#sweater weather collab

[yesterdayiwrote]

Charles taking one look at George and basically going… “Dude, why are you wearing that? 🤨” is so funny to me

[cybrsan]

Miracle Of The Season — J.JK

STORY SUMMARY: Cast out of Heaven after a painful betrayal, you find yourself having to navigate the intricacies of human life without any guidance from the Creator or the family you have always known. Things only get worse as the holiday season reaches its peak, with reminders of the life you left behind everywhere you look. When a familiar face pops up, you aren’t sure whether to consider it a blessing or a curse.

PAIRING: Angel Jungkook x Fallen Angel F!Reader

RATING/GENRE: M ; angst, fluff, smut ; second chance romance, angel AU, soulmate AU

WORD COUNT: 17.2k

WARNINGS: Heavy themes of religious trauma, an initially negative view of Christianity transforming into a more neutral/respectful view of individual faiths, initial dismissal of other religions, difficult self-growth journey, homelessness, very brief mentions of murder and rape

OTHER/NSFW WARNINGS: Sharing one-bed trope (kinda), mistletoe trope (teehee), first time, fingering, cunnilingus, hand job, unprotected sex

A/N: This is a lot. The story definitely got away from me, but I think that's because there was so much I wanted to say. I definitely could have made this longer, and if I had time/wasn't such a slow writer, I probably would have. It's a heavy topic, but it's one that is near and dear to my heart and one that I think a lot of people can relate to. If you do, I hope this story feels a bit healing.

A/N 2: This is based on the vibes of his song "Standing Next To You" and the m/v for it.

LINKS: Part of the Jingle All The Way! collab with my talented, wonderful friends. Cross-posted on AO3 and (eventually) Wattpad. Banner made by the lovely @kithtaehyung.

"—let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

You take a deep, calming breath as you pass the carolers. Their cheerful voices grate on your nerves, but you keep your head down and continue walking. Lashing out at them won't do any good, even if it might give you a moment of satisfaction. It's not like they're the source of your irritation anyway; the crowded streets are abuzz with the unrelenting chaos of the Christmas season, and you have been on edge all morning. 

Turning a corner, you enter a street closer to the shelter you have been calling home for the past year and a half. Immediately, some of your tension dissipates, and you feel like you can breathe a bit easier. There are fewer lights here and less noise, but a few decorations still attract your attention, like a moth to a flame. A nativity scene is proudly displayed in someone's window, and you stop dead in your tracks.

"Freedom of religion, my ass," you mutter bitterly as you tear your gaze away. Why does everyone and their mother seem to celebrate this stupid holiday? 

You know that for many, Christmas isn’t necessarily a holy season. Some humans just use the holiday as an excuse to wear obnoxious sweaters, play the same song on repeat, and spoil one another with gifts. Yet reminders of the celestial realm, of the life you have been cast out from, are everywhere. The nativity, for one. Then there are the carolers singing their songs, and the cartoonish cherub decals that can be found on shop windows, holding banners that proclaim, “Buy one, get one 20% off!” Even the name of the holiday is marked by one of His monikers. Christmas. 

It makes you sick. 

The weather doesn't help, either. Drawing your coat more tightly around yourself, you try to ignore the relentless chill that settles deep in your bones. You’re definitely not dressed warmly enough, ill-prepared considering the sensation of being cold is something you’re still getting used to. It is yet another item you have added to your ever-growing list of "whys.” The question of why God created snow joins the ranks of "why did He make spiders?" and "why is He the most selfish being in existence?" 

You sniff. Perhaps you let your emotions get the best of you at times.  

Emotions. Another thing that’s somewhat new. As an angel, you didn’t really have those. The only thing you ever thought about was following orders and how better you could praise His name. Ugh. It’s hard to believe now that you were ever so single-minded. Though, towards the end, you suppose that wasn’t the case. It all went awry when you started this “list” of yours—when you started questioning things. 

The moment that doubt had first crept into your mind seems like a lifetime ago. Reaching the status of archangel was something you had been working toward for millennia. It was a position that allowed you to work more closely with humanity; you were able to actually guide their paths and alter their destiny. 

At first, it was everything you had ever wanted. The miracles that occurred because of your intervention made you feel like you were doing something worthwhile. But you quickly learned that not all of your missions would be quite as fulfilling. 

You will never forget the first time you were put in charge of administering a holy test. The man had done nothing wrong, yet your higher-ups still insisted that he needed to be "tried by fire." The divine reasons were beyond comprehension, or so you were told. But watching the man suffer as everything he loved was taken from him, seeing the desperation and despair in his eyes… It felt wrong. That feeling stayed with you even as you watched the man's faith remain unbroken. Somehow, that made it worse. 

And then there were those who committed sinful acts and escaped punishment. You saw murderers and rapists living their lives in peace while innocent souls suffered unjustly at their hands. The scales of justice seemed unfairly balanced, and you began to feel crushed by the weight of your guilt.

Thus, the degradation process began. For the longest time, you thought it was a myth, a scary story told to keep angels in line. If you doubt, if you disobey, you begin withering away into nothingness. You'll start to feel things, to lose your sense of purpose. It will be painful and overwhelming and, eventually, you'll cease to exist entirely. You were told that if it were to happen, you must report it to a superior at once. But you were terrified. 

There was only one person you trusted enough to share the way you were feeling—your other half, your celestial counterpart. The one who knew you like no other did. Your Astrom, Jungkook. 

There is an old celestial folk tale that documents the first creation of an Astrom pair. It is said God took one star and split it into two. Neither half could live without the other, nor would they want to. It is difficult to describe the way you felt for him, as angels are devoid of personal desires or emotions as humans experience them. It was simply as if being with him was as natural as breathing. He was the only being other than the Creator that you felt beholden to, that you admired. 

When you first revealed your doubts to him, he simply listened, displaying a level of patience that you found comforting. He answered your questions about morality, about justice as best he could, trying to reassure you that everything happened for a reason. Yet no matter how persuasively he argued, your doubts wouldn't go away. 

Eventually, you began to start contemplating letting yourself fall from grace. The thought was terrifying, but at the same time, there was a certain allure to it. To Fall meant to renounce your celestial responsibilities, and that included no longer having to inflict pain on innocent souls. 

When you confessed this dangerous thought to him, Jungkook gave you a look that you couldn't decipher. All you remember is what he said next: "If you Fall, I shall Fall with you."

His words had been unexpected, and you didn’t know whether to take comfort in them or not. You didn’t want him to share your fate, to bear the burden of your guilt. Could you live with yourself if he Fell too? The answer was an obvious no. But the mere thought of being alone in your struggle was something you couldn’t stomach either. So, you attempted to keep your dissent to a minimum and perform your duties as required. But it wasn’t long before everything fell apart regardless.

Eventually, you were discovered and brought before the celestial court. You were accused of blasphemy since questioning Him was an unforgivable sin and sentenced to Fall, to be cast out from the life you have always known. Yet, the real blow came when you found out who had betrayed you. 

Jungkook.

Your Astrom. 

The one you had trusted implicitly, the other half of your celestial star, had betrayed you in the name of divine loyalty. The pain of the Fall, the feeling of your grace ripped from your body, the scorching burn of your wings as they turned to ash—none of this could compete with the raw, gut-wrenching anguish of his betrayal. 

Even now, months later, remembering makes you feel as if you can't breathe, as if you might die. Every memory of him is like a punch to the gut, and the city, so full of noise and life, does nothing to drown out the agony. Some days, the pain is so vivid and unbearable that it feels as though you are Falling all over again.

A rough shove against your shoulder makes you stumble, and the man who ran into you barely grunts out an apology before continuing past. At least the disruption is a timely one, allowing you to pull yourself out of your thoughts before you spiral. There’s no point focusing on the past when there’s nothing you to do to change it, especially not when you have a myriad of new human concerns to deal with.  

Your job hunt was, once again, unsuccessful. You keep telling yourself that it’s because it’s so close to the holidays and you’ll have a better chance once the new year comes. In reality, you’re sure it’s because you have no experience, no schooling, and no useful knowledge.

At least you’re familiar enough with the city now that zoning out didn’t prevent you from getting to your destination. 

Lost Star Shelter.

The place you’ve been calling home. It’s certainly not perfect, but little on Earth ever is. You feel awful stepping past the crowd of people waiting outside its doors, knowing that they, like you, have nowhere else to go. You've been fortunate enough to secure your spot due to your volunteering efforts and the fact that the manager, Naomi, seems to have taken a liking to you. But not everyone is so lucky. 

You step inside, greeted by the familiar smells of disinfectant and something cooking in the kitchen. The place is buzzing with activity as usual—mothers trying to soothe crying children, elderly folks chatting away in groups, and a few lone souls quietly scrawling job applications. 

"Long day?" Naomi catches your gaze from behind the front desk, her warm smile a stark contrast to the weariness etched in the lines of her face. 

"Isn't it always?" You head over and pick up the clipboard she slides toward you, scanning your list of tasks for the day. As expected, it's long hours of mindless labor, but you don't mind. Not only do you need to earn your place here, but volunteering gives you a sense of purpose similar to your previous heavenly duties. And you have the satisfaction of knowing you're actually helping, not harming.

"First on the list," Naomi points to an item at the top of your clipboard, "is the donations room. We just had a big drop-off and could use some extra hands sorting through it all. But grab some dinner before you start, okay?"

You nod, her straightforward nature getting a slight smile out of you. "Yes, ma'am."

You navigate your way towards the crowded dining area, where a line of people has formed, waiting for their turn to get served. The cooks, all volunteers like yourself, are bustling about, serving portions of the day's meal which looks to be a thick stew accompanied by fresh bread. The food is simple but hearty, more than enough to keep you working through the evening. You make a mental note to slip into the kitchen later and thank them for their hard work.

You find an empty seat at one of the long tables that occupy the space, making yourself at home amongst the people who are engrossing themselves in their meals or with idle chatter. You even join in on a conversation with some older women across the table, who are engaged in a spirited debate about soap operas. Your knowledge of pop culture is sparse at best, but they seem delighted to fill you in on the latest drama, their laughter infectious. 

After your meal, you make your way towards the donations room. The sight of piled-up clothes, toys, blankets, and other items is both overwhelming and heartwarming. Naomi wasn't kidding when she said they'd received a large drop-off. It's a daunting task, but you roll up your sleeves and get to work. You start by sorting through the clutter, meticulously separating everything into various categories—men's clothes, women's clothes, children's clothes, etc., and items that need repairs or cleaning. Hours pass by unnoticed, the rhythm of work almost meditative.

Your thoughts inevitably wander back to Jungkook. A pang of longing shoots through you. He was the one who would always be by your side when you had to perform menial tasks like this in the celestial realm. You wonder what he would think of your new life. Does he look down on you from up high with pity or disdain, or does he simply not think of you at all? You aren't sure if you even want to know the answer. 

As time wears on, the room gradually becomes less cluttered and more organized. You're just about to take a break when Naomi appears at the doorway, her aging features softened by the warm glow of the hallway light behind her. She takes in your progress with an approving nod. 

"You've done well," she says, stepping into the room. 

You can't help but feel a sense of pride at her words. "Thank you, Naomi." 

She strolls around the room, her observant gaze sweeping over the sorted piles, her hands touching a few items here and there.

"It's amazing," she finally says, "how much kindness there is out there, even when it seems like everything is falling apart. No matter how rough things get, we can choose to be generous, choose to help others. That's what makes us human."

Her words resonate with you. You’ve seen the worst and best of humanity firsthand; the same species that wages wars also unite in times of crisis, offering support and showing kindness to total strangers. How much is influenced by higher powers and how much is purely human nature, you wouldn't presume to know. Your very existence has blurred the lines between supernatural influence and mortal will. 

"True," you say, looking up at Naomi from where you're still seated on the floor surrounded by donations. "That’s a nice way to look at things."

Naomi's smile broadens at that, and she gives one last cursory glance around the room before saying, "Well, I'll let you get back to work. Don't stay up too late."

"Goodnight, Naomi," you call after her as she steps out into the hallway, half-waving at you as she goes.

A little over an hour later, you step back to admire your work. Each item has been categorized, ready to be cleaned and redistributed. You move on to your next set of responsibilities: cleaning up the common areas and helping close up for the night. 

The smell of cleaning supplies clings to your skin as you make your way back to your sleeping quarters—a small, shared room filled with single beds. Careful not to disturb anyone, you move towards your assigned bed, its familiar creaks and groans echoing softly under your weight as you settle into it. Exhaustion pulls at your muscles, but you need to wash up and change before you sleep. 

You grab your shower caddy, change of clothes, and quietly make your way to the women’s bathroom. The fluorescent white lights flicker to life as you enter, revealing a row of curtained shower cubicles. You choose one at the end and let the water heat up as you undress. The hot water cascades over your tired body, soothing your muscles and washing away the sweat and grime that has built up throughout the day. 

Shower done and teeth brushed, you pull on fresh clothes and make your way back to your bed. As you settle back down under the covers, you notice something strange on your bedsheet. A crisp scorch mark is visible against the fabric, and when you observe it more closely, you're shocked to realize that the shape almost looks like… fingers? Your heart hammers in your chest. 

"Impossible," you whisper to yourself. 

The sight of these burns is not unfamiliar to you; in fact, you have been the cause of such marks before. It is a common occurrence when celestial beings interact with the mortal world—remnants of their powerful energy left behind. But as you stare at them now, a sense of unease creeps over you. Could it be Jungkook? The thought flickers through your mind, but you quickly brush it aside. Why would he make himself known in this way and then vanish without even seeing you? You can't allow yourself to hope. 

Dismissing the thought, you force yourself to rationalize that it must have been an accident. Perhaps someone burned it while it was being ironed. It’s easy enough to convince yourself; after all, it’s only three and a half slender marks—it could be anything. But the unease remains as you lay down on the bed, your mind filled with questions. You eventually succumb to sleep from sheer exhaustion, your dreams filled with memories of Jungkook.

The next day passes in a blur—the usual routine of job applications, food preparation, and cleaning duties. The burn mark on your bedsheet remains a mystery. You track down the volunteer who did the laundry, and she swears she wouldn't be so careless as to burn someone’s belongings. Despite her assurances, it's the only explanation you are willing to believe. You return to your bed to find that the sheet has been replaced with a fresh one, the burn mark gone as if it never existed.

You spot an older man sitting on a bed in the corner; his mouth moves silently, and the rosary beads dangling from his fingers lead you to believe he’s praying. A small, faux Christmas tree, no larger than a water bottle, stands on a box next to him. The sight stirs something with you, an uncomfortable feeling once again settling in your gut. You don’t understand his faith. How can someone continue to pray to a God that has obviously forsaken him?

You wait until the man finishes and safely tucks the rosary beads into his shirt pocket, right above his heart, before you approach.

“Excuse me?”

He looks up at you with a smile, eyes crinkling around the edges. "What can I help you with, dear?" 

"I noticed you praying," you begin tentatively. Despite your personal qualms with religion, you don’t want to seem as if you are disrespecting him or his beliefs. "I hope you don't mind my asking, but how do you keep your faith? Under these circumstances?"

He doesn't seem bothered at all by your blunt question. Instead, he chuckles softly and pats the bed beside him, inviting you to sit down. You hesitate a moment before complying.

"Faith isn't about having all the answers," he starts, his voice a mere whisper in the quiet room. "It isn't about being rewarded for good deeds or punished for bad ones. It's about hope. It's about believing that things will get better."

“Hope? Still? Despite… despite being here? I mean, aren’t you upset with God?” Your voice is barely above a whisper as well, a mixture of curiosity and frustration seeping into your words.

He remains silent for a while, his gaze wandering towards the small Christmas tree on the box beside him. 

"No, I'm not upset with God," he finally replies. "Man is given free will, and it is man who chooses what to do with it. Crisis, poverty… God didn't create these. They're the consequences of human choices." His words are sincere, spoken with a calmness that only comes from years of contemplation. "God doesn't promise us that life will always be easy or free from hardships. But He does promise that He will be there in those times of trouble. You see, faith isn't about expecting God to fix our problems, but about having the strength to face them."

“I envy your strength,” you admit with a hint of admiration in your voice.

“Strength is born from struggle, dear. You’ll find your way soon enough.” 

“I hope you’re right.”

The conversation lingers in your mind long after the man's words have faded into silence. You sit on your bunk, staring at the ceiling, pondering them. His unshakable faith is both alien and inspiring to you. Even when you were an archangel, before any doubts seeped into your mind, your faith was nothing like his. It was a duty, an obligation, a resolute certainty that was less about personal beliefs and more about the world you were born into. 

His mention of hope sticks out to you the most. You look around the room again, taking note of the different symbols of faith scattered across the room—crosses, menorahs, and even a small prayer mat in one corner. Each person in this room believes in something larger than themselves, something that gives them hope. And you? You're not certain what you believe in anymore. But maybe, just maybe, some of your anger has been misplaced. 

As the daylight fades, you find yourself wandering outside, the crisp evening air bringing a kind of comfort you couldn't find inside. You walk aimlessly, your feet following the now-familiar sidewalks. You end up in a park, and you make a seat for yourself on a deserted bench.

Looking up into the sky, now painted with hues of orange and pink, you let yourself miss Heaven for just a minute. To miss Jungkook. Even the Creator. You can never go back to worshipping Him, nor do you want to, but you can't deny the connection that once was. As much as you wish everything never happened, you are grateful for how much you've grown since. 

Suddenly, you’re disoriented by a bright flash of light and a shrill, piercing sound that makes your entire body jolt. You shut your eyes and cover your ears, but it does nothing to dull the pain. It's as if the noise is coming from inside your mind. You half-crawl, half-fall off the bench, curling in on yourself, unable to think anything, do anything, until it finally comes to a stop. 

The world pauses around you; the birds stop chirping, the wind stops blowing, and people are frozen where they walk. A familiar feeling washes over you, and your breath catches in your throat. You can’t bring yourself to open your eyes. Even in this form, even as a human, his presence calls to your very soul. You hadn’t realized how incomplete you felt, how empty you were, without him by your side. He’s your other half, and he always will be. The realization makes you want to cry. You had hoped after the Fall, after you became human, that would cease to be true. You can’t stand the fact that you’re still irrevocably tied to him, even after all that he’s done. As always, fate is cruel.

“Y/N.”

He speaks your name with a quiet reverence as if he can hardly believe you’re there in front of him. The familiar, honeyed tone of his voice reignites your longing for him with full force, but you still stubbornly keep your eyes closed. You can’t look at him. You aren’t strong enough.

“I cannot believe you are alive.”

What?

His statement shocks you enough that your eyes fly open of their own accord, and for the first time in months, you're met with the sight of Jungkook. You're not sure if you perceive him differently now that you are mortal, but he's even more captivating than you remember. 

His dark hair curls softly atop his head and is tousled ever-so-perfectly. His skin is beautifully tanned, and the way his tall figure is silhouetted against the sun makes it seem like he's glowing. His wings are obsidian, gargantuan in size, seemingly consuming the entire park with their reach. He's magnificent, so beautiful it hurts.

But it is his eyes that have you frozen in your spot—those beautiful, brown doe eyes, filled with so much emotion that it takes your breath away. He's not supposed to be able to feel unless… unless he has begun the degradation process, as you had.   

“Y/N,” he repeats, his voice trembling. "I thought you were dead." 

“I don't understand,” you manage to choke out, trying to sound more composed than you feel. You pull yourself to your feet, grimacing at the pain radiating throughout your body. How much of it is physical and how much is emotional, you can't tell. 

He takes a step closer to you, his hands outstretched as if to ensure that you're real, but you recoil instinctively. He flinches at your reaction but still grabs your arms, grip unrelenting even as you attempt to pull away from him. 

“Protective markings have been burned onto your ribs.” Hurt flashes across his features. “Were you hiding from me?”

“What? No.” You manage to break free and back up a few steps, putting some distance between you. You feel exposed and vulnerable under his gaze, remembering how he always seemed to know what you were thinking even before you did. "I didn't even know I had them."

"I need you to explain everything," he demands. 

“You need me to explain?" You scoff and cross your arms over your chest defensively. "What about you?”

“Me?” He tilts his head slightly, his confusion obvious.

“Yes, you!" You take a step closer, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "After all, you’re how I ended up in this situation, right?” 

“What are you talking about?”

"You betrayed me!" you hiss. “I confided in you, and you told me you understood. That you were with me. And then you turned around and proclaimed me a blasphemer!” 

He doesn’t respond right away, and it’s as if you can see the cogs turning in his head as he pieces things together. “Y/N… I would never.” 

His admittance makes you pause. Angels aren’t supposed to lie, though you know not everyone abides by that law. However, Jungkook has always been one of the most dedicated to the commandments. 

“That’s not what Namsu told me.”

“Namsu? The Throne?” 

“Yes, the Throne. The one who exiled me on the orders of up high.”

His eyebrows furrow. “You… were exiled? You did not wither?”

"Wither?" you scoff. "That's a myth, Jungkook. A cover-up to hide the fact that when angels start to stand up for what they think is right, they get cast out. And it's thanks to you that I'm here now."

"I… no." The intensity behind the word takes you aback. "I just wanted to help you; I thought you were sick. I went to one of the Cherubim for guidance—I would have never turned you in for some kind of punishment." 

His words hang in the air, making your heart pound in your chest. He was trying to help you? The thought sends a flurry of conflicting emotions through you. 

