#the tags got NERFED so let's try this again.

[peridots-pixiwolf]

[Start ID. A digital drawing of Minos Prime from Ultrakill, who's wearing a strapless slit dress and sandals of the same deep purple. He faces towards and slightly to the right of the camera, his head is tilted further right. With one hand he gestures in a vague pointing motion, his arm folded and held close to his body. There is nothing in the background, but bracing himself on one arm, Minos is implied to be leaning against something about the height of a countertop. The background is a blank purplish black, save for three diagonal stripes in the colors of the bisexual flag. End ID]

Shading study that quite literally came to me in a dream two weeks ago, after this post apparently beamed itself into my mind

(also a few edits below the cut! they're very slight but whatever :])

[Start ID. Three different versions of the previous drawing. The first changes the tone of the lighting from blue to pink, and similarly the shading from pink to blue. The second replaces the faint black border with pink, purple and blue, syncing with the stripes in the background. The third combines both these changes. End ID]

[sochilll]

Sometimes being an English major is the biggest burden because I read movie reviews and people say “this story sucks because x y z doesn’t make sense” when those things were exPLAINED IN THE BOOK THEY DIDNT HAVE TIME IN THE MOVIE BUT ITS IN THE BOOK READ THE BOOK

[plagued-melodies]

Apologies for not completing a few requests, one of them is particularly long and this was just meant to be a short little thing for my Beloved's birthday 🎂🎉

Rest assured the second half of the god! S/O and servamp nicknames will be completed here soon, just need a bit of time and motivation as school just started and things were hectic and busy and so on ^^

Pairings- Albedo x GN reader (established relationship)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED <3 I wish you were real

Tags - fluff, both receiving and giving pet names (love, hun, muse, nerf [affectionately]), Lots of kisses, Albedo may also be a bit out of character if not incredibly smitten with the reader, mentions of Alice. Klee appearance!

Also this may or may not be proof read I can't remember ;-;

please let me know if i messed anything up

Dawn had barely broken above the horizon when the ash blonde alchemist began to stir in his sleep, his arms absentmindedly tightening around the warmth that enveloped the other half of the bed he used to rarely sleep in. He could feel the other shift in his hold before drifting off to sleep once again.

By the time he had officially awoken up, it was roughly mid morning with you being no where to be found where he had you previously grasped. He sighed to himself in defeat, he's long since accepted the fact he needs a semblance of your presence to truly rest, neither of you minded this really. It just meant more time together and he enjoyed every second of it.

Yet, he couldn't help but feel a sense of something being... Off when awoke, you usually were usually free in the mornings and would often try to stay in bed for as long as possible when given the chance. He tried to recall back to the previous night when you asked him if there was anything special he had planned or wanted to do for today, he had noticed a look of slight surprise laced with humor in your eyes upon hearing that he didn't, much to his own confusion.

He has an excellent memory so what could it be that he missed? Your anniversary? No, that was months ago and he would never forget that. Recent achievements or exciting news between family and friends? Not that he was made aware of and your birthday wouldn't be for a while, seeing the date and-

A noise from within the kitchen sounded Albedo out of his thoughts and he resolved to just ask you what would entice such a question and early rising from you. The bed was so warm though, it gave a form of warmth he lacked within himself and he felt half tempted to just melt into the mattress.

But it paled in comparison to you, so he begrudgingly got up and made his way through the house, not missing the way his body shivers from his bare feet hitting the cold wooden floors. It didn't matter though because he bound himself around the corner he was met with a sight far warmer than any warmth your shared bedroom could offer.

There he watched you clumsily waltz through the kitchen with a very happy, and very messy, Klee decorating what seemed to be a cake using an array of different sprinkles and icing. Albedo felt his heart flutter at the sight of two of his most favorite people, the people who mean the most in his life, in such a domestic moment.

He almost cursed himself for having barely missed it for the comfort of your guys' bed.

It seems as though he vocalized this fondness in some way or another when you suddenly became very aware and somewhat startled by his sudden appearance. Meanwhile Klee had happily bounded towards him in a sugared excitement after hastily grabbing onto her latest drawing.

"Oh! 'bedo archons you scared me, I didn't even realize you were up! We outta put a bell on you in the mornings." A flustered sigh escapes you, your hair sticking in every direction as sweat from your morning activities caked your forehead.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to scare you," He stated while examining the artwork Klee did, "I was only mildly aware you were still home, I thought maybe I misjudged the time and thought I woke up later than usual." Albedo's eyes wonder around the kitchen at this, seeing what probably made the noise that originally brought him out of his head.

"Ah well, actually- as you can see," you drift your arm around the room, "You're actually up a bit too early. We haven't even finished decorating yet." A sigh dramatically, obviously putting on a show for laughs, as you lazily wave a hand to your face in faux dismay.

"Yeah! We wanted to make it a surprise, which is why Y/N woke up extra early! They even let me help! Oh and mama wanted me to give this to you, be right back!!" Klee happily bounced on the heels of her feet when saying this, clearly not seeing the confusion on her older brother's face. You chuckle at this, seemingly amused at his reaction.

"Love, I know I'm not usually the best at judging when it comes to emotions so please forgive me for asking but," he pauses for a moment trying one last time to piece it together, "What's the occasion that would merit a... 'surprise'?"

"I thought you wouldn't remember, based on what you've said before regarding today, so I took it upon myself to at least try and do something. It's not a huge blow out that Kaeya was thinking of doing for you later, just something between the three of us, and maybe Alice if she gets out of whatever important business."

You place down a bowl of white buttercream icing onto the counter and wade your way toward him, making sure to breeze each step. When you finally reach him you plant a small kiss on his cheek. "Well, I just wanted to~"

You give him yet another kiss on the opposite side of his face, "wish you~" you have both your hands on his face now, cradling it with such care.

"A very joyful-" you give another peck to his forehead,

"Very wonderful-" once more on the tip of his nose, you can see the glimmer of curiosity peaking through his azure blues. You sigh.

"Happy birthday." Finally, you lean in and the two of you melt into a softened kiss, your words don't completely register in his brain until the both of you eventually break apart to breathe.

"My... Birthday?" Realization dawns on him and mentally face palms himself, "I don't usually celebrate such a thing for myself, so I guess I must have just forgotten about it." You laugh at his reaction and lace your fingers through his long hair.

"I know I know, but that's what I'm here for hun, Its my job make sure you have a wonderful day." Your voice is soft, just enough for the two of you alone to hear.

"You don't have to do that love, it's just another day to me, simply having you and Klee here is enough for me." you shush him by placing a finger on his mouth, despite waking up not too long ago, his lips were soft to the touch and you felt compelled to lean in once more.

"Yeah I know, but you pamper and spoil us all the time so I thought maybe to do the same with you for today. And besides, think of this as the calm before the storms. I may be understanding but-" Albedo cuts you off before you can finish.

"-Kaeya isn't." A fond grimace washes over Albedo's face at the thought of his dear friend. He doesn't mind though, if he truly had a problem with it he would have said something years ago.

And still, he can't help but feel ever so grateful for all of you. For you, Klee, and Alice, for the Knights of Favonius, Kaeya, Timaeus, and Sucrose, for everyone.

Albedo gives a whimsical hum to himself as he buries his face in the crook of your neck, crystal flies emerge in his chest when he feels the vibrations of your laugh reverberate between the two of your shared space, the feeling your fingers threading through his messed up locks of hair nearly lulling Albedo into yet another slumber.

"Alright there birthday boy, no need to be half dead asleep on top of me when I still have a cake to decorate for later and breakfast to finish making." You emphasize your point by placing a chaste kiss against his cheek. The kicked puppy look he gives you almost breaks your resolve before it's quickly replaced by a mock pout in answer.

"Oh? Do I not get a kiss on the lips from my muse at the very least?" You blow air straight into his face as he scrunches his nose.

"I just gave you a kiss earlier you nerd! Now let me cook for you-" you feel his arms tighten around you and how he buries himself once more under your jawline and how he begins to pepper kisses along the sensitive part of your neck, his loose hair curling all around you and tickling all it reaches.

"-yAerGh! Albedo! Cut it out you-" you let out a broken laugh at the way he pushes you forward slightly to try and get my leverage into where he's nooked himself, "Y-you're TIckLinG me-he-hee." You're happily sobbing out laughs as he continues his assault against you, now having moved further up closer to your face. Your face is deeply flushed and Albedo is bent forward at an odd angle trying to pepper himself anywhere he can reach as you bend yourself backward to try and avoid his relentless teasing.

He only falters slightly when you both hear Klee enter the room and drop everything she's holding.

"Hey! Klee wants to play too! What are you guys doing?" She bounds over to the two of as Albedo only briefly pauses his attack.

"We're taking down Y/N through tickles of course!" His voice is light and breezy, like he didn't just ambush you seconds prior. Klee gasps.

"I can help I can help! Can I please help too?" You prayed she wasn't being serious but, just like her brother, she had a glint of mischief running through her bright red irises.

"No! That's not fair I'm completely vulnerable, I was ambushed I tell you! Ambushed!" You cries are for naught though as Albedo attempts to shift much of his weight to keep a good hold on you as Klee's small hands poke and prod while Albedo's more confined hands squeeze you where she can't reach.

At some point due to the struggle, the three of you end up on the floor with Albedo limbs straddling to keep you still enough for Klee to continue his work.

Although it only lasted a few minutes, it feels like several grueling hours for you as neither half of the pair relent, the only thing that made them stop was the manual timer you had for the set earlier while cooking, signaling that something was ready in the oven.

You're laying on the kitchen floor breathless curling in on yourself in a hangover of your giggled fit, Albedo's hold is more tender now and you could easily slip through while Klee simply sat next to you, also recovering from her laughing hysteria.

The alchemist sighs fondly at the sight of his family, at the way you look up at him with tears flushed eyes and how you pout at him for his betrayal. He simply leans down and gives you one last kiss to your lips before hauling himself up using the counter as a leveraged weight.

"I'll go ahead and get that out of the oven while you continue to do what you two were doing before..after you guys recover of course." The comment seemed targeted toward you more than anything seeing as you were the blonde siblings' unfortunate victim, but you can't truly be upset with them, your heart swelled looking back at domestic moments like these.

It felt like you both found your missing half.

The day was only bound to get crazier as a certain spark Knight's mother made herself known in the home having finished her important business and Albedo could only pray you guys' shared home is spared from the combination of mother and daughter

.

.

.

If you ever asked Albedo what he first thought of when he heard the word "Family", he would have used to first think about his master, the one who gave him life through chalk and Khemia, the one who taught him most everything he knew, who he shared his earliest memories. He was but her perfect specimen of pure alchemy.

However, if you were to ask him now, he would instead think of days like this and although he still does think of his master, he can't himself but be reminded of waking up next to you on sleepy morning, or how you and Klee dance through the streets of Mondstadt during Windblume, the ornaments of your get up dancing with your movements. He truly and absolutely loved you so much, he loved how Alice and Klee love you, he loved how Mondstadt loves you. You. You were his and if you wanted to celebrate one particular day of the year he may not find anything special, if you wanted to create such memories to last for years to come, he would love to do so with you.

[riallasheng]

Hello again my tripleace gurl! Done dirty by the creators!!

I AM STILL SO CONFUSED, WHAT IS A TRIPLEACE?!

(I thank you still most kindly for the ask but please send me another explaining this word!! ^^;; )

Also, sorry for the delay of a few days in responding, I was out of town till today!!

And aaaawwwwwwaaaaaaay we go! XD

Fireball XL5: Hmmm, hard one. Obviously the way Venus was written out of the Century 21 comics is the go to, and one I'm VERY annoyed at (actually pretty much hate. I ADORE the stories from the comics, indeed story wise I generally prefer the comics to the show... BUT THERE IS NO VENUS AND IT SUCKS)

Outside of that / in the show proper.... hmm. I can't really think of one, to be honest?

======

Stingray: Again, the reoccuring and severe issue of the ladies being written out of the comics. Hate it so much beucase OUTSIDE of that the comics are TONS of fun.

As for the show proper obviously Phones once again Nah, nah. While he was underutilized, I can't honestly say that Phones was done dirty by the creators XD

I'm gonna go with an odd one here, and say the Aquaphibians. Their abilities tend to vary WIDELY, and we tend to get either 'totally evil and crazy to boot and want to kill anything that is not us (Triton and his forces) or... kinda useless and passive characters who don't DO anything on their own / need constant saving. Marina is an exception to this (even if she DOES get herself in trouble on the regular, she isn't PASSIVE and always TRIES. ***TRYING OCCURED*** success varies, and mind she DOES save the day quite often, but rather like Troy there is a strong trend of 'trying occurred, success debatable' XD

But the Aquaphibians OUTSIDE of her (not including evil ones) Just don't get to DO much of anything

======

Lady Penelope: Parker in the show, particularly in the two films. He just... came across as less useful and having less courage in the show/films than he did in the comics (and ESPECIALLY the novels. Parker got to SHINE in the LP and TB novels. Theydon obviously loved Parker and it shows). But outside of one or two moments when he got to show off his skills, Parker gets undercut in the show proper (and particularly in the films), which is too bad becuase he's REALLY AWESOME in the comics and novels.

TAG Penny: Penny herself. I don't get WHY the creators went the route they did with Penny.... maybe they didn't want two bad ass spies in the show? But if you could 'only have one'... PENNY SHOULD HAVE KEPT HER SPY STATUS, she is one of the FIRST female spy characters, was a 'female James Bond' and was (And is) quite an icon for who and what she was, esp for how EARLY it was in film/television.... Just let Penny be the special ops/spy and give Kayo her own skillset - focus more on the security side of things and drop the special ops for her. But as it stands, Penny got nerfed pretty badly in TAG. She's young, naive, uncertain of herself, has no combat or stealth skills, gets quite emotional (and fearful) fairly often, and even her socialite skills feel... a bit roughshod and 'just getting started'. *shrugs* I like her, but only so long as I consider her to be an OC that happens to share the same name as the og Penny.

======

Thunderbirds: Comics erasing Grandma and TinTin. Again, REALLY SUCKS given how much I love the comic stories.

In the show proper... Grandma. She comes across as foolish and fearful in "Move... and You're Dead!" and then doesn't really get to DO ANYTHING in the other episodes outside of remembering the Underground one time. The novels, thankfully, correct this - making her a calm and strong willed, yet still incredibly KIND and down to earth woman, who gets to really hold the family together and pulls Jeff out of a vicious depressive spiral when it seems like Alan, Virgil, and Scott have been killed; TinTin, Brains, and Lady Penelope have been kidnapped; and the Hood has successfully captured Thunderbird Three. It's one of my favorite moments IN the novels, and it really defined Grandma Tracy to me when I was a kid, so I ended up quite disappointed when she didn't really get moments like she did in the novels in the show. We get a GLIMPSE of it in Vault of Death (and End of the Road as well to a degree) but I never really got to see the Grandma I'd come to know in the novels in the show.

TAG: Can I count machines in this? BECUASE I REALLY WANT TO!! :( Thunderbird One got NERFED, y'all. In making it where all the TBs can solo missions (and removing Scott's role as Field Commander... seriously, does Scott get to succeed in ANY mission solo?! He doesn't ever really act as commander, that goes to Sally, and every time he's on a rescue he seems to just do what others tell him to do instead of soloing it), One got nerfed. She's FAST yes, but her sensor/scanner array is gone, she lacks the ability to bring gear (or people) to rescues so the rescues she can solo are HIGHLY limited, and it just... feels like they kept the basics of each craft without really understanding the role each craft brought to the table. Four and Three weren't used that often simply becuase they were HIGHLY specialized (and you has WASP and WARP/Fireballs canonically handling rescues in those areas so there wasn't much call for them... and technically Four is a Pod vehicle like the Mole and Firefly and Domo... it's just that she's GORDON'S personal craft, thus she s given the Thunderbird status because THAT IS WHAT MAKES A CRAFT A THUNDERBIRD - and is what thunderbird 6 didn't understand. If Gordon had been focused on mining or firefighting, Thunderbird Four would have been the Mole/Firefly and not the sub) five was the communications hub and rescue call receiver, two was the workhorse/ heavy hauler... one's purpose was to GET ON SITE FAST so that Scott could figure out what they needed / how to affect the rescue... and in the comics and novels, there are many times that Scott just coordinates the rescue with locals and/or acts as a scout to find a missing person or the like.

04 Film: Gordon, Virgil, and Scott. They could have been written out of the Film and no one would have noticed :(

======

Captain Scarlet: hrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmm.... ....oh this one is HARD. I guess if I had to choose, then it'd be Black. We only get a glimpse of who he was before hand, and the show treats him as if he was VOLUNTARILY helping the Mysterons / is evil himself (even to the point that he is called a Mysteron Agent) when he is really the first victim of the Mysterons and one held and tortured by them the longest. ...we're told in supplemental material that Black was a REALLY GOOD man, honorable and admired by pretty much everyone that knew him. It feels like the creators did him dirty when who he is/was is never mentioned and no attempt is made to save him or even specify that he (basically) is just the Mysterons using him as a mask

new Captain Scarlet: Destiny (and Magenta). They managed to take one of the top five most popular characters from the OG and turn her (and Magenta) into the most disliked by the fanbase - to the point where both were basically written out of Season 2 as much as possible. I went in expecting to LOVE Destiny as she has long been in my top 3 CS characters... and it ended up being the Godfather 'look at how they massacred my boy' meme

[lonely-dog-draws]

numbness

[douxie-casperan]

Rise of the Titans and the assassination Hisirdoux Casperan’s character development

I’ve been ranting so much since Wednesday morning that I finally condensed by thoughts of WHY this one subject keeps setting me off namely the utterly diabolical way they handled Douxie and Archie’s relationship in Rise of the Titans and how it wasn’t just enough to hit him with the nerf bat.

Please note I’m at the point where I literally cannot tell the difference between Aaron headcanons, Teny headcanons and my own they are all mixed together in the blender that does funky things. I also apologise for typo/weird wording it’s half 1 in the morning and I’d rather sleep than edit.

~

If asked to sum up Hisirdoux Casperan there are certainly several things that come to mind:

Sees the value in people as a whole and will find do anything if there is a chance of help someone out

Prefers tactics that disable/banish rather than kill an enemy yet willing and able to pull the trigger if circumstances become forced

While not academically inclined he is very capable of thinking on his feet and outside the box calling back to his time on the streets where a split-second decision making is the difference between being caught and not

Terrible at planning he’ll be in there figuring it out as he goes along which is what makes the previous point so vital to literally how he goes through life

A natural charmer that would let him talk his way out of trouble 9/10 providing a perfect cover for his distrustful nature and reluctance to be touched by random people

Very down to earth, humble and never one to brag unless outright sassing someone

Will bang out some hot tunes at the drop of a hat, his love of music has never wavered once since he caught the bug despite instrument hopping ironically becoming a jack of all trades much like his magic style

The earliest memories he can recall are him as a young boy lost in the woods where he was for an unknown amount of time before his soon to be familiar finds him amongst the roots covered in dirt and drying tears, there is nothing before that. Unbeknownst to him is the colour of his magic matches the blue of a lost mother’s eyes and the song that haunts his nightmares as much as fire could well be hers though there is no way to be sure. From that moment on Archibald, shortened to Archie, would become his entire world and their friendship only becoming closer during the years they prowled Camelot together trying to keep themselves in one piece until the fateful day Douxie tricks the wrong person leading him straight into the path of the famous wizard Merlin Ambrosius.

It's no real secret that Merlin is a very closed off person who keeps his emotions as well guarded as his secrets, prefers the style of negative reinforcement over positive encouragement and is a very strict perfectionist in his. At this point in his life he can be very easily described as a disaster that is genuinely doing his best with every little mistake held of his head and his future self when brought back to that time period is belittled by Lancelot (Errand boy) and Arthur (Boy) too meaning it’s hardly a wonder his confidence was very fragile revelling in the times where he could do things without being told off for it. With Morgana largely ignoring him too (Though personally I like to think as he got older she’d occasionally take an interest until the blistering arguments with their master started to talk over daily life) a certain disguised dragon would have remained a lifeline and give that physical affection he craved much like being told he’d done well never seemed able to earn.

With Killahead he’d lose that home and family he made leaving just the two of them behind struggling to figure out their place in the world that had abandoned them.

There wouldn’t have been the words for it back then but the way he had been treated prior was outright abusive instilling very bad habits into Douxie yet by irony he was always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and help those in trouble without thinking earning a reputation as the Shepard of Fire. He refused to become like him seeking to be better, perhaps not as a wizard (Even though he was learning new charms and spells along the way) but certainly as a person. Despite everything he suffers through or witnesses in the intervening years, the loss of friends and kindling of far newer ones he never loses his good heart 

That said is it any wonder that after rightfully sassing Merlin for resurfacing, ignoring his existence despite being in the same town and only visiting him to run a finding errand that all the confidence he’d managed to build completely from scratch after Camelot wavered causing him to fall back solely into trying impressing his old Master who was acting like his humble apprentice must have coasted the past few centuries who himself fell back into old habits of belittling? It’s only when Merlin started to truly listen and acknowledge that this was not the same Moppet he once knew after Excalibur was fixed that their relationship finally started to become more like equals. After the defeat of Janus the changeling that broke into the castle he touched Douxie’s shoulder with a genuine smile and for a second he simply didn’t know what to do because the old man never did this before his brain kicked into gear and realised he’d finally earned that one thing he’d been so desperate for his entire life: That in Merlin’s eyes he could be more than a failure who only caused problems for the closest thing to a father figure he’d ever had, never solved them.

A staff will be earned, history would be set back on trap by banishing Morgana tag teaming with Archie because they know one another inside and out, as promised he’d get the kids back to the present but soon after things would go badly wrong. They’d lose Jim and because of his very nature he’d make a gamble to try and get him back because that life is worth trying for just for in a moment of surprising selflessness Merlin would be sacrificed to save him. The only constant in his life apart from Archie would apologise, openly express pride and how the greatest thing he’d ever done was saving this orphan, call him son for the first and final time before turning into ash in his arms. There would be no time to grieve for things will barrel into the crescendo of Douxie sacrificing his own life to buy everyone time to escape because if they did that everything he’d ever done would be worth it with one last whispered goodbye.

(Zoe sees him fall, so does Archie – His heart would break if he was conscious just like theirs does when his body crumples into the ground)

On the very fringes of the Light Realm he is gifted one more conversation with Merlin in a truly heart-breaking sequence (THANKS TENY) where they can just talk without any fear of consequence or politics and just be completely honest. Douxie is allowed to stand equal to Merlin, to have the hug he’d needed since he was a child and be allowed to simply let go of every pretense and cry his heart out because this can never happen again. He’s allowed to say goodbye to both his master and Morgana who had both shaped so very much of his life but like the painting he’d always remained firmly in the long shadows of until that moment.

