#so this year he opened a form for people to submit their oc

[aqqleshiqqing-archive]

I JUST LEARNED ABOUT THE GOOGLE FORMS INCIDENT WITH SR PELO I CANT STOP LAUGIFIGJGKDKSHAGAHSKAKAJAH

[magicshopaholic]

Suburbia (Namjoon x OC)

Summary: You give Namjoon an unexpected surprise, he meets your family for the first time, and you do grown up things in your childhood favourite spots.

Pairing: Namjoon x OC

Genre: fluff, banter, smut, a hint of angst; established relationship, slice of life?

Rating: 18+

Word Count: 9.3K

Warnings: mentions of parental death, moving on from it, semi-public everything, including snogging, dirty talk, palming, nipple play, fingering, mentions of sex, blowjobs, riding

A/N: Just Namjoon Namjooning with the love of his life. Set a couple of months after Industry Baby, but can be read stand-alone as well.

This is also a submission for the summer project hosted by @thebtswritersclub, under the theme "trail/campsite" <3

For those following my other members' storylines as well (hint: Taehyung), there's a cute little Easter egg for y'all :)

Listen to: "with you/for you" by prateek kuhad

namjoon masterlist | main masterlist

Close your eyes.

Namjoon does, feeling his shoulders relax as he takes in the sunlight, warm and comforting on his face. Sitting on the bench, the grass crunchy underneath his shoes, there’s nothing separating him and the light, no sound except for those in nature. The chilly air of the morning feels like a distant memory, and he hopes the flannel shirt he’s wearing over his t-shirt will absorb some of the warmth for later.

He tilts his head back and takes off his cap before running his fingers through his hair. He sighs; it’s only a matter of time before one of the stylists cuts it again, despite the freedom he feels in having his hair long and unstyled. 

Almost as importantly, his girlfriend loves it, too.

He could stay here forever. The air is clean and grassy; it makes him think of spring even though it’s autumn - no, fall. Kaya tends to say the latter and it reminds him every time of how far apart they usually are in distance - or, alternatively, how lucky they are to be together right now.

He bites his lip, feeling the smallest smile form on his lips. She’s the reason he’s here, more at peace than he has been in a long time. She’s the reason he’s anywhere, really, and his chest aches when he pictures her in his mind yet again. Doe eyes, dark hair and a smile that stole his heart for the first time over a year ago. Disney princess eyes. She is his peace.

“Fine, if we don’t get the survey results on time, he can write the analysis and submit it on the weekend. And I’m not proof-reading it!”

Of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s always at peace.

Namjoon opens his eyes and squints at the sunlight to see Kaya ending the call, frowning down at the phone. In skinny jeans and a loose mustard sweater, she looks like an annoyed sunflower turning away from the sun. When she looks up to see him already smiling at her, she sighs.

“I might have a report to proof-read,” she mutters, pouting slightly and making Namjoon’s heart skip a beat. 

“Even on vacation?”

She gives him a look. “Was that something you were writing for fun in your notebook this morning? Or was it song lyrics?” She sounds rather like she knows the answer, the same doe eyes betraying amusement.

Namjoon shrugs. “Why can’t it be both?”

“Fair enough. Wish I could say the same thing about consumer behaviour surveys.”

“It sounded like some poor kid just lost his weekend,” he remarks, raising his eyebrows.

“It’s not that bad,” she says dismissively, sweeping her hair off her shoulders and tilting her face up to the sun like he was a few minutes ago, as though just remembering she’s outside. “It shouldn’t take him more than a couple hours to write, honestly. But it’s good to be firm,” she says wisely. “Keeps people in line.”

Namjoon grins. “That’s hot.”

Kaya laughs, and walks over to him when he holds out a hand. Linking her fingers loosely with his, she takes a seat next to him, exhaling deeply. “It’s so good to be back here.”

“Yeah?” He places an arm behind her on the back of the bench and nuzzles the top of her head, shamelessly inhaling her conditioner. Coconut and vanilla. An odd combination, to be sure, but somehow it just works.

“Yeah, it’s been a while.” She turns to him and nudges his side. “Thanks for coming, by the way. I know you didn’t want to admit it, but I could tell you were a bit nervous.”

“Me? Nervous?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t say nervous, just… I want to make a good impression. On everyone.”

“And you have. Really,” she adds. “I had no doubt that you would. You know Jae-lin already worships you.”

Namjoon winces. “Ah, don’t say that,” he mutters, feeling his neck get warm. “But that’s good, too, I guess. She’s a sweet kid.”

“She would literally sell her family for your band.”

“Same thing.” 

Kaya grins. “Well, Jae-lin aside,” she continues, “Jieun and Jack already know you, kind of, from Seoul. And my mom really likes you, too,” she adds after a moment, patting his knee comfortingly.

“You think?”

“Absolutely.”

Namjoon nods, glad to hear her validate it. It’s only the second day he’s spent at her parents’ house in Connecticut, the house she grew up in, and while he did feel as though he’d made a decent first impression on her mother, he intended for it to only get better from here.

They’d discussed this a few weeks ago, when it had turned out that her annual visit to her parents’ house would be at the same time that BTS was wrapping up the North American leg of their tour in New York - also at the same time as his birthday. In fact, his birthday was the day of the last concert, something he’d been looking forward to immensely.

He’d been hoping that the days would overlap, that she’d come to visit her mother and be able to spend his birthday with him, too, but she’d cited quizzes to mark and research to complete, sounding genuinely exhausted and apologetic over the phone. He’d tried not to be disappointed; she had a career as well, and he wasn’t conceited enough to think that he was worth jeopardizing all her hard work over. 

He’d accepted her offer to come home with her, though. She hadn’t insisted but if it meant getting more time with her, he was ready to say yes in a heartbeat. The only thing making him hesitate was the reason she was going home at all; apparently it was tradition in Kaya’s family that on her father’s birthday, his wife, his daughter and his sister would get together to honour him. It had sounded far too private a family event for Namjoon to intrude but Kaya had reassured him that the grieving aspect of it had disappeared years ago; now, it was just a sweet reason for the family to get together, especially now that Jae-lin was older as well.

“You were up early today.” Kaya’s voice breaks him out of his reverie. “Where were you?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Catching sight of her frown, he quickly explains. “I just mean… I’d gotten into the habit of waking up early, for the concerts. Plus, the view of the stream from your bedroom is really nice,” he remarks, watching her nod. “I couldn’t not go outside. Then I ran into Jack downstairs and he was making coffee,” he finishes.

“Say no more.” 

“And then I saw a picture of you with some sort of medal, on the mantle?” He says innocently, noting she suppresses an embarrassed smile. “And then your mom entered and told me all about how you were so sad because you came in second place in the spelling bee.”

“I’m still traumatised,” she points out. “The word was ‘thermometer’,” she adds scathingly.

He snickers. “Well, you looked really cute. Very squishy cheeks,” he adds, pinching hers between his index and middle finger.

Kaya brushes his hand away but keeps their fingers linked, shrugging. “I was a chubby kid,” she admits, “and I loved it.”

“You should.” Namjoon leans back against the bench again, closing his eyes in the face of the sun. “I like thinking that that’s what our kids will look like.”

The moment of silence that follows the statement is enough, as is the quiet chuckle he hears. “Our kids?”

His eyes open slowly. “Well, I mean, if… you know.” He turns to face her, noting her carefully blank expression but the restrained laughter just underneath. “Just hypothetically. Obviously.”

“Obviously.”

“I mean, not - not that hypothetically,” he stutters, wincing. “It’s not like it’s impossible, it’s just…” He sighs in embarrassment as she covers her mouth, shoulders shaking with laughter. “Christ, Kaya - do you want to have this conversation right now?”

Kaya bursts out laughing and shakes her head, swinging her legs onto his lap and reaching over to hug him. “No, I don’t,” she admits, kissing him on the cheek as he rolls his eyes, dropping one hand over her knees.

“Good. We’ll pick it up at the one year mark, maybe.”

“I’m good with one and a half, too.”

“Deal.” He gives her a mock glare as she smiles back radiantly at him, resting her elbow on the back of the bench. He closes his eyes again when she reaches out to touch the ends of his hair before gliding her fingers through it. Her touch is soft and comforting, and he tries with all his might not to think about the fact that after this week, it’ll be another couple of months at least before he can feel it again.

“I love your long hair,” she murmurs, her thumb brushing his ear.

“I know you do.”

“Yeah? Enough that you’ll keep it that way? For me?”

Namjoon turns to look at her adoringly, knowing that at this moment, he’d give her anything she wants. “Enough that I’ll want to, for as long as I can.”

She bites her lip. “Good enough,” she says softly, just as he leans forward to kiss her. She opens her mouth against his immediately, sighing when his tongue brushes lightly against her lower lip. Her hand comes up to his face and hair, tangling gently in the long strands as he pulls her slightly closer by the shoulders, his other hand travelling up her thigh and resting on her hips.

Her lips are as soft as ever, and he can’t help but feel a little sorry when she pulls away. She doesn’t move away from him, though.

“I thought you weren’t a fan of public displays of affection,” she says quietly, looking up at him, eyes dark and still a little glassy.

“I’m not a huge fan.” He brushes his knuckle against her cheek. “But to be fair, this is hardly public.” He gestures to the open woods around them, manicured and maintained to perfection.

“One of the perks of living in the suburbs,” she agrees, now sitting back slightly as she turns to survey their surroundings. “I’ll take you down my favourite trail later. It’s really pretty because it’s further in, with the stream and everything. Sometimes you can spot deer, too.” Her eyes land on something behind him and she grimaces. “And you can’t see your neighbour’s Make America Great Again lawn sign.”

“I’m in. For the hike, not the lawn sign.” 

“Good.” Kaya smiles, brushing a strand of his hair out of his eyes. “You don’t regret coming, right?” she asks, quieter this time.

“Of course not,” he says honestly. “And next time you come to Seoul, I’ll take you to my parents’ house, too. They’ll love you,” he adds, certain of it.

She raises her eyebrows and nods slowly before exhaling heavily. “Wow, that’s a lot of pressure.”

Namjoon chuckles. “What are you talking about? You’re in your mid-twenties and halfway through your Ph.D. You’re kind of the dream.”

“Your dream, maybe,” she says coyly, clearly trying to digress. “And I’m not halfway through my Ph.D; I’m only a year in. And,” she continues, holding up a finger, “I’m not the only one in my mid-twenties anymore,” she points out.

He nods, shrugging. “That’s true. We’re in the same boat now.”

“We are. Oh, by the way,” she says after a moment, “I have a… a birthday present, I guess?” She bites her lip, as though suddenly remembering a private joke. “And I really want to give it to you before you leave.”

He frowns, amused. “What are you talking about? New York was my birthday present. Right?” When she rolls her eyes, he tilts his head. “No?”

“Afraid not, baby.”

“Huh.” 

When the Connecticut plan had been finalized, Namjoon had tried to look at it as a consolation for spending his birthday in rehearsals and sound checks before going back tired and weary to an empty bed. The staff and the boys would surely try to make it special but it didn’t compare to having her there for his first birthday since they’d gotten together, especially after he’d already allowed himself to hope for it. 

At the stroke of midnight, he and the other members had been in the dressing room, warming up for a late night rehearsal before the concert the next day. There was singing, someone had brought cake which none of them could eat, and an embarrassing video was being filmed by Jungkook and Taehyung that they promised they would upload onto the internet soon (“Hyung, hyung! Make the face you made on stage yesterday when the canon scared you!”).

Namjoon was being a sport, playing along and posing half-heartedly for pictures. Even when Jimin and Seokjin struggled to take him outside to show him something, something they continuously assured him he would like, he’d gotten to his feet and followed them half-heartedly, wanting more than anything to just be done with this night. By the time they’d reached one of the private dressing rooms with the rest of the members skipping alone behind them and Taehyung insisting on covering his eyes the whole way, Namjoon just wanted to go to sleep.

All he’d seen there was the room lit up, a few balloons hastily tied to the mirrors which he supposed the staff had done. It looked cute but it didn’t make him feel much better, and was certainly a letdown given the fuss to get him here.

“Ah, thanks, guys. Really.” He’d forced a smile, knowing someone was bound to be taking pictures. Sure enough, when he turned around, Hoseok was holding up his camera gleefully, fingers zooming in and out on the screen. Namjoon couldn’t even understand what he was recording; there was barely any space in the room for more than two people, let alone seven full grown men.

“Namjoon, come on.” Seokjin had clapped him on the shoulder and squeezed it. “I know why you’re disappointed,” he said, voice slightly lowered in the din of conversation. He could vaguely hear Yoongi and Jimin bickering about something. 

“I’m not disappointed,” he’d said automatically. “Just… just tired.” It was untrue, obviously, and while he appreciated their efforts, all it had succeeded in doing was make him miss Kaya more. He’d sent himself down this rabbit hole, there was no doubt. Constantly thinking about her and hoping that she’d be able to change her plans was never going to go well, especially when he indulged himself in those fantasies when he was alone at night. At this point, he was sure he could smell her conditioner as well, a sweet, delectable scent that made him think insatiably of dessert.

When he’s spotted another flame somewhere in the crowd, he was done. The last thing he wanted to see was another cake that everyone would watch him peer at and blow out the candles, another one which none of them could even eat.

“I think I’m just going to head back,” he’d said, taking a step back towards the door. Interrupting the chorus of nooo, he’d held up his hands. “I’m tired,” he’d added in English, taking another step back when he’d heard her voice.

“Fine, I guess we’ll just see each other in Connecticut then.”

The next few minutes had been a blur. Turning around, hardly daring to believe it, to see Kaya emerge from in between the guys; her gorgeous smile as she locked eyes with his and made her way to him; the cupcake in her hand with the singular candle that she was holding, the one he could barely pay attention to because she was here. His feet had moved automatically and he’d reached for her, pulling her as close as possible and straightening up, realising only a moment later that she’d had to wrap her legs around him as she hugged him back.

“Babe, I have an open flame in my hand.” Her wry voice had been what brought him back, and he’d shook his head, nuzzling her shoulder and breathing in the same scent of her conditioner.

“What’s that smell?” he’d mumbled, inhaling again. He was starting to register other voices now, the sound of Jimin laughing, of Hoseok going “Oh, what a shot!”, of Jungkook asking what flavour the cupcake was - but he needed an answer. “Your conditioner,” he’d prodded, tilting his head and kissing her neck.

“Coconut and vanilla,” she’d murmured in his ear, tightening her arms around him. “Happy birthday, baby.”

Coconut and vanilla. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t been able to tell; it was so obvious now. It wasn’t until Seokjin yelled at something that Namjoon realised how inappropriate this possibly looked, but only a fraction of him could manage to care.

“We’ll be right back,” he’d said to the room in English before swiftly turning around and walking out the door, grinning when he felt Kaya laugh into his shoulder and heard the hoots behind him get fainter as he took a few steps down the hall before entering another dressing room. 

She’d hopped down the moment he’d closed the door behind them, holding up the cupcake with the flame blown out. “Sorry, it’s an airport cake,” she’d said, sounding only half-apologetic. “But it probably still tastes really good.”

Namjoon had taken the cupcake, turning it around in his hand and observing the pearly frosting as she’d wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her nose to his collarbone. “It’s probably the cutest cake I’ve ever gotten,” he’d decided, placing it on the dressing table next to him.

“Well, I know you’re probably on a diet,” she’d reasoned, reaching up as he’d kissed her. It had felt like a breath of fresh air to finally kiss her, to finally have her in his arms after weeks of feeling sorry for himself. She’d seemed to feel the same, her hands going straight to his hair and her body pressing against his as he backed her up against the wall.

“God, I love you so much.” Namjoon had whispered against her lips before remembering something. “Didn’t the cupcake have a candle, though?” He’d murmured, his lips moving down to her jaw and towards her neck, ghosting over her skin.

“Mhm,” she’d sighed, tightening her arms around his neck, “but I think Jimin blew it out.”

She was so hot, he’d thought, feeling her curves against him and letting one hand travel down her hips and to her backside, squeezing it lightly and teasingly. “Don’t talk about Jimin right now.”

Kaya had let out a breathless chuckle before pushing him away slightly by the shoulders. “Don’t be mean. He’s the one who called me.” 

Namjoon had pulled away to frown at this unexpected detail. “Jimin called you?” This, because as far as he knew, Jimin liked Kaya well enough, but he’d always sensed some hesitance from the younger member, almost as if he was intimidated by her.

“Well, he asked Yoongi to call me,” she’d amended, proving his theory right. “Apparently, you’ve been very, very stressed lately,” she’d added, reaching up to snake her arms around his neck again.

He’d just been about to kiss her once more, his hands carressing her ribcage, when the door behind him had opened and Seokjin had poked his head in.

“Er, sorry, but we have practice,” he’d said in English, the words sounding foreign on his tongue.

Namjoon and Kaya had immediately sprung apart, and Namjoon had looked down at her, remembering only now that technically, he was still working. “Oh, right.”

From behind Seokjin, Jungkook had opened the door slightly further and peeked in as well, relief washing over his youthful face. From behind Namjoon, Kaya had snickered, and he was sure she’d noticed it as well and worked out that it was because unlike a year ago, Jungkook hadn’t walked in on them tonight. 

“You can, uh…” Jungkook frowned, biting his lip as he tried to remember the word.

“Skip?” Kaya guessed before Namjoon could open his mouth. When Jungkook had nodded, she’d immediately shook her head. “No, no, don’t skip anything because of me.”

“But I -”

“Namjoon, seriously.” She’d slipped out from between him and the wall and taken a step towards the door, fixing her hair as she did. Despite the fact that he knew she was being genuine, he knew that at least part of her reaction was because she was flustered at being caught with him in an empty dressing room. “Go, practice your heart out, okay?”

“Um -” Namjoon’s shoulders had slumped at the thought of being brought back to reality so rudely, but he knew he couldn’t make it so obvious, especially in front of the members. “Okay. I’ll see you later, though, right?”

“Of course. My luggage is in your hotel lobby,” she’d admitted sheepishly. “Is it too presumptuous of me? Or can I meet you back in your room?” she’d added in a lower voice.

At the thought of her waiting for him when he got back, Namjoon had felt himself stir without warning. “Sounds like a plan,” he’d said quickly, ushering the guys out of the room, Kaya right behind him.

It had been the best practice session of his life. They’d danced alright, sure, but the excitement inside of him at her presence her, just for him, was unparalleled. It had been unexpected and yet so delightful, that he honestly can’t think what she could now gift him that could top that.

“Can I have a hint?” he asks, now wracking his brain for any guesses.

“No. Come on, don’t ruin it,” she whines playfully, nudging his shoulder. “If you build it up too much, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.”

“Fine. But just so you know, you being there for my birthday was enough,” he says honestly, tugging her knees towards him affectionately. “Can’t believe Yoongi of all people went behind my back for this.”

“Why? He’s nice. Sensitive, but not annoyingly so.”

“Well.” Namjoon has his thoughts there but he supposes that Kaya would think so, given that Yoongi’s the member she’s gotten along with best so far. This trip, however, Taehyung had taken quite an interest in her as well, asking her about Amsterdam and Europe and whatnot, to the point where Namjoon had started to get a bit jealous before managing to gather himself.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He exhales, content, and kisses her cheek. “I’m just really happy you came. And I hope you enjoyed your first BTS concert that night, too?”

“I did,” she agrees, nodding. “My hot, sexy boyfriend rapped in a language I didn’t understand but I cheered with all ten thousand other girls there for him,” she adds, raising an eyebrow.

“I wouldn’t say ten thousand.”

“More than enough, in any case.”

“Jealous?”

Kaya shrugs. “Of what? I’m the only one he fucked in the shower that night,” she reminds him innocently.

Goddamnit. Namjoon shakes his head at her as she grins, his mind immediately flashing back to how good her body looked under the running water, how firmly he’d held her hips as he’d thrust into her, how warm and tight she’d felt around him…

“Also, Jae-lin really enjoyed her second BTS concert that night,” she continues, and he forces himself back to the present. “Plus, it feels like it’s been ages since I’ve been to New York. I must have had, like, two whole bagels that day.”

Namjoon nods, guessing that she would’ve roamed around the city during the day before returning for the concert. He’d offered to let her and Jae-lin watch from backstage, but Kaya had wanted the audience experience. He hadn’t been wholly comfortable with it, even though there was no way for anyone in the audience to know she was his girlfriend. Still, the thought of her out there, that exposed - it had occupied his mind more than it should have until he’d reminded himsef that there was nothing he could do about it.

“Where did you go?” he asks.

“Um… well, I met my friend Natalie for a quick brunch, and then I walked over to this cafe that used to be a dump five years ago but had the best coffee,” she lists, frowning adorably as she tries to remember. “I ran into one of my project partners from high school, didn’t have time for the Met, passed by NYU…” Kaya bites her lip, trailing off.

“NYU?” When she nods once, Namjoon hesitates before continuing. “Did you go inside?” he asks softly.

The remanants of her smile fade. “No.” She drops her gaze and Namjoon’s heart sinks. He starts to pull her to him gently, but she squirms. “Joon, don’t.”

“I’m not doing anything,” he murmurs, tugging her close again. This time, thankfully, she lets him. He wraps his arm properly around her shoulder and presses a kiss to her forehead. “What else did you do in New York?”

“Not much.” She doesn’t say anymore, momentarily dropping her head sideways against his shoulder. The coconut and vanilla scent wafts up again and Namjoon tightens his arm around her. Before he can ask anything, she sighs and pulls away.

“Kaya, what -”

“We need to get that stuff my mom asked for before she starts making dinner,” she says, swinging her legs down and standing up. Her tone is business-like, rather like the one she had when she was on her phone call earlier. “It’ll get dark soon and we wanted to go on that trail and everything…” She dusts off her jeans and starts fixing an invisible crease on her sweater.

Namjoon watches her, not fooled but also aware that this isn’t the right moment to talk about it. When she finally looks at him questioningly, he nods and stands up as well, running a hand through his hair before placing the cap back on it. 

Kaya notices and cracks a smile. “Your hair’s really grown long,” she murmurs wistfully, touching the ends of it before dropping her hand back to her side. In a move that makes his heart flutter, she takes his hand and loosely intertwines their fingers as they begin walking. “So she needed ginger garlic paste and a wine opener. What else? Oh, right, another box of paper towels…”

—

“We really should’ve made a list.”

Namjoon nods in agreement as they walk down the familiar path in town, passing by a clothing store. “I remember suggesting it, too,” he says lightly, nudging her side. “But someone claimed to have a very good memory.”

“I do have a good memory,” argues Kaya, playfully swatting his hand away. “It’s just… on standby, when I’m on vacation.” Her heart skips a beat when he chuckles and puts an arm around her shoulder and pulls hher in affectionately.

“Well, it didn’t account for what is our… third trip? Third trip to the grocery store,” he says helpfully.

“Yeah, maybe this time you won’t knock over a bottle of ketchup in the middle of the frozen foods aisle.”

Namjoon grimaces as they reach the store. “I swear, that bottle came out of nowhere. Why was ketchup even in the frozen foods aisle? It makes no sense!”

“Honey, let’s not talk about this. It’s only going to upset you.” She bites her lip and suppresses a smile when he continues looking disappointed at the layout of the local grocery store, when she remembers something. “You know, there’s a decent chance they won’t let you in again?”

He frowns. “Wait, seriously? Would they even recognise me?”

Despite the baseball cap perched low on his head, Kaya can hear the note of panic in his voice. “I mean… only because you’re six feet tall and gave them quite of cleaning up to do. Also,” she adds, subtly reaching out to squeeze his forearm, “it happened, like, fifteen minutes ago.”

“Oh. You should probably go in by yourself, then.”

“I won’t be long.” She raises her eyebrows. “You’ll be okay?”

Namjoon rolls his eyes. “No, I don’t think so. I might get lost,” he says sarcastically, as Kaya narrows her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. “I might ge scared, I might even start to cry. I might have to rely on the kindness of a stranger, only for the stranger to end up being… I don’t know, the Zodiac killer?”

“The Zodiac killer?”

“Sure, why not?”

“For one thing, the Zodiac killer operated in California. For another, he was doing his killing half a century ago. There’s no way he’s still alive.”

“Obviously, it’s not the same person,” reasons Namjoon as though it’s completely obvious, looking thoroughly invested now. “You see this in comics all the time, especially. It’s always a new person assuming the same persona, either because they admired the cause that the original villain was killing for, or because they’ve been brainwashed, or because they’re lonely and don’t know any better.” He shrugs. “It’s textbook.”

Kaya sighs. “I knew we shouldn’t have watched the movie last night.”

“It was a good movie, though,” he allows. “Think it scared Jae-lin a bit, though. And Jack.”

“And my mom. I don’t know why she agreed to it,” she mutters, recalling how her mother had situated herself comfortably in her favourite chair as the opening credits appeared on the screen, a glass of Pinot and a bowl of apple slices ready to go. “She hates movies like this.”

“Huh.” Namjoon nods. “So… Jae-lin, Jack and your mom. They were the only ones afraid?”

She gives him a look. “Are you implying I was afraid as well?”

“Well… if the change in seating from the sofa onto the floor fits.” He spreads his arms, a dimpled and knowing smile on his face. “In my lap, I mean.”

Kaya could melt, especially since she can recall every aspect of how it felt to be sitting there last night. It hadn’t been in his lap; she’d gone to the kitchen for a bottle of water and casually returned to sit in between his legs. His arms had come around her automatically, and she’d settled back comfortably against his chest as the movie continued. The living room was dark except for the light from the television and everyone else was too preoccupied to notice; the movie may or may not have had anything to do with it. 

“It was alright.” 

Namjoon’s grin widens as she rolls her eyes and turns around, starting on her way inside the grocery store. She hears exactly one footstep before she feels his arms wrap around her waist, his deep snicker in her ear. “All I’m saying, baby, is that the new Zodiac killer could absolutely be in Connecticut now. That’s all.”

