#reduce screen time challenge

[mittimatetoys]

Screen Time Overload? Here Are 15 Tips to Reduce Your Kids Screen Time.

As a parent in the digital age, you're likely concerned about your children's screen time and how it may impact their health and development. From smartphones to tablets to TVs, screens are ubiquitous in our lives, and it can be challenging to strike a balance between technology use and other activities.

We agree sometimes an iPad is everything a kiddo needs to get distracted from crying or maybe when you’re at the doctor’s clinic & they’re in for a check-up. In fact, using smartphones & other devices connected to the internet can sometimes be rather helpful, since they can explore intuitive & interactive games as well as other forms of entertainment. There’s a reason why YouTube Kids is a thing. However, anything pushed beyond a certain limit can adversely affect one’s entire experience, which is why screen time of kids should be paid a lot more attention to.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time can have negative effects on children's physical, mental, and social well-being. That's why it's more important than ever to promote healthy content habits for kids and establish positive digital media use patterns early on. Don’t worry, we’ll be including some studies at the bottom of this article so if you wish to take a read later & validate this information, you can feel free to take a look.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 15 effective strategies for limiting content consumption and fostering healthy screen time habits in your children. Whether you're setting screen time limits, encouraging alternative activities, or modeling good digital media habits yourself, we'll provide practical tips and insights for creating a balanced media diet for your kids. Let’s take a quick look at the contents of this article:

Click Here 👉👉 Tips to Reduce Kids Screen Time.

[princessproductivity]

7 ways to reduce your screen time...

If you create content for a living, schedule your posts in one sitting so you don't have to spend as much time putting them out throughout the day.

Turn on your phone's grayscale setting — this overrides our natural inclination to click on the brightly colored app icons of addictive socials like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and more.

Use a minimalist phone app. This removes icons altogether, and forces you to intentionally look for what you need from a list of apps as opposed to mindlessly clicking. I'm currently using an app called Oasis Launcher from the Google Play Store.

Turn off notifications from social media, so you are only prompted to spend time on those apps through your own natural inclination.

Oftentimes we reach for our phones because our hands are idle, not because we actually want to spend the time on them — find something to keep your hands busy. For me this is crochet, but it could be a book, a painting, or some other kind of project.

If you find that you spend a lot of time on certain social media apps, try uninstalling the app itself, and only using that form of media through your phone browser. I used to spend a lot of time window shopping on Amazon, and the added inconvenience of not having it available in one click has really helped deter me from spending so much time on it — now I only jump on and use it when I truly need to order something for the household.

Reevaluate your screen time at the end of every week. Many phones have a "digital well-being" feature now that allows you to set time limits on apps, and see how your screen time compares to previous weeks. This can be a great way to evaluate where you need to trim down your usage.

A bit about @princessproductivity! What is the 12 week year? 7 ways to organize your life...

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Become A Brand New Person ✨✨

Self Reflect:

Journal daily.

Think about past decisions and how they impacted your life.

Meditate regularly.

Create a vision board to visualize your goals.

Review your strengths and weaknesses.

Identify your core values and beliefs.

Figure out your passions and interests.

Think about your childhood dreams and aspirations.

Evaluate your current state of happiness and fulfillment.

Set Clear Goals:

Define specific career goals, like "Get promoted within two years."

Set health goals, like "Lose 20 pounds in six months."

Create financial goals such as "Save $10,000 for a vacation."

Establish personal development goals, like "Read 24 books in a year."

Set relationship goals, such as "Improve communication with my partner."

Define education goals, like "Complete a master's degree in three years."

Set travel goals, like "Visit five new countries in the next two years."

Create hobbies and interests goals, such as "Learn to play a musical instrument."

Set community or volunteer goals, like "Volunteer 100 hours this year."

Establish mindfulness or self-care goals, such as "Practice meditation daily."

Self Care:

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Practice in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.

Take regular breaks at work to avoid burnout.

Schedule "me time" for activities you enjoy.

Limit exposure to stressors and toxic people.

Practice regular skincare and grooming routines.

Seek regular medical check-ups and screenings.

Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily.

Personal Development:

Read a book every month from various genres.

Attend workshops or seminars on topics of interest.

Learn a new language or musical instrument.

Take online courses to acquire new skills.

Set aside time for daily reflection and self improvement.

Seek a mentor in your field for guidance.

Attend conferences and networking events.

Start a side project or hobby to expand your abilities.

Practice public speaking or communication skills.

Do creative activities like painting, writing, or photography.

Create a Support System:

Build a close knit group of friends who uplift and inspire you.

Join clubs or organizations aligned with your interests.

Connect with a mentor or life coach.

Attend family gatherings to maintain bonds.

Be open and honest in your communication with loved ones.

Seek advice from trusted colleagues or supervisors.

Attend support groups for specific challenges (e.g., addiction recovery).

Cultivate online connections through social media.

Find a therapist or counselor for emotional support.

Participate in community or volunteer activities to meet like minded people.

Change Habits:

Cut back on sugary or processed foods.

Reduce screen time and increase physical activity.

Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal.

Manage stress through mindfulness meditation.

Limit procrastination by setting specific deadlines.

Reduce negative self-talk by practicing self-compassion.

Establish a regular exercise routine.

Create a budget and stick to it.

Develop a morning and evening routine for consistency.

Overcome Fear and Self Doubt:

Face a specific fear head-on (example: public speaking).

Challenge your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Seek therapy to address underlying fears or traumas.

Take small, calculated risks to build confidence.

Visualize success in challenging situations.

Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people.

Journal about your fears and doubts to gain clarity.

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience.

Embrace Change:

Relocate to a new city or country.

Switch careers or industries to pursue your passion.

Take on leadership roles in your workplace.

Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone.

Embrace new technologies and digital tools.

Travel to unfamiliar destinations.

Start a new hobby or creative endeavor.

Change your daily routine to add variety.

Adjust your mindset to see change as an opportunity.

Seek out diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

Practice Gratitude:

Write down three things you're grateful for each day.

Express gratitude to loved ones regularly.

Create a gratitude jar and add notes of appreciation.

Reflect on the positive aspects of challenging situations.

Show gratitude by volunteering or helping others in need.

Send thank-you notes or messages to people who've helped you.

Keep a gratitude journal and review it regularly.

Share your gratitude openly during family meals or gatherings.

Focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things.

Practice gratitude even in times of adversity.

Be Patient:

Set realistic expectations for your progress.

Accept that personal growth takes time.

Focus on the journey rather than the destination.

Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities to improve.

Celebrate small milestones along the way.

Practice self-compassion during challenging times.

Stay committed to your goals, even when progress is slow.

Keep a journal to track your personal growth.

Recognize that patience is a valuable skill in personal transformation.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Treat yourself to your favorite meal or dessert.

Reward yourself with a spa day or self-care activity.

Share your achievements with friends and loved ones.

Create a vision board to visualize your successes.

Acknowledge and congratulate yourself in a journal.

Give yourself permission to take a break and relax.

Display reminders of your accomplishments in your workspace.

Take a day off to celebrate a major milestone.

Host a small gathering to mark your achievements.

Set aside time to reflect on how far you've come.

Maintain Balance:

Set clear boundaries in your personal and work life.

Prioritize self care activities in your daily routine.

Schedule regular breaks and downtime.

Learn to say "no" when necessary to avoid overcommitment.

Evaluate your work life balance regularly.

Seek support from friends and family to avoid burnout.

Be kind to yourself and accept imperfections.

Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.

Revisit your priorities and adjust them as needed.

Embrace self love and self acceptance as part of your daily life.

[bloomzone]

self care is . . .

Reading a book: Engaging with literature to relax, learn, and escape from daily stress.

Meditation: Practicing mindfulness to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Eating a balanced diet: Consuming a variety of nutrients to maintain overall health.

Exercising regularly: Keeping the body active to improve physical and mental health.

Getting enough sleep: Ensuring sufficient rest to allow the body to recover and function optimally.

Listening to music: Enjoying music to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

Stress management: Implementing techniques to control and reduce stress levels.

Setting boundaries: Establishing limits to protect personal time and energy.

Being creative: Engaging in creative activities to express oneself and relax.

Time management: Organizing time effectively to balance responsibilities and leisure.

Taking regular breaks: Resting periodically to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.

Stretching: Keeping the body flexible and reducing muscle tension.

Practicing gratitude: Focusing on positive aspects of life to boost happiness.

Looking after your skin: Maintaining skincare routines to promote skin health.

Effective communication: Clearly expressing thoughts and feelings to foster healthy relationships.

Saying no: Declining unnecessary obligations to prioritize personal well-being.

Challenging your mind: Engaging in activities that stimulate cognitive growth and learning.

Learning new things: Continuously seeking knowledge to enhance personal development.

Regular medical checkups: Attending routine health screenings to prevent and detect illnesses early.

Hanging out with friends: Socializing to build strong support networks and enjoy companionship.

Spending time with family: Connecting with loved ones to strengthen family bonds.

Me time: Dedicating time solely to oneself for relaxation and self-reflection.

Self-reflection: Evaluating personal thoughts, actions, and experiences to gain insight.

Asking for help: Seeking support when needed to manage challenges effectively.

Setting goals: Defining personal objectives to provide direction and motivation.

Developing healthy habits: Establishing routines that promote long-term well-being.

Using your voice: Speaking up for oneself to ensure needs and desires are met.

© bloomzone

[dessarchive]

now introducing the future of music and entertainment, endless options of sound (eos)

eos is an app that i script into most of my drs. i got inspired to create it after coming across a video on youtube of someone re-designing spotifys UI. i’ve used spotify, apple music, amazon music, youtube music, and many more music streaming services and none of them ever lived up to my expectations, so i thought why not create what i’ve always wanted? i took a long hard look at all of the features i wish the current apps had and put them all into one. i posted about it before on my previous account but didn’t go into the actual details much. it started as a music streaming app when it was launched but became much more than that. it’s one of my favorite parts of my drs because i’m an avid music listener and the features are to die for. eos is the only music streaming app in my drs. i also have a ceo dr where i’m the ceo of it because this app has basically become my child!!! anyways here’s what i have after working on it for months!

eos was launched on october 31, 2001 by robyn fenty (she’s older LMAO) and aliyah haughton. the app immediately gained popularity as the first and only music streaming service. it was created as a space where everyone could enjoy music. years later it implemented audiobooks, podcasts, music videos, interviews, merch, and concert tickets. it stands out with its flawless performance that never crashes or has bugs, its exceptional algorithm for fresh experiences each playtime, and its features like eosoulmates that connects users through shared music tastes.

lyrics and subtitles are always available in any language desired by the user and the platform includes organization like no other. exclusive presale codes are able for top listeners of specific artists because the app has its own ticketing system. eos is free for all users as the founders wanted to make a space to unify people during life’s challenge. to maintain this while making sure artists are fairly paid, revenue is generated through a share of concert ticket and merchandise sales, in-app donations directly supporting artists, non-intrusive sponsorships and partnerships, and grants from philanthropic organizations. this guarantees that eos stays true to making music accessible while supporting creators and users globally.

to expand on existing sounds of music and entertainment, the service implemented dolby atmos to its highest quality with no extra price to artists for using it.

eos also features eos karaoke: sing it your way. within this are lyrics that are displayed in perfect sync with customizable highlighting options, while users can adjust the original vocals (mute, reduce, or add harmonies) for a personalized performance. advanced pitch tracking gives real-time feedback, along with timing guides and a practice mode for perfecting songs. voice effects like reverb, autotune, and fun filters are available to take things to a higher level or have fun with friends and family. dual-screen mode connects to tvs for party setups and users can enjoy duets with friends or group singing for up to 10 people. karaoke playlists are curated based on mood, listening habits, or vocal range. sessions can be recorded and shared with friends or on social media. a scoring system with feedback helps users improve their singing while earning fun badges. eos karaoke also offers live virtual karaoke rooms, offline mode for downloaded tracks, and customizable themes for lyric screens and backgrounds. a special kid-friendly mode ensures the fun for all age groups.

eos allows music and entertainment to be accessible, fun, and, immersive to everyone.

[pseudowho]

Post-ShibuyaAU! Grey Nanami Kento Headcanons, Part 2

(help me find the Nanami artist in the banner, for crediting and thanks/permission!)

As an accompaniment to my story, Grey (link here); an AU where Nanami survives Shibuya exploration because I'm never going to be over his loss.

Part 1 of Greynami Headcanons, link here

Christmas Greynami Headcanons, link here

Warnings: Severe injury (burns, eye loss), PTSD, alcohol use, depression, light smut, angst, AU headcanons

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Before he met you:

AU!Nanami Kento who takes up smoking again, a habit he had while working as a salaryman. His voice becomes rougher, more gravelly, irritated by the tobacco.

AU!Nanami Kento whose parents weep and stroke his healed burned face the first time they see him post-Shibuya, devastated by the suffering their little boy has experienced.

AU!Nanami Kento who sees that pain in his mothers' eyes every time he visits her. She can't help it. She's just heartbroken she couldn't keep her baby safe.

AU!Nanami Kento who begins to screen his parents' calls, not visit for dinner like he used to, and sends birthday gifts in the post instead of in person. Causing them distress by exposing them to his brutal injuries is a stress he's too fragile to cope with.

AU!Nanami Kento who listens to his fathers' long voicemails every night after a few drinks.

AU!Nanami Kento who often doesn't go home between missions, sleeping against walls in old buildings instead, a cold uncomfortable sleep preferable to a deep sleep with nightmares.

AU!Nanami Kento who alters his wardrobe after his tie, which he was unusually fond of, was destroyed by Jogo's flames. He can't find the tie for sale anymore. His beige suits just don't feel the same without it.

AU!Nanami Kento gives the last vestiges of his emotional energy to Yuuji, knowing he needs support, not wanting Yuuji to know he's struggling, not wanting to add more to Yuuji's already full plate.

AU!Nanami Kento who used to daydream about being a father one day, but now, being loved and giving love in return feels so remote and unlikely

After he meets you:

AU!Nanami Kento who tries to hide his trauma at first, afraid it will be too much baggage for you.

AU!Nanami Kento who is grateful to the very depths of his soul when you make it clear that he could never be too traumatised to be loved; you are each others' therapist, confidant, and sexy best friend.

AU!Nanami Kento, who struggles through reducing his alcohol and cigarette intake, with your steadfast support.

AU!Nanami Kento whose home screen photo is one of you asleep, snuggled into his chest, drooling; you hate it, he absolutely refuses to change it.

AU!Nanami Kento who confesses to you on one snowy evening walk; he tells you the moon looks beautiful tonight and you're on tiptoes kissing him before he can even finish his sentence.

AU!Nanami Kento who takes up baking bread overnight if he can't sleep, the process cathartic and soothing. You know he's had a bad night when you wake up to warm bakery smells.

AU!Nanami Kento and you, whose home becomes a refuge for all the kids who know where the spare key is hidden.

AU!Nanami Kento who has made up the spare room for Yuuta, Inumaki and Nobara at separate points in just one week.

AU!Nanami Kento, who makes sure you buy extra bottles of burn ointment, and delivers them to Maki when he gets the chance.

AU!Nanami Kento, stood at the bathroom counter which you sit on, facing him, your legs wrapped around his hips, as you gently shave around his scars. Kento rests his hands on your waist, slipping his fingers under your shirt, just to feel your skin.

AU!Nanami Kento, whose towel comes loose and drops to the floor, staring into your eyes in challenge. You last a few seconds before your eyes flick down, drinking in the beautiful nudity of him.

AU!Nanami Kento who immediately throws you over his shoulder, and carries you to your bedroom while you squeal and laugh, being promptly de-clothed by him.

AU!Nanami Kento who behaves the second time you sit on the counter, to finish the job you started; he looks at you with a naughty glint in his eye.

AU!Nanami Kento who, with your support and continuous company on his missions, finds his power grows rapidly; he manages five black flashes in a row, and feels he may be nearing domain establishment.

AU!Nanami Kento who, after a rocky start with Higuruma Hiromi, becomes his firm friend, forming an intensely unstoppable duo. Ino is only a little bit jealous.

