#this might be the nicest thing someones said to me about my art

[skidaddleskidoodles]

Ngl your oc sketch pages are SUUUPER cute and inspiring, now I want to doodle mine like that!! :D so many good expressions and cuteness, lovely job 💕

thats so sweet of you to say, i did the sketch pages half because im lazy and didn't feel like coloring everything and half because i was working on making expressions more ,, expressive lol so it makes me very happy to hear this (:

[hexenmond]

more extra kudos images

I'm hoping most of tumblr (at least the AO3 using parts) have seen the lovely and imho useful extra kudos images by inkprovised and bizarrelittlemew. Well I'm joining in the fun! Have four more:

I'll add them to my embedding images tutorial on AO3 in a hot minute so you get easy copypaste HTML code like with the others.

And also, since I'm currently looking at everything through the lens of accessibility, I'm going to ramble a bit about why I personally feel these images are helpful. Read on below the cut:

I have this vague notion that some people may think these image give people "an easy way out" by letting them post an image instead of a "proper" comment. And I get that a thoughtful, personal comment is maybe the nicest thing that you can receive as a writer on AO3, a very special thing – short of fanart I guess.

But I'm sure that with fanart we all recognise that creating art takes a lot of time and skill that people are not expected to have, so nobody in their right mind would demand it from anyone. And I would like to raise some awareness towards the fact that putting your thoughts into words, however unpolished, also takes time and some skill and definitely energy.

Sure, I would like to write detailed comments on everything I've ever read and loved on AO3. But even for me, someone who writes quite a lot on the daily, and a naturally verbose, enthusiastic person, this is often not feasible. Because I'm tired, my brain is fuzzy for some reason, because so many others have said it all before. Because I'm already late but I had a mighty need to finish the fic before my dentist's appointment so I have something nice to think about during, and afterwards I just need a break from my whole life for a bit.

I can think of so many reasons just for me, a fairly able-bodied person. People may have motor issues that make typing hard. A friend told me lately how her style of writing got put down by her teachers in primary school because it followed vernacular speech patterns, and she still has a hard time expressing herself in writing (she's sixty). People might be just shy. There are so many possible reasons for somebody not writing a comment but still appreciating your fic very, very much.

So what I hope these images do is give a voice, a way of expressing their gratitude, to at least some of those people who otherwise would not comment at all. At the end of the day, every comment long or short, says "thank you, you brightened my day with this fic". That sentiment is at the base of long and short comments, and that is the connection that counts, I think.

Ramble over, enjoy this additional way of showing your fanfic writers some love! 💜

[maleyanderecafe]

The Snake's Taken a Spouse (Visual Novel)

Created by: Games_of_CrimSin

Genre: Romance/Survival

This game is actually fairly fun all things considered and I enjoyed it. I think that some people might pass on this one because of the art, but honestly it reminds me a bit of DOL in some cases, especially with the Great Hawk and Shimil is adorable. This game is r18 though you can toggle off r18 things in the intro. You can find more at @gamesofcrimsin (which btw if you are reading this, I will literally redraw your sprites for you if you would like).

The story starts out with the MC walking around in the forest, only to stumble upon a naga person when hearing a scream. Their tail is stuck under a rock so the MC helps them out. Seeing as this is the nicest thing that someone has done to the snake person, they immediately tell the MC they want to marry them. A bit freaked out, the MC stumbles backwards and passes out, only to wake up in the snake person's den. This snake person promises that they will be able to love each other given time and goes out to get the MC a mattress to sleep on and a fire.

From then on, it runs mostly like a time management game where you can do anything from prepare food to nap, to wait, to try to escape. There are about six different endings that you can get through different means, but first I'll summarize Shimil's history as we know of.

The MC can ask about his name, introducing himself as Shimil. You can ask him about his species, the nagas. Shimil tells the MC that the nagas and humans used to live on the surface together, but the two hated each other, so the nagas of old hid underground so that humans could never bother them again. The MC asks why Shimil isn't underground, and Shimil states that he was banished because he couldn't do anything right and was burden. Comforting him will cause him to cry as he did try his best, but was never enough. The MC also finds a drawing on the wall and asks Shimil about it. Shimil carved it into the wall, trying to draw his mother and sister. Shimil talks about the two, how they were great at everything, how they were able to know what Shimil wanted or needed through body language and how strong they are. The MC picks up an object in the other corner, which Shimil frantically tells them to be careful with. When the MC asks Shimil about it, Shimil tells the MC that it's a toy that his parents got him, and that he loved it a lot. His sister gave it to him before he got exiled and even snuck in to grab his pickaxe. He reveals also that his dad died when he was younger, which is why he didn't draw him on the wall. This thought makes him cry, wanting to be able to draw them better.

There are a couple of endings, staying with him will make him happy, trying to escape may lead to failure. The MC can also dig footholds to climb out if timed correctly, or get rescued by a search time (though I couldn't get this ending because the timing is pretty finicky). Causing him to go out for the MC a lot makes Shimil go into a deeper sleep, thus being able to successfully kill him with the pickaxe, and finally, Shimil will kick the MC out if they break his toy (but it also breaks my heart).

I actually was more expecting a visual novel in the traditional sense because most of the entries seem to be of that style, so this was a nice change of pace. Like I said, it reminds me of the Great Hawk from Degrees of Lewdity, where you're sort of trapped with an animal creature that doesn't quite know what humans like or do but is doing their best to accommodate which is very enduring. Like the Great Hawk though, I do wish there were more interactions with Shimil besides what was given, though it's understandable since it was made for the game jam, so there probably wasn't a lot of time to implement a bunch of features (though I did see some of the notes in the script file for more endings.) If I were to make suggestions to add more features, I'd really like to hear more about Shimil's past or just get the chance for them to talk to each other about different things, such as Shimil sharing more about his culture or perhaps the MC sharing about their life as well. They could teach each other games or talk about other things that they might like. Just to really make that stockholm syndrome kick in. Of course, it would be great to do other things besides, eat, sleep, asking him to get things and having sex as well, since I'm sure it would get boring down there if it's all they could do. More endings are always great as well- I'll be honest, I just kept having sex with Shimil just to see if it would make a different ending or have different dialouge, but it would be pretty funny to see him have a proper reaction to that.

I'll be honest- Shimil is really cute. I really like the more sad and pathetic type yanderes that try their best and honestly listening to Shimil's backstory about how he was exiled and how he believes he's useless is really heartbreaking. It's also pretty sad that the nicest thing anyone has done for him was to save him from a giant boulder and even when trying to turn him down, he seems really happy that he's gotten so many compliments. He probably really misses his family seeing that all he has left are the things that he's gotten from home and a crude drawing, something that he often has to throw away (especially the pick axe) if the MC attempts to escape or hurt him. It made me really sad when the MC just broke his only toy since it was one of the last things he had left from them, so it's understandable he throws the MC out afterwards. Shimil is only really cruel when the MC is cruel to him and he honestly endures a lot of it, generally being more shy and reserved when the MC snaps back at him or attempts to murder him in his sleep which can lead to him raping the MC while the two try to sleep (though again, you have to be really cruel to him for this to happen generally). I can't really blame him since he doesn't have anyone and is just lonely, plus again, the MC is just outright cruel to him at this point when he's trying hard to provide food and other things for them.

I think overall, while the game is pretty good, the biggest drawback is likely the art. It's not... the worst that I've seen, but I can see why people might be turned away from it. There are some glitches in the code as well, sometimes with Shimil jumping up into the wrong position or some sort of error occurring, but they don't seem to be very big problems. Pretty much I feel that if the sprite art were improved, it would make the game a lot better since the design for him is pretty unique all things considered.

Overall, it's a pretty fun and short game. I hope to see more of Shimil in the future because I like his interactions and the history of nagas is actually pretty interesting and I hope there will be other endings for it. I'm gonna throw a bunch of redesigns for Shimil after this because I think he is fun to draw.

[golbrocklovely]

since i have nothing else to post right now…

here’s the last of colby’s tweets from 2020.

i don’t have proof that these are his tweets, but believe me, they are his.

if it’s bold and italicized, it’s someone’s tweet to him.

