#watch them announce chapter 6 for next month lol

[hellbatschilt]

A little Starsending Idia since his card came out on TWST EN today :^)

[blackcherrykiss]

BLOOD BOUNDARIES - Enhypen OT7 Fanfic (ch.5)

[CH.1] [CH.2] [CH.3] [CH.4]  previous chapters

[CH.6] next chapter (now available!)

genre: vampire au, romance, drama, mystery, thriller

note: written inspired by enhypen's storyline, given-taken lyrics & teasers. please keep in mind all members are apart of this fanfic and the main theme is mystery/drama!

P.S Niki and Sunoo's roles become bigger in later chapters :) sorry I took 2 weeks to update. School + new enhypen teasers made me alter the story now jesus their lore is confusingly interesting. Didn't proofread half of this chapter LOL. Happy readings <3

"Well now that everyone is here, I'd like to announce we have a new student who just transferred here." Your eyes were immediately drawn to the student's platinum blonde hair. Despite his sharp and charismatic face, his eyes were delicate and innocent. He had an exceptionally small face and a sunkissed skin tone. The new student snapped himself around so that the entire classroom got a good look at him, "Hello, my name is Park Jongseong or Jay, call me whatever you feel." He bowed slightly, his voice having a cool ring that played over in your head.

"Everybody please welcome Jay to our astronomy class. Lend him any of our previous notes because midterms are coming up and I'd appreciate as a teacher if you guys helped him catch up before our long weekend coming up in two weeks." Your teacher gave a warm smile, nodding in such a way that made the rest of the class nod with her.

Without a student saying a word, everyone's eyes followed him as he took a seat at a desk a couple of rows in front of you.

You stared at him tirelessly, barely listening as your teacher rambled off-topic. You noticed Jay often stared out at the crying sky that occasionally flickered with lightning. His eyes focused intently on the woods. You were sure you weren't the only one who was interested in the new boy as you frequently caught other students glancing over at him every few seconds. Jay carried an attractive and dark aura that clearly contrasted from the crowd. Both girls and boys stared at him not because of his pretty face but because he was far different from the new students who had joined your school mid-semester.

The class flew by for you because of Jay until a simple but intriguing question was purposed by the teacher, "Bonus marks today if anyone can guess when the next full moon is." she lifted her eyes off the projector for a few moments, waiting for answers to come sailing.

"Saturday?" Somebody from the front called out, followed by numerous answers that ranged between the second week to the fourth week of the month.

"Come on now. Don't blurt out, give others chances to guess. Jay why don't you guess?" Your teacher questioned welcomingly, expecting no answer from him.

He leaned back in his chair, scraping the non-writing end of his ballpen on his thumb, "November 30." A gentle sound of thunder playing perfectly when he said the answer; like some sort of scene out of a comic.

"Ding ding ding!" Your teacher switched to a PowerPoint slide with the new unit name bolded, "I know this isn't part of the curriculum but I got it approved by the head of the school." She took a breath, giving students time to comprehend what was presented in front of them. "Our next unit will be looking deeper at the moon. More specifically, we'll be looking at both the sciency and non-sciency sides of this topic. And before anyone asks; no, you don't need to believe in astrology or superstitions to understand the non-sciency material. It's just very fascinating because it connects to many cultures." Your attention was now far away from Jay. You were enthusiastic about a topic for once in the class.

"And looks like we're running out of time." Your teacher's wrist clock blocking her eyes. "That's it for today's class everyone! I'll have your projects marked for next class, I promise! Have a good day." She said while shutting off the projector.

You slid all your handouts into your binder, not bothering to align the three-hole punches of the papers to their designated rings.

"Y/N before you go, do you mind helping out Jay? Today or tomorrow?" Your teacher stopped you on your way out.

"Like lend him my notes?"

"Yep! I just forgot to ask but he just left so you might be able to catch up to him. Maybe ask if he's got the notes yet."

You waved your goodbyes and chased the new boy down, his uniquely blonde hair standing out from the hallway of heads. You picked up the pace to catch up with his swift steps when you caught him chatting with Sunghoon and Jaeyun. Your feet froze straight down in their place.

Were they new friends? Or perhaps they were old friends?

You weren't going to bother talking to Jay as you already knew what kind of funny business would come up if you did. You could only watch them swing and lean their arms against each other in a close and friendly way. The picture was becoming more and more clear to you as to what kind of association Jay had with Sunghoon and Jaeyun perhaps even Heeseung, Sunoo or Jungwon.

...

You throw yourself violently over your thick mattress after finishing a long study and homework session at your dorm. The session wasn't productive but the time you spent surrounded by your schoolwork made it feel that way. Your dorm was awfully quiet that afternoon as your dormmates had music rehearsals for their extracurriculars. Nana had told you to come by the music rooms around a quarter past five when their practice was over to go down to the dining hall and have dinner but you couldn't think of a way to kill your remaining hour alone.

Phones were forbidden in your school and you often felt uncontrollably alone and bored with your thoughts during your free time. You could only lay tangled in your bed with your half progressed work in the corner of your eye. You shift on one side to watch your wide-open binder until you got some burst of motivation to finish studying until an idea hits you.

After eyeing your handouts from your astronomy class, you decide to hit the library and do some reading to get a little advanced in the class. Sure you could study for your other class but the sudden idea was far more worth your time in your mind. You quickly twirl out of your room, clearing your desk while you're at it. Excitedly, you hop into your shoes and head straight for the library. You were put in a good mood as you skipped along the long journey to the bookhouse.

The library was moderately packed as you don't bother to recognize any faces there. You get deja vu as you trail the same path you did when Sunghoon and Kyungeun were around. Sliding between the thin space between the bookshelves once again, you search for the section related to the moon, feeling dizzy at the sight of books your school owned. You could've made your life easier by asking the librarian but you were confident you could find it on your own. You move up and down the aisles as you catch a glimpse of theoretical and astrology related books that sit next to a couple of history books.

Backing up, you awkwardly bend your knees forward to get a better look at the small selection of books under the genre. You peel a random book spine out from its tight spot as if it had never been taken out before. You dust off the book a bit, reading the wordless cover and open it to check if it was really related to any sort of astronomy as you find a much stranger subject being discussed.

"Finding everything alright?" The librarian comes by, pushing a kart from the other end of the shelves. "I-I'm looking for books related to the moon." You say, standing up and forgetting you still had the old book in hand.

"The scientific information is just on the other side of this shelf but the section you were just looking at has some interesting stuff that might be related." The librarian stuffed herself in between the shelves to get toward you.

"Yeah, I noticed... This book I just picked up was talking about vampires." You laugh a little as you hold it up.

"Ah, that book..." She paused, snatching the book out of your hands to examine it, "I read this before... It relates to astrology. I think there are some parts of the book that go into detail about the moon, you should give it a read."

"Is this book just theoretical research about vampires though?" You were unconvinced with the idea.

"Yeah, real or not, our school grounds and the neighbouring town are talked about in the book. Apparently many years ago this place used to be a hotspot for vampires."  She looked you dead in the eyes.

"Do you think the information is true?" You questioned with deep curiosity upon her answer.

"Some information in there is haunting. I think vampires did exist." She said with some sort of distress beginning to seep into her face.

Shivers ran down your spine, if she was just trying to sell you the book, it was working damn well on you.

"I'll leave you be, no need to sign out the book, nobody ever takes it out so I trust you'll return it." And with that said, she left you cold with mystery as the book between your fingers stared at you with big round eyes.

You shake back to reality, checking your wrist just to find out your time has vanished. You shift your priorities to getting to the music department, throwing the book into your bag without much thought.

...

The sun was already going down around the afternoon as the days got shorter with autumn blossoming. You're standing between rooms full of beautiful voices and instruments, peering through every window attached to a door in an attempt to find your roommates. The issue was the widows didn't give much of a view as to who was in the rooms. But your ears were drawn to a gentle piano that played a bittersweet melody beneath the louder sounds of people singing in a harmonious glee. As you move in the forward direction of the hallway, the piano gets clearer to your ears. It became clear that the sound was coming out of a room with its door wide open. Your back attached it to the wall in fear of being seen as slide yourself until you meet the spine of the door where you could see into the shadowy room.

Your eyes lit up when they see a familiar platinum blondie behind the keys. The melody was enchanting and was played in such a personal way as the sounds escaped into the noisy environment where it hoped to go unheard. Jay had reached the final notes of his song as he turned his head in your direction. It was as if he knew of your present from the moment you started watching him from the doorway.

[rkived]

━ CHASING PAVEMENTS 03 | JJK

↳ PAIRING: dad!jk/married!jk/bff!jk x reader 

↳ GENRE/TAGS: f2l, angst, unrequited feelings, cheating, future smut

↳ WARNINGS: (for this chapter) time jumps, mention of divorce, blood mention ((but like nothing serious)), forced kisses, just sad stuff like this is sad guys lol

↳ WORD COUNT: 8.6k

↳ EXCERPT: ‘‘Jungkook doesn’t want to think this is the end, maybe it’s that stupid voice inside his head that always holds on to things that he knows he should let go of. But he can’t just let go of this and move on. He doesn’t remember what life was like before you and he sure as hell does not want to know what it’ll be like without you.’’

↳ A/N: getting this chapter out has been ((a pain in the ass)) tough !! & cp was supposed to end with this chapter but that was not realistic at all lmao but i do hope u like this n i’ll try to get pt4 quickly as possible <3 thx

01 | 02 | 03 | 04 

‘‘Okay everyone, let’s switch to the upward facing dog!’’

You really don’t want to be here. There’s a lot of stuff running through your head right now that are more important than focusing on yoga positions. You wish you were thinking about grocery shopping or paying that month’s bills. 

Instead, you’re still stuck on the downward facing dog as your mind tells you you’re an idiot, a homewrecker and most importantly, a terrible friend. 

‘‘Y/N, upward facing dog!’’ The instructor, Namjoon, reminds you with a gentle smile as he notices you haven’t switched positions like the rest of the class. You nod and smoothly place your body as he had taught in the classes before.

The only reason why you came to your Saturday morning yoga class was because even with all that happened last night, you wanted to feel a sense of normality. Like you’re capable of going on about your life like nothing had happened.

That’s selfish and stupid because as much as you tried, every single moment since you woke up revolved around last night.

From the moment you opened your eyes, noticing Sunhi wasn’t sleeping next to you, snuggled into your chest like you had last remembered her to be before she fell asleep and you following soon after. 

And as your heart beat faster at the thought of finding her in her dad’s arms instead, watching Saturday morning cartoons on the T.V in your living room; you instead found the place neat and tidy. The messy pillows on your couch where placed like they hadn’t even been moved to begin with, like no one besides you had been in the apartment the night before. 

Somehow he managed to do all of this without you even noticing. You wondered at what time he woke up, cleaned up, took Sunhi without making any fuss and left, all before your 7 AM alarm could wake you up.

He even made you breakfast too. Some eggs, bacon and toast. 

‘‘Y/N, your legs are touching the mat.’’ Namjoon notes as he stands in front of you, ‘‘Let’s focus, okay?’’

You nod once again, though this time a little more embarrassed. If only you could explain to your instructor why you’re so distracted. 

No messages either. No text explaining why he had to leave so early. No sticky note placed on your fridge door about how he made you breakfast. No slight shake to your sleeping body to let you know that he’d be taking Sunhi. Nothing. 

Would’ve you liked that, though? 

You could say yes because he’s your friend and it’s only fair since you took care of his daughter the night before. 

But it’s not right, because friends don’t kiss each other, let alone the way you had let him kiss you and touch you while his daughter slept in your room and his wife waited for both of them at home.

There was a war going on inside you between your brain and your heart. 

Your heart, being a weak ass bitch, was telling you about how exciting everything was. How nice it felt to have Jungkook tell you that he wanted to be with you, that he no longer felt happy with his wife, how perfectly his lips encaptured your own and how you could still feel them on you. 

But your brain, obviously being the logical one between the two, reminded you about how wrong it was. You had never wanted to be placed in a position of being ‘‘the other woman’’. That even though you might not like Jiwoo and had spent years hoping your friend would someday wake up and realize this too, this didn’t feel right. 

‘‘Alright, let’s drink some water now.’’ Namjoon announces, clasping his hands together and showing off that dimple that most ─if not all─ of the students went heart eyes over. 

You take the time to check your phone instead, you don’t need the water because you didn’t do shit anyway. There’s no text from Minji, who you’re scared will somehow, by the grace of everything that’s holy, find out about what you did. No text from Jungkook either and you’re wondering why he hasn’t bothered to send one. 

Instead, there’s a text from Taehyung and you mutter a curse. 

[8:34 AM] Taehyung: hey y/n! i’m sure you’re in your yoga class rn but i wanted to see if maybe you’d be up for lunch at my place? i’ll try and cook something nice :) 

Ah, of course that throughout all of this you forgot about Taehyung. 

The sweet guy who had stuck around only for you to pay him back by kissing your best friend, the one Taehyung had to pretend wasn’t bothered by his interruption that night a few weeks ago. 

God, you do have a way to fuck things up for yourself. 

You don’t know how long you stood there thinking what to reply to him, but it definitely was for a few minutes because you only came back to reality once you heard your name being called once by the instructor.

‘‘Y/N,’’ Namjoon repeats and you look over at him with a puzzled look, ‘‘we’re starting again, if you’d like to join us.’’ There’s that smile again. Bless his patience, you wonder if he’s actually this calm because of yoga or he’s just really good at pretending. 

You look back down at your phone, the screen displaying a text that’s still waiting to be replied to. 

‘‘I uhm─I gotta go, sorry.’’ You quickly reply, making Namjoon look at you with wide eyes, but he makes no effort to stop you either. 

And as quickly as you can, you collect your belongings before you’re heading out the door without saying goodbye. 

Either you quit yoga altogether or just apologize to Namjoon like a grownup next Saturday. Whatever it is, you’re not thinking about what decision to make about your little extracurricular right now. 

There’s only so much you can handle at a time.

Jungkook is lucky that Jiwoo works Saturday mornings because with her away, he’s able to enter his house without having to sneak in. 

He opens the door wide, making way for him and a slightly awake Sunhi in his arms. He drops the keys on the counter without caring about the noise it makes. He doesn’t even have to pretend like he’s walking on glass, his boots are allowed to hit the wooden floor without a care in the world. 

The place doesn’t look much different from what he had left it like the day before. There’s only a dirty glass on the sink, a product of Jiwoo’s daily breakfast smoothies and since she’s always in a rush she never has time to clean it up. 

‘‘Are you still sleepy, pumpkin?’’ he quietly asks his daughter and she nods, he doesn’t blame her since he’s the one who woke her up at 6 AM. ‘‘Alright, I’ll take you to your bed,” he says, a kiss on her head following shortly after. 

He wonders if Jiwoo enjoyed herself last night. No daughter and no husband, sounds like an ideal night for her. It’s not like she was worried about their whereabouts either, considering she hadn’t even bothered to text him wondering why they hadn’t come home. 

If Jungkook’s supposed to feel guilty, he isn’t. 

He’s heard stories before about how there’s a voice in your head constantly reminding you about what you did and how wrong it is. That he’ll be unable to sleep knowing he cheated on his wife while she lies next to him. That he won’t be able to look at her again without feeling remorse all over him.

And when Jiwoo returns home at noon, there’s none of that at all. He offers her a nod of acknowledgement once she enters the living room to find him sitting with his laptop, watching through old videos that he took years back. 

She puts her index finger up, telling him to give her a minute. She’s on a phone call with a friend of hers that Jungkook can only conclude is Hyeri, who he probably met at some point but can’t remember what her face looked like. 

‘‘I know! Like, why do you have to be such a bitch about it? We get that you’re sucking the boss’s dick in private, so you might as well─’’

Jiwoo’s voice is too distracting and so, Jungkook places his earphones in to hear what this video’s audio is about. Once he does, he hits play and the audio is loud enough to drown out Jiwoo’s whining. 

‘‘Guess who came to see you, Pumpkin?’’ 

Jungkook gasps as he remembers this was part of a series of videos he was supposed to show Sunhi once she was old enough to understand them. He recorded a few until he was drowning in work to even grab his camera again. It saddens him that he wasn’t able to continue.

He decides he’ll show them to her later because right now Sunhi is too busy playing with her dolls inside her room to even pay attention to him.

‘‘It’s auntie Y/N! And she came bearing gifts,’’ Jungkook smiles, switching the focus on you ‘‘is that a Fisher Price Taco Tuesday toy set that I see?’’ he wonders in a fake curious tone as you look at him with narrowed eyes ‘‘I wonder how she knew you wanted that, Sunhi. It’s not like your dad had it on his Amazon wishlist or anything.’’

‘‘Very funny.’’ You mumble, handing him the toys so you could go ahead and grab a tiny three-month-old Sunhi from the bed ‘‘Aren’t you the cutest little bean in this entire world? Aren’t you?’’ you coo at the little girl, who looks at you with wide eyes and you’re forced to blink a couple of times because she looks just like him. 

‘‘Of course she is, she’s my spitting image!’’ Jungkook confirms your thought as he grabs Sunhi’s cheek gently with his fingers and squeezes, making the baby giggle.

You side-eye him and then focus your attention back on the baby in your hands, ‘‘No, you’re not, Sunhi. Your daddy is not cute at all.’’ 

‘‘You’re gonna make me put this camera down and have a discussion about this.’’ 

Jungkook chuckles at the footage, noticing how he made you smile because of his comment. The video isn’t long, it’s mostly you cooing to a then tiny Sunhi, giggling at the way you would nuzzle your nose into her belly as Jungkook laughed behind the camera. 

‘‘Jungkook, look at her!’’ You practically squeal as Sunhi grabs your thumb with her little hand ‘‘Oh my gosh, I think I’m gonna cry.’’ 

He laughs as he does a close-up of his daughter holding on to your finger, until he hears the little sniffle you let out and the camera is now focused on you silently wiping a tear away. 

‘‘Wait, you’re actually crying?’’ Jungkook asks in disbelief and you turn to look at him to find the lens focused on you ‘‘Sunhi, you’re Auntie Y/N loves you so much that she’s crying! How cute.’’ 

‘‘You’re so dumb, seriously.’’ you mumble with a frown, going back to gawking at the baby still holding on to your thumb. 

Jungkook sighs, ‘‘I’m gonna have to bleep that out, y’know?’’

You laugh and shrug your shoulders, caressing Sunhi’s stomach. Jungkook whispers ‘cute’, so soft that you’re unable to hear it.

Once it ends, Jungkook is able to see his smiling face as it reflects on the black screen and it’s only then he realized he’d been grinning the whole time. Now his ears are filled with Jiwoo talking over the phone and his smile goes back to a straight line. 

Jungkook closes the video and clicks on the next one, hoping that it’s one that involves you as well. He’s unable to press play because Jiwoo is suddenly standing in front of him, arms crossed and she’s no longer talking on her phone. 

‘‘Yes?’’ He asks, removing an earbud to show her she has his full attention.

‘‘So, where were you last night?’’ 

Jungkook’s slightly surprised that she cares. He tends to forget there’s still some humanity left in her after all, ‘‘At Y/N’s.’’ he answers with a shrug, eyes going back to stare at the screen of his laptop. 

Jiwoo scoffs and he’s forced to look at her again, eyebrow slightly raised. He hopes she doesn’t start because it’s too early and it’s a Saturday. But Jiwoo doesn’t like taking breaks like he does.

‘‘I thought you said that she wasn’t going to be able to take care of Sunhi on Fridays.’’ There’s bitterness in her tone, ‘‘so, what were you doing there?’’ 

Jungkook understands where Jiwoo’s curiosity comes from, but it’s strange. She’s never been the type to ask where he’s been, what he’s doing with Sunhi while she’s not around ─which is practically all the time─ and doesn’t care for your business either. 

‘‘I just stopped by.’’ Jungkook mutters, stroking the nape of his neck in an attempt to not seem suspicious, ‘‘We hung out and Sunhi fell asleep, she didn’t wanna come back home.’’ 

And that’s true, Jiwoo narrows her eyes at him as if she’s debating whether or not to believe him and the excuse of their sleeping daughter. She doesn’t know Sunhi that well to conclude if it’s possible or not. 

‘‘And what, did you all three sleep together in the same bed? Playing family, maybe?’’ 

Jungkook looks at her in disbelief. This is a first. 

‘‘What?’’ Is all he’s able to muster because he’s genuinely shocked at her accusation. 

Jiwoo rolls her eyes, ‘‘Oh, please. Like I’m going to buy that hanging out bullshit.’’ Jungkook looks like a deer stuck in headlights and she chuckles, ‘‘Is what I give to you not enough?’’ 

‘‘I─what are you on about?’’ 

He figures this is her picking a fight because he wasn’t around yesterday to attend her needs like he usually does every Friday night. But Jungkook’s mind is quick to remind him of what he did and it’d be really ironic if he denies Jiwoo’s accusations, that for the first time are actually true. 

‘‘I carried around that girl for nine months, ruined my body because of her, all for you to pick someone else over me?’’ Jiwoo’s voice is raised a little higher and Jungkook can’t help but look over at Sunhi’s bedroom door and hope his daughter is not listening to anything coming from the living room. ‘‘I knew I should’ve never trusted her, I always knew your friendship with her was fucking weird.’’

Jungkook doesn’t want to raise his voice either. It’s not going to get them anywhere. But he can’t stand the way she’s speaking about his daughter and you, she’s never crossed those boundaries before. 

‘‘Are you insane? How can you talk about your daughter like she’s nothing?’’ Jungkook spats out, ‘‘I’ve always been thankful for what you did, I know the shit you went through to bring her into this world.’’ 

But Jiwoo doesn’t care about how loud she’s being, ‘‘You’re so thankful you pay me back by fucking your best friend? While I’m alone over here waiting for you to come back?’’

Jungkook has to take a deep breath and close his eyes for a second, before he loses it. 

He clears his throat, ‘‘Jiwoo, I have always chosen you. Always. I did back when I was a sophomore, I did it when I asked you to marry me, and I did it when I chose you to be the mother of my children. So, I don’t know what─’’

‘‘I don’t give a flying fuck if you chose me! I was supposed to be all of that either way, Jungkook.’’ She interjects.

Was she, though? Of course, she was his girlfriend then. It would make sense that she’d be the one to end up marrying him, having his kids and living the happy life everyone guaranteed he’d live alongside her. 

But he hasn’t been thinking about the choices he ended up taking back then. Instead, he’s been wondering about the ‘what if’s and Jiwoo isn’t in any of them. 

Jungkook’s been daydreaming for months now about how different his life would’ve turned out if he had never asked the pretty girl in his class all those years back and instead had focused his attention somewhere else. Or someone else.. 

‘‘Are you going to answer me?’’ Jiwoo’s stern voice brings him back to the reality he hates, ‘‘Were you going to pick me or was I a second choice?’’ She slowly asks, giving him an opportunity to digest every single word she spoke. 

‘‘You weren’t a second choice,’’ he mumbles and his gaze has faltered and instead focused back on the screen of his laptop. Clicking on a video randomly, trying to distract himself from the situation at hand. Hoping that whatever he says is enough for Jiwoo to leave him alone. 

It doesn’t help that the video automatically plays and it’s you on the first frame, a big smile as you hold Sunhi towards the camera, making her wiggle in your arms. 

What if. 

‘‘Show me that you love me, then.’’

The video still plays as Jungkook looks back at Jiwoo standing right in front of him, her arms are still crossed, but the look on her face is different. Her brows are no longer furrowed and Jungkook might be wrong, but he thinks her eyes look glossy. 

He doesn’t act quickly enough and she takes the laptop from him, closing it before she can even notice what is it that has garnered his attention. Jiwoo straddles his lap and he jumps slightly at the action, placing her arms around his neck as she looks at him with innocent eyes. 

If he didn’t know her, he would’ve believed them. 

‘‘Jiwoo, let’s not─’’ 

‘‘I missed you yesterday,’’ she interjects in a whisper ‘‘show me that you love me right now.’’ 

Her lips latch onto his neck, biting and sucking on the skin as he tries to wriggle himself out of her hold, but her hands push at his chest so he can stay still. 

‘‘C’mon,’’ she mumbles ‘‘show me.’’ She’s pleading by then.

He feels nothing. There’s no electricity in Jiwoo’s kisses. No tingles on his back, no goosebumps on his skin, no fireworks going off. If anything, everytime her lips meet his skin it feels bitter, like they don’t belong there at all. 

‘‘Daddy, come please!’’ The muffled voice of Sunhi inside her room interrupts the one-sided moment and Jungkook is silently thanking her. 

Jiwoo doesn’t make an effort to move as she keeps kissing on all the exposed skin he has to offer. Jungkook sighs in frustration as he forces her off him, making her land beside him with an astonished expression.

Her hands tighten into fists as she looks at him like he’s gone insane, ‘‘What the fuck is wrong with you?’’ She asks in disbelief.

Jungkook blinks, ‘‘Did you─?’’ He gestures with his finger over to his daughter’s room, ‘‘Sunhi is calling me.’’ 

His wife scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest again, ‘‘Of course, you always go running when it comes to her.’’ 

Contrary to his belief, there is no humanity left in Jiwoo at all. She’s just really good at pretending like she cares so she can get her way. This is the last time Jungkook falls for this trick.

Jungkook opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He repeats this action a few times, to stammer something out. Anything. But there’s nothing besides the expecting silence of his wife as she chuckles incredulously. Jungkook ignores this and turns around, a second away from opening Sunhi’s bedroom door─

‘‘You’re a waste of a husband.’’ Jiwoo sneered. 

His hand drops from the door handle and he sighs, taking a deep breath in and out.

He looks back at her, ‘‘You know what, Jiwoo? I wasn’t lying when I said you weren’t my second choice.’’ he informs and her eyebrow raises up ‘‘But you aren’t my first choice now either.’’

Jiwoo scowls and heaves in anger, ready to let hell loose on him ‘‘I knew that who─’’

‘‘It’s Sunhi,’’ he states and Jiwoo closes her mouth before she can even finish her sentence. ‘‘Ever since I knew you were pregnant with her, she’s been at the top of my list and she’ll always be there. I don’t care what you do or say to me, I really don’t. You don’t love me, Jiwoo.’’

At the accusation, her eyes soften and she’s standing up to argue that it’s not true, but Jungkook raises his hand in a motion to stop her. 

‘‘You don’t love me and I don’t love you.’’ 

Jungkook expected her to start yelling at him like she usually did, but Jiwoo’s rendered speechless on her spot as she stares at him, blinking rapidly. 

‘‘I don’t love you,’’ he repeats ‘‘and I haven’t loved you for a while now. I don’t remember the last time my heart raced up when I saw you or when I stopped enjoying kissing you. And I’m sorry, because I should’ve told you instead of pretending like I did.’’ 

Jiwoo’s motionless as she takes all of his words in. 

‘‘But I did it for her because I didn’t want her to hate me if you ever left. But that was a dumb idea because you don’t care about Sunhi. And frankly, I doubt she cares about you either. She never speaks about you, never asks about you, she’s used to you not being here even if you sort of are.’’ 

Jungkook places his hand over the doorknob once again and Jiwoo grimaces.

‘‘I should’ve never begged you to come back. I should’ve thought about what you wanted and it’s always been clear to me what that is,’’ Jungkook swallows the knot he feels in his throat ‘‘and it’s never been Sunhi or me.’’

‘‘Jungkook.’’

He thinks she’s about to tell him how sorry she is. That she’ll recognize how heartless she’s been and how she not only failed him, but failed their daughter too. Maybe beg for a final try at their relationship as she promises she’ll change this time. 

Jungkook hums and spares her one last glance.

Jiwoo has a stoic expression on her face and she speaks under her breath, but clear enough for him to hear, ‘‘Sign the papers when you get them.’’

You expect Minji to just jump at you any minute now because if looks could kill, you’d be dead already. Maybe you should’ve pretended like you weren’t home and let Minji knock on your door until she’d give up, but even you knew better than that. 

It was better to face her now than to deal with her accumulated wrath later.

‘‘When were you going to tell me?’’ She suddenly asks and it takes you by surprise because it had been way too silent since you had let her in.

Minji works like a predator, she attacks when you least expect it and right now you definitely feel like you’re about to be eaten. 

‘‘I─uh…’’ 

She sighs and you can see the disappointment in her face, ‘‘Were you going to tell me at all?’’ 

You nod instead, not trusting yourself enough to speak at the moment. 

It had been a week since the event in your living room and it makes you shift uncomfortably in your chair as you stare at your friend, who’s sitting on the couch where everything went down. 

‘‘Then why did I have to find out through Taehyung?’’ She asks in a disappointed tone. 

You figured he’d tell her. It’s not like you asked him not to do so, but you had silently prayed that the universe was on your side on this one and by some unknown reason they wouldn’t bump into each other at work and Minji, like she usually did, wouldn’t ask him about you. Because if she did, then he’d have to explain how you had broken the news that you had made out with your best friend; the one Minji despised with her soul. 

A sigh escapes your lips as you lower your head with shame.

You were supposed to tell her, but every time you took your phone and tried to dial or text her, your nerves got the best of you and ended up chickening out, promising that you’d do it the next day. Then the next day. And the next day. 

It’s not like you’re scared of Minji─well, maybe only slightly. But you know the effort she put into getting you to go out and meet someone new, someone that’s not married and not a father. She’s known Taehyung for so long, probably even told him how much of a good girl you were to convince him to take you out, only for you to end up throwing all of that in the trash like it was nothing. 

Minji’s also spent years pushing you to move on from your friendship with Jungkook. Not just because she doesn’t like him, but because she’s always felt like he’s held you back while he’s made his way in life. You’ve stuck behind him making sure that he’s okay and happy, forgetting about yourself in the process. 

‘‘I’m not angry at you,’’ she speaks softly, making you look up at her with surprise. ‘‘I just─He gave you a second chance, Y/N. Why did you say no?’’ Her words are laced with curiosity and you know that she’s asking because even Taehyung wasn’t able to give her an answer to this question. 

Your bottom lip trembles and you’re trying your hardest not to burst into tears in front of him. You can’t and you won’t. How even dare you to do that? 

‘‘I’m sorry,’’ you whisper and your eyes shift down to the wooden floor of his apartment. ‘‘I’m sorry, Taehyung.’’ You repeat, knowing it’s not enough.

Taehyung gulps and his crossed arms quickly fall to his sides as he realizes that, whatever anger he felt when you told him about what you did, was no longer there the moment he saw how genuinely apologetic you looked. 

‘‘I’m an idiot, I know.’’ You continue, rubbing your clammy hands into the material of your leggings and it does nothing to dry them. ‘‘I’m sorry, Taehyung.’’

He knows he shouldn't be so easily swayed by your apology, but he can’t help but want to cradle you in his arms. And when he does, your eyebrows raise in surprise as you gasp because you weren’t expecting this. 

You expected anger, insults thrown out about how you’re a slut and being kicked out of his apartment with him telling you to never contact him again. 

Taehyung’s still sweet even when his heart is getting broken. 

‘‘It’s okay,’’ he whispers into your hair as one of his hands runs up and down your back ‘‘we can work this out, yeah?’’ 

You bite the tip of your tongue as you take his words in, feeling your heart speeding up even faster than what it was when you spilled everything out on him. Maybe you would’ve preferred him getting angry than his current reaction.

‘‘It’s not like we were exclusive, right?’’ Taehyung chuckles, but it feels like he’s convincing himself that that was the reason as to why it happened. ‘‘Let’s forget it, seriously.’’

