Tumgik
#anon let me ask you some questions so we can get acquainted :)
trillastrology · 1 year
Note
mars: are you the type to approach others first or do you like others to do that instead?
My mars is in Leo BUT in retrograde in my birth chart. This means that I'm bad at initiating things in general. I usually wait for others to approach me, but once they initiate a conversation, I'm very friendly and open!
1 note · View note
bethanydelleman · 5 months
Note
Jane fairfax anon here with another question 😭 I'm curious as to how secret engagements actually worked? I can understand for edward and lucy that they lived in the same house and were cousins, there must have been some moments when they were alone, just the two of them. But how did jane and frank manage it without attracting the notice of the Campbells and their other acquaintances? If they spent too much time with each other they would have attracted attention. Also, from Sense and Sensibility I understood that it was impossible to receive a letter without the whole household knowing about it. The only plausible explanation is that Jane sneaked out at night lmao but that doesn't really sit with her character? I'm curious about what you think, how do you think they managed to meet in private, often and enough to get into and arrange a secret engagement?
Hey! So quick correction first, Edward and Lucy are not cousins (Mrs. Jennings and Lucy are allegedly cousins, I wouldn't put it past Lucy to make that up). But yes, she would visit her uncle while Edward was at school and then when he was hanging out after graduating. They had a lot of time possibly alone.
On to Jane Fairfax! We actually have some clues as to how they met and fell in love. Firstly, the Campbells might know a lot more than they let on:
With regard to her not accompanying them to Ireland, her account to her aunt contained nothing but truth, though there might be some truths not told. It was her own choice to give the time of their absence to Highbury; to spend, perhaps, her last months of perfect liberty with those kind relations to whom she was so very dear: and the Campbells, whatever might be their motive or motives, whether single, or double, or treble, gave the arrangement their ready sanction, and said, that they depended more on a few months spent in her native air, for the recovery of her health, than on any thing else.
This is about Jane not accompanying the family to Ireland, where obviously it would be hard for her to meet with Frank. I will be bold enough to say that the Campbells probably have strong suspicions of an attachment, if not outright knowledge of the engagement. Maybe Frank was going to try and go with them but he was denied by his aunt?
Next, some hints, mostly dropped by Frank Churchill:
I met her frequently at Weymouth. I had known the Campbells a little in town; and at Weymouth we were very much in the same set.... I have been used to hear her’s admired; and I remember one proof of her being thought to play well:—a man [Mr. Dixon], a very musical man, and in love with another woman [Miss Campbell]—engaged to her—on the point of marriage—would yet never ask that other woman [Jane] to sit down to the instrument, if the lady in question could sit down instead—never seemed to like to hear one if he could hear the other.
Now this last statement from Frank gives Emma suspicions, but there is an easy second explanation. By having Jane play, Mr. Dixon could talk in confidence to Miss Campbell. But we know Frank can't stay away from the instrument, he was no doubt there, turning her music pages and singing duets. Also, sounds like they hung out at Weymouth a lot. We know they both danced and sang duets at Weymouth.
The early letter from Jane to her grandmother also gives me suspicions:
and as Jane used to be very often walking out with them—for Colonel and Mrs. Campbell were very particular about their daughter’s not walking out often with only Mr. Dixon, for which I do not at all blame them
So either Frank (who seems to have a lot of autonomy to travel within England) is meeting them during these walks in London or Miss Campbell is taking Jane to the post office. Sneaky sneaks!!!
I also suspect that it was Frank, not Mr. Dixon, who saved Jane from falling off the sailboat. This would be perfect actually because Emma's suspicions that Jane fell in love with Mr. Dixon also stem from this dramatic episode.
I do think it is a whirlwind engagement, but the key really seems to be Weymouth and I have strong suspicions that Miss Campbell was playing matchmaker.
59 notes · View notes
aeoncss · 9 days
Note
Hiiii I love your Mike content 😭💗!!! I was wondering if you could write headcannons about Mike developing a crush on the older sister of one of Abby’s friends? Like they meet at a school event or something </3 I can’t stop imagining him arranging sleepovers and stuff to see her shsssddsfs
Tumblr media
hopelessly devoted | mike schmidt x fem!reader
a/n: this is SOO cute, thank you so much for sending in the request anon! <3
cw: guardian anxiety? mike being anxious, as always. some cute sibling / friend interactions. pining towards the end! not proof read bc my eyes hurt lmao.
Tumblr media
after the events at freddy’s, abby was slowly coming out of her shell and making new friends — which made mike so incredibly proud, considering it was radio silence from her for so long.
he loved seeing her immediately run off to her small group of friends and acquaintances whenever he dropped her off for the day at school, seeing how happy she became.
when he went to pick her up one evening, abby had asked if one of her friends could stay over later in the week— begging mike to let her have a sleepover.
he was hesitant at first, still not quite over what happened at the pizzeria which made his paranoia spike, so he only agreed if he could meet her friend’s parents or guardian first.
which, led mike to abby’s friend — angelica’s older sister.
to you.
it was at a small school event. abby’s grade was putting together a small fair for the upcoming fall holiday, so a little harvest was in place. there were scarecrows, face paintings, quick crafts for the kids to enjoy, and overall just enough activities to keep both the parents and children happy.
abby pleaded with mike to go, asking him over and over for a week straight until he gave in and took a day off of work.
although he was happy that abby was having the time of her life — a smile stretched around a beautifully drawn butterfly across her lips and nose, mike couldn’t help but feel like he didn’t belong there.
he was her older brother, not abby’s parent. guardian, yes, but this wasn’t meant for siblings. it was meant as a bonding pair between parents and their child, and as the night progressed, mike was slowly beginning to feel worse.
of course, he was happy for his little sister. happy that she was getting out of her shell and running around everywhere with a giggle, but here he was — following behind with glares directed towards him, most likely from the incident back at the mall.
he hated the lingering eyes. the hushed whispers. it only caused his skin to trickle with anxiety and his tongue to bloat. he wanted out.
“mike!” abby shouted with a giggle, skipping over towards her big brother with her hand clasped in another. angelica came in tow next to her, her face decked out in some batman face paint.
“what’s up, kiddo?” mike questioned — looking down at the pair with a quirked brow.
the two girls before him shared another laugh before abby had turned around, pointing towards another figure standing alone by a small field of fake corn and hay.
“that’s angelica’s sister! you said if you meet her then we can have a sleepover!” mike’s younger sister beamed.
mike’s brows furrowed the more he looked at the absent stranger, his eyes focusing on the way her mouth seemed to contort into a frown, and that she kept glancing over towards angelica. from what he gathered, just to make sure she’s okay.
“…where are your parents, angelica?” mike had asked cautiously, looking down at the replicate-batman standing before him, who was plucking a piece of cotton-candy into her mouth.
angelica’s features softened as a shrug appeared across her shoulders. “i dunno. y/n takes care of me when they’re not home.”
abby budged in, little hands grabbing at his wrist to catch mike’s attention. “pleassseeee mike! you would be the best big brother ever!”
okay, now he can’t turn that down.
a sigh escaped his lips as he accepted defeat, smiling down at the two girls quickly before raising a hand to ruffle up abby’s curls. “okay, fine. i’ll go talk to her. but don’t go too far, okay?”
“okay!” abby and angelica shouted, immediately making a beeline towards a table that had supplies set up to make turkey-hand pictures.
as he watched the two girls run off, mike bit at the inside of his cheek, a hand moving through his hair. before he knew it, he was beginning to walk towards angelica’s older sister.
as he came within ear shot, he awkwardly cleared his throat — already hating the fact that he felt swarmed in social anxiety.
your eyes drifted over from where angelica hovered at the table, to now mike standing before you, a little surprise to your features. before you could speak, he was already taking the initiative.
“hey… you’re angelica’s older sister, right?” he asked tentatively, a little hesitation in his voice.
then you laughed, softly.
“yeah, yeah. i’m y/n, you must be mike?” you responded with a subtle smile, the exchange catching mike off guard.
“how do you..—“
“angelica loves to tell stories.” you grinned, looking down at your feet for a second, your eyes meeting together once more when you glanced back up. “and she tells me all the time about how she wants a sleepover with abby, but her big brother has to speak to me first.”
a laugh — a genuine laugh fell from mike as his shoulders shook slightly, lips contorting into a smile as he placed his hands into the pockets of his hoodie.
“yeah… sorry, it’s just a precaution.”
“don’t even worry about it. i get it.” you reassured, taking a quick look at your younger sister who was now holding up a picture of her magical turkey to show abby. you chuckled.
“uhm,” mike’s voice steered you away, pulling your attention towards him, “angelica said that you’re taking care of her right now..?”
he watched as you nodded, noticing the subtle purse of your lips as they tightened for a second, parting only shortly after.
“yeah— my parents are really busy, so i’ve been taking some time away from college to look after angelica.” you explained softly, rubbing at your arm gently.
“my dad’s a pretty hefty lawyer and my mom travels for work, so there’s no one else except for me.” you cleared your throat, putting on a small smile.
mike nodded, feeling a little guilty but at the same time, remorse and familiarity. you two weren’t in the same boat, but definitely shared some aspects.
“hey, i get it.” mike smiled, his voice soft despite the mantra of children yelling and laughing all around them. “just wanted to make sure you weren’t a serial killer or anything.”
that comment alone made a loud laugh spill from your lips, enough that you attempted to hide it with your hand — eyes glimmering towards him.
“absolutely not.”
since then, mike approved sleepovers — but only if they were at his place, still feeling a little iffy having abby at another persons house, but that paranoia slowly begin to die away the further mike was able to spend time with you.
you would drop angelica off on friday night, talking with mike at the door while angelica immediately threw her stuff down and bolted towards abby’s room.
“angie, you can’t just leave your stuff like—“ you tried to lecture gently, letting out a sigh when it became apparent that it was a lost cause.
mike looked down from where he held the door open, laughing at the small pile of clothes and toys now by his feet.
“i’m sorry—“
“don’t sweat it. they’re kids.” mike reassured with a chuckle.
when he looked back up to you, there was a pull he felt. like an inkling, almost.
“do.. you wanna come inside real quick? the weather is kinda nasty,” he asked, glancing behind you to see the cruddy rainstorm beginning to peak.
hesitation lingered on your features before a shrug danced off your shoulders. “sure, i don’t have anything else to do tonight.”
you weren’t expecting to stay longer than thirty minutes, so when you glanced down at your watch to see that you had stayed for almost three hours came as a surprise.
of course, abby and angelica blindsided you both and immediately wanted to play all these different games at once. dress up, cops vs. robbers, hide and seek. you were slumped after racing around the house for the umpteenth time, exhausted after finding angelica hiding in a freaking kitchen cabinet whilst playing hide and seek.
you fell back onto the worn couch in the living room with a sigh, wiping some sweat that gathered on the crown of your hairline. in your peripheral, you saw mike coming in from the kitchen with a water bottle, and you sighed happily when he handed it to you.
“thanks.” you beamed, grinning softly as you took a few swigs. “jesus christ, i forgot how energetic kids were.”
mike boasted a laugh, sitting down beside you with a grunt. “tell me about it. i didn’t think hide and seek could be that exhausting.”
“right?!” you laughed loudly, eyes widening as you looked over at him. “i remember hiding behind curtains and inside closets, not in the freaking kitchen cabinet?”
“abby somehow hid behind her desk. i don’t even want to know how that was possible.”
conversation felt easy between the two of you. even back at the harvest festival, where mike was afraid he was going to make a fool out of himself somehow, you were able to strip away that anxiety.
“hey… uhm, thanks for letting abby and angelica do this.” mike suddenly spoke, pulling you away from your thoughts. you glanced over to see him looking down at his hands that rested in his lap.
“abby’s had a hard time making friends until she met angelica, and i’m just— really happy she’s getting out, being a kid, you know?”
your heart clenched at his words, brows contorting into a sympathetic look as you smiled over at him softly.
“angelica doesn’t really understand why our parents are gone so often. every time she comes home, she gets all excited to see them and the disappointment on her face when she realizes that they’re not home is…” you trailed off, smiling sadly.
“i’m really glad angelica has abby. i don’t see the disappointment on her face anymore when she comes home. now, all she has are a bunch of stories of what the two of them did during school.”
the smile that graced mike’s lips caused your heart to thump — a sudden skip that surprised you. it caused his eyes to crinkle slightly, the smallest bit of a laugh falling through that made your heart race even further.
“i think,” you spoke out, not realizing that the words were spilling from your lips until you could hear yourself speaking, “that we should let them have a sleepover every friday.”
maybe it was because you wanted to make a tradition with abby and angelica.
or maybe it was because you wanted to see mike more.
your gazes met, and mike grinned, nodding his head.
“sounds like a plan to me.”
22 notes · View notes
ryuichirou · 5 months
Note
I'm back with my GloMas ask. By the way I love the word GloMas: it's like Christmas but more theatrical and angsty, and at the end of all the celebration, instead of getting presents, you end up with less stuff than before (no need to check Ruggie's luggage, officer. I can assure there's nothing interesting there).
On to the question, which is partially about Ruggie. This event has brought to light a new interesting dynamic that I hadn't really considered before, with the Ruggie/Jamil team up. It's nice to see Jamil be himself (i.e. a menace) more unapologetically than usual. I don't really ship them as a "couple", but I definetely see their appeal as potential "acquaintances-with-benefits". And I bet Ruggie would be happy to hear less grumbling when he decides to pay a visit to the rich boys Scarabia dorm. Basically, I'm curious to know if you guys have any thoughts about these two, both related to the event and in general!
Anon!! Sorry for the late reply, and let me go grab that loud mic I used a couple of days ago once again and tell you.
YES. These two. These two are very good together.
For the most part I want to just yell YES at everything you’ve said because you’ve honestly nailed it. Glorious Masquerade (with its Christmas-like Glomas glory..) was the first event we’d seen (even before we watched the main story), so Jamil and Ruggie’s unexpected chemistry is something that we have in mind at all times lol
It really feels like they can be themselves around each other, which is exactly what they said, and honestly these two out of the entire cast really deserved it. What they also deserved is to have someone to complain about the harsh realities of serving to capricious princes (Kalim isn’t a prince but) who are unreasonable and frankly stupid at times. Just imagine THE LEVELS OF PETTY AND TIRED VENTING, their venting sessions could be the best.
I don’t know if you wanted any headcanons with them, but since we’re at it, might as well drop some. These are mostly sfw, but the last one kind of isn’t lol
They knew that they might be a good match even before the Glorious Masquerade but never really had a chance to hang out before that. And during the event, to them it felt like they’ve been having telepathic dialogues for ages, and now finally they get to actually chat. They’re on the same page TO SUCH A DEGREE it’s actually stupid.
Even after the event, even though both Ruggie and Jamil went back to being super busy, they kept in touch. Sometimes they text each other, sometimes they meet simply to VENT. Having another person who is done of everyone’s bullshit in this stupid school is a blessing. They also talk about other stuff, like cooking and hobbies and even scheming and such, but their main topic is still “wow I hate these people”.
What they find the most comforting about each other is the fact that they know they are not really friends, but they also don’t have much to gain from each other, so it’s not like they should expect a backstab at any point. It’s actually pretty rare for Jamil to be this relaxed like he is when he is around Ruggie.
They don’t have sex regularly, but they did it once during the Masquerade event and at least once when they came back to the NRC. Both of them aren’t too into sex, otherwise it probably would have happened more often. Ruggie is actually a much better option to have this “acquaintances-with-benefits” deal than Azul, because with Ruggie Jamil can be sure there won’t be any feelings attached to it: they’ll help each other out and will be on their merry way…
20 notes · View notes
batmanisagatewaydrug · 9 months
Note
a huge barrier for me for actually sleeping with anyone ever is idk what to do to like, express that intent in a non-creepy way. like I know what NOT to do but idk what TO do to ask and I have moral OCD so my brain is constantly like Repent For Looking Up on Someone With Carnal Desire In Your Heart even though I'm not Catholic. like I know it's fine but OUGH the ingrained guilt be hitting. anyway hi sex witch I have gotten NO sleep so idk how coherent this is but tl;dr I have problems disease. This is probably more of a therapist issue than a you issue but I am hoping you don't mind anonymous venting? If you have ideas I'll take them
hey anon,
this is the most catholic shit I've ever heard from a non-catholic but on god we're going to get through it. I mean it absolutely IS therapist shit, please do that, but we can make a little start here.
I guess, like, realistically, let's talk about your fear of being perceived as creepy. how are you broaching this question? because as long as you're not doing it by leaning in over a stranger's shoulder to breathe wetly in their ear or sprinting at a group of people waiting for the bus whilst whipping open your trench coat to reveal your genitalia or propositioning cashiers at work, you're probably good. context is important, but you probably know that.
I also have to assume you're not just asking acquaintances at random if they want to bone but rather people with whom you feel like there's at least a little interest and a chance of saying yes. and if you're not sure about the vibe, great news! you can literally just ask to hang out with them to get to know them better and develop the vibe.
if you're not so much looking to add a sexual component to your relationship with someone you already know and rather perusing the apps (or websites? idk, are people still on okcupid or farmers only or whatever?), wow, that's even easier. pretty easy to be upfront about what you're interested in and filter accordingly!
regardless of what pools you're pulling perspective partners from, the best way to combat the fear of expressing an interest in sex is to accept that awkwardness is fine and, dare I say, normal. and fine! it's fine to be a little sweaty and nervous and have some little fumbles while making that overture. that's very normal, and doesn't actually need to be scary as long as we're operating in the mindset that it's totally fine if someone says no.
again, an invitation to explore sex together is only a creepy thing if you're doing it in one of those ways I described up to, or in a way that otherwise disregards the feelings of the person you're asking! and as long as you're asking in a way that's not wildly inappropriate, there's no reason to take a no as a rejection of everything about you. listen, there are TONS of people who I deeply love and would continue to deeply love even if they asked to hook up and I wasn't into it.
also, hey: get some sleep.
29 notes · View notes
russett-pots · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media
I posted 2,192 times in 2022
That's 2,064 more posts than 2021!
1,469 posts created (67%)
723 posts reblogged (33%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@fillinforlater
@iznsfw
@ggidolsmuts
@midnightdancingsol
@usedpidemo
I tagged 1,459 of my posts in 2022
Only 33% of my posts had no tags
#ask - 1,382 posts
#anon - 1,211 posts
#kim minju - 101 posts
#friskyriskywhisky - 35 posts
#baek jiheon - 31 posts
#kpop smut - 24 posts
#izone smut - 23 posts
#zkdylynn - 18 posts
#song recommendations - 16 posts
#announcements - 16 posts
Longest Tag: 21 characters
#special try-outs idea
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
Real Life Sex Education
Kang Hyewon and Kim Minju
Word Count: 4.9k
Tags: Teaching sex, Virgin sex, Innocent Minju
Fine! Here is the fic I promised. I really hope you like it. I tried something new here. That's why it took some time.