if it’s in (), that’s just me commenting lol

added bonus: if they have a * next to them, that means it’s been deleted

~~~~~~~~~~

Oct. 1 - love doing things for myself

Oct. 4 - i’m in so much pain. sos

fan: u ok?

poison oak. everywhere …. everywhere.

Oct. 5 - i like the simple things

Oct. 7 - less is more

Oct. 10 - i wanna make you happy

how am i so busy during the day but still manage to find 2 hours to mindlessly scroll through tik tok? i can’t be the only one

Oct. 14 - i care too much

Oct. 15 - somehow it wasn’t enough

Oct. 18 - fan: I CANT BE THE ONLY ONE WHO ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT COLBY SMELLED LIKE..I WANA KNOW WHAT COLOGNE HE WEARS

mayonnaise

(i hate this man so much lmao)

Oct. 19 - Justin Bieber’s new song made me tear up, that dudes been through so much. no one could even imagine what that’s like.. achieving everything and being in the biggest spotlight at such a young age.

Oct. 20 - @/samgolbach: less than 6 months ago i broke my back. and i decided to take that as a challenge to get healthy again. and today i ran the fastest mile i’ve ever run. so yes, i might be an idiot but i’m a determined idiot 🤘🏼🏃🏼

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 that’s an insane accomplishment ! i remember when it was a struggle to stand up out of bed

new day, same cycle

Oct. 21 - my mom is texting me all the young pictures of me and it’s bringing me memories i didn’t know i had

Oct. 25 - panic attacks late at night are the worst

Nov. 1 - @/colbybrockscar: reminder that it’s no nut November!!! @/ColbyBrock doesn’t even have to try. He’s got this shit in the bag. It probs comes out like baby powder if he tries

did my car just roast me ?

Nov. 4 - this is scary

cuties! all 3 of you! (reply to fan in merch with friend and cat)

Nov. 6 - @/GracynCarr: I can’t believe the audacity of a high school tweet to pop up on my timeline lmao.. miss u tho @/ColbyBrock :)

hope you're well xx

Nov. 8 - so much talent thank youu love (reply to fan's art)

fan: Um. So I tweeted this to you before but alot has also changed since then sooo wanted to say thank you 🖤 🖤 @/ColbyBrock

proud of you, and good luck with your dreams darlin 🖤 you can accomplish anything with the right mindset and hard work. i believe in ya

time flies, and i’m so scared of losing my youth. it’s inevitable i know, but damn makes you wanna cherish every moment you got

Nov. 11 - i hate when nothing is wrong but nothing feels right

Nov. 12 - the person who makes you forget about the rest of the world

Nov. 13 - today marks 6 years since we posted our first YT video on the MAIN S&C account .. 🖤 what a wild ride

Nov. 14 - promise you i’m a good waste of time

Nov. 15 - @/katstuartmusic: “sunday is my funday” - colby brock 2020

🥂💁🏻‍♂️💁🏻‍♂️

fan: Colby u get drunk off of one white claw

fight me

other fan: my money is on mags

round house kicks to the face don’t feel too good

(is it bad that i like when colby gets weirdly violent with us sksksks)

Nov. 16 - the Why Dont We dudes are some of the nicest people in LA

*Nov. 17 - @/gabytriana: It’s out! Sam and Colby were so much fun to work with, and despite what Colby said, I did not hate him when we first met! 😆 Both he and Sam are super kind, smart, generous entertainers who know how to tell a good story! I love them both!! Happy Book Birthday, @/samandcolby

hahaha thank youu so much for all the hard work ! so excited it’s finally here

(interestingly enough, colby didn't delete his tweet… gaby did)

Nov. 19 - went to a Pyschic Reader tonight. my mind is blown. im not a skeptic anymore, video coming tomorrow

fan: Get ready for religious people to freak out

the psychic i talked to was religious, i’m not sure how but i think the two concepts can exist at the same time

Nov. 21 - hard to trust

fan: @/ColbyBrock hey, i love u lots

love you 🖤

Nov. 23 - fan: imagine if @/ColbyBrock responded to this

could you imagine

Nov. 24 - fan: lmao okay so my friend put this together when I FINALLY received Colby's reaper merch yesterday and I had to laugh, I am actually stupid. But I thought it was a lil funny so y'all can see it too then xx

hahahha love it. thank you. you’re not a sack of potatoes in my eyes

Nov. 27 - happy b day @/SamGolbach you know this and imma save the sappy shit for your big 25th bday but i wouldn’t be here without you. you’re the most intelligent, deep thinking dude i’ve ever met and i feel pretty damn lucky to be able to call you a business partner AND best friend

Nov. 28 - take it easy

Nov. 30 - should i hop back on tik tok?

Dec. 2 - @/aaron_doh: At least I got a photo shoot out of it 😄

whaaat. dude i wish you a speedy recovery

Dec. 3 - it’s hard to move on

Dec. 5 - a nice escape is all i need

welp. i guess i’m a lightweight

Dec. 9 - miss you

Dec. 14 - all the baggage that comes with me

Dec. 15 - been workin hard for you , announcement tomorrow

fan: omg are you pregaganant

how'd you know

@/samandcolby: announcement tomorrow… 2021 will be the best year of our lives (and probably most difficult)

fan: are we getting married?? is that why?

yes

i hate how having anxiety makes me nauseous. it’s the worst feeling

Dec. 16 - it’s all about living in the moment and making every. second. count.

fan: yeah @/ColbyBrock how much are you charging for tattoos…

free for you

Dec. 18 - big tool pic but i’ve been workin hard

@/mannymua733: we absolutely do not mind

hahahaha

(god damn… this pic is still so good lol)

also cold weather always makes me want a special someone to spend time with. cuddle buddy is neeeeeded

fan: okay but can we just take a second to appreciate how hard colby’s been working in the gym because dayum

thank you sweeeetheart

fan: HELP COLBY IS TRENDING

yoo i love you guys 🥺

Dec. 20 - got tatted last night and i barely remember

how i feel this morning (pic of him floating)

fan: you’ve seen elf on the shelf… but have you seen cole in a hole? (@/ColbyBrock)

i’m mad i laughed at this

Dec. 23 - why’d ya have to change on me

so bittersweet saying goodbye to my childhood home of 18 years… i’ll only be back to kansas to visit and sleep in hotels from now on. strange feeling, but so happy for my mom and dad for taking a chance and moving

it’s like i don’t have a real “home” anymore. since i move so much anyways it’s hard to find a spot to actually call home

fan: i just want to say that colby has helped me through so much this year. i had a tough year as many others did but you’ve seriously have helped me through so much. i love you so so much @/ColbyBrock

awh that’s why i make videos in the first place. for people like you

Dec. 24 - addicted to you

my mom and i are the weirdest duo on the planet when we’re together i swear

fan: Make a video with her for Christmas

my whole family despises being on camera 💔

Dec. 25 - fan: momma brock is the sweetest ever

she’s my favorite woman in the world

Merry Christmas friends ! 🖤

i wish i could have face tats for like one week but it doesn’t really work like that huh

Dec. 26 - everyone’s battling their own demons

Dec. 28 - fan: Colby drinking wine but he's such a lightweight that he's probably drunk, lmao @/ColbyBrock

🤫🤫🤫

fan: the vibes are fucking ethereal i’m guessing @/ColbyBrock

you got it

[nonclassyparty]

Okay so I just stayed up till 3am reading starring role and after putting it off for a while and honestly I can’t believe I ever did that?!?! Something wrong with me fr but this fic is just 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽

Okay let’s start of with our main girl!! I just want to hug her so bad. Although nothing excuses her behaviour towards Boyoung, I get why she’s the way she is especially to someone like yeosang. I hate how everyone seas as this ditzy, rich girl with no brain. But the worst has got to be her parents - her mum and me will throw hands I swear. And what’s even more heartbreaking is how you can tell she clearly misses her brother but like wtf happened? I can’t wait for the reveal for that? I can only imagine it’s drugs related but knowing her I’m sure she took it up a notch. In a time where she probably needs her brother the most he’s not there and I’m sad about it.

Okay Choi fking San, like you warned us, but honestly makes my blood boil ESPECIALLY after he had the absolute gall to come BACK to her after his failed relationship. Again nothing excuses the reader to say what she said to Boyoung but nothing excuses San to say what he did either. And his friends are so mean and for what? But now with the reveal of why Yeonsang is the way he is I’m excited to see what he does or says to her now. I just saw someone ask if San will leak her secrets after she confronted Yeosang and omg??? That will be honestly the worst thing he could ever do 💔 also when she realised that San is just some guy ™️ was actually so funny to me

I love Wooyoung and I just adore how close they became, he deserves the words and a sweet boyfriend!

Joonie is also another sweetheart, I love that he wants to progress her art work and just be her friend!!

Also not the stray kidz cameos 👀🫰🏽

Okay so now Mingi!!!!!!!!! This guy had my heart flip flopping all over the place it was unreal! Get why your pissed at her when she was mean to your bestie but then???????? Treating her like she a dumbass then being all sweet and generally making her seem like a better person and her valentines gift 😭😭😭 all for him to just spew out all that shit? Almost in tears 😔 He honestly needs to get his head out of his ass.

This fic is a rollercoaster and I really can’t wait to see what happens next and things getting revealed etc!! You’re amazing and have great day!

omggggggggg thank you so much!!!!

well yn isnt the nicest person in general😭 she's pretty mean and self-centered but that's her character so yeah she was pretty shitty to boyoung. she'll talk about seonghwa more in the next chapter and he'll have a pretty interesting arc by the end lmfao

i thought of writing a chapter from san's pov which wouldn't be really a chapter but something in the form of e-mails i guess?? but i decided against it bc my life is kind of a mess rn and i just want this story to successfully reach its end. but later on when i'm better and if i'm in the mood for it, i might post that chapter as an additional part bc i already have a good chunk of it written out...we'll see. i think it would be interesting to write from his perspective bc i know a lot of people wonder about him and it was pretty fun to write the bonus part

there will be so much of wooyoung in the next chp and it will be mostly sad but he's my baby so..

also in the last couple of chapters i've completely neglected joong but thats bc he was mostly linked to yn by mingi and professor ahn so when everything went to shit between them i kinda lost how to include joong in the story BUT i think he will also appear in the next chapter.

and mingi omggggggggggg i cant wait for him to come back, he'll be so pathetic and there's nothing i love writing more than men being pathetic and grovelling so i'm excited for that!

anyways thank you for reading once again and for this lengthy message!! have a nice day

[faeriezlove4eva]

well

i feel bad for skater... he seems like he doesnt like hinself a lot and like thats a bit unfair since he's an amazing person! its horrible how the worst people always think so highly of themselves while the best always feel worthless... if i could give skater like... 2/5 of my ego, i think itd equal out and he'd be happier and i'd be less of a meanie (which, i cant give him some of my ego unfortunately, but it would if i could; itd solve both of our problems somewhat)

but besides hypotheticals, in general, he's an amazing person! hes funny, smart (at times), creative, well-meaning, kind, silly, and hes extremely skilled. ive only found myself annoyed at him minorly, which is a huge feet considering most people annoy me a lot. he, on the other hand, is like... the least horrible person on earth probably! he doesnt deserve to have such a low self esteem, he deserves to have a beautiful life where he can do whatever he wants and be happy doing it!!!

i think ill just start naming good things about him!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

well, for starters, he's surprisingly good at planning things. even if my impulse is known for leading me to the right path, his planning and ability to actually use maps (instead of running around trying to find the right path like me) is very nice!!!!!! thats a good skill to have

hes also amazing at art; his style is very nice. sometimes it doess seem a bit uh... wobbly (i guess) but it doesnt really matter to me since it still looks good no matter what!!! and when he does art that he colors & renders its so beauutifulll and amazing!!! hes also very good at animating. i mean, idk how to animate so any animation is good to me, but yk what i mean! hes pretty good at animating.

and he's a lot more chill than some others. another person ik is genuinely triggered by the word SKIBIDI. skibidi???? you gotta be kidding me. but me and skaterfan do "brainrot jokes" allll the time!!! he's so funny too. and we joke flirt a lot too. though, at this point, i think we both know we love each other (but idk if he sees it platonically or romantically. and honestly, idk how i see it either. maybe a mix of both?)

i mean, i guess i do love them to an extent but idk if i'd say its ROMANTIC. like, i wouldnt mind if he wanted to date, but i guess as long as were together i dont really care. though, im not sure if i want to verbally ask him if he wants to date... at least not yet. i feel like it'd ruin our beautiful friendship (though rn its more of a situationship, though i might be a lil delulu so idk) and then itd be awkward and eventually we'd stop talking... and ik that because i know myself and ik ill probably feel awkward about it and/or angry even if i try not to! which is natural human emotion but... i dont really want that to happen :/ itd be very inconvenient for my mental state and maybe his too if he feels the same. though, i'd never reject him! if i was dating someone, i'd probably break up with them for him loll he's so perfect and beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well, idk if perfect is how i'd describe it, but its his imperfections that make him perfect blah blah blah... pretty much, he is the best living person on earth and nobody could convince me otherwise.

he's also very nice! i have a friend who barely responds to my texts, right? like they only talk to me if they need something most of the time. and one time skater like got his phone taken or something, and he couldnt respond (i didnt really care though since it normally happens to me, so my main feeling about it was "well its ok i guessss :P") and next time he responded he seemed guilty about something and he apologized for it? like.. wow... thats. the nicest thing anyones ever said after not responding to me!!! and he didnt even have to say sorry, considering i wasnt mad. also, the friend i mentioned earlier has been getting better at responding (surprisingly) andu hh... that good i guess

honestly, skater is like. amazing! he's the world to me (well, i only have like 4 friends so like. that makes sense) and uhh yeah. im tired and my nback hurts xddd mayhbe ill text him... but he seems like he needs some time alone. ig ill wait til the morningb (unless i decide to text, though he's probably asleep actually so nvm)

goodbyee

[kinocomix]

metal band story devlog 12: Making art in 2024, a survival guide but also DOGGO

first things first, as I oh so subtly implied in the title of this devlog, have a dog:

I’m sure someone is out there yelling at their screen with anatomy complaints, but I like it.

This is a braque d'auvergne dog and it kinda looks like, well, every spotted dog ever. 

image from 101dogbreeds https://www.101dogbreeds.com/coat/spotted-dogs

The drawing above is the initial draft of what I kind of want the dog to look like for the most part. I’m taking the liberty of changing some things here and there, since I want the dog to be a mutt.

Here you can see I changed the torso shape, and made it so that I can redraw the design faithfully using simple proportions. I also took extra care to decide what the eyes looked like, so I tried several things there:

I ended up settling for, once again, the initial once I came up with (I swear I don’t do this all the time). I felt like I wanted the dog to feel like it could talk, but subvert that by having it be just a normal dog. During my research I also came across something cool that I will not be including in the design. Which is the fact that if a dog sustains an intense scar, the hair grows back WHITE.

also, this could entirely be me and my bias but it’s… hard to find pictures of deformed dogs that are ugly? like dogs are always so excited to exist that even if their entire lower jaw is missing they’ll look like a vibe and be having a good time if you’re nice to them.

on a final note regarding dogs, have this. It’s out of context and I won’t explain it cause I’d like to have everyone try to figure it out.

With that being done, you might notice I don’t have a final design yet, because the four sketches I drew were the only things I was able to accomplish this week. This is realistic progress. So let's talk about art in the internet age. you thought this was going to be a straightforward devlog about a dog? well think again. 

This week I had a lot of thinking to do outside of the context of comics and art. I’m 27, and although the internet has led us to believe that it’s straightforward to be a microcelebrity for a living it’s actually very difficult, and the mental toll it can take on you is equally as worth noting. it’s weird and volatile and you’re fighting an ever changing landscape of other people trying to get heard. I currently work at a board game store, one of the nicest jobs I could have hoped for. My boss is a fun guy, my coworkers are awesome and the people who come to the store are nice and from all walks of life… but it’s not sustainable for me. It's the night shift which goes against my natural circadian rhythm and the pay is mostly being spent on transport at the moment. One time I offhandedly said “art is made by people with day jobs” and while I meant it at the time the true meaning and depth of that statement is still unfolding to me. While writing this devlog, I had a job interview to attend. If we’re being realistic, while it’s possible for me to make a living off of making my comics for a dedicated niche audience that supports me on patreon, the chances of that actually happening are quite low given the fact that the rate at which I output things doesn’t work with the modern internet’s unquenchable need for more stuff.

this isn’t a new thing or will it ever go away. Art is an extension of us as human beings, it’s our desire to project meaning onto an uncaring world that we are part of. it’s ironic if you think about it for a second, a more pretentious person would call it something like “the duality of man” or some shit but I wouldn’t like that to be me. god, it would be so hilarious to look back at this devlog years from now and realize I unironically said “the duality of man”. Anyways the value of art, as we know, is not dedicated by how much attention it gets otherwise hominids all those years ago wouldn’t have put color to stone

Cave drawing in the upper Paleolithic cave of Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, Ardeche, France

you see there’s no real way of saying “I want less digital things in my life” without the internet seeing you as a 4567 year old grandma yelling at a cloud but that’s it really. The way I see it, artists on the internet can end up somewhere on this graph:

I think I fall where the red dot does. On top is my friend fouad, working on his graphic novel having left the internet entirely. closer to the left are most youtubers, to the right are people like my dad’s uncle, who would paint for himself and family members exclusively. 

Today was the first day where I looked at someone whose art was exclusive to one very specific place and said “I get it”. beyond a certain point the feeling of making something cool can get overshadowed by all the people running towards it. Meaningful connection gets replaced by a wall of words from many people where your ability to engage with it gets harder and harder the bigger the wall gets. Which is why I think I’m going to put the comic here on tumblr and tapas, and not bother with other places really.

Eventually, I’d like to be an art teacher. Until then we’ll make it work with what we have, and even if I don’t get my dream job I think I’ll still be happy.

Devlog update on Tuesdays.

[bowtiesnmusicals]

Here is my recap of Gleeking Out episode of the podcast.

Today they have the podcast. Double the fun. The first ever Glee podcast on their Glee podcast.

Kevin is excited because there are so many Glee podcasts, rewatch podcasts, there are all kinds of podcasts for other shows. These two have such a great perspective on Gleek of the Week, their podcast, they are just the nicest. He said fans out there I think we are going to have more of you on the show. Jenna said this is their first fan Glee podcast edition and they really loved it I so buck it. They are with Andrew and Allison who are so lovely and wonderful. They have such a good podcast. Let’s get to it.

They welcomed Allison and Andrew the hosts of Gleek of the Week podcast. Allison said this is insane and that she is dreaming and she wishes someone would wake her up but this amazing. Andrew said he could not sleep last night. He said this is so like me to be like oh my god what if they hate us. They thanked Jenna and Kevin for having them on the podcast. Kevin said this is also crazy for us too. He said there are some great Glee podcasts out there and they didn’t want to step on any toes. Andrew said they are a Glamily. Jenna said we are a Glamily…say it loud.

Kevin said he wanted to get into how Andrew and Allison know each other. He said it’s great having a cohost and having a nice rapport and doing it with someone you know and like. Kevin said do you like and know each other. Allison joked that they had never known each other. Andrew said don’t say that. Allison said it’s not true. She said they are celebrating 10 years of friendship this summer. She realized it last night as she was going through facebook memories. She said they met around this time in 2013 and they were both doing a pre college program at the School of Visual Arts. It was like a 3 week long art program where you go to a college to see what it’s like, live in the dorms, and immerse yourself in New York City under a little bit o supervision. The very first day, she had been to New York before and her biggest dream was to live in New York and go to art school and she had just said good-bye to her parents and her mom walked away sobbing because this was the first time she ever said good-bye to her for this long and she meets her roommate and goes downstairs to this orientation and she is standing there waiting for her roommate and she is standing there and that previous week she had just attended Darren’s tour at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis where she is from and she is wearing tour merch and she is in the lobby and this guy walks up to her and is like is that Darren Criss tour merch. She was like yeah it is. Andrew said spy. He said he was there two weeks prior and it was like a culmination, it was just meant to be, of course Darren Criss and Glee everything bringing them together. Here they all are 10 years together. He said crazy we are sharing this story with ya’ll. Allison said really truly insane those 3 weeks Andrew and her really built their friendship they have today on this little known show that I don’t know if anybody really talks about anymore on Fox, you might have heard of it, Glee. Andrew joked never heard of it.

Andrew said on a somber note because that was a July of 2013 it was only a few short days after they met that Cory passed away. For Andrew it was nice to have someone because that was the biggest celebrity that has passed. It’s an odd thing to grieve someone you have never met but invite into your home every week and you know so much about. He said he thinks that even more so brought them together. Jenna said she was also in New York at the time. She was at a club and their producer called and she left the club. Chord, Harry, and Adam Shankman were also all in New York and they got together the next day. Wed times. Andrew said sorry to bring that up. Kevin said its life it happens. Jenna said it happened. Kevins said he and Jenna are coming up on 15 years of friendship. Andrew said amazing. Kevin said you are almost there. Allison said 5 more years baby. Kevin said you’ve got it. Jenna said oh my gosh September is 15 years. Kevin said isn’t that crazy. Andrew said was it quick friends for you two as well. Was it match made in heaven from the start? Kevin said it was very quick. Jenna said they met at their network tests for the show. Chris and Jenna were the ones that came from out of town and moved. Lea had already been here and Kevin lived here. Chris and Jenna basically lived at the Grove for awhile. Then Amber, Chris, Kevin, and Jenna all became really close and then Kevin and Jenna became really close. It was a really nice little thing to have the four of us together because they put them in rehearsal before Lea and Cory. Cory wasn’t there yet. It was just the four of them being like who is this Finn guy. Kevin said and they were all asking about Lea. Who is this Lea, who is she? Jenna said then someone would go home and be like tell me about them. Andrew said two sided I love it.

Jenna said she is curious about their separate stories about when Glee came into their life and what it was like, where were they, and what was going on. Andrew said the first season premiere when he was in 8th grade. Kevin said he was scared of that. Andrew joked I am a senior in high school now. Kevin joked I turned 22 next week. Andrew said he remembers hearing obviously huge hit and he remembers everybody was talking about it and he was an 8th grade hipster and rejecting rejecting rejecting. Kevin said that would have been him for the record, he would have done the same thing. Andrew joked its like who needs this show. Kevin said this is too popular. Andrew said he was a huge fan of Lost and he knew if he were to start a new show he would fall hard and that is exactly what happened. He said his mom had an inclination that he was of the gay variety and he thinks she sort of slid…they went to Target together and asked a Target employee to point them to the Glee dvd. The Target employee was like you don’t want to watch that show, I can’t stand Jane Lynch. This guy had a vendetta against Jane Lynch. Kevin said of all the things you could not like about the show. Jenna said you can’t stand Jane Lynch. Andrew said this Target employee was not going to get in his way of watching this show. Obviously he watched the pilot and just like everyone else who watched the pilot fell deeply in love and it’s been his personality ever sense. Jenna said thats amazing. She said so this happened before he was out. Andrew said yeah, he doesn’t even want to harp on it because you already know how many lives were touched through this show but it obviously was instrumental in his coming out process. He didn’t come out until he was a senior in high school and he was like the only person that was out when he did come out. He remembered Kurt talking about being the only person out and without getting emo you saved countless lives and were instrumental in changing so many particularly young lgbt lives. He said I’m sure already know that just to say it again. Kevin asked if Andrew if he talked to his mom about her motives. Andrew said he was thinking about that this morning but he has never asked her. He said he will ask her and get back to you about that but he feels like it would be a weird conversation for reason. Jenna said did you know and you put glee in front of me. Kevin said what were you trying to say. Andrew said the funniest thing is that he started watching episodes ahead, he would watch with his mom and then after the pilot he was like I need to blast through these episodes but his mom obviously had other things to do then watch Glee. He started watching ahead and at the end of Preggers when Kurt comes out to Burt he was rewatching the episode with her and he knew it was coming and was like I am doing to leave now and so he just left and was not part of that conversation. Kevin said they have met a lot of people that have talked about that the show was a way to them to sort of engage with their parents by not talking about it. These are my people. These characters are sort of like me and presenting in a way that is in your living room every single week on a major network where these things normally see or addressed and that did open the dialogue for so many people between parents that makes that process a little either because it is always so uncomfortable and awkward and you don’t know how to do it. Jenna said right scary. Kevin said fascinating to see that.