She halts, processing his words, hardly feeling his lips brush her neck before pressing a kiss to her jaw. “That’s… genuinely terrifying, thank you.” Stepping out of his arms, she turns around and sighs, hands on her hips. “I’m going to go inside and get the gummy bears. It’ll take me two minutes, tops. Are you sure you’ll be okay? Or do I need to worry about a world famous serial killer popping up from behind a hot dog stand?”

“I’ll do my best to be prepared.”

“That’s the sprit, babe.”

As it turns out, it takes Kaya a whole five minutes to procure and pay for the gummy bears. Shifting all her groceries into one bag as she exits the store, she looks around the parking lot to see Namjoon nowhere around. Despite everything they quipped about a few minutes ago, she’s used to this. Ninety-nine percent of the time, he’s been too eager to explore, and she’s found him immersed in something nearby.

Sure enough, after walking a few metres down the street, she spots his tall frame with the red flannel shirt in the window of an antique store. As she nears it, she realises she remembers it from her childhood, except she’d never had a reason to go in.

When she steps in, a soft bell chimes and the cool breeze of the outdoors is abruptly cut off. It’s warm and slightly stuffy, but there’s a faint smell of incense that she instantly likes. There’s no one at the counter and she can’t see Namjoon either. Making her way through the tall shelves and trying to be careful not to knock anything down, she searches for him quietly, vaguely observing that the artifacts seem to be less antique and more bohemian than anything, with trinkets placed everywhere, including hanging from the ceilings.

Kaya is following a long, olive-green trainset whe she turns round the corner of a shelf and almost bumps right into her boyfriend. “Shit!” she gasps as he immediately grabs her shoulders to keep her from tripping. “Don’t sneak up on me like that,” she whispers, trying to catch her breath. When she notices him smiling down at her fondly, his dimples popping, she frowns. “What?”

“Does this remind you of anything?” Namjoon asks, letting go of her shoulders to pull her closer to him by the forearms. “Experiencing a bit of deja vu, maybe?”

It takes her a moment, but she realises he’s right. Unable to keep the smile from creeping up on her face, she moves towards him and bites her lip, nodding and reaching up to kiss him. 

“That’s a yes,” she murmurs against his lips, tugging at the end of his shirt. “Except this time I actually know who you are.”

“Better than most people.” Namjoon’s hands are light on her hips, fingers teasing and kisses lingering. It’s enough to get her into it, though, and she moans softly in frustration when he keeps trying to pull away teasingly, snickering when she pulls him closer by the collar of his shirt. “We’re in public, baby,” he reminds her, nipping softly at her lower lip before gently pushing her back but keeping his hands on her waist.

“This is barely public,” she replies, repeating his own words back to him, but she obliges, stepping back and surveying the shelves around them. “What are you doing in here again?”

“I saw a wind chime thing in the window,” he answers, and Kaya has to struggle not to say of course you did. He starts leading the way to the cashier. “I need something like it in my studio. I found something for your apartment, too - check it out.” He walks over to a hanging piece, a series of beige coloured birds with streaks of blue paint. “It matches the curtains in your balcony,” he adds, dimples popping as he takes it off the hook and shows it to her.

“Oh, wow,” she murmurs, touching the decoration, her heart floating serenely at the thought of him remembering the curtains in her apartment. “It’s really pretty. How much is it?”

Namjoon gives her a look and takes it back. “Don’t even,” he warns her, placing it next to a wind chime and an oxidized silver charm on the desk in the shape of an owl. “Oh, and I got this for Jae-lin, too,” he says, picking up the charm and showing it to Kaya. “That’s not weird, is it?”

“No… but what is it?” 

“She’s wearing these bracelets with all these charms and she mentioned she wanted to add more… and she wears a ton of owl-shaped jewellery,” he finishes, sounding doubtful.

“Yeah, those are hard not to notice,” agrees Kaya, remembering the gigantic pendant her cousin was wearing yesterday. “That’s really sweet, babe,” she adds, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek.

“She’s a nice kid. Plus, it’s the least I can do after I broke her mug this morning,” he mumbles, wincing slightly.

Kaya snickers. “I think she thought it was funny. Plus, I think you more than made up for it while you patiently ranked all of Taehyung’s favourite foods for her last night,” she says pointedly.

He raises his eyebrows at the memory as the shopkeeper returns to the desk. “Don’t tell her, but I made most of that up. He doesn’t eat much besides jajangmyeon.”

“Serves her right,” mutters Kaya, moving to stand behind him and leaning against his broad back as he takes out his wallet. He smells of his warm, chocolatey cologne and comfort, and she feels a tingling between her thighs, surely from their brief makeout session a few minutes ago.

Kaya sighs silently in frustration, even as she knows that at least part of this reaction is something he’d fully intended. He’d pulled the same move in New York, pressing his hips to hers in that empty dressing room and kissing her with passion, his hands slowly travelling up her torso. She’d more or less been ready for a quickie right then, about to start shedding clothes when they’d been interrupted.

She’d rushed out of there to go back to his hotel room before she changed her mind, to take a shower and freshen up until he got back. The entire time, though, she’d been unable to think of anything but what they’d been about to do - and what they’d definitely do once he got back. The struggle to not take care of it herself had been unbearable but she’d rallied, and when he’d finally returned, she’d been waiting for him in nothing but a t-shirt and her underwear.

Namjoon had looked exhausted, but the moment his eyes had landed on her, he’d silently strode up to her and pulled her in for a knee-wobbling kiss. She’d pulled him to her, already pressing her hips against his thigh for the friction. His hands had held her close, roaming around her body with authority.

He’d pulled away momentarily, though. “Baby, I’m all sweaty,” he’d murmured, possibly to dissuade her but it had only succeeded in making her even hotter for him.

“I don’t care, Joon,” she’d moaned, bringing his head back down to kiss him. “Just fuck me.”

He hadn’t needed any more convincing, and he’d proceeded to do just that. Throughout, she could feel how tired his body was but every single touch on her skin made her forget, and his voice murmuring in her ear as he’d thrust into her made her legs go weak. Towards the end, their bodies had become clammy with sweat as he rolled his hips into hers, his grunts and her moans echoing in the huge hotel room, until they’d cum together and he’d kept her hips pulled up against his until he’d finished inside her.

Kaya could barely register when he’d pulled out of her slowly, kissing her sweetly before stumbling off for a shower. The moment he’d returned, not even bothering to put on clothes, they’d fallen asleep instantly. 

She’d woken him up the next morning with her mouth around his cock. Seeing him so turned on and feeling his fingers in her hair had woken something in her, and she’d ended the session by riding him until she came, continuing with perseverance until he hit his orgasm a minute later. 

“Happy birthday, baby,” she’d breathed again, dropping down and resting against his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat. “I fucking love you.” By the way his arms had wrapped around her like he didn’t want her to move, she’d known his response.

“By the way, did you find the gummy bears?” Namjoon asks, startling her.

“Oh. Yeah, I did. Got a couple of yoga bars, too.” She breathes in his scent again, trying to be subtle and resisting the urge to wrap her arms around his waist. She can hear him muttering under his breath in Korean as he counts his cash, his deep voice the lullaby she never knew she needed. She closes her eyes, her heart skipping a beat when he hears him chuckle and say something in Korean, her eyes snapping open when she hears the lady behind the desk respond in the same language.

Stepping out timidly from behind him, Kaya looks up at him with a small, curious frown. Namjoon meets her gaze and nods, apparently understanding her question just from her expression. “The sign outside is written in English and Hangul,” he says, pointing to the door as the lady, possibly in her late forties or early fifties, packs his purchases. 

“Oh, I didn’t notice…” It’s true, for the sight of Namjoon inside the shop alone had been enough to lead her here. When the shopkeeper catches her eye, Kaya nods. “Um, annyeonghaseyo.”

“Annyeonghaseyo,” she replies, “but I speak English, too, honey.” Her smile is the only reason Kaya’s mortification doesn’t kill her on the spot, followed by something she says to Namjoon in Korean that makes him chuckle and nod in response.

As they head out, Namjoon loosely holding her hand, the lady says something else. He grins and turns around to respond in English, saying “thank you!” as they reach the door. Next to him, Kaya smiles at the lady awkwardly, who waves them out.

“What did she say in the end?” Kaya asks once they’re outside, the air suddenly seeming chilly in comparison to the warm interior of the shop.

Namjoon thinks for a moment. “It’ll kill you if I don’t tell you, won’t it?” He grins when she rolls her eyes.

“It won’t kill me,” she says dryly, already inwardly annoyed. “I’m just… mildly curious.”

“Alright, then.” He nods innocently, tugging at her hand and pulling her closer. “You were saying something about a trail? It’ll start getting dark soon.”

They end up retracing their steps halfway before taking a detour, taking a left in the fork road instead of the right which would take them back to the clearing they were at previously. The leaves get crunchier under their shoes and the greenery starts becoming a darker green and wilder compared to the manicured areas closer to the houses. It also starts getting more secluded, leading both to gradually drop the distance between them and walk closer together, stealing more kisses and allowing their hands to become freer.

“Tell me you finally get a break after this?” Kaya nuzzles his shoulder as they walk, appreciating his body heat as the air grows cooler. “Like, a longer break than this one?”

“Not until… December?” Namjoon frowns before nodding. “Yeah. Next month is the Japan concerts and then November is a lot of recording so we’ll practically be living in the studio.” He pulls her closer, lips at her hair. “Come to Seoul in December?”

She groans apologetically. “That sounds amazing, actually,” she allows, “but I’m going to have to work my ass off before January. There’s this new research project that starts in the first week that would look great on my resume, and I want as much of my thesis as possible out of the way by then. Plus, I haven’t booked tickets yet, and they’ll be super expensive if I do it now.”

He sighs. “Baby, you know I can -”

“Yeah, and you know I won’t.” When Namjoon doesn’t respond, his hand sliding loosely down to her waist, Kaya winces inwardly, already regretting her sharpness. Hesitating, she slips out of his arms and takes his hand instead, loosely linking her fingers with his and taking another turn. “This way,” she says softly, squeezing his hand and breathing a sigh of relief when he squeezes it back.

They walk in silence for a few minutes, but it’s peaceful silence, both just content to be in each other’s presence. Kaya’s gaze falls to the paper bag in his hand, the singular Korean character printed on the front, and presses a kiss to his shoulder when she remembers what he bought her.

“Did you finally get it?” 

Namjoon positions his camera and clicks, nodding in satisfaction at the final result. “Always wanted a good picture of a ladybug,” he states, walking up to her before they continue on the trail. 

“This trip has been good for many things.”

“Meeting my girlfriend being just one of them. Right after that churro we had in New York.”

“Liar,” she mutters, nudging his side playfully. “Are you looking forward to Japan?”

He exhales, shoving his hands into his pockets, the shopping bag dangling from his wrist. “Yes and no. It’s great to perform there but the schedule is always hectic. There are interviews, talk shows, all that stuff. This time they’ve got us making an appearance for Honda,” he adds, rolling his eyes. “I think we have to go to a Formula One race or something, in Suzuka. It’s literally the day after the last concert - we’ll have to leave Tokyo right after it.” He huffs before shaking his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be complaining.”

“I’m not one of your band members, you know,” she reminds him lightly after a moment. “You don’t have to manage my expectations. You can vent.” When he sighs and nods, ruffling her hair affectionately, she continues. “Plus, F1 races can be fun. I went for the Dutch one in the summer.”

“Yeah, probably.” He shrugs. “It’s fine. It’s work. Jungkook seems to be looking forward to it. Hoseok, too. Yoongi would much rather get back to the studio, though, and Taehyung has been bitching and moaning about having to go to this thing since the day we found out about it.” He shakes his head. “I swear to god, I think I’ll throw something at him the next time he suggests staying back in Tokyo.”

Kaya snickers before immediatey pursing her lips. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing.”

“Don’t be. I’ll send you a video.”

“Great. Maybe I’ll show it to Jae-lin.”

“She’ll be the first person I text it to, now that you mention it.”

She laughs as they reach another clearing, the grass softer and the trees making shadows on the ground. There’s a huge tree trunk on its side, one that’s been there since Kaya was a kid, Namjoon makes a beeline for it.

“Hang on,” she says, taking out her phone. “That’s a great picture.” She clicks it, her heart skipping a beat when she lowers her phone to look at it; him sitting on the tree trunk, knees apart, his elbow resting on his thigh as he smiles into the camera. The dimples are visible even from a distance, the brightest spot in the sea foliage around him.

“Show me.” Namjoon slides down the trunk and settles on the ground, gesturing for her to come over, tugging her down to sit in between his spread legs, just like last night. Kaya obliges, leaning back against his chest as she passes the phone to him. “Not bad,” he remarks, returning it to her.

“Worthy of your Instagram?” 

“Definitely. That and the ladybug.”

“Will I get picture credits?”

Namjoon scoffs, tightening his arms around her. “You really want me to tag you on a picture of me sitting under a tree for some twenty million people to see?”

Kaya tries to think, finding it rather difficult in this position. It’s cozy and comfortable, and there’s that same old pang in her heart when she realises why her mind is insisting she make the best of it while she can. She turns her head to face him, his mouth inches away from hers.

“Fine,” she says, dropping her gaze to his mouth. “I’ll take credits in person, too,” she offers, leaning up to capture his lips in hers. He responds instantly, the space feeling private enough without him having to say it. His cap brushes her forehead as he kisses her, his arms and body enveloping her, his lips soft and deliberate against hers; teasing, once again.

“I’m going to kill you, Kim Namjoon,” she murmurs against his lips, her stomach doing a backflip when he chuckles quietly. 

“You know you like it,” he says, his mouth ghosting over her jaw as she turns back to sit the way she was.

“You know you’d hate it,” she says dryly, her eyes fluttering shut as he calmly brushes her hair off her neck. She shivers at the contact and feels him stir against her hips. 

“That remains to be seen.”

“Really?” Kaya bites her lip, deciding something on the spot. “Even if I tell you about what I was planning to wear the night I came to New York?” She feels him pause near her earlobe, listening intently. 

“What are you talking about? You looked incredible in my t-shirt, you know that.”

“Mhm.” She nods, breathing deeply when his teeth graze her ear. “I had something else in hand, though. You know, strappy, sheer, revealing… black.”

Namjoon swallows. “You’re not serious.”

“I’m totally serious. You were exhausted, though, so I took a raincheck,” she explains, feeling his hand tighten on her thigh. “God, but I wanted you to see me in it,” she says honestly, knowing it would drive him crazy. “I wanted you to take off everything including my thong with your teeth,” she finished, fighting the urge to press her thighs together.

His sharp intake of breath makes her tremble. “Tell me you have that outfit with you,” he says tightly. His voice, despite the urgency, is a deep murmur, resonating through her bones and culminating in between her legs. The hand on her thigh moves upwards, snaking dangerously towards the same spot. “Please, Kaya, tell me I get to fuck you while you’re wearing it.”

She drops her head back against his shoulder just as he reaches over and gently palms her core, pressing it through the denim. Kaya has to bite her lip to keep from making a noise out loud, but she simply wants him to continue. His other hand slips under her loose sweater to reach for her breast and she flinches, expecting cold but finding his touch surprisingly warm.

“You’re okay doing this in public?” she asks, involuntarily spreading her legs.

“You’re okay telling me you were wearing skimpy black lace for me and I didn’t get to see it,” he reasons calmly, now moving his hand up to the button on her jeans. His fingers fumble with it for a moment before Kaya throws caution to the wind and unbuttons it, pulling the zip down. Namjoon’s hand disappears under the sweater a moment before she feels it, large and warm, squeezing her cunt. 

“Oh, God…” She can’t hold it in this time and she honestly doesn’t know why Namjoon chuckles softly, as though in surprise. She’s been thinking about what they’ve done and what they’re going to do since he’d kissed her in the suburbs earlier this afternoon; it’s no surprise that she’s soaking through her underwear.

“I’m just imagining what this would look like in the… thong, you mentioned?” His voice is so deep; his breath is warm against her ear, his tongue darting out to touch her skin. “It would just be destroyed, I think. I’d make you so wet, your pussy would be soaking - drenched, even. Just ready for me to fuck you, yeah?”

Kaya nods, a whimper escaping her mouth. She can feel his watch against her chest as he squeezes her breast, his thumb sliding down the hem of her bra just the slightest bit to expose her nipple. He brushes his thumb against it, making her cry out softly at the teasing movement while his other hand makes small, deliberate circles on her clit through her underwear.

“I love your nipples,” he murmurs, his fingers still only brushing it, the nerve endings feeling as though they’re on fire. “I love it when they get so hard for me. Makes me want to suck them,” he adds, sounding slightly hoarse now.

“God, I want you to suck them…” She reaches for his forearm and squeezes it, pleading. “Fuck, baby, I want your fingers inside me,” she breathes, tilting her neck as she feels him suck a mark into her skin.

Mouth still at the hollow of her collarbone, Namjoon inserts his hand down the elastic of her underwear and slips two fingers smoothly into her outer lips, feeling her swollen clit with a sigh. “I’m going to make you cum all over my hand,” he promises quietly, rubbing circles around her clit again.

“Fuck, only you can, baby…” Kaya’s back arches, inadvertently pressing her nipple into his hand. “Make me, come on.”

His hand slides lower until he enters her with the same two fingers, making her gasp as he settles in. “Is it too much?” he murmurs, kissing her jaw.

She shakes her head frantically and slides slightly lower on the ground, wanting to feel his fingers as deeply inside her as she can. His large palm sits comfortably against her clit and Kaya grits her teeth and arches her back, hoping he gets the hint.

“What else were you planning to do wearing that outfit, huh?” His voice is getting tighter now and she knows she isn’t imagining him getting hard behind her. His fingers are pumping in and out of her slowly, his palm finally rubbing against her clit through the movement.

Kaya’s feet start curling in her toes and she knows she’s close. His thumb flicks over her nipple again and this time she moans out loud in frustration, a moment before she reaches up behind her and takes off his cap. She can see his thick hair fall from her peripheral vision and she snakes her hand up the back of his neck to clutch at it. 

Namjoon grunts softly and his fingers start moving faster, his lips at her neck, no longer teasing. “Come on, babygirl,” he murmurs, as Kaya’s moans turn into restrained whimpers. She can feel the orgasm approaching, the tingling in her core, the almost painful heat low in her abdomen. Right then, Namjoon finally pinches her nipple between his fingers and she shudders in his arms as he waits, before slowly retrieving them.

Right on cue, his arms come around her, holding her close as she comes down from the high, her legs still trembling.

“She said we look really good together.”

Kaya can barely hear him. Fastening the button of her jeans weakly, she frowns. “What?”

“The lady in the shop,” he says, kissing her cheek. “She said we look really good together.”

“Well, she’s right.” Kaya allows him to tighten his arms around her before he kisses the side of her head, inhaling her conditioner. Lips still at her hair, he sighs.

“You weren’t… making up all that stuff about the lingerie. Right?” Despite how controlled his voice is, she can hear the desperation in it, making her chuckle.

“No, I wasn’t,” she promises, reaching up to nuzzle his jaw and kissing it. 

He exhales. “Thank God. That would just be cruel.”

“Compared to where your hands were last night during dinner?”

“I followed through on that, like, an hour later. You’ve made me wait four whole days,” he whines into her hair before straightening up. “Wait, is this the birthday present you were talking about?”

It’s not, actually; she’d managed to procure a signed copy of one of his favourite books at a literary festival a couple of months ago that she knew he’d love. But, she wants something to remain a surprise, so she shrugs. “Sure.”

“Not bad, Madaan.”

“I try.” She reaches behind her between his legs, gasping when she feels how hard he is. “Fucking hell.”

Namjoon groans. “Are you really surprised?”

“Not really.” She turns to look up at him. “Your turn?” She starts to reach for his jeans but he immediately stops her.

“Yeah… we’re going to need a lot more privacy for that.” He bites his lip. “Let’s go home?”

Home… as in, her parents’ house. Trying to suppress the smile threatening to take over her entire face, she nods. “Let’s go home.

—

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to drop a review :)

Tagging: @kflixnet, @k-radio, @bbl32

[whump-n-comfort]

🔪 this is a sideblog! if you see interactions from a blog called @halorocks1214 in your notifications, that's me :)

🩹 on that note, I go by Halo! I use she/her and he/him pronouns and am proudly aroace 💚💜

🔪 I'm one of those guys that has always been into whump as a kid—I REALLY enjoyed the kidnapping episodes in animated shows lol—but didn't have a name for that enjoyment until I got onto Tumblr and immediately felt at home with all y'all cool people 😎

🩹 as you may have seen by this blog's title and description, most of this blog's motif is sharing hurt/comfort content! I will be upfront and say that I project a loooot onto my faves, which is why I like to see them comforted so much (touch starvation is a bitch 😔) and in general prefer "soft whump" most of the time or explicit happy endings for the harder tropes i'm into

🔪 however, I still also enjoy whump because of its core foundation: being able to beat the shit out of your favorite character. sometimes, I will find something that does not have comfort in it that I want to share because it's simply too good not to! if all you're here for is that sweet sweet comfort, feel free to blacklist the tag #no comfort to avoid those sparse posts :)

🩹 outside of that, I tag art as #art and gifs as #gif as well as gifsets as #gifset when applicable; #whump trope for the posts that get more descriptive and #whump prompt for the posts that are more quotes/"fill in your characters here"-type interactions; #whump meme is self-explanatory and #whump community is for sharing love to all you lovely people out here browsing this corner of Tumblr; I occasionally tag #fave whumpee on characters that have stuck with me through the years (characters in the tag liable to change as time goes on); and of course, #~my stuff~ are the posts where I'm OP; #before whump was here is a cheeky tag I use for specific moments I remember feeling strong whumperflies for growing up but still had yet to learn about the term "whump" lmao

🔪 everything else is up in the air as tagging goes. I try my best to catch as many descriptors in a post as I can, but I'll admit some stuff could slip through. let me know if you think a post is missing something and I'll be sure to add proper tags 👍

🩹 my squicks are mainly things like pet whump, mind break, forced full-nudity, betrayal/broken trust between close characters (if it's because of a "twist villain" then that's fine), and heavy NSFW, so, for the most part, you won't see those on this blog, but my philosophy has always been that if it has comfort, I'm willing to give it a shot, so even if it's really rare, it could happen. remember to just let me know if I'm missing a tag!

🔪 my inbox is always open under the "💌 insert rambles here 💌" button if you ever wanna submit whumpy thoughts. I try to post everything I get, so feel free to hit me up! all answered asks regardless of what they contain will be tagged with #ramble tag

🩹 I will occasionally take requests in the form of "[A] replied to [B]" scenarios, sentence starters, or if you are feeling particularly nice, requests about my OCS! (questions and inquiries about them are always welcome regardless of request status) be sure to watch the "REQUEST:" blip in the description to see whenever they are open as I will switch "CLOSED" to "OPEN" to signify they are, and if they are open because of something like an ask game, I will convert the status into a link that will take you to the original game so you don't have to scroll through a bajillion things to get to it

🔪 as mentioned, this is 99% a SFW "soft" whump blog, but I still support my more NSFW and otherwise "dark" whumpers! I am a firm believer in that there is no "correct" way to enjoy whump. whatever your reason is that makes you enjoy it is valid and as long as you are properly tagging your content then keep on doing stuff that brings you joy :) we may not interact with each other all that often because of squicks or personal preferences, but just know that I will have your back and defend your right to write whatever you want ❤️‍🔥

🩹 I do believe those are all the topics I wanted to cover, so if you managed to make it this far, thanks for checking out my blog, and most importantly, the whump community in general! If you decide to stay, well, then hope you enjoy it to your fullest capabilities :D

[ruki--mukami]

THANK YOU FOR 400 FOLLOWERS!!

🧩 Honestly, it’s astonishing for me to think Ruki’s blog would ever make it this far. This blog has existed for nearly ten months now which is wild to me. Although I do kind of laugh at how quickly he’s catching up to my main one which has been around for like ten years. Thank you all for sticking around despite all the daily chaos and shenanigans here, AHAHAHA. Writing with you all such a blast and every notification, ask, rp reply, and message I receive brings me great joy.

With each new post, I wish to continue delivering quality writing for everyone to read and even drag more people down to Rukihell with me. It truly warms my heart that people would even take the time to read what I have to say, even if 99% of it is in-character sadistic violence and other cancelable nonsense. Roleplaying as Ruki and interacting with everyone will always be the highlight of my day and I cannot thank you all enough for submitting the creative scenario asks, partaking in my crazy events, and sending me entertaining rp starters. I apologize for not always answering everything promptly, but conversely I hope to at least make the quality of each response worth it in the end.

As for my future plans, I intend on staying true to the once-per-month open interactions, each with a different theme/genre (more fluff/wholesome ones, more sadistic/horrific ones, etc.) every time to spice things up on this blog for everyone’s entertainment. They will most likely also be relating to real life seasons and events as well, simply because I am a sucker for Halloween interactions during October, and Christmas interactions during December, things like that. 

Another thing I really want to implement more of on this blog are starters sent from Ruki himself. I’d love to hear it if you guys want him to visit your inbox for random shenanigans unrelated to our main threads. I think it could be very fun.

And before I conclude this post, I also want to take this time to appreciate all the wonderfully crafted OC’s that I have been graced with the opportunity to interact with. Thank you so, so much. From every romantic relationship to every friendship Ruki has formed on this blog, I truly adore how each one has flourished into its own unique dynamic. There has never been a dull interaction and I have all the amazing writers behind the characters to thank for that. You have my gratitude and I hope to become better writers alongside you all.

For all the fun times I’ve had on this blog, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🧩

“At this rate, a mere pasture won’t be enough to confine the amount of filthy livestock roaming around these parts. I look forward to discipling all of you into shape so that you will no longer know what defiance is in the presence of your master. Continue to submit to me and you shall be rewarded. And, on the contrary, failing to do so will result in a punishment beyond what your crippled mind can comprehend. Not to fret, however; I can be merciful should you behave yourself. Whether you experience the most insurmountable of hardships or surprisingly joyous moments at my side depends entirely on you. In any case… Thank you for your continued support.”