"Help me?" You repeat his words, mocking him in your disbelief. "Your way of helping got me exiled! Cast down and made mortal."

"I did not—" He cuts himself off, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Yet it did!" you snap, crossing your arms tightly around yourself as if they could somehow shield you from the pain his presence brings. "And now I'm here, and nothing will ever be the same!"

"I am so sorry." His apology is whispered so softly that you almost don't catch it. But you do, and it hits you like a punch in the gut.

Your head feels as if it's about to implode. He didn't purposefully betray you—in fact, he was trying to save you. But even so, his actions have led to your downfall, and now you're stuck here on earth, far from the light of Heaven, vulnerable and mortal, while he remains immortal and untouchable. Perhaps that's the part that hurts the most. The fact that now you are separated not by betrayal but by the very nature of your beings. 

Your voice cracks as tears fill your eyes. "If all this is true, then why wouldn’t you have looked for me?”

“I looked everywhere at first, but I could not sense you anymore.” If it was possible, you think he would be crying too. “Namsu is the one who told me what happened. He said that you… that your doubt consumed you, and you did not survive.”

The information hits you like a ton of bricks. Your knees almost give out for a second time, but Jungkook reaches out and grabs you by the elbows, steadying you. 

"I… I had no idea." A bitter laugh escapes your lips as you look up at him. "You didn't know anything, and I presumed the worst of you." 

His fingers tighten around your arms in a reassuring squeeze. "We can always start over, Y/N." 

"Start over?" you echo, incredulous. "You make it sound so easy."

"And why would it not be? We were not the ones to blame for our separation. Come back with me."

"I'm human now. The only way I can come back is… is if I'm dead."

His grip loosens, his face paling at your words. "I did not mean to suggest… Of course, I do not want you to die," he hastily corrects himself, glancing down at the ground. His wings flutter uneasily behind him, betraying his discomfort. "There must be another way."

"If there was, would it even be safe? I mean, why would Namsu do this?" you ask, staring at him. You're not sure if you're asking him or simply musing aloud. Even so, the question hangs heavily in the silence between you.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Jungkook speaks again. His voice is barely above a whisper when he says, "I wish I had the answers you seek, but I don't. All I know is that I will do everything in my power to rectify this situation." He turns away from you, scanning the horizon as if searching for something. "I need to return and confront Namsu. He must account for his actions."

"No, it's too dangerous. What if he forces you to Fall, too? You can't risk it, Jungkook." 

He looks back at you, his expression hardening. "I will not let him get away with this, Y/N," he says resolutely. "Deception is not a virtue of a Throne, especially not in such grave matters."

"And you won't let him, but you need to go about this carefully. Going to him directly won't work—he's too powerful."

Jungkook tilts his head, regarding you skeptically. "It almost sounds as if you are asking me to be deceitful." 

"Not deceitful, just… stealthy?" 

He doesn’t respond immediately, his brow furrowed as he mulls over your words. After a moment, he exhales slowly, pulling back from you to pace the grass in thought. "Stealthy," he repeats slowly, his voice distant. "That would require careful planning. Secret meetings. Misdirection."

"Yes," you agree, watching him closely. "All of that."

He stops suddenly, turning to look at you. "Very well. I will do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this."

Your chest tightens, and you gnaw at your bottom lip. His resolve both comforts and worries you. You don't want him to risk himself for you, but part of you is happy that he is willing.

"However,” Jungkook breaks your train of thought. "It sounds like I may need to be a little bit more human to pull this off. After all, none of this comes easily to angels, but mortals lie all the time."

You raise an eyebrow. "And how are you going to achieve that?"

"You will have to teach me, of course." He says this as if doing so will be the easiest thing in the world. “The degradation process has already started for me, as I am sure you are aware. It should be easy.”

"You're serious?" 

Jungkook had always been so straight-laced, the epitome of angelic perfection. The idea of him playing at being human is almost laughable.

"Completely," he responds, his intense gaze never wavering. "I am willing to do whatever it takes to bring Namsu to justice and try to fix this. Fix us. If that requires adopting some mortal habits, then so be it."

"Alright," you finally concede, shaking your head in amusement. "Time for a crash course in 'how to be a human' 101."

He smiles faintly at that, the corners of his mouth tipping upwards just so. It's a small thing, barely noticeable amidst the tension still hanging heavily in the air between you two, but it's enough. Enough to remind you that the way you felt about him in Heaven, despite not being able to feel, was some kind of love. You don't know where that leaves you now or what you're going to do about it, but procrastination is another human skill you have come to love. Maybe you'll teach him that eventually.

"Lesson one," you start, pointing a finger at him in mock sternness. "Humans don't always speak so formally or in such grandiose phrases. ‘I am going to bring Namsu to justice' sounds archaic or like something a two-bit superhero would say."

His lips quirk upward into a more genuine smile this time. "I see," he replies, his voice deliberately casual. "So how would a human say it?"

"Well, for starters, you could use slang," you suggest. 

Jungkook’s brows furrow, an almost comical look of concentration on his face. “Slang,” he repeats, testing the word on his tongue.

“Yes, slang. Humans don’t always pronounce every single word, and they often come up with new, shorter words to replace certain phrases. You could say something like, 'Namsu’s gonna get what he deserves.'”

He nods, repeating your words slowly. “Namsu... is going to get what he deserves.”

You burst out laughing at his attempt. The prim, stoic angel fumbling his way through human speech? It is truly a sight to behold. 

"Laughing at my expense?" He feigns hurt, but there's a playful twinkle in his eyes that gives him away. "I guess that's lesson two then: humans are full of mirth and mockery."

"You're catching on quickly," you reply, still giggling slightly. “And yes, we like to laugh.”

He observes you a moment longer before finally allowing a soft chuckle to escape his lips. It's a deep, rich sound, but it feels tentative like he's not quite sure if he's doing it right.

“Laughing…" he murmurs, puzzling over the concept. “Such a peculiar expression of joy. But I like it." 

"As you should," you reply, a grin still playing across your face. "It's one of the best parts about being human."

Jungkook studies you for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. "It suits you."

"Hm? What does?"

"Being human."

"I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.” 

"There is a certain spontaneity in humans. A vibrancy that angels lack." Jungkook’s gaze intensifies, his voice lowering to almost a whisper as he steps closer. "It makes you shine more brightly. Like the sun."

He's so close to you now that you can make out the subtle flecks of gold in his eyes. Your heart pounds in your chest as his words wash over you, warming you from the inside out. 

"That—" You clear your throat, trying to steady your shaking voice. "That sounds like a compliment."

"It is," he confirms, his gaze flickering down to your lips for a brief second before rising back to meet your eyes. "But it is also an observation. A fact."

You want to kiss him. The thought shocks you—you've never kissed someone before, let alone wanted to. It must be a human impulse. You can't help but imagine what it might feel like, the warmth of his lips against yours, his skin beneath your fingertips. You want to feel his hand on your cheek, his fingers tangling in your hair. But the danger of your respective positions impedes that thought, and you push it down. He's an angel. You're not. Him being your Astrom, the connection you had before your Fall, none of it matters now.

"Okay," you manage to squeak out, trying to ignore the electricity that seems to be sparking between your too-close bodies. "Human lesson number three: we're big on personal space."

"Oh?" Jungkook raises an eyebrow but doesn't step away. "Is this too close?"

You swallow hard. "A bit."

You swear you see a hint of mischievousness cross his features before he complies, stepping back just enough to leave a sliver of space between you. "Better?" 

"Now you're just teasing me," you retort, though there's a soft smile playing on your lips.

"Is that frowned upon?" 

"No," you admit. "In fact, it's quite human of you. Now, it’s time for a real challenge." He looks at you quizzically. "We have to convince Naomi to let you stay at the shelter." 

"Ah," he nods, understanding dawning on him. "I see. Another part of being human—negotiation."

"Exactly."

"Then lead the way." With a snap of his fingers, time resumes for the two of you and his wings have disappeared, making him appear fully human, and you head back to Lost Star.

"Naomi, please," you beg, giving your boss the best puppy eyes you can muster. "He needs a place to stay." 

Naomi crosses her arms over her chest and drags her gaze over Jungkook in a way that suggests she's scrutinizing every cell of his being, from the top of his head down to the tips of his toes. "There's no extra beds, hun. I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do." 

"Then he can stay with me!"

"You and him, sharing that tiny little twin bed?" She scoffs. "I'd like to see you try."

"We'll make it work!"

"It's still against the rules. One body to one bed." 

"I know it's not ideal, but just for a few days until we figure out something else," you urge her. "I wouldn't be asking you this if it wasn't important." 

Jungkook steps forward, interjecting smoothly, "I will respect the rules, and if you feel my presence is harmful or disruptive in any way, I will leave immediately." 

Naomi looks between you and Jungkook, and then she sighs, throwing her hands up in defeat. 

"Fine, but only for a little while. And you can't sleep in the main room. Take my office—the couch is a pull-out."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" You pull her into a hug that she returns with a loving exasperation. 

"If there's even a whiff of trouble, both of you are gone, understand?" 

"Yes, ma'am! I wouldn't expect anything less." 

You grab Jungkook’s hand, dragging him along behind you as you lead him through the shelter. You pass through some of the busier living areas, and it's as if everyone can’t help but stare at him. You can only assume that, despite his wings being hidden, he still emits some sort of otherworldly aura that draws people in. Plus, by human standards, you suppose he's quite attractive. 

Jungkook seems unbothered by the attention, too focused on his surroundings and curiously taking in every detail.

"All these people live here?" he asks, incredulous. "This place is quite small." 

"Shh! Lesson four: lower your voice when you're talking about other people. The last thing we need is for someone to overhear and think you're judging them." 

"Apologies," Jungkook replies, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But my previous comment was not meant to be judgmental. I’m just… surprised. I thought humans usually lived in family units, but everyone here doesn't seem to be related." 

I’m. Doesn’t. He’s already using contractions—you must either be a good teacher or he’s a quick learner.

"You're right," you agree, and as you glance around, your heart aches a little. "Not everyone is fortunate enough to have that. This place is for those who have lost their families or homes." 

"Lost their homes? Like in a fire?" 

"Sometimes. Or maybe they didn't have enough money to pay their taxes." 

"I don't understand. Are there not enough homes for everyone? Why do you need to pay for such a basic need?"

You pause, the innocence of his question hitting you surprisingly hard. Of course he wouldn't understand the complexities of human society, of money and social class, of poverty and wealth disparity. You didn't either; at least, not until you Fell and were forced to figure it out. 

"That is a complicated issue," you admit, running a hand through your hair. "And not all humans agree on how to solve it. Some people think everyone should have a home, regardless of whether or not they can pay for it. Others think that if you can't afford it, you don't deserve one."

He looks so confused that you would be tempted to laugh if the tone of the conversation wasn't so serious. "That doesn't seem fair. In heaven, everyone has a place."

"Yes, well, Earth isn't heaven." There's a bitterness to your words that you hadn't intended. "And why our Creator chooses to leave things like this is a mystery to me. I mean, why not use some of His power to help?"

"The ways of the Almighty are impossible for us to understand," Jungkook quietly replies. "And it's not for us to question."

You snort in response, crossing your arms over your chest. "Well, aren't you a dutiful little angel?" 

Jungkook frowns, clearly not understanding your sarcasm. You sigh and shake your head.

"I'm sorry, Jungkook. It's just hard to wrap my head around sometimes. It's why my so-called degradation process started in the first place. Look at them—" You gesture to the people huddled together around the small television in the corner of the room, others sharing a meal or helping to care for the younger children. "They're good people. Why do they deserve to suffer?" 

Silence lingers between you for a moment. When he responds, he doesn’t answer your question. “Their heavenly rewards shall be plentiful as long as they keep to their faith.” 

“Does that make all of this okay?" You scoff. "Why are they being tested like this? In fact, why do they even need to believe at all to be given a home in the celestial realm? If a person is good-hearted, why isn’t that enough?”

Jungkook looks away from you. "I don't like these questions."

“You don’t like them? Or you don’t like how uncomfortable they make you feel?” 

Before he can even bother replying, you let go of his hand and open the door to Naomi's office, hurrying inside, eager to get some space. It's small and cramped, filled with stacks of paper, an old wooden desk strewn with an old computer and various office supplies, and a well-worn couch wedged against the wall.

"It's not much," you say. "But it's home for now, I guess."

"Home," Jungkook repeats softly, eyes scanning the room. He zeroes in the billboard behind Naomi's desk, filled with photos of smiling people, letters from those that she has helped. A smile tugs at his lips. "It's nice."

"You say that now. Just wait until you're trying to sleep and a couch spring is digging into your back." 

"I don't actually need to sleep," he reminds you. 

You roll your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest. "Right, I forgot. At least we won't be fighting for the blanket."

"I can pretend to," Jungkook offers, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "The idea of laying next to you is not unwelcome." 

You blush, taken aback. "W-what… you…" You take a deep breath. "No, that won't be necessary. And lesson five: don't flirt with people unless you mean it." 

"What is 'flirt’?”

"Flirting," you explain, trying to keep your blush under control, "is when people say or do things that suggest they're attracted to each other."

"I see." He pauses for just a moment before asking, "And how do I know if I'm attracted to someone?"

You sigh exasperatedly. Who knew teaching an angel to be human could be so tiring? 

"It's… well, it's kind of hard to explain. Especially because, as an angel, you don't really feel, at least not until the degradation process is nearing its end. But basically, it's like you have an inexplicable urge to be around this person a lot. You think about them often, their happiness makes you happy, and you want to be closer to them, maybe even touch them or hold them. Some people also might feel their heart beat faster, or a fluttering in their stomach." 

As you speak, Jungkook’s eyes never leave yours. They gleam with curiosity and understanding, drinking in every word you say. He seems to be processing the concept, and then he suddenly smiles. "So, like how I feel about you." 

Caught off-guard, you blink at him, speechless for a moment. And then the panic seeps in. 

"No, Jungkook, that's not correct," you insist, your words tumbling out in haste and denial. "You can't… we can't… you're an angel. I'm—" Fallen, you want to say. Human, you need to say. But you don't. 

"Why not?" he asks simply, his gaze steady. 

"Because!" You scramble for an explanation, desperate to avoid the truth of your own feelings stirring within you. "Because angels aren't supposed to feel that way."

"But I am no longer a pure angel," Jungkook counters. "The degradation process has begun. We discussed this already."

"But that doesn't matter! The whole reason we are doing this is so you can learn the skills you need to figure out a way to stop Namsu from forcing anyone else to Fall. Once you do, you'll be able to stay in Heaven because withering isn't real." Before he can say anything else, you open the door. "I'm gonna grab my stuff from my bed. I'll… I'll be back in a second." 

You slam the door behind you, leaving Jungkook alone in the room. It's a struggle to keep your composure as you head towards your bed. All you can think of is his words, the nonchalance with which he said them. You can feel your traitorous heart yearning for him, but you can't let it sway you. Whether it was an accident or not, his betrayal led to your Fall. Led to you being human. And he's an angel. No matter what you feel or what he thinks he feels, nothing can happen between you now. 

As you gather your meager belongings, the man you spoke with earlier approaches you with a sympathetic expression. "You alright, dear? You didn't get evicted, did you? I'll give Naomi a piece of mind if that's the case." 

"No, no," you quickly reassure him with a forced smile. "My… my friend needs a place to stay for awhile, and there's a one body to one bed policy. Naomi was kind enough to let us use the couch in her office for a few days until we figure something else out."

"Your friend, hm?" His eyes twinkle mischievously. "That fellow you walked in with? Can't say I blame you. He's quite a looker."

"It's not like that," you blush, hurriedly stuffing the rest of your belongings into your bag. "Anyway, don't worry. You'll still see me around." 

The man grins and gives you a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I'm glad to hear it. This place would be much drearier without you."

You bid him goodbye with a wave and make your way back to Naomi's office, feeling like you're walking towards the edge of a cliff. As you open the door, you find Jungkook staring out the window. The streetlight spills in through the gap in the curtains, bathing him in a soft glow. He turns as you enter. 

"Gathered your belongings?" he asks, his voice calm as if the previous conversation never happened. For a moment, you feel robbed—does he not understand the gravity of what he said? But you suppose it's better this way. Easier, at least. 

"Yes," you respond, a bit more brusquely than intended, setting your bag down on the floor. He's still staring at you, and you flush under his gaze. "I'm just going to set up the couch. And stop staring at me so intently. Humans get nervous about stuff like that."

"Another lesson," he remarks. "Understood." Jungkook watches you for a moment longer, then turns back to the window without a word. 

You get to work, unfolding the couch and covering it with your bedding. The silence between you is thick; you can feel the tension radiating off of Jungkook despite his apparent calm. Your heart pounds in your ears as you busy yourself with smoothing out some wrinkles in the sheets, a futile distraction. 

With a deep breath, you break the silence. "Alright, I'm done." 

Jungkook turns to look, and his eyes scan the makeshift bed you've prepared. "You've made it look inviting." 

"Should be okay for a few nights," you reply curtly, avoiding his gaze. "I'm, uh, gonna go ready for bed. I know you don't sleep, but feel free to sit at her desk or something. Make yourself comfortable." 

You exit the room and head down the hallway to the bathroom, leaving Jungkook alone with his thoughts. You can’t shake off his confession and your own rush to deny him. The truth of your feelings, or rather the depth of them, is something you aren't ready to face.

After getting ready for bed, you hesitantly return to Naomi's office. The door creaks upon opening, and Jungkook turns from where he's seated at Naomi's desk, looking up at you with his intense gaze.

"Goodnight," you say softly, trying not to let your voice betray how uneasy you feel.

Jungkook nods. "Goodnight," he replies, and his voice is gentle, concerned. You feel a pang of guilt at the distance you've created between the two of you but say nothing more, falling into a fitful sleep.

Sometime during the night, Jungkook figured out how to work Naomi's dinosaur of a computer and discovered the wonderful thing that is the internet. When you wake, he flocks to your side like an excited child, eager to share everything he has learned about humans, their emotions, and their behavior.

"Slow down, Jungkook," you chuckle, holding up a hand to halt his barrage of words. "I can't absorb all of that at once."

"Oh," he says, blinking in surprise. "I forget that human minds process information more slowly. Should I take this as another lesson?"

You shrug, brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "Sure, go for it."

Despite the tension last night and everything unsaid between the two of you, you find yourself falling into an easy rhythm with him. He's eager to learn and keen on understanding humanity—your humanity. Throughout the day, he continues his studies, glued to the computer screen as you complete your daily volunteering. He takes breaks every once in a while to come find you and ask questions.

"I've come across some terms that are perplexing," he says, leaning on the front desk as you catalog some information. "'Memes' and 'emojis' appear prominently in human interactions online, but I don’t really know what they are or how they’re used.”

You answer question after question until you realize you aren’t getting work done, so you have to come up with a plan B. Leading him back to Naomi’s office, you pull up Netflix on the computer. Jungkook watches the screen in fascination as you explain streaming and scroll through all the shows. 

"Let's try Friends," you say, clicking on the thumbnail. 

You leave him to watch as you finish up your tasks for the day, checking occasionally to see that he’s still engrossed in the show. Instead of constantly badgering you with questions, he writes them on a notepad you provided and waits until the end of the day to go over them with you. You answer each one as best you can, completely endeared by him. 

It's during one of the show's more depressing moments that he asks you about lying and betrayal, echoing the heavy undertones from the other day. His question takes you by surprise, his gaze focused intensely on your face as he waits for an answer.

"Lying is a tough one," you say, trying to keep your voice steady. "Sometimes it's out of fear or selfishness. Sometimes people lie because they're trying to protect themselves."

"And betrayal?" Jungkook asks, his voice unnaturally calm.

You sigh, looking down at your hands. "Betrayal… it's when someone breaks your trust. It hurts, Jungkook. It hurts a lot."

He watches you for several long moments before finally speaking again. "I see," he says softly. "And that's what you thought I did to you?"

You swallow hard, feeling the knot in your chest tighten. "Jungkook," you start, but falter, not knowing how to put your feelings into words. 

"I did not mean to betray you," Jungkook continues. "I realize that my actions may have led you to believe that I deceived you, but it was not my intention. I'm sorry."

"I know." You believe him completely, but the wound is still so fresh that you can’t bring yourself to fully trust him again. Not yet. "I know you didn't mean to, but an apology doesn't fix everything. Consider it another lesson—trust, once broken, isn't so easily mended." 

Jungkook plays with the skin around his nails, an anxious habit he seems to be developing the more human-like he becomes. After a moment, he says, "I understand. I will try harder."

"Try harder doing what?" 

"To understand you better. To understand all humans more, their emotions and their beliefs. Maybe understanding what trust really is will teach me how to earn it back and make up for my mistakes." He's so earnest, so genuine, it almost brings tears to your eyes. "I think I want this as much as I want Namsu to answer for his crimes, if not more. And maybe that makes little sense, but maybe… maybe that's quite human of me." 

"And maybe that's progress," you say softly, looking at Jungkook with newfound hope. 

Your new normal is spending your days with your time split between performing your volunteering duties and teaching Jungkook all about human life. 

Christmas is only a week away now, and everyone around you seems to be buzzing with excitement. At this point, even the inside of the shelter has been decorated. The hallways are lined with lights and garlands, and the common areas even have a few trees set up with donated presents underneath. And, as much as you have dreaded the holiday, you can't deny that watching Jungkook experience it for the first time makes you hate it a little less.

