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#if anything in both it’s her lack of presence that sets the mystery of the episode in motion

yougotthatbilly · 1 year

Text

romanée-conti (m)

→ member: jung jaehyun → genre: sugar daddy!jaehyun | slowburn | smut → playlist: alone with you x alina baraz, break the ice x britney spears → word count: 24k → warnings: LEGAL age gap, praise, oral; giving & receiving, unprotected sex (be smart pls), jaehyun likes her head to toe (literally), ‘do/can i call you daddy now?’ jokingly, one real ‘daddy’ (comes with the territory lol), petnames; baby, thumb in butt, probably more ↳summary: Having a sugarless- sugar daddy is proving to be more difficult than planned.

Dark brown eyes resting above prominent eye bags that look like they came from either genetics or lack of sleep—possibly both—are the first thing your eyes zone in on when you approach the table the owner of said eyes is sitting at, waiting for your arrival. As soon as he noticed your presence and looked up from his phone, it was hard to pay attention to anything else.

Until he smiled.

The curve of his lips and flash of his teeth are friendly and welcoming, with the slightest hint of shyness, and you truly see that pictures don’t always do people the justice they deserve. Faint crows feet appear due to his smile reaching his eyes, and somehow, they only add onto his appeal.

“Hey,” his gentle, deep voice pushes through your thoughts. He stands and your eyes travel up to follow his face before flashing downward at the sight of his hand being presented to you, and back up to his eyes. “I’m glad you could make it,” he says as he shakes your hand softly, letting go soon after to motion for you to sit across from him with both hands.

“Me, too,” you softly smile back, setting your purse beside you.

You finally look away from him to take in your surroundings. When you walked in, you barely paid attention to anything, only having the mind to scan people’s faces until you found one you recognized. Now, after greetings and the initial shock of just how gorgeous this man is, you can take in how this is a pretty nice place; everyone dressed in business casual attire, like this is where businessmen and women come after a long day or week to unwind. Dark, sleek wooden surfaces and furniture paired with deep red decorations that give the place a simple and mature feel.

Taeyong catches your eye from the bar nearby and he quirks a brow in question. You blink once and look away.

“I knew from your photos that you were pretty, but you’re much more beautiful in person,” is said when it’s clear you’re done observing the place. Under the dim, artificial lighting of the overhead lamp above your table, the softest pink flush on his ears is clear as he compliments you, and it leaves you both intrigued and confused.

“And you’re much more handsome,” you compliment right back. There was a fear of him being a catfish or using a picture from when he was younger to reel you and others in, and you’re pleasantly surprised and thankful the man waiting for you is actually the one from the photos. The angles of his face are soft and so are his features; gentle yet mysterious eyes and a pouty bottom lip that’s caught in between his teeth because of your words.

His fingers drum against the wooden tabletop before he pulls his hand into his lap. “Would you like some wine?”

“Sure.”

He raises his hand, pointer finger lazily lifted. In no time a pretty server is at your table, setting wine glasses in front of the both of you.

“Red or white, sir?” she asks, and you guess he’s a regular here.

“Whatever she wants.”

Both pairs of eyes land on you and make you blink.

She’s gone and back in the blink of an eye when you choose red, carefully pouring the wine of your choice into the glasses before she disappears again.

“If you don’t like it, let me know and we can get you something else.”

You gently swirl the deep, pretty colored liquid around a few times then sip.

Oh. This is nice.

“How was your day?” he asks.

Long. Extensive. “It was good,” you say instead. “Pretty productive and eventful. How about yours?”

“Productive but not quite eventful,” he laughs softly. He relaxes into the cushion behind him, and you note that his shoulders are broad even when they’re not up to his ears in a tense manner. His black button-up looks nice on him, stretching across his shoulders and chest in a snug fit. “Is it alright if we talk a little before getting into things?”

“Of course,” you nod. There hasn’t been a conversation since he asked you for your number a week ago other than when tonight’s date was planned, so you don’t quite know him. You’re someone who relies heavily on your gut feeling and right now there are no warning bells going off in your head, but chatting for a while will definitely give you a better feel of things.

“Tell me a little about yourself?”

You tell him what you’re sure he already knows from your bio; your name and age, where you’re from and a few of your hobbies, in addition to your occupation. He listens intently, eyes taking in your features as he nods along to the information he’s receiving, drink never too far from his mouth. And when you can’t think of any other description of yourself that’s appropriate for a first meeting, you drink a little more.

“How about you?”

He hums, visibly racking his mind for something to tell you.

“Well,” he says a moment later. “I’m Jaehyun, I recently turned thirty-eight, and I’m from Seoul.”

And when he stops there, his face showing he doesn’t know what to continue with, you realize he isn’t very social. The pretty much awkward atmosphere, the shyness of his smiles and fidgeting of his fingers make you wonder if this is also his first time doing something like this, if he’s just shy overall, or both. This is nothing like what you thought it would be. You expected to be asked a lot of personal questions from the jump. You expected to get an earful of how great and successful he is, to get an earful of all the things he could do for you in exchange for whatever he wanted. You didn’t expect a socially awkward sugar-daddy-to-be.

Luckily, you’re a great conversationalist.

“So what brings you to New York?”

“My father owns a few businesses and I chose to run the one here.”

“Do you like it here in the states?”

His eyes squint in thought before answering with, “I’m not sure,” and when your head tilts to silently ask him to elaborate, his explanation is: “I lived in Connecticut for a little when I was younger and I don’t remember much about it, and I’ve been here for a few years but I only go to work, cafes, business events and home if I’m not traveling.”

“You travel a lot?”

He rubs his lips together and tilts his head side to side with a pondering hum. “You could say that.”

“So how often would we meet?”

Jaehyunhyun blinks at your question.

“Sorry,” you chuckle, looking past his shoulder and meeting your cousin’s gaze once again. “We haven’t even gotten into that territory yet.”

“No, you’re fine. I’m just glad you’re still considering it.”

Well, things are going well in your opinion, and even though he’s socially awkward, as far as you can tell, he’s good company. You’re good with conversation and take pride in brightening situations, so this arrangement could go well. He’s a busy guy so you wouldn’t see him often, which means there won’t be any major changes in your lifestyle, and that’s perfect. You have no complaints so far.

The last of your wine is sipped and you eye the last small drop that sticks to the bottom of the glass, almost tempted to ask for a refill just because it’s the weekend, but you know Taeyong will chew your head off and you’d rather not hear that on the way back to your place.

“Everything is ultimately up to you, Jaehyun,” you shrug. “I’m down if you are.”

His arm is up again and in seconds the server is back with the bottle of wine in tow. She moves to pour more into your glass but you stop her with your hand. “I’m okay, thank you.”

Jaehyun squints as his glass gets filled half-way.

“You didn’t really like it, did you?”

A smile teases at the corner of your mouth. You’re amused and touched that he actually cares about what you like already.

“I promise I did,” you laugh, resting a gentle hand on the back on his own that found the table again. He doesn’t flinch at the contact but his eyes grow in size for a split second. “I’m a bit of a lightweight and I do have to drive home.”

When he’s convinced, you bring your hand back in front of you.

“Mind me asking how you found yourself looking for a… companion?” you ask him, grinning at the way his dimple makes an appearance at your choice of words.

“It was suggested, actually,” Jaehyun responds. “I said something about always being left alone at business events because all of my partners are either in relationships, married, or like to sleep around. Plus, all I do is work, so a friend told me about the website and here we are now.” You nod along, imagining being left alone to just drink and talk business while his business partners disperse with their romantic partners. It must be boring. “What about you?”

“Also suggested,” you chuckle. “I love my job and I live pretty comfortably, but I have goals I’m working on and I’d like to do so without having to think about a bill or getting another job. My best friend successfully found a perfect match so she was sure I would, as well.”

“Before anything,” he clears his throat, looking down at his glass and watching the deep red slosh in circles due to the movement of his hand. “I want you to know I meant what I said about no special favors. I truly don’t want anything other than your company… maybe a few times a month?” he glances back up at you with flushed cheeks. Cute. “Would that work for you?”

“That’s perfect. Do I call you Daddy now?”

He chokes on the sip he was in the middle of taking and you have to bite the inside of your lips to stop a giggle from coming out. “I’m kidding.”

He blinks at you a couple of times before shaking his head. “You’re funny.”

“Thanks,” you wink.

“If it’s alright with you, we could discuss all the paperwork the next time we meet. I wanted the both of us to get a feel of one another before we made any legal decisions.”

“That’s fine with me.”

“I want you to do something for me.” At the rise of your brow–which was only out of curiosity and to prompt him to continue--he backtracks. “That sounded really suggestive, I apolo—”

“Jaehyun,” you call, biting back another laugh. The panic in his eyes goes away at your touch. “we already discussed there would be no sugar given, it’s okay. What do you want me to do?”

“Think of a price if you haven’t already.”

It’s up to you?

“Really?” You ask. He nods. “You’re not going to decide? I thought that was how this worked?” You’re comfortable showing your naivety in this situation because it’s quite obvious he’s no pro at this either.

Jaehyun frowns at your words and sets his glass down, leaning forward. “Just like in any healthy or ethical relationship, business or personal, this works both ways. So with anything from this point on, if you want something or have concerns about anything you have to let me know immediately, alright?”

You nod, taken aback. “Got it.”

You’re getting the vibe that he’s serious about every move he makes, every word he says, and you can see why he’s probably such a successful businessman. He hasn’t said much but he doesn’t beat around the bush, and the transition in his aura from having small talk to talking about business, the way he just laid down the law, admittedly sparked something in your gut.

“Think about it and we’ll discuss it next time.”

“When will ‘next time’ be?”

“Let me check,” he mumbles, digging for his phone in his pocket.

At the duck of his head, a waving hand from behind him catches your attention. Taeyong’s brows are raised, his fingers forming the okay sign. You blink a single time once more.

“I fly back in on Wednesday next week,” Jaehyun says. “Does Wednesday afternoon work for you?”

“Sounds good,” you nod.

He glances back down at his phone. “I don’t mean to rush things I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow,” Jaehyun nibbles on his bottom lip. “Was there anything else you wanted to discuss tonight?”

You look up as if you’re thinking, and when Taeyong meets your eye, you subtly tilt your head in the direction of the door and naturally blink three times. “I think we covered everything so far.”

Taeyong finishes his beer and pays for it out of the corner of your eye.

“Okay then,” Jaehyun slides out of the booth and stands to your side, extending his hand for you to grab.

Add gentleman to the list of characteristics.

You grab your clutch in one hand then his own hand with your other and scoot yourself out of the booth with his assistance. He doesn’t let go, his grip loose but warm.

“It was really nice meeting you.”

“Likewise.”

“So?”

You cut your eyes at your cousin as you buckle your seatbelt.

“Can we get out of the parking lot before he comes out and before you start questioning me?”

Taeyong grumbles something under his breath but backs out of the parking space nonetheless. And as soon as you’re on the main road he repeats himself.

“He’s nice,” you hum, leaning forward to undo the clasps around your ankles, wiggling your heels off with a sigh. “I like him. He’s cute.”

Taeyong scoffs. “I can’t believe you’re really doing this.”

He wasn’t onboard with it one bit, which is why he immediately agreed to be your backup just in case. The whole ride to the bar consisted of him making sure you had the signals down packed; blink once if things are peachy, blink twice if you feel uncomfortable, and blink three times (he said thrice but that word rubs you the wrong way) when it’s time to go. Oh, and repeating that you didn’t need to do this. You appreciate him and his worries but it’s not like he’s going to help you with your debt.

You’re young, confident in your looks, confident in your personality. Nine times out of ten, you have no trouble getting what you want, so why not get a sugar daddy that doesn’t have sex as a requirement?

When Sooyoung told you about getting a couple grand a date from her guy—more if she threw in a hand- or blowjob—and she has well over enough money to blow after paying bills and saving, you were intrigued. You’re no prude or anything but you knew you wouldn’t want to jump in offering ass to almost sixty-year-old men, so when she told you that you can make it clear that you weren’t down for special flavors and that some relationships are innocent, you thought why the hell not.

Plus, you’ve been bored and wanted to do something new, something exciting.

“Well believe it because we’re meeting again Wednesday,” you lilt. “He’s a sweetheart, really. You know how I am with catching vibes.”

“Pft. It could be an act,” he grumbles. You sigh and dig your phone out of your clutch, going to your music app. “What if he’s a narc—”

Thank god for bluetooth.

Taeyong glares at you when you turn the volume up and your favorite song blasts from his speakers, but he doesn’t try to carry on the conversation, instead singing along because you’ve played it too many times for him to not know the lyrics and because he finally caught the hint.

And when you get a message an hour later asking if you’ve made it home safely, you trust your gut a little more.

Today you woke up late and your outfit and hair definitely showed it when you first arrived at work, but thankfully you keep a travel-sized stash of makeup and hair tools in your desk and you were able to get yourself presentable before your first-period students piled in and took their seats.

Being behind on grading tests and homework from last week with another pile of tests from yesterday you need to get done in time for your students to be able to see their mistakes and retest before break in a few weeks, potential sugar daddies have definitely not been on your mind.

Not until you get a message around two-thirty while you’re halfway through the homework pile.

[2:15pm] Jaehyun: Good afternoon, I will be landing shortly. Do you still want to meet today?

“Shit.”

“Language.”

You completely forgot Jisung was staying after to retake a test from weeks ago. But from the looks of it, he’s done and just chilling on his phone. A glance at your desk lets you know he’s already gotten up, walked over to your desk and put his test down in the corner. This is exactly why you shouldn’t stay up until three in the morning lesson planning and only getting three hours of sleep.

“Hey,” you beckon him over to the seat next to yours. “Wanna help me?”

“Do I get extra credit for this?” he asks as he eyes the pile of work and the answer key you give him.

“Maybe.”

You’ll probably give him a donut or something tomorrow.

[2:17pm] you: Hey! I’m finishing up at work right now so just let me know when you’ve arrived.

After Jisung finishes his pile and you’re almost done with the new pile you started, your phone starts buzzing.

“Hello?” you answer, making sure to turn the volume down because Jisung is a nosy little thing.

“Hey,” oh, you forgot how smooth his voice is. “I’m at this cafe a couple of blocks away from the bar we last met. Would you like to meet me here and then maybe find something else?”

You take in the few tests and homework assignments left to grade. “Yeah, that’s perfect. Send me the address and I can be there in about twenty.”

“Alright, I’ll see you then.”

“Did you start dating?”

You ruffle Jisung’s hair. Absolutely not telling him just so he can tell his partner in crime. You wouldn’t hear the end of it tomorrow if you did.

“Thanks for helping, hun. Am I taking you home?”

You barely make the twenty minute mark from the time Jaehyun sent you the address and you have to stop yourself from running inside of the cafe like a mad woman. Dropping Jisung off was no issue, his house was on the way. Your eyebags, smeared eyeliner, and dry ass lips were the problem (how some of your students can manage to fancy you when you’ve occasionally gone to school looking like a mess is beyond you). An extra five minutes or so in the parking lot of your destination resulted in you looking far better, but not nearly as good as you did the first night.

Not nearly as good as Jaehyun does sitting there waiting for you with a small mug in his hand while he holds a newspaper with the other. He’s just barely slouched, a white button-down covering his upper body this time. He looks photoshoot ready and you’re grateful you took the time to fix yourself up.

“Hey,” you greet quietly as you sit in the chair across from him, hooking your purse onto the back of it. “Sorry I’m late. I had to give one of my students a ride home.”

Jaehyun puts the newspaper down after folding it in half. “You’re not late, no worries.”

He looks tired. His bags look like how yours did before the second layer of concealer for the day, his eyes low in comparison to the last time you saw them. You wonder how far he traveled.

“How was your flight?”

“Twelve hours too long,” he sighs. When he makes a move to take another sip of his coffee, he pouts at the realization his cup is empty. “I could barely sleep.”

“We could’ve met another day, you know?”

“I know. I wanted to see you.” He’s not flirty, but upfront. You like it. “Did you think of anything to do?”

“Well, you look like you could fall out any minute now,” you half stall, half voice genuine concern. “Maybe we should wait until your next free day to actually do something?” You’re more than fine with just sitting here for a while longer and having a collection of brief conversations with him and looking at each other until he gets too sleepy or has to leave because of another early meeting in the morning.

“Are you sure?”

You’ve been speaking all day. This is a nice wind-down from repeating yourself and having to raise your voice.

“Yeah. I can’t remember the last time I sat in a cafe and just chilled,” you sigh, taking another glance at your surroundings.

“I’m getting another cup. Do you want anything?”

A thousand a date seems… excessive. Sooyoung is high maintenance so it makes sense for her to want that much as a minimum, especially when she goes on a date once a week. But for you, that amount is a lot when meetups with Jaehyun are going to be really chill. So when he suggests two grand every week since you still couldn’t think of a price for your possible relationship, choking on the sip of tea you just took is a reasonable reaction.

“I mean, anything less wouldn’t make much sense to me. You’re a teacher so you probably don’t make that much when student loans are involved, right?”

You blink stupidly at his bluntness. “Well, yes. But--”

“Do you have someone to help pay your bills?”

“No…”

“And you said you have goals. I want to help invest in those. Are you opposed to that?”

“Not at all.”

“So what’s the problem?” If he partakes in the debating and persuading at work, you’re sure deals end with additional zeros in his bank account. He has you stumped and you’re almost positive he proved his point with little to no thinking process required. “I was actually going to suggest more, but I figured we’d start off small. Do you just feel uncomfortable with that amount?”

It’s interesting yet almost frustrating how he’s kept the straightest face this whole discussion. Just sipping on his coffee and never breaking eye contact. You need to take notes so that your higher ups take you seriously when you address an issue.

“No, it’s not that.”

“So,” he clears his throat, sliding a piece of paper and pen closer to you, “do we have a deal?”

“I guess we do.” You sign the contract (that you’ve already looked over a couple times) and shake his hand when he presents it in front of you. “You’re intimidating when you talk business, you know.”

His smile is wide as he shakes his head, telling you he’s been told once or twice.

Big, excited brown eyes stare down at you as you hold Nala up in the air and softly wiggle her. Her tail wags wildly when the click and push of your front door resonates throughout your home.

“Babe?”

“In here!” you call, still giving your baby your undivided attention.

Sooyoung walks in the living room, leather pants and a fur coat adorning her figure. She tsks at the way you’re laid out on your couch, completely neglecting the powerpoints and Kahoots you were making a while ago. “Procrastination at its finest.”

Nala is taken out of your grasp and Sooyoung gives her the same treatment you just were, so you take the time to stand and stretch. “You shouldn’t have asked me out while I was in my zone. Now I’m not touching that until tomorrow,” you wave in the general direction of your Macbook.

She snorts and sits down while you go to your room to get ready for your date.

The two of you walk into a bar with R&B Hip Hop playing at the perfect volume some time later. The lights are dim and set the perfect mood for drinking and catching up. She leads you to sit at the bar and orders the both of you something that won’t exactly get you fucked up, seeing that the both of you have jobs to attend to in the morning.

“So,” Sooyoung spins towards you, crossing her legs dramatically.

“So?”

“Jaehyun. Tell me about him. How are things going?”

You learned from the first few times of being with Jaehyun that you’ll be doing most of the talking, but he always responds and asks a question or two, genuinely interested if the tick of his eyebrow means anything. It’s nice to have someone new to share stories with, especially since your schedule clashes with your best friend’s. Also because within the last couple of years, most of your experiences with guys have been the same: mostly physical attraction from both sides and it turning into a relationship where you get the shit end of the stick and get hurt. When it comes to Jaehyun, yes the physical attraction is there, but though you don’t know much about each other, you enjoy the platonic bond that’s building… as well as your growing savings account. You don’t text unless someone sends a simple have a great day at work or good night text (and when it’s sent to you, you usually find yourself smiling before getting out of bed or falling asleep). You never talk about anything deep like your past, dreams for the future (aside from briefly discussing the business you want to start up eventually), or theories about life, but the trivial conversations you have about work and the news and whatever else is always enough.

“He’s kind of awkward but it’s nothing unbearable,” you begin, eyes wandering as you think of ways to describe him. “He’s tall, fine as hell for him to be almost twice my age, and…” you trail off, head tilting as you think.

She looks at you impatiently. “And what?”

“He’s such a gentleman,” you finally come up with. “I get to do whatever I want with no complaints, he makes sure my fridge and pantry are stocked, and doesn’t require a lot of my time. I can’t complain at all. Especially when he’s investing in me.”

“Show me what he looks like again.”

You pull up a picture you took with him during your museum date and hand her the phone.

“You look good together,” she compliments after a while of observing the photo.

You agree.

“You sure you wanna keep up your abstinence when he’s your sugar daddy?”

You scoff lightheartedly, taking your phone back. “Is that all you think about?”

“I mean, no, but,” She gestures weirdly with her hands. “He looks like that. And he clearly treats you amazing. I would’ve been busted it open for him.”

“We both agreed on sugarless interactions,” you humph proudly. “But if this lasts a while, I would consider it.”

No point in bullshitting her when she’s known you for over a decade. You’ve been abstinent since your last relationship because you don’t like the thought or feeling of sharing such intimate energy with someone who doesn’t give a fuck about you or wouldn’t even come to the rescue if you caught a flat on the side of the road. Your last few situations with men haven’t been the best and you’ve chosen to focus on healing and growing, and most times than not, sex has interrupted that healing and growing. You don’t want to repeat the same lessons after learning them.

“Is someone crushing on their sugar daddy?” she practically sings around her straw, eyes full of mischief.

“I can’t talk well about someone without having a crush on them?”

“‘He’s such a gentleman,’” Sooyoung repeats in an exaggerated dreamy voice, topping off her performance by dramatically fitting her chin in the hand that’s propped up by her elbow on the bartop. “You already knew he wasn’t going to act like guys our age but you’re still gushing over him and considering fucking him.”

“Crush is too strong of a word,” you roll your eyes at the knowing smile she gives you. “He’s kind, attractive, successful, respectful, and helps me out financially in addition to expanding and stocking my wine collection. How else am I supposed to feel?”

“Sure, Jan.”

“Plus, he’s pretty...” you trail off to find the right word. “Guarded. We only talk about me or surface level things. Kinda hard to really like someone you hardly know.”

“Don’t act like you’re not into the mysterious type,” Sooyoung says flatly before sipping. “There was Sehun, Hyungwon, H–”

“How’s Yuta been treating you?”

And that’s all it takes to direct the conversation to her life and stop coming for yours. She gives too many explicit details but you can’t find it in you to complain because her stories are always interesting as fuck and you aren’t getting any action. She doesn’t exactly have feelings for him, only caring about how great the sex is and the amount of money that goes into her bank account, so she can’t quite relate to the very slow building fondness you feel for Jaehyun. She was right, though. The concoction of his attractiveness, success, and mysteriousness has definitely made you develop a crush. You have other things to worry about, so you don’t exactly think too much of it and just enjoy your time with him a few times a month.

You call it a night after one more drink, and on your way out your phone vibrates.

[10:50pm] Jaehyun: Brunch tomorrow?

[10:51pm] you: Sounds good

[10:56pm] Jaehyun: I’ll pick you up at 11:30.

You can’t help but smile at the image of Jaehyun in his work attire, sitting in the booth with a grease-stained menu in his hands as he figures out what he wants to order. Brunch didn’t go quite as planned with the work you had to finish, but dinner worked perfectly for the both of you.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?”

Your smile only widens. “Didn’t expect you to be the hole-in -the-wall burger joint type, is all.”

“I’m treating myself,” he explains. “Yesterday was a successful day and what better way to treat myself than a greasy meal and your company?”

Your brows shoot up at his last couple of words. “My company, huh?”

He nods, averting his attention to the menu again. Though you want to press the situation a little more, you drop it, but you’re now smiling for a different reason.

“So you said yesterday was successful?”

“Mhm. I closed an important deal and it was finalized yesterday.”

“Congratulations. Our ideas of treating ourselves are certainly different, but I’m glad to be your treat,” You wink, having one more jab at him. And the color of his ears deepen.

Somewhere in the midst of ordering and having small talk, the topic of stocks and investment comes up.

“One of the smartest things I’ve ever done for the company was to invest in Bitcoin and that’s basically why I got the opportunity to run the office here,” he tells you.

“I kind of understand the concept, but I don’t understand the benefits and all that.”

This prompts Jaehyun to go on a lengthy explanation of how it works. He explains something called Blockchain then how the rapper 50 Cent accidentally got a lot of money because he invested in it when a fan of his wanted to buy an album and that was their only form of payment. You prop your elbow up and rest your chin in your palm, his words go straight over your head. In the middle of explaining how Blackbear got rich off of it and that’s why he makes terrible music now, he pauses and blinks.

“I didn’t mean to go on a tangent, I’m sorry.”

“No.” You shake your head. “Don’t apologize, I wanna hear more.”

He looks at you skeptically, so you slip your foot in between his calves and look at him expectantly. You don’t understand the details but you appreciate the topic because it’s something he’s interested in and it’s the first time you’ve seen him talk about something with this much passion. His eyes were shiny and everything.

You raise your eyebrows and blink until he picks the conversation back up.

The glint in his eyes comes back while the two of you eat. Yeah, definitely crushing.

You open your front door after a loud, sudden knock resounded throughout your apartment to find no one, but instead a few boxes and a bag waiting for you on your door mat. You tilt your head to the side and think for a moment. You didn’t order anything.

Looking into the red bag to see if there’s a sign or clue of who these came from, you find a white envelope with your name written in cursive on it. With another glance around you, you decide to open everything inside instead. It’s cold. The packages range in size, so you pick up the smaller packages and kick the biggest one inside of your apartment.

Seated at your dining table, you open the envelope and pull the card out.

Saw these and thought of you. I hope you like everything. -Jaehyun

You fight the smile that wants to take over your face. You figured it was him or Sooyoung. Your best friend likes to send you random things when she comes across something she knows you’d like but wouldn’t buy yourself.

Actually looking at the bag, Cartier is written across it, and your eyes widen. Inside, there are two different sized boxes. The smaller one is their love ring, and the bigger one is the matching bracelet, both in yellow gold. With a grin, you nibble on your lower lip and read the card that comes with the jewelry.

Too excited to wait until you look at the other packages, you slip the ring on your middle finger. It doesn’t go past your second knuckle, so you try your ring finger, and it fits perfectly. Next is the bracelet, which is a bit loose, but you’re sure that’s an easy fix.

Grabbing your phone, you take a picture of the jewelry on you and send it to your sugar daddy.

[1:23pm] you: Thank you so much, Jaehyun. I love them.

His reply comes a lot quicker than you’d expected.

[1:24pm] Jaehyun: Of course. How do they fit?

[1:26pm] you: I could size down on the bracelet but the ring is perfect.

[1:27pm] Jaehyun: We’ll get that fixed soon. Did you get everything else I sent?

Oh yeah. There is more. You put the jewelry back in the respective boxes and move on to the biggest box, which turns out to be a blender and juicer in one. This actually brings the smile out. The last time the two of you were together, you’d said in passing that you want to start making your own juices and smoothies and stuff instead of buying the processed ones from stores.

The next box is a few bottles of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and now your teeth are showing with how much bigger your smile gets.

[1:35pm] you: Yes I just opened them! I appreciate everything, thank you Jae.

[1:40pm] Jaehyun: Anytime, beautiful. Remember, you can ask me for anything you want and I’ll get it, okay? [1:41pm] Jaehyun: I want you to actually tell me when you want or need something [1:41pm] Jaehyun: And we’re still good for Saturday, right? I want to pamper you a little.

He’d mentioned it the last couple of dates, that he’d like you to send him pictures and screenshots of things you’d want and need when you come across them, to not worry about spending your own money when you’ve got him.

[1:45pm] you: Yes sir. And I’m all yours Saturday.

The moment you step into the nail salon, an older woman at the front greets you with a genuine smile and welcomes Jaehyun back.

“The usual?” she asks Jaehyun, to which he nods and returns her smile. “And what about you, honey?”

“A full set with gel polish, please.”

She grabs a basket of the gel polish swatches and hands it to you. “When you’re ready you can go to seat three.”

You eye the colors, but the same few colors you always gravitate towards catch your eye.

“Hey,” you call quietly to get Jaehyun’s attention. “Can you pick a color for me?”

Not only would you like a change, you’re also curious about his taste. He wears nothing but neutral colors, as far as you know, so you wonder if it’s just for the job or if he is really just that simple of a man.

The lady on the other side of desk three smiles brightly at you as you put your purse on the hook next to you. “Did you pick a color yet?”

You point to Jaehyun, “I let him decide for me today.”

Her eyebrows slowly rise. “He’s finally gotten himself a girlfriend?” she asks the woman beside her. They just exchange a look that you don’t quite understand or care enough to try to understand.

Right as she begins prepping your second hand, Jaehyun sits down beside you at desk two and sets his chosen color beside you.

A neutral pink. Fitting for the season, but a color you definitely would’ve chosen yourself.

“This with the white tips. I like that look,” he explains. Good taste. You haven’t had french tips in a while.

He watches the nail technician he was assigned to as she works, the two having small talk and you take a wild guess that she’s the woman who usually, if not always, does his manicures, meanwhile you watch the tv above your tech’s head. This compilation of aesthetically pleasing videos is playing and it’s admittedly hard to take your eyes off of it.

The video plus getting pampered has you relaxed in your seat, the stress from the school week that just ended melting away. Your nail technician is so gentle with you, you could doze off. She eventually asks a few questions like if you’re from around the area, if you know there’s a bruise on the middle finger of your dominant hand (from holding pens/pencils all damn day) and more all in a gentle voice, and before you know it she’s done with the structure of the acrylic and the filing, sending you off to rinse your hands off well.

You come back to the sight of Jaehyun stifling a big yawn behind his free hand, shaking his head as if to gather himself right after. Once again, instead of getting some rest after a long flight, he’s out with you. This is the third time. A big part of you is flattered, really, because you enjoy being with him and the feeling is clearly mutual. But, you’re sure he didn’t get proper rest last night or today.

You stick your right hand out for the tech to start on and place your free hand on his bicep to gain his attention. He blinks at you, confused, and you ignore the sudden warmth that spreads in your chest at the adorable look on his face.

“Why do you keep postponing sleep to take me out?” you ask.

The blinking continues, taken aback at getting called out. “Because I look forward to being with you after business trips?” he asks more than states, and you just continue to admire his straightforwardness.