[lorei-writes]

Match-Up #33

Hi Lorei!! :'D Thank you for doing these match-ups! Submitting one for my OC, Reika. I hope you don't feel pressured to choose Kennyo! I'm just very curious and interested in your analysis. :3c 

Hello, @nyktoon-in-otomeland​ ! I’m terribly sorry it took me, well, a literal eternity in internet years to get to this TvT At this point, I just hope it’s a pleasant surprise this appeared at all. It was never my intention to have it wait for so long, but... Well, some things I could not predict, it appears. But, let’s get riiight into it!

5 positive qualities

Strong sense of justice; cares about people’s well-being

Intelligent; eager to learn & share knowledge

Usually relaxed and easy-going; quick to smile and laugh

A good listener; thoughtful when talking to others

Perceptive; good at understanding others’ motives and making sense of the world

Right off the bat, we have justice -- it makes me wonder, how would she feel about suitors operating more so in the grey area? Using questionable means to achieve their goals? The added details lead me to believe she may be opposed to the ‘end justifies the means’ line of reasoning, and that she’d rather not differentiate between people as those who can be expendable and those who cannot be sacrificed.

Mitsuhide (-1) Shingen (-1) Kennyo (-1)

Inteligent! Well, it only seems suitable to pair her with somebody who’d be able to properly stimulate her mind then. After all, a dull conversation partner wouldn’t do, no? Let’s go for the more intellectual and curious suitors. 

Nobunaga (+1) Mitsuhide (+1) Mitsunari (+1) Masamune (+1) Shingen (+1) Sasuke (+1)

Relaxed, easy going... I think it’d be mostly appreciated by all, although I also do presume some would take it as a sign of recklessness.

Ieyasu (-1) Kenshin (-1)

My, my, good listener? They surely are looking for coaches and therapists in Sengoku, I believe she’s right where she needs to be! Openly, or privately so, I think all of the possible relationships would benefit from this trait of hers, hence I can’t add any points for it - everybody would just get +1. 

Perceptiveness, on the other hand -- that would come in EXCEPTIONALLY handy when dealing with some of the less open warlords. Say, the ones who hide something at all times? The ones who constantly pretend? Keep up appearances? Yeah, those ones.

Mitsuhide (+1) Ieyasu (+1) Masamune (+1) Shingen (+1) Kenshin (+1) Kennyo (+1)

5 negative qualities

Has rage buttons connected to strong sense of justice; can lose composure

Not willing to accept/forgive everyone, particularly regarding cruelty or cowardice

Non-conformist; chafes at being constrained by expectations she disagrees with, which can cause conflict

No sense of loyalty; relationships are maintained on merit

Doesn’t get attached or open up about herself easily, even if she’s friendly on the outside; she doesn’t often expect relationships to last

Given the first 3 qualities, I think her forming any close relationship with Nobunaga is highly doubtful. It isn’t that it wouldn’t be possible after he changes, it’s only that... He wouldn’t reach the point at which he does change. His character development most likely wouldn’t have a chance to begin. As for why: true, his MC is fairly resilient and has a bit of a character... But she doesn’t seem to realise the nature of their bet, or to see through the design of it. She’s stubborn, but she still lets him get away with plenty things. I just don’t see it happening with Reika. 

Nobunaga (+1)

Similarly, due to the 4th listed quality, and the previous point I’ve made, I think she’d have a heavy falling in love with Hideyoshi - partially because of his unrivaled loyalty, partially because of the one it falls onto.

Hideyoshi (0)

Now, given the last point, I’d also say Reika has few chances of becoming emotionally intimate with Masamune. A short fling, perhaps, but anything lasting? They seem to think too similarly, and if I understand correctly, she just may let him go when he becomes afraid of losing her. Which could happen.

Masamune (+2)

Now, something more positive -- I do believe certain suitors could appreciate the 3rd and 4th listed quality. I believe they’d take it as a sign of being willing to navigate through this world on her own, rather than to be led through it (and consequently deceived by the mirages created by the likes of them).

Mitsuhide (+1) Shingen (+1)

Lastly: her unwillingness to forgive everyone... In a self-depreciating way, I do belive Kennyo would agree with that. And if she chose to loathe him, he’d probably -- sadly so -- agree with her.

Kennyo (+1)

1st Summary:

Mitsuhide (+2) Shingen (+2) Mitsunari (+1) Sasuke (+1) Kennyo (+1)

5 likes

Reading & writing poetry

Having time to relax; sleeping in

Animals & cute animal-themed items (like shoes with cat faces on them)

Helping people learn new things

Seeing people & animals happy and thriving

Points distributed for likes:

Mitsunari (+1) - reading Ieyasu (+2) - animals, seeing animals happy and thriving (Wasabi) Shingen (+3) - reading, helping people learn new things, seeing people & animals thriving Sasuke (+1) - mixed for reading and helping people learn new things (sharing knowledge) Kennyo (+2) - helping people learn new things (I think he’d appreciate that a lot), mix of animals and seeing people and animals thriving (he has a soft spots for that, I believe)

5 dislikes

Strategy games like chess (she’s bad at them)

House cleaning

Sexism and bigotry

Narcissism / elitism / superiority complexes

Being condescended to / bossed around

Points distributed for dislikes:

Mitsuhide (-2) - strategy (ever-present around him), being bossed around (may happen due to safety reasons -- as a result of knowledge gap) Mitsunari (-2) - strategy (as above, ever-present around him), house cleaning (he’s hopeless when it comes to it, and produces a lot of mess) Ieyasu (-1) - can be seen as condescending Shingen (-1) - strategy (ever-present around him) Yukimura (-1) - can be seen as condescending

I put ‘strategy’ as a category there, as I believe she could find it overwhelming or boring to engage with the topic for too long... And what is worse, with certain suitors, could found herself as a pawn in real-life game of chess. Brr.

Kennyo (+1) - antithesis of elitism

2nd Summary:

Shingen (+4) Kennyo (+4) Sasuke (+2) Ieyasu (+1) Yukimura (-1)

Only characters with positive value by their names will be considered in the final stages of the match-up.

Relationship dealbreakers

Disregarding sexual boundaries

Cruelty; hurting others for self-gratification or gain

Cowardice and apathy towards suffering; someone not being willing to take a stand

Not considering and respecting her as an intellectual equal

Insisting on traditions that are ignorant and/or hurtful

None of the remaining suitors hit any of the deal-breakers. 

Up to 3 pet peeves

Making jokes at other peoples’ expense unless the target is like, really a jerk

Ieyasu (-1) - I suppose his approach towards Mitsunari would not be appreciated. 

3 Wild Cards

Fourth generation Japanese-American who recently moved to Japan for work and to connect with her heritage, although she doesn’t really feel at home anywhere (yet)

Her undergraduate degree was in Japanese literature; her masters and doctorate degrees were in educational studies / cognitive science (yes, she’s technically Dr. Ishikawa although she’s not quite comfortable being addressed that way)

Has had a few long-term relationships in the past; she learned a lot from those relationships and doesn’t regret them, and she knows what she wants now. Still, she’s uncertain and cautious about getting involved -- although once she’s made up her mind, she’s romantically and sexually confident

Ohh, I have an odd feeling Kennyo and Reika could bound over not having a place that ‘feels like home’, and they’d be sweet building it together... But then again, I also think it would be an interesting mix with Shingen, as he is quite certain where his home is.

Kennyo & Shingen (+1)

Final Ranking

Kennyo & Shingen (+5) Sasuke (+2)

You know, we have two characters on the first place, so I should technically write it with Sasuke... But I’m in a Kennyo mood.

Kennyo

Confessed first: It happened roughly at the same time -- she wanted to tell him, he wanted to tell her. They just had a little problem with who’d go first, though...

Makes tea in the morning: Kennyo. He’s the first to wake up, and he also prepares the entire breakfast.

Hogs blankets at night: Reika. Although it’s hard to call it hogging when he encourages it quite openly. Kennyo always claims he’s warm.

Is the little spoon: Kennyo. 

Possible points for conflict: There are few things Kennyo wouldn’t do for his people. What may not come across, though, is that he detests himself for some of those. At first, that may be a conflict point -- one that would evolve to still be an issue later on, as he cannot quite forgive himself, no matter what he does.

Free time ideas: Gardening together, strolls through the forest, foraging, playing with stray cats.

Favourite date spot: Your own garden, steam rising from the teacups in your hands as you gaze over the setting sun.

A secret they share: Kennyo really enjoys when she’s very gentle with him in small gestures. Her preparing him a meal? Hugging him from behind? Giving his hand a little squeeze? The man is absolutely weak against that.

His favourite thing about her: How complex her outlook on the world is.

His message to her: “Reika... You gave my world back to me.”

[warriorsbutnotreally]

New Intro [for now]

Welcome to WarriorsButNotReally!

This is a fandom-centric blog and the more talkative counterpart to @allofthesecatsaregay , which contains all of my personal designs for the canon characters [and what I use when basing hypokits off of]

My name is Killian but I go by Kira/Kyra as well, due to it being a name I've been using for many years name. I'm a nonbinary trans man and I use he/they/fae pronouns. I'm also aroace.

You can find my main blog at @kyraamongtheshadows though I just mostly reblog things and very rarely post art..

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My blog is not a safe place for pr*shippers/c0mshippers, MAPs / p*dophiles, TERFs, racists, LGBT-phobes, sexists, or ableists.

I'm also not comfortable with the shipping of real people or the romanization of violent criminals.

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///What Can You Find Here?///

I have many topics that can be found through my various tags;

#AU - ranging from submitted ideas to me just rambling until a cohesive thought comes out, I can talk about all things warriors. I love talking about AUs and sharing ideas and helping inspire others with their own wonderful ideas - that's what this blog was made for after all!

#Discussions - more disorganized thoughts, though on more certain and specific topics. Ranging from serious to silly to even world building information [from my own headcanons]. Some are more rant-style and those contain information backing up on what has formed my opinion on certain topics.

#Hypos - though the most popular option is to send in ships people would like to see pairs of [which, don't get me wrong, I love doing] there is also the option for AU versions of certain cats [ie what if The Three were born to different parents] AND giving canon couples an extra litter! This also includes possible stories

* [more information about these below]

#Show Me! - want me to draw characters mentioned in AUs? just tell me who and I’ll draw em! This includes canon characters who I give different fates and not just kits that are given to couples.

#Help! - For any OC help! Need help thinking about names? Not sure about your OC? Need some appearances that fit names you like? Feel free to ask! I’m no expert, obviously, but I love designing and naming so I’m happy to be of assistance!

#Rate My OC! - Another fun OC one - give me your OC and their information and I’ll give my feelings! I’m not going to be scary or harsh, but rather just talk about things I like about the charater[s].

However! If you wish for actual critique, please be sure to state so. Otherwise it’ll be of the same energy of that cute dog twitter that rates dogs but with OC battle cats.

#Headcanons - I talk about my headcanons for characters and show some obvious favoritism to certain cats because they're comforting to me dfskaj

#Prefix - Detailed Prefix Talk, where I give information on my personal headcanoned prefixes that I use in this blog and in my own written Warriors works.

#Suffix - Detailed Suffix Talk, coming soon

#Writing Help - these are purely reblogs of random cat information, ranging from a little silly to serious. I try to keep any information in the tags of these posts, so feel free to keep an eye out!

#Becoming Warriors- just a more goofy thing because I wanted something that could help me relax. Pretty much a Warriors AU for other fandoms where I design other characters to be meow meows.

#Meowsic - where I share my own music to character ideas because I can and they're often empty headed rambles or short sentences

[also feel free to suggest posts! please only send the original posts, so not to repost from the original creators]

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other than that, you can expect just me chatting

I'm willing to share thoughts, talk about opinions, and I try to give a chill, open environment where we can just talk and hang out, sharing things we like or dislike about this fandom we all share.

I will always try my best to be open with everyone and treat people with kindness, but this is subject to change.

HOWEVER, I do not allow hostility and I will shut down anyone who comes in with a close mind and bitterness. I want this blog to be a safe place for people of all ages who just want to relax and share their feelings.

tldr; this is a chill place. everyone is free to disagree with my feelings about things, just don't be an asshole about it

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Family Tree For My Writing

note; this is only for canon-adjacent writing and may change depending on the AU

I will allow hypokits using my version of the family tree! however, you'll need to specify you want to use it.

this will also be a note for when I post the #request notifs

my RunningRunning AU has an entirely different family tree

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///AUs///

a compiled list of the AUs I've done can be found here

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///Headcanons///

all finished headcanons can be found here

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///More On Hypos///

With the blog getting bigger, I did want to add more information here, as this is the most popular topic of my blog other than the AUs themselves and as such I wanted to add some disclaimers and additional information.

Firstly, I do allow repeat couples! I don't mind making more litters, giving different stories, etc! So if you see a ship I've done and wanted a new take with different kits, feel free to suggest away! [you can even suggest some predetermined plot as long as it doesn't need to become a full AU]

the kits created via hypos are free to use with credit. they aren't my own OCs and more 'free to use' characters

However, there is a blacklist on certain ships, due to my own personal comfort levels. I will not be explaining them on here and the list is subject to being updated at any time. The blacklist will be shown below with other information;

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///Pre-existing Hypos///

all pre-existing hypos can be found here

///Did Once But Never Again///

Crowfeather x Harestar; x [forgot that Harespring was Breezepelt's age until I looked at his wiki page long after this was finished]

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I also have a Blacklist, so please check that out

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///Extra Hypo Notes///

I won't accept ships of;

Scourge [romance-repulsed aro-ace headcanon and shipping him gives me negative vibes for reasons I cannot explain]

Mousefur [another aro-ace headcanon but where I can put her in queer platonic relationships, I don't like the idea of giving her kits]

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I'm highly careful of ships for;

Fidgetflake, Daisy, Nightheart, Hollyleaf, Ravenpaw, Puddleshine, Sneezecloud, Badgerfang [in living AUs], Mosskit [in living AUs], Tallstar, Frecklewish [MV], Sunbeam, Lightleap, Bugeater

these are comfort characters for me

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///Disclaimer///

I'm free to remove requests that I have no ideas for / that I don't personally like without needing to explain myself

For the most part I've only needed to remove a small handful of things due to the latter reason, but the former is much more common

I'm also a slow writer with a fulltime job, so trying to stay active can be a bit hard, but I am constantly working on a bare minimum of two projects at a time in hopes that it increases the chances I can get things posted.

I ask that you don't post art/writing alongside that of Fullphilling's. This is for hugely personal reasons, esp since I've noticed their name spreading through the community again.

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AUs take the longest, followed by Hypos as both require a lot of planning.

Discussions just kinda happen at random when I think about things.

Show Me!'s aren't common, but don't take as long as I'm showing off pre-existing written things.

Help! and Rate My OC! vary depending on the amount of details given.

Headcanons happen at random unless requested

Prefixes [and eventually suffixes] get done whenever I put aside the time and are usually done in small bulks

[pikablu410]

pikablu’s Holiday-Christmas Special Thingy

Hello all! It’s a giving time of year, so I’m going to give you all some (hopefully) pleasant gifts! I’m gonna cover a few things in this post, namely:

-What I’ll be doing for my holiday-themed story (which I will definitely for sure post on time)

-Some future ideas I have, and what you all think of them

-More questions for you guys

-Some insight to the next story I’ll be writing (after the previously mentioned holiday story)

Since it’s the season of giving (and I love giving things), I’ve decided to give away the next story! By this, I mean I’m going to let someone in the community decide what the next story will be about. I’ll collect various ideas for stories from all of my followers (and other lovely people seeing this) and make a poll with my favorite ideas. The deadline for story ideas will be next Tuesday, the 21st I’ll send out the poll of my favorite submitted ideas that night and the story will (should) be out by Christmas day (the 25th). If no one submits any ideas, then I have some back ups, so no need to worry about no presents this holiday season!

Looking into the future, I’d like to hear more from y’all. I love criticism, despite my ego being more fragile than a set of china in an old comedy film. I would love if more people gave feedback about my stories, because as of right now I just go off of how popular they are. I’m opening my ask box so people can say anything there, and my DMs (or PMs, whatever you wanna call them) are always open for new ideas and criticisms of any stories I write! However, I particularly made this section because I want to test the waters for everyone. My stories have been OCs (original characters) thus far, but I would like to branch out into writing stories about celebrities, or just famous individuals in general. This may not be for everyone, so I’d like to hear what everyone has to say. 

On the topic of feedback, I’ve created a google form that you all can fill out at your own leisure. It includes questions about what you like, dislike, ideas for potential new stories and what you’d like to see in the future. I would really appreciate it if you took a second to fill it out! (Please please it’s like 5 questions I would really appreciate any answers you have for me :))))))))

https://forms.gle/9XifJEd5dPtDp3LPA

And finally, the next story that I’ll be writing after the holiday story (if no other circumstances arise.) Here’s a synopsis:

Brian is known within his town’s gay community as one of the hottest twinks around. He goes to extreme lengths to stay up to date with fashion, his health and his reputation. While his boyfriend, Tom, does love him, he’s been getting a bit annoyed by Brian’s behavior, especially since he’s the only one making consistent cash in their house. When Tom asks Brian to take part in an experiment that would pay for their expenses for the next decade, Brian finds it hard to tell his partner no.

I hope you’re interested! It’ll be a little different than my other stories, but still have the same topics that you all enjoy.

That’s all from me for now. I hope everyone is doing well, and I apologize for the lack of updates recently. I should be much less busy in the coming weeks. Have a happy holiday season all!

[shadowling-guistical]

rubberband heartbreak

"What kind of— What kind of person says that?! What kind of monster is grateful for their soulbond snapping?“ Roman says, wondering.

And all Janus could hear was his baby brother’s desperate, unhinged laugh as he clawed at his own skin.

And all he could see was red. Angry, smoldering red.

(Janus didn’t think the overdramatic prick even saw the fist coming.

***

Virgil had a soulmate, once. What a beautiful, awful, painful thing. (READ ON AO3 HERE) SHIPS: Established LMP, Established Demus, Past Virgil/OC, eventual LAMP, Eventual Remile

WARNINGS: Minor Character Death, Domestic Violence, Angst

--- It would have been roast chicken again that night. It was in the oven, sitting on a bed of potatoes and carrots that perfumed their little house with a smell that was honestly heavenly. No matter how many times he had that exact meal, he thought he could eat that meal for the rest of his life. He’s pretty sure he will. It was the only thing his soulmate knew how to cook without requiring an emergency call to the firestation, after all. He wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

A bottle of semi-fancy wine was cooling in a bucket of ice on the counter, just waiting to be opened. It was the exact type that they had drunk when they made their courtship official, and the nostalgia and memories only made the taste that much sweeter. 

Fresh flowers sat prettily in a vase on the kitchen table in a bunch. Violets, his favorite. His soulmate had bought home earlier while all twitterpated. 

It was the perfect set up for a date night-- Simple. Elegant. Romantic. Everything someone could ask for in a night in with their soulmate.

And despite all that, all Janus Sanders wanted to do was vomit. Or maybe find a seat. No, a fainting couch. Yeah, he might need a fainting couch.

He briefly wondered if those are still a thing. It should be. God it should be. if the lightheadedness that began lapsing at the edge of his brain were any indication, he really needs it right about now. He nervously tapped a finger on whatever surface it met with, which turned out to be the countertop of their kitchen island. At the back of his head, he registered his knees slightly shaking, and his heart trying to pound out of his ribs. He really should have sat down before he answered the call.

“Yes…” He spoke into the phone that had been glued to his ears ever since the call came, just minutes before the start of his date night with Remus. He spoke without really registering what he was saying. The buzzing in his brain prevented him from catching anything other than bits and pieces of gentle concern and medical jargon. However, icicles are still icicles. And no matter how hard the person at the end of the line tried to soften the blow, each one still dug into his chest. It pierced so harshly and the coldness spread downwards to his stomach.

Urgent.

Emergency treatment.

He needed his family.

He needed them.

With just a phone call, Janus’ whole evening grinded to a halt, “I see. Thank-- right. Of course. We’ll-- We’ll come down. Yes. Thank you. He-- I understand. Goodbye,” Before Janus could even recover, before he could even process the fact that--

“Janus?”

Janus blinked. His hand fell limp by his side, and he didn’t even realize that he was still gripping the phone. Oh-- oh, Remus . He didn’t realize that his boyfriend had even come downstairs. How long was he--? “Jan, are you okay?” Remus’ sharp, bright eyes darted at his form, knowing that the answer is obviously a big fat no, “What’s going on snakey? Is it Remy?”

The icicle twisted, and for a moment Janus thought it must have melted out of his eyes. Oh god-- oh god, Remy . How will he explain this to Remy?--

It would wreck him. Absolutely destroy him when he finds out.

Because he was--

He was…

Janus’ breath came out shaking. His hands even more so. His composure took the worst of it.

They were supposed to protect him. They were supposed to be there for him and annoy him and beat up anyone that dared look at him the wrong way. Because they were his-- They were his-- “I--” He swallowed around the weight lodged in his throat. He must looked as dazed as he felt, because Remus’ expression turned from cautious curiosity into grim concern, “I don’t--”

Janus never babbled before. He was never at a loss for words. He always know what to say-- He should know what to say-- Because he needed to call Remy-- He needed to explain--

The thought was squeezed out of him when Remus took him into his arms. The hug that Remus suddenly enveloped him in shouldn’t feel as relieving as it did. He shouldn’t have felt that small, that unsure nor that scared. But Janus felt everything buzzing in his brain melt away as he felt his soulmate squeeze him.

“Hey...Hey...Shh...It’s cool. It’s okay,” He felt Remus’ breath against his ear and this time, he didn’t shiver out of fear,  “Breathe...That’s it. I won’t have you asphyxiating anywhere else other than in bed, you hear me?” Involuntarily, like Remus always somehow does, he dragged the smile out to Janus’ lips. And in return, he grinned as well. Remus dragged a thumb across Janus’ cheekbones, “There’s that pretty smile. Can you tell me? Or do you want me to--?”

Janus felt a shudder ripple through his chest, and he shook his head. He didn’t need to. He didn’t need to rely on their soulbond for this. He didn’t want to submit Remus to the knot of thoughts and panic that were all tangled up in his brain right now. “That’s okay. Okay Jan,” He felt his large hands rub his back, up and down. But Janus shook his head. “It’s--everything’s not okay, Remus. Far from it--” He brought up a hand, gripping the fabric of Remus’ shirt, “My brother’s-- Virgil’s in the hospital. His-- His soulbond broke,”

---

Remy had come to their home a little over an hour later, looking very much similar to Janus did. Remus noticed the pinched, spooked look on the eldest Sanders’ face, now that his sunglasses were perched up on the crown of his head. He had smiled wanly, and offered a reassuring hand on Janus’ shoulder. But it was brittle and unsure. Both of them reeling from what Remus assumed was shock.

Janus however, then stepped closer. He nearly folded into his brother, who immediately inhaled as if he was punched. Immediately, Remy wrapped his arms and squeezed. Remus, for all the times he would say something at the most inopportune moments, had let him. And Janus couldn’t have thanked him enough. No judgement. No comments. Just someone who wanted-- needed, his big brother right now.

“You know, I can come with? Take turns driving,” Remus offered, once Janus slowly let himself unlatch from Remy. He cleared his throat and shook his head, starting to put on his composure like a mask.. The effect was instantaneous. Janus' back straightened, and the perfect picture of calmness rippled through him like waves on water.  Remus felt his heart twitch in his chest when Janus did. Did his soulmate really want that now? He barely allowed himself room to breathe

“No. It’s okay. We’ll manage. It’s...It’s a family matter, Remus. I’m not sure-- I’m not sure if it’s the best time, right now,” “We’ll call whenever we can,” Remy promised, as Remus helped haul Janus’ duffle bag into the trunk of Remy’s car. He didn’t need to, really, it was only filled with some spare change of clothes and toiletries but...It was still a nice gesture. Before they were set to leave, Janus hugged Remus one last time. The hug that Remus tugged him into nearly made Janus melt and his composure shift. His soulmate was all gangly limbs, bony and sharp. But in this warm skeleton cage, Janus never felt more safe. Remus was like that, Janus had realized. Unlike his twin, his gestures of romance were...A lot more subtle. A lot more tame, actually, compared to the larger than life person that Remus always was. And on the verge of entering a storm, Janus couldn’t help but revel in the stability that Remus unwittingly always provides.

“You’re stuck with me,” Remus smiled, easy and teasing as he nudged Janus’ chin with his knuckle.

The rattling inside his chest petered out, as if Remus was sapping away his worries about Virgil with just a touch. For the first time, each second doesn’t feel like it’s one moment closer to losing Virgil anymore. There was a storm on the horizon, but it hadn’t rained yet. The clouds will part, and the sun will shine again.

Something deep inside him loosened, a knot of tension slowly unravelling.

It’ll be okay.

It’ll be okay.

Virgil will be okay.

“Not going to get off me that easily, Squid,” Janus replied with a lot more warmth than he’d ever let anyone else hear. He’d keel over and perish before anyone else at his firm knew that he’s a sap. He has a reputation, for god’s sake.

“If you start making out, I’m leaving without you!” Remy called, already slipping into the driver’s seat. A hand reached for the coffee he grabbed on the way there, taking a blasé sip. Janus sighed and finally parted from his soulmate. Once he was secured, Remy handed him the coffee and smiled, looking a lot more fragile than Janus had ever seen him. Even more than the time…

“Let’s go get our little brother, shall we?”

Despite the circumstances, something in his heart swelled.

Little brother. They were getting their little brother back.

---

“He’s probably going to be okay, right?”

The hospital loomed, large and daunting. It was a behemoth of a building, stark white against the sky, which was a gunmetal grey from the threat of an approaching storm. Janus felt like he was 20 again, young and viper-tongued. But instead of angry and bristling, he’s...desperate. Out of his depth. Hurting and worried and strung out. Maybe it was the long drive talking. Maybe it was the prospect of seeing Virgil again, years later after their messy goodbye.