A shaky sigh comes out of your mouth as your arms, that hadn’t reciprocated his hug, gain the strength to separate yourself from him. He looks taken aback, but he’s waiting for you to reply in agreement because, yes, you could work this out if you try hard enough. 

But that’s not realistic. Pretending like you never kissed Jungkook is not realistic at all, because it’s sad to admit that you won’t be able to kiss Taehyung again without thinking about your best friend in the back of your head as you’re reminded that not only did you let him kiss you, but you reciprocated and not only did you reciprocate, but you liked it a little too much. 

‘‘Y/N,’’ he speaks up, snapping you from your thoughts,‘‘please, let’s just try.’’ He silently asks─no, begs. 

The barking of his dog, Yeontan, startles you as you come to stare at the little dog at the feet of his owner, who at the moment isn’t interested to see what he wants. You never told Taehyung, but the teacup pomeranian was extremely overprotective of him. 

He’s barking at you like you’re hurting his owner and maybe you aren’t physically doing any damage, but you know that you’re about to break his heart all over again.

‘‘I-I…,’’ you blink as you try to focus on the man in front of you and not the dog on the ground, ‘‘I’m sorry, I can’t.’’ 

Yeontan’s barks increase and Taehyung is at a loss for words to beg you to stay and talk things through. You can still hear the dog’s incessant barking as you make your way down the hall and that’s when the tears you were holding finally fall down. 

‘‘Taehyung’s a nice guy, Y/N. He forgave you and you just left?’’ Minji asks, disbelief in her tone. ‘‘I thought you liked him.’’

‘‘I do!’’ You finally speak up. You’re sure of it, you like Taehyung. Your friend gives you a puzzled look because she really can’t understand you right now. ‘‘I like Taehyung, I really do,’’ you mutter, ‘‘but it’s not fair to him.’’ 

Minji scrunches her face up because there’s only one reason you’re thinking that way. She’s tired of this narrative, it’s old and overdone and it should’ve ended years ago.

She lets out a breathless chuckle, ‘‘You love him, don’t you?’’ Another question that takes you by surprise.

‘‘No, I just─’’

Minji holds her finger up, interrupting you, ‘‘I’m talking about Jungkook.’’ 

This is the attack. Not the other questions she had asked you regarding her old family friend. Not the unannounced arrival to your apartment on an uneventful Saturday morning where you had chosen to stay in bed instead of facing the peaceful yoga instructor. Not the glaring looks she had been giving you for the last minutes.

And if you weren’t ready for any of those, this one definitely takes the prize. 

‘‘I-I of course I love him,’’ you mumble, ‘‘he’s my friend.’’

Minji smirks as her eyebrows raise, ‘‘No, I’m asking if you’re in love him.’’ 

You’re sure that the feelings that you’ve had for Jungkook have always been platonic. You do love him because he’s your friend and you’re supposed to love your friends. But you know that the love that you have for him is very different from the one you have for anyone else. It might be the history between you two. You’ve been with him through it all, cheering from the sidelines as he accomplishes one milestone after the other. 

‘‘Be honest with me,’’ Minji demands, ‘‘are you in love with Jungkook?’’ she asks once again.

Your eyes well up and your bottom lip is trembling as you look back at your intimidating best friend because your silence is deafening and you’re expecting her to throw the last blow. You think you deserve it. Minji has so much she wants to say, but you look so dejected and she figures that you might’ve just realized it. 

‘‘Hey, it’s okay.’’ She comes up to you quickly, crouching down as she looks up at the tears rolling down your reddened cheeks. ‘‘Y/N, it’s okay.’’ 

You’ve been trying to tell yourself the same thing the past few days. 

It’s okay that you kissed your best friend. It’s okay that you’ve slowly and silently started harbouring feelings for him. It’s okay that you just realized you’ve been in love with him for a while now. It’s okay that you’ve been resenting the fact that he didn’t choose you all those years ago. It’s okay that you take care of and love his daughter like she’s yours. 

But...

‘‘No, it’s not.’’ You cry, ‘‘I can’t do that, Minji, he’s not mine to have.’’ 

Your mind quickly brings you back to the harsh reality, which is that Jungkook will never be yours. He probably only kissed you because he was looking for something that was capable of exciting him again after realizing how bored of his marriage he is. He doesn’t love you like that, he’ll never love you like that.

Minji can’t disagree with what you just said, but she also feels like right now is not the time to make you feel even worse when it’s obvious you’re already there. 

‘‘I blocked his number, anyway.’’ You mumble out, wiping away your tears. 

Your friend’s eyes widened at the revelation, ‘‘What?’’. 

‘‘I freaked out after I talked to Taehyung because I felt so guilty and you know how I don’t know how to deal with shit ever, so I just─’’ You stop yourself from rambling and sigh as you feel Minji’s hand squeezing your knee as a sign of comfort, ‘‘I can’t see him again without thinking about it. I can’t take care of Sunhi knowing he’s going home to sleep with Jiwoo. I just can’t keep pretending anymore.’’ 

Minji can’t do much after that, you’ve become a sobbing mess and the tears seem unstoppable. She’s never seen you like this and it dawns on her that you’ve held all of this in for way too long. 

It’s ironic because she’s always told you that you need space from Jungkook, thinking it’d be good for you to finally realize that you’re not part of his list of priorities anymore and hadn’t been for a long time. 

But she hadn’t taken into account what the after effects of not having him in your life anymore would look like.

[12:03 PM] Jeon Jungkook: hi y/n 

{Error: Undelivered!} 

[12:04 PM] Jeon Jungkook: hey???

{Error: Undelivered!}

[12:07 PM] Jeon Jungkook: i wanted to see if you’d like to meet up for lunch one of these days? i feel like we need to talk 

{Error: Undelivered!}

[5:13 PM] Jeon Jungkook: does this work now??

{Error: Undelivered!}

Jungkook groans in annoyance as he finds another one of his texts left undelivered. It feels like life is either against him or doing this for his own good. 

Nonetheless, he wants to talk to you because it’s been a few days since he last saw and heard from you. He figures you’re mad, the last words you spoke to him didn’t sound friendly at all and he wonders if maybe leaving without saying goodbye that day was the right thing to do. 

The small snores coming from beside him make him realize Sunhi is finally asleep and he can’t help but let out a sigh of disappointment as he watches her curl into a fetal like position, clutching her Dumbo plush toy and slightly drooling into his favorite pillow, making him pout because he knows he won’t be able to pry it away from her when he decides to fall asleep too. 

Sunhi being fast asleep is supposed to bring peace to Jungkook’s tiring day, though the silence is extremely uncomfortable and these days he’s come to realize how much he rather have his daughter running around and yelling in excitement than this.

Complete and utter silence.

[7:13 PM] Jeon Jungkook: (1.jpg attached) sunhi misses auntie y/n!! she’s been asking me about you a lot 

{Error: Undelivered!}

[7:15 PM] Jeon Jungkook: i miss auntie y/n more tho…

{Error: Undelivered!}

[7:17 PM] Jeon Jungkook: i hope ur alright :)

{Error: Undelivered!}

‘‘Pumpkin, you can stop smiling already.’’ Jungkook chuckles as he looks up from his phone, noticing his daughter still holding the big smile he had given him when he requested to take a picture of her to send to you. ‘‘I already sent the picture to Auntie Y/N.’’ He informs and she sighs with relief, massaging her cheeks from straining them too hard.

Though his eyebrows furrow, noticing his messages have once again been left undelivered. He makes a mental note to call the phone company soon, because it’s been over a week since he last sent the first messages and those remained in the same state as well. 

‘‘Daddy, unpause!’’ Sunhi demands, making him realize that he’s in the middle of showing her his favorite Pixar movie, Cars. 

Twenty minutes had passed and for a majority of them Sunhi had only watched attentively and Jungkook looked over at her every other second just to make sure she hadn’t fallen asleep. Warmness spread throughout him as he noticed his daughter looking at the screen with those big doe eyes she had inherited from him. 

Once the scene where Sally shows Lightning McQueen around Radiator Springs, Jungkook feels a tug at his sweatshirt and looks down to notice Sunhi’s little hand grabbing at the fabric, her eyes are still glued to the screen.

“Auntie Y/N likes this too?” She asks and Jungkook chuckles because his daughter can’t stop thinking about his friend even when doing anything completely unrelated to you.

Maybe that’s another thing she inherited as well.

[7:03 PM] Jeon Jungkook: so i called my phone company and asked them abt why my messages aren’t being delivered and they said that you must’ve blocked me

{Error: Undelivered!}

[7:04 PM] Jeon Jungkook: yeah i guess you did

{Error: Undelivered!}

Jungkook’s mind has gone blank ever since he got off the phone with the cellphone company. 

The idea that you might’ve blocked his number had not once crossed his mind during the weeks of undelivered texts and phone calls sent straight to voicemail. It was obvious, but he didn’t think you’d be capable of doing it. 

He wanted it to be a network issue or something else that he could put blame on instead of facing the realization that you had shut him out from your life. And that thought hurt, no─stung him. 

The worst part is that he knows he deserves it. It was foolish of him to think that you had enjoyed the kiss too. Dumb enough to believe that you might’ve reciprocated the way he felt. 

Jungkook doesn’t want to think this is the end, maybe it’s that stupid voice inside his head that always holds on to things that he knows he should let go of. But he can’t just let go of this and move on. 

He doesn’t remember what life was like before you and he sure as hell does not want to know what it’ll be like without you.

[1:30 AM] Jeon Jungkook: i miss you so fucking much i’m sorry if i knew that kissing you would’ve fucked everything up htne i woudl’ve never done it y/n i’m sorry 

{Error: Undelivered!}

[1:31 AM] Jeon Jungkook: i really wanted to kiss you but it was selfish of me to do it i didnt think about what you must’ve felt im sos sorry 

{Error: Undelivered!}

[1:32 AM] Jeon Jungkook: sunhi’s been asking me about yoj and i dont even know what to say anymore

{Error: Undelivered!}

[2:27 AM] Jeon Jungkook: i don’t even care if you dont wanna speak to me anymore i fucked this up for sunhi she loves you so much and you’re her favorite person ever and i ruined it for her just bc i wanted to see if you felt the same way as i do

{Error: Undelivered!}

[3:50 AM] Jeon Jungkook: i miss you y/n i really do 

{Error: Undelivered!} 

“Daddy, lemme go!” Sunhi whines trying to escape from her father’s hands as he finishes applying the sunscreen on her arms, “Daddy!”.

He gives her a stern look and the toddler huffs, sticking her bottom lip out in an act of annoyance. The playground games are waiting for her and she feels like her dad is just coming between them and her.

“Alright,” he pats his big hands on her tiny arms, “you’re good to—“ Jungkook isn’t able to finish his sentence because his daughter’s already running towards one of the slides, “Sunhi, be careful!” He reminds her, but she’s too focused on the rides than on her dad’s warning.

Jungkook sighs and relaxes into the bench. 

“She’s precious,” She comments with a small smile as her attention focuses on the little girl having the time of her life going down the slide, “I’m surprised she’s yours.” 

Jungkook looks over at the woman beside him and scoffs, but he can’t help but agree. Sunhi is too good and too pure, the best thing he’s ever done in his life. 

“Yeah, well, it’s all her.” Jungkook admits, eyes focusing back on Sunhi, “She’s really great.” 

There’s an uncomfortable silence between them and Jungkook has to clear his throat to gain her attention. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t meet up at a café,” Jungkook apologizes and nods over at his daughter, “she’s been a little misbehaved lately, you said you wanted to talk to me and I figured that if I took Sunhi to a place like that she’d just—“

She interrupts his rambling, “Hey, it’s okay. I have no problem, really.” She assures him and he nods slightly, “I haven’t been in a place like this in a long time.” 

Jungkook scratches the back of his neck and glances over at the woman who’s looking at him with an expression he can’t quite pinpoint. It makes him so nervous that he quickly shifts his gaze to the ground.

“This is so weird.” He admits with an awkward chuckle and she raises her eyebrow, “I mean—you hate me, Minji, so I don’t know what you want to talk about.” 

“I don’t hate you!” Minji laughs and Jungkook finally looks at her and she falters, “Seriously! I only dislike you and that’s saying a lot.” 

He supposes that’s a good thing, considering how aggressive Minji used to be towards him back in college. Always letting him know how much she despised his guts, how he didn’t deserve to have you as his friend and even once threw a drink at his face during a party; though you swore to him she was drunk and that she didn’t mean it.

Jungkook hadn’t seen her much since, only a few times if it was your birthday and they managed to cross paths, because the girl made sure she was never in the same room as him. The times it happened, he felt like she was throwing daggers at him through her eyes. 

“It always bothered me how putty in your hands she was for you,” Minji begins, crossing her arms over her chest as she settles back into the bench, “and how oblivious you were about it.” 

Jungkook looks back at her and there’s a small smile on her face, most likely looking over at his daughter. 

“How when we got together for study sessions, she’d be tired because she was taking care of you the night before at one of those stupid frat parties you loved dragging her to.” Minji recalls and Jungkook feels like his mouth has gone dry from the memory.

She crosses one of her legs over the other, “Or that whole Jiwoo ordeal, how you had practically put Y/N aside once you managed to date the ‘campus hottie’.” She says with air quotes and Jungkook sighs, remembering the beginning of it all.

He knows that he can’t turn back time and change it all. Even if he could, he knows he wouldn’t. If there was no Jiwoo, there’d be no Sunhi. 

An excited yell startles him as he looks over at his daughter, swinging up and down. “Look, daddy! I'm flying!” She calls and he smiles at her. 

“Jesus, that’s fucking precious.” Minji mumbles, but he hears her nonetheless and nods in agreement. “Anyway, I’m not going to act like a saint here and pretend I was vouching for you, because I never did.” 

Jungkook knows. Back then he didn’t understand why Minji was so adamant about trash talking him to you, considering how he and her barely knew each other. Actually, whatever knowledge they had of the other was through of you. 

But Jungkook’s done a lot of self reflecting for the past month and a half and he’s realized why Minji disliked him so much. Or, dislikes. Either way, it’s valid.

“I just wanted her to snap out of it,” she confesses, “and realize that there is a life beyond you. That there’s more than being your best friend and your daughter’s babysitter. That she’s capable of moving on and putting you aside, because if you did that to her then why shouldn’t she?” 

Jungkook hadn’t thought about any of that at all. He had realized he had been a shitty friend, but the idea of just how much definitely hadn’t settled on him. He wishes you knew how much he’s cared about you, but that there were too many overlapping lines for him to ever express it.

“I thought that after setting her up with Taehyung she had finally realized it,” she continues “but you know how she is, she rarely lets up and I knew she wasn’t going to let you go that easily.” 

Jungkook draws in a long breath, rubbing his now clammy hands in his jeans as he looks back towards Minji. 

“I mean, she couldn’t let her go that easily.” She jerks her head towards Sunhi, still sitting on the swings, though she’s slowed down now. “She loves that little girl so damn much.” 

Jungkook’s sure of this. He recognizes the immense love you have for Sunhi, how sincere and unconditional it is. It’s the way a mother loves her child, though he never expected it to come from you instead. He’s not surprised though, because it’s the same love you gave to him. But it’s louder, there are no boundaries that you needed to respect to show Sunhi just how much you loved her, unlike with him. 

It dawns on him that cutting him off must’ve been hard. You probably wanted to do it for way longer and only stayed because of Sunhi and Jungkook doesn’t want to think about the dilemma you must’ve went through to finally do it this time around. 

He runs his hands through his hair, letting out a shaky breath, remembering that Sunhi doesn’t have you anymore. That’s the reason as to why she’s been so misbehaved lately, crying way too often, throwing tantrums over the smallest of things. Jungkook could blame it on the fact that she’s soon turning four and maybe it’s something that comes with age, it might just be a coincidence that she’s acting this way during a time you’re no longer present in her life.

This is the thing Sunhi might not be able to forgive him for.

“Minji,” he finally speaks up and the woman beside him focuses his gaze back on him, “I miss her so much.” He mumbles, not trusting himself to speak up because he might choke back a sob.

“Only now?” 

“No!” He says this a little too harshly and Minji jumps slightly at the tone in his voice, “I’ve always missed her and I’m fucking idiot for realizing too late.” 

She hums and Jungkook’s chest rises and falls with rapid breaths, “She’s my first thought when I wake up and when I finally manage to go to sleep. Sunhi constantly reminds me about her, asking me where she is and when can she see her and I have to force myself to lie.” 

Jungkook doesn’t realize Minji’s hand is now awkwardly placed on his back, hesitantly tapping as if to give him some comfort. It’s weird to see him like this, she had convinced herself that the guy didn’t have any feelings when it came to you.

“She blocked my number, I can’t call her and all my texts have been left undelivered. I’ve driven by her apartment building too many times with the plan to go up and talk to her, but I always back out because I’m an idiot and I know she’ll hate me if I do that and I—“

“Jungkook.” 

“I just want to know if she still cares, I don’t mind if she doesn’t feel the same way. But I want to know that Y/N still cares about Sunhi and me. Do you know? Does she? Could you please—“

Jungkook’s ramble is interrupted by the crying sounds of Sunhi, who’s now on the ground as she sobs and he quickly stands up to go straight towards her. He blinks away the tears that had formed in his eyes because there’s only room for one crying baby here.

“Pumpkin, what happened?” He asks in a soft voice, crouching down at her level and she’s pouting as she points at her bloody knee. “Did you fall down?” She nods and he sighs, picking her up as he takes her back to the bench where Minji waits with expectancy to check on the little girl.

Jungkook places Sunhi beside her and looks through his daughter’s bag for the emergency kit he carried around. He cleans the blood delicately with a gauze and alcohol, making the little girl wince and yelp out an ‘ouch!’ as she holds tightly to Minji’s thigh. 

“It’s okay, Pumpkin.” He reassures her with a smile, making his daughter nod because she trusts her dad, “It was an accident and accidents are part of growing up, right?” She nods again and Minji figures this isn’t a first for her.

Once the blood has been cleaned, Jungkook places a cute rainbow patterned bandaid on the wound in her knee. 

“There we go,” he announces and Sunhi lets out the breath she’d been holding, ‘‘all done! Are you good now?” 

“Yes,” Sunhi weakly replies, “daddy, I wanna go home.” 

Jungkook’s eyebrows raise in surprise, but the look on her face tells him that she’s probably still shaken by the accident and most likely wants to take a nap to forget about it.

He looks over at Minji with an apologetic look and she gives him half a smile, “Go, it’s alright.” 

Jungkook nods and takes Sunhi in his arms, which she gladly accepts and settles her head in the crook of his neck. Minji’s ready to leave, figuring there was no point in staying any longer.

“Minji, wait!” He stops her before she goes, making her turn around and offer him a curious look, “Sunhi’s birthday is in a few weeks and,” Jungkook reaches for something inside his daughter’s bag, “she really wants Y/N to be there.” He whispers, taking out a party invitation to hand over to Minji.

She smirks, looking at the personalized invitation for his daughter’s fourth birthday, “Just Sunhi?” She asks and he lets out a breathless laugh.

“Me too.” Jungkook adds and a small smile appears on his face as he says it. “Uh—thank you for talking to me, I know it must’ve been hard.” 

Minji swats her hand in the air, “It’s alright, just wanted to make sure how you and the kid were doing. It’s all she talks about anyway.” 

A gasp escapes his lips and he holds on to his daughter tighter as she nuzzles her face farther in. 

“I’ll give her the card, but—I can’t guarantee if she’ll go.” She warns and he nods, understanding.

Though he does not like the possible outcome, he settles down with the idea that you’ll notice how even though you both haven’t spoken towards each other in almost two months, he’s still thinking about you either way. Every day. 

[nunchiimagines]

Sweet Tea Series: 6

Mint Tea

— Summary: Korea has been a desired destination of yours for years, a place where you held such a deep rooted connection for that it may finally be the place you belong. Now entering your last year at your art university, you were one of few who were successfully chosen to partake in the one year summer intensive program. Filled with excitement of integrating within a new culture, what you had planned turns for the unexpected when you find yourself rooming next to a local mafia renowned and revered throughout all of Asia. However, things become a bit more complicated when these mafia men are actually demons who find themselves attracted to you, using your variety of tea flavors as an excuse to visit unannounced.  

— Pairing: mafia!demon!bts x poc!curvy!art student!reader

— Genre: angst, fluff / poly!au / supernatural!au / demon!au / mafia!au

— Status: ongoing

— Warnings: Bullying, Body Shaming, Reader overthinking, Vulgar Language, Explicit Language, Suggestive Themes, Not exactly smut but is HEAVILY implied (lol I'm trying)

— Word Count: 5.6k

~MASTERPOST~

CHAPTERS: Prev - Next

**AUTHORS NOTE**

Wow chapter 6 is finally here and very overdue! Not gonna lie, wasn't expecting to have been done so soon but I’m glad it is! I did and redid this chapter so many times and I’m finally satisfied with it. I tried going over it many times so hopefully mistakes are few, apologies if there’s a lot. Uhm...heavily smut implied themes towards the second half. I tried and even wrote out explicit scenarios buuuut decided against it in the end. Maybe in later chapters or other stories :D Also the tag list will not officially be separated from the story to hopefully prevent anyone not being tagged like the last few times.

***bold + italicized = person speaking English*** this time because only one situation has English in it. The next chapter to be updated will be Spring Day! Thanks for being so patient and supportive and please enjoy!!

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Taehyung sat on the couch inside Hoseok’s office with a strained smile on his handsome face. Across from him was Chunja, one of the most trusted workers under their mafia family. Like them, she is from the Underworld but is, instead, a gumiho (9 tailed fox). At that moment, Taehyung and Jin had visited Hoseok to go over more reports on the incident that had happened at the club a couple of months back. They had received new information on the locations, motives, and backgrounds of both Yuni and Wang. School had started for you already and that was enough of an indicator to be a bit more concerned for your safety. They had profiled all the students and staff from overseas and made sure their own people were stationed all throughout the school to watch over you. Knowing that Yuni had managed to sneak in initially, they refused to take any chances.

However, despite all that, Taehyung was clearly irritated and was directing that frustration at Chunja. Everyone was aware of it, especially Chunja, and she was very much amused by this. She was sitting there going through some files as Taehyung shot her glares. She’s really good at maintaining a stoic expression and right now she was pretending like Taehyung wasn’t glaring daggers at her. Jin gave her an apologetic look while Hoseok sighed in frustration.

“V, no matter what you do, she’s not going to tell you.” Hoseok announced typing on his laptop.

“It’s quite frankly none of our business.” Jin added.

What had been bothering Taehyung so much was honestly just plain and simple jealousy. Since having started school, the guys haven’t had the chance to see you as much during the times they’re usually free. And when you’re available, you tend to spend your time with Chunja in private. The only time they have a chance to see you was during dinner, and, even then, it’s not guaranteed. It’s not like Taehyung hated the fact that you both had become so close, it was just the fact that he was losing what little time he got to see you. Or so it felt like it. In honesty, he was just touch starved for you and your affection and just really missed you. Chunja knew of this but was prepared to take the brunt of his jealousy if it meant helping you in the end.

Your initial talk with Chunja had sparked a new found confidence that still needed nurturing. It had been almost a month since then and she had been mentoring you on ways to feel more comfortable with your body and the acts of intimacy. She even had taken you shopping to look for some lingerie that you found to be both appealing and allowed you to feel sexy at the same time. It was a guilty desire of yours to wear lingerie for a lover and now that you were given the chance, you were excited. If only Taehyung knew what was happening, he’d be more intrigued and less agitated. However, Chunja loved to tease the man and never once opened her mouth on the subject. She could tell it irritated him but she managed to get good entertainment out of it. It’s not like the others were any different. They were all curious, it’s just some were more reserved about their feelings than others. Having known these men for so long, she could read them like an opened book. Especially when it came to you.

“How about a little hint?” Taehyung offered, ignoring his older brothers.

“No.” Chunja responded back simply.

“Why not? A hint wouldn’t kill anybody.” he shot back.

“All matters discussed between Ms.Y/n and I are confidential. I was instructed by her to ensure that what goes on stays strictly between the two of us. That’s why, sir.”

Taehyung scoffed and turned away from Chunja. He respected your privacy and the fact that Chunja was only doing as she was instructed but hated being so left out of the loop. Hoseok and Jin acted like they weren’t anticipating an actual answer and were even more bad at hiding their slight disappointment. Chunja did feel a bit bad, however, seeing how distraught they looked at your absence. She smiled to herself and checked her watch. It was time for her to take her leave anyway as she stood up to exit. None of the men bothered to question her as she made her way to the door.

“I’ll tell you this,” she started off, instantly capturing the attention of all the men.

“Just know, the wait will have been worth it. I promise. That is all and I shall take my leave. Have a good day.” she said walking out the room and closing the door.

They each held their lingering gazes on the door for a bit before looking at one another. If anything, that only fueled their anticipation more and irritated Taehyung further.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yoongi was waiting inside the public cafe for you, passing time until your last class for the day finished up. The cafe was actually a part of the university’s main building and he was granted access to the inside. He had only been there for roughly 10 minutes when a group of girls stepped off of the elevator and entered the cafe, their eyes catching sight of him immediately. He could feel their hard stares on him but chose to ignore them, using his phone as an easy distraction from the uncomfortable feeling. He was used to this but it still never failed to make him any less fidgety.

Desperately trying to distract himself with pictures of you Jimin had snuck when you weren’t looking, one of the girls was bold enough to sit directly across from him with a sly smirk. She was a pretty little thing, one of the foreigners who came along with you at the beginning of the summer. The only reason why Yoongi knew this was because they combed through everyone's backgrounds as thoroughly as possible. He still kept his attention on his phone, hoping that him ignoring her obvious insertion would be enough of a hint for her to leave. However, he was surprised when she promptly took her manicured hand and gently pushed his phone down away from view.

Yoongi internally groaned, finally giving the girl his attention despite the fact that he was now irritated. She thought his reaction to be amusing but was a bit surprised when he didn’t seem as interested in her physical looks as she had hoped. Cradling her cheek in the palm of her hand she began to giggle, using her charm to try to enthrall the man. Yoongi raised a brow at this, finding amusement in her failed attempt to captivate him. Humans were funny creatures.

“Can I help you with something?” he asked as flat toned as possible.

“Yes, actually. I’ve seen you here quite a bit, coming and going like a ghost. Most of the students actually are aware of you and a couple of other men who pop out of God knows where.” she said, using her arms dramatically to prove her point.

“Oh, really now?” he asked, a tone of boredom lacing through his voice.

“Yep! And might I add you are VERY handsome. All of you for that matter. Like, unexplainably so. Did you know that it’s become a competition to see who can approach one of you first before you miraculously disappear? Funny thing is no one is truly ballsy enough to do it or, if they are, they were never lucky enough to find you.” she explained further.

“Except for me, that is.”

Yoongi couldn’t help but chuckle at that, entirely unaware of such ridiculous circumstances. However, he did have to admit that it made him leery about the amount of attention they’d been receiving. Each day, someone was always there to pick you up. They typically fought over who would come but it was always one of the seven. That explains why so many students had seen them wandering around. He just wasn’t expecting for them to have attracted so much attention. Yoongi definitely needed to discuss this with the others, not feeling particularly comfortable with this new found information. Especially when this could be detrimental to your safety.

“So, I gotta ask,” she said, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Why IS a handsome man, such as yourself, here alone in the main building’s cafe? Waiting for someone? You don’t seem like the type to NOT have a girlfriend. Even so, we can change that.”

“As a matter of fact, I am waiting for someone and she is very special to me. So if you’ll excuse me-” Yoongi said, attempting to leave.

The girl grabbed for his arm, a wave of displeasure evident on his face. Whether or not she was aware, she clearly didn’t seem all too bothered and kept the insistent look in her eyes.

“Why so quick to leave? All I wanted to do was talk a little and get to know you better. No harm in that, right? Tell you what, this special friend of yours doesn’t have to know about what special things we can do in private. Come on, it'll be fun. Our little secret~” she cooed with a giggle.

It seems that more and more people these days were becoming a little too honest with their desired intent. Quite frankly Yoongi was starting to get really tired of it. Before he could say or do anything further, you popped up next to him, tugging on the sleeve of his hoodie. No one had actually noticed you at first, the group too focused on the interaction between their friend and Yoongi. When Yoongi turned to look at you, so did the others.

“Are you ready to go.” you asked quietly, trying to avoid all the stares you were receiving from the group of girls.

Yoongi’s eyes softened and a gentle smile made its way onto his doughy cheeks. The girls watched how quickly his demeanor changed for you, it being quite obvious where his loyalty was placed. However, that was not enough to stop the perpetrator from continuing her actions.

“Oh, so she’s the one you were waiting for. Not...what I was expecting to be honest. Didn’t think someone like you would be into girls like her. Especially those who are a bit...more body loving. Guess in today's day and age our standards have dropped. Lucky you! Even if he is missing out on something better.” she said, eyeing you up and down before glazing over Yoongi slowly.

Her statement took everyone by surprise, even her friends. You’d be lying if you said that it didn’t irritate you but you kept up an act of stoicness. It was clear she was trying to get with Yoongi using whatever method she thought appropriate, but her rude and nasty attitude was more than enough of a turnoff for him. Her friends snickered under their breaths, some with shocked expressions and others with wide eyes and smiles. You glared at them, all of them turning away to avoid your gaze in response.

“No matter. There’s always time for you to come around. I don’t foresee this lasting long anyway.” she said under her breath, winking at Yoongi before turning back to her friends.

“Damn Rhea!” one of the other girls piped in with a contradicting smile.

“What?! I wasn’t trying to be mean or anything, only being honest. I mean, come on, he could do WAY better than that. I didn’t mean anything by what I said, I swear. People are just too sensitive these days.” she explained.

Yoongi heard that last part, using this as the best time to step away from the situation. However, you weren’t about to let it go that easily. You approached the group close enough to garner their attention again. They all looked at you but you decided to stare the one named Rhea directly in the eyes. With a curt smile and clear distaste in your gaze, you spoke up.

“At least I’m happy.” you stated.

“Excuse me?” she barked back.

“I said, at least I’m happy. I may not be the prettiest, skinniest, brightest, or most talented girl but I can confidently say that I’m one of the happiest. So what, maybe he does deserve someone better but, no matter what, in the end, his heart chose me and mine chose him. And I’m happy. That’s all that matters. I hope one day you too can find that happiness instead of trying to bring other people down by projecting your own insecurities. Your opinions about me are a reflection of yourself and do not have anything to do with how I really am as a person, inside or out. Please find it in yourself to prevent senseless and needless bullying to build yourself up. It’s not only desperate but a disgusting display of character. Have a good rest of your day, Rhea.” you calmly explained before bowing and lacing your fingers with Yoongi’s.

Tugging him away before even giving her a chance to make a retort, you were entirely unaware of the inevitable shock staining all their faces, including Yoongi’s. When you reached outside, growing closer to the curb where the vehicle had been parked, you paused, resulting in Yoongi doing the same. He watched you from behind, unable to really see your face. When you finally turned around, you held a distressed look and your cheeks were burning crimson.

“That was so embarrassing!! Was I mean??? Why do I feel….terrible about what I said? It’s almost as if I stooped down to her level!! But she was...she was such an asshole!! I don’t even know her and she had the audacity to be cruel like that! Who does that? Who-”

Yoongi cupped your cheeks, stopping you from your rambling. He looked at you proudly, a fond and content gleam in his eyes. This made your heart skip a beat, your mind temporarily forgetting about the earlier incident as you became dazed in his stare.

