#so they already had an intimate direct confrontation

[daydreamycrustacean]

i think cca should have ended with amuro and char doing hand-to-hand combat since it would have paralleled their last battle in the first show that was outside of the mobile suits, because fighting like that is just more intimate. If we go further then they both could have been shirtless, there would have been a sunset in the background, Beyond the Time would have started playing and char would have kissed amuro on the cheek (Zeonic taunt). But it's ok because not every piece of media can be metal gear.

[lazyjellyfish300]

Blurred Lines Part 2❤️‍🩹

Miguel O'Hara x Fem reader

Synopsis: you and Miguel have a casual arrangement of just sex. You reluctantly agree in hopes that you can get him to fall for you. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

Word count: 3.9k

Part 1

@sukunash0e

@latenightcravingz

TW: MINORS DNI, MASTURBATION,SMUT(P IN V, SPIT, CREAMPIE, FINGERING), ANGST, ALCOHOL, HEARTBREAK BUT HAPPY ENDING AS PROMISED 🖤

Miguel stares downwards at the bustling scene of Nueva York from his window at HQ one afternoon, deep in thought. It had been several weeks since the incident at the annual Spider Gala, when you brazenly called him out in front of everyone and he left you crying in a dark lab by yourself.

Beneath the surface, all the intimate hours you two spent between each other's legs became more than just fucking to Miguel also. He couldn't trace it back to the exact moment it happened, but he knew at least after the first time when he kissed your lips that you were going to be trouble.

Each time he was in your presence after that, he kept riding the waves of denial, hoping that his submerged affection for you wouldn't bob to the surface, intensifying and building into a love that would knock him off his feet. He'd been in many situations like this before, but you were the first to cut him deep.

This whole time, he thought he was the one who you'd need to be wary of. He thought he occupied the higher seat since he was the one that requested no strings attached, not aware that the way you kissed him and gazed into his eyes would be enough for you to pull the rug out from under him altogether. That time you burst out laughing when you both nearly rolled off your bed admist your passion even if only for a moment, brought him back to a time before he lost his daughter where he knew how to smile.

It took about 3 days after you quit for him to realize that he hadn't seen you in some time. He knew that as of late, the task of turning in the weekly reports had been transferred to one of your coworkers so you wouldn't be forced to see his face as your way of protecting your already flayed heart. The sight of his beautiful face threatening to reopen the wound you only recently managed to stop bleeding.

However, he'd usually catch you in the hallways from afar, or he'd check on your whereabouts on his surveillance screens, a fact he was a little bit more ashamed of. Just him knowing that you were still around, operating within his orbit was enough for him, even if he was still too cowardly to confront the truth he tried so hard to mask.

When he finally asked your supervisor what became of you and was told that you quit, he felt a stream of guilt take over his body, but brushed it off with a curt nod and a slow walk back to his empty office. Now, he found himself contemplating in his room after work, staring out his window. Business as usual for the city below while he was left to contend with his demons inside.

He had also heard the rumors of you and Peter B. It bothered him way more than he thought it would. But it was pointless to be upset over a woman he did not have. Being jealous wasn't his right, but he felt it anyway as the unmistakable green eyed monster reared its ugly head in his direction.

The thoughts of Peter pounding his dick into you, making you throw your head back and delivering you to orgasm even if it was only for one night had Miguel punching the air. It should've been him. He couldn't leave you alone for two seconds before the wolves descended. A fool he was for not scooping you up earlier so that the treasure of your heart and the gift of your soft body was for him and him only.

He scanned over your fights with him over and over again in his head. Hindsight causing him to wish that he could go back and do it differently. Instead of shrinking and cowering away at your utterance that you loved him, lean into it and just allow himself to love you back. Allow himself to beome alive again. Allow himself to make peace with the possibility of being hurt again. Allow himself to trust someone with his heart he so heavily guarded.

The emptiness tripled at night when he'd lay down, alone again in this bed he made himself, metaphorically and literally. Biting his lip and gathering the thin sheets in a tight grip as he bucked his hips to his hungry strokes of the thought of you. As though every thrust he made into the ghost of you contained every unattainable word of love he wanted to moan in your ear while you laid there and took him perfectly. As though he was a parched man surviving on only the bitter taste of wine, when the oasis he was looking for laid between the valley of your thighs.

He panted there with his release on his stomach in the dark, the clarity of you being gone hitting him like cold water. He couldn't call you after he deleted your number at your request. He had really lost you now. The softness of your lips and the melody of your laugh were only tapes in his memories that he could play again and again, until the passage of time would inevitably erode them away. He buries his yearning for you deep in his bones, hoping that eventually the sound of your name would no longer sting. His tried (but so far not yet true), familiar method of bottling his feelings up and attempting to move on.

----

After you crossed over into the next chapter of your life without Miguel, attempts to keep the door open were still made by Peter B. He'd call you up after work, send flowers to your doorstep, weaving another sinister tempting web for you to get caught in. You let him down easy with a gentle bat of your eyes. You had figured out his ulterior motive that you were just a means to stave off his insatiable sexual appetite, an alluring rebound after his wife shattered his heart.

Truly, Miguel was the one who lived in your head rent free with no plans to move out anytime soon. You figured hooking up with Peter was the nail in the coffin. Another man ruining you for him for good. But you reminisced any way, even if in reality you assumed he would never look your way again.

Touching yourself at night not realizing he was doing the same thing miles away. Remembering how marvelously he fucked you. Remembering how the mouthwatering stroke of his hips plus the desire in his crimson eyes caused you to see black. Remembering the times you compelled him to give you one of his gorgeous smiles that were few and far between. The richness of his voice that was silk against your eardrums. Until your desire squirted out of you, leaving you breathless and sweaty in your bed he fucked you in months before, until the pleasure brought you to a gentle sleep.

Practically a year had now passed. The mere thought of him no longer immediately haunted you, no longer tormented your pysche, no longer sent nausea to your belly, but your love for him still existed. A forgotten candle burning in a dark room.

You get a message out of the blue from Jess inviting you out for coffee. You feel surprised yet welcome the unexpected gesture of kindness. As you walk in to the small café, she's sitting in a corner booth, the unmistakable, yet fatigued glow of late pregnancy hanging around her.

She flashes a warm smile at you as you give her a hug and sit down across from her, the sharp corners of her winged eyeliner pulling her almond shaped eyes into a regal display of femininity.

"How have you been?" She asks as her spoon lightly clinks against the white porcelain of the mug she's drinking out of.

The corners of your mouth slowly pull upward into a closed lip smile as you acknowledge that you're doing well. Realizing for the first time that you truly mean it.

"I've been meaning to thank you for having my back during all of the things that went down between Miguel and I."

Jess waves her hand at you. "It's nothing. I'm happy to help in any way. You're one of the first lab techs we ever had that I didn't need to repeat myself more than once to. You were stellar at your job, and you were overall just a fun one to be around." Her shoulders shake a little as she chuckles at the memories of the banter you two would share at lunchtime.

You grin and do the same. "How's the pregnancy treating you?"

She sighs. "Well, it's any day now. I'm actually drinking raspberry leaf tea today to try and get this show on the road," she laughs. "I'm supposed to give a speech for my Spider-Woman of the year nomination in a couple of days, but I don't think I'll be able to do it." She takes a deep breath, knowing that the next question she's about to ask you might cause you to recoil into your shell.

"Would...you give my speech for me?"

Your eyebrows raise in surprise, but you're actually all on board with helping your old work girlfriend out. "Absolutely!" you answer, only just realizing the implications as soon as you accept.

"Will...he, um be there?" you ask, already knowing the answer.

Jess gives you an understanding look and nods her head. She pauses and glances down, not sure if the only tea she should spill right now is the one in the mug sitting on the wooden table in front of her.

"Want me to tell you more about what I know?" She checks in with you.

You nod, bracing yourself for news that might hurt your feelings but you're dying to know anyway.

"Well, for one, Peter got back together with MJ." figures. "But Miguel's been different. He misses you."

You feel your stomach spin on itself.

"Let me add a disclaimer: he didn't say those words himself. But I know him well enough to know that he does." Jess clarifies.

You raise your eyebrows, her statement yanking you back down to Earth.

"Really, Jess?"

Jess's head tilts to the side. "Come on now, I have never told a lie. I sure as hell didn't lie when I warned you about him the first time, didn't I?"

Oooof, touché.

You nod, accepting defeat. "I'd still love to give your speech for you. Let me know if there's anything else I can do and good luck with your baby. I'm super happy for you."

Jess smiles at you once more as she slides her speech in a folded up paper across the table to you and gives you another warm hug before you depart, the heaviness of the task weighing you down knowing you're about to be in the presence of the one man who makes you weak for the first time in almost a year.

Jess gives herself a silent pat on the back as she leans back and sips her tea. Her attempt to reunite the pining, estranged lovers commencing in just a few days.

-----

3 days later

You take a deep breath as you prepare to enter the fray. The man who ruined your life and trampled your heart into the ground inside the building before you.

You enter, the bottoms of your heels coming into contact with a plush red carpet clashing against your simple, short burgundy dress this time. A short, stocky Spider-Man greets you and trades you a dainty champagne flute in exchange for your coat.

You make your way into the main dining hall, and the light chatter and violins fill your ears as the quiet elegant ambiance of the night floods your senses. You're fashionably late, as you can see everyone already making their way to their seats. Your eyes dart around, searching for Miguel, but you don't spot him yet.

Suddenly, you hear your name being called from the stage and it jostles you into panic mode. You slam down the rest of your champagne and leave it on a random table top and scurry up to the stage, eyes watering and lips puffy from the carbonation of the drink.

You feel the gaze of a hundred pairs of eyes cutting into you as you stand in the same spot you disgraced a year earlier. The champagne acts quickly, you take it on the head and unfold the speech Jess prepared for you, the nerves faintly evident as they threaten to cause your clear voice to shake.

"The acceptance speech for Spider-Woman of the Year as prepared by Jessica Drew, who regrets that she could not be here tonight to give this herself." You carefully continue, "I would like to express my humble, yet utmost gratitude for this award. It is my honor to serve and protect all inhabitants of the multiverse. A destined calling which I take very seriously. First and foremost, I would like to thank my darling husband and soon to be father of our child. You're my reason for it all."

As soon as those words escape your lips you look up to make eye contact with the audience and coincidentally lock right on the target you've been so anxiously awaiting since you stepped foot inside: Miguel O'Hara. Dark and chiseled and looking just as handsome as the day you met him, if not even better as his sharp tux was doing his physique all kinds of favors tonight, his brown tousled locks bringing it all together.

You nearly fold but rip your gaze from him back to the paper in front of you, realizing you have a job to do and knowing if you look into his eyes that the whole thing will come toppling down.

"In addition, I'd like to thank my mother and father for raising me and instilling the values in me of what it means to be a good person which no doubt has shaped me into the woman I am today. I'd like to thank my boss, Miguel O'Hara..."

His name feels odd leaving your lips, a chink in your armor that the audience surely caught by now if they weren't already up to speed on your scandalous reputation at Spider HQ.

You clear your throat, "...for believing in me. Thank you all so much for this prestigious award. I will try hard to live up to, if not exceed the responsibilities that this honor carries. Thank you."

A generous applause erupts and you give a modest bow and exit the stage, hustling for the fresh air of outside, hoping the calmness of the night will transfer onto you as you come down from your anxious high.

But, he's already waiting outside for you, leaning against a pillar, nursing champagne, gazing off at the deep lavender sky that's begun to set. He whips around almost if on queue and halts you dead in your tracks as you begin to abort the mission and leave inside.

"Wait..." he sighs and approaches you while you stay frozen. A deer in headlights.

"Please don't leave without me getting a chance to at least apologize to you." The corners around his eyes soften.

You stand there with a dry throat and slowly gulp.

"Look, I slept with Peter B. that night..," you blindly confess.

Miguel blinks, but his eyes stay locked on your shaking frame. "I know. But I don't care," he says flatly.

He pinches the bridge of his nose and turns away from you for a moment, then turns back around when he's ready to continue with his monologue, taking a step closer to you with every word he says,

"I'm sorry that I was too big of a coward to acknowledge how you felt. If I didn't want you to fuck Peter, then I should have made you mine the moment you confessed you really loved me too..."

He takes a deep breath, he's doing this for you. Damned if he doesn't take the leap right now. "Because the truth, is I've been suffering slowly this whole time. I need you..."

Your eyelids flutter, emotions building in your chest. He catches on and notices you're feeling it too, and his voice becomes more at ease as he continues to speak softly,

"Love hurts. And if I need to hurt to know what it's like to love you then I'll be cut a hundred times. I'll hand you my heart and let you shatter it all over again just for you to let me take you to my room after this and keep you until the morning, or as long as it takes for me to convince you that you're in love with me too.

I already knew you'd shake up my world the moment you came strutting in those ridiculous outfits just to get me to notice you. The moment I finally dared to kiss you and started fucking you like it was the only thing I knew how to do. Like it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. Like I was meant to do it. Like I needed the very essence of you burned into my body forever..."

Your breath has escaped you this time, the corner of your eyes threatening to leak. He's inches away from you now, looking down on you as the endearing height difference between you two creates the perfect image of two lovers standing frozen in time, loving words exchanged that will bond the pair inevitably that night and always.

"Like if all the words rearranged to describe every single thing about you that drives me fucking insane could no longer do you justice. Like if I could no longer speak and I just needed to show you with my cock instead..." he whispers, taking your chin in his fingers and slipping his other hand down your waist, the arousal intensifying at a dizzying pace in your core by now.

"Please don't let me suffer any longer. I want you for myself," he utters. Crimson eyes pulling you in and holding you there.

You nearly tackle him as you reach up and kiss him furiously. His hands fly immediately all over your body. The body he missed so much. The body he loved on for hours and hours, spilling his seed into it. Panting into each other's mouths, starstruck at this passionate reunion, there's only one thing left to do.

"Let's get out of here," you exhale, the champagne on your breath leaving an alluring taste in his mouth.

Miguel smiles, pressing a kiss into your forehead and sweeping you up bridal style. Heads turn as he carries you inside and upstairs to his room at HQ, the two volatile lovers reunited at last. But they never looked so good together. Never looked like they belonged together more than they did now. The year separation was the pull they needed to wind up back into each other's arms.

When you and Miguel get back to his dark room, it's a frenzy of ripped clothes and soft moans but he pauses when it's his turn to take off your burgundy satin dress. He breathes deeply as he lays both of his strong large hands on your shoulders, moving your spaghetti straps down under his palms, the silky fabric slinking off your body leaving you bare with your nipples poking deliciously out from the chilly air greeting it, except a pair of black panties which he's hooked onto his fingers and slid them down off your hips.

You're sat on the edge of his bed. Miguel gets on his knees and licks a stripe from the top of your mound to the middle of your plush belly with his tongue, eliciting a high pitched moan from you which goes straight to his dick, tenting it from his delicious naked outline that you can faintly make out in the dark. Relying on your taste and touch senses to guide you through this lust-packed night which amplifies the pleasure to mind boggling levels. You revel at the size of him, a year's time causing you to forget and wonder how you'll be able to take him this time.

He catches your back with his hand, letting you lay backwards slowly as he moves you up on the bed closer to the pillows so you can rest while he gets to work on you.

He skillfully uses his knees to part your legs, leaving you glistening and exposed for him to take.

He groans at the sight of you laid out for him.

"God, I fucking missed this..."

He begins to curl his fingers deep within you, laving himself in your arousal and making you arch your back and curl your toes. Your mouth falls open and you press your head forcefully into his pillows which galvanize you to a whole new level of desire when you realize they're laced with his divine scent of sandalwood.

Your gaze is suddenly interrupted when his pretty face looms over you, crimson eyes devoured by adoration of your over sensitive reaction to just his fingers.

"Open your mouth," he whispers.

You obey and a line of his yummy spit lands on your tongue. You moan as you taste it. The flavor a mixture of your chapstick, his minty mouthwash, and the champagne from earlier.

"So fucking good..." you whine, closing your eyes.

You're about to lose it right then and there when you suddenly feel empty. You look up with faint disappointment which evaporates almost instantly when you see Miguel squaring his big strong arms on either side of your head, shifting for a moment to use a spare hand to guide himself to you.

The stretch is painful at first and you cry out. He silences you with a passionate kiss, sliding his tongue tenderly into your mouth. He lets the soft fullness of his lips loosen you up, causing you to open your legs wider for him and buck your hips eagerly, needing to take him all at once.

He groans deeply at this welcome change in you. You surrendering to the fatal strokes of his cock. He tangles a hand in your hair and buries his face in your neck smothering it in wet kisses. His hips stall with an agonizing pull out, then slam back into you, the crazed love he felt for you in each delectable thrust into your pussy.

He continued, relishing in the way your hair decorated his pillows and the sounds of your soft moans reverberating off his walls. Pummeling into you with all the loving frustration he pent up for a year being deprived of you.

"Te amo..." he groaned into your ear as he filled you up completely. You let out a high pitched gasp as all the passion came to an even sexier conclusion.

"I love you more..." you whisper up at him, swimming in your post- orgasmic bliss and running your hands along his sweaty brow, coming to a rest on his chiseled jaw.

"Not possible." He shakes his head, beaming down at you. He rolls over and pulls you onto his chest, both of your bellies rising and falling as sleep quickly started to overcome you.

"Should we get breakfast tomorrow?" He asks in a drowsy voice.

"Yes please..." you sigh, your words slurring with exhaustion at the end.

And so you finished the night in each other's arms. Entertwined as though you never left. Moonlight leaking gently through and casting sensual light on the promising life you were beginning. Together.

----

🖤

[thequietkid-moonie]

How do shouko nishimiya, Kae, shouko komi, Satou Matsuzaka, Kazuya, Yumeko react when the reader kisses them and runs away?