The only thing preventing Janus from nervously cracking his knuckles right now, just meters away from the entrance, was the musical notes playing right at the back of his head. It was faint, and he could still just ignore it over the din of people. The chords were familiar, the lyrics faint. But it settled in his bones and stopped it from rattling. Remus must have been listening to a lot of music today, he faintly thought. His soulmate’s playlist had looped back from Vocaloid, to the Hamilton Polka, and back to Video game OSTs for the third time now. Despite the questionable choice of a playlist, Janus appreciated it just the same. That feeling of having one person that was always thinking of you, connected through musical notes and voice and thoughts.

“I don’t know…” Remy admitted. Janus didn’t point out his habit of absentmindedly rubbing his bicep. He didn’t need to judge someone for trying to leech some comfort from a soulmate he hadn’t had the pleasure to meet yet. “I think we just need to be prepared,

---

They said that Virgil laughed.

He had laughed as he did it. Agony must have ripped through him top to bottom. It would have fizzed and flared back up again- leaving him a writhing mess on the floor of his own home. It burnt through him and made him suffer. Yet, he had laughed .

Virgil laughed.

He was still laughing when they got to him , the nurse had said.

Janus clutched his nephew as he slept, his own heartbeat beating in time with his pounding head. He remembers Virgil’s laugh. The cackle, a pleased, borderline mischievous sound.

Now, he wishes he could wipe his head clean from it.

Thomas suddenly whimpered, and Janus fussed over him again. No matter what lullaby he sang, or any reassurance he whispered to the toddler, nothing had erased the sudden cold dread that had washed over him after they knew. Nothing could stop the child from crying out and demanding for the comfort of his father. Nothing could bleach Janus’ brain from the sight of those awful, black cracks spreading out on Virgil’s skin like Lichtenberg scars.

After they found out what that bastard --

That absolute beast of a conniving, cowardly, sniveling bastard--

Janus pulled in a raspy gasp, trying hard not to let a single sob go through his composure. Not when it took this much effort to make sure he was calm enough to take care of Thomas. His nephew had spent the time with medical personnel since they were both brought in, and Janus wanted to make sure that wouldn’t happen again. The boy needed to be with family.

His family.

Their family. Because Thomas is his nephew. His only nephew--

… Oh stars, he had a nephew.

They came in expecting their brother, only to meet their nephew. Janus didn't feel ready for this. He needed to-- He need to be--

Janus squashed the pained noise in his throat. Ready? What a thought. he would laugh if he wasn't so haunted by Virgil's. He isn't ready. His baby brother’s soul had snapped in two, frayed into anguish and Virgil had laughed.

And there was absolutely nothing-- nothing that could prepare them for this.

[wiypt-writes]

Riding High

Ch20: When The Bough Breaks

Chapter Summary: Fliss finds herself in an impossible position…and her decision tips Frank’s world upside down.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words.

 Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

 A/N: Don’t hate me… 

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding High Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 19

And this day’s ending is the proof of time, killing all the faith I know.

 “Was that another one?” Frank asked as Fliss tossed her phone onto the coffee table with an angry snort.

 She nodded, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Frank sighed and looked at her “Honey…” “I know, I know…” she looked at him. “Look, I’ve made notes of every time I’ve had one so… its recorded. But again, it’s not like we can prove anything…they happen like twice a day and then nothing…hardly what they’ll call harassment.” Frank shifted slightly “This has been going on for 2 weeks now sweetheart.” “I’m well aware of that.” she snapped, before she shook her head “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get angry…not at you.” “Come here…” he said, opening his arms and she snuggled into him, leaning against his chest as his hand gently ran up and down her arm. “Maybe you should think about changing your number…and not putting the new one on the website.” “Yeah.” she conceded, “It’s not gonna help for work though…” “You can work round it.” he said, “Keep the business line and if you’re not there people will have to leave a message. Then, once you know your clients…you can give them your cell number.”

 “Fucking ass hole is still making my life awkward.”

 “Only if you let him. It’s a minor inconvenience to change your number but, if in the grand scheme of things all he has in his back pocket is sending you some dumbass birthday card and silent phone calls then…he’s just a pathetic fucking loser that’s trying to bully you into being scared.” “I’m not scared, just pissed off.” she shook her head “I know he’s a chicken shit, he wouldn’t dare come near me not when you’re on the scene…or my dad for that matter.” “Good, because if he did I’m not sure I’d be able to control myself.” Frank said softly.

“Maybe we should just pay someone to kill him.” Fliss said after a moment’s pause and Frank let out a snort “Bullet straight between the eyes.”

“Nah, too quick.” Frank sniffed, reaching for his beer “I’d dangle him over a tank of hungry sharks and lower him in inch by inch…”

“Or we could feed him to pigs, like in Hannibal.” Fliss mused.

 “That’s also an option…no trace” he nodded taking a mouthful of beer.

 “You know they should teach this shit at schools” Fliss reached for her own drink “How to get rid of bodies. I feel it is something everyone should be educated in.” “Maybe you should mention it to Bonnie. Tell her you feel it is an educational rite of passage or some other inspiring shit like that…”

 Fliss laughed, placing her wine glass down and shifting so that she was led on her front, half on-half off Frank, looking up at him as her chin rest on his chest.

“On a scale of 1 to 10 how much of a meltdown are we facing with Mary on tomorrow morning?”

 “From her current mood I’d suspect a good 4 and a half, maybe a 5.” he mused, before he looked at Fliss “I don’t much care, she’s going whether she wants to or not.” “When do the University Classes start again?”

 “Not till second week in October.”  Frank replied “Which reminds me, I need to submit that funding form tomorrow…” “It’s on the table.” Fliss said, as she correctly guessed from the look on his face he was pondering where he had put it.”

“What would I do without you?” he grinned down at her.

 “I have absolutely no idea.” she shrugged and he smiled and leaned down pressing a kiss to her lips.

 “Did you speak to Evelyn before?” Fliss asked him and he nodded.

 “She’s coming down this weekend.” Frank said, “She’s still on about Mary going to Boston for a weekend.” “You still not comfortable about her going?” Fliss asked.

 Frank wrinkled his nose “I don’t know if I trust her fully yet.” “You’ll never know you can unless you give her a chance.” Fliss reasoned

 “You think I should let her go?” Frank said, slightly surprised.

 “That’s not my decision to make, Frank” Fliss shook her head.

 “No, but I value your opinion.” Frank looked at her. “Go on, tell me what you think.” Fliss hesitated for a moment before she sat up and turned her body so she was facing him, her legs tucked underneath her on the sofa. “If it was me in your position, I’d give Evelyn a chance. She’s played ball so far, done everything you’ve asked her to. You’ve got legal guardianship of Mary so she can’t pull any stupid stunts, and if Mary comes back and tells you something she did that you don’t like, well, you cut the visits.” Frank looked at Fliss before he took another drink from his beer bottle. He was torn in two. In one respect he wanted Mary to be happy and it certainly seemed that she enjoyed seeing Evelyn, but on flip side he was still more than comfortable with keeping his Mother at arm’s length.

“I’ll think about it.” he shrugged, non-committedly.

 “Well, you should also ask Mary.” Fliss said “She might not even want to go.” “She will.” Frank said, “Evelyn has a piano.” Fliss laughed “Yeah, but she’s also bossy, remember?”

 “Yeah, I had heard that.” Frank said, and Fliss chuckled again.

 “Well, can you not think about it right now?” she said, taking the beer bottle out of his hand.

“Hey…” he pouted as she put it down on the table, his pout soon turned into a smirk as Fliss moved so she was straddling him on the sofa, his t-shirt that she’d been lounging around in rode up her thighs slightly and his hands rubbed up the side of her bare skin. “Something on your mind baby girl?”

 “What makes you think that?” she asked, sliding her hands up his chest, over the soft material of his top.

 “Just a hunch…” he mumbled, as he reached up and gently gripped the back of her neck, pulling her head down to meet his.

****** “Hey Frank…”

 Frank looked up and smiled at Alan as he walked into the work shop.

 “Hey Alan, not seen you in a while, how you doing?” “Good…I’m good. I was just wondering if I could have a word in my office.”

 “Sure.” Frank frowned “Is err, everything ok?” “Oh, yeah, it’s nothing to worry about…quite the opposite in fact…” “Alright, well me just finish piecing this oil filter together and I’ll be with you.”

 “Sure.” Alan said, “No rush.” 

Frank quickly tightened the filter back up, gave it the once over before he set down his tools and hopped off the boat, wiping his hands on a rag before he walked through the door at the back of the workshop and down the small corridor that led to the main office at the rear of the shop. He knocked sharply on the door and then swung it open as Alan looked at him, gesturing for him to take a seat whilst he finished up his call. Eventually, he bid the person on the other end good bye and placed the receiver down.

 “Relax, Frank…” Alan chuckled as Frank adjusted his jeans for what felt like the 30th time since sitting down.

 “Sorry.” Frank nodded, scratching at his temple. “So errr, do you need me to do something or...” “In a manner of speaking, yes.” Alan said “As you know Paul is retiring at the end of the year, which means the Head Mechanic role is up for grabs…and I was wondering if you’d be interesting in taking the position.” “Me?” Frank’s eyes widened slightly

Alan nodded “I know in the grand scheme of things you haven’t been here long but you’ve impressed me, just like Bill said you would. You knuckle down, you do the overtime if needed, you don’t complain…I like you Frank, and the team does to.” “I err…” Frank scratched the back of his neck. “I’m flattered…but I’ve never managed a team before or…”

“You were an Assistant Professor at one stage right?” Alan eyed him and Frank sighed, nodding “You must have had a research team…” “Yeah, but…” “It’s no different.” Alan shook his head, “And I’m here to help and give you some guidance. I’m not quite ready to retire fully yet. Not like Bill, only so much golf I can play before I go fucking nuts.” Frank snorted “Yeah, not gonna lie, it’s not my thing…” Alan looked at him “The duties won’t be that much different Frank. You’ll just be in charge of booking the jobs in, allocating them to the guys, keeping on top of deadlines and general management of the team…means a little less time spent actually getting your hands dirty but…well, you can manage that yourself. You wanna take a job you take it.”

 “Can I take a bit of time to think it over?” he asked.

“Sure. Take a few days, let me know. I’d like to have whoever is taking over in a position to start the handover by the start of October if possible so…” “Thanks.” Frank nodded “I’ll give it some thought.” “Oh, and it also comes with a Ten thou a year raise…” Alan casually dropped in as Frank stood up “Plus a bonus each year of up to 20 percent, depending on how well you’ve done on your targets” “Just a minor detail you forgot to tell me.” Frank arched an eyebrow.

 “Well, I wanted to make sure you’d consider it for the right reasons not merely the financial incentive.” Alan shrugged “Another reason I’m convinced you’re perfect for the job.” Frank nodded and with that he left the office. Given that it was almost lunch time he took his break 15 or so minutes earlier and headed out into the September sun, pulling out his phone.

 “Hey Sailor.” Fliss greeted him.

 “Hey Cowgirl.” he smiled, leaning against the hood of his truck sipping a bottle of water “You got a sec.” “For you, always. What’s up?”

“Nothing, nothing bad anyway…I just got offered a promotion.”

 “Frankie that’s amazing!” She gushed “You sound surprised though.” “I am, a little.” he said, before he launched into an explanation of what Alan had told him and what the job would entail, plus the financial incentives.

 “Wow!” she said as he finished talking “Baby, that’s fantastic. I’m so proud of you!”

Frank felt himself blushing at her praise, and despite the fact he couldn’t even see her he rubbed at his neck slightly. “So, you think I should take it?” “Of course I do.  But at the same time, if you don’t want to then…you don’t have to. This is a great position to be in honey, Alan’s clearly seen your potential.”

 “Just not sure If I’m cut out to be management.” he said, biting his lip.

 “I had the same thoughts about my business you know.” she spoke gently “I wasn’t sure if setting up on my own after everything that happened was gonna work but then Dad told me that I’d never know unless I took the plunge. Have a little faith in yourself. The only person who doubts your capability is you.”

Frank smiled at her words and looked up and out over the Marina “You always know exactly what to say.” “Not really, I make most of it up as a go along.” she said and Frank laughed. “But, just think, with the extra money you can get a new car…” “There’s nothing wrong with my truck.” “Frank, it’s died on you 4 times in the last 2 weeks. Dad reckons his ride on lawnmower has more power under the hood than that thing”

 “Ok, I’ll admit…she’s getting a little clunky…but she is into her twenties now….” Fliss snorted “You could get yourself a nice Audi…”

“Fuck off.” Frank said and she laughed

 “I like Simon’s car…” “You like it so much you get one.”

“Would never fit Thor in the back.” she said and Frank had to concede she had a point “But now you’re freelancing…you don’t actually need a truck do you?” “No, but…it’s handy…” “Handy, baby it only has three seats…” “And a flatbed…” Frank pouted slihglty. “So get one with five seats.” she shrugged. “You can buy trucks with a full cab…”

“This is not a good enough reason to get me to take the promotion…” 

“You want a better reason?” She said. “Ok, well here’s some food for thought…when the lease is up on our place maybe we could look into buying. You know I don’t wanna rent forever, I want us to have something for the future that’s ours, and the extra money you get a year would make a difference in what we can borrow towards it.” And just like that, as always, she’d managed to sideswipe him. He’d be lying if he hadn’t considered getting back on the property market, he had savings after all…but he’d given it no more thought than a fleeting idea every now and then when he drove past places with real estate signs in the front yards

 “This mean you’re coming round to the idea of marrying me and having baby Franks and Flisses?” She snorted “You’re such a dick…although that’s the only time you’ve ever mentioned that when you’re sober.” “So you’re saying that if I ask you when I’m not drunk you’d say yes?” he teased. “Goodbye Frank…” She teased in an airy voice, before she cut the call.

 Chuckling to himself he slid the phone back into his pocket and headed back inside to grab his lunch from the fridge in the kitchen. As he did so he passed Paul who was heading out with a fresh cup of coffee.

 “Oh, erm…Alan…” Frank looked at him. “So, turns out I don’t need as much time to think about it as I thought I did. I’ll take the job.” Alan smiled at him and pat him on the shoulder “Good man. I’ll get the wheels in motion and then we can work out how we start to transfer Paul’s responsibilities over.”

Frank nodded at him as he walked off.

 “Oh…” Alan called after him, “We’ll also need to pick your car.”

“My car…” Frank frowned.

 “Yeah, did I not mention? Paul’s BM…that’s a company car. I’m gonna let him keep it as a retirement present so we’ll need to order you another one. Not least because I don’t want my Head Mechanic driving around in that heap of shit you have. Looks like we don’t pay you enough…” Frank stood there, eyebrows raised as Alan simply smirked at him and left. Shaking his head, he gave a little groan, already imagining Fliss’ face when he told her.

*****

Fliss had reacted exactly how he had thought she would, laughing hysterically and then teasing him about how he had no alternative now than to get rid of the heap of shit he was ridiculously attached to. She’d then spent the evening looking at cars on her phone, showing him ridiculously pimped out vehicles in various vile colours, the final straw being a hot-rod red for Mustang with gold rims and flames painted down the side. At that point he’d snatched the phone out of her hand, grabbed her hips and pulled her down under him on the couch and given her something else to think about for half an hour or so.

September ticked by, in the usual speed by which time seemed to be flying for Frank and he found himself thrown into his job, soaking up Paul’s experience of managing the team as much as he could. He was also extremely grateful for both Fliss and Bill’s input, both of them having dealt with managing staff and rotas so he was able to ask them both questions as well. Naturally, when V heard about it she insisted on cooking him a special dinner, and even Evelyn presented him with a very nice bottle of Scotch when she came to visit as a Congratulations.

 Another bit of good news for them was that once Fliss changed her phone number the calls stopped as well. Frank was glad about that, because it meant that once again they’d thwarted the ass holes attempts to intimidate her. She’d made a blog, however, of every call she had gotten which now sat in Greg’s files along with the Card. Just in case.

Nope, on the whole life seemed to be going well for the pair of them.

“Someone’s looking smug…” Greg teased Frank as he leaned back in the chair around Greg’s large outdoor table. It was a Saturday at the start of October and they’d finally got round to having that cook out and gathering that the Circle of Truth had been attempting to organise round everyone’s schedule for the last 3 months.

 “Well, you know…life’s pretty good.” Frank smiled, sipping his beer, his eyes straying to Fliss who was stood around the bar area to the right of the garden with Bonnie, Zara and Lisa. She was dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a tie-died off the shoulder sweater but as usual, she looked stunning.

 “You got a ring yet?” Jake asked, dropping down into a seat next to him.

 “Oh don’t you start as well.” Frank groaned as Simon and Greg both laughed. “We’re happy as we are…besides, we’ve not even been together a year yet…” “Not far off.” Jake shrugged “Man, when you know you know…” “He’s just scared she’ll say no.” Simon teased. Frank stilled for a moment and then turned to glare at the man. “Shit, you are?” Simon frowned “No, not especially but…” Frank shook his head, trying to find the words to explain “I’m absolutely, totally convinced I want to spend the rest of my life with her, and I know she feels the same but…well she’s been married before and I don’t want to ask until I know she’s ready to do it again.”

Greg looked at him, nodding “I get that.”

“That’s gotta be the most grown up think you’ve ever said…” Jake looked at Frank who flipped him off but deep down he had to admit, it wasn’t wrong. He knew that both he and Fliss had come a long way from the people they had been just over 14 months ago when they had first met. Fliss had come alive, flourished even in herself, and he…well, he’d learnt that there was more to life than the meaningless cycle of one night stands and that flying by the seat of his pants wasn’t always the most productive thing to do. Both of them had been broken in their own way, had their own guards and walls around themselves which the other had managed to smash straight through. He stole another glance at Fliss and smiled, he knew there was no other woman for him, but in the same breath…what was the rush? They had a life time. And a ring and a piece of paper wasn’t going to change any of that.

 “Man you grew up…” Simon grinned and Frank rolled his eyes.

 “Look, I’ll have you know I’ve brought up a kid since the age of 6 months…all this shit about me being a man child…It’s crap…”

 “Whatever man…we all know you’re not a grown up until you have scatter cushions on your sofa…” Simon teased, referencing the previous week when he and Bonnie had come over for drinks and Fliss and Frank had had a jokey argument about said cushions. Frank threw his head back in a huge bout of laugher, shaking his head.

 “Fuck you!” he said, looking at him as Simon grinned.

 “Anyway, man…speaking of weddings…” Greg turned to Jake “You’ve been engaged for what? Three years now…when you gonna set a date?”

“He has a point…” Simon looked at him.

“Well, you can all shut the fuck up because for your information we have.”

“Shut the front door!” Greg grinned

 Jake nodded and took a large mouthful of his beer.

 “So you gonna tell any of us or…” Jake glanced over at Lisa before he yelled her name and she looked over at him, the other women also looking up. 

“Can we tell them now babe?” he called. Lisa grinned and nodded, and then made her way over followed by Zara. Fliss looked at Bonnie who shrugged, and the two of them picked up their drinks and followed.

 Fliss perched on Frank’s knee and he slid one hand round her waist the other dropped to her thigh.

 “So, we have set a date for the wedding.” Lisa smiled to a huge shriek from Zara. Frank spotted Fliss looking at Bonnie, the two of them sharing a significant smirk and he squeezed her thigh.

 “Stop being a bitch.” he said in a low voice.

 “Rude…” she mumbled, grinning into her gin. “6th April next year…” Jake grinned. “At Hardemans Secret Garden in Dover, Tampa.” “Well unless you invented a time machine, it ain’t gonna be this year is it?” Simon looked at him, before he gave a yell as Bonnie slapped him round the back of the head.

 “Obviously you’re all invited.” Jake said, “Except for Simon.” “Hang on, if he isn’t coming does that mean I can’t?” Bonnie pouted.

“You can be my plus one.” Fliss nodded.

 “Oi…” Frank nipped her thigh gently. She grinned at him, ruffling his hair slightly. He jerked his head out of her reach and looked at her over his aviators. She stuck her tongue out at him and he grinned.

 “Guys this is great news…” Greg said, nodding “Best dig the suit out.” “You wear a suit to work every day.” Zara looked at him. 

“And you won’t need to.” Jake shook his head. “In fact none of you will…my brother is best man, obviously, but I’d like you guys there as my Groomsmen…that is, if you’re up for it.” Frank smiled at Greg, then Simon before they all shrugged.

“Yeah, I’m in…” Greg smiled.

“Me too pal, I’m honoured.” Frank smiled, tipping his beer bottle in Jake’s direction.

“Does this mean we get to plan the Batchelor party?” Simon asked. Jake nodded with a grin and Simon leaned back “Oh this is gonna be beautiful….”

***** “You’re fucking mental.” Frank looked at Fliss as she shrugged, circling Cap back round to the jump which Joanne had just hiked up another foot. He shook his head and turned away “I can’t watch.” “Don’t’ be a chicken Frank.” Mary grinned up at him, “It’s cool…I wanna do that some day.” “Over my dead body.” Frank looked down at her.

“Yeah you said that about me going to Boston.” “No, that’s not what I said.” Frank sighed, looking at her “I said over my dead body were you going to live with Evelyn….and did you?” “No…” Mary conceded “But you’re letting me go back for a weekend.”

“Yes, because you’re going for 2 nights and coming home” he said, and despite himself he turned his head to see Fliss sail Cap over the huge jump.

“See….” Fliss said, pulling the horse up to a stop “Easy…” “Whatever you say sweetheart.” he shook his head.

“Can I jump Monty soon?” Mary asked, and Fliss smiled.

“Yeah we can do a little cross pole…” “I give in…” Frank groaned, throwing his hands out to the side “The pair of you are nuts.”

“Says the guy who almost cried when he had to order a new car.” Fliss looked at him and Frank rolled his eyes “I mean who does that?” “Yeah Frank…” Mary said, swinging off the fence to the paddock, leaning back to look at him. “You get to swap a rust bucket for a shiny new Mitsubishi and you were like heartbroken.” “Hey, me and that truck have seen a lot of action-“ “I don’t wanna know…” Fliss started.

“Of which you’ve been part of…” he smirked her and she flushed a little, grinning. “I’m kinda attached to it.” “It’s a lump of metal.” Fliss looked at him.

“How dare you.” Frank scoffed, feigning offence.

“Well now you can have new adventures in the new truck.” Mary shrugged “Simples.” “When you do get it I vote the first thing we do is load it up and head off for a picnic somewhere.” Fliss said, hopping off Cap.

“I can go with that.” Frank nodded as she turned and walked towards the gate, letting her out.

 “Can I take him?” Mary asked, hopping down off the fence. 

“Sure…” Fliss said, handing her the reins. Mary led the horse away to the barn as Fliss removed her hat and pulled out her bobble, shaking her long hair free before she tied it back up again.

“I really do like it that colour.” Frank mused after a second, watching her. She blushed a little, and he knew why. A week ago she’d come back from the salon, her usually bright auburn hair was a lot more demure, having had caramel put through the ends. When Frank had complimented her on the change she’d gotten a little shy and said that she used to have it like that when she was younger, but John had always wanted her to keep it her natural colour. Now she felt like she fancied a change. Her admission had once again, knocked Frank for, how simple little things like that were so huge for her.

She pulled off her riding gloves, shoved them into her back pocket and they walked into the barn as Mary opened Cap’s stable and led him inside. As always, the large horse bowed his head gently to allow Mary to undo his bridle and Fliss smiled. Cap was secretly her favourite after Heidi. He was such a loving animal, despite his size always being so gentle and careful around people, especially Mary. Most animals were like that around her, she just had this aura that they seemed to like. But then again, everyone said that animals were a good judge of character.

 “Can we go to the shack for dinner?” Mary spoke up, looking at Frank “It is Saturday…”

 “Oh, I dunno…” Frank sighed, “Not sure my heap of shit truck will get us there.” “No but Fliss’ jeep will.” Mary shrugged and Frank shook his head with a snort.

“You literally have an answer for everything.”

 “Wonder where she gets that from…” Fliss looked at him and he nudged her gently with his elbow.

 “So can we go or not?”

 “Yes, ok we can go to the shack.” Frank said “But the deal is you tidy your room when you get home. It’s a disgrace.” Mary pondered this for a moment as Fliss undid the girth on Cap’s saddle, pulling it off.

 “Deal.” she nodded “Only Fliss said she was gonna help me sort my clothes out…some of them don’t fit anymore.”

“Yeah we do that tomorrow morning.” Fliss smiled, “Then we can look at ordering you some warm stuff for New York.” “Are we still getting matching sweaters when we get there?” “No.” Frank said, at the same time Fliss nodded.

“Yes.” “No, we’re not.” Frank looked at her. 

“Errr 2 vs 1 Sailor, you’re outvoted.” she shrugged, pushing past him with the saddle on her arms. “But if you’re a good boy we’ll let you pick them right Mary?” “I dunno.” Mary frowned “Have you seen his shirts?” Fliss let out a roar of laughter and turned to face her, before she looked at Frank, laughing even harder at the pure indignation on his face. 

“I hate you both.” he said sullenly, folding his arms.

 The Shack was busy by the time they arrived but given that it wasn’t too cold they managed to find a small table outside and ordered their food, Mary getting through an astonishing amount considering but the Frank had noticed she was going through a bit of a growth spurt which he mentioned to Fliss when they were snuggled up on the sofa later.

“Not sure getting her any stuff for New York yet is wise.” he mused “If she carries on like she is it won’t fit her.”

“Well we can wait…Fliss said shrugging, her hand rubbing at Frank’s stomach under his shirt. “You have no idea how excited I am…” “Really?” Frank snorted “You never mentioned it.” “Oh piss off” she laughed, before she sighed happily “It’s the one thing I miss about home and Boston…you know this time of year the leaves would be changing colour and falling,…”

“I know what you mean.” he said, his hands carding through her hair “You don’t really Seasons here.”

“Well you do…” Fliss said, “Hurricane and Summer.” Frank let out a laugh as she looked up at him. “You know you’re my hurricane.”