“You never fail to surprise me. That was amazing. A bit unexpected from someone I assumed was so quiet. Regardless, I’m so proud how quickly you stood up for yourself. So don’t feel bad for putting her in her place. She had no right to say those things to you and no reason either. Plus, if I’m being completely honest,” he said whispering into your ear.

“Kind of a big turn on seeing you so assertive like that.”

Your face flared as he laughed with that gummy smile of his, satisfied with your reaction. You puffed your cheeks, hitting his arm playfully as you whined at his teasing. He took the initiative to interlock your hands together this time before tugging you inside the vehicle. You both talked to one another until you reached the dorms, his hand never leaving your thigh as he drove. Each of you spoke about how you spent your day and how the rest of the week was going to possibly pan out. Yoongi had informed you that tonight would only consist of him and maybe a couple of others. They were all still fairly busy looking for Wang and Yuni as well as dealing with a new partnership with a foreign cartel group. You worried for their safety everytime they did stuff like this and understood the importance of it. But you had to admit that you really missed seeing them as often as you used to. In fact, it was getting to the point where you were thinking it was time to have “the talk” Chunja spoke to you about.

Lately, you’d been really needy and had found yourself fantasizing about them in less than appropriate ways. You could get yourself off no problem, something you had grown used to doing. But with the soulmate bond having bloomned more since the beginning, it had become harder and harder to become sexually satisfied. You even shamelessly had wet dreams about them all at some point or another, even having relations with a couple of them at once. Luckily, they were never around when those thoughts krept into your mind (or so you thought), so they could never really catch on to it through your smell. It was only something they noticed hours after and, even then, didn’t openly mention it. When you brought this up to Chunja she explained that it was your bond pushing you to officialize your love with your soulmates. When you had the courage to bring it up finally, the guys always found themselves busy and then leaving, you not wanting to bother them any further.

When Yoongi had grabbed your hand, he pulled you from your thoughts. He held a look of concern, waiting for you to give any type of indicator that you were alright. You smiled at him, realizing that he could smell your anxiety. Rubbing your thumb over the top of the skin of his hand, you nodded for the two of you to proceed to your room. Yoongi knew something was bothering you but decided to wait a bit before prying, hoping that you’d express your concerns when you were ready.

Opening the door to your room, you were a bit surprised to see Namjoon at your counter drinking what smelled like mint tea from his koala mug. He held a somewhat disgusted look on his face, the smell being pleasant but the taste not meeting his ideal standards. However, he perked up at your sudden appearance, that charming dimpled smile of his becoming something you were very fond of. You had quickly realized that he was a huge softy with a gentle and kind heart despite being the leader of a notorious mafia group. In fact, they all seemed more like your everyday college students during the times they weren’t occupied with work, which surprised you the more you spent time with them.

“Baby girl.” he affectionately called out to you.

He got up from his seat and quickly approached you with outstretched hands. Your bodies molded together, his warmth engulfing you as he wrapped his arms around your waist. It felt so good to feel him touching you...a little too good actually. As Namjoon rubbed the small of your back, an obvious act of innocence, you accidentally let out a moan that made both him and Yoongi freeze for a moment. You buried yourself deeper into his chest, rubbing the nape of his neck with your head in an attempt to feel as much of his warmth as possible. His scent was intoxicating and you couldn’t get enough of his or any of the others as of late. You didn’t realize what you had done and the implications that had followed your actions, but both Namjoon and Yoongi were trying really hard to control their hormones.

To explain what’s happening, recently you had noticed that each of the guys had a specific scent to them, one that you had not noticed before. You had always passed it off as cologne but overtime their smells had become stronger, affecting you in unexplainable ways. For some reason, since being in contact with Yoongi earlier, you’ve felt more on edge. To then have Namjoon’s scent mixed with his has only amplified one of the most intoxicating and addicting smells you've ever inhaled. It’s making you feel in ways you’d normally wouldn’t. This, in turn, has also triggered your soulmate bond, releasing its own scent to the guys.

Their eyes became a crimson red and their blood was slowly beginning to boil. The more the soulmate bond became triggered the more intensified the smell was. They knew they needed to act quickly but didn’t know how, never in their entire lives having experienced anything like this before. Luckily though, being human, the effects were not nearly as difficult to handle as they were for demons, them being much more sensitive to the process of it all. So when you pulled away with a bright smile as if nothing had just happened, you were surprised to see Namjoon with a darkening yet hesitant gaze, the crimson in his eyes only now subsiding. You furrowed your brows, concerned for the sudden shift in mood.

“Joonie?” you asked hesitantly.

“Is everything alright?”

He snapped out of his daze and averted his eyes. Quickly letting you out of his hold, he rubbed the back of his neck, his dimpled smile reappearing but with less vigor. It felt cold when he backed away from you, a pained expression evident in your features as an unexplainable irritation was bubbling inside of you. Yoongi must’ve noticed something was off and quickly grabbed for your hand, hoping that this would calm your rapidly rising nerves. You were thankful for that and attempted to bury the unwelcoming feeling as deep within you as possible. Unfortunately, that did not help with the now awkward mood that lingered heavily in the air. Not, at least, until Hoseok barged in.

“Oh! Y/n, you’re home!” Hoseok pointed out excitedly.

Before you had a chance to even fully take in his appearance, Hoseok wrapped his arms around you and buried his face in the crook of your neck. He started blowing raspberries on your skin, the tingling sensation instantly converting to a ticklish pleasure. You bursted out laughing, such a feeling bringing back nostalgic memories from when you were very little. Yoongi took advantage of this distraction to approach Namjoon quietly.

“You need to be more careful with how you respond to her. The mark is clearly making her more sensitive to the things we do and say.” he said with slight stress.

Namjoon already held a very guilty expression, having not been so dense to have missed the hurt on your face. He was aware, this conversation having been one of many discussed over the course of the past few weeks. They smelt when you were aroused and noticed how touchy you had been as of late. The fact that it’s almost as if you’re trying to inhabit their scent was another large indicator that “that” time was approaching. But none of them wanted to enact on their desires, especially without being absolutely sure you were comfortable, confident, and ready to broach that topic. Namjoon cherished that above all else, especially when it came to you. He refused to put you in a position where you were forced to do something you were not mentally, physically, and psychologically prepared for. And as much as he died on the inside after it had happened, he knew he needed to push you away during that moment. Yoongi did too, but after what had happened at the school, he could only fathom what was going through your head right now.

“Hmmm, it smells like mint tea. Did you make some?” Hoseok asked aloud with slight excitement.

“Oh! No, but I think Namjoon did. Did you want some?” you asked.

“Of course I would!” he said kissing the top of your head.

You smiled up at him and then directed your gaze towards Yoongi. He knew that was your way of asking and he willingly agreed to it. Turning to look at Namjoon, who seemed flustered when you made eye contact with him, he averted his gaze and shook his head.

“I...I’m not a fan of mint flavored things. Sorry for wasting your tea.”

You giggled at that, him perking immediately in response. You shook your head and waved your hand to dismiss his worries.

“There’s no need to apologize. I can drink yours! Would you like a different flavor? Maybe green tea instead?” you asked.

He displayed that familiar dimpled smile, somewhat relieved to see your kind and gentle features directed at him once again.

“That would be lovely.”

A few hours had passed and it had concluded that Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hoseok were going to be spending the night with you tonight. Your initial feelings had subsided almost entirely but there was still an underlying urge, an unexplainable yearning the more you inhaled this new concoction of smells birthed by the three males. You had announced that you were going to shower and then decide what's for dinner afterwards, hoping that the warmth of the water and a little bit of time away from them will fully bring you back to your senses. While you were gone, the guys had decided to discuss a few things, filling each other in on certain things.

“Hmmm, maybe only one of us should pick her up for now. Seeing how they already approached you hyung, do you mind doing it?” Hoseok asked.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t mind.”

“What about the mark?” Yoongi asked, immediately leading into the next topic.

“We need to talk to her about it. Tonight.” Namjoon announced with certainty.

Hoseok and Yoongi widened their eyes in surprise, shocked to see such willingness from him on a matter like this.

“It’s about time she’s been made aware of what’s happening. I can only imagine her being somewhat confused with these new found emotions. I know it may be more appropriate to have all of us here but I fear it may be too risky to keep her in wait like that.” he explained.

“With the way things are going in the business, who knows when the next time it’ll be when all of us are together again.” Hoseok sighed in frustration.

“Actually, I think it would make things worse if all of us were here during this talk. With how quickly the mark’s progressed, it may make her more uncomfortable and anxious than she’s already feeling. Now is definitely the best time to do this.” Yoongi offered up.

When it came to your feelings and emotions, Yoongi was typically spot on so they took what he said very seriously. They all agreed on the matter, waiting for you to come out of the shower and settle down before proceeding as planned. While you were in the bathroom, you stepped out of the shower actually feeling more aroused than you were ever intending. The way the hot water cascaded down your body, outlining the curvature of your body and reaching your most intimate places; all you could think about was it being Namjoon or Yoongi or Hobi. You attempted to keep your thoughts at bay, but the more you fantasized about it, the harder it was to not feel some type of way.

You sighed in frustration, slapping your cheeks to help you get it together. After you finished your skin care routine, you reached for the bag that held your clothes in it. When you pulled out the garments, you were shocked to see the lingerie that Chunja and you picked out the other day. Your heart stopped, realizing the mistake you made when you mindlessly reached for the wrong bag. The article of clothing was a black lace babydoll lingerie set with matching lace thongs. It was sheer enough to expose your skin and fitted in areas that accented the natural curves of your body. It stopped just below the end of your butt and even came with a matching garter. You really didn’t have a choice but to put this on, your only other option going out completely naked. You needed to avoid them seeing you like this before getting to your room. So you got dressed, mustered up enough courage, and quickly opened the door to maneuver to your room as quickly as possible. Except, that would’ve been the plan if Namjoon wasn’t standing there in the way getting ready to knock on the door.

You both stared at one another, his gaze eventually falling to your body and then widening in the process.

“F-fuck.” he hissed.

“What’s wrong?” Hoseok called out, approaching Namjoon.

Hoseok immediately stopped in his tracks when he had witnessed what you were wearing, eyes glazing over every part of your body with a predatory glint. You flushed when their gaze turned crimson for the second time that day, always having been a guilty pleasure of yours. Funny enough, instead of feeling embarrassed, you had a dark desire to have them keep admiring you and hopefully go further with less than appropriate actions. Opting against closing the door on them, like they had expected you to do, you remembered everything Chunja had told you and made an extremely bold move.

“I-I bought this outfit...specifically for you guys. I wanted you to see me in this. Just wasn’t expecting it to be like this.” you chuckled nervously.

There was still silence with the exception of approaching feet belonging to Yoongi, the last one to bear witness to the sight unfolding. This, oddly, increased your confidence in ways that were less than explainable. But you didn’t care. Not in the moment at least.

“This is what Chunja and I have been doing in secret. She’s told me how curious you’ve all been and how annoyed some of you have felt when I wasn’t around when you had hoped. I’m sorry for irritating you like that. It wasn’t my intention, but I hope this makes up for it. Which kinda segways into my next thing. I...I think...no...I know I’m ready. I believe I’ve been physically more than ready and just needed some time mentally but...I really do want to have-”

“Y/n.” Namjoon said cutting you off, a dark aura lacing through his voice.

“Do you know what you’re saying right now? What you’re implying?”

He held that same ambience as when he was being put into the position of mafia leader. It sent chills down your spine and a wet slickness pulling in your panties. This wasn’t your sweet, soft, crab loving Namjoon talking. This was the confident, authoritative, intimidating RM. The way he looked down at you, iris’ shining with a red that made blood look dull. Eyes as sharp as a dragons and his jaw clenched tightly with slight impatience. He towered over you and it felt like any minute his presence alone would swallow you up. At first you thought you were scared, fearful of the warnings behind his questions. But you soon realized that this dominating presence was fueling the burning desire to be taken and roughed up in every way, shape, and form. God if it wasn’t obvious by your flushed cheeks, heavy breathing, and desperate look in your eyes, it sure as hell was noticeable in the way your arousal’s scent flooded every crevice of your apartment.

And if you thought Namjoon was bad, Hoseok and Yoongi only added an immeasurable amount of pressure to the already overbearing atmosphere. You were feeling weak in your knees, something built up inside of the pit of your stomach when you had taken in their pure, domineering, predatory emenations. You couldn’t handle it anymore, the sensitive feeling overriding your body. Leaning into Namjoons chest and squeezing his arms for support, their presence alone sent you through an orgasm right there on the spot. You trembled when it subsided but the feeling of being turned on was still very present. They eyed you like some piece of meat, watching as a thick clear substance began spilling down your thighs and slowly pulling on the bathroom floor.

Tears were forming in your eyes, this unrecognizable and euphoric feeling being too much for your sensitive heart to handle. Everything burned; your skin, your stomach, your privates. You looked up at Namjoon who was barely touching you but making sure you were stable in his hold. You held such an innocent and child-like gaze, one filled with desperation and desire.

“Joonie. Please….I meant everything I said...so please...” you said whining.

“Which one baby girl? If this is truly what you want, which one would you like?” Yoongi asked with a seriousness in his voice, having a hard time holding back ripping you from Namjoon’s arms.

“I...I have to choose?” you whined childishly.

A chuckle could be heard from Hoseok who slicked his hair back and held the same darkening gaze shared between the others.

“Yes love. It’s your first time, remember. Three’s a bit too much.”

“I’ll...I’ll decide what I can handle…” you breathed out heavily.

“And I want...you all to fuck me. All...at the same time. I want to feel your girth, the curvature of your dicks, the bulging veins. I want all of it at once. Fill me up until I explode and ram me until I can no longer walk. I want you to bend me over and take me. Leave marks on my neck, tell me how much of a good girl I am, praise me. I want to make you all mine and show everyone that we belong to one another. Say my name. Only my name, like a chant. An unforgettable mantra. That’s what...I want.” you practically growled out.

The three men paused, frozen by the vulgar choice of words coming from their little angel. One so sensitive, so sweet, so innocent was in reality a filthy, vulgar, submissive imp. And that was all they needed to hear to proceed. Namjoon gripped your chin to position it where you met his gaze. If looks could kill, you’d be dead three times over by now.

“Not exactly how this was supposed to go but if this is what you want, we will give it to you.” he said.

“What baby wants, baby gets.” Hoseok chuckled darkly.

You lightly laughed at that, the reality of it all coming down on you with great anticipation.

“Good thing...I was blessed to accommodate all three of you at the same time...or this would have been a bit more difficult...to try and do.” you shamelessly admitted between heavy breaths.

“You really are full of surprises love.” Yoongi snickered, guiding you and the others to the bedroom.

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CHAPTERS: Prev - Next

[g0ldengubler]

chapter 6~life is a “high” way

(*i do not own this gif*)

A/N: this chapter is honestly one of personal favs because we get to see more of spencer feeling more confident in himself in a way while still being him and it’s just aaaaa :’) tomorrow you will get chapter 7 but then after that, expect chapters to come out a bit slower, including requests (which i am working on currently and thank you so much for sending them my way!). lots of my focus needs to be on my personal life but writing helps me get through all of that hell, so i’m in a very wishy washy position lol. thank you so much for the love on nauseous i love uuuuuu

Category: fluff w smut at the end

CW: road head, d/s dynamic, daddy kink

Word Count: 3282

before you read | last chapter | next chapter (coming soon!*)

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Spencer parks in front of your apartment building and stays in his seat as you get out. You both had decided that packing up right away and not going to lunch was better. That way, you can learn more about each other on the way there. You couldn't wait to get inside that smarty-pants brain of his and find out what's really going on in there.

You shut the car door and start walking, but stop when you don't hear his footsteps behind you. When you walk back to the car, you see Spencer sticking his battery in the cigarette lighter to charge.

"You're more than welcome to come in, y'know." You chuckled.

Spencer looks up at you, licking his lips as he moves some of his hair behind his ear. "It's ok, I don't want to bother."

"You won't be a bother. I've been to yours, now you can come into mine."

"Oh, so that's how that works huh? You have to go into the guys apartment before the guy goes to yours?" Spencer said sarcastically.

"You know what I mean!" You pull open the car and grab his hand, "C'mon, Spence. You'll be fine!"

He giggles under his breath and comes out of the car. After locking it, the two of you head inside and up the elevator to the 4th floor. Once at your door, you unlock it and open up to 4 paws jumping onto you. You hear Spencer gasp in surprise and giggle at his reaction, making it seem like you were giggling at your two buddies. Sitting on your old couch was your next door neighbor, Seth, who was watching Pose on the tv.

"Thank you again for watching the boys while I was gone. I really owe you big time for doing this." you say as you get up from the floor.

Seth gets off of the couch and walks up to you to give you a hug. "Anytime! If anything, they can stay at my place when you go on a case-" He stops and looks over at Spencer, standing awkwardly by the door still and letting the dogs sniff him, "Although, it seems like this new case was a success."

"Shut up, Seth!" You giggle, lightly slapping him on the arm. Realizing you forgot your manners, you quickly try to take it back. "Seth, meet Dr.Spencer Reid. Doc, meet my neighbor, Seth."

Seth reached his hand out to shake, but Spencer politely denies. "Sorry, I-I don't shake hands. It's actually been proven that it's safer to kiss." You catch Seth's eyes looking him up and down. "Seth stop teasing him like that!" You laugh. Spencer wasn't into guys, but somehow Seth looking at him made you a little jealous. You're not even dating the man, y/n shut up, you think to yourself.

"You and I will talk later." He says.

"Oh, Spence! These are my babies. The scottie is Benedict and the husky is Draco."

The room went silent for a moment, Spencer trying to hold in a chuckle. "Yes, I did name them after Benedict Cumberbatch and Draco Malfoy. I've had them picked out since I was a teenager, don't judge."

"Oh c'mon hun," said Seth, "it's adorable that you named them the way you did."

"It is," Spencer spoke, "I didn't depict you as a nerd."

"Oh my god, you kidding? She's probably the biggest nerd I've ever met with all her Sherlock and other crime shows, Harry Potter, Doctor Wh-"

"Ok, I think he gets it Seth!" You cut him off. That was enough embarrassment for today.

"I will say, Benedict or Tom Felton could always come my way."

You slap him on the arm again laughing. You look back at Spencer, who was awkwardly chuckling along with. You then announce that you were going to get in the shower. "Seth, can you take them for a few more nights? We're going up to my dad's cabin back home for the weekend. Also, when I get out and do my makeup, you promised me that you would tell me how your date went last night with 'Mr.Perfect' as you said it."

"Bitch I have ALLLLLL the tea that I'm not missing on spilling!"

"Good. Now you two get along. And Spence," He looks up at you, his hazel eyes looking into you...

"Don't miss me too much, hm?"

Then you walked into your bathroom, trying to wrap your brain on the fact that you just said that to him.

                           ~Spencer's POV~ I can't believe she said that.

She left me here a little turned on. I could start feeling my pants getting tight and had to put my bag over myself as I sat on the couch so then I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of Seth. I looked around her apartment to distract myself of thoughts of being in the shower with her. She had a very interesting aesthetic. Walls white with old picture frames that had beautifully taken old photos in them. The lamps that were in the living room looked like they were from the 70's, old gold coating chipped off at some parts of the stand. While there was a vintage look to her place, it was also very modern at the same time, a minimalistic look took over her kitchen. She had a fake vine hanging from the wall behind her tv, some of it covering her maroon record player. In some ways, our aesthetics were similar. If she had a bookcase in here, I'd feel like I was at my place.

Seth and I began to get to know each other. I came to find out that Seth worked as a bartender at a club, and he enjoyed taking photos for his social media. "I would love to be a photographer," he said, "but right now it's just a hobby that I do mostly during the colder months." He says cold, cloudy days (especially if it's raining) were the best times to take photos, in his opinion.

"So," he says, "you work with y/n at the BAU?"

"Yeah, we've really become good friends in the past 9 days. It's like we've known each other for years. Plus, she's great out on the field. She's definitely someone myself and the rest of the team will never take for granted."

"Thank god," Seth said as I heard the water turn off, "She told me that it was her dream to be a part of the BAU. She would never stop talking about it when she was in college."

"Hm, she never mentioned that to me."

"Well, let her tell you on your way to the cabin. She'll love it."

After a little bit more conversation, y/n came back to the living room. Her hair was damp, not fully wet but not dry either. She had thrown on a white turtle neck shirt with a brown sweater vest over it. She matched it with darker brown corduroy pants, cuffing the bottoms. In her hands was what looked like to be her makeup bag. She sat down in front of the mirror that was in the corner on the left side of the tv (when you look at the tv), beginning the process.

Seth and y/n talk about his date from last night and got pretty detailed about it. He talked about how the man took him to a gay bar that was a few blocks from here, and how they danced and drank the night away. "Oh and then get this," says Seth, "we're pretty drunk at this point, right? Well at one point, the local queen that performed came up to me and tried to flirt and shit, thinking she was all that and a bag of lashes, and he saw how uncomfortable I was and stood up for me. And let me tell you, he was REA-DY to throw hands!"

"Stooooop he's literally a keeper!" y/n says.

Once she was done with her makeup, she gets up and goes back to her room, coming back out with her luggage. She goes over to the door to grab a pair of Vans and comes back to tell Seth and her children goodbye.

"I'll be back in a few days. Thanks again, Seth. I really-"

"Owe me one, I know I know!" Seth cuts her off, "Now go have some fun and relax, you need to after working so damn hard for this job!" He turns to me and waves. "And it was very nice meeting you, Doctor."

"It was nice to meet you, too! But please, you can just call me Spencer."

Seth smiles as we walk out the door. What this trip will bring? For once, I'm letting fate take the lead instead of science.

~Y'N's POV~ It had been about a few hours of being on the road. At this point, you were somewhere in Pennsylvania, but not sure if you were close enough to Philly to grab a cheesesteak. You think back to the start of the drive. You suggested that you'd be the dj because your library on spotify had a full range of genres with some songs you had no clue were in there. "It'd be a fun little journey!" You told Spencer. And that it was, a journey.

You ended up driving right by a dispensary before even leaving DC. Garcia told you that that's where she gets her stuff, but knowing that bringing a lot of weed across the country wouldn't be a fun trip, you two decided to go with the original plan and just wait till you get to Michigan.

You could tell Spencer was getting a kick out of your music library. While majority of the songs he didn't know, he was still being goofy and jamming out along with you, trying to match the same energy you were having. The songs that talked about sex, drugs, and/or alcohol surprised him every time, his jaw dropping or his eyes bulging out of his head as he listened to the lyrics. You couldn't help yourself but laugh at his reactions, which would make him laugh along with you.

You two weren't alone, however. You were pretty much sucking down on the carts you still had, although you both made a deal that whoever was driving could only get a little high if they wanted to, drinking plenty of water and eating snacks to sober you up a bit if needed.

Driving through Pennsylvania, you look out the window and onto the scenery around you. You weren't paying attention, however, because you couldn't stop the dirty thoughts that intruded your mind. You couldn't help to think about giving him head, since you hadn't done it yet because both times he gave you all the pleasure. You couldn't wait to get to the cabin and go straight to your knees for him. Suddenly, you tried to get them out of your head. 'You're getting way too excited, y/n. STOP IT!' you thought to yourself.

You decided to just feel everything around you, taking a few more hits from your pen before taking it in. Nineteen by Movements was playing; it was like you could feel the song itself and everything about it as you looked up at the very tall street lamps passing by. Nothing felt better than this moment. Just you and Spencer out on the open road. It felt like nothing could stop you two. You felt free, but you also felt safe and complete, something you haven't felt in a long time.

At one point, you couldn't take it anymore. It was 2:30am and Spencer was still driving. He told you to get some sleep but you weren't sleepy or tired at all. You tried to feel free but when you did, you thought of Spencer, which led to dirty thoughts. It was like you couldn't escape it, and every time the thoughts came, you couldn't help but secretly rub your thighs together for some kind of friction.

As you tried to get the thoughts out of your head, you look over to see a nice little surprise. The passing lights outside helping you see, you noticed the bulge in Spencer's pants. How in the hell would he be getting hard now of all times? Were dirty thoughts intruding his mind, too? Seeing that made you even more wet than you already were. This was your chance.

You look out to the open road in front of you, and gently graced your fingers across his bulge. You look out the corner of your eye...nothing. Not even a flinch. 'Playing hard to get, hm?' You thought to yourself. So you did it again, which made him shift in his seat a little, still pretending he didn't notice anything. Finally, with some kind of courage that you never knew you had, you grabbed his cock through his pants and slowly started to stroke it. His eyes came out of his head, letting out a small gasp.

"You know I'm driving, right?" He asked, "We could crash if I'm paying attention more to this and not on the road."

You give him a smirk, "It's almost 3am," you begin to say, but then you notice that you're the only car on the road, "and no one else is on the road right now."

You start to undo his belt with your one hand. "You pleasured me twice already," you continue, your hand successfully undoing the belt and undoing the zipper on his pants, reaching inside to pull out his already, fully hard cock, "I need to show my thanks somehow, don't I?"

Spencer shifts in his seat, keeping his eyes out on the road. You were kind of hoping he was looking for somewhere to pull over, but you wouldn't mind doing it as he drove. "You...you already did...b-by inviting me to your dad's cabin."

You stopped stroking and he almost let out a whimper. "I saw that bulge in your pants just a few minutes ago, are you suuuurree you don't want to...daddy?"

Just hearing the word 'daddy' made him grab your hair tightly. You smiled as you shifted your position in your seat to go down on him. When you were ready, Spencer stopped at a red light and pulled your face close to his, lips almost ghosting each other.

"You better make daddy feel good then, since you're being such a fucking brat right now." He whispered as you continued to slowly stroke him again.

You couldn't even react to what he said because once the light turned green, he guided your head down to his cock before letting the tightness on your head go and letting his hand rest on top. You decided to egg on your bratty-ness by teasing the tip, giving him kitty licks at first and then slowly just running your tongue in it, licking up the pre cum.

Spencer tightens his grip again, making you whimper. "I'm not sure doing that is a good idea, angel. Do you want to get punished once we're there?"

You shook your head no, but the thought of him punishing you made you feel yourself drip between your thighs.

Spencer moves his grip from your hair and slaps your ass with a huge SMACK, which made you moan loudly.  "You have to use your words, angel. Unless you want to be a little slut tonight."

You look up at him to see his eyes were still on the road. You smirk as you pump him a few times before taking his head in your mouth. You bob up and down slowly, hearing him grunt and curse under his breath. You step it up by going down a little lower, each time going back up and then going lower until you had all of him in your mouth. You stayed like that for a few moments, gagging on it.

"Oh fuuuck that's it...that's it baby, take my cock in your mouth, just like that." He says before pulling you off to let you breathe. He's quiet for a moment before he says, "Now I'm going to guide you, angel. You're gonna make daddy feel more good than he already was, got it?"

"Yes, daddy." you answer, knowing that he wanted to hear you say again.

He pushes your head back on his cock, moving you head faster than before. He couldn't get enough it, making you gag every so often and pulling you back up. Spencer's cock twitched in your mouth and you knew he was close. He controls your head faster, his rhythm getting sloppy.

"You want me to cum in that pretty mouth of yours, angel? You want daddy's cum?" He growled, trying not to thrust into your mouth as he continues to drive.

"Mhmm!" You moan, which almost made him go over the edge.

"Keep doing that for daddy, moan for me. God, I bet you just love having my cock in your mouth, but I'm sure you're just desperate for my cum."

You moan again. That you were. You wanted his cum so bad in your mouth so you could taste him; taste how good you made him feel.

"Don't...fuck...don't stop doing that, angel...that's it...fuck I'm gonna cum..."

And with that, you feel his cum shoot inside your mouth, letting out moans and cursing. You slowly continued to suck him, getting every last drop. When you did, you move up to face Spencer as he pulled over, showing his cum in your mouth at first and then closing your mouth to swallow and open back up to show him it was gone. The look in his eyes told you that that was the hottest thing he's ever seen.

Spencer pulls you in surprisingly and attacks your lips with his, as if he was hungry for them. He was almost eating your face but you didn't care, you kissed him back and let your tongues play with one another. You both pull away after a bit and he just looks into your eyes. You look into his hazel eyes and felt complete.

"Now, will you stop being a brat and get some sleep?" He asks.

You giggle as you quickly look at the time in the car radio. "It's 3:15," you said, "it's my turn to drive."

"But now you're all tired from pleasing daddy," he jokes, "so you get some sleep, and I'll drive. I really don't mind it. Honest."

"Are you sure?"

Spencer nods his head. You decided to give in and get comfy in your seat.

"Goodnight, Spence." You say as you move the top part of the seat all the way back. You grabbed your traveling pillow and placed it on top of your right arm, laying your head as you turned your body to face away from him.

"Goodnight, angel."

[masterhandss]

‘My Next Life as A Villainess’ Anime is over...

SO WHAT NOW???

A lot of us are disappointed that Katarina’s adventures are finally over, and a lot of us are gonna miss watching the wacky hi-jinks of our dense villainess. I’ve seen a lot of people say that they will stop posting or paying attention to hamefura after the anime ends, and while I might be the same to some extent, I just want to say that there are still a lot of hamefura things to look forward to after the anime ends!

These are actually some very obvious things to look forward to, but you know I’d still like to share them so you can use them to fill the hole in your heart that the anime left behind.

-------

Edit: (9/30/20) I added stuff, as well as a cut for all yall who says my posts are too long qwq

The Manga

Hamefura still has an on-going manga that is currently in Chapter 3 of the Light Novels! A lot of you already read it, and understand that it can get frustrating when there’s a lack of updates on the english side of things, but if you’re really curious, you can go over and check out the JP releases every month so you can have an idea of whats to come for the manga :DD (The fan translation of ENG Chapter 26 came out a few days ago so you know it’s not dead!!)

I’d recommend reading the english translation on Mangadex, since most translation groups officially upload their translation on there. 

The Spin-off (Hametsuo/Bakarina Alter)

It deserves it’s own category for just how unique it is in terms of its reception in the western crowd. I know a lot of people probably read it, but I guess people barely talk about because it’s not really that far into it’s premise yet. 

I just can’t stop recommending this manga to people (despite not going where I thought it’d be) because of how good the art-style is and how much promise it has. It updates monthly, which I know is a long wait, but it does pay off when you see the quality of everything. Plus it’s just fun to imagine how hamefura would go if it followed the typical “villainess otome isekai” format.

I actually love talking about hametsuo, so maybe my posts are woth the look ;; w ;;

The Light Novels

credits to @sparckle-art​ for the scans!

I’m happy to read that a lot of people are gonna go switch and buy the light novels after the anime ends! By the time the anime ends, the Vol. 6 of the LN would release a week later, acting kind of like a replacement of what is supposed to be a new episode for that week.

The fan-translated version of the web novel is available online, up until half of Vol. 4, but I still recommend buying the books on bookwalker (i don’t know if the sale is still there, but I’d recommend picking up the book regardless!). If reading the fan translation piqued your interest, then playing for the books would definitely worth your money if you ask me! 

An increase of sales might show them that there’s interest for this light novel, and might make them translate the JP novels even faster! (or maybe i’m just too impatient to wait 2-3 months for Volume 7 dshfjsfgs who knows?)

My only warning is that the tone really does shift post-arc 1 (Fortune Lover I) so if you’re looking for harem hijinks, from spoilers I’ve seen I think there would less of that and more of world building. (ps. please stop asking me where to read it ;;-;;)

Edit: Volume 8 is coming out in a few months, with Volume 9 probably being released at either Jan or Feb next year, then after that it’ll be a yearly update

StoryMe Otome Game

credit to the hamefura reddit discord for the screenshots!