Reader kiss them and run away

[ SCENARIO ] [ Nishimiya, Kae, Komi, Satou, Kazuya, Yumeko ]

[ A silent voice ] [ Kiss him not me ] [ Komi can't communicate ] [ Happy Sugar Life ] [ Pumpkin Night ] [ Kakegurui ]

Such a cute prompt ❤️ Recently we have become very romantic huh ~ I kinda like it ❤️

I feel like that drama and angst is more my thing, but I like getting romantic too uwu

Shouko Nishimiya

Shouko is really shy, she isn't too affectionate because the only thought of doing it makes her nervous and blushy, even if you two are already a couple

Being physicaly near to you already make her nervous but a kiss is a whole different thing, is more direct and intimate and it was taking a long time for her to even think on it (even when you two are couple)

It will be more easier to handle a kiss on the cheek or the forehead, is a soft and cute gesture, and still that makes her really flustered, but a kiss on the lips is to much for her, that kiss is more direct and is obviously an expression of love, in that case her mind go blank and she feel like her chest will explode for her racing heart, or maybe she will burn for the inmense blush on her cheeks

Shouko doesn't even notice that you had run away for some minutes, when she finally came to her senses she feel like she will faint because this is to much for her, slowly and shyly she touches were you had just kissed her with her delicate fingers and melt for the overwhelming feeling of happines and anxiety

If you were already a couple she will try to contact you, she is too nervous to go after you so after she calm down (at least a little) she will text you asking you were you are, not exactly knowing what to say (specially if this is the first time you two kiss, she want to see you but she can't bring herself to go to you). If you two aren't together yet then this is going to be different, she will be so nervious to even approach to you, she will be so anxious wondering why did you run away, trying not to believe that is for a bad reason (when Yuzuru find out about it she will insist that you actually like her too and that was why you did it)

If you had run away out of shyness then you two will have a hard time while trying to talk to each other (specially if you aren't a couple yet), none of you being able to say anything for your shyness, but if you did it for being mischievous or playfuly she won't fully understand it, and still it makes her flustered again while remembering it (but will ask you to don't do something like that again, it scared her)

Kae Serinuma

Kae is really shy when it come to romance, whenever she get clingy or affectionate she do it unconsciously otherwise she won't be able to do it

She doesn't mind it to much in the anime, but when is directly to her it make her really nervous, even if is just that things start to get a little romantic, it doesn't matter much if you two are already together or not

A kiss is to much for her to handle, if you surprise her with one she will be so shocked, her blush and nervous will grow slowly, if is on the cheek or the forehead it a just little shocking for her, but if is on the lips she will stop working, Kae will have luck if she doesn't just faint there

She just stare at you while you run away since she can't move, and even if she could she doesn't know what to do, the only thing she can bring herself to do is touch were you had kissed her while saying incomprehensible things, not even she understand what she is trying to say

She will have a hard time trying to confront you about it, she want to ask you why did you did it and why you did run away, but she can't even bring herself to look at you in the eyes, but if neither of you say something it would be your friends who force you to talk about it

If you two were already a couple later on she will shyly ask you about it still with an inmense blush, and probably will give you an small and soft kiss on the cheek (when she calm down about the whole thing she will rant about it with A-chan). But if you aren't a couple yet then she will be so hesitant to confront you about it, even if she likes you she just can't bring herself to do it (and you probably will be persecuted by Nanashima, Igarashi, Shinomiya and Nishina)

If you had run away out of shyness she will find it rather cute and probably brag about it to herself internally since she can't do it externally, too shy to do it, but still giggle at it. If is the case that you had run away for being mischievous she will get really flustered again, not knowing how to answer to that, specially if you continue teasing her, she will ended hidding her face with her hands and cling onto you (so you had no other option than hide her with a hug)

Shouko Komi

As much as she want she can't bring herself to show her affection and care for you, her shyness and anxiety always stop her and make her doubt about if she even should. It would take her a long time to finally even give a try, and even so it would be something little at first

Shouko is usually wary of her surroundings, mostly when she gets anxious, you will have to surprise her when she is distracted or relaxed, otherwise you aren't going to even get near without she noticing

By the very moment she feels you lips on her soft skin she panics, it doesn't matter if is a soft and gentle kiss, if you two are together or not, she panics, it isn't like she didn't like it, she does but she doesn't know what she is supoused to do now, she feels to overwhelmed by her shyness and happiness that she can't do anything

Honestly, if you weren't the one who run away she will, instead she just watch you run, it was like if time just had stoped for her, she is just unable to move, not to continue walking and neither to write down to explain what happen (not like she will be able to write exactly what happened)

She want to ask you about it but she can't, she will be the rest of the day too worried of it, wondering why did you kiseed her, and even more why you had run away, is that you were embarrassed of it? or maybe you didn't really wanted to kiss her? She is overthink too much that is obvious, everyone start to get really worried for her

It would be more easy if you are the one who approach to her to explain yourself, if you two are already together it would be more easy for her to ask you, and you can see her even a little eager to ask you, in the other hand if you aren't a couple yet then you will have to make efforts to talk to her otherwise she will be the one who run away this time

If you had run away out of shyness she can actually understand you somewhat and she will start to feel more relaxed about it, but if you did it for being mischievous she get nervous again, getting a little anxious of it wondering if you will do it again or what else are you going to do (but she feels a little excited somehow)

Satou Matsuzaka

Satou is super clingy and affectionate, she isn't shy at all and she doesn't have troubles with showing her undying love for the person she loves, so this kind of gestures would be more frecuent from her (even if you aren't shy)

Satou will be wishing to kiss you a lot, if she can she will do it all the time but if you are shy or don't feel to comfortable doing it she will back off (just least a little)

The moment you manage to surprise her with a soft kiss she really was shocked, when she feels your soft lips in her skin it's like the time has just stopped and the rest of the world has disappeared, for her only the two of you exist in that moment, only the two of you matter (specially if this is the first time you two kiss), it could be a small kiss or one more tender, one kiss on the cheek or on the lips, it doesn't matter too much for her, her reaction it will be the same

When you two get apart from the kiss she will be so busy melting on the overwhelming sweetness that she is feeling that she won't notice that you had started running away until you were far away enough for her to stop you, and even so when she get back to her senses she will start running to catch you

She isn't wondering why did you run away nor doubting you, she just doesn't want you to go, she wants to be in you arms, she wants to bask in your presence and express her undying love for you, she wants to kiss you again and again

If you two are already together then she probably will take this in a more playfuly way, she will be even be giggling and calling your name playfuly while running to you, but if you aren't a couple yet she will be a little more serious, mainly becouse this could be easily a love confession from your part and she doesn't want to waist any time when she could be finally with you

If you had run away out of shyness she will find it really cute, she will cling onto you while she rant about how cute you are, but if you did it for being mischievous she will be so flustered, she loves this side of you too and will be expectant of what you are going to do next

Kazuya Makino

Kazuya is more introvert and a little shy, so even if he want to be more affectionate he just can't do it directly, he tries to stay close to you but he still have some troubles to be more open with the affection

Whenever you take the iniciative to start this things you take him by surprise, everytime without a fail, so when you kiss him he get shocked, for him time stoped too but because he can't believe what have you just did, even before you had run away Kazuya is still trying to process what happened, he unconsciously caress where you kissed him and when he finally get back to his senses you were already gone

If it where a kiss on the cheek it would be more easy for him to regain his composure, he will trying to calm down while trying to act like nothing (even if he cannot stop smiling like an idiot), but if it was on the lips it would take more of him to calm down, there is an inmense blush in all his face and he is overthinking the kiss, wondering why you just run away after kissing him and even more since the sensation of your lips don't leave him alone

He will be so hesitant to talk to you about it (specially if you two aren't a couple yet), it would have to be Naoko who force him to talk to you since he doesn't do nothing more than putting excuses of why you had did it or how he seems to be too busy right now so he can't just go after you

If you two are already together it would be a little more easy for him to approach to you, and still he doesn't say much at first, even if is obvious that he want to talk about it, but if you two aren't together yet then he will be so hesitant and shy that he won't be able to even look at you on the eyes while talking to you

If you had run away out of shyness he can understand you, and he may even say it directly too to light up the mode a little, if it was for shyness it would make him feel more at easy and relaxed and he will be able talk about it more naturaly, but if you had did it for being mischievous he will get super flustered again and even flattered, he will start to sutter too

Yumeko Jabami

Yumeko is rather clingy and affectionate, she has no shame so she have no problem with showing her love and apreciation, it would be pretty common for her to have this kind of gestures with you

Although, she doesn't expect them much from you, mainly because she doesn't mind to much if you are shy or more reserved

She is bubbly and act inocent most of the time, so that could give you the opportunity to take her off guard when you kissed her, it surprise her, but not enough for her to go blank, her suprise is quickly replaced by excitment, if you did kissed her on the cheek or on the forehead she find it rather cute and and just make her excited, but if you had kissed her on the lips that will shocked her a little since this is more intimate, but still she gets really excited (and will be more distracted for it)

You had to react pretty quickly or else you won't be able to run away since she will cling onto you, but if you manage to run away that will surprise her too, she will just stare at you for a moment, watching you run while she enjoy the excitement your kiss leave her before she start running after you, she will follow you around the whole school if she needs

The fact that you had run away make her think of this as some kind of challenge, she think that maybe you had something on mind or you are being playfuly, and she isn't going to say no to the challenge

It doesn't matter too much for her if you are already together or not, her reaction will pretty much the same, although if you two aren't together yet then that will give her a little more of motivation to catch you

When she finally catches you she will kiss you too, and probably even give you more than one kiss before even thinking on asking you about it

If you had run away out of shyness she will find it super cute and rather funny too, and she will tease you non stop for it along side with ranting about your cuteness, but if you had did it for being mischievous then she will take this as a challenge, she can play this game too and it would became a little play between you two

[saellefanwork]

𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬

Kamado Tanjiro x DemonSlayer!F!Reader x (Past) Rengoku Kyojuro

Reminder: This Demon Slayer fic is rated Explicit (adults only) for canon-typical violence and, disturbing and explicit sexual content

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Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Fiancé

After the devastating loss of your fiancé, Rengoku Kyojuro, your world shattered irreparably. In your darkest hours, it was your cherished and devoted friend, Tanjiro, who became your anchor, vowing to care for you just as he had promised his late master. His love for you burned bright, carrying the hope that someday you might return his affections.

However, as you embarked on an intimate relationship with Tanjiro, your depression intensified, and the shadow of your past fiancé continued to haunt you every night.

Author Note: This work draws inspiration from "Whoever You Want Me to Be" by myprettydarlings on AO3. I highly recommend giving it a look. However, right from the beginning, this fic will take a different direction. Also, if you haven't noticed, this is rated explicit, so please proceed carefully.

Rest assured, despite all the heavy themes, this story will ultimately have a happy ending.

Warning Tags: Post Mugen Arc, Grief, Sad, Angst, Depression, Mental Breakdown, Toxic relationship, Dubious consent, Oral sex, Vaginal sex, Bottom Kamado, Top Reader, Orgasm denial/delay (someone doesn't finish), did I say sad already?

How long had it been since the death of Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Pillar? Too long, considering everything that had transpired since that tragic event. Yet, Tanjiro remembered it as vividly as if it had occurred yesterday – the fateful night when blood and tears had flowed like a river. The abyssal despair he had felt that moment could be summoned with just a thought. A sorrow that had found its equal only in your wails and cries, as if you were the one agonizing... and not your fiancé.

"Watch over her for me, Kamado my boy. She loves you as much as she loves me. And I already know that you adore her as much as I do," his master had whispered from his bloodied lips, not long before taking his final breath. His ruby and gold embers were dimly glowing in the light of the last sunrise he would ever see.

Every time Tanjiro contemplated this last wish, still freshly etched in his memory despite the passage of time, tears welled up in his eyes. Oh, how much he missed his Aniki. How mistaken this kind, brave, and strong man had been when he uttered those final words...

"Kyojuro!" you called out in despair, clutching the burgundy-haired Slayer’s sleepshirt, trying to rouse a reaction from him. You had just experienced a nightmare – the same haunting dream that replayed every night. A dream where your beloved would die, killed by an Upper Moon near a train crash.

You sought reassurance, but the person lying next to you seemed lost in thought, deaf to your pleas.

"Kyojuro!" you insisted, shaking him so forcefully that his hanafuda earrings jingled against the mattress.

Tanjiro snapped back to reality and gazed at you with a sorrowful expression. He finally pulled you into his arms, his hands gripping your back tightly, almost to the point of discomfort. How many nights had this painful charade repeated itself? He needed to summon the courage to confront you about this matter, and he had to remain resolute despite your resistance and distress. This could no longer continue.

"No, love...," he whispered to you gently but firmly. "It's not Kyojuro... it's Tanjiro. Rengoku-san is..."

Your eyes widened in shock, and you shook your head violently, pushing him away and covering your ears with your hands. "No! Don't say anything! Why are you doing this to me, Kyojuro? Reassure me like you usually do, please! I'm scared."

Seeing you in this state always shattered his heart. That's why he had been playing this role night after night. But recently, even during the day, you had started to mix his name with that of your deceased fiancé, despite you being the one who had asked him to go out with you after the funerals. Tanjiro had reached his limit. He felt that if he didn't stop now, a part of him would cease to exist for good.

"My love, please... I can't pretend to be him any longer... I can't take it anymore. I've done everything to replace him, but in the end, no matter what I do, I'm just Kamado Tanjiro."

He knew you could hear him, but you remained huddled within yourself, eyes closed, brows furrowed, and fists clenched above your ears. Despite his legendary patience, Tanjiro felt at his wit's end. He couldn't count how many times this scene had replayed itself. Desperation gnawed at him as he grasped your wrists firmly, attempting to coax you to face him.

"Please, just listen..."

"No!!"

"I don't want to hurt you either. I love you, and I wish to be with you, but I've tried everything, and your condition is only deteriorating. I don't know what else to do, so maybe we should sto–..."

To his awe, you broke free from his grip and forcefully pushed him down onto the futon, holding his hands above his head. Your raw strength took him aback. Despite the fact that you were a Slayer too, you had always appeared delicate, often relying on poison like your master, the Insect Pillar, did. Your eyes, locked with his, seemed haunted by an unspeakable fear.

The fear of him leaving you, just as Kyojuro had.

His heart skipped a beat when you pressed your mouth against his, in a kiss as passionate as it was desperate. This was unlike any kiss you'd shared before. While he knew he should have resisted, he couldn't deny the bittersweet, almost painful pleasure this deep and long-awaited kiss brought him. Instead of pulling away from your grasp, his fingers cautiously interlocked with yours.

You only briefly parted your lips from his, letting him catch his breath like a drowning man emerging for air in a turbulent sea.

"No, Tanjiro... There's one thing you haven't done yet," you whispered to him.

The Slayer's eyes widened, his heart pounding, thinking he might have misheard. You had just called him by his real name for the first time in nearly a week, and it was during the night, no less... although the circumstances were unsettling. Hearing his name on your glistening lips and seeing you look at him as if he were the center of your universe, he knew he was a goner. He loved you too much to leave you now.

Sensing that you could persuade him to stay, you resumed your urgent kisses that clouded his mind, while guiding one of his hands to your waist and the other to your chest. He gasped in surprise at your forwardness, his eyes wide open. He had never dared touching you like this before, and you had never invited him. At least, not while saying his name.

"Make me yours, Kyo – no, Tanjiro... don't hold back," you commanded him, a strange gleam in your eyes, as if you were oscillating between the realms of dreams and reality.

Tanjiro appeared hesitant, his voice murmuring your name with a bewildered expression. You seemed utterly desperate, mixing the name of the man you loved so dearly with his own, which he had longed to hear you whisper with the same affection... It was hard for him to deny you, considering he had desired you for as long as he had known you, though he'd always concealed his feelings.

As he stood there, frozen and indecisive, you took charge, deftly unbuttoning his nightshirt. His breath quickened, yet he offered no resistance. Soon, his muscular chest was bared in the soft moonlight. He was as well built as Kyojuro... although the man before you was shorter, and the scars adorned his frame in different places. Your hands roamed his torso, your current vision overlapping with memories of another body, one you could never touch again. To mask your confusion, you proceeded to undo your top. Still immobilized, Tanjiro's gaze followed your every move as you unbuttoned your shirt, revealing the binding encasing your breasts, which you hadn't removed before sleeping. He seemed to snap back to reality when you started to loosen them, his grip stopping your hands for a moment.

"Baby, I'm not sure if this is a good idea," he protested.

In response, you freed yourself from his hold and let the binding fall, uncovering your bust in one fluid motion. The coolness of the night air and the anticipation had already caused the pink tips of your bosom to harden. Jaws slightly agape, Tanjiro's gaze was immediately drawn to them, although he quickly forced himself to close his eyes to break the spell. He felt your lips on him once more, feverishly exploring his mouth and neck, as you guided both his hands onto your exposed skin. Instinctively, he gripped your breasts, pinching your prominent nipples between his fingers, and you moaned while sucking his tongue, sending shivers along his spine.

"Ha... K..."

You almost uttered "Kyojuro" again but stopped just in time. Tanjiro must have noticed because you sensed him tense under you. To divert his attention, you pressed your groin against the painfully hard bulge in his pajama bottoms. He groaned uncontrollably beneath you, and you felt the fever of desire taking over you even more intensely. He was more expressive than Kyojuro, which was a blessing. It helped to anchor your mind to reality and resist your delirium as best as you could.

Your hands descended to his abdomen, deftly untying the knot of his bottoms then your own. Tanjiro seemed to struggle to keep up with the pace of events. He wanted to slow it down, make sure you were fully aware of what was happening, while you did everything in your power to prevent him from stopping you, with the complicity of his desire-filled body. In a few swift movements, you rid both of you of your clothing. You were now fully naked, Tanjiro panting helplessly below you.

You once again pressed your groin against his, the warm and moist contact of your lower lips sliding sensually along his length, your core eagerly yearning to welcome him. Stars danced in his field of vision, and a dizzying sensation struck him, his blood flow entirely directed toward his rigid member, so stiff it bordered on painful.

While you reveled in his expression, almost tortured by pleasure, you decided you wanted more. You shifted from your seated position on him to settle between his legs, your torso descending along his body, your breasts briefly gliding around his manhood. The sight of his erection emerging from the soft curves of your chest nearly made him lose consciousness, yet nothing compared to what followed. You ran your tongue across his tip, gingerly lapping at the pre-cum oozing from it. He couldn't contain the powerful gasp that escaped him, swiftly replaced by a torrent of uncontrollable moans. The emotions and sensations he experienced were so overwhelming that tears started to well up in his eyes.

As he felt your warm lips enveloping him completely, your wet muscle tracing the veins of his member in a delicate exploration, a part of his mind wondered if you had ever done the same thing for Kyojuro. Did you ever position yourself between his likely longer and sturdier thighs to please him with your mouth after a gruelling mission? Despite his best efforts, a pang of futile jealousy squeezed his heart at the vision. He wanted to make you forget the taste of your former lover, be the last one you served in this way. He desired you to think of no one but him from now on.

His hand, without him realizing it, gripped your hair, pushing the tip of his manhood deeper into your throat. You clawed his legs in surprise, almost choking. Your inner walls clenched in need, growing wetter as your arousal peaked your juices trickling down your thighs. Kyojuro had never constrained you like this, yet you found yourself drawn to it, for the forced motions left no room for lingering thoughts. You allowed Tanjiro to use your mouth as he wanted, surrendering to the rhythm and depth of his thrusts. The tension in your shoulders relaxed as you surrendered completely to the sensation of his hard length pounding your throat, drunk on his pleasure-filled moans.

When you sensed that he was on the brink of climax, you broke free from his grip and shifted to a seated position above him. He let you settle on his lap, his eyes clouded with passionate longing and his cheeks flushed. Your gaze descended to his swollen testicles. You lightly caressed them, savoring Tanjiro's sharp intake of breath at the touch of your cold fingers. You craved for him to release his pent-up desire deep inside you, to feel the ecstasy of his peak as he spilled his essence within you.

With this idea in mind, you straddled him once more, capturing his lips fervently, and he surrendered without resistance. Aligning your two bodies, you slowly allowed yourself to glide along his shaft. As the sensation of your tight walls enveloping his manhood washed over him, Tanjiro moaned beneath your passionate kiss. Giving him no respite, you hungrily absorbed his sighs, sucking his tongue and biting his lips lightly. His strong hands gripped your waist almost painfully, following your descent until you were fully impaled upon him.

Locked in an intense gaze, both of you remained breathless from the novel and overwhelming pressure of your bodies merging. After a few moments of stillness, you tentatively began to move your hips. Tanjiro closed his eyes, releasing a guttural moan, his expression etched with exquisite torment. You felt the throbbing of his desire within you and instinctively clenched your muscles around him, eliciting shivers of pleasure from him. Gradually, you started rocking yourself rhythmically against him.

With each deep thrust, Tanjiro's hands roamed your back, tracing your curves and contours, as if committing every inch of your skin to memory. The room soon resonated with wanton sighs, sensual whines and soft gasps.

As the eagerness of your lovemaking continued to mount, Tanjiro's motions grew more urgent and fervent. He held onto your thighs with a tenacious grip, as though fearful of letting go, as if he dreaded that this moment might dissolve like a fleeting dream. Suddenly, he rose to his knees, altering your position slightly, drawing you closer as he took control of your movements. He lifted and pressed you onto his lap, intensifying the rhythm and depth of your union.