“What?” he looked at her

 “Came into my life, blew it all upside down…” “Jesus you talk some shit!” he laughed, shaking his head as she grinned. 

“You know there was actually a hurricane Frank back in 2010. So I’m not talking complete shit…” “Whatever Sweetheart…” he snorted, leaning back as her nails scratched against his stomach. He gave a twitch and grabbed her wrist, and looked down at her as she flashed him a coy look. “Stop it.”

“What, this?” she moved and used her other hand, and Frank let out a hiss as he shifted and grabbed that one too.

 “You know what that does to me…” he looked at her, his voice low.

 “Yup.” she nodded, grinning.

 With a jerk of his arms he pulled her forward so she fell onto him fully, drawing a giggle from her as her nose bumped against his.

 “I fuckin’ love you.” he smiled at her, and she grinned, giving him a soft kiss.

 “Yeah, you’ve told me once or twice…” she smirked, her lips locking onto his.

******

 “Fliss?”

 “Office…” she called back, and a second or so later Joanne popped her head into the room.

 “Everything’s done.” she said, “I was gonna lock up…you’re not normally here this late.”

 “Yeah I know but I have some paper work to sort. Need to file a couple of things and, well, thought it would be easier to do it here than take everything home. Frank’s taken Mary bowling so…” “And you’d rather be here doing paper work?” Joanne teased.

“Sadly, it needs doing…besides, last time we went I kicked his ass, again, he sulked for hours.” Fliss snorted “Maybe he stands more of a chance against Mary.”

“Won’t he let her win?” Joanne asked “I mean, she is only eight…”

“No chance.” Fliss looked at Jo. “He says that she needs reminding every now and then that she’s not a genius at everything…” Joanne let out a laugh “Fair enough. Ok, well I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, bye Jo…”

 Fliss set about getting to work, filing the various bills and disclaimers she’d had signed and started then sifting through the list of clients and payments, checking who owed what and typing out the bills for the month. Once they were printed and placed in envelopes, ready to be tacked to the stable doors in the morning she glanced at the clock and realised it was almost 8 pm.  Frank and Mary should be home now.

She was just about to pack up when she realised she hadn’t gone through the post for the day. For a second she debated leaving it for the morning, but decided she would get it over with. There wasn’t much- mostly a couple of letters from various equestrian societies around the area about a few events going on, but the last one she reached was a manila envelope with the address typed out on the front.

 She turned it over, opened it and then pulled out the contents and immediately felt her blood run cold as she looked at the paper in front of her. It was a copy of the photo of her and Mary, taken from the first Blog that Mary had written over the summer. Underneath it was typed a simple message- I always knew you’d suit motherhood.

 Fliss swallowed, it didn’t take a genius to work out who it was from but for the first time since his ridiculous campaign now she was actually frightened as to the meaning behind this. Up until now it he’d been nothing more than annoying but this was designed to be more than an aggravation.

 It was a threat. A direct threat telling her he knew about Mary.

 Whilst Fliss wasn’t Mary’s mother, and would never claim to be she loved that girl like she was her own and the fact that John was even brining her into this made her feel physically sick, so much so that she felt the bile rising in her throat and with a sharp heave she lurched to the side, grabbing the waste paper basket and hocking up the bitter substance. Coughing she wiped the back of her mouth with a shaking hand, reaching for the bottle of water on her desk.

 She folded the photo up and stuck it back in the envelope, shoving it in the drawer before she stood up and locked her office, heading to her jeep. Her mind was reeling, now it wasn’t just her he was focussing on, this changed everything. Did she tell Frank? She knew she should, she couldn’t leave Mary in danger. Not that she believed any harm would come to her, not really, especially not under Frank’s care but that was another worry she had. That if she told Frank this, it was really going to push him over that edge into blind rage, and he’d been on the first plane out to Boston, hunting the fucker down…and then what?

 He ended up in jail himself because Fliss knew Frank well enough to understand that if that blind rage took hold, he wouldn’t stop.

 She had no answer to this, nothing. She sat in her jeep, staring out of the window, trying to force the thoughts and mumbles and voices in her heat to quiet, so she could think clearly, get some form of grasp on what it was she needed to do. And then one voice was screamed at her, clearly, giving her a solution…the only one she could viably see working.

With a loud sob, Fliss covered her face in her hands, unable to see an alternative to the decision she had just reached. A decision that was going to break her heart more than anything had ever done before.

******

“Hey, you’re late…”  Frank looked up, immediately frowning as he saw Fliss’ face. “Honey…what…” “Where’s Mary?” she asked instantly.

“She nipped to Roberta’s” Frank said “I know it’s late but we saw her as we were headed out of the car and she wanted to collect something for Show and Tell tomorrow…why?”

 “We need to talk.” Fliss said.

Frank stood up off the sofa and walked towards her, he reached for her and she took a step back.

“Ok, Fliss, you’re scaring me now…what…”

“I think…” Fliss looked down at her hands “I think that we need to stop seeing each other.”

Frank blinked, not sure he had heard her right, but when he looked at her he saw a tear trickling down her face and she was avoiding his gaze. The world around him began to fade and a dull buzzing filled his head and rang around his ears as a horrible cold feeling washed over him.

“Lissy…” he swallowed, his words sticking in his throat “What’s brought this on? Did I do something? Are you not happy? I don’t understand…” “I just…it isn’t working for me…” she took a deep breath and looked up at him.

“You’re lying.” he said instantly, he could see it written all over her face “Fliss, what’s going on?” “Nothing, I’m sorry. I just…I need to leave, I need space.” she said “I’m so sorry Frank…” Frank took a deep breath, and watched as she turned to leave. After a second he hurried after her into the hallway, shaking his head.

 “Lissy, please…talk to me…” he all but begged as she walked to the door. She made to open it but Frank was behind her and placed his hand firmly on the top of the PVC, causing it to shut. She spun round and looked up at him, the tears now pouring down her face.

 “Please, Frank…don’t make this any harder than it is…” her voice was broken, and she shook her head. “I don’t understand what THIS is?” he looked at her, running a hand through his hair as he felt the stinging of tears in his own eyes “Last month we were talking about buying a house together and now you just wanna break it off, for no reason? Honey, just…whatever is going on, we can work through it, just talk to me.”

 “I’m so sorry…” she whispered, “Just…let me out…please…”

He looked at her again, her eyes bouncing across his and he knew instantly he couldn’t stop her, and would never do that to her either, no matter how much he so desperately wanted to lock the door and force her to tell him what the fuck was going on. So with a sniff he forced himself to step back and her hand went to the door knob, her shoulders shaking.

 “Liss, please…” his voice cracked. “Don’t do this…”

 She took a deep breath and opened the door, the warm air from outside hit him in the face, tears stinging his eyes slightly before click of the latch hit his ears as the door shut behind her, leaving him stood alone in the hallway, stunned and utterly, utterly broken. 

**** Chapter 21

[hurting-fictional-people]

Abduction

Meet Kiara and Blake, the OCs I created just to have faces and some kind of a story for the whump scenarios I create in my head ;)

You can find their future here

CW: stalking, kidnapping, whumper pov, noncon touching, gun and knife mention, just general creepiness, drugging mention, death threats

She was nothing like he had expected. 

The description he’d been given was fitting enough – red hair, medium height, lithe figure –, but left out all the important things. He couldn’t see her face clearly from the rooftop of the building across her street – she really shouldn’t live next to a building that offered such an unobstructed view of her living room and kitchen –, but he could see her. 

She was baking something. She had the money to hire as many chefs as she wanted to cook her anything she could ever dream of, and still, she was wearing a polka dot apron and had her hands buried deep in a bowl full of some kind of paste. He knew she had a small confectionery business, but never stopped to consider that she might be the one who actually did the baking. 

That was not what he expected from a rich girl with a bank account almost the size of his own. Not the medium-sized apartment, not the lazily tied up hair, and definitely not the simplicity she emanated. Especially because simplicity usually bored him to death, but in her it made him intrigued. Curious. Made him want to see what laid underneath that serenity she radiated even from so many meters away.

He was supposed to shoot as soon as he laid his eyes on her. That was the job: get your eyes on the girl, shoot, leave. Leave her body for her girlfriend to find. He knew what he had to do, yet he’d been watching the girl bake for at least two hours now. 

At first, he waited because he wanted to see what she was baking and if it would be any good. Now that she put it in the oven, he was waiting because he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

She was… dancing. Fluid, carefree movements, spinning around her kitchen, jumping up and down, rolling her head from side to side, front to back, like the music he couldn’t hear from there was pulling the strings and she was just letting her body go with it. 

I want to be the one pulling the strings.

The assassin shook his head at the thought. No. He was there to kill the girl. But, well, he could at least enjoy the view until the time came, right? He had the entire day to get the job done, and even though sitting on cold cement with nowhere to lean on was pretty uncomfortable, weirdly, he wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else. Apart from inside her apartment, that is.

She went on dancing, completely oblivious of the man watching her every move with hunger in his eyes. He liked it, her innocence. 

When she stopped, panting but with a smile so big he could see it from there, he was surprised to find himself upset. Firstly, because he truly liked her dancing, but mostly because he wanted to see that smile. The creases it would form near her eyes, the droplets of sweat that probably covered her face, find out if she had dimples. He wanted to see it all.

She entered a room he couldn’t see into, but before he could get too restless, she showed up again wearing denim shorts, an oversized shirt, and wet hair. Fuck, he wanted to have seen her taking that shower.

The girl bent down to take whatever it was she baked from the oven and stood up holding a tray with what was obviously a chocolate cake. The assassin wet his lips, suddenly hungry, even though he hated chocolate. 

He had been sent a few pictures of her – leaving the market, reading by her window, kissing her girlfriend. The assassin knew she was gorgeous, knew what she looked like, but suddenly he had the overwhelming need to see her. See the exact color of her eyes, uncover each little expression, find out if her voice was silvery or smoky, what it sounded like when she screamed. When she begged. What she looked like when she was in pain. Would she shut her eyes and hide away the hurt? Would she spit and thrash? Would she submit, hoping it would make it end sooner? Oh, how he wanted to find out.

The sun rose in the sky, then went down. She cooked some vegetables for lunch, read a book, watched tv, baked another cake, this one a lot bigger, clearly for a client. Ate the one she baked sooner. All the while, he watched her. His back hurt and his stomach growled, but he never moved, too fascinated to look away. 

He wanted to meet her. Talk to her. He couldn’t kill her before he had a chance to do it. The assassin had never felt like this before, so utterly captivated he couldn’t bring himself to just finish the job. 

He would do what he went there to do, probably, but after an entire day watching her, he would not kill her in such an impersonal way. If he was going to go through with it, he wanted to feel the life leaving her body, hold her while she whined and cried, whispering soothing lies till the life left her eyes. He wanted her, even if it was just for a little bit.

And he always got what he wanted. Even if he had to take it himself.

 -

“Hey baby,” Kiara said, holding her cell phone between her shoulder and her ear while she gave the cake the finishing touches. “What time do you get here?”

“Maybe in an hour?” Amelia answered, sounding annoyed. “I can’t wait to see you, Kie, my day was terrible.”

“Wait a second”, she said, letting the phone slide to her hand to put it on speaker mode. Time to put the cake in the fridge. “I’m back. What happened?”

“Well, neither my boss nor my clients got particularly happy when I quit, so I had to spend the entire day solving problems and talking to people. I’m gonna need a big, nice chocolate cake when I get there to make me feel better”

Kiara laughed while she took the dishes to the sink. “You’re a lucky girl, babe. Or maybe I’m a really good girlfriend”.

“Have I already told you how much I love you?” Amelia crooned, suddenly in a much better mood. Kiara laughed even louder. “I might be there in thirty minutes then”.

“Oh, hold on, I think I heard someone knocking on the door,” Kiara said, already cleaning her hands on the dishcloth.

“It’s okay, I have to call another client before leaving anyway”, Amy sighed. “See you in a bit, babe,” she said before ending the call. 

Kiara smiled at the phone. It was so Amelia to say goodbye and not wait for an answer. She chuckled as she strode to the door. She wasn’t waiting for anyone other than Amelia, but her downstairs neighbor had the bad habit of knocking to complain about her making too much noise even when she didn’t. She took a deep breath as she opened the door.

“Hey Mr. Williams, I – “

She halted. The person standing there was most definitely not Mr. Williams. 

A tall, handsome man smirked at her, looking her up and down in a way that made her furrow her brows and close the door a little, till all she could see was his face.

“Hi, can I help you?” 

“Hello,” he said in a husky voice that would’ve been attractive if it wasn’t accompanied by a wolfish grin. “Are you Kiara?”

“Who’s asking?”

He laughed then, and it changed his whole face. His’s angular features softened as he chuckled, his green eyes gleamed. Even his body language changed as he leaned against the doorframe. He didn’t seem that much older than her. Maybe 27, 28 years old. Silky dark hair, a gray shirt that hugged his large biceps, expansive looking trousers. Still, she kept her hand tight on the door handle, feet apart as Amelia had taught her.

“I’m Blake,” he said.

She raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t offer any more answers.

“Why are you looking for Kiara?” she knew better than to tell a stranger who she was, even if he knew that was her apartment. 

“I’m a friend of her girlfriend” Blake stated, those grass-colored eyes piercing into her uncomfortably “Amelia said I could come here if I needed something.”

“Well, Amelia never mentioned someone called Blake” she replied, narrowing her eyes. 

Blake only smiled again, triumph gleaming in his eyes. “Nice to meet you, Kiara.”

Shit. She hadn’t had the intention of admitting who she was. Kiara clenched her teeth and raised her chin higher, looking him up and down the way he did with her.

“So, why are you at my door, Blake?”

“My car broke a couple of blocks from here, and Amelia had said I could come over if I ever needed anything,” he said, biting on his lip “But I get it. She has never mentioned me, and I can see you wouldn’t be comfortable letting me in. Could you at least lend me your phone so I can call a friend to come and pick me up? My battery died.”

Kiara pursed her lips, looked at him again. She couldn’t remember Amelia mentioning someone named Blake, but she sometimes tuned out when she was baking and her girlfriend was talking. She might have mentioned him before, and Kiara just wasn’t paying attention. Besides, she was at her home and Amy would be there in a few minutes. 

Sighing, Kiara took a step back as she opened the door. “Come in, you can wait here for your friend. Amelia will be here soon.”

Not very subtle, she thought to herself, but at least he knew they wouldn’t be alone for long.

Blake’s eyes sparkled as he walked in, looking around at her apartment. If was full of plants, everything in earthy colors. She was pretty proud of it, since she had thrifted most of the furniture and painted it herself.

While he called his friend, Kiara politely turned around and placed the chocolate cake on the table, as well as two plates. Once he’d finished the call, she pointed at the cake “I baked it today. Want a bite?” 

She had never seen someone so eager to eat something she’d baked but decided to see it as a compliment instead of recognizing the hint of wariness that sparkled in her chest.

“So, where do you know Amelia from?” she asked, in between bites. 

“I work at a company in the same area as hers,” he said, leaning back on the chair “The cake is heavenly, by the way.”

“Thanks,” she said with a slight grin. “You are from a rival company then, is that what you’re saying?”

“It is” Blake smirked. “Heard she quit recently.”

“Yeah, she is planning on moving in with me and said that her job took way too much of her time.”

He raised both eyebrows but said nothing in response. Kiara cleared her throat and took the plates to the sink, desperate for something to do with her hands. Blake had this penetrating gaze that left her unnerved.

“Do you mind if I use the bathroom?” he asked suddenly.

“Not at all, It’s the door to the right.” 

As soon as he closed the door, she grabbed her phone and texted Amelia. 

hey, blake’s here. and since when do you offer my house to your friends?? jk, you can do it whenever you want. i’d just like a heads up next time

“I didn’t know you wear eyeglasses,” Blake said as he came back, holding her glasses. Kiara furrowed her brow. She must have left them in the bathroom again.

“Yeah, I’m nearsighted.” 

He hummed, staring at the object. Kiara blinked, taken aback by his behavior. Who the fuck grabbed the glasses of someone they barely knew from their bathroom and proceeded on scrutinizing them?

“Um… If you could give them back” she asked, extending her hand.

“It fits you” Blake declared, looking up at her “Wearing glasses. It fits the peaceful vibe.”

“Well, I don’t need to wear them often, so…” she babbled, taking it from his hands with a grimace. Weird man.

“I made you uncomfortable” he stated. She just stared at him. Yes, he had, be he also hadn’t apologized for it. Blake watched her just as intensely as she watched him before finally turning around and walking across the living room, examining the books she kept on the center table, her furry rug, the green couch. “When did you say Amelia was coming, again?”

“In a few minutes” she answered, baffled. He walked around as if that was his house, and it was starting to piss her off. “I’ll ask her.”

She went back to her cell, annoyed, and found that there were several messages from Amy already waiting for her.

What? Who’s Blake?

I’ve never offered your house to anyone

Wait.

Kiara, please tell me you’re not talking about Blake Thorne

Kiara??????

“Hey, I know it’s kind of a weird question, but what’s your surname?” Kiara asked, fear already clawing at her stomach. “It’s just that Amy knows more than one Blake and is asking which one you are” she finished with a weak smile she hoped he thought was just friendly.

“It’s Thorne” he crooned, smirking. 

She nodded, as innocently as she could, as she typed with slightly trembling fingers.

he said that’s his name. who’s blake thorne? you’re scaring me

The answer came immediately.

Fuck. Can you leave discreetly?

I don’t think so, Kiara typed, her heart already pounding, Amy what’s going on??

I’ll be there in 5. He’s dangerous, Kie, stay as far away from him as you can

Kiara bit her lip and took a deep breath. She didn’t know who the fuck that guy was or why he was dangerous, but now that she had confirmation, she could almost feel the wrongness emanating from him. 

“Is everything okay?” Blake asked, standing right in front of her. Kiara jumped and let out a startled shriek.

“Fuck, you scared me,” she said, taking a step back “You walk very quietly.”

“It’s a part of the job,” he shrugged, his eyes piercing into her yet again. As if he could see the fear she was trying so hard to conceal.

“Walking like a ghost is a part of working with finances?”

Blake grinned, amused. “I guess it is.”

She wanted to ask him what the hell did that mean, but it might sound too suspicious. Kiara straightened her shoulders and smiled placidly “Would you like another slice of cake?”

“Thank you, sunshine, but I’m good.”

“Sunshine?” Blake only shrugged again. She clenched her teeth and backed away till she was right next to the cutlery drawer “Well, I think I do.”

Trying to move as calmly as she could, Kiara grabbed the biggest knife she could find.

“Did Amelia recognize my last name?” he asked, a dangerous glint to his eyes.

“She did” Kiara replied, fighting to keep her voice from faltering “Said she would be here any time now, Amy can’t wait to see you.”

Her eyes met Blake’s, and in the instant they stared at each other, she saw it. He knew she was bluffing as well as she knew he wasn’t who he claimed to be. Kiara clenched the knife and lifted it between them. 

“Do you have the habit of threatening all your guests with a knife or am I just that special?” Even though his words should sound worried, he smiled, looking utterly entertained.

“Stay away from me” she hissed.

“Did your girlfriend even tell you who I am?”

“She didn’t have to tell me you’re an asshole for me to know it. You have this jerk vibe going on.”

Blake chuckled and took a step closer. Kiara stepped back, raising the knife. “I’ll stab you if I have to. Don’t come any closer.” He didn’t even blink at the threat.

“Do you even know how to use that knife, Kiara? I’m betting you’re more likely to cut yourself than me”

“We’ll find it out if you don’t stay the fuck away” she bellowed.

Amelia had taught her the basics of self-defense, but she had no doubts that the guy could take her down with a flick of his fingers. 

Kiara didn’t have time to do anything before he pounced on her. One moment he was casually walking towards her, the next he was way too close, and she felt the ground being swiped from under her feet. Her back hit the floor with a loud thud and a sharp pain, but Kiara didn’t hesitate to blindly swing the knife towards him. Blood surfaced from a cut to his bicep, and she struck again. This time, though, Blake grabbed her wrist and smashed it against the ground with all his strength. Kiara whimpered through gritted teeth but didn’t let go. 

Blake snarled, lifted her wrist, and slammed it on the floor again, then once more. And it hurt. On the fourth time, there was nothing she could do but let go. It wasn’t even a conscious choice. Her fingers simply opened against her will. 

She wasn’t completely out of weapons, though. Taking a deep breath, Kiara opened her mouth to scream as loudly as she could. However, before any sound left her throat, Blake’s other hand grabbed her cheeks and pressed with so much force she was sure it would leave bruises. Startled, she hesitated.

“Scream and I kill you right now,” he whispered. Kiara didn’t want to, but she believed him. She could see the truth of his words written in his eyes. 

She thrashed under his weight, but Blake was too big, too strong, and when she dug her fingertips into the cut she’d given him, he squeezed her injured wrist and stole all of the air from her lungs. Something wrapped around her neck and squeezed, and the world went black.

“… away from her!” someone shouted. It made her heart quicken, and a low whine escaped her lips. 

A burst of low laughter followed the voice that made her heart pound. It always did, that silky voice, but now it was strained, scared. 

“Take a step closer and I slit her throat”. That voice sent a chill down her spine, made her force her eyes open. 

“What do you want?” Amelia. That was definitely Amelia.

Kiara opened her eyes to a blurry world at first, only shapes and colors. She had to blink a few times for it to make sense. She was in her apartment. Amy was standing by the door, holding a gun. 

Holding a gun?

Kiara’s head snapped up. 

It took her a moment to remember what had happened. What was happening. Blake. She could still feel his hands pressing some point of her neck that made her pass out, even though they weren’t there anymore. Amelia. The knife. Her wrist, which she didn’t know how badly was injured, only that the adrenalin already pumping through her system numbed the pain a bit.

“Amy” she moaned, trying to get to her girlfriend. She couldn’t, though. Some kind of fabric was keeping her wrists bound together behind her back, besides the large arm wrapped around her, holding her still. Looking down, she found herself sitting on Blake’s lap. “What… let me go!”

“Hush, Kiara,” he said, tightening his hold around her “The adults are talking.”

“What do you want, Blake?” Amelia gritted through clenched teeth. She glanced at Kiara, fear badly hidden in her eyes, before returning her gaze to Blake.

“You know, your boss was not pleased when you quit,” he said. Kiara jerked in his grip, but suddenly she felt something sharp pressing against her throat and froze. “Move and I’ll slit your throat,” he hissed. “Now, back to business. Your leaving left many clients quite troubled. You should’ve known better, Amelia. You don’t just quit in our line of work”

“Why are you here?” Amy grit out angrily, but her eyes flicked to Kiara again, pleading, alarmed, as if she already knew the answer. 

“You know why. I came here to kill your girlfriend.” A frightened whimper escaped Kiara’s throat and her entire body stiffened. “They paid me a whole lot of money for it. Someone truly wants you to hurt.”

“Please” Kiara whispered, her throat touching the cold metal of the knife as the word left her trembling lips.

Blake’s chest vibrated against her back in a silent chuckle. “Say that again.” 

“Please” she repeated, straining to control her hitching breaths “Please, please, d-don’t kill me.”

The knife touched her neck again, and Kiara leaned back to get away from its sharp point, pressing her back against the man’s chest. He held her tighter but didn’t close the distance she put between her neck and the knife.

“I was going to do it” he murmured, his lips grazing her ear. “But you know, you are way too interesting for me to kill like that, little Kiara. I might just let you live.”

She shuddered, hope and dread mixing inside of her. In front of her, Amelia’s grasp on the gun tightened, but she didn’t dare to move.

“I think I’m going to keep you” Blake announced, his lips brushing her temple. A tear trailed down her cheek.

She was so terrified she could barely think, but amidst all the terror, at least she could look at Amelia. The girl who held her entire heart, who she loved so fiercely. It broke her heart, though, to see her golden skin pale and her brown eyes wide with fear. 

“Please, Blake” her girlfriend choked out, looking somewhere above Kiara’s head “I’ll do anything. Just let her go.”

“Do you know what Amelia’s line of work actually is, Kiara?” Blake asked as if she hadn’t said anything. 

She could only stare at Amelia, confused, searching for answers in eyes that wouldn’t look into hers. 

“Amy?” she called in a quivering, confused voice.

She had never seen her girlfriend like that. Amelia was always so sure of everything, so strong, even when she was sad or angry, she was never that hopeless. But this time, when their gazes met, there was only sorrow inside the eyes of the woman she loved.

“I’m so sorry, Kie” Amelia breathed “I wish I could’ve told you, but it wasn’t safe. I wanted to keep you away from… this.”

She would have shaken her head if there wasn’t a knife to her throat. “I don’t understand.”

“She kills people for a living,” Blake said, cheerfully. “That’s her actual job. Was, at least. Amelia here thought she could just quit and never look back.”

Kiara’s heart missed a beat, too stunned to do anything other than stare at Amelia with wide, baffled eyes.

Deny it, she pleaded silently, tell me he is lying. 

But she didn’t. That stunning woman who Kiara had sworn so many times to love eternally, just pursed her lips and looked away. Even Kiara’s tears dried at that. How – how could that be true? 

“I’m sorry, baby,” Amelia said, glancing at her, not nearly for enough time for Kiara to reorganize her thoughts before her girlfriend looked back at the man holding her still “I’ll pay you double whatever it is you were offered for her, and then we’ll disappear. They’ll never know you didn’t finish the job.”

He sighed, his warm breath tickling Kiara’s neck. “It’s a nice proposition. But I’ll have to pass it. I’ve found something far more precious than money I already have.” 

Kiara winced as he rubbed his chin against her hair.

“Blake –“ Amelia started, but he was already standing up, lifting Kiara along with him.

“Put the gun on the ground” he ordered, pressing the knife to Kiara’s throat till it nicked the skin and a drop of blood trailed down. Amelia stared deep into Kiara’s eyes for a moment before dropping the weapon. “Good girl”, Blake mocked.