“Do you trust me to drive back?” You caress his blushing cheek with your thumb because you can’t help yourself when the color fades in, and he doesn’t move away. If anything, he leans into the touch, much to your surprise. “You look like you could fall out any second.”

He nods slowly and you return the gesture with a smile, muttering out a soft ‘okay’ before putting your hand back in front of you.

“I’m glad to see you’ve found someone that can deal with your busy schedule,” his nail tech says, sighing like a relative that’s been waiting for him to get married for the longest. “You two are a lovely couple.”

The two of you thank her, both glancing at one another.

“Speaking of schedules,” Jaehyun says as if just remembering something. “Are you busy on Saturday?”

“Not if you need me.” Saturday was just going to be spent reviewing lesson plans and doing self-care with Bella.

His dimples appear at your response. “We have a business event to attend to.”

“Ah,” You nod and squint in mock suspicion. “You’re buttering me up to surround me with a whole bunch of men talking about boring business stuff. Got it.”

“It’s not even like that,” he chuckles deeply. “You know I need you by my side.”

And yeah, that is in the contract, but the tone of his voice and look in his eyes make you believe that your agreement isn’t the only reason for his words. Now you’re the one with a warm face.

Back in the front of the salon, after Jaehyun has paid, he gently grabs your hand and lifts it up to look at your nails. He nods, satisfied with how they look, clasping your hands together to lead you out of the salon. Not before thanking and saying goodbye to the staff.

Jaehyun opens the door of the driver’s side with his free hand and gestures for you to get in. When you just stand there, he says: “You said you’d drive, right?”

“You’re one hundred percent sure?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Your initial thought is why would you be because even Taeyong doesn’t let you drive his baby, but you don’t question him further. You just slip into the car and he’s fighting a smile at the way all of your teeth are showing due to your excitement. He closes the door and makes his way into the passenger seat.

You’ve never felt so giddy to adjust mirrors and the seat of a car before.

“Where to?” you ask, seatbelt on and ready to go.

“The mall we passed on the way here. I saw something I thought you might like.”

You absolutely adore the matching Saint Laurent bag and heels; black with gold accents.

“Oh wow.”

Jaehyun’s reaction to you opening your front door is enough to let you know he thinks you look as good as you feel, if not better. Admittedly, the heels are the most uncomfortable pair you’ve ever walked in, but when they look this pretty, paired with the sleek, tight emerald dress that you were gifted a couple days ago with a note reminding you of tonight’s events, who really cares about comfort? You’ll likely be sitting down most of the night, anyway.

You smile slyly at his lack of words. “Hey, handsome. Come in, I’m almost done.”

“You smell good,” is what he says as he walks past you and into your home, and you’ll take it. You did bring out your favorite scent tonight after all.

“Thank you,” you chuckle. “I’ll be right back.”

Maybe you walk a tad bit slower than usual because you have a great feeling he’s watching you as you disappear into your room. You grab your purse and trench coat, check your lip gloss, then make your way back to where you left Jaehyun.

“Sorry,” he begins as you walk up to him, prompting you to raise a brow. “Good evening. You look amazing and I was lost for words for a moment.”

“Thank you,” you repeat. You fix the flap of his tuxedo jacket as you return the compliment. “And thanks for the dress. You have a weirdly good eye for what looks good on me.”

“When I saw the dress I just knew,” Jaehyun shrugs, eyes definitely on what the neckline exposes before they move up to your eyes. “Ready?”

On the way to the event, Jaehyun gives you a small rundown of what to expect.

“Most of the people you’ll meet are cool, they may talk your head off, though.”

“Nothing I’m not used to,” you shrug. Being a teacher calls for lengthy conversations you’d rather not participate in. “‘Most,’ though?”

“There are a few guys I’m personally not fond of and wouldn’t be working with them if it weren’t for my father’s connection.”

You nod. “I’m sure I can make interactions a little more digestible for you. I mean, that is why I’m here.”

“Just let me know if it becomes too much. I’m not opposed to leaving early.”

You’re sure you’ll be fine, but you hum in affirmation.

“Where are we going?” you ask.

“My restaurant.” Of course he owns a restaurant. “When we have special occasions I shut it down to the public and we have our events there.”

You lightly hit his shoulder. “You’ve had a restaurant this whole time but let me struggle to pick somewhere to eat for the last couple of months?”

He grins, grabbing the hand that hit him to kiss your knuckles apologetically.

“It’s cute to watch,” he admits, laughing at the glare you send him.

It’s almost as if Jaehyun turns into a different person when the two of you step into the restaurant. Instead of the shy smiles you’re used to, you’re met with the sight of his grin and lidded eyes as he returns the greetings he gets while you walk past the bar where most of the men are seated and standing around to wherever he leads you, left hand on the small of your back. Even the smile he gives a few that show all his teeth don’t give you the usual feeling you’ve grown accustomed to. The usual warmth in your chest travels down to your abdomen as you witness him in his element, around his employees, business partners, and others. You smile and follow Jaehyun’s lead perfectly, but in the breaks between speaking to random people you catch yourself looking at him from the corner of your eye.

Yeah, you like this side of him.

You’re led to a table and Jaehyun pulls a seat out for you to settle down in.

“What do you want to drink?” he asks, hands still on the back of your seat from pushing it in, bent down to your level. And your body decides to become hyper aware of his proximity, of his minty breath fanning against your ear. You turn to catch his gaze, and he licks his lips.

“What are my options?”

His response is a deep hum, followed by: “I’m sure I’ve got whatever you have a taste for.”

You squint a little, observing him.

“Yeah?” you ask. And the grin you receive in return confirms your suspicions. He’s flirting.

“Whatever you’re getting is fine.”

“I’ll be back. No one should bother you,” he promises before he’s off to the bar.

No one is apparently a tall man with long, black hair that’s pushed back and an undercut. And a smile you can’t decipher.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, beautiful,” is the first thing he says, leaning his weight onto the hands he sets on the table. “I’m John.”

You look him up and down. “Nice to meet you, John.”

You’re stuck on introducing yourself, unsure if he really knows who you are. You remember his face when vague introductions were made, but he’s the only one that has done more than just stare and smile at you. You briefly look in the direction Jaehyun left to and he has a flute in each hand, caught up talking to an older man.

“I’m not trying to get at you,” he reassures you with a laugh. “I take it you’ve never heard of me and I’m hurt, honestly. I’m Jaehyun’s best friend.”

That explains a lot.

“John.” Champagne is set down in front of you, but before you can thank him, he’s speaking to your new acquaintance. “Let’s not do that thing you like to do.”

“Am I not important to you?” Johnny asks dramatically after they give each other a hug. Jaehyun ignores him as he sits down beside you “You’d think after all these years I’d come up in conversation with your–”

“You’re doing the thing,” Jaehyun interrupts. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

John’s smile is slick but he leaves without another word. But not without a wink that makes Jaehyun’s face somehow get straighter.

“He’s your best friend?” you ask before taking a sip of your drink. It’s dry going down, and you make a mental note to get something else once you’ve finished this flute.

“I question myself on it, too.” The drink goes down smoother for Jaehyun. “I don’t know what I’d do without him, though.”

“You’re a big question mark,” you laugh lightheartedly.

“What do you mean?”

“I just don’t know much about you.”

There’s a moment of silence as he slowly nods his head, and you almost regret saying anything. While your best friend was right about mysterious guys being your type, you’d think after being in each other’s company for so long you’d know a little more about him than just the basics and his everyday life. With the tiny crush you’ve acquired, your curiosity has increased, but you’ve never brought the matter up because you almost feel as if it isn’t your place to.

“What do you want to know about me?” he finally asks. His flute is set on top of the table and he leans into you, giving you his full attention.

“Whatever you’re comfortable sharing. Nothing crazy like your childhood trauma or anything but I’m just interested in you as a person.”

You enjoy the small details you learn about him each time you meet, you just want to go a little deeper than the surface. You’ve gotten the chance to hear about his family and his relationship with them a little, but you’d like more.

You don’t think you’re doing this sugar baby thing correctly. You probably shouldn’t be so invested in who Jaehyun is as a person outside of his status and money wiring. You definitely shouldn’t be liking him to the extent that you do.

The man beside you hums, rolling his lips together like everything you’ve said since John left requires extra processing, which leads you to down more of the dry drink anxiously.

He ends up scooting his chair closer to yours.

“I’ve been told I’m boring,” he confesses.

“Quiet, maybe,” you correct him. “But I doubt you’re boring.”

“Ask me whatever you’re interested in knowing about and I guess I’ll let you be the judge. Does that sound good to you?”

Nervousness transmutes into excitement that you have to bite down, literally biting your lip to stop yourself from smiling at this little breakthrough.

“Sounds great.”

“You have to reciprocate, though,” is Jaehyun’s condition. “I definitely want to get to know more about you, too.”

More of Jaehyun’s close friends and the employees that aren’t afraid to walk up to him and speak about something other than work come by the pair of you, and you’re perfectly content with mostly just sitting on the sidelines and observing. Dinner won’t actually start for another half hour, apparently, so now is when everyone is mingling. Comments have been made about how the two of you look good together, even some separate compliments about you, but mainly directed at him.

An older man puts a hand on Jaehyun’s shoulder, making his presence known and stealing his attention away from the conversation Jaehyun is having with an intern that so clearly looks up to him. One glance up tells you all you need to know about this man. Jaehyun’s smile turns fake.

“Mr. Park,” he greets politely, nodding to the intern to silently tell him they’ll talk later while standing, hovering over the elder.

“I just wanted to congratulate you on the big deal again,” Mr. Park says, gaze trailing down to you. You throw him a polite smile. “And to say hello to the beautiful woman you’ve been hiding from us.”

And there it is. The compliment is completely different from the one John indirectly gave you, his tone enough to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. You slowly rise to your feet anyway, extending your hand towards him to shake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Park.”

“And she’s got manners,” he continues. Your hand is grasped, but lifted up to his mouth, and he plants a kiss onto your knuckles. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

As you pull your hand away, you introduce yourself. You discretely wipe your hand off onto your dress and intertwine your fingers with Jaehyun’s.

“A gorgeous name for a gorgeous woman.” The line is as outdated as he is but you keep a pleasant expression on, thanking him. “Why is this my first time seeing you?”

“Conflicting schedules,” you say. “But I had to come and celebrate with him this time.”

“You’ve caught a good one,” the elder man winks. “Better keep her close. Never know who’d want to take your place.”

His laugh annoys you. The sound is high pitched and almost taunting.

“Very unlikely they’d get the chance to, but thank you for the compliment.” You lift your hand to caress the nape of Jaehyun’s neck, getting him to look down at you. “He’s perfect, how could anyone else even compare?”

And there’s the shy smile you’re familiar with.

“Yeah?” Jaehyun asks, so you continue to milk your performance for Mr. Park.

“Mhm,” you nod, letting your hand rub down his chest, intensifying your gaze. Nothing but solid muscle is felt beneath the fabric of his shirt. “You know how good you make me feel.”

Jaehyun doesn’t have a comeback, but his smile widens as he lets go of your hand to slide it to the small of your back, pulling you even closer to him—he smells so good. He cranes his neck down until his nose brushes your own. Having him this close, his breath fanning over your mouth, your own breathing gets heavier. At the corner of your eye, the older man continues to watch the interaction, and when you lift your chin just a little to brush your glossy lips against Jaehyun’s, your audience finally takes the hint, telling you it was nice to meet you and congratulating your date before briskly walking off.

“Was that too much?” you whisper when it’s just the two of you. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

Jaehyun laughs, more to himself, caressing your exposed back with his thumb. “Not at all.”

“I don’t like him,” you confess, hand still on his chest. Peeling your body from his own isn’t an appealing thought right now. He doesn’t make a move to do so, either. “He made me uncomfortable so I had to return the feeling. I hope he enjoyed the show.”

“So I’m perfect, huh?” The brunet prompts, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re the perfect package,” you say matter of factly. “You’re kind, respectful, successful, and handsome with a great head on your shoulders…” The sight of his tongue swiping over his lower lip–licking over your peach flavored gloss– momentarily distracts you.

“Even though you don’t know much about me, you still think so highly of me?” Did his voice get even deeper somehow?

“I’m sure you’ve got your fair share of skeletons in your closet but who doesn’t? And after seeing you interact with everyone I can see why half of them look up to you.”

You can’t get your eyes off of the lower half of his face, can’t find it within you to care that he’s definitely noticed by now. Especially when he smiles, the skin around his nose creating what looks like whiskers.

“I guess I know who to go to whenever I doubt myself now, huh?”

Smoothing your hand back up to the nape of his neck, you hum. “I like to think I’m good at making people feel good.”

His tongue peeks out to wet his lips again before he clears his throat, hand slipping to your waist as he takes his time detaching from you. Your own hand drops pathetically. “Do you want another drink?”

“Just water, please.”

At his lack of presence, you sit back down, blinking in disbelief. Jaehyun’s a smart man. He has to know how him touching you like that—holding you like that—affected you. Every interaction makes you fall for him a little more, makes you desire him a lot more.

You close your eyes and sigh. “I like to think I’m good at making people feel good,” you mock yourself under your breath.

When you peek at Jaehyun while he’s at the bar, you notice he takes a moment to himself to take a deep breath, laughs to himself, and shakes his head before proceeding to get two glasses of the water you requested.

Spring break.

A week without having to wake up at the asscrack of dawn, without three periods of high schoolers getting on your damn nerves, in addition to a few teachers having sticks so far up their asses and other unorganized, difficult staff and faculty. Not as long as winter break but the weather is nicer and you can go to the beach to relax and unwind this year.

Taeyong’s girlfriend has a beach house that she told him to invite you to because she knows with your profession you’d highly appreciate the peace and quiet, and you agreed immediately, your bags packed containing mostly bathing suits and sundresses. A week at the beach where you don’t have to put much effort into doing your hair and makeup unless someone decides they want to go out for dinner? Perfect.

“Hellooo?”

Taeyong appears a few seconds after his greeting, holding up an untouched smoothie in one hand and a brown bag you’re sure has a muffin in it in the other one. Bless his soul.

He has a big smile on his face and the black rimmed sunglasses with red lenses that you got him for his birthday and a sweatsuit similar to the one you’ve got on.

“Aw, you wanna be like me.”

He rolls his eyes once he sees what you’re talking about. “Are you ready?”

You scan your bed. Toiletry bag, chargers and hair products and tools inside of your suitcase, check. Shoe bag, check. Accessories, check.

“Ready,” you nod, finishing up by zipping up your suitcase and shoe bag.

When he’s by your side he bumps your hip with his, telling you he’s got your bags and to just take what’s in his hands.

“I know you haven’t eaten yet,” he gives you a parental look and effortlessly picks your heavy ass suitcase up to settle it on the floor and extend the handle. “so I got you something small because Seulgi is cooking for us right now.”

You hum a thanks, slipping your slides on.

“Be good while I’m gone, okay?” you coo to Nala as you pick her up and hold her out in front of you. She lets out a tiny bark. “I’ll miss you too, sweetie.”

A kiss to the top of her furry little head before she’s free to roam around as she pleases.

“Don’t forget the alarm.”

“Yes, mother,” you mock, and when his mouth opens to ask another question you quickly add, “I texted Jisung the code and Nala’s schedule. Now go.”

When your music starts playing in the car, Taeyong side eyes you.

“You listen to the same three songs, Tae,” you deadpan.

He doesn’t even try to deny it, instead, starting up a conversation on what you’re not going to do to embarrass him since it’s your first time meeting his girlfriend.

Taeyong gently sets down all of the bags at the front door, then beckons you to follow him quietly.

Music is blasting and a feminine voice is singing along. When you two round the corner you’re greeted with the sight of hips moving side to side, her back to the two of you as she cooks.

There’s already plates set up at the table on the other side of the kitchen, and in the middle of the wooden tabletop, there’s a variety of sides, a bottle of wine that has recently become your favorite, and another bottle of sparkling water.

You stay put at the entrance of the kitchen while Taeyong sneaks up behind her, hands behind his back as he leans close to say something you can’t hear in her ear. Her voice cracks when she screams, body turning around to immediately fight him, fists positioned until she sees it’s just her boyfriend. She calls him a jerk and pouts, but then her arms are around his neck for a quick hug and kiss, eyes widening at something else he says before her attention snaps to you. A big smile takes over her face and she all but pushes him away to make a beeline for you.

“Will you be uncomfortable if I hug you right now?”

You blink. “No?”

She wastes no time to do just that, rocking you side to side with a sigh. “I’ve been waiting to meet you. Taeyong’s told me so much about you,” she laughs, giving you a big squeeze before letting you go. “Hi, I’m Seulgi. I asked Taeyong what you like to eat but he’s no help and he wouldn’t give me your number,” she rolls her eyes. “He said something about you being embarrassing.”

Not only is her beach house lovely, with a beautiful view of the beach that you haven’t even fully gotten to see yet, she’s gorgeous and kind. You like her already.

“I’m not picky,” you wave dismissively, Taeyong snorting, “nor am I embarrassing,” you direct a glare at your cousin when he passes on his way to get the luggage.

It would’ve been nice to have a chat or two with her before officially meeting.

“Let me show you your room.”

Seulgi grabs your hand softly and leads you up the stairs, makes a right then opens the second door on the left.

Huge bed with black and white sheets and a white comforter, huge tv on a black wooden dresser that matches the nightstand beside the bed.

“Sorry for how dark it is, my sister decorated it.”

Taeyong comes in and sets your bags in front of the bed, then he’s got an arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders.

“Closet is right there,” Seulgi points to a door on the right side of the main door, “bathroom is here,” her finger flies to the other side of the room. “If you need a nice bath you’re free to use the one in our room, just let me know so we can get out of your way. Any questions or concerns?”

“Nope,” you take another glance around the room. “I’m good. Thank you for letting me stay here.”

She gently swats a perfectly manicured hand at you. “Please, if you ever need to get away from the city for a couple of days just let me know, you’re always welcome to stay.”

You might be looking at her the same way Taeyong is right now. Completely enamored.

A timer sounds from downstairs, Seulgi perking up.

“Food’s done. Come down whenever you’re ready,” she says to you and Taeyong, patting him on the back before heading downstairs.

“I love her.”

Taeyong laughs with a nod, taking a seat at the foot of your bed. “Yeah, me too. I knew the two of you would hit it off but I was still nervous.”

“When you fuck up I’m snatching her,” you say with a wide smile as you walk out of the room.

Lunch goes amazingly. There’s endless conversation filled with learning about each other and you only try to embarrass your cousin once just because of the lecture in the car, to which you earned a flick on the forehead for, but Seulgi pinched his arm for you. You get both sides of the story on how they met at the gym, your cheek in your palm as you watch the couple reminisce with banter and heart eyes, appreciating the display of love.

Clothes get changed into bathing suits and then the three of you are walking barefoot in the sand, headed closer to the ocean. The walk is short, and only a couple of minutes later towels and lounge chairs are spread out, the cooler filled with water bottles and wine coolers is set down somewhere in between, and all of you are lying down under the sun.

The star is blazing and you’ll never admit it to him, but you’re thankful Taeyong asked if you applied sunblock before you stepped outside (“I’m a responsible adult, Taeyong. Of course I did.”). The breeze against your skin is pleasant combined with the bright, hot sun.

Conversation naturally slips into silence, Seulgi on her stomach to tan her back, Taeyong up and becoming one with the ocean because he takes astrology seriously now. You check the texts Jisung sent less than an hour ago, updating you on how the walk with Nala went and that he ate all of your grapes with a smiling emoji. Your eyes roll when you tell him to eat all he wants.

A soft call of your name takes your attention off of your phone and directs it to the woman the voice came from.

“Yeah?”

“Are you in a relationship?”

You snort. “I’m very single.”

An intrusive thought of Jaehyun surfaces, but you push it out just as fast as it arrived.

She frowns.

“I’ll try to keep down the affection with Taeyong in front of you. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

Even with her invitation, you’re the one that’s kind of interrupting a romantic vacation, whether they view it that way or not. Your plan is to be a ghost, chill on the beach and read as much as you can and let the couple do all of their couple activities without the thought of you being here until it’s time for dinner or any other group event.

“Don’t worry about me,” you smile, adjusting your sunglasses. “I don’t mind PDA.”

“Just let us know if we’re being gross, okay?”

You nod, but you doubt you’ll catch them being gross often with how you’ve planned your visit.

An hour after Taeyong snatched your phone out of your hand and dropped it in the sand beside you to throw you over his shoulder and bring you into the water with him, you’re exhausted and smell like salt. You don’t know if a shower has ever felt this good before. The water’s temperature is just right, the pressure is great, the loofah that was waiting for you is perfect, and it could also be the many wine coolers and shots you downed, but you feel amazing. The more it sinks in that you don’t have to deal with fifteen through eighteen-year-olds nor do you have to plan anything for them for the next six days because you already lost sleep making sure you had papers printed and powerpoints made a week in advance, but your students do have homework and study guides complete before Monday, the lighter your body feels. Oh, you’re going to sleep amazingly tonight.

A long swipe of your hand across the foggy mirror shows you an image of you looking the most content you’ve seen yourself in a while. Your skin is a little darker than when you first arrived and glowing, Eyes heavy from the drinks and sleepiness, the smallest of smiles playing on your lips.

Tightening your towel around you, you get to work combing your drenched hair out. There’s music playing from the speakers around the house, faint but loud enough to recognize the beat, your hips moving along to it. You squeeze some product into your hand then smooth it throughout the detangled half of your head before doing the same on the other side.

The calm atmosphere is ruined by your name getting called by a familiar yet unexpected voice and your body jumps because of it. The mirror has cleared up for the most part and when you lift your eyes from the reflection of your fingers in your hair to the reflection on the man in dark clothing you scream, bringing your hand to the secured knot that’s keeping your towel and turning around.

What the actual fuck.

“Shit, Jaehyun,” you place your free hand over your heart, exhaling loudly.

A loud call of your name from your cousin sounds from downstairs but you’re too busy staring at the man in front of you dumbly. He’s looking at you the same way. Heavy footsteps up the stairs end when two concerned faces pop up behind him before you can open your mouth and ask how the hell the two of you are in the same place right now.

“Oh,” Seulgi says, wide eyes moving back and forth between the two of you before she pushes Jaehyun into the room that you now know is behind the extra door you peeped before getting into the shower and her voice goes out as she asks, “when did you even get here?”

The look on Taeyong’s face shows he’s waiting for his girlfriend to be far enough away for him to ask, “Isn’t that-”

You nod. “Yep.”

“Come downstairs when you’re done?” Seulgi asks, popping her head back into the bathroom. Once you nod again, she pulls Taeyong away with her and shuts the door.

You finish up your hair and get dressed quickly. You don’t understand how the hell you ended up in this kind of coincidence, but your buzzed mind doesn’t bother to try to put any pieces together, especially since you’re on the way downstairs to get answers.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were on the way?” Seulgi asks from the kitchen.

“You knew I was coming…” Jaehyun’s deadpan voice makes you smile, but you straighten your face when you round the corner and get into their line of sight. You make your way beside Taeyong, whose eyebrows are pulled in as he stares at the side of the newcomer’s face. A touch of your hand on his arm relaxes his tense form and breaks his one-sided stare off, eyes soft when they land on you. Soon everyone’s attention is on you. Jaehyun doesn’t seem surprised anymore. More like he’s just taking in your reaction to everything, seeing how he should regard you.

“So I forgot to mention my cousin would be here,,” Seulgi starts with an awkward, apologetic smile. “And I forgot to mention you were coming,” she says, looking and pointing at you. She proceeds to introduce you and Taeyong to Jaehyun and vice versa.

You push yourself off the table and walk up to him, hand presented between you two for him to shake. “Nice to meet you, Jaehyun.”

His lips go thin before he lets out an amused breath through his nose. He grabs your hand and gingerly shakes it. “Likewise.”

A knock on the half-closed door grants you access to the view of Jaehyun slowly sitting up on his bed, one hand caressing his chin while the other holds his phone.

“So,” you hum, leaning against the doorframe. “Looks like we’re together this week after all.”

The other day he told you he’d be on vacation for a week so he couldn’t meet up with you, which was perfect because you were in the same situation, and now look at you. The cousin of the love of Taeyong’s life is the man you meet up with weekly. the man that adds money into your bank account weekly. You’ve sobered up since the bathroom incident and honestly, you’re pretty happy to spend more than a few hours at a time with him.

“All week, at that.”

“I’m excited,” you admit. “If it storms, your bed is fair game, right?”

Jaehyun shakes his head with a smile, but responds with: “I’ll keep the doors unlocked.”

When you knock on Jaehyun’s door the next day around noon, it takes a moment for him to grant your entrance, and when you open it he’s on his laptop.

“Is this not a vacation for you?” you tsk after catching a glimpse of the screen.

He lets out a deep chuckle. “It is, but-”

“No buts,” you interrupt him. “If it isn’t detrimental, I’d like your company on the beach.”

“So we’re not pretending we don’t know each other?”

You take a seat next to him on the edge of his bed.

“Taeyong was there the first night we met,” you admit, to which Jaehyun nods.

“You came prepared.”

“You could’ve been a creepy seventy-something year old man trying to get his dick wet,” you say, and he chuckles, nodding again. “I don’t think he’d say anything to Seulgi, honestly. But even if he did, we’re grown.” You shrug.

Jaehyun saves a document and exits out of it, closing his laptop to put it to the side. He finally looks at you for more than a quick second, and his gaze lingers on the bikini and the see-through cover up you have on.

“That’s a pretty color on you,” he compliments before getting up and walking to his suitcase.

“Thank you.” You watch him as he squats down to open his luggage, rummaging through his clothes until he pulls out a pair of swim trunks. In your internal excitement that you’ve successfully pulled him away from work to come to the beach with you, you fail to decipher what the expectant yet amused look on his handsome face translates to when he’s back to his full height.

“Are you comfortable?” Jaehyun asks, the corner of his mouth lifted. You open your mouth to question what he means but when he slowly lifts his shirt off, you understand. You nibble on the inside of your lip.

How bold do you want to be?

You’re on vacation with your sugar daddy, even if that wasn’t the original plan. In a beach house, alone—the couple went out to get more groceries because Seulgi got carried away yesterday in the kitchen. You know exactly how you feel about the man before you, and even though he’s still hard to read, his glances and touches either give you an idea of how he might feel, or they just make you delusional. You doubt it's delusion, though, if you’re being honest.

The contract, though.

“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” you finally say after a long moment of silently staring at one another. “Want me to pack any drinks for you?”

“It’s only noon.”

“You’re on vacation,” you counter, hand lingering on the door under the guise you’re just still having conversation. All of those hours in the gym have done him well.

“A couple of beers wouldn’t hurt, I guess.” He shrugs.

“There ya go,” you lilt, smiling widely, finally taking your leave.

You’re definitely going to make the most of this trip.

With only sunglasses and black swim trunks, Jaehyun makes his way towards you on the beach after a while. You’re in the midst of putting on sunscreen, struggling to reach the middle of your back.

“Do you need help?” he asks, sitting next to you on your lounge chair instead of the one you set up for him a couple of feet away.

“Please,” you exasperate. You hand him the bottle and turn your back towards him. He rubs the lotion onto your back with the perfect pressure, starting from your shoulders and gradually making his way down to your lower back. Head tilting to the side, you let out a hum of appreciation. “I just know you give good massages.”

“I’ve only given one or two,” Jaehyun admits, hands still going even though he’s covered basically every inch of your back. His fingers slip under the horizontal strap, spreading outward and grazing over the side of your breasts. “Always been on the receiving end.”

“Well,” you sigh, enjoying his lingering touch. “I’ll gladly be your test dummy. I’ve got some knots in the back of my neck and my feet could definitely use some TLC.”

Jaehyun chuckles, adjusting your bathing suit strings before handing you the bottle. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Do you need me to put some on your back?” you ask, happy to return the favor.

He thinks about it for a moment before he nods and turns. You shake the bottle and pop the cap open before squeezing the sunscreen onto the palm of your hand, throw the bottle to the side and rub your hands together before running them up his back.

“You talk about me,” Jaehyun laughs breathily when he shivers a bit at your touch. You hum in question, working your fingers into his shoulders, feeling the tense muscles and having the need to release some of the tension while you’re here. You appreciate how his muscles feel under his smooth skin. “Might have to start going to you for my bi-weekly massages instead of the spa.”

You enjoy spending time with him. You enjoy learning new things about him. You really enjoy the intimate moments the two of you share.

“I think that’s something we could arrange.”

Finishing up, you rub the residual sunscreen on your hands down his arms and give a squeeze, signaling the end of his impromptu massage.

“What’s the plan for the day?” Jaehyun asks once the two of you are laying side by side in the chairs.

“Sit in the sun for a while, get in the water for a while, drink until I feel like I’m one with the ocean, and leave once I’m burnt out,” you list for him. “You down?”

He nods. “I am.”

And when it’s time to get in the ocean, the waves are stronger than you thought they’d be. Nothing crazy, but with how deep you wanted to go, the water smacks into your face sometimes.

“Come here,” Jaehyun finally says after laughing at your cute struggle. He grabs your waist and tugs you into his body, and after you place your hands on his shoulders, he lifts you up and you wrap your legs around his waist.

The added height and being pressed against his toned body make the experience even better.

The rest of the time spent in the water goes by like this, not many words exchanged, but you lightly clinging onto him, his hold on you strong but not restricting, and the two of you just enjoy the surprisingly almost empty beach together. You leave when both of you are raisined, and come back to the beach house to Taeyong finishing preparing lunch.

–

You can’t remember the last time you were in a jacuzzi.

Taeyong urged you to get in because he wanted to spend some alone time with Seulgi while they cooked dinner for everyone and you had no qualms. You made sure to grab a bottle of wine and a wine glass before getting kicked out, though.

You’re in the middle of pouring your second glass when you hear the sliding door open and close, then Jaehyun is walking towards you with a towel slung over his shoulder and blue swim trunks sitting low on his hips.

Is he genuinely this oblivious to how captivating he is?

“I got kicked out,” he tells you, kicking his flip flops off.

“Join the club.” You raise your glass towards him before taking a sip.

You watch him as he climbs in, settling down on the opposite side of where you’re sitting, arms spread out to his sides. There’s a still moment where you observe one another, a slight smile on his face while you continue to drink from your glass.

