#playing with her in your fantasies || mina.

[count-on-mi]

Mommy's little Boy Part 1 (Mina)

I lost my mother when I was young, and my father remarried Mina when I became an adult. Mina is just ten years older than me, she also had a pure appearance, a sexy body, and a noble temperament. As a virgin, I was full of fantasies about her, and would even spy on her having sex with my father while masturbating at the same time.

I found that the sultry Mina actually had a very strong sexual desire, but my father's old body could not satisfy her, and instead, he was gradually drained of her. Seeing my father being drained by Mina made me imagine how exciting it would be to be drained by Mina until I died.

At ten o'clock in the evening, I hid outside the door as usual and peeked through the crack in the door to watch Mina and her father having sex on the bed. I saw Mina lying naked on the bed, spreading her legs to reveal her pink pussy, squeezing her breasts with one hand, and playing with her clitoris with the other. Her moans came from the room intermittently, lustfully and seductively.

Soon, my father walked in with his upper body naked and only his underwear on his lower body. He climbed onto the bed, caressed Mina's plump breasts with his hands, and lowered his head to suck her nipples. Mina threw her head back and moaned, inserting one hand into her father's hair and pushing his head towards her.

"Well...Husband...come in quickly..." Mina begged.

My father stood up and took off his underwear, letting me see his short and slender dick. He put his dick against Mina's moist entrance, stretched his waist hard, and completely penetrated her.

"Ah! It feels so comfortable!" Mina screamed loudly, wrapping her legs tightly around her father's waist.

My father started thrusting hard, like an old pile driver, making a feeble thumping sound. His dick moved in and out of Mina's body quickly, bringing out a large amount of honey. Mina kept moaning, looking like she was enjoying it.

"Hmm...ha...honey, you are so good...fuck me harder..."

My mouth was so dry that I couldn't help but unbutton my pants, take out my hard and jerk it.

My father growled lowly and froze for a few seconds, then pulled out the limp dick from Mina's body. White semen slowly flowed out of Mina's pussy, soaking the sheets.

"Oh, why did it end so soon?" Mina pouted in dissatisfaction, "Hubby, are you done so soon? I still want it."

The father gasped and said with a red face: "Baby, Dad is old and can't keep up with your rhythm. Let's take a rest."

"No," Mina said coquettishly, "You've just warmed up, how about we do it again? This time you use this, I guarantee you will never fall!" After saying that, Mina took out a small bottle.

The father hesitated for a moment, then took the bottle. "What is this?" he asked.

"It's an aphrodisiac. It's imported from Japan. It's super powerful!" Mina blinked and said, "After taking it, you will immediately regain your strength, your dick will be twice as big as before, and you will be energetic enough to fuck me till dawn!" "

Hearing this, I couldn't help but shudder. Could it be that Mina is actually the legendary succubus? Will she drain my father dry until he dies? Thinking of this, my breathing became rapid, and my right hand unconsciously increased the speed of stroking.

My father hesitated for a while and finally plucked up the courage to swallow the pill. After a while, he felt hot all over his body, and his dick in his lower body slowly became filled with blood, swelled and hardened, becoming thicker and longer than before.

"Wow, that's amazing!" my father said in surprise.

"Of course, this is the latest type of special medicine." Mina smiled proudly, "Okay, it's my turn to take care of you this time."

After saying that, Mina turned over and sat on him. She took hold of her father's fully erect cock, pointed it at her pussy, and sat down. The cock directly hit her womb, Mina raised her head in pleasure and kept moaning.

"Ah... so big... so comfortable... so exciting..."

My father also let out a sigh of pleasure, squeezing Mina's elastic buttocks with both hands. Mina twisted her waist and moved up and down, letting her father's cock rub inside her. The room was soon filled with violent crashing sounds and lustful sounds of water.

The sound of "pop, pop, pop" was heard endlessly, and father's cock rapidly thrust into Mina's pussy, causing a lot of foam to come out. Mina's eyes were blurry and she uttered obscene words, asking him to fuck her hard and fuck her up.

Seeing this passionate scene, I couldn't help but speed up my right hand. Father's cock is so thick, if it were me, I would definitely not be able to satisfy Mina. I don’t know if it was due to the aphrodisiac, but he was able to fuck Mina as hard as a young man. Mina's cries became louder and louder, sounding like she was enjoying herself.

"Husband... your cock is so big... I want to be fucked to death by you... Ah... it's so deep... it reaches the entrance of the cervix..."

"Baby...you're so tight inside...it makes me feel so comfortable..."

The father grabbed Mina's slender waist and pushed upwards hard. Each stroke hit Mina's G-spot hard, making her scream again and again. Mina soon had her first orgasm, her pussy contracted violently, and waves of semen spurted out.

"I can't do it anymore...I'm going to go...Ahhhh——"

Mina's whole body trembled, her eyes rolled white, and her saliva flowed down uncontrollably. She fell off her father's body and lay on the bed twitching. Father did not let her go, but lifted one of her legs to her chest to make the angle of her vagina more vertical, and then continued to penetrate her from top to bottom.

"No more...let me take a break..." Mina begged weakly for mercy, but father ignored her and continued to thrust hard at a fast pace.

Mina soon had her second orgasm. She cried out father's name, her pussy tightly gripping the giant thing inside her. Father finally couldn't help but cummed inside her and let out a low growl. The two hugged each other and panted for a while, and then father pulled out his weakened cock. Mina's pussy couldn't be closed, and the semen mixed with her juice flowed out gurglingly.

Looking at the exhausted two people, I returned to my room with satisfaction. The beautiful scenery tonight was worth the price of admission, and I felt more excited than ever. Recalling the scene just now, I took out my penis again and started stroking it crazily. I imagined that I had replaced my father and was fucking Mina like a storm with my huge cock; I imagined how I would send her to one orgasm after another, and finally reach a double level of semen and water under my violent bombardment. break out. With a numbing sensation, I finally couldn't help but ejaculate.

At this moment, the door suddenly opened, and a naked Mina stood at the door. The blush of passion still remained on her face, and she exuded an aura of lust.

"I found you, pervert." She winked at me and slowly walked up to me.

I was so frightened that I wanted to escape but it was too late. Mina lifted up the quilt and roughly grabbed my newly ejaculated dick.

"It turns out that my perverted son has been secretly watching us having sex." She gently scratched my peehole with her fingers, and I felt a shudder. "It must be hard to be a virgin at such an old age, right? Do you want mom to help you take care of your physiological needs?"

As she spoke, she opened her mouth and took my glans in her mouth, swirling her flexible tongue around the tip. My scalp suddenly became numb and I almost surrendered on the spot. Fortunately, I held it back and didn't let her laugh at my incompetence.

Seeing that I didn't respond, Mina took a step further and swallowed my entire penis into her mouth. I felt that my cock entered a warm and moist place, and the soft oral mucosa wrapped the shaft, bringing an extremely comfortable feeling. At the same time, she kept sucking and licking by her tongue, giving me the strongest stimulation.

I quickly lost control and cummed it in her mouth. Mina swallowed it all with a gurgle, and licked my cock clean without wanting to finish.

"Well, it tastes good." She wiped the corners of her mouth, stared at me, and said, "It seems like you won't have to be so lonely in the future, right?"

I was stunned and at a loss. Mina jumped directly on me, pulled off my underwear, and then held my semi-soft cock and pointed it at her pussy.

"Come on, fuck mommy with your big cock."

As she said that, she raised her buttocks, and my cock slid into the ecstasy hole. I felt like my whole body was about to melt into this heavenly feeling. I could never have imagined that one day I would have incest with my step mother and conquer her mature and attractive body with my cock.

I started to pump my cock instinctively, while Mina moaned wildly and kept calling me husband, dear husband, good son, which made my blood surge. I pushed harder every time, hitting her sensitive spots hard every time. Not long after, she screamed and climaxed, and her juices poured on my glans.

"Damn, you're so tight… Your are good at pinching, you're going to pinch me out." I cursed, grabbed her waist and sprinted like crazy.

"Then cum all to mommy, mommy's womb is waiting for you!" Mina moaned loudly and tighten her walls again, "Hurry up, push harder, and cum all your semen to mommy!"

Amid her screams, I could no longer hold back, and with a low growl, I poured all the thick semen into her womb. I collapsed on the bed as if exhausted, while Mina leaned into my arms with a satisfied look on her face.

"It will be like this every night from now on, you know?" She blew into my ear.

Just when I was about to quit the battlefield and take a break, Mina was not going to let me go. She stretched out her slender fingers and gently brushed my sensitive nipples, and a tingling electric current spread throughout my body instantly.

"Haha, little cutie, is this going to work?" Mina bit my ear, her voice was lazy and charming, "Don't worry, the night is still very long..."

As she spoke, her hand moved to my crotch, holding my semi-soft cock and slowly stroking it. My cock quickly became hard again. Mina seemed very satisfied and moved her hand faster and faster.

"Ah...good boy...that's it..." She moaned softly while helping me masturbate, "Mom likes your big cock the most...it can make my mother die every time... ."

Hearing these obscene words, I felt my cock swell a little more. Seeing this, Mina sped up the movements in her hand, and kept rubbing my tips with her thumb. I soon felt a heat gathering in my lower abdomen, and my self control was lost again.

"Damn...I'm cumming again..." I warned her with a heavy breath, but she obviously wasn't going to let me go. She suddenly leaned down and took my cock in her mouth. The hot and wet mouth once again brought me extremely vivid stimulation.

I grabbed her long hair with both hands, pushed my waist up involuntarily, and pushed my swollen cock deep into her throat. Mina tightened her lips in cooperation and sucked my glans hard. I couldn't hold it back any longer, I groaned and ejaculated all over her mouth.

Mina did not spit out the semen in her mouth but swallowed it all. After swallowing, she extended her tongue and licked the remnants of my dick.

"It tastes good. It seems that I can look forward to a delicious breakfast every day from now on." She raised the corners of her mouth and smiled charmingly.

I lay on the bed panting, feeling regretful and a little excited. From now on, I will have my essence squeezed out by this goblin every day, and I don’t know if my body can handle it. But the thought of being able to indulge in a sensual paradise day and night seems pretty good.

While I was thinking wildly, Mina had already moved her hips and adjusted to a more comfortable position. Then, she lifted one leg and put it on my shoulder and used her fingers to guide my erect penis to her pussy dripping with semen.

"Come on, kid, feed mommy with your big cock." She narrowed her eyes and moaned lustfully.

I couldn't think anymore, so I could only obey my instinct, straighten my waist and put my dick into her. The warm and moist feeling enveloped me, and I couldn't help but start a new round of conquest. In this way, we changed countless positions, from the bed to the floor, and then from the window to the bathroom. It wasn't until the sky outside the window turned white that the heart-wrenching battle came to an end temporarily.

Mina nestled in my arms contentedly and fell asleep quickly. And although I was exhausted physically and mentally, I couldn't calm down for a long time. I couldn't help but smile when I thought about my dark sexual life in the future. Maybe this is the legendary dream come true, I hope I will never wake up from this moment.

When I woke up from my dream, the sun was already up to my butt. Mina was not around, so she probably got up and prepared breakfast. Thinking of all the crazy things we did last night, I couldn't help but blush. Suddenly, there were footsteps outside the door, and Mina opened the door and walked in.

"Good morning, son" She came over with a smile and kissed my forehead.

"Good morning...Good morning." I was a little embarrassed and didn't dare to look directly into her eyes.

"Did you enjoy last night, my dear?" She climbed onto the bed and straddled me. I felt something hot and hard pressing against my lower abdomen, and my eyes widened.

"WTF? You...why did you..."

"Hehe, don't forget who I am." Mina blinked, and her dexterous fingers had already begun to untie my belt, "I can make you ecstasy at any time if I want~"

As soon as she finished speaking, she had already taken off my underwear and opened her mouth to take my morning boner. I immediately fell into lust, raised my head, and moaned uncontrollably...

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [2]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou, mentions of injuries, expletives

word count: 8.9k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: part two is here! Feeding time !! I love it when they hate each other >:)

Bakugou was annoying. That was the one word you’d use to describe him— though it hardly seemed enough to capture the sheer exasperation he stirred in you. The journey to Niniel’s Veil should have been the easy part, a straightforward trek across familiar terrain before delving into the real danger that awaited in the Veil’s depths. The path was well-charted, the landscape mostly predictable, and you had the map etched into your memory. By all accounts, this leg of the journey should have been smooth sailing, the calm before the storm. But Bakugou knew exactly how to rile you up, turning even the simplest task into a battle of wills.

“We're moving too slow!” Bakugou’s voice, sharp and demanding, cut through the quiet morning air. “If we keep dragging our feet, we’ll take weeks to get to Niniel’s Veil.”

“The risk is going through ogre territory,” you replied, trying to keep your voice even. “We do not want to use our resources on a big fight like that.”

“Karshoj Arnahk.” Bakugou spat the words, frustration etched in every syllable. You knew enough Draconic to recognize it as an expletive, something along the lines of “for fuck sake.” He was losing patience. He didn’t have time to argue with some prissy mapmaker. “We can take them and get to Niniel’s Veil quicker.”

You huffed, crossing your arms over your chest, the map in your hand crinkling slightly. “Or we could avoid them entirely and save ourselves the trouble. Not every fight needs to be fought, especially when there’s a safer way around!”

It didn’t help that he was constantly questioning your decisions, his deep voice laced with scepticism every time you suggested a route that didn’t involve charging headlong into danger. You could see the distaste in his eyes when you advocated for the safer, slower path, as if he considered it a personal affront to his abilities. It was infuriating. Here you were, with years of experience under your belt, and this hot-headed barbarian had the audacity to second-guess you at every turn.

The two of you stood at a crossroads— literally and figuratively— each staring the other down with a mixture of stubbornness and conviction that crackled in the air like a brewing storm. Your gazes locked, neither willing to concede an inch, the tension between you palpable. The rest of the group lingered a few paces back, caught between amusement at the spectacle and concern over what it might mean for the journey ahead. You could sense their unease, their nervous glances exchanged behind your backs, but no one dared to intervene. They knew better than to step into the middle of a clash between two such strong-willed personalities, especially when both of you seemed determined to win this battle of wills.

Kirishima shifted his weight, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “They’ve been at it all morning. Think we should step in?”

Denki shrugged, a small grin playing on his lips. “Eh, let ’em go at it. It’s kinda entertaining, don’t you think? I’ve never seen anyone stand up to Bakugou like that.”

“Yeah, but we’re not making any progress like this,” Sero added, glancing between you and Bakugou. “If they keep arguing, we’ll be stuck here all day.”

Kirishima frowned, his gaze flicking to Bakugou. “He’s just worried about time. You know how he is— always pushing forward, no matter what.”

“True, but our guide’s got a point,” Denki chimed in. “I’d rather not get into a brawl with ogres if we can avoid it. Those guys don’t mess around.”

Mina nodded, her eyes on you as you squared off with Bakugou. “I think they’ll figure it out. They’re both stubborn, but they’re not stupid. Hopefully.”

Bakugou’s voice broke through the murmur of the group, his frustration boiling over. “If you’re so scared of a fight, maybe you shouldn’t be leading us in the first place!”

You bristled at the insult, taking a step closer, your eyes narrowing. “Scared? I’m being practical! It’s called strategy, you dimwit. You don’t just charge in blindly and hope for the best.”

It's not that you were averse to fights— far from it. You understood the value of brute force, and there were times when a show of strength was exactly what the situation called for. But in your mind, there was always a safer, more calculated path to take. One that didn’t involve charging headfirst into danger or risking unnecessary harm. Brute force might solve problems quickly, but a well-thought-out strategy could avoid them altogether, or at the very least, mitigate the risks. 

For all his bluster, Bakugou wasn’t reckless— at least, not in the way you’d initially thought. He was driven, yes, and often too eager to prove himself, but there was a method to his madness. He wasn’t just charging into battle for the thrill of it; he was doing it because he believed it was the fastest, most efficient way to get the job done. And in his own twisted way, he was looking out for the group, even if his methods were more brute force than finesse.

Still, that didn’t make him any less annoying.

“Strategy?” He scoffed, crossing his arms in a mirror of your own stance. “Your ‘strategy’ is to waste time and avoid every challenge we come across. Our progress is at snail pace.”

“This is about being smart,” you snapped back. “It’s about surviving long enough to get to Niniel’s Veil in one piece. Or do you plan on dragging a half-dead group through the forest because you couldn’t wait a few hours to go around?”

“But I guess that’s asking too much from someone who thinks brute force solves everything.”

Bakugou’s eyes flashed with anger, but there was something else there too—something like shock, buried deep beneath his stubbornness. He wasn’t used to being questioned like this, especially not by someone he barely knew. But you weren’t backing down, and that seemed to catch him off guard.

“You think you know everything because you’ve got a map and a compass,” Bakugou growled, stepping closer. “But out here, it’s not just about what you know. It’s about what you can do. And what I can do is get us to that Veil faster than your slow, ‘safe’ route.”

You met his gaze head-on, refusing to be intimidated. “And what I can do is make sure we get there without losing anyone along the way. If you’d stop being so damn reckless for five minutes, you might see that.”

The tension between you crackled like a live wire, each of you daring the other to back down. Yet neither of you flinched, standing your ground with unwavering resolve. It was a standoff, a stubborn battle of wills where neither of you was willing to give an inch. Neither of you would ever move.

Finally, Bakugou huffed, breaking the silence. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice low but still laced with irritation. “We’ll do it your way. But if we get ambushed because of this detour, it’s on you.”

You let out a slow breath, relief mixing with the lingering frustration. “Deal. But if we avoid a fight, you owe me an apology.”

Bakugou snorted, turning on his heel as he started down the path you had pointed out. “Tch. Don’t hold your breath.”

"Bastard," you muttered under your breath as you walked with the group. You made sure the insult was just loud enough for him to hear. As you passed by Bakugou, you deliberately bumped his shoulder, a subtle but unmistakable show of defiance.

As you walked past Bakugou, muttering the insult under your breath, he stiffened, his jaw tightening. The faintest twitch in his shoulder betrayed his irritation, and he shot you a sharp, sidelong glare. Despite his attempt to maintain his composure, the anger simmering just beneath the surface was unmistakable, his fists clenching at his sides as he fought to keep his temper in check.

Denki and Sero exchanged glances, both grinning now as they walked behind you. “I think they’re gonna get along just fine,” Sero whispered.

“Or kill each other trying,” Denki added with a laugh.

Bakugou marched forward with determined strides, his shoulder colliding with yours in a harsh, deliberate bump. The force of it nearly threw you off balance, but you quickly steadied yourself, glaring at his back as he put himself slightly ahead of you. He didn't even glance back, his focus fixed on the path ahead as if daring you to react. You rolled your eyes, the irritation bubbling up as you let out a scoff, but you held your tongue. It wasn’t worth it— at least, not right now. 

Still, the tension between you crackled in the air, a silent reminder of how easily the two of you clashed. 

But as you watched Bakugou’s back, still bristling with barely-contained energy, you couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this wouldn’t be the last time the two of you butted heads. And while it was exhausting, a part of you couldn’t help but admire the fire in him. Even if the fire gave you the urge to strangle him. 

But for now, as the group continued on the safer path, you found a small measure of satisfaction in knowing that you’d held your ground. And if Bakugou had to learn that not every fight could be won with brute force, well… you’d be more than happy to teach him. And rub it in his face. But as far as you were concerned, you doubted that he’d let you teach him anything. In the end, the group did not get ambushed. And Bakugou never apologised. 

You were insufferable. Bakugou couldn't stand you. Every word that came out of your mouth seemed designed to get under his skin, and it worked—too well. You challenged him at every turn, never backing down, never letting him have the last word. It was infuriating.

He could feel his blood pressure spike every time you smirked at him, that infuriatingly calm look on your face as if you knew exactly how to push his buttons. It wasn’t just your words, though they were bad enough. It was the way you matched him, blow for blow, never letting him dominate the conversation or the situation. You were always there, a thorn in his side, ready to counter his every move with some clever quip or an infuriatingly smug retort.

Bakugou often enjoyed insulting people in Draconic, relishing the way it let him vent his frustrations without anyone understanding a word he said. There was something undeniably satisfying about watching someone’s clueless expression as he spat venomous words right to their face, knowing they couldn’t decipher the meaning behind the growls and hisses of his native tongue.

But then there was you. Of all the people to cross his path, you just had to know Draconic. It grated on him that every time he let a curse slip, you not only understood but fired back with equal venom. It was as if you revelled in the challenge, matching him insult for insult, and sometimes even besting him at his own game. It drove him up the wall, especially when you threw insults at him in a language he couldn’t comprehend.

"Maurg wux gashtik," he hissed at you as the two of you walked side by side, leading the group down the winding road. His eyes gleamed with irritation, the insult dripping with venom. He was trying to get creative with his insults now, pushing to see if he could get under your skin. The group sighed at his insult, a familiar one they had heard more than a few times before. It was his go-to jab whenever his patience ran thin.

 

Without missing a beat, you shot back, “Syyulq iw haf'ry zmy aldh kyiwz voraflv, la zmilcw.” Your words were smooth and confident, dripping with the kind of sarcasm that only comes from knowing you’ve got the upper hand. You smirked as you finished, casting a sidelong glance at him, knowing full well that he had no idea what you’d just said. 

Mina, walking behind you, suddenly burst into laughter, clutching her sides as she tried to keep up with the group. In that moment, she was more than relieved that she could understand both Bakugou’s insult and yours. Silently thanking you for cursing back at him in infernal. Her laughter was contagious, and the others glanced around, curious about what was so funny. Bakugou's scowl deepened.

"What the hell did you just say?" he demanded, turning to you with a glare, clearly not pleased with being left out of the joke. He hated being in the dark, especially when it was at his expense.

You simply shrugged, feigning innocence. "Wouldn’t you like to know?" The teasing lilt in your voice only fueled his irritation.

Mina wiped away a tear, still giggling. "Oh, Bakugou, you don’t want to know," she teased, which only made him growl in frustration.

"I do want to know, dammit!" he snapped, his eyes narrowing. But neither of you gave him the satisfaction of an answer, continuing down the path as if nothing had happened.

Kirishima grinned, joining in on the fun. “Kats, I think you’ve met your match.”

Bakugou growled, his frustration mounting. It wasn’t just that you could keep up with him in Draconic—it was that you had the audacity to use another language entirely, one that left him in the dark. It was infuriating, and he hated how you seemed to enjoy pushing his buttons.

“You’re gonna regret that,” Bakugou muttered under his breath, more to himself than to you, as he tried to think up his next move in this strange verbal chess game the two of you had been playing since the journey began.

But for now, you had the upper hand, and the smirk on your face told him you knew it. The group continued their journey, the road ahead long and winding, but the air was lighter with the banter that lingered. 

It gnawed at him, the fact that he couldn’t just ignore you or dismiss you like everyone else who got on his nerves. You were too sharp, too quick, always two steps ahead, and it drove him mad. It was like you were put on this earth specifically to test his patience, to see just how far he could be pushed before he snapped.

Bakugou might have been annoyed, but a small part of him— buried deep beneath the frustration— couldn’t help but admire how you never let him have the upper hand for long. That, he thought grudgingly, was something he could almost respect. Even if it did grind his gears to no end. The journey to Niniel’s Veil was far from over, and the challenges ahead would test all of you in ways you couldn’t yet imagine. 

Maurg wux gashtik: Go fuck a beast. Syyulq iw haf'ry zmy aldh kyiwz voraflv, la zmilcw: Seeing as you’re the only beast around, no thanks. 

If the annoyance wasn’t enough, Bakugou didn’t trust you either. It was understandable, in a way— trust wasn’t something that came easily, especially not in a group formed under the pressure of necessity rather than choice. But the combination of mutual dislike and a lack of trust was a volatile mix, one that threatened to undermine the cohesion of the group at every turn.

The fire crackled softly in the heart of the forest, sending small sparks up into the darkening sky. The gentle warmth of the flames was a comforting contrast to the cool night air. The group sat in a loose circle around the fire, the orange glow illuminating their faces as they chatted quietly. Kirishima was recounting a funny story from one of their previous adventures, his laughter infectious as the others listened, occasionally adding their own comments or chuckles.

Mina leaned back against her pack, her eyes half-closed as she enjoyed the moment of peace. The night was calm, with only the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a nightbird to break the silence. The woods felt alive, but not in a threatening way—just the usual sounds of nocturnal creatures going about their business under the watchful gaze of the stars.

After a while, the conversation began to taper off, the weight of the day’s travel settling in. One by one, everyone began to prepare for sleep. Kirishima stoked the fire one last time before lying down, while the others rolled into their blankets, their breaths gradually slowing as they drifted off.

You lay still for a few moments, listening to the soft, steady breathing of your companions. The fire had burned down to embers, casting a dim, flickering light over the campsite. The forest around you seemed to hold its breath, the quiet only deepening as the night wore on. 

But your mind was restless, thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a storm. Sleep was slipping further away with each passing minute. After what felt like hours of lying there, you silently rose from your bedroll, careful not to disturb the others. The urge to move, to clear your head, was too strong to ignore.

You stepped away from the camp, the night embracing you with its cool, familiar stillness. Your eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness, allowing you to see the path ahead with ease. It was a gift you often kept to yourself. It was your nature, after all, to hold things close, to keep your secrets guarded.