When Hisirdoux Casperan finally leaves Wizards if we just accidently deliberately put the shawarma back in along with checking in with Zoe before departure, it is with having learned to live during his wandering years but this is the point of true freedom because he can finally escape into his own light with Archie by his side to keep Nari out of the hands of those that would see the world harmed. It won’t be easy but it feels possible somehow even with the knowledge everything is simply running on borrowed time.

Then Rise of the Titans happens.

At first everything is genuinely fine! No more running, they engineer a solution shut the Order’s magic down to make them a lot less dangerous and potentially at least incapacitate them until they can come up with a longer-term solution but all the best laid plans and all that. Douxie’s quick thinking stops the train from crushing any of the people below and it’s a very him style move to switch places with Nari to stall for time because for some reason the plot disabled Claire from portaling her or any of the threatened people/heroes to safety. He openly sasses the Order despite knowing the consequences will be bad for him because once again he’s managed to trick them, buy time that at the other end isn’t even slightly utilised until he’s forced back into his own body in excruciating pain. Archie immediately mobs him with comfort just as he has done every single time the wizard is distressed or collapsed with exhaustion without thinking because that is what their bond is like, incredibly close and far more than the Soul Bond mark that connects them together. They’re very alike in that regard, you have to earn the right to touch while equally knowing exactly what form the other needs the most in that precise moment in a way very few others could.

Bar the moment of figuring out that an illusion is in place to hide where the Order is opening the Genesis Seals and the brief insistence on reconnecting with Nari somehow Douxie manages to forget everything that makes him who he is after this point choosing to stand in the background being very no thoughts head empty or can only use the most basic spells of his youthful days not the seasoned master wizard he should be. Nomura is treated like an innocent slip rather than an outright death he did absolutely nothing to prevent (Not to mention the stupid daytime thing) nor seems to care particularly about afterwards yet with Nari’s he’s allowed to openly grieve in a gorgeously animated visual showing how he’d failed to keep her safe despite everything. He did nothing to help here either mind despite allowing himself to be tortured in the same piece of media to keep her safe, just watched another loss happen right in front of his eyes in his conga long line of them.

Then there’s Archie, oh god then there was Archie.

The dragon who even here he’d been shown to have an incredibly close bond with him decides you know what sod that tell him goodbye I’m going to make a joke about having a kingdom now dad and me are trapped in here forever. Douxie on his part looked sad for all of three seconds saying that he hoped he’s happy like it's a pet that wandered out into the world one day and never came back instead of a lifelong companion that has been there for as long as he can remember. He was now completely alone in the world since Zoe was also written out entirely and because every bit of his background had been forgotten about it somehow meant nothing. This wasn’t “I know you miss him, I know you need to grieve but you are running out of time” moment like things had been with Charlie, this was “cool shapeshifting dragon cat is now stuck in a plot hole that’s a shame” with zero pay off or any of the genuine reaction that should have been there or hell even trying to Ohana him back that very second because it never should have happened in the first place. Then even this wasn’t enough somehow, they managed to de-power Douxie even further into uselessness bar the (Admittedly nifty!) sticky feet stunt, the one who fought Skrael and Bellroc to a stalemate was shunted aside with barely a thought and his head would somehow get even emptier.

The one person who knew the danger of time magic the most stood by and said nothing.

The one person who would suffer the most by a reset because the lynchpin to his issues would be asleep if you got it wrong and should have drilled it into Jim’s head the best time to aim for stood by and said nothing.

The one person who had just suffered the loss of his familiar, best friend and only family along with the almost sister like Nari stood by and said nothing.

Then to add further insult to injury the caption when Douxie and Archie is shown says Some go their entire lives living an existence of quiet desperation because every drop of his character growth, his ability to finally start addressing his trauma instilled back in the 12th century, the staff he longed for was instead openly mocked by going “Aww he got his cat friend back how nice!” Everything he’d rightfully earned and had now would be unable to progress until certain criteria are met because it hinges entirely on the Trollhunter going to Merlin’s tomb and there’s only so much your support network of two (One if she’s written out) can do, the root of the majority of his issues all stem from one man.

And this folks is why I’ve been going on multiple rants about Douxie in particular, everyone was hit with the out of character bat to some degree in this film but when they came for him they didn’t just stop after they took his legs out because they wanted him to suffer from something he’s never had any control over to begin with all over again. Abuse survivors deserve better, these characters deserve better and we as viewers deserve far far better writing than we were forced to endure.

[chayscribbles]

chayscribbles’ monthly writing update ☆ january 2022

☆ STATISTICS.

words written: 9681. about half of this comes from the last 4 days oops

projects worked on: Andromeda Rising

proudest accomplishment: honestly the fact that i wrote anything at all this month is a feat lmao

☆ GENERAL COMMENTS.

january has been a Month

i started drafting AR3 on january 1st with very little planned, very quickly ran into a wall, got nerfed by work getting super busy & burned out from everything for about 2 weeks. then, in the last 4 days, i decided to restart AR3 and also spontaneously move blogs and start crocheting a sweater. (hello where has that energy been all month???)

and that’s what you missed on glee!

more specific wip-related comments + featured excerpt below.

☆ COMMENTS: ANDROMEDA RISING

so as i mentioned earlier i started AR3 a second time. well not as much restarting as restructuring. i think i went into it a little too quickly the first time, without really knowing what i wanted to do or being completely sold on what i had. taking a break to step back certainly helped.

AR3 is turning out to be... something. i’d been starting to get scared AR in general was too marketable so i’m really trying to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone. also i think reading the locked tomb books specifically encouraged me to try making my writing weirder so thanks, Tamsyn Muir!

here’s some of what you can expect in AR3:

astral projection into dreams!

long-distance psychic links!

body switching!

magic plant-based psychotherapy (with questionable results)!

very bad decisions being made!

star deities??? maybe??? (still working on that)

the power of love and friendship!

somehow Azami is the most adjusted one in the gang at this point?

and whatever else my brain throws at me!

☆ FEATURED EXCERPT.

have some Nenazami! this is from Nena’s POV.

Azami herself trod beside [Nena] as they made their way through the temple, wearing the traditional clothes worshippers wore to the temple, which vendors were selling for cheap in the stalls that lined the gates— a long, flowy robe of deep green that concealed her curves, paired with a matching headscarf under which her long black hair was hidden, and gold embroidered leaves adorned the garments’ edges. It wasn’t mandatory to wear, but the most devout worshippers wore it anyway when visiting the temple, especially during the festival. And it had the bonus effect of hiding her identity.

“I look ridiculous,” Azami had huffed once she had put on the outfit.

“You look just fine,” Nena had reassured her. “You make it actually look good.”

Azami huffed again and turned her face away, but not before Nena caught a shade of red creeping across her freckled nose. It was too easy and too amusing to get her flustered.

☆ TAGLISTS. let me know if you want to be added/removed to either. also i restarted my taglists so if you haven’t reconfirmed that you want to be tagged pls do so!

general taglist

@chaotic-queer-disaster @dgwriteblr @the-orangeauthor @stormharbors @quilloftheclouds @ashen-crest @writeblrfantasy @celestepens @stardustspiral @pepperdee @extra-magichours @avi-why @lefttigerobservation @chazzawrites

andromeda trilogy taglist:

@bebewrites @chaotic-queer-disaster @magnoliaash @dgwriteblr @the-orangeauthor @stormharbors @akindofmagictoo @quilloftheclouds @nora-theteawriter @ashen-crest @c4nnibal @writeblrfantasy @toboldlywrite @celestepens @stardustspiral @pepperdee @cheerfulmelancholies @extra-magichours @writeouswriter @cilly-the-writer @lefttigerobservation

[wickedscribbles]

Come What May, Chapter Three

A/N: Thank you guys so much for the support! It means a lot. <3 

Masterlist

Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi x Original Female Character (Second Person Perspective)

Rating: Explicit

Tags: fluff, teasing, being in a relationship with Obi-Wan means witty banter, spoil Obi-Wan damn it the man is TIRED, fantasizing in places you shouldn’t, Obi-Wan being a bit of a tease, Jedi are touch-starved, loss of virginity (for both parties), cock riding

Word Count: 6.3 K

You're sure that all this sneaking around isn't part of the Code, either. But in the middle of a war, you and Obi-Wan take what you can get. With one or both of you needed off-planet more and more often, even being back at the Temple to sneak around with one another is welcome. Disputes between Republic and Separatist planets are only getting more tense. As Jedi, you both have your duties. Obi-Wan as a General, and you as a healer.

Life is busy, sometimes overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re on the front line, holding the hand of a soldier, or home on Coruscant tending to Jedi and low-level civilians. The thing that keeps your gut from gnawing itself to pieces with worry for Obi-Wan is your comm blinking with his encrypted message. One word; safe. He never forgets. Though you can’t feel through your bond off-planet, you can at least relax enough to sleep before typing your own reply. Safe. No matter where you are, he insists on knowing the same is true on your end.

So when you feel a flicker of him among the hundreds of other souls coming in and out of the Temple, you don’t hesitate to reach out in excitement. Obi-Wan hadn’t said when he’d arrive the last time you were able to speak, just that he would be back at the Temple soon. Forgetting yourself, you push out for his own life Force, a wordless wave of happiness. The colicky baby you’re comforting in the creche feels it too, going from the brink of a tantrum to a wide-eyed smile.

!!!!

Hello there, he says, answering with his own push of delight that you’ve found him, that you’re home too. Underneath it runs a silent warning in the form of his usual anxiety. However happy you both are, you must be quieter. You tell him you understand, duck your head though he’s not there in the room to admonish you.

Obi-Wan’s nerves fade, replaced by the usual rush of curiosity that bubbles up from both of you after an absence. There will be dozens of questions, when you're together to talk. It’s difficult to have a real conversation through the commlink without raising suspicion, so reunions are full of stories. For now, though, you ask only one.

Where are you?

Come and see, he says mysteriously. You can almost see the grin on his face. You roll your eyes at the unnecessary antics, but can’t bite back a smile. Negotiations must have gone well for him to be teasing you.

The baby fusses again in your arms, and you stroke his head to soothe him. “I know, Myn. We’ll get you to bed, then see where Master Kenobi is hiding. Now, let's help you feel better.”

----

He's not where you expect him to be.

After an unsuccessful visit to each of his favorite spots, you find the scoundrel sitting in the main refectory. In a room meant for hundreds, only around a dozen mill about or eat at this hour. Each long table has an average of only one or two occupants, and most of the holodisplays are buzzing on standby. Droids roll around, mopping tables and cleaning spills. The transparisteel windows are open, letting in a nice evening breeze. Obi-Wan is one of the few, looking out of place in armor. He must have really just gotten home, then.

Your breath catches to even recognize the back of his head. Between your conflicting schedules, a month has passed since you've seen him. Gods, you wish you could run over. Wish you could beam at him, in this public space, wrap him up and breathe him in. He'd smell a little strange, blaster fire and recycled air and foreign planets. But under it all, undeniably Obi-Wan. Jedi Master, War General, and secret giver of the best hugs.

Not just hugs, you sigh to yourself, thinking of the last time he was home. Every step you force yourself to walk over to him only makes the memory that much clearer. As inexperienced as the both of you'd started, Master Obi-Wan was proving to be an attentive and voracious partner. Seeming as eager to please as he was to learn, you never left disappointed. After his initial reluctance for intimacy, you'd watched him shyly blossom under the attention you gave him.

In return, your accidental Force bond positively shines, and being connected to another living being this way is an experience you wouldn't trade for anything -- sexual encounters or not. You find yourself similar to him in ways that surprise and delight you -- and your differences aren’t so monumental. After all, the most tender parts of your minds, your souls, are often laid bare for one another. Though you've only been together for a few months, and even then for a few stolen moments, you feel comfortable with him, and he with you. Any concerns or discomforts are hard or impossible to hide. In this way, the bond often forces honesty.

It doesn’t surprise you that Obi-Wan isn’t alone at his table. Seen as something of a celebrity among the younglings and Padawans, they tend to swarm him when they get an opportunity. He’s ever-patient about it, always managing to find time for them, which you find unbearably sweet. Sitting with him now is a familiar group of young Padawans. They seem intent on asking questions how to improve their saber technique at every turn, though they’ve only just built their own weapons.

Children their age aren’t exactly your specialty. It always makes your stomach roil with nerves when you think that soon you must take your own Padawan. But even you have to admit that they’re sweet, all nerf-tails and braids and wide eyes. They hang onto Master Kenobi’s every word. A check of your bond reveals that he’s in full lecture mode, and isn’t even aware that you’re behind him. He’s busy making sure that the way he explains the difference in lightsaber forms is easy for them to understand, while still being comprehensive.

It’s almost a shame when Master Windu locates his Padawan, the ringleader, and scolds the group away for bothering Obi-Wan when he’s trying to enjoy a late dinner. You were enjoying the explanation of the differences between Juyo and Vaapad. Though the topic was a little advanced for the group, Master Obi-Wan rarely turns away an honest question.

"Did you do that just to make me walk around the entire Temple?" you say after they’ve cleared out. "I checked the gardens, the library, the Fountain Room, the docking bay…"

Obi-Wan lights up when he hears you, turning with an easy smile that morphs into a look of mischief. This time he's the one to reach out through the bond, and you accept it as willingly as a full embrace. You take the seat across from him, keeping your body language casual though you can’t help beaming. Obi-Wan looks just as pleased -- arms crossed on the table though his Force tells you he’d love to take your hand. You know he’s right to worry; you can’t take bold chances. Everyone must be fooled into thinking that what’s developed between you is a friendship, and nothing more, if you’re to get away with this.

"I wasn't hiding. I really did come straight here. You've had what they serve on the clone ships." A wrinkle of displeasure travels mutually between you. Food served in the Temple couldn't exactly be called the height of luxury, but what they served the troops was downright flavorless. You've never heard a clone complain about it, bless them. In front of him sits an empty bowl and a half-finished cup of what has to be tea.

"Fine. I guess I'll forgive you." The look you give him is a little too cheeky, but no one's watching.

"Oh, a thousand thanks," he replies, every bit as taunting. He places his chin in his hand and smirks, looking far too cute in far too public of a setting. Maker, he’s starting to figure it out, isn’t he? The effect he has on you. He’s dangerous in many ways, but this might be the most threatening he’s ever been.

“Got you something,” you announce, changing the subject. You hope he doesn’t notice the deep breath you have to take to steady yourself. Before he can protest -- because you know without looking up that Obi-Wan will protest -- you untie a pouch from your belt.

Sure enough, he’s got the look. Normally reserved for Anakin, it’s all disapproval and scrunched brows. And of course, it’s still attractive. How does Anakin get anything done? Anakin doesn’t have the kind of daydreams you do. At least, he probably doesn’t.

“I thought we’d discussed this. It isn’t wise to --”

“Master,” you interrupt, unwrapping the package. The fancy paper crinkles under your fingers, and you're trying not to make a lot of noise. “I’m pretty sure that this won’t blow our cover.”

“Well, I still don’t --”

You peel back the plastic sleeve on the package, revealing half a dozen cookies. They’re an off-planet delicacy you’d discovered in a little tea shop in the mid-levels, each about as big around as your pinky finger is long. Each is a different flavor, with some sort of icing sandwiched between two halves of the confection. All you know for sure is that the sample you’d been coaxed into trying had melted like butter on your tongue. You were handing over credits before the Twi’lek behind the counter had to persuade you any further.

“ -- oh!” His reproach melts away in seconds. “You’ve brought biscuits. I - I suppose that’s fine.”

“Oh, I see how it is.” you tease, pulling one out and handing it to him. It looks like your hunch to bring this gift is right on the money; you’ve seen how keen he is to get to the refectory on the nights they serve desserts. A part of you -- a very un-Jedi part -- had been thinking of him. Had wanted to get him something, something that would sit on the desk in your room until he returned, something small enough that he wouldn't fuss over it. You'd wanted to spoil him in the tiniest of ways, knowing how hard he drives himself.

Obi-Wan takes it with barely disguised delight. You watch him bite into it, amused, thinking of all the times he and the other Masters have lectured you on the ways of a Jedi. Something about conquering curiosity would have been said, had the positions been flipped. “Do you like it?”

He nods happily, licking a crumb from the corner of his mouth. "'S good."

You try not to focus on the pink tip of his tongue, how quickly it slips over his lip and then disappears again. That tongue had been your undoing, when it had last touched your body. Stop thinking about that here!

His eyes dart down to the package, and you know he wants another one.

"Take one, I got them for you." You pry another loose, offering it easily. It makes you happy to see him let himself want something -- and to know that you can give it to him. The Code has its purposes, sure. But sometimes it's nice to detach from grace and serenity, and just...enjoy.

As long as you aren't devastating your own way of life, razing it to the ground as former Jedi-turned-Sith have done, you see no harm in feeding Obi-Wan Kenobi a cookie. Or doing other things with him, far from prying eyes.

He doesn't seem to see it as a capital offense either, and lets you feed him the second one with a happy hum. His eyes flutter closed for a moment as he savors the taste, far sweeter than anything they serve here in the refectory. When he finishes this one, a blue crumb sticks to his bottom lip.

"Master."

"Mm?" He tilts his head ever so slightly, blue crumb not budging.

"You've got something."

"Got -- got what?"

"On your face," you struggle to keep your tone even, hold in a laugh. He looks -- he looks silly. One eyebrow quirked, no idea what you're talking about though it should be obvious. Master Obi-Wan, cookie crumbs on his face, looking at you like you're the one two screws short of a saber hilt.

Predictably, when he puts a hand to his mouth to brush it away, he's nowhere near the actual crumb. This goes on for several frustrating seconds, until you finally look to see if anyone's watching and brush it away yourself. Your thumb lingers on his bottom lip.

"Gosh. You were a parsec away," you chuckle, savoring the memory of his very real confusion.

But something in his gaze has shifted. Obi-Wan looks right at you, your thumb still light on his bottom lip, and licks a slow stripe over the pad of it.

The bond, so carefully shielded after you greeted one another, breaks open like a crust. Desire builds on his end, warmth that soon becomes an unbearable heat. It feels like it's flooding you, a steady stream in your chest, your limbs, your feet. You spare a thought to sift through the Force for the others in the room, too captivated with what’s in front of you to look. No one feels shocked or surprised or even interested in you.

Parting his lips further, Obi-Wan takes your thumb into his mouth and sucks, only for a moment, but you shudder. This is so damn bold of him, this tiny thing, but it sends you spiraling.

Sometimes you don't make it easy to think clearly.

You pull your hand away, hearing him speak in your mind. Everything he's not saying, out loud or through the bond, swirls between you. How he's been aching for you since you realized he'd arrived back at the Temple. How hard it's been to hold back from doing all the things that you want to do, as soon as you laid eyes on one another. How he wants you, now.

"My room or yours?" you murmur.

"Mine." He answers, barely above a whisper. Though you know it's more logical to go there -- the Master's quarters are always less occupied -- a little thrill always runs through you. You watch his hands clench and unclench on the table, considering something.

"Wait an hour before you join me," he adds.

An hour? you whine.

Far less suspicious this way, he answers, though you can feel his returning tug of desire, of impatience.

"What do you say if you're found outside my quarters?"

"I'm watering Master Kenobi's plants while he's away," you recite. Not a lie in the slightest; you kept the growing collection in excellent health. And it gave you a reason to be in his room every few days, whether he was actually on-planet or not. Watering the plants...taking in the smell of Obi-Wan that still clung to the bedsheets and robes, leaving your own scent.

"Good girl," he says. Again, your mind darts to the last time he'd praised you that way -- where his mouth had been. Immediately, he seems to remember too; color floods his cheeks and he’s suddenly very interested in the tabletop.

You brighten at the words, even as he blushes to say it so publicly. Like he hadn't just been suckling your finger. Not exactly what a Master would say to a Padawan -- and you haven't been a Padawan in years. His blue eyes burn into yours with a hunger, and you feel one last little touch through the bond before he gets up from the table. He doesn’t look back.

Lingering a little longer, you head to the Fountain Room with a long sigh. Meditating away your arousal is not going to be easy.

The hour passes in uncomfortable slowness. You haven't been this unfocused in meditation since you were a youngling, but you're squirming for a different reason. It takes almost forty minutes for the roar of the fountains to lull you to relaxation, and once you realize that the hour has almost passed, you slip and have to start all over. Even Obi-Wan would scold you for the way you shift and fidget, the living Force all around you but your mind too disconnected to reach out.

So you resort to pretending. You remain in a meditative stance, but simply count in your head instead. It’s a Padawan trick, and part of you feels guilty, even though there’s no one around to watch. You almost expect Master Rancisis to slither up behind you, insisting that he was not angry, only disappointed.

When the hour finally trickles to an end, you get to your feet. It takes a fair amount of restraint not to break into a jog when you reach the end of the Temple where Knights and Masters live. Muscle memory takes you easily to the door of Obi-Wan’s room, though it’s identical to the others around it.

Knock knock, you say, bouncing on the balls of your feet outside the door. In response, the lock clicks open. You slide inside and close the door in one motion, locking it again behind you.

Obi-Wan’s room is structured much like every other Jedi’s quarters. It looks quite like your own. Each sports the same bed, wallpaper, desk. The differences are its inhabitant, and the rank of Master.

While your room is boxy, not leaving much space to move, Obi-Wan’s can easily be walked around in. Potted plants adorn the small windowsill, beginning to crowd it. He’s been able to get more since you started watering them. The short bookshelf next to the bed has watermarks on the end from how many times he’s placed a teacup there. In the corner, he even has an attached fresher -- the source of much envy when you first found out.

But all this would feel empty without Obi-Wan sitting cross-legged on the bed, out of his armor and looking freshly showered. His boots are tucked neatly at the foot of the bed, so he sits in his sock feet. An unguarded, toothy grin lights up his face as he lifts his arms for a hug. The bond slams together two seconds before you get there, mingling and tasting and feeling each other’s life Force without restraint. You embrace him tightly, burying your own smile in his neck as the two of you fall back on the mattress.

Missed you, you say, pressing a kiss to his jaw. It makes him squeeze you tighter, his sigh moving a few strands of your hair.

Your life Force is a little too jumbled right now, overwhelmed with his closeness, both in your mind and in your arms. Images roll from you in ways you don’t really mean to send them. Obi-Wan, head ducked between your legs, the last time he was home. Your own hands, plucking dead leaves from one of the plants on the sill. Bending over a clone trooper, gently encouraging his wound to close with the Force. The lowest, most-poverty stricken levels of Coruscant. Setting up a clinic tent there with a few other healers when you’re not occupied with other war efforts. A little girl squealing in excitement when she realized she got a sweet for being good during her treatment.