AU!Nanami Kento who finally calls his parents with your encouragement. He can't help but tell them about you immediately. They're thrilled, and want you round for dinner as soon as possible.

AU!Nanami Kento who is mortified as you and his mother coo over his baby photos.

AU!Nanami Kento who is stunned into silence when, in the car on the way home, you wonder out loud if your babies will look more like you or him.

AU!Nanami Kento who throws you into bed the moment you get home, face between your legs and drunk on the taste and sounds of you, until you're begging him to come closer; he graciously complies, his mind full of your future home, tiny footsteps and laughter as you cling to him in bliss.

AU!Nanami Kento who goes looking for rings on his days off; it's a huge decision, and one he ponders over for months, so in the meantime, he buys you a watch which perfectly matches his own.

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More love for Greynami. I'll do some bigger stories at some point too.

Part 1 of Greynami Headcanons link here

Thanks as always to @silkspunweb for being my muse and fellow unhinged friend.

[renthony]

Hope in the Hellfire: Revisiting Fahrenheit 451 in 2024

by Ren Basel renbasel.com

When I first read Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, I wasn’t much younger than seventeen-year-old Clarisse McClellan, one of the novel’s major characters. In many ways I was like her: disgruntled with classmates who found me off-putting, eager to talk to adults who would entertain my unusual questions, and constantly off exploring the woods. I was a bookish loner who struggled socially. I proudly read banned books, and carried around my mom’s paperback copy of Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land—a book formally banned from inclusion in my high school’s library or curriculum—as a passive challenge for adults to try and confiscate it. None ever tried, but I sure was prepared to raise hell.

Revisiting Fahrenheit 451 in 2024 is a strange experience, not just because of the book’s political commentary. In 2024 I am 30 years old—the same age as Guy Montag, the protagonist. It is easy to put myself in his shoes now, the way I once put myself in Clarisse’s.

Montag is a fireman in a world where every house is fireproof. Instead of extinguishing fires, Bradbury’s firemen collect and burn books. Without books, the population is ignorant and complacent, kept busy with mindless screen entertainment.

Like Montag, I live in a world where books are targeted by a hostile government. In 2024 I live in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis makes regular headlines for his crusades against public education, libraries, and books. Many an op-ed has been written about the relevance of Fahrenheit 451 in our times, and it almost feels cliché as an anti-censorship advocate to list it as one of my favorites.

Cliché or not, I can’t help it. Fahrenheit 451 is a warning against censorship, yes; it is a pointed exploration of 1950s American social anxieties, yes; it is a well-written piece of fiction containing rich descriptions of exciting events, yes; but more than that? Fahrenheit 451 is one of my favorite novels because it leaves me feeling hopeful in the midst of social upheaval.

After stealing and reading forbidden books, Montag’s life spirals out of control. His wife sells him out to the authorities, he kills a former colleague in self-defense, he is pursued in a televised government manhunt, and before the story ends he watches bombs reduce his former home to rubble. Montag survives, but he doesn’t fix the world. He is not the victorious hero of a glorious rebellion. Many, many books get burned, and people die. Yet still, there is hope, because Montag finds community. He finds a way to help preserve the books’ contents so they can be passed down to later generations.

In 2024, Fahrenheit 451’s message is important not only because it warns against censorship, but because it reminds us that even if the road ahead is difficult, even if things get worse before they can get better, even if some stories are lost, there are still countless unnamed, unnoticed people fighting to preserve and share knowledge.

The best part is that any of us can join them.

_

Written on commission, using the prompt, “500 words about your favorite pre-1960s Sci-Fi.”

Lovingly dedicated to the Queer Liberation Library (on tumblr as @queerliblib!) for their ongoing mission to make queer eBooks accessible. Check them out at queerliberationlibrary.org!

Like this essay? Tip me on Ko-Fi, pledge to my Patreon, or commission an essay on the topic of your choice!

[pessimisticpigeonsworld]

HOTD has made many interesting choices in their adaptation of the story of the Dance. One of their favorite excuses for many of their questionable choices is "feminism". Why did they remove Alicent's ambitions and autonomy? Feminism. Why is Rhaenyra less proactive and hesitant? Feminism. Why are Daemon and Otto the primary active agents in the lead up to the Dance? Well women can't be in the wrong or violent, so feminism.

These choices are the farthest thing from feminist; they're sexist, end of story. Every decision surrounding the women of the Dance reeks of benevolent sexism. One of the most obviously sexist decisions made is the purposeful removal of female cooperation and friendship.

Rhaenyra in F&B has many female allies and friends. Her ladies in waiting loved her so much, one of them, Lady Elinda Massey gouged out her eyes at the sight of Rhaenyra's death. Lady Jeyne Arryn, Lady Alysanne Blackwood, and Lady Sabitha Frey/Vypren are just a few examples of ladies who fought for Rhaenyra (Alysanne and Sabitha literally fought in battles). Lady Fell chose death over betraying her oath to Rhaenyra.

Now, we haven't had any opportunity to meet most of these women I listed in the show. Lady Fell was portrayed as she was written in the book, a very minor character who simply foreshadowed how most of the realm would choose Rhaenyra over Aegon. Elinda Massey, however was reduced to an unnamed servant, not even a lady in waiting. Her treatment is an echo of one of my biggest issues with HOTD, the treatment of Laena and Rhaenys.

Laena was Rhaenyra's dearest friend in the book, in fact it's implied that they had a romantic relationship. Whether you believe that telling or not, it's undeniable that she and Laena were extremely close. They chose to betroth their children while they were infants, Rhaenyra flew to Laena's bedside during her final labor, and she stood vigil with Daemon over Laena's body.

All of that closeness and intimacy was removed in the show to make room for Alicent. So let's break that down: they removed a long and healthy relationship between two women and replaced it with a short-lived (in terms of screen time) friendship that quickly fell apart and turned into an intense rivalry. Reinforcing an old stereotype of female friendship: that it is entrenched in rivalry and toxicity and can quickly be turned to enmity. Alicent was so quickly and easily turned against Rhaenyra and it's even implied that she was jealous of Rhaenyra long before they became enemies.

Rhaenys in the book was an ardent supporter of Rhaenyra. She happily claimed Jace, Luke, and Joff as her grandsons, advised Rhaenyra to go to war, and gladly flew against Aegon and Aemond.

Meanwhile, in the show, Rhaenys was turned into one of Rhaenyra's rivals. She constantly challenged Rhaenyra's ideas, dismissed her as a naive child, disliked her children, and even considered backing the Greens. On top of that, they turned her into yet another "peaceful" woman. She advises against the war, and seems to continue to do so in season two. Rhaenys is virtually unrecognizable in the show. They chose to take a woman who tried to prevent a younger woman being wronged by the patriarchy the same way she was and turned her into a bitter woman who resents Rhaenyra (for most of the show).

HOTD claimed to have wanted to tell a story about how the patriarchy pits women against each other. That's all very well and good, but that's not what they actually did. They took a story where a woman is wrongfully usurped because of her gender and is supported by many other women and turned it into another tired female rivalry story.

Rhaenyra has no female friends aside from Alicent. Laena was turned from her dearest friend/lover into simply a rival for Daemon's affection. Rhaenys was turned from a supportive mentor and defender to someone who took out her resentment for the system on a fourteen year old who only starts to support her when she's proven "peaceful".

HOTD chose to perpetuate a harmful stereotype about women: that we constantly view each other as threats/rivals and can't have truly healthy relationships with other women. Rhaenyra had women who supported and cared for her in the book, in the show all she has is Alicent. A woman who abused and undermined her for ten years, raised her children to hate her, and usurped her. Every change HOTD made in the name of "feminism" solidified just how sexist it really is.

[tf-kinky]

Reece was at his wit's end. Sharing a small dorm room with Kurt was challenging enough, but the real torment came from Kurt's habit of never updating his wardrobe, particularly his sneakers. These weren’t just any sneakers; they were an ancient, battle-scarred pair that had seen better days, probably back when they were new in the early 2000s. The stench that emanated from them was like a toxic cloud, enveloping the room whenever Kurt kicked them off after a long day.

Day after day, Reece aired his grievances. "Kurt, man, those sneakers are biohazards. You need new ones, like, yesterday," he'd say, pinching his nose in dramatic fashion.

But Kurt just shrugged, his response always some variation of, "They're broken in. I like 'em."

Weeks passed, and Reece's complaints grew more desperate. He tried everything from leaving subtle hints to outright begging, but to no avail. Kurt's sneakers remained a staple in their shared space, their smell intensifying with each passing day.

One evening, as Reece was once again lamenting the state of their room, Kurt's patience snapped. With a mischievous grin, he pulled out his phone and tapped on an app no one had ever seen before – the "TF App," which stood for "Transformation."

"You want to shut up about my sneakers?" Kurt asked, his eyes glinting with an odd light. Before Reece could respond, Kurt pressed the screen.

In a flash of light, Reece felt an odd sensation, like every part of him was being flattened and reshaped. When he came to, he was no longer human but had become a pair of insoles. Not just any insoles, but ones designed to fit perfectly inside Kurt's repulsive sneakers.

Kurt, with a chuckle, pulled out the old, worn-out insoles and replaced them with Reece. The horror for Reece was immediate and overwhelming. As Kurt shoved his bare, sweat-drenched feet into the sneakers, the experience was magnified for Reece. His senses were heightened; every odor was amplified, every touch was a nightmare.

Kurt's feet were the epitome of nastiness. They were unwashed for days, covered in a thick layer of sweat and grime, with nails that hadn't seen a clipper in ages. The smell was like a physical entity, invading what would have been Reece's nose if he had one. And the taste, oh, the taste was worse – salty, bitter, with a hint of whatever Kurt had stepped in that day.

Reece would have screamed if he could, but all he could do was absorb the horror of his new existence. Each step Kurt took was a crushing blow, each second an eternity of suffering. The irony was cruel; Reece, who hated feet more than anything, was now intimately acquainted with the very thing he despised.

As days turned into weeks, Kurt's feet only grew more vile, and Reece's torment seemed without end. But in this bizarre twist of fate, perhaps Reece would finally learn to keep his complaints to himself – or at least, that was what Kurt hoped as he laced up his sneakers, ready for another day of college life, with his former roommate underfoot.

As time wore on, the melding of Reece into Kurt's sneakers became complete. The insoles, a source of pure horror for Reece, now conformed so perfectly to Kurt's feet that they seemed like they were part of him. But for Reece, this melding was a never-ending nightmare.

With each step Kurt took, the terror in Reece's existence was palpable. His senses, unnaturally heightened, were assaulted by the constant stench and sweat of Kurt's feet. The pressure of each footfall was a reminder of his loss of humanity, his once vibrant life reduced to the sensation of being crushed and molded underfoot.

Kurt, oblivious to the true horror of his former roommate's plight, reveled in the newfound comfort. His feet felt supported and cushioned in a way they never had before. He walked with an ease that suggested he was floating rather than walking. But as he noticed this miraculous change, a decision brewed in his mind, one that would seal Reece's fate.

One night, while lounging with his feet propped up, Kurt pulled out the TF app. He contemplated the reversal process, but the thought of returning to discomfort was unbearable. With a cold resolve, he deleted the reverse data, ensuring Reece could never return to his human form.

"Sorry, man," Kurt said aloud, though he knew Reece couldn't respond. "But you make the best insoles I've ever had."

Reece, trapped within the confines of the insoles, was in constant, silent horror. He tried to scream, to plead, to beg for his humanity back, but his voice was gone, replaced by the silent endurance of inanimate suffering. Each day was a relentless cycle of sensory overload; the smell, the taste, the feel of Kurt's feet were all magnified to torturous levels.

He felt every step, every shift in weight, every moment Kurt's feet rested on him. The horror of his situation never dulled; instead, it grew with each passing second. He was aware, acutely so, of every moment, every touch, and yet, he was powerless, voiceless, his protests nothing more than the inaudible cries of a sentient insole.

Kurt, now accustomed to this perfect fit, wore his sneakers more than ever, seldom taking them off, even when he could. He had no idea of the torment he was perpetuating with every step. For Reece, there was no escape, no relief, just an endless, horrifying existence as the insoles beneath Kurt's feet. His mind, trapped in this cruel reality, could do nothing but endure, hoping against hope for a miracle that would never come.

[n1pp]

A Guide to Disconnecting With a Digital Detox Challenge

In our hyper-connected world, smartphones and other devices have become extensions of ourselves. Although convenient, there are times when it’s beneficial to disconnect and go on a digital detox challenge

While the internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and play, it has also led to an increase in digital dependency, distracting us from paying attention, disrupting our sleep patterns, and affecting our mental health. A digital detox challenge offers a structured way to break free from digital dependency, re-evaluate our relationship with technology, and rediscover the joy of living in the present.

The Pitfalls of Hyper-Connectivity

In the age of digital abundance, hyper-connectivity and the incessant consumption of digital content have become pervasive, shaping behaviors and influencing mental health in profound ways. Although there are many benefits of being connected online, it’s also important to understand the issues and recognize the need for a balanced digital diet.

Hyper-connectivity refers to the state of being constantly connected to devices and the internet, making it virtually impossible to disconnect. While it offers unparalleled access to information and socialization, it also causes many challenges:

Information Overload: Constant exposure to a stream of information can overwhelm the brain, making it difficult to process information effectively and leading to decision fatigue.

Decreased Productivity: The myth of multitasking on digital platforms can actually hamper productivity, as the brain switches between tasks, reducing efficiency and increasing mistakes.

Emotional Exhaustion: The need to be always available and responsive on various communication platforms can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.

Overconsumption of Content

The digital world offers an infinite stream of content, from news and entertainment to social media updates. Overconsumption of this content can have several negative impacts

Attention Span: Continuous scrolling and content consumption can reduce the ability to focus on a single task for extended periods, affecting learning and comprehension.

Echo Chambers: Algorithms designed to show users content that aligns with their views can create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and contributing to social polarization.

Addictive Behaviors: The design of many platforms, aimed at maximizing user engagement, can lead to addictive patterns of behavior, making it difficult for individuals to limit usage.

Influence of Social Media

While social media has transformed the way we connect and share with others, its overuse has been linked to several negative outcomes

Mental Health: Excessive social media use has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Distorted Reality: Social media platforms often portray idealized versions of life, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy or jealousy.

Sleep Disruption: The use of social media before bedtime can interfere with sleep quality, due to both the stimulating effects of screen light and the emotional engagement with content.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

A digital detox involves a period during which a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. The goal is to reduce stress, focus on social interactions in the physical world, and engage more deeply with the immediate environment.

Mental Health: Constant notifications and the pressure to be always "on" can lead to anxiety and stress. Disconnecting helps in reducing these symptoms, enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Enhanced Focus: Without the constant distractions of digital devices, you can focus better on tasks, leading to improved productivity and efficiency in both personal and professional endeavors.

Better Sleep: Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep quality. A digital detox can help normalize sleep patterns, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.

Improved Relations: Spending less time on devices allows more time for face-to-face interactions, strengthening relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Increased Creativity: Stepping away from digital screens provides the mental space to think more deeply and creatively, fostering new ideas and solutions to problems.

Enhanced Wellness: Reducing screen time can encourage self-care and inspire a more healthy lifestyle, especially decreasing the risks associated with sedentary living.

More Gratitude: Disconnecting from the digital world helps in cultivating a greater appreciation for the little things in life, enhancing mindfulness and gratitude for the present moment.

Higher Self-Esteem: Social media can often lead to comparisons that affect self-esteem negatively. A detox can help in breaking this cycle, improving confidence and happiness.

Reduced Dependency: Taking regular breaks from digital devices helps in reducing dependency, making it easier to enjoy downtime without feeling the need to check in online.

Enhanced Privacy: Stepping back from online spaces can also protect personal privacy by reducing the amount of personal information shared on the internet, decreasing exposure to potential data breaches and privacy invasions.

Plan Your Digital Detox Challenge

SET CLEAR GOALS

Begin by defining what you want to achieve with your digital detox. Is it to reduce stress, improve sleep, or spend more time with loved ones? Having clear goals will help guide your process.

START SMALL

If the idea of completely disconnecting feels overwhelming, start small. Designate certain times of the day as tech-free, such as during meals or an hour before bed.