Despite the initial stiffness that comes with being an angel unfamiliar with human life, he has quickly adapted to life at the shelter. He's kind and patient, and he’s always eager to help out where he can. The children, in particular, have taken a liking to him. He's become their favorite storyteller and always has the kids hanging onto his every word. 

One afternoon, you find him sitting with them, singing a song in an ancient celestial language. Everyone will assume it’s some gibberish language he’s made up for one of his stories, but it reminds you of home. His voice is beautiful, melodic and soothing, with a honeyed quality to it that would make anyone stop and listen. 

You stand in the doorway and watch, a smile tugging at your lips. He catches your eye and winks, the action so human and unexpected that it startles a laugh out of you. The children turn to see what's so funny, but you just shake your head, telling them to continue listening.

He comes to you when he finishes, smiling brightly. "Did you enjoy the song as well?" 

"I did," you reply truthfully, your heart fluttering at his attention. The feelings you have been trying to resist are becoming increasingly persistent the more time you spend with him. 

"That's good to hear.”

Suddenly, the kids clamor over to you both, giggling and pointing at something above you. You look up, and all the color drains from your face. Mistletoe. Who the hell put it here?

Jungkook looks between you and the mistletoe, obviously confused. “Why are you angry with that plant? It’s quite beautiful.”

“It’s a tradition, of sorts.” You say the word with disdain. “When a couple—not that we are one—walks under the mistletoe, they’re supposed to kiss.”

“Kiss?”

“We don’t have to, it’s stupid—” 

“No, let’s do it. It's a part of the human experience, right? Let's consider it another lesson."

Heat rushes to your face, and you stutter incoherently, looking around the room for a way to escape. But the children are watching expectantly, their eyes wide and eager. You swallow hard, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Alright… close your eyes," you tell him.

He listens obediently, his eyes fluttering closed. You had never noticed just how long and pretty his eyelashes were until now. Bracing yourself, you take a deep breath and lean in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. When you pull back, you're greeted with a perplexed expression as he opens his eyes.

"That was nice," he says after a brief pause. "But that’s really what a kiss is? In the show, they did it a bit more like—"

He leans in to demonstrate what he means, his lips brushing against yours. It's soft and a bit awkward at first, but he quickly gets the hang of it, pulling you closer. Against your better judgment, you let him, allowing yourself to get lost in the moment. His lips are softer than you would have expected. His fingers lightly squeeze your waist, sending a jolt of electricity through your body, and it's not until you hear some of the children giggling that you are reminded you have an audience.

You quickly pull away, breathless and flushed with embarrassment. Jungkook, however, is grinning from ear to ear. "That," he says. "That is how they did it."  

"Again! Again!" one of the kids shouts, pulling at your arm. 

Jungkook chuckles at his enthusiasm. "I think we should get back to our story," he says, ruffling the boy’s hair lovingly. Then, turning back to you, he murmurs, "Thank you. For the lesson." 

You can barely speak coherently, but you manage to squeak out a small “you’re welcome” before rushing out of the room. How on Earth are you supposed to get your tasks done now? It's impossible to focus, your mind running in circles over his touch, the feel of his lips against yours.

When you return to Naomi’s office later that night, you’re relieved to see that Jungkook isn't there yet. You take a moment to sit on the edge of the bed and process your thoughts, your fingers tracing absentmindedly over your lips. A shiver passes through your body, a heat blooming in the pit of your stomach. You drop your hand, clenching it into a fist to stop the trembling.

"Nervous?" a voice asks, startling you out of your thoughts. Jungkook is standing in the doorway, watching you with an unreadable expression.

"I… no," you say. 

"Don't lie," he chides gently, sitting next to you on the bed. “I can tell when you do that now, you know.” He keeps to a respectful distance, but he turns his gaze to you. “I think I'm starting to really understand this human thing. Emotions and all that.”

"Is that so?" 

"Yes. They can be painful sometimes but also quite beautiful." 

You watch as he turns his gaze back towards the room, and silence stretches between you again. However, it’s different now from how it used to be; it's not awkward or unsettling, but comfortable. His vulnerability makes you want to be honest, to admit to the way you feel.  

Just as you’re about to say something, he continues, "But now it's time for me to learn about something else. I need to start strategizing for the coming confrontation."

"Right, Namsu," you say. You almost forgot about Jungkook’s original intentions. You clap your hands and get up, heading to the computer. "Alright. Let's research."

With Jungkook sufficiently prepared, the time soon comes for him to return to the celestial realm. However, he insists on leaving at night, so he can spend the day with you. He referred to it as "a date," and you practically tripped over your own feet, much to his enjoyment. He has certainly developed a penchant for teasing you.

You decide to take him into the heart of the city, so he can observe people in their natural element. There seem to be even more decorations than you remember, and people are bustling about to finish their last-minute shopping. However, you find yourself handling the chaos a lot better with Jungkook by your side. 

He hasn't let go of your hand since you stepped out of the shelter, his thumb lightly rubbing circles over your knuckles. Every once in a while, he squeezes it lightly, a silent assurance that he’s there. Whether he notices your nerves and is doing it to comfort you or is doing it because he wants to, you're grateful for it.

His doe eyes dart this way and that, eagerly drinking in the scenery. You try to explain what everything is—the office buildings, luxury apartments, and tiny shops buried in alleyways—but he's more interested in the people. It isn't until you stop in front of a Hindu temple that his attention is finally captured by a building. He cocks his head to the side, eyes wide in wonder as he takes in the sight of it. The temple is a beautiful structure, with elaborate carvings and statues lining its walls. 

"What is this place?" he asks, his voice full of awe.

"It's a place of worship for those that practice Hinduism," you explain.

His eyes sparkle with interest as he takes a step closer to the building. "Can we go inside?"

You glance at him, surprised by his request. But something in his earnest gaze breaks down your hesitation. "Sure," you say softly, leading him inside.

The inside of the temple is even more impressive than the outside. There are vibrant murals depicting different gods and an intoxicating scent of incense that fills the air. You gesture to the bell at the entrance. “Would you like to ring it?”

“What’s it for?” he asks, picking it up gently. 

“It’s supposed to be a way to announce your arrival to the deities.” 

Jungkook shakes it, the twinkling of the bell echoing in the large room. “Pretty,” he remarks as he places it back where it belongs.

He then follows your lead as you move towards the main shrine, your heart pounding in your chest as you realize what you're about to do. An angel of the Christian God at the altar of a different one? You're almost afraid you'll be struck down where you stand. 

He takes in the offerings with a small smile. "It's all quite beautiful," he remarks. "It's a shame that their gods aren't real." 

You know Jungkook means no harm and that it is what he has been conditioned to think for thousands of years, but you still bristle at his easy dismissal of their beliefs. “We’re real. Our God is real. Who’s to say the gods of their religion are not?”

"There is one God. That is what we were taught."

"Yes, it is. But we were also led to believe the withering was real. Just because it is said does not mean that it is true.”

Jungkook is silent for a moment, eyes still fixed on the offerings. Then he turns to you. "You truly believe that?" 

"I don't know," you confess, feeling a little exposed. “I don't know what I believe anymore. I'm just… questioning. It's complicated." 

"You have given me a lot to think about," he admits, his tone quiet. “For all I know, you might be right. I shouldn't have dismissed their beliefs so easily. I apologize.”

You stare at him in surprise; you hadn't expected him to back down so easily. "It's okay," you reassure him. "I'd say being open-minded is another lesson, but unfortunately, not all humans are."

You continue to walk around the city, introducing Jungkook to as many things as possible. Everything he does fills you with affection, whether it be him trying hot dogs from a street vendor and declaring them divine, or joining some kids who were playing soccer in a park. At one point, he kicks the ball so hard that it lands in a tree branch, and you can’t help but laugh as he clumsily climbs up to retrieve it.

When night falls, you end up at the pier, watching the shimmering water beneath the stars. Jungkook is oddly quiet, looking out at the horizon with a distant expression. The silence isn't uncomfortable, but it does leave you feeling a little uneasy. You reach for his hand, and he startles slightly before turning to look at you. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" you ask.

He smiles slightly. “I’m guessing that’s some sort of human expression, and you’re not actually going to give me a penny.”

“You would be correct.”

“I’m thinking about a lot of things.” He exhales as if letting out a breath he has been holding. "You, for one. But I'm always thinking of you so that much isn't a surprise." You blush and swat at his arm. "But I’m also thinking about my beliefs."

"What about them?"

He takes a moment to get his thoughts in order, grabbing your hand more tightly as if you're his anchor in a stormy sea. He answers your question with another. "What if everything we have been taught is wrong? I mean, we have never spoken with the Almighty directly. Angels, apostles, they can all take His words and twist them for their own purposes. We've seen it in action with Namsu, and with how the Bible has been changed to promote hatred." 

You're taken aback by his frankness, the depth of his vulnerability. You have no answers for him, but you can relate to him and offer what little understanding you have come to have.

"So maybe it is wrong, and things have gotten taken out of context or changed as the years have gone on. Like you said, we cannot talk to Him, so we can’t ask for the truth. Or, maybe it is all part of a bigger plan, and unwavering faith is the answer.” You pause, steeling your resolve, before continuing, “But it isn’t for me. I can’t live that way. But how you decide to live is your choice. Who you are is your choice. I cannot decide that for you, and neither can He.” 

He frowns. "I don't know how to make that choice. Who even am I? What am I without my purpose? Without Him?"

"Perhaps we're not defined by a single purpose we've been given," you answer quietly. "Maybe we're more than that."

"More than our purpose?" 

"Yeah," you say, a soft smile tugging at your lips. "Maybe we don't need a purpose. Maybe it's okay to just exist." 

Jungkook’s gaze turns thoughtful, considering your words as if they are the most precious thing in the world. "Just exist," he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper. After a moment, he stands up, looking at you with a newfound fire blazing in his eyes. "I need to return. I will talk to some of my confidants, gather information, and then confront Namsu." 

You knew it was coming, but your stomach still drops. You're scared for him, for what will happen when he leaves. But you see the determination in his eyes, the steel in his gaze. You know better than to try and stop him now.

"You'll be careful, right?" you ask, your voice shaking slightly.

"I will."

He pulls you up and envelops you in his arms. His embrace is comforting, protective, and for a brief moment, it makes you forget about all your worries.

"Promise me," you whisper into his chest. 

"I promise," he says, his hands rubbing soothing circles on your back. He pulls away after a moment, but not before brushing his lips against your temple. "I will return. For you."

His words weigh heavy in the air as he pulls away fully, breaking the physical contact between you two. His gaze lingers on you for another moment before he turns away and disappears into the night. You're left standing on the pier alone, the cold wind making you shiver. Wrapping your arms around yourself, you head back to Lost Star, where you have nothing to do but wait.

It’s Christmas Eve before you know it. The holiday you have been dreading feels even worse with Jungkook’s absence, and frankly, you don’t know how to handle it. You plaster a smile on your face for the sake of the children, playing along with their excitement over what presents they are going to get and stories of Santa Claus. But every time someone brings Jungkook up, wondering where he is, you feel tempted to run to Naomi’s office and hide.

Speaking of Naomi, she has been keeping a close watch over you, mothering you as per usual. You know she can tell that something has happened. Once you step away from the festivities to do some of your work, she pulls you aside.

“Honey, what’s going on? These days you seem so out of it; you’re just flitting around room to room, acting like a ghost.” When you don’t answer, she frowns. “It’s because of that boy, isn’t it?”

"He… he needed to go home. He had some things he needed to figure out," you manage to say. It's not a lie, just an oversimplification of the truth.

She wraps an arm around you. "He's going to come back. I saw the way he looked at you, and you at him. And if he doesn't, well, screw him."

"Naomi!" 

"Sorry, sorry. He was sweet and all, but you're my girl. I'll always have your back." Naomi declares, patting you on the back. 

You accept her comfort, fighting back your tears. If only she knew your fear didn’t revolve around him coming back—of course, part of you is scared that something will happen to him, but the rational part of your brain, the part that knows his strength, has no doubts he'll be alright. In actuality, your biggest fear is that he won't be able to stay with you, and you’ll have to go through the pain of losing him all over again.

He's an angel. You're human. There's no future there. Your traitorous heart made you fall harder and harder for him without sparing that a moment's thought, and now you have to will yourself to accept that you'll always be in love with someone you cannot have.

The rest of the day passes in a blur, nothing but forced cheer and mindless chatter. Naomi sticks by your side as much as she can, making sure to redirect everyone who asks you questions about Jungkook. You're grateful for her presence, her constant support, and now more than ever, you realize how lucky you truly are to have her in your life.

As soon as everyone is in bed and your tasks for the day are done, you seek out the solitude of the pier once again. You've been coming here daily since he left. A sentimental thing, mostly, since it was the last place you saw him. But you also hope each night will be the night he returns.

The wind is strong tonight, the kind that chills you down to your bones, and the stars are hidden behind the clouds. You wrap your scarf more tightly around yourself, gazing aimlessly at the turbulent water. Suddenly, there's a bright light and a shrill noise. You aren't scared this time, and it's not nearly as overwhelming as it was. He must have tempered it somehow, made it less painful for you.

The light fades, leaving behind a figure that is unmistakably Jungkook. The sight of him fills you with such relief and happiness that you rush forward, throwing your arms around him. He envelops you in his arms, his wings folding around you, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips as he buries his face in your hair.

"I missed you very much," he says, breathing deeply.

"I missed you too," you whisper, tears prickling at your eyes. "I knew you'd come back."

"I said I would, didn't I?" he teases, pulling away just enough to look at you. "And I have news."

"What happened?" 

You stay locked in his embrace as he speaks, bringing one of your hands to his face to stroke his cheek, to follow the line of his jaw with your fingers. He lets you, as eager to feel your touch as you are to feel his.

"I confronted Namsu," he begins. "But I wasn't alone. There were other angels who had started the 'degradation' process, those who were too fearful of retribution to say anything. I told them everything, and we confronted the other Thrones about Namsu and everything he had done. They didn’t approve of his actions, and they punished him for it." 

"Really?" You ask, eyes wide with surprise. "Just like that? They believed you?"

A soft laugh bubbles up from him. "It wasn't quite that simple. There was plenty of arguing, plenty of disbelief. I’d never seen anything like it. But in the end, Namsu was banished from the celestial realm."

Relief washes over you at his words, the tension you hadn't even realized you were carrying leaving your body. "That's incredible.” 

Jungkook shrugs slightly, but there’s an unmistakable look of pride in his eyes. "I’m just glad he has gotten what he deserves. Now you have justice." He places a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"And what about the others? The ones who have started to degrade?" Your heart clenches at the thought of them being punished for something beyond their control.

"They're safe," Jungkook assures you quickly. "The Thrones have promised to take care of it all. They're going to convene with Him, to see if the Heavenly teachings can be altered. Things are changing up there; I think it's all going to be alright." 

You're overwhelmed with emotion, both relief and dread tugging at you simultaneously. It is good to know that things will be changing, but what is done to you has been done. And now, Jungkook has no reason to stay with you. You take a step back from him. 

"What about you?" you ask quietly, barely daring to meet his gaze.

"What about me?" 

"You have no reason to stay anymore. You can return to your normal duties. You did what was right, and everything is fixed."

"I did what was right, yes, and I'm sure things will be much better from now on," Jungkook agrees. But he steps forward, taking your hands in his and looking deep into your eyes. "But now, I need to do what's right for me." 

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, my star." Your heart stutters at the endearment. "I'm not going anywhere. I want to be with you."

"But… you can only do that if you're—"

"Human, yes," he interrupts. 

"Jungkook! You can't! You can't Fall for me," you half-shout, half-whisper. "You're a good angel, you—"

"Y/N." The force behind his voice stops you. "Even before you showed me the beauty of being human, before I knew how to feel, before I even knew what love was, I would have done anything for you.” His confession takes your breath away, and you wobble on your feet, moving a few steps back from him in your shock. “If you had simply asked it of me, I would have stood with you in the fires of hell for all eternity and still been grateful for each moment spent at your side." 

The tears you were holding back begin to fall. "You would have?" 

“I would. I can. I will.” He moves closer to you with each beat between words until he stands directly in front of you, only a hair's breadth away. Gently, hesitantly—as if for the first time—he takes your hand and presses it to his chest right above where a human heart would be. “Just say the words, and I will fall for you. I will forsake myself and turn my back on Heaven. The pain of losing my wings will be inconsequential compared to the pain of having to be without you.”

"W-what words?"

He smiles, eyes crinkling at the edges. "You know what I want to hear. Be honest. Even better, be selfish, like a human. Tell me what you really want, and I will oblige."

You hesitate. You have been fighting your feelings this entire time, so sure of the fact that Jungkook would choose to continue his life as an angel. You never wanted him to Fall for you, to be torn away from the life he has always known the way you were. But he deserves to make the choice himself. If he wants your honesty, you will give it to him. 

"Speak, Y/N," Jungkook urges, his gaze never leaving yours.

"I want…" You begin slowly, your voice barely a whisper. "I want you. I want you to stay with me." He grins, relief clear in his eyes. "Then I will."

"But you shouldn't have to Fall!" 

"Fall or not, it won't change anything," he assures you. "I chose this path before even knowing there was a choice. I chose you from the second we were created.”

"Even if that means giving up everything?" you ask.

Jungkook’s expression softens. He reaches up and tucks a wayward lock of hair behind your ear. "Does it seem like I’m giving up everything?" he muses aloud, his eyes never leaving yours. "Because from where I stand, it seems like I’m gaining everything.”

"Smooth-talker,” you laugh, a tear slipping down your cheek. He brushes it off with his thumb, his gaze softening even further.

For a moment, you just stand there, looking at each other. It's quiet except for your breathing and the sound of waves crashing against the pier. You have been so afraid of asking him to make this choice, and yet he seems so certain about it, as if it was what he wanted all along.

"Are you sure about this?" you ask him one more time, seeking reassurance. "Once done, there's no going back."

His answer is immediate, "I've never been more sure about anything in my life."

"This will change everything," you say again.

"I know," he replies simply. 

"Come find me when it's over," you whisper, placing a gentle kiss to his lips. "I'll be at the shelter." 

As you go to leave, you can't help but glance back over your shoulder at Jungkook, taking in the appearance of him and his wings one last time. He's still standing there, watching you go with love evident in his gaze. It quells some of your worries. And then you blink, and he’s gone.

The hours that creep by feel like days. You busy yourself with meaningless tasks, cleaning the office, flipping through an old book left on the table, scrolling TikTok. None of it does anything to dull your anxiety, and you're weighing the pros and cons of tearing your hair out before you finally hear a knock on the door. You shoot up to your feet, heart pounding in your chest. Slowly, you open the door, and there he stands. "I'm here," he says simply. "As I promised."

You pull him into a hug once again, burying your head into his chest. You can hear the beat of his human heart and, unable to stop yourself, you burst into tears. You know the pain he just went through, can remember experiencing it yourself like it was yesterday, and you can hardly believe he went through something so awful to be with you. 

"I'm sorry," you whisper, tightening your hold on him. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," he coos, gently stroking your hair. "This was my choice."

You swallow hard and pull back from him so you can look into his eyes, searching for any sign of regret. You find none.

"Are you okay?" You ask anyway, your heart aching at the thought of what he has given up.

"I am," he assures, his voice full of conviction. He leans down, pressing a soft kiss against your lips, and when he pulls away, he's smiling. "I wondered if doing that would feel different now that I'm fully human." 

"And does it?" you ask, smiling back up at him.

"Yes," he admits, tracing an invisible line down your cheek, your neck, your collarbone. You shiver at his touch. "It feels more real. Stronger somehow. It's like you're the break of dawn after a long night." 

Your breath catches in your throat. "Being human certainly hasn't changed the fact that you have a way with words." 

"Only when it comes to you," he replies, his fingers never ceasing their journey across your skin. They make their way back to your waist, where he plays with the hem of your shirt. "There's one lesson we never covered, you know." 

"A-and what would that be?" you squeak as his fingers caress the smooth skin of your stomach.

His voice drops lower, and he tugs you closer by your belt loops. "Human intimacy."

You flush at his audacity but don't pull away. "And what would be the best way for me to teach you about that?" 

"Hm…" He leans down so that his lips hover over yours, and you can feel his warm breath with each word he speaks. "I think I would respond well to some hands-on practice."

Your heartbeat thunders in your ears as his lips press against yours in a slow, searing kiss that turns your knees to jelly. He takes his time exploring your mouth, his lips moving delicately against yours. His hands are warm on your skin, trailing up and down your back as he pulls you closer. 

"Then I suppose we should get started," you manage to whisper when you finally break apart, breathless.

Jungkook moves into the room, closing the door behind him, and sits down on the edge of the pull-out bed. He stares up at you, his once-innocent doe eyes now dark and hooded with desire. You float towards him as if being pulled by a magnet, and he pulls you down so that you’re straddling his lap. Your hands rest on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under your touch. 

"I think I should warn you," he says, hands sliding down to rest right above the curve of your ass, "I might be a slow learner."

You roll your eyes, a short, playful chuckle escaping from your lips. "I think I can handle that."

The room fills with an easy silence as you continue to explore each other, experiencing sensations new for the both of you. His hands trace every curve and dip of your body, his touch curious yet surprisingly confident. Your fingers trace the lines of his face, his jaw, his chest, and then find their way under his shirt to the newly-formed scars on his back. They are rough against your fingertips, a stark contrast to the rest of his smooth skin. 