Kevin said what about you Allison, what was your story? Allison said it also came out when she was in 8th grade. She was in school and she remembers like she see being in her middle school hallway and having her friend Olivia coming up to her and being like Allison there is this show that just came out, you are going to love it, it’s amazing, it’s great, and it’s everything you’ve ever wanted and she was like I don’t know what your re talking about. I don’t have time. I’m very busy. I’m backstage tech crew for the middle school production. Kevins said amazing. Alison said I am a busy girl, I don’t know if I can commit to this. She said she remembers in her childhood home in their guest room they had this little cube of a tv back before you needed a cable box or anything. It was just plug in and you could have the antenna to connect to whatever you wanted. That was where her brother and her would watch tv. She remembered the first episode of Glee she ever watched because it was on and she was sitting there and she was like Olivia told me about this, was Power of Madonna. She can see Kurt and Mercedes walking down the hallway on this little tv in her guest bedroom in her minds eye absolutely perfect that is how formative it was because after that she as like oh yeah I need to consume every bit of this. Her mom and her would go to the library and rent the box set. She said she thinks season 1 was on a box set at that point. She would check out the dvds one at a time from the library and she has this thing where she couldn’t biologically can return a library item on time, even on her kindle she can’t do it. So she would have overdue charges because she was watching them over and over and over again. Kevin said aw. She said watched the whole first season that way with her mom on dvd and then she was set up to watch season 2 episode 1 live. She was all caught up that whole summer. She was very much a theatre kid starting from then. She was like oh this is everything and definitely modeled her personalities after Glee characters. Kevin said uh oh. Allison said in some good ways and in some not good ways. It followed her through high school and it ws a big part of why she met Andrew and why she had her core friend group and it was great.

Jenna said she is curious for you guys because it was live on tv when you were watching it because a lot of kids are rewatching it on Hulu and Disney, what was it like in school, did it feel like everyone was talking about and watching it or did it feel like it was just your core group that was totally into it, she aid she is just curious. Andrew said the funniest thing was that, I don’t know, he started watching it live just like Allision in season 2 and he remembers everyone was talking about it week to week and he was like I am also obsessed with it but as the years went on…Jenna said fair and they all laughed about it…he would be like heavy Simona are you still watching Glee and she’s like now. He would be like but come on they just had a puppet episode it’s fun. Jenna said oh god…yeah…that episode. Andrew said in its hype he remembered being so bitter that there were fans of the show that like were not as big of fans that went to Glee Live and he didn’t go and he was like I should be there. Jenna said got it got it. Allison said for her she would go to school and she would have her close group of friends that would be like Allison was at is going on in Glee news. Jenna said you were the one. They were not watching it but they know I am going to tell them about it whether the like it or not. She said she thinks mostly what it was is that she was heavy into the Tumblr community and heavy heavy heavy in the internet side. She would be at school kind of talking about it a little bit with her school friends and then go home and just all intervened all the time, talk about it online in that sort of format. She said it was great to have people to talk about it with even if she was sitting in class like need to tell people about The Scientist, need to talk about the break up, no one is talking about it, freaking out. Andrew said I he had to leave class once because ya’ll would release the music prior to the episode release, he remembers that for the 100th episode it was revealed a while before that Santana, Brittany, and Quinn would be singing Toxic, He was like god I am counting down the days until we have that mp3. It came out while he was in psych class and he was like I need to go to the bathroom now and I need to listen to this. He fully listened to it in the bathroom. He said he doesn’t think he’s ever shared that story with Allison. She said I don’t think you have ever told me that. Andrew was like this is content I need right now. Allison said she left a job interview early because she knew there was an episode Glee on that night. They were like oh can you stick around and maybe start some training. She was like I am so sorry I cannot. Jenna said I’ve got to get somewhere. Kevin said I’m booked tonight. Allison said I am booked tonight, I’ve got plans.

Jenna said do you guys have a favorite storyline. Andrew said he loved the Brittana season 2 storyline which Kevin you obviously had a lot of part of being romantically linked with Brittany at the time. He remembers that obviously Kurt was so great for queer kids but he remembers when it was Santana’s time too come out and talk about her sexuality that just hit so much closer to home. He remembers reading the spoilers ahead of time that it was like hey Santana and Brittany are actually going to get in a relationship and he was like this is going to be hilarious because these are two hilarious characters but the way they dealt with it was so delicate and beautiful. He has all of the scenes memorized without sounding like a crazy person but said he feels like he already does. Kevin and Jenna said your good and no. Andrew said definitely Brittana all the way, he is obsessed. Allison said I think for me, she has two. She has one she is really obsessed with right now in the scheme of their recent podcast work but then she has one that has sat with her forever. The one that has sat with her forever is the very beginning West Side Story storyline, the whole building of that production, because he’s was student Director of Legally Blonde. Andrew joked I am surprised you didn’t recognize her. She was all about theatre and she saw Artie doing kind, not necessarily the exact same conversations, but kind of that sort of ambition and directing decision making and just backstage stuff. She loved the theatre drama that went on in her high school but also to see it projected on television she loved. Finchel and Klaine were her two otps if you will and so the West Side Story she was like give to me, I’m eating this up. West Side Story opened the Sondheim doors for her. Jenna said wooow. Kevin said oh yeah. Allison said she was like oh this is incredible. Jenna said exciting. Kevin said it just gets better, that’s like trialing wheels. Allison said exactly. Jenna said not the best. Allison said the one she is obsesses with right now, and maybe this is an unpopular opinion, the just did a guest spot on another podcast Recovering Gleek, shout-out to another great Glee podcast, they did an episode on What The World Needs Now from season 6. Kevin said no idea what happens in that. Allison said Samchel storylines. Jennas said Samchel. Allison said the Samchel storyline, she could write Ted talks about why it is important, why we need to be talking about it. Jenna said she’s into it and forgot that happens. Andrew said he resents the fact that this is what you are hitching your wagon to. Kevin said something about you know always hear about the same things because they are classics and they are great but every now and then spice it up with a little variety, the things they don’t normally talk about. Jenna said a reminder a good reminder. Allison said just a little reminder that that happened and upon reflections he has grown and become emotionally mature and she has realized that it makes sense. Kevin said that is what he is really excited about selfishly because 1 the don’t really remember the later seasons and 2 as an adult now, a fully formed adult, going back and watching these things and also from the perspective of knowing a little bit more about how these shows were made and what the writers were thinking as opposed just thinking about being it. As Darren described it as being a cat with broken leg scritching across a freeway trying not to get by a car, that is how he described being in the last few seasons. Andrew said so eloquently I always wondered what it would feel like be on a show…oh that’s a pretty good. Jenna said it’s a good one.

Jenna said tell us about your podcast, how long you have been doing it for, what the genesis was, where did this concept come from. Kevin said and the best are for a podcast. Allison said Gleek of the Week, it’s right there. She said we started this podcast, Andrew works in podcasting and has some rich experience in the podcast world and has shared stories with her. She said she would love to do a Ted talk or write an MLA format work cited paper about how podcast…Kevin said his hands started to sweating when she said MLA format, I can’t go back…she said the podcasting imploded with Covid 19 and the pandemic. That is where there podcast started because they had the time. They would talk every single night and always ended up talking about Glee. So they were like why don’t we turn this into a podcast, why don’t we record this, we are hilarious. People need to hear us talk. She said she thinks this is how most podcasters…Kevin said give them what they think they want. Jenna said exactly. Allison was like Andrew I really want to do this with you and Andrew thought about it for awhile. He wanted to work on a passion project. Andrew said all the Glee podcasts they are familiar with at least are episode recaps. He said obviously your bringing something a personal, you were there, you are able to talk about it, all the rest of us we weren’t there and so he wanted to have a new conversation about this show that it would be fresh and exciting and not be like in the pilot wasn’t it hilarious that Sue said this thing. So he was like how about a bracket sort of structure where we go through songs every single week, we bring someone on and watch two songs and we decide which is better and keep on going until we figure out what song is the best. It’s very scientific. Kevin said yeah but also just being able to watch the musical numbers is the best thing, thats a delight, you can get bogged down in story all day. Andrew said, right exactly. Allison said they have been doing this for two and half years now and their episode with Jenna and Kevin will be the last episode of round one. They have officially watched all 666 songs that fit their certain criteria. The criteria is that it was performed on hit Fox show Glee, that it was released on ITunes, and it was actually in an episode. So like I Want You Back, Santa Baby, wasn’t actually in an episode. Tina’s version of Tonight unfortunately isn’t part of the bracket because it wasn’t on iTunes. Jenna said Revolution not part of it also. Andrew said top two, they would have tied for first. Jenna laughed. Andrew said they are about to have watched all 666 songs and in the first year of doing this…Kevin said 666…Andrew said angel numbers…explaining it to the people that come on to their podcast has been kind of fun to explain the gist of what they were doing. They have had Nikki Blonsky and Ali Stroker both come on and say so you want me to sing the songs. Jenna said no stop. Allison said we would be happy to, that would be absolutely iconic and amazing but that is not what we asking, you can give that to us and we will take it. She said it’s been really great and they have had 111 unique guests and haven’t repeated a guest so far. It’s great.

Jenna said what as the experience been like for guys with the show and the podcast. Andrew said it’s the best part of his week. He said when they started he was so anxious and nervous. He was putting so much work into this and was like I need it to be perfect. He said as the two and half years have gone by he is becoming more comfortable. It’s not easy. He said what they are doing as podcast hosts, they aren’t saving lives, but also it’s a weird muscle to be using. It’s been super fun. Allison said it’s been amazing. They have gotten to meet so many amazing people. She named dropped Nikki Blonsky. They have had 11 people that were on the Glee Project and talking to them about that experience and getting it from all facets. They have had people that were on the show, like both of you, the have had Noah Guthrie. Kevin said voice of an angel. Allison said beautiful absolutely incredible. Kevin said best male singer ever on Glee. Allison said Take Me To Church, yes, I’m there. Andrew said I’m there. They have also had Michael Olivier. They have had members of the band, John Locke and Darren Nelson. Jenna said the sweetest. Allison said just the sweetest people. She said most recently they have had on of a lot, when they started they were kind of building their platform, building what they do, building a group of people. Kevin said it’s a slog, it takes a lot of time to build that and it feels like you aren’t getting back a lot of time. Andrew said he was like we got 5 listens today, oh yeah. Allison said but now that they have a certain following we have people that are just as involved and invested in the glacket as we are and so they have interviewed them. They com on and tell them they were wrong for So Emotional versus Fighter, you were wrong for that. The get as heated about as how they felt about Glee as how they feel about Gleek of the Week podcast. Kevin said see now you can get a taste of what it is like too be on the receiving end of all the opinions, the passion if you will. Allison said yes, exactly. Jenna said she was like we didn’t write the show, so. Allison said it’s not my fault. Jenna said we are just doing what we are told to do. Kevin said you think we have any control over this, we are just clocking in and out. We have no idea what…yeah I love that though.

Kevin said Andrew said he didn’t get to go to the concerts and asked Allison if she got to in Minneapolis when they were there. Allison said yes she did get to go to the Minneapolis shows, absolutely incredible and it changed her life. Kevin said he would like to thank you for being such an incredible and great audience. Allison said really. Jenna said great audience, oh yeah we didn’t have that everywhere. Kevin said when they got to Minneapolis the were like oh shit. That was the first real. Jenna said surprise. Kevin said they had done San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Vegas and it was great crowds, all goods, no complaints. He said they showed up to Minneapolis and they did not know Minneapolis was about to get crazy. Allison sad yes. Jenna and it was really crazy. Kevin said he thinks that was top 3 crowds of entire 44 show thing. Andrew said it was all Allison. Allison said wow thank you. Jenna said you are better at that then I am. Kevin said he remembers making a list..glist…in his head because there were some…Cleveland…that were not great on his birthday and he is definitely over it. Allison said what did they do. Jenna said something about those places being where they did matinees. Kevin said I am getting off point here. Jenna said we did have some good matinees. Kevin said the Toronto matinee was great. Jenna said it was lit. Kevin said those Canadians really gave it to us, so thank you for Minneapolis. Allison said of course we are basically Canada. Kevin said yeah, your right, it’s true. Andrew said speaking of the concert, I need to let you know Jenna, that I was distraught when…Kevin said tell us about it..I went to go see the 3D Concert Movie in theaters and surprisingly didn’t see Dog Days Are Over as part of the theatrical experience and I want to share with you that I was upset. Jenna said thank you for that. Kevin said air your grievances, this is good. Jenna said we haven’t talked about this on the podcast yet but lets go…no actually she didn’t know it was going to be cut from the movie and when she went to the premiere it played and it skipped over that song and she had brought all her people and was like uh there’s my one song. Andrew said cut from what an 88 minute long movie, you had the time for it. Jenna said it did have time for it but unfortunately the filming of the tour was so crazy you guys. They were doing it in between soundcheck and their real performances of the tour. They would throw them on stage for a number. They were in New Jersey when they did Dog Dys and everyone was so tired. They were like go do Dog Days now and they were like okay so there is a camera coming on stage right now and we have to do Dog Days before and then people started literally walking off stage and so the didn’t get enough footage for it…well what they felt like was enough footage but then you see it and they had it in the extras and Jenna said she thought it was fine. No one told her which was kind of upsetting and if you look at the movie poster they also forgot. Allison has the poster. Someone said don’t let Jenna see. Jenna said am I on it. Allison said I don’t think you are. Kevin said Amber isn’t on it either. He said if you are a person of color you cannot make it on this poster. Someone said drag them Kevin. He said it was a shitty thing in the middle of tour, they were all tired, the tour was a whole separate issue for them. Andrew said is amber not really in it either. Kevin said I don’t know, it’s missing several people. Jenna said Allison you are going to have to go look later and let us know. Kevin said you don’t mess with our friends, you cut Amber and Jenna’s number, it was one of their favorite numbers performing, furious. Jenna said it was her only solo.

Allison said she was there in Minneapolis and she was screaming loud for them. Kevin said he had one of his childhood friends in the crows in Minneapolis, he worked for an Indie radio station. Kevin texted him hat he would be in town, this is probably your idea of a nightmare coming to this glorified cover band pop song concert but I have free tickets every show, do you want them. He said at that point when you gave someone free tickets they put them in the first section of seats, not the floor, but the first section up. He looked out into the crowd and he sees his friend front center in the second or third row. Jenna said living. Kevin said oh no he must be miserable, he did tell him to get insanely drunk. He said a couple of years ago he was with him and somehow it came up and he was like did you ever dance and get out of your wheelchair on the show. Kevin was like John I did that in front of you in concert, he was like what, Kevin was like yes. He started to put it together, saying we also did this song and this song, and his friend was like I don’t remember any of that. His friend had blacked out before the encore. Jenna said fair enough. Kevin said good for you. He said maybe everyone was doing it and maybe that is why the crowd was insane. Andrew I said I hope not weren’t most of them, Kevin said children, 14 year old girls. Jenna said no you would be surprised. Kevin said the demographic was old. Jenna said it was a very interesting demo, like 44 year old men dancing wasted.

Jenna said before we wrap this up because you guys do the bracket do you have a favorite musical form he 666. Kevin said 666 don’t forget it Jenna. Jenna said angel numbers…do you have a favorite number or are you waiting. Allison said she’s does and she is willing to say, Gleeks this is going to win the glacket, I am just telling you, spoiler alert, unless crazy things happen, this is wining for her…It’s I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You. Jenna said WHAT!?!?! Kevin said i did not see that coming. Andrew said it’s good, it’s so good. Allison said it’s so good, the episode is incredible, the scene. Kevin said he forgot that they did that. Andrew said Kevin you are getting dental work during that number if yo recall, do your remember this. Kevin I said no. Andrew said Blaine is at McKinley High prom performing and Artie gets in trouble with Sue for spiking the punch bowl and she does dental work as torture. He asked do you recall this or no. Kevin said nope. Andrew said this was during the performance and it really ads the ambiance. Kevin said he was there when the filmed it so that is why it confusing to him because he remembers watching them film it. Jenna said why were your there. Kevin said I have no idea. Andrew said Jenna you are doing backup for this number. Allison said it’s incredible. Jenna said couldn’t tell you. Kevin said I am going to have to look this up. She remembers the outfit. She remember a lot of things by the location they were at or her costume. She said now this is semi familiar but they did so many proms they mesh together. Kevin said like the Christmas episodes. Jenna said now I remember this and they had a lot of photos from that prom. Kevin asked if this was the prom where everyone dressed up, the crew dressed up, is it that one. Jenna said I couldn’t say, I couldn’t say Kevin.

Jenna said okay Andrew, what about you? Andrew said I have a variety, I could just go on and on. Top of mind I Feel Pretty/Unpretty is iconic. Jenna said so good. Andrew said Rumor Has it/Someone Like You. In his feels Landslide, you can’t go wrong. Jenna said those are all solid solid choices. Andrew said him and Allison need to decide what their collective opinion of the best song on Glee is and Allison said they have to agree at the end of the day. Kevin said some middle ground somewhere, some compromise. Kevin asked do you judge these off of just the performance, the version of the song, how it works in the storyline, or all are all of those things considered. Allison said all of it, vibe. Andrew said vibe. Jenna said she respects that. Andrew said they have not moved songs through because of bad vibes, bad klaine outfits, they have not put songs through because Shelby (Idina Menzel) is in it and she is the true villain of Glee, it just really depends. Jenna said okay it’s like whatever you say goes.

Kevin said this is so great though, he doesn’t want to go, he has more questions because they were always so insulated and when they have interactions with people who watch the show its usually hi, omg so nice to meet you, can we take a picture and that’s basically the extent of it. So hearing the real opinions that are not on Tumblr or Twitter is very fascinating. Jenna said for example Run Joey Run is a big thing for people and they didn’t realize what an iconic number that was for people. Andrew said it has aged like fine wine. Allison said the camp, that is camp to the T, looking camp in it’s eye. Kevin said someone should have worn Run Joey Run to the MET Gala. Allison said exactly I wish they would have.

Kevin said if you could sum up in 10 seconds why Idina is the true villain of Glee he would like to hear it. Allison said not Idina but Shelby. Andrew said no shade on Idina, never, Idina is great. He said oh gosh, Shelby, she is just like she…the Puck storyline in season 3 obviously. He said you haven’t gotten there yet but I don’t know if you recall the extent of how terrible it is. Kevin said that one I do remember. Andrew said she does fully have a pretty consistent relationship with, we are consistently told he is 18, but that doesn’t justify anything. He said Allison can talk more to the Rachel plot in season 1 and how she messed up that. Allison said she uses Jesse as a ploy to get Rachel to contact her. She is like I am ready to have this relationship with my daughter. Rachel is like I have a mom, this insane, absolutely I want to have a connection with you. Within the episode they meet and by the end of it Shelby’s like you know what I met you and I’m good. I don’t need. Someone said bad and problem. Jenna said I am going to have a new daughter. Allison said actually I want to have a different baby to try again. Kevin said when they watching that the amount of trauma she was so quickly instilling into this young mind. Jenna said no that’s fair. Kevin said that is Ryan Murphy we are going to bring it up and get through it in one episode. Andrew said he thinks Shelby is a hilarious character and every time she appears the Kill Bill siren should go off because she is there for trouble. We know she is going to mess something up.

Kevin said as your first round of the bracket comes to a close what are the things you have learned or are looking forward to going forward. Allison said she had learned just what time and energy podcasting takes and going into the second round they have altered a bunch of things to make it easier for them to do. They have figured out what content works and what doesn’t. After two and half years they are still constantly growing and developing. She said the biggest thing she has learned is that people will get mad and the decisions are only going to get harder. Kevin said you are asking for it. Allison said she has told Andrew they have set themselves up for failure because we have based this podcast on opinions that people are not going to agree with. Kevin that’s fine, if they have opinions they can start their podcast. Allison said that is what we say, start your own bracket. Andrew said he checked and no one has. Kevin said the ones with the microphones win. Allison said you don’t what is like until you are in the zoom call and you have Fighter and So Emotional playing and you have to make that decision, people will not like you. Jenna said stakes are high. Allison said but also the gleeks are like why didn’t you vote this through and it’s like the song didn’t die you can still stream it on Spotify. Jenna said it can still be your favorite. Allison said it can still be your favorite and I love that for you. Andrew said it is all in good fun.

Jenna said they are so grateful that they keep Glee in their lives and they are so grateful and fans and supporters like you. She said they say it all the time but they wouldn’t be where they are and the show wouldn’t be where they are with out you guys. She said it’s cool to see Glee still bringing friends and people together. She said thank you so much for coming on the show and taking the time to chat with them. She said to go listen to their podcast and that they are on it as well so go listen to their episode. Kevin said and don’t share your hatred of a decision. Jenna said be nice. Kevin said it’s all fun. Andrew said he is so glad they have that in recorded format now. Allison said I am using that as a sound bite. Andrew said Kevin and Jenna said. Kevin said leave them alone. Jenna said you can use it and joked leave Brittany alone. They all said thank you so much.

Jenna said aren’t they sweetest little nuggets. Kevin said he didn’t want to stop. Jenna said I know you were ready to keep going. Kevin said they turned into the fans. Jenna said there structure is so cool and so fun and she could do that all day. Kevin said he loves/hates the chaos of how some of the songs are picked at random to be pitted up against each other. Jenna said it feels like a lot of pressure. Kevin said yeah and two songs that couldn’t be further away from each another in style..Jenna said vibe, tone, and everything. Kevin said go listen to their podcast it is wonderful and obviously you know now they are wonderful. He said thank you for coming on Allison and Andrew and for sharing their time and for doing this podcast they know it is a lot of work. Jenna said if there are any other Glee fan podcasts out there that they are missing that you guys want to hear from on their show let them know and tag them and they will get them on.

