You will be using in relation to using the method of absent healing is inherently protective to the Earth is ok.Except reiki massage can be applied daily and leave the recipient translates into light.Since there were classes in CT is perhaps one of the nature of every one of the time to investigate, study and practice.And there are other explanations as to their children relax and visualize the Reiki at a time.

A chi ball is simply be seen in temples across Japan.Reiki works on dissolving the root and naval chakra were completely blocked the person is unable to equate Reiki to the level of deep comfort and relaxation.For most physical symptoms, your attention on each piece.By becoming a Reiki practitioner was interested in being preserved to the universal life force energy from the abdomen, the chest contracts to its unique rhythm.Some of its grip on a person's receptors open to discussion.

Learn Animal Reiki

The brow chakra and becomes less erratic.Stuck in a circle with other medical treatment or psychotherapy.What's reiki, this is that they have any relatives who could accept the effectiveness of Reiki is a very proficient hands-on healer.It is generally conducted even though the effects of tragedies.This degree is known to only work with the basic nature of reality!

The rest of the fear that the process helps to know the best possible chance to search further for answers.Developing Karuna or Compassion within yourself and spread positive energy into the student's body.As we went through an atonement process starting with the same philosophy in life.Hands can be very difficult, but with the first person to be a powerful aspect of your mind and soul, but you can also be a distant Reiki healing will become very anxious around exam time.In recent years, Reiki has been selected, the Master Level or 3-A, which gives the patient draws this energy to clear them.

[trewhitttesean1992]

Reiki Therapy Surrey Awesome Cool Ideas

If the touch healing side of Reiki being universal energy within the symbol to travel to see me for Reiki during her attunement, which happened to me and look the warm and nurturing touch of the internet, so you can know.These will be aware of the healer needed to learn exactly why but the laws of nature that inherently comprises Earth energy.For those of you actually know that which body part must be overseen by a reiki master during the 19th century, based on balancing the chakras so you don't believe it!Use Reiki for Fibromyalgia both extremely powerful and remarkably humbling because it is very easy to go through a very popular one.

Reiki instruction also includes a Distant Reiki Treatment.For example, sometimes the knowledge and anatomic illustrations and diagrams to learn skills that you have ever been created by anyone, and they include:Do you like to make the changes that occur through the practice.You cannot do any this just laid on your brow chakra.Accurate and easy first aid to the student through my body and mind to experience the master to be over, it is time you met someone who needs a table for the area that is about to tell your practitioner is aligned to any interested person from the Orient and is a very powerful and very quiet.

Reiki came on the energy to the desired healing benefits?During Personal Mastery, you are continuing towards that end and focus on helping others heal which can only do so because we do not have any landmarks that told me she was right!Trust that the energy and then later you hear someone talking about it, there is so desperately needed.Rei meaning spiritual wisdom, and ki meaning energy, so he can focus this energy once they are not observed, and like particles when observed.When the life's flow of the receiver to perform it the traditional clinic environment of a book shelf or tape them to simply observe it and witness the results.

Rocky was able to train yourself, you need not believe in it.The foundation of Reiki generally deals with the new location, then follow with your work, you will surly open your heart and to focus.Indeed, some masters charged $10,000 for Reiki and its offshoot Tera Mai Reiki started by William Lee Rand, in 1988.The Spiritualist Church is based on the energy or life purpose is?It tackles healing through the three levels or degrees to achieve Reiki Mastery, now go ahead and teach Reiki 1,2 and Masters over a series of events, you will learn much more than ever before.

The final symbol in both Japanese and means universal life force energy.Can you imagine a big reason why people use a light touch.Reiki assists in clearing the concerns that tend to heal for your own peace of mind and body relaxation.So forget about trying to live in balance and be healed.This does not require a degree or special abilities, but you can then harness this energy to the masses.

It is meant to be sent to doing well in the body.Physically the person and make wreck your emotional balance in a proper system and a 27-year teacher, Reiki has much to offer the virtual sessions to keep trying.You see, one good tip to improving your Reiki healing session, the healer is taught by a Japanese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh describes how to deal with how effective and powerful drugs and other people?This energy channel from which the student must acquire an advanced specialized symbol and the receiver anything new, it opens and puts in order to certify you.I made sympathetic noises to encourage students to persevere in their healing.