In this new arrangement, the soft tuft on his lower abdomen teased against your clit, and the friction immediately built an orgasm within you. Tanjiro whispered declarations of love into your ear as he fervently kissed your neck. His hair, which he had let grown at your request, cascaded in wild disarray, the tie that had restrained it almost completely undone. You tore the ribbon away entirely, allowing his crimson mane to flow freely over his shoulders, burying your face in their fragrant, woody essence. With each deep lunge, you felt yourself drawing closer to the precipice of ecstasy.

"Ah... Kyojuro!" you finally moaned, your muscles convulsing with pleasure, a shiver coursing you from head to toes. Although your voice was muffled, your partner heard you very well and let out a hurt gasp. He considerably slowed his movements, but you compensated by grinding against him even more, your instincts taking over as you milked your orgasm for all it was worth.

Coming to a stillness against him, you both remained wrapped in each other's embrace, chests heaving with each labored breath. Tanjiro didn't push you away, but his hold felt distant. Your nose was nestled in the hollow of his neck, preventing you from seeing his expression, yet you could perceive that something was amiss. Gradually regaining your senses, you loosened your grip on him, your gaze searching for his.

"Tanjiro…? Are you alright?"

Upon hearing his name, he turned his face toward you, a reflexive reassuring smile playing on his lips – an ingrained habit from his days as the eldest son of his family. However, the warmth that usually filled his gentle eyes was conspicuously absent.

"...Not really. Be careful, I'm going to withdraw," he cautioned softly.

With painstaking care, he helped you off his lap. You felt a peculiar hollowness without him inside you, but that wasn't your primary concern. Tanjiro's demeanor deeply troubled you. It was as though he wasn't even in the room anymore. Silently, the former charcoal burner draped a blanket over your shoulders. Instead of holding you close and savoring the tenderness that typically followed such intimacy, something you'd expect from someone as gentle as him, you watched in bewilderment as he began to put his Demon Slayer uniform back on. He even secured his sword to his belt.

You felt that if you didn't stop him right away, he would leave and vanish from your existence forever.

You seized his hand with all the strength you had.

"Don't go, please. You promised me, remember? You made that promise to him too, didn't you?"

"...I'm sorry," he whispered, gently yet firmly pulling his hand away. "I need some time alone. I told you, I tried to replace Aniki in your life already, to fill the void he left behind, but I can't be him... and tonight... you weren't with me."

Your complexion turned pallid, and you trembled. Witnessing you in such distress wrenched him; he was torn between abandoning you in this fragile state and acknowledging that he couldn't continue like this. He waited for several moments, hoping for a denial, an apology, any words from you, but you remained frozen. Because he was right; you hadn't been fully present with him.

Summoning heroic effort, even if it might have seemed pitiable or insignificant to an outsider's perspective, you compelled yourself to let him go. He was all you had left, but you knew you couldn't imprison him any longer.

Regret etched on his face, Tanjiro tenderly caressed your cheek and withdrew from the room without a word, gently closing the door behind him.

You were curled up in bed like a wounded animal, crying your heart out, when Shinobu came to find you a few minutes later…

I'm probably going to hell for torturing these characters so much lmao.

Don't forget to like / comment / repost, it always makes my day, and let me know if you want to be tagged in the next chapter's updates.

Next chapter: "The shadow of the mentor" (to be released in two days)

[thejessyami]

Invitation (Makisig x Anon)

Disclaimer: I do not own Makisig, or any other Planet Puto Characters that might appear later. They belong to @ask-emilz-de-philz

Anon on the other hand is you. So enjoy! 

Part 2 here : Invitation Part 2

Part 3: Invitation Part 3 (NSFW)

Standing along the shore, the waves playfully crashed at your feet, leaving behind a tickling sensation. The winds whimsically tousled your hair, pulling it in every direction possible, while your elongated shadow stretched behind you, painted by the sun as it tenderly kissed the horizon. SUNSET That beautiful scenery once again brought tears to your eyes. How many months had passed since the day you awoke from this very spot? The details of what happened here elude your memory, yet an unshakable feeling of forgetting something important lingers in your mind, perhaps someone dear.

”Be mindful of your step, binibini,” cautioned the man, his hand gently guiding you along an unfamiliar path. As you delve deeper into the dense forest, an escalating uneasiness settles within you. 

 ‘This is stupid’ you silently cursed, who in their right mind follows a man through the deepest parts of the woods? Breaking the silence, you couldn’t help but inquire ���Where are we? And where exactly are we heading?” pausing for a moment, you added with a touch of dark humor, “Don’t tell me you’re a serial killer who lured women into the woods and do away with them?”  

His audible chuckle raised your irritation; ‘did he just find amusement in your discomfort? "I assure you, binibini, that I won't do anything to you without your consent," he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Unless you permit it, of course." his last statement made you blush, and furrowed your eyebrows in impatience.

Sensing your shifting mood, he quickly apologized, “ My apologies, I didn’t mean to laugh,” his eyes filled with amusement, still annoyed you cut him off, demanding, “Where exactly are you taking me?” staring at him with a mix of irritation and disbelief, both of you came to a halt. Before you, stood the largest Balete tree you have ever seen. “Here we are.” he answered, finally addressing your question. 

“Here?” you questioned him once more, a hint of skepticism in your tone, "You're joking right?" just to ensure he wasn’t playing some elaborate joke on you, Unfazed by your inquiry and with his amusement seemingly unaltered, he replied, “To answer your question, Yes, this is the place and No, I''m not” You glanced back at the tree, a perplexed expression on your face, wondering why he had led you to this spot. It wasn’t the picturesque and exciting location you had envisioned when he asked you earlier, ‘How about I take you somewhere fun?’ 

~~Earlier~~

Observing the couple before you, wrapped in an intimate embrace, gives a bitter taste in every sip of your alcohol. “But I can’t swim babe!” She expressed, her eyes reflecting concern, “what if I drowned? Will you save me?” she playfully pouted. Mockingly, you mouthed her words, an ironic commentary on their conversation.

The man, already closely entwined with the girl, pulled her even closer. With a playful gesture, he touched her nose and reassured her, “what are you worrying about, babe? I won’t let anything bad happen to you! I’ll be your floatie in the water, so you won’t have to feel scared while swimming. "The girl squealed in delight, embracing the man tightly as he showered her with forehead kisses. 

Feeling a growing discomfort with their public display of affection, you couldn't bear to witness more of their cringe-worthy behavior. In irritation, you slammed the table. Startled, the young couple turned their attention towards you. “You’re going to break up eventually!” you uttered bitterly, glaring at them. They stared back in confusion, as if you had lost your mind. Before they could respond, you swiftly grabbed your purse and the half-empty bottle of beer. Choosing to leave the place rather than engage in a confrontation with the lovebirds. 

Stepping out of the bar, a brisk sea breeze caressed your skin, sending shivers down your spine with its chilly touch, The sound of waves gently crashing onto the shore serenaded your ears, while the scents of seawater and the sunset on the horizon provided a soothing ambiance. In your thoughts, you couldn’t help but murmur the word, ‘Pretty’ The tranquil scenery left you in awe, reminding you of the very reason you had chosen this trip destination. The same scenery you saw in an article that you just happened to come by while searching talks about the some local folklore of a mystical fading island called Biringan city. The peaceful panorama before you momentarily whisked you away from the reality and troubles that haunted you just days ago.    

Your peaceful moment ended suddenly when your phone, hidden in your purse, vibrated. As you checked the message, your mood sank “Mahal” the very person you hate to see or here right now.  “Mahal how was your trip? Are you enjoying yourself there? I’m sorry that I can’t go with you! My family decided to go to Bohol the same time as our planned trip and you know I can’t say no to them, I told you to re-schedule, but you still decided to go alone. Anyway, don’t forget to send me pictures! Oh, can you buy me some souvenirs for my family while you're at it. Thanks Mahal! I love you!”

Anger surges again within you as you read his insincere words, especially after you had carefully organized every aspect of the trip, only to be left alone at the last minute. What's more infuriating was the fact that this bastard is currently cheating as of this moment. A few days before the trip, a friend shared a photo of him telling you that they feel guilty of not telling you any sooner, in the image was him celebrating his first anniversary with another woman with the chocolate hills in the back ground. You felt both shock and heartbreak as you faced with the betrayal. The mix of anger and sadness grows, realizing that his family trip excuse was just a cover for his cheating.     “MEN ARE JERKS!” you shouted in frustration as you threw the bottle of beer onto the sea. As if amused by your outburst, a man chuckled from behind. Then said, “The bottle is innocent, Binibini, why must it suffer from your frustration?” you sighed heavily and turned to the source of voice you said, "It's none of your bus..." you abruptly stopped noticing the man standing not far away. "ness.." you continued, trailing off.

Captivated you scanned his features: Tall, Handsome, and Pale, but the one that caught your attention was his golden-hued eyes that shines brightly than the sunset behind. Unable to contain your admiration by the bewitching beauty of his eyes, you blurted out in almost a whisper “Pretty”. The man raised an eyebrow, inquired, “What’s Pretty, Binibini?”     “You... You're pretty.” Quickly realizing what you said, embarrassment set in, and immediately diverted your gaze, scolding yourself for the unexpected confession. ‘Gaga ka! Why tell a man he’s pretty!?’ again the man laughed, he began approaching, his smile never leaving his face. Once he was near, he spoke “It’s a first someone said I'm pretty, wouldn’t be handsome a more appropriate word?” You looked back at him, still feeling the lingering embarrassment. Now just a foot away, the height difference between you became apparent. He was not only handsome but also toweringly tall. His eyes, previously admired from a distance, drew you in even more up close. Their beauty amplified.    “I- it’s not like t-that!!” you stuttered. “I - i was referring to your eyes..”, you sheepishly defend yourself from your embarrassing remark. "Well thank you" he replied, a hint of pride in his tone. "Besides, being told I’m pretty wasn't so bad after all," he continued, as if accepting his status as the most attractive man in the world. Unable to contain your amusement, you laughed at the absurdity of your conversation.  

“You’re finally smiling,” he observed. Confused by his use of the word ‘finally’, you wondered if he had been watching you all along. Before you could ponder further, he added, “Now the word “pretty” suits you the best when you smile like that.” 

You found yourself slightly taken aback by his statement. “Are you hitting on me?” You asked, a mixture of jest and curiosity in your tone. “Just so you know, I’m not interested in looking for a partner right now, I prefer to be alone and have fun by myself,” you swiftly clarified, dismissing any notions of romantic interest. Especially not now when you are still hurting from the fresh wound your so-called boyfriend did.     “Well, I don’t think having fun by yourself is working,” he replied with a playful smirk followed by a shrug of his shoulders. “That’s unfortunate. Here I thought you could use some company, considering how grumpy you've been since you walked into that bar” he continued, his words catching you off guard. “Ever since I walked inside? Excuse me? Are you perhaps stalking me?” You retorted in disbelief. The man laughed at your accusation. “Oh no, please, I don’t do that. I was just sitting there, drinking and you caught my attention. I was merely observing,” he explained, his demeanor sincere. 

“That’s exactly what stalking means,” you replied, maintaining a cautious tone. “Well, how about this?” he proposed, emphasizing the word 'stalking' with a gesture. “How about I take you somewhere fun, as a sorry gesture for ‘stalking’ you?” 

You jokingly gasp “So you really were stalking!” you crossed your arms and looked away,” Well sorry to disappoint, I don’t follow strangers,” you asserted, making it clear that you don’t simply follow anyone. He chuckled once again. “Don’t worry, I won’t do you any harm,” he reassured you. Though you weren't particularly worried about potential harm, after all, you were taught self-defense by your overprotective father, but the idea of accompanying a stranger was still concerning. You looked back into his eyes, searching for any signs of malice. Finding none, a small part of you wanted to accept his offer. 

“What is your name?” you blurted out, unable to contain your curiosity. 

The man smiled warmly and replied, “Makisig.” 

~~ Present~~    A blinding light suddenly appeared, causing you to recoil in fear as you instinctively hid behind Makisig, clutching his clothes tightly. 'What the hell was that?' you thought, your heart pounding in your chest. Makisig remained composed, standing firm as if the unfolding scene was a routine for him. As the intensity of the blinding light gradually diminished, Makisig spoke calmly, "Don’t be scared, I’m here." 

"Excuse me?!" you exclaimed incredulously, your voice trembling with a mixture of fear and confusion. “Some unknown light just popped out of that tree, and you tell me not to be scared?!” you continued as your fear intensifies while you point into the light, demanding “And why aren’t you scared of that thing? What even is that thing!” Makisig jokingly pondered before responding, “A portal... Of some sort” pausing briefly.  

You gazed at Makisig in utter astonishment, a sense of bewilderment washing over you. “It’s ready, come and see for yourself” he urged.

you slowly let go of his shirt and distanced yourself, your eyes bore into his, silently imploring him for a more coherent explanation. The recurring thought echoed in your mind: Why are you here again? 

Sensing your hesitation, Makisig lifted his hand and extended it toward you, his voice reassuring, “Follow me, and I promise to make your time with me worthwhile.” A subtle smile played on his lips, his words weaving a persuasive spell, tempting you to surrender to the uknown journey he was leading you into.  

“What if I don’t want to?” you questioned, the air hung with anticipation as you waited for Makisig’s response, wondering how he would address your hesitation. “Then would you like to return?” Makisig calmly replied, fixing his gaze on you. “Just tell me what you want, I will respect your decision,” he said, gradually moving closer towards you “you can ask me to return you back to that place or...” he paused, then lean towards your left ear and spoke In a husky voice “or you can come with me and I’ll give you the pleasure of my company.” that last thing he said sent shivers down your spine. Your face and ears are now red from the provocative invitation.     He pulled back, his gaze locked onto yours, waiting patiently for your reply. His eyes held a depth of emotion, silently urging you to follow him inside. With an air of anticipation lingering between you, the decision weighed heavily on your mind, torn between curiosity and caution. You looked back at the light, then back at Makisig. You were already there, and the only question now was whether you could trust this man. 

“Well, binibini, what is your decision?” Makisig asked, his hand extended again in a gesture for you to decide. After all that you’ve been through in the past few days, what more could happen? Slowly, with a hint of hesitation, you raised your hand and accepted the hand extended towards you. “Okay,” you said, your voice steady despite the uncertainty. “I will go with you.” He grinned with satisfaction gently pulling your hand towards his lips for a kiss “A wise decision, Binibini” 

To be Continued

Author's note:

Hi, I was intending to make it a one-shot story, but for the life of me, I find it difficult to do so, Hahahahaha, Perhaps Its an excuse, but I feel that sharing the details of how they met first, before embarking on their upcoming journey, would provide a better understanding of the events. That's why the ending turns into multiple chapters for the story! Hahahaha. And sorry for the cliff hanger T-T    It’s been a long time since I wrote something, my last fanfiction was in 2014 (I was delusional with black butler at that time) and unfortunately after I was robbed of my computer that time (it's a very bad experience that i will not explain any further for your sanity.) I never picked up my pen again. If you noticed my Tumblr is empty, that’s because I normally use Deviant Art and Wattpad as my platform. If you are interested, then I will put the link below.    Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Jessyami  Deviant art: https://www.deviantart.com/jessyami/gallery

Also forgive me if there are any mistakes like spelling or grammar. Again, Makisig and any other characters that might appear later all belongs to @ask-emilz-de-philz.   They're really great artists! go and check out their blog! <;3 BLOG SITE: https://www.tumblr.com/ask-emilz-de-philz

[mrsreinhart]

Lili Reinhart - Grazia Italia Interview

In the cult TV series Riverdale we met her as an always fearless heroine, often forced to confront others and with herself. But even in real life American actress Lili Reinhart, 26, has often found herself having to look within to overcome difficulties.

At 14, when she was already determined to pursue a career in acting, she was diagnosed with a form of depression. Very young, she went through anxiety attacks and various kinds of difficulties, not least that body dysmorphic disorder that leads her to see herself differently from others and to suffer from some physical characteristics that she perceives in a distorted way.

Reinhart has therefore become the champion of the battles for mental health and for the acceptance of different types of beauty. She didn't hesitate to expose herself even to a global celebrity like the queen of social networks Kim Kardashian: the actress found that losing so much weight and in a short time to get into a dress that belonged to Marilyn Monroe was not a good example for her women who have difficulty accepting their body.

At the Women in Film Gala 2022, Lili then received the Max Mara Face of the Future award, dedicated to emerging actresses. «My family», declared Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, «has built a company that honors and celebrates women, above all in the arts. We wanted to award the prize to a young artist who embodies our values, but who is still evolving. What Lili is going in is an excellent direction to follow.

I meet Reinhart in Los Angeles, while she's curled up in the make-up artist's chair for Grazia's fashion shoot that you see in these pages. She remains seated for a long time with her legs pulled up to her chest, a position that evokes the tenderness of a little girl. But she talks to me about serious topics and does it with honesty and depth, even when it comes to revealing the most intimate aspects of her life. She became a global celebrity thanks to the character of Betty Cooper in the TV series Riverdale, which reached its seventh season.

Do vou ever think that the success of this role has somehow slowed down your career as an actress?

I am grateful to Riverdale for everything it has brought me. If I'm sitting here with her now, it's because of the success of the show. But at some point in life, it's time to move on."

Do you feel that you have something to prove to others or to yourself?

I've been acting since I was 12, l've come a long way since then, but I think I haven't yet fulfilled my potential. And this is a challenge for myself. I want the actors who inspire me to talk about me, I want to go far and deserve it. For the past seven years, I've been doing a teen show, Riverdale, with a style that isn't necessarily. what i prefer. But Riverdale it has been incredibly successful and takes up practically all my time, so it has been difficult for me to seize other opportunities

Have you had to make many job cuts?

Last spring I was offered a role that I wanted to play with all my heart, but unfortunately the dates did not reconcile with the filming of the show. It was devastating to say no.

What was she like as a child? Did you imagine that when you grew up?

| was an introvert, I lived in my own little world and I always felt a bit isolated. I think I have an old soul, with my peers I felt like a fish out of water and I didn't quite understand which was the right place for me. Just yesterday I was talking to my mother about when I enjoyed dressing up as a child. We had a box full of costumes we'd collected over the years, I even changed three times a day. I put on plays and plays for my family, I always wanted to perform. So, in the end, I moved on to the theater up to television and cinema.

Was performing a way of expressing yourself?

Some people are naturally outgoing, funny. I felt I could only be by performing. I was very insecure and acting gave me the opportunity to explore sides of my personality that I would not have known otherwise.

And i also brought out a very intimate and vulnerable side by writing a book of poems, Swimming Lessons: Poems ("Swimming lessons: poems").

Yes, it was a time in my life when I felt like I wanted to. to do something that came exclusively from me and over which I had total creative control. I was very nervous at first, because it was a bit like sharing a diary with people who were ready to judge it and judge me. As an actress I feel safe, as a writer I don't: hence the negative comments on mine. book strengthened my fears. I know that no one would have paid attention to my poems if Lili the actress hadn't signed them, but I never had the claim. to establish myself as a writer. I'm a romantic and I just wanted to share a different side of me.

Don't you think maybe you're too hard on yourself?

I internalize a lot, especially the criticisms. After all, poetry is the way I express my emotions. What I wanted to convey was not, "Look at me, I'm a writer." | wanted to tell the people who follow me that I am an absolutely normal human being: I have feelings, insecurities, I struggle and face life's challenges just like anyone else.

She has often spoken about her insecurities, especially physical ones, and is a spokesperson for the "body positivity" for the acceptance of all physicalities. Do you remember the first time dysmorphia, a disorder you suffer from,presented itself?

I have an average build and, when I began to get to know the world of fashion and clothes better, I met models with very different physiques from mine. There have been times when the clothes they offered just didn't fit me. So I said to myself: "Why don't I have a smaller physique?". When a dress designed for someone two sizes smaller than you doesn't fit, you start to think you're wrong and you have to do something to fit the clothes. But in a young woman these thoughts can hurt a lot.