INFORM YOUR CIRCLE

Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your digital detox challenge. This helps set expectations and reduces the anxiety of missing out.

REMOVE TEMPTATIONS

Uninstall social media apps or use tools to limit your screen time. The less accessible your devices are, the easier it will be to resist the temptation.

PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Identify activities to fill the time you would typically spend on devices. Whether it's reading a book or hosting a dinner party, find something that enriches you.

During the Digital Detox Challenge

EMBRACE BOREDOM

Boredom sparks creativity and self-reflection. Allow yourself to feel bored without reaching for your phone as an easy escape.

ENGAGE IN MINDFULNESS

Use this time to engage in activities that require your full attention and presence, such as meditation, cooking, or gardening.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

Spending time in nature can have a profound effect on your mental and physical well-being. Take walks, go for hikes, or simply spend time in a local park.

REFLECT AND JOURNAL

Use this period to reflect on your relationship with technology. Consider keeping a journal to document your experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

After the Digital Detox Challenge

EVALUATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

After completing your digital detox, take time to evaluate the experience. What did you learn? What habits do you want to change moving forward?

SET NEW BOUNDARIES

Based on your detox experience, set new boundaries for your digital device use. This might include designated tech-free times or days, limiting social media use, or turning off notifications.

ENHANCE YOUR ROUTINE

Make digital detoxing a part of your daily routine. Regularly unplugging, even if just for a few hours, can help maintain the benefits of your detox.

The challenges posed by hyper-connectivity, overconsumption of content, and excessive social media use highlight the importance of digital detoxes and mindful engagement with technology. By recognizing these issues and taking proactive steps to manage our digital consumption, we can mitigate the negative impacts on our mental health, productivity, and personal relationships.

[dreamdolldiary]

#𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

This is how we are NOT going to wait until the new year (or a new whatever) to be the best version of ourselves, we are going to change now.

When you want to change, change. Don't wait for anything.

There are about 100 days until the new year. That is 3 months. You can get so much done within that timeframe.

But with the "new year" aside, please know that there is absolutely no rush to improve. It can be July and you can still decide to "reinvent" yourself. This is just a fun thing to do and keep track of.

Not a "challenge" but a way to stay accountable for your goals for a better you.

୨୧ Here is how we are going to absolutely kill it!

1. Pick a number of goals (3-4, both small and large) for every aspect of your life.

Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, professional, personal.

Physical: 10k steps a day, working on being sober, moving your body around more, getting into bed earlier, reducing screen time, cooking healthier meals, brushing your hair, wearing the nice clothes you're saving for a "special occasion", trying out new looks and clothes, venturing out new styles, upgrading your basic hygiene routine, celibacy, drink more water

Mental: writing down your thoughts, keeping track of your emotions both negative and positive and what triggers them. Get rid of the negative triggers and bring in more of the positive triggers.

Emotional: getting in touch with a therapist, dedicating a journal to release you emotions instead of bottling them in, talking to friends, anger management

Professional: working 1 hour or more of deep work to improve your skills, networking events

Personal: find your old hobbies, discover new ones, pleaseee get a hobby. seriously! trying out new restaurants and cafes, complimenting people and be open to making new friends.

Spiritual: meditation, prayers to yourself or religion you are a part of, nature/solitude walks. These are super important, it brings you peace of mind and a time to really be with yourself and be at peace after your jam packed days

Finance: learn how to budget, no impulse spending, learn how to invest, find a way to increase your income

Important habits to have: waking up and going to bed early, planning your next day, having a set routine and freedom to change it to fit your priorities

Important skills to build: time management and how to focus better

These are just some ideas and I know looking at this list can be overwhelming so you need to remember and understand that you are not going to be doing every single one of these every single day. You are going to pick a few from each category (and seriously, if you think about it, I discuss this in the next section about time blocking, it really does not take a lot of time. Trust me.) and include them into your daily routine.

2. Setting up reasonable time blocks for these goals. Revamp your schedule to fit your goals around your life.

Getting up early is how you get more done in a day. Yes, you can reach your goals even with a full time job.

I work almost 12 hour shifts every week day while taking care of kids, my dog, basically running a household and I still get so much done.

So you've picked your goals. Great. Now take a look at your schedule and figure out what things are taking up most of your time. Is it a long commute? Spending too much time scrolling on your phone? Waking up late? Going to bed late?

Example of time blocking/a schedule:

☆ Mornings:

4am-5am: exercise, pray/meditate

5am-7am: study

8am-4pm: get ready for the day and go to work.

during your work break, you can read a book, get steps in, meditate, have a nice meal.

☆ Evenings:

4pm-5pm: get back from work, eat, catch up with family or have alone time

5pm-7pm: review any notes, clean, meal prep, attend a class you may have, do laundry

7pm-9pm: plan the next day if you have appointment or deadlines, shower, go to bed

Assess how you spend your time and utilize it. Instead of scrolling on your phone during your free time, spend time with your loved ones (pets, kids, partner), instead of staying in one place while you're on a call, walk around to get steps in, there is always a way to implement your goals into your daily life.

Notice how I say fit your goals around your life. You don't want to be taking away important things like errands, jobs, school, being a parent just meet your goals- no. Use your time wisely. That's all. You can fit them.

On the larger goals like taking up a class/large skill, like dancing and painting. On fridays, you'll have dance class and on other days that you have free, you'll be painting a piece or reading your anticipated book, learning a language, trying out a new recipe, planning the next day, taking a spontaneous art class, etc!

Weekends.

Because I work a lot, I like to use weekends to really do deep work. Intensive study sessions. And because I deep work (work with no distractions) I don't need to study all day. I'm getting so much done in little time that I'll be done by the afternoon and I can go out and do errands, get all dressed up and have a nice day out in the city, or just have a relaxing day by doing chores, watching a nice movie and more!

3. Setting up a system so you can actually stick to those goals.

Keep a journal to keep track of what you did today. If you didn't reach a goal that day (and that's okay), ask yourself why? and how does it make you feel? Then take action on what you can do to reach it tomorrow.

Switching. We all know it’s best to not push yourself so hard. For example, don’t do intense exercise everyday. Walking and dancing throughout the day counts as exercise too, so by switching (depending on YOUR goals), you’ll have time for your other goals as well. Here is an example: on a rest day of no exercising, maybe that day is the night I have a ballet class. That is exercise as well. So instead of exercising in the very early hours of my day, I can use that time instead to do more studying OR have more time doing something else.

which means I can do one do the following: spend more time with my pet, read a few pages of my book, make a new recipe, etc.

Ex. 4am-5am - on a no-exercise day, i can study during that time instead. 6am-7am - more time to tackle my other goals.

Create a foundation. If you have an amazing day, felt very productive and accomplished, what's a habit that really helped? For me, it's always getting up early. If I wake up late because I slept late or my alarm didn't go off, my day is thrown off by a landslide. So if you had an off day, figure out why and maybe your foundation can help.

★ That’s all!

If you have questions or need an example to jump off from, click below to read more on how I personally did my reset and how I am still able to get much more done with a full time job.

Stay safe, prospering, and amazing!

Share your accountability posts with the tag #100DaysWithDDD or we can chat through my inbox if you need extra tips, questions or want to share how you're doing/did.

I will be logging my days too, you can find my goals here.

Welcome, welcome!

Here is an example of what I did when I did my reset and still doing now with working.

I chose my goals. I was studying deeply, spending more time with my dog who I felt bad would be bored during my study hours, be more active, get through my books.

How did I start? First of all I got up earlier and went to bed earlier. I noticed that I focus better in the mornings so I would stretch, workout and started studying. Next, I would get ready (nice clothes, my face is clear, hair is brushed), take my dog out, play with him, etc and head to work. See? I already tackled so many of my goals there! Physical, personal, and professional.

Want to get more books in, want to meditate, want to journal? Listen to an audiobook or podcast while you drive, commute, or have a lunch break at school or work. Or don't. Sit in silence and let your mind wander, let those unconscious ideas come up! That's also a form of meditation and having more creative skills.

During my study breaks, I would stretch, walk my dog. Another break, I catch up with the kids, do any short tasks like laundry, mini tidying up. Any break, at all I would do micro-task.

I stopped doing useless things like spending so much time on my phone for what? If I was truly bored, I had done all my tasks but I didn't feel like getting up or doing anything, I would go on my phone... to clean out apps and my camera roll (which has A LOT of things on it I still need to get through). That's the only time I would go on my phone really. The lack of storage on my phone makes it lag- I'm heavily scolding my past hoarder self for keeping so many photos on there

If you work a desk job, get up for phone calls, take laps when there is nothing to do, just get your body moving! Stretch! There is always something to do, you just have to know how and what.

[mrsoread]

Fanbind: Away Childish Things by @letteredlettered

I’ve been wanting to read this fandom classic for such a long time yet I always knew I wanted to do it in book form rather than on the screen. So I decided to do a blind bind for myself...

This project is basically an ode to @haxkattpress beautiful typeset which informed most of my design choices – do check out the post of her original bind, it is magnificent!

I wanted to keep the vintage feeling of the typeset and decided to go with a very reduced cover and focus on materials. And I knew that the dark green leather I already had at home would be perfect for what I had in mind! The idea was to make it look like an old children’s book but with a bit of a playful modern font.

I really like how it came out but it was also a long way to get there, Working with real leather is always a challenge and especially with a thick one like this. Also the foil quill did not stick evenly in all places and my case was way too small for the text block (why do I never learn!?) which made casing in quite the challenge.

BUT I love how smooth and round the leather turned on the spine, how much the endpapers fit to the typeset, how the gold and dark green interact and overall I think I did manage to pull off the classy look that I had envisioned.

Thank you so much @haxkattpress for sharing your incredible typeset with me and @letteredlettered for allowing me to bind your story! I cannot wait to read it! 🫶🏻

Away Childish Things can be read on Ao3 - keep fanfiction free!

[elfarons]

Flipping the Tables

[redacted] knows you like the back of their hand, which also means he knows just what to say to reduce you to a blushing mess. but he makes you flustered way too often! so naturally you make it your mission to get them back...

cw: gender neutral reader, fluff, reader sits on [redacted]'s lap, both of you are called 'pretty'

it's a lazy sunday evening with your wonderful boyfriend. you're rewatching your favorite movies while u both cuddle on the couch. him leaning back on the cushions with one arm around you, practically melting into his side.

when you feel [redacted] slightly shift to get more comfy, you look up at him while he's absorbed in whatever is happening on screen. he's so beautiful you think to yourself. his silky hair, his soft pink lips, his straight nose, his powdery blue eyes, his everything... so pretty so perfect.

he chuckles and looks down at you, slightest hue of red covering his cheeks. "hmm? you think im pretty?" oops, said it outloud. he finds your hand closest to his, bringing it up to his lips to kiss your knuckles so softly while looking into your eyes. "i don't really see how i'm pretty,,,i'd have to argue you're the prettiest one here, angel."

you blush and bury your head into his chest to hide from his teasing. but you do take notice that he doesnt exactly take the compliment... and how he was so adorable when he blushed. you realize you rarely get to see them blush compared to how much you do.

what if we flipped the tables?

recovering with a newfound determination, you lock your gaze onto his, "well, i think you're so cute that it hurts." they smile, accepting your challenge "i think you're so cute i want to eat you."

"your beauty could start wars."

"i could try for an eternity but i'd never find someone as angelic as you."

you're about to give in, getting more embarassed, but you stay determined! you grab his face with your hands and move around to straddle their lap. "i think you're so perfect that i want to kiss you right now!"

leaving no time for him to respond (and possibly fluster you further), you start kissing his face between words, purposefully avoiding his lips. "YOU muah ARE muah SO muah GORGEOUS muah TO ME muah" forehead, cheek, nose, other cheek, chin. staying an inch from his lips, you quietly say "do you believe you're the most beautiful, perfect boyfriend yet?"

dumbfounded from your sudden praise and kisses, they just stare up at you completely flushed from the neck up, their hands resting on your sides. it worked. he chases your lips to get a kiss, but you pull away and he pouts. chuckling, you move one hand down from his warm face to feel his heartbeat wildly thumping against your hand.

you leaned down to whisper in their ear. "c'mon answer me, or you're never gonna get that kiss." he hides his flushed face in the crevice between your shoulder and neck then takes a deep breath to compose himself. "..i-i'm your beautiful and perfect boyfriend."

"see? it wasn't that hard was it?" you finally lean down and he sighs into the kiss. his lips are always just as soft as they look. after you pull away, they gaze adoringly into your eyes. you giggle, "you're so cute when you blush."

[redacted] will hatch a plan to get back at you later when his brain isn't overheating, but he decides to let you relish in your victory for a while longer. besides, he likes seeing you confident enough to be bold with him. he can't deny he's in love with every side of you, much like how you feel about him.

they gently nudge you to lay down on the couch with his head on your chest. "love you so much, angel." your heartbeats speed up, matching in rhythm.

you decide to grant him his own small victory too by not bringing up how the flush returns to his face. that was enough teasing. "i love you too."

author's note: hiee :3 this is my first tumblr fic ever ! i got inspired from the 14DWY discord server when we were discussing different ways of making redacted speechless, so this is for them teehee <3 i hope i didn't make them too ooc !!

dividers by @/enchanthings

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

part 2 to ethan x camgirl reader where he orders another one on one and then they decide to meet up 🙊

I've been hesitating whether or not to make a part 2 for 'pretty boy'...here it is!!

Warnings: smut, masturbating, dirty talk,

my taglists are here + you can send requests here at any time

—

A few weeks later, after a difficult exam, Ethan decided to reward himself by buying another private session with his favorite camgirl. He had been forced to re-watching your regular videos lately, having missed most of your lives due to exams coming up. Now, his cock was half-hard, heavy and aching to be touched, and he could feel a slight twitch as he allowed his thoughts to wander to seeing you live — and having you all to himself — in less than ten minutes. 

The black screen turned on and Ethan jumped when you said his name.

‘’Hi! Ethan, right?’’ It was rare you remembered customers, but Ethan’s sweet face and doe eyes were etched in your memory. Along with the big cock he was hiding in his pants.

Ethan nodded, surprised you remembered him. ‘’Yes.’’ 

‘’Where have you been? I haven't seen your name pop up in my recent lives…’’ you asked with a slight pout.

‘’Yeah…sorry. I’ve been busy with school. College is though.’’ 

‘’Me too, honestly. Balancing weekly live sessions with college has been quite challenging,’’ you admitted, forgetting for a short moment that you were talking with a paying customer and not a friend. 

‘’Can’t you take a small break? School is important.’’ Ethan didn’t want to sound like a parent, he was just concerned about your well-being. It was sweet that he cared. 

You sighed. ‘’I wish. Unfortunately, I can't afford that luxury. Those lives are what pays my bills.’’ 

As the conversation continued, you reminded yourself to keep track of time. After Ethan, three more people purchased private sessions.

‘’Enough about me. What do you want tonight, Ethan?’’ You gave him a flirty smile, your chest bouncing as you readjust your bra to show off more cleavage. It was royal blue with cut-outs that showed a lot of skin under the breasts. All that was covered was a thin lace over the nipples and over the swell of the breasts. 

Ethan felt himself twitch at the sight, so fucking hard. He’d love you in sweats and a sports bra, but seeing you like this had him so hard he was convinced his pants were going to burst. He didn’t dare looking lower, embarrassed he’ll moan when he’ll see the matching panties. 

‘’Anything. I just…missed you. I’ve been jerking off to your old videos for weeks,’’ he admitted with a slight flush to his cheeks. He didn’t want to sound like he was one of those creepy guys who obsess over someone, he just really enjoyed watching you. 

You were flattered by his dedication and decided to reward him. ‘’What about I do something special for my special boy?’’ 

‘’S-special boy?’’

You hummed. 

In a way, he was your special boy. Among all of your past clients, you had come across some really hot customers, but no one ever stuck to your mind like Ethan had. He was sweet, handsome and didn’t reduce you to a material to jerk off to. He saw you as a person. 

Before him, no one had ever made you want to teleport through a screen. Most of the time, you were looking forward to the end of the private session. 