In return, Obi-Wan shows you his own line of thought, and where he’s been. The way your lip wobbled when he’d looked up from eating you out, pupils huge and eyes pleading. How that image had been enough to make him spill in his hand in one of the Resolute’s freshers, a week later. The sweaty-humid jungles of Felucia, the heat making his tunics stick to his skin. Anakin singing some shanty with the 501st on the ride home, in high spirits. Commander Cody shaking his head when his own boys started in, making the lyrics even dirtier. (Obi-Wan had held Ahsoka’s lekku tight so she didn’t hear anything after that.) How good you smell to him now, all vanilla and grass after a thunderstorm and something he can never identify.

“I’m willing to bet,” he says, shifting you both so that you lie side by side, “that I missed you far more.”

“Master,” you say innocently. “It’s not a competition.” You slide your thigh between his legs, pleased at how readily he allows it, how he draws you closer. His cock presses against you, almost fully hard. The pressure elicits a small gasp from him, and a smirk from you.

Obi-Wan thinks on your remark for a moment. “No,” he admits. “But there may be a struggle.”

And with that, he claims your mouth with his own. He feels so warm, so safe. Calloused fingers slide up to caress your face, and you melt even more.

Though both of you are wound tight with anticipation, his kisses drag slow over your lips, sweet and lingering. You let him lead, a little dazed when one of his hands starts trailing absently up and down your side. He tastes like the cookies you fed him. The dominant note of sugar overcomes the usual flavor of Obi-Wan that you're used to, though it's hard to complain.

You curl yourself closer, tighter into his chest, wanting as much contact as possible. Being with Obi-Wan makes you feel vulnerable in a way you never get to be otherwise. There's a part of you that wants to be tended to. Maybe it comes from being raised among dozens of other children in the creche, with no minder giving you specific care or attention beyond what was required. A lesson before the lesson, that Jedi were not supposed to form attachments this way. It's too late for you now -- no matter what you'd promised Obi-Wan, you are very much attached.

"Your thoughts betray you, dear one," Obi-Wan murmurs in the shell of your ear. You can hear his smile through the gentle scolding. Like he isn't just as fond of you.

"And your body betrays you," you shoot back, rubbing your thigh against his dick once more. It jerks at the attention, always eager to make itself known when you're involved.

He laughs a little at that, the sound low and conceding. "So it does."

"What will we do about it?" you ask. You lean in and place a string of kisses down his throat, teasing the sensitive place right below his ear. His shaky inhale and flash of excitement through the bond tell you all you need to know about how it affects him.

“Anything,” says Obi-Wan. "Anything you want." You hear him swallow, trying to keep it together. Collecting himself, using the patience that comes with the training of a Jedi Master. You can see him losing his grip, but it's not enough. You want him utterly lost.

But as luck would have it, you have a trick up your sleeve that might change things.

"I want this," you reach down and grab his dick, giving it a firm squeeze, "inside me."

His breathing grows harsher. "We -- I -- we can't." Even as he arches into your touch, wanting it. You can feel the damp spot through the thin material of his trousers, evidence of his excitement for you. Gods, he looks good like this. Not letting up, you cup Obi-Wan's erection harder, unable to bite back a whine of your own.

Obi-Wan had refused to enter you without guaranteed protection, which for him meant something more reliable than condoms. (Stars, no matter how much you begged.) An implant chip had been difficult, but not impossible, for you to get.

"We can. See?"

You flex the implanted arm, where the chip sits underneath the surface of the skin. His eyes track the movement, then a finger comes up to trace the tiny device.

"You really got it," he says, almost to himself. The finger presses gently into your arm, moving the chip in little circles. Like he's checking to make sure it's really there. "I didn't think…"

"Didn't think it would ever be a possibility?" you finish. "I have my connections, Master."

Obi-Wan sends a wave of suspicion through the bond, so you show him how it was obtained. As a Jedi healer, you keep in contact with other medical centers throughout Coruscant, trade resources and sometimes favors. It just so happens that you were able to stop by in plainclothes and receive the implant, off-record, from one of your colleagues. Paid for, of course. Evidence of your visit just happened to disappear from the data system after your friend inserted the chip.

"I can't say I entirely agree with your methods," he admits. "Still, I much prefer it to you risking one from the black market."

"I wouldn't take that kind of chance."

"I know." He kisses your cheek. "You're smarter than that. But desperation can drive us to do things we normally wouldn't."

You squirm, happy that he's okay with what you've done, but getting restless. In your hand, his cock hasn't softened a bit, but from the way he's speaking, you wouldn't think it. How does he do it? The Knights you'd been with before hadn't had a quarter of his self control. Then again, they aren't half the man that Obi-Wan is.

"Speaking of desperation." You let out a small laugh, half breathlessness, half embarrassment. Your pulse is racing, and you know he can tell how badly you want him. "Please, Master? Take me?"

And you feel the waver. His serenity shivering like a mirage in the sand. The physical proof of how hard he's trying to keep it together in your hand jolts again at your words, how politely you beg for him. You know he loves it.

"Little one." His voice is low in your ear, something about the tone strange and new and dangerous. "Are you sure you know what you're asking for?"

You nod vigorously. "Obi-Wan, I -- I've wanted this for so long. Yes."

A flicker of uncertainty shows in his eyes as his hand comes up to cup your cheek once more. "So have I. But if I were to...to hurt you, you must tell me immediately. We can stop as soon as you say. And --" His anxiety is running away, and you break in to stop it.

"Hey. Hey," you put a finger to his lips, and he frowns at the interruption. "Obi-Wan. Listen to the Force. Feel me."

With a shaky breath, he does. Trusting in the Force is something he's been doing his whole life, and asking him to do it now helps calm him down. His half of your bond reaches, nerves spread over his emotions like thorns. When all you have to show him is your eagerness, your excitement, your joy that you finally get to do this with him, much of it relaxes.

I very much want you, Master Kenobi. It will not hurt. Unless...I want it to.

He's silent for a long moment, contemplating your implication. Then, "Trousers off, sweetest."

Yes!

Obi-Wan chuckles at your mental cheering, while you get to your feet and struggle out of your pants and underwear. He follows suit, sitting up on the bed and making quick work of his own clothes. You pause in taking off your tunic, because stars.

If you think he's pretty with clothes on, it's nothing compared to him looking up at you naked. His toned body is covered in fine, coppery hair, and adorned with a scattering of scars. You love to hear him tell their stories. What you love most, though, are the freckles. Almost gold in color and not visible when he's wearing robes, you feel like there are thousands spanning across every inch of the normally hidden skin. Like they exist just for you to kiss and worship. Miniature sunspots, marking his time in the galaxy.

This is the first time he's been fully naked for you, and Obi-Wan seems shy about being on display while you're still half dressed. You are so gorgeous, you think. His cock arcs up toward his belly, leaking a little at the tip. You all but lick your lips, watching a drop of pre-come dribble down his shaft. You want it inside you.

"Then take it," he murmurs, eyes darting back up to yours. One hand pats his own naked thigh, an invitation. His legs spread further, and you moan. "Come here, darling."

You don't need any more persuading. Even if you're nervous, you can't see yourself waiting one second longer for this. So you cross the small distance, crawl toward him on the mattress, and let Obi-Wan wrap his arms around you.

At first, that's where it stays. He sighs into your chest, breathing in the scent of you. You squeak when he reaches around and squeezes your bare ass with one hand, giving you a wry smile. The look almost says, Well? Are you going to ride my dick or not? You’re overwhelmed with how much of him there is to touch, how fucking nice he looks, just sitting there waiting for you. Like he could do it all day, no matter what his dick is saying. Patient and perfect and kind.

So you scoot closer, brushing your wet slit against his length. His nails grip into your naked skin, holding on tight as he watches your face. You relish the idea of his neatly kept fingernails leaving little marks on your hips and ass, where no one will know but you. You take him in your hand, lining him up with your opening, and Obi-Wan bites his lip -- hard. Still not letting more than the softest of gasps leave his mouth.

But as you wrap your legs around his waist and bury his cockhead in your wet warmth, that changes fast. He's barely inside you, testing both of your limits. You rock your hips a little, adjusting to the feeling of having something so large there, though you know this is just the beginning. Obi-Wan looks up at you, eyes huge, stock-still. You can feel him holding back, that perfect composure crumbling.

"This -- alright?" he asks, voice strained as if it's taking everything in him not to push you down onto his entire length.

You run a hand over his chest, taking a moment to appreciate the situation.

"More than," you say, hitching your hips higher. His cock sinks further, only a little, but each of you responds to the sensation. When you try a shallow thrust, Obi-Wan makes a sound suspiciously like a growl.

"Then please," he bites out.

"Please what?" you pull back until his tip sits inside your slit, and you swear he whines. You clench on nothing, wanting him fully seated inside you as much as he does, but teasing him like this is getting both of you so worked up.

"More," he gasps. "need you deeper, gods, don't -- don't tease me --"

Finally. You grin down at him, glad that he's stopped trying to act so composed. His face is flushed with the embarrassment of saying such a thing out loud, but he's looking right at you, determined to make you understand how much he needs it. Obi-Wan tugs at your tunic, hands insisting that it come off and now. You raise your arms and let him strip you bare, not missing the hungry look he gives your tits.

"Of course. All you had to do was ask," you say, and sink onto him completely.

You see his eyes roll back, and he does nothing to stifle the moan of relief and pleasure that rises from his throat. It echoes in the small space, sending dual shivers of fear and excitement through you. He realizes his mistake, uneasiness bristling in his Force signature.

Kriff, you wish that you weren’t doing this in the Temple right now. Because as delicious as he is trying to keep quiet -- all round eyes and stifled whimpers -- you’re greedy. You want more; your name in his mouth, on a desperate cry as he comes. Obi-Wan’s always so loud in your mind, in his pleasure, you can’t imagine what it would be like if he was actually using his voice. Hopefully being with him somewhere less...populated is something you can do in the future. For now, you work with what you’ve got. Starting a shallow rhythm, you ride Obi-Wan’s cock.

“Fuck,” you hiss, hands turning to claws as you scramble for something to hold onto. One wraps around Obi-Wan’s shoulder while the other finds purchase against his chest, your nails digging hard in his skin. He covers the hand with his own, making yours look tiny in comparison.

“Lan --guage --” he says in the middle of a deeper thrust from you, caught off guard. You can only laugh, breathless, too focused on keeping a reasonable volume yourself. It’s like you can feel every single curve and vein of him, like his cock was made to fit snug against your walls. Obi-Wan’s starting to meet your hips with every thrust, chest heaving with his ragged breath. He yanks you closer, your bodies parallel now instead of you sitting on him.

His pupils are blown wide in those deep blue eyes as he fucks you harder, nearly lifting you off of him with the force of it. At this point, you don’t have to do anything but sit there and take it.

“Obi-wan,” you whine. Tension is coiling deep in your stomach, and you’re powerless to stop yourself from giving your throbbing clit attention. But when he realizes what you’re trying to do, he bats your hand away and does it himself, calloused fingers providing a rough stimulus to the most sensitive part of your body. He pinpoints it in seconds, caressing and stroking just the way you like it. You clap a hand over your mouth to stifle the squeak you can’t bite back, spreading your legs further under his soaked fingers.

“If you’re coming,” he growls in your ear, not far off himself, “then I’m going to be the one responsible.”

Fuck fuck fuck fuck --

Maybe it’s the expert way he’s manhandling your body. Maybe it’s the way he’s still thrusting inside you, breath getting higher and more ragged as you sense him getting closer to his orgasm. Maybe it’s the way his half of the bond is blown wide open, a door left open in a storm, banging against its hinges. Obi-Wan’s thoughts are a barrage on your mind, relentless, almost too much to handle in such a sensitive state.

Gods so beautiful could look at you all day -- you’re going to come for me, darling, aren’t you? -- I love the way you look you feel so amazing around me so tight so wet so perfect --

It’s too much. Hand still tight over your mouth, you sob and come, bucking against his fingers as the contractions wrack your body in pulse after pulse. He’s generous enough to thrust more gently as you shiver through it, his eyes glued to the curve of your throat, how you’ve thrown your head back. Your thoughts are a blaze of nothing but Obi-Wan.

When you catch your breath, you slide off of him in one motion, feeling slick drip down your thighs. The mix of confusion and panic that shoots through the bond would have made you laugh, if you weren’t so turned on and orgasm-fuzzy.

“Your turn, Master,” you say, sinking onto your back with your legs across his lap. You wiggle there, teasing. “On top. Come for me -- please?”

For a few seconds, he does nothing. Then the realization of what you want, what you’ve said, hits him. Obi-Wan rushes over you like a tsunami, caging you against the bed. His cockhead brushes your sensitive slit and you arch into it, not shy about how badly you want this. When he lines himself up and sinks deep inside you, he buries the sound he makes into your shoulder, teeth grazing your collarbone. He starts thrusting at a brutal pace, forcing your breath out of you with every push in. You scratch at his back, helpless to control yourself, and that only makes him fuck you harder.

“Little -- one,” he grits out, hot breath on your skin.

“Y--es?”

“This -- won’t last long.” Obi-Wan’s pace is getting erratic even as he says it. “Where do y-you want --?”

“Inside me,” you answer without hesitation. “Obi-Wan, please, inside, come for me, please --”

Oh my gods, sweetest, yes -- yes -- oh, oh, oh --!

He doesn’t need any more persuading. Three more thrusts and he’s spilling inside you, hot and deep, planted as far in as he can get. He bites down on your shoulder through it, chest flat against your own. You find yourself hoping he leaves a mark. You roll your hips, loving the broken moans it drives from his lips.

Obi-Wan stays inside you after it’s over, nestling his head on your shoulder. Contentment swirls in his life Force, an almost drunken sense of relief and euphoria making him drowsy. You twine your own through it, letting him know you’ve been equally satisfied. It feels so right to lie here with him, a tangle of limbs and Force, knowing one another in every way. He hums in your ear, one hand stroking your hair sleepily. Though you’ve lived in this Temple your whole life, you’ve never felt more at home.

“Darling,” he says, voice lilting. You feel him stirring inside you, starting to harden again already.

“Yes?”

“Let’s go again.”

That’s a surprise. You expected him to politely but firmly insist you clean up in the fresher and then make yourself scarce, lest someone get suspicious about where you’ve gone to. Your silence must confirm that you’re taken aback, because he continues.

“I ship out again tomorrow.”

When you curse this time, he only laughs. “Such is war, love. Are you up for it, or not?”

You can’t refuse him.

[dailydaydreamings]

Best in the Worst Way, Part 12

Okay, warning on this one. It gets steamy at the end so 18+. Also, if anyone has read ACOSF and has a book hangover like me (and can’t get over the steaminess) lmk

The Reader has been having a love affair with two Avengers and gets caught in a sticky situation. She’s suddenly faced with life decisions she’s not prepared for, including who to love, what she wants, and is this all worth it?

You and Steve sat shoulder to shoulder in his hospital bed. Both of you had your arms crossed as you stared down the doctor in front of you. Doctor Beeton, who’d you never wanted to see again. Not because he was a bad doctor, but because Bucky couldn’t remember the last eighteen months.

The last five days had been tough. Bucky had gone through countless tests and it became clear his memory went blank the week before the three of you had slept together for the first time. Steve was doing a lot better, he’d even started walking around and was being discharged today. But you hadn’t seen Bucky since he woke up.

Doctor Beeton sat on a black stool, explaining, “All tests indicate that this should be acute. Bucky’s had a lot of head trauma, so we can’t predict how or if it will come back.”

You closed your eyes, leaning your head against the back of the bed. Bucky had enough memory problems without this. You often had to repeat the same thing over and over to him already. You remembered once, months ago, telling him four times you were going to see a movie with a friend. Steve had been on a mission. He’d called you in a panic when you weren’t at home.

You sign, leveling Doctor Beeton with a stare, “We’re about to have two babies. Twins. Is there anything you can do?”

Steve squeezed your thigh.

The doctor shook his head. “This is going to have to come back on its own. We’ve talked about this before,” he looked to Steve.

Who nodded solemnly, and explained to you, “We had tests run a while ago. Buck’s memory just isn’t the best because of all the wiping and head trauma in the past. It’s not getting worse, or it wasn’t, but he’s got all these blank spots. Like, the first three months after the blip or everything that happened when he was fifteen. And you’ve seen how he can be with some details.”

You nodded, sighing again. “Okay, so what do we do?”

“You go home, Bucky can be discharged today too,” the doctor explained. “Get back to a normal routine. It’ll help jog his memory.”

You and Steve exchanged a look, what the fuck was a normal routine?

———

“So, we lived here?” Bucky looked at Steve for confirmation. You hadn’t broke the news yet that you were a throuple, Buck thought he and Steve had gotten a place together off the compound. And you were just tagging along to make sure they were okay. Because you were just the Avengers secretary.

The place didn’t exactly look like two men lived here though. It had been yours before they had moved in. Bucky surveyed the entrance with a big round, gold accent mirror. And the pictures on the wall of your college girlfriends, your childhood pets, and the three of you.

You stood behind him as he entered the apartment, peering into the living room. With your vintage green velvet couches, marble tables with gold accents, vases full of plants and flowers. He peeked at the book shelf, every book on historical fiction, romance fantasy, or social theory. All yours. Neither of their tastes remotely.

He surveyed the small table you had, big enough for four. You scratched your head, would it fit two small children soon? It was dark wood with a bench pressed against one wall and two chairs on the other side. It had been the only way to fit it into the space. The walls were a coral sea pink accent wall and gold hanging lights. He walked into the kitchen, looking specifically at the pink flowers you had on the breakfast bar. “We didn’t actually live here, did we?” He asked Steve.

“You did,” you answer. You motion for him to walk to the table. He follows from the kitchen, awkwardly taking one of the chairs as you slide into the bench sighing with relief. Your legs felt ready to give out by this point. “You lived here with me.”

Steve slid into the bench beside you, taking your hand.

Bucky’s eyes fixated on your hands. You remembered that in his mind, it was eighteen months ago. And eighteen months ago, he and Steve had a pact not to sleep or date you because they both wanted you.

“So you two are a couple then?” Bucky asked coolly. “And I just slept in the spare room.”

“Not...exactly,” Steve looked to you for help.

“Buck,” you said, “just hear me out. A lot has changed...a week after what you remember, the Avengers had their annual fundraiser event.”

Bucky nodded, “I remember getting a suit for that.”

You nodded, you had booked this fitting. It had been two days before Bucky stopped remembering. “At the party, I got a little drunk and I asked the two of you to sleep with me. You had been drinking that strong stuff that Thor brings and we’re also pretty drunk. And you did.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow, “We had a threesome?”

Steve nodded.

Bucky’s face blanched. You remember that he was going through the same emotions as last time, realizing he had sex with his best friend in the world, and who he’d had a crush on since they were kids.

Bucky looked at Steve and asked, “And you were okay with this?”

Steve’s face twisted, “No, I wasn’t for a long time actually.”

You scratched the side of your head, “Steve struggles with being a little...closeted. He’s really not out to most people. But the three of us started hanging out and having sex with each other, regularly. And then you two moved in here. And I got pregnant. And here we are...” You trailed off. That was over simplifying it a bit.

Bucky’s eyebrows were touching his hairline. “What?” He breathed.

“The thee of us are a throuple, a relationship with three people,” Steve clarified. “Or as y/n called it, a super secret super solider threesome. Because no one knew about us.”

Bucky surveyed the two if you, leaning back in his chair uncertainly. “And now?”

You wrinkled your nose, “Everyone thinks I was sleeping with both of you separately. Because you two got into a big fight when I got pregnant. So everyone assumed it was over who the father is.”

Bucky’s eyes dropped to your belly, which was very obvious in your empire waisted, pink maxi dress. “Who is the father?”

You run your hand up and down your bump protectively, “We don’t know. You and I decided it wasn’t important.”

A terrible thought ran through your head, what if Bucky didn’t want the babies now?

He cocked his head to the side. “So what was the fight about?”

Steve cleared his throat, looking sheepishly down at his hands. “I walked out when y/n told us, and we got into a brawl. And then I asked her to get an abortion. And then I heard the heartbeats and I wanted her to leave you to be with me and have the babies. And then she told me it wasn’t going to happen. And then you and I got into a fight because I asked you to be with me. Without her.”

Your head snapped to the side, well you didn’t know about that. There would definitely be a conversation about that later. Bucky just raised an eyebrow.

“But,” Steve continued. “I’m back and I want to be part of this family. With both of you and our children.”

“Children?”

———

Bucky seemed to be taking the news rather well, in a way of not talking to either of you for the last four hours and staring at a wall way. But he hadn’t walked out yet.

He sat with his arms crossed over his chest, contemplating for most of the rest of the day. Occasionally, he looked over at asked a clarifying question. One of you would answer and he’d go back to his silent thought.

Neither you or Steve said a word to each other in fear of disturbing Bucky.

It was late when you heaved yourself to your feet, placing a hand under your bump, you finally addressed Bucky. “I’m going to get ready for bed. I just want to know where you’d like to sleep tonight.”

He finally blinked, looking up at you. No, not at you, but at your belly, “huh?”

“Do you want to sleep with us or there’s a pullout couch in the spareroom. It’s a nursery now, but...”

He swallowed hard, looking to where Steve was minding his own business, pretending to read a book. “Can I sleep on the pullout couch, please?”

You would under normal circumstances squeeze his shoulder at his uncertainty, but you remembered how much Bucky hated little affectionate gestures in your early relationship. “Of course, baby,” you said instead. He looked at yor quizzically and you realized you shouldn’t have used the pet name. Clearing your throat, you said, “Let me get that ready for you.”

“You shouldn’t—“ Bucky started, staring at your belly.

Steve stood, “I’ll help. It’s okay, relax.”

You rolled your eyes, “I can unfold a damn pullout couch.” Bucky’s eyes widened in surprise, it was probably the first time he’d ever heard you swear. You took a lelvelling breath before saying, “Steve, I’ll find the sheets and you get the couch, okay?”

He nodded in agreement.

You went to the hall closet, pausing to let Steve pass you in the narrow space. Closing your eyes, you could see it five years from now. Trying to walk down this hallway with a laundry basket while two five year olds being chased by Steve and Bucky with nerf guns barrelled the other way. Oh no, this place was definitely not going to be big enough for the five of you soon enough.