As you walked, the forest seemed to whisper around you, the leaves rustling softly as if in conversation. You breathed in the crisp night air, feeling it clear your mind with each step. The solitude was a welcome relief, a chance to gather your thoughts away from the group.

But before you could get far, a firm hand suddenly gripped your shoulder, halting you in your tracks. You turned to find Bakugou standing behind you, his expression hard and unreadable in the shadows. His eyes, however, were sharp and searching.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his voice low and edged with suspicion. “Ditching us in the middle of the night?”

You shook your head, surprised by his sudden appearance but not entirely shocked by his suspicion. “I’m not ditching anyone. Just needed some air. A walk helps me think.”

Bakugou didn’t release your shoulder, his gaze narrowing as he studied you. “In the dark? Humans can’t see a damn thing out here without a torch.”

You paused, at his words. Bakugou’s hand tightened slightly on your shoulder as he pieced together the implications. “Humans don’t have darkvision,” he muttered, almost to himself. His mind was clearly turning over the possibilities, trying to figure out what you really were. 

You rolled your eyes, the tension between you and Bakugou palpable in the dim light of the forest. “I’m a half-elf,” you said, your tone edged with impatience. “Half-elves have darkvision. I never claimed to be human.”

Bakugou’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he quickly masked it with his usual scowl. He studied you with renewed scrutiny, as if trying to reconcile this new piece of information with everything he knew— or thought he knew— about you.

“Well, that explains a few things,” he muttered, more to himself than to you. “Half-elves, huh? Didn’t see that coming.”

You met his gaze steadily, unflinching. “I didn’t see the need to announce it. Besides, I’d rather not make a big deal out of it. I’m here to help, not to broadcast my heritage.”

The truth was more complicated than you cared to share at the moment, especially with someone as guarded as Bakugou. He wasn’t someone who trusted easily, and you doubted he’d start now.

After a moment of tense silence, Bakugou finally released his grip, though his eyes remained wary. “Whatever. We’re not out here for a midnight stroll. Let’s go back to camp.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and started walking back toward the campfire, clearly expecting you to follow. You hesitated for a moment, then sighed and fell in step behind him.

As you walked, Bakugou’s posture remained stiff, his mind clearly still turning over what he’d just discovered. You had given him an answer, but he wasn’t sure if he trusted it. Then again, would you lie about something like that? The doubt lingered in his eyes, though he didn’t ask any more questions. The silence between you was heavy, thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. It was clear that, for now at least, the matter wasn’t settled in his mind.

When you both returned to camp, the fire was still glowing faintly, and the others remained asleep, unaware of the brief exchange. Bakugou didn’t say anything as he resumed his spot by the fire, but his eyes followed you as you lay down once more.

As you closed your eyes, you could feel his gaze lingering, the unspoken question hanging in the air. It seemed that trust, for now, would remain elusive between you— but at least you knew where you stood.

The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as the group prepared for another day of travel. The air was crisp and fresh, a welcome change from the damp chill of the previous night. As everyone readied their gear, you decided to take a backseat in the day's journey, letting Bakugou take the lead. The prospect of another argument with him seemed exhausting, so you followed behind with Kirishima, who had readily offered to walk with you.

Kirishima’s cheerful demeanour was a stark contrast to Bakugou’s usual intensity, and you found the company pleasant. The two of you fell into an easy rhythm, your footsteps crunching softly on the forest path.

“So, Kirishima,” you began, trying to steer the conversation toward a topic you’d been curious about. “What’s Bakugou’s story? I mean, I know he’s skilled, but there’s something about him that seems like there’s more.”

Kirishima gave you a thoughtful look, his usually bright eyes narrowing slightly as he considered how to respond. “Bakugou?” he said, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. “He’s got quite the history. He’s a dragonborn prince, you know.”

You raised an eyebrow, surprised by the revelation. “A prince? That’s… not something I expected. I mean, he doesn’t exactly come across as the royal type.”

Kirishima chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that was warm and friendly. “Yeah, he doesn’t exactly fit the typical prince mould. But he’s got a lot of responsibilities back home. Being a prince isn’t just about wearing a crown—it’s about carrying a whole lot of weight.”

You glanced ahead, where Bakugou was striding with his usual determination, his back straight and his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “So, what’s driving him to adventure like this? It seems like a pretty big change from royalty.”

Kirishima hesitated for a moment, his expression becoming more guarded. “Well, that’s not really my place to say. Bakugou’s got his reasons, and he doesn’t share them easily. Let’s just say he’s on a quest that’s important to him—something personal.”

You nodded, sensing that Kirishima was being intentionally vague. “Fair enough. It’s clear he values his privacy. But it’s good to know he has friends like you backing him up.”

Kirishima’s smile returned, a look of genuine warmth in his eyes. “Yeah, we go way back. I’m his chosen advisor, and it’s my job to support him, no matter what. We’ve been through a lot together, and I trust him more than anyone.”

You smiled, appreciating the loyalty and camaraderie that Kirishima clearly felt for Bakugou. “It sounds like you two have a strong bond. I guess that’s why you’re always so ready to jump in and help him out.”

“Definitely,” Kirishima agreed, his tone filled with sincerity. “We’ve got each other’s backs. That’s what matters.”

The conversation drifted to lighter topics as you both continued along the path, the forest surrounding you both serene and welcoming. There was a sense of unity and purpose among the group. As you walked beside Kirishima, you felt a deeper understanding of the dynamics within your travelling party and a little bit of Bakugou. 

Your mind drifted back to the night’s encounter. Bakugou had thought you were going to run off, his suspicion evident in the way he confronted you. It wasn’t just that he didn’t trust you— he was actively wary, as if expecting you to betray the group at any moment. The weight of his doubt lingered with you, and you couldn’t help but wonder what you could do to earn his trust.

You hadn’t lied when you told him you were a half-elf. But deep down, you knew it wasn’t the full truth either. There were parts of your heritage you hadn’t revealed, things you weren’t ready to share with anyone— not yet. That unspoken part of yourself hung between you and Bakugou like a shadow, a barrier that kept him on edge. You knew the dangers of revealing your true identity. The consequences could be far-reaching, and trust was a fragile thing. So, for now, you would keep it hidden for as long as you could, hoping that time would eventually build the trust you needed to bridge the gap between you and Bakugou.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Bakugou and Mina worked together to set up camp. The crackling of the fire was the only sound for a while, save for the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind whispered through the trees. Bakugou was unusually quiet, his sharp gaze focused on the task at hand, but his mind was elsewhere. 

After a moment of silence, he glanced at Mina, who was busy laying out bedrolls. “Oi, Mina,” he started, his tone gruff as he tried to sound casual, “how close are you with that cartographer?”

Mina looked up, blinking in surprise at the sudden question. She tilted her head, considering. “We get along fine,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She's easy to talk to, but… I wouldn’t say we’re super close. Why?”

Bakugou shrugged, his expression carefully neutral, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Just wonderin’. She ever open up to you? Y’know, about her past or whatever?”

Mina shook her head, her antennae twitching slightly as she thought back. “Not really. She’s pretty secretive, honestly. I know She’s a cartographer—travelling all over the place for work. But outside of that, she doesn't share much. She usually keeps to themselves.”

Bakugou frowned, his brows knitting together as he absorbed this information. “So she doesn't talk about where she’s been or what she’s seen?”

Mina shrugged, her expression a mix of curiosity and understanding. “Not much, no. I think she prefers to keep her distance. It’s like she’s here, but her mind is always somewhere else, always on the next map, the next destination.”

Bakugou grunted in response, his gaze drifting towards the trees where the others had gone to collect water and firewood. “Figures,” he muttered, almost to himself. He couldn’t quite place why it bothered him that you were so closed off. Maybe it was because he couldn’t stand not knowing what made someone tick, or maybe it was something else entirely—something he wasn’t ready to admit, even to himself.

Bakugou thought back to that night. You had said you were a half-elf, but something about it didn’t sit right with him. There was a nagging feeling in his gut, a sense that there was more to your story than you were letting on. He couldn’t shake the feeling that you were holding something back, something important. 

But then again, it was still early in the journey. Maybe he was just overthinking it, letting his natural suspicion get the better of him. He huffed, brushing off the unease with a scowl. He was probably just being stupid, reading too much into things that didn’t matter. There was a long road ahead, and he couldn’t afford to get distracted by his own doubts—not yet, anyway.

Mina noticed the thoughtful look on his face and smiled softly. “You’re curious about her, huh? It’s not like you to take an interest in someone’s life like this.”

Bakugou scowled, quickly masking his curiosity with a gruff snort. “Don’t get any ideas, Mina. Just tryin’ to figure out what makes ‘em so damn secretive. It’s annoying.”

Mina chuckled, giving him a knowing look. “Sure, sure. Well, maybe she’ll open up eventually. Who knows? We’ve still got a long journey ahead.”

Bakugou didn’t respond, but the frown on his face deepened as he returned to his task, his mind still turning over the mystery that was you. The more he thought about it, the more it gnawed at him. There was something about you that didn’t add up, and Bakugou wasn’t the type to leave a puzzle unsolved.

You returned from gathering firewood with Sero, engaged in light conversation as you both made your way back to camp. Sero was animatedly discussing his latest idea for improving the camp setup when your eyes happened to meet Bakugou’s across the clearing. The moment your gazes locked, the interaction quickly soured into a glare.

Bakugou’s voice cut through the calm evening like a blade. “What are you looking at?” he growled, his tone sharp and challenging.

You met his gaze with a raised eyebrow, your own expression hardening. “I’m just bringing back the firewood, Bakugou. If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed, his irritation barely contained. “Oh, I’m just admiring your talent for being annoyingly friendly all the time.”

“Better than being a grumpy jerk,” you shot back, your tone crisp and biting. “At least I’m making an effort to get along with everyone around me.”

Bakugou snorted, his defiant expression unwavering. “Getting along doesn’t mean I have to like you.”

“Well, too bad. You’re stuck with me for the long haul,” you retorted, your eyes challenging as you turned back to Sero.

His scowl deepened, the lines on his forehead etched with frustration. “It’s not my fault if you’re always skulking around like you’re up to something.”

You took offence, the bundle of wood in your arms feeling heavier as your grip tightened. “Oh, spare me. Maybe if you didn’t jump to conclusions all the time, you wouldn’t be so damn paranoid.”

Sero, sensing the escalating tension and the heat of the moment, stepped in with a nervous laugh, trying to defuse the situation. “Hey, let’s just focus on setting up camp, alright? No need to turn this into a fight.”

The two of you exchanged one last, lingering glare before turning away, the bitterness of the encounter still hanging in the air. It was clear that, despite the forced civility, there was a lot of ground to cover before any semblance of mutual respect could be established. The journey ahead was long, and whether you liked it or not, learning to get along would be a necessary part of the road ahead. Both of you would have to navigate your way through this tension, finding common ground amid the bickering and suspicion, if you were to make it through the trials of the journey together.

The tavern’s warm glow flickers over Bakugou’s face as he recounts the early days of the journey to the bard. The firelight dances across the rugged lines of his features, accentuating the gruffness of his expression. His voice, though rough and often brusque, carries a hint of amusement as he describes the mishaps and close calls of their travels. The corner of his mouth curls into a rare, fleeting smile, betraying a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia as he relives the stories of the group’s early adventures. 

“So, let me get this straight,” the bard chuckles, leaning forward, “you two couldn’t stand each other from the start?”

Bakugou snorts, a rare grin tugging at his lips. “Hated each other’s guts. She was too careful, and I was too reckless. We annoyed the hell out of each other every chance we got.”

“We couldn’t stand each other,” Bakugou admits, his tone gruff but tinged with amusement. “Always bickering, always on each other’s nerves. Hell, I thought we were gonna tear each other apart before we even made it halfway.”

The bard chuckles, shaking his head. “Sounds like quite the pair. How’d you manage to get anything done?”

Bakugou laughs, a low, rumbling sound. “By sheer stubbornness. We hated each other, sure, but I’ll give her this—she knew what she was doing. Eventually, we figured out how to make it work. Mostly.” He added with a knowing grin.

The bard laughs as well, eyes twinkling with interest. “And now?”

“Now?” Bakugou leans back, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. There’s a hint of sadness in them. “Now, we still argue like crazy. But somehow, we make it work.”

It had barely been two weeks of relentless bickering with Bakugou, and every moment felt like a battle you were losing. His sharp words, constant challenges, and the way he always had to have the last word grated on your nerves. You couldn’t stand it. The tension was suffocating, your patience wearing thin with every snarky exchange. The urge to scream clawed at your throat, desperate for release.

The late afternoon sun filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was cool, filled with the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves. A gentle stream gurgled nearby as Mina and you filled water skins for the camp, the soothing sound doing little to quell your growing frustration.

“I swear, Bakugou is impossible!” you huffed, shaking your head as you dipped another skin into the clear water. “He acts like nothing can touch him, diving into danger for convenience!”

Mina glanced at you, an amused smile playing on her lips as she finished tying off one of the filled skins. “You know he’s just being Bakugou. It’s kind of his thing— punch first, ask questions later. But it has worked out before.”

You rolled your eyes, the irritation evident in your voice. “Yeah, but it’s only a matter of time before it doesn’t! He needs to learn to slow down, think things through. When we reach Niniel’s Veil, it’s not just fighting monsters out here; we’ve got traps, puzzles, who knows what else. He’s too reckless!”

Meanwhile, deeper in the woods, Kirishima and Bakugou were trudging through the underbrush, fallen branches crunching underfoot as they gathered firewood. Bakugou’s expression was as stormy as ever, his grip on the axe handle tight as he vented his frustrations.

“That damn guide is a pain in the ass,” Bakugou grumbled, swinging the axe down with a fierce chop. “Always so careful, double-checking every damn thing like I’m some kind of idiot. We don’t have time for all that crap!”

Kirishima chuckled, hoisting a thick branch onto his shoulder. “But isn’t that why you brought her along? To make sure we don’t walk into some ancient trap or something in the Veil? I mean, you’ve got to admit, her method has been smooth sailing.”

Bakugou scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he chopped through another log. “Doesn’t mean she has to question every move I make. I’ve got instincts, damn good ones! She just needs to keep up and stop second-guessing me.”

The complaints overlapped in the forest air, each of you venting to your companions, the words crossing paths but never reaching the intended target.

You shook your head, handing a full water skin to Mina. “He’s so stubborn. I don’t know how he thinks he’s going to survive if he keeps acting like he’s invulnerable. One of these days, he’s going to get us all killed.”

Mina tied off the skin, her expression thoughtful. “Maybe you just need to find a way to work with him, instead of against him. I mean, you’re both pretty set in your ways, but maybe that’s why you butt heads so much. You balance each other out, you know?”

Back with Kirishima, Bakugou grunted, shouldering a bundle of firewood. “She thinks that she knows everything, like she’s got all the answers. But I’ve been through worse, and I’m still standing. She needs to trust that I’ve got this.”

Kirishima adjusted the weight of the branches, his tone calm. “Maybe it’s not about who’s right, but about making sure we all get through this together. You both care about the group, even if you show it in different ways.”

“Urgh..! He’s such a pain! I can’t stand him. He’s such a—”

“She’s such an uptight, overcautious nag! Always acting like she’s got a stick up her—” 

“—reckless, hot-headed maniac! Charging into everything like it’s a damn arena fight! Why can’t he just—” 

“—shut up and let me handle things without acting like I’m gonna blow us all up every five seconds! It’s not like—” 

“—he ever listens to anyone but himself! If he’d just stop and think for one second, maybe we wouldn’t be—” 

“—stuck wasting time because someone has to check every leaf and twig like it’s gonna explode!” 

“—risking our necks because he’s too stubborn to admit he’s not invincible!”

Mina and Kirishima exchanged knowing glances if they were next to each other. They watched the barbarian and the cartographer vent their intense frustrations. The raw display of annoyance was almost comical— both of them so stubborn, so convinced they were right, yet so blind to how similar they really were. Mina chuckled softly, shaking her head at the irony of it all, while Kirishima couldn’t help but grin at the familiar scene. They had seen this play out before: the clash of two strong-willed personalities who, despite their constant bickering, somehow managed to keep the group moving forward.

Neither of you would hear the other’s words, each too wrapped up in your own complaints. The journey ahead was fraught with dangers, and though you couldn’t see it yet, those opposing qualities might just be what kept the group together when the stakes were highest.

There were definitely times when your methods worked best, especially in situations that demanded careful planning and a steady hand. Navigating treacherous terrain and leading with caution—all tasks where your meticulous approach and attention to detail had saved the group from wasting precious resources early in the journey. You were determined to conserve energy and supplies for the challenges that awaited at Niniel’s Veil. 

But there were also moments when Bakugou’s approach was undeniably effective. His instinct to charge forward, to confront danger head-on with raw strength and unwavering confidence, had turned the tide in battles where hesitation could have been fatal. His ability to make quick, decisive moves in the heat of the moment had saved lives more than once.

The early morning air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the faintest scent of dew and pine. The camp was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of awakening birds. The sky, just beginning to blush with the first hints of dawn, cast a soft, golden light over the landscape. You and Bakugou were the only ones awake, the rest of the group still wrapped in the comfort of their sleep. An unspoken tension lingered between you.

Bakugou sat by the embers of the now-dying campfire, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he stared out into the growing light. You approached him, your footsteps muffled by the soft ground. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome relief from the stuffy confines of the tent.

“Hey,” you said, trying to sound casual despite the underlying strain. “Since we’re both up, I figured I might as well come with you to scout ahead.”

Bakugou glanced up, his expression a mix of surprise and reluctant approval. “Fine. Let’s go.”

You nodded and fell into step beside him, the two of you moving out of the camp and into the dense underbrush. The forest around you was bathed in a soft, early morning light, the trees casting long, slanting shadows on the ground. The silence of the woods was punctuated only by the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional chirp of a waking bird.

The awkwardness between you was palpable, each step feeling like a small, deliberate choice in a game neither of you wanted to play. Bakugou’s posture remained rigid, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilance that spoke more of habit than relaxation. You walked beside him, your own gaze alert but focused on maintaining a semblance of peace.

Bakugou was quiet, the weight of unspoken tension hanging between you. He knew that for this journey to work, you both needed to reach some kind of understanding. Begrudgingly, he decided to start the conversation. He wasn’t sure how, but he knew it had to happen.

After a few minutes of strained silence, Bakugou finally broke it. “Why do you hate me so much?” His voice was low and gruff, cutting through the quiet.

You glanced at him, taken aback by the bluntness of his question. “Hate’s a strong word,” you replied, keeping your tone measured. “I don’t hate you. I just think your approach is reckless and puts everyone at risk.”

Bakugou’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. “Reckless? You mean taking risks to get things done faster. You’re the one who always plays it safe, wasting time and taking it slow while we’re stuck in the same spot.”

“Oh, come on,” you shot back, a hint of frustration seeping into your voice. “It’s not about playing it safe. It’s about using our heads and avoiding unnecessary danger. If we take shortcuts without knowing what we’re up against, we’re just asking for trouble.”

“Trouble that we can handle,” Bakugou retorted. “If we keep taking the long way, we’ll never get anywhere. Sometimes you’ve got to take a chance to get ahead.”

You shook your head, exasperated. “And sometimes those chances come with risks that could be avoided. It’s not worth jeopardising everyone’s safety for the sake of saving a few hours.”

As you argued, Bakugou’s eyes fell on a narrow path winding through the woods. He pointed to it, his tone challenging. “Look, there’s a shortcut right there. We could cut through and save a lot of time.”

You pulled out your map and studied it, your brow furrowing. “That shortcut is infested with bandits. I’ve marked it as dangerous. It’s not worth the risk.”

Bakugou’s frustration was palpable. “The group can handle bandits. We’ve fought worse. Why waste time taking the long way around when we can deal with the problem head-on?”

You glared at him, your patience wearing thin. “Because it’s not just about fighting. It’s about making sure we don’t run into more trouble than we can handle. Sometimes avoiding a fight is the smarter move.”

The argument continued, the exchange heated but ultimately inconclusive. Both of you were too entrenched in your own viewpoints to reach an agreement. When you finally returned to camp, you were both visibly frustrated.

The group was still asleep, the peaceful morning broken only by the soft murmur of the wind and the distant chirping of birds. You and Bakugou sat down, waiting for the others to wake up. The lingering tension between you was undeniable, but there was also a sense of shared purpose—an understanding that, despite the disagreements, you both had a role to play in the journey ahead.

As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon, the rest of the group began to stir. Kirishima was the first to sit up, rubbing his eyes and glancing around sleepily. He quickly noticed the strained silence between you and Bakugou, who sat apart from each other, both looking tense and frustrated.

“Uh… morning, guys,” Kirishima said cautiously, trying to gauge the situation. He shot a questioning look at Sero, who was now waking up beside him.

Sero stretched and yawned, then raised an eyebrow as he took in the scene. “Morning. Everything… okay?”

Denki, who had just rolled out of his blanket, leaned in closer to Mina and whispered, “What’s up with them? It’s too early for them to be fighting already.”

Mina, still half-asleep but alert enough to pick up on the tension, whispered back, “I don’t know, but you can feel it from here. They must’ve had another argument while we were asleep.”

“Again?” Denki replied, shaking his head. “You’d think they’d save it for when we’re all awake at least.”

Kirishima stood up and started gathering his things, trying to break the awkwardness. “Alright, let’s start packing up. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.” He shot a pointed look at you and Bakugou, hoping to diffuse the tension.

Mina and Denki exchanged a knowing glance before following Kirishima’s lead, quietly packing their belongings while sneaking curious glances at you and Bakugou. Sero sighed and muttered under his breath, “Great, just what we needed. Another day of this.”

As everyone started to pack up, the camp buzzed with quiet activity, but the atmosphere remained heavy. Despite the early morning chill, the tension between you and Bakugou lingered, a silent reminder of the ongoing clash of strategies and personalities.

You had spent the morning turning over Bakugou’s and Mina’s words in your mind. Your aversion to danger wasn’t born from some crippling fear. It was more a matter of practicality, honed by years of travelling alone. The safer, longer paths were the ones you’d come to rely on, not because you couldn’t hold your own in a fight, but because most threats didn’t come alone. As a lone traveller, risking an encounter with a group of enemies wasn’t a gamble you could afford to make. 

You couldn't deny that the idea of taking shortcuts was tempting—who wouldn't want to shave time off a journey? But the longer routes had become second nature to you. They offered a sense of control, a way to avoid unnecessary risks, even if it meant the journey took longer. After all, the longer path had kept you alive this long. But now, you weren’t alone. 

This time, you were guiding a group capable of working together in fights, each member bringing their own strengths to the table. While you understood the weight of responsibility for your choices and the lives of those around you, you also had to acknowledge that they were strong. Maybe it was time to trust in their abilities as much as your own instincts.

So, you decided to give in to Bakugou’s methods. It wasn’t easy—your instinct was to err on the side of caution, to take the longer, safer route. But you couldn’t always reject Bakugou’s ideas. He wasn’t stupid; if anything, he was frustratingly competent. Maybe, just maybe, his method would work out this time.

“Alright,” you said, catching up to him as the group prepared to move out. “Let’s take the shortcut you suggested.”

Bakugou turned to you, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “You’re agreeing with me? No complaints about how dangerous it is?”

You shrugged, gripping your sword staff a little tighter. “No, no complaints. If we manage to get through, it’ll get us to Niniel’s Veil quicker. I can see the benefit in different methods.”

He gave you a long, searching look before nodding. “Good. Then let’s get moving. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when we run into trouble.”

You met his gaze, your voice firm. “I’m not scared of trouble.”

The group set off, the atmosphere tinged with a mix of tension and curiosity. Bakugou led the way, his confidence clear in his stride, while you stayed close, your sword staff at the ready. The path was narrow, overgrown, and clearly less travelled— a clear indication of why it was considered a shortcut. The trees loomed overhead, their thick branches casting long shadows on the ground as the sun filtered through in patches.

This shortcut was infamous for the number of bandits lying in wait to ambush travellers. It was certainly a quicker route, but it came with a reputation for trouble, especially in this part of the woods. 

You kept your senses sharp, every sound and movement drawing your attention. The quiet was unnerving, each snap of a twig underfoot sending a jolt of anticipation through you. You could feel the others’ unease too— Mina kept casting glances at you, while Sero and Kirishima’s usual banter had died down, replaced by a focused silence.

Sure enough, as the group pressed deeper into the shortcut, the ambush came. A gang of bandits emerged from the underbrush, their weapons drawn and eyes gleaming with malicious intent. It was clear they’d been lying in wait, expecting easy prey.

“There they are!” one of the bandits shouted, raising his sword. “Get ’em!”

Your grip on the sword staff tightened as you instinctively fell into a defensive stance. “Here we go,” you muttered to yourself, your eyes scanning the bandits for any weaknesses.

Bakugou, however, was already on the move. “Stay close and don’t hold back!” he barked, his voice commanding as he charged forward, his weapon drawn and ready.

The fight was intense and chaotic. The bandits were skilled, but your group was more than a match for them. Bakugou’s aggressive approach caught the bandits off guard, his attacks swift and brutal. You found yourself coordinating with him, your defensive techniques complementing his offence as you fought off the attackers.

“Watch your left!” Bakugou yelled, his voice cutting through the din of battle.

You pivoted, blocking an incoming strike with the shaft of your sword staff before delivering a sharp counterattack. “Cover the right!”