Now stop bothering me for the meantime about fics. I posted this and I hope you'll be happy with it.
Takes two visuals to make this. I don't regret this tho.
Tumblr media
A guy sits there in class just barely listening to the lecture. Even with his second cup of coffee, the lecture has been so boring that a nap is tempting. But he still goes on and stays awake. His grades for this class haven’t been very good recently and since this is a pre-requisite. Failing isn’t an option.
“Okay, that’s all for today.” The lecturer says as she dismisses the class.
All the students start to pack up and leave the hall but the guy is still there stumbling with his notes. The prof is still down there at the front getting ready to leave. He rushes to her for a few more questions before heading out.
“Ma’am. I have a few questions about the lesson. Is it alright if I can ask?”
“Sure, Haneul.”
“Uhh, one of the topics was about physical attraction. How does someone know if they are physically attractive?”
“You mean if a girl is pretty?”
“Oh no, I mean how do I know if they are attracted to me?”
“That sounds more like dating advice. But their pupils dilate when they look at you, they blush when you are around, and they are more expressive when you are there.”
“Aaaah, I see.”
Suddenly a voice behind shouts. “Haneul, are you there?” It’s Minju. An acquaintance. Their bond has been slowly growing closer ever since they met last month from that small interaction in PE class together.
“That is an example of someone who is physically attracted to you. You see her body language.”
“No ma’am that’s impossible. We barely know each other.”
“Well if you don’t take my advice then what I can do. Anyway, good luck.”
“Thanks, Ma’am see you, next class.”
“Bye.”
As soon as the teacher leaves, Minju runs up and hugs Haneul. She snuggles up to his chest as looks up to him. He rolls his eyes away from Minju and pushes her away.
“Minju, what now?”
“Nothing I just like to meet my boy- I mean friend. Wanna have lunch?”
Haneul looks at his watch. There is a good ninety-minute window before the next class. “Sure.”
Minju jumps in joy. “Yay! Let’s go to my favorite tteokbokki place.” She links her arms to Haneul’s and drags him with her.
Haneul just follows blissful of her real intentions.
The restaurant is only a short walk from the university. But once they get there Minju pulls him with her and makes Haneul sit down beside her.
See the full post
588 notes - Posted June 5, 2022
#4
Fan Service
Miyawaki Sakura
Word Count: 2.6k+
Tags: Rough Sex
Tumblr media
The doors of the train open. You get into its almost empty cabin. However, only a couple of seats are available. Sitting down in one of them, you relax. It has been a long day for you. Wake up at 6 am and go directly to work. You have been busy ever since. But finally, you can go home and rest.
You pull out your earphones, struggling to untangle them, making sure that no cable is intertwined. As you plug it in, the next stop arrives. Even more, people enter. Finally, all the seats are now occupied. A girl sits next to you. Not much to care about. She just gives you your space, and you give her hers.
Pulling out your phone, you open your music player app and select from the ripped songs you got from the albums.
*Play*
It is your favorite group’s debut song La Vie En Rose. You bop your head a couple of times as the song play and occasionally look down at the album art since it is filled with 12 pretty girls.
-ireon neukkimeun satangboda deo (satangboda deo)
naega neukkineun dalkomhamcheoreom
You can feel a tap on your shoulder and ignore it for a second, thinking it is just a mistake.
kkeullimyeon ikkeullyeo Na na now
baro jigeum Na na now
I don’t wanna make it blue
Suddenly your earphones get removed from your ear.
In a whisper
mandeureobwa neoye La Vie en Rose
You look to your left, and there she is Miyawaki Sakura. You almost scream in delight. But she puts your hand to cover your mouth.
“Be quiet. I don’t want everyone to know. I’m here.” She jokingly says.
You sit there speechless, unknowing what to do.
She whispers into your ear again. So closer, you can hear her breath.
Eyes on me. The moment we become one, everyone pays attention.
You pause for a second and pull out something from your bag. “Can you sign my album?” you ask.
Sakura chuckles for a bit. “Sure. Sure.” She pops off the cap of the sharpie and signs on the cover.
“Can you put Saranghae?” you request
She blushes and responds, “Sure. No problem.”
Sakura hands over the album and smiles.
You are ecstatic; seeing a member of your favorite K-pop group is fantastic. But you ponder, “Sakura, why are you at the subway?”
“I’m just going to meet some of the members at a café. Oh, wait!” she stops and calls someone on her phone. Then she comes back. “Do you want to join us?”
See the full post
598 notes - Posted March 25, 2022
#3
A North Korean Slave
Bae Joo-hyun
Word Count: 3.0k+
Tags: BDSM, Mommy kink, toys (whip, ball gag), edging?
Ummm actually a request sent thru my dms. So you can still request there.
Finally my Irene fic is released. Dont expect me to do a lot of Irene or Red velvet. I just did this cause ya'll made me horny for her.
Tumblr media
You stand there, tapping your foot and waiting for the plane to arrive. This is the late March of 2018. North Korea and South Korea decided to do a cultural exchange. First, North Korea sent a delegation to perform during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Now South Korea is sending a delegation to perform in North Korea. This is a momentous occasion between the two countries but to your dismay.
You have always hated the South and its allies from all your education when growing up. You have always blamed them for all the wrongful things happening in North Korea. Or at least that is what you are told. But recently, with your position in the government, you get to see what it is like on the other side of the fence and see how other countries are doing.
But now you have your task, managing the South Korean delegation. You might not be the best person in terms of liking them, but you know how to manage large groups of people.
“Boss.” Your assistant calls your attention. “The plane is here.”
You can see the rush of photographers and our journalists that were allowed to the country to document the event. They line up to the gate behind the barrier to take pictures of the incoming artist. You and the security personnel move forward and try to separate the photographers from the gate. All of you create a path between the door and the open area where a small ceremony will happen.
You stand back to your assistant.
“Boss. Here they come.” The gate agent opens the door and thru the small red carpet ready for South Koreans. You form a small fist as they enter. But that first slowly losses when you see a girl. A beautiful girl with white skin, a nice breast, and a great ass.
“Who is that?”
“Her? I think she is….” Your assistant flies thru the different files of the guest. “…. Irene from… Red Velvet.”
Irene…Red Velvet?
Your mindset completely changed. You can never imagine such a beauty, even in the North. Her eyes gaze at you for a second. She can tell your heart skips a beat, but you remain calm and collected.
You direct the guest to the small stage where the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, welcomes them. There are handshakes, pictures taken, and all the formalities of a world leader welcoming their guest.
Finally, you lead the guest to the busses where they’ll be taken to the hotel. But before you can do much. The four Red Velvet girls who came to North Korea approach you and playfully grab your attention when they board the bus. First with a wink, then ending with a flying kiss.
Now it is more difficult for you to stay composed. They look at you and chuckle as epically Irene, who started everything.
~~
You bring all the guests to the hotel and check them in and yourself and your staff. From the tiring morning, you finally got some rest before lunch. You look at the pictures that you could get from the photographers. Each one of them is all on Irene. Her beautiful face then her entire body with perfect proportions. A small rage goes in you when Kim Jong-un shakes her hand. But you have to let it go since he is your boss and well, he is only there to welcome them. But then you finally found the perfect picture with her perfect figure.
Slowly you do feel a bulge grow in your pants. You can feel it become warm. You check your watch, then check the door.
I have time.
You jump to bed, remove your pants and underwear, and “relieve” yourself from all the tension you have from seeing Irene. You imagine her naked with you. Her hand is stroking your long cock, and her breast is on your face.
~~
You step into the large concert hall with your assistant in hand. Your job is done so far. There isn’t much to do until the end of the performance. Now you can just sit back and relax and watch the show.
It goes on excellent. You get surprised at how much you enjoyed it. Each artist makes you tap your feet. But you have to keep that to a minimum to make sure you don’t attract any attention. You just have to sit there quietly and observe like everyone else in the crowd.
But suddenly, you get to see Red Velvet, particularly Irene. She may be wearing pants and a long sleeve, but you can still see her accentuated curves.
You can refeel the hardness down below grows again. The feeling radiates around your crotch. It isn’t helped by the fact you are rubbing around it, and you can defiantly feel the pre-cum spreading on your underwear.
See the full post
634 notes - Posted May 9, 2022
#2
Project Making
Kim Minju
Tags: Innocent sex, Virgin sex, teaching sex, Deepthroat (I know right)
Word Count: 5.6k
Part Two: Eunbi's Dinner
Part Four: The Storm Before the Calm
Thanks @iznsfw the advice.
Tumblr media
“Ming? Mingi? Mingi!”
You suddenly wake up from your desk with your vision covered by twinkling lights ,as you try to regain your vision by rubbing your eyes.
“Can you tell me when the United Nations was founded?”
Being slightly disorientated, you try to scan around to see any hints on what is happening in class.
“Sorry, ma’am, but can you repeat the question?”
“I asked when did the United Nations was founded? If you paid attention in class, I would not be repeating this.”
“The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, in San Francisco, California when the UN security council (which included the US, UK, fmr. USSR, the Republic of China and France) and 24 other nations ratified the Charter.”
“Ummm- that is correct. Moving on.”
You sit back down and go back to sleep, using your jacket as a pillow.
This is supposed to be your second year in university. However, you flunked World History, not because it is your fault but because you and your teacher had countless political arguments about historical facts and opinions. He failed you out of spite. You tried pointing out to the vice dean, and you got your revenge. Despite his tenure, he was fired from his position, and you got your smug face as he left.
However, you must still retake the subject to get your grade. No big deal, just overload yourself this term to finish this G.E. Anyway, you practically should know all the topics at this point.
“I’ll now announce your first major requirement. I need you to group yourselves into pairs.”
The entire classroom starts pairing up with each other. Being the only Sophomore in class, you aren’t familiar with anyone. Sooner or later, you are alone by yourself in class without a partner.
Raising your hand, you shout from the back, “Teacher, can I work alone? I can’t find anyone.”
“Hmmm, it is impossible. The class roster is an even number.” She ponders for a second. “Is there anyone else who does not have a partner?”
Suddenly, a hand pops out of nowhere in the middle of the crowd. “Me.”
Scooting over towards the voice, you get to glimpse an innocent girl with long flowing almond hair. Once meeting her, you extend your hand to try to introduce yourself, “Hello, my name is Mingi? Yours?”
“I’m Minju.” She quickly straightens her back, putting her hands on top of each other on her desk.
“So, I guess we’re working together.” You sit beside this blushing, innocent, pretty girl.
The teacher quickly reads aloud the instructions, gives out the project's rubrics, then dismisses the class early to give everyone time to brainstorm ideas.
“Do you want to move to the library to talk about the project?” You suggest to Minju.
“Mhmm,” She nods and agrees to the idea.
As you both pack your belongings heading to the library, you notice that Minju seems to be very nervous around you. Her slight fidgeting made you assist her with her books, and she tries to avoid eye contact as much as possible on the way there. But you take notice of her behavior but don’t think much of it.
See the full post
705 notes - Posted March 4, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
Sunbae the tutor
Kim Minju
Tags: Mating press, pronebone, breeding, buttplug, dub-con?
Word Count: 3.1k
I'm back. Here is my first fic after my break. You forced me to write this so I expect you to like this. I'm sorry for my purejuers. The next Minju fic will be full of pureju. I promise.
Tumblr media
Ugh. I don’t get this.
“Okay, Class. That’s it for today.”
You sigh again. It is yet another day when you still have not grasped the topics you have for your class. After trying countless nights reviewing and studying again and again and again. Your empty brain still has not soaked a single bit of information. Anyway, it is a long day. One more activity before heading home is your home org meeting.
This meeting is more of a party. An excuse for your Sunbaes to meet their Hoobaes. But since it was held on school grounds, no alcohol. But it is time for you to relax and unwind. It is time for you to get rid of the feeling of your everyday mundane routine.
“Hey!” Your friend calls you. “Long day?”
Your tired faces show it. You have huge eye bags, your hair is not in its best shape, and wearing the same sweatpants and a shirt from yesterday.
“Yeah…Classes have been killing me.”
“Yeah, I can tell. Are you still having trouble with that subject you have been talking about?”
“Oh my fucking god. I still can’t understand anything. Everything is way too complicated and the prof is speaking way too fast.” You shout
“Dude relax. You should calm down.”
“I can’t. That’s the only thing on my mind right now.”
“Okay if you really need. Try to get help. A tutor maybe?”
“I can’t. My parents cannot afford something like that.”
“You can ask our Sunbae. I did it for calculus. They’re really smart.”
“Really they can help?”
“They are more than willing. It’s part of their job.”
You scan around. Most people are just talking with their cliques. Suddenly, you get a sudden arm around your shoulder.
“Hey!” It is the Org president. “You guys doing good?”
“Yeah! Party— I mean meeting is going good.”
“That’s great to hear. Don’t forget to fill out the feedback forms before you leave. We really appreciate your thought on what we did tonight.”
He double-pats your shoulder as he leaves. But before he can get away, you grab his wrist. “Sunbae”
“Yeah?”
“I need help with one of my subjects. Is it alright if you can tutor me?”
“Hmmm…. Ah! I can’t but I know someone who can. Follow me.”
He leads you across the room.
See the full post
780 notes - Posted July 15, 2022
Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →
31 notes · View notes
Note
hello there shiro! i apologize if this is an odd question but how do you find friends in the dinluke fandom? i have been around for a while now (since the first season to be exact) but i noticed that unless you are not part of a friend group it's hard to find people to talk to or to hang out with. i have a lot of dinluke ideas to talk about but it gets really lonely sometimes. how do you navigate your way in the fandom?
Hello there! No need to apologize! So let me tell you how I ended up knowing the people I do - while browsing the AO3 in the weeks after the high of the Season 2 finale, I saw a fic that was more a massive list of prompts from a Discord community. It had an invite link and so I decided to join. From there, I found people I got along with and we stuck together while also finding new spaces and servers after the first dinluke server imploded. Sometimes, you just have to be brave and message an account that posts about dinluke regularly. I will admit, it was easier for me to find friends and dinluke spaces because I posted fic and art (and opinions on occasion) so prolifically which put me on a lot of people's radars.
But I have to say, it has gotten a LOT harder to find fandom communities and friends since the journaling fandom spaces fell off years ago. Tumblr and Twitter are pretty chaotic and disorganized, and they lack a directory that can point you to various community spaces. The only reason why I've been able to join fandom servers on Discord is because I either found a public invite link or had a friend/acquaintance invite me in, and I've never figured out how one can search Discord for servers. If you've never felt comfortable reaching out to strangers in hopes that their interests jive with yours, it can be incredibly hard to find that lifeline to a place where you can hang with like-minded fans.
I do miss the days of kink memes where you can post anonymously or as your account while engaging with prompts and fills and other posters, and i miss the days of being members of multiple journal communities that cater as generally or specifically to your needs as you like. I miss how much easier it was to find the fandom spaces that catered to your interests. Those sure were the days.
Your ask did inspire me to check if the "dinluke" handle had been claimed by anyone over at Dreamwidth. Anyway, there is now a dinluke community on DWJ. It is currently under construction so membership is moderated and I doubt anything will truly come of it, but it's nice to dream that it could act as a backup space when other spaces become inaccessible or incompatible.
I hope this answers some or all of your questions, Anon. My ask is always open for anything dinluke :)
18 notes · View notes
indecentpause · 6 months
Note
Hi! I decided to check your stories on ao3 and see that you have 20?? original stories!
I am gonna start reading some but if you don't mind I have a question.
how you were able to write so much? and they seem to have similar themes but how can you write a whole different story 20 times?? that's pretty cool. I have not even written 1 yet but you inspired me now
Hello Anon!
So, the first answer didn’t come out right, and the second I accidentally deleted. Third time’s a charm? Heads up, I'm autistic and I overexplain things, so this is going to be kind of long.
Most of the stories labeled with Sheraton Academy, with the exception of two (one which is not finished yet), they were results of my wife @ohsugarfoot and I bouncing ideas back and forth on long drives. Most of those characters are from an old pbp rpg from decades ago, where we met through her character Josselin and my character Meara. We are two huge nerds who are not afraid to write self-indulgent self-fanfic! Something would remind us of a character, and we’d laugh about it, and sometimes that was it, but sometimes it would spark a conversation of ‘What if this happened? Then ‘what if this happened?’ And soon enough we have a bare bones plot, or at least some beats.
I highly recommend getting yourself a person like this! Whether you meet irl or just talk online, having a person willing to be a sounding board is SO helpful. Writing takes a long time, and it can get lonely! Having someone to cheer you on helps so much.
Some of others were often based on alternate scenarios with some of my characters (Stars in Our Hands was a genderbent ‘what if Darcey and Jordan were women, how would their lives be different in a similar setting and what would their relationship be like?) SOME were things I’d been mulling over since I was a teenager, and now I’m in my late thirties, so they’ve had plenty of time to marinate. (I wrote three chapters of the first Feeling Is First in high school, and then dropped it for fifteen years until I found an idea where the characters really worked). Most of the non-Sheraton stories were based on those initial characters and ideas, just bouncing around in my head for a decade or so! Most of them I kept to myself until they were finished, occasionally asking Sugar to look at things if I was stuck. Those were a little more lonely, but I loved the characters and telling there stories was really important to me.
In the meantime, I was sharing prompt-inspired short stories here on writeblr. I slammed them out three times a week. The first dozen or so got a lot of likes, but don’t let that fool you —most of them were people just saving the prompts I was using. I even had people reblog and delete my story so they had reblogged just the prompt (this was back when you could edit other people’s posts). It sucked! But I wrote them because I loved to write them, and I shared them here because I have a handful of friends who liked to read them. Again, look for the cheer-readers! Those are the people who will get you through the rough times.
Short stories and longform stories are totally different monsters, though, and writing something longform can take years. It’s a totally different skillset. It’s not like some other kind of art that take a few days or weeks to finish before you have something to share. That’s where things like writeblr come in! If you feel comfortable sharing works in progress, and you have a Tumblr, I’d highly suggest starting one of your own and sharing ideas! You can share excerpts, make playlists, if graphics are your thing you can make those! Involve yourself in tag games (there’s always someone making a list, and it’s a good way to meet people and make friends and acquaintances). Jump on the trends going around on Tumblr like the Comic Sans Powerpoint or the Netflix show template, off you’re able.
The internet is a big place. Eventually you will find your people. Knowing there are friends and followers and mutuals online who want to read your work is inspiring! Even if you’re a slow writer, knowing people are interested in your ideas helps so much. I know plenty of incredibly talented people who often just ramble about characters and worldbuilding ideas, too, and even that can be helpful. And it’s fun for you and for people who like your ideas to read! You can also maybe find a local writing group or discord group, although with those ymmv. There are a lot of crap ones. There are some great ones too, though! You just have to be patient and dig.