“I’m surprised you’re not sick of that wine by now.”

“It’s been my favorite since the night we met,” you admit, hiding a shy smile behind the rim of your glass. “I’m almost out of the stock you gave me.”

“I’ll send you some more when we get back,” Jaehyun promises. “Have you tried the white?”

You shake your head. “I didn’t want to open a bottle and waste it if I didn’t like it.”

“I want you to try it. It’s my favorite.“ He stands up and climbs back out of the hot tub.

Jaehyun disappears and he’s in and out quickly with the bottle, bottle opener, and glass in hand, this time sitting closer to you when he’s back in the water. He fills up half of his glass before holding it out to you. Setting your own down, you grab Jaehyun’s and take a sip, swishing it around in your mouth to get rid of the other wine’s taste and swallowing before taking another to really taste it.

“I like it.” You nod.

“Clearly not as much as the red,” Jaehyun laughs, taking the glass back to drink it himself.

You don’t, but you might also just like it because he took it upon himself to get out of the jacuzzi when he’d only been sitting in it for a couple of minutes just to go back into where he got kicked out of, just so you can taste his favorite wine. Granted, Jaehyun is drinking it himself, but your mind focuses on how he possibly just got softly chewed out for going back in for you.

“Why are you still single?” you practically sigh, not quite understanding how a man of his status, with his looks, kindness, and personality hasn’t been swept up and married by now.

Jaehyun’s brow raises mid-sip.

“I could ask you the same,” he retorts instead of giving a real answer. You’ve known him long enough to know he won’t just give you the information you’re searching for, you’ve got to give him a piece of you before he returns the gesture. And you have no qualms.

“Well,” you start, turning towards him more, kicking your feet up so your heels rest upon his lap. He doesn’t even blink at the change of position. “I’m taking the time to build myself and the life I desire without too many distractions. I’ve had ideas and goals for myself and my future for years, but when I’d get into a relationship I always ended up slacking and pushing those goals aside for later. I’m now at a place in my life where I love myself enough to not let me sweep my goals under the rug for the love of someone else. I’m still young, I have time to find love after I’ve established myself to an extent that I’m more than content with.”

Jaehyun hums, setting his now empty glass aside before your foot is in his hands with his thumbs digging into your sole firmly.

“Do you not think it’s possible to establish yourself and find love in the process?” he prompts.

“That hasn’t been the case thus far,” you chuckle, the sound trailing into a quiet groan. Whatever pressure point he just pressed into feels like heaven. “You sure you’ve never given a massage?”

The brunet flashes you a satisfied smile, shaking his head softly. “Sounds like your previous partners were distractions rather than supporters.”

“My taste in men was terrible,” you agree instantly. “I was always the one to love more and make more sacrifices for love while I got gaslit and mediocre sex in return.”

You’re saying more than you’d intended to, and you definitely blame your slight intoxication, but it’s actually nice to talk about this with someone who isn’t your cousin or your best friend. You don’t mind opening up to Jaehyun at all. His presence has been warm, inviting since day one, and he doesn’t give the impression to be one to judge.

Jaehyun lifts your leg to dig into your calf muscle, resting your foot on his chest. “You have pretty feet.”

You laugh at his compliment, raising a teasing brow. “A foot fetish, huh?”

The corners of his mouth fight to not lift. “When was your last relationship?”

“About a year and a half ago.” You set your glass next to his and fit your cheek into your propped up hand. “I’ve been abstinent since.”

Jaehyun’s eyes grow big. “Really?”

“It’s not that hard.” You shrug. “Definitely gets boring, though. But that discipline has allowed me to get further with my passions than ever before. Well, the discipline plus you.”

Jaehyun’s pretty fingers just so happen to find another spot, this time in your calf, that makes you practically whimper from the pleasurable pain. The moment of eye contact that comes right after lets you know you didn’t bite it down enough to mute the sound, as well as the way his movements falter.

Clearing his throat, he asks, “From funding?”

“Mostly, yeah. But you’re a really disciplined person who many look up to. You even work on vacation,” you tsk lightheartedly. “The energy has rubbed off on me a little.”

“Being around you has definitely made me cut back on how much time I put into work.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

He shakes his head. “Not at all. I’ve gotten to actually spend uninterrupted time with Seulgi. And bond with Taeyong for the first time in what? Three years?”

Now that he’s mentioned it, you realize just how much more frequent your meetups are in comparison to when you’d first met. You see him every week, and while every date isn’t full of long conversations and massages, he rarely checks his emails or ends nights sooner than expected because of early mornings ahead.

“So basically I was a great addition to your life.” You nod, wiggling your leg out of his grasp then presenting your untouched foot for him to start working on. “Okay–your turn to talk.”

He sighs deeply, gaze dropping from your face to the task at hand.

“I’m similar to you, in regards to being the one that loves more than being loved. I’ve always tried to be cautious because I’m a bit of an easy target.”

“How so?”

“I come from generational wealth and I love giving,” Jaehyun elaborates for you, glancing up at you briefly before watching his fingers knead into your calf. “Even with being cautious, I ended up falling for women who pretended to love me to reap the benefits of being associated with me.”

You hum, frowning a little. You’ve dealt with similar situations, only instead of being used for your money, you were used for your body and loyalty.

“I was really in love with my ex, even Seulgi befriended her. One day Seulgi overheard her talking to someone on the phone, making plans to get flown out by some professional athlete. I don’t even know the whole story but I broke up with her and blocked her on everything before she could try to explain.”

The situation still hurts him, it’s evident by the sadness that washes over his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Jae.” You pout. “You didn’t deserve that.”

Jaehyun gives you a small smile. “In hindsight, it was obvious she didn’t actually like me. I just liked her too much to leave without a reason, I guess.”

Story of your life.

“How’d you get into this business then?” you ask, gesturing between the two of you.

“Like I said, I love giving. I love spoiling someone, typically only one person at a time, though.” Not that you ever really questioned or even thought about it before this very moment, a wave of warmth passes through your chest at knowing you’re the only one that gets to have these moments with Jaehyun. “And my friend has had a few babies and recommended it. I get to spoil someone–you, without having to assume you love me for me and not just my money and without getting my heart broken. Plus the benefits of having someone by my side at events.”

“Am I your baby?” you lilt, cheesing at the way the male fights a stupid grin.

“Yes,” he agrees easily. “You are my baby and I think we got lucky for this to be our first time.”

You pull out of his hold to sit beside him, propping your elbow up to fit your cheek into your palm, and face him with a grin that tells him you’re about to drag this. “So I can actually call you daddy now? Because I really like how you just called me your baby.”

“If that’s what you want to do,” he laughs it off, moving to pour himself another half glass. “I’m not opposed.”

Your brows lift in surprise.

“So you have a foot fetish and a daddy kink?” you tease.

“How much have you drunk tonight?”

“Don’t act like you don’t enjoy it.”

He scoffs behind his glass and mumbles, “I enjoy it more than I probably should.”

You let your grin reach your eyes as you just watch him take gulps instead of his usual sips. You’re getting somewhere now and there’s no way you’re going to let the moment slip through your fingers.

“There’s a lot more to enjoy,” you tell him, taking the glass out of his hand to finish the little amount of liquid inside. You like the flavor a little more than before.

Brown eyes follow the trail of your tongue as you lick off a droplet of wine from your bottom lip, and you know you’ve got him right where you want him.

“Is that so?”

“It’s up to you if you want to find out,” you tell him, still giving him time to reject your advances. Being so close to finally getting a taste of what you’d been wanting has your heart beating faster than before, and the only thing on your mind is finally crossing this line you’ve been straddling.

“Maybe a preview.”

You sit up to lean into him, hooking a hand behind his neck to pull him down to your level. Testing the waters, you press a soft kiss to his lips, but when he presses back with no hesitation, you easily slot your lips with his. They’re soft and careful, just like the hand that comes up to your side to pull you even closer.

You almost sigh into the kiss after watching his mouth as he spoke for the last couple of months, tilting your head to deepen it. Jaehyun easily follows, letting you lead the pace and intensity.

After backing away a couple inches and observing him, Jaehyun’s eyes flutter open and show that he’d definitely be okay with continuing, but with your building desire for him, you don’t trust yourself to lean back in and end the exchange with just an innocent kiss. You did sign a contract after all.

So you get up, carefully stepping out of the hot tub, grabbing the towel you brought out. You wrap the white cotton around your body and head to the back door, slide it open and walk inside. It smells good, and you let the couple know as much when you’re walking past the kitchen to make it upstairs quickly before you get fussed at.

A cold shower ought to do it.

Maybe you and Jaehyun should talk about what happened in the jacuzzi last night.

You didn’t trust yourself to carry on a conversation after the moment you shared, with his eyes all lidded and lips red and just waiting for you to lean back in a repeat the action. At the dinner table there were silent glances, mostly his eyes zooming in on your mouth as you spoke then meeting your eye when he got caught.

Everyone did their own thing today for the most part. Taeyong woke you up and you all had breakfast as a group, but after that, your cousin and his girlfriend said they’d be back later and walked out of the house. They came back when it was about to be dark.

Jaehyun claimed he had some work that he actually couldn’t wait until getting back into the office to do and disappeared into his room, leaving you to enjoy your second to last full day at the beach house by yourself. You sat out on the beach for hours until the sun exhausted you, finished your book, had a long FaceTime call with Sooyoung as you cooked and ate lunch, then took a nap until Taeyong and Seulgi got back in.

You’d caught maybe two glimpses of your sugar daddy throughout the day before dinner, and while he conversed with you all, there was still something off.

A loud crack of lightning jolts you out of your thoughts as you lay on your back in bed. Followed by thunder a few seconds later. You blink up, practically glaring at the sky like you could see it through the white ceiling.

Heavy rainfall begins.

You sigh deeply, but then the dramatic exhale is cut short when you remember the short interaction you had with the man on the other side of the bathroom your first night here. You slip your robe onto your body, slide into your slippers and grab your phone before walking through the bathroom and knocking on the door opposite of yours.

It’s silent on the other end, even after another round of knocks, but the door gives in when you twist the knob experimentally. The sight of Jaehyun with his back against his headboard and laptop on his lap in dim lighting isn’t a shocking one. He’s got AirPods in, nodding his head to the beat of whatever song is playing, and you guess they’re on noise cancellation mode when you call out his name.

In your best attempt to not startle Jaehyun since his peripheral vision is blocked by his glasses, you pat the bed to get his attention, and that does the trick. His head quickly turns in your direction, and when he catches your gaze, he plucks one of his AirPods out.

You point to the window to his right. “It’s storming.”

“It is,” he says matter-of-factly with a nod. After a moment of silence, his facial expression morphs into one of understanding. “Oh. It is. ”

“Is your bed still fair game?” you ask, nervous around him for the first time since you two met. “I won’t interrupt,” you gesture at his laptop.

“I was just finishing up, actually.”

You take that as a yes.

He saves whatever he was working on before shutting the technology down and tucking in under his bed. His glasses come off and are set on his nightstand. You kick your slippers off as he does so, shrugging off your robe to drape it over the chair at the desk in the corner.

When you turn back towards the bed, Jaehyun’s giving your short, silky pajama set a onceover, averting his gaze when he realizes you’ve noticed and flipping the corner of the comforter over as an invitation for you to make yourself comfortable. And you do just that.

“Not judging,” Jaehyun disclaims. “But you’re genuinely afraid of storms?”

Pausing in the midst of snuggling under his covers, you check to see if he is judging or not. His expression is neutral, so you’ll take his word.

“Yep.” You pop the ‘p’, getting back to getting comfortable. “Just the loud ones like tonight.”

All Jaehyun does is nod in understanding.

The two of you have had your fair share of silence while together, but up until right now, the silence has never been loud. He’s not acting standoffish or anything, but his lack of eye contact is something you’re not used to. And his body language is similar to when you’d first met.

You know you should say something because you know it’s about last night and you were the one who initiated the kiss, but now that you’re here, in his bed beside him, you kind of just want to pretend like it didn’t happen if he isn’t going to mention it himself. Is that the right thing to do? You doubt it.

But is that exactly what you’re about to do? Absolutely.

“When’s the last time you shared a bed with a woman?” you ask, turning towards his still seated up body with perfect posture.

“Some months,” he confirms your suspicions.

“Do you snore?”

He shakes his head. “I do not.”

Another bout of silence.

“Are you uncomfortable with me in your bed?” you finally prompt. And when Jaehyun looks at you in confusion, you gesture at the clear difference in how the two of you are positioned. “Or are you just not ready to go to sleep yet?”

“No you’re fine,” Jaehyun reassures you, standing up in the process. “I just haven’t gotten ready for bed yet.”

You nod towards the bathroom. “I’ll be here.”

A good ten minutes later Jaehyun’s back in his room, jeans and t-shirt gone and now shirtless with loose shorts on. You put your phone down on the nightstand and turn towards his side of the bed in time with him slipping under the covers.

“Do you need me to keep the light on?”

You shake your head. “You can turn it off.”

Then it’s pitch black, not even the moonlight peeking through the blinds or curtains. And a loud crash of lightning sounds, making your body convulse.

You laugh it off, though unable to see the worried expression you’re being given.

“How can I make this less scary for you?” Jaehyun prompts after a moment, voice low and hesitant.

“How tired are you?”

“Barely.”

“Distractions always work,” you supply. Usually you’d put noise cancellation headphones in when you’re alone because this is kind of an embarrassing fear to have so no one really knows about it. Taeyong was aware when you were kids, but as far as you know, he thinks you’ve outgrown the fear. You used the storm as an excuse to come see Jaehyun and get rid of the air between the two of you but you’d only thought as far as just being in the same room as him.

“Which kind?”

You shrug. “We can talk. Watch a movie or something. Being held always helps, too.”

“We can touch on what happened last night.”

You’re actually surprised he brought it up himself.

“What about last night, exactly?”

Jaehyun lets out an unamused exhale through his nose. “Let’s not play dumb.”

The tone you just received is new and it admittedly does something to you.

Here you are, comfortable in bed with the man of your desires, who’s only clad in shorts. There’s really nothing to talk about, in your opinion. You both wanted what happened last night and you want it again. Right now.

You scoot closer to his warm body, your knees gently colliding with his thighs. Jaehyun stays still, even when you reach out, using the slight sight of his silhouette as a guide to run a hand down his shoulder to his defined chest, your fingertips brushing against his nipple.

“I’m not,” you tell him, letting your hand continue down his torso. “A few things took place last night.”

“But you know–”

“I remember you calling me your baby,” you interrupt. Your digits stop when they get to the waistband of his bottoms. “Which I enjoyed. A lot.”

Jaehyun’s resolve starts to crumble. He doesn’t say anything, allowing you to continue your recall of last night’s events along with your light touches, which are now going back up his stomach.

“And then I gave you something to enjoy. Is that what you want to talk about?” You curl your hand around the side of his neck, playing with the hairs at his nape. Jaehyun relaxes more into your touch, but you receive no answer to your question. “We could pretend it never happened, if you want.”

“I don’t,” he finally says, and you assume he’s responding to the suggestion.

“Or it could happen again.” You finish the thought, moving your thumb to brush it against his pouty bottom lip. “But I don’t think there’s much more to talk about, Jae.”

A strong hand pulls you into his body by your back before lips crash into yours. You smile as you let him control the kiss, satisfied with breaking him enough for him to initiate it. Your fingers go back into Jaehyun’s hair, nails lightly scraping his scalp as you open your mouth for his searching tongue. His mouth nor his hold are rough, just firm, and you practically melt into him.

His kisses are noisy, the sound of his lips smacking against yours practically echoing in the spacious room. The rainfall is still heavy but the crashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder sound further away than before.

He lets out a stuttered breath at the tug of his scalp, nipping your bottom lip in retaliation as his hand leisurely slips down to the back of your knee to hike your leg up around his waist.

You tilt your head up to catch your breath and Jaehyun uses the opportunity to use his nose to guide him down to your neck before pressing open mouthed kisses over a sensitive pulse point. And when you quietly moan, it only spurs him on to circle his tongue around it.

Whimpering out his name, you pull him flush against you by your leg and the hand in his hair. He continues to focus on that spot on your neck, nipping and sucking lightly but with enough bite to have your silk begin sticking to the apex of your thighs. And it’s almost like he can tell, with how his hand slides across the smooth fabric over your hips to rest on your ass, the tips of his fingers centimeters away from the mess he’s creating.

Using his hair, you guide his lips back up to yours for a slower, wetter kiss that you lead this time. And Jaehyun just follows, letting you suck on his tongue as he gropes you, unintentionally rubbing over right where you want him and pulling a gasp out your mouth. You push back to feel more and this time it’s intentional on both of your parts, the tip of his finger shallowly dipping into your silk clad entrance.

Your moan brings him back to reality, it seems, because soon his hand is slowly retracting, finding the side of your face to give you a couple more kisses that clearly signal the end of the moment. You want to pull him back in when his body starts to retract, want to settle on top of him and go further, but you don’t.

You can’t.

There’s some rummaging and the light of the television screen ahead illuminates the room as you wrap your head around the moment that just passed.

“What movie do you want to watch?” Jaehyun asks in a rough voice that makes your stomach turn. His body turned so that he’s laying on his back, one arm behind his head while the other scrolls through streaming services.

“Uh.” You clear your throat. “Something funny, I guess.”

He chooses a romantic comedy from the early 2000s and pulls you back into him, wrapping an arm around you so you can rest your head on his chest.

The storm has calmed down by now, but your mind is anything but calm.

Your eyes slowly flutter open and it takes a moment to realize your surroundings are different from what you’ve gotten used to this past week. And then you’re aware of a weight draped over your waist, and you remember the storm, the kiss, and the cuddling.

The digital clock on the nightstand reads 10:40 a.m and from a glance behind you, Jaehyun is still asleep. You’re usually awake and downstairs an hour earlier than this, and he’s always drinking a cup of coffee when you make it to the kitchen.

You do feel well rested.

It’s easy to slip out of his hold and get your day–your last full day here– started. You take a shower, throw on a matching short set and head downstairs, meeting Taeyong and Seulgi in the kitchen.

“Sleep well?” Taeyong asks, handing you a mug.

“I did.” You nod. You pour some coffee into the ceramic, followed by creamer and agave. “The storm put me to sleep.”

Your cousin eyes you for a moment and you sip from your mug, raising a brow.

“You wanna join me on the beach today?” Seulgi prompts, cutting the silent communication off and turning your attention to her. “Let the guys bond while we have our own day?”

Jaehyun rounds the corner and enters the kitchen at that moment, brow raised at his cousin’s last words. Taeyong also hands him a mug, the mug Jaehyun’s used every morning, to which the brunet thanks him for.

“Is that okay with you?” you ask, momentarily distracted by your sugar daddy sleepily rubbing his bare chest as he fills his cup with coffee. You figure she’d already run this plan by Taeyong. Jaehyun nods, sending you a gentle smile.

You return the nod and give your attention back to Seulgi. “Sounds perfect. What do you have planned?”

The pair of you end up walking along the shore, picking up the prettiest seashells you can find. It’s nice to bond with her without anyone else around, though it was quiet at first.

“Has Jaehyun been treating you well?” she asks, catching you off guard.

You’re not sure if she means during your stay here or in general, if Taeyong eventually let her know, so you just nod and answer as vaguely as possible. “He has. He’s very kind.”

“I was a bit nervous he’d be his usual uninterested self but I had hope he’d be a good host to you,” Seulgi admits with a relieved laugh. “He’s not the most social, though he does seem to talk to you pretty easily.”

“It’s my charm.” You flip your hair playfully. “Working with kids, you’ve got to be likable and easy to talk to. But yeah, he’s been great company.”

You bend down at the sight of a really pretty shell with pink on it, dusting it off to examine if it’s worth taking back with you before putting it in your little bag.

“I know you mentioned not dating anyone, but are you interested? Like, are you going out on dates and stuff or just not feeling it at all right now?”

“I’m going on dates,” you tell her. You technically go on dates with Jaehyun, “but I’m not looking to be in a relationship just yet. If it happens organically I’m not opposed, but it’s not exactly high on my list at the moment.”

She hums in understanding and nods, then changes the subject to how she doesn’t know where her mental health would be without this beach house because it’s her happy place.

Tonight is your last night of freedom. The only connection you’ve had to your work life for the last week is Jisung with his updates. He’s decided to send you daily pictures of your baby and they make you miss her a little more.

The men took it upon themselves to make dinner and it was ready by the time you and Seulgi got back in, the sun almost completely set. You appreciate how almost every meal you’ve eaten since being here has been as a group at the table, barely any phone usage (Jaehyun stopped checking his notifications so often, deciding to wait until everyone was done in the kitchen–all it took was a stern look from you when he grabbed it as soon as it pinged one night), just conversation and laughter.

It’s planned for you all to come back during your next break from work, which will be during the summer, and it works out perfectly for everyone else.

You don’t live close enough to a body of water you could submerge into, so on this last night, you’re taking advantage of the jacuzzi again.

The couple went upstairs soon after dinner to watch a movie, taking popcorn with them and all. They invited you and Jaehyun, but you told them your plan for the night and Jaehyun just declined.

He’s probably doing last minute work or just watching something on tv or his phone, but you’d prefer his company right now. So you grab your phone off of the side table and scroll to his message thread.

[10:01pm] you: Come join me in the jacuzzi?

You wait for a response for a couple of minutes, but when you don’t get one, you just put your phone back with a small sigh. But then you get bored and pick your phone back up to scroll through your explore page.

A few minutes into scrolling, the back door slides open and closed, and Jaehyun’s making his way towards you with swim trunks and a towel when you take a look behind you.

“I thought you might not join me tonight,” you admit, putting your phone aside, for good this time.

He shakes his head, dropping his towel and phone on the table before stepping inside the jacuzzi.

“When have I ever not given you what you wanted?”

At your silence, Jaehyun chuckles, settling down at a distance that isn’t far but far enough in your opinion. Especially after how close you two got last night.

That’s actually your answer to his question that you guess was supposed to be rhetorical.

“Last night.”

His brows furrow, genuinely confused.

And it’s not like you asked him for what you wanted. You didn’t tell him you wanted to go further than the kisses you shared. Didn’t ask him to stick his hand in your shorts and relieve you of what you’ve been missing for what didn’t feel like a long time until you were that close to him.

“You didn’t give me what I wanted last night,” you explain with a shrug. “But it’s nothing, really.”

Giving Jaehyun the time to make sense of your vague explanation, you extend your legs and flutter them in the water. You’re going to miss this place. You love your kids, but it’s so peaceful and lighthearted here. Well, for the most part.

“I don’t want to assume you’re alluding to what I think you are, but–” His voice is deeper than you’ve heard yet, almost strained.

“I am,” you hum. You’ve been shown that he wants you in similar ways that you want him. Last night was too much yet not nearly enough. “I know what I want and I’m almost positive you want the same thing.”

“You also know we signed a contract.”

“We’re also two consenting adults,” you remind him.

“Who signed a contract that states there won’t be a sexual relationship between us,” Jaehyun retorts. It’s been a while since you’ve seen such a stern, serious facial expression on his face. “A kiss or two is one thing but–”

“Jaehyun–”

“While I don’t think you’d try to blackmail me or send me to court for anything,” he interrupts right back, and you sigh as you listen to the rest of his statement, “a breach in the contract would allow for that and I have too much to lose.”

You take a steadying breath, understanding where he’s coming from and not taking his words personally. Of course you wouldn’t do that to him, you hadn’t even thought of that scenario until he just brought it up. All you know is he is the first man in over a year to make you want to break your abstinence and if there is a way around this you’ll take it.

“Answer this with a simple yes or no: is the feeling mutual?”

His pretty lips part to say something other than one of the two word options you gave him, getting him a pointed look.

He scrubs his face and sighs. “Yes.”

You didn’t think it would stress him out this much. You didn’t forget about or ignore the agreement between the two of you. You just wanted to let him know you’re definitely down for a revision.

“You can record me giving my consent, then we can make a new contract,” you suggest. He looks at you for a moment, like he’s processing. “If you want this to happen, get your phone. If you don’t, this conversation never happened.”

Jaehyun reaches behind him for his phone, taps the screen a few times before aiming the mic towards you. You state your first and last name, the date, and your consent while maintaining eye contact with him so he knows you do care about his career and reputation and your desires are sexual, even a little emotional. But not manipulative.

He stops the recording then puts the device back where he got it from. His body language is less tense than before, the air lighter between the pair of you. Jaehyun’s worries are gone, and that’s all you wanted.

“Any more qualms, Mr. Jung?”

By the way he licks his lips, you’re going to assume he likes being addressed as such.

“Just one,” Jaehyun begins, grabbing your calf to bring your foot to his lap, giving it the same treatment from the other night, digging his thumbs into the sole. You lift a brow, not actually expecting another issue. “Your abstinence.”

Bless him for caring about you and not just getting his dick wet. It only makes your desire for him grow.

His thumb presses into the arch of your foot and your back almost arches, a muted airy noise leaving your mouth. And by the glint in his eyes, he knows exactly what he’s doing.

“I already told you,” you exhale, relaxing your head back even more. “I know what I want. I can break it whenever I’d like.”

“You think I’m worth it?”

You do. You really do.

“I think you should show me that you are.”

Smiling that stupidly attractive half smile of his, Jaehyun pushes into that pressure point again, loving the way you visibly hold back a sound of pleasure, before your leg is lifted higher and higher, until his lips make contact with your heel in a sweet kiss.

“You think so?”

He just continues to kiss upward as you watch him in anticipation and desire.

“I knew it.” Your voice is a lot more airy than accusatory than you’d intended, Jaehyun’s brow lifting in response since his mouth is occupied with shallowly sucking your big toe into his mouth. “Knew you had a thing for feet.”

Jaehyun laughs, watching you just as closely as you watch him. His tongue swirls around the tip and your teeth worry at your bottom lip. There’s already a dark look in his eyes.

“I don’t.” He sets your foot down gently and his arms fall to his sides after one last peck to your arch, body language open and inviting. “I just have a thing for you.”

“Smooth.”

“Honest,” Jaehyun counters. “Come here.”

You sit up carefully and make your way to his side of the tub. You settle on his lap, stomach twisting. Images of your first meeting with him flash through your mind, and you almost laugh at how much has changed between the two of you since that night.

A strong grip on your hips pulls you out of your thoughts when they pull you in, aligning your hips and settling your core right atop his semi.

“Do you know how hard it was to pull away from you last night?” His deep voice is like velvet so close to your ears as he guides your hands up to rest on his shoulders.

“It broke my heart when you did.”

You wanted nothing more than his fingers knuckle deep in you when he brushed over your core, and now, with the position you’re in, you just want him inside of you.

Apologetic hands caress your hips and waist, up and down. “I know, baby.” You lick your lips, eyes getting heavy at how easily the term of endearment rolls off his tongue and how nice it sounds to be on the receiving end. “I had to, though.”

“I know,” you sigh.

He nudges your nose with his own before he slants his lips over yours. There’s more passion, more desperation in this kiss now that there are no hindrances. His tongue laps against your bottom lip before it licks your own, pulling a low whine out of you as the wet muscles circle around each other slowly, filthily. His hands aren’t hesitant, simply caressing as they please.

“You want me to make it up to you?”

He’s already forgiven, but you nod anyway. “How will you?”

“I’m going to Bali in two weeks and I could fly you out to meet me,” Jaehyun suggests, peppering open mouthed kisses down your neck. “You can get massages, eat fresh fruit off of platters in the pool, do yoga with baby goats–” he lists and you hum at the plan and the delicate way his lips and tongue caress your skin. “And whatever else you want while I’m in meetings then we’ll go out once I’m done. I’ll show you my favorite spots and we can go anywhere you’re interested in.”

You wouldn’t mind missing a few days of work for that.

“And what else?”

An amused smile spreads against your skin before Jaehyun nips at your neck, laving his tongue over the bite. “I’ll add more money for the next few weeks.”

“What else?” you pant, gripping his locks.

The knot keeping your bikini top together is slowly pulled apart until the man underneath you can peel it off of you and set it to the side, taking a quick moment to appreciate the sight of your breasts before he dips down to run his tongue over your nipple. The tip of his wet muscle circles the nub a few times, then it’s sucked into his mouth and your grip gets even tighter. The hand that isn’t pressing into the middle of your back to keep you close to his mouth comes up to the unoccupied side of your chest to squeeze and pull at.

It’s been so long since you’ve been touched like this, your hips slowly grind down against his hardening dick, trying to relieve the ache that’s only getting more intense the longer your breasts are fondled and sucked. You think you might actually come from this alone.

Jaehyun switches sides of your chest, repeating the same attention and affection. His tongue, lips, teeth, and fingers bringing increasing pleasure to your body.

“Jae–” you whimper desperately, grinding harder, the water surrounding your bodies splashing more intensely.

He hums, sliding his hand down your back and around to your hip, gripping the soft flesh to halt the movement of your lower half. He unlatches from your chest and lightly pushes you off of his lap and you blindly follow his lead as he guides you to turn and bend over the edge of the jacuzzi.

It’s quiet for a while after you bend over, so you look behind you to catch Jaehyun admiring the shape of your ass and hips and how easily you get into position for him. His hands grasp both cheeks, a low growl rumbling from his chest. Glancing down his body, you see his dick straining against the front of his swim trunks.

“I can make it up to you right here,” Jaehyun offers, breaking the tunnel vision he had on your shape to catch your eye. “Or we can go upstairs.”

A bed would be more comfortable and convenient, so you give it a moment of thought while the man behind you continues to trace the curves of your body. All he has to do is untie your bikini bottoms or push them to the side right now. Walking upstairs seems like too long of a process.

“Here,” you decide.

And that’s all you needed to say for him to pull the strings on both sides of your hips to unravel the bows you tied earlier. The soaked bottoms get discarder right along with your top. Two fingertips glide up and down your wet slit a couple of times before they draw slow, wide circles over your clit.

“You wanted me so bad you couldn’t wait long enough to go back inside?” Jaehyun’s guttural voice asks close to your ear, his body towering over your own, his chest against your back. He hardly gives you a chance to respond before the same fingers plunge into your pussy.

“Shit,” you hiss, nodding at his question. “Wanted you so bad.”

Wet kisses trail down your spine as his hand picks up a steady pace. It feels so good to have his thicker, longer fingers deep inside of you when your own digits don’t fill you up as well or hit the same spots.