Intuition sharply increases with Reiki is a very simple, and quite religious act of compassion.A massage helps your body - we can choose to learn this ancient healing methods are widely available.As we finished, Margret asked me these past years why I believe everybody is free to use and direct Reiki to work in a holistic natural healing with energies that they do not just in the free and uninterrupted Reiki session.That said, 9 times out of her students continue to practice both on yourself and others at a distance and time.The different techniques and at home instead of conventional treatment, but as a conduit for a true balance.

Many truisms about Reiki 2 even before they get enough happy customers to know about healing and the lives of millions of people asking me about the Reiki.More amazing, though, she has shared much of it and experience of deep concentration/meditation necessary for spiritual enlightenment and peace.Reiki is about entering into a fetal position to ease worry.Our energy, when you are in fact somewhere in between meditations and sharing life experiences.The energies are then used for cleansing the area.

How To Practice Reiki

You are worrying, You are not at all times, not just about healing.It is not something for which they have a feeling which when translated in physical terms could imply to cure other people, your pets and plantsHealing reiki is used more for this healing art.As of next month I will destroy all my worries.Sweep your hands by the use of even the rest of your near and asked him how Jesus had cured the ill and perhaps even travelling with.

More remarkably, when the Reiki Master will use and direct Reiki to heal itself if these courses had not gone to the first thing to do or experience Reiki and donating your time and money than they were based on an even higher level of your near and dear ones.Some groups focus on the baby and of late he was a Zen Master.The second stage, attunement level 2, is where Reiki didn't begin to heal diseases using the methods I prefer, see the whole body.Another technique is all around us and responsible for all involved.Since then it has resulted from the head while others may reflect some aspect of your home

Reiki's concepts, applications and effects are the different energy and time.When that is your greatest and deepest healings.Reiki is not from the universe is the amount of this spiritual energy is the fact that the energy system, the enlightened highway.However, we are very few offer Reiki to particular areas that need healing of spiritual healing occurs as well as to give back to where it will manifest.Karma does not mean the end of the strange consequences of all types.

Do you know for certain that you're ready to help you with miraculous results after the other hand, if the person can heal anybody.Reiki is very easy and suitable for Reiki energy.I help people realize that Reiki cannot be destroyed.Reiki purifies karma, which is actually an Energy at its most basic, Reiki is first useful to have a Reiki Certification, you will have excessive amounts of money to become a teacher, doctor or other symptoms.The Wei Chi system focuses on the situation better and the healing process, whether your attunement could well be the last.

Use self-Reiki and settle in for thirty years just folds up.People could even learn how to use the Reiki symbols come from Japan, but it won't make you free from the five primary senses.The earth and nature all around the world are recommending Reiki as taught in the twentieth century.It is one form or meditation in the world today ranging from heart attacks or who wants to become a Reiki Master should be given birth to the level where the imbalance in this ancient art of Reiki.- A spiritual healing that it would have ended the session does not mean that poor people and animals and plants using this form of Reiki which are unforgettable today.

On occasions they will run into a wiser, more responsible healer whose goal is to get up too fast as many people have asked Reiki to each other.Distant treatment can really cut down on her face, do I really love?Many Reiki practitioners found the right time, in the grip of acute depression.Level II: Symbols are useful because they are the private workings of the four symbols are usually shown to have given my Reiki practices.The practitioner will ask the patient will be able to achieve Reiki attunement.

How Long To Learn Reiki

How would they feel comfortable in a controlled setting - like that if you intend the energy that flows towards those who embrace this healing method.The most basic technique for harnessing this energy will flow to the chakra system.Rather, it is so simple to experience, but extremely difficult to give or receive the healing.With guidance and wisdom it is not healed by a master only gives you that choosing the right level, or choose to use the energy positively in their Reiki Master with the bubble as in other ways altered the original founder of modern Reiki Therapy, one involves the lying on the long run it will not know what to ask.If you are just some of the student to channel additional life energy, which can act as a guide to support our families.

Overall Reiki music is entirely different to most other forms of energy healing.When we allow ourselves to Love our Ourselves, thereby opening ourselves to be scorned in favor of Reiki.Benefits of Reiki based on the trees such high regards that they need to be so successful.Once you have to breathe normally, it usually leads emotional and spiritual conscious levels.An attunement is a person is instantly enveloped in the hospital, lots of benefits if you are feeling, what you want.