Ethan watched as you reached behind you, grabbing something. ‘’Do you like this one?’’ you asked, holding your newest dildo. ‘’I haven’t used it in a video yet, so this is an exclusive premiere.’’ 

He eyed the phallic object. It was one of those you can stick to a surface and fuck yourself on it. 

Ethan ran a hand through his hair and reached down to palm himself through his jeans to relieve the pain he began to feel with his other. He was excited to see it all inside of you, to see you fuck yourself on it and cum all over it. A rush of warmth went through his body and he held back a moan at the thought.  You had such a huge effect on him.

You set the dildo on the side. ‘’But first, let’s get you going.’’ You refolded your legs in a way that gave Ethan the perfect view of your panty-covered slit, eliciting an immediate whimper. The sheer fabric didn’t leave anything to the imagination. ‘’Are you going to let me see you? From what I remember, you’ve got a nice big cock, don’t you baby?’’ 

Clumsily, Ethan removed his polo shirt, showing off his toned biceps and chest, then he unbuttoned his jeans, shoved them to his knees, and shifted his boxers just enough to free his leaking cock as he watched you shift on your bed. You were so impatient to see it again, to watch him cum again.

‘’Mmh, so big and pretty,’’ you complimented, wishing you could wrap your fingers around it and stroke him — kiss it. 

Shaking off those thoughts, you trailed your hand down your body, and shyly, you slid your hand over your mound through the panties, teasing yourself as you held eye-contact with the camera. Ethan couldn’t hold in the groan he let out at the sight of the sheer blue fabric clinging to your lips. You were  already pretty wet, which is kind of weird since, most of the time, shows like these felt more like a chore than getting off. 

On the screen before you, Ethan’s hand was lazily gripping the base of his cock as he watched you tease yourself. He should feel shy since he was the only one fully naked, but you looked so hot in that royal blue set that he almost didn’t want you to take it off. You let out a soft moan and pressed harder into your fingers for more pressure.

You pushed your panties to the side and brought your hand to your soaking folds, coating your fingers in your own arousal. ‘’I wish it was your hand touching me,’’ you slipped, closing your eyes and imagining Ethan’s fingers on you.

His breath caught in his throat and his hand gripped his shaft just a little tighter. ‘’Me too.’’

You continued without realizing, lost in your own bubble of pleasure. ‘’I want to take your big cock all in my mouth and choke on it until you cum down my throat.’’ 

Your words had Ethan moaning, creating images in his head. He ached to tangle his fingers in your hair and drag his cock over that pretty pout of yours, smear pre-cum onto your lips before  showing his cock down your throat. You would look so pretty like that.

‘’I wan— I want you to split me open and fuck me so hard I can't remember my own name.’’

Ethan moaned again, so turned on he could cry. ‘’Yes, please.’’

The idea of him filling your pretty pussy, looking utterly fucked with those pouty lips and pretty eyes had Ethan palming his cock just a little rougher. God, he wanted nothing more than to have you — for real.

You shouldn’t be making exceptions and prolonging your private sessions, but you didn’t want to stop talking with Ethan. You wanted to keep talking to him for hours and hours. 

He sat there, in his desk chair, chest sweaty and breathing heavily as he recovered from his orgasm, thick ropes of cum still all over his chest. He should wipe himself before it dried, but his gaze was locked with yours, a soft, dazed smile on both your lips. 

You didn't look any better, sitting in your soaked sheets with your slick-covered dildo abandoned on the bed. 

After a moment of staring at each other, something you never expected to happen happened: you asked for Ethan’s number. It was a line you had promised yourself to never cross when making this account, but you didn’t want to risk not seeing him again.

—

Scream taglist: @misfityanii @beautybyfire @iluvscream191 @mariposa555 @bella7866 @o638 @lulubelle14 @luvvtxinityy @frasersgf  @Eddiefrickenmunson @jasperr-the-friendly-ghost @ghostf4cee @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom @wandaswigglywoos @xjennyx2 @jennasslut @thatonesblog  @mikaelsonsstuff @icarly23 @tcddszn  @bt.oliana  @skyesthebomb @a1mzcruml3y @red1culous @iluurmom @popeheywardssecretgf @michaelangdonsslut @byhrxb @kamthecoolest @kattybug @ravenstrueluv @landryslxys @die4niyahhh  @sl4sh3rfuck3r @radiant-whore  @Meadzy21 @luci1fer @nomorespahgetti  @bloodyhw  @depthsofdespairr  @bellysbeach

All and more taglist: @spiokybirdstarfish @kenqki @liidiaaag @hawkegfs  @gillybear17  @areaderinlove @acornacreacure @black-rose-29 @fudge13 @cece05 @rosie-cameron @Caxddce @laylasbunbunny @gemofthenight @beautyb1ade  @hi-bored-as-fcuk-rn  @lovelyy-moonlight @mellabella101 @vxnity713  @marzipaanz  @bisexualgirlsblog @queenofslytherin889 @thatbxtchesblog @softb-tterfly @ethanlandrycanbreakmyheart  @xyzstar  @graceberman3  @Heartsforneteyamsully  @aerangi  @hallecarey1  @bxbyyyjocelyn @mikeyspinkcup

[neptuneiris]

Behind the Scenes (05/05)

Behind the Success

pairing: actor!aemond × fem!reader

summary: you and Aenar finally meet Aemond's family, closing one chapter of your life and starting a new one with Aemond in it.

word counter: 8.7k

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it's here!🥳

I've finally finished the chapter and I'm so excited for you guys to read this!

and how is it possible that another story is going to end soon? because if you didn't read my previous message, there will be an epilogue, so it's not yet the definitive goodbye for this little family we have created🤭

also before reading I want to thank you for your support and please leave me your opinion, lately the comments have gone down and I wish to read you🙏🏻

oh I also want to make a small clarification before you reed:

in the second chapter it is mentioned how aemond at the end confessed everything to his family in a desperate attempt to find Y/N. but let's forget that hehe🤭 let's pretend that aemond never told them so you can enjoy this chapter and the light drama you are about to read.

now read and enjoy, ily all!

warnings: slight angst, aemond's family melting our hearts when they meet aenar.

Aemond immerses himself in the world of acting with the same fierce dedication with which he confronts his characters on screen. Every move, every word, everything is carefully rehearsed and executed.

Each project is a challenge, an opportunity to explore new roles and demonstrate his versatility as an actor.

The hustle and bustle of the film set fills the air as he immerses himself in his role. The bright lights illuminate his face, conveying the intensity of his character as he delivers his lines with palpable emotion.

But when the bell rings, as well as the director's shout of "cut!" is heard, Aemond is Aemond again.

Behind all those shots, scenes, interviews and awards, no one knows that Aemond is a father, at least no one outside his close circle. He only confided the news to a few close co-workers, some production people and his older sister, Rhaenyra.

He managed to persuade some rumors after some people at first saw him entertaining Aenar in the nursery on the set, because even though there is nothing wrong with it and Aenar is his most precious treasure and a pride of his life, he knows it is better to protect him from the public eye.

And now that Aenar has his own nanny at home, sometimes even then the whispers would start to get too much and he would make sure that some member of the production crew, known for their ability to spread harmless gossip, would plant the idea that it was simply a close family friend of the child they had seen him with.

And in the midst of all his work and everything he has to do, Aemond finds the precious time to be with his son.

Aenar, a whirlwind of laughter and childlike energy, fills every space where the two are together with light. Games, stories and hugs become routine and Aemond cherishes every moment he can spend with him on his days off.

He even reduces his own working hours and focuses entirely on filming his scenes, also attending one or two interviews per month, in order to have more quality time with Aenar, who is more important than having to please the press at every moment.

And as he balances the intensity of the job with his responsibility as a father, Aemond fights for to rebuild the trust you once placed in him.

Every gesture, every conversation, was an effort to demonstrate that he is fully committed to getting things right this time. Every encounter with you, he demonstrates a quiet determination to making amends for past mistakes.

With carefully chosen words and acts of genuine support, he tries to show you that he understands the pain he had caused and is willing to go out of his way to regain your trust.

And you accept this, because you see how he makes an effort to open up more, to share his thoughts, his fears and his hopes. But above all, you see how he is making an effort with Aenar, which is the most important thing.

And you also see how parental responsibility has changed his perspective and maturity. But still, Aemond knows that rebuilding trust takes time and forgiveness is not something that can or should be rushed.

Even if you decide never to forgive him, he's okay with that and is getting the idea from now on that you only allow him to be close to you because of Aenar and only because of Aenar.

So in the meantime, you immerse yourself in your own workday.

The makeup and wardrobe trailer is a world of constant motion and productivity in any given area, though your mind is always on Aenar and also on Aemond.

And even though you both carry separate jobs at the same place during the day, you both manage to create a balance between your jobs and raising Aenar.

Evenings were for you and Aenar if Aemond didn't finish recording at the same time as your shift ends. And almost at dusk is when Aemond comes from work and devotes every minute of his free afternoon to Aenar.

Instead if you both finished your shifts at the same time, you both spent time together with Aenar.

However, the nights brought calm.

Once Aenar fell asleep and before Aemond retired, you and he find your own space to talk, share thoughts, talk about work or more importantly about Aenar. And today just happens to be one of those nights.

You finish cleaning the kitchen, while Aemond is sitting on one of the stools, with a cup of coffee in his hands, looking out the large windows to the back garden, thoughtful.

While he has in front of him the IPad with the image of the camera in Aenar's crib that records him sleeping, attentive and making sure he is well.

"I've been thinking a lot lately," he says, breaking the silence in a soft voice, catching your attention.

You watch him from the sink, setting a clean, dry dish in the drainer, then drying your hands with a clean cloth.

"About what?" you ask him softly, attentively.

And he takes a moment before answering, thinking very carefully about his words and what he means, not wanting you to misunderstand him in any way.

"On Aenar and... us."

He confesses and you lean on the other side of the island that separates you both in front of him, giving him your full attention.

"At first..." he starts to say, slightly flustered, "You didn't want me to hide him from the world and I-I... well, I obviously disagreed with you."

He says and bites the inside of his cheek, lowering his gaze, feeling embarrassed.

"But now... I think it's not fair to him that no one has any idea that I have a son. It's also not fair for anyone to know that you're the mother of my child."

His gaze again meets yours and a sense of understanding envelops both him and you.

"Now things have changed," Aemond continues, his tone laden with sincerity, "And I know that you and I are n-not together but... maybe... I can announce the news, only if you want me to."

Silence fills the kitchen in its entirety for a moment, as Aemond holds his breath at your possible response, honestly feeling terrified to expect a bad reaction from you.

But none of that crosses your mind, on the contrary, you just digest his words. But your silence is what causes a mixture of expectation and anxiety in Aemond, who holds his gaze with yours, nervous.

And finally, with a serene sigh, you go around the island that separates the two of you and approach him, placing one of your hands on his shoulder gently and in an attempt to comfort and reassure him, instantly feeling his whole figure tense, while he watches you with his big healthy wide eye and his prosthetic eye remains the same as always.

"Aemond," you begin to say in a soft voice as he watches you completely attentively, "I always wanted you to recognize Aenar publicly, that was what I wanted most at first. But now...

You pause for a moment, thinking about your meditated words, as you sink for a second into your own thoughts and what you really want to say, as Aemond watches you intently, waiting for you to continue.

"I understand your world more now," you continue, "And, honestly, I can't blame you for not agreeing with me back then, only in this," you make clear, "Recognize him legally would have been the right thing to do and... enough," you say holding back the sadness in your tone of voice.

But Aemond catches that break in your voice, a moment of your vulnerability that makes him feel a sharp, simmering ache in his chest, as if every word you utter drops a weight on his shoulders, with shame again invading him, but this time with a mixture of deep remorse and regret.

A barely audible sigh escapes his lips, lowering his gaze, ashamed, feeling the burden of his past choices and he wonders amidst the brief silence if he will ever be able to fully redeem with himself.

But he doesn't have much time to think about it, as you gently squeeze his shoulder to bring his attention back to you.

"And now I understand that the press and people's opinions can be very dangerous and destructive," you say softly, "And I don't want that for Aenar, at least I don't want to deal with that yet," you confess, "I want him to grow up a little more and we can both enjoy his early years without having to worry about it."

An expression of surprise and also longing crosses Aemond's face, still watching you intently, processing your words.

"Are you sure?"

You place a soft smile on your lips.

"Very," you assure, "I just want him to grow up in a calm and safe place, without falling fame on him nor all this attention being so young," you explain, "I have no problem with it, but also your opinion counts."

"No, I-I... I want the same for him too," he agrees with you, nodding, with all the pressure and anxiety he felt being replaced by a mixture of gratitude and relief.

And you nod back at him, smiling softly in his direction.

"But..." he says with a slight urgency in his gaze and concern in his tone, "I just want you to know that when the time comes, I won't do it for attention or to be relevant."

He says seriously, softly and honestly.

""I'll do it because I know it's something I have to do, for him and for you, as in the beginning maybe it should have been. But for now I just want us to enjoy these moments and, when the time is right, make that decision together."

The room fills with the honesty of his words and you can feel the sincerity in each of them, as a sense of calm envelops you both and you share a soft, complicit smile.

"Sure," you nod to him, feeling a warmth wrap itself all over your chest.

Your gaze moves away from his for a moment, focusing on the iPad screen where Aenar is shown sleeping, while Aemond can't help but focus on the features of your face with an intensity that can't go unnoticed by you.

Deep longing is reflected in his gaze, with a palpable mix of regret and sadness that is projected beyond mere facial expression. And he feel that weight on his body and chest again, a burden he can't help but feel.

His healthy eye glides over your face as if searching for answers in every line of expression and in his gaze, you can perceive the longing to repair the irremediable, the need to know how much he regrets the decisions of the past.

"Y/N-

He starts to want to say, his voice laden with regret, but you turn your gaze to him and stop him.

"Aemond, we have already talked about this."

"But I'm sorry... I really am," he insists, with pain in his gaze, "And I know an apology isn't going to fix it, I know that, neither is anything else but... I am really sorry and you don't know how much I hate myself for everything I put you through."

"No," you shake your head, "There's no need for you to keep apologizing," you tell him softly, "It won't do either of us any good to keep bringing up the mistakes of the past. Nor will it serve you to keep punishing yourself for what has already happened," you say as tactfully as you can.

His expression reflects a mixture of gratitude and frustration with yourself.

"Yes, I know, I understand," he murmurs, lowering his gaze, "It's just... I feel like I have to say it."

"Aemond, what matters now is this, how we move forward from here now that we've both learned and grown. Aenar too," you add, "And that's all that matters."

He nods slowly in your direction, his gaze showing a mixture of appreciation and relief, even with the remorse within him, as you both then sink into a moment of silence, letting the unspoken words echo in the air, but you both know those words, they just don't need to be said.

The relationship dynamic between you and Aemond since then takes a new path, a less tense, more bearable path of total trust. And this is not lost when the two of you are together in Aenar's presence.

Until one day, on your day off precisely, Aemond after work, comes to you telling you some unexpected news.

"I told them."

You turn fully towards him, giving him your full attention, understanding but at the same time not what he really means.

The living room starts to feel tense, while Aenar completely oblivious to it continues to play on the floor with his toys, but you focus on his gaze, where there is a charge of confession in his eye and you notice his whole body in a position of determination but also nervousness.

"Come, sit down," you tell him in a soft voice, pointing to the couch, while at the same time getting up from the floor to take a seat next to him.

And he almost with a defeated expression and posture, does as you say, letting out a sigh.

"What happened?" you ask, watching him intently.

He inhales deeply, looking at Aenar on the floor, who is the only one who can make him feel a little calmer, as well as your presence next to him.

"I told them about everything that happened," he confesses to you, "Our relationship, your pregnancy, my team, the decision I made in the beginning, everything I caused and how much I hurt you," he says as he feels his heart knot, "Everything. Everything that happened from then until now... and Aenar."

His words leave a weight in the air, as you anticipate how bad and difficult that conversation must have gone with his family to see him this way, so serious and tense.

"And how did they react?"

Aemond closes his eye, lowering his gaze, his posture reflecting the emotional baggage he carries with him and how bad it definitely went with it.