Also, keep in mind that despite the dates I posted them, I finished my first full length novel (Two Heartbeats on One Page) back in 2012. (Then of course there was beta-ing and editing and stuff, but that was when I finished the first draft.) And before that I wrote all the time in high school, even though I only finished one novel, and it wasn’t very good, haha. I had been storing these up for years (I didn’t post my first novel until 2016) and was hoarding them like dragon because I was plagiarized in high school, and I was so scared of it happening again. But then I realized that the community was worth the risk, so I jumped in.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HERE, I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH: I am unable to work a normal job due to physical and mental disability, and my wife is the breadwinner. While I am not always able to write, often because of those things, I still have more chances to pop out a paragraph here and there. If I can’t get out of bed that day I can jot down notes on my phone. When I was writing and working before all that, I wrote much much less. If you have to work, or go to school, or take care of someone, or take care of a property, it is much, MUCH harder. It’s totally doable! But it’s a difficult balancing act so it might very well take you longer than it would if you weren’t.
As for ideas, it sounds trite, but they can literally come from anywhere. Something you overhear on the train, the taste of a certain cookie from a coffee shop you visited for the first time, a song someone is playing too loud on the radio in the car next to yours, seeing something pretty at a park. Inspiration can come from not so happy places, too, bad events that happened to or around you or loved ones, things or people you’ve lost, ways your community is failing you. Not every story is happy or has to have a happy ending.
And most of all!!! Just WRITE. Write great stuff and good stuff and bad stuff and even worse stuff. Just write, and don’t delete anything. You might hate that one scene you wrote BUT perhaps it can serve some other person in a project later. I have so many bits and bats and scraps of writing saved up. Many I will probably never use! But every word you write is a good one, because you are practicing and getting better.
I’m so glad to have inspired you!! I know this was long, I hope you got to the end. ;-; And thank you for being interested in my stories. Good luck in your future endeavors, Anon!
2 notes · View notes
notanotherinfjblog · 6 months
Note
As an introvert, how much do you choose your friends vs. how much do they choose you and you go along with them - whether it seems like a good idea or not?
Interesting question, anon, thank you! Prepare for a ramble.
I'm honestly not sure if it's really that different for introverts than for extroverts. Extroverts may have more acquaintances because they are better at striking up conversations with people, but friends are a much bigger deal than acquaintances. Becoming friends is a mutual decision. You can't befriend someone who doesn't want to befriend you back. I remember sort of befriending an ESFP in high school. She clung to me and liked me a lot more than I liked her. So I was friendly with her and she was part of our friend group, so yeah, we were kind of friends, but I never sought her out in the way that she sought me out. The connection was not mutual, so we never hung out one-on-one. You can only become proper friends if both parties want to.
The going along with people whether it's a good idea or not that you mention is something that I'd rather associate with young people. You're not quite sure yet where you fit in and where you belong, and then someone comes along and is nice to you, so you follow them just to belong somewhere. I certainly did that as a teenager, but I'm not in touch with any of the people anymore that I became friends with in such a manner. But even in cases like these it has to be mutual. You make the decision to go along with them. Or you're too afraid to say no (which is also a decision in itself if you ask me). No one is forcing you to go along with them but you. But then again: going along with people is not the same as actively choosing them to be in your life.
I guess that's the advantage of getting older: you are much more secure in who you are and become less willing to waste your time on people that you don't really like all that much, so you end up handpicking your people (or at least that's been my experience). Let's take my ENTJ friend as an example. We happened to meet at work, liked each other's company and so we keep seeking each other out on a regular basis. Since we work on completely different things and sit in separate offices, we have no real work-related reason to talk to each other besides maybe a quick "hi" in passing, and yet both of us keep making the decision to spend more and more time with each other. Or another example: my ESTJ friend adopted me during our first week of university. So yeah, she chose me first. I was shy, socially anxious and had no idea how anything worked. She was extroverted, kind and seemed to know how everything worked. And I liked her, so I chose her back. I allowed her to adopt me. She knew it took me a while to warm up to people which made it hard for me to approach people and make friends, so she told all her university friends about how cool I was, hoping that they'd want to become friends with me too. And guess what? It worked. But forming a friend group is still an entirely different thing than choosing people to be in your life. In a friend group, you are usually not equally close to everyone. You are close to some and better acquainted with others who came along as a package deal. I'm not a student anymore and the only two people from our old university friend group that I'm still very close to are said ESTJ and an INFP. All three of us live in different states now and yet all three of us keep making the decision to reach out to each other on a daily basis. We actively choose to remain a part of each other's life every single day.
Something that I always find interesting is that I gravitate towards different MBTI types for different levels of intimacy. I'm acquainted with so many ESFJs it's unreal, and I really like becoming acquainted with them. There have been a few ESFJs in different friend groups throughout my life, but I've never been really close to any of them even though ESFJs are one of the types I get along best with. We are similar enough to understand each other, but too similar to gain anything from each other's company. I also tend to get along very well with ISTPs, but neither of us ever seek each other out. When we meet, it's all good, we enjoy the conversation and then we part ways. But whenever I meet TJs, something in me usually says YES!! BEFRIEND!!! BEFRIEND!!!!! BEFRIEND!!!!!!!! They are the ones that I actively choose. And more often than not, they choose me back.
4 notes · View notes
twstrhythm · 1 year
Note
(Accidental Essay Part 1/2)
[First of all I want to apologize for this that would probably be too long and a bit pretentious. I watched Knives Out and Glass Onion last night and am perfectly normal about it. This is really messy ^^']
*lights up a smoking pipe*
Dearest Anon. I think there's a little hole in some of your argument. I've been following this circus since the your first ask to Mx. twstrhythm appeared on my dashboard.
Let me start ask you this: Who are you to decide how we should make our ocs? My hypothesis is that you only after Mx. twstrhythm because they did many reblog of their own ocs. And you decided to pick them as your target. In addition, one should wonder why the two blogs gets pretty much the same ask around the same time, because unlike Mx. twstrhythm, Mx. twstwhisper didn't reblog their ocs, so it shouldn't be possible for you to target because they didn't do anything prior your ask. Unless you found out that they are acquaintances before hand. Which makes me ask again: Of all the mutual Mx. twstrhythm's has, why pick Mx. twstwhisper?
You asked why Mx. twstrhythm's doesn't have any diverse cast because the lack of female or they become just NPC. Let me raise a question: What does diversity means to you? Mx. twstrhythm ask this themselves. In addition, some of their ocs are, and I quote: "Chinese, Japanese, Arab, French, Hawaiian, English, and Black" isn't that also diversity in culture? Or is it only diverse when there are different genders?
Bonus Question:
(?) If, for example, all of Mx. twstrhythm's ocs are all female, with everything still the same (some of the ocs are Chinese, Japanese, Arab, French, Hawaiian, English, and Black), would you also call it 'not diverse' because there's no male cast?
You are bringing up some good points with this. I think they may be going after twstwhisper because unlike some of my other twst mutuals, she is active currently.
Also adding text so this can be posted
4 notes · View notes
desertdxg · 1 year
Note
man how did u find the hottest kinkiest ppl to play with teach me ur ways
im not sure if this was a rhetorical question or not BUT i'm gonna answer it seriously and in way too much detail anyway because i had some Thoughts (tm) while writing this
SO alright anon let me give ya the flowk1ng method to finding and getting the hottest kinkiest people to play with you (tho your mileage may vary):
Step 1: Download Grindr (or a similar hookup app, i really only use Grindr tho so this answer will be focussed on my experiences on there). You instantly have access to so many hot people who are probably pretty kinky just by doing this (but also- if you're trans like me anon, be careful because there are people on there who are chasers / creepy about it. The block button is your best friend!)
Step 2: Fill out your details, including kinks/things you're into, what you want out of experiences, if you can host or not, limits, etc. I am very direct in my Grindr bio. It doesn't stop the occasional dumbass from waltzing into my messages asking to eat my pussy, but it will let those hot kinky people know that you might be a good match for them
Step 3: Go message some people! Put yourself out there! I always chat people for a while before meeting up and make crystal clear what we want to happen in this encounter, what we're into, limits, establishing a safeword (if necessary). Usually your genuine creeps will reveal themselves pretty quickly, even if they don't mean to. It is insane how easily creeps tell on themselves and don't even know it. Never be desperate to meet up with someone- it's never ended well for me whenever i've done it. Good communication and transparency are key to making any good sexual/kinky relationship work. You'll find a lot of your best guys (like the ones i tend to talk about) this way, because they value those same things.
Pro Tips, some of these are lighthearted, others very serious:
1. The block button is your best friend! No really. It is. Get well acquainted with it. I have a very long Grindr blocklist because of someone who squicked me out, or was an asshole, and i've really only had like 2 bad Grindr experiences because of this.
2. Do not EVER compromise on your boundaries. EVER. If you're talking with someone, no matter how hot they seem, or how good they talk dirty and get ya goin, if they can't respect your boundaries and limits they need to kick rocks. I've compromised for a few guys and it's never been worth it.
3. Just because someone messages you does not mean they are entitled to a response from you. There are guys on all these apps, not just Grindr, who seem to think otherwise. This circles back to tip #1- the block button is your best friend.
4. A few red flags for Grindr usernames/bios i've come across:
- Capital Ts: if someone has a name like "👀 2 parTy" or something in that vein, they are typically into hard drugs, most specifically, crystal meth. If that's not your scene, avoid like the plague.
- 👀TS / TS only / 4 TS / etc.: Basically if someone has "TS" in their username, especially if they have "seeking" / "looking for" before the "TS", they're a trans chaser/fetishizer. These guys also tend to be super fucking weird. I've met no normal guy with "TS" in their username or bio.
- DL or str8: These guys aren't out of the closet or open about their sexuality, which is fine! That's not the part I have a problem with. I'm actually personally stealth in my normal day to day life. But because of that, a lot of these guys tend to be huge pricks and can get very aggressive in a not sexy way. I just tend to avoid them personally
5. I use a lot of little emojis (specifically these 3: 🥰🥵🥺) when texting guys. i also tend to type in all lowercases. i'll also reply with 'mmm' or 'fuck' a lot if they say something particularly hot. For some reason it works really well with those hot kinky types you're looking for.
6. A lot of this is honestly just trying things and seeing what sticks. You eventually find a rhythm for how you wanna dirty talk, or flirt, or just generally be when you're getting ready to have some fun. What I described in #5 is what works best for me, but that may not be the case for you and that's fine! If you've found a good one for you, it'll be pretty easy to find that flow and it'll almost come natural. And tbh bouncing ideas off each other and fantasizing together between sessions is honestly one of the most fun parts of having a long term sexual relationship with someone.
7. I only give out off-app contact info (like my phone #, for example) after I've met someone in person and gotten a good feel for how they are. And after I've seen if we actually have chemistry and if i could see myself hooking up with them again. I highly recommend doing the same, it's worked very well for me so far.
Also sorry that this got so long and got into kind of dark territory at times, I just really want ya to be safe, anon (and anyone else reading), in your quest to find your own hot kinky people to have fun with! I hope this helps, haha
Thanks a bunch for the ask!
1 note · View note
btssaysstudy · 3 years
Text
Cheer || jjk.
Pairing: Jungkook x reader Genre: fluff, cheerleader!yn x athlete!jk (requested by anon) Warning(s): minor swearing, alcohol, drinking games mentioned, college after game parties, reader is a cheer athlete, jungkook plays rugby, stress from expectations WC: ~9.9k (this is the longest I've ever written I hope it doesn't flop!!) Summary: You felt that your cheer team was under-appreciated by certain people — specifically the rugby team that your cheer team supports during their matches. How is it that their star player, Jeon Jungkook, manages to find his way into your life despite having a bad impression of the rugby players? Update (6/8): Made an edit
Tumblr media
You always loved being in a team. That would explain why you were where you were. Standing on the mat in the indoor gym with your cheer team on a Friday night. Cheer was beyond exhausting, but you still loved doing it, especially with the team that you got in college. Your coach - a perfectionist - always drilled you guys over the minute details. That would also explain why you were still practicing for something so ‘trivial’ - your opinion, not your coach’s.
Your team was practicing the routine for the rugby team’s qualifying match on Monday. It was a simple routine - as always. Your team didn’t do championship level routines during such events, you were all just there as moral support and being the hype people for the team. All you had to do was cheer with your pom poms, throw in a couple of stunts and the crowd would go wild.
But every event was a chance to get better, to get closer to perfect, according to your coach. And you did not disagree. You just never looked forward to cheering for the rugby team even after all the events. Despite your team always cheering for the football club, you could say you disliked most of them. It always felt as though they didn’t appreciate the moral support and took you guys for granted.
“Might want to look happy, yn.” You heard a playful remark from behind. Jimin, your most trusted base.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Just don’t drop me.”
There was no way you could pull off your stunts if you didn’t have trust in your teammates. And you could say you trusted Jimin with your life - literally. Accidents and mistakes were bound to happen but there was no doubt that you’d be down to try for anything if Jimin was your base.
Not only was Jimin a trustworthy base, but he was also an amazing stunter. His physique was perfect to be an in between, he could pull off both roles. That almost guaranteed him a spot on the mat every time. He was extremely hardworking as well and you’ll always be proud of your best friend making mat. Of course, you wanted to make mat just as badly as the next person.
Last season, you did not make mat and it crushed you. Jimin was there to get you out of your rut and encouraged you to bounce back stronger. Thanks to him, you managed to pick yourself up and train harder for the upcoming nationals. You had never been more determined to make mat.
“Point your toes, I want my flyers looking really perfect.” Your coach yelled over the music. Your coach was a beast, but an effective one, nonetheless. Your team won nationals last season and ready to bag this season as well.
“Alright, that’s all for today. Clean the place up and you guys can go home. Thanks everybody!” Your coach clapped their hands and the team followed suit as everyone got up from the mat and started tidying the place.
“Need a lift?”
“Yes please, you’re the best!” You pulled Jimin in for a tight hug, “Okay, you do this then!” Jimin handed you the empty bottles that he picked up from the ground as he headed off the change first.
You grumbled but took his place in defeat.
Big smiles were plastered on your faces as you congratulated the winning team - your college. You best friend nudged you while you waved the team goodbye as they passed by. “Coming to the after party?”
“Wouldn’t miss the free drinks and snacks.”
Jimin snorted, “Obviously.”
Though you did say that it felt like the cheer team was under appreciated, you were always invited to the after parties. Most of you went, mainly for the free drinks and snacks.
You flashed two thumbs up with Jimin as Yoongi passed by. A small smile on his face as he slightly bowed his heads in your direction, acknowledging your cheers.
Through all the after parties, you have been acquainted with one of their star players - Min Yoongi. He was one of the few who hung out in the kitchen to avoid all the party games and the crowd in the general. He disliked the unnecessary glamour and attention that came along with joining the rugby club. You admired his passion for rugby and along with Jimin, the three of you became the trio who hid away from the crowd during the parties.
After the debrief with our coach, your team dispersed to your own places to freshen up for the after party. It was a Friday night, and a good night of drinking was warranted after a tiring week.
You were all lucky your coach was not strict regarding such parties, as long as everyone turned up ready for the following practice.
“Glad to see faces I actually like.” Yoongi commented, handing you two drinks he had already prepared. “You make it sound like you hate everyone on your team.”
“I would say a good majority. I’m actually jealous that your cheer team is so close knit.”
Jimin nudged you after you downed your shot, “Without trust, our stunts won’t fly.”
You nodded your head in agreement, “Probably should get my team to watch your practices to learn a thing about team spirit.” Yoongi scoffed, mostly to himself, knowing that realistically, it would never happen.
The three of you turned your attention to the living room, watching Yoongi’s teammates either play beer pong or trying to find their fling for the night.
“They’re skilled, no doubt. But most of them are here for the popularity. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely likes football too.” Yoongi ranted as you poured himself another shot.
“Is there not a single soul?” Jimin asked, feeling a tinge of pity for his friend who was not experiencing the same level of love for his team as Jimin did for the cheer team.
Yoongi’s eyes scanned across the room, slowly shaking his head before his eyes landed on someone. “Actually, there is— Jungkook!” He raised his hand, shouting over the loud music as he tried to get someone’s attention.
You turned your head to see Jungkook approaching your group. “Jungkook? Really?” You questioned Yoongi. Jungkook was one of the star players as well. It was impossible not to know Jungkook. You could walk down any corridor in campus, and you would hear someone mention his name at least once.
“Hey,” Jungkook greeted Yoongi before his eyes shifted to yours and Jimin’s. “What’s going on?”
Yoongi shrugged his shoulders, “Just wanted to introduce you to some of the members from cheer.”
“From cheer, huh?” The corner of his lips tugged upwards as his eyes went back to you.
“I figured you won’t recognise us, even though we’ve been at your parties since, well… Basically here every party.” You didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but it just came out from you. You heard Jimin chuckle from beside you as he draped his arms over you.
“Sorry bud, yn here doesn’t have a good impression of you guys.”
“It’s not like you have a better one.” You bit back at Jimin who just stuck out his tongue at you. “That is true,” He pulled away as he took a drink, “We were actually just bitching about you guys with Yoongi.”
Jungkook’s eyes widened in bewilderment, yet he felt amused enough to stay and find out more. “Is that so, Yoongi?”
His teammate nodded his head nonchalantly, “Just sharing the truth. About how most of them are here to be popular. I called you because I know you’re one of the few who actually joined for rugby.”
Jungkook huffed out an amused hum, “Interesting. What are your names again?”
“Yn and Jimin.” Jimin instantly replied, knowing you were probably going to reply with a snarky comment. “Part of the cheer team, like Yoongi said. She’s mainly a flyer and I’m a base and tumbler.”
You watched as his eyes furrowed in confusion, “S-Sorry I don’t know cheer terms.”
“Not surprised.” You let the words slip as you took a sip from your cup. Jungkook’s eyes looked at you, a hint of challenge and interest on his expression.
“If you have something against me, let’s hear it.”
“Don’t take it personally, Jungkook.” You reached out to give a light pat on his right chest. “I had a bad impression on Yoongi as well.”
With that, Yoongi sighed, nodding his head in the back. “It’s a miracle she likes me now.”
“Well, why don’t you give me a chance to change that impression then?” The left corner of his lip rose a playful look on his face as he challenged you.
It could be the alcohol or could be the loud music that made you disoriented. Nonetheless, you reached out your hand for a handshake, “You’ve got one chance.”
Jimin and Yoongi left the kitchen to enjoy their own time together. You had an inkling that something was stirring between them, but you decided to let them be as you were left alone with Jungkook in the kitchen.
“So, yn,” Jungkook shifted in the high stool, leaning on his right elbow, his attention focused on you. “Care to explain why you seem to hate my team so badly?”
“Buckle your seatbelts, Jeon.” You teased as you reached out for your drink. You watched his attention eyes fixated on yours as he waited for your answer. “I dislike your team because it feels we don’t get the appreciation I feel we rightfully deserve. We’re always there for your plays, even for your friendlies. The support just feels one sided and to me it sucks when we put in a lot for our routines as well.”