I’m surprised a lot of people doesn’t know about the StoryMe game, despite it updating every week alongside the anime. Just kidding I didn’t either lol, I actually found about this thanks to the hamefura reddit discord server! StoryMe is a choose-your-own-adventure otome game, kind of like those “Episodes” or “Chapters” game that gets recommended on Youtube a lot. 

It’s still in japanese, which is probably why not a lot of people knows of it yet, but it seems like you can play as Katarina and romance anyone from the entire harem (yes, the girls too), so keep you eyes peeled for if ever it gets an english translation!

It’s basically the bluray Fortune Lover game with the DVDs, but instead of Maria, you actually get to play as Katarina!

(I’ll make a separate post for this later, maybe)

Edit: The game just came out in English in September 16, and just spat out a 11-episode update at September 30

tldr: go play it, it has 19 episodes out right now

Katarina’s Farm

It’s a newly announced mobile game with a web trial version that centers around playing as Katarina, trying to earn money and points for expanding your farm land, planting more expensive plants and getting the other members of the harem to join you! It’s a 2D pixel game that seems like it wouldnt take too much time to play (you can get the first 4 characters within 30 minutes of gameplay, but that might be adjusted in the mobile version) so I understand if it might not interest some people, but that’s still something to look forward to!

I made another post about it so check out the link to the web version here!

The Bluray Otome Game

While I can’t say this for certain, but maybe if there was ever an official english bluray release, it might include the Fortune Lover Male Capture Target Routes that are included in the game. Maybe someone will play it and translate it even! It would interesting to see how different the boys are, and give us further appreciation for Katarina’s influence and changes!

There’s a preview for a CG in Keith’s Route, which comes with the second bluray (no pv for Geordo ;; w ;;)

Edit: All the boy’s routes are out in Japanese

We don’t know if they’ll ever be released in English though, so hopefully someone translates them at least ;;w;;

The Manga and Yuri Anthology

Missing the hilarious and heartwarming antics of Katarina and her harem? Then you should check out the Manga Anthology (that has just been been translated in its entirety). It’s 14 chapters of absolute hilarity!

There’s also a Yuri Anthology, featuring the 4 girls of the harem! If you’re looking for more of that then, it’s an absolute recommendation!

Spin-off Visual Novel

Edit: They recently just announced a spinoff visual novel! It takes place after the Fortune Lover 1 Arc and features sexy pirates hgsjhgsdf

It’s just recently announced so there’s not a lot of info besides the company making it (it’s Otomate) and the fact that it’s gonna be an all new Bakarina adventure uwu

Bakarina Radio

I heard there’s a Bakarina Radio too, featurning the VAs of the anime cast. 

I don’t know if its a regular thing or a one time thing, but its still worth checkin out!

https//twitter.com/hamehura/status/1309831738525278209

The Second Season of the Anime

I seriously wasn’t expecting another season, considering how different the next arc is, but I’m happy nonetheless for more Bakarina! I hope this motivates the fans to continue supporting the series, as a bigger reaction will definitely lead to more content for us to enjoy! I have a theory about S2, which I think is worth the read :3c

Other Otome Isekais

There’s a lot of other Villainess Otome Isekai’s that are worth the read, and a lot of them as just as interesting as hamefura, despite the lack of a harem (from deep rooted revenge to hilarious and crazy villainess, there’s a lot!) The quickest recommendation I can give is just looking up “Akuyaku” and “Villainess” on Mangadex (do both btw they dont have the same results), but theres a lot that doesn’t get recommended so do your research! I swear it’s worth your time!

Anyways, I hope any of these fill the hole that the hamefura anime will leave in our hearts as we wait for season 2! (sorry for repeating the same line again hdsfgdjhsfg) Feel free to add anything like fanfic recommendations and artists, as I can’t cover everything on my own, as those really help provide hamefura fans with content :DD

[sailorspazz]

Remote 10 Dance Ball

I know this is coming way late (as in, 3 months after it occurred!), but I’d always been planning to write up a report about the Real 10 Dance event that took place shortly after vol. 6’s release in Japan. Before I get into the explanation of what exactly this is under the cut, enjoy this promo image that ticket holders were able to print out at Japanese convenience stores (mine had to be printed by friends who live there and then scanned to me)

The Real 10 Dance is a series of events that have taken place over the past few years featuring real life pros performing routines inspired by the manga, meaning that most of the dances feature male-male couples (though they all have female partners in their regular careers, for these performances they dance together, and the women are given a group number to perform). The most recent live event took place in September 2019 shortly after vol. 5’s release, and there was another planned for 2020 in Osaka, but it was delayed and eventually completely canceled due to Covid restrictions. Wanting to still put on the event in some form, they later announced that it would take place virtually, and would be branded as the Remote 10 Dance Ball. For the cost of 1,000 yen, viewers could watch a stream of the event as many times as they pleased from the time it went live on March 20 until the viewing deadline 72 hours later. Unlike the in person events, there were no merchandise buying opportunities, but there was the option of paying additional 1,000 yen tips to either the performers, the production committee, or Inouesatoh herself. Choosing any of these options would give that ticket holder access to a code to print the postcard shown above, as well as a link to view a 17 minute making-of video of the event.

Before I get into the rundown, The Real 10 Dance Twitter account posted a preview video a couple weeks before the event, which you can watch if you’d like to see some of the action instead of just still images (and the only ones I’ll share here are those that were posted publicly, since they were pretty adamant about no screenshotting/recording of the event…not gonna lie, I did attempt to screenshot a couple parts, but due to the shaky streaming quality, the official photos are much better than what I was able to capture anyway :P) Also, I only made bare minimum notes while I was watching this (and was drinking hard cider), so I’ll give as much detail as I can remember, but there are definitely things I’ll have forgotten by now.

The show started off with one of the female pros giving a demonstration of how to apply makeup for competitions. After this came an introductory show with all of the participants dancing to the opening theme from La La Land.

Next up was some of the pros talking about the characteristics of their costumes, such as the Latin outfits having features like illusion netting to make their limbs look longer, and fringe to create movement.

After this, some of the pros gave tours of the dance schools that they run, which also served as advertisements for those who may be interested in signing up for lessons.

Then came some step demonstrations, showing specific panels from the manga and then describing how to perform the moves. This included Al and Suzuki’s rumba walk from chapter 18, and the throwaway oversway from the chapter 4 scene where Sugiki turns Suzuki into a princess. For the oversway, they performed the move a few different times, using prompts such as “do it like the world’s about to end” to show how the same move can feel very different depending on the emotion behind it.

This was followed by an interview with former standard world champion Christopher Hawkins. The interview was conducted in Japanese, as he is fluent in the language (Inouesatoh tweeted about him being the inspiration to have Norman speak some Japanese in the story, though she acknowledged that Chris’ abilities are far above Norman’s very basic phrases). It included two interviewers asking questions that were submitted by Inouesatoh and her editor. It started off with some basic talk about the process of training and getting prepared for competitions, then moved on to topics like whether he had any competition related superstitions/habits, such as how some dancers will have a pair of lucky underwear they always wear when competing. He said he had a specific order to how he would button his shirt and attach his cufflinks (as in, not just going straight up or down, but skipping over some and coming back to them), and if he didn’t do this specific routine it made him feel like the competition would go poorly. After telling this story, he laughed and said that he’s never told anyone about this before, so it was definitely an interesting question. Then came probably the most important question for fans of 10 Dance: since the series centers around men dancing together, what sort of experience does Chris have dancing with other men? (Funnily enough, for some reason, the male interviewer first asked this question in Japanese, then rather enthusiastically asked the question in English as well lol). Chris said that of course he’s danced with male students a lot in the course of teaching them, but outside of that also had times where he would train in the female role so he knew how it felt to be the following partner, and therefore could become a better lead. He mentioned some performance he did with another high level male dancer that was pretty amazing (forgive me, I didn’t catch the name at all, or even whether he was a standard or Latin specialist), which caused the female interviewer to joke about writing a love story about the two of them.

Then came the main draw of the event, the dance show! I’ll include the song, dance style, and an image from each performance below.

One Way or Another by Blondie, jive

Lady Marmalade (I believe it was the Moulin Rouge movie version), ladies group cha-cha

Half of Me by Ken Hirai, rumba (I don’t know if it’s just because it made me think of the melancholy rumba shown on vol. 6’s cover, but this made me both want to cry and watch it multiple times over, definitely my favorite because apparently I like to punish myself with sadness :P)

All of Me by Michael Bublé, foxtrot (this was filmed both in the performance space and out on the streets in one of the locations used in chapter 33, as shown in this video from one chilly looking morning. Also, this dance featured a leader switch partway through!)

If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes, cha-cha

Finale with all participants to It’s Time to Dance from “The Prom” musical

Last up was a virtual art exhibition featuring 17 sketches by Inouesatoh, including the most powerful sexual stimulant in the known universe, Bathrobe Sugiki.

Overall, I was very happy to get the chance to witness this event. Normally, the number of people would be limited to just those who were in Japan and able to purchase tickets before they sold out, but this remote version allowed a much larger number of people from all over the world to watch (I bought my ticket not even knowing if it would be region locked or not, but thankfully it wasn’t). I hope that the world situation improves and they can put on the event live and in-person again (even better if I could somehow find a way to attend when that happens!), but I think this was a great alternative, and probably a good way to make some revenue in a time when the ability to stage events is limited. The price of 1,000 yen was an incredibly good deal for all the content that was presented (and you better believe I slammed an extra 1,000 straight to Inouesatoh; the only merch I’ve been able to buy is secondhand, and while this satisfies my needs as a collector, it unfortunately doesn’t provide any support to the author). If real life performances are still a long way off and they decide to do a virtual one again, you bet your ass I’ll be right there in the (imaginary) front row!

[tellmeyellme]

Bound to each other (prologue)

genre: angst,  ennemies to ???

pairing: Kuroo x reader

WC: 1520

He soon realized you were both bound to meet.

              When you first met Kozume, he was petting your cat and told you he was waiting for his friend. You were young, as young as him, so as most children would, you tried to engage in conversation and make him your friend.

After all, you had just moved in, and you thought it would be better for you to at least know someone. When you learnt that you went to the same school as he did, you felt nothing but relief: you wouldn't have to start the new school year all by yourself. When your mother called you back home, you worried about him, hoped his friend wouldn't take too long to show up.

On your way for the first day of middle school, you crossed Kozume's path. He was talking to someone, you guessed it was the friend he was waiting for during that day. You were not exactly shy, but you found it harder to go and greet him when he wasn't alone, so you kept walking towards the school's gate. Your gazes crossed, and he seemed to wait for you to come, but that didn't change your mind, deciding you could do that before classes started.

You had already settled your notebook when he showed up in front of your desk:

" You didn't greet me, was that because you were worried about Kuro?" he asked. Oh, so that was his name, you concluded. "I don't know him, and I didn't want to interrupt the both of you. But at least I guess he was on time today," you tried to joke, hoping not to make the situation more awkward than it already was. "I guess so, but if he was, I might have been able to introduce you to each other."

“Well, we could always do that during recess, right?”

Recess came quickly, and you followed Kozume. While when you first saw Kuroo this morning, laughing with your classmate, he seemed approachable, you were met with nothing but coldness. You did not read too much into this, and thought he just had a bad first impression since you did not greet him this morning. You couldn’t blame him, you might have reacted the same way if the roles were reversed. So you tried your best to change that, so that you could make him a friend; you knew he was close to Kozume, so you concluded that he couldn’t be a bad person. That, and also you didn’t want your friendship with Kozume to be clouded by a misunderstanding.

Months passed by, and it seemed like what was once coldness on his part had grown into hatred. You wanted to give up on him, and you had no choice but not to: he tended to come to Kozume’s house a lot since they both were Neighbors, and you tended to go to Kozume’s house to play videogames with him, so you were bound to cross each other’s paths at some point.

You had tried to find a reason why he was so cold with you. You really did, and for much longer than any middle schooler would. At first you thought it was because you were introverted and he was more extroverted, but you realized that it would not make sense, because Kozume was also introverted, and they were both best friends. You thought it was because you knew nothing about volleyball, that would have probably been nothing but a petty excuse, but you decided to give it a try. You watched a few matches to understand the rules before you asked him to teach you how to play volleyball, which you grew to like, but when you did, he looked at you with utter disdain. So didn’t seek to pursue it. And as you did, you decided all your efforts weren’t worth it, and that one day, he might mature and tell you what you did wrong.

Having to meet him with Kozume was a thing, because he would always tell him to cool down if he ever got too mean with you, but having to meet him at your family house was another. You had moved here because your parents had more business associates in Japan, and especially in Tokyo, so it would be more convenient for them to be close. Little did you know that one of those associates was Kuroo’s father. It really seemed like fate kept pulling you together.

    You thought he would at least try to make it seem like he had nothing against you in front of your parents, but he did not. You were thankful he had at least the decency not to snap some remarks at you. You noticed something that night. While both of your parents were there, it was only him and his father. That was a part of his life you did not know about, but then again, he would have had no reason to tell you about it. You wondered if Kozume knew. Probably. That must have been the reason why he was so often at Kozume’s place. You decided it would be wiser not to ask him. You ignored each other for most of the dinner, and you prayed that it would be a one-time thing. Despair spread across your face as you heard your parents, “it was nice having you here, next friday at your place it is?” It would not be a one-time thing.

    The next Monday at school, you decided not to mention it, neither to Kozume nor Kuroo. You had just been accepted into the school’s basketball club, and you did not want your mood to be spoiled by a grudge some upperclassman held to you for apparently no reason. You decided to eat with the other club members; it would allow you to get out of your comfort zone -to be honest, you already had Kozume, and you were so preoccupied to fix the Kuroo situation, as you so called it, that you never made new real friends. You sent Kozume a text beforehand so that it wouldn’t wait for you. 

    Having new friends did not change anything between you and Kozume, you still ate with him every second day and spent most of your recesses with him, but it allowed you to take a break from Kuroo’s incessant remarks.

    You had kept this routine until Kuroo entered high school, when you went back to eating with Kozume every day. This year announced itself to be great: you had become the captain of the basketball club, you had great grades, and you wouldn’t have to deal with Kuroo everyday. You were not stupid, you expected that Kuroo graduating meant that he would spent more time at Kozume’s house to catch up, but you were still disappointed when that happened

    You now only saw him when you were both at Kozume’s place, and thankfully, the dinner with his father that was once a weekly thing had become a monthly thing. Yet, this new life was bittersweet. He probably wanted to make up for the time where he couldn’t annoy you, because  you felt like it got ten times worse. He had never insulted you when he was still in middle school. You were both waiting for Kozume when he did for the first time. You wondered if it was because of new friends he made, but a part of you knew he wasn’t the type to hang around bullies -even if in some ways, he had turned himself into one. That was the turning point into your relationship, you had never asked Kozume about it, because you didn’t want him to be uncomfortable by talking about his other friend.

“Say Kozume, do you remember our first day of middle school?”

“As much as I can,” Kozume answered, eyes riveted on his console.

“You remember how I didn’t greet you when I arrived ? Is that the only reason Kuroo hates me so much?” You knew you must have sounded dumb, maybe even desperate, but at this point you would do anything to fix the Kuroo situation.

“I know Kuro can be petty, but I don’t think he can be that petty, especially about something that happened when you were eleven,” he looked at you when he said that, and you knew that even if he didn’t show it, he wished for this old feud to stop.

“So you’re telling me he never told you?”

“I’d rather not talk about you when I’m with him, for obvious reasons.”

    You knew that was the truth, that Kozume wasn’t the most confrontational person, and that even if he was, Kuroo would have probably told him off.

    Soon enough, it was your turn to start high school. You were not in the same class as Kozume anymore, he was in 1-3 while you were in 1-6. You had joined the basketball club, and since its schedule didn’t clash with the volleyball club’s, Kozume asked you to be their manager. You still remember a few things about volleyball, and even if it was not much, you came to the conclusion that it would be enough to learn more on the fly. What you didn’t remember was that the reason why Kozume played volley was also the reason why you never pursued it.

A/N: Hiiii: I hope you appreciated this chapter, i really liked writing it, even if it’s my first time writing FF lol. If you see any mistake please lmk! Also, this chapter was kinda written in (y/n)’s POV, but next one will be written in Kuroo’s POV. I’ll try to publish it tomorrow, no promises though :C. 

published on 08/06/2020

[thebaddie96-blog]

Once In A Life Time

~ Chapter 4~

 “Shit! Shit, shit, shit. Fuck.” I jumped out of bed rolling over So-Eun and rush down the stairs. I can't believe I slept through my alarm; and on a day like this.

“ Woah! Jesus  Min-ho, why are you laying in front of the stairs?”  

“Mmmmm” he wines shooing me away. Ugh I don’t have time for this. Bussing it to the bathroom I wasted no time in discarding my clothes and stepping under the scalding hot water. “Finally” I release a deep breath. 

I knew going out with So-eun and Min-ho to “Network” was a bad idea as soon as we got into the first club. They just know how to get to me; or I guess I should say they know what's best for me. I knew they could see me over thinking about my meeting with Jay Park, I mean I’m sure anyone could; so when they kept bugging me about the club, lets just say they didn't need to twist my arm too much to get me out. But today is my very important meeting with AOMG and I just can’t be late, I despise being late. 

I’m definitely scared shitless, I’m not sure what deal Jay is going to offer me; I’m not even 100% sure if I'm gonna take it. It's just… the weight of everything finally sinking in. I just got to South Korea 5 Days ago. I'm supposed to be here to work with a completely different artist and... I can't help but think I'm in over my head and I should slow the breaks a bit. Taking another deep breath I stretch my arms in front of the marble wall letting the water soothe my aching muscles. ‘You got this B. You’ve got no reason to panic or over think. You wouldn't be in this position if you didn’t deserve it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“안녕하세요, I have a meeting with Jay Park I mean Mr. Park J-”

“Bianca Queen?”  

“Hi, uh, yes, yes uh that's me.”  

Jesus B relax.

“Great, he’s expecting you. You can take the elevator to the 6th floor, his office is the last one all the way down. You can’t miss it.”  

“Ok Thank you!”

Here we go. I walk up to the elevator pressing the up button. At the same time the doors come flying open and none other than Loco comes stepping out. I’m not gonna lie out of everyone who is signed to AOMG Loco is my all time favorite; I could just see us being the closest. 

He stops in the doorway of the elevator staring at me. I smile watching his brows raise in confusion and curiosity.

“Excuse me.”

I don’t think he heard me because he didn’t move till the elevator doors started to push closed, slightly squashing him in between. He steps back inside the elevator letting me walk in. As soon as I’m inside he maneuvers exiting through the doors all the while not taking his eyes off me. I smile again, press 6 on the keypad and shoot him a slight wave before the doors close; he quickly shoots me one back. Yeah I can see us being great friends.

The walk to Jay’s office felt like an eternity, my legs just felt so heavy. When I finally made it down the hall I came face to face with yet another secretary.

“Hi, I'm here to see Jay Park.”

“Shut up! Shut up!” I stood there stunned. “Bianca Queen? The Bianca Queen in the flesh. I love your work when Jay first told me he was scouting you for AOMG I was like ‘umm hell yeah! You should; she is like amazing’ I’m Z by the way short for Zen’na.” Z is a cute Korean tattooed babe, her long blue hair was pulled up in a messy bun. She had a tattoo of a star on her left cheek bone. She has a unique personality. I sense nothing but positive vibes and energy from her, it's refreshing. Plus she’s a fan of my work.

“Nice to meet you Z. Thank you so much for enjoying my work. I never thought they would find their way to South Korea, but I really appreciate your support. We should grab a drink sometime. If your free”

“My shift ends at 6.”

“6 sounds great. Do you have a pen?”She pulls a red pen from her hair slamming it down in front of a mini notepad on her desk. I take the pen jotting down my number. “Shoot me a call when you're off.”

She takes the pad back, staring at the paper in awe.

“I thought you might be held up out here.” And there he is, the man I'm here to see, Jay Park. He stood in some loose jeans, a graphic-T and Jordans he was even rocking a Jordan snapback. lol can you say Seattle Nigga, the culture has definitely shown influence on his style. It works for him though; it's natural, not forced. “Z's always watching your videos when she should be working.”

“Ok you ain't really gotta be embarrassing me like that.”

“Yeah Alright. Did you check the messages like I asked you to.”

“Yes I checked the messages like you asked me to. I emailed them to your computer.”

“Thanks Z.  Bianca Come on in.”

“Bye Z. Give me a call.”

“Have a seat Bianca.”

His office was a soft green and black. Huge floor to ceiling windows that look out over Seoul. I dodge the chair he gestured to and stepped a little closer, gazing out the window. 

Beautiful.

“ You like the view?” Jay asked walking next to me.

“It’s amazing. Why the 6th floor, why not the top? I mean for a CEO.”

“Come on, you don’t know. I would think a fellow Tauren would know the answer to a question like that.”

“You checked up on me?”

“First rule of business. Always know who you're getting into bed with. Metaphorically speaking of course.”  He shoots me a smug smile walking to his desk. “Not that you're not a beautiful woman cause.” he paused, looking me up and down with a hint of lust. “ I brought you here for your talent. Come over here, have a seat.” 

Heh, he’s way more charming in person. Ok B, eyes up chin up.

When I finally take my seat he’s just looking at me, then to a file on his desk then back at me.

“Bianca I’m gonna be up front with you, I want to sign you to AOMG. How does a 3 year Contract sound?”

“What?”

“You would be the first Choreographer/Artist Director to be signed to our company and after doing all my research I just know you would be a great fit for AOMG. Not to mention the Artist we low-key already got lined up who really wanna work with you.”

Signed to a record label, this record label.This all feels so surreal. I mean all of it. Being in Korea, being at AOMG, Being in Jay Parks office. 

“You're hesitant. I can see it in your face. Why?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m truly honored Jay, I would want nothing more than to work with AOMG I- I just, have a life a company back home as well I-”

“I don’t want you to leave your company or your life. If anything, think of it as an enhancement for both. We would definitely need you stationed here for the first year but after that  you can free flow.” Silence. I couldn’t speak “ Ok how about this? You're in Seoul for the next 6 months working with Hwasa correct. Let's do a trial contact; we have our 8 year anniversary in August, and I would like to hire you to do the show’s Artistic direction. After the show we can check in and if you're done with Seoul, that's that; at least you know.”

He even knows I’m working with Hwasa, he really did his research. Just then my mothers voice popped into my head. “Live your life for you Bianca. And live it to the fullest.” 

“Deal.”

“Yes! Alright cool dope. I’ll have Z send over a contract by the end of the day.”

“That quick?”

“I was hoping you’d say yes.”

“You knew I’d be hesitant?”

“No, I just knew you’d say yes.”

“Yeah sure. I’ll be looking out for the contract.” Getting up Jay walks me to his front door placing his hand on the handle.

“Oh there’s a black tie event on Saturday. I want you to come out and get a feel for the scene. I’m also gonna announce our collaboration.”  

Tomorrow?

“Black tie?”

“I’ll send something over.” he reaches out his hand towards me and I shake it with excitement.

“Ok.” he steps back, opening the door, sending Loco, Ugly Duck and Won Jae falling into the room collapsing on the floor.

“Nice guys. Bianca-”

““B, you can call me B.”  

“Alright B, I'll see you Saturday. I’ll be in touch” 

“I look forward to it.” I step over their legs walking out the door. “See ya later Z.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m sitting in Hangang Park with a beer, I stare out over the lake taking in the calm.

‘It all starts here.’ I think. 

The next chapter of my life. 

Let's live it to the fullest B. 

[gryffindorcls]

Meant To Be:  Chapter 6 (AU)

IT’S DAY SIX OF LOVESQUARE FLUFF WEEK 2020!!!

(LOL.  NO, IT MOST DEFINITELY IS NOT, BUT I MUST MAKE EACH POST LOOK THE SAME.  WE CAN ALL JUST PRETEND THAT THIS ISN’T TWO WEEKS LATE. *nervous laughter*) Thank you @lovesquarefluffweek​ for organizing this event!

Welcome back!  Today’s prompt is “AU”.

I PROMISE YOU ARE STILL READING THE SAME FIC.  IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE IN THE END.  I based the entire fic on this chapter.  Also, this chapter is much longer than the other ones for...reasons.

I also collabed with @flashflashitsash!  She made some STUNNING art for this chapter.  You can find it here.

Enjoy!

---

BEGINNING

<— Previous    Next —->

AO3

FanFiction

Chapter 6: AU

“Rise and shine, Your Highness,” a loud grating voice called out, “It’s time to start your day!”

Adrien groaned, flipped onto his stomach, and smashed his pillow over his head. “Why do you sound so cheerful today, Plagg? You’re never happy this early in the morning.”

The older man drew the curtains with a flourish. “And why would I not be jumping for joy on a day where I get to attend a party and have access to a buffet?”

“So you’re telling me that you and the rest of the palace staff have the night off? I don’t know. The ball really seems like an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ kind of event.”

“No one has the night off, young prince. Not even you. Still, as Master of the Household, I am afforded certain opportunities.”

“Ahhh, so even though you don’t technically have the night off, somehow you’ve been given the chance to enjoy the party along with all the guests. I hope my father is aware of your plans.”

“Enjoy is a strong word. As per the king’s orders, someone has to keep you in line tonight; however, it’s not a crime to enjoy some expensive cheese while I’m at it.”

Adrien sat up. “I thought it was Nathalie’s job to keep me in line.”

“The Grand Duchess will have other matters to attend to tonight, so His Majesty enlisted me to keep a watchful eye on his son,” Plagg grumbled.

“I’m guessing those other matters include wooing my father?”

“And comments like that are precisely why he’s asked me to keep an eye on you. He wants me to make sure that you are the perfect gentleman at the ball.”

“I am aware of how my father wants me to conduct myself tonight. Pray tell, since when have I not followed his rules?”

“Ever since you met that girl in the market a few months ago.”

He felt a swell of emotion rise in his chest. “What can I say? Falling in love with my lady changed me.”

“And your clandestine meeting created more work for the rest of us. How I long for the days where you would stay on the palace grounds and attend to your duties,” the servant said with a heavy sigh.

“You say that as if you don’t enjoy breaking the rules, as well. What happened to the man who helped me escape last week?”

“Today, that man is old, tired, and hungry.”

“You never cease to amaze me, Plagg. How can you be both chaotic and lazy at the same time? Teach me your ways.”

“Oh, trust me, you don’t need any lessons in rule-breaking. You’re doing fine all on your own.”

“Only because I learned from the best.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Your Highness.”

Adrien did his best to hold back a smile. “While that may be true, your old cloak gets me everywhere I need to go.”

“For the love of all that is good in this world, please refrain from disappearing tonight.” Plagg pinched the bridge of his nose. “I would like to enjoy my evening at the ball without actually worrying about you.”

“I only disappear when it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Necessary to see your lady friend?”

“Precisely! And she’s coming tonight, so I have no need to leave the palace. You will be able to enjoy your disgusting cheese in peace.”

The door flew open and thudded against the wall. “Good morning, Your Highness! Isn’t it a wonderful day.”

“Not while you’re around,” Plagg mumbled under his breath.

Adrien glared at the older man. “Would you stop that? Even though he’s being strangely formal with his greeting this morning, Nino is like a brother to me.”

“Trust me, young sire, my aching bones are fully aware of that fact. I know that he’s your partner in crime.”

Nino shot Adrien a worried look. “He knows? What did you tell him?”

“Where do you think I got the cloak?” Adrien shrugged.

“You’re telling me that you got the idea for Chat Noir from him?”

Plagg scoffed. “Excuse me, but long ago and far away, I was Chat Noir. This fledgling over here is my successor.”

Nino smiled, tipped his hat, and bowed. “Good show, sir. May I just say that the cat ears on the cloak are a nice touch.”

“My darling Tikki came up with that idea. She even sewed them on for me. It helped us through the dark times we experienced under the former king’s rule.”

“Are you telling us that life is better with King Gabriel seated on the throne? Goodness, you have some low standards, old man,” Nino chuckled.

“You know I could have you beheaded for talking that way about the king.” Adrien threw his legs over the side of the bed.

“You could, but then you’d lose the greatest Captain of the Guard this kingdom has ever seen.”

“I’m sure we could find some eager, young recruit who would be up to the task.”

“But he wouldn’t be your best friend.”

Adrien stood up. “You’ve got me there.”

“All jokes aside, are you ready for tonight?” Nino asked with a grin.

“Surely you jest?” Plagg laughed, “He won’t stop talking about his ‘foolproof’ plan. That’s why he’s so tired this morning. He was up all night making sure everything was...oh, how did he put it? Purr-fect.”

“Wow,” Nino shook his head, “You’re really taking on that Chat Noir persona with gusto, aren’t you?”

He shook his head. “That’s just it, my friend. I think Chat Noir is who I’ve always been. When I put on the mask and cloak, I feel like I can finally be myself. I’m no longer Prince Adrien. I’m just...well, I’m just Adrien.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that you are a prince.”

“Yes, but for a moment, I’m free to live my life as if I’m not. People treat me differently. They see past the jewels and title.”

“It’s not like anyone would know that you’re the prince anyway. You haven’t been paraded around in public since your mother died, and that was years ago. No one would recognize you.”

“Still, one can never be too careful.”

“With your dad around, I can’t argue with that.”

“Yes, especially with how unreasonable he’s been as of late.”

“He’s always unreasonable, but I agree. I can’t believe he reacted like that when you told him about the girl you met.”

“Well, I did meet her when I snuck out, and I know that he isn’t pleased about that. Unfortunately, I also know that he’s doing everything in his power to keep me from the love of my life. He wants me to marry a princess, but why can’t he see that my lady is royalty in my eyes. She would make an excellent queen one day.”

“Is that why he turned this event into a masquerade at the last minute?”

“Yes, and even though everyone will be wearing masks tonight, I will recognize my lady. Our love will help us find each other,” Adrien declared confidently.

“That and the dress you secretly commissioned Tikki to make for your lady friend,” Plagg noted.

Nino released a heavy sigh. “That was you? You’re the reason I haven’t seen Alya in a week? She and Tikki have been working on that gown day and night. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because the fewer people who knew the better.” Adrien hung his head. “You’ve been an amazing friend. You kept my escapades as Chat Noir a secret, and I didn’t want my crazy plan to outsmart my father to further jeopardize your position as Captain of the Guard.”

“You know I’d do anything for you. I consider you a part of my family.”

“I know, but contrary to popular belief, I’d like to actually keep you around.”

“I guess that’s good to hear. Thank you, brother.”

“Speaking of the wonderful Alya, I hope that she’s excited for tonight.”

“Honestly, she was surprised that she even got an invitation. Alya told me that while she was living in King André and Queen Audrey’s kingdom, they would have fabulous parties in which they never invited the ‘common folk’.”

“Alya is anything but common.”

Nino clapped his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I think I’m going to ask for her hand in marriage tonight.”

“Truly?” Adrien embraced his friend. “Congratulations. You are a lucky man.”

Plagg cleared his throat. “May I remind you that breakfast starts in fifteen minutes? I doubt you want your father in a foul mood today.”

“My father never eats breakfast with me. He’ll never know if I’m late.”

“He’s already in the dining hall counting down the minutes until your arrival.”

“WHAT?”

Adrien ran to his closet and threw open the door. He tossed on a pair of tight black pants, a billowing white shirt, and a green vest with gold embroidery.

“Do I look presentable?” he asked while pulling on his black riding boots.

“How you are able to look like that minutes after waking up I’ll never know,” Nino chuckled.

“I will take that as a ‘yes’.”