"You aren't in pain?” 

“No,” he assures you, his hands sliding to a similar position on your own back. "Were you for long after?"

"No, but I'm still worried," you smile sheepishly.

He laughs and kisses your nose. "Don't be. Don't feel like you have to be gentle with me. I won't break." 

You laugh in return, your eyes twinkling with delight and a touch of mischief. "Is that a challenge, Jungkook?" 

He hums in response, his gaze never leaving yours. "Maybe." 

His teasing reply only spurs you on. Rising to the bait, you lean in to kiss him, this time with a boldness that leaves him momentarily stunned. But he recovers quickly, matching your fervor and deepening the kiss. Your hands weave into his hair, pulling him closer, and his hips jut up against you almost involuntarily. You moan at the sensation, and he stills.

"What was that?" he asks.

"That," you breathe out, "is what human intimacy sounds like." 

"I want to hear it again." 

His lips find yours again and this time it's deep and demanding, all teeth and tongue and the promise of what’s to come. His hands grab your waist, forcing you to grind down against him as he once again lifts his hips up to meet your core. Another moan escapes your lips, the sound quickly swallowed by his hungry mouth. He tugs at the hem of your shirt, his fingertips skimming against the skin of your lower back. Eagerly, you lift your arms, and he pulls it off over your head.

"Jungkook…" you whimper, clutching at his shoulders. He responds by nuzzling into your neck, his hot breath making you shiver with pleasure. 

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs against the curve of your neck, his lips tracing the column of your throat, down to your chest. 

He places a gentle kiss above each breast before descending lower still, sucking one into his mouth. His lips and tongue move expertly, drawing gasps from you as your nerves ignite with pleasure. His hands are firm on your waist, holding you securely against him as he devotes himself entirely to exploring the new terrain, and you grind against him wantonly. You can feel that your panties are soaked with the proof of your desire. 

"Jungkook," you say again, your hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. His name is a plea, a prayer. "I need more."

He pulls back, his lips swollen from his ministrations. "And so I'll give it to you." 

You eagerly crawl off of him, shimmying out of your jeans, before settling with your back against the pillows. You grab at the air, beckoning him closer. He does the same, now only in his boxers, and slots himself on top of you, his bare skin against yours intensifying the burning desire coursing through your veins. His hard length presses against your core, and you whine.

"I don't know what I'm doing," he admits in a low voice, his hot breath fanning against your face as his eyes search yours for assurance.

You reach up, caressing his cheek. "It's okay," you soothe him, your hands then trailing down his back to rest on his hips, encouraging him closer. "We'll figure it out together."

His lips find your neck as his hands explore every inch of you, his rough fingers exploring the softness of your flesh. He slides one down over your stomach and lower still, feather-light touches teasing you until you're gasping beneath him. His fingers trace the edge of your panties before sliding the fabric down. You lift your hips, aiding him in removing the last barrier between you. He tosses them aside before returning his attention to you, his fingers skimming along your trembling thighs. His fingers move gradually, inching steadily upward until he's touching you where you're most sensitive. You let out a soft gasp, gripping the sheets.

"Is this okay?" he asks. You nod eagerly, unable to get the words out, and he chuckles, placing a gentle kiss at the base of your throat. "Good."

Always the over-achiever, he slides down your body until his face is level with your core, focusing intently on his work. His fingers move with a slow, calculated rhythm that quickly has you dripping for him. Eventually, he slips one of his fingers inside of you. Your breath hitches, your hands clutching at his shoulders for support.

"Am I doing this right?" he asks, uncertainty creeping into his voice as he looks up at you from between your thighs. 

"You must be," you gasp out, encouraging him with a roll of your hips. "Don't stop."

Grinning, he adds a second finger, working you open until you're panting and squirming beneath him. Your back arches off the bed as his fingers work their magic, curling in just the right way that has you seeing stars. Praise tumbles from your lips, but you're sure that it just sounds like nonsense, your thoughts too muddled to form coherent words. 

"You're so wet," he murmurs in a low, gravelly voice that only adds fuel to your desire. 

Without warning, he lowers his mouth to your core, his lips and tongue joining his exploring fingers. The sensation is electric; your breath hitches, and an animalistic moan escapes you. He takes it as a sign of encouragement, doubling his efforts. Your fingers find their way to his hair, threading into the dark strands, seeking purchase. You can't help but pull, and he moans against you, the vibrations only furthering your pleasure. 

"Jungkook," you warn, "I'm—" 

A coil of white heat tightens within you before snapping. His name slips from your lips as you climax, sparks dancing behind your eyelids as he continues to pleasure you, eagerly lapping up your release. He doesn't stop, not until you physically pull him away from you, body shaking with overstimulation. He climbs back up your body, his lips finding yours in a gentle kiss. You can taste yourself on his lips.

"You okay?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. 

His pupils are blown out with desire, his hair slicked back with sweat, and he's so attractive that just the sight of him has you clenching your thighs together. 

You nod, cupping his face in your hands. "More than okay," you assure him. "That was amazing. Now," you slide your fingers down his chest, sliding over the waistband of his boxers. "Let's see what we can do about you."

You hook your thumbs around the fabric and pull them downwards, and he does the rest of the work, kicking them off. You reach down, your fingers tentatively wrapping around his cock. He gasps, his head falling forward against your chest as you begin to stroke him with a slow, measured rhythm. 

He nearly whines, his grip tightening on your hips. "That feels… I can't…" His words dissolve into soft, broken moans as you continue to work him over.

Suddenly overtaken with need, you stop, pulling him in for another searing kiss. "I need you inside of me, Jungkook," you gasp against his lips, "Please." 

Your hand guides him back to your core, and his breath hitches. “Are you ready?”

Nodding, you lift your hips to meet him. He pushes into you carefully, slowly, each inch an intense sensation for both of you. Your body clenches around him as if welcoming him home, a strangled moan escaping your lips. One of his hands clasps yours, bringing it to rest on the side of your head while he buries his face in the crook of your neck, his heavy breaths fanning your skin. He's shaking against you, and you feel just as overwhelmed. 

You squeeze the hand that's holding yours, urging him on. "You're okay," you whisper, "I'm okay. Move."

He nods, pulling out almost all the way before thrusting back inside of you. Your body jolts at the sensation, gasping his name over and over. 

"You feel incredible," he breathes out, the statement more for himself than for you. “So perfect.” Your fingers thread through his hair once more, pulling him down to meet your lips.

His hips set a steady rhythm, filling the room with soft sounds of skin on skin and heavy panting. He lets out a low groan as he adjusts his angle, hitting a spot inside of you that has you crying out and grabbing at him wherever you can reach. You wrap your legs around his waist, throwing your head back against the pillows.

"That's it," you whine, "Right there. It feels so good—" 

Your words cut off into a choked moan as he thrusts into you at that exact spot again and again, his movements becoming more erratic. He's close—you can tell by the way his body tenses and how he gasps desperately into your mouth. 

"I'm… I'm—" he stammers out, breath hitching between each word.

"I know," you gasp out, meeting him thrust for thrust. "Me too." 

You pull him as close as possible, holding him to you as you both chase your release. Your eyes squeeze shut, and your nails dig into his skin as a wave of pleasure crashes over you, even more intense than the last. You moan his name as you come, shuddering beneath him. He moans into your neck as he follows you over the edge, his hips bucking uncontrollably as he buries himself deep inside you. 

He collapses on top of you, burying his face in the crook of your neck, his heavy breathing tickling your skin. He stays there, nestled inside of you, his heart pounding against your chest, matching the rapid rhythm of your own. You feel dizzy, your senses overwhelmed by him—his scent, his taste, the feel of him on top of you and within you. You caress his back, slowly tracing the contours of his scars with gentle strokes, the action soothing for both of you. 

Eventually, he shifts, carefully pulling himself out of you and collapsing onto his back next to you. His hand searches blindly for yours, lacing your fingers together once he finds it. He brings your joined hands up to his lips and places a soft kiss on your knuckles.

"Is… are you…" He lifts his head to meet your eyes, unable to form words. 

"I'm more than okay," you assure him softly, brushing a stray lock of hair off his forehead.

"Good," he whispers, a contented sigh escaping him. 

His eyes roam over your face once more before closing, his grip on your hand tightening ever so slightly. Together, you lay there under the sheets, and the silence goes on for so long that you almost think he fell asleep. 

Then suddenly, you hear him say, voice barely above a whisper, "I love you." You look over to see him staring up at you with adoration in his gaze and a soft smile on his lips. "I know I don't have to say it since surely there can be no doubt that everything I have done for you is out of love. But I want to say it anyway. I want to continue saying it for the rest of my life. I have loved you since before I even had the capacity to feel it, and I will continue to love you until time ceases to exist."

His confession leaves you breathless, and you can do little but turn on your side, grab his face, and place a gentle kiss on his lips. Tears prick at the corner of your eyes, threatening to spill down your cheeks.

"I love you too, Jungkook," you whisper against his lips, "So very, very much." 

He lets out an audible sigh of relief as if he had been holding his breath, waiting for your response. His free hand reaches out to caress your cheek, wiping away a tear that had managed to escape. "I knew you would say so, but I'm happy to hear it all the same."

The two of you get ready for bed, and, for the first time since commandeering Naomi’s office, you fall asleep together in each other's arms.

The day you have been dreading has arrived—Christmas. Despite your initial hatred, however, you find yourself actually participating in the festivities around the shelter. Just like as many others do, you aren't going to consider it a holy day. You're going to use it as an excuse to be happy and spend time with your loved ones. 

You join the group of children who sit by the pile of gifts, their excitement palpable as they eagerly wait for Naomi to declare it time to open them. Small hands tug at Jungkook’s sleeve, pulling him down to their level as they bombard him with questions about where he's been. He settles down amongst them, answering their questions as honestly as he can. His eyes meet yours over the sea of eager faces, and he stretches out a hand towards you, inviting you to join him. You sit right on his lap, making some of the kids giggle.

"Alright, everyone, it's time!" Naomi's voice echoes through the shelter, immediately quieting the children down. 

As each name is called out and the kids scramble to collect their gifts, you can't help but smile. The pure delight on their faces is infectious. Noticing your happiness, Jungkook pulls you back so that you’re leaning against his chest, his arms wrapping around your waist. 

He places a gentle kiss on your neck, murmuring, "You seem happy."

"I am," you say, placing your hands over his. "The holidays aren't so bad with you around."

"I'm glad." He turns your head so he can place a quick kiss on your lips, one that is light and soft and sweet, full of love. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Jungkook," you echo, smiling brightly. 

Later, Naomi corners the two of you, pulling you aside. "I've been thinking about what to give you," she says. "I—"

"Naomi, you don't have to give me anything!"

"Don't interrupt me," she scolds, but there's no bite behind it. "Like I was saying, I was thinking it over, and I realized that the best gift I could offer is not anything material. From tomorrow on, you will officially be a supervisor. A paid supervisor." 

Your eyes widen in surprise, and you glance at Jungkook, who is beaming at you with pride. You turn back to Naomi, stuttering out a response.

"B-but Naomi, I couldn't possibly—"

"Yes, you can," she interrupts, her tone firm. "From the day you arrived here, you have been working as hard as any of us. You deserve this." Before you can argue any further, she thrusts a small envelope into your hands. "Consider it an early Christmas gift and your first paycheck. And my office? It's yours."

"Thank you, Naomi," you manage, your voice choked with emotion. You pull her into a hug, hoping it can express everything you don't know how to say. 

She pats your back, chuckling. "If anything, it's an excuse for me to take some time off. I'm getting old and need to start sharing the burden. Don't expect it to be a walk in the park!"

You pull away, wiping a stray tear from your eye. "Of course not. I'm ready to be worked to the bone, ma'am." 

"That's what I like to hear," she comments, her voice carrying an undertone of pride. She turns to Jungkook, her gaze soft but words sharp. "Take care of her, will you?"

"Always," he replies without a moment's hesitation, which earns him a small nod from Naomi.

Eventually, the celebrations wind down and people start to retreat to their beds until only you and Jungkook remain. Instead of doing the same, you decide to return to the pier and watch the water for a bit, not ready for the day to end. The two of you walk in comfortable silence, hands linked tightly as if promising not to let go. 

Sitting at the edge of the pier, Jungkook wraps an arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him. His body heat seeps into your skin, fighting away the cold, and you rest your head on his chest, letting his strong, steady heartbeat lull you into contentment. 

"Who would've thought we would end up here?" you reflect, staring out at the ocean. 

Jungkook laughs softly, his chest rumbling beneath your ear. "I don't think either of us could have predicted this."

"I never thought I would be happy that any of this happened, but I am. Are you?"

His gaze softens as he takes in the sight of you. "More than I could possibly put into words," he admits. 

"Will you miss it, though? Heaven?"

"I thought I would," he says, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear. "But Earth has its own kind of heaven. You're here. Naomi is here. The children are here. I have so much more yet to discover, to experience." His gaze returns to you, eyes soft and full of love. "How could I miss anything when I have all of this?”

Your heart swells at his words, his declaration warming you like nothing else could. You reach up to cup his face, your fingers lightly brushing his lips. His eyes flutter shut for a moment at your touch before opening again to hold your gaze.

"You're right," you whisper, your voice barely carrying over the sound of the waves. "This is our heaven. Here, with each other. And who knows, maybe we'll end up back there someday."

"You think?" Jungkook asks, raising an eyebrow. "I must say, I'm a little surprised hearing that from you. I didn't think you had faith anymore or wanted it for that matter."

You shrug. "Honestly, I don't know. I don't have my original beliefs anymore, that's for sure, but I don't resent it all like I once did, either. I think I've just found a new kind of faith. A faith in myself, in people, in goodness, and in love. There are so many different kinds of religions out there, and at their core, they're all about trying to understand the world around us, trying to find ways to cope and move forward. I think that's what I'm doing now, in my own way."

"That's beautiful," Jungkook says, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "Somehow both simple and complex. Just like life itself, I suppose."

"And what about you, Jungkook?” you ask, pecking him on the lips. How will you move forward?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure, either. But I think I'm happy to find out, as long as it's with you." 

You hold each other close, each hoping your touch can express what no words could possibly convey. Love. Gratitude. Hope. The promise of a shared journey. What more could you possibly ask for?

TAGLIST: @yessa-vie

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[idyllic-ghost]

title: To Keep You Warm pairing: minghao x reader genre: fluff, romance warnings: mentions of food, mentions of sickness (cold) synopsis: You hadn't spent much time with Minghao yet, but you knew that this new relationship could become something that lasts. The true test presents itself when, after a wonderful date walking around in the chilly fall weather, you become sick. Minghao offers to help, without even mentioning that he might have caught a cold as well. wordcount: 3.7k taglist: @enhacolor @shuabby1994 @junhui-recs @dkakapizzaboy @just-here-to-read-01 @loviehan @userjunhuii @novalpha

a/n: very happy to be apart of this collab! this is the first out of two fics i will be posting for it, so look out for the next one soon!!

see the Fall-ing For You Collab here!!!

join my taglist

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Surrounding you were walls of red and orange. Even the ground you walked on was covered in the autumnal colors. The sound of your feet walking down the laid-out path was dull, the soft ground barely making a sound as you stepped on it. The only thing you could hear was the wind soaring through the trees, and even that was muffled. You were in your own bubble while walking there, which is just what you had wanted. As soon as the leaves started changing colors, you had been craving to go out to the forest - see the beautiful seasonal change, smell the dewy grass, and be surrounded by nothing but nature. Minghao had answered your call. His hand was holding yours, his thumb slowly rubbing circles on the back of your palm, and your arms were swinging between you. Minghao’s hand was so warm and soft, that you were unsure of how you’d make yourself let go of it later. Your hand was warm… but the rest of you was freezing.

Minghao had been smart, he had looked at the weather report and wore light, but many, layers. You had looked at the sunny day, felt the air for a little bit through your window, and deduced that a thick sweater would be all you needed. You were deadly wrong. You had tried to focus on Minghao’s warm hand, but not even the butterflies in your stomach could make you forget how cold you were.

After shivering for a while, you came to a halt when Minghao suddenly stopped walking. Without a word, he let go of your hand to shrug off his jacket. You watched him with a wrinkle in your brow, trying to figure out what he was doing. He wrapped his coat around your frame, and you finally understood.

“You don’t have to…” you said but didn’t make much more of a protest against his kind act.

“Of course I do.” Minghao helped you get your arms into the sleeves of his coat. “There you go.”

He looked at you with a warm gaze and, even though the jacket helped a lot, it was enough to make you heat up again. After fixing the collar, he held out his hand for you to take again. You gladly accepted the offer, and the two of you started walking again.

“Won’t you be cold?” you asked.

“I’ll be alright, I have my scarf.” He proudly motioned to his scarf. “Besides, I was getting cold from just looking at you shivering. It’ll be much better for me like this.”

“If you say so.”

Minghao hummed and pulled you a little closer, your arms now touching from time to time as you walked

✦ .

While the walk in the forest had been idyllic, the journey back definitely wasn’t. As soon as you left the metro station, it started raining. People were lined up at the edge of the metro station, except for the lucky few who had brought umbrellas with them. Minghao squeezed your hand gently, gaining your attention.

“This isn’t stopping any time soon.” He sighed.

“Definitely not.”

“Should we run for it?”

“... sure.”

Minghao grabbed your hand even tighter, and the two of you ran through the streets. The rain was freezing cold, hitting your face like small icicles. Nevertheless, neither you nor Minghao stopped smiling and laughing because of that. 

By the time you got home, you were drenched - leaving water stains all over the floor of the entrance of your apartment building. Your hand was still gripping his tightly, and you had no plans of letting go. The two of you walked in silence, still gaining back your strength from the bad weather, and made your way to the elevator. You didn’t have to tell Minghao which button to press, and the doors closed quickly thereafter. The elevator took you up the apartment complex, and as you were nearing your floor you settled in a bitter-sweet feeling.

“Do you want to dry off a bit at my place before you leave? Maybe wait until it’s stopped raining?” You looked straight at the doors of the elevator, not daring to look at the man beside you. “... I wouldn’t mind having you around for a while longer.”

“I don’t think I can.” He squeezed your hand and you could feel his eyes stare holes into your skin. “Even though I want to... I have an early day tomorrow.”

You knew that it was already starting to get dark outside, and you wished that time could move just a little bit slower.

“Next time?” You finally met his gaze, and it sent a jolt of fireworks to the pit of your stomach.

“Next time,” he promised.

The doors to the elevator opened, and Minghao walked you to the door. You still hadn’t let go of his hand, you didn’t even think to do it. After unlocking the door and opening it, you turned to him again. He was still smiling like he had before - warm and caring.

“I had a really nice time,” you said.

“So did I,” he answered.

It was quiet. You were just looking at each other. But it was okay to just stand in silence with him. He was like a safe space. Always welcoming and never judging. Much to your dismay, his grip on your hand loosened until only his fingertips held onto yours.

“I should leave,” he murmured, glancing down at your lips.

You leaned a little closer, and he took a little step forward - both of you closing the distance as much as you could without making any too hasty movements. Minghao’s hand finally let go of yours, but you were soon reconnected with his touch as he cupped your cheek. Your noses were touching, but he didn’t close the gap. Taking the last step, you leaned forward and pressed your lips to his. It was a short kiss, some might even say it was just a peck, but it left your entire body tingling. He wasn’t nervous or overly cautious at all, he just needed your permission. Minghao stole another kiss before stepping away. You put your hand on the door handle while he walked backward to the elevator.

“Text me when you get home,” you peeped, not knowing what else to say.

He looked amused by your flustered state but nodded and replied with an “alright” before walking into the elevator. As soon as you heard it go down, you leaped into your apartment and slammed your door shut with an outburst of giddiness. Dancing around the hallway, you suddenly come to the realization that you’re still wearing Minghao’s jacket. You take it off carefully, feeling the thick fabric beneath your fingers, and put it up on the hanger. 

✦ .

You hadn’t been dating Minghao for very long, and you hadn’t been able to meet as often as you wanted to, but everything seemed to be going so well. He was the kind of guy you had been dreaming about… which is why you hadn’t been able to let yourself fall for him. You toyed with the idea of letting go of your emotional restrictions, but your past experiences wouldn’t let you. In your mind, you still had to be careful no matter how kind and loving Minghao was. Still, when you see his text show up on your home screen you can’t help that your heart skips a beat.

The next day you woke up with a stuffy nose, an explosive headache, and a dull ache in your entire body. Even turning to pick up your phone was a chore, but you had to call in sick somehow. You spent the morning in bed, only getting up to go to the bathroom and get something to eat. Everything was either too hot or too cold; you couldn’t find a good balance. So, of course, you ended up napping for most of the day.

The buzzing sound of your phone on your bedside table woke you up from your slumber. It had only been a few hours, but it felt like it had been several days since you first got sick. You looked at the caller ID and your eyes widened as you saw Minghao’s name. Clearing your throat the best you can before answering, you tried to make yourself sound like you weren’t sick.

“Hello?” you asked and cringed at how rough your voice was.

“Hi… are you okay?” The background noise of the city slightly muffled Minghao’s voice.

“I’m okay!” You tried to make it sound convincing, but you weren’t very successful. 

“Are you sure? You sound like you have a cold.”