Kiara stared at Amelia, the pain of the betrayal even bigger than the fear. She hoped she could see it in her eyes, the one thought repeating over and over inside her head. You lied to me. They were still staring at each other when something shifted behind Kiara and she felt a prick on her neck. The world swayed, someone shouted, and suddenly, there was nothing at all.

[the-slasher-files]

DIFFERENT PREADTORS - chapter six

INCLUDES ANDREI KULOKOVA x XAVIERA LAH-MO

After the storm there is a calm, then a storm again, the a calm, that is just life with Andrei. This is a fun, wholesome chapter for the most part, just two people becoming closer before their separation... The end is coming and I am going to cry lol. I hope you guys are genuinely loving this story because I know I am. Make sure to read part one, two, three, four, and five.

Go read @horrorslashergirl​ oc Xaviera’s perspective linked HERE

MASTERLIST 

Andrei’s eyes were clear again, he had no coating of lust or blood desire or sick intentions, the wolf was at bay for tonight and he could relax again. Focusing his attention on the beautiful woman in front of him, he knew he should return her caring favor after what she had been through from him and the man from the truck.

“It feels so good.” she whispered, opening her eyes to meet his now calm blues.

“Good baby girl.” Andrei replied, looking over her bruises with a trained eye. Stripping of his bloody coat and black long sleeve, he groaned at the warm steam hitting his tense muscles, then put his still bloody hand in the warm water turning it slightly pink. He moved his hand scooping water and gently washing off Xaviera’s skin from any of her blood or the man’s blood that Andrei was caked in.

“You’re so beautiful” he commented running his hands along her now permanently marked skin. She was his. Forever.

“Thank you for saving me.” she whispered, leaning into his gentle touch, shivering when he touched the bitemarks. 

Running his fingers along the cut on her temple his rage burned quietly, the only time he had ever protected someone so strongly was with his sister, Amaria, but even then it was different. A rage he had never felt. Andrei would never let anyone touch her as long as he was around.

Grabbing the wash cloth he dapped her temple making sure all old blood was removed and no infection could start. It was a deep primal urge to help, protect and an unfamiliar feeling, to love her. Xaviera accepted him for the man and the beast, caring for him and letting herself submit, which was probably a tough feet for the feisty little kitten.

Leaning in he kissed her softly and slowly, he didn’t want to devour her for once, he just wanted a soft intimacy for the first time in his life. Pulling away he rested his forehead on hers “you’re mine… no one will ever hurt you when I’m around.”

Xaviera’s lips pulled into a genuine smile, for the first time in years feeling connected with a human being, although he could easily rip someone’s throat out like a wolf if he so desired.

“I know… And I am very grateful for it….” she whispered against his lips, enjoying the intimacy that was so high on a spiritual level. “I love you…” Xaviera spoke, her eyes widening at her own confession.

Andrei’s heart stopped at her words. No one had ever told him that before other than his mother but she had been gone for a long, long time. His breathing stopped and he found himself shocked for the first time in his life, then denial kicked it. No one could love him. He was a dangerous beast. Unlovable. She probably had a concussion, but he didn’t want her to feel embarrassed or hurt so Andrei just kissed her again rougher and leaving her breathless. His soul knew the truth and it spoke for its self in the kiss and the way his fingers moved along her skin. He loved her too but he could never say it.

Pulling away he stood up, removing the plug from the bath and grabbing both of her hands, pulling her up on wobbly legs he dried her with a fluffy towel, scooping her up again and placing her in bed.

“You need to rest kitten… I will grab you some water”

Going back into the bathroom he ran the cold water, splashing it on his face, cleaning the blood and trying to wake himself up from this. It must’ve been a dream. No one could love him. No one.

“Fuck” he whispered, slamming his fist on the counter. He knew he loved her too but it was too painful to admit it, plus he was leaving in a day anyway.

Inhaling deeply he filled her glass and walked into the bedroom again. “Here.. you had a long day” Andrei spoke gruffly, trying to hide any soft emotions from her.

Removing his boots and cargo pants something slipped from the pocket. It was his wolf tooth necklace. Andrei never wore it but he always kept it on him, his sister said it was for good luck and it would protect him. Leaning down he grabbed it and made his way over to his side of the bed, pulling Xaviera close to him instinctively.

“I- I want you to have this…” he showed her the necklace, running a thick thumb along it in comfort “they said it was for protection and good luck” placing it in her small hands he continued “.. I’m already the luckiest man and you need protection more than I do.. so.. here.” His cockiness couldn’t help but come through, it was just Andrei.

“Thank you, Wolfy.” she whispered, her hands cupping his cheeks and pressing her lips softly against his, her thumbs stroking his skin.

Her words lit him up in beastly ways and human ways. The first woman that could do both flawlessly. “Anytime baby girl.” He grinned taking in the sick memory of ripping the man’s spine out and leaving the body alone in the snow.

Her hands felt so right on him and his scars. The wolf was turning into her lap dog as he kissed her back strongly, pushing his tounge through her soft lips “Thank you for everything.” she murmured into the kiss, only for him to pull away.  

“Your such a sap.” He laughed trying to lighten the mood as he ways did.

Xaviera rolled her blue eyes at his words, a pink tint to her cheeks from his teasing.

“Ohhh bite me…Will you?” she sassed, looking into his eyes with playfulness.

He managed to unlock a feline-like playful side on her and he was the only one who will see this part of her. She pressed her lips on the tip of his nose, then gave him a cheeky smile.

“Don’t temp me again little one” He smiled but pressed his thumb gently on her permanent bite mark just to remind her that he would in fact do it again.

Softly his eyes changed looking at the black eye that was forming on her skin, running his thick thumb along it. Andrei wanted to apologize for someone even laying a hand on her but he stopped and just kissed he lips again. “You must rest.”

Xaviera huffed but rested her head on the pillow, yawning and moving closer to his hard body.  “Mhmm… I really need it… You kind of sucked the energy out of me.” she whispered, resting her forehead on Andrei’s chest.  

He gave a slightly laugh as he held her close, once again his hand found its way to her grizzly scars and rubbed them gently. Andrei knew he was a lot especially with his rough side sometimes, but she seemed to love it all and that he was grateful for.

“Goodnight Xaviera” Andrei whispered into her white hair, again she name was so sweet on his dangerous tounge. Closing his eyes and stroking her hair, he was at peace again, a miracle that it was the second night in a row.

Xaviera closed her eyes and basked into his gentle touches. “Goodnight, Andrei.” she whispered in a soft sleepy voice, His name on her lips was addicting, a foreign drug he needed time and time again. Xaviera rested one hand on his chest, where his heart was, just feeling his heartbeat as she fell asleep. Such a beautiful animalistic way of comfort, she appreciated him just for his beating heart and it made him grateful, Andrei closed his eyes allowing himself to relax.

“Mine…” she murmured in her sleep.

Opening his icy blue eyes he looked down, she was fast asleep within his arms. Andrei grinned at this, such a cute little primal thing he held carefully. Shifting himself a little he closed his eyes again “I lov-” the words caught in his throat like a knife and he just sighed. Maybe another time. Sleep consumed the beast once more, no haunting thoughts or feeling woke him up. He was at peace.

A night of tranquility.

----------------------------------------

The morning sun peaked through the pine trees and into the bedroom, the birds sang and trees swayed in the light breeze. Andrei opened his eyes softly, turning his head quickly to make sure Xaviera was still next to him, her skin glowed beautiful in the morning light and she clutched the wolf tooth necklace between her fingers.

A small smile crept on his lips and he watched her soft breathes, he didn’t want to leave her, she was perfect. Groaning he rolled over, getting up to grab some hot tea, a pleasant pleasure he loved to indulge in. One last look over the cottage he went upstairs, quietly placing her mug on her nightstand and making his way back into bed. Xaviera’s words from last still ringing in his head over and over he gently traced with his fingers then his lips over her bruises. His bruises.

She woke up with a small little yawn and stretch, meeting his gaze with her sleepy one. “Morning, Wolfy.” Xaviera murmured hugging her pillow to her body.

“Mornin’.” his voice was still rough and harsh from just waking up.

“Slept well?” she asked, looking up at him curiously, then moving to take the cup of tea from her nightstand, taking a sip and humming at the taste.

“Best sleep I’ve had in while” taking a sip himself his large free hand moved to her thigh “how about you myshka?”

She hummed at his question, taking another sip of tea. “I slept like a baby… Never felt so fresh.” she answered, setting her mug on the nightstand, then looked at the wolf tooth in her hand. “Will you?” she asked him, pulling her hair up for him, exposing her neck, covered in bite marks, for him to put the necklace on. 

Eyeing up her neck he grinned taking the necklace in hand, not in a million years would he think that the wolf would be caught dead clasping a silly necklace on a girl’s neck, but his heart filled with pride at her dawning his affection.

“Thank you… Now I have two necklaces. Both from you.” she spoke, motioning to her collar of bitemarks, one much bigger than the rest.

As he clasped the necklace Andrei kissed her neck as he closed it whispering against her bruises “y’know… I don't have to leave for the next day or so.. maybe we can have some fun together.”

“Mmmm…. Well, me neither. My job here is done and I don’t have anywhere pressing to be… What do you have in mind?” she asked, one of her small hands stroking his knuckles.

“Well… little one, I have some ideas.” the wolf growled, pulling her head back into a kiss as his hands went down her torso and teasingly getting closer to her heat. Xaviera kissed back, her tongue running over his, then she pulled away only for her teeth to gently tug on his bottom lip then sucking it innocently, finishing with a small kiss.

“Mind telling me? This kitten is very curious.” she cheekily whispered, her blue eyes shining mischievously.

She was starting to play with him as much as he did to her, but Andrei was much more experienced with toying. Dipping his fingers down in between her folds rubbing and circling, “breakfast” he smiled again her neck bringing his fingers up and tasting them, silently laughing at his own teasing and her reaction. Andrei got up, putting on his cargo pants leaving himself shirtless and walking down stairs.

“That’s just cruel!” she yelled after him, as he made it down the stairs. Andrei laughed, something that was rare for him but in the last 2 days he had been doing it often. She was feisty and he loved it. 

Looking in the fridge he pulled out some eggs and bacon and a pan he started to cook, his icy blues went to look at Xaviera when she was groaning and stretching. Something fueling him inside again. “Stiff baby girl?”

“A little bit. It’s been some full days… And I haven’t done any yoga in two weeks.” she replied. She sat down on her front, arching her back, getting into the cobra position, sighing as she felt her back pop, closing her eyes as the tension left her body little by little. Next, she supported herself on her forearms, letting the rest of her body go forward, doing an upward-facing two-foot staff pose.

“It helps relax and relieve a lot of tension.” she explained, bringing her feet closer until they were inches from her hands, her body forming an O form.

Andrei’s eyes went wide at her position, he couldn’t stop himself from turning completely around towards her, abandoning the cooking.

“That… that helps you relax?” He just started, his head running with sexual thoughts and shock “It looks like it fucking hurts..” he started to stalk towards he vulnerable position, admiring the way her body curved strong and delicately, running a finger along the curve of her body “I don't think I’ve stretched probably since I wa-” Andrei wanted to continue but smelt the burning bacon “Shit” he turned and ran back to the stove “motherfucker”

She couldn’t help but laugh at this, getting into the lotus position.

“Doesn’t hurt at all when you’ve done it for years… Felines are very flexible, Wolfy.” she answered his question with a wink, feeling herself be more confident, also very amused.

Turning off the stove and throwing out the breakfast gone to waste. His brow raised at the idea of so much flexibility being under his hands, he swallowed harshly controlling himself. “Well little kitty if you keep that up, you’re not going be able to even walk tomorrow.” He winked back then checked the fridge again, slamming it closed. “Welp, want some cereal?” He asked smirking.

She raised an eyebrow, an amused smile on her face. “How about you let me do the cooking. I don’t wanna see your hair on fire.” she said, ruffling his faux hawk hair. “How does pancakes sound? Or…. you want something specific?” she asked him.

Andrei pulled away slightly as she ruffled his light brown hair and looked down at her tugging at her hip he pulled her close and raised his brow “how about a feisty little American girl served on a plate?” He grinned licking one of his canines

Xaviera couldn’t help the laugh escaping her; a genuine one, amused by the Russian’s sexual humor. “You are such a horny dog.” she said with an amused smile. “Alright, so pancakes it is then…” she replied, starting to prepare the new breakfast.

Andrei moved his hands up in the air in a surrendered way, stepping back, only to smack her ass as she turned around and he walked around the kitchen island, putting space between them. The white-haired woman squeaked, almost dropping the batter for pancakes on the floor. She glared over her shoulder at him but decided to leave it at that if they actually wanted to eat something.

Xaviera started to cook, remembering how she missed her grandmother’s cooking. She learned to cook from her. After half an hour, she set the plates of pancakes on the table.

“Would you like any topping with them?” she asked the Russian.

“Let’s see” Getting up, Andrei went to the fridge finding some butter and strawberry jam, Xaviera just looked up at him and the ingredients in hand “let me show you something” moving to pancakes he took a knife cutting in down the middle “American pancakes are always too thick” he scoffed then took the thin pancake slicing it halfway down the middle and spreading the butter and jam on “this is Belini.. Russian traditional pancakes.. they are much thinner” he continued to show her as he folded it in half then half again “.. and now you can eat it with your hand” he grinned taking a bite

Xaviera had listened intently and did the same with her pancakes as Andrei did. “Like this?” she asked.

Andrei watched her carefully as she held the knife following his instructions, but she made a scary little flick upwards with the knife that made his eye focus hard “..Just- wait.” Coming beside her he skillfully grabbed the knife cutting the pancake for her “you were doing fine, just you’re not skilled with knives, I don't want you hurting yourself” Andrei grinned and let her finish. “Perfect myshka… now grab some vodka and you’re a true Russian” he joked take a bite of his food, memories coming back to him of his childhood

At that joke, she couldn’t help but chuckle. He was the only one who could make her laugh so easily.

“I think I had vodka one time… In college? I am not much of a drinker, to be honest… Maybe on certain occasions?” she told him with a shy smile.

Nodding he stared “Its not a liquor for everyone, its a strong one but it helps me relax when I’m home… shuts off my brain for a while.” Andrei told her then remembered some of his stupid drunken moments with his buddies but now it was just mostly him drinking alone just forcing his brain to turn off his active mind.

“I’m not very good at holding my alcohol… Plus I hate my drunken self… So yes. I stay sober.” she replied.

“What are you, an angry little drunk?” he asked with a soft laugh, taking another bite of his food.

Xaviera bites her lower lip, her face blushing furiously “I wish…” she whispered, avoiding his gaze.

Andrei stopped and squinted his eyes a little in thought “ok… let’s see” he got up and started to walk towards her, circling her like a predator ready to rip her throat out “so not an angry drunk and I don't think you’re a sad one just by what you’ve shown me so far… so maybe…” he was right behind her now, a towering figure “maybe with all your years of sexual frustration and that little blush i seemed to pull” Andrei leaned in, down to her neck for the kill “.. maybe you’re an overly sexual drunk” he smirked teasing his lips on her neck. 

She moaned lowly in her throat.

“W-What makes you….. S-So sure of it?” she asked, voice shuttering. The wolf moved his hands slowly to her thighs, moving upwards and underneath her shirt. 

“well baby girl.. ” He kissed her watching her come undone so easily at his touch “all those years of not getting any cant be good to hold in..” Andrei crept his large hands up, roaming her body as if it were new to him “and by the fact you took me like such a good little girl without any complaints,” he growled lowly next to her ear while one hand tweaked her nipple, pulling a soft mewl from her and he grinned wickedly “well.. that just tells me everything” Removing his hands quickly he walked back over to his chair watching her flustered appearance with sharp eyes “see.. look at ya”

She looked at him with a flustered red face, dumbfounded at what just happened. “You’re the most infuriating man I ever meet!” she snapped, Andrei broke into a full on laugh, something that was a rare sight, he hadn’t smiled and laughed this much in the last few days than any other time in his life. 

“I’ve heard that one before” sipping his tea he watched her turn away “.. you’re so cute when you’re flustered” getting up he made his way over to the fire place, putting some logs in and starting it up and also lighting his cigarette with the flames, and bringing himself to sit on the couch watching the snow start to gently fall. Turning his head to the woman still in the kitchen, washing the dishes, he spoke again “come here kitten”

Wiping her wet hands off, she walked over to him. “What’s the matter?” she asked with curiosity.

He just sat, watching the sway for her hips and swallowing his pride at the question “nothing… just want you” Andrei spoke motioning to his lap while taking a long drag of his cigarette. She was breaking him.

Slowly, she walked over until she was in front of him, standing there awkwardly for a few seconds, then she reluctantly put each of her knees on each side of him, getting onto his lap and looking at his naked broad chest.

She was so cute when she was unsure, so innocent and he was out to destroy her innocence one touch at a time. Hooking two fingers under you chin Andrei made her look up at him. Taking a drag from his cigarette and blowing the smoke in her face, something he thought was like affection. Capturing her in a kiss his one hand went down to support her hip while the other put the cigarette out in the ash tray and moved to her white soft hair, deepening the kiss. Andrei had never wanted someone so badly in his life, needed her for just affection, a foreign concept

Xaviera shivered as he touched her, he always managed to make her putty in his arms. She melted into the kiss, kissing back slowly, running her tongue over his bottom lip, while her hands played with his faux hawk, loving the feeling, like the fur of a wolf. “I love your hair.” she whispered against his lips.

Pulling away slightly he leaned his head back a little exposing the underside of his jaw casually and cocked a brow. It was a comment he had never received before. “You.. you like my hair?” He questioned ready to laugh, to him hair was just hair, it was nothing special.

Xaviera runs her fingers through his hair, humming at his question.  “Mhmm.. It’s wild like you…but also has a certain softness if you pay close attention.” she whispered as she leaves butterfly kisses down his throat, so gentle like he was made of glass.

Andrei’s eyes went icy and his smirk faded at the word “softness”. The wolf is not soft. Andrei is not soft. Sure he liked to care for some people here and there but soft is not a word he likes. His neck and jaw tensed and he knew she could feel it. With a swift motion his hand clamped around her jaw making her look up at his cold eyes in a warning. “And be reminded that I am wild myshka..” Andrei moves his face in close snarling “and I can take whatever I want from you, when I want it.” He growled and moved to her neck, hold her jaw upwards as he licked her bruises skillfully

Xaviera’s eyes widened at his words. She couldn’t help but mewl at his words, her eyes closing as he licked her bruised neck. “I-I’m sorry….” she whimpered.

“Good little girl” he growls, pulling away. Running his hands softly through her hair, pulling a few strands away. She was right. He was soft with her. Kissing her lips he moves along her jaw and towards her ear “I like yours too.” He smiles nibbling on her ear lobe. It made her sigh in pleasure, her hands running down his chest.

“A-Andrei….” she breathed out, feeling so vulnerable she tensed in the wolfs large arms. Andrei stopped for a moment, feeling her tense a little under his touch. His jokes were supposed to be funny not make her stiffen up, but he knew this was going to be a hard end for both of them. 

Instinctively he held her close for a moment then spoke. “I have an idea… what about a game?”

“A game? What kind of game?” she asked, a little confused.

“Well the other night when I was looking around the cottage they have some games on the shelf..” he kissed her forehead then lifted her off him as Andrei stood himself and walked towards the shelf “I figured everyone knows Jenga and in army I played it a lot when we were sitting around…” 

“I know the game.” her eyes lit up as she told him, getting comfortable on the couch.

Grabbing it down he placed it on the table “got any interesting bets?” He raised his scarred brow.

“Suuuuuure. What bet are you thinking about?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Sitting on the armchair across from the couch eyeing up Xaviera like a feast “So.. you know me, I love a challenge so how about strip Jenga?” He gave his wolfish grin “and I’m shirtless and you’re pantsless so this can be fun”

The white-haired woman blushed at his proposition, “Seems fair I am on.” she told him, flashing a cheeky smile, making him chuckle.

Andrei gives a soft chuckle “alright… you know the rules… claim your block and if you pull it out without the tower falling you’re safe but if you can’t pull out the one you wanted then you lose something alright kitten?” Setting up the blocks he flashes his eyes glimmering with competition “ladies first”

“What a gentleman.” she mused, her eyes looking over the tower, inspecting it like a snake inspects a mouse, calculating in her head all the possibilities, until she settled for one in the middle of the tower, her tiny fingers clasping it and slowly pulling the block out.

“Your turn, Wolfy.” she says with amusement.

“If you didn’t know I’m a bit of a risk taker” he speaks with confidence eyeing up the bottom row like a jackass, pulling away the bottom left block and placing it at the top “be careful myshka”

Xaviera’s eyes were on him, the corner of her lip pulled up.

“I figured that one out from the first day I meet you, Wolfy.” she whispered, her gaze moving to the tower, choosing a piece from the top, being careful, her eyes switching from it to the bottom of the tower, making sure it wasn’t off-balance. She sighed as she managed to get this one too.

“You said something?” she asked with a little smug smile, trying to stop herself from giggling.

“Don’t be so smug yet darling… we are not done” his eyes are alive with the thrill of the game, losing himself a little he pulls the right block from the bottom row, hitching his breath as the tower swayed but it stood tall, he was safe. “Wanna give up?”

Xaviera bites her bottom lip. “Not one bit.” she said, her eyes scanning the tower, from left to the right, wondering what her next move should be. She chose one in the middle again, her teeth clamping on her bottom lip with every inch that she pulled out, the tower swaying a little. “Come on.” she whispered, managing to get the last inch out, a big smile on her face. “Don’t underestimate little ol’ me.” she said in an innocent voice, seeing him twitch in anticipation, eyes dark and competitive.

He needed to think of something else.. distraction.

“Alright, I see you…. ok I'm going for the 3rd row middle block” he claims knowing he wouldn't be able to pull it off. Andrei pulls and wiggles but its strong he can’t do it with out the tower falling “son of bitch… guess I have to remove something” He stands undoing his belt and pants leaving him just in his boxer briefs, dog tags and socks. “You’re turn baby girl” Andrei smirks catching her looking over him

Her eyes drift back to his face and she huffed, knowing she was blushing. “Aaaaalright, smart guy.” she mused, trying one from the upper row only not managing to get it out. She groaned.

“Fine…. One goes off from me too.” she said, getting her shirt off, not wearing a bra, her breasts were on display, the wolf tooth he gave her hanging between her breasts.

Fuck, she knew his weaknesses, she knew what the wolf wanted. He pulled his head down quickly not wanting to get too much of an eye full before losing himself. “Ugh ok…” he breathed slowly “here we go” he prayed on his skilled fingers to help him through Andrei went for the second top row pulling out the right block, watching the tower swayed a little, but he was safe, for now

Xaviera went for a middle top one, but it got stuck and when she tried to force it, she noticed the tower swaying, so she stopped. Her eyes moved up to him and she huffed. The last piece goes off. Her hands pulled on the waistband of her panties, his icy eyes followed all her movements, her teasingly slow pace was driving him mad, then throwing them in his face, it was over. 

The wolf growled throwing them back at her “Who knew you were such a dirty player” Andrei snarled, “but I’m still going to win” he said hopefully but he started to feel the burning desire in his core. He had to get this over quickly, Andrei never had the best self control.

His fingers twitching now he breathed slowly he went for the same exact block as Xaviera had just went for and he managed to pull it out slowly and carefully, holding his breath “FUCK yes!” Andrei yelled, losing himself in the game “what are you gonna do now baby girl?” making Xaviera chuckle at his enthusiasm.

She examined the tower, going for a top one, a little to the left, trying to balance the tower a little. She took her time, slowly pulling it out and she sighed, relieved. Looking up at him, she gave an innocent smile. “Your turn, all-mighty.” she said with a wink, her playful side coming out more and more.

His cockiness was getting the better of him and in a desperate stupid move Andrei pulled from the second row on the right a little too fast and his breath hitched as the tower wobbled and ended up tumbling down to the table “motherfucker!!” He yelled kicking the coffee table to have it loudly scrap against the hard wood.

“Looks like I am the big champion.” she said with a chuckle.

Andrei scoffed “of what? A stupid game?” He stood up putting his pants on and walking over to the kitchen, looking for some alcohol. He hated to lose anything, but also maybe it was his anger that they would part ways tomorrow bubbling up inside him.

Xaviera rolled her eyes at his childish attitude, getting herself dressed as well. “You cannot always win. Sometimes you lose.” she replied back, crossing her arms over her chest, only for Andrei to flip her off.

Turning around Andrei continues looking through the cupboards, finding a bottle of Himalayan whisky reserve. Not an alcohol he had tried before, cracking it open he takes a sip from the bottle with a hiss at the burn.

“Ugh, fuck… this is terrible.” But he pours himself a glass desperately trying to stop his active mind from the thoughts of leaving her tomorrow, but plays it cool and just walks to the couch swirling the unfamiliar liquid in the glass.

Xaviera raised an eyebrow at him, shaking her head as he started to drink. “Drinking your defeat down?” she asked. 

Andrei harshly glared at her, the fur beginning to rise and claws sharpening, but he didn’t want to, it was his defense mechanism to be cold, the wolf kept him alive this long “You know you got a pretty smart mouth on ya.. if you don't stop I'm going end up putting it work” he spat. 

“Uhhhh…. I’m scared.” she said, and that’s all that was needed for the Russian to lose his patience. He sat his glass of alcohol on the table in front of the couch, then in a flash, his hand fisted her long snow-white hair, her knees meeting the hardwood floor, looking up at the wolf with wide eyes, in front of him between his legs.

“W-What are you doing?” the prey gasped as his free hand started to unbuckle the belt of his cargo pants, the sound of the zipper being tugged down followed. Flashing her a dark wicked smile with teeth bared the wolf pulled out his hard length. 

“Since you wanna act like a fucking brat, I’m gonna treat you like one.” he answered, hand wrapping around the veiny length, he tugged her head closer, as the preys hands were pushing against his muscular thighs. “None of that! Now…. Pucker up for Daddy.” the wolf growled, making her legs trembled as she meets his hard gaze, knowing there was no way out of this.