The coil in your stomach tightens embarrassingly fast and your moans get harder to suppress when his speed and force increase. Your head hangs forward, eyes closed as you focus on the feeling Jaehyun is bringing you with your bottom lip caught between your teeth. It’s unlikely the couple will hear you out here, or anyone since there is a lot of space in between the beach houses. You just don’t want to chance it.

But when he carefully sinks a third finger into your cunt, it’s not as easy to control your volume.

“Oh, fuck,” you whine, body going tense.

“Too much?” Jaehyun asks, attentive yet still distracted by the way you suck his digits in. You shake your head. He starts back up slowly, giving you time to adjust and for the discomfort to pass before speeding up again when you moan in pleasure. “Need you to come around my fingers, okay baby?”

Jaehyun hums in content at how your lower half practically chases him when he barely pulls away. He reaches around with his other hand to find your clit, rubbing tight circles with a pressure that’s perfect, and he gets what he wants.

Your breath stutters when you feel the wave of intense pleasure wash over you, and you reach your first climax in a low groan, the noise swallowed by the jets in the hottub and the squelching of Jaehyun’s digits as they move up and down since the vice grip your walls have on them leave little room for him to thrust them in and out of you at this point. Your legs shake and your fingers fail to grip the slippery edge of the jacuzzi.

When you begin to come back down, sighs of content leaving your mouth, Jaehyun slowly retracts his hands and gives you a moment. There’s rustling behind you, and you sneak a glance back.

He’s naked and spreading your essence up and down his shaft, his bottom lip hanging in pleasure. He’s long and thick, but not in an intimidating way. You make a move to turn around, wanting to replace his hand with your own and your mouth, but his free hand stops you.

“I wanna suck your dick,” you tell him, yet still get back into position with your ass stuck out for him and your upper body supported by your forearms.

“Think you can wait until I’m about to come?” Jaehyun asks, rubbing his thumb over your entrance, catching the essence that drips from your fluttering hole. “Really wanna be inside you now.”

You nod again, fine with going with whatever he wants to do and how he wants to do it. You have no complaints about him being inside of you even sooner.

He pushes in slowly, enjoying the gasp you let out as well as the view of him disappearing into you inch by inch.

“Fuck fuck fuck.”

“You okay?”

“Perfect,” you say weakly, licking your dry lips.

Jaehyun grabs your hips, both to keep you in place and give him leverage, then begins slowly pulling out and thrusting back in until your walls have engulfed him fully.

He lets out a deep exhale, head tipped back, and gives you a moment to adjust to him. The way he fills you up is unlike anything you’ve felt before and you don’t want to wait any longer.

“Move.” You push back to emphasize that you’re ready. “Please.”

His movements are fluid yet careful, not too lost in his own pleasure with how snug and wet your walls are around him, but Jaehyun watches and listens so he can make sure you feel nothing but pleasure and enjoy every moment.

Your head hangs low as you get accustomed to the delicious stretch, the friction.

“Lift your knee up for me, baby,” Jaehyun gently commands, tapping the back of your thigh.

You settle your knee beside your elbow, and that’s when he hits that spot within you that makes your arch back even more.

“Oh. Fuck,” you cry, to which Jaehyun hums at.

“Right there?” he asks, a groan threatening to slip out at how your walls flutter around his cock deliciously.

You nod your head aggressively, squeezing your fists together since you’ve failed to grip the edge of the tub with your slippery hands.

“Everything about you is just so pretty,” he compliments, sounding like he’s in awe as he gives you even slower, deeper strokes, keeping the angle that keeps you keening. “Pretty pussy,” A thick droplet of spit lands on your asshole then his thumb traces your rim a few times, catching your reaction before the tip breaches the surface. “Pretty body.”

“Oh—shit,” you moan brokenly. “Yes.”

“And you make such pretty sounds for me.”

His thumb pushes further into you and your face contorts in pleasure.

“What the fuck, Jaehyun?” you whine, the pleasure almost becoming too much at this point. His thick, long dick hitting all the places you need, his thumb lazily wiggling inside of your ass, his velvety voice. You’re so close it almost hurts.

He just laughs under his breath, using his grip on your waist to pull you back, silently telling you to move.

Your hips meet his strokes halfway, your eyes closed and practically rolled back as you match his rhythm to get you closer to coming around him then having him in your mouth.

“You feel so good, baby.” His compliments only urge you to fuck back harder, the drop of your hips creating a loud slapping noise that only turns you on even more. Jaehyun lets you take over for the most part, thrusts lacking the power behind them so he can focus on caressing your ass, hip, and waist with his head dropped back and eyes closed. “Just like that.”

You transfer most of your weight to one arm, starting with tight, quick circle against your clit. Your breath quickens and you bite your lip to stop the sounds that want to come out.

“Let me hear you.” Jaehyun says. “Need to hear how pretty you sound when you come.”

Your fingers work faster, to the point of just swiping the bundle of nerves back and forth and cries tumble from your lips, pleas and curses mixed in.

“I’m gonna–” you begin to confess, but the pleasure heightens ten-fold and you let out a dry sob.

“Go ahead,” Jaehyun encourages, putting more effort into his thrusts again, moving his thumb in and out of you.

You have to quickly catch yourself and hold your body up with both arms again when the feeling overcomes you. You’re doing your best to stay up when your body starts to vibrate, especially when your walls become more sensitive to his thrusts. Your walls spasm around his cock and there’s a harmony of voiced pleasure.

Jaehyun pulls out when your hand starts pushing at his lower abdomen, starting to feel over stimulated. His hand slowly strokes his length to maintain his pleasure, watching you sink to your knees and he gives you the time you need to catch your breath and come back to the moment with him.

“You feeling okay?” he asks in a gentle voice, helping you turn towards him with his free hand. He cups your chin, looking down at you with blown out eyes. You nod, head still fuzzy from your climax, wrapping your hands around the back of his thighs to pull him in closer, mouth cracking open to finally have him in your mouth. Jaehyun groans at the sight and taps the tip on your flattened tongue a couple times before you wrap your lips around him. He tastes like you and an underlying musk that makes you lave your tongue around the underside of his cock, caressing that vein that has him sighing.

You wrap your hand around the base, moving his own hand out of the way, and start pumping your fist. Your attention is mostly at his tip, sucking and licking and moaning around him because you want him to come, too.

Looking up at him, his lip is caught in between his teeth and he’s looking down at you with so much desire in his eyes.

“Shit,” Jaehyun says to himself, breathlessly. You bob your head back and forth, sinking further and further down his shaft until his tip causes the back of your throat to flutter. “Just like that, baby. Fuck.”

His hips shallowly thrust forward, enjoying the feeling of your throat spasming around his cock too much to not chase it, and before you know it, both of his hands are gently holding your head in place and his grunts are turning into moans. He doesn’t fuck your face, though you absolutely wouldn’t have minded, but he picks up his pace. You massage the bottom of his shaft with your tongue and pull him in even closer by his thighs.

“You want me to pull out?” he asks while he can still think straight. You shake your head no the best you can with him in your mouth, and that’s all he needs. His hips still, then ropes of cum land on the back of your tongue.

Your hand comes back to milk the rest of his cum out, your mouth sucks until his shaft gets too sensitive and Jaehyun has to pull out. As he catches his breath, grip loosening to the point of his hands dropping, you swallow your mouthful and wipe the excess fluids off your mouth and chin.

Jaehyun helps you back up to your feet and guides you to sit on the ledge, observing your fucked-out expression that mirrors his own. You look up at him with a content smile that lets him know he was definitely worth it. He gets your towel to wipe what your hands couldn’t get off of your face, smiling at the way you close your eyes and lift your chin up with a sigh.

“Worth it?” he asks softly, now caressing your lips with his thumb.

You hum, nodding.

“Do you want to stay here a little longer or are you ready to go upstairs?”

“I’m ready.”

He passes you your towel and you thank him. You wrap the cotton around your body and he wraps his around his waist before you both grab your belongings and make your way back inside.

“You can take your shower first,” Jaehyun says when you make it upstairs, about to pass your door. You nod, still not all the way in the present, twisting the doorknob. “And we can watch a movie in my room when we’re both clean.”

You smile up at him, nodding a little harder. He hesitates for a split second before he dips down to give you a lingering kiss, then he’s on his way to his room.

After your long, hot shower, hygiene and skincare routine, you lightly knock on Jaehyun’s door before entering. He’s seated at his desk, scrolling on his phone until he looks up at you and stands, grabbing another towel.

“Pick out a movie for us?”

“Okay.”

The door shuts behind him and you make yourself at home and get comfortable on the same side of the bed you were on last night. You scroll through Netflix and Hulu only to end up having to choose between a psychological thriller you heard a lot of good reviews on and another romantic comedy. You’ll let him choose when he comes back because you don’t know which one is more his taste.

He ends up choosing the psychological thriller because apparently he’s actually been meaning to watch it but just hadn’t found the time yet.

The rest of the night is spent watching the movie, trying to understand it and bounce ideas off of each other on the meaning of certain scenes, then when you can’t control your yawns and how heavy your lids are, you call it a night. Lights and the tv are turned off before Jaehyun pulls you in for chaste kiss that lingers, and you fall asleep with your head on his chest.

For the second morning in a row, you wake up in the loose hold of Jaehyun. You know you slept in again, you don’t even have to look at the time. But you do anyway, because you and Taeyong are meant to be on the road no later than one this afternoon.

It’s only a little past ten, and anything you don’t need to use today is already packed. You have a little more time to enjoy the moment.

Jaehyun stirs awake behind you, asking you what time it is. He’s set to leave a little later than you, so when you tell him, he hums and pulls you into his chest more.

“They’re gonna wonder where we are,” you tell him, even though you really don’t care. The warmth of his chest on your back and being so close to the man you’ve desired for the last month is enough to keep you here a little longer.

“Seulgi’s been trying to set us up,” Jaehyun informs you huskily. “She’s fine.”

You blink. “She’s been what?”

“Why do you think we’ve been left alone as much as we have?”

Now certain conversations make more sense. Her ploy may not have worked in the exact way she thought it would, but it definitely worked. And now that you think about it, Taeyong’s been giving you looks the last couple of days too, so you wouldn’t be surprised if he was in on it after a while.

“Oh, she’s good.”

“Not really,” he laughs. “I saw right through her. I don’t know how you didn’t.”

“My attention was elsewhere.”

“You’re right.” He tightens his arm around you even more, now so close that you can feel a hardness poke the back of your thigh. “It was on seducing me.”

You suck your teeth and roll your eyes, though he’s technically correct.

“And it worked.” You wiggle back into his arousal, enjoying his hum of appreciation.

“Baby it worked before you even started trying.” He takes hold of your hip to pull your ass back again. “This trip just made it obvious you wanted me and gave me peace of mind to go through with it.”

You love how much more comfortable he is with his words and affection towards you. The pet names, the cuddling. The directness of his desires.

“When’s our next date?” you ask, wondering how long it’ll be before you could possibly be in this position again.

“Probably Saturday. I have a busy week ahead since someone wouldn’t let me work.”

You scoff. He had plenty of time the other day to get his work done. “Are you complaining?”

Laughing, he presses a less than innocent kiss to the junction between your neck and shoulder. “Not at all.”

“Taeyong’s gonna kill me if I’m late,” you sigh after a while of enjoying the feeling of his lips on your skin, but your words don’t match your actions, your hand coming up to the back of his head to feel more of his opened mouth kisses. “I should probably start getting ready.”

“Probably,” Jaehyun agrees. But he continues his ministrations on your neck, slipping a hand under your shirt and up to your breast, groping the mound. “Is that what you want to do, though?”

“Not really,” you sigh, failing to stop yourself from arching into his touch. “But I’d hate to be inconsiderate.”

It pains you to slowly pull yourself out of his hold, but Taeyong is the last person you want to get chewed out and lectured by. With a small stretch, you get out of his bed and sneak a glance behind you to see him looking at you with desire and a cute pout.

“Are you staying in bed or are you gonna get ready with me?”

You still want to spend more time with him regardless of what the two of you are doing.

He follows you into the bathroom and the two of you stand side by side, brushing your teeth in a comfortable silence. Jaehyun finishes his morning routine quicker than you, and takes the opportunity to stand behind you and fit his chin in the crook of your neck, arms sliding forward to encircle your waist. He simply watches you pat your face dry with a paper towel, sending you a closed-lip smile when you lift a curious brow at him. This extent of affection from him is new, and you’re not too sure how you expected your dynamic to change after crossing the line last night, but this wasn’t quite it.

Not that you’re complaining.

But when he straightens up some, his hard chest pressing against your back, you’re reminded of his morning wood, and everything makes a little more sense.

“Did all of your self control die last night?” you joke, twisting the top of your serum off.

He chuckles, and surprisingly nods. Burying his face into your neck now, he’s back to pressing tempting kisses on your skin, paying closer attention to the spot that made your breath audibly hitch.

“Would you like me to stop?”

“No.” You shake your head. You sit the bottle in your hand back down on the countertop and lean back into his touch. You suddenly don’t have the mind to continue your skincare routine. “I like it.”

“I don’t know,” Jaehyun lilts, though one of his hands creeps under your shirt. He pinches your nipple, eliciting a tiny moan from you. “Maybe I should stop. Wouldn’t want to be inconsiderate.”

You hum in discontent. “Please don’t.” Gently grabbing his hair, you pull him out of your neck so you can kiss him. Arousal stirs in your abdomen all over again and you want nothing more than for him to continue kissing you, touching you. “I want you.”

“Yeah?” He voices his surprise. It really didn’t take much. “Are you sure you want to keep him waiting?”

Even though you’ll most likely be seeing him again in less than a week, it’s just so tempting to stay in this bubble with Jaehyun a little longer. To get your fix of what you’d finally indulged in last night. And honestly, being a little late won’t hurt anyone.

“We can make it quick?” you ask more than state, turning around in his hold to look up at him with inquisitive eyes. Taking steps forward, he follows your lead and walks backwards back into his room.

“I can try,” he finally says after you’ve stripped your clothes off, eyeing your body. You move to his shorts next and he allows you to pull them down before taking over to kick them off his ankles. “Lay down for me.”

He crawls over you, knees in between your legs as he hovers over you, putting his weight on one forearm beside your head. The kiss you share is languid yet sloppy, your tongues colliding and twirling around one another’s as his free hand immediately finds its way in between your legs, his middle finger running down your slit before sliding inside of you.

You break away from the kiss to catch your breath, chest already heaving up and down and it draws his attention, his mouth attaching to your nipple. Jaehyun sucks and nibbles on your nubs, inserting his ring finger in your pussy and pulling out a whine from your throat. His mouth continues to travel south until he reaches the apex of your thighs, taking a moment to watch the way your walls stretch around his fingers before sucking your clit into his mouth, giving it kitten licks.

You know you asked him to make it quick, but when he starts to pull away too soon, you push his head back in between your thighs and start rolling your hips, mouth agape with the smallest of moans and praise spewing out as you try to keep your volume down. You’re already so close, and by the way your walls flutter around his digits, Jaehyun understands as much and licks and sucks at your clit with more intent, stretching you out even more with his pointer finger.

Your orgasm is quiet, your fist blocking the sounds that threaten to come out of your mouth, lower body shaking. He lets you ride the feeling, lazily lapping at the wetness that gushes out past his fingers, circling the tip of his tongue against your clit before carefully pulling his digits out.

Wiping your essence on the comforter, Jaehyun comes back up to eye level with you, grinning down at your dazed expression, pecking your lips. He lines his tip up with your hole and studies you as he breaches your entrance, drinking up the furrow in your brows and lewd grimace that washes over your face. The pace he sets once he’s bottomed out is so different from last night, his thrusts quicker, more shallow, but still reaching all the right places.

You whine, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Oh, my God.” Breasts bouncing from the force of his hips clashing into yours, you just take the onslaught of pleasure. “Fuck, Jaehyun.”

“Love how you say my name, baby,” Jaehyun hums, dipping down to scatter kisses and nibbles on your jaw. His voice is too stable and he’s so composed you compared to you and you already feel your second orgasm approaching. You need him to come with you.

Your leg is lifted to drape over his shoulder and your breath stops for a second.

“Daddy,” you moan wantonly, eyes rolling back before you can see the way his eyes get darker and his control weakens. But you definitely feel how much harder he fucks you, how his movements lose a little finesse. “So good. Feels so fucking good. I’m gonna come,” you ramble in his ear, hips bucking up to meet his thrusts.

“Yeah?” he grunts, out of breath now. Fingertips find your clit and rub quick, tight circles. “Gonna come all over my dick?”

You nod violently. “Yes. Yes yes yes,” you cry as quietly as possible, grabbing his hair to center you, trying not to pull too hard. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” you chant as your walls flutter around his dick, body tensing before shuddering.

“Fuck,” Jaehyun groans. He grips your hip tight enough to bruise, but the pain hardly registers when he kissing you hungrily and your walls start becoming progressively more sensitive to the way his thick cock drags against them. It only takes a few more intense thrusts for him to bottom out harshly and release inside of you with the deepest moan that you swallow, that makes you clench around him.

Heavy breathing is all that’s heard for a while. He gradually softens inside of you as you catch your breath. Jaehyun’s head falls into your neck, his hand gently bringing your leg back down to the bed.

“Quick enough?”

—

Seulgi has a wide smile taking up half of her face when she walks into the kitchen.

“What?” Taeyong asks, suspicious.

She points up and remains silent so he can hear the tell tale sound of skin slapping and muffled pleasure. “They’re definitely fucking.”

He immediately regrets asking.

:) v self indulgent. but look at me posting a little more consistently. i hope you all enjoy, feedback is always accepted and appreciated (you could always buy me kofi too uwu ily) <3

#jaehyun scenario #jaehyun scenarios #jaehyun smut #nct scenario #nct smut

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sovereignjojoz · 1 year

Text

Matrimony

Pairing: Illumi Zoldyck x reader

Summary: you miss your husband and find out he’s been thinking of a solution to remedy that.

Warnings: suggestive, minor angst?

Notes - sugar plum pookie bookie babe illumi😘

To live together in matrimony.

That is what was promised.

Matrimony itself was a subjective matter depending on the individual. The typical concept involved two spouses living with one another, engaging in domestic affairs, all normal commodities.

Yet the Zoldyck’s were never a family who valued normality.

Even now, you could hear the hollow creak of the renovated floorboards as the breeze beneath the cracks yearned to break free of the atmosphere of listlessness.

A gentle knock sounded at the door, ever so slight, you wouldn’t had noticed it had you not been brooding. Your feet ran across the cold floor as your night dress skimmed across your legs.

Immediately your hand dashed out towards the silver door handle, a sense of hope ignited in your chest.

You opened the door a centimetre as a dimly lit candle light illuminated the surrounding darkness. “Hello?”

“Good evening missus Zoldyck,” disappointment welled in your chest, of course you had been foolish in believing it might have actually been him. “I have brought the water you requested.”

“Thank you.” You drank a copious amount of the cool liquid, setting the glass back on the polished tray.

She placed the tray down just outside of the room, briefly stepping out of the room to retrieve something. “From Master Zoldyck.” A bouquet of white orchids was placed delicately into your hands. You brought it to your face and inhaled deeply, a soft smile plastering itself on your face. He never sent a card or anything of the sort, however you didn’t mind, you thought it was very illumi.

She pivoted on her heels, pausing at the door, “would you like anything else?”

“No thank you.”

She nodded and lightly closed the door. A sigh slipped past your soft lips as you crawled back onto the king sized bed, letting the splendid silky covers caress your body.

It almost felt like a hug although it lacked any of the warmth of being embraced, just a lingering sense of frigidity. For a moment, you thought of your husband and his embrace too. It was slightly frigid and he was usually cold too, however it was a sensation you could never truly forget. His return the manor was a mystery to you, you often wondered when he’d come back to you. The manor way by no means empty, far from it with all of the household staff and residents; in fact you frequently found yourself playing with his younger siblings of conversing with his father and grandfather.

But there was no company quite like your husband’s. Although his presence was quiet (and somewhat menacing) he treated you well and indulged your every need. You couldn’t deny that you missed h dearly, you were told prior to marrying Illumi of what being married to a Zoldyck entailed but that didn’t mean you couldn’t detest the lack of communication or the time that you barely had together.

But matrimony is subjective and this is how the Zoldyck’s perceive it.

You shifted in bed, turning to face the door as the handle rattled, thinking nothing of it.

Till you saw a slender silhouette silently step into the room. Reflexively, you sprung up and crossed the room, pouncing like a cat on the lithe silhouette sending you toppling downwards.

Your fall was softened by illumi who steadied the both of you by placing his hands on your hips.

“You’re back.” You cupped his face in disbelief, feeling his defined features just to make sure you weren’t dreaming.

“Mhm.”

“I-“ you could hardly formulate nor properly covey how you felt, all this pent up longing which flowed within your veins burst out as you hugged him tighter. Then you kissed him abundantly: once on his forehead, twice on his cheek and thrice on his lips (or perhaps a little more than thrice).’

“I gather that-” you pecked his lips interrupting him, “you missed me.”

“Dearly.” You admitted. “It’s not the same without you.”

He hummed, letting unspoken words transpire between you.

His nimble fingers played with the sheer fluffy ends of your night gown, “I don’t like it when you leave.”

The slightest curve of his lips could be seen as you puffed out your cheeks, a pout present on your face.

“You know I cannot do anything about that, this is what marrying a Zoldyck entails.”

You caressed just silky smooth hair between your fingers, “I know. That doesn’t mean I have to like it…” you grumbled, “I haven’t seen you for two months.”

“Yes. It seems like it’s been a while.”

You squished his cheeks together and mockingly glared at him, hoping your falsified anger would bring out some kind of a reaction; knowing he was teasing you. “That’s an understatement., Lumi”

He surprises you by abruptly standing up, lifting you into his arms and holding you close.

“Illu-?”

“-then we shall have to find a solution for that.” He told you, throwing you onto the bed as he shed his garments then moved till he was hovering above you.

You give him your full attention as curiosity overcomes you. “What are you suggesting.”

Obsidian eyes roam over every crevice of your face as he stared at you with unprecedented earnestness.

He picked your hand up gingerly.

“Perhaps it is time we have an offspring.” He went silent, partially to see your reaction however he was also thinking upon what a baby comprised of both your features would look like. He had found himself thinking about this topic quite often these days, about a baby girl with your beautiful eyes and his luscious hair. That would be nice wouldn’t it?

“Mmm.”

He pressed a soft kiss to the palm of your hand.

“Shall I make you a mother then? That way you won’t always be by your lonesome, what do you say?”

#illumi x reader #illumi zoldyck x reader #illumi x y/n #hxh x reader #illumi fluff #I feel like he’d want a lot of kids tho #like 5 not just 1 #only one for now because he still wants his s/o’s attention lol #he can have it all (real)

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naughtyneganjdm · 1 year

Text

On the Run - Chapter 1

Story Summary: Being the daughter of wealthy socialite Philip Blake, the man running for governor, has its advantages but when someone tries killing Y/N in order to get to her father, Y/N finds herself on the run and entangled in a web of mystery and romance with her professor Joel Miller and her bodyguard Negan Smith.

Characters: Joel Miller (The Last of Us), Negan (The Walking Dead), the reader (OC, third person), etc.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47007172/chapters/118420453

Warnings: Swearing, angst, smut, abuse of power between a professor and a student, etc.

Notes: I'm doing another crossover with Joel Miller and Negan Smith. This is very alternate universe and will feature characters from both The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. I already have a lot of the story written so I will try to update it as frequently as possible.

As always Y/N ='s your name or whatever name you want to use for this story. Thanks for checking it out.

Silence. It was something that so many people longed for and enjoyed, but for Y/N it was miserable. Sitting alone in the large dining room waiting for her father to make his presence was something she did frequently. And every time she did, she never felt more alone in her whole life. It was so quiet that the ticking sounds from the grandfather clock in the other room was heard and it was driving her crazy. This was how it always was. So many of her friends told her that she was lucky to have a rich father. A father who gave her access to whatever money she wanted and allowed her to do anything she pleased. While it sounded nice on the outside it was actually a very lonely life.

When Y/N was a child, her mother had abandoned her and her father. At the time Y/N didn’t understand it but as she grew older, she didn’t blame her. She just wished sometimes that her mother would have taken her along. Y/N’s father was Philp Blake. A powerful man with a whole lot of money to control whatever the hell he wanted, but it was clear most of her life that being a father was never something he wanted. The lack of presence from her father was always very evident in her life. He was always busy at work or away on trips leaving her alone with a lot of the workers that he hired to watch over her. If anything she was more of an annoyance to her father. A thorn in his side. For a while he wanted her to follow in his footsteps and take over the family business, but her interest was in other things. It was her final year in college and her father made it exceedingly clear that he hated the direction her life was going in. Threatened her that once she was done with school if she didn’t do what he wanted with the family business he would cut her off completely, but truthfully? She didn’t give a shit. So because of that, she was living it up now while she could. She had complete access to his money and could do anything she wanted so she was. Her father was too busy with running for the position of governor in the state that they were living in to even notice anyways. It was almost a fuck you to him.

Shifting in her seat, she reached for her phone to pull it out and look at it. If her father was going to take any longer, she would have to be rushing to class and she hated that. She liked getting to everything early, but her father was the type to make others wait for everything. What was worse about today was that it was her birthday and she knew that he wouldn’t be doing anything special for it. In fact, that’s probably why he was making her wait longer than normal.

When the sound of footsteps finally started to fill the air, she set her phone down on the table and lifted her eyes to see her father entering the room with an arrogant smug over his features. He definitely knew it was her birthday and that’s why he made her wait.

“Y/N,” her father sat, his eyes gazing out at her when he got comfortable in the seat across from her at the large dining room table. “I’ve had them start breakfast for us.”

“I’m not going to be able to have it. I have classes to get to,” she informed him with a smirk, looking to her phone to see that she didn’t have much time left until she had to leave. “So what’s the plan for tonight?”

“I have a fundraiser tonight,” he remarked with a huff, his eyes surveying her over closely. “You can be late to your classes. I should be having breakfast with my daughter on her birthday.”

“Oh, so you do remember my birthday?” she feigned being shocked placing her hand over the center of her chest. Of course he would want her late for her classes because he hated what she was doing to begin with. “Here I was thinking you forgot.”

“Would you ever let me forget?” his southern drawl rumbled making her roll her eyes and shake her head. “I heard you had a party planned for tonight.”

“Oh yeah. Huge one. Everyone is coming here and we are going to celebrate out back. Lots of people, lots of noise and lots of alcohol,” she emphasized her words, her eyes narrowing out at her father when he let out an amused breath. “So you don’t have to worry about me embarrassing you at that fundraiser. I’ll be home embarrassing you in other ways.”

“I don’t care what you do as long as you stay out of the media. Enjoy it now while you can because this is your last year to do so before I cut you off. You’re twenty-three now. I think it’s about time you started taking care of yourself, don’t you? Since you’re so hell bent on not being part of the family business,” he almost mocked her seeing the way that she shook her head with his response. “Architecture? I can’t believe my own daughter is that boring.”

“Sorry to let you down pops,” she threw her hands up in the air and shrugged her shoulders. “I’m very much aware that I’ve been a constant embarrassment to you since I was born. We all know you wanted a boy.”

“I did,” he agreed with her nodding his head slowly. “Yet here you are. I’m sure if I had a son, he wouldn’t be turning his back on me going into something as useless as architecture. What a waste of a life and job.”

“Well I do like to waste time, just like I did this morning here waiting for you,” she gave him back the attitude making him let out a muted laugh that made her throat tense. “I’m glad I got to share my morning with you for my birthday. It was actually surprising to see you on this birthday compared to the last…how many birthdays have you missed again?”

“Always with the attitude,” he shook his head and sighed loudly, reaching out to place his hand over the center of the table. “When was the last time your mother contacted you again for your birthday? In fact when was the last time your mother contacted you at all?”

His arrogant, smug smirk made her curl her fist up and she could feel her heart hammering in her chest, “Your silence tells me everything. I imagine you at least bought yourself a fine gift for your birthday with the money I freely let you use.”

“Absolutely,” she snorted hating that his comment about her mother was able to actually upset her as much as it did. He wasn’t wrong. Her mother wanted nothing to do with her father and that’s why she ran off. But in running off, she wrote off Y/N too and that left Y/N parentless in a fashion. “You still keeping an eye on mom?”

“Are you asking me if I know where your mother is?” he questioned watching her nod and he threw his hands up in the air. It pissed her off that her father constantly threw it in her face that he knew where her mother was, but he’d never let her know. It had been so long since she had seen her mother that she felt like seeing her mother again would do nothing for her. At this point she was angry with her mother for leaving her all alone with her father. “I do.”

“And you won’t tell me, right?” she confirmed with her father hearing him chuckle under his breath and slide in closer to the table when one of the workers he had hired to work around the house came in with a tray of food for him.

“Why would I do that?” he blurt out with a tip of his head. “Your mother wants nothing to do with you. Why would you even be interested in finding out where she is? It’s not like she’s going to accept you back with open arms. You’re as good as dead when it comes to your mother.”

“Right,” she stood up from the table and stopped before leaving standing in the doorway. “Since I’m as old as I am and you’re ready to write me off completely as soon as I’m out of college, can I finally be allowed to leave without having your men tailing me?”

“Come on,” her father scoffed grabbing a berry from his plate and taking a big bite of it. “You know why I have you followed.”

“So I don’t embarrass you?” she saw her father’s head of security walking into the dining room with them, pulling up a seat beside her father at the table. “Good morning, Simon. I’m sure I’ll be seeing plenty of you and your men tonight, huh?”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Simon winked, stroking his fingers over his graying mustache that looked like that of a villain in a cartoon.

“I’m going,” she announced pointing toward the door and Simon dramatically waved at her making her feel furious when she turned on her heel to leave. It was a useless meeting with her father and she didn’t understand why she waited for him anyways.

Instead of focusing on it though, she went to her classes and concentrated solely on those. None of her friends were in the same program as her so it made it easy to focus on what needed to be done with her schooling during the day. She knew that some of her friends would make a big deal about it being her birthday so avoiding them until later was a good idea.

The day went by quickly and by the time she got to her last class, she had her phone sitting on top of the desk before her. It was buzzing relentlessly and she knew that it was people getting excited about the big party for tonight. Instead of giving it attention, she just let it go until the professor standing at the front of the room turned to face her.