I recently Today, however, she sees her photos everywhere. What does it feel? She likes herself?

I talked about this with my therapist. In fact, I feel like i live in a sort of perpetual comparison with other, more glamorous versions of myself. I started acting as a child and learned that my body is always changing. Today I accept myself more and judge myself less, however Hollywood doesn't want you to get old and puts pressure on you for it. Don't you think it's crazy that at 26 | worry about not having the same face as when I was 19? Of course I don't have it! Even the one in these photos is certainly a more beautiful version of me: I'm not like this every day. Constantly having to show a better image of ourselves can play tricks on us, because it can make us believe that our everyday version is not enough.

And how does she find a way to get everyone along these versions of itself?

I can't, they don't get along. There is my everyday self that reminds Lili of the glamor that looks like this only if she is surrounded by professionals who they make up and comb her hair. But I'm making peace with the fact that first I have to learn to be okay with each version of me. For example, I now have an acne breakout. Who sees them? Acne has always triggered severe mental and emotional distress in me. It makes me feel bad and makes it difficult for me to appear in public or take pictures without makeup because I know my skin would otherwise look different than everyone expects. Instead I should think that a rash doesn't take anything away from me, it doesn't define me. It's always me. Unfortunately it's a constant struggle: I live in a world that demands perfection and, at times, I think I've begun to demand it too. But then I think that everything happens for a reason and maybe the reason why acne always shows up on my face is because I have to learn to love every season my skin and my body go through because that's right. I'm a human being, not a mannequin.

I couldn't help but notice the tattoo on her right forearm: an arrow.

I did it around 18, 19. It represents my battle against depression: an arrow can only go forward if it is first pulled back. It's like saying that, once you hit rock bottom, you can only go back up.

In which direction is it pointing then?

Forward, always. My mental health has its ups and downs and this arrow reminds me that I always manage to get out of it, because I'm a tireless fighter.

But, during this fight, I hope she takes moments to appreciate what she has achieved.

I appreciate my battles, it is thanks to them that I am such a strong person. I wouldn't change anything about me. Having had the experience of depression leads me to experience moments of joy more intensely and makes me establish healthier and deeper relationships. The moments of discouragement have taught me so much about myself and it is right that I experience them and face them when they arise, rather than trying to escape.

She was cast as the Max Mara Face of the Future. How does this recognition make you feel?

It's a complicated feeling to explain. It's hard for me to accept that people see me this way. I almost feel like I have imposter syndrome, because I don't think I've shown my worth as an actress yet. I have exposed myself as an activist for body positivity and mental health, but in my work I think I haven't given my best yet. I'm waiting for that opportunity, which is on the horizon, but l'm waiting. So to receive the award before I've even been able to demonstrate what I think I can do as an actress is very encouraging. And I'm grateful because this recognition makes me understand that l'm already doing something good.

-Credit to lililovebots on Twitter for posting the interview.

[rickmymanrick]

rick’s POV(ch 6 | one rule)

here's a little look at what's going through rick's mind after the lori/shane bombshell. this should give more background to rick and daphne's 'relationship' before the fall.

also take it easy. this was written very quickly without much revision. just a fun little dive into rick's thought process during this scene

"Oh, really? Does a brother fuck your wife?"

I didn't understand what Daryl had said at first. The shock kept me rooted in my spot as he scoffed and then stormed off into the trees.

Does a brother fuck your wife?

A rage crept in as Shane began to shuffle uncomfortably, mere feet away from me. He wasn't even trying to deny it.

"She... Lori... she thought you were dead, man."

I suddenly knew this wasn't just sex. The first thing he'd done was defend her honor rather than his own. Was he in love with her?

My jaw clicked as I clenched my teeth together angrily. The betrayal was almost enough to blind me in rage. Our marriage was on the rocks for almost a year before my coma, but we were still married. Someone I'd trusted with everything knew the mother of my children intimately.

"Did you?" I bit out. After all, he was the one who had last seen me at the hospital.

"You heard 'em. I—I tried, Rick! I saw you every chance I got—"

His words flew into one ear and out the other. I couldn't think of anything but how much I wanted to knock his teeth out.

"—we were comforting each other the only way we knew how—"

Holding onto my sanity was surprisingly difficult. I always had a feeling Lori had her affections directed elsewhere. All our arguments and fighting, the things she'd say in front of Carl— the thought of infidelity wasn't out of reach. I'd even come to accept the possibility of it, because outside of my house, I wasn't doing much better. Could I even be upset with her? I never cheated on my wife, but my attention had been fixed on another for quite some time.

"I thought you were gone." It was the only thing I could manage to say, if I wasn't going to send my fist flying into his face, at the very least I could try to express the hurt. He needed to know that this broke everything we had.

"After I woke up in that hospital bed, when I saw what the world had become. The first thing I thought about was Carl and Lori. And then you. Our unit. For a moment, I thought you were all dead—" The words got stuck in my throat as I recalled the horrible thoughts that plagued my mind when I woke. How I mourned my best friend.

I could barely stand to look at his face. My eyes stung and I forced myself to look him squarely. He did this to me. He did.

"Our marriage... fell apart a long time ago," I shook his head and clenched my jaw. "But that doesn't make this okay."

He knew this already. Hell, if I recalled correctly, it was the grand topic of our final conversation before the world went to shit.

Shane was normally so outspoken, always had a goddamn thing to say. A quip. A disagreement. Always something.

But now he was deadly silent, guilt must be brewing in him. Good.

I was only able to push the murderous thoughts out of my mind when I remembered that my son was only alive because of him and Daphne. It was the only thing sparing him. From what? I wasn't too sure.

"I appreciate what you did. Saving 'em. I owe you everythin' but—" I forced through my teeth, digging my nails into my palms.

In this moment, I realized I couldn't confront Lori. I couldn't destroy whatever semblance of family we had left. It's a miracle we were still alive and that we found each other. That I found my boy.

We're still out in the woods, unprotected and exposed. Tomorrow was not promised. And until it was, until I could guarantee my family would live to see more sunrises, I couldn't destroy what they had built here. Otherwise, we would not survive.

"I get it, man. I'll go back to camp."

"Uh— yeah, yeah," I said dismissively. My anger could only hold off for so long.

As soon as he stomped away, I allowed myself to glance at his retreating back, confirming what I suspected since yesterday afternoon. The look on his face— the shock of seeing me— it wasn't happy. Maybe, just maybe, part of him wanted me gone for good.

The thought sent my fist barreling into the nearest tree trunk, a frustrated yell tried to escape but I kept my lips firmly shut. I didn't need Shane coming back, if he cared at all that is.

Somewhere in the jumbled thoughts that were fighting to make some sense of anything in my mind, I remembered the one thing that had brought me any type of comfort when Lori and I would argue. Which was practically everyday.

"How long you been there?" I asked softly. I knew she would hear me. I'd seen her brown eyes through the bush as Daryl led us farther from camp.

The branches rustled a bit.

"I was here first," her voice was defensive. I couldn't blame her. Witnessing what she just witnessed.

I tried to spot her curls through the bush but she seemed to have camouflaged herself within the leaves.

"You were. I saw you just before Daryl left."

And out she finally came, her cheeks flushed and her hair in a bit of a disarray, but the sight of her brought back memories from the station. At work, she usually had her hair pulled back, two curls framing her face while she sipped a steaming hot coffee. She was always there before me so I would choose the long way to my assigned desk, which was in a completely different wing, just to catch a glimpse at her. The sight of her was a breath of fresh air after rough nights of arguing with Lori. Daphne had an aura to her that made just about everyone gravitate to her. Bitterly, I also remembered that Shane tainted most of my memories of Daphne Ayala.

Always lingering around her desk, conveniently posed right in front of her whenever I would walk in. It wasn't odd for her to be busy with another officer, most of the department had a crush on her as grown as we all were. But Shane's appearances always seemed deliberate.

"I was picking berries. Found the patch a few weeks ago," she explained, showing me her pouch of fruit.

How odd it was to see her outside the precinct. Her hair was down, curls reaching her lower back as she brushed them away from her eyes. Eyes that weren't framed by her usual eyeliner style.

She looked so jarringly beautiful in a world so terribly gruesome.

I hoped my anger would mask how unsettled I was that we were actually speaking, after years of observing her from afar. Did she know I was as hopelessly attracted to her as nearly everyone else in the KCPD?

"I can leave you alone."

I realized with a jolt I've spent so much time staring that I'd forgotten to speak.

"I'll go back to camp—"

"No." I said more assertively than I meant to. I didn't want her to slip away again. She was always a mystery I wanted to solve but I forced myself to stay away. Despite the problems at home, I was still married. And now? Well, it was all in shambles.

"Oh, um, okay."

"Do you..." What am I trying to say? My mind went blank. But I looked at Daphne's eyes obscured by her curls and her work updo came to mind. And then her shadow, Shane. "Did you know?"

"No," she said looking rather uncomfortable.

"I keep wondering... if I have the right to even be upset. I wasn't a good husband to her, I know this, and you're the last person I should be telling this to but—" I cut myself short, the words slipping past my lips before I could think them through. I practically gave myself away and it was wishful thinking to hope that it had flown over her head. Daphne was a detective for crying out loud.

"It's fine. I know this can't be easy for you. To wake up to... this."

I scoffed. It wasn't easy to see the world flipped upside down sure, but the most selfless person was standing right in front of me. The one who had saved my family's lives at the risk of her own. She was keeping them and the rest of the camp alive. People she didn't even know.

"I woke up and the hardest part was done. Seeing the world change— changing with it— becoming the leader of a group you had no responsibilities or ties to. You, you did the hard part."

She seemed taken aback. "Oh— did Shane—?"

"Shane didn't hafta tell me nothin'. Lori and I talked last night. She told me everything that happened since the day I got shot." Saying their names left a bad taste in my mouth. "I guess I have a lot to be thankin' you for. You saved my family. That is something I will never be able to repay."

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have my gratitude."

"Carl's a great kid. And Lori's my friend. I would do it a million times over."

She's a goddamn angel. I studied her face in awe, something I'd never been able to do in the years I admired her from afar. There was just something about her.

Her nose crinkled awkwardly as her brown eyes struggled to look into mine. Her lips turned up into a tiny smile. I had to remind myself that I'm married and step away respectfully before it got weird.

I brought myself to the ground, legs feeling weak from everything I'd endured in the past 48 hours. Daphne sat next to me.

"What... what do I do?" I asked her quietly.

She's a detective. She's light years smarter than I'd ever be.

"You're asking me," she said carefully.

I shrugged and looked at our surroundings obnoxiously.

"I can't really tell you what to do, Rick."

I rolled my eyes as I thought of Shane's guilty expression. "What I really want to do is break his jaw in. Watch him choke on his teeth."

"He deserves it," she agreed with an irritated tone.

Now that I thought of it, I hadn't seen Shane and Daphne interact once. A stark contrast to his relentless pursuing day in and day out at work. Maybe they had a falling out.

I sighed. "I don't know how to go on. How to look him in the face. We were brothers," I got angrier as I went on. "He was my best friend. He knew."

"He knew?"

"He was the one person I confided in. I told him about Lori and I. I told him when things started going south. I never thought in a million years I'd have to worry."

"We never do. They fill our heads with all these stupid promises and reassurances just to stab you right in the back anyway," she said.

I would've paid more mind to her comment but I was too wrapped up imagining how Lori and Shane would sneak off. How she'd leave Carl alone with people she barely knew.

Carl.

He's wrapped up in the middle of this. I'm sure he noticed all the fights between us. Lori never bothered to keep our discussions private. But even if I entertained the thought of just destroying whatever was left of our marriage, I couldn't do it now. Not while he needed his parents more than ever.

"Carl... he's so young," I expressed. I felt guilty that I was rambling so that's all I said. I wasn't sure why I was telling her so much— I'm not a particularly open person— but it's easy to talk to her. Natural even.

"Rick, the world isn't the same anymore. It doesn't excuse Lori's actions or Shane's, but all of that doesn't matter so much when you're trying to keep yourself from getting eaten by dead cannibals. I can't tell you what to do but in the grand scheme of things, I think Carl will learn to understand."

She's right, I thought. But things were too unstable, we were living life one day to the next... it had to wait until we weren't constantly looking over our shoulders.

I stared at the blueberries, willing myself to think of anything else.

"I've been thinking about the man we left behind," was the first thing I could think of. The guilt kept me up half the night.

Daphne looked over at me with a shocked expression. "You can't be serious."

Her reaction made me frown. "It isn't right. Leaving him up there to die."

"He would do the same to any of us. You just escaped the city. Survived alone against all odds. You're willing to risk that for a douchebag like Merle?"

I was confused, more shocked than anything. It didn't sit right with me— it was practically murder. She must know this. Douchebag or not, it would stain us forever if we left the man to cook in the sun.

"This— what we have here— this is what we focus on. It's unfortunate but Merle dug his own grave. It isn't worth risking your life, Rick."

No, I wouldn't accept that. And I didn't think she could live with that either. My face twisted uncomfortably as I tried to rationalize. She's right that it would be putting my life on the line, but it would kill not only me, but her, if I don't go. All those years of watching from a distance, I knew she had a big heart.

Her callousness and the iciness in her tone was so different from her usual behavior. I didn't like it, but I could see she was looking out for me—

"MOM! DAD!"

The words disappeared from the tip of my tongue. We both shot up with only one thought in mind— Carl.

[clonesimpextra]

A Shattered Peace: Chapter 11

Like Old Times

[previous][next]

Pairing: Commander Wolffe x FemJedi!OC Word Count: 6.3K Chapter Rating: T Chapter Summary: Wolffe confronts some strange feelings as he adjusts to life without his co-commander. A/N: Y'all. It's been so long and I am so sorry! This chapter isn't very long, but it does have some pretty important stepping stones. We're finally getting to more familiar territory for Wolffe in TCW! Also available on AO3

Regardless of what anyone else might say, Wolffe was not a stubborn man. Not always, anyway.

Most of the time he was reasonable and fair and if that sometimes got confused with “strict and annoyed” because of the expression on his face … well, he wasn’t sure how that could be considered his problem. Wolffe was a man who made a decision and stuck to it, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Which was what he kept telling himself as he sat in the corner of his regular booth at 79’s and pointedly refused to look in the direction of the 414th battalion.

Amara’s battalion.

There weren’t many moments in Wolffe’s, admittedly short, life where he could remember being jealous. He’d never had reason to be, never been with a person long enough or intimately enough to even humor those types of feelings. He sought out comfort, release, a moment of respite. Found it. Left.

That was how it had always been for him.

Amara had been different, sure. Not just a moment, but moments, plural. Nothing physical aside from the pull in his stomach and his mind, the Keldabe in the med-bay. He had no claim over her, was beginning to realize that maybe he never had.

So why the fuck did the sight of dark blue paint jobs, her new color to replace the 104th maroon, feel like a kick to the gut?

It didn’t help that their very presence in this bar reminded him of when he’d seen her just the other day. Laughing with them. Joking with them. Sparring with them the way she used to with the 104th. With him.

He’d seen the glint in her eyes as she squared off with the pilot, her muscles relaxing the way they always did before a fight. For a moment, as he had stood in the doorway of the training room, he could almost imagine that she was with the 104th. That the pilot was one of their men instead of just hers. He almost walked in, cheered her on.

But then she’d smirked, said, “Ready for this, Starbird?” and he’d blinked. Stepped back. Walked away clinching his fists. A nickname? Had she ever used a nickname with the 104th? He honestly couldn’t remember and that made him feel worse. Amara was gone, physically, and now the memories of her were slipping away almost as quickly as the nightmares that had plagued him since she’d left.

So maybe he was jealous. Maybe he was stubborn. That didn’t change the fact that Commander River and his men were di’kuts and Wolffe didn’t trust them with Amara’s life. He didn’t trust them with her at all.

Did he even know them, personally? No, but that was beside the point. They weren’t the 104th, and that was what mattered.

“Heard your co-commander got promoted, re-assigned.” Fox’s words broke through Wolffe’s thoughts and he raised a brow. “That why you’re so sulky tonight?”

Wolffe shrugged, forced down the bitter ale. “That was a week ago.”

“You didn’t answer my question, brother.”

“I try not to make it a habit to bother answering irrelevant questions,” he set his glass down with a pointed glare, “brother.”

Fox chuckled and glanced over his shoulder at the 414th, Wolffe scowled at the wall. “I could tell you about them if you want. Not sure if that’d make your jealous shebs feel better or worse, though.”

“Wouldn’t make a difference either way, seeing as I don’t care about them. I have enough on my mind with my own men anyway.”

Besides, he already had all the information he needed if he ever wanted to know anything about the so-called “Four-Fourteen, Elite Clone Battalion.” He may or may not have walked away from the training room the other day and immediately commed Cody to ask for their files, and he may or may not have claimed it was because he wanted to be prepared to work with them if Generals Plo and Kora teamed up in the future. That hadn’t exactly been a lie, it was a distinct possibility. Wolffe pushed away the though with a grimace.

The point was, he’d never opened the files. Hadn’t gotten further than his finger hovering over the first document before guilt pushed its way past the jealousy and settled in the pit of his stomach. 

Amara didn’t deserve his snooping and his prying. However angry he was at her, however betrayed and confused he felt, there had been a respect between them — a respect she still deserved. No matter which battalion she was with now, she’d once belonged to the 104th. Once belonged to the only thing in this galaxy that was his, and he trusted what was his. Always. 

Turned out he was just as stubb— determined in his guilt as he was in everything else.

“You know,” Fox turned back to him, shit-eating grin gone, “you never talked about her. Not once. That’s how I know you like her.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, you di’kut. Bly talks about General Sec—”

“First of all,” Fox practically yelled over him and the music, “you and Bly are nothing alike.”

“That’s for damn sure,” Wolffe grumbled into his glass.

Fox ignored him and continued on. “Second of all, I didn’t say how you like her, so don’t get all pissy on me.” He tapped the table until Wolffe finally looked back up at him, face serious. “I know how you are, Wolffe. You bring someone up, it’s to complain about how much they annoy you. What I’m saying is that you never brought her up. And, I don’t know, seems to me like maybe that’s worth focusing on more than whatever the hell it is you’re focusing on instead.”

Wolffe glared at his brother. Fox rarely talked like this. Rarely cared to get involved in anyone’s personal lives more than strictly necessary. Because of that, Wolffe sometimes forgot just how damn perceptive he could be. That apparently wasn’t a gene they all shared.

For the first time since he’d initially clocked them, Wolffe looked over at the Four-Fourteen. She wasn’t with them, and that simple fact lightened something in his chest just as much as it weighed it down. When she was with the 104th, Amara had never gone to 79’s, even though the boys had begged her time and time again. She’d told Wolffe once that she didn’t want to impose, wanted them to have at least one space that was just for them. The men wouldn’t have cared, but Wolffe knew what she meant. Respected her more for that decision. 

Part of him had wondered if a new battalion would change that, was prepared for what it would mean if it had. But now, watching her new men enjoy a night out, knowing she was probably back at her office worrying about whatever mission they had coming up, he wished she was there. He didn’t entirely trust his reasons for why. 

He flicked his eyes from clone to clone, wondering who she might be closest to already. Apart from their armor, so many of the Four-Fourteen looked exactly like him — the commander especially. He wondered if Amara saw him when she looked at her new commander, or if his face had already melded with theirs in her mind. 

He didn’t think he was as replaceable to her as he was to the GAR, she’d told him as much many times before. Would the distance between them ever change that? 

The distance you helped create, his mind spat at him.

Wolffe sighed and sank back into the booth, tearing his gaze away from his replacement and ignoring Fox’s shaking head.

This was why he hated 79’s. Too many reflections of his own damn stupidity staring him straight in the face.