Gulping down, she puckered her lips, slowly inching closer until her lips meet the rosy tip, her eyes looking up at him all innocently from under her eyelashes. “Open up.” he ordered, but she kept her mouth shut, only to receive a slap to the cheek with his cock, making her blush furiously.

“Open up now, myshka…. Or I am gonna fuck your throat.” he warned her with harsh words, and prey did as she was told, opening her mouth, her tongue poking out and giving the tip a shy lick, only for him to growl again, making her squeak slightly. “Don’t fucking tease me.”

Gulping down, she wrapped her lips around the tip and going down, starting to suck, working her hot mouth more on the tip, while her other small hand was put around the base moving up and down.

“Aren’t you a fast learner, kitten?” he asked, chuckling as he pushed her further down his length, making her throat tense. Her tongue swirled around the tip, her free hand moving to grasp his balls gently, massaging them, making sure she pleased him, not creating discomfort. “My, my…. Myshka, you’re a natural.” the wolf praised, the tip of his fingers massaging her scalp.

The tip of her tongue moved over the little slit, pushing against it, making the wolf loudly growl in pleasure. Her eyes widen when both his hand’s fist into her white mane, in one quick move, pushing his whole length into her mouth and down her throat. Her hands quickly grasped his thighs, fingernails digging into his cargo pants as tears formed at the corner of her eyes, falling down her rosy cheeks. So beautiful.

“Now, that’s a good girl.” he growled, her throat constricting around his cock only for him to yank her off his cock, a string of saliva connecting his length and mouth. “Anything smart ya have to say, kitten?” he asked harshly, predatory eyes eating her alive.

Her swollen lips trembled, not able to even form a word. Not giving her any more time, he pushed back into her mouth and she tried to relax as much as possible, as he thrusts into her sweet little mouth. “That’s how you look the best…. with my cock down your throat, baby girl.” he growled, thrusting harshly inside her mouth, drool running down her chin.

“Here comes the prize, little slut.” he snarled, cumming inside her mouth, making her choke at the salty taste. the wolf pulled out quickly, making her squeak as he finished the rest on her face, rubbing the tip of his cock against her cum covered lips. A sick animalistic urge to see her covered in what she made him do. “Now, that’s a pretty face.” he commented, running his hand through her hair. The wolf had made yet another claim on the sweet prey, imprinting on her forever.

Xaviera gasped and swallowed harshly at what ever cum was on her tongue, as Andrei stroked her long locks, coming back to himself, he got up to the kitchen, grabbing a washcloth and dapping it warm water before coming back to his spot. 

“So beautiful, myshka.” he whispered, his hand stroking her cheek as he pressed a kiss to her forehead “Round two on Jenga?” Andrei asked with a smirk, his eyes glimmering with mischief. If he lost again maybe she would give it to him once more, he gave a soft smile as she nodded and giggled.

Their last day together was spent playing a few more rounds of jenga, laughing and learning more about each other, not just as predators but as people that got fucked over by the world. Their souls connecting even though Andrei stomped the table in two at the last round of the game. She accepting him and him accepting her as she came. The two ate dinner in silence, just enjoying each others company, drinking tea and exchanging stolen glances. 

Andrei had never felt more at home tonight than any other time in his life, Xaviera sitting on his lap with her back pressed against his naked chest, in front of the roaring fireplace, just breathing, touching, and being grateful for one another. Nothing else mattered in the world when she was around. The wolf felt free, but at the same time never so chained down in his life. He wanted, he needed to be around her, she was a soul that needed protection from the sick world, like an endangered species, Xaviera needed to be safe in his arms, no where else. 

She leaned her head back against the Andrei’s chest, feeling his chest move up and down with each breath, he looked down at her, studying her beautiful features in case they would never cross paths again. They just savored the quietness and peacefulness that like home. Different predators with lives people tried to steal were safe together tonight.

Andrei’s mind raced, not with terrible memories or haunting screams but just thoughts of her, the beautiful dangerous creature he held. As she fell asleep Andrei didn’t want to miss a thing, every scrunch of her nose to every little twitch. He was grateful for her and he didn’t want to let go, he knew no one else would accept him they way she did, and in his dangerous life Andrei learned to hold these special moments close and not waste them because there was always the potential that his time would be up tomorrow. 

Don’t let her go... Be grateful... Don’t let her go 

[gothhisoka]

ℭ𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬 𝔵 𝔒ℭ 𝔖𝔪𝔲𝔱

Warnings: minors DNI, 18+, nsfw, smut, too seggcy for tumblr?

Word count: 3.9k

Background: This is chapter 19 of my fanfic called Hunter University! You can read it on either Wattpad or AO3 by clicking here. Right now, both my OC and Chrollo are drunk after a night out at a ball. They had their first kiss there, and now Chrollo showed up for more(?). He got in trouble at the ball and said he would meet Reiko later. And here he is now.

Chrollo was surprised Reiko looked so intact. He was sure she would come waddling to the door in pajamas as she did the last time he visited her room. Although it had been an hour since the ball ended, her makeup hadn't smudged a bit. Sure, it was faded, and her hair was significantly messier, but overall she looked as remarkable as she did at the start of the ball.

Her tired eyes widened with surprise at the sight of him. He was just as unimpaired as she was. Though now he was missing his suit jacket. His hair had become slightly disheveled, losing its styled waves. He still had on those signature silver rings and little cross earrings.

Reiko attempted to soak in his sight with her intoxicated brain. He looked even more captivating in this particular state.

Her drunkenness had faded a bit but it was surely still there. With a quick rest, she had come to comprehend all that had transpired in the courtyard. Although she had a couple of first kisses to go off of, none were quite like this. Not one made her as flustered as this. Perhaps it was due to Chrollo's quiet yet domineering personality that she didn't know what to make of it.

But after all, he was true to his word. That meant more to her than he could ever imagine. However, it was unclear why he had come back. Maybe for a second round? Reiko could only hope.

"What happened?" Reiko asked. She had the right to know after he left her on the dance floor alone.

She couldn't even bother to be mad. Her intellect said to be angry but her heart failed her. It fluttered at the sight of him. He hadn't even stepped into her room yet.

"Nothing you should worry about," he replied.

Ok, maybe she could bother to be a little mad. How much more would she have to not worry? She ached to know his business. That's what comes after a first kiss, right? They owed it to each other to be truthful. At least as truthful as they could be without getting into the matter of secret missions and such.

Reiko stepped aside to let him in and shut the door. Her room was the same as the last time he saw it, with her drawings hung on the walls and lights strung above the desk. Their small bulbs reflected against the night-stained window.

Upon shutting the door, the tension noticeably rose. It was dark in the small space and they were alone. Again. The last time they were alone like this was only hours earlier in the courtyard. Reiko hoped that this encounter was heading in the same direction.

"No, really what happened?" Reiko looked at him with worry, despite his comment.

Chrollo decided to give a partial truth. Better than no truth at all. He shrugged, "I got off with a week-long addition to my suspension. It's really nothing to worry about. I could have got off with a lot worse but..."

Chrollo took his black dress shoes off near the door, placing them neatly side by side.

So he plans on staying. Reiko tried to hide a smile. The hour of his visit was surely suspicious. There could be only one thing on his mind.

He paused, noticing a drawing on the wall behind the place where the door would otherwise be covering.

He had begun to walk around the room, absentmindedly stopping at a piece of art from time to time. Reiko was too tired to care. The collection included nature scenes, portraits of people he didn't recognize, anatomy studies, and...

A full-body anatomy study of Reiko herself. To be specific, it would fit further in the category of a glorified nude. It was on a miniature piece of parchment sketched in charcoal. It was obviously her: the woman had her long wavy hair and distinct mouth and nose. The paper was hardly noticeable amongst the scatter of papers. You wouldn't see it unless you had a careful eye such as that of Chrollo.

He continued his sentence, now making a terrible attempt to hide a smile, "...But I'm in good standing with the school."

Reiko hardly noticed when he reached the particular spot on her wall. Her tiredness had waned significantly with Chrollo's entrance, but it still fogged her mind.

Additionally, she had long forgotten about her secret behind-the-door location for her drawings that were not meant to be seen by a single soul, including herself.

At the time, she had thought the self-nude might bring her some confidence. It had not. This explains the placement of it in her room.

She didn't lack confidence with her physical form, necessarily. If anything, she felt lewd and embarrassed by any sexual expression. She was not used to being open about it. Being brought up in a small town with a watchful mother had resulted in years of repression and secret partners. This restraint had begun to wane in college, to now, where she was finally becoming comfortable with herself.

She wanted nothing more than to experiment with the boy in front of her. He wouldn't be her first, but certainly, he would be her best.

The sheer amount of tension in the room proved this fact. Reiko was sure they both felt it. She wasn't about to suggest anything outright though. She wasn't that forward.

I probably shouldn't be looking at him like that. This man reads minds, remember?

"Well, that's good. So what're you doing here?" Reiko spoke nonchalantly, acting like she didn't just fantasize about putting the sheer amount of tension between them to use.

Chrollo opened and shut his mouth, his response escaping him. He turned back to her and used his eyes to convey a craving far deeper than any words could admit.

"I said I would come to find you, didn't I?" He said lowly.

When will we stop beating around the bush? Reiko smiled darkly. That was the answer, or lack thereof, that she had anticipated. The heat in the room shot through the roof. She was sure if she checked the temperature it would be well above its normal chilly state. Perhaps it was the heat in her cheeks that was causing such a change.

Reiko thought she had a good idea of why he had come to her room at one o'clock in the morning after a night of drinking and questionably close dancing. She couldn't be certain, though, because that was just how he was: unpredictable and exceedingly complicated.

Luckily, Reiko was prepared with a response. She never failed to come ready for something she could expect. And this, the direction in which their encounter is headed, is inevitable. She had been rehearsing the line in her head for the duration of their conversation like reviewing terms for a test.

This was the only way to test if her assumptions were correct.

Blame it on the champagne if I am wrong. But I really hope I'm right.

Reiko looked directly at him. Time to be daring.

She took a breath and did her best to maintain eye contact, "Oh, did you?"

Walking towards him, she placed a hand at the hem of her dress. Her delicate fingers wrapped around its lacy fabric.

"Well, I actually do need some help. You see, this dress is quite difficult to take off by myself..."

Chrollo looked amused. He sized Reiko up, looking from her hand holding the hem of her dress to her unfazed expression. Unfazed, yet her cheeks were slowly turning a shade of scarlet. Nice try, Chrollo thought.

He gestured, "Turn around."

Reiko obeyed. She desired something far more than the unzipping of her dress, but she was not presumptuous enough to say it. The expression on Chrollo's face told her that he was hoping for the same thing. He hid many emotions well, but being turned-on wasn't one of them.

Chrollo brushed Reiko's hair away from the zipper, delicately placing it over her shoulder. His fingers purposefully grazed her back as he did this, causing Reiko's breath to hitch slightly.

His hands moved to the zipper, carefully pulling it down. It went past the clasp of her bra to her lower back. There was complete silence. Both were still.

Chrollo was the first to move. He pulled Reiko close to him so that her back was touching him. His left arm wrapped across her chest possessively, holding her in a tight embrace. With his other hand, he brushed her hair back from her ear. He still smelt of sweet alcohol. Clearly, he was slightly drunk as well, for the next words he said couldn't be uttered by a sober man.

His whispered breath tickled her neck, husky with the threat of sleep, "I want you so bad right now."

Reiko tensed with a surge of want. Her impression had been right. He let his strong arm remain around her, patiently waiting for a response.

She choked out her reply, "The feelings' mutual."

Under his touch, her streak of audacity from earlier dissolved into compliancy. She suddenly wanted nothing more than to submit to his words.

With complete control, Chrollo took her shoulder and turned her around. Her dress was now loose on her shoulders. He placed his hands around her hips firmly. He looked at her under his thick eyelashes and slowly leaned in. The pressure was growing to an unbearable level, but he still wouldn't go all the way.

Then his lips crashed against hers with the force of weeks of pent-up desire. It was unbelievable how different this kiss was from the one they shared only hours ago. This one didn't speak of courtesy, of patience. This was raw passion. It was furious and messy. Reiko preferred this to sensitive steps around the intensity they both craved.

"You must still be drunk," Reiko said playfully as they both pulled away to catch their breath. She held her hand to Chrollo's chest. His heart was beating surprisingly fast.

Whats happening isn't connected to any feelings. He's drunk, that's all. As Reiko thought this, she still couldn't help but beam up at him.

"If I'm drunk, then what are you?" Chrollo said with a lazy smirk.

"I'm drunk as well."

Chrollo threaded his hands through her hair, pulling the long strands through his fingers. He pulled her in close again with his hand at the back of her head.

Reiko opened her mouth to allow for Chrollo's tongue to slip in. He lessened the intensity and slowly moved his tongue against her own tongue and lips. She couldn't help but let out soft moans that made Chrollo weak at the knees.

He pushed her against the wall to deepen their kiss. Drawings fluttered down, becoming detached with the sudden movement. Including that drawing.

Chrollo pulled away, much to Reiko's shock. She was left panting with reddened cheeks. Please don't let this end now.

He displayed a shit-eating grin. Even with his ego, in the current moment, his expression made Reiko melt. His face was inches from hers, looking down into her blue eyes.

He shifted his gaze down to the floor and said, "Nice drawing you have there."

Reiko finally noticed what he had been so smug about. Shit. Her face flushed ten different shades of scarlet.

Chrollo leaned in as he did before and murmured in her ear, "I wish I could see the real thing."

Reiko failed to not show her excitement. The way her eyes lit up exposed her. "I can arrange that."

At that, Chrollo leaned in again, this time moving to Reiko's neck. His lips fluttered down her throat to her collarbone. Reiko leaned her head back and tried to control her uneven breath.

His lips reached the edge of the neckline on her dress. He raised his eyes to meet Reiko's, asking for permission to go further.

She let out a breathy, "Yes. Please."

What she wanted to say was, Please, take me now.

It could be too soon for him, they had their first kiss that very night. But based on how this was going, Reiko expected it was leading to something more. Whatever that was, she wished she could know right now. The growing tension between her thighs began to ache.

Chrollo slipped his hand across Reiko's pale skin to the hemline of her dress, moving it completely off of her shoulder and down her arms. Her black see-through bra was now in full-view. Her nipples grew hard at the sudden exposure.

At least I went with my fancy bra. She suddenly grew very shy. The last time she went even this far was years ago. Her slim body resulted in average-sized breasts, but Chrollo didn't seem to care.

He evidently liked the lingerie as well for his hands immediately traveled to her breast to caress it as he continued to kiss her.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered against her neck. Reiko's heart fluttered at his words.

Chrollo then moved his lips progressively further down as he slipped her dress off of her body. Soon her underwear came into view, then her feet. He helped her step out of the dress.

"Your turn," Reiko said, unbuttoning his shirt. All the while he continued to distractingly leave lazy kisses upon her face, one on her forehead, her cheek, her lips.

After an agonizingly long time, Reiko pulled off his shirt. Fuck.

She knew he would be defined. But him, this boy standing in front of her, resembled more of a greek statue than an actual human. It looked like his body had been sculpted by the finest stone on earth. He had a six-pack, defined pectoral muscles, and prominent collarbones. His biceps flexed as he leaned his hand against the wall, bracing himself. It was Reiko who needed to brace herself. Her breath hitched again at the sight of him.

She ran a hand up his firm body as she planted her lips upon his once again. This time Chrollo put his hands beneath her thighs, his fingers pressing into her soft skin. He picked her up easily. She wrapped her legs around him as he brought her to the bed, kissing him all the while.

He dropped her down gently, releasing his grip off of her thighs. Reiko took this time to look up at him and admire the beauty of his aroused state. He had a dangerous and wild look, with touseled hair and a constant smile playing at his lips. His heavy-lidded eyes were lazily focused upon her.

They continued to make out on the bed, its white silk sheets creating an angelic halo around Reiko. Chrollo couldn't stand looking at her like this, underneath him. It was far too much power for one man to hold.

Reiko reached to her back to undo the clasp of her bra. She threw it to the ground. Chrollo immediately began to touch her naked tits in a way that made her want to dissolve. He moved in circles around her nipples first, watching as they grew harder under his expert touch. Then he moved his mouth to the sensitive area, playing with her and biting slightly. Reiko audibly moaned at the gesture. Damn the neighbors.

Chrollo sensed her desire to take it further. He looked up, grey eyes filled with lust, "Reiko...let me pleasure you."

It wasn't the suggestion Reiko was expecting, but she was satisfied nonetheless. She didn't care about anything in the world besides what he could do to her at this moment, whatever it may be.

"If you say my name like that you can do anything you want to me," Reiko said breathily. It was exactly what he needed to hear.

Chrollo smirked and moved to take off her soaking underwear. Under his pants, his dick grew visibly harder. He threw the underwear onto the floor.

Gently placing his finger at her throbbing core, he began to stroke. Upon receiving his touch Reiko's back arched involuntarily. She was beyond eager.

"Fuck... Chrollo..."

This served as encouragement for him to insert his finger deeper into her, curling it slightly. It hit Reiko's g-spot repeatedly, illiciting ungodly sounds from her.

As he was doing this, he slowly positioned himself on top of Reiko, grabbing onto the bed frame with his spare hand. He just wanted to look at her face as she opened her mouth in delight.

He inserted one more finger which caused Reiko's arousal to heighten. God, he really knows how to do this.

Just as Reiko felt the heat in her core escalating, he slid his finger out. She whimpered in protest.

Chrollo looked down at her with a wicked smile. "Beg for it."

Oh fuck.

She gladly would. It was more her instincts speaking than any coherent thought.

"Please... Chrollo..." she said between breaths.

She wanted to not only plead for him, she wanted to worship him.

"More."

He belonged in line next to holiness. His fingers and mouth were sacred. He had made her feel like a divine being with his gentle to intense strokes. And oh god, did she eat it up.

"FUCK please do that again," Reiko exclaimed.

It was enough to convince him. Chrollo moved his face towards her slickened pussy.

Is he about to...

He pushed his hair back out of his face with his clean hand, his forehead tattoo revealed. For only a second, he raised his eyes to gaze into Reiko's. She fell for him all over again at that simple glance.

Then he entered her. His tongue made her want to weep. He devoured her insides, soaking up the salty juices. She couldn't help but hold his head, pulling it closer to her body. She ran her hand through his soft black hair. There was so much heat between them that they were both perspiring.

Reiko began to shudder." I'm going to... oh... fuck," she gasped.

She felt the sweet release of cum spread below her onto the sheets and Chrollo himself. She felt self-conscious for a moment. That is until Chrollo began to lick up her juices. He ran his tongue up her soft thighs.

"You taste so fucking good, darling."

Chrollo looked at her like he had fallen all over again as well. Reiko grinned back at him. Her cheeks grew even redder, if possible. Her heart screamed at her to continue but she was too physically exhausted to move. Still, wouldn't Chrollo want his turn?

She laid there, naked and panting on the silk sheets. Chrollo flopped next to her, unaffected beside his flushed cheeks and a wide grin.

The lights were still low in the little room. Looking out the window, Reiko saw that the sun had yet to rise. This was a positive fact because the only thing Reiko needed to do now was to sleep. And preferably, cuddling with the boy next to her. She hoped he would stay. It was more than hope, really. Her body couldn't spend any more time away from him after that.

Damn. He was good. He was really, really fucking good.

He knew his way with words, to begin with. He said exactly what needed to be said to escalate her arousal. She wanted to worship those fingers, the way he so expertly felt around her like he had memorized a map. And his tongue was even more worthy of revere.

Reiko flipped over to her elbows. Her breasts brushed against the bedding, noticeably making Chrollo gulp. Reiko boldly reached to touch the front of his pants.

"You don't want a turn?" she smirked.

"This was more than enough for me."

He stared into her eyes as if he was calculating a complex math problem rather than looking at the girl who just received the best head of her life.

Reiko yawned, despite herself. Her body ached with all the action of the night.

"Go to bed, sweetheart. I'll be here."

Those were the last words she heard before her eyes drifted shut. Exhaustion stilled her naked body. Chrollo reached to turn off the bedside lamp.

He wasn't nearly as tired. He could've gone for a couple more rounds, perhaps take it a step further if Reiko so desired. But he knew she needed the sleep. Most of her makeup had rubbed off, displaying the dark circles under her eyes.

She must have not slept for a while. He wondered if it was his doing.

He hadn't been sleeping lately either. Ever since the painting theft, to be exact. The guilt ate at him in the late hours of the night. I shouldn't have used her like that. But why? What do I feel for her? Why do I feel for her, in particular?

He had a feeling this would be his first sound sleep for a long while.

He slipped off his pants and threw them onto the floor with the rest of the clothes. He found the soft sheets and pulled them across Reiko and himself. The bed was small but cozy. His strong chest was flush against her back.

Her soft brown hair smelt of a summer day, like sunlight and wildflowers. He took this opportunity to feel up the rest of her glorious body. He ran his hand lightly from her shoulder to her hip-dips, to her thighs. All of it was holy to him.

He moved her closer with his arm, protectively wrapping it across her front. Somehow holding her like this felt far more intimate than any sexual activity. The way the moonlight graced her skin was majestic.

How had he fallen so hard, so fast? It was unlike him to act with such recklessness.

Through it all, he still had his mind. Reiko had no way to tell the extent of his feelings. He made sure of this. His libido could act one way, that was clear from tonight. But he was an expert at controlling his outward emotions. She would never know. If she did, it would be over for him. All the planning will be for naught.

He closed his eyes before he could fall upon any more worries. He had already pondered the issue for many sleepless nights.

He fell into a dreamless slumber, Reiko safe in his arms. They both slept soundly until the sun peaked through the window, signaling the first day of the rest of their lives.

[syonaravalen]

Rule/Guidelines & A bit about me

To start, I’ll share my rules. My rules are simple; 

Please read what I will and won’t make content of before requesting something.

If you’re a minor, don’t interact with my sexually explicit content. I’d like to keep my blog and non-sexual content free and open to everyone.

Read my trigger warnings and use caution. My writing, unless stated otherwise, tends to be very unpleasant, realistic, and triggering. It can be harmful so please please use caution when reading my content, and don’t force your way through it.

My ask box is always open, please be kind.

You can submit anything you wish, as long as it isn’t straight porn. I find pornographic content of real people uncomfortable and I do not wish to see it.

Now that the rules are out of the way, here’s what I will or won’t draw/write for:

Art:

I’ll make art in most any medium you wish, whether it be digital, painting, ink, pencil, or a paper craft. I’m pretty open to making art and experimenting with different things. 

The only medium I don’t do it sculpting. The materials and tools are expensive and hard to get for me and, while I would love to be able to try it, I just don’t have the resources and money for it.

I’ll make art of most anything, whether it be a real person, a fictional character, an oc, an object, or even a scenic picture. The only thing I draw the line on is art of real people who’ve done horrible things.

Writing:

I’m open to writing many things on my own but I limit what I write for requests. The writing I do on my own is a form of venting or self-indulgence and, as such, I can’t always make content of the same quality for a request regarding the things I write for. As such, the things I’ll be listing will be relating to requests and not my writing as a whole.

These are all subject to change as I’m constantly changing interests.

Since I first wrote this post I’ve added quite a few characters on each list and removed some as well.

I won’t write requests for anything relating to: feet, piss, or vomiting fetishes, pregnancy, rape, abuse, self-harm, drug/alcohol use, torture, and really just anything that could be harmful.

Other than that I’ll write for most anything else.

The characters I’ll write for:

Creepypasta: Jeff the Killer, Jane, Homicidal Liu, BEN Drowned, Dark Link, Eyeless Jack, Clockwork/Natalie, Hoodie/Brian, Masky/Tim, Bloody Painter/Helen, Puppeteer/Jonathan, X-Virus/Cody, Rogue, Hobo Heart

Boyfriend to Death: Rire, Sano, Cain, Ren, Damien, Akira

Possible additions to come: Degrees of Lewdity 

Art Masterpost List

(I’m still setting up my writing content so a writing masterpost list isn’t available yet, but it is in the works. I’ll post it when I’ve got more varied works out)

Now, if you’re still with me, here are some things about me:

My name is Valen, or Val. I’m a 21 yo genderfluid panro ase. I accept any and all pronouns, though I prefer he/him or they/them pronouns. I’m working to become an artist and creative writer.

I’m a pretty open person and a good listener. I have zero shame. I’m not very social in person, in fact I’m quite shy and anxious around new people, but online I make a point to communicate with others. I enjoy having active followers and making conversation, don’t be shy, feel free to converse. If I call you “love”, it is a form of endearment and a sign of friendship, nothing more, nothing less.

I’ve been in the creepypasta fandom for years. Even when I felt less of a pull to it, I was still reading things here and there. It’s been a form of comfort to me and has inspired quite a bit of my original writing works. The character that’s had my heart from the beginning is the beloved rat man, Jeff the Killer. I don’t know what it is about this man that’s got me so devoted but he’s got my full heart.

My intro to the btd fandom was fairly recent in relation to other fandoms but I grew hooked fast. So far I’ve loved most all the characters but my favorites would have to be the emo sadists Sano and Cain, as well as the sweet bois Akira and Ren. My favorites of the four is constantly changing

Feel free to talk, request, and enjoy my content~💜

[yandere-wishes]

Lolicassé Profiles

(I'm so sorry for this I know it's ugly af!😭 the quality completely died when I imported the images into my computer.) Welcome one, welcome all! To Lolicassé the dorm of misfit toy! Founded on the intellect of the toymaker (though it's technically "founded" on a Micky mouse episode just like the Ramchakle dorm). The students in this dorm all use a classification of magic known as "creator" which permits them to build marvelous inventions and toys from simple everyday objects. Students here, are also able to transform into some sort of toy, which sometimes makes it hard to tell the students apart from the actual toys littering every corner of the dorm. If you are thinking of paying this dormitory little visit, BEWARE the students can get rather clingy and obsessed, and are not above using rather unorthodox means to keep their new playmate with them forever!