“Could you silence that damn thing?” he requested, his chocolate brown eyes locking with hers when she looked to her phone that was on top of her desk. With a smirk, she nodded and reached to turn her phone on silent when he shook his head. “You know in most cases I would have no problem throwing someone out of my class for interrupting it.”

“It won’t happen again Mr. Miller. It was an accident,” she assured him with a wicked smirk seeing the way that his eyebrows furrowed while he stared out at her and tugged at his plaid, button down shirt he was wearing in a nervous motion. “You know how much I love this class. You have my full attention. It was an accident.”

“I’ll let you off this time, but the next time I’m throwing you out,” he threatened, stroking his hand down over the facial hair that was over his jawline. With a shake of his head, he went back to teaching leaving her somewhat amused over their interaction. By the end of class her professor was seated at the edge of his desk with his arms folded out in front of his chest. “Ms. Y/N, please come to my office after class. We need to discuss something about your last project.”

“What about it?” she reached for her bag and threw it over her shoulder seeing him tip his head to the side. “Was it bad?”

“We need to discuss some things about your work,” he reiterated and moved out of the class leaving her standing at her desk with a smirk. Heading out of the lecture hall, she let out a gasp when she saw her best friend standing and waiting outside of the room for her.

“Poppy. What are you doing here?” Y/N clung tightly to her bag watching her best friend grip to her books and bounce in the position that she was in. Poppy’s blonde hair that was tied up wiggled with the movements and her green eyes glistened with excitement. “I have to go talk to my professor about something.”

“Oh! Come on! It’s your birthday and we have a party to plan!” Poppy’s squeaky voice boasted making Y/N smile.

“It is my birthday, but the party is already planned all out. All you have to do is meet me there tonight,” she reminded her friend making a frown expand over her features. “I have to deal with classes first. I will call you when I’m out of the meeting.”

“You should just ditch your professor Y/N, he works you too hard,” Poppy declared with a shrug of her shoulders. “I’ll be waiting for you babe.”

“Looking forward to it,” Y/N winked heading through the hallways to the office where she knew she would find Professor Miller. Standing in the doorway, she knocked on it when she saw that he was sitting at his desk looking at something with his laptop. When he heard her knock, she watched his brown eyes lift to stare out at her and she smiled. “You wanted to see me?”

“Close the door,” he instructed waving her into the office when he pushed his seat back and away from the desk. Listening to his order, she did what he asked and pulled her bag in closer to her body. “You left your phone out on your desk to annoy me today and I know you did.”

“Why would I ever do something like that Joel?” she placed her hand in over the center of her chest and feigned being innocent in the moment. “I’m your best student. Why would I purposely go out of my way to upset you? I don’t want you to punish me and give me a bad grade…”

With a rumble, Joel stood up from his seat and started to make his way around the table and she dropped her bag at her side, “Well, I may want you to punish me. I just don’t want you to give me that bad grade.”

“You’re a bad girl,” he rumbled reaching out to hook his arm around her waist to pull her in flush against him making her smile when she braced her hand in over the center of his chest. “You’re lucky it’s your birthday because I would spank you if it wasn’t.”

“Please do Professor Miller,” she purred biting at her bottom lip in a seductive manner seeing his eyelids heavy with want and lust while she stroked her fingers up and over the side of his neck. “It is my birthday after all.”

“You are going to be the death of me,” Joel slurred lowering down to claim her lips with his in a forceful sweep that left her melting in against his chest with his strong arms wrapped around her. With a growl, he bit at her bottom lip giving it a small tug before staring down at her. “You’re lucky I like you so much because I could have thrown you out of class today and avoided your birthday completely. I can’t play favorites you know.”

“Oh, I’m your favorite?” she teased him, pulling him down by the collar of his shirt to get him to kiss her again. Her lips parted allowing the warmth of his tongue to brush out against hers making her purr when they separated.

“You know you are,” Joel whispered, his thumb dragging out over her bottom lip and the warmth of his breath over her skin drew chills down her spine. “You are so beautiful. You know that?”

“Aw, Joel. Winning me over with your words. Just like you always do,” she muttered sliding her hand up to pluck open the top button of his plaid button down. “I do kind of want you to punish me for my birthday though. Remind me not to be a bad girl.”

“Well, if you insist,” Joel smirked grabbing a firm hold of her and leading her over toward his desk. Forcing her down over the top of it, he placed his hand firmly over the back of her neck and squeezed at it before dragging it down between her shoulder blades and over her spine. It made her let out a shuddering breath and he smiled. “You need to be more careful in my classes. Obviously, I’m going to like you because you’re my best student, but you make things too obvious and that is risky.”

“No one is going to know that we are fucking,” she looked back over her shoulder at him, wincing when he used his other hand to force her to put her head back down over his desk. “I wouldn’t want anyone to know about our relationship because I don’t want to ruin your job for you. You know I like our relationship. I don’t want to lose it.”

“Then you need to be a good girl and do as I say,” he responded sliding his palm in over her full bottom, squeezing it firmly before giving her bottom a firm smack. Arching forward, she purred out only to feel him reaching for the back of her pants. Pulling them down, Joel took her panties with the movement getting the material to her thighs. “You want to be a bad girl for your birthday?”

“I want to be your bad girl,” she slurred feeling the warmth of his palm caressing over her flesh making her bite down on her bottom lip. Purposely she added emphasis to the word your, knowing that she just wanted to be this way for him. After his soothing caress she felt him smack down over her ass making her whimper out. “Harder.”

“Harder?” Joel repeated her request, his southern drawl getting her hotter with the way he continued to caress over her tender flesh. Arching her back, she felt a stronger smack over her bottom making her cry out with the burning sensation it left over her flesh. Another firm spank followed and then another making her coo out and she felt a damp heat at her core. Joel’s hand caressed over the fleshy part of her ass before sliding between her thighs to trace his rough fingertips over the length of her sex. Teasing her with the idea of his fingers, he traced them over her sensitive lips before circling his index finger over her entrance. It made her hips arch up and a tsking sound fell deep from within his throat. “Sit still.”

“Joel,” she mewled out his name when he sank his fingers inside of her taking his time to thrust his finger in gradual strokes having the movements slowly grow stronger in strength. It made her close her eyes tightly, her head tipping back when he growled in response.

“You are so fucking wet. The spanks really did you in, didn’t they?” Joel teased her, inserting another one of his thick fingers into her warmth making her shudder beneath him. The plunges of his fingers inside of her made her heart hammer inside of her chest and she felt her pulse jumping in her throat. Before she could begin to enjoy the pleasure he was drawing out inside of her, he was pulling his fingers from her body and she whined. Looking over her shoulder she watched Joel bringing his fingers to his mouth to take them between his lips. Sucking at the taste of her over his flesh, Joel smirked when he saw the lust in her eyes while she stared out at him. “Head down.”

“Joel,” she pouted seeing him snap his fingers and she did as he ordered of her. Lowering her head, she stretched her hands out and curled her fingers around the edge of the desk. Joel stepped in behind her and she felt the denim of his pants rubbing up against her making her hum out with the friction it caused. Beneath his jeans she could feel him hard while he rubbed himself against her bottom. “Was your cock hard in class?”

“With you sitting in front row, my cock is always so hard,” Joel responded, biting down on his bottom lip while he rubbed himself up against her bottom. “Moving you to the back so I don’t have to sit down all the time would probably be a good idea. Don’t you think?”

“But I want to be able to look at you. We don’t have much time left with me in your class,” she whined when he pulled his hips and moved away. Going to lift up, she felt him pressing into the center of her back to keep her in place.

“Remember, you do as I say,” Joel demanded stepping in front of her at the other side of the desk. Joel started to pull open the belt in his jeans making her lift her head up to look up at him with big eyes. Licking her lips, she saw his dark eyes locked on her. Getting his jeans open, he pushed the material to the side and reached to pull down the front of his boxers making his cock spring out before her. Her throat went dry from the position she was in watching Joel’s thick fingers curl around his cock to stroke it firmly in his grasp. It drew attention to the swollen tip making her wet her lips. Stepping as close as he could to the edge of the desk, Joel hooked his fingers into her hair to get her to lift her head a bit further while his other hand led his cock toward her mouth. Teasing the tip of it across her bottom lip made Joel smirk when she whined knowing that he wasn’t allowing her to take him into her mouth yet. “You would do just about anything for me, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,” she slurred against his flesh, parting her lips just enough for her to kiss at the tip making Joel’s jaw flex in response. “Anything you want…it’s yours.”

“Good girl,” Joel pressed his hips forward watching her kiss further at the tip before dragging her tongue out across the top collecting the taste of him at the slit. “Go ahead…”

Taking his cock into the warmth of her mouth made Joel tip his head back and moan, his fingers hooking tighter into her hair while she lapped at the head of his cock with her tongue before lowering her head over his length. It made Joel bite into his bottom lip and he dropped his head to make sure to watch her while she gave him a blowjob. Her eyes were closed for a short amount of time, so entirely focused on giving him what he wanted.

“Open your eyes,” Joel ordered with a scoff watching her do what he asked of her, fluttering her eyelashes when she looked up at him. Starting to thrust his hips, Joel sank his length further down her throat time and time again. The wet slurping sounds filled the office surrounding them while he had his way with her. Doing her best to relax her throat, she was allowing him to use her in any way he wanted making his quiet moans fill the air. Yanking back on her hair, Joel pulled her mouth from his length enjoying the way she stared up at him when he wrapped his fingers back around his saliva covered length. “I’m going to fuck you so hard that you’ll be thinking of me all the way throughout your party tonight. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Professor Miller,” she swallowed down hard, her wet lips shining when he smirked down at her. “I’m yours to do whatever you want with me.”

“Good girl,” Joel moved around the desk, reaching for her pants to roughly tug them further down her legs. Kicking her feet apart, he moved in behind her and stroked over his body noticing the way that she shook at his closeness. “Do you think you deserve a nice present before I get what I want from you?”

“Please,” she begged, her fingers curling tighter around the edge of the desk feeling Joel kneeling down behind her. Dragging his fingers across her bottom led her to pant before he firmly smacked over the lower part of her ass again making her cry out.

“You’re my bad girl, aren’t you?” Joel hummed caressing his hands down over her thighs squeezing at her flesh before caressing back up over them again. “Say it.”

“I’m your bad girl,” she whispered whimpering out when she felt Joel’s warm breath hovering over the most intimate parts of her. “I’m yours…”

“Yes, you are,” he growled out, pressing a wet kiss over her core making her tense up. Closing her eyes, she felt Joel’s mouth kissing over her heated flesh before dragging his tongue out through her folds. Gasping, she enjoyed Joel’s tongue teasing long lines from her clitoris to her entrance and it made her rock back against his movements. The sounds Joel made while he ate her out were like music to her ears and it turned her on all the more. When his tongue focused at her entrance it made her whimper out and the sensation of his hot tongue pushing inside of her made her coo. The movements of his tongue along with the suction of his lips over her body had her shaking against him and he chuckled against her flesh. “You’re not being quiet.”

“You don’t want me to be quiet,” she gasped when his tongue started to lap at her body again knowing that he was proud of what he was able to work out of her. Her breaths were uneven when she felt her thighs shaking. “Joel.”

A warmth rushed throughout her body, her eyes slamming shut when Joel got her to an orgasm making her whole body tremor. Without giving her time to come down from her high, Joel swiftly got up to his feet and grabbed a firm hold of her hips. Bringing her back against him, he reached between them and led his cock to her entrance thrusting his hips forward filling her completely making her arch up and away from him with a cry.

A moan fell from Joel’s throat while his thrusts started off immediately fast and hard making her cling tightly to the desk. His fingertips were digging hard into her hips undoubtedly going to leave a mark with how strongly he was holding onto her. Taking a moment to adjust, Joel pushed his pants and boxers down to his knees before he started smacking up against her harder. She was on her tiptoes, her body eagerly rocking back against him while he fucked her.

“You feel so good,” she cried out, her gasps filling the air with every powerful thrust that Joel made inside of her from behind. His grunts followed his thrusts and he already had her a shaking mess beneath him. With a huff, Joel adjusted her body to his liking and he leaned in over her. His fingers wrapped around the edge of the desk to give him leverage to help pound himself into her again and again. The desk was shaking with how hard he was fucking her and he wasn’t kidding when he told her that he was going to fuck her so hard that she would be feeling him later. “Joel.”

“Shhh…” Joel hummed biting at her earlobe enjoying the wet sounds their bodies made together. Releasing the desk with his left hand, he sank his fingers into her hair and put a bit of pressure at the beck of her neck while he continued to pound into her with unrelenting movements. Joel’s moan drew a liquid fire to flood her veins and she could feel a dampness sliding down her thighs. “You’re tight little pussy belongs to me, doesn’t it?”

“It’s only yours,” she declared, her whines following his movements. His fast fucking turned to slow, powerful thrusts that had her bouncing forward with every smack his hips made up against her bottom. Joel was using her like his own personal sex doll, but she didn’t care because she liked being made to be his. Winces fell from her throat with the meticulously powerful thrusts. His cock was throbbing inside of her and by the sounds he was making she knew that he was close to coming. Soon he was back at pounding away inside of her, his moans warm against her ear when his movements slowed down. Joel held her in place with his cock twitching inside of her, while he pumped her full of his cum. Joel pulled back and away from her, falling back onto the leather chair that was behind him where students would come to sit if they were really coming to his office to talk to him. Closing her eyes, she felt like the room was spinning around her. The warmth of Joel’s cum trailing down her thigh was felt when she looked back at him over her shoulder. Standing up on wobbly legs, she kicked out of the material of her pants and moved in over Joel in the chair. Grabbing a hold of his cock, she led it back inside of her, bouncing her hips over his length making him grunt. “Make me come…”

“Who says you deserve it?” Joel growled out, lifting his head up enough to meet her in a sloppy kiss, but instead of fighting her on it, his rough fingertips found her clitoris caressing over the sensitive bundle of nerves in strong, circular motions while she bounced her hips over his length. It didn’t take long before she tossed her head back letting out a cry. It allowed him to kiss down over the side of her neck and leave tiny bites over her flesh along the way. Y/N fell in against his chest and rest her head against Joel’s shoulders while his hand braced in over her lower back. “You’re wild darlin’.”

“I just had to get a ride in on my cowboy before we ended this,” she felt his cock softening inside of her and she pulled her hips up and away, but still remained over him enjoying the way it felt being this close to him. “You’re right, I’m going to feel you tonight still. That’s one of the hardest fucks you’ve ever given me.”

“Did you dislike it?” Joel tipped his head back to stare out at her seeing her smirk and shake her head.

“I loved it,” she assured him, stroking her thumb over his bottom lip allowing him to take it between his lips to nibble at her flesh. “Are you coming to my party tonight?”

“Y/N,” Joel slurred, pulling his lips away from her thumb with a huff. “You know I can’t do that. You’re going to have friends from the school there.”

“None of them are in this program, they won’t know who you are,” she maintained, her eyes full of awe for the man beneath her. “I’ve told my friends I’m in a relationship with an older man and they support it. They think it’s hot that I’m dating an older man.”

“Dating?” Joel repeated her words, his eyebrows bouncing up when she said that word.

“Well yeah, you’re my boyfriend,” she pointed out making Joel straighten up underneath her and she saw something change in his face while he stared out at her. “I mean that’s what you would call this, right? Dating? We spend a lot of time together. Go on trips together. Buy each other things. Spend nights together…”

“I mean…” Joel’s lips parted, his brown eyes searching hers and it was clear that he was uneasy with the conversation that they were having. “Why would you tell your friends about me? If the college found out that we were sleeping together I would be fired, Y/N.”

“I don’t tell them that you’re my professor. How we met doesn’t matter,” she stroked her fingers over the center of his chest making Joel scoff in response. “They don’t need to know that you were impressed with my work and when you called me in here to talk about my skills our chemistry just skyrocketed. The only thing they know is that you flirted with me and swept me off my feet with your quiet, southern charm.”

“I can’t go to your party tonight Y/N. I have a daughter, remember?” Joel reminded her making her lick her lips and he adjusted her over him so that way they had some distance. “Sarah is fourteen and I can’t just leave her alone to go to some college party.”

“What about your brother?” Y/N pushed making Joel snort, his brow line creasing when she was visibly desperate to have him in her life tonight. “I think Tommy can handle Sarah for one night, don’t you think?”

“No, we have a movie night tonight,” Joel reflected her suggestion, reaching down to grab his pants to pull them back over his hips and she suddenly felt uncomfortable seeing his reaction to things. “Every Friday we spend together since her mother left us.”

“Well,” she thought about what he was telling her and she reached out to palm in over the side of Joel’s face, teasing her fingers through his facial hair. “Maybe I can blow off the party tonight and I can meet Sarah for the first time? I can bring over a pizza and maybe some ice cream.”

“You don’t have to give up your party to meet my daughter,” Joel stammered getting his pants back together while she worked to pull her pants up and over her hips. “It’s not that important.”

“Of course it is. I love you Joel, I want to meet your daughter,” she repeated what she had told him in the past hearing Joel inhale sharply and tip his head to the side. Joel moved her from over him and stood up heading over toward his desk to sit down on the edge of it folding his arms in front of his chest. “Why is it you respond like that every time I tell you I love you?”

“Because it’s too fast,” Joel answered with a stressed sound, reaching back to stroke his fingers in over the back of his neck.

“But we’ve been doing this for over a year and a half now,” she pointed out making Joel tense up and he shrugged his shoulders. “It’s not like we’re just fucking Joel. We’ve been out on dates, we’ve traveled together…I’ve given you a significant amount of money for your company.”

“And I appreciate that,” Joel threw his hand up in the air making her chest ache while she sat in the chair before him. Joel’s breathing was heavy and she could feel a lump developing in her throat. “I know it was a lot to ask you for that loan and I appreciate you doing it for me. I appreciate all the gifts and the money you’ve given me. It means a lot to me.”

“But not enough for you to tell me you love me?” she stammered seeing him grimace when she mentioned him loving her. “Listen, you can just keep whatever present you got me for my birthday and replace it with an I love you. Just once.”

“I didn’t get you a gift for your birthday,” Joel confessed, his brown eyes full of a certain emotion she couldn’t read when she felt her chest ache. “The sex was your gift.”

“I just…” she felt her breath getting taken from her lungs and she immediately nodded her head. When it was Joel’s birthday, she went out of her way to give him the best birthday possible. Showering him with gifts, taking him out somewhere nice and even giving him a trip to the beach after he talked about longing to go one day. “Okay.”

“You’re disappointed,” Joel commented seeing that her face was turning a shade of red when she looked down at the ground before her.

“No, I just…” she lied to him looking up at him with a dampness in her eyes making Joel drastically bob his head about and look over toward the time. “Am I keeping you?”

“You know that I can’t keep you in here for too long. People would get suspicious,” Joel explained looking to the watch that she knew his daughter had given to him on his birthday. “Why don’t you just text me later and let me know how your party was.”

“Maybe we can go out to dinner before the party?” she stood from the seat feeling a chill flooding her spine hoping for more from Joel. “Maybe that little diner that you like? We can get a couple of shakes, burgers and fries. Then after we can share some of that pie that…”

“I have to pick Sarah up and take her to soccer practice,” Joel interjected before she could make a further suggestion. Joel stood up and moved around the desk to reach for something in the top drawer and she saw it was his keys.

“Maybe I can come and…” she started to mutter but Joel put his hand up in the air to cut her off and shake his head. “Is there something wrong with me? Am I not good enough to meet your daughter? I thought you liked me…”

“I do like you, but it would just be…weird,” Joel answered with a shake of his head making her let out a shuddering breath. “Hey Sarah, here is this girl that is my student. We hang out sometimes…just thought you would like to meet her.”

“So I’m good enough to have a pussy full of your cum and I’m good enough to give you nice things and go on trips with, but I’m not good enough to meet your daughter or brother? Or have any part of your life?” she inquired knowing that for a while she realized she wasn’t getting back in the relationship with Joel what she was giving him, but she just thought it was because of his ex-wife hurting him like she did in the past and he was just genuinely a shyer guy.

“Watch what you say,” Joel hushed her looking toward the door making her roll her eyes and shake her head.

“Do you really only see our relationship as us just hanging out?” she thought back on what he said making Joel grumble under his breath. “Am I just your student to you? The last time we spent the night together you spent all night holding me and the things that you said…”

“You are my student,” Joel reminded her making her chest tighten when he shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sorry it’s not the answer you want, but everything you want is too complicated for me right now. I need relaxed in my life. I have so much going on and what you’re asking for is just too much.”

“We’ve almost been together two years Joel. I get if this was the first few months, but I think we started doing this a year and nine months ago,” she educated him on the amount of time they had been fooling around with one another. “It would be one thing if it was less than a year, but you’ve asked me to be loyal to you. To only be with you. And as far as I knew, I was the only person you were sleeping with too.”

“You are, but it’s more of a case if I’m having unprotected sex with you, I didn’t want to be fucking all the boys on campus too,” Joel noted making her let out an offended breath and he threw his hands up in the air. “I just think sex feels better without a condom and you were willing to do it, so I thought we just had an agreement with that.”

“You know if you dedicate yourself to one person with sex, that usually means you’re dating them,” she commented making Joel’s nose wrinkle. Lowering his head into his palm, he was very uneasy with this discussion and she let out an offended breath. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“I can’t break up with someone that I was never dating to begin with,” Joel snorted making her heart sink hearing him pronounce the words with a firmness to his tone. “I just don’t want to introduce you to my family. I also don’t want to tell you I love you because what we have, it’s just not…”

“Wow,” she felt her body shaking and she headed over toward her bag that she dropped at the corner of his office. Instead of listening to this any longer, she knew that she couldn’t take it and had to leave. “Thanks for the sex. It’s exactly what I wanted for my birthday.”

“Listen,” Joel began, standing up straight reaching out in attempts to touch her, but she pulled back and away from him. “You have to understand…”

“No, I get it,” she held her hand up in the air making Joel’s eyes narrow and he gave her a glare that made his chiseled jawline flex. “God, I’m stupid. This is already off to a great birthday. Enjoy your day with Sarah, I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.”

“Would you just,” Joel stammered only for her to pull open the door to storm out of his office. Heading for the front of the building that she was in, she felt like the world was spinning around her and she didn’t know how to handle the information she was just delivered.

“Slow down tiger,” a familiar deep, raspy voice rumbled from behind her when she shoved open the front door. Looking back over her shoulder she saw that her personal bodyguard that her father had on her for the last few years was resting back against the school smoking a cigarette. His dark sunglasses were over his eyes, his dimples sinking in when he stared out at her. “Where are you going in a rush?”

“Fucking hell Negan,” she snapped watching his head tip to the side and his eyebrow arched up over his sunglasses. His dimples sank in when he released a long line of smoke from his lungs making her look down toward the ground. At the moment she wanted to cry and have a meltdown but she was doing her best to keep it together. “I forgot they have you follow me every-fucking-where.”

“Kind of my job,” he clarified pulling the sunglasses from his face, hooking them at the top of his shirt while he stared out at her with his hazel eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she lied feeling like her heart was going to explode from how upset she was with what Joel had just said to her.

“We both fucking know that’s not true,” Negan took another puff of his cigarette before tossing it aside making her shrug her shoulders. “Did the professor fucking do something?”

“It doesn’t matter,” she disputed watching Negan push himself forward from the school to approach her and stare out at her with is expressive eyes. Negan reached out to grasp her jaw between his thumb and index finger noticing that she was quite upset.

“How much money did he ask for this time?” Negan queried making her roll her eyes when she pulled away from Negan and shook her head. “Do I need to go fucking kick his ass? Did he do something that…”

“Stop,” she reached for Negan, grabbing a hold of his arm and pulling him back to her. “I just made the mistake of thinking my relationship with him was something more than it actually was.”

“What do you mean?” Negan’s face scrunched up, visible confusion flooding his features while he stared out at her. “Pretty sure you’re fucking dating him.”

“Apparently not,” she snorted thinking about all the things she had done with Joel over the last year and a half. After all they had done together, she just assumed they were a couple and even though he hadn’t told her he loved her, she thought she was working Joel up to it. “You never told my father about him, right?”

“Of course not. You asked me to keep it as our secret and it is. Your father never asks where you go or where the money you spend is going. Even if he did ask me about your potential lovers, my loyalty lies with you. Not your father,” Negan promised making her sigh loudly when he placed his hand in over the center of his chest. “He just pays me to keep you safe.”

“He pays you to follow me around like a stalker,” she reminded him waving him on to follow her so they could walk through campus together.

“You know there was a point in time where you actually enjoyed the idea of it,” Negan teased her, nudging her playfully with his shoulder while they walked side by side. “If I remember correctly, you were head over heels for me.”

“And you were married,” she frowned making Negan stop walking and his Adam’s apple bounced in his throat. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned her. I know it’s still sensitive with her passing and…”

“It’s fine,” Negan held his hand up in the air and it made her eyes fall to the wedding rings that he still wore on a necklace around his neck. Growing up, she had the biggest crush on Negan having him be her bodyguard. Anyone who was around him as much as she was would have fallen in love with him too. With his wildly naughty, cocky attitude and one of the most stunning smiles she had ever seen in her life, it made it hard for her not to fall for him. Physically, Negan was the man of her dreams. Tall dark and handsome defined him completely and she was in love with him for a significant part of her life, but the number one problem was that he was already taken by his childhood sweetheart. Lucille. So any attempts she made on Negan in the past were quickly shut down because he was head over heels in love with his wife. And it was only recently that he had ended up losing her to pancreatic cancer. Just talking about her sometimes would make Negan very emotional and since her passing the two of them had gotten a lot closer as friends. In fact, Negan was probably her best friend and her bodyguard. He was there all the time so he knew everything. More than anyone knew. And in a way she liked it because she knew she had someone she could be completely honest with. It just so happened that she used to have the biggest crush on him for a long time. Negan reached up to brush his fingers against his wedding ring that was there along with his late wife’s ring. “I’m going to have to get used to talking about her at some point.”

“Give me your hand,” she held her hand up seeing the way that Negan’s nose wrinkled and he tipped his head to the side. “Just give me your damn hand.”

“Yes ma’am,” Negan allowed her to take his hand and she hooked her fingers with his leading them to hold hands while they walked through the campus together. “I feel like a teenage boy again holding hands with a pretty girl.”

“Listen, I need someone to hold my fucking hand so I don’t have a complete and total meltdown,” she informed Negan feeling him stop when she stated that and she shrugged her shoulders when she gazed over at him. “And I’m pretty sure you need someone to hold your hand sometimes too.”

“Is this guy still in his office?” Negan questioned, pulling her forward to stare down at her seeing the way that her eyes were tearing over. “That’s it, I’m going to go fucking kick his ass…”

“No,” she begged, pulling him back to her so that way he was staring down at her with his big hazel eyes. Negan’s palm pressed in over the side of her face and he swallowed down hard when she leaned into his touch. “I was just stupid Negan. It was my own fault. I wanted a relationship so bad that I was reading everything…wrong. I’m just so used to no one wanting me that it felt good having something with Joel.”

“I could have told you fucking your professor wasn’t going to go anywhere. It was an abuse of power on his end and…” Negan started to vent but was cut off by the feeling of Y/N pressing her fingers in over his lips to silence him. When he stopped talking, he felt her dragging her fingers through his short beard and he sighed. Hooking his arms around her, he pulled her into a tight hug and stroked his fingers over the back of her neck. Squeezing her tightly in his arms, he leaned down and pressed a quick kiss over her forehead. “Come to the Mustang. I have something for you.”

With a simple nod, she followed Negan to his black classic Mustang that he owned. Negan held his finger up and motioned her to wait a minute when he opened the passenger’s side door. Leaning down he reached for something from the back and she let out an amused sound when he brought out some balloons and he was holding a six-pack of cupcakes in his hands.

“Happy birthday,” Negan offered up a weak smile holding out the things in his hands making her smile when he did it.

“You remembered,” she breathed out seeing his dimples sink in and he gave her a small nod. “I didn’t think you remembered when I didn’t see you this morning.”

“I was too busy driving out to that special little bakery you like to get you these,” Negan informed her making her touched to know that he went out of his way today to get her something that she liked. “I know how much you love the cupcakes from there and I just, I wanted to do something nice for your fucking birthday.”

“Well, you’re going to have to share them with me,” she reached out to accept the balloons and the cupcakes finding herself amused with the whole balloon aspect of things. Negan so far was the only person to make some kind of positive impact for her on her birthday and she appreciated it. “You know I can’t eat six of them by myself.”

“I can do that,” Negan muttered and she took a minute to think about things before stepping up on her toes to press a quick kiss at Negan’s cheek. “Get in…”

“Yes sir,” she nodded her head allowing Negan to help her into the passenger seat of his Mustang and she knew if this was how things were when she was younger, she would be swooning over Negan doing something nice for her on her birthday. Unfortunately she was still upset with the way things went down with Joel and that was heavy in her heart, but she was doing her best not to have a meltdown. When he got back into the car, he pulled his sunglasses back in over his face and looked over at her. “You taking me home?”

“No, I’m taking you out to dinner on the water. Give you some time to relax before you are surrounded by a shitload of people tonight,” Negan answered her with a big smile making her throat tense up knowing that it was something that she wanted Joel to do with her. Negan must have caught the expression over her face and he frowned. “What?”

“You don’t have to do this just because you are my bodyguard and have to be around me,” she claimed making him frown, pushing his sunglasses down his face to allow his hazel eyes to connect with hers. “I’m sure there is something else you would rather be doing with your time.”

“No, I want to spend my evening with you, doing something nice for your birthday,” Negan winked starting up the car noticing the way that she was staring out at him. “So stop worrying. Everything is as I want it.”

Instead of fighting with him she allowed him to take her where he wanted. It surprised her when they got to the restaurant and they led them outside to the table that had more balloons there along with a bouquet of flowers. It made her stop in her footsteps and Negan moved in behind her to place his hand in over her shoulder, “What?”

“What would you have done if I would have went with Joel somewhere?” she asked knowing that this was something that Negan obviously had planned for her long before just deciding to randomly take her here for her birthday.

“Then I would have called and cancelled,” Negan led her over toward the table and held the chair out for her. After she sat Negan took the seat across from her and she felt bad knowing that this is what she wanted to be doing with the man she thought was her boyfriend. Taking his sunglasses off, Negan noticed the way she was staring out at him and he threw his hands up in the air. “You talk about having shitty birthdays all the time and I just wanted to make sure that you had a semi-decent one.”