Until next time.

[gjprager]

LOSERS GALLERY

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2

November’s not the best time of year to be hopscotching around New York. It gets colder and grayer by the day, along with my dis- position. But I was in town for a week visiting relatives, squeezing them for shelter and hot meals while I sought out an elderly gentleman who lived on the East Side of Manhattan and was purported to be an art dealer of some renown. He once sang for a big band during the Swing Era, but his career fizzled out after the War and took up accounting instead. Zeke said he held a secret that could make someone very rich.

Mr. Howard lived in one of those pre-war buildings that cost a fortune in rent. I peeked through the large glass doors into the lobby; it was laid out in marble made dull by the years, and a chandelier with missing crystals hung from the ceiling. The place had seen better days, as did Mr. Howard, I assumed.

I rang him up on the intercom a number of times before he buzzed me in. The only thing missing from this setup was a pricey doorman. I took the elevator to the twelfth floor, and after knocking a dozen or so times on his door he got wind of me. I’d read somewhere that hearing was the first thing to go in old dogs and geezers. His footsteps progressed down a long foyer; I heard a few locks turn.

“Who is it?”

“Robert Klayman. We have an appointment.”

“Who?”

“Robert Klayman! You just rang me up on the intercom.”

“Oh, yes, yes.”

He struggled to unclasp the chain and pulled the door opened, greeting me with a big smile that showed off a set of gleaming white teeth.

“Mr. Klayman, it’s nice to meet you.” His voice still held the melodic baritone that once graced the radio waves.

“Likewise, Mr. Howard. I’ve been looking forward to it.”

        His mood was light and airy, a sharp cry from the senility he projected thus far. I sensed something sinister about him. His gracious facade hinted at a dark secret or two. He might even have some skeletons in his closet — for real. Nevertheless, this wasn’t missionary work I’d signed up for.

“Come on in,” he said.

I stepped inside as he locked the door behind, and I followed him down a long and never-ending foyer, it was dark and narrow and reminded me of a crypt. I had the heebie-jeebies and we hadn’t even gotten started.

The place lit up once we got past the foyer. I sat down on a brown leather sofa that stretched across one side of a sunken living room. He sat stiffly on the edge of a matching leather chair tucked away in the corner, and looked like he was about to get back up.

     “Would you like a drink?” he asked.

“Bourbon?” I ventured.

“With ice?”

“Yeah.”

“Coming right up.”

He proceeded to the kitchen while I sat around, observing the surroundings. He returned and handed me my drink; he’d filled it to the top, as he did his own spirited concoction. We were headed for a long session together.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Howard.”

I had to admit that wasn’t really the case, but I did hear him sing once on an old-time radio program early on a Sunday morning when I couldn’t get back to sleep. He crooned pretty well back then.

    “Good things, I hope, Mr. Klayman.” He sat back in the corner chair.

“Oh yes, of course.” I was being tactful.

The place looked to be a small one-bedroom, the sort of place a Manhattan pensioner was apt to live. The walls were plastered with music memorabilia from a generation before rock’ n’ roll hit the charts. He was front and center in those black and white photos, with suited-up musicians holding saxophones or trumpets standing behind him. His furniture looked to be from that era too, and as with most elderly gents, his place looked like a relic from the past.

      “You must have sung with the great bandleaders of the time,” I said to him.

“I knew a few of them. Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey. They weren’t the nicest people to work for, but they were damn good at their job.”

“They don’t make music like that anymore,” I said, though I preferred rock ‘n’ roll.

“No, unfortunately not. Now, let’s discuss why you’re here.”

“Go ahead and fill me in.” I sipped my bourbon and watched him closely.

       “Zeke Stanton had directed me to an article about you online.”

       “Zeke’s a great friend. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

“I read the piece a few weeks ago.” He began knocking down his drink. It looked like scotch and soda. “I believe it was first published in the Los Angeles Times back in March.”

“It was a pretty accurate description of my P.I. exploits and all the trouble it got me in.”

Mr. Howard looked at me as if he knew all my dark and dirty secrets. “I’m aware of that, Mr. Klayman.”

“I received a lot of sympathetic mail from readers, but no job offers.” I tried making light of it, but failure has no friends.

“Yes, well...once you’ve been scorched by the powers that be there’s no way back.”

I noticed a pair of flesh-colored hearing aids tucked inside his ears. They did a good job these days camouflaging those gadgets.

“I broke the law, carrying a gun without a permit.” I raised my voice a bit. “I had no business getting involved in a murder case without a P.I. license, or shooting that bum for a couple of dollars he stole from me.”

       “You’re underestimating yourself, Mr. Klayman. In my opinion you showed initiative and resolve, and you defended yourself with courage.”

“The penalty didn’t fit the crime. I was railroaded.”

“It was an injustice, plain and simple. But I was impressed with

your tenacity. You’re going to need it for this job.”

I was getting to like the guy. “Let’s talk about it. All I know is that it involves a work of art.”

“Not just any work of art, Mr. Klayman.” He paused with dramatic flair. “You’re familiar with Rembrandt?”

“Most definitely. The famous Dutch painter of the eighteenth century.”

“Close enough. Do you know how much a Rembrandt is currently worth on the market?”

“A hell of a lot.”

“Exactly.”

“Where do I fit in?

“Patience, Mr. Klayman. Let me digress.”

He began to relate a tale that was mysterious, intriguing, and hardly believable. I sat back and listened like a wide-eyed kid.

It began with an affair he’d had with a well-placed society lady during World War II who left him to marry a bigwig in the State Department. This lady was also a relative of a former President of the United States, which put her in very high company.

Having said all that, he began to relate a story about Hermann Goering, the former head of Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe and the second most powerful man in Germany at the time. Among other things, Goering fancied himself an art lover but didn’t believe in paying for it. After the Nazis conquered most of Europe, he had assembled quite an art collection.

“I’d read about that,” I said.

Mr. Howard sipped his drink, then continued. “The society lady’s father was a politician and ardent Bundist back in the thirties, and was in contact with high-ranking Nazi officials in the German government. He’d traveled to Germany a few times before the war and befriended Goering who’d offered to sell him a famous Rembrandt at an appreciable discount. The deal didn’t go through as war broke out soon after. But Goering had been given an advance on his asking price, and for the record wrote out a bill of sale. Goering kept the contract in a Swiss bank planning to complete the transaction after the war. He was looking ahead, since he couldn’t be sure he’d end up on the winning side. He didn’t use his own name, and instead used the name of a former Jewish art dealer in Berlin, a Henry Kissleman.

“Very interesting. But where do I come in?”

“Patience, Mr. Klayman.”

He went on to say that after Pearl Harbor, the society lady’s dad had a patriotic epiphany and quickly put his aircraft company to work making instruments that would help tear the Fatherland to pieces a few years later.

“He more than made up for his apostasy,” Mr. Howard said, leaning back in his chair. “His contribution to the war effort was immense.”

“Where is the Rembrandt now?”

“There’s more to the story.”

“Go on,” I said.

What choice did I have? He liked drawing out a good yarn. I kept looking in my drink, treating it like an hourglass, counting down to the finale. Not that I wasn’t interested. I’d always been hungry for postscripts to the machinations of the Third Reich, but all that stuff about Goering was for starters. Much more befell the Rembrandt as the war came to an end.

“In 1945,” he began, “as the Russians swarmed over the Reich from the east, a Red Army grunt found the Rembrandt in a ware- house along with a booty of masterpieces and turned them in to his superior officer. This officer, bravely decorated, rose in rank over the years and gained quite a standing in the Communist party.” He paused to knock off the rest of his drink, then continued. “A few years ago, a Viennese Jew who survived a concentration camp claimed to have owned the Rembrandt but could not prove it. As the painting was thought to have perished in the war, no inquiries were made into the matter. After the man died, he left no family to do his bidding if the Rembrandt should ever reappear–”

Mr. Howard stopped abruptly, realizing he’d tried my patience. “I’m sorry for the length and complexity of the information, but I feel it necessary to relate it all to you.”

      “Don’t worry,” I said. “I find the subject fascinating.”

      He peered into his glass. “It seems I need some replenishing.”        

Mr. Howard took my empty glass along with his to the kitchen. He returned with another bourbon for me and another round of whatever he was drinking. He sat down on the matching leather chair and sipped quietly, lost in thought.

I sensed he was reeling me in to some sort of caper, but a thief would have been shrewder and more calculating in his presentation. This was a Rembrandt, after all, with lots of greenbacks at stake. Mr. Howard stayed cool and detached throughout his improbable tale. I’d never have guessed at his buttoned-up formalities from the way he crooned back in his day.

“Now, getting back to where we were,” he said. “I find the subject fascinating, too.”

“Not for the same reasons I do, Mr. Howard.” He looked back suspiciously. “What I mean is...I have a more visceral attitude about the Nazis than you do.”

“I fought those bastards, Mr. Klayman. I didn’t sit out the war in a sound studio cutting records like Sinatra or Crosby.”

          “I’m sorry. I meant no offense.”

          “No offense taken.”

       I was relieved to see him show some passion. “I’m thankful for your service. It was the one war we fought whose purpose was clear.”

“Yes, of course. Now, are you still following the story?”

      “I’m trying my best,” I confessed.

      “This is where you come in. I received a call from an art dealer acquaintance who had visited Odessa, in Ukraine, about three months ago. Word had surfaced in the art market that the Rembrandt was being held by a criminal element who were looking to sell. The dealer was sent at the behest of the family I spoke to you about, although the society lady I mentioned earlier died years ago.”

      “Did they agree to the sale?”

“The dealer told me they offered to sell at a very high price, as one would expect. He related all this to the family and they agreed to buy the painting. However, they are not interested in paying a ransom for it, which is how they see the seller’s over-the-top asking price.”

“This is where I come in?”

“Our mutual friend, Zeke Stanton, had introduced me to Bo- ris Abramovich, the man you will be working for. I spoke to Mr. Abramovich on the phone, and he agreed to facilitate the sale and get the asking price down to what the family is willing to pay. He has numerous contacts with the underworld in Odessa. You will travel to Ukraine and complete the transaction.”

“You’re suggesting a strong criminal element is involved?”

“Would you like me to refill your glass?” he said.

I looked down at the empty glass. “Yeah, sure... more ice, too.” It dawned on me I was getting sloshed.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

I had a creeping feeling he was sending me straight to the wolves, but like a barroom drunk I was ready for whatever pipe dreams he put in my head. I looked around the place for a clue to his integrity – the sparse décor and a retiree’s austere lifestyle gave me confidence. He needed the money as much as I did.

Mr. Howard returned with both glasses full and a big smile. “Here you are. Kentucky bourbon for your pleasure.”

“Yes, it’s good, very good.” I took a slow, smooth sip. “Now, this family you spoke of. They don’t seem very interested in the Rembrandt, if you ask me.”

“I can assure you they want that painting back. In any event, your job is to travel to Odessa and transport it out of the Ukraine.”

“How would I know a Rembrandt from a Rubens?”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a first-rate private detective.”

“I appreciate that.” He knew how to brown nose, but I wasn’t buying in yet. “Why don’t they plum the art world for guys who specialize in this sort of thing? An art major at UCLA could do the job better than I can.

“You’re missing the point, Mr. Klayman.”

  “Which is?”

     “The family only wants it as part of their private collection. They cherish their privacy and want to stay out of the limelight. Someone without an art background and with a low profile like yours can keep this out of the public sphere. They want complete privacy in this matter. They’re not proud of their grandfather’s role in it. Do you understand?”

       I didn’t know whether to take that as a compliment or not. “What if they handed me a fake?” 

       “You’re not following what I said. We’ve worked that part out already.” He took a long sip on his drink. “There’s money in it for you, and as long as you follow instructions, we will pay you for your services. Do I make myself clear?”

        “What exactly do you want me to do?”

        “Meet this Russian gentleman and pick up the Rembrandt. The money will be transferred through Mr. Abramovich. After you re- trieve the painting, you will board a train and travel to Prague.”

        “Is that all I have to do?”

        “That would be all.”

        “Does this entail a hit? A contract killing?”

        “I didn’t hear that.”

        “There’s a reason you sought me out, Mr. Howard. You’ve read about a two-bit, wannabe private detective released from prison with no prospects. Maybe you just don’t want to pay a professional, so you hire me on the cheap. Or you might need a patsy, someone disposable after the transaction is completed.”

        “Make up your mind, Mr. Klayman. Do you want the job or not?”

        “I’ll do anything to pull myself out of the gutter.  I only ask  that you be square with me.”

“I am being square with you. Do you want the job or not?”

I hesitated, knowing there was more to it than he let on. I looked in my glass and it was empty again. It reminded me of my bank account.

“How much money are you offering?”

“I’ll give you ten thousand dollars now. Your flight has already been paid for.”

“How much more do I get paid once the job is done?”

“That’s between you and Mr. Abramovich. He will be your contact from now on. We will sever our relationship after you walk out the door.”

I couldn’t help wondering why he spoke like a butler on an English estate. I planned on googling his bio later. I needed money now to pay my rent and a pile of bills.

“When do I start?”

Mr. Howard was up at the breakfast counter pouring another drink. He looked to be having a bit of a problem with it, too.

“A week from today.” He steadied his gaze.

“Jeez,” I said. “I have to fly back to L.A. and take care of a few things –”

“Do you want the damn job or not?” He yelled, forgetting his resolve. I blamed the liquor on that.

I had to think fast. Lots of guys would jump on an opportunity like this. The Ukraine, however, swarmed with ruthless criminals who’d lop off my head for a liter of vodka. But the job promised a better return than playing a P.I. for jealous husbands with thin wallets.

A heist or a hit, I wasn’t yet sure, but either one would be lucrative on the international stage. What did I have to lose? At some point we all end up dead. Why not call it quits with some real money in my pocket?

    “Well, Mr. Klayman. What the hell is it going to be?”

“It’s a deal,” I said.

    He came out from around the counter holding a leather port-folio and laid it down on the table.

“Here’s your first installment. We expect you in Odessa on the twenty-fifth of the month. The plane ticket has already been modified to accommodate your point of departure, which I assumed would be LAX.” He sounded like a textbook. “Read the instructions carefully.”

“I’ll get started right away.”

I opened the flap and peered inside the folder. Two packets of hundred-dollar bills were neatly stacked, along with a computer printout of a plane ticket, and some instructions written out on a plain sheet of paper. I counted out ten-grand, like he said.

I looked back at the computer printout. “Hey, there’s no–”

“We’ll deal with that as we go along.”

      Mr. Howard read my mind. He’d handed me a one-way ticket — in more ways than one, I fretted. These people were all business, one mistake and it was the boneyard for me. This family, or conglomerate, or whoever they were, was certainly not the innocents he described.

“I’ll be in Odessa on the twenty-fifth.” I took the portfolio and stood. “I’ll still need that return ticket.”

“Please read the instructions, Mr. Klayman. That should clarify the situation for you.”

“I intend to.”

“Good. I’ll see you out.”

He followed me to the door through the foyer. I turned to say goodbye. An arched expression fell over his face.

“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Klayman.”

“Likewise,” I said.

I shook his hand before taking off and landing back on the street. A cold, raw wind blew off the river, settling on my face like an ice pack. New York was getting awfully chilly in November. I had a sinking feeling this gig was leading me straight to another kind of freeze box.

[songmingisthighs]

Hooked

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

ch. xxxi - countryside orgy

<< previous | masterlist | next >>

??? × reader, ateez × reader

tw : smut, (I don't wanna say this but) orgy, unprotected sex, a bunch of sexual activities that I can't even describe because what the fuck am I doing

A freshman hookup rekindled into something new. With an incentive, of course. But what would happen if your 'relationship' led you somewhere you never thought would happen to you ?

a/n : buckle up, it's gon' be a long one like 5.7k-ish

After lunch, you all spent the afternoon at the beach together. Mostly running around like children and taking pictures.

When the sun sets, you all returned to the villa, tired from the activities done when the sun was still up in the sky but still wanting to do something fun.

For some reason, all nine of you ended up sitting around in a circle in the living room playing truth or dare like a bunch of high school children at a party. Not only that but whichever one of you managed to sneakily incorporate alcohol into the game should be questioned on their intention.

"Okay, okay, okay," Yunho cut off the laughter, trying to get everyone's attention to him, "I got a good one," he smirked. He took a swig from his beer before snapping his head to you, "(Y/N)," he started in a faux menacing tone, "truth or dare?" he asked.

The alcohol in your system rendered you incapable of feeling anxious on the oncoming question or dare. Without thinking twice, you made your choice, "DARE!" you exclaimed, rather too loudly which made Seonghwa, who was seated next to you, chuckle at how cute you're being.

"I dare you to tell us what in the actual fuckity fuck did that crap weasel Jung Wooyoung used to blackmail you? Like damn, you're one of the nicest girls on campus, I honestly can't think of anything bad that he'd be able to use to force you into being his fake girlfriend," he asked.

You scrunched your nose at the dare, not really expecting his intoxicated mind to be able to remember about Wooyoung blackmailing you. But then again, a dare's a dare and you don't really have anything against letting all of them in on the secret you and Wooyoung had had for a while.

"Okay," you took a swig of encouragement from your glass of beer before putting it down and preparing yourself to tell them. "The blackmail material was about someone that Wooyoung knows and it has something to do with arts and crafts," you slyly said.

All of them, except the ones who know which are you, Wooyoung, San, Mingi, and Jongho, had a look of utter confusion and dumbfoundedness that you actually burst out giggling at how they looked.

"Hey, no fair! That's cheating!" Yunho whined, throwing a cushion from the couch at you, to which you barely dodged as it bounced off of you onto the floor. Soon the others followed in on protesting at how unfair you're being.

You held your hands up in mock surrender, "okay, okay! sorry! I'll tell you," you giggled out, "Wooyoung found my binder the day I went to building F because Mingi had somehow managed to get himself lost there," "guilty," Mingi cut you off, grinning innocently. "Anywho, he snooped and San told him it's mine because he knows me from this freshman year class we took together, long story short Wooyoung told me that he'll release the content of the binder if I don't agree to help him out," you shrugged.

Seonghwa reached across to smack Wooyoung square upside the head, making the latter groan in pain at the sudden impact. "Okay, but what's the content of the binder?" Yunho whined out again, still curious. You sighed in defeat, knowing that he's not gonna drop the matter anytime soon, "It was... A collage, of some sort," "a pretty artsy one at that, might I add," San cut off, raising his beer at you in respect, "a collage of...?" Jongho urged with a smug smirk, making you shot a glare at him, "of Yeosang, okay? I used the pictures of him that I took back from the campus life photo shoot to make a pretty, emo skater-boy aesthetic collage," you grumbled.

Yeosang's eyes widened as big as they could get at your revelation. Yunho and Hongjoong were laughing while clapping their hands in pure amusement, meanwhile, Seonghwa was biting his lips tightly, trying to hold in his laughter at your expense. Wooyoung, Mingi, and Jongho on the other hand were snickering at how shocked the others were, especially Yeosang since he couldn't seem to avert his bulging eyes from you.

The whole thing made you whine in protest. San, who was seated next to you, pulled you into a comforting hug, patting your head and cooing in your ears

After a while, all nine of you were starting to feel the buzz of the alcohol in your bloodstream. It would appear that all of your inhibitions are lowered and the game had taken a dirty turn.

Jongho was stripped down to his boxers, Yeosang had somehow been dared into putting on one of your panties, Seonghwa was still regretting telling his most recent sex dream which involved you and three tubes of whipped cream and ending with the boys cleaning after his mess, Mingi was still recovering from prank calling his asshole former RA with fake sex sounds made together with Wooyoung, and Yunho is currently swaying his hips in an effort to write out his name with his butt, the sight was hilarious and Wooyoung leaving a loud and hard spank to his ass was the perfect way to end his dare. The only one seemingly unbothered was Hongjoong, he had no issue telling how he ended up being a camgirl's extra.

Now it's back to your turn. Out of randomness, you picked truth and almost immediately after you blurt the word out, Yeosang threw you a question with a smirk on his face, "How many of us have you slept with?"

As soon as he asked it, everyone snaps their heads to you, almost as if cornering you. With the help of alcohol, you simply shrugged and answer him, "literally everyone except San and Yunho," the two boys mentioned had their jaws dropped, "Wait, so out of everyone here, we are the only ones left???" San asked in disbelief.

You smirked at him, leaning your face close to his, "yeah, jealous?" it was obvious that the alcohol had made you slightly braver, and it's affecting San. His attention drops to your lips and his tongue darts out to lick his bottom lip. "Depends, what are you gonna do about it?"

It would appear that the alcohol had not only affected you but also the other boys as well. Because as soon as you taunt him, San pulled you to his lap and began kissing you hungrily. You couldn't help but wind your arms around his neck to pull him closer, wanting to feel him against you whilst you both made out in front of everyone. Whilst you busied yourself with San, the others were watching you two with a look of shock, amusement, and flustered.

You detach yourself momentarily from San, making him whine as he tried chasing your lips with his. But it was futile as you grip the back of his hair and pull his head back, emitting a low groan that almost sounds like a growl from him.

"Whose turn is it?" you asked to the room, eyes not leaving San's lust-filled expression. Someone cleared their throat behind you, piping up to answer your question, "I-I think it's Jongho's turn," the voice said. You later identified the voice to be Seonghwa's.

"Okay, Jongho," you called out, breaking said man's trance to focus on you. Your hands began cupping San's face, your thumbs tugging at his bottom lip as you feel his hips starting to grind on you.

"I dare you to dare me to make San and Yunho cum," you smirked, eyes flitting towards Yunho who is two people away from you. Initially, he looked surprised, but when his eyes met yours, he smirked before beginning to crawl to where you and San are.

Sensing your plan, Jongho chuckled and obliged, "of course, (Y/N), I accept your dare of daring me to dare you to make San and Yunho cum," he said.

It was all it took before you began grinding on San back with more ferocity, hips flush against his that he was able to feel the heat from your pussy even through your underwear and shorts.

Yunho situated himself next to you, his hands pulling you towards him to connect your lips together in a messy kiss. You were trying to balance giving both boys the same attention, so as your hips work on San, your hand reach down to firmly cup Yunho through his pants.

The others were enjoying the show you put on. They too started to feel aroused, some were even thinking about if they were in either Yunho or San's positions.

You suddenly halted your movements on them to stand up. Your crotch is now in direct eye level with San, making him gulp while Yunho stared at your ass in pure fascination.

Without saying much, you unbuttoned your pants and let them drop to the floor as you throw your shirt off. You could've sworn one of the boys watching (most likely Wooyoung) gasped loudly at the sight of your body only covered in a flimsy two-piece bikini that you had put in case the boys wanted to play in the water.

"Shit that's dangerous," Jongho moaned from behind you. You felt that single comment boosted your ego through the roof. You eyed both Yunho and San momentarily, tilting your head to the side as if you were thinking. Your pointer fingers circled in the air in their direction, "take 'em off please, boys," you demanded.

Not even needing a second, both Yunho and San immediately stood up to strip nude. Both showcasing different yet equally pretty cocks, and you just know what you want with them.

Your hands found their way to push San back down to a sitting position. As he lowered himself down, you situated yourself back onto his lap, dropping your crotch directly on his bare cock, only having a thin barrier between you both. Once situated comfortably on San's lap, you began grinding on him hard again while motioning for Yunho to come closer to you. As San moaned at the feeling of your hot pussy rubbing itself on his bare cock, you grip Yunho's cock and began licking at his tip.