Meet the Students of this patched up dormitory.

Xerxes Starness Year/Class: Year 3 Class A Seat 8 Birthday: 18/01 (Capricorn) Age: 18 Height: 183 cm Dominant hand: left Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Robotics Best subject: physics Hobby: Inventing new devices and fixing up old inventions Bad with: Sleeping Favorite food: Chocolat Disliked food: any seafood Special skill: Fixing broken tech He is Lolicassé's dorm leader who can transform into a tiny remote control robot. He's a direct descendant of the original "founders" of the City of misfit toys. His childhood was rather isolated, having two very strict parents that we're obsessed with the idea of creating the "perfect child". Even in Night Raven he still continues to distance himself from other people, which has resulted in several rumors about him to rapidly spread.

Special ability Optical database When he looks directly at an object or person he is able to pull up numerous information about them. His brain is the equivalent of the world wide web. It is rumored that this isn't his original special ability and that his mother stole his birth ability instead of replacing it with a man-made ability

Edgar Ross Year/Class: Year 3 Class B Seat 26 Birthday: 04/04 (Aries) Age: 19 Height: 189 cm Dominant hand: left Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Magical Shift Club Best subject: Protective magic Hobby: Exercising Bad with: Not invading peoples personal space Favorite food: Anything with gravy on it. Disliked food: corn Special skill: Sharpshooting

He is Lolicassé's deputy dorm leader who was raised in a military household and in such pride himself on being the "perfect" soldier. He's rather old fashioned and keeps a formal attitude with whoever he meets. He devotes himself to "protecting" his dorm members which have caused him to get in multiple fights with students from other dorms. It is said that he idolizes Xerxes father. He can turn himself into a toy soldier like the rest of his family members.

Special Ability Icy bullet He is able to emit glacier bullets from his body that freeze what every they touch. Due to his polished target skills he hardly ever misses his target.

Ray Sanada Year/Class: Year 3 Class C Seat 19 Birthday: 24/06 (Cancer). ‎ Age: 18 Height: 177 cm Dominant hand: Right Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Studying movies club Best subject: Alchemy Hobby: Sewing dolls Bad with: Focusing on one task for long periods of time Favorite food: Strawberry cake Disliked food: anything grape flavored Special skill: Memorizing books quickly

An emotionless boy with a doll-like beauty that can transform into a porcelain victorian era doll. His beauty is rumored to rival that of the Pomefiore perfect. He is said to be deprived of emotions. He rarely speaks and doesn't have any friends. Some students say that they see him roaming the Ramshackle graveyard in the unholy hours of the night.

Special ability Dollhouse his special ability permits him to bring inanimate objects to life. However they have to be objects that he himself makes. As of right now his ability can only keep something alive for exactly 3 minutes and 52 seconds.

Ezequiel Autumn Year/Class: Year 2 Class B Seat 18 Birthday: 18/10 (Scorpio) Age: 17 Height: 182 cm Dominant hand: Right Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Board game club Best subject: Summoning Hobby: Video games Bad with: Talking to girls Favorite food: Soft drinks Disliked food: spicy foods Special skill: Hacking

A shut-in with absolutely no social skills. No one knows what exactly happened to his mother or any of his aunts but he was raised by his father and uncles. Due to this he rarely ever spoke to any girls and freezes whenever he has to talk to them. With the acceptance of his godmother who happens to be Xerxes' mother. He considers Xerxes his only real friend. He is able to transform into an anime figurine. It is rumored that he has a pair of wings though no one has ever seen them.

Special Ability White Raven, Black raven It is unclear if he was born with this ability or if it was implanted in him when he was a young child. But his voice is able to manipulate the will of others. After an unfortunate incident some students have speculated that he also has the ability to control the life span of those under the influence of his voice.

London Lore Year/Class: Year 2 Class C Seat 5 Birthday: 31/10 (Scorpio) Age: 17 Height: 179 cm Dominant hand: Right Origin: Villiage of Harvest Club: Basketball club Best subject: Summoning Hobby: Collecting buttons Bad with: Keeping track of time Favorite food: Pumpkin spice drinks Disliked food: watermelons/ gravy Special skill: Sewing customers

A lazy second-year student with an unsettling creepy aura around him. He can transform into a rag doll, although even in "toy form" he is still very unnerving to be around. He was created in the city of misfit toys, but raised in the Village of Harvest were his family owned a small farm where they mostly grew pumpkins and corn. The chain around his neck tethers his body and mind to the soul of a famous killer, although this is all just a rumor it's still more than enough to get other students to avoid him at all costs.

Special Ability Plague's kiss He can emit a deadly toxin from his body which causes people to transform into hideous monsters and submit to his will. Although even after years of practice he is only able to create a max of five monsters.

Valentino Kartinez Year/Class: Year 2 Class A Seat 3 Birthday: 09/09 (Virgo) Age: 17 Height: 173 cm Dominant hand: Right Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Science club Best subject: Arts Hobby: Hosting tea parties Bad with: Ripping open his stitches Favorite food: Cookies and milk Disliked food: Vegetables Special skill: Cooking and baking

A trickster, who's elaborate tea parties are talked about all over the school and usually gather a large crowd. He grew up in a crowded family consisting of 13 siblings in which he was the "middle" child. His family owned a famous chain of restaurants that were known for their "childlike glow". Due to the restaurants taking up much of his parent's time, Valentino became accustomed to staying at home and only having his siblings as companions. Although he did enjoy the company of his younger siblings he detested his older, bossier siblings. His toy form is that of an old mangled teddy bear.

Special ability Childhood tea party Valentino is able to create a lifelike simulation of someone's memory, however, the illusion only lasts up to four minutes.

Jess Box Year/Class: Year 1 Class A Seat 23 Birthday: 14/12 (Sagittarius) Age: 16 Height: 171 cm Dominant hand: Left Origin: City of misfit toys Club: Basketball club Best subject: Magical Pharmaceuticals Hobby: Designing tattoos Bad with: Keeping his voice down Favorite food: Pudding Disliked food: Raisins Special skill: Memorizing nursery rhymes

A loud, hyperactive claustrophobic first year who's voice seems to constantly be echoing around the halls. Despite being a Jack in the box, he hates small, dark, confinements. He's rather happy go lucky and usually doesn't care much about what goes on around him.

Special Ability Pop goes the Weasel His body becomes as flexible like a spring, permitting him to jump around and attach to walls. According to a certain hunter, Jess's special ability would make him an amazing huntsman. Although the first year seems to prefer using his power set to prank his classmates and teachers.

🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 🐻❤️ 

Alright so this is how I'm going to do things. Interactions are open for these characters, meaning you guys can send them asks (yandere or normal. How they would react to something/Someone up to you), just talk to them or whatever else you can come up with. I'll do my best to answer everything, whoever if I think an ask better deserves a drawing as an explanation I'll put it on hold and make a quick sketch for it later. This whole dorm was really a giant drawing practice and since I really want to start digital I might re-draw them later (not likely but we'll see). I'm thinking if these characters get popular (Idk 55 likes and maybe 10 interactions) I'll release sprites of the characters doing poses similar to the TW boys  (basically how I imagine them if they where in the game) and maybe later even do some chibis of the boys. Although I seriously doubt anyone is going to like or read this  😂 🤣 😂🤣. Also a huge thank you to everyone that encouraged me to continue working on this it means so much to me! And a special thank you to Rinna ( @minoux-deactivated20200516​ ) the creator of Terrorwood who inspired me to take the first step in making this dorm. If anyone wants to make an oc for this dorm feel free to do so (let's be honest no one would want that) just please tag me.

[jeongyunhoed]

(a little festive something something from the superpowers au - you can check out Past-Present-Future if you want!)

Group: ATEEZ Pairing: Yunho/OC

Things: Christmas! a tiny suggestion of s--, a tiny mention of death, proposals, mostly fluff!

A/N:  I needed to get out of a writing funk, and here it is. This is only slightly edited so it’s not the best of works but hey here it is again. 

Tagging @closer-stars and @barsformars 

“What do you do on Christmas?” 

The question made Lee Mirae look up from her desk. She was in the back room, typing furiously on her laptop for a paper she needed to submit for the post-graduate studies she was taking. “Me? Not much, really. I mean, I put up some decorations here but nothing more than that, I guess,” She shrugged. 

“Really? What about at home?” Her half-brother Choi San pulled up the chair in front of her and sat down. “You don’t do anything at home?” 

“Not really,” She shook her head. “Well, Jihoon puts up some Christmas lights and we get each other presents and eat takeout from restaurants we haven’t tried yet, but that was about it.” 

San looked at her like she said something absurd. “Really? All these years since the sanitarium and you’ve never had the whole Christmas thing?” 

“Well at the time Miran and Changseok were busy with the store, and Jihoon was always tired from school, we just never really bothered to go all out,” Mirae said. “Do you still manage to do all of that at this time?” 

“Of course!” San pointed out. “It’s Christmas! Wherever I was staying, if I was staying for the holiday, I’d hang up lights and make sure there’s a tree and if I can’t do those things, I’d go out to where people are celebrating!” 

“Really? Even with what you used to do?” Mirae raised a brow at him. San nodded. 

“I guess you’re in luck now because I just bought a lot more Christmas lights to put up at home,” San said as-a-matter-of-factly. “Once you’re done with that, we’re going to look for a tree and then we’ll go buy decorations and stockings for the tree. I won’t take no for an answer, this is our first Christmas together, our first Christmas together again,” His expression softened at the realization he pointed out. 

“I can’t even remember what our Christmases used to be like with mom and dad anymore,” Mirae said. “I can’t even remember what they look like,” She wrinkled her nose. 

“Well, you don’t need to think about that anymore because I’m here, and we’ve got each other,” San nodded. “So? We need to go now before the place that sells the Christmas trees closes down for the day,” He looked up at the clock. 

“Alright, alright,” Mirae looked amused at his enthusiasm, closing her laptop and placing it in her bag. “What about Yunho?” She asked. 

“I told him about this before I went here, so he’s already going around buying other things we need, like food and wine,” San was beaming as he gently tugged on her arm to pull her out of the chair. 

“Good thing I already got presents for all of you before you’ll drag me out of here,” Mirae got up, slinging her bag on her shoulder. 

“I know, I saw the pile in your room and brought it out to the living room where the tree’s going to be, let’s go!” San said, leading her out of the back room and out of the store to the car before she could react. 

~ 

“How did you two even manage to get everything together while I was at the store?” Mirae looked astounded at the sight of the large Christmas tree and the boxes of ornaments that they bought the night before. Yunho was humming cheerfully while he helped hang the lights all around the apartment. 

“I mean you were preoccupied at the store,” San looked over at her while he was hanging up the Christmas stockings on the wall behind the television. She noticed there were three stockings: one for her, one for San, and one for Yunho. 

“It took a while for me to get back here last night, I had to talk to the people at the store that sells wine about the best one they had but they wouldn’t sell it to me,” Yunho glanced at the bottle in the ice bucket. 

“Good thing I was there to convince them, wasn’t I? Had it not been for me, you would’ve been stuck with cat piss and I refuse to indulge my palate with that,” Yeosang suddenly appeared from the doorway bringing piles of stylishly decorated presents, including a stocking that had his initials embroidered in gold thread on top of the pile. 

Mirae looked even more surprised at the sight of him. “You celebrate this too? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised,” She asked him. 

“I’m immortal, not Scrooge, my dear,” Yeosang glanced at her while hanging up his stocking next to the three others. “Everyone, literally everyone, celebrates this holiday in some form or another. It would be the first time I’m spending it with people in what seems like decades.” 

“That, or you didn’t have anywhere else to go,” San teased. 

“That would be too honest of me, wouldn’t it?” Yeosang shot back. 

“Okay,” She said in defeat, smiling in amusement at the sight of the three men trying to decorate the apartment. “While the three of you decorate my house, I will try and bake Christmas cookies if we even have ingredients,” Mirae went into the kitchen, taking out her phone to look for a recipe. She opened the cupboards then glanced back at the three men. “...San?” 

“Yeah” He replied with a cheeky grin already knowing what she meant, nearly falling off the stepladder. 

“Well, now I’m really convinced you planned ahead so I wouldn’t say anything,” Mirae said, getting to work on the dough. “Can the three of you at least make the icing later while this is all baking?” She asked. 

“Your wish is our command, babe,” Yunho replied and she blushed at the sudden pet name. “I even got cookie cutters so you don’t need to worry about that.” 

“Okay, but when the cookies are cooling, if any of you touch those before we decorate no wine for you,” She teased, carefully measuring the ingredients that she needed on the kitchen counter. As Mirae got to work, she observed them decorating the entire apartment, still so amused at the three of them working together. 

It wasn’t that she hated the holiday but rather, she found herself forgetting about it more often that she’d only remember it was Christmas on the day itself with the constant greetings. She knew Hyuk would be spending it with his colleagues at his company, and Chanyeol had his family to celebrate it with. It would be the first time that the three of them would’ve had to spend the holiday separately, and it would be another year that she spent Christmas without Jihoon, not that she wanted to dwell on that fact but it was going to be. It dawned on Mirae that their little world, that used to be just the three of them, five if she counted Junhong and Ino, was now a little bigger and a little better. San was with her now, Yunho was back with her, and Yeosang also joined them even if he couldn’t admit out loud that he liked to be around them. 

The ordeal months ago seemed like it happened years prior, it was now a distant memory to her and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Those thoughts kept Mirae company as she kneaded the dough, watching the three men in front of her try and sort out decorations. San and Yeosang were already bickering at the placement of presents under the tree - the former opting for his presents to be the most noticeable while the latter argued that his presents for all of them looked significantly better as evidenced by the branded ribbons that tied each box. It was surprising enough that Yeosang would get them presents, at least to her anyway. 

Eventually rolling out the dough cut up into different shapes, she didn’t notice that Yunho was watching her the whole time while he hung up the ornaments on the tree. It was going to be their first Christmas together again after so long. He could hardly remember what the holiday was like back at the Sanitarium they were interned in, just a vague memory of nurses probably handing out Christmas cards. 

Yunho knew Yeosang was right, in that people celebrated the holiday in some form or another. Traveling back to Korea, he saw people would sometimes have a quiet meal, some would sing in their homes, and some didn’t celebrate it at all but were given food and presents from people who did. It seemed like one of the few times of the year where people were genuinely nice to each other. He had a lot of stories to tell about the journey he made since waking up as an immortal, and he felt like he hadn’t told Mirae half of it yet. Those stories of his could take up years, and it made him realize that Mirae was the reason he kept going, the reason why he was so determined to come back to Korea. All this time, it was her. 

Mirae looked up, seemingly having heard what he was thinking. “Don’t distract me, Yunho,” She teased, rolling out the dough again to cut more cookies. “I’m going to need all of you to make the icing because these are going to bake.” 

“Great, in time for the party later,” San said, making her shoot him a look. “...Didn’t I tell you? We’re celebrating it like a party.” 

“You did not, San!” Mirae said with an exasperated sigh, while her brother gave her a sheepish grin in response. “I’ve been ambushed, that’s what this is.” 

“It’s a time of new traditions, isn’t it?” Yeosang quipped. 

“Perhaps,” She nodded. “Well, in the case of new traditions, who’s getting the food?” 

“I believe, my dear, it would be my pleasure,” Yeosang nodded. “I’ve already called for special orders to arrive here, in,” He paused hanging up ornaments to look at his watch. “Three hours. That leaves time for each of us to dress up appropriately.”

“Seems like you went all out this year,” Yunho pointed out. 

“It’s just as special a holiday for me as it is for Mirae, I plan on making the most of it,” Yeosang replied. 

“Wow, all three of you left me without anything much to do, huh? You usually get me ordering the food or cooking,” She eyed the three of them. “In that case, I will make the icing myself, the three of you can go on with the decorating and the food. The three of you, yes even you Yeosang, are being very fishy.” 

“What could be so suspicious about decorating and getting in the holiday spirit?” San argued, raising a brow at her. “Well, you work harder than any of us, I thought I’d give you a break from the work, is that so bad?” He added with a slight pout that made her wrinkle her nose. 

Mirae noticed the satisfied grin on her brother’s face as she cleaned up the counter. Even though she was able to read Yunho’s mind, she opted not to. After placing the cookies in the oven, she went over to help San and Yunho with the decorations. “I think I made enough that I can give some to Ino and Junhong. Did you invite them?” She asked them. 

“Yes I did, they’ll be coming around the same time the food will arrive,” San nodded, chuckling at the question. “I have a question, why are there more guy mutants than there are girls? Almost every mutant I met is a guy.”

“From what Junhong told me, the males usually carry and pass on the mutant gene, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there are more guys than girls that are mutants,” Mirae recalled. “I wasn’t the only girl in the Center back in the days, just so you all know. There were three of us.” 

“What happened to the other two?” Yeosang asked. 

“I...I don’t know,” Mirae shook her head. “The last time we saw each other was during the Seoul attack. They could be hiding, away, or probably six feet under by now. It’s been years. We naturally stuck together because of all the guys, but obviously we all kind of had a falling out when the attacks started. It was a bad time for all of us,” She recalled, handing Yunho a candy cane ornament for him to hang on the top parts of the tree. 

“Things really haven’t been the same since that day, huh?” Yunho paused at the realization. “But it’s for the best, isn’t it? Had those things not have happened, San wouldn’t be here with you, Yeosang would definitely not be here, and I probably would’ve found you again but you probably were still at the Center.” 

“Probably, yeah,” Mirae nodded. She smiled and handed him another ornament. “Well, there’s no use dwelling on that now, it’s been years. Like Yeosang said, it’s a time of new traditions, and I’ll save whatever else I want to tell you all later at dinner.” 

“It’s snowing,” Yeosang suddenly spoke, looking out the window. The three of them stopped to look out as well. 

~ 

As San had announced, the party had begun when Ino and Junhong arrived. They were all clad in their suits and Mirae wore the dress she was wearing during their Sky Sushi visit. If this was going to be what they plan on doing every Christmas from now on, she wouldn’t mind. It now gave her a reason to look forward to more holidays, seeing the smiles and laughter from almost all the men in her life surrounding her over food and drinks at the table. 

“I believe,” Yeosang tapped his champagne flute with the dessert spoon. “Our dear Mirae has something to say? Didn’t you say you wanted to tell us something?” He asked. 

“Oh, right, I do,” Mirae nodded, unsure of whether or not she should stand up for it but she did so anyway. “Well, I’m not one for speeches but, I’ve often forgotten about this kind of celebration and Yeosang just so happened to tell me earlier that it’s time for new traditions when San ambushed me into getting in the holiday mood,” She glanced at him, and he was beaming. “But from what happened the past several months, from the Kang mob, finding Yunho again, getting through all of that? I couldn’t have asked for better friends, for better people to be around than all of you. I mean, Ino oppa’s been there for me for a long time, Junhong too, both of you believe in me too much-” 

“I’m never wrong about that though,” Ino grinned knowingly, making them laugh. 

“Yeosang believes in me in a very violent way, I guess, if he’s been egging me on to show my powers,” Mirae pointed out with a laugh. 

“I’m not wrong about that either, my dear,” Yeosang replied. 

“So do San and Yunho. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve people like you in my life, but all I want to say is that I feel incredibly lucky to have you all as friends, as people I can rely on, no matter what,” She smiled. “Cheers!” 

“Cheers!” They clinked their glasses. 

Mirae was about to sit back down until Yunho placed his hand on hers to stop her. “Hey, I need to talk to you about something, let’s go downstairs,” He said, his voice low. 

“Sure,” She put down her glass and they excused themselves. Yunho led her to the shadowy part of the hall leading to her bedroom and without letting go of her hand, they teleported into his apartment, and Mirae noticed that it was just as decorated for Christmas as her apartment. The only thing that was missing was the stockings and she figured it was because Yunho’s Christmas stocking was already hung with hers and San’s. 

“Wait here, I need to clean up something in my room first,” Yunho said upon leading her into the living space. He padded off towards his room and Mirae looked around. 

“I don’t think they’d appreciate us sneaking away to do something other than talk, you know,” She teased, looking at the ornaments on the tree. 

“We can always do that later when they’re gone” Yunho called out from his room and she laughed, shaking her head. 

Mirae noticed the snowglobe on the table by the tree and picked it up, shaking it to see the sparkles and bits of glitter shower over the model of a town covered in snow. “Yunho?-” She turned around and stopped, her eyes widening. 

Yunho was on one knee and he was holding up a robin’s egg blue velvet box that had a dainty diamond ring inside. 

“I know, it’s sudden isn’t it?” He said, gazing into her eyes. “I don’t know if what I’m doing makes sense either, but I know we make sense. There’s a reason why I was able to come back here, to you, and it is you. All this time it’s been you,” He took her hand, still looking hopeful. “You’ve kept me going all those years we were apart, and all those years I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else. You’re all I see, and all I look for. It’s the reason why when I turned out to be immortal, I could only remember you, your face, your name, just you. You’re all I want and I know you feel the same way,” He noticed her eyes welling with tears. 

“...Really?” Mirae managed to speak, trying to process what was happening. 

“Yes. I know what you’re thinking and maybe it is still too soon, but we don’t need to rush into it if we don’t want to make it official yet,” Yunho replied without missing a beat. His eyes were welling with tears as well. “We can be on a prolonged engagement, I don’t really mind, I just know I want it to be with you,” He squeezed her hand. “Lee Mirae, will you marry me?” 

“Yes,” She replied right away, a tear falling down the side of her face as he slipped the ring on her finger. “Yes, I will.” 

Yunho felt his heart leap at her words and at the sight of the ring on her finger. He got back up and took her into his arms in an embrace. Tears were also falling down the sides of his face as he held her close. While the world didn’t make sense, they did. 

[universal-kitty]

Interest Check!!

   So I was thinking about reopening commissions again, getting those set up...and I’ve been thinking. I’ve really liked the idea of doing F/O letters (fictional other, is the definition for those unfamiliar) for people. However- especially in times like these- it’s hard to justify doing it for free, when energy is limited.

   So! With that in mind, I’m thinking of trying out F/O Letters [Email Edition]. For those interested...

Probably gonna start the price at $15 || $5 cheaper than my fics 

Back and forth letters CAN be a thing. Will be charged per response. IDK what the price on that is yet. 

Will only be accepting fandoms I know (for now; fandoms I don't know will eventually be an option, but more 'spensive bc I will have to research it...I’m dedicated to accuracy) 

this will eventually work towards the physical media aspect I wanted to do from the start (hand written letters + a few self-care goodies; self care packages later....maybe) 

I am also tempted to do a "G'raha Fund" where you can request the comm payment to go towards it; literally is just going towards getting me a G'raha plush to carry around with me for Comfort Reasons (for those unaware, I’ll put it under the read more)

Otherwise, all money will be set aside for me to move into my own apartment

For those who want to take a look at my comm sheet, here! (I’ll try to make a more easy-to-read/follow format when I re-work it...)

My writing tag is Aki Stories, if you’d like to see how I write!

Looking to open up in about a week’s time.

   As said, it’ll be done through email! Forms (that tell me about your OC/self insert) will be submitted that way and you’ll get your letters that way, too.

   As said, I’ll currently be only accepting fandoms that I am also into, as that guarantees that I know the fandom very well and can promise not only quality, but a quick delivery!

   If anyone wants the fandom list, send me an ask! If you’d like, reblog to spread the word!! But that aside... Gonna put down what happened fairly recently below the Read More, as it’ll explain my situation and the rather silly sounding “G’raha Fund,” LMAO.

(...seriously, transphobia/enbyphobia ahead.)

   So prior to November of last year, I’d been living in a mentally taxing environment. Four younger siblings, a stepdad who was racist, LGBTphobic (just...overall, to everyone in that community), and pushed his religion onto the people around him. My mother was marginally better, but I now realize...was still unsupportive of me in the way that I needed it. (As well who was one of those “Old Allies” who prided herself on having gay friends and going with them to Pride, but also deciding to make some questionable comments. But I won’t get into that.)

   The important bit is that in November, I decided I was sick of being stressed day in and day out. I knew my stepdad wouldn’t approve of me, my mom had tried assuring me he’d “still love and support me,” but I wasn’t buying that for a minute. Especially because I wanted to talk about it, and the time never came up. So. I made it happen.

   Only to hear my mother balk at trying to use singular they/them pronouns (”that doesn’t make sense” according to her) and refuse to use them for me. Ignoring outright that I also offered up he/him pronouns; it was simply too hard for her to comprehend and she wouldn’t budge.

   Stepdad overheard the conversation and it got worse; he confirmed my fears. Saying I was always going to be my birth gender, he thinks I hate my body...and then spun it back to himself. Y’know, he feels very attacked for being the only religious adult here. Is he next on the chopping block?

   My boyfriend got me out of there. I haven’t gone back since, nor will I ever. “My” room has already been cleared out for one of my younger sisters.

   There was a lot of other awful things going on there, but I won’t get into it. The point is...it was bad, and I need to make sure I never go back there. Better yet, move into an apartment where I can stay during the day, while my boyfriend is at work.

   These past few months, I’ve finally been able to have a place to stay... With my dad. (Prior to that, it was hiding out at cafes and occasionally my boyfriend’s work, when not getting a room under his discount. They’ve since gotten rid of employee discounts.) However, he is of the mind that I wasn’t “accepting” enough of my stepdad; things would’ve been better if I was. As well, I’m not “bad at math” I’m just not trying hard enough... Which is bullshit and I’d sure know it.

   So even though it’s a great place to stay....and I’m not allowed to be at home alone under his own dad’s rules... It’s still not great.

   The “G’raha Fund” will let me carry around my current inspiration (LOL) as a comfort item. I don’t have a shop in particular that I’m looking at- if anything, I have about 4 to 5 shops I’m eyeing- but the fund will likely cap at $100, giving me enough room to buy the plush and (hopefully) covering any S+H charges, too. Any remaining money from the G’raha Fund will just go to my bank and to the original plans: funding for an apartment. (And helping pay bills once I’m there.)