Plagg pulled out a pocket watch. “Now, you have three minutes to get downstairs.”

After taking a glance at himself in the mirror on his wall, Adrien ran out of his bedroom and bounded down the stairs. He took a moment to slow his breathing and adjust his vest before quietly walking into the dining hall and taking a seat.

“You’re late,” King Gabriel said without looking up from the papers in his hands.

“I’m sorry, father.” Adrien carefully placed his napkin in his lap. “It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t. You’ve been late for a lot of things recently. Is there anything you wish to tell me? You’re still not sneaking out to see that girl, are you?”

“No, sir.”

“I see. Well, I hope that you are prepared for this evening’s festivities.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Tonight’s event is very important for the future of our kingdom.”

“I am aware.”

“Also, I hope you are ready to announce who your future bride will be by the end of the night.”

Adrien choked on air. “Excuse me?”

King Gabriel put down the papers. “This ball is meant for you to choose a wife. I’ve invited plenty of royal families from neighboring kingdoms. Surely you’ll have no problem choosing someone suitable to rule by your side.”

“But father, we’ve never discussed anything like this. I thought tonight was merely a pre-coronation celebration.”

“It is, and at your coronation next week, you will have your future queen by your side.”

“Is this really necessary?”

“Yes, Adrien.” The king leaned forward. “Come this time next week, you will have been declared the crown prince of this kingdom. Our citizens need to know that the royal line of succession remains intact. Having a fiancée will ensure the people that you will have an heir one day.”

“But why only one night to choose?” Adrien did his best to stay composed. “This is not one of our traditions. Mother was not by your side at your coronation.”

“We live in a different world now. Things are not as they were when I was your age.”

“That’s because grandfather was still king.”

“You will not speak of that man in my presence!”

“And why not?”

Gabriel paused and took a deep breath before returning his attention to his son. “Why the sudden hesitation to marry? You seemed all too eager when you told me about the commoner you met in the market.”

Anger continued to boil in Adrien’s gut. “Is that what all of this is about? I know that’s why you turned this into a masquerade, but would you really rather see me miserable than to love someone beneath our status?”

“I would rather see you in a strong political alliance than throw away your greatest bargaining chip for a frivolous romance with some girl.”

“So, my heart is a bargaining chip?”

“No, your hand in marriage is.”

“I love her, father.”

“You don’t even know her name.”

“It never came up, and I plan on learning it tonight.”

“Love and politics do not go hand in hand.”

“Then why were you allowed to love my mother? Or was all of that a lie?”

Both he and his father locked eyes as a tense silence fell between them. After several uncomfortable minutes, a quiet cough caused Adrien to break his stare.

Nathalie sauntered across the room and took her place next to the king. “Pardon my intrusion, sire.”

His father’s lips curled into a disconcerting smile. “Ahh, good morning, Grand Duchess. I trust the preparations for tonight are nearly complete.”

“Indeed they are, Your Majesty; however, I came here to remind Adrien that he has his final suit fitting in ten minutes.”

“Just as well.” Gabriel redirected his attention to his son. “It would be impolite for you to be late for your appointment with the seamstress. It is not proper to make life unreasonably difficult for our staff.”

“You’re one to talk,” Adrien mumbled under his breath.

The king slammed his hand against the table. “I beg your pardon?”

Not wanting to apologize for his insubordination, Adrien turned his head and looked at the entranceway to the dining hall. Plagg stood silently in the threshold with Nino by his side. Seeing his support system reminded him of all that he had experienced as Chat Noir over the past several months.

He’d found freedom.

He’d found love.

He’d found a life.

And now his father was threatening to take all of it away. Adrien knew that he had to do everything in his power to find the right girl at the ball, and at that moment, he realized that his lady needed to be able to find him, as well.

A wave of confidence washed away the anger. “I don’t want to wear the white suit tonight. I want to wear black.”

“What did I say about making things difficult for the servants?” Gabriel seethed.

“I have a black suit.”

“Black is for funerals, Adrien. This is meant to be a joyous occasion.”

“Is it? I had no idea.”

“Excuse me?”

“May I interject, Your Majesty,” Plagg said, stepping into the room.

Gabriel looked at the servant. “Yes, please come in. Anything to help my son see reason.”

“Actually, I was going to suggest a compromise.”

“Oh, how very diplomatic, Plagg. My son could learn a thing or two from you.”

“Thank you, my lord. I noticed that tensions were running high, and I know that several royal families are staying here at the palace. I thought it might be important for our guests to see us looking calm and collected. Also, getting ourselves worked up now will do us no favors for our moods come this evening.”

“As per usual, you’re absolutely right. We shouldn’t let our emotions get the best of us. Let’s hear your suggestion.”

“What if the prince wore his blue suit? He looked rather becoming in it at your birthday dinner last month.”

“If I recall things correctly, that suit had a tear on the sleeve.”

“Yes, Your Highness, but our seamstress could mend it in a matter of minutes.”

Gabriel tapped his chin. “Very well. Have one of the maids fetch my son’s blue suit and bring it to Tikki.”

“I shall bring it to her myself.” Plagg bowed and exited the room.

The king turned towards Adrien. “As for you, I expect your best behavior tonight. There will be serious consequences if I find that you are rude to our guests.”

Every muscle in his body felt tense. “I would never be rude to our guests. They have done nothing wrong. However, don’t expect me to fall in love with anyone new tonight.”

“Let’s just see what happens at the ball.”

“Yes, let’s.”

“You may take your leave now, Adrien. You don’t want to keep Tikki waiting.” Gabriel dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

“I will see you at the ball, father.” Adrien stood, bowed, and exited the room.

When he turned the corner and began walking down the long corridor towards Tikki’s chambers, Nino grabbed him by the arm, stopping him in his tracks.

“What was that?” his friend hissed through gritted teeth, “I’ve never seen you talk to your father that way? I’m all for thwarting his evil plans behind his back, but do you really think that was wise? This isn’t like you.”

Adrien pulled his arm out of Nino’s grip and continued walking towards his destination. “I’m tired of not being heard.”

“You will have plenty of time to be heard when you are king.”

“Yes, but forcing me to choose a bride tonight is his way of making sure that he’s able to maintain some control even when I am the king. He’s setting up political alliances, and if my father gets his way, I’ll always be his puppet. This morning proved to me that I’m merely a pawn in whatever sick game he’s been playing behind the scenes, and I’ll have no more of it.”

“Are you insinuating that your father is actually up to something nefarious? I was kidding about the whole ‘evil plan’ thing before.”

“Honestly, I’ve had my suspicions for a while, but this confirms it for me. He obviously doesn’t care about my happiness, so I don’t care what his plans are. He had my mother; therefore, I am well within my rights to marry for love. I will find my lady tonight, and if she’ll have me, I will ask her to be my bride.”

“Then it’s a good thing that dress is almost complete,” Plagg chuckled as Adrien entered Tikki’s room.

Relief washed over him. “It is?”

“Indeed, Your Highness,” Tikki replied cheerfully, “I just have to finish sewing on the beading. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, please.”

“Come with me.”

The seamstress motioned for Adrien to follow, and he happily obliged. She led him into a large storage space filled with dozens of dress forms, but a floor-length ball gown made of shiny red satin immediately caught his eye. Intricate beading glittered in the closet’s dim light and covered the dress’s bodice with swirling patterns. The sleeves draped delicately off the mannequin’s shoulders and met in the middle to create a sweetheart neckline.

“Tikki.” Adrien ran his fingers along the smooth fabric on the skirt. “You and Alya did an amazing job. My lady will love the dress.”

The older woman smiled. ‘I’m happy you like it, Your Highness.”

“I love it.”

“Did you tell your lady friend what to say to my apprentice when she goes to retrieve it from the shop?”

“Yes, I spoke with her last night. She knows to tell Alya that the dress is from Chat Noir. I also gave her the pink rose and told her to use it as payment.”

“And I will make sure that her invitation is with the dress when she comes to pick it up.”

“Excellent.”

“Everything's in order. You have nothing to worry about, Your Highness. Now, shoo! I must finish this dress and have it sent into town!”

“Thank you, Tikki!”Adrien laughed, backed out of the storage closet, and bumped into Nino.

“Hey!” Nino exclaimed, rubbing his arm.

“Sorry. I was too busy trying to memorize how that dress looked.”

“I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Thank you.”

“So, was it all you hoped it would be?”

“It’s a stunning gown, and I’ll have no trouble recognizing my lady...as long as she’s the one wearing it. What if this doesn’t work? What if something goes wrong? Now that my father wants me to choose a bride tonight, there’s so much more at stake.”

Nino put his hands on Adrien’s shoulders. “Breathe, my friend. That dress is only meant to be one way for you to recognize your lady. Surely there are other things that you can use to confirm her identity.”

“You’re right.” Adrien nodded. “I would know my lady anywhere. I have a whole list of things that I can use to make sure that I’m dancing with the right girl tonight.”

“Well, it’s time for your fencing lesson. You can tell me all about your list on the way there.”

Adrien felt some of his nervousness melt away. “Excellent! First, let me tell you about her eyes.”

“Something tells me that it’s going to be a long day,” Nino groaned.

“Oh, just wait until I tell you about the song I heard in a dream! When I sang it for her, she kissed me!”

“How many more things are on your list, Adrien?”

“I’m just getting started, Nino, and I’ve got all day until the ball begins!”

Over the next few hours, Adrien went to his fencing lesson, talked with his best friend, gave the musicians the sheet music for the song he’d sung for his lady, attended to an array of princely duties, and got ready for the ball. Once he was dressed in his navy blue suit, he fastened his mask to his face with a ribbon and placed a silver crown on his head. He then made his way to the ballroom.

Once inside, Adrien kept his eyes glued on the door. He was vaguely aware of the crowds of people and lively music that swirled around him, but the only thing he could hear was the sound of his heart pounding against his eardrums. His anxiousness grew with each passing thump.

“Are you okay, brother?” Nino asked, tapping him on the shoulder, “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

He wiped his hands against his pants. “No, I’m not okay. She’s not here yet. I fear something may have happened to her.”

“Well, Alya took the dress to Tikki’s shop a few hours ago, and your lady friend is probably still getting ready.”

“What if my lady forgot what to say to Alya? What if Alya doesn’t believe that my lady is the one who was meant to wear the dress? What if…”

Nino cut him off, “I’m sure everything will work out. If something happened with the dress, you have plenty of other ways to make sure that you pick the right girl. Remember?”

Adrien nodded. “Yes, my lady is much more than the dress she’ll put on tonight. I will be able to recognize her.”

“Exactly! You have the song that you heard in the dream.”

“And there’s the color of her eyes and her love of pink.”

“By the end of tonight, you will know your lady’s name, and she will be your future bride.”

“Only if she says yes.”

“If she’s anything like she is in the stories you’ve told me, you don’t have anything to worry about. It sounds like she’s pretty enamored with you, as well,” Nino laughed.

“I hope so.” Adrien took a deep breath. “Otherwise this is going to be an awkward night.”

The doors at the top of the stairs swung open, and Adrien’s knees went weak when he saw a guest who was wearing his commissioned dress appear on the balcony. Time stood still as the raven-haired woman floated down the stairs and across the room. He thought he was going to pass out when she finally stopped in front of him.

The woman curtsied. “Good evening, Your Highness.”

His gaze remained transfixed on the woman. “Good evening, my…”

Everything inside of Adrien stopped when their eyes met. Behind the red and gold mask that covered the top half of her face, he was met with two shining, brown irises, not the bright ocean blue he’d been expecting,

“Are you alright?” she asked with worry lacing her voice, “Do you feel unwell?”

He shook his head and fought back tears that had begun to pool in his eyes. “My most sincere apologies, miss. I mistook you for someone else.”

“Well, I’m afraid you and I have never met. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Princess Kagami Tsurugi.”

“Ahhhh, yes. I remember my father mentioning that you and your mother were coming to stay with us. I apologize for not coming to see you when you arrived. Are you enjoying your visit to our kingdom?”

“I am! I even met someone who is supposed to be working here tonight. I fear that I may have promised to spend the evening with him, and I didn’t really plan on dancing with you. I hope you’re not upset. I know my mother is. She likes it when I follow the rules and spending the night with a commoner definitely goes against her rules.”

“I completely understand. My father isn’t too happy with me right now either.” Adrien took both of Kagami’s hands in his own and chuckled. “Trust me when I say that I’m not offended, princess. As long as we’re both being honest, I wasn’t really planning on dancing with you either. I’m still waiting for someone to arrive.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, a girl.”

“Is she also a commoner?”

“Yes.”

“And that is why your father is angry.”

“He doesn’t want me to marry beneath my status.”

“Then we live very similar lives.”

“It appears that way.” Adrien paused before continuing. “Also, I don’t know how or why, but you’re wearing her dress.”

“I am? Is that why you thought I was someone else?” Kagami cocked her head to the side. “Did you think I was her?”

“I did. May I inquire as to how you obtained the gown?”

“The Grand Duchess brought it to my room this afternoon.”

“Nathalie?”

“I believe that was her name, yes.”

Adrien turned to Nino. “Now do you see what I mean about my father? He has to be up to something.”

“Is it bad for me to say that I’m not surprised?” Nino asked, shaking his head.

“Not at all. I’ve come to expect this kind of nonsense from him over the past few months.”

“Well, brother, tonight is not the night to be thinking about your father. Right now, we need to focus on finding your lady.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kagami looked between both boys.

Adrien sighed. “I’m not sure. Right now my lady is without a dress and an invitation. There’s no way for her to get into the palace, and I have no idea where she is right now.”

Nino rubbed his chin. “We could always check her house.”

“I can’t just leave.” Adrien pointed to the balcony overlooking the dancefloor. “My father is quite literally watching my every move, and I don’t want Plagg to get in trouble. Remember, he’s supposed to be ‘watching’ me.”

“Then, let’s just wait for Alya. I’m sure she could help us come up with something.”

“Are you two talking about me behind my back?” Alya laughed, entering the conversation.

“Perfect timing, as always, my love,” Nino leaned over and kissed Alya on the cheek.

“Yeah, yeah. Enough sweet talk. I have to tell you two about the night I had.” She turned to look at Kagami. “Or should I say three of you?”

Adrien scratched the back of his head. “We’re having an interesting night, as well.”

“Considering that’s the red dress that made me age ten years in two hours, I’m guessing that you know part of what I’m about to tell you.”

“We don’t know much. Princess Kagami just told us that Nathalie brought the dress to her room this afternoon.”

“Wait,” Alya turned to the woman in the dress, “you’re Kagami? My best friend told me all about you.”

“Oh, you must be Alya.” Kagami clasped her hands in front of her. “She told me all about you, as well. I was hoping to meet you here tonight.”

“She told me that she introduced you to Luka.”

“Yes, I did get the chance to meet him.”

“I also heard that you two kissed by the fountain last night.”

Kagami smirked. “A princess never kisses and tells.”

Alya chuckled. “I can see why she likes you. I’m sure she’d be happy to know that you’re the one who accidentally received her dress.”

“Hold on.” Adrien held up his hand. “Are you telling me that your best friend is the person who was supposed to get this dress? You know my lady?”

“Your lady? There’s only one person who calls her that. Wait...you’re Chat Noir?” Alya pointed an accusatory finger in his direction. “You’re the masked gentleman who’s visited my best friend almost every single night for the past three months?”

“Guilty as charged.”

“So, that means that you’re the one who commissioned the dress?”

“Yes, and I’m desperate to know what happened.”

Alya nodded. “Of course. Umm...let’s see, Tikki sent me into town with the dress once it was completed. I waited for about an hour, and the Grand Duchess told me that the dress was from Chat Noir, and she gave me a pink rose as payment. Tikki told me that the person who did those two things was the rightful owner of the dress, so I gave it to her.”

“And what about my lady?”

“You keep calling her ‘your lady’. Do you not know her name?”

“If we’re being fair, she doesn’t know mine, and I plan on asking her what it is once I find her. Right now you’re the only one who can help us.”

“Point taken. Well, when she came into the shop, she also said the right words and tried to give me the rose, and that’s when I knew that there had been a terrible mistake. I was about to give her my dress and invitation when Tikki arrived and saved the day. All the dresses in the shop had been cleared out, so I don’t know where Tikki found the one that she gave her.”

Adrien breathed a sigh of relief. “So, she did get a dress?”

“Yes,” Alya replied with a reassuring smile, “And Tikki gave her an invitation.”

“Do you know where she is now?”

The doors once again swung open, revealing another raven-haired woman; however, unlike Kagami, this guest wore a pale pink ball gown with a skirt that billowed behind her. Her arms hugged the form-fitting bodice of her dress as she scanned the room from behind a matching mask. When her eyes locked with Adrien’s, she offered him a tiny wave and beamed. He returned the gesture, and she gracefully descended the stairs. All the air left his lungs when she began to walk towards him.

“It’s her,” he whispered.

Alya placed a hand on his shoulder. “It is, and it’s time for the three of us to leave you two alone.”

“I’ll go ask Luka to play the song we gave him earlier today.” Nino then turned to Kagami. “Come, Your Highness. I will show you where the musicians are.”

“That would be greatly appreciated,” Kagami said with a smile, “Good luck, Prince Adrien.”

“Mmmhmm,” he said absentmindedly, “Thanks."

Even as the trio walked away, his eyes remained glued to the woman who was slowly making her way across the room. He desperately wanted to run through the crowd, sweep her off her feet, and hold her close, but he knew that his father was still watching; therefore, he made the difficult decision to hold his position.

She quickened her pace the last few feet, crashed into him, and pulled him into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy to see you, Chaton. You’ll never believe the night I’ve had.”

Adrien wrapped his arms around her and felt fully at peace for the first time that night. “Good evening, my lady. Words cannot describe how overjoyed I am that you are finally here.”

“I apologize for not wearing the dress you got me, but there was a little mix-up at the shop.”

“I heard, and I don’t care. All that matters is that you are here and that you are safe.”

“But how did you know that it was me?”

“I could see your beautiful blue eyes from across the room.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and considering the number of times I’ve gotten lost in your eyes, I would recognize them anywhere.”

“Stop! You’re going to make me blush. How do you always manage to say the most wonderful things?”

“My words come straight from the heart when I’m with you.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you bring out the best in me.”

Her cheeks grew red as she pulled away from the embrace and tapped him on the nose. “Alright, kitty-cat, am I supposed to listen to your sweet talk all night, or are we going to dance?”

He took one of her hands, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. “I am ready to do whatever the lady wishes.”

Adrien’s gesture sent her into a fit of giggles that came to an abrupt halt. “Is that a crown?”

“This is it,” his mind reassured him, “Now’s your chance to tell her who you really are.”

“Yes,” he stated with as much confidence as he could muster.

“Oh.” She visibly swallowed. “Is it part of your masquerade costume or are you wearing it for another reason?”

“I wear it every day. My father would be very upset if I took it off. He’s been watching me all night, so he would know if I did.”

“Your father?”

Adrien pointed to the lofted space where his father and several other dignitaries sat with stone-faced expressions. When she turned her head to look, Adrien watched her hands clench the fabric on her skirt.

“My lady?” he asked tentatively, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m f-fine,” she squeaked, “Is your father the one sitting on the throne?”

“Yes.”

She spun around and faced him. “You’re Prince Adrien?”

His heart sank at the sight of tears shining in her eyes. “I am.”

“Your Highness,” she said quickly, curtsying low, “I am not worthy to stand in your presence. I apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait!” He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, “Are you leaving because my title makes you nervous, or are you leaving because you don’t want to be with me anymore?”

“I want to be with you more than anything. My heart aches when you leave me each night.”

“Then stay. Please.”

“I’m not royalty.”

“You could be.”

“I’m just a baker’s daughter. I’m not special.”

Adrien leaned in. “Yes, you are. You’re purr-fect.”

She laughed and wiped a stray tear with the back of her hand. “You really are my Chaton, aren’t you?”

“I am. This is why I didn’t tell you that I was the prince. I wanted you to get to know me without all of the distractions that come with the crown. Can you forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

“You’re not angry?”

“No,” she shook her head, “I understand. Your instincts were right. I probably would have run away from you if I had known the truth.”

He took her hands. “Are you going to run away now?”

“Now why would I go and do something like that? You still haven’t given me that dance you promised.”

“Is that so?”

The song being played by the musicians faded away, and the lilting sound of a familiar melody began to resonate throughout the ballroom. Adrien took his lady’s hands and gave them a gentle squeeze.

“Is that what I think it is?” Her voice was laced with disbelief.

Adrien nodded. “It is.”

“I thought you said that you heard that song in a dream.”

“I did, and it plays in my head every time I think of you. It was driving me insane, and I finally had to write it down after a few days. I gave the sheet music to Luka, and Nino just asked him to play it.”

“Does this mean that I finally get to dance with you?”

“Yes, my lady.”

He pulled her close and placed one of his hands on her waist. She rested her free hand on his shoulder, and they began to glide across the floor. For a moment, everything else in the room melted away, and the only thing left was the incredible woman in his arms.

All too soon, the song ended and the rest of the world came crashing back into focus. He became painfully aware of his father’s overbearing glare, and his brain desperately searched for a way to be alone with his lady.

“It’s getting kind of warm in here,” Adrien mumbled, tugging at his collar.

“Perhaps we could go outside?” she shrugged.

“That’s a wonderful idea. I can show you the palace gardens.” He held out his arm for her to take.

She smiled and linked her arm with his, and he quickly escorted her out of the ballroom, down the hall, and through a set of doors that led to the gardens. They walked in a comfortable silence until they reached a quiet corner that was hidden by a willow tree in full bloom. Within the tiny space, there was a white gazebo and dozens of rose bushes.

“They’re all pink.” She reached out and touched the petals of a rose in full bloom.

Adrien felt a pang of sadness shoot through his heart. “This was my mother’s favorite spot. She planted all of the bushes here. When I was younger, we’d sit inside the gazebo, and she’d read me all kinds of stories.”

“That’s a beautiful memory. Thank you for showing me this place.”

“She would have loved you. Probably almost as much as I do.”

He heard her breath catch. “What did you say?”

“I think I may have just told you that I love you,” he chuckled.

“You’ve never said that to me before.”

“I mean it, my lady. I love you with all that I am.”

“But you’re the prince, and I’m just a commoner.”

“That doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

“What does that mean for us then?”

“It means that I want us to be together.”

“Your father wouldn’t approve.”

“I don’t care what my father thinks. He’s not going to be king forever.”

“Okay.” She walked into the gazebo and sat down on a bench. “Let’s say we do begin courting. Then what would happen? It’s not like we could have a normal relationship.”

Adrien took a seat next to her. “My lady, our relationship thus far has been anything but normal.”

“True, but still! How would this even work?”

“Well, by the end of the ball, I am expected to choose a bride. If you’ll have me, when we go back inside, I will declare you as my future wife. Then you will stand by my side at my coronation next week, and in a year’s time we’ll be wed.”

“You want me to marry you?”

“More than anything in this world. You’re already a princess in my eyes, why not make it official?”

“A princess?”

“Yes, the wife of the crown prince becomes a princess. Then, when I become king, you would become my queen.”

“Queen?”

“My lady, you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. Even in the face of great hardship, you manage to stay positive and selfless. You have the kindest heart and the quickest mind. This kingdom would be lucky to have you as it’s queen. You make my life better and brighter, and I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you.”

She smiled and choked back a sob. “I love you, too.”

“Are those happy tears?” Using his thumb, Adrien wiped the wetness off of one of her cheeks.

“Yes.” She nodded into his hand. “They’re very happy tears. I love you, too.”

He laughed, took her hands, and got down on one knee. “In that case, my beautiful lady, will you marry me?”

“Yes.” She pulled him to his feet and threw her arms around him. “A thousand times, yes!”

Adrien picked her up and spun her around, causing her to giggle. When he placed her back onto the ground, he kept her in his arms and rested his forehead against hers.

Without letting go, he pulled away. “There’s just one thing that you need to do before I can go back inside and tell my father that I made my decision.”

“Oh,” she said, looking up, “and what might that be?”

“I need you to tell your name.”

“My goodness, I never told you what it was, did I?”

“No, you didn’t. You didn’t want to tell me what it was during our first meeting, and I didn’t want to upset you by asking again.”

“You should have said something! I feel so silly now.”

“Don’t, my lady. We had an interesting start to our relationship. We both chose not to disclose our names, so it makes sense why you would choose to keep something like that to yourself.”

“I just got so used to hearing you call me ‘your lady’, that I forgot to tell you.”

She let go of his hands, took a step back, untied the ribbon holding her mask in place, and smiled. “My name is Marinette.”

Joy flooded his body and his mind began to spin. Her name sounded like the sweetest symphony. Adrien felt himself falling in love with her all over again. Everything made sense. His lady was Marinette, and all was right with the world.

Then, everything faded to black.

***

Adrien’s eyes flicked open. His heart was racing and he gasped for air. His mind scrambled to hold onto the memory of the dream that was slowly fading away.

“My lady is Marinette,” he whispered.

Plagg groaned. “Kid, why are you awake? It is three o’clock in the morning, and I thought I told you not to wake me up.”

“Ladybug is Marinette.”

“Finally.”

“Marinette is Ladybug.”

“Yes, we’ve already established that.”

“I’m not in love with two people.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to be up for the rest of the night talking about this.”

“How can I sleep at a time like this?”

“Just close your eyes or something,” Plagg grumbled, “You can finish having your existential crisis in the morning.”

He turned away from his Kwami and let his mind race. “She was right next to me the entire time.”

Adrien grabbed his phone, tapped the screen, and pulled up a new browser. He only had eighteen hours to figure out how to tell Ladybug that he knew who she was. And right now, all he could do was hope that she wanted to know his identity, as well.

And he could also buy flowers. Lots and lots of flowers.

[ddaenghoney]

chapter six

masterlist link in blog description.

As a successful songwriter, you want nothing more than the acknowledgment that the chart-topping musical pieces are your own creations. But contracts, relationships, and the difficulty of facing the stakes involved head on, keep your mouth shut until pressure builds too much.

Pairing(s): Park Jimin x Y/N, Min Yoongi x Y/N

disclaimer: any characters depicted do not represent the actual personality of the respected idol in real life.

Series warning(s)/genre(s): Chapter-based written fic, Slow-burn relationship(s), Fake-dating, Unrequited love, Songwriter/producer!oc, idol!Jimin, idol/songwriter/producer!Yoongi, friends with benefits, drama, romance, smut, angst, fluff (updated as needed)

Chapter warning(s): none, just finally able to introduce Hoseok in this chapter lol

Word count: 5299

if you enjoy please, please let me know!

Yoongi’s eyes scan the weekly announcement email, not truly interested, yet still giving himself time to be thoroughly knowledgeable of upcoming events for his newfound colleagues and the company as a whole. Mentions of renovation in the lobby, a new coffee machine to be installed on the production floor along with a request to be more mindful of how this one is used, and the schedule for the practice rooms for the month remains unchanged for the last few weeks of January. Highlighted at the top of the email is the name of a mini album set to be released the first week in February along with parentheses beside it stating who would be releasing it: Park Jimin.

Reclining back in his seat, Yoongi regards the blue font notice in silence, wondering for a passing time of his involvement in the corruption between Jimin and you. He knows it’s not his fault, and knows you do too. Yet, there’s still guilt seeing Jimin’s name or hearing it anywhere. Still guilt felt in grazing his thumb against his index finger as a fidget when on the four dates so far where you’re forced in one way or another to recall Jimin’s existence. Yoongi has not apologized about it since the first date, but it doesn’t change that he feels like he should if only to assure you that the hurt you try and hide each time doesn’t need to be hidden for the atmosphere’s sake.

The foot on the floor pushes his desk seat into a small back and forth sway. He doesn’t think of your mutual problems often, just reminded every time an email requests the two of you go on a date, like the one to come that evening. By this point you’re both amicable at least, even going on the limb of saying something like friends. Maybe. It’s hard not to when you’re both forced into two or more hours of conversation. It’s something like friendship. Maybe closer to friendly coworkers. He doesn’t know. Yoongi sighs, spinning an entire slow revolution in his chair, then stopping promptly with the sound of his phone’s text notification.

Two unread.

Y/N, 4:38pm: Just got asked to go to a last second meeting. Probably will be out closer to 6:30 instead of 6:00, sorry.

Yoongi, 4:39pm: That’s fine no worries.

He exits the message thread to check on the other notification. He stares at Hoseok’s name for a second and the few words he’s able to see before opening the chat. Yoongi inhales, rubbing his jaw, while clicking it open with his free hand.

Hoseok, 3:57pm: I think enough time has passed... I’m going to start going for a new comeback now! You’re required to pre-order whenever the album is done!

Yoongi, 4:42pm: Ah, is that a fact?

Yoongi’s hand falls from his jaw to type quicker,

Yoongi, 4:43pm: I’ll help you make it however you need.

Hoseok, 4:45pm: Thanks, man.

Hoseok, 4:48pm: I’m nervous still haha

The phone rests on the desk, Yoongi’s hand resting beside it while he looks at the screen. He tilts his neck as a stretch, thoughtfully. Uncertain of how this would turn out for Hoseok. Wishing for the best. Trying to be hopeful. The dissention of early last year comes back into Yoongi’s mind. The unfair treatment, and watching his best friend go through the invasive camera lights daily, and the pouring stream of interrogative comments throughout social media. The blame that had no place linking to Hoseok when their old company decided to sell out to SoundWave as Hoseok’s contract was torn to pieces.

Yoongi, 4:56pm: You deserve the new beginning if anyone does. It’ll work out.

Hoseok, 5:00pm: Bro…

Yoongi, 5:00pm: You ruined it.

Hoseok, 5:01pm: Haha, I know……… Thanks Yoongi.

The final two words feel somber in Yoongi’s mouth. Drying. He doesn’t deserve to be thanked for anything, when he was quiet watching what happened. He could’ve done something to stop it all. Maybe Hoseok would have a studio next door to Yoongi’s still if more had been done to help. To disprove the wrong perspectives in the public. But it’s not in his persona to care like that.

He sighs, pressing the lock on his device. Index finger taps on the space below his keyboard, the desktop monitor powering off onto the screensaver. Yoongi feels like he should scoff at himself in judgement. How was he ever appalled by your lie when he’s no different.

---

You contemplate sending Namjoon a text, but acknowledge the busy time of the day for him and refrain. Instead you wallow in the quiet, staring at your notes while listening to the arranger and producers beside you editing your song by means of scribbling pencils. You hope they ask you something greater than questioning an affirmative of their ideas for changing the words on the track. Apparently the theme is appropriate, but the verbiage itself doesn’t fit the fast beat pace the producer intends to make this track into.

Jimin is across from you, equally to himself. He scrolls through his phone, appearing collected. He said hello to you sweetly, politely when he walked in with the producer. You didn’t realize he would be joining the impromptu meeting. It was just the producer that had texted you about it, mentioning the arranger also tagging along. Not Jimin. You knew he was using this song, but you didn’t think he needs to be here.

“Jimin, your choreographer is going to thank me for this one. I already know it.” The producer is happy, and granted you’re not entirely angry at the changes he makes on the paper. They’re minor, the meaning is still there. Your touch deteriorates only slightly, and it’s something that’s involved commonly throughout song conception processes. You don’t care about that, you really don’t. Maybe you’re even spitefully happy about the changes too, because it means less you, less for you to be bothered by in the credential section. Less you in lyrics Jimin sings.