You watched him slowly nod his head in understanding, his body leaning backwards as he internalised your words. “I have to admit. I never really paused to think about your cheer team. I mean your outfits and pom poms are cute and all— “
Pointing your finger at him, you interrupted, “Exactly, we’re not just cute outfits and pom poms. We only use the cheesy pom poms for your matches to make the crowd all hyped up. Do you even know we have our own competition as well?”
Jungkook shrugged his shoulders, “Of course I do. Just never watched one.”
You let out a short, dry laugh, “It’s okay. Can’t say I’m surprised.”
Jungkook frowned, noting the dejected tone laced in your laugh and words as you tried to dismiss it. As an athlete himself, he knew how dejecting it must feel that support was one sided or lacking.
“Hey,” He placed the cup on the counter, “Why don’t you educate me? I’d like to know more.”
You smiled, “You’re pretty good at changing your first impression. You’re working really hard.”
He laughed, shaking his head, “No no, I mean it. It’s not just about changing your opinion of me. Tell me about cheer.”
You paused momentarily, recognising the sincerity in his voice as his gaze stayed on you. You knew he was serious about wanting to know more. It was as though the wall you placed between the two seemed to falter, a very minuscule crack forming on the wall.
“Jungkook!” A random college student hollered for his attention, “Come play beer pong with us!” You watched in amusement as you read their body language. They were clearly flirting with Jungkook and calling for his attention.
“Duty calls?”
Jungkook shook his head, “I’ll pass!”
“We can save this talk for another time, you can go— “
“Just to clear things up,” Jungkook turned back to you, “I’m not a fuckboy.”
You choked on air from his sudden defence statement, “I-I didn’t s-say you were— “
“Didn’t have to,” He said with a light smile on his face, “But I expected it too. Comes with the popularity I guess.” “So, you don’t…?” You trailed off and he shook his head, as if he was completely appalled by the sheer thought of being a fuckboy. “No, no. I don’t see the point in flings. Like Yoongi said, I’m here for rugby. Not to find dates.”
It felt as if another crack in the wall was formed after learning that fact. Like how Yoongi managed to break down the wall between you and him a few games ago.
Maybe not all jocks were bad.
“Anyway,” Jungkook pulled you back from your thoughts, “Educate me.”
You began sharing how was practice like, the different roles people were and how strict your coach was. You explained how you were always at the gym on the days you didn’t have training. You always got passionate when you talked about cheer and Jungkook experienced it first-hand. He watched how your face immediately lit up when he asked you to share about the sport. He was sure that even a person with zero interest with cheer would be completely drawn to hear you share about it with how enthusiastic you were.
“We currently have training three times a week since nationals are coming. We practice from late afternoon to almost midnight sometimes.” You paused, a sheepish grin creeping on your face as you realised you had been rambling on about your sport. “I-I’m sorry, I must’ve bored you to death.”
“No, no!” He immediately shook his head, hands out in front shaking as well in protest, “I wasn’t bored. I was really interested. I can tell how much you love cheer though.”
“Y-Yea I really do. Always good to find something to distract you especially during college.”
He nodded his head, “Can’t argue with that.” He raised his plastic cup in his hand, “Cheers to distractions.”
“Cheers,” You laughed, raising your cup towards his.
-
You could say you clicked well with Jungkook that night. In fact, you guys shared a lot about each other’s sport that you didn’t exchange numbers or any form of communication afterwards. It didn’t bug you so much since you figured it was a one-off conversation with him.
To be frank, you almost forgot that you talked with Jungkook that party. Jimin was the one who reminded you, asking about how he was and if you still hated jocks.
“He’s not bad, actually.”
“Of course, that’s why Yoongi actually likes him.” You raised an eyebrow suspiciously, leaning towards Jimin, “Speaking of Yoongi, how are things between you two?”
Your friend snorted, dismissing you with his hand, “What are you talking about? There’s nothing going on. We’re just friendly.”
“For now?”
Jimin shrugged, “We’ll see how it goes.” He gives you a wink before getting up, extending his hand out as an offer to pull you up. “Back on the mat.”
Training went on until 11pm, it was full of drills as soon your coach would be picking who will make mat for nationals. Everyone had to give it their all during practice as you were all constantly being scrutinised by your coach, your attitude, skills, and stamina. You had been training your stunts with Jimin after he managed to pull you back up from your sulking phase. Everything was important.
You separated from Jimin after practice as you made your way to the bus stop to head home. “Yn? Is that you?”
A very familiar honey-like voice.
Jungkook slowly made his way to the bus stop, “What are you doing here at campus so late?” You asked.
“I was studying. Just ended practice?”
“Yea.”
Jungkook glanced at his watch, “Wanna grab a midnight snack?”
You smiled, “Sure.”
“How does ice cream sound?”
“I’m down.”
There was a small ice cream store near campus and luckily, you managed to catch the last order. The both of you enjoyed your slow late night stroll back to the bus stop as you strikes up a conversation with him.
“I realised I was the only one talking about my sport that night. How about you share about rugby? I actually don’t know much about it.”
“You sure?” Jungkook asked, slightly shocked that you had brought up his sport. “Because I can get carried away when I talk about it—“
You laughed, “I’m sure Jungkook. Fire away.”
Jungkook started sharing the rules and positions of rugby - “I’m number 11, one of the wings” You looked at him, already confused with the terms. With a short chuckle, he explained, “I’m one of the backs. We do the running and scoring. Sometimes, we have to knock people down in our way.”
He continued sharing his training schedule as well - how his team similarly had gym sessions on non-training days just like cheer. The only difference was that the rugby team had a gym off campus.
“Sounds fancy.”
“It’s pretty fancy.” He nodded his head letting out an airy laugh.
“Rubgy doesn’t sound too bad now that I know how it works.”
“You could watch one of our matches or practices when you guys aren’t cheering for us.”
“Why not.”
“Guess who I see?” Jimin whispered, nudging you out of your focus. You looked up, placing your dumbbells down, “Where are you looking at?”
“6 o’clock.” He muttered as he sneakily stole your dumbbells to do his set while you turned around to spot Jungkook who had just entered the gym.
You were surprised to see Jungkook and his teammates at the gym. Yoongi was the first one who spotted you. He sent a small smile, raising his hand for a short wave in your direction.
“Hey thief,” You nudged Jimin back, “Yoongi is here too.”
“I know, that’s why I stole your dumbbells.” You chuckled, smacking his toned arms upon learning his tactic.
You watched Yoongi talk to Jungkook, seemingly informing him that you were there as Jungkook turned his body around, his eyes meeting yours. You smiled, sending a hello with your hand to which he returned.
Seeing that you were unoccupied, since Jimin stole your dumbbells, Jungkook made his way to you. “What happened to your almighty external gym?”
He shrugged with a bright smile, “After hearing you hype up the campus gym so much the other night, I thought, why not give it a shot?”
You shook your head with a chuckle, clearly not believing his words. “If that’s the case, enjoy the campus gym!” You reached out to pat his broad shoulders before turning back to resume your gym session.
“Are you done with your set yet?” You questioned Jimin who stood right back up with a grin, “Was he watching me?”
Taking the dumbbells from his hands, you shrugged, “Doubt it.”
“Yea right.” Jimin scoffed, stepping aside to give you more space.
Your gym session lasted an hour as usual, ensuring that you don’t over-work your body as well since your coach was going to be choosing the final 20 soon.
Whenever you weren’t studying or training, you were stressing over whether you’ll make mat. And it was evident on your face. You heard a sigh coming from Jimin, “Don’t stress over it too much. You’ve been working extra hard this season, I’m confident you’ll make it.”
You responded with a weak smile, “Thanks Jimin, I really hope so.”
“Me too, but what you need is to stop thinking about it right now. Go get a distraction for tonight. Tomorrow’s training is going to be torturous.”
“When isn’t it?” You joked, “Touché.”
You packed your gym bag with Jimin, ready to leave and wind down for the day. Jimin was right, you needed a distraction - maybe a Netflix movie, or do some yoga to de-stress, or do a sheet mask —
“Jimin, yn!” You heard Yoongi holler out your names as you walked away from the campus gym.
“Yoongi, what’s up?”
Yoongi walked up to the both of you, accompanied by Jungkook.
“We just ended our session, was thinking if you wanted to grab dinner together?”
“Sure! Yn here,” Jimin laces his arm around yours as he pulled you closer to him, “needs a distraction ASAP.”
“A distraction?” Jungkook asked, looking at you for a response.
“From worrying about making mat.”
Yoongi chuckled, “Jungkook doesn’t know cheer lingo— “
“Oh no,” He shook his head, “I know what that means.”
“You do?!” Yoongi and Jimin asked incredulously.
“I gave him a lecture about cheer during that after party.” You answered and Jimin laughed, “Right! I forgot about your granny lecture.”
You scoffed defensively, “I-I mean he could’ve stopped be any time he was bored— “
“Because I wasn’t. It’s refreshing seeing people be so passionate about something, especially during college.” You returned the smile, the more you interacted with Jungkook, the more you could see why Yoongi kept Jungkook in his small circle of friends.
If there was anything the four of you had in common, it was your passion for your sport.
“I know a great place we can eat at.” Yoongi suggested. The four of you headed over to Yoongi’s go-to restaurants after his workout sessions. As the food started to come to your table, Yoongi and Jimin were caught up with some music competition show that you did not keep up with.
“So how has cheer been?” Jungkook’s voice pulled your attention towards him. “Fun but tiring as usual. Our coach is selecting who will make it to the final 20 for the nationals.” You sighed, anxiousness clearly evident in your tone and on your face.
“Hey, from an athlete to another, I know you’ve trained very hard, and I’ll be rooting for you to make it to the final 20.”
You weren’t sure why, but it felt comforting to hear those words from Jungkook. It felt different than when Jimin would cheer you up. You quickly decided that it was because you were praised by one of the star players of the rugby team. It felt great being acknowledged by someone out of the cheer world.
So, you decided to go with that explanation.
“Thanks, Jungkook, I hope I do. But you technically don’t know whether I’ve trained hard since you’ve never seen me practice.”
“That is true.” He simply grinned at you, “But I just know.”
“You have so much faith in me, Jungkook.” You teased.
He placed his forearms on the table, leaning on them to bring himself slightly close to you, “I have lots of faith in you.”
You weren’t stupid and you weren’t blind either. You and Jimin have been spotting Jungkook and Yoongi loitering around the indoor gym lately.
“Did you see them?” Jimin tossed you your newly refilled bottle, “I haven’t left the gym. They’re here again? It’s like 10pm.”
Jimin shrugged his shoulders, “Yoongi was napping on the table though. Looks like Jungkook was the only one actually studying.”
Jungkook never mentioned to you that he stayed back in campus to revise. Though, you barely talked to him since you never exchanged numbers. Every time you had a conversation with him, you both would get too swept up in the conversation that it never occurred to either of you that it was the 21st century and you could talk with your phones.
Training ended an hour later, and you did not expect them to still be outside ‘studying’.
“You guys are still studying?” Jimin called out as you both approached them, Jungkook’s head shot up almost instantly, his eyes finding yours, a bright smile on his face despite his tired eyes from revision. “What a coincidence seeing you here.”
You raised your eyebrows questioningly, “Here,” You looked around with your hands gesturing to the area, “Right outside the indoor gym, with no fan or AC.”
“Yes, here.” He insisted.
Yoongi sighed, finally waking up from his nap. “What’s with the commotion— Oh, you guys are finally done with practice.” He got up and grabbed his bags, “Jimin, need a lift?”
“Yes please!” Jimin nodded his head, giving you a quick goodbye hug before heading off with Yoongi, leaving you alone with Jungkook.
“Guess I can’t judge your preference for a study location.” You made your way to him as he packed up his belongings. “I kinda feel bad for you that Yoongi ditched you.”
Jungkook shook his head with a smile, “He was meant to ditch me anyway. I was waiting to see you.”
You felt yourself momentarily pause; an inhale stuck halfway as you processed his words. He waited to see me. You thought, your brain trying to find an explanation for that.
“I realised we haven’t exchanged numbers even after all this time.” He continued when he didn’t get a response.
“O-Oh right, here,” You reached for your phone in your bag, handing it to Jungkook. “I’ll drop you message.”
Jungkook didn’t take your phone immediately, his eyes locked on your face, as if he was shocked that you didn’t mind exchanging numbers, his hand reached for your phone, gently brushing against your fingers, sending a fluttery feeling in your way.
Once he added his contact, he returned your phone, “It’s 11pm, do you have a ride home?”
“I usually just take the bus.”
“I have a car. Let me take you home.”
“Oh no,” You shook your head, “You don’t have to really, I’m used to taking the bus— “
“But I’m already here anyway, come on, do you not trust my driving skills?” He joked and you let out an airy laugh, “Alright fine. I owe you one.”
“Nah, you already gave me your number.” He winked at you, throwing his bag over his shoulder, leading the way to the carpark with you slightly stunned from his flirtatious remarks.
The care ride with Jungkook was comfortable, slightly tense on your end at the start. Jungkook gave you the cable to play whatever music you wanted which made you slightly more comfortable. “I don’t know if we have the same music taste— “
“It’s alright, just play whatever you want.”
“O-Okay…”
Surprisingly, you and Jungkook didn’t have that much of a difference in differing taste, there were some songs that he didn’t know but found himself liking it. He himself was shocked to learn that you had similar taste in music.
Jungkook didn’t know why he felt so nervous having you in his car and driving you home. It was not like you were getting married. But why did he feel so nervous? Jungkook rarely flirted or showed interest in someone. His love was rugby - his sport - his life. He poured his heart and soul into the sport. But with you, he found that he couldn’t help flirting with you. It felt natural - It felt right.
Ironically, or maybe not, as he drove you home that night, Jungkook knew deep down, he was in it for the long ride.
Jimin held your hands tightly as you kept your eyelids shut. You could feel that your heart was about to jump out of your chest as you sat on the mat with Jimin, waiting for your coach to call out all the 20 names. It almost felt like you could feel your heartbeat in your head, the suspense and dragging was killing you.
Your hands clammy in Jimin’s but you did not have a single care as all you wanted in that moment was to make it to nationals.
“Jimin.”
You gasped, pulling Jimin in for a tight hug as he yelled in excitement. You were proud of your best friend; you knew that he would make mat and he deserved it.
Names were called and there were only 5 names left to be called, you grip on Jimin’s hands slackened as you started to accept that you won’t make it—
“Yn.”
You ears rang and you thought you were about to go deaf. Jimin’s loud but happy scream stunned you as you were pulled in for a suffocating hug this time.
The last 4 names were called and the final 20 had been made (subject to change).
Tears welled up in your eyes as memories of your gruelling training flashed through your mind. All the tiring practices and extra trainings with Jimin, the hardships and discipline all paid off.
Training went swimmingly, your coach running through sections of the choreography until it was time to wrap up. “Didn’t have the time to properly congratulate you.” Jimin said with a bright proud grin on his face as you left the gym.
“Thanks, Jimin! Hopefully we can stay on the 20 and compete together.”
“I’m confident we will.”
His eyes shifted away from you, and you followed his gaze to see Jungkook outside, once again, studying, alone this time. “Where’s Yoongi?” You asked as you both approached him.
“He gave up studying with me. Probably went home to crash after our practice today.”
Jimin eyed Jungkook’s facial expression suspiciously, eyes darting between you and Jungkook before he spoke, “I’m going book a ride and head home first yea? Text me when you’re home.” Jimin gives your shoulder a good squeeze before saying bye to you and Jungkook.
“What’s with the big smile on your face?” Jungkook questioned as he started packing his belongings. Your smile was contagious and Jungkook couldn’t help but smile as well as soon as he saw your bright expression.
“I got into the top 20!”
You squared like a little girl, once again excited from the thought of making it this season.
Jungkook abruptly stopped gathering his stuff, stepping away from the table, “Really? Congrats, yn!” He pulled you in for a hug which made your muscles stiffen but your arms automatically wrapped around him.
“I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks, Jungkook.” You chuckled as you pulled away from the embrace. Your mind was clouded, filled with a mixture of thoughts of making it to the Top 20 and how warm that hug felt. How it felt so ‘right’.
Over the past few weeks, it had become a routine, to have Jungkook studying outside the indoor gym and drive you home after practice. You always told him he didn’t need to send you home, but he never listened.
“Our qualifying match is next Friday, if we win, there’ll be an after party, are you free to come?”
“For the after party?”
“Yea, I mean, technically your whole cheer team usually come but since your nationals are coming, I’m assuming you would be too busy to come.”
“No no, I’ll come.”
“You will?” Jungkook’s face lit up and a bubbling feeling grew in your chest as you tried to ignore it. “Yea I will.”
Since Jungkook had his qualifying match around the corner, you stopped seeing him late at night outside the gym. You wouldn’t admit it out loud, but you missed seeing him after your practice.
Nonetheless, you would still spend the night texting him right before bed. It felt so easy to converse with him and you always looked forward to hear stories about his rugby practice and it felt nice to share about your cheer practice to him.
Friday quickly arrived and you decided to watch his match since the game was on your campus grounds. You took a seat somewhere in the middle of the bleachers and your eyes scanned the field to find Jungkook.
You recalled him explaining the positions of the backs and you found his number - 11. A smile crept unto your face as your eyes fixated on Jungkook. Your facial expression always scrunched up into a wince whenever you see them tackle each other during the game. You would let out a hiss as if you were the one sliding against the grass as Jungkook scored a point.
Nonetheless, it was fascinating to actually watch the game. Not surprisingly, after you understood the rules of the game, it was exciting to root for your college’s team. Maybe it was because you were rooting for a particular player, but you wouldn’t admit that to yourself just yet.
During half-time, your college’s team made their way back to the benches which was in front of where you sat. You didn’t bother shouting for his attention since you knew it was important to stay in the zone.
You sat at your spot, watching him, and you almost felt like a stalker. He was drenched in sweat, definitely going to have bruises or scratches from the game, you could see his chest move up and down as he took deep breaths to relax.
You felt your breath get caught in your throat when he had looked up and found your eyes amongst the crowd. Jungkook had been casually looking around the crowd to see if you really did come to watch his game.
He had texted you the night before about how he hoped you could come see his game now that you know how it actually worked. You told him no promises but had made sure you were free the afternoon to attend his game. Of course, you didn’t tell him that.
In an instant, his serious gaze broke into an inviting smile as he mouthed the words “hey” at your direction. You smiled back, returning the greeting while you hoped no one caught that moment between the two of you.
His coach called for their attention to remind them of their game plan but Jungkook was having a battle in his mind. The image of you smiling at the bleachers stayed as he tried to listen to his coach’s words. He knew the game plan, he was always on top the game. But seeing you watching him from the bleachers made him feel giddy but at least he also motivated him to do extra well. He wanted to look good in front of you.