You entered your former office, now nursery. Bucky had painted the walls a gentle green. No furniture was in here yet, except your couch from when you were in college (soon to be tossed to the curb), the rocking chair you’d ordered last week, and a couple of unopened boxes of baby furniture.

“Sit,” Steve instructed, nodding towards the rocking chair.

You did as he asked, stroking your belly as you commented, “Just a friendly reminder you’re not supposed to be doing anything too strenuous either. You were just impaled.”

He rolled his eyes, pushing a box to the corner of the room. “I would hardly call moving these boxes strenuous.”

You rocked back and forth slowly, “So you asked Bucky to leave me?”

Steve paused, he propped his arm on a tall box and looked at you, “While we were on mission, and he gave me hell for it. I also decided I was done being scared and I would be there for both of you. And them.” He nodded at your belly.

You could easily start a fight about this. Instead, you nodded and said, “I think we need to move.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “When we suggested moving in together, didn’t you say this place was a once and a lifetime investment? That it would pay for itself one day and you loved it too much to sell.”

You pursed your lips, this apartment was your first love. You bought. You fixed it up and decorated it. You’d literally sought exclusively jobs in this area to avoid ever having to move again. You had once thought this place was enough for you, and now it was feeling a little cramped.

The corners of Steve’s mouth twitched upwards. “You’re nesting. If we’re gonna move soon, let’s at least do it while the baby stuff is still in boxes, yes?”

You rolled your eyes, “Pull out the damn couch, Rogers.”

———

The following morning you sat at the breakfast bar, a beagle in hand, munching away happily.

“Okay, so we’re supposed to get back into some kind of routine,” Steve stood on the other side, leaning against your kitchen counter. “So, we typically started each day by going on a run.”

You looked over to Bucky, who quirked an eyebrow.

“You’re not running,” you clarified, knowing his unasked question. “You’re still under concussion protocol. So, you an I are going for a walk.”

Bucky straightened at that, “It’s really okay, I can just—”

“Not an option, soldier,” you stood. He gazed at you in your leggings, a tight compression shirt that made you look very pregnant, and a high pony. You’d have liked to go on a run too, albeit much shorter and slower. “This is our time to chat and you can ask me a million questions. And I can tell you embarrassing stories about Steve that you missed out on.”

“Hey!” Steve raised his hands in defence.

“You,” you pointed at him, “are also under orders to take it easy.”

“Yeah, hold on.” Bucky said, “Why aren’t you walking with us.”

Steve shrugged, “I’m a super solder who was stabbed in the gut, I heal fast. Your brain doesn’t. We don’t know how many concussions you’ve had, we’re not messing with concussions.”

The golden rule: don’t mess with concussions.

“Steve’s gonna run with Sam,” you interjected. Steve raised an eyebrow. “He’s outside. You’re to follow his pace for today.”

Steve rolled his eyes, pushing off the counter. It would inevitably be a very slow run for him, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Alright, soldier,” you nudge his foot with yours. The closest you’d be getting to an affectionate gesture anytime soon you realized with a slight heart ache. “You’re not getting any younger.”

He laughed, standing to grab his shoes. “So, what’s next in the routine after a walk?”

Bucky, ever the gentleman, opened the door for you and let you walk down the stairs first. You knew he was keeping a close eye on you, even as you gripped the railing.

“We make breakfast,” you started, thinking of the list you and Steve had made last night. “Then we go to work. We used to take separate cars, when we were keeping this a secret, but now I guess we’ll drive in together? I mean, as long as you’re comfortable with that.”

Bucky blinked in surprise.

You opened to door to your building, the crisp morning greeting you. You started on your usual walk, trying to take on a brisk pace.

“I mean, doesn’t everyone already know?” Bucky asked.

You nodded, “Pretty much everyone. You and I have been acting like a couple ever since we found out about the babies.”

Bucky swallowed hard. You realized he hadn’t said a word about the babies yet.

“How are you feeling about everything?” You asked, trying to subtly steer the conversation in a direction where you could ask how he felt about the babies.

He shrugged. “I mean, this isn’t the first time I’ve woken up without a memory. I’ll adjust, untangle everything as we go.”

You nodded, “A lot has changed this time though...”

He glanced at you, and you made a pointed gesture at your belly.

Bucky ran his hands through his hair. “Okay, eighteen months ago I couldn’t image this. Eighteen months ago you were the hot secretary. In our last conversation, you told me you were craving an afternoon delight and were referring to coffee. But I still obsessed about it for the next two days, wondering if it was an invitation.”

You smirked, “It was.”

“The point is,” he took a deep breath, “we were all different people the. I would have done anything to sleep with you, let alone go on a date with you. Stev was the guy I’d loved forever and I was content to be his friend. I’ve always wanted to be a dad, but...I never thought it’d happen to me, and I was okay with that.”

You really wanted to take his hand, instead focusing on fiddling with your fingers to ease the ache of needing to feel him.

“What I’m hearing,” you said, “is that you’ve got everything you’ve ever wanted, and you don’t know how to handle it.”

He shot you an exasperated look, “I thought we were going to be talking about fun facts about our relationship.”

You took that as him wanting to change the conversation and launched into a story about Steve getting the three of you lost hiking.

When you got back to the apartment, you were a little more winded than you would have liked to admit and the stairs hadn’t helped. Your back ached and you desperately wanted to go lie down.

“Can I get you something?” Bucky asked.

“Water?” You asked, sliding into a seat.

You watched Bucky reach for a cup in a cupboard, without having to tell him which. He even grabbed your favourite cup. Everything would be okay.

———

The three of you settled into a new routine. You and Bucky went for walks together until he was cleared to run, first with Sam then with Steve.

You went to work for nine. They both walked you to your office and would come have lunch with you. At five, you’d leave together.

You’d come home, each of you taking turns to cook dinner. You’d typically end the night watching a show and be in bed early. Bucky would sleep in the spare room and you’d sleep with Steve.

Every other week you had an ultrasound and Bucky had an assessment.

You and Bucky had a secret habit though. Most night you woke up with the babies kicking wildly. You’d get up to avoid waking Steve and go sit and read in the living room. Bucky was typically waiting for you, up with a nightmare or just not able to sleep.

Most of the time you’d sit in silence. Sometimes Bucky would read off some headline from this phone or you’d recount something someone had said on your day.

There had been no change in Bucky’s memories but he seemed to be getting more comfortable with you and Steve. Life went on. There was nothing you could do about it, so you just went on.

Until Wednesday. A random Wednesday that you would remember for the rest of your life.

It didn’t start out so special. Your alarm went off and your cursed at Steve for setting it in the first place. Sleep was hard to come by and you were twenty six weeks pregnant and hating it already.

“You were the one who wanted a morning walk,” Steve rolled over, tracing your belly. He kissed his way up your neck and you swatted him away, feeling remarkably unsexy.

“Fuck off, you have to run,” you rolled over and placed your feet on the ground. Your back already ached and your head was throbbing. Today was not going to be a good day, you decided internally. You rolled your neck and got up to face the day.

Bucky was sitting in the kitchen when you got up. “Morning,” he grumbled over a cup of coffee.

You nodded in agreement, you’d both been up from two till three doing buzzfeed quizzes. According to buzzfeed, you should be dyeing your hair green. You were not considering it.

You poured yourself a cup of coffee and waddled to sit beside Bucky at the breakfast bar. Your back squeezed painfully as you sat and Bucky noticed.

He reached out a hand to steady you and help lower you to the chair. “You okay?”

You shrugged, “Pregnancy. My back just really hurts.” You propped your head on your hand and wiggled your eyebrows as you said flatly, “I booked myself a pregnancy massage for tomorrow though.”

Bucky propped his head on his head, mirror you as he said equally as flatly, “Wow.”

“Alright!” Steve clapped his hands together, booming as he came in the room. “Let’s get moving!”

You looked at Bucky, “I’m gonna castrate him.”

“Why!?” Steve asked.

You peered around Bucky and said, “Fifty percent less chance of pregnancy. That’s how I see. It’s almost effective strategy for birth control.”

Bucky frowned, “Thats really not how statistics works. If you have two fully fertile men hat you’re sleeping with at the same time, that wouldn’t decrease your odds by fifty percent. It would maybe be like twenty five or ten...”

You smirked, “So I’m sleeping with both of you now?”

Bucky blushed a deep shade of red.

You stood, leaning over to kiss his cheek as you went. He froze under your touch and you retracted it like you’d been burned, wholly unaware of the subconscious gesture. “Buck—” you started.

He cleared his throat, not making eye contact as he looked at Steve. “Let’s go.”

You spun to look at Steve, who eyed you with wide eyed uncertainty.

———

You couldn’t stop thinking about Bucky not talking to you, even as you sat in a meeting with your two maternity replacements. Jenna and Alicia. You hated them both. Two bland, corporate machines. You picked them because you figured they would follow instructions and wouldn’t care enough to actually get good at your job and start trying to make changes. Besides, there was too much to teach and too little time. You would give them each select tasks and they could figure out the rest.

“The one thing upon need to remember is that every call goes through five different people before it gets to you,” you shifted in easily. Your back was really aching. “Don’t waste your time with stupid questions. Get to the point, who are they. Who do they want to talk to and why. You each have a cheat sheet with how to direct calls and who is willing to talk to who?”

They peered down at the lengthy binder you’d made for them. You were beginning to think it wasn’t enough.

“Take five, ladies,” Tony called, entering your office.

They scurried off, afraid to even look at Tony. Yeah, this was going to go over really well.

You stood on uneasy legs as you came around to give Tony a hug, “Thank god you’re here. They bore me to tears.” Tony wrapped an arm around you and your back seized. You flinched, hard.

Tony pulled back, putting his hands on your shoulders, “Are you okay?”

You were nearly in tears but you nodded, “Yeah, the babies just kicked really hard.” You lied. He obviously didn’t buy it but he let you go sit in your chair. You sighed in almost instant relief.

“What can I do for you Tony?” You asked, spinning slightly as you stroked your belly.

“I came to talk about your maternity leave,” he started. You just rolled your eyes. This was becoming an old song and dance.

“I’ll work till I pop or the doc says I can’t.”

He pursed his lips, “I’m worried your going to run yourself thin and then something bad is going to happen.”

You waved him off, “Nothing is going to happen. I had an ultrasound last week. Everything looked great.”

Tony shook his head, “I have a really bad feeling. I can’t explain it. But I do.”

You touched your chest, “You’re worried about me.”

“It’s not funny.”

“No you care, it’s sweet. It’s misplaced but it’s sweet. I’m totally fine. You can put that worrying into finding me a house though.”

Tony rolled his eyes this time, “I knew this was coming. That cramped little space is not going to work soon.”

———

Steve and Bucky came to get you at five. Bucky didn’t meet your eye as you left.

He sat in the back seat of the car on your way home and he went and sat in his room as soon as you got home.

“Did I fucking break him?” You whispered at Steve as soon as the two of you got into the kitchen.

Steve ran a hand through his hair, “No, he’s just...you threw him for a loop.”

You leaned against the counter, fisting your hands through your hair. “I can’t live like this, Steve. I can’t just not touch him. I can’t just ignore how he flinches every time I get close.”

Steve held out a hand, “Take a deep breath. If this was two years ago, he’d have gotten on a motorcycle and have been out of state in an hour. If this was the start of our relationship, he’d have reacted the same way. We dealt with it then, we’re dealing with it now. You have to let him come to you.”

You closed your eyes, leaning against the cabinet. He had to come to you. For everything, especially touching.

The rest of the night was spent in silence. Bucky didn’t even come out for dinner. You and Steve went to bed early.

You woke up a 1:58am. Steve was snoring beside you and the babies were doing gymnastics inside of you.

Your heart twisted, you wondered if Bucky would be sitting in the living room waiting for you. Probably not.

You stood up, your back twisting painfully. You couldn’t freaking wait for that massage.

You made it down the hall and saw a soft light on in the living room. Bucky was sitting there, on his phone. He didn’t even look up as you padded up behind him. He just said, “Have you seen the video of the raccoon with the cotton candy?”

You let out a laugh of surprise. “Yeah, I have. But let me see it again.”

Bucky was sitting in the green armchair. You came to sit in the corner of the couch, as close to him as you could get to peer over at the video.

Bucky let out a chuckle as the raccoon dipped the cotton candy in the water. You smiled warmly over at him.

“Have you the video where they give him a second piece,” you ask gently.

The look on Bucky’s face was too pure. Too excited. You ran your phone and immediately search for it.

Half an hour later, your sitting with a book in your lap and Bucky is scrolling through his phone. You shift uncomfortably and Bucky asks, “The babies?”

You quirked your eyebrow at the question.

Bucky didn’t talk about the babies. He went to the ultrasounds and sat quietly in the corner. When you complained about the kicking at night, he quickly changed the subject. When you talked about baby stuff with Steve, he left the room. It was almost as if your belly wasn’t getting bigger everyday.

“Yeah,” you shifted uncomfortably. “They’re really going at it tonight. And my back aches.”

Bucky smiled quietly at you, you were almost looking back down at your book when he asked, “Can I feel?”

You looked up in surprise. Especially after this morning, this was the last question you expected to hear.

“Yeah, of course,” you put your book down. “Will you give me your hand?”

Bucky gently reached out towards you, you took his hand, watching his face carefully before placing it where the babies were most active.

He jumped in surprise, “You weren’t joking. Wow.” But his hand stayed firmly on your belly as the babies continued to kick wildly.

You observed his face, his eyes were so full of wonder. Like they were when you told him you were pregnant. He even had a small smile on his face as he traced your belly, looking to feel more of the babies.

“Bucky, about this morning, I’m really sorry...”

His eyes snapped to yours, suddenly aware that your faces were only inches apart.

He quirked his head to the side, “No, no. I have something I wanted to say to you actually. I didn’t even go to bed, I just waited until you went to bed to come sit out here in case I missed you.”

His hand continued to stroke you belly as he went on, “I realized something today, after you touched my shoulder. I was surprised, but also, it didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. I feel like I haven’t been fair to you, and I definitely overreached today, but mostly I wanted you to know, I really liked it when you touched me.”

Oh. Your eyes widened slightly at the admission.

“And,” he went on, “I got thinking about how this must feel for you and Steve. Like a long distance relationship where the other person is right in front of you. I don’t remember everything, but I know I loved you guys. I want to try. Everything, all of it. You and him and the babies. I want it.”

A tear made its way down your cheek, you weren’t even aware you were crying. “I want to kiss you so bad,” you admit. “Actually, I want to do a lot more than kiss you.”

He boyish smirk took over his face and he leaned forward to brush his lips against yours. You kept your hands at your side, even as he deeper the kiss, leaning you back slightly in your seat. This was his kiss, it would go how he wanted it to go. He broke the kiss to stand in front of you.

“Get up,” his voice had dropped an octave as he looked down at you with hooded eyes. You did as you were told, not sure where this was going.

He took your hand, you thought he was leading you to his room before he suddenly pushed you against the wall. Your gasp was interrupted by his mouth pressing hard down on yours. You pressed your hands hard into the wall as he kept kissing you. As his tongue entered your mouth, exploring ravenously.

The kiss broke suddenly for him to drag his lips down your skin to your neck. You let out a loud moan as his tongue traces up your neck towards your ear. “Oh my god,” you gasp, it had been a while and heat was pooling between your legs. You wanted him now and you wanted him fast.

“Touch me,” he growled in your ear.

You didn’t need to be told twice as you dragged a hand up his spine. He shivered. You wrapped your hands in his hair and he let out an audible moan.

His lips were back on your neck, sucking a mark. Your hips bucked under him and he tried to get closer to roll his hips against yours.

He couldn’t get close enough with your belly. And you needed more.

Suddenly your shirt was gone, leaving your top half completely exposed. His hands roamed your swollen breasts.

You gasped at the feeling, raking a hand down his back.

He tweaked a nipple, “Is this what you like, baby?”

You could only nod as his mouth took one of your nipples.

He tweaked the other one and your knees started to feel like jelly. “I didn’t hear you baby, do you like it when I play with your nipples?” He tweaked them both for emphasis.

“Y-yes,” you managed.

He pressed open mouth kisses up your neck back to your ear. His tongue flicked the inside of your ear and you almost came undone.

“Do you know what else I realized, baby?” His hands still cupped your breasts. You attempted to grind against his to get some friction but he was being patient. Agonizingly patient.

“What?” You finally gasped.

He licked that spot again, and said with his lips brushing your ear, “I really like it when you call me soldier. Especially when you’re bossing me around.”

He bit on your ear lobe and you couldn’t help but moan.

“Alright, soldier,” you pushed him away to tug at his shirt. “Stop teasing and get to work.”

His eyes gleamed.

He pulled back to take his shirt off and you pulled off your sleeping shorts, now fully naked in front of him. He looked down at you, a devilish smile on his face.

He started with your shoulder, pressing open mouth kisses down to your left breast. He took it in his mouth, expertly sucking. You pressed your hands against the wall to steady yourself.

He continued down your body, kissing down your belly. His hands rested on your hips as he fully lowered himself to the ground. You expected more teasing. Some tendernous.

Not for him to lift a leg over his shoulder. Definitely not for him to latch on to your clit, doing that little trick that he did. You almost screamed.

Heat was building fast. His hands cupped your ass. You needed more. You might have said it outloud.

A finger entered you and you jolted, grinding against his face. It curled inside of you and you swore. “Bucky, I—”

He didn’t stop. He added a second finger and attacked you with his mouth with even more ferocity. He was starving and this was his first meal.

And he was going to devour you.

You wrapped one hand through his hair, gasping for air. You were close. He just had to keep going with his fingers hitting that spot. Yes, just like that.

Bucky broke away, his eyes dark as he looked up at you. “Let’s go wake Steve up.”

You were so fucking close. Oh my god. But he didn’t give you an option, gripping your hand and dragging you down the hall.

He opened the bedroom, leading you in. Steve was still out cold, but Bucky picked you up with ease and tossed you down beside him. He started taking his pants off and you started slapping Steve’s shoulder.

“Huh?” Steve opened an eye. He saw you naked and seemed to perk up a bit. “Hello.”

“Hi,” Bucky’s deep voice surprised him. “You wanna play?”

Steve was up in an instant, “I’ll get the lube.”

You smirked up at Bucky, who was stroking himself as he stared you down.

“Get on the bed, soldier,” you demanded.

He didn’t need to be asked twice, he crawled on top of you. He dragged a his lip up between your breasts until he was kissing you fevourously again. You expertly wrapped your legs around him and flipped him over so you were on top.

You took hold of him, stroking him hard, how you knew he liked it. His head rolled back as he moaned. You guided him to your entrance and sank down on him fully. He gasped, reaching for your hips.

You groaned, grinding down on him, “If you think this feels good, just wait till Steve joins in, soldier.” As you said it, Steve’s hands roamed up your body, coming to cup your breasts.

He breathed in your ear, “You ready for me, baby?”

You nodded, leaning forward to grasp Bucky’s shoulder as Steve lined himself up with your entrance. Suddenly they were both thrusting into you. Bucky could barely breathe, grasping the sheets from the insane pleasure.

You, were already close. You could barely move, except to enjoy the feeling of both of them inside of you. Finally.

You were ready to explode. Your hands grasped Bucky’s shoulders as he thrust into you at an erratic pace.

Steve leaned forward to cup your breasts and whispered, “Cum baby.”

You screamed as you felt your walls release. You saw black for a moment and as your started to come down, Bucky came inside of you. He leaned back, panting heavily but Steve wasn’t done. He kept pounding into you. You came again before he finished.

You finally felt Steve pulled out and you rolled beside Bucky. “Oh my god.”

Bucky gaped, “I was missing out on that.”

Steve plopped down beside you and burst out laughing. You started laughing too. And soon enough so was Bucky. It was contagious. You couldn’t help out. Soon you were gasping for air but every time you nearly stopped, it started again.

The laughter died down after a while. You started to yawn and Bucky timidly asked if he could stay the night. You told him of course, got up to pee, and laid down between them.

Finally, your family was starting to feel complete. Bucky wasn’t back to being himself, but things were staring to look up.

You dozed off but just as quickly Bucky was shaking you awake. You blinked thought your exhaustion. Steve was no where in sight.

“What?” You rasped.

Bucky wouldn’t meet your eye as he said, “We have to go. Steve’s getting the car.”

“What?”

“Everything is going to be okay, y/n,” his voice broke. He started to lead you out of bed. You gasped, your belly contracting painfully. “You’re bleeding. We’re gonna go get you check out.”

You could barely breathe. Not as he gently dressed you. Not with each time your belly contracted painfully again. Not as you looked back and your pristinely white sheets to see them smeared with bright red blood.

Tags (open) @booktease21 @sexyvixen7 @just-the-hiddles @fading-mentality-bouquet @a--1--1--3 @broco8 @yougottalovefandoms @hailqueenconquer @tazzi-baby @imaginebeinlovedbyme @amiets2 @prettyblueskylark

[forhereyesonlyyy]

(ii) lean on me. // gfriend, cyn. // one-shot.

word count: 8.6k

author's note: this is two days late, my bad but finally, this is the continuation of 'lean on me'! tell me if you guys think i did well on this because i think i slacked off a little more than i did in the first part 😭 just like last time, the next, and final, part will be posted next week! enjoy!

tags: high school au, fluff, slow burn, angst, enemies to friends to lovers.

tw: injury, violence, bullying.

previous: (i) lean on me.

next: (iii) lean on me.

It has been two weeks since that whole altercation with Yuju and during all that time, you made sure to avoid her as much as you possibly could. Whenever you see her making her way towards her locker, you immediately finish up and walk away before she can utter a word to you and whenever you crossed paths early in the morning before or after your first class, you kept your gaze elsewhere. You were pretty sure that Yuju has taken the hint now seeing that she doesn’t even bother to try to talk to you, turns out she’s not that slow.

Other than Yuju, you have been making sure to avoid Eunha as well. You would never admit it, but it really did break your heart to lose one of your only friends. You were pretty sure that she would never look at you the same way again. Even if you did try to make amends with Eunha, Sojung would immediately chase you away because she was that wary of you. Yewon tried talking to you more, bless her heart, but she was still scared that you would do something rash, which was understandable considering your horrifying streak of beating people up for no absolute reason. How did I not get expelled again?

You’ve been pretty much avoiding everybody, even Yerin who has been a real sweetheart to you after knowing what happened between you and Yuju. She joked about beating up whoever makes fun of you from now on, but you felt like this whole thing was something that you had to fix on your own. Yerin seemed so surprised to hear you say something ‘so mature than what you would normally say’, but made a promise to support you however she can. Okay Yerin, I guess you’re my friend.