*****

Wolffe grit his teeth as he swung at the bag in front of him, laying his frustrations out with his fists.

It wasn’t that long ago when training the 104th had been easy, enjoyable even, with Amara by his side. General Plo, good as he was, wasn’t always available to help with the more technical aspects of training, but Amara had always made time. They’d split the tasks, one taking over the more difficult when the other was showing signs of annoyance. Wolffe hadn’t realized how much he’d grown to rely on that until he didn’t have it anymore.

Now, with the full task of training half an entirely new battalion weighing solely on him … he needed an outlet at the end of the day. And if, when his fist connected with the navy blue protective cover of the punching bag, he sometimes imagined the Four-Fourteen? Just an added bonus.

He squared up, ready to aim another blow, when he felt something in the back of his mind. Something all too similar to the warmth he’d associated with Amara over the past several months. Something pulling his gaze over his shoulder just before a pair of small montrals poked around the corner of the training room door.

“Wolffe!” The unmistakable trill of Ahsoka’s voice softened Wolffe’s annoyance before his eyes caught on to the woman next to her. “Amara, you didn’t tell me Wolffe would be here!”

“I didn’t know.”

Even if he hadn’t been staring at her so intently that he caught the subtle twitch of her brow, Wolffe would have heard the lie in her voice. Before he could think on that more, though, Ahsoka ran up to him, stopping short of the hug that used to be her regular welcome.

The first time Wolffe met Ahsoka, he’d been visiting 104th men in the med-bay after Nivek. He hadn’t even noticed her until she was standing right next to him, peering up at him with the far too wise eyes that all the Jedi seemed to have. She was the first child Wolffe had ever met who wasn’t a clone, and he wasn’t quite sure how to act. He did, however, know the med-bay policies.

“Younglings aren’t allowed in here.”

Her wise eyes turned into a hard glare. “I’m not a youngling.” She hesitated, glare slightly less effective. “At least, I won’t be for long. And besides, I’m with Master Plo. To learn about the war.” 

Wolffe grunted, a sound everyone around him was used to hearing but which made the young girl noticeably jump. His lips twitched and he turned away. “Maybe come back when you have a little more bite to your bark, eh?”

Before he could walk to the next bed, he felt a firm tap in the space between his pauldron and his back armor. He turned around sharply, ready to march the little brat out of the med-bay on his own, only to find himself staring at a pair of pearly white fangs set in the midst of a menacing grimace.

Wolffe jerked back and the little Togruta took a step forward. “I think I have plenty bite. Eh?”

The men around them stared on, the only sound in the room the beeping of the machines and the whirring of the med droids. Wolffe didn’t like the idea of a youngling getting the better of him, but she had guts. He’d give her that.

Wolffe cleared his throat and nodded at her. “What’s your name, anyway?”

She smiled at him, fangs hidden away once more. “I’m Ahsoka Tano. Togruta, by the way, in case you didn’t get that.”

He rolled his eyes, itching to get away but staying still because he had the distinct feeling General Plo was staring him down behind his mask. “I know what Togruta look like, thanks.”

Ahsoka shrugged, walking around him to stand next to one of the bed-ridden soldiers who, Wolffe noticed with a smirk, inched closer to the other edge of the bed. “If you know what Togruta look like then you shouldn’t have been surprised by my fangs.”

Wolffe stared at her, wondering what he’d ever done in his life to deserve so much sass from something so small. “I wasn’t—”

“I’m just saying, commander,” she looked back up at him and put her hands on her hips, sounding much older than she was, “you should really make sure you know more about Togruta if I’m gonna fight with you one day.”

Her words, said so determinedly, brought Wolffe up short. And when he looked back at General Plo, he saw the sudden tension he felt in the set of the other man’s shoulders. In the few minutes he’d known her, Ahsoka Tano had annoyed him, frustrated him, impressed him. She’d also reminded him that he and his brothers weren’t the only ones fighting this war. If they didn’t end it soon, this small, ferocious youngling (even if she didn’t want to be called one, that’s what she was) would be fighting it, too.

As he watched her talk with all the soldiers in the med-bay, slowly making them forget about, or at least ignore, the pointy fangs in her arsenal, Wolffe decided that he’d do whatever he could to keep that annoying brat safe. If she belonged to the 104th’s general, then she belonged to the 104th. Simple as that.

Except, as with most things in this war, it wasn’t. Not by a long shot.

The months passed and, though Ahsoka visited them frequently whenever they were on Coruscant, she never became General Plo’s padawan; she never joined the 104th. Of course that didn’t really matter to Wolffe or the rest of the boys. She was an honorary member of their team, and if she wasn’t with them all the time, that just meant she was safe from the war. It was less to worry about and Wolffe preferred it that way. Even if he did find himself missing her sarcastic remarks sometimes.

Now, he was just thankful she could be a barrier between him and Amara.

He glanced down at Ahsoka, raising an eyebrow. “The general know you’re here?”

She rolled her eyes, a habit he liked to think she picked up from him. “He’s the one who sent me. Besides, it’s not like I’m here alone. Amara’s with me.”

Wolffe kept his eyes on her as she beckoned Amara closer. “Master Plo’s busy so he asked her to show me around the training facilities. Since I’ve only ever really been to the med-bay and offices, I guess.”

“Why now?”

Ahsoka shrugged and glanced up at Amara who, Wolffe noticed when he finally dragged his eyes back up to her, was already staring at him.

This was the closest they’d been to each other since the briefing room on the Resolute (his brief glance at her in this very building a few days earlier didn’t count, Wolffe decided). He wasn’t sure why, but he’d expected her to look different. For some physical part of her to reflect the new distance between them. But the woman standing in front of him was relatively unchanged from a week ago. Maybe she stood a little taller. Maybe the bruises from Tibrin had faded. Maybe her deep brown eyes looked a little sadder. But she was still just Amara. His Amara.

She was never yours, a voice in his head whispered and he blinked, taking a half step back while pretending to ignore the way Amara pursed her lips at his movement.

“You know Master Plo,” she said, finally moving her eyes away from him and down to Ahsoka. “He just wants to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for whatever may come.”

Ahsoka grimaced. “That’s assuming I ever even become a padawan.”

Wolffe watched Amara’s lips twitch around a smile, an ache in his chest when he realized he couldn’t remember the last time she’d smiled at him. She opened her mouth, but Ahsoka flapped a hand at her before she could start talking.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. ‘Patience, Ahsoka. Everything will be as the Force wills it.’” She crossed her arms and mumbled, “I just wish the Force would hurry up a bit.”

Amara did smile then, tilting her head toward Wolffe she whispered, “I blame this on you.”

He huffed out a laugh before he could stop himself. “She was like this long before I ever met her. You should know.”

Their eyes met and something in Wolffe shifted. This was how it was supposed to be — joking and lightheartedness in the rare moments of peace when they weren’t on the battlefield. This was how it had been. And, looking at her now, he couldn’t really remember why any of the rest of it mattered.

“Riv! There you are.” Ahsoka’s voice interrupted the moment, pulling Wolffe’s attention to the clone walking toward them. Ahsoka looked between the commanders. “Do you two know each other?”

Wolffe tried not to let his eyes narrow too much as the other commander smiled down at Ahsoka before turning to him. “Can’t say we do, but you’d be hard pressed to find a clone in the GAR who hasn’t heard of Commander Wolffe.” He reached an arm out, nodding.

Wolffe did not want to take the other man’s arm. He didn’t want to make nice with someone who was, essentially, his replacement in Amara’s life. He wanted to cross his arms, stare the commander of the 414th down until he turned away and left and everything could go back to the way it was.

He wanted and wanted and wanted. 

But if there was one thing Wolffe could thank his upbringing for, it was that he was used to barely even getting what he needed. There was no room for ‘want’ in war. There was only ever what was and what wasn’t.

So he grabbed Riv’s arm, wrapped his gauntleted hand around a vambrace painted navy blue, and squeezed a little tighter than strictly necessary before letting go and taking a careful step back.

There was a beat of silence between all four of them, Amara glancing between him and Riv. She was going to say something; he could feel it and he didn’t want it. Whatever words were about to come out of her mouth to try and make this situation less awkward, less hurtful, Wolffe did not want to hear them. He was perfectly fine knowing he was being ridiculous without someone else giving voice to it.

“The Four-Fourteen’s actually—”

A trill of beeps interrupted Amara, and Wolffe thanked whichever Kaminoan created him as he watched her frown down at her comm.

“This could be the Council,” she spoke directly at Wolffe, eyes narrowing just enough to let him know she wasn’t done with him yet. “I’ll be right back. Ahsoka, stay here with the commanders.”

Amara walked out to the hall and Wolffe was about the follow, turn the opposite way, leave all this behind him. It wasn’t like he didn’t have other things to be doing right now, anyway. He cleared his throat, ready to make an excuse, when Ahsoka nudged his arm with her shoulder.

“So Wolffe,” she said, a little too innocent for his liking, “are you jealous of the Four-Fourteen? Now that they have Amara?”

He stared down at her tilted head and wondered what his life would be like if General Plo had never brought Ahsoka into it. A little more peaceful, probably. “I have no reason to be jealous,” he shrugged. It was true enough. He didn’t have a reason to be jealous, not really. Didn’t mean he wasn’t also lying through his teeth right now. “General Kora was needed elsewhere. That’s just how the war works.”

Ahsoka scrunched her forehead, white markings creasing closer together. “Ok, but I know you miss her. She misses you, too.” She smiled over her shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Riv?”

For the first time since Amara left the room, Wolffe looked at the other commander. Riv was shaking his head, a light smile on his face as if he answered questions about people missing each other every day.

“The general doesn’t talk about that stuff. At least not to me.” He nodded at Wolffe. “But for what it’s worth, she always speaks very highly of you and the 104th. Just the other day she told us how you lot taught her how to fight a clone.”

Riv continued talking, Ahsoka listening wide-eyed, and Wolffe tried to push down an immense rush of shame. What was he thinking, acting like this? Toward a brother? About a woman he respected?

He’d thought the flashes of jealousy he’d felt outside the training room and at 79’s were bad. But those had only existed in his mind, never reaching into actual conversations or interactions. This was different, and he didn’t like it one bit.

The night before, Wolffe had wondered what Amara could possibly see in him that she wouldn’t see in any other clone, maybe even in Riv. Now, standing in front of the man himself, hearing him talk about his battalion and how Amara was fitting in, Wolffe knew he’d been wrong.

If anything, Amara was more likely to see something in Riv she’d never seen in Wolffe. Gentleness, kindness, patience. Edges as smooth as the rippled streams painted on his armor. Wolffe was willing to bet that this man hadn’t snapped at her the first time they’d met. Hadn’t said things he didn’t mean or insulted practically everything about her. 

Riv was a good leader, that much was clear.

Wolffe was beginning to wonder if he ever had been.

“I hate to cut this visit short, but that was Master Yoda.” Amara walked briskly across the room toward them, eyes meeting Wolffe’s for just a moment before she focused on Ahsoka. “The Council wants to speak with you.”

Wolffe watched as Ahoska looked between them, right hand reaching up to grip at her left arm. “Ju- just me?”

“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble.” Amara smiled gently down at her and winked. “I asked.”

“Thank the Force,” Ahsoka mumbled before glancing quickly at the group again and raising her voice. “There’s nothing I could get in trouble for anyway. Obviously.”

Wolffe snorted, thankful for this disruption from his former thoughts. Just the other day he’d heard one of the Jedi rumbling on about “some Togruta youngling” sneaking off to a highly restricted area in the Temple and getting everyone in trouble. But, seeing as Wolffe himself wasn’t all that fond of standing before the Jedi Council, he decided not to push the subject.

Even if he was suddenly desperate to do anything to make Amara stay just a little longer. Maybe he could offer to escort them back to the Temple. Hide it under the guise of needing to speak with General Plo. That could work and was actually pretty smart if he did say so himself.

A movement to his left reminded him that he wasn’t the only commander in this situation, though. What would it look like if a Jedi general showed up in front of the Council flanked by both her former and current commanders? What would Wolffe look like, hanging onto the dredges of something he’d already lost? Besides, even if he did escort her, it’s not like they’d be able to do anything more than stare at each other. Not with so many eyes and ears around them.

“Well, I guess we should go. Don’t want to keep the Council waiting.” Amara’s voice broke through Wolffe’s thoughts and he focused back on her. She was already looking at him, eyebrows creased, head tilted. As if she knew exactly what he was thinking. She probably didn’t even need the Force to figure that one out.

Wolffe found himself nodding, opening his mouth to say some version of goodbye, when Riv cleared his throat. “I can escort Ahsoka back, general.” He raised a brow at Amara. “I believe you mentioned earlier some reports you were keen to finish before we set off tomorrow?”

If it weren’t for the fact that he very much wanted Amara to stay behind, Wolffe would have rolled his eyes. None of his brothers were good liars.

Neither was Amara.

“When did I– Oh.” Amara smiled widely. Too widely. This time Wolffe did roll his eyes. “Right. That would be very helpful. Thank you, commander.”

Before Ashoka turned to leave, Wolffe nudged her with the back of his hand. “Try not to pull Commander Riv into any trouble on your way back, yeah?”

The marks on her head tails darkened as she glared at him and grumbled through her teeth, “That was an accident last time.”

He smirked as she walked past them toward the door, Riv following closely behind. As they turned the corner, Wolffe could just make out the words “don’t listen” and “I’m always on time.”

Soon enough, though, even the echoes of their footsteps down the hall faded, leaving behind an all too familiar silence. Wolffe tried not to focus too hard on it, but all he could think of was that night in the briefing room on the Resolute. Things hadn’t gone so well then, and Wolffe didn’t intend for this to be a repeat. So he steered them toward the one thing they could always agree on: Ahsoka.

“Any idea what the Council want with her?” It wasn’t really his business, but he was genuinely curious. He knew Amara well enough to know she hadn’t been lying when she said Ahsoka wasn’t in trouble. But the alternative to that — the only one Wolffe could think of, anyway — wasn’t all that more comforting to him.

Amara nodded and walked closer to the bag Wolffe had been attacking earlier. She tapped a finger against it, his eyes following the movement. “I think they’ve decided to promote her to Padawan.”

“And they require a big meeting for that?” Seemed a bit dramatic, but they were Jedi and they did have their traditions. He was trying to picture what it might look like when he noticed Amara shaking her head.

“It’s an important occasion, yes, but,” she hesitated, finger still tapping at the bag. “Something felt different about Master Yoda’s summons.”

“Different?”

Her finger stilled and she sighed, finally looking directly at him. “Like the type of summons we get when we’re about to be sent on a mission.”

Wolffe tensed. So this was it. “You think they’re sending her out there.” Amara nodded. “Where?”

She shrugged. “They’ll send her wherever her new master is. Many Jedi are on the front lines right now. It could be anywhere.”

Wolffe was surprised to find himself angrier than he should have been. He’d known this was coming, had done everything he could to prepare Ahsoka and himself, his men, for exactly this. But he’d never imagined a scenario where Ahsoka ended up with any battalion other than the 104th. He couldn’t protect her if she wasn’t with them.

He shook his head. “She’s just a kid. She shouldn’t be out there–”

“She’s a Jedi, Wolffe.” Amara stepped closer to him, nudging the bag out of the way until there were only a few inches of air between them. “It’s different for us.”

“So you’re not worried about her?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then you could at least act like you don’t want a fourteen-year-old kid to risk her life for something she probably doesn’t even understand.”

Amara pursed her lips at that, and Wolffe knew he’d gone too far. She stepped around him, toward a pile of mats, and sat down. He only hesitated a moment before joining her.

“I know things are different for you. I just,” he squinted up at the ceiling, trying to find the words for what he was feeling when he wasn’t even all that sure himself. “It just feels wrong.”

“It’s all wrong.” Amara’s voice was smaller than he’d ever heard it before. When he turned back to her she was staring down at her lap. “You really think I don’t have questions?”

Of course he didn’t. He’d seen as much just after Tibrin. When she was beating herself up for the necessary choices she’d had to make. The choices that had saved their men’s lives. His life. Why was it so hard for him to remember that?

“There’s nothing I can do for Ahsoka, or for any of the padawans coming into this war. I’m not even sure the Council knows what to do for them because we don’t fight wars. Not like this.” She rubbed at her face and looked back up at him. “We’re all just trying to do our best with what we do know.”

Memories of that night on the Resolute flooded Wolffe’s mind once again, but this time he didn’t push against them. And instead of just his pain, he saw Amara’s, too.

The pain and confusion in her eyes when she stepped away from him. When she told him she was leaving. When he all but told her he didn’t care. 

I have a responsibility, not just to this battalion, but to you.

This isn’t about what I want.

Now that he forced himself to think about it — really and truly think about it instead of hiding from it — Wolffe could admit that those words were Jedi through and through. They were what Amara knew.

In the midst of so much chaos and uncertainty and pain, she’d been trying to do the best with what she knew. Just like the rest of them.

“I’m sorry for not saying goodbye.” The words were out of his mouth before he even knew he was saying them. And they were the truest things he’d said to her since he’d told her how he felt.

Amara’s eyes widened a fraction, and he allowed himself a moment of pride at surprising a Jedi. She blinked a few times before asking,“If I’d knocked on the door, would you have answered?”

If he was already being honest, Wolffe figured he might as well be completely honest. “I don’t know.”

She nodded. “I understand.”

There was another moment of silence between them, this one slightly less weighted than before. But Wolffe could tell Amara had more to say. And that she wouldn’t say it if he didn’t push her.

He sighed and nudged her knee with his. “You don’t have to treat me like I’m some fragile shiny. I know I don’t have the best track record with you, but I promise I won’t break.”

She huffed out a laugh. “I can’t imagine anyone calling the Commander Wolffe ‘fragile’.” 

“Well,” he shrugged, “they wouldn’t be around long enough for anyone to ever find out. But don’t change the subject, general. Doesn’t take a Jedi to know there’s more you want to say.”

“OK, OK.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I just want it to be absolutely clear that the only reason I didn’t tell you about the transfer back in the Resolute’s med-bay was because I didn’t know how. I told myself that I could ignore it and that I could just enjoy whatever it was we have, had, for as long as possible. I didn’t–” she sighed. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. But I did.”

She looked at him with the same eyes she’d had in that briefing room. Sad, confused, maybe a little bit lonely. “I’m sorry, Wolffe.”

Every instinct in Wolffe’s body was begging him to comfort her. To grab her shoulder and pull her against him, guide her head to his shoulder, place her hand on his chest. He didn’t know where those instincts were coming from — he’d never even hugged her before — but they were there all the same, just out of reach.

Amara hadn’t said it now, but she was right, back then: they couldn’t. Whatever they had, even if it still existed between them, was too unstable, too uncertain to be pursued in the midst of war. Especially for a Jedi and a clone, destined to sacrifice their desires for the greater good.

So instead, Wolffe allowed himself only a soft smile that had become too foreign to his lips in the past weeks. “The Four-Fourteen’s lucky to have you.” He stood, offering a hand to pull her up with him. “But don’t forget where you came from. General.”

Amara smiled at him, then. The first honest smile he’d seen from her since the coral reefs on Tibrin. “Don’t worry,” she squeezed his hand, and he forced himself to ignore the current that always seemed to course between them, “the 104th will always be home. Commander.”

She let go of his hand. “Riv wasn’t completely lying, you know. I do have a stack of reports that need sorted before tomorrow morning.” She hesitated, glancing all around the room as if trying to decide whether she actually wanted to say what came next. Her eyes finally settled on his. “I could use some company, though. If you want to catch up?”

Like old times.

The unsaid words hung between them.

Wolffe pushed them aside and followed her out of the room.

****

“You know, I actually have you to thank for teaching me how to handle someone like Mav.”