And that’s exactly what he did.
He sent you text to wait for him to freshen up and you sat at your spot, enjoying the breeze as you waited for him to come back from his shower.
“You actually came.”
You looked up from your phone to see a wet-haired Jungkook approaching you with a lopsided grin. “Wanted to give support especially after all the times you sent me home after practice.”
Your phone vibrated as Jimin spammed you with messages when you stopped replying. Jimin had been asking about your whereabouts and you told him you were at the rugby game. He was upset since he would have tagged along to watch Yoongi if he knew you were going.
“Where’s Yoongi?”
Jungkook gestured with his thumb behind him, “Still showering. Is Jimin here?”
You chuckled, shaking your head, “He didn’t know I was coming to watch. I think he’ll attack me later at the party.”
“Sounds like a fun match to see.” He joked and you scoffed, “I’ll beat Jimin easily.”
“I’m sure, I’ll always be rooting for you.”
It sounded like another tease but his words caused nervous knots in your stomach. You deliberately ignored the feeling as you walked down the bleachers to his side, “Shall we get Yoongi and Jimin?”
“Yep, text me his address. We’ll pick him up once Yoongi is ready to go.”
Get ready, Jungkook’s picking you up - yn
I already look good, always ready - Jimin
Yoongi didn’t take long to come out of the showers and the three of you made your way in Jungkook’s car to pick Jimin up, all ready for the after party.
“I haven’t had dinner so I am ready for all the food.” Jimin groaned, clutching his stomach as he hopped off the car.
The four of you made your way up the driveway to see that the after party had started even earlier. “Looks like everyone couldn’t wait to party.” Yoongi commented as you entered through the main door, the loud typical party music blasting through the house.
It wasn’t a very packed party, lesser than the usual after parties but still plenty of people nonetheless.
There were already different groups engaging in different activities - gossiping, flirting, beer pong, truth or dare, Mario Kart and many more.
“Yn, you hungry? I heard Woohyun baked pasta for tonight.” Yoongi gestured to the kitchen. Before you could reply, Jungkook added on, “Someone’s barbecuing in the backyard though.”
“Barbecue?” You repeated, “Sounds delicious.” You turned your head back to Yoongi, “I’ll follow you guys after!”
Yoongi and Jimin made their way to the kitchen while you and Jungkook headed over to start your night with barbecue.
At the backyard, there was a swimming pool with a small lawn where the barbecue was. The two of you made your way to the table with the cooked food, helping yourself to dinner.
“This tastes amazing.” You moaned in delight after the first bite.
Jungkook laughed, “Come on,” He took an empty plate and grabbed a handful of barbecue sticks and kebabs, leading the way to the other side of the pool with one empty lounge chair.
You shared the plastic lounge chair, sitting beside Jungkook as you shared the plate. “So, how was my game?”
“To be honest,” You cleared your throat, “More interesting now that I know the game.”
He grinned like a happy high school boy, “That’s great to hear! Maybe you can watch more of my games or practices when you have the time.”
“We’ll see about that.” You teased, grabbing another stick to feed yourself.
“So, how’s your prep for nationals?”
“Tiring, one of our flyers got a concussion after a bad fall last night so she’s temporarily replaced. Our pyramid’s a mess.”
Jungkook lightly nudged your shoulders, “I’m sure it’ll turn out well. You guys are the defending champions.”
“I hope we can defend it this season.”
“Gotta think positively.” He winked at you and you returned a small smile. Silence fell upon you two as you noticed the lack of personal space between the both of you. It felt comfortable yet nerve-racking to be so close to him.
Was he uncomfortable with the closeness? Should you move away?
Just as you were about to scoot away, he spoke. “I’m really glad you came to my match tonight. It felt different.” He admitted rather shyly as his gaze dropped to the half empty plate.
“Different?”
Jungkook nodded his head, “Felt nice knowing there’s someone out there rooting for me.”
“There were lots of people rooting out for you.”
“Yea but, someone out there that I really want to impress.”
You didn’t have a reply, you weren’t sure how to reply. You decided to opt for a small encouraging pat on his shoulder before retracting your hand.
It didn’t seem much from an outsider’s perspective, but his words held a lot of weight. For the both of you. Almost as if you were about to cross a line - some line that you weren’t sure if you’re both ready to cross.
“Well,” He cleared his throat, standing up, “Shall we go find the two?”
“S-Sure.”
The two of you entered through the back door and was immediately blocked by his fellow team player, handing both of you a bottle of soju. “Gotta help us finish these, Jeon. Someone,” his eyes darted to another team player, “Accidentally ordered twice our usual order.”
“Damn.” Jungkook laughed in disbelief, “I’ll pull my weight then.”
“Great! You know what’s a perfect game for that? Spin the Bottle! You guys wanna play?”
Jungkook’s gaze darted to yours as you hesitated to reply.
“Come on Jeon, you always reject our games. Just this once, yea?”
He sighed, “A-Alright sure. Yn?”
You shook your head, “I’ll pass. Go have fun.” You patted his back as you excused yourself to the kitchen. There was a sour feeling knowing that Jungkook agreed to play Spin the Bottle, you avoided looking at the circle at the living area as you went to find Yoongi and Jimin guarding the snacks.
“Where’s Jungkook?”
“Spin the Bottle.” You plopped yourself down beside Jimin, chugging the soju bottle in your hand.
“Someone sounds affected.” Jimin teased, handing you a plate of pasta.
“No one’s affected.” You defended yourself as you grabbed a fork to eat the pasta, ignoring the feeling in your chest.
You had almost completely forgotten about Spin the Bottle as the three of you went on to talk about other things. You were laughing and enjoying your night with the two until you heard the familiar voice that made your muscles freeze.
“Any pasta left for me?”
You turned to look at Jungkook, “Enjoyed the game?”
“Pretty interesting,” He started and you immediately wanted to shut his voice out, “But would’ve been fun if you were in the game.” He winked at you before he took a plate for himself, acting as if he hadn’t said those words. You saw the empty soju bottle that he placed on the counter top and figured it was the alcohol talking so you decided to brush it off. It was probably the alcohol making him say such a brave statement in front of your friends.
Would something have happened if you agreed to play the game?
You realised that maybe he did decide to be more brave.
He started sitting in the gymnasium to watch your practices. Jimin would always inform you when he spotted Jungkook, insisting that he was here to watch you. Though you constantly denied, because you knew he knew a few of you guys from all the parties.
Somehow, you always felt his eyes were locked on you - his attention never leaving you no matter how chaotic the mat got. Every fall, every success, every break. You just knew he was looking at you.
The first practice you realised he was there, you approached him after practice ended.
“Hey Jungkook!”
“Why are you here?”
“Am I that unwanted? Looks like only Jimin is glad to see me here.”
“N-No,” You were caught off-guard, “I was just wondering—“
“I know, I’m kidding.” Jungkook chuckled, getting up from the bench, hopping down to stand right in front of you. “You came to my game, and I want to come see your practices. I haven’t actually seen how serious cheer can be.”
You hummed, “Alright then.” You tossed your damp towel over your shoulder. Jungkook reached out, “Let me take your bag. I saw how tiring practice was.”
“Jungkook it’s fine—“
“And you fell from that pyramid a couple of times. You better ice that bruise.” He pointed to the bruise on your shin. You had gotten the bruise when you knocked it against one of your teammate’s foot when you had fallen off the pyramid.
He had successfully snatched your duffel bag when you were distracted by the bruise on your shin. “Jungkook—“
“Come on, let the guy be a gentleman.” Jimin nudged your sides and you shot a light glare his way. “I already booked a ride and it’s here so I’ll head home first. Text me when you’re home, yea?” Jimin patted your shoulder before jogging off.
During the ride home, Jungkook shared how in awe he was during your practice. “I felt that same way watching your game too.” You admitted.
“I’m definitely watching nationals with Yoongi.”
“You don’t have to—“
“But I want to! I’m coming.”
Over the weeks, you learned even more about Jungkook.
Firstly, Jungkook was a really thoughtful individual.
He also loved going the extra mile. You knew his rugby training schedule since he shared it before. So you knew he was watching your late night sessions after his tiring ones on some days, yet still sat through all the way.
He didn’t attend all practices, but he didn’t have to. You always appreciated the times he came to watch and you made it a point to watch his trainings as well when you had nothing on.
Secondly, Jungkook was one of the most hardworking and disciplined individuals that you have met.
Every footwork drill, punishment or endurance runs, he took it seriously. He always gave it his 110%. Even when you knew he was near his limit, he never slacked.
Thirdly, Jungkook was cute when he was in the zone.
His eyebrows always scrunched together, sometimes he would bite his lip for extra concentration. He would whisper to himself after his attempts or runs, possibly correcting himself or encouraging himself.
You knew he was his harshest critic. You could see it in his training etiquette.
From an athlete to another, Jungkook was a very respectable athlete - in both fitness and character.
Eventually, this became routine between the both of you. You would watch each other’s practices whenever you had the time. Jimin and Yoongi had gotten used to the scene as well.
Both would tease the both of you separately, “Look who’s here.”
“Shut up.” You both would say to them, trying to fight the smile that wanted to break through.
“You know, people will start thinking that we’re dating.”
“That wouldn’t be a bad thing, now would it?” Jungkook tilted his head, a cheeky grin on his face as he tossed you a cold unopened bottle of water. His reply sent your heart fluttering. He knew his way with words.
“It’ll kill your popularity with the public. Everyone will lose hope and stop pining after you.” You said dramatically after taking a big gulp of the refreshing water.
“Still don’t see how that’s a bad thing.”
“You know, you’re a real flirt Jeon Jungkook.”
He grinned cheekily, “Only when I want to.”
He definitely knew his way with words, and possibly, his way to your heart.
Jungkook started asking you out for lunch and dinner over the weeks, including the weekends. It was refreshing seeing you two not dripping in sweat from training. And he cleaned up well.
Although the rugby finals and cheer nationals were just around the corner, you both tried to find spare time to hang out. It felt like a stress-reliever. You both needed it. Jungkook knew he needed and wanted it. He always wanted to see you.
You were both at an open field, lying next to each other, bodies facing up as you enjoyed the night sky. Silence engulfed the both of you as you relished the tranquility of the night.
With hectic schedules, you appreciated times like this when you didn’t have to think about something so serious like competitions and expectations.
You were grateful that you made it to the Final 20 but it was still stressful knowing that there are high expectations for your team to defend your title.
It was the same for Jungkook.
“This feels great, doesn’t it?” He was the first to break the silence.
You turned just your head to admire his side profile as his eyes remained glue to the starry night.
“It does.”
Jungkook paused before continuing the conversation, “You know, I didn’t actually play Spin the Bottle that night. I just drank every time it was me, just wanted to please Woohyun.”
Confused, you weren’t sure why Jungkook had brought that up out of the blue. “Why are you—”
“I just wanted you to know. Felt like you had to know.” He shrugged his shoulders, pressing his lips into a tight line. “Didn’t want to send mix signals.”
“Mix signals?” You turned around, lying on top of your stomach as you got up on your forearms. You had a hunch of where this conversation was heading, but you didn’t like to be one making assumptions. Jungkook turned his head to face you, “I’m into you. I always like being with you and I hope you feel the same way.”
Nothing came out of your mouth. You were stunned by his sudden confession. Your eyes remained on his face as he kept a soft smile, with not a single ounce of regret on his face.
“I… I like being with you too.” You replied shyly, shuffling back down to lie down on your back next to him, not daring to make eye contact.
Next to you, Jungkook let out a short chuckle. He decided not to push it for that night. But it was enough to know that things were going right between the two of you.
“I never shared this with anyone but, sometimes, I do feel like quitting rugby.”
You were taken aback by his sudden change in topic but didn't to roll with it
“Why?”
He took a while to respond, formulating his thoughts into sentences. “The expectations get too much sometimes, especially as one of the labelled star players.” He scoffed, as if he was laughing at the term, or himself.
“I’m sure as the Final 20 in cheer you feel that expectation as well.”
You didn’t give a verbal reply, only nodding your head as you turned your head back to face up to the sky.
Jungkook didn’t need a verbal reply, he knew you felt the same.
“It’s suffocating. But right now, I feel like I can take a deep long breath, and not worry about making a mistake or slowing down.”
Just as he said that, he took a deep inhale, letting out his breath through is mouth.
“That felt good to let out. I never wanted to share this with others because I’m afraid they’ll think that I’m taking my position and skills for granted.”
“Yea I get what you’re saying.” You assured him and he smiled, turning his head to face you. You heard the shuffling sounds and you decided to face him as well, momentarily freezing when your eyes finally met his.
“But it feels like I can talk to you about anything. It feels nice to talk to you, yn.”
You were once again lost for words, feeling your cheeks grow hot as your eyes remained locked in his gaze.
“I feel safe with you.”
It was the final championship match for rugby. Your cheer team was once again there, to root for your college - you and Jimin were specifically rooting for Yoongi and Jungkook.
The whole venue was excruciatingly loud and tense. Both colleges with great support backing them. The match was very close and you could tell how they seemed more tired than other games. The nerves and the physical demand was getting to them.
Your coach yelled, calling their hands to get your attention. “Come on guys, time to boost their morale”
With your pom poms in your hands, your cheer team gathered, facing your side of the bleachers, enthusiastically cheering the campus cheers and getting the crowd to join in.
It was followed by simply stunts and routines to get the atmosphere more lively and ready for the game to resume.
As the players passed by your team, you all wished them good luck.
“Good luck, Yoongi!”
“Good luck, Jungkook!” You exclaimed encouragingly, shaking both your pom poms his way as he turned around to see you. He winked at you, mouthing the words ‘thank you’ before they made their way to the field.
“You’re drooling.”
Jimin’s voice taunted you from the side, You elbowed his side, “You’re doing the same.”
“Touche.”
As the timer reaches the end, your side erupted in the loudest of cheers, you happily screaming along with the crowd. This win felt different from all the different times your cheer team supported them. Your college managed to defend their title, winning the championship for the season.
When the players returned to the benches and huddled for a group photo together, Jimin whispered, “Why don’t you go up and congratulate him?”
“Hush, Jimin, not in front of everyone.”
“Come on, don’t be shy. I know you like him.”
“We’re just close friends.”
Jimin scoffed, his index finger pointing to you and himself, “You and I are close friends. You and Jungkook however, are idiots who don’t want to admit that you guys like each other.”
“Shut it!” You sighed, lightly hitting him with your pom poms. When you turned around, Jungkook had already made his way to you. “You were cheering really hard back there.”
“Just for you.”
Just for me?” He raised his eyebrows, a smug look on his face as he stepped closer, “Yoongi’s gonna be devastated knowing that—“
“Actually my cheers were for Yoongi but I didn’t want you to feel upset or forgotten.”
Jungkook frowned and you really wished you had the guts to just kiss him right there, your eyes flickering to his pink soft lips.
“I’m kidding, don’t cry, not when you just became a champion.”
Jungkook laughed heartily before leaning towards your ear, “I’m already a champion having you on my side to cheer me on.”
Attention immediately shifted to your team for the upcoming nationals which was just a week after Jungkook’s finals.
You guys had constant past few runs leading up to the final day and everything felt like it would go well. The biggest obstacle was controlling your mental state during the day itself.
The night before, Jungkook had sent you a lengthy good luck message as he reminded you that he would be there.
You slept peacefully that night and woke up to read his message in the morning once again. You had your own cheerleader this time.
Everything seemed to go by quickly, the warm ups and runs backstage while waiting for your team’s turn. You had not met Jungkook or Yoongi since you were preparing backstage with your team, focused on getting into the right mental state.
Your heart almost jumped out of your chest when it was finally your team’s turn to perform.
The sun was scorching hot and there were many spectators. You stood in formation with your teammates as you waited for the song to play.
It felt way different than last season. Even though you were there last season to support the performing team, it truly felt different to be the one about to perform on the mat. With all eyes on you, carefully watching for any mistakes or mishaps. The heat already making you sweat when you stepped onto the stage.
But once the music played, that was all you could focus on.
Bright smiles plastered on all your faces as you went through the routine. A silent celebration in your head every time your team successfully pulled off a stunt.
Quick gazes made on the mat as you constantly changed formation. Encouraging looks and the sounds of the encouragement on the mat from your teammates to get you through the routine.
And just like that - it was your ending pose. Heavy pants surrounding you as your gaze locked on the audience. You all broke character afterwards, squealing and hugging each other for not screwing up the pyramid and the routine.
It felt good.
In fact, it felt amazing.
Jimin yelled your name, pulling you in for a tight hug, “We did it!”
“I know!”
Once all the teams had finished, the top 2 teams were announced and your college name was called out.
In front of the entire crowd, you hold intertwined your hands, head hung low and eyes shut right as you awaited for the results. The cheerleader holding the 2nd prize trophy walked back and forth between the two college teams as the announcer evilly drags on the result.
Your heartbeat was pounding loudly and you could feel it in your head, all your hands clasped together were clammy from nervous sweat.
Jungkook’s hopefully eyes stayed locked on your figure as he waited for announcements from the crowd.
The other college was called and your entre team’s knees went weak, buckling as some immediately fell to the ground.
Deafening screams erupted as you were pulled into a big group hug, you guys had just defended your title.
Your team was the reigning national champion once again.
Tears were falling as everyone congratuler each other. Your coach and assistant coach ran up to mat to join the group hug as your team proudly accepted the winning trophy.
You had made your way off the stag to reunite with the other cheer members as the public slowly started to approach you for a team photo.
With tears all over your faces, you posed for the group photos as thanked all your teammates with a big hug.
“Yn!”
You heard his voice amongst the chaos.
You felt yourself immediately searching for the familiar pair of eyes in the crowd. The moment your eyes landed on him, you rushed up towards him, his arms wide open ready to accept you.
Jungkook pulled you in for tight embrace, repeatedly saying “congrats, you did it, I know you guys would win”. Tears flowed down your face once again still not believing what had just happened.
It felt so surreal and yet being in Jungkook’s embrace felt even more surreal. It was as if you were in a dream.
“Congrats yn!” You heard Yoongi’s voice from behind Jungkook.
You pulled away to see not only Yoongi but the entire rugby team with him. They were cheering proudly, chanting your college’s name with pride. Your eyes immediately farted back to Jungkook who had kept his arms around you.
“Did you…?”
“Yes, I convinced everyone to come. They’d be missing on such a stellar performance.”
As if your grin couldn’t get any bigger, your broke into a euphoric laugh, “You’re amazing.”
“You’re calling me amazing? After what your team had just displayed back there? You must be blind—“
Maybe it was the adrenaline rush, the high influx of dopamine from winning the competition and from being in his embrace. It didn’t matter, when your lips met his, you knew that was all that mattered at that moment.
You felt Jungkook lean into the kiss, his arms pulling you closer to his body. Both of you could hear your cheer team behind you and Jungkook’s rugby team behind him, both cheering your names.