Since you got rid of the arm sling some time ago, you were able to move your arms freely, but of course your casted arm was still a bother. It seems like you can’t just get used to it. You really hoped that you can recover soon. I kinda miss having two working hands.

“Fuck.” You muttered when you accidentally knocked your pencil off the table. Of course this would happen. It was seven twenty-five in the morning, you’ve developed a habit of coming to school earlier than a normal student would and as always, you were in the library. There were several early birds hanging around, but all of them were in the more popular areas of the room. You weren’t complaining though, you liked being alone early in the morning.

Taking a deep breath, you reached for the pencil with your casted arm slowly but someone else picked it up before you did. You looked up and saw Yuju who had lowered herself on the floor to get your pencil. She was free from her cast, lucky her, and from the very few times you have spared a glance in her direction for the past two weeks, Yuju has been thriving without it. Seriously, lucky her.

“Is anyone sitting here?” Yuju asked as she put the pencil back on your part of the table. You shake your head and Yuju sits down on the chair across from you, then it was dead silent. You had forgotten about the deal you made with yourself and stayed in the library, scribbling whatever that comes into your head in a paper. What am I supposed to be doing? Oh yeah, math and all that fun stuff.

While you went back to what you were doing, Yuju had opened up a novel but she wasn’t reading it. You constantly felt her eyes on you, but whenever you glance up to try and catch her, she would look back down into her novel pretending to read. It was like that for a few minutes until the clock struck seven fifty and Yuju finally decided to push through her nervousness and speak.

“I’m really sorry.”

You look up from your notebook, confused with the apology and a little exhilarated to hear Yuju’s voice after a long time once more, “What?” You asked.

You watched as Yuju awkwardly shifts in her seat, you wondered if it would be a good idea to speak first in hopes of easing the other girl’s stress but before you could open your mouth to speak, Yuju beats you to it, “I didn’t mean to say all those things to you two weeks ago.” She confessed, fidgeting with the sleeves of her sweater. Despite the serious mood surrounding the two of you, you find yourself laughing lightly. Yuju seems to be taken aback by your reaction, looking around to see if there was someone around that was making you laugh. You immediately stopped laughing after seeing the bewilderment in Yuju’s eyes, composing yourself and finally coming up with words to say.

Still, you chuckled again before speaking, “What are you talking about? You were right.” You said. For the past two weeks, you’ve been thinking about what Yuju said whenever you had the time and although it hurts your pride to admit it, she was right. And so were the others when they kept telling you that constantly looking for ways to ‘prove yourself’ to everyone else will hurt you in the long run.

It had to take a broken arm and a sick scolding from some pretty girl to get it into my head… which is pretty sad now that I think about it.

Yuju shakes her head, “It wasn’t… my place. Or I could’ve at least told you in a more civil way.” She said.

“Nah, if you did that I would still be bitter and miserable and… well, I’m still those things but I would be worse, you know? I needed to be told the tough truth, or whatever they call it.” You said, once again laughing at your poor choice of words. It got across though because when you looked up from your notebook again, Yuju had a small smile on her face, for some reason.

The bell rings, and you suddenly remember that you did have a class to attend and scrambled to gather your stuff that was sprawled out all over the table. You were never the kind of person to study in your free time, so of course you would be a panicking mess.

“Can I help you?” Yuju asked, her smile still evident on her face. Right, we’re classmates. Her eyes only shined even more when you nodded. You find yourself staring at her for a couple of seconds, ignoring the erratic beating of your heart the longer you did it. Maybe it was just her eagerness to offer her aid to somebody, but something about Yuju at this moment was really making her attractive to you.

Yuju turns to you with basically all of your stuff in her arms, “Let’s go.” She said. Before you could reply, she was already making her way to the exit. You rolled your eyes and ran after her, almost forgetting your backpack. You quickly wave at the boy in charge for the morning, his name was Seokmin and you’ve gotten close to him because of the amount of times you’ve spent sulking in the library, and push through the doors, successfully catching up to Yuju.

“At least let me carry some things. What if you get hurt again? Didn’t you just take off your cast? Give me that.” You said as you attempted to grab your textbook from the pile. Yuju showed no signs of yielding, much to your dismay. You huffed, feeling a little embarrassed with the amount of weird looks you were getting from everyone else. As far as they know, you and Yuju were now mortal enemies after that whole scene weeks ago, so seeing the two of you engaging in a friendly banter was strange.

As always, Yuju smiles and greets everyone she passes by despite the incredulous looks on their faces. You hide your flushed face behind the taller girl, suddenly not finding it in you to raise your head and intimidate those who dare to even look your way. You were pretty sure that you passed by SinB and her group of friends who were as surprised as others. Yerin was definitely going to have a ball with all of this when it gets to her.

Yuju steps inside the classroom and fortunately, it wasn’t packed yet so you were saved from even more whispers. You took this chance to grab Yuju’s arm to stop her from walking any further, “I can take it from here. Hand them over.” You said, your grip tightening on her arm every second. It was enough to make her yield at least. Yuju finally allows you to carry your own stuff, but she still follows closely behind you. See, now this was getting annoying.

Although you should be appreciating what she was doing, it made you feel useless. Yeah, yeah, I’m trying to change and all that but I should be able to do this on my own! But I guess I should thank her or whatever…

When you sat down on your seat, Yuju was fixing something on her shirt. With a few breaths, you managed to grab what little courage you had at the moment and tapped on Yuju’s arm, gathering her attention. Suddenly it was you who felt weak under her stare, maybe if she wasn’t so cute I’d be fine, but you pulled through it. “...Thanks. For all that.” You said.

Yuju beamed after hearing your words of gratitude, “No problem.” She replied ecstatically. She doesn’t say anything afterwards, and neither do you, so the two of you stayed still for an uncomfortable amount of time that some of your classmates have started talking about the strange scene happening before them. Have I always been this awkward? Behavioral therapy is doing wonders for the most part but this is definitely a nerf, what the hell.

It looked like Yuju was ready to leave, but she pauses and faces you again with pink cheeks and shaking hands, “Do you have somewhere to go? At lunch, I mean.” She said. You immediately catch on to where this was going. A smirk finds its way on your lips, well isn’t this cute.

“No, why?” You asked, leaning forward with a teasing smile. From the distance, you could see Yerin watching the two of you closely with wide eyes. Of course, just like everyone else, she was surprised to see that you weren’t telling Yuju to ‘screw off’ like you would most likely do. 

“Would it be too crazy if we... hung out?” Yuju asked. She mutters something else under her breath but you couldn’t catch it. (Unbeknownst to you, she was cursing herself for not ‘going through with the plan’, whatever it was.) You pretended to think hard about it, which was what Yuju considered the most cruel ten seconds of her life.

“Maybe, but on one condition,” You say with a mischievous grin. Yuju seems to be completely clueless about the fact that you were kidding which made you feel a little bad about doing it in the first place but her reactions are too entertaining for you to stop. You gestured her to get closer, and she did, leaning down so you could put your lips close to her reddened ear. You put your hand on her right shoulder and pulled her closer, earning a squeal from Yuju herself and a whistle from the back. You shake your head as you burst out laughing, losing whatever plan you had in mind and lightly pushed the taller girl away. “Nevermind. Sit down, I’ll see you later.” You said, waving her off.

Yuju, hot and bothered after whatever the hell you tried to do, walks to her seat with a dazed expression on her face. Chaeyeon, who has been watching the whole thing from her seat, excitedly gossips to Yuju as soon as the latter sits down.

“You made up with Yuju and the first thing you do is play with her feelings. I see you didn’t change at all, (Y/N)! Still a little shit, aren’t you?” Yerin exclaimed, poking your cheek as she passed by and sat down behind you.

You turn around, “And you still manage to be annoying so early in the morning. I thought having SinB as your girlfriend after months of chasing after her would change you, but I expected too much.” You replied, smirking triumphantly when Yerin’s face dramatically heats up. While you were busy with your issues, Yerin has been the happiest girl on Earth after SinB finally gives an answer to her hundred-or-so confessions. Truth to be told, you felt envious whenever you saw SinB feeding Yerin during lunch time. They were disgustingly sweet, and they matched so well it made your heart ache with love.

“You’re right! I just hope Yuju will do better with you.” Yerin said with a suggestive wink. This time it was you who was flustered by what your friend was implying. Because that’s totally gonna happen! Stupid Yerin… and stupid me for blushing.

“Shut—”

“Yeah, yeah.”

 -

 Ten minutes before lunch time and you managed to convince your teacher to let you go early. You headed towards the library with several books in your hand. They were light and thin so it was no trouble carrying them with one hand. You never thought that you would find reading other than boring, but after Ms. Kwon forced you to read a 600-page novel that was actually interesting, you’ve been hooked. 

You tucked the books under your arm and pulled the library doors open and suddenly, you bump into someone which caused you to fall down on your ass. You instinctively had put your right hand down to catch yourself, forgetting that you were injured. You yelped when pain shot through your arm, today of all days!

“Oh my God, (Y/N), I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you, oh my God— did I kill you? Come here.” Turns out that it was Seokmin, this morning’s library keeper, who had bumped into you. He was strong enough to carry you from the ground and on top of a table, ignoring the mess that you had made outside the door. Thankfully, there was nobody else inside the library so you weren’t cautious about making noise. You bit your lip in an attempt to stop whimpering but the pain was nearly unbearable.

Tears squeezed out of your eyes and Seokmin was scrambling in front of you searching for a first aid kit or anything that could help you.

You weakly waved your other hand, “I-It’s fine. It’ll pass. Give it a few minutes.” You said. Seokmin started muttering incomprehensible nonsense mostly to himself as he walked back and forth in front of you. You rolled your eyes and let your casted arm rest at your lap, watching the boy now go in circles around the table.

Once he makes a full circle, you grab him in front of you to stop him from walking any further, “Seokmin! I’m okay!” You said, shaking him around. Seokmin sighs in relief, clutching his chest and saying something about nearly having a heart attack and turning himself to the police for ‘accidental murder’. You weren’t even sure if that was a legit crime. He tends to be dramatic, but he’s a good guy.

You see a shadow behind Seokmin, but when you look past him, whoever was out there was gone. Weird. Then you were reminded of the books you dropped by the door when you fell. Seokmin turns around and takes the books, bringing them to the bin that says ‘Book Returns’ and walking back to you.

“Please have the school nurse check this out. I mean, I’d gladly take you to the hospital like, right now but I don’t have a car and busses take forever.” Seokmin said, holding your injured arm in his hands.

You laughed at him, “Yeah, I will. Don’t worry about it.” You said, ruffling his already messy hair. He smiles brightly and then stalks back to the librarian’s seat to do his job, leaving you to your lonesome on top of the table. As much as you wanted to roam around the library and see which books you could read next, but you decided to save it for another day.

Once the pain in your arm disappeared, you hopped off the desk and headed towards the library doors once again.

“You’re not staying here for lunch?” Seokmin asked from the desk, momentarily stopping himself from scrolling through the computer in front of him. It seems like he got used to chatting with you while you ate your lunch. Sometimes you brought Yerin and joked around with both of them, but most of the time it was just the two of you.

You smiled fondly and shook your head, your heart fluttered with anticipation after being reminded of your plan for today’s lunch time, “Nope. I have a date.”

 -

 You got stood up, to say the least.

You and Yuju agreed to meet by your lockers as soon as the bell rings and you waited for at least twenty minutes before accepting the fact that you, the (Y/N) (L/N), just got stood up by a student who hasn’t even been in the school for a month. You stabbed a baby carrot with your fork rather harshly while you sat on one of the tables in the school’s outdoor eating area. When you heard the distant sound of the school bell ringing, you packed up your lunch and stormed inside the buildings. You were embarrassed, you were fuming, and you were a little sad, but you were more confused than anything.

Who knew that someone who looked like they couldn’t hurt a fly would have the guts to fool someone like you? And what exactly made her do that?!

You huffed thinking about Yuju putting up a face this whole time. It was all part of her big plan to have you who once made every single student run and hide with one single look become this pathetic weak-willed goody-two-shoes who hangs out with a cute bookworm and a prankster whose girlfriend is a badass. Yuju, when I catch you—

“Hi, (Y/N).”

You chuckled sarcastically when you heard that sweet, honey-like voice as you angrily fiddled with your lock. “Funny you show up now.” You said, shoving your food container inside your locker and pulling out your history textbook and notebook in a span of one and a half second.

“I… I’m sorry.” Yuju said. Now why does she sound genuine? Did she not do this on purpose? Is this another trick?! You clicked your tongue and turned to face the tall girl and to your surprise, she looked pissed. Rather than questioning it, you mirrored her expression. She does not look sorry. She sounds like it, but her pretty face says otherwise!

You turn away from her again, busying yourself with your locker, “Right.” You said through gritted teeth. Okay, (Y/N). Chill out. It’s not that deep. No need to go off on her, maybe she has a valid reason! As much as you wanted to listen to your better inner voice, you couldn’t help but ignore it. There has only been one person who was able to get you embarrassed and that was your older brother. Adding Yuju to that short list of ‘getting back at them’ was nothing short of a challenge. And you loved challenges. You practically thrived at taking on challenges.

“Don’t look so mad.” Yuju said. It only made your anger burst through the ceiling. You hate it when people tell you to ‘chill out’. (That was the reason you ignored your inner voice in the first place!) You slammed your locker shut out of habit. You didn’t want to scare Yuju, or make her think that you were going to hurt her over a stupid rejection, so when she flinches slightly, you softened a little. You put the lock with a little more care and faced the taller girl.

You bit on the inside of your cheek as you thought of something to say. Do you even need to say anything? You aren’t even willing to know why Yuju stood you up now. All you cared about was getting your revenge, which was probably bad. See, this is why I should never get myself tangled up with girls that I know will break my heart— what do I even mean by that?! I blame Yerin for all of this.

“Don’t you think it’s a little cruel to make a girl wait when you’re the one who asked her out in the first place?” You spoke softly, avoiding eye contact.

Yuju huffed, shrugging her shoulders so that the straps of her backpack wouldn’t slide off, “Was I supposed to find out about your boyfriend on my own? Well, I just did, but it would’ve helped a lot if you enlightened me about him beforehand.” She said. You stopped listening after she said the word ‘boyfriend’. Boyfriend? Boyfriend? Now what kind of drug is this girl on?

After not hearing a response from you, Yuju laughs bitterly, “Now you’re not even talking.” She said. You blinked, pulling yourself out of your thoughts, and you tried, you really tried, to think of one reason why Yuju would think that you would have a boyfriend. All the boys were terrified of you for obvious reasons. Even now that you’ve become a little nicer, just a little bit, they still cower in fear. Why would Yuju think that you have a boyfriend?

The only boy that wasn’t scared of you and the only one you were willing to be seen hanging out with was—

Oh.

Unbelievable. It was just unbelievable. First it was just a burst of giggles, but then you started full-on laughing, gaining the attention of some students who were walking by. Yuju looks around and catches SinB and Yerin who were passing by with confused looks on their faces as they watched you clutch your stomach while you laughed like you were just told the stupidest joke ever made by mankind.

Well, it may as well pass a joke because it was that funny.

“You’re hilarious, Yuju. God,” You take a deep breath to compose yourself, then you stood properly and looked up at Yuju with what may be the brightest smile you’ve ever had in a while. Yuju stares at you in disbelief, wondering if what she said was actually funny. Oh, she’s so cute. “Seokmin isn’t… haha, Seokmin and I aren’t dating!” You managed to say between little giggles. Thinking about it again, you laughed loudly, suddenly leaning towards Yuju and lightly hitting her arm.

Yuju gasps, “You aren’t?!” She yelled.

You shake your head, still laughing, “No! He’s my guy best friend! Well, only guy friend. I’m not very popular with the dudes, unless we’re talking about which student they’re the most scared of.”

(Yuju doesn’t know if she should be happy about this new information. So she just stands there quietly with a small smile on her face despite being ashamed of herself, her heart growing every second the longer she was exposed to your lovely grin. She should smile more often.)

“Earlier, from outside the library, I saw the two of you,” Yuju said, her hand gripping her arm and pulling it close to herself. It looked like she was hugging herself, adorable. You listened intently, leaning close and ignoring the sound of the bell that sent the students away to their next classes. “His back was facing the door and he was facing you and you were on the table facing him and it just looked like… it looked like you two were kissing.” Yuju continued, furrowing her eyebrows at the image she saw. Or imagined, rather.

Your expression changes from curiosity to disgust, “Ew. I mean, Seokmin’s a nice guy but I wouldn’t do that. That’s weird. And kissing’s gross in general.” You replied. You made a note to tell Seokmin about all of this later, this was guaranteed to make him laugh as much as you did.

Yuju tilts her head, “Why were you in there? Did you skip class?” She asked.

“No. I came there to return some books I finished reading but I didn’t see Seokmin coming out so I bumped into him, fell on my arm and cried inside the library while he panicked thinking of a way to help me.” You said, chuckling at the memory.

Yuju puts her hand over her mouth as she gasps. You smiled, “I’m alright. I didn’t cry willingly! Who knew it would hurt so bad? You’d think that having this thing on my arm since forever would help ease the pain but goddamn that was painful.” You said, glaring at your casted arm like it just told you to do a backflip off a mountaintop.

It was silent for a while, save for the several footsteps echoing throughout the hallways. By this time you have forgotten that you had a class to go to, you wanted to hear more out of Yuju because she really looked like she wanted to say something. Now that you got a proper look at her, you noticed that she had dolled herself up. She looked even more glamorous than she did earlier in the morning.

I hope it was for me. She didn’t need it, but I really hope she did it for me. Wait, why am I hoping for that? Stop it.

“I’d like to apologize for leaving you hanging.” Yuju says after a while. With her beautiful doe-like eyes piercing your own, making you feel warm, you felt like pulling her close and hugging her. You don’t know what stopped you from doing so, but you cursed it. Whatever it was. 

You hummed, putting a finger to your lip as you eyed the taller girl from head to toe. Yuju blushes, suddenly feeling self-conscious and nervously fiddling with her belt hoops. (Oh, you didn’t know how much you made her feel.)

“You can make it up to me by taking me to that cute new coffee shop down the street.” You looped your injured arm around hers and dragged her along the corridor with a smile on your face. Yuju adjusts herself so that she wouldn’t be hurting you and treads beside you bashfully.

Well, this was new. For you, at least. You never had friends close enough to be intimate with. But then again, you weren’t really the type to be intimate with anyone. It felt… nice, being this close to someone you felt comfortable around. However, you knew in your heart that Yuju wasn’t a friend, and you don’t mean that in a hurtful way. You genuinely don’t know where you stand with her, but you do know that something inside you wants this, whatever this is, to lead somewhere.

Somewhere less chaotic and more… mellow. Maybe even romantic. Maybe, although it disgusts me to think of that word.

Yuju turns her head to smile at you, and your heartbeat picks up. Yeah, I’m in trouble. “I’ve heard about that place from Yerin and Eunha! Apparently they have the best pastries in the city.” She said.

“Really? There’s no way I’ll pass up the opportunity to get them now. You’re treating me by the way.”

“That’s okay. I don’t mind spending money as long as it’s for—”

“Save the romantics for later, lovergirl.”

 -

 It has been a week since your completely platonic, non-romantic outing (which Yerin jokingly described as ‘a date’ which you convinced yourself was not true at all) with Yuju, and it was delightful. Talking to Yuju outside of the school with topics that aren’t at all related to anything that screamed ‘school’ was… fun. It’s been too long since you had fun with anyone. You certainly did not think that you’d be having fun in an adorable coffee shop with animal-shaped pastries named after dad jokes with a girl who you thought was going to become your nemesis, but you’ll take it.

Somewhere along the way, you were suddenly disappointed in yourself. You felt that you did not deserve Yuju’s kindness and her time after all the things you said to her, and the things you put her through for three days consecutively. Somehow, Yuju sensed that you felt this way so she made some things clear to you just before your older brother picked you up from a rusty old park that you and Yuju agreed to be your last stop for the day.

“I don’t know if you feel sorry, but you really shouldn’t. I was being weird watching you so closely so I understand why you were so… mean.”

“Yuju, it’s more than that—”

“I know.”

“...Are you seriously not gonna go off on me like Sojung did? I was horrible to you!”

“I know.”

“I nearly threatened you with a pen. A pen!”

“I know.”

“Obviously you don’t if you’re so… nonchalant about all of this.”

“Hey, that’s a new word from you.”

“You know what, goodbye, Yuju.”

“Haha, see you tomorrow, (Y/N). I had fun today.”

After that, neither of you brought it up ever again. You weren’t really sure if you should do it. You felt like Yuju didn’t want to talk about it. For whatever reasons you don’t know. Other than that, everyone officially identifies you both as friends, but that was only because Yuju never really hangs out with anyone other than you, and you don’t bother to say a word to anyone other than Yuju and a select few.

“I still can’t believe that she thought I was your boyfriend.” Seokmin says with a chuckle as he pushes a cart full of books further through the aisle.

You hummed as you followed closely behind him, inspecting the cover of an autobiography of a famous trot singer, “Yeah, it’s crazy.” You replied.

Seokmin looks at the book he was holding then you, then at the carpeted floor, “Hey, I wanna know something.” He said. You averted your gaze from the autobiography to your friend, raising an eyebrow and basically asking him to ask away. This is new, he usually just talks and talks.

The boy takes a deep breath and suddenly you become confused when his face heats up, “Are you and Yuju dating? Like, are you guys a thing?” He asked. You nearly dropped the book you were holding and questioned yourself as to why Seokmin would even think of that. It was almost the same confusion you felt when Yuju thought that he was dating you. Does everybody think that I’m dating my friends? I hope no one asks me about Yerin because then I would really die of laughter.

“No, we’re… friends.” You said, sliding the book back on the shelf. You weren’t even sure if that was the right word to describe your relationship with Yuju. Sometimes she stares at you a second more than necessary, sometimes your eyes linger all over her figure when she isn’t paying attention, and sometimes the two of you have those moments where you maybe want to talk about whatever the hell is happening but you always back out of it.

Mostly because you still weren’t sure about your feelings.

Maybe you were and you just didn’t want to accept it.

You don’t really know, feelings confused you a lot.

Seokmin seemed to have sighed in relief after hearing your answer. You didn’t question it though, because right after that, Yuju entered the aisle from the other end and called for you. You didn’t miss the way Seokmin abruptly pushes the cart away, barely even muttering a goodbye. He’s so weird today.

You shake your head and face Yuju, “What are you doing here?” You asked. Just like you, Yuju has been coming to school earlier than normal, and she doesn’t even do anything significant. She just follows you around, not that you mind though. It was nice having someone to talk to even though you did prefer to be alone most of the time.