“I don’t deserve you after all the shit I’ve put you through,” she lifted up from her seat to lean across the table to press a lingering kiss over the side of his face. Negan smirked when she sat back down in her seat. “I bet you would have never thought you would still be here years ago.”

“Years ago I was just thankful to have a job. Going from having a promising career in baseball to hurting myself and needing a job was rough,” Negan explained thinking back on his life working with Y/N. “You may have given me a run for my money, but I enjoy my job.”

“I’m sure the money you make isn’t all that bad,” she thought about the people that worked for her father and she heard Negan scoff. “You know, you never told me how you ended up with this job. Being stuck with me.”

“I don’t view it that way,” Negan shook his head, rolling his eyes when he reached for the glass of water that was before him. “I got the job because Simon owed me. We knew each other previously, I was in the minor leagues for baseball and I looked to have a promising career ahead of me, but I got injured. Lucille and I just got married, I needed money and he hooked me up with this job taking care of a wild and unruly teenager of some rich hotshot. And I thought, how hard could it be?”

“And then you met me,” she joked looking down at the menu that was before her knowing that this was a place she had come many times before and Negan obviously knew that she liked it. “I probably drove you crazy.”

“Sometimes,” Negan tipped his head to the side and gave her a wink. Reaching for something beside him, Negan grabbed a hold of the bag that he brought with him into the restaurant. “I know this is kind of goofy considering the circumstances, but this is your last present from me today…”

“What?” her eyebrows bounced up seeing that he was handing something across the table to her. Accepting the bag, she pulled it into her lap and reached inside to reveal the leather-bound sketchbook that Negan had gotten for her.

“I know you have people that are going to give you incredible gifts tonight that are going to make that feel stupid, but I always see you sketching on things and since this is going to be your profession I thought you might like having one that looked…fuck, I don’t know…nice,” Negan waved his hand around seeing the way that she smiled while she opened it and flipped through the pages. “I saw it and it made me think of you so I got it for you.”

“Thank you, Negan,” she found herself in awe of the man before her knowing that with their history together she was so surprised that Negan still liked her as much as he did. She really did give him hell when she was a teenager and in her early twenties so she was thankful for his kindness toward her. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Go for it,” Negan got comfortable in his seat, tipping his head to the side when he gave her his full attention.

“You and Joel are around the same age,” she began seeing the expression over his face change when she brought up Joel to him and she knew that Negan was never a fan of the guy to begin with. “Do you find me to be overbearing? Am I wrong for thinking that we were dating after a year and a half? I wanted to meet his daughter and he had a meltdown about it. Called me just some student.”

“Y/N, I don’t like him,” Negan explained with a loud rumble of a groan, reaching to pinch at the bridge of his nose when he leaned forward in his seat. “I think the problem in the whole relationship was him and not you.”

“Just answer the question Negan,” she pleaded knowing that she probably sounded pathetic and desperate, but in a sense she was.

“Your relationship started because he took advantage of you. He called you to his office and told you that he wanted to talk about how well you were exceeding in his classes and then seduced you into sleeping with him. Because you’re attracted to older men you were eager to get the attention from an older man…” Negan reasoned with her making her face flush over when he reminded her of how her relationship with Joel started. “You know how uncomfortable you were when he asked you for money the first time, but you’re too goddamn nice and you liked him so much that you were willing to do whatever it took to keep him happy. To answer your question, most people who are dating a year would have no problem introducing their daughter to the person they were with. People who go on trips together are often considered dating too. So no, I don’t think you’re overbearing for wanting to get closer to Joel. I think it’s fucked up he’s your professor and I think there is something incredibly shady about him, but…”

“I know how you feel about Joel. You tell me all the time,” she reminded him with a shake of her head hating that she let Joel get to her so much but she really liked him and she put a lot of effort into their relationship over the last year. “I just wonder if there is a problem with me. My mother left me. My father can’t stand me. I’ve had boyfriends, but never anything super serious. The one time I think I’ve fallen in love with someone…”

“You’re surrounded by shitty people Y/N,” Negan reasoned with her hating that she was going to these thoughts because of Joel upsetting her like he did. “It’s a hard pill to swallow, but a lot of the world fucking sucks. You’re a good person in a shady fucking family. Of course you are going to feel lonely in that environment. You don’t have the attitude of a rich person. You’re humble, caring, kind…”

“After I graduate, I’m going to be poor as hell,” she chuckled seeing Negan scoff at the thing that her father told her. “Will you still like me then?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Negan reached out across the table for her hand and gave it a firm squeeze. “It’s not the money that kept me here and you know that. I care about you. I always have and no matter what your father does, I will always be in your life.”

Squeezing her fingers around Negan’s, she appreciated the sentiment and felt good knowing that no matter what happened in her life, there would always be someone she knew that she could count on. It made her happy to know that Negan was that person.

“I feel like I was just being a pathetic, clingy child with Joel and I feel pitiful,” she admitted to Negan focusing on the way that his thumb stroked over the back of her hand. “Is this what all men are like when they get in serious relationships? I’ve told him that I love him multiple times at this point and every time he turns pale and starts sweating. Why do the things he’s doing with me if he doesn’t want a relationship of some kind?”

“Y/N…” Negan slurred, his eyebrows bouncing up with his fingers curling tighter around hers. “Are you sure you’re the only student that he is doing this with? For all you know, this could just be something that he does. Takes advantage of the power he holds over people as their professor and...”

“That’s not what this was Negan. I was just doing really good in his classes and he wanted to pull me aside. Told me that he knew people that would be interested in my work if I kept up doing what I was. It was just when the two of us were together there was this chemistry,” Y/N informed Negan feeling his fingers slowly slipping from hers and he leaned back in his chair visibly uncomfortable. “Negan, while he may have seduced me, I could tell he hadn’t been with someone in a very long time. He tried to pretend to be confident, but he was still nervous. I think after his wife abandoned him and his daughter, he shut himself down. Joel is complicated.”

“Men aren’t as complicated as you think they are,” Negan retorted with a snort, tapping his fingers at the top of the table while they waited for someone to come and take their order. “Listen, you are a good catch, but some people see you and they get the wrong idea. You’re beautiful, sweet, passionate, talented…but sometimes people are going to see your last name and they are going to take advantage of how good you are.”

“Joel isn’t like that,” she combated making Negan throw his hands up in the air in a defensive movement. “Joel isn’t the type that cares about politics or money.”

“He asked you for money, he knows you have the money Y/N. How did he know that?” Negan pushed, leaning forward in his seat trying to keep quiet since there were other people near them.

“I talked to him about my life quite a bit Negan. He knew what my life was like and he knew that I had an endless supply of money because of my dad. You know my dad. He allows me to do whatever I want without asking. I love Joel and I would do whatever it takes…” she rambled on watching Negan’s thick eyebrows arch up and she felt her chest tightening. “It’s not about the money Negan.”

“You’re not pathetic for falling in love with someone Y/N. You’re a hopeless romantic and I can’t fault you for that. I fucking get it,” Negan placed his hand in over the center of his chest and cleared his throat when he could see they were getting prepared to come get their orders. “Plus, Joel has been playing with your feelings and emotions. Dragging you along so you do what he wants. Whether it’s sex or money…”

“It’s not about the money Negan,” she stressed thinking back on the moments that she shared with Joel previously. “I think his ex-wife just really hurt him. He has a lot going on in his head. There are moments where he is really cold, but then there are those moments where he is holding me in bed some nights where it just feels special. Unlike anything I’ve felt before. I think he really combats his thoughts a lot. He wants to be loved and to have a relationship, but at the same time he’s scared to.”

“I think you think too fucking highly of him,” Negan declared making her frown and they both went silent when the waitress came to their table to take their orders. After the waitress left Negan noticed that Y/N was deep in her thoughts and he shook his head. “Y/N, I’m not trying to be mean here. You know I support whatever decisions you make. I just want you fucking happy, but there has been some rather big fucking red flags. I would know because for a big part of my life I was a walking red flag. I was a fucker in my younger years. So I just want you to be careful.”

With a simple nod, she looked to her phone and sighed when she saw that Joel hadn’t texted her or anything after she left his office. If there was something more between the two of them, she thought maybe he would have contacted her, but he didn’t.

“Everything you’ve done here is everything I wanted Joel to do today,” she silently muttered making Negan frown, nodding his head slowly. “I’m starting to think you’re the only person that truly sees me for me Negan. Maybe the world forced it to be that way, but you see me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Negan gave her a wink sliding closer to the table, tipping his head down in attempts to get her eyes to connect with his. “While you’re with me, try to forget him and enjoy yourself. If you need to still talk about him, I won’t shut you the fuck down, but I want you happy and I think the more you think about Joel the sadder you are going to be.”

“I’ll do my best,” she gave him a weak smile knowing that Negan was trying harder than anyone in her life right now to make her happy and she appreciated the gesture. So she was going to give him the best of her right now. It’s what he deserved for trying to make her happy. It wasn’t normal for people to go out of their way for her to make her happy so she was very thankful for that. So that’s what she did. Did her best to ignore her feelings on Joel and it was nice to actually have a few moments of downtime with Negan. It really did feel like at this point that Negan was the only person that she could be herself with and not have to worry about impressing him. Hopefully that feeling never changed with him because he was way too important to her for her to lose now.

----

Tags: @jennydehavilland @de-gabyconamor @ibelongtonegan @smallsadjellyfish @labyrinthofheartagrams @msjamesmarch @thebeautysurrounds @hotfornegan @redmercysugar @caprithebunny @tuttifuckinfruitty @emoryhemsworth @a-girl-interupted @akumune @stoneyggirl2 @xsarcasticwriterx @insertneganhere @haleygreen23 @xhannahbananax03 @sanctuaryforthelost @burningredaffair @killaweiser @dead-of-niight @ayumi-wolf @hollyismentallyillhelp @tone-stark @thesapphirequeen @wonwoosthetic @misskittydenoire @casangel1986

#Pedro Pascal #Joel Miller #Jeffrey Dean Morgan #Negan #The Walking Dead #The Last of Us #negan x reader #joel miller x reader #negan fanfiction #joel miller fanfiction #twd fanfiction #tlou fanfiction #joel miller x you #negan x you #negan imagine #joel miller imagine

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shakesthewizard · 1 month

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The Bad Kids as Knights Radiant

A while ago, I wrote this post assigning the main characters from Deltarune orders of Knights Radiant from Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive books. Now I'm gonna do the same with Fantasy High's Bad Kids!

Adaine O'Shaughnessey - "I will Seek Truth." The Order of Truthwatchers.

Do I need to elaborate on this one? The strongly opinionated youngest child of a rich and powerful family who has oracular visions thrust upon them without their asking and has to use their newfound power to save the world despite their pronounced lack of physical ability and the presence of neurological, emotional, and physical disabilities? Is anybody gonna fight me on this?

In all seriousness though - Adaine is defined by her desire to uncover lies and use the truth to set things right, no matter the cost. She so strongly values telling people what they need to hear, instead of what will make them feel better, and alongside Riz she's half of the team's mystery-solving power.

As a Truthwatcher, Adaine commands the surges of Progression and Illumination, and while powers-wise those feel a bit more geared towards Fig's spell list, Adaine is a master of handling the battlefield without drawing attention to herself, and as a Diviner she fills a much stronger support role than other Wizard subclasses.

Boggy the Froggy is Adaine's Lightspren.

Fabian Seacaster - "I will Reach my Potential." The Order of Elsecallers.

The Elsecallers are the consumate badasses of the Knights Radiant, and probably the most concerned with appearances, aside from the Lightweavers (who we'll get to, don't you worry). Fabian himself has huge potential for strength, grace, social aptitude, and academic success, that we see him fulfill over the course of the show. He's an excellent fighter who isn't afraid to utilize a nontraditional ability or tool in unique ways to give himself an upper hand. It reminds me a lot of Jasnah soulcasting on the battelfield.

As an Elsecaller, Fabian commands the surges of Transformation and Transportation. I think Transformation is the most apt thematically, as we see during his season 2 arc, learning to live as himself without abandoning his father's legacy. Although Transportation is also appropriate, given both that he's a very mobile combatant, and that he was the first among his party to gain access to a vehicle - one which he uses on the battlefield constantly.

I would say that the Hangman is his Inkspren, but I really think if he's anything he's a Dustspren.

Gorgug Thistlespring - "I will Seek Self-Mastery." The Order of Dustbringers.

While his personality doesn't match what we know of the Dustbringers in the series so far, Gorgug is otherwise an extremely good fit for this order. In season one, his arc centers on accepting his anger as a natural part of himself, and learning how to point it in useful and helpful directions, as well as reconnecting with his orcish heritage.

In seasons two and three, Gorgug dives into artificing; learning how to take things apart and put them back together, and pioneering ways to combine his skill with technology and his prodigious destructive power.

As a Dustbringer, Gorgug commands the surges of Division and Abrasion. These feel very appropriate for our curious barbarian, and I honestly don't feel like there's a lot I could say that wouldn't be plainly obvious. The kid rips stuff apart, what can I say?

Fig Faeth - "I will Speak My Truth." The Order of Lightweavers.

Performance. Art. Identity. Lies. Fig feels almost like an embodiment of this order. If you know anything about Lightweavers, I don't even know what to say that isn't already apparent. Fig disguises herself, invents new identities, lies constantly, and is the party's designated spy. She expresses these illusory powers by way of her artistic expression, and has a bad habit of running from her problems using those same powers. But of course, when the time comes, she shows an unmatched prowess for using those powers to completely dismantle the lies and schemes of ne'er do wells.

As a Lightweaver, Fig commands the surges of Illumination and Transportation. She uh. Makes illusions and turns into other people. Look, I don't know what else to say. She's a perfect fit.

Kristen Applebees - "I will Unite Instead of Divide." The Order of Bondsmiths.

Holy shit. This is why I wanted to make this post. Kristen, who with force of will and clarity of purpose brings a god back from the dead and forges a bond with her. Kristen, the most powerful Cleric of any god for the last century, who even at her most ignorant is the one to start treating the bad kids as a team before anyone else. Kristen, whose source of power is immense and strange, and who she conflicts with regularly, even as they share a purpose.

As a Bondsmith, Kristen commands the surges of Tension and Adhesion. Again, these are perfect for her. Kristen as a character feels at times to be made of tension; pulling at a deep and very serious love of ritual and spirituality that is at odds with her seeming inability to take things seriously the more dire they get. The girl who can create a new god, who can bring one back from nothingness, and who flunks out of her Cleric class the moment her teacher isn't 100% in her corner. Kristen's arcs also tend to be pretty central to the larger plots, what with the Harvestmen, The Nightmare King, and now Cassandra's spouse seeming to have a pretty pivotal role in whatever the Rat Grinders are up to. In short; Kristen Adheres the bad kids together.

Kristen's Bondsmith-spren is, obviously, Cassandra.

Riz Gukgak - "I will Protect." The Order of Windrunners.

I'm gonna be real with you, folks, I have never encountered a more Windrunner-ass motherfucker in my life. "I gotta do the right thing no matter what and be emo about it the whole time. What do you mean I have friends who love and support me?" Look me in the eyes and tell me if Riz got assigned to Bridge Four he wouldn't immediately dedicate himself to saving his whole crew and freeing them from slavery. You know I'm right.

As a Windrunner, Riz commands the surges of Adhesion and Gravitation. These aren't great fits for his real, very stealthy skillset - but if we're being honest Gravitation is the least thematically interesting surges anyway, and Adhesion is just the "cool nice guy" surge, which Riz already is.

lmk if this is the kind of content you're frothing at the mouth for and I can do more characters (I'm on my hands and knees give me characters to do this with it's so fun for me)

#dimension 20 #fantasy high #stormlight archive #adaine o'shaughnessey #fabian seacaster #fig faeth #kristen applebees #gorgug thistlespring #riz gukgak #knights radiant #truthwatcher #elsecaller #lightweaver #bondsmith #dustbringer #windrunner

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steveharringtonat3am · 1 year

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Librarian!Reader x Eddie Munson

wc: 594

There was a cute boy in the library. That was a rare occurrence in Hawkins. Well, just the presence of a cute boy was rare. But a cute boy in the library? Reading a book? That wasn’t for school? You almost wanted to check and make sure you weren’t in an alternate dimension.

He look familiar, but you can’t quite place him. He’s facing mostly away from you, but through a curtain of long, curly black hair you’re able to make out a very attractive side profile. As fun as it is to stare, it would be humiliating to get caught so with a sigh you turn away and begin to fill the cart with books to put away.

“Did you see that boy on the couch?” Your coworker, Carole, sneaks up on you. She’s a really sweet old woman, perfectly happy to let you work here the summers in between your time at university.

“Yes I did.” She was always trying to set you up, but she was also aware of the lack of options in this small town.

“Well then go talk to him!”

“I can’t just go talk to him! I don’t even know him! Besides, he probably has a girlfriend.”

“You don’t know that. Sweetie I met my husband in this very library. And you know how I got him? I went up to him and talked to him. In fact, I recommended a book. So go over there and talk to him before I-”

“Excuse me?” Carole and you both turn to see the boy standing behind us, sporting a slightly awkward smile.

“Yes?” Carole finds her voice first as you pretend to busy yourself with shelves that are perfectly organized.

“I was just wondering if I could set up a library card to borrow this?” He holds up a fantasy-looking book and Carole nods quickly.

“Of course, sugar! I’m a little busy at the moment so my coworker will help you with that!” Both pairs of eyes turn to you and you smile in a way that hopefully doesn’t look dumb.

“Follow me!” You practically speed walk to the desk, sitting down and setting up everything for a card.

“You look familiar…did you go to Hawkins high?” When you lock eyes, the name finally hits you.

“Yeah! You’re Eddie right?” Vague memories of a club with matching shirts come to mind, as well as that rumours that one time some jock got punched by a boy in a leather jacket.

“Yep! I-I heard you went off to university.” Why he knows anything about you is a mystery but you nod.

“I did! I work here during my summer breaks.” You hand him the little information sheet and he fills it out.

“That’s cool…I’m in a band.” He blurts, fiddling with his rings as he slides the sheet back over.

“I remember! You guys had a cool name.” You hand over the card but he doesn’t walk away like you expect. His fingers drum against the table, like his body can’t contain his energy.

“We’re playing at the Hideout this Tuesday. You should come by. It’ll be cool.” Internally, my heart soars.

“Okay. I’ll see you there, Eddie.”

“Cool! It’s-it’s a date!” He grabs his book, waving as he walks away. The second the door shuts behind him, my jaw drops. Did that really just happen?

“I expect an invite to the wedding.”

#stranger things fic #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fic #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson one shot #eddie munson imagine

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mumpsetc · 9 months

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Here’s some object show criticism if you please:

I don’t give two shits if HFJONE was supposed to be a commentary on object shows and the object show structure a la never finishing, failing to develop characters, whatever. I didn’t come to ONE for the commentary, even if it was a super interesting facet of the show; I came for the mystery, and the mystery ended up disappointing me HARD.

When you set up plot points and emotional beats with absolutely zero payoff, you inevitably create a sense of disappointment and a near betrayal of the audience’s trust in you. Hfjone could have been a magnum opus of the OSC, and by god it still might be, but it fell into the same trap of mediocrity every other object show does when they lose sight of the storytelling.

There’s not even really any real tragedy (even though that’s what the show sacrificed its narrative cohesion for), because applying logic for a second mitigates any questions we might have of where the characters will go next. When there’s only one or two answers available to any questions asked by the open-ended ending (will they get out? Probably, if they wait long enough! Is Liam gonna turn into Airy? Sure would be a poor writing decision if he did, cuz “facing similar traumas automatically turns you into your abuser!” Is bit of a bad take imo!) it’s not really so open-ended, is it? I physically couldn’t be too sad about how the characters ended up, because giving it a even little thought already routed out how the rest of their arcs and lives might go.

I don’t know. There’s so much that HFJONE could have done and been that it just genuinely ended up not becoming, and I was really saddened by it, because I know it’s not for lack of trying. It was purposeful storytelling that it ended up how it did, and I feel like it was the wrong decision.

Also, the complete under-utilization of Amelia as a character was probably The largest detractor of the show. Dangle her presence and significance to the story in front of us then grant her like, a minute and a half of screen time. For someone so critical to the themes of the show she really ended up hardly existing, which inadvertently says something about the themes of the show (that being that they hardly exist :shrug:)

I've Been Rewatching One With Friends Lately and I've Run Into a Lot of Similar Qualms You Mentioned. I Will Admit to Being a Lot Softer on One, Both for Emotional Attachments Because I Am a Sap, and Just Out of Respect for Doing a Lot of Osc Firsts, But Yeah I Do Think It Held a Lot of Punches, Esp in Regards to Amelia.

I Don't Think Cheesy Was Misogynistic on Purpose But Her Writing, and a Lot of S2's Writing in General is Unintentionally Pretty Misogynistic. I Think There Were Ways to Keep Amelia's Role as the One Who Knows Nothing and Gets Beaten Down While Still Giving Her Anything to Do, a Friend Pitched the Idea of After Credit Scenes Done in the Black and White Style With No Dialogue Just Kind of Showing Her Subcumbing to the Monotony of the Plane and I Love That Idea.

However I Will Say I Do Still Love the Ending and the Themes are Enough for Me Personally. I'm a Huge Sucker for Very Theme Centric Work and One Scratched That Itch for Me, Though I Can Definitely See How a More Mystery Focused Viewer Would Be Disappointed. You're Right the Ending Isn't as Open Ended as People Like to Pretend But IMO It Doesn't Need to Be. I'm Just Happpy That the Final Time We'll Ever See the Characters is At Their Absolute Lowest, I Think That That's a Very Interesting Final Note and At the Very Least I Respect the Hell Outta Cheesy for Sticking to That in a Community Who's Barely Interacted With Bittersweetness at All.

#I Really Appreciated This Ask Anon I Know I Didnt Hit All Your Points But Its Cuz a Lot of It is Jusr Very Good on Its Face #Sorry It Took Me Somw Time to Respond I Wanted to Properly Phrase My Own 2 Cents #Also My Friend With the Amelia Idea I Mentioned is @Schoolunchtray Go Follow Him #dreamy.txt #Objective Criticism

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undercityrezident · 9 months

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My Thoughts on TotK's Lack of DLC

So, according to a dev interview, there’s no DLC coming out for TotK.

I do have some mixed feelings about that. Spoilers below the cut:

To be honest, I’m a little surprised at this decision, considering the precedent set by both Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity (though the latter isn’t a formal Zelda game, so I suppose it shouldn’t be used to try and establish a trend).

On the other hand, I don’t think this decision is too surprising either since TotK began its life as additional DLC for Breath of the Wild before the dev team decided to expand it to a full-fledged game of its own. In a sense, this is a project that likely began as a final hurrah for this era of Hyrule and its characters, but grew out of control as creativity flourished with devs. Tears of the Kingdom might be the last the devs wanted or needed to say for this iteration of the titular kingdom.

That said, there are numerous information gaps and questions left by Tears of the Kingdom that I had dearly hoped would be answered by a batch of prospective DLC.

My biggest hope was to have questions answered about the ancient sages. Mineru, Zelda, and Rauru aside, we know so little about them, and I would’ve loved to have learned more about them and the people they represented in that era.

Moreover, I think diving into the sage's history could’ve also illuminated the history of their respective temples, adding more life to these locations that would’ve added to their presence in the main game. Imagine being able to explore these dungeons as they were in their prime or fight along the sages to defend these places against Ganondorf if we were somehow taken back or projected our spirit back in time.

Defend them, you say? In the past? Yes, and while general gameplay tends to focus on Link, and while we could use further time travel or spiritual projection shenanigans to allow for him to make an appearance in that time period, I think this would be the perfect way to include gameplay as Zelda herself. This is something I was yearning for before the launch of TotK, and this would’ve been the perfect excuse to get to play as her in a main-line Zelda game. While I could argue that she was incredibly central to this game’s plot, nothing can really substitute for gameplay interaction with or as her.

What’s more, the Imprisoning War, for all the influence it had in the game, is largely unknown to us as the player outside of its beginning and end. There were mentions of engagements in locations outside of what we saw in the memories, specifically the fall of Gerudo settlements, as mentioned by the Gerudo sage. DLC focusing on Zelda and her role in the past would’ve given us the triad benefits of exploring the sages further, getting to play as Zelda and further emphasizing her importance in the plot, and expanding on these events.

Alternatively, I would’ve loved DLC that expanded on the dragons of Hyrule, namely Farosh, Naydra, and Dinraal (and I will admit to a faint hope that my headcanons about the connections between Zonai and the three dragons would be affirmed in canon). If draconification had anything to do with how they came to be, I would've loved to hear those stories.

But, if we’re looking to use DLC to fill in on something truly underutilized in the game, I would say that additional content in The Depths would’ve been one of the best choices. The Depths, while compelling through their intimidating and disorienting nature in the early game, lose a lot of wonder, mystique, and even interest later in the game once you’ve illuminated it all and completed the Mineru and Yiga questlines.

Overall, while dangerous, The Depths feel very empty and don’t live up to the potential I see in it. The Depths could’ve been host to additional dungeons and challenges, and there are even hints of previous civilization down there that could’ve been expanded on. The dark skeletons are yet another mystery that we don’t have answers to, and evidence of the other surface races having had presences down here (I’m looking at you Gorondia and the Gerudo Underground Cemetery) are pieces of content worth further consideration.

And, of course, there’s the mystery of the final reward for completing all the game’s shrines: the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. In-game dialogue speaks to this being a reference to the hero that stood against the calamity 10,000 years ago, yet no race in-game or referenced in its lore seems to match this humanoid that Link embodies when he equips the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. This ancient hero undoubtedly has some connection to the Zonai, given that the design of the aspect armour and how its three facial designs reflect the boar, the owl, and the dragon: three important figures in Zonai culture and the three beasts that are emulated or revered by those who designed the three labyrinths.

Sadly, these questions, alongside many other smaller mysteries, will go unanswered unless Nintendo decides to put out alternative materials (such as books, videos, or third-party titles). From the consumer side of things and from someone who genuinely enjoys ingesting and speculating on Zelda lore, I’m a bit disappointed. But, at the same time, I can see why the devs might want to move on from this particular iteration of the Zelda franchise to focus on their next work. Something new and fresh for them is as good for them as it may eventually be for us when we get to see what direction they take the Zelda series next.

And at any rate, all of my above hopes and speculation on what the DLC could’ve been is quite expansive and, given Nintendo’s history, probably unrealistic. While I enjoyed the Champion’s Ballad DLC, it wasn’t anything groundbreaking that shook our views on how we perceived Breath of the Wild.

I can’t imagine DLC for Tears of the Kingdom would’ve been much different. But that won’t stop me from looking back at Tears of the Kingdom and asking asking: "what if it did answer those questions?" However, I'll have to rely on myself and the creativity of others to fill in those gaps.

I suppose there’s a certain appeal in that, too.

#The Legend of Zelda #Tears of the Kingdom #TotK #TotK DLC #Tears of the Kingdom DLC #Rez Rambles #TotK Spoilers

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snezfics-n-shit · 8 months

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Sicktember Day 14: "I shouldn't be worried about you, but for some reason I am"

Fandom: Ace Attorney Characters: Damon Gant, Manfred von Karma Notes: It is Old Man Hours™. I am Not Sorry™. It may or may not Happen Again™. Manfred does not need friends; they disappoint him. Do not concern yourself with the mere possibility he may have looked on in envy when overhearing a discussion between two friendly attorneys in the office lobby. Do not even think about the potential feeling he may have that something is off when entering his office doesn’t immediately spawn a visit from Damon Gant, who is not his friend. Set in 1999 for the very important reason of Franziska being born and also The Phantom Menace is in theaters. Yes, both are very important to this entry. The elder von Karma sister is finally named because I couldn’t keep it a secret any longer: Adelaide. I was holding off until I finished a PWKM with her that’s been long on hiatus, but I grew impatient with myself.

@vonpharma, please enjoy the sillies.

Damon Gant, Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles district police department, was a nuisance. This was obvious. Anyone who had shared a room’s oxygen with the man would most likely agree. At least, Manfred von Karma thought so.

If anything, a morning without being loudly greeted by the man ought to be considered a most welcome change. At least, Manfred von Karma used to think so.

It wasn’t that Manfred was lonely. No, not at all. Even if his attempts at calling to check on the status of his wife and newborn second daughter were frequently shot down by the servants who answered the phone, he was not at all lonely! In fact, this morning, he listened to the conversation between a younger prosecutor and his bothersome defense attorney friend. It was beyond Manfred’s comprehension why such intermingling would even be desired in the first place, but he listened.

He even bothered to remember the topic of the conversation, however dull it was, being the release of some ridiculous science fiction movie. The defense attorney had seen it already with his son and was inviting this prosecutor to see it with his family a second time. It was quite comical! Two grown men being so openly fond of their childish interests! Not to mention a father exposing his child to lowbrow, newfangled computer animation-aided drivel passed off as cinema these days, and twice at that! That was not at all anything Manfred would ever want to waste his valuable time doing.

Yes, his time was incredibly valuable. He already spent so much of it reviewing case files he had read and reread several times this morning, which was highly important; as was the time he set aside to enjoy a cup of tea served by his secretary, imagining the framed picture of his firstborn daughter on his desk was the girl’s actual presence savoring the moment with him. The lack of interruptions made the ongoing day perfect and not at all concerning once he considered the notable absence of a certain deputy police chief.

He was especially not concerned once that absence was minimized into a mere tardiness, with a hacking cough from Gant replacing a typical, obnoxious greeting at Manfred’s office doorway.

“Manny!” Gant finally called out to him.

Somehow, this version of Gant calling out to him with a significant lack of familiar energy managed to bother Manfred even more than usual.

“Damon Gant.” Manfred addressed him as he typically did, a subtle attempt at correcting Gant’s informality that never truly succeeded. Whether Gant continued using nicknames out of spite or simply because he could not get the hint was a mystery. “You’re late.”

“Late?” Gant shook his head. “I’d say it’s more that you’re early!”

“It is nearly 2 o’clock in the afternoon.”

“Early for a man I expected to have at the very least planned a trip back home!” Gant amended with a shrug.

“Why would I do that when there is still so much to be done here?”