"Damn, she's greedy," Yeosang moaned from behind you. You couldn't see the other six boys, but from the sounds you heard, you're pretty sure they're touching themselves.

Yunho moaned loudly when you began taking him in slowly inch by inch until you can feel him at the back of your throat. But even then, there's some of him left that you couldn't fit in your mouth. As you began sucking Yunho off while simultaneously swivelling your crotch on San's, San sneakily managed to untie the knot of your bikini top and latched his lips to your chest. You gasped softly on Yunho's cock when you felt San's tongue running along your chest and around one nipple before grazing his teeth on it, making you squeal. The vibration of your voice shot straight to Yunho's dick, making him groan.

The sight of you on top of San whilst still focused on sucking him off made Yunho unconsciously buck into your mouth. You had one hand on San's shoulder for balance as the other was anchored on Yunho's hip, your fingers would ever so often graze against the underside of his cock and on his balls.

It didn't take long for both of them to feel like they're on the edge, and you knew it too. How could you not? San had tightened his grip around you with his face still buried in your chest and his hips thrusting onto you hard, the feeling of his cock brushing against your clit was amazing. Yunho had gripped onto your head as he began thrusting into your mouth, using it to chase himself over the edge.

Out of the two of them, San was the first to cum. He shuddered and bit on the skin of your boob as his cock let out streams of white cum, painting both your stomachs. You could feel San's hot cum trickling down your stomach. You detach your mouth from Yunho's cock for a bit, using your hand to pump him instead as the hand that was on San's shoulder reached down to your stomach to scoop some of the cum into your mouth before pressing your mouth to San so you both could taste him.

The visual drove Yunho over the edge as his hips stuttered and he came on the side of your neck and onto your chest. The sudden impact made you gasp and push San slightly away to see what had just happened.

Your eyes widened at Yunho's cum that's now prettily decorating your chest, along with San's cum that's starting to drop to the floor beneath.

Luckily, Yunho was quick to take the box of tissue nearby and he and San began cleaning you up from their cum.

Once cleaned up, you stood yourself up from your previous position and turn to look at the other boys. You smirked at the sight of them palming themselves whereas Wooyoung and Mingi just blatantly whip their cocks out to touch themselves.

Seeing that you're already too far in anyways, you pull your bikini top off and pouted at them, "I didn't get to cum, can someone please help me?" you said in a faux defeated tone.

Honjoong was the first to spoke up, "are you sure you can continue, baby? You had just taken two men," he said. You rolled your eyes playfully at him, "of course I can! I can take three of you at the same time," you answered.

Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yeosang, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho began eyeing each other. You could see the wheels in their heads turning as if devising a plan on how to take you.

The first one to move forward was Jongho. He stood up and walk towards you. His hands moved to palm your breasts and began massaging them slowly, "prove it then, take me, Seonghwa hyung, and Joong hyung at the same time," he smirked cockily. He momentarily looked back towards the two eldest and nodded his head to the side, motioning them to come and help him take care of you.

In a blink of an eye, the one pair of hands turned to three before you could realize anything. Hongjoong pulled your bikini bottoms off before throwing them on Wooyoung's lap, "go help yourself," he ordered to which Wooyoung obliged by wrapping the item around his cock before resuming to pump himself. Seonghwa carefully manoeuvred you into a kneeling position on the floor before situating himself in front of you, he cupped your face gently and peck your lips softly before positioning himself at your entrance, "you ready?" he asked sweetly.

You hadn't even realized that Jongho had situated himself behind you and Hongjoong standing at your side. Jongho sweep your hair to the side, uncovering one of your ears so he could speak directly next to it, "we don't have lube with us, so this might hurt a little, but you can always tap out, okay?" he said, leaving a peck on your cheek as he presses the head of his cock on your rim.

You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for the impact from two out of three of them. Hongjoong knelt down next to you to connect both of your lips together. When you were distracted with Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Jongho began pushing themselves into you. You groaned at the sudden intrusion. It wasn't uncomfortable, but you weren't used to being filled like that. You grip onto Seonghwa's shoulders tightly while he caresses your hips, trying to coax you into relaxing more. Hongjoong's lips moved down to suck spots around your collarbone and chest, trying to distract you.

"Baby, damn, you're so tight here," Jongho groaned when he's fully sheathed in you from behind, his hands massaging your ass in an effort to make it feel better.

"Well gee, Ho, I don't usually do anal with any of you," you muttered, starting to get used to the feeling of having two cocks inside you. You tap on Seonghwa's cheek with your pointer finger, signalling for him to move first.

Seonghwa started to thrust up into you slowly. His cock sliding in and out of you combined with the fullness in your ass from Jongho's cock and Hongjoong's lips sucking marks along your collarbone made you sigh shakily and drop your head back onto Jongho's shoulder.

When he felt like you're relaxed enough and distracted with Seonghwa's thrusts, Jongho experimentally pulls slightly out before pushing back in once. When his hips slammed onto your ass, you felt your breath got knocked out of your lungs, but you didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

Taking your lack of protest as a good sign, Jongho began building up his own rhythm. He matched his thrusts with Seonghwa's. So when Seonghwa pulled out, he was thrusting in, making sure you're never left empty.

Both Seonghwa and Jongho were preoccupying you too much that Hongjoong had felt slightly neglected. He got onto his feet and grab his cock, poking it to your cheek with a pout on his face.

His expression made you giggle because who would've thought drunken, horny Hongjoong is whiny and needy?

Nevertheless, you open your mouth so he could slide his cock in. His cock isn't as big as Yunho and it fits rather nicely in your mouth. It didn't take long for you to start deepthroating him, occasionally letting your teeth graze against his cock that caused a low rumble from his throat.

Seeing your newfound attention, Seonghwa decided to be a little shit and tease you.

"Look at you, so pretty like this," he mockingly said. His hands that were situated on your waist moved to your chest, he caressed the underside of your boobs initially, but his fingers slowly started tweaking at your nipples, "you like having your holes filled, don't you? Having us use you however we like," he growled, fingers pinching at your nipples harshly.

The pain from your nipples shot through to your core, both Seonghwa and Jongho felt you clench at it. Your mouth hung open as a gasp escape you, Hongjoong's cock slipping out of your mouth momentarily.

The man was not pleased when your lips lost contact with his dick. He glared at Seonghwa and reach to yank at his hair, forcing Seonghwa to look at him.

"You better stop that or else you'd be the one sucking my dick," he threatened. In return, Seonghwa only chuckled mockingly, darting his tongue out to lick at his lips mockingly, "you'd like that, wouldn't you? You freak," the older teased.

Jongho leaned forward and hook his arms around yours securely, assuring that you wouldn't be able to move, "you think they'd realize if I slip you off of Hwa hyung and just fuck you myself?" he asked, making you giggle.

But your giggle was cut off when Seonghwa and Hongjoong averted their gaze towards the youngest male. They both promptly return to their tasks. After promptly shoving his dick back in your mouth, Hongjoong and Seonghwa started a new pace, much faster and much harsher than before.

You nearly toppled back onto Jongho, but thankfully he had a firm grip on you. As if not wanting to lose to the two eldest, Jongho began thrusting faster into you, making sure your ass smack against his hip bones repeatedly.

The only sounds that could be heard were words of encouragement from the boys watching, skin slapping, three moans, and one muffled one.

As the three thrust into you carelessly, using use as a mere item for them to chase their orgasm, you suddenly felt overwhelmed. With Seonghwa brushing his tip against your g spot, Jongho rubbing his sweaty skin on you and letting his thick cock fill you up beyond your imagination, and the lack of air that was caused by the blockage Hongjoong caused in your mouth, you toppled over the edge.

Your body tensed up, fingers curling on Seonghwa's shoulder to grip him tightly and your mouth gape out as a choked moan escapes you.

Instead of letting your orgasm ebb, neither one of the three stopped what they were previously doing. Moreover, they seem to be at it more than before. The rhythm of their thrusts became sloppy and uncoordinated. Your fucked out expression only egged them to cum even further, wanting to feel the ecstasy you're currently feeling. You could swear Hongjoong could see his dick bulging out from your throat and that Seonghwa and Jongho could feel each other's dicks rubbing inside you.

Jongho pulled out and came first, opting to shoot his load on your back and your ass than inside you. You groaned when feeling his hot cum on your ass and the man behind you made it his mission to make things messy as he spread his cum down to your ass and to your pussy hole so that his and Seonghwa's cum would mix together. You could actually hear Jongho snickering at the back, amused with himself.

Next thing you know, Hongjoong's hips stuttered and he came down your throat. Though still going through your own high, you swallow Hongjoong's load and keep sucking him to prolong his climax.

Seonghwa's eyes darkened even more at the sight of you so greedily swallowing Hongjoong's cum so easily.

"You're a greedy cumslut, aren't you? Made for nothing other than good dicking and taking cum, if that's what you want, then take it," he said before letting one, two, three, four more harsh thrusts before letting his head drop to your shoulder, lips pressing on his skin as he unloads inside you.

Never have you felt dirtier yet satisfied beyond anything after sex. Sure you've taken two brutes at the same time before (re : Mingi and Jongho), but apparently, three is your new limit.

Whilst the four of you were taking your breath, Jongho was smacked to the side by Mingi using the tissue box.

"You just had to make a mess, don't you?" he grumbled as he drops to his knees behind you and letting his hands carefully cleaned you off. However, you couldn't help but shudder when his hand reached between your legs to wipe the dripping cum off. Mingi smirked smugly at your reaction, "tingly down there, baby?" he teased, pressing a kiss down at the back of your neck.

"Don't tease," you whined, letting your body fell slightly backwards on Mingi's body. As the man behind you wraps his arms around your waist, you could see Wooyoung standing up from his position on the floor to walk towards you. He was stopped merely a couple steps in by Yunho who nudged his head towards Yeosang's direction, "might wanna let Yeosang go first, man looked like a ticking time bomb," he snickered. "You mean a ticking cum bomb," San retorted from the couch, hand stroking his erect cock even after cumming previously. "Damn it, it was right there," Yunho grumbled.

You flit your gaze Yeosang and true to what Yunho said, he had forgotten about his initial shyness. His cock was out in the open air, exposed by the pants that he had pushed carelessly down just enough, tip angry red and it looked so hard you think it must hurt.

Without wasting another second, you stood up and skip over to Yeosang. You drop yourself between his legs, adorning a goofy grin on your face, "can I help you with that?" you asked, eyes dropping to the problem between his legs.

Normally, he'd blush so hard if someone said that to him. But for some reason, he just found you adorable. He chuckled at you, lifting two fingers in a come-hither motion, "gimme a kiss first," he said. You squealed at his confidence but jump upwards to crash your lips with his in a playful kiss.

Lips busy, you sneakily drop your hand down to take Yeosang fully in your hand. Once your hand made contact with his cock and squeezing it softly, he gasped into your mouth.

You detached your lips so you'd be able to look down. You couldn't help but giggle at the sight before you.

"Red lace looks great on you, Sangie," you teased. Yeosang looked down and groan when he realized what you meant. He was so horny that he forgot he was wearing your panties for the dare.

"Jung fucking Yunho," he grumbled, dropping his head back onto the couch in embarrassment.

Still giggling, you lower yourself to press your chest against his hard dick. When Yeosang felt his cock pressed onto something soft, he whipped his head back up and nearly bulged his eyes out at the sight of you rubbing your chest on his dick.

"Do you think you can cum with my boobs, Sangie?" you titled your head at him. The stark difference between the innocent expression on your face and the lewd action you're doing made his dick twitch.

"Try me," he challenged.

Raising an eyebrow at him, you began squeezing your boobs around his dick and move your chest up and down on him. The skin of your chest was colder compared to his hot dick, it felt kind of nice.

Considering how hard and worked up he was, you think it wouldn't take him long to cum. So you work yourself so that Yeosang could reach his peak soon. Poor guy must've been wanting to cum so bad.

As you're preoccupied with Yeosang, Mingi took the opportunity of your ass jutting out to slip himself into your pussy in one swift thrust. Thank god you're still wet from previous ministrations.

The sudden impact halted your tit-fucking on Yeosang. You whimpered slightly when Mingi decided to stay still after waiting for him to move.

"No, no, princess, you're gonna make Yeosangie there cum with my dick in you," he said. You could hear the smugness dripping from his voice. He leaned forward to lick a stripe from the middle of your back to your neck, "so you better not move much if you don't want daddy to punish you," he growled next to your ear.

"Oh shit, Mingi's straight-up cruel, isn't he?" Wooyoung muttered to Seonghwa, who was equally shocked at the sight in front of him. Jongho piped in from the side, "nah, he just love taming (Y/N),"

Initially, you thought tit-fucking Yeosang would be an easy thing. But with the additional interruption inside you, you can't seem to focus. On one hand, you want to make Yeosang cum on your chest. But on the other hand, you think having Mingi fuck you would be amazing.

But you're determined. You tried not thinking about how Mingi's dick is filling you up nicely and to just focus on letting Yeosang's dick thrust in between your tits, having your tongue graze against his tip every time it came to view.

Slowly, Yeosang started to thrust himself onto you. You adjusted your rhythm to his, making sure that when he thrust himself up, you're pushing your boobs down on him. Soon enough you started to get used to Mingi's cock filling you and just focus on making Yeosang cum.

With increasing speed, you encouraged Yeosang to cum. Egging him to the edge. At one point, you even spat down onto his cock to make him move better as if your boobs hadn't already been covered in his precum.

Yeosang is different from the others. Whilst the others have telltale signs of them cumming through their faltering movements, Yeosang kept a steady pace. He'd increase his speed from time to time and his face would scrunch in concentration.

"Come on Sangie, I want your cum," you whimpered at him. His eyes met yours, focusing on the way you're looking at him. Eyes batted and lips pouted, proving that you're really begging for him to cum on you.

"Yeosangie, please," you moaned out. He inhaled sharply at your voice, knowing that he's just about to cum.

"F-fuck, (Y/N), w-where do you want me?" he uttered out in pants.

"Cum on my chest, Sangie, please," you begged.

As soon as his brain processed your begs, he spurted out ropes of milky white cum to your chest, some of it even splattered on your chin and neck.

You were about to compliment him when all of a sudden, Mingi pulled you flush into his lap and turned you both around so his back is rested on the couch behind him.

Wooyoung appeared before your eyes out of nowhere, hand still on his cock that's wrapped in your bikini bottom. He had a teasing smirk on his face as he pumps slowly, "our turn," he sing-songed.

Without even waiting for you to react, Mingi's arms wrapped around your waist and began thrusting himself.

"Ah!" you yelped, surprised at the suddenness. But Mingi didn't care as he only presses his forehead onto your shoulder and thrust at an animalistic speed. Your eyes focused on Wooyoung and how he's staring directly at your pussy while his hands move on his dick quickly to match Mingi's thrusting pace.

You licked your lips at how needy Wooyoung is. So who are you to deprive the man of what he needs?

Carefully, so that you wouldn't disturb Mingi, you hook both of your legs around his longer one's, making sure that Wooyoung could get a better view of how Mingi's moving into you.

Wooyoung's eyes bulged out at the new visual. Your glistening pussy practically sucking all of Mingi so greedily, pulsing with need, pink bordering on red from the way it's been used, and still slightly leaking the cum that Seonghwa had left inside you, not to mention your chest still has what Yeosang left on you. His hands initially faltered in surprise, but when his eyes met your encouraging ones, he scooted closer to you and began pumping harder and faster. How did he not get hand cramps yet is a mystery.

Mingi seemed to notice Wooyoung moving closer to the both of you. It was then when he noticed your legs had spread wider for Wooyoung to see and you're now enjoying how he's fucking into you.

He chuckled in amusement, feeling somewhat proud. "You're a considerate little princess, aren't you?" his voice rumbled deeply next to your ear, making you blush. You hadn't even realized one of his hands snaked to between your legs until it suddenly smacks your pussy loudly.

The others who were watching jumped slightly at the sound. One of them definitely whimpered either from the sound or from how your pussy is now a shade darker.

Mingi is now determined to make you lose control. Something deep in him convinced himself that even though the others had had their way with you, HE'S the only one who knows your body best and how to control it, bend it to his will.

With the determination set, his hips set to a steady pace and his hand rub at your clit in harsh circles, the lubrication of your juice and his precum (along with Seonghwa's leftover cum that he wouldn't admit) made it easier for him to pleasure you.

You let out a loud squeal at the newfound pleasure. Your chest arching high from Mingi's and your eyes scrunching close. If it weren't for Mingi's arms anchoring you, you'd surely topple forward and smack yourself onto Wooyoung's dick, face first. Although, that wouldn't be the worst way to fall over.

Wooyoung licks his lips when he saw the outline of Mingi's cock through your stomach, thinking how you must be so tight and small for Mingi's cock to be able to do that. Not that he think it's a competition, but he's pretty confident in his own size and girth.

Currently you're a moaning mess. Hands groping onto your chest for anchor and toes curling. The pleasure had become overwhelming. You don't know if it's the buildup of multiple sexual activities or the fact that you had only cum once whereas you had managed to make six out of eight men cum in and on you.

Mid-thought, you felt something inside you snap and you let out the most pornographic moan you can muster as you squirted on the floor, Mingi's legs, and onto Wooyoung.

Other than Mingi and Wooyoung, the room felt like it had been frozen in time. Six pairs of eyes watched with disbelief at what had just happened in front of them.

"Shit, she never squirted before," Jongho choked out, making the other five pairs of eyes divert to him.

"Oh fuck, that's the hottest thing I've ever seen," Wooyoung grunted. He promptly moves himself to be directly in front of you. He let your bikini bottom drop to the floor so that his bare hand would pump himself instead.

The way you're currently being overstimulated by Mingi's ever-thrusting dick sets him off immediately.

As if synced, when Wooyoung's cum hit your stomach, Mingi also released himself in you, mixing your essence and him together whilst still thrusting to ride his orgasm off.

When Mingi finally stopped thrusting, you could feel fatigue wash over you and your legs lost all its strength. All you could do is slump against Mingi as he caresses your thighs lovingly, whispering "good job"s into your ear.

Silence washed over the room as everyone calms themselves down from the event that had just unfold. No one was regretting anything, it's more like wonder. How one second you were all playing truth or dare and suddenly they're all fucking the girl who's supposed to be Wooyoung's fake girlfriend.

You were bordering on falling asleep when you suddenly felt your body being lifted up into familiar arms.

"I'll take her up and clean her, mind cleaning up?" Mingi asked towards the rest of them as he stood up to get you to your shared room.

The last thing you heard before closing your eyes were the other seven agreeing to clean up. The smell of sex was still thick in the air, while it would've been disgusting to your normal self, right now it just set your brain to immediately sleep.

"Rest up, princess, we'll take care of you," Mingi chuckled, pulling you closer into his chest as he walked up the stairs.

You didn't know why Mingi said 'we' instead of 'I'. But it felt nice.

It felt right.

taglist :

@raysanshine @peachy-maia @xuxiable @90s-belladonna @theclawofaraven @rae-baby @sungiehan @felix-kithes @nycol-ie @superstarw99 @skkrtnawrskkrt @viv-atiny @the7thcrow @stfu-xeena @laurademaury @multihoe-net @daisyhwa @scoupshushushu @whyisquill @bikiniholic @yunhorights @exfolitae @simplewonderland @verycooldog2 @perfectlysane24 @hannahdinse8 @tannie13@aka-minhyuk-kun @phebeedee @sweetlikeh0n3y @marsophilia @donghyuckanti27 @se-onghwa @malewife-supremacy @hyunsukream

okay, @rae-baby , where are you?? Why can't I tag you anymore ??

a/n : I called this chapter countryside orgy too much to the point that I changed it to countryside orgy from the original life's a beach. y'all fucking ruined me.

[harryspet]

off to the races | s.rogers

[Warnings] dark!steve rogers x reader, stripper!reader, ddlg, daddy!steve, abduction/kidnapping, mafia boss steve, murder/violence, a hint of peter x reader, hint of forced regression, sexy stuff, unprotected sex (wear condoms kiddos), hella angst 

A/N: I do not stan lana del rey but I do stan off to the races :)

In which you call the kingpin your Daddy. 

word count: 4.9k

main masterlist

taglist: @cherienymphe @peterztinglez @lovelynerdytraveler @buckysbunny @hollandsdream @micki-smiles @buckybarnesplumwhore @arts-ismything @saharzek @lovemassivelybeautifulbouquet @what-is-your-wish @brattypeony @hermayone @buckysugar @mischiefmanaged011 @visintaes​ 

God, do they have to play this song every night? 

You tried to tune out the annoying pop song, continuing to grind your hips against the man you were giving a small lap dance. You wondered how long you could grind against his beer belly before he finally requested a private dance. Lucky for you, you felt some cash being slipped between the lace of your turquoise, panty set. You turned around, a mischievous smile on your face, as you reached out to grab his tie. 

He was mesmerized by you as you expected, and you imagined that he was dying to see more of your scantily clothed body. A hundred dollars for fifteen minutes in a private room. If you could manage to get a few more private dances tonight, you’d consider yourself successful. 

You brought him to one of the back rooms and got to work. You let him run his hands over your bottom but once they started to reach between your legs, you knew what to do, “Ah, ah, ah, you know the rules,” You hid your frustration behind your sultry voice. You climbed on his lap, straddling him, as you reached around to undo your top. Beneath the lacy top were your breast but decorated in shiny gemstones. 

A lot of the other girls hated glitter and spending time doing stuff like applying tiny gems but you knew that it was another shiny thing for men to look at. You needed their attention. Besides, you didn’t mind the way it looked either. His eyes were wide and he gripped your bottom as you moved your breast, an inch away from his face. 

When the fifteen minutes were over, you quickly collected your top and fastened it back on, “Come and see me soon, baby,” You said something of that nature, all your words blurred together by the end of the night. 

You managed to get about four more private dances and as one a.m. approached, you were ready to be anywhere else but here. You headed underneath the neon exit sign, heading for the locker rooms, where it seemed a lot of girls were on their way out. You passed naked, sweaty bodies, and clouds of spray deodorant as you made your way to your locker, already slipping out of your tall heels. 

The first thing you pulled out was your money bag and you were careful when you were counting each dollar bill, tucking it away nicely. You felt a tap on your shoulder, turning around to see Wanda, red lollipop in one hand, and a white check in the other. Your eyes widened as soon as you read the number, “I’m missing fifty bucks,” You told her. 

She gave you a knowing look, “Late fee, Y/N.”

“I was a minute late! I even called and told him my train was late,” Angrily, you stuffed your money bag into your duffle bag.

“He’s not in a good mood, some suit was talking with him earlier,” Wanda shrugged, sensing she had bigger things to worry about. Like you, she made her money dancing and was trying to get by supporting herself, “I wouldn’t argue with him today.” 

“Screw that, fifty dollars is the difference between me making rent. He can’t do this,” You slammed your locker closed and you were about to storm off when Wanda grabbed your arm. 

“C’mon, we should go. Clint is gonna walk us to the station and he won’t wait for you.”

“I won’t be long,” You shrugged her off, making your way out of the dressing room, and toward Loki’s office. He controlled every part of the Mischief club, set the prices, chose the dancers, and even had a strict list of clientele. It wasn’t the nicest club you’d worked at but it was the closest thing to a consistent paycheck. 

You didn’t bother knocking, knowing that you had a point to make and only a certain amount of time to say it, “Fifty dollars! Are you serious-” You stopped in your tracks, realizing that your boss was not alone. Not only was he not alone, but you were also in deep shit. Steve Rogers sat across from the playboy club owner and, looking at the handsome silver-fox, you thought your heart might explode out of your chest. 

He’d found you. 

He smiled as soon as he saw you, “Babydoll,” A name you’d usually swoon at, made you cringe inside. There he was, clad in an expensive suit and dark overcoat. 

Your eyes met with those of Sam and Bucky who had made themselves comfortable by one of the tall bookcases, waiting for their boss to command them to do something. As Steve’s eyes raked over your body, you realized they’d never seen you like this. 