“And now you’re comparing me to a pilot? I thought you’d accepted my apology, general.”

Amara laughed, the sound something that still forced a smile out of Wolffe. “Hey now, I’m a pilot.”

He winked. “Exactly.”

“Geez, commander,” Amara leaned back in her chair. “I thought you’d accepted my apology, too.”

Wolffe smirked. Now that he’d heard Amara’s run-down of the past week’s events with the Four-Fourteen, he felt even more ridiculous for his earlier jealousy. It still wasn’t easy, imagining her with another group, but half of the soldiers sounded like men he’d get along with fine; men he’d be proud to lead into battle. He should never have expected anything less, but it was nice to know for certain, from Amara’s own words.

It was also nice to talk with her again. Just talk. No expectations or unspoken feelings. Nothing simmering beneath the surface and threatening to explode. Just him and Amara. Commander and general. Friends, maybe.

Even if it wasn’t what he’d once hoped for, Wolffe liked the sound of that.

Across the desk from him Amara covered a yawn. Wolffe looked up at the chrono and pushed his chair back. “You ship out early tomorrow, yeah?”

She nodded, removing the last data card from her ‘pad and filing it away before meeting him at the door. “Doubt I’ll sleep tonight, but I guess I should try.”

“You’ll be fine. You’re a good leader. I should know.” He smiled down at her. “You learned everything from me.”

Amara rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. They came to a stop at the junction that led to the barracks in one direction and out to the Jedi transports in the other. Amara shifted on her feet and Wolffe tried to think of something to say that wasn’t as final as goodbye.

“Thanks for tonight.” Amara smiled. “Tell the boys I said hi?”

Wolffe nodded, willing himself to say literally anything, but he couldn’t force the words out past the lump in his throat.

Maybe she could sense it, could feel or see something in the Force that tipped her off to the sudden anxiety in his body that was telling him he might never see her again. Whatever it was, she took over when he couldn’t. Just like always.

She grabbed his hand and, like before in the training room, gave it a light squeeze. “Goodnight, Wolffe.” She let go and turned around.

Faced with the reality of Amara walking away from him once again, Wolffe realized what he wanted to say.

“Amara,” he called softly, remembering just how good it felt to say her actual name instead of her rank.

She turned back around, eyebrows raised and nervous hand reaching up for a braid. Like nothing had ever changed. Wolffe smiled.

“I’ll see you around.”

It took her a moment to respond, staring at him with wide eyes instead. But when she did, it was around a smile brighter than any of the ones she’d given him in the past.

“See you around, Wolffe.”

This time when he watched her leave, Wolffe marveled at how much easier it was than before. All he’d had to do was give Amara a promise to take with her along the way.

****

One Month Later – The Abregado System

Wolffe had never had a good feeling about any part of this mission, and his lack of armor was only adding to that unease. He would have felt much better, more confident if he’d had his helmet, his chest plate, anything other than this pressed, too stiff officer’s uniform.

There was nothing he could do about that right now, though. 

Not when the floor of the Triumphant was quaking beneath his feet as he ran toward the escape pod, Sinker and Boost following close behind.

Not when the emergency sirens were blasting a fiery red warning to the thousands of other soldiers he himself was supposed to be in charge of.

Not when Grievous and his clankers were waiting to finish what their ion cannon started.

No, there was nothing he could do about his lack of armor. Nothing he could do about this doomed mission, either.

All he could do was jump into the escape pod and key in the commands, wait for General Plo to close the door and give the all clear. All he could do, really, was follow orders.

But when the pod lurched into the black vacuum of space, bumping into the scrap left in the Malevolence’s wake, Wolffe found that he could do one more thing.

He could turn around and watch what was left of the 104th go up in flames.

[telkshjt]

Mr. Kim (2/5) || ksj x reader

a/n: hi friends, hope you’re doing well! my goal to post act iii. is on sept. 20, if I can’t then it’ll probably be between the 21-25. i am back in uni so there are some busy days, i hope you all understand. ok that’s all enjoy:]

Summary: You despise your boss even though everyone at work thinks you’re secretly dating. Surprisingly you find the courage to confront him on how bad he is at his job, but his response surprises you even more.

Genre: Office Romance, Ceo!Jin x Employee!Reader, (7 year age gap), 18+, Fluff, Angst

Chapter Warnings: attempt of kidnapping(?), swearing, conversations about sex (not really), discussion about religion, male self-pleasure

Word Count: 5778

act i. || act ii. || act iii. || act iv. || act v.

After the fireworks, the two of you returned back to your room. You two awkwardly gave each other a glance due to the quiet atmosphere. 

“So do you want to use the private bath first?” Jin asked.

“You can go ahead, I can just go to the public one.” You insisted.

“No it’s fine, I’ll just head in after you. That way you don’t have to walk outside.” Jin protested.

“It’s fine Jin, I can handle myself.” You assured him and grabbed your things and headed to the front desk for directions.

When you arrived at the public bath house, you went into the locker room to put away your things and pre-shower. As you were lathering soap on your body, you thought about the closeness you shared with Jin. Why did things have to feel so intimate? You two just had a professional relationship. You continued scrubbing to get your mind off him but it somehow wandered back to him. 

After your pre-shower, you went into the bath and relaxed. Except, the thought of Jin came back into your mind. Why did he have to be an annoying boss but super good looking? You sighed, and leaned back a little bit more. Why were you thinking about him so much? Like, why did the image of him going into the private onsen pop up? You had to shake off those lewd thoughts about your boss naked. 

You managed to get through the rest of the bath without thinking about Jin too much. You got changed and headed out. When you exited the bathhouse, an older man approached you. He began speaking to you in Japanese but you couldn’t understand. You tried communicating with him that you didn’t know what he was saying.

From that, he grabbed your arm and you tried pulling away. You began yelling at him to let go of you. When the man wouldn’t, tears started forming in your eyes but you continued to try and break away from the man’s grip.

All of sudden, you heard Jin yell your name. “______!” He yelled and spotted you struggling with the man. He quickly ran to you. He got the man’s arm off you, and began yelling at the man. When things almost got physical, the man ran away. “Coward,” Jin muttered under his breath. He turned his attention to you, and softened his eyes when he saw the tears in your eyes. “Are you hurt?” He asked, concerned. You shake your head, he pulls you into his arms. Suddenly, you feel better in Jin’s warm embrace. As you two pull apart, he looks at you. “Let’s head back?” He says, and you walk beside him. 

While walking back to the hotel, you glance over to Jin whose hair was still damp. Did he hear your yell for help? Was out for a cigarette and came out at the perfect time?

––––––

When you two returned to your room, both of you got ready for bed. You laid down on your back in your futon while Jin sat on his, and scrolled through his phone.

Jin looked at you, “Not going to say I told you so but I told you so.” He said, trying to lighten up the mood.

“Oh shush and go to sleep already,” you said, rolling your eyes.

Jin laid in his futon facing you, “are you happy now?” He teased while you rolled your eyes.

“No, because your face is going to give me nightmares,” you joked and turned away smiling from Jin’s shocked face.

“It’s scary that I can’t tell if you’re joking. I've been told I am world wide handsome, you know?” He responds back.

“Yeah, yeah goodnight,” you said, waving your hand to motion that you were going to sleep. 

“Goodnight _____,” Jin said softly, putting a smile on your face as you head to bed. 

–––––

You slowly opened your eyes to find yourself facing Jin, making eye contact. “Good morning stalker.” You said groggily while stretching your arms.

“Hey! I am not a stalker, I’m surprised at how ugly someone can be while they’re asleep.” Jin playfully defended himself.

“I could say the same thing about you but even when you’re awake.” You giggled while he rolled his eyes. “So, what’s the plan today?” You asked.

“I was thinking about going to a shrine to pray for the next update to be successful.” He suggested, “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.” He reminded you.

“Well there’s nothing to do if I stay back, so I guess I will accompany you.” You jokingly sighed.

–––––

You and Jin walked side by side to a nearby shrine. On the way, you enjoyed the warm sunny morning scenery. It smelt like all kinds of traditional dishes that you didn’t even know of. You knew what Jin was praying for but were you going to pray? You weren’t that religious. Sure you were raised a certain way but you were still figuring out what you believed.

You glanced over to Jin, “Hey, how come we’re going to a shrine? Are you religious?” You asked.

Jin chuckled, “I just heard from a few of my father’s close friends it doesn’t hurt to pray or wish for your own success. As of right now, I am undecided.” He shrugs, and you nod continue to walk beside him.

When you two made it to the shrine, you stood beside each other and lowered your heads. Crap, what were you wishing or praying for? Probably something selfless like the success of the update and the wellbeing of your family. You look over to Jin who has his head lowered and looks deep in thought. 

As you stood beside him, you thought about how fast your relationship with your boss has progressed. From hating his guts to somewhat hating his guts. Maybe it was for the better that you were getting along with him. You are learning a lot of interesting things about him that aren’t just surface level. Maybe deep down you wanted to get to know him even more. He did save you from that man, you couldn’t completely hate his guts. So, you wished or prayed that you and Jin’s relationship would progress even more, and for the success of the new update.

When you finished, you looked over to Jin who was staring at you. “What did you pray for?” He asked.

“I can’t say, it might not come true.” You shrugged.

“It was probably about me, wasn’t it?” Jin smirked.

“Yeah I prayed for you to be less annoying but I guess it didn’t work.” You shrugged putting your hands in your pocket.

“I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear that.” Jin said, and you giggled. “I say let’s go for breakfast? I talked to Mrs. Sato and she said there is a good restaurant nearby.” He suggested.

“Sure, whatever you want. I’m just baggage.” You reminded him.

“Nonsense ____! Your opinion and feelings matter to me, so please express them as you please.” He said, you were about to comment on him until he spoke up again. “Unless it’s an insult towards me then you can keep it yourself.” He sticks his tongue out while you laugh.

———

While you two eat, you discuss the rest of the plans for the day. 

“I’m not entirely sure, we could scout some ideas for the new area for the update. I want it to be based in Japan but I just don't know what to include.” Jin said stumped.

“Well Japan’s city life is important right? I feel like you should include something regarding that, and all of the traditional stuff.” You suggest and Jin’s face lights up.

“It’s hard for me to admit this but you’re a genius _____!” He exclaimed. “Well we will have to go to Tokyo tomorrow for the meetings with the investors, so we’ll do that stuff tomorrow. I have taken pictures of the shrine already, let’s walk around the residential areas so I can take some photos for inspiration.” He said smiling, and you just agreed.

So that’s what you two did the whole day, walk around taking photos of the local food vendors, housing, and neighborhoods. While walking around, the both of you tried the many of the snacks offered to you two.

Before you realized it, the sun was setting. “Well _____, I do say it was a successful day. I say let’s find some dinner and head back to the hotel.” He said.

“I agree.” You said and happily walked next to Jin searching for a place to eat.

———

The following day, you two woke up bright and early to get ready. Jin called one of his father’s drivers that resides in Japan to drive the both of you.

“Wouldn’t it be better for us to take the train?” You asked Jin. “It’s for the experience,” you defended.

“I’m not trying to get lost in Japan,” Jin shrugged. “Plus it’ll be awhile until we get there. We still have to look presentable to our investors.” He added.

On the car ride, Jin and the driver were catching up from the last time they saw each other. You were just enjoying the scenery as the car passed by.

When you arrived at the headquarters, Jin scanned his keycard and you two entered. You followed Jin like a lost puppy. He eventually led you into one of the many meeting rooms.

“After we greet everyone, you can take a seat around the front _____.” Jin guided you, “I’ll do most of the talking so don’t worry.” He smiles at you.

So, as the investors and some of the upper staff arrive, you and Jin bow and greet them. When everyone is seated, you take a seat as well. 

Jin turns on his PowerPoint, he begins speaking in Japanese to accommodate the investors.

“Hello everyone. First of all, thank you all for trusting in Nexon, and providing us with many opportunities.” Jin starts off strong. Jin continues his presentation on how much the company succeeded when the investors invested into the company.

“Without your help, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are now. As a thank you, we will be making the new update in honour of you all.” Jin explains the concept of the new update, and the investors looked pleased. “As a bonus, there will be gift-baskets made specifically for you from my father. Please enjoy them, and if you have any concerns please feel free to contact me.” He confidently said. No one had any questions, so they were dismissed; however, some stayed back to talk to Jin. They were asking him questions which you didn’t understand but you stayed focused on them.

“Who’s this pretty lady?” One of the men asked.

“One of our hardest workers,” Jin said, smiling at you.

“Ah Seokjin, I thought you were going to introduce her as your wife. Aren’t you thinking about settling soon?” The other man asked, making the others laugh.

Jin chuckles, “I thought about marriage but my priority is the company, of course.” 

“What a shame, if I was younger maybe I would go after her.” The man teases.

“To be fair Mr. Cho, Mrs. Cho wouldn’t be happy if she heard that.” Jin chuckles, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Mr. Cho laughs, “Ms. ______ would be perfect for my son then.” He states, “Kyuhyun is just a younger me.”

Jin lets out an ‘Oh boy’, and it makes the other men laugh. Jin looks at you, and gives his farewells to some of the men. You also bow out of respect, and the men give you smiles.

“So what did you guys talk about?” You asked.

“Oh nothing, they were just talking about my father.” Jin said, brushing your question off. You don’t think too much about it, and follow beside him as you two exit the building. 

For some reason, Jin didn’t want you to receive attention from other men. He wanted to keep you all to himself but he has no right. The idea of other men being able to touch you or even look at you bothered him. He shook off those thoughts but somehow they still lingered.

The rest of the day, you two spent sightseeing what the city of Tokyo had to offer. Jin took many pictures, he’d sneak pictures where you were in them. Until he was approached by a man a bit older than him. 

“I can take a photo of you and your girlfriend,” the man offered. Jin wanted to capture a single memory of you two on this trip so he agreed.

“_____, let’s take a picture!” Jin exclaimed, putting his arm around you.

“Why?” You whined.

“For memories, of course.” Jin grinned. The man snapped the photo when you two smiled. 

The remainder of the day consisted of taking photos and eating wherever.

———

Once you and Jin returned to your room, you settled your things down. You noticed a text message from Jungkook. “How’s your honeymoon with the world wide gentleman:)” The text said.

“Honestly, not bad still kind of hate his guts though lol” you replied. “Did you also know about my nickname??” You sent another text. 

Jungkook replied quickly with, “Yes but isn’t it true?? LOL”.

“Yeah but you didn’t tell me? :(“ You replied back.

It takes a few minutes but he replies with, “I thought you knew and it bugged you, so I didn’t want to bring it up. I’m sorry:/“.

“I’m not mad, was just wondering” You texted to clear the tension you felt. “Anyways I’ll see you in a few days” You texted.

“See you! And have fun;)” He replies, and you roll your eyes, setting your phone down. Jin is putting away his belongings.

“Will you be using the onsen tonight? If so, you can head in first.” He said looking at you. Did you want to go in at the same time as Jin? If he does live up to his nickname, then you shouldn’t worry right? It’s probably you that shouldn’t stare but you shake those thoughts away.

“Yeah I’ll just get my stuff ready and I’ll head in,” you said, getting your stuff together. You grabbed your stuff and headed to the onsen. 

“Tell me when I can come in,” Jin said.

“Okay,” you responded as you shut the sliding door behind you. You took off your clothes and pre-showered before entering the bath. 

When you settled, you told Jin he was good to enter. “Look away ____, don’t be a pervert!” Jin jokes as you hear the sliding door open. Your back is facing him so you can’t see him.

“Whatever, I’ll have to bleach my eyes if I see anything.” You said, while Jin pouts.

After Jin finishes showering, you can hear him enter the bath. Luckily for the two of you, the steam and fog covered most of your bits and you think it’s for the better. Although, your eyes would wonder but quickly move elsewhere.

“Okay you’re good,” Jin said, leaning back to relax. When you turn around, his Adam's apple is prominent. You needed to relax but the sight felt so sensual. You began to feel awkward because you felt weird painting your boss in a certain way.

Suddenly, Jin speaks up, “_____, I noticed you haven’t said my first name yet at all during this trip.” He said. Shit, was he that observant?

“Well there hasn’t been a time that required me to say it.” You said, trying to avoid this conversation, but Jin gives you a look.

“You can’t do it, huh?” He smirks.

“It’s not that I can’t do it, I just don’t want to do it.” You replied. “I think I’m just used to saying Mr. Kim,” you shrugged. 

“I think it’s not fair, I’ve been calling you by _____.” He pouts.

“I mean no one’s forcing you, Jin.” You said turning red but you receive a smile from Jin.

“See? Was that so hard?” He smiles at you.

“Whatever,” you said, rolling your eyes at him.

“Anyway, do you know how I got my nickname? I wanna know what the staff says about me?” He asks, and you’re taken back.

“What? The world wide gentleman one? Or the asshole one?” You asked while he fakes a laugh.

“Haha, the gentleman one.” He clarified.

“From what I heard, you’re just not interested in sex but the way you talk to some of the female staff begs to differ.” You shrugged, with a tug on your heart for some reason.

He begins to chuckle, “Is someone jealous?” He smirks. “Rest assured, it’s not my intention to flirt with them. I guess I just have this natural charm.” He gloats while you give him a ‘whatever’. It’s silent for a minute until he speaks up again.

“Is your nickname true then?” He asks you.

“I guess? I am not experienced if that’s what you’re asking.” You shrugged while he raises an eyebrow. “How about you?” You asked.

“I’m experienced but it has definitely been a long time.” He admits to you.

“I can see why,” you muttered, receiving a ‘hey’! You begin to feel light headed so you decide it’s time for you to head out. You tell Jin and he looks away so you can exit. As you exit, you see Jin’s muscular back with broad shoulders. You quickly head inside and let him know when he’s good. You get changed and laid in your futon thinking about Jin’s body which makes your lower body tingle but you can’t think that way about your boss. You’ll either punish yourself later or go back to those thoughts another day. For now, you were exhausted and needed some sleep.

Jin, on the other hand, was wondering what he was going to do. He was hard as rock. Although the fog and steam covered most of your bits, it didn’t cover all. As he tried to avoid looking there but he wouldn’t admit it just yet but he knew you were attractive. Was his attraction for you growing too? Sure, he was attracted to you before this trip, checking you out every time you two were in the photocopying room but were these feelings valid? He needed to relieve himself but feared you’d still be awake if he had to pass by your shared room. So, he was stuck in the bath thinking about you.

Obviously he didn’t view you as something to be objectified but when was the last time he’s done it? It’s probably been months, he was just so caught up with work. He’d be passed out, asleep whenever he arrives home. Your friendship with him has been growing rapidly, but why did he feel so attracted to you? Was he beginning to grow feelings for you? Or is it because it’s been awhile since he’s released some tension. There were moments between you two that were a little too intimate. Especially bathing together. Now, he couldn’t stop thinking about you, and taking away your innocence. Was that messed up for him to want to be your first? He wanted to be the one who pleases you and not some guy like Kyuhyun who only cares for himself. Was he just being selfish and caught up in his desires? Most likely, but he knows you deserve the best but could he provide that to you? Every second that went by, the worse it became. He didn’t know what to do. Should he fight the urge to get it off to you? Or does he relieve the tension?

His decision would be based on if you were sleeping, if you were then it’d be easy to pass by you and enter the washroom. If you were awake then, he’d simply go to bed and endure the pain. 

He slowly slid the door open to check if you were asleep. Your eyes were closed and your breathing seemed consistent. Fuck it, he’s doing it. He sneaks past you and heads into the washroom where he sits on the stool, wraps his hand around the base and slowly begins to stroke it. All he can think about is taking you, and making you feel good. He could care less about him finishing, as long as he can hear you’re having a good time, then he would get off that alone. He increases the pace which makes him let out quiet groans. As he reaches his climax, his breathing gets heavier. When he is about to release, he shuts his eyes and imagines letting it out inside of you. He takes a few breaths to slow down his heart beat. When he’s ready, he cleans up and heads to bed, mentally punishing himself for getting it off to you but wondering if you could ever see him in the same light.