“We’re still up for lunch, right?” Yuju says as she walks up to you. Well, she looked gorgeous. Nothing unusual by now but wow, she outdid herself today. It was probably the way Yuju managed to look so pretty although she was wearing an outfit that was so simple and comfortable. Not many people can pull that off.

You took a second to reply, having been distracted by the taller girl’s eyes, “If you don’t keep me waiting, maybe.” You teased with a wink.

“You’re never gonna let that go, are you?” Yuju asked, looping her arm around yours and leading you out of the aisle and into the table where the two of you had placed your bags. The first classes were going to start but word got out that your teacher is not going to be present due to personal reasons so you felt like killing time instead of going to class, much to Yuju’s dismay.

“The reason why you did it is still funny.” You replied, picking up your bag and slinging it over your shoulder the best you could. Yuju helps you with it and you mutter a small ‘thanks’ before making your way to Seokmin, who was busy arranging encyclopedias.

You tap his shoulder, making him turn around, “We’re gonna get going.” You said. You noticed the way Seokmin practically hid half of his face with the thick book he was holding and he avoided eye contact as he nodded, turning his back on you once again without another word. Before you could say anything else, Yuju started pulling you towards the exit.

“W-Wait, (Y/N),” You were halfway out the door when Seokmin suddenly ran after you. “Don’t forget to return that novel you borrowed last week. I can’t make any excuses for you.”

You sighed deeply, “Alright, I will, just don’t fine me yet!” You said, scratching the back of your head.

“Okay, well, see you later.” Seokmin said. He took one last look at you, and your tall friend, before walking away again. What is up with him?

Yuju pouts, “I think Seokmin is scared of me.” She said, pulling you out of the library.

You look back at the library doors and then to Yuju, “Why do you think that?”

“First of all, he can’t look at me for more than three seconds before scurrying away. Second, he doesn’t really talk to me. And third, when I try to talk to him, he makes up a dumb excuse to leave,” Yuju explains. The imaginary gears in your brain started shifting as you process your friend’s words, but nothing important came to mind. And it was all nonsense to you too. “Oh geez, maybe your scary aura has shifted on to me. This is horrible!” Yuju joked while faking a panicked look.

You lightly push her towards the wall, “Shut up. Seokmin’s just weird around people he doesn’t know very well.”

If I’m not stupid then maybe Seokmin...

Asking about your status with Yuju out of nowhere, suddenly walking away whenever Yuju approaches and barely talking whenever Yuju is around… it really should make sense and you’ve got one single idea in your head as to why Seokmin might be acting that way, but you ignore it with all your might.

Nah, that would be… crazy.

 -

 “Dude’s got a mondo crush on your girl.”

There was five minutes before the third period ended, and you took the time to explain everything that happened that morning to Yerin and her take on the situation nearly made you choke on your spit.

“You’re kidding. And Yuju’s not my girl, stop saying that.” You said while you started packing up. Yerin helps you push your notebook inside your bag since it hurts her a little to see you try to do it with your one hand and fail adorably.

“You’ve gone on so many dates but you would never admit that it’s a date because you’re afraid of confronting your feelings for her.” Yerin replied, sticking her tongue out when you glared at her. She was so wrong. Well, that’s what you told yourself.

“Can we not talk about that right now? We’ve got bigger problems here.” You said. The two of you walked out the classroom after hearing the bell, signaling that it was finally lunch time. You planned to buy food from the nearest convenience store around with Yuju. She has said countless times that ramen-in-a-cup is always the best meal no matter what time of the day it was. And cheap ice cream is always very good.

Yerin nods, “Right. Your other best friend likes your girlfriend! Oops, sorry did I say that?” She joked.

“I told you, Yuju isn’t my—”

You were cut off when you suddenly bumped shoulders with a student you didn’t see coming. They dropped a notebook, and you immediately bent down to pick it up. You weren’t prepared with the person you had to face when you stood back up.

Kim Jennie stands before you in all her glory, and she shared the same surprised look on your face but for an entirely different reason.

“Hey, sorry about that,” You said, handing the notebook back to its owner. Jennie seems speechless, accepting the notebook without a word. Yerin lightly nudged your arm, urging you to say something. “Uh, see you, Jen.” And almost immediately after you said that, you grab onto Yerin’s arm and she starts walking.

“What was that? You got history with the leading bitch in the school?” Yerin asked. Oh, you have no idea. You decided to not answer her question, mostly because there were millions more circling your brain. Jennie was there when you fought with that idiot that resulted in him being admitted to the hospital and you having this stupid injury on your arm. She was the last person you wanted to see, but you were more surprised that you didn’t run into her earlier.

Was she suspended? No way. She practically runs the school, she could’ve sweet-talked her way out of that. Maybe her dear old daddy finally grounded her. Yeah, that must be it.

“...to take SinB and come with us. Right, (Y/N)?”

You blinked, “What?” You didn’t realize that Yerin had dragged you to where Yuju was standing.

“I was just talking to Yerin about joining us. Are you okay?” Yuju asked. You nodded, maybe a little too quickly. You felt that she didn’t need to know about Jennie, or anything that happened before she came to the school. Maybe until you’ve gotten way closer. Is it bad to hide secrets from friends? Yuju has been nothing but honest to you, but it wasn’t like she was very open about her personal life. It could be that she just has nothing to say unlike you, whose story might be overwhelming to hear.

You really didn’t want to scare Yuju away. But still, she was going to know one way or another. You just hoped that it was going to come from you and not from some irrelevant gossip who doesn’t know any better.

“Oh, yeah. Something funny happened earlier. Seokmin was just here. Like, he was actually talking to me. Can you believe that?” Yuju says, laughing as she rummages through her locker for her wallet.

You and Yerin share a look, which you absolutely hated because she started raising her eyebrows and mouthing the word ‘crush’, “What’d he say?” You asked, ignoring Yerin’s excessive gesturing using all of her face.

“Well, for some reason, he wanted to know if I was available for lunch today and obviously I said no because I got you.” Yuju replied, pulling out a wallet from her locker and immediately shoving it inside her bag. Yerin looked ready to speak up, but you kicked her ankle, causing her to turn away and silently deal with the pain.

You faked a laugh, “Sounds like he was asking you out.” You teased. God, I hope he wasn’t asking her out. This would be the messiest situation I’ve ever been in. Yerin stifles a laugh at your obvious concern, nothing makes her happy more than knowing she was right all along.

“Why would he do that? He’s really into you,” Yuju says as if it was the most normal thing ever. If that was really the case, was she not worried that Seokmin would get in her way? Does she even like you anymore? Maybe she realized that you were better off as a friend after all those dates. That would be pretty sad considering how many times you got so close to determining your feelings for her. Did you have an absolute answer? Probably. You were just not ready to face it yet. Just like Yerin said, I hate it when she sees through me. “Don’t tell me you don’t notice the way he looks at you! He’s like a lovesick puppy.” The tall girl continues.

Yerin decided to chime in, “Just like you.” 

You didn’t even feel like fighting Yerin and her big mouth this time. Yuju smiles at her and nods, “Just like me.” She repeated, subtly winking at you. You playfully rolled your eyes, turning your head away so that your hair could hide your flushed face. Even if it was a joke, it was nice to know that Yuju still feels something. Why?! Maybe I should just shut off all my thoughts right now. It’s getting weird. I should worry over what she said instead! She thinks Seokmin likes me! But I think he likes her! How am I gonna clear this up?

“Can we just get out of here? I didn’t have breakfast this morning and if I spend another second standing around I might go insane.” You said and walked ahead of the other two. You racked your brain for solutions to your current dilemma. The first thing you thought of was pushing Yuju and Seokmin to get close, and that would mean cutting you out of the picture because you do think that they match well together.

That way Yuju wouldn’t be led on any longer than she already has. Yeah, that might be a good idea.

 -

 The nearest convenience store was directly across the school gate and for that, you had to be thankful because you really were hungry. Yerin had informed you that SinB, as well as a couple of friends of hers, will be meeting all of you at the convenience store. You didn’t really care that you would have to be around people that aren’t Yerin and Yuju, you just really wanted something to eat.

On the way to the convenience store, you had completely forgotten all about Seokmin and that whole mess, mainly because Yuju kept talking about how she would spend the majority of her weekend walking around the streets and playing with stray kittens. That would explain the small cuts on her hands you spotted a few days back. You gave her a stern scolding about diseases stray animals could carry, and then Yerin teased you about suddenly caring about other people’s wellbeing. Do I really make an impression of a cold-hearted snake at first glance?! I may be a violent asshole who can’t hold her temper but I’m not a monster!

“Oh,” You groaned as you neared the convenience store. You were close enough to spot the several students wearing your school’s uniform going about inside the convenience store, and now you changed your mind about this whole thing. Eating with several people is only fun when you know who those people are and when you’re close with them. You liked SinB even though she was one of the people who can get under your skin with her antics, but you can’t say the same about whoever she brought along. I just hope that they’re not the kids with superiority complexes. “I think I’m just gonna starve. See you both later.” You said.

Yuju grabs onto your healthy arm before you could even move an inch from where you were standing, “Come on, it won’t be that bad! Think of this as an opportunity to change your school rep!” She said and practically dragged you to the entrance of the store. She didn’t even give you a chance to protest!

“From a hot-headed, power-hungry agitator to an understanding and calm peacemaker. One hell of a transformation, (Y/N).” Yerin teased, patting your shoulder.

You rolled your eyes, “Literally most of what you just said were lies, I was never power-hungry!” You tried to reason as you pulled the door open with your healthy hand.

“Then how do you have ‘history’ with Kim Jennie? You’re telling me that you were actually friends with her? Nothing else?” Yerin said. Your head aches whenever you think about the bullshit you went through while you were Jennie’s pet, and your head hurts even more when Yuju looked as if she was demanding you to enlighten her about this whole thing. Darn it, Yerin. I love you but sometimes you have to shut up.

You decided to stay silent, and Yerin got distracted with greeting SinB and her friends to bother you about it further. Yuju holds the door open for you, and you thank her before stepping inside the store. As much as you tried to ignore the small crowd that formed around the seating area of the store, a familiar face forces you to look.

“Well, this is awkward.” SinB mutters as she watches you and Kim Sojung have a staring competition. Why did you even bother to think that it wouldn’t be Sojung, Eunha, and Yewon who were coming along with SinB? Of course they were the friends. Thankfully, Yuju, who knew a thing or two about what might happen if you and Sojung stayed together in one place for even two seconds, drags you inside an aisle before anyone could say anything else.

Her soft hand was holding on to yours as the two of you quietly walked to where the ramen cups were. It was strange. Yuju has held hands with you many times before. Sometimes as a joke to embarrass you in public, sometimes she does it just because she wants to, and sometimes she does it without even knowing it herself. That was your favorite one. However, something about the way she was holding your hand now was different. It was a feeling you weren’t familiar with, and oh, how you hated not knowing things.

Suddenly, just as you spotted the ramen cup you always get in stores, Yuju stops and turns around to face you. Her expressions change from determined, hesitant, and lost in a matter of seconds. It seemed like she wanted to say something, but she was afraid of your reaction. Back then you would’ve completely shut her out about anything she might ask about you, but you know her now and she knows you. You wanted to encourage her to talk but something told you to wait for her. What are you thinking?

Yuju takes your injured arm gently and stares at it for a couple of seconds, then she looks at you and finally speaks. “I’ve always wondered what really happened. You don’t tell me a lot. I know I-I’m nothing to you… but I care about you, (Y/N). It may look like I’m just someone who’s got this big crush on you as a joke but that’s not true at all. I really do like you… and I want to know what happened here.” She said.

It was inevitable. You knew she was going to ask about it again, and when that happens you wouldn’t have a choice but to answer her with the truth. That moment was here, and you’ve come up with a lot of ideas as to how to approach the topic, so how come you can’t say anything now?

Maybe I just need another push. Just one, then I can tell her everything she wants to hear.

Yuju doesn’t say anything, and that was the push you wanted. Still, the words were stuck at your throat. There was this sinking feeling at your chest, it was a feeling that you never wanted to experience again after the first time. But it comes constantly. Sometimes briefly, sometimes it stays longer than you want it to and clouds your mind for the whole day.

It feels suffocating. The more Yuju stares at you with nothing but genuine patience in her eyes, the more your chest tightens and the more your head screams at you to turn around and leave without saying a word. You were scared.

You were so terrified of telling Yuju about it all, of having to watch Yuju slowly lose whatever she feels for you after you tell her, of losing Yuju. Because you would never admit it, not even to Yerin who has proved many times that you can trust her with anything, but Yuju has become someone you were fond of. Someone who you wanted to keep for a long time. Someone who is probably the only person who can keep you in line. Someone you willingly drop your guard around. Someone that was close to your heart.

Maybe not like that yet, but you didn’t want to lose someone who means so much to you. Nobody does.

“I won’t run,” Yuju speaks again, pulling you out of your deep thoughts. “I would never run from you.”

She means well. But I can’t do this.

“(Y/N), I’m here for you,” Yuju takes a step closer to you, her hands once again taking yours and squeezing it lightly. “I know you don’t tell anyone about what happened that time for a reason. I know it’s killing you to keep all of your feelings inside because you want everyone to think you’re so tough, but you don’t have to do that anymore.”

Yuju takes your hand and raises it to her lips. She plants kisses on your knuckles, and then she presses your palm against her cheek. Stop it. 

“You can lean on me.”

It hurts to think of what might happen if you tell her right now. Will she completely change her attitude, take back everything she just said and walk away? Or will she continue to stand there and actually keep her promise? You weren’t sure of what might happen, but either outcomes would be scarring. Even if Yuju continues being Yuju and stays with you, it wouldn’t stop this horrible, irrational feeling you have. The feeling that she is not supposed to be with you.

As a friend or whatever.

It’s cruel to keep someone waiting like this.

You slowly dropped your hand from her cheek and tried to pull away, but Yuju kept her hold on you as if she was afraid that you were going to disappear if she let go. Because you will. You just hope that Yuju won’t hate you more for staying away from her rather than knowing what happened that led to your injury. How could I let this go on for so long?

“They’re expecting you,” You gestured to the girls at the seating area. Yuju couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Taking advantage of her confusion, you successfully pulled your hand away from hers. Why does it hurt? “Don’t let me keep you from them.” After everything… maybe I am as bad as people make me out to be.

When you walked away, Yuju didn’t chase after you. Maybe she was finally tired of everything you put her through. Or maybe she understood why you were so hesitant to talk about everything in the first place. You wouldn’t know because you made sure to never look back. Looking at Yuju again after everything that just happened, it would only hurt you more and boy were you done with being hurt.

[finiteuniverse13]

Bravo's Banned List

With the help of @bravo-four-seal-team, @@jayhalsteadfan-2417 and @rebelwrites, we made a list.

A list, posted on various walls throughout the Naval base, the plane and the cage room. About 1/3 of it is typed up, the rest is in hastily written pen. Made by Blackburn to try and corral Bravo. It's doing its best.

Tag: @rebelwrites @chibsytelford @bravo-four-seal-team @velvetcardiganbucky @supervalcsi @abby-splace @itsonautopilot @thegirlwhoisalwayswriting @pinkrockstar19 @softi92 @mrsmarvelous1995 @jayhalsteadfan-2417

Just so you're all aware, this is a 6.5-page document.

0: On the days of Adam and Swanny’s Death, leave the group be to remember them. I will not protect you.

1: Brock Is Not Allowed Coffee. No exceptions.

1.1: Do not leave Metal alone with Brock when Coffee is around.

2: Dick jokes are not required in briefings

3: If a single one of you bastards get between me and my coffee, we will be having issues

5: You made the dog sad; you die.

8: DO NOT GIVE THEM NERF GUNS

9: WHO THE HELL GAVE THEM WATER GUNS

9.1: STICKS DO NOT GIVE THEM STICKS THEY WILL PRETEND THEY ARE GUNS

10: Dirt bikes (don’t ask)

11: ARCHERY IS A BIG NO

12: FISHING. WHY AM I BANNING FISHING

13: Fire. That is all

14: KNIVES. WHY ARE YOU GIVING THEM KNIVES?

15: LADDERS (NEVER AGAIN)

16: PLASTIC CUTLERY ONLY UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES GIVE THEM METAL CUTLERY

16.1: Scratch that, they stab people with the metal cutlery. Let them suffer the consequences of their actions. They can eat with their hands.

17: MEMES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE MEETING ROOM

18: Horse riding. (METAL IT IS NOT A TACTICAL DISMOUNT ITS CALLED FALLING AND GETTING A CONCUSSION)

19: BOY BANDS (not allowed to be played on the plane)

19.1: GIRL BANDS (for the love of god, they will try and imitate them)

19.2 RAP MUSIC (they think they are the next Eminem and will make your ears bleed)

20: Do not tell Jason he is not allowed to do something. He finds a way to do it

20.1: Apparently Ray will do the exact same without question

21: Do not leave any members of the team with upper brass. (How did you make an Admiral with years of combat CRY!)

22: Clay is under Jason’s protection don’t go after him they will not find your body

22.1: If Clay calls Jason dad just leave it ok

22.2: Actually, check on Jason, he’s been standing staring for the past hour now

23: Hairdryers are banned (HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET YOUR BEARD CAUGHT SONNY)

24: Only Trent is allowed to call Metal by his legal first name. Ensign Williams learnt that one the hard way.

25: Paintball is banned from the base the last time it was extreme and got violent

26: The transformers movies because clay tried to do a stunt it ended badly

27: Thumbtacks apparently

28: Any Marvel movie (Jason you’re not Captain America)

28.1: DC movies are out as well

28.2: Disney Princess movies as well (don’t ask)

30: Do not leave phone unlocked around Sonny, he will not hesitate to change everything

36: DO NOT LET THEM GET SO DRUNK THEY START SINGING. IF I HEAR IN THE NAVY ONE MORE TIME, I WON'T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACTIONS

37: IF THERE IS SILENCE DROP EVERYTHING AND START HUNTING AND PANICKING

38: Grenade launchers are not required for every mission Trent

39: WHO GAVE METAL A SWORD

42: Yes, Clay does know an Admiral by name. Don't ask questions you don't want answers to.

45: If Clay starts angrily ranting in a foreign language, don't worry. He's thinking out loud, not plotting to destroy the base

45.1: If Clay is calmly talking in a foreign language just back away slowly

48: SpongeBob is a Bad Idea because they are way too Annoying and make References (I’m looking at you, Clay)

52: Sharpies. When I find whoever gave me this sharpie tattoo sleeve, there will be hell to pay

56: DO NOT LET CLAY HAVE A GRIMM REAPER OUTFIT! THIS IS THE THIRD TIME HES NEARLY GIVEN SONNY AND TRENT A HEART ATTACK AT 3 AM

57: Red paint. I went to check something at 3 am and Clay was painting a satanic ritual on the floor

58: 3 am checks are a bad idea. (I have seen things, people!)

62: Explosives are to be locked away when not on mission Sonny and Clay will try and play catch with a live homewrecker

62.1: I expected Metal as a Master Chief to know better - he falls under the same rule as Clay and Sonny.

63: Don't wake Clay when he is sleeping back away slowly and leave the room

64: If I'm sleeping, back away and leave the room. Interrupt me if they've broken a rule, or if the base is actively being bombed. If not, I don't care.

65: Have multiple phone chargers or they will disappear and you’re not getting them back

68: If you call Clay anything other than a nickname expect to get punched or stabbed or sniped in the ass when least expected

68.1: Metal will stab you. Please remember he has a shovel and lye in his truck (WHY DO YOU HAVE IT)

68.2: Don't try to take the shovel and lye off of Metal

69: NEVER say the number 69 around them they are all immature children and expect tongue in cheek comments

70: NEVER interrupt Sonny when he is eating breakfast, he is grumpy in the morning

72: If they are all asleep make no sound - YOU WAKE THEM THEY ARE YOUR PROBLEM NOT MINE

73: For the love of god, stop giving Clay earth mineral nicknames. This is the third time this week I've watched Sonny empty limestone dust from his pack

75: Do not give them hammers! What is wrong with you people?

79: Do Not talk to Trent unless it’s after 2 coffees

83: For the love of god, don't ask Metal if he ever did nude modelling in art school. He will begin stripping, literally anywhere

91: Cerberus is a good boy and you hurt Brock you die

98: Super Glue (never again)

99: MY COFFEE IS OFF LIMITS WHOEVER PUT SALT IN IT WILL PAY

100: Do not give in to their peer pressure while they are drunk, I will not be doing it again

100.1: WHY AM I HEARING IN THE NAVY AGAIN?!

100.2: Sweet Caroline won't work twice

100.3: WHY ARE YOU SINGING BARBIE

100.4: SONNY, CLAY IS NOT A BARBIE GIRL

103: Don't tell Sonny he looks good in pink because you better believe he will keep wearing it (and probably some girl clothes too) to keep getting compliments

114: I ALREADY WROTE SUPER GLUE WHY DO I NEED TO WRITE IT AGAIN

115: HAIR DYE (Why did you dye Metal and Trent’s hair pink?!)

115.1: Face paint (Sonny, their faces did not need to match their hair)

116: Do NOT touch Clay, Charlie team learnt that, and someone ended up nearly losing a finger. (And it wasn’t because of the dog)

117: If they offer you a drink whilst smirking DO NOT take it

118: Sea shanties – if I hear one more SEA SHANTY while we are FLYING

119: If you hear someone shout incoming, run, it’s not an attack, it is Bravo, someone has done something and they’re coming to tell me

120: Vegemite is not allowed in the base after Jason let Clay eat it

121: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (JASON I DONT CARE IF YOU THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY TO ACT LIKE LEO IT WAS A BAD MOVE)

122: Hawaii 5-0, if I hear one more thing about how we should hang people of the rook of buildings I am going to shoot someone

124: Mortal Kombat (Clay was acting like Scorpion for a month)

130: Itching Powder (looking at you Brock)

131: DO NOT TOUCH JASONS TOMATOES - you will get a bamboo cane jammed into your thigh

134: Capes - YOU ARE NOT SUPERMAN CLAY STOP PRETENDING YOU CAN FLY BY JUMPING OFF THE HOOCHES

134.1: Edna Mode said NO CAPES - I EXPECT NO CAPES WORN BY ANYONE ON MY TEAM

138: Laser Tag is fun until someone gets hurt (Sonny and Clay you know what happened)

138.1: Laser Tag! (Ray needed to go to the hospital guys, come on)

143: Basketball. My nose will never be straight again.