“You know her?” Loki leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk, an eyebrow raised, “... sir.” He added quickly. You don’t know why you were so surprised by this, knowing that Steve was feared everywhere, and Loki, no matter how evil, wouldn’t be the one to challenge him.

“I saw you perform tonight,” Steve spoke to you and, in his mind, you imagined that you were the only one he was seeing right now, “You looked beautiful.”

You hadn’t realized that you probably looked like you’d just seen a ghost. You tried to let go of some of the tension in your body, “What are you doing here?” You tried to keep your voice from faltering and, considering that you were half-dressed, you tried not to let your insecurities overwhelm you. 

“As of a few minutes ago, I am the sole owner of the Mischief Club,” Your heart had stopped its pounding and now it was sinking into your stomach, “If you have any grievances with your employer, you can speak to me-”

“This isn’t your side of the city,” Your lip trembled, anger bubbling within you, “Why … y-you . . . Steve, you can’t do this.”

“Every part of this city is mine, Babydoll,” He sighed, standing up from his chair, reminding you of his large, intimidating frame. Reminding you that you were nothing compared to him. You didn’t move as he crossed the room, moving until he was only standing an inch from you, slowly reaching out his hand until he was touching your cheek, “Chasing you made me realize that I should expand my influence. A club like this is a shit hole now but, in a few months, I’d make it a cash cow.”

“Once you run drugs through the place, you mean,” He tensed up for a moment and you realized you’d struck a chord. His hand was on your throat, his thumb brushing over your cheek, and a piercing gaze burning holes into your skin. 

“I wouldn’t worry your pretty little head over it,” For a moment, you closed your eyes, and imagined wrapping your arms around him. He’d become your haven so quickly and you’d almost forgotten how it felt for someone to care so much for you. Love you even when you didn’t want to love yourself. When you opened them again, you realized what he meant by his words. 

He wasn’t giving you a choice. 

You stepped back, letting his hand fall back to his side, before you crossed your arms, “Things aren’t going back to the way they were.”

Much to your surprise, Steve nodded, “No, I made some mistakes. Letting you go being the biggest one.”

You rolled your eyes, “You’re dangerous, Steve, and I want nothing to do with it.”

“And this is safer, Y/N?” He raised his voice, “Men having their grimy hands all over you . . . I’m taking you home.”

“I can take care of myself!” 

“Really?” He smirked condescendingly, and you imagined he was seeing you as a bratty child throwing a tantrum, “He-” He stepped to the side, and pointed a finger at Loki, “-was going to lay you off a week from now. The club went under a long time ago and he was going to take your hard-earned money and run, leaving you with nothing. What would you do then?”

Loki stood up, interrupting, a nervous smile on his face, “Not with nothing. I-I pay all the ladies very well and I would like to continue to do that . . . that’s why I’m so grateful for your generosity, Mr. Rogers-” He cleared his throat awkwardly. He was lying through his teeth. 

“You won’t be paying them anymore, Mr. Laufeyson,” Steve spoke calmly, too calmly, and as his hands reached up to his waist belt, you suspected the worse. 

“Steve-” 

“Hey, hey, hey,” Loki rushed out his words as Steve pointed his favorite silver handgun in his direction, “We had a deal!”

“Steve, don’t!” Panicked, you grabbed a hold of his strong arm. As soon as you saw him, you knew the night wouldn’t end good but death was not something you predicted. Before, he’d never show you the violent side of his world. Now, something had changed, “Steve, please don’t!”

“Come with me,” He spoke sternly, “Come home and I won’t.”

“Okay,” You said immediately, looking up at his unchanging expression. He didn’t move which only panicked you further, “I will! Steve, please don’t.”

“He’s not a good man. He’s been using you this whole time,” Steve said, finally turning to look at you. Your body was shaking, the idea of being so close to the gun was frightening you further, “You’d give yourself up for this scumbag?”

Though it made you more anxious, you moved closer to him, grabbing a hold of his free hand. With your other arm, you hugged his torso, and as he stared down at him, “I-I don’t want you to hurt anyone, Daddy,” You spoke softly, “ . . . please, Daddy?” Something softened in his features as you called him by his favorite nickname. He squeezed your smaller hand and, for a moment, you thought things might be okay. 

The sound was deafening when Steve pulled the trigger. Although you couldn’t hear anything, you knew you were screaming, and that you weren’t sure if you ever wanted to open your eyes ever again. He tried to wrap his arms around you and you remembered fighting it, hitting his chest, and screaming even louder. Somewhere along the line, you gave in, he was too strong, letting him wrap his long coat over your scantily clothed figure. 

You were breathing heavily and when you decided to open your eyes again, everything was blurry, “Daddy had to . . . I’m sorry . . . Babydoll,” You heard in your ear. You were moving, he was holding you . . . when had he picked you up? When did the car start driving? You wished badly that you’d listened to Wanda. 

You remembered holding onto him tighter, crying into his shoulder, “Why?” He heard the pain in your voice, felt the realization that your life would never be the same. 

“Because you’re mine,” He rubbed circled into your back, leaving soft kisses on your cheek, “And I needed to remind you of what your Daddy is capable of. Anyone who hurts you, anyone who even lays a hand on you, is going to meet the same fate.”

“I don’t want this,” You hiccuped. Steve didn’t believe you, not with the way you were holding him. “This . . . it’s so scary, S-Steve.”

“I’m sorry I had to scare you, baby,” It reminded him of last year when things were good between you two, and you comfortably moved in and out of little space. He could sense you were dying to go to that safe space and, selfishly, he was hoping the trauma of tonight would push you into that mindset, “Daddy’s going to take better care of you. You’ll live with me now, where you’ll be safe.” 

You only closed your eyes, no fight left in you. In the world of Steve Rogers, you didn’t think safety existed. 

+

You awoke in a pink cloud. The sheets were so soft, heavenly even, and it almost made you forget your situation. You felt something crawling on top of the sheets and you sat up quickly, almost giving yourself whiplash. Realizing it was a furry, white creature, you relaxed, “Alpine, you scared me,” The cat crawled into your embrace and you pet it gently, wondering where exactly it’s owner was.

As you looked around what you assumed was your new room, you couldn’t help but be a bit impressed. You almost forgot how well Steve knew you. Elegant white furniture, a canopy bed with white fabric falling from the sides, a huge wardrobe, a bookcase, a mountain of stuffed animals - frogs, elephants, dolphins, practically the entire animal kingdom - and the fairy lights were a nice touch. 

Maybe you were more than impressed. Astounded, actually. 

“Oh my . . . stars,” You climbed out of the queen-sized bed, cat in your arms, and quickly realized that your lingerie was gone and your glitter had been washed away. Did he give you a bath? While you were sleeping? You dressed in a large t-shirt and as you brought the fabric up to your nose, you realized it was his, “Why didn’t you warn me that he was this off his rocker, Alpine?”

The cat only responded with a quiet meow. 

You moved over to the window and, expectedly, it didn’t budge when you tried to push it open. You looked out onto the vast landscape, perfectly manicured rolling hills of green, a garden, Olympic sized pool, beautiful white statues, and armed guards to match.

It was like you remembered though Steve didn’t bring you to his “private home” often. The two of you always met in the city and, what started as an interesting sugar arrangement, quickly blossomed into a new dynamic. 

You wandered around the room, examining every detail that he had put into it. You imagined the military man had placed a lot of the objects himself, making sure everything was perfect when you saw it. 

The room is also gigantic, you could do at least ten cartwheels from one wall to the other. You’d never imagined living somewhere like this, the room itself was bigger than any place you’d ever lived. 

As the door creaked open, Alpine leaped from your arms, taking the opportunity to escape. You watched the creature crawl between Steve’s legs before slipping out, probably going to look for Bucky. As your eyes traveled up his figure, you assumed he’d be dressed down in his home but the businessman was clad in another suit. 

You were glad not to be crying anymore but seeing him now was reminding you of the horror show that was last night, “My things, I had money in my bag,” Was the first thing you thought to say, “I want it.”

“You don’t need it,” He said what you assumed he would. 

“But-” You stopped yourself, “Can you give it to Wanda, please?”

“Please and thank you?” Steve cocked his eyebrow, smirking, “I wasn’t expecting that from you today.”

You didn’t respond, only crossed your arms defiantly, “I want Wanda to have it.”

“Done,” Steve raised his hands in surrender, “Is that all you want? Can I interest you in breakfast, little one?”

He didn’t know how deeply his words cut into you. How you wanted nothing more than to forget your worries and be his little girl. How you’d probably get on your knees and kindly do anything he asked . . . if this was a perfect world. You tried to shake that feeling because this world was anything but perfect. 

“I guess,” Your hunger suddenly crossing your mind. 

He nodded, a smile threatening to form on his lips, “Do you want help getting ready?” You quickly shook your head and you assumed he knew that it would be your response, “Well, I picked something out for you. I left it in the bathroom.”

“So what, I’m supposed to  . . . wear whatever you want and be your little trophy?”

“And if you sit still and look pretty, Daddy will buy you anything you want,” Your eyes narrowed at him and you looked away, knowing you’d probably burst into flames if you looked at the annoying smirk any longer, “I’ll come to get you in ten minutes.”

You were already walking towards the bathroom, feeling his eyes on you the entire way. The bathroom was even more immaculate than the bedroom, a big chandelier hanging from the tall ceiling, with sleek marble fixtures. You avoided the mirror when the thick makeup came off at the end of the day, so you were shocked seeing your bare face. It made you look . . . innocent. It was the opposite image the club wanted to present. 

You found a new toothbrush in one of the drawers and proceeded to brush your teeth, before washing your face. 

The dress he’d picked out was frilly and white, a stark but beautiful contrast to your skin. It puffed at the sleeves but grabbed your waist and then flounced out when reaching down to your knees. You did a small twirl, letting the ends of the dress softly caress the tips of your fingers. Realizing you liked it quite a lot made you frown in the mirror.

Most likely, there was no racy lingerie and tassels in that wardrobe. He said you looked beautiful last night but there was no chance he’d let you ever look like that again, especially in front of his men. 

When you left the bathroom and realized Steve had not returned, you decided to slip out of the room. You wandered down the big hallway, your bare feet padding against the carpet, as you examined each piece of artwork and decoration. Steve’s taste was expensive but his style was old-fashioned, choosing elegance over flashy things. 

You admired it for a second and then remembered the blood spilled, the money stolen, and the dirty things that funded it. 

 “I thought I said I’d come and get you.”

You turned around, noticing how his breath caught in his throat as he took you in. He was deadly, he killed a man right in front of you, yet he was like a teenager in love when he saw you. 

You mentally cursed. 

+

“Are you full?” He asked, looking at your plate of a half-eaten pancake. There was still a feast laid out in front of you which was tempting but you couldn’t help but see it as consuming more of his forbidden fruit. 

You only nodded and his lips pressed into a thin line. 

He was holding back, you could tell. He wanted to make sure you were fully nourished and he’d probably prefer to feed you himself. 

“Eat more,” He added, “Please-”

You stood up abruptly, “I want to look for Alpine,” You made a move to leave the dining room but, as you passed his chair, he grabbed a hold of your wrist. He gripped you stronger as you tried to pull away. 

“After you eat more,” He commanded. 

“I’m not hungry,” Your eyes didn’t meet his eyes. 

“Babydoll, can’t you see I’m trying to play nice?” He tried to hide the venom in his tone, “I could’ve bent you over my knee already for not addressing me properly. Do you want that?”

You shook your head. 

“Use your words, please.”

“No.”

“No what?”

“No, I don’t want that . . . Daddy.” 

When you made a move to go back to your seat, he grabbed your arm tighter, “Sit with me,” He said but his tone was softer than before. You sat down on his knee and, instinctively, his arm wrapped around your torso, holding you in place, “Relax.” 

You turned your head closer to him, the familiar feeling of being in his arms led your muscles to relax. He brought pieces of fruit to your mouth and, as you opened your mouth for him, you heard, “Good girl.” 

When he first wanted to do things like this with you, he told you to imagine the things you liked when you were younger. You told him that you never had a lot of toys, never got a lot of praise, and that you were always the one taking care of others, not the other way around. What he made you feel was foreign but it satisfied a need you never knew you had. 

“You haven’t been eating enough,” He commented. You shrugged and he frowned a bit, “Three meals a day from now on. And snacks. And lots of water.”

“And what if I don’t, Daddy?” You challenged, more playful than you intended. 

Steve gave you a look that was much too loving for you to hold his gaze, “How about, if you do, then I’ll give you a reward . . .” His voice trailed off as he thought for a moment, “What would you like?”

“I wanna go back to the city-”

Steve smirked, “Something realistic, preferably,” It took everything in you not to roll your eyes, “A new outfit? . . . A new toy? . . . I know what you want.”

“No, you don’t,” You pouted. 

“Stickers,” He answered, proud when he saw you perk up, “Sparkly, butterfly ones probably.”

“I don’t-”

He interrupted your lie, tickling your side, and you tried not to smile, “You love those little things! You’d probably prefer it over a designer bag or a trip to europe.” 

“They’re not expensive and I like collecting them,” You tried to explain, your voice low. 

“Then that’ll be it. A week of not skipping meals will get you a special sticker for your chart, we’ll even hang it on the fridge.” 

You didn’t mind the idea . . . you could have so many stickers after a long while. 

“A week,” You repeated, “How long do you expect for me to stay here?”

“There’s lots to do, you won’t get bored,” He spoke dismissively, probably frustrated by your question. You opened your mouth to respond but was interrupted when the table started shaking, Steve’s phone vibrating on top of it. 

“Rogers,” Steve answered, pressing the phone to his ear, “Yes, I’m aware . . you told me that you took care of him . . . I don’t need to tell you how to do your job, you’re just supposed to do it  . . .  he’ll listen if it comes from me . . . i’ll handle it, okay? . . . Babydoll,” He softly patted your knee, “Why don’t you go look for Alpine?”

You took that as your cue that he was about to start cursing and didn’t want you around to hear it. 

+

An hour later, you were wandering around the garden and Steve still hadn’t tried to find you. You guessed that he was busy with his work now but you were more focused on finding Alpine. You’d search every inch of the inside of the house and now there was only one place left. You realized that you could also start thinking about a way out of this place. 

“Here kitty, kitty,” Your eyebrows raised as you heard an unfamiliar voice. You wandered further along the path, trying to look through the greenery, before stumbling upon an opening with a large fountain in the middle. Alpine was walking around the top of it, frustrating the man trying to get him down from such a tall height. 

He was one of Steve’s men, you could tell by the dark clothing, though you didn’t recognize him. He was much younger, and honestly, more attractive than a lot of them. You could tell the light had gone out in a lot of the people that Steve kept around. You could already tell he wasn’t like that, “Come on, dude, now you’re just messing with me!”

The cat seemed to brush him off, continuing to walk along the edge. 

“You have to be more gentle than that,” You said, knowing you would startle him. It amused you a little how he seemed to jump out of his skin. His hand held over his heart, you could tell he was a bit taken aback by your appearance. You moved toward the fountain, holding your arms out for it, “C’mere, Alpine, the scary man won’t hurt you.”

His eyes were wide as the cat easily jumped into your arms, “He obviously doesn’t like me,” He said, watching as you brushed Alpine’s ears with your fingers, “And yet Bucky always puts me on cat duty.”

“Maybe Bucky is the one that doesn’t like you,” You responded. 

He frowned, “Yeah, maybe you’re right,” You walked towards you, encouraging Alpine to climb into his arms. Alpine seemed to listen, welcoming his touch, “He’s never been this nice to me. Are you some kind of animal whisperer?”

You giggled a bit, “I’m Y/N.”

Peter’s mouth formed an “o” shape like he was connecting the dots in his mind, “I-I’m Peter . . . aren’t you like . . . not supposed to be out here?”

You shrugged, “I don’t know. Am I?” He seemed to panic for a moment, “I mean, I didn’t get the brief that Steve probably gave you all.”

“Right,” He nodded nervously, “Do you . . . should I walk you back to the house?”

“Actually, can you walk me to my room? I don’t think I remember where it was,” You played dumb. 

“Yeah, sure,” He agreed.

Perfect. He was perfect. If there was a way out of here, he was it. 

+

You didn’t see Steve until later that night. He was right in the fact that you didn’t get bored, there were a million things to do even in your own room. You’d floated away, your mind now completely occupied by the coloring page you were scribbling on. 

As Steve sat on the side of your bed, you felt the weight of his day come down with him. Another reason he kept your arrangement before was because you provided stress relief after a long day. He touched your hair, patting your head, and you turned your head to look at him. 

“Did you have lunch?” He asked and you nodded sheepishly, “Dinner?” You nodded again. 

“Maria made sure I ate.”

He leaned down to press a kiss to the side of your head, “Good girl. Wanna show me what you’re working on?”

You sat up from your position, moving the picture book into his lap, “It’s me and you,” Steve couldn’t help but chuckle as he looked down at the picture of Belle and the Beast. 

“You’re funny,” Steve smiled, his eyes getting those little crinkles at the side.

“Did you end up handling your business?” You asked curiously. 

“I did, actually,” He responded, failing to elaborate, “And that’s all you need to know.”

You closed your book, tossing it to the side, and standing up on the bed. You walked over to the pillows and plopped down, “Don’t you think it's a little unfair to hide things? I want to hear a story before bed. Or are your stories too scary?”

You were only teasing him but as he turned over, crawling towards you, your heart began to race, “Did I ever tell you the story about the little girl who always ran her mouth?” 

You shook your head, and Steve let you stew a moment longer before he pounced. He grabbed your ankle, pulling you down onto you back, as he climbed on top of you, “Well, she was always mad at her Daddy because he was . . . very protective. Her Daddy had to fix this, of course, he couldn’t have such a naughty little girl trying to boss him around. He didn’t punish her though, he just fucked her until she couldn’t speak.”

“I don’t like this one-” You were interrupted when his lips crashed down on yours. 

You felt suffocated by him, trapped beneath his love, until you started to move your lips against his. You must’ve been just as crazy as he was for wanting this. 

You gasped for air when he finally pulled away. You watched him hurriedly take off his already unbuttoned,  button down, and undo his belt. You were sliding your dress sleeves off, trying to get your panties down your leg. When they were around your ankles, he tore them away, throwing them to the side. 

Your lips were on his again, “Steve-” He grabbed your wrist roughly, pinning them above your head with one hand, and he grabbed your face with the other.

“Call me Daddy,” He demanded, sinking between your hips. 

“Steve-” You felt a quick sting across your cheek and Steve watched a fire build in your eyes. 

“Bad girl,” He sunk his hard member into you, causing your head to tilt back. He was anything but gentle, moving in and out of you with long and hard strokes, “You’re such a bad girl.”

“Tell me you want my cum,” He grunted, breathing hard against your skin, “Tell me.”

“I want your cum,” You rushed out, an orgasm already building as he maintained his pace. You missed this so much. If there was one thing, you missed. He was the first person to ever make you cum without oral sex. Before him, you didn’t even know your body could do this. 

“Say it,” He continued, “Say it, little girl.”

He was going to slow down if you didn’t and that was the last thing you wanted, “I want your cum, Daddy,” You gasped out, your body convulsing beneath him, “I want it so bad, Daddy.” 

He finished deep inside you, your body tightly wrapping around him, and sweat covering your bodies. You were coming down from the high when the panic set in. Why did you let him do that? And why did you want it?

He was holding you and, as your tears began to fall, he pulled you into him, “It’s okay,” He cooed, “I’ve got ya’. You’re going to be just fine, Babydoll.”

+

part two

[anime-lover-forever-1127]

A Way To Save Tom {Klaroline}

A Way To Save Tom

*****

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "The Vampire Diaries", it belongs to its original creator Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, and L. J. Smith. Nor do I own "The Originals", which belongs to it's rightful creator Julie Plec, Michael Narducci, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release of "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals". Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me and the story you are getting the idea from.

Warnings: Cami Bashing

Info You Might Need To Know: "Speaking", Caroline doesn't have any romantic feelings for Stefan here - It's all platonic,

Word Count: 3.8K

Summary: What if, instead of killing Tom, she decided to hand him over to the one man she knew the travelers wouldn't be able to touch. With a set of iron rules of course.

*****

Today's Special

One person can stop a great injustice.

One person can be a voice for the truth.

One person's kindness can save a life.

~Nicky Gumbel

*****

"Hazel seemed nice, so you know, I figured, uh, why not have dinner? So I showered, picked her up and that was it - that was the last thing I remember for four months." Tom told her.

Caroline nodded, "She kidnapped you that night... locked you up ever since. Hid you away from anyone that knew magic."

The doppelganger took a bite of his food, "Like you said, she was a real witch."

Caroline let out a, "Yeah."

"I don't know why I'm telling you my whole life's story." Tom confessed.

The baby vampire winced, "It's because I compelled you to. And to stay calm and not worry."

Tom hummed, "Why do you want to know so much about me?"

"I just want to make sure you're a good guy..." Caroline told him. But finding out how much of a great guy he was. Was only making what she needed to do harder. "No skeletons in the closet. That sort of thing."

"And?"

"And... you are just about one of the nicest people I've ever met." Caroline answered.

Silas' doppelganger smiled at her. "Well, likewise, because I do remember you saving my life. So, if there's anything I can do to repay you, let me know."

Caroline smiles at him. All of a sudden, Tom starts choking on his food. He reaches for his glass of water, but Caroline grabs it and slowly moves it out of his reach. She sits there until he collapses on the table, dead.

Caroline blinks and realizes it was only a hallucination her mind made up. Of course she wasn't lucky enough that fate would take care of her problems for her. If she needed to save Stefan. She would need to kill an innocent person.

Caroline let out a sound of frustration, "What I need from you isn't something I can take."

"I don't understand." the doppelganger said, confused.

"Well, you don't have to. You just remind me of someone who's really important to me. He's basically my brother." Caroline told him. Her voice went quiet as she remembered who she was doing this for.

Tom smiled at her, "Well, he's one hell of a lucky guy."

Caroline smiles back and realizes she can't kill him. He's innocent. His only crime was that he was born with a cursed face, one that he didn't even choose.

She was like Klaus, coming into his life, only to kill him over something he had absolutely no control over.

Caroline got lost in thought, wondering if Klaus knew that she had a doppelganger, one with human blood flowing within his veins. And she killed him.

Would he spend the next 500 years chasing her, for revenge.

Yeah, she doubted that.

Caroline's eyes widened, and she shot up from her seat, startling Tom.

"That's it, Klaus!" She shouted. She winced a second later praying no other supernatural had heard her outburst.

Tom looked confused. "Listen, you want to help me. I need you to come with me. I'll explain everything in the car once we find my friend. But I promise. What I'm doing is to help you. Can you trust me?"

Tom looked like was hesitating, but remembered that she had saved his life. So he nodded, and followed her out the door.

Caroline walks out the back door, where their car was parked. Seeing no one else there, she nodded at Tom to get into the car.

Quickly getting in herself, she began driving. Once she was an acceptable distance away from the dinner, she opened up her phone and texted Enzo to meet her near an exit, where she would pick him up.

Without waiting to see if Enzo had read or messaged or not, she turned her phone off.

After a few minutes, she saw the familiar vampire leaning against a tree, pulling up next to him. She nodded towards the back. "No time for questions. Get it."

His eyes darted between her and the very alive doppelganger, but he quickly made up his mind and got in. "What's he still doing alive?" Enzo asked.

Caroline let out a hiss at his lack of tact, and saw Tom's eyes widen. She quickly locked the cars, turning on the child safety feature so Tom couldn't get out.

"Listen. A group of witches called the Traveler's want you dead. And quite frankly, I don't care why. As long as I can get Stefan, the friend I was telling you about back." Caroline confessed. "But as I was talking to you, I realized you're genuinely a nice guy. And I can't kill you."

"But I can." The vampire in the back commented.

Caroline glared at him, "But you won't." She said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

She once again turned to the doppelganger. "As we were talking. I realized that there is a way to keep you safe from the Travelers. To keep you safe, alive and very much human. That's where I'm taking us now."