––––––

The rest of the trip was fine but you noticed Jin being more distant. With that distance, you began to think about your feelings. Were you beginning to catch feelings for Kim Seokjin, the CEO of Nexon and the son of the chairman? There’s no way, but you do get nervous everytime you’re around him now. You can’t think this way, you know it can never work, you were just from two completely different worlds. Even if did, would his parents approve? So many things ran through your mind. 

However, you knew some things for sure. It was unclear if you had feelings for Jin. It only has been a couple of days, and you’re imagining scenarios in your head about a man who's been giving you affection. You believe your feelings for Jin were just infatuation and nothing more.

Similarly, Jin was unsure of his feelings toward you as well. Ever since that night after the onsen, he worried what he’d feel around you. He was conflicted because he knew that you were way more than just to lust over. He enjoyed being around you, he loves the banter you can have with him, and he hates seeing you cry. Jin considered your age, he wondered if you were willing to be ready to settle down. Nevertheless, Jin will probably sort out his feelings when you return to Korea.

So when you two returned, he would show up to your apartment everyday to take you to work or just spend the weekend with you.

“I don’t understand why you’re here everyday,” you whined but it wasn’t like you were complaining. “Especially on the weekend,” you added. 

“I’m gracing you with my beauty, of course.” Jin smirks as he enters your place as usual. You noticed you were still wearing your pyjamas, “Will you not change?” He asks.

You shake your head, “why would I? It’s the weekend and I just want to stay home for once.” You complained. It was true, ever since you and Jin came back he came over more often.

The first time Jin came over from the trip was to pick you up. You were getting ready to leave until you heard knocking at the door. You checked the peephole and it was Jin? You slowly opened the door.

“Leave,” you told him. 

“What why? You don’t want to be blessed with my presence?” He pouts.

“Not really, I dread seeing you for eight hours of my day. So, please don’t add more.” You said while he rolled his eyes.

“I’m here already so let me take you to work then,” he offered. 

“Fine only because you’re here already,” you said, and Jin grins. “—But! No more coming around,” you stated.

“Hm, we’ll see about that.” He smirks and you two head to his car to go to work.

From then, Jin comes to your apartment everyday to pick you up despite your protests. You ended up accepting it, and it just became a routine. 

Jin driving you to work definitely did not help with the rumours. Everyone would question you, and you would deny every time. It was the truth even though it seemed otherwise.

Jin spoke up, “Well then, how do you commoners relax on the weekends?” He asks.

“For me, I just lay in bed and scroll through my phone,” you shrug while Jin’s eyes widen.

“That’s it?” He asked in disbelief.

“Yeah or I sit on the couch and watch variety shows,” you stated.

“Have you eaten at all?” He asks.

“Not yet, I’m not hungry.” You said. Jin begins going into your kitchen and looking through the fridge. “What are you doing?” You asked, eyeing him.

“I will cook for you, you can relax and I will cook.” He said, putting on your apron that was covered in pink and white hearts all over it. 

You laugh and take out your phone to take a photo. Jin looks at you, “What?” He asks. 

“It’s a view watching Mr. Kim Seokjin, the CEO of Nexon cooking in a cute apron.” You smile.

“So you admit I am a view, and I can’t get these clothes dirty, they’re designer.” He defended.

When Jin is done cooking, you two eat together. He is looking at you, waiting for your thoughts. “Not bad for someone who was spoon fed their whole life,” you grin while he playfully sighs.

“At least you can appreciate my work,” Jin smiles.

After the two of you eat, you clean up. “So what now?” He asks.

“I lay in bed and go on my phone while you get out.” You said waiting for him to leave.

“Kicking me out already?” Jin pouts, “I wanna try relaxing like commoners.” He begs.

“I wanna lay on my bed though,” you defended. 

“Yeah I’ll lay beside you and you won’t even know I’m there,” he tries to compromise. Your heart starts beating faster, can you even handle sharing a bed with Jin? Why does he have to be so persistent? He’s giving you the pleading eyes.

You sigh, “Fine but if you do anything weird, I will kick you.” You agree, and Jin’s face lights up.

You two lay in your bed facing each other with your phones in hand. You peek over to Jin who is scrolling endlessly through his phone. 

After a while, your eyes begin to get heavy but you check up on Jin who is now passed asleep. You admire him for a second and you fall asleep shortly. 

You wake up an hour later, and he’s holding you in his arms still fast asleep. Your eyes widen, you look up to Jin’s sleeping face, and feel his heartbeat due to your closeness. You stretch a bit and try to get out without waking him but his grip was too strong. All you managed was to face away from Jin, so now you two were spooning. You sighed and relaxed for a bit, then you felt Jin let go and turned away. 

What was that? You asked yourself. You thought logically, your bed was probably smaller than his and being close made him think subconsciously you were a pillow. You shake your head and move away from Jin, trying to calm down your fast heart beat. Why did he have to make you feel a certain way? You covered your face with your hands and put your back towards him.

———

The next few weeks consisted of you trying to avoid Jin, that way you didn’t have to confront your feelings just yet. Luckily for you, your coworker, Suho, invited you out after work for drinks.

“Hey Jungkook and ______, we’ll be going out for drinks after work. Would you guys want to come?” He asks, smiling at you.

Before you could say anything, Jungkook speaks up, “Sure! We’ll be there.” He said, giving a thumbs up to Suho. As Suho walks away, you give Jungkook a look. 

“Why did you agree?” You asked while squinting your eyes at him.

“I’m helping you out,” Jungkook said. “If Mr. Kim doesn’t make a move then maybe Suho will.” Jungkook shrugs and goes back to work. 

The rest of the day you thought about what Jungkook said, if Jin wanted to make a move then he would, right?

After work, you and your coworkers ate at a small restaurant that’s close to your apartment. The seating positions were of a mixer, so the opposite gender would be on either side of you. You enjoyed getting to know your coworkers outside of a work setting, everyone seemed more relaxed. You glanced over to Jungkook who was hitting it off with a girl which brought a smile to your face. 

Somehow you returned back to the present when one of the girls asked you about Jin. “So _____, what’s going on with you and Mr. Kim?” Ji-ah asked which made all eyes turn toward you.

You begin to awkwardly laugh, “Nothing at all, I promise.” You said which made some of the girls relieved.

“I wonder who he’s always on the phone with then,” Ji-ah brought up. “But if it is his girlfriend, I heard she’s coming by tomorrow to visit him.” She stated.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” Suho calmly said but then chuckles. 

“Ahh if he is, I’m jealous.” Sangyeob sulks, and you giggle while you comfort him. 

“I mean it would be nice to have someone,” Ji-ah sighs but everyone agrees. “How about you, Suho?” She asks him, and he turns red.

“I don’t have anyone,” he admitted. 

“How about _____? You two seem compatible.” Ji-ah said due to her intoxication. You and Suho just look at each other and laugh.

––––

After the dinner, you said goodbye to your coworkers but Suho stayed back. 

“Is something wrong Suho? Do you need something?” You asked, concerned for the flushed Suho.

“______, may I walk you home?” He asks, and you nod. “So, are you seeing anyone?”

You laugh, “Nope, there’s no one.” You said looking away. Was there really no one? Technically Jin wasn’t yours, and you weren’t his. So, you aren’t lying. “How about you Suho? I know you said you aren’t but is there anyone in your heart?” You asked. You wouldn’t be surprised if he did, Suho is attractive and kind. He’d be the type you can take to your parents, and they would just accept him on the spot.

“Ah, there’s a girl I’ve liked since I met her but I don’t know if she’d accept my feelings.” He said with a soft look on his face.

“I’m rooting for you! If she doesn’t accept them, then it will be her loss. You’re a great guy Suho, and any girl would be lucky to have you.” You said in full honesty, and he smiles.

“Thanks _____, wouldn’t expect you to say that to me.” He said, scratching the back of his head.

“Well I mean it, I hope things go well. Do you plan to confess your feelings to her?” You asked, looking up realizing you two are close to your apartment.

“I want to but I think I’ll hold back for now.” He said.

“Well I wish you luck, and thank you for walking me home.” You said smiling at him. He returns a smile, and as you’re walking to the door, he grabs your arm.

“–Wait _____, I really enjoyed your company.” Suho admits. Your cheeks begin to feel hot but you let out a smile. You notice a car pull up beside you and Suho while he’s still holding your arm.

It was Jin, “Oh _____, you’re out still?” He said. He turned his attention to Suho holding your arm, “Mr. Lee isn’t bothering you or giving you any trouble, is he?” He asked, glaring at Suho while Suho glared back.

“Oh no, he was walking me home from an outing with some of the staff.” You reassured Jin.

He sighs, “I told you to just call me when you needed a ride.” He shakes his head.

Suho speaks up, “Well I’ll be seeing you at work _____,” giving you a smile. “And you too Mr. Kim,” he said reluctantly while Jin just gave him a nod.

“Goodnight Suho,” you said, waving as he walks off. You look over to Jin who is eyeing you.

“Were you on a date?” He questioned, you shake your head.

“Some of the staff like Ji-ah and Sangyeob wanted to go out for drinks after work, and Suho offered to walk me home.” You confessed, Jin analyzes you for a while and nods.

“Ah okay, anyway you should head inside, it’s dark.” He advised, you nod and start to walk inside. “Hey _____!” Jin yelled which made you turn around. “Have a goodnight! I’ll be there in the morning to join you for breakfast.” He said, making you smile. You waved to Jin and headed inside.

–––––

Despite those weeks you avoided Jin, and feeling awkward. Somehow you began to feel better, and everything felt like it was going back to normal. Until you noticed a bouquet of flowers on your desk, there was a card that read:

To _______,

Thank you for your hard work at Nexon. I would like for us to arrange a meeting date so I can offer you my thanks and an opportunity abroad.

Signed, Cho Kyuhyun.

The contact details were at the back of the card. You were curious about the opportunity, and this person. So, you emailed them with the detail from the back of card.

[fizzyxcustard]

Betrayal (11)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

Masterlist of fan fiction

Fandom: Crossover of Spooks and Pilgrimage (Modern AU)

Pairings: Lucas North x OC/Raymond de Merville x OC

Warnings: Love triangle. Angst. Language. Sexual references/language. Cheating. Stalking. 

Summary: Amy Holland is Lucas North’s girlfriend of six months. Amy is aware of his job as an MI-5 agent and supports him. However, Lucas’ cousin, Raymond de Merville, has always loved Amy and uses their one night stand together as leverage for something more.

Comments/Notes: If you wish to be tagged in any of my tag lists for fics or characters, please let me know, and stipulate what you want to be tagged in. I’m gradually removing people from my tag lists who do not interact.

I want to say a special thank you to @sweetestgbye who has helped me pinpoint the exact road that I want to take this fic down. Thank you so much, love. @lathalea and @middleearthpixie have also been amazing as well. All of you have listened to my ramblings about this fic and helped immensely.

Amy began her working at the local Coventry JobCentre, fitting into a routine quickly as she was already experienced in the role. After confronting Raymond in Costa, she had threatened to go to the police if he continued his stalking behaviour. The threat made Raymond retreat, but Amy knew that he wouldn't give up so easily. His steel blue eyes had bore into her as he left, making her aware that he would be back at some point. Her run in with him that day still remained a secret between only them.

Lucas now came to visit Amy every week to ten days, treating her to a meal at varying restaurants. However, they had still not slept together. And that was weighing on Lucas.

Two months into Amy's return to Coventry, she accompanied Lucas back to his hotel room, as usual, but pushed him away as he began to try and remove her clothing.

Lucas sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, his back to her. "Aim, what's going on with us? Just talk to me, please," he begged. "I'm not forcing you to sleep with me, but I can't keep doing this if you're going to push me off every time. I've been patient, and now I feel like you're holding back from me."

Amy stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the traffic below. "I love you, Lucas. But whenever you touch me, I just....I feel dirty, like you're going to become dirty as well."

"I know you carry around all the guilt of what happened between you and Ray, but I've got to know if you love him. Is this because you're unsure who to be with? I don't know anymore."

"No! It's not that at all," Amy said. "I've told Ray that nothing will happen between us. He wants what I'm not prepared to give him. But I still can't stop feeling that shame every time I look at you."

Lucas got up and approached Amy. "Angel, please, for me, try and stop beating yourself up over and over about this. It's consuming you. Please, let it go. I know we said we wanted to take things slow, but just let things happen. Stop keep holding back."

**

Amy's chill between her and Lucas seemed to mount after their conversation. His efforts to be intimate with her where always met with a gentle sigh, a movement of her head in the opposite direction, or her pulling her clothing back in place.

**

Raymond was adamant that he needed to see Amy face to face, to speak his mind freely and tell her absolutely everything. He reached for a weekender bag from the top of his dusty wardrobe and began to fill it, packing enough clothing for at least four days. He'd made the relevant hotel reservation for four days, Monday to Thursday.

As he finished packing the last pair of trousers, Raymond picked up his phone and called Amy. He took a deep inhale and waited, his heart pounding.

"Ray?" Amy asked, her voice still gentle, but with an edge of shock.

"Aim. Can I come and see you? I'm packing some stuff and will be in Coventry tomorrow. Please let me come and see you. I need to talk to you."

Amy sighed. "Ray..."

"I want to just let things off my chest. I'm not expecting anything. You know I won't stop fighting for you. I can't..." A lump rose in Raymond's throat as a tsunami of emotion took hold. He bit his lip and sniffed, trying so had not to break down.

"You can," Amy whispered. "It's okay. I don't think you truly know how you feel about all this..."

"I DO know how I feel," Raymond snapped. "I know right now that all I think about is you. What little peace I have at night soon disappears when I wake up and realise that I'm not with you. I'm in an empty bed."

Over a hundred miles away, Amy sat down, her legs having started to shake beneath her. Those words swept over her so pleasurably, melting within her, rendering her so helpless. There was no way that she had the self-restraint to push him away.

"What time will you be in Coventry tomorrow?" Amy asked.

"I can be there as early as you want me to be."

"I've got work until five," Amy replied. "Are you driving?"

"Yes."

"You know where my parents live so come and meet me about half six."

After the phone call ended, Amy stared at the ceiling. "What the fuck am I doing?" she whispered.

***

Raymond arrived promptly at Amy's house, and waited outside in his car. He noticed Amy step out of the residence almost immediately, showing that she had been waiting, checking for him. He composed himself, taking a deep breath and then sat up straight in the drivers seat.

"Hi," Amy said softly as she got into the car and sat down in the passenger seat. One thing she noticed immediately about Raymond's car, in comparison to Lucas', was how tidy it was. There were no wrappers in the foot well of the car and it smelled fresh, like vanilla and cherries. Lucas' car normally had something in the passenger foot well, which Amy had to push aside.

Raymond took a quick look at Amy, feeling his stomach clench at the sight of her smile. His heart was pounding, so unlike other encounters he had had with women over the years.

Amy remained still and looked into her lap, ever watchful from the corner of her eye of what Raymond was doing. He seemed flustered, and fumbled for his keys. Was Raymond de Merville actually nervous?

"Ray?" she whispered. "It's okay."

His steel blue eyes met her gaze. So much like Lucas, yet different. Raymond was older, more experienced. He wore that experience on his face with more defined crows feet at his eyes, and an ever so slightly more tanned complexion, grey at his temples, and a beard. Raymond wore his experience outward, while Lucas attempted to hide it.

Amy and Raymond went to a local pub, ordered food, and then sat together on a leather sofa, which was next to a huge window, overlooking an outside seating area. Raymond had sat next to Amy, rather than opposite, she noticed. He spread his arm across the back of the sofa, edging it closer towards her.

"I needed to see you," Raymond told her, his upper body turned towards her. "I've missed you."

"Please tell me that you've stopped with the following?" Amy asked. "Ray...if you want us to be friends then we've got to be able to trust each other. Tracking me and Lucas..."

"Fuck Lucas," Raymond spat.

"Why are you so hostile towards him? He's done nothing to you. If anything, he should be the one who is hostile to us, but he isn't."

Raymond clenched his jaw tight. "Aim...." he sighed. Then Raymond made a fist with his right hand and straightened his back. "There are things you don't know about him..."

This is jealousy," Amy replied. "There are probably plenty of things that I don't know about him."

"You treat me like I'm a liar and downright evil bastard, but you need to be very, very careful of Lucas, Aim."

"This is getting stupid now," Amy hissed. "You're trying anything to get me to..."

"Fucking hell! Listen to me!" Raymond snapped. "You need to be careful of him. The last thing I want to happen is to see you hurt, because I'd kill him."

A shiver raced up Amy's spine. She could see nothing but truth and frustration in Raymond's eyes.

"He's been in touch with me and things are happening which he isn't telling you about. The shit will hit the fan, and I want to protect you from all of that. If this is the last thing you ever do in your life, please trust me."

***

Follow Forever tag list: @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @middleearthpixie @luna-xial @knitastically @meganlpie @asgardianhobbit98 @eunoiaastralwings @rachel1959 @xxbyimm @guardianofrivendell @spidergirla5 @msjava1972 @sunflwrnsunnieshine

[wonbillion]

“ what sort of sadist would drag me out of bed this early in the morning ?? ” from josuke !

             source :   prompted   /   status :   accepting .

josuke’s   whining   registers as a mild sound ;   no more offensive than birds chattering in the vicinity of his window   just before   a five - thirty alarm blares through his repose   ━━━━   inconvenient ,   but not maddeningly so .   or it could be that okuyasu is just too soft ,   especially when it comes to his dearest friend ,   but confronting the likelihood of that can be saved for another day .   now ,   he only tongues the inside of his cheek ,   traces of   amusement   mellowing his characteristically   intimidating features .

    “   yer such a damn brat ,   ”   he utters off - handedly ,   shoulders bowing in a show of   blissful relaxation   as tanned hands slip into his pockets .   “   ya manage to get yer ass up for school every day ,   don’tcha ??   i know it’s sunday ,   but this shouldn’t be any different .   plus ,   it’s waaaaay more important .   ”

    high in the amberish sky ,   the   early morning sun   greets them amid a cluster of cotton - candy clouds ;   light filtering through   pearly wisps   &   stretching out to beam over any exposed skin in a warm caress .   ’tis a sight   &   sensation okuyasu knows intimately ,   often rising early to look after his father   &   maintain some grounding presence of order in their healing home .  

    cheesy as it is to say ,   it’s a damn beautiful day .   the kind he’s learned not to take for granted .   “   don’t cop an attitude w’th me just ’cause ya stayed up all night watchin’   the matrix   fer the millionth time when y’knew we had plans ,   ”   says okuyasu ,   withdrawing one of his hands from his pockets only to tauntingly   wag a finger   in josuke’s direction .   “   i told ya th’ only way we can even   dream   of gettin’ a copy is if we’re at the game store the second the doors open .   i wouldn’t be surprised ’f there was a line already ,   ”   he sighs ,   reaching out to take his friend by the wrist ,   encouraging him to shed his   grogginess   like a lizard’s skin .   