You guys laughed into the kiss when you heard Yoongi and Jimin loudly expressed their thoughts. “It’s about time.”
“I swear I thought they’ll never get to this stage.”
His bright and welcoming smile never failed to make your day, no matter how tired you were. You never thought that you’d love going for rugby practices and matches. It was the complete opposite scenario from the beginning of the year.
But now, it never got boring to watch your boyfriend get into his sport. You would always tell him that he looked attractive when he was serious. You enjoyed doing that because it always made him fluster and fumble over his words.
“I-I don’t… Nah… I don’t look cute when I’m serious.” He would adjust the neckline of his shirt, trying to maintain a nonchalant expression on his face.
“You’re finally done.” You made your way down the bleachers, “I’ve been thinking about dessert the past 30 minutes.”
Jungkook nodded his head, extending his arms out to pull you into a sweaty hug. He placed a light kiss on your forehead, pulling back slightly to get a better view of your face.
“Ice cream?”
Deja Vu.
You remembered the first night you hung out with Jungkook after meeting him at the after party. When you were at the bus stop ready to go home.
WIth a grin, you leaned in to kiss his soft lips lightly, “I’m down.”
705 notes · View notes
weelittleweasley · 3 years
Text
Rosy Cheeks | Fred x Reader
Prompt as anon requested: Fred has always been very forward with his feelings, especially when it comes girls. You on the other hand were always taken aback by how forward he was. 
Warnings: fluffy, blushy, cute, warm, and fuzzy :)
Word Count: 2.4k
Tumblr media
Small chatter in the library filled Fred’s ears as he sat at a small table pushed against the wall. He leaned back, twirling his quill in his fingers, not paying a lick of attention to the study group at the table. He tuned out Alicia’s voice going on about Flitwick’s class, arguing with Angelina about an answer to the study guide they made together for their upcoming exam. This was all nonsense to Fred in comparison to what he was staring at; rather who he was staring at.
Fred maintained a soft gaze on you from across the library. He watched as you sat alone at a small table, hair pulled up sloppily into a pony tail, the loose strands falling around your face, framing it. You propped your head up with your hand as you read through a book, flipping its pages, struggling to find the information you needed for the same exam he was preparing for. Fred’s heart fluttered in his ribcage as he watched you bite your lip, squinting your eyes as you read the words on the page. How was it possible for someone to be this adorable without even trying?
George leaned back in his chair, laughing at Alicia and Angelina fighting over the right answer. He turned to his right to see his twin, staring off into the distance. He followed his brother’s line of sight and saw exactly who he was gawking at. He let out a light chuckle, “Fred, mate, stop gawking at her and go talk to her.”
Fred snapped out of his daydream and turned to his brother. “I don’t want to disturb her, she looks so peaceful,” he retorts with a small smile on his lips as he returned his gaze to you from across the library. Alicia rolled her eyes at Fred, knowing well enough that Fred wouldn’t care disturbing a girl from her work if it meant he could talk to her. “I’m serious. Anyway, what were you two going on about?”
“Ah, ah, don’t be so quick to change the subject, Weasley,” Angelina shakes her head. “I didn’t know you had a thing for (Y/L/N), when did this start?” she asks, leaning forward, more intrigued in Fred’s little crush than the work in front of them. 
George laughs, “It wasn’t obvious before? Fred drools at the mouth when he sees her.” His comment makes Angelina and Alicia both laugh as Fred punches George in the arm as a warning. “Godric, calm down, I’m just teasing you, mate.” 
You were in the same year as Fred and George, but you had never really been friends with them. Just acquaintances. Fred didn’t start having a crush on you until your fifth year at Hogwarts. You had all come back from summer vacation, and all of a sudden it seemed like you had grown up before everyone’s eyes. You cut your hair, you didn’t have braces anymore, you started wearing light make up to highlight your facial features, and not to mention you suddenly became more aware of your feminine figure. The male gaze was much more present on you and you could feel it. It’s not that you didn’t like the attention, you just weren’t used to it. You were used to blending in the background, minding your own business and keeping a tight circle of close friends. So when random boys came up to you, like Fred, you were always caught off guard by their flirtations. It’s not that you didn’t find Fred cute, because you indeed find him to be incredibly handsome, you were just not used to how forward he was with his emotions.
Fred leans forward and puts his head in his hands. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but it seems like every time I try to talk to her or flirt with her, I just end up screwing things. I compliment her, I try to talk to her as much as I can, I offer to walk her to class, but when I do those things it seems like she just freezes up.”
Closing her book and surrendering to the conversation, Alicia speaks, “For starters, Fred, you aren’t very subtle when it comes to fancying girls.” Fred furrows his brows. “You are always very forward with them and make it known that you like them and some girls prefer a little game. Some back and forth, make the bloke sweat a bit. You on the other hand are...intense for lack of better words.” 
Her comment makes the table burst out in laughter as Fred tries to defend himself. “Intense?! I’m intense?!” he exclaims before noticing his rising volume, earning a few shushes from the people around him. “Alright, fine, I can be a little intense, but it’s just because I don’t like playing games. I like getting right down to it. Why waste time?” 
George retorts to his brother, “But how do you know that she doesn’t like the chase, mate? Maybe she needs to take things slow.”
Fred just rolls his eyes, “Have I ever not succeeded in getting a girl with my method?” Alicia and Angelina scoff before returning back to their books, their argument about the right answer ensuing yet again. Fred continues talking to George, “Look, she’s also studying for Flitwick’s exam. Maybe she needs help. How kind of me to offer her some help!” 
Fred rises from his seat, grabbing his book leaving the table. “How are you gonna help her when you barely know what you’re doing, mate?” George speaks.
Spinning around, Fred quickly responds, “She doesn’t know that. Fake it ‘till you make it.” He sends his brother and their friends a wink before heading over to your table, unbeknownst to you.
You were deep into reading your book for Flitwick’s class, flipping wildly through pages to find the charm and wand movement you were looking for. “It has to be here somewhere,” you mumble to yourself, licking your fingertips before flipping through pages. 
“Need help?” you hear a voice speak. You look up to see Fred Weasley towering over you, a small smirk on his lips. Your heart rate speeds up the moment you see him, heart pounding against your chest. Your mouth goes dry and every thought in your mind vanishes. He literally made you speechless. Don’t freak out, you think to yourself. “May I?” he asks, referring to the empty seat next to you. Nodding your head up and down, you quickly look away from him as to not draw anymore attention to yourself. Fred takes the seat next to you as you feel your cheeks heating up, suddenly becoming more self-aware in the space next to him. “Studying for Flitwick’s exam?” he asks.
Taking a gulp, you muster up the words to speak to the cute boy next to you. “Um, yeah,” you nod your head, eyes still glued to the textbook, refusing to look at him. It felt wrong to look at him for some reason. Fred’s gaze did something to you. It felt so intimate for the strangest reason. “Or attempting to,” you add. “I can’t seem to find the charm I’m looking for in the textbook.”
Fred scoots his chair closer to you and you tense up a little bit. He reaches to your textbook and says, “Maybe I can be of some help? What charm is it?” As he asks you, he places his arm around the back of your chair, resting it around you. You become very aware of his slick placement, an obvious move, and your mouth goes dry. Fred was making his move and he was monitoring your reaction carefully.
You didn't know what to do. Flirt back? Answer his question? Tell him that you’re okay and that’ll you’ll find it? You didn’t want him to think that you didn’t like his flirtation because you did, you just didn’t know how to react. Instead of saying something flirty back, you just look at him and answer the question. “Erecto,” you speak as Fred widens his eyes. Of course. You just widen your eyes back as Fred chuckles. “I-I-I didn’t mean it like that, I meant that’s the charm I’m looking for!” you justify your answer. 
Fred continues to chuckle before replying, “At least take me on a date first, (Y/N).” He sends you a wink as your cheeks go bright red, making Fred chuckle more. “You look adorable when you blush,” Fred confesses which only makes you blusher harder and look away from him, a smile forming on your lips which Fred doesn’t miss. The smile makes Fred smile wider and his heart flutter. “Alright, let me have a look,” he pulls the textbook, flipping through pages with one hand, keeping his other arm around the back of your chair. You just sit quietly and play with the quill in your hand, tucking your hand behind your ear. Godric, this was embarrassing. “And here we have it. Right next to Engorgio,” he winks at you as you bite your lip to hold back your smile. Fred notices and speaks, “Hey, don’t hide that smile from me. You look beautiful when you smile.” He pushes a piece of hair out of your face and brushes it behind your ear as you heart stops, making your mouth go dry. You let a small smile pull at the corners of your mouth. “There we are. Beautiful.”
The two of you look at each other for a moment, staring at the other. Fred’s eyes dart all over your face trying to gage your reaction to his words, nervously scanning you. You just stare at Fred’s eyes and look at how much life are behind them. Aside from being a goof, Fred Weasley had so much charm and charisma. That’s what made him so attractive. He was confident in himself. But you don’t let yourself get carried away. You break your gaze and go back to your work, but Fred keeps looking at you. “Thank you, Fred,” you tell him quietly, scribbling down the charm on your parchment.
You can still feel Fred’s eyes on you as you write, growing uncomfortable in his gaze. It wasn’t that he was making you uncomfortable, it’s just the fact that he loved look at you was something you weren’t used to. “Can I ask you something, (Y/N)?” he asks as your heart stops. Uh oh. 
Your mind is racing with possible questions he could ask you, but you still say, “Sure.”
Fred takes in a breath before speaking, “Do you consider me intense?”
You furrow your brows, “Intense?”
“Yeah, like Alicia told me I’m intense. I understand that if she was referring to me when I’m playing quidditch, but she meant like...when I’m around a girl that I like...I’m intense with them. Would you agree?” he asks, arm still around you as you bite down on your lip, confused.
You open your mouth to speak, trying to formulate a sentence. “Well, I don’t know...I haven’t seen you interact with a girl who you fancy,” you tell him as you play with the quill in your hands.
Your comment makes Fred laugh and shake his head. “Merlin,” he breathes out. “You’re bluffing, right?” You furrow your brows yet again, completely confused. You were being truthful. You knew that Fred flirted with you, but didn’t he flirt with everyone? That was Fred’s thing, wasn’t it? “(Y/N), I fancy you. I have since fifth year,” Fred confesses.
In that moment, your heart stops. Fred Weasley fancied you? So the flirting was because he fancied you? “Oh,” you speak as Fred just chuckles, waiting for you to say something. Your shyness gets the best of you again and you just blush deep crimson for the thousandth time, making Fred smile. “I didn’t know, Fred.”
He shakes his head, “For someone as smart and as gorgeous as you, you’re quite oblivious, (Y/N). I’ve been flirting with you every day, sneaking a glance or touch when I can. You thought I was doing all of that to be friendly?” You just shrug in response. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable during any of it, it’s just the way I’m used to flirting with girls,” he tells you with a soft smile. “But I am serious. I do have a crush on you. And I’d love to take you out on a date if you’d let me, (Y/N).”
Your heart is beating a mile a minute and your palms are sweating. There’s no way that this is happening right now. Five minutes ago you were freaking out over an exam and now you were being asked out on a date by one of the fittest guys in your year. With a shaky breath in and a smile, you reply, “Okay. I’ll go on a date with you.”
Fred gives you a toothy grin. “Brilliant,” he beams. “How does this Friday work? We can go to the Three Broomsticks and get some Butterbeer?” he asks. “7pm?” You give him a small nod, rubbing the back of your neck, trying to hide your excitement. “Cool. Don’t worry, darling, I’ll make it worth your while,” he winks before placing a small kiss on your bright crimson cheek. “I’ll see you then.” He rises from his chair and makes his way back to the table where George, Alicia, and Angelina eagerly wait for him.
As he walks away, you let out a little giggle, excited for what the weekend has in store for you. Now with a beaming smile on your face, you continue to study for the exam, in a much better mood than before. “I’ve got a date with Fred Weasley,” you whisper to yourself, blushing hard as you flip through pages of your book.
“And?” George asks as Fred plops back down in his chair. “You scare her away again? Or did you behave yourself?” he pushes Fred’s shoulder.
Fred looks at his friends and brother and simply speaks, “Intense my arse. Guess who has a date this Friday?” he leans back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest as his friends’ jaws drop. “Don’t act surprised. I told you my method always works.”
George scoffs, “Yeah right. Hey, (Y/N)!” He bellows from the opposite side of the library, grabbing your attention as your eyes widen at the call. “My idiot brother said he’s got a date with you on Friday. That true? Or did he bribe you to say yes?” Fred slaps his brother upside the head.
You let out a light laugh, very aware of the multiple pairs of eyes on you from various students, anticipating your answer. “I don’t do bribes, George. Besides, your brother has quite the way with words,” you tease with a little more confidence, earning a few oohs from around you.
George stares at you and then Fred in disbelief. Then he speaks, “Nice going, mate!” Fred chuckles before looking over at you, sending you a wink.
2K notes · View notes
suddencolds · 3 years
Text
Untrustworthy | Genshin Impact
This is a 3k word commission for anon! (I admittedly wrote over the commissioned word count).
Thank you so much for commissioning me and for your kind message 😭This fic was surprisingly very challenging to write, so I’m sorry for the wait; I hope you enjoy! 
Requested prompt: 
I want Diluc completely miserable with a cold. As much mess as you're ok with. Still trying to function. Until Kaeya can't stand watching anymore and inserts himself as caregiver.
It’s subtle at first. Diluc turns away from making a drink to cough tightly into an elbow. Diluc’s gaze pulls uneven as he ducks forward with a barely stifled sneeze into a handkerchief he’s been keeping in his coat pocket. Diluc—when he thinks no one is watching—leans a bit too heavily against the countertop, bracing himself with one arm, and lifts the other hand to massage his temples. as if he’s attempting to drive away a headache that he’s had all afternoon.
It would be unnoticeable, except Kaeya pays more attention than people give him credit for. It would be unnoticeable, except Kaeya is aware that a cold has been making its rounds through the Knights, many of which frequent the tavern—one severe enough to prompt Jean to actually take a sick day, for once, one that seems especially severe this winter and—judging by the absences in his ranks this last week—difficult to avoid.
Diluc doesn’t fall ill often, Kaeya knows. Even now he barely looks unwell, save for the faint flush of his cheeks, the exhaustion disrupting his usually-perfect posture, the sneezes that he keeps stifling into almost-silence.
Either he’s at the start of his cold—before it’s had a chance to get really bad—or he’s putting in an inordinate amount of effort to hide it.
Kaeya suspects it might be both.
“Master Diluc,” he says, when Diluc conveniently stops by one of the tables next to him with drinks. “When does your shift end?”
Diluc’s shoulders stiffen, though he doesn’t turn around to address Kaeya properly. “Three hours from now.” he says, frowning. “if you intend to involve me in one of your late-night arrangements…”
“Oh? Not this time,“ Kaeya says. He lifts his wine to take a sip. “Even if I were, I think perhaps I would have reconsidered.”
“And why is that?”
Diluc says it flatly—unaffectedly—but he only has the luxury of keeping up that act for a few seconds before he’s ducking into his shoulder with a perfectly silenced stifle. It’s such a seamless performance, neatly contained and expertly quiet—really, Kaeya deems himself unworthy.
“Bless you,” he says, though Diluc scoffs, swipes the empty glasses from the table he’s serving, and starts off toward his usual spot behind the counter. “I do hope you are not falling ill, master Diluc.”
Diluc sets the glasses down on the countertop, diligently averting his glance. “I’m fine.”
“Is that so?” At Diluc’s silence, he presses on. “Perhaps you should close up early, just in case. You look like you could use some rest.”
“No need,” Diluc says. “It’s just— “Hiih… hiIIH-nGK-t! Hiih… HIiIH…-!!.... hiIIh-GKt!” The sneezes snap him forward, his shoulders trembling with the motion. He straightens with an almost imperceptible shiver. “—just dust, snf. Perhaps the Knights would be more efficient if you put more time into work instead of investigating less…” Diluc looks to him at last, his jaw tightly set. “...pressing matters.”
“Ah.” Kaeya laughs. “So eager to get rid of me?”
“Your concern is unnecessary. I already intend to close up earlier than usual.”
That’s surprising, to say the least—Diluc usually never cancels plans to suit himself. “So you really aren’t feeling well,” Kaeya says, suddenly worried. If it’s so bad that even Diluc is closing up early...
He must not be doing a good job keeping the concern off his face, because Diluc just scoffs dismissively, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s not that.” He coughs softly into his raised elbow. “I have somewhere to be.”
“Hmm, to think you said no late night excursions...”
“There’s a banquet tomorrow that I’m expected to attend.”
And yet he won't be closing up for another few hours. And yet he’s here, with the start of a cold, looking exhausted and unwell, and still—for reasons Kaeya can’t fathom—he intends to work late into the night and then spend the entire day tomorrow at some pretentious social event. Kaeya knows that having to entertain strangers is exhausting to Diluc even on regular occasions. He also knows that whatever Diluc is coming down with is unlikely to resolve itself in just a night’s rest.
“For the winery?” he asks. “My, such impressive dedication to the business… surely you can send Elzer on your behalf?”
Diluc’s shoulders tense in a way that suggests that he is as reluctant about attending as Kaeya expected. “I can’t. The host requested my presence.”
“At the very least,” Kaeya says, “You should close up a bit earlier.” He glances over his shoulder to peer through the first floor windows. It’s dark outside—too dark to come to any conclusions, but earlier today, the sky had been too heavy, the air prickling with humidity, the clouds overhead sprawling and dark. “It wouldn’t do you any good to get caught up in the rain.”
“The rain is of no consequence to me,” Diluc says, in the kind of tone that suggests that he doesn’t intend to close up early at all.
“Even with a cold?” “I don’t have a cold.”
Kaeya shrugs.  “Well, if you’re certain.” He pushes his mug forward so that it rests on the countertop, right within Diluc’s reach, and counts the mora out beside it. “Goodnight, Diluc.”
He turns on his heels. Years ago, he might’ve stayed longer. He might’ve insisted for Diluc to take care of himself and not left his side until he had.
But it’s been years. Diluc left, and Kaeya tried to muster up the pieces of himself that had existed independent of him—he’d taught himself how to lie, tricked himself into believing that the person he’d trusted most hadn’t left him—and now even though Diluc is back, sometimes it feels as if Kaeya barely knows him at all.
If Diluc won’t take care of himself, then that’s his prerogative. It’s stopped being Kaeya’s problem a long time ago.
Kaeya has every intention of leaving Diluc alone.
That is, until he’s at the Knights’ headquarters, listening in on a conversation that he doesn’t quite mean to eavesdrop on but hasn’t gone out of his way not to avoid.
“He keeps taking our work,” one of the Knights says. “It’s awful. Last time we spent all our time finding this one domain—Fatui territory, alright? We had a whole expedition team ready to scout out the domain the next day. Then the next day, we get there and the place is abandoned. Everything’s been scorched. Must’ve been a pyro user.” “How do you know it was him?”