“I’m just fi-” Before you could finish your sentence, your body betrayed you by sneezing. “I’m fine…”

“Sure…” he said, “Listen, I was just calling to ask if I could stop by to grab my coat but I can grab some food for you. Maybe soup?”

“Oh, you don’t have to! I can hang your coat outside my door, you can pick it up without getting close to me.” The words were pouring out of your mouth. “You shouldn’t have to get sick because of me- I know that you’re busy-”

“I’m not busy right now. Text me what you want and I’ll get something for you, I’m on my way to a grocery store.”

“Thank you.” You let out a sigh. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you right now.”

“I’m just doing what anyone would do. I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

The knock on your door was expected, but still made you jump. You were standing right beside it, you hadn’t been able to sit still on the couch while waiting, but when he knocked you slowly counted to five in your head before opening it. There he was, in all his glory, dressed in sweats, a knitted cardigan, and his glasses sitting low on his nose - still managing to look put together, even when his hair had been ruffled by the wind. Minghao’s face lit up as he saw you, and he held up a plastic bag of goods. You welcomed him inside, taking the bag from him, and watched as he took off his shoes. When he stood up, his eyes were met with his coat.

“Ah, perfect,” he hummed. “I’m sorry for intruding on you like this.”

“It’s okay, you’re not in-” Your sentence was cut off by a cough forcing its way out of your throat.

Minghao’s eyes were filled with pity. He took the bag back from you and helped you over to the couch. Once you sat down, he covered you in a blanket and put his hand against your forehead. His hand was cold, and you leaned against it.

“You’re burning up.” He sighed and removed his hand from your forehead. “I’ll go prepare this soup for you, is that okay?”

“I can do it myself, Hao, I don’t want you to waste your time-”

“I think I’m spending my time very wisely,” he said, “But if you want me to leave I will, of course.”

“... I’d like you to stay.”

“Good.”

Once your heart had settled, and as you watched Minghao working in your kitchen, you noticed that he looked a little tired. Maybe he just had a rough day or didn’t sleep well last night, but you were worried for him. Just as you opened your mouth to ask him about it, he turned around to see you staring.

“Where do you keep your spoons?” he asked.

“That drawer right there.” You pointed. “The top one.”

He looked and let out a satisfied “Ah!” when he found it. You smiled and continued watching him cook, your worries slowly fading away.

✦ .

You and Minghao ate on opposite ends of the couch, a random movie playing in the background on the TV. Every so often, you’d sneak glances at him - and only get caught when he was already looking at you too. Then you’d smile at each other awkwardly and go back to watching the movie. There was comfort in sitting in each other’s presence but also a lingering tension that was impossible to deny. It had started raining again. In the quiet parts of the movie, you could hear the pitter-patter of the raindrops against your windows. The sun had gone down too, the only light now was coming from the TV. You looked down at your bowl, which only had a few scraps left, and put it away on the table. Minghao had already done so a while ago. 

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

Minghao tore his gaze away from the screen to look at you, slightly confused. You motioned to the bowls and he brushed it off.

“It was nothing, I’m glad I could help.”

“Still. I’m happy you stopped by,” you said, “Otherwise I’d probably just eat cereal for dinner.”

He moved closer to you, slow enough for you to tell him not to, and put his arm around your shoulders. You shuffled even closer to him, despite a nagging voice in your head telling you that you shouldn’t be getting him sick, and Minghao put his head on your shoulders. When you put your head on top of his, you could feel him relax and put more of his weight against you. The movie came to an end, and the credits rolled, and suddenly the apartment was dark. Neither of you moved, you didn’t dare to. Your fingers crept towards his, and he met you halfway. Trying to navigate in the dark, you fumbled around with your hands before eventually intertwining them. Minghao squeezed your hand, and you squeezed his hand back. You could feel him smiling against your shoulder. But then he started shuffling around, trying to get up.

“Don’t go,” you whined. “You’re so warm…”

“If I stay here, I’ll never get up,” he said, “And I have to do the dishes.”

His head left your shoulder, but you refused to let go of his hand. Minghao turned to you, still smiling. You could barely see the outline of his features in the dark, even when you focused as hard as you could. He leaned his forehead against yours, and you let out a soft sigh at the warmth coming back to you.

“I’ll do the dishes,” you hummed. “Tomorrow.”

“You won’t be sick tomorrow?” he asked.

“No, you’ve cured me.”

Minghao let out a short laugh and moved to place a kiss on your forehead. You hesitantly let go of his hand and watched as he walked away to the kitchen. He turned on the light, creating a warm spotlight right above him. With the light surrounding him in this way, you thought he looked like an angel. And maybe he was. An angel sent just for you, to care for you and keep you warm. 

You watched his back as he did the dishes. The way his shoulders moved, how he went from resting on one hip to the other, and how his hands, somehow, elegantly put the dishes on the rack. With the blanket wrapped tightly around your shoulders, you made your way over to the kitchen. Your arms wrapped around his midsection, and you put your head against his back. Listening to his breathing, you could tell that there was something wrong.

“Are you okay?” you asked.

“I’m good now that you’re here,” he joked with a flirty tone.

“No- I mean, are you sick? Your breathing…”

You were cut off by Minghao trying, but failing, to hide his cough. The pieces were falling together; his tired eyes, how warm he was, and now the cough.

“Oh no, I’m sorry- did I get you sick?” You let go of him and tried to get a look at his face by standing beside him.

“I was sick before I came here,” he explained but you weren’t listening.

“You shouldn’t be doing the dishes, let me take over, please. Here, you can have the blanket- why don’t you go sit down?” You tried to take off the blanket, but Minghao grabbed your wrists.

His hands were still wet, so he quickly let go of you. But he had managed to stop your racing thoughts. You pulled the blanket tighter around you again.

“Leave the dishes in the sink, please. I’ll take care of it later,” you murmured. 

Minghao sniffled and put the leftover dishes away before drying off his hands. You smiled at him, silently thanking him for listening. Then, you grabbed his hand and brought him back to the couch, and gave him another blanket.

“I’ll go change my bedsheets, you can sleep there tonight. I’ll take the couch.” You went to leave, but he didn’t let go of your hand.

Instead, Minghao pulled you back down to sit on the couch with him. He looked shy, for once, and wouldn’t hold your gaze for very long.

“If you don’t find it uncomfortable… Could you sleep in the bed with me?” he asked.

He was playing with your fingers, looking down at what he was doing. You smiled and leaned forward to press a kiss to his forehead.

“Sure.”

After changing the bedsheets, you told Minghao to come join you in the bedroom. You didn’t have many clothes that he could borrow, but you found him a shirt that he could wear to sleep. It was dark again. The two of you were lying under the sheets, with at least another person’s worth of space between you. You were on your back, staring up at the ceiling, and you could only assume that Minghao was in the same position. 

“I was tired all day, but now I can’t sleep,” you whispered.

“Me neither,” Minghao whispered back.

You shuffled around, trying to find a better position but you ended up giving up rather quickly. You could hear Minghao turning to lie on his side.

“Could I…” he mumbled, “Could I hold you?”

You nodded, but realized that he probably couldn’t see you, and whispered out “Okay”. Minghao shuffled towards you, and you met him halfway. It seemed to be a theme between the two of you - things were never out of balance. When his arms met your waist, and he pulled you to lay against his chest, you felt your muscles slacken and your mind went blank. Your arms wrapped around his midsection, and you tried to pull him even closer. Minghao let go of one of his arms from you, for just a second, to pull the covers up around both of you. Now that everything felt right, the two of you lay in silence. Neither of you could fall asleep still.

“Thanks for coming over today,” you whispered.

“I wanted to see you again…” he said and added, “The coat was just an excuse.”

“Good. I wanted to see you too.”

You lay in silence again. Minghao started drawing small patterns on your back with his fingers, and you nuzzled your face closer to his chest. He smelled faintly of roses, or something else floral, and of your detergent - but you knew that was just from your shirt. He smelled like comfort. And his body was so warm, which you now knew was partly because he was sick, and it was finally the perfect temperature for you. Minghao let out a soft sigh, bringing you out of your thoughts.

“I have a hard time sleeping when I’m sick,” he murmured, “But when we were on the couch before - when I was leaning my head on your shoulder - I almost fell asleep immediately.”

You hummed in response, already feeling drowsy.

“Are you asleep?” he asked, and you shook your head. “If this is what it’s like being sick with you, then I don’t think I mind it one bit.”

“Will you stay tomorrow?” you whispered.

“Of course.”

✦ .

You didn’t know when you had ended up passing out. Something about Minghao’s presence, and his running hands on your back, put you in a trance. When you woke up, you were still in the same position. The sheets were a little bit more wrinkled, and your hands might have been in different positions but you couldn’t tell. Minghao was still asleep, and his grip was loose around you. You managed to get up easily, but immediately regretted it. Your apartment was freezing, one of the downsides of fall. Tip-toeing over to the closest piece of clothing that you could wrap around your bare arms, you picked it up and immediately recognized it as Minghao’s cardigan. You looked over at the still sleeping man in your bed, and decided to steal it from him - just for a little while.

While you were still sick, you were feeling better than the day before. So, you decided to make breakfast as a thank you to Minghao for making dinner last night. It wasn’t fancy, but it was the thought that counted. When you brought it into the bedroom, balancing it carefully on a tray, you found Minghao already awake. He smiled as soon as he saw you, but had to turn away to cough as you put down the tray on your bedside table.

“Good morning,” you said.

“Good morning,” he answered in between coughs. 

You gave him a glass of water, which he gladly accepted. While he was drinking, you put your hand on his forehead. You had about the same temperature, but you knew that you had a fever as well. Minghao groaned when you pulled your hand away, immediately trying to get closer to you again. You took the half-empty glass from his hand and put it on the tray. He had his head on your chest, breathing softly against your skin. Forgetting the breakfast, you made yourself comfortable in bed and tried to make him more comfortable. Minghao started fidgeting with the cardigan you were wearing.

“Is this mine?”

“... yes.”

He smiled and pressed a skin on your clavicle, silently accepting you stealing his clothes.

“You can wear it,” he said, “As long as you let me stay like this.”

[thesafecafe]

Let It Snow: H.R

A/N: thank you to @jenoslutie for hosting this collab, it was so fun to write for dream! It is a bit rushed because I was pressed for time, but I hope you enjoy it!

Summary: Things get interesting when you and Renjun spend the week of Christmas together....

CW: 18+, MDNI, fluff, elopement (for discounts), smut, soft dom! Renjun, face sitting, oral (fem receiving), making out, fingering, soft sex, unprotected sex (don't), cream pie, mirror sex, ass slapping, praise, pet names, mentions of violence, (not pwp but the plot is a little thin), horrible puns at the end, smut under the cut enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't believe that the members of NCT would act like this, nor is this meant to be a representation of their real life actions or personalities. This is a fictional depiction for entertainment purposes.

Words: 2,493

Renjun couldn't be anymore excited. He was finally going to have alone time with you. He hadn't gotten much of a chance to spend with you, since the other members hogged your time. They wouldn't let him near you first, all having the undying urge to tick him off just because they could. But finally, you were going to be with him for a whole week. His patience had paid off.

Having already texted you that he was outside, Renjun stood patiently outside your door. He knew that you might take a few minutes to get outside. He'd come quite early. “Hang on, I'm coming! Let me grab my coat!” He heard your muffled voice through the door. “It's okay princess! Take your time!” Renjun took a cursory glance around your street. There wasn't a car in sight, all pulled into garages thanks to the incoming snow storm that was supposed to hit.

As he turned back around, he heard your door opening. “Sorry it took me so long! I slept in just a little bit!” Renjun silently took you in, as you fidgeted and adjusted yourself along with some last minute luggage. You were dressed in a light blue sweater dress, and white leggings. Your hair was just barely concealed under a white fur hat, and you wore a matching set of gloves. “Oh look! We're matching!”

As Renjun had been looking you over, you'd done the same. He had on a light blue sweater and jeans, with a matching white and blue beanie, and a pair of white mittens. You both wore similar white boots, built for the cold weather. “I guess we are! Are you ready to hit the road?” You nodded, locking your doors and following him down the steps to the car. Your luggage was already inside, having been loaded up the night before.

Renjun opened your door for you, gently helping you step up into the large SUV. He closed your door, before jogging around and climbing in himself. “Let's get going, shall we?” You nodded, and he started the car, heading north. He was taking you for a week long getaway. You'd been hesitant at first; it'd be hard to hide that you were shopping for his gift if you were with him. But he finally convinced you, and with a little help from Chenle, you'd got all your shopping done before the trip.

Now, as Renjun carefully maneuvered his truck onto the highway, you were glad you agreed. You hadn't seen much of him lately, and you missed your friend. Your bond with him was stronger, since you'd gotten to know him before the others. Of course, due to recent events, you'd gotten much closer to the others than you'd ever admit out loud. But now wasn't the time for thinking of that. You were focused on Renjun.

“You can put on the radio if you like. It's a bit of a drive before we can get there.” Renjun nods at you, encouraging you to fiddle with his radio freely. You did, settling on a station playing old Christmas music. You sat back, settling comfortably into the warmth of your seat. The voice of Mariah Carey filled your ears as “All I want for Christmas is You” spilled from the speakers. “Oh, that one's my favorite!”

You looked over at Renjun, watching as he belted out the lyrics, beaming as he sang at the top of his lungs. You giggled when he attempted the high note, his voice cracking once the note got too high. “Aww, don't worry boo, you almost had it.” He laughed with you, happy that you were enjoying yourself. For the next few hours in the car, the mood was light. Filled with the sounds of laughter, singing, and soft conversations.

When Renjun finally pulled off the freeway, the sun was high in the sky. “Okay princess, we're almost there. Did you get my text about the itinerary and everything?” You nodded, recalling the information he'd sent you earlier in the week. “It was a little vague in some parts. What's the WFW part mean?” You tilted your head slightly, puzzled at the odd acronym you'd skimmed over.

Renjun’s ears went red. “Well uh, it means ‘wife for week’ actually. We basically get married for the week and then have an extra day to get it annulled. Plus, we get discounts on things as a married couple; it's an old fashioned place. I was gonna tell you earlier but I was trying to keep Hyuck out of our plans.” You squinted at him, contemplating the situation.

You'd done some crazy things over the past few weeks. You didn't expect something like this from your closest friend, but you also didn't expect to do a lot of things you had recently. “You really are trying to win the bet, aren't you?” You smirked, watching as his face turned red.

“How'd you know about that?” You gave him a pointed look. “So we can't keep secrets in the dorm, sue me.” You laughed, deciding to put him out of his misery. “Okay, I'll do it. I'll marry you. When's an opportunity like this gonna come again?”

Renjun sputtered, almost running a red light as he looked at you. “R-really? You'll do it?” You gripped your seatbelt tightly, hanging on for dear life. “Well, provided you don't accidentally kill us, then I have no problem with it.” He muttered an apology, focusing his eyes back onto the road. You smiled to yourself. This would be an interesting week.

An hour later, you’d arrived at your location: a sprawling, cabin style vacation home that could pass for a mansion. It was surrounded by tall pines that had been dusted with snow earlier in the day. “It's so big! How'd you even get this place?” You twirled around, eyes filled with awe. Renjun set the last of your luggage down by the couch, smiling at you. “Let's just say Chenle lost a bet. And I called it in for this week.”

You nodded, following him deeper into the house. He’d explained that there was a chapel on the grounds, but you hadn't seen any other buildings besides the one you were in. But you trusted him, and let him lead you out of a side door. There, in the fading sunlight, to the left of the house, was a small but pristine looking church building. It wasn't far from the house and there was a light on inside.

“I still can't believe you wanted me to marry you because things are cheaper up here if you're married. Are you not a millionaire?” Renjun huffed, mildly offended. “I will have you know, being rich doesn't mean you have to spend frivolously! And a discount is a discount, now put some pep in your step! Let's get hitched!”

He took you by the shoulders, playfully pushing you towards the chapel. You giggled at his nonsense, allowing him to haul you to the chapel. It only took twenty minutes for the little ceremony to be carried out. There were premade vows, that you repeated before signing the necessary papers. Renjun beamed when you were back inside the cabin. “Well, how does it feel to be married, Mrs. Huang?”

You rolled your eyes. “I don't know, we’ll see. If you don't annoy me too much, I'll consider giving you a five star review.” It was Renjun’s turn to roll his eyes. “What an honor. Haechan is gonna kill you though.”

The week went by fairly quickly. You did typical things: shopping, eating sweets, and taking pictures together. You grabbed some souvenirs to take home for everyone else, making sure to remember the store names and brands that you liked. But then there were the special things.

For instance, there was the train ride that mirrored the experience of The Polar Express. You sipped warm hot chocolate, watching as servers sang and made exaggerated dance moves to prepare the warm beverages. It was something you'd always wanted to see, but never got the chance to. And having a snowman building competition with him that turned into a snowball fight. Or the ice skating rink that you had all to yourselves. Before you knew it, the week flew by, and it was already Christmas Eve.

You were sitting by the window, watching the fireworks that a small village a few miles away were sending off, lighting up the night with beautiful colors. Renjun handed you a mug of hot tea. “Missing the place already huh?” He smiled gently at you, sitting down with his own mug. You looked him over; he looked handsome in his red sweater.

Renjun had been a gentleman to you all week. He was always like that with you, but it seemed amplified. He treated you like a real princess. “Yeah I'll miss it, but not more than I'll miss you looking like you belong in Santa’s workshop. You're such a cute little elf.” He ignored your comment, opting to lay his head on your shoulder and watch the fireworks with you.

“Did you enjoy yourself princess?” You nodded, knowing he could feel it. “I had a wonderful time. I think the sleigh rides were my favorite.” He hummed in agreement. He enjoyed the sleigh rides himself, not used to traveling in such a way but having fun nonetheless. “I'm glad, Y/N, that you agreed to come with me, regardless of the bet. I don't mind losing if I'm here with you. This has been the best week of the year.”

“Aww, I'm glad I came with you too. I'm also pretty glad I married you. You're actually a great husband, who knew?” Renjun sat up, a gleam of mischief dancing in his eyes. “Well, can this great husband get a kiss?” Pulling something from his pocket, he dangled it over your head, while puckering his lips at you. “Mistletoe? Seriously?” You raise an eyebrow, but you oblige anyway, pecking him on the lips.

“Hey, that doesn't count, it was only a small-” You interrupt him, kissing him again, fully this time. Renjun moaned as your tongue found his, and he tilted his head back so you could explore his mouth deeper. The kiss quickly escalated, from soft, gentle exploration to fevered passion. Finally, when the kiss is broken for much needed air, you both sit and observe each other.

Renjun's face is flushed, and his lips shine with the lip gloss you had on. He runs a hand through his hair shakily, exhaling to steady himself. You look equally heated, your heart racing in your chest, and your gloss smeared across your lips. “I think I wanna do that again.”

Renjun's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by that. “Princess, are you sure? Like, don't get me wrong, I do too but-” you kiss his cheek, effectively silencing his anxious questioning. “I'm sure.”

—

“No, stop moving princess, you said you wanted this.” Renjun held your legs open with his as his fingers rubbed at your slit. Your back was pressed to his chest, and your legs dangled on either side of his; his free arm held your waist. Two fingers slowly rubbed at your clit, eliciting pathetic moans and whimpers out of you. He'd already made you cum on his fingers twice.

“Renjun please, it's too much, please” you whimpered as he increased the pressure, but not the speed. He was steady, building you up slowly and letting you fall to the edge the same way. “Shh, princess, it's okay. Go ahead and cum for me. That's what you want right?” You nodded, your breath coming in short bursts as you neared your high.

“Then cum for me princess.” You moaned loudly as you came, your hands clutching the hem of his shirt for stability. Renjun kissed your neck, gently holding you as you came down. “You take my fingers so well love. Look at how pretty you are.” You felt him tilt your chin up, making you look into the mirror across from the bed. You felt shy as you saw how fucked out you looked, but even more so as you observed the glistening skin of your inner thighs.

“My pretty girl. Come here.” Renjun pulled you off of his lap, gently setting you on the bed, before climbing onto it himself. He laid flat on his back, his head resting on a pillow. He motioned for you to come closer. You obeyed, shuffling closer on your knees. “I want you to sit on my face, princess. Let me taste you pretty girl.”

You felt heat rise to your face. You felt yourself throbbing at his words. You hesitated for only a second before carefully straddling his face. Renjun pulled you down immediately, mouth already open and waiting. Your eyes rolled back as his tongue rolled over your clit, sucking and flicking eagerly. One of his fingers gently traced over your entrance, before dipping into you. It wasn't long before you were coming undone again.

Renjun smiled, kissing your clit before helping you off of his face. Getting on his knees, he turns to you. “Face the mirror, ass up.” You let out a breathless laugh as you crawl in front of him. “You're insatiable Mr. Huang.” You yelp, caught off guard by the sudden sting you feel to your ass. Renjun smacks your ass again before raising your hips to meet his. “Only for you princess.”

Before you could respond, you feel him push into you. Your mouth drops open, before you curse. He starts slowly, making sure you are comfortable, before he goes harder. His thrusts are steady, deep and unrelenting. One of his hands reaches down to pull your hair. “Keep your eyes on the mirror baby. Want you to see me fill you up.”

You clench around him at that, making him groan. “Fuck, you like that don't you princess? Want me to really make you mine? Fill you up so everyone knows you're mine?” You moaned, clenching around him again. “Yes, please, make me yours!” You started moving your hips to meet his.