Bakugou grunted in acknowledgment, his movements fluid as he took down another bandit. The two of you moved in sync, your strategies— though different— working together to keep the group protected. Mina and Denki used their abilities to create distance, while Sero and Kirishima provided support, ensuring no one got overwhelmed.

Despite the initial tension, the fight went smoothly. The bandits were eventually routed, their numbers no match for your combined strength. As the last of them fled into the trees, one of them managed to knock you to the ground.

Bakugou was quick to stride over, grabbing your arm and hauling you back to your feet with a force that left you slightly off balance. “Can’t even stay on your feet?” he quipped, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Whatever,” you retorted, shaking your head as you brushed the dirt from your clothes. “Thanks, I guess.”

Bakugou chuckled, the sound a low, gruff rumble that sent a shiver down your spine. “What was that?” he asked, leaning slightly closer, the smirk widening. “Didn’t quite catch that. Why don’t you say it again?”

You shot him a glare, pausing in your task to look him squarely in the eye. “Don’t push your luck, Bakugou. I said what I said.”

His smirk only grew, clearly enjoying the reaction he’d provoked. “That’s what I thought. You’re welcome, by the way.”

You rolled your eyes, slotting your sword staff into your pack. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”

“And you’re welcome,” he repeated, the teasing tone unmistakable.

Despite yourself, you couldn’t help but smile a little as you adjusted your backpack. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t expect me to be grateful every time you play hero.”

Bakugou’s eyes glinted with amusement as he rolled his shoulders, preparing to continue the journey. “Wouldn’t dream of it. But you might want to work on that ‘thank you’ anyway. We’ve got a long journey ahead.”

You shook your head, but the corners of your mouth twitched upward. “Keep dreaming.”

There was a pause as the both of you caught your breath, the adrenaline of the fight slowly ebbing away. The forest around you was quiet again, save for the distant rustle of leaves and the soft breeze. You both stood there, a few feet apart, the tension that had filled the air earlier now replaced by a tentative calm. 

Bakugou looked at you, his gaze steady as he wiped a bit of dirt off his arm. “Told you it’d work out,” he said, his voice gruff but surprisingly even. “Sometimes, you just have to take the risk.”

You couldn’t help but grin, albeit begrudgingly. There was something about his blunt confidence that, for once, you couldn’t argue with. “Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, the corners of your mouth twitching upward. “But next time, we do it my way.”

Bakugou snorted, a sound that was more amused than dismissive. There was no malice in it, just a hint of teasing. “We’ll see about that. But admit it— my way wasn’t so bad this time.”

You chuckled, a strange sense of camaraderie settling between you, easing the usual friction. “I guess I’ll give you that. But just this once.”

Bakugou’s eyes glinted with a mix of satisfaction and challenge as he crossed his arms over his chest, a small smirk still playing on his lips. “Once is all I need,” he replied, the competitive edge in his voice unmistakable.

The tension that usually hung between you had softened, replaced by something that felt almost like mutual respect. The group, though tired, seemed more cohesive after the battle, the tension of the shortcut replaced by a sense of accomplishment. As you resumed your journey, the atmosphere was lighter, the lingering animosity between you and Bakugou beginning to thaw—if only just a little.

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a/n: maybe you guys can make out instead of fighting. Every Twosday yall !! @chocogoldie @l0kisbitch @devils-adversary

border credits: @enchanthings & @adornedwithlight

[highvern]

Does Your Mother Know?

Pairing: Jung Wooyoung x fem!reader

Genre: smut, porn without plot

Warnings: Age gap (reader is like 35ish and Wooyoung is 24), divorced!reader, cabana boy!Wooyoung, an insane amount of sexual tension, egregious use of the word “ma’am”. breast play, exhibitionism, teasing, hand job, dry humping, oral (f receiving), panties used in unintended ways, cum eating, praise and degradation (m and f receiving), unprotected sex, unspoken cougar kink from Wooyoung, multiple orgasms, sub/brat Wooyoung, dom reader

Length: ~6k

Note: NOT PROOF READ!!! literally based on "Does Your Mother Know" by ABBA (the Mamma Mia version SPECIFICALLY.). @mingyuonthemoon please tell me you understand the vision lololol

This blog is intended for 18+ only! MDNI or you'll be blocked!

read more here

“Ahhhhh! Look at you!”

“Look at you!” You respond, pulling Mina in for a tight hug.

It’d been years since you’d had the pleasure of her company. Finally free from the grump who was your ex-husband, you’re ready to spend a summer tanning on the beach and drinking away the nights. No one but you and your best friend.

Mina interlockes her arm with yours, tugging you along for an impromptu tour. Immediately a short man with shaggy hair steps in your path, positively beaming with a shit eating grin.

“Y/N, this is Wooyoung. He’s in charge of taking care of you. Your personal attendant for the summer.”

Oh.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Wooyoung smiles, hand reaching out for a gentle shake. “If you need anything, I’m your man.”

Something in his tone heats your belly. A tease in his words, the dangerous glint in his eye as he stares you down. He’s gone as soon as Mina dismisses him with orders to handle your suitcase, flashing a brazen smirk and wink that could only mean one thing.

“You’re drooling.”

Batting at your cheek, you glare at her when she laughs.

“Listen, I get it!” She defends, continuing to tug you towards the center of the plaza. “He’s a cutie and he knows it. But Wooyoung is the best here and I thought you deserved something nice to look at while relaxing.”

“I’ll be sure to send you a thank you card.”

“Ahh, but this is my thank you for getting the old grump to invest before getting divorced.”

“At least he’s useful to one of us.”

“Speaking of usefulness. How long has it been since you’ve had something other than the gross four minute hump and dump from Seungcheol?”

“None of your business!” You roll your eyes. “Just show me all the things you bought with his money.”

Mina continues to gush about the recent improvements. A sparkling fountain serving as a centerpiece of the hotel layout, beautiful in the afternoon glow. A second block of rooms to meet the extensive waitlist to stay at Baia delle Perle. And the pristine cabana’s lining the pool and beach below, white sheets providing privacy to the inhabitants. 

—

True to her word, Wooyoung is the best attendant you could ask for. Half of it is the fact that this is his job and he’s getting paid extra to follow you around like a puppy rather than do his usual chores across the villas. The other half is an intense infatuation with you.

Despite popular belief, he doesn’t sleep with the clientele. Maybe some indulgent flirting here and there with disillusioned housewives or a cheeky wink at a woman old enough to be his grandmother but Wooyoung isn’t desperate enough to pimp himself out for a tip. He makes enough money operating on a strict look but no touch policy. With you it’s different. 

The need to prove himself heats his blood. Every approving smile, every thank you when he surprises you with exactly what you didn’t know you needed. And when he overhears you showering him with praise about how good he was at his job to Mina, Wooyoung sprinted to his room and rubbed one out to the fantasy of you telling him how good he was in a much more indecent setting.

He’d like to think the thoughts swirling in his head are also making an appearance in your own. Tugging on the thin strings of your barely there bikini till they let him see the scant inches of skin they manage to cover. Giving you exactly what you ask for on one of the cushioned pool chairs. Take the time to ensure you get everything you need in the privacy of your suite.

But you meet each tongue in cheek comment with a sharp look, letting Wooyoung know you're more than aware of the feelings driving him wild. And you brush him away anytime he tries to press forward. 

Good thing Wooyoung loves the chase.

“One mojito for the special guest.”

You smile politely at him while taking the cold glass. “Thank you, Wooyoung. Oh shoot.” 

A tiny pool of liquid splashes between your breasts, a freezing stream slipping down your sunheated skin. Wooyoung desperately wants to clean it up with his tongue. But you haven’t given him the greenlight yet so he simply pulls out the towel he keeps tucked in his back pocket for occasions such as these.

“Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to get you messy/”

“Not your fault! I’m just a bit clumsy.”

“I’ll help!” Wooyoung chirps, set on patting you dry as he raises the cloth to your chest.

“I can handle it.” You object.

But Wooyoung doesn’t listen and you don’t try to stop him as he wipes down your front. The rough cotton scratches against the sensitive skin of your sternum, goosebumps surging to the surface with each pass. You can feel the weight of his hands on the other side of the towel, the curl of his fingers holding the fabric. 

He’s unnecessarily thorough. Swiping at your stomach with the excuse of a few rogue drops before working back up to your breast. The little shit even has the nerve to smile at you when he announces “all done!” brightly. Like he hadn’t just felt you up.

But before he can move away, you snatch his wrist and tug him back down to eye level. Wooyoung looks like a starved wolf eying a steak, hopeful this is when you’ll finally give him a taste. But if he wants you then he’ll have to work for it. And you're aching to see just how far you can push him before he breaks.

“Did you need something else, ma’am?”

“Little boys who play with fire get their fingers burned, Wooyoung.” You warn, smiley venomously as his stomach clenches under the drag of your finger against the waistband of his shorts.

And then as if it was all a dream, you let him go and grab your book. You ignore Wooyoung’s look of pure disbelief as you find your place; resolved to ignore him and the entire interaction just to see him squirm. So dedicated to the charade you almost miss Wooyoung’s whispered response as he turns to leave.

“Looking forward to it.”

—

Round two of your game with Wooyoung happens later that week. Both of you pretended the incident by the pool never happened. If you can count the way Wooyoung devours you with his eyes when no else is around, or how you’ve fished out the tiniest bathing suits from your luggage. One big game of chicken with no clear victor yet as you push each other fold. Today you want to change that.

“Wooyoung?” You call from your chair.

“Yes ma’am?”

“Can you help me?”

His footsteps echo against the wooden floor as he approaches, “Sure! What’s up?”

“I can’t reach my back.” You say innocently, handing him a bottle of sunscreen.

It’s not subtle but just plausible enough to deny ulterior motives. Eyebrows kissing his hairline, Wooyoung clearly sees through your facade.

“Of course,” he coughs.

You hear the click of the cap just before you feel the cool cream against your skin. Jumping at the contact, Wooyoung chuckles behind you at your reaction. His palms warm it up quickly as they massage across your back. A knot along your spine becomes Wooyoung’s new focus as the lotion settles in, allowing his thumbs to work it apart.

A sigh is out of your mouth and in the air at the delectable pressure.

“Someone’s tense.”

“Maybe I should book a massage at the spa.”

“Or I can help you out.”

You moan as the tips of his fingers stretch around your sides to skim the border of your triangle bikini top, nails scratching along the hills of your breast. Wooyoung returns his hands to your shoulders, thumbs unknotting all the muscles he’s unknowingly responsible for tightening. Melting in his hands, you close your eyes and enjoy.

Eventually, your back is taken care of but you’re still desperate for more. Chancing a look over your shoulder, you find dilated pupils and low lids mirroring your own.

 “Can you get my front too?”

Gently, Wooyoung assists in flipping you over. He takes his time pouring more sunblock into his hand, palms rubbing together before stretching across your stomach to start mapping your skin. The curve of your hip fits perfectly in his grip. All you can think about is how helpful that’d be if you were sitting on his cock. Head lulling back, you let Wooyoung do what you’ve learned he does best: take care of you.

“More?” He rasps.

“More.” You sigh.

You're still in public. Hidden in the gossamer curtains of your private cabana, faraway from everyone else but public no less. Anyone could walk up at any time and push the curtains aside to find Wooyoung slipping his hand under your bikini to massage your rounded breasts.

Biting back a gasp, you swallow as the slick of greasy lotion allows Wooyoung to glide his thumbs over your taunt nipples. The twinge of pain forces your back into a harsh arch and your eyes shut. You want to moan his name but the thrill of getting caught becomes much less sexy and incredibly terrifying at the idea.

You’ve never been so turned on in your life. You’d never felt like this even in the most lovely fleeting moments of your marriage. Seungcheol never made you want him so much you were willing to beg, so wet he could slip right in to split you and half. 

Wooyoung fingers continue their laborious pace, still holding on to the gause of helping you apply sunscreen as he squeezes a cool line across your legs; resembling something far lewder that makes your brain spin.

“Here too?”

“Mhm!”

The insides of your thighs melt under the new attention. He starts at your knees, bending each leg individually to torture you. You thrash at the gentle caress of the breeze against the damp crotch of your bikini. But Wooyoung won’t be interrupted as he focuses on the task at hand, kneading the tight muscles harder while you quiver in under him.

He hasn’t even kissed you when one finger strokes your covered core before he dips away.

“All done!” 

You want to slap the shit eating grin right off his face. Of course the tease would work you up just to leave you wet and wanting for the rest of the day; more ambiguous promises of what could be happening but you won’t fold first. Wooyoung wants to play this mind melting game and you’ll show him you’re the master.

—

The next time you're alone with Wooyoung, you already have a plan in motion to get him on his knees.

Two days after the incident by the pool, you’re cocooned under the blankets until the last possible moment. He hadn’t come to your room to check on you yet and you used the uninterrupted time to soak in the biting streams of the shower. Mina mentioned something about getting lunch in a text but provided no solid details. She’d been too busy running the resort to spend much time catching up. But a meeting with investors was canceled and freed the rest of the usually busy day for her. No doubt Wooyoung would show up to escort you wherever you were supposed to meet Mina for a meal.

Primping in the mirror you take in the glow of your cheeks and glimmer in your eyes. It’d been a long time since you looked so… alive. A miserable marriage drained the life out of you like a parasite. But sunshine and sand had been a perfect cure.

A knock at the door breaks your trance, no doubt Wooyoung from the unique rhythm he always announced himself with. The sound of the door shutting lets you know he’s invited himself into the empty bedroom.

“Wooyoung! Can you come in here please?” You called.

The shuffling of his footsteps reach your ears before you see him but when you do you smother a laugh. Wooyoung chokes on air when he spots you. Hands holding your top to chest, the back open and slack to reveal nothing but uninterrupted skin that disappears under your skirt. How easy it’d be to drop the entire thing and let him see exactly what he’d been playing with those days ago.

“I can't reach the zipper. Would you mind helping me?”

Wooyoung’s head nods so hard it must hurt his neck as he stumbles up behind you. For someone who talks a big game, getting a reaction from him is surprisingly easy. Watching him in the mirror, you see his adams apple bob with a harsh swallow before shaking fingers clench the fabric to hook the zipper. To make things harder for him, you lean forward to put your weight into your hands on the counter. Wooyoung falters at the arch in your spine and how it curves your ass towards him.

Dipping your head to hide the smirk cutting across your cheeks, you coo at him. “You’re always so helpful, Youngie.”

His hands falter under the mocking praise, successfully jamming the zipper. Cursing under his breath, he crouches to get a closer look and the caress of his breath on your spine threatens your control.

“Sorry,” he apologies, voice thick.

“Don’t worry about it! This top just so tight and it makes it so hard to get it on. Just go nice and slow, yeah?”

The sharp intake of breath behind you sends a wave of satisfaction through your core. Fixing the zipper takes much longer than needed, Wooyoung crumbling under your watchful eye in the mirror. Finding a new opportunity to torture him, you bat away his hands before wriggling the top until the zipper sitting between your breasts. Working the sides apart, you spin to hand the piece of fabric back to Wooyoung, naked from the waist up. 

“Try again.” 

Wooyoung doesn’t seem to recognize anything beyond your tits until you press the top into his chest. Snapping out of his daze, you smile at him as you turn back around towards the mirror.

His arms reach around you to pull the shirt taunt across your front, his chest pressing against your naked spine, skin on skin thanks to his insistence on using only the bottom two buttons to keep it his own top closed. You can see the way his fingers twitch to feel you, to bend you over the sink and end the charade with a thrust of his cock; and your smirk tells him you know just how much he wants to.

By the grace of God, he manages to zip your top without another mishap. Turning this way and that in the mirror, Wooyoung simply watches with his hands on the sides of your hips atop the counter, pinning you between his body and the marble but not touching you. 

Turning to face him, you smile at the pinched expression clouding his features. “Thanks, Wooyoung. What would I do without you?”

Arousal rolls off him in thick waves, each shudder breath shaking his chest like he’s being held back by an invisible grip he desperately wants to break out of. 

“You’re so tense, Youngie.” You coo, tickling your nails across the side of his neck before letting them skate down his rippling stomach to skim the waistband of his shorts. “You need to relax.” 

The heat of his flushed cheeks burn against your palm as you cup his face. Wooyoung grinds his teeth as you taunt him with a soft squeeze around his half hard cock. “And you're burning up! Are you feeling okay?”

Beads of sweat bloom on his forehead when you dip into his underwear, met with the smooth velvet of his length across your knuckles. Eyes not leaving his, you feel his cock bob free when you force his shorts and boxers down clumsily. You dig your thumb into the weeping slit across the head to collect sticky pre-cum to ease the harsh friction. And positively beam at Wooyoung as his knees buckle with a strangled cry.

“What’s wrong, Woo?” You ask, leaning forward to nip at his earlobe. 

Each breath has his shirt brush against your chest, his exhales whoosh down the side of your neck. Tightening your pointer finger and thumb into a ‘O’, you fuck his cock through your hand until Wooyoung twitches frantically against you. And then you let go.

“Oh wow look at the time!” You gasp, checking the delicate silver watch circling your wrist. “I’ve got to meet Mina for lunch.”

Pinching his cheek between your fingers, you hold him in place to watch as you suck the evidence of his arousal off your thumb before twirling towards the door. “Bye, Wooyoung.”

Wooyoung simply stares as you leave, mouth gaping and utterly speechless with his cock still out. The latch of the bathroom door unlocks the snicker you’d been choking on. 

—

Beams of purple and blue light swirl across the dance floor, casting the crush of bodies in an underwater glow. Mina insisted you attend the staff party this evening, a combination of her birthday and celebrating the grand re-opening. No one batted an eye at your presence. All the staff eager to blow off some steam after a stressful week, letting loose on the bosses dime. 

You’d also found the indulgence of an open bar too tempting to pass up. A glass of red wine taking the edge of your incredibly tense shoulders.

“Is there a reason my best employee is watching you like a hawk?” Mina asks over the rim of her glass, smirking in your direction.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, really? So I should ask Wooyoung why he looks like a love sick puppy?”

Eyes wide, you tried to hide your embarrassment by flagging the bartender down for another drink. But Mina waves him off.

“So something is going on. Interesting.”

Glancing her way, you ask. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad? You’re both adults. Just don’t fuck him in public and make me call the cops. Now, go take care of lover boy before I throw up.”

With Mina’s permission, you itch to do just that. The last gulp of your drink goes down smoothly as you rise to leave. You’d pointedly ignored Wooyoung all night; one glance at the start of the party had been enough temptation for a lifetime. He looked like sex on legs; shirt unbuttoned to his stomach, hair tousled like someone ran their hands through it over and over. It wasn’t fair.

Squaring your shoulders, you find him leaning against a pillar right where you’re headed—watching you down the tip of his nose with his arms crossed. An arched eyebrow is all the invitation you provide as you saunter past him and into the cool night. 

Each step towards your suite echoes behind you, Wooyoung following closely. Goosebumps prickle across your shoulders, smothering your desperate attempts to breathe as he stalks you like a predator and you’re his prey.

How wrong he is.

You chance a peek behind you as you make it to the door of your villa. Wooyoung stands a few feet away, still watching you as you step inside.

“Are you planning to stand there all night or are you gonna come inside?”

He explodes with a swiftness you’d never witnessed before. The ungiving wall bites into your back as Wooyoung pins you, mouth on yours. 

All the waiting, all the teasing, had been more than worth it with how he takes your breath away with each pass of his lips. Mind dull from bliss, you don’t feel Wooyoung’s hands slipping down your sides to bunch your dress out of his way; a muscular thigh making its way between your spread legs, flexed for you to rock against. 

You don’t care that anyone can walk by the still open door and see the debauchery taking place. All you can think about is letting Wooyoung spinning you around, crowding you against the wall as he flips your skirt up, and fucking you until you can’t see straight. And if the hard lump pressing into your leg is any indication, Wooyoung is thinking the exact same thing.

But you promised Mina you wouldn’t.

“My room,” you groan into his mouth after another rough pass of his thigh.

Wooyoung either doesn’t hear you or doesn’t care, dropping to your neck to nip at your jugular. You try again but the words die on the tip of your tongue as his hands drop to harshly squeeze the supple flesh, pulling you against his thigh again.

Laughter chimes in the distance, loud enough to hear of the deafening rush of blood in your ears. Your room is in the last building, right on the edge to overlook the sprawling sea. No one has any reason to come out this far but the potential of being caught in such compromising positions makes you desperate for the safety of your room.

“Wooyoung.”

He grunts, this time rubbing his hard cock against you as his head drops into the curve of your shoulder. “Fuck, love it when you say my name.”

Winding a hand into the base of his hair, a sharp tug pulls him up to eye level. 

“My room, Wooyoung.” You say, eying the door again.

He blinks at your words until his brain finally catches up. Fingers tangled with yours, Wooyoung drags you down the hallway until the wooden door of your suite comes into view. He plucks the key out of your hand, unlocking the door and ushering you inside. The wood rattles on the hinges as he kicks it shut but you're both so lost in another heated makeout you don’t care.

You’re losing your nerve with each pass of his tongue, melting into his hold until the edge of the mattress presses into the back of your thighs. Wooyoung tries to push you down into the cushion and that’s the wake up call you need to remind you both who’s in charge.

“Wait.”

“What?” Wooyoung pants, staring at the finger you’ve dug into his chest.

“This is how it's going to go. “ You start, tracing it down the planes of bare skin as he shudders. “I’m gonna tell you what to do and you’re gonna listen. Okay?”

His eyes rise to meet your’s, a challenge burning behind them. “And if I don’t?”

“Then, I’m sure someone else will.”

You both know it’s an empty threat. An unsatisfactory ending to the cat and mouse game you’ve been playing for the past week. But if you’ve learned anything about the young man so eager to bed you he’ll agree to anything you say, it’s that just because Wooyoung is agreeing to your conditions doesn’t mean he isn’t going to have some of his own fun too. And that’s what you truly want to see.

“So if I say jump?” You smile.

“How high?”

Pinching his cheeks to pucker his lips, you reward him with a sarcastic praise. “Good boy. Now sit down.”

You take your time removing your shoes, enjoying how each minute makes Wooyoung more and more impertinent. He isn’t vocalizing his displeasure in having to wait, clearly afraid you’ll make good on your threat, but it bubbles under his skin. The inferno of his gaze blisters your skin as he watches your every move. Removing your jewelry piece by piece, going so far as you straighten everything out on the dresser just to hear the sharp breath Wooyoung releases. 

But he’s good the entire time and it both disappoints and pleases you.

Turning to face the bed, you stalk towards him. Wooyoung manages to keep himself in check until you’re standing between his spread legs, a manicured nail scratching across the jut of his collarbones revealed by the split front in his button up. Lungs expanding under your coy touches, you smirk right in his face and annoyance erupts on his face.

“Take this off.” You demand.

Popping open the last buttons at the bottom, Wooyoung all but rips it off in an effort to please. His eyes are wild as he anticipates what comes next. 

“Now take off mine.”

You bite back a laugh at Wooyoung dolling the same frantic swipes at your clothing. Ungraceful yet effective. The extensive collection of fancy lingerie you collected over the years sits in your closet at home but Wooyoung reacts to your simple black cotton bra and panties with the same enthusiasm as if you wore the nicest silk teddy.

“Do you wanna touch me?”

Eyes glued to your chest, he nods.

A finger under his chin forces Wooyoung to meet your stern expression. “Words.”

“Yes ma’am.” Wooyoung nods again.

“Yes, what?”

“I wanna touch you.”

“Then do it.”

The cool sheets feel delicious against the hot skin of your back as Wooyoung crowds over you. His mouth is yours, sucking the air from your lungs with a lick of his tongue across the curve of your lower lip; teeth razing across it gently. The hand not holding him upright grapples your leg, twisting it around his waist and allowing the weight of his cock to press against you. 

You’re content to let him take the lead for now and Wooyoung jumps at the chance to prove how good he can be without your directions. His hands stay firmly planted next to your head, caging you in as his tongue does absolute sinful things to your neck. Each gasping breath and stuttered mewl incited another rough cant of his hips into the sweet heat of your thighs. 

As anticipated, Wooyoung does nothing less than worship your body. His hands memorize every curve and dip, mouth etching down your chest before honing in on your breasts. Wooyoung has all the time in the world as he presses sweltering kisses across the swells of flesh— sucking a bruise across the side you’ll have to hide later.

“So good, Youngie.”

Pulling his hair with the praise results in a hiss against your chest and an aggressive press of his cock before he slithers down to the apex of your thighs. Wooyoung kisses your clit over the material of your panties, sucking against the fabric to tease you while his thumbs find their way under the band at your hips. A strangled moan rings out when he licks a slow strip up your covered cunt. 

“Go ahead, baby. Want you to taste me.” 

Lifting your hips to help him is moot as Wooyoung rips the crotch of your panties open, the elastic waistband still cutting across your hips. You’d reprimand him for the way he shreds such a loved pair of underwear but you're so desperate for relief you don’t care especially after such a primal display of strength. 

He wastes no time diving right back in, lathering you in his spit as he tastes all you have to offer. The sheets under your hands threaten to rip as you whimper from the overwhelming zaps of pleasure Wooyoung provides. His nose nudges your clit before his tongue lashes against the bundle of nerves, two fingers rising to stretch you for his cock. All your muscles pull tighter with each pass, hips rocking into his skilled mouth as you rocket towards the edge.

“Feel good?” He asks, muffled by pussy.

Another harsh suck of your clit allows you to do little more than gasp in response. But Wooyoung seems disappointed with such a lackluster answer.