“Trust me, you’d know. How many pyro visions are there in Teyvat? It’s like the legends say. He doesn’t leave any room unturned. He’s more thorough than a team of our men put together.”
“Gentlemen,” Kaeya says loudly, smiling when they startle and turn to look at him in synchronicity. “What are you talking about?”
“The Darknight Hero,” one of the knights offers haltingly. “Last night he took down one of the Fatui strongholds we were planning to deal with. Talk about an annoyance, huh?”
“Oh? How heroic. It seems he lives up to his title,” Kaeya says. His mind is reeling. Diluc? But last night, Diluc had been working late. He’d gone home right after, hadn’t he? It wouldn’t make sense for him to be out last night. Unless, of course...
He would really, really like to believe that Diluc’s self-preservation instincts are better than that.
“I’ve been saying,” says another knight. “We were supposed to be scouting out the area right now. Chances are, there will be nothing left there that’s of any use to us.”
“Seeing as we have nothing to do today,” the first knight says, his expression hardening, “maybe we can conduct a search party for the Darknight Hero instead. See what he has to say about withholding information from the Knights.”
“Let’s not be too hasty here,” Kaeya cuts in, before the other Knights have a chance to offer their assent. “It’s unlikely that the Darknight Hero would be out during the day, isn’t it? Rest assured, I’ll make sure that it’s looked into. In the meantime, have you asked the Acting Grandmaster for a new assignment?”
The knight in question falters. “No, but…”
Kaeya smiles pointedly at him—the kind of vicious smile that, around knights and strangers alike, never fails to intimidate. “Then perhaps you should get to it, don’t you think?”
He waits until he’s sure they’ll be busy with something else. Maybe they’re mistaken. Maybe Diluc had gone to scout out the area on some previous occasion, and the Knights are only now paying witness to his usual efficiency.
Or maybe Diluc has forgone a night of rest in lieu of playing hero to Mondstadt in the pouring rain. And now he’s at a banquet somewhere, with a miserable cold that he’s most likely intent on telling himself he doesn’t have.
It’s been awhile since Kaeya’s been to a banquet. He misses the alcohol, the music, the extravagant decorations. It’s easy enough to tell himself that that’s the reason why he’s going.
It’s not difficult to get in. Kaeya is well-acquainted with having to sweet talk his way into lowering someone’s defenses.
Inside the banquet hall, it’s crowded. It is as pretentious a setup as it gets—visitors wearing suits and ballroom gowns, walls adorned with streamers and gold plaques, tables laid out with refreshments of all sorts. The building it’s being held in has at least two floors and too many side rooms to count.
He spots Diluc from across the room—red hair is rare enough that he’s not easy to miss. Diluc is currently engaging in conversation with someone Kaeya hasn’t seen before.
It’s likely that Diluc has found the person who explicitly requested his presence—probably someone with a business deal that he thinks warrants a personal talk with the owner of Dawn Winery. If Kaeya interrupts Diluc while he’s negotiating some sort of once-in-a-lifetime deal, Diluc will never let him live it down. So instead, he grabs a drink as an excuse to get closer and stands a few tables away to listen in.
Up close, Diluc’s cold is practically impossible to miss. His clothes look freshly ironed, but his hair is still damp at the tips—he’s changed into dry clothes, then, but his wet hair seems to only confirm the hypothesis that he was, in fact, scouting out domains last night in the rain instead of getting a wink of sleep. Diluc has always been pale, but now there’s a flush high on his cheeks that Kaeya thinks could only be a result of an impending fever. He is standing with his arms crossed—a last attempt to keep warm, perhaps—with a handkerchief gripped loosely in one hand. Faint shivers break the line of his shoulders.
Kaeya feels a pang in his chest. Diluc looks…
Kaeya watches as Diluc twists away with a soft apology and a wrenching sneeze that snaps him forward at the waist.
...miserable.
“That was merely my expectation,” the man says. “Crepus and I were business partners, do you know that? You don’t seem like the type of person who would choose this profession. I am sure your priorities lie elsewhere.”
Diluc clears his throat. “I have no qualms against upholding the family business.” His voice—though usually smooth and mellifluous—has taken on a rough edge to it, as if from overuse.
“Of course, I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise,” the man says. “I am sure you’re aware of your options, no? You could make a fortune selling off the winery if you so desired.”
“If you are...” Diluc starts, though his sentence is punctuated by a soft, desperate gasp, and he turns away just in time, ducking into his handkerchief. “hiIh…. Hiih… hiih’GKt—CHhiiew! Snf-!” His eyes stay shut in anticipation, the grip tightening around the handkerchief as his shoulders jerk with another sharp intake of breath.  “Hiih… Hiiih… Iiih’DZsshh-iu! haAHH’iIKTch-iIIew!” he sniffles wetly, barely suppressing a violent shiver.
“If you are here to gauge whether or not I intend to sell the winery, I can assure you that I do not,” he says, quieter than usual.
“Ah, of course, just a question.” The man leans forward, lowers his voice. “Truthfully, I am more interested in a partnership. It’s come to my attention that you have an excess of wine sitting in the winery’s cellars. If you can get me the amount of Dandelion Wine I need at a discounted price, I can sell it down in Liyue for a profit.”
“I have no interest in expanding the business any further,” Diluc says. “The excess will sell out easily in the spring when demand rises for Windblume.”
“I urge you to give it some consideration. Dandelion Wine is a specialty to Mondstadt. Think about the profitability of expanding to somewhere where dandelions are hard to come by,“ the man says. “You could stand to double or even triple the prices per bottle. I am only asking to take a fraction of your stock, see? Ten percent would be enough.”
He says it as if ten percent isn’t anything substantial, but Kaeya can’t help but think that there’s something wrong here—both with the presentation of the offer and with its suddenness. From here, Diluc’s expression is unreadable—it betrays only slight discomfort when he turns to the side, muffling harsh, forceful coughs into his suit sleeve, and murmurs a reflexive apology. No hesitation—not the slightest hint of wariness—even though the Diluc Kaeya remembers wouldn’t agree to raising prices so drastically without good reason.
“I can handle all transportation and deliver the profits to you in a few months,” the man presses on, interpreting Diluc’s untelling silence as interest. “My associates have done research on the market in Liyue and where it would be best to sell. You wouldn’t have to do anything differently from your end. All that I ask is for you to trust me with the first shipment and compensate me fairly after I handle the marketing and transportation.”
Diluc sniffles. “Forgive me,” he says, bracing himself with one hand against the table behind him as he ducks forward violently into a raised arm.  “hiIh’nGKT-chhiEW! HIih… I do n-not… hhH… Hiih-! hiIH’iiikT-CHhiew! Sdf-! Ugh… hiIIH’NGKT-CHhiew!” He leans slightly into his side, and though the gesture is well-disguised, Kaeya can tell just how much he’s bracing his weight on the table. It’s concerning, to say the least. Is he really too tired to stand upright? “...I do not expect to give out so much wine without a proper assessment of the risk. If you believe the model to be profitable, you are free to… t-to… hh-! to purchase…. hiIH… haAA’iiKTT-CHh!-u! hiIh’iiiTSSHhh’uh! snf-!” The congestion in his voice is evident in all of his consonants, and his gaze flickers down to his handkerchief in unspoken desperation, though Kaeya suspects he’s too polite to blow his nose in front of a business partner.
“...You are free to purchase wine at the same rate as I offer other corporate partners. I cannot - coughcough - I cannot offer such a large first-time shipment for free based on only an assumption that it will be successful.”
Kaeya can see the exact moment the smugness drops off of the man’s face. His eyes harden at Diluc’s hesitation, his practiced smile shifting into the approximation of a sneer.
“An assumption? You don’t trust my ability to see the operation through to the end?” He says, still in the same polite, haughty tone of his. “As a long-time associate of your father, I would have thought I would have earned your trust as well. Unless, of course, you simply don’t agree with Crepus’s assessments?”
Kaeya can see the way Diluc’s jaw tightens at the query. He clears his throat softly, though the brief wince that follows suggests that the action is far from painless.  
“His vision for the company is - snf - very important to me,” he says simply.
The man waves a flippant hand. “Or perhaps once he left, you decided you knew better? I mean, you have grown up so much, so I’m sure you feel more than capable of handling his affairs, regardless of whether or not you’re doing it his way. I don’t blame you.”
As the man turns around to pour himself a drink, Kaeya sees a flash of blue and gold tucked into his suit pocket. It takes him another moment to realize what it is.
A Fatui sergeant’s insignia—for identification purposes, or just a habit, likely.
This man isn’t a business partner of Crepus’s at all.
Now, the man wheels around, holding one drink in each hand. Alcohol, clearly—though it sparkles, faintly red. “Ah, well. I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but your decisions are understandable. A friend of mine has been working on a drink that mixes certain Liyuen specialties and Dandelion Wine—would you give it a try?”
“I don’t drink,” Diluc says haltingly.
“Just a sip wouldn’t hurt,” the man says, raising an eyebrow. “If you are anything like Crepus, you must have developed quite the refined taste when it comes to wine. Perhaps you could speak for the quality?”
“I’m sorry,” Diluc says quietly. “I am… Hiih… f-feeling… hH…. hiIih’iIKT-chHIew! Sdf!... slightly under the weather.” Kaeya blinks at him, disbelieving. Such an outright admission is practically unheard of, when it comes to Diluc—but then again, it’s a convenient excuse, and Kaeya is not under the impression that he really knows him. Diluc lifts a hand to his face, sniffling hard. “I’m afraid I would not be able to taste it.”
“You state the obvious,” the man drawls, and Diluc’s shoulders hunch slightly as he turns his face away, his cheeks reddening slightly. “Actually, that’s one of the reasons why I recommended this drink. It’s made with Jueyun chilis. Should be good for clearing up a cold.”
“Is that so?” Diluc says, still frowning.
“Perhaps you could speak to its efficacy?”
Slowly—hesitantly—Diluc lifts the glass. The man watches him like a hawk—too eagerly, if anything. Kaeya presumes that he either wants Diluc poisoned or too intoxicated not to be swayed, and hauling home a Diluc who can’t hold his own sounds like more than he’s signed up for, so now would be a good time to interfere. Diluc can be mad at him later.
Kaeya, for all he’s attempted over the years, has plenty of practice making his entrances as obnoxiously showy as possible.
“My, my,” he says, striding in with a drink in hand to settle right next to Diluc. “The esteemed owner of the Dawn Winery.” Just for the way Diluc grimaces at the title, his eyebrows furrowing, he decides this intervention has been worth it. “And… who’s this?”
Diluc veers away from Kaeya to stifle—a soft, near-silent stifle that must be exhausting to suppress.
“A business partner,” the man answers through gritted teeth.
“Must be a busy job,” Kaeya says, snatching Diluc’s drink out of his hand and setting it down on the table behind him. “Given, of course, that you have two.” He takes an efficient step forward and swipes the insignia out of the so-called business partner’s pocket.
“I do wonder why the Fatui would be so interested in the Dawn Winery,” he says calmly, ignoring the man’s indignant yelp of protest. He turns the insignia over in his hands, contemplative. “Did you really think the owner of the largest wine business in Mondstadt would be so easy to scam?”
The sergeant swears. “You asshole—!”
Kaeya reaches for the sword tucked into his belt. He knows it wouldn’t be a fair fight, seeing that the man seems very much unarmed, but it’s as good as anything as a threat. “I don’t suppose you’ll try this again?” he says. “I can’t claim to be the best swordsman in Mondstadt—that title goes to the previous cavalry captain, but maybe tonight I can come in second.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Oh? Do you want to find out if I am?”
“No,” the agent says. “I wasn’t finished having my conversation.”
“Well, what a shame.” Kaeya doesn’t wait for him to think of a response. He takes Diluc’s arm and turns abruptly to haul Diluc towards the exit.
Diluc goes along easily enough. It’s only when they get outside that the frustration—from watching Diluc push himself, stubbornly, to this extent—boils over.
“Diluc,” he says, turning on his heels. “Really? After a late night shift at the tavern, your first thought was to forgo rest to spend all night scouting out a Fatui domain? In the rain, for that matter?”
Diluc turns away, his expression unchanging. “That’s not worth mentioning.”
“Perhaps you’d claim that attending a banquet directly afterwards is not worth mentioning, either? Your hair’s still wet. And that encounter with the Fatui sergeant—what’s gotten into you? Since when have you been so careless?”
He’s almost certain Diluc can hear the unspoken accusation behind it. This isn’t like you. Diluc is hasty—he has a tendency to overestimate himself and involve himself in situations he knows will be dangerous—but he isn’t careless.
“—I knew he wasn’t one of Crepus’s associates.” Diluc explains, with a soft, liquid sniffle. He turns away, lifting an arm to his face. “I would’ve - hhihH-!! - snf, I would’ve recognized him if he were, sdf.” his eyes drift shut; he buries his face into his suit sleeve, sniffling. “Crepus made it a point to… hiIh…-! hIIIh… to introduce him to everyone he - HIiIIih… sdf-!! ...Everyone he worked closely with.”
“Is that so?” Kaeya says, but it’s not enough. “Then why did you entertain him?”
Diluc is quiet for a moment. When Kaeya looks over, it’s to a dazed, bleary expression before he ducks harshly into his raised elbow with a forceful, “hiIh’nNGKT-chHIEw! hiIH’IITCHh-chhUU!! Snf-!”
He doesn’t lift his elbow from his face. “I w-wanted… snf-! more -  hiIh-!...information,” he says. “If I were to know more about what he was planning, it would make it easier for me to find any fraudulent - hiIih-!! Snf-! - transactions in the company’s history if I knew what to - hIih-hiIh’iIKTch-IIiu! Excuse me… snf-! -to look for.”
“Bless you. There are better ways to do that,” Kaeya says. “No need to do it when you’re evidently unwell.”
Diluc peeks out from behind his arm, which he still hasn’t lowered from his face. His face is flushed up to his ears—easy enough to dismiss as fever, though Kaeya knows that’s not all there is to it.
Diluc has always been embarrassed about admitting weakness. Kaeya sighs, fishes through his own pockets for a spare handkerchief.
“I have to say, Diluc,” he says, holding out the handkerchief — which Diluc accepts hurriedly, turning away to clean up whatever mess he’s made of his sleeve - “My weekends would be much less eventful -”
“hiiihh’GKTTt-CHh’yyew! snf-!”
“- if I could trust you to look after yourself,” Kaeya finishes, raising an eyebrow. “Bless you, by the way.”
“I know my limits,” Diluc says.
Kaeya huffs a sigh. “But you don’t honor them, do you?”
Diluc frowns, looking away. “I would have been fine if you hadn’t showed up.”
Kaeya stares at him. It’s half in disbelief, half in exasperation—but Diluc has always been like this, hasn’t he? Insistent on his own self-sufficiency. Hesitant to admit he might, in any way, be infallible.
I would’ve been fine.
“You always are,” he says finally, with a smile that he doesn’t mean.
If Diluc so diligently insists on refusing his help, perhaps Kaeya should take a hint. Mondstadt is a half hour away—less, if he hurries. He quickens his pace. It’s fortunate, he thinks, that the rain stopped early this morning, after—
Diluc grabs his arm.
Kaeya wheels around, suddenly worried that Diluc might be feeling much worse than he’d let on, but Diluc’s expression betrays nothing as he lowers his hand to his side.
“Thank you,” he says—a soft, private admission.
Kaeya clears his throat, waves a dismissive hand. “I assure you, I have plenty more handkerchiefs.”
“No,” Diluc says quietly, looking away. “Not just for that.”
103 notes · View notes
myrulia · 3 years
Note
Im a lil shy to ask in my og account so i will do it in anon! Can u do prompt 19? ( i hope im not breaking any of your rules!) your writing is delightful! 💖❤️ lots of love for u!
.。.:*✧Prompt 19: "Are you falling in love? I have a feeling you are."
.。.:*✧Warnings: Reverse hashira au, mentions of decapitation
╰╴⇢。.:*✧A/N: I honestly had lots of fun with this so thank you! You deserve love as well!💜
Tumblr media
`` The meeting shall now commence. ``
Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the Demon Slayer corpse, announced to the 9 hashira before him. They all kneeled in his presence out of pure respect, their heads hanging low but high enough to the point of seeing him.
`` Today we will discuss an important matter regarding our Moon pillar, `` said the male with such gentleness in his tone.
His words did cause them to raise their heads in confusion, knowing that the Moon pillar, or better known as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, was never one to involve himself too much in situations other than the purging of demons that wished to cause harm to humans. All eyes were on the spiky raven haired man for a split second before Kibutsuji spoke once more.
`` [Y/N], you may come out now. ``
You revealed yourself by coming from the shadows of the building you were inside, stepping onto the engawa just a few feet away from where Kibutsuji stood with his child close by. You fidget with your fingers out of pure nervousness, being in front of the 9 most powerful demon slayers you ever heard of in all your 19 years of living. The fact that they were in their presence alone made you want to poof out of existence.
`` This is [Y/N] [L/N], a very strong demon slayer who I believe has great potential. I wish to raise her ranking in sight of her power, so as of today, and for the rest of her time as a demon slayer, she will be a tsugoku taught under Michikatsu. ``
This brought shock to the pillars who now brought their heads up to get a better look at who you were. But the Ice pillar drew his eyes elsewhere, to Michikatsu. 
`` Our quiet Tsugikuni getting a cute tsugoku? It makes me quite jealous. ``
`` Mind your tongue around Kibutsuji, Douma, `` spoke the Shockwave pillar, or better known as Hakuji Soyama. The male always had a deep resentment towards Douma, and you had yet to learn the extent of it all. Michikatsu, who had been silent the entire time, took the chance to ponder his own thoughts and really process it all. A tsugoku? He did not have time to teach a student when he so desperately desired to get stronger to protect the weak.
Kibutsuji raised a finger to his mouth, causing the pillars to suddenly stop speaking. In your eyes, this was the utmost level of respect one can receive, truly shocking you at how much they devote their lives to this man.
`` Now then, how about we allow [Y/N] to introduce herself? ``
Your head snapped up in Kibutsuji's direction, your eyes wide with shock but all he gave you was a small nod, looking at the pillars again only to see that their eyes had locked onto yours. You cleared your throat before speaking, nervousness taking over your emotions.
`` As you have heard before, my name is [Y/N] [L/N]- but you may call me [Y/N]! My breathing style is the breath of moon, similar to Tsugikuni-san. I hope I meet your expectations of a demon slayer. ``
You bowed your head low in respect, hoping that your introduction was a decent one, but when you heard a hearty laugh erupt from the Ice pillar, worry started to set in that you made a fool of yourself.
`` She really is a cute one. Makes me upset that I do not have my own tsugoku. ``
`` That is because the last time you had a tsugoku, `` started Hantengu. `` You got the poor thing lost. ``
Lifting your head, you are met with the pillars now conversing amongst themselves, semi-arguing about the situation with Douma and his former tsugoku who apparently quit after multiple attempts of asking the latter out. You could not help but but let out a small snicker, bringing the attention back to you.