Gant perused through the collection of family pictures on the prosecutor’s desk, provoking a scowl from Manfred each time he left one out of its original place.

“Because a little birdy told me you’ll be adding to this collection, soon enough!”

Manfred furiously and meticulously placed each framed photo back into their original positions. Inconsiderate didn’t even begin to describe Gant’s carelessness, especially as he soon started coughing over Manfred’s head with what can hardly even be called an attempt to cover.

“Yes, I am awaiting Adelaide’s school award ceremony pictures to be developed. She’s set a new record for her age group in how many accolades she’s won this year alone.”

“No, Manny! Your new family member!” Gant shot a disappointed look at Manfred. “For shame, not being present to see your own baby.”

“Tell our family’s midwife who won’t let anyone besides a select few servants enter the entire east wing of the home.” Manfred responded glumly. “She’s far more overbearing than the one we had when Adelaide was born.”

“I see now!” Gant clapped his hands together. “You’re drowning those sorrows in your work, then! Typical Manny!” He let out his trademark jovial laughter, at least until that cough overtook him yet again.

“Would you please stop drowning me in whatever illness has you in its grasp? In fact, why not take leave for the day to avoid the risk of infecting everyone else?”

“You worry too much, Manny! I’ve…” Gant stared into space mid-sentence. “I’ve taken a reasonable amount of medicine to lessen all those infectious symptoms.” Either he was lying, or neglected to realize that coughing all over another man’s desk was infectious in its own right.

“Define ‘reasonable.’”

“Of course!” The deputy police chief rummaged through his conveniently large suit pockets and pulled out a bottle of what Manfred recalled to be absolutely sickeningly syrupy blue-green liquid. Gant then went on rambling about how effective it was, before suddenly trailing off-topic into a tangent Manfred couldn’t bother to try understanding.

Manfred couldn’t help but notice the large letters advising how the medicine should be used: “TAKE BEFORE BED,” “DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY,” and of course “FOR NIGHTTIME.”

Not only was Damon Gant a nuisance, but now Manfred was suspicious that Gant was unable to read. It was almost 2 o'clock in the afternoon and Gant had proudly announced what was either impatience or incompetence when it came to taking cold medicine.

Manfred was now presented with the choice of either taking matters into his own hand to prevent the disastrous results of allowing Gant to stay at the office and eventually drive himself home or allow said disastrous results to occur.

“That’s it.” Manfred stood up and inhaled deeply. He may have just taken in thousands of germs in doing so, but his exasperation was too much to go without expressing. “I am escorting you home.”

“Aw, you’re worried about me, Manny?” The way Gant cooed was all the confirmation Manfred needed that he was far too overmedicated to be either out and about or driving home.

“I shouldn’t be worried about you.” After all, Gant was merely another cog in the Los Angeles legal district machine. “But,” Manfred added quietly, “for some reason, I am.”

Gant let himself fall over to be propped up by Manfred, who couldn’t tell if this was intentional or merely an effect of the nighttime medication.

“You’re a good friend, Manny.”

No, no. Manfred von Karma did not need friends.

He did, however hard it was to admit, need Gant.

#snez attorney #my writing #my fics #sicktember #sicktember 2023 #and so... they were both tops

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bensonmybeloved1 · 21 days

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My Dearest Pammy,

You can’t read yet, but I don’t know if we’ll ever get to have this conversation when you’re old enough to understand it. The future is uncertain. I’ve always known that, but I know it far better now than I did yesterday. No matter who you are, you are never guaranteed tomorrow. It is for this reason that I tell you this now. When I was young, I fell in love. He was mysterious and attractive and he promised me such sweet things. I believed him. I believed him because he was always so full of hope. That’s what Gatsby always was, I think. Even to the end he was full of dreams and wishes and hope. He was a fool. That’s what I loved most about him. I wish I were a fool.

He left. It was the war. It dragged him away. The whole time he was away, I longed for his presence. The longer he was away, the more I realized that perhaps it had been pipe dreams, instead of reality, that I was longing for. He, after a long while, told me that he was back in the States. I urged him home, my feelings of doubt increasing as he told me that he was unable to return. I wanted his presence. I wanted to know that I was doing the right thing, waiting for him rather than finding myself a husband out of one of my many suitors. I found I could no longer rely on the foolish hopes and dreams of Gatsby. I had to make a choice. The fanciful life I’d been promised by someone just as fanciful, set for a time no one knew, or the steady, reliable life that I could have now, promised to me by someone I could see, touch, and feel? Tom won me over in the end, and I did my best to forget about Gatsby.

You may wonder, child, why I praise the foolishness of Gatsby, and wish for it, but also have denied it. Well, at the time, I’d lost the appeal of being a fool. I thought I was so clever, and I was. I was so clever. I thought that this was the way one ought to be. I thought that the best things to be are pretty and clever. I was both. It was my beauty that got me my suitors, and by her suitors lay a lady’s worth. Her husband is the only way a woman may have anything in this world. It was by my cleverness that I had one. I let go of foolish dreams and married a nice man who could provide for me. For a while, I was content with that. It didn’t last.

Tom was sweet at first. He was tender and kind. We got on well enough to start. There were moments when I was sure that I really did love him. There were moments when I was sure he loved me. And perhaps he does. Perhaps he did. Perhaps I did. I do not know anymore. At any rate, it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter because of Her. I don’t know if he intended I never find out. If he did, he did a right awful job at that; sneaking off to who knows where, sometimes more than twice a week, and taking secret phone calls. He wasn’t exactly subtle. Neither of us brought it up, but after a certain point, I think he knew I knew. He suspected it at least. It wouldn't have been as bad if it had been a temporary thing, but as the years stretched on, so did the affair, and I knew I would never truly have my husband’s heart. That was all right though. My husband would never truly have mine. Though, while the object of his affections was just a drive away, I had no idea where my Gatsby was or if he even remembered what he’d promised me those years ago.

Eventually, we had you. We were excited for a while, happy. I thought that, perhaps, this was the moment where we would both forget our dreams and come back to reality. I had married Tom, you might remember, for his lack of being a fool. Turns out he was an even bigger fool than I was. It couldn’t last. Tom went back to Her, seemingly more often now than before. I once again found myself longing for the presence of Gatsby. I wanted to know that I had done the right thing, giving up my chance with him and marrying one of my many suitors. I didn’t think I had. I wished so badly that I had been a fool. I wanted to be ignorant of the cruel realities of this world, and I wanted to be embraced by the lovely dreams of Gatsby. Your father so wanted a boy. He had convinced me that I did too. Deep down, though, I think I knew you. I knew what I wanted you to be.

Your father might have been there for your birth. Truthfully, I don’t remember. It doesn’t make any difference anyway. You were less than an hour old, and he was gone. Probably with Her. I suddenly needed to know. I asked the nurse right away if you were a boy or a girl. She told me you were a girl. I turned my head and wept. I still don’t know if they were tears of sadness or joy. Either way, like so many things in this story, it didn’t really matter. You were here, and I was glad. I knew exactly what I wanted you to be. ‘All right’, I’d said. ‘I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’ For it was my beauty that had gotten me all of my suitors, Gatsby included, but it was foolishness that I truly wished for you. I wished that you would not be me. I am far too clever to be happy. That is what I truly want for you. I want you to be happy.

I write this for you now so that you may know why your mother is always so unhappy and distant. I truly do care for you. It is because I care for you that I am distant. I would not be a good mother. I am not. But I needed to impart this wisdom upon you. If you do end up clever, like your mother, darling, I urge you: act foolish. Have as many foolish dreams as your heart desires. If you are foolish enough, they might even come true. My Gatsby lived every day of his life a fool, and I have to believe he was happier for it, at least for a while. If he wasn’t, then both sides of this story are more of a tragedy than they have already become. I am told, though, that Gatsby died with a smile on his face, and that must account for something.

I am hiding this letter away. I might, one day, give it to you in person. Or you might read it after I am gone. You might never read it at all. But, Pammy, never stop dreaming, and always know that I love you. And, for this brief moment, allow me to be a fool.

With All a Mother’s Love,

Daisy Gatsby

#the great gatsby #daisy buchanan #my writing #pammy buchanan #f scott fitzgerald #literature

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paperpeacock · 2 years

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Hi! Just imagine Keith with an s/o whi bas a genshin vision. Like cyro, or electro or something and they can actually use it with their paladin weapon. Like finding out they can use it, asking how it works all that.

Hello! thank you so much for requesting, this is my first request and it made me so happy! Moreover, I love your idea! I really wanted to write about Voltron. I hope you like it <3 (Sorry, its quite long)

Keith x S/O with electro vision

A step. Rippling magnitude onto the metal beneath your feet, you sent pulsating waves into the bodies surrounding. The aura of it all changed, casted into a numbing silence under your presence. The crowd searched upwards, their eyes landing on your figure, standing well above them. For a silent moment, Keith saw a foreign glow ignite into the eyes he so adores. What was it? He asked himself.

In a single beat, you drew your sword, in a single hit all opposing forces were rejected as if they were mere stones thrown from your hands. You stood front and center, violet radiating off your body. Your once plainly lit blade now set aflame in a vibrant purple. You had electricity seeping from your hands into your hilt. Your eyes looked back at your lover. Surrounding by your fallen enemies. The ones who came so close to harming him.

The mission had been successful. All innocents safely cared for and protected, now back in their homes after a long day of aiding and sorting. The paladins were looking forward to dinner. Looking forward to food. Looking for answers.

“Amazing Paladins! Another job well done” Coran beamed.

The six gathered at the table. Silently gazing at their food. Keith furrowed his brows, unpleased at your lack of company at dinner but even more so, he was concerned about what happened.

“I'm gonna go check on Y/N” he announced pushing off the table.

The gentle lover he pursued, wiping out an entire floor with a single hit. What he witnessed was undeniably unique, a power he never dreamed of, and its only comparison to that of the power in books and games. He recalled your electric gaze. Once again, those same eyes filled with mystery, bewitched him once more, when will you cease to surprise him dear Y/N?

The Ravenette quietly entered your room, eyes scanning your genlte figure. The bed dipped under his weight.

“Y/N?” he whispered, rubbing your arm. His thumb rubbing circles against your sleeve as you awoke. Eyes flickering to meet his. They were wide, shimmering like the stars just outside.

“Keith” You replied. You touched his arm. You both then gazed at your blackened hand. Scorched with stygian and lilac. “We need to talk”.

“So, let's recap” Lance said. “You have always had these powers but lost them a long time ago, you suddenly have these electricity powers and still know how use them and all of that is stored in that little rock” He wiggled a finger at the amulet hung at your chest. “Am I missing anything?” the room remained silent. Pidge gazed upon the vision.

“May I?” She asked. Her hazel eyes danced upon the stone; she rubbed the glass with her thumb. “It's like its alive” She breathed as the purple streaks flurried about. Coran leaned over her shoulder.

“Hmmm, its definitely not Altean” He murmured.

“Is it magic?” Hunk queried. You nodded at him.

“Sort of... it's really quite hard to explain”

After a few days, your abilities were somewhat understood. You explained that it's been with you since birth, just never activated. Like an evening primrose, only blooming under the milk light of moon, your power only unleashed from pressure.

At dawn, you padded past the training deck but walked in upon spotting Keith. He battled simulations, cloaked in the inky suit from the Blade of Marmora. You waited for him to see you. Once he did, he pulled off his helmet and smiled at you warmly. “Train with me?” he tilted his head slightly.

You trained with him often, however, Keith now wanted to see your power, one he knew to hold much magnitude.

Your blades clinked as he pushed against yours, his eyes challenging your own.

“What does it feel like? Your vision I mean” he asked, mid in the heat of battle.

“It's familiar, l-like part of me” You panted; arms slightly trembling. Keith thought back to his mother, his blade. Feeling just right in his hands, his path slightly less clouded.

“B-but...” you went on, snapping Keith from his ruminating.

“When I used it, it felt like storms in my veins, lightning in my soul, it felt familiar” Your eyes flickered into a burst as your boyfriend was pushed away, knocked to the ground.

Keith gazed at you in bewilderment, you noticed, thus cutting off the power.

“I-I'm sorry!” You piped, extending your hands to him. Not expecting him to pull them down. You tumbled into him, leading crimson to paint your cheeks.

“Then let's reach for it, t-together" he gazed down, face also filled with heat.

#keith kogane #voltron legendary defender #fiction #my writing #keith x reader

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mint-yooxgi · 2 years

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Hey Bae!!!!! Can you Plz do the 2nd part of yan!web hacker jaehyun. It's okay if you don't want to do it, it's just that I got too excited after reading the first part and want to know what happens next!!

Part One

***

Scrolling through your laptop was the one thing you could always count on to unwind. Hours could pass as you mindlessly scrolled through site after site, sometimes allowing yourself to browse retail sites just for the hell of it to see if there was anything of interest for you. Only, that was before. Before this whole nightmare started.

Now, even so much as glancing at your laptop causes a sense of paranoia to wash over you. It has been weeks since you last touched it, opting to keep it powered off lest you want this mysterious Jae person stalking your online presence even more. Hell, you’re not even sure if it’s your laptop that’s bugged, but ever since you stopped using it, no more surprise packages have been arriving at your doorstep.

To say you’ve been living on the down low lately would be an understatement. Even your closest friends have noticed your media absence, or really, your lack of presence on your usually frequented social sites. A few have even gone so far as to message you about it, to which you’ve opted to reply that you’re simply taking a bit of a social media break at the moment. They haven’t pushed you further than that.

One evening, you find yourself sharing a bottle of wine with your closest friend, Neysha, at your place. Currently, the two of you are laughing at something she’s just said, grins tugging at both your faces. A candle sits on the coffee table before you, the flame flickering as the night wears on.

“No, I'm serious,” she chuckles, “dating apps fucking suck and sometimes the people you match with are complete weirdos.”

“Oh, come on,” you roll your eyes playfully, “they can’t all be that bad.”

“Wth the story I just told you?” She shoots you a pointed look, “I'd say they can.”

“Fair,” you nod. After a moment, “you know, I haven’t downloaded a dating app in such a long time.”

Immediately, her eyes light up, “you should! You’d probably have better luck than I do, anyways.”

“Eh,” you grimace, shrugging your one shoulder, “most of the time the people I match with aren’t looking for anything serious and I'm not into quick meet and greets like that.”

“Fair,” she mirrors your word from earlier, as you take a sip of your wine, “all you really need is a good vibrator, anyways.”

You nearly spit out your wine, choking on a cough as she looks at you with wide eyes.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Neysha leans forward, patting your back gently as you attempt to catch your breath.

“Yeah,” you clear your throat, an image of those two toys you received a few weeks ago flashing in your mind. To distract yourself, you say, “maybe I should give dating apps another go.”

“Hell yeah!” She cheers, already grabbing your phone off the coffee table in front of you to hand it to you. “Put yourself out there; you’re a catch!”

Grinning at her words, you unlock your phone. Going to the App Store, you immediately download the same dating app she’s using, the two of you taking the time to set up your profile together. Not even two minutes later, your phone dings with a match.

“Wow, that was quick.” You comment, checking who could have already matched with you.

“Oh, he’s cute!” Neysha peers over your shoulder to look at the profile with you. “His name’s Yoonoh?”

“Looks like it,” you hum, scrolling through his profile just as a notification pops up that you’ve received a message. “Oh shit, I think he just sent me a message.”

“Well, see what he said!” Neysha encourages, smile on her face.

Only, just as you finish replying to him, you notice your candle flicker out on the table before you.

Immediately, your expression falls. “Aw man, that was my favourite candle.”

Neysha turns her attention to where tendrils of smoke rise from the now extinguished wick. “I can tell.” She chuckles. “Just order a new one.”

You shoot her a tight smile in response.

“What scent is it anyways?” She asks, shifting closer to see the somewhat faded label on the side. “It smells wonderful.”

At the look she sends you, her lip quirked as she gazes at you knowingly, you huff out a laugh.

“Teakwood.” You reply. “Only my favourite type of musk, like, ever. Listen, if a man ever wears that scent around me, I would probably fall to my knees. And you know I don’t often fall to my knees for a man.”

“Amen to that,” she nods her approval, taking a sip of her wine.

The two of you continue chatting into the night, flitting from topic to topic at the drop of a hat. By the time morning comes, you’ve forgotten all about your now dead candle still sitting on your coffee table. That is, until you hear a knock at your door.

Frowning, you go to answer it only to see a small package left at your doorstep.

Immediately, your heart starts pounding in your chest, palms going sweaty as you carefully bring the package inside. Placing the box on your counter, you shoot a quick text to Neysha, asking if you or her ordered anything last night. Her answering ‘no’ sends ice right through your veins.

Carefully, you open the box, hands shaking as your eyes flick over to your still sleeping laptop sitting exactly where you last placed it all those days ago. Untouched.

A large, three wick candle of your favourite scent- teakwood- greets you in the box, almost staring mockingly back at you as you lift it out to reveal a carefully folded note placed beneath.

Your hands continue to tremble as your eyes scan the letter, the overwhelming scent of teakwood filling your nostrils. Walking a few paces away, you frown, the scent following you wherever you go. Bringing the paper to your nose, you realize in horror why.

My Darling,

every time I learn something new about you, it never fails to surprise me. I think I'm going to enjoy the thought of you on your knees for me almost as much as the thought of you using my last gifts while you think of me.

I long for the day when I can finally meet you in person, but for now I'll be content to remain like this for a while longer.

Do think of me when you light the candle.

Forever Faithfully Yours,

Jae

#ask #yandere jaehyun #jaehyun drabble #yandere nct #nct drabble #drabbles

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luxraydyne · 4 months

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I am very invested in the idea of an eitoku high era prequel (<- biggest manaka fan I know) and am interested to know your ideas for it? Putting a question mark at the end of that sounds weird but. This is an ask I guess

me 'n anon right now

tbh i have less than ideas and more like a big globule of vaguely channeled feelings knocking around in my brain lmao. from what little we see of her manaka seems like such a charming, bright, optimistic young woman, and with the trio having such different backgrounds and approaches to their lives i so want to see the three of them in action and what experiences caused them to form such a powerful bond such that we see even just in the awful horrible (albeit wonderfully done) snippet we get in aitsf. like hitomi and renju's conversation about baby iris and 'a war is about to begin between you and the baby' is hilarious and sweet in a way that is so indicative of their dynamic i want to see all three putting their heads together over something. i guess something somewhere between aitsf's real-world investigation sequences, a very pared back persona 4, maybe a dash of ace attorney or even older point-and-click mystery-adventure type games, a serious, but very local (like, within the school sort of local), contained sort of plot they bring into their personal life into out of a combined sense of curiosity, naivete, and frustration at a lack of agency in their own lives, that steadily spirals out of their control in some way without becoming, yknow, a literal apocalypse level disaster. branching end pathways could be tricky, for one, knowing from the jump there is one precise complicated scenario we have to end up with in at least one "canon", and for two, also having to weave in throughout some pretty major side-happenings with renju's entrapment by the kumakuras, hitomi as an only child dealing with the sudden death of her parents, manaka meeting so sejima and becoming his "mistress", however that happened (this is reminding me more and more of a more mature but equally nutty persona plot actually, minus the demon fighting, although that could also be a fun romp, and that draws me back to my psyncer!hitomi/renju revenge au. anyway.) like for a writer i am in fact shit at plotting out anything lol.

i suppose as a footnote to all this i should add that a dedicated prequel letting us see more of them would probably remove much of the vague, ghost-like presence that manaka and renju both have in aitsf, retroactively (retroactively?? would that be right??? for something made after but set before?? idk) making aitsf less interesting. but part of what makes characters like those two fun is the almost-not-quite-futile effort trying to reconstruct a sense of a whole complex living person out of the bitty unstable artifacts they left, allowing them to persist beyond death and intrude on the present in this fragile, timeless state (and that's real haunting the narrative baybeeee), which is kind of what we're doing with this exercise, dressed up as "imagining the fake eitoku gang prequel which would be way too grounded and non-meta, non-sci-fi to ever actually exist anyway"

#sorry if this makes no sense anon my brain isnt working so hot these days lol #from a renju bitch to the biggest manaka fan i am telepathically resonating w you rn #aitsf #aitsf spoilers #manaka iwai #renju okiura #hitomi sagan #they are the mystery inc gang. in my heart.#ask

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writer-monster · 3 years

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11 reasons why cap 4 should reintroduce Bucky Barnes as the love interest, an essay

to start this off, i am not writing this essay from a shipping place nor do i believe that this would have any influence at all over the upcoming movie. i expect nothing. this is simply something that i would personally like to see. (of course no hate to anybody who thinks differently)

here are 11 reasons why i think making Bucky into Sam Wilson's love interest in Cap 4 would be a good move for Disney.

1. on the Chinese film market - and why it's an irrelevant argument against the inclusion of homosexual themes in Cap 4

the Chinese film market is something that has been blamed for a lack of diversity in Hollywood films a lot lately. many people claim that this market with a lot of buying power has been responsible for the lack of gay and black representation in particular within Hollywood films.

and we have certainly seen Hollywood treating it as such, going so far as to cut gay scenes from movies for their Chinese releases, and vastly minimising John Boyega's (a black actor's) presence in the Chinese poster of Star Wars The Force Awakens.

[image ID: on the left is an image of the American poster for Star Wars The Force Awakens, featuring John Boyega prominently on the right-hand side. And on the right is the Chinese poster for the same movie, in which John Boyega is barely visible.]

so we know at the very least that Disney believes this through their own actions and efforts to self-censor for the different markets.

but Captain America 4 is a black-led movie, don't you forget. and Disney can't minimise Sam Wilson/Anthony Mackie in the movie or the poster because it's his movie and his poster. and no amount of creativity in the editing room can change that (thank God!).

so if by their own argument the film is already going to be either banned, panned or slammed in China... then what do they have to fear from making it a gay movie too?

2. oh, the queerbaiting

queerbaiting is an unusual cultural idea. and sometimes i find myself thinking that the term is far too easily used, but then all of a sudden i will stumble upon a movie or show that is so quintessentially cruel and overt in it's... well... queerbaiting that i will start to wonder what the hell kind of a bizarre relationship all these straight people seem to have with their friends. take Troy and Abed from Community or John and Sherlock from Sherlock as the perfect examples of this. (in which my reaction to the show's creators saying the show wasn't gay was to ask so then why did you make it so gay?!)

i felt that Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes in tfatws were getting quite close to this level of queerbaiting.

there was the field scene, the couple's counselling scene, the boat scene, the couple's counselling scene, Bucky going with Sam to face Karli when she told Sam to come alone, the couple's counselling scene, ALL the staring scenes, Sam checking out Bucky's ass here as they said goodbye, the "i would move in with him but" hidden scene, "Uncle Bucky" showing up at the cookout scene, the romantic walking off together into the sunset together ending scene, and the couple's counselling scene. did i forget anything? but i mean seriously, the couple's counselling scene!!! that thing they did with their legs and their crotches while staring deep into each other's eyes, would any straight guy willingly do that? do straight guys crotch-snuggle now?

[image ID: an image of Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes during the therapy scene with the quote, "Isn't anybody going to drag me into impromptu couple's therapy and slot my legs firmly between theirs before staring deeply into my eyes?"]

(yeah i stole this image from a buzzfeed article on the fan reactions to the couple's therapy scene. but given that they stole 80% of the content of that article from fandom tumblr, i think it's pretty even-steven.)

there's also the fact that people started talking about bisexual Bucky Barnes a lot after the tiger pictures line, and the lead writer Malcom Spellman responded to the talk of Bucky's bisexuality with "just keep watching". well we watched, Malcolm. but it's beginning to feel like you were just jerking us around.

3. the writing

seriously though, what else is Bucky Barnes doing right now in the MCU? his only remaining connection to anything going on right now is through Sam. there is literally nothing else established that's left for him to do that doesn't involve Sam. he moved to Louisiana to be closer to Sam (canonically), he hangs out with Sam's family (canonically), and Steve is presumably gone and is definitely not coming back for more adventures.

he has no villains or loose ends left. he has no other superheroes that he appears to be in contact with. he has no girlfriend or potential love interest, or even other friends or family. he is living in a tent that he has secretly set up in Sam's backyard and is mysteriously appearing from the bushes when it's time for dinner like a stray cat.

in my opinion there is no other meaningful and pre-established progression for Bucky's character that wouldn't just feel cheap.

plus, i don't think the general audience would be all that surprised if they kissed. i think a LOT of people picked up on all that tension. i think a lot of straight people picked up on all that tension too.

4. the chemistry between the actors & the chemistry between the characters

the original pitch for tfatws was essentially just this, it was the chemistry between Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie and their respective MCU characters of Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson.

now obviously Anthony and Sebastian are simply friends, and i wouldn't mean to imply anything more. but they are also not their characters.

Sam and Bucky's scenes together before tfatws were both limited and short, and yet audiences still fell in love with the dynamic between the two characters.

in interviews, these two actors are constantly slipping into character and flirting with each other and frankly it's adorable. plus it's really entertaining. i'd love to see that dynamic, unfiltered, in a movie.

because believe it or not the flirting is actually even more open in their interviews than it was in tfatws. and i'm leaving some links as proof.

this here is known as the "married" compilation

and here's a "lucky dip" selection of interviews - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

and here's Anthony trying to get Seb to take his jacket off.

i'm just saying, why not let their chemistry shine? these two are so talented and so entertaining, especially when you put them in a room together. and can you imagine how absolutely hilarious and brilliant it would be to watch them navigate being a couple?

(and for those who bring up the "friends would be uncomfortable pretending to be dating" argument, i'm not here asking for a sex scene or anything. i don't think anyone would expect them to show any more intimacy (physical or emotional) while playing a couple than what they've already shown together in say... tfatws or in their own interviews. not that i actually expect anything regardless.)

5. if they were a man and a woman they would've gotten together in tfatws

i have no more to add here. just that... yeah, they would've.

6. and i'm not talking about the comics here, i'm talking about the MCU.

i understand fully that none of what i'm saying here falls in line with these characters from the comics. but the mcu itself doesn't fall much in line with the comics either, and these two characters especially are very different from their comics counterparts.

i'm not asking for these two to get together in the comics. tbh i don't think that it would work.

but the mcu Sam and Bucky are different and closer than their comics counterparts. they've got different histories, different backstories, and a very different dynamic. please rest assured that i am only talking about them in the mcu.

7. Bucky Barnes is believably bisexual. and Sam Wilson has never been proven to be straight in the mcu, nor has he had a love interest.

(now please continue to keep in mind that these points only stand for the mcu versions of Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson, and not at all for their comics counterparts.)

Sam Wilson has never had a love interest, which is crazy because have you seen that man! he has had two blink and you'll miss it moments of verbal expression of attraction to women, both in TWS. and that's the extent of it, through his entire history in the mcu.

Bucky Barnes has had a number of surface-level female love interests, but none of them even came close to the level of connection and chemistry that Bucky shares with Sam.

and i'm sorry SarahBucky fans, but i just don't think there's very much to their relationship either. i love Sarah, i really do. but it's Sam who shares all the meaningful moments and history and chemistry with Bucky. and i don't see what making her into a love interest would do for Sarah's character either, what would that add to her story?

[Picture ID: Bucky at the cookout with Sam, Sarah, Cass and AJ. Bucky and Sam are looking at each other and smiling.]

and also there is the whole tiger pictures thing... again. which does strongly suggest that Bucky is bisexual whether this was intentional on behalf of the writers or not.

8. it's representation... AND it feels natural

marvel hasn't had a lot of queer representation that's been noticeably present in the MCU at the time of writing this.

there have been a lot of failures so far, from the bisexual erasure of Valkyrie in Thor Ragnarok to the wlw erasure in Black Panther.

there was queerbaiting almost identical to the bisexual Bucky baiting for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. when asked if he had considered featuring a gay hero in gotg2, director James Gunn stated that "We might have already done that. I say, watch the movie." after the movie's release audiences were understandably confused about the lack of queer representation. To which the director followed up his comments with, "But we don't really know who's gay and who's not. It could be any of them."

there is also Loki, considered by most fans after the airing of his six episode series on Disney+ to be both a poor attempt at both genderfluid representation and bisexual representation. with both attempts being summed up fairly well by the term "blink-and-you'll-miss-it". (also it's just terribly written and Loki doesn't wear any interesting clothes! fanficcers are a Goddamn blessing in this hard time!)

and let us not forget that Andrew Garfield was apparently FIRED for pushing for a bisexual spiderman. a bisexual spiderman within an interracial mlm relationship no less.

so for all these failures, marvel, why not allow us queer fans this? two brilliant and heroic men in a loving interracial relationship. two heroes that we can look up to.

now, one of the biggest detractions from the argument for representation is the idea of "forced diversity". and some poorly written characters certainly do end up feeling forced into the narrative. take Iceman in the comics for example, with Jean Grey just straight up suddenly telling him he's gay. like, marvel, sweetie, that's not how this works! and i don't know a lot of queer people who thought much of that "representation".

but the crux of the "forced diversity" argument is almost always that it feels unnatural within the story, right? and i don't think that anyone could say that about MCU Sam and Bucky ending up together, given these characters' existing chemistry and their history. they've both played characters in gay relationships before so we know that it's not outside of either actor's wheelhouse. and y'all know that Anthony and Seb can act, people. if it's in the script i believe that they'll make it seem like the most natural thing on earth.

9. it'd be a nice change

there's been an ongoing meme lately about "Disney's first gay character", the joke being that they continually announce gay characters without really ever including gay characters in their films.

this is to the point where Disney has formed a reputation amongst queer audiences of being homophobic.

if Sam and Bucky were to become a couple, then Disney could have its first actual gay character within a gay relationship. AND have him be in the lead of his own movie, no less.

it's also worth keeping in mind that there's likely an overlap between the people who were outraged by a Sam Wilson Captain America, and the people who'd be outraged by a gay Captain America. and if they were already not seeing the film, then i don't think much is gonna change that.

queer audiences would definitely love it, and the media attention would be guaranteed to be huge. i mean, simply look at the amount of media attention mere rumours of a character's queerness gets you and multiply that by a canon confirmation of said rumours.

but i'm pretty sure that Disney already knows this.