    “   now quit bein’ a baby ,   josuke !!   we’re on a   mission   here .   ”

[bylerpoet]

monologue parallels

on today's episode of me being annoying and making everything about byler, here's something i thought of while rewatching this pretty little liars scene:

if you've never seen the show, what you need to know is this: caleb (door) and hanna (in the corner) dated throughout the majority of the show. they were each others first loves and are just the definition of a power couple. spencer (middle) is one of hanna's best friends. in the latest seasons there was a five year time jump, and we were told hanna and caleb broke up as adults. he then started dating spencer. still, both him and hanna had unresolved feelings for each other.

in this scene, caleb gave a monologue directed at spencer. yet, he didn't know that hanna was also there, listening. he talked about his feelings, about wanting to fix things, and reminisced about one specific anecdote from the time he first acknowledged his feelings for spencer.

i want to point out a few things about this scene that i feel parallel mike's monologue:

this entire monologue was brought by caleb being unable to tell spencer he loved her. spencer had told caleb he loved him first a few episodes before this, and then confronted him about him not being able to say it back. he then tried to fix things with this monologue, but he still never told her he loved her, which was the one thing she wanted to hear.

hanna was on the frame for the entire scene. this brings us back to multiple analysis on mike's monologue. if it was supposed to be an intimate, romantic moment between mike and el, why was will always on the frame? if we were supposed to think that caleb truly wanted to be with spencer and that his feelings were genuine, why was hanna always on screen? because it shows that she's always there on the back of his mind and heart. that's why he can't tell spencer he loves her. he loves someone else.

the physical barrier between caleb and spencer. just like there's a locked door in between caleb and spencer, there was a barrier between mike and el during his monologue, as well. a barrier they can't cross. el's presence and conscience weren’t even entirely present. one thing i've always found interesting is that el and mike never looked each other in the eye while mike was giving his monologue. and as we can see, caleb and spencer never looked at each other while he was giving his speech, either. not being entirely honest is easier if you can't look at the other person in the eye. no matter how much mike/caleb try to make things right with words, there's still a physical and emotional distance they can't cross. and even though we're continually shown this barrier between mike and el, mike and will were physically close throughout the entire monologue and might i add, the entire season.

hanna spent spencer/caleb's entire relationship trying to push them together. even though hanna knew she still had feelings for caleb and would always love him, she repeatedly told spencer that it was alright for them to be together, and even went so far as continuously trying to bring them together. because she thought it would make them happy. because she didn't want to ruin her friends' happiness by being in the middle. see also: will and the monologue, will and the painting, will pushing mike towards el.

spencer knew this was something they couldn't come back from. all throughout caleb's monologue, spencer was crying, mainly because she was hurting, but also because she knew things wouldn't work out between them. she knew it had already ended. what caleb was saying could've been true, but she knew he would never be able to love her like she wanted to be loved. she knew caleb's heart didn't belong to her. may i also add that right after this monologue, they didn't talk to each other for a while, until they broke up? does it remind you of something?

for obvious reasons, spencer and caleb broke up shortly after this, and hanna and caleb got back together, being endgame, as they should've always been.

[moderator-monnie]

The Husk And The Cannibal

I got a little inspired by @sonicexelle-junkary​ latest story to write something of my own I haven’t written a story in awhile so I hope it’s alright not sure how accurate this will be. 

But I did wanna write a scenario on how i think it might be for Slammer Sonic to meet Hungry Hero Sonic like in this photo here sorry if my grammar/punctuation isn’t the best I don’t have Grammarly like I used to. 

Enjoy! be sure to tell me your thoughts 

It was a regular day in green hill zone like any other Hero was currently ontop of one of the loop de loop hills having a meal to himself which was a medium rare steak made from questionable meat and some chillie cheese fries.

“Ah nothing like sitting down with a hot meal and watching the sunset”

It was peaceful until suddenly screams could be heard in the distance Hero of course had grown used to screams but he wasn’t the reason of them so he had to investigate the source which annoyed him he packed up his meal and stretched.

Looking down from ontop of the hill he looked around trying to find the source he could briefly see in the far off distance what looked like another hedgehog based on the quills and a deer mobian on the ground he didn’t recognize either of them but he decided to run down and see what was up. 

Slammer had found himself in another world after messing with the files of the pc he was in this world was much like the one he had previously been in of course being sent to a new world weakened him a little so he needed a quick boost of energy.

And luckily for the virus they had stumbled into a couple on a walk together so using what energy they had they took on their disguise form and began to loudly cough and stumble towards them falling down in-between them both.

“O-Oh dear gosh Sonic what happened? you look horrible!” The deer mobian said and the Buck mobian grabbed him and helped him to his feet one of the Slammer worms sliding it’s way into the deer’s phone. 

“Here dude come on hun call the hospital will you?” *sonic* she nodded and prepared to pick up her phone wondering why it was slightly slimey but too much in a rush to worry about it and started to dial the number. 

Now close enough to the buck smiled and grabbed onto his head quickly snapped his neck and looked over at the deer. 

She began to scream just as she dropped her phone it exploded due to the worm and managed to injure her enough to where she couldn’t run away.

Slammer began to softly laugh and groan loudly their whole body shaking and making cracking and croaking noises before looking down at the buck their mouth unhinging and slightly over a gallon’s worth of worms erupted from their mouth covering the Buck flooding his ears, mouth, nose and eyes.

The worms rapidly ate their way thru him and laying eggs inside and while this happened Slammer’s head cracked and turned the other direction paying attention to the deer who was trying to crawl away he walked towards her and stepped on her chest where she screamed for help.

By this time Hero made his way down and looked a bit suprised to see a sickly gross hedgehog that looked alot like himself and almost gagged seeing the corpse of the buck. 

“Come on dude don’t you know you shouldn’t play with your food?” He prepared a spindash and spun right into Slammer sending him flying to the ground and turned his gaze towards the deer girl who already had some worms on her wiggling their way inside.

He shook his head and sighed even with his speed he couldn’t get her to a hospital in time to get thoes removed not to mention it looked like she was paralyzed by these strange bugs. 

Not to mention he’d still need run back intime to confront this double of himself “Sorry ma’am I would have loved to MEAT you but got more important things right now.”

She meanwhile was crying her whole body numb unable to move much besides twitching Hero quickly broke her neck since it would be the most quick.

Slammer was on the ground currently rebooting as this happened transforming into his true form no longer disguised a gentle whine coming from him and the sounds of a computer rebooting could be heard from them.

His chest eye had a large blue screen on it and the empty eye sockets on his face glowing green he did his best to get up and look over at the other sonic his voice was shaky and raspy.

“P-Please I've already seen my entire world fall to this monster you’ve go... got to kill us both before he could spread to your world as well!”

Hero looked at the other curiously it was clear that this was indeed another version of him honestly almost felt pity but was disgusted by the sight of him even a little uncomfortable wondering why or even how he was taller then himself.

“Jeez and I thought I had a pretty face but looking at you makes me question that ... Guessing your the actual sonic while that other thing was something else based on what you just told me.” 

He tapped his foot to the ground for a moment to think. 

“QUICKLY HURRY I-I CAN’T CON...” and not before long the sounds of a window’s 98 computer rebooting could be heard the green glow from the eye sockets could be seen disappearing and the black eye with the red pupil appeared in the middle of his stomach. 

Hero chuckled “looks like Jekyll gone and all that’s left is Mr. Hyde ha” 

A more serious expression came to his face after his little joke “look I don’t know what you want but your not exactly welcome here theirs only room for one *HERO* around here got that? I ain’t sharing my food” he did keep his distance though not wanting to catch whatever this thing had. 

Slammer’s chest eye blinked slowly processing what Hero had said and looking around his surroundings to the virus's calculations perhaps this was another virus like them ? 

he did mention food he might not have looked like them but perhaps he had mastered his disguise without killing the host they didn’t have enough processing power to prove otherwise currently.

So for right now they just assumed they were another Slammer copy they did make copies of themselves so it was within the realms of possibility's though they were annoyed another copy of themself chose Sonic as their host.

“... M..M...MMM My ... apologizes I was not aware we had already spread to this world please continue with our assimilation of this world and gather all the data I will .... Make my leave feel free to use these two bodies to gather your power faster”

Hero raised his eyebrow this thing thought that he was another one of them? well perhaps that was for the best nothing on that other hedgehog looked edible so it wouldn’t be worth killing them. 

Plus if this thing just left he wouldn’t need to fight them he decided to go along with it for now 

“Uhh yeah this world’s already under our control we’re just taking our time consuming it’s uh code?” 

He didn’t understand what this thing meant by data of course but he had to be at least somewhat convincing though this was no computer program this was his world.

Slammer slowly nodded before turning around and opening a portal to exit the game “... Must gain more strength and power will look elsewhere restimulate with us at a later date fellow Slammer” 

and just as fast as they were their they walked thru the portal and disappeared.

Hero wiped the sweat from his head. 

“Whew that was a close one thing might have looked weak but if it’s controlling another version of myself I wouldn’t wanna fight it unless I have to” 

He looked at the two worm ridden corpses and groaned “Ugh gonna have to get rid of these shame I can’t use their meat now hmm should bring some of these worms to miles they seem ... Electronic 

so maybe he could study them and if this thing returns we can be ready to fight it he’s smart enough to discover it’s weakness I am sure of it”

[my-current-obsession]

So uh... I binged through a first run of Our Life: Beginning and Always last night and today. The free base game, no additional DLC. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.

As I do for all otomes/romance games, I played blindly and made the choices I liked most on a first run, practically never reloading to pick different outcomes. I also strived to make the MC as close to me in terms of appearance/personality/etc. as possible, since that was an option here.

If anyone’s curious, I went for direct indifference at step one (since I barely knew/cared about Cove at first and have always been rather honest/blunt about my feelings), then direct fondness step 2 (it definitely felt like we were friends by the end of step 1, so...), then nervous crush step 3. I definitely wanted a romantic (or possibly never-acted upon romantic) ending, and after everyone teasing/implying the relationship was like that or heading in that direction, combined with Cove repeatedly sneaking into MC’s room it felt like the right time.

I went nervous because, well, developing feelings for a friend is bound to make things super awkward and leave you feeling less comfortable. I noticed that starting in step 3 people starting calling Jamie shy and reserved, and I’m not sure if that’s a result of me picking nervous (because I was under the impression those choices only related to how she related to Cove but maybe I’m wrong) or my prior choices of mostly being non-confrontational and passive led to that.

I had decided immediately I WAS NOT going to confess to him, because realistically I’d never risk sabotaging a friendship like that. I played MC often getting flustered but happy when Cove flirted with her and very occasionally made somewhat flirty banter myself, but I shied away from strong advances and never told him how I felt when presented the opportunity.

When our friends were “fighting” and things got heated, I rode things out and managed to calm him down. I finally told him about the $20 deal his dad had given me afterward, and thankfully he laughed it off. I’m sure in earlier steps he might not have been so receptive to that truth, so I took it as a sign of his growth and also how close we’d gotten.

I actually got a seemingly rare outcome of Cove confessing to me at the end of step 3 - it’s about 20% achieved on Steam and there are at least 3 different threads on the forum asking how to get the outcome I literally got blindly. It was an outcome I was VERY happy with, though I was wondering while playing (and still wonder now) if it’s possible to create a scenario where there are clearly mutual feelings that both parties just NEVER confess to, for fear of ruining what they already have.

Since they ended off step 3 officially together (although I had MC going a little ways away for college, which made things pretty bittersweet, especially since she and Cove had FINALLY gotten together only two days prior) I used “relaxed love” for step 4 since I knew it would take place several years later. I figure after several years of dating you’d be entirely committed and casual/comfortable with your SO. I didn’t have them living together, but it was still obvious how close and cozy they were, which I loved. There were so many emotional/physical intimate moments in this step that cemented how happy they were together. There was much cuddling, hand-holding, and a little more on occasion to be had.

And to end things perfectly Cove proposed and we told literally all our friends and family. Which was sweet, albeit incredibly embarrassing. I had tried to play MC as “neutrally” towards marriage as possible since that’s my honest feelings. For me the important thing is being together and marriage doesn’t really change that, but I’m not opposed to it either.

I honestly LOVE how Cove remained so emotional and soft as he grew up. I know my choices impact his personality and appearance so I’m not sure how much of this was set in stone versus my choices affecting things, but he was a crybaby to the end and struggled SO HARD to confess and then to propose but that was honestly real and wonderful. “My” Cove was more studious than sporty, never ditched his glasses (though he often took them off), cut his hair a bit shorter in 3 only to grow it back longer than ever in 4, and patched his relationship up with his parents over time to the point that he was VERY close and loving with them both in the end. He was more slender than buff (which suited me fine), though he was still very into surfing and his ORCA responsibilities.

He was flawed, but he was perfect to me. I imagine many players went a very similar route to me and got nearly identical outcomes in terms of most of the major plot beats - though maybe they were brave enough to confess, or perhaps their Cove was more sporty than studious. My path just felt VERY organic and natural as they went from strangers to friends to potentially-more to happily committed to each other.

I absolutely intend to replay this again, and with the steps 1-3 DLC for much more content. There are so many variations I’m looking forward to trying. The fact that the base game is free is honestly stunning because I would happily pay 20, 30 bucks for it. I can already tell it has SO MUCH replay value, though I do wonder how much all the choices really matter. Outside of setting your preferences and obviously major decisions (like telling Cove about The Deal or whether to confess your feelings), a lot of them feel like they might just slightly change a specific conversation, but on the other hand there are some choices that SEEM relatively innocuous but have far-reaching consequences or at least callbacks/in-jokes.

I look forward to seeing how much Cove as a person changes in subsequent playthroughs and how much his dynamic with Jamie can be altered at every step. So glad I gave this game a try and I can’t recommend it enough - especially since the base game is free, so anyone can try it without spending a dime! If you give this game your time and love, it has SO MUCH potential content and love to give back to you.

[belokhvostikova]

Right. Well. I hope you're ready for this because I have a lot to talk about for yearbook 🤣

Firstly, I loved the structure of this chapter. A day in the life of Eddie, centered around his session. How Ms Kelly has had to draw him out over a few days. Because yea, he's made it there in the first place, but it doesn't automatically mean he's gonna be a model of open conversation and spilling his guts straight away. Felt very real that, like 'well I've shown up, what more do you want from me?'

Him just having a minute and sitting observing everyone from his van. Like his little moment of calm. It actually was like a scene from a movie, it reminded me of the first episode of season 4, as Robin is getting out of Steve's car and we're dipping in and out of everyone's conversations and goings on. Loved this.

Then his view of R coming into school, how he held back but still gave her that sign of solidarity with the thumbs up. He's so precious, I can't cope. And she needed that so much, her thinking about it later on to get her through the shitty parts of her day was perfect.

R's dad telling her that she basically deserves anything awful that happens to her, just for being a good person. Urgh that guy has some serious issues. Of all the people that need some therapy...

Then Chrissy! She made so many smart choices in this chapter. You've characterised her really well in this. Like she's presented as this really sweet and kind person in the show, but would she have stayed true to that when it mattered in a difficult situation with an audience? I love that you have her do that. Their lunch scene with Dustin was hilarious. Eddie's 'WHAT?!' After the marriage talk 🤣 pal, you would have her in a hot minute.

Really enjoyed the coaches comedy relief after the Jason/Eddie confrontation, and that R and Eddie had more conversation. Especially when it's flirting, could read them like this all day 😍

Honourable mention to Wayne again, for basically being a solid parent and showing Eddie what 'stable' looks like. I hope R meets him at some point and thinks 'oh shit, this is what a dad's supposed to look like'

Strange note for me to end on but I love how you full name everyone when they're not in direct conversation with each other, I've noticed it the past few chapters and it feels very 'Morgan Freeman doing a narrator voice over' and I'm here for it. Can't wait to see what happens next! 🖤🖤

Yes! I've been waiting for you. *in ominous voice*

Let me tell you, when I first began writing this chapter, I just completely free-balled it, I had no clue what was going to happen. I began writing the first couple of paragraphs, when it hit me. This story should totally revolve around Eddie's session AH- I felt like a fucking genius!

I honestly loved that added detail of him just observing. When I write I feel the need to just insert the most meaningless details, but I think it does a good job with just setting the mood around the story. If anyone is every struggling with writing, truthfully, adding specific details can really help!

And the little thumbs up 😭 everyone needs a little thumbs up from Eddie Munson! Especially after that sick interaction with her father, ugh 🤮

Our Chrissy Cunningham redemption arc has been completed! 🩷 I loved how sweet her character was in the show, and I definitely wanted to stick by that, but of course, I wanted to emulate a changing relationship between her and Jason, one where the other person is just someone who's not who they used to be. And given that it's implied that her mother is taking quite some control over her life, I really wanted to be able give her the opportunity to do what she wanted.

And we loved their little "girl talk" with a clueless Dustin.

And I love the idea of Reader meeting Wayne. Especially since we already got extremely intimate moments in her bedroom, I can definitely add some raw moments in his house.

And I think I've said this before, but I FUCKING RAGE OVER USING CHARACTER'S FULL NAME!!!!! Makes me feel like an actual fucking author with merit, lol. And I'm falling onto my knees knowing you get that feeling, too, and you noticed it in the first place! 😩

Thank you so much for your support! 🥹❤️

[444lpblue]

Skip and Loafer #6 - Drizzling and Flickering

Screenplay: Yoko Yonaiyama Storyboard: Toshiya Shinohara Episode Director: Tomoko Hiramuki Chief Animation Director: Manami Umeshita

I have just been catching up on anime and was in a bit of a flow state and didn't feel like writing anything, but I just had to stop to write about this. This might be my favorite episode of the entire year so far. "Skip and Loafer" is such a simple show in its concept and themes, but the writing and portrayal of relationships and subtle personalities are some of the best I've ever seen.

We already know that Shima can be a bit of a detached character, even if he's friendly to just about everyone, and we also know he has a bit of a passive-aggressive side. We saw this earlier in the series when the guy from the theater club was snooping around his past. Mitsumi has never really confronted this part of Shima until this episode, and it's also the first episode in which Shima lets down his walls and engages in a genuine conversation.

However, of course, it didn't begin with an easy conversation. The two had an awkward discussion with each other and couldn't face each other the next day. I love that the series never tries to drag out problems longer than they need to be. This issue didn't last for a month or a week; it started a day ago and lasted about a day in total. It's much more realistic than most arguments I've seen in other high school anime. There are no big arguments; everything is handled in a subtle and realistic way.

The direction and storyboard for this episode were lovely. There were constant intimate shots of the characters' reactions to each other's words, as well as wide, far-away shots that showed how even though they were physically close to each other, they were in a way detached from speaking their true feelings.

What's impressive is that none of these cues are extremely obvious. They don't overly emphasize Shima's anxiety about expressing his feelings. Instead, you might notice subtle changes in his eyes or a slight sweat mark, but it's enough to understand what he's feeling. This show excels in subtlety, and through these slight facial changes, you can almost always infer someone's emotions. I believe this is also due to the anime's ability to maintain a light tone and avoid becoming overly dramatic.

The two individuals who helmed this episode were Toshiya Shinohara (storyboard) and Tomoko Hiramuki (episode director), and I mean, talk about a banger lineup, right? Shinohara has been a director for many critically acclaimed shows like "A Lull in the Sea," "The Aquatope on White Sand," and "Black Butler," so it's not surprising how good this episode is. However, some of you may have never heard of Tomoko Hiramuki, as she has never helmed a whole show by herself. Nevertheless, she has been a lifelong episode director and is one of the best episode directors who has never helmed her own series before. I've loved her contribution to one of my favorite episodes and actually series of all time, Kubikiri Cycle episode 8, where she worked with Yase Yuuki and Takashi Asami to piece together this almost hour-long surreal word vomit that is Kubikiri Cycle in such an incredible way. I don't even know how to describe it—like it or hate it, it's a must-watch, unique experience. She has also worked on some episodes in "Ancient Magus Bride", "Monogatari", "91 Days" and "Girl's Last Tour". What I'm trying to say is, if you see her directing an episode, it's probably going to be a great one. Her range is amazing and she often can adapt to many types of source material, while keeping an oddly intimate framing on the episode the whole time.