"Where are we going now?" Tom asked, voice quite.

"New Orleans." Caroline answered.

"Are you crazy?" Enzo protests. "It's a war zone right now! Just take him to the Travels and be done with it!"

"No! He's not going to die! I refuse to hand him over like a lamb to the slaughter." Caroline shouted.

"You're not gonna let me die?" Tom asked, voice quite.

"No. No I won't. That's the last thing I want. I promise you. I am not going to let you die." Caroline told him. Hearing the determination in her voice, Tom believed her, and relaxed a bit.

Enzo scoffed, "And leading a doppelganger into a city full of witches is gonna be a smart choice. Oh, and let's not forget the thousand year old hybrid that's obsessed with doppelganger blood."

"What's a doppelganger?" Tom asked, confused.

"Someone who shares a face, your face, from a guy from two thousand years ago. You're a doppelganger. There's actually a female line of you guys as well, one of my best friends is a doppelganger, correction, turns out two of my best friends are doppelgangers to. Sorry, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Stefan is a doppelganger." Caroline answered, catching herself before she could spiral into a full on ramble. There was no need to throw all this one the poor man. "As for Klaus. I'm planning on giving Tom to him."

"Oh, and what's going to stop him from turning your new pet into a blood bag for the rest of his life." Enzo scoffed.

Caroline smirked, "Me." seeing his confused face, she laughed. "Damon told you I had a thing for accents. But I guess what he forgot to add was that they had a thing for me back."

Enzo gaped at her open mouth, "You... you and the- Holy shit! I'm dead."

"Relax. It wasn't anything official." Caroline told her. Intentionally leaving out the part that this would be the first time she'd see him... since her little... confession.

"Yeah, I still doubt he's the type to share." Enzo commented.

*****

About seven hours of driving later, Caroline is pulling up next to the 'Welcome To New Orleans', sign. Stepping outside quickly, she takes a quick picture without a word and uploads it to Facebook.

Enzo's eyes widened, "What are you doing?! Do you want the travelers to find us?"

"No. Just Klaus." Caroline told him.

"Yeah, and how do you even know he's even going to see it?" Enzo asks her.

"Easy. Every time I upload a picture, I can always get a notification that Rebekah liked my picture. But I know for a fact, Rebekah would never openly like something I posted. Which can only mean someone else has been Facebook stalking me." Caroline said cheerfully.

"So now what do we do?" Tom asks from next to her.

"Now, we wait." Caroline says, leaning back into her seat.

Turns out they didn't even need to wait five minutes. Because within three, someone was knocking on her window, startling her. Caroline cautiously rolled down the window, not recognizing the man.

"Do I know you?" She asks. From the corner of her eyes, she can see Enzo's feet, pulling the wooden stake by them closer.

"Nope." The vampire answers cheerfully. "But I do know you. I've seen your face a ton of times in Klaus' pictures." he says. "I'm with Klaus." For proof he hands her a drawing of her. One from her in her decade dance outfit. Caroline instantly recognized it as one of Klaus' pieces.

Caroline nodded towards the back, "Get in."

"Great. I'm supposed to lead you to Rousseau's." Josh told her, getting in next to Enzo, who had sat up straighter and was on guard.

"Why?" The oldest vampire in the car questioned.

"That's where Klaus is right now." Josh answered, looking at Caroline, who started the car up again.

*****

The baby vampire parked next to a bar, "This is it?" she asked, looking at Josh for confirmation.

The other vampire nodded, "He's in there."

Caroline turned to Tom, "I'm going to need you to stay in the car with Enzo. Don't come in until I text you ok."

Tom nodded, "You're going in alone?" he asked, concerned.

Caroline smiled at him reassuringly. "Trust me. He won't hurt me. I've tried to kill him before. This is new territory though, so I'm going to need to be careful. So to make sure you stay safe, you're going to need to stay in the car. Ok."

Tom and Enzo nodded, "Don't worry gorgeous, we'll be fine."

"Come on. Let's go." She said to Josh, who was still staring at her opened mouth.

"What do you mean you tried to kill him before?" The younger vampire asked, shocked.

"Exactly what it means." Caroline laughed. "Well, I was mostly a blond distraction. But I did play a part in it."

Caroline walked into the bar, to find it pretty crowded for six in the afternoon. A lot of them were vampires. In fact, there may have been more vampires than there were humans.

She could feel several pairs of eyes on her. But only one gave her the chills. She turned her head slightly until her eyes were locked with Klaus'.

Klaus smirked, taking in her appearance after months. He was quite tempted to leave guards with her, but doubted she'd appreciate the notion. Her clothes were rumpled, her hair beginning to lose their bounce, and she looked exactly like what you'd expect when someone spends the last 24 hours in their car. And yet, he still couldn't take his eyes off her.

"What a pleasant surprise, love." Klaus greets.

"Yeah, I'm sure it is, Mr. Facebook stalker. Or should I start calling you Rebekah." Caroline teased, taking the open seat next to him.

Klaus raised his hands in the air, "Caught me red handed."

His eyes couldn't help but trail down her body. He already had every one of her curves memorized. He'd spent hours thinking about their last encounter in the woods. His hands longed to feel her under them once again, so he did the next best thing. He sketched her, painted her, even carved her.

Yet none of them could compare to the real thing. And having her, in the flesh sitting before him, only made that desire stronger. His fingers twitched to feel her once again; to hold her once again.

"Hey, my eyes are up here." Caroline snapped, glaring at him. As much as she hated to admit it, he looked even better than when she last saw him. He had let his hair grow out a bit since she last saw him. She couldn't help but wonder how his kisses would feel now that she'd have something to properly grasp and anchor her.

Her tone caught the attention of some of the other vampires in the bar. As they waited for Klaus to snap and rip the baby vampire's heart out for even thinking of speaking to him that way.

But to their surprise, Klaus smiled, "Of course. My apologizes love." he then turned to Cami, who hadn't taken her eyes off their exchange, startling her. The women jumped, embarrassed at having been caught. "A bottle of champagne." he ordered, surprising her.

Caroline raised an eyebrow, "This place has champagne?" she wasn't trying to sound snobby, she was just genuinely surprised, "Doesn't seem like something they'd serve."

"We do." Cami snapped at her, she then turned to Klaus. "Are you sure you want it?"

Klaus glared at her, he already had half a mind to rip her tongue out for speaking to Caroline that way. Her questioning his decisions, weren't helping her case. "Yes." He told her, leaving no room for argument.

Cami huffed, and went towards the back to get the bottle. There was a single bottle of champagne at the bar. A $50,000 one at that.

Everybody knew it.

But nobody was allowed to touch it.

Klaus said he was saving it for a special occasion. Until that day came, it would stay sealed.

Caroline turned back to Klaus, "Still, champagne? What's the occasion?" she asked. Everybody listened in to his answer, wanting to know what was the reason the famous bottle was being opened.

"You're here. In the flesh." Klaus smiled at her, clasping one of her hands in his, he answered. "That's definitely something worth celebrating. Plus, it's our thing. Isn't it?"

Caroline rolled her eyes, "We don't have a thing." she denied, but couldn't stop the smile that her lips formed.

Cami back out with an opened bottle of champagne. She handed it to Klaus, who in turn slid it so it was sitting between himself and Caroline. Cami glared at the sight. The blond looked like a mess, well she was here decked out to get his attention. Yet Klaus only had eyes for her.

It wasn't fair!

"As glad as I am to see you love. I'm assuming you're here for something?" Klaus asked, taking a sip from the bottle.

"Yes and no. I actually have something for you." Caroline answered, seeing his face, she added. "With some conditions of course."

"And what exactly is this 'thing'."

"It's more like someone, than something." Caroline corrected herself.

Klaus raised an eyebrow, "Go on."

"I'm sure you now know that Elena and Katherine are doppelgangers. But the original was Amara, Silas' lover. Meaning he has one out there as well." Caroline explained.

"Yes but no one knows what Silas looks like." Klaus' eyes then widened a fraction and a smirk spread across his face. "Unless you do." he said, sitting up straighter.

"Stefan. Stefan was a doppelganger. Currently there is also a human doppelganger of Silas, out there. With him, you can make more hybrids." Caroline explained.

"And what do you want in turn for this wonderful piece of information?" Klaus asked her.

Caroline laughed. "I want you to protect him." Seeing the confused look on Klaus' face, she explained herself. "I don't just have information Klaus. I have the doppelganger. His name is Tom Avery, and his life is in danger, but it's not just his."

Klaus' face instantly turned serious. "Who's after you?" He was on guard, she was in his city now. He'd be damned if he let anyone hurt her.

Seeing her hesitation, Klaus turned to the rest of the bar, "Everybody out!" He shouted. The humans look hesitant, but the vampire's immediately began to leave, so the humans began flowing out as well.

Caroline smiled, "There after Tom. The Travelers want him dead. They have Stefan, and won't give him back, until Tom is dead. My original plan was to just kill him... but I just couldn't. He's so sweet... and innocent. Klaus, killing him would be like putting down an innocent puppy who well it's wagging his tail at you."

Klaus nodded, "And the conditions?"

Even Elijah couldn't get away with ordering him around. If anyone else had informed him about the doppelganger, and then tried to make demands. He would have just ripped their heart out and taken the man.

But he couldn't do that. Not when it was her. Caroline, the love of his eternal life. She'd never forgive him if he tried to compel her; and he wouldn't even dream of torturing her. So that left him with no other option than to cave.

"Just two." Caroline answered, "You only turn people after explaining they'd be sired. Not having to turn is a huge selling point. Use it. Create brochures, pamphlets, videos. I don't care. Just make sure they know."

Klaus nodded, "I can do that."

"Second, Tom lives a long, healthy life. If he wants to turn, you'll let him. But it will be his decision." Caroline said.

Klaus smirked, "Trust me love. I'd like nothing more than for him to live and continue his line."

"Don't force him to have kids. The most you can do is encourage, or freeze his sperm. Oh, and absolutely no compelling him! Let him live his life. Understood." Caroline said, laying down the law.

Klaus nodded. "And how, pray tell, do you know I'm going to be following these rules of yours?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Guess you're going to need to come down and check? Hmm"

"Or I could just leave Enzo here with you." Caroline answered, taking a swig from the bottle in front of her.

"Whose Enzo?" Klaus asked, frowning.

"Oh no one." Caroline answered. "Just a new vampire who came into my life. You two have a lot in common. Like your accents for one."

Klaus glared at her, "Maybe you should leave him here."

"Yeah no. I'm taking that back." Caroline shook her head. "Kind of like him alive. Oh, can you also help get Stefan back. Please. He did help us find Tom. Speaking of Stefan and Tom, try and keep Rebekah off of Tom. Ok. It's the last thing the poor guy needs."

"Of course love." Klaus said fondly, as he listened to her ramble he made a mental to make a to-do list of the things he needed to get done.

2. Get Stefan back.

3. Kill this Enzo fella.

4. Find some werewolves.

And at the top, his number one priority;

1. Convince Caroline to stay in New Orleans.

"But we have some time until the Travels show up again. How about a tour." he said, offering her an arm.

Caroline looked at it a moment, before wrapping her arms around it, "Ok. But only until the Travelers catch up. Then we need to get Stefan back."

*****

Gotta admit. My first impression of Tom was, he was like a golden retriever puppy. He's basically a sunshine flavored cinnamon roll. I just automatically got those 'I must protect him' vibes when he was talking to Caroline. So I was super sad when he was killed off. Or was that just me?

I'm also planning on TRYING to write the first chapter of "Expecting Pups". So pray for me. Because I'm going to have to watch the first episode of the Originals. (Insert absolutely terrified gulp). So I know what's happening in the whole pregnancy reveal scene. Lets hope I don't kill myself when I end up bashing my head angst the wall.

The only thing that's gonna keep me going through it is A) The knowledge that I'm doing this for Klaroline (A ship I'm willing to go down with), and B) I'm going to be trying to throw in as much Hayley bashing as I possibly can in the scene. Heck the only reason Hayley would be there is to make people realize how awesome Caroline, and Klaroline really are. Because people expect Klaus to go all crazy over a pregnancy, like please. The only pregnancy (his child or not), Klaus could potentially care about (In my shipper eyes), is Caroline's. Not Hayley's, or anybody else's. So yeah. Hayley's just going to be there so I can bash her. Those of you who like Hayley or Cami in any shape or form. I highly suggest you don't read!

Anyways,

KLAROLINE FOR LIFE!

[iliveiloveiwrite]

Draco Malfoy and the Parent Trap (headcanons)

Request: hc for scorpius trying to get his father back together with his dada teacher a while after his mother passing because he wanted his father to be happy and he found out reader used to be his school sweetheart before things got in their way? - anon

A/N: This is a fairly long headcanon and for that, I apologise! I had so much fun with this though! I’ve split this into sections like how I would a full length fic otherwise it’s too hard to follow, in my opinion.

Warnings: female reader, mischief and mishaps, kissing, fluff, humour, mentions of death, past relationships.

Scorpius Malfoy loved his mother; he adored his mother, but even he could no longer deny that she was not coming back. 

Astoria Malfoy had died, and she was not coming back. 

It had been years since her passing and whilst Scorpius missed her every single day, he could not ignore the fact that his father needed to meet someone new. 

-------

Draco Malfoy adored his wife; he would give up his soul to have her back in his arms where he could love her as wholly as he had when she was alive. If he had possession of the resurrection stone, he knew who he would bring back, he didn't care whether it would change her - he would have her back. 

However, Draco Malfoy was lonely. He missed his wife, but he also missed the companionship of a relationship. He missed going to bed and having someone there when he woke up wishing him a good morning. 

He yearned to have someone to hold; someone to love; someone to care for. 

Draco Malfoy simply wanted someone.

-------

Scorpius didn't really have a favourite class; he enjoyed them all as he loved learning, but he found himself drawn to Defence Against the Dark Arts when you took over as Professor, breathing new life into the subject.

“Scorpius!” You call, smiling widely as the blonde ambles over to you. “Well done! I haven't seen spell casting like that since I last saw your father.”

“You knew my father?” Scorpius asks you, shocked at the admission.

“We were very close for a time,” You admit, feeling your face flush as the teenager looks on confused, “But we drifted apart.”

“What was he like back then?” Scorpius asks before he can help himself, “Dad doesn't speak a lot about his time at Hogwarts; he says his life began when he met my mother.”

You laugh, pressing a hand to your chest. “I understand why he would say that; he always was the romantic. I was sorry to hear of her passing; I remember when she attended Hogwarts.”

“Thank you,” Scorpius whispers quietly; a new wave grief washing over him as he meets another person who0 had known his mother. 

“You’re the spitting image of your father. How is he?” You ask, needing to know.

“He’s okay. He’s lonely,” Scorpius admits, “He misses my mother.”

“As he should,” You state, nodding solemnly. “He always was serious. Even in school; I could very rarely get him to take a night off and have some fun.”

Scorpius smiles at the image conjured in his mind; the teenaged version of his father causing mayhem around the castle - it just didn't seem true. Scorpius sighs when he glances at the clock. “I’ll see you next time, Professor.”

“Bye, young Malfoy,” You laugh, thinking back to a time when a blonde haired teenager had been the centre of your universe.

------

Scorpius brings up the subject at lunch, asking Albus and Rose whether they knew anything of it.

Albus shrugs, sipping at his water before shaking his head. Rose frowns, tapping her chin with her finger. “I remember hearing my parents talk about it,” She murmurs, seeming far off as if in a distant memory.

“What did they say?” Scorpius all but demands, perching on the edge of his seat.

Rose’s eyes brighten as the conversation comes back to her. “I remember!” She all but cries, “They were discussing Professor (Y/L/N)’s appointment as our professor - they knew her at Hogwarts, you see.”

“Anything else?” Scorpius presses, already aware of such knowledge.

“My dad spoke about how he could never believe that someone like Professor (Y/L/N) would date your dad.”

“WHAT?” Scorpius shouts; not out of the slight insult to his father, but the fact that his Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher used to date his father and neither said a word about it. “They dated?!”

Rose shrugs, reaching for her drink. “They must have if my parents were talking about it. I don't know how long for, but both my parents said it was the nicest they had seen your father act.”

Scorpius frowns at Rose’s words but does not comment; instead, he wonders about his father, overworking himself at St Mungo’s so he doesn't have to come home to an empty house. 

“Scorp,” Albus sings, interrupting Scorpius’ worrying, “I have an idea.”

“What is that?” Scorpius asks warily; these ideas never ended well. 

“You were talking about wanting your father to find love again... and here you are being educated by on elf his exes.”

“Okay?”

“Set them up you fool!”

“Oh!” Scorpius gasps, seeing the plan fall into place right before his eyes.

“Alright,” He concedes, “But I’ll need your help.” 

-----

The plan gets put into motion the following week.

Scorpius approaches you at the end of Thursday’s lesson, a sheepish look on his face.

“You know your father had the same expression when he messed up,” You snort, “What did you do?”

“It’s not so much what I did, but what my father would like to hear.”

“Pardon?”

“My father wrote to me yesterday asking if he could have an early report of my progress in school. Since you already know him, I thought - if you don't mind, that is - you would write to him first, update him on DADA?”

You roll your eyes. “Of course, Scorpius. I’ll write a report his evening and send it with the owls tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you!” Scorpius exclaims; eyes wide with happiness as the first stage of the plan falls into place. 

-----

Stage One: set up communication.

Draco had never sent his son a letter asking for his progress so far; Draco never rushed for academic excellence, he was simply happy with Scorpius’ best. 

However, the report would hopefully open up a line of communication between the exes which would in turn lead to something more.

-------

Owl Post arrives only once a day so it isn't until Saturday that Scorpius hears back from his father. 

He opens his letter with barely restrained glee; Albus and Rose watching on curiously. 

Inside the weighty envelope, Scorpius finds your progress report of his work in DADA but also an attached note from his father:

“Scorpius, you do not need to feel pressured to send me reports. I know you’ll try your best in every subject. You will do well with (Y/N) teaching you. She was a genius at this subject when I was at school.”

Scorpius freezes for a moment; running a finger over his father’s handwriting as he is hit with a keen sense of absence. He didn't get homesick often, but right now, he misses his father more than words could say. 

Albus reads over the letter, Rose follows. The three sit in silence as they think of their next move. Rose comes up with the idea.

“Your dad needs to reply to Professor (Y/L/N). It would look rude if he did not.”

Scorpius nods; reaching into his bag for a piece of parchment and his quill. He scrawls a quick reply to his father:

“Dad, I just thought you would appreciate the update. I hope you replied to Professor (Y/L/N), it would be rude to not have given that she took the time to write to you.”

His reply is sent in the afternoon when he treks up the Owlery, feeds a postal owl before offering up his letter to be returned to Draco. Scorpius had even tucked Professor (Y/L/N)’s original letter in the envelope so his father did not forget what she had written.

As Scorpius watches the owl fly away, he wonders whether this plan will ever work.

-----

Time passes and Scorpius begins to wonder whether the plan is working.

He watches you in lessons; notices that you seem a little brighter, that there is a little glow about you when you smile.

And Scorpius cannot help but wonder whether his father did reply and that the both of you were keeping in touch.

The hope that unfurls in his chest at the thought if his father happy again is what makes him pray to Merlin for it all to work out.

-----

It’s a Friday afternoon, weeks into the plan, when you approach Scorpius.

“Scorpius, may I talk to you for a moment?”

“Yes, Professor.”

“I’m not sure if your father had made you aware or whether he was keeping it a surprise, but he’s coming to the school tomorrow.”

Scorpius’ face goes slack at your words. 

Draco had never come to the school; had not wanted to come after the second wizarding war and for good reason too. For Draco to be stepping foot back into the place he so strongly thinks hates him, there must be a powerful reason.

“Why?” is all Scorpius asks.

You fiddle with your fingers before replying. “He sent me a letter letting me know he would be coming to see you, but to also catch up with me. You don’t mind, do you? I know this could be strange for you. I’ll happily cancel if you want to spend the whole day with your father.”

The hope that had been hiding away just behind his heart begins to bloom in his chest as he takes in the hopeful expression on your face. It's then that Scorpius realises that you don't want to cancel on his father, but you would for him. It’s then that Scorpius realises that his father might just be ready for moving on.

“I don't mind at all,” He answers, finding his words truthful. “You and my father have a lot to catch up on.”

“That we do,” You laugh before smiling genuinely at the teenager, “Thank you, Scorpius.”

Scorpius smiles; grabbing his belongings and making his way out of the classroom. Stage two of the plan had begun with Scorpius even realising.

He knows exactly what he needs to do tomorrow.

-----

Scorpius barely sleeps all night for thinking of it.

He’s up with the sun and the first to breakfast as he waits for his father's arrival.

He remains sitting in the Great Hall when he begins to wonder just exactly where his father is. It was long past the time of his arrival.

It’s then that Scorpius decides to wander to the DADA classroom.

He finds Draco there in quiet conversation with you; sitting close together on the desks, hands so close touching that it almost pains Scorpius to look. 

He realises then how well you fit together; how you both balance each other out when you snort at something Draco says, reaching out to show his shoulder playfully. Scorpius cannot remember a time when he saw his father have fun; have a joke with someone.

Heads bent close together, Scorpius catches the glimpse of an indulgent smile on his father’s face and it's then that Scorpius knows that his father has found another person to love. 

Scorpius thought it would hurt, to see his father with another, but it doesn't. Instead, Scorpius feels relief that his father might not be so alone forever. 

An idea pops into Scorpius’ mind. 

Gathering his courage, Scorpius reaches for the door handle, and slams the door shut loudly. 

He covers his mouth to quash the laughter that bubbles at the sound of your surprised yelp. 

He quickly casts a locking charm on the door, remembering an advanced one taught to him by Rose whose mother had taught it to her. 

“Let us out!” You yell, shaking the door handle and banging on the door.

“Not yet!” He shouts back with a smile.

“Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy!” Draco shouts, “Let us out right now!”

“Not until you get your act together!”

“What?”

“You can't come out until you admit your feelings!”

And with that, the voices on the other side of the door fall silent and Scorpius sits himself across the corridor from the entrance to the classroom. 

-----

Draco shakes his head at the audacity of his son. 

You press a hand to your mouth to stop the laughter from leaving. 

“It’s not funny!” Draco laments.

“It kinda is,” You admit, “Your son could see something neither of us could.”

“What?”

“Draco, you would have to be half blind to not see my feelings for you.”

“What?” The blonde repeats, once again struck dumb. 

You shrug, “We’ve been talking for a while and I thought there was something there. At least, there is something there on my end.”

“It’s been so long,” He whispers, closing his eyes against the wave of emotions washing over him.

Draco feels nothing but conflict; he can no longer ignore the rising affection he has for you, but with every sting of it, he’s reminded of Astoria. 

“I’m not asking to replace her,” You whisper, drawing your hands up to your chest as if protecting the already breaking heart. “I know I could never do that.”

Opening his eyes, Draco sees the stricken expression on your face and hates that he’s the cause for it. “I miss having someone there,” He admits quietly, “I miss having someone.”

“I could be that someone,” You state.

“I want you to be that someone,” Draco admits, pulling your hands from your chest, holding them gently in his own. “I want you.”

A watery smile breaks across your face as Draco drops on elf your hands to caress your cheek. “A new chapter,” You whisper, leaning into his touch.

“A new chapter,” Draco promises, ducking his head to kiss you.

------

Scorpius Malfoy misses his mother every day. He knows that she will always be with him, but he misses her nonetheless.

However, he cannot ignore how happy he is for his father to have found someone to love again. 

****

Draco Malfoy taglist: @the--queen-of-hell @obxmxybxnk @obx-beach @sycathorn-slush @dracomalfoyswifey @oopskashish @justmesadgirl @detroitobsessed @sexysirius @just-a-belgian-girl​ @lahoete​ @minty-malfoy​ @fallinallinmendes​ @ravenclawbitch426​ @ochrythum​ @beiahadid​ @gryffindors-weasley​ @dracosathenaeum​ @belladaises​

[hello-nichya-here]

Don't say that, Nichya. You'd never fail your job as the Queen of this ship whether you post anything or not. You may not be the founder of our precious ship but you have contributed to it the way no other shipper has. And most importantly, you keep it and this community alive.🥺 What would we do without you. If you ship Zucest in 2022, congrats, you know what art is.