10. and yet, in truth, it's not about the representation

in truth i've never felt that i had any trouble relating to characters of any sexual orientation, race, gender, sex, body type, etc. (although that is not to throw any shade at all on people who do wish to see themselves represented) but for me, i think it's more about the story than the packaging.

and yet, a love story is still just a story. straight or queer, monoethnic or interracial. when two characters have chemistry and history and have sacrificed for each other time and time again, and they also can't keep their hands or their eyes off each other, then i'm pretty sure that that's a love story.

straight or queer, monoethnic or interracial, it shouldn't be about these simple labels. it should be about how well written the relationship is. it should be about chemistry, and history, and sacrifice.

because i'm fucking sick of all the hollow, forced romances in media no matter the genders of the participants. i'm sick of lazily written, shallow relationships where any two people sharing the same space for any extended period of time will simply fall in love. it's boring, it's repetitive, and as a writer myself it drives me up the wall!

romance stories suck! and everyone knows that romance stories suck. between twilight, and most of the entire YA genre, and love triangles (so boring), and romance used as poorly-written throwaway subplots in Hollywood movies, the world is in agreement that the romance in western media is simply dreadful. and yet we still want love stories. it's an entire genre that sits at the heart of the human experience (<3), and yet one which so few of today's best known writers seem truly able to capture.

i don't think that i'm the only one who feels this way, either. i suspect it's actually a large part of why fandom is so romance-centred in the first place, that we're all just starving for a good love story.

(btw i think fandom has a reputation for being something that as a whole that it is not. it has this reputation for straight up demanding things and harassing people until they get their way. while unfortunately there are a few people who do this, they're fucking annoying and i swear that they're far from the majority.

in my experience fandom is mostly about writing a five thousand word story at three am while drunk off your ass because it might make someone whom you've never met smile, editing it in the cold light of day, and then posting it. expecting nothing. sometimes getting nothing. and sometimes getting someone send you kudos or a comment so heartbreakingly wonderful that it makes you smile in return.)

11. so once again, it is all about the writing.

i want to see Sam and Bucky get together in the mcu, not because they would be a gay couple but because i genuinely believe that their story has potential to be an amazing love story.

and i know the mcu isn't about the romance. it's why in my personal opinion we haven't gotten a lot of good canon romances besides Peter Quill and Gamora. and i don't think that the mcu should be all about the romance either. i fucking love the action and the fighting scenes. i love the comedy. Captain America: The Winter Soldier had no romance and it was a fucking treasure, it was an amazing spy-action-thriller and it made my little gay heart dance. Thor Ragnarok had no romance, and it was an utterly brilliant comedic spectacle action film. not every movie needs romance.

but mcu Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes were doing couple's therapy and fixing a boat and walking off into the sunset together in tfatws. they were inseparable on the battlefield. they've got a dynamic. it's beautiful, it's romantic, and it's gold.

a budding relationship between them in the next movie would be a good way to explore both characters more without the narrative feeling too stilted and separate. at the end of tfatws, both Sam and Bucky fans found that their respective fave felt somewhat underutilised and that their characters were underexplored.

now, that problem would be even more difficult to remedy in a movie, because the plotline of a movie needs to be really tight to work (giggity). and we know that the central conflict of the movie is gonna be action-based (which is good), but we still need each character's personal journey and growth to tie into the main conflict. (which is another issue that some fans found with tfatws, that these characters didn't really feel connected to the action-based plot on a more personal level.)

if Sam and Bucky are already in a relationship, however, this whole dynamic changes. first, their relationship has already been set up for nicely since TWS and through tfatws and they would officially be the best-fleshed-out couple in the mcu. but most importantly, a relationship gives them a perfect vehicle to explore both of their pasts comparatively and connect them personally to the action-based plot.

do you want to establish that Sam is a little too trusting and naïve? then establish this through his relationship with Bucky, and through showing his placing his trust in Bucky. (rather than through having him sympathise with a villain who threatened to murder his sister and his nephews).

perhaps you want to show Bucky recovering from his trauma? show us how comfortable he is with Sam. they get along, they're enjoying each other's presence, we see more of Sam's life and of his family, and then let Bucky tell Sam something that's raw and dark and honest about his life as The Winter Soldier. something about a memory, one that he only just recalled. he's opening up. and maybe what he tells Sam is even something that sets up the future action-based conflict, to ground that in something real.

you want to explore that Sam has trauma too? do this through Bucky. he tells Bucky a story about his time in the military. in the form of a flashback, he shares his own story of loss to evoke before the audience the shared theme of feeling at fault even when you're simply a helpless bystander to an act of pure destruction.

then, action sequence! and it's directly connected to Bucky's time as the Winter Soldier. explore the grief of someone whose life the Winter Soldier tore apart manifesting into a villain perpetuating the cycle of pain. establish your villain.

Later, Sam is dragged into battle against this villain for protecting Bucky. But Bucky doesn't want Sam to protect him. He feels guilt for what he can't control and he doesn't want Sam getting hurt because of him. Bucky reminds Sam that he has a family, one who needs him and who loves him. He tells him to go home.

Sam reminds Bucky that he's a part of that family. And that sure Sam's a hero and his job is to protect anyone and everyone, but that he's doing it because he wants to. It's not simply to prove that he can, or to prove that he's not a bystander (this connects to Sam's trauma here), but that he's doing it to help people.

and this gets Bucky thinking about who he is and what he's doing here. is he a hero who stands by Sam's side? or is he an ordinary man who stands aside? or perhaps, does he stand alone? what does he stand for? Maybe Sam knows. But does Bucky?

Sam and Bucky fight off the villain again, and for the first time Bucky meets this adversary face to face. And Bucky recognises this villain, and has a flashback to the genuine pain that he inflicted upon them in the form of the Winter Soldier. Bucky freezes mid-fight, he almost dies, and Sam has to save him.

Sam chews Bucky out for almost getting killed because he was afraid for him. but Bucky takes this the wrong way and goes off to fight the villain alone, or perhaps to die alone, he's not quite sure.

He puts up a half-hearted fight. He apologises for what the Winter Soldier has done, and he waits for the killing blow, when Sam swoops down and he saves him. He asks Sam why he saved him and Sam calls him a moron. And then, Sam asks him what sacrificing himself would solve. He tells him that you can't choose your past but you can choose your future (connecting to his own experience of loss and guilt and grief). And that no matter what Bucky Barnes still has a future, whether that's as the Winter Soldier or the White Wolf or just some dork with a day job. And that he has a future as a part of Sam's family too.

Sam fights the villain, and it's toe to toe. He delivers a few good blows, but receives a fair few himself. And then the villain tears off his wings, first one and then the other, in a manner reminiscent of what the Winter Soldier did to him in TWS. Through Bucky's eyes there's a flashback to highlight the parallels. Sam gets back on his feet and he fights his best fight, but is now losing.

And then the heavily injured Bucky steps up and fights by Sam's side, and only together do they take down the villain.

"So... I inspired you, huh?" Sam teases with a smile, utterly exhausted. "With my heroism and-"

"You inspired me." Bucky said, equally exhausted. "Let's leave it at that."

Together, Sam and Bucky go back to the safety and warmth of their family. Sam fixes his wings. Sam goes back to being Captain America. And Bucky... he's around, but it's unclear what he's doing.

That is, until the very end. When Sam is in a fight, and suddenly Bucky shows up and helps him out.

"What are you doing here?" Sam asks.

"I've made up my mind." Bucky says. "I'm the Winter Soldier. But now I'll save lives, Sam. Now, like you, I'll be a hero."

Sam smirks. "So does this make you my sidekick, then?"

Bucky smiles. "C'mon, at least make me a partner." He says.

"How about co-workers." Sam says (in flashback, he remembers back to the death of his last on-the-job partner).

"How about friends." Bucky says, with a wry look.

"Bucky... I don't want to see you put your dumbass self in danger." Sam says.

"Oh, and it's ok for you to go running off into danger on your own all the time?" Bucky asks.

"Yes." Sam says stubbornly. "Absolutely it is."

"Why?"

"Because I'm not a dumbass?!"

"Sam, if you think I'm not gonna be watching your back for the rest of time... then you're the biggest dumbass I know. And I don't care if you need me or not, I will be there for you."

"Because Sam, you're more than Captain America. You're more than a good soldier. You're a good man. And I think sometimes, the world forgets what the difference is."

...or something like that.

(i only spent like 15 minutes on that. you know if i were actually writing this movie i would come up with something much better. and if anyone from marvel is seeing this, yes i can come work for you. i will make the time, let's do this thing right!)

finale

at the end of the day, whether or not the mcu chooses to make Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes a couple, it's their decision. and they don't owe me anything.

i'm just some random person on the internet. who thinks that Captain America 4 should #givecaptainamericaaboyfriend

#givecaptainamericaaboyfriend #meta #analysis #captain america 4 #caatws #fatws #tfatws #captain america #cap 4 #sam wilson #bucky barnes #sambucky #marvel #mcu #mcu phase 4

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husbandohunter · 3 years

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Dear Father [Genshin Impact/Diluc x Reader]

Synopsis: Wherever you are wherever you may be, even if you are beyond my reach, I only wish to see you again. -from a letter lost in the wind.

(A story where you and Diluc somehow managed to meet Crepus)

Genre: all fluff

"I know how late I am to father's day but here's my father's day take on Genshin Impact! Just let Diluc be happy for once T_T Mihoyo pls."

============================

Discovering Master Crepus' old belongings was like wandering in a domain surrounded by ancient artifacts. Each piece holding the memory of someone you've never met.

The paintings. Master Crepus loved to paint. Typically birds were the main muse of this portraits since they deeply embodied Mondstadt's values for freedom which shows you how much he cherished this city just like his son did. In almost every hallway you walked through there was a collection of his paintings, some belonged to another artist but the majority was an original work. Diluc didn't have the heart to sell them.

Elzer. He was one of the oldest workers who served under the Ragnvindr name, ever since Master Crepus had appointed him during his earlier days. You were told that he treated everyone, both staff and noble, with equal respect. Almost all the denizens of Mondstadt knew this man for he was not only noble in riches but also in the soul.

"I'm sure he would have loved to meet you in person. Now that I think about it, you and Master Crepus are quite similar. Haha, it seems that Master Diluc was selective in terms of who he wanted for his future bride."

Elzer adds with a light chuckle but the statement only made you more curious. A man who affected the lives of so many others, he must have been a wonderful person.

Diluc. The bloodline Master Crepus left behind after his death, a piece of himself and the heir to the whole wine industry, his son Diluc. Although you could see the resemblance in appearance, both of them were men of prinicples and values, putting Mondstadt first before anything else and you suddenly realized if that was the reason why Diluc was so protective of this city. As if, it were everything he had? You could tell he loved Master Crepus very much, not because he said so, rather the painful expression buried deep within his crimson glare whenever someone brought up the topic. Diluc was skilled in hiding himself, it's something he practiced over the years of working alone, though he lowered his guard as long as you were the only one present.

Even so, he had many conflicts still wringing him internally and you didn't want to push him until the day he felt ready to personally tell you himself.

But it would be nice if he opened up, just a little bit.

There were times when you would worry since Diluc had the tendency to hide his feelings for the sake of not troubling you. He wanted to keep life simple and bright, bringing the best to the table while making sure that you lived safely out of harm's way. You couldn't seem to get him to understand that as lovers, you would be happy to help him, in anything. Unconditionally. It was natural for you to feel the need to force yourself in every once in a while and there was nothing more you wanted to know than the story of the man who raised him.

You would even jest on the idea of what it fel like to meet Master Crepus in person. Were you able to reach his standards by any chance? Would he have liked you just as everyone claimed? Of course, they were only silly indulgent thoughts so you quickly dismissed them in the end. Bringing back the past was impossible no matter how badly you wanted it. You closed your heart on that possibility.

On a lovely evening, while you and Diluc were taking your time off Angel's Share to make a stroll around Mondstadt's quiet streets, a strange merchant called over to you. She displayed various antiques ranging from different sizes to designs, none of them seemed to haven been carved in the same place but distinct cultures throughout Teyvat. The only thing they had in common was that they were all equally beautiful to the eye.

However a particular item of what looks like to be a heart locket snatches your attention and you instantly became mesmerized, allured by it's mysterious charm.

"Ah, the locked heart caught your fancy, my lady? It's said once you open it, you will be set free."

"It's magnificent..." you muttered, staring unabashed at the shining surface.

Diluc who was observing from behind folded his arms and tilts his head, "How much is that?"

Although you intended to simply inspect the choices, your lover immediately offers to pay. They all already gave the impression of a hefty price and you didn't want him to spend his fortune on things that deemed unecessary. Still, this wasn't the first time it happened. Diluc would always insist whenever you protested against him from buying anything, it was just a way of expressing his affections towards you. Mora was never a problem and you were priceless. That's how he sees things. You had to remind yourself to be careful when stumbling upon a bustling area full of salesmen next time.

"Five hundred thousand mora."

He purchased it without hesitation.

On your way home, Diluc noticed that something was amiss. You couldn't tear your gaze from the locket as if it had hypnotized you by the golden smooth surface. He had to ensure you didn't run into anyone by accident, tugging your arm closer so that it gave him an opportunity to lead you where you yourself could not. Surely it must have been the appearance but instead of being drawn by, you were drawn in. Completely.

I wonder...what will happen if I open it?

"(Y/n)?" Diluc narrows his eyebrows together. Did you like it that much? No, he knew you weren't the type to be so etranced by jewelry, this was certainly different. Even the merchant seemed a little suspicious when she approached you and Diluc couldn't ignore the heavy sense of aminosity that was emitted around her aura. He couldn't think within her presence but now that his mind was much clearer, he was able to use his skillful judgements.

"Wait...! Don't open it yet-"

However, he was too late.

The wind picks up at an alarming speed and you both brought up your arms to block the debris that had flown in the way. They swirled in non-stop motion until your worlds were engulfed with not even the sky in sight. Amidst the turmoil Diluc latchest onto you and holds your body close his chest as he was determined to protect against any force that dared to hurt you. Something heavy knocks his head and he winces, tighting his hold even further. Your voice could hardly be heard with all the noise that rung around and eventually you discovered the the world wasn't disappearing. You both were.

The last thought you had was the image of Master Crepus and you didn't know why.

---

"Diluc? Diluc?"

He faintly heard his name through a series of echoes. Diluc fights to regaind concousness, feeling your grip upon his shoulder while trying to urge him awake.

"Diluc are you alright?"

Your worried face was the first thing he sees other than the fog that looms above. Diluc blinks a few times in an attempt to ease his migraine, using one arm to force his body into a seating position as he allowed himself to be supported by you at the same time.

"Does your head hurt?" You ask, palming gently against his forehead to feel the heat. Even if her was usually very warm, there was no unusual rise in tempurature, something must have hit him instead, "Here, maybe this will help."

Bringing out your hand you concentrated on generating the water through your fingertips. Having a hydro vision meant you were capable of healing magic which Diluc appreciated since he often came home late at night with injuries hidden behind his sleeves. But nothing came out and he became even more suspicious of the situation.

"Eh? What's going on?" You blurted out, patting down your clothes and your pockets, "My Vision, it's gone too!"

"Mine as well," Diluc flexes his fingers to test his own element, "It seems that our powers were sealed once we entered this domain."

"A domain that prevents you from using a Vision? That doesn't sound very comforting," you scratched your head, suddenly remembering the cause of your current problem, "The locket...it's all starting to make sense now. Ugh, I should have listened to you earlier, I'm sorry Diluc."

"No (Y/n), you don't have to apologize," he interjects and you returned a curious glance, "I should have stopped you the minute I discovered there was something strange. I was too careless."

"You felt that too? I thought I was the only one," your tone and face mimics one of surprise. The fog continues to dance around, enclosing the two of you to the small area. You lifted your head and looked above in deep contemplation, "When I saw the locket I couldn't tear my eyes off of it, like something was pulling me in. Like...there was a spell casted on it."

"What do you mean?" he asked in an inquisitive manner.

You nod, "I can't put my finger on it bit Ifel that the locket wanted me to..." balling your fist upon your lap, you stared intensely at the floor as if drilling holes into them while digging into the depths of your mind for any specific clues. Initially you thought the locket was so captivating that you were simply charmed by it's craftmanship. But tere was more than that, you began deciphering, there was also a need for fulfillment. A yearning desire, "to know. The locket was calling me to know."

'Once you open it, you will be set free.'

"To know..." you trailed off. How strange. No matter how much you tried to rationalize, you were always brought back to the same square as if the locket knew exactly what you wanted. What you were lacking. Because the one thing you wanted to know most about was the person you've never met, "Someone very important to you."

The fog dispersed.

Diluc instinctively puts an arm in front of you defensively as he scanned his quick and thorough eyes around the area. It didn't take long for him to know exactly where everything was. In fact, the abrupt change isn't what puts him on high alert, but it was how familiar everything looked to the point he evaluates if there was any reason to be skeptical or if he should be breathtaken.

"What a beautiful house," However you didn't recognize it. Diluc knew because he had yet to meet you during the time he lived in this estate, "I wonder who does it belong to?"

"Father's old mansion...how?" Diluc breatlessly mutters, as if seeing the supremecy of Celestia for the first time. When years passed after his father died, he chose to sell off the majority of his belongings, the mansion being on for example. Currently it was in the possession of a well-known business associate that used to be a friend of Crepus. The mansion would likely have looked much different due to the renovations it gone through but Diluc remembers the picture as if this were yesterday. Everything was in tact. The vine yard, the gazebo where they drank tea, the hill that he and Kaeya used to race on when they were kids-

Revelation burns in his pupils as his eyes expanded.

"Welcome home, my son."

Both you and Diluc fall wordless at the sight that appeared like a miracle's blessing. Crepus stands at a distance, the graceful smile complimenting his warm features. He looked exactly how the court artists portrayed him in the Ragnvindr's family picture. Sharp face with gentle eyes and an aura that was as pleasant as what Elzer described.

"So this is why the locket was calling to us," you whispered, "I guess the mora really was worth it after all."

"...Fa...ther...."

You snuck a glance at Diluc. From behind the resemblance was as clear as dawn, like you were staring at a carbon copy of Master Crepus himself. Almost. He was a less hardened version of Diluc during uncommon situations. It made you think just how much you didn't know before his father passed away. What kind of person was this man during his days as a knight? You never had the chance to know.

"Father is that really you?" Diluc couldn't help his voice from trembling, paralyzed in place when he could hardly make sense of what stands in front of him. The person he longed to hear from, the person who left the world too quick, Diluc was afraid to get his hopes up in case his father suddenly disappeared and everything was just an illusion conjured by his mind. He was already used to being betrayed and dealt with disappointment too often. Which is why he learned to trust only himself. But, right now, can he really trust himself?

Feeling your hand gently on his shoulders, Diluc was brought back to reality. You smiled with warm reassurance that bled into your voice, "It's okay Diluc. Go, I'm here for you."

There was the faintest light shining in his eyes as emotions swell in his chest. Ever since you came Diluc never had to feel alone anymore, truly, you were the light that was brought back into his eyes, to his life when he gave up the thought of seeing it again. If he couldn't trust himself then at the very least, he could trust you.

"Thank you," he embraces you wholly like you were everything, and you were, before letting go and taking off to the otherside.

The air hits him in a rush and knocks the ones out of his lungs, "Father!" Diluc yells with tearful eyes. For the first time in a long while he was finally letting his feelings run free, "Father!" A name that felt foreign upon words that is pushes him forward, wanting to claim the truth that was smiling from afar.

"Father!"

Crepus lifted his arms and openly catches Diluc when he crashed into him. Here. He was here. He certainly was.

"Haha its been a while hasn't it my son?" He begins, encasing Diluc in a hug like he did the day he turned eighteen. Crepus was a tall man and his genes seemed to have went through. Back when they were younger, Diluc managed to only reach the blade of his shoulders, just barely. Now they were practically the same height, "Look how much you've grown over the years. There were so many things I planned to say but I don't know where to start."

Seven years. That was how long Crepus spent alone with his thoughts. He saw what happened through that time span, the truth about the Knights and Kaeya's origins. To say that none of that bothered him would be a lie. Especially when his son was the most impacted throughout all the events.

"Father I...I-" Diluc tries to speak but the words dissolved the moment it reached his tongue. He wasn't the type to be very good at expressing emotions. None of it could simply be communicated by sentences. For him, actions spoke louder yet somehow, they still wouldn't be enough. Nothing can comprehend the weight of seven years.

Crepus seemed to have understood and fills in the gap instead, "I have also missed you and Kaeya. More than I can even say. It must have been so hard for you both to endure it all by yourselves. Life hits us when we least expect it but despite that, you still chose to persevere."

Diluc clenches his hold, face buried in his shoulders and mouth quivering as he barely answers, "Yeah."

"You're both my pride and joy no matter what happens, as a father I cannot be more proud," before knowing, everything that was said came out naturally from his spirit. Crepus may have his own set of things to share but he knew what Diluc needed the most, "So please don't stop relying on one another, don't always think that you have to do everything alone. Stength is a virtue. However, its okay to let go and allow new people to come into your life. I don't need to be avenged, as long as you and Kaeya are happy, its all I ask for."

As if the world had been lifted from his shoulders, Diluc allows himself to break just this once. On the outside, he was known to be an unstoppable force, the Mondstadt tycoon, the uncrowned king and a hero who serves at night. But here you saw only a boy who dearly missed his father as he hugs him tightly. Although you couldn't hear their conversation clearly, just watching them from where you stood was enough to make your eyes glisten from pure happiness.

"You finally chose to open your heart, right Diluc?" You quietly note to yourself, "You don't have to carry everything by yourself anymore, you're free."

'Once you open it, you will be set free.'

He was able to dwell in this one in a lifetime experience, all because you unlocked the heart and dispersed the fog inside.

They spent a good amount of minutes bringing the distance back together after being seperated for so many years. You made sure to make minimal movements in the consideration of their time. It was only temporary until Crepus noticed you standing in the distance and he gave you a quick glance. Your whole body tenses in response, suddenly feeling guilty as if you were a third wheel who didn't belong in the moment between two family members.

He's staring at me. Diluc's father is staring at me! Your thoughts panicked along with your thrumming heart. What should I do?!!

"I see you've brought someone along with you," He comments, the playfulness rising in his tone, "She seems to have been waiting for quite a while already. If you don't mind, may you do the honours of introducing her to me?"

Diluc turns to see you stiffened in place with your hands tightly clasped below your stomach and heat pooling from your ear to your cheeks as you dipped your head down. His father was a kind man and he couldn't understand there the discomfort came from, yet found it endearing nonetheless. Diluc walks over to you and extends his hand, silently urging you to come with him. You complied, albeit hesitantly at first.

"It'll be okay my love," he whispered softly, causing you to be taken aback by the nickname he called you by. Diluc often reserves them for special instances and this was one of them, "Whatever the staff told you about my father, they're the truth. Trust in their judgement. Trust in me."

"Diluc..." you say, voice fading. You knew him to be someone who always kept his word and someone who would never lie to you. Taking in a short breath, you nodded, "Alright, I will," and followed his lead.

There was once a time where you indulged in the idea of facing Master Crepus in person. But never did you prepare yourself for the amount of pressure it came with. Now that you were together with his son, there was a high chance that he would also become part of his family too, sooner or later. You weren't just meeting Master Crepus. You were also meeting your future father-in-law.

"Father, this is (Y/n)," Diluc starts the welcoming exchanges. You felt his hand squeeze yours gently. He turns to you so that you caught glimpse of his face, seeing the reverance in his gaze that was hinted among his handsome features, "She's the woman I fell in love with and I would do anything to make her happy. I cherish her more than anything else."

"D-Diluc!" you flushed, your embarassment as red as his own hair. But he wasn't bothered by it in the slightest.

"I only speak the truth."

Master Crepus lets out a content chuckle, drawing both of your attentions back to him, "He can be surprising poetic sometimes but I'm sure that he got it from me. Even my wife reacted the same way," he reminisced shortly before sighing, "In truth I already knew that you were together. Staying in the after life gave me the chances to watch things from an omniscient standpoint, I was sincerely worried how Diluc would handle things when I suddenly left, I hope you don't mind. If you do, I apologize for making you uncomfortable."

"N-Not at all!"

"Haha, you're very kind. Thank you. I'm glad that my son was able to find a woman like you to be his fated partner. As a parent, it brings me great reassurance," Crepus remarked, "I know he can be stubborn and a little too headstrong when it comes to making decisions. It really must be a handful for you to deal with at times but I promise you that he means well. So please continue to watch over him in my stead, take care of my son while I'm gone."

"You can count on me," you beamed, "I'll give it my all."

"You have my gratitude (Y/n)," Crepus replies and turned to Diluc, "And listen to her every once in a while. I may have been the previous owner of our wine industry but even I always make sure to get me sufficient amount of rest. Son you know its bad to get two to three hours of sleep every day."

You blinked, "Two to three hours?"

Diluc clears his throat, "I understand Father. You don't have to say it."

Oh I think he does.

With a satisfied grin, Crepus took both of your hands together in his and gave you his blessings. The man once considered to be an artifact through the vast mansion was going to be part of the memories in your life. All of your expressions held as much happiness as the future can become now that he gave you the closure you both needed.

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analoghorrorexplained · 3 years

Text

Mandela catalogue explained (10/18/21)

[This post contains spoilers for the above series. Please do not click on this post if you do not want to have the plot of the series spoiled for you. This post also contains disturbing/upsetting material. Reader digression is advised. All of the series I talk about can be found on youtube]

ACTIVE WARNINGS: Uncanny valley, distorted human faces, suicide

______________________________________________________________

THE PLOT

Mandela Catalogue is a relatively new series set in Mandela County (somewhere in the USA) and is roughly about these beings simply referred to as “alternates” and how they terrorize the residents of Mandela county and possibly the world at large.

The story seems to focus on a character named Mark (and his friend/neighbor César) and how they are both killed by Alternates. Cesar calls Mark to his house inorder to turn on his security cameras since he needs to take his mother to the hospital due to her having some mystery medical emergency. It is at this point we can assume Cesar is an alternate since he is slow to answer questions and is pretty vague with his responses. Mark comes over anyway and after doing what he is asked to, he is made aware of a presence following him. An alternate (presumably the one that was mimicking Cesar) followed him home and traps him in his house. Mark attempts to kill the alternate and fails, so he instead kills himself.

In later episodes it is revealed that the house Cesar and his mother lived in was possibly Mark’s childhood home. And through a book Mark made when he was 4, we learn that an ‘intruder’ was in the house and knocking on doors. But it is unknown why this intruder never made attempts at killing any of the family members (at least at this time) but at some point Mark and his family moved out, leaving the intruder to reside in the house which is where Cesar comes in. At some point the alternate kills Cesar (it is unknown when this happened but its presumably before the events of the 1st volume) and uses him as a puppet to lure people into the house and create more alternates.

What seems to be happening is these Alternates are slowly replacing the human population with themselves via way of fear. And the only way they can replicate is by killing other people (or gaining access to corpses)

THE ALTERNATES

The Alternates in the series are extradimentional beings that seem to exist only to terrorize humanity. They use psychological warfare tactics in order to get their victims to kill themselves (since they cannot seem to be able to physically do anything to their victims on their own) and after finally does the alternate presumably takes over the corpse of the victims body. After they take over the corpse of the victims they are seemingly able to interact with the physical world and kill more victims and thus create more alternates. These alternates only seem to be able to be harmed if they are in a corporeal form and seemingly only via firearms or other ranged weapons. But its not outright stated whether these beings can be killed or not (it is very likely they cant be harmed or killed at all due to the extradimentional nature).

There are three official types but there is also an unoffical type of alternate I would like to address too.

Doppelgangers (type 1): These alternates share the very same physical features as their victims and are the most human like out of all the alternates. These are the hardest to detect out of the three and thus are the most dangerous since there is little warning signs something is wrong.

Detectable (type 2): These alternates have a human form but have features that are ‘not quite right’. For example features could be slightly too large or small for the face. These alternates are easier to detect, but seem to be able to morph into type 1s for a brief period of time.

Type 3: These alternates are the easiest to detect out of the three since they have features that are biologically impossible for humans to have. For example they may lack a face entirely, or have a face that is stretched to proportions that are physically impossible.

Intruders (unofficial): These alternates seem to be what an alternate is before it obtains a physical form. It either takes the form of a type 2 or 3 alternate (having barley stable physical features) and does not seem to be able to actually interact anything physically. Instead, they use their powers of psychological manipulation to get the victim to kill themselves inorder to become any one of the three types of alternates listed above.

M.A.D (Metaphysical Awareness Disorder)

MAD seems to be the way that Alternates gets people to kill themselves. MAD is a form of psychological disorder (or psychosis) brought upon by ‘forbidden knowledge’ spoken by the Alternates.

Not much is really known about it other than the fact it is 97% of the time fatal, and that it can be avoided by steering clear from religion (more specifically the Abrahamic religions).

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATES REALLY?

It is heavily implied in the episode “Overthrone” that Alternates are demons preparing the coming of the antichrist, or at the bare minimum they are demons attempting to take over earth.

It is not outright states if alternates are a ‘new thing’ or if they have been around forever (as in biblical times). But what we DO know is that alternates operate in a way that does not involve them physically attacking people directly. They usually force the victim to kill themselves by placing them in a situation where they CANNOT LEAVE (either mentally of physically in Mark’s case). They are very manipulative. Demons in the bible (traditionally) function the same way. They do not outright hurt their victims in most cases but they trick them into doing things that ultimately harm them. The alternate that followed Mark home never directly attacked him, it instead tortured him psychologically for days which pushed him to kill himself. In the video “Overthrone” (the first official upload) we see a type 2 alternate (or a demon pretending to be an angel) go to Mary and Joseph and tell them that they will so be with child. Mary is told she will birth the child of god (which in this universe is implied to be a lie) meanwhile Joseph has things whispered into his ear while he sleeps by that same being. This would explain what happens to Joseph after a certain point in the bible since he is no longer mentioned after a certain point. He killed himself much like Mark did due to what he is being told.

And in later episodes alternates (or intruders) are seen to be purposely fucking with people based on their fears in order to get them to kill themselves. For example: in the “CHILD SAFTEY” video the mother of the missing baby kills herself because she is under the assumption her child is dead. And in every instance where Alternates are mentioned by some body of authority (AKA the US government or by the Mandela county police department) fear is brought up. Demons use fear in order to get a desired outcome, and with these Alternates they use fear (or the onset of MAD) in order to gain access to the physical world via way of a vessel (AKA a corpse)

#mandela catalogue #analog horror #lore #analog horror explained

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