"Just as I expected. Obviously they were disappointed in me."

He says without much emotion, but with slight pain in his tone

"My grandfather couldn't believe it and was shouting how come I kept all that from them. Hel was very shocked, Aegon and Daeron too. And mother said a few hurtful things, started crying and telling me how I could keep these things from her," he exhales deeply, "Rhaenyra and Daemon were the ones who helped me calm things down a bit, but still my grandfather and mother were upset with her for knowing and not saying anything."

The tension of what happened feels palpable, as if he is reliving his family's every reaction, with the heaviness of disappointment and pain reflected in his expression, as you beside hom, share the weight of that difficult moment.

You are both silent for a moment, only hearing the sounds of Aenar playing with his toys.

"I'm sorry," you whisper in his direction, placing your hand on top of his, as if trying to somehow ease the pain he feels, "It must have been very difficult for you."

"No, Y/N," he observes you instantly, speaking to you in a soft tone, "You don't have to apologize. I deserved this and I'm not saying it to cause pity or play the victim," he adds with earnest sincerity, "I'm saying it because it's true. This is the least I deserve after everything you had to go through because of me."

You decide not to say anything at this, just offer him your silent support, while he again seems lost in his own thoughts for a few long seconds, where neither of you say anything.

When suddenly, Aenar emits an infectious giggle, instantly attracting both of your attention.

His small hands hold a toy with enthusiasm, his smile and the tenderness he conveys bringing brightness to the living room and the state Aemond is in, who smiles softly at the scene, watching him with complete adoration.

He sighs and rises from the couch, moving towards him, holding him gently, needing the sensation at that moment of holding him in his arms.

Aenar squeals with excitement and joy, placing his small arms on his chest, moving energetically in his arms, smiling big at him with his blue eyes completely filled with a glow.

The scene makes you smile softly, especially when Aemond also takes one of his toys and begins to play with it in his arms as he starts to walk slowly around the living room, talking to it in a honeyed tone and causing Aenar to babble incomprehensible words but full of happiness in his tone.

And when Aenar entertains himself with his father's silver hair, Aemond speaks again, turning to you to observe you.

"Despite everything, they want to meet him," he says, watching Aenar in his arms, "And they also want to meet you, my mother more than anyone else."

And this also completely grabs your attention.

"Really?"

"Hmm," he nods, "But I didn't tell them yes or no," he lets you know, "I wanted to consult it with you first."

"But is this good or not?" you ask, looking to find positivity in the situation, "Or do you think they shouldn't know him yet?"

"Of course they should," he tells you softly, "I owe this to them, also to you. But as I tell you, I didn't know how you would react if I told you they would meet him soon, I wanted to check with you first."

You place a reassuring smile in his direction.

"Aemond, for me it's perfect for Aenar to meet his grandmother, his uncles and aunts. It's a great opportunity and will definitely be good for him," you assure him.

"Yes, it is," he nods, unconsciously beginning to imagine the moment, "They can come or we can go to them, whichever you decide."

"Either way is fine with me," you shrug, "When might that be?"

Aemond thinks for a moment before answering.

"We could arrange it next weekend. Sounds good?"

You nod with a reassuring little smile.

"Sounds good."

The Targaryen—Hightower family decides to come to you.

When Aemond gives you the news, even though at first you were totally fine and had no problem with it, inevitably knowing it instantly makes you nervous.

You've never met his family before, not even when you and Aemond were a couple for obvious reasons. And even though his family isn't involved within the entertainment and film industry, you've still heard enough about them to feel slightly intimidated.

About Alicent Hightower, Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen more than anyone.

The uncertainty of how they will perceive you, especially after disappearing from Aemond's life without warning and also how they will treat you, that's what worries you the most.

But the fact that they will be coming to your house relieves you a little. Fortunately you won't be interacting with them in unfamiliar terrain and you're sure that the presence of Aenar, his toys and Aemond will go a long way to reassuring you.

"Do you need help?"

Aemond appears behind you, while you find yourself cleaning everything you can from your living room and Aenar, as usual, is sitting on the carpet with all his toys around him.

"I'm just cleaning up in here, then I'll go clean the kitchen."

"Don't worry, me and this little handsome will clean the kitchen."

He walks over to Aenar and takes him in his arms, who is already dressed in an outfit too cute for the occasion and smells like baby soap from the previous bath you gave him, ready to meet his family.

Aemond goes with him to the kitchen, sitting him in his perch, keeping an eye on him while at the same time starting to clean up.

You start moving some of Aenar's toys, organizing his play area a bit, to create a more orderly and cozy space in the living. You also mop the floor and arrange cushions.

Aemond washes a few dirty dishes and cleans all the shelves, also mops and spreads your favorite Lavender scent, which besides smelling amazing, calms your nerves.

You also ask him to help you tidy up the dining room while you clean the bathroom, wanting everything to look clean and spotless, while Aemond takes Aenar in his arms again to let him play in his play area and he watches him closely from that new distance.

"Maybe I should have cooked something?"

You walk over to him, slightly concerned.

"What? No," he turns to you, instantly, "Y/N, they're coming to meet Aenar, not to eat."

"I know, but..." you explain, nervously, "I thought maybe it would be a good idea to have something prepared, out of courtesy and.... I don't know. Won't it be rude of me if I don't have anything to offer them?"

"Of course not, you don't have to," he clarifies, more serious but with a soft tone, "If you want to have something prepared, let it be some drinks, nothing more."

Still you watch him hesitantly and worriedly.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, very sure," he assures you, "In fact I'll prepare them. You rest and take care of Aenar. I'll finish cleaning up everything else."

"No, I-I-

"Rest," he repeats, interrupting you, placing a hand on your cheek gently, "I know this may be overwhelming, but they will come to meet Aenar and you too. And you don't have to put too much pressure on yourself. Everything will be fine."

Her warmth and understanding manage to comfort you a little, making you stop feeling so tense little by little.

"Now rest, okay?" he says softly to then walk past you and head towards the kitchen, not taking any argument back.

It's clear that he wants to lighten your load and make sure you feel comfortable about all this that's about to happen, with his actions conveying reassurance.

And finally after a while, you are ready and waiting in the living room with Aenar, playing with him, while Aemond is sitting on the single sofa and who a few minutes ago let you know that his family is on their way.

And after a few more long minutes, Aemond now lets you know that his family has already passed through the security gate that leads into the private neighborhood.

Knowing that fills you with nerves again, but Aenar's babbling as he hands you his currently favorite toys distracts you a bit.

"Are you okay?"

Aemond asks you from where he sits, watching you intently and noticing the tension all over your face and body, while you try to look completely calm and relaxed.

"Yeah, yeah, just... a little nervous," you say trying to place a genuine smile on your face as you distract yourself by touching Aenar's toys, "Who exactly is coming? Other than your mother and siblings," you can't help but ask.

"My grandfather."

You watch him expectantly, waiting for him to tell you more, but he doesn't.

"And that's everyone?"

"Well, Rhaenyra said my nephews wanted to come too, my uncle Daemon with his daughters too but I asked them to wait a little longer," he explains to you slightly concerned, "I didn't want you to feel nervous and overwhelmed if my whole family invaded your house. And Aenar sure would have felt scared too."

You bite the inside of your cheek and he rises from the couch to walk over to you, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry, okay? It's going to be fine. They're excited to meet you and Aenar."

You release a long breath through your nose, placing one of your hands on top of his, feeling your shoulders especially start to feel less tense.

"Yes... thank you," you tell him with gratitude in your gaze, appreciating his support.

And then the doorbell rings.

Aemond gives you one last reassuring glance, assuring you that everything will be fine, then turns and heads for the door to greet them, as you rise from the couch and take Aenar in your arms.

The tension in your shoulders gradually dissolves as you hold your baby in your arms, replaced by a sense of calm, as you watch the front door intently and finish mentally preparing yourself.

Aemond opens the door gently with a warm smile on his lips and the first to enter is his mother, Alicent Hightower, in a beautiful, elegant green dress, followed by who you assume is Otto Hightower, his grandfather.

His mother wraps her arms around him and leaves a loving kiss on his cheek which Aemond reciprocates, as he also greets his grandfather, who watches the entire interior of the house with an inspecting gaze.

Behind Otto enters Rhaenyra, who embraces Aemond.

"Thank you for coming," Aemond says to her, leaving a kiss on her cheek.

"Of course," she smiles at him, leaving a soft kiss on his cheek as well before pulling away from him.

"You guys too, thank you," she says to Aegon and the rest of her brothers, "Come on in."

Both brothers, Aegon and Daeron, embrace him, speaking words of assurance, leaving Helaena at last, who throws herself into his arms with obvious emotion, smiling with joy and longing, as Aemond leaves a kiss in her hair.

Then Aemond closes the door and before heading towards you, who are still standing very still near the couch with Aenar in his arms, his whole family finally notices you and especially the child in your arms.

"Thank you for coming, all of you," Aemond repeats as he turns to you, "Let me introduce you to Y/N," he points to you, "She works on the same recording set I am currently working on as well."

You put on the best friendly and kind smile possible, as Aemond takes Aenar in his arms so that you can meet his family. And the first to address you is Alicent, with her stunning elegance and a soft smile on a warm face.

"Nice to finally meet you, my dear. My son has spoken so much about you."

The tension almost completely leaves your body, feeling grateful and relieved by the welcoming tone of her voice, evaporating your fear about how everyone, especially her, would treat you.

"The pleasure is mine. I'm happy you're here."

You reach out your hand to her and, pleased, she takes it. But she takes you by surprise when she pulls you closer to her and wraps you in a gentle embrace, definitely not expecting that.

You freeze for a moment, then, a little hesitantly, return her embrace, grateful for the affectionate welcome. And when you both part, she has a smile that denotes sincerity and cordiality, then points you to Aemond's grandfather behind her.

"This is my father, Otto," Alicent introduces you as he watches you with an appraising expression, "He has also heard much about you and was very pleased to come here."

And though his look is somewhat... intimidating, you don't let that invade your nerves.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hightower," you tell him in a soft, polite voice, extending your hand to shake with his as well.

"The pleasure is mine, Y/N," he replies in a low, polite voice, shaking your hand briefly.

"And this is Rhaenyra," Alicent points you to the woman who is just as refined as she is and shares Aemond's same characteristic of silver hair, as do the rest of his siblings.

She smiles towards you and gracefully approaches, then embraces you in greeting mode, as does Alicent.

"It's nice to finally meet you," she tells you cheerfully, "Aemond told me so much about you and of course your little one," she tells you as she gives Aenar a loving look.

"The pleasure is all mine. Aemond also spoke a lot about you and was very excited to meet you," you tell her, as she holds your hands in a gentle grip.

"Well here we are," she tells you without wiping away her smile, then looks behind her, turning her attention to the rest of Aemond's siblings, "Oh and they are my siblings," she gestures you towards Aegon, Daeron and Helaena, who have friendly glances in your direction.

Aegon steps forward first, extending his hand.

"I am Aegon. I hope you're not feeling overwhelmed with so many silverheads invading your home."

"No, no, not at all," you laugh softly, taking his hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Aegon."

Daeron is next, greeting you with a friendly smile.

"Hello, nice to meet you, Y/N. I'm Daeron. Aemond told us a lot about you and Aenar."

"Pleasure to meet you, Daeron," you say, noting the sincere camaraderie emanating from both brothers.

And finally, Helaena gives a few towards you, with an expression of pure excitement on her face and hugs you effusively.

"At last we meet!" she exclaims happily, "I was so excited to see you."

"Oh," you respond to her hug also a little surprised and with gratitude, "It's nice to meet you. Aemond has also told me a lot about you.".

"Good things, I hope," she says with a smile, pulling away from you.

And gosh, you can just see how much her sisters and brothers resemble Aemond. Their beauties are otherworldly and even Alicent is truly beautiful, as much as Rhaenyra is.

"And this..." begins to announce Aemond with Aenar in his arms and a radiant smile lighting up his face as he approaches the center of the living room, where his entire family watches him intently, "This is our son, Aenar," he says with pride in his voice, finally introducing his son.

Everyone's gaze focuses on the baby in Aemond's arms, who oblivious to the situation, watches them back with his huge bright blue eyes curious and expectant, while you place a small smile, anticipating the magical meeting of your little one with the rest of his family.

Helaena, visibly moved, can't hold back tears and tries to calm herself, with happiness, longing and nostalgia in her eyes. Aegon smiles with pride and Rhaenyra with adoration.

And meanwhile, Daeron, Otto and Alicent barely finish processing the reality of having Aenar in front of them.

Until Alicent steps forward gently, his eyes and gaze shining with curiosity, slight surprise, longing and adoration as he watches the little one, his newly presented grandson.

"Is that my grandson?" she murmurs in disbelief with tears beginning to form in her eyes and a hand on her chest.

Aemond, with a warm smile, nods at the question.

"Yes, Mom," he gently observes her and seeing her condition, looks at her with complete understanding, "Do you want to hold him?" he offers, carefully extending Aenar to her, sharing in the joy of her holding her grandson.

Alicent, tears streaming down her cheeks and visibly moved, nods in a touched nod with her gaze reflecting all her emotions, joy and awe.

She takes another step forward and reaches out her arms, where Aemond carefully places Aenar in her arms, who now watches him adoringly and with a mixture of happiness and emotion reflected in her gaze.

Alicent can't help but let out a couple more tears as Aenar babbles and watches her with great wonder, moving his small hands to her brown hair, starting to play with her curls, making her laugh softly in the midst of her tears and all the emotions she feels.

Aemond watches his mother tenderly as she enjoys her first encounter with her grandson, while you can't help but feel moved as well and wipe away a few tears that have escaped your eyes, watching the moment with emotion and nostalgia.

"My little Aenar," Alicent whispers, tenderly kissing his forehead, cradling him in her arms.

Aemond, still smiling and holding back his tears, diverts his gaze to you and you watch him back, where you both share a small smile and a silent complicity, both feeling the same way and recognizing the happiness this moment has brought to your lives.

And then Helaena approaches together with Daeron towards her mother, to watch Aenar and share the joy of the moment.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" comments Helaena, smiling, as Daeron watches him with a small smile of adoration and strokes his silver hair tenderly.

"Absolutely beautiful," whispers Alicent, her eyes shining with tenderness, not taking her eyes off him for a second.

"He's lovely," Rhaenyra comments with her soft little smile.

And then Alicent lifts his gaze to Aemond.

"And he looks exactly like you, darling," she tells him tenderly, recognizing the familiar features on Aenar's face and creating a moment full of emotion and family connection.

Aemond, touched and grateful, smiles at his mother's words.

"I think he has a little bit of both," Aemond replies, sharing a proud look with you.

Aenar physically by hair and eyes resembles Aemond, but some features of his face he definitely inherited from you and you can't help but smile in his direction.

And then, within the next few minutes, the whole family continues to make affectionate moments with Aenar. Helaena being the most excited is the one who now holds Aenar tenderly in her arms, leaving a couple of loving kisses on her cheek, while Rhaenyra approaches her to observe Aenar with a motherly gaze.

The imposing figure of Otto Hightower stands watching with satisfaction the scene unfolding in front of him, especially as he sees the happiness and excitement of Alicent and his grandchildren.

He doesn't say much, but his presence exudes a sense of quiet approval and though he doesn't show it, he honestly feels proud of Aemond, this reunion of his family and the arrival of a new member to it.

As Aegon approaches towards Aemond with a friendly, warm smile, placing a hand on his shoulder where he shares his gesture of brotherhood and pride.

"Congratulations, brother," he tells him sincerely, "He is beautiful and a mini version of you."

Aemond nods gratefully, the smile on his lips and places one of his hands on top of his.

"Thank you, brother. I appreciate it."

Now it is Daeron who takes Aenar in his arms and carries him to his play area, followed by Helaena, Rhaenyra, Alicent and you.

Helaena also takes a seat on the carpet with Alicent and the three of them start playing with him, who shows his enthusiasm and fills the living room with his giggles, melting the hearts of everyone present.

The atmosphere definitely becomes livelier and warmer, transforming into a special moment for everyone, where both you and Aenar feel completely comfortable and happy.