“You’re only doing the touch-ups though.” Jimin voice is light-hearted, his playing smile small, yet meaningful. You keep your eyes towards the producer’s writing hand. Bite your lip when the message is properly conveyed to him by notice of his reply,

“You’re right, Y/N’s work is great, like usual.” He agrees sincerely, giving you a thumbs-up with his left hand. You smile softly, just managing a head nod. “Sorry about the random meeting too, by the way. I would’ve waited until tomorrow if we didn’t have to redo the recording for the album he’s going to be releasing.”

“It’s not a big deal. I was here anyways.” You tell him calmly, catching sight of Jimin when you adjust in your chair. He’s gentle in appearance like usual, watching you only because you were speaking. When the sentence ends you see the twitch of an upward smile that he smothers and instead goes back to his phone.

“You’re here more now that the whole fake dating thing is happening, huh?” The arranger’s comment is absent of ill-intent, you realize as he rubs his neck in a stupor as he goes on, “I can’t imagine how weird that has to be. SUGA’s new to the company too; must feel random to be matched up with him, right?”

“Yeah,” You say vaguely, hands in your lap messing around with one another as you hope for a new topic. “Yoongi’s been nice about it all though.” You blab softly, unable to see Jimin’s thumbs unmoving as he no longer pays attention to his phone screen despite his eyes pointing to it.

“He’s cool, I’ve done a couple of things to help him with his production lately.” The man beside you nods as he speaks, settling the pen beside the papers. “Really particular about his stuff, but because he does practically all of it himself, it makes sense.”

“Can I see the revised version?” You interject calmly, receiving the notes from him as he immediately nods, handing it off. You scan through the tiny adjustments, thinking on your own of what potential ideas they had to change the pace of the song.

“None of it’s too crazy, I don’t think, but if anything’s too much let me know.”

“No, it’s all okay with me.” You don’t mind the scribbles, but have even less desire to combat things lately since the meeting with Yerin.

“Can I take a look?” Jimin’s voice calls out to you, and you face him. Small nod as you reach the small distance to slide the papers towards him, then startle as the producer stands up beside you,

“Crap, I need to get to a session downstairs right now. Just get that to my studio when you’re done, Jimin.” He says and you watch using every muscle to refrain wonder at why the arranger also stood too. You instead mentally curse at him saying he’d tag along since he was done for the day as well. You curse again at the sound of the door, glaring at the sight at that point.

“I’ll give it to him like he asked.” Jimin breaks the silence, eyes trailing still at the page of lyrics. You look towards him, erect in your seat but unwilling to stand yet. You recall leaving before he woke up the last night you were with him, and the incredible drought of communication since then. But is it really this easy for him to be casual. Your eyes wait to meet his when he finally lifts them up from the sheet.

“I liked the pink hair.” You murmur as a comment, trying to fill the void of quiet, give yourself a reason to linger there a little longer and see the state of his thoughts towards you. “Well, the brown is nice too though.” You correct with a tiny shrug, feeling a larger pang in your chest when Jimin doesn’t stop his smile this time.

“I liked it too.” He lays the paper flat, but his fingers remain on its edge. You think of other ways to continue the conversation, and shove the thought of asking him simply how he is to the corner of your mind. You’re already staying back with him for no reason, you don’t want to seem completely tangled with missing him. “You and Yoongi...” Jimin begins, and the mere mention of you two makes you want to groan, hoping against this turning into a conversation about your precarious fake relationship when you wanted to focus on Jimin and you. “You don’t have to do anything too much, right?”

You narrow your eyes in confusion. Jimin reaches for his hair, fiddling as he goes on, concern twinging, “Like, nothing you don’t want to do, lo-”

He stops, nearly biting his tongue to do so. You notice. Your hands grip on your jeans, trying to discern if the slip was just because the term of endearment is something he’s so used to calling you, or if there is something more. You watch his index finger barely scratch at the paper on the table. Nervous.

“The whole relationship is something I don’t want to do.” Your sentence is dry, matched with your dismissive shrug. You know that isn’t what Jimin meant, but you don’t expect his head shaking and body becoming more straightened in posture,

“That’s not what I meant.” Jimin says directly, biting the inside of his cheek as he considers explaining himself further. You free him of doing that, nodding.

“I know.” He noticeably pauses, nearing a flustered expression and you almost want to smile in endearment, but you still feel more sad than anything. Confused. “Sorry,” You finally avert your gaze to the table, collecting your few items. “We’re not being forced into anything else though.” You explain while Jimin watches you move around.

Words clutter in his mouth, wondering what to say to keep you in the room, but knowing he shouldn’t. Can’t. He’s the one who ended it. He didn’t want to, but he did.

“Do you miss us?”

Jimin’s heartbeat increases, while yours secretly does as well. The question blurted from your lips in a moment of impulse that built from the second you saw him that day. Dumb, stupid; you want to take the question back, you don’t need his answer. You want it, but you shouldn’t have it in your thoughts whether it’s a yes or a no.

What difference would it make if he said yes and you returned back to how you were. He was right-- Namjoon was right, you’re own screaming logic is right: a secret untrue relationship wouldn’t last and it would only serve to hurt you in the long run. This situation that you both stand in is exactly because you made up the stupid idea in the first place. You should’ve let the first kiss be the last one. Just because you ended up falling in love, doesn’t mean Jimin did.

Jimin’s made it clear that the answer is no. Why do you want to hear him vocalize the no. Maybe a sick part of your mind wanted the words to be engraved so you can take it as a bridge burned to char. If he said no you could move on. That’s how it could work. Maybe it would actually be enough, in that off-chance-

“Of course.” Jimin’s voice whispers the words like they were heavy to push out of his lips. But you could ignore that, wrapped in the potential- “But I don’t want to get back together like we were.” He’s no longer making eye contact with you, busying his fingers further into his locks. “It hurts us both being hidden like that,” You open your mouth to interject that you could live with it, that it’s not necessarily a long-term state of being, but he speaks on, crushing you, “And I don’t want to be your actual boyfriend.”

The counterargument abandons your psyche entirely. The truth of the situation is apparent. Jimin’s made it apparent. The extent of what you were to him was just lust. His casual demeanor makes sense. Your lingering feelings are the minority, not mutually felt.

“Ah,” Your head nods even though Jimin’s not looking up at you. His statement burns more as you stand in the same room as him. “When you put it like that,” Jimin lifts his head, and you don’t know whether to register his expression as sad or not, because why would he be sad. Conflicted, likely. “It makes sense we’d stop then.” You continue to nod, stepping once towards the door, “Sorry. I got the wrong idea.”

You continue in your exit, ignoring anything he may try and do in response, because you didn’t want to be pitied on top of everything else. You let the sound of chairs clattering behind you drift into the background, and slipped out of the room without another word heard.

Yoongi’s studio is on the same floor, and easy to find in a matter of moments. You usually meet him at the lobby, but you don’t think of that as your phone’s clock reads twenty past six and you knock on the frosted glass door. After three soft pounds do you take note of the tiny doorbell that is likely more effective. The small device’s appearance makes you sigh, thinking of how idiotic you were about not seeing it, how idiotic in general.

“Y/N?” You don’t realize he’s opened the door until Yoongi’s voice disrupts your misguided thoughts. You look up towards him. Yoongi can see the straining expression to appear indifferent, but it fails completely this time just in appearance alone. “Are you okay?”

“Not really, but we have a dumb date to go on.” You huff, reaching both of your hands to rub your face. Yoongi remains quiet, already not fond of the dates when you were both in at least average moods, but seeing you like this makes him hate the idea even more.

“There’s no time schedule.” He says simply, you narrow your eyes towards him in a lack of understanding, then your shoulders relax as he steps back opening the door wider. “Want to hear some of the stuff I’ve been working on and we can go out later when we’re both starving instead?”

You think of his consideration for your temperament and feel a little bad that Yoongi feels the need to accommodate, but you step inside anyways. It isn’t like he enjoys the dating, and putting it off for a while sounds like the best option. Not to mention, dismissing his attempts at kindness wouldn’t be best either.

Besides, you can’t say you weren’t curious at the prospect of listening to what Yoongi’s been working on.

You glance around the studio, noting the organized arrangements overall, yet homely in some aspects as well. The decor is limited to a few wall posters and mostly bare shelving, but his couch area looks like it isn’t new at all. The couch in particular looks a bit worn, and cluttered with a couple of blankets and a pillow. His small coffee table has only a single empty plastic cup on it, but you figure he keeps the place tidy or else there would definitely be more evidence of his caffeine vice than currently appearing.

“If you want to use the couch you can. I have some wireless headphones,” Yoongi tells you as he goes to the highlight of the room: a desk space covering the entirety of the wall. Bright with various electronic equipment and brand names that also inhabit space in your own apartment. But here the space appears validated by its placement in the company walls.

You sit on the edge of the couch, hands resting on his lap as you continue looking around the studio. It’s definitely one of the larger ones. Yoongi hands you the pair of headphones, and you situated them over your ears while he goes on in speech. “Whoa, wait what?” You cut in quickly, causing him to look back at you while he sits in his desk chair. “These things are really noise cancelling, sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Yoongi chuckles, rubbing his hair back from his face. “I was just saying I need to decorate more, but haven’t got around to it.” He slips a pair of headphones on too, leaving one ear free. “This is going to sound really rough, and there’s a gap where I’m waiting on someone to fill with vocals.”

You nod, smiling in anticipation without realizing so. The sight makes Yoongi glance away, biting his lip in sudden worry the track won’t sound as great as you may anticipate. He clicks to start anyways, listening in his own ears and simply keeping his eyes on the screen watching the point on the timeline move along.

Behind him you sit back into the cushion, trying to take in everything in one listen, despite the different levels of the song meshing together perfectly. Yoongi’s voice sounds completed in the song already, like he’s already reached a point of contentment in the sound in your opinion. “Your lyrics are really good.” You say, head swaying with the beat, staring at the empty cup instead of seeing if he’d turn to respond to you.

Yoongi catches the comment, tapping his finger on the desk, lips tightening and forming more pliable peaks on his cheeks from holding back a proud smile. He waits until the fade out, before finally facing you once more. Angles his chair slightly towards you, not all the way, trying to appear more calm than anything despite nerves still simmering quietly in his stomach because you are the first to hear this particular demo.

“Did you hear me about your lyrics?” You ask right away, sliding the headphones to rest atop your shoulders. Yoongi nods softly, mumbling about not wanting to interrupt when you were listening to say thanks. “They really, really are good.” You say again anyways, smile growing wider as Yoongi reaches to fiddle with his hair,

“Thanks again.” His voice is still quiet, something bashful about it as well. Satisfied, you think, but you continue on anyways,

“And your voice is controlled, like usual.” You sigh, leaning back, “I can’t get over it; you’re so great at singing and rapping.” Yoongi just shrugs, but you miss it while you adjust your sleeves off of your hands. “For it being incomplete, I’d still listen to it, even without the other person you’re waiting on.” Yoongi chuckles, shaking his head,

“That’s too high of praise, you’re messing with me now.”

“I’m not.” You interject firmly, sitting upright. Yoongi looks at you silently, but breaks it by rubbing his neck and speaking sincerely,

“Well, thank you. I was kind of nervous about this one actually. It’s pretty different than other songs I’ve made.”

“Yeah, it’s really on the edge of your usual stuff, I think.” You nod in agreement, settling your hand on your chin while you ponder. “But I’m sure it’ll do well. Besides what’s a better time to try new things than now, right?”

“I wanted to make it last year, actually.” Yoongi shifts on his chair, clicking open an email notification. The title reads a clothing brand, and he shuts it as he goes on and for a moment scrolls through other emails in case he’s missed anything important. “It was busy with the merger going on though. But the beat is inspired by a friend of mine’s style.”

You let the information fall into space, interested by the mention of a musical inspiration. You scan any ideas, but ultimately feel like you don’t know enough about Yoongi at all to make any verbal assumptions so you just joke, “Jin?”

“Oh,” You watch Yoongi pause, and turn on his seat, looking at you with widened eyes, “How’d you know?”

“Wait really?” Your eyes grow wide as well as the image of Seokjin passes through your mind as a music producer-

“No.”

“Hey,” Your eyes immediately narrow, paired ironically with reddening embarrassment in your face. Yoongi just scoffs, then all together laughs as you defiantly cross your arms. “Rude,” You mutter as his lips continue releasing his entirely humored melody. “He could’ve; you don’t know.”

“I don’t?” He counters, slumping back into his chair and looking at you with a raised eyebrow.

“He’s performed an entire masterpiece with chopsticks and shot glasses before, so, yeah, you don’t.” You try to refrain from releasing any of your own smiling, maintaining a serious gaze towards Yoongi as he believes none of it and nods once.

“I live to be proven wrong, I guess.” He turns to face his computer once more, rearranging the opened windows as though he intends to continue working like he had before you stopped by. At this realization your arms relax, and you think about what you should do so not to bother him, maybe grab coffee to bide the time, or mindlessly watch YouTube videos on your phone.

Yoongi interrupts the thoughts, “It might not be my place to offer, but if you ever wanted to talk--or vent about,” His head tilts as he decides against specific topics, “Anything… I’d listen.” His hand sits still on the mouse, hoping he doesn’t sound like he’s trying to overstep. Though with all the trouble you seem to have, Yoongi tries to ignore that worry, allowing the innocent concern to lead the offer along.

“I probably look like I’m always down about something, right?” Your voice trickles embarrassment and spite, sighing as you rub your hair and angle your neck towards his coffee table. Frankly, it’s tiring to continue each day dismayed by the amount of circumstances left out of your control. Quietly having to accept so much that no one else seems to have to bother with, especially where songwriting is concerned.

“Not always, no.” Yoongi responds, eyes on the monitor though he’s looking at nothing. Contemplative of phrasing. “But a lot has happened the past month, and not much of it is good for you. I may not be your closest friend, but I think anyone seeing you pretend to be okay this often would wonder if you want to talk.”

You stare at the glossy wood, thinking of the interaction between you and Jimin not long ago. Being the first time you had spoken to him, you hoped it would’ve been better, maybe even telling for what the future could hold, but that was all wishful thinking in the end. He still left. Still keeps an arm’s distance. “I just,” You pause feeling the air in your throat that you hadn’t expected to cloud your sentence. You swallow it down and bite your lip, noticing Yoongi’s movement in your peripherals as he faces you slightly. Likely checking. Your voice probably sounded ridiculous.

“It’s okay to not speak too. Whenever you’re ready.”

The sentiment feels as comforting as the way Yoongi’s voice says the words. Absent of condescension, wholly gentle and patient. Putting his ideas of what he thought of you when you met and he found out about your job aside, to simply focus on your troubles. Understanding when he really didn’t have to be. Even if you both were amicable, and freshly titled friends like he said; it’s not like Yoongi needed to offer a metaphorical shoulder, or a penny for your thoughts without an expiration date. The action gives you a tug forward.

“Jimin was at the meeting and I didn’t think he’d be there.” You finally murmur, trying to avoid eye contact as though the words itching to leave your mouth would hide if you did. “I didn’t want to break up with him--or,” You sigh, rubbing your hair as your head shakes, “We weren’t a couple, I can’t really call it a break up, huh?” You rhetorically question feelings silly for being wrapped up in this relationship when it wasn’t a proper one to begin with. “I just didn’t want it to end.” The words fade, spacing even more as you ponder sadly, “And seeing him doing well-- even though he said he misses us, it just makes me feel like I’m the only one unable to push forward.”

In the very least, Jimin’s more in control of himself than you’re showing to be. Strongly believing this is the best way to handle the problems that existed in the relationship and unmoving about it. If you think about it like that, then maybe it would be better to try and adhere to this idea, even with your feelings for him. If they aren’t reciprocated feelings, there really is no worth in you continuously falling deeper and deeper. It was always bound to hurt, you just wish it could have happened later; like you would whenever the separation inevitably happened.

“Whether it takes you longer than him or not to work through this isn’t a problem. I think you should let yourself take as long as you need.” Yoongi gazes without focus at an empty shelf he plans to display albums of artists he’s collaborated with. Considering the closeness you and Jimin evidently had, it’s completely acceptable that you would be saddened by it all, and for all Yoongi knows the relationship could’ve had knots and twists that he’d never guessed that would garner the need for you to take months to heal. “Also,” He starts, though he considers not saying anything at all in case it may be a statement he doesn’t have the right to speak to, but recalling all of the instances thus far that he’s been unable to help you at all, he lets himself finish, “I don’t think you should shove all of it down either… I bet that feels suffocating.”

You bite your lip, almost embarrassed that he’s noticed how upset you’ve been despite having known you only a couple of months. You thought you have done well so far to at least appear normal, but with Yoongi spending hours of random days solely with you, it’s plausible he has simply caught on. Somehow the fact alone didn’t feel bad. In the same way that you had Namjoon to turn to because he knows everything that’s going on, it feels comforting that Yoongi is there as well. At least in his accepting way, whether it’s deeper than that, you don’t know and lean towards doubt if only because you’re both not on close terms.

“So I should just cry in the middle of our dates?” You try at a joke, but the smile you give him is appreciative of his advice. Yoongi glances to you, chair still angled to the wall. He hears the slightly joking tone and shrugs to it,

“If you do it gives us an excuse to go home.” You giggle at the fact and don’t mention that Yerin would likely end up irritated by you both appearing like a mess in public.

“I’ll cry one week, and you cry the next then.” You tease, scooting further into his couch and realizing that its incredible plushness is why it’s worn and Yoongi’s likely kept it since his last company. He laughs at the idea, nodding his head, relaxing himself now that you seem a little better, or at least, he hopes, less inclined to force yourself to act happy. “Thanks, for letting me talk a little, by the way.” A quieter, sincere tone. Before he’s able to respond you continue, “It means a lot to me that you wanted to help. I know I’m kind of, I guess, distant with my feelings, but it’s nice to feel like I don’t have to hide it all with someone around the company. I won’t bother you with myself though, don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried about that.” Yoongi discerns the idea you may feel annoying and softly diverts the thought away. “Besides sometimes it’s okay to be selfish and rant anyways. You’re just trying to help yourself.” He glances to his computer as you only respond with a nod, perhaps not entirely believing his words, but that could be a building process. “Hey, actually, while we’re here, and since you’re a producer,” You lift your head up, immediately curious as he mentions the title. “You want to help me play around with this song idea I’ve been messing with for the past week?”

“Wait, really?” You practically beam the words like sunlight, refraining from a flustered smile at the idea, but Yoongi can tell by how you sit up that you’re more than willing.

“Yeah, I’m not really getting anywhere with it, and since I know you’re the one who wrote practically all of the songs I liked from this company, of course I’d want to work with you.” The growing smile on your face almost makes Yoongi feel embarrassed as well that you found the request so appealing. He briefly chuckles as you start to nod, and he smiles brightly asking in bewilderment,

“Is it that exciting? It’s just me who’s offering, anyways.”

“Says the guy who’s made so much music that I love.” Yoongi bites his lip, smile not hiding at the joy. Emulating your sudden upbeat demeanor, simply because it felt infectious, Yoongi gestures to his computer,

“Well then since we both love each other’s stuff, let’s make it the collaboration of the year.” A light-hearted joke, but you and Yoongi mutually think it’s suddenly an exciting idea to work with one another on a song. So you’re up to your feet in seconds, taking the few steps towards his work area as he clicks around the screen,

“Wait, you don’t expect me to stand and help do you?”

“Oh, right, I’ll get a chair.”

if you enjoy please, please let me know! i hope you enjoy the series, i’m working really hard on it! : )

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[kenkamishiro]

Ishida’s Q&A comments from YJ compilation, Part 8

Once again Ishida continuing to give answers that don’t actually answer the questions at all lol.

For anyone who doesn’t know about the relevant Questions to Ishida contest, please read here. You can start from Part 1 here.

The recent set of zakki:re and interview translations take a lot of time and effort, so if you enjoyed it please reblog or leave a like. Thank you!

2016

No. 1

Still 1 month left of this year! What’s something you still have left to do for 2015?

The storyboard.

Good luck.

No. 2

Sensei, please share with us a piece of news that was important to you in 2015!

I forget.

I wasn’t feeling so great in 2015.

No. 3

December 17 is Airplane Day! Now then, please share with us a memory you have that is related to airplanes!

I like the window seats.

Probably that time on the plane to head to the New Years party, when the staff was forced to stop because of me...

[T/N: Referring to his New Year’s party escapades in the volume 6 omake.]

No. 4-5

December 24 is Christmas Eve! Now then, please share with us a present that you want now as an adult!

I don’t need one since I’m an adult.

Even adults want presents too, you know!

No. 6-7

When you think of New Year’s Day...you think of New Year’s money!! Please share with us one way you spent the money you received from New Year’s when you were a child!

On games.

I was jealous of other people’s families since I didn’t have a lot of relatives.

No. 8

Sensei, please tell us your philosophy when it comes to food!

I think of meals as work.

I consider meals as work when I’m eating alone. When I go with people I eat whatever I like.

No. 9

January 28 is the birthday of the late Komatsu Sakyou! Now then, please share with us one of your favourite sci-fi works!

Gantz.

It’s not Star Wars...

No. 10

Please share with us one aspect or behaviour of the opposite sex that you unconsciously care about!

Their face.

How they use social media.

No. 11

Please share with us a Twitter account that you’re most interested in now!

Inagawa Junji-san’s for his ghost story tweets.

I find that accounts of artists are helpful for studying.

No. 12

Please share with us one of your favourite genres/videos that you end up watching on video streaming sites.

I got Netflix so I could watch Terrace House.

I still use it.

No. 13

If you were to ever film a Taiga drama who would you pick as the main character?

Siebold.

But why?

[T/N: A Taiga drama is a type of long-running TV drama period piece, often produced by NHK.]

No. 14

Graduation season is in full bloom! Now then, please share with us one of your favourite graduation songs!

“Lion” by Amano Tsuki.

Uh-huh, yup.

[T/N: "Lion” was one of the songs included in Ishida’s Spotify playlist.]

No. 15

Sensei, if you could decide the design of the 10,000 yen bill, who would it be a portrait of?

A cat.

A cat...?

No. 16

Today is Weekly Manga Day! Please tell us your number one favourite manga that is released weekly!!

I’m curious about what Ooima Yoshitoki-san will draw for her next manga.

Just how much do you care?

No. 17

Sensei, please share with us one thing that makes you go, “Man, I wanna go see this,” now?

Commentary on demonstration boards for shogi.

I went to one! Man, was it interesting.

No. 18

The final day of March is...Orchestra Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a memory you have that’s related to musical instruments!

I bought a piano recently, and I’ve been playing it almost every day.

And I still play it.

No. 19

Entrance ceremony season has arrived! Now then, please tell us about a schoolteacher who’s left the biggest impression on you!

Some student hacked the school server and the teacher intercepted the culprit.

That’s the kind of school I attended.

No. 20

New dramas are starting one after another! Now then, please share with us a series that’s left the biggest impression on you among all the dramas that you’ve seen recently!

Right now I’m currently watching Mad Men.

I watched all of Mad Men. I can’t believe what happened at the end of “Meditations”...

[T/N: Not entirely sure what Ishida meant by that last line, but I think “Meditations” refers to the last episode of the second season, titled “Meditations in an Emergency”.]

No. 21

Sensei, please share with us one game that’s popular in your circle!

The staff and I often play Mafia a lot together.

Recently we’ve been playing table RPGs.

No. 22-23

Today is the day in which the elephant was first introduced to Japan! Now then, please share with us a person/thing/culture from overseas that you would like to come to Japan!

David Downton-san.

I don’t think that.

No. 24

It’s that time of year where it’s getting warmer even at night! Now then, please share with us something about hanging out at night that you still remember!

That time I went drinking at a bar in the outskirts of Tokyo with Takahashi Kunimitsu-kun.

I don’t want to go there again.

[T/N: Referring to that time in April 2016 where Ishida and Takahashi were at a bar and a middle-aged woman started hitting on Takahashi for 3 hours lol.]

No. 25

May 19 is Boxing Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us what you thought was the best match ever!

I like the match with David Haye.

Clearly it’s Darth Maul vs. Obi-Wan.

No. 26

Please share with us a story about a debacle that you or someone else caused at a drinking party!

The first time I met Nakayama Atsushi-sensei, I made so much of a fool of myself.

I was so piss-drunk that I fell asleep in the bathroom I think.

No. 27

When you think of June you think of June Bride! Now then Sensei, please share with us a story that you remember that has to do with weddings!

I drew the welcome board for my friend’s wedding.

That time I left early since I didn’t want to be late for my senpai’s wedding, but the flight ended up being delayed by over an hour...

No. 28

Sensei, please share with us one of your favourite literary works for children!

Ringing Bell by Yanase Takashi.

Stormy Night.

[T/N: Ringing Bell (Chirin no Suzu) was referenced in :re by Kaneki during Arima’s death scene. You can read about it here. Stormy Night also seems to have influenced :re.]

No. 29

June 16 is Wagashi Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a confectionary that you like!

It’s not available in Fukuoka, but sweet mochi cake.

I want some now.

[T/N: Wagashi is traditional Japanese confectionaries.]

No. 30

June 23 is Olympics Day! Now then Sensei, please share with us a competition from the Olympics that you still remember to this day!

Uchimura Kouhei’s horizontal bar performance at the London Olympics.

I don’t really watch TV much, so questions like these are tough for me to answer.

No. 31

Please share with us your slogan for the latter half of 2016!

I won’t be late. I wasn’t able to keep that promise for the first half of the year.

Good luck with that.

No. 32

Sensei, please secretly tell us about one shop that you think is the King of Restaurants!

The Chinese restaurant by my previous workplace.

The stir-fried oyster with lettuce was perfection.

No. 33

Summer has arrived! Now then Sensei, what do you think of as “summer food”?

The spicy Mexican crispy noodle salad from Family Mart.

Ah that, that was so good. But I don’t see them sold anywhere now...

No. 34

If you could see exactly one historical event or incident live in person, what would you want to see?

I want to see Tezuka Osamu-sensei’s workplace.

The Perry Expedition.

[T/N: Tezuka is the “father of manga”, having drawn iconic manga like Astro Boy, Black Jack, and the currently airing anime Dororo.]

No. 35

When  you think of summer, you think of the ocean! If you could raise just one sea creature as a pet what would you choose?

An octopus.

So I can eat it.

No. 36

Sensei, please share with us the most nerve-wracking moment you’ve ever experienced in your life!

That time when I had to address a speech to over a hundred people for the launch of the anime.

Finishing the manuscript before the deadline of the final chapter.

No. 37-38

Sensei, please share with us a word or phrase that’s been stuck in your head recently!

“Pandas exploding in the wild.”

It’s from group_inou.

No. 39

Sensei, please share with us a small luxury that you use in your everyday life!

On days I stay up all night I buy carbonated drinks.

Feels kinda pathetic huh.

No. 40

The disbanding of idol groups nationwide is hot news, but please tell us about an experience that you’re still reluctant to part ways with.

A little while ago, I bought a copy of Jump every week for several months.

It was so I could read Hunter x Hunter.

[T/N: Question is most likely talking about the disbanding of the top male idol group SMAP which was announced around this time of the year.]

No. 41

Sensei, what item makes you think, “whoever invented this is a genius”?

The PC.

Amazon.

No. 42

What was the most interesting reception you’ve received up until now that has made you the happiest?

I got a shikishi from the staff to commemorate 100 chapters of being serialized. Though no one from that time is left anymore...

I also got a shikishi from the current staff. I was happy.

No. 43

Sensei, please share with us a moment that’s made you feel the generation gap the most!

Encountering people who were born in the 2000′s.

Sha-Mail.

No. 44

It’s Reader Autumn! Please tell us what you consider as your bible!

Recently it’s “Speak Aloud and Rhyme”.

Now it’s “Drawing the Morphological Human Body with Boxes and Cylinders”.

No. 45

Sensei, please tell us about a manga/anime/novel that you’d like to see as a movie!

I’m looking forward to “Satoshi: A Move for Tomorrow” being released this fall.

I missed the chance to watch it.

No. 46

Sensei, what were you most enthusiastic about playing with when you were in school?

Smash Bros.

Games that are updated periodically.

No. 47

Sensei, please tell us about something that you’ve used for many years and have been unable to throw away!!

I throw things away when I need to.

My Cintiq 22HD (DTK-2000/K1) LCD tablet. The size and responsiveness of it matches it better than the latest model.

No. 48

Sensei, when was the moment you felt you became independent?

If I’m living.

What? Probably when I got my pay cheque.

No. 49

November 2 is Family Culture Day! Sensei, please tell us about a rule that’s only found in your household!

Playing no more than 1 hour of games a day.

That’s proper.

No. 50

Sensei, please share with us any furniture/interior work that you want to replace right now!

The bookshelf.

Same.

No. 51

Sensei, please share with us the first CD you’ve ever bought!

Morishita Reika’s “Your Wind is Blowing” (most likely).

Most likely, yeah.

No. 52

This year has had various movies become blockbuster hits, but in your opinion what work do you consider as a hit?

It’s actually a drama, but Game of Thrones.

I recommend it.

previous || next

[shinneth]

Well in that case, let’s have 10-15 as well! It’s hard picking stuff that’s not already been revealed, you’ve done a hell of a job building the GA universe.

Hahaha, very good point! I have exploited the hell out of them. And I anticipate future exploitation will follow! And thankfully, these questions are much, much trickier to answer. So between this and the wrestling-watching commitments, this took me more than a day to compile~! But that’s a good thing since it was ultimately thought-provoking and I may or may not have stumbled upon a concept or two to utilize somewhere down the line.

10. What two songs, two books, and two luxury items do they take to a desert island?

(my literal-minded self is assuming this is one item each; it’s also the crueler of the two interpretations, which is fitting)

At first I thought I’d have to force my mindset away from GAverse since this kind of set-up wouldn’t naturally happen unless Steven and Peridot really wanted to challenge themselves... then the movie happened and now there’s actually a very convenient way this could happen without GA Peridot trivializing this!

(of course, I’m uncultured trash, so the music and books make this the most challenging bit...) 

Peridot is bringing her goddamn tablet, of course. Even without wifi, she can at least continue logging events the old-fashioned way... and this is one damn scenario where a daily log would be useful. At least until the battery runs out on that. Though I wouldn’t put it past Peridot to find a way to create a stable power source for that sucker. Making a lifeline for her tech would be Peridot’s #1 priority that isn’t related to keeping Steven safe and sound. :P She could also manipulate the metal in it to access hard-to-reach resources, if at a limited capacity. 

I see Steven bringing an instrument, namely that damned ukulele. Simple mind, simple needs, and of course he’ll just see this scenario as an opportunity to actually teach Peridot some proper music lessons.

Music and books are where it really gets tricky. For books, Peridot’s getting something practical. So of course she’ll bring Lord of the Flies and claim that’s her guidebook to survival on a desert island. Steven is more for sentiment and bring that Sailor Moon manga we’ve seen him keep around in his room. Sailor Moon (the manga especially) is full of romance, so that suits his priorities perfectly, lol. 

Similar case can be said for music: Steven will opt for a nice, mood-setting romantic song while Peridot brings the most loudest and obnoxious music known to her. Because logically, music like that stands the greatest chance in drawing outside attention so they’ll be rescued! 

Peridot might be more lax about the ordeal if there’s steady food and water for Steven to survive off of; otherwise I see her largely panicking about being stranded in an environment where resources Steven needs to live on are finite.

(I’ll admit, I got the idea of Peridot and Steven doing a duet of this song (which I bet would sound way better with their VAs) while in this situation...)

11. What do they hide from one another?

Now it’s GA Steven’s turn to trivialize the scenario! It’s officially nigh-on impossible for Peridot to hide one goddamned thing from Steven from GA3 onward... not that Peridot was ever that good at hiding shit from Steven to begin with.