Rising from his new home between your legs, he twists his face in mock confusion. “What was that?”

Dazed, you lift your head to find him suppressing a shit eating grin as he looks up at you.

“Wooyoung!” 

“Just wanna know how to please you, ma’am.”

His fingers begin their rhythm again but Wooyoung lets his chin rest on your stomach while he waits for a response. There isn’t an ounce of the urgency previously drowning him in the hallway. Now, Wooyoung acts like he has all night to wait for your answer.

“Oh Youngie,” you moan, luring him in a false sense of security.

Everytime he thinks he’s a step ahead, you’re more than happy to knock him down a few pegs; eager to put him in his place. But your sudden agreeability makes him blanch when you continue. 

“You’re such a good boy wanting to take care of me. How about I show you just how I like it, yeah?”

Sliping from his hold, you push up the bed until your back is met with pillows. Wooyoung is still crouched at the side, gobsmacked at his failure. 

“You can’t see from over there.” you tsk, shaking your head as you remove your bra and ruined underwear. “Lay between my legs, Wooyoung.” 

Snickering as he scrambles to follow your command, you spread your legs apart; giving him a mouthwatering view of everything as his chest meets the comforter. Your swollen lips flushed from arousal, your dripping hole leaking down onto the blanket, and your clit peeking out from its hood—eager for relief. Face to face with your bare pussy, you preen under the awestruck expression on Wooyoung’s face. 

Skimming your hands down your body, you cup both your breasts; gently plucking your nipples till they’re hard and aching. Wooyoung’s follow their path, glued to everything they do to use against you later. Sliding them between your legs, you use one hand to part your folds while the other dips a finger inside. Collecting enough of your arousal, you circle your clit with soft caresses as you work yourself back up. 

Wooyoung’s face easily betrays all of his thoughts. Licking his lips with each twitch of your thighs, panting when a tiny moan flees your throat. At some point his hands move to the back of your thighs, spreading you wider so he can focus on your lesson. 

Your hands aren’t enough to have you come but Wooyoung doesn’t need to know that.

“So close,” you sigh dreamily.

“Can I…” 

His voice breaks, desperate to get back in your good graces and feel you again.

“Can you what?”

“Let me help!’ Wooyoung begs.

Laughing at how quick he is to fold, you keep talking. “I don’t know if you deserve it.”

“I’ll be good!”

Tsking, you stop his attempt to start without permission with a foot to his chest, pushing him away and onto his knees. “Such a shame.” you sigh, shaking your head. “Wanted to feel you inside me.” 

“Please,” he whimpers.

You watch him sweat, silent as your fingers continue. Wooyoung doesn;t even look at your face, transfixed on your clenching hole as he whispers another desperate plea for mercy.

“Well since you asked so nicel—fuck!” You shout, heaving as Wooyoung shoves your legs apart and latches onto your clit.

“Wanna make you come, please come. Please, please, please.” He pants into your sex, fingers stretching you to your limit as he stuffs you full for his cock later.

Everything tightens as your vision goes black. You’re floating. You’re sinking. Thighs shaking, ears ringing, you shudder apart while Wooyoung abuses your clit with rough motions. Throat destroyed by wanton moans and shrill whines because Wooyoung refuses to let up even though your thighs squeeze around his head from the painful bliss.

Wooyoung continues to ramble into your clit until you pull him into a searing kiss. Ignoring the taste of yourself, you suck his bottom lip between your teeth as you flip him under you with ease. Wooyoung goes without a fight, hands twisting around your middle to press you firmly against his chest.

Only the need for oxygen separates you.

“Good, so good.” You breathe, forehead resting against his.

Wooyoung glows from the compliment, hips curling up to nudge you with his neglected cock. 

Still disoriented, you know what he wants. “Should reward you, yeah?”

Wooyoung’s hands plant firmly on your hips, sliding you against the underside of his length. The flared head hits your sensitive clit with each pass to drive you up the wall.

“Are you clean?”

“Yes, fuck yes.” Wooyoung answers, thrilled at the chance to feel you without a condom. 

Reaching behind, you angle him and sink to the hilt in one go. His fingers were nothing compared to this. Squeezing around his cock as you adjust to the stretch, you could come again with a few passes at your clit while sitting there. Wooyoung’s inability to bite his tongue nearly makes you do just that.

“Gonna ride me or what?” He smirks, hands already planted on your hips as he thrusts upward.

Wooyoung will listen but he’ll also goad you to madness if you don’t silence him. 

Stuffing your soaked panties into Wooyoung’s mouth, you’re woefully unprepared for the wrecked groan he releases at your taste. He’s so incredibly responsive and it’s doing irreparable damage to your psyche. 

“You like gagging on my underwear like some slut?”

Wooyoung responds with another broken moan, throat displayed as he throws his head back.

“C’mon Youngie. I thought you—fuck—wanted to take care of me?”

Pinning his arms beside his head, you grind onto his cock until stars burst across your vision. Each bounce in his lap punches the air from your lungs. Wooyoung assists, burying himself a fraction deeper so you can feel him in your throat. Head thrown back, you release his hands in favor of scratching down his chest, nails catching against his dusky nipples to pull another muffled sob from the man below you.

Pulling your underwear from his mouth, you silence his protest with your lips; swallowing his hum of satisfaction to see you breaking.

“Oh, Wooyoung.” You shudder into his jaw, collapsing on his chest for him to take over.

Wooyoung doesn’t stop his pace as he twists you beneath him, legs framing his shoulders allowing him impossibly deeper. Hard and fast, teetering on painful but you love it. And when Wooyoung dips to take a nipple between his teeth you gasp.

“Fuck, gonna come.” 

Slipping a hand between your bodies to find your worn clit; each pass of your fingers has you squeezing around him.

Writhing beneath him, you try to keep your eyes on Wooyoung as he comes back into view over you. Lips swollen and hair a mess, you miss his taunt the first time he opens his mouth; watching him  There isn’t enough air in the room to keep you afloat as you fragment and splinter below. You can’t breathe. Darkness tints the edges of your vision, teeth grinding painful from the onslaught of pleasure. 

And it fans Wooyoung’s fire even more.

“Can’t even listen. Mad at me for not being good but you're just as bad.”

The dynamic has shifted for the final time tonight and Wooyoung is going to walk away victorious. You're in no position to try and argue your way above him. But it doesn’t mean you can’t try.

“Feels so good, Youngie.”

“Yeah? Love my cock, don’t you?” Wooyoung whines, eyes twisting shut as his head falls forward. “Gonna cum,”

“Gonna cum inside me? Fill me up? Let everyone know whose pussy this is?”

“Fuck.”

“C’mon Youngie, don’t you wanna let me feel it?”

Wooyoung manages a few more thrusts before he loses it, pace uneven and stunted from the sweatering clench of your pussy. The hot stickiness of his cum spills out of you with each thrust, trickling down between your ass cheeks to the bed. Shuddering in his hold, Wooyoung collapses on top of you, spent.

He shocks you with a surprisingly tender kiss as you catch your breaths, cuddling down into your chest with a finality that leaves you gaping.

“Next time you should tie me up.”

“Next time?” You ask.

“You didn’t think once would be enough did you?”

© highvern. copying/reuploading/translating my work anywhere is strictly prohibited.

[zawadni]

Good 4 U

Katsuki Bakugo has everything Midoriya wants.

pairing: Katsuki Bakugo x GN!Reader (from Mido's pov)

cw: angst, angst/no comfort, unhealthy jealousy (izu), one-sided love (izu), swearing, very brief mention of thr*w up/b!le

wc: 1k

SOMETIMES IZUKU MIDORIYA BELIEVES HE NEVER OUTGREW HIS MIDDLE SCHOOL BULLIES. Everything they said ricocheted off of him like he never even heard them. Because at the time, he didn’t care. And as he got older and moved his way through his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year at UA, he realized it really didn’t matter. 

They were either insecure with themselves or their quirks and they saw the quirkless kid as an easy target for their relentlessness. He grew up and forgave them despite never seeing them again. They were just kids and he can only hope they grew up as well and realized their faults. 

And he forgave Bakugo. Of all people, he forgave Bakugo. That's what he used to think. Because right now as he’s staring him down, he hates him. He despises Bakugo Katsuki with every bone in his body.

His feet are nailed to the linoleum floor and his tongue feels like lead in his mouth. He's playing out every vengeance-seeking fantasy his brain can conjure up whilst he asks why he couldn't have been born in his shoes instead.

He detests him because Bakugo Katsuki has everything Midoriya wants.

He was born with a flashy quirk that had everyone in his ear saying he'd practically be a god when he pursued heroism. He grew up with people around him all day that worshiped the ground he walked on because he was just cool. He gets everything. Including you.

It was a Friday and they'd just been let out of school. He was nearly jumping out of his shoes out of sheer excitement because today was the day. Mina miraculously found out about his massive crush on you (he's a shit liar), and decided to help him.

He recited what he was going to say, where he was going to say it, and when he was going to do it-- right down to the hour. Never did he ever actually believe this day would come; he knew he'd never be bold enough to go up to you and ask you out so he just left it alone.

And then Mina found out and she was his saving grace. There was no shot he would've had the confidence to go through with it had it not been for her help. He shifted his feet from one side to the other and he nervously shoved his hands into his pockets.

The wind was bitter against his face, and he tried to hide in the collar of his jacket to no avail. His hair started to fall to the side and the longer he stood outside of your room waiting for you to answer the door, the more the cold air seeped through his clothes like getting caught outside in the rain.

It took 16 minutes and 32 seconds for him to accept you weren't in your room before he made his way to the common room in hopes someone knew where you ended up. He remembers Mina finding him going down the hall and stopping him just before the door.

"Y/N wasn't in their room? Have you seen them recent-" "Don't do it. You can't tell them anymore."

She seemed near frantic and she'd been looking around the hallway since the start of the conversation. Mina was hardly ever serious unless she literally needed to be, it wasn't in her nature.

"What're you talking-" Midoriya jumped and nearly dented the wall with the side of his body when you showed up behind him to greet them. Ashido widened her eyes and tugged at the end of his sleeve before he turned to face you.

"Hey, Midoriya. I've been looking for you. Why the hell are you wearing a jacket?"

"Doesn't matter." He takes Mina's words into consideration before deciding on his next words. There was only one thing she could possibly be talking about so he had no choice but to heed her words. "What'd you need me for?"

"Me n' Bakugo are dating!"

His stomach was tied up in knots and he could feel his heart in the back of his throat. There almost couldn't have been news worse than that. And all he could think was why?

Why not him? Why does he get everything? Why was Midoriya stuck in some life where Bakugo gets everything he's ever wanted in life and doesn't? He has to force a smile onto his face and spout generated words about how he's so happy for you while he tries to quell the blood running a marathon through his veins.

Every time he's in the same room as both of you, he has to push down the feeling of bile rising up his throat well after he's turned away from you two.

You look at Bakugo like the sun, moon, and stars only exist because he strung them up, just for you. If heart eyes was an actual thing, you'd have them every time you so much as glanced at him.

Why Bakugo and not him? Why couldn't he be the one in his shoes? Why is he the one that's being made to suffer as he's listening to you excitedly tell the group that he had finally proposed to you?

Mina looked at him with pity in her eyes as he stands behind Bakugo and has to listen to them agonizingly say I do before officially being married. This is it, he thinks. He had some sense of false hope that maybe he still had a shot. That maybe one day you'd realize Bakugo isn't right for you, because Midoriya is.

He should've been the one to watch Aizawa walk you down the aisle and he should've been the one saying I do. It should be him.

Maybe not forgiving him was petty and unjust, but for once he can't find it within himself to care just the tiniest bit. His entire life, he was forced to watch Bakugo get everything he wanted practically handed to him on a shiny, silver platter.

And now he'd be subjected to the same thing as he can do nothing but watch you and Bakugo live the life that you should be living with him instead.

wanna be apart of the taglist?

bnha taglist: @https-true-egoist

[crimson-amarone]

Fancasting for a Trigun live-action tv series/movie!! I know we got just Trigun Stampede, but we can’t let Cowboy Bebop get a live action and not Trigun right??

For all my selections I would say about 75-80% are actors I have seen in one or more of their most well known roles. For anyone else I narrowed down to 2-4 options and I did extra research into their filmography, interviews to hear their voices and general vibe, etc. And I also looked at what kind of roles they trended towards—sci-fi/fantasy and superhero media giving them bonus points.

See below for info about the actors and my runner up choices for each character. I included tidbits like their age, height, and notable roles.

For Vash and Knives I wanted to first look for real life identical twins. After some research, I believe I found a fitting pair. Cole and Dylan Sprouse, best know for their childhood roles in the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Although I don’t think I knew their adult roles as well as their Zack and Cody days, that real twin dynamic just adds that extra layer.

Of the two, I found Cole having a softer look, and lately it appears he’s been going with black hair which seemed fitting if we think about black-haired Vash at the end of TriMax. Dylan’s look has just that different sharpness and edginess that I slotted him to Knives.

Ruby Cruz (Kit Tanthalos, Disney+’s Willow) is a very talented young woman and recently made a feature length movie debut as Hazel Callahan in Bottoms (2023) and will be starring in an upcoming rom-com The Threesome. (See notes about edit below.)

Milly was a tricky one for me. I have a couple of runners up below. My current pick is Mina Sundwall, especially for her role as Penny Robinson in Netflix’s space family drama Lost in Space.

Although I’m on board with the HC that Wolfwood is Latinx, I had to go with famous werewolf Jacob Black from Twilight, Taylor Lautner. I got a couple other choices below too.

Liam Hemsworth (or Chris idkkkk). Nuff said?

Rem was a bit hard to choose. I had to go with Candice Patton as a personal big fan of her role as Iris West in The Flash as a DC fan. She has just the right oh-crap-I-have-kids-I-am-not-prepared-at-all motherly acting vibe down pat that is essential for Rem.

Despite the fact that Christopher Daniel Barnes is always smiling in photos, his breath of filmography makes him such a good fit for wise Drunkle Roberto.

Being so effing hyped about Nicholas playing Lex Luthor in Superman Legacies (2025) he has the perfect mix of heroic and villain roles for Legato’s psychotic righteousness. And he’s already had blue hair (and fur all over his whole body) as Hank “Beast” McCoy, c’mon too easy.

Zazie Beetz… that couldn’t have been a coincidence? Like Studio Orange must have know about this actress when they worked on the Beast’s revamped design. For a second option I’d probably pick a child/adolescent actor but Zazie can pretty much take whatever form they want, so why not both? Edit: I’m going with Scarlett (Trixie from Lucifer). Very very talent young woman. She’s funny, smart, sassy.

Role: Vash the Stampede

Actor: Cole Sprouse

Age: 31

Height: 6’0”

Best known role: Cody Martin ( The Suite Life of Zack & Cody)

Runner-up Actor: Mason Dye (Jason Carver, Stranger Things)

———

Role: Millions Knives

Actor: Dylan Sprouse

Age: 31

Height: 6’0”

Best known role: Zack Martin ( The Suite Life of Zack & Cody)

Runner-up Actor: Christopher Lowell (Sebastian “Bash” Howard, GLOW and Jess, How I Met Your Father)

———

Role: Meryl Stryfe

Actor: Ruby Cruz

Age: 23

Height: 5’3”

Best known role: (Kit Tanthalos, Disney+’s Willow)

Edit: I swapped Ruby Cruz in for Bex as I learned how far along Bex was in their gender journey. As much as I respect Bex’s journey and the gender representation is important, I still want to pick someone I feel leans more feminine for Meryl.

Runner-up Actor: tbd, maybe Christine Lee or Ana Yi Puig

———

Role: Nicholas D. Wolfwood

Actor: Taylor Lautner

Age: 32

Height: 5’8”

Best known role: Jacob Black (Twilight movies)

Runner-up Actor: David Castro (Raphael Santiago, Freeform’s Shadowhunters)

———

Role: Roberto De Niro

Actor: Christopher Daniel Barnes

Age: 51

Height: 5’11”

Best known role: Spiderman (Spider-Man 90s), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid 89)

Runner-up Actor: Edgar Ramirez (Bourne Ultimatum 2007, Carlos the Jackal, HBO’s The Undoing)

———

Role: Milly Thompson

Actor: Mina Sundwall

Age: 22

Height: 5’6”

Best known role: Penny Robinson (Lost in Space, 2018)

Runner-up Actors: Liana Liberato, Kennedy McGann, Ellie Gall, Luna Wedler

———

Role: Rem Saverem

Actor: Candice Patton

Age: 35

Height: 5’4”

Best known role: Iris West (CW’s The Flash)

Runner-up Actor: Lyrica Okano (Nico Minoru, Hulu’s Runaways)

———

Role: Legato Bluesummers

Actor: Nicholas Hoult

Age: 34

Height: 6’3”

Best known role: Nux (Mad Max Fury Road), Hank “Beast” McKoy (X-Men movies), Lex Luthor (Superman Legacies, 2025)

Runner-up Actors:

2. Samuel Larson (Joe Hart, Glee) 3. Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers, Stranger Things) or 4. Brenton Twaites (Dick Grayson aka Nightwing, DC’s Titans)

[animeniacss]

So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 8 - Pure Intentions Can Still Hurt

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 5.6k word

Chapter 8 - Pure Intentions Can Still Hurt

You don’t recall what caused Mina to leave, but she still had a gentle and kind smile on her face as she did so. If your mind would let you remember, you had declined her second offer to drive her home, shaking saying you wanted to finish your coffee and simply enjoy the stroll. As Mina stood up, your eyes locked onto the keychain that swung carelessly against it. “I’ll see you around, okay?” You heard her say cheerfully. The words sounded muted, muffled, as they entered your ears, entangling themselves in the walls of your brain and crushing all of the other thoughts you had. The only thing you were thinking of was her words: I hope to end the term as Mingyu’s wife.

           As Mina walked away, the bell at the front door finally signaling her exit, you looked down at the chair she was just in. That entire event felt like a fever dream. You replayed it over and over again, rewatching the look on her face as she calmly told you all of her intentions.

           I want to win fair and square. Mingyu doesn’t seem like he’ll fall for a girl who plays dirty, and I don’t want him to.

           I wanted to tell you of my intentions.

           I hope that we can still be friends.

           When you finally gasped for air, you realized it was choked back and strained. You coughed into your hand, covering your mouth in an attempt to muffle it from the people around. It was only then that you felt wetness forming on the sleeve of your shirt, and you looked down at it. One drop after another blends into your sleeve, darkening the fabric in a way that resembles the current state of your mind: Dark. Messy.

           When you wiped your eyes, you thought that would be the end of it. Standing up, you had one goal: get home. It was a place where you could process everything fully. Why did Mina seem to calm as she spoke to you about all of this? Was she just that confident? Did she mean what she said with true intentions?

           Why did Mingyu not feel the need to share any of this with anyone, much less you?

           The thought alone sent you collapsing back into your seat, coffee cup tilting over and beginning to spill. Your eyes blurred as you began rubbing them frantically, the texture of your sleeves not helping one bit. When your fingers poked out of your sleeves, trembling like little leaves falling off a branch, you felt yourself let out one more strained choke for air. It was embarrassing, but you forgot what embarrassment felt like as it was overtaken by this crippling, borderline debilitating pain that wrecked your entire body. You were quick to snap your left fingers, then your right. Then you did it again. And again. You had to make sure they knew.

           Once your index fingers and thumbs stung a familiar burning sensation, you pressed your balled-up fists to your eyes once again. Taking a deep breath, you exhaled it and tried your best to stay calm. You felt warm liquid spill on your pants, and glancing down, you saw the coffee that had long started to spill was dripping off the side of the table. Looking to your left, your eyes locked onto a tissue case at the edge. Grabbing a fistful, you pressed it on top of the liquid, hoping it would stop the spill just long enough for you to get yourself together. It didn’t, and you saw hazy glimpses of brown liquid continuing to seep along the table. Nothing you tried to do would contain it, and that only felt more real as you felt your eyes burn hot and fill with more tears.

           “Excuse me?” a worried voice muttered, and you looked over. Standing beside your table was a man. He seemed short, but it could have been your eyes playing tricks on you like the inner workings of a circus funhouse. “Are you okay?”

           “Uhm.” You nodded, quickly wiping your hands against your face. “Yes. I’m sorry.”

           “Can I help you?” Without even registering a response, you watched two hands start grabbing some tissues. You watched in stunned silence, again trying to see beyond your tears who this stranger was. He had dark hair dangling past his shoulders, and a smaller set of eyes. His hair seemed to drop in front of his eyes just slightly as he leaned his neck down, seemingly focused. Once again, your hands tried to rub your eyes as one does a stain on a glass. However, much like the pesky stain, you were unable to remove them, and the tears just kept flowing. “There. Looks like we can clean this, no problem.”

The sound of your name practically startled you out of your panicked trance when it hit only moments later. Before you knew it, two sets of hands stretched out from either side of you. Familiar faces and voices filled your senses. To your left, Jeonghan had grabbed more paper towels and tissues, working hard to contain the spill. You heard him call out to one of the workers to provide him with some more, the idea of anyone other than them seeing you this way as a mere footnote in the story of your current situation.

           Two gentle hands pressed against you; one on your back and the other on your shoulder. A warm tingling sensation coursed your body, and you once again tried to rub your eyes. Despite your rigid body starting to relax, your eyes continued to shed tear after tear, to the point where you felt dehydrated.

           “Can we get some water, too?” you heard the voice beside you asked. When you looked over finally, you saw Joshua, knelt beside you. He must have seen your gaze because he immediately switched from panicked to calm. “Hey. What happened?” When you shook your head, Joshua scooted closer. Your eyes immediately darted left. Where once an a short-statured male was wiping up coffee was instead Jeonghan, his focus solely on solving the problem before him. Maybe, it was him all along? Your brain couldn’t think straight no matter how hard you tried to ground yourself back to reality. A hand continued to rub your back, and your eyes found comfort as Joshua, who was still looking right at you.

“What happened?” he asked again.

           “I don’t know.” You admitted, sniffling. You looked back to the chair where Mina was sitting only a few minutes ago. You could still see her figure sitting there, kindly smiling at you as she had been the entire time. The entire time you were fighting for your sanity over a cup of coffee. You shook your head. “Mina told me…and I just started to…” You trailed off softly. You felt Joshua pull you close to him in a gentle and comforting hug. One of his hands settled into your hair, the other holding tightly onto your back.

           “It’s alright.” He said, his hand carefully rubbing your back. “Don’t worry right now. We can talk about it later, alright?” you nodded, your head resting numbly in his chest as you felt him continue to calm you with his gentle touch. You looked over at a server gave Jeonghan some extra paper towels, and handed Joshua a bottle of water. The gentlemen thanked her before Joshua passed the water to you. The dampness of the bottle brought you back to reality for a minute, and you finally allowed yourself to take a breath. “There,” Joshua said, his voice remaining gentle and stable. “Drink up. It’ll help.”

           You wasted no time, unscrewing the cap and taking a long sip of the drink. Like the desert experiencing its first rain of the year, you felt the water slightly rejuvenate your body. When you set it down, the bottle already half empty, you saw Jeonghan just finishing up cleaning the table, wiping it down a few extra times. You looked over to Joshua, who carefully took the water from your hands and recapped it, setting it on the table. You went to rub your eyes one last time, but Joshua’s hand reached over to stop you. Instead, he opened your palm and placed a tissue inside.

           “You’re going to irritate them.” He explained gently. You nodded, pressing the tissue to your eyes to wipe up the last of your tears. “Alright.” You finally took one last deep breath, pushing your chair out and standing up straight. The strain your sobbing fit had on your head made the world tilt just slightly as you adjusted, but you felt both Jeonghan and Joshua take your arms, helping you stay steady.

           “I’m ok.” You said immediately, dusting off your pants. You went to grab your bag but saw Jeonghan swipe it first. He smiled at you.

           “You know, it’s a good thing we’re angels,” Jeonghan said.

           A sniffle escaped you, mumbling a soft: “Why?”

           “Because I would punch Mingyu if we weren’t.” You couldn’t help but laugh at Jeonghan’s playful comment, wondering if he was kidding as he continued to hold onto your arm, rubbing it gently with his thumb. “Let’s go.” He said. You nodded, feeling a bit more relaxed just as the duo led you out. You could feel the stares from other patrons, wondering what happened that caused you to have such a public, yet somehow also isolated display. However, nobody said anything as you disappeared out the door, leaving only the ringing of the bell on top of the signal you were even there in the first place.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           “Is she finally asleep?” Jeonghan asked, peering over the side of the couch.

“I think so,” Joshua said softly. He looked over at you, seeing you curled up on the couch. The minute you got into the apartment, Joshua and Jeonghan watched you stumble to the couch and crawl onto it, burying yourself under a thick blanket, your face stuffed under the throw pillow. You said nothing, not even muttering under the blanket. Jeonghan set your bag on the floor by the door, both of them allowing you time to sit in silence.

It wasn’t long after you fell asleep.

Long since moving the pillow from your face when he heard light snoring, Joshua watched as you slept soundly under the blanket. He saw your foot pop out, and he was quick to recover it with a blanket. Jeonghan glanced at Joshua. He studied his friend's face for a few minutes, watching as Joshua simply took this quiet moment to focus on you.

“Joshua…” he muttered.

Joshua didn’t even look up. “Hm?”

“Be careful…” Now, Joshua’s curiosity caused him to look up.