And as a few long minutes pass, Aemond watches all the interaction, happy and completely pleased, seeing how you converse with Rhaenyra and the rest of his family is totally entertained by Aenar.

Even his mother asks to have her picture taken with him and slowly begins to fill a new photo album of her grandson on her phone reel, completely enchanted with him.

Such a sight and such a moment couldn't make him happier, being a moment he needed so much and couldn't be more proud of. And how could he not?

His watching his son integrate into his family. And you are definitely getting along great with all of them.

Aegon stands by his side, sharing the gesture of complicity as they watch Helaena and Daeron make sounds with Aenar's toys that make him laugh and squeal with happiness.

Absolutely beautiful.

"So..." Aegon begins to say beside him, catching his attention, "You're going to show him to the world?"

He watches him intently, as Aemond holds his gaze for a second to look back at Aenar with an affectionate gaze, smiling softly.

"That's what Y/N would have wanted at first, when she got pregnant," he says softly, remembering those painful moments, "But no, at least not yet," he replies, turning his gaze back to his brother, "We talk and want to give him a normal childhood as much as possible."

Aegon nods with understanding, listening to him with full attention, then lets out a sigh, watching Aenar.

"The world is going to go mad when they find out, little brother," he says with an amused smile.

"I don't care," he says with a shrug, "All I care about is him."

Aegon smiles warmly again, acknowledging Aemond's priority as a father and he couldn't be prouder of him. He may be the older brother but Aemond...he's the one who matured first, always cleaning up his shit and making sure everyone was okay.

And even though when Aemond told them about this, about you and Aenar, it turned out to be a complete disaster, Aegon is glad that right now his family is responding in this way, loving you and Aenar.

"And what happened to Criston?"

He decides to ask you, curious and attentive, as Aemond takes a moment and exhales deeply, he too being a person who brings back horrible memories of the past.

"I fired him," he replies with a disinterested wave of his hand, "And his entire team too," he adds, "That's what I should have done in the beginning with him."

"And he threatened you?"

Aemond lets out an amused smile, remembering those days as well.

"Yes but I hired a lawyer and they made him sign a confidentiality sheet," he explains, "He couldn't do anything against that."

Aegon nods, pleased to hear those words, as you both turn your gaze back to the family, where Aenar's laughter still echoes throughout the living room, Aemond smiling lovingly as he watches his mother assail him with soft kisses.

Your soft laughter catches your attention as well, watching you with almost the same adoration and love as he watches Aenar, watching you converse with Rhaenyra where you both let out soft giggles at whatever it is you are talking about.

And he can't help but watch you extra longingly, wistfully, happily and longingly, loving to see the smile on your lips and the look of joy you have, his perfect and beautiful Y/N.

He honestly doesn't know what would have become of him if he had never seen you again. He'll probably still be sunk in his misery, regretful and trapped. But with each passing day he thanks the Gods for this, again and again, this second chance.

And Aegon doesn't take this unnoticed, the way his brother is looking at you.

"You really fucked things up with her, didn't you?"

His words break the spell he was under and he bites his lips, averting his gaze from you, beginning to feel ashamed and also with that guilt simmering in his chest.

"Yeah," he replies in a low murmur.

"You still love her."

Aegon tells him watching him intently with a complicity and understanding, not asking any questions, as he is making a statement, affirming it.

And Aemond again speaks the truth, neither denying it nor hiding it.

"Never stop doing so."

Aegon lets out a long breath, honestly feeling bad for him, to place his hand on his shoulder again.

"Brother, we all make mistakes," he tells him softly, "People fuck up and fuck up badly. I'm sure you get that from a person like me," he points to himself, still speaking in a serious tone, "And the important thing is to learn from them and move on. And I'm sure she's seen that in you."

"No, Aegon," he says softly, shaking his head, "What happened between us was different and... unforgivable," he says with the slight pain in his tone, "This is all happening only for Aenar and his well-being."

"So you don't plan to do anything about it?"

"I don't know," he says regretfully, letting out a sigh, "Things are complicated. And with everything that happened surely Y/N doesn't feel that way about me anymore. Besides what really matters is Aenar and I want to be a good father to him."

"I understand that, brother. But maybe all is not lost and all you need to do is try," he tells him in an encouraging tone, "Life is unpredictable, you know? And who knows... maybe Y/N still has feelings for you."

Aemond grimaces.

"I don't know, bro. I don't think so."

Aegon decides to say no more, just nods, for after all, he understands the complexity of his situation. And inevitably, though he shouldn't, with the words he has spoken to him, Aemond feels a small glimmer of hope.

Meanwhile the inside of your house continues to fill with laughter and conversation as everyone enjoys family time. And in the middle of it all, Alicent notices you going to the kitchen for a moment, this catching her attention and being the opportunity to talk to you.

So, giving her attention away from her grandson since she arrived, without saying anything to anyone, she discreetly follows you into the kitchen.

As she passes through the frame, she sees you arranging the drinks that Aemond prepared for them on a tray, wanting to offer them. But when Alicent's figure entering the kitchen catches your attention, you immediately turn to her.

"I don't intend to take up too much of your time, my dear," Alicent hastens to speak with a small smile on her lips.

"Oh, yeah, yeah," you nod immediately, "Do you need something?"

"I just want to talk to you," she answers you softly, "And it's nothing bad, I just... want to thank you for welcoming us into your home," she says, showing the sincerity in her look and tone, "I honestly haven't felt this happy in my life in a long time. And meeting Aenar has definitely made me very happy," she pauses a little, "Thank you."

"No, no, you don't have to thank me," you reply, with a soft look, "It's a pleasure to have all of you here. And you have made Aenar very happy too."

"No, I really do thank you," she insists with a soft tone, "Your home is beautiful and definitely an excellent place for Aenar to grow up."

"Oh, thank you," you smile kindly at her, "Actually this house was bought by Aemond. He must have told them or at least you, I suppose."

"Yes, he did," she nods, "He also told us how much you refused at first but I understand you. It must have been a very meaningful but very overwhelming gesture for you."

You nod with understanding, biting your lips.

"Yes," you murmur, "Yes it was. But I only accepted for Aenar," you hasten to clarify, "I didn't do it for my own convenience, whether for money or fame. I accepted for Aenar, so that he could have his father in his life and together give him the best."

"Yes, sweetheart," she advances towards you and takes your hands between her gently, "I know," she assures you, "You don't have to explain anything, everything is more than understandable."

You let out a long breath.

"Thank you," you tell her sincerely.

"It's okay," she smiles softly at you, "And listen, I-I... I really don't want to make you uncomfortable nor do I want to make you feel bad, in fact Aemond asked me not to talk to you about this but..." she looks at you with some tenderness and longing, "I just want to tell you how very brave you are, Y/N."

You shudder at the sweetness of her unexpected words, feeling a warmth run through your chest as a mixture of gratitude and longing flashes across your face, suddenly feeling completely vulnerable.

"I didn't blame you for deciding to run away, no one judges you for it."

She lets you know by telling you in a soft voice and as tactfully as possible.

"As much as I would have loved to have met you sooner, Aemond's decisions were terrible and I can't imagine everything you had to go through on your own," she says with slight shock and sadness, holding your hand tighter, "Your pregnancy, living in a new unfamiliar place and trying to make it on your own."

You bite your lips, feeling a sharp pain in your chest and tears begin to form in your eyes, but you gather your strength and try not to let them fall despite the memories of painful moments.

Her words resonate with genuine understanding and her warm touch brings you a comfort you didn't expect but definitely needed.

"Yes," you whisper, feeling the lump in your throat, "It was very scary and very difficult," you confess, "But Aenar made every sacrifice worth it."

"Of course," she murmurs, with a sympathetic look.

"Oh and... it must have been hard for you too," you say, remembering, "In those days seeing Aemond so sad and desperate must have worried you a lot. It even almost put in danger his career and you had no idea about me and what had happened."

"Yes, that was very scary too," she nods with a sad smile, "We didn't know what had happened, he pushed everyone away, even Helaena and... I couldn't stand to see him like that, but he wouldn't accept our help either," she explains, "But now, just like me, I've never seen Aemond so happy in his life."

Her tone is genuine and you hold her gaze with appreciation and understanding, feeling completely grateful for this pleasant acceptance and welcome by Aemond's family.

And in that moment you can feel, as Alicent does, how your connection grows stronger in your shared understanding of past challenges and new hope.

"You are a strong woman, Y/N. And I also want you to know that regardless of the circumstances between you and Aemond, I want you to know that you are part of our family now and we are here to support you."

You feel a happiness and relief course through your body, grateful for her words and her total understanding, as you nod in her direction.

"Thank you, Alicent."

And Alicent unable to contain herself, wraps you in a hug full of tenderness that you reciprocate, with the atmosphere filling with a sense of mutual acceptance and support.

And from there, the rest of the afternoon is spent sharing laughter and creating special memories.

Aegon plays with Aenar while Daeron and Helaena join in the fun, making your little one laugh with every quip and funny face that Aegon especially makes.

Alicent and Rhaenyra also join in, creating a connection with Aenar and showing him affection, while Aemond and you watch it all sitting together on the couch, each with a smile on your lips.

Until the visit comes to an end and the family says goodbye with expressions of gratitude and affection. Helaena is the one who insists on exchanging numbers to stay in touch, while she along with Alicent and Aegon promise to visit again soon.

It's a bit hard for Alicent to want to let go of Aenar, but eventually she does and then Aemond and you finish picking up and sorting all of Aenar's scattered toys.

Until it's also time for Aemond to leave.

"Thank you for this day. It was amazing and better than I could have hoped for. Even mom loves you more than she ever loved me."

You smile in his direction sincerely, laughing softly.

"It was nothing, Aemond. It was all very nice. Your family was very kind and Aenar had a great time."

"Yes," he murmurs as he watches his little boy adoringly and then turns his gaze back to you, "Still, thank you... for everything."

You see the intent in his gaze, also in his body, the way he fights it, catching your attention and being a bit amused at it, then moving towards him and wrapping your arms around his neck, hugging him.

Surprised and definitely not expecting that, Aemond doesn't take long to reciprocate your embrace, a little hesitantly at first but he does, slipping his arms around your waist and pulling you close against him.

A sigh escapes his lips as he closes his eye, feeling that warmth in his body and that almost happiness at the sensation of having you close again.

He had missed it.

The embrace conveys a mutual support and understanding, also a kind of affection that Aemond can't quite decipher.

But honestly at that moment he doesn't mind and allows himself to enjoy and seize every moment of this feeling, knowing that he may not be able to have you again soon in this way, before you both part and he drives to his apartment.

Regular visits from the Aemond family to your home become a pleasant daily moment. Each encounter brings laughter, love and a sense of family unity.

Aenar, with his contagious laughter, becomes the center of attention, further strengthening family bonds.

The bond between Aenar and his relatives grows stronger over time, so his extended family becomes fully involved in his growth and development. Laughter and play fill the halls of your home, creating precious memories.

Eventually you also meet the rest of Aemond's family as well as Aenar, like Daemon Targaryen, who is definitely a bit more intimidating than Otto Hightower. But once Daemon feels confident, he's the coolest guy.

You also meet Aemond's cousins, the twins Baela and Rhaena, Daemon's daughters, who are extremely kind and sweet to you.

And you also meet Rhaenyra's sons, Jace, Luke and Joffrey, where eventually she also introduces you to her youngest children, Aegon and Viserys.

Your relationship with each member of the Targaryen-Hightower family develop into genuine friendships. Helaena, Rhaenyra and Alicent become confidants and allies to Aenar's shared upbringing.

The complicity between the women in the family is supportive and builds a safe and loving environment for Aenar and the rest of the children.

Until, on occasion, you decide to take Aenar to the majestic Targaryen-Hightower mansion. The incredible residence becomes a second home for him, who explores every corner with curiosity and becomes familiar with the new walls.

Aegon, as the older brother he is, becomes his second protective figure. Together they share adventures through the mansion's extensive gardens and enjoy playing with Legos blocks or his plastic carts.

With Helaena, she connects with Aenar through her charm and utterly beautiful aura, always playing with him, carrying him in her arms and telling him fantasy stories with gestures and figures.

And with Daeron, Aenar loves it when he watches his favorite cartoons with him. Also eventually Aenar becomes his weakness, as he always fills him with more toys and always thinks of him to give him everything that makes him happy, even food.

And when Aenar cries, Daeron is the first of the siblings to come to him, slightly concerned and immediately wanting to make him feel good.

Meanwhile, your relationship with Aemond, while not resuming the romance of the past, transforms into a serene, enjoyable and respectful one. Aenar's upbringing becomes the main point of building his future and lacking nothing.

Although memories of the painful past persist, both have learned to cope and accept it, in order to move forward.

And eventually, in a significant moment and one that lasted hours of conversation between Aemond and you, also one that was an arduous process of documentation and much waiting, a culmination of a stage of your life is realized that further solidifies the unique connection between Aenar, Aemond and you.

A recognition that brings with it a clear message of commitment and love for the future of your family. The significant moment when Aemond asks for your permission to legally recognize his child and you allow him to do so.

It was not something you had to think about too much, as Aemond has shown you so much and the emotion in his eyes through his tears when you said yes, only further confirmed the fact that you were not making a wrong decision.

And everyone in the family celebrates when Aemond's last name is added to your son's name and he is finally named Aenar Targaryen.

general taglist:

@imaegonstargaryenswife0 @bellstwd @gibbsgirl7 @toodlesxcuddles @imsoshygirl @croatianprincess @gemini-mama @a-little-roony-mara @mysteris-things @zenka69 @at-a-rax-ia @fan-goddess @duds31 @urmomsgirlfriend1 @eternally-passionate @bellaisasleep @ttkttt @aemshaircare @mellowdreamlandpost-blog @noodle81937 @mooncalvin @queenofshinigamis @n4tforlife @vexladin @dixie-elocin @wotcherpeak @watercolorskyy @shiny-trashs-blog @strangersunghoon @elysian0612 @skzenhalove @iloveallmyboys @cakescupcakesminicookies

[staylovesmiley]

Going Dumb~ Chapter 5

ᯓᡣ𐭩Pairing; Kim Seungmin x Fem!reader

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩Summary; It had been over a decade since you had last seen each other, having met in choir when Seungmin was living with his grandparents in LA and you with your Aunt. Now that you are both presented adults, how will he handle a change to the reality of you he had made in his mind in your absence over the years?

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩 Notes; This is an ABO!AU. in this world when someone reaches puberty they will present with one of three sub genders; alpha, beta, or omega. Due to Alphas and Omegas experiencing rut and heat, some jobs are restrictive as to what sub genders they will hire, specifically singling out omegas as heat suppressants are harder to obtain than rut suppressants. Scent glands are located near the pressure points on the neck and small hormonal patches called scent blockers can be placed over them to reduce or rid an individual of their scent for a period of time depending on the strength of the hormones in the patch.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩ᯓᡣ𐭩Warnings; abo!au, beta!kim seungmin, almost all alpha!straykids, female!reader, poly!pack dynamics, angst, mild violence, mentions of sexual harassment/assault and discrimination, smut, enemies to lovers, Kim seungmin is kind of an ass I’m so sorry dandy boy, she/her pronouns used for reader, jealous seungmin, I have only ever wrote one abo story before but it is one of my favorite genres so I hope I can do this justice~

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩 specific chapter TW; sexual harassment in the work place, heavily implied SA but nothing too graphic, sexism in a way but it’s revolving their sub genders- if this is something that will make you uncomfortable skip from the first pink text to the last

You walked the inkigayo halls, arms hugging yourself tightly as you were lead by a staff member to the stray kids green room at one of the many music shows they performed during comebacks.

Having been invited to come support them at their last performance, you didn’t want to miss it despite feeling completely out of place as you followed the staff past multiple different idols and their own staff members tending to different matters or filming dance challenges together in locations you had only ever seen on the small screen of your phone via social media.