`` I was the one who made her laugh first!`` Said Douma, feeling triumphant at that moment.
`` No, it was just your stupidity, `` said a young girl with long white locks who got up and spoke with attitude in her tone, although her gaze was now directed to you. 
`` I apologize for them, I'm Ume pleasure to meet you. ``
The young girl bowed, but following right after was everyone else who also bowed in your direction. The whole ordeal painted obvious signs of shock onto your face because you always thought it was the pillars who deserved respect, not the other way around.
`` I apologize for my insolence as well, and my idiotic co-worker here, for our terrible first impression. ``
Hakuji held his head the lowest before raising it again, flashing you an attractive smile that would make any woman swoon immediately. You smiled in return at the 8 of them who decided to formally apologize, but the one who you assumed to be Michikatsu was silent and still. 
`` Now that we are all acquainted with [Y/N], the meeting will now come to a close, you are free to do as you so choose. ``
And with that, Kibutsuji went inside the building with his daughter holding his hand until they were no longer in sight, leaving you with the 9 pillars who went back to conversing with themselves, unlike another woman who you failed to truly notice. She had long brown hair, as well as long bangs covering her eyes and pale skin. You stared until suddenly you felt someone's presence behind you, a tall one at that.
Your small shriek of shock grabbed the attention of everyone still in front of you, looking to see Michikatsu appear behind you in a matter of seconds, a serious expression all over his face. 
`` How do you expect to be a good tsugoku if you scare easily? Always be on guard no matter who you are with. ``
The male left just as quickly as he appeared behind you, your nerves being left rattled and all over the place with how much he startled you. A look of concern was given to you by Hakuji, Douma, and Ume, the only three to really interact with you.
`` Dear [Y/N] got so scared, don't worry I'll protect you from Tsugikuni~ ``
`` More like he needs to be taught some manners, `` spoke Ume as she helped you up, flashing you a beautiful smile. You simply nodded, processing the turn of events. Was that same rude behavior something you'd have to endure during your time as a tsugoku?
                     ◆◇◆◇✧◇◆◇◆
Nightfall came quicker than expected, but it was much anticipated. Tonight would be the night you get to directly study under Michikatsu, following him under the moonlight as you study his movements and learn everything he teaches you.
You put on your haori, as well as sheathing your katana inside your saya and swiftly leaving your household to meet with your sensei at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters to discuss plans for the night.
You arrived there early and ahead of time so you can make a good first impression, only to see the spiky raven haired male leaning against a tree with his arms crossed impatiently.
`` You finally arrive. Good to see you have the mindset to be early on any occasion, that is the only decent trait you have so far. ``
You approached the male with your eyebrows furrowed, having enough of his attitude, but a voice within you stopped you before you could say anything that would make the man before you have a reason to dislike you.
`` Thank you sens- ``
`` Gratitude will get you nowhere. ``
Michikatsu suddenly leaped into the tree he was previously leaning against, standing on a sturdy branch and looking down at you below him. 
`` Tonight we shall practice your speed if Kibutsuji-sama has acknowledged you. So, try to keep up with me. ``
`` Wh- ``
Before you could voice out your opinion, Michikatsu already leaped from the branch and onto another tree. Your reflexes instantly kick in, causing you to run after him and jump into the tree where he previously was, only for him to leap to another tree. The process continued of you tailing him hopelessly throughout the night until you both were well into the forest beside the headquarters.
You managed to catch up to your teacher, but just before you could land beside him the male landed in a small clearing beside a pond with koi fish swimming about freely in the clear water. He suddenly stopped to catch his breath seeing as how you both have been playing this game of cat and mouse for quite a while.
You landed beside him, catching your own breath and watching as the fish continued to swim freely, the silence taking over between you. 
`` For a fresh student, you are fast, I'll give you that. ``
That was all he said, and even though so little was said, the semi-compliment made you smile with gratitude. Michikatsu side eyed you, looking down at your smaller form since you were distracted by the pond. This gave him a chance to study your physique. You had a smaller build, but he could easily tell that you were strong, after all, Kibutsuji did say you had great potential. You may have been quiet for the most part, but the male knew that you had much more to say than you let on. He truly was perspective. 
`` Tsugikuni-san, why have we stopped at a pond? ``
Your question caught him off guard, so he tore his gaze away from you and went back to the usually stoic and blunt person he is. 
`` To catch our breath, but our break is over. Stay close in pursuit. ``
The training continued again, going on for hours throughout the night with the same cat and mouse game you started with. Leaping from branch to branch at a fast pace staying hot on the pillar's trail. Although, at the end of the day, he has had much more experience than you have, for you struggled to keep up with him this time around.
Michikatsu suddenly stopped on a random branch of a tall tree, his back facing you but his head being turned so he can face you. 
`` This is where we will stop for the night. You started to stagger and slow down 4 trees before. ``
`` No. I can continu- ``
`` As your teacher I order you to stop. ``
You flinched at his sudden command, yet you kneeled down to catch your breath nonetheless. Michikatsu suddenly appeared beside you, the same way he did so when he first pulled off the seemingly difficult trick.
`` That is all, go home, your first night of training is over. ``
                     ◆◇◆◇✧◇◆◇◆
One night turned into two, two turned into thirteen, and thirteen turned into twenty-four. You had been training your physical strength for twenty-four straight nights in a row, refusing to give yourself a break to become the type of tsugoku Michikatsu can be proud of. Despite all your efforts, he still showed little to no sign of a significant reaction that expressed if he was impressed, proud, or disappointed with your abilities.
Tonight, you planned on changing that.
By Kibutsuji himself, you both were assigned to killing a demon who was sighted near a mountain not too far from the headquarters, and you both happily accepted the mission.
So now, here you are, standing beside your teacher at the foot of the mountain where the location was said to have been.
`` Let us deal with this demon quickly so we can return to training. ``
`` Are all we ever going to do is train? `` You spoke up, freely speaking your mind for the first time since you started studying under Michikatsu. This, however, made him turn around in an instant and loom above you, intimidating you fully.
`` Are you complaining? ``
Gulping a thick string of saliva, you shake your head no, which ultimately pleases your teacher. You could have sworn you saw him smirk out of the corner of your eye, but pushing that to the side, you both trek on your adventure up the mountain.
You followed closely behind until you sensed another, foreign presence near you - except it was not just one, it was multiple. You looked up at Michikatsu only to see him completely still, yet his hand gripped onto the handle of his katana. You shifted closer towards him so that you could watch your surroundings from another angle, but before you knew it a demon was now directly in front of you. 
`` [Y/N]! ``
Michikatsu yelled your name, signaling for you to go straight into battle mode. You did so by swinging your katana instantly, only missing its neck by a hair. 
`` There are 5 of them, you take care of 2 and I will do the rest. ``
`` Yes sensei. ``
You followed his plan, following the other two demons who decided to run away in the opposite direction from where you were chasing them, but by jumping and flipping above their head, landing in front of them, you were able to catch the creature off guard and successfully behead it in a timely manner. 
`` Don't think you won just yet girly- ``
Another demon tried to surprise you from behind, but it was too late for it as well, because you already swung your katana and successfully decapitating it as well, leaving it to wither away on the ground just as the other did. 
`` Both down. ``
With your success, you internally celebrated as you ran throughout the forest in search of your teacher, only to hear the swinging of a blade not too far from you. Following that sound, you see that the three demons he followed after ganged up on him and cornered him. You arrived just in time, seeing as how one of them was just about to attack Michikatsu when he was off guard and distracted by the other 2.
`` Breath of moon, first form: dark moon, evening palace. ``
You swung your katana in the direction of the demon's neck, being only able to sever halfway through before it dodged and managed to land an attack onto your teacher's abdomen, ripping his uniform and leaving bloody claw marks on his chest. The male gritted his teeth in slight pain, but not before he got rid of the other 2 demons in one single blow, leaving you truly astonished at his power level.
Although you could not stay distracted for long in view of the fact that the demon you tried to kill now had its attention on you, healing its neck at a visibly slow pace.
`` You got in the way, so now you'll take his place of death! ``
`` I think otherwise!, `` you shouted in return, using the second form of moon breathing, pearl flower moon-gazing that successfully sliced the demon's body into multiple pieces, including his head. It fell onto the ground and started the process of withering. With that, you ran to Michikatsu who covered the scars on his chest with his hand, sheathing his blade into his saya with the other. You kneeled down, ripping off a piece of your uniform and using that to stop the bleeding instead.
`` As a pillar I should deal with this mysel- ``
`` Stop acting all high and mighty. You are clearly injured so just let me help you. ``
Your stern tone made Michikatsu stop instantly, going silent instead and moving his hand out the way so you could tend to his needs. The fabric you ripped off only did so much, so helping the raven haired male stand up slowly, you drape his arm over your shoulder and escort him to your house, which was surprisingly not that far from where your mission just was.
Entering your home, you immediately set Michikatsu onto your futon, grabbing his hand and placing it onto his chest whilst still keeping that serious gaze in your eyes. The whole ordeal left him in utter shock that he was now in your home and in your care. He was never really one to speak his mind, so whenever he had a strong emotion of some sort it always showed on his face.
`` Keep that on your scars while I prepare everything I need to clean them. You're going to have to remove your uniform top for this. ``
Your words left him in even bigger shock, so much so that he was frozen for a good few seconds until he seemingly began slipping his haori off and unbuttoning the shirt of his uniform. He removed it with ease, now being bare enough for you to clean his wounds. Before Michikatsu, you never would have had the courage to speak up to him the way you did, but now with him being injured since you were too insolent to not kill the demon right away, you felt like you had to take responsibility.
Silently, you moved over to the male who sat bare before you, moving his hand out of your way so you could wipe away any blood that seeped anywhere else onto his body and in between the grooves of his abs. Your hand brushed against his skin ever so slightly, causing him to tense up in response.
`` Sorry if I hurt you in advance, `` you said, your voice cutting through the silence. He merely hummed in response, watching you work as he leaned back to get a better view. Michikatsu himself was appalled at how good you were at treating wounds, allowing you to actually do something he would never let anyone else do. But, over the course of your training, he had taken a liking to you. 
`` Have you done this before? ``
Both of your gazes met at a close proximity before you tore yours away in slight embarrassment, continuing the process of cleaning his scars. 
`` I have, yes. Why do you ask? ``
`` You seem to be rather skilled, that's all. ``
You finally finished cleaning his scars, setting down the wet cloth you used to do so, grabbing the bandages you had prepared and began wrapping them around his upper body, covering the scars effectively thus completing your task. Your skin had made contact so much that you were not able to discern when your face slowly began to heat up each time it did, but Michikatsu on the other hand had a pretty good view of your concentrated yet flustered expression.
You shifted to get up from your sitting position, only to feel a hand grab onto your wrist and pull you back down. You turn your head in disbelief, only to see that your noses were inches away from each other at the chain of events.
`` Thank you, [Y/N]. I mean it. ``
`` Well- you're welcome sensei… ``
Your bashful expression could not be hidden this time, and neither could Michikatsu's. The ends of his ears turned a bright red, thus letting you go at the realization of this because he was all too aware of his own emotions.
Hurriedly, you put your cleaning supplies away, moving so fast that you nearly tripped yourself. You could not help how you felt in that moment. Your emotions were all over the place and the only reason was because of him. Deep down you thought that yes he was attractive but his attitude was a bother. Even then, you still suppressed those feelings.
But not tonight.
`` Be careful, you might hurt yourself. There is no rush. ``
`` I apologize.. I am not used to having guests, my teacher being one no less. ``
He then suddenly patted the space beside him, signaling for you to sit down which you followed obediently, planting your hands in your lap and keeping keeping gaze low so as to not make eye contact. 
`` Will you look at me? You seem to be heating up by the passing second. ``
`` It could just be your inagination..- ``
A finger was brought to your chin, tilting it to the side and upwards to examine your face at a better angle, although the tip of your noses brushed against each other at the close proximity. You had to admit, with the moon light shining through your window and the way the luminosity shone on Michikatsu's features, it made him look ten times more attractive than he already did. 
`` Are you falling in love? I have a feeling you are. ``
You were ultimately taken aback by his sudden boldness even though he has mentioned that expressing how he feels just was not his thing. Your eyes widened ever so slightly while his expression stayed the same. Eyes partially lidded, mouth parted as his gaze glanced from your own irises to your lips. Your lips quivered to say something until you moved forward.
`` What if I say yes? What will you do about it. ``
`` Personally, I believe actions speak louder than words so.. ``
Just like that, you felt Michikatsu's lips press against your own yet pull away just as quickly, staring into your eyes once again until this time you moved forward, pressing your softer ones against his. The eagerness you felt in that moment showed with how you kept contact much longer than he previously did, but there were no complaints from neither of you. 
A large hand moved to the small of your back, hesitantly pulling you in closer contact with his bare chest until yours was leaning into his. Pulling away at the close contact, the redness at the end of his ears spread to his cheeks just barely, and this time you visibly saw an expression other than the one he usually sports.
`` So I take that as a yes? ``
`` It was most definitely a yes Michikatsu. ``
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
107 notes · View notes
thedragonnerd · 3 years
Text
Rayaari headcanon - in canon for rivals to friends (...to something more?)
(inspired by this lovely anon)
Namaari doesn't really have any friends. She has acquaintances for sure, and soldiers who will follow her into battle without question. She has political advisors who can speak to her for hours regarding trade policies, and the average Fang citizen, who will bow deeply whenever she passes. She has the little Fang children, who chant 'Princess Namaari!' when she visits, and palace staff, whom she knows all by name. But a friend..?
She never had a truly close friend as a child, which makes it all the more difficult when she meets Raya and thinks 'what if?', despite knowing what she is about to do. After her betrayal, after breaking Raya's heart, Namaari knows that dream of friendship will never happen, but in the moment, it is truly sincere.
For at least the first five years following the return of the Druun, Namaari catches sight of Raya regularly during her scouting missions. They often share barbed and vicious words, although there is a familiarity to their exchanges that makes Raya ironically feel more like an old friend than any of the acquaintances surrounding her back home.
When she doesn't see Raya for more than a year, she fears the worst - that Raya has been turned to stone. It's strange how attached she's gotten to their run-ins, but there are bigger problems facing Fang, so Namaari attempts to accept this fact. It festers in the back of her mind, however.
She can't help but feel relieved when she discovers the Dragon Scroll has been stolen from her room...Somehow, she instantly knows this is the work of Raya.
After the Druun, after the return of the dragons, after...everything, Namaari looks across at Raya, and sees a person who has been in her life for so long, and yet she knows so little about. Her feelings for Raya are complicated - guilt and remorse for what she has done, a fondness and familiarity for this girl who has been her supposed rival for so long, and a tiny corner of her heart that always asks 'what if?'
She watches Raya reunite with her father, and can't help but accept the fact that she did this, she separated Raya from her family and from her land. She's surprised that Raya still seems to want to speak to her, let alone welcome her to this reunion. But representatives from all the lands are there, and this first day of freedom from the fear and despair of the last six years brings with it a sense of renewed hope.
'The bright celebration of the day has calmed as dusk fell, and now people are conversing in different groups. Raya is sat on a low wall overlooking the courtyard, and Namaari can see her legs swinging aimlessly. She sits beside her for a while, gathering up the courage, and then says 'I'm sorry.'
Raya turns to look at her, but says nothing, her eyes shadowed from the lights shining out from behind them. 'I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you in life, for all of it,' Namaari continues. 'I'm sorry you trusted me and I let you down. I'm just...sorry.' She offers no excuses, but wishes her words would be more eloquent instead.
She allows the silence to settle over them, allows Raya to think. And then, as she stares into the darkening skies above, she feels fingers brush against her arm. 'I can't say for certain if I can forgive it all,' Raya admits. 'But I accept. And maybe...maybe we can start afresh?'
The subtle offer of friendship is handed to Namaari, but some days she struggles to take it up, unsure if it is really her place to do so. She's the reason behind many of the terrible things that have happened in Raya's life, and it's easy to think that Raya deserves to be free of it all - free of the memories, of having to see Namaari, of having to speak to her.
But she sees Raya more and more often as the lands begin to work together and help each other rebuild, and Raya sends a private smile her way whenever they run into each other.
And so, she tries...she listens attentively when Raya shares a story, or complains about something that happened to her that day. She picks up small ways to help Raya be in a better mood when she is feeling melancholy (talking a lot, to distract) or overwhelmed (sitting with her, in silence), or even angry (taking her to the sparring grounds). She brings small treats with her to Heart after she's been on missions to the other lands, which invariably make Raya light up in excitement to taste them.
There is still a certain level of awkwardness or hesitancy between the two of them for the few months. Namaari is slow to share anything herself, picking through her words carefully in case she says the wrong thing and offends. Raya often babbles away for a while, before having moments where she stops and looks mortified - clearly forgetting there is another person there to listen to her stream of consciousness.
Raya's popularity has also changed. She shifts from being a lonely figure in the word (and the guilt inside Namaari burns whenever she remembers her role in why that is), to someone who is the savior of Kumandra, the bringer of dragons. People whisper about her exploits, and are eager to get to know the Princess of Heart. Namaari sees how special Sisu, Tong, Boun, Noi and their families have become to Raya, like an extended family that can join her and Chief Benja.
In her darker thoughts, Namaari reflects on how she will never be able to join that aspect of Raya's life, feeling as if she's caused too much damage and hurt to deserve such a role.
Nine months after the return of Kumandra, they are walking side-by-side through fields near the palace in Heart, when a group of small children run up and start demanding attention from Raya. 'Is this her?' one demands loudly, and they all turn their small faces to stare at Namaari. 'Is this the Princess?'
'This is Princess Namaari of Fang,' Raya confirms. 'The warrior who helped save Kumandra, and also my best friend.' She entertains the children for a while longer, and then they both watch as the group runs off for the next adventure. 'Best friend?' Namaari finally manages to ask, trying to make her voice sound teasing, but it comes out slightly croaky instead. Raya bumps her shoulder against Namaari's arm. 'Sure you are.'
Three months later, the lands have gathered together for the first annual celebration of Kumandra's rebirth. Heart is hosting again, this time in order to show off the progress made since that first day, when the aftermath of what had happened six years prior needed to be cleared away.
Namaari finds herself sitting back on the same wall, next to Raya as they watch fireworks explode in the sky above. The rest of the crowd is entranced by the pretty lights, but Namaari is tuned into the woman sat beside her as she leans closer. 'I was wrong,' Raya half-whispers in her ear as more fireworks explode overheard. Namaari turns to stare at her, quirking an eyebrow in response. 'I could forgive you,' Raya explains. 'I forgave you a long time ago.'
And then Raya's hand are on her face, and they are kissing sweetly
172 notes · View notes