“With what?” he asked. Jeonghan shrugged.

“Just be careful.” He said. “Remember why we’re doing this.”

“I know.” He watched as you shifted in your sleep, your cheek nestling into the pillow as you continued whatever dream at the moment. Joshua smiled a bit, but when he saw Jeonghan's disapproving look, he sighed. “Don’t worry.”

“You know what happens when you think of humans like that.” He nudged him.

Like a young child getting disciplined, Joshua sighed in frustration. “I know.” He said.

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” Jeonghan said, though he didn’t seem convinced. “I’m going to run to the store; and pick up something to make for when she gets up.” Joshua nodded, watching as Jeonghan grabbed a few things before heading out of the house. Joshua rested his back on the couch, pursing his lips in frustration as he tried to focus on something else. Anything else. When your foot stretched a bit, kicking his leg involuntarily, he looked back over at you. You were rubbing your eyes, and smacking your lips.

“Mmmm.” You groaned at the sound of the door slamming in the front of the apartment. Joshua watched you pull yourself up, eyes fluttering open. You had only been asleep for less than 40 minutes, yet Joshua smiled at how much bedhead you were able to get anyway.

“Are you awake?” he asked, turning his body towards you. You hummed, nodding your head as you gave your eyes a moment to adjust. Despite it being some time, you could feel them still burning, as if they were fresh with tears. You felt the couch shift a bit, and looked to see a water bottle, half-finished, pointing in your direction. When you looked up, you saw Joshua’s hand on the other end of it. “Here. Finish it.” Delicate hands took the bottle, warmer now than it was when you first got it, before taking a quick sip. “Are you okay? When we got to the café, you were just a few seconds away from full-blown hysterics.” The idea of acting that way in a public place made you get a sinking feeling in your stomach, and you buried your head in your hands. You heard Joshua laugh. “Don’t worry. The place was practically empty.”

Though it didn’t make you feel much better, you nodded your head. Joshua watched you finish the water, closing the empty plastic bottle and setting it on the coffee table. When you looked around, you noticed someone missing. “Where’s Jeonghan?” you asked curiously.

“He went out to get ingredients for dinner.” He said simply. You nodded again. “So, just focus on resting.” You pulled your knees to your chest, resting your chin atop them with a small pout. “What happened before we got there?”

You immediately thought back to a set of unfamiliar hands, a few black and gold rings adorning the ring finger and thumb as they curled around tissues and napkins. You still couldn’t pick up on the voice for as little as he said, nor put a clear picture of a face. You shook your head, wanting to wipe the entire thing from your head. The thoughts of the conversation came flooding back to you, and you licked your lips, realizing how dry they still were. “I really don’t want to talk about it,” you said simply.

“Okay.” Joshua simply agreed. He looked around, eyes landing on the Statue of Liberty snow globe sitting on your bookshelf. He remembered the happy look on your face as you mentioned it back at the sandwich shop. “Did I ever tell you why I go by the English name Joshua?” he asked.

You seemed surprised by his sudden change in topic, but you only shook your head. “I just thought that was just your name.”

“Well, it is,” Joshua admitted. “But my brothers call me by more Korean name.” Crossing one leg over the other as he leaned back on the couch, he continued. “Hong Jisoo.”

“That’s a nice name.” You commented. Joshua chuckled a bit. “What caused the change?”

“Many years ago, my brothers and I took a trip to America. It was really fascinating to me, to see how different their lives were to the people of Korea. We saw the Golden Gate Bridge in LA, the Statue of Liberty, and the Grand Canyon. It was a different tour sight every day.” A smile formed, your previous thoughts washing away as you listened to him talk. “When we got back, it was all I could talk about. He even showed me one of those personalized name keychains. Jun thought it was ‘Jisoo’ spelt in English, but it was actually Joshua. Jeonghan told me that was my nickname.” He laughed as he recalled the memory. Though it felt so recent to him, in reality, to you it would have been a few hundred or so human years. 

“That sounds amazing.” You sighed. “I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve only seen pictures online and in movies.”

“Ah.” Joshua nodded. “Maybe I -.” He immediately stopped himself. He looked over at you. “Maybe Mingyu can take you one day.”

A dry chuckle escaped your lips, shaking your head. “I doubt that. Especially after today.”

“Why do you say that?” He asked curiously, hoping you were ready to open up.

Comforted by Joshua’s little anecdote, you finally spoke about your café conversation. “Mina confirmed to me that she came here to win Mingyu over. It’s only a matter of time before she wins. There’s no way I can go up again the girl Mingyu was sent off to meet for marriage. She’s beautiful. She seems to be everything his father is looking for.”

“Well…” Joshua shifted in his seat. “How do you know for sure?” He immediately saw your eyes gloss over, teary and pained as you continued remembering your conversation.

“He gave her a gift before he left.” You said softly. Joshua immediately thought back to the keychain he and Jeonghan watched him buy in Japan, the smile on his face as he did so. He couldn’t muster a response right now, not when he was watching you pull yourself into a deeper hole the more you thought about it. “Which isn’t bad. Like I said, I’m not his girlfriend. He went to see her with the end goal being the possibility of marriage. Who am I to tell him that he can’t buy gifts for other people?” Your pout only got deeper. “He took me out to a lovely dinner. He was a gentleman...I won’t ask him for more. I can’t. I can’t be selfish when I’m nowhere near enough for him.”

“That’s not true,” Joshua said gently. “You can’t say that.” When your eyes darted up to him, he felt himself go silent. He had no idea what to say to make you feel better at this moment. All he could do was utter your name sadly, hoping to try and cheer you up.

You looked back at him “Tell me some other story.” You asked gently. Joshua blinked in confusion. You rested your chin in your knees, tucking them close to your body. “I want to hear more about your trip to America.” Joshua’s featured softened as he smiled. Pulling from the many memories he stored in his mind, he began telling one story of their attempts skydiving over the canyons.

Amidst Joshua’s third or fourth anecdote, the door swung open, and both of you looked over to see Jeonghan. He yawned, running a hand through his hair as he strolled inside. “I’m back.” He said. When his eyes landed on you, he smiled. “Hey, you’re awake.” Quickly, you rubbed your eyes with your damp sleeve, hopping up off the couch. Joshua watched you meet Jeonghan in the kitchen. When you reached for the bags of food, Jeonghan yanked them back. “Ah, ah, ah. Go sit down and relax.”

“I can cook. You looked tired when you walked in, Jeonghan.” Jeonghan shook his head, setting everything down.

“I’m making something easy. Beef Bulgogi. You already have almost everything I needed.” He pulled out the few needed ingredients he went out for in the first place. “Go sit down.” He said again.

“But-.”

“Go.” The seriousness in Jeonghan’s eyes when he looked at you stopped your arguing immediately. Reluctant yet convinced, you headed back to the couch, plopping back down and covering yourself with the blanket. Joshua chuckled as you fell onto your side once again, covering your face and head with the blanket as well. “Joshua. Come help me.”

“Alright.” He said with a grin, seeing your eyes pop out from under the blanket.

“Hey.” You pouted. Joshua walked past you on the couch, leaning down just to recover your eyes. “Rude…”

“You didn’t hear anything.” He said, before joining Jeonghan in the kitchen. As the sink turned on, and the men began chatting, you found yourself starting to drift back to sleep.

Jeonghan stood by the counter as he began to cut up vegetables, Joshua grabbing a knife and helping as well. When Jeonghan saw Joshua hold onto his shoulder, pausing a second to roll it. He tilted his head, left ear to left shoulder in an attempt to stretch the opposite muscle. Jeonghan noticed the small look of discomfort on his face before he asked: “You alright?”

Hm Oh, yeah.” Joshua said, nodding his head as he resumed cooking. When Jeonghan saw him sneak a quick glance in your direction, he bit his lip and said nothing more as the duo continued to cook.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           The immediate call of your name first thing the next morning startled you. You saw Mingyu and the rest of your friends hanging outside one of the buildings, seemingly chatting together until they caught you approaching. You blinked, watching Mingyu lift his hand high in the air, eyes beaming as he waved to you. Heartstring pulled tightly in your chest, and you immediately thought back to your café meeting yesterday, Mina smiling sweetly at you as she spoke. How she looked at the beautiful keychain and gushed about it the way you have in the past. Fixing your bag, you only offered a quick wave, before making your first sharp right and heading down another path. You couldn’t even bear to turn your head and look back, already able to picture the row of shocked and confused faces that were plastered on each of their faces. Especially Mingyu’s.

           Mingyu watched you walk down the path, Joshua and Jeonghan not far behind, and felt his smile falter just a bit. “What the?” he frowned a bit.

           “What did you do?!” Minnie asked, looking at Mingyu. His eyes went wide.

           “Me?!” He asked. “What would I have done?!”

           “I don’t know but it sure as hell wasn’t us.” Minnie huffed. Hoshi watched as you disappeared into a building as soon as possible, the door closing behind you. He frowned a bit. He needed a quiet second to determine if it was nausea bubbling in his chest or a weird sensation of nostalgic déjà vu. When he heard Seungkwan and Minnie continue to berate Mingyu for more information he didn’t seem to have, he reached for a handout. The duo looked at him for a moment, stunned and confused. Mingyu was obviously flustered, cheeks a dark cherry red and eyes wide as he worked to defend himself.

           “Do you think it could be about her?” He asked. When Mingyu’s features softened, curious as to who he meant, Hoshi simply pointed down the path. When they all looked over, Mingyu’s shoulders dropped to see Mina, bag slung over her shoulder. She was walking down the path, hair tugged up in a neat ponytail. She had slacks and a white button-up on, very studious and fitting for a stroll along a college campus. She didn’t acknowledge the stares of interested individuals passing by, only the gaze of Mingyu, who felt his shoulders spike a bit when she called his name out loud and hurried closer to him.

           “Hi, Mina.” He said. “What are you doing here? I have class soon.”

           A kind smile peeked on her face as she shifted focus to her backpack. “I transferred here for the rest of the year!” She beamed.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           As the day rolled on, you tried to keep your focus as narrow as possible: school. Nothing else was enough to keep you distracted from bubbling thoughts of self-worth. It had mainly worked for the next few days, though it involved doing mental and physical gymnastics to avoid Mingyu, and by unfortunate extension, your friends. You sat down in your last class of the day, and the words FINAL EXAMS UPCOMING! STUDY HARD scribbled neatly on the board for the entire room to see.A deep, almost relieved sensation washed through your body as you settled in. Looking down at your textbook, you wasted no time flipping it open and beginning to study. Around you, other students began to do the same, nestling into comfortable groups of friends to study. You could already hear some abandoning the idea for much more desired casual conversation, but you barely had time to get started on your first problem when you men plopped themselves beside you. Looking over, Joshua and Jeonghan were opening their books as well, seeming to check yours to make sure they were on the same page.

           You snorted a bit. “You both are taking the finals?”

           “Of course,” Joshua said simply, pencil tapping his chin.

           “We’ll have been in the class for the better part of half of it.” The playful sarcasm made you shake your head in amusement. “Besides, what else are we doing? If you’re stressed about finals, we don’t mind stressing along with you for a few weeks.” That comment eased your very heavy heart just a bit.

           “Thanks.” You said.

           “Besides, we heard your birthday is right after the end of the term. We need to make sure we all make it out alive to celebrate.” You snickered at Joshua’s comment. “Now, what do you think we should focus on first?”

           The trio of you studied in silence for a little while. Well, you mainly did. Joshua and Jeonghan acted more as your students than your classmates, listening as you verbally explained a lot of the problems to them before scribbling them down yourself. You quickly flipped over your phone to get the time. As you scanned it, your eyes dropped to the background. A photo of you and your friends all lined up shoulder to shoulder. You were standing pin straight, like a can of squished tuna, to fit each other and the beautifully lit Korean night sky behind you. You smiled sadly. The palm of your hand pressed into your lips so intensely as you stared at the photo, one tall person in particular, that you could feel your pulse in your ears. Joshua seemed to notice this too, leaning just a bit closer to you and offering you a nudge. When you glanced over at the duo, they were just quietly staring at you. The look on their faces was amusing enough to make you snicker. “You lost?”

           “No,” Jeonghan said. Closing your book, you stuffed it into your bag and stood up. “Where are you going?”

“There’s a book I need from the library. I can’t keep working on anything until I get it.”

“Want us to come with you?” Joshua asked. Jeonghan immediately keyed onto how hopeful he felt as he waited for your answer. “Just in case…”

“Oh, no. I’ll just be a few minutes.” You tapped his book, and Joshua looked down. “Study.” Slinging your bag over your shoulder, you hurried out the doors of the classroom and out of the building, towards the library that sat right across the way.  Jeonghan only watched her for a second, turning his head back to the book you had just tapped and opened up to the next set of pages. Jeonghan also watched as Joshua rolled his shoulder for the second time these past few days.

The discomfort on Joshua’s face seemed to return without fail and Jeonghan began to worry.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           As you scanned the bookshelves, trying to find the book you could picture in your mind, you took a moment to enjoy the required silence that surrounded you. People were around but focused on their things and not worried about what others were doing. As you pulled a few books from the shelves, taking a moment to scan them before putting them back on the shelf, you found your brain ticking backward, the hands in your internal clock bringing you back to a few weeks prior when you and Mingyu were in these same aisles. As Mingyu held a book in his hands, amused by the content inside and completely unaware of the girls swooning over him. That is until he caught sight of you. When your cheeks tinted hot, you pouted. Knock it off. You muttered to yourself, before pulling one final book from the shelf. As you did so, a pair of almond-shaped eyes were staring at you from the other side.

           The soft yelp you emitted, followed by covering your mouth, those eyes curled up into a little half-moon of pure bliss. When you heard your name uttered, you blinked. “Hoshi?”

           “Heeeey.” He whispered. It took a second, but he rounded the corner and hurried to you. “I saw you come in and thought I’d follow.” He saw the few books in your hands and wasted no time taking them from you. “Here. Let’s go sit for a minute.”

           “I have to get back to class.” You said.

           “Just a minute.” He assured, before leading you both to an empty table in the far back of the library. You sighed, quickening your pace as you followed behind him. When the both of you sat, Hoshi pushed the books aside and looked directly at you. You could feel him studying you with his kind eyes, and you blinked.

           “What?” you asked.

           “You didn’t come to see us this morning when we called you. Or the morning before that. You’re avoiding us.”

           You knew this would hit you sooner or later, and you’d have to explain. “Uh, I’m sorry, I…” Hoshi stopped you mid-sentence, raising a hand.

           “No, no. It’s ok. I could tell something happened. Was it Mingyu?” When you nodded a bit, Hoshi kept a smile on his face, but it softened from his usual playful one to a more sympathetic one. “Do you want to talk about it?”

           “No,” you said. “There’s not much to say.” You couldn’t even begin to describe the past few days, and how you felt about Mingyu. Mainly because you had no idea how you felt now, other than lied to.

           “He didn’t tell anyone about Mina,” Hoshi said. When he saw your eyes shoot up, once again, he smiled. “I could tell he was just as surprised as we all were.”

           “Why couldn’t he have just said the real reason he was going to Japan? It makes all the talk feel more real knowing that he was hiding it.” Hoshi shrugged.

           “I don’t know.” He admitted. Resting his chin in his hand, he let out a longing sigh. “Who knows why people hide things, or why they choose how and when to share them? People are weird.” You could feel the twinge of hurt in those words as Hoshi traced a circle with his index finger on the table. His eyes shot back up at you, and he asked: “I know how you feel.”

           “Do you?” you asked. “Are you also hopelessly in love with Kim Mingyu and have no idea what to do?” Hoshi had to hold his laugh back, taking a moment to remember where he was.

           “God, no.” he snickered. “But, I know what it feels like to feel like you’ve been lied to.” He sighed. “Remember that friend Seungkwan keeps bringing up? From our first year.” You nodded. “He had a lot of secrets too. He didn’t tell me until it was too late.”

           Though curious, you chose not to press that part further, only responding with: “Oh…”

           “Yeah.” Hoshi chuckled as if the memory was somehow funny. “I wish I knew why he was hiding things from me so we could talk about it. But…I realized when it was too late that he just simply couldn’t.”

           That word resonated with you: couldn’t.

           “You think he couldn’t tell me? Why? He tells us everything….” Hoshi shrugged.

           “All I know is, people do things they think will benefit them in the long run.”

           “That makes sense…” you muttered. “That was very profound, Hoshi.”

“I do that, sometimes.” He smiled. Without realizing it, you looked down at your watch. “Hoshi, I have to go.” You said gently. “I’m sorry. Class is just about to end and I should probably-.“

           “Aw, it’s ok. Just promise if you see us later – any of us – you’ll say hi like always. It’s less fun when one of us isn’t around.” A smile graced your lips as his innocent, almost child-like comment.

           “I will.” You said. Grabbing your books, you waved Hoshi off before heading back towards off the library. Hoshi watched you for a second, his kind smile sending you off until you were long out of sight. Once he knew he was safe, Hoshi’s smile fell, and he looked out the large window beside him. As he looked, he could have sworn something – someone? – caught his eye. However, he simply rose from his seat and headed out the door himself, humming as he did so.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

           “I hope she’s ok,” Jeonghan said, walking beside Joshua as the duo headed toward the library.

           “Yeah, I didn’t think she’d take the entire class period,” Joshua added. As the duo got closer, their eyes immediately locked onto a tall, male figure standing just by the entrance to the library. He looked up from his phone, saying a quick hello to a few people who passed by with a greeting. When he smiled, Jeonghan saw Joshua’s lips curve to a frown. He thought in that moment of your teary eyes as you lamented about the worries you had, of your wobbly voice as you sobbed into his chest. Of your smile as you spoke about Mingyu as if he was a god among men.

           Joshua knew God. Mingyu, it seemed to him, was no God.

           “Hey-.” Jeonghan was shocked to see Joshua simply walk forward, making a beeline straight for Mingyu, who at the moment, was unaware of his presence. Jeonghan immediately followed behind. When he saw Joshua stop a few feet in front of Mingyu, Jeonghan kept himself a few paces further back as well. “Joshua.” He tried to hiss one last time, but it fell on deaf ears. Jeonghan groaned. “Hong Jisoo.”

           That got Joshua’s attention, and he turned his head to look at Jeonghan briefly. Jeonghan tried – oh did he try – to nonverbally signal Joshua to come back to his side and forget what it was that he was about to do. However, it was stopped when Mingyu called out:

           “Hey…” before looking around. “Where’s-.”

           Joshua looked back at him. He took a deep breath. “You don’t get to ask that.” He said simply.

           Oh, no. Here we go. Jeonghan thought.

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[chungledown-bimothy]

what was so bad abt dracula?

the full title of the play was "dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy, really".

they #girlboss-ified lucy and mina (like what netflix did to anne in persuasion, if that means anything to you), made dr seward nothing more than a caricature on which to soapbox about medical misogyny, made jonathan angry and yelling about how terrible the trip was, made dracula fully cards on the table about his whole deal from day one.

both lucy and renfield (mrs renfield, who was abandoned by her husband) went on long rants about how once a woman is married she's her husband's property and have no agency of your own.

they made van helsing the american cowgirl who very much ended up reading as the Angry Black Woman trope and all of that bullshit.

the playwright clearly did not understand the book and its themes or characters at all- i'd believe it if you told me she'd never even read it.

[slashingdisneypasta]

I've been in a musical mood since I moved into my apartment (Seriously, there's something very satisfying about playing these Broadway songs out loud in your own living room (when my roommate left of course)), and seeing your dark Musical AU Post made me think of musical AU's for my... Oof countless ships 😅 of course you don't have to worry about answering ^^

Smarty-Pop • Phantom of the Opera AU

I have not known peace ever since you briefly mentioned their Erik/Christine dynamic in my sad Smarty-Pop ending drabble, and i mean that in a positive way XD and this gave me the perfect opportunity to explore an actual AU.

I'm thinking maybe Poppy can play a little bit of Madam Giry's role too, being the only one who knows the Phantom's secrets, the only calm one when the Phantom of the Opera strikes and possibly even delivering messages to the opera managers for Smartass. And unlike with the OG story, I like to imagine them in an already established relationship here- just, you know, a little secretive since it's the phantom we're talking about.

It's not uncommon for Poppy to go disappear down in the depths of the Opera House, whether it be through her mirror or one of the trap doors. And if one were to look through her dressing room, you could find many pink roses in various stages of wilt, and letters personally addressed to her written in the same colored ink. She claims she doesn't know who sends her them, but her dreamy smile shows more than just flattery. She leaves her own notes for Smartass as well, leaving them in loge #5 just before a show begins. Just sweet love letters only for his eyes.

No, they don't always agree. Poppy has lost track of how many times she's stormed down to Smartass' domain after something he most certainly did, and all the attention and admirers she had been gaining as her stardom rose have been dangerously grating Smartass' nerves. But at the end of each night, she is his, and he is hers. As it should be.

(Yeah this is partially me venting how i think a Christine x Phantom relationship would have turned out if it was the canon ending XD Also I'd like to point out that you said yandere Snartass might make his S/O marry him, which also correlates with the phantom trying to force Christine's hand. That is totally not going to become part of the Smarty-pop AU) thought XD

Greasypop • Dracula AU

I did struggle with Greasypop admittedly, but then I heard the song Please don't Make Me Love You from the soundtrack and I could not get this dynamic for this ship out of my head. Besides, it gives me an excuse to use the Vampire or the Monster AU XD No matter how you slice it, Dracula is pretty manipulative when you think about it. Especially with how he convinces Mina that Lucy's death was not his doing, which does fit Greasy's more manipulative nature... Not to mention that it'd be his fantasy to have as many hotties as Dracula did 😅

I'm just imagining vampire/incubus Greasy shows up into town, looking to plant his roots here for a while, and Poppy is one of his targets. Poppy can tell that something isn't quite right with him, even when he offers her comfort after she reads about yet another attack in the night. There's just something not right with Greasy.

But even so, she's having a hard time denying what he does to her. Just like how theres something about him that isn't quite right, there's something about him that makes her head feel dizzy. Something that let's his touch linger on her shoulder or arm before she snaps back to her senses. Something that makes her wish those evenings when he shows up unannounced and they wind up sharing a meal together don't end. It's like her heart is trying to give itself to Greasy, and her mind is trying to keep her grounded in reality.

It's not long before she breaks down, feeling like she's being driven mad, and just asks her friend- if he can even be called that- what he wants. She knows Greasy is not who he says he is, and she knows there has to be a reason he keeps coming back to her even though she's made it clear she doesn't want a man right now. Something tells her she doesn't want to know the truth, and yet another something tells her she wouldn't care.

But either way, no matter what, Poppy knows one thing for certain. Her heart can't take much more of this. And she didn't want it to. She doesn't want someone to come around and ruin this tranquility she's built for herself just for his own fun. So she asks, practically begs him, to just don't make her fall in love with him. Don't make her chase after him if he had no intentions of keeping her. Her instincts tell her that this is a terrible idea, that she should have slammed the door on the Spaniard long ago as she locked eyes with him.

But there was just something about him that made her love him.

(Not exactly the Dracula route I meant, I'm still working on it, but I hope it's still fun to read XD)

Peezy • Little Shop of Horrors AU

Ok ok I know this may not sound right but hear me out- Poppy x Wheezy are the most wholesome of the ships, kind of like how Audrey and Symore are wholesome. And also share the fact that Poppy/Audrey still see Wheezy/Seymore as such a good person deep down despite knowing or finding out the things they've done. Not to mention that Wheezy would treat Poppy right just like how Seymore would for Audrey.

Poppy and Wheezy work together in the same flower shop, and they both would agree that they are the high lights of each others work day. It's not exactly hidden that the two have feelings for each other- as their boss blatantly told Wheezy that he knew he thought things about the sweet girl. Though for many reasons, one of which is Poppy's horrid boyfriend Ben, they aren't together.

It was always heart-wrenching and rage inducing whenever Poppy would come in with fresh tears in her eyes, or when she would brush it off as just 'typical relationship struggles'. Wheezy has tried to just keep it to himself, and offer Poppy any comfort she needs. Though the night he got to actually see how that bastard treated her, he decided enough was enough. That bloodthirsty plant was the one who suggested it, but it's not like this wasn't a long time coming anyway.

The next morning, when Poppy is crying out of guilt rather than heartbreak, Wheezy keeps a cool head as he wraps an ashy arm around her and assures her that she shouldn't waste another second on that boy. He was never worth it, not if he couldn't appreciate what he had. Everything is alright now...

(... This was meant to be more fluffy, as fluffy as the original was, but it turned out a bit more manipulative than I intended at the end? I think? 😅 but hey, no one's gonna miss Ben either way-)

Pocho • Sweeny Todd AU

This one is special because here, Poppy is playing the role of Anthony, and Psycho Johanna. Specifically, I'm imagining the part of the play where Johanna is stuck in the asylum and Anthony is trying to break her free. Poppy in the Tiny-Tots AU is trying to set her friend and love free the second she finds out about him being locked away. Even if she has to employ the help of criminals to get him out.

Or, if we want more horror, Psycho is Sweeny, and Poppy is Lucy. Falsely accused of crimes he didn't commit just so the accuser could take his wife. Despite the fight he put up, Psycho and Poppy were separated, and she... Got hurt badly. And Psycho only finds out later when he comes back, now driven over the edge of sanity after all these years. And now, it's time for revenge.