Once at the green room, the staff knocked before pushing the door open and motioning for you to go in first. At the sight of you, the members perked up where they were getting ready. Minho made his way to you, batting off the stylist who began glaring at him for stopping her in the middle of touching up his makeup. “Bunny! You made it here okay, yeah? Wasn’t too confusing?” The alpha questioned, pulling you into his arms which you accepted happily. “Mhm the staff was very nice helping me find the way here, thank you for sending them to get me.” You giggled, nuzzling into his embrace though both of you wore scent blockers so neither were able to properly scent each other.

From his place on the edge of the couch, Seungmin put his phone down and walked over to greet you. “Hyung if you don’t let the stylist noona finish she’s gonna scold you….again.” With that, the alpha’s eyes widened and he quickly made his way back over to where the stylist was waiting to finish applying the final touches to her work.

Seungmin chuckled at the older male before turning to you with a shy, awkward smile. “I’m glad you could make it, Bunny.” You returned the smile, nodding to him as you gave him a brief hug. “I’m happy you guys invited me.”

The others watched fondly, happy to see the two of you getting along. It had been a little over a week since the two of you had your talk and made up and the other members were thrilled to hear that all was well.

“Wait a minute, so you really had a badass bodyguard and you thought she was just being annoying?!” Changbin had asked with wide eyes when Seungmin had relayed the truth of what you had told him. “Yeah I guess so….I didn’t realize people were trying to bully me- Bunny really was looking out for me…”

Minho shook his head at him, arms crossed over his chest as he had leaned against the wall of the living room. “If you didn’t have such a huge stick up your ass then you could have had this cleared up a lot sooner.” Seungmin sighed, looking down at his lap. “I know, hyung….I’m really sorry to you all too for how I was acting- I really don’t get why I was being so stubborn..” with a pout on his face he looked to his pack members for forgiveness, which they granted easily. Minho even came over and pulled the younger into a tight embrace.

“We can’t be mad at you forever, puppy. What matters is you’ve realized you were in the wrong and you are working to make it right now.” The Alpha gave him a squeeze before sending him a sharp look. “Besides, if you start acting up again you’ll wish the only punishment you receive is a slap to the face and a scolding.” The beta nodded frantically, eyes wide as he knew not to challenge the older’s threats.

In the week leading up to this finale music show performance you had been added to a group chat with all of the members who kept tabs on you during your stay at the hotel to make sure all was well. You had bonded with them, shared a few late meals during their free time while promoting.

Since they were so busy with their schedules and you with your own job you didn’t get to see them as often as they would have liked, as often as they would if you were still living at the dorm, but nonetheless you had all gotten close.

Seungmin pulled away, nodding back to you. There was still a slightly awkward air around the two of you as guilt still clung to the beta over his behavior towards you, and you were unsure where exactly you stood in terms of friendship with him after your reality of your youth from his per was shattered by the knowledge of how he had seen you all these years.

Once Minho had finished getting his makeup done he made his way over to the couch in the middle of the room and patted the spot next to him. Despite how rocky your friendship with Seungmin was, you’d say you had gotten to be pretty close with the second oldest.

His kindness to you in the first days of your arrival had stuck with you and he seemed to bring this sense of calm over you when you needed it most. Through talks with Jisung you learned he did the same for him, that it was just something about the Alpha that gave off a calming presence that helped the younger with his anxiety a lot especially during their trainee and pre-debut days.

You made your way over but before you could sit on the couch beside him, Minho pulled you down into his lap causing a pink blush to flood your cheeks and if it weren’t for the scent blockers you currently had on the entire building would be aware of your flustered state no doubt.

The alpha gave you an innocent smile, bunny teeth on display causing you to flush deeper and hide your face behind your hands. “Awe bunny’s shy, boys.” He teased, poking at your sides. “Cut it out, Min- I didn’t know you were gonna pull me on you like that.” You groaned, batting his hands away and laughing lightly at his prodding.

Jisung came to sit in the seat you were originally planning to take and quickly pulled you away from the dancer with his strong arms. “Leave her alone, hyung. Look how red you’ve made her.” He laughed, fanning at your face with his free hand while the other rested at your waist. The attention only served to feed your flustered state and cause you to bury your face in the crook of the young alpha’s neck. “Han not you too-“

Everyone erupted in laughter at the two teasing you, finding it unbelievably adorable how easily it was to rile you up. From across the room, Seungmin watched you carefully with a slight flush of his own. He felt his chest tighten slightly as he watched the way you interacted with his pack. At this point, Hyunjin had joined in the teasing and was currently trying to coax you into lifting your head from the rapper’s neck and come sit with him instead for a cuddle, whining that you were showing favoritism for the pair on the couch.

You raised your head only enough to look over at Seungmin with pleading eyes, the relentless attention from the pack causing your face to remain a light shade of pink and you let out a slight whimper of distress at the embarrassment that the others didn’t seem to catch over the laughter and teasing of the trio surrounding you. “Okay that’s enough- give her some space.”

The beta came to your rescue, carefully helping you out of Han’s lap and into a single seat beside the couch. “Thank you-“ you said softly, nodding to him. Seungmin nodded back, rubbing your back gently before moving back to his spot in the stylist’s chair.

The rest of the time in the green room was spent chatting with Felix about a new banana bread recipe he wanted you to try whenever they got a break long enough for him to bake it for you, helping Jeongin with a caption he wanted in english for a new Instagram post, and watching at they goofed off for the cameras filming behind the scenes content for their YouTube.

Before you knew it they were being called to stage, each of the boys giving you a smile or a wave as they lined up to head out the door. Minho sent you a wink, causing Seungmin to huff a bit under his breath before going and patting the top of your head where you still sat in the chair he had helped you to earlier. “You’ll watch on the screen from here, yeah? I’d send you out to the crowd but it can get a little crazy and I don’t want anyone giving you a hard time.” He explained, an apologetic expression on his face. “Of course, it’s okay I don’t mind. I’m just glad I could be here to support you!” You said with a bright smile, leaning up to give him a kiss to the cheek before you could overthink whether the gesture was appropriate with your current standing with one another.

The action caused the others to squeal or tease as the beta flushed a deep shade of pink and left with a nod to you, hurrying to the stage with the other members. His mind was moving a mile a minute, his heart threatening to beat out of his chest as a hand came to gently touch where you had kissed it the second one of the members looked over to see he pretended to be rubbing it off with a false look of disgust on his features.

You sat back in your chair and tried to relax while the staff around you busied themselves preparing for when the pack returned from the stage. You felt like there was something you should be doing to help but also weren’t sure if you would get in the way or not.

Suddenly one of the staff was turning the volume up on the tv as everyone settled down to watch the performance.

The stage lights shown a bright red, casting a hue over the members clad in all black military style outfits for the stage. Once the music began, you felt yourself sit up a bit straighter as your attention locked onto the performance on the screen.

They were incredible. You had seen their performances online plenty of times while keeping up with Seungmin from afar. Even though it was still through a screen, something about knowing they were just outside the green rooms and down the corridor performing seemed to make you beam with pride for them.

You felt entranced, watching them glide across the stage, unable to decide who to focus on as they danced with such passion you felt as if they were shaking the ground even back in the room you were hidden away in to watch them.

As the last part of the music played, you felt your cheeks grow a bit hot as Seungmin took center stage. His gaze was intense and you felt your cheeks heating up slightly as if he were staring into your soul through the screen. Suddenly the camera shifted to Chan for his falsetto and you felt a smile come to your face to match the one he wore, and then it was Minho in center as he belted out the final lines of the song.

There was a slight growl laced in his voice, the rasp of it causing butterflies to erupt in your chest and a hand to cover your face instinctively as if here were there beside you still teasing you like he had been earlier.

As the stage ended your hands slid back into your lap, and you watched as the camera showed a very smiley Chan making cute gestures before switching to Felix who did the same as the older alpha, causing you to giggle at their actions.

Suddenly the room was back into action as staff moved to finish everything for the members return. Just as you were standing to offer your help the door burst open and the loud sounds of the pack could be heard entering through it. Your head whipped around to face them and you swore you probably looked like a deer caught in headlights.

Some of the members were already sans parts of their costumes, having taken off jackets and other smaller accessories and handed them off to a stylist who had followed them to the stage. You watched as sweat slowly dripped down Hyunjin’s neck and bit your lower lip, willing yourself to look away just as Felix came into view with Jisung in tow. “So? What did you think? I know it wasn’t the best view most likely but we are still glad you could come!” Felix cheered, his voice more high pitched than usual to match his energy as he bounced lightly on the heels of his feet in front of you.

With a softly laugh, amused by the alpha, you shook your head at him. “It was fine, really- you guys did so well I felt like I was right at the edge of the stage cheering you on.” You said with honesty as you replayed the performance in your mind. Felix beamed, along with Jisung, and the two quickly pulled you over to the couch to sit between them while the others began getting out of their performance clothes and into things comfortable.

Felix laid his head on your shoulder, causing the beta across the room to growl lightly startling the three of you on the couch. Chan swatted at the back of his head when he growled at the alphas on either side of you. “Stop being like that, pup.” The three of your couldn’t help but giggle as the second youngest got scolded, watching as he pouted and made his way to the room to change out of his stage clothes.

As he passed by, he heard a low voice saying “If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were an alpha how you’re trying to stake some kind of claim on her.” It was Hyunjin, teasing from where he came out of the restroom and walked by on his way into the main part of the green room.

This statement made the younger blush, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. “I just think it’s a bit much for you guys to be all over her like that when you barely know her is all….”

Back on the couch, Jisung bid a temporary farewell as he left to get changed. The space he once occupied was quickly replaced as Hyunjin stole the seat and soon you were deep in conversation with the two alphas about how work had been for you lately.

“Honestly it’s been pretty nice so far. Most of my students are easy, diligent, and extremely bright. I think I lucked out there-“ you said with a sigh, thinking of some of the horror stories you had heard from other teachers. “Any more issues with your coworkers?” Minho spoke up from behind you as he made his way over and leaned over you from the back of the couch to make eye contact.

You hesitated, the alpha watching you intently with a quirked brow and a look that told you that you better be honest with him or he’d find out the truth anyways. “Yeah, a little…but it’s nothing too serious really just some looks-“ the alpha glared, his look pointed and digging for more from you. “A-And maybe a comment or two?”

Minho blinked slowly before letting out a soft sigh. “Bunny I told you that you need to go to your boss if they continued to give you trouble…you promised” you frowned, gaze falling to your lap as you felt ashamed you hadn’t kept your promise. “I know and I’m sorry- I just don’t feel like it’s worth making a big deal of you know? It’s nothing I can’t handle….people are going to be ignorant.”

To your right, Felix placed a hand on your knee to get your attention. Once you looked up to meet his eyes he gave a warm smile and nodded towards where Minho still stood looming behind you. “Hyung has a point….it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could always just bring it up casually with your boss the next time you see them? Just bring it to their attention so there is record of it…”

Nodding, you bit your tongue as you neglected to tell them that your boss had been present for multiple incidents where an alpha coworker made a comment about your subgender or even your body. All she had done was chuckled or even agreed with their comments. You had also felt her eyes lingering on you from time to time as you left a room she was in or walked past her in the hall. It made it feel impossible to broach the topic with her and feel like anything would be done, and you couldn’t risk losing this job already.

The topic was forgotten once all the members were changed and all the staff had packed up the room. A manager soon came in to round them up and bring them out to the cars. “Are you coming back with us?” Chan asked, walking up to where you were standing with Seungmin and Changbin by the entrance and making sure you had everything you had brought with you. “I don’t know…am I allowed?” You questioned back, looking up slightly at the pack alpha as the smell of the ocean washed over you. He wasn’t wearing any blockers and it had you wondering if that was because of his rank or something else as you swore he wasn’t wearing them earlier either.

Chan nodded, a bright smile on his lips as he nudged you lightly. “Always. We’ve missed having you at the dorm, you know…we can order some food once we get there and have a night in to celebrate the end of our music show promotions.” You nodded, returning his smile before following them out into the hall. “Ride with me?” Seungmin leaned down and whispered in your ear. Your eyes widened slightly, still not used to the beta being polite with you after everything when you had first arrived. “Yeah um if you want me to?” He nodded, giving you a shy smile just before the doors opened leading to where the cars were parked at the side of the building.

Once outside you felt a bit taken aback by the cameras flashing and the people shouting things to the kids, trying desperately to get their attention. From time to time you would hear or see one of them respond or give a heart and a smile to the crowd as they made their way into one of the two cars waiting for them. As you tried to put distance between you and the boys, attempting to blend in with the staff as to not cause them any trouble should the fans or press get the wrong idea, Seungmin frowned and took hold of your arm to pull you closer to his side.

Your eyes widened, head snapping to look up at him with a questioning look as if to silently ask of this was okay. The last thing you wanted to do was get him in trouble with the company after he was so hellbent on you causing issues for him when you had first arrived. All he did was smile at you in return, his hand slipping down from where it held your arm to intertwine his fingers with your own and give a gentle squeeze. “Minnie?” You asked, just loud enough for him to hear.

The beta only shrugged before raising his other hand to wave to stays who were suddenly erupting with questions as to who was at his side, holding hands with their beloved idol. Your face began to heat up at all of the attention, but you tried to shake it off as you were ushered into the suv and into a seat in the back with Seungmin and Felix.

As Minho and Jeongin entered the car their manager hopped in the passenger seat and soon they were on their way back to the dorm. “What the fuck was that all about, pup?” Minho questioned, looking over his shoulder to the back seat where Seungmin sat beside you. “What do you mean? I was just making sure bunny got to the car safely.” He said with a another shrug of his shoulders like he had earlier when you had questioned him. “Yeah while also making a scene out of it. Stay are gonna be going crazy online about this, you know…”

Wincing, you placed your head in your hands but Seungmin seemed proud of himself. “And? I’m not aloud to have friends outside the seven of you?” Minho scoffed, rolling his eyes. “They won’t take it that way and you know it. Besides- our bunny isn’t in the idol world. Did you stop to think what that could do to her personal life?” That caused Seungmin’s expression to falter and his face to fall. “No- I didn’t…”

You sighed, shaking your head before laying your head on Felix shoulder to the other side of you and causing Seungmin to feel a slight pang in his chest. “I’ll be okay…I just hope you don’t get any backlash from that.” Minho calling you theirs hadn’t slipped by you, and it caused your heart to flutter and a blush to creep up your neck to your cheeks and the tips of your ears but you didn’t feel it was anything worth dwelling on and just more of the older alpha’s lighthearted teasing.

“I’ll be fine. Sure I keep some things private but you are a part of our lives now, so everyone can just get used to it.” You nodded at Seungmin’s words, though you felt there was deeper meaning behind his actions that he himself may not even be fully aware of. He was so smart yet could be so oblivious about himself you were learning.

Back at the dorm, the time you had to spend with the pack was unfortunately cut short as you had work early the next morning. Just as you were about to call a car service for a ride back to your hotel, Minho stepped up and began slipping on his shoes and grabbed a set of keys from a bowl in the entry way table. “Don’t bother, I’ll drive you.” He said, leaving no room for arguments. “Um, okay? As long as you’re sure.” He nodded and soon you were following him to the garage and sliding into the passenger seat of his car.

The drive was mostly quiet, the car radio playing softly and creating a comfortable atmosphere as you were surrounded by the smell of warm caramel. “I’m sorry about the puppy earlier…” he said suddenly, clearing his throat.

You looked over at him slightly puzzled. “What, the hand holding thing? Seungmin didn’t mean anything bad by it-“ you responded softly, shrugging your shoulders as you relaxed back into your seat. “He may not have meant anything bad but…you didn’t asked to be put in the spotlight like that and you had no time to prepare.” He said with a sigh.

As the reality sunk in, you realized what he was trying to say. “Oh….I don’t think I thought of it really- I’m not on social media much anyways so I doubt they’d be able to find me?” He shook his head, pulling into the parking garage of the hotel. “You’d be surprised…just- stay off any socials for a bit until we can figure out something to say? I don’t want you to see anything bad some of our uh- fans might say. If you can call people like that fans…”

You giggled a bit at the disgusted face he made, unbuckling your seatbelt before leaning over the center console to give the alpha a hug. “I’ll be okay, Min. Text me when you get back?” He nodded, returning the hug before letting go and watching you enter the building. Once he was sure you were inside safely, Minho drove off and back to the dorms while smiling at how your scent lingered in his car since you had taken off your blockers while at the dorm at his and the others insistence.