In fact, a certain Post-GA story proved the only things Peridot truly can hide from Steven are secrets even she isn’t aware of, such as how exactly she first met Jasper and Lapis. The only reason Peridot was good at keeping that hidden from Steven was due to it being so traumatic that she made herself forget it in order to live with herself and move forward. So really, memories like that are the only things GA Peridot can hide from Steven at this point. There might still be a repressed memory or two, but overall she’s nearly out of stuff she could realistically withhold. 

Outside GA, I feel like Homeworld has always been far more awful than it’s been made out to be, and Peridot would be the one who best knows just how awful life there can be. So if she’s hiding anything from Steven and has any prayer of keeping it that way long-term, it’s going to be the hell she used to have in her former life, or possibly the things she had to do to survive in said life. Of course she’ll still go out of her way to hide her insecurities and inferiority complex from Steven, but it’s practically a guarantee she won’t be able to keep that hidden for long. 

Steven... is only slightly better about this. The fact that both suck at lying and maintaining a poker face, as brought up last time, really shoots him in the foot here. So I think I can answer for GA and regular headcanon in one go with him: anything related to Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz that Peridot hasn’t already learned about is probably gonna be stuff Steven keeps to himself about. He values Peridot so much as one of the only gems that has virtually no bias one way or the other about his mom, so the last thing Steven wants to do is fill Peridot’s head with the same “propaganda”, so to speak, that he and the rest of his friends have had drilled in their own heads for most of their lives.

Additionally more for GA, I think Steven possibly has more commentary about Peridot’s past life that he hasn’t already shared with her... but he’s going out of his way not to dredge up those old times. Especially when the Homeworld refugees will already be doing that for him on a daily basis (which logically would be why Steven would still be thinking about those times at all). After all the dirty laundry Steven has aired out in Peridot’s presence, I think he’d be keen on keeping anything still unsaid about their pasts/origins/heritage to himself solely for his girlfriend’s benefit. After all, Peridot being a uniquely fucked-up gem is still a pretty new concept that she’s still trying to adjust to. So Spinel’s gonna be a fun little addition to their lives in more ways than one!

12. What first changes when it starts getting serious?

Hm, tricky to answer for GA, since it feels like they’re already at the “serious” phase of the relationship in these Post-GA stories. Realistically, though, Steven and Peridot are gonna have their hands full being the Era 3 centerpieces and have very limited time for dating or other romantic shenanigans. 

Plus, the workload stressed these two out to the point that within 3 or 4 months in, they already tried going all the way despite both of them knowing they were being morons for resorting to that this soon. And consequently, as my most recent story confirms, they fucked up not only their first time, but also their reputation among their circle of friends... which consequently gave the two even less time to be together. 

Taking that into consideration, it’s probably safe to say Steven and Peridot won’t even have the time to officially keep their relationship a steady one until Era 3 stabilizes. That said, by the following year when Steven turns 17, they should officially be in the “serious” phase considering they’ll be ready to really go all the way. And the first change made when it gets serious is either going to be a demand to the Crystal Gems to give them daily private time - or even better - Steven and Peridot get their own shared bedroom. I actually like that one more.

Otherwise, GAverse aside, I think the change that signifies Steven and Peridot getting serious... hmm. I kinda like the concept that they independently get the idea to propose taking their relationship to the next level and surprise each other when they unknowingly spring that announcement at the same time, having made each other a trinket of some kind for each other to mark the occasion. Then like dorks, they’ll announce this to the rest of the Crystal Gems and they’ll be like “uh yeah we saw this coming a mile away, dumbasses, congrats”. 

I also like the idea of Peridot being more self-conscious of her appearance when the relationship becomes more serious, which makes her a little obsessive and experimental with things like outfits, accessories... and god forbid, make-up. Of course, Steven won’t care about any of that... but that won’t make Peridot any less determined to look the part of a serious girlfriend!

13. When do they realize they should get together?

Definitely already a done deal in the GAverse as of Act III, Chapter 5. Had events played out differently, they would’ve officially been an item since the end of Act I. However, Steven coming back for Peridot even after she had given up hope of ever being rescued and being the one to fix her mind after White Diamond fucked it up royally - not to mention accepting her identity as Chartreuse, not giving a damn that she’s an abomination of scientific fuckery, or even that Peridot betrayed her friends (largely against her will, granted) - that makes for a more poignant moment when Steven tells Peridot that even after all the fuck-ups she’s made in Act III, that he still considers them boyfriend-girlfriend, and so should she.

So, thinking out of the box is trickier since we still have only a bare-bones grasp of what all’s happened in the time gap between seasons. Honestly, the most logical time for them to realize they should hook up should’ve been when Connie shunned Steven while Lapis abandoned Peridot. At the very least, any episode post-Raising the Barn should’ve been a golden opportunity for Steven and Peridot to realize how much they really love each other. 

And since the movie was annoyingly heavy-handed with the Connvese teases with virtually no Stevidot interaction while season 6 as a whole is a still giant ? ... then it’s a matter of blindly grasping at straws to think when else they should hook up. We know they’re due for a bonding moment at some point in season 6, though. Hopefully it’s not about Lapis, but if it isn’t, I suspect it might have involve fusion... and I still like the headcanon of Peridot only being able to fuse with Steven due to being an Era 2. Not just an Era 2, but a type of gem that logically should never have a reason to fuse since peridots are not meant to fight. Their limb enhancers give them a means for self-defense, but that’s it. But some exclusivity with the fusion - plus Steven being the one to reassure Peridot that she’s not inadequate as a teammate (I imagine even in 2 years, she’s likely to be the weakest Crystal Gem). 

14. When one has a cold, what does the other do?

Welp! I guess for gems I’ll have to think of some kind of equivalent (I guess chipped/cracked/destabilized/corrupted... ooooor what’s expected of Peridot to deal with once she’s got buns in her oven?), but for Steven having the cold...

Well, whether it’s GA Peridot or Not-GA Peridot, they’ll behave similarly but one will have a much wider range of capabilities than the other. Not that this really means much for GA Peri in this field, since she has no real comprehension of what a human illness is like and therefore can’t just will Steven’s illness away. In both cases, Peridot would first seek help from the likes of Pearl, Greg, or Connie. If Peridot’s left to deal with this solely on her own, however, she’ll probably give Steven a thorough interview of every single little symptom he has, then use Google-Fu to get instructions that she’ll follow to the goddamn letter.

Hopefully she doesn’t come across an instruction worded in a way that she’ll interpret it in some other way entirely because she doesn’t understand the phrasing, because that could lead to chaos easily. 

In the meantime, she’d ask Steven like every other minute if he needs something unless he’s asleep. And since Peridot has no innate understanding of this phenomenon, she’ll relentlessly study Steven’s mannerisms, symptoms, and actions until she feels she’s achieved enlightenment. That, or Steven gets annoyed and tells her to cut it out... though she may argue she’s constantly staring at Steven like a creeper for educational purposes. 

She won’t leave his side regardless, though, and since she’s not at risk of catching his cold, Peridot’s of course going to snuggle with him all the same and volunteer to be his supplementary cushioning. 

If Peridot is ailing... depending on what it is, Steven will similarly ask Pearl and probably Garnet before doing anything on his own if they’re available to him. Google’s not gonna give him the info he needs, of course, so Steven’s got a bit of a tougher job in keeping Peri healthy. Then again, Steven’s a motherfucking healing saint, so whether he’s GAverse or not, Steven could easily trivialize this since he’s basically the show’s white mage. GA Steven will have the advantage of being able to read exactly how Peridot is feeling, so he won’t need to interrogate her to figure out the source of her pain/discomfort/illness. 

Of course, neither Steven would just observe her like a weirdo (like his girlfriend would, basically); he’d be right there for hugs and cuddles and wouldn’t dare leave Peridot’s side unless he really needs to use the bathroom. But even then he’d feel so guilty leaving her alone for even a second, so he’d rush it. 

Steven might even be corny enough to try chicken soup on Peridot. And of course if there’s buns in the oven, Steven will treat Preggerdot like absolute fucking royalty.

Bonus: Accurate video representation of how Steven and Peridot will interact when she’s in labor

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15. When they watch a film what do they choose and why? Who gets the final vote?

Something with good physical comedy; that way Peridot is more likely to get some entertainment out of it on a first viewing without having to ask Steven what the joke is while he explains it. 

For some reason, I was thinking Liar Liar.

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Since Peridot and Steven are so painfully transparent when they try to lie, they’ll feel much better about themselves watching something like this! 

As for final vote, I think Steven would be the gentleman and let Peridot have the final vote. Peridot would likely think at least on some occasions that the final vote should go to Steven since he knows movies in general way better than she does (and therefore would have better overall judgment in what to pick), but Steven would just insist that he’s letting Peridot choose because since he trusts her instincts, she should, too. 

There’s always a coin toss if they end up in a stalemate. :P And this would apply both for regular canon and GAverse.

Much more challenging round this time! Love it! I’ll always invite more questions, though at this point I may need to find some more memes to reblog, fff... here’s the meme if anyone still wants to snag questions from it and ask me from here!

Feel free to pass this headcanon BS to your fellow Stevidot peoples! There’s no such thing as too much content for this blessed ship.

[vivalaskristie]

Chapter 9 Just Killing Time

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Series Premise: Parallel, behind the scenes, Madeleine and Bastien

A/N: This is my first series, my first AU, because Madeleine and Bastien needed to smash.  I posted and then pulled it because it wasn’t quite right.  It’s still a work in progress.

Warnings for this series: The first sex scenes I’ve ever written, bad language, sneaking around, alcohol, general mischief and the occasional academic symposium.

Chapter 1 Prelude

Chapter 2 Drinks on a Yacht

Chapter 3 A Dark and Stormy Night

Chapter 4 Meanwhile, Back At The Palace

Chapter 5 She’s Gone

Chapter 6 All The Single Ladies

Chapter 7 The Game is Afoot

Chapter 8 It’s A Farce

Permatags:  @speedyoperarascalparty @burnsoslow @dcbbw @emceesynonymroll @stopforamoment

The palace released one additional announcement that day.  The competition to become Liam’s bride was officially cancelled, citing an acknowledgement that the entire premise was demeaning to women and that it devalued the entire idea of marriage.  The participants were thanked profusely for their efforts and devotion to Cordonia’s advancement.  The palace made it clear that the media would be required to respect their privacy, and a formal apology was issued to all involved.  Future events that focused on Cordonia’s rich history and culture were in development, and all would be welcome.

Bastien spent the day overseeing the evolving palace security protocols.  There was really no way to know how the people of Cordonia would respond to what was going on.  Everyone was on high alert.  The residents, staff, and guests were discouraged from leaving the safety of the palace, and nobody was allowed in.  

Olivia, Penelope, Kiara, Hana, and Riley were all in Madeleine’s suite.  There wasn’t anywhere for them to be, so they took advantage of the down time to watch movies and daydrink. By mid-afternoon, Madeleine started texting Bastien.  

At the end of one of the longest days of his career, Bastien got cleaned up in his own room, in case Madeleine’s was still full of her friends.  He saw no reason to stay away now that everybody knew about them, though, so he let himself into her suite through the front door.  Someone was asleep on the couch, but the fall of long dark hair showed that it wasn’t Madeleine.  Kiara.  Another form was curled into a chair.  Red hair and clenched fists.  Olivia.

He made sure the balcony door was secured, and then silently made his way into the bedroom.  A sense of deja vu crossed his mind, and he smiled at the memory of their night on the yacht.  I’ve got to get a job where I’m not sneaking into her bed in the middle of the night so much, he thought.

Madeleine was sprawled out across the bed.  He marveled at how one so small could take up so much of such a big space.  He looked at her for a moment.  She let out a decidedly unladylike snore.  

“Hottest damn woman on the planet right here,” he said out loud. “Mother of my children.”

“Love,” she murmured through her dreams.

“Love,” he replied.

He made sure she had water and ibuprofen close by, and crawled into bed, curling around her.  

***

“Oh god I’m going to die.”

Madeleine’s brain was too big for her head.  She opened one eye and closed it again immediately when the room spun around her.  She was laying on her stomach, and she felt a warm hand on her lower back.  She groaned and leaned up into it.

“Good morning, Icarus.  Fly a little close to the sun?”

She smiled in spite of herself as she started remembering the previous day.  She’d spent it laughing with friends.  It had been forever since she’d had that much fun.  But wow, she was paying for it.  

“I seem to recall texting you,” she murmured with closed eyes.

“Yeah, about that…”

“I regret nothing.” He laughed and rubbed her back.  “Mmmmm, you will keep doing that, please and thank you,” she managed to command and purr all at once.  His hand slipped under her tank top and he sat up to get more leverage. Bastien worked through the knotted muscles, feeling the stress she had absorbed in the past weeks loosening up.  He made a fist and twisted his knuckles into her shoulder blade.  

“Oh that spot right there. Yeah, that’s the good stuff,” she mumbled into her pillow. Inspired, he tugged her shirt over her head.  “No no no you stopped.  Go back to that thing with the knuckles.”  

“Work with me.  I need access to all the fun places,” he said as he ran his tongue up her spine to the nape of her neck.  He felt her twitch under him as goosebumps covered her skin.  He moved her hair out of the way and bit her shoulder.  She started to roll over and reach for him, and he pushed her back down.  “No, stay there.  I like the view.”  

He worked up and down her entire body, from her scalp to the soles of her feet.  He slid her underwear down her legs.  It was sensual and powerful and delicate and she gave herself over to it.  She felt his mouth, his scruffy chin, his breath moving over her with his hands.  He licked her neck behind her ear and whispered, “Any requests?”

“Potatoes and coffee would be amazing.”  

“I’m sorry what?”

Her eyes opened wide as her stomach rumbled.  Did she say that out loud?  She quickly rolled over onto her back.  “I mean, come here baby and show me how manly you are” and she pulled him down for a kiss, pulling his hands back to her body.

“Oh don’t let me get in the way of your breakfast, your Grace, “ he said in mock indignation.

“Shut up and get back to work down here.  You missed some key locations.”  

“Really?  I thought I was pretty thorough. Show me.”

“This whole front part was utterly ignored,” she said in a snooty voice as she ran her index finger down between her breasts. 

“Let me jump right on that, milady.”  He put his mouth over one nipple and squeezed the other.  His free hand traveled down between her legs.  “I know it’s not potatoes but it’s the best I have right now.”  She gasped out a laugh.

“Cream, madam?”

“Not yet, but keep going….” she jumped as he ran a finger over her clit and slipped it inside her. 

“You sure you don’t have a headache?” he murmured, grazing his teeth against her thigh.  “You’re not weak from hunger?”  

“I am, but I’ll allow you to eat first.”  She raised a knee.

He snorted out a laugh.  What was with her today?  He’d never had so much fun with any woman.  “Your wish is my command.”  He lowered his head, his low growl of a laugh rumbling against her.   He kissed and licked his way back up her body to her mouth and thrust his cock into her.  She cried out at the abrupt change in sensation, and dug her nails into his back as she held on to him.  He moved faster and faster, drilling into her.  They reached a frantic rhythm and she began to shake under him, and he lost control of his senses. 

Afterward, They lay together quietly for awhile, staying tangled up around each other.

“HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS THAT SOUNDED AMAZING,” Olivia yelled from the other room.

“LIV WOULD YOU CALL FOR SOME POTATOES I’M STARVING,” Madeleine hollered back.  Bastien buried his face in her neck, laughing and holding her tight.

***

As they were enjoying their potatoes and coffee in bed, Madeleine’s phone buzzed on the nightstand.

Family meeting, everybody.  Gather in the 2nd floor library 30 min.

Wait who’s that?

We’ve been hacked!  Abort!

Who added Liam to the group?

I added myself.

You can’t add yourself to a group chat! #rude How do you even do that?  Show me

I’m the mf king.  You think I don’t have the authority to slide into your DMs, fool?

I feel like we’re in trouble.  Are we in trouble?  Should I pack?

GUYS.  Relax.  Maddie, tell Bastien?

Sure.  

Oh like Bastien’s not right there reading over her shoulder #lovahs

Maxwell if you ever manage to get with anybody, remind me to make fun of you for it.

BURN HAHAHAHAAAAAAASavage

Dang girl!  

Merde!

LOL pwn

They were all seated in the magnificent main library when Liam walked in and sat down.  Everybody knew about Drake & Riley and Bastien & Madeleine.  Nobody knew what Liam had planned.  

He began without preamble.  

“You are my best friends.  I’ve been around you all for my entire life, and I’m horrified that you felt pressure to be part of Regina’s … whatever it was.  I’m so sorry.  Please know that it’s done, and none of you needs to explain it to anyone.  The Crown will take all responsibility for any damage inflicted.

“My father was planning to step down in the next few months anyway.  He’s been diagnosed with cancer–” he stopped abruptly when he heard the gasps of shock–”and his prognosis is good” –everybody sat back in relief–”but he and I agreed that in the interest of helping Cordonia regain some stability, we’d make the big changes right now.

“Ladies, the fact that you basically organized into a labor union in order to avoid becoming queen reminded me of why you are all so important to me.  I would have been lucky, and it would have been my honor, to have been worthy of marrying any of you.   Your duty to crown and country is unquestioned.”  The women were all smiling, obviously relieved but still utterly unapologetic.  “I look forward to implementing policies that empower Cordonia’s girls to grow into strong women like all of you.”

“Riley you are amazing and I’m so glad you’re here.  Your happiness is important to me, even if that means you’re not with me.”  Drake took Riley’s hand and looked over at Liam in gratitude.

“Guys, you are my brothers.  You’ve dealt with a lot because of your friendships with me, and I can never show you how much you all mean to me.”  Maxwell had tears rolling down his face. 

“I love you bro!”

“Yes Max, love you too, my bro.”  They all laughed.

The conversation continued for hours.  Liam began to detail his plans for what he wanted for Cordonia.  He singled them out for potential cabinet positions and executive offices.  He emphasized that these were offers and not commands, and he made no secret of the fact that he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the rapid changes that had happened to him.  He’d had plans of his own, and while he hoped to fulfill some of them, he knew he had to let some go.  He was asking for their help, and they were glad to give it.

“Madeleine, I’m hoping I can count on you to become Minister of Finance in the future.  I know you want to continue your education.  Please know that the position is yours when and if you want it.  I read your undergraduate thesis, and I want it to be one of the foundational documents for the 50 year strategic plan I’ve started developing.  I’d like to work with your team of experts when you return to Oxford, if you’ll let me impose.”

Madeleine was stunned.  He’d read her work and saw its real world potential.  Her ideas would inspire Cordonians for generations to come.

<FIN>

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~The Cripple and the Bastard~

~Chapter 1: The Blacksmiths Daughter~

Additional chapters: ((Ch.1 - Ch.2 - Ch.3 - Ch.4 - Ch.5 - Ch.6 ))

Image Credit: badwolf-in-the-impala

Pairings: Ivar the Boneless x OC

Rating: NSFW

Warnings: Verbal/physical abuse, violence, kidnapping, scars, sexual content.

A/N: So this right here is my first ever Ivar fic. I originally started posting it over on my Ao3 account. It’s a little rough, I’m tweaking it a little here and there as I go so bare with me. I started this after taking about a 3yr hiatus from writing, and it’s still a work in process lol...I have 9 chapters to it so far, and though I haven’t updated it in a while, I still plan to continue it. Any ways, I hope you guys like it.

Feedback is always much appreciated :)

If you would like to be added to ((or taken off)) the TAGLIST, just let me know. I figured I would go ahead and tag everyone that follows my other Ivar fic “The Absent Heart” in case you wanted to check this one out as well. :) 

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

The cart and horse thundered along the road loudly. Farmers and fisherman alike pausing from their work to investigate the noise as it that passed them by. Whispering to one another in curiosity as they watched the older man and young woman that traveled road; their destination fast approaching in the distance. The young woman shrugged off the stares as she kept her eyes forward, ignoring the dull ache that presented in her feet from days of seemingly endless travel. Her father resting comfortably in the cart that carried all their supplies and belongings that were needed for the long journey to their newest home. 

The Village of Kattegat. 

The mans voice droned on and on but she couldn't be bothered with his ramblings as she took in the beautiful scenery that lay before her very eyes. Her father had caught word months ago that King Ragnar Lothbrok was in need of a skilled Blacksmith to build weapons for the upcoming raids, and he was more than eager to offer his assistance...for a price of course. Everything with her father came with a price. Even his own daughter. The young woman rolled her eyes at the thought. He was such a vile, greedy man. But she knew well enough that he would not be able to take near the kind of advantage of the Viking King as he thought. The stories she had heard...oh the stories. Ragnar was not to be taken for a fool as her father thought, as he was unlike the typical Jarl's he was used to.

"Are you even listening?!" The sharp, familiar sting of pain across her cheek was what finally grabbed her attention, prying her from her thoughts. Turning toward her father she grit her teeth to keep from receiving further punishment for her sharp tongue. Considering it often found her in more trouble than necessary. She nodded in acknowledgment and he continued, narrowing his dark eyes as he glared down at her small from the cart. 

"You listen here, whelp! You are to be on your best behavior. Is that to be understood?" The young woman nodded. "Good. I will not have you running about like a child! Especially in presence of someone as important as King Ragnar! First time I catch you screwing about instead of doing you job, it'll be a beating. Is that clear?"

"Yes...Father." She replied. Rolling her eyes as she turned her attention to the town that was now within her reach; and how she longed to simply disappear within it's depths. Never to be bothered by the man she unfortunately called Father, again.

She stopped near the back of the cart as they reached the gates, a young viking man -- no more than maybe four or five years older than herself -- and several shieldmaiden's, motioning for them to stop. The young man speaking with her father as she showed the contents of the carts to the maidens, who seemed pleased with their findings, nodding to the man that everything was satisfactory. The young man smiled, a beautiful sight, the young woman observed.

"My father will be please with your arrival." The voice was deep, probably even frightening to some, but she could detect the notes of unspeakable kindness that lie within his voice. His light blue eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as he turned his gaze to her own. Frowning slightly as he noted that she had most likely walked this entire way on foot as there was no room in the small cart, and the spare horse appearing untouched. 

"Please, follow me." He gestured, leading them through the gates and toward the Great Hall.

"Keep your mouth shut! ... Understood?" Her father growled low enough for only her ears to hear. But the bone crushing grip he laid to her arm, one that was sure to bruise, did not go unnoticed by the man in front of them as he glanced back discretely. He was unmistakably a Ragnarsson,and she had noted that tidbit of information when he spoke earlier at the gate of his father being pleased. 

Her father truly was an unobservant fool.

"So, this is the famed Blacksmith I have heard so much about!" The voice boomed loudly as the Viking King approached. His Queen and remaining sons not far behind. He father immediately released her arm at the unexpected appearance. The Viking Kings impressive height towering over the both of them as they greeted one another.

"It is a true honor." The young woman had to resist the urge to roll her eyes as her father all but threw himself at the Viking Kings feet. Ragnar chuckling lightly as he waved the actions off. "I am Guunbjorn, The fierce. Famed Blacksmith of Norway!" The King seemed less than impressed with the introduction, but hid it well. Brushing her father off as he gestured to his own family.

"The pleasure is all ours. I am Ragnar, as I am sure you already know." He grinned at the mans annoyance, blue eyes shining vibrantly with amusement as he appeared less than pleased to be spoken to by the King like he was an idiot. 

"This is my wife, Queen Asluag." He gestured to the tall, beautiful, woman to his left. "And my sons," turning his attention to the young Vikings that stood behind him. "Bjorn, Hvitserk, Sigurd, Ivar...and I believe you have already met Ubbe." He gestured to the man that stood just behind them. Her father tensing noticeably, but smiling nevertheless.

"A pleasure." He father ground out, forcing a smile.

"And who might you be." The young woman turned her attention to the Viking King as he acknowledged her. Bowing her head in greeting as she starting to speak before being cut off by her father.

"My daughter." Gunnbjorn spoke up, dismissing her presence. "No one of importance really. She assists me with my forge in exchange for remaining in my care. She is a bastard, you see. Good for nothing whore her mother was...a shame really." She could feel her ears flaming red at the word Bastard, and while true, she took spite in how her father relished in making it known wherever they went. Making sure she was known as the embarrassment to her family. Shaming her in such ways to keep her from ever finding a suitable husband someday. But this situation seemed, different. The announcement of her parentage only bringing a larger smile to the Viking Kings face as he brushed the girls father off...again.

"And what might you call yourself?" He smiled warmly at her, reaching out to take her hand in greeting. Placing a kiss to her knuckles as he watched the Blacksmith fume from the corner of his eye. "Bastard Daughter of Gunnbjorn, The Fierce." Pressing a second kiss to her hand, a low chuckle passed his lips, the sensation practically vibrating up her arm as he stood upright once more, smiling down on her.

"Yara." She replied, her voice catching the attention of the Ragnarsson who was seated on a crate outside the market stall to their right. Intense Sapphire blue eyes boring into her almost immediately, sending a chill down her spine that she was quick to brush off.

"Pleasure to meet you, Yara.” Ragnar smiled warmly. "I am sure one of my sons would be most pleased to escort you to your new home while I show your father to his Forge." He stated, a playful sparkle in his blue eyes, turning with his arm around the older man, ushering them forward before Gunnbjorn could voice his protest at the thought of not one, but four Ragnarsson's escorting his daughter. Bjorn having joined his father in escorting the Blacksmith.

"Well...that was...interesting." The voice of Ubbe came from behind her. "He will surely be kept occupied for sometime though." He chuckled. "Follow me and we shall get you settled." Yara nodded, grabbing a heavy pack from the cart and slinging it over her shoulder with ease. The remaining brothers exchanging glances before following suit..well, all but the youngest who drug himself into the seat on the cart and followed along behind. The young woman noting the truth behind the rumors of the youngest Ragnarsson being a cripple.

It was a short walk to the pit house that was to be her new home. It wasn't terribly small like their last home had been, plenty big enough to have at least some space from her father. She sighed, tossing the pack to the floor as they entered the home one at a time unloading the cart. Sigurd making snide comments to his brother, Ivar, that manned the cart and horse still. Watching as his piercing blue eyes blazed with an intense rage, even though he chose not to acknowledge the older boy. But Yara could feel the tension seeping into the air like a thick fog. Anger clenched within her at the thought of how the older boy was treating his own brother.

"You do not say much...do you?" Hvitserk noted from his perch on the fence outside, smirking sheepishly before biting into an apple that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Yara simply cocked an eyebrow at him before returning her attention to the cart that needed unloading.

"Bet I could get her to say all kinds of things." Sigurd laughed, a cocky smirk plastered to his face as he perched on the fence next to Hvitserk. Opening his mouth to no doubt add in whatever vulgar ways he planned to achieve this. But instead he was silenced by the axe that had found its way into the fence between his open legs, startling him backwards onto the ground with a dull 'thud'.

"I would advise you against finishing that sentence...Brother." Ivar spoke up, eyes trained on the second axe that Yara gripped tightly in her left hand. "It appears, that this one is not like the other girls who are charmed so easily by your Serpent like ways." Sigurd sat up with a wide eyed expression that quickly turned into one of anger.

"You Bitch-" He spat, climbing to his feet as she raised the second axe, Ubbe stepping in to silence his brother from finishing a sentence that was sure to be his last had he continued to speak. A firm grip wrapping it's self around Yara's wrist from above and plucked the axe from her grasp after applying a little force.

"That is enough, children." Ubbe spoke firmly, but fought back an amused smile as he fixed his gaze on Yara. Pleased she wasn't one to tolerate his brothers nonsense.

Turning with a fixed glare, Yara snarled quietly as she took back the axe that Ivar held out to her. Fiery green eyes boring into ones of Sapphire blue. An animalistic grin gracing his dark features as she snatched it from his hand. Chuckling to himself quietly as Sigurd skulked away, brushing himself off as he muttered profanities at the girl under his breath.

"You will have to forgive my Brother's." Ubbe apologized. "Manner-less Heathens they are."

"It is fine." Yara ground out from between clenched teeth as she dislodged the axe from the fence. Hvitserk scooting away from her ever so slightly just to be safe as she slipped it back through her belt. "I thank you for your help." She stated. "But I should be taking the rest of our things to the forge to be unloaded now..." She cocked her hip out to the side and crossed her arms as she stared up at Ivar.

If looks could kill.

"You expect me to move?" He laughed harshly. "I do not think so." He narrowed his gaze back her. "I am a Cripple after all...you would not expect me to crawl such a distance...would you?"

"Ivar..." Ubbe's voice warned from behind Yara carefully.

Ears burning hot with annoyance and rage, Yara turned sharply on her heel.  Boot digging a hole into the dirt where she'd been standing as she stalked off toward the familiar sounds of metal being worked. Ignoring the amused laugh that came from behind her and the sound of the cart setting into motion once more. Ignoring the gaze she could feel boring into her very soul with every step she took. Leaving her feeling completely exposed and flustered. Never had anyone been able to get under her skin so easily and with just their presence alone it seemed like...but this son of Ragnar clearly had a talent very few possessed, and the worst part was, he knew it immediately, and would no doubt only continue to use it against her.

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

TAGLIST: @greennightspider @captstefanbrandt @microsmacrosandneedles @irishhiggins @dmv49 @naaladareia @readsalot73 @terrainhead

[artificialqueens]

Extra Credit: Part 6 (Shalaska) - Rosie

A/N: Sorry times a million for keeping you waiting for more Extra Credit! But it’s finally here! Thank you times a million for being so patient! Since the last chapter I took a slight detour and wrote this three part fic called Tattletale which you can read here, here and here. I’m really proud of it and think it somewhat justifies the annoying break. But now I’m back! With better writing! And a cheerleading uniform which ends up on the floor! My sideblog @aqrosie has heaps of head canons on both TT and EC and I post updates there so come and join us if that's your thing!

Story Summary: University professor Sharon Needles hooks up with a slamming hot blonde at a bar who may or may not be one of her students.

Catch Up on Extra Credit: Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five 

There were two things Sharon was positively sure of as she brushed her teeth one morning a week after asking Alaska to be her girlfriend. 

Firstly, she was officially dating a student, and she was more than aware of that fact. She looked at Alaska’s pink toothbrush sitting innocently in her toothbrush holder cup, zoning out as she brushed her molars harder than her dentist would have liked. 

Secondly, she liked it. Sharon would go as far as to say she loved Alaska, but that thought sent a thrill up her stomach and made her weak at the knees. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt like this, and part of her knew perhaps this was the first time.

Years, even just months ago Sharon was scandalised at the thought of professors shagging undergraduates. She could never see a student that way, no matter how hard they flirted with her in an attempt to boost their grades. It was an abuse of power. Forbidden.

But Alaska wasn’t her student when she met her in that bar, or when she got on her knees in that bathroom, or when she took her home. That made everything so different, and it made Alaska irresistible.

Sharon spat her toothpaste and rinsed her mouth, before a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

“Do you have to leave?” Alaska whined, hugging Sharon’s back and inhaling the expensive scent of her chic office clothes. 

“Not by choice,” Sharon said as she turned around, seeing Alaska in a loose dark blue university sweatshirt and nothing else, her blonde hair piled on top of her head as strands fell out. “Believe me.” 

She kissed Alaska, one arm wrapping around her thin waist while her other hand slipped down and teased her between her legs.

“How,” Sharon questioned, pulling away and breaking their kiss, “is she always rearing to go? Even after this morning?” 

Alaska burst out laughing at Sharon’s loving disbelief, her youthfully high libido always a source of wonder to Sharon, who proudly enjoyed her wholesome couple of orgasms before wanting to snuggle up and sleep.