Popshine • The Count of Monte Cristo AU

Another odd choice, I know. I almost gave this AU to Peezy in fact, but... Honestly I don't have too good of an excuse, I just want Shiny to sing Hell to Your Doorstep.

Also, just- can you imagine these girls using threads from their clothes in placement of engagement rings?? Shiny coming back years later, a shell of her former self but still being in love with Poppy despite how angry she is?? Poppy recognizing her immediately despite all that's happened and does her best to convince Shiny she still loves her???? My heart-

(Also I have a strong lesbian need to imagine Shiny in count clothes-)

Griny • Bonnie and Clyde AU

C'mon, how was this not going to be them?? Now granted, the only song I know from that musical is Buck you're going Back to Jail, but I do know the story of Bonnie and Clyde.

Shiny and Greasy would absolutely be criminal lovers on the run if it was just them. They would be such an infamous duo on the road, as they both can get mean when they need to.

(I would add more details to this, but I've been working on this ask for literal hours and I can't just save it as a draft so I'm trying to finish this 😅)

Bonus! Kingston X Poppy • Heathers AU

Ok ok ok I'm not sure if this musical would fit them honestly. Mainly because Kingston is your OC and you have broader musical knowledge than I do, so you know what would fit Kingston best. I just like the idea of Kingston singing I was Meant to Be Yours while Poppy is panicking in a closet.

What Musical would you say fits these two best, if you want to add onto this?

This is a very long ask, I apologize 😅 but I hope it's fun to read! ^^

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH OKAY

Smarty Pop Phantom of the Opera AU: I love how you set this up!! Pink roses at different stages of wilt? Poppy reading 'secret admirer' letters with a dreamy smile?? Ahhhhhhhhh

Greasy Pop Dracula AU: Ooooooh i love this.

please just dont make me fall in love with you, poppy breathes, heavy eyelids tired with life hanging heavy over her pretty eyes. Greasy's in her bedroom (vaguely she notices that he looks caught, for a moment. Eyes a smidge rounder and stock-still). She was sleeping until she had a bad feeling and woke- and saw him there. She should be terrified, she should try to run. She knows this. And yet she feels overwhelmingly calm, even with his wolf-like smile on her in the enclosed space; sleepiness from just a moment ago acting like a sedative. That, and that thing about Greasy that... always just makes everything go s l o w, around her.

(her will, her instincts to get away, her common sense, her movements... )

his smirk in the dark is definitely a warning as he straightens up, the sharp glint of his teeth making her feel a primal discomfort- almost fear.

i make no promises, hermosa. go back to sleep now. and in the morning try to resist; id like to see you try~

goodnight.

poppy watches the nightmare disappear swiftly, inhumanly gracefully, out her open window and only once he's gone- does she start to feel scared.

Peezy Little Shop of Horrors AU: I LOVE THE IDEA OF WHEEZY AND AUDREY II INTERACTING XDD I JUST KNOW IT WOULD BE GREAT XDD Also also-- Wheezy calling Ben 'boy'??? Sarah do you want me dead????? XD

Pocho Sweeney Todd AU: Ahhh, I love how you twisted this one around!! And the second one- woah XD Psycho is, of course, a great Sweeney. Plus they have kids so that works out, too (Imagine Turpin in this sent Percy away to boarding school or something, but kept Penny) I have to admit though that when I first saw the title here I thought Poppy was gonna be Joanna and Psycho was gonna be Anthony- and I thought, Rena would make a g r e a t Judge Turpin 😏 (i'm sorry, i'm thinking about rena in the turpin costume now XD the tight pants?? whoops- )

Griny Bonnie & Clyde AU: I LOVE BONNE & CLYDE I'M LISTENING TO IT RIGHT NOW. And- obviously- yes, this is absolutely perfect XD

Popshine Count of Monte Cristo AU: 🥺💕🥺💕🥺💕

(Also I'm very happy we both have the urge to put our mean bisexual oc's in periodwear XXD )

*just after they conspired to break greays outta jail*:

Seeing you mention You're Going Back To Jail though made me think XDD- who would Buck and Blanche? XDD Buck, Clydes brother who also broke outta prison and Blance, Buck's hardass wife who 's snide towards Clyde and Bonnie and sends her husband back to jail so they can one day be happy? XD My vote is for Jane Doe and Wheezy XD Can you imagine Wheezy gettin' told by his girl to turn his ass back the hell in??? 'what the hell are you talkin' about!??' *audible panic in his tone*

Bye, baby~

See you soon, sugar~

Kingston and Poppy Heathers AU: Oooooh, I could totally see this in the Highschool AU! XD

Hmmmmm, which musical AU should I go dor with King and Poppy... I donno, but I'm thinkin a Beetlejuice AU for Poppy and Rena XD Poppy is Adam (Or Lydia more like. But like grown adult Lydia who gets just as uncomfy as Adam does.), of course, and Rena is BJ XDDD Rena is such a gross femme fatale XD

I think we're a perfect fit, lets make out a bit-

Bigger, further, harder-

C'mon, drop your panties, I'm trynna fill you with wisdom and skill and the instinct to kill-

Gotta haunt til it hurts through the night~

etc

[sketchfanda]

Kirishima's Mystique:Virtual Sensuality

In the cozy little apartment that our resident Hero College trio shared and called their love-nest, Kirishima eyed the device he held in his hand before him. It was his birthday and of course Mina and Maya seemed to always go all out as he examined the gift they'd given him. Some sort of headgear or headset device, like those old virtual reality goggles as they bore the distinct logo indicating they'd been made on and came from none other than I-Island. Looking at his grinning girlfriends who seemed very eager no doubt to see what he thought and if he was going to try them on.

Kirishima:"Okay so what exactly is this?" *You couldn't lame him for being curious and wary. For one they already ha plenty of games consoles and two? Mina and Maya usually liked to be more saucier and spicier when it came to his birthday. Like the time they arranged that little weekend in Maya's home in Jagua or the time they got him a stripper.*

Mina:"That oh sweet man of ours is a very special gift custom made and ordered by the lovely Melissa Shield back on I-Island. As you might gather it's a virtual reality headset but this one's very special. It's total sensory immersion.*The bubblegum duo couldn't help but giggle at the adorable puzzled look on his face. No doubt he didn't have a clue what that meant and really could they blame their himbo? It took a while for them to get the gist of it when Melissa explained it. But once they got an understanding, well..*

Maya:"Meaning handsome you're not whole being is uploaded into the game. It's got a few devices in there keeps your body safe and sound while giving you just the right feedback. It'll make you literally feel like you're in the game and believe you us, stud, you're gonna love this game."*the shapeshifting bombshell added as she provided enough context. Yes it was exactly as said, soon as Kirishima put that headset on and it powered up, he'd find his 5 senses all experiencing a whole new world. One they were sure he was going to enjoy especially thanks to the customising and modifications Melissa made. That girl definitely earned a solid from them that's for sure.*

Well when they put it like that of course, Kirishima didn’t see any reason to doubt them, shrugging as he put on the VR headset. Taking a seat on the couch as he felt his body go into a relaxed state as his gift powered on, it was almost like drifting off into a dream. Closing his eyes briefly before opening them to find himself no longer in his living room but rather a sort of limbo. All around him from above and below to the sides, front and back was a clear blue sky with stray white clouds gently floating in the breeze and the floor a calm gentle ocean reflecting it like a mirror.

Kirishima took in the scenery around him, practically feeling a warmth akin to summer and smelling the fresh air. This really was like being in a whole other world but how exactly did this game work? Was there a tutorial or the like? What was he meant to do next?

??:"That's where I come in...."*The sturdy himbo flinched, jumping a bit as he turned to face the source of the voice that had suddenly spoken up. Seeing a blue glowing ghost-like woman levitating before him and he could only that damn she was quite the looker. A curvy toned body seemingly nude with her modesty preserved by digital patterns akin to that old Disney movie Tron.*"Hello there, pardon the sudden shock, welcome to Oasis. I'm Cortana, your admin AI and general tutorial guide and instructor. here to oversee your enjoyment and time here with the game. Nothing too major or serious, you play it however you want to. Just think it and it will happen, want to be a dragon in a fantasy world? Then go for it, maybe you want to be a pro-wrestler or a shark? Hunt down dinosaurs? All possible for you and of course the time you spend here amounts to only seconds back out in the real world..."*The azure digital babe spoke gently yet matter of fact-like, demonstrating an example of the VR world's potential as she held out her hand and made a single lotus flower bloom in her palm.*

Kirishima:*briefly shook his head as well as calmed down that voice in his brain embodying his libido. No doubt stirred by the sight of the more than easy on the eyes AI girl as he thought her words over.*"Anything anyway huh?"*He'd mused as he looked out at the tranquil limbo around him, which within seconds became replaced by a perfect replica forming of UA campus, from the school to the gymnasium and Heights Alliance dorm. In awe at how quickly the game played to his thoughts all the Cortana simply smiled...a distinct little mischievous twinkle in her eyes.*

Suffice to say that it wasn't long before Kirishima was giving Oasis a whirl, trying out being a shark as he swam in the ocean or took to the sky flying as a dragon. It was surreal for sure and felt incredible while Cortana maintained vigilance, no doubt ensuring his overall health and well being here in the virtual world. Time truly flied as he had fun as he caught his breath, relaxing on a simple, calm and tranquil grass field, Cortana sitting beside him cool, calm and composed as ever. Her digital form giving off quite a nice calm ethereal glow to it as she found the sturdy himbo look her way.

Kirishima:”Hey this has been great so far and all but if you don’t mind me asking, what would be fun for you? I mean if you got any ideas or anything, I wouldn’t mind trying them out.”*Asking sincerely as he was curious to see if the AI girl was willing to do more than just observe and ensure his own enjoyment of Oasis. Little did he know of course the moment he asked that question, was just what Cortana had been waiting for. Her azure eyes twinkling as she grew a playful little smile. One that reminded him of the kind Mina and Maya would give him during…..”certain” times.*

Cortana:”Well as a matter of fact…”*The admin AI's grin widened with sensual delight as with a snap of her fingers and a wave of her hand, the scenery around them changed. Oh how familiar it seemed to Kirishima as it bore a resemblence to one of the pleasure suits of Ms.Midnight's love hotel (that used to be a brothel of course, they didn't call her the rated R heroine for nothing). The queen sized bed, the luxury bathroom and the lush view of the skyline, all identical. Cortana taking delight in his reaction as she could tell his brain was working out the mental gymnastics*

Kirishima:*blushing even as he put the dots together.*"So I'm guessing this is the actual surprise part of my present here huh?"*The sturdy himbo got his answer of course in the form of Cortana’a playful smile as with another gesture, the lines in her body reformed in a different pattern. Leaving her torso utterly exposed before him, naked and ready to give herself to him. Her graceful feet nearly gliding along the floor as he found her pressing herself against him. Arms draping around his powerful shoulder as she pulled him in, pressing her lips to his. For a virtual girl, she sure felt and tasted damn well real enough.*

Cortana:*moaning deeply into the make out she initiated, purring as she felt Kirishima respond by grabbing and squeezing her indigo booty. Her tits rubbing against his firm pecs with delicious friction before she soon broke their liplock. A strand of saliva between them as she panted sensually, eyes twinkling with mischief.*”Ms.Shield was given very thorough instructions and details from your two lover girls in regards to my personality and programming. So feel free to be as rough as you’d like with me….”*With thtat said, she snapped her fingers as Kirishima found his clothes disappear in a flash of pixels, as the AI girl gently nudged him to fall and lay back in the bed.*

The indigo babe licked her lips at the sight of Kirishima in the nude, drinking in his sculpted, training enhanced muscles but especially his rising cock. That length and girth stirring before her to salute her as she climbed onto the bed, straddling his waist as her luscious digital booty hotdogged his sex-meat. Purring as she caressed his chest and abs while leaning down to kiss him once again, as they began to make out and indulge in a little heavy petting. Tongues dancing together as Cortana began to display the amount of sexual knowledge and experience she’d been provided in her programming first hand.

Deep throated came from The Indigo AI babe particularly as she felt Kirishima’s hands grab and squeeze her luscious, bubbly ass his cock pulsed and twitched. Her meaty buns feeling the raw hot desire coming from that length as her virtual pussy began to grind against it. Warm, sticky nectar coating his shaft in a soothing lubricant shower as her tits massaged his strong chest. The AI admin and her player soon rolling around the bed, deepening and intensifying their makeout as their combined arousal skyrocketed.

It wasn’t long before their movements soon came to find them in a 69 position together, occasionally shifting on their sides to one laying atop the other. Cortana moaning with wanton ecstasy as she was performing stunning fellation on Kirishima’s cock, her virtual body not bound by limits snd therefore able to deepthroat him with no problem. Head bobbing away lewdly in sync with the penetrative plunging of his tongue deep into the folds of her slit as he lapped away and drank up her flowing nectar. The sturdy himbo experiencing first hand that sex in this virtual world was just as much a thrilling sensation here as it was back in the real world, Melissa definitely knew her programming.

But as delightfully erotic and pleasurable as the foreplay was, the moment Cortana had that length and girth of his penetrate her was when things really got fun. The indigo digital goddess moaning and gasping passionately as she rode Kirishima cowgirl style, his hands grasping where her waist met and connected with her hips as she found his red eyes glued to her bouncing tits. Her asscheeks clapping snd jiggling with every impact of their loins engaging in the primal dance men and women have done since the dawn of time. And loving every second of it, there was no doubt as much as sexual knowledge had been input into her data, actually experiencing the act of sex itself was even better.

it’d helped that Kirishima was a more than willing and able partner of course but given the intel she’d been provided about him, that wasn’t surprising. Nor was he content to simply stay idle and let her do all the work as he proceeded to assert dominance and show the blue bombshell first hand his depth of sexual prowess. Pouncing on her as she found herself in a mating press, screaming with ecstasy that is when she wasn’t making sweet sloppy tongue kisses with the stud jackhammering away into her. Orgasms rocking her digital form before she found it only getting better from here on in.

Doggy style, spread eagle, full nelson and more as the thicc toned virtual babe was out through a kama sutra marathon by the Herculean himbo. To say nothing of the delight when she got anal, it certainly helped that her own sexual sensitivity had been tinkered with enough that anal and oral sex wasn’t just in par with getting her pussy hammered, her entire body was one whole erogenous zone. One that the red riot stallion couldn’t get enough of as he couldn’t help but lose track of time. Minutes passing into hours within Oasis which amounted to just a few seconds back in reality which meant the lair could have themselves a marathon.

Which they most certainly did of course and Cortana could only imagine how much fun her player would have once they went from this bedroom to more exotic locations like the beach. Or especially when the next level of his surprise would make itself known soon as they decided to join in in the game. But no rush of course, they had all the time in the world. As back in the real world, Kirishima was laying back on the couch, headset on and a blissful smile on his face as his girlfriends sat on either side of him.

Maya:”Looks like he’s having fun but thst pats to be expected….so Pinky resdy to make this a 3 player game?”*The shapeshifting bombshell grinned at Mina as they both held up their own copies of the VR headset. Of course Melissa was kind enough to provide them with the means to connect with their boyfriend and enjoy Oasis together. They more than owed that blonde a solid that’s for sure. Nothing says happy birthday boyfriend like this….until they decided to try and top it down the line.

Mina:Ooh you know it…”*The bubblegum acid babe quipped in reply, the duo sharing a kiss as they began to slide their headgears on. It wasn’t long before they were soon laying beside their man and joining him in making his birthday present even more fun and spicier than it already was. Making this a very happy birthday for their Red Riot and making sure Melissa got some very well earned reviews…*

[fangirl-on-fire3]

My WIPS!

Taking my bestie @rattle-em-spooky-jones‘s idea and making a list of all my WIPs!

Feel free to send an ask if you’d like to know more about any of the fics ^.^

My Hero Academia:

1. Teeth

This fic is an accompaniment to one of my previous fics, ‘Lifeline’. It’s about Izuku and his deteriorating mental state after the war, as well as his extreme protectiveness over Katsuki because of what they went through together.

2. Love Mix-Up Gone Wrong (Not Clickbait!)

This is a Kieta Hatsukoi AU - essentially, Mina writes Katsuki’s name on Izuku’s eraser (considered a good luck charm to make your crush like you in Japan) and drops it in front of him, hoping Katsuki will realize Izuku has a crush on him. However, Shouto picks up the eraser and assumes Katsuki wants to fight him. Shenanigans ensue.

3. Steampunk [Not Titled]

A steampunk AU in which Izuku is a sheltered pianist and Katsuki is a mechanic, set to the backdrop of a war.

4. Assassination Classroom

Class 1A plays a game of Assassin, where they are given a ball with their victim’s name written on it and must ‘kill’ that person by hitting a receiver stuck to their body with the ball. The game lasts for more than a week and gets increasingly chaotic.

5. Hiking [Not Titled]

Izuku, Katsuki, Kirishima and Kaminari go hiking together. It’s a paraquel to ‘Assassination Classroom’ but works as a standalone.

6. Fantasy [Not Titled]

A fantasy AU in which Katsuki is the Dragon King and Izuku is an adventurer. They keep meeting over the years but never get together officially because they both care about their lifestyles too much to change.

7. Bakugo Dead [Not Titled]

Izuku starts hallucinating Katsuki’s presence after Katsuki has died during the war. Major angst.

8. Foundations of Decay

An intricate multi-chapter Bioshock AU. Shouto is going through the main storyline of Bioshock, with Dabi taking Atlas’ role, while Katsuki is scavenging for survival in the underwater city of Rapture. Izuku is a splicer, Eri is a Little Sister that Katsuki has unofficially adopted, Iida is the police chief, and Uraraka is the head of a crime smuggling ring.

Each character has an important role in the storyline and the chapters will be from different viewpoints.

9. Callsign Deku

A Top Gun AU, where Izuku works his way up through the Flight Academy U.A. to become the greatest pilot. He and Katsuki are rivals, and later friends with benefits. Of course, it gets complicated.

10. War of the Roses (Posted, completed)

Izuku and Katsuki are getting a divorce after over 15 years of marriage and two kids. They start acting extremely petty towards each other, escalating from social media feuds to prank wars.

11. Earth and Fire [Not Titled]

A sequel to my fic ‘Firelight’. In a fantasy setting where elemental magic exists, Izuku and Katsuki are courting each other. It follows them through different courtship rituals and traditions.

12. Break-up [Not Titled]

Izuku realizes that he and Katsuki will only hold each other back after graduation, so he suggests they break up. Katsuki counters him with a suggestion that they break up if they truly want to by then, so they proceed to attempt to annoy each other enough that they’ll break up with them.

13. Shipwrecked

Izuku, Katsuki, and Shouto end up shipwrecked on an island together.

14. midnight [Not Titled]

Katsuki starts feeling really anxious during the night, so Izuku makes him tea and comforts him.

15. turn back time (Posted, Completed)

Izuku gets hit by a quirk and swaps places with his future self, so Middle School Izuku is sent to the future to meet Pro Hero Katsuki.

16. Take a Break

A Hamilton AU where Izuku (taking Hamilton’s role) is married to Melissa, but he’s really in love with her brother, Katsuki.

17. How to Train Your Dragon [Not Titled]

A HTTYD AU with dragon racing instead of fighting. Izuku wants to become a dragon racer, but is so physically weak that he keeps losing on even the easier tracks. Eventually, he discovers a Night Fury (a dragon only All Might has been able to tame) and starts training to be strong enough to win races. Katsuki, who is essentially Astrid, resents him at first, but then agrees to helps him.

18. Hotel Transylvania [Not Titled]

A Hotel Transylvania AU where Izuku is Jonathan and Shouto is Mavis. Endeavor is Dracula and doesn’t want a human to date his son (though Shouto couldn’t care less about his father’s opinion) while Katsuki is a werewolf and absolutely done with everyone. Izuku and Shouto keep trying to date each other, but all their attempts to spend time alone are thwarted.

Welcome To Night Vale:

Sick [Not Titled]

Esteban has a fever. Cecil and Carlos take care of him.

2. Starfall

Stars start falling from the sky. Carlos investigates. Cecil reports. It’s interspersed with radio segments from Cecil’s show.

Attack on Titan:

where the spirit meets the bones

A The Summer Hikaru Died AU where Armin is Yoshiki and Eren is Hikaru, who disappeared to the mountains and came back looking the same but acting entirely different. Very surreal. Angst.

2. sepulcher [Not Titled]

So far this is a paragraph where Armin has a dream in which he’s locked in a sepulcher with Eren, ‘Annabel Lee’ style.

3. pomegranate [Not Titled]

Eren speculates upon his relationship with Armin and the effect that he has on his best friend. Focuses on the changes in their relationship after they discover Marley.

Miscellaneous:

fake dating [Not Titled]

A Daredevil/Marvel fic. Matt and Foggy send out fake wedding invitations to billionaires, hoping for free wedding gifts, but Tony declares that he wants to plan their wedding. They decide to go through with it to save face, but with everything from cake tasting to engagement parties, it’s a much more elaborate lie than they thought. Very chaotic.

2. tattoine [Not Titled]

Star Wars. Han and Luke are on a mission in Tatooine when they get caught in a sandstorm and have to take shelter in an old house. I went back and forth on including smut in this, but I do have an extract written where Han and Luke argue over who tops. Still, it’s yet to be decided.

3. Biohazards, Ballistics, and Global Political Tension: An investigation into the impact of bio-organic weapons on modern society (Posted, but still updating)

Collab with @rattle-em-spooky-jones ! A collection of accounts about different events in the Resident Evil universe in the format of a draft of a PhD report. 

4. Jujutsu Textin’ (Posted, but still updating)

Another collab with @rattle-em-spooky-jones featuring the characters of JJK as college students interacting on Twitter.

And I think that’s all of them for now! I will be updating this list as I come up with more :D

[searenbound]

bubs m’sorry to come uninvited so you don’t have to indulge my sick fantasies but i’m literally frothing at the mouth thinking about the dark side of the hero world. like you have these people that risk their lives every day for the greater good and yes they’re compensated for their efforts but there are additional perks that come with the job. like folks turning a blind eye to some of their illicit hobbies. a fairly popular one is having a “pet” and everyone knows that these probably aren’t the most organic relationships but hey they sure look great in photos ! and and — m’thinkin’ about a certain yandere that never felt like he’d want to collect a person but then he meets darling that’s just so perfect in every way that he can’t help but take them 🥹

I usually work with the more jokey version of the trope but there are some exceptions I can make like now, when my near constant Bakugou brainrot decides to act up again and you deliver such a delicious thought.

I’ve been thinking about the story of Psyche and Eros too, I forgot to finish up the post I was making about it but this works better than my original thought so I’ll be using this instead.

I’m thinking of the darling accidentally pissing off Mina, maybe catching the eye of someone she was interested in so she begged Bakugou to deal with them.

Definitely didn’t want to at first, mostly agreed to get her off his back and shut her up and partially out of curiosity because why the hell wouldn’t she deal with it herself when it’s not like she can’t or hasn’t with past ‘competition’.

He’s convinced at first that their quirk must be some kind of attraction based thing because he’s drawn to them nearly immediately. Perfect wasn’t even good enough to describe the angel he was looking at.

They had an air of innocence that has yet to be tainted, like a fresh bloomed flower waiting to be plucked from the soil that grow it. Someone Mina couldn’t throw so much as a malicious comment at without risking her public reputation. No wonder she asked him to deal with them, but she never said how.

Playing cat and mouse with them, stalking and intruding in on their space and little life should keep them distracted enough to not be a problem for Mina and satisfy his need to know more about them right?

So here he finds himself slipping more and more into madness until he he’s at their house every night with them pretending like it’s perfectly normal that they learned how to do domestic tasks blindfolded because he didn’t want them seeing him just yet.

Pretending like the fact they may very well be pregnant by a man who they don’t really know outside of the sensations of him is perfectly normal.

Like explaining to them, with your dick deep inside them to make sure they get pregnant if they weren’t already, that it’s time he took them to his home and let them actually know their beloved and to get them aquatinted with his friends as well as prepare to announce their child to the public.

It’s only then that he realizes that it’s been nearly a year and he’s never even given them his name, at least not the one they’ll be sharing soon. No matter they’ll learn it soon enough.

[jikanet-tanaka]

Ideas for stories and such...

I'm a bit overwhelmed with plot bunnies right now, and I think writing them all out is the best way to get 'em all straight. So... here are a few ideas for future fics I'd want to write. I dunno which one(s) I should focus on first...

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

A Saga Most Ordinary : I have ideas for two more chapters, one about Eivor playing Dungeons and Dragons with the three Good Boys, along with Hytham, Randvi and Tewdwr, and another about her and Valka Staging An Intervention because she thinks Sigurd went and joined some cult because of his new girlfriend (ie Fulke).

Untitled/maybe it’ll just be chapter two of an existing fic, I dunno: A new companion piece/sequel of sorts to ‘Nornir's Curse, Nótt's Counsel’ about Randvi and Valdis just hanging out (on the beach while their respective spouses watch over the young ‘uns) and talking about their (rather similar, really) lives.

Dishonored

Take Your Silver Spoon (Dig Your Grave) : A two-shot about two bastard-born princesses of the Kaldwin line. Part of it is already written, I just need to get off my ass and do something about it lol

You and Me and The Leviathan Makes Three : An AU where Daud survives the events of DoTO, and Billie is stuck trying to find new purpose in her life while teaching a god-turned-boy how to Human and a suicidal old man how to… not be a total wreck of a person . Oh, and the Abbey of the Everyman is falling apart all around them (which makes the Boysider happy, since his two newfound biggest goals in life are 1) to destroy organized religion and 2) to save the whales. Every chapter would be set in a different isle, with titles based on sea shanties.