“Fuck Y/N, I'm close- just like that, fuck!” Renjun's hips stilled as he came, seated deep inside of you. You reached your peak at the same time, your walls squeezing around his length, drawing out both of your highs. When you both recovered, Renjun lifted you gently, pressing your back to his chest. He kissed your neck and shoulders, as his hands rubbed your thighs.

“Well, this has been one hell of a Christmas holiday.” You laughed softly as Renjun held you. He laughed with you. “I hope you enjoyed it. My favorite part,” he paused before pulling out of you, allowing his cum to trickle down your legs, “was making it snow.”

“Renjun! Seriously?!” He laughed harder as you swatted him. He didn't mind though. ‘Snow’ would always be his favorite part of Christmas.

[heroesfan101]

Love & Lore's: Autumn Sweater Event

5 + 1 (The 5 times you borrow Miyuki Kazuya’s hoodie and the 1 time he borrows yours)

A/N: Hi y'all! Super excited to post this fic for @love-and-lore and their Autumn collab event. When the theme was announced as sweaters, this idea immediately came to mind. Hoodies count as sweaters right 😅 Please note this does include a female reader and pet names (babe, sweetheart).

Word Count: 2.4k

1. Running late to work

Monday. Most people’s least favorite day of the week. Weekends came and went faster than expected. And while Kazuya tried to get you to prep for the upcoming week during the weekend, you preferred spending your time with him and indulging in your hobbies.

It is also noted that he tried to get you to break the habit of leaving your jackets on the back of your dining room chairs. Both, however, were a moot point but soon would cause your downfall.

“Shoot I’m going to be late!” You curse under your breath as you scurry around the apartment in an effort to get your belongings together. Lunch, check. Purse, check. What am I missing? My business jacket! I have a presentation today, can’t forget that.

Checking your watch, your eyes widen in shock. Crap I have to hurry or I’ll miss my train!

Without a second thought, you grab the jacket from the back of a chair before rushing out the door, not even having enough time to wake your boyfriend up with a kiss like usual. Folding it over your purse, you rush out of the house, determined to make your train on time.

Luckily, you board the train and get to work right in the knick of time, much to your delight. However, once you settle yourself, your phone buzzes twice and you look to see a message from Kazuya including a picture.

“Good morning. If you wanted to give me something to wear, we could have talked about it. Maybe I’m not the only one who needs glasses, think you got a little mixed up.” You bypass his sleepy morning smile and your heart drops as you see him holding up your blazer. Your eyes flash down to your purse and sure enough you took his navy blue hoodie. A deep sigh escapes your body as you text back.

“I’m sorry Kazuya. Seems you’ve proven your point on being prepared for the week ahead -_-" ” With a bit of embarrassment, you ask one of your peers to borrow their blazer for your presentation.

2. Grocery shopping

Milk. Eggs. Bread. Tofu. Salmon. One by one, Kazuya and you start loading up the car with your groceries. You were more focused on how to pack up the trunk of your car until Kazuya stopped to look up at the sky, light and dark gray swirls reflecting on his glasses.

“Hmmm. We better move quickly. Looks like the rain is coming sooner than expected.”

“Say less!” The couple moves double time to pack up their items and start getting on their way home. While they’re able to get home in good time, the stormy weather was faster as the sky opened up as they parked.

“Scared of a little rain are you?” He teases as he shifts the gear into park.

“You know I’m not, I just don’t like getting wet.”

“Didn’t know my girlfriend was a cat.” Kazuya continues, causing you to narrow your eyes at him.

“Just for that I should make you bring in the groceries yourself.” You sass.

“Ah ah no need to be like that, sweetheart. I thought you loved me? What happened to doing things together?” He chuckles with a snarky grin.

“We could but not if you’ll be a jerk about it.” You pout playfully, causing him to laugh.

“You know I could bring it in myself, right?”

“I know but you know I love proving you wrong. Luckily, I’m already prepared.” Reaching past him in the back seat, you pull out one of his black hoodies. Grabbing the bottom of the hoodie, you work your body through it until it swallows you whole.

He laughs yet again, “Well alright then, partner. We’ll get a nice warm shower after this.” Both of you brace yourselves before rushing out into the rain.

3. Feeling sick

“Achoo! Achoo!” Your body seizes before relaxing again. The door to the guest room opens up and in walks Kazuya with a steaming bowl of soup. You sit up, reaching for a tissue to soothe your sniffling nose.

“Babe! You could have left it outside; I would have gotten it. I don’t want you to get sick too.” Kazuya shakes his head but it’s easy to tell he’s frowning behind his mask.

“It’ll be fine. This is just to make sure you eat some of the soup while it’s hot. I’ll be fine like this.” He assures you before setting up a tray so you can eat. Throwing your tissue away, you shift to the edge of the bed to see the biggest bowl of soup.

“Kazuya, this is a lot of soup. You don’t expect me to eat this in one go right?”

His eyes narrow before softening, “It would be ideal but eat as much as you can. It’s a family recipe.”

Your ears perk up at that, “Oh? From who?”

He grins, “From me. I got sick one time and created my miraculous soup. I was five times better the next day after eating it. All in one go might I add.”

You shake your head, “It would be from you,” but then a weak grin appears on your lips, “but if you’re sharing it with me, guess that makes me family.”

For once, you catch Miyuki off guard with that as his cheeks are a touch pink. You both had talked about marriage as a real possibility but were talking things slowly as to not rush things along. Normally, he’s the tease between the two of you but he doesn’t mind your teasing every once in a while. He chalks up this boldness to your weakened immune system.

“Yeah yeah yeah. Enough talk, time to eat. I’ll leave you to it.” He starts to go when you grab at his sleeve. He turns back around to see the prettiest pout on your lips.

“I know you have to go but for the record, I hate this. Only seeing you for a few moments here and there, it's not fair. Can’t I at least have something of yours to help me out?” Kazuya starts to tease you but just sighs instead. He’d have plenty of time to tease once you’re healed.

“Since you like hoodies so much you can have this one.” He grins before taking off his gray hoodie and handing it over. You take it happily and bring it to your face, eager to convince your nose to start working so you can at least catch a whiff of his cologne.

“Thanks Kazuya.” You smile, placing it on your lap before diving into your soup. His eyes crinkle softly before he leaves you with his soup and his hoodie.

4. Borrowing Stealing his gift

The door to the apartment opens, causing you to look around the corner from your spot on the sofa. “Hey, welcome back! How was it meeting up with Sawamura and Okumura?”

He chuckles, “It was fun. I swear Sawamura hasn’t changed at all since our time in high school. Okumura seems a lot more confident than before, surely because he had the best teacher.” Kazuya laughs, causing you to shake your head before noticing something in his hands.

“Oooh, what’s that? Is that a new hoodie I see? Red too?”

He holds it to his chest protectively, “Yes, as the amazing senpai I am, they got me a hoodie as a thank you. Also probably because I told them I’m living with a hoodie thief so you’re not allowed to touch this one.” Your face blanches, no he didn’t!

“I am not a thief! A borrower maybe but no thief!” You declare passionately, refusing to accept his slander no matter how true it was.

His eyes narrow at you skeptically, “Oh yeah? Where’s my black hoodie? What about the navy blue one?” He asks rapidly, letting you know that he’s apparently been keeping track but you’re quick to defend yourself.

“They’re all in the closet!”

And then he goes in for the kill, “On who’s side of the closet?”

You blush and look away, “That’s irrelevant.”

Kazuya laughs loudly, “Yeah that’s what I thought. Gotcha this time, sweetheart.” He walks by you with a grin as you decide to turn back to your tv show, knowing you’ve lost this time.

It isn’t until later when you’re sure that Kazuya is fast asleep, that you find the hoodie folded neatly on his side of the closet. Your hands gently pick up the hoodie and bring it to your face, admiring how soft it was. Yeah, I’ll have to take this.

In your admiration, you notice a piece of paper fall out of the front pockets. Picking it up curiously, you read the note in Kazuya’s handwriting, “Hands off my hoodie.”

Your eyes widen before scoffing at his note. Feeling crafty, you decide to switch out one of your red jackets with his new hoodie, even going so far as to put his note in one of the pockets.

Laughing evilly to yourself, you stash the hoodie in one of your drawers and slide back into bed beside Kazuya, satisfied with yourself. So much so, you don’t notice the grin he has on his face even in his “sleep”.

5. Ice cream spills

“This was a great idea! It’s always nice to get a workout in the park with you. Appreciate you taking it easy on me, babe.” You smile, deciding to catch your breath on the park bench. He smiles at you gently. Of course he wasn’t breaking a sweat but doing light workouts with you on the weekend was a nice way to spend time together.

“Of course. You did well and we passed an ice cream stand. How about I reward you for your hard work hmm?” Kazuya asks, knowing ice cream was certainly a weakness of yours. Immediately, your face lights up and before you can say the words, he smiles and heads off to the stand.

A few minutes later, he returns with two ice cream cones and hands you yours with a gentle smile. You thank him sweetly before diving in. And in the enjoyment of your ice cream, you spill some on your shirt.

“Seems you enjoyed yourself a little too much huh?” He chuckles, causing you to groan.

“Shut up.” You say playfully, before handing him your ice cream so you can remove your shirt. Luck favors the prepared it would seem and you already had a tank top underneath.

Folding up your shirt, you turn to get your ice cream from him, delighted to have your cold, sweet treat back. Unbeknownst to you, there was more than just your boyfriend's eyes on you.

Now normally, Kazuya isn’t a jealous person. He loves being able to show you off but only when he wants to.

Unfortunately, he’s too perceptive for his own good. Once, twice he noticed a few of the park joggers were enjoying the view and it wasn't nature. Tch, you heard the annoyed sound escape his lips.

“Something wrong?” You ask innocently. He hands you his ice cream and takes off his dark green hoodie.

“We were just working out. It’s not good for you to expose your body to so much air. Don’t want you getting sick again.” He says gently as he places the hoodie on your lap and takes the ice cream cones. A small smile graces your lips as you put on the hoodie.

“Thanks babe.” Cold lips press quickly against his warm cheek before going back to the ice cream. The next time the joggers pass by, he grins cockily.

“Show’s over.” Kazuya mouths to them.

1. The thief becomes the victim

Oftentimes, Kazuya has training camps all over the country to train as one does when they’re a professional athlete. While usually, you could rearrange your schedule to be close by, this was one of those times where he was going too far (aka outside of the country). This time, he would be away in America for an international training camp. So while you couldn’t be with him this time around, you both made sure to at least message or call.

It was halfway through his trip when you were able to hop on a video call with him.

“How’s the camp going?” You asked curiously, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

“It’s going well. It’s been interesting to meet global stars and see them play. How are you doing?” He smiled, a little weary after a long day’s camp.

“I’m doing good. Work has been keeping me busy but I wish I could be with you instead. Don’t get a big head but I do miss you.” Kazuya smiles softly at that, the one true smile only reserved for you.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back home before you know it.”

“That’s good. Still not soon enough though. That said, something weird must be going on.” You say as you shake the phone as you go to prop it up on your dresser, giving him a view of you from the waist up.

Kazuya raises an eyebrow as he sees you searching the bedroom, “What’s going on?”

“I can’t find my sky blue hoodie! I just got some workout pants that match the color perfectly and now I can’t find it. Did you see it when you were doing laundry?”

The corners of his lips attempt to straighten even though they curve up a bit, “Nope I haven’t seen it.” There’s a light tone in his voice that makes you slightly suspicious. Looking back at the camera, you see something behind him sticking out.

“Kazuya, could you move to the left for a second?” You request curiously, causing the mirth to show his eyes.

“Why? What are you after?” He asks playfully, but the second he moves an inch your eyes widen in disbelief.

“Is that my hoodie? The exact one I’m looking for?”

“Can’t be.” He easily denies. You roll your eyes and exclaim, “I know what my hoodie looks like!”

But then the reality of the situation sinks in, “Awww you miss me! It’s okay to admit it, Kazuya. I just didn’t expect you to steal my hoodie.” You sweetly tease him, making him blush a little as he tries to cover it up with a scoff.

“Of course I miss you, we do spend every day together.” You giggle, “Look at you being cute. I guess I’m happily in love with a hoodie thief of my own.”

He laughs, “Consider this payment for all the times you took my hoodies.”

“Sure sure, but I will always prefer you over your hoodies.” You claim causing him to smile.

“I sure hope so. You’ll have the real thing once I’m back home.” Kazuya promises, filling both of your hearts with warmth.

[bastardblvd]

HOUSE OF SLIMY HORRORS COLLAB WIP LIST [¬º-°]¬

the current line-up for our halloween collab, so stepdaddy merc can keep track! remember to tag us in your posted submission, or let us know asap if you're unable to follow through so we can make your prompt available for others. deadline is october 31st, 2023.

@rossithepixie + "pumpkin spice"

@saccharine-darlin + "scary movies"

@fushigurro + "candy"

@zorosdimples + "pumpkin patch"

@poursomesunaonme + "friday the 13th"

@maliciouslove + "vampires"

@transchainsawman + "scary campfire stories"

@darlingsanzu + "blood"

@cu7ie + "sweater weather"

@medusashima + "zombies"

@gunfiendbabymama "halloween/costume party"

@audrinui + "haunted house"

@death-threats + "carving pumpkins"

@princess-okkotsu + "graveyard"

@transchainsawman + "slimeball seance"

HALLOWEEN COLLAB WIPS (NOT PRE-SELECTED PROMPTS)

@ryndicate + psychological horror naoya fic

@bleach-your-panties + shinsou & kaminari alien abduction fic

[ailuropoda-sims]

 Mariam Roe - Grungy Teen with Werewolf Jeans Genes

A rebellious teen with a penchant for rock music, Mariam loves her father dearly but hates the fact he seems to not see her dream of becoming a musician a worthy goal. Toeing the line between brave and foolhardy, Mariam is stuck between her desire to make her father proud of her and achieving her aspirations of stardom.

My first lookbook ever!! Aaaaaah!!! Mariam’s actually not the first Sim I ever made for my current save, she and her father actually were second. Mariam was made a sort of contrast to the first Sim-who had a more glamorous and upscale fashion sense. Truth be told, she actually has other outfits, haha, but I figured these ones were my favorites of the ones I made! Links to the CC used are down below!

Mariam’s CC: General: Skin Overlay, Cellulite Overlay, Moles, Hairline, Eye Shine, Other Facial Features, Tattoos, Nose Piercing (Discover University), Eyelashes, Blush (M·A·C Collab)

Outfit 1/Everyday: Hair, Earrings, Choker, Eye Shadow (Base Game), Eyeliner, Lip Gloss, Shirt, Shorts, Arm Warmers, Fishnet Top, Nail Polish (Spa Day), Fishnet Tights, Combat Boots

Outfit 2/Formal: Hair, Witch Hat, Earrings, Choker, Eye Shadow, Eyeliner, Lip Gloss, Dress, Undershirt, Ring, Nail Polish (Carnaval Streetwear Kit), Stockings, Boots

Outfit 3/Party: Hair, Backpack (Need confirmation on this one), Necklaces, Eye Shadow, Eyeliner, Lip Gloss, Shirt, Pants, Fishnet Gloves, Ring (TW: Self-Harm), Chipped Nails, Socks (I know you can’t see them but shhh), Shoes

Outfit 4/Hot Weather: Hair, Earrings, Skull Necklace and Ripped Tights, Eye Shadow (Base Game), Eyeliner and Lip Gloss, Shirt, Shorts, Vest, Bracelets, Rings, Chipped Nail Polish, Cowboy Boots

Outfit 5/Cold Weather: Hair, Beanie, Choker-Necklace Combo, Eye Shadow and Lip Gloss, Eyeliner (My Wedding Stories),  Sweater, Jeans, Gloves, Jacket, Chipped Nails, Fishnet Tights, Sneakers

Poses by: @helgatisha, @someone-elsa, @uh0htaj Huuuuge thanks to all the cc creators! (If I forgot to credit anyone, please let me know! Esp. with the poses, I forgot to keep track of those ><;) @aharris00britney @arethabee @christopher067 @cowplant-pizza @crypticsim @dallasgirl79 @daylifesims @dirtsims @emmibouquet @frenchiesimgirl @imvikai @its-adrienpastel @jellymoo @joliebean @kismet-sims @madlensims @marsmerizing-sims @mellosakicc @kijiko-sims  @miikocc @pralinesims @pyxiidis @qicc @rheallsim @serenity-cc @simulationcowboy @sondescent @the-crypt-o-club @trillyke @vanilasimscc @viiavi @wildlyminiaturesandwich @xurbansimsx

[justatypicalwizard]

Not the right fit | S. Shinazugawa

✦ My piece for the autumn collab by @love-and-lore. Theme- sweater!

✦ Synopsis: Miju knits a sweater and it all goes wrong when Shinazugawa gets involved, like always!

✦ Genre: enemies to lovers, frenemies dynamic, all character are in the same friends croup, college au, self-ship

✦ Warnings: swearing

✦ Word count: 1,5k

Miju doesn't really enjoy fall. No matter how romantic, nostalgic or pretty people picture it, the only thing that she likes about fall is Halloween. Every time fall comes over the corner Miju throws herself into hobbies that will take her mind off the wet, foggy weather outside. Mostly it's crafting or preparing a halloween costume.

This fall was no different. Looking at the pile of creative materials bunched up in her closet Miju spotted a bunch of wool, white and green. It was soft and thick. What better thing to do as the air gets cold and crispy than to knit yourself a sweater. Miju went for an oversized white with green elements, otherwise it would look like a christmas tree.

Handmade stuff takes literal hours to make, believe me. For Miju it was a pain in the ass to find the right tutorial where the author would kindly not cover half the screen with their thumb. Then it was knitting itself and figuring how to make it work. Grunts and swears accompanied Miju every time she realised she made a mistake and had to start a big chunk entirely over.

Well, the time and nerves always pay off when you put the finished thing over your head, slip your arms into the piece and it fits perfectly... at least that's what it should look like. Instead Miju examined herself in the mirror comming to the horrendous conclusion that she looks like a freaking snowman, Santa Claus, like she's seven months pregnant with twins. It was too big, there was no way she could make it work anyhow without ripping the whole thing apart and starting from the begining. She was not doing that, it took her a whole month. Angry and dissapointed she threw the sweater on her chair and sat on the floor, deflated. That's what you get for not fitting it mid-process.

The next day Miju glanced at the tragic piece of work and decided not to give up on it just yet. She just has to find some fitting tutorials and how to shrink wool. Can't be that hard can it?

Nope, no, what are thole chemicals even? Did she use acrylic wool? Of course she did, shit. Miju kicked under her seat at the library, scrolling through page after page of internet tips on how to make that damn sweater work. She was frustrated and dissapointed. Just as she thought the afternoon couldn't get any worse she saw a certain someone approaching her tucked away desk. Seriously, can't you just leave people sitting in the corner alone?

A glimpse of white hair made her sigh and put on a fake smile.

"What do you want Shinazugawa?" She sighed out.

Sanemi and Miju didn't like each other, or should I say maybe hated one another? It was hard to grasp. She was more than done with his rude and simply annoying behaviour. She couldn't understand how shitty one person can be to everyone without a specific reason. Just how angry can one man be? On his end, nah, she didn't know why he despiced her just as much, maybe it bounced off of her right onto him.

They still saw each other a lot due to their shared friends group. They were kindla like frenemies, always poking at each other but never really starting any drama for the sake of the whole group. At least that's what Miju thought.

"You look like you're about to cry." Was he being sarcastic?

"I'm not. What do you want?" No sense letting him under her skin. It would be stupid to get angry over a single comment.

"The paper."

Okay, it clicked in her mind. Reaching down she fumbled through her bag, pushing the ugly sweater to the side. Finally she pulled out the file and handed it to Shinazugawa.

As much as she disliked the white haired she loved to work with him. Every university project that she had the opportunity to do with him came out great. He was intellingent, reliable and focused on his goals making him a perfect partner. Well, at least if you like to work with the devil himself.

"Something's poking out of your bag." Shinazugawa pointed down.

"It's... nothing. Anything else you need from me?" Keep it simple, keep him at a distance. That way he will neither annoy you nor feel like you don't commit to your shared work.

"What is it?" He gave the redhead woman a raised brow glance. "Just curious." He added, as if knowing he had to give her a good enough reason.

"Ah fuck it." Miju grabbed the sweater and pulled it out forcefuly. "It's an ugly sweater I've made and it's too damn big for me so I'm trying to shrink it. I've spent hours making it and I'm absolutely mad and dissapointed." She wiggled the lumping piece in front of her.

"Did you measure it mid-work?"

"No, no I didn't." Her eyes just pleaded 'leave me alone'.

"Dumbass." Shinazugawa snickered under his breath eying the sweater.

"Have you ever done anything like that? It's easy to fuck up you know. Don't laugh at me." Miju knew this was exactly what he wanted. He loved to strike at her ego and then argue with her. He must have been having a lot of fun right now.

"I'm not. It's just stupid that you don't look at what you're doing. It would take one glance to realise you're making it too big."

"Thank you for the marvelous advice, unfortunately it's already fucked up."

"Put it on and let me take a photo. My aunt's a seamstress, maybe she can make it work somehow if I send her the pic." Shinazugawa was already digging in his pocked for his phone.