“I don’t know,” Alaska glowed, shrugging her shoulders as her hand met Sharon’s, encouraging her to keep going.

“I might be late,” Sharon said softly against Alaska’s hair, her middle finger circling her slick clit as she watched as the younger girl’s eyelids flutter shut.

“Then be quick,” Alaska sighed quietly, capturing Sharon’s lips with hers as Sharon’s touch increased.  

Sharon stepped them backwards to hold Alaska against the tiled bathroom wall. She massaged Alaska’s throbbing bud before alternating and rubbing between her slick folds and teasing her entrance.

Since Alaska came twice this morning, they both knew she didn’t need much. Sharon kissed her deeply as her touch became more frantic, the sound of Alaska’s wetness bouncing around the bathroom walls as Sharon’s tongue lapped against hers.

Alaska whined as she slipped her hand underneath her loose sweatshirt to squeeze one of her breasts, her thighs shaking as she arched against the cold tiles, a sharp contrast to the warmth of her skin and the heat of Sharon’s touch.  

“Look at you,” Sharon whispered, knowing dirty talk was a kink for the both of them, “so fucking desperate for me. So wet for me. It’s never enough for you.” 

Alaska nodded feverishly, an incoherent response bubbling out of her as her orgasm built. Her hips jerked against Sharon’s touch, and as she looked down, the sight of her naked legs against Sharon’s sleek outfit made her pulse.

“Need you, always need you,” Alaska whined.

And finally she was coming, her orgasm shuddering through her body as she gripped onto Sharon, moaning as her thighs clenched and her eyes squeezed shut.

“Don’t stop, hgn, fuck,” she managed during Sharon’s relentless touch.

She pulled her through her high, only slowing down when Alaska’s breathing began to calm. Alaska brought their lips together, knowing as soon as Sharon was out of her arms she’d be leaving. 

“Will that suffice until I’m home?” Sharon smirked, pecking her on the lips once more before slowly moving away. 

“Perhaps,” Alaska mused, giggling as Sharon lightly slapped her ass as she moved to wash her hands.

“What’s on your agenda for today?”

“I have that two hour tutorial at three,” Alaska said as she leaned against the towel rack and played with her hair in the mirror. “Do you mind if I stay here and study? I actually feel like I get shit done because I have no distractions. And everyone is cramming in the library before the break.” 

“Of course!” Sharon replied. “Feel free to use my office too, and you know how to work the coffee machine?”

“Yes,” Alaska smiled, following Sharon out of the bathroom. “And thank you.”

She watched as the older woman slipped her black heels on and applied her berry-toned lipstick in the mirror near the apartment’s front door. Grabbing her keys, bag and coat, she turned and gave Alaska one last peck on the lips. 

“Are you going back to the dorm tonight?” Sharon asked, already planning her solo TV dinner. 

“Yeah,” Alaska bit her lip. “Looks a bit sus as I spent Sunday here.” 

“Yeah, exactly.” 

There was a brief moment where they just looked at each other, both wondering how long this strategic planning would last while knowing it was for their safety. 

“I can’t wait until next week,” Sharon said softly as she played the drawstrings of Alaska’s sweatshirt, wishing she could stay home with her. 

“Me too,” Alaska replied, already smiling again and almost bouncing on her toes. 

As she watched Sharon leave, excitement bubbled through her. Next week was the Fall break, an entire week with no university responsibilities for the both of them. No lectures for Sharon to plan, and no draining tutorials for Alaska to endure. But the best part? Alaska was staying with Sharon for its entirety. No scampering back to the dorm or tip toeing around Courtney, who thankfully didn’t notice her unusually high absentness as she was cooped up in the library studying.

It had all been planned out too. Courtney thought Alaska was heading back to Eerie to spend the break with her parents. Her parents thought Alaska was staying on campus as she had “so many assignments to still complete.”

And Alaska was a forward planner. In the lead up to this mission she had subtly asked her mother for pictures of their home when texting and currently had a folder of images to send to Courtney in an attempt to really pull off this charade. There was a photo of their pool on a sunny day, a picture of cookies her mother had just made, and heaps of new photos of Alaska’s cat, all ready and waiting for when Courtney inevitably Snapchatted her about her break. 

Of course, Alaska had planned for her parents too. She snapped photos of her study set up in the event of giving her parent’s physical proof of her apparent work ethic, and already had a bunch of selfies with her friends her parents hadn’t seen yet to show she was “taking time out and enjoying her social life.” 

It was a great plan, because in reality, she’d be in Sharon’s arms for the entire week. 

*

Sharon settled down on her couch while a hot bowl of pumpkin soup and a glass of red wine sat ready and waiting for her on her coffee table. Cerrone hopped up onto the couch after seeing his owner doing the same and pretended to not enjoy the incredible pets Sharon was currently giving him as she clicked through her Netflix to set up another episode of Queer Eye. 

Sharon was content. This used to be her ideal set up when she was single and wanted nothing else but to mindlessly eat, watch, and cuddle her fur baby after work. But as she gasped at the lazy lifestyle of the straight man on screen and cooed at his transformation, she wanted nothing more than to have Alaska next to her.

As if on cue, the girl in question messaged her. 

A: What are you having for dinner? : )

Sharon let herself squeal like she was a decade younger and didn’t even bother to pause the Fab Five as she replied.

S: Pumpkin soup : ) I made so much so I have leftovers for when you pop in over the next few days!

A: Oooh delish!

Sharon couldn’t stop smiling as they texted, filling each other in on their day and wishing they were together, but still grateful for this kind of communication. It sent a thrill through Sharon to know Alaska was sitting on her bed in her dorm just metres from Courtney.

A: Btw I can’t come over Friday night for fall break, but Sat morning instead

S: No worries, is everything okay?

A: Yea just something came up

One of Sharon’s eyebrows rose, but she didn’t pry, knowing Alaska might tell her. She snorted when a message came through a minute later.

A: It’s a pep rally

A: And I’m a cheerleader lol

Sharon sat up so quickly from her lounging position she scared Cerrone away.

“A cheerleader,” she announced loudly to no one before taking a large sip of wine. This was all too much.

S: A

S: CHEER

S: LEADER

A: omg

S: And you’re only telling me now BECAUSE?

A: Idk

A: : )

S: Do you have…

S: … a uniform

A: Yes : )

S: I’m gonna pass out

A: Hahaha

A: It’s no biggie, I’m on the reserve team in case one of the actual cheerleaders can’t perform at comps and stuff, but I never get picked for comps anyway. But we all have to cheer for pep rallies

A: I suck so bad, like I have no timing or rhythm but I think I look cute haha

S: I can imagine

An idea popped into Sharon’s head, somehow getting through between all the new fantasies of Alaska in a pleated cheer skirt and nothing else.

S: Would you mind if I came and watched?

A: Oh you don’t have to!

A: Like of course I’d love you there but it might be a bit boring? Idk there will be a lot of students and yelling haha and we won’t be able to talk but if you want to??

S: I’m gonna come

A: Omg 

*

“Do we have to go?” Willam whined, clicking her mouse around her screen and shutting down her computer, more than ready to leave her university office and not think about work for the next week. It was finally Friday afternoon, and Sharon was pumped for the pep rally, and the week ahead with just Alaska. “Can’t we just go straight to the drinks?”

“No!” Sharon protested, standing in Willam’s office with her bag in her hand and her coat already on, like an excited child ready for their first day of school. “Come on, we’ve worked here for god knows how many years and have never once gone to a pep rally. Let’s show some spirit!”

Willam grimaced at Sharon’s unusually good mood. But come to think of it, Sharon had been quite happy over the last few weeks. What was that about?

“I just want to pop in for a little while, sus it out, see what it’s like, and then I promise we’ll head off and I’ll buy you your first drink at the bar.” 

Willam smiled before hopping out of her leather chair.

“Okay,” she said happily, grabbing her bright orange coat that somehow looked amazing paired with her blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick.

They hiked through the campus in their heels, eventually joining the mass of students and smattering of staff members here for the pep rally. The grandstand crowd was a sea of blue and yellow, the universities colours, with painted banners boasting generic school spirit phrases.

“Fuck, it’s cold out,” Willam whined. “God there are so many people. Why are we even here—“

“Look! There’s an empty spot at the top,” Sharon interrupted, grabbing Willam’s wrist and pulling her work bestie up the grandstand stairs. They scrambled up to secure their seats and sat down on the cold metal benches, Willam’s loud orange coat and Sharon’s go-to uniform of all black sticking out in the sea of yellow and blue.

“I’m so confused, is a game happening? Sharon we hate sport.” 

“I… don’t think so,” Sharon squinted. “Pep rallies are weird.”

“Let’s go then,” Willam shrugged, moving to stand up. “We came, we saw, we decided to leave and get shit faced—“

“No!” Sharon said, grabbing Willam’s coat sleeve. “It hasn’t started yet. 10 more minutes.” 

Sharon’s heart raced with anticipation as she looked out at the empty field. Alaska told her it would start around 5:30, but if Willam dragged them out before the cheerleaders came out, this would have been for nothing.

But suddenly, a horn blew and both professors jumped as everyone around them rose to their feet. The voice of a dramatic announcer came over the loud speaker as the lights of the field dimmed and the roar of the crowd grew. 

“Oh come on theatrics!” Willam yelled to Sharon over the noise, not being able to stop the smile on her face at the atmosphere. 

Two students raced onto the field and held up a huge banner as the MC pumped up the crowd. Suddenly the lights switched on and exposed the field to the audience right as a group burst through the banner. 

It was the cheerleaders.

Sharon almost squealed and went to grab Willam’s hand before thinking ahead to clutch her own hands to her chest as she beamed.

The crowd went wild as the cheerleaders bounded into action, jumping, skipping and flipping in all directions before somehow forming a perfect formation. On cue, Beyonce’s Formation came on, and Sharon and Willam smiled and clapped along while wondering if this was a copyright infringement. 

Sharon’s eyes combed the mass of girls like an eagle, trying to spot one tall blondie in particular. Every time she thought she found her, the girl would turn around and not be Alaska, before their choreography dissolved them all into each other and Sharon became lost again. 

Her heart sank a little when she realised Alaska might not even be on the field. She remembered how she mentioned they had a reserve team that didn’t perform, and this current group looked pretty incredible. Sharon surveyed the entire performance, enjoying the spectacle as all the girls moved in unison. 

Well except for that one of the end who looked a beat behind. 

Sharon’s eyes widened.

“Ohmygodtheresheis!” Sharon squealed, her voice high pitched as she beamed.

“What?” Willam asked, distracted by all the chaos and the tiny skirts flipping up as the girls were effortlessly tossed into the air. 

“Nothing!” Sharon smiled, not taking her eyes off Alaska, who was waving blue and yellow pom poms and kicking her long legs in the air, a solid beat behind the others but smiling at the crowd as she did so. She looked absolutely stunning with her high ponytail and giant bow, so it was no wonder her missteps here hardly noticeable.

The routine finished and Sharon cupped her hands around her mouth when she cheered before clapping wildly. The MC revved up the crowd, and as Willam checked her phone, Sharon watched Alaska mill around with the other cheerleaders, catching their breathes and waving to the crowd. 

She willed Alaska to look her way. There were several hundred people watching, and she prayed she would somehow spot them in the sea of faces. She saw Alaska look out into the crowd, her eyes slowly searching. Sharon wished she could have called out her name, stood up and waved, anything to get her attention to show her in the moment how proud of her she was and that Alaska could see she really did come out to support her. But Alaska’s gaze was ripped from the crowd when another cheerleader walked up to her to talk. Sharon’s shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment.

“Some of them are cute,” Willam smiled, elbowing Sharon lightly.

Sharon’s heart stopped.

“Mmh, I guess,” Sharon tried to feign disinterest while giving Willam a wide side-eye, who was busy admiring the cheerleaders. 

“That blonde one is cute,” Willam mused.

Sharon’s ears picked up and her gaze sharpened. 

“Who?” She frowned, trying to follow Willam’s line of sight. If Sharon dragged Willam along to this freaking pep rally only to watch her get excited over Alaska, well she’d be damned.

“That little one bouncing around,” Willam whispered, pointing subtly.

Sharon’s eyes darted from cheerleader to cheerleader before she spotted the short bouncing blonde, and she sighed in relief when it wasn’t Alaska, but instead her friend Catherine— or was it Courtney? It was Courtney. 

“Oh!” Sharon happily exclaimed. “Yes, cute.” 

Alaska was detangling a loose knot in her pom poms as the other cheerleaders loitered around the front of the grandstand, waving to the crowd and doing the odd trick for attention as tech students set up equipment for a musical performance. Sharon smiled softly. It was cute watching Alaska in public and seeing her in an environment that wasn’t a lecture hall or Sharon’s apartment. She looked so pretty, and friendly, and even a little awkward as she hugged herself from the brisk evening air, her long legs shaking slightly.

“I think that was the best part,” Willam sighed. “Should we head off? I need alcohol to warm me up.” 

“Uh, yeah,” Sharon said in defeat. It was freezing this high up on the grandstand, and she knew Willam’s patience was running thin. 

They stood up and began the tedious task of moving between people and down the metal steps, but Sharon kept her eyes on Alaska the whole time.

But like fate itself, something caused Alaska to look up at the corner of the grandstand. In the sea of blue and yellow, Willam’s bold orange coat stood out like an alarm. She squinted slightly, recognising the advertising professor’s face before realising Sharon was right next to her. And Sharon was looking at her, a huge smile spreading across her face as Alaska met her gaze. 

Alaska’s face split into a grin as Sharon raised her hand slightly and waved, to which Alaska replied by excitedly shaking one of her pom poms in the air. Warmth spread through her at the sight of Sharon in the crowd, and without realising it, moisture gathered in her eyes. Living away from home meant things like family being there for you physically wasn’t possible. But the sight of Sharon coming out to support her cheerleading, no matter how unimportant she felt she was to the team, was so touching.

She waited until Sharon and Willam reached the bottom of the steps before holding Sharon’s gaze again and pulling out her greatest, and only, trick – a one-handed cartwheel. She almost kicked fellow cheerleader Roxy Andrews in the face in the process, but the first few rows of the grandstand cheered for her, as if she was performing for them.

Sharon yelped, and Willam walked into her back as Sharon stopped in her tracks and watched Alaska just metres away from her.

“Woohoo!” Sharon yelled out before clapping, and Alaska’s cheeks almost hurt from smiling so much.

“Oof!” Willam scoffed after running into Sharon. “Bitch keep walking. The sports ball is about to come out and there’s a vodka and soda waiting for us.”

As predicted, the announcer’s voice came over the loud speaker, and soon enough athletes were running onto the field. Alaska and Sharon shared one last smile before Alaska had to jog over to her team, but not before she waved a pom pom at Sharon. 

*

“I have something to show you,” Sharon smiled, taking Alaska’s hand and walking her into the kitchen.

It was Saturday, the start of their week together, and Sharon had planned ahead. 

“I was just at the shops and I saw a few things so I thought I would stock up, you know?” Sharon rambled, opening the pantry.

“Aw, Sharon, you didn’t have to,” Alaska beamed, bringing her hands to her chest.

There in the pantry were a couple of Alaska’s favourite foods. A jar of Nutella, two share packets of these veggie chips she loved, and a bag of sour gummy worms because they were her guilty pleasure.

“I even found these,” Sharon said, grabbing a plastic tub of organic trail mix in a flavour that was Alaska’s favourite. “Because I know you said you liked to nibble on this while studying because it’s really healthy.”

“Aw, babe, thank you,” Alaska cooed, taken aback at the gesture and moving to wrap her arms around Sharon’s waist.

“And there’s more,” Sharon smiled, opening the fridge and rubbing Alaska’s back. “I stocked up on the Greek yogurt you got me hooked on, and I got a bottle of that white wine you liked because I only have red.”

Alaska had to bite her lip in a bid to stop smiling so wide.

“This is,” Alaska was almost lost for words, “the sweetest thing. Thank you.”

It was such a small gesture but it meant so much. Not only did Sharon go the extra mile to make her feel comfortable and at home, but it showed she listened to Alaska and paid attention. 

“There’s more,” Sharon smiled, excitedly walking them through her apartment towards her office. “I know you said you liked studying here, so I moved my printer onto the floor over there because I barely use it, and I had a second chair in storage, so I thought you’d like your own little space alongside me?” 

Alaska gasped. Space on the sleek white desk that ran around the perimeter of Sharon’s office had been cleared, and a blush pink leather chair now joined Sharon’s well loved brown one. 

With just one look Alaska could already picture them working in here during the day, Alaska writing up her assignments, Sharon marking them, a candle or two flickering with steaming cups of tea or coffee sat near them while music played softly in the background.

Almost embarrassingly, Alaska’s bottom lip quivered as her eyes prickled, threatening to tear up over some slight redecorating. 

“Aw, honey,” Sharon laughed, pulling Alaska into a hug and kissing her forehead.

“It’s just,” Alaska stumbled. “This is so sweet? And thoughtful? I’m so emotional wow, but thank you so, so much for this. You really didn’t have to do this but I’m so grateful.” 

“It was no hassle at all,” Sharon said, ignoring how she almost took her back out moving that damn printer in the name of love. “I’m so glad you like it!” 

“I absolutely love it,” Alaska sighed.

Sharon kissed her forehead again before lightly cupping Alaska’s cheeks and looking into her eyes. 

“I want you to know that you’re always welcomed here,” Sharon said, softly tucking a loose strand of hair behind Alaska’s ear. “I wish we didn’t have to sneak around and stuff, but I hope this makes you feel like your presence here isn’t fleeting, you know? And that… you still belong here, even when you’re not here. Does that make sense?” 

“Yes,” Alaska laughed, biting her lip. She knew exactly what Sharon meant, and it melted her heart. 

Their lips met, and Sharon inhaled deeply, savouring the moment as she felt her knees go weak at Alaska’s tongue tracing her bottom lip.

In all honesty, she was a little nervous to show Alaska her adjustments. Would she care? Would it be a bit much? Not enough? Did she even get the right wine?

But she had no reason to worry. 

“I actually brought something to show you,” Alaska said, pulling away from their kiss as an idea twinkled in her eyes. “Go wait in the bedroom.”

“She’s bossy,” Sharon remarked, laughing as she went and sat on her bed. She checked her emails on her phone as she waited, and it was only when she was glaring at yet another student asking for extra credit points did Alaska appear in the bedroom doorway.

Sharon’s phone fell from her hands and landed on the bed. 

“Oh wow…” She squeaked, and Alaska laughed when Sharon had to clear her throat. 

There in the doorway stood Alaska, head to toe in last night’s cheerleading outfit, minus the white turtleneck she had worn underneath. She had pulled her long blonde hair into a sleek ponytail and finished it off with the same blue and yellow bow she wore before. Her tight crop top stretched against her chest, the universities initials boldly printed across her breasts. The pleated skirt that had been burned into Sharon’s mind grazed the tops of her slender, toned thighs. She wore impeccably white sneakers with matching socks, and Alaska had even gone the extra mile and applied gold glitter on her eyelids, just like last night. 

Sharon pulsed. 

“Holy fuck,” she breathed.

Alaska giggled, slowly walking over to Sharon and standing against where her professor sat on the bed. 

“Do you like my uniform?” Alaska asked quietly, her fingertips trailing the hem on her tiny skirt.

Sharon nodded feverishly, her eyes widening as she physically felt the spell Alaska cast over her.

 “What about my skirt?” Alaska asked, her voice low and slow. “Do you like my skirt?”

She ran her fingers through the pleats and lifted the fabric slightly, stifling a laugh when Sharon visibly gulped at the sight of her wearing nothing underneath.

“Oh my god,” Sharon breathed, running her hands up Alaska’s thighs, feeling the combination of soft skin and blue fabric. “I love life.”

Alaska laughed, her hands tangling in Sharon’s blonde hair as she brought her face against her chest.

“What about my top?” She asked innocently. “It’s a little snug, a little thin, but that means my nipples show through.”

She brought her fingers to her breasts and squeezed them while moaning softly, sure enough showing Sharon her buds poking against the fabric. 

“I… will tear this off you,” Sharon whispered, because if she spoke any louder, she would actually flip them around and rip the uniform off Alaska’s body before burying herself between her legs. 

Alaska spun around, the pleats of her skirt flaring up as she moved and revealing a split second of her exposed ass before she sat down on Sharon’s lap, her back against Sharon’s chest. 

“What about my bow?” Alaska asked, arching her back as she fiddled with her hair, while having the audacity to grind herself against Sharon’s lap. Sharon’s right hand grabbed Alaska’s hip while her left twisted effortlessly around Alaska’s long ponytail and pulled it abruptly – not hard enough to hurt, but enough to jerk her head back. 

“Fuck yes,” Alaska whined, grinding harder as the other woman’s hips thrusted up. Sharon could feel herself getting wet, and the thought of Alaska’s bare skin against her tight jeans made her clench.

“You like that?” Sharon asked, her hand trailing down between Alaska’s thighs to rub her folds and clit underneath the skirt before she pulled at her ponytail again, slightly harder this time. 

“Hgn, god yes,” Alaska begged, her lips parting as she spread herself backwards across Sharon’s lap. “Fuck me.”

Sharon let go of her hair, only to grab at the zipper of her cheer crop top and pull it down, watching as the material peeled off around Alaska’s skin and slid down her arms, all the while continuing to tease Alaska. One of Sharon’s hands slinked up and squeezed at her left breast, thumbing over her nipple as Alaska arched against her, desperate for her touch. 

She stood up and turned to face Sharon, who pulled her back into her lap and licked a strip up the flat space between her breasts before cupping and circling Alaska’s right nipple with her tongue. Alaska gasped as Sharon sucked, her hands tangling in the other woman’s hair and pulling her closer as she threw her head back, her long ponytail grazing the top of her skirt in the process. Sharon’s hand looped around her body before she squeezed her ass and pulled away 

“Get on your knees, baby,” Sharon’s voice was horse and thick with lust. Alaska obeyed, sinking down onto the hardwood floors of Sharon’s bedroom and helping her pull her jeans off. Sharon slipped her underwear off, but not before Alaska noticed the wet spot she had drawn from the older woman, which sent pleasure down her spine.

Alaska spread Sharon’s legs apart, planting a trail of kisses inside her thighs before she reached her pussy, which thrusted up as Alaska got closer. Alaska mouthed over Sharon’s trimmed hair, teasing her before licking up her slick folds and tasting her.

“Ah, fuck,” Sharon whined, and the sound sent a pulse straight to Alaska’s clit.

Alaska continued, alternating her attention between the throbbing bundle of nerves and Sharon’s clenching entrance. She kept going, loosing track of time as she jumped between going fast and painstakingly slow.

“Ggh, don’t stop,” Sharon breathed, pressing Alaska closer as the younger girl hummed around her clit, sending vibrations through her veins.

She looked down, her breath hitching at the gorgeous sight of Alaska on her knees, her blue and yellow bow proudly holding up her ponytail, gold glitter shimmering on her closed eyelids and wetness smeared around her lips as she ate Sharon out. 

And then Sharon was coming, her thighs shaking and pleasure exploding from around Alaska’s lips, who moaned and whined and pulled Sharon through her orgasm as the older woman held her against her core.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, yes, right, there, ah,” Sharon whined, grinding herself against Alaska until she came down from her high.

Alaska pulled back in satisfaction, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand before smiling smugly up at Sharon. 

“Not bad for a girl who can’t kick in time,” Alaska shrugged, standing up. But Sharon pulled her onto the bed. 

“Oh I’m not done.”

Sharon shakily rolled off the bed and opened the bottom drawer of her bedside table, looking for something in particular while she quickly unbuttoned her blouse. She left her black lacy bra on, knowing it’d look nice with her newest accessory. 

Alaska scoffed at the bottle of lube Sharon chucked onto the bed while rummaging through her things.

“I think she’s wet enough to not need some extra help,” Alaska said, rolling the bottle to the side. But she thought again when Sharon turned, a black strap on in her hand. 

“Oh,” Alaska said softly, pulsing, “I like that.”

Sharon laughed, climbing onto the bed.

“Can we use it?” Sharon asked. “I don’t know it’s just something about the skirt and—“

“God yes, please,” Alaska begged. “Here, let me help.”

In moments the toy was fitted into Sharon, its black straps cupping her ass cheeks before narrowing it and holding the main event firmly against her groin.

On all fours, Alaska palmed the black dildo before leaning down and wrapping her lips around its head. Its hardness and surprising weight felt foreign against her tongue, but as she brought more of its length into her mouth, she breathed in sharply, instinctively spreading her legs further apart on the sheets as she felt herself clench. 

“I’ve seen that in porn and wanted to try,” Alaska said sheepishly after Sharon had stared at her, wide eyed.

“N-no,” Sharon stammered, shaking her head out of her daze, “that was… so fucking hot.”

Alaska laughed before excitedly rolling onto her back, her pleated skirt flipping around her waist. Sharon spread her legs before lowering herself down between them. Her tongue found Alaska, who arched up against the sheets as Sharon showered her in pleasure, humming around her sensitive clit as a finger gently circled her entrance. In a blur of whines, fists clutching at sheets, and four fingers later, Alaska felt prepared.

“I’m ready,” she begged.

“You sure?” Sharon asked, and her caution made Alaska feel even safer. “I still want to use lube, you can never have enough lube.”

Alaska was almost hypnotised as Sharon drizzled the lube onto the black dildo jutting out from her crotch. She ran her hands over it, spreading the slickness and watching as the toy became darker and glossy. 

“Tell me if it’s too much, okay?” Sharon said softly as the two slotted into place. “Because I can’t feel it, and I don’t want to hurt you—“

“Sharon,” Alaska smiled, interrupting, “it’s okay. Actually, can I be on top? That way I can pace it better.” 

In seconds they had flipped, Sharon on her back against the pillows, Alaska thighs on either side of her body. Gripping the headboard in front of her, Alaska adjusted herself, her breath hitching as she felt the head graze against her folds. Sharon steadied her, her hands finding Alaska’s waist and holding the skirt material up, breathing heavily at her prime position.

Spreading her legs slowly Alaska gradually sunk down, gasping in pleasure as she felt the head of the strap on resist slightly before being enveloped around her walls. Relaxing fully, inches of the strap on quickly disappeared, her wetness and the lube effortlessly allowing it to fill her. She felt Sharon’s protective hands squeeze her waist at the visual, instinctively wanting to hold Alaska up as she whined out in pleasure.

“No,” Alaska protested, “it’s so good.” 

She lowered herself down completely, taking the full length of the toy and revelling at its weight inside her, her walls grasping around its shape.

Sharon gasped as she felt Alaska practically vibrate at the delicious stretch and the toy’s reach inside of her. 

“Fuck me,” Alaska whispered, her eyelids heavy with lust as she instinctively rutted against Sharon’s lap on the strap on.

It took a couple clumsy, lust fuelled thrusts, but seconds later they had found their rhythm, Sharon’s hip lifting up as Alaska slammed herself down. 

It was rough and hot and a thin sheen of sweat starting forming around Alaska’s hairline, but that was the last thing on her mind. Sharon’s hands were running across her body, over her chest, thumbing her nipples before grabbing her hips and taking control. Alaska could only throw her head back as she gripped the headboard, pleasure coursing through her veins as a stream of lust bubbled out between her lips.

“So good, so fucking good, yes, yes, Sharon, hgn, fuck me, fuck me, don’t stop, don’t stop,” Alaska whined, sucking in air as Sharon pounding into her. 

Sharon could only continue, watching as Alaska fell apart above her. She bit her lip as she watched Alaska’s breasts shake as she moved, as she flipped her blonde ponytail over her shoulder, as the gold glitter on her eyelids glistened when they caught the light. 

“I love this, but,” Sharon chocked out, fiddling with the skirt’s full length zipper until it opened, “it has to go.”

Alaska tore it from her body, not missing a beat as she did so. Sharon’s eyes almost rolled back as she watched Alaska vigorously slam herself down onto the dildo, fully taking control as her slick folds swallowed the black toy again and again and again.

Suddenly coming to a holt, Alaska stopped, only to roll her hips around the toy in a circular motion. She whimpered, her eyes closed and her bottom lip bitten as she built herself up, knowing her climax was close and edging herself along.

“That’s right, baby,” Sharon whispered, her voice croaky with desire. “Take it all, such a good girl…”

Alaska squeezed her breasts before grabbing Sharon’s hand and pressing it against her abdomen, giggling as Sharon realised what she could lightly feel. 

“You feel so fucking good inside me, so big inside me,” Alaska whined as she massaged Sharon’s palm against her soft stomach, before her face went serious and her tone dropped. “Get on top.” 

Sharon was more than happy to. Without pulling out she held Alaska’s body to hers and rolled them backwards, Alaska’s back against the sheets as Sharon settled on top of her.

“Hgn, I’m close, I’m so fucking close,” Alaska whined, sucking her middle finger’s tip before rubbing her throbbing clit, only to have Sharon grab her wrist and pin it against the bed. 

Sharon relentlessly thrusted into her as she buried her face against Alaska’s neck before kissing and sucking at her soft flesh, leaving a hickie in her wake.

Alaska cried out in pleasure, Sharon’s thrusts, her weight against her and her hot breath on her skin overwhelming her. Her eyes rolled back as she let desire drown her, gripping onto Sharon as her orgasm exploded from her core, rippling through her spread thighs and racing up her arched chest. 

“Take it, take it,” she heard Sharon breathe, who didn’t stop her pace as Alaska rode out her high.

Moments passed, and eventually Alaska gasped for air as her climax began to fade. Her limbs felt both weightless yet heavy, while a zap of pleasure still twitched through her body. Sharon slowly pulled out, and as soon as the dildo was gone Alaska clenched, already missing its presence. Subconsciously, she moved to massage her swollen folds, but Sharon was already a step ahead. She leaned down, her wet tongue feeling incredible against Alaska’s sensitive core. Sharon’s touches were slow, soft and gentle, a contrast to before, and Alaska felt warmth spread through her ragged body at the intimacy. She ran her fingers through Sharon’s silky hair, almost falling into the spell of sleep as she did so. Looking down, she saw Sharon touching herself leisurely where the strap on used to be.

“Come here, baby,” Alaska whispered, enjoying being the one to use their pet name. “Let me.”

Sharon looked up before crawling over Alaska’s body, planting a kiss on her lips before she settled her thighs on either side of Alaska’s face. She grabbed the headboard just like Alaska did before. 

“I’m so close already,” Sharon whispered, exhaustion seeping into her veins as she lowered herself down. She tilted her head back as Alaska’s tongue swirled around her pulsing bud, a whine escaping her lips as the younger girl slowly rocked Sharon against her.

Flattening her tongue, she rolled Sharon’s hips, the older woman’s slickness coating her chin as her tongue circled her entrance before dipping inside. Sharon whimpered at the pleasure, thrusting against Alaska as her orgasm built. Getting off before and watching Alaska unravel around the strap on was enough, so it wasn’t surprising when she began to shake, her thrusts becoming erratic as her climax approached. Alaska moaned around her clit before flicking her tongue through her swollen folds, knowing she was close and pushing her over the edge.

“Ah, fuck, fuck, right there—“ Sharon managed before her climax hit her, a surge of euphoria rushing through body as she came, her dishevelled blonde hair falling around her shoulders.

She panted as she crawled her way back down Alaska’s body before collapsing on top of her, making the younger girl giggle. Their lips met, a string of long, lazy kisses helping them drift off to sleep as their bodies tangled together in a jumble of naked limbs. Happiness hummed through their veins as they realised this was just the first day of their entire week together.