Dracula

Untitled : A little one-shot about how Drac might have gotten to Mina on the night of October 3rd. Because the details are kinda hazy on that, right?

Final Fantasy XVI

The Tale of the Telamonides : Before the mission to Drake’s Head, Mid shows up to the Hideout to Bring Chaos and Shenanigans to everyone’s live. Because I was sad that we never did see her interact with Cid.

Gravity Falls

Dungeons and Dummies : …I need to finish this you guys, I already have it all planned out. I feel weirdly anxious about this story, mostly because I don’t happen to have the whole of the rules of D&D stamped in my brain (shocking, I know). It’s like I’m afraid I’ll have someone go, ‘hey, that’s not how it goes in the Player Handbook, page so-and-so blah blah blah ’ so I don’t even try, you know?? It’s a weird thing.

The Awesome Mixtape of the Apocalypse: A story where Dipper and Mabel’s parents join both sets of twins on a roadtrip to Gravity Falls. The concept would be that Mabel made a mixtape with songs for everyone in her family (so for example Ford definitely gets weird prog rock like this, listen my dad was a happier, most well-adjusted Ford, and that was his shit, car trips in my family were trippy), with each character represented by a particular musical style (the Pines mom’s got punk ska like Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto lol…) and each chapter corresponding to one song. I got every big story beat and character moment planned out, I just… need to get off my ass and write, I guess.

Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West

Untitled : Aka Aloy watches Varl and Zo together, gets confused/frustrated, and shares a convo with Erend that helps her figure out she’s asexual. Sweet!

Untitled Rost and Ersa fic : Rost and Ersa, as ghosts, hang around Aloy and Erend for the events of the first game (and have a mini ship war about the merits of Ereloy as a couple). Also known as ‘Rost Gets Another Grumpy Daughter Because These Are Sure Fun To Collect Or Something’.

Mass Effect

Untitled : Just a little Shakarian ficlet about Shepard listening to Thane’s story about how he met his wife after the events in Garrus’ loyalty mission and her being like, oh, oh boy, oh no.

Radiant Historia

Will You Learn to Love (Without Consuming): A little one-shot set in the Apocrypha ‘verse which is not compliant with the canon shown in Perfect Chronology. Basically my take on who became the big Mana Monster causing the desertification (and why he’s a foil to both Heiss and the Conuts Guy).

Déjà Vécu : A one-short about Ernst and Heinrich (and, by association, Stocke and Heiss) because I guess that’s what I always write about in this damn fandom.

This Sweet Corrupting Reality : Basically the only parallel history I would have liked to see in Perfect Chronology, that is, Stocke wakes up and realizes he is now King Ernst of Granorg.

[itsupermanti]

Since I revealed the second team for my “Super Sentai Crossover AU” as the Magirangers with characters from My Hero Academia, here’s something a little special for you all;

The Super Sentai Crossover AU Hero Getter! With lyrics inspired by rustmarrow’s English cover on YouTube, enjoy!

Super Sentai~!

Fly across the ocean of endless time and space!

The group are shown walking up to a cliff side to gaze out at an ocean.

See the greatest warriors go on parade~!

The Gingaman and Magirangers are shown transforming in a flash of light.

The five them are GORANGER!

Jaune, Ruby, Izuku and Ochaco are shown looking at the Gorangers with stars in their eyes as they strike their pose

JAKQ, they are trump cyborgs!

Klein and Hisashi are shown playing with poker cards as JAKQ jump out of them with Big One appearing behind the startled butler.

BATTLE FEVER, see the world dance!

Oobleck is shown looking at Battle Fever dance in fascination as he writes down some notes.

From planet Denzi comes DENZIMAN!

Yang and Denki are seen with a pair of DenziPunch gauntlets on their hands as the Denziman look at them in amusement.

One plus two makes SUN VULCAN!

Tai, Qrow and Ghira strike Sun Vulcan’s team pose as Yang, Ruby and Blake groan in embarrassment with Sun Vulcan giving them thumbs up.

GOGGLE FIVE, gymnastic fights!

Yang was grabbed and pulled by the ribbons of Goggle Five and was swung around as Penny and Ilia watch.

Boom! (Bam!) DYNAMAN!

Nora poses with the team as explosions go off behind them as Ren facepalms.

Bio particles, BIOMAN!

Pietro is seen looking at the Bioman use their bioparticles in fascination.

CHANGEMAN are legendary beasts!

Ruby is shown looking at the Changeman invoke the powers of their mythical beasts in excitement, before Momo invokes her heavenly saint to splash the camera.

FLASH! A supernova up in space!

Kiba, Keath, Emerald, Freya and Penny are seen striking the Flashman’s pose as the team watch.

The shining aura of MASKMAN!

Tai, Qrow, Ghira, Kali and Willow are seen standing beside the Maskman and comparing their auras to each other as Hisashi and Izuku blast the camera with fireballs.

Betrayed by friends, LIVEMAN!

The Liveman are shown placing their hands on Marrow and Winter’s shoulders in support as Vine and Elm apologize while an angry Harriet is tied up and gagged behind them by a smiling Inko.

TURBORANGER were high school kids!

Oscar, Whitley and Denki are shown wearing high school uniforms sitting in desks along with the Turborangers.

But teachers and siblings were FIVEMAN!

Port is shown pointing at a chalkboard alongside the Fiveman, causing the Turborangers, Oscar and Denki to plant their heads on their desks in annoyance as Whitley takes notes.

JETMAN was so trendy~!

The Jetman fly past Qrow in his bird form, startling him back into his human form as he falls to the ground as Mina gives the camera a peace sign while flying on a magic broom.

Test your strength and save the world~!

ZYURANGER, a dino fantasy~!

Adrien is shown sitting on the ground with Eri besides him and reaching towards the Zyurangers in amazement as they pose.

Winning with Ki, the DAIRANGER~!

The Zyurangers are replaced by the Dairangers as they kneel down to entertain the children as Saphron and Terra watch in excitement with Ochaco.

And hiding pop ninjas, KAKURANGER!

The Kakurangers along with Blake pop up behind the parents, startling them as Saphron turns around and punches NinjaRed across his helmet, sending him flying to everyone’s shock.

OHRANGER, ancient power~!

NinjaRed flies past Ozpin staring at the Ohrangers in fascination as Izuku excitedly takes notes.

Driving safely, CARRANGER!

Yang stops at a red light while driving Bumblebee as the Carranger strike their pose.

Golden school life, MEGARANGER!

Kiba, Keath, and Freya are shown in high school uniforms flying with the Megarangers on their Cyber Sliders.

Planet Earth’s warriors, GINGAMAN!

Jaune, Ren, Whitley, Oscar and Ruby are shown in place of their predecessors, striking the team pose instead as the original Gingaman watch.

GOGOFIVE, it’s rescue time!

Robyn, Blanche and Garnet are shown wearing paramedic and firefighter uniforms as the GoGoFive siblings stand at attention.

TIMERANGER, futurize!

Nora and Penny are looking at both TimeRed and TimeFire, confused as to which Red Ranger is meant to be the leader.

GAORANGER, howl like a hundred beasts!

Ghira is shown smiling at the Gaorangers as they roar.

Ninja wind blowing, HURRICANEGER!

Blake is shown learning Ninpu from the Hurricanegers as Weiss facepalms.

Dinosaur (GUTS!) ABARANGER!

Ren is shown cooking curry in the kitchen as the Abarangers strike their pose with Nora.

DEKARANGER, the space officers!

Nick and Blanche are shown holding out their own badges along with the Dekarangers.

Magical family~, MAGIRANGER~!

Glynda is shown holding her riding crop like a wand while Inko holds up her MagiMother wand as the Midoriya siblings strike their pose while the original Magirangers cheer them on.

Precious hunting, BOUKENGER!

The Boukengers are shown analyzing the relics along with Oobleck and Hisashi.

Find your courage and save the world~!

GEKIRANGER, they’re training hard!

Sun, Neptune, Ilia, Marrow and Nora are shown learning Jyuken from the Gekirangers as Mirio cheers them on.

Engine partners, GO-ONGER!

Yang is shown riding Bumblebee as the Go-ongers ride chibi versions of their engine partners besides her.

SHINKEN samurai, clashing their swords!

Winter is shown striking ShinkenRed’s poses with the Shinkengers as the Red samurai places his hand on Winter’s shoulder with a thumbs up.

The angels use cards, GOSEIGER!

Penny holds up a Gosei card along with Mina and Momo as the Goseigers pose behind them.

Showy pirates, GOKAIGER!

Qrow is shown dressed up as a pirate as he and Scarlet pose with the Gokaigers.

Special missions, GO-BUSTERS!

Sage, Vine and Elm are shown wearing the Go-Buster uniform with sunglasses as the Go-Busters give them thumbs up.

KYORYUGER, charge up, brave-in!

Yang and Mirio are shown cheering alongside the Kyoryugers.

Riding on rails, the TOQGERS~!

Klein and Eri are shown doozing off as they dream of driving the Ressha with the Toqgers.

Ninja wasshoi! NINNINGER!

Blake and Weiss are shown practicing ninja techniques with the Ninningers as Yang records them.

Animal champions ZYUOHGER!

Kali and Inko are shown clapping their hands as the Zyuohgers pose in front of them.

KYURANGER, blasting through space!

Nora, Freya and Ochaco are shown flying the Voyagers with the Kyuranger.

LUPIN VS PAT, 2 different types of rangers!

Ruby and Nora are shown holding Eri and a bunch of sweets while running with the Lupinrangers as Jaune, Ren and Mirio chase them with the Patrangers, knocking a cloaked Mercury to the ground as they run past him with Patren-X helping him up.

Dinosouls of the RYUSOULGER!

Nick and Hisashi are shown posing with the Ryusoulgers as their families clap.

Kiramei go! KIRAMEIGER!

Jaune is shown holding up Ruby, and Izuku is shown holding up Ochaco as they and Whitley pose with the Kirameigers.

Zenryoku Zenkai! ZENKAIGER!

Penny, Denki and Mirio are shown running past them while cheering with the Zenkaigers.

Don-Down we go, DONBROTHERS!

Kiba is shown holding a paper fan and laughing with DonMomotaro.

Mighty kings, KING-OHGER!

Jaune and the others are shown pointing their StarBeast Swords up as the King-Ohgers are shown pointing their swords up as well.

They’ll always be the ones to save the world~!

I wanna fight (All NIGHT!),

Ruby and Ochaco are shown cheering with Eri in her mother’s arms

to recall (their MIGHT!),

Ren, Oscar and Whitley cheer with Mirio, Momo, Mina and Denki

Super Sentai, LET’S GO!!!

Jaune and Izuku are seen with the their arms on each other’s shoulders as they cheer

They will survive~ the end of time~,

The Midoriya family are shown looking at an image of the original Magirangers

Their names are etched in our hearts, let’s go heroes!

The Remnantians are shown seen wandering around Tokyo

More and more,

The group of alien visitors look around at everything in awe.

We want to see~

The Midoriyas show up and start pulling the visitors along

We’ll take a step ahead and live our lives free~!

Nick and Hisashi are seen smiling at their children being happy.

With all the courage that we’ve gained from all of you~,

The rangers are shown standing at the bottom of a cliff, gazing up at the gathered Super Sentai teams

Keeping it true~,

They are shown smiling at their predecessors

Super~ Sentai~,

Akaranger is shown nodding down at them

GO LET’S GO!!!

Both teams of rangers are shown cheering with their friends and families.

FOR ALL ETERNITY~!

The Gingaman and Magirangers strike their poses at the bottom of the cliff in costume.

Author’s Notes: The lyrics are based on these two songs;

[animeniacss]

So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 14 - So Close

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 6.9k words

Chapter 14 - So Close

            He has to confess to you or tell someone he’s not in a contract with that he’s an angel. He hasn’t done that yet, but since his feelings are so intense…

You felt your cheeks heat up at the memory. That entire conversation - the entire night - replayed in your mind like a bad movie that you couldn’t turn off. It was later in the evening, as with the feeling of a brush running through your locks, you should be feeling things other than guilt and nerves. Minnie, as always, was helping you get ready for dinner. You looked at yourself in the mirror as Minnie brushed your hair back. “What are you guys planning for dinner?” You asked, hoping the change of subject would help quell your growing thoughts.

“Mingyu had tons of really good meat and fish brought to the house, and a chef is going to cook everything.” She grinned. “It’ll be delicious.” Minnie then shook you a bit. “But don’t worry about us, tonight is about you and Mingyu getting all lovey-dovey!”

Her excitement made you smile a bit. “I feel kind of bad that we’re going out alone without everyone else.” You said.

“Don’t. Mingyu said when he asked everyone they were all for it.”

You pursed your lips together. Maybe you forgot about one negative memory, but another popped right into your head. Mina pointing her flash phone at you both, a sad look on her face as she promised to take photos. “Even Mina?”

You saw your friend frown from your view in the mirror. “Why do you care about Mina?” She asked. “She’s actively trying to get Mingyu for herself.”

“I thought we got along pretty well this weekend. She even helped Mingyu decorate.”

“She wants to play the role of the nice girl so she can swoop in and snag him the first chance she gets. But she backed herself into a corner by helping Mingyu. He’s totally going to confess his love to you tonight.” You felt your ears turn hot as Minnie squealed behind you, shaking your shoulder. “Oh, it’s going to be amazing. I wish I could see it.”

“Stop, you don’t know that will happen.” You said. “He’s just being nice.”

“All I got on my birthday from Mingyu was a nice plant for my apartment. I didn’t get a weekend getaway with a private dinner reservation.” You smiled at the comment as Minnie finished your hair.

“To be fair it is a nice plant.”

“It’s the only one I’ve ever had the hasn’t died because I think it would crush Mingyu’s heart.” She laughed. “There. Perfect.” You admired the little curls she put through your hair for a moment, pressing them together with your finger only to let them freely bounce upon release. “I’ll leave you to get ready, okay? It’s almost 7:30.” You watched as Minnie exited the room, leaving you to settle into your red dress from your first date. You grabbed it off the rack, looking at yourself in the mirror with a smile. You could already see the night you first wore this, the fun you both had together over dinner. The idea that it was happening again made your heart soar. You were quick to start changing, wanting enough time to hype yourself up.

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Mingyu was fixing his tie in the mirror as he waited for you downstairs. Seungkwan and Hoshi were already out back, drinking and chatting with Woozi, who had much been better at integrating himself into the group. Mingyu put his hand in his pocket, where a hard, thin box brushing over his fingers. It made him smile, confident for the night ahead. He turned around, fixing his suit jacket when he saw Mina approach him. Mingyu blinked.

“Mina.” He said, before smiling. “Thank you for all of your help this weekend. It turned out better than I thought.”

Mina didn’t seem to find joy in the compliment. “Your father told me before I arrived that you were going to take me out to dinner this weekend.” Mingyu frowned, his father’s request immediately crashing into his brain like a train that lost its breaks. “I didn’t want to be pushy because it’s your friends birthday. But tomorrow’s our last day here and-.”

“Mina,” Mingyu said. “I’m sorry. I told you already that I have no intention of starting anything with you.” Mina took a shaky breath as Mingyu continued. “If I did, it would just be me lying to you and you don’t deserve that as much as I don’t. I thought you coming here was proof that was over.”

“Yes, but.” Mina sighed.

“You’re not my type,” Mingyu added simply.

“Then what is!?” Mina asked. The stamp against the floor her shoe made startled Mingyu as it echoed through the living room. “I can be that. I will be that. You deserve that.”

Mingyu smiled a bit. “Thanks, that’s sweet.” He said. “But I don’t expect you to change anything for me. I’m not one to lead women on, either. If I’ve done that at any point since you’ve arrived in Korea-.” Mingyu offered Mina a deep bow, and her eyes widened. “I’m sorry. Truly.” Mina felt her throat close a bit, and she wiped her eyes.

“Your father won’t be happy. He’ll be upset.” Mingyu, once again, had to smile.

“Don’t use my father like that.” He said, gentle in his request. “You don’t strike me as that type of person.” Without another word, he gently moved past her and went towards the back porch, sliding it open. As Mina heard the other boys cheer for Mingyu and admire his appearance, she rubbed her arms, sniffling. She tried desperately to wipe her eyes. She looked down at her bag, which was slung over her shoulder despite being inside. As she took the Sakura keychain into her hands, she remembered the gentle face Mingyu had as she gave it to her.

Thank you for being so cool with all of this. I hope we can be friends going forward.

“I’ve backed myself into a corner,” Mina whispered to herself, sinking onto the couch. She wiped her eyes and sniffled. Gripping the keychain in her hand, she felt a sharper side of the metal pinch into her skin. “I have tonight to make this right.”

She pulled out her phone, immediately pulling up the many photos she had taken of the weekend thus far. She had to do it, she needed to. If she didn’t, what was the point of wasting an entire semester in another country? But it would be worth it, right?

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You were smoothing out your dress when there was a knock at your door. You grabbed your earrings, hurrying over to open it. “Coming.” You called. As you slipped one earring into your ear, you opened it to reveal Joshua and Jeonghan. “Oh! Hi.” You smiled. “You’re not downstairs cooking?”

“We were,” Joshua said. Immediately, their hands raised, a small pink bag spitting up tissue paper gripped in their hands. “May we?”

“Wh- What’s this?” you asked. As the duo slid in, the closed the door behind them.

“It’s your birthday,” Joshua said. “What does someone get on their birthday?”

“Gifts.” Jeonghan grinned. You felt your heart skip a bit as they motioned the bag towards you.

“What? You guys didn’t have to get me anything!” You gasped, taking the bag into your hands.

Jeonghan looked offended. “Of course, we did! You think we wouldn’t?”

“Hoshi said we weren’t doing presents until later, though.” You said. “When Mingyu and I got home.”

“Well, we had to make sure we got our present to you first,” Joshua said simply. “It will overshadow Mingyu’s, and we need to make sure he knows that.” You chuckled a bit. Jeonghan reached out, nudging the gift a bit like a cat.

“Open it,” he said. You sat on the bed, setting the little bag on your lap and removing the tissue paper. You lifted it up, seeing a little box inside. When you looked over at them, they were stunned by your wide eyes.

“Guys this looks like a ring box.” You said. “What are you-?” The duo laughed in amusement. Despite the past few days, Joshua found himself more amused than anything.

“All of our plans for eloping on the island have been a bust.” Jeonghan looked at Joshua, both jutting their lower lips in a dramatic pout. “It’s not that. Just open it.” You did just that; opening the box to see a little pin inside. You blinked as you reached down to touch it. The silver pin was designed to resemble that of angel wings, folded together. The way they were folded resembled a little heart that encircled the wings. When you looked up at them again, you couldn’t contain your smile.

“This is so cute.” You breathed out, looking back down at it. “Wow.” Both of the angels sat on either side of you, also taking a second to lean in and look at their gift once again.

“When we first learned it was your birthday, we went out and bought it,” Joshua said. He reached over and pulled it from the box, handing it to you.

“Don’t just think of it as a birthday gift,” Jeonghan said simply. “You’re helping us go home. Probably sooner than we thought if all goes well tonight.”

“Which is well.” Joshua made sure to say quickly. You watched him take your hand, placing the pin inside. “This is just our way of saying thank you.”

You held the little pin in your hands, before looking to Joshua. “You sure that you’re okay after everything, right?” Joshua nodded.

“I’m perfectly fine.” He said. “I never doubted for a second I’d go home.”

“I kind of did when you fainted yesterday.” Jeonghan made sure to say. You laughed a bit as Joshua shot daggers at Jeonghan. “What?”

“You’re ruining the moment, Yoon Jeonghan.” He sneered. You felt your eyes water, but you quickly shook your head.

“I can’t cry, Minnie just did my make-up. But now I don’t want you guys to go.” You sniffled. You immediately set the pin back into the box, before setting both it and the bag down onto the floor. You stretched both your arms around the men’s shoulders, pulling them into a little huddle-like hug that suited how you were all sitting. “I cannot believe that I thought you two were annoying stalkers at first.”

“And robbers,” Jeonghan added.

“And scammers.” Joshua grinned. You nodded.

“Thank you both for everything.” You said. “Hopefully, tonight goes well.”

“It will,” Joshua said, nodding his head. “How can it not? Mingyu’s done everything to tell you how he feels already other than actually saying it.” You nodded, dabbing under your eyes just a bit to make sure to catch any tears trying to escape before you left. Standing up, you took the bag, setting it on the little vanity. Once your hands were free, you spun around to look at the duo one more time.

“How do I look?” you asked.

The duo shared a look, before looking you over one more time and smiling. “Angelic.” They said in unison.

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Mingyu had moved with his friends from the back porch to the front, drinks in hand as they waited for you. Mina had retreated to her room after their talk, and while Mingyu felt a bit bad, he couldn’t let it take over the night that he wanted to make perfect. He had to make it perfect. He took another sip of his drink- which had to be water since he was driving - as the front door opened. When he looked over, he saw Joshua and Jeonghan standing in front of you, only allowing little parts of your outfit to show. Mingyu smiled.

“It looks like they’re her parents taking her to her first dance.” Seungkwan nudged Hoshi, and they both began snickering.

“We need to take a family picture.” Hoshi agreed, clapping his hands as the duo laughed. “They’re about to interrogate the new boyfriend.”

“Knock it off,” Mingyu said to them, though he was also amused. You finally pushed past the duo, obviously now a bit flustered.

“Come on guys, cut the dramatics. It’s only dinner.” You said. You looked up at Mingyu, smiling. “Ready?”

“Absolutely, Birthday girl.” He said, offering his arm. You took it as the porch filled with the ‘ooooo’s of borderline-drunk individuals. Mingyu led you to the car that was waiting out by the front.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Hoshi called as he leaned over the railing to see you off. Mingyu laughed, covering his mouth.

“That’s not a lot of options left, Hyung.” He called back. Hoshi, already a few drinks in, looked at Woozi and Seungkwan.

“Should I be insulted?” he asked, and the duo only laughed. Jeonghan and Joshua watched Mingyu hold the car door open for you.

“Good job, opening the door!” Joshua called, and Mingyu looked over. He looked unamused, meanwhile, you were snickering in the passenger’s seat. “Pull her chair out at the restaurant too!”

“I’m gonna kill you both!” Mingyu simply called out before slipping into the car, closing the door, and heading off down the street in a matter of minutes. Jeonghan looked over at Joshua, who pressed his chin in his hands as he watched the car drift from view.

“Are you okay?” Jeonghan asked. Joshua glanced over, nodding his head.

“Yeah.” He assured. This time, he actually believed it.

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The drive at first, was pretty quiet, both of you just allowing the radio to fill the silence. As Mingyu lowered the volume during a commercial, he looked at you.

“I hope you’ve had fun this weekend.”

“I have. I’m sad it’s ending so soon.”

“I know. But we can always come back here. Whenever we want.” You smiled a bit, nodding your head at the thought of future weekend trips here with Mingyu. Friends included? That you had no idea about, but either way, the idea excited you.

You pursed your lips together, finally glancing over at the tall man in the driver’s seat as you took a chance to talk. “Do you remember freshman orientation?”

“Which part? When you looked too terrified to speak to me or when Seungkwan twisted his foot dancing violently to trot music?” You laughed as the memory came flooding back to you.

“I was absolutely not too scared to speak to you.”

“You looked like a deer in headlights every time I spoke to you.” You pouted, crossing your arms as you tried to remember that day, freshman year, two years prior.

The sound of your name turned your head, and a man sat beside you. On his shirt sat a name tag: Kim Mingyu. You seemed stunned, eighteen, and eyes filled with fear of being in a new environment away from your family and away from your town. However, the gentle eyes that stared at you made you feel a bit at ease. Just a bit. “I read your name off the tag.” He pointed to his own in reference.

“Oh.”

“Are you okay? You look nervous.” You turned to the handful of seniors they had organizing this bonding event as they tried to get everyone’s attention. They were mostly half-drunk themselves, slurring their words and talking horrifically loud into the microphone. The screech caused you to cover your ears.

“I don’t think they’re supposed to be drinking.” You said, looking at Mingyu. Mingyu smiled.

“They’re not.” He said. “Campus conduct prohibits alcohol on campus for any reason, even for the staff. Promotes bad habits.”

“You must study law.” Mingyu grinned at your observation. “Nobody else memorizes the campus conduct book so quickly, if at all.”

“My father told me I should learn it.”

“Did your father go to school here?”

“Yeah.” You pursed your lips, leaning closer to Mingyu which only caused his amused smile to widen. “What?” he asked.

“Is your father Mr. Kim? The one who is always here for those big event fundraisers?” Mingyu nodded.

“The very same. It’s because of his donations we can have those, so he likes to come see them when he gets the chance.” You nodded, finally leaning back and giving him space. Mingyu looked back over to the interactions between seniors and nervous freshmen happening. “Should we join them?” You shook your head.

“Not yet.” You said, and Mingyu chuckled.

As the night went on, Mingyu and you stuck together like magnets, attracting the spunky Minnie and the energetic Seungkwan as you did so. The four of you banded together that night, hoping to make it through the rest of these bonding events alive, or at least with your dignity intact. Seungkwan failed that last part when he fell on his leg and twisted it a mid-dance battle, but you were still good.