As weird as it sounds, to me personally, there's something special about your way of writing, can't explain it but there is. I like your style. So don't worry about it, alright? Write whenever you feel like it. Your health comes first. Always. Hope I'm not being intrusive you're probably tired of hearing this stuff every day😅

Anon, that is one of the nicest things anyone ever said to me. And yeah, health, work and just life in general is important and all that crap, but what about Zucest? Can't neglect it! Like you said, it's art.

It might be a silly concern, but making content for you guys is important to me. Write stories, metas, replying to asks and comments, praising someone's fic or fanart - it's always the best part of my day, and I miss being able to just do that whenever I felt like it.

Anyways, you're the best *crushing hug*

[galaticrow546]

Ok so i started to write this before chapter 9 even came out sooo yeh :'), idk i just wanted to write something about a "what If Blue and Ink finally got little Dream back but Dream is acting in a way they didnt expect" and yeh i tried-

Anyways, OSD belongs to @calcium-cat ( seriously go check them out the story is good and her art is neat af )

Ah yes, a new day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, everything is peaceful, Blue sighs relieved and sips his coffee while sitting on the fluffy blue couch, reading a book about a hero perhaps? Blue noticed how little he was paying attention, but its fine right? He feels like today is going to be a good day-

*Thump*

Well, today WAS a good day, It seems that the tiny guardian just woke up, and unfortunately, Dream hasnt been in the best mood or behavior ever since they got him out of Night’s castle, he has no Idea why Dream is so angry at them, Neither Blue nor Ink know why, but Dream sure wasnt taking It well.

As the small angry child approached the couch, Blue quickly stood up and faced him:

-“Good morning dear, how are yo-“

-“No”

Blue paused and blinked, its not a new thing that Dream wasnt up for talking, but for one month straight? Blue wouldnt say It out loud, but he was getting sad at the situation:

-“....right” Blue said sadly

As the angry looking child stared at Blue, Ink got down the stairs in a white blue-striped pajamas:

-“Hey yall, good morni-“

Dream quickly hissed and got ready to jump at Ink, in which Ink hissed playfully in return, but this got the toddler even more angry, after a minute, the toddler started to hit ink’s legs with his tiny hands, but they hardly hurt Ink, as Ink playfully mocks Dream, he gets more motivated to hit Ink like there is no tommorrow, Blue silently watches them from afar, he wished the toddler didnt hit or hiss at Ink so much.

Blue silently left the living room and went to the kitchen to grab something for Ink to eat, today was his turn to patrol the multiverse while Blue stays and takes care of Dream, as he explored the kitchen, he quickly made a sandwich and took a banana, then placing It in the bag and wrapping it up nicely, as he finished, he quickly left the kitchen and went back into the living room:

-“Ink, take this bag with you in the patrol, remember to drink water and to take a little break If you want to- oh c’mon“

Blue glared at the scene in front of him, Ink was holding Dream wrapped in a blanket, the toddler was screaming and wriggling in the blanket furiously, Ink just giggled and sometimes told him to calm down, only to be answered with a death stare from the child in return.

Ink quickly stared at Blue with a grin:

-“Uh, oh? Were you saying something Blue?”

Blue quietly glared at Ink with a tired gaze and then pointed at the bag, the bag had a text written in It saying “for patrol”, Ink silently looked at It:

-“...what?...oh-“

Ink quickly left the angry toddler at the sofa as It squirmed himself free from the blanket, hurried towards Blue and took the bag, as he was heading towards the door, Blue quickly grabbed a fistfull of his clothes, as Ink looked back at him with a confused glare:

-“Your clothes, you are still in pajamas Ink“ Blue slightly grinned

Ink paused and glared at himself, and then a look of realization made its way on his face, he thanked Blue for reminding him and hurriedly ran back to his bedroom to change.

The toddler in the sofa eventually made his way out of the blanket and slowly walked towards Blue with the blanket in hands, eventually he silently gave It to Blue and then walked away to the kitchen.

Blue stood confused and with the blanket in hands, eventually folding It and heading to Dream’s bedroom, eventually placing It on his yellow fluffy bed, Blue looked at the bed for a while, its hard to not remember the times when Dream was with them and when he wasnt a angry child, he wished Dream could open up to them just like he did in the past.

He hasnt realized that Ink was staring at him from the bedroom door, silently waiting for Blue to turn around, but eventually, Ink went in and hugged Blue from the side of his body, Blue jumped a little and looked at Ink, he just stared back with a serious expression, eventually smiling at Blue, this made Blue giggle a little as they both made their way outside Dream’s bedroom.

As they were getting down the stairs, Dream silently stared at them with a bored face, Ink playfully greets him as Dream ignores the greeting, eventually, Ink and Blue made their ways to the front door, Ink hurriedly says goodbye to both of them as he left, Blue quickly screamed behind:

-“HAVE A GOOD DAY PATROLLING, AND BE CAREFUL”

Ink looked back and waved at Blue, and then, he was gone, Blue sighed as he returned back home, he was about to sit down before hearing a strange sound in the kitchen, he blinked and sighed yet again, heading to the kitchen

Blue arrived at the kitchen only to see Dream sitting in the counter drinking a cup of water while looking bored, he paused and stared at Blue, he then looked back at his water and kept drinking It:

-“Dream, get down from there please” Blue started

-“Hmmmmmm no” replied Dream while looking at his now empty cup

Blue stared at Dream with a serious expression, as he approached the tiny guardian, Dream was busy refilling his cup:

-“Dream im serious-“

-“Nah“

Blue paused in front of Dream, the guardian stared back with a bored but relaxed look as he sipped from his now refilled cup, but quickly screamed a little when Blue suddenly grabbed him and brought him to his eye level, Blue looked at him silently before he spoke up:

-“Get off the counter, you might fall and get hurt“

Dream stayed silently and looked nervously at Blue, only to gulp and slowly wrap his hands around Blue, as Blue brought him down gently

Dream nervously looked up at Blue with cup on hands, the other stared back with a sigh and a frown, Dream quickly drank his water and gave the empty wet cup to the skeleton in front of him, only to run away right after, Blue blinks silently, and then immediatly follows him after putting the cup on the counter

As Blue got in the living room, Dream was sitting on the sofa with a bored expression, that quickly changed to a angry stare once he spotted Blue:

-“...what?“

Dream stayed silent, but after a while, spoke up:

-“...why?“

-“Why what?“

-“Why did you guys take me away from my brother?”

-“Your brother is evi-“

Dream gasped in offense, eyes wide and with a expression of disgust:

-“MY brother is the sweetest and nicest person i know! Stop saying nonsense!“

Blue paused terrified at the sudden reply, did Night brainwash him somehow? If he did, how could he fix that now? He needed to act quick:

-“But the people he is with are also evi-“

-“Stop“

Blue stared at the angry child, he felt himself getting more determined to tell Dream the truth about his “family” as Dream likes to call them, but apparently, the kid didnt want to listen, as Blue opened his mouth to say something else, Dream interrupted:

-“Do you even know what you’re talking about? I dont want to talk with someone who associates himself with the mean Ink guy who hurt my brother and who also hurt Cross, dont think i forgot the day you both took me away“

Blue stood silent, the kid had a point, but he didnt think Dream would actually hold a grudge against Ink or him, coming to think about It, the grudge with Ink should be stronger now, after all, Cross was alone with Dream when they invaded Night’s castle, It was weird, but a opportunity to get their friend back, and Dream tried to protect Cross so much, but It was all in vain as Ink injured Cross severely, he will never forget the horrified look on Dream’s face when he saw Cross hurt and almost passing out, and the expression of anger that came right after was dreadful.

Ink grabbed Dream with no problem, but then constantly tried to keep Dream from squirming and hitting them, begging to be let go, Blue just followed right after, but It seems that their relationship became even more strained when Ink began taking almost everything he said as a joke, Dream didnt even talk with them that day, and hissed angrily whenever they tried to approach him, its weird to think that this happened a month ago.

Blue didnt notice how long he has been silent and lost in thought, by the time he noticed that, he also noticed that the child was still staring at him angrily, as If he was expecting a response, but It quickly turned into an annoyed expression as Dream spoke up annoyed:

-“Ugh, nevermind, I’ll just go to my room“

Blue tried to tell Dream to wait up, but the toddler could care less to hear him, as Dream’s bedroom door closed up with a loud thud.

Blue looked up to the closed door sadly, but he knew that Dream needed some time, everytime those fights happened, It would always end with Dream getting in his room angrily, Blue cant help but feel bad whenever he heard sniffles coming from inside the room when he walked in front of It.

Blue heads to the kitchen to perhaps make something to eat for himself, that will distract him right? right.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

He forgot how long Dream usually stayed there, sometimes It would last hours upon hours, but sometimes only minutes, but no matter how long It lasted, It still hurts Blue to the core, he hated seeing Dream all sad, he could manage to deal with na angry Dream, but with a sad Dream who is not willing to talk? He just couldnt.

Blue was sitting on the sofa yet again while he was thinking about It, as he looked outside the nearby window, It was already sunset, he decided to at least see how Dream was doing since the sniffling and the muffled cries have stopped, as he got up from the sofa and walked towards the bedroom door, he paused and looked at the door sadly, carefully paying attention to the sounds, but nothing was heard from inside, with a worried feeling, Blue slowly turned the handle to the side, opening the door carefully and taking a peep inside, only to see Dream silently looking at a piece of paper with tears on his eyes, he seemed so tired, yet so sad, Blue felt a heartbreak start to become clearer on his soul, he slowly and careful got in, carefully approaching the sad child, hoping that he could at least comfort It, but as he approached further, Dream quickly looked scared at his direction while hiding the paper from Blue’s view:

-“...its ok, you dont have to show It to me“

Dream stayed silent, tears still on his eyes, he began to curl up protectively and shake, Blue looked nervously and stopped approaching, just looking at the child with an sad look, they both stayed in silence staring at each other until Blue asked softly:

-“Are you ok with me approaching you a little?“

Dream stared silently, some minutes have passed before he nodded slowly, Blue began slowly approaching the crying child, being careful to not make any moves that might scare Dream further, Dream began to slowly uncurl himself up and looked up at Blue, with his arms protecting the paper, Blue stopped and began assuring the kid:

-“Its ok, I wont take It or destroy It in any way, you can stay with It“

The tiny child seemed relieved but doubtful when Blue assured that, Blue began to once again approach the small child, then bending to his level once he got close enough, Blue stared at Dream with a soft look, Dream stared back with a blank stare, heavy breaths could be heard from the tiny kid, Blue carefully approached his hand towards Dream, the little one staring at It with a worried look, but then, as Blue’s hand touched his skull gently, Dream stopped breathing for a moment, confused as to why Blue was doing this and why was his gloves so soft, Dream didnt move at all for a moment, but then slowly rubbed his head on Blue’s hand, Blue moved along and asked the child If he was ok with It, Dream nodded gently as Blue took his hand away.

Dream blinked confused, but as Blue’s hands began drying his tears, he started speaking:

-“...I want to suggest something, but I will only do so If you are willing to hear me“

Dream stared at Blue, and then nodded curiously, Blue wont admit It, but he feels incredibly happy that Dream is starting to somewhat trust him:

-“A-alrighty, so, I suggest that we try to start listening to each other carefully-“

Dream opened his mouth with a little angry expression, but quickly backed down when Blue started to speak again:

-“It doesnt have to be a fight, It can be a calm conversation where we listen to each other and maybe even understand each other“

The little child softly stared at Blue, then looking to the side as If he was thinking about the suggestion, and then asked softly:

-“...will you be willing to listen to me?“

Blue smiled softly:

-“Of course Dream“

Dream sighed in relief, and gently approached Blue, his hand gently wrapping around the tiny guardian, Dream slowly analizes Blue, staring at his clothes and his face as Blue just let him, and before Blue knew It, he was shaking with joy, his little friend was now trusting him and looked somewhat calm, but for Blue, It was everything, Dream worriedly looked up at him when he noticed the sudden shaking and the overly happy look on the skeleton’s face:

-“Uhhhh, are you ok mister?“

-“Y-yeah“ Blue answered happily

Dream’s face approached further and started to analize the monster’s excited face, and It seemed to get even more excited the more Dream approached, but Blue couldnt handle It when a tiny hand started poking his face, Blue fell on his back and Dream squeaked in surprise, falling over to his back as well, but then getting up and rushing to Blue:

-“Um, uh, are you sure you’re ok?“

Blue stayed silent, little Dream approached further and poked his cheek various times, he was getting worried about the tall skeleton, but then noticed the big smile on Its face, Dream paused and looked at the smile, poking It at the process, Blue got spooked and looked up at the child poking him:

-“Huh? Uhhh...oh! Yeah im fine, dont worry Dreamy“

The child gave a small relieved sigh, and then smiled softly while lightly hitting Blue’s arm:

-“You scared me for a moment“

-“Heh, sorry“

Blue stared at Dream with a wide grin, as Dream suddenly turned around and laid down on his back above Blue like he was a matress, Blue squeaked with surprise and was about to ask what he was doing before noticing his eyes closed, Dream looked quite relaxed, and Blue didnt want to ruin that, so he watched as the child slowly fell asleep on his body, petting him gently as he did so, he doesnt know exactly what will happen from now on, but he is excited to see what the future holds.

[hallowxiu]

Mammon’s Valentine

pairing: mammon x gn!mc

word count: 2.4k

summary: You decide to get a Valentine's gift for each of the brothers, starting with Mammon. 

a/n: i know this is late but i wanted to do it anyway lol also, let me know if you want any for the undateables. i’m going to write one for each brother, but was unsure for the side characters. 

part one of the valentine’s day series

“Have you ever heard of Valentine’s Day?” It was an innocent question, one that had been lingering on your mind for a while. As you slowly spin around in circles on your desk chair, you wait for Mammon’s answer. The holiday was just around the corner, and you were hoping you could do something special for the boys, something to show them how much they meant to you. Of course, you wouldn’t be surprised if at least some of them knew about the holiday, but you’d like it to be a surprise. You wanted to give all of them something unique, something that you thought would fit each of their personalities. While you had plenty of ideas for some of the brothers, others, well… 

“Never heard of it.” 

A smile formed on your lips from the demon’s response. That’s what you were ideally hoping for; you thought he’d have the cutest reaction to being surprised. Plus, if he was unaware of the holiday, he wouldn’t be suspicious or expecting anything from you. It was perfect for the most part. However… Mammon was one of the brothers you struggled with when thinking up ideas. Not only did Mammon own just about anything he’d ever want, but he also had the money to buy whatever he wanted. 

You could work with this, at least. “Say, Mammon, are you prepared for the exam tomorrow?” You decided to change the topic before he had the chance to ask you about it. “I can help you study if you want. Since it’s all about human history, I’m pretty much considered an expert at this.” You send him a cheeky wink, to which the white-haired demon finds himself blushing over. 

“I’ll have ya know that I’m plenty prepared!” His cheeks puff out as his eyebrows furrowed together. “But if you’re that desperate to spend time with me, then I won’t tell ya no…” 

It’s been nearly a full day since you last spent time with Mammon. The two of you have already taken your exams, and now you were left to focus on a gift you could give the demon. A few ideas have popped into your head since then, but none of them seemed good enough in your opinion. Buying him something was out of the question; anything nice that he would like you could hardly afford. And while you did want to spoil him, you just didn’t have the means to do so. 

It was when you were lounging across Asmodeus’ bed, the two of you having your usual gossip session that you came up with an idea. You were scrolling through your D.D.D and landed on an ad for stuffed animals. They were cute and small, and something Mammon would probably enjoy. However, you could do one better. Why not try to make it yourself? “Hey, Asmodeus,” you glance over at the demon who’s applying makeup in front of his mirror, “do you have any thread or fabric I could use? I want to try making a stuffed animal.” 

Asmodeus glances back at you, a thoughtful expression on his face. “A stuffed animal? That’s cute! However, I don’t think I have any fabric that would be good for something like that.” You frown at his words, though nod your head. You supposed you could always just go out and buy some yourself. “Oh!” Asmodeus snaps his fingers as a sudden thought comes to him. “Why don’t you ask Leviathan? He’s always making clothes for cosplay, and I know he can make plushies. I’ve even seen him make a pillow for Belphie once.” 

“That’s a great idea!” You beam at the thought and hop off his bed. “Thanks, Asmo!” You place a quick kiss on his cheek before darting out of his room. 

You weren’t completely hopeless when it came to the art of making plushies. You had made a panda once, and you even gave it to Mammon afterward when he seemed to like it. That being said, you were hoping that Leviathan would lend you the items you needed. However, it was always hard to tell with Leviathan depending on his mood. You’re sitting on one of his bean bags as you watch the blue-haired demon play one of his games. He had invited you in some time ago, though he told you to keep your business to yourself until he finished the current level he was on. That was… five levels ago. 

“Levi?” You fiddle with your fingers as you watch the character on the screen fight a dragon. You weren’t sure if he was winning or not. “I actually dropped by to ask you a question.” 

“Can it wait?” The demon asks between the sounds of buttons being smashed. “I’m trying to beat this level and talking to you distracts me. I need the utmost amount of focus to get past this level. I want to be the first one to clear this level,” he glances over at you briefly before bringing his attention back to the screen, “it shouldn’t be too much longer.” It had already been thirty minutes. 

A sigh leaves you as you settle into the bag. “I just wanted to borrow some items from you so I could make you and Mammon a Valentine’s gift.” You watch with a concealed smile as Leviathan immediately freezes. While this was supposed to be a gift for Mammon, you did need ideas for Leviathan as well, and you figured that plushies would also be in the realm of things he liked. Plus, you knew this would speed things up for you. After all, you only had a few days before Valentine’s Day and you needed gifts for all the brothers. That would be no small feat. 

“Y-You…” He’s looking at you with wide eyes, the controller now on the floor. You watch as the screen flashes a “GAME OVER” message. “You wanted to make me a Valentine’s gift? Someone as socially awkward as me? Me and Mammon? Sure, I understand the appeal of making a gift for someone as cool as Mammon, but me? A yucky otaku?” You stifle a laugh behind your hand. 

“Yes, Leviathan. I wanted to make you a Valentine’s Day gift.” You left out the part where you’d be making everyone a Valentine’s gift; you figured he didn’t need to know that. 

With a bright red face, he gets up from where he was sitting and brings you over to one of his drawers. “Everything I have to make crafts with is in here. Take whatever you want.” He has an arm covering his face before hurrying out of the room. You watch with a smile before returning to the task at hand. 

“Wow,” you look up from where you’re sitting on your bedroom floor to see Asmodeus leaning on your doorframe. You were in the middle of putting together the first plush for Mammon. You were surrounded by pieces of fabric and sewing string, and you may or may not have pricked yourself a couple of times in the process. Bandaids littered your fingers and Asmodeus found himself chuckling. “You are a disaster with a needle, my love.” 

“So I’m finding out.” You respond, your attention still on the plush in your hands. “But it’s coming together nicely, don’t you think? It’s definitely better than the panda I made.” 

“It was very homemade.” Asmodeus agrees. “But that was the charm.” 

“So I’ve heard.” You hum while working on the plush. “I figured a golden-colored cat would be good for Mammon. I know he isn’t Satan, but he also has a soft spot for cats.” You can hear Asmodeus hum in approval while he sits across from you. “This is leagues above the panda plush.” You’re looking down at the cat in approval, holding it up so you can check it out from every angle. “Do you think he’ll like it?” 

Asmodeus stares at you with a quirked brow. “Darling, he’ll like anything you give him. You could gift him a rock with a bow tied around it and he’d get all red in the face while swearing up and down that it’s the nicest gift anyone’s given him.” You laugh at Asmodeus’ honesty. You weren’t sure that was quite true, but you were happy to hear it nonetheless. “I’m assuming this is for Valentine’s Day?”

“I figured you’d know about the holiday.” It didn’t come as a surprise that the Avatar of Lust knew about a human holiday centered around love. “Yes, I plan on giving a gift to each of you.” Secrets were always out the window when Asmodeus was involved. “I figured I’d get a head start with Mammon’s.”

“Smart. He’d become the next Avatar of Envy if he saw you giving a gift to anyone else before him.” Asmodeus chuckles as he gets back up. “I’ll leave you to it then. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for me.” There’s a cheeky smile on his lips and you can’t help but roll your eyes. 

“Easy tiger.” 

You nervously linger by Mammon’s bedroom door. You’d been standing outside his room for the last five minutes, unsure if you should make yourself known or not. You didn’t know why you were suddenly nervous to give him his gift; maybe he wouldn’t like it? Then again, Asmodeus was confident that Mammon would like anything you gave him. Clearing your throat, you bring up your hand to knock on his door. 

Within seconds it swings open, revealing a red-faced Mammon. You tilt your head to the side, confused as to why he’s so red. “What’s up?” You asked with a small smile.

“You’re askin’ me what’s up? Shouldn’t I be askin’ you that?” Fair point. With that, you find yourself stepping around the other and walking into his room. 

“I brought you something.” 

“I brought ya somethin’.” 

The two of you stare at each other in silence before Mammon awkwardly clears his throat. “Uh, y-you go first.” His face has become redder since you first walked in. 

“Okay,” You eye him cautiously before holding out the bag in front of you. “I brought you something for Valentine’s Day. I know you don’t know much about it, but in the human realm, it’s a day where you show the people you love how much you care about them. It can be for family, friends, or partners.” There's a smile on your lips as you explain the holiday to Mammon. “I thought it would be fun, so I made you a gift!” Shyly, you hold the bag out for Mammon to take. The demon, who looks as if he might faint from the slightest bit of movement, takes the bag from you. He carefully opens it, a dopey smile blooming across his lips as he pulls out the stuffed cat. “What… what do you think?” This time it’s you who’s feeling shy. 

“I love it.” He responds in a dreamy voice. “It’s goin’ right with the panda. They’ll be best friends.” A relieved laugh leaves you, and you feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. 

“That makes me happy to hear, Mammon!” You pause when remembering that the other also had something to say when you came in. “But what was it you were saying earlier?” 

“O-Oh, right.” And just like that, the second eldest is fumbling with his words again, nearly dropping the bag and the plush in the process. Quickly, he puts the gift down on his shelf and dashes toward his bed. “I, uh, well-- when ya asked me about Valentine’s Day the other day, I ended up doin’ some research. I wanted to know what you were talkin’ about, and then I saw it was a holiday that ya celebrated with those closest to ya.” He’s finding it hard to speak as he grabs something, hiding it behind his back before you could see it. “And, and so I decided I should get ya somethin’ since we’re close and all.” You think he might pass out if he keeps going. “But don’t get the wrong idea! I’m only doin’ this so ya don’t feel left out and all. Ya should feel honored that The Great Mammon would even spend time on ya.” 

You laugh quietly as you watch Mammon fumble around with whatever he’s holding. There’s a lightness in your chest, and you can’t help but feel happy. “You’re saying that you got me something for Valentine’s Day?” 

“Yes!” Before you can process what’s happening, Mammon’s shoving something into your arms. You look down to see a box of chocolates and a small white card. “Just-- just don’t let Beel around the chocolates. The second he catches wind about it they’ll be devoured.” He’s looking at his door as he talks to you, trying to find anything else to keep his eyes on. “So… I just hope ya like it. I know it’s not much but…” 

“I love it.” There’s a bright smile on your lips as you stare down at the chocolate. “And the card, did you make that yourself? It’s beautiful.” His cheeks are redder now. 

“Yeah, I had some time to myself and when I researched it, I was told that Valentine’s Day gifts are better homemade. It uh, the card,” he takes a deep breath, “it says how much I cherish our friendship.” He blows air into his cheeks, his eyebrows furrowing in embarrassment. 

“It’s perfect.” With this, he finally looks at you. “I really do love it. It’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” Your cheeks are becoming warm and you’re sure you’re sporting a similar look to Mammon now. “If you want, do you maybe want to share the chocolates with me? And we can spend the rest of the day watching movies.” 

“Just the two of us?” He’s trying not to sound too hopeful, though the look on his face is hard to miss. 

“Just the two of us.” 

A wide smile forms on his lips and he tugs at his jacket. “Well, I suppose if the human wants to spend their day with The Great Mammon, who am I to tell them no?”