"Are you serious? I'm just supposed to let you take a photo of my failure?"

"You want to wear it or throw it out?"

"Geez, okay." Maybe it won't be as bad. If that aunt really could help somehow, Miju's work wouldn't go to waste. She was grasping at straws right now.

The redhead wiggled into the sweater and stood in a T-pose while Shinazugawa took two quick photos, one of the front and one of her back.

"Since when do you have a seamstress aunt?" Miju asked while turning around and taking the sweater off.

"I don't have. Just wanted a photo of your failure."

How can anyone saw something so cruel with such a straight face?

He played a joke on her, she fell right into his trap and he was giving that sarcastic smile just now, looking at the photos.

"You know what? Have the failure all to yourself." Spating out Miju threw the whole damn sweater at Shinazugawa, grabbed her bag and pushed past him feeling too humiliated to talk to him any more. She also didn't want to admit to him that it was a well performed joke and if the tables were to turn around she would do the exact same thing.

The next day Mitsuri skipped to Miju while she was settling down for a lecture.

"You've never knitted anything for me!" The pink haired seemed upset out of nowhere.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the sweater!"

"What sweater?"

"The one that you made for Sanemi!"

"I didn't do any sweater for Shinazu..."

That fucking prick!

"What did he tell you?" Miju went from zero to hundred in a matter of seconds, interrogating Mitsuri as if her life depended on that.

"He told us that you made him a sweater."

There was nothing more Mitsuri had to tell as Shinazugawa entered the lecture room, in her sweater. It actually fit him perfectly, just as it was supposed to fit Miju in her imagination. If not the circumstances she would say that he looked nice in it.

"That ass!" Miju whispered poking the air in his direction.

"So you didn't make him that sweater?" Mitsuri was honestly lost at this point.

Of course she didn't and she'll tell... he had the photos. He had those awful photos. Okay Shinazugawa, you win this time.

"Yes, I've made him a sweater." Miju felt bad for lying to Mitsuri.

"Why did you make him a sweater?"

"Because I felt like it." Miju was out of ideas, stuck in a corner.

"You felt like it? Oh oh! Does this mean you and Sanemi..."

"No no no! Oh god please stop with the sweater already."

"Okay." The pink haired shrugged. "I still know what I know."

The patient was dead. This was a lost case. Mitsuri now got ideas, Miju lost the sweater and Shinazgawa had a mental win over her that will sting her ass for the next month.

Throughout the lecture Miju kept looking at Shianzugawa and the sweater. He seemed to knead the hem of it's sleeve in his hand all the time. Even though heavens seemed to doom Miju today she couldn't shrug off the warm feeling. Out of all people, Sanemi himself, was wearing a sweater she made. Maybe she could think about a small revenge plan for later.

[hettyoon]

❥︎ Character; Riddle Rosehearts  Game; Twisted wonderland

❥︎ Genre; Oneshot + fluff + with the prompt 'snowman' used, as in you trying to convince Riddle to come build a snowman with you

❥︎ Warnings; Non-magic au + established relationship

❥︎ Notes; Hi, hello, its sure been a while since I last posted here <\3 but anyways hope this longish oneshot serves as an apology for my long absence + this oneshot is also part of a december collab I'm part of over on quotev ♡

MAIN M.LIST || TWST M.LIST

        Shuffling your face from resting on one palm to the other, your eyes set their focus on the slow descending of the delicate pieces of snowflakes outside the window; the scene being fairly uneventful yet somehow calming at the same time. It seems that mother nature really went all out with this year’s chilly weather, as you don’t think you can recall the last time the city has been covered with this much snow before. Said white substance left a thick sheet of white on your backyard’s grounds, which if you would take a guess, would probably reach a good 10 inches up your leg had you stepped foot outside.

Not that you were complaining though, it was a rare occurrence and the matter had you quite excited actually, prompting you to sit down on your couch and admire the beautiful scenery from the view of your living room window.

With your mid-finals coming right around the corner, Riddle had come by your house earlier this morning to help tutor you in one of the subjects you were struggling in the most. He had suggested to you the idea of having some study sessions together, to which you happily agreed to in a heartbeat. Sure you were thankful for his help (truly, you don't think you would've known from where to  even start without it), but you were more happy to spend some quality time with him before your exams kicked in rather than the actual studying part itself.

That being said, the two of you had already finished what you were to go over today a couple minutes ago, and were now just both chilling together in your living room, talking about whatever comes to mind. 

Well, that was until Riddle decided to get up to make some tea that he had picked up from the convenience store earlier prior to stopping by at your place. He said something about it being a new flavour that you should try before heading to the kitchen to make it.

You came to from your thoughts and focused your gaze back onto the falling snow outside, which was now starting to slowly decrease from its heavy descending at the start. Less and less snowflakes emerging from the sky as it gradually came to a stop. 

'Ah, I wonder what it would feel like to go out right now.'

Actually, now you have that thought back, roaming around inside your head, going outside and running around in that thick layer of softness seemed like a really pleasurable idea to your mind right now.

You did pitch up your suggestion of going out and taking a fun stroll in your backyard earlier, but it was instantly shut down by your boyfriend who thought the exact opposite, and that in his words, 'you would just end up catching a cold if you went out in such weather like this.'

Well, Riddle is busy making tea in the kitchen now. Surely he wouldn't mind if you took a quick walk outside, right? What he doesn’t know won't harm him. Plus it’ll only be for a few minutes; hopefully your boyfriend won’t notice your sudden disappearance. 

Trying to be as noiseless and discreet as possible, you headed towards the back door of your house, crouching down next to it to quickly tie your trainer’s laces together. The thought of grabbing your coat on your way out had to be disregarded, as it meant you had to pass through the kitchen to go into your room and get it, which wouldn't be a good idea considering your current situation. 

"Oh well, the sweater I'm wearing will have to suffice for now." You muttered out in a low voice.

Someone, however, had other plans, as it seemed like fate wasn’t about to allow you to go out and have your fun that easily. And it so happened to be the same person who didn’t quite approve of your little ‘let’s go play in the snow, it'll be fun’ idea earlier.

Riddle, who just so happened to come in at the same time your hand flew up to grab the door’s handle, crossed his arms with an very apparent unamused expression written on his face. “And where do you think you're going?”

Hiding your intentions was out of question at this point, as it was already crystal clear where you were just about to head out to. You instead opted to chuckle nervously, playing off an innocent facade while hoping he would by some miracle drop the subject and just let you continue your thing. “Uhm, outside?”

Much to your dismay though, your lover was already ready with one of his well-known lectures. “And you were going to go out without any outwear either? Do you really want to go out that badly that you will risk getting a cold for som-“

Of course, you had already predicted the red-head’s response as soon as he stepped into your sight of view, thus you found yourself quickly approaching him, hands shooting up to land on his shoulders, lightly shaking them in the process to further convey what you were about to say. “But, Riddle! We haven't had snow like this in years! How do you expect me to miss such a rare occurrence?” Sure, Riddle’s words of advice probably held more sense than you'd like to admit, but still, you've set your mind on going out and you weren't about to let this opportunity slip out of your hands this easily.

As expected though, your lover didn’t seem even the slightest bit convinced at your so-called reasoning, instead opting to continue on with his light scolding from when he was stopped by you a couple of seconds ago.

This time, however, it didn’t matter. Or to you, at least, it didn’t, because it was at this moment that another plan had managed to wiggle itself into your mind, your facial features visibly peaking up at the newfound idea you now had. “Wait, wait, wait, I just thought of something else.” You released his shoulders and instead clapped your hands together in excitement. The boy in front of you simply furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at your statement. His curious hues focused on your own, remaining silent as a sign for you to continue. “Well, first of all before I tell you, I wanna ask you a small question. Have you ever made a snowman before?”

From the looks of it, whatever question that Riddle expected you to utter, it was anything but the one that just left your mouth. And while thrown off a bit by your question, it didn’t take long for him to reply to your inquiry with a negative statement.

Riddle wasn’t sure that he trusted the cheeky grin that grew on your face the second his reply came out, but it wasn’t like you gave him much time to think about it. All he did was take another blink, and suddenly, you were running out of sight, straight out of the room you were in, heading right towards your bedroom.

Only a few moments had passed before you made your way back to your boyfriend, who in turn had yet to move an inch from his previous spot. His arms were crossed, waiting for you to return and explain yourself. Alas, all he got instead was a merry ‘Here, take this.’ as you threw his way the coat and scarf that he had arrived to your house in with earlier this morning; and a pair of thick, black gloves of yours. He eyed the clothes in his hands with a look of confusion adorning his face. Did you really expect him to go out with you in this kind of weather?

“Come on! You slightly nudged him with your elbow, prodding him to put on the stuff you just presented him while also putting on your own coat yourself. “Look, I’m gonna wear my coat, scarf and gloves too, we won't catch a cold if we're all warmed up. Plus, we won't stay outside for long, I promise!” If your words weren't going to work to convince him, then you made sure that at least your facial expressions would do the job. You knew that Riddle usually wasn’t one to succumb to your pleading gaze, but you still gave him the best one you could muster, combining that with the action of your hands reaching out to cup his own.

To say Riddle was conflicted was an understatement, on one hand, he still stood by the fact that it would be too cold to go and take a stroll outside now, plus the snow would probably limit the ability of you two’s movements once you got out seeing how thick of a layer it made. On the other hand though, you were adamant and it didn't look like you were about to change your mind anytime soon. Riddle knew first-hand how unbelievably stubborn you could be sometimes, and it seemed like this time so happened to be one of them.

But that wasn't all it. Riddle can’t lie to himself, seeing you all hyped up and excited like that for something as simple as him accompanying you on your little trip out in the snow really made a spark of warmth edge its way into his heart. Not that he’d ever admit out loud how much affect your actions had on him though.

“Fine,” At last, after what seemed like an eternity, your boyfriend caved in and agreed. “Only for a couple of minutes though.”

"Great!" Seems like your convincing skills finally got their job done. "Come on, let's go then." As expected, freezing cold air hit your face as soon as you stepped foot outside, but that didn't stop the smile that was etched on your face to grow even wider. Riddle followed up right behind you after he finished putting on the clothes you handed him.

"So," you started, glancing at your companion to grab his attention. "to build our snowman, we're first gonna need to make three separate snow balls. One big, one medium, and one small."

Riddle hummed in response to your words. "Well, that shouldn't be hard to collect considering how much snow there is."

"Alright, let's get to it!"

The two of you didn't waste any more time, and got to working on structuring the three blobs of snow you needed. You were currently in charge of making the big, lower part for the base. You rolled the ball of snow around for a bit till it gathered quite some thickness to it before moving it to the centre of your garden, deciding to keep it there and gradually mold more snow on top of it since it was getting a bit too heavy for you to push. 

A few more minutes passed and you finally decided that your snowball had gotten big enough for you to deem it as finished. It was looking great so far too! Maybe a bit wonky from some sides but it doesn't matter, as long as it'll hold up the weight of the other balls on top of it.

Not long after you finished, the sound of approaching footsteps from your side informed you of Riddle's presence. And as soon as you turned to face him, you were met with the struggling face of Riddle, his eyebrows slightly furrowed together from the sheer heaviness in his hands, that was the snowball that he had spent the past few minutes making. It wasn't hard to tell that he was trying to figure out a way to haul it over and stack it on top of yours.

You let out a snicker at his struggle. "Having a hard time there?"

Riddle huffed at your jest looking at you with a deadpan expression. "I'm not. It's just a bit hard to move around with all this snow surrounding my legs." 

"Right, right. Here let me lend you a hand." The two of you lifted it up together and plopped the blob of snow in its designated place, right on top of the big one you had previously been making.

Even though your snowman has yet to have its head attached, you were still pretty impressed by how good it looked so far. Seems like all that sneaking out to play with the snow when you were younger really paid off. 

The rest of the snowman-making went by real quick, as all what was left for you to do was to make a small ball for the head and place it upon the two previous ones. 

"And we're done!" You exclaimed, backing up a bit to proudly look at you two's creation. 

"We're done already?" Riddle shot you a questioning gaze, which was understandable considering your snowman had yet to require any sort of facial features. 

"Well, with the body we are. We still need to make its face, and maybe add some buttons to its lower parts too for it to look like a shirt." 

"And from where are we supposed to bring said buttons?" 

"Ah, well not necessarily buttons per say," you continued. "just something that resembles it." 

Riddle looked around at your garden for a moment before his eyes locked upon the trail of black stones you had decorating the side of your fence. "Will those stones do?" 

Your hands clapped together at his suggestion. "Oh, good idea! They'll fit perfectly." You confirmed, making an okay sign with your hands. 

Riddle further confirmed your words with a nod. "I'll go collect a few of them then. We can also use the smaller ones to make its eyes." 

"Great, you can also use them to make an upturned trail for the mouth too. Now, you do that, and I'll go and bring the rest of the stuff we need." The two of you parted ways, Riddle going to pick the number of stones needed for the face and body while you headed back inside the house to bring out the other things that would add the final touches to your snowman. 

First things first, you went ahead to the kitchen to take out a carrot from your refrigerator, to make up the nose of your snowman. Next thing you grabbed was the hat that you wanted to add, which luckily enough, you had a black fedora hat hanging in your closet that you thought would fit perfectly. And the last thing would be the two arms, which were usually supposed to be made out of twigs. The thing is, you didn't have any trees you could access in your backyard so the only way you could get those is if you went out the front door to get one from the line of trees on the street across. 

'Well, let's hope none of the neighbours come out and see me trying to rip off branches from random trees like an idiot.' 

To your relief, you were met with the sight of an empty street the moment you stepped out of your front door. Your luck was really on a roll with you today, huh. Now, the hard part was going to be finding two thin twigs that were easy and low enough to reach and cut off from said trees. 

'I need to be quick with this before Riddle starts questioning where I went off to.'

Once you had gotten what you wanted, which, to be honest, took a bit more time than you thought, you made your way into the house again to head back to where your boyfriend was. Not long after was Riddle back into your sight of view and you found him crouched down, busy applying the bigger black stones to the snowman's middle part to resemble the buttons of a shirt, with the mouth and eyes already neatly put together, pushed in into the soft surface of the upper ball's front.

"I'm back." You greeted your lover, lifting up your arms to show him the things you had acquired from your little trip.

Riddle stood up from his sitting position, facing you. "Right in time. I just finished putting these on." The next thing the boy's eyes landed on were the three objects you had stacked on your hand. "What are those for?"

"I got us a hat, a carrot for the nose, and two twigs for its hands." 

"Why a carrot? can't we just use another stone?" 

You shrugged, not really knowing the answer yourself. "I don't know, gives it a pop of colour I guess. Anyways, now let's stick these all in the right places so we can complete our creation!" You handed Riddle the two twigs so he could stick them to both sides, while you took care of decorating the face with the carrot and fedora.

After the two of you finished your assigned jobs, you backed up yet again to admire your creation for the second time. "We finished, finally! I think it looks amazing too, what do you think?"

Riddle didn't quite show it on his face but he was also pretty happy by how the end result turned out, this was his first time making a snowman, after all. "It is a bit tilted but I must admit, it does look impressive."

"Right?" Although now that you had the finished result in all its glory right in front of you, you kinda feel like there's something off. It's like the more you stare at it, the more your brain tells you that there's still something that needs to be added. 

"Hmm, I feel like it's still missing something though..." You voiced out your thoughts, trailing off with your words before snapping your fingers and exclaiming. "Ah, got it!"

You weaved your fingers through the back of your scarf where you had previously tied a loose knot to keep it in place, pulling at the piece of fabric till it came undone, landing into your hands. You then proceeded to crouch down to lightly wrap the scarf around the snowman's neck, or rather, where what was supposed to be his neck since its head just connected straight to its body. "See, It looks even more human now with the scarf on." Came your proud exclamation as you finished fixing up the scarf to your liking.

Even if you couldn't see Riddle's expression from behind you, you had a feeling he was crossing his arms, not so amused by your actions. "You know you're the one who actually needs the scarf in this situation not the snowman, right? And I doubt a ball of snow could ever come close to resembling a human being." 

"Don't be such a party pooper, come on, this is our child now." You stretched your hand out behind you to give the boy's side a small poke, to which he immediately recoiled, sending you a half-hearted glare in return (not that you could see it anyways).

"You do realise our so-called 'child' isn't going to last for long, right?"

Deciding to ignore Riddle's last comment, you backed up from your crouching position to fully see how your work looked. At that very moment though, where you stood to admire the snowman with its new adjustments, a breeze of cold wind decided to blow past the two of you, tickling your now exposed neck and making you slightly shudder and curl up your shoulders in response. You tried to ignore the sudden coldness that seeped through the upper part of your body but it seemed like your reaction didn't go unnoticed by Riddle, as you heard him let out a small sigh under his breath before he began unraveling his own scarf from around his neck.

"I told you not to take it off." He sighed. "Here, take mine."

The boy stepped closer so he could gently place his scarf around your neck, wrapping it around a couple of times to ensure the thick layers would give you enough warmth. And while you were really thankful for his sweet gesture, you didn't want him to be the one dealing with the cold instead. "But I don't want you to get cold either!" 

Riddle lifted his hand to point one of his fingers at the black top he was wearing under his coat. "I'm wearing a turtleneck underneath that covers my neck, I'll be fine." The boy took his time to ensure the scarf was secure enough, making sure that there won't be any openings for the chilly breeze to slide into once again.

Meanwhile, on your end, all you could focus on was the amount of space that Riddle had decreased between you by leaning in closer, and the fact that you and Riddle's faces were now mere centimetres apart. If only you were to take another step closer and you were sure your noses would end up grazing each other. You didn't think the scarf even mattered at this point, as the feeling of heat slowly crept up your body and spread through your cheeks upon the close proximity. You felt a bit silly being so flustered by such a small gesture that wasn't even intentional but you really couldn't help it. 

Somehow, through all of this, your mind was still able to fully function and come up with a new idea.

The next action you took was all a blur, as one moment Riddle was backing off after he finished attending to the piece of clothing, and the next your hands shot up to cup his soft cheeks, pulling him back in towards you for a soft kiss.

The kiss ended as fast as it had started, and it left behind a surprised Riddle who was looking at you with the cutest flustered expression your eyes had ever witnessed. "W-what was that for?" Even the way that he slightly stumbled on his words while trying to regain his composure was absolutely adorable in your eyes. You sure caught him off guard with that kiss.

You gave him a closed-eyed smile in return. "I couldn't resist it, you looked too cute." 

Before Riddle had any time to retort or react to your comment, a small sneeze elicited from your mouth, which, in turn, immediately switched Riddle's reaction from shying away from your previous actions, back to sighing lowly under his breath, mouth opening to finish off his previous point.

"See, this is why I told you to properly warm up for this." He muttered under his breath with a slight shake to his head. "Come on, we're done right? Let's go back inside before either one of us catches a cold."

You made no move to resist Riddle's decision as he slipped his hand into yours and tugged you along with him back into the warmth of your house. You had already accomplished what you had came for, after all.

"Thank you for doing this with me, Riddle. I really had fun making the snowman with you."

You took the slight squeeze of his hand and the small smile that showed on his face as an indicator that he felt the same.

⊱ ───────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ─────── ⊰

Your body slightly shivered despite the thick layers of clothing and blankets you had draped upon you, raising your hand up to stifle another upcoming cough that seemed to just double in intensity every other time.

Moments later and you heard a series of knocks sound from the other side of your room's entrance. You replied with a hoarse 'come in' in response, and was soon greeted with the sight of your red-haired boyfriend as he nudged the door open with his elbows to enter. His hands were occupied with a tray containing what seems to be a hot cup of tea, a bowl of soup, and a small bottle of cough syrup.

Said boy sighed upon seeing the miserable state you were in, plopping the tray in his hand on your bedside table before pulling out a chair and sitting down next to your bed.

You groaned, already sensing the, you’ll admit, well deserved lecture about to come from his mouth. “I know, I know. I should’ve listened to your words, I thought I was invincible to the cold but apparently I’m not.” You could barley finish out your words before another tingle formed inside your throat, sending you into a small coughing fit. Although you still maganed to mutter out some words in between. "But seriously, how come I'm the only one who got sick?"

An exhale exited Riddle's mouth, opting to just ignore your question while opening up the jar of medicine to pour some of the pink liquid into a spoon he had readied beforehand. He made sure you were no longer hacking your lungs out before he presented you with the now filled-up spoon, his other hand hovering underneath so there wouldn’t be any possibility of anything spilling on your bed and staining your sheets.

“Here, take this. It should help soothe your sore throat.” Cold metal gently prodded your lips as he ushered you to swallow the medicine down. No matter how many times your drank any type of liquid medication, it still amazed you how someone could come up with something so disgusting in taste. And they even had the nerve to label it as strawberry flavoured too, as if it could ever compare!

Having noticed the repulsed expression on your face, Riddle handed you the tray that had the bowl of soup and cup of tea he had placed down on the table earlier. "I'm not that great at cooking but I took this soup recipe from Trey a while ago and it's quite simple, so I hope it turned out good."

He then pointed to a strip of candy-looking drops. "I also brought some cough drops, they should help with your throats itchiness."

Dipping your spoon into the warm liquid and lifting it up to your mouth, you were quite shocked yet at the same time pleased at how it tasted. Not that you expected the flavour to be terrible or anything, but your boyfriend didn't really spend much time in the kitchen, so it was kind of a surprise to you how he managed to whip up something like this so quickly, and with a great taste too.