As the both of you sat beside Seungkwan, who was lying on his back with ice on his foot, you looked at Mingyu one more time. He was passing Seungkwan water, which he thanked him for happily. When he turned back to you, his arm outstretched in your direction as well. Looking down, you were greeted with a water bottle.

“Isn’t that yours?” you asked curiously, glancing up at him. Mingyu shrugged.

“Take it. Consider it a gift.” He said.

You hesitated, but when Mingyu nudged it in your direction once again. Reaching your hand out, you took the cool bottle into your hands. “So, you’re rich, kind, funny, and generous?” you asked, making Mingyu look over in your direction. He seemed flustered by the comment, but he didn’t respond. “You’re just asking me to fall in love with you, huh?”

Now Mingyu had to laugh as his cheeks tinted pink. He looked over at you. “I guess I wouldn’t complain.”

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As you returned to the car ride, you realized your cheeks were hot as you recalled that last statement. I still can’t believe I said that with my entire chest. You thought to yourself. When you felt Mingyu slow the car down, you looked over to see yet another magnificent building. This building overlooked the water, with a large patio wrapped around the sides and back to allow people to admire the crashing waves under beautiful lights and gentle music. Mingyu opened the door and helped you to your feet while you stared in awe. “This might even be better than the Italian restaurant.” Mingyu chuckled a bit.

“The food here is amazing.” He said. Tossing his keys to a valet, he thanked the man before leading you inside. He guided you by keeping his hand on the small of your back, which felt like little bolts of lightning every time his finger just slightly pressed against you. He opened the door and the two of you stepped in, allowing you to take in the interior which was just as beautiful as the exterior. High-vaulted ceilings held dangling chandeliers, and marble floors were sparkling so bright under your feet that as your heels clacked along them, you could see your reflection. The waiter led you both to a seat outside, looking over the water. “Here,” Mingyu said, quickly pulling out your chair and motioning for you to sit. “Joshua might hit me if I don’t.” he grinned.

“Nah.” You laughed, settling yourself in and putting your bag under the table, nestled between your legs. As Mingyu sat across from you, your eyes immediately turned to the ocean. “Wow. The view of the ocean is even nicer from here.”

“Yeah.” He said. You saw him shift a bit in his seat, smiling. “I hope you like it,” he said. “It’s the last big thing I had planned for your birthday.”

“It’s already incredible.” You said. After a moment, you turned to Mingyu, seeing him loosen the one button he had done on his suit as he looked down at the menu, lips pursed together as he tried to find what he wanted for the night. You leaned forward. “Mingyu.” You said, making him look up. “…Can I ask why you chose to do all of this for me?”

“What do you mean?” he smiled. “It’s your birthday.”

“I know. I’m grateful. I just feel a bit spoiled.”

“Everyone should be spoiled on their birthday.”

“Your birthday was in April.” You said. “We didn’t do all of this for you.”

Mingyu shrugged. “I don’t need all of those things.”

“Do I?” You asked. Mingyu furrowed his brows, confused by the question.

“Of course, you do.” He said gently. “Well, maybe not need, but definitely ‘deserve’.”

“What makes me so different from everyone else?” You asked softly, cheeks pink as you anticipated the answer, his last comment already leaving a warm tingling feeling in your cheeks and through your neck.

Mingyu seemed unfazed by your question, though his cheeks did start to match yours in hue. “Not different.” He began. “Special.” You smiled a bit, sitting back in your seat as you tried to calm your beating heart. “I wouldn’t have gotten you a nice gift if I didn’t want to spoil you,” Mingyu said. You looked up at him, one word hitting your goddamn Pavlov.

“Oh?” you asked, smiling. Mingyu laughed a bit at your reaction.

“You look like a kid on Christmas.” He said, leaning forward. “Did you think I didn’t get you a birthday gift or something?”

“Well, no.” you stammered, face becoming flush with embarrassment. Before you could finish your statement, the waiter approached to take your order, and you let out a sigh of relief. When both of your orders were placed, Mingyu looked at you again.

“…Go on.” He said. When you only offered him a confused expression, he grinned. “Why do you look so shocked when I mention your birthday gift?”

“Ohhh. No reason. I thought we were doing gifts tonight with everyone.” Mingyu shook his head.

“They are. I’m not.” He said.

“Well, then what is it?” you asked. Mingyu laughed as you leaned your head to each side of the table, looking for anything that resembled a present on either of his sides. Mingyu laughed a bit.

“You can’t wait?” he asked. You grinned at him as you sat upright again.

“I need to see if it’s as nice as you claim.” Your attempt at teasing made Mingyu’s mouth fall agape just a bit.

“Wow.” He gasped. He watched you cover your mouth as you attempted to hold back your laugh a bit, given your surroundings. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “You’ll get it. And it’ll be worth it. I didn’t give you anything when I came home from Japan after all.” When he saw your laugh quickly fade, your hand dropping to reveal a stunned expression, he smiled. It was almost sad. “I’m sorry.”

“W-why are you sorry?” you asked.

“I didn’t realize what it was at first that had upset you. It took me some time, but Joshua had kind of yelled it at me without actually yelling it.” you frowned a bit. “But I’m glad he did. I didn’t know how much I hurt you by not bringing you anything.”

“But I didn’t ask. You have no obligation to bring me anything ever.” You said. “It’s not like you do for anyone else. We’re not dating, Mingyu.” That last part caused Mingyu to go quiet, and you immediately regretted it. However, Mingyu reached a hand across the table, leaving his palm open and within reaching distance for you to put your own. You stared down at him for a second, only to see his hand retract and take the base of the wine glass instead. He studied the contents inside for a quiet moment as if they would guide him in his next few words. When his eyes fell back to you, he smiled.

“Do you know why I always bring something home for you whenever I go somewhere?” he asked.

You shook your head. “I just thought it was you being nice.” Mingyu nodded.

“Yeah. It is.” He said. Digging into his pocket, he pulled out a box. It was thin, velvet black, and without even looking inside, you could feel its worth from across the table. You looked up at him. “I always give you a gift when I come back because I think it will give me confidence to tell you something really important.” You blinked. “But every single time, I lost the confidence. You get so excited about the trip, wanting me to tell you about it, that I panic and lose my chance before I can even do it.” Mingyu pushed the gift box towards you, tapping it a bit. “This was supposed to be what I brought home to you. When I went to get it, they said it would take time to make. When I found out it would be ready by your birthday, I felt it was a sign.” You stared at the box quietly for a moment. “But still, I should have told you instead of keeping it a secret, especially once I knew that you felt I had forgotten. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Was all you could breathe out. Mingyu pushed the box even closer to you before you finally took it into your hands. “I didn’t want to be pushy and ask. I didn’t think it was my place.” Mingyu smiled.

“If you really can’t wait, open it,” Mingyu said. You nodded, clicking open the little handle and flipping open the top of the box. If Joshua and Jeonghan’s beautiful pin left you teary-eyed, this left you speechless. Inside the box was a stunning necklace, made of the purest silver. The little chains looping together within themselves held what looked to be little cherry blossom pendants scattered through it. In the center was a beautiful pink heart pendant, slightly bigger than the rest of them. “Flip it.” His voice was almost eager. When you did, you saw your name, followed by your birthday and the year, engraved on the back.

“Oh…oh my God.” You gasped. Finally, you allowed your fingers to really touch the necklace, picking it up in your hands. The moonlight only allowed the silver to shine more. “This is stunning.” When you heard the chair across from you get pushed out, you looked up. Mingyu walked over, gently taking the necklace from you. He quickly unhooked it, making an adorably determined face as he tried to do so, before stepping behind you.

“May I?” He asked.

“Sure.” You turned your head to look straight, before feeling Mingyu reach his hands around, laying the necklace gently on your collarbones. You felt it tug a bit as he pulled the ends together, using one finger to gently brush some strands of hair out of the way. You could only rest your hand on the little pink pendant in the middle, your hand shaking.

“I couldn’t take you to the cherry blossoms this year. So, I figured I would bring some of the blossoms back to Korea for you.” He said softly. The minute those words hit your ears, you felt your eyes well up with the tears you tried so desperately to keep away from Joshua and Jeonghan. However, now, after half a term of stressing yourself out over things that never mattered in the first place, as well as feeling the cool silver of the necklace adorning your neck, they couldn’t hold themselves back anymore. You wiped your eyes, nodding your head. When a sniffle accidentally escaped your mouth, you covered it.

Mingyu immediately knelt down at your side, eyes wide. “Hey. What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he asked. You watched him scramble for a napkin, handing it to you. “I’m sorry. Was that so cheesy it made you cry?” You had to laugh a bit behind the tears, shaking your head.

“No. It was so sweet.” You said, dabbing your eyes a bit. However, you sniffled. “I’m just really happy. This is such a nice gift.” Mingyu could hear people around them staring at the man on one knee looking up at the crying woman. His eyes immediately widened. “I don’t feel like I even deserve it. It must have been so expensive….”

Mingyu reached out and took your hands into his, offering a reassuring squeeze. “Of course, you deserve it…” he said gently. “…But please, stop crying. People might think I’m proposing.” He begged, getting close to your face to whisper the request. You covered your mouth with the napkin this time to hold back your laughter, shaking your head. When you finally dabbed your eyes for the last time, Mingyu allowed himself to stand up. “Are you okay?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw people go back to their meals, confused as to what just happened at their table. “Yeah.” You stood up, smoothing out your skirt. “I’m going to wash my face.” Mingyu nodded, leaning back in his seat as he watched you head back inside, heading to the bathroom. When he saw you were out of his sight, he grinned to himself, leaning forward and covering his mouth with his hand in the hope of hiding his enormous grin.

Dinner after that was pretty normal. You both ate and chatted as you normally would, talking about the memories you had all made together throughout the weekend. By the time dinner came around, Mingyu looked at you.

“Dessert?” he asked. You nodded eagerly, and Mingyu followed suit. “Glad to see we’re on the same page, then.” He turned his head, lifting his hand to get the waiter's attention. When the man approached, he seemed to already have something in his hands. “Can we get-.”

“This is from the table over there.” The waiter said. You watched as the plate, which had a little vanilla cake on it. It was topped with two little sparklers that were just about to fizzle out, and decorated with little chocolates. On the plate was ‘Congratulations!” written in English and in chocolate sauce. You both looked up at the waiter, and he smiled, before setting two forks down and walking to the next table. You both looked over to see a middle-aged couple waving to you, the man giving Mingyu a thumbs up. You both waved back, nodding your head.

“Thank you.” You both said, before looking back at the cake. Mingyu covered his mouth. “Oh God, they really did think we got engaged.” You grinned, looking at Mingyu as his eyes darted from the cake back up to you.

“Free dessert.” You both said, grabbing a fork and immediately reaching forward to take a bite of the cake. You hummed in delight at the sweet sensation in your mouth, immediately going in for another bite. “Delicious.” You mumbled, covering your mouth to hide an embarrassed giggle. Mingyu grinned as he watched you.

“The best part about people thinking we got engaged.” He muttered. After a few seconds of chewing, you looked up at Mingyu, pointing your cake-covered fork in his direction.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Is that such a bad thing, being engaged to me?” you asked playfully. Mingyu shook his head.

“Well, no. Of course, not,” he said. “But at least let me confess my feelings properly before we talk about marriage, okay?” Your hand, which held a fork in it, froze in place for a second. You watched as Mingyu reached forward, sticking his fork into the cake and taking a bite himself. “Mmm. This is good.”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Mingyu’s words during dessert sat in your mind. You chose to stay quiet as you both drove back to the house, allowing the music to once again act as a silence filler. You looked over at him, only to see him driving with his hands tapping the wheel to the beat of the song playing on the radio. His lips were moving to match the lyrics, but no sound was coming out.

“I’ve never heard this song.” You piped up, and Mingyu glanced at you.

“My dad listens to this music a lot.” He said simply.

“You two must be close.” You said. Mingyu shrugged.

“I guess. He can be a bit strict but…I don’t think we’ve ever really disagreed.”

“That’s good.” You smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever properly met him. Only in passing the few times I came by.”

“I can introduce you. If you want me to.” You shrugged, nodding at the idea. It was something that was far off in the future. What would your relationship with Mingyu look like when that time came? The house was coming into view, Mingyu slowed to a stop in the driveway and turned off his car. You rested your back against the passenger’s seat of the car, looking out the window. You knew once the car door opened and the lights illuminated the car, your night with Mingyu would be over. The free dessert was one thing, and the necklace was a show-stopping addition to the night. But…there was something else you were hoping for. When you looked at Mingyu, you saw him staring straight ahead, tugging his tie a bit. He seemed to be thinking of something based on the serious look on his face. You leaned forward a bit, the movement catching his attention.

“So, what are you waiting for?” you asked.

“Hm?” Mingyu asked, looking over in your direction for a second. “What do you mean?”

All of the courage you have ever had in your body at one time bubbled to the surface in this moment. “When are you going to confess to me properly?” Mingyu went quiet for a minute. Despite your heart threatening to beat out of your chest at any moment, you kept your gaze on him firmly. You put your hands on the necklace, gently cradling the pink heart pendant in the middle. “You didn’t do it after you gave me the present. I don’t want you to lose your confidence this time.”

Mingyu settled back in the seat of his car. The light above threatened to dim again due to the idle car, but Mingyu clicked it on permanently. You watched him turn himself in your direction, and you were quick to do the same. Mingyu seemed shaky when he said your name, and it made your breath hitch. “I told you this weekend would be for your birthday. But it was also for something that…might be a bit more selfish, too.” He pressed his fingers together. You mimicked him, and his nervous smile softened when he caught it. “Ahem. Uhm….y’know. Stuff like how much I value our friendship and you as a person and…” he saw your lips continue to curl in amusement. “And well…I always knew I wanted to use this moment to tell you that-.”

“I love you.” You allowed the words to come out along with his, in perfect harmony with one another as they entangled within the confines of the car. Mingyu blinked, watching as you let out a deep breath. “Fuck, I’ve been waiting forever to say that.” You breathed.

Mingyu laughed a bit. “Me too.” He said. Mingyu still seemed a bit nervous, wiping his hands on his pants as he looked at you. “Can I uhm…” he bit his lip. “Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.” Spilled from your lips faster than you may have liked, in fear of looking desperate. Mingyu smiled a bit at how flustered you were, though he couldn’t comment, feeling his heart beating out of his chest. With a wave of temporary confidence, Mingyu took a second to brush some hair that had fallen in front of your face. Your heart was beating in your ears as you scooted a bit over in your seat. When you felt his hand lift slightly from your cheek after removing the hair, your hand immediately pressed on top of it, holding it in place. The action stunned Mingyu, but you only smiled nervously. “...Your hands warm,” you muttered.

“Ah.” Mingyu chuckled. His fingers splayed along your skin, leaving trails of warmth and tingling each place his fingers grazed. You let out a deep sigh. No summer night’s warmth would ever again match this feeling. Mingyu chewed on his lower lip as he leaned closer. He pressed one little peck onto your lips, before pulling away to study your expression. When he saw how red your face was, a cherry tomato freshly picked off the vine, he smiled.

You chuckled a bit. “Come on,” you said softly. “You’ve made me wait two years for that?”

The second kiss wasn’t long, but Lord was it passionate. Two years of waiting were thrown into that kiss. The little divider between the passenger and driver’s seat didn’t bother you as it pressed into your stomach, the desire to be as close to Mingyu in this moment ultimately canceling out any other feelings. Mingyu’s other hand found its way to your other cheek, thumb grazing your skin once again. You pulled away for just a second, the both of you taking that temporary moment to remind yourselves that you had to breathe. The little nervous squeak that escaped your lips when Mingyu’s thumb once again grazed against your skin made him giggle.

“What the hell was that?” he asked, his voice low and husky as the breath from each word tickled your lips.

“Shut up.” You mumbled. Mingyu smiled, and finally pulled himself back fully, hands slipping through yours and off your face. You saw his cheeks tinted pink as he covered his mouth, resting his elbows against the steering wheel. You leaned back in your seat, covering your mouth, but making sure that your palms didn’t touch your lips, fearing it would smear the memory you wanted to hold onto just a bit longer.

“Let’s go inside.” He finally forced out. You nodded, watching as Mingyu stepped out first. He headed around the front of the car, your eyes glued to him as he rounded to your side, opening your door and offering your hand. You took it, stepped out of the car and looking back up at him. Before the car door even closed, Mingyu leaned down and planted one more kiss on your lips. You didn’t refuse at all, instead getting on your tiptoes to return it. Mingyu’s hand steadied you by wrapping around and holding the small of your back. When you pulled away this time, Mingyu laughed nervously.

“Sorry. I didn’t ask that time.” He said softly. You could again feel his breath tickle your lips, and you shuddered at that thrilling sensation it sent through your body.

“You didn’t have to.” You assured. Mingyu laughed a bit. He finally released you, allowing you to lower onto your feet once again. He made sure your door was closed before offering his arm to you.

“Shall we?” he asked. You nodded, taking it with a smile.

As the two of you headed towards the steps of the house, a figure was watching from the balcony on the second floor. Mina set her phone down, staring at the photo of the two of you now displayed on her camera. She had stepped out from her room when she heard the car stop, and what sounded like very muffled chatter. By the time she had stepped onto the balcony, you and Mingyu had already locked lips for the second time. Mina felt her fists ball up at her sides, and she covered her mouth to hide that she was out there in the first place. She stood in silence in the cool summer air as you and Mingyu headed inside, and Mina could hear everyone who was still awake welcoming them back. Mina immediately headed back to her room.

“I messed up.” She mumbled to herself, tugging her hair in a ponytail. She walked down the hallway, passing Joshua on the way to her room. He stopped, turning his attention to Mina. Her pace was quick, phone gripped tightly in her hands. When he glanced at it, he could only make out parts of the photo still displayed on the screen. He watched as she slid into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. Immediately, she sat on her bed, looking down at the photo, as well as the many others she had taken of the duo. She taped a few buttons on her phone, sending the photos before pressing it to her ear. I’m sorry. She thought to herself through tears. I can’t play nice anymore. I’ll lose him at this rate.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Back in Seoul, Mr. Kim had set his phone down. He let a deep sigh into his hands, running one of them through his slightly greying hair.

“Oh, Mingyu.” He said, looking down at a photo he had of him and his son during his freshman orientation two years prior. The duo was grinning, happy in the photo, the name of the school hung proudly behind them. His eyes then fell to his phone, where the photo of you and Mingyu kissing and staring at one another beside Mingyu’s car was displayed. “I give you an inch, and you always find a way to take the entire mile.”

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[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Arden Han Species: Human (Non-powered) Occupation: Journalist Age: 28 Years Old Played By: Ang Face Claim: Andrea Bang

"Listen, I could spend all day hounding you for information— to be honest, I get a kick out of it. Or, you could save us both the trouble and just tell me what it is you know. Your call."

Arden was a naturally inquisitive child; the daughter of researchers Mina and Ji-Won Han, she wanted to learn any and everything about the world around her. From how lighthouses worked to her classmates’ opinions on who was the best Power Ranger, there was always a question on the tip of her tongue, and growing up in such a fascinatingly odd town as Wicked’s Rest only made her that much more curious. Whispers about a magical sky jellyfish and caves made of cheese? Sign her up.

Her parents fostered her thirst for knowledge. Her mother would push her in her studies, and her dad would drive her to the library and tell her strange tales. Ever her father’s daughter, she quickly became interested in weaving her own stories to share with him. She took pleasure in it, seeing writing almost as a puzzle, a challenge. She would move the pieces around until they fit together into a narrative and figure out how to get from one point to another or how a character would react to something, and she loved it. Once in high school, she joined the student newspaper, and that’s where she met her best friend. It was during her teenage years that she truly learned how dangerous her hometown could be.

One day, her dad went out on a trip and never came back. His body was found torn to shreds in The Pines a day later. Grief-stricken and angry, she confronted her mother. She had so many questions. Why was he out there? What had he been doing? What the hell did that to him? Her parents’ research had always been kept a secret from her, but she needed answers.

And she got them.

Her mother told her the truth: that the tales from the fantasy novels she’d grown up reading were real. Her hometown was an epicenter of the surreal and supernatural, and the entire reason they lived there was because her parents were part of a group trying to study it.

Arden was terrified of the things that had taken her father from her, but at the same time, enthralled by the idea that there was an entire world that had been hidden from her. So, she decided to arm herself with knowledge. She would learn as much as she could about anything and everything supernatural, and discover how well the fantasy books held up to the factual. (Spoiler: typically, not very well) She managed to juggle these personal studies with her schoolwork, finishing high school with high grades and starting college.

Through it all, she thankfully had her best friend to lean on. They had also decided to stay in town and pursue their degree at UMWR, which was great. However, Arden found it difficult to keep such a huge secret from someone she loved– someone who she trusted and who trusted her in return. She managed to keep it to herself for two years, but when their brother suddenly disappeared, she could no longer, in good conscience, keep the truth from them.

It did not go well.

After a massive argument, her friend went out looking for their sibling, and they never returned. Their body was never found, they were simply gone.

Their disappearance destroyed Arden. She blamed herself for the entire thing. If she hadn’t said anything, they would still be here. Her mother had warned her, had told her that there was a reason that the truth about the supernatural remained a secret from the average human, but she hadn’t listened.

She swore to herself that she would never make the same mistake again.

She finished out her last years at school in a daze, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Needing to get away, she applied for an internship in a town several hours from Wicked’s Rest, and threw herself into her work. She quickly made a name for herself as a passionate, dedicated journalist— she was good with people, went above and beyond— and landed a job in Boston, where she stayed for several years.

She was happy there, mostly, but as much as she loved what she did, she couldn’t stop thinking about Wicked’s Rest, about her friend, about her father. She tried her best to make a life there– find new friends, date a little, even adopted a cat– but she struggled to let her guard down. Eventually, lonely, hurting, and unable to ignore it any longer, Arden gave in to the siren’s call and moved back to her hometown.

She bought an apartment, secured a job at the local paper, and she got to work. She would keep the secret, keep people safe, but she needed to know more about the town. What was it that drew the supernatural here like moths to a flame? What was the deal with the mysterious mineral abnormality anyway? What exactly had happened to her friend all those years ago, and was there a possibility they were still alive somewhere? One way or another, she was determined to find some answers.

Character Facts:

Personality: Independent, inquisitive, logical, sociable, witty, fiery, guarded, obsessive, stubborn

She was kind of a nosy kid, though her extroversion and genuine interest in others helped to grow her social skills and charisma.

Arden is generally very organized, but her notes are almost always a mess. It all makes sense to her, but to others it’s pure chaos.

She been known to drink straight from the coffee pot on occasion.

She has a calico cat named Hobbes. Hobbes is a menace to society.

[phantomchick]

In Other Waters

Okay game rec time, I’m awfully late here as this one came out 2 years ago but I only just started it this year/finished my playthrough of it today. But regardless, In Other Waters is that golden indie game accidentally stumbled upon, that the entire indie game industry aims to be for people, I found this by accident and the quality of the game and the sheer emotional heft to the plot was so surprising and such a treat, it’s really really clear that this game was a labour of love by the developers.

I’ll try to keep this spoiler free, what is the game’s whole deal: You wake up on an alien planet with a strange woman talking to you, only to realise you’re the ai in her dive suit, but despite this dramatic premise the entire game is like a relaxing fantasy of being a marine biologist,personally I inched my way through the game collecting bits and pieces of animals and plants here and there whenever I was in the mood to play it, and I’m really glad I did because I feel like my appreciation of the story was fuller for not rushing it.

Ellery, the lady you’re helping navigate the waters of planet Gliese 677Cc, is here because her former coworker and ex lady love Minae (They’re are many benefits to being a xeno-marine biologist) sent for her and then when she arrived on the completely isolated planet was nowhere to be found and the dive suit she’s in has an AI not designed for  so it take three clicks to move in any direction, (her priority is still Minae tho, whipped lol). She’s a very sympathetic character and you can really feel her wonder at all the life around you, her notes on the creatures you help her documents really bring the world to life, which is necessary as because you’re just a confused computer AI you can only see the vivid world she’s exploring vicariously through the notes she takes. Good thing she’s competent at her job. The gradual growth of your bond with her as her sole confidant in this vast world is really well articulated too.

The game can be frustrating at times when you’re looking for specific samples in areas you’ve been over more than once,  but that was rare for me and kind of added to the realism of the whole thing, when I got really stuck I looked up a playthrough of the part I was at and then I was rolling again. I mostly ran into difficulty because I prioritised foraging over the plot a little too much and there are areas you can’t access even if they’re within areas you’ve already found, until you do certain story beats.

This game was honestly so chill and so fun. I especially love the ending, spoiler alert until the end of this paragraph: the complete acceptance of the damage humans have done at the end, I like that the unforgiveable crime humans have committed isn’t deflected as not Ellery’s fault for not being involved, she’s a human and she accepts responsibility at the same time as hoping death isn’t the only thing that humans will bring to this planet. - and the quiet resolve to do better, be better, and reach out in the hope that the relationship between humans and nature, humans and the artificers can change and heal really harmonised with the overall tone of the game. Ellery’s work ethic in regards to that goal, made me really happy and the refusal to act like Gliese 677Cc was only hers to decide the fate of really hammered home the evil of Baikal and the difference between them, woohoo science for science’ sake.

Anyway, in conclusion.

If you’re looking for a solid game to test the waters with. In Other Waters really hit it out of the park for me.