144: Bravo and Ice skates don’t mix (the only person good on them is Jason but no other member of Bravo is allowed on the ice again)

144.1: Same goes for rollerblades

145: Ash Spencer is not allowed to be alone with Clay (Jason punched him last time he was on base)

145.1: Do not leave Jason, Metal or Sonny alone with Ash Spenser, it’s going to end up with a murder charge.

146: Clay is Jason’s adopted kid and needs to be supervised when Jason is away

151: SLIME - FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DONT GIVE THEM SLIME

152: GLITTER WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE

153: SCISSORS - Jase cut a chunk of Clay’s hair in the night now the base is a war zone

153.1: DONT FUCK WITH COVERBOY'S HAIR see point 68 for consequences

154: NAIR (why do you even have it?)

156: Call Of Duty (Clay must be supervised when playing it)

157: Do Not leave Clay unattended with Metal (They are both recovering from the ONE CHIP/DEATH CHIP Challenge)

158: Marshmallows (don’t ask)

163: The Hunger Games (are not a good training exercise)

164: The Olympus Has Fallen movies are not allowed to be mentioned in any given time)

173: If you mention the word ice-cream just run, run for your life

176: If I am sleeping STOP THROWING PAPER AT ME

177: Yelling FOR NARNIA is not an appropriate battle cry

178: The Fast And Furious movies (Clay you are not Brian so stop)

182: Nap time is important if their asleep do something else but if you wake them run like hell

190: Any movies about WAR are BANNED (I need a drink to talk about that one)

200 (From Bravo): Blackburn isn't allowed any more paper

200.1 (From Bravo): or pens

200.2: (Blackburn) Handcuffs. They handcuffed me to my desk and wrote that

200.3 (Blackburn): Bravo will not be allowed to tell their Commanding Officer what to do

202: Who keeps giving them superglue? This is the 8th time we are having to unglue Sonny and Clay’s hands

203: Do not let any of them take point on Briefing EVER

205: Are you serious? Paperclips! Do not give them PAPERCLIPS

206: Leaving anyone unattended with fire is a bad idea - I can still smell burning

210: This is Sparta (Jason don't kick people off the roof)

210.1: JASON I SAID NO KICKING PEOPLE YOU DONT LIKE OFF THE ROOF

213: Ash Spenser is not allowed on base. DEVGRU heard about what kind of dad he is, and now its kill-on-sight

213.1: WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT ASH BEING ON BASE

214: Puppy dog eyes because Clay has been using them on anyone to get out of doing paperwork

215: RAY STOP DOING JASONS PAPERWORK

216: GO TO A HOSPITAL IF INJURED, TRENT HAS A LIFE OUTSIDE OF YOU LOT

217: THE GLEE CAST SOUNDTRACK IS NOT TO BE USED ON THE BASE

218: DO NOT PUT LION KING ON - they will cry like babies and there’s no consoling them over Mufasa

220: If I have to explain why BRAVO will not be joining teaching GREEN TEAM please see rule 1 and understand from that then ask the Green Team Instructor. (Brock terrified them by running the O Course in 30 minutes, all because someone gave him coffee)

220.1: And yes, that is the on the 50-minute-record O course. The time hasn’t been counted since it involved performance-enhancing substances

221: WHO THE HELL INTRODUCED THEM TO FROZEN

221.1 NO I DONT WANT TO BUILD A BLOODY SNOWMAN

221.2: WE WERE DEPLOYED TO SERBIA YOU BASTARDS

222: Gray’s anatomy (That is all)

227: VAPES - YOU DONT SMOKE AND ARE NOT PUFF THE MAGIC FUCKING DRAGON (clay I’m looking at you)

228: HATS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN BRIEFINGS (Sonny you know what you did)

229: MAGIC MIKE AND MAGIC MIKE XXL (still haunts my dreams)

233: I am begging you can you please BE NICE TO THE FLEET ADMIRAL (it's the 3rd time he's left in tears)

234: Chocolate - just run ok

235: Please stop re-enacting the screen from titanic when we are on a boat (I’m looking at you Brock)

235: PIZZA NIGHT IS A FREE FOR ALL AND IF YOU DONT WANT A BROKEN NOSE JUST BACK AWAY

236: Jokes. JOKES ARE BANNED - IF I NEED TO EXPLAIN WHY I WON'T BE HAPPY – NO ITS NOT FINE TO JOKE ABOUT THE FACT YOU HAVE BEEN STABBED CLAY

236.1: STAB WOUNDS ARE NOT ADDITIONAL POCKETS

237: Monopoly got violent last time and Jason got punched

237.1: In fact, any board games turn violent even snakes and ladders

237.2: Board games. Just please stop playing board games

240: Why am I revisiting the nerf guns people? IT WAS A FAMILY BARBECUE! (You lot need to learn to let your kids win!)

241: Brock is banned from Cooking - I do not want food poisoning again

244: WE DO NOT NEED A FLASH MOB EVERY TIME DONT STOP MOVING BY SCLUB 7 COMES ON

246: If they pass out around the fire pit for the love of god move them Clay and Sonny tend to like melting the sole of their boots on the flames even when passed out

251: Plastic cups only (this rule is to stop sonny from smashing them)

254: Why am I needing to revisit Sharpies? They aren’t allowed them, give them Crayola's or crayons

254.1: Scrap that YOU CAN’T EAT THE CRAYONS

256: Clay you are not Spiderman get off the walls

257: WHO GAVE COFFEE TO BROCK!!

257.1: THIS IS RULE ONE ON THE LIST WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU

258: Don't mention Hawaii five 0 just don't

258.1: They will attempt the intro to it, it’s just painful

259: Don't mention Harry Potter because they will all cry over different characters deaths

287: Soup is now banned (Ray. I honestly thought you were the normal one of the team. I am disappointed)

321: If you see Clay and Sonny cuddling just walk away, pretend you didn’t see anything, one of them had a bad day and the other is the only one they will confine in

322: Don't mention the Philippines or India just don't

330: If Metal and Trent are talking, just leave them be. (No one wants to know if Metal is yelling about something stupid Trent did)

331: Popcorn is not allowed on base it ended up in everyone's gear

342: Non-Aerosol Deodorant. (Two of them tried to eat it before realising it wasn't edible)

344: Aerosol Deodorant. (Metal and Sonny used it with lighters. to create a flamethrower)

344.1: Side note LIGHTERS ARE BAD

345: Headphones. DO NOT ASK

346: Rubber bands are not slingshots

FINAL NOTE: FROM BRAVO - BLACKBURN LOVES US REALLY PLEASE IGNORE THE ABOVE LIST ITS ALL LIES

[moderatelysociallymaladjusted]

I have another take. Bear with me while I try to articulate. Okay. One of the things that really upset me about the movie was the emphasis on Jim. I know. He's my bestest boy and he's been my favorite throughout the series. But. The movie made him so self centered and so woe is me. That it got annoying. I could have made a drinking game out of how many times he asked if he was even still the trollhunter without the amulet. The thing is. Jim already dealt with that trauma and learned from it in unbecoming. "Amulet or not. I'm the trollhunter" now. Here's the thing. The series was Trollhunters. And even Jim called the whole group that several times. For all Jim could be reckless and do stupid things on his own. That wasn't selfishness or trying to steal glory for himself. That's just because Jim is selfless. And wants to protect people. He is often called out on this. It's not necessarily shown as a flaw but it's also shown it's not great either. He cares too much and he puts himself and accidentally others at risk doing things alone. These things are addressed. Many times. And I think Jim gets better about it as time goes on. A big thing the series. All of them really has been about. Is teamwork. Friends. And not doing things alone. It's trollhunters. 3below. And wizards. Emphasis multiple people. Now I get Jim would absolutely have trauma relating to soooo many things. But so would a lot of the characters. These are things I absolutely think would need to be explored. But putting so much emphasis on Jim and how he's moping about not having the amulet was a massive let down. Because that's not Jim. At all. All the series were about working together. We are shown so much that when they all did things as a group. They worked out better. The movie had everyone bickering. Jim whining. And just nerfed everyone. Claire should have absolutely been stronger than she was shown. My girl didn't so anything like I know she was shown to be capable of. Toby deserved better and to be more involved. He was in the show. I'm not saying he wasn't occasionally sidelined but let's be fair. Toby did a lot in the series. And the movie kind of ruined that. Douxie was nerfed. My boy did the same spell several times and wasn't allowed to show everything he'd become and learned since wizards when he was mad an actual master wizard. Like come on. Krel and Aja were side lined badly. Steves plot and character growth were. Well I'm not even touching it. Eli was there to be a glow up and nothing else of any substance. And then everything they did with Strickler and Nomura. Look. The series was supposed to be about teamwork. The tag line of the movie even teased it. All three series were a setup of a team up. And everyone but Jim got demoted so badly. And then Jim just became someone he wasn't. Look. I'm so mad at the movie. But I also think there was potential in some things they just didn't follow through with. And one thing. What this whole post is about really. Excalibur. Okay I was excited for Jim to wield it. He's my boy. I love him. And I wanted him to prove himself. But again. This movie was supposed to be a team up. They really went and said. Everyone has to be involved to get the sword out.

So. My thought. Why couldn't they all wield it? Wouldn't that have been interesting? If they all had to put themselves into it. Then by that they should have all gotten to use it. And this should have been done closer to the beginning. But really. In the midst of battle. Someone yells out to someone else. "Give me the sword" and the sword gets flung across the battlefield. And it automatically finds its target and into the hands of the one who called it. And so on and so forth that they all share it. Because screw the whole monarchy "the true king" shit about who wields it. Nah. I think if they wanted to emphasis a group up so much that they all had to put their hands on it to make it work. Then that would have been a great opportunity to have everyone use it.

Though my friend also pointed out a fun thing given the name change from Sturges in the book to Lake in the show. If Barbara had been the one to remove the sword and in lady of the lake fashion, after panicking that she didn't want the sword is nudged in the direction of bestowing it to a champion herself. Now I'm certain it would have gone to Jim but. Could have been an interesting twist. I think it's also the whole being miffed they did change their last name and then did nothing with it. I know it reflected the Arthurian myth stuff but it also really didn't play any kind of role over all.

Point is. I think the movie mostly just needs to be tossed in the garbage. I don't think much is salvagable. Bits and pieces. Small dialogue. But over all I just didn't like it. I didn't like the characterizations. I didn't like how much was hyped for a team up proper and then we get something that's a cry fest for Jim. Sort of feels like after the first Avengers when we all were excited for team ups and the group to actually do things together and then. They just didn't. I'm not saying in a way Jim isn't the main character but. He kind of only was in his own show. And even then it was Trollhunters. Not Trollhunter. It was never supposed to be just Jim. And that really disappoints me.

One more thing. I mentioned how Jim really seemed to be freaking out about losing the amulet and being the trollhunter. But. The thing is. The amulet was made to defeat gunmar. When that was done. The trollhunter didn't really need to be emphasized. The order and Titans were a whole different thing. The amount of constant emphasis and mention of trollhunter this trollhunter that in relation to him being supposed to beat the order. About how the trollhunter alone would remember the things at the end. I got really tired of hearing trollhunter by the end. Because that was a title for a specific thing. And it should have had zero bearing on anything to do with fighting any other bad guys. There was no destiny or prophecy stuff to do with the trollhunter having anything to do with any other catastrophe. So Jim being so insistent on being the trollhunter just got so old and so over done. I have never wanted to slap him so much but lord. He got on my nerves. And that makes me so sad because I love Jim. But the writers really dropped the ball. And retconned so much of what they taught us in the series.

[sinkix]

Haikyuu!!│Boys going grocery shopping w/ you! HC’s│Ft. Bokuto, Nishinoya, Terushima, Kuroo & Kunimi

I had this late night idea and just HAD to follow through, the chaos would be O F F T H E C H A R T S. Thank you to @deathcab4daddy​ for helping me brainstorm some good characters for this post lmao I love you bby and can’t wait to do a collab. <3

E N J O Y ~ 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

BOKUTO:

WHEN I TELL YOU THIS BOI PICKS UP EVERYTHING IN SIGHT LIKE A 6 YEAR OLD

 I FUCKING MEAN IT.

“(Y/N) we need this” 

“Bokuto we do not need a 7th jar of peanut butter.”

 “But (Y/N) it has a squirrel on the front-”

“BOKUTO I SWEAR TO GOD”

Tries to drift on the edge of the cart like something straight outta CSGO and the cart nearly obliterates under his weight.

V e r y l o u d u n e c c e s s a r i l y.

Everyone always stares at y’all when you’re going through the isles bc ur literally escorting a man-child sprawled in a shopping cart who’s going “OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” at everything he sees like he’s a toddler at the zoo who’s never encountered a chimpanzee before.

Unless you have a bottomless bank account do NOT take him shopping of any kind he is LETHAL.

When you’re at the check-out he turns it into a basketball competition and tries to launch everything perfectly on to the conveyor belt.

Volleyball player? Nah this sis with the NBA now.

Do not ask him to go get something, he will return with at least 9 items you didn’t need and everything BUT the item you requested

He turned up with a whole ass pineapple, a jar of jam, a stick of butter and a bottle of olive oil.

Like,,,where is the correlation in those items???

Once made the mistake of asking him to grab some pads from the hygiene section and specified it HAD to be with wings

Boy showed up ten minutes later and looking very confuzzled.

You questioned why he has a pack of wingless pads in one hand and a can of red bull in the other.

He said it’s because they didn’t have any with wings so he figured the Redbull would suffice and do the job for you.

i-

NISHINOYA:

Can literally fit him in the little cart seat made for kids and he LOVES it lmaoooo IT’S SO CUTE MY HEART.

HE JUST SWINGS HIS LEGS EXCITABLY WHILE YOUR GETTING STUFF AAAAAAA

Ppl give you such weird looks though bc you have a guy who’s at least 14 years older than the intended demographic sitting there and raising his hands in elation over you copping a cookie dough pie and chucking it in.

Again, another who is VERY LOUD FOR NO REASON AT ALL.

Get’s out of the cart after a while bc his legs be growing numb and begins roaming around.

Someone came back with a feral Noya in hand stating “Is this your child” WNDKJWEFNWJEF.

M’AM HE’S LIKE 18 EXCUSE YOU.

Was salty about it for the rest of the day.

Just ruffle his hair and call him Senpai 

Problem solved.

Picks up tons of exotic fruit that look more like plastic or fuzzy poisonous plants and begs you to get them.

“Noya what the fuck is that.”

“...a Pitaya.”

“...”

“Can we get it-”

“no.”

“(Y/N)-”

“I SAID NO DAMMIT”

Last time you bought some strange fruit he took it to practise and got Tanaka to spike it LMAOOO

IT SPLATTERED E V E R Y W H E R E

AND OVER DAICHI’S SHIRT.

He begged you to no longer allow Noya to purchase weird fruits from then on since he is like a child with a nerf gun.

He once picked up a phat wrinkly purple fruit and turned to you asking if it was an overgrown raisin.

“Noya sweetie that’s a Date.”

HE FULLY TSK’ED AND THREW IT BACK SINCE IT REMINDED HIM OF DATE TECH I CAN’T.

My boy out here defending Asahi even in the Grocery Isles.

We stan a loyal king.

TERUSHIMA:

Another one who tries to stand on the ledge and the cart wheels almost collapse because it wasn’t designed to hold the weight of a young adult.

Oh young adult??? Sorry I mean’t MAN CHILD.

He treats a shopping experience as a time to practise his aim apparently because he ALWAYS THROWS SHIT AT YOU TO THE POINT YOU’RE THREATENED TO BE KICKED OUT.

Definitely picks up phallic looking objects and places them against his crotch, snorting and saying “Like what you see (Y/N)?”

Homeboy is stood there in front of a wife and child presenting his cucumber appendage for the world to see.

He once grabbed a pair of fat ass melons and pressed them against his chest, shaking them and belting the lyrics to ‘My Milkshake’ while begging you to SQUEEZE HIS MELONS.

“Look (Y/N) they’re bigger than yours!”

I just- 

I give up.

Constantly tries to sneak mutli-packs of energy drinks into the cart to the point you’re convinced he is going to keel over from heart failure and kidney stones by the age of 20.

Has his airpods in 90% of the time and treats the isles as his personal dance floor.

He busting them MOVES and performing the MJ moonwalk while in the dairy section.

ONCE HE SLID TOO FAST AND SLIPPED ON HIS REAR IN FRONT OF LIKE 12 PEOPLE LMAOO

He was DEAD silent the rest of the trip.

Probably the most serene shopping experience you’ve had to date.

The checkout clerks occasionally hit on Mr. Sore-Ass over here.

Until he opens his mouth and they realise he’s a total dolt and question how you have the patience for him.

You don’t know either honestly.

The whole bagging experience is spent with them shooting you sympathetic glances as if to say ‘sis you shoulda’ left him at home’.

Yes, yes you should have.

Never a dull moment with Teru as your shopping partner.

KUROO:

LITERALLY LIKE A MIDDLE-AGED MAN OR A TODDLER WHEN Y’ALL GO SHOPPING THERE IS NEVER AN EVEN MIDDLE-GROUND.

Frequently cracks lame-ass food puns or dad jokes that make you want to crawl into a hole and die.

You have competitions on who can come up with the most and the loser always faces a penalty.

Kuroo and creating penalties do NOT mix safely so you better hope you win.

“I love you a waffle lot.” 

Proceeds to hold up a wrapped waffle.

Ok that one was kinda cute you’ll let it slide.

“I ap-peach-iate you Kuroo.”

Cue HyenaLaugh.mp3

“Want a pizza me baby? Bitch peas, doughnut take me lightly.”

You changed your mind.

You didn’t talk to him the duration of that shopping experience, no penalty could be as horrifying as what just came out of his mouth.

“(Y/N)... sometimes I feel like you don’t carrot all.”

You slapped him with said carrot and obviously had to pay for it after.

You forced him to eat it raw.

He is the definition of Neutral disaster when you go shopping.

Shitty food puns aside, he is actually very responsible when making sure you both get what you need.

Not without tons of poking, prodding, and blowing into your ear while you’re trying to decide what ingredients to buy for dinner.

You contemplated serving him a plate of bubbling snot and moulded broccoli seasoned with rosemary.

Bone apple teeth, bitch.

Ofc you didn’t because he always pulls out the puppy eyes and cuddles card after since he knows he’s well and truly rattled your patience lmao.

Actually picks really healthy food options?? Being the captain of a team he has the responsibility of keeping his health in top condition and leading by example so at least he knows the right ingredients to make a bomb-ass and nutritious meal ig.

Y’all always bicker and tease each other at the checkout which is usually great amusement for the clerk serving you as they often smirk and perceive you as an old married couple.

Which tbh you kinda are, it feels like it at least.

Still such a big asshole though lmao you never leave the store without your sanity being scathed.

KUNIMI:

Honestly just wanted an excuse to make jokes at the expense of the Aoba Johsai teammates.

and what better candidate for cracking these than Kunimi.

He’s a very chill partner to have tag along with you on your endeavours.

Not without some grumbling and groaning on his part though, lazy bitch.

You always finish shopping trips with a busted lung at how much you have been laughing though with some of the SHADY ASS REMARKS HE MAKES ABOUT THE OTHER TEAM MATES.

You were outside the store when you both spotted an angry looking Doberman tied to a nearby post.

“Smh who let Kyotani outside again.”

You hadn’t even set foot in the store yet and he was already spitting flaming insults.

[Walking up to the automatic double doors]

“Damn Oikawa move out of my way.”

Oikawa just tryna live and he keeps getting roasted for his flat cheeks 

#StopOikawaAssShaming

Ten minutes of scouring the store later he picks up a spikey Kiwano and compares it to Iwaizumi’s hair.

Proceeds to beg you not to tell my boy Iwa because he KNOWS he will get decked to the gym floor.

Passers by often wonder why you’re wheezing and producing noises like a boiling kettle.

When I tell you no one is safe, I mean N O O N E.

“These Yule logs really out here looking like Matsukawa’s brows.”

The finisher was when Kunimi picked up a turnip and said 

“Huh, kinda looks like Kindaichi.”

I just-

He could roast a whole chicken in minutes from the burn of these comments I stg.

You can now never look at the Seijou team without various foods or inanimate objects plaguing your thoughts.

Thanks, Kunimi.

[infinitegalahad]

Borhap Boys As Sugar Daddies

(reposted bc it was disappearing from the tags😭)

hey guys!! I wanna apolgoize for the disappearance, school is ✨madness✨ luv. so I've decided to try something new. But I promise I'm working on requests (and a bunch of new ideas). I love all of the borhap boys (bc they are babies🥺) so this might become a little series of head canons! no major warnings, just lots of fluff and some suggestive material. also reader is gender neutral (boy, girl, whatever you what it my dudes!) why not mix my fav trope and boys all in...one fic😳😳 anyways hope you guys enjoy!! I would love some feedback for future reference

Masterlist (requests are welcomed!)

Rami Malek-

Number one that gif of him...need I say more? 🥰

I’m sick of how ya’ll sleep on Rami!! I’m gonna give him tons of love

He would be one of the most affectionate sugar daddy’s tbh

Certainly would spoil the HECK out of you

Whether it be paying off your bills or lavish trips to Greece, Rami always has your back

You never had to pay a SINGLE PENNY when you were around him

Being with Rami, you were a changed person

Your fashion game went UPPPP

Like chanel perfume, all designer clothes, nice handbags, you NAME IT

”Rami, I’m not buying a five hundred dollar shirt from Theory.” ”What do you mean? It would look so good on you, sweetheart.”

Yes, Rami bought you the shirt

You two were at a vinyl place and you saw a limited edition queen vinyl

He buys it (and basically 10+ vinyls you love)

SO RAMI MAKES A WHOLE ASS ROOM IN HIS HOME FOR YOUR VINYLS🥺🥺

This man is omfg i loveee him❣️

Little sneak kisses to your forehead

Seeing you smile as you shop and blush at his complaints makes him so freaking happy HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH

He would take you shopping at the best stores

“I would be fine at a target, y’know” as you look around a Gucci store

Rami would snake an arm around your waist as he cooed into your ear, “My baby deserves the best, and nothing but the best

What started out as an arrangement turned into a genuine relationship

When looking for a sugarbaby, Rami was simply looking for company (and someone to spoil the heck out of)

In all truth, he was simply a lonely guy who simply wanted someone to make happy, and made himself happy in the process

Wherever you guys would go, he would always wanna hold your hand and be close to you bc he’s scared of loosing someone he’s made a connection with

And i’m totally not crying as I write this

Both of you were in dark places when you first met

Rami showed how much he truly cared about you

If you called him all upset, he would SPEED over with whatever you needed whether it be pizza or emotional support

Sitting on your couch, his arm wrapped around yours as you vented about your problems

Rami had convinced you to drop your job and come live with him because he’s a KING!!