"It tastes great, thank you." A smile stretched on your face to show your gratitude.

Even though you were shivering from the icky feeling that the cold had bestowed upon you, you felt yourself internally warm up at your boyfriend's sweet attempt at taking care of you. Which then in turn prompted you to lean forward in your bed, using one of your hands as support as your other reached out to gently boop Riddle's nose with your pointer finger. 

From what you could collect from Riddle's expression, it was apparent that this was the first time someone had shown said act to the red-haired boy, as he seemed a little startled and confused about your action, not knowing what to make of it.

His reaction prompted you to explain your thoughts behind said action. "Since I can't kiss you now because I'm sick, I decided I'll be booping your nose instead until I'm my normal self again." 

Riddle seemed at a loss of words at your explanation, and instead just mumbled out in a low voice, "You're an idiot."

You grinned, as you knew there wasn't any true bad meaning behind his words. "But you still love me, right?"

"That...I can't deny, yes."

❥︎ As always, comments and reblogs are always highly appreciated <33

Hetty

[lizzisimss]

Krya CC List:

Body: vibrantpixels_armThicknessSlider, vibrantpixels_calfSliders, miiko-eye-presets-no1, ANGISSI_FEMALE_LIPSPRESET_N1-12, nesurii_lightitup-highlight, Simbience_HauteSkinblend, tamo_Eyebags01_SkinForehead_V2, PYXIS - ToTheBone_Nosemasks, MoonchildLovesTheNight - Stretchmarks, MsBlue - MolesV1, RemusSirion - eyebrows_15, PS - Eyes_N157

Make-up: Dyoreos – Be Bright Blush, JH [COSMETICS] LIPSTICK #149, Pralinesims_Lip_N236_LucidDream, Pralinesims_Nails_Female_N27_SugarMilk, Pralinesims - UltimateEyelinerCollection, [Kijiko] - eyelash_version2, Pralinesims - UltimateLipstickCollection, PS - BlushN29, RemusSirion - Lipstick_241-Sapogenate

Accessories: [ d r e a m g i r l ] 3 D_l a s h e s_V6, serenity_af_LizzieNecklace, simstrouble_Earrings_Sunburn, Pralinesims - UltimateEarringCollection, grafity - DaisyEarrings

Everyday: simstrouble_FemaleHair_Marcia_Declutter, serenity_DianaTop, AdrienPastel x Jan2022_TaraJeansVer2High, [Jius]CheckerboardSneakers01-Female, simstrouble_Earrings_MoonSight-Small

Formal: simstrouble_FemaleHair_HilaryV1, simstrouble_FemaleHair_DarleneBandanaOverlay, serenity_LexiMiumiuHeartDress_Solids, [AxA_Girlboss]-AxA_Tights, [Jius]PlatformPumpsWithSocks01

Sports: simstrouble_UnisexHair_Andre, [amelylina] Ava tee, Metens_VanyaLeggings, Madlen Kylie Sneakers, NucrestsyuHatPiscesBeanieLifted

Sleep: simstrouble_FemaleHair_Marcia_Declutter, [Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla] Short Piping Pajama Set (Full Body), Madlen Tsuki Slippers (Adult)

Party: simstrouble_FemaleHair_Thema, serenity_FrilledTurtleneck_accWrist, [Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla] Halterneck Dress, Madlen Maura Boots 1

Swimwear: simstrouble_FemaleHair_Marcia_Declutter, [sudal] - Summer Vacation collab Swim suit F, [Jius]ThongSandals01, Pralinesims - UltimateGlassesCollection

Warm Weather: [AH00B]-DuskHair, okruee-amelie-hair-clips-acc, serenity_OlaTop, [greenllamas] MIMOSA_Juice_Jeans_patterns, [Jius]LowTopSneaker03-Female

Cold Weather: simstrouble_FemaleHair_Marcia_Declutter, [amelylina] Maisie sweater, Kumikya – Star Jeans, Madlen Makenna Boots, CLUMSYALIEN [RAE SCARF], CASTERU_Jimin Backwards Beret Cap

Tray files are available on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lizzisimss

Please consider supporting if you wish :)

[the-artist-of-chaos]

Here’s shelda :3 (decided to just give you guys the last 3 without vote)

Hcs!

•Uses a cane because her legs don’t work as well as they used to.

•Has a very small layer of fur, so it’s not much to protect her against cold weather. Has a sweater AND wool boots that gramble made for her

•Is very experienced with gardening, has given wambus before about how to make plants grow faster, what collabs well with what, etc

•Despite all her squabbles with Floofty, she generally cares about their well being, has reminded Floofty every now and then to take care of themself

•also a really good ally towards lgbtq+ people, will bonk you over the head with her cane if you purposely misgender someone

•has really good memory, has memories that go as far back as to when she was a grumpling

•has a really good friendship with Triffany, used to baby sit her a lot for the lottablogs since they were neighbors. (think about it. Shelda is confirmed to be in her 70s, Wambus is pushing 50, which means Triffany would be near the same age as wambus, therefore, shelda would be in her 20s when Triffany was born)

•can’t handle extremely strong flavors, so tends to stick with more bland things like simple crackers, bland cereal, etc

[undead-merman]

This is a very self indulgent entry for @inkyquince’s Omega Collab. Featuring a defiant Male PC with a Male Landry.   

Bastards, every last one of them. You couldn’t help but fantasize about biting and clawing at them even when your legs shook and shivered as your cock was aching and dripped just as your aching hole did. You couldn’t move from the alley. After fighting off a few betas you were completely drained and limp. Bite marks littered your arms and hands, even down to your fingers.

Your life is over now, isn't it? As much as your mind raced and begged your body to stand, you simply couldn’t. You were going to be taken and enslaved with either working at some terrible sweatshop conditions or as a piece of meat in a window. Your gaze turned to the moon. How you wish you could burn this town to the ground. 

“What are you doing out here? I was wondering where you were.” A voice called out from the alley, one that you knew far too well. 

You tried to say his name, but it came out as a pathetic squeak. “Landry.” A rough chuckle followed as footsteps approached you, slow and smooth steps as a scent flooded your nose. A smoky and minty, a distinctly Beta smell that you’d always known him to have, but now that whatever drug that was pumping through you made your mouth water. 

He stood over you pinching his nose shut. “You never fail to come see me on Fridays to sell me your goods. Was worried about you.” When you didn’t give him a response, he continued. “I didn’t think you were omega.” You took pride in being able to mask it so well that people often assumed you were beta or even an alpha on a good day. Today was not a good one.

You try to snap back, but just a moan comes out as your hips shift trying to get friction, and you can feel just how sticky you were. Dirt and debris stuck to your ass and inner thighs. You're stuck catching your breath and feeling disgusting and dirty as the man you’ve worked with for so long now stares down at you and he himself is sweating in the cool night air. It feels like a standoff, one that you both know the outcome to. But to your shock, he sighs and shrugs off his jacket and throws it over you. 

“Come on. You're dirty.” He half turns watching for you to get up, but even as you try to stand, you can’t. Your body simply refuses. He watches you struggle for a moment more before letting out another sigh while scratching his chin before stepping up and scooping you up in his arms. His hands hoist your ass up and you whimper as your dick makes contact with his stomach. His scent is even stronger now and his classic gray sweater feels so warm in the biting cold. 

Even as you give a light growl of warning, he gives one back. “Knock it off. I’m trying to help. Stop stinking up so much and control yourself.” He smiles, showing he’s not too mad and offers your ass a light squeeze as you growl again. As if it was that easy. But even while held, you hold your neck with your life. You bear it, but soon you relax into a warm Beta smell while his steps offer an ease to your dick as it grinds against the soft material and his hands hold your freezing ass. 

You don’t pay attention to where Landry is taking you. Just pressing your face into his neck and inhale the scent. His scent was comforting instead of being suffocating and burning like Alphas. Your body relaxed and the pain from before was becoming more noticeable, but mixing with the heat as your dick rubbed into that soft sweater. 

You could feel him shifting you around in his arms, at one point supporting your weight with one hand and arms, but the shifting only made you bite your lips and convulse, bringing an unsatisfying orgasm. You can feel yourself sticking to his sweater with your cum, slick, and sweat. And you fall down onto an old, weathered leather couch. 

Landry smiles down at you and looks down at his sweater. His smile crept even bigger. “You got me all dirty.” He seemed so pleased by it. You could only shake as your body craved more. The drugs now completely muddle your mind and with the calming Beta scent in the air you knew it was over. You needed more. 

Landry shuffled off his shirt and threw it off somewhere but picked you up again, which you happily outstretched your arms to hook around his neck. “You’re acting so cute right now.” and you shove your face into his neck and buck your leaking cock against him once more. “I must be one lucky guy to see our famous spitfire, all sweet and cuddly.” 

You just tightened your hold. “No need to choke me. Let’s get you cleaned up.” And he carried you away once more. Brighter lights flicked on and the smell of lemons and cleaning supplies was strong. “Let's at least get you wiped up.” He tried to pull you away from his neck and you let out another whine as you held on tighter. He called out your name. “You are making it so hard right now. P-Please just let me clean you up and if you really want to spend your heat here we’ll do what you want.” 

The keywords slowly turned your whines into purrs, and you let go before he sat you on the edge of the tub. Your eyes quickly dropped to his tented pants, and you grabbed them. He jolted. “Damn, okay. Let’s hurry this up then.” 

But you didn’t let him. As he tried to wash you, you shoved your face into his pants, licked his trousers, and tried to pull his cock free as he was leaning over you to wash you over quickly. Mouthing and moaning over his bulge, trying to get this Beta to finally lose control and fuck you like you needed. You could feel him trembling under your touch, and while it pleased you that he was feeling your tongue and mouth, he wasn’t just pushing you over and filling you with what you could feel was a massive cock. Getting pissy that he was holding out on such a delicious treat. But you stopped when he reached your ass. The grime was still stuck on as the shower head ran off the grime and his hand assisted.

You arched your ass trying to get his hands on your hole. “Good boy.” as he ran his hand over it again, offering it a light smack. You couldn't hold back the pornographic moan. You couldn't take it anymore, and your hands violently ripped his trousers. 

He shouted before you ripped his boxers too and you engulfed his cock. His hands grabbed your head and intertwined in your hair as he gasped. You could feel his cock twitch violently in your mouth. He cursed, and the bathroom echoed with his voice. His taste was pleasant, a bit salty, but your heat was making his precum taste like the best drink in the world. So you gulp it down and his thighs quiver as you hold onto them so you can swing yourself deeper into his cock. He hisses and growls your name before his dick twitches again and spurts cum. 

Just like a good omega, you gulp it down, eating it like it was caviar and not wasting a drop. His whole body was shaking, but you wanted more. So you swallowed his cock again.

He pulled you back by your hair, leaving a strand of saliva connecting you to him still as your mouth hung open. “Alright, since you can’t wait, we can do it here.” He huffs but the expression didn’t seem like one that was upset. He looked quite pleased. “Turn around. Show me that ass.” 

Of course you did bend; your elbows rested on the side of the tub and you wiggled it. His thumb parted your ass cheek to get a look at your ass. The other hand took your cock and started milking it, making your hips buck. “Heh. I am pretty lucky to have you all to myself. Not to mention when you’re all compliant. I must have hit the lottery.” 

He moved his hand that was jerking you and held your chest as he leaned over you. His chest pressed against your back and he took one of your hands, examining your bitten hands. He made sure you were looking at him when he started biting them over, making them with his own tooth marks. His cock nudges your ass. “You want this? Want a cock to fill you up?” 

“Y-yes…” 

“You can do better than that.” a playful growl and grin “I brought you all the way here and cleaned you up. Beg.” 

You pulled your hand back and nipped his fingers with your blunt fangs. “N-no. Just hurry up… I’m letting you… have me. You should be grateful I’m letting you touch me.”

Landry’s dick twitched against your hole again, telling you he liked that, and a hand slapped your ass. “There’s the little spitfire I know. But that’s not begging. Want me to fuck you better?” You ground your ass back against him, trying to get him to just forget about it and hurry up and fuck you. The tip caught your rim, but he moved back and you growled. “Come on now.” 

Your yearning was beginning to become too much again as your guts begged to be rearranged. You bite your lip, then finally blurt out. “F-Fine! Please… I need your cock.” 

“Such a good boy.” And with a single thrust, he was inside you. Your whole body tensed and quivered from the intrusion. Your heat helped you ignore the pain, only letting the stretch from his huge cock make you feel like cumming again. “You’re so warm! I didn’t know Omegas felt so good.”  But you didn’t get to say anything else as he started pulling back and quickly shoving his hips forward. 

Total bliss. It was complete and utter bliss as something was finally stuffing you just as you wanted. The lewd noises of your hole sloping as it sucks him in. Both of you are moaning and groaning as his hands grip you tightly and keep you against his chest. He then pulls your other hand to start biting over the others as well. “You like being marked by me? You tighten up real nice when I-” And he bites over another as a demonstration, and your stomach tightens. 

“Such a good Omega.” The sound of his voice and the slapping of skin in your ears mixed with a thick Beta cock inside you is becoming too much. You cum the hardest you’ve ever had in your life and you see stars. With a few overstimulating and harsh thrusts from Landry he finally pumps you full of cum. 

You’d almost think he’s an Alpha with how much he cums and each spurt you can feel his dick twitch and your purring the entire time. “Damn…” Landry moans out as he leans back and grabs your ass. “You alright?”

You can’t even respond, blissed out on cum and pheromones, as you start drooling all over yourself. Landry shakes you a bit, but you don’t respond. “Oh boy. I broke him.” 

He picked you up, sliding his now soft dick out from you, and panted as he picked you up again, grabbing a towel and heading back to the couch. As he dried you off, your head lulled down, baring your neck. “Damn those drugs sure are strong… I’m going to have to fuck you again in a few minutes, aren’t I?” He knew he was talking to himself.

But the memories of your smug attitude when you presented your haul for the week. That prideful grin when you take the cash and even buy him a round. A tall, lean, but capable man. An Omega this whole time, he could still barely believe it even with the cum dripping out on his couch. 

What if he hadn’t gotten curious and went out looking for you. He had completely forgotten it was the Omega hunt since he had been waiting for you all day. If you had been claimed by someone else, that weird kid that stalked you? That cute red haired kid you buy tons of water for when running his lemonade stand. Those men who leered at you when you’d come in. What if you had been taken? He’d miss those Fridays. Those handsome grins and cute frowns and adorable angry faces when you sock a man for grabbing your ass.

Not only that, he started thinking about the possibility of going into business with you. You could clearly handle yourself, at least without the damn heat. He could take you pretty far. If he bit you, you wouldn’t be forced into servitude. With him, you’d have a choice and not be forced into working in that shabby café or as some mannequin like model. It would be a waste. But as a Beta, he couldn’t bond with you outside of a heat. 

But as you started coming out of your cumdrunk haze and nuzzling him again and pulling him down as your legs shook and wrapped around his hips, he figured this was something you two could sort out later. For now, he just wanted to satisfy his Omega, at least his Omega for the night.          

[mhizzberry]

Hello girl. Every number ending with 2. :)

: 0 okay every -2 song coming up. putting a read more cos it's long!!

#2:

Also a fun song :) When he (Cheren Slater) wears a sweater in summer weather and it's funeral grey (nothing else in the song fits him)

#12

I'm sorry there's been no variety in my artists so far NJKDSFJK but here's another Alamat song :)

#22

SCREAMING CRYING SOBBING THROWING UP

#32

Another Cherencore song <3 very funky very groovy

#42:

OHHH this is one of my fave Studio Killers songs!! It's so pretty to me 🥺 Also Kuroshiipping /hj

#52:

Alamat again but theyre sadbois

#62:

I think this auto-played when I had Studio Killers on NKDNJS anyway party song :)

#72:

OHH THIS IS CUTE!! It's a lesser-known (???) Alamat song but they also collabed w another artist!! They sing in their own languages here too!!

#82:

As you may know. I am also a Lady Gaga fan to an extent NJKDFDNKS this was one of my fav songs to sing before!!

#92:

Congrats bestie, my last and definitely not the least song is one of your favs <33

[taylorssewingcircle]

2022 - March to June

March 3rd - Cari and Kelsea meet irl !!

Kelsea gets invited to Fletcher’s concert through a mutual connection with Brad.

Instagram Live 12:54

March 4th - Kelsea posts from LA

March 5th - Fletcher and Kelsea both post on insta from Fletcher’s concert

March 7th - Kelsea posts and Fletcher likes

March 15th - Fletcher posts from Nashville and Kelsea likes.

The girls sing Landslide together at Fletcher's Nashville concert.

March 16th - They both post pictures/vids from the concert.

Kelsea posts a photo dump with a clip of them singing Landslide at Fletcher's show and tags her.

The last pic in the dump is of Kelsea and Morgan. Fletcher doesn't like but she does comment lol.

Fletcher posts twice on insta. Kelsea likes both posts.

Fletcher also posts this TikTok.

which one of us likes tequila more though

March 17th - Fletcher posts about her bday.

It includes a clip of her and Kelsea dancing to Wannabe by the Spice Girls and Kelsea's voice can be heard in the background of another clip.

March 18th - Kelsea flies from Miami to Savannah

March 19th - Kelsea posts and Cari comments

Fletcher easter eggs Birthday Girl with a snippet of the song in this post.

March 29th - Fletcher easter eggs Girl Of My Dreams (the song) on this post.

April 1st - Kelsea posts about HEARTFIRST dropping as a single on April 8th

April 2nd - Fletcher posts and Kelsea comments.

April 6th - Fletcher posts and Kelsea comments

April 22nd - Fletcher posts from Stokholm and Kelsea comments.

April 26th - Fletcher posts in a field of daisies.

May 1st - Kelsea easter eggs MUSCLE MEMORY in this post and says it sounds like driving the PCH?

May 19th - Kelsea posts that 9 songs of her album are done.

May 29th - Fletcher posts this tiktok with Olivia O'Brien and Kelsea comments

June (date unknown) - Cari plays Kelsea Better Version.

"cari played me better version in june through my jeep speakers in nashville and i felt my eyes get teary from the sentiment that truly loving someone well means that you give them your best to make them better."

[source: Kelsea's Better Version collab post]

June 12th - Fletcher easter eggs Holiday in a post.

June 13th - Fletcher posts from Texas.

June 17th - Fletcher easter eggs Girl of My Dreams (song) in this post.

Kelsea easter eggs WEATHER with a photo dump including Morgan.

I've been thinkin' you've been thinkin' 'bout something else, mm Yeah, we felt perfect, now I'm nervous, can you even tell? Mm Did I wake you up on the wrong side of the bed? Is there someone's body that you'd rather be laying with instead?

I'm so tired of your weather Stormy when we're together Yeah, we used to be sunny and 75 We were dancing, baby, rain or shine Had my dress in your dresser Now somehow, I need a sweater How'd we go from summer to cold as ice? Are we really lovers if you're changing your mind Like the weather, weather, weather?

June 20th - Cari and Kelsea go out together and sign this book.

Cari and Kelsea were here 6/20/22 12:42am

Fletcher’s stories from the night:

June 22nd - Kelsea posts this photo dump that features the book & a snippet of Love Is A Cowboy & Fletcher comments

June 28th - Fletcher includes her own POV of the book in a dump.

With a little detective work, the fletcherinis have established that this is probably Patterson House in Nashville. This literally doesn't mean anything or provide proof to anything it was just fun to hunt it out.

Have a look at the bar and the studs on the leather chair.

June 29th - Kelsea posts this and Fletcher interacts.

CONTINUE TO JULY

[stereopticons]

Ao3 Wrapped 2022

Tagged by @hippolotamus, thank you, lovely!

This was my first full year in the SC fandom and I made many lovely new friends!

Works published: 40!

Word Count: 209,735

Hits: 53,882

Bookmarks: 788

Most popular by kudos: the lie between your teeth

Most hits: also the lie between your teeth

Longest: ALSO the lie between your teeth (48,126 words)

Shortest: Making it Official (413 words)

Most Comments: sweater weather

Fic that made me cry: I assume this is fic of mine that made me cry? Several, for various reasons. (we’ll always long for) one more song definitely. Just the idea of it made me cry. shine like silver did too, but it was more about David getting to have a conversation with his parents that I wish I could have.

Fic that made me smile: It’s Excel-lent

Gifts: object permanence for @danieljradcliffe

what a way to make a livin’ for @rosedavid

the same deep water as you for @mr-writes

as close as pages in a book for @hullomoon

the farther you run, the more you feel undefined for @blueink3

standing on my little island with you for @alienajackson

charms and feigns for @jettestar

Collaborations: I wrote a bit of a change-up for the This is Why I Hate Babies collection with @mostlyinthemorning and @cheesecurdsgravyandfries and started (but did not finish) several collabs with @rosedavid @alienajackson and @mr-writes (sorry guys)

Events: SC Secret Valentine Exchange (object permanence)

SC Media Fest (wish I was the moon tonight)

Rare Fest (coming home to you)

SC Finish It Fest (so bitter and so sweet)

Passions and Pastimes Fest (shine like silver)

Elevate Femalash Exchange (as close as pages in a book)

SC Frozen Over

(Next year, I need to learn to say no)

Tagging @rosedavid @alienajackson @apothecarose @jettestar @treluna4 @mostlyinthemorning @mr-writes