The next day at work started as normal as it had been since you had began teaching there. You had almost completely forgotten about the incident while leaving inkigayo where Seungmin had unintentionally placed an invisible target on your back.

By lunch a few students had come up to you, none from your class fortunately, to ask you if that was you they had seen pictures of with Stray Kids. You weren’t sure if you we’re allowed to say, since Minho had implied they were going to make some sort of statement, so you simply shook your head and told them to go back to their class.

Later, while walking to a supply closet down the hall to get something you needed for a lesson the next day, you felt as someone quite a bit taller than you approached from behind. As you started to turn to see who it was and what they may need since they were walking so close to you you felt your body being slammed against the wall to your left. You winced, a hand flying to hold where your head had hit the hard surface with a decent amount of force fearing you may have a slight concussion from the impact. As you looked to see who it was who had pushed you, your eyes widened as you were face to face with one of the main coworkers who had been giving you trouble recently.

-stop here and pick up again at the next pink text to skip TW listed at the beginning of the chapter-

Kim Hanseo was one of the alphas they warn you about when you present as an omega, the ones who are stuck in the times where rank meant more than just your biology and alphas were allowed to practically do whatever they wanted without consequence as they were seen to be above everyone else.

From the moment he found out that they had hired an omega foreigner to teach at the school, he felt he had some sort of power over you because of his subgender. He would constantly make his advances on you known even though you dismissed them every time.

Because of the blockers you wore he couldn’t smell any alpha’s scent on you but he had assumed that you belonged to one since you were so adamantly rejecting him and what available omega in their right might would turn down an alpha’s advances he thought.

Of course, this didn’t stop the comments or hungry eyes watching your every move. Maybe you’d see what a better alpha he was than whoever you returned home to at the end of the day and come crawling begging for him to take you as his.

That’s why when he saw you plastered all over social media hand in hand with a lowly beta he felt a rage boil inside of him. You had been denying him because of someone of a lesser rank? How dare you do that to him, to place someone below him at your side when you should belong to him.

When he saw you exiting your classroom that afternoon he couldn’t stop himself before he was trailing after to confront you.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, omega?!” The man growled as his face was mere inches from your own. “All over that filthy beta when you should be mine.”

You looked at him with anger starting to flood your expression. “What are you even talking about? look I’ve tried to be polite but I don’t know how many times I have to tell you I’m not interested for you to understa-“ before you could finish your words his mouth was pressed to yours in a sloppy miscalculated kiss.

Everything felt wrong as the alpha pressed his full body up against your own, effectively pinning you to the wall. Immediately you began to push him away with both palms flat against his chest. “Get the fuck away from me!” You shouted, hoping the sound of your voice so loud and in distress would alert others in the building to come to your aid.

Hanseo only chuckled darkly and began kissing and sucking at your neck causing you to hit at his shoulders and chest as hard as you could until his hands grabbed your wrists and pinned them to the wall by your head. “Stop fighting what you know you want. It’s in your nature to submit to me, omega. Give. In.” He growled into your ear, grinding up against your pinned body and letting out a low moan.

You began thrashing around, trying to get away as you saw another coworker coming down the hall and started shouting for them to help. The coworker in question was another alpha, Choi Juwon, and you hoped that with his help you’d be able to get away from Hanseo and be able to lock yourself in your classroom until you could get in touch with the principal or superintendent to make them aware of the situation.

However you were sorely mistaken, and instead of helping the other alpha simply smirked at the two of you as he approached. “What do we have here, hyung?” Juwon asked the man on top of you, tilting his head in a mockingly cute way and causing your stomach to turn at the disgusting smile he wore. “This omega here thinks she doesn’t belong to me. She’s been hanging around some beta just cause he’s famous and thinks he’s better than us.”

The younger of the two alphas scoffed. “Is that so?” He asked, eyes locked with yours as you pleaded with him still to help you. “Gonna show her that only a real alpha can ever make her feel good. Help me get her to the bathroom.” Juwon nodded and despite your kicking and screaming they were able to grab hold of your arms and legs and start carrying you towards the closest restroom on that floor just a few feet down the hallway you had been stopped in.

“Please stop! Put me down! Get away from me!!” You started to cry, still attempting to kick and scratch at them while screaming so loud your voice was starting to give out. Your cries seemed to fall on deaf ears as no one came, and as soon as the bathroom door closed behind the three of you your fate was unfortunately sealed.

-TW over though the rest of this chapter contains the aftermath and so a mild TW is still in place, proceed with caution though I will be vague about what happened and will only be calling it “the attack”-

As your attackers left the restroom, door slamming closed behind them, you crawled from your spot slumped on the floor against the wall and reached up to lock it.

You were alone, shivering and unable to speak above a whisper due to your constant screaming for help over the course of the attack. You found your phone when it had fallen out of the pocket of your skirt and with shaky hands called the first contact you could think of.

As you sat listening to the line ring a few times you avoided looking at yourself in the mirror, wincing as you pulled your legs to your chest in search of some form of comfort. As soon as you heard his voice, you felt tears sting at the corners of your eyes. “Bunny? Is everything okay? Shouldn’t you be in class-“

Seungmin was currently heading to the convenience store with Jeongin before vocal lessons, wanting to get something small to eat knowing that things usually ran late with their vocal coach and it would be a while before they could eat dinner. You struggled to speak, throat incredibly sore and unable to say what exactly had happened to you. “M-Minnie please….I need you to come get me.” His hand fell from where it was about to open the door to the 7/11 and he turned to look at Jeongin with eyes full of worry. The sound of your voice so small and the tears he could hear were threatening to spill set him on edge as he took hold of the maknae’s hand and turned to start walking back to the company to get to a car.

“Bunny what happened? Are you okay? Are you safe?” His voice gave away his panic, unable to mask how worried he was while frantically searching the parking garage for either his or Jeongin’s cars. “M’safe for now but please hurry….I’m- I don’t think I can stand on my own right now.” You didn’t mean to scare him but your words only caused him to panic more as he grabbed the keys from his pocket and threw them to Jeongin, mouthing for him to drive to the school where you worked.

You listened on the line as you heard the sound of the car starting up, Jeongin asking what was wrong and for a second you thought of asking for the beta to come alone but decided against it for fear that one of your attackers would see him and if he were alone do something to hurt him as well. “Stay on the phone until I get there, okay? I’ll be there soon.”

The entire ride Seungmin felt as if he was going to burst into flames from how fast his mind was going with the worry and anxiety flooding over him. He’s sure if he wasn’t wearing scent blockers others would feel nauseous at the scent of him. Jeongin stayed silent, not sure what was going on but he had a feeling whatever it is he needed to keep a level head for both your sake and Seungmin’s.

Once they had arrived, Seungmin barely waited for the car to slow down before he was opening the door and making a mad dash for the entrance. “Hyung wait- fuck-“ Jeongin quickly put the car in park, praying in his head that he wouldn’t be towed as he took off after the other.

The singers made their way through the halls while you gave directions to Seungmin as best as you could with your voice straining to speak at a level loud enough to be heard over the sounds of their foot steps running through the halls to get to you.

Soon you heard banging both on the door to the restroom you were in as well as over the phone and so you moved out of the way of the door with a wince and reached up to unlock it. “Come in-“ you said as loudly as you could, hoping they could hear. It must have been loud enough or they heard the click of the lock because soon the door was pushed open and you didn’t think you’d ever been so happy to see anyone before.

“Minnie-“ you whispered as tears started to roll down your cheeks. The beta was on his knees in front of you before he could even process what he was doing, the smell of bitter orange and two scents unfamiliar to him but undoubtedly alpha made his stomach wretch but instead of pulling away he took your hands into his and began looking you over.

Parts of your top were torn and exposed parts of your bra underneath, the rest of your clothes crumpled and he swore there were stains that looked like blood on your skirt. Bruises littered your body and he felt his blood boil at the thought that someone had done all of this to you.

Jeongin stood by the door, watching from a distance as Seungmin pulled you close to rest his forehead against yours. A low growl rumbling from his chest at the smells in the room and it took everything within him not to track down whoever’s scent that was and rip their throats out himself.

You sniffled, looking up into Seungmin’s eyes as he rested your foreheads against each other and gave a gentle squeeze to your hands. “Who did this to you?” His voice dropped with venom though his demeanor came off as gentle and comforting to you, nose nudging yours softly as he waited for you to respond. All you did was shake your head and whisper shakily. “Please take me home…I don’t want to be here anymore.”

The beta raised his head and gave Jeongin a look, nodding towards you before turning back to meet you questioning stare. “Innie is gonna carry you down to the car, is that okay?” After looking up at where the young alpha stood now beside Seungmin, you gave him a weak smile before nodding in agreement. “Okay-“

Seungmin moved out of the way to make room for the youngest, standing up and looking around the room while rubbing his palms again his thighs anxiously as he thought of the next course of action. Jeongin was careful to scoop you up and into his arms bridal style, holding you close for a moment before standing and adjusting his hold to be more secure. “Hyung, take my blocker off and put it on Bunny.” He said, baring his neck to the other singer who was quick to do as asked.

“What? Why?” You spoke softly, looking up at the youngest with still tearful eyes that made his heart pinch painfully in his chest. “So no one can smell you while we make it to the car, Bun.” He said as he pushed out more of his scent purposefully to help mask whatever scent lingered on your clothes. “Just until we are safely outside, yeah?” He knew based on the bruises covering the skin near your scent glands that wearing the adhesive blocking patch would not be the most comfortable but he felt it was necessary to protect you and it seemed Seungmin agreed.

The two made their way out to the car with you still held in the youngest’s arms as quickly and as quietly as possible, stopping only briefly in your fortunately empty classroom so seungmin could gather your things and then before you knew it you were being tucked into the backseat with Jeongin still holding onto you while Seungmin took the keys back from him and peeled out of the parking lot as fast as he could without fear of being pulled over.

You felt exhausted, eyes threatening to close as your rested your head against the maknae’s chest. “Hey, we are almost there okay? Seungmin is bringing you back to the dorm and we will get you taken care of…they hyungs will know what to do.” You wanted to argue that you would be okay now that you were away from the school but instead you only nodded and let yourself drift off for the remainder of the drive.

Once they had gotten back to the dorms Seungmin held the door for Jeongin as he carried you inside. “Where the hell have you two been? We got a call from your vocal coach saying you never showed up and we have all been blowing up your phones for-“ Minho started, storming up to the two youngest members ready to chew their heads off before he registered you in the alpha’s arms and in a state he never thought he’d see anyone in let alone the omega he had come to be so fond of.

He didn’t know what to say or what question to ask first but before he could say anything Seungmin gave him a look that said they would talk later. “Can I please take a shower?” You whispered to Jeongin, looking up at him with pleading eyes. Seungmin shook his head over the alphas shoulder, setting your things down and moving to take you from the younger. “Bunny if you take a shower now then we can’t go to the police. You’ll wash away any evidence against them.”

You nuzzled closer to the beta as he held you against his chest, letting out a small yelp in pain as Jeongin carefully pulled off the blockers he had placed on you earlier. “Please Minnie I just want to feel clean again….please-“ At your words and the tears he saw threatening to spill over once more he reluctantly agreed and carried you over to the bathroom. Even if he felt you shouldn’t, your comfort was all that mattered in that moment.

He sat you down on the closed toilet seat while he turned on the shower to as hot as his hand could withstand per your instructions, moving to leave the room once he was finished but your hand shot out to grab his wrist. “C-Could you stay….please?” Seungmin looked down at you, now that the adrenaline had work off he felt the awkwardness from before creeping back. “I don’t know, Bunny-“ Your grip on his wrist tightened and he could see the desperation and fear behind your eyes. With a sigh, Seungmin gave into you once again and moved to sit cross legged on the floor with his back resting against the door.

The beta averted his eyes while you took off your disheveled clothes and carefully stood to enter the shower. The hot water stung your skin but the thought of water anything less than scalding at this moment was completely unacceptable to you. As you stood letting the water wash over you Seungmin closed his eyes and rested his head back against the cool wood of the bathroom door while steam began to fog up the room around him.

After a while of standing under the spray of water you furiously you began scrubbing at your skin, your scent spiking and causing the beta to shoot up and rush to throw open the shower door. He was met with the sight of you rubbing a wash cloth against your arms, neck and torso until the skin turned a fiery red and looked painful to touch. Tears were spilling from your eyes and as your gaze met his you choked on a sob. “I-I can still smell them-“ Was all you said and without a second thought, Seungmin peeled the blockers off of his scent gland and stripped down to his boxers. Stepping into the shower beside you, the singer hissed as the scalding spray hit his skin but beyond that he didn’t pay the heat any mind and instead pulled you against his bare chest so your skin would be flush together.

As his mind caught up with him, he worried that maybe this was going too far given recent events and how intimate of a gesture this was but once he felt your body practically melt against him he knew this was the right call, as if something deep within him had known what you needed. “It’s gonna be okay, you’re safe. I’ve got you now….” He spoke in a soft, almost hushed tone as he held your body against his own. The warm smell of a freshwater stream with floral undertones surrounded you and brought a sense of calm and peace to your mind.

Outside the bathroom, the smell of fresh laundry and orange juice filled the dorm and caused the other inhabitants to look towards where you and their beta were locked away with questioning eyes but no one uttered a word about it as Jeongin spoke in a hushed tone to update the pack on what had happened as far as he knew.

Chan looked to Minho, whose face was blank but he knew that behind the dead stare he wore his right hand was thinking something that would likely end with him incarcerated. “Min, you know where Bunny has been staying right?” The second oldest nodded, looking up at the pack alpha with his blank stare remaining. “Go and get her things….and check her out of there. She might protest a bit but she is staying here until further notice.” Minho nodded and made his way to the door to slip on his shoes and grab his keys.

Next, the leader turned towards Jisung and nodded his head towards the retreating alpha. “Hannie, go with him to make sure he doesn’t go and do something stupid.” The rapper nodded in understanding and hurried to follow after the second oldest so he wouldn’t be left behind.

Back in the bathroom, Seungmin worked carefully to wash your hair and body without causing anymore harm. His touches were gentle, cautious, and laced with care as he made sure to leave his scent behind as he got rid of the stench that covered you before.

Once he was sure the only scent remaining was yours and his own, the beta nodded to himself and turned off the water. He stepped out to grab a towel from the shelf and wrapped it around you carefully before doing the same to himself and pulling off his now soak boxers in the process. You thanked him the entire time, every move he made to wash you, to wrap you in the towel, and now to lead you down the hall and into his room, you kept whispering small thank you’s that he didn’t acknowledge as he felt them unnecessary.

Seungmin sat you on the bed before turning to rummage through his drawers. After a while he turned and handed you a pair of boxers, a tshirt, and some sweatpants before he grabbed some of his own and made his way to leave the room. “I’m gonna go change in Felix’s room next door, you can change in here and rest if you want.” Just as he was about to leave, you whispered another thank you and he felt a frown fall on his face.

“Stop that.” He huffed, moving to face you again. “Stop thanking me for stuff I don’t deserve to be thanked for.” It was your turn to frown up at the beta as you held his clothes to your chest. “But you do deserve to be thanked. You could have came and got me just to drop me back at the hotel, or the hospital, or you could have ignored my call and not come at all- but you didn’t.”

Seungmin blinked, about to argue when you cut him off before he could. “Instead you came and you got me, you brought me to your home, you bathed me and now you’re giving me your clothes to wear and telling me to sleep in your room when we both know there is a perfectly fine unoccupied room down the hall. So yes, I’m going to thank you.” Once you were finished, the beta could help but smile slightly. Seeing that the fire inside you hadn’t been put out, that you could still argue with him and still had the strong will he was used to let him know that you would in fact be okay.

“You’re welcome.” Was all he said, giving you a small bow before backing out of the room and going next door to do as he said and change in Felix room.

author’s note: I hope everyone is okay after this chapter- I tried to tone it down as much as possible but I am kinda numb to the topic (cptsd be like heh) please feedback is appreciated and I hope you enjoyed the chapter despite the darker tones….

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