”Angel, you’re not gonna have to worry about anymore.” ”What do you mean?”

You ended up quitting your job and moving in with him

What turned into an arrangement became an intimate relationship

The sex between you to was AMAZING

it was VERY intimate

It started off slow but would get increasingly rougher god I hate what I said

Rami would always check up and you and NEVER go past your limits

It would end with the two of you cuddling in bed

Let’s just say you never had to worry about your bills ever again😎😎

I MADE MYSELF CRY WHYYY

Gwilym Lee-

my love for this man? ENDLESS

Seriosuly gwilym lee HAVE MY CHILDERN

anyways to the pLOT

Gwilym is the sexiest and cutest man alive

The sugar daddy that will bring you EVERYWHERE HE GOES

He’s such a gentlemen

Like all relationships start, it was more of an arrangement then a relationship

Your job was to escort Gwilym at all these events as “company”

Gwilym would send a bunch of nice items and a driver to bring you to the location

”Hope you like this ❤️ xxx”   “Treat yourself! 😘xxx”

Like mister I-😳😳

Gwilym is literally such a sweet person

Whenever you were spotted with him, you would get thousands of compliemnts/questions

”You’re with Gwilym! So lucky!”

”That necklace is to kill for! Did Gwilym give it to you?”

”Teach my your ways!”

Whenever you’re at these events all these people give you evil stares

Your like👁👄👁 “is Gwilym a playboy??”

Gwilym is all like “what do you mean?? 🥺Of course not! Your the only one that matters to me right now”

He’s such a king we LOVE HIM

Spontaneous trips to France and Italy

Gwilym and you grow super close

Also your dates would range from fancy galas for Gwilym’s works or peaceful book/poetry readings

He LOVES books and always takes you to bookstores and gives his best recommendations

He literally turns into an english teacher while overanalyzing books

”The greenlight in Green Gatbsy is such a crucial symbol”

”Jane Austen is one of the best feminist writers, she was so ahead of her time!”

You wanna be annoyed but can’t

i can’t I LOVE GWILYM LEE I’M NOT SORRY

The two of you would lie in bed together

You would be slouched against his body as he stroked your hair, reading to you in that accent

As much as you love your gentlemen, you get him into the wacky world of ninety day fiance

”This looks like trash...I’m going to watch every minute of it!”

You guys order chinese food and watch this obsessviely for six hours

I know this is meant to be fluffy but why not add some 🌶

Sex with you and Gwil is like ✨fireworks✨

He would make sure you wouldn’t be able to walk the next day let’s just say😉

He would have to carry you around and kiss your head, saying “You're so adorable, poppet” or “Don’t strain your legs, Cariad!”

Also ceo of AMAZING NICKNAMES

”My anwylyd” (Welsh for dearest)

Would 100% write you romantic poems (over text and in paper)

And yes he WOULD dramatically read them to you😤😤✌🏽

He would always greet you with the most over the top nicknames like “Good morning cariad!” or “Sit there and act pretty, my beloved”

hi mr lee please make me your sugar baby

Gwilym is your sugar daddy but also your sweet, book loving man

He loves seeing you happy so in return, you make him happy💓💓

Joe Mazzello-

This one is a wildcard ladies and gays!! 😌😌

Joe definitely does not strike you as a sugar daddy

He seems more like your boyfriend than anything else

The two of you were inseparable

After dinner Joe would take you to a karaoke bar or for ice cream

After the first date you started calling him Joey

Drunken duets to cheesy 80’s romance songs

The two of you would sing your hearts out before vomiting from the copious ammouts of ice cream and vodka

With Joe it’s eithier mcdonalds or Nobu in TriBeCa

Mr.Mazello has range😌✨

This dude is the ceo of cheesy nicknames

”Yes my little lover muffin!”

”What is it cutie patootie?”

”You look amazing buttercup!”

“What’s up, hot stuff?”

In public he calls you “baby” or “lover” dw he saves you from public embarrassment 

You know that meme of will smith and his wife? That is basically you and Joe

My love for his man is infinite

Joe is super clingy

Hand holding and lots of PDA

He wants people to know that your his sugar baby😤😤💓

he will always send texts like

”miss you baby💓💗💓💗!”

”can you grab milk from the store pls??”

”SUGAR HONEY ICED TEA WHERE ARE YOU😩😩🤯🤯🤯”

”Joe, it’s been a day.”

He has so many photos of you in his camera roll

You are his lockscreen😔💓

The ceo’s of amazing instagram photos, whether it be you wearing a burger king crown at Burger King or You guys kissing on a boat with the Italian sunset on a private boat

Captions would be could “my favorite fairytale is our love story” or “yasss queen slay it!”

It’s cringey but god Joe is so adorable

A combination of a child and gentleman ALL IN ONE

All of his friends are like “you guys HAVE to be dating!’

It’s suppose to be nothing more than an arrangement right?

I mean the two of you were living with eachother and he dropped all of this other sugar babies for you

The two of you are master chefs minus the one time Joe burned mac and cheese and set the stove on fire

Also not to get smutty but the sex between you two? Like

Straight up RAMMING to sweet pillowtalk

Anyways Joe being your sugar daddy would definitely not be a bad thing at all😘

Always exchange those “I love you’s” 💕✨

Ben Hardy-

When first seeing Ben on your sugar daddy app, you were 100% intimidated

But upon meeting him, this tough dude was a PUPPY🥺❣️

On the first date he bought you flowers and gave you a hug

“Y/n, right?”

“That’s me!”

“I just wanted to say you look stunning, love.”

You were wearing jeans and literally smiled so much

You know this date was going to go VERY WELL NOW😩✌🏽✨

Instead of a fancy restaurant, Ben took you to a stroll around London

Whatever clothes you wanted? He got it

Whatever cafe you wanted to stop at? Buy all the tea/coffee and pastries you want

Hotel? Trivago

The two of you walked around the city, hand and hand as you got to know eachother

You ended up walking around the city for five hours up until midnight

You laughed and talked about thousands of things

In confusion, you had to see Ben again

As Ben walked you back to your place, you smiled at him,

”I’d like to do that again.”

”Call me when you want, y/n.”

So your “dates” became more frequent

Ben had the best ideas for dates

Dinners at small Italian places, walking around a museum, or just sitting in his place and watching mindless television

He made sure to spoil you

With gifts, literally and figurreitly

Sex was a large piece in your arrangeemnt

But it was not the only thing in your relationship

And it was!! Amazing!!

”You’re so fucking beautiful” as he would kiss your forehead and dive straight into it 🥺😳

Not only could that man be A BEAST but an absolute sweetheart

Everyday you looked forward to not only getting paid by him, but just talking to him for hours on end

He would stay up for hours just to talk to you, whether it be about your lives or anything

and that ladies and gays is a dedicated MAN

No matter what, Ben always found a way to touch you

He always had his hand on the chair behind you or your thigh

You guys would have pillowforts and nerf fun battles together

It would always end with a cuddle session

Frankie would be skeptcial but love you!!

You guys got so close that he took you on a trip to the greek islands AND PROPOSED!! LIKE!! YES!!😌😌😌

LIKE YES POP OFF MISTER BEN HARDY

[jessiebanethedragon]

Grecian Juniper (Hunter x reader)

this was a request that came in as a message, not tagged becasue i’m not sure if they wanna be annon or not but love ya’ll either way! 

oxoxox jessie

You had to admit, this time you’d out done yourself. Swinging your lightsaber around as it deactivates leaving the feeling of bubbling pride in your chest. Was this technically an abuse of your abilities? Maybe. But Crosshair has been an ass since you last left base, and it was time for a little payback. Thus bringing you to this moment of a perfectly sculpted “I ❤️Hutts” onto the backplate of his armour. Yes, your lightsaber had many uses indeed. 

Working with Clone Force 99 did have its perks, Tech, Wrecker and Echo were lovely. Reuniting with the trooper after the techno union was a flurry of tears, happiness and a vow from you to never leave your best friend's side again. And then there was the sergeant. With his tousled hair, tattooed face, and a voice that had you buckling at the knees every time he said your name. Hunter made being a jedi very difficult. 

“He’s gonna be pissed.” The man in question said, walking past your work of art as he re-ties the red bandana. 

“He was such a nerf herder all flight.” You say with a sigh, still exhausted from having to put up with a very moody Crosshair. Your cheeks flush when you hear Hunter chuckle in agreement.

“Maybe so, but you know he’s going to be one hundred times worse now.” Hunter calls to you over his shoulder as he wanders  into the cockpit and away from your shenanigans. Leaving you to force down the warm fuzzies in your chest and hide the childish smile on your face. 

“Kriffing Jedi!!” Your face falls when you hear the shouting from inside the  Havoc Marauder. The four of you are standing plantside on Kashyyyk for a recon mission, waiting for the sniper outside in the fresh air. Tech narrows his eyes at you while you suppress a small giggle. 

“I have no idea what he is talking about.” You say, hoping to cover your tracks. 

“Sure, as if you’re the order's golden child.” Echo scoffs with a smile, he may look different still, colour slowly returning to his face and hair that's now lighter, but the smile is still his. Telltale domino squad smirks and laughter that take you back to the barracks late at night. 

“SARGE!” You hear Crosshair shout as he stops down the landing pad, armour in one hand and a furious look on his face. Hunter sidesteps the angry sniper as he beelines for you, shoving the plate into your face. Wrecker catches a glimpse and doubles over in laughter, tech and Echo lean on each other to giggle off to the side. 

“Oh woah, looks like it got scratched…” You say, dramatically pretending to be shocked. Murmuring about how it could've happened and looking over to any of your friends for help. 

“You’re going to regret this.” Crosshair seethes out through his heaving breath. 

“I didn’t do anything!” you exclaim, still playing dumb. “I was with Hunter!” You gesture to the sergeant hoping he will cover for you. He turns away not wanting to be involved, but you catch the smallest of smiles. 

“Oh you wish.” Crosshair spits, side eyeing the leader of the Bad Batch. All at once, you stop smiling. 

“And what's that supposed to mean.” You grit out. He wouldn't. Crosshair wouldn't. Of course the sniper knows about your feelings, he’s too damn clever, but even he knows there's lines. And this is definitely one of them. 

“Maybe if you weren't so hopelessly in love with him you wouldn't be such a bitc-”

“Crosshair!” Hunter shouts, louder and angrier than you’ve ever heard him, “Stand. Down.” with one last look at your shocked face, tears beginning to form in your eyes, his face softens. He knows he’s gone too far, unknowing of how deep the feelings really went. 

“Ca'tra…” He begins an apology, the use of the nickname, your nickname of the brilliant night sky, shakes you out of your trance. And without another thought, you take off into the dense forest. 

You run until the panting breaths are because of physical exertion and not a panic attack. You decide that it's unlikely Hunter will report you,so your rank as a Jedi won't be ruined. Explaining the sudden need for a transfer will be harder to pull off. 

And then there's Echo. you promised not to leave him, ergo you have to stay with the Bad Batch. You’re so unbelievably screwed it’s almost funny. The air is almost still in this part of the forest, trees packed next to one another. Green melting into green as leaves interconnect and block out the sun. 

Let go of your feelings. 

Logic of your Jedi master rings in your ears, but the anxiety seems to be louder today. Just thinking about going back to the ship brings tears to your eyes. But it is inevitable, so perhaps you’ll swallow the rising bile, grit your teeth and just deal with it. 

“Ca’tra!” Echo’s call resonates through the forest, he must have been the one to take off after you, your heart falls knowing it’s not Hunter. Then again, you  never held out much hope for requited feelings anyways. 

“Ca’tra!” That's Tech’s voice, great now you’ve got two commandos trying to track you down. And considering you’re not ready to face anyone yet, you turn on your heel to take off again. Coming face to face with the blunt grey plastoid of the sergeants armour. You jump back with a soft gasp.

“Senses need re-tuning?” Hunter asks with a raised eyebrow, you're rarely caught off guard. You open your mouth but the vocal cords don’t seem to co-operate, so instead you’re left to stand and gape. Eyes flickering to him for the smallest of moments before finding comfort looking at his boots rather than his face. 

“You know he’s a shit.” Hunter says, filling the silence with small talk. expecting some smart reply and a smile from you.  Instead You shift your weight from foot to foot and pick at the dirt on your clothing. You hear him clear his throat with a cough, but you still don’t look at him, transfixed by the ground, picking at the dirt on your hands now. Maybe a little too aggressively as his hand comes to pull it away from your reddening skin. 

“You’ll hurt yourself.” He states, flipping your smaller, softer hands around, looking for other irritated areas. Thumbing each one over gently with a huff of disapproval before his switches to your other hand. Giving it the same treatment. 

“Need to take better care of yourself.” He murmurs as he finds a particular bad spot. Watching as you move your head to stare and a new patch of ground off to the side. 

“ ‘Kay you’re starting to scare me Ca’tra, say something.” Your heart hops a little at the sound of genuine worry in his voice. 

“Sorry.” You whisper, it’s the easiest thing to say. 

“You don’t need to be.” Hunter’s deep voice hums, as his hand makes it way to your elbow, coaxing you out of the hunched position you didn't even realize you’d gone into. 

“Doesn't matter.” you sigh, looking up at the sky letting the tears fall back into your eyes. 

“It does to me.” He tells you firmly. Rough but warm fingers pull your face to meet his, so you squish your eyes closed. Funny how the instincts take over - if you can't see it, it’s not there.

“Don’t like seeing you upset.” Hunter moves his hand, sensing he overstepped. The other refuses to move from your elbow though. 

“Sorry.” you whisper again, letting out a shaky breath unsure if his presence is helping  or making it all worse. 

“I care about you.” He admits slowly, not to you specifically, but to the greenery around the two of you, like he’s not really talking  to you at all, but you’re still able to hear him. 

“It’s not the same.” You say quickly, trying to escape the conversation that’s about to happen. You know the difference between caring about someone and loving them, and the last thing you want is for him to tell you that.

“Yes it is.” He says it so quickly, you think he didn’t even mean to say it out loud. Hunter’s dark hair is falling around the bandana as he looks at you, backpack forgotten in his rush to find you, senses as ignored as they can be. Gently touching your foreheads together, he repeats himself.  “Yes. it is.” the smallest panicked noise escapes you as you breathe, closing  your eyes  as his other hand comes to grasp your neck softly. While the one on your elbow sneaks it’s way to your waist. As gentle as possible.  

He’s giving you a chance to run. Your brain realizes with shock. Hunter is giving you a chance to turn and bolt again. Exposing himself  in the only way he knows how, eyes closed, gentle touches, and the opportunity to pull away from hands that have never known love. 

Except this time, you don't want to run. 

The sigh of relief that leaves him when you wrap your arms around his neck is monumental. And immediately his hold tightens, crushing you into the armour in a desperate attempt to feel your warmth through the cold metal. One hand grips your tunic with all his strength and the other buries itself in your hair. 

You press your face into the gap where tan skin disappears under the top of his blacks. Feeling the prickles where scruff is growing in, and if you try hard enough, maybe you feel where his tattoo starts. 

“What are we going to do?” You cry into his shoulder, this isn't allowed. The two of  you are breaking every rule imaginable. Jedi attachment, Clone attachment, internal fraternization, breaking orders, disobeying line of command, and probably about a million more. 

“It’s okay ner cayre.” He says stealing the anxiety driven breaths with a kiss sweeter than spice. 

“I've got you.” 

[dappersheep]

Food Fantasy: An Analysis on what killed a Golden Goose (2/3)

Welcome back. Before we get started, disclaimers again! I do not own the game or its characters, nor do I claim to know the history and future of the game. What I am entitled to are the thoughts and opinions written within this post. You may or may not agree with the points spoken of here. This post also remains untagged from the main foofan tag. Only my followers will see this.

We are now on the second part, so let's go forward under the cut!

Elex

And here we have our beloved global publisher that most of seem to have Stockholm Syndrome for. Don't lie, at least half of us are still playing this damned game due to sunken cost fallacy, sunken time fallacy and the cute/hot jpegs.

In 2018, everything started out fine. Sure, maybe we had some translation mishaps here and there -coughwe'llgettothatwreckagelatercough- but overall, Elex was running the game fairly well. Rewards were on time, we had active social media and support, and a discord was set up!

Hint: Please note I use quite a bit of sarcasm in most everything I say.

And then somewhere along that road, things got derailed. And I mean it like, we're in the midst of a trainwreck in slow motion and we've only cleared the initial collision and still hurtling forward or backward into a steel wreckage ticking inferno.

Problems started cropping up as early as late 2018, just a few months after the game was launched in July.

⦁ Art contest mishaps. You know when you hold an art contest on Facebook out of all places with its shitty tagging system, you're bound to have entries lost to the void, people forced to register an FB account just to participate (seriously, who even has an FB account that isn't just there to appease family members?) and having to wrestle with figuring out how FB's tagging system works. Add to that the panel of judges happen to be Elex staff who don't have a good eye for good artwork (we actually had a kiddy figure drawing win over a well drawn one during the last contest!) and that they ALSO weren't very good at organizing such contests on FB... well, we had several grievances over that.

⦁ Region blocked FB announcements. Strangely enough, I stopped getting announcements around Father's Day of 2019 while everyone else outside of SEA kept getting updates. Turns out that someone on Elex's staff really didn't like SEA players or was just really bad at fixing the settings for the group and never bothered to revert it back. It didn't matter in the long run though, because...

⦁ Abandoned social media platforms. FooFan Twitter, FooFan Facebook... they all floated slowly into the void and was never heard from again. And this was before the 2020 pandemic.

⦁ Remember what I said about Discord? Yeah, apparently, they opened one up a little too early and the staff in charge of it knew zero about how to setup and mod a discord community, and didn't even have the manpower needed to mod the influx of members that came in! Suffice to say, they had to get help from top players and mods from the FB groups to come in and sort things out because someone kept pinging @ everyone every few seconds other than the usual chaos that comes from a server with no filters and people trying to turn the discord into Global Chat 2.0, minus Russian hours.

⦁ Also in line with the point about abandoned social media platforms, they've also mostly abandoned the discord too and only pop in once in a while to check the bug reports or lost accounts. You have a slightly better chance of response with the in-game support. Only slightly. And there's a running joke with several variations on the main discord that the Owner account of the discord server was manned by an intern-kun who never bothered to pass it on to the next unfortunate soul left to maintain this game.

⦁ Favoritism. Funtoy is also guilty of this but they don't publish the game for Global. If you're a top spender the likes of maxing out your cash rebates within the three months or so and you kept spending even beyond that, Elex could possibly invite you to a funky little club where your voice is more important than say... 99% of the playerbase. On top of that, if you keep spending, you could technically also ask for stuff like getting this frame over that frame, or well.... delay certain features from coming to Global for over a year. Now you can simp AND be heard! (Note: In 2021, it's possible that that club may be dead too, as all things shall be)

⦁ SJW Friendly. I don't know if Funtoy themselves have anything to also do with this particular decision... but it's saying something that after a certain little tiddy tantrum from the community side, Elex decided not to announce anything about a certain event's fate and when asked by it by other parties (not me) they either lie through their teeth, or beat around the bush with a non-answer.

⦁ Partial translations, mistranslations. Now, I understand that a lot of Chinese grammar and semantics are confusing to translate properly into several other languages, but you'd think Elex would have given their translators more context to the character or the mechanic to avoid such mistranslations that later set off gender debates or worded the skill/artifact description a little clearer. That is... unless Elex really is hands-off trying to get to know this IP from the start and only gave it the most bare minimum of English where they can cut costs for it, so people can understand it 'well enough' to throw money at an obviously not beta-read quality game.

⦁ No translations. Yes we do have certain parts of the game that are in Chinese since forever since xx patch. Some characters' voiceline texts are still in chinese, especially during the Pledge scenes. More recent artifacts are also in chinese with no announced translation in sight. And don't get me started on the Food Soul bios, or lack thereof.

⦁ Delayed events. Prime example? We had weeks of minor events/no events and still Elex managed to eff everything up for our second Anniversary in July 2020. We ended up getting the Croissant event in late August with barely any apologies and compensation for the delay... and this likely would have never arrived as 'early' as it did if people hadn't been railing about where our Anniversary event was. As it stands, we are several minor events behind CN, at least a year and a half's worth behind. I know Global had requested heavily for more spaced out events (to save resources, not that it actually worked with all the nerfed rewards we get) compared to CN but this is extremely ridiculous.

⦁ Delayed permanent features. Hm... Guild Wars, Sky Tower, Bar, that Wuchang Fish Showdown... several Quality of Life updates.... that new permanent pool update... Food Souls still missing their JP voice packs... Food Soul Bios... *slowly ticking off more than I have fingers and toes*

⦁ Customer Support is whack. You'd be lucky if you got someone who understood your problem/inquiry right off the bat AND did something about it efficiently. You'd be luckier if they answered you honestly if you were inquiring about event updates or other buggy features or reporting hackers.

⦁ The Great Turkey and Apple Incident of 2020. Well, if you were around for that little SNAFU during the Turkey re-run event, you'd know a percentage of people suddenly got logged out of their accounts and had a baller of a time trying to get their accounts back. You were especially unfortunate if you were playing on an iOS account because even if you did bind it (like a responsible player should be doing), you probably still wouldn't get it back in time to rank properly during Turkey. Some Android players also experienced this, but it wasn't as bad as what the iOS players experienced. And then there was the compensation mishap for that too.

⦁ Hacker-chan and not-so-uwu Hacker-teme. Hacker-chan is a meme. Hacker-chan was a harmless player who regularly topped in Top Showdown every week for a time to send a message to Elex just how easy it is to hack the game in certain rankings and invited Elex to ban them every time, just to test how competent Elex is. In the end, Elex has proven to be incompetent and also glaringly stupid about how their published game works. Hacker-teme is a collective of individuals over time who have cheated the game during important ranking events or in somewhat important permanent battles. If you tried to report a Hacker-teme with evidence to prove it -and trust me, people repeatedly have-, Elex would tell you that they're not cheating and/or lie through their teeth that they're 'investigating the case' and then not do anything about it and let them keep their event ranking and thus get the rewards while someone who actually worked hard/whaled hard to get the spot gets denied. In one case, they believe that if an account has rebate points and the player level is at least around level 80, then the hacker-teme is obviously playing the game fairly. Never mind that their units happened to have low to no artifact nodes opened, and not high in ascension.

And that is the end of the Elex saga. I'm aware there's likely more things about Elex that I've missed, but feel free to add on to this analysis post with your own thoughts.

The last part of this trilogy is probably what many of us are waiting for, for obvious reasons.